"A Day in the life"
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" July 1, 1956 (Sunday)
TELEVISION APPEARANCE: "THE STEVE ALLEN SHOW"
The Hudson Theatre, 141 West 44th St, Broadway, New York City. (8:00 pm)
Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black - Drums: D.J. Fontana.
Backup Vocals: The Jordanaires: 1st Tenor: Gordon Stoker - 2nd Tenor: Neal Matthews - Baritone: Hoyt Hawkins - Bass: Hugh Jarrett.
Due to the furore created by Elvis' previous performance of "Hound Dog" on "The Milton Berle show", it was decided to present him in a toned down version for the Steve Allen show. Elvis wore a tuxedo and a pair of blue suede shoes. Standing in front of an ancient Greek backdrop he sang "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You". (video) As the song ended, Allen wheeled out Sherman, a basset hound that wore a top hat and Elvis had to sing a much more subdued version of "Hound Dog", (video) a song that Allen told the watching audience "Elvis was going in the studio tomorrow to record".
Later he appeared in a comedy sketch titled; "Range Round Up" with Steve Allen, Andy Griffith and Imogene Coca.
Elvis was paid $5,000 for this appearance.
"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You"/"Hound Dog"
(improved sound)
"Range Roundup" (comedy sketch)
"Hy Gardner Calling"
After the show Elvis went back to his hotel room, where he was interviewed over the telephone by syndicated columnist reporter for The New York Herald Tribune:
Hy Gardner . (video)
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" July 2, 1956 (Monday)
RECORDING SESSION: (RCA Victor)
RCA Studio 1, 155 East 24th Street, Manhattan, New York. (2:00 pm - 5:00 pm) and (6:00 pm - 9:00 pm)
Producer: Steve Sholes
Engineer: Ernie Oehlrich.
Musicians: Lead Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Electric Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black - Drums: D.J.
Fontana - Piano: Shorty Long. (except on "Hound Dog") - Piano: Gordon Stoker. (only on "Hound Dog")
Backup Vocals: The Jordanaires: 1st Tenor: Gordon Stoker - 2nd Tenor: Neal Matthews - Baritone: Hoyt Hawkins - Bass: Hugh Jarrett.
Elvis left the Hilton Hotel with his cousin Junior Smith and joined the musicians in RCA's New York Studio. Between 2:00 pm and 9:00 pm they recorded three songs and this was the first session were Elvis made it clear that he was the producer from now on. "Hound Dog" took 31 takes to get the satisfied master, while "Don't Be Cruel" took 28. This was the first song brought directly to Elvis by Hill and Range representative Freddy Bienstock, who was designated as the song's publisher with his cousins Jean and Julian Aberbach as special emissary to the singer. Also present was RCA's publicist, Anne Fulchino who again hired photographer Alfred Wertheimer to capture images from the session.
Songs recorded: "Hound Dog", "Don't Be Cruel (to a heart that's true)" and "Any Way You Want Me (that's how I will be)". (audio)
Fans waited outside the building while the session was in progress, holding placards with the message; "We want the real Elvis" and not the one that appeared on yesterday's TV show.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" July 3, 1956 (Tuesday)
Elvis arrived at Penn Station (photo) for a 27 hour train ride back home to Memphis. He was joined by Scotty, Bill, D.J., Junior Smith, Colonel Parker, Tom Diskin and Alfred Wertheimer.
While at the station, Elvis met fellow rocker Gene Vincent and congratulated him on his recent success with "Be Bop A Lula". Vincent thanked Elvis and assured him that he wasn't trying to copy him.
The party boarded the 11:30 am train bound for Memphis.
Around this time, William Morris informed Universal International Films that the Bill Randle short; "A day in the life of a famous DJ" were not authorised to use any footage of Elvis unless they pay him at least $50,000.
Elvis left the train in Memphis and walked home to Audubon Drive. He arrived as a new swimming pool was being installed. He spent the afternoon with his family and a female friend, Barbara Hearn whom he played the acetates of "Don't Be Cruel" and "Anyway You Want Me".
LIVE PERFORMANCE(S)
Russwood Park, Memphis, Tennessee. (8:00 pm)
Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Lead Guitar: Scotty Moore - Bass: Bill Black - Drums: D.J. Fontana.
Backup Vocals: The Jordanaires: 1st Tenor: Gordon Stoker - 2nd Tenor: Neal Matthews - Baritone: Hoyt Hawkins - Bass: Hugh Jarrett.
