The Paley Center For Media Presents Elvis Presley's '68 Comeback Special
Monday, January 7, 2008
Los Angeles, CA-The Paley Center for Media (formerly The Museum of Television & Radio) will present a fortieth anniversary salute to Elvis Presley's'68 Comeback Special, kicking off the twenty-fifth annual William S. Paley Television Festival (PaleyFest08) on March 14, 2008. Priscilla Presley will join in the celebration which will include a screening of the special followed by a discussion with Presley.
In his first television special originally broadcasted as Singer Presents Elvis, Elvis Presley, who had spent most of the decade as a film actor, returned to his concert roots exhibiting the charismatic and emotionally charged performing style that secured his reputation as the "King of Rock & Roll." Taped in June 1968 and aired on December 3 of that year, the program attracted 42 percent of the television viewing audience and became the season's top-rated special. It stands as one of the great moments in rock history and a stunningly brilliant milestone in Elvis Presley's career.
"We are so excited to host this special salute to an extraordinary television event as the opening night for this year's Paley Festival, said Pat Mitchell, the president and chief executive officer of The Paley Center for Media. "Elvis is one of our most cherished media icons, and having Priscilla Presley with us is a perfect way to celebrate the impact and influence of the Elvis phenomenon on pop culture."
PaleyFest08 will be held from March 14 to 27, 2008, at its new location at the historic Cinerama Dome at the ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood. As previously announced, acclaimed producer/writer Judd Apatow along with two of the new season's hits, Gossip Girl and Pushing Daisies, are among the honorees at the upcoming PaleyFest08. Additional details and the complete schedule for PaleyFest08 will be announced on Monday, February 4, 2008. Tickets will go on sale to Paley Center Members on Thursday, February 7, 2008. Tickets will be available to the general public beginning the following Sunday, February 10, 2008.
Named for William S. Paley, founder of both the Paley Center and CBS, the annual pop-culture event celebrates television's rich and diverse programming and the creative process behind the medium for the last twenty-five years. During each evening, the audience views episodes or highlights of the featured work and has the opportunity to ask questions of the cast and creative team or the individual involved in its production.
Bank of America is a Signature Sponsor of the twenty-fifth annual William S. Paley Television Festival and the Los Angeles Times is a Platinum Media Partner.
The Paley Center for Media, with locations in New York and Los Angeles, leads the discussion about the cultural, creative, and social significance of television, radio, and emerging platforms for the professional community and media-interested public. Drawing upon its curatorial expertise, an international collection, and close relationships with the leaders of the media community, the Paley Center examines the intersections between media and society. The general public can access the collection and participate in programs that explore and celebrate the creativity, the innovations, the personalities, and the leaders who are shaping media. Through the global programs of its Media Council and International Council, the Paley Center also serves as a neutral setting where media professionals can engage in discussion and debate about the evolving media landscape. Previously known as The Museum of Television & Radio, the Paley Center was founded in 1976 by William S. Paley, a pioneering innovator in the industry. For more information, please visit www.paleycenter.org