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Evin 'Elvis' Breen-Presley

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Today in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryJuly 16th in Elvis HistoryIt’s July sixteenth, and on this day in 1966… Production began on Elvis Presley’s twenty-fourth film, *Double Trouble*, at MGM Studios in Culver City. Although the movie is set in England and Belgium, all of Elvis’s scenes were filmed on sound stages using backdrops and rear projections, with one scene shot in Long Beach Harbor standing in for Antwerp’s docks. The film is known for its continuity errors, including a disappearing luggage rack in one hotel room scene. Interestingly, Elvis’s cousin Billy Smith served as the stunt double for actress Annette Day in one of the scenes...2025-07-1601 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryJuly 14th in Elvis HistoryIt’s July fourteenth, and on this day in 1976… Elvis Presley flew to Las Vegas with Linda Thompson and resumed medical care under Dr. Ghanem, marking a period of increased health concerns for the King. Just the day before, on July thirteenth, Vernon Presley made the difficult decision to fire three longtime members of Elvis’s entourage—Sonny West, Red West, and karate expert Dave Hebler—citing financial belt tightening amid ongoing tensions within the group. The abrupt dismissals shocked those involved, especially Red West, Elvis’s high school friend, highlighting the growing strains behind the scenes of Elvis’s inner circle2025-07-1401 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryJuly 10th in Elvis HistoryIt’s July tenth, and on this day in 1956… Elvis Presley and his girlfriend June Juanico took a day trip to New Orleans with friends, enjoying a rare moment of relaxation amid Elvis’s rapidly rising fame. Just a year later, on this day in 1957, Elvis arranged a private midnight screening of his film *Loving You* exclusively for his parents and Anita Wood, sharing an intimate moment away from the spotlight. Meanwhile, in 1965, Elvis’s eighteenth film, *Tickle Me*, opened nationwide to mixed reviews—critics noted its low-budget production, but acknowledged that Elvis’s immense popularity ensured its success at the box o2025-07-1001 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryJuly 8th in Elvis HistoryIt’s July eighth, and on this day in 1954… Memphis DJ Dewey Phillips played Elvis Presley’s debut single, “That’s All Right,” for the very first time on WHBQ radio. The song instantly caught the ears of local listeners, prompting a flood of phone calls to the station. Meanwhile, Elvis—too nervous to listen—was at the movies. When Dewey decided to interview him live on air, Elvis’s parents had to track him down and bring him to the station. Still unaware he was already on the microphone, Elvis casually chatted with Dewey, marking his first public broadcast appearan...2025-07-0801 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryJuly 3rd in Elvis HistoryIt’s July second, and on this day in 1963… Elvis Presley arrived in Hollywood to begin work on *Viva Las Vegas*, his fifteenth film. Originally titled *The Only Girl in Town*, the movie paired Elvis with rising star Ann-Margret, whose chemistry with Elvis sparked an off-screen romance as well. Their closeness quickly drew attention—not just from Elvis’s entourage, but from gossip magazines and newspapers, including a headline in the *Memphis Press-Scimitar* that read, “It Looks Like Romance For Presley And Ann-Margret.” The relationship would become one of the most talked-about in Elvis’s life, leaving a lasting mark on his pe...2025-07-0301 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryJune 30th in Elvis HistoryIt’s June thirtieth, and on this day in 1954… tragedy struck the gospel world when R.W. Blackwood and Bill Lyles of The Blackwood Brothers were killed in a plane crash in Clanton, Alabama—just two weeks after winning first place on the *Arthur Godfrey Talent Scouts Show*. Cecil Blackwood stepped in to lead the group, leaving an opening in their affiliated younger act, The Songfellows. The group offered the spot to Elvis Presley, but he had just begun recording with Sun Records and turned it down. The Blackwood Brothers were Gladys Presley’s favorite gospel group, and in 1958, Elvis fl...2025-06-3001 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryJune 29th in Elvis HistoryIt’s June twenty-ninth, and on this day in 1956… Elvis Presley arrived in New York City to begin rehearsals for his upcoming appearance on *The Steve Allen Show*. At the rehearsal hall in midtown Manhattan, Elvis was greeted by Colonel Tom Parker and representatives from the William Morris Agency, along with Steve Allen and co-stars Andy Griffith and Imogene Coca. Elvis and Griffith, already acquainted from earlier shows in Florida, caught up before the run-through. This appearance would become one of the most talked-about moments of Elvis’s early career—featuring him in a tuxedo, singing “Hound Dog” to a basset hou...2025-06-2901 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryJune 26th in Elvis HistoryIt’s June twenty-sixth, and on this day in 1909… Andreas Cornelius van Kuijk was born in Breda, Holland. The man who would later become known as Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis Presley’s lifelong manager, immigrated illegally to the United States in 1929, reinventing himself as a native of Huntington, West Virginia. After serving in the U.S. Army, Parker launched a colorful career in carnivals and fairs, eventually managing artists like Eddy Arnold and Hank Snow. In 1956, he took on Elvis Presley as a client—his only client—and remained by Elvis’s side as manager, promoter, and gatekeeper for the rest of...2025-06-2601 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryJune 25th in Elvis HistoryIt’s June twenty-fifth, and on this day in 1977… Elvis Presley arrived in Cincinnati, Ohio, in the early morning hours to perform what would become the second-to-last concert of his life. Earlier in the day, he quietly visited a University of Cincinnati class taught by Bill Randle—the DJ who helped launch Elvis’s career in the North back in 1955. Frustrated with a broken air conditioner at his hotel, Elvis relocated to the familiar Netherland Hotel just hours before showtime. That evening, he performed at the Riverfront Coliseum before 17,740 fans. Though visibly disoriented and relying on a sheet of notebook...2025-06-2501 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryJune 24th in Elvis HistoryIt’s June twenty-fourth, and on this day in 1972… Elvis Presley returned to Memphis for a summer break at Graceland following a multi-city tour. Rumors were swirling about an impending divorce between Elvis and Priscilla, fueled by reports of her relationship with karate instructor Mike Stone. Meanwhile, Elvis was seen at the Memphian Theater for a midnight movie, accompanied by actress and Memphis native Cybill Shephard. The pair were rumored to have first dated years earlier, when Elvis was thirty-one and Shephard, then Miss Teenage Memphis, was just seventeen.2025-06-2401 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryJune 23rd in Elvis HistoryIt’s June twenty-third, and on this day in 1963… Elvis Presley took the first steps toward creating a place of peace and reflection at Graceland by commissioning the Meditation Garden. At Elvis’s request, Marty Lacker arranged for Bernard Grenadier to design the space. What began as a personal retreat quickly became one of Elvis’s most cherished places on the property. In time, the Meditation Garden would become the final resting place for Elvis, his mother Gladys, his father Vernon, and his grandmother Minnie Mae, with a memorial plaque also honoring his stillborn twin brother, Jesse Garon Presley.2025-06-2301 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryJune 21st in Elvis HistoryIt’s June twenty-first, and on this day in 1961… Elvis Presley began a recording session at RCA’s studios in Nashville, laying down tracks that would appear on the *Pot Luck* album. Songs recorded included “Kiss Me Quick,” “That’s Someone You Never Forget,” and “I’m Yours.” The session featured Elvis’s trusted Nashville crew: Scotty Moore, Hank Garland, and Neal Matthews on guitar; Bob Moore on bass; Floyd Cramer and Gordon Stoker on piano; Boots Randolph on saxophone; and vocal backing from the