Elvis Presley: ‘68 Comeback Special 

PBS WESTERN RESERVE (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):

Friday, March 3, at 8:30 PM

Monday, March 6, at 9:30 PM

Saturday, March 11, at 9 PM

Throughout the 1950s, Elvis Presley led the rock and roll revolution in music and pop culture. In the 1960s, he concentrated mainly on his successful movie career. By 1968, it had been more than seven years since he had appeared on stage in front of a live audience. In June 1968, Elvis taped his first television special in Burbank, California. It aired on December 3 that same year and accomplished two things: it saved his career and showcased some of the best music of his life. 

Premiering on NBC, the special attracted 42% of the viewing audience, was the network’s biggest ratings victory that year and the season’s top-rated show. It stands today as one of the great moments in rock music history and as a stunningly brilliant milestone in Elvis’ career.