What comes to mind when you think of Rock and Roll? Is it the pulsating rhythms and upbeat tempo that seem to soothe the mind? What many don't realize is that this phenomenon was started by a single man who combined various elements that he loved. This man, Elvis Presley, not only created rock and roll, but also a new era of attitude and personality that people perceived when watching him perform. Elvis Aaron Presley, one of the most popular American singers of the 20th century, pioneered a new style of dress for his generation, influenced a new era of dance, and notably introduced rock and roll to the world. Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi to a loving but poor family (Tracy 1). From the age of 7, Elvis showed a passion for music. He was introduced to music in his family's Assembly of God church, where southern gospel music became an important influence on his success. When Elvis' mother Gladys acquired enough money she bought him his first guitar, he then taught himself to play and in October 1945 he got his first taste of musical success when he entered the competition talent show from the town fair ("Famous Quotes". After graduating from high school in 1953, he worked at various jobs while pursuing his music career. Later in 1953, he entered Sun Studios where he paid four dollars to record his first record After hearing Elvis' recording, Sam Philips decided to take him under his wing and then became the owner of his label ("Elvis Presley"). produced his first single "That's all Right". From then until his death, he became the biggest phenomenon in the entertainment world (Morrison 1).From the beginning of Elvis' career, he was at the center. attention but even before his career began his appearance...... middle of paper ......people of his time are known as Elvis. the leading artist of R&B, gospel and American country (“Elvis Presley”). He has sold over a billion records, more than any other artist known to man. He was one of the first artists to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 (Brewster 1). Elvis loved performing live concerts. “For me, a live concert is exciting because of all the electricity generated in the crowd and on stage,” it is his favorite aspect of his activity (“Famous Quotes” 1). Even today, he remains a legendary musical icon for popularizing and creating the beginnings of Rock and Roll (Brewster 1). It is impossible to imagine a rock and roll star who does not owe a debt to Elvis Presley (Ebsco). Today he is still known as the starter of rock and roll and is still today the most successful recording artist in terms of hit songs and hit albums..