Today in Elvis History

It's December thirty-first, and on this day in 1976… Elvis Presley rang in the new year with a powerful 90-minute performance at the Civic Center Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The show was widely considered one of his best in years, with many crediting his strong energy to the presence of Ginger Alden. But the night took a somber turn when, shortly after the concert, Elvis was informed by his father, Vernon, that his cousin Bobbi Mann had died from a pill overdose. The group returned to Memphis at six-thirty in the morning.

It's December thirtieth, and on this day in 1970… Elvis Presley returned to Washington, D.C. with a group of eight close companions, including former sheriff Bill Morris, to visit the headquarters of the National Sheriffs Association. There, he secured honorary memberships and automatic life insurance policies for everyone in his entourage. Though an expected meeting with FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover never happened, the group was given a private tour of FBI headquarters the following day—another badge added to Elvis’s ever-growing collection and his ongoing fascination with law enforcement.

It’s December twenty-ninth, and on this day in Elvis history: In 1970, Elvis Presley returned to his hometown of Tupelo, Mississippi, to receive a badge from Sheriff Bill Mitchell—a childhood acquaintance who had watched Elvis grow from a local boy into a global icon. The visit was emblematic of Elvis’s lifelong fascination with law enforcement and his deep ties to his Mississippi roots. And on December 29, 1976, Elvis performed at the Birmingham-Jefferson County Coliseum in Alabama. Despite health struggles and the pressures of constant touring, he delivered a strong show before an enthusiastic Southern crowd. Draped in one of his iconic jumpsuits, Elvis proved once again that even in his later years, the magic was still very much alive on stage.

It’s December twenty-eighth, and on this day in Elvis history: In 1970, Elvis Presley served as best man at the wedding of his longtime friend and bodyguard, Sonny West. True to form, Elvis arrived wearing a collection of guns and badges—his fascination with law enforcement on full display. After the ceremony, the celebration continued with a second reception at Graceland, where Elvis often played the generous and flamboyant host. And on this same date in 1976, Elvis took the stage at the Memorial Auditorium in Dallas, Texas. It was one of the final performances of the year, and though his health was waning, the King still delivered a show that brought fans to their feet. Even in the later years, Elvis’s presence on stage remained undeniable.

It's December twenty-seventh, and on this day in 1976… Elvis Presley performed at Wichita State University’s Henry Levitt Arena in Wichita, Kansas. This show was part of a brief post-Christmas tour and came during a period of personal and professional turbulence, but Elvis still took to the stage, continuing to fulfill his commitment to fans even as the toll of the road grew heavier.

It's December twenty-sixth, and on this day in 1965… Elvis Presley hosted an intimate gathering at Graceland, catered by Monty’s. But the night took an unusual turn: after nearly a year of reading about it, Elvis decided to experiment with LSD for the first—and what is believed to be the only—time. The evening ended with a sci-fi movie, pizza, and a moonlit walk behind Graceland with Priscilla, Larry, and Jerry, sharing reflections on friendship and connection.

It's December twenty-fifth, and on this day in 1975… Elvis Presley spent Christmas evening in true Kingly fashion—gathered with family and friends aboard his private jet, the Lisa Marie. From the sky, he handed out personally selected jewelry from Lowell Hays’ collection, turning the plane into a glittering sleigh. But not all was calm and bright: the night ended with Aunt Delta, fueled by a little too much holiday cheer, voicing her frustrations at Elvis’s inner circle.

It's December twenty-fourth, and on this day in 1966… Elvis Presley proposed to Priscilla Beaulieu, presenting her with a ring he had previously purchased from Harry Levitch. The moment was the culmination of their years-long relationship, marking a turning point in both their lives just hours before Christmas. The proposal took place at Graceland, surrounded by the elaborate holiday decorations that had become a Presley tradition.

It's December twenty-third, and on this day in 1954… Elvis Presley, Scotty Moore, and Bill Black were pulled over for speeding while returning from a Louisiana Hayride show in Shreveport. Elvis, worried he'd lose his Christmas money to a fine, was relieved when the officer let them off with just a warning. Afterward, they parked the car and counted their show earnings by headlight—mostly in single dollar bills. The next day, Elvis spent every cent on Christmas gifts, a small but telling glimpse into his generous nature, even in the earliest days of his career.

