1956: the Year Elvis the Pelvis
Burst Upon the American Scene

It was Elvis Presley’s breakout year. After two years of recording in a small Memphis studio and playing backwater Southern towns, Elvis exploded on the American entertainment scene from every angle imaginable. In 1956 Elvis seemed to be everywhere—on the record charts, on TV, in movie theaters, and live on stage.

Presley also made TV history in 1956. He appeared on prime-time network variety shows 11 times, including 6 appearances on Stage Show with Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey; twice on The Milton Berle Show; once on The Steve Allen Show; and two times on The Ed Sullivan Show. In 1956 Elvis also took the first step in a long Hollywood career with the release of his first film, Love Me Tender, in November.

Throughout the year, however, Elvis continued to take his stage show directly to the country’s teenagers. In 1956 the newly crowned “King of Rock ’n’ roll” appeared in concert 143 times in 79 different cities. His commitment to live shows in 1956 helped build the loyal fan base that would be the foundation of his continuous popularity in future years. | Alan Hanson (August 2010)

Select from among the links below to learn more about Elvis in 1956.

• Elvis’s Final Hayride Appearance: With his last Louisiana Hayride show in December 1956, Elvis began his transition from rock star to movie star.

• Elvis's Gas Station Fight: Elvis’s rebellious image in 1956 was fueled by a fight with two gas station attendents.

• Elvis's Hairdo: An "Elvis haircut" was called a "Badge of Emptiness" in '56.

• Elvis in Winston-Salem: Early '56 concert in North Carolina amazed newspaper writer.

• Elvis in Waco, Texas: A vulnerable young Elvis was revealed in a Waco newspaper interview.

• Elvis in Corpus Christi, Texas: Blamed for juvenile delinquency, Elvis was banned in Corpus Christi in 1956.

• Elvis on Stage in Sioux City: An Iowa newspaper blasted Elvis after a 1956 show in Sioux City.

• Elvis on Stage in Savannah: Elvis was treated with respect by a Savannah newspaper in 1956.

• Elvis in Denver: Rocky Mountain writer runs teen gauntlet after criticizing Elvis in '56.

• Elvis in San Antonio: It was boys vs. girls in a San Antonio teen debate over Elvis in '56.

• Elvis Letters-to-Editor: Letters in New York "Daily Mirror" showed strong feelings about Elvis.

• Elvis in Las Vegas 1956: Elvis faced his toughest crowds at the New Frontier Hotel in 1956.

• Elvis and June Juanico: The day Elvis's girlfriend talked too much.

• Elvis on Stage in Little Rock: A Little Rock newspaper columnist had a sensible attitude about Elvis in 1956.

• Elvis in the Twin Cities: A St. Paul critic addressed an open letter to Elvis in 1956.

• Elvis in March 1956: It was the most important month in Elvis Presley's career.

• Elvis in Tulsa: Hysteria in Tulsa was like "throwing Christians to lions."

• Elvis in Dayton: A Journal Herald writer explored her daughter's Elvis craze.

• Elvis in Oakland: “If he did the same stuff on the street, we'd lock him up," said an Oakland cop.

• Elvis in Dallas: Live at the Cotton Bowl … Elvis's landmark '56 road show.

• Elvis Press Criticism: Columnist Jack Gould ed the press assault on Elvis in 1956.

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