A Subtle Elvis Wows 'Em
by Barbara Funkhouser
El Paso Times
November 1972

Elvis Presley and his very large company of musicians moved into the Coliseum Friday night and wowed an over-flow crowd, upwards of 9,000 people, paying ticket prices high for El Paso.

Long gone is "Elvis the Pelvis" but these gyrations have only been replaced by more subtle movements which are equally provocative and he exudes sex appeal.

He also excludes another quality that has kept him at the top of the heap for more than a decade. He has an excellent, very warm and rounded, well trained singing voice which he projected with clear dynamics in the Coliseum.

Under the careful guidance of his manager, the legendary Col. Tom Parker, the Elvis Presley show has grown into one of the largest that has played in the Coliseum.

For warm-up there was a comedian with some funny routines wound around the Zodiak, followed by the Sweet Inspiration, famous for back-up work with Aretha Franklin.

These three young women offered solid soul in a flashy format, backed by large band and featured guitarists.

Available at intermission were posters, photo albums and autographed albums, for a price.

Then it was time for Elvis, and planning was obviously involved in building the atmosphere of uniformed policemen guarding the stage to keep the fans away and announcements to the effect that one must approach. The several hustled away may or may not have been part of the show.

A very large brass band took its place, fronted by pianist, four men playing various guitars and a drummer who proved to be superb in performance.

Presley leaped onto the stage in snug red costume decorated with gold or silver ornaments and with an appealing smile, progressed into a tight 45-minute performance that was truly impressive.

His program is carefully planned to include many of his million seller hits, and he delivered them not only in fine voice and a driving style but with dramatic qualities than included miles for all segments of the audience he could not see, easy and often movement about the stage, much perspiration and the tossing of three scarves into the front row. The donning of a cape for the last song was almost too much.

Songs ranged from "Hound Dog" and "Heartbreak Hotel" to "How Great Thou" and around to "You Don't Have To Love Me" and "Time For You To Go," plus many, many more.

He gave the crowd its due, coming on hard, staying long enough, leaving quickly and winning the enthusiastic applause of an audience that came to see a show, and got one.

Courtesy Of Archie Bald