1969 was a great year for Elvis Presley personally, physically, mentally, and professionally.
Elvis’ 1968 Singer TV Special entitled “Elvis” had the highest TV ratings of the year. Elvis showcased his magnetism and his four and a half octave vocal range with ease. The show contained Elvis singing; some of his prior hits, gospel, and one of the greatest songs/performances when he ended the show with “If I Can Dream” dressed in a white suit giving his all in a powerful and emotionally moving way.
I am “young” enough to remember watching this special on TV (note: I have been a diehard Elvis Presley fan for six decades now) and Elvis was simply…amazing. I could not wait to be able to purchase the album that contained songs from the TV special.
In 1969 Elvis had been married for (approximately) two years to Priscilla who he met in 1960 while stationed in Germany during his US Army tenure (i.e. 1958 – 1960). He and Priscilla were blessed to have a beautiful baby girl (approximately) the year before. Elvis had years of pent up frustration with the lack of quality songs he was given to record. Elvis was in peak physcial condition and he radiated sex appeal.
Via YouTube here is Elvis’ (audio) of his first live perfomance in (approximately) nine years. I hope you enjoy this as much as I have. Even after all these years Elvis’ singing is unrivaled.
Jeff Schrembs
The Elvis Expert 