Only In America?

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

At his finest moments, Elvis was able to fulfil the American dream, he embodied it. And in some ways Elvis is used as the yard stick by which super stardom is measured, the Limos, the mansion, the aeroplanes etc.

There are landmarks e.g. the 68 special showing the world that he still had what it takes, this is probably an American phenomenon as other cultures for some reason seem to envy their stars where as in America they celebrate fame and have monuments such as Hollywood.

The Aloha show is a grand affair typically American brimming with showmanship.

The question................

Had Elvis been born in any other country besides America, would he still have made it?

[U.S. Male]

A very interesting question Matt(y)

I believe with his talent, Elvis would have been successful anywhere. He was just too good to go un-noticed.

[KPM]

Thats a good question for sure. He was so influenced by things uniquely
American- blues, gospel, and country western music-which started his musical search. But I think he had that inner chrisma which would have always attracted attention in any walk of life-wherever it may have been. If he would have become the world wide superstar he became with his American roots, I don't know.:doh:

[hounddog]

That's a hard one, mainly because there are many fine talents that don't cross over to success in America. I think he would have, but that's one hard question.

[ForeverTheKing]

A very interesting question Matt(y)

I believe with his talent, Elvis would have been successful anywhere. He was just too god to go un-noticed.

Right Steve! :notworthy

Anyway, I think it was really important for his career and music to be born in America in that particular period to take all those musical influences that maybe he couldn't have found in other countries (Ghospel, Blues, Country) (y)

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

Right Steve! :notworthy

Anyway, I think it was really important for his career and music to be born in America in that particular period to take all those musical influences that maybe he couldn't have found in other countries (Ghospel, Blues, Country) (y)

I think you are absolutely right, I think as Talented as Elvis was. Elvis would have struggled to achieve the same level of stardom in the UK.

The same opportunities would not have arrived as in America :supriced:

I certainly don't think Hollywood would have come knocking!!

[Tommy]

I say YES!!!! Anywhere he would have been noticed. I think with the cultural background he had from his childhood though, molded who and how he sang. This might not have been the same sound created if he had been born elsewhere.

[jak]

This is a good topic.One I've never thought of before.The way it happened for Elvis it just seems like the stage was set for him to emerge here in the states.Sun records.the Col,TV,RCA records and so on.It all seems to fit so perfectly.I think the greatest boost to Elvis was his timing.This country was waiting for someone like him with open arms.I kinda think Elvis at that time would have acvhieved noteriety no matter where he was.
Jak

[KPM]

The "South" is so important to becoming who he was, and it is part of his appeal-southern drawl, phrasing etc. I think it is a truely American puzzle he put together with his own natural talent and chrisma.

[ajr]

;)
The "South" is so important to becoming who he was, and it is part of his appeal-southern drawl, phrasing etc. I think it is a truely American puzzle he put together with his own natural talent and chrisma.

It feels very strange to see someone express my same opinions.
Are you sure I don't know you??:hmm: ;)

Anyway; this is my opinion almost exactly. Because of the "southern culture" he was reared in...he was able to bring what people called "black music" to the mainstream public & they accepted it & him.
In those early days there was much prejudice here in the U.S.
He lived & grew up in the same circumstances as poor white & black families .
He loved the music & incorporated the "feel" of it & brought it to the rest of us.
Also, his families afiliation in the Assembly of God church.
{they could 'move' & feel the music, preachers ,etc. ....they still can.;) }

It seems to me; European countries were much more tolerant of other races & people than we were. They still are , IMO.

Therefore, I have to say ......no, he wouldn't have been raised in the same circumstances so, things would have been different for him & us.
Not that the talent wasn't there .....just that his life would have been different. :)

But, I can't say he might not have brought us a "different" sound.
I think that restless need to express himself would still have been there .;)

[elvis himselvis]

It's a very hard question
If you look to Robbie Williams,he is very famous in Europe and can't go out on the street without being recognized,but in the U.S.A,nobody knows him...
So i don't know what anwser i have to give,but i think Elvis would also been succesfull if he was born outside of America...he was very talented

[Raised on Rock]

Elvis would also have been a big succes outside the USA, a very gifted artist anywhere or simply a diferent kind of guy anytime, he had that special whatever it is that make of a human being a very special one.

But in order to make a revolution in modern popular music, fashion an social attitudes and to take that impact around the world he needed to be an american cat born Jan 8 1935 in the United States, he needed to be in that particular circumstances to change what he changed.

Plus we hardly have heard of him no matter how great he was if he had lived any other country, today things have changed, but back then only american media had that kind of world wide impact.

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

but back then only American media had that kind of world wide impact.

Absolutely right, there are artists around the world who have a great voice and presence that just do not get the same amount of coverage.

I think that Elvis was unique and was at the right place at the right time, that's not to say he wasn't talented of course he was, however if you don't have the right manager/agent putting your face about town, forget it.

