"A Day in the life"
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" September 1, 1955 (Thursday)
Start of 'Jamborees'
LIVE PERFORMANCE(S) - Jim Reeves, Elvis Presley, Scotty Moore, Bill Black, Joe Clay, Red Smith, Anne Raye, Jack Cardwell, Roy Parker, Jimmy Swan, Ernie Chaffin, Mrs. Jimmie Rogers, Al Terry, Jeff Bidderson, Lawton Williams, Luke McDaniel
Pontchartrain Beach, New Orleans, Louisiana. (9:20 pm)
Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black - Drums: Joe Clay.
Elvis was billed as the "Fireball of records and the famous Louisiana Hayride" on this 2nd annual Hillbilly Jamboree that honoured
local WBOK DJ Red Smith. This show was promoted alongside the 1955 "Miss Hillbilly Dumpling" competition in front of 20,000
people. Joe Clay took DJ Fontana's place on the drums while he was unwell.
The Louisiana Hayride Crew. From left: Scotty Moore, Jack Cardwell, Roy Parker, Jimmy Swan, Ernie Chaffin, Mrs. Jimmie Rogers,
Al Terry, Jim Reeves, Jeff Bidderson, Lawton Williams, Luke McDaniel, Joe Clay, Elvis Presley. Front: Ann Raye with Red Smith.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" September 2, 1955 (Friday)
15 miles outside of Texarkana, Scotty Moore drove the pink and black Cadillac Fleetwood into an oncoming car that was passing a pickup truck. Repairs cost over $1,000. Because of this accident, the boys were late for the show, so local high school student Carl 'Cheesie' Nelson stood in for 30 minutes. (photo)
LIVE PERFORMANCE(S) (2 shows)
The Arkansas Municipal Stadium, Texarkana, Arkansas. (7:00 pm and 9:00 pm)
Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley (later) Vocals: Carl Nelson - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black - Steel Guitar - Jimmy Day.
This is the show that Bob Neal promoted during his interview with Elvis, Scotty and Bill last Wednesday.
Elvis purchased a yellow 1954 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible for $4,995 while the pink Cadillac was being repaired.
1954 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" September 3, 1955 (Saturday)
These shows marked the end of the 'Jamborees'
LIVE PERFORMANCE(S) - The Belew Twins, Helen Hall, Jimmie Collie, LaFawn Paul, The Big D Gang, Elvis Presley, Scotty Moore, Bill Black
The Big "D" Jamboree, Sportatorium, Dallas, Texas.
This gig was organised by Ed McLemore.
Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black.
Songs performed: "That's All Right", "Baby, Let's Play House", and "Mystery Train".
LIVE PERFORMANCE(S) - Elvis Presley, Scotty Moore, Bill Black, Johnny Mathis
The Roundup Club, 2005 South Evray, Dallas, Texas. (2:00 am)
Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black.
BILLBOARD POP CHART (singles)
Best Sellers in Stores:
"The Yellow Rose of Texas" by Mitch Miller.
Most Played In Jukeboxes:
"Rock Around the Clock" by Bill Haley.
Most Played By Jockeys:
"The Yellow Rose of Texas" by Mitch Miller.
BILLBOARD C&W CHART (singles)
Best Sellers in Stores:
"I Don't Care" by Webb Pierce
"Baby Let's Play House" by Elvis Presley. #14
Most Played In Jukeboxes:
"I Don't Care" by Webb Pierce.
Most Played By Jockeys:
"I Don't Care" by Webb Pierce.
"Baby Let's Play House" by Elvis Presley. #9
BILLBOARD R&B CHART (singles)
Best Sellers in Stores:
"Maybellene" by Chuck Berry.
Most Played In Jukeboxes:
"Maybellene" by Chuck Berry.
Most Played By Jockeys:
"Maybellene" by Chuck Berry.
BILLBOARD POP CHART
Honor Roll of Hits:
"The Yellow Rose of Texas" by Mitch Miller.
