This release on the FTD label entitled ‘Elvis: Live In Vegas ’71’ is a 3-CD digipak in the 5″ format, containing three concerts from 1971 recorded at the International Hotel on January 27 and 28 ( midnight shows) and January 29 (dinner show). Recorded by Bill Porter. Unfortunately the tapes have imperfections, but FTD has prioritized the historical importance and rarity of these recordings.
Elvis had quite a busy time. After his last season in August 1970 (TTWII) in Las Vegas, two tours followed in September and November 1970. On December 21 he was a guest at the White House with President Nixon, and in January Elvis was elected as one of the ten most important men in America and received the JCC Award. But at the end of January 1971 it was back on stage in Las Vegas. During this season it was the first time that the intro Also Sprach Zarathustra could be heard at the start of the show. It seems as if this classic piece was written for Elvis’ intro. Also striking during this season: not always the classic Can’t Help Falling In Love as closing, but The Impossible Dream. So a very different opener and closing of the show. Now heard on this fine set on the FTD label.
Disc 1: January 27, 1971 – Midnight show
- Also Sprach Zarathustra
- That’s All Right
- You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me
- Love Me Tender
- There Goes My Everything
- Sweet Caroline
- You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’
- Polk Salad Annie
- Only Believe
- How Great Thou Art
- Introductions
- Johnny B. Goode
- The Wonder Of You
- Something
- Make The World Go Away
- Love Me
- One Night
- Blue Suede Shoes
- Hound Dog
(The original recording tape ran out at this spot in the show).
Disc 2: January 28, 1971 – Midnight Show
- Also Sprach Zarathustra
- That’s All Right
- I Got A Woman
- Love Me Tender
- You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me
- Sweet Caroline
- You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’
- Polk Salad Annie
- Introductions
- Johnny B. Goode
- Introductions
- Something
- Introductions
- The Wonder Of You
- Heartbreak Hotel
- Blue Suede Shoes
- Hound Dog
- One Night
- (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear
- Suspicious Minds
- The Impossible Dream
- Closing Vamp
Disc 3: January 29, 1971 – Dinner Show
- Also Sprach Zarathustra
- That’s All Right
- I Got A Woman
- Love Me Tender
- You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me
- Sweet Caroline
- You’ve Lost That Feelin’ Loving
- Polk Salad Annie
- Introductions
- Johnny B. Goode
- Introductions
- Something
- Heartbreak Hotel
- Blue Suede Shoes
- (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear
- Hound Dog
- Snowbird
- The Impossible Dream
- Closing Vamp
