Elvis Presley – Something (Aloha From Hawaii, Live in Honolulu, 1973)

Picture background

Introduction:

Elvis Presley’s live performance of “Something” during his Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite concert in 1973 represents a pivotal moment in music and broadcast history. Held at the Honolulu International Center, this concert marked the first-ever worldwide satellite broadcast featuring a single performer, reaching over 40 countries and an estimated audience of 1.5 billion viewers. Although initially intended to reach Asia and Oceania, it later aired in the United States, reinforcing Elvis’s global influence at a time when live satellite broadcasting was still in its infancy.

Elvis’s rendition of “Something” — a Beatles classic written by George Harrison — was part of a carefully curated setlist blending Elvis’s hits with covers that showcased his versatility and emotional depth. This performance not only highlighted his vocal power but also his connection with songs outside his usual repertoire, drawing attention to his ability to interpret diverse musical styles. A central piece of the larger Aloha from Hawaii concert, “Something” added depth and contrast to a show that featured both rock hits and heartfelt ballads.

Beyond entertainment, the concert had a charitable dimension. Elvis and his team collaborated with local organizations, and the concert proceeds were donated to the Kui Lee Cancer Fund, honoring the late Hawaiian songwriter Kui Lee, whose song “I’ll Remember You” was also performed. The event was highly anticipated and drew immense local and international attention, symbolizing Elvis’s enduring legacy and his deep connection with fans worldwide, even as his health declined in later years.

Video:

You Missed

“CLIFF RICHARD AND OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN SHARED DECADES OF MUSIC, LAUGHTER, AND FRIENDSHIP — BUT IN AUGUST 2022, CLIFF HAD TO SAY GOODBYE TO A WOMAN WHO HAD BEEN PART OF HIS LIFE FOR MORE THAN HALF A CENTURY…” Long before Olivia Newton-John became an international superstar through Grease and her remarkable recording career, she and Cliff Richard had already formed a musical connection. Their friendship grew during the early 1970s, when Olivia appeared on Cliff’s television show and the two performers began sharing music with audiences. In 1971, they recorded “Don’t Move Away,” one of their early collaborations. Over the following decades, their careers took different paths, but their friendship endured. They reunited for performances, shared memorable musical moments, and remained connected through an industry that was constantly changing. Then, on August 8, 2022, Olivia Newton-John died at the age of 73 following a long experience with breast cancer. For Cliff, it meant losing a friend whose presence had been woven into his musical life for decades. Their old performances suddenly carried a different emotional weight. The smiles, familiar melodies, and effortless warmth between them became reminders of a friendship that could no longer continue in person. Some musical partnerships are remembered for the records they produce. Others are remembered because the affection between two people seems to survive long after the final note. For Cliff Richard and Olivia Newton-John, their story was always about more than music.