Director Steve Binder: Elvis Presley’s ’68 Comeback, The T.A.M.I. Show, and Music History on TV

About this episode

Steve Binder discusses his influential role in music television and pivotal moments in music history.

Steve Binder is one of the most influential figures in music television, even if you don’t know his name. From The T.A.M.I. Show to Elvis Presley’s ’68 Comeback Special, his work created moments that changed music history. In this episode, Steve shares how he went from the mailroom at KABC to directing icons like Frank Sinatra, The Allman Brothers, and The Rolling Stones, and what it was like to be thrown into some of the most pivotal TV moments of the 1960s and 70s. We talk about the making of The T.A.M.I. Show and the night James Brown delivered a performance so explosive it shook The Rolling Stones. The raw, behind-the-scenes story of Elvis’ comeback, including the now-legendary sit-down sessions that redefined his career. And the cultural firestorm that followed when Petula Clark took Harry Belafonte’s arm on live television. These were unforgettable music moments on TV, and Steve Binder was right in the middle of them. More on Steve Binder: Elvis '68 Comeback Book Films By Steve Binder Songs from the Episode: Elvis "Jailhouse Rock" Lesley Gore "You Don't Own Me" James Brown "Please, Please, Please" Elvis "All Shook Up" The Allman Brothers Band "Midnight Rider" The Rolling…

People in this episode

Host: Amanda Morck

Guest: Steve Binder

Topics covered

• music television
• Elvis Presley
• The T.A.M.I. Show
• 1960s music history
• live television performances
• cultural impact of music

Keywords

• Steve Binder
• Elvis Presley
• The T.A.M.I. Show
• James Brown
• 1960s music
• live performances
• music history
• television

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The T.A.M.I. Show, Elvis Presley’s ’68 Comeback Special

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