Harvey Brownstone Interviews “Elvis ‘68 Comeback Special” Legendary Producer/Director Steve Binder
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- čas přidán 16. 08. 2022
- Harvey Brownstone conducts an in-depth interview with Steve Binder, Legendary Producer / Director - “Elvis ’68 Comeback Special”, Author, “Elvis ’68 Comeback: The Story Behind the Special”
About Harvey's guest:
Today’s guest, Steve Binder, is a legendary, Emmy-award winning producer and director, who created some of the most iconic moments in American pop culture and entertainment history, in TV specials starring Petula Clark, Barry Manilow, Diana Ross, Liza Minnelli, John Denver, Patti LaBelle, Smokey Robinson, Olivia Newton-John, and many more.
But he is perhaps best known for producing and directing the spectacular 1968 Elvis Presley Comeback TV special that is widely considered to have solidified Elvis’ legacy as one of the most profound cultural icons of the 20th century.
Our guest has written a fabulous book entitled, “Elvis ’68 Comeback: The Story Behind the Special”, and if you’re an Elvis fan, this book is a MUST HAVE, because, unlike the dozens of other books out there about this landmark TV special, THIS book is the ONLY one written by the person who actually conceived of, produced and directed the show, and who worked so closely with Elvis.
And it’s just been announced that our guest will be producing a documentary film to be released next year, which will take us behind the scenes and reveal the almost constant drama that surrounded the making of this iconic and mesmerizing show. If you’ve seen Elvis’ Comeback TV special, you know that something truly magical happened. It was a pivotal event in television and music history, capturing over 40% of the television viewing audience, and becoming one of the highest rated television shows ever made.
AND it was a major turning point in Elvis’ career, made possible by the artistic vision and determination of our guest.
For more interviews and podcasts go to: www.harveybrownstoneinterview...
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The Elvis comeback 1968 is the best performance of a solo Artist of history of music.
I agree 100%
The 1973 world satellite concert of Elvis is a better and more popular performance seen by more people worldwide than the moon landing. Nothing to do with Steve binder and produced and conceived by colonel Parker
Steve Binder is one of the most honest people in the entertainment industry. I was lukewarm to Elvis because I was 5 when he died. Now, I can't get enough of him now. Great interview
Thank you so much for watching, and for taking the time to post a comment. ❤️
great interview from Steve Binder who has such a depth of experience. Fascinating backstory about the lead-up to the Elvis special. I was equally pulled in by Steve's comments about the "colonel" .. he really made the man sound like a grifter who had an almost Rasputin-like hold over Elvis. Makes me want to go back and rewatch the '68 special. Thanks Harvey for this interview.
Thank you so much for your comment. Greatly appreciated as always.
Steve is a genius himself that people don't know about other than his work with Elvis. He's another that started from humble beginnings. I've noticed all the most successful people in our history,have all started from humble beginnings and sometimes it's a fluke to discover their real genius and talent. We are so lucky to have them!
Thank you so much for watching, and for your beautiful comment
OMG two weeks ago I said that I thought Elvis was literally BORED to death. Yes, Elvis was never a side show attraction, he was a creative force that had been stuffed into a tiny box.
I agree with you 100%
Fabulous interview. He made Elvis so real. So insightful and knowledgeable. And Harvey, best interviewer ever.
Thank you SO MUCH!!! This feedback means the world to me!!!❤️
I am still in afterglow after my conversation with the legendary Steve Binder. Aside from single-handedly revitalizing Elvis’ career by conceiving of, producing and directing Elvis’ Comeback Special, he directed the greatest music superstars’ TV Specials for over 3 decades. My goal for this interview was to make it an important part of music history. I hope that is what we achieved.
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Yup Steve is nice if he dont tolk abut politics on fb 🙄
Thank you so much for this interview. I admire Binder so much for giving Elvis a special I know Elvis was proud of doing.
Thank you so much for watching!
