Any news on Elvis' 1961 Hawaii Benefit Concert release on FTD

[asian1]

Hello:

I recall a mention of a remastering of the 1961 Hawaiian USS Arizona benefit concert on FTD sometime last summer. Since than, I have not heard anything at all of this proposed project. Do any of our esteemed members have any more information?

It would be great if this sensational concert can be remastered with improved sound quality! Listening to selections of this dynamic performance gives an idea of Elvis' brilliant talent shortly after being discharged from the army. It is a shame that more concerts were not scheduled. Elvis had excellent material, as evidenced from the Elvis Is Back LP, and surrounded himself with top level muscians such as Hank Garland, Floyd Kramer and Booots Randolph. I was amazed at the fantastic sax solo exhibited by Randolph on the song Reconsider Baby! This would have been a wonderful song to release as a single. I think it would have gone to the top of the music charts.

[hounddog]

I think they really should look at releasing that show, the historical content of Elvis helping to raise funds for the Memorial at Pearl Harbour a lot of people don't know. I think i've read that the sign at the site that mentioned Elvis' show has been taken down.

And besides that it was one of his last live shows in the the early 60's.

[asian1]

Yes, I also read that the plaque that mentions Elvis" great contribution was removed. A tour guide in Honolulu also stated that information during my trip there in 2008. I saw a tv interview about 1 yr ago from a woman who apparently attempted to have the sign restored through a massive campaign. She stated that in spite of a substantial number of signatures on petitions, the request was denied. She also mentioned that she wrote to Bill Clinton, a supposed Elvis "fan", but that the reply that came back simply told her there is nothing he can do?! Quite ridiculous.

As far as I know with regards to the Elvis Benefit Show, the speakers that were used for the event were basic "PA" type speakers for regular announcements. Thiis did not result in the best sound quality for the audience in attendance.

[Jungleroom76]

This show is surely a historic performance and one that definitely deserves the FTD treatment!!

I would imagine that this show will eventually be released on the FTD label at some point...probably once the sound quality can be improved (if that is possible) and some sort of additional material can be found or chosen for inclusion with the concert.

TCB!
Mike

[Sonny]

I do think this will get a release sooner or later in better quality.

Some of the tracks already got released in slightly better quality on the import Fever Pitch, years ago.

And to be honest, even with the slightest improvement this show should be available for the fans.

[King Of The Whole World]

I was at Pearl Harbor last year too and there were no signs about Elvis' donations. When I was there I bought one of the t-shirts for the 50th anniversary of the concert. That is all of the recognition that they give him now. I know he doesn’t need a huge plaque or something but just his name on the donor list would be nice.

[debtdbruno]

I was at Pearl Harbor last year too and there were no signs about Elvis' donations. When I was there I bought one of the t-shirts for the 50th anniversary of the concert. That is all of the recognition that they give him now. I know he doesn’t need a huge plaque or something but just his name on the donor list would be nice.

wasn't the poster still up on the wall in the museum? Its been 4 yrs since I was there, could have taken it down...........

[King Of The Whole World]

wasn't the poster still up on the wall in the museum? Its been 4 yrs since I was there, could have taken it down...........

I don't recall seeing it there and I went thru all of the museums.

[IM4Elvis]

I hope this does receive the FTD treatment sooner than later. The historical importance of the show, not simply for Elvis, but on a larger scale for America itself is huge. An entertainer of Elvis' stature doing a show to save an important American landmark was not done all too much in 1961.

IM

[asian1]

It would be interesting to utilize the same production quality for the benifit show that was used for the Elvis is Back LP on 180 gram vinyl.
Although the sound quality really depends on the source material, this would be an excellent addition to the FTD label.To memorialize the show, the LP might include some rare and seldom seen photos and interesting liner notes from some of the people who attended the show.