[Wendy56]

God does things of a specific way for some reason... He created Elvis the way he did... EP lights up our lives anyway. :'(

[PAUL26205]

Elvis had it tough. He got through it all.He had a very short life.He achieved so much.He left a unique legacy.He will always be remembered.His love is still there for everyone. ................. No. He would not have done all these things if he had been born anywhere else in the world. Just my opinion.

[Elvisgirl]

i don't think it matters where you're born. i'm sure he would have been just as successful if he was born elsewhere

[P.S. Annie]

I think a lot of things have contributed to his fame, I totally agree with KPM. I think the influence of where he lived was very importaned for the way he sang, moved and breathed music. Think of Beale street and the black gospel he loved.

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

We are all a product of our environments, our cultures definitely leave a big stamp on our personality. For instance people often talk of the Southern Hospitality & American Culture, these are things that make people the way they are. To remove someone from their influences surely would make you a different individual as your life experience dictates certain aspects of your behaviour.

Elvis was born in the USA in 1935, lets say Elvis was born in Germany in 1935 or Europe! In spite of his huge talent, would it have had the same impact?

[vulcandude]

My reply is simple:
Yes. Why? Because Elvis is Elvis. 'Nuff said.

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

Talent is talent, proof is in the pudding as Elvis is still popular in Germany.


We will have to disagree on this, I don't doubt that Elvis is popular in Germany, but the second world war left a different culture to that of free America in the 50's, this would have had a big impact on the society of Germany!

Please name a star of Elvis' calibre to rise to world superstardom from Germany?

[toffe]

Elvis had that talent, so if he was born outside, he would be famous :-)

[elvislady]

With out a doubt he would have been famous out side America, but it was not mean to be for him may be there was a reason for that. ( not the col)
elvislady:D

[KPM]

We will have to disagree on this, I don't doubt that Elvis is popular in Germany, but the second world war left a different culture to that of free America in the 50's, this would have had a big impact on the society of Germany!

Please name a star of Elvis' calibre to rise to world superstardom from Germany?
I have to agree, with you. Even though we all agree Elvis had a natural musical talent-could that talent have been grown anywhere but where he started? If he grew up in Germany would he have become a star in light opera? In France in musical theater etc...?
The blues, country, and gospel were Southern United States born, he could not have blended them into his style if he was not in the center of that universe. He may have been a musical star if born somewhere else, but he would not have ended up as the greatest rock star in the world -IMO

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

I have to agree, with you. Even though we all agree Elvis had a natural musical talent-could that talent have been grown anywhere but where he started? If he grew up in Germany would he have become a star in light opera? In France in musical theater etc...?
The blues, country, and gospel were Southern United States born, he could not have blended them into his style if he was not in the center of that universe. He may have been a musical star if born somewhere else, but he would not have ended up as the greatest rock star in the world -IMO

100% agreed, the universal language if we like it or not is English, for better or worse most countries understand English... Just because we understand English does not make us the same! our cultures are completely different, the dialect different etc.

The USA is a huge country and the cultures within this part of the world differ from state to state let alone from country to country. Some things can unite us all for instance a "star".... but what influences them makes them who they ARE and how they relate to use :hmm:

[Nicole Presley]

Of course he still would have made it! He?s something very special and no matter what would have happened - He?s still the greatest. (Or at least for me) :D

But it?s still an interresting question! (y)

[Unchained Melody]

This is a good topic.One I've never thought of before.The way it happened for Elvis it just seems like the stage was set for him to emerge here in the states.Sun records.the Col,TV,RCA records and so on.It all seems to fit so perfectly.I think the greatest boost to Elvis was his timing.This country was waiting for someone like him with open arms.I kinda think Elvis at that time would have acvhieved noteriety no matter where he was.
Jak

agreed jak elvis was just to big to go unnoticed...and he came along at the right time.

[Teddy]

Elvis was a uniquely American phenomenon.
We're talking about the 1950's here. The only reason it's possible anywhere else now is because it happened in America then.

[ehollier]

Elvis was a uniquely American phenomenon.
We're talking about the 1950's here. The only reason it's possible anywhere else now is because it happened in America then.

