You might know him as just Elvis. Elvis Presley was the sensational "King of Rock and Roll" of the 1950s. Some said Elvis commanded an electrifying response from his fans, most of whom were young women who, sort of, worshipped him. He had these funny dance moves with his waist that were characteristic of his style. (Well, it's conventional for most star actors to have their definitive style, whether in the arts, sports, or business.)
But for Elvis, it was different. The way these fans scream and the atmosphere his presence creates for them is worth being studied. Some say that his work represented a new kind of rebellious music that resonated with the younger generation of his time; they also attribute the reactions to his good looks, stage presence, and moves that were sexually provocative.
But, my point is the response. This could not exactly be compared to the responses of the conventional artists of today. The only comparison will be the likes of The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Michael Jackson, Bob Marley etc. These people represented something much more than what their professional roles were. They allowed people to find their tribe; they allowed people to use their work as a medium to express and exude deeply seated spiritual and congregational concerns and pursuit for freedom. They allowed people to have hope and contribute to a rebellion they found purposeful.
I must confess that these people might not have understood the role they were playing for humanity: to be a medium of human expression. To create work that tells a unique story people would love to identify with. It's a powerful position to be in, and it comes with a mishmash of feelings that need to be handled with a careful hand. Some of these men allowed this role they played to unconsciously sway them into uncontrollable delectations and irrational satisfactions of the same.
And I must say this is not just about the arts. In business also, we have seen these responses. Men like Steve Jobs have a unique charm and charisma in their work that they command a cult-like following. Some of them let it get to their head. And down they fell. There's a quote that says, (and I am paraphrasing), "It takes more than intelligence to hold the brimming cup of success." And truly, it does.
With the work that you do, if you are uncommonly charismatic and inspirational, few people will enable your work as a plaque for some monumental cause. (Maybe even the majority.) But, don't let it create an ambience of a subtle aura of pride and irrationality.
References: Elvis Presley - Elvis Presley Official website | Girls screaming - Bygonely.com by Heather Brown
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