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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...
The latest on www.ElvisInfoNet.com:
(Book Review) Elvis, The Numbers: One of the things that never ceases to amaze is the eclectic nature of themes in books about Elvis. Joseph Rene's latest release, Elvis, The Numbers, is a good example of something very different in the world of Elvis literature.
Rene's work of enigmatic "docufiction" (creative non-fiction) identifies the five stages of Elvis' spiritual life. It is part Elvis biography-part Elvis analysis using occult methodologies with a liberal dash of psychology.
Read Nigel Patterson's detailed review of a book which will confound some readers while providing others with another way of considering Elvis and his search for identity - all wrapped up in an intriguing fictional(?) tale. (Book Review, Source: EIN) |
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Bowie Matches Elvis UK Chart Record: David Bowie's death has ushered in countless new chart entries, and now he has reached the same posthumous album sale milestone as Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson. David Bowie has equaled Elvis' chart record for most simultaneous entries in the Top 40, with 12 albums from his back catalogue now in the ranking. Presley previously set the record for simultaneous chart entries after he passed away in 1977.
Bowie is also notable for being the second act in Official Chart history to have 5 albums simultaneously in the Top 10; the first being Michael Jackson after his death in 2009, when six of his albums ranked in the Top 10.
What has been forgotten is that in 1977 record plants had to press millions of new copies of Elvis' vinyl records just to satisfy the public's demands. This took weeks to manufacture, as well as to ship them into the |
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stores - now of course every sale is just a "Click' away. The effect of marketing is immediate, the sales instantaneous.
Elvis' posthumous sales helped in fact stopped the closure of RCA's Wearside record plant. In July 1977 it was announced 94 staff were to lose their jobs but Elvis’ death brought the factory a reprieve.
Twelve-hour shifts had to be introduced, as Elvis’ records were effectively sold before they were pressed. The factory went from near closure to 24-hour working, seven days a week.
The RCA Washington plant eventually closed in in 1981.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
UK Latest Album Chart: There was no question that David Bowie (RIP) would still be at the Number One position in the UK album charts this week.
Top 15 UK Albums for W/E 4th February, 2016:
1 David Bowie Blackstar (34,456)
2 Adele 25 (24,891)
3 David Bowie Best Of Bowie (23,023)
4 Justin Bieber Purpose (23,015)
5 David Bowie Nothing Has Changed (12,710)
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12 Elvis With The RPO 'If I Can Dream' (8263). Total to date: 974,777.
'If I Can Dream' only needs another 25,223 UK sales to reach one million.
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Other entries on the UK Album Charts for W/E 4th February, 2016:
'If I Can Dream' drops from 5 to 9 on he Physical Album Chart; drops from 8 to 21 on the Vinyl Album Chart; drops from 39 to 54 on the Album Download Chart and drops from 8 to 12 on the Album Sales Chart. Streaming is a problem for Elvis as IICD is not in the Top 100 Album Streaming Chart.
'The Elvis Collection' rises from 34 to 31 on the Music Video Sales Chart.
'If I Can Dream' drops from 9 to 10 on the Scottish Album Chart.
(News, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNet) |
| Friday 29 January 2016 - - - 2nd BIG News Update - - - |
'Down At The End Of Lonely Street' - Book Review: This 1997 published fan favourite 'Down at the End of Lonely Street: The Life and Death of Elvis Presley'
promised an "intimate portrait of Elvis Presley, America’s favorite music idol, chronicling his remarkable life from a dirt-poor schoolboy in Memphis through his rise as a Rock n’ Roll superstar to his final days in Las Vegas. Drawing on exclusive interviews with Elvis’s closest friends and new documentary evidence, this biography reveals secrets about his relationships with his addictive mother Gladys, his ruthless manager Colonel Tom Parker, his musical rivals The Beatles, and the truth behind his marriage to Priscilla Beaulieu."
EIN reviewer Susan MacDougall checks out this old classic to see how it stands the test of time, look at some of the interesting issues addressed and investigates how the book sees Elvis as a "person" rather than an image.
(Book Review, Source: EIN, January 2016) |
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Elvis Presley on TV: 10 Unforgettable Broadcasts: From 'Ed Sullivan' to his troubling 1977 farewell, Rolling Stone magazine looks back at the King's history on the tube
Although it's hard to believe in the context of today's media-saturated culture, Elvis Presley made only 17 major television appearances during the course of his lifetime. Together, they tell the King's story from his meteoric rise to his tragic downfall.
