The first Vegas stint of 1974 ran from January 26th to February 9th and included 29 shows.
Musicians
James Burton (guitar), John Wilkinson (guitar), Charlie Hodge (guitar and harmony vocals), Duke Bardwell (bass), Ronnie Tutt (drums), Glen D. Hardin (piano) and The Joe Guercio Orchestra. The harmony vocals were provided by The Sweet Inspirations (Myrna Smith, Sylvia Shemwell & Estelle Brown), J.D. Sumner & The Stamps (Bill Baize, Ed Enoch, Ed Hill & Larry Strickland), Voice (Donnie Sumner, Tim Baty & Sherrill Nielsen) as well as Kathy Westmoreland.
About The Engagement
With the "Elvis Summer Festival 1973" the king's contract with the Las Vegas Hilton ran out and it was rumored, that he would move to the MGM Grand, the new mega resort of the investment guru Kirk Kerkorian. But the king decided to stay with the Hilton Group and Colonel Parker dealt out another contract. But this time it was just for two years and each season ran for two weeks instead of four. Elvis was paid 300,000 USD per engagement and also received the usual benefits. On January 12th the king flew to Los Angeles and began rehearsals with his band at the local RCA studio. Ten days later the group arrived in Las Vegas, where they met the harmony singers and the orchestra for further preparations.
Compared to his previous stints the show included less ballads. Elvis added the newly recorded songs "Help Me" and "Spanish Eyes" as well as cover versions of "Let Me Be There" and "Why Me, Lord". His new vocal group Voice got a solo spot with their performance of "Killing Me Softly". The new oldies of the season were "My Baby Left Me" and "Trying To Get To You", from previous engagements the king re-visited "Polk Salad Annie", "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" and "Sweet Caroline". Even though he had gained a few pounds, Elvis continued to wear his old jumpsuits. New ones were the "Amber Gold Vine Suit & Gold Cape", the "Nail Mirrored Suit & Gold Cape", the "White Conquistador Suit & Red Cape" and the "Multicolored Rain Suit & Silver Cape". It's safe to say that these outfits had been ordered in 1973, because since the last stint the king did without capes.
After the uneven "Elvis Summer Festival 1973" and a break of several months this engagement was a return to form. Even though the king looked pale and obviously had gained several pounds, he was in a clear frame of mind, motivated and in fine voice. The shows were better paced and Elvis focused on the music.
Audio
