Because of his poor condition Elvis had done without the usual fall tour in 1973, but in March 1974 he wasn't just back on the road, but also undertook his longest and most successful concert trip to date. From March 1st to 20th he played 25 shows and generated over 2 million USD. He also made headlines with his appearances at the "Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo". The afternoon show set a new attendance record, which was broken by the evening show a few hours later.
Tour Stations
03/01/1974: Tulsa, Oklahoma; Oral Roberts
University (11.575 spectators)
03/02/1974:
Tulsa, Oklahoma; Oral Roberts University (11.575
spectators)
03/03/1974: Houston, Texas;
Astrodome (88.149 spectators, 2 shows)
03/04/1974: Monroe, Louisiana; Civic Center
(8.177 spectators)
03/05/1974: Auburn,
Alabama; University Memorial Coliseum (13.239
spectators)
03/06/1974: Montgomery, Alabama;
Garrett Coliseum (11.328 spectators)
03/07/1974: Monroe, Louisiana; Civic Center
(8.177 spectators)
03/08/1974: Monroe,
Louisiana; Civic Center (8.177 spectators)
03/09/1974: Charlotte, North Carolina; Charlotte
Coliseum (23.920 spectators, 2 shows)
03/10/1974: Roanoke, Virginia; Civic Center
(10.640 spectators)
03/11/1974: Hampton,
Virginia; Hampton Roads Cokiseum (10.957
spectators)
03/12/1974: Richmond, Virginia;
Richmond Coliseum (11.791 spectators)
03/13/1974: Greensboro, North Carolina;
Greensboro Coliseum (16.400 spectators)
03/14/1974: Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Athletic
Center (12.200 spectators)
03/15/1974:
Knoxville, Tennessee; Stokeley Athletic Center
(26.610 spectators, 2 shows)
03/16/1974:
Memphis, Tennessee; Midsouth Coliseum (24.600
spectators, 2 shows)
03/17/1974: Memphis,
Tennessee; Midsouth Coliseum (24.600 spectators,
2 shows)
03/18/1974: Richmond, Virginia;
Richmond Coliseum (11.791 spectators)
03/19/1974: Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Athletic
Center (12.200 spectators)
03/20/1974:
Memphis, Tennessee; Midsouth Coliseum (12.300
spectators)
Musicians
James Burton (guitar), John Wilkinson (guitar), Charlie Hodge (guitar and harmony vocals), Jerry Scheff (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 (Dave Rowland, Ed Enoch & Bill Baize), Voice (Donnie Sumner, Per-Erik Hallin & Tim Baty) and Kathy Westmoreland.
About The Tour
Like he had done in Vegas, Elvis forwent the big orchestrated ballads and focused on the uptempo material instead. The show was paced well and the king was in fine voice and high spirits. Even though he had gained a few pounds, he still used the previous year's outfits. In this case they were the "Orange Sunburst Suit", the "Fire Suit", the "Arabian Suit" and the "Aloha Bald Headed Eagle Suit". From the current collection he wore the "Nail Mirrored Suit" and the "Amber Gold Vine Suit".
Because of the huge media hype Colonel Parker wanted to tape one of the concerts at the Houston Astrodome, but Elvis opted for his hometown. And so RCA finally recorded the show on March 20, 1974 at the Midsouth Coliseum in Memphis/Tennessee. Parts of the concert were released on the album "Elvis Recorded Live On Stage In Memphis". His performance of the gospel hymn "How Great Thou Art" won the king his second Grammy.
Audio
