March 17th

 

1958 and Elvis visits Pop Tunes, just around the corner from Lauderdale Courts and his old home on Alabama Street. He buys Dean Martin’s ‘Return To Me,’ Nat King Cole’s ‘Looking Back,’ Pat Boone’s ‘Too Soon To Know,’ Jo Stafford’s ‘Sweet Little Darling,’ Don Gibson’s ‘I Can’t Stop Loving You’ and ‘Maybe’ by the Chantels. In preparation for army induction, he gets a haircut at Jim’s Barber Shop downtown. B)

 

Pop Tunes as it is today

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/elvis1959/IMG_0459.jpg

 

nice picture of the shop

March 18th

 

1975, Opening night at the Showroom, Las Vegas and both press and fans describe this first night as revealing a more relaxed, physically fit Elvis. The one new recording that he incorporates from his recent session is the Perry Como- styled And I Love You So, though the repertoire does include such recent additions as Olivis Newton John’s Let Me Be There and If You Love Me (Let Me Know), My Boy and It’s Midnight. :wub:

 

And I Love You So

 

 

March 19th

 

1957 and as soon as Elvis sees Graceland, he makes a deposit of $1,000 toward its purchase for himself and his parents.

 

Before Elvis

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/elvis1959/Graceland.jpg

 

Elvis at Graceland

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/elvis1959/various2050s2053.jpg

 

March 20th

 

In 1961, Elvis, his entourage, Scotty and D.J. take a chartered bus to Nashville for a session at RCA’s Studio B. They are joined by all the musicians from the June 1958 session, The Jordanaires, Colonel Parker, various RCA executives and RCA’s new chief studio engineer, Bill Porter. In order to avoid both unwanted publicity and an avalanche of fans, top secret conditions prevail, with the Nashville musicians told that they will be working on a Jim Reeves session. Working from 8.00pm to 7.00am, Elvis completes six sides for an urgently needed new single (Stuck On You/ Fame And Fortune, which will be pressed and shipped within two days) and toward his upcoming album. :dance:

Stuck On You

 

 

Fame And Fortune

 

 

 

March 21st

 

1960, and waiting at the Nashville station in the private railroad car he has reserved for the trip to Miami for the Frank SinatrA show, Elvis tells a reporter from the Nashville Tennessean that going back into the studio ‘was sorta strange at first. But after singing a couple of hours, it all came natural again.’ He remains demonstrably worried about the loyalty of his fans, concluding, ‘If I don’t please the audience, the money don’t mean nothing.’ :wub:

 

On the train to Miami, Elvis once again greets thousands of fans along a route that takes them through Alabama and Georgia.

March 22nd

 

Elvis checks into the penthouse of Miami’s Fontainebleau Hotel with Joe Esposito, Lamar Fike, Gene Smith and Cliff Gleaves in 1960. For the rest of the week, he rehearses for the Frank Sinatra Show. Asked if he had changed his mind and set aside his very pronounced views about rock’n’roll(a music ‘for cretinous goons’) :o , Sinatra sidesteps the question, responding,’ The kids been away two years and I get the feeling he really believes in what he’s doing.’

 

In 1961, Elvis spends the day at Radio Recorders for soundtrack recording of Blue Hawaii. Amongst the tracks he works on is the title track, Blue Hawaii.

 

Blue Hawaii

 

 

Almost Always True

 

Hawaiian Wedding Song

 

 

March 23rd

 

In 1958, on his last night before his induction, Elvis, his girlfriend, Anita and various friends go to a drive-in to see Tommy Sands in the leading role of Sing, Boy, Sing. After the movie, everyone goes roller skating and Elvis does not go to bed all night. There is no question what is on his mind. ‘Overnight,’ he says years later of the feeling of loss that overcomes him, ‘it was all gone. It was like a dream.’ :(

 

1955 Elvis, Scotty, Bill and Bob Neal flew to New York City and this flight was almost certainly Elvis' first airplane flight.

The Arthur Godfrey audition took place at 2.30 p.m. on the 14th floor at 501 Madison Avenue.

March 24th

 

In 1958, at 6.35am, Elvis, accompanied by Anita and his parents, reports to the draft board at 198 South Main Street, where he joins twelve other recruits on a bus to Kennedy Memorial Hospital. He is dressed in black boots, black trousers, a blue shirt and grey jacket, and carries a leather bag. Elvis is assigned serial number 53 310 761 and after his physical, he is put in charge of the group, which will be taking an army bus to Fort Chaffee, Arkansas. Meanwhile, outside the building, his parents wait anxiously to cay goodbye, while Colonel Parker hands out King Creole balloons to the gathering crowd. During the bus trip, he meets Rex Mansfield from Dresden, Tennessee, who will become one of his closest army friends.

