January 16, On this day in Elvis history

January 16, 1956

Elvis performed at the Municipal Auditorium, Galveston, Texas.

 

January 16, 1957

The soundtrack session at Paramount for "Loving You" went on from 9.00 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. However, Elvis was clearly not working well on the giant soundstage and recording went slowly.

 

January 16, 1958

Elvis was recording songs at Radio Recorders for his new Paramount picture "King Creole" from 9.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.

 

January 16, 1959

Elvis donated blood at the Wartturm Barracks in Friedberg for the German Red Cross.

 

January 16, 1962

Write to me From Naples" by Alex Alstone and Jimmy Kennedy was recorded by Elvis at Graceland. It appears on the LP A Golden Celebration (Graceland 60s)

A Golden Celebration was six LPs' worth of music, most of it not previously available in any easy-to-find (or legitimate) form, and devoted almost entirely to the early years of his career -- the period when Elvis Presley was not only exciting, but changing the way people perceived music. Seven Sun Records outtakes lead off this set; next up are all six of Elvis' live appearances on Stage Show, the entertainment showcase hosted by Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey. The quality of these shows is extraordinary, and the virtual absence of background noise makes every nuance of Presley's performances stand out; it's particularly fascinating to hear the growing enthusiasm of the audience from week to week. The second disc, consisting of Presley's appearances on the Milton Berle Show and the Steve Allen Show, is very different. In contrast to the Dorseys' cautious enthusiasm for their guest performer, Berle clearly understood at least the superficial range of Presley's cultural impact. The appearance would work better as a video, however, since it features a lot of clowning by the participants. The Steve Allen material reveals more of Presley and Allen than either was letting on. Allen had major doubts about rock & roll (betrayed in his voice during his introduction), but was virtually forced by public demand to book Presley; Presley, in turn, was eager to get past doubts about the wholesomeness of his music and personality. The bulk of the disc, however, is made up of a performance at the Mississippi-Alabama Fair and Dairy Show in his hometown of Tupelo, MS, on September 26, 1956. The afternoon show is very lo-fi, but the evening show, on disc three, has better sound. The Ed Sullivan appearances round out the disc, and they have the best sound quality of all the live material. Disc four features Presley's home recordings during his military service in Germany, some tracks of unknown origin, and excerpts from one of the informal "sit down shows" used in his 1968 television comeback. Overall, as a pre-CD Elvis Presley package, A Golden Celebration has held up exceptionally well; the producers of the CD version have taken great pains to boost the volume and clarity of the original masters.

January 16, 1965

The soundtrack to the film "Roustabout" hit #12 in the U.K. 

January 16, 1968

Still in Nashville, the work was resumed at 10.00 p.m. until 5.00 a.m. Elvis started with the second movie song, Stay Away. This was the end of the soundtrack part of the session and with no good material in sight Elvis finally settled on a new Jerry Reed tune: U.S. Male, which was suggested by guitarist Chip Young. In spite of the rule that Elvis was not allowed to pitch any song he liked, there was no demurral from Freddy Bienstock this time. With Reed's typical offbeat accompaniment U.S. Male was a fitting complement to Guitar Man and the only sensible choice for the next single.

January 16, 1971

Elvis and Priscilla attended the JCC prayer breakfast at the Memphis Holiday Inn Rivermont. Afterwards there was a press conference where Elvis responded to a question about the effect of music on today's youth. "I don't go along with music advocating drugs and desecration of the flag. I think an entertainer is for entertaining and to make people happy." 
At 5.00 p.m. Elvis gave a reception at Graceland for award winners and Jaycee officials, during which he conducted informal tours of the house. One hour later Elvis and Priscilla hosted a formal dinner for 100 guests at the Four Flames Restaurant, where place cards had been embossed with the TCB logo and signed by the star.
During the 8.00 p.m. awards ceremony at Ellis Auditorium Elvis proudly accepted an honor that clearly meant as much to him as any public recognition he had ever received. The trophy he received became one of his most treasured possessions, which he even took with him on his travels.

 

January 16, 1976

The construction on the racquetball court at Graceland was completed.