Welcome to our second of three episodes taking a deep dive into the landmark concert via satellite, Elvis Aloha From Hawaii, with Gary Wells (www.soulrideblog.com).

In this instalment, we consider the lessons learnt from the dress rehearsal show, then Gary takes us on an in-depth and personal journey into the music and the performance of the international broadcast event. We recognise the supporting talent on stage, including Hawaiian jazz legend Gabe Baltazar Jnr, who played the perfect flute solo in American Trilogy, and learn how Elvis’ introduction of actor Jack Lord (Hawaii Five-0) came about and how their friendship unfolded.

We discuss the post-concert recording session in preparation for the domestic television special, the audience figures and early press reaction, and examine what might have been one of the final periods of genuine emotional connection and unity between Elvis and Colonel Parker, albeit by means of a letter.

Next time: The live album, the domestic TV version, and we try to get a handle on some tricky financial manoeuvres as RCA moves to exert more control over Elvis’ catalogue.

(Edit: Gabe Baltazar Jnr sadly passed away June 12, 2022, aged 92. Link to his obituary from this episode's newsletter)

Links, images and some additional background in our companion newsletter here;

https://dec4.substack.com/p/dec4-podcast-companion-elvis-aloha-3e8

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