Jordanaires and Millie Kirkham. The recordings captured the smooth, polished pop sound that defined much of Elvis’s early 602025-06-2101 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryJune 20th in Elvis HistoryIt’s June twentieth, and on this day in 1956… the *Memphis World*, an African-American newspaper, reported that Elvis Presley had quietly defied segregation laws by attending the Fairgrounds amusement park on a night designated for Black patrons only. The move was seen as a sign of solidarity by many in Memphis’s Black community, who already recognized the deep influence of Black artists on Elvis’s music. While some, including Colonel Tom Parker, feared backlash, RCA executive Larry Kanaga dismissed concerns, writing that any negative press would be outweighed by Elvis’s immense talent and the Colonel’s business savvy.2025-06-2001 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryJune 19th in Elvis HistoryIt’s June nineteenth, and on this day in 1959… Vernon Presley returned to Memphis from Germany to handle family business, including renewing the license plates on Elvis’s fleet of luxury cars. But it wasn’t the paperwork that drew attention—it was the mysterious woman on his arm. Dee Stanley, a stylish, blue-eyed blonde unfamiliar to the Memphis press and public, caused quite a stir. Rumors quickly spread, with many wondering whether she was connected to Elvis or Vernon. The truth would emerge later, but on this day, the city buzzed with speculation about the newest figure in the Presle...2025-06-1901 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryJune 16th in Elvis HistoryIt’s June sixteenth, and on this day in 1976… the growing isolation surrounding Elvis Presley became undeniable. Even Colonel Tom Parker couldn’t reach him. Parker wrote a letter expressing his concern, noting that he hadn’t heard from anyone—not Sonny, not staff, not Elvis himself. By this point, most of Elvis’s inner circle had splintered. Joe Esposito was living in California, Lamar Fike had relocated to Nashville, Jerry Schilling was gone, and Elvis’s relationships with Red and Sonny West had deteriorated, clouded by legal disputes and mounting mistrust. The once-tight Memphis Mafia was unraveling, mirroring Elvis’s increa...2025-06-1601 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryJune 15th in Elvis HistoryIt’s June fifteenth, and on this day in 1961… *Wild in the Country*, Elvis Presley’s seventh film, premiered in Memphis. Based on a novel by J.R. Salamanca, the film marked a more dramatic turn for Elvis, and proceeds from the premiere were donated to local charities. Elvis didn’t attend the event himself—Colonel Parker famously said, “Unless we can do our show, we don’t go.” Instead, Elvis later took a group of family and friends to see the movie privately. Critics were not kind: *Variety* called the plot wobbly and lacking substance, while *The New York Times* dism...2025-06-1501 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryJune 13th in Elvis HistoryIt’s June thirteenth, and on this day in 1962… NBC-TV contributed twenty-five hundred dollars to the city of Tupelo, Mississippi, to help create a park beside the humble two-room house where Elvis Presley was born. Teenagers had already raised seven thousand dollars toward the project, demonstrating the power of Elvis’s connection to his hometown and to young fans across the country. The plan included purchasing not only Elvis’s birthplace but also two adjoining houses—one reportedly belonging to his grandfather, J.D. Presley—with the intention of clearing the space to honor Elvis’s roots with a public park.2025-06-1301 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryJune 12th in Elvis HistoryIt’s June twelfth, and on this day in 1968… Elvis Presley’s twenty-seventh film, *Speedway*, premiered in Charlotte, North Carolina—appropriately set against the backdrop of the Charlotte 500 stock car race. Though reviews panned the movie for its thin plot, critics acknowledged that Elvis’s name alone guaranteed box office success. *Variety* summed it up by saying, “An Elvis Presley film is money in the bank, regardless of the story or who appears with him,” while *The Los Angeles Times* quipped that the script “ran out of gas before Elvis Presley was born.” Despite the critiques, *Speedway* continued the profitable formula...2025-06-1201 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryJune 11th in Elvis HistoryIt’s June eleventh, and on this day in 1957… RCA Victor officially released Elvis Presley’s double-sided single “Loving You” backed with “Teddy Bear.” Within a week, the record had sold over 1.25 million copies, making it Elvis’s eighth single to surpass the million mark. *Billboard* featured it in their “Spotlight On…” column, praising its special picture sleeve that showcased Elvis with a teddy bear—an image that quickly became iconic. “Teddy Bear” would climb to number one and stay on the charts for twenty-nine weeks, while “Loving You” peaked at number twenty and held steady for twenty-two weeks, further cementing Elvis’s reign 2025-06-1101 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryMay 2nd in Elvis HistoryIt's May 2nd, and on this day in 1960, Elvis Presley began principal photography for his fifth film, *G.I. Blues*, at Paramount Studios in Hollywood. The movie, set in post-World War II Germany, featured Elvis alongside South African actress Juliet Prowse, who became his love interest both on and off the screen. During production, Elvis […]2025-06-1000 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryMay 2nd in Elvis HistoryIt's May 2nd, and on this day in 1960, Elvis Presley began principal photography for his fifth film, *G.I. Blues*, at Paramount Studios in Hollywood. The movie, set in post-World War II Germany, featured Elvis alongside South African actress Juliet Prowse, who became his love interest both on and off the screen. During production, Elvis was seen sneaking dates with Juliet, while also courting two other costars, Judy Rawlins and Sandra Ferra. Tensions ran high when Frank Sinatra, who was dating Prowse, visited the set, adding a touch of Hollywood drama to the production. *G.I. Blues* would go...2025-06-1001 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryMarch 15th in Elvis HistoryIt's March fifteenth, and on this day in 1965, Elvis Presley began filming *Harum Scarum* and, during this period, became deeply involved with the Self-Realization Fellowship—an interfaith spiritual organization founded by Indian yogi Paramahansa Yogananda. Elvis frequently visited the Fellowship’s Lake Shrine Retreat in Pacific Palisades and formed a lasting spiritual connection with Sri Daya Mata, one of Yogananda’s foremost disciples. This relationship left a meaningful and enduring impact on Elvis's inner life for years to come.2025-06-1001 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryJune 8th in Elvis HistoryIt’s June eighth, and on this day in 1971… Elvis Presley was honored by his hometown in a lasting way. The Memphis County Commission, with support from Mayor Henry Loeb, officially renamed a portion of Highway 51 South as “Elvis Presley Boulevard.” This stretch of road, which runs from South Parkway to the Mississippi state […]2025-06-0800 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryJune 8th in Elvis HistoryIt’s June eighth, and on this day in 1971… Elvis Presley was honored by his hometown in a lasting way. The Memphis County Commission, with support from Mayor Henry Loeb, officially renamed a portion of Highway 51 South as “Elvis Presley Boulevard.” This stretch of road, which runs from South Parkway to the Mississippi state line, includes the address of Graceland itself. Though there were initial plans to rename the entire length of Bellevue Avenue, opposition from the prominent Bellevue Baptist Church scaled the change back. Still, the renaming marked a rare moment of civic recognition during Elvis’s lifetime—and forever...2025-06-0801 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryJune 6th in Elvis HistoryIt’s June sixth, and on this day in 1968… Elvis Presley was in Los Angeles, deep in rehearsals for his upcoming television special at the offices of Binder-Howe Productions, when the news came that Senator Robert F. Kennedy had died from an assassination attempt the day before. The tragedy deeply affected Elvis, and director Steve Binder recognized an