Elvis Presley’s Iconic Comeback Special Songs
Elvis comeback special songs, also known as the “King of Rock and Roll”, was one of the most influential and iconic musicians of all time. His music and performances have left a lasting impact on the music industry and continue to be celebrated by fans around the world. One of his most iconic moments in his career was his comeback special, which aired on NBC in 1968.
This special marked his return to live performances after a long hiatus from touring. The show featured Elvis performing some of his greatest hits in front of a live audience, showcasing his raw talent and charisma. In this blog post, we will take a look at the top 10 must-hear songs from Elvis’ iconic comeback special and the impact they had on music history.
The Most Memorable Songs from Elvis comeback special songs
The Elvis comeback special, also known as the ’68 Comeback Special, was a pivotal moment in Elvis’ career. After years of focusing on film roles and recording studio albums, Elvis returned to the stage with a bang. The special was a mix of live performances, intimate sit-down sessions, and behind-the-scenes footage. It captured the essence of Elvis’ music and personality, making it a fan favorite even after 50 years. The songs performed in the special were carefully selected to showcase Elvis’ versatility as an artist. Here are the top 10 most memorable songs from Elvis’ comeback special:
- “Heartbreak Hotel” – This was Elvis’ first major hit and a staple in his live performances. He performed it as part of a medley with “Hound Dog” and “All Shook Up” during the live segment of the comeback special.
- “Love Me Tender” – This classic ballad was originally written for Elvis’ film of the same name. However, he gave it a new life when he performed it during the intimate sit-down sessions of the comeback special.
- “Trying to Get to You” – This bluesy song was a hidden gem in Elvis’ discography. He gave a powerful and emotional performance of this song during the sit-down sessions, showcasing his vocal range and control.
- “Jailhouse Rock” – Another one of Elvis’ iconic hits, he performed this song during a dance routine with his dancers in the live segment of the special. It remains one of his most energetic and entertaining performances to date.
- “Baby, What You Want Me to Do” – Originally recorded by Jimmy Reed, Elvis made this song his own with a soulful and electrifying performance during the sit-down sessions. It perfectly showcased his ability to connect with the audience through his music.
- “Blue Suede Shoes” – This rockabilly classic was a must-have in any Elvis Presley concert. He performed it during the live segment of the comeback special, showcasing his signature hip-shaking moves that drove fans wild.
- “If I Can Dream” – Written specifically for the comeback special, this song captured the essence of Elvis’ message of hope and unity. It was the finale of the show and remains one of his most powerful and iconic performances.
- “Memories” – This emotional ballad was originally released as a single and later included in the soundtrack of Elvis’ documentary film, “Elvis: That’s the Way It Is”. He performed it during the sit-down sessions, giving it a more intimate and heartfelt touch.
- “Hound Dog” – One of Elvis’ most recognized songs, he performed it as part of a medley with “Heartbreak Hotel” and “All Shook Up” during the live segment. His energetic and playful performance of this song is a fan favorite.
- “One Night” – Originally recorded by Smiley Lewis, Elvis gave an electrifying performance of this song during the sit-down sessions. He added his own twist to it and made it a standout track in the comeback special.
A Look Back at Elvis comeback special songs
The songs performed in Elvis’ comeback special were a mix of his greatest hits and some lesser-known gems from his discography. Each song was carefully chosen to showcase a different side of Elvis as an artist. The show’s director, Steve Binder, worked closely with Elvis in selecting the songs and creating the overall theme of the special. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Binder shared that Elvis wanted to break away from the standard formula of his previous television performances and wanted to try something new. This led to the creation of a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere for the sit-down sessions and a more energetic and live feel for the performances.
One of the most memorable moments from the comeback special was when Elvis sat down with his acoustic guitar and performed some of his lesser-known songs. This allowed him to connect with his fans on a more personal level and showcase his raw talent as a musician. It was a refreshing change from his highly choreographed and scripted performances on previous TV appearances. This approach also allowed fans to rediscover some of Elvis’ less popular songs and appreciate them in a different light.
Top 10 Songs from Elvis’ Comeback Special
Now that we have taken a look at the most memorable songs from the comeback special, let’s dive into the top 10 must-hear songs from the show:
- “Heartbreak Hotel”
- “Love Me Tender”
- “Trying to Get to You”
- “Jailhouse Rock”
- “Baby, What You Want Me to Do”
- “Blue Suede Shoes”
- “If I Can Dream”
- “Memories”
- “Hound Dog”
- “One Night”
Rediscovering the Magic of Elvis comeback special songs
The comeback special was a significant moment in Elvis’ career, and the songs performed in the show played a crucial role in its success. The combination of his powerful vocals, energetic performances, and intimate sit-down sessions, made it a memorable experience for fans and critics alike. Even after 50 years, the songs from the comeback special continue to resonate with audiences and are still celebrated as some of Elvis’ best work.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Elvis’ comeback special, with new generations discovering the magic of his music and performances. In 2019, a remastered version of the show was released in honor of its 50th anniversary, adding to the excitement and nostalgia surrounding the event. This new release also included footage that was not seen before, giving fans a deeper look into the making of the show.
