Elvis-Presley-Platz

In October 1958, Elvis Presley arrived in Friedberg, a small town north of Frankfurt, to serve with the 1st Medium Tank Battalion, 32nd Armor, at Ray Barracks. He had been drafted into the US Army earlier that year at the height of his fame — the biggest entertainer in the world suddenly reduced to a private scrubbing floors and driving jeeps. His manager Colonel Tom Parker insisted Elvis serve like any other soldier rather than join the Special Services entertainment unit, believing it would earn public respect. It did.

Elvis lived off-base in nearby Bad Nauheim with his father Vernon and grandmother Minnie Mae. It was during his time in Germany that he met 14-year-old Priscilla Beaulieu at a party — she would later become his wife. He also developed a serious interest in karate and, less fortunately, was introduced to amphetamines by fellow soldiers to stay alert during manoeuvres. He served until March 1960 and was discharged as a sergeant, returning to the States and immediately recording "Stuck on You" at RCA's Nashville studio.

Elvis-Presley-Platz was named in his honour and sits in central Friedberg near the former Ray Barracks, which closed in 2007 when US forces withdrew. The town embraces the connection — there is an Elvis Presley memorial, and the nearby Elvis Presley Museum in Bad Nauheim displays photographs, uniforms, and memorabilia from his service years. An annual European Elvis Festival draws fans from across the continent. For a small German town, Friedberg punches well above its weight in rock and roll history.