It's December twenty-second, and on this day in 1970… Elvis Presley returned to Graceland bearing gifts for Priscilla and Lisa Marie, fresh from his whirlwind trip to Washington, D.C., where he met with President Nixon and received a federal narcotics badge. Sharing stories from the trip, Elvis brought holiday cheer to his family, blending his larger-than-life adventures with the quiet joy of Christmas at home.

It's December twenty-first, and on this day in 1970… Elvis Presley met with President Richard Nixon at the White House in one of the most iconic and unexpected encounters in American pop culture history. After hand-delivering a letter to the White House earlier that morning, Elvis was granted a meeting arranged through Nixon’s deputy counsel. Accompanied by Jerry Schilling and Sonny West, Elvis spoke about his concerns over drug culture and youth unrest, and requested a badge from the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. The President agreed—and Elvis left the meeting with the badge in hand.

It's December twentieth, and on this day in 1957… Elvis Presley received his official draft notice. That same day, he stopped by Sun Records before heading to Nashville, where he hand-delivered a red Isetta sports car to Colonel Tom Parker as a Christmas gift. The moment captured the dramatic intersection of Elvis's skyrocketing fame, looming military service, and his deeply personal loyalty to the manager guiding his career.

It's December nineteenth, and on this day in 1962… Priscilla Beaulieu arrived in the United States from Germany, traveling under the name Priscilla Fisher. She was picked up at Idlewild Airport in New York by Vernon Presley and his wife Dee, who brought her to Memphis. Elvis then met her at his father's house and took her on a drive past the Graceland lawn, where the life-size Nativity scene and Christmas lights were on full display. It marked Priscilla’s first holiday season in Elvis’s world—a quiet beginning to a very public chapter of his life.

It's December eighteenth, and on this day in 1968… filming wrapped on *The Trouble With Girls*, officially releasing Elvis Presley from his studio obligations. The movie, set in the 1920s and featuring Elvis as the manager of a traveling Chautauqua show, marked one of the final entries in his film career. With production complete, Elvis was free to focus on his renewed passion for live performance—just months after the triumphant broadcast of his ’68 Comeback Special.

It's December seventeenth, and on this day in 1963… Elvis Presley presented a \$55,000 check to the mayor of Memphis, benefiting 58 local charities. The donation was made just days before Christmas, reflecting Elvis’s deep commitment to giving back to the city he called home. The gift became one of the most notable public examples of his quiet, consistent generosity—a quality that often stood in contrast to the spectacle of his fame.

It's December sixteenth, and on this day in 1957… Elvis Presley purchased a Santa sleigh and eight reindeer decorations for \$300 from the Bain Sign Company in Memphis. The festive display was placed on the front lawn of Graceland and has become a beloved holiday tradition, continuing to light up the grounds every Christmas season since. It’s one of the earliest public glimpses into Elvis’s deep love of Christmas—and his flair for going all in when it came to celebration.

It's December fifteenth, and on this day in 1956… Elvis Presley arrived in Shreveport, Louisiana, at 5:00 a.m. and checked into the Captain Shreve Hotel. That evening, he performed at the Louisiana Hayride at the Hirsch Youth Center. In the audience was director Hal Kanter, who was so inspired by Elvis’s onstage charisma that he made revisions to the screenplay of Elvis’s upcoming film. It was a moment where Elvis’s raw live presence directly influenced the shape of his Hollywood image.

It's December fourteenth, and on this day in 1954… Elvis Presley made his debut performance in Gladewater, Texas, at the Mint Club. The show was organized by local DJ Tom Perryman, who became a key early supporter of Elvis’s budding career. This appearance helped establish Presley’s presence in East Texas, setting the stage for a string of performances across the region in the year to come.

It's December thirteenth, and on this day in 1973… Elvis Presley recorded three master tracks at Stax Studios in Memphis, including the deeply emotional ballad *Loving Arms*. The session showcased a more introspective side of Elvis, as he channeled his personal struggles into powerful vocal performances. It was a standout moment from his final major studio sessions, capturing both the vulnerability and soul that defined his later work.

It's December twelfth, and on this day in 1976… Elvis Presley performed his final concert at the Las Vegas Hilton. After the show, he returned to his dressing room and broke down in tears, confiding in televangelist Rex Humbard that he felt an overwhelming sense of emptiness. Humbard prayed with Elvis as he wept. The moment revealed a rarely seen vulnerability behind the glittering stage persona—a man searching for meaning even as the curtain closed on one of his most iconic venues.

