Elvis Presley – Steamroller Blues (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

“Steamroller Blues” is a blues song performed by Elvis Presley and was featured in his “Aloha from Hawaii Via Satellite” concert in 1973. The song was written by James Taylor and originally released on his 1970 album “Sweet Baby James.”

In Elvis’ rendition during the Aloha concert, “Steamroller Blues” showcased his dynamic and powerful vocal delivery, combined with a lively and energetic stage presence. The song is characterized by its bluesy rhythm and lyrics that depict a metaphorical encounter with a powerful and unstoppable force, likened to a steamroller.

The “Aloha from Hawaii Via Satellite” concert took place on January 14, 1973, and it was broadcast live to a global audience, making it one of the most-watched television events of its time. Elvis wore his iconic American Eagle jumpsuit during the performance of “Steamroller Blues,” adding a visual flair to the already vibrant stage presence.

Elvis Presley’s version of “Steamroller Blues” from the Aloha concert was well-received, and it later earned him a Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance in 1974. The song has remained a notable part of Elvis’ repertoire and is appreciated for its bluesy sound and the energy of Elvis’ live performance.

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