Post #549025 by JOHN-O on Tue, Aug 17, 2010 10:47 AM

It is interesting to understand the historical precedence for any direct cross-over relationships (rather than just taking it for granted).

I can see it this way:

1. Rockabilly - By the time "Blue Hawaii" came around, Elvis had evolved past Rockabilly. I do see a related Poly-pop connection to today's Tiki Revival in songs like "Rock-A-Hula" and "Slicin' Sand". Bands like the Hula Girls clearly take this as one of their inspirations and run with it.

2. Hot Rods - 1950's Greasers drove hot rods, not people who frequented Tiki bars. Car shows are fun but I'm not aware of any specific Tiki connection.

3. Fezes - This one puzzles me. It would be interesting if someone could cite the first occurrence of the fez in the Tiki Revival. A vintage photo of a Shriner meeting in a Tiki bar would be priceless.

4. Burlesque/Pin-up - Martian-Tiki has provided a lot of invaluable vintage documentation here. (Thank you for pointing that out) And let's not forget about the infamous Tiki Theater in East Hollywood (or is that more of a Porn connection?)

So if we're going to include the above and the Tiki Revival (not Classic style) is indeed a mid-century free-for-all, how about including the following fun things:

1. John F. Kennedy - THE classic Tiki-style President !! He might be a good subject for Tiki art. How about a JFK Tiki mug ??

2. The Cold War - Tiki bomb shelters anyone ??

3. Fads of the time - Tiki hula hoop, yo-yo, and skateboard (clay wheels only) competitions.

4. Honky-Tonk Country Music - I'm a BIG proponent of this one. http://www.tikicentral.com/viewtopic.php?topic=36656&forum=11&vpost=534279

Does anyone else want to add anything?

:D :D :D

[ Edited by: JOHN-O 2010-08-17 11:07 ]