1950s The 1950s were indeed quite radical, this is the decade that started rock n' roll, the civil rights movement, better family life, technological advances, to fashion, medical research, and other wonderful things this country was not used to seeing or hearing. The 1950s were seen more as a state of mind or a way of life rather than another decade or era in American history. Now everything was peaceful, something that this country, after the two world wars and the great depression, was not at all used to. Nobody worried about the war, nobody worried about how they were going to feed their children and have a roof over their heads because everyone had jobs and the economy was doing great. (Edey, Maitlanded.57) Even the teenagers were having more fun than ever. They were introduced to rock n' roll and at that time it seemed like everyone knew what they wanted out of life, go to school, graduate high school, get a job, get married and have kids, all in that order, just like their parents had done. . (Clayton, Andrew.24) The 1950s were the most influential decade in American history because civil rights law began, fashion was completely new and trendy, there were many advancements in entertainment and medicine, and suburban life it was much more "functional" than the American one. any other decade in American history. One of the reasons why the 1950s was the most influential decade in American history is because rock and roll was introduced to the country and allowed people to forget their morals for a while and indulge in having fun. (Pareles, John.3) Elvis Presley was truly the king of rock and roll, with songs like hound dog, don't be cruel and love me, tender and ready, teddy bear Elvis lit up the stage. ("Elvis Presley-Biographical Timeline-The Fifties") Elvis was born on January 8, 1935. He purchased his first guitar in 1946 for $12.95 at the local hardware store. In 1954 Sam Phillips teamed up with Elvis with local musicians Scotty Moore (guitar) and Bill Black (bass). In November 1955 Elvis signed his first recording contract with RCA. His contract was for $40,000 and a $5,000 signing bonus for Elvis. In April 1956, Elvis signed a seven-year film contract with Hal Wallace and Paramount Pictures. The most famous film Elvis came out with; Jailhouse Rock was released in May 1957. This is the film that really helped Elvis launch his career.