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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders both past and present.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that this website contains images of deceased persons.

Backstage, The Mosque, Richmond, June 30, 1956

by Alfred Wertheimer

Backstage, The Mosque, Richmond, June 30, 1956

Elvis tries to concentrate on rehearsal of some of his songs he will perform with the Jordanaires, his backup vocal group, finding it hard to do so because of the screaming of his fans outside the window. He finally went to the window and asked them to be quiet. After his request they were silent.

Mosque Theater, Richmond, Va.
June 30, 1956

© Alfred Wertheimer. All rights reserved.

Elvis At 21
(More information, View all 15 images)

Elvis at Stage Door, CBS Studio 50, New York City. March 17
Fan frenzy, July 1
Onstage, The Mosque, Richmond, June 30
Reading fan letters, New York City. March, 17

Related information

On train from New York to Memphis, July 4, 1956 by Alfred Wertheimer
On train from New York to Memphis, July 4, 1956 by Alfred Wertheimer
On train from New York to Memphis, July 4, 1956 by Alfred Wertheimer
On train from New York to Memphis, July 4, 1956 by Alfred Wertheimer

Elvis At 21

Photographs by Alfred Wertheimer

Previous exhibition, 2013

Elvis at 21 is a photographic exhibition capturing Elvis’ rise to fame in the year 1956, before security and money built walls between him and his fans.
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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present. We respectfully advise that this site includes works by, images of, names of, voices of and references to deceased people.

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