Elvis Presley Comeback Special
Updated: Jan 29, 2020
The Elvis Presley Comeback Special, also known as The '68 Comeback Special, aired nationally by NBC on December 3, 1968. It marked Presley's return to live performance after seven years during which his career was centered in the movie business. Presley was unhappy with his distance from musical trends of the time, and the low-quality movie productions he was involved in. Initially planned as a Christmas special by the network, and Presley's manager Colonel Tom Parker, producer Bob Finkel transformed the idea. He hired director Steve Binder to update Presley's sound, and to create a special that would be current and appeal to a younger audience. Filming took place in June 1968 at NBC Studios in Burbank, California. The show consisted of a sit-down section, stand-up numbers and two musicals. The sit-down session showcased Presley in an informal setting, surrounded by fans and small band. The stripped sound, and intimate atmosphere would become the forerunner to MTV Unplugged. The special garnered good reviews when it aired, topped the Nielsen television ratings for the week, and was the most watched show of the season. The success of the show re-launched Presley's singing career and his return to live performance.
This short cool segment gives you a close look at the actual production of the event and below are clips of some of the highlights of the show:
Elvis Comeback Special Quick Documentary
Trouble (Opening Segment)
Heartbreak Hotel
That's All Right
One Night
Baby What You Want Me To Do
If I Can Dream (Closing Segment)
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