top of page

Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                                  March 1, 1955 (Tuesday)

LIVE PERFORMANCE(S)

The High School Auditorium, Randolph, Mississippi. (This show was re-scheduled due to the tornado cancellation last month)

Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black.

1260-youngelvis-744x731.jpg

Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                             March 2, 1955, 1955 (Wednesday)

LIVE PERFORMANCE(S)

The U.S. Armory, Arkansas (8:00 pm)

Porky's Rooftop Club, Newport, Arkansas (10:00 pm)

 

Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black.

The band made two live appearances in Arkansas: the first at 8:00 pm at the U.S. Armory followed by a 10:00 pm performance at Porky's Rooftop Club in Newport.

The bookings throughout march had been made by Bob Neal who continued to push Colonel Parker for another Hank Snow tour.

1260-youngelvis-744x731.jpg

Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                   March 3, 1955, 1955 (Thursday)

LIVE PERFORMANCE(S)

The Arkansas Municipal Auditorium, Texarkana, Arkansas.

Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black.

1260-youngelvis-744x731.jpg
A Day in the Life.jpg

Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                                      March 4, 1955 (Friday)

LIVE PERFORMANCE(S)

The High School, De Kalb, Texas.

Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black - Steel Guitar: Jimmy Day.

The band were joined on stage by Jimmy Day on steel guitar. (photo)

Untitled-1.jpg

Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                               March 5, 1955 (Saturday)

LIVE PERFORMANCE(S) - (Louisiana Hayride)

The Municipal Auditorium, 705 Grand Avenue, Shreveport, Louisiana. (8:00 pm - 11:30 pm)

Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black - Steel Guitar:

James 'Sonny' Trammel - Piano: Leon Post.

 

Joyce Railsback's diary:

Songs performed: "Tweedle Dee", "Money Honey", "Hearts of Stone", "Shake, Rattle and Roll", "Little Mama"  and

"You're A Heartbreaker".

Municipal Auditorium (Shreveport, Louisi
19550108-19550108.jpg
1260-youngelvis-744x731.jpg

BILLBOARD POP CHART  (singles)

Best Sellers in Stores:

"Sincerely" by the McGuire Sisters.

Most Played In Jukeboxes:

"Sincerely" by the McGuire Sisters.   

Most Played By Jockeys: 

"Sincerely" by the McGuire Sisters.    

BILLBOARD C&W CHART  (singles)

Best Sellers in Stores:

"In the Jailhouse Now" by Webb Pierce.

Most Played In Jukeboxes:

"In the Jailhouse Now" by Webb Pierce.

Most Played By Jockeys:

"In the Jailhouse Now" by Webb Pierce.

BILLBOARD R&B CHART  (singles)

Best Sellers in Stores:

"Pledging My Love" by Johnny Ace. 

Most Played In Jukeboxes:

"Pledging My Love" by Johnny Ace.   

Most Played By Jockeys:

"Pledging My Love" by Johnny Ace

BILLBOARD POP CHART

Honor Roll of Hits: 

"Melody of Love" by Billy Vaughn.   

BILLBOARD POP CHART  (LP)

Untitled-1.jpg

"Music, Martinis and Memories" by Jackie Gleason.

BILLBOARD POP CHART  (EP)

Untitled-1.jpg

"The Student Prince" by Mario Lanza.

Untitled-1.jpg
Untitled-1.jpg
Untitled-1.jpg

Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                                     March 6, 1955 (Sunday)

POSSIBLE RECORDING SESSION:

Sun Studio, 706 Union Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee.

Engineer: Sam C. Phillips.

Assistant: Marion Keisker.

Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black - Drums: Jimmie Lott.

The sticker on the tape reel for this session stated March 5 as the recording date, but the trio were in Shreveport so the sixth seems more viable.

Songs recorded: "You're A Heartbreaker (tryout)", "I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone" (slow version), "How Do You Think I Feel (tryout)", "I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone" (audio)

Songs Recorded:

Memphis Recording Service
I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone (slow) - Elvis Presley
00:00 / 00:00
I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone - Elvis Presley
00:00 / 00:00

Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                      March 7, 1955, 1955 (Monday)

LIVE PERFORMANCE(S) - Elvis Presley, Scotty Moore, Bill Black, Jimmy Work, Onie Wheeler, Betty Amos, Bob Neal (MC)

The City Auditorium, Paris, Tennessee.

Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black.

They now headlined for lesser known artists like Betty Amos, Onie Wheeler and Jimmy Work.

Harry Kalcheim of the William Morris Agency in New York sent Col. Parker a telegram asking if Elvis can audition for "Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts". This was the same show that Bill Randle spoke about. Parker replied that he was willing to pay for the trip to New York, but only if Bob Neal and Elvis gave him the opportunity to represent Elvis on any bookings that may have arose from this appearance.

