The Not-So-Secret Country Side of Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley was, to many, the original king of rock and roll music. He’s certainly known for that. His tunes helped popularize rock and roll music in the mainstream, and without his gyrating hips and distinct voice, who knows if rock and roll would have taken off?

That being said, Elvis Presley grew up on country music, as did many of his American contemporaries of his time. And he dipped into country music on occasion. Honestly, some of his country songs are quite good. I can imagine if rock and roll didn’t become his forte, he would have made a fine country crooner.

Elvis Presley’s Relationship With Country Wasn’t All That Complicated, But Racial Prejudice Made It Complicated

Elvis Presley grew up with country music. He also incorporated a few elements of the genre into his earlier rock and roll tunes. In fact, later in his career, he returned to country music more often. But his roots were always there, even if he is better known for rock music above anything else.

Just listen to songs like “Blue Moon Of Kentucky” or “I Forgot To Remember To Forget”. That latter track was one of Presley’s very first hits on the country charts back in the day. Presley himself has stated that he was a fan of everyone from Hank Snow to Roy Acuff to Earnest Tubb to Bob Willis.

So, is there a reason why Presley, who loved country music and was pretty good at it, didn’t pursue more of a country sound? Unfortunately, there is likely a reason, and that reason is likely linked to racism and difficulties with pinpointing his sound.

After releasing “Blue Moon Of Kentucky” in 1954, it was clear that Presley was good at blending country and rock and roll together. Unfortunately, because of this blend of styles, it was difficult for Presley’s music to make it to radio stations, as they were typically separated by strict genres. 

Furthermore, a lot of country music radio stations did not want to play Presley’s music because he sounded too much like a Black musician. Likewise, rock and R&B stations didn’t want to play his music because he “soundend too much like a hillbilly.”

Naturally, within a few years, Presley’s particular mix of genres would come to be known as rockabilly. But at the time, he was a hard artist to place, as many innovative artists typically are. And because of the inspiration he took from Black music, racist disc jockeys also didn’t want to play his music.

It’s a shame, but at least Presley returned to his country roots, even just briefly, before his career ended.

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