When Michael Met Elvis ... and Lisa --> Dates Confirmed!

[drjohncarpenter]

Another topic, on the upcoming FTD releases, yielded a nice little nugget: confirming when Michael Jackson met Elvis, and daughter Lisa!

It seems that Elvis introduces the Jackson 5 during his 5-26-1974 DS at the Sahara Tahoe, and his daughter is there as well. This totally helps pin down the date when any of the Jacksons actually met the singer.

And more.

170900_Lake Tahoe '74_FTD.jpg

The group was set to open at the Sahara the next day. At the time their newest single, "Dancing Machine," was #2 on the pop charts, and #1 on the r&b charts. It was a huge hit and a wonderful single.



..

Jackson 5 "Dancing Machine" ("The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour," CBS-TV - Wednesday, January 30, 1974)



In Jermaine Jackson's 2011 book, he tells of how 15 year-old Michael and 23 year-old Jackie just happened to run into Elvis backstage, and now it is clear it happened during Presley's May 1974 Tahoe engagement. Given what Elvis says to them ("Good luck, fellas") it may well be from after his closing show on May 26th.

110913_You Are Not Alone p331.jpg

110913_You Are Not Alone p332.jpg

110913_You Are Not Alone p333.jpg

Jermaine Jackson, You Are Not Alone: Michael: Through a Brother's Eyes (New York: Touchstone, September 13, 2011)



Notice also how Jermaine does not recall that young Lisa actually met them. He was just told she came by. He must have been occupied with other visitors. In fact, she was brought backstage by Jerry Schilling and then-girlfriend Myrna Smith of the Sweet Inspirations after their opening show on 5-27-1974!

We attended a Jackson 5 concert at the Sahara in Lake Tahoe a day after Elvis had ended his engagement there, and after the show I introduced five-year-old [sic] Lisa to a teenage Michael Jackson.

Jerry Schilling - Me and a Guy Named Elvis: My Lifelong Friendship with Elvis Presley
https://books.google.com/books?id=9jn323M63PAC&pg=PT333

740500_Jackson 5_Sahara Tahoe.jpg

Jackson 5 at the Sahara Tahoe, May 1974



As may be seen below, the Jackson 5 were definitely booked to follow Elvis at the Sahara Tahoe starting on 5-27-1974, so it is no surprise they were in attendance at the 5-26-1974 DS, and got introduced by the singer. Interestingly, in May they followed Elvis, but at the same venue in October Presley followed them!

740500_Elvis Tahoe sign.jpg

Elvis Presley - Sahara marquee, May 1974

740500_Jackson 5 Tahoe sign.jpg

Jackson 5 - Sahara marquee, May 1974

The summer entertainment season at the Sahara Tahoe promises to be a sizzler in '74. Heating things up to begin with will be the King Elvis.

A legend in his own time, Elvis created incomparable excitement every place he visits. Reservations for his 11 day engagement have already been taken but Elvis lovers can still hope for cancellations.

Following Elvis will be the Jackson Five, one of the most popular weekend attractions in the Spring.

Reno Gazette-Journal - Friday, May 10, 1974
https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/150750260/

The Jackson Five made such a hit two weeks ago at the Sahara Tahoe that they've been signed to follow Elvis for a week, opening May 27 ...

Reno Gazette-Journal - Friday, May 10, 1974
https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/150750283/

South Lake Tahoe

SAHARA TAHOE High Sierra Theatre: Jackson Five (Oct. 4-6), Elvis (Oct. 11-14), Ray Stevens-Kay Starr (Oct. 18-20), Bobby Vinton (Oct. 25-27).

Seating Times
SAHARA TAHOE: Seating in the High Sierra Theatre of the Sahara Tahoe begins at 5:30 for the 8:15 p.m. dinner show, and at 10:45 p.m. for the midnight cocktail show.

Reno Gazette-Journal - Friday, October 4, 1974
https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/148893193/

South Lake Tahoe

Del Webb's Sahara Tahoe has announced that all High Sierra Theater tickets have been sold out for the eight performances of Elvis in Concert, Oct. 11-14. Two traditions have been broken for the Elvis performances. The engagement marks the first time tickets have ever been sold for a High Sierra Theater show and there will be two cocktail shows nightly at 8:15 p.m. and midnight ...

