Impact of AFN on European Music Culture
RAMSTEIN, Germany (July 10, 2013) — An unexpected yet significant achievement of the U.S. military in post-war Europe was the profound influence of the music broadcasted by American Forces Network (AFN). This impact on European culture has persisted over the decades.
Before AFN began its transmissions, Nazi Germany had prohibited most American music, labeling it as “decadent.” Once American forces arrived, German state radio continued avoiding English language music. During the post-war rebuilding phase, interactions between American soldiers and local Germans were rare due to regulations and language barriers.
Despite this, many curious locals began to welcome AFN into their homes, cars, or businesses in search of the diverse genres of jazz, blues, country, and rock music, which were absent from their own radio stations. Interestingly, AFN did not aim to target the local population; rather, it implemented measures to prevent its reach. Transmitters were configured to broadcast solely to U.S. military personnel, and due to their low power, it was assumed few Europeans would listen.
However, surveys from AFN’s early days revealed an unexpected reach of around 50 million Europeans. AFN broadcasted from locations in France, Austria, Italy, Germany, and Belgium, managing to be heard in several major cities despite constraints. Some transmitters, like those in Munich, were powerful enough that they could cover much of Europe, including the UK at night.
Ironically, the AFN signal became a lifeline for English-speaking youngsters in the UK during the 1950s. Iconic musicians like Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant and Jimmy Page cited AFN as crucial to their exposure to American music, which significantly shaped their artistic paths. Similarly, the musician Van Morrison shared his experiences of tuning in to AFN while growing up in Northern Ireland.
AFN’s influence also extended to the burgeoning country music scene in Europe, with clubs and bands emerging throughout Germany inspired by American country music. Notably, German radio stations began introducing their own country music programs, demonstrating the profound cultural exchange initiated by AFN. The network served as an ambassador for American music, bridging gaps between cultures, and has left a lasting legacy that continues to resonate today.
Despite the proliferation of English-language music across European airwaves, the connection forged by AFN remains significant. The decision of Europeans to embrace this music—and integrate it into their culture—is a point of pride for Americans. Through AFN, the music of American service members made an impactful contribution to European culture and fostered a lasting relationship with the local populace.
