Skip to content
quotesby

'Without preamble, the three-piece band cuts loose. In the spotlight, the lanky singer flails furious rhythms on his guitar, every now and then breaking a string; in a pivoting stance, his hips swing sensuously from side to side and his entire body takes on a frantic quiver, as if he had swallowed a jackhammer; his loud baritone goes raw and whining in the high notes, but down low it is rich and round. As he throws himself into one of his specialties- 'Blue Suede Shoes' or 'Long Tall Sally', his throat seems full of desperate aspirates or hiccuping glottis strokes, but his movements suggest, in a word, sex'.

Elvis Presley#153

MusicPerformanceEnergyLive performanceStage presenceSexuality

About this quote

What does it mean?
The three‑piece band erupts with raw, frenetic energy; the singer’s intense physicality and gritty vocals convey a sexual, powerful presence.
In plain terms
The performance is raw, frantic, and sexually charged.
What can you take from it?
Physical intensity amplifies musical expression.

Where it applies

  • concerts
  • dance clubs

Putting it to work

  • use body movement to match music intensity
  • emphasize raw vocal tones

Questions to consider

  • How does physical movement affect audience perception?
  • When is raw vocal style appropriate?

Another view

The description may exaggerate the sexual connotation for dramatic effect.

More from Elvis Presley

  1. 'It was just before Christmas 1962 and as I was driving from El Paso to the East Coast, I began forming the idea that would become this song; not very long aft…

    Permalink to quote #152
  2. 'Had Presley never sung a note he might have still caused a stir, but sing he did. Watershed hits such as 'All Shook Up' (1957) or, for instance, 'Are You Lone…

    Permalink to quote #154
  3. ' In 'Mystery Train' (1955), he rocks out with an astounding depth, Elvis' voice never sounding so rich, nor so pleading; best of all is his final spontaneous …

    Permalink to quote #151

Related quotes

  1. 'For me, the most important thing is the element of chance that is built into a live performance. The very great drawback of recorded sound is the fact that it…

    Aaron CoplandAaron Copland quote #1
  2. 'I see who you are with the laser, you little dickhead. Oh, aren't you so cool? ahahahahah... Yeah, I saved all my allowance from mommy to go buy a laser so I …

    Dave MustaineDave Mustaine quote #2
  3. We are not going to continue until we hear the fucking roof rattle.

    Ozzy OsbourneOzzy Osbourne quote #4