Firstly, I need to point out that I am biased in this debate. I dont like Elvis or any of his so called "Songs". But I figured I would leave it to the forum to categorize him as either an Celebrity or Musician/ Artist. Basically can someone who never wrote or scored a song for his entire career, be considered a Legend of Rock and Roll.
I bring this up due to an article I read which had glamorized Elvis and his contribution to music of the 20th Century.
FACT: For those who dont know. Elvis had NEVER written or created a musical song. NEVER. That is a fact. If you disagree, then just goggle it and research.
Which means he never composed, wrote the Instrumentals or lyrics to any song credited to his personal Library. This is not a made up fact or lie. It is true. Elvis NEVER wrote,performed or recorded a piece of music which he scored and wrote lyrics.
A few years back an Inventory of his estate was taken including a majority of personal writings and diary type writings. Box's and box's or personal material destined for Graceland and museums was cataloged and researched, including daily calendars entries for his recording sessions and numerous items from his studio. In the 100's of thousands of personal items and musical related items, not one piece of paper was produced showing an attempt at "original" lyrics, musical score or the writing of a song.
Yes, Elvis is credited on multiple albums as "Writer". However, due to a contractual agreement with other musicians, every song Elvis received a "Writing" credit was actually written and created by "Ghost" Writers and "session artists" working for the record label. The Original writer(s), were given a percentage of royalties and money so Elvis could claim a dual or partial "Writting Credit" on his albums. The other songs Elvis performed were original, blues tunes written by Blues musicians in and around the Southern US where Elvis was born and raised, Elvis was given permission to record and perform these songs from the original artists for a portion of the royalties.
Elvis did play his own Instruments, Guitar, Bass and Piano. So for argument sake he could be considered an "Musician" but just a player of Instruments. Elvis WAS a showman, he performed on stage as a musician and did break the barriers that transcended traditional Blues,Classical and Jazz to Rock and Roll. He had a great voice and singing style and was a fantastic "live" artist. But he was not a true Musician.
The debate should be centered around his legacy and whether it is deserved or not. I really want to clarify. Their is no debate about whether he "wrote" the songs. He didn't. If you disagree, bring facts and sources. Dont defend him and say I'm wrong he wrote all his music just because you like Elvis.
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