#saginaw

[wandering-cemeteries]

Oakwood Cemetery

Saginaw, Michigan

Oct. 19, 2025

[dec4podcast]

For this latest instalment in our occasional series, Elvis and the Press, we’re joined once again by music, film and pop culture historian, Gary Wells‪, to take a deep dive into the local coverage of Elvis’ performance in Saginaw, Michigan, on April 25th, 1977. It was the first of two non-consecutive shows to nearly 7 200 at the Wendler Arena, with a second concert added to the end of the 13 night tour in response to the demand for tickets. Reviewers for the Saginaw News, Anthony Rocha and Janet Martineau, observed that Elvis 'sings as well as ever', 'seemed in rare form' and 'that he seemed to be having as good a time as his fans'.

We look beyond the familiar myths and clichés of this period to consider how Elvis' inspired performance, captured in an unofficial audience recording, fits with what we know, or think we know, about his final months on the road, and ask whether the generally accepted narrative does justice to the reality.

The bootleg (audio) recording of the show was made from within the audience, and gives us a great sense of the atmosphere in the arena. It’s worth remembering that if not for the bootleggers, who distributed both soundboard and audience recordings primarily for the European market, much of the history of Elvis’ later career would be lost.

The joyous night that we’re celebrating here, April 25th in Saginaw, showed what Elvis was still capable of even at this late stage, and his efforts were justly rewarded by a loud, enthusiastic and very appreciative audience. But, as Gary reminds us, his natural ability to put on a great show shouldn’t blind us to the personal struggles he was confronting at the time. The sobering reality is that he had less than four months to live.

Find complete background, including discussion points on the show and the press reviews, as well as links to further reference, at this episode’s dedicated webpage.

Very special thanks to Francesc Lopez, whose pioneering Elvis information website elvisconcerts.com, celebrates 30 years online in 2026.

You can also join us on your favourite podcast platform.

Elvis and the Press: Saginaw, Michigan, April 25th, 1977

On SoundCloud On YouTube For this latest instalment in our occasional series, Elvis and the Press, we’re joined once again by our leading co

[unteriors]

Green Street, Saginaw, Michigan.

[fallout-lou-begas]

so do you guys know that one post that's like "my name is bill but you can call me tom." well in saginaw michigan there's a diner called Tony's. but there's multiple locations. the original is called The Original Tony's and the second one is owned by a guy named Tim. and so they just call it

his name is Tim but you can call him Tony

[wandering-jana]

Saginaw Rail Trail

Saginaw County, Michigan

Oct. 16, 2025

[welldigger62]

Made another trip to ‘old town’ area of Saginaw Michigan to see the progress on the huge mural. I was here on May 30th and posted pics then.

It looks like the river side of the grain silos are done. They did a beautiful job on this.

I traveled to the west side of the river to get some close-up shots. You can between the silos that they are still working on the other side.

The painters still have a ways to go on this side.

Others have done some wall murals on buildings on the west side of the river a few blocks from here. Will post those later.

[thecoparoom]

GM ad detail, 1963

[detroitlib]

Portrait of a woman holding an infant that sits on shawl-covered object. Printed on photo front: "Clayton & Stiles, Saginaw City." Printed on photo back: "Clayton & Stiles, photographers, Saginaw City, Mich."

Burton Historical Collection, Detroit Public Library