Elvis Presley History - Tumblr Posts

Ed Sullivan, who had the biggest variety show on TV, had declared that Elvis would never appear on his show due to Presley’s perceived obscenity by the establishment. But Sullivan changed his mind when The Steve Allen Show beat him in the ratings due to Presley’s appearance on July 1, 1956. Having the upper hand, Colonel Parker was able to negotiate the highest fee ever paid to an act by Sullivan at that point in time, increasing the fee from $5,000 to over $16,000 per show.

When he appeared on October 28, 1956, Elvis is filmed frequently from head to toe, especially in the final number of “Hound Dog.” This is also evident when he sings the ballad “Love Me.” This performance stands out because of a rare momentary lapse of concentration when Elvis forgets the lyrics to the song. Luckily, he is able to recover quickly. Since the show originally aired live, most viewers probably did not take notice.

However, during the song “Don’t Be Cruel”, the camera frequently goes to close-ups of Elvis, and when filming from behind, the drums conceal the lower half of Presley’s body. According to author Allen J. Wiener, it seems like the director “does not want to push his luck and risk showing a suddenly gyrating Elvis.”

Elvis Presley in a Memphis record shop, 1957.

me on Christmas Day having a quick cry about this interview with Jane Elliot

Pretty baby

Elvis Presley in a photo for Loving You, 1957.