After making his national television debut 60 years ago, on January 28th, 1956, Presley shattered viewership records, challenged social mores and helped bring the rock & roll revolution into American living rooms. Even on the small screen, Elvis Presley was larger than life.
These are his 10 most important broadcast moments.
1. January 28th, 1956: Stage Show
Elvis' spot on Stage Show was Elvis Presley's first national television appearance. Hosted by sibling big-band leaders Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, the show was broadcast live from CBS Studio 50 in New York - which also housed The Ed Sullivan Show.
The special aired just a day after his first major-label release, "Heartbreak Hotel," and Presley was virtually unknown. He would return to the Stage Show five more times before April. |
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2. June 5th, 1956: The Milton Berle Show
Presley's popularity was on the rise by the time he completed his final Stage Show set on March 24th, earning him a slot on the top-rated Milton Berle Show.
But before Presley unveiled his cover of Big Mama Thornton's "Hound Dog" to TV audiences, Berle advised him to perform without the guitar. "Let 'em see you, son," he reportedly said.
Indeed, 40 million American viewers saw him, and they were not prepared for Presley's unobscured pelvic thrusts. The episode horrified parents and press, delighted the youth, and made Elvis a star.
3. June 16th, 1956: Wink Martindale's Teenage Dance Party.
Though Elvis doesn't sing, the appearance is a unique chance to see Presley react to his first few months of stardom.
4. July 1st, 1956: The Steve Allen Show
A tuxedo-clad Presley croon the tune to an actual basset hound. It's bizarre, it's awkward, and it has to be seen to be believed.
5. July 1st, 1956: Hy Gardner Calling
Immediately after his performance on The Steve Allen Show, Presley made his first and only live television talk-show appearance.
6. September 9th, 1956: The Ed Sullivan Show
Ed Sullivan initially deemed "Elvis the Pelvis" too hot for family viewing and refused to book him. But when Presley's July 1st spot on Steve Allen scored top ratings, Sullivan reconsidered his position. Presley's first appearance that September drew a record 60 million viewers, 82.6 percent of the national TV audience, making it the most-watched broadcast of the decade. |
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7. May 12th, 1960: The Frank Sinatra Timex Show: Welcome Home Elvis
Presley's two-year stint overseas with the Army left his American fans ravenous for their idol. He was paid $125,000, a fortune for eight minutes of screen time, but producers couldn't pass up a chance to bring Presley to television for the first time since 1957,
8. December 3rd, 1968: ELVIS
Though he hadn't performed live in more than seven years, Presley was in top form both vocally and physically. His leather getup harkened back to the young twentysomething who drove kids wild on Ed Sullivan a decade earlier. Now he ruled the stage with the supreme confidence of a grown man in total control. The King had returned for his crown. The show was the highest-rated television special of the year.
9. January 14th, 1973: Elvis: Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite
It would be the first time a solo act ever attempted a live global transmission of this scale, the show crystalized what we now envision as latter-era Elvis Presley, complete with dramatic "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" intro and bold studded jumpsuits.
10. October 3rd, 1977: Elvis in Concert
Released two months after Presley's death, Elvis in Concert is arguably his most controversial television appearance - because it's just so damn sad. The special shows a man who is clearly not well, bloated, glassy-eyed and fumbling through the lyrics of his hits. It also contains the last known footage of Presley ever filmed, receiving a gold record from RCA executives on June 26th, the day of his final concert.
CLICK HERE to Rolling Stone for full stories and YouTube clips
(News, Source;RS/ElvisInfoNet)
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Gates of Graceland - Elvis in Hollywood: Early this month Graceland opened the new VIP exhibit, "Elvis in Hollywood: From Teen Idol to Leading Man."
In 1956, Elvis added movie star to his growing list of accomplishments when his first film, "Love Me Tender," opened in theaters. The new, limited-time exhibit celebrates the 60th anniversary of Elvis' film debut and explores his 31 feature films and two concert documentaries through displays of movie costumes, scripts, photos, video and other fascinating artifacts from Elvis' movie career.
Elvis' best film roles, his acting ambitions and more are dicussed in the new EPE spotlight of Gates of Graceland. Elvis biographer Peter Guralnick and host Tom Brown discuss everything about Elvis in Hollywood.
Click here to watch the EPE video. Runs 14 minutes.
