For the first decade of the rock 'n' roll era, Elvis was unrivaled in fame, fortune, and importance. He was a sensation with virtually no precedent, but following a stint in the Army just when he was peaking, the focus of his career shifted from making dangerous music to mass-producing safe movies. Then came the TV event that we now know as the “’68 Comeback Special.” It was originally supposed to be an hour-long ode to Christmas. What it became instead was a showcase for the power of Elvis—a rocket that not only launched Presley back onto the charts, but also fueled the rest of his life. This is the story of that showcase—a mid-career milestone that mirrored Elvis’ miraculous rise to the top by breaking rules and rattling expectations.
THE KING OF COME BACKS • ELVIS WAS SPECIAL — EVEN WHEN IT CAME TO REVIVING HIS CAREER
LOST IN HOLLYWOOD • FOR ELVIS, THE DREAM OF BECOMING A MATINEE IDOL WAS BETTER THAN THE REALITY
ELVIS ON TV • STARTING IN THE 1950S, AMERICA’S “NEW FASCINATION” MADE ELVIS PRESLEY A SENSATION
A NEW VISION • STEVE BINDER REINTRODUCED THE KING OF ROCK TO HIMSELF — AND TO A WHOLE NEW GENERATION
ELVIS REBORN • WITH ENCOURAGEMENT AND SUPPORT, ELVIS REMINDED THE WORLD OF WHO HE WAS
THE PERFORMANCES • ELVIS FILLED THE SHOW WITH ALL THE MUSIC THAT HE LOVED
THAT’S THE WAY IT IS • THE’ 68 COMEBACK SPECIAL KICKSTARTED THE LAST STRONG PUSH OF ELVIS’ CAREER — AND LIFE
ELVIS '68 Comeback Special - A 55th Anniversary Celebration
PHOTO CREDITS
ELVIS • ’68 COMEBACK SPECIAL