Elvis
The 1950s was an era in which parents, government, schools, and society in general sought conformity. While many tried to live up to the ideal of the “All-American Boy” or “All-American Girl,” others spoke out against conformity. Elvis was often considered a symbol of rebellion during this time period.
Objectives: Students will be able to analyze primary and secondary sources which demonstrate the controversies surrounding Elvis.
Directions- Look at the resources below of primary and secondary sources. Use the links to answer the following questions:
1. Elvis.com: The Official Site
2. Quotes By Elvis
Link is to an archive
3. Quotes About Elvis
Link is to an archive
4. Photo of Elvis in concert, 1956
5. The History of Rock 'n' Roll
6. Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
1. First look at the quotes by Elvis. How does Elvis explain his performing style in the first quote? Link 2
2. Look at the second quote by Elvis (to a reporter in 1956). What do you think might have led Elvis to make this statement? Link 2
3. Next, look at the quotes about Elvis, specifically the Time magazine quote about his performing style. Why do you think the author used the terms he did to describe Elvis’s performing style? In your view, is this a positive or negative description? Explain. Link 3
4. Next, look at Frank Sinatra’s quote about Elvis. Early in his career, Sinatra- a former “teen idol” himself- had been accused of causing “negative and descructive reactions in young people,” particularly teenaged girls who screamed and rushed the stage at his shows. Why do you think Sinatra reacted so strongly against Elvis instead of sympathizing with him and supporting him? Explain your view. Later, in 1960, Elvis filmed a TV special with Sinatra. Speculate as to why, at this point, Sinatra would have changed his mind about Elvis and wanted to perform with him. Link 3
5. Next, look at Ed Sullivan’s quote about Elvis, Sullivan, who had one of the most popular shows on TV at the time, had initially said that he would never have Elvis on his show. Sullivan didn’t much like Elvis’s music and feared that putting the singer on would upset the show’s “family-oriented” audience. However, after Elvis had appeared on Milton Berle’s and Steve Allen’s shows, garnering huge ratings, Sullivan relented and signed Elvis to make three appearances. The first of these appearances was watched by over 60 million people- over 80% of the potential viewing audience. Given this background information, why do you think Sullivan made the quote? Do you think it was heartfelt or was he merely trying to justify attempting to get big ratings by having a “controversial” performer on his show? Link 3
6. Look next at the statement by Eddie Condon in Cosmopolitan magazine. What sort of conclusion does he make about Elvis? Why do you think Condon might have viewed him that way? Link 3
7.Next, look at the photo of Elvis performing. Describe what you can see in the photo. What is Elvis wearing? Describe his hairstyle. What is he doing on stage? In the 1950s, do you think this picture would have been used as evidence to support the pro-Elvis view? Explain your answer. Link 4
8.In your view, did Elvis consciously try to foster an image that many would be fearful of? Explain your answer.
9. Do you think that Elvis posed a real threat to the “status quo” of the 1950s? Was there a real chance that his music and public performances would have undermined social conformity? Why or why not? Be sure to refer to your Chapter 41 notes to reference the idea of the 1950’s status quo.