CANCELED: Elvis Lives! The Evolution of an American Icon, 1935-Present

This lecture has been canceled.

What does Elvis Presley mean to us in the 21st century? This lecture will consider the complicated historical legacy of an American legend, a figure whose music, image, and rise-and-fall story continues to shape popular culture. From his humble beginnings in Tupelo, Mississippi to the heights of superstardom and from teen idol to Vegas showman, we’ll explore how the details of Elvis Presley’s stunning life shed light on the wider world of music, politics and culture at a critical moment in the nation's history.

David Parsons, PhD, received his doctorate in History from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York (CUNY). He is a professor and writer whose work focuses on the political, social and cultural history of 20th century America. Parsons has taught courses in U.S. history at CUNY and New York University and hosts a long running weekly podcast on history and politics called The Nostalgia Trap. His book Dangerous Grounds: Antiwar Coffeehouses and Military Dissent in the Vietnam Era explores links between the civilian peace movement and the American military.

Registration is required. Each independent, 2-hour lecture is $10.

Fifty and Better was designed to offer university-level courses and lectures (no tests, no homework) taught by experts in the field, and to host social engagement activities for people age 50 and older. All two-hour lectures in the FABulous Summer Lecture Series are open to all ages.

Register

Register by 3 p.m., June 29