Why is ELVIS so attached to Country music?

[Analog]

Elvis was just honored again by country music with a huge bronze statue. Why is he so attached to country music? His music doesn't seem very country to me.

 

[Homerboy]

Ummm Nashville? Graceland? Where do you think his roots are?

 

[rudder]

Elvis did a lot of gospel. Gospel is tied close with country music. Thats my guess.

 

[Analog]

BB King grew up in Memphis, he's not attached to country music.

The gospel thing makes sense though.

 

[Mucho]

Originally posted by: yellowfiero
BB King grew up in Memphis, he's not attached to country music.

The gospel thing makes sense though.

Hmm BB King is not white.

 

[PlatinumGold]

southern rock of yesteryear is very similar to pop country today.

elvis had strong ties to Johnny Cash too.

 

[Fingolfin269]

When I think of Gospel I also think of pelvic twists/thrusts. And Cocaine. I need to make sure to not forget the Cocaine.

 

[daniel1113]

Originally posted by: PlatinumGold
southern rock of yesteryear is very similar to pop country today.

elvis had strong ties to Johnny Cash too.

I've always found it humorous that one was labeled as "country" while the other "rock and roll" when in fact the two were quite similar.

 

[DeMeo]

Elvis played (espec. early stuff) memphis rockabilly which is pretty much a cross over between country, blues and rock.

 

[NuclearNed]

Today's country music sounds more like Elvis than today's pop or rock.

 

[Gibsons]

Originally posted by: Homerboy
Ummm Nashville? Graceland? Where do you think his roots are?

Graceland is in Memphis.

 

[jalaram]

Originally posted by: DeMeo
Elvis played (espec. early stuff) memphis rockabilly which is pretty much a cross over between country, blues and rock.

That's the main reason. His early stuff was very close to country.