In 1956, rock-and-roll music was still seen as an uncouth, rowdy, bar hall genre that no respectable person would actually choose to listen to on a regular basis. Of course that's been proven wrong time and time again since, but the first person to get that ball rolling for musicians? None other than the King himself: Elvis Presley.
Though by now he's obviously become a household name thanks to his impressive catalogue of hit albums and memorable movie roles, it was exactly 60 years ago today that Presley was just an unknown young man making his first-ever television appearance. Following the success of his short promotional clip for "Heartbreak Hotel," hosts and brothers Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey booked the gyrating rocker for a six-week stay on their CBS variety program called Stage Show. Presley started things with his debut on January 28, 1956, performing "Shake, Rattle and Roll."
Backed up by his regular band, which included legendary guitarist Chet Atkins, Presley croons through the upbeat tune with his trademark sneering lips and swinging hips that instantly drove all the girls wild. The performance didn't do much to impress other evening show hosts, however. Popular presenters like Steve Allen and Ed Sullivan vowed to never have the rocker on their own programs, but both were quickly forced to eat their words as Presley's unstoppable fame rose higher and higher despite their upturned noses! There was simply no denying Presley's incredible level of charisma.
Take a look at the historical moment below, and be sure to SHARE with your friends!
Elvis "Shake Rattle and Roll" from iLivingApp on Vimeo.
