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The 25 best musicians of the Rock & Roll era

Who took the top slots for the best artists in the Rock-and-Roll era? Check out the full list.

22. Elvis Presley

AP

  • By Molly Driscoll Staff Writer

Presley, a singer and guitar and piano player, is often known as the "King of Rock 'n' Roll" because of his profound influence on the genre, and his performances, often called indecent at the time, had an effect on how musicians still perform today.

"He rose from humble circumstances to launch the rock and roll revolution with his commanding voice and charismatic stage presence," the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame wrote on Presley. "In the words of the historical marker that stands outside the house where he was born: 'Presley’s career as a singer and entertainer redefined popular music'... As far as his stature as a cultural icon, which continues to grow even in death, writer Lester Bangs said it best: 'I can guarantee you one thing - we will never again agree on anything as we agreed on Elvis.'"

Presley rose to fame in 1956, also the year in which he recorded the song "Heartbreak Hotel," and is known today for songs such as "Blue Suede Shoes," "Hound Dog" and "Love Me Tender."

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Mark Sappenfield
Editor

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