San Mateo Times - Friday, October 4, 1974
https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/39069108/

Man, no one knew then what the future held, for any of them!



BONUS JACKSON 5

Jackson 5 at Lake Tahoe in 1974:

Apr 26 - Apr 28, 1974 (3 shows)
May 27 - June 02, 1974 (7 shows)
Oct 04 - Oct 06, 1974 (3 shows)
Lake Tahoe, NV - Sahara Tahoe

http://www.jackson5abc.com/dossiers/concerts/
http://mjjtimeline.blogspot.com/2009/07/1974.html

Jackson 5 in Las Vegas in 1974:

Apr 10 - Apr 23, 1974 (14 shows)
Aug 21- Sep 03, 1974 (14 shows)
Nov 20 - Dec 03, 1974 (14 shows)
Las Vegas, NV - MGM Grand

http://www.jackson5abc.com/dossiers/concerts/
http://mjjtimeline.blogspot.com/2009/07/1974.html

[elvisjock]

Excellent post! Excited to hear that audio. How bizarre.

[Robert]

I somehow had 1976 pinned down in my mind (mixing up with the Elton John meet & greet perhaps)
This is really insightful!

[RDM]

Fantastic post Doc!
Info like this is what keeps me coming back.

Thanks!

[drjohncarpenter]

Excellent post! Excited to hear that audio. How bizarre.

Thanks. It was a crazy time. Oh, the seventies.

[jurasic1968]

Great post, Doc. Thanks a lot for this new information.

[a mess of polk salad]

Another topic, on the upcoming FTD releases, yielded a nice little nugget: confirming when Michael Jackson met Elvis, and daughter Lisa!

It seems that Elvis introduces the Jackson 5 during his 5-26-1974 DS at the Sahara Tahoe, and his daughter is there as well. This totally helps pin down the date when any of the Jacksons actually met the singer.

And more.

170900_Lake Tahoe '74_FTD.jpg

The group was set to open at the Sahara the next day. At the time their newest single, "Dancing Machine," was #2 on the pop charts, and #1 on the r&b charts. It was a huge hit and a wonderful single.



..

Jackson 5 "Dancing Machine" ("The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour," CBS-TV - Wednesday, January 30, 1974)



In Jermaine Jackson's 2011 book, he tells of how 15 year-old Michael and 23 year-old Jackie just happened to run into Elvis backstage, and now it is clear it happened during Presley's May 1974 Tahoe engagement. Given what Elvis says to them ("Good luck, fellas") it may well be from after his closing show on May 26th.

110913_You Are Not Alone p331.jpg

110913_You Are Not Alone p332.jpg

110913_You Are Not Alone p333.jpg

Jermaine Jackson, You Are Not Alone: Michael: Through a Brother's Eyes (New York: Touchstone, September 13, 2011)



Notice also how Jermaine does not recall that young Lisa actually met them. He was just told she came by. He must have been occupied with other visitors. In fact, she was brought backstage by Jerry Schilling and then-girlfriend Myrna Smith of the Sweet Inspirations after their opening show on 5-27-1974!

We attended a Jackson 5 concert at the Sahara in Lake Tahoe a day after Elvis had ended his engagement there, and after the show I introduced five-year-old [sic] Lisa to a teenage Michael Jackson.

Jerry Schilling - Me and a Guy Named Elvis: My Lifelong Friendship with Elvis Presley
https://books.google.com/books?id=9jn323M63PAC&pg=PT333

740500_Jackson 5_Sahara Tahoe.jpg

Jackson 5 at the Sahara Tahoe, May 1974



As may be seen below, the Jackson 5 were definitely booked to follow Elvis at the Sahara Tahoe starting on 5-27-1974, so it is no surprise they were in attendance at the 5-26-1974 DS, and got introduced by the singer. Interestingly, in May they followed Elvis, but at the same venue in October Presley followed them!

740500_Elvis Tahoe sign.jpg

Elvis Presley - Sahara marquee, May 1974

740500_Jackson 5 Tahoe sign.jpg

Jackson 5 - Sahara marquee, May 1974

The summer entertainment season at the Sahara Tahoe promises to be a sizzler in '74. Heating things up to begin with will be the King Elvis.