(News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
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Elvis and The Fonz suggested for the movie Grease?: Few musicals have stood the test of time like the movie Grease. The 1970s film about high school kids in the 1950s has made numerous songs standards today, and turned TV’s John Travolta into a bona fide movie star. But as with most movies, the transition to screen was a long one, and the movie could have looked quite a bit different than it eventually did as discussed in a recent Vanity Fair. They stat that Travolta would have never had the chance to shine if Henry ‘The Fonz’ Winkler had wanted the role and in an unbelievable twist Elvis was rumored at one point to be in the running for the role of Teen Angel. Can fans really imagine Elvis post-1976 appearing in the movie as a bit-part Teen Angel singing "Beauty School Dropout"? In the end the part would go to 1950’s film star, Frankie Avalon (right). Elvis would in fact pass away during filming.
(News, Source;VanityFair/ElvisInfoNet) |
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'A Killer Nite!' New Import: Out soon from Straight Arrow "A KILLER NITE", featuring the previously unreleased Las Vegas, August 26th, 1972 Dinner show. This audience recording is taken directly from a recently found original mastertape, as recorded by British super fan Rex Martin. This new source has never been in circulation. Of all the engagements that Elvis performed between 1969 and '76, there is no doubt that his Summer '72 season was one of his finest. Not only that, but he was also operating on a consistently strong level, which is something that you can't even say about the Summer '70 one, which had its fair share of poor shows near the end of the engagement. He was in total command of his art, he looked fantastic and he sang like a bird. Each concert from this engagement is recommended listening for the true Elvis scholar. As usual, our new release is presented in Straight Arrow's standard deluxe digipack, designed with a collection of photos of Elvis, taken during Elvis' 1972 Las Vegas Summer Festival.
Go here to 'All The CD News' for more details & tracklist
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
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'ELVIS LIVES' 2016 US Tour Kicks Off: The multi-media live musical co-producted by EPE is back touring the US in 2016. ELVIS LIVES is a journey across Elvis' life featuring winners and finalists from EPE's annual worldwide Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, each representing Elvis during different stages in his career.
The tour marks the second time in the production's six-year history that all three Elvis tribute artists are top winners of the contest. Bill Cherry, Dean Z and Jay Dupuis have reunited as the featured touring cast of ELVIS LIVES during the initial leg of the 2016-2017 tour. They will be joined by a live band, back-up singers and dancers, along with an Ann-Margret tribute artist. As a co-producer of the tour, Graceland is providing rarely seen restored video and photo assets from its Graceland Archives to enhance the production.
Legends in Concert and Graceland provides the only authentic touring showcase of Elvis tribute artists for fans who want to experience the music and live performance charisma of one of the most popular and beloved recording artists in history.
This week playing in Ft. Worth, Conway, St. Louis, Rosemont, Sandusky, and February 12-13 in Prior Lake.
Click here for US Tour dates and Info.
(News, Source;EL/ElvisInfoNet)
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Australian Parkes Festival Record Crowd: A record-breaking 22,000 people had a fiesta of fun in Parkes, Australia to celebrate Elvis' 81st Birthday and his Mexican film classic Fun in Acapulco!
Fans flocked to the 120 events on offer across five huge days. More than 14,000 people enjoyed the Street Parade and thousands attended the Elvis Gospel Service at its new venue in Cooke Park. Thirty-five couples reaffirmed their love at the Renewal of Vows Ceremony, and the Elvis Express arrived to the largest crowd ever experienced at the train station!
Donny Edwards was the undisputed highlight, performing with the impressive Elvis in Concert band to sold-out audiences at all four of his ClubsNSW Keno Feature Concerts. Donny delivered a heart-and-soul tribute to The King and proved why he’s a multi award-winning Elvis tribute artist.
And a very special thanks to you, our Elvis fans and visitors, who helped us put the “fun” in Fun in Acapulco.
Thank you, thank you very much. We will be back next year for some Viva Las Vegas style celebrations.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
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| Wednesday 27 January 2016 |
'Elvis In Alabama Sept 1976' FTD In-Depth Review: 1976 is not an easy Elvis live-in-concert year to review. There were no major set-list changes, no dramatic "emotional roller-coaster" of 1974 and no high-flying "Huntsville" 1975 excitements. Apart from the exceptional blast of the final December 1976 Tour the year was the inevitable downward spiral.
These two Huntsville concerts from September 6th 1976 demonstrate a real transformation when you consider the abysmal ‘state’ Elvis was in just over a week previously at the dreadful ‘Houston’ 28th August show. Elvis was focused and put in more energy than Colonel Parker's double-booking probably deserved.
This FTD features both of Elvis' Huntsville concerts on September 6th 1976.
Go here as Elvis soundboard super-collector Geoffrey McDonnell checks out Elvis' last Double-Date ....
