Elvis Presley’s studio recording of “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” is instantly recognisable across generations, and an iconic tune of the early 1960’s, and one Elvis’ finest recordings. It is also about as far a departure from the material that he recorded prior to his inception into the army as it is possible to hear.Written by Roy Turk and Lou Handman almost thirty five years before Elvis recorded the song, “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” was just the fifteenth song recorded by Elvis after his return from the army, and the ninth of twelve recorded that early spring 1960 morning. That session of 4 April 1960, was quite a session considering that it also produced “Fever”, “It’s Now Or Never”, “Such A Night” and “The Girl Of My Best Friend”.Version One – 25 March 1961 – The Bloch Arena, HonoluluElvis performed the song on stage as far back as 1961, including it in his set list for his two legendary Memphis Charity shows at The Ellis Auditorium on 25 February 1961, and although rumours of recordings of this show persist none has yet appeared. Elvis did perform it again just four weeks to the day, during another charity gig, this time this version in Honolulu.Version Two – 3 August 1969, Dinner Show – Las VegasProbably the most well known live version of the song by Elvis is the “laughing version” from Elvis’ Las Vegas midnight show on 26 August. Due to the nature of the song, in that it does not give a true reflection of Elvis’ 1969 renditions of the song, this version was chosen instead. It is the earliest known recorded version and is given a super reading by Elvis with some wonderful piano playing by Larry Muhoberac.Version Three – 12 August 1970, Midnight Show – Las VegasThe only known version from 1970 was performed during Elvis’ legendary sit down section at his 12 August 1970 midnight show. It is however but an abridged version as it does not contain the spoken part.Version Four – 6 September 1971, Closing Show – Las VegasWrongly dated in the video as 3 September, this was the only known version to be performed in Las Vegas by Elvis in 1971. He would however, perform it at most shows in the upcoming November tour .Version Five – 11 November 1971 – CincinattiVersion Six – 9 April 1972, Evening Show – Hampton Roads – The “On Tour” VersionOnly known to have been performed twice in 1972 and both times during his April tour, this, the first of those two versions was filmed by MGM during the production of the “Elvis On Tour” movie. It was not included in the final edit but was finally released in 1992 within the home video release “The Lost Performances”. The other 1972 version was performed just two days later in Roanoke on 11 April.Version Seven – 19 August 1975, Midnight Show – Las VegasThe song was omitted from Elvis’ set list in 1973 and 1974 but this version was it’s solo outing in 1975. This show was just the third show of the engagement but Elvis would give just two more shows the following evening before abandoning the season citing exhaustion and being admitted to hospital. Elvis would return to the venue in a rescheduled December engagement to fulfill his contractual obliggations.Version Eight – 7 May 1976, Midnight Show – Lake TahoeDespite appearing in Lake Tahoe 106 times over five engagements, this is the only known version performed by Elvis in the resort. It shows Elvis having fun at a venue where he always seemed to be relaxed on stage.Version Nine – 31 December 1976, PittsburghVersion Ten – 21 June 1977, Rapid City – The Final Live RenditionA video filled with sadness or is it Elvis fooling around as he often did with this song in 1977, usually in tandem with Charlie Hodge?Whatever the reason this particular performance remains one of the reasons that EPE refuses to give the EIC shows an official release – although as this video proves it is already in the public domain and was included in the original ‘This Is Elvis’ movie so it seems a ridiculous premise!
