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Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                                       June 1, 1956 (Friday)

The Presley's were at home to see how the installation of their new swimming pool was progressing. Elvis went to Beale Street to buy some clothing at Lansky Brothers.

Later that evening, Elvis went to see old friends Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and new Sun recording stars Roy Orbison and Warren Smith perform at the Overton park Shell in Memphis.

Elvis and Carl Perkins signed autographs for some fans. (photo) 

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Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                                June 2, 1956 (Saturday)

Frequent flyers (photo) Elvis and Gene Smith flew to Oakland, California. They arrived at 4:00 am and met up with the band who had already traveled by car.

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Scotty and Bill told Elvis that they heard a new song called "Be Bop A Lula" on the car radio and thought that Elvis had recorded a song without them. They later found out that the song was actually sung by a newcomer called Gene Vincent, who had copied Elvis' musical style.

BILLBOARD POP CHART  (singles)

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Best Sellers in Stores:

"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley.

"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by Elvis Presley. #19

Most Played In Jukeboxes:

"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley.

Most Played By Jockeys: 

"Moonglow and Them From Picnic" by Morris Stoloff.

"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley. #2

BILLBOARD C&W CHART  (singles)

Best Sellers in Stores:

"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley.

"I Forgot To Remember To Forget" by Elvis Presley. #5

"My Baby Left Me" by Elvis Presley. #14

Most Played In Jukeboxes:

"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley.

"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by Elvis Presley. #10

Most Played By Jockeys:

"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley.

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BILLBOARD R&B CHART  (singles)

Best Sellers in Stores:

"I'm In Love Again" by Fats Domino.    

"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley. #7

Most Played In Jukeboxes:

"Long Tall Sally" by Little Richard.

"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley. #9  

Most Played By Jockeys:

"I'm In Love Again" by Fats Domino.  

"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley. #8

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BILLBOARD POP CHART

Honor Roll of Hits: 

"Moonglow and Them From Picnic" by Morris Stoloff.

"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley. #2

The Top 100: 

"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley.

"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by Elvis Presley. #31

"Blue Suede Shoes" by Elvis Presley. #38

"I Was the One" by Elvis Presley. #52

"My Baby Left Me" by Elvis Presley. #72

"Money Honey" by Elvis Presley. #95

BILLBOARD POP CHART  (LP)

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"Elvis Presley" by Elvis Presley.

BILLBOARD POP CHART  (EP)

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No EP Chart

Billboard's reported that Milton Berle would present Elvis with two "Triple Crown" awards when Presley appeared on his show next Tuesday. (photo)

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Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                                   June 3, 1956 (Sunday)

Start of tour of California and Arizona (June 3 - June 10)

LIVE PERFORMANCE(S)

The Municipal Auditorium Arena, Oakland, California. (2 shows) (3:00 pm and 8:00 pm)

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

Elvis told the Oakland Tribune why he doesn't stand still. "I get nervous. If the police and my managers would let me, I'd get mobbed all the time. It makes you feel good. I would feel worse if they didn't swoon over me".

Oakland concert radio spot (audio)

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Oakland Radio Spot - Elvis Presley
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Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                                   June 4, 1956 (Monday)

Elvis and Gene Smith flew to Los Angeles for rehearsals in preparation for his second appearance on "The Milton Berle Show".

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Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                                  June 5, 1956 (Tuesday)

TELEVISION APPEARANCE: "THE MILTON BERLE SHOW"

NBC Studios, Radio City, Burbank, California. (8:00 pm)

 

Musicians: Rhythm Guitar & Vocals: Elvis Presley - Electric 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 made his second appearance on NBC TV's "The Milton Berle Show". The live show was broadcast from NBC's Studio in California.

Elvis sang a rip-roaring version of Leiber and Stoller's "Hound Dog" which ended with Milton Berle mimicking Elvis. Berle then introduced him to 21 year old Hollywood actress Debra Paget. (video)

Later, Milton and Elvis performed a comedy sketch which led into Elvis performing "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" with background vocals provided by the Jordanaires. (video)

 

When the song was over, Berle presented Elvis with the "Billboard Triple Crown" award for his recent hit single; "Heartbreak Hotel".

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"Hound Dog" - Elvis Meets Debra Paget (improved sound)

"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" (improved sound)

Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                            June 6, 1956 (Wednesday)

LIVE PERFORMANCE(S)

The San Diego Arena, San Diego, California.

