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Elvis '68 Comeback: The Story Behind the Special
A chronicle of the comeback performance that marked Elvis Presley’s return from the screen to the stage. Includes exclusive content from the show’s director, Steve Binder. The book contains a foreword by noted film director Baz Luhrmann, whose film credits include Strictly Ballroom , William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge!, The Great Gatsby , and the 2022 Warner Bros. feature film Elvis .
Take a tour behind the scenes at the NBC television special that relaunched Elvis Presley’s career as a stage musician. Author Steve Binder—who directed the TV special—provides exclusive content that gives fans even more insight into the performance that many see as a high point in the King of Rock’s reign of American music. Elvis ’68 Comeback includes full-color photographs and detailed commentary on the show’s development and production, making this an excellent addition to the shelf of every Elvis fan. Foreword by film director Baz Luhrmann.
Author Steve Binder's feature-length documentary Reinventing The ’68 Comeback premiered on Paramount+ in August 2023.
Take a tour behind the scenes at the NBC television special that relaunched Elvis Presley’s career as a stage musician. Author Steve Binder—who directed the TV special—provides exclusive content that gives fans even more insight into the performance that many see as a high point in the King of Rock’s reign of American music. Elvis ’68 Comeback includes full-color photographs and detailed commentary on the show’s development and production, making this an excellent addition to the shelf of every Elvis fan. Foreword by film director Baz Luhrmann.
Author Steve Binder's feature-length documentary Reinventing The ’68 Comeback premiered on Paramount+ in August 2023.
- GenresMusicNonfictionBiography
192 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 4, 2023
"Clad in black leather, a well-tanned and -toned Elvis (thanks to a Hawaiian holiday before we began rehearsals) owned the moment. He also owned it in a white suit and gold lamé jacket . . . We saw his confidence restored as he returned to his roots. We saw him connect with his audience and find a new legion of fans, too. We saw Elvis make magic. It was fantastic to witness this historic even in person . . . I am humbled and honored to be a part of it." -- TV producer-director Steve Binder
Celebrating the 55th anniversary of its original airdate this week, Elvis Presley's '68 Comeback Special - which is actually an unofficial although by now commonly accepted title, as way back then it was simply Singer Presents . . . Elvis, with the sewing machine manufacturer as the show's primary sponsor - helped to reinvigorate the 'King of Rock 'n Roll''s waning career and reputation after 5+ years of headlining increasingly formulaic and uninspired movies. (However, it should be noted that he was a rare 'sure thing' at the box office, as said films ALWAYS made money, no matter what the quality.) Although initially this was supposed to be an inoffensive and bland Christmas TV special, with Elvis only warbling a dozen or so holiday tunes over an hour per manager Colonel Tom Parker's wishes and demands, visionary producer-director Steve Binder had the exceedingly better idea to showcase Elvis in a more energetic and exciting manner. Alternating between staged moments featuring newer and/or socially relevant quality songs (such as 'Memories' and 'If I Can Dream') and an intimate 'unplugged' concert segment (featuring a montage of rousing 50's hits, supplemented by original 'Sun Studio'-era sidekicks guitarist Scotty Moore and drummer DJ Fontana), the show was very popular and arguably gave Elvis' music career another good five years on the sales charts. This book was a wonderful presentation and recollection of that time, with hundreds of official and candid photographs, and detailed text courtesy of the show's producer-director Binder. He thankfully does not present an absurdly sanitized version of events to a reader - or, perhaps more importantly, those legion of Presley fans - but it is respectful while still having some edge to it. (Binder was no fan of Elvis' controversial and difficult manager, humorously but also correctly noting "Not a colonel. Not a Tom. Not a Parker." in regards to the man's adopted name/identity.) It made me want to listen to a mess of Elvis tunes while on a long drive, which I then promptly set out to do. Long live the 'King'!
Celebrating the 55th anniversary of its original airdate this week, Elvis Presley's '68 Comeback Special - which is actually an unofficial although by now commonly accepted title, as way back then it was simply Singer Presents . . . Elvis, with the sewing machine manufacturer as the show's primary sponsor - helped to reinvigorate the 'King of Rock 'n Roll''s waning career and reputation after 5+ years of headlining increasingly formulaic and uninspired movies. (However, it should be noted that he was a rare 'sure thing' at the box office, as said films ALWAYS made money, no matter what the quality.) Although initially this was supposed to be an inoffensive and bland Christmas TV special, with Elvis only warbling a dozen or so holiday tunes over an hour per manager Colonel Tom Parker's wishes and demands, visionary producer-director Steve Binder had the exceedingly better idea to showcase Elvis in a more energetic and exciting manner. Alternating between staged moments featuring newer and/or socially relevant quality songs (such as 'Memories' and 'If I Can Dream') and an intimate 'unplugged' concert segment (featuring a montage of rousing 50's hits, supplemented by original 'Sun Studio'-era sidekicks guitarist Scotty Moore and drummer DJ Fontana), the show was very popular and arguably gave Elvis' music career another good five years on the sales charts. This book was a wonderful presentation and recollection of that time, with hundreds of official and candid photographs, and detailed text courtesy of the show's producer-director Binder. He thankfully does not present an absurdly sanitized version of events to a reader - or, perhaps more importantly, those legion of Presley fans - but it is respectful while still having some edge to it. (Binder was no fan of Elvis' controversial and difficult manager, humorously but also correctly noting "Not a colonel. Not a Tom. Not a Parker." in regards to the man's adopted name/identity.) It made me want to listen to a mess of Elvis tunes while on a long drive, which I then promptly set out to do. Long live the 'King'!
