Elvis Presley made his dramatic return to live performance and proved he was still the king of rock and roll with this legendary television special. Having seen his credibility suffer after years of movies that became increasingly predictable, Presley and his manager Colonel Tom Parker came up with an idea for a Christmas special on NBC to re establish his stature. The special was conceived initially with lavish set productions and a mini-movie set to music. When producer / director Steve Binder saw how Presley and his buddies would unwind in dressing room jam sessions, he came up with the idea of an informal concert for part of the show.
Presley was apprehensive, since he hadn't performed live in years. Binder assured him and the live show was taped on June 27, 1968, more than seven years since his last time on stage. The jam segment featured Elvis Presley on vocals and guitars (acoustic and electric - he and Scotty Moore use the same ones and swap them); D. J. Fontana on drumming, using a guitar case; Alan Fortas on guitar back-slapping, and occasional vocals; Charlie Hodge on acoustic guitar, and occasional vocals; Lance LeGault on guitar back-slapping, and tambourine; and Scotty Moore on guitars (acoustic and electric).
The 'Elvis' special aired on December 3, 1968 and was a huge success. It was the highest rated television special of the year. The combination of the big choreographed numbers and the informal jam session struck a responsive chord with the public and Presley saw his career take off again. He began playing live again, selling out shows in Las Vegas and all over the country. The king was back!
http://elvis.com/
'Elvis'
full show:
Comeback Special '68 - Elvis Presley from KatiaTcb on Vimeo.
00:00 Trouble/Guitar Man - Show Opener
03:41 Lawdy Miss Clawdy
05:28 Baby What You Want Me to Do
06:06 Something wrong with my lip. / He's gotta be crazy.
07:17 Heartbreak Hotel / Hound Dog / All Shook Up
11:18 Can't Help Falling in Love
13:30 Jailhouse Rock
15:34 Don't Be Cruel
17:17 Can I borrow your little whatchacallit? / This leather suit is hot
17:41 Love Me Tender
20:58 Rock & roll music is ...
21:58 Gospel Production Number:
Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child / Where Could I go But To The Lord / Up Above My Head / Saved
30:26 When I first started out...
31:58 That's All Right
35:15 Tiger Man
38:56 Tryin' to Get to You
41:52 Baby, What You Want Me To Do
46:46 One Night
49:45 Memories
52:47 Guitar Man Production Number:
"Nothingville" / "Guitar Man" / "Let Yourself Go" / "Guitar Man" / "Big Boss Man" / "It Hurts Me" / "Guitar Man" / "Little Egypt" / "Trouble" / "Guitar Man"
1:08:08 If I Can Dream - Show Closer
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