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Elvis Aaron Presley 1970-1972 | That's The Way It Is

Elvis Presley 1970-1972 : From Las Vegas 1970 to Hawaii 1972, in concerts, studio Recordings and important events in his Life. 'That's The Way It Is' and 'Elvis On Tour'.

January 10, Rehearsals begin at the RCA studio on Sunset Boulevard. Because Ronnie Tutt has been unable to reach an agreement on salary, he has been replaced on drums by Bob Lanning, Pianist Larry Muhoberac, too drops out, and James Burton recruits his friend Glen D. Hardin who played with Buddy Holly's backing group, The Crickets. Cissy Houston too, has departed to be replaced for a time by Ann Williams.

January 10, 1970

International. Hotel, Las Vegas, Nv January 1970

Elvis shares a moment with Priscilla while on stage at the International Hotel in Las Vegas.

Elvis opens this four week engagement with a single invitation only show, attended by everyone from Fats Domino to Zsa Zsa Gabor, that generally draws rave reviews

26 Jan Midnight
27 Jan 8.30pm
27 Jan Midnight
28 Jan 8.30pm
28 Jan Midnight
29 Jan 8.30pm
29 Jan Midnight
30 Jan 8.30pm
30 Jan Midnight
31 Jan 8.30pm
31 Jan Midnight

February 1970

Elvis Presley February 1970 : Las Vegas.

01 Feb 8.30pm
01 Feb Midnight
02 Feb 8.30pm
02 Feb Midnight
03 Feb 8.30pm
03 Feb Midnight
04 Feb 8.30pm
04 Feb Midnight
05 Feb 8.30pm
05 Feb Midnight
06 Feb 8.30pm
06 Feb Midnight
07 Feb 8.30pm
07 Feb Midnight
08 Feb 8.30pm
08 Feb Midnight
09 Feb 8.30pm
09 Feb Midnight
10 Feb 8.30pm
10 Feb Midnight
11 Feb 8.30pm
11 Feb Midnight
12 Feb 8.30pm
12 Feb Midnight
13 Feb 8.30pm
13 Feb Midnight
14 Feb 8.30pm
14 Feb Midnight
15 Feb 8.30pm
15 Feb Midnight

February 16, Felton Jarvis supervises the recording of selected songs from both the dinner and midnight shows which will serve as the backbone for Elvis' upcoming 'On Stage' album.

The album features the world-wide #1 single 'The Wonder of You'.

16 Feb 8.30pm
16 Feb Midnight

February 17, RCA continues to record selectively at both evening shows.

17 Feb 8.30pm
17 Feb Midnight

February 18, An afternoon rehearsal is called to work out arrangements for three additional songs, since there is not enough satisfactory new material in the show to fill an album. The thee songs are; the 1959 Ray Peterson ballad 'The Wonder of You', Ray Price's 'Release Me' and the blues standard 'See See Rider' -- Recording continues during both shows on this and the following night.

Elvis Presley, backstage with fans in Las Vegas on February 18, 1970

18 Feb 8.30pm
18 Feb Midnight
19 Feb 8.30pm
19 Feb Midnight
20 Feb 8.30pm
20 Feb Midnight
21 Feb 8.30pm
21 Feb Midnight
22 Feb 8.30pm
22 Feb Midnight

February 23, Elvis closes his engagement with a midnight show that runs until 3am giving what many consider to be one of his finest performances.

23 Feb 8.30pm
23 Feb Midnight

February 25, Elvis flies to Houston for his shows at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in Kirk Kerkorian's private jet.

Astrodome, Houston, Tx February 1970

February 26, Elvis became aware from the first moments that the sound system is hopeless and the band will be unable to hear itself. 'Don't fight it' he says to Glen Hardin. 'Just go ahead and play'.

Starting with a press conference in Houston on the 27th, Elvis performs afternoon and evening shows at the Houston Astrodome . Two more shows follow on the 28th. Two more follow on March 1. A closing press conference and banquet follow, and Elvis is presented an armload of recent gold record awards. The six shows attract 207,494 people and set records. There is speculation among the press and the public that Elvis might tour in concert for the first time since the fifties.

Elvis Presley Backstage Houston Astrodome February 1970.

27 Feb 2.00pm
27 Feb 7.45pm
28 Feb 2.00pm
28 Feb 7.45pm
01 Mar 2.30pm
01 Mar 7.00pm

Houston Astrodome Ticket for March 1, 1970 afternoon show.

March 1, Elvis hold another press conference after the final show, at which he is presented with Gold records for five of his 1969 releases: 'Don't Cry Daddy', 'In THe Ghetto', 'Suspicious Minds', and the two LP's From Elvis In Memphis and From Memphis to Vegas/ From Vegas to Memphis.

N8809E Then a Delta Airlines Convair 880 landing at New York's JFK International Airport May 1970. This aircraft was purchased by Elvis Presley and became The Lisa Marie.

Elvis Presley at Easter : March 29, 1970

June 1, a new guardhouse is completed at the Graceland gates - cost $1950. Felton Jarvis quits his job at RCA to work directly for Elvis, not only in the recording studio but in Las Vegas and on the road.

Elvis Presleys : Nashville Marathon : June 4-8, 1970

June 4, Elvis begins five days of recording at RCA's Studio B in Nashville, reporting each evening at 6.00pm and working until the dawn hours. The decision to follow up the magnificent sessions in Memphis by going back to RCA's Nashville studio and hiring Nashville musicians, must have puzzled quite a few people at the time. However, as Chip Moman's Memphis studio had folded, both RCA and Felton Jarvis must have been pleased to see the situation return to what it had been before - RCA because of administrative differences with Chip Moman, and Jarvis because he would once more be in total control again. Felton Jarvis had quit RCA in the beginning of 1970, and from the June sessions onwards would work for Elvis exclusively, both in the recording studios and with live recordings. ln this capacity Jarvis supervised all the arrangements such as booking studios, hiring musicians, and staying in touch with the various publishing companies and RCA.

