Elvis Presleys Pivotal Role in Uniting Racial Divides in American Music

Name Institutional Affiliations Date Artists and their Contributions to American Cultural Events [Name] [Author] lives on as a cultural icon over 40 years after his death for helping unite white and black Americans. Born on 8th January 1935 in [City, State], Presley grew up having strong faith in God, which could be why his attitude towards humanity is equal regardless of color or class. Presley openly expressed respect for black performers and their music, thus significantly enhancing black pride. As a respected rock 'n' roll style artist Presley formed popular links between black and white Americans during a time when segregation and racial prejudice proved commonplace in many southern states of the U.S. (Spencer, 2018). In efforts to express some respect and value for African Americans in rock n roll dance, Presley openly confirmed that "Nobody can sing that kind of music like colored people. Let's face it: I cannot sing like [popular African-American singer] Fats Domino can. I know that" (Spencer, 2018). Such a statement was a clear indication that though a white singer Presley always sounded black which enhanced the relationship between whites and blacks in the music industry back in the 20th century . Presley did not associate the people of color with inferior stereotypes that most White embraced while defining the people of color. On the contrary, this great singer acknowledged and expressed respect for people of color's potential in music and the need to give them equal chances in the music industry. Presley's approach aimed at telling Americans that the whole universe owns music; thus, blacks and Whites had equal chances to express their message through music (Jernigan & Seminar, 2022). It is an approach that gave the black a chance to understand their worth and the need to express their ideas through music without any fears of their color. Jailhouse Rock is one of Presley's songs that express respect and inclusion of all in the music regardless of color. The song starts on a high note signifying a warden's urge to throw a party in the country jail. While it is evident that people of color make up a significant component of incarcerated persons in the U.S then, the song aimed at giving all within the country jail an opportunity to enjoy the party through singing and dancing "Everybody in the whole cell block was dancing to the jailhouse rock" (Jailhouse Rock 4th Stanza 3rd and fourth lines) Bob Dylan Born on 24th May 1941, Dylan proved a potential influencer in the music industry