Throughout generations, things such as fashion, technology and government change. Another thing that changes significantly is music. Music is a language everyone can listen to, but often in different dialects. It’s pretty rare to find teens today who have 1950s music on their iPods. And you probably wouldn’t hear a retiree jammin’ to Britney Spears. By looking through someone’s music collection, you could compile many different styles.

In the past 50 years, icons of modern music have changed dramatically, from Elvis all the way to Soulja Boy. Elvis Presley, the music icon of the 1950s, sold more than 1 billion records, spending more weeks at the top of the charts than any other artist in the world, according to fiftiesweb.com. In today’s music world, Soulja Boy has fans, too. In fact, music Web site castmp3.com says he averages 15,000 to 30,000 plays a day on his MySpace page.

Fans of all ages worshipped Elvis for his lyrics, good looks and catchy songs. On the other hand, many fans between the ages of 10 and 18 worship Soulja Boy for his profane lyrics and overall ‘њgangsta’ќ image. Both ingenious artists, both complete opposites. Nowadays, people still listen to Elvis’ timeless songs. When dancing to him, some might snap their fingers or tap their feet. When dancing to Soulja Boy, one might assume the ‘њsuperman’ќ flying position.

It’s true that many teens hear hard-core rap and go crazy. His often-played ‘њCrank That’ќ is such a catchy tune that many people can’t help but get up and move. Elvis was the king of rock ‘n’ roll. With his meaningful, soulful music, it’s no wonder he’s known as ‘њThe King.’ќ As for Soulja Boy ‘¦ well, at least ‘њsoul’ќ is in his name.