After seeing this interview, I had to youtube the 1968 Comeback show to see what it was all about. A man and his music. There was none of the flashy costumes he wore during his later years which I did not care for. It was the true Elvis. I think the last song, If I Can Dream, IS Elvis. It is the type of Gospel song that I think was his passion. It is a shame that you get such a talent who is not able to pursue his/her passion because you have all these "hanger-ons" who take advantage of that talent. They take them down roads they have no desire to go. I think if Elvis did have control of his career, I think he would have gone down the Motown and Gospel route. I agree with Mr. Binder that loneliness/boredom probably led to his demise. Such a shame for such a talent.
Thank you so much for watching, and for taking the time to post such a thoughtful and heartfelt comment.
Such a shame that such a talented man, died so early and so “really alone”. When I was a teenager, I watched his movies and fell in love with him! So much talent, I had no idea what went on behind the scenes! We lost a huge talent when Elvis died.
@@suzannehodges653 yes I couldn't agree more. Thank heavens he left us such a wealth of beautiful music, great performances and wonderful movies.
Sorry but Elvis was very far from being lonely, he always shared hks home with family and friends.
Depends on your definition of “friends”. He was most often surrounded by users and hangers-on.
Awesome video, thank you both.
Thank you so much for watching!!
Harvey you are a master interviewer and great person. Steve's '68 Special' is iconic. Brilliantly produced. I saw it live in 1968 living in Memphis; lived just a mile from Graceland. It was such an exciting show.
Thank you so much for watching, and for your beautiful comment!! I’m touched beyond words.
Fantastic interview. Steve Binder is incredible.
Yes he truly is fabulous. I loved listening to him and now consider him a dear friend. Thank you so much for watching this very special episode of our show. I hope you’ll consider subscribing to our CZcams channel.🙏❤️
Thank God I found this book online after reading about it on CZcams!
And thank God you found this interview - and our show!!!
@@harveybrownstoneinterviews8980 gee that was quick! I am a 74 year old Australian, been a fan since 1960.
A fan since 1960? But our show has only been in existence 2 years!
@@harveybrownstoneinterviews8980 sorry I meant I have been an Elvis fan since 1960😁
👋😊🇺🇲
Can't get enough of Steve Binder! He only got to spend 4mos with Elvis but has alot of insight into Elvis! I've watched a couple of his iterview so,, I but they seem to short, because he's so interesting to listen to regarding Elvis and Parker.
Thank you so much for watching
This interview is completely fascinating. I loved every second!!
Thank you so much!!! Greatly appreciated!!
A perfect interview!! Absolutely a great job and Steve enjoyed it definitely. I’ll be ordering Steve’s book. I’ve always loved his interviews spread out over many years. He’s a straight shooter. I’ve always felt sorry for him & Elvis both for obviously having their friendship blocked. I’d bet everything I have that through a sustained friendship they would have created more meaningful magic together. Possibly would have changed Elvis’ path! I’m saving this interview in my folder titled “Favorites”!
Thank you so much for watching, and for your insightful comments. I hope you’ll consider subscribing to our CZcams channel. 🙏❤️
Hi Harvey, another wonderful great interview, once again !! You always do your home work!!! And l am sure all your guests are amazed at your knowledge of there career!! I just love your CZcams channel ❤️
Thank you so much for your beautiful comments!!! I appreciate you so much!!❤️
Steve Binder a masterful visionary!
He was put into Elvis' path and they became integral to each other's destiny.
Oddly enough, the few major times in E's life where he had epic career moments: the 68 Comeback Special and the American Sound Studio recordings of his most epic modern hits; Suspicious Minds, In the Ghetto, Kentucky Rain; these events the carny barker dutch fraud manager vehemently opposed!
In a 1962 interview Elvis said as much as Steve declared, that Elvis died from loss of ambition due to Parker's stifling control, not allowing E to travel the world and further his career goals.
Yes I agree 100%. Thank you so much for watching our show
@@harveybrownstoneinterviews8980 thank you for this stellar interview!
My pleasure. Your positive feedback and support for our show means the world to me 🙏❤️
@@harveybrownstoneinterviews8980 Harvey never fails to deliver amazing work!
We love him!