Whereas Elvis would be in control during the actual sessions, Jarvis would do all the overdubbing sessions at a later date and see to the forwarding of the master tapes to RCA.

Given the different location and the presence of a different producer, the radical change in sound perhaps did not come as a total surprise. Gone was the soul-imbued Memphis sound, substituted by the slick Nashville country sound. The 1970 band line-up had changed drastically from the one last employed in January 1968.

No longer present were the old timers like Scotty Moore and D.J. Fontana, Bob Moore, Buddy Harman, Pete Drake, Floyd Cramer, Boots Randolph, and The Jordanaires. Of the old crew only Chip Young, David Briggs, and Charlie McCoy were in the studios, Some of the newcomers such as Norbert Putnam on bass and Jerry Carrigan on drums were in the same age group as Young and Briggs.

From Elvis' live band only James Burton took part in the sessions, perhaps because apart from Jerry Reed no lead guitarist of top-notch quality was available in Nashville.

The sessions lasted live nights, and produced a total of no less than 34 recordings. The usual recording procedure was reverted to, with Elvis doing his vocals along with the rhythm track. Unlike the previous Nashville sessions this time a lot of overdubs were made, probably in order to simplify technical proceedings during the actual sessions. All the back-up vocals and such extras as banjo and fiddle parts were recorded during the following months. The saxophone that was so prominent in Elvis' sixties sessions was dropped in the seventies' band, and any horn section work was now dubbed in later. Once again the quality of the material to be recorded presented a problem, and, unfortunately, a great number of mediocre ballads were chosen. Generally, the songs that make up Elvis Country are of a high standard, with Bill Monroe's 'Little Cabin On The Hill' and a great rocker like 'l Washed My Hands ln Muddy Water' being especially impressive. Apart from rock oriented songs like 'Patch It Up' and the medley 'Got My Mojo Working'/ 'Keep Your Hands Off Her' during these sessions rock repertoire unfortunately was neglected, not to mention blues or soul oriented repertoire. A definite disadvantage of the overdubbing procedure was Elvis' absence when this work 'was done. As a result, Felton Jarvis' rather traditional concepts became the ruling factor in all the overdubbing and mixing. Jarvis would then submit final mixes to Elvis, who would perhaps occasionally ask for certain changes to be made.

June 4 1970 RCA Studio B - Nashville, Tennessee

Mystery Train / Tiger Man (Jam)
Twenty Days & Twenty Nights ZPA4 1593-09
I've Lost You ZPA4 1594-07
I Was Born About Ten Thousand Years Ago ZPA4 1595-01
The Sound Of Your Cry ZPA4 1596-11
Faded Love (Country Version) WPA5 2584-01
The Fool ZPA4 1597-02
A Hundred Years From Now WPA5 2569-SP
Little Cabin On The Hill ZPA4 1598-02
Cindy Cindy ZPA4 1599-03

Elvis Country : FTD Special Edition : Classic Album 2 CD Set.

Elvis: That's The Way It Is 2 CD Set.
Love Letters From Elvis 2 CD Set.

June 5 1970 RCA Studio B - Nashville, Tennessee

Bridge Over Troubled Water ZPA4 1600-08
Got My Mojo Working / Keep Your Hands Off It ZPA4 1601-01
How The Web Was Woven ZPA4 1602-03
It's Your Baby, You Rock It ZPA4 1603-05
Stranger In The Crowd ZPA4 1604-09
I'll Never Know ZPA4 1605-07
Mary In The Morning ZPA4 1606-05

June 6 1970 RCA Studio B - Nashville, Tennessee

I Didn't Make It On Playing Guitar (Jam) WPA5 2583-01
It Ain't No Big Thing ZPA4 1607-09
You Don't Have To Say You Love Me ZPA4 1608-03
Just Pretend ZPA4 1609-03
This Is Our Dance ZPA4 1610-11
Life ZPA4 1613-20
Heart Of Rome ZPA4 1614-03
Heart Of Rome ZPA4 1614-03
Heart Of Rome (Work Part) ____-01
Heart Of Rome (Composite) ZPA4 1614-SP

June 7 1970 RCA Studio B - Nashville, Tennessee

June 7, A new idea began taking shape. The original plan to cut just eighteen songs could not have included any thought of a second album, but on the fourth night, all of a sudden, a country album began to emerge.

When I'm Over You ZPA4 1615-01
I Really Don't Want To Know ZPA4 1616-04
Faded Love ZPA4 1617-01
Tomorrow Never Comes ZPA4 1618-13
Tomorrow Never Comes (Work Part) ____-01
The Next Step Is Love ZPA4 1619-11
Make The World Go Away ZPA4 1620-03
Make The World Go Away (Work Part) ____-01
Make The World Go Away (Composite) ZPA4 1620-SP
Funny How Time Slips Away (Remake) ZPA4 1621-01
I Washed My Hand In Muddy Water ZPA4 1622-01
Love Letters ZPA4 1623-05

June 8 1970 RCA Studio B - Nashville, Tennessee

There Goes My Everything ZPA4 1624-03
If I Were You ZPA4 1625-09
Only Believe ZPA4 1626-04
Sylvia ZPA4 1627-08
Patch It Up ZPA4 1628-08

Elvis Presleys : Nashville Marathon : June 4-8, 1970

July, After the marathon session, 35 masters in 5 days, in Nashville, Elvis enjoyed himself until he had to go west for the upcoming Las Vegas engagement. On June 22 he bought three snow mobiles, which were able to drive the Graceland grass. He went to Nashville, maybe to review and repair some recordings, he stayed in Dallas for a couple of days and flew back to Memphis as 'John Carpenter', together with Richard Davis and Charlie Hodge. Until he went to California he saw screenings in the Memphian every night.

