Elvis Presley was passionate about his music. He adored being on stage and his fans. This gorgeous shirt, like so many items of clothing owned by Elvis, is a perfect way to give some passion back and continue the admiration. To set the stage so to speak, let’s understand the era of Elvis from which it comes. Alas, “The King’s” life was cut short too soon.
Recorded in late June in Burbank, California, the special, simply called Elvis, aired on December 3, 1968. Later known as the ’68 Comeback Special, the show featured lavishly staged studio productions as well as songs performed with a band in front of a small audience—Presley’s first live performances since 1961.
Buoyed by the experience of the Comeback Special, Presley engaged in a prolific series of recording sessions at American Sound Studio, which led to the acclaimed From Elvis in Memphis. Released in June 1969, it was his first secular, non-soundtrack album from a dedicated period in the studio in eight years.
After the recording sessions, Presley was keen to resume regular live performing. Following the success of the Comeback Special, offers came in from around the world. Presley returned to the International Hotel early in 1970 for the first of the year’s two-month-long engagements, performing two shows a night. Recordings from these shows were issued on the album On Stage.In late February, Presley performed six attendance-record–breaking shows at the Houston Astrodome.
Rolling Stone called Presley “supernatural, his own resurrection.”
Presented from the latter part of his career during the comeback era of the resurrection is this white, heavy collared pirate like long balloon-sleeved shirt, typical of the style favored by Elvis in the 1960s-70s. There’s no size or brand tagging.
It shows tremendous wear with malleable fabric. This is indicative of wear from use and from cleaning. Also highlighting the piece is a noticeable tear. You can imagine that two women reached over to wrestle the shirt from his body and in the process he held on to it for dear life but one of the women ripped into the front collar a bit (perhaps with her teeth).
Overall, tremendous sourcing is key to this collection.
There are additional items related to provenance as this was in a previous auction with many additional Elvis items. Note, the provenance letter from Charlie Hodge is for one of the two shirts mentioned.
It reads:
“July 3, 1992
To Whom it may concern,
I served as Elvis Presley’s stage manager and personal aide. I would hand Elvis his scarves and water while on stage. I first met Elis while I was in the army and lived in Graceland for seventeen years.
This paisley and purple colored shirt was worn by Elvis both on and off stage during 1971-1972.
This white shirt with balloon sleeves was worn by Elvis in the late 60’s. I believe the front of the shirt at the neck area was torn off by an exited fan.
Charlie Hodge”
Overall, this is a great worn Elvis shirt seldom seen on the market as many collectors have kept them hidden away.
Authentication: Provenance Letter (copy of original), Auction Tagging.
Elvis Presley Stage-Worn Shirt
| Weight | 1 lbs |
|---|