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'I am indebted to Scott W. Johnson, my fellow at the Claremont Institute, for many things over the years, but not many rate higher than his 'introducing' me to Elvis Presley. I came of age (i.e., reached the 9th grade), just in time for the 'British Invasion' and, despite my childhood memories, soon came to think of him as the ultimate in passe; so, I was astonished when Scott told me, a year or two ago, that in his opinion Elvis Presley was the greatest male vocalist of the 20th Century; I had never thought of him in that light, to put it mildly, but that conversation caused me to realize that I had never actually 'listened'; starting then, I did - with the aid of Scott's encyclopedic music collection -, so if you have never gotten past a cartoon image of Elvis, do yourself a favor and 'listen''.

Elvis Presley#89

BiasDiscoveryListening

About this quote

What does it mean?
A friend introduced the author to Elvis, prompting deeper listening beyond cartoon images, revealing Elvis as a top vocalist.
In plain terms
Listening beyond stereotypes showed Elvis’s vocal greatness.
What can you take from it?
Direct exposure can change preconceived notions.

Where it applies

  • music education
  • personal listening

Putting it to work

  • re-examine familiar icons
  • listen actively

Questions to consider

  • How often do we miss depth due to stereotypes?
  • What steps help overcome bias?

Another view

Personal taste may still limit appreciation.

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  2. 'When healthy and serious, he was flat-out the world's greatest singer. In his voice, he possessed the most beautiful musical instrument, and the genius to pla…

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  3. 'He was the most commercially successful singer of rock and roll, but he also had success with ballads, country, gospel, blues, pop, folk and even semi-operati…

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