Elvis Presley's impact on The Beatles

"Before Elvis, there was nothing." --John Lennon

If rock and roll had to be summed up in a phrase, it would be the "combination of black and white American music."

That is why Elvis Presley is considered the King. He took the musical styles of gospel, rhythm and blues, and country and western and combined them all into what is labeled "rock and roll." On top of that, he had youth, sex appeal and attitude.

Elvis was one-of-a-kind in the sense that very few performers were able to incorporate the two musical cultures into an explosive combination.

Enter the Beatles.

Their idols, besides Elvis, were the top black performers of the day: John idolized Chuck Berry and Paul vocally imitated Little Richard. Meanwhile, George was heavily influenced by country singer and guitarist, Carl Perkins.

It may not be as obvious as Elvis, but the Beatles took their influences from both the black and white cultures and incorporated them into their own style.

As proof, just look at how many cover songs recorded by black artists the Beatles released in the early days: "Long Tall Sally" "Please Mr. Postman" "Twist and Shout" "You Really Got a Hold on Me" ; as well as country songs "Honey Don't" and "Everybody's Trying to Be My Baby".

Watch the Beatles perform with their idols:

John Lennon appearing with Chuck Berry on "The Mike Douglas Show", 1971

George Harrison appearing with Carl Perkins on "Carl Perkins and Friends", 1985