Elvis Presley '68 Comeback Special Gospel Sheet Music

Elvis Presley '68 Comeback Special Gospel Medley 27-Page Handwritten Sheet Music From the Jimmy Velvet Collection W/COA - This lot represents an incredible moment in rock and roll history, and a pivotal moment in Elvis Presley's career. This lot includes sheet music for Elvis' gospel medley performed during his wildly successful NBC television special Singer Presents...Elvis, more commonly known as the '68 Comeback Special. The special marked Elvis' return to live performance after seven years during which his career was centered on the movie business. The special was initially planned as Christmas special, however after Elvis' negative reaction to singing Christmas carols on national television the special was transformed by Presley's manager Colonel Tom Parker and producer Bob Finkel to create a concert that would be current and appeal to a younger audience. The 68 comeback special launched Elvis Presley's return to live touring, beginning with a series of performances at the International Hotel in Las Vegas, his first public stage appearance in eight years. Including a gospel number in his '68 Comeback Special was not an unusual move for Elvis as his relationship with gospel music ran deep, and gospel music was one of the first musical influences he was exposed to thanks to his church in Tupelo, Mississippi. The gospel medley was a stand out moment in the special, and included "Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child," "Where Could I Go But To The Lord," "Up Above My Head," and "Saved." This handwritten sheet music is 27 pages and includes the entire medley. The lot will include a certificate of authenticity from the Elvis Presley Museum signed by Jimmy Velvet. The 1968 Comeback Special was recreated in this year's critically-acclaimed Baz Luhrmann film, Elvis.