Today in Elvis History

It's August twenty-second, and on this day in 1956... principal photography began on *The Reno Brothers*, Elvis Presley’s first film. Though originally titled *The Reno Brothers*, the movie was later renamed *Love Me Tender* to capitalize on the success of Elvis’s hit single. This marked Elvis’s transition from music icon to Hollywood star, launching a film career that would span over a decade and redefine the relationship between rock and cinema.

It's August 20, and on this day in Elvis history:

In 1955, Elvis performed at the Louisiana Hayride held at the Municipal Auditorium in Shreveport, Louisiana, continuing to build his reputation as a rising star.

In 1956, Elvis reported to 20th Century Fox to begin preproduction work for his movie career, marking his growing presence in Hollywood.

On August 20, 1974, despite receiving ovations and positive reviews on opening night of the Elvis Summer Festival at the Las Vegas Hilton, where he had introduced an all-new program featuring blues numbers like "Big Boss Man" and "My Baby Left Me," Elvis reverted to his usual setlist soon after, abandoning the fresh material.

In 1975, Elvis wanted to cancel his two evening shows due to feeling unwell, but his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, insisted he perform, underscoring the pressures Elvis faced in his career even amid health challenges.

It's August 19, and on this day in Elvis history:

In 1954, Elvis recorded multiple takes of "Blue Moon" at Sun Studio. These recordings, however, remained unreleased at the time, adding to the mystique of his early career.

In 1973, during a post-show karate demonstration in his suite, Elvis accidentally broke the ankle of one of his guests, Beverly Albrecq, showing his passion for martial arts even offstage.

On August 19, 1974, Elvis opened a new engagement at the Las Vegas Hilton Showroom with a completely revamped setlist. The audience responded enthusiastically with several standing ovations, reflecting the King’s enduring ability to captivate his fans.

By 1975, Elvis had begun incorporating a request box into his performances, allowing fans to influence his setlist. During one dinner show, he notably laid down onstage while singing, showcasing his unique stage presence and connection with the crowd.

It's August 18, and on this day in 1977, Elvis Presley’s funeral was held at his Graceland estate in Memphis, Tennessee. The intimate service took place in the mansion's living room and was attended by about 200 family members and close friends. Pastor C.W. Bradley of the Wooddale Church of Christ led the ceremony, which included a eulogy by comedian Jackie Kahane, who had often opened for Elvis during his tours.

Following the private service, a procession of 17 white Cadillacs carried Elvis’s body to Forest Hill Cemetery, where he was laid to rest beside his mother, Gladys. An estimated 80,000 fans lined the streets to pay their final respects to the King of Rock 'n' Roll.

Due to a later attempt to steal his body, Elvis’s remains and those of his mother were moved to the Meditation Garden at Graceland on October 2, 1977.

This day marked a profound moment of mourning and reflection for fans and family alike, as the world said goodbye to an enduring musical legend.

It's August seventeenth, and on this day in 1977... the world mourned the loss of Elvis Presley, who had died just one day earlier at his Graceland home in Memphis. His body was returned to the mansion, where thousands of grieving fans gathered outside the gates. A public viewing was held, giving mourners the chance to say a final goodbye to the King of Rock and Roll. Meanwhile, across the country, fans were left holding tickets for a tour that would never happen—Elvis had been scheduled to open in Portland, Maine, that very night. The sudden cancellation of the tour only deepened the shock, as the full weight of his passing began to settle in around the globe.

It's August sixteenth, and on this day in 1977... Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, died at the age of 42. He was found unresponsive in the bathroom of his Graceland home in Memphis by his fiancée, Ginger Alden. Despite efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead at 3:30 p.m. at Baptist Memorial Hospital. The official cause was initially listed as cardiac arrhythmia, but toxicology reports later revealed high levels of prescription medications, pointing to polypharmacy as a significant factor. Elvis's death stunned the world and marked the end of an era, but his legacy as one of the most influential figures in music history continues to resonate today.

It's August fifteenth, and on this day in 1955... Elvis Presley, his father Vernon, Colonel Tom Parker, and Bob Neal met in Memphis for a pivotal moment in Elvis’s career. During this meeting, a new contract was signed designating Colonel Parker as Elvis’s “special advisor,” a role that effectively gave Parker control over nearly every aspect of Elvis’s professional life. This marked the beginning of one of the most influential—and controversial—manager-artist relationships in music history.

It's August fourteenth, and on this day in 1958... Elvis Presley’s beloved mother, Gladys, passed away in the hospital at just 46 years old. Elvis and his father Vernon were inconsolable. Gladys had been the emotional center of Elvis’s world, and her death devastated him. Many who knew Elvis believed he was never quite the same afterward, marking this as one of the most heartbreaking and life-altering days of his life.

It's August 13, and on this day in 1955, Elvis performed at the Louisiana Hayride in Shreveport, Louisiana.

In 1956, he gave a show at the Municipal Auditorium in New Orleans, Louisiana.

In 1958, Elvis was granted emergency leave from the Army to visit his mother, Gladys Presley, who had been admitted to Memphis Methodist Hospital. Elvis arrived in Memphis that afternoon and spent several hours with her at the hospital before returning to Graceland.

Starting in 1960, Elvis began filming for the movie *Flaming Star*.

From 1969 through 1976, Elvis regularly performed at the International Hotel and then the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, marking a consistent presence in the city’s entertainment scene year after year.

It's August 12, and on this day in 1955, Elvis performed at Driller Park in Kilgore, Texas.

In 1956, he gave two shows at the Municipal Auditorium in New Orleans, Louisiana, at 4:00 and 8:15 p.m.

In 1958, Elvis obtained emergency leave from the Army and flew to Memphis with Lamar Fike to visit his hospitalized mother, Gladys Presley.

In 1961, Elvis flew from Tampa to Los Angeles.

And in 1974, Elvis also flew to Los Angeles.

The previous day, August 11, 1975, found Elvis relaxing in Palm Springs, California. While out shopping for jewelry with friends and companions, he picked out items totaling over \$3,000 but realized he had no money on hand. A quick call to Colonel Parker secured the Visa card number, completing the purchase.