Elvis 1970 - 1971

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ELVIS
ON TOUR

1970

Houston Astrodome 1970.
On Tour 1

The King in front of the Colossus
1970 A mini tour after Las Vegas Season 2, Elvis performs for 3 days at the Houston Astrome. On February 27, 28 and March 1, 1970. The new project on stage was going to differ a lot from the performances in Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Concerts were an absolute success and obviously a success that will be projected again in this same year 1970. A concert tour will be projected that would begin on 02/27 at the Houston Astrodome. A gigantic, enormous stage , created for big shows like Stadium and with an audience capacity impossible to fill.
The ambition to fill such a big stadium was an almost unthinkable aspiration but this was an initial test for Colonel Parker that would start with this great Concert and for an artist as special as Elvis who began with great disappointment at the matinee on February 27. Only that first performance would have little public. The rest of the performances in the stadium would already fulfill those expectations. The shouting was such that it was impressive for all the attendees. Each movement, each song.
Elvis would once again feel surrounded by his audience despite the bad sound. From the lack of an orchestra.. From the inadequate projection of the small stage in front of a gigantic stadium. Everything would be somewhat picturesque, although even with so many failures it would work because of the performance of Elvis and his group. And obviously because of the fidelity of his beloved audience, who would give all their enthusiasm and applause to their adored artist, but only in the first of six performances.
The comparison of a room like the Hotel International where it was easy to sing in front of the audience almost by ear, fans, to move among it was abysmal in front of this great Astrodome Colossus where you could only perceive its shadows in the distance would initially create a certain insecurity. But fortunately the confidence would come from the warmth of the public and Elvis Presley would dominate his performance and finally leave a great memory of his performance and for the sponsors he would achieve the expected result.

Houston, Astrodome

The King in front of the Colossus.

Some anecdotal, curious, special performances due to their location and the gigantic place where they took place, the Astrodome, the great Colossus of Houston that awaited Elvis Presley's return to the real stage with open arms.
Unparalleled performances for every fan, an opportunity to listen to the real performances, without arrangements, without veils, the real screams of the fans, the hysteria unleashed at the Elvis Presley concerts that took place from February 27 to the 1 March 1970. Performances that would recall the early years of Elvis Presley's musical career when he unleashed euphoria and hysteria in young people.
The impact of reaching a gigantic stage, without equal and facing the public again, faithful to his idol after so many years. The anecdotes that happened at these concerts are unparalleled. And finally after the fear, the security of the artist who once again wants to give everything before his public.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rMn_gDb6cg

The images speak for themselves... a place too big, created for Rodeo shows, for competitions, in no case for Music concerts...

DE TUPELO TO MEMPHIS 47
The King in front of the Colossus.74

The Eighth Wonder of the world

"The King in front of the Colossus"
Elvis would perform at the Houston Astrodome from February 27 to March 1, 1970, the enormous stadium, known as "The Eighth Wonder of the World". This was the true return of Elvis Presley in front of the real public, not the Casino, an audience that included all social classes and to which he had not sung for many years. Elvis was aware of this and was more nervous than ever. The tension was in the atmosphere because, for him, it was another acid test that he had to overcome and in a gigantic and unparalleled stadium.
Elvis was impressed by the grandeur of the place and by the public. Jerry Schilling says that Elvis was totally overwhelmed. She was standing near him, and she could see that he was physically petrified, he turned pale and it seemed to him that he was getting sick from the shock. Sonny, Red, and Vernon were going to ride with him and Jerry in the jeep that would take them to the stage.
Then, looking at that gigantic space and that crowd, Elvis said scared: "Jerry, it's bigger than..." Everyone was silent... Speechless... Jerry Schilling describes all this as "the entrance of the Cesar al Colosseum" , but with a grandiose dimension. They took their places in the jeep in which Elvis was standing clinging to the top of the windshield, and began a slow walk around the outside, at the edge of the seating areas. The crowd immediately came to their feet and greeted Elvis with a roaring cheer.
Elvis was tall enough and from the vehicle he was able to shake the hands of the people in the audience, who could touch him and Jerry as well. Jerry tells, who was next to him holding him so he wouldn't fall. He says that when he heard the shouting, the applause, the great welcome from the public, it made him imagine himself next to the great Caesar in the Roman Colosseum. Hearing that roar from the crowd and seeing the excitement Elvis elicited, one thought came back to Jerry: "Oh my God, I forgot who this guy was." close to the public, feeling it, touching it... to finally go up to the stage, which was located in the center, under the grandiose dome, and start the show...
From Tupelo to Memphis 47