Elvis performed a charity concert at Russwood Park, where he told the crowd; "You know, those people in New York ain't gonna change me none. I'm gonna show you what the real Elvis is like tonight".
Russwood Park (silent footage)
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" July 4, 1956 (Wednesday)
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" July 5, 1956 (Thursday)
Elvis began his first real vacation since he became famous. He visited 12 year old Ellen Mincey at St. Joseph's Hospital in Memphis. She along with her mother were injured in a car crash the day before as they returned home from a picnic to get ready for the show at Russwood Park. (photo)
No information.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" July 6, 1956 (Friday)
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" July 7, 1956 (Saturday)
Elvis drove to his birthplace of Tupelo for the day.
BILLBOARD POP CHART (singles)
Best Sellers in Stores:
"The Wayward Wind" by Gogi Grant.
"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by Elvis Presley. #4
"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley. #12
Most Played In Jukeboxes:
"The Wayward Wind" by Gogi Grant.
"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley. #2
"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by Elvis Presley. #9
Most Played By Jockeys:
"The Wayward Wind" by Gogi Grant.
"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by Elvis Presley. #7
"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley. #19
BILLBOARD C&W CHART (singles)
Best Sellers in Stores:
"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley.
"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by Elvis Presley. #2
Most Played In Jukeboxes:
"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley.
"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by Elvis Presley. #2
Most Played By Jockeys:
"Crazy Arms" by Ray Price.
"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley. #5
"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by Elvis Presley. #11
BILLBOARD R&B CHART (singles)
Best Sellers in Stores:
"I'm In Love Again" by Fats Domino.
"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley. #13
"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by Elvis Presley. #15
Most Played In Jukeboxes:
"I'm In Love Again" by Fats Domino.
"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by Elvis Presley. #8
Most Played By Jockeys:
"I'm In Love Again" by Fats Domino.
"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by Elvis Presley. #12
"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley. #15
BILLBOARD POP CHART
Honor Roll of Hits:
"The Wayward Wind" by Gogi Grant.
"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by Elvis Presley. #7
"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley. #9
The Top 100:
"The Wayward Wind" by Gogi Grant.
"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by Elvis Presley. #5
"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley. #11
"My Baby Left Me" by Elvis Presley. #43
"I Was The One" by Elvis Presley. #79
BILLBOARD POP CHART (LP)
"Elvis Presley" by Elvis Presley.
BILLBOARD POP CHART (EP)
No EP Chart
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" July 8, 1956 (Sunday)
No information.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" July 9, 1956 (Monday)
Elvis arrived at June Juanico's house in Biloxi, Mississippi, along with both of his cousins Gene and Junior Smith. Red West also tagged along with Arthur Hooton, a friend whose mother worked with Gladys at Britling's Cafeteria.
The Juanico's weren't expecting this visit and the group stayed at the Sun 'n' Sand Hotel Court.
Bill Haley was supposed to play at the Roosevelt Stadium in Jersey City, but the Mayor, Bernard J. Berry banned this Rock & Roll show due to the trouble last month at Asbury Park. (video)
A city ordinance was passed that read: "Rock and roll music encourages juvenile delinquency and inspires young females in lewd bathing suits to perform obscene dances on the city's beaches."
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" July 10, 1956 (Tuesday)
The media found out about Elvis' visit to Biloxi and rumours quickly escalated that he was engaged to June.
(RADIO INTERVIEW) - WNOE Radio, New Orleans, Louisiana.
The couple originally heard about this on a New Orleans radio station (WNOE) and drove there with the rest of the party to set the record straight. (audio)
Afterwards they visited the Pontchartrain Beach Amusement Park before heading back to Biloxi.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" July 11, 1956 (Wednesday)
Elvis stayed in Biloxi for the next three weeks, he moved out of the Sun 'n' Sand because his car was damaged outside in the parking lot by fans.
He stayed in a Villa at the Gulf Hills Dude Ranch Resort, before moving into a private home nearby.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" July 12, 1956 (Thursday)
Elvis and his buddies went deep-sea fishing on the Aunt Jennie (photo) with June's mother May, and her boyfriend, Eddie Bellman.
Later, Elvis contacted his parents and suggested that they both come and pay a visit to Biloxi.
America's number one television host, Ed Sullivan, who had previously gone on record to say that he wouldn't touch Presley with a "ten foot pole" announced that he had now booked him for three separate appearances on his variety show.
