After watching King Creole and reading about Elvis Presley’s star persona, fame and life, it is extremely apparent just how similar the character he plays on screen and the person he is in life are. Not only do they both come from the south, but also they are both skyrocket to unprecedented fame for their singing, good looks and hip maneuvers. However, it was never brought to my attention before that Elvis not only in his personal life but also through the character he played may be seen as the white trash king or to put it more simply, white trash. He was not only called “The King” in real life, this typically refers to him being the king of rock and roll but in the article “King of White Trash Culture” the author uses this title to refer to the white class culture. The film on the other hand is titled King Creole, which is the name of the bar that Presley’s character sings at. However, this title can have double meaning as well. Presley’s character Danny creates business for this bar but before it was the least profitable bar on the street in New Orleans. This then can be seen as the king of white trash or at least the king of the underdogs.
This idea of being “King” regardless of what he was king of, has stayed consistent throughout generations. As the article “All the King’s Men” pointed out, there are many Elvis impersonators from varies walks of life. This not only shows the impact Elvis had on the entire country and history but also ties back to his white trash roots. These impersonators as the article states are not always flattering and become somewhat obsessed. Both articles emphasize the obsession white trash culture has with Presley. This obsession can be seen in the film as well. Danny is not only wanted by two different, relatively unsuccessful women but he is also desired by two semi-unsuccessful bar owners. No person in the film ever has any desire to leave New Orleans or to become bigger than the biggest bar in New Orleans. They all seem to be comfortable in the south (which is seen as the hometown for white trash) and any desires for betterment are never expressed.
Elvis Presley is one of the most famous and influential artists of all time, however, it was surprising to me to find out that his persona and even the characters he played on screen displayed “white trash culture” and a black identity that was camouflaged by his white exterior.
Some questions to consider:
Had Elvis been from the north would he have been as successful?
Why was he so successful when he portrayed black characteristics during a time with such high racial tensions?
Do you think that most people in the 1950’s picked up on the idea that Elvis represented a white-Negro? Or were they fans because he brought something new to the music industry?
How does the image of Elvis as white trash in the 1950’s differ from the image we have today of white trash?
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