Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Jan. 11, 1958: Elvis Presley kisses 14-year-old Mary Savage during a stopover on the train in Fort Worth.
When you think of Elvis Presley, images of Graceland’s gates or a glitzy Las Vegas stage might come to mind. But for fans in Fort Worth, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll left an indelible mark with performances that spanned decades, from his raw, youthful energy in the 1950s to the polished grandeur of his 1970s tours.
It all began in May 1955 when a 20-year-old Elvis Presley arrived in Fort Worth as part of a Grand Ole Opry tour. Performing at the North Side Coliseum, a venue steeped in Texas history, Elvis’s star was just beginning to rise. Legend has it that on one visit, his car ran out of gas, and he walked to the coliseum — a humble start for a future icon. At that time, the Louisiana Hayride radio show often brought Elvis to small Texas towns, allowing him to hone the electrifying stage presence that would soon captivate the world.
By 1956, Elvis was no longer a newcomer but a burgeoning sensation. Returning to the North Side Coliseum, he commanded attention with a performance so high-energy that 20 police officers were assigned to ensure his safety. Star-Telegram photographers documented this pivotal moment, capturing Elvis’s charisma as it began to transform him into a cultural phenomenon.
Even when not performing, Elvis caused a stir in Fort Worth. In 1960, en route to Hollywood, he made a brief stop at the city’s train station. Accompanied by his larger-than-life manager, Col. Tom Parker (recently immortalized by Tom Hanks in the “Elvis” biopic), Elvis waved to adoring fans. The moment showcased his enduring appeal, even in transit.
After a 16-year hiatus, Elvis returned to Fort Worth in 1972, taking the stage at the Tarrant County Convention Center. The King paid homage to his earlier days with a rousing rendition of “Hound Dog,” delighting fans with both nostalgia and his evolved sound. This show marked his first Fort Worth performance since 1956, and the audience’s enthusiasm confirmed that his star power had only grown.
Elvis’s connection with Fort Worth reached new heights in 1974 when he performed four sold-out shows over two days at the Convention Center. These concerts were recorded live, preserving the King’s magnetism and the crowd’s fervor for posterity. Fans packed the venue, eager to witness his iconic blend of rock, gospel, and blues.
Elvis’s last Fort Worth performance came in 1976, again at the Convention Center. The show sold out, underscoring his enduring legacy even as he approached the final chapters of his career. The King’s voice still carried the passion and power that had defined his rise to stardom.
Texas wasn’t just a pit stop for Elvis; it was a proving ground. From his early days crisscrossing the state with the Louisiana Hayride to his record-breaking tours in the ‘70s, Elvis performed in Texas more than 130 times, second only to his Las Vegas engagements, according to graceland.com. Fort Worth played a pivotal role in this story, bearing witness to both his rise and reign.
Elvis’s connection to Fort Worth extended beyond the stage. In 1975, he commissioned the refurbishment of his private jet, the Lisa Marie, in the city, according to Wiki. The customizations — gold-plated fixtures, a queen-sized bed, and the iconic TCB logo —reflected the larger-than-life persona that Fort Worth audiences had come to adore.
Today, Fort Worth’s memories of Elvis are more than historical footnotes; they’re reminders of a time when the King brought his singular magic to Texas soil. Whether he was walking to the North Side Coliseum, thrilling audiences at the Convention Center, or simply passing through the train station, Elvis’s presence in Fort Worth remains unforgettable.
