MusicElvis Presley’s best song in the opinion of David GilmourPink Floyd guitarist and vocalist never hid that “king of rock” served as one of his main artistic influencesBy Editorial Staff

Elvis Presleywho was born 90 years ago, left a gigantic catalog of recorded material. More than 700 songs were recorded with the voice of the artist called “king of rock” between 1953 and 1977 — the period from the beginning of his professional activities until his death, at the age of 42.

From them, the American born in Tupelo, Mississippi, promoted a true revolution not only in rock, but in music and even in Western culture. One of the countless fans impacted was David Gilmourwho would become famous in the 1970s as guitarist and vocalist of Pink Floyd.

In several interviews, Gilmour mentions that Presley was, alongside Bill Haleyamong the first rock artists he was able to listen to — and, consequently, like. On one occasion, at BBC (via Igor Miranda website), even chose which would be the star’s best song.

For him, it is about “Heartbreak Hotel”owner of a “perfect recording” in her words. Originally released in 1956, the song was composed by Mae Boren Axton and Tommy Durdenbut Elvis also got a writing credit as a way of thanking him for recording it in the studio.

Regarding the track, David stated:

“‘Heartbreak Hotel’ It’s a perfect recording. It’s so stripped back, there’s so little going on, but every nuance, everything about it is absolutely lovely. Just that place and the piano, just magical.”

Another song loved by David Gilmour

On another occasion, at Classic Rock (via Igor Miranda website), David Gilmour he was invited to reflect on the artists and songs that changed his way of seeing music. Elvis Presley won a mention — through “Jailhouse Rock” — next to Bill Haley, Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and Pete SeegerAmerican folk idol who was very popular in the 1940s and 1950s.

“There have been several moments like this throughout my life. ‘Rock Around the Clock’by Bill Haley, was crucial for me. Months later came ‘Jailhouse Rock’ by Elvis, also fundamental. The Beatles were very important. Jimi Hendrix too. And there was Pete Seeger when I was younger. I learned to play with him. Anyway, there are too many to name.”

Made available in 1957, “Jailhouse Rock” was composed of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller and served as the soundtrack for the film of the same name, starring Elvis. It reached the top of the charts in the United States, as well as in the United Kingdom and South Africa.

Why Elvis Presley didn’t accept being called the king of rock

Throughout his two-decade career in music, Elvis Presley received a series of nicknames and nicknames. The best-known name, however, became “king of rock”. Who has never heard the star, who died in 1977, defined in this way?

The origins of this title are uncertain, but one of the first people to define Elvis in this way was the journalist Bea Ramirez. In a text published in the newspaper Waco News-Tribune On April 19, 1956, the reporter defined the singer as “the king of rock ‘n’ roll in the nation”. At the time, the artist was only 21 years old. The following month, it was the newspaper’s turn Memphis Press-Scimitar refer to Presley as “the fledgling king of rock ‘n’ roll.”

But what did Elvis Presley think of that name? Although he gave in to the charms of fame several times, the singer was notorious for having a simple personality, typical of someone who was born in the interior of the American state of Mississippi and had a humble origin. A nickname like that didn’t seem to suit him, right?

In 1969, Elvis Presley could feel the effects of his “return”. After spending years dedicated to an acting career that yielded many films of questionable quality, the singer filmed a TV special for NBC that marked his return — not for nothing, the recording is usually referred to by the subtitle “’68 Comeback Special”.

Willing to regain his place as a relevant artist, Elvis announced in 1969 his first season of performances at the Las Vegas International Hotel. During a press conference (via National Post) held at that time to discuss career news, Presley was referred to as “the king”.

In an act of humility, Elvis pointed to Fat Dominolegendary singer and pianist recognized as one of the pioneers of rock and roll and present on the occasion, to declare: “no, this is the true king of rock ‘n’ roll”.

Born in February 1928 — almost a decade before Elvis — Fats Domino (whose real name was Antoine Dominique Domino) made what is considered one of the first songs of the style: “The Fat Man”. Released as a single, the track sold 1 million copies in the United States.

He built a successful career throughout the 1950s, being frequently cited by Presley as one of his biggest influences in music. “Blueberry Hill”, “Ain’t That a Shame” and “Walking to New Orleans” These are other hits from the artist, who left us on October 24, 2017, at the age of 89.

It is public knowledge that Elvis Presley was not the inventor or pioneer of rock. In addition to Fats Domino, there were a number of artists who were already producing in the style when the singer emerged, such as Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Little Richard, Jimmie Rodgers and Chuck Berry.

The title of “king of rock” is more commonly attributed to Elvis for other reasons. The first is associated with his incomparable fame. Racist components aside (it is known that white artists were preferred by record companies), he was the first to achieve enormous popularity within the genre, surpassing his predecessors in this regard. It is estimated that he sold 500 million copies, including singles and albums, across the planet, in addition to promoting a cultural revolution that still has repercussions in the pop universe today.

Another point is the visual issue. Elvis was extravagant not only in his dance moves, but also in his costumes. Although he denied the title of “king of rock”, the singer dressed like legitimate royalty — which reinforced this conception in the popular imagination.