Elvis Presley – You Gave Me A Mountain (Aloha From Hawaii, Live in Honolulu, 1973)

Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite

“Aloha from Hawaii Via Satellite” was a historic concert by Elvis Presley that took place on January 14, 1973. Here are some key details about the event:

1. Location:
   • The concert was broadcast live from the Honolulu International Center Arena in Honolulu, Hawaii.
2. Satellite Broadcast:
   • As the title suggests, this concert was broadcast live via satellite to an estimated global audience of over one billion people in more than 40 countries. This made it the first entertainment special to be broadcast live worldwide via satellite.
3. Purpose:
   • The concert was a benefit for the Kui Lee Cancer Fund in Hawaii, named after a Hawaiian songwriter and musician who had passed away from cancer.
4. Setlist:
   • The setlist for the concert included a mix of Elvis’s classic hits and some of his more recent songs.
   • Notable songs performed during the show include “Burning Love,” “Suspicious Minds,” “Hound Dog,” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”
5. Outfits:
   • Elvis wore several iconic outfits during the concert, including his American Eagle jumpsuit, which has become synonymous with this performance.
6. Rehearsals:
   • Elvis rehearsed extensively for the concert, and there was an additional rehearsal concert held the day before on January 12, 1973.
7. Technical Achievements:
   • The “Aloha from Hawaii” special was a technical marvel at the time, given the complexities of coordinating a live satellite broadcast to a global audience.
   • It showcased the advancements in satellite technology and solidified Elvis’s status as a global superstar.
8. Success and Impact:
   • The concert was a massive success and received widespread acclaim for Elvis’s performance.
   • The live album, “Aloha from Hawaii Via Satellite,” released as a soundtrack to the special, also became a commercial success.
9. Legacy:
   • The “Aloha from Hawaii” concert is considered one of Elvis Presley’s most iconic performances.
   • It is remembered as a significant cultural and musical event, emphasizing Elvis’s influence and popularity on a global scale.

The “Aloha from Hawaii Via Satellite” concert is a pivotal moment in Elvis’s career and remains a landmark in the history of televised musical events.

About the Song

“You Gave Me a Mountain” is a poignant ballad that Elvis Presley performed during his Aloha from Hawaii Via Satellite concert in 1973. The concert was broadcast live via satellite on January 14, 1973, and it was a historic event, as it reached a global audience and was viewed by millions of people.

The song “You Gave Me a Mountain” was written by Marty Robbins and originally released by him in 1969. Elvis’ rendition during the Aloha concert is particularly notable for its emotional intensity and the powerful vocal delivery by Presley.

In the context of the Aloha concert, Elvis performed the song wearing his iconic American Eagle jumpsuit. The lyrics of “You Gave Me a Mountain” convey a sense of heartache and struggle, and Elvis’ heartfelt performance added a layer of emotional depth to the song.

The Aloha from Hawaii Via Satellite concert is considered one of Elvis Presley’s most significant performances. The live album and television special that resulted from the event were well-received, and the concert remains a memorable moment in Elvis’ career. “You Gave Me a Mountain” from the Aloha concert is often praised for Elvis’ moving interpretation of the song.

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