Over One Billion Viewers - Elvis' Aloha Concert 1973

Where were you in 1973? If you were sitting in a packed stadium in Honolulu Hawaii you are amongst the few and fortunate! Most of us watched from our homes. In fact, over one billion viewers watched from their homes that night!

I (TL) was six. My memory skips around; from my dog, Dante, to our new home in Portland, Oregon, and the very memorable struggle of a six year old trying out their new bike on the hills of my Mt Taber neighborhood. And. The night Elvis Presley sang for the world.

It was cold for January in Oregon. Mom, in her late 20's, had a fire going and a girl friend visiting that night. Carol King spun on the turntable and Elvis danced on a small TV set near by. I sat, cross-legged on the floor, before the young ladies, listening and taking notes, as all six year olds do when adults attempt to share a normal moment with friends.

I noticed Elvis. I noticed my mom and her friend noticed him too. For every time he'd get to dancing, the volume on Carol King would go down and Elvis would go up.

Interesting! All that gyrating had caught their attention. Very interesting!

I wrote it down.

Far-far away, on a coast I didn't even know existed, called the East Coast, another young Elvis fan was being formed. Danny (Dan) lay on his tummy, chin in his hands and legs curled up behind him, eyes focused on the dark features of the super hero waving his cape before him!

Amazing! Like Superman, only better!

Four thousand miles between us, and yet unknowingly we watched (together) history being made.

This week on Blue Suede Connection, Sunday, June 3rd, we are going back to 1973 and that moment Elvis took the stage in Honolulu; American Eagle jumpsuit, cape and all!

We will be spinning all the music, including the TV ads that aired on that very night, along with interviews from those that were there--including Elvis himself!

You won't want to miss it. Catch it first on 93.7 WRGG, www.wrgg.org. 2p -4p eastern. And all week long on many of our affiliates (see the "where to listen" tab for days and times).

Hear it. Relive it.

Dan and TL
Blue Suede Connection