It's December eleventh, and on this day in 1956… Elvis Presley ran out of gas in his brand-new Cadillac Seville and was quickly mobbed by fans. That same day, Louisiana Governor Earl K. Long awarded Elvis the honorary title of Louisiana Colonel—the same symbolic rank held by his manager, Colonel Tom Parker. It was a moment that blended Presley’s growing national fame with Southern recognition, cementing his rising status not just as a performer, but as a cultural figure of honor in the region that launched his career.

It's December tenth, and on this day in 1973… Elvis Presley returned to Stax Studios in Memphis for a weeklong recording session. To avoid the technical issues that had plagued earlier efforts, RCA brought in its mobile recording truck and a team of four engineers. The session began at 9:00 p.m. and ran until 4:30 in the morning, yielding two completed masters. It marked a determined effort by Elvis and his team to regain creative control and produce polished tracks under better conditions.

It's December ninth, and on this day in 1955… Elvis Presley performed twice in Swifton, Arkansas. First, he appeared at the local high school alongside Johnny Cash, and later that night, he took the stage at the B\&I Club. During that evening performance, Elvis introduced a brand-new song to the crowd—*Heartbreak Hotel*—and boldly declared, “It’s gonna be my first hit.” Just weeks later, the song would launch him into superstardom.

It's December eighth, and on this day in 1970… Elvis Presley went on a generous shopping spree in Los Angeles, purchasing a house for his close friend Joe Esposito and Joe’s wife, along with Mercedes-Benz cars for himself, Jerry Schilling, and Barbara Leigh. The extravagant gesture highlighted not only Elvis’s wealth, but also his deep loyalty to those in his inner circle, showering friends with life-changing gifts just because he could.

It's December seventh, and on this day in 1955… Elvis Presley performed four shows at the Lyric Theater in Indianapolis, Indiana, earning \$1,000 for the day. Tom Diskin reported to Colonel Parker that Elvis was improving with every performance, electrifying the crowd, though he still needed to work on pacing his act. The intense schedule and growing feedback marked a period of rapid growth as Elvis honed the stage presence that would soon captivate the world.

It's December sixth, and on this day in 1959… Elvis Presley began bi-weekly karate lessons with Jurgen Seydel, widely recognized as the father of German karate. Stationed in Germany during his military service, Elvis took a serious interest in martial arts, laying the foundation for a lifelong passion. These early lessons marked the beginning of a discipline that would influence both his physical routine and stage performance for the rest of his career.

It's December fifth, and on this day in 1970… Elvis Presley attended the wedding of his longtime friend George Klein to Barbara Little at the International Hotel in Las Vegas. Ever the loyal companion, Elvis arranged for his father Vernon and stepmother Dee to join the celebration, underscoring the deep personal connections he maintained with those closest to him—even amid the glitz of Vegas and the pressures of fame.

It's December fourth, and on this day in 1956… Elvis Presley dropped by Sun Studio in Memphis, where Carl Perkins was in the middle of a recording session. What followed became one of the most legendary moments in rock and roll history. Elvis joined Carl and Jerry Lee Lewis for an impromptu jam session, and Sam Phillips had the foresight to roll tape. Later dubbed the “Million Dollar Quartet,” this spontaneous gathering captured the raw energy of three future legends at the dawn of their powers.

It's December third, and on this day in 1968… *Singer Presents Elvis*, the NBC television special now famously known as the '68 Comeback Special, aired at 9:00 p.m. Capturing an astounding 42% of the national TV audience, it became NBC’s highest-rated broadcast of the year. Critics may have been split, but the viewers had spoken loud and clear—Elvis was back. The show reignited his performing career and reestablished him as a dynamic force in music and pop culture.

It's December second, and on this day in 1968… Elvis Presley was photographed in Beverly Hills the day after the broadcast of his legendary NBC television special, commonly known as the ’68 Comeback Special. Still riding high from the critical and fan acclaim, Elvis appeared confident, stylish, and reenergized—marking the beginning of a bold new chapter in his career.

