January 26 1971 Opening Show
Review by Linda Holm - Strictly Elvis, Issue 35 (March 1971)

Elvis Presley opened his fourth engagement at the International Hotel in Las Vegas on Tuesday night, January 26, and gave one of the most thrilling performances of his entire career... in fact, most of the people attending said it was his best show!

Wearing a white, one-piece Apache style jumpsuit, open to the waist to reveal a diamond cross around his neck, Elvis looked more handsome and sensuous than ever.

Before Elvis came on stage, the Joe Guercio orchestra played '2001': A Space Odyssey theme, complete with throbbing drum rolls, and then the curtain slowly rose to reveal the exciting Elvis.

He opened his show with 'That's All Right' to the delight of the 2,000 people in the showroom and followed it with 'Mystery Train' which he eased into the strains of 'Tiger Man'.

Then the lights dimmed as he did the ever beautiful ballad, 'Love Me Tender', much to the delight of eight or ten girls sitting ringside who received a kiss from their idol.

"'I hope you don't mind," Elvis laughed as he finished with his kisses, "I've got the flu..." They didn't mind a bit.

Then, came Elvis' rendition of 'You Don't Have To Say You Love Me'. 'Sweet Caroline' was one of the best songs of his entire act, because there were psychedelic light flashes on Elvis and the giant screen behind him during this number. Priscilla, who was sitting in a centre booth, with Joan Esposito and other girlfriends, seemed especially thrilled with Elvis! rendition of this song.

The only individual Elvis personally acknowledged from the stage was producer Hal Wallis, whom Elvis still calls "Mr. Wallis," out of respect. He said, "Mr. Wallis has produced great films, among them Anne of the Thousand Days and True Grit". Elvis also told about how Wallis had starred him in many films during his early career, and dedicated 'Can't Help Falling In Love', to Mr. Wallis, because it was from the picture, Blue Hawaii, which Elvis made at Paramount.

He sang, 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' while under a single spotlight, and then ripped into 'Polk Salad Annie'. Elvis seemed to have a running gag going with Sammy Davis Jr., who was ringside, because during this song he'd laugh at Sammy while he was doing a dance routine on stage.

Elvis then did a song from his country album, 'Make The World Go Away'.

But one of my personal favourites was 'Something', a Beatles song which I think Elvis especially excels in doing. At one point during the song, his microphone gave a loud squeak, and Elvis laughed.

Elvis got a tremendous reception from the crowd when he did 'How Great Thou Art', which won him a grammy a couple of years ago. His voice was strong, penetrating, and soulful...it sent shivers up and down peoples' spine.

'Love Me', an early hit for Elvis delighted the fans, as did 'One Night' and 'Blue Suede Shoes' to round out the oldies bu goodies.

Midway through the show, Elvis loosened his white jewelled hip-hugger belt and it fell to the floor. He coyly laughed and said, "Hey, I've lost it," while most of his fans applauded with enthusiasm at his joke.

"I've recorded 480 songs", Elvis jokes during the show, "and I'm going to sing every one of them tonight." If he had, it would have delighted the crowd, because they didn't want Elvis to quit singing.

Elvis did 'Johnny B. Goode', while lead guitarist James Burton really went to town with his sensational musical accompaniment that has made him one of the most sought-after musicians in the country for sessions.

He performed for over an hour, and throughout his program, Elvis would tell a joke or two and clown with members of his back-up group... the same ones who were with him last time.

Elvis did his rendition of 'Hound Dog', and then it was time for the finale.

Next on his agenda, Elvis did 'The Wonder Of You', one of his most recent hits... and one of his most popular, judging by crowd reaction.

Although he usually closes his show with 'Can't Help Falling In Love', Elvis said he'd chosen a number that was new for him... 'The Impossible Dream'. He did the most spellbinding, exciting rendition of that song I've ever heard, and when he'd finished, there was no doubt in that huge showroom who'd always remain The King.

Elvis retired to his dressing room and was thinking about having a small party backstage for members of his group, family, and friends, but he was so tired and exhausted that he decided not to have one.

The next day, in every newspaper and trade magazine, Elvis received sensational reviews. The reviews once again confirmed the knowledge that every Elvis fan has come to know: There is only one Elvis, and he's the greatest entertainer the world has ever known.

July 20 - August 2 1971, Lake Tahoe
Review by Dave Bouska - Elvis Monthly, Issue 141 (October 1971)

It came as a surprise that Elvis had signed to perform for two weeks at the Sahara Hotel in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. This being much closer to my home than Vegas, I immediately made reservations to see Elvis. This was Elvis' first club date outside of Vegas.

The Sahara Hotel in Tahoe is much smaller than the International in Vegas, but rates as one of the finest hotels in the world. It is a 30-million dollar complex and has 600 rooms. The showroom reminds one of the International, except it is a bit smaller. It holds 1,200 for the dinner show and 1,500 for the midnight cocktail show. However, many more were being packed in than these numbers.

Before I go into details about the show I would like to tell a little about the Elvis happenings occurring while I was in Tahoe.

The promotional campaign reminded me very much of the campaign in Vegas. This, too, was the "Elvis Summer Festival" with all hotel employees wearing hats and buttons proclaiming the occasion. Posters lined the hotel and on the outside of the hotel bright red lights on the top storey shone out ELVIS.

Elvis was a complete sell-out for the two-week gig, from July 20 to August 2nd, before it began. People were lining up for the midnight show at 7 p.m., and, by the time it was time to be seated, the line stretched into the street. Our waiter told us he would be glad when Elvis was gone because it was such a hassle and everyone was putting in extra hours. The same waiter also said Elvis received $500,000 for the two weeks. The prices to see Elvis were the same as in Vegas. A $15 minimum with a $2 tax which brought the bill to $17 per person.

Now, without further delay, I will tell you about the show. I was able to attend two shows, both cocktail shows.

The usual group was with Elvis with one exception. Comedian Sammy Shore was not present and was replaced by Nipsey Russel, who is a very funny fellow. The Sweet Inspirations led off the show with three fine Soul numbers followed by Nipsey. The Imperials did not have a solo spot in this gig.

Finally, the magic moment arrived. The lights were turned out and all spotlights shone onto the huge showroom curtain. With the curtain still closed the orchestra began the theme from '2001' and everyone knew only Elvis could follow such a tremendous theme.

Suddenly the curtain opened and the band roared into a solid Rock beat. Then, from the right side of the stage Elvis appeared, stood motionless for a moment, then shyly moved to centre stage, took his guitar, and whaled into 'That's All Right'. After this fabulous song he said, "Hello, I'm Johnny Cash." The second night he said, "Hello, I'm Clint Eastwood". He later introduced Clint, who was in the audience.

'That's All Right' was followed by 'Proud Mary' and Elvis went on to perform the following songs. 'Polk Salad Annie', 'Johnny B. Goode', 'Hound Dog', 'Don't Be Cruel', 'You Don't Have To Say You Love Me', 'Teddy Bear', at which time he threw a few small teddy bears into the audience. 'One Night', 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin', 'Bridge Over Troubled Water', 'I Can't Stop Loving You', 'Suspicious Minds', Love Me', 'Love Me Tender', 'Heartbreak Hotel', 'Blue Suede Shoes', 'Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On', 'My Babe' and his new single in the U.S. called 'I'm Leavin' which is a haunting ballad done in fine style with Elvis' friend, Charlie Hodge, singing high voice for him.

Elvis' closing number was 'Impossible Dream' and proved one of the highlights of the evening. During the entire show Elvis kissed girls by the dozens and shook hands with the guys at the ringside. After kissing the girls he announced he had the 'flu but later said he was just kidding. Elvis was not wearing the almost traditional white outfit this time. He wore a red shirt with blue bell-bottoms and a blue jacket which he threw off during 'Polk Salad Annie'.

One member of the band told him he looked like the Cisco Kid and everyone broke up. Another humorous part of the show was the beginning of 'You've Lost that Lovin' Feelin'. The lights were all turned out as Elvis began the song. As the lights came on, Elvis was wearing an ape mask which looked amazingly real and as he moved to the music it was very funny. No one makes a better imitation. I felt like yelling and asking if he had just returned from The Planet Of The Apes but thought I had better not.

Yet another sensational portion of the show is Elvis karate exhibition. Elvis kicks, his arms fly and as he does this the drums crash to his every move in what proves to be a magnificent show of speed and agility few people possess. I wouldn't care to be the target of one of the karate chops he lets fly. There is one more part of the show that is, perhaps, the fun. nicest part of the show. I am speaking of the beginning of 'Hound Dog'. Elvis spreads his legs way apart and rests his elbow on one knee. He said, "If you don't start this song in this position you'll strip your gears".

He also spoke of his appearances on Ed Sullivan's Show and remarked that they had cut him off from the waist up. Elvis also rubbed his chin mocking Ed Sullivan and said, "Ed saw me and said 'Sumbitch." And the whole audience nearly died with laughter. The first note of 'Hound Dog' is one that would shatter the windows if there were any in the showroom. It is sheer power. 'Hound Dog' is truly a classic. Elvis' humour shines throughout the shows and you can tell he is having a good time.

I hope everyone has enjoyed this article, but before I close I would like to touch upon one more subject. And that is Elvis paying a visit to England. I am lucky to be one of the fortunate ones who has the opportunity to see Elvis in person and hope my articles give all of you at least some idea of what Elvis is like in person. I, too, look forward to the day Elvis appears in England. And I feel confident he will. Certainly no one deserves an Elvis concert more than the fans in England and the rest of Europe. Your loyalty is undying and you put Elvis at the top of all polls year after year.

Perhaps if those of us in the U.S. also go to work on Elvis and the Colonel the visit will come soon. But, as you all know, you just don't pressure the Colonel. Why Elvis has yet to appear I can't say, but let's all keep hoping and when he finally does appear it will be the greatest event in England's musical history!

July 20 1971 Opening Show
Review by Maria Davies - Elvis News Service Weekly, Issue 23 (August 9 1971)

At the Opening night at Lake Tahoe, the audience were presented with a special Tote bag containing the new Camden album, hat, scarf, buttons, photo album and loads of other things, including would you believe - a teddy bear!

