Your analyses of Elvis’s ability to play Is impressive and welcoming to confirm. Elvis was very talented and was/is the best entertainer to walk this earth.

What I've always loved about his '68 Special, amongst many other things, is he looked like it was the happiest day of his life, shining like the Star he was. x

Elvis set the bar really high for the next generation. He looked great, he had a sense of humor, he had a great voice- almost 4 octaves,he had a great work ethic. He followed that dream. He wasn't like anyone else. He went through poverty to success. He was generous and he touched lives the world over.

Elvis is truly the king. Over a billion records sold, and still selling more than a million per year. Unbelievable!

I love this '68 special. Elvis sounded exceptional, looked great, oozed confidence and charisma, and seemed to be having such a great time in that intimate setting with his band and his fans. Fil, besides your great analysis, it's wonderful to see your nice smile as you're enjoying the performance as well.

“Somebody pulled the plug, man.” I love how cool he is right there. And then he AND the band start up again like nothing happened!

Some people think the world is flat and some think Elvis can't play the guitar but we all know the truth...

The coolest man who ever lived

He kissed my Mom and gave her a scarf in Vegas once. She still talks about it today at 75 years old😊👍👍

Another thing I always liked about Elvis is his never taking himself too seriously and being able to laugh when things went wrong on stage.

I just hope younger generations can appreciate Elvis and his music...he was truly an American legend. Gospel singer, mechanic, soldier, actor, musician, and a "giver" of his fortune...he spoiled his friends, family, and fans with gifts and parties. Big heart/passion/dedicated kinda guy from Tupelo, Mississippi!

Thank you, mate for setting the record straight!! You are the best and thank you for recognizing that Elvis, in fact, was a very sufficient guitarist. He also played piano wonderfully as well.

Elvis Presley was a good musician however his best instrument was his voice. When I was young I remember people saying there’ll never be another elvis and indeed they were right! Talent off the scale

I love Elvis' sense of humour. You can tell he's heavily into self-mockery. He's not like so many posers who take themselves so seriously.

Elvis was also influenced by Country western, crooners like Dean Martin, Opera like Mario Lanza, Gospel and Rhythm & Blues and combined them into one sound his sound. That is why he is so unique. He could sing anything. Many other entertainers have their area but he could sing it all, sounded like nobody else and combined it all.

Elvis did more with three chords than ANYBODY else did with fifty !! And he was, is, and will always be "The Voice." And...The King......long live The King !!

What holds your attention about this performance is the energy and the confidence and drive; and the relaxed looseness, from a man who might have been feeling that he had something to prove after his long absence from music (while in the army), but he sure as hell wasn't gonna show it! Also, he was completely unfazed when his guitar came unplugged; he made a joke about it, plugged in and carried on!

Gosh really impressed how much you know about Elvis. Really appreciate how you tell the facts and don’t try to put him down.

Thanks for taking up for Elvis, Fil and proving all the “nay sayers” wrong. I was a teeny bopper when Elvis came on the scene and had just turned 30 when he died. 😥

Once a king, always a king. The world would have been a lot poorer without him!

I Don't care who you are when you listen to Elvis you know its awesome.... even if you don't want to admit it. I did not grow up with Elvis but that dude was so talented!

Dead for many years and people are still doubting him. He was so good that people can’t believe it’s real.

Elvis would capture the whole town not jus the room or building he walked into.The dude has his own planet and solar system somewhere there is no doubt about it. He was the King !

Wow, for such a young man, you really know your Elvis trivia! It's refreshing to see, because having seen over 100 of his shows, having spent time with him at his after-the-late-show parties in Las Vegas, and having received 6 scarves, a teddy bear and many kisses from him, I'm always thinking nowadays that young people don't really know the immensity of his appeal, talent and charisma, or the depth of that honey-sweet voice. And if they go by the imitators, they'll never know.... there was just no one in this world like him. So thank you for a very informative analysis and delightful contribution!

Best entertainer ever and he played guitar, piano!

Elvis could play guitar both left and right handed equally & as brilliantly. He will forever be the KING his music and personality has a timeless appeal.

His playing matched his looks and vocals savage brutal primal and direct

Huge Elvis fan here. Pardon my French but Elvis Presley = Fucking Legend. The King.

I always knew Elvis could play guitar. He was amazing and I'll always be a loyal fan.

Oh man, Thank You for this one! Elvis Presley: American Icon, Legend, Greatest of all time....The KING! Rock On brother!

Awww! I imagine an Elvis in eighth grade having his dreams and hopes crushed by his music teacher and I feel sad for him. :(

Was so obvious back then how much he loved performing and got such joy out of it.

