I was in Vegas in the early 2000’s, 25 years after Elvis’ death - there was black Elvis, white Elvis and middle eastern Elvis.
Black singers started rhythm and blues. Elvis grew up listening to rythym and blues, country and gospel. He combined it all and sang his own style, not like any white man before him or back man before him. He didnt steal a thing. Jimmy Rodgers was singing the blues in the 20s. Elvis was Elvis. By the way his favorite singers were Dean Martin and Roy Orbison, and JD Sumner, the gospel bass legend, who was in his band for a while. Elvis favorite music was Southern Gospel.