(FTD Reviews, Source:GM/ElvisInfoNet)
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'Heartbreak Hotel '- 60 years ago today: On January 10th 1956, a just-turned 21 year-old Elvis Presley walked into RCA's McGavock Street, Nashville recording studio and laid-down his first million seller 'Heartbreak Hotel'. Sounding unlike anything Elvis had recorded previously, drowned in echo and with a melancholic voodoo-sounding tale of suicide and loneliness, the song was also unlike anything in the pop charts of the day.
How strange that this moody, dark tale of alienation was recorded in the building RCA shared with the Methodist TV and Film commission! Sun producer Sam Phillips called the song a "morbid mess" while Glenn Reeves, the singer who cut the demo, insisted that his name was kept off the demo as it was the "silliest title" he had ever heard.
Heartbreak Hotel was released by RCA on January 27, 1956 - It was as if the world had been holding its breath and waiting for Elvis Presley.
On this historic day we look at the true importance of 'Heartbreak Hotel' with a spotlight that nicely places this classic recording in its proper historical context.
(Spotlight, Source;PatrickHumphries/ElvisInfoNet)
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Elvis – Hilton Showroom Volume 1' New Import: Coming soon from the AudiRec label 'Elvis – Hilton Showroom Volume 1'.. It includes an audience recording of the complete and so far unreleased performance from December 8, 1975 – right in the middle of Elvis´ December Las Vegas 75 Season.
AudiRec has by now quite an experience in focusing on the year of 1975. The reason for this is simple – we believe that when Elvis was on stage in 1975 he was almost always focused on the music, and it showed. So when Elvis returned to Las Vegas for the second to last time in December of 1975 he delivered mainly great shows. The one you hear on this release he seemed to be in excellent mood and enjoying himself on stage – actually just like at all the other shows from December 2 to December 15. The people in the Hilton Showroom on that very night loved his performance and from what we can hear on this cd plus several other audience- and soundboard-recordings, the Las Vegas Winter season of ´75 was a really good one.
Please be aware that this new release is limited to 300 copies only! Comes with 16-page booklet including an extensive fan-review.
Go here to 'All The CD News' for more details & tracklist
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
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'Elvis Files Vol.8 1976-1977' Due out August: With 'Elvis Files Vol.7 1974-75' recently published, Erik Lorentzen is already working on the last volume of this series which is scheduled for a release in August 2016.
Here's the cover and some pages from the book.
'Elvis Files Vol.8 1976-1977' will cover the final years of Elvis' life, the continuous energy-draining treadmill of tours, the final recording sessions and the last CBS TV Special.
While Elvis was not a well man in the last twenty months of his life, collectors will surely find this detailed look into these last years not only an emotional ride but also a part of Elvis' history that cannot be ignored.
The cover shot is taken by our friend and photographer Keith Alverson.
(News, Source;EL/ElvisInfoNet)
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Did Elvis really ask Bowie to be his producer: With Bowie's recent death the on-going "urban myth" of him composing 'Young Americans' for Elvis - as well as the story of Bowie being asked to be Elvis' producer continues.
There is no doubt in EIN's mind that - sadly - this did not happen. However as both stars were on RCA there is a possibility that a colleague of both Elvis' and Bowie's might have met and discussed their music and recording.
- Marty Lacker comment on the Dwight Yoakam story (below) is confirmation. "This did not happen. It is sadly another bullshit story by an artist about their connection to Elvis.
Now its Bowie who said Elvis called him to produce an album on him. YEAH RIGHT! Bowie was not the kind of artist that Elvis would like at the time.
Elvis was not into Bowie or his kind of music. Hell, he didn't know who Led Zeppelin was before he met them!
Dwight Yoakam had no connection to Elvis either. Col had nothing to do with Elvis' recording sessions apart from forcing Elvis to do them." |
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EIN notes however that in an 2003 interview David Bowie says...
"Presley's manager really liked it (Golden Years), and he played it to Presley - and Presley said, "I really want to sing songs like that".
So Parker sent me a telegram asking me if I'd be interested in producing Elvis.
And then Elvis sent me a telegram saying "Good Luck on your next tour. Looking forward to meeting you when you come back".
And it was a couple of years after he died so I never got the chance of actually doing it.
But it was brilliant, I was very, very excited about that"
EIN note the following points...
1. There is basically no way that Col Parker would have any idea about Bowie's album 'Station To Station' and the idea he would pass it on to Elvis in January 1976 is ridiculous.
2. Parker only wanted Elvis to record material from his own publishers (so Col would get a cut), so he had his men positively STOP other composers from getting good material to Elvis.