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On Tour 2 . September 9 to 14, 1970

Elvis Presley would return to give concerts from 1969 in Las Vegas. But he would also return to give concerts throughout the country. The first TOUR 1970, from September 9 to 14, 1970 in Phoenix, St Louis, Detroit, Miami, Tampa and Mobile. Due to lack of time he could not count on the Imperials who already had a commitment and he had to have a new vocal accompaniment, The Hugh Jarrett Singer. On September 10, 1970, it is the first day of performance in which Elvis Presley is heard by an audio monitor on stage, a novelty that all artists already use in performances and that improves the performance capacity of the artist.

TOUR 1. SEPTEMBER 1970
Musicians and Orchestra.
Elvis Presley Show
James Burton lead guitar, John Wilkinson
Rhythm guitar, Jerry Scheft
Bass, Ronnie Tutt drums
Glen Hardin piano
Charlie Hodge Acoustic guitar and backing vocal.
Kathy Westmoreland Solo Soprano Voice.
The Hugh Jarrett Singers (Jarret was a member of the Jordanaires). The Sweet Inspirations.
Joe Guercio conducts The Joe Guercio Orchestra.
Presents Sammy Shore.

Elvis Presley ON TOUR September 1970.

In his artistic life, musically and on stage, Elvis already knew exactly what he wanted to offer his audience. He also had a clear idea of what he needed to sing, transmit, the chosen songs that he was going to sing... who was going to accompany him, the musicians, the singers, the director and the orchestra. And of course, how he wanted to do things after 1970, his shows... what Elvis said was that he wanted to give his audience the best time and make them forget their problems and enjoy themselves.
He was a very careful and creative artist, with an enormous capacity for improvisation and wanted to innovate with his music. But at this moment, and from now on, he is going to find a serious problem that is going to make him stagnate and, above all, get frustrated little by little. but for his fans, all-time hits... It was very difficult to deal with this, Elvis wanted to experiment, sing new things, but he didn't know how to accept this situation.
Most artists, if they are as great as him, also carry their past, their fame obliges them and what they do is add a new repertoire, 80% new songs and the rest hits... over time they include current music and the rest was left to sing on occasions... Elvis wanted to do this with time but he couldn't... It was already late... The right moment was this, 1970...
The return to the stage gave him the power that he success entails. He had included many new songs and Elvis did and undid as he pleased in his show... But if we look at his repertoire over time, in months or a year he began to always sing the same songs... sometimes including only two , three new ones.
As a consequence, fatigue, discouragement and, if we add the habit of taking pills and sleeping at odd hours and badly, the consequence would be disastrous over time...

"Following the path of the King..."

On Tour 2
November 10-17, 1970

FROM TUPELO TO MEMPHIS 56On Tour 2. The President and the King
http:/www.ivoox.com/55847469/

An absolute success for Elvis Presley. Once again he was the figure of the moment, the critics were unanimous... Elvis was still the King. Again a short tour during November 1970. An absolute success for Elvis Presley drawing even more passionate and enthusiastic crowds. All seats were sold in the cities of Oakland, California; Portland, Oregon; Seattle, Washington; San francisco California; Los Angeles California ; San Diego, California; Oklahoma City and Denver, Colorado. The unrivaled box office had nothing to do with the old blockbuster 1957 concerts. the. The group that accompanied him would be the usual one from Las Vegas directed by Joe Guercio.

Late 1970s. For any fan who might witness an Elvis Presley concert at this time, it would be wonderful to hear Elvis Presley's voice as he was in his prime. Seeing him perform was a dream for many and they traveled from all over to get to know him...
Elvis was in his best physical shape and vocally he had grown even more as an artist. In concert he moved and acted with all the splendor, he was happy and success followed him in his concerts. And furthermore, in November 1970, 4 albums would be published that would become legendary in his career, "That's the way it" coinciding with the premiere of the documentary film of the same name and at the end of the month "Elvis in person", "Back in Memphis" and the "Elvis Christmas Album".
The November concert tour with the coincidence of these publications would make his fame and success even greater, this would provoke a kind of click in Elvis, a change. Suddenly he had reached the top, everyone would talk about him again, about his performances in Las Vegas, finally his artistic recognition by his fans and a new public that was getting to know him and everything would cause his humble personality to always underwent a transformation. He had to maintain it and he could do it, but obviously, his customs, his personal life and special circumstances were going to influence his artistic life over time.
At the end of December Elvis meets President Richard Nixon, his interest in weapons, license plates... gets so far that he suddenly travels to Washington due to a family argument over his overspending. This meeting would also be legendary for the circumstances that occurred in the life of Elvis Presley.