Yes Elvis is also featuring this song ('Teddy Bear') in his shows, along with 'The Impossible Dream'. It's also believed Elvis featured 'It's Impossible' and 'Stranger In my Own Home Town'.

August 1 1971 Midnight Show
Review by Rex Martin - Elvis News Service Weekly, Issue 24 (August 16 1971)

The show starts with the '2001' Space Odyssey, which builds up an exciting opening. Then Elvis walks on, puts a guitar on and launches into 'That's All Right', followed quickly by 'Proud Mary' (with loud cheers). Wow, Elvis shouts at the start of the opening, and Ronnie Tutt machine guns his drums, just before Elvis starts singing the opening verse. The audience sound very excited, and Elvis is in really great voice, can't remember him sounding better! The ending is very unusual, with Elvis repeating "Rolling, rolling, rolling, on the river" (three times) then "One more time!" Elvis shouts, and they sing this line another four times, with Ronnie beating it out.

"Thank you, you're a good audience, thank you. I have to read the next song, because I don't know the words to it, I recorded it. It was on TV the other night, Jailhouse Crock! Ah! Rock! Phew!" 'Jailhouse Rock' - "Dance to the Jailhouse Rock, Hot Damn!". Then he repeats the ending again quickly, the beat slows to one of those slow old style song endings many of Elvis' early releases had, but never for this song (Wild applause).

"Well, Ah bless ah! my soul - Oh!". The band are caught by surprise, so starts again and they join in this time for 'All Shook Up'. "I forgot the words, where's the words?" Elvis quips after a few lines, but Elvis finishes with the song after one verse!.

"Next Song!. No that wasn't in our programme, Ah! my first movie was Love Me Tender" (Oohhh! from the audience) "It goes like this, I sing it on my knees like this!" (kissing the girls, with screams, shortish version) "For those of you who got kissed I'd like to tell you I've got the Flu" (Laughs) "No! Ah! the ones I've missed I'll get you later, in the balcony and all the rest Ahh!" (Two Piano notes), "When I said I needed you" (with Ronnie up to his tricks again!) - 'You Don't Have To Say You Love Me'. (Applause and into some fantastic drumming for:) 'You've Lost that Loving' Feelin'. The first verse has the lights off, and Elvis, with his back to the audience, then turns round with this baboon mask on, to the audience screams, but takes it off a few lines later.

'Polk Salad Annie': (Elvis takes a sip of Gatorade first) into the opening. "Polk" (Bang), "Salad" (Bang, bang) "-3-4-5-" shouts out Elvis quickly, with Ronnie giving the drum beats, "She'd go out in the evenings and pick a mess of it, carry it home to cook it for supper, imagine eating this man, cause thats about all they had to eat, didn't have any teeth either" (Laughs and into the song). Great ending with the Sweet Inspirations shouting "Go, go, go, go"! (Elvis gets his breath back, lying down on the stage).

'If I Can Dream" - Elvis half sings the title, gets up and into 'Johnny B. Goode', a real fast version. "Treat Me like a fool", into 'Love Me', a great jolting beat, at one point in the song Elvis says, "What are you looking at Imperials! What are you looking at". (Applause). 'Blue Suede shoes' follows, "You can do anything but lay off my blue suede shoes, hit me one, hit me one", and the song becomes a great medley version of 'A Whole Lotta (Sweatin'!) Shakin' Goin' On', as Elvis sings one line, then back to the 'Blue Suede Shoes' (Applause).

'Heartbreak Hotel' (neat version). A fast piano intro for 'Teddy Bear' (Loads of screaming as Elvis throws out five or six little teddy bears to the audience) which after this longish version becomes 'Don't Be Cruel' (another interesting and professional medley). The applause is cut short by the intro for the next song, 'One Night' (with Applause). "Hello again Paul (Anka) when I'm singing and your in the audience, you listen to me" (Drum beat crash) "you know when I come to 'You Don't Have To Say You Love Me', you don't talk boy" (Drum crash). "No! we've been friends, he knows I didn't mean it" (Laughs).

"You' Ainnnn't --- I'm crazy tonight, you know" (and laughs) "You Ain't", glares the voice you know, "You know Paul you ever do that song Please Diana?" (Sung in a high pitched voice), "It's the same thing, Your voice gets deeper, - Gatorade or whatever it is and you've got to stand like this to sing it. I did this on the Ed Sullivan Show". (Applause) "I was a mere child, mere child, Ah! I was a kid. Ed Sullivan looked at me and said son-of-a-bitch". Next, great "You Ain't" sung several times at varying tempos, build up to the start of 'Hound Dog'. Great and very fast, and how's this for a closing - "You ain't nothing but a hound dog, crying all the time, you ain't never caught a rabbit (Bang) Squirrel (B-) Flea (A-) Cat (N-) Dog (G-) Go! (Bang) you ain't no friend of mine" (end of song. "Thank you").

'Suspicious Minds' is a longish version and about half way through Elvis walks up the balcony and on a soft bit says "I'm up here"! The ending is with single and rolling drum beats with short pauses getting quicker at the end. My friend taping this says "AHhh Karate" (just like it was said in Clambake). This is reported to be one of THE highlights of the show in that Elvis has a stimulated Karate fight with himself, and as Elvis chops, Ronnie Tutt beats the drum at the same time, sounds fantastic: WOW!! (Maybe he really will knock himself out one day!!)

Elvis: "Ah! I'd like to introduce you to the members of my group. On lead guitar James Burton! - young ladies that opened our show tonight the Sweet Inspirations - Number one Gospel Quartet in the business The Imperials - on Drums, Ronnie Tutt - on Bass Jerry Scheff - on Piano, Glen Hardin -Ah! Rhythm Guitar, John Wilkinson - the girl with the high voice part is Kathy Westmoreland - the guy that hands me my water and stuff I met him I met him in the army, actually, he's been a good friend of mine for about two days Ha! Charlie Hodge. Ah! Ahh Ahhh! My conductor Joe Guercio, - The Al Tronti orchestra! -- A good friend of mine in the audience, Ah! comes to see me in Vegas a lot, really a nice guy, a songwriter and good singer (laughs) no! didn't say it, I didn't say it, he may be that too! I don't know, Paul Anka (Applause and drum roll ending) Ah! I'd like to tell you a little story, about twelve years ago, I was working in Las Vegas for the first time at a club called The Frontier and I got a note back stage, will you please come out and say hello to me, in the Frontier Casino, I have out a record called 'Please Diana', my friend Paul Anka. So I didn't know what he looked like you know, I was looking all over the place for him and he was down near (Laughs- referring to Pauls height) Thats how I met Paul". (Applause)

"I have out a new record called 'I'm Leavin'". La La La start! "sing it serious fellows or we're dead - no drinking tonight James--". "When will I know" Elvis sings, great live version with the La La's and high voiced part sung, if anything better than the record. (Great applause)

The piano starts for 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'! "Hold it Ho! Wow! Hold it stop!". The Piano starts again! but this time for 'The Impossible Dream' - sure hope they release this soon. Great harp short solo in one place. Elvis introduces someone who does the deep voiced part.

'Lawdy, Miss Clawdy' (Good piano piece sung with feeling). Next is 'I Can't Stop Loving You' (Elvis changes the word of one line) "I said I've made up my bed/mind, to lie in memories ---" (and Ronnie is still having a great time) "in dreams of Yester-, Yester, (Pause) Yesterday'yyy" (for the ending). The Audience start shouting songs, Elvis says "sit down Paul" -- "Ahh Wah Wah, - Bridge" says Elvis, so that Glen can start the piano intro for 'Bridge Over Troubled water' ( Elvis sings one line) "When you're weary, like I am. Feeling small, Like I am No!" (and keeps singing changing words a lot. But singing it great and very forceful at the end.)

"Welll, I, John", the first real new song, very fast up-tempo beat, religious number features the imperials echoing Elvis with great effect, drums and tambourines backing in a jerky sort of beat, "Twelve angels in the east, twelve angels in the west, twelve angels in the north, twelve angels in the south" sings Elvis with the group chanting in the background. This is a little like 'Swing Down Sweet Chariot' (song) in places. Great Wavering/Harmony ending and into the closing song --- Can't Help Falling In Love' one line at the start, "Wise Men say only fat fools run in, because I can't help falling in love with you"! Great applause for the finish.

Other songs in Tahoe include 'Treat Me Nice', 'Old Shep', 'Sweet Caroline', 'It's Impossible', 'I Was The One', 'It's Over', 'Hawaiian Wedding Song', 'My Babe', 'Help Me Make It Through The Night' -- the song 'I, John' is a new religious rocker which he said he had recorded. When he sang 'Jailhouse Rock' he comments on it being on TV the other night and how embarrassed he was watching it.

He always opens with 'That's All Right' but changed the order of most of the rest a lot. 'It's Impossible' is that Perry Como song. 'It's Over' is the Jimmie Rogers One. He joked a lot and once said to the Sweet Inspirations "Smile I can't SEE you!". Priscilla was at the closing night show. Tahoe didn't expect so much excitement as Elvis brought.

Every night was like Saturday night (the busiest day of the week) the guards were on duty twelve hrs a day. Elvis wore many white jumpsuits, plus a black and red outfit. Red Jacket with black trim, black slacks, red shirt, black onyx ring. He threw four scarves per snow out into the audience. He split his pants once and was so embarrassed! He had to go behind the curtain to change them and while doing so, HE INTRODUCED THE BAND then returned with the comment: "How do you like being introduced by a ghost?"

August 9 1971 Opening Show
Review by Linda Holm - Strictly Elvis, Issue 42 (October 1971)

Elvis opened another month long engagement at the International Hotel in Las Vegas, proving once again that he is the reigning King of all the super stars.

In an electrifying opening preceded by the '2001': A Space Odyssey Theme, Elvis walked on stage to the screaming, wild delight of over two-thousand patrons who were jammed into every corner and cranny of the huge showroom. People were even sitting on the stairs, standing in the aisles, and extra chairs were brought in by waiters and placed in diagonal angles wherever they could find an available inch or two.