3. There is not one record of Bowie's in Graceland's list of his records..
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4. There is not one song that Elvis recorded similar to Bowie's compositions and 'Golden Years' would have to be heavily re-arranged for the falsetto to match Elvis' voice.
EIN's thought is that perhaps at the time Bowie co-producer Harry Maslin (or someone similar) ran in to someone at RCA like Felton Jarvis who said "Hey, I like your new Bowie album. I wish Elvis was recording good songs like those"... and the story got back to Bowie. Under his own admission Bowie was on a cocaine binge at the time and has publicly stated that he can recall almost nothing of the 'Station To Station' sessions and details of his life around that time.
However there is no doubt that Bowie was a great Elvis fan as well as being a fantastic performer.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
UK Latest Album Chart: There was no question that David Bowie (RIP) would still be at the Number One position in the UK album charts this week. After all this time Elvis has finally lost his spot at #2 as the album heads down the charts.
Top UK Albums For w/e 22.01.2016:
1 David Bowie 'Blackstar' (81,403)
2 Adele '25' (36,397)
3 David Bowie 'Best Of Bowie' (34,052)
4 Panic! at the Disco 'Death Of A Bachelor' (26,392)
5 Justin Bieber 'Purpose' (25,953)
6 David Bowie 'Nothing Has Changed' (16,031)
7 Jack Savoretti 'Written In Scars' (14,208)
8 Elvis with The RPO 'If I Can Dream' (12,510)
(News, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNet)
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Vintage door handle from Elvis Coco Palm's bungalow on Ebay: EIN readers may remember the spotlight we put on 'Elvis and The Coco Palms Resort', well some items from the resort are turning up on Ebay.
" The Coco Palms Resort on Kauai is a location for the last twenty minutes of Blue Hawaii and became a favorite vacation spot for Elvis. He always stayed in the same bungalow, #56. He, Priscilla and Lisa Marie also spent their honeymoon in that bungalow in 1968. Elvis also came back several times and always stayed in 56.
This item is totally unique to the hotel. There are three door handles like this from Elvis's bungalow, one on the bathroom and two from the bedroom. This is the handle from the bathroom. The only way to get in the bathroom was to use this handle, so Elvis had to use it. These handles, made out of brass, are over 60 years old. The handle is about five inches across in size.
The pics include the handle on the door, close-ups of each end of the handle and also a pic of Elvis in front of the bungalow.
The hotel bungalow is slated for demolition in the very near future which is why these are being auctioned off. This auction is for the bathroom handle only. The original mounting screws are still with the handle.
A COA will accompany this from the Coco Palms Resort and signed by the property manager of the hotel."
Click here to see the item and full details - but it is not cheap.
(News, Source;SM/ElvisInfoNet)
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Elvis asked David Bowie to be his producer!!: In today's news is the ridiculous story that US singer Dwight Yoakam claims that Elvis asked David Bowie to be his producer.
Bowie is supposed to have revealed the request when the pair discussed their love of Elvis in 1997. It would have been one of the most unusual pairings in musical history – but how would it have sounded?
The claim comes from country star Dwight Yoakam in an interview with a US newspaper.
Yoakam (supposedly) said Bowie told him that six months before Elvis’ death in August 1977, Presley had phoned asking him to produce his next record. “That was based on Elvis having heard Bowie’s Golden Years, and I thought ‘Oh my God, it’s a tragedy that he was never able to make that,’” said Yoakam. “I couldn’t even
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imagine 1977 David Bowie producing Elvis. It would have been fantastic. It has to be one of the greatest tragedies in pop music history that it didn’t happen, one of the biggest missed opportunities.”
Despite the disparity in rank – the King, asking a favour of the Thin White Duke – the request was not acted on.
EIN Note: As we all know Elvis was the major producer on his sessions and in February 1977 Elvis had no interest in recording for RCA.
Bowie was a dedicated Elvis fan, reputed to have an encyclopedic knowledge of Presley’s career, and the two shared their birthday – 8 January. Bowie said that he had originally offered the song Golden Years, which appeared on the 'Station to Station' album and reached the Top 10 in both the US and UK, to Elvis. The story goes that he asked his then wife, Angie, to deliver the request, but she was too nervous to do so.
Since Bowie’s death last week, another very tenuous link with Elvis has been uncovered. An Elvis song called Black Star – which remained unreleased for decades after being recorded in 1960 – was cited as a possible inspiration for his farewell album. The song’s lyrics say: “Every man has a black star / A black star over his shoulder / And when a man sees his black star / He knows his time, his time has come.”
