It's August 25, and on this day in Elvis history:

In 1955, Elvis performed at the Sportcenter in Austin, Texas, continuing his rise as a live performer across the southern states.

The previous day, August 24, 1956, Elvis was at the Fox Studio soundstage in California recording songs for *The Reno Brothers*, which would later be retitled *Love Me Tender*. Although his longtime bandmates Scotty Moore, Bill Black, and DJ Fontana had traveled with him to Hollywood hoping to appear in the film and record with him, they were rejected by the musical director for not being "hillbilly enough." As a result, Elvis worked with studio musicians—a situation that made him somewhat uncomfortable. Nevertheless, his manager Colonel Parker secured co-writing credit for Elvis and ensured the songs were assigned to Elvis’s publishing company. Among the songs recorded was "Love Me Tender," a reworking of the Civil War ballad "Aura Lee," which Elvis especially favored.

In 1960, Elvis was photographed by Don Cravens at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel for *Life* magazine, capturing a glamorous side of the King during his Hollywood years.

It's August 24 in Elvis History!

It's August 23, and on this day in Elvis history:

In 1955, Elvis Presley performed at the Bryan Saddle Club in Bryan, Texas, as part of his Louisiana Hayride tour. The stage was a simple flatbed trailer, reflecting the modest venues where Elvis was building his early reputation and growing his fan base.

On the same date in 1956, Little Richard gave a performance at the Cotton Club in Lubbock, Texas, with Buddy Holly among the audience—a historic moment linking two rock and roll legends early in their careers.

Fast forward to 1969, Elvis was deep into his Las Vegas residency at the International Hotel. His midnight show on August 23 was recorded by RCA and later released as part of the *Elvis At The International* album. By this time, Elvis had shed much of his earlier stage fright and was relaxed and confident, engaging in casual banter with the audience. However, Colonel Tom Parker cautioned Elvis about some off-color material during the dinner show, concerned about the presence of children in the audience, and urged Elvis to adjust his performance accordingly.

It's August twenty-second, and on this day in 1956... principal photography began on *The Reno Brothers*, Elvis Presley’s first film. Though originally titled *The Reno Brothers*, the movie was later renamed *Love Me Tender* to capitalize on the success of Elvis’s hit single. This marked Elvis’s transition from music icon to Hollywood star, launching a film career that would span over a decade and redefine the relationship between rock and cinema.

It's August twenty-first, and on this day in 1957... Elvis Presley purchased two stone lions and had them installed on either side of the front steps at Graceland. These regal sentinels quickly became iconic symbols of the estate, standing guard as Elvis’s fame—and his home—took on legendary status. The lions remain one of Graceland’s most recognizable and photographed features to this day.

It's August 20, and on this day in Elvis history:

In 1955, Elvis performed at the Louisiana Hayride held at the Municipal Auditorium in Shreveport, Louisiana, continuing to build his reputation as a rising star.

In 1956, Elvis reported to 20th Century Fox to begin preproduction work for his movie career, marking his growing presence in Hollywood.

On August 20, 1974, despite receiving ovations and positive reviews on opening night of the Elvis Summer Festival at the Las Vegas Hilton, where he had introduced an all-new program featuring blues numbers like "Big Boss Man" and "My Baby Left Me," Elvis reverted to his usual setlist soon after, abandoning the fresh material.

In 1975, Elvis wanted to cancel his two evening shows due to feeling unwell, but his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, insisted he perform, underscoring the pressures Elvis faced in his career even amid health challenges.

It's August 19, and on this day in Elvis history:

In 1954, Elvis recorded multiple takes of "Blue Moon" at Sun Studio. These recordings, however, remained unreleased at the time, adding to the mystique of his early career.

In 1973, during a post-show karate demonstration in his suite, Elvis accidentally broke the ankle of one of his guests, Beverly Albrecq, showing his passion for martial arts even offstage.

On August 19, 1974, Elvis opened a new engagement at the Las Vegas Hilton Showroom with a completely revamped setlist. The audience responded enthusiastically with several standing ovations, reflecting the King’s enduring ability to captivate his fans.

By 1975, Elvis had begun incorporating a request box into his performances, allowing fans to influence his setlist. During one dinner show, he notably laid down onstage while singing, showcasing his unique stage presence and connection with the crowd.

It's August 18, and on this day in 1977, Elvis Presley’s funeral was held at his Graceland estate in Memphis, Tennessee. The intimate service took place in the mansion's living room and was attended by about 200 family members and close friends. Pastor C.W. Bradley of the Wooddale Church of Christ led the ceremony, which included a eulogy by comedian Jackie Kahane, who had often opened for Elvis during his tours.

Following the private service, a procession of 17 white Cadillacs carried Elvis’s body to Forest Hill Cemetery, where he was laid to rest beside his mother, Gladys. An estimated 80,000 fans lined the streets to pay their final respects to the King of Rock 'n' Roll.

Due to a later attempt to steal his body, Elvis’s remains and those of his mother were moved to the Meditation Garden at Graceland on October 2, 1977.

This day marked a profound moment of mourning and reflection for fans and family alike, as the world said goodbye to an enduring musical legend.