1950sThe 1950s were quite radical actually, it was the decade that started rock n' roll, the civil rights movement, better family life, advances in technology , fashion, medical research, and other wonderful things. this country was not used to seeing or hearing. The 1950s have been viewed more as a state of mind or a way of living rather than simply a decade or another era in American history. Everything was peaceful now, which, considering two world wars and the Great Depression, this country was not at all used to. Nobody worried about the war, nobody worried about how they were going to feed their children and keep a roof over their heads because everyone had a job and the economy was doing well. (Edey, Maitlanded.57) The teenagers were also having more fun than ever. Rock n' roll was introduced to them and they all seemed at the time to know what they wanted in life, go to school, get a degree, get a job, get married and have kids, all of that in that order, just like their parents. . (Clayton, Andrew.24) The 1950s was the most influential decade in American history because the Civil Rights Act began, fashion was completely new and fashionable, there were many advancements in entertainment and medicine, and suburban living was far more "functional" than 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 let go of having fun. (Pareles, John.3) Elvis Presley was quite the king of rock and roll, with songs like Hound Dog, Don't Be Cruel, and Love Me Tendre and Ready Teddy Elvis lit up the stage. ("Elvis Presley-Biographical Timeline-The Fifties") Elvis was born on January 8, 1935. He bought his first guitar in 1946 for $12.95 at the local hardware store. In 1954, Sam Phillips teamed Elvis with local musicians Scotty Moore (guitar) and Bill Black (bass). By November 1955, Elvis had 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 movie that Elvis came out with; Jailhouse Rock was released in May 1957. It was the film that really helped Elvis launch his career.