Today in Elvis History

It's August 11, and on this day in 1955, Elvis performed at the Reo Palm Isle in Longview, Texas.

In 1956, he gave three shows at the Florida Theater in Jacksonville, Florida, at 3:30, 7:00, and 9:00 p.m.

In 1958, Elvis began his Basic Unit Training.

And in 1961, location filming for *Follow That Dream* wrapped up in Florida.

The previous day, August 10, 1970, marked the opening of Elvis’s summer engagement at the International Hotel in Las Vegas. While reviews noted the show lacked some of the excitement of previous years, the audience reaction remained strong. Elvis appeared confident, spending much of the show talking, joking, and making fan interactions a highlight—especially by handing out scarves, a practice he turned into a signature part of his performances.

It's August 10, and on this day in 1955, Elvis performed at the Baseball Park in Gladewater, Texas.

In 1956, he gave three shows at the Florida Theater in Jacksonville, Florida, at 3:30, 7:00, and 9:00 p.m. After the first show, Elvis was warned by Judge Marion Gooding to tone down his act.

In 1970, Elvis opened an engagement at the International Hotel in Las Vegas with a dinner show in the showroom.

In 1974, Elvis traded his Baldwin piano for a Story and Clark piano, which remains at Graceland.

And in 1977, Elvis spent time screening several films at the General Cinemas in Whitehaven, including the James Bond film *The Spy Who Loved Me.*

It's August ninth, and on this day in 1958... while his mother Gladys was being transported to the hospital in Memphis, Elvis Presley completed his Advanced Tank Training. Torn between duty and family, Elvis was nearing the end of his military training in Texas, even as Gladys’s health rapidly declined—a heartbreaking moment that would soon mark one of the most tragic chapters of his life.

It's August eighth, and on this day in 1977... just eight days before his death, Elvis Presley privately rented out Libertyland amusement park in Memphis during the early morning hours. The gesture was a personal treat for his daughter, Lisa Marie, and a group of her friends. Even in his final days, Elvis found joy in creating magical, unforgettable moments for the people he loved most.

It's August seventh, and on this day in 1970... Elvis Presley began rehearsing on the main stage of the Las Vegas Hilton showroom for the documentary *That's the Way It Is*. This day also marked the first time Elvis worked with musical director Joe Guercio, who led the orchestra. The collaboration launched a new era in Elvis’s live sound and stage production, helping to shape the powerful, orchestrated performances that would define his 1970s concert years.

It's August 6, and on this day in 1953, Elvis applied for jobs as a delivery boy and at Kroger’s grocery store but was not hired.

In 1955, Elvis performed at the River Stadium in Batesville, Arkansas.

By 1956, he was on stage at the Polk Theater in Lakeland, Florida, with three shows that day at 3:30, 7:00, and 9:00 p.m.

In 1962, Anita Wood publicly announced their breakup, moving out of Graceland and returning home to Jackson, Tennessee, saying Elvis was not yet ready to settle down.

In 1963, Priscilla Presley started reading press reports about Elvis’s romance with Ann-Margret.

During 1966 filming of *Double Trouble*, Elvis spent most weekends in Las Vegas or Palm Springs.

On August 6, 1973, Elvis opened a new engagement at the Las Vegas Hilton showroom.

In 1975, Elvis gifted his dentist a Cadillac Seville.

And late in the evening on this day in 1976, Elvis returned home to Memphis after a tour.

It's August 5, and on this day in 1953, Elvis interviewed for a job at Sears Roebuck but was not hired.

In 1955, Elvis performed at the Overton Park Shell in Memphis, a key early venue in his live career.

By 1956, he was performing at the Fort Homer Hesterly Armory in Tampa, Florida, with shows at 3:30 and 8:15 p.m.

In 1965, Elvis flew to Hawaii with his group, father, and stepmother for location shooting on one of his films.

On August 5, 1972, Elvis opened an engagement at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel. Despite invited guests like Richard Harris, Paul Anka, and Sammy Davis Jr., Elvis complained of a headache and performed for only thirty minutes without any rock songs.

In 1974, Elvis responded to a request for donations to support singer and songwriter Ivory Joe Hunter during his battle with cancer.

And in 1976, Elvis performed at the Cumberland County Memorial Auditorium in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

It's August fourth, and on this day in 1977... the book *Elvis: What Happened?* was published. Written by three of Elvis’s former bodyguards—Red West, Sonny West, and Dave Hebler—the book offered a controversial and intimate look into Elvis’s personal life, including his struggles with prescription drug use. Released just two weeks before Elvis’s death, the book caused a media storm and remains one of the most talked-about exposés in the history of celebrity memoirs.

It's August second, and on this day in 1971... Elvis Presley concluded yet another record-breaking engagement in Las Vegas. Known for drawing massive crowds, Elvis once again shattered attendance records at the Hilton showroom. His reign in Vegas was not just a comeback—it was a phenomenon, reaffirming his unmatched draw and iconic status during an era when few artists could rival his live appeal.

It's August first, and on this day in 1969... Elvis Presley held a post-show press conference at 12:30 a.m., following his return to live performance at the International Hotel in Las Vegas. Speaking candidly, Elvis admitted he was “a little nervous for the first three songs,” but then told himself, “what the heck, get with it man, or you might be out of a job tomorrow.” That night, he continued the routine of two electrifying shows—one at 8:15 p.m. and another at midnight—solidifying his Vegas comeback and proving the King was back on top.