It's February ninth, and on this day in 1974... Elvis Presley closed out a shortened but memorable engagement at the Las Vegas Hilton with back-to-back performances—one at 8:15 p.m. and another at midnight. Originally booked for four weeks, the run was reduced to two at the advice of Dr. Nick, Elvis’s physician. Despite signs of emotional strain behind the scenes, including reports that Elvis shot out a chandelier and several TV sets during his stay, the shows themselves were a triumph. Elvis was described by observers as being in good humor and at the top of his form, delivering powerful performances to packed crowds on the Strip.
