Elvis (1968 TV program)
Singer Presents ... Elvis, commonly referred to as the '68 Comeback Special, is an Elvis Presley concert special that aired on NBC on December 3, 1968. It marked Presley's return to live performance after a seven-year period during which he focused on his film appearances.
| Elvis | |
|---|---|
Publicity poster for the special, seen in Singer stores | |
| Also known as | Singer Presents ... Elvis '68 Comeback Special |
| Written by | Chris Bearde Allan Blye |
| Directed by | Steve Binder |
| Starring | Elvis Presley |
| Composer | Billy Goldenberg |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| Production | |
| Producers | Steve Binder Bones Howe |
| Production location | Burbank, California |
| Editors | Wayne Kenworthy Armond Poitras |
| Camera setup | Multi-camera |
| Running time | 50 minutes |
| Original release | |
| Network | NBC |
| Release | December 3, 1968 |
The concert was initially planned as a Christmas special by the network and Presley's manager, Colonel Tom Parker. Producer Bob Finkel hired director Steve Binder, who, rather than creating a Christmas special, created a concert that would reflect the musical trends of the time and appeal to a younger audience. Filming took place in June 1968 at NBC Studios in Burbank, California. The special included a sit-down session that showcased Presley in an informal setting, surrounded by fans and a small band.
The special received positive reviews and topped the Nielsen television ratings for the week in which it aired. It became the most-watched show of the television season, earning 42% of the television audience. Later known as the Comeback Special, it relaunched Presley's singing career.