'Race Music'-Elvis 's Tribute to Self by Chris Remy
“Be Yourself,� a statement that more than exemplifies what society should do. Professor Arrigo of the American studies department made direct reference to this statement at the beginning of class. Reference was made to Michael Jordan’s Nike campaigns however he eluded to the fact that this statement was expressed in a time of Rock and Roll history. Elvis Priestly was a major part of the history and his so called “race music,� would move rock and roll into the mainstream.
Elvis music was portrayed as being a staple of black culture for years before. However this still made him a tremendous success. This can be attributed to not only his skin color but the fact that his moves were more that sensational for his skin color. One of the commenter in the film “The History of Rock-n-Roll� said that he had a way with words. His way made him so successful. Another commenter said that he would just hear things and make them into songs based on other songs like his song “Hound Dog.� Elvis was not the only one that can be attributed to the history of rock-n-roll, but he definitely had a significant part in its creation. To top it all of he was being himself and than made him so successful, regardless of his gyrating hips!