BILLBOARD POP CHART (LP)
"Love Me or Leave Me" by Doris Day.
BILLBOARD POP CHART (EP)
"Love Me or Leave Me" by Doris Day.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" September 4, 1955 (Sunday)
No information
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" September 5, 1955 (Monday)
Start of 5 day package tour. (September 5 - September 8)
LIVE PERFORMANCE(S) - Elvis Presley, Scotty Moore, Bill Black, Floyd Cramer, Jimmy Day, Bud Deckerman, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Eddie Bond, Bob Neal (MC)
St. Francis County Fair and Livestock Show, Forrest City, Arkansas. (8:00 pm)
Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black.
Eddie Bond also performed on this show. It was Bond who Elvis unsuccessfully auditioned for at the Hi-Hat on May 15, 1954.
Elvis who performed on the back of a flatbed truck being watched by his proud mother Gladys as she sat in her Crown Victoria car where she met a young local musician called Roy Orbison.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" September 6, 1955 (Tuesday)
LIVE PERFORMANCE(S) - Elvis Presley, Scotty Moore, Bill Black, Floyd Cramer, Jimmy Day, Bud Deckerman, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Eddie Bond, Bob Neal (MC)
The High School Gymnasium, Bono, Arkansas. (8:00 pm)
Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black.
The band drove 80 miles to the north-west, where the attendance was so great the floor gave way but thankfully no one was hurt.
Songs performed: "That's All Right", "Blue Moon of Kentucky", "Milkcow Blues Boogie", "Just A Closer Walk With Thee" and "Peace in the Valley".
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" September 7, 1955 (Wednesday)
LIVE PERFORMANCE(S) - Elvis Presley, Scotty Moore, Bill Black, Floyd Cramer, Jimmy Day, Bud Deckerman, Johnny Cash, Bob Neal (MC)
The National Guard Armory, Sikeston, Arkansas. (8:00 pm)
Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" September 8, 1955 (Thursday)
LIVE PERFORMANCE(S) - Elvis Presley, Scotty Moore, Bill Black, Floyd Cramer, Jimmy Day, Bud Deckerman, Johnny Cash, Bob Neal (MC)
The City Auditorium, Clarksdale, Mississippi. (8:00 pm)
Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black.
Bob Neal complained to the colonel that Elvis' fee is too low. Parker who was not happy about this sent Neal a telegram stating that he can accept the Colonel's expertise or go his own way. Even though it might be possible to get $500 for certain dates, it would not be realistic to achieve this every night on a two week tour. Col. Parker had paid Elvis $250 a night in locations that he he has already played in which in turn guaranteed a crowd. He paid Elvis $175 for appearances in new territories. Parker also told Neal that he would like a telegram immediately that states which way he wants to go. "Your way, the way Elvis wants it, or the way the Colonel has it set up. It is immaterial to me".
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" September 9, 1955 (Friday)
LIVE PERFORMANCE(S) - Elvis Presley, Scotty Moore, Bill Black, Floyd Cramer, Jimmy Day, Bud Deckerman, Johnny Cash, Bob Neal (MC)
The High School Auditorium, McComb, Mississippi. (8:00 pm)
Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" September 10, 1955 (Saturday)
End of package tour.
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.
Elvis appeared without the band and after the show he boarded a commercial flight from Shreveport to Norfolk,
Virginia, while Scotty and Bill drove to Norfolk.
Colonel Parker wrote to Tom Diskin telling him to remind Elvis of how difficult it is to get enough dates to make up
a good tour.
In a second letter he told Diskin to make sure that Elvis is alone by taking him to your room or for lunch.
(photo)
BILLBOARD POP CHART (singles)
Best Sellers in Stores:
"The Yellow Rose of Texas" by Mitch Miller.
Most Played In Jukeboxes:
"Rock Around the Clock" by Bill Haley.
Most Played By Jockeys:
"The Yellow Rose of Texas" by Mitch Miller.