Elvis looked stunning in white bell bottom pants, white boots, and a white jacket featuring Elizabethan styled puffed sleeves with black trim on the jacket lapels inserted with gold studs. He later took off his jacket to reveal a long sleeved white satiny shirt.

It was almost impossible to hear the first few words in the songs Elvis sang, because the crowd kept clapping and yelling throughout much of his performance. But the loyal fans were able to recognise his tunes by familiar musical intros played by Elvis' terrific backup men... James Burton, Jerry Scheff, Ronnie Tutt, John Wilkerson, and Glen Hardin. The Joe Guercio orchestra, conducted of course by Joe Guercio himself, was sharp, stimulating and pulsating.

Elvis took the mike and said, "Hi... I'm Perry Como." This broke the audience into peals of laughter. The night had begun. For his first song, Elvis chose, 'That's All Right', followed by 'Proud Mary', which he spiced with sensual hip movements and bumps and grinds much to the delight of the audience.

Elvis slowed the pace down immediately with a touching rendition of 'Love Me Tender', now identified among fans as the "kissing" song. A few lucky girls sitting ringside got to kiss Elvis.

At one point an excited lady in the front row grabbed Elvis and almost pulled him off stage. He had shaken her hand but she wanted a kiss. "You should've heard what she just told me'' Elvis laughed as he struggled to free himself.

Next, Elvis walked to the far right corner of the stage to greet fans, and two girls presented him with two long stemmed red roses as tokens of their affection.

The going got rough, though when one girl grabbed Elvis by his coat lapels and he almost lost his balance. A security guard, who had been standing by the curtain, rushed to Elvis' aid, but Elvis signalled him not to intercede; that he was okay. "The guard looks so disgusted with this," Elvis laughed.

Following his friendly greetings with the fans, Elvis was again at centre stage singing 'You Don't Have To Say You Love Me', which was followed by 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'. Elvis was highlighted with a single spotlight during this number and for the beginning few bars of the song turned his back to the audience. When he turned to face the crowd, he was wearing a hysterical monkey mask, which broke up the whole showroom. Elvis showed his great sense of humour. He is the only one who can get away with practical jokes like that because he's perfectly natural about it; it's not forced, and he can be sexy and sensuous one minute, and funny the next.

After that song, Elvis did a wild rendition of 'Polk Salad Annie', which is one of Lisa's favourite songs. (When Priscilla has brought her to a dinner show previously, Lisa has always been thrilled when her daddy sings her special favourite). In the middle of 'Polk Salad Annie', Elvis looked at his watch, kiddingly, as if to see how much time he should spend on the end of the number.

After that song, Elvis went into 'Johnny B. Goode' and midway began to harmonise with Charlie Hodge at Charlie's mike. Next came one of Jerry Lee Lewis' hits, 'Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On'.

Then, Elvis sang a beautiful version of 'It's Impossible', as he read from sheet music. Perry Como, who was in the audience and drew great applause when he arrived, seemed to enjoy Elvis' rendition of his recent hit song. Elvis, by the way, very considerately gave up his master suite of rooms at the International Hotel to Mr. Como, since Perry had been in the hospital recently for a kidney stone operation and his presence at Elvis' show marked his first public appearance since being released from the hospital. Elvis and his entourage moved to suites several floors below the top of the hotel.

After this, Elvis sang some of his million selling songs which included: 'Love Me', 'Blue Suede Shoes', 'Heartbreak Hotel', 'Don't Be Cruel', and 'Teddy Bear'. During 'Teddy Bear', Elvis delighted the audience by tossing tiny coloured teddy bears to them, and he also gave his black satin scarf to one girl who gave him a table napkin in exchange to wipe his brow.

Elvis also took off his white coat, swung it high over his head like a matador tempting a bull, and when it looked as if he might toss it to some lucky girl in the audience, he instead laughed and placed it on a stool next to musician Jerry Scheff.

Ed Sullivan was in the audience and confessed that, when Elvis first appeared on his show in 1956, he thought he was a flash in the pan and wouldn't last. Now, though, Ed is one of Elvis' enthusiastic admirers.

Elvis mentioned that, when he was on Sullivan's show, the cameras had to shoot him from the waist up, and he sang 'Hound Dog' to prove why the censors had a fit when he started shaking.

Then, as if that wasn't exciting enough, Elvis rocked into 'Suspicious Minds' and at the finale, threw himself on his knees and slid to the end of the stage. For a moment, it looked as if he might slide into the audience. He got up and did a spectacular, five minute karate demonstration to music, which was a special treat enjoyed by everyone.

He also featured 'I'm Leavin', which should earn him another gold record for his collection, and then switched to an oldie, 'Lawdy, Miss Clawdy'.

To finish the evening, Elvis sang, 'I Can't Stop Loving You', and for a finale, 'Can't Help Falling In Love'.

Vernon Presley didn't sit out front for the show; instead was backstage on the sidelines watching and then later joined Elvis and well wishers in his dressing room. Dee Presley and Elvis' stepbrothers as well as most of the Beaulieu family planned to arrive in Vegas a week after opening night to see the show.

Priscilla was sitting front and centre with some of Elvis' boys' wives. She looked attractive in a floor-length black crepe clinging gown and her auburn tresses were styled full and curly like Raquel Welch.

Following his opening show, Elvis planned and gave a party in his suite. Meanwhile, out in the casino, Vernon was thrilled because he won $100 at one of the gambling machines, having only invested $12 in the attempt.

I heard executives from the Sahara-Tahoe Hotel saying Elvis had done fantastic business for them when he appeared there before coming to Las Vegas. They still hadn't recovered from all the excitement and throngs of people who stood in line every evening to see Elvis.

Once again the "Elvis Summer Festival" at the International Hotel has begun, and Elvis' opening night will go down in the books of everyone who was there as an electrifying night to be remembered.

August 11 1971 Dinner Show
Review by Rocky Barra - Strictly Elvis, Issue 41 (September 1971)

I left for Minneapolis at 5:00 a, m, by bus. I had planned to stop off at Dick and Ellen Smith's house for a few days "pre-Vegas" vacation. After watching a Laurel & Hardy movie and learning the art of playing "Finger Wiggle" and "Earsy-Kneesy-Nosey," Dick and I spent most of the rest of our time playing Elvis records, scrounging through his Elvis collection, and generally adding to the psychoneurosis that has plagued both of us for nigh onto fifteen years. When it became time to drive to the airport to catch the plane for Las Vegas, we began to leave articles behind that we had planned to take, get slightly sick to our stomach, and play this game that Dick devised where keys were locked inside the apartment, and people outside.... I never did catch on to it. But finally we attributed all of our maladies to the excitement of seeing Elvis again, and somehow did manage to get on the plane.

No matter how many times I fly, I can never get used to the fact that we're really above the clouds and if my window should crack, it would be all over for Rocky Barra. Bill Lund and Maureen Hagen had joined us. The four of them; Dick, Ellen, Bill, and Maureen seemed very relaxed and comfortable on the plane as I tried to relieve my nervousness by playing some games with myself. I had a mock battle between my scrambled eggs and my salad, but even this didn't seem to help too much. The mountains are beautiful from the air, but to me they look a heck of a lot better from the ground. When we landed in Las Vegas, the dry heat made me wonder if the local residents appreciated the great weather that is part of the attraction the city has to offer.

From the airport, you can see the lettering on the towering International Hotel in the distance. Although it is now officially the Las Vegas Hilton, the marquee and identification the hotel still reads The International... and I'm sure that's what the majority of the people refer to it as.

We checked in the hotel on August 10th....the day after Elvis' opening. The fanfare that surrounds a Presley appearance was very much in evidence at the International. In the lobby was a huge teddy bear that was at least ten feet tall labeled with a sign that read, "Elvis' biggest fan". Right next to the bear was the Colonel's house or the souvenir stand. This year, the variety of articles included posters, pennants, buttons, photo books, hats, portraits, records, and stickers all bearing the name and picture of Elvis. It should also be noted that the Colonel's staff had literally covered the walls of the lobby and casino with posters of Elvis. By the time I left the International, a good 90% of these had been ripped off the wall. It was entertaining to sit in the lobby and watch Elvis fans try to dodge hotel personnel, climb up to the posters (they were all placed above arm's reach), and try to get them down without tearing Elvis' picture. I think for every person who managed to get one down intact, there were ten who didn't. Bill Lund can verify this.

We didn't have a great deal of time before we had to get in line for the dinner show. I've said it before, but it sure is a lot of fun to meet other Elvis fans and talk to them. We spoke with Jerry Jay, the Elvis DJ from Phoenix, Mary Sue McCarty and her Mom from Louisiana, Cricket Mendell, and JeanMarc Gargiulo who had made his annual pilgrimage from France. I also spoke with Elvis fans from England, Japan, Australia, and from all over the USA. It was almost like a boy scout jamboree.

Finally, after what seemed like hours in line (and it was hours) we made our way into the huge Showroom International. Dinner was served, and then it was time for Elvis. The lights dimmed and the Sweet Inspirations came out to open the show. One of the girls, Cissy Houston, had just quit the group...so now there were only three girls. The girls did a super job on the Honeycomb's 'Want Ads'. Then they sang a ballad and finished strong with 'Love The One You're With'. The Inspirations' set was very good, but perhaps not quite as powerful as last year.

Next came the comic, Bob Melvin. It's not fair to compare Melvin with Sammy Shore because their styles are so different. Bob Melvin uses no music, but is a seasoned performer and always did a good job at what has to be the hardest gig in Las Vegas. Every night, over two-thousand people with one thought on their minds... "We want Elvis," and the comic not only has to contain them... but entertain them. I thought Bob Melvin did a very creditable job. His sketch about the barber shop was particularly funny.

