Final answer:
Elvis Presley, as the "King of Rock and Roll," was profoundly influenced by African American music, blending R&B, gospel, and country into rock 'n' roll. His first record is a prime example, featuring songs that represent this cultural fusion. Presley's music helped break racial barriers in the music industry and propelled him to nationwide stardom.
Step-by-step explanation:
Elvis Presley, often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll," drew significant influence from African American music genres. His works were directly influenced by rhythm and blues, gospel, and country, which he expertly blended into what became known as rock 'n' roll. Presley was a native of Mississippi and Tennessee, regions rich in musical diversity. His first record, produced by Memphis' Sun Records in 1954, featured "That's All Right" an R&B tune by Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup, and "Blue Moon of Kentucky," a bluegrass song by Bill Monroe, illustrating the fusion of these musical styles.
In this process of creating his unique sound, Elvis Presley absorbed influences from both the Mississippi Delta's blues and Kentucky's bluegrass. This amalgamation of sounds was critical to the formation of Presley's style and the development of rock 'n' roll as a genre. Furthermore, Presley's success highlighted the cultural exchange between African American musicians like Chuck Berry and Little Richard, and mainstream audiences, aiding in the breakdown of racial barriers in music.
Despite the controversy surrounding rock 'n' roll during its emergence, particularly by adults who feared its influence on youth and morality, Elvis Presley's charisma, dynamic performance style, and vocal prowess captivated the nation. Presley's appearance on The Milton Berle Show in 1956 especially garnered significant attention, boosting his reputation as a leading figure in the rock 'n' roll movement.