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/elvis1959/eandg2.jpg

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/elvis1959/eandg.jpg

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/elvis1959/eandg3.jpg

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/elvis1959/eandg4.jpg :cry:

 

March 25th

 

1958 and the new army inductees undergo further processing at Fort Chaffee. Elvis receives the traditional G.I. haircut before a crowd of fifty- five reporters and photographers. ‘Hair today, gone tomorrow,’ is his not-too original but good natured comment. By day’s end he is assigned to the Second Armoured Division, General Patton’s ‘Hell on Wheels’ outfit, stationed at Fort Hood, Killeen, Texas.

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/elvis1959/elvis20army20195.jpg

 

March 26th :cheer:

 

1960 and The Sinatra show is taped at 6.15pm for airing on May 12th. Elvis performs the two songs that make up his new single and duets with Frank, in a mutual reversal of roles, on both the host’s Witchcraft and his own Love Me Tender. :wub:

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/elvis1959/frankel60b.jpg :heart:

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/elvis1959/fsinatra.jpg

 

Love Me Tender/Witchcraft (clip has incorrect date) ;)

 

 

March 27th

 

In 1972, Elvis was at RCA’s Studio C in Hollywood. This is the first time that he records with J.D.Sumner & The Stamps and with his live band, all of whom are present, except for Jerry Scheff, who is replaced on bass by Nashville session player Emory Gordy. The first nights session begins at 7.00pm and ends in the early hours. The songs, somewhat reflect his mood in Where Do I Go From Here, Kris Kristofferson’s For The Good Times and Red West’s Separate Ways, which could have been (and essentially was) written for and about him. :(

 

Separate Ways

 

 

For The Good Times

 

 

March 28th

 

International Amphitheater, Chicago - 1957

Elvis wears a $2,500 gold-leaf suit that the Colonel has had made up by Nudie Cohen, famous for the extravagance of the sequined suits he designs for country stars like Hank Snow and Ferlin Huskey. The show grosses $32,000 from a crowd of 12,000.

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/elvis1959/backstage57.jpg

 

March 29th

 

In 1972, the last night of recording began with yet another melancholy declaration, Always On My Mind, concluding at 1.00am with a total output of seven masters achieved over the three nights.

 

Always On My Mind

 

 

March 30th

 

In 1972, filming of the MGM documentary, tentatively titled Standing Room Only, but eventually to be released as On Tour, begins with a simulated recording session of the just-completed songs. The movie is to be produced by the team of Bob Abel and Pierre Adidge, two young film-makers fresh from the success of Mad Dogs And Englishmen, a documentary of the 1970 Joe Cocker all-star and all-experience tour. :dance:

March 31st

 

In 1972, filming continued on On Tour as Elvis and the musicians work through the tour repertoire. The night ends with Elvis, Charlie Hodge, James Burton and J.D.Sumner and the Stamps, gathered around the piano for an impromptu gospel sing. Before leaving the studio, Elvis gives a brief informal interview that focuses on his lifelong love of gospel music and performing. Asked how it is that there is a special feeling among the members of the group, Elvis replies,’ I think it’s because we constantly enjoy this music. You know, we do two shows a night for weeks, but we never let it get old. Every time is like we do it for the first time – and that’s one of the secrets.’ :D

April 1st

 

In 1959, Elvis rents a piano from Music House Kuhlwetter in nearby Giesen and subsequently spends a great deal of time singing and playing. In his last year in Germany, Elvis continues to record material with Charlie Hodge on his home tape recorder, with a repertoire that includes gospel numbers that will show up on 1960’s His Hand In Mine, r & b songs like Such A Night, and well known standards like Are You Lonesome Tonight and Tony Martin’s There’s No Tomorrow (English lyrics set to the O Sole Mio melody popularized by Enrico Caruso) that Elvis is considering for future release. Elvis likes the song so much that he subsequently asks Freddy Bienstock to commission new lyrics, recording the song as It’s Now Or Never once he gets out of the army.

It's Now Or Never

 

 

April 2nd

 

Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Canada – 1957

 

Elvis wears the full gold suit, accompanying himself on piano when he sings Blueberry Hill, a chart-topping hit for Fats Domino, the New Orleans rhythm and blues singer, whom Elvis adores. :dance:

 

 

April 3rd

 

1957 and Elvis takes the 8.00am train to Ottawa, Canada

 

Elvis arriving at Ottawa Union Station

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/elvis1959/ottawa2.jpg

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/elvis1959/ottawa.jpg

 

He performs two shows at the Ottawa Auditorium and after the show Elvis tells reporters,’ It’s a very uncertain business. The end may come in a lot less time than a few years.’ The Ottawa Citizen reports on the actions of a local girls’ school at the Notre Dame Convent, which suspends eight Elvis fans for attending the concert. :dance:

 

Elvis backstage with some lucky fans

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/elvis1959/ottawa3.jpg

 

 

Thanks to Brian Quinn who posted this on the 18s B)

 

The following article by Earl MCRae appeared today in the Sun News (Ottawa & Region) entitles 'A Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On'.

