Inventing Elvis: An American Icon in a Cold War World

Elvis Presley's global transformation from a teenage rebel to a pop-cultural embodiment of the U.S. during the Cold War is explored in this book, highlighting his role as an informal ambassador for the American way of life in West Germany. However, his superstardom and personal decline vindicated stereotypes about the materialistic nature of U.S. society.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 10 December 2020
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Elvis Presley, a towering figure in 20th-century American culture, has left an indelible mark on the world. However, in his early years, he was perceived as deeply un-American due to his controversial adaptation of rhythm and blues music and his gyrating on-stage performances. This book delves into Elvis Presley's global transformation from a teenage rebel to one of the United States' most significant pop-cultural embodiments. It explores how Elvis's rise was part of an emerging transnational youth culture shaped by the Cold War. The book also analyzes his stint as a G.I. soldier in West Germany, where he acted as an informal ambassador for the American way of life and quickly became a deeply patriotic figure. However, it suggests that Elvis's increasingly synonymous identity with U.S. culture ultimately proved to be a double-edged sword, as his superstardom and personal decline seemed to vindicate long-held stereotypes about the materialistic nature of American society.

Tracing Elvis Presley's story from his unlikely rise in the 1950s to his tragic death in August 1977, this book offers a captivating account of changing American identities during the Cold War. It sheds fresh light on the powerful role of popular music and consumerism in shaping images of the United States during the cultural struggle between East and West. Elvis Presley's impact on global culture cannot be overstated. His music, style, and persona have influenced generations of artists and fans worldwide. His controversial adaptation of rhythm and blues music and his gyrating on-stage performances sent shockwaves through Eisenhower's conservative America and far beyond. However, his global transformation from a teenage rebel to one of the United States' most significant pop-cultural embodiments is a testament to his enduring legacy.

Elvis's rise was part of an emerging transnational youth culture whose political impact was heavily conditioned by the Cold War. The Cold War, a period of geopolitical tension and rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, had a profound impact on global culture. The United States, seeking to promote its values and ideals, used popular culture as a tool to influence the attitudes and behaviors of people around the world. Elvis Presley was a perfect example of this. His music, style, and persona were a direct reflection of the emerging American culture, and he quickly became a symbol of youth rebellion and freedom.

Elvis's stint as a G.I. soldier in West Germany was another significant moment in his global transformation. He was sent to Germany as part of the U.S. military's occupation force and quickly became a cultural sensation. His performances, which combined elements of rock and roll, rhythm and blues, and country music, were a hit with the German population. He was also known for his love of German food, beer, and cars, and his interactions with German soldiers and civilians were widely reported in the media.

However, Elvis's increasingly synonymous identity with U.S. culture ultimately proved to be a double-edged sword. While his popularity and influence continued to grow, he also faced criticism for his excesses and personal decline. His superstardom and personal struggles seemed to vindicate long-held stereotypes about the materialistic nature of American society. This criticism was particularly prevalent in the Soviet Union, where Elvis was seen as a symbol of American imperialism and consumerism.

Despite these challenges, Elvis Presley's impact on global culture remains profound. He has been hailed as a cultural icon and a symbol of freedom and rebellion. His music continues to be celebrated and played worldwide, and his style and persona have influenced fashion, music, and popular culture for decades. In conclusion, Elvis Presley's global transformation from a teenage rebel to one of the United States' most significant pop-cultural embodiments is a testament to his enduring legacy. His rise was part of an emerging transnational youth culture shaped by the Cold War, and his stint as a G.I. soldier in West Germany was a significant moment in his global transformation. While his popularity and influence continued to grow, he also faced criticism for his excesses and personal decline. Despite these challenges, Elvis Presley's impact on global culture remains profound, and he will continue to be celebrated and studied for generations to come.

Weight: 352g
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350107656