Awww Teddy. You're gonna bring a tear to my eyes. I realize that you have a special place in your heart for my country, but you sentimental devil........*sob* *sob* *sob*

[ricky]

Thats a good question for sure. He was so influenced by things uniquely
American- blues, gospel, and country western music-which started his musical search. But I think he had that inner chrisma which would have always attracted attention in any walk of life-wherever it may have been. If he would have become the world wide superstar he became with his American roots, I don't know.:doh:

You are so right he WAS and still IS American pop music, as a UK Musician I have nothing but respect for the talent that has come out of the USA over the years, whatever musical talent that has ever come out of the rest of the world, be it Jazz, Country/Folk, Blues, RnR everyone else owes a big thankyou to the USA. (Check out most UK Lead Guitarists they all have American Heroes James Burton, Chet Atkins, Chuck Berry etc)....and Elvis's style, drawl,raw musical ability plus his looks were pure Americana,I am so grateful for his Movies in the 50's that helped brighten up my life in a very dreary post War UK,and I will be forever grateful to him for showing me that dreams can come true if you try.. he would have made it anywhere but thank God he was American..:king:(y)

[Getlo]

The only reason it's possible anywhere else now is because it happened in America then.

It was his ability, looks, talent etc that saw him make it.

Where it happened is immaterial.

The rock'n'roll revolution could have started just as easily in the UK, Australia, Britain etc.

[ricky]

It was his ability, looks, talent etc that saw him make it.

Where it happened is immaterial.

The rock'n'roll revolution could have started just as easily in the UK, Australia, Britain etc.

Getlo, the first part of your post is correct, the second part with respect is not, at the time he started(mid 50's)it could have only happened in America, as I put in my post The Blues, Jazz, Pop Music, could only have happened there, the African American influence gave us Jazz & Rn'B combined with songs of the slaves and the European immigrants (Irish,Scottish,Welsh & English) giving us Country Music & Folk...So my friend it did matter where it happened, UK and other Countries are just watered down American music it could only have happened in America, it comes from their roots & Musical Heritage, from hard times, and their Patriotism and love for their country which is expressed in so many of the wonderful songs that have come out of their country check out how many States, Towns & Cities have classic songs written about them.

[Teddy]

Rock'n'roll is an American art form.
The fact that Elvis emerged in the mid-50's as its greatest exponent was as dependent upon his geographical location as his talent.

[buttonhead]

We are all a product of our environments, our cultures definitely leave a big stamp on our personality. For instance people often talk of the Southern Hospitality & American Culture, these are things that make people the way they are. To remove someone from their influences surely would make you a different individual as your life experience dictates certain aspects of your behaviour.

Elvis was born in the USA in 1935, lets say Elvis was born in Germany in 1935 or Europe! In spite of his huge talent, would it have had the same impact?


Good question,.. I don't think Elvis talent would be recognized if he was born in German, or Europe 1935 , the World War 2 was about to start, who knows what would happened to the Presley's .


I remember in the 60s and early 70s Elvis music ( Rock n Roll in general ) was banned by Indonesian Government, that was what i knew from my parents story it was really hard just to get his albums,or books .

I think that Elvis was blessed to be an American ... the land of freedom, and opportunities,I said this : it was meant to be.

We are all happened to be lucky to enjoy his music and talent even long after he is gone.

[Getlo]

it could have only happened in America, as I put in my post The Blues, Jazz, Pop Music, could only have happened there.


Rock'n'roll is an American art form.
The fact that Elvis emerged in the mid-50's as its greatest exponent was as dependent upon his geographical location as his talent.

You both need to re-read the question on this poll very carefully:

Would Elvis have made it big if he was born outside of America?

It has nothing to do with rock'n'roll, or even music. The question does not say "made it big in music" or some such, now does it?

And remember, the "American Dream" is simply what Americans call The Dream; it is not exclusive to the USA.

[Teddy]

It depends upon what constitutes 'making it big'. :rolleyes:
If we take it to mean 'would he have made it as big' then the answer is almost certainly not.
If Elvis had been born in the USSR in 1935 with the same looks and natural propensity for music I'm willing to bet that we never would have heard of him.

America is the essential catalyst in the Elvis success story.

[Maikcool]

I think Elvis (which we all know and love) could be born and grow up only in America.
So If he would be from other country, he also became famous possibly…
But he would be another person. Аnd this would be another story..

[Diane]

If Elvis had been born into another country I think he would have made it big locally but not so sure that he would have been known world-wide as he was because there wouldn't have been the same diversity in music that he was exposed to here to develop his unique talent.

Diane

[Maikcool]

It depends upon what constitutes 'making it big'. :rolleyes:
If we take it to mean 'would he have made it as big' then the answer is almost certainly not.
If Elvis had been born in the USSR in 1935 with the same looks and natural propensity for music I'm willing to bet that we never would have heard of him.

America is the essential catalyst in the Elvis success story.

Teddy, you right!!

[Teddy]

Thank you :notworthy

[Getlo]

America is the essential catalyst in the Elvis success story.

ELVIS is the essential catalyst in the Elvis success story.

[presley31]

It depends upon what constitutes 'making it big'. :rolleyes:
If we take it to mean 'would he have made it as big' then the answer is almost certainly not.
If Elvis had been born in the USSR in 1935 with the same looks and natural propensity for music I'm willing to bet that we never would have heard of him.

