Save $50 on website hosting - use Dreamhost Coupon Code NOLIMITSAVE50
Powered by MaxBlogPress  

Tag Archive for 'in the ghetto'

In the Ghetto by Elvis Presley

Published
by
Elvis Fan
on September 24, 2008
in Elvis Presley, Music and Rock 'n' Roll
. 0 Comments

Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, continues as a legendary icon still today. His fans continue to love his songs and marvel at the fabulous contributions made in the music industry. He will be primarily remembered for his heightened performances. Yet, it pays to get to know the other side of Elvis Presley, especially the side that gave life to the song In the Ghetto.

Elvis Presley and His Fame

It was in the 1950s that Elvis Presley successfully introduced the whole world to his kind of Rock and Roll. Teenagers and adults alike came to love his music. He then became the king of Rock and Roll. It is worth noting at the same time that he didn’t excel in rock and roll music alone. He also made it to the charts and hall of fame of other music genres like R&B, gospel, blues and pop.

These feats and achievements evidenced the talent and craft of Elvis Presley. These took place in the peak of his career, the time when he was the talk of the town and everybody are going crazy over Elvis and his music.

The Elvis Presley Comeback

After achieving a certain peak in his career, Elvis Presley had a hiatus. He had to attend to some personal matters. Since he had been gone, people feared that he might not be able to make a comeback. It was 1968 when he next released an album known as ‘68 Comeback. However, it was the subsequent album that would make the difference.

In the Ghetto Album

The In the Ghetto album was released in 1969. In this album, Elvis Presley was able to make a turn in his choice of songs. He is still the King of Rock and Roll but in this medium, he chose to give life to songs that he really believed in. The album included the songs Kentucky Rain, Suspicious Minds and In the Ghetto.

The song In the Ghetto was the one initially released as a 45 rpm single. It tells the story of a young boy that lived in the ghetto, grew up stealing and fighting and ended up getting killed. It depicted poverty and despair. With Elvis Presley interpreting the song, the story was given a different perspective. Some were quite apprehensive of the album because of it’s political leanings. Yet, this song was a hit for four years.

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

Elvis the Rock and Roll Icon

Published
by
Elvis Fan
on August 22, 2008
in Elvis Presley, Music and Rock 'n' Roll
. 0 Comments

Becoming a rock ‘n’ roll icon doesn’t come overnight, even for the most sought after idol, Elvis Presley himself. Inspired mostly by gospel music, he started building his distinctive style and image from a young age, which found favor and encouraged him to steadily pursue his music interests and career until his recording contract breakthrough.

From the ordinary

He was also similar to other high school guys during his age, only a bit different when he started displaying his own style when it came to fashion. This was the time that he began smoothing his hair and he began allowing his sideburns to grow which also contributed to his character. During this time he gained a distinction in a particular high school competition when he played an encore.

After he finished high school he started a job at a mechanics shop, this is the moment when his singing career started to flourish, particularly when he made a song for his mom’s birthday. During that time he made his first recording at the Memphis Recording Service when recorded his first songs, That’s “When Your Heartaches Begin” and “My Happiness”.

The owner of the recording studio himself asked Elvis to make demos as he was paired up with other local artists. While he was working at Crown Electric, Elvis started to make contracts with recording services; it was during this time that he released some of his songs like Heartbreak Hotel, I Want You, I love You, I Want You, I Need You, I love You, and Love Me Tender.

Elvis was known for creating top chart hits, All Shook Up, I beg of You, One Night, Need Your Love Tonight, Jailhouse Rock, Teddy Bear, A Big Hunk Of Love, I Feel So Bad, Little Sister, She’s Not You, Crying In The Chapel, In the Ghetto and Burning Love.

After being a much sought after icon in the public, Elvis Presley’s career never waned through the years. As a matter of fact it boosted the public’s need to find another Elvis in modern times who might just sound like him.

There is still a generation of fans out there still looking up to Elvis Presley, though the teenagers nowadays may not have the slightest idea of what he has done for the music industry. But for the avid fans, he may be dead but his impact and genre will forever be remembered.