After his exit the lights went down and everyone knew it was time for Elvis. The Joe Guercio orchestra struck the opening chord for the '2001' Space Odyssey Theme. Every time there was a chord change, the lighting changed and got much brighter. Then Ronnie Tutt's drums kicked off the intro to 'That's All Right' which has got to be the most exciting sound possible to bring Elvis on stage. The band is Elvis' regular crew. Suddenly, he just kind of saunters on stage to a wild ovation. Elvis is wearing a high-styled black suit with gold ornamentation all over it. The coat contains no sleeves which reveals Elvis' red shirt with puffy sleeves underneath. Also, the coat (if it can be called a coat) is left open showing a metallic belt at least five inches wide. The outfit doesn't even remotely look like his jumpsuits. I saw eight shows this time, and Elvis always wore suits in a similar vein... although greatly varied in colour and ornaments. Out of all the different stage garb Elvis has worn, these were by far my favourites. Most of the suits, whether black, red, blue, or white, were so gaudy that nobody but Elvis could have gotten away with wearing them. The visual aspect of Elvis' show is very important and these suits accentuated the stature of "King" that Elvis enjoys.

'That's All Right' was performed the same as last time.., fantastic. I still can't understand why this live version hasn't been released, as it is one of Elvis' finest works. Next came 'Proud Mary'. Elvis has changed the arrangement on this quite a bit and it is much, much better than the On Stage version, Elvis sings it stronger and it modulates up three keys at the end... a very frantic ending and Elvis really moves on it.

The next song is 'Sweet Caroline'. This is basically the same as in the movie That's The Way It Is, Elvis uses a little more of his slurring style on it, but the arrangement is the same. 'You Don't Have To Say You Love Me' is up next. Elvis voice seemed much stronger on this. I really don't know how Elvis sings better all the time... it just doesn't make sense. Aside from his voice being so strong, Elvis seemed to have more confidence in his range and hit a lot more high notes on this song than the previous version.

The bass notes start off 'Polk Salad Annie' and the screaming begins. During the eight shows I saw, Elvis never did the talking intro the same twice... in two shows, he seemed to REALLY rock out on this... but it wasn't the "featured" number that it was previously. Jerry Scheff has a bass lead in the middle now. After 'Polk Salad', a voice came out of the audience saying, "You're good Elvis but your band is too loud." Elvis replied immediately saying, "Come on man, your ears are too old." I thought this was really a beautiful reply... and so true.

'Johnny B. Goode' was next. This was quite a bit better than ever before due to the different style in which Elvis sang it, and James Burton's terrific leads. This Chuck Berry classic really suits Elvis to a "T." After the song, Elvis went to the front of the stage to kiss some of the girls sitting close by. As he backed away from one girl, her wig got caught in his sleeve and came right off. Elvis didn't notice it until he backed up a couple of steps.... but when he did see what had happened, he cracked up so hard he couldn't even stand up. Elvis was trying to be nice and apologise to the girl, but every time he would try and say something, he would laugh all the harder. The next song was 'It's Impossible', (The recent Perry Como hit). It was beautifully done... but every time Elvis would look toward the girl, he couldn't control himself. He finally just laid down on the stage and finished the song. When he did finish, he took off his scarf and walked over to the girl to give it to her (as sort of an apology). But Elvis got tickled again and said to the girl, as he presented her with the scarf, "Tie this on your head honey." It was really a funny incident.

The next song was 'Love Me'. For me, this was one of the highlights of the show. The backing was kept simple and it sounded almost exactly like the 1956 version...even down to The Imperials copping The Jordanaires vocal backing.

Next came a medley of 'Blue Suede Shoes' and 'Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin On'. This was done in a little different style than previously and Elvis really got down on it. There was no guitar solo in the song, and Elvis repeated the chorus "Blue, blue, blue suede shoes..." three times.

'Heartbreak Hotel' was the next song. This was done almost identically to the version in the film with one major exception, Elvis split his pants on this song and took the fresh scarf from his neck and tied it around his leg where the rip was. A medley of 'Teddy Bear' and 'Don't Be Cruel' followed. Elvis threw small teddy bears out to the crowd during this song... and then jokingly grabbed Charlie Hodge and pretended to throw him out too.

Next, Elvis bent way over and most of the fans knew what was next. Elvis faked us out by singing a slow, bluesy version of 'Hound Dog'. He then picked up the tempo and rocked on it.

After he finished 'Hound Dog', some people started yelling out song titles. Elvis said, "I've recorded over 500 songs and we're gonna do 'em all tonight." He went into an impromptu version of 'Memphis, Tennessee'. Although it hadn't been rehearsed, it was a great version... and not short, but longer than on the record. After Elvis fin shed, he said, "What now?" I yelled out "Trying To Get To You." He looked over our way and Dick Smith echoed, "Trying To Get To You." Elvis said, "You Got It Man." As far as I'm concerned, this was the best job I had ever heard Elvis do on anything. He was at his bluesy, funkiest best. The band really kicked on this tune. In my mind, I don't really think I heard what I KNOW I heard. Elvis was unbelievable! Music is my life, but I've never gotten this excited over anything. It was the best thing I've ever heard.

Next, Elvis did 'Suspicious Minds', which was inferior to the dynamite August, 1969 version.... but still very presentable. 'I'm Leavin' was the next feature. This was far superior to the record. The Imperials strengthened the high notes. The audience was really getting into Elvis' reading of this song... and so was Elvis.

Glen Hardin's piano started off 'Lawdy, Miss Clawdy'. Once again, Elvis proved he is still the master of rock music. This version was slower and much stronger than the TV Special track. The alto saxes were accentuating the piano lines and the overall backing effect was very effective. 'The Impossible Dream' was next. This standard was tailor-made for Elvis. The bass singer from The Imperials had a solo on this also. Elvis didn't perform this song often this stand, but when he did it was a strong winner.

The noticeable added strength to Elvis' voice was never so obvious as on the next song... 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'. This was truly vocal perfection, Elvis, after finishing the song, sang it over again from the bridge on. I don't know if Paul Simon knows it, but he wrote this song for Elvis.

'Can't Help Falling In Love' was again the perfect closing number. Elvis hit some new astronomical high notes on this as the huge gold curtain of the International came down. We were in the front row for this show, and after the curtain came down and the people started to leave, Elvis popped out and took a couple steps towards out table and screamed out, "Ahhhhh" or something to that effect. I like to think he was thanking us for suggesting 'Tryin' To Get To You'.... but I'm not sure if that's what he had on his mind. I do know that it was very out of the ordinary for him to come out like he did.

I'd say everything considered, this is the best Elvis has been. He is on stage considerable longer than before, and his voice is better than ever before. He isn't moving as much as August, 1969... but he more than makes up for it with his best song selection and best voice.

Some of the other songs I heard Elvis do on other shows were 'Jailhouse Rock', 'I Got A Woman', a beautiful reading of Jimmie Rogers' 'It's Over', 'Rip It Up', a tremendously bluesy 'Help Me Make It Through The Night' (a personal favourite), 'Tiger Man', and a frantic version of 'I Need Your Lovin' Every Day', the old don Gardner and Dee Dee Ford Rhythm and blues classic.

Beyond a doubt, Elvis' band is the best in the business. Tutt and Burton were particularly outstanding this time. One thing I'm sorry to see is that Elvis has practically abandoned his guitar. I realise it is basically a prop on stage, but it is a prop we've associated with him for a long, long time.

I also felt that the lighting was improved this time. This was especially true on the slower songs, which made them all the more dramatic.

After my friends from Minneapolis had to leave, I stayed with Jean-Marc Gargiulo and his entourage from France. Although we had a little trouble with the language barrier, we had no trouble whatsoever with the Elvis barrier.

The good news is out that Elvis is going out on tour again this fall. If you have any way of seeing him.... by all means make sure you do. You just don't know what a master he really is until you see him perform live.

August 31 1971 Dinner Show
Review by Brett Grieve - Elvis Monthly, Issue 345 (October 1988)

'Also Sprach Zarathustra', which had been used for the very first time earlier that year, greeted Elvis and his audience. The familiar introduction of 'That's All Right', 'I Got A Woman'/'Amen' medley follows. 'Proud Mary' swings the show into action (as good as the On Tour version) but up until now, very little dialogue has appeared albeit "Thank you's".

Now it's to his recent hit 'Sweet Caroline'. Down to one of Elvis favourites 'Polk Salad Annie' which includes opening dialogue. During the end of the dialogue, Elvis sings "Now that's Polk .. (beat).. Salad.. (beat).. three.. (beat).. four.. (beat).. five .. (beat).. six.. (beat). That's all I can do man" he jokes, totally out of breath. After the song, which doesn't include the That's The Way It Is encore, he commences with the introductions. Wildly the band breaks into 'Johnny B Goode'.

I think once Elvis had regained his composure (and breath), he decided to discard the intro's until later (which is what he did). A beautiful version of 'It's Impossible' continues the show. This particular song puzzles me. I have heard nothing but negativity about this song, for example EM336 - Elvis Live Only ('It's impossible' - a song I wish Elvis had never sung) I can't for the life of me work out the resentment towards it - it was one of the songs, along with 'It's Only Love' which first got me interested in Elvis. Well, to each his or her) own!

One of Elvis' favourites follows, 'Love Me' and not a bad version either. Believe it or not, Elvis has said nothing, (except for the false start to the intro's.) all night! Then he breaks into 'Blue Suede Shoes'/'Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On'/'Blue Suede Shoes' medley. Very unusual - this is certainly not a typical concert.

A very seductive and competent rendition of 'Heartbreak Hotel' follows and before a word can be said the band breaks into 'Don't Be Cruel'. One of my favourites follows, 'It's Over'. The intro with drums and horns is superb. Elvis voice is soft and delicate throughout, but strong and convincing for the finale. Absolute genius! Not as heavily orchestrated as Aloha, so probably the best rendition I possess.

Then Elvis plays around with a series of "You Ain't" of course this is the signal for 'Hound Dog'. This is the sleaziest, bluesiest version I have (even more so than Madison Square Garden '72). The quick performance closely follows with Elvis (believe it or not) coming out of his shell! The band breaks into 'Suspicious Minds' with Elvis singing, "We're caught in a trap, I can't trap.... ah, walk out.." (I think this was a legitimate error on Elvis' part). This particular song is very long and one can envisage Elvis giving 200% (as on That's The Way It Is).

