Elvis Presley Fans?

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

I've been listening to a lot of old Sun Records recordings from the 50s lately, including Elvis and various other acts.

Elvis' vocalizations and arrangements are unique and recognizable, but no better or worse than the others for the most part.

Now, who would most of the more affluent, record-buying public back then rather look at, Elvis or most of those other guys?

Answer that question to understand why Elvis was leaps and bounds more successful over the next few years than anyone else and then became a visual icon later as well as a result of his formulaic movies that he himself apparently did not care for much, despite the money they made.

Johnny Cash is the other SUN Records act from that time who remained popular over time. The topical substance behind his music has actually aged well and even made him perhaps more popular than ever late in his career and after his death.

Both were most fond of gospel music actually as I understand it.

My wife is the big Elvis fan. Elvis is OK but I'm more of a Johnny Cash fan I suppose if I had to chose.

I think Elvis was an excellent singer and performer. However, I do agree that his popularity lives on in part due to other factors as you have mentioned Marty. I still love listening to his music though.