Elvis Presley dominated the music charts throughout the ‘50s, and if anyone is feeling a sense of deja vu it’s because he has once again the reigning name on the Billboard charts. This is not the first time, nor will it be the last, when Presley surges in popularity decades after his passing.
Everything about Presley was sensational during his ascent, from his dulcet voice to his ostentatious wardrobe—the latter showed off by scandalously gyrating hips that had critics aghast. So, what is the secret behind his ability to captivate generations later?
Elvis Presley is once again reigning at the top of the Billboard charts and the like
Forbes reports that on the week of July 12, Presley appeared on no fewer than three Billboard charts. On top of that, his work is also continuing to climb and cover more ground on those same charts, the outlet notes.
Looking at other esteemed listings shows quieter progress but success nonetheless. For instance, Presley is just clinging onto a spot on the Top Rock & Alternative Albums chart. Though his spot is tenuous, the King of Rock and Roll did move up a spot in the ranking between last week and this week.
What is happening to make Elvis Presley still rank so well
When ranking songs, Billboard typically looks at values like sales, streams, and airplay, a way of sharing a music-streaming experience generated by Apple. There’s no beating the power of playing a record, pulling out a CD, or anything similar, but the advent of so many new music streaming services has made it easier than ever for everyone to access every song ever performed—including those by Elvis Presley.
Presley’s work has been helpfully cataloged even after his passing, both in official albums—perhaps the most famous and most helpful of them being Elvis: 30 #1 Hits—and with entire streaming stations dedicated to the King’s work.
That makes it nice and easy for a Presley treasure trove like Elvis: 30 #1 Hits to jump 19 places in the Billboard 200 chart. Forbes notes that a feat like this is all the more remarkable because songs will be at a disadvantage in moving up the Billboard ranking when they’re not new. Now, try being a collection of music from the 1950s amassed into a compilation released in 2002.
Of course, Elvis: 30 #1 Hits had a victory lap upon its initial release, too. Upon its release over two decades ago, the album rocketed to the top of the charts in 17 territories around the globe. Within its first week, it sold over 4.7 million units worldwide. It also represented the biggest sales week of an archival album since the Beatles album 1.
How much longer do you anticipate Elvis Presley securing a solid position on the Billboard charts?