Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite

*Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite* was a TV special starring Elvis Presley and broadcasted in 1973 internationally, making it one of the first broadcasts of its kind. Colonel Tom Parker was inspired to create the special after seeing President Richard Nixon's trip to China in 1972 and Elvis Presley's popularity in Asia and Europe. However, because the Colonel was actually an illegal immigrant from the Netherlands, he instead created *Aloha from Hawaii*. The special was taped at the Honolulu International Center on January 14th, 1973, with Elvis singing classic songs like "Hound Dog" and "Blue Suede Shoes," newer songs like "Burning Love" and "Suspicious Minds," and song covers like "My Way" and "Johnny B. Goode". The special was an international success, with Elvis himself being motivated to lose weight and genuinely enjoy his performance. $75,000, including $1,000 from Elvis himself, were donated "to the Kui Lee Cancer Fund, established in memory of the late Hawaiian songwriter."

## Legacy

    In 2007, a statue of Elvis Presley was erected outside the Honolulu International Center, now known as the Neal Blaisdell Center (see below). At the same location in 2013, the special was screened with remastered video and exclusive footage. Plus, Disney's *Lilo & Stitch* franchise mostly takes place in Hawaii, and includes repeated references to Elvis Presley.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Rolling Stone Magazine. Greene, Andy. July 31, 2018. "Flashback: Elvis Presley’s ‘Aloha From Hawaii’ Marks His Final Truly Great Moment." https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/flashback-elvis-presleys-aloha-from-hawaii-marks-his-final-truly-great-moment-705310/
2. ↑ ABC-Clio. February 18, 2011. Jeansonne, Glenn; et al David Luhrssen & Dan Sokolovic. *Elvis Presley, Reluctant Rebel: His Life and Our Times*. pg. 190.
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Elvis Presley Official Website. "Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite." https://www.elvisthemusic.com/music/aloha-from-hawaii-via-satellite/
4. ↑ *Honolulu Star-Bulletin*. *Associated Press*. Barr, Bob. "Presley's Benefit Concert Viewed in 36 Countries." Made viewable via Newspapers.com by Ancestry. https://www.newspapers.com/article/65347294/honolulu-star-bulletin/
5. ↑ Fox News. Associated Press. July 27, 2007. "Elvis Presley Statue Unveiled at Site of Legendary 1973 `Aloha From Hawaii' Concert." https://www.foxnews.com/story/elvis-presley-statue-unveiled-at-site-of-legendary-1973-aloha-from-hawaii-concert
6. ↑ BusinessWire. November 1, 2012. "Elvis Presley Enterprises Announces on Sale Date for “Aloha from Hawaii” 40th Anniversary Screening in Honolulu." https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20121101005388/en/Elvis-Presley-Enterprises-Announces-on-Sale-Date-for-%E2%80%9CAloha-from-Hawaii%E2%80%9D-40th-Anniversary-Screening-in-Honolulu
7. ↑ Fandom. Disney Wiki. "Lilo & Stitch (franchise)." https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/Lilo\_%26\_Stitch\_(franchise)
8. ↑ Fandom. Disney Wiki. "Elvis Presley." https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/Elvis\_Presley

## Gallery

Poster for the TV special.Australian advertisement for Aloha from Hawaii.Elvis Presley statue in Hawaii.Elvis Presley's jumpsuit from Aloha from Hawaii.Elvis Presley's jumpsuit from Aloha from Hawaii.