Bowie produced other artists, usually those who were his heroes or friends. In the early 1970s he worked on Lou Reed’s Transformer, Mott the Hoople’s All the Young Dudes and Iggy and the Stooges’ Raw Power.
EIN note: All these stories so soon after Bowie's death have to be taken with a grain-of-salt and are mostly a clever way for the artist OR journalist to get their stories in the media.
(News, Source:ElvisInfoNet) |
"Elvis Presley: The Album Collection" 60CD Box Set, PRICE DROP!: This week Amazon had dropped the price of the new "Elvis Presley: The Album Collection" 60-CD Deluxe Box Set by over $60!
Good news is that these are all NEW Re-Masters from the original tapes, re-done by Vic Anesini using the most up-to-date technology.
The publicity promises, "The Album Collection also includes a 300-page deluxe fully illustrated hard cover book with complete insightful commentary, discography and recording session data. Elvis Presley-The Album Collection represents a level of artistic achievement unparalleled to this day. This unique and comprehensive collection provides testament to Elvis' innate talent. Original album packaging has been painstakingly restored including gatefold sleeves, original RCA inserts, stickers and more. CD labels replicate original side 1 labels."
CLICK HERE for more info - and how the additional tracklists fit, plus Rarities tracklists
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Check prices at your local dealers to see if you can grab a bargain - make sure you check postage cost.
Here are AMAZON's NEW CHEAPER price deals including free postage.
<< Amazon USA
Amazon UK >> |
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| If you are in Australia buy the set CHEAPEST from your local JBHiFi - only AU$380. Pick it up and pay no postage. With the Price Guarantee that if the price drops before the release date, you will pay the lowest price. - Click here for the cheapest Aussie Deal |
| Actor Dan Haggerty Dead at 74: RIP US actor Dan Haggerty (November 19 1941 - January 15 2016) who passed away last Friday morning in a Burbank California hospital after a 5 month battle with spinal cancer.
Although best known for playing the lead role in the 1970s TV series The Life & Times Of Grizzly Adams, Haggerty's acting career began in 1953 and continued until his death (his final projects 40 Nights, and The Untold Story are currently in post-production).
The Elvis connection? He appeared briefly in the role of bodybuilder Charlie in Elvis' 1965 movie 'Girl Happy' (1965). Haggerty's role in the film was uncredited.
Haggerty's career spanned an impressive five decades, including smaller roles on TV shows like Charlie's Angels and The Love Boat in the 1980s.
(News, Source;NeilColombari/ElvisInfoNet) |
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US Billboard Charts: 'Elvis' 30 No.1 Hits' is a re-entry at 129 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart for w/e 30th January, 2016 with sales of 4,882 units; is a re-entry at 41 on the Top Catalog Album Chart and rises from 8 to 3 on the Country Catalog Album Chart.
'If I Can Dream' drops from 3 to 4 on the Classical Album Chart with sales of 2,228 units and is a re-entry at 92 on the Top Current Album Chart.
'Heart And Soul' rises from 45 to 43 on the Top Catalog Album Chart with sales of 2,318 units; rises from 6 to 4 on the Country Catalog Album Chart.
'Elvis: Ultimate Gospel' is a re-entry at 23 on the Country Catalog Album Chart.
'He Touched Me' - The Gospel Music Of Elvis Presley (Vol 1 and 2) rises from 96 to 2 on the Music Video Sales Chart.
(News, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNet) |
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US Powerball Winners Head to Graceland: What do you do after winning US$528 million dollars and become one of the winners of the biggest lottery jackpot in history? The answer is - go to Graceland!
Just a day after Powerball winners John and Lisa Robinson verified their incredible lottery win with Tennessee Lottery officials, Graceland was honored to welcome the Tennessee couple to Elvis’ iconic mansion this past Saturday, along with their friends and family.
The couple had never been to Graceland before but it was something that Lisa Robinson had always wanted to do.
When asked why they came to Graceland so soon after winning the jackpot, Mr. Robinson said, “Well, I’ve never been here. I just wanted to take everyone out the day after we claimed the prize and verified it. I wanted to have a relaxing day with my wife and my friends. It’s awesome. I wish I would have come sooner. I always liked Elvis. I loved his movies and his music."
(News, Source;NP/ElvisInfoNet)
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UK Actress Roxanne Pallett Visits Graceland: British actress and singer Roxanne Pallett recently visited Memphis and discovered the wonders of Graceland and Elvis.
