Rolls-Royce Phantom: A Century of Musical Heritage

This luxurious car line has accompanied generations of artists, from the jazz age to the rock, rap, and R&B eras. From Marlene Dietrich and John Lennon to Elvis Presley and Elton John, the Phantom has been more than just a means of transportation; it has become a symbol of personality, style, and success.

Phantom – An Icon of Modern Music

As early as the first decades of the 20th century, Rolls-Royce was associated with numerous famous artists. Legends such as Duke Ellington, Edith Piaf, Ravi Shankar, and Sam Cooke chose Rolls-Royce as a symbol of success and creativity. Music moguls like Brian Epstein, Berry Gordy, and Ahmet Ertegun were also among its notable owners.

Throughout its eight generations and 100 years of existence, the Phantom has maintained its position as the Rolls-Royce model most closely associated with the world of music. With its pinnacle design, exquisite craftsmanship, and infinite personalization options, the Phantom became a “canvas” for artists to express their unique selves.

Marlene Dietrich – The Hollywood Star

In 1930, Hollywood starlet Marlene Dietrich arrived in Tinseltown and was immediately presented with a green Phantom I by Paramount Studios. The car not only accompanied her throughout her career but also appeared in the film “Morocco,” earning her an Oscar nomination.

Elvis Presley – The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll

At the peak of his career in 1963, Elvis Presley purchased a midnight blue Phantom V, customized with personal touches, including a microphone, a makeup mirror, and a writing desk in the armrest. Interestingly, the car’s glossy finish once caused Elvis’s mother’s hen to peck at its reflection, mistaking it for a rival. The car was later repainted in silver-blue to preserve its beauty.

John Lennon – The Embodiment of “Summer of Love”

John Lennon owned several Phantoms, the most notable being a black Phantom V from 1964, which was later painted yellow and intricately decorated with vibrant patterns in 1967. This image of the Phantom became synonymous with the “Summer of Love.” In 1985, the car was sold for over $2.2 million, setting a record for a rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia at the time.

Lennon also owned an all-white Phantom V that matched his minimalist style during his time with Yoko Ono. This car appeared in The Beatles’ film “Let It Be.”

Liberace – The Master of Showmanship

The top entertainer of the 1950s and 1960s, Liberace, once made a grand entrance by driving a mirror-clad Phantom V onto the stage in Las Vegas. This car later appeared in the film “Behind the Candelabra.”

Sir Elton John – Rocketman and His Colorful Phantoms

Inspired by Liberace, Elton John collected several Phantoms, including a white Phantom VI, which he later repainted black, and installed a powerful sound system. He also owned a pink and white Phantom V, which he later gifted to drummer Ray Cooper. In 2020, Damon Albarn (of Blur and Gorillaz) collaborated with Elton John on the song “The Pink Phantom,” paying homage to this iconic car.

Keith Moon – The Rolls-Royce in the Swimming Pool

The Who’s drummer, Keith Moon, is famous for the tale of driving his Phantom into a swimming pool during his 21st birthday party. While the veracity of this story is debated, the image of a “Rolls in the pool” has become a rock ‘n’ roll legend. To commemorate this, Rolls-Royce once recreated the scene by submerging a Phantom frame in the Tinside Lido pool in the UK.

Phantom in the Hip-Hop Era

Since moving its factory to Goodwood in 2003, Rolls-Royce has become increasingly embraced by hip-hop artists. In 2004, Snoop Dogg and Pharrell featured the Phantom VII in their music video for “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” solidifying its place in popular culture. 50 Cent, Lil Wayne, and numerous other rappers have also included the Phantom in their album covers, lyrics, and videos. Notably, the Starlight Headliner ceiling has become a “language symbol” in rap, referenced as “stars in the roof.”

An Everlasting Symbol

Through a century of evolution, the Phantom has consistently been a companion to pioneering artists, reflecting their aspirations, personalities, and limitless creativity. As we enter a new century, the Rolls-Royce Phantom continues to embody success, personalization, and the boundless imagination of humanity.

TH (Tuoitrethudo)