A legend in his own time, Elvis created incomparable excitement every place he visits. Reservations for his 11 day engagement have already been taken but Elvis lovers can still hope for cancellations.

Following Elvis will be the Jackson Five, one of the most popular weekend attractions in the Spring.

Reno Gazette-Journal - Friday, May 10, 1974
https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/150750260/

The Jackson Five made such a hit two weeks ago at the Sahara Tahoe that they've been signed to follow Elvis for a week, opening May 27 ...

Reno Gazette-Journal - Friday, May 10, 1974
https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/150750283/

South Lake Tahoe

SAHARA TAHOE High Sierra Theatre: Jackson Five (Oct. 4-6), Elvis (Oct. 11-14), Ray Stevens-Kay Starr (Oct. 18-20), Bobby Vinton (Oct. 25-27).

Seating Times
SAHARA TAHOE: Seating in the High Sierra Theatre of the Sahara Tahoe begins at 5:30 for the 8:15 p.m. dinner show, and at 10:45 p.m. for the midnight cocktail show.

Reno Gazette-Journal - Friday, October 4, 1974
https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/148893193/

South Lake Tahoe

Del Webb's Sahara Tahoe has announced that all High Sierra Theater tickets have been sold out for the eight performances of Elvis in Concert, Oct. 11-14. Two traditions have been broken for the Elvis performances. The engagement marks the first time tickets have ever been sold for a High Sierra Theater show and there will be two cocktail shows nightly at 8:15 p.m. and midnight ...

San Mateo Times - Friday, October 4, 1974
https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/39069108/

Man, no one knew then what the future held, for any of them!



BONUS JACKSON 5

Jackson 5 at Lake Tahoe in 1974:

Apr 26 - Apr 28, 1974 (3 shows)
May 27 - June 02, 1974 (7 shows)
Oct 04 - Oct 06, 1974 (3 shows)
Lake Tahoe, NV - Sahara Tahoe

http://www.jackson5abc.com/dossiers/concerts/
http://mjjtimeline.blogspot.com/2009/07/1974.html

Jackson 5 in Las Vegas in 1974:

Apr 10 - Apr 23, 1974 (14 shows)
Aug 21- Sep 03, 1974 (14 shows)
Nov 20 - Dec 03, 1974 (14 shows)
Las Vegas, NV - MGM Grand

http://www.jackson5abc.com/dossiers/concerts/
http://mjjtimeline.blogspot.com/2009/07/1974.html

Doc you're a gem -- fantastic post!

It's details like this that makes Tahoe so compelling, and we haven't even heard the show yet, great stuff!!!

[Deleted User 1099]

The funny thing is, virtually everyone here had dismissed the alleged meeting between Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson, including the good Doc himself. Then this FTD soundboard tape turns up and changes everyone's perception. Nevertheless, great post, John. A fascinating read. Thank you.

[YDKM]

This means the chosen FTD 2 cd's from this engagement have been VERY WELL CHOSEN!~
we know they have other shows(as parts of 19th May D/S came out on FTD), but Elvis performed very nicely at the end of this season

[a mess of polk salad]

This means the chosen FTD 2 cd's from this engagement have been VERY WELL CHOSEN!~
we know they have other shows(as parts of 19th May D/S came out on FTD), but Elvis performed very nicely at the end of this season

They sure have!

And he was in good form May '74 . . .

[Ciscoking]

The main reason for picking this show was exactly the introduction of the Jackson 5 with Lisa being there. Ernst liked the idea. Glad you like it...too

[Deleted User 1099]

The main reason for picking this show was exactly the introduction of the Jackson 5 with Lisa being there. Ernst liked the idea. Glad you like it...too

That was a fantastic idea. Thank you. Instead of getting just a double set from Tahoe 1974, we are treated to something quite special here. I'm really looking forward to this one.

[a mess of polk salad]

The main reason for picking this show was exactly the introduction of the Jackson 5 with Lisa being there. Ernst liked the idea. Glad you like it...too

Love it. Can't wait to hear it!!!!

[a mess of polk salad]

Did the Jackson 5 also play Tahoe's HURRAH'S around that timeframe doc? Many of the stars of the day played the venue. Elvis watched Sammy Davis Jr there in 1971, and went backstage to meet him . . .

