"A Day in the life"
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" February 1, 1956 (Wednesday)
The Colonel flew back to Nashville, and left RCA in charge of Elvis and his second "Stage Show" appearance.
After Elvis had a few hours of sleep he went to Trenton, New Jersey for a Radio interview with WAAT D.J. Don Larkin (photo). Packet containing Popsie negatives from the William Morris photoshoot. (photo)
Later he attended a press reception in his honour at the Hickory House. When asked about his reaction to his success, he says: "It scares me, you know, it just scares me."
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" February 2, 1956 (Thursday)
Vernon and Gladys received a letter from Carolyn Asmus, Colonel Parker's secretary telling them the itinerary for the February tour. (photo)
CBS' "Stage Show" exercised it's option for two additional shows, but the Colonel and Elvis' Saturday nights are tied down to "The Louisiana Hayride" until March 17th and 24th.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" February 3, 1956 (Friday)
RECORDING SESSION: (RCA Victor)
RCA Studio 1, 155 East 24th Street, Manhattan, New York. (10:30 am - 1:30 pm)
Producer: Steve Sholes.
Engineer: Ernie Oehlrich.
Musicians: Vocals: Elvis Presley - Electric Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black - Drums: D.J. Fontana - Piano: Shorty Long.
The band reported back to the RCA studio in New York to record two more tracks.
Starting at 10:30 am, over the next three hours they cut Lloyd Price's "Lawdy, Miss Clawdy" and the song Elvis sang on his national television debut; "Shake, Rattle and Roll".
Elvis received a cheque from RCA for $82.50 for the two recordings made.
Shorty Long
Mr. A.H. Vaughn, vice manager of the First American National Bank in Nashville wrote to Elvis (photo) and informed him that Colonel Parker had deposited $1200.00 into his savings account. He congratulated Elvis on his success and how great it was to have the Colonel as your manager. He also told Elvis that "I have known Mr. Parker for a number of years and am confident if you follow his advice and direction, you will profit much by his great knowledge and experience."
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" February 4, 1956 (Saturday)
TELEVISION APPEARANCE: "STAGE SHOW" (2nd appearance)
CBS Studio 50, 1697 Broadway, Manhattan, New York City. (8:00 pm)
Musicians: Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black - Drums: D.J. Fontana.
Elvis made his second appearance on the Dorsey Brothers "Stage Show". Again, he didn't perform "Heartbreak
Hotel", instead he sang a song originally recorded at Sun Records that the band promoted live, "Baby' Let's Play
House" (video). They followed it with the recently recorded Little Richard tune; "Tutti Frutti" (video).
Elvis then went to the Roseland Dance Club after the show on the Dorsey Brothers invitation.
Steve Sholes wrote to Colonel Parker to say that Elvis "has conducted himself very well and made a good impression on all."
"Baby Let's Play House" (improved sound)
"Tutti Frutti" (improved sound)
BILLBOARD POP CHART (singles)
Best Sellers in Stores:
"Memories Are Made of This" by Dean Martin.
Most Played In Jukeboxes:
"Memories Are Made of This" by Dean Martin.
Most Played By Jockeys:
"Memories Are Made of This" by Dean Martin.
BILLBOARD C&W CHART (singles)
Best Sellers in Stores:
"Sixteen Tons" by Ernie Ford.
"I Forgot To Remember To Forget" by Elvis Presley. #4
Most Played In Jukeboxes:
"Sixteen Tons" by Ernie Ford.
"I Forgot To Remember To Forget" by Elvis Presley. #3
Most Played By Jockeys:
"Love, Love, Love" by Webb Pierce.
"I Forgot To Remember To Forget" by Elvis Presley. #4
BILLBOARD R&B CHART (singles)
Best Sellers in Stores:
"The Great Pretender" by the Platters.
Most Played In Jukeboxes:
"The Great Pretender" by the Platters.
Most Played By Jockeys:
"The Great Pretender" by the Platters.
BILLBOARD POP CHART
Honor Roll of Hits:
"Memories Are Made of This" by Dean Martin.
The Top 100:
"Memories Are Made of This" by Dean Martin.
BILLBOARD POP CHART (LP)
** Change: Weekly to Last Issue of Every Month **
BILLBOARD POP CHART (EP)
No EP Chart
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" February 5, 1956 (Sunday)
This was the start of a tour of the Virginias and the Carolinas. It covered February 5th, until February 10th.
LIVE PERFORMANCE(S) - Elvis Presley, The Blue Moon Boys, The Louvin Brothers, Mother Maybelle and the Carter Sisters, Rod Brasfield, Justin Tubb, Benny Martin.
The Mosque Theatre, Richmond, Virginia. (2 shows) (2:30 pm and 8:30 pm)
Musicians: Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black - Drums: D.J. Fontana.
