It’s July fifteenth, and on this day in 1969… Elvis Presley assembled a new band in preparation for his upcoming Las Vegas engagement. He hired blues guitarist James Burton as band leader—a seasoned musician known for his role on *Ozzie and Harriet*. Burton brought in pianist Larry Muhoberac, drummer Ronnie Tutt, bassist Jerry Scheff, and rhythm guitarist John Wilkinson. Elvis also enlisted vocal groups the Imperials and the Sweet Inspirations, creating the lineup that would power his triumphant return to live performance. Meanwhile, in 1962, Elvis rented out the Fairgrounds amusement park for a private evening of fun with family and friends, showing a rare, relaxed side of the King amid his skyrocketing career.

It’s July fourteenth, and on this day in 1976… Elvis Presley flew to Las Vegas with Linda Thompson and resumed medical care under Dr. Ghanem, marking a period of increased health concerns for the King. Just the day before, on July thirteenth, Vernon Presley made the difficult decision to fire three longtime members of Elvis’s entourage—Sonny West, Red West, and karate expert Dave Hebler—citing financial belt tightening amid ongoing tensions within the group. The abrupt dismissals shocked those involved, especially Red West, Elvis’s high school friend, highlighting the growing strains behind the scenes of Elvis’s inner circle.

It's July thirteenth, and on this day in 1977… Elvis gave his girlfriend, Ginger Alden, a Triumph sports car. Just weeks before his passing, this extravagant gift reflected Elvis’s ongoing generosity and flair for romantic gestures—even as his health declined. The gesture stood out among many he had made over the years, offering a glimpse into the private world of the King during his final summer.

It's July twelvth in Elvis history!

It’s July eleventh, and on this day in 1954… Elvis Presley, along with Scotty Moore and Bill Black, recorded the iconic song “Mystery Train” at Sun Records. This session followed closely on the heels of his breakthrough recordings and helped further establish the raw, electrifying sound that would soon captivate the nation. Just the night before, DJs Uncle Richard on KWEM and Dewey Phillips on WHBQ gave “Blue Moon of Kentucky” and “That’s All Right” their first airplay, sparking the buzz that would launch Elvis’s legendary career.

It’s July tenth, and on this day in 1956… Elvis Presley and his girlfriend June Juanico took a day trip to New Orleans with friends, enjoying a rare moment of relaxation amid Elvis’s rapidly rising fame. Just a year later, on this day in 1957, Elvis arranged a private midnight screening of his film *Loving You* exclusively for his parents and Anita Wood, sharing an intimate moment away from the spotlight. Meanwhile, in 1965, Elvis’s eighteenth film, *Tickle Me*, opened nationwide to mixed reviews—critics noted its low-budget production, but acknowledged that Elvis’s immense popularity ensured its success at the box office.

It’s July ninth, and on this day in 1954… riding the wave of excitement from the radio debut of “That’s All Right,” Elvis Presley returned to Sun Studio with Scotty Moore and Bill Black to record the B-side. The trio laid down their energetic take on Bill Monroe’s “Blue Moon of Kentucky,” transforming the bluegrass classic into a rocking companion to their first hit. This session completed Elvis’s debut single and cemented the raw, genre-blending sound that would help ignite the rock and roll revolution.

It’s July eighth, and on this day in 1954… Memphis DJ Dewey Phillips played Elvis Presley’s debut single, “That’s All Right,” for the very first time on WHBQ radio. The song instantly caught the ears of local listeners, prompting a flood of phone calls to the station. Meanwhile, Elvis—too nervous to listen—was at the movies. When Dewey decided to interview him live on air, Elvis’s parents had to track him down and bring him to the station. Still unaware he was already on the microphone, Elvis casually chatted with Dewey, marking his first public broadcast appearance—and the moment his rise to stardom truly began.