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Elvis Presley never visited Budapest – So why is he so honoured in the city?
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Despite never visiting Hungary, Elvis Presley left a lasting mark on Budapest, earning a public square in his name and inspiring a dedicated fan movement.
Elvis Presley was born on 8 January 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi, according to Britannica. He became a legendary American singer, widely known as the “King of Rock and Roll,” and was one of the most influential figures in rock music from the mid-1950s until his death. While the nickname “The King” is universally associated with Presley, in Hungary, it has been somewhat overshadowed by the popularity of local pop star Zámbó Jimmy.
Although Elvis Presley never set foot in Hungary, his name is closely tied to Budapest, as highlighted in an article on budappest.hu. In 2011, the city’s leadership posthumously awarded him honorary citizenship and named a public square after him near the Buda side of Margaret Bridge.
Why do Hungarians admire him so much?
By the time of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, Elvis Presley was already a rising star. According to some sources, news of the revolution deeply moved him, and on 6 January 1957, during his third and final appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, he performed the gospel song Peace in the Valley as a tribute to the Hungarian people.
At Presley’s request, host Ed Sullivan urged viewers to donate in support of Hungarian refugees, an appeal that led to a significant outpouring of aid.
While the connection between Elvis Presley and the 1956 Hungarian Revolution is touching, aspects of the story remain debated.
There is no definitive evidence proving that Presley personally dedicated his performance to the Hungarian people or directly spoke out on their behalf. However, it is a fact that Ed Sullivan made a fundraising appeal during the show, which resulted in considerable financial support for Hungary.
Elvis Presley in Budapest
In 2011, Budapest’s municipal government decided to recognise Elvis Presley’s sympathy and support for the 1956 revolution. As a tribute, he was granted honorary citizenship posthumously, and a small public area near the Buda side of Margaret Bridge was named Elvis Presley Square. The name was chosen through an online public vote, in which his name emerged victorious.