Elvis and his "Blue Mooners" headlined over acts such as The Louvin Brothers, The Carter Sisters with Mother Maybelle, Rod Brasfield, Justin Tubb and Benny Martin.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" February 6, 1956 (Monday)
LIVE PERFORMANCE(S) - Elvis Presley, The Blue Moon Boys, The Louvin Brothers, Mother Maybelle and the Carter Sisters, Rod Brasfield, Justin Tubb, Benny Martin.
The National Theatre , Greensboro, North Carolina. (4 shows) (2:30 pm, 4:30 pm, 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm)
Musicians: Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black - Drums: D.J. Fontana.
According to the box office report, the audience of 2,900 included 249 'coloured'.
After watching both of Elvis' Dorsey television performances and the show in Richmond, William Morris Agent Harry Kalcheim wrote to Col. Parker and suggested to him that Elvis' singing would be enhanced if he stood out more from the other musicians. "He should avoid too much clowning around as it detracts from his singing."
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" February 8, 1956 (Wednesday)
LIVE PERFORMANCE(S) - Elvis Presley, The Blue Moon Boys, The Louvin Brothers, Mother Maybelle and the Carter Sisters, Rod Brasfield, Justin Tubb, Benny Martin.
The Ambassador Theatre, Raleigh, North Carolina. (4 shows) (2:30 pm, 4:30 pm, 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm)
Musicians: Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black - Drums: D.J. Fontana.
Colonel Parker gave the band a cash advance against earnings for the following dates: February 5th - February 26th.
A total of $385.00 was split by all members:
Elvis: $150.00 Scotty: $130.00 Bill: $80.00 D.J.: $25.00
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" February 9, 1956 (Thursday)
LIVE PERFORMANCE(S) - Elvis Presley, The Blue Moon Boys, The Louvin Brothers, Mother Maybelle and the Carter Sisters, Rod Brasfield, Justin Tubb, Benny Martin.
The Carolina Theatre, Spartanburg, South Carolina, appearing every two hours from 3:15 pm, until 9:15 pm.
Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black - Drums: D.J. Fontana.
Elvis pictured with Justin Tubb and backstage with Red West.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" February 10, 1956 (Friday)
LIVE PERFORMANCE(S) - Elvis Presley, The Blue Moon Boys, The Louvin Brothers, Mother Maybelle and the Carter Sisters, Rod Brasfield, Justin Tubb, Benny Martin.
The Carolina Theatre, Charlotte, North Carolina. (4 shows) (2:30 pm, 4:30 pm, 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm).
Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black - Drums: D.J. Fontana.
These shows ended the Virginias and Carolinas tour
The Charlotte News reports a total of 6,000 people at the four shows with more than a thousand turned away.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" February 11, 1956 (Saturday)
TELEVISION APPEARANCE: "STAGE SHOW" (3rd appearance)
CBS Studio 50, 1697 Broadway, Manhattan, New York City. (8:00 pm)
Musicians: Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black - Drums: D.J. Fontana.
Elvis made his third appearance on the Dorsey Brothers "Stage Show". He kicked off with Carl Perkins' "Blue Suede
Shoes" (video), and then performed his new RCA single's A-side "Heartbreak Hotel" (video).
It was rumoured that CBS up until this point didn't want to broadcast Elvis singing "Heartbreak Hotel" as it was
deemed the song's lyrics were not appropriate. Steve Sholes' relentless pressure paid off in the end.
"Blue Suede Shoes" (improved sound)
"Heartbreak Hotel" (improved sound)
BILLBOARD POP CHART (singles)
Best Sellers in Stores:
"Memories Are Made of This" by Dean Martin.
Most Played In Jukeboxes:
"Memories Are Made of This" by Dean Martin.
Most Played By Jockeys:
"Memories Are Made of This" by Dean Martin.
BILLBOARD C&W CHART (singles)
Best Sellers in Stores:
"Sixteen Tons" by Ernie Ford.
"I Forgot To Remember To Forget" by Elvis Presley. #4
Most Played In Jukeboxes:
"Sixteen Tons" by Ernie Ford.
"I Forgot To Remember To Forget" by Elvis Presley. #3
Most Played By Jockeys:
"Why Baby Why" by Red Sovine & Webb Pierce.
"I Forgot To Remember To Forget" by Elvis Presley. #4
BILLBOARD R&B CHART (singles)
Best Sellers in Stores:
"The Great Pretender" by the Platters.
Most Played In Jukeboxes:
"The Great Pretender" by the Platters.
Most Played By Jockeys:
"The Great Pretender" by the Platters.
BILLBOARD POP CHART
Honor Roll of Hits:
"Memories Are Made of This" by Dean Martin.
The Top 100:
"Memories Are Made of This" by Dean Martin.