opportunity to reflect that emotion in the show. Binder asked songwriter Earl Brown to write a new closing number that would express Elvis’s grief, hope, and belief in a better world. The result was “If I Can Dream,” a powerful anthem tha...2025-06-0601 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryJune 5th in Elvis HistoryIt’s June fifth, and on this day in 1956… Elvis Presley shocked the nation with his appearance on *The Milton Berle Show*, broadcast live from NBC Studios in Los Angeles. After being introduced by Berle and receiving a special Billboard award for “Heartbreak Hotel,” Elvis performed “I Want You, I Need You, I Love You” and then launched into a now-legendary performance of “Hound Dog.” The slow, suggestive delivery—with no guitar to hold—provoked outrage from television critics and cemented Elvis’s image as a dangerous new force in American pop culture. The moment would go down as one of the most contro...2025-06-0501 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryJune 4th in Elvis HistoryIt's June fourth, and on this day in 1960, Elvis Presley was visited on the set of *G.I. Blues* by three Scandinavian princesses. The royal encounter was a highlight during filming, and that evening, Elvis and his entourage continued the glamour by hitting several nightclubs. The visit added a touch of international royalty to the early days of Elvis’s post-army film career.2025-06-0401 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryJune 2nd in Elvis HistoryIt's June 2, and on this day in 1955, Elvis Presley performed at the City Auditorium in Amarillo, Texas. That same year, his single "Baby Let's Play House" reached number 10 on Billboard's Country chart, becoming his first national charting hit. In 1957, Elvis filmed a scene in the prison coal yard for his iconic movie *Jailhouse Rock*, cementing his legacy in film history. Fast forward to 1968, Elvis and Priscilla returned to Los Angeles from Hawaii, marking another chapter in their personal life. In 1975, Elvis performed two shows at the Municipal...2025-06-0201 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryJune 1st in Elvis HistoryIt's June 1st, and on this day in 1938, Vernon Presley arrived at the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman to begin serving his sentence for a forgery conviction. The charges stemmed from Vernon and two other men altering a check for a mere five dollars. While Vernon was incarcerated, he faced grueling labor, spending his days working in the prison's cotton, corn, and sugarcane fields under harsh conditions, where guards reportedly used whips. In 1958, Elvis, dressed in full military uniform, took the time to explain his army insignia to fans outside Graceland, providing a glimpse into...2025-06-0101 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryMay 30th in Elvis HistoryIt's May 30th, and on this day in 1956, Elvis attended the graduation ceremonies of Humes and South Side High Schools at Ellis Auditorium. This event marked a significant moment in Elvis's connection to his Memphis roots, as he was a local figure who had already made waves in the music world. Fast forward to 1975, and on May 30th, Elvis kicked off his second tour of the year with a performance at the Von Braun Civic Center in Huntsville, Alabama. This marked another high point in his busy concert schedule, as he continued to captivate audiences...2025-05-3001 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryMay 27th in Elvis HistoryIt's May 27th, and on this day in 1966, Elvis Presley was in the middle of a significant recording session at RCA's Studio B in Nashville. This was his first non-movie session since January 1964, marking a return to more personal, non-soundtrack music. For three days, Elvis and his team recorded into the early morning hours, taking only a midday break before resuming in the evening. During this marathon session, a variety of songs were laid down. Among them were two fillers for the *Spinout* soundtrack: "Down in the Alley" and "Tomorrow Is a Long Time." Also...2025-05-2701 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryMay 26th in Elvis HistoryIt's May 26th, and on this day in 1973, after a tumultuous end to their relationship, Priscilla Presley took a significant legal step. She hired the law firm Tankell, Toll, and Leavitt and scheduled a meeting with Elvis's lawyer, Gregory Hookstratten. In this session, Vernon Presley promised to supply Elvis’s income tax returns for Priscilla’s review. However, when Vernon failed to deliver the documents, Priscilla filed a motion in Santa Monica Superior Court to invalidate their original agreement, which had entailed a lump sum of \$100,000, some cars, and \$1,500 per month in spousal and child support. Priscilla now sought a re...2025-05-2601 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryMay 25th in Elvis HistoryIt's May 25th, and on this day in 1966… Elvis Presley boarded a rented Greyhound bus to head to Nashville, where a major turning point in his recording career began. At RCA’s Studio B, he met his new producer, Felton Jarvis, whose temperament proved to be a better match for Elvis than his predecessor. That night marked the first time in more than two years that Elvis recorded non-soundtrack material. From 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., he worked on what would become the *How Great Thou Art* album and laid down his haunting rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Tomorrow Is a Lon...2025-05-2501 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryMay 24th in Elvis HistoryIt's May 24th, and on this day in 1945, Priscilla Ann Wagner was born in Brooklyn, New York. Tragically, her father, James Wagner, a Navy pilot, lost his life in an air crash later that year while returning home on leave. In 1949, her mother, Ann, remarried to Joseph Paul Beaulieu, an Air Force officer, who adopted Priscilla. The Beaulieu family moved frequently due to military postings, and by 1959, they were stationed at Wiesbaden Air Force Base in Germany, where a young Elvis Presley was also stationed. It was there that 14-year-old Priscilla met Elvis at his home in Bad Nauheim...2025-05-2401 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryMay 21st in Elvis HistoryIt's May 21st, and on this day in 1971, the Presley family made waves at the first annual Memphis Music Awards banquet. While Elvis was busy recording in Nashville, his father, Vernon Presley, and stepmother, Dee Presley, represented the family at the event. Elvis was nominated in ten categories and walked away a big winner. He took home the prestigious "Founder’s Award," and his hit song "Suspicious Minds" won "Outstanding Single." A moment that recognized both Elvis's ongoing influence and the love his hometown had for him.2025-05-2101 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryMay 20th in Elvis HistoryIt's May 20th, and on this day in 1971… Elvis Presley was deep into a week-long marathon recording session at RCA Studios in Nashville. Beginning each night around 7 p.m., these sessions were intended to yield both a Christmas album and pop singles for an upcoming studio release. While a rumored cover of The Carpenters’ Merry Christmas Darling never materialized, Elvis did lay down his now-classic bluesy jam Merry Christmas Baby—a gritty, extended session that would be trimmed and polished for future release. Accompanied by pals Charlie Hodge and Joe Esposito on guitar, and later overdubs by the Imperials and a...2025-05-2001 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryMay 18th in Elvis HistoryIt's May 18th, and on this day in 1973, Elvis Presley was nearing the end of a seventeen-day engagement at the Sahara Tahoe Hotel when he was rushed to a local hospital for chest X-rays. Fans who had lined up outside the High Sierra Theater were devastated to learn that both the evening's and the weekend's shows would be canceled. Shortly after, Elvis flew back to Memphis, and Colonel Parker arranged for the return of his \$100,000 payment to the hotel. This incident sparked open discussions within Elvis’s inner circle about his prescription drug abuse. Concerned fa...2025-05-1801 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryMay 17th in Elvis HistoryIt's May 17th, and on this day in 1957, Elvis Presley was resting at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel following a brief