Customer Reviews

E: Reflections on the Birth of the Elvis Faith

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This examination of "Elvism" is an amazingly thorough sociological study as well as a good read. Strausbaugh's approach and conclusions may upset E-fans (the book opens with "Elvis is a....modern pagan god"), but he is not making fun of them. Impersonators, the twice-annual "pilgrimages" to Graceland, Elvis sightings, and Elvis' own life and mystical beliefs are all discussed in the context of the formation of a genuine new American religion that is, thus far, an outgrowth of Christianity. Strausbaugh believes Elvism is as legitimate a faith as religions like Santeria and Wicca, and he makes his case well. If this doesn't sound blasphemous or insulting to you, give this book a shot.

John Strausbaugh is always a riot. In "E - Reflections on the Rebirth of the Elvis Faith," JS gives us a guided tour through the development of the devoted and protective cult (and I don't use the term in a derogatory way) that surrounds the life, image and persona of Elvis. From taking part in Elvis Week at Graceland to exploring the historic precedents of taking a mere mortal and "deifying" him, Strausbaugh explores a fascinating phenomenon. He draws comparisons between Elvis and the cults of Dionysus (the obvious comparison) and Orpheus the bard/demigod who has more in common with Elvis than Dionysus. The most fascinating comparison, however is with Antinous - a male paramour of Emperor Hadrian - whose mysterious drowning and deification inspired a grass-roots cult that long outlasted the grieving Hadiran. JS compares the more avid Elvis Impersonators with Voodoo and Santeria rites that involve the loa mounting the practicioner during the ceremony.
Only a truly humorless person would dimsiss this book. It is not a bizarre recruiting tool or a drab, colorless dissection: It is an entertaining yet half-serious romp that explores the public's tendency to immortalize or flat-out deify a celebrity. Staunch monotheists who are revolted by the concept should reflect on their errant youth and recall whether or not they had a private "shrine" in their bedroom exalting a favorite athlete ("Be Like Mike,") musician ("Clapton is God,") or actor ("The Divine Bette Midler?") If not, bene. If you did... GOTCHA! ;)

As a companion to this book, you may also want to read John Strausbaugh's "Rock 'Til You Drop." It is a merry evisceration of the altars we erect for the leather-faced rock stars who refuse to pack it in... COUGH! mickjagger COUGH! keithrichardspetetownshendjohnnyrotten COUGH! *ahem* There we are...

The writer, John Strausbaugh, is obviously a music (and Elvis) fan himself. He takes us far and away into the land of "E"--with humor and vivid prose--and keeps all the mythology and idolatry of the cult of Elvis intact. Seems there are a lot of people who still believe Elvis LIVES! Strausbaugh dutifully researches the cult of Elvis in the context of American popular culture. At the same time, the book gets up-close and personal, revealing the depths of Elvis the man, and the struggles of Elvis the Idol. Great read.

Elvis and Jesus; possibly the most influential personalities on the social record. Strausbaugh is obviously a fan. His fascinating, funny, razor sharp "reflections" range from a look into the mind and heart of the Elvis worshipper, the yearnings of the Elvis impersonator, and then zoom out to the impact of Elvis on popular culture, not only in America, but worldwide. I've read several of Strausbaugh's books, including Black Like You: Blackface, Whiteface, Insult & Imitation in American Popular Culture, and Rock Til You Drop: The Decline from Rebellion to Nostalgia and was thrilled to find E: Reflections. Anyone who is interested in Elvis, anyone who is interested in human nature and the impact of rock & roll and all types of music and personalities, will love this book! Strausbaugh has a new book, which I've already pre-ordered,Sissy Nation: How America Became a Culture of Wimps, Simps, & Woosies. FYI, there's also, Alone with the President, which describes (with photos) an outrageous meeting between former President Nixon and The King. Elvis was offering his services in the War against Drugs, and wanted a federal narcotics agent's badge.

Strausbaugh does a remarkable job of exmaining the fine line between popular culture, celebrity and religion meet in America.

Based on the fact that JS has a new book in which he dogs rock stars over 50, etc., I don't think anyone should read his .