Music Banter - View Single Post - Who deserves the title "The King of Rock and Roll"?
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Old 01-19-2013, 09:01 AM   #271 (permalink)
Screen13
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There should have been an "all of the above" option, but out of the three mentioned, I would place the vote to Chuck Berry. His songs through the 50's and Early 60's were seriously a foundation for a lot of followers. Killer riffs, down to earth lyrics that connected with the listeners, and backing by very solid musicians. Although there was a lot of music that was before him, Berry's music was the serious Rock and Roll rebellion of The 50's and the foundation of a lot of what happened next.

Elvis had style and a great voice, but apart from the Sun Sessions, the early Pre-Army RCA records, Jailhouse Rock, and the '68 Comeback era, there was a lot of Pop records and not as strong 70's Country (sometimes MOR Country) songs weakening the impact of a very strong and inspired voice. At his height, he was a great entertainer, but those with more cynical minds can say that the Hollywood era tainted what was a great singer while his 70's Country recordings were really hit and miss. He's a King, but through management and other outside forces (we all know how stars bring out the psychic vampires), something was lost on the way. The Sun Sessions and the early RCA records remind us of why he deserves to be called King by his fans while his '68 Comeback proved that there was a major soul in him that was still strong despite all that was around him that stood up and won.

Little Richard seriously rocked, and was an influence to many. His influence overall was more down to both the voice (big influence on Paul McCartney - hear "I'm Down" or The Beatles' great version of "Long Tall Sally") and the flamboyancy that opened the image of Rock and Roll a lot. When it comes down to showmanship and influence, Richard is a King with both exciting music and style.
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