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Elvis Aaron Presley 1957 | The King of Rock 'n' Roll

Elvis Presley - The King of Rock 'n' Roll - Elvis Presley 1957 - Every concert, studio recording and important event in Elvis Presley's Life from Memphis January 1957 to Christmas at Graceland 1957.

Elvis made two movies in 1957, Loving You and Jailhouse Rock, and also recorded soundtracks for both. 'Jailhouse Rock' included a production number of the title song that was the prototype for the music video, a recording industry format that became a standard feature with the advent of MTV (Music Television) in the early 1980s. Elvis continued to perform live, making his first concert appearances in Canada and Hawaii in '57. Presley's popularity had reached unprecedented heights when his draft notice arrived in December 1957.

Elvis Presley

January 4, Elvis drives to Kennedy Veterans Hospital in Memphis for a pre-induction physical that will determine his draft status. Later in the day Elvis takes a train to New York City for his third Ed Sullivan appearance.

TV- Appearances in 1957

6 January. New York, NY. TV Broadcast, Ed Sullivan Show

Elvis makes his third and final appearance on Ed Sullivan's Toast of the Town Show. It is for this appearance that Elvis is seen only from the waist up. It's funny that after all of his television appearances the previous year, such censorship comes at this time. It is particularly amusing that this guideline remains in place during Elvis' performance of the gospel standard, Peace in the Valley, one of five songs he performs on this Sullivan appearance.

Elvis had arrived from Memphis via train to do the Ed Sullivan Show.

The Ed Sullivan Show – CBS Studio
New York - 06.01.1957
Hound Dog
Love Me Tender
Heartbreak Hotel
Don't Be Cruel
Too Much
When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again
Peace In The Valley

Ed Sullivan helps diffuse some of the controversy surrounding Elvis when he comes out on stage to thank Elvis and tells the studio audience and millions of American television viewers that 'this is a decent, fine boy' and what a delight he has been to work with when appearing on the show. Ed Sullivan is the most influential person on television audiences and one of the most powerful people in the television industry at the time.

Elvis Presley: The Ed Sullivan Show : January 6, 1957 : His third and final Appearance

Elvis, Monday evening, January 7, 1957 following his last appearance on the Ed Sullivan show

January 8, Elvis celebrates his twenty-second birthday at home with his parents.

The Memphis Draft Board announces at a press conference that Elvis Presley will be classified 1A, meaning he will most likely be drafted in the next six to eight months.

While at home Elvis stips by to see Dixie Locke, who has recently married.

January 12, 1957 Radio Recorders - Hollywood, California

I Believe H2WB 0253-09
Tell Me Why H2WB 0254-05
Got A Lot O' Livin' To Do H2WB 0255-09
All Shook Up H2WB 0256-10

January 13, 1957 Radio Recorders - Hollywood, California

Mean Woman Blues H2WB 0257-14
Peace In The Valley H2WB 0258-09
I Beg Of You (Alternate Master) H2WB 0259-12
That's When Your Heartaches Begin H2WB 0260-SP
Take My Hand Precious Lord H2WB 0261-14

January 15, 1957 Paramount Sound Stage - Hollywood, CA

(Let's Have A) Party (Alternate Master - Movie Version) SPA5 2868-07
Lonesome Cowboy H2WB 2194-SP

January 16, 1957 Paramount Sound Stage - Hollywood, CA

Got A Lot O' Livin' To Do (Alternate Master) HRA1 8674-17
Teddy Bear H2WB 2193-13

January 18, 1957 Paramount Sound Stage - Hollywood, CA

One Night Of Sin NPA5 5820-NA
Blueberry Hill WPA5 2589-02
Hot Dog H2WB 2196-17
Got A Lot O' Livin' To Do (Finale) WPA5 2587-13

January 19, 1957 Radio Recorders - Hollywood, California

It Is No Secret (What God Can Do) H2WB 0282-13
Blueberry Hill H2WB 0283-09
Have I Told You Lately That I Love You H2WB 0284-15
Is It So Strange? H2WB 0285-12

January 21, 1957 Paramount Sound Stage - Hollywood, California

(Let's Have A) Party H2WB 2195-11
Mean Woman Blues (Alternate Intro Version) SPA5 2870-07
Mean Woman Blues (Movie Version Composite) SPA5 2870-SP

