[GuitarMan66]

Also made me smile about him changing the name of Chautauqua to The Trouble With Girls ( and how to get into it).........much more of a catchy title (IMG:http://elvis-tkc.com/forum2/style_emoticons/default/LSHIC.gif) (IMG:http://elvis-tkc.com/forum2/style_emoticons/default/LSHIC.gif)

Yeah Chris I had to laugh at that to when I saw it.....how could the Colonel say Chataqua was a hard title to to sell a film with..and then go and change to something as ridiculous as the final title he chose.. (IMG:http://elvis-tkc.com/forum2/style_emoticons/default/wings_hmm.gif) as if that makes it any easier..

[Scatter]

HOW IN THE NAME OF SCATTER'S NANNERS DID I MISS THIS THREAD?!?!?!?! Steve, you're my hero buddy...........this was a FANTASTIC idea!!! Thanks for all the work you put into it mate!! I'll be a regular visitor here now, you can be sure of that.

[GuitarMan66]

Awe thanks for the kind words mate..you bringin a tear to ol Pacer's eye...either that or smoke from my camp fire gettin in my eyes...(IMG:http://elvis-tkc.com/forum2/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) ..seriuosly though..thanks Gary...I'm pleased you like it all buddy..(IMG:http://elvis-tkc.com/forum2/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Elvis_Priestly]

Great stuff again Steve! This thread is a fine resource and what a year 1968 was! Lisa-Marie, TV Special, Vegas Contract and he still managed to do three films!!

[LittleDarlin]

Thanks Pacer, I appreciate your time.

[GuitarMan66]

Thanks Pacer, I appreciate your time.

YW..Carol....good to see you back around the forum... (IMG:http://elvis-tkc.com/forum2/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) (IMG:http://elvis-tkc.com/forum2/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[pacer1965]

Great read Steve thanks (IMG:http://elvis-tkc.com/forum2/style_emoticons/default/notworthy2.gif) Are you stopping at 1973? (IMG:http://elvis-tkc.com/forum2/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) EPE might be after you if you don't (IMG:http://elvis-tkc.com/forum2/style_emoticons/default/busted_cop.gif) (IMG:http://elvis-tkc.com/forum2/style_emoticons/default/whistling.gif) (IMG:http://elvis-tkc.com/forum2/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)


TCE
Lorraine

[Scatter]

UPDATE...........UPDATE............UPDATE!!! Get to work you loafer (IMG:http://elvis-tkc.com/forum2/style_emoticons/default/LSHIC.gif)

[GuitarMan66]

loafer? thats a type of shoe isnt it?..(IMG:http://elvis-tkc.com/forum2/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[pacer1965]

I think your right Gary,he has been slacking just lately (IMG:http://elvis-tkc.com/forum2/style_emoticons/default/busted_cop.gif) (IMG:http://elvis-tkc.com/forum2/style_emoticons/default/whistling.gif) (IMG:http://elvis-tkc.com/forum2/style_emoticons/default/LSHIC.gif)


TCE
Lorraine

[GuitarMan66]

I think your right Gary,he has been slacking just lately (IMG:http://elvis-tkc.com/forum2/style_emoticons/default/busted_cop.gif) (IMG:http://elvis-tkc.com/forum2/style_emoticons/default/whistling.gif) (IMG:http://elvis-tkc.com/forum2/style_emoticons/default/LSHIC.gif)
TCE
Lorraine

Shush you two..I'm the worlds slowest typer me..(IMG:http://elvis-tkc.com/forum2/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[Scatter]

Shush you two..I'm the worlds slowest typer me..(IMG:http://elvis-tkc.com/forum2/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

(IMG:http://elvis-tkc.com/forum2/style_emoticons/default/LSHIC.gif) (IMG:http://elvis-tkc.com/forum2/style_emoticons/default/LSHIC.gif)

I might give you a run for the slowest typer title buddy!! I really do appreciate all the work here mate. Terrific stuff!!

