Here’s Why Elvis Presley Never Played In Atlantic City, New Jersey

Elvis Presley never played outside of North America. He also never played in New Jersey. However, “The King” almost played in Atlantic City, New Jersey in 1957.

Here Is The Real Story — Straight From Former Steel Pier Owner George Hamid, Jr.

The above photo is George Hamid, Sr. Before we get on to Elvis, let’s review the incredible history of George A. Hamid Sr. & Jr., two remarkable men.

His son, George Hamid, Jr. is the last real owner of Steel Pier as we know it. No disrespect intended to today’s footprint, however, it is now Steel Pier in name only.

There is no resemblance whatsoever to what Steel Pier used to be.

My On-Air Interview With George Hamid, Jr. — I Learned So Much

In one of my favorite on-air interviews ever, I interviewed George Hamid, Jr. in 1993. Then WFPG Talk Radio 1450 was located at California and Atlantic Avenues in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

George Hamid, Jr. Was Bigger Than Life

Hamid, Jr. lived a long and successful life — from November 25, 1918 to February 23, 2013) — a total of 94 glorious years.

He was a significant entrepreneur, who went on to make major contributions to America's outdoor amusement and entertainment industry.

Hamid, Jr. established significant fairs, circuses, carnivals and expositions.

Because of his legendary Father, George A. Hamid Sr., young George was able to thrive in America. George, Sr. Came to America with absolutely nothing. In fact, he slept underneath Steel Pier on his first night in America.

George Sr. would go on to own Steel Pier and he turned it into “The World’s Show Place.”

George Hamid Jr. Grew The Empire

After graduating from Princeton University and serving in World War II, Hamid Jr. built his own empire of piers and eight Boardwalk theaters in Atlantic City from 1946 to 1975.

This included both the iconic Steel Pier and the Million Dollar Pier. Hamid Jr. was known as the “King of the Atlantic City Boardwalk,” a well earned title.

Hamid Jr. Was Always On The Cutting Edge Of Entertainment — But, He Was Not Able To Book Elvis Presley

Hamid Jr. was skillful in reading the tea leaves correctly in the winter, as to who would be in demand by summer, when the pier would open on Memorial Day Weekend every year.

In 1957, Hamid missed out on booking The Future King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley by just $3,000 dollars, and Elvis unfortunately never played The Steel Pier or anywhere else in New Jersey, ever.

It was an unfortunate miss, to say the least.

Hamid negotiated feverishly with Colonel Tom Parker to book Presley at Steel Pier. It all came down to just a few thousand dollars.

Hamid refused to budge on paying Parker's demand.

Parker was Presley's flamboyant Manager from 1955 until Presley's death in 1977.

Presley was one of the few musical greats to never play Steel Pier.

Adjusted for inflation, $3,000 in 1957 is the equivalent of $35,000 in 2026.

The Elvis Presley Near Miss Taught Hamid Jr. A Valuable Lesson

The major loss of Elvis Presley taught George Hamid Jr. a valuable lesson. Fast forward one season to 1958 and Hamid was determined to never again repeat his mistake and the loss of Elvis led to the most iconic booking in Steel Pier history the engagement of "America's Son" Ricky Nelson, scheduled to perform his first-ever live concert at The Steel Pier in Atlantic City.

The date was August 31, 1958, which became better known as the day Ricky Nelson "Rocked The Steel Pier." 44,000 fans broke the all-time attendance record and physically moved the pier, leaving many to believe (Ricky Nelson included) that the pier would collapse into the sea.

The New Baz Luhrmann Elvis Presley Biopic

Has inspired me to write this article. I’m not referring to the fabulous Baz Luhrmann (Elvis) movie starring Austin Butler. That was great, too.

Baz Luhrmann has put another masterpiece together called “EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert.” It features never before seen footage of Elvis Presley. I watched it last night and really liked it.

I hope that you enjoyed our walk down memory lane. Directly below are fabulous Original Steel Pier photos … many never seen before.

SOURCE: Harry Hurley on-air interview with George Hamid Jr. & interviews with Ed Hurst & Don Hurley.