Elvis Presley — '68 Comeback Special
Recorded 1968
NBC Studios · Burbank · 
United States
Setlist not available.
Related albumElvis1968The special's soundtrack, it gathers live performances and production numbers recorded for the program.“To see Elvis reconnect with an audience after seven years focused on his film career.”
Context
Seven years without public performances separate Elvis Presley from that small stage in Burbank. His career had centered on film, while rock went down other paths. In June 1968, Steve Binder swaps the idea of a Christmas show for a special that puts the singer back in contact with an audience.
Elvis wears black leather, sits with Scotty Moore and D. J. Fontana and intersperses songs with conversation. The space resembles a boxing ring, surrounded by spectators. The edit alternates this closeness with choreographed numbers and gospel passages. At the close, the outfit changes to white: If I Can Dream takes the place of the planned Christmas farewell.
NBC airs the program on December 3, and the comeback continues with the Memphis sessions and the 1969 Las Vegas residency. The recording goes through new DVD editions and reaches its 50th anniversary restored on Blu-ray. More than a retrospective, the special opens the way for Elvis to go back to working in front of an audience.
- Scotty Moore and D. J. Fontana back Elvis again in the sit-down sessions.
- If I Can Dream closes the special in front of the red ELVIS sign.
Lineup at this show
The lineup of this performance — not necessarily the current one.
- Elvis PresleyVocals and guitar
- Scotty MooreGuitar in the sit-down sessions
- Charlie HodgeGuitar and vocals in the sit-down sessions
- D. J. FontanaPercussion on a guitar case in the sit-down sessions
- Alan FortasPercussion in the sit-down sessions
- Lance LeGaultTambourine in the sit-down sessions
- Tommy TedescoGuitar in the production sessions
- Mike DeasyGuitar in the production sessions
- Al CaseyGuitar in the production sessions
- Larry KnechtelBass and keyboards
- Charles BerghoferBass
- Don RandiPiano
- Hal BlaineDrums
- John CyrPercussion
- Elliot FranksPercussion
- Frank DeVitoBongos
- Tommy MorganHarmonica
- Darlene LoveVocals, The Blossoms
- Fanita JamesVocals, The Blossoms
- Jean KingVocals, The Blossoms
- The NBC OrchestraOrchestra conducted by Billy Goldenberg
Trivia
D. J. Fontana uses a guitar case as a percussion instrument in the sit-down sessions.
The project begins as a Christmas special, but Steve Binder transforms the concept.
Memories and If I Can Dream are written especially for the program.
More concerts by Elvis Presley
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