Popular Music Memories

__Abstract __

Ever since the late 1950s, people have grown up with popular music as an important element of their daily lives. This dissertation explores the connections between popular music memories, cultural identity and cultural heritage, looking at the different ways in which popular music is remembered and evokes memories. In so doing, the dissertation examines the various memory practices of the cultural and heritage industries, ranging from the bottom-up activities of music preservation by fans to institutional forms of popular music heritage in museums. The studies presented in this work draw on interviews with heritage practitioners, cultural industry workers and music audiences. The research reveals the meanings of popular music memories for the cultural identities of individuals and communities. It also demonstrates how these memories enable a sense of self and identity and time and place.