February 14, 1957 Radio Recorders - Hollywood, California

Loving You (Farm Version 3) WPA5 2538-12
Loving You (Main Version 2) WPA5 2539-21

February 23, 1957 Radio Recorders - Hollywood, California

Don't Leave Me Now H2WB 0414-29
I Beg Of You H2WB 0259-34
One Night H2WB 0415-10
True Love H2WB 0416-20
I Need You So H2WB 0417-08

February 24, 1957 Radio Recorders - Hollywood, California

Loving You H2WB 0418-04
When It Rains It Really Pours H2WB 0419-08

March is a busy month for Elvis. He finishes the movie 'Loving You'. He decides to buy Graceland after seeing it once. Elvis telegrams June Juanico to meet his train during a brief layover in New Orleans, and it is there that she informs him that she is engaged to be married.

In an incident in downtown Memphis, across from the hotel Chisca, Elvis is accused of pulling a gun on Private Hershel Nixon, a nineteen year-old Marine, who claims that Elvis insulted his wife. Elvis sends a rambling six-page telegram of explanation and apology to Private Nixon.

On Saturday, March 17, 1957, a day after they returned to Memphis, Elvis' mother and father called real estate agent Virginia Grant to see what she had to offer. Grant wasted no time. That day she showed them two properties, leaving Graceland to last. By 6 p.m. she had accepted a $1,000 deposit from the Presleys and drawn up a provisional sales contract detailing the terms of sale, including an asking price of $90,000.

At 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 19, 22-year-old Elvis, accompanied by his parents, met Grant at Graceland.

Elvis surveyed the property for a few minutes, then baptized the house by playing some Rock & Roll at a piano. Elvis, Vernon and Gladys Presley signed the sales contract on the spot as purchasers, and a closing date was set for Tuesday, March 26, at 4:30 p.m. (Vernon and Gladys moved in on this date while Elvis was on tour)

March 17, Elvis buys Graceland . Elvis along with his parents, Vernon and Gladys had lived in a well-appointed house at 1034 Audubon Drive, in Memphis, TN, since March 20, 1956.

They would have been comfortable there had their son not become the biggest show business sensation in the western world. It soon became apparent that 1034 Audubon Drive failed to provide privacy from an increasing army of fans who even started camping on the home's front lawn. Consequently, Elvis and his parents spent much of early 1957 in Hollywood where Elvis was filming 'Loving You', which featured his parents as extras.

Elvis is proudly standing in Graceland, which he recently bought : March '57.

Around this time in March, according to Carl Perkins, Elvis droped by Sun Records as Sam Phillips is playing back Carl's recording of 'That's Right'. Carl says, Elvis danced across the floor to the beat and declared that it would be a hit. 'Man I'd kill for that song', Elvis said.

Sam then boxed the tape and the three of them headed for WHBQ. When the trio walked in to the studio Dewey Phillips broke into the record he was playing and announced: 'Somebody lock the door! Don't let 'em out! Got 'em both down here, burnin' them jukeboxes up with songs like -' and he had 'Hound Dog' cued up and ready to rip. As it played, Sam handed the tape to Dewey and said, 'I think this is one of the best records that will ever come out of Sun'. Dewey got Elvis to the mike to introduce the song, 'Well, ladies and gentlemen, if this ain't gonna be a hit record I'm gonna be fooled. I-I-I-I-it's really got a different beat and all I know is the name of it's 'That's Right'. And Dewey played the song.

After the first airplay Dewey interviewed Carl and Elvis on the air, and devoted a good portion of his show to their music, coming back frequently to ask them questions.

When they left the station, Elvis, Carl and Sam found the street mobbed with teenagers who had been listening to Dewey's show. They ran for the car and drove back to Sun, where more cars and teenagers were lined up. 'Boys, I gotta go', Elvis said declining Sam's invitation to come in. Carl and Sam made their way through the crowd as Elvis sped off into the night, a line of hot rods following behind him.

March 22, When a Marine from Millington tried to 'pick a fight with me'. Elvis said he pulled a toy pistol - used in making motion pictures - out of his coat to scare the Marine away. By the following Tuesday, Elvis and the Marine, Pfc. Hershel Nixon, had patched up the quarrel.

