The German town of Bad Nauheim has unveiled a bronze statue of its most famous resident — Elvis Presley. Even years after the Rock 'N' Roll star's death, fans in Germany still can't help falling in love with "The King."
After years of planning and fundraising, two Elvis fans saw their dream realized on FridayImage: Helmut Fricke/dpa/picture alliance
Presley lived in the town, some 30 kilometers (19 miles) north of Frankfurt, while stationed as a US soldier from October 1958 to March 1960.
The statue pose was based on a photo thought to have been taken in 1959 that shows Elvis, in army uniform, leaning on the rails of a footbridge in the town. The artwork stands on the same bridge, in the same position.
Bad Nauheim already includes many markers and memorials to the late rock star, even a square named after him.
The unveiling comes as the town celebrates its European Elvis Festival, which also includes concerts, guided tours and a classic car parade.
Germany's love for 'The King'
Hardcore fans of the music legend regularly visit Bad Nauheim, where local authorities have preserved many of the sites that date back to his time there.
Two Elvis fans, Angela Storm and Meike Berger, came up with a plan to erect a statue in Presely's honor back in 2018. They went on to raise their own funding for the project.
Germany has a soft spot for the famous singer and particularly for his time spent in the country — not unlike the national passion for the Beatles' period performing in Hamburg before making it big.
Bad Nauheim has also played host to other big American names throughout its history, not least a young future President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who traveled to the town and went to school there for a short time in the 1890s.
The town of Friedberg, where Elvis served while in the US army, changed its street crossing lights to reflect his signature moves. It also has a statue of "The King."
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45 years after his death, Elvis reaches fans from beyond the grave
The King lives on in the hearts and minds of fans worldwide. Also in Germany, where he was stationed as a GI, Elvis left a legacy. Here are some highlights and unusual facts from his storied musical career.
Image: dpa/picture alliance
From small-town boy to household name
Born in Tupelo, Mississippi, in 1935, Elvis Presley began his career in Memphis, Tennessee. He is pictured here in 1954 while recording at the famous Sun Studio in Memphis, which also helped launch blues guitarist B.B. King's career. Quickly rising to fame, Presley's first hit, "Heartbreak Hotel," propelled him into stardom in 1956. He would go on to become known as the "king of rock and roll."
Image: picture alliance / ASSOCIATED PRESS
A GI in Germany
Presley put his career on hold while serving in the US military in Germany from 1958 to 1960. Stationed in the small town of Friedberg, Presley stayed in a hotel in nearby Bad Nauheim instead of living in the barracks. There, he lived with an entourage: his grandmother, father and two bodyguards. Today, hotel guests can sleep in the Elvis Room, which was preserved to commemorate the King's stay.
Image: Bodo Marks/dpa/picture alliance
Made in Germany
Although he was prohibited from performing during military service, the King still found time to make music. Germany was the birthplace of two chart-toppers: "One Night" and "A Fool Such as I." He also gave global fame to the popular German folk song, "Muss i denn zum Städtele hinaus," or in English, "Wooden Heart."
Image: United Archives/picture alliance
Happily ever after?
While Elvis was stationed in Germany, he also met Priscilla Beaulieu, the daughter of a US military officer. She was just 14 years old at the time. The couple married years later at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas in 1967, although Elvis reportedly continued to enjoy the company of other women.
Image: Bert Reisfeld/dpa/picture alliance
Profiting after death
Elvis passed away at his residence, Graceland, on August 16, 1977. Graceland is the second-most-visited home historical residence in the US, after the White House. It's run by a multi-million dollar company called Elvis Presley Enterprises — making it unsurprising that Elvis regularly hits the top of Forbes' annual "Top-Earning Dead Celebrities" list.
Image: Jerzy Dabrowski/dpa/picture alliance
The King lives on
His legacy is honored all over the world, including at the "European Elvis Festival" in Bad Nauheim, Germany. Elvis also has official fan clubs in at least 38 countries. And of course, "The King" graces stamps as well: Germany issued an Elvis stamp in 1988.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/EPA/T. Maury
License to suit up
Legend has it that Elvis adopted the jumpsuit after he split his pants while performing on stage. Whatever the reason, the garment was an instant hit. B&K, a company in Charlestown, Indiana, creates Elvis jumpsuits based on the originals, such as for impersonator Dave Stovall (pictured). The company also created suits for the 2022 film "Elvis."
Image: Brian Cahn/Zumapress/picture alliance
Inspiration from Hollywood
Elvis has inspired an entire industry of impersonators, as well as films like "Bye Bye, Birdie" (1967), based on his career. But who inspired the King? Elvis was known to enjoy the music of gospel singer Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and once called actor James Dean (pictured) a "genius."
Image: akg-images/picture-alliance
Inspiration for Hollywood
June 2022 saw the life story of Elvis Presley, played by Austin Butler (pictured), hit movie theaters. The film focuses on the complicated relationship with his shady manager, Colonel Tom Parker (played by Tom Hanks). Director Baz Luhrmann set electrifying music and stage scenes; and Butler has been celebrated for his fantastic portrayal of "The King."
