They are the two greatest cities in the history of rock'n'roll. And now Liverpool and Memphis, Tennessee, are twinning for 2004. The American city - known as the birthplace of rock 'n' roll - will team up with the capital of pop for a year of celebrations. Next year marks half a century since Elvis Presley cut his first record, That's All Right, at the legendary Sun Studio on July 5,1954.
His influence on two Liverpool schoolboys, John Lennon and Paul McCartney, is well documented with the band playing a secret gig in Presley's Bel Air home in 1965. Lennon said that The King was the only person in the US he really wanted to meet. Highlights of the year will be the Summer Pops season and the Mathew Street Festival.
Jerry Goldman, director of the Fingerprints of Elvis museum in Liverpool's Albert Dock, said: "I heard that Memphis was celebrating 50 years of rock'n' roll next year so I contacted the tourism leader over there and said "there was more than one city so affected with rock'n'roll". "We are now planning a whole host of celebrations for the partnership."
Kevin Kane, president of the Memphis Convention and Visitor Centre, said: "Memphis and Liverpool had more impact on the development of rock'n'roll than just about any other community in the world and are obvious choices to lead in this celebration." The council is looking at ways to celebrate, including sending children to America to learn about its culture.
Sue Woodward, creative director of Liverpool's Capital of Culture programme, said: "Music is a major part of Liverpool's culture. Twinning with Memphis will further raise the city's profile and provides an opportunity for the people of Liverpool to find out more about America."
Like Liverpool with John Lennon Day they have days dedicated to musical heroes. Elvis Presley Day is January.
Cities That Changed Music Join Forces
December 16, 2003 | Other Source:Fingerprints Of ElvisBrian Quinn wrote on
December 17, 2003
I am totally against Liverpool joining forces with Memphis to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Rock 'n' Roll. Apart from The Beatles, what other major acts have come from Liverpool? A far better choice would have been St. Louis (Chuck Berry); Macon (Little Richard) or Alan Freed's Birthplace. Even Detroit was a bigger influence on the history of rock 'n' roll.
Pedro Nuno wrote on
December 16, 2003
It's fantastic and excelent. But let me drop a litle bomb:
Why not making a Beatles exibition in Memphis, like the one that The King have in Liverpool? Just imagine, if the Beatles have power, if Elvis have, probably, even more, what in the world could beat them together?? Long Live the King.
gribz wrote on
December 16, 2003
This is great news, because it will help influence the rest of the world to jump on board with the celebration.. After all, Liverpool is important, but remember what John Lennon said "before Elvis there was nothing". This is great news for Memphis and the global celebration of ELvis and 50 years of Rock and Pop music. 2004, A very big year approaching, and I only hope BMG has a good strategy in place to maximize and promote the importance of Elvis to the new generation.
joemin wrote on
December 17, 2003
Haven't laughed as much in a long time. This is a joke, right?? How shallow can they be?? Do they have no dignity??
Neil L wrote on
December 19, 2003
The River.The Docks.The People.Their Hospitality.The Music.
I could be talking about Liverpool or Memphis. In June at his Kings Dock show,not far from the exhibition,Mr P McCartney said,whilst talking about the "posh" habits of the art students and lecturers."Our idea of a good night out,was having a few beers and listening to Elvis.In fact it still is !" There has been an active Elvis Fan Club on Merseyside for nearly 40 years.It has always been well supported and many local charities have benefitted in Elvis's name. In fact,these two wonderful cities should have been twinned many years ago..officially. With the TCB band playing Liverpool in January.And Liverpool winning the European Capital of Culture.I suggest all those who don't like the idea.Visit Liverpool.I'm thinking about my fourth visit to Memphis.