[quote]We expected him to do exactly what he did: market negro music to a white, teenybopper audience.

Explain a few things to me.

In 1956, the year Elvis had his first hits, that same year "The Platters" had 2 records in the top 20 best selling records of the year. They were black...who were they marketed to? BTW: one of them was the second best selling record after Elvis.

In 1957 and 1958 three black performers were in the top 20 best selling records. Who were they marketed to?

1959 Lloyd Price came in at #3 and #13. Wilbert Harrison at #14. The Platters at #16. The Coasters at #17.

1960 Jimmy Jones at #8. Chubby Checker #10.

1961 The biggest selling record of the year: Bobby Lewis at #1, Chubby Checker #7, Dee Clark # 9, The Shirelles #14, The Shirelles #16, Ray Charles #19.

1962 Biggest selling singer of the year : Ray Charles, #3 Dee Dee Sharp, #7 Little Eva, #8 The Sensations, #9 Chubby Checker, #10 The Shirelles, #13 Gene Chandler, #17 Chubby Checker & DeeDee Sharp, #19 Mary Wells.

In other words, in 1962, SIX black artists had the top 10 best selling records in the country. NINE black artists had the best selling records in the top 20.

Who were these black performers...all with outstanding success...being marketed to?