Elvis Presley is one of the greatest stars in the history of pop culture. This pop legend died on 16 August 1977 at the age of 42. On 8 January 2005 millions of fans all over the world will celebrate the 70th birthday of the "King of Rock'n'Roll". The Haus der Geschichte has a remarkable collection of Elvis-memorabilia and on the anniversary of Presley's birthday decided to put on an exhibition on the influence of American pop culture on Germany.
Elvis Presley combines "white" Country and Western music and the "black" Rhythm'n'Blues to create his own style, Rockabilly. In 1953 he records his first album, and appeals to a crossover mass audience only a few years later. He conveys a new lifestyle to the youth. With a distinctive hairdo, colourful clothes and lascivious moves he embodies the break with accepted norms and behaviour. Although he does not declare any political opinions, he is perceived as a rebel.
Presley's music electrifies people and at the same time works like a catalyst. Never before has an American star had closer ties with and more influence on Germany. From 1958 to 1960 he serves in the army in Friedberg, Taunus. For that period he and his companions live in Bad Nauheim. There he also meets his later wife Priscilla, the daughter of an American GI. The media pounces on him and young audiences accept him enthusiastically. Elvis awakes longings and appeals emotionally to the young Germans who are caught between protest and adaptation, between individualism and group mentality.
The presence of American troops in the Federal Republic of Germany shapes the relationship between the two countries after World War II. Elvis stands for the "American Way of Life", which conveys a feeling of upheaval and freedom to young Germans. The adoration of the star, which at times develops hysterical traits, mirrors a whole generation's positive image of the United States, an image which would later change dramatically during the Vietnam war and the students' movement. Nevertheless, the admiration for Elvis Presley and his music is unabated. His music remains definitive for pop and youth culture up to today.
The music and the historical "story" make the exhibition on "Elvis in Germany" come alive. The visitor embarks on a journey through a very emotional chapter of the German-American relationship. In an attractive mixture of things forgotten, unknown, spectacular and simple, a major part of the history of German-American relations is exemplified through the legend Elvis Presley.
|
 |