It's December first, and on this day in 1957… Elvis Presley donated \$1,050 to ensure that every student at his alma mater, Humes High School, could attend the E.H. Crump Memorial Football Game for the Blind. His gift covered the cost of tickets for all 1,400 students, reflecting both his deep connection to his Memphis roots and his generosity toward causes benefiting the blind—a recurring theme in his charitable giving throughout his career.

It's November thirtieth, and on this day in 1976… Elvis Presley performed at the Convention Center in Anaheim, California. It was one of his stronger shows of the tour, with several in his inner circle noting a noticeable lift in his energy. Linda Thompson had recently departed, and Ginger Alden was now present at the concert. Later that night, Elvis confided to his spiritual advisor Larry Geller that he felt genuinely inspired by Ginger's presence.

It's November twenty-ninth, and on this day in 1965… Elvis Presley purchased a retired D’Elegance Greyhound bus, intending to have it refurbished for personal travel between Memphis and California. Always drawn to the freedom of the open road, Elvis envisioned the customized bus as a private, rolling escape—another piece of his ever-expanding mobile kingdom.

It's November twenty-eighth, and on this day in 1976… Elvis Presley performed at the Cow Palace in San Francisco, California. Behind the scenes, a major shift in his personal life was underway. Elvis had Ginger Alden flown out on the JetStar to join the tour, while at the same time encouraging longtime companion Linda Thompson to take a break and return to Memphis. The performance and the travel arrangements signaled a changing dynamic in Elvis’s inner circle during his final touring years.

It’s November twenty-seventh, and on this day in Elvis history: In 1976, Elvis Presley performed at the University of Oregon's McArthur Court in Eugene. The show was part of his final full year of touring, and though his health was increasingly fragile, fans still filled arenas to see him. Clad in one of his signature jumpsuits, Elvis delivered the kind of high-energy performance that reminded audiences why he remained a legend, even in the twilight of his career. And on this date back in 1958, while stationed in Germany, Elvis was promoted to private first class in the U.S. Army. That same day, he shared Thanksgiving dinner with Elisabeth Stefaniak and her family—a quiet, personal moment in contrast to the public frenzy that often followed him. It was a rare glimpse of Elvis the man, away from the stage and spotlight.

It's November twenty-sixth, and on this day in 1954… Elvis Presley returned to the Paladium Club in Houston, Texas, by popular demand. Just one day after his first performance there, the crowd’s overwhelming enthusiasm brought him back for an encore show. That same day, Elvis sent a telegram home to his parents, enclosing money to help with bills and promising to send more soon—a touching reminder that even as his star began to rise, he never forgot where he came from.

It's November twenty-fifth, and on this day in 1975… Elvis Presley took out a loan for \$350,000 from the National Bank of Commerce in Memphis, using Graceland itself as collateral. The loan was necessary to cover the costs of his extravagant lifestyle, including recent purchases of airplanes, luxury cars, jewelry, and a racquetball court—along with the substantial payroll required to support his inner circle of friends and family. Even the King of Rock and Roll sometimes had to mortgage the castle to keep the empire running.

It's November twenty-fourth, and on this day in 1971… blood test results confirmed that Elvis Presley was not the father of Patricia Parker's child. The paternity lawsuit had generated tabloid attention, but the conclusive results put the matter to rest. It was a rare instance of Elvis being publicly cleared during a time when his fame often made him the target of sensational claims.

It's November twenty-third, and on this day in 1976… Jerry Lee Lewis showed up at the gates of Graceland for the second night in a row, this time waving a gun and demanding to see Elvis. In the early morning hours, police found Lewis sitting in his car with a loaded .38 derringer on his knee, shouting and cursing. Elvis, safely inside, watched the entire incident unfold on his closed-circuit security monitors. The bizarre scene marked one of the most infamous encounters between two rock and roll legends—though only one of them was invited.

It's November twenty-second, and on this day in 1956… Elvis Presley performed two shows at the Sports Arena in Toledo, Ohio. Following the evening concert, the excitement took an unexpected turn when Elvis was confronted by a jealous husband upset over his wife's admiration for the King. The encounter escalated into a physical altercation, but Elvis managed to keep his composure until police intervened and arrested the man. It was just another night on tour for Elvis—one that proved his rising fame could stir up more than just screaming fans.

