单选题 We lost two superstars in 1977. Neither man's admirers have been able to understand the success of the other one. And this tells us something of the difference between the generations that the two singers represent.
There were similarities between Bing Crosby and Elvis Presley. Both reached fame while young and became very rich. Although neither one had any musical education, both developed their own musical styles, which were at first criticized by the critics and later studied as new forms in the art of popular song. Both men had successful movie careers despite a total lack of acting ability.
Both were creations of the microphone, which made it possible for singers with weak voices to be heard beyond the third row. With Bing the microphone was usually hidden; but Elvis brought it to the stage.
The difference between the two men reflects the changing values in American life. Crosby's music was soothing(令人舒畅的); Presley's was disturbing. Crosby was singing to wartime America. His audiences had all the disturbances they could handle in their private lives; they did not want to buy more at the record shop and the movie theater.
Crosby's admirers always said how "relaxed" and "natural" he was. When Presley began his career, the whole country had become relaxed and easygoing. Its young people, who had no memory of troubled times, found it boring. They were hungry for excitement. They welcomed Elvis, who was certainly not the kind of young man their parents would admire. Presley was loud and vulgar (粗俗的)—and he was bringing something new and exciting.
It is probably too simple to explain each man in terms of changes in the economic and political situation. Something in the culture was also changing.

单选题 Which of the following could be inferred about Crosby and Presley?
A. They died in the same year. B. They became popular in 1977.
C. They influenced each other in music. D. They represented the postwar generation.

单选题 In which aspect the singers are similar to each other?
A. Their songs were widely used in movies.
B. They became famous in late years of their lives.
C. Their musical styles are not recognized by the critics.
D. Neither of them received any formal musical education.

单选题 What did Crosby's audiences get from his music?
A. Excitement. B. Disturbance.
C. Ease and comfort. D. Passion and thrill.

单选题 What is most likely to be discussed if the passage continues?
A. The political situation that the two singers faced.
B. The cultural changes that the two singers experienced.
C. The economic influence on the music of the two singers.
D. The messages that the two singers expressed in their music.