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

The American press have now nicknamed him "Elvis the Pelvis" and compared his act to a striptease. Jack Gould of the New York Times wrote; "Mr. Presley has no discernible singing ability", while John Crosby of the New York Herald Tribune called Presley; "Unspeakably untalented and vulgar".

This criticism prompted parents, religious groups from the north and south, and the Parent-Teacher Association (video) to condemn Elvis and Rock 'n' Roll music in general by associating both with juvenile delinquency.

Checking fan mail with Judy Spreckles (photo)

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Milton Berle Show Backlash

Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                                June 7, 1956 (Thursday)

LIVE PERFORMANCE(S)

The Municipal Auditorium, Long Beach, California.

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

Harry Kalcheim informed the Colonel that everyone in the William Morris office was worried that Elvis looked tired on the Milton Berle show. He suggested that it might be wise to do less shaking during his performances. 

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Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                                      June 8, 1956 (Friday)

LIVE PERFORMANCE(S)

The Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, California.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elvis was interviewed by Lou Irwin. (audio)

 

 

RCA released an EP titled "Elvis Presley" (EPA-830)

Side 1: "Shake, Rattle and Roll", "I Love You Because"

Side 2: "Blue Moon", "Lawdy, Miss Clawdy"

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Lou Irwin Interview - Elvis Presley
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RCA Victor EPA-830 (45rpm)

Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                                June 9, 1956 (Saturday)

LIVE PERFORMANCE(S)

The State Fairgrounds Grandstand, Phoenix, Arizona.

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

Elvis' '54 Cadillac convertible has clocked up 47,798 miles after a checkup in Arizona.

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BILLBOARD POP CHART  (singles)

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Best Sellers in Stores:

"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley.

"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by Elvis Presley. #10

Most Played In Jukeboxes:

"Moonglow and Them From Picnic" by Morris Stoloff.

"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley. #3

Most Played By Jockeys: 

"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley.

"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by Elvis Presley. #18

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. #6

"I Forgot To Remember To Forget" by Elvis Presley. #11

Most Played In Jukeboxes:

"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley.

"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by Elvis Presley. #7

Most Played By Jockeys:

"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley.

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BILLBOARD R&B CHART  (singles)

Best Sellers in Stores:

"I'm In Love Again" by Fats Domino.    

"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley. #7

Most Played In Jukeboxes:

"I'm In Love Again" by Fats Domino.   

Most Played By Jockeys:

"I'm In Love Again" by Fats Domino.  

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BILLBOARD POP CHART

Honor Roll of Hits: 

"Moonglow and Them From Picnic" by Morris Stoloff.

"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley. #3

"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by Elvis Presley. #20

"My Baby Left Me" by Elvis Presley. #29

The Top 100: 

"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley.

"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by Elvis Presley. #19

"My Baby Left Me" by Elvis Presley. #34

"I Was The One" by Elvis Presley. #67

"Blue Suede Shoes" by Elvis Presley. #68

BILLBOARD POP CHART  (LP)

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"Elvis Presley" by Elvis Presley.

BILLBOARD POP CHART  (EP)

Vinyl Clip art.jpg

No EP Chart

Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                                 June 10, 1956 (Sunday)

LIVE PERFORMANCE(S)

The Rodeo Grounds, Tucson, Arizona.

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

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Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                                June 11, 1956 (Monday)

Elvis flew home for the funeral of his cousin Lee Edward Smith. Lee who had drowned, was the brother of Gene and Junior.

A crowd of fans gathered around his Audubon house, among them was June Juanico, the girl he met in Biloxi over a year ago. Elvis spent most of the week showing her around Memphis.

Even though there was still a lot of negative press around Elvis, Hollywood producer Hal Wallis told his partner, Joe Hazen that he would still sign Elvis because of the fine quality of his screen test. 

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Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                               June 12, 1956 (Tuesday)

Elvis and June Juanico flew to Houston, Texas.

June used the fake name of June Prichard to protect her from the press. They wanted to collect Elvis' newly purchased 1956 ivory coloured Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz. (photo)

Around this time, Harry Kalcheim told the Colonel that there was a lot of interest from the United Kingdom in Elvis playing the London Palladium.

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1956 Cadillac Series 62 Eldorado Biarritz Convertible

Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                        June 13, 1956 (Wednesday)

Elvis drove his new car back to Memphis and had breakfast with June at Bill Williams (a friend of the Colonel) on South Main Street.

TV host Steve Allen announced that he was asked to cancel Elvis' upcoming appearance on his show in July. Allen promised that; "If he does appear, Elvis Presley will not be allowed any of his offensive tactics".

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Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                             June 14, 1956 (Thursday)

Around this time, Milton Berle called Parker to tell him that based on the hundreds of thousands of "pan" letters he had received following Elvis' last appearance on his show that "you have a star on your hands". Sometime in June, Elvis got his haircut in Jim's Barber Shop and received a parking ticket on main street. (photos)

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Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                                    June 15, 1956 (Friday)

Vernon paid the motor tax on the 1955 Cadillac. (photo)

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Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                              June 16, 1956 (Saturday)

WHBQ "Dance Party", 1381 Madison Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee.

Elvis appeared with Dewey Phillips on "Dance Party" at WHBQ in Memphis. Local TV host Wink Martindale had a friendly chat with Elvis to promote the upcoming concert show at Russwood Park on July 4th. Elvis stated to Wink that the door prize will be his diamond initial ring. He also answered questions about his friendship with Judy Spreckles.

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"Dance Party" (complete audio) (partial video)

Elvis posed for a photograph with Wink Martindale's co-star, a young woman named Susie Bancroft. (photo)

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BILLBOARD POP CHART  (singles)

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Best Sellers in Stores:

"The Wayward Wind" by Gogi Grant.

"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley. #3

"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by Elvis Presley. #12

Most Played In Jukeboxes:

"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley.

"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by Elvis Presley. #15

Most Played By Jockeys: 

"Moonglow and Them From Picnic" by Morris Stoloff.

"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley. #4

"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by Elvis Presley. #23

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. #3

"I Forgot To Remember To Forget" by Elvis Presley. #15

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:

"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley.

"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by Elvis Presley. #15

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BILLBOARD R&B CHART  (singles)

Best Sellers in Stores:

"I'm In Love Again" by Fats Domino.    

"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley. #7

"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by Elvis Presley. #10

Most Played In Jukeboxes:

"I'm In Love Again" by Fats Domino. 

"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by Elvis Presley. #3  

Most Played By Jockeys:

"I'm In Love Again" by Fats Domino.

"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by Elvis Presley. #14  

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BILLBOARD POP CHART

Honor Roll of Hits: 

"Moonglow and Them From Picnic" by Morris Stoloff.

"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley. #4

"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by Elvis Presley. #21

"My Baby Left Me" by Elvis Presley. #30

The Top 100: 

"Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley.

"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" by Elvis Presley. #16

"My Baby Left Me" by Elvis Presley. #31

"Blue Suede Shoes" by Elvis Presley. #66

"Money Honey" by Elvis Presley. #66

BILLBOARD POP CHART  (LP)

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"Elvis Presley" by Elvis Presley.

BILLBOARD POP CHART  (EP)

Vinyl Clip art.jpg

No EP Chart

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Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                                 June 17, 1956 (Sunday)

No information.

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Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                                 June 18, 1956 (Monday)

No information.

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Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                               June 19, 1956 (Tuesday)

Elvis went to the fairgrounds amusement park in Memphis with some friends that included Barbara Hearn (photo) on what was designated as "coloured night".  They also went to the gridiron restaurant on main street where Elvis met a young woman named Robbie Moore (photo). They didn't hit it off and Elvis drank her drink and ate her sandwich. A professional photographer, Robert Williams was assigned by a magazine to take some pictures of Elvis.

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Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                        June 20, 1956 (Wednesday)

Larry Kanaga, (photo) vice-president of RCA wrote to the Colonel and reassured him that the negative press surrounding Elvis had little effect because of Elvis' great talent and Parker's keen business sense.

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Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                              June 21, 1956 (Thursday)

Elvis, accompanied by his two cousins, Gene and Junior, left for Atlanta, Georgia in his new Cadillac Biarritz. He had the oil changed with 2,185 miles registered.

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Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                                     June 22, 1956 (Friday)

Start of June 22 - June 30 tour

LIVE PERFORMANCE(S)

The Paramount Theatre, Atlanta, Georgia. (3 shows) (2:00 pm, 5:50 pm and 8:30 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.

The Jordanaires  joined "The Elvis Presley Show". (photo)

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Elvis: "A Day in the Life"                                                                                                                              June 23, 1956 (Saturday)

LIVE PERFORMANCE(S)

The Paramount Theatre, Atlanta, Georgia. (4 shows) (12:35 am, 3:15 pm, 5:50 pm and 8:30 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.

The latest copy of National Jesuit magazine titled; "Beware Elvis Presley" quoted other printed articles that described a Presley performance in Wisconsin as a "Striptease with cl