MEMPHIS, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1961 - THE CHARITY SHOWS

MEMPHIS, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1961 - THE CHARITY SHOWS

Governor of Tennessee, Buford Ellington proclaimed it "Elvis Presley Day" in the state and made Elvis

an honorary colonel by giving him the title "Colonel, Aide de Camp on the Governor's Staff."

Memphis Mayor Henry Loeb designated it "Elvis Presley Day" in the city.

Afternoon Lunch
Prior to the shows, a luncheon was held in Elvis' honor at the Claridge Hotel in downtown Memphis.

The $100-per-plate event raised $17,000, thanks in part to the donation of food and service by the Claridge.

At the luncheon, RCA presented Elvis with a diamond watch, and a plaque, marking his achievement

of selling over 75 million records.

Afternoon Press Conference
Afterwards, a press conference was held. Only issued in full to the fans 16 years later,

these are some of the highlights:

Quote:

Press: "Everybody wants to know...how is your love life?"
Elvis: "Well, it hasn't progressed any. It's about like it was. Nothing serious. I'll let you know if

anything comes of it. Couldn't hide it anyway (laughs)."
Press: "Elvis, are you going to move to Hollywood ... or are you gonna stay here?"
Elvis: "No sir, I'll stay here."
Press: "Which one of your movies do you think you did the best job acting?"
Elvis: "King Creole."
Press: "You haven't been on stage for three years, are you a little bit nervous?"
Elvis: "Yes sir. I don't mind admitting I am. But when I did the Frank Sinatra show in Florida,

I wasn't nervous, I was petrified, I was scared stiff! (laughter)"

Afternoon Show

Mrs. E.R. Branch wrote:

He started singing right away, beginning with "Heartbreak Hotel" ... he had on black pants with a stripe down the side ...

and white ruffled shirt with black buttons, and a beautiful silver coat with black handkerchief in the upper pocket ...

he finally asked, after about 14 songs, if we wanted to hear any more ... he then sang "Doin' The Best I Can"

from G.I. Blues and his latest hit, "Surrender," and wound up with "Hound Dog" ...

Afternoon Show
Afternoon performances:

Heartbreak Hotel
All Shook Up
(Now And Then There's) A Fool Such As I
I Got A Woman
Love Me
Such A Night
Reconsider Baby
I Need Your Love Tonight
That's All Right
Doin' The Best I Can
Don't Be Cruel
One Night
Are You Lonesome To-night?
It's Now Or Never
Surrender
Hound Dog

Evening Show George Jessell, often referred to as the nation's

"Toastmaster General," was master of ceremonies for the evening show -- Mayor Loeb apparently handled matinée duties.
Jessell amusingly dropped to his knees -- "we are not worthy!" --

after introducing Elvis as "one of the greatest singer-actors of this century."

Evening Performances:

Heartbreak Hotel
All Shook Up
(Now And Then There's) A Fool Such As I
I Got A Woman
Love Me
Such A Night
Reconsider Baby
Fever
I Need Your Love Tonight
That's All Right
Don't Be Cruel
One Night
Are You Lonesome To-night?
It's Now Or Never
Swing Down, Sweet Chariot
Hound Dog

Evening Show

These are the musicians who rocked Memphis on Saturday, February 25, 1961 -

Elvis Presley - vocals, guitar
Scotty Moore - guitar
Brad Suggs - guitar
Bob Alexius - stand-up bass
D. J. Fontana - drums
Ron Capone - drums
Floyd Cramer - piano
Boots Randolph - saxophone
Jordanaires - backing vocals
Larry Owens (Muhoberac) and the King's Men

Later, the Memphis Commercial Appeal would amusingly describe Elvis' stage work as "combining elements

from Negro cotton field harmony, camp meeting fervor, Hollywood showmanship, beatnik nonchalance, and some

of the manipulations of mass psychology." Overall, almost $52,000 was raised, with most of it distributed amongst

twenty-six Memphis charities, with $3,700 specifically targeted for the Elvis Presley Youth Center in Tupelo.

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