The Beatles' Opinion on Elvis Presley's Music: A Musical Journey Through Time
The Beatles, one of the most influential bands in the history of music, found inspiration in the iconic Elvis Presley well before their own breakthrough. Like many ambitious young musicians of their generation, the Beatles looked up to the King of Rock and Roll and his groundbreaking music as a source of inspiration. This article explores the relationship between The Beatles and Elvis Presley, focusing on their admiration for Presley's music and the impact he had on their musical journey.
Early Influences and Idolization
Before they became the household name they are today, the early years of The Beatles were greatly influenced by Elvis Presley's music. When Elvis broke into stardom, the members of the Beatles were teenagers just like him, and they were heavily influenced by his style and music.
For the Quarrymen, who would eventually become The Beatles, Elvis was a constant point of inspiration. His rise to fame encouraged them and convinced them to pursue their musical dreams with even more fervor. As they transitioned into their pre-army rock ’n roll phase, the band began to idolize Elvis and his music more than ever before. However, as the vibrancy and youthful energy of rock and roll started to wane in Elvis's later years, the Beatles turned their focus towards other influences, such as Buddy Holly who had a similar rebellious spirit.
Family and Musical Legacy
Throughout their career, The Beatles remained fans of Elvis Presley. In fact, any musician interested in rock 'n roll back in the '50s and '60s would have held Presley in high regard. The Beatles covered Elvis's songs in their early days, and over the years, both John Lennon's and Paul McCartney's solo projects also included Elvis songs as part of their cover albums.
The Beatles even had the opportunity to meet Elvis in 1966, during a stop in Hollywood. Initially, the meeting was awkward, but the band ended up jamming with Elvis in an informal setting. However, the Beatles were more impressed with Elvis's image and charisma rather than the man himself, who they perceived as somewhat threatened by their success. This perception is further emphasized by Ringo Starr's comments on the Anthology docu-series, where he mentioned that Elvis tried to get the Beatles thrown out of the US after their success. George Harrison's visit to an Elvis concert in the 1970s, and his typical grumbling about the experience, underscores the contrast between the early and later stages of Elvis's career in the eyes of the Beatles.
Admiration and Respect
Despite their differing opinions on Elvis at various points in their careers, it's evident that the Beatles held a great deal of respect and admiration for the King of Rock and Roll. In his book, John Lennon himself expressed his admiration when he said, "before Elvis there was nothing.” It is clear that Elvis's influence was profound and lasting, even if their opinions evolved with time.
Additionally, it is worth noting that the Beatles did not only admire Elvis's music but also met him on multiple occasions. They even had a direct encounter at Elvis's home in California in the 1960s, which highlights their strong bond with the icon. Moreover, George Harrison, also known for his deep appreciation of early rock and roll, attended one of Elvis's performances in 1972 at Madison Square Garden, where he, like the rest of the band, was more impressed by the image of Elvis rather than his actual performance.
Conclusion
The Beatles and Elvis Presley were more than just contemporaneous rock stars; they were part of a timeless legacy that has shaped the musical landscape for generations. Their musical journey, intertwined with Elvis's own, provides invaluable insights into the evolution of rock 'n roll and the lasting impact of a true musical icon.