"Following the Path of the King..."

On tour 3. November 1970

Elvis was excited because he was having concerts again and finally starting to see results again after the successes of Las Vegas and the recent previous tour. The dates of the tour, November 10 to 17, 1970. Colonel Parker with his new promoters sell out all the tickets for Elvis Presley performances. Again a short tour during November 1970.
An absolute success for Elvis Presley which drew even more passionate and enthusiastic crowds. All locations were sold in the cities of Oakland, California; Portland, Ore.; Seattle, Washington; San francisco California; Los Angeles California; San Diego, California; Oklahoma City and Denver, Colorado.
The unparalleled collection had nothing to do with the old and successful concerts of 1957. All expectations had been exceeded and the name of Elvis was on the rise, without a doubt he was at a very important moment in his career.
Elvis had been at the top for years and the maneuver of Colonel Parker and RCA would be to publish 4 Lps in November and try to invade the music market. In addition to the premiere of the documentary "That's the way it is". Elvis had his previous musicians from the 3rd season in Las Vegas, so he was calm unlike the Septembe tour. The only concern would have to do with the paternity suit that followed him with paperwork and they notified him the day of the performances in Los Angeles, for which Elvis went out to act very angry. His anger created a somewhat different attitude on stage, somewhat arrogant.
He made some leftover comments about his awards, Gold records... and he also said that he had sold more records than The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Tom Jones... His attitude was changing in public, evidently due to some annoyance , tired... but the boy from Tupelo had never acted like this. The performances, even with this small detail, would be magical, memorable.

FROM TUPELO TO MEMPHIS 56
On Tour 2. The President and the King

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Repertorio Noviembre 1970

REPERTOIRE November 1970

That's All Right (Mama)
I Got A Woman
Love Me Tender
You Don't Have To Say You Love Me
You've Lost That Lovin 'Feeling
Polk Salad Annie
Johnny B. Goode
How Great Thou Art
The Wonder Of You
Heartbreak Hotel
Blue Suede Shoes
Sweet Caroline
Proud Mary
One Night
Love Me
Trying To Get To You
Hound Dog
Bridge Over Troubled Water Suspicious Minds
Funny How Time Slips Away
Blue Christmas
Can't Help Falling In Love

JUMPSUIT TOUR 3 November 1970

Wing Suit

The suit with long fringes. White jumpsuit with long fringes. No belt. It had a cape. This first suit had longer fringes than the second one used later in Las Vegas. Designed by Bill Belew With this suit, Elvis would look like an angel with open wings.
But the truth is that it was very uncomfortable to move on stage with this suit, due to the fringes that hit his face, his body at all times. It was only used twice in November 1970 and in 1971 in Las Vegas 4 season
The difference in the first suit is the longer fringes and the lapel and collar.

Lace Suit

It was the Lace Bodysuit This Jumpsuit was a White Bodysuit with fine gold chain trim, with a matching white macrame belt
The bodysuit was worn during this tour in November.
The belt was later worn with the White Cossack Top jumpsuit, in 1972 with another suit.

Nail Swirl

It is popularly known as I got Lucky Suit or White Nail and Apache SuitThe design of the suit was a swirl on both sides of the suit, a white jumpsuit. It had an original white macramé belt from the suit and sometimes with a red macramé belt.
In November 1970 it was used on the tour, but it is believed that it was also used on the previous one in Las Vegas, but no footage has surfaced.

Red Ladder Suit

This suit was worn again on the November 1970 tour and was already used in Las Vegas Third Season.
Red ladder suit. White jumpsuit with red leather trim. With red snakeskin belt.

Fringe Suit

Also worn in Las Vegas in the Season 3 premiere of August 10, 1970. Fringe Suit was a white jumpsuit with short fringes. The different colored beads on the fringes are made of wood, combined with a white, green or blue macramé belt.
The second version of this suit, which she wore on the November 1970 tour, was finer, but had more fringes than the previous one.
With at least three different belts and scarves of different colors.

Chain Suit

The chain suit. It was a white jumpsuit with metallic chains crossing the chest, I combined it with different white, brown or red macramé belts, white chain belts, black or dark brown karate belts.
It was first used during the first part of the Las Vegas engagement of August, September 1970, while MGM was filming "That's the way it is".
Elvis wore the suit several times during 1970, with several different belts. In general, it was used with at least five different belts.

