Remembering "Presleymania"

By Dick Clark

The man from Tupelo, Miss., appeared on the American music scene when young people's musical tastes were on the verge of a major change. The older generation was not yet wary of teenagers. The kids had no music of their own. They had yet to take over the fashion world.

Then along came Elvis. His synthesis of black, country and gospel music helped him create a simple, raw performing style. Onstage, he twisted and gyrated, much to the dismay of '50s parents. The more the older folks protested, the more popular the handsome Southerner became. His name was soon a household word. The mere mention of Elvis Presley, as a comedian's punch line, would evoke howls of laughter from an adult audience.

I recall Elvis backstage at the Apollo Theater in New York City, watching with fascination the great R.-and-B. pioneers Bo Diddley and Jackie Wilson. He, in turn, would be listened to and watched by performers who worshipped him. The roots of his influence went deeply into almost all forms of rock-'n'-roll music, including blues rock and rockabilly. Presley led not only his fans but also performers worldwide. There had never been such an idol. The world had seen Rudolph Valentino in films drive young women insane. The postwar bobby-soxers screamed for Sinatra. But before the Beatles' popularity enveloped the earth, "Presleymania" was the biggest thing ever to hit the entertainment world.

Ironically, Presley didn't write his own songs. He wasn't a proficient guitarist. There may even have been better vocal stylists. Nor was he adept at handling his career and business. He allowed himself to fall prey to greedy management and sycophants.

But he had that wonderful magic. Everyone copied his style. People imitated his gestures, dressed like him, wanted to be him (or his woman). He was popular with both men and women. He became the most influential solo popular artist of our time. There is no debate: ELVIS IS THE KING!!!

--By Dick Clark, producer and host of American Bandstand for four decades