originally posted on 9/5/2022
Photos: Courtesy elvisdaily.com. View full-sized image.
View full-sized image.
It’s not known if Elvis Presley liked the back seat best, but he certainly could’ve snared it if he wanted. Elvis so loved the Zippin Pippin coaster that he sometimes rented the ride it at Fairgrounds Park (later known as Libertyland) in Memphis , riding it for hours with just him and his posse. In fact, he rode eight days before he died — accompanied by his daughter, Lisa Marie. Reportedly, Elvis, who had rented the park from 1 a.m. to 7 a.m., rode the Pippin over and over and that night for his final time.
Photo: Bob Nagy. View full-sized image.
Photo: Bob Nagy. View full-sized image.
Photo: Bob Nagy. View full-sized image.
The Zippin Pippin, a National Amusement Device Company coaster, originally opened in 1923 at what became known as Libertyland. Sadly, Libertyland closed in 2005 after declining attendance. Fundraising efforts and determined roller coaster lovers, helped to bring Zippin Pippin back! In 2010, it was rebuilt at Bay Beech Amusement Park in Green Bay, WI, where Elvis’ love of Zippin Pippin is still recognized and celebrated today.
Photo: Steve Gzesh. View full-sized image.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Photo: Howard Gillooly. View full-sized image.
Photo: S. Madonna Horcher. View full-sized image.
Photo: Steve Gzesh. View full-sized image.
Video: Courtesy CoasterForce
— Randy Geisler
Help was offered by fellow coaster enthusiasts who know music: Frank Gordon, Frank Czuri, Gary Kyriazi and B. Derek Shaw.
Share your story about what songs with roller coaster lyrics you love in the comments.
Video: Provided to YouTube by BMG Heritage
American Coaster Enthusiasts is a nonprofit, volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion, appreciation and safe enjoyment of roller coasters. With 6,000 members worldwide, ACE is the largest and longest-running enthusiast organization in the world. Members of ACE receive exclusive park benefits, newsletters, magazines and the opportunity to attend national, local and even international tours at parks. You can enjoy the benefits of members today! Join at join.aceonline.org.
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