When Elvis Presley commenced his first run of concerts at Las Vegas’ International Hotel in 1969, he needed to prove – to his fans, to his critics, and to himself – that he could still deliver the goods in a live setting on a consistent basis. His “comeback” television special the year before illustrated that he still possessed the voice and charisma of old, but Presley hadn’t performed a genuine concert, and certainly not a succession of them, since 1961.
Comprising fifteen tracks recorded live between the years 1970 – 1972, along with the original 1963 studio version of the title track, Elvis: Viva Las Vegas offers ample evidence that the King of Rock & Roll could not only still elicit a staggering stage presence, but that he could also cover other artists’ material with incomparable sincerity.
Given the regularity of his Vegas performances (and the fact that patrons took in multiple shows), Presley wanted to continually alter the setlist with fresh material, which resulted in him mixing cover versions in with songs from his own back catalog. This compilation spotlights those interpretive renditions.
In a thoroughly scorching performance, Presley sounds downright guttural on “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling”. Finishing off the song’s most erotic line, he adlibs an urgent growl, “Baby, baby, I’d get down on my knees for you… if this suit wasn’t too tight!”
In an engaging display of showmanship, Presley prefaces “Polk Salad Annie” with a yarn about growing up in the South, essentially giving the women in the audience a few extra moments to moan before the band kicks in with the bluesy groove.
Other highlights include “The Wonder Of You,” which yielded Presley’s first live single, reaching the top ten in America and number one in Great Britain, as well as “You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me,” both becoming staples of his live shows for the rest of his life.
In the album’s liner notes, it mentions the response Presley offered when asked how he decided what cover songs to perform. With his inimitable southern charm, he simply replied, “Just sang my favorites. That’s all.”
Presley may have lacked for taste in decorating the Jungle Room, but he certainly knew how to choose a good song. Elvis: Viva Las Vegas illustrates that he had the inherent talent to pull off thrilling performances of them as well.
Article comments
1 - Brian Quinn
Elvis in Vegas between 1969 and 1971 was phenomenal. The best stage of his career in my opinion. His voice had matured so that he could sing anything with conviction. His backing band were the best in the world and delivered the goods.
This album is indeed a great one showing Elvis at his very best.
2 - Debra Race
I started my love for Elvis and his fantastic voice back when I was only about 2 or 3 years old, dancing to his records with my mom and sister.
When I got older, I continued to admire his natural talent. Elvis actually did not even need to have a band behind him. His voice was enough. His voice had over 35 differenct inflections/sounds/tunes in it, more than any other singer us humans have ever heard, i.e. Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Paul McCartney, Engelbert Humperdink, Tom Jones, Julio Iglesis...or whoever you want to add to this list.
Elvis was a tremendous gift to the world.
I only wish he was able to come to terms with his success at a slower rate...instead of the way it was poured onto him at only about 20-22 years old or so. It would have made him better able to cope with it.
I visited Graceland in July, 2007. It was a thrill! The whole estate gave me such a good feeling. I understand why Elvis called it "Home".
The house and land was so pretty and the trees gave just the right amount of shade to the small rolling hills in front of the beautiful house. It actually turned out to be a peaceful experience for me because I got such a nice feeling when I was there. I was awed to be at Elvis' home and felt like I should be there!
There were three large horses roaming the land down by the stables...so peacefully.
When I passed along the graves there in the beautifully-done meditation garden, a storm was beginning to develop..but the strangest thing happened to me. Right as I walked in front of Elvis' grave, a super loud crack of thunder made me JUMP! It was as if Elvis said, "You finally made it"!
Thank you Elvis for all the joy you gave us here on earth, around the world. We will always love you and we will always miss you!
TCB
Debra Race
3 - Marcela Leal Olmedo
I love all Mr. Elvis Presley cd. Mr. Elvis Presley is phenomenal and deserves the greatest honors
4 - Brandy
Well said - Elvis did know his music!
I can only imagine what his live show must have been like, but your review helps me to do so. How lucky were those people in the live audience??
Thank you for the context too, i.e. some songs became staples from then out. I didn't know that.