America is the essential catalyst in the Elvis success story.


agreed Teddy(y)

[Teddy]

ELVIS is the essential catalyst in the Elvis success story.

Wrong. He is the subject of the success story.
The catalyst is the music and the cultural environment from whence it came.

[Getlo]

Wrong. He is the subject of the success story.
The catalyst is the music and the cultural environment from whence it came.


Must we do this each time? :rolleyes: Did you study biology at school?

Catalyst
Noun
1. a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without itself undergoing any permanent chemical change
2. a person or thing that causes an important change to take place

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/catalyst

Elvis was the catalyst that exploded the music and the world about him.

[ricky]

Must we do this each time? :rolleyes: Did you study biology at school?

Catalyst
Noun
1. a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without itself undergoing any permanent chemical change
2. a person or thing that causes an important change to take place

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/catalyst

Elvis was the catalyst that exploded the music and the world about him.

You seem to have all the answers, but I have my opinion and by the looks of it so have many others, we dont need to be educated by you! you are just nit picking and looking for an argument..so lighten up we are all entitled to our opinion our aim on this site is to be appreciative of the great talent that was ELVIS, and I for one do not need to have a schoolmaa'm lecture.

Sure we all disagree, but this sort of attitude keeps a lot of people away from this site, backbiting, and cliqueness all unessesary, how do I know that because a lot of people have told me,so come on there are young and old amongst us and its the season of good will...so "Merry,Merry Christmas..:D:D:newyear:

[Teddy]

Must we do this each time? :rolleyes: Did you study biology at school?

Catalyst
Noun
1. a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without itself undergoing any permanent chemical change
2. a person or thing that causes an important change to take place

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/catalyst

Elvis was the catalyst that exploded the music and the world about him.

And yet another flimsy argument is concealed behind a smokescreen of semantic pedantry :rolleyes:

So this proves that Elvis could have enjoyed a successful music career if he'd been born in Somalia because.....?

[ehollier]

Elvis' sound, his music, his inspiration was decidedly American -- however you care to view it. To dissect it even further, his sound was uniquely southern, unique to what was in Memphis in the 1950's. I'm also from the South. Music is different here, more specifically, black music is different here than in Memphis. They have Beale Street; we have Bourbon Street. They have blues and so do we -- but the sound is not the same.

I am not saying that Elvis' talent wasn't evident as he was immensely talented!!! But his influences were specifically unique to his surroundings.

As far as the America dream question, I've never read anything about any other country having the magical 'dream'.

[Getlo]

you are just nit picking


And yet another flimsy argument is concealed behind a smokescreen of semantic pedantry

It is neither nit-picking nor pedantry to try and find the correct definition for the word you're so casually throwing about.

[easyrider]

Elvis is Elvis!!!!!!!!!!!

[Getlo]

Elvis is Elvis!!!!!!!!!!!

Er, no argument there.

[Teddy]

It is neither nit-picking nor pedantry to try and find the correct definition for the word you're so casually throwing about.

That's just the thing, you see- we weren't talking about Biology.
Since I was using the word figuratively, the 'correct definition' applies completely.
The only discrepancy is regarding what we each consider to be the figurative catalyst.
You are completely out of your depth with this stuff. Learn how to use the dictionary before you start brandishing it to distract attention from your flagging argument.

[midnight]

Teddy you have made some really good statements in this thread and I have to say I completely agree with you. You are one smart bear......there is a lot more in your head then just stuffing!!!(y)

[Getlo]

Since I was using the word figuratively, the 'correct definition' applies completely.

Ah, so now the word is figurative.

I should have guessed. :rolleyes:

[Merry]

And yet another flimsy argument is concealed behind a smokescreen of semantic pedantry :rolleyes:

So this proves that Elvis could have enjoyed a successful music career if he'd been born in Somalia because.....?


Teddy, I agree with you.

It appears that most artists from Australia, who want to make it big, move to The States.

There just wasn't, or isn't, the wealth of opportunities in Australia, as one example, as there is in The States.

Elizabeth, I also agree wholeheartedly with you, too. Elvis had some fantastic influences for his music. Again, which other country, other than The States, could have offered Elvis the same rich background? Certainly not in Australia, at that time.

[ehollier]

With respect to my post #48, I would also like to add, whether or not this answers the actual question of the thread, you must admit, much credit for his Elvis' popularity (not talent) had so much to do with timing ...... it seems that he came on the scene at the right time in the right place, with the right influences. He had boat loads of talent to help him become so incredibly popular, but timing also played an enormous part in his discovery, his reputation, his title The King of Rock and Roll......

[Teddy]

Ah, so now the word is figurative.

I should have guessed. :rolleyes:

That's right. We were both using it figuratively.
Most good dictionaries will clearly demonstrate its figurative use, since it can only be used in its literal sense if we are discussing chemical reactions.