Elvis Presley Goes Back to Driving a Truck

I heard an interesting fact on the radio this morning. On October 2, 1954 Elvis Presley made his first and only appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. He sang "Blue Moon of Kentucky" and was unimpressive enough that one of the Opry executives suggested that Elvis go back to driving a truck.

Of course he did not, but what if.........

Scotty Moore and Bill Black, who were grouped with Elvis, were disappointed enough with their performance on the Opry that they quit playing with Elvis. Elvis returns to Memphis disillusioned and gives up playing and recording music.

What happens to Elvis Presley? What is the new future of rock and roll? Who becomes "The King" of rock and roll?
 
Hmm. I'm not sure who was the most talented person who could bring Chuck Berry's rock n' roll to white people besides Elvis.
 
Well Jerry Lee Lewis was heavily influenced by African-American music and at one point a threat to Elvis. However, the scandal with his cousin/wife will probably still bring him down.
 
My guess -- "Rock" music goes a few more years without a famous white face; by the time the record companies find someone, it's 1959 and Ray Charles is changing the game yet again starting the Soul explosion.

Result? Soul, not Rock and Roll, is the chief soundtrack of the 1960's in both black and white households...
 
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