She noted that, the moment she arrived in Memphis there was a sense of rock, blues and soul in the air. The feeling was palpable that we were somewhere very special.
For those who assume Graceland is merely a destination for those obsessed with the King of Rock 'n' Roll, trust me, it's not.
Memphis is a landmark of music history and if you aren't an Elvis fan when you arrive, you will soon become one throughout your trip.
The stretch of road that holds Graceland, his private airplanes and the museums of his costumes and cars is so magical and eerie that it awakens a passion in you that values the music from such a sacred time in history.
The pure fact that we can see, visit and look around the home of one of our most celebrated performers is so special and rare.
Memphis is so proud of Elvis and his legacy that everything is celebrated and showcased for us to see as though we were still in the 1960's.
Elvis' well preserved and protected personal belongings and sanctuary brings people from all over the world to Memphis, keen to find out more about the man who carved music into the shape that it is today.
Those who go must make sure they treat themselves to a famous meal at the 50's diner within the Graceland quarters, very retro and very delicious - like him.
Roxanne will star in British film The Violators, which releases later this year
(News, Source;NP/ElvisInfoNet)
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'February 1974 Closing Show' New Import: The MxF label will soon release “February 1974 Closing Show'' featuring the unreleased Vegas February 09, 1974 Closing Show. (EIN Notes- It has previously been released on CDR).
The publicity notes... After almost five months of rest, Elvis back to the Hilton in better shape and stronger respect the previous season. For this reason his performance is superb, still at the top if his ability he deliveries short shows, but very intense, there is a freshness that cannot be denied, Elvis was very energetic on stage, full of enthusiasm he sang with power and sensitivity, delivering a solid and heartfelt repertoire like the “new” songs Spanish Eyes, Help me and Let Me Be There, etc At the same time he still performs a great version of the classic rocker “Johnny B. Good”..
The sound is very good for an audience recording, the result a pretty dynamic tape with a great definition of the background music.
(EIN Note: The audio samples we have heard are very average - check before purchasing)
As usually from this label, this new CD will come in a deluxe DIGIPACK, containing a collection of live photographs newspapers clip and memorabilia. -
Comes with bonus poster
Go here to 'All The CD News' for more details & tracklist
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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Texas Tribute to Elvis Festival: A new US Elvis Festival for 2016, the first annual Texas' Tribute to Elvis and Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest preliminary held at the legendary South Fork Ranch, Dallas, Texas USA will take place on 4th 5th & 6th March 2016.
This event will feature the Ultimate Elvis preliminary contest, the winner of which will represent Texas in the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest finals in Memphis in 2016. Our festival will also feature Elvis themed shows, including some of the world's best Elvis tribute artists. Plus we have special guests, merchandise stalls, after-show private parties, raffles and much more.
Bill Cherry, Cody Ray Slaughter will perform and special guest include, The Holladay Sisters, tour producer Charles Stone, plus Sam and Linda Thompson will be attending.
We will be creating a world class event within Texas honouring everything that Elvis Presley stood for.
Go here to the Texas Elvis Festival website for more info
(Almost Elvis, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
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Elvis, The Numbers – new book release by Joseph Rene: A recent Elvis book release takes an unusual and interesting approach to its subject by examining the link between Elvis, symbolism, and numerology. The book description states:
“In the present docufiction, the author identifies five stages in Elvis Presley’s spiritual life:
- The traumatic guilt of surviving a stillborn twin-Jessie-subsequently triggering a state of dual personality
- During which period his mother Gladys supersedes Jessie’s presence
- Then the world reverses at Gladys’ death, and Jessie “resurrects”
- So polarities in Elvis’ mind invert, and Jessie replaces Gladys
- When Jessie “dies”, Elvis’ polarities invert back, and he returns to Gladys via spirituality. With the help of numerology, he meets her again in “death”, as the calculated date of Elvis’ disappearance is highly symbolic with regards to Gladys’ date of passing. That day is also the date of his symbolic Bar-Mitzvah, when Elvis the boy becomes Elvis the man, by an amazing twist of faith. He thus solves his identity issue...his way.”
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| Elvis, The Numbers is softcover (perfect bound) with 335 pages. ISBN-13: 978-1326309381. More information about the book can be found here: http://www.aliasjonburrows.com/
EIN will publish a review of Elvis, The Numbers shortly. (News, Source: EIN) |
UK Latest Album Chart: There was no question that David Bowie (RIP) would be at the Number One position in the UK album charts this week. However in an incredible move Elvis has held on at #2, kicking the super-selling Adele down to third place! I wonder how Adele feels about that.
