Not according to Little Richard
The radio station we listen to at work had a story the other day about a recent interview with Little Richard, whom they quoted as saying that it "irritated him" to hear Elvis Presley called "The King of Rock n' Roll".
He correctly pointed out that Chuck Berry, who many consider to be the "original" Rock n' Roller, and he, himself, were there before Elvis, making very popular music in this new style. He also mentioned Bill Haley. He considered that they, rather than Elvis, should rightfully be looked upon as the Kings.
I understand and, to a point, agree with his views. However, in my opinion, Elvis is, was, and always will be The King.
I would be willing to consider Berry and Little Richard (and Haley) as the "Romulus and Remus" (the mythological founders of Rome) of the R&R "kingdom".
They set the boundaries, laid the foundation, built the first walls and rude structures. Then Elvis came along and "threw open the gates" of the "kingdom" for a wider range of its subjects, becoming rock's first true superstar and making R&R accessible, and acceptable, to the masses. It was all gold for the realm from then on.
Elvis was a good King, too; he was a fantastic entertainer. He had a couple slumps, but came back and stood strong in the face of changing times and styles.
And like any good king, he died on the Throne (sorry, I couldn't resist).
Elvis Presley: 1935-1977
Long live the King.