Elvis and Leny Eversong - January 6, 1957

Special thanks to Norton A. Coll from the Brazil Fanclub 'Elvis Alive in Brazil' for the information and images of Leny Eversong.

Ed Sullivan was a former sportswirter and theater columnist for the New York Daily News and his 'stone face' and show would become part of television history. The Ed Sullivan Show was a Sunday night tradition for America. Elvis appeared a total of three times on the show, September 9, 1956, October 28, 1956 and January 6, 1957.

Elvis' third and final appearance on Sullivan's show on January 6, 1957, contains the legendary moments when the CBS censors would not allow his entire body to be shown. Seen only from the waist up, Elvis still put on an exciting show, singing seven songs in three segments. In one segment, Elvis and the Jordanaires sang 'Peace In The Valley' which Elvis dedicated tot the eartquake victims of Eastern Europe.

In his Elvis' final appearance on the Sullivan Show, Elvis is the opening act. He opens by performing 'Hound Dog', 'Love Me Tender' and 'Heartbreak Hotel'.  He then performs 'Don't Be Cruel'. Ventriloquist Arthur Worsley, Ed Sullivan impressionist Will Jordan and Carol Burnett follow. Elvis is back to perform 'Too Much' and 'When my Blue Moon turns to Gold Again.'

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Next Sugar Ray Robinson appears, Dancer Nanci Crompton dances and Leny Eversong* performs 'El Cubanchero'.

The clown act 'The Six Gutis' clown around, Sullivan introduces some folks in the audience and Bory and Bor perform a comedy dance, then Leny Eversong performs 'Jezebel'. Elvis returns one more time to perform 'Peace in the Valley'.

Ed Sullivan closed the show with a seal of approval for this new family-friendly version of Elvis, saying 'This is a read decent, fine boy. We've never had a pleasanter experience with a big name.'

* Leny Eversong born in Santos, on the coast of Sao Paulo, she sarted out singing on the radio at age 12. In the 1930, she took up the stage name Leny Eversong and started singing in English. Around 1937, she moved to the city of Sao Paulo, working as a crooner at nightclubs and cassino's. In the 50s, she resumed singing Brazilian music and made albums singing in different languages. Her greatest hit was 'Jezebel' first recorded in 1952. By the end of that decade, she toured the United States, recording the album 'Leny Eversong na America do Norte'. She retired from the public eye in 1970. Leny was famous for her powerful and potent voice and blonde look.

Interview Leny Eversong on February 25, 1984 about Elvis and she in the Ed Sullivan Show by Norton A. Coll:

Leny Everson was one of the few Brazilian artists to make a name in USA, along with Carmen Miranda. She was one of the big stars in the 50´s. In 1959 she received the award for “The Greatest International attraction from Brazil”. Her personality and strong voice have conquered that Country. On January 06, 1957 she divided time and space with Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show.

On 25Feb, 1984 I was lucky to have the chance to talk to her in her refuge  by the mountains of Mairiporan, a small village  50 miles away from Sao Paulo city. The interview was published in our club newsletter, as I was running the Elvis Alive in Brazil fan club, and also in some local papers. Included are some rare photographs  that she signed for the club.

“As we have talked to her, we felt all the charm and dynamics which were normal traces of her musical life. Behind her tired eyes we could almost see the glittering stages she used to know in her glorious days.

ELVIS ALIVE – Leny, you were one of the few Brazilian stars to shine in USA, and sang in English. Was there any special factor which helped you in this period of achievements?

LENY EVERSONG – In the beginning, there was no help at all. But one day the Brazilian ambassador provided the local stars with a chance to be introduced in USA. There was a party at the Waldorf Astoria to celebrate the first flight of VASP, a new Brazilian airline company. Many singers were there, but only one received an invitation to stay. I was the lucky one. And I stayed for 10 years!

E.A. – You had a TV appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show (Jan. 6, 57). Was it common for an artist to receive such an invitation?

L.E.- Not at all! As a matter of fact, I was enjoying  a good success in 1957. I have received another offer the same time for a theatrical season in New York. It was like a game and I chose the Sullivan show, which had a 70 million audience at that time.

E.A.-Were there other artists present that day?

L.E. – As you know, Ed Sullivan had  a variety show, but the Elvis and I were the only famous names that day.

E.A. – Now the question everyone wants to know. What impressions have you got from Elvis those days? Did you feel by that time he would become the legend he actually did later on?

L.E. – He was fantastic! What a vibration and incredible energy! Oh, yes, his success would never end. It was a marvelous chance for me. I even managed to watch his rehearsals before the show. He danced freely with no fear of the cameras around! (This appearance was the one to be later known as the “From Waist Up Show”).

E.A. – Thank you, Leny, for your time. Thank you specially for being the remarkable person you are. This meeting will become unforgettable to us, Elvis Brazilian fans.