May 19th in Elvis History

It's May 19th, and on this day in 1965, Colonel Parker took an extraordinary step in promoting Elvis’s film *Tickle Me*. The Colonel, always thinking outside the box, convinced RCA to purchase Elvis's custom gold Cadillac and send it on a nationwide tour to serve as a stand-in for the star himself at *Tickle Me* premieres. The "Solid Gold Cadillac," as it was called, was no ordinary car. This 1960 Cadillac was customized by the famous George Barris and was equipped with two telephones, a full entertainment console, a refreshment bar, and even an electric shoe buffer—everything gold-plated, of course, with golden guitar insignia. The exterior was finished in white-gold Murano pearl with gold-plated trim, making it a true spectacle on the road. Though the car made its way across the country, the Colonel grew increasingly concerned as he faced challenges in presenting Elvis to the public in a way that would match the star power of the "Solid Gold Cadillac." This creative promotion highlighted both Elvis’s unique brand and Colonel Parker’s commitment to keeping him in the public eye, even when Elvis couldn’t be physically present.