Elvis Arthur Godfrey Audition

On 23 March 1955 Elvis Presley failed in his bid for fame on Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts show – Elvis Arthur Godfrey audition.

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Elvis Arthur Godfrey Audition

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Elvis – Arthur Godfrey audition

This is when Col Tom Parker took control of Elvis’s career.

Elvis signed a management deal with Bob Neal on 15 March 1955. Although, he was not Elvis’s first official manager. Before Bob Neal, Elvis previously signed a management contract with guitarist Scotty Moore on 12 July 1954.

On 23 March 1955 Elvis auditioned for Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts, a New York based TV Show. Talent scouts introduced their artists and the audience chose the winner with the aid of an applause meter. This very prestigious talent show kick-started many careers, including Pat Boone and Patsy Cline.

Col Parker agreed to pay for Elvis’s trip to New York for the audition. However, he insisted that he represented Elvis on any bookings that resulted from the audition. Elvis’s manager Bob Neal agreed to this condition.
Sadly, the audition didn’t go well for Elvis.

Following the audition, the Colonel was effectively driving Elvis’s career. As a result, Elvis signed a “Special Agreement” management contract with Colonel on 15 August 1955.

Bob Neal was still Elvis’s official manager but the Colonel, was in the driving seat

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