The 1st big artistic event of this 29th Daytona Bike Week was the unveiling of the bronze casting of Elvis Presley with his famous 1956 KHK Harley-Davidson, one of the most indelible images of motorcycling. This magnificent art piece is the work of super talented Jeff Decker who makes not only motorcycle bronzes (his most recent large scale 1:1.5 bronze is at the entrance of the Milwaukee Harley-Davidson Museum), but who also collects custom classic & custom motorcycles. This Elvis bronze was commissioned by Bruce Rossmeyer from Destination Daytona, took 2 years from conception to realization, and is now on permanent display at the entrance of his Harley-Davidson dealership. Elvis casting is about 1500 pounds heavy and required an amazing 150 different molds. And if you wonder who is this woman in the picture, her name is Billie Mae Smith and she dated Elvis in 1955. She made the trip for this unveiling and was caught on camera kissing her bronze Elvis (pictures Horst Rosler).
Elvis Presley In Daytona Thanks To Master Bronze Artist Jeff Decker
Published by March 3rd, 2009 in Editorial and Events.18 Responses to “Elvis Presley In Daytona Thanks To Master Bronze Artist Jeff Decker”
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Regardless of the story behind it all, it’s nice to see some artists who aren’t starving. And, it’s amazing work.
So lifelike, even down to the total weight.
Mike,
Dude ……….
Over & Out,
Jeff
Have mercy!
go make me a deep fried tuna peanut butter cocaine sandwich
Another Decker masterpiece. We motorcycle enthusiasts should celebrate the fact that a talent such as Jeff’s is immortalizing various aspects of our passion. Along with the hillclimber statue at the Harley-Davidson Museum, Jeff’s rendition of Joe Petrali this Elvis bronze is a permanent tribute to a time and place in motorcycle history and those who made it.
Doc,
Didn’t you read the first comment here by Road12 ? What in the hell are you thinking or do you even think ?
Jeff has a genuine passion for our history and coupled with his talents he can then showcase it all. Great job mate. Can’t wait to see what pops out from your hands next
I don’t know where my first post went. It doesn’t appear anymore (Cyril, any idea?).
Doc… there is no doubt that Jeff’s work is exceptional. It’s another masterpiece and I am glad to see he is coming up with new sculpture. My comment was that in this economy and with all what’s going on in the motorcycle industry, it might send the wrong message to the biker community and employees of the Bruce Rossmeyer empire when he still wants to commission a $100,000+ piece when everybody is hurting so bad. It’s as bad as Bank of America throwing a $1 million party at the Superbowl after your money and mine (or what’s left of it) bailed them out.
That’s all I was saying
Right on Jeff!
As always an impressive example and display of your talent.
Awesome that Billie Mae Smith made the trip for your unveiling.
You rock.
Elvis? Who the Hell Cares!!! It would have been much better as a stand alone bike!!
Jeff is the best, Elvis so what, the venue?
Beautiful – and Elvis is still the man. Hey, Him and Ann Margaret – in her prime. Nuff said.
As far as telling Mr. Rossmeyer how he should spend his money – why? It’s his money. He earned it. I am sure the scluptor and the businesses he frequents are thankful for the transfer of funds. If our governemt can put us another trillion in the hole in the name of stimulus, then I see no reason why Mr. Rossmeyer can’t spend $100,000 on his version of stimulus. If it makes anyone feel better, because its used in a trade or business, he is getting to write off half the cost this year on his tax return.
Up until the point where we are all issued the same gray government issued shirts and pants to symbolize our equality (don’t laugh, but you can cry), then freedom is to be applied freely. Too many people have died to preserve the notion of such in America.
If it still bugs you, then maybe you too can have a government agency drop by 3 or 4 days a week and tell you if the brand of coffee in the break room is a bit too extravagant. Our banking friends already have this pleasure.
great job jeff!!! as always all your work have been masterpieces. congratulations buddy!
Beautiful work! Elvis Forever!!
also… sounds like Rossmeyer and Jeff might have worked out a deal 2 years ago… when the economy wasnt so far deep in the crapper, or as the media portrays it to be.
Folks it’s not the money. Jeff Decker has a pasion for his love of creating art in motion. If Jeff wanted to do this piece for free he would have done so and not said a word. It is rare to see this kind of love of the sport. That fact that someone whats to pay him is beside the point. Jeff Decker does what he loves, no matter the pay.
Be glad you live in a time where you can see someone that the great masters of old. I recall one day a few years back, I droped by to see Jeff in Springville, Utah. In an old garage in the back of the home, I saw a guy on on old bike. I was stunned when I came around to look closer and it was made of clay. I stood there and looked at it. He said, “Can’t you feel the spirit of it”. I thought he meant Elvis (who was on the bike). “Yea he looks so real”. He said, “No not him, the spirit of the bike”. He really feels what he creates.
Remmings me of the guy that did the one of “David”. Now what was his name? Great Job Jeff P.S. – Don’t feel one bit guilt cashing that check!
Looks really cool. It’s worth a tourist stop. May put it on my bucket list.