Incredibly desirable official RCA Records promotional photo from Elvis' legendary ’68 Comeback Special
The ONLY known authentic signed photo from the legendary Comeback Special known to exist!
Here is a spectacular original black and white glossy RCA Records ’68 Comeback Special’ official publicity photograph signed perfectly by Elvis in black ballpoint in the lower border, “To John from Elvis Presley.” The photo captures a seated Elvis wearing his iconic black leather outfit while playing the guitar during his ‘in the round’ performance on, “Singer Presents…Elvis” commonly referred to as the ’68 Comeback Special. The special was aired by NBC on December 3, 1968. Elvis can be seen playing Scotty Moore’s 1963 Gibson Super 400 CES, bought specifically for the show. The legendary special was intended to bring Elvis back into the mainstream. In 1968, Elvis was a very different man to the one who ruffled feathers back in 1956. By this time, he had been drafted into the army and once returned, launched an extensive film career at the behest of his manager, Colonel Tom Parker. Elvis had not performed live in seven years, and his musical output was limited to soundtracks associated with his movies. With the sheer might of The Beatles-led 1960s rock movement now to contend with, he could have easily faded into oblivion. Initially, the idea was for Presley to perform a collection of Christmas songs. An idea that was soon abandoned. Instead, viewers were treated to a 50-minute special with ‘The King’ performing ‘in the round’ while sitting down, and then alone, in front of the famous red-light bulbs, arranged to spell out “ELVIS.” The show was a triumph and delivered, what many believe was, the finest performance of his career. It was a transformative night for Presley, launching a run of highly lucrative concerts and catapulting him back into the charts. Today, Elvis’ ’68 Comeback Special has been elevated to near-mythical status and is consistently hailed as one of the greatest live performances of all time.
Official RCA promotional photographs signed by Elvis are quite rare and desirable. To date, this is the only signed official RCA Records promotional photo we have encountered directly associated with the legendary ’68 Comeback Special. This is an extraordinary Elvis artifact tied to what is widely considered as Elvis’ greatest live performance. The photograph measures 10 inches x 8 inches and is in excellent condition. Comes with a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA.