In-person signed photo of the King, obtained in Germany in 1958, never before offered on the autograph market

Elvis Aaron Presley, 1935–1977.  American entertainment icon; the “King of Rock and Roll."  Vintage 3½" x 5½ " publicity photo, inscribed and signed in person, To Rose Marie / Elvis Presley.

This deckle-edged German postcard is MGM's publicity photograph of Elvis is for Jailhouse Rock, which was released October 17, 1957.  The black-and-white photo is glossy, and Elvis has signed it on the back in bold, blue ballpoint.  Elvis signed it in person in his Army fatigues in a coffee house in Bad Kreuznach, Germany, while he was stationed in Germany following his induction into the United States Army in 1958.  We obtained it from the original recipient, and it has never been offered on the autograph market until now.  We understand that it is a first-edition Germany publicity postcard, which, as the stamp area notes, was printed in Holland.

The title song, Jailhouse Rock, was released September 24, 1957, and went to # 1 on the singles chart.  The dance sequence to Jailhouse Rock, Presley's third film and his MGM debut, is often cited as Presley's greatest moment on screen.  After discussing the moves with  Presley and watching how he moved to some of his songs on stage, the choreographer incorporated much of Presley’s own style into the sequence.  Actor Gene Kelly, himself an extraordinary dancer, was so impressed with the scene that he applauded when he watched a rehearsal of it on the set.  Five of the film's six songs were released on an extended play 45-rpm record in October 1957 and hit # 1 on the newly released Billboard EP chart.

A similar Jailhouse Rock photograph like this one, but with a different pose of Presley, brought $2,230.73 in the RR Auction, Catalog 425, Item 133, in March 2014.  This one, which was signed in person, therefore is quite attractively priced.

This is a nice piece of memorabilia from Elvis' time in the late 1950s.  It shows a bit of handling but overall is in fine condition.

Unframed.