Elvis Presley's 1968 Comeback Special
Tuesday, Dec 4, 2007 7:51AM / Standard Entry
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As you all know, I am a DIE HARD fan of Elvis Presley. I mean, I absolutely LOVE the King's music. He practically invented rock and roll as far as I am concerned. If it was not for him, I would have never discovered REAL rock and roll when it swept across America in the 1950s. I always loved American pop culture, and Elvis is such a big part of it. Unfortunately, I think a lot of perspective has been lost on Presley's role in American cultural history. I think he has been treated most unkindly ever since his death. Most people think of Elvis as that sweaty fat guy in jumpsuits who said thank you, thank you very much at his concerts. They saw a man who was utterly dependent on prescribed medicines and who forgot the lyrics to his songs when he performed them. They think of him as the epitome of tackiness and overindulgence. Basically they think of the "Vegas" Elvis. Well, I agree he was those things, but many people of my generation never got the chance to see Elvis in his prime. No other pop star can come close to touching him. He was simply the greatest entertainer that ever lived. He was such a revolutionary figure in the progression of music in the second half of the 20th century. His thrilling live television performances in the 1950s are still exciting and fun to watch. He could sing gospel, country, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, pop standards, and even operatic numbers (he got me hooked with It's Now or Never). I know of no other artists who have even attempted to do that. His voice was just so amazing. Elvis was both a baritone, bass AND tenor. He had this incredible vocal range of two and a half octaves. He could sing a hard rock song with remarkable intensity, yet could just flawlessly deliver some of the most beautiful ballads I have ever had the privilege to listen to.
By 1968, things were NOT looking up for the King though. After his return from the Army, Elvis essentially stopped doing rock and roll. He became kind of like an all-American character. Middle-class America embraced his new clean-cut image. His trademark sideburns were gone. He no longer swivelled his hips and sneered. He had lost his edge and was no longer a symbol of youthful rebellion. His songs were no longer registering on the music charts. I love Elvis, but even I have to confess he was in some pretty Godawful films in the 1960s. I mean, they were really REALLY bad. These films relied on Presley's sheer charisma, and were financially successful. But they were artistically fallow and cheesy beyond belief. That is why I am writing about Elvis's Comeback Special of 1968. On December 3, thirty-nine years ago, Elvis did what had never been done before. He literally gave the greatest performance of his life. I am as straight as they come, but I will totally admit that Elvis looked AWESOME that night. I remember being struck dumb when I saw him appear in that black leather suit, tanned like Cary Grant. Then the guy glowed like an angel when he ended the show with "If I Can Dream" in his white suit. I was very impressed to say the least. He made some of his best music that evening. He poured so much of his soul and emotion into the songs he sang. I have never seen anything like it. He demonstrated to the world he deserved the title of King. It was just a really magical and special moment. I think you all should check it out if you had not already. You will NOT regret it.
The famed director Sidney Lumet directed my all-time favorite actor Marlon Brando in a Tennessee Williams production called Orpheus Descending. The central character was a roving musician, kind of like Elvis. Lumet once saw Elvis on a movie set and was disturbed by what he saw as a restless unhuman – not inhuman – spirit" that would "never be at rest anywhere." I do not believe Elvis Presley ever at rest in his later years. He kept searching for answers about what was his purpose on this planet. Why had he been chosen to become Elvis. But he never found true peace in this world. The loss of his twin brother Jesse in childbirth, the premature death of his mother, and the collapse of his marriage were all factors in Elvis's sad and untimely demise. I just don't think he could cope with dealing with so many tragedies and the pitfalls of fame.
Bruce Springsteen loved Elvis for the same reason I do. He represented the American Dream. Elvis rose from the most impoverished of upbringings and managed to achieve success beyond his wildest dreams. The Boss said "It was like he whispered his dream in all our ears and then we dreamed it". Upon hearing of Elvis Presley's death, Frank Sinatra said "I'm just a singer, Elvis was the whole embodiment of the American culture. Life just wouldn't have been the same without him." I have to agree with Ol' Blue Eyes on that one.
Best wishes,
Albert
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