Friday, June 5, 2009

Elvis in 1956, How Things Change

June 5, 1956, Elvis Presley appeared on the Milton Berle TV Show, and his appearance triggered controversy as he sang his latest single, Hound Dog, with pelvis shaking movements that he then became noted for. The media, the Catholic Church, and many adults “jumped” all over his moves, calling them vulgar, and even “animalism,” and warning of moral danger. His fans loved his moves.

When Presley was scheduled to return for his third concert date at the San Diego Arena on June 6, 1956 Police Chief Adam Elmer Jansen was quoted in the San Diego Union, "If he puts on the same kind of show that he did last April, I'll arrest him for disorderly conduct. I've had enough complaints from parents to assure me that twerp is not doing the kids any good."

This is what all the ruckus was about.





I found this video of Milton Berle, Debra Padget, and Elvis. I had forgotten how funny Milton Berle was. I saw him once at a Writer’s Guild Awards dinner in Beverly Hills. My husband bumped into him rounding a corner (accidentally) and he was most gracious, and even funny.







Yes indeed, we’ve come a long way, baby. Just think what pelvises are doing today on TV!


~Linda

2 comments:

Ronda Laveen said...

Yes, I remember all of the commotion with Elvis. His pelvis is tame by today's standards.

I agree. Milton Berle was hilarious.

Linda Pendleton said...

Hi Ronda,
Yes, very tame by what happens today. :-)