Welcome to the "Elvis Information Network", home to the best news, reviews, interviews, Elvis photos & in-depth articles about the King of Rock & Roll, Elvis Aaron Presley...
'Elvis: From Louisiana and Memphis 1976' FTD In-depth Review: FTD continues their extensive look at Elvis' performances in 1976 with three July 1976 concerts. This is a FOUR CD 5” digi-pak, this set features three concerts, Shreveport Louisiana July 1, 1976, Baton Rouge, July 2, 1976 and Elvis' last home-town concert Mid-South Coliseum, Memphis July 5, 1976.
FTD have already released two soundboards from this June-July 1976 tour but both the Louisiana concerts have never been released from soundboard before.
By early 1976 Elvis’ set-list had become routine with few surprises along the way however this tour was one of the best for 1976 and for collectors the previously unreleased Shreveport July 1 1976 soundboard is a real bonus - and Elvis’ final show in Memphis should be in everyone’s collection. Elvis soundboard super-collector Geoffrey McDonnell along with EIN's Piers Beagley check out this new FTD 1976 triple-concert pack to see whether we can learn anything new... (FTD Reviews, Source;GM/ElvisInformationNetwork)
Friday 24 February 2023
'The Airplanes & The King' In-depth review: The original spanish book 'Los Aviones Y El Rey' by Carlos Varrenti was republished as an expanded English version 'The Airplanes & The King' towards the end of 2022.
Not only that but it was expanded from its original 197 pages to an amazing 400 pages with a lot of unreleased material and stunning photos from the 'Elvis Files' vaults!
The English version was unfortunately delayed by supply issues due to the worldwide Covid pandemic - but has now been published as a High quality Hardback book.
As an Aeronautical engineer and Elvis fan, Varrenti is well qualified to write a book which details Elvis’ history with his aircraft and his link to aeronautics in general. With photos and stories from 1955 through to 1977 - and beyond - the book is also an interesting historical look at Elvis’ life "on tour" but this time with an delightfully original theme.
Please note that this review was added to our website back in November 2022 but got deleted when EIN and other locally hosted websites were maliciously hacked. We apologise for the delay in re-submitting it.
Lisa Marie / Austin Butler Interview: Here is a delightful and important reminder of what a kind soul Lisa Marie was and how important ELVIS was to her.
Looking in good form, Lisa Marie laughs and joked through the interview and her genuine friendship with Austin Butler is self-evident.
In the ABC interview Lisa Marie comments, "First watching the movie I was gripping my chair scared to death.. Baz Lurhmann is a wild card, I didn't know Austin yet, I didn't know what Baz was doing, I didn't know what I was in for."
"I feel so protective of Austin, I don't want anybody saying anything about him in a negative way" EIN thanks Ed Gibbs for the word-up (News, Source;EG/ElvisInfoNet)
Elvis' 1962 Lockheed Jetstar Sold At Auction: Elvis' 1962 Lockheed Jetstar which has been parked in the desert for close to 40 years sold at auction for $260,000 last month.
Bidding started at $100,000 and climbed slowly before its final sale to an unnamed bidder.
The last owner of the aircraft was Californian businessman Jim Gagliardi who bought the jet at a 2017 auction for $430,000.
He said he'd planned to use it as a "customer-drawing curiosity" for a dealership he owns, but never got around to relocating the jet from New Mexico — in fact, according to a report he had never even once visited his purchase in person.
The exterior of the plane shows considerable wear
however, the interior is a retro glimpse of luxury private air travel in the midcentury era. The 1962 red Lockheed JetStarOne which Elvis purchased in July 1976 (via a trade-in on his previous investment in a Dessault-Falcon airplane) for $840,000 and used it to cart his TCB band and colleagues on tour to concerts and appearances across the country. It eventually became the center of a long drawn-out FBI investigation "Operation Fountain Pen" where Elvis and Vernon were swindelled in an aircraft refurbishment deal. Despite the auctions' suggestion that the cool-looking red velvet interior was designed for Elvis, the previous owner has stated that this is not the case.
Though it is unclear where the buyer of the jet lives, the plane will have to be disassembled to be shipped.
Untouched since Elvis owned it, the jet is the only plane once owned by the legendary singer that is privately owned. Two other Elvis owned planes, including the Lisa Marie, are already displayed at Graceland in Memphis. (News, Source; Paul A. Clarkson/ElvisInfoNet)
Riley Keough talks Elvis and about her new musical journey: As EIN has previously noted, Riley Keough is following in Elvis' footsteps playing a musician in the new 'Daisy Jones & The Six' Amazon TV series.
Riley plays Daisy Jones one of the volatile lead singers of a 1970s California rock band.
In a recent interview with ET Riley talked about Elvis' legacy and her musical ability.. "It's pretty amazing. I think we really came from not being able to play anything on a guitar or sing really, to having a full record going out which is crazy to us. We had months of jam sessions, so we had months of rehearsals, so we were basically in band practice for, I don't know, a year."
The show also co-stars Sam Claflin who confirmed that they were both nervous when they first met with their singing coach together.
Riley added, "Up until then, it'd just been like me auditioning alone and him auditioning alone, and it was this moment of like, 'Oh, we're both f**king bad'!
Following the death of Lisa Marie earlier this year and amid a battle over her trust with Priscilla, the actress opted not to attend an event for her upcoming show, Daisy Jones & the Six, last week.
Although a "source" told ET that Riley and her grandmother "aren't communicating at this time," Riley acknowledges the impact her Presley upbringing had on her.
"I certainly wouldn't put that (Presley family) pressure on it. I don't know if there is continuing my grandfather's legacy, it’s its own sort of thing to me. But it was a really fun experience for me.
I'm not a musician -- or I am now I guess. I've been interested in film my whole life and so for me, it was more really loving to get to have a relationship with music in that way.
I've listened to music and my whole family are musicians and I've been around this world a lot and been on tour and all that kind of stuff, but I'd never really done it myself. So for me, it was more about my personal relationship with getting to play music, which was fun."
Riley and her brother, Benjamin Keough were named co-trustees of Lisa Marie's trust in 2016. However, Priscilla is contesting "the authenticity and validity" of Riley's appointment, claiming that "there are many issues surrounding" it.
'Daisy Jones & the Six' premieres March 3 on Prime Video. You can read ET's full interview here (News, Source;ET/EIN)
‘ELVIS’ wins four BAFTAs: Austin Butler continued his awards success by scooping up the BAFTA Film Award for Best Actor during Sunday’s ceremony.
The BAFTA Awards are Britain’s "Academy Awards" and are closely checked for hints of who may win at the Oscars on March 12.
Lurhmann’s ELVIS also won 3 other trophies for Casting, Costume Design (Catherine Martin) and Best Hair and Makeup. ELVIS was also nominated for Best Editing which went to 'Everything Everywhere All at Once', as well as 'Best Sound' and 'Best Film' both of which went to 'All Quiet on the Western Front'.
Austin Butler thanked the Presley family, "I cannot thank you guys enough for your love, and for sharing with me who Elvis truly was.love and for sharing with me who Elvis truly was.”
He said, “I hope I made you proud. This means the world to me.”
Speaking afterwards Butler said: "It's been a really unimaginably tragic time, you know, and grief is a long process.
And so my heart and my love was with them always. I feel honoured to have been welcomed into the family. It's a bittersweet time."
Butler's comments come as the battle over the estate of the late Lisa Marie continues between Priscilla Presley and Riley Keough, who is the sole executor of the estate.
The BAFTA win for Butler’s portrayal of “the king of rock ‘n’ roll” added to the actor’s award season momentum.
Butler is nominated for a best actor Oscar for “ELVIS” and won a best actor Golden Globe for the performance in January. He is also nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award.
Australia's Cate Blanchett won Best Actress for her role in “Tár.” (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis Presley, Burning Love: The RCA Rehearsals' Record Store Day VINYL: RCA Legacy is gearing up for one of their biggest line-ups in years for Record Store Day (April 22, 2023). 'Elvis Presley, Burning Love: The RCA Rehearsals' is being released as a double 12” Vinyl
The publicity notes.. 'Burning Love: The RCA Rehearsals' compiles the best of the rehearsal recordings around Elvis’ April 1972 US tour, all taken from the new Elvis On Tour collection.
The 2LP set features rare and unreleased versions of “Burning Love”, “Heartbreak Hotel” and “For The Good Times” along with some of Elvis’ favorite cover songs, gospel songs and more.
Side A
1. Burning Love - Take 3 *
2. For The Good Times - Take 5 *
3. Always On My Mind - Take 3
4. Separate Ways - Take 2
5. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
Side B
1. See See Rider - Take 2
2. Proud Mary - Take 2
3. Never Been To Spain - Take 2
4. Until It’s Time For Me To Go
5. Polk Salad Annie
6. All Shook Up
7. Heartbreak Hotel
Side C
1. Help Me Make It Through The Night
2. Young And Beautiful
3. Lawdy, Miss Clawdy
4. Release Me (And Let Me Love Again)
5. A Big Hunk O’Love - Take 2
6. Funny How Time Slips Away
7. Can’t Help Falling In Love
Side D
1. I, John
2. Bosom Of Abraham
3. You Better Run
4. Lead Me, Guide Me
5. Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus /Nearer My God To Thee
6. How Great Thou Art *
Stella Stevens Dead Aged 84: Actress Stella Stevens best known for her roles in 1972's 'Poseidon Adventure' and playing opposite Elvis in 'Girls! Girls! Girls!' died last Friday at the age of 84.
To movie fans she is best known for her role in Irwin Allen’s epic 'Poseidon Adventure' alongside Gene Hackman and Shelley Winters.
Stevens starred with Elvis in 1962's 'Girls! Girls! Girls!' as well as with Jerry Lewis in 'The Nutty Professor' and Dean Martin in 'The Silencers.' Her other films include 'Too Late Blues', 'The Courtship of Eddie’s Father' and 'Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows.'
She was born on Oct 1, 1938, in Yazoo City, Mississippi, before moving to Memphis when she was 4. Stevens became a Playboy Playmate in January 1960, a career move that she would later regret for pigeonholing her as a sex symbol. She was then scouted by 20th Century Fox. She won a Golden Globe as Most Promising Newcomer for “Say One for Me” with Bing Crosby and Debbie Reynolds.
On TV she appeared in 'Bonanza,' 'Magnum, P.I.,' 'Murder, She Wrote', and daytime soaps 'Santa Barbara' and 'General Hospital.'
Her friend Maria Calabrese stated, "She was an amazing animal lover, horse wrangler, rock and roller, so ahead of her time and so much more than a sex symbol... What a tremendous body of work and loss. The OG of badass women!”
In a 1968 interview Stevens talked about staring in an Elvis movie, "We both came out of Memphis, we were Memphis kids. However never be in an Elvis movie. His fans come for the sole, purpose of seeing Elvis. They don't look at anyone else on the screen.
I was under contract to Hal Wallis for one more picture, so I made the movie. Elvis is a nice guy; you can talk to him. One day I said, Elvis honey, why do you do this crap? He pondered and said, 'Don't knock success, Stella.' -
Which is true."! (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis In The Ghetto' New Import CD: Straight Arrow is releasing an AUDIENCE recording of Elvis' Las Vegas February 19, 1971 Midnight Show.
This concert was previously released in very bad sound quality. Straight Arrow recently obtained the 1st generation copy of the original reel to reel audience-recorded tape by British fan Rex Martin. This concert was never before available in good sound quality - until now!
Every second was enhanced to achieve the optimal listening experience. The sound was remastered to the correct speed.
If you have enjoyed our previous 1971 CDs, we believe that you will love this one as well.
Ask your local CD vendor for audio teasers!
Presented in the usual Straight Arrow fashion with the top notch digipak including the photos of Elvis in Las Vegas 1971 and local press reviews, this new release is another beauty that you must not miss! Go to 'All Elvis CD News 2023' for tracklist EIN NOTE: FTD recently released the January 27 / 28 Midnight shows and January 29 Dinner show ex soundboard - and MRS also released a 1971 selection including the February 23 Closing Show. (News, Source;ElvisInfonet)
Friday 17 February 2023
Raquel Welch has Died Aged 82: Sixties pin-up-girl Raquel Welch came to the wide attention of moviegoers for her role in the 1966 sci-fi adventure Fantastic Voyage, followed by her iconic appearance later that year in the prehistoric drama One Million Years BC.
Although Welch had just three lines of dialogue images of her in a small bikini made her a bestselling pinup, transforming her into a global sex symbol.
Her father was an aeronautical engineer from Bolivia and Welch (then Raquel Tejada) first worked as a “weather girl” at a San Diego TV station before marrying James Welch in 1959. They had two children before separating, but Ms. Welch kept his last name while embarking on a career in show business, briefly working as a model in Dallas before moving to LA to act, including in the movie musical 'Roustabout' (1964) with Elvis. (photo-far right)
Welch died on wednesday, she was 82.
In addition to acting, Welch was a singer and dancer. She surprised many critics and won positive reviews when she starred in the 1981 musical 'Woman of the Year' on Broadway, replacing a vacationing Lauren Bacall.
Welch was a beauty queen-turned-single mom, but to the world, she was an exotic actor whose smoldering looks and curvy figure suited the mood of the swinging 1960s.
In that era Welch earned a reputation for being strong-willed and independent. In 1970, at the peak of her fame, she took
a role that no one wanted as a transgender woman in the film adaptation of Gore Vidal’s satirical novel “Myra Breckinridge.”
Welch said she asked to be in the movie because she was a fan of Vidal’s book and thought it would offer a dramatic role that might take her career in a new direction.
Being a strong-willed actress she earned a reputation for being difficult, and her film career largely faded out.
Though she would appear in exploitative films, she also surprised many in the industry with fine performances, including in Richard Lester’s The Three Musketeers, which earned her a Golden Globe, and opposite James Coco in Wild Party. She was also nominated for a Globe in 1988 for the TV movie Right to Die
Welch’s portrayal of strong female characters was credited with reshaping the stereotype of the traditional sex symbol, and her rise to fame was also seen as eclipsing Hollywood’s embrace of the blonde bombshell. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis News' "Adios"; The website 'Elvis News.com' has been running for more than 25 years providing Elvis fans with one of the first forums to add their views - along with a superb Elvis Song database plus some great articles and reviews.
Yesterday they sadly decided to say "Adios"
Kees Mouwen of ElvisDayByDay was a co-founder and contributor until 2009. EIN enjoyed everything they posted over the years and we wish them well...
Thankyouverymuch! - February 16, 2023 After more than 25 years Elvis-related activity on the internet, we're done with it. What was a much enjoyed hobby became a burden the last year. So we say well meant ‘thank you for all the support over the years’ and hope you'll find your 'news' elsewhere!
We'll keep this site alive for reference the coming years and below are some suggestions to stay up to date! Loes & Lex
'50 Genuinely Horrible Albums by Brilliant Artists': In a rather amusing article by Rolling Stone they have listed the "worst albums" by great musicians.. .. Among the many celebrated masterpieces that Bob Dylan, Elvis, John Lennon, Carole King, Elton John, Madonna, Prince etc. have given the world, they have also turned in works so monumentally putrid that nothing short of “a touch of madness” can explain their existence.
Even the greatest of greats screw up sometimes. These are the epic duds that diehard fans would like to pretend never happened.
As Rolling Stone adds.. "Rock fans are notorious contrarians some of you will feel that we picked the wrong Elvis movie soundtrack or that we were insane to leave off other terrible albums..
Did we rank them? We sure did. At Number 8 is Elvis' 'Fun In Acapulco: Original Soundtrack'
... In 1963, Meet the Beatles, The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, and the first couple of Rolling Stones singles came out. Elvis Presley, meanwhile, was down in Acapulco filming yet another movie, Fun in Acapulco. In this one, Elvis plays a lifeguard (who sings, of course) caught in a rivalry with a fellow lifeguard. By the low standards of Elvis movies, it’s semi-
watchable. It was also a hit.
The quickie soundtrack is another story.
At a time when Elvis needed to up his game to compete with a new generation of rock stars, he was singing “The Bullfighter Was a Lady,” “(There’s) No Room to Rhumba in a Sports Car,” and “You Can’t Say No in Acapulco.”
It’s very tough to find a low point of Presley’s recording career since there were so many of them, but many true Elvis aficionados point to this album, and with good reason.
EIN rather enjoys this album - check our review here!
Here is the Rolling Stone top worst eight! 1 - Kanye West 'Ye' 2018 2 - The Velvet Underground 'Squeeze' 1973 3 - Yes 'Union' 1991 4 - Pantera 'Metal Magic' 1983 5 - Bob Dylan 'Down in the Groove' 1988 6 - Black Sabbath 'Forbidden' 1995 7 - John Lennon and Yoko Ono 'Unfinished Music1: Two Virgins' 1968 8 - Elvis Presley 'Fun in Acapulco: Original Soundtrack' 1963
Go here to the full RS article (News, Source;RS/ElvisInfoNet)
Wednesday 15 February 2023
Lisa Marie Presley and opioids: Since Lisa’s sad death last month, a number of publications have suggested opioids played a part in her death. At least at one point, Lisa was addicted to opioids, and this became public knowledge in 2019 when she contributed the Foreword to the book, The United States of Opioids: A Prescription for Liberating A Nation in Pain (by Harry Nelson, regarded as being America's top health care lawyer).