ELVIS PRESLEY

1971

The Jaycees Elvis Presley Awards 16 January 1971

The desires of the soul!

Even when the highest has been reached, success, fame... Sometimes our most intimate self needs another type of recognition, another type of satisfaction, it can be something that goes unnoticed or unnoticed by others. importance. But in the most intimate of our being it can be something so important that if it is not achieved, it leaves us with an immense feeling of emptiness.
Everything we do every day adds up to our actions and forms our character, our personality. And Elvis Presley was always selfless, generous, humble... he gave much of his fortune to people who needed him through charity services, societies ... to close people and strangers... without asking for anything in return.
Although nothing is expected, sometimes it really is annoying that nobody recognizes one's merits, both professional and personal. For Elvis Presley this was very important, his personality was somewhat insecure and for years he had felt that he was not really a person recognized either by the media or by other generations due to the experience of the past.
It was clear to him that as an artist now he was, due to his recent success, but the rest of his previous experience told him that he was still not appreciated by the majority that in his case ruled against him. The Jaycee award recognizes the work of the most outstanding young people in all fields in which they could contribute and make the nation grow.
It is an award that was created to recognize talent, creation, generosity, intelligence... and for those who receive it, the honor granted to them is incomparable. Politicians, scientists, artists, geniuses in any subject... Created by Henry Biessenbier who wanted to offer opportunities to young people by giving them experience and the opportunity to develop in his field. Through him the Junior Chamber of Commerce in St.Louis was formed, with 3000 members. In 1923 the first prize would be awarded and over the years an exemplary award was made for young people in the USA.

Elvis Presley would be one of the winners on January 16, 1971. For him it would finally mean that recognition of all the years of profession and also to their charitable acts. It was the set of his aspirations and he was nervous and proud because it was one of the ten awards this year.
The act that was carried out with a breakfast and initial speech, followed by an exciting day, commemorative dinner and finally the expected who prepared a simple, emotional and at the same time eloquent speech. That evening before the award, Elvis hosted a cocktail party at Graceland for the honorees and members of the Jaycees.
Also a commemorative dinner at the Four Flames restaurant. Bouquets of fresh flowers and candle holders were present at each table, with place cards signed by Elvis with the TCB logo. Simple music played by a violinist and dinner was served by white-gloved waiters.

This would be Elvis Presley's speech:
'When I was a child, ladies and gentlemen, I was a dreamer. I read comic books, and I was the hero of the comic book. I saw movies, and I was the hero in the movie. So every dream I ever dreamed has come true a hundred times.
These gentlemen over there, these are the type who care, are dedicated. You realize if it's not possible that they might be building the Kingdom of heaven, it's not far-fetched from reality. I learned very early in life that:
‘Without a song, the day would never end; without a song, a man ain't got a friend; without a song, the road would never bend, without a song', So I keep singing a song. Goodnight.
Thank you'."When I was a kid, ladies and gentlemen, I was a dreamer...
I read comics and I was the hero of the comic. I saw movies and I was the hero of the movie...
So every dream I've ever dreamed has come true hundreds of times. (And referring to the other award winners) These gentlemen over there, these are the ones who care, are dedicated.
You realize that if it is not possible that they are building the Kingdom of Heaven, they are not it's so far from reality. I learned very early in life that:
"Without a song, the day would never end; without a song, a man does not have a friend; without a song the road would never bend; without a song...'. So I keep singing a song. Goodnight.
Thank you'.

https://youtu.be/PyiT8lVkBzo

He seemed excited, his voice was insecure at first but he followed the speech more often... what was clear is that for Elvis, this award was even more important than the Grammy awards, for which any artist would want to be recognized. In his dreams, his longings, Elvis wanted all those who once rejected and criticized him, to finally admit him into their current world. For him, recognition as a person, as a human being was equal to or greater than that of the artist. Because finally his work as a singer was already recognized and it was the moment of success. He was so proud of this award that for years he would take it on his tours andrada en las Vegas.

https://go.ivoox.com/rf/57264590

ELVIS ON TOUR 4

1971

Tour 4 Elvis Presley Show.