The introductions then begin (again) - the quickest intro's I've ever heard - about twenty seconds (if that). He then introduces Jerry Lewis to the audience. A hidden classic follows, 'I'm Leavin'. Elvis sang it regularly through his 1971 engagements and does a magnificent job with this. This song relaxes the mind and has two complete contrasts between fast and slow and hard and soft. Well done! 'Lawdy, Miss Clawdy' is reeled off by the band and Elvis complies by singing an average version of the song. Whenever I hear this track, I have to compare it to the 1968 TV Special version which is musical perfection!

I said the show was unusual and to shock concert experts such as Tommy Robinson, James D.G. Cooper and Marc Hendrickx, all of whom do an excellent job for Elvis Monthly, Elvis did something he never ever did again.

The band started to play 'Can't Help Falling In Love' with Elvis singing, "Wise..... " he suddenly said, "Hold it man, hold it" and the band stopped in amazement. "Let's do 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'" he continued, and so he did and what a version it was. We know that Elvis wasn't entirely satisfied with the 'Can't Help Falling In Love' finale and had experimented with 'The Impossible Dream' on several occasions. This can explain the reason for the change in schedule. Once he had hit the last note, the closing riff sounded and Elvis was gone.

September 3 1971 Midnight Show
Elvis News Service Weekly, Issue 44 (January 18 1972)

'2001' Space Odyssey theme, 'That's All Right', 'I Got A Woman' (with 'Amen' ending). "Thank you you're a very good Audience", 'Proud Mary', "Thank you, thank you very much", 'Sweet Caroline', 'Polk Salad Annie' (with no spoken intro). At the start of the second instrumental break Elvis sings "Way up in the middle of the air" ('I, John') for almost a minute, then continues with 'Polk Salad Annie'. "Good evening ladies and gentlemen, my name is Johnny Cash, welcome to the International, I hope you have a good time, with me entertaining you, one way or another, I'll just walk around to get my breath back" (Kisses the girls), "I'll be up in the balcony!".

'Johnny B. Goode', 'It's Impossible', then "Its Oldie but Goodie time folks, Ronnie just cool it a bit!". 'Love Me', 'Blue Suede Shoes', 'Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On', 'Heartbreak Hotel', 'Teddy Bear'-'Don't Be Cruel', "You ain't nothing but a 'Hound Dog'" (with screams). "The reason you have to stand like this is the song is very high, I was younger you know? if you stand straight up you'll strip your gears, This is a song with a message, I did it on the Ed Sullivan Show and Ah! Ed Sullivan looked at me Ummmpp!! 'Son of a Bitch' then I got drafted. YOU AIN'T (Then again three times, getting higher pitched each time ending) "You Ain't Stoned", then into 'Hound Dog' (Slow bluesy version then halfway through speeded up). "My first movie was Love Me Tender, Those of you I kissed I'd like to tell you I, got the flu, Ah!"

On guitar James Burton (then introduces John Wilkinson, The Sweet Inspirations. "The Little Girl with the high voice Kathy Westmoreland. The guys here in the back the number one gospel group in the business, they're actually number two. ("You're number one" shouts a fan), "The Imperials" (Elvis says) "What was I talking about Ah! and Marie's the name, His Latest Flame" (the audience go silent and Elvis sings the next four lines, but only Glen Hardin is trying to follow him at the fourth line), Elvis - "I don't know that song, ah I'd sing it but the band don't know it Ah". 'Little sister'-'Get Back' (medley). "Yea Hmmmm'mm", 'Jailhouse Rock'.

"Treat me nice, treat me good, treat me like you really should" Elvis sings -- wait for it, 'Wooden Heart' (for the first time live I think), sung very quickly with mostly Glen on Piano backing him only. Lots of sighs as he sings the German verse. Lasts nearly one minute, fantastic applause at the end.

"One, One One, One night with you" then finishes introducing the group. 'I'm Leaving', 'Lawdy, Miss Clawdy', "You're a good audience, thank you very much", 'Can't Help falling In Love'.

November 5 1971 - Minneapolis, Minnesota
Review by Connie Kirchberg - Elvis Monthly, Issue 384 (January 1992)

Unfortunately, I've yet to locate an audio tape of this show. And no, I didn't tape it give me a break, I was only fourteen! The songs can definitely remember Elvis doing (strictly from memory now) were: 'That's All Right', 'I Got A Woman', 'Proud Mary', 'Love Me Tender', 'You Don't Have To Say You Love Me', 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin', 'Polk Salad Annie', 'Johnny B. Goode', 'Heartbreak Hotel', 'Blue Suede Shoes', 'Hound Dog', 'How Great Thou Art', 'Suspicious Minds', 'I Can't Stop Loving You', 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' and 'Can't Help Falling In Love'.

Comparing audios I do have from this tour, including the show the following night (Cleveland from the sixth of November) other songs Elvis likely performed in Minneapolis were: 'I'm Leavin' / 'Hawaiian Wedding Song' / 'Lawdy, Miss Clawdy' / 'Funny How Time Slips Away'.

These songs are on all three tapes I have of this tour; Cleveland on the sixth, Cincinnati on the eleventh, and Dallas on the thirteenth Songs included in at least one of the three shows, therefore possible tracks from Minneapolis are: 'Are You Lonesome Tonight?' / 'It's Now Or Never' / 'Mystery Train'-'Tiger Man' / 'Release Me' / 'The Impossible Dream'.

Naturally, this first concert holds the most meaning for me. I was only fourteen years old, and I was going to see Elvis in person! I couldn't think or talk - about anything else for weeks. It was a long day. My dad drove my girlfriend and me to the concert, and being that Minneapolis was a six hour drive, we left about eight o'clock in the morning. I swear that was the longest drive I'd ever experienced!

Shortly after arriving in Minneapolis, we drove by the Met Sports Centre to pick up my tickets (I'd reserved them via a Western Union money order). I can still remember seeing the large white sign in front of the arena, with "ELVIS - SOLD OUT" in bold black letters, and thinking, oh no, what if they don't have my tickets? But then I went to the Will Call window to inquire, not only did they have them, but they were floor seats! Alas, I was never to experience such luck again!

Security near the stage was extremely tight. There were uniformed guards spread out across the bottom of the stage area, and about every ten rows down the aisles. And as I would find out later. it was these guards in the aisles who made it impossible for anyone beyond the tenth row to get up to the stage. I've despised them ever since, for never again did I have a seat on the floor, and thus, a chance to get that close.

The Sweet Inspirations opened the show. and from what I can remember they were very good. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for Jackie Kahane. When I think back on it though, perhaps it wasn't his material as much as the fact that once he was gone everyone knew Elvis would be next. Or so we thought. People began screaming in anticipation as soon as the comedian left the stage - anticipation that was cut short by a bright burst of light as the house lights came on. Countless moans and groans followed the announcement that it was intermission time. (Say what?)

Finally, about half an hour later, the house lights went down as screams returned as spotlights flickered through the crowd, occasionally shining on the stage as they drifted from side to side. Then the band intro began. The screams grew deafening. Suddenly the spotlights hit the stage and there he was. Elvis. Flashbulbs - literally thousands at once-popped from every spot in the arena. It was like some kind of thunderstorm where the lightening flashes from all directions.

Elvis didn't walk back and forth acknowledging the audience like he would in later years. He just stepped up to the microphone at centre stage, adjusted the height, and belted out "Well, that's all right now, mama. That's all right for you..." He finished the song to massive applause and went directly into 'I Got A Woman'. Following this he said something about being happy to be in Minneapolis and that he'd never been there before. 'Proud Mary' was up next, with Elvis' style of delivery and stage movements very similar to That's The Way It Is. 'Love Me Tender' followed. A straighter version than in the movie; Elvis didn't give out near as many scarves (or kiss as many girls!).

can vaguely recall him singing 'You Don't Have To Say You Love Me', but it was overshadowed by what followed. Elvis turned around. One bright spotlight on the centre of his back, everything else was pitch black. Then he sang "You never close your eyes anymore when I kiss your lips..." The verse finished up, hushing the crowd to a stunned silence as his powerful voice filled the arena, "But baby, baby I know it!" Elvis spun around, the spotlights brightened the stage again as he belted out 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' "oh that lovin' feeling..." I'll never forget that moment. It was like watching him on the big screen in TTWII. And it was as though all of a sudden he'd jumped right off the screen and here he was in the flesh, some away.

A rocking version of 'Polk Salad Annie' came shortly after. Once again, very similar to the version in the movie, except I can remember thinking Elvis' voice seemed deeper when he talked the "Some ya all been down South too much..." part. When he got to the chorus and started shaking his body around...well, if you think the girls were screaming in the film, you should have heard them in person.

He did a set of the old songs - 'Heartbreak Hotel', 'Blue Suede Shoes', and 'Hound Dog'. They were short versions of the records, but Elvis didn't rush them as much as he would later on. I don't recall him singing 'One Night' in this stretch, but looking at the track listing for the audios mentioned in the beginning of this article, it's likely he did.

The biggest surprise of the night had to be 'How Great thou Art'. I don't think anyone was expecting him to do a gospel song. So at first the hush that fell over the crowd was probably due to that. But as the song got going people's surprised looks were turning to awe. Here was Elvis' voice, ringing through the speakers with very little backing. And what a powerful voice it was. The song brought him the longest, loudest applause of the evening.

This was the first show J.D. and the Stamps worked with Elvis, but don't remember Elvis saying anything about that during the intros. There were no band solos either. Elvis just introduced everyone and went on with his show.

'Suspicious Minds' was every bit as energetic as the movie version. He still did his bending down routine where he shifted from one leg to another during the "Baby, baby, I'd get down on my knees for you," lyrics. I can recall a short karate-type demo at the end, but nothing as spectacular as the Vegas video footage I have from this period.

