But one of the more unusual Elvis TV moments during 1956 was when he appeared on “The Steve Allen Show” months before his famous appearances on Ed Sullivan’s CBS show – “Talk Of The Town.”

It’s been reported that Allen was not a fan of the new rock ’n’ roll sound the kids were listening to back in the ’50s, and when he booked Elvis to appear on his show, he insisted the boy from Memphis dress in a tux, including a white bow tie and black tails.

But that’s only the half of it.

Fans of Steve Allen know the man was all about the funny. While Allen could definitely be regarded as one of television’s early stars, a category that also included Milton Berle, Lucille Ball and Ernie Kovacs, when it came to Steverino’s show on NBC, the laughs came first. Often at the host and /or guest’s expense.

And Allen wanted laughs from Elvis, which is evident in the second number when Elvis introduces a brand new song to America. A song that would quickly become one of the King’s greatest hits and a rock ’n’ roll classic that still stands on its own today. We won’t spoil the fun, but the Allen appearance resulted in a perfect example of ’50s variety TV – music and laughs.

Except Elvis didn’t think so, and often called it the most ridiculous performance of his career. Fast forward 53 years and the video clip represents one of the more unusual footnotes in the King’s career. And is still good for a laugh or two today.