Hi Phil Dragoo,
Elvis sang “all kinds” well. But if I had to choose which genre was his best, it has to be gospel. To fully appreciate just how “sincere” and good a singer that Elvis was, you have to hear his gospel music. Even “non-believers” are moved by it.
Elvis was a true patriot. And he didn’t use his “celebrity” to get political like so many of the celebrity experts do these days, which really turns me off.
When he was asked in 1972 at the Madison Square Garden press conference about his views regarding the Vietnam protesters his response was “I’d rather keep my own personal views about that to myself. I’m just an entertainer.”
That’s one of the things I most respect about him.
He wasn’t “just an entertainer”. These days, celebrities are not that humble, and of course, they know everything and don’t hesitate to tell us how to think.
I loved Bruce Springsteen as a singer and songwriter and entertainer. Still do. I saw him live five times in the 1980s and he’s probably the best live performer EVER. When he kept his politics within the realm of his creative artistry, it was fine. It’s when he become a political advocate that he lost some of his luster for me. He’s still great. I just wish he’d refrained from becoming yet another dixie chick.
Elvis was beloved by people from all sides of the spectrum and I think part of the reason is because he was smart enough to keep his personal views to himself.
Springstein was born to run his mouth.