Elvis at Graceland with his fans July 1970.

International. Hotel, Las Vegas, Nv August 1970 - Elvis - Thats's The Way It Is

Above, This great shot from the August 7, 1970 rehearsal is taken from the back of the booklet from the FTD release of That's The Way It Is Special Edition CD. Back to Las Vegas for rehearsals for another month-long engagement at the International. Elvis opens on August 10 and closes on September 7. MGM is on hand to shoot a documentary film called Elvis : That's the Way It Is that will show Elvis off stage, in rehearsals, in the recording studio, and on stage. RCA will also release an album with the same title.

10 Aug 8.30pm

11 Aug 8.30pm
11 Aug Midnight
12 Aug 8.30pm
12 Aug Midnight Elvis : That's The Way It Is 3 CD Set (Deleted)
13 Aug 8.30pm The Wonder Of You CD
13 Aug Midnight
14 Aug 8.30pm
14 Aug Midnight
15 Aug 8.30pm
15 Aug Midnight
16 Aug 8.30pm
16 Aug Midnight

August 17, Soprano Kathy Westmoreland replaces Millie Kirkham, who has in essence taken over some of departed Sweet Inspiration Cissy Houston's solo duties solely for the filming of 'That's The Way it Is'. Kirkham who is busy with session work in Nashville cannot extend her commitment though the engagement, and Kathy signs on initially just for the remaining three weeks - but stays for the next seven years.

Elvis Presley and Kathy Westmoreland September 6, 1976.

17 Aug 8.30pm
17 Aug Midnight
18 Aug 8.30pm
18 Aug Midnight
19 Aug 8.30pm
19 Aug Midnight
20 Aug 8.30pm
20 Aug Midnight
21 Aug 8.30pm
21 Aug Midnight
22 Aug 8.30pm
22 Aug Midnight
23 Aug 8.30pm
23 Aug Midnight
24 Aug 8.30pm
24 Aug Midnight
25 Aug 8.30pm
25 Aug Midnight

August 26, a security guard at the hotel received a phonecall in which he was told that Elvis would be kidnapped that same evening. The following day 'Colonel' Parker got a similar telephone message. On 28th August, at 6:15 in the morning, the wife of Joe Esposito received a phone call where the person on the other end of the line claimed Elvis would be shot during his last show the following day. The person demanded $ 50.000 to reveal the name of the potential killer. A couple of hours later a menu was found in Elvis' mail at the hotel on which Elvis' face was destroyed and a gun had been drawn pointing to his heart. On the menu was written: 'Guess Who, and Where?' Elvis took the death threats very seriously, just like his employees - and the FBI - but knowing that there were FBI agents in the showroom probably didn't help to relieve the enormous pressure Elvis must have been under during the performance that night.

The situation must have been almost unbearable during 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling' - when the stage lights go off and only a small spotlight lights up Elvis' head and shoulders, a perfect target for a killer...

26 Aug 8.30pm
26 Aug Midnight
27 Aug 8.30pm
27 Aug Midnight
28 Aug 8.30pm
28 Aug Midnight
29 Aug 8.30pm
29 Aug Midnight
30 Aug 8.30pm
30 Aug Midnight
31 Aug 8.30pm
31 Aug Midnight
01 Sep 8.30pm
01 Sep Midnight
02 Sep 8.30pm
02 Sep Midnight
03 Sep 8.30pm
03 Sep Midnight
04 Sep 8.30pm
04 Sep Midnight
05 Sep 8.30pm
05 Sep Midnight
06 Sep 8.30pm
06 Sep Midnight
07 Sep 8.30pm
07 Sep Midnight

One Night In Vegas CD - Tracks 1-18 are from the August 10 show, tracks 19-23 are from August 4.

On Tour September 1970

09 Sep 8.30pm Veterans Memorial Auditorium, Phoenix, Az
10 Sep 8.30pm Kiel Auditorium, St. Louis, Mo
11 Sep 8.30pm Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Mi

Elvis Presley : Olympia Arena, Detroit, Michigan : September 11, 1970

12 Sep 3.00pm Convention Centre, Miami, Fl

12 Sep 8.30pm Convention Centre, Miami, Fl
13 Sep 3.00pm Curtis Hixon Hall, Tampa, Fl
13 Sep 8.30pm Curtis Hixon Hall, Tampa, Fl
14 Sep 8.30pm Mobile, Ab

Elvis Presley : September 15, 1970

Elvis leaves Mobile at 3pm, flying home to Memphis so that he can complete a sheduled two-day recording session in Nashville before returning to the West Coast on September 24.

September 21,Sheriff Roy Nixon makes Elvis an honorary deputy Sheriff of Shelby County, Tennessee.

Elvis and all the guys displaying the badges they too had just received from Sheriff Nixon.

September 22 1970 RCA Studio B - Nashville, Tennessee

Snowbird ZPA4 1797-06
Where Did They Go Lord? ZPA4 1798-06
Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On ZPA4 1799-02
Rags To Riches ZPA4 1800-SP

Elvis in the foyer of Graceland on September 23, 1970.

