January 8, 1960: Elvis participated in a telephone interview with Dick Clark for his American Bandstand show. As the year 1960 began, there was much speculation in the press that Elvis would soon return to the United States. Dick Clark certainly realized that if he wanted one more phone conversation with Elvis, he’d better hurry up. What better time than on Elvis’ birthday? Clark: Hello, Elvis. Elvis: Hello. Clark: Hi. We had no idea we could catch a-hold of you today. Elvis: Oh, yeah, well I just came in the door, Dick. Clark: What were you doing? Elvis: Well, I just came in from the day’s work. It’s about five-thirty here. Clark: You know, Elvis, I called Colonel Tom and had words with his assistant and say, gee, do you suppose there’s any chance we could talk to Elvis on his birthday, and they seemed to think you ought to be off on maneuvers. Have you been pretty busy? Elvis: Yeah, we’ve been pretty busy. I don’t go on maneuvers until the twenty-second. Clark: Oh, I see. What is the situation regarding your release from the army? Do you have any word on it? Elvis: The only thing definite, Dick, as far as the way it stands now, I leave Germany somewhere between the twentieth of February and the second of March. Clark: When you come back, I understand you’ve got a television show with Frank Sinatra and a few movies to make. How are you gonna squeeze ‘em all in? Elvis: Well (laughs), I’m told Colonel Parker will have everything arranged. I know the first picture is for Mr. Wallis. It’s called G.I. Blues, I think. The other two’s at Twentieth Century-Fox, and I don’t know exactly when the television show will be. In fact, I don’t even know what’s gonna happen, really. Clark: Elvis, what is your general feeling about doing your first television show upon your return with Frank Sinatra? You two fellows have sort of different musical stylings. Do you have any thoughts on that? Elvis: Well, I really do. I consider it an honor, really, Dick, because this man…he’s really proven himself. Clark: He’s somewhat of a legend, I guess. Elvis: He is, and I admire him very much, and I really am honored. Clark: Let me ask you about your Christmas and New Year’s. How did you celebrate the holidays? Elvis: We had a Christmas party here. I had a lot guys from all over the post. I had as many of the boys here as possible at my house…try to make ‘em feel at home around Christmastime. Then on New year’s night we had another little party. This one was pretty nice, but it was better last year. Clark: Elvis, I want to thank you very, very much for taking the time out from your busy schedule, to reassure you once again that we’re all awaiting your arrival back home, and on this day to wish you a happy birthday. Elvis: Thank you very much, Dick, and I’m kinda lookin’ forward to it. Yeah, there’s still a lot of stuff in print about my getting out early and all that stuff. Clark: It’s not true, as far as you know, uh? Elvis: Well it’s been in print and I had a lot of people ask me about it. The only time I heard about it is when I read it. Clark: Elvis, all the best. We’ll see you on your return. Elvis: Okay, thanks a lot, Dick, and tell everybody hello from me. [elvisblog.net/2012/04/29/the-dick-clark-elvis-phone-calls/] Happy Birthday, Elvis! :)
Posted on: Thu, 08 Jan 2015 15:15:00 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015