March 25, Elvis sends a rambling six-page telegram of explanation and apology to Private nixon. (There is a copy of the telegram Elvis wrote to Pfc. Hershel Nixon in the book Elvis Day By Day - Ernst Jorgensen) Elvis meets with Judge Boushe in chambers and the incident is settled without legal action.

Pfc. Hershel Nixon and Elvis Presley shake hands : March 26, 1957

Tour. Mar. 28 - Apr. 6

March 28, Elvis performs for 12.000 people in the International Amphitheater in Chicago. Elvis wears a $2.500 gold-leaf suit that the Colonel has had made up by Nudie Cohen. On Friday March 29, this time at the Kiel Auditorium in St. Louis, Elvis once again wears the gold suit, but after tonight will seldom wear the trousers again. He is embarrassed by what he considers the clownishness, not the coolness of the look, and the Colonel has asked him not to drop to his knees anymore, because the gold is flaking off and gold is expensive.

Elvis Presley in St. Louis March 1957, with some local fans - View larger image.

28 March. Chicago, IL. International Amphistheater
29 March. St. Louis MO. Kiel Auditorium
30 March. Fort Wayne, Memorial Coliseum
31 March. Detroit, MI. Olympia Stadium (2 shows)
1 April. Buffalo, NY. Memorial Coliseum

Elvis Presley : Buffalo, NY. Memorial Coliseum : April 1, 1957

Canada

2 April. Toronto, Can. Maple Leaf Gardens (2 shows)
3 April. Ottawa, Can. Auditorium (2 shows

Back in The USA

5,6 April. Philadelphia, PA. Sports Arena (4 shows)

Elvis Presley: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Sports Arena : April 5, 1957

Elvis Presley April 5, 1957.

Elvis Presley Knox Phillips (Sam Phillips son) and Elvis, Memphis, TN - Tuesday April 9, 1957

April 19, While making Loving You, Elvis went out with Yvonne Lime, an actress in the movie. Yvonne revealed what it was 'really' like to date Elvis in the movie magazine Modern Screen.

April 22, When Elvis Presley purchased Graceland in 1957, the music gates were not a part of the property. Designed for Elvis by Abe Saucer and custum-built by John Dillars, Jr., of Memphis Doors, Inc., the custom music gates were delivered and installed on April 22, 1957 .

Elvis Presley at the new music gates Graceland in 1957

April 30, Jailhouse Rock recording sessions .

April 30, 1957 : Bill for Stone Wall Built at the front of Graceland

Jailhouse Rock recording sessions April / May 1957

April 30, 1957 Radio Recorders - Hollywood, California

Jailhouse Rock H2WB 6779-06
Jailhouse Rock (Movie Version) H2WB 6780-SP
Treat Me Nice (First Movie Version) HRA1 8681-19
Young And Beautiful H2WB 6777-22

May 3, 1957 Radio Recorders - Hollywood, California

Treat Me Nice (Second Movie Version) H2WB 6778-SP
I Want To Be Free (Composite Record Version) H2WB 6781-SP
Baby I Don't Care (First Vocal Overdub) HRA1 8683-01
Don't Leave Me Now (Elvis' Piano Version) WPA5 2600-02
Don't Leave Me Now(Hit Record Version) HRA1 8684-21

May 8, 1957 MGM Sound Stage - Hollywood, California

Baby I Don't Care (Second Vocal Overdub) H2WB 6782-06

May 9, 1957 MGM Sound Stage - Hollywood, California

Don't Leave Me Now H2WB 6783-12

Jailhouse Rock Recording Sesions
Jailhouse Rock Publicity Photos
Elvis Presley and Judy Tyler

May 17-19,

As a birthday present for Steve Sholes, Colonel Parker had an elaborate dog house built in honor of Nipper, the RCA mascot. Elvis poses in front of it with the Colonel and Marie at Sholes's party at the Beverly Hills Hotel, 1957. The 'Frank' mentioned in the legend over the door ('The Dog House That Frank Helped Build' ) is Y. Frank Freeman, the famed Paramount Pictures executive, and alludes to Elvis' films helping to sell Elvis' records.

