Portuguese Representations of 1950s American Rock ‘n’ Roll (Sub)Culture

Continually revived every decade in film, music, fashion, and other artistic domains, the American 1950s will not be left alone. This book addresses this enduring cultural phenomenon centred on its Portuguese proponents, exploring discourses on nostalgia, the commodification of American 1950s musical and material culture, and Portugal’s historical and political past. In doing so, it considers Portugal and its empire’s initial experiences with rock ‘n’ roll music and the contemporary representations of this past, which remain strictly tied to an American aesthetic.
Supported by scholarly insights and interviews with leading Portuguese musicians and fashion designers influenced by 1950s American style, the contemporary 1950s scene in Portugal, and, by extension, the present international 1950s scene – a Retro International – are explored in ways that invite reflection on the trajectory of pop culture, the enduring fascination with the American 1950s, and the reasons behind its continued appeal today.