On August 16, 1977, music fans around the world mourned the loss of Elvis Presley. The “King of Rock and Roll” died at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee at the age of 42. While rumor and scandal surrounded Presley’s later life and untimely death, island music fans will always fondly remember him as the star who introduced Hawaii to the world.
Elvis Presley’s connection to the islands began with his 1961 film “Blue Hawaii.” The film was billed as “Ecstatic romance...exotic dances...exciting music in the world's lushest paradise of song!“ “Blue Hawaii” earned Presley a Grammy nomination in 1962 and brought the wonders of Hawaii to a widespread audience.
Presley made two other films in Hawaii. “Girls! Girls! Girls” (1962) earned a 1963 Golden Globe Nomination for Best Motion Picture – Musical. The same year, Presley’s performance in the film won a 2nd place finish at the Golden Laurel Awards. “Paradise Hawaiian Style” – the King’s last Hawaii-based motion picture -- was released in June of 1966
In 1973, made entertainment history and brought Hawaii into the international spotlight with his concert television special “Elvis, Aloha from Hawaii.” The concert was broadcast live via Globecam Satellite to Australia, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, The Philippines, South Vietnam and other countries. Seen in 40 countries by more than 1 billion people, the broadcast attracted 51% of the world television audience and was an international sensation. The program solidified Presley’s status as “the King of Rock & Roll” and introduced the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands to the entire globe.
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