Answered: Your memories on Elvis’ performance

A black-and-white photo of Elvis Presley on his knees, singing into a microphone on a stage at the Polk Theatre.

Elvis Presley performing at the Polk Theatre

Yesterday marked the 63rd anniversary of when Elvis Presley performed at Polk Theatre. On Aug. 6, 1956, the performance drew in an eager crowd to hear this hunk of burnin’ love along with a few other artists.

We asked you to share the memories of your family members who remember this iconic performance. 🎙

Here’s to a moment of reminiscing:

“My grandfather was a good man and worked for the sheriff’s department back then and was picked to guard him when he came to Lakeland. He said when he met Elvis, he brought him a cup of coffee and accidentally spilled some while handing the cup to him and all Elvis said was, ‘Don’t worry about that Mr. Glass, I spill coffee all of the time.’” – @dayveej

“My grandfather, aged 18, and his 15-year-old brother were there.” – @brianonthebicycle

“I believe my Uncle Donnie was there.” – @evie_cummings

“My granny has told this story many times! She loved Elvis and seeing him at the Polk Theatre was a shining light in her life.” – @lja223

“I know a few people that went to this show!” – @jessecarlvinyl

That’s my sister on the right side of the pic, head down, curly blond...dark shirt and jeans.” – @casm1111

elvis wall

Third-floor dressing room | Photo by @thelaltoday

That night, Elvis also autographed a dressing room wall, which was later damaged by flooding. The photo above is the corner of the stall where his signature was found. It has since been removed from the wall and is now being preserved for safe-keeping.

If you have any other memories to share, leave a comment on our post. We’ll be celebrating all week long. 🤘

– LALtoday team (Jessica + Kaylee)

More from LALtoday
Born & Bread made the shortlist for the Outstanding Bakery category, becoming the first in the Lakeland area to be recognized by the prestigious James Beard Awards.
This Catapult member business has gone nationwide. Find out what happened when its owners appeared on “Shark Tank.”
Do you remember your first Lakeland concert? Did your favorite musician make a major impact? Share your concert memories with us for a chance to be featured.
What did Lakeland look like in 1926? We’re firing up the time machine for a 100-year trip to the past.
Did you get your hands on the popular Strawberry Season Passports before they sold out? If not, no worries — just follow along with our editor’s tasty travels.
We’ve got the ultimate list of Lakeland events you don’t want to miss out on each year. Mark your calendar for these community celebrations.
Shaken or stirred? Either one works, as long as it’s zero-proof. Check out this list of alcohol-free cocktails — mocktails — in Swan City.
Learn how artists Gillian Fazio and Katerina Santos plan to drench Lakeland in color through its first-ever mural festival, and how small businesses + muralists can get in on the artistic action.
Prep for the convention with events, guests, and exhibitions we wouldn’t miss.
With a Victorian vibe and shaved snow desserts, Vampire Penguin could become your newest downtown haunt.