Elvis Presley - July 28 & 29, 1955Jacksonville, FL. Gator Stadium Baseball Park
Elvis with Ardys Bell Clawson
Jimmy Rodgers Snow said the stage was setup in the middle of the field facing the bleaches with rows of chairs in front of the stage. He said the girls in the chairs in the front are the ones that pursued him. When asked if it happened on more than one occasion, he said, 'Yes, just about everywhere we played it happened. Sometimes it would be more people then other times. It would depend on how large the crowd was. I know that Elvis did not invite the girls back stage anymore. I think he learned that it was not a good idea'.
This was the point that according to the Colonel's advance man, Oscar Davis, Parker was irrevocably sold on the growth potential of Elvis Presley. Scotty, in his book 'That's Alright Elvis' recalled that almost from the beginning the Colonel started trying to separate Elvis from the band. He had tried to get Hank's band to back him and both they and Elvis refused to do that. He felt that it was because he 'had Elvis' ear'. The following July when they performed at the ballpark again appearing with Andy Griffith and The Louvin Brothers, the fans (girls) apparently rioted and again relieved Elvis of most of his clothing.
A fan, Ardys (Bell) Clawson who had recently moved to Jacksonville from Boca Grande was in attendance both days and after the performance on the 28th saw him hiding shirtless eating ice out of one of the drink boxes under the grandstand. Her brother took pictures.
Ardys Bell Clawson, Elvis and Scotty - July 29, 1955
Elvis and Ardys Bell Clawson - July 28, 1955
Stop, look and listen baby that's our philosophy .... First thing in the morning, last thing at night ... look, stare everywhere and see everything inside .... Stop, look and listen!
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