"A Day in the life"
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" August 1, 1957 (Thursday)
A rumour had been circulating within the black community that Elvis had previously stated that "The only thing negroes can do is buy my records and shine my shoes". After determining that tracing the rumoured racial slur would be like running a gopher to earth, Jet Magazine, a leading African-American periodical, sent reporter Louie Robinson to the set of "Jailhouse Rock" to confront the singer himself.
Elvis protested in a rare on-set interview, normally assigned to one of the Colonel's chosen columnists.
"I Never said anything like that, people who know me, know I wouldn't have said that".
The reporter interviewed many members of the black community that knew Elvis, from Dr. W.A. Zuber, a physician in Tupelo, to R&B singer, Ivory Joe Hunter.
The reporter also pointed out that Elvis never appeared in any of the places where he was supposed to have made the remark. Robinson concluded that Elvis' belief was "People are people, regardless of race, colour or creed".
The Colonel turned down the opportunity for Elvis to make an appearance in Great Britain.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" August 2, 1957 (Friday)
No information.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" August 3, 1957 (Saturday)
No information.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" August 4, 1957 (Sunday)
No information.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" August 5, 1957 (Monday)
No information.
BILLBOARD POP CHART (singles)
Best Sellers in Stores:
"Teddy Bear" by Elvis Presley.
"All Shook Up" by Elvis Presley. #23
Most Played By Jockeys:
"Teddy Bear" by Elvis Presley.
"Loving You" by Elvis Presley. #25
BILLBOARD C&W CHART (singles)
Best Sellers in Stores:
"Teddy Bear" by Elvis Presley.
Most Played By Jockeys:
"Bye Bye Love" by the Everly Brothers.
"Teddy Bear" by Elvis Presley. #6
BILLBOARD R&B CHART (singles)
Best Sellers in Stores:
"Searchin'" by The Coasters.
"Teddy Bear" by Elvis Presley. #4
Most Played By Jockeys:
"Searchin'" by The Coasters.
"Teddy Bear" by Elvis Presley. #2
BILLBOARD POP CHART
Honor Roll of Hits:
"Teddy Bear" by Elvis Presley.
"All Shook Up" by Elvis Presley. #30
The Top 100:
"Teddy Bear" by Elvis Presley.
"All Shook Up" by Elvis Presley. #22
"Loving You" by Elvis Presley. #37
BILLBOARD POP CHART (LP)
"Loving You" by Elvis Presley.
"Peace In The Valley" by Elvis Presley. #8 (EP)
Most Played By Jockeys:
"Swingin' Affair" by Frank Sinatra.
BILLBOARD POP CHART (EP)
No EP Chart
Billboard reported that extended play albums were back in demand again and were no longer seen as an 'Inventory Headache'. RCA alone had recently doubled the amount of releases which they now issued bi-weekly rather than monthly.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" August 6, 1957 (Tuesday)
The Colonel wrote to Elvis about the "Jailhouse Rock" stills he had MGM create for his own personal collection. He also mentioned the "Xmas Album" recording session coming up in September and the deal made for the photo album that will come with the Christmas Album gatefold sleeve. (photo)
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" August 7, 1957 (Wednesday)
Actress Venetia Stevenson arrived from Hollywood for a visit. She married at 17 to actor Russ Tamblyn on Valentine's Day in 1956 were divorced in April 1957.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" August 8, 1957 (Thursday)
Venetia joined Elvis, Lamar Fike, George Klein, Cliff Gleaves and others at the Memphis Fairgrounds and then to a private midnight screening of "Loving You" at the Strand.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" August 9, 1957 (Friday)
No information.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" August 10, 1957 (Saturday)
Sometime this month, Elvis swapped his three wheeler Burgundy 1956 Messerschmitt KR200 "Bubble Car" with Bernard Lansky. Elvis was allowed to pick up any clothing he fancied over a two and a half hour shopping spree in Lansky's store.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" August 11, 1957 (Sunday)
No information.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" August 12, 1957 (Monday)
No information.
BILLBOARD POP CHART (singles)
Best Sellers in Stores:
"Teddy Bear" by Elvis Presley.
Most Played By Jockeys:
"Teddy Bear" by Elvis Presley.
BILLBOARD C&W CHART (singles)
Best Sellers in Stores:
"Bye Bye Love" by the Everly Brothers.
"Teddy Bear" by Elvis Presley. #2
Most Played By Jockeys:
"Bye Bye Love" by the Everly Brothers.
"Teddy Bear" by Elvis Presley. #4
BILLBOARD R&B CHART (singles)
Best Sellers in Stores:
"Searchin'" by The Coasters.
"Teddy Bear" by Elvis Presley. #3
Most Played By Jockeys:
"Searchin'" by The Coasters.
"Teddy Bear" by Elvis Presley. #2
BILLBOARD POP CHART
Honor Roll of Hits:
"Teddy Bear" by Elvis Presley.
The Top 100:
"Teddy Bear" by Elvis Presley.
"All Shook Up" by Elvis Presley. #32
"Loving You" by Elvis Presley. #33
BILLBOARD POP CHART (LP)
"Loving You" by Elvis Presley.
"Peace In The Valley" by Elvis Presley. #13 (EP)
Most Played By Jockeys:
"Swingin' Affair" by Frank Sinatra.
BILLBOARD POP CHART (EP)
No EP Chart
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" August 13, 1957 (Tuesday)
No information.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" August 14, 1957 (Wednesday)
James Savery contacted Elvis to inform him how plans for "The Elvis Presley Youth Centre" behind his birthplace in Tupelo were progressing. This was to be financed in large part by his upcoming benefit performance at this year's Mississippi-Alabama State Fair.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" August 15, 1957 (Thursday)
Elvis asked Steve Sholes to hire soprano Millie Kirkham, who often worked with The Jordanaires, for his next session. He had admired her work most recently on Ferlin Husky's "Gone".
Bill of sale from O. K. Houck Piano Company for payment of $637.06 for the ourchase of a Fender Bass with Case and an amplifier. (photo)
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" August 16, 1957 (Friday)
No information.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" August 17, 1957 (Saturday)
No information.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" August 18, 1957 (Sunday)
No information.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" August 19, 1957 (Monday)
No information.
BILLBOARD POP CHART (singles)
Best Sellers in Stores:
"Teddy Bear" by Elvis Presley.
Most Played By Jockeys:
"Tammy" by Debbie Reynolds.
"Teddy Bear" by Elvis Presley. #2
"Loving You" by Elvis Presley. #20
BILLBOARD C&W CHART (singles)
Best Sellers in Stores:
"Bye Bye Love" by the Everly Brothers.
"Teddy Bear" by Elvis Presley. #2
Most Played By Jockeys:
"Bye Bye Love" by the Everly Brothers.
"Teddy Bear" by Elvis Presley. #7
"Mean Woman Blues" by Elvis Presley. #11 (EP)
BILLBOARD R&B CHART (singles)
Best Sellers in Stores:
"Searchin'" by The Coasters.
"Teddy Bear" by Elvis Presley. #2
Most Played By Jockeys:
"Send For Me" by Nat (King) Cole.
"Teddy Bear" by Elvis Presley. #4
BILLBOARD POP CHART
Honor Roll of Hits:
"Tammy" by Debbie Reynolds.
"Teddy Bear" by Elvis Presley. #2
The Top 100:
"Teddy Bear" by Elvis Presley.
"Loving You" by Elvis Presley. #29
"All Shook Up" by Elvis Presley. #38
BILLBOARD POP CHART (LP)
"Loving You" by Elvis Presley.
Most Played By Jockeys:
"Swingin' Affair" by Frank Sinatra.
"Loving You" by Elvis Presley. #3
BILLBOARD POP CHART (EP)
No EP Chart
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" August 20, 1957 (Tuesday)
Elvis spent some time with Fred Daniel, Ace Richman and Burl Strevel (The Sunshine Boys), Anita Wood and Lamar Fike at Graceland. (photos)
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" August 21, 1957 (Wednesday)
Elvis purchased two stone lions from a residence at 160 Cherry Road in Memphis and had them installed on either side of the steps leading up to Graceland's front door at a cost of $51,000.
RCA shipped their latest Elvis extended play: "Just For You" (EPA-4041) All of the songs except for one track ("Is It So Strange") were recently released on side 2 of the "Loving You" soundtrack album.
Songs:
Side 1: "I Need You So"/"Have I Told You Lately That I Love You".
Side 2: "Blueberry Hill"/"Is It So Strange".
RCA Victor (EPA-4041)
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" August 22, 1957 (Thursday)
Radio Recorders Tape Box containing tracks from the "Jailhouse Rock" soundtrack were sent to RCA.
Anita Wood won the mid-south "Hollywood Star Hunt" competition. A grand prize of a small role in an independent Hollywood film is up for grabs for the winner of the finals in New Orleans.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" August 23, 1957 (Friday)
No information.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" August 24, 1957 (Saturday)
No information.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" August 25, 1957 (Sunday)
No information.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" August 26, 1957 (Monday)
No information.
BILLBOARD POP CHART (singles)
Best Sellers in Stores:
"Tammy" by Debbie Reynolds.
"Teddy Bear" by Elvis Presley. #2
Most Played By Jockeys:
"Tammy" by Debbie Reynolds.