There you go again, analyzing a performance that just makes me smile, and smile, and smile.😊😊😊

Elvis was quite the showman! Thanks for showing further Elvis’s guitar playing abilities.

Love your astute observations about the nuances of all the artists you’ve examine, not just Elvis. You have an enlightened empathetic demeanor. I’ve said many times that the rudimentary style notwithstanding, guitar and piano playing were integral fibers in Elvis Presley’s musical being.

They said everyone was having a blast! I think this was rehearsal. The first crowd was disappointed as Elvis said, “Hey man, I just work here!” You’re right, Elvis was VERY nervous before every concert. Gladys and Vernon were so proud when he sang “Old Shep” on his guitar. The receptionist at Sun Records was Sam Phillips’ wife.

The King ..and coolest person to ever live..listen to how ferocious his voice is by how far back he was from the mic..thanks Fil

I remember watching the show on PBS. I was never Impressed by Elvis Presley . Then I saw this and I said too myself woah this cat's got talent. This was a very impressive show.🤙

I recall Scotty saying in an interview that the first time they played with Elvis...they were amazed by his natural sense of rhythm, his pitch and the fact that even if he didn't know the chords to all the tunes they ran thru that day...he knew the songs and nailed the vocal parts with his own patented "Elvis Tone"!

Can't get enough Elvis

Elvis would have loved how much you’re smiling. I miss Lisa Marie and her Daddy so much. ❤️💔

Elvis didn’t have to be greatest at playing the guitar, but he’s certainly the Greatest Entertainer to ever grace the planet (IMO). Great video. Peace ✌️

Oh, Elvis could most definitely play the guitar. And he knew how to work the dynamics with his playing, as featured here.

A once in a lifetime performer. My mom and sister went together to see Elvis in Albuquerque, NM. It was the only time they did anything like that because sis was rock and mom was country western yet they both said it was the best concert they ever went to. That says everything about who he could reach. EVERYONE! Long live the KING! Great job Fil :)

This song and Lawdy Miss Clawdy are my 2 favorite performances on the Comeback Special. Just to see the humor in the performance makes me smile.

Oh come on!! The people that think he didn’t play probably believe the earth is flat. He was the king!!! Besides the Colonel wouldn’t let that happen😹🤘🏻

Elvis was a musician, he started his career with nothing but a guitar and a voice. He could play guitar piano and bass, as a matter of fact he's playing the bass line in "Baby I Don't Care" in jailhouse rock... Bill Black was having trouble transitioning to Fender Bass and Elvis apparently ended up laying down the track in the film. Anyone that doubts Elvis needs to do some homework. The man always gave what he had on stage and as bad as he got in the 70s never even lip synced...

Interesting story about Elvis' eighth grade teacher. Can't let people tell you what you're good at...you have to follow your heart and your instincts. When Fred Smith was in college, a professor told him his idea to use jets to guarantee overnight delivery of envelopes would never work. Fred wasn't deterred, and created Fed Ex in spite of him. We all can't be Elvis or Fred Smith, but we can all strive to be our best doing what we believe in!

Also it was many year for not play for a live audience..... Such a humble man....always the King of Music.

Elvis played "piano" in the studio as far back as the 1950s at Sun, including the Sun track 'Trying To Get To You," which wasn't released until Elvis' first album (RCA) in '56, as well as a number of 50s RCA tracks - Old Shep, How's The World Treating You, Playing For Keeps, First In Line, and there's live 1950s concert footage with Elvis on piano.

Thanks, Fil. Love the respect

I've always wondered what that teacher thought when Elvis blew up and went down in history as one of the best talents that music has ever seen. Elvis didn't lack a belief in himself because so much of what he did and who he was required conviction of character to not get totally discouraged in his pursuit of music/performing as a profession.

Love your analysis on Elvis's playing and singing. Elvis was indeed special and unique.❤

Having been an Elvis fan for almost my entire life, your words are like milk & honey to me. I can`t believe how much you know about him... Fantastic analysis/reaction. Thank you, Fil!

Thank you so much! I very much appreciate your reviews, especially this issue of Elvis´ability at playing the guitar. It must be really difficult for some people to accept that Elvis could be such a gorgeous looking guy have such a wonderful voice, play the piano and the guitar which was his first instrument after all, as you said!

The power of this beautiful man❤ Yes, you can’t help but smiling looking at him!THANK YOU for your fair analysis!

I'm a huge rock/documentary fan and watched/read a lifetime of information on Elvis to concur 100% that he could play the guitar. His teacher was probably a fuddy duddy and couldn't comprehend the immense talent she/he saw. ^m^😎^m^❤

A person that plays guitar can always spot a person pretending to play the guitar. And Elvis was not a pretender. Love that Gibson 400 Sunburst!