In her Foreword, Lisa Marie was very candid about her own addiction and commented:
... When Harry first approached me about contributing to The United States of Opioids: A Prescription for Liberating A Nation in Pain, I was ambivalent. I had never openly spoken in public about my own addiction to opioids and painkillers. I wasn’t sure I was ready to share on such a personal topic.
“I’m not perfect,” I said. “My father wasn’t perfect, no one’s perfect. It’s what you do with it after you learn and then you try to help others with it.”
It was a difficult path to overcome this dependence, and to put my life back together. Even in recent years, I have seen too many people I loved struggle with addiction and die tragically from this epidemic.
The Amazon listing includes the following words: “A powerful book… offer[ing] steps that we can all take as parents.” –Lisa Marie Presley. (News, Source: ElvisInfoNet)
Billy and Jo Smith’s relationship with Graceland: On their YouTube channel, 'Elvis Fans Matter', Billy and Jo Smith recently revealed why they didn’t attend the funeral for Lisa Marie Presley, and commented on the issue of why Billy was fired from Graceland.
On the matter of Billy’s firing from Graceland, they reveal that when Billy was fired and asked why, Jack Soden (EPE CEO) said it was because of Billy’s love-hate relationship with Graceland – Billy loved Graceland but hated what was happening to it when it was opened to the public.
Jo also explained:..
“After Billy was fired from Graceland, which he was… he had tried to call and talk to Priscilla and she didn’t take his calls. Lisa, he did talk to Lisa and said, ‘Have your Mom call me’, but she never did.
When Billy was let go, he asked what he had done and claimed it was that while he loved Graceland there were some things he hated as the home was being turned into a museum. He said: “If I didn’t like it, I wouldn’t go along with it…" We never saw Lisa or talked to them again after that.”
While some fans feel Billy and Jo didn’t attend Lisa’s funeral because of their “tensions” with Priscilla, the couple commented that everybody grieves in a different way, and they are grieving for the Presley family, but that the real reason they didn’t attend the funeral was “out of respect” for the grieving Presley family.
In the video, Billy and Jo also have interesting comments to make about Jerry Schilling and reveal that unless they go to the free gravesite viewing at Graceland, they have to pay like all fans.
EIN Comment: As family, Billy Smith was close to Elvis throughout his life and arguably the closest person to Elvis in 1977. That he is treated this way by EPE is wrong. (News, Source: Daily Express UK)
Did Elvis fire Col Parker in real life as biopic ELVIS suggests?: Toward the end of Baz Luhrmann’s ELVIS biopic, Presley, consumed by the pressure of performing shows in Las Vegas on a nightly basis, implodes on his manager, the devious Col Parker. The rock star, high on prescription substances and going through the motions on stage, calls Parker out from where he sits in the audience, calling into question his citizenship and cursing at the old man before abruptly firing him.
The scene after that details how Presley, determined to scrub the Colonel from his life, realizes that he can’t afford to fire his manager because the Colonel has racked up a series of extravagant charges dating back to the very first year he started working with the promoter. Dejected, Presley realizes that he is stuck with Parker, for better or worse.
Although the scene where Presley fires Parker was very dramatic in the movie, things went down a little bit differently in real life. Presley biographer Alanna Nash denies that the artist would have ever fired the Colonel in such a public manner. “No, he never would have done that,” Nash said, also denying that Presley would have ever suggested that he was aware of Colonel Parker’s immigration problems.
“He fully believed the colonel’s story that Parker hailed from Huntington, West Virginia; Elvis died not knowing the truth- That didn’t come out in this country until 1981.”
However, there was an incident when Elvis became furious at both Col Parker and Barron Hilton, whose property Presley had a contract to perform at.
Reportedly, Presley had visited the home of an employee whose wife was struggling with cancer, and Hilton retaliated by firing the employee because the contract banned hotel employees from having any sort of contact with the talent — which in this case, meant Presley. The star, furious at how Hilton had treated the employee, launched a verbal tirade on Hilton from the stage, which incurred the wrath of Parker. Elvis and Parker argued late into the night over the matter, an argument that culminated in Presley firing his manager.
Ultimately, however, just like in the movie, Presley realized that he couldn’t afford to fire Colonel Parker and continued his association with him.
See EIN's review of FTD 'Closing Night 1973' - Elvis says, "Adios Las Vegas, and bye-bye Colonel too!" (News, Source: cheatsheet.com/ElvisInfoNet)
'ELVIS' dominates Guild Awards: Baz Luhrmann's 'Elvis' dominated the night this Saturday at the 10th annual Make-up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild Awards. The ceremony was held at the Beverly Hilton hotel in California.
ELVIS took the top spot as the film won awards in two categories:
Best Period and/or Character Make-Up ELVIS - Shane Thomas, Angela Conte
Best Period and/or Character Hair Styling ELVIS - Shane Thomas, Louise Coulston
(News, Source: WIO News)
Tuesday 14 February 2023 - - - - HAPPY VALENTINE's DAY - - - -
"Just A Boy From Tupelo": Warners bros delightful 30 minute promo video "Just A Boy From Tupelo: Bringing ELVIS to the Big Screen" has now been posted on YouTube.
Director Baz Luhrmann, actors Austin Butler and Tom Hanks, and others explore the life and legacy of Elvis Presley and the making of the acclaimed hit film, ELVIS.
EIN believes it a disgrace that Baz Luhrmann's unique style of movie directing did not score him an Oscar nomination with nods instead going to others far more run-of-the-mill. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Elvis Conference in Portugal - Feb 24: The annual conference of the CIAC-Centre for Research in Arts and Communication of the University of Algarve (Portugal), is dedicated this year to “Elvis Presley and popular culture in the 20th century XX”.
The event taking place in Faro, Portugal, on the 24th of February, will have as keynote speakers Mark Duffett (Chester University, United Kingdom), author of “Counting Down Elvis: His 100 Finest Songs” and “Elvis: Roots, Image, Comeback, Phenomenon” and Mathias Haeussler (Regensburg University, Germany), author of “Inventing Elvis: An American Icon in a Cold War”.
The event will also have the participation of three CIAC researchers, and will have as a special guest, Douglas Brode, author of the book “Elvis Cinema and Popular Culture”. Go here for more info
'ELVIS' wins Lumiere Awards: Austin Butler and Baz Luhrmann reunite at L.A's Advanced Imaging Society's 13th annual Lumiere Awards. The awards are in honor of creative and technical achievements. ELVIS scored the 'Best Motion Picture' (Musical) and 'Best Musical Scene Or Sequence' as well as the 'Harold Lloyd Award' which recognizes directors who've used technology as a tool to empower their storytelling.
Chairman Suzanne Lloyd noted, "Baz Luhrmann’s innovative style illuminates something much deeper about the zeitgeist of the world at a particular moment. His incredible artistry and work on Elvis represents a bold new forefront for technical, emotional, and memorable cinematic achievement. We are thrilled to honor him with this award." ELVIS has earned eight nominations at the 95th Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Butler, that will be handed out during the ceremony on March 12 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Following its wide release last June the film has grossed $287.3 million on an $85 million budget. 'ELVIS' has recently received the American Film Institute Award for Top 10 Films Of The Year, as well as Austin Butler getting 'Best Actor' at the Golden Globes last month. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Monday 13 February 2023
'ELVIS: Opening Night 1972' MRS CD Review: Elvis’ first 1972 Las Vegas season ran from January 26th through February 23rd, 1972. Elvis was in great shape both physically and vocally, and he was once again serious about performing.
While a large number of fans think that Elvis started losing inspiration and impetus after the power-year of 1970, his rejuvenation of his first live performances in 1972 demonstrate another more positive aspect. Introducing the new songs 'You Gave Me A Mountain', ‘I'll Remember You’ , 'A Big Hunk O'Love' and the brilliant 'An American Trilogy' would enrich Elvis’ live shows for the rest of his career. So while Elvis collectors may have heard the bootleg recording multiple times before, you have never truly enjoyed this concert, or appreciated its importance, until this sessional MRS audio Remaster.
Elvis was in superb form and this set-list - along with the new MRS audio remaster - is truly sensational. Check out EIN's detailed review here
(CD Reviews;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Saturday 11 February 2023
Phil Gelormine Elvis Super-fan has died: Sad news today that Phil Gelormine Elvis Super-fan, photographer and journalist has died.
His family posted .. 'Dearest Friends,
I join you again to let you know that Phil passed peacefully earlier his morning. I’m sure he’s enjoying a drink with Dave Wolven on a bench in heaven, and planning all the great musical artists they’ll be seeing together.
Your outpouring of love for Phil has meant so much to both of us and his family as well. May the joy he found in music and in life remain in your hearts.
God’s Peace, - Debbie"
Phil Gelormine was a freelance photojournalist who first worked on Billboard magazine. He reviewed Elvis'
records, concerts and even the 'Aloha' TV special. His Elvis photos would also feature in movie magazines, TV shows and Rolling Stone magazine.
Along with his main collaborator, Dave Wolven, Phil would get to attend Elvis' seventies personal movie sessions at the Memphian. Phil was also present at thirty-two of Elvis' performances.
When Elvis died he started the 'ELVIS WORLD' magazine, a fan favourite, which ran for decades.
A passionate man, he will be missed by all who knew him. (Please visit his Facebook page) (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'A Study of Elvis Presley In Concert'Book/CD/DVD/Blu-Ray: Another, bootleg, look at Elvis' 1977 CBS TV special from Gravel Road. The publicity states... The book contains 136 pages thesis with many beautiful related photos, interviews and documents with extended information about “the tv-special”. To support the thesis, we had to include footage of the aired European TV-Special broadcast and a behind the scenes interview and four clips to support the thesis.
All multimedia material is available on the net, YouTube, forums and other dedicated sites, etc., but for easy access we’ve collected them in one place and edited it to follow the story line of the book. We tried to use the best quality multimedia available to us.
Every effort has been made to debunk accepted “facts”. Putting facts in the right perspective as should have been done years ago.
The question why we’ve made a book instead of an internet publication? It’s simple, you can pick it up and show it directly to anyone who comes along with old mis interpreted facts.
This book will help Elvis fans explain and the media to correct their opinion when reviewing Elvis’ last TV special or concerts of his years. Anyone should pay the respect Elvis deserves for his showmanship and the genius which he really was. 'Elvis In Concert' is a historical document. It has to be seen and listened to, so someone can understand the full Elvis story. It’s the Shakespearean final act of a great life. Perhaps he said it best himself in a 1961 interview with Lloyd Shearer. ‘Cut Me and I Bleed.’
We do hope that it sets of an idea to bring out a massive release which justifies Elvis in his later years.
The audio and footage are additional and limited in quantity. For quality and durability, we choose pressing in 24 carat gold when possible. All our sources are mentioned in the book for even more in-depth reading.
The audio on the cd is remastered and re-arranged according to the original setlist of Rapid City to have the full concert experience how it develops it to the climax moments of the show of which we refer to in the thesis. Fan comments were removed and “Unchained Melody” is added.
The footage is on DVD and Blu-ray (Same content in higher resolution.) EIN Note: The CBS show was taped 525 line / NTSC video tape. This is MAX resolution whether on DVD or Blu-Ray.
The original tapes are still locked away.
All this material was released back in 2009 on 'The Final Curtain' (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
3 Days To Save A Legend (Paul Farmer) - audiobook - FREE Sample Listen and FREE Audiobook for Audible members: Last year's time travel/sci-fi release, 3 Days To Save A Legend, has been released as an audiobook. And now you can listen to a sample of the book which is read by Simon B. Kelly.
In addition, Amazon Audible members can get a FREE COPY of the audiobook by posting a review on Audible after they've read it - For more info CLICK HERE About the book:
As a child of the 70’s… …Nick loved Jailhouse Rock. ... What if Elvis hadn’t died?
It’s 2010, he’s in his forties and Nick is throwing everything he has into developing his new app. An adventure game where the player can use time travel to try to change history and he’s sure it will be a hit. As he loads in important dates in history, something unexpected happens.
He’s gone back in time........ August 13, 1977, Memphis, Tennessee, not far from Graceland, Nick tries to come to grips with the impossible. Maybe he has been working too hard and it’s a dream? Can it be real?
It didn’t matter......... Nick knew he had just three days to save the King.
What’s his first move?
You’ll love this time-travel thriller; because Paul Farmer gives us the perfect mix of tension, humor, and twists to keep you turning the pages. (News, Source: Paul Farmer)
Burt Bacharach, songwriter, Dead at 94: On of the world's greatest composers Burt Bacharach has died aged 94.
Together with writing partner Hal David, Bacharach became one of the most successful songwriters of all-time starting with a stunning streak of hits for Dionne Warwick in 1960s. His classic hits included, Walk on By, Anyone Who Had a Heart, I Say a Little Prayer (Aretha Franklin), What’s New Pussycat? (Tom Jones), The Look of Love (Dusty Springfield), Make It Easy on Yourself (Walker Brothers) and Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head (BJ Thomas).
He managed 73 Top 40 hits in the US and 52 in the UK. Bacharach wrote Elvis' classic 'Any Day Now' (flip-side of In The Ghetto) recorded at the Memphis Sessions. It was first recorded by Chuck Jackson.
Later in his career Bacharach would also perform and write with another Elvis - Elvis Costello.
Burt Bacharach first married actor and singer Paula Stewart and later married three more times, to Angie Dickinson in 1965, Carole Bayer Sager in 1982, and then Jane Hansen.
He won three Oscars, six Grammy awards - plus lifetime achievement award in 2008 - and was awarded the Polar music prize in Stockholm in 2001. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Friday 10 February 2023
FTD March Releases: FTD have announced two releases for next month.
1. 'Elvis: Let Me Be There' a three CD soundboard release from Elvis' January-Feb 1974 Las Vegas season.
FTD's first new releases for 2023 with possible release date of March 6.
Released as a 3-CD 5" digi-pak, this set features three 1974 concerts recorded via soundboard at The Hilton Hotel, Las Vegas on January 28, 29 Midnight and February 1, 1974. EIN Note: So far FTD have only released the January 27 Dinner Show from this season on 'I Found My Thrill'- and what a great performance that was.
We noted at the time that the "Bonus Track" from Feb 1 had some tape-hiss.
The January 29, 1974 Midnight Show is totally new for collectors.
Both January 28, 1974 Dinner Show, and February 1, 1974 Midnight Show have only been released as bootleg AUDIENCE recordings 'Wild Tiger Vol.4' and 'First In Line'
2.'From Elvis Presley Boulevard' Special double VINYL.
FTD Vinyl is pleased to announce the release of a special blue vinyl edition of From Elvis Presley Boulevard. Each double album is individually numbered and features great outtakes and masters recorded in the legendary Jungle Room.
Songs include Hurt, For The Heart, Love Coming Down, I'll Never Fall In Love Again, Danny Boy, Solitaire and The Last Farewell.
Available only while stock of 3500 lasts!
New book – 'Elvis 57 April 4-30' mini-review: Paul Bélard’s latest photo-journal (visual biography) has been released. As is customary with the author’s ’month-by-month’ books recording Elvis’ life, this one is full of historic images, background information, and rare archival material, across 227 pages.
April 1957 was another busy month for Elvis. As detailed in the book’s Preface: ‘A tour that started on March 28 which took Elvis to Chicago, St. Louis, Fort Wayne, Detroit, Buffalo, Toronto and Ottawa ended in Philadelphia. He gave four shows at the Sports Arena on April 5th and 6th.
‘He then returned home to Audubon Drive in Memphis. During this stay, he visited Sam Phillips at home several times, once with disc jockey Dewey Phillips and friends. In the middle of the month he visited his new acquisition, Graceland, which was be¬ing renovated. He showed it to Yvonne Lyme, an actress who had a small role in Loving You. On the 22nd, the legendary gates were installed. Elvis would not move into Graceland until June 1957.
‘On the 27th, Elvis boarded a train to Los Angeles to film his new movie, still titled Jailhouse Rock. On the 30th, he went to Radio Recorders, where he met Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller for the first time, and began working on the movie’s songs.’
The images are a mix of b&w and color(ised). Standout photos include a great full-page color shot of Elvis on stage (p23), another color shot of Elvis (with the Jordanaires) (p34), girls in the audience in a state of ecstasy (pp52-55), Elvis with young polio victims (p77), and an 11-page color spread of Elvis’ screen test for Jailhouse Rock. While the images in the Jailhouse Rock are not perfect, they are an interesting record of an aspect of Elvis’ film career that is not well documented. A series of photos of Elvis showing actress Yvonne Lime, Graceland, is also neat, particularly colorised photos of the pair which add a new dimension to, and enliven, what we are used to seeing.
April 1957 was also the month that Elvis performed again in Canada and it is fascinating to read that his Montreal show was cancelled due to opposition from the Roman Catholic church.
The archival material is eclectic ranging from reviews of Elvis’ concerts to Elvis’ interview with teenage reporters from Philadelphia schools, as well as Elvis joining the Whitehaven Club in Memphis, the sales receipt for the famous Graceland Gates, and promotion for The Elvis Presley (Board) Game. The show reviews make for interesting reading as they reflect how Elvis was, and was
perceived, during the halcyon days of Presleymania. A two-page letter detailing changes to be made the upcoming UNTITLED PRESLEY STORY (film) reveals a lot about prevailing attitudes and standard, while discovering the myth that Elvis’ shows were always “sold out”, was not true in the 1950s, will surprise many readers
The newspaper headlines are also intriguing, including:
Bedlam at the Arena. Elvis Rocks, His Fans Roll
Elvis Assailed As ‘Golden Calf’
Elvis ‘Recaptures’ Furniture
Hysterical Mob Drowns Out Elvis’ Rock ‘n’ Roll Songs
Rhythm in the day and Blues in the Night…. If He Doesn’t Slow Up, He May Burn Himself Out
Tossed Egg Misses Elvis, Hits Guitar Player As Girls Scream
Verdict: As EIN has previously said, Paul Bélard’s series of books are not deluxe coffee table releases. However, they offer both a different price point to the fancier releases as well as a handy month-by-month record of what transpired for the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. April 57 does not disappoint. Its pleasing mix of the visual, narrative and archival in an “easy to handle” softcover format offers readers the opportunity to revisit Elvis during his (first) heyday and learn new or recover forgotten memories.
Copies of 'Elvis 57 April 4-30' are available on Amazon or direct from the author: pbelard@hotmail.com (Book Review. Source: EIN)
Attention all intelligence personnel (and Matthew McConaughey)…. Agent King has a new code name…. Agent Elvis…. and his ‘secret trailer’ has been compromised and will be publicly released!:The long awaited Netflix animated adult-action-comedy series, Agent Elvis, has been announced to screen from sometime next month. Elvis Day By Day reported:
Matthew McConaughey has signed on to voice Elvis Presley. The actor posted: Elvis Presley always dreamed of being a superhero - now, Priscilla Presley is making his dream a reality! Agent Elvis, a new animated series created by Priscilla Presley and John Eddie. Premieres March 2023. Formerly titled “Agent King,” the show was first announced in 2019. The series follows Presley as he trades in his jumpsuit for a jet pack when he is covertly inducted into a secret government spy program to battle the dark forces that threaten the country he loves, all while holding down his day job as the King of Rock ’n’ Roll.
'Agent Elvis' comes from Sony Pictures Animation, Sony Pictures TV and Authentic Brands Group. Priscilla Presley and John Eddie will serve as co-creators and executive producers, and Archer veteran Mike Arnold will write and serve as showrunner and head writer. Eddie will also serve as co-showrunner and writer. McConaughey will exec produce alongside Kevin Noel, Chris Prynoski, Shannon Prynoski, Antonio Canobbio, Ben Kalina, Jamie Salter, Corey Salter and Marc Rosen. Fletcher Moules is co-EP. Presley’s look is being
brought into animation with the help of Oscar nominee Robert Valley and 'Agent Elvis’ wardrobe is designed by legendary fashion designer John Varvatos.
The series is the first adult animated show to hail from Sony Pictures Animation. It’s produced by Authentic Brands Group and Titmouse. View the exciting ‘secret trailer' here “Agent Elvis” is slated to premiere this March on Netflix. (News, Source: EDBD)
Expert who investigated Elvis Presley death tells of ‘undeniable pattern’ before Lisa Marie tragedy: The sudden death of Lisa Marie at age 54 and Elvis’ death could be linked by a genetic defect in the Presley family tree, according to an expert. Back in 2020 biographer Sally Hoedel argued that Elvis was always “destined to die young” after allegedly inheriting multiple health issues - mainly stemming from incest between his grandparents.
Lisa Marie died on January 12 after suffering cardiac arrest. Elvis died of a heart attack aged 42 on August 16 1977. Also to die at a similar age of either heart or lung problems were Elvis’ mother Gladys and three of her brothers.
Her book Elvis: Destined to Die Young claimed at the time that the singer’s death was the result of poor genetics, prompted by the incestuous marriage of his grandparents, who were first cousins.
Since the news of Lisa Marie’s death, the author has spoken out on the potential genetic link.
Hoedel noted, ““Lisa Marie has now prematurely left her children, just as Elvis left
her in 1977 when she was just nine years old. It’s also just as Gladys
left him prior to that.
“There is an undeniable pattern of young death in the family with heart, liver, and lung issues prevalent in the family tree. It’s obviously too soon to speculate about Lisa Marie, but reports so far do point to a heart-related event.
It’s impossible to hear about Lisa Marie’s tragically young death at age 54 and not leap to the possibility of a correlation. His family
tree, after all, is half of hers.”
Ahead of Lisa Marie’s early death, Hoedel’s interest in the potential gene defect first came from observing the eerie similarities between Elvis and Gladys’ deaths. Gladys died almost 19 years to the day before her son’s - and, like him, she suffered a serious health decline and substance abuse. The mother to one of the world’s most celebrated singers died on August 14, 1958, of heart failure - a result of her alleged alcohol addiction.
“It stops being a coincidence by the time it gets to Elvis because there’s so much going on in that family tree,” Hoedel told The Sun in August.
The author noted that Presley’s health appeared to decline rapidly - going from the energetic, gyrating man nicknamed “Elvis the Pelvis” to a bloated, fading version of himself. It was widely believed by news publications at the time that Presley’s death was a result of years of gluttony and drug abuse. Hoedel disputes this, claiming the medication was to relieve health issues.
“Elvis had various health issues but he hid them so well that the over-medication is what we remember now. He often took too much, and there are issues there, but you have to ask why he was taking those pills in the first place.”
The author also disputes the cause of Gladys’ death, which has been attributed to hepatitis. Hoedel instead believes it was because of Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency - a genetic disorder that impacts the lungs and liver.
“We know Elvis had it because he was found to be a carrier for Alpha-1 after his death, so it had to come from somewhere. The Presleys were incredibly secretive about their health. But I managed to interview people like Nancy Clarke, the daughter of Gladys’ cardiologist, who used to go on house calls with her dad to the Presley home. She told me before her dad passed away, he said there was more to Gladys’ death than what he understood because he’s long been quoted as saying it looked like hepatitis, but it wasn’t, and he couldn’t work out what was wrong with her. - It all leads back to Gladys’ parents.
Further, the author claims both mother and son had a “similar four-year period of degenerative health” ahead of their deaths, “which is interesting because they weren’t taking the same kinds of medication”.
Along with the alleged issues from [an] incestuous relationship, Gladys’ mother,
Doll Smith, is also believed to have had tuberculosis, a bacterial disease of the lungs, for 30 years.
“Again, (the tuberculosis is) something that doesn’t make sense but continued to be passed down the family tree and then throughout recorded Elvis history as well,” Hoedel said. “From there, with the first-cousin marriage, Gladys (may have) inherited two damaged genes and a more serious version of the disease (tuberculosis).”
All of Gladys’ brothers died in their 40s and early 50s, and her sister Retha died in her 30s. (News, Source: 7News.com.au) -Read the full article at 7News (Australia)
DNA Raiders: Elvis Has Left the Lab: The world of Elvis literature is always full of surprises and quirky titles. Make what you will of this new 32-page book by Randolph Lad (available from Amazon as a US$4.00 softcover and $0.99 Kindle). The book is described as:
In this age the wealthy can afford to get the famous as their slaves.
...
How?
Simple there are people out there called the DNA Raiders who go across the world hunting out the DNA of the famous dead, for the right price you can have Elvis as your butler, Michael Jackson as your driver, or if you are into something a little kinky Marilyn Monroe as your sex slave.
It’s of course it is totally illegal, run by the worlds various forms of the Mafia. A Black Market run in the secret underground havens and dens across the entire earth.
Doctor Daniel Magnus is the king of this world, The best manipulator of the strains of DNA that make all life possible. His crew of raiders have captured some the best, the most famous, and greatest celebrities in history. .... This is his story... (News, Source: Amazon/EIN)
Caveat Emptor! – books about Lisa Marie Presley: In January, EIN reported on the almost 60 softcover and Kindle “quickie” books that flooded Amazon only days after Lisa Marie Presley’s sad passing. EIN has now read some of the releases and what we found was simply staggering!
A number of the books appear to have been (badly) translated, with Lisa’s albums To Whom It May Concern, Now What, and Storm and Grace becoming "To The Responsible Party In Question", "Presently Now What", and @Tempest and Elegance@, respectively.
Lisa’s hit single, the Don Henley penned, Dirty Laundry, became Tarnished Clothing in 'Lisa Marie Presley: Detailed and Complete Autobiography of the American Singer and Songwriter', while in 'Lisa Marie Presley: The Untold Story of Lisa Marie Presley’s Death, Her Biography, Career et al', the Billboard Top 200 became the Declaration Main 200.
In the release, Lisa Marie Persley (yes they got the Presley name wrong!) the author has Lisa singing her hit, Love Me Tender.
The 'Lisa Marie Presley...' supposedly "Detailed biography" by Jessica Jones (shown right) and described as a "Nitty gritty Memoir" is only 32 pages long!
Two books claim to be Lisa’s “autobiography” and another has the title, 'Verified Biography of Lisa Marie Presley', despite being riddled with errors. But wait, there’s more….. several books have a cover photo which is not Lisa Marie, including one using a photo of Priscilla Presley!
Generally, in order to release the books quickly there has been a lack of editing - not that it would have taken long to edit most of them as they only contain a handful of pages which becomes even less when one accounts for their large font.
A few of the releases are, at a long stretch, passable, but virtually all are Internet sourced, and EIN suspects some are ChatGPT generated. A few titles did at least have interesting cover designs.
The books are cheap to buy – most softcovers are around or under US$10.00, others under US$20.00. The average number of pages would likely be less than 40 (two or three releases inflating the average). Several of the titles could be characterised as “fly by night” releases as they disappeared from Amazon listings by early this month, and likely qualify now as “collector’s items”. You have been warned! (News, Source: EIN)
Monday 6 February 2023
'ELVIS' did not win another Grammy!: In a poor turn of events for Elvis' new award season, the Baz Luhrmann movie 'ELVIS' sadly missed out on snagging another Grammy for our hero.
Up for two Grammys
In 'Best Compilation Soundtrack' 'ELVIS" was beaten by the winner "Encanto"
For 'Best rap performance' Doja Cat - 'Vegas'(photo right) was disappointingly beaten by Kendrick Lamar, 'The Heart Part 5' At the 2023 Grammy Awards 'Album of the year' was awarded to Harry Styles 'Harry’s House' Best New Artist winner was Samara Joy
and 'Record of the year' was Lizzo with 'About Damn Time'
In other major news Beyoncé won her 32nd Grammy award, breaking record for most wins of all time.
She won for 'Best dance/electronic music album'
"I'm trying not to be too emotional," the superstar said as her husband Jay-Z stood and applauded her. (News, Source;Grammy/ElvisInfoNet)
Friday 3 February 2023
'Elvis Day By Day - The Year In Review 2022' OUT NOW: The fifth volume in the 'Elvis Day By Day - The Year In Review' yearbook series is OUT NOW via by Poplar Tunes Publishing.
Check out the neat YouTube promo clip here. "What a great year it was for Elvis fans with Baz Luhrmann's No. 1 award winning 'ELVIS' biopic and soundtrack, putting Elvis back in the spotlight.
Add to that the 50th Anniversary release of 'On Tour', FTD's 'Aloha', classic hits, albums, concerts as well as alternate takes in mono, stereo and HD-quality on CD, vinyl, DVD and 4K Ultra HD discs. There were also interesting books on Elvis' musical catalogue, the SUN years, airplanes, pilot, manager, cars, jewelry, concert tours and much more.
Literally too much to keep track of, the 2022 edition of 'Elvis Day By Day'- volume 5 in the series - contains it all. The foreword is written by Elvis World's Phil Gelormine.
With 400-plus pages - over 70 pages more than the 2021 edition! - this 5th volume in the series is literally a great addition to your Elvis library.
Priscilla contests validity of Lisa Marie's will: In what seems to be a tasteless family spat, and reported all over the media, Priscilla has filed a petition in LA Superior Court questioning the “authenticity and validity” of her Lisa Marie's will and disputing a 2016 amendment to Lisa Marie’s documents that allegedly removed Priscilla and her former business manager, Barry Siegel, as trustees.
Lisa Marie replaced them with her eldest children, Riley Keough and Benjamin Keough - who sadly died in 2020.
Removing Siegel made sense since it was in 2018 that Lisa Marie sued Barry Siegel claiming he had mismanaged her finances, resulting in her $100 million trust dwindling to $14,000 in cash by 2016.
However Priscilla's lawyers now argue that the amendment was neither witnessed nor notarised. "Based on the foregoing, the Purported 2016 Amendment should be deemed invalid and the Trust, as amended and completely restated in 2010 is the controlling and authoritative document and its terms administered," the petition reads.
While Priscilla remarked on the anniversary of Lisa Marie's Birthday "My wish is to protect my three grandchildren and keep our family together" this action seems to be the opposite.
If there is true love within the family then surely this could have been worked out amicably and not in court.
This action beggars belief.
Lisa Marie’s children have not yet publicly commented on Priscilla’s filing. A representative for Riley Keough did not respond to LA Times’ request for comment.
The document was filed less than a week after the Presley family gathered at Graceland for the public memorial service.
In an interesting twist, Joel Weinshanker (EPE managing partner) appeared on Elvis Radio on SiriusXM to mark Lisa Marie’s 55th birthday. ,
There he asserted Lisa Marie’s stance to leave the estate to her children to best protect Elvis’ legacy, saying, "Everyone knew that when Elvis passed away, he left everything to his little girl. And he did so knowing that she would be the one to keep his legacy going, and I can tell you she has without falter, no matter what else was happening in her life, in her career, she has always been the one to look out for what was best for Elvis.
Lisa couldn’t be bought. She couldn’t be pushed. If she felt something wasn’t in Elvis’ best interest, it was never about money. And she really is the only Presley you can ever say that about. And she also was very, very quite certain and very direct about who she wanted to have the legacy left to ... and that was always Riley and Ben.
There was never a question in her mind that they would be the stewards, that they would look at it exactly the same way she did.” Poor Lisa Marie, Poor Elvis, Poor Presleys - (News, Source;ABC/Times/ElvisinfoNet)
MRS Vinyl - 'Opening Night 1972’: The MRS official announcement about their new release.
UK Memphis Recording Service will release its vinyl 180-gram LP version of ‘LAS VEGAS HILTON PRESENTS ELVIS – OPENING NIGHT 1972’ on 17th March 2023.
The live performance from 26th January 1972 was recorded at the Las Vegas Hilton. SIDE A
1 - Also Sprach Zarathustra
2 - See See Rider
3 - Proud Mary
4 - Never Been to Spain
5 - You Gave Me A Mountain
6 - Until It's Time for You to Go
7 - Polk Salad Annie
8 - Love Me
9 - Little Sister/Get Back
10 - All Shook Up
11 - Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel
SIDE B
1 - One Night
2 - Hound Dog
3 - A Big Hunk O' Love
4 - Bridge Over Troubled Water
5 - Lawdy Miss Clawdy
6 - An American Trilogy
7 - I'll Remember You
8 - Suspicious Minds
9 - Can't Help Falling/Closing Vamp
This is a Limited Edition set- and will be available in both Black and Clear vinyl. Please note, the clear vinyl is ONLY available from fan clubs and exclusive Elvis dealers and NOT be available to the mainstream public stores. See 'All The CD News 2023' for full details & tracklist
(News, Source;MRS/ElvisInfoNet)
Wednesday 1 February 2023
Lisa Marie's 55th birthday: Having noted the anniversary of Lisa Marie's birthday throughout her successful career, this year comes as a sad remembrance.
Today would have been Lisa Marie's 55th birthday.
Priscilla Presley posted a loving message on this sad day... “Today would have been Lisa’s 55th birthday. My wish is to protect my three grandchildren and keep our family together.
From the first moment I held Lisa in my arms, I’ve protected, loved and guided her, as I have my son.
Our hearts are broken, and I am having to learn to live without my only daughter.
We truly love all of you, and we feel your prayers.
Thank you so much for caring so deeply for our family.”
(News, Source;PP/ElvisInfoNet)
‘SOLD OUT Vol1’ DVD Revamp Out Now: Upon its initial release in 2020, ”Sold Out Vol 1” caused quite a furor in the Elvis world. And for many, it opened the doors to a new area of collecting. Some of the high-end collectors were dismayed with the fact this footage ‘escaped’, but many fans were thrilled that these unique 8mm films were now available to them at an affordable price.
We’ve gone back to the original high-resolution transfers to redo this classic title from scratch. No more watermarks or logos on the footage, what you get here is the best 8mm footage around in the best possible quality. No alterations, no edits – just the real deal, as originally filmed. Each of the 19 films has been newly mastered with superior results. This remains the most enjoyable release celebrating The King live, as captured on 8mm.
We do realize that now that 8mm footage is suddenly being offered everywhere, that it can be confusing for some to figure out what is essential --and what is not --, but many would agree that this title is all you really need. This is really the best of the best. And for the first time, the liner notes tell the inside story behind this game-changing release, with an account that will shock and surprise some of you.
We are already receiving quite a few pre-orders for this Deluxe Edition, which is printed in a very limited edition, and we expect that it will sell out fast. Packaged in a deluxe 3-panel digipack, this truly is the cat’s pyjamas. Now available! Strictly limited edition.
(News, Source;Pyramid)
Tuesday 31 January 2023
Lisa Marie's death, Tabloid Media Beat-up: Once again the tabloids can't leave the Presley legacy alone, trying all they can for Click-Bait and revenue.
Already the tabloids, such as the Daily Mail, are suggesting Lisa Marie died from opioid use.
The usual "Unnamed Sources" (=made-up facts to fit their headlines) have told the tabloids that Lisa Marie was "Taking Opioids again on an Extreme Weight Loss Regime".
This may be vaguely true, but so what? Fact - 2 million+ Americans abuse opioids and more than 90 Americans die every day from opioid overdose. Fact - Around 45% of US women have used some kind of supplement for weight loss. Fact - It would be the very same tabloids who shamed Lisa Marie into thinking she was fat. In 2014 the Daily Mail shamed her as becoming "fat like her dad" - only to be sued by Lisa Marie as she was in fact pregnant at the time!
With the high pressure on Lisa Marie to "look good" at the Golden Globes it is no surprise that she'd be dieting.
The tabloids now state that she did "extreme cosmetic surgery and a 40-50lbs weight loss in 6 weeks"
Looking at photos of Lisa Marie looking fine back in September it's hard to imagine that she had put on 40lbs that needed shedding.
The tabloids need to stop spreading their fantasy click-bait and explain who their "Unnamed Sources" are. - Poor Lisa Marie, Poor Elvis, Poor Presleys. (News, Source;Tabloids/ElvisInfoNet)
'Heartbreak Hotel' Original Lyrics sold for over US$200,000: The original working handwritten lyrics by Mae Boren Axton for Elvis' 'Heartbreak Hotel' were up for auction last weekend.
They were a highlight of the GWS Artifacts of Hollywood and Music auction.
The estimate was $200,000 - $220,000 and they sold for US$165,000 plus 25% buyers premium... Description...
"Heartbreak Hotel" - This wonderful piece of music history is a sheet of handwritten original working lyrics by Mae Boren Axton for what would be the classic Elvis' hit song, Heartbreak Hotel.
These lyrics were written by Mae Boren Axton, a high school teacher with a background in musical promotion, and Tommy Durden, a Jacksonville singer-songwriter.
It is said by historians that Mae played a crucial part in the game plan that launched the career of Elvis Presley.
Mae first met Elvis in 1955 around the time he was getting his start with SUN Records, and she was doing some PR for Colonel Parker via her TV and radio shows promoting his package shows when they would be in Florida. She was asked by Elvis' manager at the time, Bob Neal, for her help in getting Elvis on a Parker tour to convince Elvis that Neal had the connections to represent him well.
Mae Axton taped a radio interview with Elvis in July, 1955 in Jacksonville and got Elvis onto the show which Hank Snow was headlining. "Heartbreak Hotel" was written in October 1955 and presented by Axton to Elvis who loved the song and eventually recorded it in January 1956 for his new label, RCA Victor.
This was a pivotal point in Elvis' career as he had just moved to RCA and this would be his first single. The lyrics are handwritten in pencil and signed by Mae Boren Axton and Tommy Durden, and also have various edits and corrections.
The lyrics come with a letter of authenticity from James Spence Go here to check them out in detail
(News, Source;GWSAuctions)
MRS Vinyl - 'Opening Night 1972’: Following the UK label ‘Memphis Recording Service’ (MRS) release of the CD ‘Las Vegas Hilton Presents Elvis – Opening Night 1972', vinyl collectors will be thrilled to know that the same performance is now being released on 180g vinyl.
The album contains a thrilling new show - featuring a revised setlist - from Elvis’ Opening Night at the Las Vegas Hilton on the 26 January 1972. The soundboard recording has been remastered and for the first time presented in true stereo. The accompanying booklet includes rare photographs and memorabilia along with introductory notes.
This was the concert where Elvis premiered the classic songs 'I'll Remember You', 'You Gave Me A Mountain' (sung with a lighter arrangement), 'Never Been To Spain', 'A Big Hunk O'Love' and 'An American Trilogy' as well as the first time 'See See Rider' was used as his opening number. Out March 17, 2023
'Two Nights In Binghamton' New Import CD: Out now is a new 2-CD 1977 AUDIENCE RECORDING from the BJ Records label with the title “Two Nights In Binghamton” May 26 & 27th, 1977 shows.
First released as bootleg ''Why Me, Lord'' featuring the May 26th 1977 concert in Binghamton, NY.
While in reasonable AUDIENCE sound at the time, it was released in much better sound the following year on the Krypton Label, both of these releases showed that there were still nights where Elvis could pull it off and leave a mesmerizing performance when the moment was right. The second show was bootlegged as ''Second Night'' and it showed that Elvis did not run out of steam after the previous night, if anything he was giving even more during the second show! Just listen to one of the best versions of ''Unchained Melody'' as Elvis pours his heart out.
The two Binghamton shows are a good example of some of those special moments where Elvis got it together - this includes the last live version of ''Why Me, Lord'', and 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'' 'Blue Suede Shoes', ''Heartbreak Hotel'' were also performed.
Digipack with great photos of Elvis and newspaper reviews.
A very limited edition. See 'All The CD News 2023' for full details & tracklist
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Elvis news from earlier this week ...
'Elvis UK – Beyond RCA' New Book Out Now: As promised last month, Elvis experts John Townson and Gordon Minto have now published a new book, 'Elvis UK - Beyond RCA The Ultimate Guide To Elvis Presley’s British Non-RCA LPs 1974-1997'
This digital book, a newly written 377 page, fully comprehensive text, follows on from our previous publications in the Elvis UK series, each of them acclaimed by collectors, and provides the ultimate guide to Elvis’s non-RCA LP album releases issued in the UK between 1974-1997. This new volume:
• Complements - and extends considerably - information relating to these particular releases included in our original books Elvis UK, published in 1987, and Elvis UK2, published in 2002
• Is extensively illustrated in full colour
• Features a host of background information including a chronological list of all the albums included
• Deals with each album individually, in a detailed and forensic way, while the text is amply illustrated with scans of every known cover and label variation, relevant photographs, and scans of contemporaneous newspaper and magazine articles
• Includes background information about each release including historically significant events of the period
• Contains hitherto unpublished information from company files
• Features a header block for each album release comprising information about the songs or spoken word material included, along with details about the writers, as well as showing the record modes
• Includes a detailed Song Index, showing recording dates, which album(s) each song has been featured on, along with details of outtakes used, as well as a Spoken Word Index referencing when and
where the material was recorded
And as readers have come to expect from each of the Elvis UK publications, there is a wealth of background information relating to the record industry incorporated throughout the text. Note: this definitive work is only available as a downloadable digital flip book and stored on your own device 'Elvis UK – Beyond RCA' costs just £20 and can be ordered via our website www.elvisukbooks.co.uk which also includes details of our other publications and how to order them.
Please check out EIN's review of their excellent last volume 'Elvis UK Cover Story 1956-1977' (News, Source;GM/ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis News Report February 2023': What a shocking start to the year, Elvis super-fan Emiel Maier presents all the recent news including the tragedy of Lisa Marie's death. In a happier note he also talks about the new single 'TOXIC', the Academy Awards, the new UK tour, Australian Parkes ELVIS Festival, and much much more...
JAN 27- ‘ELVIS ON TOUR’ Box-set finally OUT TODAY!: Only FIFTY YEARS to get it right - and the boxset is finally released world-wide today. They only had 50 years for these Elvis companies to get their act together - and they STUFFED IT up!
While EIN Australia does not yet have their new BluRay set we have been informed that it is identical to the previous 2012 release and has 'Don't Be Cruel' and not the Chuck Berry original 'Johnny B Goode' as the intro.
RCA/Legacy's Elvis On Tour box set is produced by Ernst Mikael Jørgensen and mixed by Grammy Award-winning Memphis-based producer Matt Ross-Spang. This absurdity in 2023 beggars belief. What were they thinking?
The original recordings were made by Felton Jarvis and Al Pachucki.
The set comprises four concerts (and two rehearsals) that were part of Elvis’ 1972 North American tour. The set features a total of 145 tracks, including 91 tracks that have been previously unreleased, as well as the award-winning concert film on Blu-ray. 'Elvis On Tour' is a 6CD + 1 Blu-ray box set (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Riley Keough starring in Daisy Jones and The Six- and she sings!!: Riley Keough is already an accomplished actress and now she is showcasing her musical talent, and Riley Keough is following in her grandfather Elvis Presley's footsteps!
Debuting her musical talents in the new trailer for Daisy Jones and The Six, the actress and singer is taking on the role of Daisy Jones in the upcoming Amazon Series.
Cast as the lead singer of a 70s band that experiences the many highs and lows of fame, Riley stars alongside a stellar ensemble cast that includes Sam Claflin, Suki Waterhouse and Camila Morrone.
The series follows “the rise and precipitous fall of a renowned rock band,” according to the show synopsis.
A lead single titled Regret Me that can be heard in the teaser, has also been released in full. It’s a duet between Jones (Riley Keough) and Billy Dunne, played by Sam Claflin. EIN Comment: Listening to Riley sing, she has a great voice, not dissimilar to that of Lisa Marie,
only without Lisa's huskiness. Watch the trailer on YouTube here (News, Source: Megan Bull, Hello Magazine/EIN)
Oscar-Nominated ELVIS is Returning to US Theaters For A Limited Run: Following announcement of its 8 Academy Award nominations, Baz Luhrmann's biopic is returning to US cinemas for a limited run.
The Austin Butler-led film was a surprise box office success the first time around, and now the flick is headed back to the big screen from Friday, January 27, 2023.
It's typical for Best Picture nominees to make their way back to theaters ahead of the Academy Awards telecast, but in an especially cinematic year, ELVIS in particular is a movie that deserves to be caught in theaters. The overstuffed, campy, colorful 2-hour and 39-minute film stars Butler (who also earned an Oscar nomination today) alongside Tom Hanks in one of the latter's oddest performances ever. Hanks plays Colonel Tom Parker, the singer's manipulative manager who witnesses the rise and fall (and rise and fall again) of the famed rock star.
The film earned the distinct honor of becoming the highest-grossing film of 2022 that was not a part of an existing franchise and is the second highest grossing biopic globally, behind the Freddie Mercury / Queen release, Bohemian Rhapsody. (News, Source: slashfilm.com)
Not everyone liked the ELVIS biopic!: On the subject of the Elvis film, the Washington Post recently published an article about the "22 movies critics hated in 2022"; ELVIS was on the list: .. Elvis (PG-13) - “The result is a dizzying, almost hallucinatory experience- akin to being thrown into a washing machine and mercilessly churned for 2½ hours. That isn’t to say that ‘Elvis’ doesn’t provide moments of insight, or even genuine inspiration; it’s just that they occur fitfully, when the viewer is briefly pasted up against the window before being plunged into the barrel of [writer-director Baz] Luhrmann’s lurid sensibility once again.” — Ann Hornaday Washington Post EIN would like to point out that Ms Hornaday does not like Baz Luhrmann’s films in general. Her review of the double Oscar winning Great Gatsby included the ludicrous, "Luhrmann has made a “Great Gatsby” for idiots; it’s more like he’s made it for infants, who prefer their nourishment pre-masticated and their stories pictorialized by way of bright, arresting images - baubles you can try to grab are always nice, and help develop fine motor skills."
As Luhrmann himself explained, "I don’t make subtle, naturalistic films I leave that to others. I like to challenge.
I like bright colours and very fast-edited cuts, surrealistic zooms and loud challenging soundtracks. I like to create a line and push the audience, I don't make movies for everyone and that's fine by me, they can always opt out" EIN thinks Ann Hornaday should stick to her favourite run-of-the-mill, boring mainstream directors instead. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Amazon halves price of The Faith of Elvis (Billy Stanley): Released in October 2022, the latest book by Elvis' stepbrother, Billy Stanley focuses on Elvis' faith.
The hardback edition was originally priced at US$28.99, but Amazon US recently reduced the price to $14.99 (which is now cheaper than the Kindle price).
Audio CD and Audiobook editions are also available.
Fans "downunder" should note that Amazon Australia has the book available from Monday 30 January. (News, Source: Amazon; Amazon AU)
EIN Exclusives and News from earlier in January ...
Elvis' Great-Granddaughter 'Tupelo': In a nice tribute to the birthplace of her grandfather, Riley and Aussie husband Ben, named their daughter, Tupelo. Apparently, Riley's uncle, Navarone, recently let slip about the name and the well kept secret about baby Tupelo was revealed by Ben during the memorial ceremony for Lisa Marie at Graceland on January 22.
While some fans were surprised that Ben Smith-Petersen read his wife's loving tribute to her mother Lisa Marie, their relationship has been serious for nearly a decade.
The couple got engaged in August 2014 and they got married in Napa, California, in February 2015.
When Lisa Marie died earlier this month Smith-Petersen was by Riley's side.
The eulogy penned by Riley revealed that the couple recently became parents and Lisa Marie a grandparent.
The eulogy noted, “Thank you for showing me that love is the only thing that matters in this life.
I hope I can love my daughter the way you loved me, the way you loved my brother and my sisters.
Thank you for giving me strength, my heart, my empathy, my courage, my sense of humor, my manners, my temper, my wildness, my tenacity.
I’m a product of your heart.”
Lisa Marie will be missed by all. (News, Source:Email/ElvisInfoNet)
ELVIS gets eight Oscar Nominations: The 2023 Academy Awards nominations were announced yesterday. Crowd-pleasing mind-bender Everything Everywhere All at Once led the pack with 11, followed by Netflix’s German war movie All Quiet on the Western Front and the Irish dark comedy The Banshees of Inisherinwith nine and ELVIS with eight.
Just two days after Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin attended the memorial service for Lisa Marie their grief carried even more emotion knowing that Lisa Marie would not see Elvis being nominated for eight Oscars including Best Picture.
The Australian director and his four-time Oscar winning wife are both producers of ELVIS which is also up for best actor, cinematography, costumes, production design, make-up and hairstyling, editing and sound at the 95th Academy Awards.
Other big grossing films Top Gun: Maverick, Black Panther: Wakanda Forver and Avatar: The Way of Water received 6, 5 and 4, respectively.
The 95th Oscars are on March 12 in Hollywood and televised live on ABC.
One of the real shocks was that Baz Luhrmann did not get nominated for Best Director. In the eyes of many this was creative robbery since the syrupy-schmaltzy-by-numbers 'The Fabelmans' saw Steven Spielberg getting a nod.
With Baz Luhrmann showing his stunning directorial style to-the-max with ELVIS, many wondered what was wrong with the Academy - Best Picture -
“All Quiet on the Western Front” /
“Avatar: The Way of Water” /
“The Banshees of Inisherin” /
'ELVIS' /
“Everything Everywhere All at Once” /
“The Fabelmans” /
“Tár” /
“Top Gun: Maverick” /
“Triangle of Sadness” /
“Women Talking”
The other contenders and rivals could be
- Actor in a leading role Austin Butler (“Elvis”) up against Brendan Fraser (“The Whale”) - Cinematography ELVIS against “All Quiet on the Western Front” - Costume design ELVIS against “Babylon” - Film editing ELVIS against “Top Gun: Maverick” - Makeup and hairstyling ELVIS against “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” - Production design ELVIS against “All Quiet on the Western Front” - Sound ELVIS against “All Quiet on the Western Front” (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Priscilla thanks the family's Supporters: Priscilla must be feeling the outpouring of love from fans following the death of Lisa Marie. On monday she shared a message on showing her appreciation for all the support she's received from those mourning the loss of Lisa Marie, who died January 12 after being rushed to a Los Angeles hospital for a possible cardiac arrest.
She wrote, "Thank you all for your condolences, you have touched me with your words. It has been a very difficult time but just knowing your love is out there makes a difference."
Her message came a day after Lisa Marie's public memorial at Graceland.
At Lisa Marie's memorial, Priscilla delivered an emotional eulogy, starting with something she said her granddaughter wrote for the fans who lined up far and wide to line up outside of Graceland. "I have no idea how to put my mother into words. Truth is, there are too many. Lisa Marie Presley was an icon, a role model, a superhero
to many people all over the world, but Mama was my icon, my role model, my superhero — in much more ways than one. Even now, I can't get across everything there is to be understood or known about her, but as she always said, I'll do my best.'" Priscilla then read from a poem titled "The Old Soul," written about Lisa Marie's life. 'In 1968, she entered our world, born tired, fragile, yet strong. She was delicate, but was filled with life. She always knew she wouldn't be here too long. Childhood passes by, with a glimpse of her green eye, she then grew a family of her own. Then came her second child, leaving her with suspicion — could this be the angel that takes me home? Time, of course, flew by. It was time for a tragedy. She knew it was close to the end. Survivor's guilt, some would say, but a broken
heart was the doing of her death. Now, she is home where she always belonged, but my heart is missing her love. She knew that I loved her. I fear I would never touch her but the old soul is always with me. She doesn't drift above.' - That says it all, and thank you all for being here… Our heart is broken. Lisa, we all love you."
The public service was attended by family members including Lisa Marie's daughter Riley Keough, her husband Ben Smith-Petersen, ex-husband Michael Lockwood, their 14-year-old twin daughters Finley and Harper and Diana Jay, the girlfriend of Lisa Marie's late son Benjamin Keough. Lisa Marie's half-brother Navarone Garcia was also by his mother's side. (News, Source;Various)
Sunday 22 January 2023
Lisa Marie Memorial Service: It was an incredibly touching Memorial Service for Lisa Marie in front of Elvis' Graceland.
