Elvis Presley's concert at Pearl Harbor, officially known as the "Aloha from Hawaii Via Satellite" concert, remains one of the most iconic live performances in the history of popular music. This landmark event took place on January 14, 1973, and was broadcast via satellite to over 40 countries, reaching an estimated audience of 1.5 billion people. It was a revolutionary broadcast, marking the first time that a full concert was aired live around the world.
Set against the backdrop of the Pearl Harbor memorial site in Honolulu, Hawaii, this concert was not just a musical milestone; it was also a charitable event. Elvis's performance was intended to raise funds for the Kui Lee Cancer Fund, in honor of the Hawaiian songwriter who had died of cancer in 1966. The choice of location and cause added a layer of significance to the concert, blending entertainment with a tribute to those who had suffered from the tragic events of Pearl Harbor as well as those battling cancer.
Elvis Presley | Pearl Harbour Concert March 1961
Elvis Presley, already a legend by this time, delivered a performance that was both electrifying and poignant. Dressed in his iconic white jumpsuit, Elvis performed a setlist that included some of his biggest hits such as "Suspicious Minds," "Hound Dog," and a powerful rendition of "American Trilogy," which became one of the most memorable moments of the show. His charisma and energy, combined with his exceptional vocal performance, solidified his status as the "King of Rock and Roll."
The "Aloha from Hawaii Via Satellite" concert was a technical marvel of its time, utilizing satellite technology to broadcast live to an international audience, a feat that was unprecedented in the early 1970s. This concert demonstrated the global appeal of Elvis Presley and his music, breaking down geographical and cultural barriers to bring his performance to fans around the world.
Today, the concert at Pearl Harbor is remembered not only for its musical and technological achievements but also for its humanitarian impact. It showcased Elvis Presley's immense talent and his ability to use his fame for a greater good, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and entertain fans across generations.
The Concert | March 25, 1961
Songs performed by Elvis during this concert:
01. Heartbreak Hotel
02. All Shook Up
03. A Fool Such As I
04. I Got A Woman
05. Love Me
06. Such A Night
07. Reconsider Baby
08. I Need Your Love Tonight
09. That's Allright
10. Don't Be Cruel
11. One Night
12. Are You Lonesome Tonight?
13. It's Now Or Never
14. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
15. Hound Dog
A tape recording of this show was released by RCA in 1980 on the box-set 'Elvis Aron Presley'.
The show was opened by the Phil Ingall Orchestra, followed by an Hawaiian comedian; Sterling Mossman. Then there were performances of Boots Randolph (sax) , Floyd Cramer (piano) and The Jordanaires (vocal) before country comedian, Minnie Pearl hit the stage. Finally after the break, Rear admiral Robert L. Campbell introduced Elvis on stage. Elvis wore his gold lame jacket and black dress pants. This would be the last time Elvis would ever wear the gold lame jacket. The concert itself would become the last performance on stage till Elvis return on stage, almost 8 years later in Las Vegas in 1969. The show raised nearly $65,000 for the USS Arizona Memorial building fund. This show created one of the biggest private donations to the memorial.
Boots Randolph and Elvis Presley : March 25, 1961 : Honolulu, HI. Bloch Arena : U.S.S. Arizona Benefit Concert.
Above image, From the book :Â The Elvis Files Vol. 3 1960-1964.
The show began at 8:30 p.m., but Elvis didn't take the stage until after intermission. Among the opening acts were pianist Floyd Cramer, the Jordanaires, jazz saxophonist Boots Randolph, and comedienne Minnie Pearl. After intermission, Rear Admiral Robert L. Campbell introduced Elvis.
'When Elvis came on the teenagers screamed for 2 ½ minutes without let-up', according to an article in the Advertiser the next day. 'Elvis was wearing his famous gold jacket with the silvery glints like sequins, dark blue trousers and a white shirt and a blue string tie. He wiggles as much as he ever did. The Army didn't make him a bit conservative'. During an hour on stage, Elvis sang 15 songs: 'Heartbreak Hotel', 'All Shook Up', 'A Fool Such As I', 'I Got a Woman', 'Love Me', 'Such a Night', 'Reconsider Baby', 'I Need Your Love Tonight', 'That's All Right', 'Don't Be Cruel', 'One Night', 'Are You Lonesome Tonight', 'It's Now or Never', 'Swing Down Sweet Chariot', and 'Hound Dog'. Advertiser Managing Editor Buck Buchwach labeled Presley 'the hottest commercial attraction in the entertainment industry' in an editorial on March 27. 'Elvis is a musical Messiah', he proclaimed. 'For his fans, he has an animal magnetism that communicates itself more strongly than any entertainer we've ever seen or heard … he's much more handsome, much more appealing, much more likeable, and a much better entertainer in person … than on records, over TV, and in movies'. Elvis does 'Hound Dog' knee slide for the last time
Elvis concluded his performance by sliding six feet across the stage on his knees while singing 'Hound Dog'. The screaming and applause continued even after Elvis left the stage. Reporter Phil Mayer noted, 'This acclaim saluted more than his performance. The applause also was for a man helping build a monument the best way he knows how'. Gross ticket sales were $52,000, surpassing the $50,000 goal Colonel Parker had originally set. An additional $5,000 check from Colonel Parker and Elvis, along with concessions revenue and additional donations collected at the arena, pushed the memorial commission's proceeds over $62,000. Although the amount was not enough to complete the memorial, it was enough to prepare the memorial for dedication.
'I can assure you that on December 7 of this year there will be a memorial', stated fund chairman Gatz after all the receipts had been added up. The USS Arizona Memorial was dedicated on May 30, 1962. Today the more than 1 million annual visitors can view a plaque (below) that recognizes Elvis Presley as one of the contributors to the memorial. Various Presley merchandise and artifacts from the 1961 benefit show are kept in the memorial archives and can be viewed by appointment.
Elvis Presley : March 25, 1961 : Honolulu, HI. Bloch Arena : U.S.S. Arizona Benefit Concert.
Above image, From the book :Â Something For Everybody FTD Special Edition 2 CD Set.
Elvis Presley : March 25, 1961 : Honolulu, HI. Bloch Arena : U.S.S. Arizona Benefit Concert.
From the book Photographs & Memories by JAT Productions.
Elvis Presley : March 25, 1961 : Honolulu, HI. Bloch Arena : U.S.S. Arizona Benefit Concert.
Elvis Presley : March 25, 1961 : Honolulu, HI. Bloch Arena : U.S.S. Arizona Benefit Concert.
Elvis Presley : March 25, 1961 : Honolulu, HI. Bloch Arena : U.S.S. Arizona Benefit Concert.
Elvis Presley : March 25, 1961 : Honolulu, HI. Bloch Arena : U.S.S. Arizona Benefit Concert.
Elvis Presley : March 25, 1961 : Honolulu, HI. Bloch Arena : U.S.S. Arizona Benefit Concert.
Elvis Presley : Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel : Honolulu, Hawaii March 1961.
Elvis Presley : March 25, 1961 : Honolulu, HI. Bloch Arena : U.S.S. Arizona Benefit Concert.
Above image, From the book :Â The Elvis Files Vol. 3 1960-1964.
