We lost two superstars in 1977. Neither man’s admirers have been able to understand the success of the other one. And this tells us something of the difference between the generations that the two singers represent.
There were similarities between Bing Crosby and Elvis Presley. Both reached fame while young and became very rich. Although neither one had any musical education, both developed their own musical styles, which were first criticized by the critics and later studied as new forms in the art of popular song. Both men had successful movie careers despite a total lack of acting ability.
Both were creations of the microphone, which made it possible for singers with weak voices to be heard beyond the third now. With Bing the microphone was usually hidden; but Elvis brought it to the stage.
The difference between the two men reflects the changing values in American life Crosby’s music was soothing( 令人舒畅的) , Presley’s was disturbing. Crosby was singing to wartime America. His audiences had all the disturbance they could handle in their private lives, they did not want to buy more at the record shop and the movie theater.
Crosby’s admires always said how “relaxed” and “natural” he was. When Presley began his career, the whole country had become relaxed and easygoing. Its young people, who had no memory of trouble times, found it boring. They were hungry for excitement. They welcomed Elvis, who was certainly not the kind of young man their parents would admire. Presley was load and vulgar( 粗俗的) —— and be was bringing something new and exciting.
It is probably too simple to explain each man in terms of changes in the economic and political situation. Something in the culture was also changing. 【題組】48.
Which of the following could be inferred about Crosby and Presley?
(A) They died in the same year. (B) They became popular in 1977
(C) They influenced each other in music (D) They represented the postwar generation
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