1956 Elvis Presley Waco, Texas Concert Archive Incl. 11 Documents Plus Incredible 1956 Unpublished 8 x 10

Offered is an archive of documents and photographs related to Elvis Presley's October 12, 1956, concert at the “Heart of Texas Coliseum” at Waco, Texas. The documents emanate from the archive of Othel M. Neely, the General Manager of the “Heart O' Texas Fair”, which was held annually in Waco. The archive is a fascinating look into the processes and procedures of an Elvis Presley concert in the mid-1950's. The highlight is a beautiful 8 x 10 inch original news service photo of Elvis performing that night. On the reverse is stamped “Jimmie Willis Studio / Washington at 26th / WACO, TEXAS.” The other 8 x 10 photo is a backstage shot of Elvis with Waco friend Eddie Fadal and Actor Nick Adams and a beautiful blonde fan. On the reverse is stamped “PHOTO BY EXPRESS AND NEWS”--the photo is most likely from The San Antonio Express-News paper.

The bulk of the collection includes the correspondence and other documents concerning the show. Includes:

• August 2, 1956 letter from Othel Neely to Tom Diskin requesting “a contract for the Elvis Presley Show for October 5 to be presented in connection with the Heart O' Texas Fair.” The letter is an office copy, typed on the back of a 1954 “Heart O' Texas Fair” letterhead;
• August 4, 1956, letter on “Thomas A. Parker” covered wagon letterhead signed by Tom Diskin. The letter is the response to the above letter, and Diskin writes in part “Since the Colonel draws up all contracts on Presley personally it will be about another tne days before you will hear from him as he is now on tour.”;
• August 15, 1956, Western Union telegram from Colonel Parker to Othel Neely which reads in part “DEAR OTHEL: REGRET ELVIS PRESLEY SOW WILL BE UNABLE TO APPEAR FOR YOSR [sic] HEART O TEXAS FIAR ON OCT. 5 IN WACO DUE TO MOTION PICTURES COMMITMENTS [sic] WHICH HAVE BEEN CONFIRMED TODAY.” Elvis was finishing up production on Love Me Tender until October 8. The show was eventually scheduled for October 12..;
• September 11, 1956, letter to the Globe Ticket Company from Othel Neely preparing his order of 2,000 seats and 3,000 general admission tickets for the show. The letter is an office copy, typed on the back of a 1954 “Heart O' Texas Fair” letterhead;
• Two “Heart of Texas Fair” Statements for local Waco record store “The Disc Record Shop” for 1,000 and 500 tickets, respectively, for the Elvis Presley;
• October 8, 1956, letter from Othel Neely to Radio Station KLEN in Klen, Texas, instructing the radio station “Please run two spots per day through Friday on your record shows which are deemed for the teen-agers.” The letter is an office copy, typed on the back of a 1954 “Heart O' Texas Fair” letterhead;
• Backstage Pass “No. 14” for the “Ramp Gate” on a small notepad sheet “From Desk of C.R. Meeker, JR.” The pass for “Presley Show” is signed by Meeker.;
• October 12, 1956, Backstage pass from Othel Neely. Reads “ATTENTION MR. COLEMAN: This is to verify that the bearer of this letter is due admission to the backstage area of the Elvis Presley Show. Please allow the person to go to my office on the mezzanine floor.” The original of this letter was given to a radio contest winner who attended the show. The letter is an office copy, typed on the back of a 1954 “Heart O' Texas Fair” letterhead.;
• Othel Neely's “LIST OF PEOPLE TO BE ADMITTED TO BACK DOOR” which lists “ELVIS PRESLEY AND MEMBERS OF SHOW, TOM PARKER – Manager, TOM DISKIN – Manager” among the list of more than a dozen listings. Of note is the listing for “Winner from KTEM Promotion” referred to in the previous item.; and
• Thursday, October 18, 1956, front page of The Waco Citizen newspaper featuring an article about the show with the headline “Hottest Thing Visits Waco” and several photos of the ecstatic crowd at the concert.

Excellent to Mint condition overall with several pieces much nicer, including the 8 x 10 photographs, which are in beautiful shape..