Rock and roll was still a fledgling phenomenon, a sound bubbling up from the American South, capturing the hearts (and feet) of teenagers. At its center stood a young man from Tupelo, Mississippi, Elvis Presley. While his meteoric rise had begun, with his debut single "Heartbreak Hotel" already a chart-topper, Elvis was still a regional sensation on the cusp of national stardom. That night, however, would mark a turning point. Elvis was in New York City, rehearsing for an appearance on The Steve Allen Show, a nationally televised variety program.
The rehearsal space was a far cry from the screaming crowds that would soon become synonymous with Elvis. It was a midtown Manhattan loft, a more intimate setting that offered a glimpse into the artist before the hysteria. Photographer Alfred Wertheimer, known for his candid captures of Elvis, was granted access, and his photos paint a picture of a young man both focused and relaxed.
One iconic image shows Elvis at a beautiful upright piano, lost in the melody. Gone is the trademark gyrating stage presence. Here, Elvis is introspective, fingers flying across the keys, his voice filling the room with soulful gospel tunes. Wertheimer later described the scene: "He was in a corner of the studio, deep within himself, intimately playing and singing his beloved gospel music." This quiet moment reveals a side of Elvis often overshadowed by his flamboyant stage persona. He was deeply rooted in gospel, a genre that heavily influenced his early rock and roll sound.
The Steve Allen Show aimed to introduce Elvis to a wider audience, but with reservations. Allen, the show's host, was known for his comedic skits and viewed Elvis with a hint of skepticism. He saw the young singer's style as provocative and potentially offensive. The rehearsal, however, offered a different perspective. Wertheimer captured Elvis rehearsing both his rock and roll hits and more traditional ballads. The photos show a versatile performer, comfortable navigating different musical styles.
One particularly interesting image depicts Elvis alongside his band, The Blue Moon Boys. Dressed casually, they huddle together, running through a song. The camaraderie is evident, a reminder of the tight-knit group that had propelled Elvis to fame. These were not seasoned musicians, but friends united by a shared passion for music.
The rehearsal wasn't without its lighter moments. Wertheimer captured Elvis horsing around with his bandmates, showcasing a playful side that would often endear him to audiences. These candid shots offer a glimpse into the man behind the music, a young performer still finding his footing on a national stage.
The Steve Allen Show appearance, which aired on July 1st, 1956, was a pivotal moment in Elvis's career. Despite Allen's initial reservations, Elvis's performance was electric. His charismatic stage presence and undeniable talent captivated the national audience. The show's impact was immediate. Phone lines jammed, newspapers buzzed, and Elvis Presley became a household name.
The photos from June 29th, however, offer a valuable counterpoint to the explosive television appearance. They capture a more intimate moment, a glimpse into the artist before the storm. They remind us that Elvis was not just a rock and roll phenomenon, but a talented musician with a deep well of musical influences. They showcase a young man on the cusp of superstardom, a moment of quiet focus before the world came knocking.
In conclusion, June 29, 1956, wasn't just a rehearsal for a television show; it was a snapshot in time. It captured Elvis Presley, a soon-to-be King, in a vulnerable yet determined state. These photos offer a window into the soul of the artist, a testament to his talent, and a reminder of the human story behind the legend.