[GuitarMan66]

Thanks Gary...very nice of you to say so...its all good fun..no problem...(IMG:http://elvis-tkc.com/forum2/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[spanish eyes]

I have a confession.... I started to read this a while back, then you must have stopped typing, then I came back and started to read it again from the beginning. I've oooooooo and OMG and laughed reading it, good job Steve (IMG:http://elvis-tkc.com/forum2/style_emoticons/default/up.gif)

Are you still having a rest in between years? lol

[GuitarMan66]

1969
January 6
Various discussions take place at Graceland between Elvis and his record producer Felton Jarvis over a scheduled recording session later in the month to be held in Nashville. However friends George Klein and Marty Lacker suggest to Elvis that he should try recording at Chips Moman’s American Studio on Thomas Street, North Memphis. Felton agrees with the idea as it might help give Elvis a fresh sound plus the convenience of not having to travel as far as Nashville and a decision is made.
January 8
Elvis celebrates his 34th birthday at Graceland.
January13
Elvis reports to American Sound studios for a recording session with some of the country’s top session men including guitarist Reggie Young, bassist Tommy Cogbill and drummer Bobby Wood. The musicians are at first sceptical of Elvis’ commitment to the session but soon change their opinion when the first song (Long Black Limousine) is rehearsed. Despite Elvis having a heavy cold the session runs until 5.00am and 3 songs are cut.
January 14
Recordings continue from 7.00pm until 8.30am with several more songs committed to tape. But Elvis’ cold gets worse and he leaves for home while the musicians lay down backing tracks for further recordings and overdubs for the songs already recorded.
January 20-22
With Elvis now recovered from his cold the sessions resume for the next 3 days at American Sound studios. Recording some of his finest work in years including massive hit singles In The Ghetto (23 takes) and Suspicious Minds which Elvis completes in only 4 takes.
During these sessions Elvis meets one of his heroes r&b star Roy Hamilton and in a moment of spontaneous generosity Elvis offers him one of his songs Angelica which he was due to record.
January 24
Along with several of the entourage Elvis, Priscilla and Lisa fly out to Aspen Colorado for a ski and snow-mobile holiday.
February 1
In Aspen the group celebrate Lisa Marie’s first birthday.
Over the next few weeks a huge legal battle breaks out over the publishing rights to Suspicious Minds and a division between Felton Jarvis and Chips Moman has also began to arise as Felton feels Elvis is being taken away from him.
However the difficulties are eventually smoothed over and another session is booked at American Sound.
February17-22
Elvis is at the studios every night usually from 7.30pm until around 5.30am again recording some of his most contemporary music to date, including songs True Love Travels On A Gravel Road, Stranger In My Own Hometown, Only The Strong Survive and Kentucky Rain.
February 26
Whilst in Vegas Elvis and the Colonel visit the construction site of the International Hotel and Elvis is photographed signing his contract to appear there in the coming summer, however the real document is actually signed on April 15th.
March 5
In L.A. Elvis begins work on the soundtrack to his last ever scripted movie Change of Habit. Sessions run from 7.00pm until 2.00am at Decca Universal Studios.
March 10
Pre-production work begins on the movie, which co-stars Mary Tyler Moore.
March 12
Filming begins primarily in the studio though some locations around L.A. are used.
March 27
Elvis begins work on material for his up coming Vegas engagement working closely with Charlie Hodge on plans for the show. Joe Esposito buys a new tape recorder, speakers and other audio equipment as well as a drum kit all for ongoing musical experimentation.
April 15
Elvis signs the official contract for his Vegas engagement at the International Hotel. In the contract there is a clause permitting filming of a concert documentary as well as an option for a second season and complimentary suites for both Elvis and the Colonel.
April 29
With filming now complete on the movie Elvis is dismissed from Change Of Habit.
May 4
Elvis, Priscilla and Lisa together with the Gambills, the Fikes, the Espositos and Charlie Hodge they all fly out to Hawaii. They spend time at 2 hotels, the Ilikai and Coco Palms.
May 18
The group return to L.A.
May 20
The Circle G ranch is sold for $440,000 to the North Mississippi Gun Club though the ranch will end up back in Elvis’ hands when they default on the payments.
May 28
Now back in Memphis Elvis spends most of the day sleeping before taking a late afternoon dip in the pool. This is followed by the now regular autograph signing sessions down at the gates. During the night he screens Goodbye, Columbus, Winning ( a racing film with Paul Newman) and Death of a Gun Fighter at the Memphian.
June 8
Once again Elvis is down at the gates signing autographs and meeting the fans. According to Elvis’ uncle Vester the Colonel doesn’t like him doing this but feels it is helping him get used to crowds again in preparation for his upcoming Vegas shows.
June 10
International owner Kirk Kerkorian arranges an 8.00pm flight for Elvis and some friends to fly from Memphis to Vegas to view construction of the new two thousand seat showroom. From here Elvis flies on to L.A. for wardrobe fittings with Bill Belew whom Elvis had previously worked with on the NBC special.
July 14
Around this time Elvis speaks with virtually every musician he knows about accompanying him to Vegas. He finally settles on a band that comprises of James Burton (lead guitar) Larry Muhoberac (keyboards) Ronnie Tutt (drums) Jerry Scheff (bass) and John Wilkinson (rhythm guitar). He also hires gospel singers The Imperials and The Sweet Inspirations.
