While growing up, I have always been told that Elvis Presley is the king of Rock & Roll. Due to the fact that I, well wasn't alive during the 50's, I haven't questioned it. It wasn't until recently that I have started to think about this. Although I do acknowledge Elvis' greatness and success, I have to say that he has some very worthy competition. Little Richard, Chuck Berry, and Jackie Wilson being black musicians during the 1950's was remarkable enough, but they were also famous. All three men making strides in music from Little Richard's amazing vocals and octave jumps in "Tutti Frutti," to Chuck Berry's iconic opening guitar riff in "Johnny B. Goode," to Jackie Wilson's strong and resonating tone in "To Be Loved," and "Lonely Teardrops." I might even add that although Elvis' first album was released before Jackie Wilson's, Wilson played a key role in the King's lively stage presence and his renowned bluesy croon. Not only did he inspire some of Presley's most famous moves he also inspired some of Carlton Banks' moves without even knowing it. By no means am I trashing the King but simply stating that there might not have been only one.
(See 2:35)
-Brooks Gonzales
You win, i snorted coffee out of my nose.
ReplyDelete