Elvis Presley "The King"

Presley's Influence

  Much of the world saw Presley as a burnt out, 42 year old man; yet, Presley had achieved much in his career. Presley changed many things beyond the music industry. In an article by Brent Cunningham, Presley was described to have “changed the way people think about sexuality, about class, about celebrity, even about race. Fans connected with Elvis in a way that is difficult today to comprehend,” (83). Presley made a point to fulfill his dream, and he was gracious to every single one of the people that helped him get where he was—including fans.

  Elvis Presley has been lived on by many of his fans. 700,000 people travel to Graceland, his former estate, each year (Fraser, Benson 183).  People have not only looked to Presley as the musical icon he was, but impersonators around the country had said that their self-identity is connected to Presley’s image (Fraser, Benson 184). They also stated how Presley was seen “not only as an entertainer, but also as a friend, lover, husband, father, patriot, and citizen (184). Presley may have died in a physical sense, but obviously, his success and his legend have lived on in the hearts of many of his fans.

Graceland Tour                                                                                                                                                                                      Works Cited