Elvis Presley Memorial Coliseum, Portland, Oregon | November 11, 1970

Gyrating Elvis Magnetizes 11.800

The magnetism of Elvis Presley hit Portland's Memorial Coliseum like a bolt of lightning Wednesday night. But chances are many of those who 'experienced' the event will be feeling the vibrations for some time to come.

Indeed, it was an experience. For 51 electrifying minutes, a capacity crowd of 11.800 admirers cheerfully laughed, clapped and even screamed at the gyrating antics which have made the 34-year-old Tupelo, Miss, crooner a legend in his time. So what if he accidentally tripped over the lyrics of 'The Wonder of You' and nearly blurted out the world 'constipation' instead of 'constellation'. Anyone can make a mistake, right? Most of those who turned out at the Coliseum Wednesday night came to see Elvis, to watch their idol perform, to hear those memorable tunes - both old and new - which have made Presley their idol.


Elvis Presley Memorial Coliseum, Portland, Oregon - November 11, 1970

They didn't go away disappointed. Reaching back in his own 'oldies but goodies' bag, Elvis came up with such million sellers as 'Hound Dog', 'Heartbreak Hotel', and 'I Got A Woman'. Judging from the screams which echoed through the cavernous Coliseum arena, a few of the 14.000 refugees from Presley's Multnomah stadium concert of 1957 must still be around. Although occasionally drowned out by an unnecessarily loud orchestra, Presley managed to hold his audience's attention by turning up his own volume. But no one can really question the Presley stamina. You won't find many performers today who can twitch and gyrate their way through 15 fast beat tunes such as 'Polk Salad Annie' and 'Blues Suede Shoes' in the short span of 51 minutes and still be able to walk off the stage. Most would have to be carried off on a stretcher. Not Elvis.

The Coliseum show Wednesday also featured the Sweet Inspirations, a better - than - average female vocal group, which unfortunately suffered the same orchestration problems which later plagued Presley. Then again, the crowd seemed too busy buzzing about Elvis to pay much attention to any accompanying acts.
The same held true for comedian Sammy Shore. The audience gasped when they heard the master of ceremonies say, 'We're proud to present.....,' thinking Presley's name would surely follow. But the gasps changed to groans when Shore's name was announced instead. Unfortunately for Shore, many were still groaning 20 minutes later when he finished his act. In this case, Elvis was a tough act to precede.

February 1970

Elvis Presley Houston Astrodome | February 25, 1970
Elvis Presley Houston Astrodome | February 27, 1970
Elvis Presley Houston Astrodome | February 28, 1970
Elvis introducing drummer Bob Lanning at the Astrodome, Houston, February 1970
Elvis Presley, backstage with fans in Las Vegas | February 18, 1970

March

Elvis Presley Houston Astrodome | March 1, 1970
Elvis Presley Leaving The Houston Astrodome | March 2, 1970
Elvis Presley at Easter | March 29, 1970

June

Elvis Presley Arriving at Studio B | June 4, 1970
Elvis Presley Studio B Parking Lot | June 5, 1970

August

Elvis Presley's Las Vegas Contract Agreement
Elvis Presley at a Nancy Sinatra show at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada | August 6, 1970
Elvis Presley Las Vegas | August 10, 1970
Elvis Presley Las Vegas | August 11, 1970
Elvis Presley Las Vegas | August 12, 1970 DS
Elvis Presley Las Vegas | August 12, 1970 MS
Elvis Presley with fan Yanick Gomez | August 22, 1970

September

Elvis getting off his chartered jet in Phoenix, AZ on September 9, 1970
Elvis Presley Phoenix, AZ | September 9, 1970 | First concert tour since since October 1957
Elvis Presley Kiel Auditorium, St. Louis, Missouri | September 10, 1970
Elvis Presley Olympia Arena, Detroit, Michigan | September 11, 1970
Elvis Presley Convention Centre, Miami, Florida | September 12, 1970
Elvis Presley Mobile Alabama | September 14, 1970
Elvis Presley September 15, 1970
Elvis in the foyer of Graceland on September 23, 1970

October

Elvis Presley October 9, 1970 | Elvis buys his first Stutz Blackhawk
Elvis Presley Attending a Tom Jones show at Caesar's Palace | Mid-October 1970
Elvis Preslet | Gospel Convention, Ellis Auditorium, October, 1970

November

Elvis Presley Memorial Coliseum, Portland, Oregon | November 11, 1970
Elvis Presley The Forum Arena, Los Angeles, Ca | November 14, 1970
Elvis Presley Oklahoma City: November 16, 1970
Elvis Presley on a plane to Denver to collect a police badge | November 17, 1970
Elvis Presley with the daughters of the Denver Police Chief | November 25, 1970

December

George Klein's Wedding in Las Vegas | December 5, 1970
Elvis Presley and President Nixon at the White House | December 21, 1970 (Six pages)
Elvis Presley Sonny West's Wedding | December 28, 1970
Elvis Presley Tupelo | December 29, 1970
New Years Eve Party at TJ's | December 31, 1970

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