Marty Pasetta produced and directed the Aloha TV special which became the most watched TV program ever, with over 1.5 billion people watching it worldwide. Marty actually told Elvis 'He's got to lose some weight' when they met in Las Vegas. Elvis spent the next three months dieting, taking vitamin injections, and rigorously working out with his Memphis karate instructor, Kang Rhee. Director/producer Marty Pasetta reminisces about pitching his ideas for the Elvis Aloha from Hawaii special, the first program to ever be beamed around the world by satellite.
Following is an interview with Marty as he remembers the events.
Interview with Marty Pasetta
The first American airing was April 4, 1973 on NBC-TV. It was a worldwide ratings smash and the soundtrack album went to number one on the 'Billboard' album chart. The American broadcast attracted 51% of the television viewing audience and was seen in more American households than man's first walk on the moon. In all, it was initially seen in approximately forty countries by 1-to-1.5 billion people.
Above, Elvis and Marty Pasetta (Far right), January 1973 - Most likely these photos were taken in the later morning hours of January 14, after all work for the 'Aloha' special was completed.
Elvis Presley | A Musical Prodigy
Elvis' musical style, as a musician and impact as a vocalist and stage performer
The Fifty Voices of Elvis Presley
1977 CBS TV Special
Elvis Presley | Hawaii | January 14, 1973
Jack Lord and Elvis Presley
When Elvis Said 'Aloha' From Hawaii, The World Watched
Mindy Campbell 'Aloha' flight attendant remembers Elvis 1973
Kui Lee Cancer Fund
Beyond The Reef | The Elvis Presley Hawaii Connection
Elvis Presley in concert, Hawaii November 10, 1957
Elvis Presley Honolulu Stadium, Hawaii November, 10 1957
Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite | Fact & Fancy
Aloha From Hawaii Press Conferences | 1972
Elvis Presley | Aloha From Hawaii Press Conference: September 4, 1972
Aloha Press Conference: September 4, 1972
Elvis Presley | Aloha From Hawaii Press Conference: November 20, 1972
Aloha From Hawaii | The Concerts
Elvis Presley | Arriving In Hawaii: January 9, 1973
Elvis Presley | Aloha From Hawaii Rehearsal Concert: January 12, 1973
Elvis Presley | Receiving an award, backstage: January 13, 1973, before his Aloha Concert
Elvis Presley | Aloha From Hawaii January 14, 1973
Aloha From Hawaii | The Reviews
Gold Crown awarded to 'King' Elvis | Review Aloha From Hawaii
Elvis Presley | 1973
January
Elvis Presley Hawaii | January 9, 1973
Elvis Presley Aloha From Hawaii Rehearsal Concert | January 12, 1973
Elvis Presley Hawaii | January 13, 1973
Elvis Presley Aloha From Hawaii | January 14, 1973
Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite | Fact & Fancy
Elvis Presley Las Vegas | January 22, 1973
The Elvis Presley Hawaii Connection
February
Elvis Presley and Jack Lord | Las Vegas | February 10, 1973
Elvis Presley and Muhammad Ali | February 14, 1973
Elvis Presley Las Vegas | February 18, 1973
Amazing Grace | Elvis Presley's Hilton suite, Las Vegas, NV | Friday, February 23, 1973
April
Elvis Presley Phone Bill | April 2, 1973
Elvis Presley April 22, 1973 (3:00 pm). Phoenix, AZ.
Elvis Presley April 24, 1973 | Anaheim, CA
Elvis Presley April 26, 1973 | San Diego, CA.
Elvis Presley April 28, 1973 | (3.00 pm) | Spokane, WA.
Elvis Presley Center Arena, Seattle, Washington | April 29, 1973
Elvis Presley with fans after arriving at the Seattle airport | April 29, 1973
June
Elvis Presley Municipal Auditorium | Mobile AL | June 20, 1973
Elvis Presley 3pm Long Island Ny | June 23, 1973
Elvis Presley Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale | June 24, 1973
Elvis Presley Cinncinnati, OH. | June 27, 1973
Elvis Presley Atlanta | Omni Coliseum | June 29, 1973
Elvis Presley Atlanta | Omni Coliseum | June 30, 1973
July
Elvis and Lisa Marie Presley | Atlanta | July 1, 1973
Elvis Presley Municipal Auditorium, Nashville, Tennessee | In Concert | July 1, 1973
Elvis Presley Atlanta | July 3, 1973
August
Elvis Presley The King's Court fan club | August 31, 1973
September
Elvis Presley September 3, 1973 | Caught In A Trap
Tom Jones and Elvis Presley shake hands | On stage, September 4, 1973
October
Elvis and Priscilla Divorce Court Appearance | October 9, 1973
CD Releases
Elvis (Fool) FTD Special Edition 2 CD
Raised On Rock - FTD Special Edition 2 CD
CDs | In Concert
FTD Soundboard Recorded Concerts
FTD Stereo Recorded Concerts