Introduction:
When Elvis Presley stepped back onto the live stage in Texas, it wasn’t just another concert—it was a return to roots, a homecoming of sorts. In a candid interview leading up to his appearance at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the King of Rock and Roll opened up about his deep connection to the Lone Star State, his passion for live performances, and the evolution of his music through the years.
Elvis’s affection for Texas ran deep. “I started out here in Texas,” he said fondly. From Houston to Corpus Christi and every small town in between, Texas played a vital role in shaping the early days of his career. These memories were clearly not lost on him, and his return to the state was more than a tour stop—it was a tribute to the places and people that first welcomed his sound.
Despite having become a fixture in glamorous Las Vegas showrooms, Elvis confessed that nothing compared to the electricity of a live audience. “I was anxious to do some live appearances,” he shared. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been on stage in front of anybody live.” For Elvis, the Rodeo offered not only a massive platform but also an authentic opportunity to reconnect with his fans—those who had followed his journey from Sun Records to the Hollywood screen.
His sound, too, had changed over the years. While often heralded as the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis acknowledged the rich blend of influences that defined his music. “It’s a combination of country music and gospel and rhythm and blues all combined,” he explained. Though he never saw himself as strictly a country artist, the genre had always been part of his foundation. The rise in popularity of country music was, to Elvis, not surprising—it was a return to something timeless.
Stage presence was something Elvis never scripted. “I just do whatever I feel on stage,” he said with a grin. He also spoke of the inspiration he drew from karate, which even influenced his stage outfits. His now-iconic jumpsuits, inspired by martial arts uniforms, were not just for spectacle—they reflected his lifestyle and interests offstage as well.
As for what fans could expect at the Dome, Elvis promised a mix of everything: “A little rock, a little country-western, a lot of different type of songs.” He hoped to perform some of his earlier hits too, depending on how things felt in the moment. Above all, he wanted to give his audience a good show. “If I can give ‘em a good show, then I feel like I’ve done something.”
With humility, humor, and an unmistakable charisma, Elvis reminded the world why he was more than a legend—he was a performer who never lost sight of his roots, his fans, or the music that made it all possible.