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Elvis On New GQ Style List

August 18, 2004 | Other
GQ names the 25 most stylish musicians of all time in its September 2004 Big Style issue. Music legends David Bowie, Frank Sinatra and Bob Dylan have topped a new list of stylish musicians. The well-dressed trio join idols like Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Marvin Gaye and Elvis Presley.

On Elvis GQ writes: "Elvis Presley: Movies trivialized him; pharmaceuticals wrecked him. But for those few magical years before he shipped off to Germany, Elvis was the most magnetic creature on the planet." You can pick up the issue with the detailed listing on August 24, 2004.
Source:Google
Jim Semple wrote on August 18, 2004
Yet more shit about Elvis, ''those few years''. 1970s he was absolutely brilliant.
Jim Semple wrote on August 19, 2004
I agree. As much as I am a huge Elvis fan, I personally think Frank Sinatra was equal in status to Elvis. Arguably a greater singer without any doubt but two huge influential artistes. As Elvis himself said, there is room for everyone.
vegaselvisfan wrote on August 20, 2004
i am shocked GQ is only thinking of the 50s. (and please give Lansky's credit!) in the 60s, elvis had beatiful style in the movies thanks to Edith Head--a premiere costumer for the movie. my first thought was the cool off stage outfits of the 70s! my gosh, i grew up then and elvis wore clothes that took the current trends to the max. he could pull it off. i see eta's wearing the same clothes and only *some*, the few, can pull it off. bill belew is a fantastic clothing designer. i love those 70s clothes. i must quote bill here, something he said at a convention i went to: "Bob Mackey may have had Cher to dress up, but i had ELVIS. " right on!
Kenneth wrote on August 19, 2004
that list of people,excluding 'ELVIS', are "legends"?. give me a break.
TCBn with TLC Bet wrote on August 19, 2004
He had a flair for fashion starting in high school and hanging araound Beale Street and Lansky's. He offstage outfits were fabulous too...look at the outfit he wore to meet Nixon and also for the Jaycee speech. Everytime he was seen out he wore something only he would wear...no one cooler!
King Of Western Bop wrote on August 19, 2004
In their respective field and style of music of course the other names are legends. How can anyone say that Frank Sinatra wasn't a music legend? Same goes for Jimi Hendrix, etc. I'm no particular fan of these musicians - in fact I don't own a single record by any of them - but I won't let my love of Elvis blind me to the fact that there are other talented people too. If others wish to apply this petty backbiting in their diatribes against Elvis then let them. We should be confident in our admiration of the world's greatest entertainer. We should find those that knock him laughable. Don't stoop to their level by dismissing the talents of others. Since becoming an Elvis fan 27 years ago, listening to him as opened my eyes to a world of music I didn't know about. Elvis was unstinting in his praise of other artists. As he himself said: "There's room for everybody in this business". He was right.
King Of Western Bop wrote on August 20, 2004
In regard to Frank Sinatra having a better voice. First of all this kind of thing is a rather personal opinion to each listener. If you want the most perfectly technical voices then look to the world of opera. Secondly, Frank Sinatra may have had a laid back silky smooth voice but it can't be said to be the most wide ranging of voices in terms of the singing of different genres of music. Compare the styles of music that Elvis sang to those of Sinatra. Elvis wins hands down. And let's remember that there were ballad singers before and after Sinatra. How many out & out rock singers were there before Elvis? In terms of influence and the changing of popular culture then Elvis is rightfully regarded as King. As to this GQ thing. Let's stop bickering about the 1950's v. the 1960's/'70s. All had their good and bad points in terms of style - though again, this is a matter of personal choice and taste. My thing is the 1950's. For others it will be different.
PJGois wrote on August 18, 2004
Jim's right! Yes, the 50's he could do no wrong. the early 60's Elvis had learned to be a true master of his art. The mid 60's may of not been very good but then there's the late 60's and early 70's, where Elvis became master again. Yes, Elvis was one great Cat! If you only look at Elvis' career in whole, You'll know that he had a lot more ups and downs. he succeaded more then he failed. Unfortunetly in this world today, shit sells. And it doesn't care who you are. All we can do is reminde those who don't know any better.