The 1968 comeback special was an event designed to reinvigorate Elvis' career. The 1950's were behind him. He had completed a gig in the Army. He was coming off of completing a run of seven years of...well, let's admit it...lackluster, plot less movies featuring him with girls and a guitar. Originally planned as a Christmas special and much to the dislike of Elvis' manager Tom Parker, the special switched to an intimate sit down with Elvis. It would him, a few trusted musicians, and an audience. There were two big numbers and a few stage numbers, but it was all about Elvis getting back to his fans.
I imagine Elvis got in a rut. This man was the King of Rock and Roll. He had a very demanding manager and demanding fans. He was doing things that other people thought were best for him. Some it probably came down to the all mighty dollar, rather than what was best for Elvis or what his fans wanted from him. I imagine Elvis didn't want to fit the mold anymore. He wanted to break free. He wanted to get back to what he knew. And what he knew was music and his fans. He was wiling to try new things, showcase new songs, all with adding that signature swagger and voice.
We all get in ruts. We feel like we are doing the same thing over and over again. We may feel limited by the resources we have or don't have. We may feel we are doing things to "please the man" rather than to meet the needs of our kids. We may struggle to find our voice and our niche.
It is ok to break free and try new things. I have to say it....it is ok to teach for 20 years...just don't teach the same year 20 times. Try new things. Push yourself. Push your students. Try that thing you have second guessed. It doesn't work? Good. Now you know. Now you found one way NOT to do it...try another way to do. Get to know your audience and play to their needs. Go back to why you got into the the business in the first place. It is about the kids. It is about making a difference. It is about finding the best in everyone in your classroom...including you.
Take the time to watch the NBC celebration of the '68 Comeback Special on February 17th. Perhaps remembering what the King of Rock and Roll did to re-invent himself will inspire you to make your comeback from this break and snow craziness memorable.
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