Hundreds of mourners gathered there to pay their respects in what was a very moving memorial to beautiful soul.
Under a grey sky Graceland was rightfully a place of sadness and somber memories with the service beginning with the singing of Amazing Grace by Jason Clark & The Tennessee Mass Choir.
Among those addressing mourners Lisa Marie's friend Sarah Ferguson (the Duchess of York) as well as Jerry Schilling and Priscilla Presley.
Singers Alanis Morissette, Billy Corgan, Axl Rose and the Blackwood Brothers Quartet.
Lisa Marie was buried before the memorial service alongside the grave of her son, Benjamin Keough. In a recent essay she had described herself as "destroyed" by her son's death.
After the memorial service mourners lined up to make a procession through Graceland’s meditation garden where along with Elvis, Lisa Marie is laid to rest. (News, Source;ABC/ElvisInfoNet)
It was a respectful and beautifully put together Memorial Service for a very special daughter. Jerry Schilling, who looked distraught and shattered by the loss of his friend, provided a truly touching remembrance telling stories of how “Memphis” (his nickname for Lisa Marie) was so important in his life. Jerry gave Lisa Marie her first job and also became her manager at the beginning of her career in music. He was with Elvis when Lisa Marie was born and there with Priscilla when she passed away. Riley Keough, understandably still too heartbroken by her mother's death to speak to the crowd, instead wrote a truly beautiful letter addressed to Lisa Marie that was read by her husband Ben Smith-Petersen.
Priscilla read a touching poem written by Lisa Marie’s daughter.
The Blackwood Brothers Quartet sang “How Great Thou Art” and “Sweet, Sweet Spirit” and the service
ended with the very poignant Elvis-Lisa Marie duet ‘Where No One Stands Alone’.
Any fan who has been touched by the death of Lisa Marie should definitely share their emotions and grief by watching the Memorial Service replay.
Sometimes EPE and Graceland get it just right. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Elvis & Britney Spears' 'Toxic Las Vegas' Debuts on Billboard Dance Chart: In somewhat happier news, 'Elvis/ Britney Spears' "Toxic Las Vegas (Jamieson Shaw Remix)" has debuted at No.26 on Billboard's Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart.
In Baz Luhrmann's ELVIS biopic the remix appears in the scene depicting a montage of Presley’s Hollywood career throughout the Sixties - neatly depicting the toxic material that Col Parker supplied for Elvis' mid-sixties movies.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Lisa Marie Presley's admired music career: While it wasn't to the liking of many Elvis fans, Lisa Marie made her own mark in the rock music world with three well received (by critics and younger fans) albums: To Whom It May Concern (2003); Now What (2005); and Storm & Grace (2012) – unfortunately only streaming of some of Lisa Marie’s music is currently available on Amazon sites (hopefully this is rectified shortly) and copies of the albums can be found for sale on ebay (although some of the asking prices are prohibitive).
Not only did Lisa's albums show musical progression, but unlike her father, Lisa was an accomplished songwriter whose potent lyrics often reflected part of her life experience.
EIN reviewed all three albums (click album below to access review), and also her 2004 concert at the Lyric Theatre in Sydney, Australia.
To Whom It May Concern : Debuting in the top 10 of the Billboard Top 200 this album produced the top 20 hit single, Lights Out. In his review of the album, the Los Angeles Times critic Robert Hilburn wrote that it had a "a stark, uncompromising tone" and that "Presley's gutsy blues-edged voice has a distinctive flair".
Now What: Ten of the album's 12 tracks were co-written by Lisa. In my review for EIN, I commented: Lisa Presley's second album, Now What, resonates with gritty rock tracks and poetic, eloquent ballads. As a singer-songwriter Lisa continues her exploration of relationships and self-esteem as she reveals more and more of her inner-feelings. And she does so exhibiting her vocally inimitable rock and smouldering style.
Storm & Grace: Spinner.com described it as "the strongest album of her career" and Entertainment Weekly praised the "smoky, spooky" single "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet". Celebrated producer, T-Bone Burnett said of collaborating with Presley on Storm & Grace (2012): "When songs from Lisa Marie Presley showed up at my door, I was curious. I wondered what the daughter of an American revolutionary music artist had to say. What I heard was honest, raw, unaffected and soulful. I thought her father would be proud of her. The more I listened to the songs, the deeper an artist I found her to be. Listening beyond the media static, Lisa Marie Presley is a Southern American folk music artist of great value."
Non-Album recordings: Lisa also recorded a number of
music video singles where she duetted with Elvis. These included In the Ghetto (#1 on iTunes sales; one video version becoming very controversial due to its imagery of a young black child in their cot with a loaded gun) and Where No One Stands Alone.
Grammy Foundation: Lisa's humanitarian and charitable efforts have been widely reported. Tangentially, she also played an important role with the Grammy Foundation.
Presley was involved with the Grammy Foundation's Gold Grammy Signature Schools program, which recognizes top U.S. public high schools that are making an outstanding commitment to music education during an academic school year. On October 22, 2005, Presley presented a special award to Isaac Hayes at the Memphis Recording Academy Honors. A host of hometown stars gathered to see Presley, Justin Timberlake, Isaac Hayes and David Porter honored by the Memphis chapter of the Recording Academy. Presley and music producer Jimmy Jam presented the award to Hayes.
On November 11, 2005, Presley participated in a Grammy SoundCheck at L.A.'s House of Blues, during which she and other
industry professionals met with a group of music students to discuss career opportunities available to them within the music industry. (News, Source: EIN; Wiki) - You can see more about Lisa Marie on Wiki.
Also read all her media / news via EIN's Lisa Marie Presley's World
EIN and all our readers are still in total shock: Her untimely death has been marked by touching reactions from family and friends... James Burton Family
- OUR HEARTS ARE BROKEN, WE HAVE BEEN CRYING SO HARD
This can't be true!!!!
PLEASE PRAY FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY 🙏🙏🙏
We know how hard it is to lose a Child & Mother 💔💔
Lisa is now with Elvis & Benjamin in Heaven ✝️😇 The James Burton Family🎸
Baz Luhrmann - “Over the last year, the entire Elvis movie family and I have felt the privilege of Lisa Marie’s kind embrace. Her sudden, shocking loss has devastated people all around the world. I know her fans everywhere join me in sharing prayers of love and support with her mother, Priscilla, and her wonderful daughters Riley, Finley and Harper,”
Austin Butler - "My heart is completely shattered. I am eternally grateful for the time I was lucky enough to be near her bright light and will forever cherish the quiet moments we shared. Her warmth, her love and her authenticity will always be remembered."
John Travolta - “Lisa baby girl, I’m so sorry. I’ll miss you but I know I’ll see you again”
Jerry Schilling - My heartfelt condolences to Lisa Marie's kids and family.
You have my deepest sympathy and unwavering support. Wishing you peace, comfort, courage and lots of love at this time of sorrow. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. Wishing you the best and know that you have my full support at every moment.
Leah Remini - “I’m heartbroken over the passing of Lisa Marie Presley. Lisa did not have an easy life, as some might think. May she be at peace, resting with her son and father now.”
Rita Wilson / Tom Hanks - “Our hearts are broken with the sudden and shocking passing of Lisa Marie Presley tonight. Tom and I had spent some time with the family during the Elvis movie promotional tour. Lisa Marie was so honest and direct, vulnerable, in a state of anticipation about the movie. She spoke so eloquently about her father.”
Beach Boys Brian Wilson - “It’s hard to take when someone so young and full of life passes on. I feel so bad about Lisa Marie and I wish the best for her children and her family.”
Bette Midler - “Dear God, Lisa Marie has died; I’m in shock. So beautiful and only 54 years old; I can’t actually comprehend it.”
Nicolas Cage - This is devastating news. Lisa had the greatest laugh of anyone I ever met. She lit up every room, and I am heartbroken. I find some solace believing she is reunited with her son Benjamin.
Dolly Parton - Priscilla, I know how sad you must be. May God comfort you at this time. Elvis, I know how happy you must be to finally have her home and to have her back with you. Lisa Marie may you rest in peace. We all love all of you.
Yoko Ono - Rest in peace, beautiful Lisa Marie. Our love and deepest condolences go out to Priscilla, Riley, Finley and Harper and all the Presley family - our hearts are with you. love, yoko
Seán Ono Lennon - I had only met her a few times briefly. But I have to admit I felt a kinship with her. Not many people know what it’s like. I know she was a special person. My heart aches for Priscilla.
Julian Lennon - So sad to hear of Lisa Marie’s Passing….She was so lovely when I met her… My Heart goes out to Priscilla…. I’m so sorry 💔
LeAnn Rimes - “How heartbreaking. i hope she is at peace in her dad’s arms. my heart goes out to her family. too much grief in just a couple of years."
Octavia Spencer - “So sad that we’ve lost another bright star in Lisa Marie Presley. My condolences to her loved ones and multitude of fans.”
Marlee Matlin - “I had the chance to know Priscilla Presley when I was on Dancing With the Stars and as a mother, I can’t imagine the pain she must be going through with the untimely passing of Lisa Marie.”
Pink -(below with Lisa Marie) - “Oh, this one hurts my heart. Lisa Marie, you were one of a kind. Funny as s**t, smart as a whip, sensitive, talented, witty, mean, loving, generous, judgmental but always right, loyal, and you adored your children. My heart breaks for you and your beautiful family and your children. The world lost a rare gem today. May your soul rest in peace, friend.”
Taken from us way too early: Back in 2003 Lisa Marie talked about her life, and Elvis, with Rolling Stone, 'I go to Graceland and nothing has been touched. It's exactly the same. There was a whole life in that house. It's a beautiful sadness. It's either really painful or it's very comforting- it can go either way. The carpet is the same. My room is exactly the same. Nothing has been touched. Upstairs, which has never been open to the public, is my room and his room, next to each other, and an attic. It's pretty creepy. It's a shrine'
Usually I go up there alone. 'It's very comforting for me, The books, the videos, everything is there still. The Godfather, Citizen Kane, Pink Panther, Bruce Lee - all of his videos are still there. All of his records'.
'In my eyes Elvis was, to me, so overwhelmingly grand and powerful - and sometimes dark, depending on mood. And there was that for the first nine years of my life. Maybe I have been in search of something like that.
It's very hard to compete with that in my mind. That's what he was to me as a child, this huge, electrifyingly powerful, grand, beautiful presence."
Lisa Marie was her father's daughter, similarly a powerful, grand and beautiful presence. And a beautiful soul, all too sadly taken from us way too early.
Friday 13 January 2023
Lisa Marie Presley Has Died: In absolutely shocking news, Lisa Marie Presley only child of Elvis and Priscilla Presley, has died at the age of 54, after suddenly being hospitalised on Thursday.
Her 77-year-old mother confirmed Presley’s death later on Thursday night. “It is with a heavy heart that I must share the devastating news that my beautiful daughter Lisa Marie has left us
She was the most passionate strong and loving woman I have ever known.
We ask for privacy as we try to deal with this profound loss.
Thank you for the love and prayers.
At this time there will be no further comment.”
Lisa Marie was rushed to hospital from her home in Calabasas, California, following a cardiac arrest.
Priscilla asked fans to keep her daughter in their prayers in a statement issued when the news first broke.
Photo: Daughter Riley-Keough, Lisa-Marie and Priscilla. (News, Source;AP/Presley)
Lisa Marie was born Feb 1 1968, nine months to the day after Elvis and Priscilla's wedding on May 1, 1967.
Very sadly Lisa Marie has suffered some terrible traumas in the past few years including divorce and the death of her son Benjamin Keough. And unlike many celebrity children Lisa Marie has been famous her entire life, pretty much every second.
Cameras were in Priscilla’s Baptist Memorial Hospital room in Memphis, Tenn., after Lisa Marie was born in 1968. And they even followed her parents, with Priscilla in a wheelchair, as they headed home for the first time.
While she has been through some terrible times she always felt that she had the "hand" of her father guiding her.
Last year Lisa Marie explained when looking at the Graceland exhibition, “There was a quote from Elvis on the wall as I was leaving the exhibit, which said something like: 'Becoming a father is the best thing that's ever happened to me.' I had never seen it before, so that was really cool.
I knew there was a great love there. There was a really strong connection there since the minute I can remember. It kind of reinstates what I felt was the truth, which is that I felt like I was the most important thing to him.” RIP Lisa Marie Presley 1/2/1968 - 12/1/2023
Lisa Marie / Larry King Interview: In 2005 Lisa Marie gave her longest interview to CNN's Larry King.
In the interview Lisa Marie talked about her new boyfriend Michael Lockwood, her daughter Riley, the selling of EPE, making music, her new album 'Now What', Scientology, having more children, as well as Elvis’ on-going renaissance in the USA.
Looking back from today's awful news about her premature death it is quite revealing about the pressures of being Elvis' daughter and under the media spotlight
Lisa Marie Presley's World: EIN has always had an interest in how Lisa Marie fitted into her father's world. The pressures of her being Elvis Presley's daughter were immense and her desire to follow a musical career of her own was very impressive.
Lisa Marie could have taken the easy-road recording Elvis covers or singing other "golden-oldies" but instead she wanted to make her own music and follow her own musical interests.
EIN has tracked Lisa Marie's career and personal journey over the last twenty years.
You can read about all her highs and lows here at EIN's Lisa Marie Presley's World.
RIP Lisa Marie Presley 1/2/1968 - 12/1/2023
January 8 Sunday- Elvis Birthday Party 2023 - Biggest Crowd Ever!: Yesterday Elvis' family, friends and a large number of fans gathered at Graceland to mark what would have been Elvis' 88th birthday.
Lisa Marie led the annual event which featured the usual 'Elvis Presley Birthday Proclamation' from the City of Memphis and Shelby County, as well as a ceremonial cake cutting.
The event drew an unusually large gathering of Presley diehards, a number clearly boosted by the success of the 2022 ELVIS biopic, to the Graceland front lawn for the 30-minute ceremony. Jack Soden EPE CEO welcomed the group noting, “I can speak with some authority having been here every year for a lot of years. This is unquestionably the largest crowd we’ve ever had. You all come from all over the world … and we love you for being here.”
Following brief appearances by Alton Mason (Little Richard in the Baz Luhrmann film) and TCB band pianist Glen D. Hardin, EPE's Joel Weinshanker spoke.
He noted that one of Elvis' career ambitions “was to
be in an amazing movie, with an amazing director and be part of an amazing film. And I think we did that for him this year.”
He added that "Graceland is probably the most famous house in the world, and there is only one person whose house it is - Lisa Marie Presley". Lisa Marie wearing a long black coat and sunglasses and looking healthy and happy was greeted with huge cheers from the crowd.
She said, “Thank you. It’s been a while. I missed you. I keep saying you’re the only people that can bring me out of my house. I’m not kidding! I love you back and that’s why I’m here. Today Elvis would’ve been 88 years old, it’s hard to believe. I think that he’d be proud. This year has been an incredible year. The movie is incredible, I’m very proud of it, and I hope you are too.
But it’s just so moving how every year you come from all over the world. It’s moving to me and my family… so thank you.”
Lisa Marie then unveiled the 'Aloha from Hawaii' themed cake - notable as it is its 50th anniversary — as the crowd sang “Happy Birthday” to close the proceedings.
Elvis once again decided not to attend but instead watched from behind his bedroom window,, "Mah boy, Mah boy!" Elvis exclaimed to his friends, finding it incredible that his legacy still burns as bright - and that he might have a chance to finally win that Oscar. "Take that Col Parker, you goddamn blood-sucker!" he was heard to mumble under his breath.
Celebrations of Presley’s birthday continued with Graceland officially opening the doors to “The Making of ELVIS” exhibition. WATCH the Birthday Ceremony Replay here (News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
Paul Lichter Elvis Super-Collector has died: Paul Lichter has been a major name in the Elvis World for decades. In 1970 he started his 'Elvis Unique Record Club' and by 1975 had published his first book 'Elvis In Hollywood'.
His book 'The Boy Who Dared To Rock' was a massive seller and a fan favourite.
Lichter became one of the world's biggest selling authors of Elvis books and as one of the world's biggest Elvis collectors he amassed a staggering inventory of Elvis items.
He also became a good friend of Col Parker and other Elvis acquaintances.
Very sadly Paul Lichter died on New Year's Eve.
His family posted.. "Hello Elvis Family. Over the past 6 months Paul has been battling with Stage 4 cancer and with a sad heart I wanted to let you all know that he lost that battle on New Years Eve and has passed on.
Thank you for sharing your passion for Elvis with him here on Facebook.
He enjoyed hearing from and connecting with you all here.
Long live the King and long live Paul and as he always signed his posts on here -PL
- Tristan and Betty Lichter"
Paul Lichter's last post says it all.. "As Elvis once sang 'it is a wonderful life'. In my case 100 fold.
I want to thank each and every one of you for your continued loyalty and support for both Elvis and me and for taking the time out of you busy lives to think of me on my birthday.
God Bless You All.... P"
'Elvis: From Louisiana and Memphis' OUT NOW: As part of its ongoing live on tour series, FTD have released their 1976 special ' Elvis: From Louisiana and Memphis'.
