TOM ASTOR - COUNTRY-MUSIKER - AUSSTELLUNG IM MUSEUM HOTHAUSEN

For 50 years, the Sauerland-born country musician Tom Astor has been performing on stage. Hits like "Hallo, guten Morgen Deutschland" (Hello, Good Morning Germany) and "Junger Adler" (Young Eagle) earned him gold records and a number one spot in the German year-end charts in the 1990s. A special exhibition at the Holthausen Museum celebrates his remarkable career, which also includes numerous encounters with world-renowned country music stars in Nashville, Tennessee. An exhibition like this is unprecedented at the Westphalian Slate Mining and Local History Museum in Holthausen. "Tom Astor: 50 Years -- Live on Stage" offers insights into 50 years of successful music history from a major country music star. The exhibition opened on Sunday, March 24, after extensive preparation. Some fans had the opportunity to experience their idol up close, and the musician also took time for personal conversations and autographs. ] The current special exhibition features numerous awards, including gold records and the Tuning Fork, as well as original stage costumes, musical instruments, and photos and posters from the beginning of his career. Mayor Bernhard Halbe described the exhibition as a bold move by the museum. "It's quite rare to find a music star in a local history museum," he remarked. Ferdi Hennemann, chairman of the museum association, also emphasized that this exhibition represents a new approach compared to previous ones. While museums typically focus on historical narratives, this exhibition centers on a current and authentic theme: music that is "hip" across all social strata and brought to life through the presence of the artist himself. His 50th stage anniversary was reason enough for the Holthausen Museum to offer an insight into and retrospective of the Schmallenberg native's illustrious career and to allow visitors to experience some of his highlights. Tom Astor himself spoke of long, exciting years on stage, which nevertheless seemed far too short. Exactly 50 years ago, on March 25, 1963, he made his first appearance at a talent competition in Cologne's "Weindorf" (Wine Village) – as a result of a bet. At the time, he had no idea that it was the beginning of his great success. With over 800 songs, more than 400 appearances on television shows, and over 4 million records sold, Tom Astor is certainly one of those who made country music more popular. Not only in America, but also in Germany. "It's surely fate that I came to this music," he emphasized. A recently published biography of Tom Astor entertainingly chronicles his life's work, filled with many anecdotes. Tom Astor was also among the top 30 at the 2013 Golden Country Star Awards. Opening hours for the special exhibition "Tom Astor" at the Holthausen Museum: Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Additionally during school holidays in North Rhine-Westphalia: Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Dates: until August 31, 2013