Thank you so much!!❤️❤️❤️
What an amazing and interesting interview! "If I can dream" is one of the most amazing songs ever! Hard to believe Steve is 90. He looks and sounds so so much younger! Kudos on securing such a legend and conducting an interview of such important historical significance. Great insight into some of his other shows as well - wow, what a list of names!
Thank you so much for watching, and for your comment. It was a huge honour to have had Steve Binder on our show. He is a true legend!!
About the Baz Elvismovie, it's a very expensive movie to make. So they talk to Binder about it and asks him if he drinks alcohol, he says no. So they assume he got to be a chainsmoker... So why didn't they ask if he was a smoker aswell? Remember this was not a cheap movie to make.
I had the exact same thought when he said that in the interview.
I another interview he said that Baz knew he didn't smoke but it was one of those liberties taken in movie making and he had no idea why in the movie they had him smoking through out the movie.
Sooooo good
Thank you so much for watching our show
The baz Elvis movie is complete garbage inaccurate and forgettable. Elvis was a gorgeous man. Drop dead god of beauty. His presence magnetic That actor playing Elvis was an ugly un charismatic wallflower who couldn’t play the king of dorkistan
This was really a great interview. Binder was a huge piece of the Elvis puzzle. I wonder why he is called Bindel in the Baz Elvismovie?
Thank you so much for watching. He was called Binder in the movie. It’s just that when Tom Hanks pronounces it in his Dutch accent as Colonel Parker, it sounds like Bindel.
In his book, he says Parker called him that on purpose when he was unhappy with him.
@@toddhensley880 Ok, thanks for sharing the information.👌
@robbansa When Parker was mad at him, he liked to call him Bindel. Which was pretty often. Lol
Interesting guy. I mostly know him from directing the Star Wars Holiday Special
Thank you so much for watching
Steve Binder was at the legendary Jul 31st 1969 comeback live concert. Wish one day Steve will elaborate further on his PHENOMENAL comment for that performance.
Let’s hope so
Wow. Amazing interview.
Awww thanks so much! It was a great honor to have him on our show. He’s a legend!
Fantastic!!! One of my favourites if that's possible. Again Harvey, you never disappoint with your interviews. I love all the new information I learn. Thank you Harvey. Thank you Steve! ❤😊
Love your enthusiasm and appreciation your support and loyalty so very much! Thank you so much Doug!
Great interview. 👍
Thank you so much!! Greatly appreciated!
I bought Steve’s wonderful book with Glorious pic’s through out. I dearly loved yr Interview with Steve. It is a Damned Shame Steve had not gotten any royalties from this WonderfulCome Back Special. The Presley Estate and Parker well received there’s. I can not wait to buy Steve Bender’s Biography, it will be amazing. Thank u for awesome interview.
Thank you so much for watching our show and for your beautiful comments!
Great interview, so much is in the movie,
Thank you so much for watching
The way the Col used his family and all of the people depending on Elvis to get what he wanted and not what Elvis wanted.
I took my bucket list trip to Grace land last year. The highlight were the museums across the street. Thanks Steve and Harvey ❤
Such a pleasure to bring you this interview
This interview is so so interesting. Your research and questions are just wonderful. And not talking over the interviewee is a skill other interviewers could learn from you. I am telling everyone I know about this channel. Stunning work, so enjoyable.
You have no idea how much I appreciate your feedback. We try very hard to produce a high-quality interview show, and it’s very hard to get the word out. Viewers like you who help spread the word about our show are incredibly kind and we appreciate you immensely. Thank you so much.
great interview
Thank you so much!!! Please check out more of our great interviews and please consider subscribing to our CZcams channel 🙏❤️
Great interview!!!
