Before There Was Elvis with Michael Shamosh

Elvis Presley, a cultural icon of the mid-20th century, borrowed from several musical styles during his career. In this lecture, we’ll discuss, and listen to, the music that influenced Elvis and learn how he brought these musical forms into the mainstream. We’ll hear the music of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Hank Snow, Arthur Crudup, and others as we examine the environment that was instrumental in the creation of a legend.