Beyond the Ducktail: Reconsidering Elvis Presley Through a Keen Observer’s Eyes
Elvis Presley. The name conjures instant images – the swivel, the sneer, the iconic hairstyle. But what happens when the icon attempts a reinvention? A fascinating 1969 New Yorker piece by Ellen Willis offers a unique lens through which to view Elvis’s 1969 Las Vegas return, and it reveals much more than just a changing hairstyle. Its a masterclass in critical observation, and a reminder of what truly fuels enduring stardom.
Willis’s column isn’t simply a concert review; it’s a journey.Her initial reaction to Elvis onstage is one of bewildered curiosity. She notes his dramatically slimmer physique – “sexy, totally alert” – but instantly zeroes in on the altered hair. The absence of the famous ducktail sparks confusion, yet this confusion quickly evolves into something far more profound.
What Willis discovers isn’t a desperate attempt to recapture youth, but a mature artist exploring new territory. She’s captivated by his playfulness and, crucially, his earnestness. Consider his performance of “In the Ghetto.” Willis doesn’t just hear a song; she interprets it as “a white Southern boy’s feeling for black music, with all that that implied.”
This is a key takeaway.Willis, despite being only 27 herself, recognized and appreciated Elvis’s evolution. “He knew better than to try to be nineteen again,” she writes, acknowledging his continued relevance at 33. He had something new to offer, not a rehash of the old.
The Power of Witnessing a Shift in Perspective
Willis’s writing style is remarkably effective. She doesn’t preach or attempt to dictate your opinion. Instead, she invites you to witness her evolving understanding. As the author notes, the piece’s brevity amplifies this effect.It feels like a direct transmission: “We don’t have much time, and I’m not trying to change your mind, but I’m allowing you to witness how I was moved from one place to another.”
This ability to guide readers through a personal intellectual journey is a hallmark of Willis’s work. She doesn’t just describe; she shows you how meaning is constructed.
Elvis and the Modern Pop Star
Reading Willis’s review today resonates deeply. It highlights Elvis’s place as a pioneer of the “blank-slate” pop star. Think about it: Elvis, like Taylor Swift and countless others, became a vessel for projection.
* He could embody a multitude of meanings for different people.
* He even actively cultivated these projections, fueling his stardom.
This is where Willis’s critical eye shines. She doesn’t focus on what Elvis means culturally, but on what he is doing as a performer. This isn’t about debunking the myth; it’s about appreciating the artistry of maintaining it.It’s profoundly romantic, she argues, to witness an artist who is still actively creating, still alive on stage.
Willis understood that Elvis wasn’t finished. He was an artist in progress, and her review captures the energy and excitement of that moment. It’s a reminder that true icons aren’t frozen in time, but constantly evolving, constantly offering new facets for us to explore.
Viva Las Vegas: Elvis Returns to the Stage – The King’s first concert at the International Hotel.
Worth a look