1260-youngelvis-744x731.jpg

Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                     March 8, 1955, 1955 (Tuesday)

LIVE PERFORMANCE(S) - Elvis Presley, Scotty Moore, Bill Black, Jimmy Work, Betty Amos, Bob Neal (MC)

The Catholic Club, 123 Columbia Street, Helena, Arkansas. (8:00 pm)

Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black.

Untitled-1.jpg

Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                         March 9, 1955, (Wednesday)

LIVE PERFORMANCE(S) - Elvis Presley, Scotty Moore, Bill Black, Jimmy Work, Onie Wheeler, Betty Amos, Bob Neal (MC)

The Armory, Poplar Bluff, Missouri. (8:00 pm)

Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black.

Other performers that appeared on the bill were: Bob Neal, Jimmy Work, Onie Wheeler (photo) and Betty Amos.

 

In a letter to his associate, Tom Diskin, the Colonel complained once again that they can't waste any more time and money on Presley without being guaranteed exclusive control on certain dates and places. He didn't want Bob Neal or any other promoter benefiting from their efforts in opening up new territories for the young singer.

550309poplarbluff.jpg

Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                           March 10, 1955, (Thursday)

LIVE PERFORMANCE(S) - Elvis Presley, Scotty Moore, Bill Black, Jimmy Work, Betty Amos, Bob Neal (MC)

The City Auditorium, Clarksdale, Mississippi. (8:00 pm)

Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black.

Other artists on the bill were: Jimmy Work and Betty Amos. Bob Neal emceed.

Harry Kalcheim cabled the Colonel and informed him that he has set up an appearance on the Arthur Godfrey Talent Show for march 23. If he wins first place, Elvis would appear on Godfrey's Morning TV Show for the next three weeks.

Untitled-1.jpg

Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                                   March 11, 1955 (Friday)

LIVE PERFORMANCE(S)

Jimmy Thompson Arena, Alexandria, Louisiana.

Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black.

1260-youngelvis-744x731.jpg

Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                             March 12, 1955 (Saturday)

LIVE PERFORMANCE(S) - (Louisiana Hayride)

The Municipal Auditorium, 705 Grand Avenue, Shreveport, Louisiana. (8:00 pm - 11:30 pm)

Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black.- Steel Guitar:

James 'Sonny' Trammel - Piano: Leon Post.

Municipal Auditorium (Shreveport, Louisi
1260-youngelvis-744x731.jpg
19550108-19550108.jpg

BILLBOARD POP CHART  (singles)

Best Sellers in Stores:

"Sincerely" by the McGuire Sisters.

Most Played In Jukeboxes:

"Sincerely" by the McGuire Sisters.   

Most Played By Jockeys: 

"Sincerely" by the McGuire Sisters.    

BILLBOARD C&W CHART  (singles)

Best Sellers in Stores:

"In the Jailhouse Now" by Webb Pierce.

Most Played In Jukeboxes:

"In the Jailhouse Now" by Webb Pierce.

Most Played By Jockeys:

"In the Jailhouse Now" by Webb Pierce.

BILLBOARD R&B CHART  (singles)

Best Sellers in Stores:

"Pledging My Love" by Johnny Ace. 

Most Played In Jukeboxes:

"Pledging My Love" by Johnny Ace.   

Most Played By Jockeys:

"Pledging My Love" by Johnny Ace

BILLBOARD POP CHART

Honor Roll of Hits: 

"Melody of Love" by Billy Vaughn.   

BILLBOARD POP CHART  (LP)

Untitled-1.jpg

"Music, Martinis and Memories" by Jackie Gleason.

BILLBOARD POP CHART  (EP)

Untitled-1.jpg

"The Student Prince" by Mario Lanza.

Untitled-1.jpg
Untitled-1.jpg
Untitled-1.jpg

Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                   March 13, 1955, 1955 (Sunday)

Sometime in early March, Elvis bought his first Pink Cadillac. It was a 1954 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 60 Special Sedan. It had a white roof and was used to transport the band to various venues across the south. (photo)

Car.jpg

1954 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 60 Special Sedan

Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                   March 14, 1955, 1955 (Monday)

The Colonel agreed to pay for the New York trip to Arthur Godfrey after securing a promise from Bob Neal that he would protect Parker's interest in any booking that arise from the audition.

1260-youngelvis-744x731.jpg

Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                  March 15, 1955, 1955 (Tuesday)

Elvis signed and amended a one year extension to his management contract with Bob Neal who now received a 15% fee. Tom Diskin wrote to Harry Kalcheim at William Morris to set up a meeting with Elvis or Colonel Parker regarding the audition for Arthur Godfrey. (photo)

Untitled-1.jpg

Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                       March 16, 1955 (Wednesday)

LIVE PERFORMANCE(S)

The Ruffin Theatre, Covington, Tennessee.

Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black.

1260-youngelvis-744x731.jpg

Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                            March 17, 1955 (Thursday)

LIVE PERFORMANCE(S)

Dessau Hall, Pflugerville, Austin, Texas.

Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black.

a460472628c6f04d7fe05effd241ba0d.jpg
2151464829f1977482917701ff7e490c.jpg
Untitled-1.jpg

Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                                   March 18, 1955 (Friday)

No information.

1260-youngelvis-744x731.jpg

Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                             March 19, 1955 (Saturday)

LIVE PERFORMANCE(S) - Elvis Presley, Scotty Moore, Bill Black, Hoot Gibson, Sonny Burns, Brown Bros., Tommy Sands, Biff Collie

The Eagle's Hall, 1000 Old Spanish Trail, Houston, Texas. (8:00 pm - 11:00 pm)

Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black.

'ELVIS PRESSLEY' topped the bill at the Grand Prize Jamboree at the Eagle's Hall in Houston, Texas. 'Biff' Collie is once again master of ceremonies. Other artists icluded: Hoot Gibson, Sonny Burns, Brown Bros. and Tommy Sands.

Songs performed: "Good Rockin' Tonight", "Baby, Let's Play House", "Blue Moon of Kentucky" ,"I Got A Woman" and "That's All Right". (audio)

Good Rockin' Tonight - Elvis Presley
00:00 / 00:00
Baby Let's Play House - Elvis Presley
00:00 / 00:00
Blue Moon of Kentucky - Elvis Presley
00:00 / 00:00
I Got A Woman - Elvis Presley
00:00 / 00:00
That's All Right - Elvis Presley
00:00 / 00:00
img090.jpg

BILLBOARD POP CHART  (singles)

Best Sellers in Stores:

"Sincerely" by the McGuire Sisters.

Most Played In Jukeboxes:

"Sincerely" by the McGuire Sisters.   

Most Played By Jockeys: 

"Sincerely" by the McGuire Sisters.    

BILLBOARD C&W CHART  (singles)

Best Sellers in Stores:

"In the Jailhouse Now" by Webb Pierce.

Most Played In Jukeboxes:

"In the Jailhouse Now" by Webb Pierce.

Most Played By Jockeys:

"In the Jailhouse Now" by Webb Pierce.

BILLBOARD R&B CHART  (singles)

Best Sellers in Stores:

"Pledging My Love" by Johnny Ace. 

Most Played In Jukeboxes:

"Pledging My Love" by Johnny Ace.   

Most Played By Jockeys:

"Pledging My Love" by Johnny Ace

BILLBOARD POP CHART

Honor Roll of Hits: 

"Melody of Love" by Billy Vaughn.   

BILLBOARD POP CHART  (LP)

Untitled-1.jpg

"Music, Martinis and Memories" by Jackie Gleason.

BILLBOARD POP CHART  (EP)

Untitled-1.jpg

"The Student Prince" by Mario Lanza.

Untitled-1.jpg
Untitled-1.jpg
Untitled-1.jpg

Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                                 March 20, 1955 (Sunday)

"Blackboard Jungle" was released in the US. This teen movie depicted juvenile delinquency in a inter-racial inner city school. The opening sequence introduced Bill Haley's "Rock Around the Clock" (originally released in May 1954) to a mass audience and sparked riots when shown as teenagers ripped up cinema seats and generally caused havoc.

Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                                March 21, 1955 (Monday)

LIVE PERFORMANCE(S)

High School Auditorium, Parkin, Arkansas.

Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black.

1260-youngelvis-744x731.jpg

Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                               March 22, 1955 (Tuesday)

No information.

1260-youngelvis-744x731.jpg

Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                       March 23, 1955 (Wednesday)

LIVE PERFORMANCE(S)

501 Madison Avenue, New York.

Elvis travelled by plane for the first time on his way to New York, accompanied by Scotty Moore, Bill Black and Bob Neal.

The Arthur Godfrey audition started at 2:30 pm on the 14th floor at 501 Madison Avenue.

Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black.

Songs: "That's All Right", "Blue Moon of Kentucky" and "Baby, Let's Play House".

 

The talent scouts showed no interest in Elvis' act.

godfreycbs.jpg
Godfreytalent2.jpg

Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                            March 24, 1955 (Thursday)

LIVE PERFORMANCE(S) - Elvis Presley, Scotty Moore, Bill Black, Bud Deckerman, Onie Wheeler, Bob Neal

The Futrell High School Gymnasium, Marianna, Arkansas. (8:00 pm)

Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black.

Bob Neal was master of ceremonies. Other artists on the bill were Bud Deckerman and Onie Wheeler.

Untitled-1.jpg

Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                                    March 25, 1955 (Friday)

LIVE PERFORMANCE(S)

Dermott High School, Dermott, Arkansas. (7:30 pm)