Elvis Aaron Presley was born on January 8, 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi. During his heyday in the 1950s and 1960s, he was widely controversial and was known as “Elvis the Pelvis” for his onstage movements. Presley is considered to be the most popular singer of the 20th century. His musical styles cross many genres, although his main style is usually referred to as rockabilly. He also was influenced by and sang R&B, gospel, blues, and standard rock n’ roll. Elvis’ career was tragically cut short in 1977 at the age of 42, but yet he remains a cultural icon to this day and still is regarded as highly popular.

In his earlier work Elvis primaraly played the acoustic guitar but picked some electric acousitcs as his music matured. He was primaraly a fan of Martin guitars, and was frequently seen playing both a D-18 & D-28. Later in his career, Elvis played a black Gibson Dove and a hollow body EB-6. 

While his songs are guitar driven, Elvis was mainly known for his vocals, and not his guitar playing. While recording and touring, he would use studio musicians, except in rare cases. Presley is described as being both a baritone and a tenor, and having a broad, soulful range of 2 ½ octaves. His main influence before his career was gospel music, and he would regularly attend church services just for the music. He, in fact, did release a gospel album in 1967. His earlier styles of music featured finger-picking, and blues bent notes, and many of his later styles incorporated more heavily amplified guitars for straight on rock n’ roll. In the mid-1970s, he took on a more countrified sound.

To sound like Elvis, first of all you will need a good backing band. Many of his songs are easy to play, but will require good musicianship. To replicate Elvis’ vocals, you need a broad range, and the ability to shout, grunt, and grumble with style. Many Elvis impersonators have been able to sound quite a bit like Elvis throughout history, and to sound like him should not be too hard. However, you will need a baritone/tenor with a strong but sometimes subtle voice. A thorough knowledge of gospel and early blues music will be needed, as this incorporates much of Elvis’ vocal style. Elvis had a near-encyclopedia knowledge of the blues, and it is obvious in his songs throughout his entire career.

Keep Rockin’!!!
Elvis Presley by Play-R taken on April 5, 2011
Novaes Acoustic Guitar by dereckesanches taken on August 26, 2009