Elvis Presley had one of the most successful concert residencies in history

Beginning in 1969, the vocalist of "Viva Las Vegas" appeared twice nightly, seven days a week, in 636 sold-out performances at the International Hotel in Las Vegas. The appearances solidified a professional resurrection that had started with a 1968 NBC return special. The Beatles and other newer performers had taken over the pop charts from Elvis Presley and other early rockers in the early 1960s, but "The King" had returned.

Presley's performances at the International were "huge rock extravaganzas, not tiny nightclub, Frank Sinatra-Rat Pack-style shows. The showroom where it took place was twice as big as any other in Vegas. By today's standards, the theater in that showroom, which had 2,000 seats, was modest. The Park has 6,400 seats, the Colosseum has 4,300, and Zappo's has 7,000. Colonel Tom Parker, the King's controversial manager, was able to secure a cool million dollars for 57 performances in July and August at the International Hotel in Las Vegas.

The summer of 1969 marked the height of Elvis Presley's career. Elvis attempted to achieve greatness one last time with a frenzy of performances in Las Vegas. The King established his legacy in nearly flawless condition before the terrible effects of the 1970s set in.