This is a FOUR CD set, 5” digi-pak, this set features three 1976 concerts recorded at Hirsch Coliseum, Shreveport, Louisiana July 1, 1976, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana July 2, 1976 and Mid-South Coliseum, Memphis, Tennessee July 5, 1976. OUT NOW if you're lucky it might make it before New Year's Eve.
Priced at £50 / US$61 + postage for three 1976 soundboards! EIN Note: FTD have already released two soundboards from this 1976 tour (June 25 - July 5) Rockin' Across Texas, Fort Worth TX, July 3 and The Bicentennial Show Tulsa, July 4th 2.30pm
Memphis 1976 has been on many FTD collectors' wish-list however it was released as a bootleg as far back as 1997 on Fort Baxter's 'Goodbye Memphis'.
The other soundboard are new, both concerts previously only released as audience recordings Go to 'FTD / SONY CD News 2022' for tracklisting
(News, Source;FTD/ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis Day By Day - The Year In Review 2022' Pre-order now: The fifth volume in the 'Elvis Day By Day - The Year In Review' yearbook series will be released January 2023 by Poplar Tunes Publishing.
You can pre-order the book - it will be shipped to you as soon as it comes out. "What a great year it was for Elvis fans with Baz Luhrmann's No. 1 award winning 'ELVIS' biopic and soundtrack, putting Elvis back in the spotlight.
Add to that the 50th Anniversary release of 'On Tour', FTD's 'Aloha', classic hits, albums, concerts as well as alternate takes in mono, stereo and HD-quality on CD, vinyl, DVD and 4K Ultra HD discs. There were also interesting books on Elvis' musical catalogue, the SUN years, airplanes, pilot, manager, cars, jewelry, concert tours and much more.
Literally too much to keep track of, the 2022 edition of 'Elvis Day By Day'- volume 5 in the series - contains it all. The foreword is written by Elvis World's Phil Gelormine.
With 400-plus pages - over 70 pages more than the 2021 edition! - this 5th volume in the series is literally a great addition to your Elvis library.
'Making of ELVIS Movie' New Graceland Exhibition: If you've seen Baz Luhrmann's ELVIS we know you’re going to be all shook up about Elvis - and there is no better place to live the legacy of the king than at Elvis Presley's Graceland in Memphis.
In celebration of the film, Graceland is opening a new 'Making of ELVIS Movie Exhibition' in January.
In partnership with Warner Bros & National Film and Sound Archives of Australia, and Baz Luhrmann, the exhibition will look at the beginning of the creative process for the celebrated film and follow it through its journey to the big screen, taking the story from paper to film.
Highlights of the exhibition will include behind-the-scenes videos of the making of the film, including videos shot while researching Memphis and Tupelo, during the set builds in Australia, and in rehearsals, plus handwritten notes, drafts of scripts, storyboards, and more. Props from the film, set pieces, and costumes and accessories worn by Austin Butler
(Elvis), Tom Hanks (Colonel Tom Parker), Olivia DeJonge (Priscilla) and other actors will also be on display, plus a look at the worldwide media frenzy surrounding the film.
Opens January 8 Go here to EPE for more 'ELVIS' exhibition info
However EIN bets that EPE will not have the full story of Baz Luhrmann's ELVIS film from May 2014 until now - Go HERE to EIN's exclusive spotlight on 'Elvis The Movie'
(News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
'ELVIS Prodigy of SUN Records' Out Now: The highly-anticipated new book 'ELVIS Prodigy of SUN Records' is out now.
Authors Erik Lorentzen and Robert van Beek commented, "The printing is much better than expected" and the book will be rushed to worldwide shipping asap. Most likely the set will not make it to your home before Christmas. Sorry for this but we really did our best to get everything done on time. Nevertheless, you will enjoy many hours of reading it over and over and drool over the quality of this box set. The photos in these two volumes are... gee, just awesome - breathtakingly - absurdly GOOD.
We wish you a very happy Christmas and thank you for all the trust you've placed in us, including your patience.
A BIG THANK YOU!"
Order now - as no reprints will be made of this rare and unique collector's item.
Go HERE to ELVIS FILES to order - and to see a flick-through of the book
Robert Van Beek Interview -author of 'Elvis: Prodigy of SUN': In this new book 'Elvis: Prodigy of SUN Records' hundreds of hours of research have revealed new facts and interesting anecdotes from Elvis' early life and career. From Old Saltillo Rd to the magic of SUN recording studios, the first Louisiana Hayride appearances and everything in between. This book is filled with a string of never-before-seen photos dated from 1935 till 1955.
Many of Elvis' early childhood friends share their memories in these two books. It includes a collection of jaw-dropping photos and, of course, the near to complete story from Elvis' birth until his big break in 1955.
As the book hit the printers EIN wanted to know more about this massive project, questions include... - What extra material does this new publication offer to collectors compared to 'A Boy From Tupelo' and 'Elvis Files Vol 1'?
- The book is described as a "day-by-day" travelogue, isn't that the same as Ernst's Tupelo volume?
- How many unseen photos will fans get to see in this huge book?
- What new material is featured in the 1955 volume of the book?
- How many copies were printed and is it selling out?
Author Robert Van Beek was kind to take time out of his heavy schedule to answer our questions and send us some preview pages. EIN's Piers Beagley asked the questions..
(Interview, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'Never Been to Spain' Elvis On Tour Interview: Another neat new promo for the Elvis On Tour box-set.
EIN readers should enjoy this as it features Ernst Jorgensen and audio engineer Matt Ross-Spang again listen to the session tapes and talk about why 'Never Been to Spain' was such a great concert song for Elvis at this point in his career.
MR-S, "The TCB Band are letting a lot of space to the groove letting Elvis energy build up"
EJ, "A period where Elvis was covering everything musically that he liked" (News, Source;EOT/ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis Live 1972 (2-LP)' New RCA Vinyl: In a surprise move we hear from "Bear Family" records that there will be a new RCA double-vinyl release from 'Elvis On Tour', 'Elvis Live 1972'
Interestingly it features a "best of" the four concerts listed below, thus creating the "ultimate tracklist", although the final side then features some kind of Col Parker "Bonus Tracks"...
April 9, 1972 - Hampton Roads Coliseum, Hampton, Virginia
April 10, 1972 - Richmond Coliseum, Richmond, Virginia
April 14, 1972 at Greensboro Coliseum, Greensboro, North Carolina
April 18, 1972 Convention Center Arena, San Antonio, Texas
Release date 27 January 2023
The tracklist however looks most enjoyable.
Priced at $57 I'm looking forward to this one
2023 UK Tour - Elvis Presley + The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, tickets on sale this Friday: Elvis never toured the UK, in recent years the magic of technology has made that possible with a series of acclaimed shows.
Hot on the heels of this year's hit Elvis biopic comes a return of 'The Very Best of Elvis – In Concert, Live On Screen with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra'.
The unique concert experience is coming back to the UK in autumn 2023, taking in a number of arenas.
"The full-scale concert brings the King up close on screen alongside the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra live on stage performing the King of Rock and Roll’s most well-known 'rocking' songs and his tender, heart-wrenching ballads, with special guests to be announced in due course," said promoters.
'A show like no other, expect an overwhelmingly encapsulating and enthralling evening'
'These shows are a chance to both honour the legacy of an icon who has defined popular culture for over half a century, and for fans to see The King live, who never had the chance to before.'
The full Elvis with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra 2023 tour dates are as follows:
• 25 October – Glasgow OVO Hydro
• 26 October – Manchester AO Arena
• 27 October – Birmingham Resorts World Arena
• 28 October – Newcastle Utilita Arena
• 29 October – Leeds First Direct Arena
• 31 October – London The O2
• 1 November – Cardiff International Arena
Tickets available from Friday, Dec 2 from venues, or via ticketline.co.uk, bookingsdirect.com or ticketmaster.co.uk. (News, Source:MayerNissim, smoothradio.com/EIN)
UPDATED - 'The Elvis RCA Camden Collection' EIN Spotlight:Most fans have had a love-hate relationship with Elvis' Camden collections. On one hand they are seen as an artistic misstep being released at a time when Elvis was back riding high on the charts saturating the market with a series of albums containing little-known songs. Yet on the other hand many younger fans used these budget collections as a way to enter the amazing world of Elvis’ vast back-catalogue.
The RCA Camdens featured the first release of an Elvis live recording, 19 previously unreleasedtracks and 58 tracks previously unreleased on an album. That is quite impressive even if Col Parker only had his increased revenue as the main goal.
Now updated with Readers' Feedback - Read this fascinating article and tell us YOUR THOUGHTSabout Elvis' Camden releases... EIN contributor Neil Colombari reveals all...
(Spotlight; Source;Neil Colombari/ElvisInfoNet)
ELVIS #4 Highest Paid Dead Celebrity 2022: Forbes' annual list of the highest earning deceased celebrities for 2022 has been released and without even leaving his secret hideaway ELVIS has made a big comeback!
The Top Ten departed artists, athletes and entertainers on this year’s list earned a record US$1.1 billion making it a 72% increase over last year’s total.
It’s by far the biggest 12-month haul since Forbes started tracking graveyard earnings in 2001 and, for the first time ever, the top five made more than $100 million each - including ELVIS!
Top earner is long-deceased author of 'The Lord of the Rings' J.R. Tolkien. While he died of pneumonia in 1973 he still earned $500 million from the sale of rights-owner "Middle-Earth Enterprises" to Swedish gaming company Embracer.
Kobe Bryant similarly earned $400 million from his estate sale of sports drink to Coca-Cola.
The sale of David Bowie's publishing catalog and Masters to Warners Chappell helped generate $250M for The Thin White Duke.
And while ELVIS may have "left the building" he is still an economic powerhouse this year generating $110 million in income 45 years after his death. Forbes notes that major share was made from box office and merchandise sales at Graceland while only $5 million of that came from rights for the Baz Luhrmann-directed ELVIS biopic. EIN Note; This is such a massive jump from recent years of around $30m earnings that we suspect the methodology has changed.
It was back in 2006 that we saw Elvis' earnings drop from the usual $55m to half that. At the time Forbes noted "Though Presley’s 2016 earnings are listed at half of last year’s total a change in methodology and not plummeting demand accounted for Forbes shift in income".
Perhaps that has now changed back as $110 million is such a massive increase from last year's $30m. It's possible that EPE asked for a percentage profit from the film - as they do from other ELVIS product. TOP TEN 2022 1 J.R. Tolkien $500 million
2 Kobe Bryant $400 million
3 David Bowie $250 million 4 Elvis Presley $110 million
5 James Brown $100 million
6 Michael Jackson $75 million
7 Leonard Cohen $55 million
8. Dr. Seuss $32 million /
9. Jeff Porcaro (Toto drummer) $25 million
/ 10. Charles Schulz $24 million In 2021 Elvis was seventh with $30 million, with author Roald Dahl topping the list at $513 million. Prince was second $120m, and #3 Michael Jackson with $75m
This is the first time since Michael Jackson's death that Elvis overtaken Jacko.
Overall the music of yesteryear is seen by investors as a reliable income stream.
Nearly $700 million of total earnings came from the estates of the nine musicians including David Bowie ($250m), Michael Jackson ($75m) and “Hallelujah” songwriter Leonard Cohen ($55m). Some of those earnings came from one-time sales. The estate of Toto drummer Jeff Porcaro, for instance, sold his publishing and recording royalties for $25m in November 2021. As Gore Vidal once noted, "Death is a good career move"!
Read the original article here (News, Source:Forbes/ElvisInfoNet)
ELVIS 'Live 1969' Keeping an eye on the prices.
Amazon UK has just dropped the price £24!
Buy a copy now if you don't own one!
Now $100<<< US Amazon (another great deal)
UK Amazon - a great bargain >>> £50.00
Both with FREE Delivery
Check deals at other sites.
(Book Review) Elvis For Vinyl Fans Only Vinyl Discography from Eastern Europe Yugoslavia * Romania (Piotr Soczynski): To date, Polish author Piotr Soczynski has published eight (one more to come) Elvis discographies. His first four books were two volumes chronicling Elvis’ demo and acetate records and two volumes detailing his U.S. Army vinyl records.
His most recent books have been discographies of Elvis’ music released in Eastern European countries.
All eight books are high quality “coffee table” hardcovers full of color and information for all fans, but particularly serious collectors.
'Elvis On Tour November 1971 - 50th Anniv Edition' - EXPANDED: Following on from the successful 50th Anniversary edition of his acclaimed release, Elvis Live At the International - 50th Anniversary Edition, author-researcher, Kieran Davis has announced "pre-orders" are open for the mid-November release of the 50th Anniversary edition of another of his best-selling books. On its original release in 2010, Elvis On Tour November 1971 comprised 150 pages. The 50th Anniversary Edition more than doubles that to 368 pages!
Kieran adds.. We are now taking pre-orders for this book, which is expected around the middle of November. As with our expanded edition of 'Live At The International,' much new information and images have been added taking the page count from 150 to 368. As always there is comprehensive text to present the tour in its greatest detail, plus archival documents and memorabilia, colour and b&w photographs, and fan stories.
There is some additional good news in that we are able to price this book lower than 'Live At The International'.
This is partly because of the lower page count, but with the cost of everything going up we decided being able to reduce the price so that more fans can afford our books was the way to go. To do this, however, it means we are no longer going to wholesale our books. As 80% of our books are sold direct to customers it was decided reducing the price overall was more important than being able to offer both retail and wholesale.
To place an order please visit our website and use the paypal links. (News, Source: Kieran Davis)
'ELVIS' Original Soundtrack Vinyl:'ELVIS' director Baz Luhrmann promised a vinyl edition of his original soundtrack and the first announcements have it as a single album with 13 tracks plus the short Elvis "Vocal intro" 'Elvis - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack' is the music companion to the Warner Bros. film 'Elvis' This critically acclaimed film stars Austin Butler as Elvis Presley and Tom Hanks as his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker.
Vinyl track list is
Side A
1 Suspicious Minds (Vocal Intro) - Elvis Presley
2 Vegas- Doja Cat
3 The King and I - Eminem & CeeLo Green
4 Tupelo Shuffle - Swae Lee & Diplo
5 Can't Help Falling in Love - Kacey Musgraves
6 Cotton Candy Land - Stevie Nicks & Chris Isaak
7 Edge of Reality (Tame Impala Remix) - Elvis Presley & Tame Impala
8 Don't Fly Away (PNAU Remix) - Elvis & PNAU
Side B
1 Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child - Jazmine Sullivan
2 If I Can Dream - Måneskin
3 Power of My Love - Elvis Presley & Jack White
4 I Got A Feelin' In My Body - Elvis & Stuart Price
5 Suspicious Minds - Paravi
6 In the Ghetto (World Turns Remix) - Elvis Presley feat. Nardo Wick
RCA Records. OUT November 18, 2022
Amazon US listed at US$27.98 (News, Source;Amazon/ElvisInfoNet)
(Book Review) Elvis Live At The International 50th Anniversary Edition (Kieran Davis): In 2011, Kieran Davis released the highly praised book, Elvis Live At The International. In 2022, he has published an expanded 50th Anniversary edition…and what an expansion it is!
The latest edition dwarfs the original with 432 pages compared to 172 in the original release.
And the added 250+ pages of additional material is stunning, making the 50th Anniversary release one of the best Elvis books published in 2022.
As its title reflects, the book covers Elvis' appearances at the International Hotel in Las Vegas between 1969 and 1971 (it was renamed the Las Vegas Hilton in July 1971). The narrative element is significantly based around fan, Peggy Elzea’s copious diaries, and a bumper array of archival material. Peggy’s experience seeing Elvis in Las Vegas is one every fan will envy. There is so much fascinating information and so many striking images in the book that it is hard to know where to start in describing it...
'ELVIS: From Vegas to Tahoe' 1973 FTD Review: Released in July as a 3-CD 5” digi-pak, this set features three 1973 midnight shows recorded on January 27 / February 21 (Las Vegas Hilton) and May 12 1973 (High Sierra Theatre, Sahara Hotel, Lake Tahoe).
Elvis was still in good form in 1973 and all three are ‘Midnight Shows’ making them all the more interesting. Including You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me, Steamroller Blues, I’m Leavin’, What Now My Love and I’ll Remember You, this could be a very enjoyable set....
Two of the shows are however lesser quality "sound-booth" recordings rather than soundboards. With some noticeable audience laughing and talking, can this 3-CD set really be an essential purchase? Go here as Elvis soundboard super-collector Geoffrey McDonnell and EIN's Piers Beagley check out this new FTD triple-pack from 1973....
(FTD Reviews, Source;GM/ElvisInformationNetwork)
'ELVIS' DVD, BluRay, 4K OUT Now: Baz Luhrmann's 'ELVIS' movie now released as DVD, BluRay and 4K Blu Ray, out September 13.
The BluRay review includes,, The 1080p transfer offers a very crisp and faithful representation of Elvis' specific appearance. Cinematographer Mandy Walker reportedly shot the entire film .. with custom "Elvis" lenses made from special glass. Meant to evoke the era in which it represents this formula genuinely produces an image evocative of a classic cinematic appearance. With the addition of artificial film grain, the illusion is even more convincing. Still, this is ultimately a purely digital image through and through, and one with a varied color palette that ranges from dark and muted to almost candy-colored in its overall intensity, especially in some of the specific background elements by costume and production designer Catherine Martin. Bonus features include
- Bigger Than Life: The Story of Elvis (22:22) The challenges and joys of adapting Elvis' life for the big screen.