December 20, 2024
A beautiful coffee table picture book outlining the story surrounding the historic 1968 TV special that launched the reemergence of Elvis.
I guess that I was not really paying attention when I bought the book as its "The Story Behind the Special". I misunderstood thinking that it was a book specifically about Elvis and the actual TV special. It was but it wasn't so net result is that my problem with this book is that the book's author who also directed/produced the special spends so much time tooting his own horn that I got really tired about reading about how awesome he is. Ruined the book in my opinion.
I guess that I was not really paying attention when I bought the book as its "The Story Behind the Special". I misunderstood thinking that it was a book specifically about Elvis and the actual TV special. It was but it wasn't so net result is that my problem with this book is that the book's author who also directed/produced the special spends so much time tooting his own horn that I got really tired about reading about how awesome he is. Ruined the book in my opinion.
July 3, 2022
Fascinating behind the scenes story. Loved the "always make two costumes" incident. I'm going to have to re-watch the special and see if I can spot the moment of Elvis's delight!
Interesting that Baz Luhrman wrote the intro - bet the new Elvis movie was already in the works when he took on the task.
I read it after seeing the new movie and it cleared up a lot of the theatrical excesses in the movie.
Great read.
Interesting that Baz Luhrman wrote the intro - bet the new Elvis movie was already in the works when he took on the task.
I read it after seeing the new movie and it cleared up a lot of the theatrical excesses in the movie.
Great read.
December 21, 2022
“Ah yes Mr Bindel, Elvis will sing Santie Claus is coming to town, in this sweater!”
Being cast as one of the main characters in the new Elvis movie has shone a light on TV producer Steve Binder. Like Sam Phillips and Chips Moman, Binder was a figure who got Elvis to do some of his best work. He saw the man’s true artistry. In this book Binder tells his story of the making of that epic show.
There’s a lot of production detail here - sets, lighting, costumes, recording sessions- giving a fascinating insight. But it’s his interactions with a Elvis and the Colonel that are most interesting. Binder gets caught in this tug of war between them as Elvis pushes back and strives to pursue his own artistic vision. Binder lays out the business struggles. He had to fight the Colonel every step of the way to get the budget and songs he wanted. The fact that he never saw Elvis again feels heartbreakingly sad after the two of them make such a connection.
Visually this book is stunning. Beautiful photos and illustrations are printed on high quality paper. It feel like a really high end production and is great value at £25 brand new. Well worth the price.
Word of warning if buying used copies - this edition of the book has an intro by Baz Lurhmann and came out for the film. But there are a couple of earlier versions of this book for the 40th and 50th anniversary. Different covers, different layouts but essentially the same book. This is the best one.
A large lavish hardback book that gives a visual treat alongside compelling text from a key àrtistic collaborator.
October 8, 2022
A great read about the iconic comeback special which is one of my favorite pieces of elvis history. Binder did a great job retelling everything from the start of production to the actual filming and finished project. He had so many great stories with elvis and even some heartbreaking ones especially with elvis giving him his number on a paper and then binder never getting to talk to him again even tho they both wished to reunite again. 🗣️ Fuck the colonel but anyways really fuck him elvis deserved way better.
The book also contains great photographs of the production and stage and all of binder's notes which ive always found great on the production side of things. Seeing all the schedules and the before plans of what else the show could have been. They almost had johnny cash with elvis omg. Still thankful of this book and that comeback special exists. thank you binder you really gave elvis some happy moments doing this and made him fall in love with his music again
The book also contains great photographs of the production and stage and all of binder's notes which ive always found great on the production side of things. Seeing all the schedules and the before plans of what else the show could have been. They almost had johnny cash with elvis omg. Still thankful of this book and that comeback special exists. thank you binder you really gave elvis some happy moments doing this and made him fall in love with his music again
May 9, 2022
Highly recommended if you want to know everything about the 68 comeback special and highly recommended for all Elvis fans
March 9, 2023
brb gonna go cry my eyes out
July 9, 2022
Steve Binder did a brilliant job on Elvis’s comeback special and this book documents that time in 1968 very well.
Any Elvis fan will love this book.
(If you haven’t seen the Baz Luhrmann film “Elvis” what are you waiting for? It shows the ‘68 comeback in a slick way that captures the spirit of the show perfectly.)
Any Elvis fan will love this book.
