50 Years ago

At the end of Elvis Presley’s residency at the Las Vegas Hilton, manager Colonel Tom Parker announced plans for a live NBC television special called “Aloha from Hawaii.”

Marty Pasetta, who had organized specials for Perry Como, Bing Crosby, Glen Campbell, and Don Ho, was chosen as producer. But Pasetta expressed his doubts to the network that Elvis could handle a hour-and-a-half special and asked Elvis to lose weight for the performance. Presley increased his practice of karate, consumed vitamins and protein drinks, and used weight-reduction pills. He lost 25 pounds in a month.

The date for the live concert was set for January 14, 1973. Although it was meant to air live worldwide, the broadcast in the United States was postponed until April to avoid a conflict with Super Bowl VII.

Presley asked his costume designer to create a patriotic jumpsuit. Although it was going to be viewed in foreign countries, he said, “I just want the suit to say America.” The white jumpsuit featured a bald eagle made with patterns of gold, blue and red gems on the chest and back. It featured 6,500 individual stones.

Presley and Parker split $900,000 paid by NBC (equivalent to over $6 million in 2023). Presley donated a portion of his proceeds to the Kui Lee Cancer Fund. Kui Lee, a singer-songwriter from Hawaii, died in 1966 of lymph gland cancer. The audience was asked to donate as well.

ELVISPRESLEY COLONELPARKER HAWAII

ALOHA SUSPICIOUSMINDS FUNDRAISER

HOUNDDOG GEMSTONES LIVECONCERT

JAILHOUSEROCK GRACELAND LOVEMETENDER

PRISCILLA LASVEGAS BLUESUEDESHOES MEMPHIS