The audience responded with a warm round of applause when Elvis began 'Can't Help Falling In Love', so I guess I wasn't the only one who didn't realise it would be his closing song. But it was. And after a few stunning poses - head bowed and arms extended - he was gone. It happened so fast. Everyone clapped their hands and shouted his name, expecting him to return for an encore. But of course he didn't. When the deep voice came over the loudspeaker announcing "Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has left the building," he wasn't kidding! Some people rushed the stage, trying to see where Elvis had gone. But most of us just milled around the arena, picking up discarded ticket stubs for souvenirs. Talking to other fans. Trying to explain what we'd just witnessed. And knowing we'd never forget it.

November 6 1971 (2.30pm) - Cleveland, Ohio
Review by Rocky Barra - Strictly Elvis, Issue 44 (December 1971)

When I first heard of Elvis' November concert tour, the first thing I did was to call Larry Koller. Larry is a good friend of mine who lives in Cleveland (which just happened to be one of the cities on the tour). I put in my plea for tickets. I thought that I would just be able to see the one show, but Public Hall in Cleveland sold out so fast that an afternoon show was also added. We also were able to get tickets for the show in Louisville, Kentucky the following day. This meant we would be able to see Elvis perform three times in a span of about 24 hours.

My traveling companions were Taylor Scott and Mike Donovan. We left in my car around seven o'clock Saturday morning. Elvis 8-track tapes provided the entertainment all the way until we got into Cleveland where WIXY, the major rock station, was running the 12-hour ELVIS PRESLEY STORY on the air.

We arrived in Cleveland around 10:00 in the morning and passed the time by feeding peanuts to some cannibal sparrows in Public Square and trying to look up some friends (who were also in town for the show). When we arrived at Public Auditorium, I noticed an exceptional amount of Elvis material (pennants, photos, badges, posters, photo books, and other items) being sold. There was quite a bit of "bootleg" Elvis material also being offered outside the hall. The auditorium was beautiful and every one of the 10,000 seats were taken for the 2:30 matinee.

Larry came through in flying colours as our seats were very good. The orchestra came on stage and started tuning up. I noticed that there was only twelve musicians under the direction of Joe Guercio instead of the usual thirty in Las Vegas and on the last couple of tours.

Finally the house lights were dimmed and it was showtime. The Sweet Inspirations were first on the show and did a longer set than usual (five songs instead of the usual three). They basically sang the same set as the last Vegas stand, with the addition of Sly and the Family Stone's 'Higher'. The girls did their usual fine job. Next was the comic, Jackie Kahane. Of the three comics I have seen work with Elvis, I think he was probably the most effective with the type of hostile audience he (or anyone else working with Elvis) is forced to face. He received a fine ovation. Then there was a fifteen minute break so Elvis' group could set their equipment up.

I think most of the audience knew what was about to happen when the 2001 Space Odyssey was played. Then Ronnie Tutt's driving drums took over and the introduction to 'That's All Right'. Elvis popped out to a frantic ovation and ten thousand flashbulbs. The excitement had begun. Elvis was wearing a black jumpsuit with a full cape. The inside of the cape and the inserts in the pants were bright red. It was a new style of stage-wear for Elvis and really powerful looking. The balance was pretty bad on the mikes for 'That's All Right', and Elvis' microphone in particular kept breaking up... but the crowd didn't mind one bit. Next came 'I Got A Woman', which was really frantic. Elvis seemed bugged about the sound and kept motioning for it to be turned up. The little bit of 'Amen' was added to the ending in a gospel style that was quite over - exaggerated. The Stamps, featuring J.D. Sumner on bass, were in place of The Imperials.

'Proud Mary' came next. This was really well done with much drive and a much better arrangement than on the On Stage album. Elvis was in really five voice, and started to really get into things with this song. When Elvis rolled on the stage for the ending of the song, the crowd literally went crazy. The policemen who surrounded the stage seemed to become a little uneasy, but there was no trouble with the crowd. On the right side of the auditorium, about five-hundred fans had left their seats and were starting to inch their way up the isle towards Elvis. Some policemen and security guards came over and calmly told them that the show would be stopped if they didn't return to their seats. They promptly did and there was no trouble.

'Love Me Tender' came next, to the sighs of the female audience. Elvis did a very short version of this song, and seemed to want to "get it out of the way." His last line was "For my darling I love you, cause you take the pill," Next up was 'You Don't Have To Say You Love Me'. Ronnie Tutt has added some additional accents on drums that improve the song. It was even better than I heard it in Vegas this past August.

Next came another ballad, 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'. Elvis is really belting some notes out on this and it is far superior to the version on the That's The Way It Is album.

Elvis did very little talking between songs (the crowd couldn't have heard him too much anyway with all the screaming and yelling). This noise swelled when the intro to 'Polk Salad Annie' started. Elvis did his sensuous best on this and the crowd responded to his every move. Jerry Scheff played a fine bass solo, and really kept the song in the groove.

Elvis took only a few seconds to catch his breath, telling the fans in the balcony that "He would be up in a few minutes." Then he added, "I'm a lying fool." Next came 'Johnny B. Goode', and Elvis seemed to be putting a lot extra vocally into this particular performance of the song. James Burton's fantastic guitar solo was similar to the version on his own album. The version was slower and more driving than previously. Elvis sang "Treat me like a fool..." and the crowd went into hysterics. This proved that most of the people had heard 'Love Me' before the concert... and showed their appreciation for one of their favourites.

'Heartbreak Hotel' followed, then 'Blue Suede Shoes'. The crowd really liked the older songs that are associated with Elvis. Elvis could see that the crowd was with him, so he called off 'One Night'. When he got to the line, "Just call my name," he yelled into the mike in a high falsetto voice, "Elvis." It was during this song that the girl behind me, who was standing on her chair, fell on top of my head.

Elvis then sang 'Hound Dog' in a slower blue sy version like Big Mama Thornton... then picked it up to the normal tempo. There was a section when Elvis sang Na na na na na na na na... and Burton echoed him on the guitar, Next came the most beautiful version of 'How Great Thou Art' I have ever heard. Elvis loves gospel music and really showed it on this selection. The Stamps phrase the beginning differently than The Imperials, and with Elvis supplying the lead and J.D. Sumner hitting the low falling bass note at the end, you might think you were at an all-night gospel sing.

Elvis then introduced the band (his regular crew of Burton, Tutt, Scheff, Wilkerson, Hardin, Hodge, and the orchestra... which Elvis introduced as the Cleveland Browns). Elvis then said he had a new record out called 'I'm Leavin', completely ignoring 'It's Only Love'. Anyway, 'I'm Leavin' was done very tastefully and was well received Elvis then did something unexpected. He started into 'Hawaiian Wedding Song', from Blue Hawaii. The band didn't know if he was going to sing the whole song or not... but fell into the song. It was beautiful and Elvis' voice sounded much richer than on the recorded version. When Elvis got to the part where he sings "I do..." at least 3,000 girls answered him yelling, "Love You."

Elvis went into 'I Can't Stop Loving You', which was much better than the version on record in all aspects. It was more driving, and Elvis used much more style. He went over and put his scarf around the neck of one of the policemen guarding him to the crowd's delight. The ending of this song was really fabulous.

The crowd almost quieted down when the intro to 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' was played, but when Elvis started singing, one girl started screaming, then another, and pretty soon there was quite a level of noise. It was obvious that Elvis wanted to sing this when he motioned for the crowd to quiet down. and they did. This version was the same as he performed it in Vegas in August... dynamite. He repeated the bridge of the song to the ending when the applause died down. This was Elvis at his dynamic best and every person in Public Hall was lapping it up.

A really driving version of 'Lawdy, Miss Clawdy' came next. The tempo was slowed down and and the song really drove. The audience was clapping along with Elvis to the beat of the music.

Elvis then asked if the house lights could be turned up so that he could see the crowd. They were and he said "Hi" to the people in his simple way. 'Can't Help Falling In Love' was next and the sighs rose from the audience... half because they loved the song, and half because they knew this was Elvis' closing number. Elvis closed and quickly ran off the stage into the waiting arms of about a hundred security guards who escorted him out of the building. The crowd was hysterical. I saw where girls had been pulling on their seats so hard that they tore an entire row off its foundation. It was a super performance.

We returned for the night performance thinking that maybe, if everything went right, it might be almost as good as the afternoon show. It was twice as good. Elvis seemed more relaxed at night, and was really moving on stage. He wore a white jumpsuit with a red cape and red inserts. The show was basically the same with the exception that he was more savage and moved quite a bit more.

Elvis added the songs 'The Impossible Dream', which was super beautiful and the most powerful 'Suspicious Minds' he has done since August, 1969, when the song was first introduced. Elvis didn't give out any kisses to the girls (for obvious reasons) but some girl managed to stick her foot on stage (through about 8 policemen) and threw a pen at Elvis. He bent down and signed her foot. The crowd went crazy with this. Elvis seemed to get a kick out of it himself.

At the close of the night show and 'Can't Help Falling In Love', Elvis threw the mike down on the stage and extended his cape out with his arms and strutted around the stage. It looked like he was saying "I'm an institution, take your last look 'cause I'm splitting and may not be back in Cleveland for a while. " I'm sure this wasn't in Elvis' mind, but the effect was dynamic.

November 9 1971 - Baltimore, Maryland
Review by Bill Kaval - Elvis News Service Weekly, Issue 36 (November 21 1971)

My wife and I arrived in Baltimore around 7.00pm (Tuesday). Once outside the Civic Center, I took a still shot and some super 8mm footage of the outside billboard that proclaimed "Nov 9 - ELVIS PRESLEY SHOW ... 8.30 PM". We then entered the lobby of the Center ... purchased a colourful Elvis Poster, selling at $2.00 and the now - standard Elvis Tour Booklet, selling at $2.00 also. Then went to our seats ... which were seats one and two in the third row, left centre. Beautiful seats only five to seven feet from where Elvis would be singing.

Once my wife and I were seated, along with some friends who had seats three and four, I left to begin the task of trying to meet Elvis. A task in which I failed, sorry to say. I tried everything, from using a letter and pass from the Official Elvis Presley Fan Club of Great Britain to other tactics. It was impossible to see Elvis, Colonel Parker, or anyone close to Elvis. The security forces stated that the security was tighter than it has ever been in Baltimore, for anyone, including the President of the United States. The situation was not like Las Vegas, where Elvis lives in the hotel during the engagement. On tour, Elvis enters the Center, goes directly to the stage, does his "thing" & right out again ... or so they say and have you believe, I managed to talk to several of the stage hands connected with the Elvis show, but no luck whatsoever in seeing Elvis. I believe the Lord himself would have needed some type of pass.

