It’s July sixteenth, and on this day in 1966… Production began on Elvis Presley’s twenty-fourth film, *Double Trouble*, at MGM Studios in Culver City. Although the movie is set in England and Belgium, all of Elvis’s scenes were filmed on sound stages using backdrops and rear projections, with one scene shot in Long Beach Harbor standing in for Antwerp’s docks. The film is known for its continuity errors, including a disappearing luggage rack in one hotel room scene. Interestingly, Elvis’s cousin Billy Smith served as the stunt double for actress Annette Day in one of the scenes. Meanwhile, in 1955, Elvis performed at the Louisiana Hayride in Shreveport, and in 1956, he toured New Orleans with his girlfriend June Juanico and his parents before they returned to Memphis.

It’s July fifteenth, and on this day in 1969… Elvis Presley assembled a new band in preparation for his upcoming Las Vegas engagement. He hired blues guitarist James Burton as band leader—a seasoned musician known for his role on *Ozzie and Harriet*. Burton brought in pianist Larry Muhoberac, drummer Ronnie Tutt, bassist Jerry Scheff, and rhythm guitarist John Wilkinson. Elvis also enlisted vocal groups the Imperials and the Sweet Inspirations, creating the lineup that would power his triumphant return to live performance. Meanwhile, in 1962, Elvis rented out the Fairgrounds amusement park for a private evening of fun with family and friends, showing a rare, relaxed side of the King amid his skyrocketing career.

It’s July fourteenth, and on this day in 1976… Elvis Presley flew to Las Vegas with Linda Thompson and resumed medical care under Dr. Ghanem, marking a period of increased health concerns for the King. Just the day before, on July thirteenth, Vernon Presley made the difficult decision to fire three longtime members of Elvis’s entourage—Sonny West, Red West, and karate expert Dave Hebler—citing financial belt tightening amid ongoing tensions within the group. The abrupt dismissals shocked those involved, especially Red West, Elvis’s high school friend, highlighting the growing strains behind the scenes of Elvis’s inner circle.