Elvis had just returned from a one day recording session in Nashville the day before

Elvis Presley at the Gospel Convention, Ellis Auditorium, Memphis, October, 1970

October 15, Back in Memphis Elvis attends the Gospel Quartet Convention at Ellis Auditorium where he is introduced to the crowd by Blackwood Brothers leader James Blackwood.

October 17, Elvis returns to the Quartet Convention, where he forms an impromptu quartet with James Blackwood, Statesmen founder Hovie Lister and bass singer J.D. Sumner and has his picture taken backstage.

On Tour - November 1970

Elvis, That's the Way It Is, Elvis thirty-second film, opens in theaters to good reviews and good box office. Documentaries traditionally do not do well at the box office, but this one makes a respectable showing.

10 Nov 8.30pm Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, Ca
11 Nov 8.30pm Memorial Coliseum, Portland, Or
12 Nov 8.30pm Coliseum, Seattle, Wa
13 Nov 8.30pm Cow Palace, San Francisco, Ca
14 Nov 3.00pm The Forum Arena, Los Angeles, Ca
14 Nov 8.30pm The Forum Arena, Los Angeles, Ca
15 Sep 8.30pm Sports Arena, San Diego, Ca
16 Sep 8.30pm Fairground Arena, Oklahoma City, Ok
17 Sep 8.30pm Denver Coliseum, Denver, Co

Elvis Presley with the daughters of the Denver Police Chief : November 25, 1970

Elvis & Priscilla December 5, 1970.
Elvis and President Nixon.

December 5, George Klein's Wedding in Las Vegas . George marries Barbara Little in Elvis' International Hotel Suite.

December 20, Elvis arrived in Los Angeles at 2.17 a.m. and saw a doctor about a rash he had developed on his face and neck. Most likely caused by an allergic reaction to the medication he was taking for an eye infection, but aggravated by the chocolate he ate on the plane. In the afternoon he explained to Jerry Schilling that he wanted to return to Washington. Jerry protested because he had to be back in California for work. Elvis then allowed him to call Sonny West and have him meet them in Washington. He gave Sonny permission to tell Vernon and Priscilla he was safe, but not where he was. On the plane Elvis wrote a letter to President Nixon offering his services in the government's effort to combat illicit drug use.

December 21, 1970, Elvis' famous visit with President Richard Nixon at the White House occurs in Washington, D.C. The meeting was initiated by Presley, who wrote Nixon a six-page letter requesting a visit with the President and suggesting that he be made a 'Federal Agent-at-Large' in the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs.

Elvis arrived in Washington and was picked up at the airport. He dropped off his letter to the president at 6.30 a.m. Then he checked into the Hotel Washington again. Elvis tried to get in touch with the BNDD's director John Ingersoll. This failed, but there was a call from President Nixon's deputy counsel, asking Elvis to meet him in 45 minutes at the Old Executive Office Building on the White House grounds. There Elvis, Sonny and Jerry met with President Nixon. To everyone's surprise, except for Elvis', they really hit it off, and Elvis left the following day with that what he came for: the BNDD badge.

December 24, Elvis presents a Mercedeses to Sonny West as a wedding present.

December 28, Elvis was best man at Sonny West's wedding . Elvis arrived all dressed up with lots of guns and badges with him. After a church reception there was a second reception at Graceland.

Elvis Presley : Tupelo : December 29, 1970

December 29, 1970 : A day after Elvis was best man at Sonny West's wedding he drives to Tupelo to collect yet another badge, this one from Tupelo sheriff Bill Mitchell, whom Elvis has known from the time Mitchell played fiddle in the band led by Mississippi Slim on radio station WELO when Elvis was a child. This was such a brief visit not even the media got in on the photo taking, making these two photos very special.

December 30, Elvis returns to Washington with eight friends, including ex-sheriff Bill Morris, for a visit to the headquarters of the National Sheriffs Association, where Elvis takes out memberships for everyone so that they will all be eligible for automatic life insurance policies. Morris has also promised to arrange for an appointment with J. Edgar Hoover, but once again this falls through, though the group does visit FBI headquarters the following day fora special tour.

December 31, New Year's Eve party at TJ's.

December 31, 1970 : Starting the day still in Washington after his famous visit with President Richard Nixon, Elvis expresses his admiration for J. Edgar Hoover to the FBI agent conducting the tour, remarking 'in private comments' after the tour, as recorded in the agent's memo, 'that he, Presley, is the 'living proof that America is the land of opportunity' since he rose from truck driver to prominent entertainer almost overnight'. Elvis offers to serve in an undercover capacity m any way he can. On the agent's recommendation Director Hoover sends Elvis a note on January 4, indicating that 'your generous comments concerning the Bureau and me are appreciated, and you may be sure we wil keep in mind your offer to be of assistance'.

Elvis then flies to Memphis in a leased jet in time for the annual New Year's Eve party at TJ's.

Elvis Presley 1971

International. Hotel, Las Vegas, Nv January 1971

January 16, 1971

Elvis attends a day of functions culminating in an evening awards banquet. He and nine others accept the honor of being named One of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Nation by the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce (The Jaycees). He is nervous about his acceptance speech.

He is touched, excited and deeply proud. This national honor has been given each year since the late 1930's and recognizes young men who have made great achievements in their field of endeavor, illustrating the opportunities available in the free enterprise system. It also applauds humanitarianism and community service.

Scientists, inventors, performers, film makers, politicians bound for the Presidency, and men of greatness in all fields, have been selected for this award over the years.

For Elvis, a man who grew up poor, and, in his early career knew the sting of ridicule from the Establishment, who, through the years has known criticism of his work, this is one of his proudest moments. It is a sign that he has achieved acceptance, recognition, and respect for his work and for the kind of person he is.

