Four decades after his death, Elvis still enjoys fame around the globe – particularly in Germany, where he spent time in the US military. Here are some highlights and unusual facts from his storied career. Deutsche Welle reports.
Although he (may have) passed away on August 16, 1977, Elvis’s spirit is very much alive. Perhaps the world’s most popular performer to impersonate, Presley has inspired countless fan clubs, festivals and even a successful business dedicated to tailoring reproductions of his signature jumpsuits.
Inducted into the Rockabilly, Gospel, Country, UK Music, and Rock & Roll Halls of Fame, the King’s music hasn’t seemed to wane in popularity over the years, with more than 1 billion albums sold worldwide.
Presley’s legacy is also a major business. His former Memphis home, Graceland, receives 500,000 visitors a year, making it the second-most visited historical residence in the US after the White House. It is also part of Elvis Presley Enterprises, which continues to host annual birthday celebrations, certified auctions and fan club events, helping to place Presley repeatedly on Forbes’ annual Top-Earning Dead Celebrities list.
The King’s legacy also lives on in Germany, in particular, where he carried out mandatory military service from 1958-1960 in the town of Friedberg – and even met his future wife, Priscilla.
Click through the gallery above for a look at the life of this seemingly eternal rock & roll superstar on the 40th anniversary of his death. In the gallery below, you can visit the US maker of Elvis’ jumpsuit replicas.