FROM TUPELO TO MEMPHIS 65. On Tour. November 1971. Listen in our program:
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TOUR 4 ELVIS PRESLEY SHOW.
OnTour. November 5 to 16, 1971Once again power and energy overshadow personal life, again music floods the senses and the strength and magic of the show triumph over the customs and conditions of normal human life. Although personal circumstances are not the most appropriate, although obligations are stronger than passions and entanglements, there is something that is more important. The artist lets himself be carried away by his life, his creative soul returns to magnetize his fans on stage. Elvis returns again with all his being to win his throne. The world returns to witness his desire, his vibration and his music echoes his fame again. The year 1971 ends, a year of contrasts, which will lead to personal changes in Elvis's family life, but there is still inside him a tiger that roars and dominates his inner beast, through his music, his show. November 1971. The tiger again in his show. Elvis Presley turns on this tour, we hear again the force with which he would return to the stage after a few performances in Las Vegas that would be a little slower, due to his health. The year 1971 leaves some good reviews during his shows and brings some important changes in the members of his show, with the presence of a new vocal accompaniment group, Los Stamps. But behind the artist, there are his feelings, his obsessions... when he goes on stage everything ceases to exist to merge his soul with his music and forget that the rest exists. Elvis Presley, the man, the myth... the King!

"Following the Path of the King..."

The artist and his big family

Donnie Sumner, member of the Stamps, soloist, would tell about the day they started as vocal support in the Elvis show and how he and the rest of the group would get to know him, on November 2, 1971. It was 7:00 p.m. in the afternoon, that day, when everyone was waiting for Elvis to meet and to rehearse. Everyone was eager and excited to meet him, although J. D. Sumner, the bass, had known him since he was young. They had been waiting to start since two in the afternoon, when the doors of the ballroom were flung open. Joe Esposito friend and confidant of Elvis would come through the door shouting: "Ladies and Gentlemen, Elvis is inside the Building!" Behind him leading the way were his bodyguards, Red and Sonny West and lastly, Elvis majestically made his entrance. Elvis was standing in the doorway dressed in a special, flashy way, in a white turtleneck shirt. He also wore a suit designed for him in light blue, with ruffled cuffs, sporting a light blue velvet hat, Beal Street style. Carrying a black cane with a large carved gold ornament on top, the impression on everyone was great, because Elvis knew how to walk into a room. That's when they heard Elvis ask in a surprise "What time does this two o'clock session start?" He took off his hat, put down his cane and began greeting one by one the new members of his choir and to the rest found in the room. Elvis stood before Donnie Sumner and shook his hand saying "Hello Donnie, glad to have you in the family!" This is the great Elvis "Family"! to love like the rest of the group and was always treated as a family and friend Regardless of this, Elvis knew very well what he wanted with this group and he commissioned Donnie to take the lead and organize with the choir of the Sweet Inspirations J.D. Sumner was the soloist for the Stamps, but his deep, powerful voice wouldn't be the most suitable in a backing group, so he supposedly wouldn't be in this lineup, but Elvis wanted J.D. Sumner make some vocal embellishments as if he were a B-59 bomber. Elvis idolized J.D and wanted to support him in his group, so he told Donnie Sumner to organize the group. Donnie's idea would be to propose to Kathy Westmoreland, the soloist , who sang all the s tunes an octave above Myrna Smith from The Sweet Inspirations and she asked J.D. to sing an octave below Richard Sterban, the bass vocalist. In a short time they would create a special and different harmony in the songs that accompanied Elvis. For Donnie, who was the soloist, it was very difficult to fit his voice so as not to interfere with Elvis's vocal line.
This is why he told Elvis that he was trying to find a part that wouldn't get in the way of his singing, but that it was like finding a marble in a bucket of pearls. Elvis laughed and told him not to worry and to just sing whatever he wanted and when Elvis asked him he would have to sing something loud. But the next day the surprise was when Ricky Stanley, Elvis's stepbrother, approached him and told him that Elvis wanted to give him a present. He handed her a nice wooden box with a clasp. He told Ricky that he would always wear it to performances and when he opened the box he saw that it contained a handful of marbles. The box bore a note in Elvis's handwriting saying "You're here to stay, don't lose the marbles!" . Donnie gave the marbles to his son so they were eventually lost, but he never lost his pin.
Elvis, genius and figure...

"Following the Path of the King...

