Did You Know Elvis Presley Was A Music Thief? 10 Times The “King of Rock & Roll” Stole From Black Artists

Elvis Presley’s name has been circulating the news in light of a new musical, drama film debuting this summer simply titled, Elvis. The late, great “King of Rock and Roll” is known most for his signature sound and unforgettable dance moves. However, the Black community recognizes him as a musical thief, stealing from lesser known Blues artists.

The upcoming film Elvis will explore Elvis Presley rises to fame in the 1950s while maintaining a complex relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker. It is set to debut in theaters June 24th.

Presley has had an affinity for Black music and culture since he was born in Tupelo, Mississippi. He grew up on the Black side of town. Presley would later run with the likes of Ike Turner and B.B. King. It is evident that Black musicians greatly influenced him, yet because of his whiteness, doors were opened for him that were not available to Black musicians.

“I always wanted to sing like Billy Kenny of the Ink Spots,” Presley told Jet Magazine in 1957 according to The Daily Beast. “I like that high, smooth style. I never sang like this in my life until I made that first record—‘That’s Alright, Mama.’ I remembered that song because I heard Arthur (Big Boy) Crudup sing it and I thought I would like to try it.”

READ THE FULL STORY AT GLOBALGRIND

Facebook

Views: 4226

Reply to This

Best guide to hip hop, soul, reggae concerts & events in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles & New York City + music, videos, radio and more

Connect

Subscribe to E-Blast

WIN TICKETS

Earth, Wind & Fire
Friday, June 27 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley

Macy Gray
Saturday, July 12 @ Palace of Fine Arts, SF

Thievery Corporation
Saturday, Sept 6 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Yung Lean
Saturday, Oct 11 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Members

Photos

  • Add Photos
  • View All

Latest Activity

Editor's Pick posted discussions
21 hours ago
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Saturday
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

Phutura featuring Egyptian Lover, DJ Babu (Beat Junkies), Double Peas, 45 Sessions crew at Public Works, SF

July 26, 2025 at 9:30pm to July 27, 2025 at 2am
SATURDAY, JULY 26 Public Works & Platurn Productions bring youPhuturaFeaturing Egyptian Lover DJ Babu (Beat Junkies) + Double Peas (Las Vegas) headlining with support from The 45 Sessions crewGold Digger Records vinyl mart & Roll Up Gallery art show (starts at 4pm)@ Public Works, 161 Erie St., San Francisco 9:30pm -…See More
Saturday
realmuzik posted a discussion

Lil Mike Drops Highly Anticipated Single “Weight Up”

Michael Jones, who goes by the family given name Lil Mike, is a hip hop artist born and raised in Anderson, Indiana. Making his debut as an up and coming artist, the Indiana native quickly took a strong passion to music at the age of 11 or 12. He soon surfaced his unique and experimental sound with hip hop. With influences like 50 Cent, Lil Wayne, Andre 3000, Tupac,…See More
Saturday
Tampa Mystic posted a blog post

Money Stacks Drops Gritty New Single “Cold Dayz” from Upcoming Album ‘Back To Da Streets 7’

Harlem’s own Money Stacks returns with powerful storytelling and raw lyricism in his latest single “Cold Dayz,” released on March 7, 2025. Produced by Alfastarbeats and engineered by Dan.Akill, the track dives deep into the harsh realities and emotional weight of past struggles, the kind of memories that shaped the artist’s path. With the opening bar setting the tone, “Cold Dayz” captures the pain and truth poured from pen to pad. It’s a reflective piece, not just music but art carved from…See More
Saturday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Friday
Olivia Perry posted blog posts
Friday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Thursday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Wednesday
realmuzik posted a discussion

Intercept Music Marks Successes with Indie Hip Hop Labels Afimi Music and Viral New Wave and Announces Veteran Music Exec, Jesse Flores, as New Hire

San Francisco, CA – Intercept Music is disrupting the indie music marketing and digital distribution game for hip hop labels and independent artists who are looking to expand their streams and boost their profits.  Showcasing success stories like Shawn Mickelonis, COO at …See More
Jul 15
Editor's Pick posted videos
Jul 15
Editor's Pick posted an event
Thumbnail

THROWBACK featuring DJ Audio1 at Hello Stranger Bar, Oakland

July 23, 2025 at 9pm to July 24, 2026 at 1:45am
WEDNESDAY JULY 23 THROWBACK (2nd & 4th Wednesdays) All Throwbacks: Hip Hop, Soul/Funk, Reggae +more!FeaturingDJ Audio1at Hello Stranger Bar, 1724 Broadway, Oakland. Doors 8pm. DJ Set starts at 9pm. No…See More
Jul 15

© 2025   Created by Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service