Question

Why was Elvis popular with the youth in the 1950s?

a. They liked his outfits.
b. He was a social conservative, like many of their parents.
c. He had a rebellious attitude, which they admired.
d. He had good back-up singers and dancers.

Answer 1

Elvis Presley was popular with 1950s youth due to his rebellious attitude, his fusion of various musical styles into rock 'n' roll, and the cultural revolution he represented which resonated with teenagers seeking to break from conservative norms.

Step-by-step explanation:

Elvis Presley's popularity with the youth in the 1950s can largely be attributed to his rebellious attitude and his style of music which offered an escape from the conformity of the 1950s. Elvis's music, a fusion of gospel, blues, bluegrass, country, western, and R&B, resonated with teenagers who were eager for excitement and a break from the status quo. His performances, characterized by sultry looks and swinging hips, symbolized a break from conservative social norms and helped in pushing against racial barriers by embracing African American music.

His appealing blend of an authentic rock 'n' roll sound and a rebellious public persona drove teens wild, not least because it also seemed to threaten their parents' conservative values. Elvis's rise to fame during this era was also tied to broader cultural changes, as media like radio and television brought rock 'n' roll into mainstream American homes, bridging racial divides and fostering a cultural revolution among young people.