Elvis: The Comeback Special

1968. The "Colonel" had managed Elvis' career so poorly that the man who invented rock n roll was now second fiddle to the British Invasion. Raw talent, drive, energy, good looks and determination gave Elvis one chance to take back his throne. And he pulled it off. But his reward was a regimen in Vegas which was too much for the King. A sick and overweight Elvis would be gone within a decade. Must see. Must.

I have absolutely no complaints about this special because I think it did a great deal of justice to Elvis Presley's stellar career. Everything about it makes it great from the pit session to the musical production numbers. Elvis even closes it out with the awesomely compelling 'If I Can Dream'. This is very easily Elvis at his absolute best. I highly recommend it to any fan.

Elvis Presley made a legendary comeback in this television special. Elvis's comeback special is now part of history and has a special place in it. An incredible and intimate performance from The King. His voice sounded exceptional as did the rendition of his timeless music. He still had it and belted it out to the back row. I will forever be jealous for people who were able to be up and close to this incredible figure and be a part of history.

After much convincing, Elvis Presley does something about his career teetering on the brink of stagnation. During the last week of June 1968, the man who almost single handedly led a musical revolution in the mid '50s made use of "Western Recorders" and the "NBC Studios", Burbank, California to put on tape a TV special. The Elvis NBC Special came to be known as "The '68 Comeback Special". It was originally aired on the night of Dec 3, 1968 and slaughtered the competition: 'The Red Skelton Show', 'It Takes a Thief' and 'The Doris Day Show'. Made up of production numbers and mini-concerts in front of live audiences, this TV special afforded a lost man to find his way home. Elvis Presley was back and once again his career would regain meteoric flight.

Producer/director Steve Binder would be swamped with accolades. NBC took the chance and came out looking like a champ. Elvis' fan base would swell. The lp "Elvis(TV Special)" would rapidly peak at #8 on the Billboard Top Albums chart. This 76 minute video is highlighted with a Gospel Medley, the Guitar Man Medley, and songs like 'Lawdy Miss Clawdy','Jailhouse Rock', 'Tiger Man', 'One Night', 'Memories' and the great finale number, 'If I Can Dream'.

Even non Elvis fans will appreciate watching this. In a way it is like watching musical history...hell it is musical history.

Magical, Mystifying and Memorable - These words describe Elvis and the whole Production of what came to be known as 'The King's' Television Comeback. But it was more than just that - it was 'The Comeback' full stop!

After a full Seven years without ever straying from within the confines of a movie set to perform for his public, the opportune moment finally arrived and it came crashing in at the top of the heap of a formula that had already began to show slight signs of improving itself. The non-movie songs that Elvis had recorded of recent times such as 'Guitar Man', 'The U.S. Male' and 'Big Boss Man' had already made their dents on the charts worldwide and two of these were to be featured in the TV Special in Burbank. The ballads were much classier as well: 'You Don't Know Me', 'We Call On Him' and 'You'll Never Walk Alone'. Dare I say it, but the movies appeared to be taking a somewhat different direction as well since the amicably-casted "Speedway", for "Live a Little, Love a Little" was the man's first venture into then modern day adult comedy in which he only sings four songs, all of which are total quality recordings especially the upbeat numbers of 'Edge of Reality' and 'A Little Less Conversation' (which was to be re-recorded for the TV Show, and the rest is history!). The next film "Charro!", a western, offered another adult role for a bearded Elvis who sings only the title song over the opening credits and the emphasis once more was on the man's acting ability.

Then on June 22nd, 1968 the tape machine was switched on in the recording studios and the camera's got ready to roll like never before in the Burbank soundstages and witnessed Black Leather, Gold Lame, Denim, Neckerchieves, Wrist-bands, Guitars, Music, Laughter, Acting and 'If I Can Dream'.....It wasn't the 1950's anymore but it was certainly the next best thing. All these things were rolled into this one handsome, tanned, side-burned, slim, tall and nervous human being who was Rock's first iconic legend....ELVIS....and he was back!....