The Greatest Hits of Elvis Presley

Published
by
Elvis Fan
on August 19, 2008
in Elvis Presley, Music and Rock 'n' Roll
. 0 Comments

The legacy of Elvis Presley continues as his music and songs are here to stay. His greatest hits will remain favorites among music enthusiasts. His kind of music will also continue to inspire various artists in the music industry even today. It’s interesting to know a few things about his greatest hits and see again the talent and craft of this entertainment legend.

Elvis Presley’s Greatest Hits

Elvis Presley is a legendary star. He made a big contribution to the music industry. The fame of Elvis Presley in rock and roll and other genres wouldn’t have been possible if not for the great songs performed by the artist. People from different generations are very much familiar with his songs and performances. Thus, it is worth noting at this point some of the songs that made him the star we know today.

Heartbreak Hotel

The song Heartbreak Hotel gave Elvis Presley a big break. He recorded the song with a gospel quartet the Jordanaires. They released the song and it became number one right away on the Billboard pop charts. It was able to stay on top for two months. The same song also made it to the R&B and Country Music charts. This success led to the fame of Elvis Presley.

Hound Dog

The song Hound Dog is another one of the Elvis Presley greatest hits that became very popular even before it was formally recorded. Elvis Presley first performed the song when he made appearances of different shows. This initially became controversial because of the gyrating moves during his performance. Later on, the song paved the way to show how much of an artist Elvis Presley could be.

Other Elvis Presley Greatest Hits

The songs above show the rich circumstances that surrounded Elvis Presley as he made his way to stardom. His other hits were also part of the changes in his life. Love Me Tender, Jailhouse Rock, Let Me Be Your Teddy Bear, All Shook Up and Loving You factored in at the time that he ventured into making movies. His song In the Ghetto would show that he was also in touch with the needs of society.

Conclusion

The greatest hits of Elvis Presley showcase the talent of the man, no matter what the circumstances may be. It is worthy to know these hit songs, in order to know the history and the ideals that Elvis Presley had at the time he was on the top of the music industry.

Elvis Lives On Through His Albums

Published
by
Elvis Fan
on July 23, 2008
in Elvis Presley, Music and Rock 'n' Roll
. 0 Comments

Throughout his career, Elvis Presley recorded three self-titled albums.

1. Elvis Presley
This is the self-titled debut album from RCA records which was released in March 1956. It was recorded at the Sun Studio in Memphis. It was # 1 for ten weeks on the Billboard Top Pop Albums Chart in the mentioned year.

Presley made three appearances on the Dorsey Brothers show for publicity. RCA also wanted a copy of the album in the stores in order to capitalize on his exposure. The success of his first-ever hit single Heartbreak Hotel swiftly climbed the charts.

The tracks on the album are mostly country but there are selections that are rhythm and blues.

2. Elvis
This is the second album by Elvis Presley from RCA records which was released in October 1956. This time, it was recorded at Radito Recorders in Hollywood. It spent four weeks on top of the Billboard Top Pop Album Chart in the mentioned year.

Compared to when they were recording the first album, Presley and his band (Scotty Moore on guitar, Bill Black on Bass and DJ Fontana on Drums) had a looser time with this one. They had more freedom to mix their country and western influence as well as rhythm and blues on this album.

3. Elvis
This is the third and last album from the king. This is called The Fool album based from one of the songs on it. It was released in 1973 and the album has sold over a million copies all over the world.

For the avid Elvis Presley fans, here is a list of his singles that have reached # 1 on the Top 20 Pop Billboard Singles

Heartbreak Hotel (1956)
I Want You, I Need You, I Love You (1956)
Don’t Be Cruel (1956)
Hound Dog (1956)
Love Me Tender (1956)
Too Much (1957)
All Shook Up (1957)
Jailhouse Rock (1957)
Don’t (1957)
Hard Headed Woman (1958)
A Big Hunk Of Love (1959)
Stuck On You (1960)
Are You Lonesome Tonight (1960)
Surrender (1961)
Good Luck Charm (1962)
Suspicious Minds (1969)

Here is a list of his singles that have reached # 2 on the Top 20 Billboard Singles
Love Me (1957)
Wear My Ring Around Your Neck (1958)
Can’t Help Falling In Love (1961)
Return to Sender (1962)
Burning Love (1972)

Here is a list of his singles that have reached # 3 on the Top 20 Billboard Singles
You’re the Devil in Disguise (1963)
Crying in the Chapel (1965)
In the Ghetto (1969)