As we find ourselves in between podcast episodes, in this interim newsletter we take a look at how Elvis’ professional fortunes were tracking in the summer of 1977 leading up to, and after, his untimely death on August 16th. There has been a narrative develop, through press reviews of the time and subsequent biography, that the Elvis touring show was running out of steam by this time; that his audiences were deserting him due to some indifferent performances and poor press reviews and that, in desperation, he was consigned to playing smaller arenas outside of the major cities, sleepwalking through performances and no longer able to cut it in big city venues.
That's a good in-depth look at Elvis' world at the point where it came to an end. The only problem that stood out was the reference to the Mexican Sundial jumpsuit, where the caption said "There were apparently two identical versions of this suit." I think that myth started with the Jerry Hopkins book ''Elvis: The Final Years'' which incorrectly stated that there were two identical suits. While talking about the CBS TV special, the book stated that Elvis alternated between them as he wore one while the other was being cleaned. Understandably, that detail got passed on by readers to the point that it it was believed by many fans, even some who consider themselves 'jumpsuit junkies.' It turns out that it was incorrect. Gene Doucette, the tailor responsible for the styling of all of Elvis' wardrobe (both onstage and streetwear) was quite explicit about only ever having made one such jumpsuit in a YouTube video. As well as the Mayan Calendar design, he incorporated the art deco shape of the top of New York's Chrysler Building into the embroidery on either side of the bell bottom kick pleats.
In every other respect, this article is a great summary in your broader look at each phase of his life.
That's a good in-depth look at Elvis' world at the point where it came to an end. The only problem that stood out was the reference to the Mexican Sundial jumpsuit, where the caption said "There were apparently two identical versions of this suit." I think that myth started with the Jerry Hopkins book ''Elvis: The Final Years'' which incorrectly stated that there were two identical suits. While talking about the CBS TV special, the book stated that Elvis alternated between them as he wore one while the other was being cleaned. Understandably, that detail got passed on by readers to the point that it it was believed by many fans, even some who consider themselves 'jumpsuit junkies.' It turns out that it was incorrect. Gene Doucette, the tailor responsible for the styling of all of Elvis' wardrobe (both onstage and streetwear) was quite explicit about only ever having made one such jumpsuit in a YouTube video. As well as the Mayan Calendar design, he incorporated the art deco shape of the top of New York's Chrysler Building into the embroidery on either side of the bell bottom kick pleats.
In every other respect, this article is a great summary in your broader look at each phase of his life.