Today in History
On December 3, 1968, Elvis Presley made a triumphant return to live television with Elvis Presley: 68 Comeback Special. This momentous event marked his first live performance in seven years and helped to re-launch his career as one of the greatest live entertainers of all time.
Before the special, Elvis had focused mainly on making movies during the 1960s. While his films were popular, they didn't showcase his musical talent, and his music was starting to feel repetitive. By 1968, Presley was looking for a way to revive his career, and the 68 Comeback Special was his big opportunity to do just that.
The special, filmed earlier that year, was a mix of live performances and personal moments. Elvis performed many of his classic hits, such as "Heartbreak Hotel" and “Jailhouse Rock,” but also debuted new material, including the emotional song “If I Can Dream.” His performance, dressed in a black leather outfit, was powerful and showed off his vocal strength, proving he still had it. The special also featured moments where Elvis shared his thoughts on life and his career, making the show feel more personal.
The 68 Comeback Special was a huge success. It not only brought in high ratings, but it also helped revive Elvis’s career. After the special, he returned to live performing, including a famous Las Vegas residency, and released new music that would continue to captivate fans around the world. The special remains a key moment in Elvis Presley’s legacy, marking the King of Rock 'n' Roll’s return to the stage and showing the world that he was still at the top of his game.