Fascinating times ...

UNLV Libraries Digital Collections_ Photograph of Harrah's ___.jpg

[Elvis2000]

The main reason for picking this show was exactly the introduction of the Jackson 5 with Lisa being there. Ernst liked the idea. Glad you like it...too

I cannot wait for the Tahoe shows. I haven't heard the audience recording for the May 25 DS and I'm not going to because now we are getting the SB, the May 26 DS hasn't been released at all so that is going to be a fun listen the introduction of the Jackson 5 is going to be intresting the hear. Thank you Ernst and the FTD team for this release.

[Ciscoking]

There is another show where Elvis introduces Trini Lopez....but Ernst went for May 25, 1974 DS....a good choice of course, too..

[drjohncarpenter]

The funny thing is, virtually everyone here had dismissed the alleged meeting between Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson, including the good Doc himself. Then this FTD soundboard tape turns up and changes everyone's perception. Nevertheless, great post, John. A fascinating read. Thank you.

Thanks.

I never dismissed the meeting. My issue was that there was no evidence in the known timeline where Michael Jackson could have come across Elvis. The soundboard tape FTD is about to release established the Jackson 5 in Lake Tahoe when Presley was there. But why were they there?

So I dug around, and was able to find media reports of their second booking at the Sahara, starting on May 27, 1974, all of which were shared above. I next realized that this allowed the memories of Jermaine Jackson and Jerry Schilling to be neatly tied into the narrative, also shared above.

Add relevant video, photos and additional context, and voila! ... another wonderful and insightful, and quite exclusive, FECC topic is born.

[Ciscoking]

It is not new that the Jacksons opened at May 27, 1974 in Lake Tahoe. The infos stands for years.
Ernst already mentioned it in his Day By Day book back in 1998..

Anyway, thank you for bringing it up again to our attention.

[Elvis2000]

There is another show where Elvis introduces Trini Lopez....but Ernst went for May 25, 1974 DS....a good choice of course, too..

Do you know what show it might be?

[drjohncarpenter]

I somehow had 1976 pinned down in my mind (mixing up with the Elton John meet & greet perhaps)
This is really insightful!

You're most welcome. The information on the May 1974 Jackson 5 booking is so obscure you won't even find it on those two fan site links I included at the bottom of my original post.

[a mess of polk salad]

Another topic, on the upcoming FTD releases, yielded a nice little nugget: confirming when Michael Jackson met Elvis, and daughter Lisa!

It seems that Elvis introduces the Jackson 5 during his 5-26-1974 DS at the Sahara Tahoe, and his daughter is there as well. This totally helps pin down the date when any of the Jacksons actually met the singer.

And more.

170900_Lake Tahoe '74_FTD.jpg

The group was set to open at the Sahara the next day. At the time their newest single, "Dancing Machine," was #2 on the pop charts, and #1 on the r&b charts. It was a huge hit and a wonderful single.



..

Jackson 5 "Dancing Machine" ("The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour," CBS-TV - Wednesday, January 30, 1974)



In Jermaine Jackson's 2011 book, he tells of how 15 year-old Michael and 23 year-old Jackie just happened to run into Elvis backstage, and now it is clear it happened during Presley's May 1974 Tahoe engagement. Given what Elvis says to them ("Good luck, fellas") it may well be from after his closing show on May 26th.

110913_You Are Not Alone p331.jpg

110913_You Are Not Alone p332.jpg

110913_You Are Not Alone p333.jpg

Jermaine Jackson, You Are Not Alone: Michael: Through a Brother's Eyes (New York: Touchstone, September 13, 2011)



Notice also how Jermaine does not recall that young Lisa actually met them. He was just told she came by. He must have been occupied with other visitors. In fact, she was brought backstage by Jerry Schilling and then-girlfriend Myrna Smith of the Sweet Inspirations after their opening show on 5-27-1974!

We attended a Jackson 5 concert at the Sahara in Lake Tahoe a day after Elvis had ended his engagement there, and after the show I introduced five-year-old [sic] Lisa to a teenage Michael Jackson.