Above - In January 1971 Elvis was awarded as one of the ten most outstanding young men of America by the 'Jaycees'. Over the years in various printed articles and heard on record releases you could read or listen to Elvis' acceptance speech but.... did you know that it was edited?

Elvis in L.A. 1971.

January 18-22, 1971 : Trousdale Estates

26 Jan 8.30pm The Impossible Dream CD
27 Jan 8.30pm
27 Jan Midnight
28 Jan 8.30pm
28 Jan Midnight
29 Jan 8.30pm
29 Jan Midnight
30 Jan 8.30pm
30 Jan Midnight
31 Jan 8.30pm
31 Jan Midnight
01 Feb 8.30pm
01 Feb Midnight
02 Feb 8.30pm
02 Feb Midnight
03 Feb 8.30pm
03 Feb Midnight
04 Feb 8.30pm
04 Feb Midnight
05 Feb 8.30pm
05 Feb Midnight
06 Feb 8.30pm
06 Feb Midnight
07 Feb 8.30pm
07 Feb Midnight
08 Feb 8.30pm
08 Feb Midnight
09 Feb 8.30pm
09 Feb Midnight
10 Feb 8.30pm
10 Feb Midnight
11 Feb 8.30pm
11 Feb Midnight
12 Feb 8.30pm
12 Feb Midnight
13 Feb 8.30pm
13 Feb Midnight
14 Feb 8.30pm
14 Feb Midnight
15 Feb 8.30pm
15 Feb Midnight
16 Feb 8.30pm
16 Feb Midnight
17 Feb 8.30pm
17 Feb Midnight
18 Feb 8.30pm
18 Feb Midnight
19 Feb 8.30pm
19 Feb Midnight
20 Feb 8.30pm
20 Feb Midnight
21 Feb 8.30pm
21 Feb Midnight
22 Feb 8.30pm
22 Feb Midnight
23 Feb 8.30pm
23 Feb Midnight

I Sing All Kinds FTD CD.
The Wonderful World of Christmas.
Elvis: He Touched Me.
Elvis Now CD.

March 15, 1971 RCA Studio B - Nashville, Tennessee

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (Ginger Holladay Duet) APA4 1255-12
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face APA4 1255-12
Amazing Grace APA4 1256-05
Early Morning Rain APA4 1257-SP
(That's What You Get) For Lovin' Me APA4 1258-12

May 15, 1971 RCA Studio B - Nashville, Tennessee

Miracle Of The Rosary APA4 1259-04
It Won't Seem Like Christmas APA4 1260-07
If I Get Home On Christmas Day APA4 1261-08
Padre APA4 1262-12
Holly Leaves And Christmas Trees APA4 1263-10
Merry Christmas Baby APA4 1264-01
Merry Christmas Baby MWA5 9086-01
Silver Bells APA4 1265-02

May 16, 1971 RCA Studio B - Nashville, Tennessee

The Lord's Prayer (Informal Jam) WPA5 2571-01
I'll Be Home On Christmas Day APA4 1266-08
On A Snowy Christmas Night APA4 1267-NA
Winter Wonderland APA4 1268-10
Don't Think Twice It's All Right (Jam) APA4 1269-01
O Come All Ye Faithful (Track) APA4 1270-NA
O Come All Ye Faithful APA4 1270-01
O Come All Ye Faithful MWA5 9085-02
The First Noel (Track) APA4 1271-NA
The First Noel APA4 1271-NA
The Wonderful World Of Christmas (Track) APA4 1272-NA
The Wonderful World Of Christmas APA4 1272-NA

May 17, 1971 RCA Studio B - Nashville, Tennessee

Help Me Make It Through The Night APA4 1273-SP
Until It's Time For You To Go APA4 1274-08
Lady Madonna (Informal Recording) WPA5 2572-01
Lead Me Guide Me APA4 1275-06

May 18, 1971 RCA Studio B - Nashville, Tennessee

Fools Rush In APA4 1276-24
He Touched Me APA4 1277-04
Johnny B Goode (Jam)
I've Got Confidence APA4 1278-02
An Evening Prayer APA4 1279-03

May 19, 1971 RCA Studio B - Nashville, Tennessee

Seeing Is Believing APA4 1280-14 (12)
A Thing Called Love APA4 1281-09
It's Still Here APA4 1282-05
I'll Take You Home Again Kathleen APA4 1283-01
I Will Be True APA4 1284-03

May 19, 1971 RCA Studio A - Nashville, Tennessee

Miracle Of The Rosary (V.O.) APA4 1259

May 20, 1971 RCA Studio B - Nashville, Tennessee

I'm Leavin' APA4 1285-05
We Can Make The Morning APA4 1286-01
I Shall Be Released (Informal Recording) WPA5 2573-01
It's Only Love APA4 1287-10

May 21, 1971 RCA Studio B - Nashville, Tennessee

Love Me Love The Life I Lead APA4 1288-12
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (Temple Riser Duet) APA4 1255-01

February 25, 1971 : Larry Gatlin, The Imperials

Elvis Presley at Studio 'B', Nashville May 21, 1971

June 1971, The City Council of Memphis, Tennessee officially changed the name of Highway 51 South to Elvis Presley Boulevard in June 1971. The first sign was erected in January 1972 at a ceremony outside Graceland with Memphis Mayor Wyeth Chandler and Elvis' father Vernon Presley. When Elvis purchased Graceland in 1957, Highway 51 South and the area known as Whitehaven were 'out in the country'.

By the 1970s, shopping centers, housing developments and apartment complexes had sprung up in the area.

The actual street address of Graceland is 3764 Elvis Presley Boulevard.