hospital stay at Southern California’s Cedars of Lebanon Hospital. During the filming of *Jailhouse Rock*, Elvis had dislodged a cap from one of his teeth, which ended up lodged in his lung. The cap required a doctor to remove it with forceps. In an unexpected but heartwarming turn, Elvis's three hundred-pound friend, Lamar Fike, showed up unannounced at the Beverly Wilshire. Fike, who had left his job in Jacksonville, Florida, when he learned of Elvis's hospitalization, ma...2025-05-1701 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryMay 11th: Elvis, Tamblyn, and the Sandwich IncidentIt's May 11th, and on May 11th, 1957, Elvis Presley met actor Russ Tamblyn—thanks to a connection through their mutual friend Nick Adams.Russ wasn’t just any actor—he was the acrobatic dynamo from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, later known for West Side Story and even Twin Peaks. He’s also the father of actress Amber Tamblyn. That day, Russ and Elvis hit it off, and soon they were working together on dance moves for Jailhouse Rock. Russ’s athletic style left a mark—the choreography in the movie’s title number became one of Elvis’s most i...2025-05-1101 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryMay 8 in Elvis History: A Fateful Meeting And A BBC BanIt's May 8, and on May 8, 1954, 19-year-old Elvis Presley attended the Memphis Cotton Carnival with his girlfriend, Dixie Locke. That night, the gospel group The Jordanaires performed—an event widely believed to be the first time Elvis encountered the group that would later shape his signature sound.That same day, across the Atlantic, Britain’s BBC banned Johnnie Ray’s “Such a Night” for being too suggestive—a song Elvis would later make his own with sultry swagger.On May 8, 1976, Elvis performed a dinner show at the Sahara Tahoe in Nevada, still holding court with fans who came to...2025-05-0800 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryMay 6 in Elvis History: Vegas Bust, Hound Dog SparkIt's May 6, and on May 6, 1956, 21-year-old Elvis Presley wrapped up his first Las Vegas engagement at the New Frontier Hotel. Sandwiched between the Freddy Martin Orchestra and comic Shecky Greene, Elvis’s raw rock ’n’ roll energy clashed with the lounge crowd—and the reviews reflected it.Still, Elvis took the moment in stride. “I’d like to tell you, it’s really been a pleasure being in Las Vegas,” he said sincerely. “This makes our second week here. Tonight’s our last night. We’ve had a pretty hard time, uh, had a pretty good time while we were here.”2025-05-0601 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryFebruary 22nd in Elvis HistoryIt's February twenty-second, and on this day in 1969... Elvis Presley wrapped up his final recording session at American Sound Studio in Memphis by recording the gospel-influenced ballad "Who Am I?" This session marked the end of a landmark run that produced some of Elvis’s most critically acclaimed work in years, including “Suspicious Minds,” “In the Ghetto,” and “Kentucky Rain.” The sessions revitalized his musical reputation and showed the world that Elvis wasn’t just back—he was evolving.2025-04-0901 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryApril 22nd in Elvis HistoryIt's April 22nd, and on this day in 1956, *Billboard* magazine reported that Elvis Presley’s record sales were bringing in a staggering \$75,000 a day in retail record shops across the country. In Canada, Elvis’s records dominated, accounting for the first eight singles of RCA Victor’s top ten bestsellers. In the United States, his LPs and EPs were selling at an incredible rate of 8,000 copies a day, while 90,000 singles flew off the shelves daily. This phenomenal success accounted for a massive 50 percent of RCA Victor’s total pop record business. Unsurprisingly, *Billboard* ranked “Heartbreak Hotel” as number one in sales for...2025-02-1001 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryApril 21st in Elvis HistoryIt's April 21st, and on this day in 1976, Elvis made headlines for his first business venture outside the entertainment world. The *Memphis Press–Scimitar* ran a photograph of Elvis with his bodyguard Joe Esposito, Dr. Nick, and business associate Mike McMahon breaking ground on a racquetball facility that was part of a new project, Presley Center Courts, Inc. However, the excitement quickly turned to frustration. Elvis soon withdrew from the project after realizing he would need to contribute a significant amount of money, something he had not initially understood. Furious with Joe and Dr. Nick for involving him, Elvis th...2025-02-1001 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryApril 18th in Elvis HistoryIt's April 18th, and on this day in 1972, Elvis Presley made a lasting impact on the lives of his fans. While on tour in Albuquerque, New Mexico, he was honored by Governor Bruce King, who bestowed upon him the title of honorary "Colonel, Aide de Camp." But the most memorable moment came later that day at Tingley Coliseum, where Elvis performed his final show of the tour. During intermission, he met with eight-year-old Denise Sanchez, who was terminally ill with cancer. Moved by her situation, Elvis dedicated the song "You Gave Me a Mountain" to her, creating a deeply...2025-02-1001 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryApril 17th in Elvis HistoryIt's April 17th, and on this day in 1971, Elvis Presley ordered the first of the famous "TCB" ("Takin' Care of Business") necklaces, a signature piece of jewelry that became synonymous with his image. The necklaces featured the iconic three letters, adorned with a diamond-studded lightning bolt descending from the "C." The slogan "Takin' Care of Business" was coined during Elvis's December 20, 1968 NBC-TV special, and the necklaces were designed by Schwartz & Abbitzer Jewelers in Beverly Hills, California. These necklaces would become a symbol of Elvis's personal brand and were soon seen on members of his band, the Imperials, and the...2025-02-1001 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryApril 16th in Elvis HistoryIt's April 16th, and on this day in 1955, Elvis Presley performed at the Big "D" Jamboree at the Sportatorium in Dallas, Texas. This appearance marked a significant moment in his early career, as manager Bob Neal arranged four spots for Elvis on the popular Dallas-based radio show. The Big "D" Jamboree, known for its strong local signal, helped elevate Elvis's exposure in the Texas entertainment scene. Elvis shared the stage with rising stars like Sonny James and veteran performers such as Hank Locklin and Charlene Arthur. His set included songs like "That's All Right," "I...2025-02-1001 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryMarch 16th in Elvis HistoryIt's March 16th, and on this day in 1957, Elvis received a phone call from his parents with life-changing news. They had found the perfect home—Graceland. Situated just outside of Memphis, in a secluded grove of towering oaks, the estate was perfect for the Presley family, who were seeking privacy from the relentless attention of fans. Graceland, named after the great aunt of the woman who built it, was a 14-acre mansion on Highway 51 South, north of the Mississippi border. The Presley family bought it for \$102,500, with a down payment of \$10,000 in cash, and a mortgage for the remainder. Th...2025-02-0901 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryMarch 10th in Elvis HistoryIt's March tenth, and on this day in 1959… RCA Records released Elvis Presley's single “I Need Your Love Tonight,” backed with “A Fool Such as I.” With one million copies pressed right out of the gate, it was clear RCA was betting big on the King—even though he was stationed thousands of miles away in Germany. A gold record was promptly sent overseas to Elvis, reminding the world that even in uniform, his voice still ruled the airwaves. And on this day in 1975… Elvis arrived at RCA’s Sunset Boulevard studios at 9 p.m. with Sheila Ryan...2025-02-0901 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryMay 1st in Elvis HistoryIt's May first, and on this day in 1967, Elvis Presley married Priscilla Beaulieu in a private ceremony at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas. The day began in the early hours, with Elvis and Priscilla obtaining their marriage license at 3:30 a.m. from the Clark County Courthouse for just fifteen