BILLBOARD C&W CHART (singles)
Best Sellers in Stores:
"I Don't Care" by Webb Pierce.
"Baby Let's Play House" by Elvis Presley. #15
Most Played In Jukeboxes:
"I Don't Care" by Webb Pierce.
Most Played By Jockeys:
"I Don't Care" by Webb Pierce.
"Baby Let's Play House" by Elvis Presley. #7
BILLBOARD R&B CHART (singles)
Best Sellers in Stores:
"Maybellene" by Chuck Berry.
Most Played In Jukeboxes:
"Maybellene" by Chuck Berry.
Most Played By Jockeys:
"Maybellene" by Chuck Berry.
BILLBOARD POP CHART
Honor Roll of Hits:
"The Yellow Rose of Texas" by Mitch Miller.
BILLBOARD POP CHART (LP)
"Love Me or Leave Me" by Doris Day.
BILLBOARD POP CHART (EP)
"Love Me or Leave Me" by Doris Day.
Billboard magazine reviewed Elvis' latest release on their "Best Buys" category along
with "If You Were Me"/"Love, Love, Love" by Webb Pierce. (photo)
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" September 11, 1955 (Sunday)
LIVE PERFORMANCE(S) - Hank Snow Jamboree - Hank Snow, Rainbow Ranch Boys, Elvis Presley, Scotty Moore, Bill Black, Cowboy Copas, The Louvin Brothers, Jimmie Rodgers Snow
The City Auditorium, Norfolk, Virginia. (2 shows) (3:00 pm - 8:00 pm)
Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black.
Elvis 'Pressley' joined this Hank Snow Jamboree for two days as a co-headliner.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" September 12, 1955 (Monday)
LIVE PERFORMANCE(S) - Hank Snow Jamboree - Hank Snow, Rainbow Ranch Boys, Elvis Presley, Scotty Moore, Bill Black, Cowboy Copas, The Louvin Brothers, Jimmie Rodgers Snow
The City Auditorium, Norfolk, Virginia. (8:00 pm)
Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" September 13, 1955 (Tuesday)
LIVE PERFORMANCE(S) - Hank Snow Jamboree
Shrine Auditorium, New Bern, North Carolina. (8:00 pm)
Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black.
The tour continued without Hank Snow.
To cover insurance for the band and make sure that Sun Records was not liable, Sam Phillips took out an insurance policy on the yellow 1954 Convertible and listed himself as the main insurer. He used the Presley's home address of 2414 Lamar Avenue.
Bob Neal wrote a thank you letter to WAAT DJ, Don Larkin in relation to his positive ratings towards "Baby, Let's Play House".
Neal also suggested that it might be a good idea to get Presley to appear on one of his shows. "This might help us with gaining national recognition as we are on a small record company label".
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" September 14, 1955 (Wednesday)
LIVE PERFORMANCE(S) - Hank Snow Jamboree
Fleming Stadium, Wilson, North Carolina. (8:00 pm)
Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" September 15, 1955 (Thursday)
LIVE PERFORMANCE(S) - Hank Snow Jamboree
The American Legion Auditorium, Roanoke, Virginia. (8:00 pm)
Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black.
Earlier in the year it was agreed that all decisions made around Elvis' career would go through the colonel, but Bob Neal negotiated a new one year deal with the Louisiana Hayride.
Under the new terms Elvis would be paid $200 per appearance a raise of 1000 percent. Vernon Presley was present to sign the contract which went into effect on November 11, 1955. Any missed performances carried a penalty of $400 each time.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" September 16, 1955 (Friday)
LIVE PERFORMANCE(S) - Hank Snow Jamboree - Hank Snow, Rainbow Ranch Boys, Elvis Presley, Scotty Moore, Bill Black, Cowboy Copas, The Louvin Brothers, Ken Marvin, Red Kirk (MC)
The City Auditorium, Asheville, North Carolina. (8:15 pm)
Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black.