During the early 70s Presley continued his live performances, but soon fell victim to the same artistic atrophy that had bedevilled his celluloid career. Rather than re-entering the studio to record fresh material he relied on a slew of patchy live albums that saturated the marketplace. What had been innovative and exciting in 1969 swiftly became a tedious routine and an exercise in misdirected potential. January/February 1970

Some say it was a mistake to go back to Vegas so soon, especially during the slowest season for the city. Can he fill the seats? But, Elvis returns to the International Hotel for another month-long engagement. This time he breaks his own attendance records. Another live album is recorded.

February/March 1970

A press conference in Houston on the 27th. Elvis performs afternoon and evening shows at the Houston Astrodome in connection with the Texas Livestock Show. Two more shows follow on the 28th. Two more follow on March 1. A closing press conference and banquet follow, and Elvis is presented an armload of recent gold record awards. The six shows attract 207,494 people and set records. There is speculation among the press and the public that Elvis might tour in concert for the first time since the fifties.

June 1970

Elvis has recording sessions in Nashville.

July/September 1970

Back to Las Vegas for rehearsals for another month-long engagement at the International. He opens on August 10 and closes on September 7. MGM is on hand to film a documentary film called "Elvis -That's the Way It Is" that will show Elvis off stage, in rehearsals, in the recording studio, and on stage. RCA will also release an album with the same title.

September 1970

From the 9th through the 14th Elvis takes his show on a nine-city tour. It is a smashing success, the first tour since 1957, only these days the show is much more elaborate and requires a big crew. (MGM films portions of the first show on this tour for use in "Elvis - That's the Way It Is".)

Elvis has a recording session in Nashville.

November 1970

"That's the Way It Is" opens in theaters to good reviews and good box office. Documentaries traditionally do not do well at the box office, but this one makes a respectable showing. It, like other Elvis movies will go on to have a life on television and home video in years to come.
Elvis does a successful eight-city concert tour.

December 1970

Elvis's famous visit with President Richard Nixon at the White House occurs.