No Auto Tune, No Lasers, Just Raw Talent That Changed the World

Elvis Presley’s performance of “Money Honey” on May 6, 1956, at the New Frontier Hotel in Las Vegas is a significant moment in his career. This performance was part of his two-week engagement at the hotel, marking his debut in Las Vegas. Despite initial mixed reviews, this period was crucial in shaping his stage presence and future performances.

“Money Honey,” originally by Clyde McPhatter & The Drifters, was one of the standout tracks in Elvis’s repertoire. His rendition at the New Frontier showcased his ability to infuse rock and roll with his unique style and charisma. This performance, like many others during that period, demonstrated Elvis’s raw talent and stage magnetism that captivated audiences.

Elvis’s 1956 Las Vegas shows were pivotal for several reasons. They were among his first major performances after signing with RCA Records and gaining national attention with hits like “Heartbreak Hotel.” These shows were characterized by his energetic performances and his ability to connect with the audience, traits that would define his career.

In addition to “Money Honey,” his setlist during these shows included other hits like “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” and “Hound Dog.” Each song showcased different facets of his talent, from his powerful vocals to his dynamic stage movements. The inclusion of these songs helped to solidify his reputation as the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.”

The 1956 Las Vegas engagement was not without its challenges. At that time, Las Vegas audiences were more accustomed to traditional lounge acts, and Elvis’s raw, energetic style was a departure from the norm. Despite this, his performances laid the groundwork for his later, wildly successful Las Vegas residencies in the late 1960s and 1970s.

Elvis’s career in 1956 was a whirlwind of performances, recordings, and appearances. That year, he also made significant television appearances, including on the Dorsey Brothers’ Stage Show and The Milton Berle Show, further expanding his reach and solidifying his status as a national sensation.

Beyond his performances, 1956 was also a year of significant recordings. Songs like “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” and “Shake, Rattle and Roll” were recorded during this period, adding to his growing catalog of hits. His first album, “Elvis Presley,” released in March 1956, became the first rock and roll album to top the Billboard chart, earning him his first gold album.

Elvis’s impact during this period cannot be overstated. His style, both musically and in his stage presence, influenced countless artists and reshaped the music industry. His ability to blend different musical genres, combined with his electrifying performances, made him a trailblazer in the entertainment world.

Overall, Elvis Presley’s performance of “Money Honey” in Las Vegas on May 6, 1956, is a testament to his enduring talent and influence. It marked an early milestone in a career that would go on to break numerous records and set new standards in music and performance.