OnTour. November 1971

A new concert tour and a challenge for Elvis, 11 days without rest from one city to another in auditoriums with more than 13,000 people. The concerts required greater concentration and dedication, the effort was maximum, not only for the singer but for all those who were part of the show. Two months off had done Elvis good. When it came to going on stage, Elvis was intense, inspired and also dedicated to his audience at all times. The audience was feverish with his performances, with his karate moves, with his energy and above all with his singing. Also improvisation and humour, but in these concerts there wasn't much talk with the public. It is very possible that Elvis was trying not to lose his concentration, but it is also true that he went through a difficult personal moment. The separation was almost a fact, because Priscilla told him that she was leaving the house, although at Christmas she would return with her daughter to celebrate with the family, everything was about to end and Elvis had it inside her. This wouldn't affect his acting, his voice, his acting, he was just more reserved in public. The atmosphere during the shows was fantastic as the audience was mesmerized by the show. The press would launch glowing reviews, highlighting the efforts of attendees to get tickets hours in advance and even creating that they had to propose an extra show. The police were ready for any eventuality that could occur in the performances and due to the fullness of the auditoriums. Some changes that could be noticed in the performances, but due to the enthusiasm of the public, they would go unnoticed. The change of Coro, the Imperials gave way to DJ. Sumner and Los Stamps, Joe Guercio who was in charge of 15 musicians hired for the occasion and who were part of the orchestra. All this would form a bit of unpredictability and an attempt was made at all times to adjust and adapt to the constant changes of Elvis, who always improvised and could vary the repertoire. Logically, the situation would end up being controlled, but fortunately, all this would not be noticed in his show. As for the new choir, there was also a change of focus in the interpretations, the accompaniments. The powerful voice of D. J. Sumner. the bass of the group, which Elvis wanted to include with important support, would give another direction to what was previously done with the Imperials. Elvis sang his songs normally but the accompaniment was never the same, obviously the taste and the feeling would change. In the Gospels songs he could enrich his accompaniment, but in the most modern songs, or the classic ones of always, the change was radical from this moment. In any case, it was what Elvis Presley wanted for his shows. Elvis was the architect of his own style, nothing would command his accompaniments, his choir, not even his orchestra...

"Following the Path of the King..."

The humility of the Artist
Boston Garden , November 10, 1971

George Klein, a friend of Elvis and a member of his group, the Memphis Mafia, recounted that there were many times when Elvis surprised him with his personality. Always kind and generous with everyone, his way of being was natural since he was young, when they met, he always saw him like that. But George would say that when he least expected it, he felt that spark of spontaneity and above all humility in him. During the concert tour of 1971 in November, when the show was over, the custom was to run off the scene to get the car and go to another city. On November 10, 1971 Elvis would sing in the Boston Garden, a stadium that was became famous for its sporting events, for the boxing, basketball, and NBA championships, but also for its concerts. On that fall tour of 1971, George, Elvis, and many of the boys, were particularly excited about the performance that was to be given at the Boston Garden. Mainly George would say that he was a huge basketball fan and loved the opportunity to be in that legendary stadium before the crowds arrived to walk on the famous parquet floor. The story of this floor designed for the Boston Celtics, a basketball team, became a legend because the floor was made of parquet with remnants of wood from the Tennessee forests, which had been used to build military barracks during the war. It was taken to the Boston Garden in 1952 and became legendary for the players and for those who went there, because it was said that when it came to playing the ground made strange bounces and for this the phrase "the court factor plays favor of the local team. With a capacity of up to 14,890 seats, it would be one more success in the Elvis Presley tour that he sang with pleasure in front of his fans.
After the Elvis show, with all the noise of the public, the applause, they left the stage and began to carry it quickly to his limo that was waiting for him in the Garden's cargo area. As they walked briskly, they passed an old black janitor who waved to Elvis and said, "Hello, Mr. Presley." Elvis who was looking ahead and in his rush didn't hear him, so George leaned over and said, "Elvis, say hello to that guy over there." Elvis asked, "What did he say?"... George told him that the janitor said hello and greeted him. That's when Elvis surprised him again and stopped short. The rest of the Mafia boys who were speeding up, were suspicious because they were in a hurry to get him to the car and get him out of there. But Elvis was very clear about what he had to do. and approached the old man to introduce himself. The old man was as surprised as everyone else and put the broom aside so he could shake Elvis's hand. As always, spontaneous and fresh Elvis would ask him a question... "Let me ask you something, sir", said Elvis. "Yes, Mr. Presley?" said the old man. "Do you have children at home?" "I have children and I also have grandchildren." Elvis asked him curiously: "Do you like my music?" The old man also answered sincerely: "I don't know everything you listen to, but I know you like your music, Mr. Presley" Elvis went on to ask matter-of-factly, “Do you like my music?” To which the concierge replied, “Mr. Presley, I love your music.” “Okay,” Elvis said, turning to George Klein and adding, “GK, take the band back to the hotel and get this man's name and address and get RCA to send him all my albums. Then he turned to the old man and asked, "Is that all right with you, sir?" The old man smiled and thanked Elvis. It is evident how important Elvis was to his audience, but not only on stage, but real people, whom he could meet anywhere and who also affected his life. For this he was kind to his fans and treated them well, he never had a bad word or a bad gesture. For George Klein it would be another lesson from his old friend, Elvis, who was reminiscent of the old phrase from the entertainment world "Don't step on people when you go up, because you will surely meet them when you go down" Elvis would always be humble, generous and natural with his people, his family but even more with his fans.