(If you haven’t seen the Baz Luhrmann film “Elvis” what are you waiting for? It shows the ‘68 comeback in a slick way that captures the spirit of the show perfectly.)
February 24, 2025
Not just the story of the 68 Comeback Special, but an eye-opening view of The Colonel, Elvis, and their relationship as told by an outsider.
Steve Binder puts himself in Elvis’s corner from the get go. He wants the Special to succeed, but he wants it to be 100% Elvis. This, obviously, puts him at loggerheads with the infamous Colonel. Steve shows us an Elvis he got to know, one that was shy and unsure of himself, and one that seemed to be terrified of The Colonel and scared to express himself with those in his own entourage. Elvis was controlled, by people I don’t think he trusted, but who he was definitely scared of.
Steve Binder puts himself in Elvis’s corner from the get go. He wants the Special to succeed, but he wants it to be 100% Elvis. This, obviously, puts him at loggerheads with the infamous Colonel. Steve shows us an Elvis he got to know, one that was shy and unsure of himself, and one that seemed to be terrified of The Colonel and scared to express himself with those in his own entourage. Elvis was controlled, by people I don’t think he trusted, but who he was definitely scared of.
August 15, 2022
I wish for nothing more than to have been able to walk right up to Colonel Parker myself and slap the living daylight right out of that man.
My heart breaks for Steve Binder not realizing what would be his last encounter with Elvis. And don’t get my started on how my heart continues to shatter knowing what Elvis was put through … Tears forming just thinking about it.
(And had to acknowledge the leather suit situation in this review… obviously😱)
My heart breaks for Steve Binder not realizing what would be his last encounter with Elvis. And don’t get my started on how my heart continues to shatter knowing what Elvis was put through … Tears forming just thinking about it.
(And had to acknowledge the leather suit situation in this review… obviously😱)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2022
Yeah, alright, I’ll admit it. I cried to this book. Like where do we go from here? I’ve watched the 1968 Comeback Special 10 times now, and this book made the experience so much more immersive. Really interesting to hear what went into the special, and how awful it would’ve been had the Colonel had any control over it.
February 1, 2023
Love, Love, LOVE this! A Christmas gift from my boy-men--so perfect. EP's 1968 Comeback Special was an absolute triumph--some of his best music...ever. Not just in my humble opinion, either. Steve Binder (who produced the special) writes with humor, candor, and expertise. Production notes, etc.
Just.
So.
Cool.
It also leaves you thinking "If only..."
And the pix are fabulous.
Just.
So.
Cool.
It also leaves you thinking "If only..."
And the pix are fabulous.
February 21, 2025
Great for the pictures the author's constant self-promotion notwithstanding and some annoying buzzwords of the day here and there. The book of which I have the first edition paperback/softcover and the hardbound book which is a hardcover sans dust jacket as it comes as such. Either version or in my case both make for good coffeetable books and a good read despite the shortcomings.
March 2, 2024
Everything you ever wanted to know about the Comeback Special and then some. Included are production notes, classic photos, and set lists. Yes the Colonel wanted a Christmas song to be included. While being a tribute to the Special it is also a sad story. Truthfully told and wonderful to read.
March 1, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐½ This was a great book! Very interesting to read about all the behind the scenes of the Comeback Special. But I feel like the part about the pants did not need to be shared. Elvis never had one second of privacy in this world and that's a shame 😔
That pizza party story just broke my heart 😭
That pizza party story just broke my heart 😭
August 18, 2022
5⭐️ this is my favorite Elvis performance. I love this book with all of the behind the scenes secrets and how it was filmed. The picture and actually notes from the show are excellent as well.
December 29, 2022
Wonderful book. Any Elvis fan will love this.
January 3, 2023
Great behind the scenes look at the making of this iconic musical event.
April 19, 2023
if you love elvis, and the 68 special, this book is for you. i love getting to know the behind the scenes info on one of the best parts of elvis’ career
May 12, 2023
Fantastic photos and behind the scenes stories of one of the greatest and most famous comebacks of all time. Excellent forward by Baz Luhrmann. A must read for any fan of Elvis.
August 13, 2023
Such great details and stories!
September 21, 2023
It's so beautifully written 😭❤️ I love it 🥺
December 12, 2023
A beautiful book to add to my Elvis collection, the story behind the best show.
January 18, 2024
Loved this behind the scenes insight into the 1968 Special!
March 28, 2024
Beautiful book! Amazing pictures. Well written.
June 3, 2024
This was beautiful
November 20, 2024
Felt like I was right there in the special reading this! Great behind the scenes insight.
December 11, 2025
Got a wider view of the event and Elvis. Great stories.
August 5, 2022
Makes you feel like you’re in the room with EP. Beautifully photographed. Excellent edition. Long live the King.
September 24, 2022
I love the ‘68 special so i couldn’t wait to read the story of Steve Binder. As Steve said, there will never be another Elvis. Long live the king of rock ‘n roll.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews