Elvis Presley Is Gone, but the Arguments About Him and His Music Are Not

Letter writer John E. Johnson (Sept. 16) is incorrect in saying Elvis “attempted to imitate and emulate African Americans.” Elvis was influenced by R&B; and blues singers but not just by them. He took his love for gospel, blues, country and pop and helped meld it all together in what became rock ‘n’ roll, and he always gave credit to his sources.

Being black or white wasn’t it--it was Elvis’ charisma and his style that put him on top for so many years.

Elvis had plenty of soul; if Johnson didn’t see or appreciate this, that’s his own opinion, but to imply that Elvis is to blame for blacks’ suffering is ludicrous.

SUE WIEGERT

Los Angeles