1986
Sean & Julian Lennon
The first anointed King of Rock & Roll. In 1954, Elvis Presley ignited a musical – and cultural – revolution with his firebrand take on blues, country, R&B, pop, bluegrass, and gospel. He delivered Black-influenced music to massive mainstream audiences, stunning – and shocking – fans with his provocative stage performances and igniting the explosion of rock & roll into mainstream culture.
Induction
Impact
Signature Sound
With a revolutionary melding of blues, country, gospel, and other roots music, Elvis transformed the global popular music landscape, defying boundaries to bring rock & roll to a mass white audience. In both look and sound, Elvis pioneered the shape-shifting rock star, evolving from edgy “hillbilly cat” to smooth balladeer, to singing matinee idol, to mesmerizing, caped showman.
To blow off steam during a lackluster session, Elvis goofs around on this R&B hit. Producer Sam Phillips hits RECORD, releases the single, and a star is born.
From the Museum
From Peacock to Soldier Boy
At the height of his fame in 1958, Elvis was drafted into the U.S. Army. His pompadour was chopped off and sideburns shaved, and his wardrobe drastically changed from hot pink jackets and skintight pants to drab military fatigues.
During basic training in Texas and active service in Friedberg, Germany, he dressed like his fellow soldiers. This Army-issued jacket was a staple until his honorable discharge in March 1960.
From the Museum
From Peacock to Soldier Boy
At the height of his fame in 1958, Elvis was drafted into the U.S. Army. His pompadour was chopped off and sideburns shaved, and his wardrobe drastically changed from hot pink jackets and skintight pants to drab military fatigues.
During basic training in Texas and active service in Friedberg, Germany, he dressed like his fellow soldiers. This Army-issued jacket was a staple until his honorable discharge in March 1960.
Without Elvis, there would be no Beatles. When I first heard ‘Heartbreak Hotel,’ my whole life changed. I was completely shaken by it.
JOHN LENNON
THE BEATLES
1986 Hall of Fame Essay
"Elvis not only combined the tangled musical strains of rock’s prehistory into a sultry whole, he took a mutated step forward. His was an inspirational leadership that came to embody the new music itself. Long live the King!"
– Lenny Kaye
paper artifacts
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Influence
Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup
The Blackwood Brothers
Wynonie Harris
Dean Martin
Elvis Presley
more from
the hall
