Recorded live in Honolulu, Hawaii on January 14, 1973, “An American Trilogy” is a medley of three iconic American songs: “Dixie”, “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”, and “All My Trials”. Elvis Presley’s performance of this medley is considered one of the most iconic and memorable moments in his career.
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The performance begins with “Dixie”, a song that was originally written as a minstrel show tune in 1859. The song became a popular anthem for the Confederate States of America during the Civil War, and it has been a controversial song ever since. Elvis Presley’s decision to perform “Dixie” in Hawaii, a state with a large population of Japanese-Americans, was a bold one. However, Presley’s performance was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience.
The second song in the medley is “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”, a patriotic song that was written in 1861. The song is based on the tune of “John Brown’s Body”, a popular abolitionist song. “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” became a rallying cry for the Union during the Civil War, and it remains a popular patriotic song today.
The third and final song in the medley is “All My Trials”, a traditional African-American spiritual. The song is about the struggles and hardships of life, but it also offers a message of hope and perseverance. Elvis Presley’s performance of “All My Trials” is a powerful and moving rendition of this classic song.
“An American Trilogy” is a powerful and moving musical statement that captures the essence of the American experience. Elvis Presley’s performance of this medley is a classic moment in American music history.
Here are some additional details about the performance:
- The performance was broadcast live via satellite to over 40 countries around the world.
- It was the first time a live concert had ever been broadcast via satellite.
- The performance was watched by an estimated 1 billion people worldwide.
- The performance was a huge success, and it helped to revive Elvis Presley’s career.
“An American Trilogy” is a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by people all over the world. It is a powerful and moving testament to the power of music.
Video
Lyrics
Oh, I wish I was in the land of cotton
Old things they are not forgotten
Look away, look away, look away Dixieland
Oh, I wish I was in Dixie, away, away
In Dixieland I take my stand to live and die in Dixie
‘Cause Dixieland, that’s where I was born
Early Lord one frosty morning
Look away, look away, look away Dixieland
Glory, glory hallelujah
Glory, glory hallelujah
Glory, glory hallelujah
His truth is marching on
So hush little baby
Don’t you cry
You know your daddy’s bound to die
But all my trials, Lord, will soon be over
Glory, glory hallelujah
His truth is marching on
His truth is marching on