dollars. Afterward, they were whisked away in limousines to the Aladdin Hotel, where the couple was sequestered in a private suite. At 9:41 a.m., in an intimate eight-minute ceremony, Elvis and Priscilla were married by Judge David Zenoff of the Nevada...2025-02-0901 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryApril 30th in Elvis HistoryIt's April 30th, and on this day in 1964, Elvis met Larry Geller for the first time. Geller, who had replaced Elvis’s regular hairdresser, would go on to become one of Elvis’s closest friends and spiritual advisors. During their initial meeting, Elvis expressed his deep interest in spiritual matters, saying, “There’s got to be a reason why I was chosen to be Elvis Presley.” This conversation sparked a bond that would shape much of Elvis’s personal life and spiritual journey. That day, Elvis convinced Geller to quit his job and work for him, also asking him to bring spi...2025-02-0901 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryApril 27th in Elvis HistoryIt's April 27th, and on this day in 1960, Elvis Presley began his first recording session at RCA Victor’s newly opened studios in Hollywood. This marked a significant shift from his previous sessions at Radio Recorders. Elvis was in full dress uniform, working on songs for the soundtrack of *G.I. Blues*. The session, which ran from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., proved to be a challenging one. Out of the fifteen songs attempted, only seven were deemed worthy of release, including "Didja Ever," "Doin’ the Best I Can," and a new version of "Blue Suede Shoes." 2025-02-0901 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryApril 15th in Elvis HistoryIt's April 15th, and on this day in 1965, *Girl Happy*, Elvis Presley’s seventeenth film, opened at five hundred theaters and drive-ins nationwide, breaking box-office records in many locations. Over the Easter weekend, the film grossed \$178,500 in Detroit alone. In Los Angeles, it was shown simultaneously in fifty-eight theaters. Within the first ten days of release, *Variety* reported that the film earned \$3.65 million. Reviews were glowing, with *Hollywood Reporter* noting that the movie would do “the customary brisk Presley business,” and *Variety* calling it another “winner” for Elvis, the kind of “pleasant fare” his fans had come to expect.2025-02-0901 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryApril 14th in Elvis HistoryIt's April 14th, and on this day in 1956, Elvis Presley was in Amarillo, Texas, performing two shows at the Municipal Auditorium. Shortly after midnight, Elvis and his band boarded a twin-engine plane to head for Nashville, where a recording session awaited. However, the flight took a dramatic turn when the pilot got lost and the plane began running low on fuel. In a tense moment, the pilot had to make an emergency stop at an airstrip in El Dorado, Arkansas, to refuel. But just as the plane was about to leave, disaster nearly struck—Elvis was almost taken on a...2025-02-0901 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryApril 9th in Elvis HistoryIt's April 9th, and on this day in 1953, Elvis Presley made his debut on a big stage at the Humes High School "Annual Minstrel Show." Encouraged by his teacher, Mrs. Scrivener, Elvis performed in front of a packed crowd at the Humes Auditorium. Despite being billed as "Elvis Prestley, guitarist," Elvis took to the stage and sang "Take Them Cold Icy Fingers Off of Me," a 1950 country hit by Pee Wee King. His performance received an enthusiastic response, earning him the honor of the only encore of the night, where he sang "Till I Waltz Again with You." This...2025-02-0901 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryApril 8th in Elvis HistoryIt's April 8th, and on this day in 1973, Elvis Presley flew to San Francisco to attend the California Karate Championships at the San Francisco Civic Auditorium. Elvis, a black belt in karate under his instructor Ed Parker, was expected to perform a demonstration of brick-breaking before the championship matches. However, a publicity stunt that featured Elvis's name prominently on the event’s marquee and in promotions led to a conflict with his contract at the Sahara Tahoe Hotel. The hotel had restrictions on Elvis making personal appearances within 300 miles of the venue in the 30 days prior to his scheduled pe...2025-02-0901 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryMarch 24th in Elvis HistoryIt's March 24th, and on this day in 1958, Elvis Presley reported to the draft board at 6:35 a.m., accompanied by his girlfriend Anita Wood and his parents, Vernon and Gladys. After being assigned the serial number 53 310 761, he underwent a physical examination before being put in charge of a group of recruits, traveling by army bus to Fort Chaffee, Arkansas. During this pivotal moment, Elvis met Rex Mansfield, who would go on to become one of his closest friends during his time in the army. As Elvis stood for his army haircut—at the cost of ju...2025-02-0901 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryApril 7th in Elvis HistoryIt's April 7th, and on this day in 1962, Elvis Presley arrived in Hawaii to begin shooting his eleventh film, *Girls! Girls! Girls!*. Upon his arrival at the airport, Elvis was mobbed by several thousand fans. In the chaos, he lost his diamond ring, tie clip, and watch. The film, which would feature a number of iconic Hawaiian locations, was shot at places like the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor, the Bumble Bee Tuna Company's canning plant at Kewalo Basin, and the picturesque village of Miloli’i, which was renamed "Paradise Cove" for the movie. The film also marked the singing ro...2025-02-0901 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryApril 5th in Elvis HistoryIt's April 5th, and on this day in 1936, one-year-old Elvis Presley and his mother Gladys took refuge in the home of Elvis’s great-uncle, Noah Presley, as a devastating tornado struck Tupelo, Mississippi. The tornado obliterated fifteen blocks of the town, leaving a path of destruction four miles long and a mile wide. The storm claimed the lives of 213 people and left hundreds more injured, with the Tupelo City Hospital among the many buildings destroyed. For days, bodies were found floating in the bog along Commerce Street, and the rain helped to contain fires that had broken out in th...2025-02-0901 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryApril 2nd in Elvis HistoryIt's April 2nd, and on this day in 1956, Elvis Presley took a major step toward Hollywood stardom. At Paramount Studios in Hollywood, Elvis participated in screen tests for producer Hal Wallis, under the guidance of veteran director Frank Tashlin. Over the course of three days, Elvis performed two scenes from *The Rainmaker*, a film set to star Burt Lancaster and Katharine Hepburn. In addition, he lip-synched and showcased his electrifying stage presence while performing his hit, "Blue Suede Shoes." Screenwriter Allen Weiss described the experience as being reminiscent of “a high school play,” but added that...2025-02-0901 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryApril 1st in Elvis HistoryIt's April 1st, and on this day in 1960, Elvis Presley boarded a chartered bus from Memphis to Nashville for a second recording session following his return from the army. In a marathon session lasting from 7:30 P.M. to 7:00 A.M., Elvis recorded twelve tracks instead of the planned ten, marking a milestone in his post-army career. Among the songs he recorded were "It’s Now or Never," a rendition of the Tony Martin standard "There’s No Tomorrow" based on "O Sole Mio," a sultry version of Little Willie John’s "Fever," and "Are You Lonesome Tonight?"