OK..don't shoot me...but, at he end of the day...Isn't Elvis really just the Original American Idol?

Question

He was a great singer, and performer...but he never wrote one lick of music himself.

Rock bands credibility has long been linked to their song writing..not how well they shook their hips. SO...at the end of the day...what really makes Elvis that much different than Kelly Clarkson?

MQ- Favorite Elvis Song? (mine is don't be cruel)

(Note... while mean tot be controversial.. this Question is NOT meant ot insult Elvis or his fans. I merely want to hear YOUR opinions)

Answer 1

Actually, there are two songs in which Elvis DID help write ("You'll Be Gone" and "That's Someone You'll Never Forget"). These were songs he actually did help write, unlike some of his 50's hits which have Elvis listed as co-writer, which was basically demanded by Colonel Parker for royalties.



But that's only two songs, so that really doesn't count for much. Although Elvis really wasn't much of a songwriter, he often did arrange songs how he wanted them to be (for example, "Heartbreak Hotel" was originally intended to be a ballad; instead, Elvis made it a fast, upbeat rockabilly song). And of course, something you need to realize is that a lot of people at this time didn't write their songs (with the exception of Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, and a few others). And a lot of songwriters weren't recording artists so they needed somebody to actually record their music.



However, I do see what you mean. But what differentiates Elvis from American Idol winners is simply the fact that Elvis helped change music forever and he was a huge influence on most major rock icons to come after him. Honestly, I don't think Kelly Clarkson or Clay Aiken will be influential decades after their deaths, unlike Elvis.



MQ: T-R-O-U-B-L-E (http://youtube.com/watch?v=dTlFWz0jdg0&feature=related)

Answer 2

Every Generation has their heartthrobs. There was Elvis, and now There are the Jonas Brothers(uggh).

And with all of these heartthrobs, thee are many people who love them, and many people who hate them.



When it comes down to it there will always be a singer or band that may not be creative, but people will love them.

Elvis just happened to be first, so he was the most influential.



So to directly answer your question, Elvis may not've wrote his own Music, but he sure did a damn good job delivering it to the audience.

Answer 3

I see what you mean. Elvis Presley, though a talented singer and a definite American icon, WAS a 'product' designed in part and sold by men other than Elvis. At least "American Idol" has only resulted in one awful film, Elvis was in a string of 'em. lol



Favorite Elvis song is either "A Little Less Conversation" or "Suspicious Minds."

Answer 4

I totally see your point , but I think the factor no one puts ahead of his entertainment ability is that he had the grapefruits to play a style of music that he knew he would get blasted by conservative parents. He stole the black man's music that no one would have listened to until a white artist started playing it. I know you didn't mean any disrespect , but Kelly Clarkson hasn't exactly broken any new ground with a style of pop that is a dime a dozen....MQ: ''You're So Square , Baby I Don't Care''

Answer 5

Yeah, I agree. And no offense Elvis Fans, but the guy was HORRIBLE at acting!!



MQ: Blue Suede Shoes

Answer 6

I agree completely.. The only thing that could seperate the two might be Elvis's attire.... That man had style.......



You have to admit, being taught how to shake them hips by a young Forrest Gump is pretty cool!!!!





MQ:Kentucky Rain

Answer 7

"but he never wrote one lick of music himself."



Neither did most of the early Motown acts, but they were still great.



But really, comparing *Elvis* to the kareoke of IA is crazy. Elvis was a groundbreaker. None of the Idol winners will ever come close.

Answer 8

i would agree that the fact that he had people writing for him takes away some of his overall credibility, but you can't argue with the man's voice...and besides, elton john had a writing collaborator(bernie taupin) on almost all of his work, and no one accused him of being a ripoff or anything like that



mq: suspicious minds

Answer 9

Shoot You. No. Shake Your hand. Yeah. Elvis sucks IMO. I'll insult Elivs. Elvis sucks. See, just insulted Elvis.



MA: If I wanted that much pain I would just tell My Dentist not to use novocaine next time he pulls a tooth.

Answer 10

Bang

Answer 11

True, but a lot of bands didn't back then and they sounded great.



MQ: Jailhouse Rock

http://youtube.com/watch?v=zRu3tw9fYxE

Answer 12

Yeah, kinda -- but it took him longer from "Love Me Tender" to the New Hit Sensation LOL

.

Answer 13

I've always wondered that myself.



MQ: umm..Hound Dog!