Introduction
Exclusive Discovery: Lost Elvis Presley Video from 1956 Trip to New York Unearthed
A rare and never-before-seen video of the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, has just been discovered in the Fox archives. The footage captures an iconic moment during his 1956 visit to New York City—a piece of music history rediscovered thanks to a bit of luck and a sharp eye from the Fox 5 production team.
A Defining Trip to New York
On October 29, 1956, Elvis traveled to New York to film a new ending for his first movie, “Love Me Tender.” The original ending, in which his character dies, was met with outrage by teenage fans. In response, producers filmed an additional scene where Elvis appears as a ghost, singing the title track, to soften the blow.
A Priceless Glimpse into the Past
The silent, unedited two-minute video shows Elvis leaving Junco Studios—a carriage house on East 69th Street—and stepping onto the sidewalk to greet fans. It’s a rare behind-the-scenes moment that captures both his professionalism on set and his dedication to those who made his stardom possible: his fans.
Confirmed by the Experts
When the clip was sent to Graceland, Angie Marchese—Vice President of Archives and Exhibitions and one of the foremost Elvis experts in the world—confirmed she had never seen it before. She called it a “priceless find,” especially nearly 50 years after his passing. The footage is now being prepared for public display at Graceland.
More Than Music—A Cultural Impact
Elvis’s trip to New York in October 1956 wasn’t just about filming. A day earlier, he made a high-profile appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, where he received a polio vaccine on live TV. This public act became a turning point in promoting vaccination among teens, supported by the March of Dimes campaign slogan: “You can’t rock and roll with polio.”
A Legacy That Lives On
Nearly seven decades later, Elvis’s legacy continues to inspire. This newly found footage offers fans a fresh connection to a global icon and serves as a reminder that history can still be hidden in plain sight—waiting to be discovered.