- Rock 'N Roll Royalty: The Music and Artists Behind ELVIS (7:33)
- Fit for a King: The Style of Elvis (8:02) - An overview of the iconic stage outfits and period clothing used in the film.
- Viva Australia: Recreating Iconic Locations for Elvis (7:26).
- "Trouble" Lyric Video (2:15).
- Musical Moments (19 clips, 46:19 total) All of the music segments. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet/Bluray.com)
USA >>>
UK >>>
(Book Review) Elvis The King of the Rings Volume 2 (Paul Bélard): The second volume of Paul Bélard’s two volume photo-journal record of Elvis’ love of rings has been released.
While on holiday, EIN’s Nigel Patterson spent a leisurely afternoon perusing the rich narrative detail and jaw dropping, visual splendor on offer....
... They say first impressions last! The cover image of Elvis’ famous TCB ring is truly striking and sets the tone for what is an impressive examination of another 100+ rings that Elvis owned during his lifetime.
This is more than a photo-book and while the mostly colour images dominate, the narrative component contains valuable and interesting information...
Book Review: 'Elvis Presley, Gospel Singer – An Inspirational Life' (Madeleine Wilson): This new book differentiates itself by being a “Christian biography” where Elvis’ life and career is considered within the prism of his faith and love of gospel music.
It is a long overdue release which covers seminal factors that defined Elvis Presley the person, and Elvis Presley the artist.
... Elvis, “The King”, many times said publicly that there is only one King, and that is Jesus Christ. He not only acknowledged the Lord but also worshipped Him and prayed to Him, often. (Madeleine Wilson)
It has been said that the formula of a great tragedy is that a fatal flaw prevents tremendous potential from being realized, and the ending is one of ruin not of joy.
In many ways, the life story of Elvis Presley can be seen as one of tragedy…
‘ELVIS ON TOUR’ Official Announcement: The official SONY announcement has now been posted. EIN was correct with our news item yesterday and the release date is December 2, 2022
... 'Elvis On Tour' is a 6CD + 1 Blu-ray box set comprised of the audio from four of the shows (and two rehearsals) that were part of Elvis’ 1972 North American tour. Originally recorded for the Elvis On Tour concert film that was released later that year, the set features a total of 145 tracks, including 91 previously unreleased tracks, as well as the award-winning concert film on Blu-ray.
It includes 3 Unreleased Elvis Concerts plus the San Antonio Concert Remixed, Pre-Tour Rehearsals and 'Best Documentary Film' Golden Globe winner film on Blu-ray Release date Friday, December 2.
Fans can get their first taste with the previously unreleased"Burning Love (Rehearsal 2)"recorded live at RCA Recording Studios in Hollywood in March 1972.
RCA/Legacy's Elvis On Tour box set is produced by Ernst Mikael Jørgensen and mixed by Grammy Award-winning Memphis-based producer Matt Ross-Spang.
The original recordings were made by Felton Jarvis and Al Pachucki.
Disc 1 live April 9, 1972, Hampton Roads Coliseum, Hampton, Virginia, and contains all previously unreleased material. Disc 2 live April 10, 1972, Richmond Coliseum, Richmond, Virginia, and contains all previously unreleased material. Disc 3 live April 14, 1972, Greensboro Coliseum, Greensboro, North Carolina, and contains all previously unreleased material. Disc 4 live April 18, 1972, Convention Center San Antonio, TX previously on 2003 'Elvis: Close-Up' remixed for this release. Disc 5On Tour rehearsals, recorded live at RCA Recording Studios in Hollywood, California, on March 30 and 31, 1972. The disc is comprised primarily of previously unreleased tracks. (EIN Note: the 2004 FTD 'Elvis On Tour - The Rehearsals' featured some great highlights) Disc 6 completes Elvis' rehearsals with his band at RCA Recordings Studios on March 31, 1972. The disc includes previously unreleased takes on Kris Kristofferson's 'For The Good Times' plus others already released.
As Elvis Presley’s national tour played to sold-out secondary markets across the country in 1972, Elvis was enjoying himself on-stage and finding electrifying new ways of connecting to audiences at every show. Working with a band and set lists of his choosing, Elvis was channeling the music he loved most--from pop and gospel and traditional country to blues and rock and contemporary hits--while transforming his own greatest hits with fresh arrangements, turning nostalgia into an unforgettable concert experience packed with immediacy.
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Award-winning filmmakers Pierre Adidge and Robert Abel (Mad Dogs & Englishmen) went on the road with Elvis Presley and his band with all-access passes, cameras and crew to chronicle the
King of Rock & Roll at his on-stage peak in MGM’s Elvis On Tour documentary film. The film captures Elvis, the human being driving the myth, behind-the-scenes backstage with his eyes open and his defenses down. According to MGM's original press release, the Elvis On Tour film "offers the first intimate look at the enigmatic country boy who became the world's most celebrated musician." Both documentary and concert film, Elvis On Tour features
montage sequences supervised by Martin Scorsese. The film was released on November 1, 1972.
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The Elvis On Tour box set includes fascinating behind-the-scenes liner notes by Jerry Schilling, a longtime personal friend and member of Elvis' inner circle.
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The set also features an illuminating essay by rock historian/musician Warren Zanes, founding member of The Del Fuegos and Professor at New York University. According to Zanes: "The set lists and the performances of the Elvis On Tour period bring a rare thing: a fifties legend working in the early seventies who was still taking his audiences to new places.... "
July 29- 'ELVIS Original Soundtrack' CD OUT NOW: At last the 'ELVIS Original Motion Picture Soundtrack' CD has been officially released worldwide today - OUT NOW.
The CD is twenty-two tracks, whereas the Digital Release is 36 tracks.
CD priced at Australia AU$22 and UK £10.99 and US$14 "The soundtrack features Elvis's extraordinary body of work spanning the 1950s, '60s and '70s, while also celebrating his diverse musical influences and enduring impact on popular artists today."
1. Suspicious Minds (Vocal Intro) - Elvis Presley
2. Cotton Candy Land - Stevie Nicks & Chris Isaak
3. Vegas - Doja Cat
4. The King And I - Eminem & CeeLo Green
5. Tupelo Shuffle - Swae Lee & Diplo
6. Baby, Let's Play House - Austin Butler
7. Craw-Fever - Elvis Presley
8. Strange Things Are Happening Every Day - Yola
9. Trouble - Austin Butler
10. Can't Help Falling in Love - Kacey Musgraves
11. I Got A Feelin' In My Body - Lenesha Randolph
12. Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child - Jazmine Sullivan
13. Edge of Reality (Tame Impala Remix) - Elvis & Tame Impala
14. Power of My Love - Elvis Presley and Jack White
15. Polk Salad Annie (Film Mix) - Elvis Presley
16. Suspicious Minds (Film Edit) - Elvis Presley
17. Burning Love (Film Mix) - Elvis Presley
18. I Got A Feelin' In My Body - Elvis Presley & Stuart Price
19. Don't Fly Away (PNAU Remix) - Elvis Presley & PNAU
20. If I Can Dream - Måneskin
21. Suspicious Minds - Paravi
22. In the Ghetto (World Turns Remix) - Elvis feat. Nardo Wick
(News, Source/ElvisInfoNet)
Interview with actor Adam Dunn / Bill Black in 'ELVIS':Elvis author-researcher, Paul Bélard, interviews actor Adam Dunn who plays Bill Black in Baz Luhrmann's movie 'Elvis'.
The interview is particularly of interest as Paul Bélard recently published the first detailed biography of super-bassist Bill Black.
In the interview Adam Dunn reveals.. - how he got the role,
- how he learnt to play double-bass Bill Black style,
- about meeting Tom Hanks and Austin Butler,
- working with Xavier Samuel and Terepai Richmond who played Scotty and D.J.
- the 'trouble' filming the Russwood Park riot
- and much much more...
'Elvis: Pine Bluff to Madison '76' FTD In-depth Review: FTD continues their extensive look at Elvis' performances in 1976 with another two previously unreleased concerts. This set features two shows: Pine Bluff Convention Center, September 8, 1976 830pm and Dane County Coliseum, Madison, October 19, 1976 8.30pm.
FTD have already released plenty of soundboards from these two tours including September 6, 1976 Afternoon and Evening shows ‘Elvis In Alabama: The Last Double Date’ and the day before Sioux Falls, Oct 18 (On The Road With Elvis CD2).
By early 1976 Elvis’ set-list had become routine with few surprises along the way and while the Pine Bluff performance has the energy of the Closing show of the tour fans surely don't want to hear Elvis suggest that “we should rehearse more before we tour”! Elvis soundboard super-collector Geoffrey McDonnell and EIN's Piers Beagley check out this new FTD 1976 double-pack to see whether it is another essential release for your collection. (FTD Reviews, Source;GM/ElvisInformationNetwork)
The book includes a fabulous Elvis-related story about Ron Strauss visiting his bank manager to obtain a home mortgage and the time Ron fell asleep in Elvis’ bed will bring a smile to the reader’s face. Other interesting accounts include Ron’s reaction to Elvis carrying a loaded gun on board (in a pressurized cabin), and many readers will appreciate reading how Ron felt about Linda Thompson and Ginger Alden.
EIN’s Nigel Patterson recently took flight with an advance copy. What Nigel found, not only added appreciably to his knowledge of a rarely written about aspect of the Elvis Presley story and provided greater insight as to who Elvis was as a person, but also offered a wonderfully rich and entertaining account of the life and times of the underappreciated, Ron Strauss.
'Elvis UK Cover Story' Book Review: Elvis experts John Townson and Gordon Minto recently published their new (digital) book 'Elvis UK Cover Story: The Ultimate Guide To Elvis Presley's British EP & LP Sleeves 1956-1977' designed to add to and complement their original 'Elvis UK' book.
It is a 286 page, fully comprehensive book, providing the ultimate guide to Elvis’s EP and LP album sleeves released in the UK between 1956-1977.
Extensively illustrated in full colour and arranged in sections, this book addresses a wide range of topics including back cover photos, printing companies, sleeve notes, etc.
There are extended sections including 'Front Cover – Fact File', and 'For UK Fans Only' an in-depth study of those albums that originated in the UK, or were only ever available in the UK.
It includes a wealth of background info incorporated into the text.
It is a downloadable digital flip-book stored on your own device.
Reading through this fact-filled investigation, the amazing thing EIN discovered was just how many sleeve variations, UK only releases, and cheap RCA / Parker design decisions there were.
For the world’s biggest superstar some of their marketing decisions were truly bewildering. And some of their design choices total madness.
'Aloha From Hawaii' Deluxe FTD indepth Review: When seeking Elvis' key career highpoints, if one goes by the sales and the audience viewing numbers, there is only one answer. Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite. RCA’s double album of the show was released throughout the world in February 1973 and shot to the #1 spot in many countries including the U.S. It is certified 5x Platinum by the RIAA.
While in 2013 RCA/ Legacy released the '40th Anniversary edition' sadly the audio of the main concert left much to be desired.
In 2022 FTD released this upgraded 'Aloha From Hawaii' set with Matt Ross-Spang remixing the original broadcast - plus including the full after-concert 3am 'Insert Song' session in a 3-CD set. In 'large-size 8" format with 24 page booklet it is a stunning package.
(Interview) Alanna Nash talks to EIN: With the recent reissue of her best-selling book, 'The Colonel: The Extraordinary Story of Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis Presley', renowned author, Alanna Nash, took time out of her busy schedule to discuss Elvis, the Colonel and other related issues with EIN’s Nigel Patterson, Elvis Day By Day’s Kees Mouwen, and prolific Elvis author, Paul Bélard.
In her candid interview, Alanna provides insightful commentary about the Colonel’s early years before coming to America, when he lost his way in promoting Elvis, the controversial source Byron Raphael, Lamar Fike’s finding about the rumor the Colonel was involved in the death of a woman in Holland, why Elvis didn’t take more control of his career, the new Baz Luhrmann 'ELVIS' biopic and much, much more...
ELVIS 'Austin Butler Pre-Production Test Footage': This is a sensational clip. Forget all those average Elvis Impersonators you might have seen, here Austin Butler truly inhabits Elvis character showing what he could do
at a pre-production jam.
As 'Depper' rightly comments, "Austin was a brilliant choice as there are millions of new young Elvis fans just based on the trailers alone. Many more will join us in the Elvis fanbase as soon as the movie drops. This movie successfully explains the contributions to music of Elvis Presley, to today's current generation. Elvis' legacy has been given a tremendous boost, and will help young people understand that he was a force of good for American music and humanity." (News, Source;EIN)
'ELVIS' EIN movie review: Keith Richards said, "Elvis hit like a bombshell ... it was like the world went from black and white to Technicolor." While those words apply to Elvis Presley they could similarly apply to Baz Luhrmann's style of film direction. Compared to the regular Hollywood output Baz Luhrmann movies have a similar feel of busting out of jail and going from black-and-white to technicolour. They are loud, brash, super-colourful, fast-edited and exciting, they have their own language and style.
The full-bore soundtrack, the glowing colour, the revelation of Austin Butler's truly stunning performance and the real excitement of the fast editing really does make it feel that Luhrmann has grabbed Elvis' true spirit. The film not only tells Elvis’ life but has the genuine excitement of the real Elvis, something that I've never felt from any previous Elvis Bio-Pic.
The incredible fact is that while the movie includes so many snatches of real Elvis (Hy Garner interview, Lisa Marie, Al Dvorin etc) yet Austin Butler has one so enthralled in playing Elvis' character that you can hardly spot the difference.
However typical of a Luhrmann movie you can see why fans' overly detailed fact-checking needs to be left at the door - and knowledgeable Elvis fans should just enjoy the ride. Go here for EIN Piers Beagley's exclusive and detailed review
(Review; Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Baz Luhrmann ELVIS Sydney Premiere: The Sydney Premiere of Baz Luhrmann's ELVIS movie was presented in the glorious Sydney State Theatre where Luhrmann's first film 'Strictly Ballroom' was featured thirty years ago at the 1992 Sydney Film Festival.
The evening was part of Sydney's VIVID festival and before the actual Premiere, director Baz Luhrmann spent an hour in conversation discussing his life in movies as well as his thoughts on ELVIS.
The Sydney Media were out in force to celebrate the international cast of the movie, including Austin Butler, Tom Hanks and Australia's Olivia DeJonge, along with Director Baz Luhrmann.
EIN's Piers Beagley was lucky enough to be part of the ELVIS celebration - and who knew that his night would include an Elvis sing-a-long with Tom Hanks! Go here for the Baz Luhrmann discussion and plenty of Premiere pics.
(Spotlight, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'The Pot Luck Sessions' Deluxe FTD Review: Released back in December 2021, 'The Pot Luck Sessions' was the eighth in FTD’s “complete sessions” packages. An 8 inch deluxe 5-CD package featuring a 28-page booklet with an insightful essay, record and session data, memorabilia and rare photos. The set includes remastered complete RCA sessions from Elvis' June 25 and October 15 1961 and March 18-19 1962 recording sessions.
The set features a good number of previously unreleased outakes and EIN also uncovers plenty of Elvis studio discussions that had been previously edited out on earlier "Classic Album" releases such as Elvis saying, “Here we go already. How do like that
arrangement, Red?” an important question to his friend Red West who
had composed the song 'That’s Someone You Never Forget'.
MRS 'Elvis: Mono To Stereo 1956' CD Review: At the end of last year the UK based MRS label released their Double CD/ Book 'Elvis: Mono To Stereo - The Complete RCA Studio Masters 1956'.
The set contains the complete 1956 RCA studio master recordings in mono and (DES extracted) stereo versions. These were thirty classic RCA recordings that would help change the future of popular music.
The accompanying 20-page booklet includes photographs and memorabilia plus introductory notes.
While 'DES Stereo' remastering can sometimes reveal new details about classic MONO studio recordings, trying to create believable stereo from echoey mono masters is not that easy, even when using "highly advanced sound processing techniques".
Can classic mono tracks such as 'Hound Dog', 'Don't Be Cruel', 'My Baby Left Me' and 'Heartbreak Hotel' really sound better in DES stereo?
(Book Review) 'Don't Be Cruel, Elvis: The Bill Black Story': It is easy to forget that, in the beginning, Elvis was only one part of a trio put together by Sam Phillips, which included Bill Black on bass and Scotty Moore on lead guitar.
The unique sound that emerged from their early sessions was the result of a close collaboration of like-minded musicians and an engineer who wanted to generate something as yet unheard. Bill Black's contribution to Elvis’ success went beyond the bass playing. His antics on stage — twirling his bass, riding it as if it was a bronco to be tamed, trading corny jokes with Elvis — delighted the audiences. Scotty confirmed that, “If it hadn’t been for Bill, we would have bombed many times in the early days.”
Memphis Mansion’s Henrik Knudsen fortuitously befriended Bill Black's family and was entrusted with the family’s treasured scrapbook.
Using this key source, plus the investigative power of author Paul Belard, key rock'n'roll bassman Bill Black finally gets the biography he deserves with this impressive 260 page book.
