On this day in 1954, Elvis Presley made his professional concert debut

The show, performed at the Overton Park Shell in Memphis (now the Levitt Shell at Overton Park) was a Slim Whitman concert in which Elvis was scheduled to open alongside various other artists. Originally advertised as a ‘Hillbilly Hoedown’, the show eventually changed it’s advertising, making the show Presley’s first advertised performance.

Presley stole the show, performing songs he had written in a history-making session at Sun Studio, including “That’s All Right”, which had become a hit within days of its release, and “Blue Moon of Kentucky”. In the crowd was Presley’s girlfriend, Dixie Locke and his parents, Vernon and Gladys, alongside a large enthusiastic crowd. Elvis was so nervous he didn’t notice that his legs were shaking, causing the crowd to go wild.

Many music historians refer to this show as not only Elvis’ Professional debut but also as the first true rock and roll concert and a major turning point for the genre.