Elvis Presley’s Near Miss: The ‘A Star Is Born’ Role That Could Have Reshaped His Final Years
A new box set, “Sunset Boulevard,” offers a glimpse into Elvis Presley’s later recordings, but it’s a pivotal 1975 meeting with Barbra Streisand that continues to fuel speculation about the King’s career trajectory.
August 16, 2025
In the years leading up to his untimely death, Elvis Presley, the undisputed King of Rock and Roll, reportedly engaged in discussions for a role that could have substantially altered his career path. In march 1975, a private meeting took place at the Las Vegas Hilton, where Barbra Streisand proposed a starring role opposite herself in her remake of “A Star Is Born.” The proposal came nearly six years after Presley’s last dramatic onscreen appearance.
Jerry Schilling, a longtime friend of Presley, recounted the intimate setting of the discussion. He, Presley’s friend Joe Esposito, and Streisand’s then-boyfriend Jon Peters where present in a walk-in closet, seeking a quiet space amidst the backstage bustle. the conversation,which lasted over two hours and even included a shared meal,revealed Presley’s deep interest in the project.
the Missed Chance
Despite the apparent enthusiasm, Presley ultimately did not secure the role, which famously went to Kris kristofferson. The reasons remain debated, with speculation pointing towards Streisand’s demand for top billing or the considerable financial demands made by Presley’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker. Streisand herself, in her 2023 memoir, pondered if the character’s self-destructive nature was perhaps too close to Presley’s own life for his comfort.
Schilling believes that the disappointment of not landing the part may have contributed to a period of poor decision-making for Presley, potentially impacting his career’s final trajectory. He described the meeting as the last time he saw a certain “twinkle” in his friend’s eye, a sentiment that underscores the emotional weight of this near-collaboration.
“Sunset Boulevard”: A Look at Presley’s Later Work
This period of Presley’s career is being highlighted by the release of “Sunset Boulevard,” a new five-CD and two-LP box set. it compiles music recorded in Los Angeles between 1972 and 1975, including sessions from just days before the “A Star Is Born” meeting. The collection features tracks like “separate Ways,” recorded during the breakdown of his marriage to Priscilla Presley, and “Burning Love,” his final Top 10 pop hit. The 1975 album “Today” is also included, showcasing Presley’s evolving sound blending rock, country, and soul.
The ongoing fascination with Elvis Presley is evident in the continuous release of new materials, from biopics like Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 film to documentaries and books. This sustained interest highlights his enduring impact on popular culture.
| Year | Notable Event/Recording |
|---|---|
| 1972 | Recording sessions for “Separate Ways” and other tracks. |
| March 1975 | Meeting with Barbra Streisand regarding “A Star Is Born.” |
| 1975 | Release of the album “Today.” Recording sessions at RCA’s West Coast headquarters. |
| August 16, 1974 | Rehearsal of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.” |
A Shifting Musical Landscape
The “Sunset Boulevard” title itself evokes the allure and challenges of an aging legend. It also references the physical location of RCA Records’ West Coast studio,a place that has hosted legendary recordings by artists like The Rolling Stones and Jefferson Airplane. Presley established his recording presence there in the early 1970s, a shift from his earlier work predominantly on movie soundtracks.
At this stage of his career, rock music had significantly evolved from the foundations Presley helped lay. his friend Jerry Schilling noted that during his film commitments, Presley was less exposed to contemporary music trends. “When you’re doing movies, you’re up at 7 in the morning and you’re in makeup by 8,” Schilling observed. “You work all day and you come home – you’re not necessarily putting on the latest records.”
Did you Know?
Elvis Presley’s personal home studio at Graceland was also utilized for recording during his later years, offering a more intimate creative environment.
The “Sunset Boulevard” collection highlights Presley’s development as a ballad singer. Songs like “Always on My Mind” and “For the Good Times” reveal a more introspective side,tinged with the personal struggles he faced. He initially required persuasion to record the upbeat “Burning Love,” which later became a considerable hit, much to his delight.
The TCB Band’s Role
A critically important aspect of the “Sunset Boulevard” material is its focus on the TCB Band, Presley’s live backing group. Their collaborative energy is palpable in these recordings, a departure from the session musicians used in the 1960s. The set even includes rehearsal tapes from 1974, offering a raw look at Presley and his band preparing for Las Vegas shows.
These rehearsal recordings, tho sonically varied, capture the band’s unique blend of country, gospel, and R&B. The raw,unpolished nature of these tracks,including renditions of “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling” and “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” provides a unique insight into Presley’s creative process during this era.
Pro Tip:
Exploring live recordings and rehearsal tapes from artists can offer a deeper thankfulness for their musical evolution and performance nuances.
Schilling, reflecting on Presley’s final years, noted a perceived lack of significant artistic challenges that might have sustained his focus. While acknowledging Presley’s genius, he suggested that extensive Las Vegas residencies and less impactful studio work weren’t enough to counteract the challenges. The question of whether Presley ever saw the 1976 film adaptation of “A star is Born” remains unanswered, with Schilling admitting, “There’s probably nobody alive now who could say.”
The legacy of Elvis Presley continues to be a subject of deep interest, with fans and critics alike exploring every facet of his remarkable life and career. The “Sunset Boulevard” collection offers a poignant reminder of his enduring musical talent and the “what-ifs” that surround his legendary story.
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Evergreen Insights: The Enduring Power of Elvis
The story of Elvis Presley’s career, notably his later years, serves as a powerful case study in the complexities of sustaining artistic momentum in the face of changing industry trends and personal challenges. The “A Star Is Born” near-miss highlights the critical role of challenging creative opportunities in maintaining an artist’s engagement and evolution.Even decades after his passing, the continued release of his music and the ongoing analysis of his career underscore his profound and lasting impact on global music and culture. The “Sunset Boulevard” collection offers a valuable window into a formative period, revealing the King’s ongoing artistic drive and his ability to connect with audiences through diverse musical styles, even as the cultural landscape shifted around him.
Frequently Asked Questions About Elvis Presley’s “A Star Is Born” Opportunity
- Could Elvis presley have starred in “A Star Is Born”?
- Why didn’t Elvis Presley get the role in “A Star Is Born”?
- What role did Colonel Tom Parker play in Elvis Presley’s career decisions?
- What is the meaning of the “Sunset Boulevard” box set for Elvis Presley fans?
- How did Elvis presley’s musical style evolve in the 1970s?
- What other artists recorded at RCA’s Sunset Boulevard location?
