After a 1954 that surely exceeded young Elvis' expectations, New Year's Day 1955 found the boys still in Houston and playing the first 'Grand Prize Saturday Night Jamboree' of the year at Eagle's Hall. According to the January 29th Billboard, Elvis "pulled a capacity crowd" at Eagle's Hall, which was a definite improvement over Cook's Hoedown on December 28th, if that date's reported attendance of 150 is accurate.
The Grand Prize Jamboree took its name from sponsor Grand Prize Beer, and the Eagle's Hall was the auditorium area of the Fraternal Order of Eagles building at 2204 Louisiana Street. I was not able to find any contemporary photos of the venue, but the building itself still stands. If you're in Houston, the sign says they're leasing, so maybe stop by for a tour and see if any vestiges of Elvis' days are left inside.
January 1st is also the day that Elvis' contract with DJ Bob Neal as manager superseded the contract he'd signed with Scotty Moore on July 12, 1954. You can click here to see the Scotty Moore contract and learn about Elvis' first show at the Bon Air Club. The contract with Neal was signed in late December, and Sam Phillips was present as well. Bob Neal had been in the wings with Sam Phillips at Elvis' professional debut when he played the Overton Park Shell on July 30, 1954, and 1955 was going to be a very busy year for young Elvis.
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