June 8, 1971 RCA Studio B - Nashville, Tennessee

Until It's Time For You To Go (Remake) APA4 1289-10
Put Your Hand In The Hand APA4 1290-02
Reach Out To Jesus APA4 1291-10

June 9, 1971 RCA Studio B - Nashville, Tennessee

He Is My Everything APA4 1292-05
There Is No God But God APA4 1293-05
I John APA4 1294-02
Bosom Of Abraham APA4 1295-06
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (Vocal Repairs) APA4 1255

June 10, 1971 RCA Studio B - Nashville, Tennessee

My Way WPA5 2599-01
I'll Be Home On Christmas Day (Remake) APA4 1296-10

Sahara Tahoe Hotel, Stateline, Nv July 1971

20 July 8.30pm
20 July Midnight
21 July 8.30pm
21 July Midnight
22 July 8.30pm
22 July Midnight
23 July 8.30pm
23 July Midnight
24 July 8.30pm
24 July Midnight
25 July 8.30pm
25 July Midnight
26 July 8.30pm
26 July Midnight
27 July 8.30pm
27 July Midnight
28 July 8.30pm
28 July Midnight
29 July 8.30pm
29 July Midnight
30 July 8.30pm
30 July Midnight
31 July 8.30pm
31 July Midnight
01 Aug 8.30pm
01 Aug Midnight
02 Aug 8.30pm
02 Aug Midnight

Hilton Hotel, Las Vegas, Nv August 1971

09 Aug 8.30pm
10 Aug 8.30pm
10 Aug Midnight
11 Aug 8.30pm
11 Aug Midnight
12 Aug 8.30pm
12 Aug Midnight
13 Aug 8.30pm
13 Aug Midnight
14 Aug 8.30pm
14 Aug Midnight
15 Aug 8.30pm
15 Aug Midnight
16 Aug 8.30pm
16 Aug Midnight
17 Aug 8.30pm
17 Aug Midnight
18 Aug 8.30pm
18 Aug Midnight
19 Aug 8.30pm
19 Aug Midnight
20 Aug 8.30pm
20 Aug Midnight
21 Aug 8.30pm
21 Aug Midnight
22 Aug 8.30pm
22 Aug Midnight
23 Aug 8.30pm
23 Aug Midnight
24 Aug 8.30pm
24 Aug Midnight
25 Aug 8.30pm
25 Aug Midnight
26 Aug 8.30pm
26 Aug Midnight
27 Aug 8.30pm
27 Aug Midnight
28 Aug 8.30pm August 28, 1971 : Receiving Bing Crosby Award
28 Aug Midnight
29 Aug 8.30pm
29 Aug Midnight
30 Aug 8.30pm
30 Aug Midnight
31 Aug 8.30pm
31 Aug Midnight
01 Sep 8.30pm
01 Sep Midnight
02 Sep 8.30pm
02 Sep Midnight
03 Sep 8.30pm
03 Sep Midnight
04 Sep 8.30pm
04 Sep Midnight
05 Sep 8.30pm
05 Sep Midnight
06 Sep 8.30pm
06 Sep Midnight

On Tour November 1971

05 Nov 8.30pm Metropolitan Sports Center, Minneapolis, Mn
06 Nov 2.30pm Public Hall Auditorium, Cleveland, Oh
06 Nov 8.30pm Public Hall Auditorium, Cleveland, Oh

On the 7th November 1971 Elvis played Louisville Kentucky again and at Freedom Hall he introduced his Grandfather Jesse Pressley (who was in the audience) to the crowd.

07 Nov 2.30pm Fair & Expo Center, Louisville, Ky
07 Nov 8.30pm Fair & Expo Center, Louisville, Ky
08 Nov 8.30pm Spectrum, Philadelphia. Pa

Ticket for Nov 8, 1971 8.30pm Show - Spectrum, Philadelphia. Pa.

09 Nov 8.30pm Fair & Expo Center, Louisville, Ky
10 Nov 8.30pm Boston Garden, Boston, Ma Elvis As Recorded At Boston Garde
11 Nov 8.30pm Cinccinatti Garden, Cincinnati, Oh
12 Nov 8.30pm Hofheinz Pavillion, Houston, Tx
13 Nov 2.30pm Memorial Auditorium, Dallas, Tx
13 Nov 8.30pm Memorial Auditorium, Dallas, Tx
14 Nov 8.30pm University Of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Ab

Ticket for the Elvis Presley Show - T uscaloosa November 14, 1971at 2:30 pm.

15 Nov 8.30pm Municipal Auditorium, Kansas City, Mo
16 Nov 8.30pm Salt Palace, Salt Lake City, Ut

Elvis Presley, Tuscaloosa Police Chief William Marable - November 14, 1971 - Tuscaloosa, AL

December 30,Priscilla and Lisa Marie fly back to Los Angeles.

Following their departure, Elvis announces to everyone that Priscilla is leaving him.

'She hasn't told him why, simply that she no longer loves him'.

December 31, Elvis hosts a small New Years Eve party at Graceland, not at the local club as he has in the past.

Elvis Presley 1972

Hilton Hotel, Las Vegas, Nv

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15 Feb Midnight An American Trilogy CD
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An American Trilogy CD is the long awaited and asked for FTD release of multi-track recordings from February 1972's Las Vegas season + extra songs from the opening night January 26th 1972 soundboard concert to give us a total of 24 tracks. Most of the 15th Feb 1972 M/S here is unreleased, the title track from 14.2.72 M/S is also unreleased, but tracks 10-14 were previously released. More Elvis Stereo Concerts.

