Elvis remembered after 35 years

Even during his time in the United States army, the King of rock and roll was keen to maintain he was ordinary.

He was regularly mobbed by fans - many turned up to see him leave the US for the base in Germany where he'd been stationed for two years.

He was warmly welcomed in the country.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) ELVIS PRESLEY, SAYING:

"I was very surprised at the reception. I wasn't expecting anything quite that big. I only regret that I didn't have more time to stay there with them."

His charm had universal appeal and helped cement his status as one of the most influential musicians of all time.

Popularising the rockabilly sound when he merged country with rhythm and blues, Elvis had hits with songs like Heartbreak Hotel and Hounddog.

After leaving the army in 1960, Elvis wanted to make sure he'd be taken seriously as an artist.

. (SOUNDBITE) (English) ELVIS PRESLEY, SAYING:

"I'd like to do a little more serious role, because my ambition is to progress as an actor, which takes a long time and a lot of experience."

He married his long-term girlfriend Priscilla Beaulieu, but divorced in 1972.

Elvis' health was blighted by problems with prescription drug misuse. After suffering a heart attack, he died at his home, Graceland in 1977.

Joanne Nicholson, Reuters