It’s July second, and on this day in 1963… Elvis Presley arrived in Hollywood to begin work on *Viva Las Vegas*, his fifteenth film. Originally titled *The Only Girl in Town*, the movie paired Elvis with rising star Ann-Margret, whose chemistry with Elvis sparked an off-screen romance as well. Their closeness quickly drew attention—not just from Elvis’s entourage, but from gossip magazines and newspapers, including a headline in the *Memphis Press-Scimitar* that read, “It Looks Like Romance For Presley And Ann-Margret.” The relationship would become one of the most talked-about in Elvis’s life, leaving a lasting mark on his personal and professional legacy.

It’s July second, and on this day in 1956… Elvis Presley walked into RCA Studios in New York City and took full control of the recording session for the first time in his career. What followed would become one of the most iconic moments in rock and roll history. Over the course of the day, Elvis recorded “Hound Dog,” pushing through 31 takes to get it just right. He also recorded “Don’t Be Cruel,” a track that would pair with “Hound Dog” as a groundbreaking double A-side single, and “Any Way You Want Me,” a ballad that showed the depth of his vocal range. This session not only produced three of his most memorable recordings but also marked the moment Elvis began shaping his sound on his own terms.