On June 27, 1968, Elvis Presley nervously took the stage at NBC’s Burbank studios to sing live in front of an audience for the first time in over seven years. He was to tape a few live shows under the direction of his producer, Steve Binder, for a special to be aired later that year on December 3rd.

Elvis’ career had been in a slump with declining record sales because of poor song choices and sub-par film roles. His career needed a desperate shot in the arm, and his manager Colonel Tom Parker had an idea that a Christmas special would be exactly what Elvis needed for a comeback.

Elvis liked the idea but he wanted to focus on his artistic expression rather than offer his fans the same old tired Christmas-type special expected at that time of the year. Elvis and a few other insiders had a slightly different idea than Colonel Tom Parker, and their idea of bringing back Elvis’ hard rocking, hip swiveling style formed the basis of what was to be Elvis’ Comeback Special.

When Elvis stepped onto the stage that night, his nervousness was apparent. But his natural talent pulled him through the first few songs and the rest is history. He would later tell Binder it was the “greatest thing he’d ever done in his life.”

Soon after, offers from all over the world started pouring in and Elvis was firmly back in the limelight as the icon he once was!  This marked a new beginning for Elvis, and he began playing live in Las Vegas at the new International Hotel with much success. He continued playing other venues and eventually went on tour, and crowds consistently gave him a favorable reception. “The King” was back!

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