October 03, On This day in Elvis history

October 03, 1945 Elvis entered a talent contest at the annual Mississippi - Alabama Fair and Diary Show, in the middle of the town. His teacher, Mrs. Oleta Grimes, had arranged this, after she heard Elvis sing that morning at school. Elvis sung "Old Shep", while standing on a chair and without any accompaniment. He won the 5th prize, probably good for some free rides at the fair. He got spanked by his mother the same day, while he took the more "dangerous" rides. October 03, 1955 Elvis performed at the G. Rolle White Coliseum, College Station, Texas. This was the beginning of a four-day tour with other Hayride acts. October 03, 1956 The Colonel was debating with RCA about a new five year contract. Elvis would receive an advance of $135.000 against 5 % royalty together with a weekly payment of $1.000. However he was required to make at least 10 appearances in person or on radio or television to promote his recordings. The contract was signed on October the 18th. October 03, 1966 Principal photography began on Easy Come, Easy Go, Elvis' last picture for Hal Wallis and Paramount. October 03, 1972 Elvis and Linda returned to Los Angeles, after a stay in Palm Springs and the couple flew home to Memphis the following evening. October 03, 1974 For the second day Elvis performed at the Civic Center, St. Paul, Minnesota.

October 3, 1974. St. Paul, MN. (Click on the picture to enlarge) (c) Darlene Harff From The Collection of Scott Hayward (Click on the picture to enlarge) (c) Darlene Harff From The Collection of Scott Hayward (Click on the picture to enlarge) (c) Ken Pope (Click on the picture to enlarge) (c) Ken Pope

_October 03, 1977

The CBS special, which was shot in June, was aired. The night of the show Myrna Smith told Jerry Schilling on the phone: " It really went great, Elvis really looks good. He's lost a little weight". After watching the CBS special on the air, Myrna burst out in tears, crying: " We were all wearing blinders".