Elvis with comic Lou Costello and actress Jane Russell.

June 28, Elvis Presley made an appearance, but did not sing at Russwood Park for a benefit for St. Jude's Hospital. Elvis is flanked by comic Lou Costello and actress Jane Russell.

Others appearing on the program before an estimated crowd of 11,000 were singers Roberta Sherwood, Ferlin Husky and actress Susan Hayward.

July 27, 1957 MGM Sound Stage - Hollywood, California

Don't Leave Me Now (Mickey Alba Version) ____-NA

July 30, 1957 MGM Sound Stage - Hollywood, California

Treat Me Nice (Guitar Overdub) H2WB 6778

August 8, Elvis Presley again has a beauteous house guest, this time Venetia Stevenson, Warner starlet.

She was selected from 4,000 contestants in Popular Photography Magazine's contest for the 'most photogenic girl in the world'. Ed Sullivan, judge of the contest, had her on his program last Sunday night. She is the daughter of Anna Lee, British actress and Robert Stevenson, director-producer.

Venetia was married briefly to Russ Tamblyn, young actor. Venetia arrived Wednesday night (August 7, 1957) and Elvis met her plane in a white Cadillac, was so excited he drove off without her luggage, but soon returned for it. Last midnight (August, with four of his boy friends, Elvis took Venetia to a private showing of his second movie, 'Loving You' at the Strand. It was the fourth time Elvis has seen the picture.

The Presley party drove up to the alley entrance behind the theater. Note Elvis' initials on his shirt. Elvis has had previous young women visitors from Hollywood. A police car escorted Elvis' black Fleetwood Cadillac when he drove it behind the Strand Theater last night, where the picture was taken'.

Mid-August 1957 : Elvis traded his three-wheel custom-built Messerschmitt for a two-and-a-half hour shopping spree at Lansky Brothers' clothing store on Beale Street in Memphis.

Elvis arrived at the station with his parents, Anita, and his friends, George Klein, Cliff Cleaves and Lamar Fike.
Making no secret of their affection for each other, Elvis and Anita Wood look into each others eyes like any other lovers bidding farewell.
'Ooooh', murmured the 25 or so teenagers standing by when their idol, Elvis, kissed his 'number one' girl, Anita Wood, before boarding the train.

August 27, (From the Memphis Press Scimitar, August 28, 1957) Before boarding an 11 o'clock train at Central Station, Elvis Presley told a small crowd gathered to see him off 'Anita is number one with me – strictly tops,' Elvis beamed, meaning the pert and pretty blond Anita Wood standing beside him. Anita, a WHBQ-TV star, was one of two winners of the Mid-South Star Hunt last Thursday. Elvis and three traveling companions left for the Pacific northwest for personal appearance tour.

About 25 young fans were on hand for his unannounced departure at 11 p.m. As the train lurched forward and Elvis waved, three small girls who had pushed to the front of the crowd began crying. 'I'll Just Die!' One squealed: 'three whole weeks – I can't stand it – I'll just die!' (Elvis will be back in three weeks before going to Tupelo, Miss. for a benefit show).

Elvis arrived at the station with his parents, Anita, and his male friends, George Klein, Cliff Cleaves and Lamar Fike, in the Presleys' black Cadillac. 'Uncle' and Mrs. Travis Smith followed in their car.

Elvis strode into the station with Anita on one arm. When the waiting fans spotted them, Central Station's marble halls echoed with screams and shrieks.

Elvis wore a light blue sport coat and navy blue slacks. Anita looked chic in a black dress with white lace collar.

Elvis embraced his mother several times and she reminded him to 'Be good, son' as he boarded the train. 'Take care of yourself, boy,' said Mr. Presley. Mrs. Presley said she 'worries about Elvis' when he goes on trips.

Elvis kissed Anita twice for photographers (and about five times for himself) before hopping aboard.

As the train moved away, Anita burst into tears and Mrs. Presley put her arm around her. The Presley's and Anita walked arm in arm out of the station to the Cadillac again, with Uncle Travis, himself moist-eyed, following.

