Statue of Elvis, Memphis

The statue of Elvis Presley on Beale Street is a fitting tribute to the King of Rock 'n Roll who used to live in Memphis, walked its streets, and, of course, started crafting his signature style here. The current sculpture, as it stands, is actually the second take of the larger than life bronze idol. The first one, unveiled in 1980, created by artist Eric Parks, was unfortunately too fragile to withstand the elements and the intensity of souvenir-crazed fans who stripped the guitar strings and plucked tassels from Elvis's suit.

To prevent further damage, in 1994, a decision was taken to remove the heavily worn down “Elvis” from the street and place it indoors in the downtown Memphis Tennessee Welcome Center.

For three years, Elvis Presley Plaza remained a big, empty spot, until in 1997 it was finally filled with a new 9.5-foot bronze statue of Elvis sculpted by Andrea Lugar. Unlike the original, the replacement depicted “pre-tassels” Elvis with a curled lip, a wave of hair, and a guitar poised to make fans of all ages swoon – just as Elvis would have looked like back in 1955, wearing a stage gear bought, most likely, at Lansky Bros. down the block.

Although designed to be more sturdy than the previous statue, it is also kept at a secure distance from the public behind an encircling fence.