"Following the Path of the King..."

JUMPSUITS. November 1971

OnTour. November 1971. Once again, Bill Belew's designs make the figure of Elvis shine on stage. Adding a layer to decorate as a novelty in these concerts.

WHITE FIREWORKS
White jumpsuit features matching light blue lined cape with original Belt. On Tour November 1971.Although worn only once on tour during that year 1971, Elvis began wearing it again in early 1972.The belt on this suit it was worn with at least three other suits during 1972.
Two versions of this suit exist: "Fireworks"; Black fireworks and royal blue fireworks

WHITE PINWHEEL
It is also known by other names: White Matador or Red Lion. This white suit or jumpsuit had a matching cape lined in red.
Also Kickpleats lined in red.
He was wearing an original made Belt for himself, lion's head belt

BLACK FIREWORKS SUIT
It's the pinwheel suit in black. This is the only one of the three Fireworks suits, which had an original belt. There was another design as well. In the following year, 1972, Elvis would wear the belt with the Eyelet suit.
It is believed that Elvis also wore this suit during his concerts in Las Vegas from January to February 1972.

BLACK PINWHEEL
Also known by the name of Black Matador. It was a black jumpsuit with a matching red-lined cape. Red-lined kickpleats. Gold Attendance Belt First worn during the November 1971 tour, it is believed that Elvis also wore this suit during his January-February 1972 engagement in Las Vegas.
This was one of three "pinwheel" suits that Elvis had: white pinwheel and red pinwheel.
SNOWFLAKE
It was a white jumpsuit with a matching black lined cape. Adorned with his matching original belt. It is known by another name "Spectrum Suit". This suit's nickname comes from the fact that Elvis first wore this suit on November 8, 1971 for his Philadelphia concert at The Spectrum .
When this suit was worn again in 1972, some spike-like adornments were added to the front of the suit.
Revamped versions of this suit were made over time. a special difference in the shows of the time.

"Following the Path of the King..."

The life of the artist On Tour

Jerry Schilling was one of Elvis's best friends, for years and until the end of his days. With his memories we can get an idea of what it was like to live in the world of Elvis Presley, follow his tour, his shows. I would share many things with him and above all I would learn from the world of entertainment, enjoy the scene, travel, the emotion of live music. He would be faithful to Elvis and would become his coach before going on stage, to concentrate and come out in shape to give everything on his show. Between boxes Jerry could not only enjoy Elvis's performances, he could also listen to the rumble of Ronnie Tutt's drums at the end of the show and the famous phrase that would be heard "Elvis has left the building". He liked to use the back entrances of the hotels, also to use the secret elevators. The feverish noise of the fans, running towards the limousines... it was all part of the show. But the best part was the moments they shared with the guys from the Mafia, the band, seeing Elvis as he laughed and was entertained... the moments of musical improvisation with everyone sharing. Everyone had a specific function with their work and the truth is that the organization was perfect. Red and Sonny West were in charge of security for Elvis, Lamar Fike was the one who managed the stage lights, etc. Jerry was also included in the group of bodyguards, in fact sometimes they had several functions. But the important thing is that the group was made up of trustworthy people and Elvis felt sheltered by the Memphis Mafia at all times. Over time, many of them changed and other members would be included who would finally follow the same path with Elvis. When they traveled, the Colonel went ahead to promote the show and Sonny traveled before to ensure the security of the hotel, the interior of the place and the access to the dressing rooms so that he could arrive without problems. Although it seemed that his work could be easy, the truth is that each of them became pieces on his chessboard, each move was important so that the King felt safe and could play his game. When a show ended, Elvis was still full of adrenaline, so it was usually decided to travel to the next city and rest there. Adding his late sleep habits would make the most sense for him and everyone else. Because they would arrive at dawn and could sleep so that the next day they would be fresh.
Elvis' room would be prepared so he could sleep soundly, preparation during road tours was a process that still included blacking out the windows with aluminum foil and making sure the air conditioning could keep the suite as cool as he wanted. liked. A pitcher of ice water on the nightstand and pepsies in the fridge just the way Elvis liked it. The suits were kept in a completely separate room and they also carried their books, on numerology, spirituality, etc. And the scientific search for the face of Jesus. Lamar Fike said that he always had to drag the books from one place to another and they weighed a ton. They were placed next to the bed, the toothpaste too... everything was exact and with precise orders that everyone followed, because Elvis never left his comfort zone. Another thing he was also wearing was the Jaycees award, which he was so proud of.
The next day another city, the routine returned again, the show again... Life on tour was more complicated because everyone already had a family, except for the new members who had joined like Rickie Stanley, Al Strada... and obviously it was more complicated than before to keep professional and family separate as Elvis wanted. It was difficult for everyone and of course it would be for Elvis that he really was absent from his house, alienating the family unit altogether. Marty Lacker had his own work of his own and although he was still a member of the Mafia and a friend of his, he was away from the group on these tours. Richard Davis was fired by Vernon months ago, Alan Fortas was not there either... of the old ones there were still members but everything began to be different at the end of 1971. Those who remained had families and Elvis did not like that, because the camaraderie that there were for years, it was being lost with the new members and it wouldn't be the same anymore... Lamar Fike would add that the pills factor was already the tonic on these tours and in Elvis's life they were already indispensable. He could not do without them and this would also change his mood, his personality, with time it would increase. But despite everything there was the show, the shows and Elvis who lived through his music, which was always a gift for his fans.

