Introduction:
The month of July holds a special place in the timeline of Elvis Presley’s remarkable life. From chance encounters that shaped his career to milestones that revealed his depth beyond music, July has often served as a backdrop for memorable chapters in the King’s story.
It all began on July 20, 1955, when Elvis met Wanda Jackson, later hailed as the Queen of Rockabilly, for the very first time. Their introduction took place at a local radio station in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, just hours before Elvis’s show at the Cape Arena Building. This meeting not only marked the beginning of a friendship but also symbolized the convergence of two young artists destined to leave their mark on rock and roll history.
By July 1956, Elvis had risen to stardom, yet he still found time to enjoy life away from the stage. That summer, he visited his girlfriend June Juanico in Biloxi, Mississippi. Photos from the Gulf Hills Dude Ranch capture a relaxed and playful Elvis, surrounded by fans, blending the aura of a superstar with the warmth of a Southern gentleman.
Another remarkable July memory came in 1960, when Elvis achieved something that few knew about him—his dedication to karate. On July 21, 1960, Elvis earned his first-degree black belt, an accomplishment he was so proud of that he carried the certificate in his wallet until his passing in 1977. His interest in martial arts, first sparked during his army service, brought him into training with notable figures such as Bill “Superfoot” Wallace, Master Kang Rhee, and Ed Parker. This pursuit demonstrated Elvis’s discipline, curiosity, and commitment to personal growth beyond the music stage.
The following years continued to highlight July as a month of artistic endeavors. In 1963, Elvis was in Las Vegas filming Viva Las Vegas, a production that began on July 15 and continued through late July. The film, which paired him with Ann-Margret, remains one of his most iconic screen appearances. Around the same period, he also filmed Kissin’ Cousins and later Speedway, often collaborating with actresses such as Beverly J. Powers, whose career intersected with Elvis’s cinematic journey.
His connections extended beyond Hollywood. Childhood friendships, like the one with Bill Morris from Mississippi, remained close to his heart. Morris, who later served as Shelby County Sheriff and mayor, even deputized Elvis in 1964—an honorary gesture that underscored the loyalty and bonds Elvis maintained despite fame’s demands.
By the 1970s, Elvis’s July schedule reflected his stature as an entertainment giant. In July 1971, he performed a two-week engagement at the Sahara Hotel in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. The contract earned him $150,000—$25,000 more than he received for similar engagements in Las Vegas. Over 28 performances, Elvis thrilled audiences with the same intensity and charisma that had defined his career since the 1950s.
July also marked beginnings in film. On July 22, 1968, production started on Charro!, Elvis’s 29th movie, filmed at the Apache Movie Ranch and Old Tucson Studios in Arizona. Released in 1969, Charro! revealed a different side of Elvis on screen, one that leaned more toward the dramatic than musical.
From small-town radio stations to Las Vegas spotlights, from Gulf Coast ranches to Hollywood backlots, Elvis Presley’s Julys tell a story of passion, resilience, and artistry. These snapshots, spanning two decades, remind us that the King’s life was more than music—it was a tapestry of friendships, personal triumphs, and moments that still resonate more than four decades after his passing.