"Teddy Bear" by Elvis Presley. #2
"Loving You" by Elvis Presley. #24
BILLBOARD C&W CHART (singles)
Best Sellers in Stores:
"Bye Bye Love" by the Everly Brothers.
"Teddy Bear" by Elvis Presley. #2
Most Played By Jockeys:
"Bye Bye Love" by the Everly Brothers.
"Teddy Bear" by Elvis Presley. #7
BILLBOARD R&B CHART (singles)
Best Sellers in Stores:
"Searchin'" by The Coasters.
"Teddy Bear" by Elvis Presley. #3
Most Played By Jockeys:
"Send For Me" by Nat (King) Cole.
"Teddy Bear" by Elvis Presley. #4
BILLBOARD POP CHART
Honor Roll of Hits:
"Tammy" by Debbie Reynolds.
"Teddy Bear" by Elvis Presley. #2
The Top 100:
"Teddy Bear" by Elvis Presley.
"Loving You" by Elvis Presley. #33
"All Shook Up" by Elvis Presley. #39
BILLBOARD POP CHART (LP)
"Loving You" by Elvis Presley.
Most Played By Jockeys:
"Swingin' Affair" by Frank Sinatra.
"Loving You" by Elvis Presley. #3
BILLBOARD POP CHART (EP)
No EP Chart
RCA push the sales of their artists through an "extended play" records promotion: "The 45 Economy Pack". Two EP's from Elvis are used: "Loving You" - Vol II" (EPA2-1515) and "Just For You" (EPA-4041).
Tape recorders were now becoming popular and the leading companies including RCA released their own models.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" August 27, 1957 (Tuesday)
Elvis said goodbye to his parents and Anita Wood at the railroad station as he departed for the west coast with George Klein, Lamar Fike and Cliff Gleaves on the 11:00 pm train. His young cousin Billy Smith was also there to see him leave.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" August 28, 1957 (Wednesday)
The Memphis Press-Scimitar ran a story about Elvis' departure for the west coast to begin a new tour that promoted his upcoming new film; "Jailhouse Rock".
"Before boarding an 11 o’clock train last night at Central Station, Elvis Presley told a small crowd gathered to see him off a bit of information that may stir many a teenager’s heart.
That information?
“Anita is number one with me – strictly tops,” Elvis beamed, meaning the pert and pretty blonde Anita Wood standing beside him. Anita, a WHBQ-TV star, was one of two winners of the Mid-South Star Hunt last Thursday.
Elvis and three travelling companions left for the Pacific northwest, where the rock ‘n’ roller will make a personal appearance tour.
About 25 young fans were on hand for his unannounced departure at 11 p.m. As the train lurched forward and Elvis waved, three small girls who had pushed to the front of the crowd began crying".
"A Sharp Couple!"
Elvis wore a light blue sportcoat and navy blue slacks. Anita looked chic in a black dress with white lace collar.
Elvis embraced his mother several times and she reminded him to “Be good, son” as he boarded the train. “Take care of yourself, boy,” said Mr. Presley. Mrs. Presley said she “worries about Elvis” when he goes on trips.
Elvis kissed Anita twice for photographers (and about five times for himself) before hopping aboard.
As the train moved away, Anita burst into tears and Mrs. Presley put her arm around her. The Presley's and Anita walked arm in arm out of the station to the Cadillac again, with Uncle Travis, himself moist-eyed, following.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" August 29, 1957 (Thursday)
Elvis and his friends arrived in Spokane, Washington at 11:20 pm for the start of a new tour, which will once again be managed by Al Dvorin and promoted by Lee Gordon.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" August 30, 1957 (Friday)
LIVE PERFORMANCE(S)
The Memorial Stadium, Spokane, Washington.
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 entered the stadium in a Cadillac driving through lines of police guards. Wearing black slacks, a black shirt covered by his gold jacket, he performed eighteen songs during the second half of a show that included a juggler, tap dancers, acrobats and comedians.
The show attracted a crowd of 12,500.
Elvis: "A Day in the Life" August 31, 1957 (Saturday)
LIVE PERFORMANCE(S)
The Empire Stadium, Vancouver, British Columbia. (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.
Songs performed: "Heartbreak Hotel", "I Was the One", "I Got A Woman", "That's When Your Heartaches Begin".
In a press conference before the show Elvis tells reporters that his first love was "old colored spirituals." He goes on to say, probably with very little exaggeration, "I know practically every religious song that's ever been written."
Twice the show has to be stopped, as the audience surrounds the stage and the Colonel, who has bitterly protested the lax Canadian security arrangements for a crowd of 26,500, pulls Elvis offstage and cautions him to tone down his act. Not surprisingly, Elvis is impervious to suggestion, and tension continues to rise until in the end, as George Klein recalls, "the last thing we saw was the stage being turned over."
