Elvis' Historic television guest appearance.
Elvis' first appearance on the Milton Berle Show.
Shake Rattle and Roll, Heartbreak Hotel and Blue Suede Shoes, songs from Elvis Presley's Live TV performance on the Milton Berle Television Show, San Diego, California on Board the USS Hancock April 3rd 1956.
This very rare Famous, Historical William Morris Agency contract was hand signed by Elvis Presley and Elvis' employer on the 28th March 1956 and Elvis was paid $3500. Elvis was an independent contractor and not the producers employee. Scotty Moore, Bill Black and DJ Fontana were Elvis employees and Elvis was responsible for them. Elvis would pay his three musicians out of his fee and be responsible for all insurance coverage and liability's.
The year was 1956 and the Milton Berle Show, one of the most popular programmes of the golden age of television was broadcast live from the deck of the USS Hancock, docked at the naval air base in San Diego, California.
The show starred the beautiful Ester Williams, Berle's comedy sidekick, Arnold Stang and the Harry James orchestra featuring Buddy Rich. There was also a kid making one of his first television appearances by the name of Elvis Presley.
Presley was already becoming a rising star and thousands of navy personnel were wowed by his rendition of Shake Rattle and Roll, Heartbreak Hotel, followed by another Elvis song that turned into the rock and roll anthem, Blue Suede Shoes.
Berle and Presley also do a fabulous comedy spot together that is a classic.
The Famous Milton Berle Contract Signed by Elvis Presley.