West Coast Tour. Aug. 29 - Sept. 2

30 August. Spokane, WA. Memorial Stadium
31 August. Vancouver, Canada. Empire Stadium

1 September. Tacoma, WA. Lincoln Bowl (mat)
1 September. Seattle, WA. Sick's Stadium (eve)
2 September. Portland, OR. Multnomah Stadium

September 5, 1957 Radio Recorders - Hollywood, California

Treat Me Nice H2PB 5523-15
Blue Christmas H2PB 5525-03

September 6, 1957 Radio Recorders - Hollywood, California

My Wish Came True H2PB 5524-28
White Christmas H2PB 5526-09
Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane) H2PB 5527-02
Silent Night H2PB 5528-09
Don't H2PB 5529-07

September 7, 1957 Radio Recorders - Hollywood, California

O Little Town Of Bethlehem H2PB 5530-04
Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me) H2PB 5531-09
Santa Claus Is Back In Town H2PB 5532-07
I'll Be Home For Christmas H2PB 5533-15

Anita Wood and Elvis Presley: September 13, 1957

27 September. Tupelo, MISS. Fairground

October 1, Elvis spoke on the telecast on behalf of Shelby United Neighbors, Inc. SUN was seeking $1.816.348. It was Memphis and Shelby County's first united charity drive.

California tour. Oct. 26 - Oct. 29

26 October. San Francisco, CA. Civic Center (2 shows)
27 October. Oakland, CA. Oakland Auditorium
28, 29 October. Los Angeles, CA. Pan Pacific Auditorium

Elvis and Jeanne Laverne Carmen at Sy Devores Halloween party in 1957.

In his first show at the Pan Pacific Auditorium, (Above) Elvis outrages not only the local and national press but an audience filled with Hollywood celebrities and their children. During the fifty minute, eighteen number show he 'wiggled, bumped, twisted and prompted headlines the next day that declared : 'Elvis Presley Will Have To Clean up His Show - Or go to Jail' The Los Angeles Vice Squad warns Colonel Parker of that same consequence, but according to The Colonel, Elvis remains unfazed. ' He just said, 'Well, if I don't dance tonight, maybe I don't have to take a shower tonight'.'Elvis angrily denied this, says, 'I take a shower ever night regardless of weather I dance or just sing'. The following nights, a far less flamboyant performance passes the scrutiny of the Police, who film the show just to make sure.

Elvis Presley & Sammy Davis Jr.

At a party in his hotel suite after the show, Elvis meets Ricky Nelson, while hosting entertainers Nick Adams, Carol Channing, Sammy Davis Jr and Tommy Sands. Booking agent and bandleader Al Dvorin recalls that this was intended to be the last show of the tour until Lee Gordon, who has been booking all of the latest shows into Australia since the war and has been trying desperately to persuade the Colonel to let him book Elvis there, rolled dice with the Colonel for two Hawaiian dates. From Gordan's point of view, this was like getting Elvis halfway to the goal, and the Colonel continued to talk with Gordan about booking Elvis in Australia until at least 1961, though how serious he was may be judged by the results.

November 5, Elvis sailed for Honolulu Hawaii on the USS Matsonia arriving on November 9. This is Elvis' first visit to Hawaii. While Elvis is still aboard the USS Matsonia, Elvis' latest movie 'Jailhouse Rock' opens at theaters across the USA. More than 14,000 fans see the following two shows.

Hawaii concerts. Nov. 10 - Nov. 11

10 November. Honolulu, HI. Honolulu Stadium (2 shows)
11 November. Schofield Barracks, HI. Post Bowl

Elvis has just performed his last concert of the 1950s!

Read about Elvis on National TV in The 1950's

December 20, Elvis stops by Sun Records after picking up his army draft notice in person. Later Elvis tell reporters it is a 'duty I've got to fill and I'm going to do it'. In the evening Elvis leaves for Nashville to deliver the Colonel's Christmas present, a red Isetta sports car.

Hal Wallis and Paramount Pictures had already spent $350,000 on Presley's latest film King Creole, and they feared the consequences of suspending or canceling the project. The Memphis Draft Board granted Presley a deferment so the movie could be finished.

December 21, Elvis presents the Colonel with his Christmas presen, a red Isetta sports car. Later Elvis attends the Grand Ole Opry with Gordon Stoker. He spends the evening chatting comfortably with performers backstage, making a brief appearance to wave to the audience.

