overview

By 1968, it had been more than seven years since he had appeared on stage on front of a live audience. In his first television special, clad in his now-iconic black leather suit, Elvis performed classic hits both on stage alone and, in sequences generally regarded as the forerunner of today's popular "unplugged" jam sessions, with friends and original bandmates. The program also included splashy production numbers. The original name of the program was "Elvis". Taped in June 1968 in Burbank, it first aired that December 3rd on NBC and was the network's biggest ratings victory that year as well as the season's top-rated show. It stands today as one of the great moments in rock music history and as a stunningly brilliant milestone in Elvis career. After this triumph Elvis poured renewed creative vigor into his recording work, wrapped up his movie contract obligations and returned full-time to the concert stage, beginning a new and exciting era of the Elvis phenomenon.