1. All Shook Up: The “Opening Vamp” is heard and then the show begins with Elvis stepping onto the stage. In the setlist since October 1969, the 1957 hit appears here for the first time as the show opener.
Although this is a good‑quality soundboard, some of the fidelity has been lost over time, and not even FTD’s masterful tape restoration could fix issues such as distorted sound and the limited presence of instruments in the mix. The rendition follows the 1957 single’s standard arrangement for the era.
2. That’s All Right: Elvis performs his first hit for the first time since returning to the stage in October 1969. Last sung live on March 25, 1961, Elvis’s first professional recording sounds excellent here in a short but vibrant version. The song would only return to the setlist on August 10, 1970, as the official show opener, a position it held until mid‑1972.
3. Proud Mary: The Creedence Clearwater Revival hit makes its debut this night. Elvis delivers it in the style of Ike & Tina Turner’s version—an excellent choice for a more rocking feel. Though well received by the audience, the song was performed only a handful of times in 1970 before becoming a setlist staple over the next two years.
4. Don’t Cry Daddy: Another debut in this show, performed very similarly to the master of the November 1969 single.
5. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel: “A couple of songs I recorded about 1929.” Elvis launches into one of his most famous medleys for the first time. While “Don’t Be Cruel” had appeared in October 1969 paired with “Jailhouse Rock,” “Teddy Bear” also debuts here.
This version became the standard in the years to follow, lasting until 1977, and provided one of the earliest moments of direct audience interaction in his shows.
6. Long Tall Sally: Another debut night highlight—Elvis revisits the Little Richard classic he sang live in the 1950s. Short, but excellent.
7. Let It Be Me: Also new to the repertoire, performed only during this season. A good version, though not as strong as the February 17, 1970 midnight show rendition heard on the On Stage LP.
8. I Can’t Stop Loving You: Focused and committed, Elvis gives his all in this excellent take on the Ray Charles classic. The mix improves significantly here, allowing Bobby Morris’s orchestra to be clearly heard.
9. Walk a Mile in My Shoes: Another debut, Joe South & The Believers’ hit is delivered sensationally.
10. In the Ghetto: The end of the previous song flows directly into the April 1969 single. Although FTD oddly split them into separate tracks, this is the first version of the rare medley. Elvis offers a powerful interpretation of two songs with strong messages.
11. True Love Travels on a Gravel Road: Released on From Elvis in Memphis, this song makes its first and only live appearance. Elvis stumbles at the start and has to restart, but it’s still a very good version to hear.
12. Sweet Caroline: After interacting with the audience, Elvis performs Neil Diamond’s hit with mastery. The song sounds magnificent, with the orchestra prominent in the mix. As the musicians move toward the ending, Elvis gets tangled and orders a restart. He makes another mistake and restarts again, finally finishing as rehearsed. “Well, that’s four mistakes for tonight.”
13. Polk Salad Annie: “Let’s go down to Louisiana.” Performed a bit slower than usual compared to the previous year, this version is good but ends somewhat abruptly.
14. Introductions: Elvis introduces The Sweet Inspirations, The Imperials, James Burton, John Wilkinson, Bob Lanning, Jerry Scheff, Charlie Hodge, Glen Hardin, conductor Bobby Morris, and his orchestra.
15. Kentucky Rain: Making its setlist debut, Elvis’s latest RCA single is the next highlight of the night. The version is good and aligned with the master, but like his other renditions, it doesn’t surpass the February 15, 1970 midnight show performance.
16. Suspicious Minds: The 1969 hit signals the show’s finale. Elvis delivers a high‑energy version that ends phenomenally, earning a standing ovation from the audience.
17. Can’t Help Falling in Love: The show closes with the standard rendition of the 1961 classic.
1. All Shook Up: Closing out the January/February 1970 season, the show begins in electrifying fashion. Elvis sings with intensity despite his fatigue.
2. I Got a Woman: A strong rendition, highlighted by Bob Lanning’s magnificent drumming.
3. Long Tall Sally: With little dialogue, Elvis introduces the song and delivers it in the standard style.
4. Don’t Cry Daddy: A heartfelt performance, with Elvis pouring his soul into the song.
5. Hound Dog: Elvis gives his usual speech about how he was discovered and his appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show. The rendition is standard.
6. Love Me Tender: Elvis introduces the song by explaining its origin (the 1956 film of the same name) and makes a false start. The version is standard, complete with his customary distribution of kisses and scarves to fans.
7. Kentucky Rain: An excellent version, with Elvis and his backing vocals dominating the mix.
8. Let It Be Me: Beautifully performed, bringing a romantic moment to the show. John Wilkinson’s solo is phenomenal. This is the song’s final live rendition.
9. I Can’t Stop Loving You: Another excellent version, with Elvis’s voice sounding strong and commanding.
10. See See Rider: Added to the repertoire three weeks earlier, this version closely resembles those from 1972 onward, when it became the official show opener (with rare exceptions).
11. Sweet Caroline: Another excellent performance, this time with backing vocals more prominent in the mix.
12. Polk Salad Annie: Without pause, Elvis launches straight into the song. The ending is breathtaking. Once again, he interacts with the audience for two minutes before continuing the show.
13. Introductions: Elvis introduces The Sweet Inspirations, The Imperials, James Burton, John Wilkinson, Bob Lanning, Eddie Graham (percussionist, praised for his exceptional work on “Polk Salad Annie”), Jerry Scheff, Glen Hardin (“Steve Allen”), Charlie Hodge (“Kate Smith”), conductor Bobby Morris (“Leonard Bernstein”), and his orchestra.
14. Lawdy Miss Clawdy: Elvis sits at the piano. “This is a song that I heard someone do, but…” In an improvised and very enjoyable version, he performs a brief take on his 1956 recording—sung live here for the first time. “I used to be known as Fats Domino, but I lost weight.”
15. Heartbreak Hotel: Fans go wild at the first chords of the 1956 hit, performed here for the first time in 1970. Short, but well executed.
16. One Night: Elvis borrows James Burton’s guitar and sits on a stool at center stage. Encouraged by The Sweet Inspirations, he delivers an excellent version of his 1957 recording.
17. It’s Now or Never: Still on lead guitar, Elvis performs his 1960 hit. This version sounds more intense and better arranged than most heard in later years.
18. Suspicious Minds: Elvis sings superbly, offering a shorter version—just under four and a half minutes—but intensely vibrant.
19. Dialogue: The singer thanks the audience, his band members, and recording engineer Bill Porter. He also introduces Colonel Parker, then quips when noticing his agent isn’t present: “He’s in the casino, trying to get even.” Finally, Elvis introduces his sound engineer Felton Jarvis and announces his upcoming shows at the Houston Astrodome the following week.
20. Can’t Help Falling in Love: Elvis closes the show with the standard rendition of his 1961 classic.
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