In this episode, we reflect on a couple of important 50th anniversaries in 2023; Elvis’ pioneering satellite concert, Aloha From Hawaii, which was broadcast internationally in January of 1973, and the August release of one of the iconic movies of the 1970s, American Graffiti, both of which we’ve discussed in previous episodes.

These were landmark moments in entertainment, but both faced potential disaster right up until the last moment. Aloha From Hawaii nearly collapsed due to catastrophic technical faults, while Universal Studios executives had major reservations about American Graffiti.

Our regular contributor Gary Wells (www.soulrideblog.com) joins us for some personal thoughts on American Graffiti at 50, and we revisit our previous segment on the movie which we recorded in 2021.

We also add to our three-part series on Aloha From Hawaii with some background on legendary Hawaiian music promoter and DJ, Tom Moffatt, who briefly interviewed Elvis upon his arrival in Hawaii ahead of the satellite broadcast. We also mark the sad passing of Gabe Baltazar Jnr, who played the perfect flute solo in American Trilogy.

Gary's in-depth series of articles on American Graffiti, More American Graffiti and Wolfman Jack, featuring on his website, are highly recommended. Follow the links from our companion newsletter.

https://dec4.substack.com/p/dec4-podcast-companion-american-graffiti

CLARIFICATION: Passing mention is made of a 1975 benefit concert by Elvis - this was for those affected by a tornado in McComb, Mississippi, but the actual concert was at Jackson's State Fair Coliseum. Read more about that show here;

https://dec4.substack.com/p/dec4-podcast-interim-newsletter-elvis

Podcast theme by Gainesville. www.gainesville-band.de

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