Elvis Presley – See See Rider (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

“See See Rider” was one of the songs performed by Elvis Presley during his “Aloha from Hawaii Via Satellite” concert in 1973. Here are some details about the song and its inclusion in the concert:

1. Origins:
   • “See See Rider,” also known as “C.C. Rider” or “See See Rider Blues,” is a traditional blues song that has been covered by numerous artists over the years.
   • Elvis’s version is a soulful and energetic rendition of the classic blues tune.
2. Performance at “Aloha from Hawaii”:
   • “See See Rider” was featured in the setlist of the concert and served as the opening number for the show.
   • Elvis’s dynamic and charismatic performance of the song set the tone for the entire concert.
3. Significance in the Concert:
   • Opening the show with “See See Rider” allowed Elvis to immediately captivate the audience with his powerful vocals and stage presence.
   • The song’s lively tempo and bluesy feel showcased Elvis’s ability to connect with a variety of musical genres, from rock and roll to blues.
4. Reaction and Reception:
   • The performance of “See See Rider” during the “Aloha from Hawaii” concert was well-received by both the live audience in Hawaii and the global television audience.
   • Elvis’s engaging performance style, combined with the energy of the song, contributed to the overall success of the concert.
5. Album Release:
   • The live version of “See See Rider” from the “Aloha from Hawaii Via Satellite” concert was included on the accompanying album of the same name, which was released in 1973.
6. Legacy:
   • Elvis’s rendition of “See See Rider” during the “Aloha from Hawaii” concert remains a memorable and iconic moment in the history of his live performances.
   • The song continues to be associated with Elvis Presley’s catalog of hits.

Overall, “See See Rider” played a significant role in setting the energetic and exciting tone for Elvis’s “Aloha from Hawaii Via Satellite” concert, showcasing his versatility as a performer and his ability to connect with audiences worldwide.

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