On this day in 1957, Elvis Presley appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show for the final time

After two extremely popular visits to the show in 1956, Elvis’s star power was obvious and he was quickly booked for his third and final appearance. He performed a series of hits such as “Love Me Tender,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Hound Dog,” and “Too Much”.

Elvis went on to dedicate the last song of his performance, a cover of “Peace in the Valley” to the people of Hungary, who in 1956 had suffered through an anti-Soviet revolution. Presley and his manager Colonel Tom Parker agreed  they should lend their support for their countries fight against Communism. Ed Sullivan himself joined Elvis in asking the audience to donate to the Hungarian relief efforts.

Presley’s final Ed Sullivan Show appearance is a well known performance in TV history. After his first two visits to the show, Elvis’ classic wild dance moves had clearly caused concern to some viewers who called CBS to complain. For this reason, it was decided that this appearance be filmed entirely from the waist up, hiding Elvis’ hip swinging moves from the camera. 

Regardless of the audiences concern, Ed Sullivan told viewers that Elvis was a “real decent, fine boy.” and that they had greatly enjoyed their experience with him.