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: Hardback
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 U.S. 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 transcended borders and generations, making him an icon of popular culture. However, his early years were marked by controversy and criticism, particularly in his adaptation of rhythm and blues music and his gyrating on-stage performances. These controversial elements were seen as un-American by some, who believed that they were incompatible with the conservative values of the time.

Despite these challenges, Elvis Presley's popularity continued to grow, and he became a symbol of rebellion and youth culture. His music, particularly his fusion of country, rock, and blues, resonated with people from all walks of life, and he quickly became one of the most successful musicians of the 20th century. Elvis's impact extended beyond music, as he became a fashion icon and a cultural phenomenon. His movies, television shows, and merchandise helped to solidify his image as a global superstar, and his influence on popular culture is still felt today.

Elvis Presley's global transformation is a fascinating study in the power of popular culture and the impact of the Cold War on identity. His rise from a teenage rebel to a cultural embodiment of the United States was part of an emerging transnational youth culture that was heavily influenced by the political tensions of the time. Elvis's stint as a G.I. soldier in West Germany further solidified his image as a patriotic figure, and his music and style became a symbol of American culture and identity. However, his excesses and personal decline also seemed to vindicate long-held stereotypes about the materialistic nature of U.S. society.

Elvis Presley's story is a testament to the enduring power of popular culture and the complex relationship between identity and culture. His legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians and artists around the world, and his impact on global culture will be felt for generations to come.

Weight: 494g
Dimension: 164 x 242 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350107663