Carl Perkins said he was a really good rythym player...

Led Zepplin Idolized many bands did! His music immortal! Elvis played the piano too! People crack me up! The man was drop dead gorgous, he could sing anything had a beautiful personality! People can say what they want! He doesn't care! Thanks for You're review!

HI FIL WOW OH WOW WHAT A SHOW. THIS BRINGS BACK MEMORIES. ELVIS ROCKS AND SO DO YOU. LOVE YOU AND YOUR VIDEOES. YOU ARE THE BEST. THANKYOU FIL FOR BEING YOU AND FOR WHAT YOU DO. YOU ARE THE BEST. PEACE AND LOVE

Love it. Smile the whole time (anytime Elvis is on).

His performance is pure magnetism and testosterone!

THE KING is The king 👑 forever Oh my GOSH 🔥 Elvis 🔥❤️ Thanks 🤗

He didn't need to play the guitar. His fans, especially the women, just want to see him and hear him sing. He sounded pretty good on the guitar. Great reaction.

Elvis was an enigma!!! He knew who he was and what he was capable of at an early age. Can you imagine Fil, since you're a music teacher, telling a student what Elvis's teacher told him?!?! Telling Elvis he can't sing is like telling Jesus he can't walk on water!!! ( no blasphemy intended mind you) By the way Fil, maybe you should consider an Elvis cover....😎😁✌❤🤘

Elvis Presley was one of my favorite singers, and I think he had an incredible voice. I thought he was a great guitarist and actor as well, and a great hip swinger too, lol. As always, you did an excellent analysis!

I was five years old, strumming on a tennis racquet; jumping on the furniture; listening to Jail House Rock, when my mother came downstairs, with tears streaming down her face, and told me that Elvis had just died. I remember it like it was yesterday (probably because I hadn't seen my mother cry before, but it was all burned into my memory none-the-less).

I’m back on my Elvis kick. Have his music floating around my head the past few weeks. Probably because the anniversary of his death just passed. I’m 67 and I of course grew up listening to him and watching his movies. I was fortunate enough to have seen him in concert here in Pittsburgh, New Years Eve, 1976. I almost didn’t get tickets but I remember my mother telling me that I better go because I may never get that chance again. As it unfortunately turned out she was correct because Elvis passed away in August of 1977.. Thanks, Fil, for sticking up for this very blessed man and his one of a kind, God given talents..

What a wonderful description of Elvis. One of the bests that I’ve already heard!

I still think it's one of the best live performances ever recorded (if not the best, that's just an opinion anyway). The whole 68 comeback is such a fun show. I especially love the sit-down parts, here Elvis oozes charisma and genuineness. He's putting on a show but at the same you can really see he's having so much fun.

love to watch him...always. Simply the best!!!!! ( in my humble opinion )

Awesome episode! Love your deep analysis! He was so cool without trying! One of a kind voice!

Sign of a great leader...surround yourself with the best. Elvis’ Band and Singers, WOW! Has there been better since?

The King, he was the ultimate entertainer. I smiled and laughed while watching him there and you just can't help that. No one can else seems to be able to immulate that feeling you got like Elvis did. He obviously knew enough guitar and piano to write and perform like he did. The King.

A friend seen him live! He wasnt a big fan in till he watched him live ! He said when he walked on stage he can fill his presents Was Unreal hes said that show change his hole out look ! HIS voice was legendry

Elvis questioned the audience reaction to him all his life and suffered stage fright. He had guts, ambition and determination so he put those thoughts in the back of his mind to succeed. He had the same charisma off stage as he had on according to many who knew him. He never called himself a guitar player and in fact poked fun at his own skill level. His instrument was his vocals and if people heard more than just blue suede shoes and hound dog they would know he was a master vocally. There is a sit down session from him live in Las Vegas 1970 and it clearly shows him playing. He was not and never claimed to be a master guitarist but he could play along with the piano.

Thank you Fil, for doing Elvis again: should also note the unusual chord shapings Elvis used on the guitar, the hammer on's, turn-arounds, they all added to the 3-chord mystique.

Keep on rock my good awsome friend rock it out my brother. Don't stop rocking keep going ok I love you men

Wonderful job on that Phil! Elvis was unique..

Elvis was gorgeous!!! 🔥

This is Great showcase of unbelievable talent Only the King could do!!! Long Live His talent 🙏!!!!

That was actually Scotty Moore's guitar. Elvis decided to "borrow" it.

