Elvis Presley's Opinions on Other Rock Stars: The Beatles and More
Elvis Presley, the icon of rock and roll, was not only a pioneer in the genre but also a keen observer and admirer of the new wave of artists that emerged after him. During his lifetime, he expressed his opinions on a variety of rock stars, including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and other notable musicians.
The Beatles
Elvis's opinions on The Beatles were generally positive. In 1965, he made history by meeting them at his residence in Bel Air. Elvis reportedly appreciated their talent and the significant impact they were making on music. In interviews, he acknowledged their massive popularity and influence, indicating that he admired their success. This positive view extended to a personal level, as he is said to have enjoyed their music, particularly their early hits. A notable anecdote involves an incident where Elvis, played by Austin Butler in the 2022 film, reportedly played bass with the Beatles during their visit to his home, while Brian Epstein, the band's manager, played pool (or possibly gambled).
The Rolling Stones
Elvis was less vocal about his views on The Rolling Stones, which is not surprising given the significant difference in their musical styles. However, he did recognize their talent and the energy they brought to rock music. Accounts suggest that Elvis enjoyed their music, especially their early hits. Despite his admiration, he was less engaged in public discussions about them compared to his interactions with The Beatles.
Other Artists
Beyond The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, Elvis also expressed admiration for various other artists. His contemporaries, such as Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Buddy Holly, were influential in shaping rock and roll. Elvis often cited them as inspirations and acknowledged their contributions to the genre. This respect for his peers and predecessors underscores his versatility and openness to different styles within rock and roll.
Elvis's Views on Specific Beatles Songs
It’s worth noting that while Elvis liked some Beatles' music, his relationship with the band was not entirely positive. Elvis occasionally performed Beatles songs, such as Get Back, Hey Jude, Lady Madonna, Something, and Yesterday, during his concerts. While he appreciated their material, he did not share their music tastes. In fact, he unsuccessfully attempted to have President Nixon ban The Beatles for their use of drugs. This move indicates a level of frustration with the band's behavior and cultural impact.
During the visit of The Beatles to Elvis's home in 1968, there were several interesting anecdotes. According to some accounts, John Lennon, a teenage fan of Elvis, eventually developed a bitter relationship with him in his 20s, referring to them as rivals. Elvis was reportedly intimidated by John's stature as a teenager but later developed a more resentful attitude. The Beatles' rise to the top of the charts also had a negative impact on Elvis's sales, leading to a shift in his perception of them. Elvis claimed that The Beatles were anti-American, particularly due to Nixon's strong dislike of their political stances.
These complex feelings and interactions between Elvis and The Beatles have been the subject of much speculation and study. The fact that Elvis met with John, Paul, George, and Ringo, and was involved in negotiations about The Beatles' status with President Nixon, further illuminates the dynamic relationship between these two musical giants of the 1960s.
While Elvis Presley was a proponent of rock and roll, his willingness to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of other artists, including The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, demonstrates his open-mindedness and respect for the evolving nature of popular music. His interactions with these contemporaries provide valuable insight into the cultural and musical climate of the 1960s, a decade that saw the emergence of a new generation of rock stars.