Arriving in Jackson with Mindi Miller and Red West on May 5, 1975
With Mayor John Thompson, Governor Bill Waller and wife Carroll, David Forrest of McComb, and Sam Alford, Pike County president of Board of Supervisors - Monday, May 5, 1975
Backstage in Jackson, MS on May 5, 1975
This show was
the Special Benefit Show that the Colonel had arranged with Elvis to raise money for the January 9, 1975 McComb Twister
Victims. A total of $113,674.88 was raised. Through Mississippi Governor Bill Waller’s intervention, the Coliseum was
provided free of charge to house the 10,242 fans. Elvis and the Colonel also had all the money raised by the souvenir sales
contributed to the Tornado victims cause. They even paid for all the shows advertising and production for the show
(a total of $35,000). Before the show a Check for $113,674.88 was presented to Governor Waller , who then offered Elvis the
States thanks "it was an historic occasion" commented Waller "This is the biggest Benefit in the State". Elvis also met
backstage McComb Mayor John Thompson and other state officials
Thanks to Geoffrey McDonnell for the above information and to Francesc for the first photo and to Scott Hayward for the newspaper clipping below...and to Doc for refreshing my memory