American Cultural Icons: Music Legends and Presidential Legacy

Music plays an important role in our lives. Each type of music tells us something about the place it comes from, and each musician has a different story to tell. Let's take a look at some of the most famous people in American music and a pivotal figure in U.S. history.

American Music Legends

Rock 'n' Roll

Elvis Presley was the King of Rock 'n' Roll. Elvis began his singing career in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1954. At the time, Country and Western was the most popular type of music in the U.S. With a fast rhythm and a casual style in his music, Elvis changed the world of entertainment forever. "That's All Right" and "All Shook Up" are some of his most famous songs.

Did you know?

Elvis has more platinum albums than any other artist. He has 55, and The Beatles have 37.

Country Music

Johnny Cash made country music known all over the world. He started singing in the 1950s and soon became a success. His sweet music and deep voice appealed to both rock and country lovers. "Cry, Cry, Cry" and "Ring of Fire" are two of his best songs.

Did you know?

His nickname was "The Man in Black" because he liked wearing dark clothes. He was good friends with Elvis.

Pop Music

Michael Jackson first appeared in 1968 as a member of The Jackson 5. Three years later, he started his solo career and became the most popular pop singer in the world. "Thriller" is the world's best-selling album of all time. His dance techniques and sweet voice influenced many hip-hop and pop music artists. "Beat It" and "Billie Jean" are his most famous songs.

Did you know?

He married Elvis' daughter, Lisa Marie, in 1994.

Abraham Lincoln: A Legacy of Leadership

Abraham Lincoln was born in Kentucky, USA, in 1809. His family was poor, so he didn't go to school. He was very smart and taught himself how to read and write. By the time he was 17, he knew he wanted to be a lawyer. At the age of 21, he moved to Illinois. He worked hard and managed to become a lawyer in 1836. In 1842, he married Mary Todd. The couple had four sons.

In March 1861, Lincoln became the 16th President of the United States. Five weeks later, the Civil War began. It was a fight between the North and the South about slavery. Lincoln wanted to stop slavery in the U.S. He also wanted the U.S. to remain one nation. "A house divided against itself cannot stand," he quoted from the Bible. He achieved both of his goals.

On April 14th, 1865, he and his wife were at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. John Wilkes Booth, one of the actors, shot the president. Lincoln died nine hours later. He was an honest man and a great leader.

"This nation shall have a new birth of freedom and that this government, of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

— A. Lincoln, 1863