Elvis' First Concert Was At The Overton Park Shell In Memphis
Elvis' First Concert At The Levitt Shell In Memphis
On July 30, 1954, Elvis gave his first public concert at the Overton Park Shell amphitheater in Memphis.
On July 30, 1954, Elvis gave his first public concert at the Overton Park Shell amphitheater in Memphis.
July 30th is a special day in Memphis and music history! Overton Park Shell hosted a concert for country singer Slim Whitman. General admission was $1 and the supporting acts included Billy Walker and a young man named Elvis Presley.
What Is The Overton Park Shell?
The Overton Park Shell is an historic outdoor amphitheater in Overton Park built originally in 1936. It's had a roller coaster history. In 2008 it was renovated again and reopened to provide mostly free live concerts during spring, summer, and fall in Memphis.
Elvis' First Concert
The Overton Park Shell, where Elvis played, is what some historians consider to be the first-ever rock 'n' roll show on July 30, 1954. According to the Overton Park Shell:
Elvis was "so nervous he stood up on the balls of his feet and shook his leg in time with the music. To his shock and horror the girls in the audience went crazy, yelling and applauding."
Presley had just recorded his first song the year before at Sun Studio, and he'd just recorded an early rock 'n' roll song "That's Alright Mama" a few weeks before on July 5th—a song that immediately got radio play on the local radio stations.
By the time he got on stage, word had spread about Elvis and his rock 'n' roll music, and the rest is history.
Free Live Music In Memphis
During any given year the Overton Park Shell puts on about 40+ free shows. The artists are a mix of local bands, up-and-coming groups from around the country, and some international acts as well. They usually have a round of shows in the spring/summer and again in the fall.
At the top of the hill, there's a spacious deck and can be rented out for private events and sponsorships. Paid concerts, the sponsors—and especially your donations—pay for the concerts and help keep the Overton Park Shell free.
The food truck / beer / merch area has its own territory to the right of the Shell (if you're facing it). The dog bar is my favorite touch.
If you're interested in learning more or checking out the backstage, I highly recommend the Backstage Experience Tour. During it you get in-depth behind the scenes stories not only about Elvis' first show (or the time he came back to visit) but also the countless big names that have taken the stage here from ZZ Top, Ozzy Osbourne, The Allman Brothers, and more.
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