July 18
Rehearsals begin at the RCA studio on Sunset Blvd. With Elvis and the musicians learning around 150 songs over the next six nights of work. Charlie Hodge continues his role working closely with Elvis on song choices and pacing of the show, his role as a serious musical collaborator and on stage helper are set from the start.
July 28
With rehearsals running every day Elvis takes a break to catch another of Barbra Streisand’s shows at the hotel. Elvis remarks to Charlie that “its one helluva big stage to fill” and that he’s pleased his band and back up singers will be around him.
July 29
Two days of rehearsals now follow in the showroom itself along with the 30 piece International orchestra led by Bobby Morris.
Meanwhile Colonel Parker has been running massive ad campaigns all over Vegas and the surrounding areas.
July 31
During the course of the day Elvis the musicians, back up singers and orchestra go through two complete shows, with Elvis dressed in one of the karate style “Cossack” outfits Bill Belew has designed complete with dangling macramé belt.
At 8.15pm The Sweet Inspirations start the opening of the show, while backstage Elvis is trying to cope with a bout of panic attacks that don’t cease until he takes the stage to rapturous applause at 10.15pm.
The invitation -only audience consists of stars of screen and music as well as the press many of whom have been flown in on Kirk Kerkorian’s private jet. The response to Elvis’ performance is almost cataclysmic as Elvis is bursting with energy, falling to his knees, sliding across the stage and according to some reports even doing summersaults and the audience is on its feet almost the entire show.
The press reports over the following days have the reporters almost lost for words trying to explain what they have witnessed.
After the show in the hotel coffee shop after some impromptu negotiations Parker rewrites Elvis’ contract on the tablecloth along with International president Alex Shoofey. Elvis’ salary is raised to $125,000 a week while extending the hotels option to include two engagements a year for the next five years.
Aug 1
During a 12.30am press conference following the show, Elvis confesses to the press that he was “a little nervous for the first three songs” but then thought “What the heck, get with it man, or you might be out of a job tomorrow”
The evening show takes on the usual set up for the remainder of the engagement, two shows a night starting at 8.15pm and the next at midnight.
Aug 14
Parker completes a deal for Elvis to appear at the Houston Livestock and Rodeo show at the Astrodome from Feb 27th - March 3rd for a fee of $150,000.
Aug 21
Felton Jarvis tests recording equipment during an afternoon rehearsal and dinner performance for a full taping of the midnight show. These are the first recordings of Elvis playing with the new band.
Aug 22
By now Elvis is in total control of the shows and often engaging in informal chats with the audience. However in the Colonels view some of these “chats” can sometimes be deemed offensive especially during the dinner shows when children are present. He writes to Elvis expressing his opinions and concludes saying “Only you can change it” and “not to undo all of the good that we have created during the first part of our engagement”.
Aug 28
Elvis completes his record breaking summer season with total attendance figures of 101,500 and gross receipts of $1,522,635. Compared to Dean Martin who has just finished a 3 week stint at the smaller Riviera Hotel with attendance figures of 50,000.
Alex Shoofey conveys his thanks to Elvis and on the success of the shows presents him with an all expenses paid trip to Hawaii plus eight others.
September 1
Elvis is back in L.A. and for the first time in almost ten years has nothing in his calendar until a scheduled recording session in January 1970. He spends the month restlessly flying between Las Vegas, L.A., Palm Springs and Memphis where he regularly hires the Memphian for all night movie screenings.
October 3
Elvis flies to L.A then onto Hawaii accompanied by Priscilla, Vernon and Dee along with the Espositos, Gambills, and Schillings in a trip largely financed by thee International Hotel.
October 12
Plans are drawn up for Elvis, Priscilla and some of the families to go to Europe on an extended holiday. Passport papers are finalized and everyone is ready to go until Parker hears of the plan. He explains to Elvis that his European fans would be greatly insulted for him to go over as a tourist and have no plans to do any shows. At first Elvis puts up a fight but soon the momentum is lost and on Parkers advice everyone heads for the Bahamas where the Colonel has contacts and they will enjoy the gambling.
Nov 7
Elvis again spends most of his time in Vegas and L.A. and whilst in L.A. takes karate lessons from Ed Parker who awards him with certificates of advancement largely based on his contributions to the sport.
Dec 18
Elvis returns to Memphis for the Christmas holidays, where he spends almost every night at the Memphian until his return to L.A. in January.
Dec 25
Vernon once again dresses up as Santa Clause. Elvis gives Priscilla a black fox coat while she gives him a black velvet suit plus shirts and trousers for his personal use designed by Bill Belew.
Dec 30
$612.41 worth of fireworks are delivered to Graceland for the annual New Years Eve display.
Dec 31
Elvis’ party is held at a new Memphis club TJ’s, where Alan Fortas is now working. Entertainment is provided by Ronnie Milsap, Flash and the Board of Directors and songwriter Mark James performs his song Suspicious Minds.

