Polyester Among The Palm Trees

January 14, 1973: Elvis Presley's Aloha From Hawaii Concert Was Broadcast Live Via-Satellite

As a rock-and-roll fanatic, I have an ever-growing list of musical moments I wish I could have experienced first-hand:

• The Monterey Pop Festival of 1967 (featuring The Mamas And The Papas, among others)
• The Beatles’ first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964

And, without a doubt,

• The 1973 satellite broadcast of Elvis’ Aloha From Hawaii concert film.

You have to remember that back in 1973 (which seems so recent to your Aunt Betty), the concept of satellites beaming images around the planet was unheard of! But The King never let a challenge stand in his way—and on January 14th, 1973, his electrifying performance taped at the Convention Center in Honolulu, Hawaii was bounced around the globe to Australia, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, the Phillipines, South Vietnam and other countries. A tape of the show was later seen on American television on April 4th.

What really mattered—beyond the novelty of the broadcast, and the custom-designed American Eagle jumpsuit fitted with gemstones, and a matching belt and cape—was the magnificent performance Elvis gave. Gripping the mike confidently, he barreled through hits like “Burnin' Love,” “My Way,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Hound Dog”—and the obligatory (for his Hawaiian audience) “Blue Hawaii,” and “Hawaiian Wedding Song.” He even covered “Something” by The Beatles, further proving his incredible range.

It’s thrilling to watch it now on DVD, but the thought of seeing the world’s first-ever satellite broadcast—and it being ELVIS at the height of his game—is spine-tingling. He commanded the stage with a presence the music world has never known since. He held that audience right in his hand. And when he sang, it was like Tupelo honey.

Give in to your Elvis fascination with our Kingtastic gifts and collectibles! Feeling “All Shook Up?” So is Elvis, inside our kitschy Aloha From Hawaii Musical Glitter Globe that plays “Teddy Bear.”

Then again, perhaps all this talk of singing has you secretly yearning to don some polyester and belt out some of his tunes yourself? The Elvis Karaoke Set lets you croon to your heart’s content!

And when all that singin’ works up an appetite, enjoy a light snack with your Elvis Pez® Dispenser Set!

Because you’ll need to stay trim to squeeze into your jumpsuit...and Pez is much better for the waistline than peanut butter and banana sandwiches.