Jerry Schilling - Me and a Guy Named Elvis: My Lifelong Friendship with Elvis Presley
https://books.google.com/books?id=9jn323M63PAC&pg=PT333

740500_Jackson 5_Sahara Tahoe.jpg

Jackson 5 at the Sahara Tahoe, May 1974



As may be seen below, the Jackson 5 were definitely booked to follow Elvis at the Sahara Tahoe starting on 5-27-1974, so it is no surprise they were in attendance at the 5-26-1974 DS, and got introduced by the singer. Interestingly, in May they followed Elvis, but at the same venue in October Presley followed them!

740500_Elvis Tahoe sign.jpg

Elvis Presley - Sahara marquee, May 1974

740500_Jackson 5 Tahoe sign.jpg

Jackson 5 - Sahara marquee, May 1974

The summer entertainment season at the Sahara Tahoe promises to be a sizzler in '74. Heating things up to begin with will be the King Elvis.

A legend in his own time, Elvis created incomparable excitement every place he visits. Reservations for his 11 day engagement have already been taken but Elvis lovers can still hope for cancellations.

Following Elvis will be the Jackson Five, one of the most popular weekend attractions in the Spring.

Reno Gazette-Journal - Friday, May 10, 1974
https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/150750260/

The Jackson Five made such a hit two weeks ago at the Sahara Tahoe that they've been signed to follow Elvis for a week, opening May 27 ...

Reno Gazette-Journal - Friday, May 10, 1974
https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/150750283/

South Lake Tahoe

SAHARA TAHOE High Sierra Theatre: Jackson Five (Oct. 4-6), Elvis (Oct. 11-14), Ray Stevens-Kay Starr (Oct. 18-20), Bobby Vinton (Oct. 25-27).

Seating Times
SAHARA TAHOE: Seating in the High Sierra Theatre of the Sahara Tahoe begins at 5:30 for the 8:15 p.m. dinner show, and at 10:45 p.m. for the midnight cocktail show.

Reno Gazette-Journal - Friday, October 4, 1974
https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/148893193/

South Lake Tahoe

Del Webb's Sahara Tahoe has announced that all High Sierra Theater tickets have been sold out for the eight performances of Elvis in Concert, Oct. 11-14. Two traditions have been broken for the Elvis performances. The engagement marks the first time tickets have ever been sold for a High Sierra Theater show and there will be two cocktail shows nightly at 8:15 p.m. and midnight ...

San Mateo Times - Friday, October 4, 1974
https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/39069108/

Man, no one knew then what the future held, for any of them!



BONUS JACKSON 5

Jackson 5 at Lake Tahoe in 1974:

Apr 26 - Apr 28, 1974 (3 shows)
May 27 - June 02, 1974 (7 shows)
Oct 04 - Oct 06, 1974 (3 shows)
Lake Tahoe, NV - Sahara Tahoe

http://www.jackson5abc.com/dossiers/concerts/
http://mjjtimeline.blogspot.com/2009/07/1974.html

Jackson 5 in Las Vegas in 1974:

Apr 10 - Apr 23, 1974 (14 shows)
Aug 21- Sep 03, 1974 (14 shows)
Nov 20 - Dec 03, 1974 (14 shows)
Las Vegas, NV - MGM Grand

http://www.jackson5abc.com/dossiers/concerts/
http://mjjtimeline.blogspot.com/2009/07/1974.html

Those Jackson boys sure did have one hell of an elevator ride in Tahoe . . . Brilliant!

[JosephC]

Too bad Elvis didn't try a verse or two of "Dancin Machine"! Automatic, systematic!

It's odd, but when I think of any connection of Elvis to the Jackson's, I prefer it in setting of the 1970s. When Lisa and Michael married in the 1990's, I felt the same funk being an Elvis fan as I did when the Goldman book came out. Terrible amount of weird attention only aleviated for me by the release of "The Complete 70s Masters" boxset a year or so later. Nice nugget uncovered Doc!

JosephC

[DEH]

Its nice to think of a meeting between Elvis and Jackson then instead of when Jackson was the creepy perv he was later in life. Jackson was a great performer and singer when he was a kid. he didn't age well in voice or looks or behavior. Its great to see new things can be found out by unreleased shows by Elvis after all of these years.

[ep2]

maybe put this out on radio or tv ......news reports....

[Toddman38]

Cant wait to get this FTD...