Rock n Roll - Part 3

The story continues,

…In August 1955, Elvis signs a management contract with “Colonel Tom Parker” and a few months later in 1956, Elvis graduated from rumor to bona-fide recording star.

Towards the end of Jan 1956 Elvis appeared with Scotty, Bill and D.J. on the Jackie Gleason-produced “Stage Show,” starring Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, on CBS. This is Elvis’ first network television appearance. He appears five more nights on “Stage Show” over the weeks ahead and makes minor waves nationally. The last of these six appearances is March 24. Traveling and personal appearances continued during this time, included the “Louisiana Hayride” appearances for which he is still under contract….

Later that year in march , “Elvis Presley” , Elvis’ first album recorded with RCA was released and earned over one million dollars in sales earning Elvis his first Gold Album Award.

Four months later in the same year Elvis began shooting his first movie, Love Me Tender with 20^th Century Fox.

December 1956…..The front page of The Wall Street Journal reports that in the past few months, Elvis merchandise has grossed $22 million in sales. Elvis ends the pivotal year of his career, when regional popularity gave way to unprecedented national and international fame.

The year of 1956 has seen the beginning of Elvis souvenir merchandising, the beginning of a successful movie career, huge record sales (five number one singles on the pop chart, two number one albums on the pop chart, and other hits), history-making television appearances, record-breaking personal appearances and more.

Elvis has become the primary symbol of the new youth culture in America.

He has also become one of society’s most controversial figures. His unique blending of white country and gospel music, black R&B and gospel, white pop music, his particular brand of charisma and talent, and the resulting success and controversy, have helped him greatly to begin, without premeditation, a cycle of change in music and pop culture and the mores of American society.

Nothing will ever be the same for Elvis Presley or for the world…………………………

To be continued……

Kamikaze