Elvis Presley and Tom Jones | Flamingo Hotel, Las Vegas | April 6, 1968
Tom Jones, Priscilla and Elvis Presley: Flamingo Hotel, Las Vegas : April 6, 1968.
Tom Jones : His manager Colonel Tom Parker was opposed to 'his boy' going anywhere that might promote a rival artiste, 'but Elvis wants to see Tom perform so we’re coming anyway', said his road manager Joe Esposito when he called me to ensure that Presley and his entourage would have a ringside table.
After the show Elvis came backstage and hugged Tom while lavishing him with praise. Toms wife and Priscilla sat in the corner showing each other photographs of their respective new daughters, Joanne and Lisa Marie.
Elvis reportedly said 'You lit a fire in me tonight, 'I'm going to tell that old man I need to get back on the road'.
And, sure enough, he phoned the Colonel the following day to demand that instead of signing him up to make more indifferent movies he had to set up a stage comeback.
Tom Jones Guitarist Bill Parkinson : Elvis Presley came to the show with his new wife Priscilla. He was also accompanied by his buddies the Memphis Mafia. He sat in the front row, probably only 10 feet away from me. As we played through the show, I could see that he was turned on by the music which we played with great passion. Elvis was on the edge of his seat throughout the show until we reached the climax of the show with a number called (Land of a Thousand Dances, a Wilson Picket number). The whole thing starts with a groovy drum and guitar riff. As I looked out to the audience, Elvis was out of his seat and the whole thing went along like a train. We were high on adrenaline and gave it our all. When it came to my guitar solo, Tom would dance towards me and me towards him, playing my heart out. I then did something that I had never done before. I turned towards Elvis and turned my guitar towards him. He responded my jumping up and clapping, he was well into it.
Afterwards, 'The Three Squires', Vernon Mills, Chris Slade, and myself went into Tom's Dressing room to meet Elvis. Earlier Chris Ellis the roady, got us some special photo's of Elvis and Priscilla's wedding. Elvis asked me where we had we got them from and I told him that the roady had got them for us. Elvis then congratulated me on my performance and signed the photograph. A couple of his Memphis Mafia friends asked me what I was doing after the tour as Elvis was interested in me and would be starting a live show in the near future. At that point in time Tom was a bigger draw, so I decided to stay put. What a fool! Even if I had played rhythm guitar for Elvis it would have been a great privilege. This has since been a great regret in my life.
View larger image : Elvis led Standing ovation For Tom Jones
Tom Jones, Priscilla and Elvis Presley: Flamingo Hotel, Las Vegas : April 6, 1968. Cropped without cigar.
Tom Jones, Priscilla and Elvis Presley: Flamingo Hotel, Las Vegas : April 6, 1968.
Tom Jones, Priscilla and Elvis Presley: Flamingo Hotel, Las Vegas : April 6, 1968.
Elvis is admiring Toms Watch.
Tom Jones, Priscilla and Elvis Presley: Flamingo Hotel, Las Vegas : April 6, 1968.
Tom Jones Remembers Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley and Tom Jones [article and photos]
View larger image : Elvis led Standing ovation For Tom Jones
February 1968
Elvis Presley Leaving Graceland | February 6, 1968
Elvis Presley Horseback riding at Graceland | February 9, 1968
Elvis Presley Graceland | February 10, 1968
Elvis Presley Graceland | February 16, 1968
Elvis Presley Check from February 1968 for a Colt Python Pistol
April
Elvis Presley and Tom Jones | Flamingo Hotel, Las Vegas | April 6, 1968
May
Elvis Presley visits the U.S.S. Arizona | May, 1968
Elvis and Priscilla Presley Graceland | May 28, 1968
June
Elvis on a plane from Hawaii to LA, June 2, 1968
Elvis Presley Speedway | MGM 1968
Elvis Presley Beverly Hills, California | June 12, 1968 + Meeting The King | June 21, 1968
Elvis '68 Comeback Special | The Press Conference | June 25, 1968
Colonel Tom Parker's Birthday on the Set of the '68 Special | June 26, 1968
July
Elvis Presley Phone Bill | July 15, 1968
December
Elvis Presley Beverly Hills, California | December 2, 1968
Elvis Presley December 5, 1968
Elvis Presley Elvis: The '68 Comeback Special
The Movies In Photos
The Movies Of 1968
1968, Stay Away, Joe, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
1968, Speedway, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
1968, Live A Little, Love A Little, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
CDs | DVDs | Books
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Tupelo's Own Elvis Presley DVD
Never before have we seen an Elvis Presley concert from the 1950's with sound. Until Now! The DVD Contains recently discovered unreleased film of Elvis performing 6 songs, including Heartbreak Hotel and Don't Be Cruel, live in Tupelo Mississippi 1956. Included we see a live performance of the elusive Long Tall Sally seen here for the first time ever. + Plus Bonus DVD Audio.
This is an excellent release no fan should be without it.
The 'parade' footage is good to see as it puts you in the right context with color and b&w footage. The interviews of Elvis' Parents are well worth hearing too. The afternoon show footage is wonderful and electrifying : Here is Elvis in his prime rocking and rolling in front of 11.000 people. Highly recommended.
Tupelo's Own Elvis Presley DVD Video with Sound.