—a track recorded...2025-02-0901 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryMarch 26th in Elvis HistoryIt's March 26th, and on this day in 1953, Elvis Presley made a visit to the Tennessee State Employment Security office, filling out an application with careful attention. He listed his address as 462 Alabama, where the family had moved into a Victorian apartment, renting it for just \$50 a month. In the "leisure time activities" section, he wrote, "Sings, playing ball, working on car, going to movies," and expressed his desire to work as a machinist. The interviewer noted his "flashily dressed" appearance, but acknowledged that he had worked hard over the past three summers and was eager to work with...2025-02-0902 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryMarch 22nd in Elvis HistoryIt's March 22nd, and on this day in 1957, Elvis Presley was involved in an unusual confrontation in downtown Memphis. While signing autographs for a group of young women, a young soldier named P.F.C. Hershel Nixon accused Elvis of having an affair with his wife months earlier. Despite Elvis's insistence that he knew nothing about the incident, Nixon became increasingly aggressive. When he pulled a gun on Elvis, the King of Rock and Roll responded by pulling a prop gun, famously saying, "You don't want to start trouble with me, do you? I'll blow your damn brains out...2025-02-0901 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryMarch 21st in Elvis HistoryIt's March 21st, and on this day in 1961, Elvis began recording the soundtrack for *Blue Hawaii* at Radio Recorders in Hollywood. The session started at 1:00 p.m. and continued until late that night, wrapping up around 11:50 p.m. Over two days, Elvis and his band recorded 15 tracks, including the iconic "Can't Help Falling in Love," which would go on to become one of his most beloved ballads. The session also brought a distinct Hawaiian sound to life, with the use of steel guitars, ukuleles, and percussion by the legendary Hal Blaine. Interestingly, different versions of "Can't Help Falling in...2025-02-0901 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryMarch 17th in Elvis HistoryIt's March 17th, and on this day in 1962, Elvis’s “Good Luck Charm” entered Billboard’s *Hot 100* at number 51. The song would go on to reach number one and stay on the charts for a remarkable 13 weeks. The buzz around this release was significant, as *Billboard* ran at least three front-page stories featuring Elvis. One headline read, “New Presley Record Hypos Singles Market,” suggesting that despite earlier reports to the contrary, Elvis had not lost his commercial appeal. The article went on to say that “Good Luck Charm” was shaping up to be one of his biggest hits. Another headline, “Presl...2025-02-0901 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryMarch 12th in Elvis HistoryIt's March 12, and on this day in 1956… Elvis Presley and his parents, Vernon and Gladys, officially became homeowners when they purchased a house from the Welsh Plywood Corporation for \$29,250. This marked a major milestone for the Presley family, signaling Elvis's rapid rise from modest beginnings to national fame. The property would become their first real home after years of renting—and just a year later, they would move into the mansion that would define Elvis's legacy: Graceland.2025-02-0901 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryMarch 11th in Elvis HistoryIt's March eleventh, and on this day in 1964… Elvis Presley insisted on doing his own stunts while filming *Roustabout*—and it backfired. During a fight scene, Elvis was accidentally injured and required stitches above his eye. Fortunately, the production didn't miss a beat, since the movie had already shot a motorcycle crash sequence. The visible cut was simply chalked up to the scripted accident. Elvis may have taken a hit, but the show went on—with a little help from movie magic.2025-02-0901 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryMarch 9th in Elvis HistoryIt's March ninth, and on this day in 1967... Elvis Presley suffered a serious fall in the bathroom of his Rocca Place home in Bel Air, California. While preparing for the start of filming *Clambake*, Elvis reportedly tripped over an electrical cord and struck his head on the edge of the bathtub, where he lay unconscious for several hours before being discovered. A doctor later determined he had a slight concussion and ordered rest. But the fallout wasn’t just medical—it was personal and political. Colonel Tom Parker seized the opportunity to reassert control. Deeply unea...2025-02-0901 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryFebruary 25th in Elvis HistoryIt's February 25, and on this day in 1961… Tennessee Governor Buford Ellington and Memphis Mayor Henry Loeb declared it officially “Elvis Presley Day.” At a hundred-dollar-a-plate charity luncheon at the Claridge Hotel, Elvis was honored by RCA with a diamond-studded watch and a commemorative plaque for surpassing 75 million records sold. He also received international awards from over a dozen countries and was named “Best Male Vocalist of 1960” by *American Bandstand*. That evening, Elvis performed two benefit concerts at the Ellis Auditorium in Memphis—his first live performances in Memphis since 1957. Comedian George Jessel intro...2025-02-0901 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryMarch 7th in Elvis HistoryIt's March seventh, and on this day in 1960... Elvis Presley returned to Memphis after completing his service in the U.S. Army. He arrived by train at 7:45 a.m. in the middle of a snowstorm, where fans greeted him with excitement and cheers. After heading home to Graceland, Elvis held a press conference in his father Vernon's office, telling reporters he was glad to be back. That evening, he was joined by his longtime girlfriend Anita Wood, marking a warm and celebratory return to civilian life for the newly discharged Sergeant Presley.2025-02-0901 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryMarch 3rd in Elvis HistoryIt's March third, and on this day in 1959… Elvis Presley, while stationed in Germany with the U.S. Army, took a break from military life and traveled to Munich with his buddies Red West and Lamar Fike. Their destination? A visit with 18-year-old German actress Vera Tschechowa, whom Elvis had met earlier that year during a publicity shoot for the March of Dimes. In a classic Elvis move, he bought out every ticket to the small theater where Vera was performing—despite not speaking a word of German—and sat through the play with Red and Lamar. That night, the gr...2025-02-0901 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryMarch 2nd in Elvis HistoryIt's March second, and on this day in 1960… at the Rhine-Main Air Base in Germany, a teenage Priscilla Beaulieu was blocked by military police from saying a final goodbye to Elvis Presley as he departed for the United States. A photograph of the moment was later titled *The Girl He Left Behind*, capturing the bittersweet farewell between the future King and the young woman who would one day become his wife. And on this day in 1956… Colonel Tom Parker informed his attorney that Elvis’s manager, Bob Neal, no longer had any business involvement with Elvis—...2025-02-0901 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryMarch 1st in Elvis HistoryIt's March first, and on this day in 1960… the U.S. Army held a press conference in Friedberg, Germany, just before Elvis Presley’s discharge. Over a hundred reporters and photographers crowded into the enlisted men’s club to witness the moment. Elvis's commanding officer presented him with a certificate of merit for his “cheerfulness and drive and continually outstanding leadership ability.” But the emotional high point came when Elvis spotted a familiar face in the crowd—Captain Marion MacInness, formerly Marion Keisker of Sun Records, the very woman who first recorded Elvis back in 1953. Seeing her for the first time s...2025-02-0901 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryFebruary 26th in Elvis HistoryIt's February twenty-sixth, and on this day in 1967… Elvis Presley delayed his trip to Los Angeles due to painful saddle sores, prompting a house call from Dr. George Nichopoulos at the ranch. The doctor not only treated Elvis and relayed the situation to Colonel Parker, but this visit also marked the beginning of a significant and long-lasting relationship. Dr. Nick would go on to become Elvis’s personal physician and a near-constant presence in his life for the next decade.2025-02-0901 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryFebruary 24th in Elvis HistoryIt's February 24, and on this day in 1965… Elvis Presley returned to the recording studio for the first time in eight months, but it wasn’t exactly a triumphant comeback. A last-minute soundtrack session was arranged for his upcoming film *Harum Scarum*, but with his usual musicians unavailable, Elvis found himself backed by a fill-in group that included Charlie McCoy on guitar, Henry Strzelecki