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
The library will fully close for the construction of new bathrooms, an updated layout, and new fixtures.
Lakeland’s aviation industry is reaching new heights. Become part of it by earning your pilot’s license with this flight school, located at Lakeland International Airport.
Put your money where your community is and help us create a guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local spots and sharing this page with a friend.
It’s the sweetest time of year — the Florida Strawberry Festival is back. Save our guide so you don’t get in a (strawberry) jam.
The 90th season of this beloved Lakeland tradition is underway at Joker Marchant Stadium — here’s everything you need to know if you’re planning to attend.
The City of Lakeland laid out a new timeline for this ongoing project’s design and construction, plus updated renderings of how it could look when complete.
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.
Keep reading for our favorite local love story.
We may not have snow, but there are plenty of gold medal-worthy ways to pretend you’re at the Milan-Cortina Games.
Whether you’re seeking a whirlwind romance or a fresh friendship, our readers share where they would go to meet someone new in Swan City.