Elvis: Legendary performance that was seen and heard around the world

January 14, 1973, marks a very unique day in history. Elvis Presley did what no one else had ever done before. His live concert was transmitted by satellite around the world. “Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii” was performed live on location at the Honolulu International Center. The catch was that it aired with a delay in the United States due to the Super Bowl VII and his movie, "Elvis On Tour," was playing in theaters at the same time. (This film would earn him a Golden Globe Award for best documentary.) 

The "Aloha Show," was eighty-five minutes long. The show was a benefit for the Kui Lee Cancer Fund, and Elvis received no pay. Kui Lee was a singer, songwriter from Hawaii who died of lymph gland cancer in 1966. Elvis recorded one of Kui's songs, "I'll Remember You," which Elvis also sang in the concert. Marty Pasetta, of Pasetta Productions, produced this with NBC and RCA Records. This would also become NBC's highest-rated program of that year. The soundtrack album would also become the last chart-topper for Elvis on Billboard's album chart. 

Elvis always wanted to perform in other countries, but Colonel Tom Parker prevented that. If you saw the latest movie, "Elvis," you would understand a little more on the relationship of these two men. The idea of doing this satellite broadcast came to Colonel Parker when he saw the broadcast of President Richard Nixon's visit to China. The "Rehearsal Show" took place on January 12, 1973. The Satellite Concert took place on January 14, 1973, starting at 12:30 Hawaii time. Twenty-two songs were performed. After the concert, Elvis, the band and the Inspirations returned to the stage to record the "Post Show" - five more songs and one that was not used in the broadcast.

A little background on Marty Pasetta: Pasetta had produced specials for the likes of Perry Como, Glen Campbell, Bing Crosby and Don Ho. Pasetta had attended one of Elvis' concerts prior and was not very impressed with Elvis' performance - feeling that it lacked. He had his doubts that he would be able to produce a ninety-minute special with him, but as you all know it worked.  

The funding: RCA Records (promoter of Elvis tours) would receive $1 million from NBC for the special, and RCA would receive $100,000, while Elvis and Parker would split $900,000. Donations could only be accepted at the performance during the live filming. Tickets could not be sold due to the satellite broadcast, so donations were taken during the filming of the live performance and when the seats ran out, they turned people away. Elvis made the first donation of $1,000. With this donation, he allowed some people in that couldn't donate for the entry. The production cost was a total of $2.5 million. 

Elvis was told by Pasetta that he would make the set, and Pasetta also would control all about the filming. Pasetta also told Elvis that he had to lose weight for the filming. Elvis was actually excited to work with Pasetta. I think Elvis enjoyed the break away from Colonel Parker. Elvis lost the weight by increasing his karate, consuming more vitamins and protein drinks and using weight-reduction pills. This enabled Elvis to lose twenty-five pounds in time before the filming, all in one month. The rehearsal show opener was filmed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village helipad with a thousand of fans in attendance.

Now the costumes.  Elvis actually worked with his designer for his costumes that would be worn. Since the show was being broadcast around the world, Elvis wanted everyone to know that it spoke, "America." He wanted it to have a patriotic design. This was one of the few times that Elvis was able to make a special request and he did it right. The flag was considered, but the eagle was the decision. If you've ever been able to take the tour of Graceland, you will be able to see this entire jumpsuit. The jumpsuit had the eagle on both the front and back. The belt was made of leather with five ovals for the Great Seal of the U.S. 

There were two capes made, a short hip-length and a long calf-length. The long cape weighed in at twelve pounds and was only worn at the end of the concert, at the final bow; Elvis threw it into the audience. These were all hand stitched with several pieces of jewelry and 6,500 stone inlays. The short cape was also thrown into the audience and was caught by Honolulu Advertiser Sportswriter, Bruce Spinks. Spinks sold it to collector Andrew Kern, at the request of Andrew at his death, that it be donated back to Elvis Enterprises. The long cape was sold at an auction in 1999 for $105,250. In 2014, it was listed by the RR Auction Co. The bids reached $90,000 with a short reserve. The seller and buyer had to negotiate the final price.

The Aloha first VHS release was in 1984. The Deluxe Edition release was in 2004. A Special Edition release was in 2006, and in 2023, the newly remastered set was released. If you have any of these, you have some treasures. I, myself do have these, as I am a huge Elvis fan and have been since I was three years old.  

To celebrate Elvis’ "90-year birthday" this year, go to an Elvis tribute show here in Branson. We have Jerry Presley’s Aloha from Hawaii and Elvis in Concert shows at God and Country Theaters; Dean Z - The Ultimate Elvis, at Clay Cooper Theatre; Elvis: Story of a King, at the Americana Theatre; and also, The Million Dollar Quartet playing at Shepherd of the Hills. 

Elvis came close to Branson, but not to Branson in his early travels, but a tribute show here is the next best thing. Enjoy, everyone!

Make a trip to Graceland and to Elvis’ birthplace in Tupelo, MS. Both places are adding new exhibits and events to celebrate. Check out the websites: Graceland.com; shopelvis.com; elvispresleybirthplace.com