BILLBOARD POP CHART (LP)
No LP Chart
BILLBOARD POP CHART (EP)
No EP Chart
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" February 12, 1956 (Sunday)
Elvis and the band set off on a 7:30 am flight for Norfolk in Virginia for the start of an east coast tour:
(February 12 - February 16).
LIVE PERFORMANCE(S) - Elvis Presley, The Blue Moon Boys, The Louvin Brothers, Mother Maybelle and the
Carter Sisters, Justin Tubb, Benny Martin.
The Municipal Auditorium, Norfolk, Virginia. (3 shows) (2:00 pm, 5:00 pm, and 8:00 pm)
Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black - Drums: D.J. Fontana.
Ray Pulley worked while a student at Oscar Frommel Smith High School in South Norfolk as a DJ for radio station WOSFM. He
interviewed Elvis and the Carter Sisters when they appeared at the Municipal Auditorium. (audio)
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" February 13, 1956 (Monday)
LIVE PERFORMANCE(S) - Elvis Presley, The Blue Moon Boys, The Louvin Brothers, Mother Maybelle and the Carter Sisters, Justin Tubb, Benny Martin.
The Paramount Theatre, Newport, Virginia. (4 shows) (4:30 pm, 7:00 pm, 9:00 pm and 11:00 pm)
Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black - Drums: D.J. Fontana.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" February 14, 1956 (Tuesday)
LIVE PERFORMANCE(S) - Elvis Presley, The Blue Moon Boys, The Louvin Brothers, Mother Maybelle and the Carter Sisters, Justin Tubb, Benny Martin.
Charles L. Coon High School Auditorium, Wilson, North Carolina. (3 shows) (7:00 pm, 9:00 pm and an added show at 11:00 pm)
Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black - Drums: D.J. Fontana.
The performers had refused to play the last show unless the Colonel gave them extra payment for it.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" February 15, 1956 (Wednesday)
LIVE PERFORMANCE(S) - Elvis Presley, The Blue Moon Boys, The Louvin Brothers, Mother Maybelle and the Carter Sisters, Justin Tubb, Benny Martin.
The Walt Williams High School, Burlington, North Carolina.
Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black - Drums: D.J. Fontana.
Songs performed: "That's All Right", "Blue Moon Of Kentucky", "Good Rockin' Tonight", "I Forgot To Remember To Forget" and "I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone".
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" February 16, 1956 (Thursday)
End of East Coast tour.
LIVE PERFORMANCE(S) - Elvis Presley, The Blue Moon Boys, The Louvin Brothers, Mother Maybelle and the Carter Sisters, Justin Tubb, Benny Martin.
The Carolina Theatre, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. (3 shows) (4:30 pm, 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm)
Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black - Drums: D.J. Fontana.
Harry Kalcheim wrote to the Colonel and asked about setting up an engagement in Las Vegas.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" February 17, 1956 (Friday)
Elvis and the band left Winston-Salem on a 5:50 am flight to New York City.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" February 18, 1956 (Saturday)
TELEVISION APPEARANCE: "STAGE SHOW" (4th appearance)
CBS Studio 50, 1697 Broadway, Manhattan, New York City. (8:00 pm)
Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black - Drums:
D.J. Fontana.
Elvis made his fourth appearance on the Dorsey Brothers "Stage Show". He sang a song that he had performed two
weeks earlier on the show, "Tutti Frutti" (video). The band followed it with the newly released single's B side;
"I Was The One". (video)
At 11:45 pm, Elvis and the band flew to Tampa, Florida.
"Tutti Frutt" (improved sound)
"I Was The One" (improved sound)
BILLBOARD POP CHART (singles)
Best Sellers in Stores:
"The Rock and Roll Waltz" by Kay Starr.
Most Played In Jukeboxes:
"Memories Are Made of This" by Dean Martin.
Most Played By Jockeys:
"The Great Pretender" by the Platters.
BILLBOARD C&W CHART (singles)
Best Sellers in Stores:
"Sixteen Tons" by Ernie Ford.
"I Forgot To Remember To Forget" by Elvis Presley. #2
Most Played In Jukeboxes:
"Sixteen Tons" by Ernie Ford.
"I Forgot To Remember To Forget" by Elvis Presley. #2
Most Played By Jockeys:
"Why Baby Why" by Red Sovine & Webb Pierce.
"I Forgot To Remember To Forget" by Elvis Presley. #4
BILLBOARD R&B CHART (singles)
Best Sellers in Stores:
"The Great Pretender" by the Platters.
Most Played In Jukeboxes:
"The Great Pretender" by the Platters.
Most Played By Jockeys:
"The Great Pretender" by the Platters.
BILLBOARD POP CHART
Honor Roll of Hits:
"Memories Are Made of This" by Dean Martin.
The Top 100:
"The Great Pretender" by the Platters.
BILLBOARD POP CHART (LP)
No LP Chart
BILLBOARD POP CHART (EP)
No EP Chart