The Colonel told Harry Kalcheim that Elvis must remain in control of the presentation of his songs and explained that fan mail is running ten to one against any restrictions of his movements.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" July 13, 1956 (Friday)
Vernon and Gladys Presley arrived in Biloxi and Gladys told Elvis that the hotel parking lot is filled with fans because her pink and white Cadillac is parked there and they think it's Elvis' car.
RCA released their new Elvis single which was issued as a "double A" side.
"Hound Dog"/"Don't Be Cruel" (20/47-6604)
The picture sleeve used a live shot from Elvis' recent appearance on the "Steve Allen Show".
RCA Victor 47-6604 (45rpm) - (Both Sleeve Variations)
RCA Victor 47-6604 (45rpm) RCA Victor 20-6604 (78rpm)
June's family brought the Presley's deep sea fishing while Eddie Bellman made some home movies of the event. (video)
The New York Times announced Elvis' upcoming appearances on "The Ed Sullivan Show".
On Board the "Aunt Jennie" (silent footage)
(Audio: "The Wayward Wind" by Gogi Grant and "I'm In Love Again" by Fats Domino
BILLBOARD POP CHART (singles)
Best Sellers in Stores:
"The Wayward Wind" by Gogi Grant.
"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by Elvis Presley. #4
"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley. #16
Most Played In Jukeboxes:
"The Wayward Wind" by Gogi Grant.
"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by Elvis Presley. #4
"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley. #5
Most Played By Jockeys:
"The Wayward Wind" by Gogi Grant.
"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by Elvis Presley. #7
BILLBOARD C&W CHART (singles)
Best Sellers in Stores:
"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by Elvis Presley.
"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley. #2
Most Played In Jukeboxes:
"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley.
"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by Elvis Presley. #3
Most Played By Jockeys:
"Crazy Arms" by Ray Price.
"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by Elvis Presley. #5
BILLBOARD R&B CHART (singles)
Best Sellers in Stores:
"I'm In Love Again" by Fats Domino.
Most Played In Jukeboxes:
"I'm In Love Again" by Fats Domino.
"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by Elvis Presley. #8
Most Played By Jockeys:
"I'm In Love Again" by Fats Domino.
BILLBOARD POP CHART
Honor Roll of Hits:
"The Wayward Wind" by Gogi Grant.
"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by Elvis Presley. #7
"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley. #13
The Top 100:
"The Wayward Wind" by Gogi Grant.
"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by Elvis Presley. #4
"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley. #17
"My Baby Left Me" by Elvis Presley. #42
BILLBOARD POP CHART (LP)
"My Fair Lady" by the original cast.
"Elvis Presley" by Elvis Presley. #2
BILLBOARD POP CHART (EP)
No EP Chart
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" July 14, 1956 (Saturday)
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" July 15, 1956 (Sunday)
Tape box containing the RCA masters of "Hound Dog" and "My Baby Left Me" possibly used for the extended play: "The Real Elvis" (EPA-940)
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" July 16, 1956 (Monday)
Elvis and June showed Vernon and Gladys around New Orleans. Later Elvis' parents returned to Memphis while he and June once again visited Pontchartrain Beach Amusement Park.
Elvis was interviewed by Jim Stewart. (audio)
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" July 17, 1956 (Tuesday)
John Lardner, who wrote for Newsweek, blasted Steve Allen for trying to 'civilise' Elvis Presley.
Elvis went to Gus Stevens' Seafood Restaurant and Bucaneer Lounge in Biloxi. He saw Brother Dave Gardner emcee.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" July 18, 1956 (Wednesday)
No information.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" July 19, 1956 (Thursday)
Elvis went to Gus Stevens' restaurant and club in Biloxi. He saw Brother Dave Gardner emcee and the Four Coins who were performing. (photo)
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" July 20, 1956 (Friday)
Elvis was mobbed by fans in Hattiesburg, Mississippi on his way back to Memphis.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" July 21, 1956 (Saturday)
Elvis traded in his yellow 1954 Cadillac Convertible for a lavender 1956 Lincoln Premiere. He also threw a pool party at his home.
1954 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible
1956 Lincoln Premiere Convertible
BILLBOARD POP CHART (singles)
Best Sellers in Stores:
"The Wayward Wind" by Gogi Grant.
"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by Elvis Presley. #3
"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley. #18
Most Played In Jukeboxes:
"The Wayward Wind" by Gogi Grant.
"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by Elvis Presley. #4
"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley. #7
Most Played By Jockeys:
"The Wayward Wind" by Gogi Grant.
"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by Elvis Presley. #7