Just a few months after the critically acclaimed comback to the concert stage, Elvis was back at the International Hotel for another string of shows. He opened the engagement with a single concert on January 26, 1970 and appeared on stage twice each day until February 23rd. In total the king performed 57 shows.
Musicians
James Burton (guitar), John Wilkinson (guitar), Charlie Hodge (guitar and harmony vocals), Jerry Scheff (bass), Bob Lanning (drums), Glen D. Hardin (piano) and The Bobby Morris Orchestra. The harmony vocals were provided by The Sweet Inspirations (Myrna Smith, Sylvia Shemwell, Estelle Brown & Ann Williams,) and The Imperials (Jim Murray, Armond Morales, Terry Blackwood, Roger Wiles & Joe Moscheo).
About The Engagement
Rehearsals began on January 10th at the RCA studio in Los Angeles/California. Elvis wanted to include his latest singles "Don't Cry Daddy" and "Kentucky Rain" as well as cover versions of "Walk A Mile In My Shoes", "Proud Mary", "Release Me", "Sweet Caroline" and "Polk Salad Annie". He also planned to sing his own classics "That's All Right", "Don't Be Cruel" and "Teddy Bear". Because Elvis intoned "Let It Be Me" during almost every rehearsal session, Glen Hardin wrote an arrangement and gave the notes to the musicians. When the king started to sing the song the next time, everyone joined in and Elvis performed a complete version of "Let It Be Me". Of course the tune was added to the set list right on the spot.
RCA planned to produce another live album during the forthcoming season. But this time the goal wasn't the simulation of a complete concert, but a longplayer of new songs. It soon turned out, that the current show didn't include enough tunes, that Elvis hadn't recorded before and so additional rehearsal sessions were staged while the engagement was already underway. On the afternoon of February 18th "See See Rider" and "The Wonder Of You" were worked into the program.
During his comeback engagement Elvis had worn two-piece outfits, that often got out of place, when he started to move faster during songs like "Suspicious Minds". The designer Bill Belew solved the problem by creating one-piece jumpsuits. With the exceptions of the "Blue Crocade Suit", the "Black Brocade Suit & Gold Trim" and the "Black Brocade Suit & Red Trim" the new suits were white, because Elvis could be seen better in bright suits. Remember, this was long before the invention of huge screens. Back in 1970 you just saw, what your eyes were able to make out. Other costumes of the season were the "White Brocade Suit & Silver Trim", the "White Brocade Suit & Orange Trim" and the "White Brocade Suit & Red Trim". These suits were plain white with high collars and an ornament alongside the neckline. The outfits also included macrame belts. An exception was the "White Choker Suit", which had a collar made of macrame cords. A photo of Elvis in this suit can be seen on the cover of the album "On Stage - February 1970" and on the cover of FTD's "Polk Salad Annie". At the time the king was very lean and the suits emphasized his streamlined body. Soon these costumes became a trademark.
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