Elvis Presley Fans?

I think Bill really misses a big point comparing Madonna to Elvis. They were both cultural icons whose primary appeal was that of performer, not really great "artists." Elvis really did break some new cultural ground though, unlike Madonna. As a cute white boy, he could could channel a good bit of scary sexual rock n' roll excitement to a white audience in a way that black artists couldn't at the time. I don't hold that against him though, he was a product of the times just like we all are. Before Tom Parker got a hold of his career, he really did have lightning in a bottle for a brief period. It's easy to forget the first Sun recordings in light of the long Parker/RCA period that followed.

Photon, one of the things the bio revealed to me, at least my impression, was how little the Colonel Parker interfered with Elvis' music. Parker may have said "we need a Christmas single," and things like that, but Elvis seemed to have complete creative control all the way through.

I don't think I missed any point. I grew up during that time and saw the whole thing. Many of his original RCA records are in my collection.

Elvis is overrated.

Fair singer, lousy musician, lousy actor, but very charismatic.

I am mystified by the ongoing fascination.

YMMV

Seditious, Col. Parker was getting 50% of Elvis's earnings, at least that is what I read. Elvis was in control of the music only because Parker didn't know anything about the music that made him filthy rich.

Elvis was better than a fair singer. However, Bill's point is taken. The ongoing fascination with Elvis is almost certainly due more to his cultural impact than any musical factor. Deservedly or not, to the masses at that time, he was THE white face of black music. That is an impression that will last.

Marty