"Following the Path of the King..."

Echo of fame

Throughout Elvis' tour in November, there were many positive reviews about his performances. Elvis was at all times engaged with his audience, intense, engaged and inspired, from the first moment he took the stage to sing "That's All Right". The "Also Spracht Zarathustra" overture heralded the King's entrance before an audience, he conquered new territory in the East and Midwest. These types of tours filled Elvis with energy, for him they were something challenging and new, compared to the usual, because he traveled from one place to another. For an artist, the challenge is to meet a new audience and offer the best of himself on stage. This was very important for an artist like Elvis who was looking for his self-affirmation and once again left the audience breathless with brilliant shows. Curiosity of his shows in which he not only sang, but had added a characteristic way of expressing himself in another way with his karate movements, would be the tonic that would mark something new in these times. No artist did something similar on stage and of course despite the quality they could offer the public, Elvis' voice was still special, penetrating and enveloping.
He could leave the public shocked with his performances and this tour would be one of great expectation and with great performances. If we were to look for faults in his show as a whole, obviously what was faulty was the repertoire in general, because Elvis still did not choose new songs that They could surprise their fans. The obligation of the well-known songs was for him such a great bond that he self-imposed these hits of the past. It really would have been possible to change and add more new songs up to 50% of the show, little by little and as other music greats did. But in this Elvis did not know how to change course and little by little, he would get bored of his usual themes, looking for variations in tempo, in style, accelerating, blusing... changing what the public knew and returning to what was before.
It was a way of not getting stuck with these well-known songs, but they were no longer the same interpretations of yesteryear, it couldn't be done the same way, because evidently Elvis had changed, his voice was more mature and the musicians never interpreted them as before. this would not be a criticism, but a circumstance that would lead to boredom to his interpreter. It was already the beginning of boredom, although fortunately on this tour in November it was not noticeable. Also Elvis's voice was fresh and rested again, this made him able to sing at ease and without any effort. The breaks between songs were very short, because Elvis didn't talk to the audience as much anymore. Many of the members of the orchestra had never played with Elvis and this could also lead to an imbalance in the interpretation, but it would not be very noticeable. The direction of Joe Guercio, as usual under the interpreter's orders, left no doubt as to who was in control.
The wonderful audience, enthusiastic about their King who would greatly enjoy these days on tour, despite his thoughts, his personal life, despite everything, he continued to enjoy himself on stage. The great ovations would come with the songs that had already become known to his audience, such as "Suspicious Minds", "Bridge Over Troubled Water" or "Polk Salad Annie". He sometimes he repeated the final verse to the applause. The atmosphere during these concerts was fantastic and Elvis controlled the performances and his audience, when Elvis said "I'm leaving" the audience roared... "
!Noooo! The press reviews were brilliant in extolling the power of attraction of Elvis

The man, the myth... the King!

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