THAT'S THE WAY IT IS!

Original Released on LP RCA-VICTOR LSP 4445

(US, December 1970)

On July 31, 1969, after appearing in the acclaimed NBC-TV show, "Elvis" - affectionately known as the "68 Comeback", ­Elvis returned to the stage in Las Vegas. Physically and mentally, he was at his peak and doing what he loved best: performing live! The audience and critics were mesmerized as he commanded the stage with a panther-like prowess and sang live for the first time in eight years! The International Hotel in Las Vegas had never seen anything like it. The many fans who were unable to experience this special occasion would have to wait until the film "That's The Way It Is!" was released in December 1970, to appreciate the charisma and energy of Elvis, live in concert. The deal was signed with MGM on May 22, 1970 and provided for a rock-u-mentary to be filmed at Elvis' "Summer Festival" in Las Vegas which commenced on August 10. RCA and MGM recorded eight shows that week and the film and accompanying soundtrack were an instant success.

Ironically, the album only contained 4 live songs. The remaining performances were taken from the June sessions in Nashville. Two singles were released to promote the soundtrack; "I've lost You" (studio version) / "The Next Step Is Love" and "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me" / "Patch It Up". They reached #32 and #11 respectively on the Billboard charts. In England, both singles reached #9 and in December '71, "I Just Can't Help Believing" was released by public demand and reached #6! The album enjoyed a long chart run on both sides of the Atlantic and reached #21 and #12 respectively. "That's The Way It Is!" was certified gold and represents Elvis at his best. This was an important landmark in the multi-faceted career of the world's greatest recording artist of all time.