[NightRider]

Excellent info of what was one of my favourite Elvis years.....great read. Thanks Steve (IMG:http://elvis-tkc.com/forum2/style_emoticons/default/thumbup.gif)

[J]

Why don't you also add a few pictures to each date we have pictures from... 'cause I don't think that the typing is enough work for you. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

But seriously, that's some typing you've done there, Steve! Great job... looking forward for more!

[GuitarMan66]

Thanks guys..appreciate your comments..(IMG:http://elvis-tkc.com/forum2/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
Jouni Ive actually thought of putting pics in with the the relevant years..(IMG:http://elvis-tkc.com/forum2/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) ..but think I'll leave it till the last year is done..

[C.C.Rider]

Nice read Steve thanks ! I agree. A few pictures would add to it. (IMG:http://elvis-tkc.com/forum2/style_emoticons/default/thumbup.gif)

[pacer1965]

Are you still having a rest in between years? lol

(IMG:http://elvis-tkc.com/forum2/style_emoticons/default/LSHIC.gif) Almost forgot about this thread myself (IMG:http://elvis-tkc.com/forum2/style_emoticons/default/blush.gif)


Thanks Steve great read (IMG:http://elvis-tkc.com/forum2/style_emoticons/default/thumbup.gif)

TCE
Lorraine