Elvis Presley: The King Who Changed America

Elvis Presley’s devilishly handsome looks, iconic voice, contagious moves, and addictive personality set the tone for a brand new era of entertainment. He could serenade with a ballad, belt out a country tune, mesmerize with a gospel song, and make you move like never before with a dance number. Everyone remembers the Las Vegas Elvis for his karate-inspired white jumpsuit, but don’t let that define the King; Elvis Presley had an unprecedented cultural impact on America.
Elvis rolled over the music industry like a steamroller. America had never heard anything nor seen anyone like him. They loved it. Elvis didn’t see barriers or color. He trashed the piano, brought in the guitar, and set the tone for rock and roll. This, coupled with his hillbilly country twang, became rockabilly. From there, countless other subgenres of rock evolved. He turned on the music, and he got somewhere.

During a time when legal segregation was the norm, Elvis shocked America by owing his talent to the great black artists. He had a deep respect for and devotion to rhythm and blues. He directed his gratitude to the likes of B.B King, Fats Domino, and Ivory Joe Hunter. Elvis insisted on hiring the brilliant songwriter Claude Demetrius, which resulted in a dramatic shift in the music industry. He challenged the status quo by standing up for equality. Little Richard referred to Elvis as an ‘integrator’ and a ‘blessing’ who ‘opened the door for black music.’

Music always struck a chord with Elvis. As a child in Mississippi, he ran to the altar to be closer to the choir. In fact, all three of his Grammy awards were for his gospel work. Ironically, Elvis ruffled the feathers of religious and political groups. Suddenly there was a genuine concern for the well-being of the American people, particularly the youth. His pelvic thrusts, fashion choices, and sexualized performances rendered him a pariah. Performers had never behaved that way. Then again, audiences had never acted in such a manner, either. When ‘Hound Dog’ began, crowds would scream, girls would go into convulsions, and audiences would literally hyperventilate. Elvis gave audiences a little less conversation and a little more action. Today, such behavior is expected from rock stars. Someone had to be the first. You can thank Elvis.

Elvis created cultural pandemonium. America had been shot with the rhythm and blues. As a result, record, film, and retail sales rocketed (as did the requests for his ducktail haircut). The moment he graced the stage, inhibitions sailed on by. And so a star was born. It’s a pity that the King survives today in pop culture through numerous failed Elvis impersonators. Give credit to this hunk of burning love for stripping all cultural barriers with his outrageous rebellion and libidinous gyrations. Let’s be honest; all the greats that followed tried to fill his blue suede shoes.

Like a river flows, surely to the sea, some things are meant to be. Elvis Presley made America fall in love with him. For one man to have such a lasting effect on society is remarkable. He laid the foundation for other great musicians and generations to come. Since the King, anything and everything is acceptable. In the words of John Lennon, ‘before Elvis, there was nothing.’ So if you happen to listen to ‘Hound Dog,’ ‘Jailhouse Rock,’ or ‘A Little Less Conversation‘ — feel it! Look around today and appreciate what he did, and whatever you do, let your body move to the music, just as Elvis did. Cheers to the King of rock and roll.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.