As the time was getting very close to show time, I gave up the fight and took my seat. It was a late start, but the show got underway about 8.40pm, with the Sweet Inspirations coming out to sing several numbers, backed by the Joe Guercio Orchestra. Once completed, the comedian on the bill came out and did his act. Then came a short intermission.

Elvis Presley actually appearing live in front of me for the first time ever in my life. Prior to his entrance, Elvis' standard backup musicians cane out to set up (the stage had no curtain). Out came Glen D. Hardin (Piano), James Burton (Lead Guitar), Ronnie Tutt (Drums), John Wilkinson (Rhythm Guitar), Charlie Hodge (Guitar and Vocal with Elvis at times), Kathy Westmoreland, The Sweet Inspirations, JD Sumner & the Stamps Quartet, and of course, - the Joe Guercio Orchestra.

'2001' Space Odyssey began, then the heavy drum beat, no introduction was given or needed for the 12,000 Elvis fans, then the peak of all excitement came.. a very relaxed Elvis Presley, with guitar in hand, singing 'That's All Right'. Dressed in a white jumpsuit with fancy designs all over, a special gold belt on, rings on his fingers, hair in his eyes, was the greatest superstar that exists in the field of entertainment anywhere in the world today. The world stood still so to speak as the next fifty-five minutes was strictly Elvis non-stop, very little action from the police in the area except for a few girls that tried to hop the stage for a touch of the king. It was a time of good rock and roll music, Elvis music. Songs Elvis packed in that night (not in order sung) included: 'I Got A Woman' (with 'Amen' ending), 'You Don't Have To Say You Love Me', 'Proud Mary', 'Bridge Over Troubled water', 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin', 'Love Me, 'Heartbreak Hotel', 'It's Now Or Never', 'Love Me Tender', 'Are You Lonesome Tonight?', 'Lawdy, Miss Clawdy', 'Hound Dog' (in a Blues version for part then speeded up), 'Help Me Make It Through The Night', 'How Great Thou Art', 'Polk Salad Annie', 'Johnny B. Goode', 'Blue Suede Shoes' and "One" new song that I didn't catch the name of ('The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face'), 'Suspicious Minds', and ended the show with 'Can't Help Falling In Love'. (Note: Once Elvis completed the first song, he did not use his guitar anymore that night) What a show. Everyone, fan and non-fan (if any) in the Civic Center that night could not deny that Elvis Presley gave all their money's worth. This was number one.

November 10 1971 - Boston, Massachusetts
Review by Steve Toli - Strictly Elvis, Issue 46 (February 1972)

I would say it all began the evening I was first in line to buy tickets for Elvis' Boston performance. Boston was one of the towns he hit on his recent USA tour...twelve cities in all this time around. I stood in line all night, but there were several girls also waiting for the ticket office to open... so I didn't mind it too much.

Even though I was first in line, my ticket was for row twenty-one. For all his shows, Elvis buys the first 500 tickets himself for newspaper people, RCA representatives, etc.

Naturally you know about the show itself. I had my little son, Stephen Elvis with me, attired in his Elvis shirt. I had hopes that he would run up to the stage to see Elvis, but I guess he was too frightened by all the screaming women, the thousands of exploding instamatic flashbulbs, and by big old mean Elvis in pure black, with gold studs, scarf, and almost waist-length cape... not to forget his Prince Valiant length hair... really something else!

The show opened with the Sweet Inspirations singing too many songs, too loudly, followed by comedian Jack Kahane, who must be a kissin' cousin to Sammy Shore. Next, an intermission and then, and then. . . I had to go to the bathroom, No, just putting you on folks. Everything began to happen with the '2001' Theme...followed by a rockin' drum beat and all of a sudden there HE is; glorious in living technicolor and cinemascope, rockin' directly into 'That's All Right', before anyone had a chance to catch their breath. At least, that's what I think he sang--you just wouldn't believe the screams for Elvis Presley-- Superstar. He had his guitar, which was used only as a prop--soon discarded. Then 'I Got A Woman', with a touch of 'Amen' before going into the wind-up ending. He does a new version of 'Proud Mary', which makes the recorded version tame in comparison. This one features an endless repetition of "rollin'...rollin'...rollin' on the river," Elvis' voice constantly rising higher and higher. It's next to impossible to describe that voice in person. Records and tapes, no matter how good, can't capture it. It's simply magnificent.

'You Don't Have To Say You Love Me', and 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin', started with his back to the crowd. An unusual 'Polk Salad Annie', he recites the intro in a dull, ordinary voice before he starts rockin'. He then goes into a great version of 'Love Me', capturing the mood of the 1950's. The man loves to do this song.

A good 'Heartbreak Hotel', and a full-length 'Blue Suede Shoes', which he usually does in a medley of old hits... and let's not forget 'One Night'. A special treat follows; 'How Great Thou Art', followed by the Presley national anthem, 'Hound Dog', then duetting with Charlie Hodge on 'I'm Leavin'. His voice is strong, yet sensitive to the lyrics he sings.

He did a fantastic job on 'Bridge Over Troubled Water', and again, THIS voice just has to be heard in person. No other performer, living or dead, has a voice with such majesty and soulful conviction.

There's 'I Can't Stop Loving You', which was a number he performed often when he first appeared at the International, and the traditional "kissing song", 'Love Me Tender'.

He didn't rock as much as he used to on 'Suspicious Minds', saving everything he had for the ending of the song, where he goes through a series of vicious karate chops with arms and legs and EVERYTHING... each one bringing frantic screams.

He performed my favourite song, 'Funny How Time Slips Away', and closed the show with 'Can't Help Falling In Love'. Near the end of the song, he throws the mike down and stretches his arms out like a spread eagle... the great speckled bird! And then, in an instant, he rushes off stage and is gone... perhaps to return in may be fifteen years or so.

November 12 1971 - Houston, Texas
Review by Christine Hayes - Elvis News Service Weekly, Issue 36 (November 21 1971)

The vibrating chords of the '2001' Space Odyssey theme reverberated throughout the Houston Coliseum, bringing screams and sighs of anticipation from the audience. As the spotlights blazed down upon the stage through the smoke hazed atmosphere, flashing brilliant blues and whites, the tones of 'That's All Right' burst through the orchestration with the humming, urgent beats of Ronnie Tutt's drums charging the air. Now the applause began. It echoed back and forth through the Pavilion, yet still not able to drown the frantic musical intro. Elvis had not yet appeared before them but his spirit was all about, moving and inspiring them.

The lights then turned a blinding yellow focusing upon the stairs behind the stage, and in the profusion of roaring people & shimmering lights Elvis appeared like the king he is, his royalty punctuated by the white jumpsuit, fitted to perfection, gold nailhead starbursts flung upon his back, front, and legs, a high collar jewelled in deep ruby red stones framed in gold, a brilliant orange red scarf the colour of a sunset tucked inside, a white belt with scattered red and white stripes between four or five golden lion heads, chains hanging from the mouths, the pants - bell bottomed with the same orange-red of the scarf inset into a small pleat at the bottom of each leg, and as the final touch that no king should be without, a white cape with a giant star-burst on the back, falling from his shoulders to the middle of his back, the inside lining of the cape again like an orange-red sunset. His fingers were appropriately jewelled, including a monstrous ruby glittering through surrounding diamonds on his little finger.

He swung himself upon the stage in a few easy strokes of his long legs, stood there, arms outstretched, cape in full bloom, beaming through the hot lights, looking down upon his admiring subjects. If there was still any doubt in those present who was glowing there before them at that moment it was certainly not evident.

Elvis was in perfect voice as he went through 'That's All Right', 'I Got A Woman', 'Mystery Train-Tiger Man', 'You Don't Have To Say You Love Me', 'One Night', 'Lawdy, Miss Clawdy' (this one done in an unusual Staccato style), 'Polk Salad Annie', 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' (with a repeat of the final verse), 'The Impossible Dream' (suiting Elvis' voice and emotion in perfect harmony), 'Proud Mary', 'Heartbreak Hotel' and 'Hound Dog' which he began in a blues version and then switching into the familiar pounding beat. He also sang 'Love Me', 'You've Lost that Lovin' Feelin', 'Love Me Tender', 'I Can't Stop Loving You', 'Are You Lonesome Tonight?', 'Release Me', 'Hawaiian Wedding Song' and more, for nearly an hour in all.

At one point he asked that the house lights be turned on so that he could see the audience. As he put his cape back on while he was singing 'Funny How Time Slips Away', the audience was groaning and sobbing, pleading for him to stay, and so he said "I Ain't going nowhere babies", and flung his cape off to sing another song. He ended with 'Can't Help Falling In Love', sinking to his knees, his cape spread, his hands and shoulders vibrating with force. The show appeared to be truly an act of love between Elvis and the immense crowd.

I have heard that the following night in Dallas was even more spectacular, bringing an atmosphere of religious fervour through the audience. When Elvis sang 'How Great Thou Art' people were shouting out "Hallelujah!" throughout the song. Apparently Elvis' great spirituality felt by all that night was especially evident. Many of the afflicted filled the place and many more were outside during the show just to be near him.

As he did in Houston, Elvis again asked that the house lights be turned on, but this time he was so moved that he began pointing to fans in the audience and calling them by name. This he continued for some time. Dallas was forced, by public demand and Elvis' generosity to schedule a second show later that night. I have always felt deep evangelistic qualities in Elvis' love of people and his sincere devotion to God that was so inspired by his mother. I sense that with Dallas - it had only just begun.

November 13 1971 - Dallas, Texas
Review by Mike O'Keefe - Elvis Monthly, Issue 146 (March 1972)

On November 5, 1971, the King of Rock 'N' Roll began a twelve-city tour that started in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and ended on November 16th in Salt Lake City, Utah. Elvis was on the home stretch when he pulled into Dallas, Texas, on November 13.

