The Auction at Graceland•January 8, 2020
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/8/2020
“Get ready for the outstanding television event of the season. Tune in on Tuesday, December 3, when Singer presents Elvis Presley!” The announcer goes on to further promote the initial airing of Elvis Presley’s Singer television special, originally titled Elvis, but known as the “‘68 Comeback Special.” The offered 33 1/3 RPM LP was produced by J. Walter Thompson Company at the National Recording Studios in New York City to deliver three radio commercials to radio stations in the lead-up to the airing of the special. The ads are straightforward announcer reads simply urging listeners to “tune in.” The offered LP is a rare survivor, as there would have been no impetus for radio stations to keep such time-sensitive ads, and it is likely most of these were destroyed. The special was the genesis of the “third act” of Elvis’ career, and came at just the right moment when the public, and Elvis himself, had grown tired of his formulaic films. When American audiences watched Elvis performing live on stage “in the round” clad in his black leather suit, they were reminded of what his powerful talent was meant for. After the strong reception Elvis received and the success of the special, Elvis once again turned his sights towards live performing. In the ensuing nearly nine years, Elvis would redefine what both the Las Vegas concert and the nationwide concert tours meant, performing over 800 shows before his death in 1977. The disc measures 12 inches (30.48 cm) in diameter and is accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Graceland Authenticated.
Record presents with only minor distresses. VG+ condition.