The year 1968 marked a pivotal moment in music history with the broadcast of Elvis Presley’s television special, Singer Presents…Elvis, more famously known as the ’68 Comeback Special. This electrifying performance revitalized Elvis’s career, showcasing his raw talent and charisma after years focused on movie soundtracks. For fans seeking the definitive collection of Elvis Presley ’68 Comeback Special songs, the “Elvis – The Complete ’68 Comeback Special” box set, released on August 4, 2008, offers an unparalleled deep dive into this iconic event. This comprehensive 4-CD collection includes all known recordings made for the television show, capturing the King of Rock and Roll at a crucial turning point.
The Story Behind the Iconic 1968 Special
By the late 1960s, Elvis Presley’s musical output was largely tied to his film career. The ’68 Comeback Special was designed to relaunch him as a contemporary recording and performing artist. Directed by Steve Binder, the show blended intimate “sit-down” jam sessions with friends and original bandmates Scotty Moore and D.J. Fontana, energetic “stand-up” performances backed by a full band, and elaborate production numbers. The result was a raw, powerful, and unforgettable television event that reminded the world of Elvis’s unique place in music.
What Songs Are on “The Complete ’68 Comeback Special”?
This expansive 4-CD set meticulously documents the entirety of the recordings made for the special, offering fans unprecedented access to the performances, rehearsals, and studio work that went into the show.
Disc 1: The Original Album Tracks and Key Performances
The first disc focuses on the material prepared for the original broadcast and accompanying album release. It features cornerstone performances that defined the special’s sound and impact. Highlights include the dynamic opening medley “Trouble/Guitar Man,” the powerful gospel sequence “Where Could I Go But To The Lord/Up Above My Head/Saved,” and the elaborate production number incorporating “Nothingville/Big Boss Man/Guitar Man/Little Egypt/Trouble/Guitar Man.” It also contains the poignant ballads “Memories” and the show-stopping finale, “If I Can Dream,” both presented here in stereo mixes. Other key tracks include medleys blending hits like “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Hound Dog,” “All Shook Up,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “Love Me Tender,” alongside tracks like “Blue Christmas,” “One Night,” “It Hurts Me,” “Let Yourself Go,” and “A Little Less Conversation.”
Disc 2 & 3: The Intimate Sit-Down & Stand-Up Shows
Discs two and three transport listeners directly into the studio for the legendary informal jam sessions and the high-energy stand-up concert segments. These recordings capture the spontaneity and raw power of Elvis performing live, often interacting with the audience. Fans can hear multiple takes and full-length versions of songs only glimpsed in the final broadcast.
Elvis Presley strikes a pose in black leather on the cover of The Complete ’68 Comeback Special 4-CD set
Highlights from these discs include multiple renditions of classics like “That’s All Right,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Hound Dog,” “All Shook Up,” “Can’t Help Falling In Love,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” and “Love Me Tender.” The sit-down sessions showcase intimate versions of “Are You Lonesome Tonight?,” “Baby What You Want Me To Do,” “Love Me,” “Trying To Get To You,” and multiple takes of “Lawdy, Miss Clawdy” and “One Night.” Christmas songs like “Santa Claus Is Back In Town” and “Blue Christmas” also feature, alongside the fierce “Tiger Man” and “When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again.” These discs truly showcase the breadth of material Elvis tackled during the taping.
Disc 4: Behind the Scenes – Rehearsal Sessions
The fourth disc provides a fascinating glimpse into the creative process, featuring rehearsal recordings. Listeners can hear Elvis working through arrangements, trying out different approaches, and interacting with musicians in a relaxed, informal setting. This includes rehearsals for tracks like “I Got A Woman,” “Blue Moon/Young Love/Oh, Happy Day,” “When It Rains, It Really Pours,” “Are You Lonesome Tonight?/That’s My Desire,” “That’s When Your Heartaches Begin,” and instrumental run-throughs like the “Peter Gunn Theme” and “Danny Boy.” Multiple rehearsal takes of show staples like “Love Me,” “Tiger Man,” “Lawdy, Miss Clawdy,” “One Night,” and “Blue Christmas” offer further insight into the preparation for this landmark event.
Key Tracks That Defined the Comeback
While the entire collection is essential for enthusiasts, certain Elvis Presley ’68 Comeback Special songs stand out as defining moments:
- “Trouble/Guitar Man”: The electrifying opening sequence set the tone for the entire special, blending bluesy swagger with rock and roll energy.
- Medleys: The seamless blending of his greatest hits in both the sit-down and stand-up segments reminded audiences of his incredible back catalog.
- “Memories”: A tender, custom-written ballad that provided a moment of reflection amidst the high energy.
- “If I Can Dream”: The passionate closing number, written specifically for the show, served as a powerful statement of hope and remains one of Elvis’s most beloved performances.
Conclusion
“Elvis – The Complete ’68 Comeback Special” is more than just an album; it’s a historical document capturing a pivotal moment in music. This 4-CD set provides the ultimate collection of Elvis Presley ’68 Comeback Special songs, encompassing every known recording from the rehearsals, intimate jams, and powerhouse performances. For fans of the King and students of rock and roll history, this release offers the definitive audio experience of the event that triumphantly returned Elvis Presley to the throne.
