The Auction at Graceland•January 8, 2020
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/8/2020
On July 31, 1969, after a solid stint in Hollywood on the big screen, Elvis returns to live performances in Las Vegas with a vengeance. His return is so triumphant that the next chapter in his wildly successful career is just beginning. In July of 1970 Elvis starts rehearsals and filming for the documentary Elvis: That’s the Way It Is, which features live footage from his August engagement at the International Hotel in Las Vegas. The Colonel launches a massive promotional campaign for these performances, which he dubs “The Elvis Presley Summer Festival.” So popular are these shows that the Elvis Summer Festival continues every August in Vegas through 1975. Offered is an eye-catching heraldic-shaped canvas oilcloth banner with bright red background, upper corner grommets and a black profile image of Elvis belting a tune. Elvis’ name appears in “lights” atop the banner, an effect that is created from bright blue circles against white. The banner touts the “Summer Festival” along the bottom along with the Hilton logo. Never one to miss an opportunity to cross-market, the banner also states “Hear Elvis on RCA Records and Tapes” so fans don’t miss the chance to purchase Elvis’ hits. The canvas banner measures 41 by 27 inches (104.14 x 68.58 cm) and is accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Graceland Authenticated.
The banner presents with moderate scuffing and scratches, but maintains the vast majority of its silkscreened ink. Excellent to Mint condition.