That's the way it is
On July 31, 1969, after
appearing in the acclaimed NBC-TV show "Elvis" - affectionately know the
"68 Comeback" - Elvis returned to the stage in Las Vegas. Physically and
mentally, he was at his peak and doing what he loved best -performing
live!
The audience and critics were mesmerized as he commanded the stage with a
panther-like prowess and sang live for the brat time a eight years! The
International Hotel in Las Vegas had never seen anything like it. The many
fans who were unable to experience this special occasion would have to
wait until the film "That's the way it is" was released in December 1970,
to appreciate the charisma and energy of Elvis, live in concert.
The deal was signed with MGM on May 22, 1970 and provided for a
rock-u-mentary to be filmed at Elvis' "Summer Festival" in Las Vegas which
commenced on August 10. RCA and MGM recorded eight shows that week and the
film and accompanying soundtrack were an instant success.
Ironically, the album contained only 4 live songs. The remaining
performances were taken from the June sessions in Nashville. Two singles
were released to promote the soundtrack; "I've lost you" (studio version)
/ "The next step is love" and "You don't have to say you love me" / "Patch
it up". They reached #32 and #11 respectively on the Billboard charts.
In England, both singles reached #9 and in December #71, "I just can't
help believing" was released by public demand and reached #6! The album
enjoyed a long chart run on both sides of the Atlantic and reached #21 and
#12 respectively.
"That's the way it is" was certified gold and represents Elvis at his
best. This was an important landmark in the multi-faceted career of the
world's greatest recording artist of all time.
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