Elvis appeared twice in Dallas at the Memorial Auditorium, with a 2:30 afternoon matinee and the original 8:30 evening engagement. The auditorium is said to hold a capacity crowd of 15,000; and, of course, our man packed the house twice. The afternoon show had Elvis wearing dark clothing and the nite performance his popular white outfit.

The major radio stations in each of the cities that Elvis appeared on this stint; Minneapolis, Cleveland, Louisville, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Boston, Cincinnati, Houston, Dallas, Tuscaloosa, Kansas City and Salt Lake City, sent to the next venue of Elvis a report of the happenings surrounding the King's performance in their city. Elvis' appearance in Houston the night before had little effect on the attendance on the Dallas shows. Crowds even came from as far away as Chicago to see their swivel-hipped idol in Dallas.

The concert began with a newly-coiffured Sweet Inspirations. The popular Soul-singing cuties scored with 'Want Ads' and 'Sweet Inspiration'. The comedy spot was filled by an Irish stand-up comic named Jack McHanney, who mostly talked about New York City and other important things like "Women's Lib" and the younger generation. The lights came on and a brief intermission followed.

As soon as the lights went down again, everyone knew what to expect next next. A lanky-legged, black-headed, superstar with a guitar around his neck. Elvis walked around the stage to the Theme From '2001' Space Odyssey, enabling the standing room only crowd to approve the arrival of their hero.

Elvis opened with the usual 'That's All Right' and 'I Got A Woman'. Then it was 'Proud Mary', 'Love Me Tender', 'You Don't Have To Say You Love Me', and a couple of lines of 'Turn Around Look At Me'.

Elvis next told the audience he wanted to do a few of his songs that made him what he is today. Our man from Memphis sang 'Love Me', 'Heartbreak Hotel', 'Jailhouse Rock', 'Hound Dog', which started out at a snail's pace and then built up to full speed. The crowd seemed to like 'Blue Suede Shoes' the best.

Before the hour and fifteen minutes the King was on stage ended, the shaggy-haired sex god went through such songs as 'You've Lost that Lovin' Feelin', 'Bridge Over Troubled Water', 'Lawdy, Miss Clawdy', 'Polk Salad Annie', 'How Great Thou Art', a new song not released on records yet pertaining to 'The First Time I Saw Your Face'. Then revision in words which Elvis ad-libbed throughout 'Are You Lonesome Tonight?'.

Most people like myself who have seen Elvis several times expected Elvis to end his show after being on stage for the usual 50 to 55 minutes as he did in the earlier show that day. But no, Elvis was really enjoying himself as much as the crowd was, saying he might just stay and sing all the songs he knew which was about four hundred and that would take until the next night to finish. The crowd didn't seem to mind at all. And why should they ?

Elvis then sang the dynamic 'Suspicious Minds', 'The Impossible Dream', 'Funny How Time Slips Away' and it did; the show was over as Elvis asked for the house lights to be turned on so he could see the thousands that flocked to see him, then the lights went down and Elvis sang his fabulous closer.... 'Can't Help Falling In Love'.

Elvis closed the song with one knee on the stage and an outstretched arm with clenched fist toward the sky. The crowd was still in awe as Elvis left the stage and headed for the next stop on the last tour of 1971, the University of Alabama, Fieldhouse, in Tuscaloosa.

We might add that the Imperial Ouartet was replaced on this particular tour by J. D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet, a well-known Baptist-inspired Gospel group.

November 15 1971 - Kansas City, Missouri
Review by Sandra Kelpe - Strictly Elvis, Issue 45 (January 1972)

On Monday night, November 15, my mother, two other Elvis fans and I joined over 13, 000 other Elvis fans at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Missouri. The temperature was in the high 60's.

The Sweet Inspirations opened the show. They sang for fifteen minutes. Then comedian Jackie Colhane followed for about 30 minutes. After he finished, there was a fifteen minute intermission so the stage could be set up for Elvis' appearance.

At 9:30 p. m. all the lights were turned out. The Joe Guercio orchestra began to play the '2001' Theme. This gave way to the heavy drum beat and 'That's All Right'. Spotlights came on and out came Elvis to a cheering and clapping audience. He was dressed in a white jumpsuit with matching cape lined in solid red, matching belt, red scarf, and white boots. He walked back and forth across the stage, then took his guitar and sang 'That's All Right Mama'.

After finishing the song, he took his guitar off and immediately went into the 'I Got A Woman' -- 'Amen' medley. After completing the medley, he took off his cape and started singing 'Proud Mary', which was followed by 'Love Me Tender'. Before he started singing 'Love Me Tender', he jokingly said he recorded it in 1927 before he appeared in Kansas City the first time.

The next song he sang was 'You Don't Have To Say You Love Me'. The band started playing 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' as he went to get a drink of water. After getting a drink he said, "I've got to wait until the mood hits me---there it is." Then once more he was singing.

There was one note played in the next song and the screams began and the audience began clapping their hands in time with the music. The musicians were really out of sight as they played 'Polk Salad Annie'. He then took a few seconds to get his breath back. Then he said, "I'd like to do a few of the songs that I started out with years ago--back when I was a baby." "'I was a weird little kid man. I had sideburns when I was two years old... little bitty guitar... they diaper me and I'm saying oh mama, oh mama, instead of mama. Oh boy, what was I talking about? Oh yeah. Treat (in a high voice) Treat (in a low voice)...let me breath a few seconds folks." Everyone gave him a well deserved applause and he took his scarf and wiped his forehead. He sang 'Love Me', 'Heartbreak Hotel' was next. After saying "he'll be so lonely," he inserted the words, "He used to drive a truck." 'Blue Suede Shoes, followed and then came 'It's Now Or Never'. He again clowned around by saying "Your lips excite me, for God's sake don't bite me."

The next song he sang was 'One Night', then 'Are You Lonesome Tonight?'. After completing this, the mood changed and Elvis bent down and started singing 'Hound Dog' in a real sexy, bluesy version then moved into his famous rockin' version of it.

Then the mood completely changed again as he said, "I'd like to do a gospel song ladies and gentlemen, featuring J.D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet. It's called 'How Great Thou Art'". The auditorium was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. Elvis did a fabulous version of it.

After completing the gospel number, he introduced the members of his group. 'Lawdy, Miss Clawdy' was next on the program, followed by 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' and a Jimmie Rogers song, 'It's Over'. Then came 'I Can't Stop Loving You' and 'Suspicious Minds'. Then he went over to get a glass of water. He got close to an amplifier with his hand and he got a little shock. As he got shocked he jumped and said, "That thing's alive--do it again and I'll fall in love with you." He turned to the audience and said, "Now that you have seen me, I'd like to have the houselights turned up so I can see you. You're a fantastic audience--man you really are--you are fantastic." The audience was really with him by now.

He then sang 'Funny How Time Slips Away'. When he sang "Gotta go now," he started walking off stage and everyone thought he was leaving and started yelling. Elvis said, "I'll stay for a couple more hours." This really brought the house down.

His next to last song was 'The Impossible Dream'. After completing the sang, he again said, "Thank you, you're a fantastic audience." Then the audience gave him a standing ovation, as he finished his final song, 'Can't Help Falling In Love'. He had on his cape and walked around the stage waving to everyone as the lights were turned on.

Elvis' portion of the show lasted for over an hour and a half. He gave away three or four scarves and proved he is definitely the "World's Number One Singer."

One last note, his father was in attendance at the performance.

November 16 1971 - Salt Lake City, Utah
Review by Bob Stephens - Elvis News Service Weekly, Issue 45 (January 27 1972)

After nineteen hours travelling I arrived in Salt Lake City. It couldn't have been better. The Bus Terminal was on one corner, the Motel on the other, and the Salt Palace on another.

We arrived for the show at about 7pm and as they had already opened the doors we decided that we should find our respective seats and then went down front for a while. I noticed Mr. Diskin on the stage so I called out to him and he came over for a while and talked. He asked me if I had enjoyed my stay in the U.S. and if I had sen any of the tour. I had said 'no' and he said that I was in for a real treat. There was a traffic jam outside so the show was delayed fifteen mins to give people a chance to park their cars and get in.

After the Sweet Inspirations and the Comic there was a fifteen minute intermission and then on came Elvis wearing a White Jumpsuit with a black inverted pleat in the legs and Black cape.

Elvis sang twenty-three songs: 'That's All Right', 'I Got A Woman' ('Amen' ending), 'Love Me Tender', 'Polk Salad Annie', 'You Don't Have To Say You Love Me', 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin', 'Bridge Over Troubled Water', 'Love Me', 'Blue Suede Shoes', 'Heartbreak Hotel', 'Hound Dog', 'How Great Thou Art', 'Blue Christmas', 'Hawaiian Wedding Song', 'One Night', 'The Impossible Dream', 'Are You Lonesome Tonight?', 'It's Now Or Never', 'Mystery Train', 'Tiger Man', 'Funny How Time Slips Away', 'Lawdy, Miss Clawdy', 'Suspicious Minds' and 'Can't Help Falling In Love'.

All in all Elvis was on stage for one hour and fifteen minutes (in Kansas City he was on for just under TWO hours:)

When the show was over Elvis just stood there with his arms out stretched so that people could take photos if they wanted to.

At the end of one song a girl made a flying leap for the stage only stopped by a Policeman. As the officer was holding the girl Elvis walked over to the stage and said to the girl, "Come on, come on Honey ! you can make it" but the cop wasn't going to let her go....

During the song 'One Night' at the part where Elvis sings "Just call my name" one of the back up boys yelled out "ELVIS" and El just cracked up. ...

After Elvis sang 'How Great Thou Art' he said that he knew 400 songs and he was going to do 300 tonight, the crowd then yelled and screamed..

A few rows of the audience was sitting behind the stage and Elvis passed up a scarf to one of the girls, anyway, all of the girls were trying to touch him so he stood there for awhile teasing them by jumping up and just touching their hands..

At the end of the show the crowd just stood up and gave Elvis a standing ovation.....