on bass, and Kenny Buttrey on drums. To match the film’s exotic theme, flute and oboe players Rufus Long and Ralph Strobel were brought in to lend a “Middle Eastern” sound. The session turned grueling fast—Elvis...2025-02-0901 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryFebruary 23rd in Elvis HistoryIt's February twenty-third, and on this day in 1967… Elvis Presley became the legal owner of a 163-acre ranch in Mississippi, just south of Memphis, near the town of Walls. He named it the *Flying Circle G Ranch*. More than just a getaway, Elvis turned the property into a personal refuge and cowboy-style retreat, complete with horses, saddles, and a growing entourage of friends and family who moved onto the ranch with him. Among them were Billy and Jo Smith, Alan and Dee Fortas, and even Elvis’s Aunt Nashval and her husband Earl. A local hostler named Mike McGregor tend...2025-02-0901 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryFebruary 18th in Elvis HistoryIt's February eighteenth, and on this day in 1973, during a midnight show at the Las Vegas Hilton, Elvis Presley was interrupted by four men who jumped onstage in an apparent attempt to reach him. With lightning reflexes and a karate move, Elvis knocked one of them back into the audience. The others were subdued by members of his entourage, including Red and Sonny West, Jerry Schilling, and even Elvis’s father, Vernon Presley. After the scuffle, Elvis faced the audience and said, “I'm sorry, ladies and gentlemen. I'm sorry I didn't break his goddamned neck is what I'm sorry abou...2025-02-0901 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryFebruary 17th in Elvis HistoryIt's February seventeenth, and on this day in 1960, Elvis Presley was awarded a Gold record for his self-titled debut album, *Elvis Presley*. Originally released in 1956, the album made history as the first Rock 'n' Roll LP to top the Billboard Top Pop Albums chart, holding the number one spot for an astonishing ten weeks. This milestone not only cemented Elvis’s status as the new king of popular music but also marked a turning point in the mainstream acceptance of rock and roll.2025-02-0901 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryFebruary 16th in Elvis HistoryIt's February sixteenth, and on this day in 1955… Elvis Presley performed two back-to-back shows at the Odessa Senior High School Field House in Texas, drawing over four thousand fans. Among the crowd was a young Roy Orbison, who later recalled being blown away by Elvis's raw power onstage, saying, “His energy was incredible, his instinct was just amazing.” It was a night that left a future rock legend starstruck. And on this day in 1972… Elvis recorded his iconic rendition of “An American Trilogy” live at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas. RCA captured the midnight show, and ne...2025-02-0901 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryFebruary 12th in Elvis HistoryIt's February twelfth, and on this day in 1977, Elvis Presley took the stage at the Sportatorium in Hollywood, Florida. But behind the scenes, tension was running high. Though Ginger Alden, now calling herself Elvis’s fiancée, was at his side on tour, echoes of Linda Thompson’s recent departure lingered. Linda had lived with Elvis at Graceland for four years before walking away in 1976, saying she was “tired of seeing him self-destruct on drugs.” Adding fuel to the fire, Linda had since begun a relationship with David Briggs, the pianist and organist in Elvis’s tour band...2025-02-0901 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryFebruary 11th in Elvis HistoryIt's February eleventh, and on this day in 1956, Elvis Presley made his third appearance on CBS’s *Stage Show*, hosted by the Dorsey Brothers. But this wasn't just another TV performance—this was the night America heard “Heartbreak Hotel” for the first time on national television. Elvis paired the haunting ballad with a blistering rendition of “Blue Suede Shoes,” giving audiences a double shot of rock 'n' roll that would help launch him into superstardom. And on this day in 1960, Elvis celebrated a major personal milestone—he was officially promoted to sergeant in the United States Army. H...2025-02-0901 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryFebruary 9th in Elvis HistoryIt'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, deli...2025-02-0901 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryFebruary 8th in Elvis HistoryIt’s February eighth, and on this day in 1967… Elvis Presley, while on a horse-buying trip in Mississippi with Priscilla and several of the boys, stumbled upon a 160-acre cattle ranch called Twinkletown Farm, just ten miles south of Graceland. Drawn in by the sight of a 65-foot lighted cross standing tall on the property, Elvis made an impulsive decision—he bought the ranch on the spot, putting down \$5,000 toward the \$250,000 price tag. He soon renamed it Circle G Ranch, with the “G” standing for Graceland, and over the following weeks, transformed it into a cowboy par...2025-02-0801 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryFebruary 6th in Elvis HistoryIt's February sixth, and on this day in 1955, Elvis Presley performed two Sunday shows at Memphis’s Ellis Auditorium—but the real action happened backstage. Between the 3:00 and 8:00 p.m. performances, a pivotal meeting took place between Elvis, Colonel Tom Parker, Sun Records president Sam Phillips, and members of Elvis’s inner circle, including Tom Diskin, Scotty Moore, and Bill Black. The topic? Elvis’s future. Colonel Parker was already pushing the idea that Elvis needed a bigger label than Sun to go national, telling Phillips that RCA was interested in buying Elvis’s contract. Phillips d...2025-02-0701 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryFebruary 4th in Elvis HistoryIt's February fourth, and on this day in 1973, Elvis Presley met heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali in Las Vegas, where Ali was training for an upcoming title defense. During their meeting, Elvis gifted Ali an ornate custom robe emblazoned with “The People’s Champion” on the back. Ali, touched by the gesture, later reflected that he felt sorry for Elvis, noting how much time he spent secluded indoors. Ali returned the favor by giving Elvis a pair of his own boxing gloves, inscribed with the messages, “You’re the greatest, from the greatest,” and “To Elvis, my main man, from Muhammad 2025-02-0501 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryFebruary 2nd in Elvis HistoryIt's February second, and on this day in 1973... Elvis Presley, in the middle of his Las Vegas engagement, exchanged heartfelt gifts with boxing legend Muhammad Ali. Elvis presented Ali with a custom-made robe that read "The People's Champion" across the back. Ali, touched by the gesture, later reflected on their meeting with sympathy, noting Elvis’s isolation: "He stayed indoors all the time. I told him he should go out and see people." In return, Ali gifted Elvis a pair of boxing gloves, one inscribed with "You're the greatest" and the other with a personal dedication: "To Elvis, my ma...2025-02-0301 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryFebruary 1st in Elvis HistoryIt's February first, and on this day in 1968, Lisa Marie Presley was born to Elvis and Priscilla at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis. The baby arrived at 5:01 p.m., weighing six pounds, fifteen ounces, and measuring 20 inches long. Elvis, nervously pacing the halls with family and friends, waited in a special lounge arranged just for them. So anxious was he that his grandmother had to remind him *he* wasn't the one having the baby. Memphis police, paid by Elvis, stood guard at the hospital for the next four days. Lisa Marie’s middle name honored Colonel Parker’s wife, Mari...2025-02-0201 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryJanuary 23rd in Elvis HistoryIt's January 23rd, and on this day in 1976… Elvis Presley returned to Memphis to prepare for one of the most unique recording sessions of his career—this one not in a studio, but inside his own home at Graceland. With RCA setting up a mobile recording truck on the property, Elvis had the furniture cleared from the Jungle Room, the den behind the kitchen, and cables were run in to transform the space into a temporary studio. This marked the beginning of the now-legendary