Packed full of rare photos, great stories and interviews, EIN's Piers Beagley spent some quality time enjoying this very fine tribute to "Blackie" a great musician and a true character ... go here to find out more.. (Book Review, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Interview 'The Airplanes & The King' with Carlos Varrenti & Robert Van Beek:As promised a few months ago, the extremely well-received spanish book 'The Airplanes & The King' by Carlos Varrenti is now being republished as an English version.
Not only that but it has now been expanded to an amazing 400 pages with a lot of unreleased material from Elvis Files' vaults!
The English version is printed as a High quality Hardback book.
Printed and distributed by The Elvis Files Team, EIN has seen some preview pages and it is an absolute stunner.
EIN is delighted to be able to talk with the author Carlos Varrenti - as well as Elvis Files designer Robert Van Beek to find out more.
We find out more about Carlos Varrenti's Argentinian background, how he came to be involved with designer Robert Van Beek and The Elvis Files for the expanded reprint, what highlights are in the book and what new stories fans will be able to discover within the covers. Go here as EIN's Piers Beagley asked the questions..
(Interview, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
"Elvis Back In Nashville" 8/10 Review: It's great to see the mainstream music press already giving truly positive reviews to the new "Elvis Back In Nashville" box-set that comes out next week. UNCUT uk music magazine have already reviewed it noting.... "The King's final recordings in the country music capital"
Elvis Presley was more ambitious than his late career output might suggest.
During his 1971 sessions in Nashville, he cut tracks for his dream project: a folk-rock record featuring songs by Buffy Sainte-Marie, Kris Kristofferson and others. Sadly, it never saw the light of day, and tracks from those sessions were scattered across cookie-cutter collections throughout the'70s. 'Elvis Back In Nashville' collects those recordings in one place, showcasing his stylistic range (gospel, carols, standards... you name it) and offering a glimpse of what might have been.
Despite being sold as a nostalgia act, Elvis was absolutely devoted to whatever he song he was singing. He immersed himself in the story and invested each line with nuance and character, whether it's the casually funky "Put Your Hand In The Hand" or the delicate "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" (recorded while he had the flu). Box-Set rates 8/10. Extras: 6/10. Archival photos and liner notes by David Cantwell.
You can also have a sneak preview of 30 seconds of every track via PlatoMania -CLICK HERE to listen
(News, Source;NP/ElvisInfoNet)
'Think Twice: Elvis in The Studio 1971': The forthcoming 'Back In Nashville' boxset is going to shine the spotlight on Elvis' 1971 sessions which have traditionally been ignored by the official label. In this fascinating and detailed article EIN contributor Shane Brown examines these all too easily dismissed Nashville sessions and discovers some real gems.
It’s very easy to look at the March, May and June 1971 recordings out of context. While the recordings are certainly not up to the standard of those from June 1970, it’s also true to say that Elvis was in a very different place personally by spring 1971.
In June 1970 Elvis was riding the crest of a wave with his recent successes but by January 1971 he was in the newspapers due to an ongoing paternity suit.
The Presley’s marriage was on the rocks and Elvis was having problems with his eyes. However despite all of this there was something very interesting going on during the 1971 sessions. Find out more as Shane Brown investigates these controversial 1971 Nashville Sessions....
(Spotlight; Source;ShaneBrown/EIN)
Don't miss out on one of EIN's most-viewed and controversial interviews of all-time - Mike Stone tells all.
EIN Interview with Mike Stone: Mike Stone has had a long and successful career in athletics, in the entertainment business, as an author, sports instructor, bodyguard and personal fitness trainer.
Mike Stone was also a key figure in the emotional roller-coaster that described Elvis and Priscilla Presley's lives in the seventies. In this exclusive EIN interview Priscilla's ex-partner, karate champion and author talks about his amazing life, including... - Meeting Elvis and Priscilla
- Hawaii, Elvis and Karate
- Being Phil Spector's bodyguard
- Sitting next to John Lennon recording
- Priscilla and karate
- Fans blaming him for Elvis' marriage split-up
- Elvis putting a "Hit" out on him
- Finding peace in the Philippines
- His new autobiography
UPDATED- The collapse of the Elvis Bootleg Empire: Has Ernst won the war?’: Back in 1999 Ernst Jorgensen and Roger Semon convinced BMG to let them start the FTD collectors label in order to counteract the Elvis bootleg companies which had been selling unreleased material to fans since the very first vinyl bootleg 'Please Release Me' was issued back in 1970.
Of all the bootleg labels that have come and gone the 'Madison' label was one of the very few that always produced high-quality releases and which happened to start at the same time as FTD. The designs were top-notch and with detailed sleeve notes they easily competed with the legal Elvis releases.
In 2021 ‘Madison’ have returned with the new bootleg ‘A Legendary Performer Volume 9’ but all is not what was promised. The Elvis bootleg vaults are empty and FTD appears to have won the game. Go here as EIN’s Piers Beagley checks out the lack of new material and considers the bootleg era at an end... And EIN wants YOUR SAY -Our article is now updated with YOUR FEEDBACK - and more... (Spotlight; Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Don't forget that EIN's Elvis Facebook page regularly features fabulous RARE newly discovered photos of Elvis. This month EIN celebrates our 45,000 members! - including several of Elvis' own friends and colleagues So Elvis fans don't miss out on these rare and exciting photographs.
Now with over thousands of great photos, News and with more added every day – including YouTube footage.
Elvis "BACK ON DVD!": Paramount have re-released three classic Elvis movies this month on DVD. 'G.I. Blues'- BACK ON DVD! The year was 1960... 'Girls! Girls! Girls!' - BACK ON DVD! The year was 1962... 'Paradise, Hawaiian Style'- BACK ON DVD! The year was 1966...
From Paramount Pictures.-
Release date: March 12, 2021.
From Amazon for $14.99. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
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‘From Elvis in Nashville’ Box-set EIN In-Depth Review:
A 4CD collection presenting the definitive chronicle of Elvis' 1970 marathon sessions with the "Nashville Cats".
Recorded live in RCA's Studio B over the course of an epic five day run in June 1970 now, for the first time, the sessions are presented in pristine audio, newly mixed by acclaimed engineer Matt Ross-Spang without the added overdubs appearing on earlier releases.
Elvis’ 1970 Nashville session was very different from the previous Memphis sessions or even Elvis’ later sessions. Nashville was a real mix of Elvis recording RCA supplied demos along with one-take spontaneous favourites Elvis threw into the mix.
As Elvis noted, "It don't take much to get these guys going, boy, I'll tell you…. Just give them a "well..." and they're gone. That's what I call 'Sittin' on ready". EIN's Piers Beagley explores this new box-set to discover one of the best Elvis releases in years..
(CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
US CD box-set
US Vinyl
UK CD box-set
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‘TTWII 50th Anniversary Collectors Edition’ FTD Book Review: FTD's most expensive set ever published, David English and Pal Granlund bring the complete background story of 'Elvis: That's The Way It Is'. Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the movie's 1970 release, this ultimate collector's edition includes two hardback books, eight cds with over 450 minutes of music,
including newly discovered unreleased performances.
With access to 2,000 original negatives and 35mm slides, restored and repaired, many of which have never been seen before, the book also contains items from the MGM and RCA archives including paperwork, documents, memos and recording information.
Two books, 600 pages, plus all the MGM recorded rehearsals - including 70 tracks officially unreleased.
FTD's most expensive set but with the vast majority of the rehearsals already out on bootleg, can it really be worth the US$270 plus postage. Initially Sold Out and already into its first reprint what makes it so desirable? EIN's Piers Beagley investigates and discovers plenty .. Go here to our 6000 word review including plenty of extracts and stunning images. (FTD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Amazon Deals on ELVIS Blu-rays - Beware of excessive prices at some Elvis dealers.
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'ELVIS In The 2010s' A Personal Review of the Past Decade: Rather like Elvis’s own career, each decade since Elvis’s death appears to have had a theme or identity of its own. Clearly the late 1970s were difficult for RCA as they struggled to find the right direction with which to take their posthumous releases, and so it was the 1980s that was the decade when the company slowly but surely learned how to look back at Elvis's legacy and start to make some sense of it.
The 1990s were when that reached a peak, with the decades boxed sets, and the Elvis in the 90s series, thus bringing virtually the whole catalogue back into print in a coherent way.
The 2000s were when errors of judgement at retail level started to occur (despite huge successes like Elv1s), but also when FTD came into its own and flourished. And so what will we make of Elvis releases of the 2010s when we look back on them from the future? Go here for EIN contributor Shane Brown's personal take on the highs and lows of Elvis product that has come our way over the last decade....
(Spotlight, Source;ShaneBrown/ElvisInformationNetwork)
Elvis LIVE Aug 23, 1969 Album Review + Elvis Concert Review 1969: ..."The atmosphere throughout the entire hotel was nail-bitingly electric! It is difficult for me to describe and paint a true portrait of attending in person this unique occasion - Elvis' Return to Splendor LIVE in 1969 - but I'll try my best. I want, and hope, you will understand the excitement of what has to be the pinnacle of Elvis' career to date!" Joan Gansky was lucky because not only was she in the audience for Elvis' TV musical renaissance of the '68 NBC Special but she also saw Elvis at his most dynamic - first at his August 22nd 1969 Midnight Show and then the following night at his August 23rd Dinner Show. Joan Gansky has written this insightful and emotional article for EIN in 2019, fifty years later, looking back at this special event from 1969 as well as providing her review of the new RCA vinyl album of the August 23rd Dinner Show. One of EIN's most important articles we have ever published- Go here for Joan and Paul Gansky's incredible articles and exclusive photos
(Review/Spotlight, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'Elvis - Made In Germany’ In-Depth Review: The new MRS 'Elvis - Made In Germany – The Complete Private Recordings’ 4CD set contains more than 3 hours of the private recordings Elvis made while off duty in Germany when he was serving as a soldier in the US army during the 1958 -1960 period and, includes rare tracks from a recently discovered tape comprising over an hour of unheard personal recordings. The 152-page hardback book contains rare photographs and documents plus a comprehensive text provided by Gordon Minto, which discusses each of Elvis’ RCA studio (non-film) recording sessions held during 1957-58, before focusing on the private recordings he made in Germany.
The BONUS CD features the essential RCA studio masters from 1957-58.With such an expansive book, along with hours of Elvis jamming with his friends in Germany, there is plenty to discuss as well as finding out what extra material this set contains over the official releases. Go here as EIN's Nigel Patterson & Piers Beagley provide an in-depth review of this new MRS release
(Book Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'What was Elvis searching for?' EIN Spotlight: The question is raised – but never answered – in the title of HBO’s recent absorbing, imperfect documentary 'Elvis Presley: The Searcher'.
At the start it seems clear what the teenage Elvis was searching for – an escape from the oblivion of poverty in the American South. Yet his quest was cultural as well as financial.
Later Elvis read obsessively, seeking out such books as The Impersonal Life, Joseph Brenner’s guide to self-discovery and Kahil Gibran’s book of fables, The Prophet. In his copy of Gibran’s tome, Elvis jotted down the line: “A singer can sing his songs but he must have an ear to receive the song”.
So what exactly was Elvis searching for? In this fascinating EIN Spotlight respected author Paul Simpson takes a close look at this all important question which, for some reason, was basically ignored in the recent HBO documentary..
Mindi Miller Interview with EIN: Mindi Miller was a working actress when she met Elvis in early 1975. She was interested in karate (she performed all her own movie stunts), exploring spirituality and the Bible and so they had a lot in common. Mindi Miller and Elvis bonded over their common interests and soon afterwards he asked her to go on tour with him in April 1975.
She stayed friends with Elvis through the years - along with members of the 'Memphis Mafia' - and attended his funeral.
EIN's Sanja Meegin recently caught up with Mindi Miller to talk about her close friendship with Elvis over the years.
In this fascinating interview she discusses. . . - Her first night with Elvis
- How Elvis persuaded her to cancel her overseas movie & modelling plans
- Their mutual interest in Karate
- Graceland and meeting Lisa Marie
- Attending Elvis' funeral . . . and much much more... Go here for EIN's Sanja Meegin and her intimate and detailed discussion with the delightful Mindi Miller - Now with Reader Feedback.
Official Elvis CD Box-sets at bargain prices through Amazon UK
'Marty Lacker: A Life Well-Lived' & Elvis at American Studio's Interview: It was with immense sadness that last month EIN had to report on the death of our great friend - and a true friend to Elvis - Marty Lacker. We will miss him dearly. Marty is well-known as one of the key members of the Memphis Mafia and also co-Best Man at Elvis' wedding. He was known for both his honesty and being forthright with his opinions. He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia who still watched and commented on recent Elvis News. He had no issue with holding people to account (especially ones who would inflate their importance within Elvis' legacy) and would regularly ask EIN to add his comments or to correct any inaccuracy. Elvis fans often ask about Marty Lacker's background, how he came to meet Elvis, as well as his involvement in the music industry outside of working for The King.
As a prelude to Ken Sharp's fascinating interview with Marty Lacker and a discussion about Elvis' famous American Studio' Memphis sessions, EIN presents "Marty Lacker: a life well-lived" in which Marty tells of his life in the music industry, his friendship with Elvis along with his dislike of the over-controlling Col Parker. Go here to learn all you need to know about Marty Lacker as well as Elvis outstanding Memphis American Sound sessions in 1969. (Spotlight; Source,KenSharp/ElvisInformationNetwork)
'The World of FTD' In-Depth Review: The new deluxe book 'The World Of FTD' has been received by some lucky fans and Elvis collector Mike Lodge has provided EIN with a very detailed review - of well over 3 thousand words! The book was authored and designed by Keith Flynn with input from a large number of other Elvis specialists including EIN's Piers Beagley, EM&HM's Trevor Cajiao, Geoffrey McDonnell, Gordon Minto and many others. It is 1,200 pages, hardbound three book set, chronicling every release by FTD.The book also features 100s of high-quality photos from the collection Erik Lorentzen
KJ Consulting are proud to publish this Box Set which weighs 8 kilos.
UPDATED - Paul Dowling EIN Interview Part Three: Paul Dowling is without doubt one of the major names in the Elvis World. He started collecting and selling Elvis vinyl over 40 years ago and has one of the world's largest Elvis Presley record collections. He started his "WorldWide Elvis" shop back in the seventies, way before the internet, where fans could get hold of rare Elvis records and memorabilia.
With such a fascination with Elvis, Dowling not only became a big name in the early years of Elvis bootlegs but later became friends with Ernst Jorgensen and helped RCA with various official releases.
In the final part of our fascinating interview Paul Dowling discusses .... - Dodging the FBI agents that were sent after him
- Unreleased Elvis material that still hasn’t come out
- Why does Ernst Jorgensen doubt this claims
- His BMG project 'For The First Time Ever' - what happened
- The true story of obtaining the Million Dollar Quartet tape
- His thoughts on Paul Lichter, Sean Saver, Sherif Hanna, Rex Martin
- Spending time with Alan Fortas
- Jim Curtin, newly added story
'Ultimate Elvis' New Electronic Edition: Announced by Elvis sessions expert Keith Flynn for publication November 1 is the brand new concept of the 1750 page super-deluxe Elvis sessions book 'Ultimate Elvis' Electronic Edition.
This incredible three volume book will now be available as an e-book on an i-pad or android tablet. - Created in HTML5
Fully updated e-books will open in any web browser on any operating system, so no need for separate downloads for different operating systems. - Life-Like 'Flipping' Pages
Flip through pages as if you are reading an actual book, but also being able to zoom-in to view smaller images and captions.
- View as Double or Single pages
View as double pages on a computer or laptop etc, and single pages when viewing in portrait on an i-pad or Android tablet. - Fully Navigational Table Of Contents
Jump back and forth to the sections of the books you want to read, instead of flipping through numerous pages to find what you want. PRICED AT - all 3 Volumes for £60 = US$93
On sale from November 1st 2015. Try Before You Buy -
Download free zip-file containing 27 pages from Volume 1, before you decide to buy the complete set. -
NOTE - These books are MASSIVE so you will need approximately 1GB of spare disc space for these three volumes, -
Click HERE to Keith Flynn's 'Ultimate Elvis' Electronic Edition to try.
Go HERE to EIN's independent review of 'Ultimate Elvis' (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Did Elvis Record 'Tiger Man' At Sun?: A question that has puzzled Elvis fans through the years is whether he actually recorded the song ‘Tiger Man’ during his years at SUN studios.
The basic question is why did Elvis refer to 'Tiger man' several times in concert as “The second song that I ever recorded, not too many people heard it”?
And if Elvis DID record it, then why hasn’t any reference to it at SUN or proof of its existence been found?
Elvis would first perform ‘Tiger Man’ in concert at his first 1969 Las Vegas International season and would continue playing it through the years – usually in a medley with Mystery Train - until his last performance at Saginaw on May 3 1977. He would sing it over 150 times on stage! The thought that there might be an acetate or undiscovered tape of Elvis at SUN singing ‘Tiger Man’ is a mouth-watering concept - but is it an unlikely fantasy or strong possibility?
Go here to our detailed 'TIGER MAN' spotlight as EIN's Piers Beagley puts in the hard yards to check the facts from the fantasy . (Spotlight; Source;ElvisInfoNetwork)
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If you believe we have used copyrighted material please contact us and we will remove it immediately.
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The printed newsletters have extra content, articles and reviews to this website along with the popular Elvis EIN Mega Quiz.
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