The Impact of Elvis comeback special songs on Music History
The impact of Elvis’ comeback special goes beyond just his fans and the music industry. It is considered a pivotal moment in music history, as it marked the return of one of the most influential and iconic musicians of all time. The show’s format and production were groundbreaking at the time, setting the standard for future music specials and concerts. It also showed the power of television as a medium for showcasing live music performances, influencing how artists approached their televised appearances.
The songs performed in the comeback special also had a significant impact on music history. They showcased Elvis’ versatility as an artist and his ability to transcend different genres, from rock and roll to ballads to blues. His performance of “If I Can Dream” is often cited as one of the defining moments of the civil rights movement in the 1960s. The song’s message of hope and unity resonated with audiences around the world, showing the power of music to bring people together.
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Elvis comeback special songs
In 2018, fans around the world celebrated the 50th anniversary of Elvis’ comeback special. It was a time for reflecting on the impact of the show and the songs that made it memorable. The celebration included special screenings of the remastered version of the show, exhibitions featuring behind-the-scenes footage and costumes, and tribute concerts by Elvis tribute artists. This milestone also brought renewed attention to Elvis’ legacy and his influence on popular culture.
To mark the occasion, a two-hour documentary, “Elvis Presley: The Searcher”, was released. The film explored the making of the comeback special and its significance in Elvis’ career. It also delved into the personal struggles and challenges that Elvis faced during this time, giving viewers a deeper understanding of the man behind the music.
Unforgettable Performances: Elvis comeback special songs
One of the reasons why the comeback special remains a fan favorite is because of the unforgettable performances by Elvis. His energy, charisma, and stage presence continue to captivate audiences, even after 50 years. Each song performed in the show had its unique moment that showcased a different side of Elvis as an artist. From his powerful vocals in “If I Can Dream” to his playful dance moves in “Jailhouse Rock”, each performance left a lasting impression on fans.
Another standout moment from the comeback special was when Elvis performed a medley of his hits while wearing a black leather suit. This iconic outfit has become synonymous with the comeback special and has been recreated by many artists and tribute performers over the years. The medley itself was a spectacle, with Elvis showcasing his signature moves and interacting with the audience, creating an electric atmosphere.
Behind the Scenes: The Making of Elvis’ Comeback Special Songs
The making of the comeback special was just as intriguing as the show itself. The special’s director, Steve Binder, worked closely with Elvis to create a unique and intimate experience for viewers. In an interview with Variety, Binder shared that he wanted to capture the essence of Elvis as a performer and show his raw talent without any distractions or gimmicks. He also revealed that Elvis was very involved in the creative process and wanted to take risks and try new things.
One of the most memorable moments behind the scenes was when Elvis played and sang “In the Ghetto” on the piano during breaks in filming. This spontaneous performance was captured by the cameras and later included in the special, showing Elvis’ passion and love for music. It is also a testament to the authenticity of the show and how it captured Elvis’ personality and talent.
Why Elvis’ Comeback Special Songs Still Resonate Today
Even after 50 years, the songs performed in Elvis’ comeback special continue to resonate with audiences. They showcase the timelessness of Elvis’ music and his ability to connect with people through his performances. The special has become a classic, and each song has its own significance and impact on fans. From the timeless ballads to the energetic rock and roll hits, the songs from the comeback special have stood the test of time and continue to inspire new generations.
The remastered version of the special released in 2019 was a testament to the enduring legacy of Elvis’ comeback special and the impact it had on music history. It also gave fans an opportunity to rediscover the magic of these iconic songs and see them in a new light. With every new generation, there are new fans of Elvis who continue to be amazed by his talent and charisma.
Conclusion
Elvis Presley’s comeback special was a defining moment in his career and in music history. The songs performed in the show showcased his versatility as an artist and captured the essence of his music. Even after 50 years, these songs continue to resonate with audiences and are celebrated as some of Elvis’ best work.
From the powerful vocals in “If I Can Dream” to the playful energy in “Jailhouse Rock”, each song has its own special moment that makes it a must-hear for any music lover. The impact of the comeback special and its songs on popular culture and music history is undeniable, making it an iconic milestone in the career of the King of Rock and Roll.
The Iconic Elvis Comeback Special Reliving the Magic of ‘If I Can Dream’