Thank you so much
I think Elvis did take to heart Steve's advice on the Colonel, at least for a very short time. When Elvis began recording in 1969, post '68 special, he went to the hit making American Studios in Memphis, run by Chips Moman, instead of RCA studios to cut records. He was also willing to forego publishing rights to get good songs, which was unheard of before. He also, like the '68 special, allowed himself to be produced by someone else; Chips Moman. Even though he had a producer at RCA- Felton Jarvis - my understanding is Jarvis' producer job was really just to make sure Elvis was happy, without too much collaboration. What Elvis should have learned from the '68 special and the American Studio recording sessions is that he needed modern collaborators who respected him as an artist, which the Colonel did not. Unfortunately I heard the Colonel drove a wedge between Elvis and Chips Moman like he did with Steve Binder. Obviously the Colonel was afraid of outside artistic influences. I agree with Steve Binder that the Colonel was great for Elvis in the 50s but had no appreciation for the artist Elvis was, and unfortunately Elvis allowed the Colonel to stifle his artistry. The many things that could have been but never were.
This is one of the most intelligent and insightful comments ever posted about this episode of our show. Thank you so much
absolutely, spot on
@synchronicity1470 thank you so much
Great interview, but I felt like you kept interrupting him while he was in the middle of a story. Maybe the story was basically over, and it’s just the editing that makes it seem that way?
It was an interview, not a lecture. I needed to get my questions in!!! And yes the interview was heavily edited. Thank you for watching.
Its not all about the money Harvey (re your comment that Steve didnt make enough money considering his input). Thirty something thousand dollars was big money back in 1968 but i agree with Steve in that he's happy with the fact that he played a major role in the biggest and most spectacular comeback in music history. That special is like fine wine, the older it gets the sweeter it becomes. Those faceless executives who made millions from that special, theyr'e irrelevant now whereas Steves name & reputation keep growing stronger (like Elvis') So F**K the money!!
Very well said. It’s not all about the money. That being said, if you read Steve Binder’s book, he made a big deal about the fact that he was not sufficiently compensated for his work on this Special (in terms of residuals). And he’s right.
Wow, Steve really did get screwed over money wise. It also brings me to think about how much money that Elvis while he was alive got screwed over when Parker sold his catalog for 5 million and only got about 1.5 million out of that deal. Since he died RCA and EP Enterprise has made billions of of Elvis music and merchandise . Pricilla has made millions herself and still bringing in the cash. Everybody but Elvis made out like a bandit!
Elvis did get swindled out of millions by his unscrupulous manager. But it didn’t affect the way Elvis lived. He didn’t want for anything during his all too short life. And after his death, his heirs (Priscilla and Lisa Marie) benefited enormously, which is presumably what he would have wanted. That’s at least some consolation.
correct.
and a criminal shame.
elvis was too kind, too loyal and too naive to be in that world where basically everyone in his life was in it for status and personal gain, especially his ex-wife.
when E got tough w/ some of them they turned on him and betrayed him; brutally sabotaging his career with a book admittedly written in rage and bitterness.
@synchronicity1470 thank you so much for watching our show
It seems that the colonel was a good manager, as
far as money making, but he didn't have Elvis' best interest
at heart. Maybe if colonel hadn't been such a gambler, and needed
so much money, he would have been more attuned to the
personal.
It’s a shame the Colonel alienated Elvis from Steve Binder. Steve could have done a lot for Elvis’ career
Colonel Parker is always made out to be an animal. He wasn’t an animal. Elvis never wanted to part with him. It’s a fact. Steve binder in his elderly age ie almost 95 years old doesn’t really remember things correctly. The definitive biographies by greil Marcus and others set the record straight. Elvis was deeply upset by Bobby kennedys assasination which happened in Los Angeles where Elvis was in rehearsals for the show. This is why he became fixated with guns. Don’t forget Martin Luther king was killed in his hometown of Memphis weeks earlier. Elvis was a wonderful man he loved his momma and he loved his country and he loved his god. He loved guns for protection because he thought some nut was going to kill him.
