Today, on 31 December in Elvis History

Elvis performed at the Louisiana Hayride, Municipal Auditorium, Shreveport.

Elvis appeared on Dewey Phillips TV show, Phillips' Pop Shop, between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m.

Elvis received an other Christmas gift. This time from Tom Diskin. It was a book by Konstantin Stanislavsky. Much of the book, he said, might not interested Elvis but it supported Elvis' instinct, that great acting came from "be(ing) natural".

Elvis sent a telegram to his manager: " Please convey my thanks to the various groups in Memphis who have suggested a special homecoming for me when I return to Memphis. However, I wish to return to Memphis the same way that any other serviceman returns to his hometown without ceremony or fanfare, I served as they served and was proud to do it. Seeing the city of Memphis, my family, friends, and fans, will be the most welcome sight in the world to me. I appreciate their kind gesture. I know they will understand and I am glad you are in agreement with me on this. Best wishes to you and Mrs. Parker: From Dad, Grandma and myself.

There was a big fireworks display at Graceland, followed by a party at the Manhattan Club for over 200 friends, family and fans.

Elvis rented out the Memphian for New Year's Eve.

Elvis gave a New Year's Eve party at the Manhattan Club once again for friends, family, and fans.

Again there were several horses bought today as an addition to the stable. Elvis held his annual New Year's Eve party at Manhattan Club, but he didn't attend himself, because there was not a parking place available. His guests however enjoyed the catering by Monte's again as well as the music: Willie Mitchell and his band.

For the first time the New Year's Eve party was held at the Thunderbird Lounge on Adams Street, but again catered by Monte's. Elvis danced several times with Priscilla, including once on his request of Summertime.

For the second year Elvis' New Year's Eve party was at the Thunderbird Lounge.

Elvis New Year's Eve party was held at TJ's, a new club in Memphis.

Elvis and the group went on a special tour at the FBI headquarters. Here Elvis expressed his admiration for J. Edgar Hoover to the FBI agent conducting the tour. Elvis also offered to serve in an undercover capacity in any way he could. On the agent's recommendation Director Hoover sent Elvis a note on January 4: "your generous comments concerning the Bureau and me are appreciated and you may be sure we will keep in mind your offer to be of assistance." The group flew home to Memphis in a leased jet in time for the annual New Year's Eve party at TJ's.

Elvis hosted a small New Year's Eve party at Graceland, not at a local club like he had done in the past.

Elvis performed at the Silverdome, Pontiac, Michigan. Elvis and the Colonel earned more than $300,000 with this show, but the show itself was somewhat less of a success. Elvis ripped his pants and more generally speaking it was not his best show ever. Afterwards Elvis and the group flew home to celebrate New Year in Elvis bedroom. They watched tapes of old Monty Python shows.

Elvis performed at the Civic Center Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This show was very different from the other New Year's Eve shows. Elvis was at his best. Probably due to the presence of Ginger, the 90 minute show was a big success. After the show Vernon told Elvis of the death of his cousin Bobbi Mann at 38, after taking an overdose of pills. The whole group returned to Memphis at 6:30 a.m.