In March 1960, Elvis Presley returned home from the Army, and two months later, none other than Frank Sinatra was on hand to welcome him back. Presley served for two years, and when he returned, Sinatra had him as a guest on an ABC Television special.
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Sinatra appeared on four Timex-sponsored TV specials during the 1959-1960 season, and Welcome Home Elvis was Presley’s first TV appearance in three years. It was a celebration of Presley’s return to the U.S. from West Germany and his return to music and film.
The Frank Sinatra Timex Show: Welcome Home Elvis also featured Rat Pack members Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, Joey Bishop, and Nancy Sinatra. Presley performed a handful of numbers, including his first post-Army singles “Stuck On You” and “Fame And Fortune”.
While Presley performed Sinatra’s 1957 hit “Witchcraft”, Sinatra sang Presley’s 1956 classic “Love Me Tender”. The two shared a duet, while the rest of the show’s performances involved the other guest stars.
Frank Sinatra Welcomed Elvis Presley Home From the Army in Hollywood Style
Frank Sinatra wasn’t initially pleased that Elvis Presley would receive $125,000 for appearing on the show. However, he eventually conceded, as the publicity would far outweigh the overspending. Having The Voice and The King together on television would surely bring in the ratings.
Add to this the fact that Presley and Sinatra were often at odds in the 1950s. This was set to be the show of the decade. Sinatra was not shy about his distaste for rock and roll, and while Presley felt Sinatra was entitled to his opinion, he also said, “I admire him as a performer and an actor but I think he’s badly mistaken about this… I don’t see how he can call the youth of today immoral and delinquent.”
However, this rift was often exaggerated in the press. Newspapers and magazines attempted to make them hate each other, but when asked directly for opinions, they had nothing but good things to say about the other’s artistry.
The show received positive ratings, although there were some harsh critics as well. Many believed Presley had lost his appeal along with his sideburns. However, the appearance alongside Frank Sinatra was a clever strategy. It got Elvis Presley on the radar of a more mature, mainstream audience.
Featured Image by ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
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