 

It was 50 years ago this very day that a sleepy no-count town called Ottawa experienced its greatest moment in pop culture history that has never been equalled and won't be -- for He was the one, He was the only, He was the Chosen, He was The King rising, he was Elvis Presley.

 

Standing under an umbrella by the entrance to the Capitol Hill Hotel and Suites on Albert St., waiting for her brother checking in, is Magda Huot, 54 years old. I introduce myself and ask: "Did you know that 50 years ago this Tuesday the King of Rock 'n' Roll stayed in this place?"

 

"You mean -- Elvis?" She tilts her head. "Yes, Elvis." She looks at me oddly.

 

"Oh, c'mon." She raises her eyebrows. "Yes. He did. When it was called the Beacon Arms. Right here is where he stayed."

 

WHY IN THE WORLD?

 

 

Her brother comes over. "Guess what," she tells him. "You're in the hotel where Elvis stayed." Her brother purses his eyebrows: "Why in the world would Elvis Presley come to Ottawa of all places?"

 

Elvis Presley, in his entire career, performed only three times outside the United States -- all in Canada, all in 1957 -- and it made no sense that a nothingsville back then called Ottawa would be picked, the capital a replacement when Montreal fell through after strong opposition to the "sex-crazed devil incarnate" from church leaders and city councillors.

 

Presley, 22, was at the zenith of his phenomenal talent and fame that rocked the world when, with his entourage, he arrived at 8 a.m. at Union Station on the overnight train from Toronto where the night before he'd performed at Maple Leaf Gardens. Hundreds of screaming fans greeted him in the station concourse, some throwing him stuffed teddy bears symbolizing his latest mega hit, Teddy Bear.

 

In a rose-coloured raincoat, Presley waved, smiled, moved swiftly to a car that took him to the Beacon Arms to rest before his sold-out shows at the Auditorium, 4:30 and 8:30. Trainloads of fans on Elvis Specials were arriving from Montreal, Toronto, and along the way.

 

Each of his shows was only half-an-hour long. His fans didn't care. Nor that they couldn't hear a word Presley was singing, their shrieks non-stop and deafening. When Presley --in his gold lame jacket, black shirt, black slacks, black loafers, trademark sideburns and sultry sneer bucked, snapped, gyrated, shook, pouted, fell to his knees -- weeping and screaming girls rushed the stage despite police heaving them back. It was beyond bedlam.

 

One berserk fan would years later become mayor of Ottawa, Jackie Holzman; another one, one of the city's top hoteliers, lawyer Brian Karam. "It was insanity," recalls Karam. "The girl who was with me, I had her on my shoulders the whole time so she could see. Her weight nearly killed me."

 

Eight girls from Notre Dame Convent were suspended for going to see Presley.

 

Only 37 of the 259 MPs attended the night session in the Commons, the rest had gone to the Presley show.

 

TEENS ARRESTED

 

After the last show, several teens were briefly arrested for celebrating Presley in the streets with firecrackers, and tossing them into the lobby of the Chateau Laurier Hotel. Andy Zebchuck, 16, and George Barney, 18, were arrested and released for trying to crash the back door of the Aud to meet Presley. Zebchuck: "Kids were marching along the streets shouting 'Elvis, Elvis, Elvis' -- it was one wild night."

 

Backstage, Presley signed the arm of Ottawa teenager Patricia Thomas who'd won the privilege of meeting him in a contest by CFRA disc jockey Gord Atkinson -- emcee of the Presley shows -- and, sobbing uncontrollably, she vowed never to wash her arm again.

 

$3.50 A TICKET

 

Presley's fans paid $3.50 a ticket. Presley's cut of the gate was $20,000 after Uncle Sam took his slice -- $3,000. The way it was 50 years ago today when Union Station was not the federal government conference centre, the Beacon Arms was not Capital Hill Hotel and Suites, the Auditorium was not the YM-YWCA.

 

And Ottawa was not what it is, but good enough for the rock 'n' roll boy king of the world, and starting 6 o'clock tonight, at Moe's World Famous Newport Restaurant, you can join the Elvis Sighting Society in celebrating him again.

April 4th

 

In 1968, Martin Luther King is assassinated in Memphis, an event which Elvis takes just as hard as John F. Kennedy’s assassination five years earlier-but more personally because it happened in his hometown. Dr King’s ‘I Have A Dream’ speech is one of Elvis’ favourite rhetorical pieces, something he recites often over the years, but no more often than Douglas MacArthur’s ‘Farewell Address.’

 

In 1973, Elvis: Aloha From Hawaii is broadcast on NBC at 8.30pm. Fifty-seven percent of the television audience watches the show, as does Elvis, who is at home in Los Angeles. B)