July 15th in Elvis History

It’s July fifteenth, and on this day in 1969… Elvis Presley assembled a new band in preparation for his upcoming Las Vegas engagement. He hired blues guitarist James Burton as band leader—a seasoned musician known for his role on *Ozzie and Harriet*. Burton brought in pianist Larry Muhoberac, drummer Ronnie Tutt, bassist Jerry Scheff, and rhythm guitarist John Wilkinson. Elvis also enlisted vocal groups the Imperials and the Sweet Inspirations, creating the lineup that would power his triumphant return to live performance. Meanwhile, in 1962, Elvis rented out the Fairgrounds amusement park for a private evening of fun with family and friends, showing a rare, relaxed side of the King amid his skyrocketing career.