Interesting
Parker was a damn crook, he's the reason Elvis died!😢😢😢
Well I wouldn’t go quite so far as to blame Col Parker for Elvis’ death. But he certainly was terrible for Elvis’ career after the 50s
Colonel Parker made millions for Elvis in concerts and in vegas. He created and had the idea for the first world satellite tv show in January 1973 which was the greatest performance in Elvis career. It was also highly lucrative and raked in millions upon millions of dollars and seen by maybe 50 pct of the world’s tv viewing public. All of this was conceived produced and created by colonel Parker. Steve never gave colonel enough credit for his business acumen and brilliance. He created the Vegas residency that so many stars have copied Also it was colonel Parker who stopped Elvis from making a hideous remake of a star is born with Barbara Streisand and her hairdresser producer boyfriend that would have been an absolute disaster And Elvis never had 2nd billing to anyone ever. Elvis was always top billing Elvis and colonel saw how sloppy Barbara and her hair dresser hanger on Jon peters were They wanted no part of Barbara’s ego mania and top billing bulls$& . Steve overstated his influence on Elvis. Elvis was his own man when it came to his music. And his life. Steve binder never told Elvis what to do. Steve for years takes a lot of credit for a performance that Elvis made. Colonel Parker like Brian Epstein for the Beatles made Elvis’ career. Not Steve binder. It’s like if the director of Ed Sullivan taking credit for the Beatles and Elvis performance on the show. Absolutely absurd. Watch Steve’s horrid and cringeworthy direction of the Star Wars x mas 1978 special maybe one of the worst performances in tv history with the possible exception of the infamous zapruder assasination footage of President Kennedy
I agree regarding A Star is Born. Elvis and Colonel Parker were wise to dodge that bullet. But Steve Binder deserves a lot of credit for the comeback special, given what Col Parker was pushing Elvis to do. Although the Star Wars special was awful, Steve Binder directed many wonderful specials over the years. Everyone is entitled to one mistake. Colonel Parker made some dreadful mistakes in directing Elvis’ career, especially in the movies.
@@harveybrownstoneinterviews8980 that’s fair. Binder did great work with miss diana Ross Star is born was a train wreck and Barbara’s hair dresser boy friend producing was a huge mistake and Elvis and colonel were wise to stay away from Elvis should made a movie with Burt Reynolds’s and kept his country backwoods folks happy. He would have been good as Cletus in Smokey and the bandit or in Sharkeys machine or the nick nolte role in 48 hours or in Bev hills cop
@MalEvansUSA you are so right! Too bad you weren’t the one running Elvis’ career. You could probably give MY managers a run for their money!
Why this man on his fb page always write about politics,so sad 🙄🙄🙄🙄
I had no idea
you must not agree with his politics, eh?
if you did, you wouldn't mind.
edit- replied to original comment; mirka.
I don’t even know what his politics are. We never discuss politics on our show
Sorry I have to offer a contrarian opinion Steve is an insufferable egomaniac. Steve binder takes a lot of credit for the 1968 special which I think is mostly Elvis he is also responsible for the worst tv special of all time : the 1978 Xmas Star Wars special. This is and has been recognized as one of the worst tv specials of all time. And it was directed and produced by Steve. It was and remains one of the worst tv specials ever next to pink lady and Jeff the 1980 nbc special. And colonel Parker had nothing to do with it. So please let’s not overstate his importance. Elvis was 90 pct of the success Period. He was a gorgeous man extremely talented and amazingly charismatic. Any director worth his salt could have delivered the goods with all due respect the 1978 Star Wars Xmas special is so bad that it’s never been shown again. It’s up there with Jerry Lewis holocaust film ‘day the clown cried’ as perhaps the worst entertainment special in tv history.
This interview wasn’t about the Star Wars special. It’s about the Elvis special. And given what Colonel Parker and the network wanted the special to look like, Steve Binder absolutely deserves enormous credit for the finished product.
@@harveybrownstoneinterviews8980 he said a lot of inflammatory and exaggerated comments about colonel Parker that weren’t true. Binders track record on Star Wars tv special is fair game. He took no part absolutely none in Elvis greatest performance ie 1973 January satellite performance in Hawaii.
@MalEvansUSA he never claimed to be a part of the Hawaii concert. But he did direct the comeback special. Had the comeback special not been such a success, there would never have been a Hawaii special. And everything he said about Colonel Parker has been corroborated by others in the know.