Graceland sessions, which would yield some of the most soulful and personal recordings of his late...2025-01-2301 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryJanuary 21st in Elvis HistoryIt's January twenty-first, and on this day in 1963… production officially began on *Fun in Acapulco*, Elvis Presley’s thirteenth film. While the movie was set entirely in sunny Mexico, Elvis never set foot there during filming. All of his scenes—including those meant to take place at hotels and swimming pools—were shot on studio sets at Paramount in Hollywood. Meanwhile, a second unit crew was sent to Acapulco to capture background footage, using stand-ins for Elvis and other key characters. The film also marked the American movie debut of Ursula Andress, best known for her role...2025-01-2101 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryJanuary 20th in Elvis HistoryIt's January twentieth, and on this day in 1958, principal photography began on Elvis Presley’s second film for Paramount, *King Creole*. While filming on the lot, Elvis met one of his personal heroes, the legendary actor Marlon Brando, in the studio commissary. The meeting between the rising King of Rock and Roll and the brooding icon of method acting was brief but deeply meaningful for Elvis, who had long admired Brando's screen presence and dramatic style. And on this day in 1969, Elvis returned to American Sound Studio in Memphis to record a song he had in...2025-01-2001 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryJanuary 18th in Elvis HistoryIt's January 18th, and on this day in 1964... Elvis Presley made headlines far beyond the world of music when he became the high bidder at an auction for President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s former yacht, the U.S.S. *Potomac*. The sixty-five-foot vessel, which Elvis secured for \$55,000, wasn’t purchased for personal use—but for a cause close to his heart. In a gesture of generosity, Elvis announced he would donate the historic yacht to the March of Dimes, the organization dedicated to fighting polio, the disease that had afflicted F.D.R. himself. Colonel Tom Parker issued a press...2025-01-1901 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryJanuary 15th in Elvis HistoryIt's January fifteenth, and on this day in 1955... Elvis Presley performed at the Louisiana Hayride in Shreveport, Louisiana, wearing a rust-colored suit, a black-dotted purple tie, and pink socks. But the real headline wasn’t his outfit—or even the songs he sang, which included “Hearts of Stone,” “That’s All Right,” and “Tweedle Dee.” It was who was in the audience: Colonel Tom Parker and his associate Tom Diskin. This marked the first time the Colonel saw Elvis live. After the show, Parker began laying the groundwork to form a connection with Elvis’s manager, Bob Neal—setting in motion a relationsh...2025-01-1601 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryJanuary 14th in Elvis HistoryIt's January eleventh, and on this day in 1973… Elvis Presley made a last-minute wardrobe adjustment ahead of one of the most iconic performances of his career: *Aloha from Hawaii*. The American-eagle jumpsuit and matching cape he planned to wear were custom-designed by Bill Belew for the satellite broadcast. But the night before the show, Elvis gave away his ornate belt to the wife of his friend, actor Jack Lord. In a pinch, Elvis’s road manager Joe Esposito phoned Belew, who rushed to send a replacement just in time. That eagle belt—and the jumpsuit—would go on to become o...2025-01-1501 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryJanuary 11th in Elvis HistoryIt's January eleventh, and on this day in 1975… two teenage girls from Mississippi attempted one of the most bizarre stunts in Elvis Presley fan history. Nineteen-year-old Patsy Haynes and seventeen-year-old Areecia “Honeybee” Benson had themselves shipped to Graceland in a crate labeled “Russian Wolfhounds.” The REA Express delivery arrived at the gatehouse, where Elvis’s uncle Vester Presley, working as the gatekeeper, called up to the mansion to report the odd package. Told Elvis didn’t need any more dogs, Vester sent the crate back—only for handlers to discover the two girls hidden inside. Despite their creative scheme, the girls never...2025-01-1101 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryJanuary 10th in Elvis HistoryIt's January tenth, and on this day in 1956... Elvis Presley walked into RCA’s McGavock Street studio in Nashville for his very first recording session with his new label. Backed by legends like Chet Atkins on guitar, Floyd Cramer on piano, and D.J. Fontana on drums, Elvis laid down “Heartbreak Hotel,” “I Got a Woman,” and “Money Honey.” But despite the all-star crew, the recordings fell flat for Elvis. The excessive echo effects used by RCA didn’t match the raw energy Sam Phillips had captured at Sun Records, and Elvis left the session disappointed with the results. Still, the momen...2025-01-1101 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryJanuary 9th in Elvis HistoryIt's January ninth, and on this day in 1971... Elvis Presley was named one of the nation's Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Year by the Junior Chamber of Commerce of America. The prestigious Jaycee award, given to men under 35 who demonstrate exceptional achievement in their fields, had previously honored the likes of Orson Welles and Jesse Jackson. Elvis was nominated by former Shelby County Sheriff Bill Morris—whom Elvis had gifted a Mercedes just weeks earlier. Sharing the spotlight that year were figures like Ronald Reagan’s press secretary Ron Ziegler and civil rights activist Tom Atkins. This national reco...2025-01-0901 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryJanuary 8th in Elvis HistoryIt's January eighth, and on this day in 1935… Elvis Aaron Presley was born at 4:35 a.m. in a two-room house built by his father on Old Saltillo Road in East Tupelo, Mississippi. He was the second of twin boys—his brother, Jesse Garon, was stillborn just 35 minutes earlier. Elvis would remain the only child of Vernon and Gladys Presley, the lone survivor after a series of miscarriages. This humble birth marked the beginning of a life that would change the sound and spirit of music forever. And on this day in 1946… Eleven-year-old Elvis received a guitar...2025-01-0901 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryJanuary 6th in Elvis HistoryIt's January sixth, and on this day in 1957… Elvis Presley made his third and final appearance on *The Ed Sullivan Show*, broadcast live from the Maxine Elliott Theatre in New York City. Wearing a velvet shirt and a gold lamé vest gifted to him by Barbara Hearn, Elvis performed “Don’t Be Cruel” and, at the network’s request, the gospel number “Peace in the Valley.” Due to ongoing concerns about his on-stage movements, CBS once again filmed Elvis only from the waist up. At the end of the program, Ed Sullivan praised the 22-year-old star, telling America, “This is a real decent...2025-01-0601 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryJanuary 4th in Elvis HistoryIt's January fourth, and on this day in 1957, Elvis Presley arrived at the Kennedy Veterans Hospital in Memphis for his pre-induction physical, marking a major step in his journey toward military service. Riding in his canary-yellow Cadillac Eldorado, Elvis was accompanied by dancer Dorothy Harmony and his longtime friend Cliff Gleaves. He passed the physical and was issued a Selective Service number, though no draft classification was assigned just yet. Later that same day, Elvis boarded a train to New York to prepare for his third appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show—balancing stardom with duty in true Elvis st...2025-01-0401 minToday in Elvis HistoryToday in Elvis HistoryJanuary 1st in Elvis HistoryIt's January first, and on this day in 1970, Elvis Presley rang in the New Year the way only the King could—with a private movie night. At the Memphian Theater in Memphis, he watched Patton for the first time. The film made a major impact on him—so much so that he memorized the powerful opening speech by George C. Scott. This kicked off a personal tradition of near-nightly private screenings, continuing through the early ’70s with his inner circle in tow. And flashing back to 1959, another piece of the Presley puzzle fell into place. Elisab...2025-01-0101 min