December 22, Elvis is photographed backstage at the Opry, with Ferlin Huskey, Faron Young, Hawkshaw Hawkins and Tom Perryman. Hawkshaw Hawkins was killed in the plane crash alone with Patsy Cline on March 3, 1963.) Either the date is wrong or this is early am on the 22nd.

Elvis backstage at the Opry, December 22. With Ferlin Huskey, Faron Young, Hawkshaw Hawkins and Tom Perryman.

Elvis Presley & Hannerl Melcher - Graceland December 1957

Friday December 20, Elvis received his draft notice. 'It's a duty I've got to fill and I'm going to do it', he said. Initially ordered to report for duty January 20, he received a deferment for the filming of 'King Creole' (at that time titled 'Sing, You, Sinners') which was already in pre-production.

The deferment was granted and Elvis was inducted March 24, 1958 .

December 20, 1957 - Elvis received his draft notice.

December 25, Elvis spends Christmas at Graceland with his parents.

Elvis' middle name, is it Aron or Aaron?

Next Elvis Presley In The U.S. Army

50's Masters | 60's Masters | 70's Masters

January 1957

Elvis Presley Kennedy Veterans Hospital | January 4, 1957
Elvis Presley January 6, 1957 | Warwick Hotel, New York
Elvis Presley The Ed Sullivan Show | His third and final Appearance | January 6, 1957
Elvis, Monday evening, January 7, 1957 following his last appearance on the Ed Sullivan show
Elvis Presley Elvis may move into Graceland Newspaper article | 1957

March

Elvis Presley displays the toy pistol that caused him some trouble | March 22, 1957
Pfc. Hershel Nixon and Elvis Presley shake hands | March 26, 1957
Interview Elvis Presley Fort Wayne, Indiana, March 30, 1957

April

Elvis Presley Buffalo, NY. Memorial Coliseum | April 1, 1957
Elvis Presley Maple Leaf Gardens Canada | April 2, 1957
Elvis Presley Ottawa Canada | April 3, 1957
Elvis Presley Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Sports Arena | April 5, 1957
Elvis Presley and Knox Phillips | Memphis, TN | Tuesday April 9, 1957
Elvis Presley with Yvonne Lime | Easter 1957
Elvis Presley New Music Gates at Graceland in 1957 | April 22, 1957
April 30, 1957 | Bill for Stone Wall Built at the front of Graceland

May

The Dog House That Frank Helped Build | May 17-19, 1957
May 1957 | The Jailhouse Rock Recording Sessions

June

Elvis Presley with comic Lou Costello and actress Jane Russell | Russwood Park | June 28, 1957

August

Elvis Presley Vancouver, Canada. Empire Stadium | August 31, 1957

September

Elvis Presley Tacoma, WA. Lincoln Bowl (Matinee Show) | September 1, 1957
Elvis Presley Seattle, WA. Sick's Stadium (Evening Show) | September 1, 1957
Elvis Presley Multnomah Civic Stadium Portland, OR | September 2, 1957

October

Elvis Presley October 1, 1957
Elvis Presley and Joan Adams | Las Vegas, October 1957
Elvis Presley October 28 & 29, 1957 | Pan Pacific Auditorium

November

Elvis Presley Hawaii | November 9, 1957
Elvis Presley Hawaii | November 10, 1957
Elvis Presley Honolulu Stadium, Hawaii November, 10 1957

December

Elvis Presley WDIA Goodwill Revue | December 6, 1957
Elvis Presley December 16, 1957
Elvis Presley Graceland | December 20, 1957
Elvis Presley and Colonel Parker | Isetta Sports Car | Saturday | December 21, 1957
Elvis Presley December 21, 1957 | Evening | Ryman Auditorium, Nashville
Elvis Presley Hannerl Melcher | December 1957

Elvis Presley The King of Rock 'n' Roll

Elvis Presley Telegram to Young Fan

The Movies Of 1957

1957, Loving You, Paramount
1957, Jailhouse Rock, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

The Movies In Photos

Loving You
Jailhouse Rock

Video

Video | Amazing new Hawaii 1957 footage

CDs | DVDs | Books

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