It's November twenty-first, and on this day in 1956… *Love Me Tender* was released nationwide in theaters across the United States, while RCA Victor officially released Elvis’s recording of the title song. The film, which marked Elvis Presley's acting debut, had already generated tremendous buzz. The song itself broke records with over one million advance orders, earning gold status even before it hit store shelves. This dual release cemented Elvis’s place not just as a rock and roll star, but as a bona fide movie idol and cultural phenomenon.

It's November twentieth, and on this day in 1955… RCA Victor officially purchased Elvis Presley’s contract from Sun Records for \$25,000. The deal marked a turning point not only in Elvis’s career but in the history of popular music. With this acquisition, Elvis moved from a regional rockabilly upstart to a national phenomenon poised to change the sound of American radio. The contract also ensured that future hits like “Heartbreak Hotel” would be recorded and distributed by a major label with the power to amplify his reach—and his legend.

It's November nineteenth, and on this day in 1976... Elvis Presley was introduced to the Alden sisters at Graceland by his longtime friend George Klein. Although the expectation was that Elvis might be interested in Terry Alden, it was the youngest sister, nineteen-year-old Ginger Alden—then Miss Mid-South Fair—who caught his attention. This meeting marked the beginning of what would become Elvis's final romantic relationship.

It's November eighteenth, and on this day in 1972... Elvis Presley performed two shows at the Honolulu International Center Arena in Hawaii—one in the afternoon and one in the evening. Originally, one of these performances was considered for the upcoming *Aloha from Hawaii* satellite broadcast. These concerts served as preparation for the historic global event, testing both the venue’s logistics and Elvis’s set. His time in Hawaii marked a key step toward what would become one of the most iconic televised concerts in music history.

It's November seventeenth, and on this day in 1972... Elvis Presley performed at the Honolulu International Center Arena in Hawaii to a crowd of 8,400 fans. Wearing the Thunderbird jumpsuit with the Jack Lord belt and a blue cape, Elvis delivered a powerful set that included “See See Rider,” “Polk Salad Annie,” “Until It’s Time for You to Go,” and “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me.” The concert served as a technical rehearsal for the upcoming *Aloha from Hawaii* satellite broadcast, testing the venue’s lighting and sound systems ahead of the historic global event scheduled for January 1973.

It's November sixteenth, and on this day in 1970... Elvis Presley performed to a sold-out crowd of eleven thousand fans at the State Fairgrounds Arena in Oklahoma City. Wearing his striking Lace suit with the White Macramé belt, Elvis delivered a powerhouse performance as part of his triumphant return to full-scale touring. The high-energy show reflected the growing momentum of his 1970 tour, which had reignited his connection with fans across the country.

It's November fifteenth, and on this day in 1970... Elvis Presley performed at the International Sports Arena in San Diego, California, as part of his first full-scale tour since the 1950s. Dressed in the White Chain Suit, Elvis captivated an enthusiastic crowd with a powerhouse setlist that included "That's All Right," "Polk Salad Annie," "Bridge Over Troubled Water," and "Suspicious Minds." The show underscored his triumphant return to nationwide touring and solidified his place as a commanding force in live entertainment.

It's November fourteenth, and on this day in 1970... Elvis Presley shattered attendance records with two sold-out concerts at The Forum in Inglewood, Los Angeles, California. Performing at 3:00 and 8:30 p.m., Elvis drew a combined crowd of 37,398 fans, surpassing the previous record set by the Rolling Stones. The shows brought in over \$300,000 in profit. In a bizarre twist, Elvis was served with legal papers related to a paternity suit between performances by someone posing as a fan.

It's November thirteenth, and on this day in 1970... Elvis Presley performed for a packed house of 14,300 fans at the Cow Palace in San Francisco, California. Wearing his striking Red Ladder jumpsuit, Elvis delivered a powerhouse set that included "That's All Right," "Polk Salad Annie," "Bridge Over Troubled Water," and "Suspicious Minds." The show was part of his high-energy West Coast tour and highlighted the powerful stage presence that defined his live performances during this era.

It's November twelfth, and on this day in 1955... Billboard magazine named Elvis Presley the "Most Promising Country and Western Artist" in its annual disc jockey poll, marking one of the earliest acknowledgments from the music industry of his skyrocketing potential. That same day, Elvis performed two shows—an afternoon set at the opening of the Carthage Milling Company in Texas, and an evening appearance on the Louisiana Hayride in Shreveport—highlighting his relentless schedule and growing popularity in the South.