Read about these sessions - Standing Room Only

March 27, 1972 RCA Studio C - Hollywood, California

Separate Ways BPA3 1149-21
For The Good Times BPA3 1150-04
Where Do I Go from Here? BPA3 1151-08

March 22, after a good deal of effort, Felton Jarvis persuades Elvis to try the rocker -- Burning Love -- that he has gotten from his friend, Nashville publisher Bob Beckham. Both Felton and Beckham are convinced that songwriter Denis Linde's 'Burning Love' can be a big hit for Elvis.

The song reaches #2 on the Billboard and #1 on Cashbox charts.

March 28, 1972 RCA Studio C - Hollywood, California

Burning Love BPA3 1257-06
Fool BPA3 1258-02

March 29, 1972 RCA Studio C - Hollywood, California

Always On My Mind BPA3 1259-01
It's A Matter Of Time BPA3 1260-05

Elvis on Tour, In April MGM films Elvis in a Hollywood recording studio, then films on and off stage during his 15-city concert tour, which is a big success. MGM will use the footage for another theatrically released documentary, Elvis on Tour a Golden Globe-winning American musical-documentary motion picture released by MGM in 1972. It was the thirty-third and final motion picture to star Elvis Presley, whose film career began in 1956.

A follow-up to the 1970 release Elvis : That's the Way It Is, another musical-documentary, this film followed Presley as he embarked on a 15-city tour of the United States in April 1972. The working title of the film was Standing Room Only and a soundtrack album was planned with this title, but never released. Elvis on Tour is the only Elvis Presley film from which no actual soundtrack recordings were released concurrent with the film's release (although Presley did have hits with studio recordings of songs such as 'Burning Love' and 'Separate Ways' which are also featured in the film).

The Elvis On Tour Movie begins with Elvis singing Johnny B. Goode over the credits. Elvis is filmed arriving at the auditoriums, waiting nervously backstage and then appearing on stage to rapturous welcomes. The multiple image effect is used to great effect throughout the whole film. Part of several concerts are shown, interspersed with rare footage of the first Ed Sullivan Show, Army induction, Elvis in his gold suit and other clips and stills.,

Elvis is seen recording 'Separate Ways' in the studio as well as being driven to and from concerts, running the gauntlet of his fans as he enters and exits hotels and concert halls.

In between shots of Elvis singing and kissing his fans, many kissing scenes from previous MGM movies are edited in and this makes for a very entertaining segment.

A lot of action is packed into the film with nostalgia and good music. Like the Elvis shows themselves it had to finish and the end of the film shows Elvis running offstage after 'Can't Help Falling In Love' and into a waiting Limousine which carries him away. As the closing credits roll Memories is the perfect background music to the traveling and back stage scenes being shown. As the film fades there's a reprise of the shot of Elvis in the car smiling at some distant memory. On Tour is a marvelous film capturing Elvis doing what he did best, singing for his fans. Like That's The Way It Is it will always be a cherished, favorite movie.

'I never met a guitar player worth a damn', a statement attributed to Vernon by Elvis in the documentary 'Elvis On Tour' is an old southern expression. Over and over again in Southern imagery comes the figure of a man sitting on his front porch with his guitar pickin' and singin' while the crops go to ruin. - Elvis and Gladys.

Above - Elvis talks about his early career, hand picking Bill Black, and D.J. Fontana (Scotty was already there) - Moving on to '69 Elvis again talks about hand picking his band for Las Vegas in '69. Elvis talks of asking who are the best guitar players around and Glen Campbell and James Burton were suggested. Elvis then discusses his Jaycees speech and how nervous he was and when he first decided he wanted to be a singer. He thinks (From memory) he one 5th place in a talent contest.

Elvis reveals his disappointment with his movie career and that he he had no self satisfaction 'inside'. Elvis thought they would develop something better for him.

Above - Elvis talks about making his first record for his mother. His first time he appeared on stage it was a charity 'thing', talks about the reaction to his movements on stage.

Elvis says, 'It was amazing how popular I became at school after that'.

On Tour April 1972

05 Apr 8.30pm Memorial Auditorium, Buffalo, Ny
06 Apr 8.30pm Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Mi
07 Apr 8.30pm Univ. Of Dayton Arena, Dayton, Oh

Elvis Presley : Arriving at McGhee Tyson Airport : Knoxville : April 8, 1972

08 Apr 2.30pm Uot Stokely Athletic, Knoxville, Tn
08 Apr 8.30pm Uot Stokely Athletic, Knoxville, Tn
09 Apr 2.30pm Hampton Roads Coliseum, Hampton Roads, Va
09 Apr 8.30pm Hampton Roads Coliseum, Hampton Roads, Va
10 Apr 8.30pm Richmond Coliseum, Richmond, Va
11 Apr 8.30pm Civic Center Coliseum, Roanoke, Va
12 Apr 8.30pm Fair Grounds Col, Indianapolis, In
13 Apr 8.30pm Charlotte Coliseum, Charlotte, Nc
14 Apr 8.30pm Greensboro Coliseum, Greensboro, Nc
15 Apr 2.30pm Macon Coliseum, Macon, Ga
15 Apr 8.30pm Macon Coliseum, Macon, Ga
16 Apr 2.30pm Veteran's Memorial Coliseum, Jacksonville, Fl
16 Apr 8.30pm Veteran's Memorial Coliseum, Jacksonville, Fl
17 Apr 8.30pm T.h. Barton Coliseum, Arkansas, Ar
18 Apr 8.30pm Convention Center, San Antonio, Tx

19 Apr 8.30pm Tingley Coliseum, Alburquerque, Nm

 Elvis Presley at a Gospel Convention, 1972

Madison Square Garden, New York City, Ny

Ticket for Madison Square Garden, New York City, Ny - June 11 2.30pm Show.

