Elvis Presley That's The Way It Is & Elvis On Tour - The Documentaries

(JAT) Paperback, 23x26 cm, 134 pages, b&w photos (few color) plus discographies and sessions of 'That's The Way It Is' & 'Elvis On Tour' by Joseph A.Tunzi

After 31 theatrical films Elvis Presley would go on to make two motion picture documentaries: Elvis, That's The Way it Is and Elvis On Tour. Elvis, That's The Way it is, originally titled Elvis, was based on his August 1970 Las Vegas opening, while Elvis On Tour, originally titled Standing Room Only, showcased Elvis the performer on the road in April of 1972. If memory serves me correctly, back in 1970 the title That's The Way it Is was added and adapted from legendary CBS newscaster, Walter Cronkite. Mr. Cronkite ended his nightly newscast saying, "And That's The Way It Is," also including the date and year of his broadcast. Elvis was a regular viewer of Cronkite and along with Colonel Parker decided to use what was becoming a popular catch phrase in U. S. media circles.
Elvis On Tour would prove to be more successful, earning Elvis his first major motion picture award: the Golden Globe® for Best Documentary of 1972 an award Elvis would greatly appreciate.

These two great Elvis films captialized on the trendy documentary film craze that produced such titles as Woodstock, the Beatles' Let It Be, and Joe Cocker's Mad Dogs and Englishmen. Mad Dogs and Englishmen was done by filmmakers Pierre Adidge and Robert Abel, who also produced Elvis On Tour. While nothing can match the feeling I had witnessing Elvis numerous times performing live on stage, back in November 1970 I went to a special screening of That's The Way it is in downtown Chicago at the Esquire Theatre, and it was magical. In 1972,1 had the opportunity to do it again for Elvis On Tour. I enjoyed these films so much that I went back to the local theaters to watch them again, and again, and again. It was a great time to be an Elvis fan and as that fan I bring you Elvis The Documentaries. And That's The Way It Is,...
(... Joseph A. Tunzi)

 

 

This TV special included the first ever unplugged session presented together with musicians from the early days such as Scotty Moore and D.J. Fontana. 1973 saw THE TV mega event at all: Elvis Presley, 'Aloha From Hawaii via Satellite'! Elvis' Honolulu appearance, the first time that a show was broadcasted worldwide via satellite! He was ahead of his time! Elvis Presley had 148 US single chart hits, including some so-called double-sider when A- and B-side both hit the charts like his 1956 smash 'Don't Be Cruel b/w Hound Dog', plus 15 EP hits between 1956 and 1977. Two billion of sold media and sound carriers by Elvis Presley is the estimated number! He received 14 Grammy nominations until 1978 and three Grammy for his Gospel interpretations. Elvis was the youngest artist when honored with the Bing Crosby Award (Lifetime Achivement Award) in 1971.

 

He is presented in 5 Halls of Fame (Rock'n'Roll, Rockabilly, Country, Blues and Gospel). Six of his song interpretations are collected in the Grammy Hall of Fame. On top of it all Elvis Presley got the most gold and platinum records and a Diamond-Award. He definetly is the 'Best selling solo artist in U.S. History' (RIAA – Record Industry Association of America)! Elvis Presley CD albums, vinyl records as LPs or singles at 45rpm - Bear Family offers a huge number of various Elvis Presley CDs, vinyl-LPs and 45rpm singles, vinyl- and CD box sets, books and mags, DVDs, unique and extraordinairy memorabilia! Let's say it in the words of one of Elvis sixties album title: There is "Something For Everybody"! And hey, you name it! Elvis Presley is the King of Rock'n'Roll, the biggest icon in showbusiness, and a great person who lives on forever!

Bear Family Records treats his legacy with the most respect and an optimum capacity of expert knowledge.