Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, has left an indelible mark on music history. His artistry continues to captivate audiences worldwide, even decades after his passing in 1977. With the release of Netflix’s documentary Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis, fans are given an intimate look into the personal struggles and triumphs that led to one of the most iconic moments in his career—the 1968 NBC Comeback Special. Here are six fascinating revelations from the documentary that offer new insights into the legend of Elvis Presley.
1. Elvis’ Anxiety Almost Ruined the Comeback Special Before stepping on stage for his career-reviving NBC Comeback Special, Elvis was filled with self-doubt. Baz Luhrmann, director of the 2022 Elvis film, shared a poignant moment from the special’s preparation. Elvis famously told his director, “I can’t go out there. I can’t do it.” But Luhrmann, pushing him to perform, reassured him, saying, “If you don’t like it, I’ll pretend the tapes were destroyed.” This moment of support gave Elvis the confidence to take the stage, eventually leading to one of the most iconic performances of his career.
2. Elvis’ Love for Black Music Came from His Childhood Elvis’ music was shaped by his early exposure to the rhythms of Black gospel and blues music. Darlene Love, a close friend and collaborator, revealed that Elvis would often stand outside Black churches in his youth, listening to the powerful music inside. This exposure to the soul of Black music deeply influenced his performance style and was a cornerstone of his artistic identity.
3. Priscilla Opens Up About Elvis’ Career Struggles In the documentary, Priscilla Presley shares candid insights into her ex-husband’s career frustrations. After returning from his military service in Germany, Elvis found himself in a series of films that he disliked, leaving him feeling trapped and frustrated. Priscilla recalls, “I saw him throw so many scripts across the room,” as he struggled with the direction his career had taken. Elvis himself expressed his anger about Hollywood’s perception of him, feeling disconnected from the roles he was being offered.
*5. The 68 Special’s Original Plan Was a Far Cry from What We Saw Initially, Elvis’ 68 Comeback Special was going to include scripted skits and light-hearted performances, thanks to the influence of his manager, Colonel Tom Parker. However, director Steve Binder pushed back, believing the world needed to see a more authentic and raw version of Elvis. Eventually, the skits were scrapped, and the result was an electrifying performance that showcased the true power of Elvis’ music.
*6. The 68 Special Was a Historic Moment in Music The NBC Comeback Special, aired in December 1968, marked the rebirth of Elvis Presley. The performance left an unforgettable impact on those who witnessed it, including Bruce Springsteen, who remembers watching it on television as a child. For Priscilla, it was a moment of awe as she watched her husband transform on stage. “That was the first time I saw him perform, and I went, ‘Whoa. This is what it’s about?’” she recalled. The special’s mixture of classic hits like “Jailhouse Rock,” “Burning Love,” and “If I Can Dream” cemented Elvis’ return to the top and reminded the world of his legendary status.
Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis offers a fresh perspective on Elvis Presley’s life and career, revealing moments of vulnerability, frustration, and artistic reinvention that helped solidify his place as one of the most influential musicians in history. Fans new and old can now experience the King’s triumphant return to the stage, streaming now on Netflix.