Saw him live!!! I’ll never forget

Huge Elvis fan. What was really cool about this performance that I haven't seen anyone else mention is; this is like MTV-Unplugged, long before MTV Unplugged.

Hey, i love anything Elvis, he was King! A great Artist, in his own right! I loved all his songs, his movies, his guitar playing, his swivel hips, and his ravishing "GREAT LOOKS" His daughter Lisa Marie, looks just like him, and his grandson, Lisa's daughter's son, is a dead ringer for Elvis! I Dug your 2nd great analysis of Elvis, and proving, that he could and did play guitar...... P. S., back in the 70's i had a good friend that i worked with, named Dora, who had tickets to the last 2 concerts he gave b4 he died on August 17th, 1977, he brought her up on stage, all she did was cry as he sang to her, she was so overwhelmed, Elvis was the end all and be all for her , she never missed a concert, also gave her a scarf, he wrapped it around her neck, her husband took movies, she had a few of us gals over for dinner after work to view them, the movies were memorable for her, i'm sure she still has them, she now lives in Rock Ford, Illinois, way up north, if she and the family, are still there? You couldn't mention Elvis's name without her screaming for joy, she was funny as hell! The End.... I miss those days....

My mom met him at a party in the early '60s in LA and said he was very shy and polite. He seemed uncomfortable in the crowd.

Had can anyone who's seen Elvis 68 comeback special not be convinced that he played guitar. He played guitar and piano from childhood. He wasn't a virtuoso on either instrument, but he was certainly a good musician and could play both instruments well. He also played Bass. When the Beatles met him he was sitting on a sofa playing a Fender Bass, and he played bass on one of his recordings also, so enough said. IMO from 1955 - 1958 this Dude was The Baddest, Coolest Cat On The Planet. He had the most distinctive voice in the history of Rock and Roll. There's only one Elvis. I stop short of calling him the King of Rock and Roll simply because he didn't Write any Rock and Roll, but he certainly brought it into the mainstream. I realize he has a songwriting credit on His Latest Flame and Love Me Tender, but he was not a songwriter. He was a Singer and Performer. And man, what a singer and performer he was.

I think this show was my favorite of all his performances. I never tire of his music and performances. I enjoyed your analysis and in this one, your reaction. Elvis could really entertain, yes?

I needed a dose of vitamin E today, thank you. 😊

Hi Fantastic Fil!!! Its my city 270th birthday celebration 🎂🍾 concert 🎵and fireworks!!! I am listening and watching you while listening to the concert before the fireworks. Thanks for showcasing Elvis. I love Elvis. He was so talented and was very handsome and humble. Sadly I am to too young to ever have seen him in person. Thanks for sharing

This is my favourite Elvis performance, I think.

I’m a life long Elvis fan. The ‘68 Comeback Special was Elvis at his best. Love him or hate him, Elvis was the most influential entertainer to ever live.

Elvis always responded to critisium saying, no I can’t sing, no I can’t play as they said these things to him, like; what do you say about this, he just bluntly agreed like that, , as his records sales broke records. And he sold out to where he could even do stadiums anymore in the early years. His results said it all. As he matured you can see he had more confidence outside the showman. He kinda always did cause never gave in, hed just never say anything that promoted himself in their criticism. he’d just say yeah I can’t sing, yeah I can play in a way that was being one who played the critics. He could play a crowd, he could play them too. In his early 1970’ as they were filming a special, he got criticized for looking at the lyrics once in a while. So later on stage he said in such a mild matter-of-fact way; we had to learn 500 songs for this, we only learnt 5. We didn’t 45. Then immediately as they start he says here’s one we didn’t learn. They out performed it. But if you didn’t know his mannerisms with critics you’d think he was saying they could not do it. He was just playing them, then the result spoke for itself.

Top class review, so informative , thank you. Elvis's facial expressions are a performance in itself

He also played piano on "You'll Never Walk Alone".

Elvis also played Bass with the Beatles in 1965; when Elvis said he could only play 3 chords he was also probably being humble and modest as he was a Christian and didn't wanna brag or be cocky.

Phil, Elvis fan here. the guitar didn't just "cut out". Notice he is sitting real close to the fans. someone pulled the plug out. This became a piece of show business schtick because they recreated it during the same song at the followed Sit down show a few hours later. someone pulled the plug twice, during 2 shows, during the same song segment of the show. both versions are on youtube.

Besides that Elvis was so talented and had one of the greatest voices in music history, he was also a great entertainer. Funny and flirty like in this video. An artist that really appreciated he's audience. The video where he performs the Unchained Melody is heartbreaking. Still trying to deliver the best of himself to his audience, though anyone can see that he was in a very bad condition.

I just love ur smile while u watch Elvis. X