Continuing Radio 2's trio of specials commemorating the 30th anniversary of the death of Elvis Presley,
Kate Thornton explores the impact of the singer's stylish US television special, Elvis (now referred to as the 68 Comeback Special). Recorded in an intimate setting in June 1968 and aired in December, the rock milestone featured a leather-encased Presley in peak form, performing on stage before a live audience for the first time in more than seven years.
Having concentrated on his movie career and having missed the top ten of the Beatles-era US pop charts since 1965, Presley enjoyed a huge comeback with this small-screen appearance, returning to the upper reaches of the charts in 1969 with In the Ghetto and Suspicious Minds. Producer Des Shaw
See also Don't Start Me Talking.... about Elvis on Thursday at 10pm
Would he still be King?: page 10