Elvis makes entertainment history by performing four sold-out shows at New York's Madison Square Garden. John Lennon, George Harrison, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, and Art Garfunkel are among the music stars spotted at the shows. Nine days after it is recorded, RCA rush-releases a live album from one of the shows - Elvis as Recorded at Madison Square Garden. Elvis tours to seven more cities. Elvis' Vegas and concert tour career is hot, hot, hot during the early to mid-seventies. He breaks attendance records in cities all over America.

Years later the best of the concerts is released on CD as An Afternoon In The Garden. (10 June 2.30pm). In fact, the lineup of songs on the two albums is nearly identical: the performances vary only slightly but An Afternoon In The Garden is the recommended purchase particually with Reconsider Baby and I'll Remember You.

Elvis Presley : Madison Square Garden, New York City, Ny : June 10, 1972 : 8:30pm Show.

09 June 8.30pm
10 June 2.30pm
10 June 8.30pm
11 June 8.30pm

On Tour June 1972

12 June 8.30pm Memorial Coliseum, Fort Wayne, In
13 June 8.30pm Robert's Memorial Stadium, Evansville, In
14 June 8.30pm Auditorium Arena, Milwaukee, Wi
15 June 8.30pm Milwaukee Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wi
16 June 8.30pm Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Il
17 June 2.30pm Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Il
17 June 8.30pm Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Il
18 June 8.30pm Tarrant Count Center, Fort Worth, Tx
19 June 8.30pm Henry Lewitt Arena, Wichita, Ks
20 June 8.30pm Civic Assembly Center, Tulsa, Ok

June 30, Elvis Presley and Mary Kathleen Selph at the corner of South Parkway and Elvis Presley Blvd. in Memphis, Tennessee. Mary was killed in an auto accident on 18 July 72 at the age of 20.

Elvis Presley and Mary Kathleen Selph at the corner of South Parkway and Elvis Presley Blvd.

Woman With Elvis No Longer A Mystery

July 6, Elvis and Priscilla's separation is formalized. A divorce is to come. Through George Klein Elvis is introduced to Linda Thompson, at the Memphian. He sees her again the following night and is captivated by her beauty and sense of humour, but is prevented for the time being from following up when she goes off on a three week family vacation. later in the month Elvis will briefly date another Memphis beauty queen, actress Cybill Shepherd. (Read about Elvis meeting Linda Thompson)

Elvis and Linda Thompson.

July 8, Colonel Parker announces that there will be a worldwide satellite broadcast of an Elvis concert from Hawaii in October or November.

July 26, Elvis is legally separated from Priscilla on this date.

July 31, Around this time goes to Los Angeles to meet Linda Thompson, whom he has persuaded to fly in from Memphis. Together they fly back to Las Vegas where Linda stays for most of the engagement.

(Cybill Shepherd is a visitor at one point during Linda's absence.)

Hilton Hotel, Las Vegas, Nv

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11 Aug Midnight Summer Festival CD
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Las Vegas : September 4, 1972

September 4, Elvis participates in a press conference in Vegas announcing plans for a television concert to be broadcast via satellite around the world from Hawaii on January 14. It is predicted that the show will reach the largest audience in television history and that the live album will be a big hit.

Elvis Presley Rare Aloha interview : September 4, 1972 (01:56)

September 28, Elvis flys to Palm Springs accompanied by Linda Thompson, for a long weekend.

October 1972, Elvis has a number two pop hit with the single Burning Love, one of his biggest records in recent years.

October 3, Elvis and Linda return to Los Angeles, then fly home to Memphis the following evening.

November, Elvis on Tour opens to good reviews and good box office performance in theaters. Later, its producers will receive the Golden Globe Award for Best Documentary of 1972.

November 1, Elvis and Linda return to Los Angeles.

On Tour November 1972

November 8, Elvis flys to Lubbock, Texas to begin an eight day tour, his third for the year.

08 Nov 8.30pm Municipal Coliseum, Lubbock, Tx
09 Nov 8.30pm Community Centre, Tucson, Az
10 Nov 8.30pm Coliseum, El Paso, Tx
11 Nov 8.30pm Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, Ca
12 Nov 8.30pm Swing Auditorium, San Berdandino, Ha
13 Nov 8.30pm Swing Auditorium, San Berdandino, Ha
14 Nov 8.30pm Long Beach Arena, Long Beach, Ca
15 Nov 8.30pm Long Beach Arena, Long Beach, Ca

November 16, Elvis, linda and Lisa Marie fly from Los Angeles to honolulu with a large group, including Joe Esposito, Dick Grob, Gee Gee Gambill, Charlie Hodge, Dr. Nichopoulos, Sonny West, Red West, and the three Stanley brothers, Ricky, David and Billy.

One of the following two concerts was originally planned as the worldwide satellite broadcast.

17 Nov 8.30pm H.I.C. Arena, Honolulu, Hawaii
18 Nov 2.30pm H.I.C. Arena, Honolulu, Hawaii
18 Nov 8.30pm H.I.C. Arena, Honolulu, Hawaii

The King ... a caped Elvis closes a show in Honolulu, Hawaii in November 18, 1972.

November 20,

Elvis holds a press conference at the Hawaiian Village Hotel to announce the satellite broadcast once again.

Elvis Presley Rare Aloha Press Conference : November 20, 1972 (01:02)

December 25, For Christmas Elvis presents Linda Thompson with a mink coat.

Next Elvis Presley 1973-1974

Elvis' middle name, is it Aron or Aaron?

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