The Official UK Top 40 Albums Chart - 15th January 2016
1 David Bowie Blackstar (146,168)
2 Elvis Presley with the RPO 'If I Can Dream' (33,165)
3 Adele 25 (33,051)
4 Justin Bieber Purpose (32,077)
5 David Bowie Nothing Has Changed (22,355)
69 Elvis' 30 No.1 Hits'
Total Sales To Date for IICD: 954,241 units.
(News, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNet)
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'Elvis Style: From Zoot Suits to Jumpsuits' New Book: A new book about Elvis and fashion from author Zoey Goto, called 'Elvis Style: From Zoot Suits to Jumpsuits' is planned for a July 31st 2016 publication.
Being published by Redshank Books it is a 250 page paperback.
No other information as yet.
(News, Source;Amazon/ElvisInfoNet)
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'Elvis Presley's UK RCA Demos 1957-81' New Book: Yet another book on pre-order is "An Illustrated Guide To Elvis Presley's UK RCA Demos (1957-1981)" from author Alan White.
Alan White is the foremost specialist in the Elvis HMV releases and previously published the meticulous 'Elvis Presley HMV Worldwide Discography' , the new book looks in similar detail at Elvis' UK RCA Demos. For keen Elvis collectors.
Being sold through the London Elvis Shop
Priced, £19.99
(News, Source;EShop/ElvisInfoNet)
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'A Little Thing Called Life' - Linda Thompson Autobiography due May 2016: After years, or decades, of waiting Elvis' most-supportive girlfriend Linda Thompson has announced that her auto-biography "A Little Thing Called Life: From Elvis's Graceland to Bruce Jenner's Caitlyn & Songs in Between" will be published by Dey Street books in hardcover on May 3, 2016.
Linda Thompson has led such an amazing life, over fours years with Elvis Presley and then of course marriage to Olympian Bruce Jenner - now Caitlyn - as well as producer David Foster that the book is guaranteed to be packed with stories that watchers of mainstream media will find fascinating.
This is what so many keen Elvis fans have been waiting for.
The book is 304 pages - the final details including the cover page have yet to be confirmed.
Go here for EIN's special on Linda Thompson
(News, Source;NP/ElvisInfoNet)
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Bowie does Elvis: David Bowie was a serious Elvis Presley fan, as we all know from his mid Ziggy Stardust UK tour return-flight to New York purely to catch Elvis in concert at Madison Square Garden. (see story below)
On the 25th Anniversary of Elvis' death, August 16, 2002, Bowie was playing The Gorge Amphitheater, George, Washington, USA and in the morning realised that Elvis had been gone for way too long. Bowie decided to do a tribute and quickly rehearsed Elvis' 'I Feel So Bad' and 'One Night' to perform on the night.
While the hardly rehearsed versions in no way compare to Elvis' original (of course), it is great to hear David Bowie acknowledge Elvis' impact and also to hear the story of how he learnt of Presley's death in 1977 while travelling in Africa.
Bowie read the dreadful news in the Nairobi Times - which he kept in Elvis' memory.
As Bowie notes, "What would this 25th anniversary be without doing something by The Man".
Click here to YouTube to listen, Audio only
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
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'Last Stint At The International' New Import: Straight Arrow is releasing both of Elvis' August 29 1971 Las Vegas concerts from newly discovered Audience Recordings. They note,,, Our previous release 'Solid As Rock' received a great deal of acclaim from the fans, who praised the quality of Elvis' performance as well as the good audio. The Straight Arrow team is always looking for rare, unknown or seemingly lost recordings. Once again, the labels researchers were successful - BOTH Aug. 29, 1971 shows are completely new, even for die-hard Elvis fans. They have never been in circulation - in any form! Unfortunately, the Aug. 29, 1971 M/S was not recorded in its entirety.
It is with pleasure that we can now offer you more recordings from 1971. This fine Las Vegas season is still poorly documented, so we know that many fans will be delighted with this release. Elvis delivers the goods with two no-nonsense shows, from an engagement that marks the end of an era. Not long after this engagement, the International was sold to the Hilton group. The hotel was renamed, and, oddly enough, some of the magic that was synonymous with Elvis at the International disappeared.
This release is presented in a deluxe digipack, filled with rare images taken at the Las Vegas International hotel in August, 1971.
Go here to 'All The CD News' for more details & tracklists
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
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"Elvis Presley: The Album Collection" 60CD Box Set, More Details: The recently announced "Elvis Presley: The Album Collection" 60-CD Deluxe Box Set has prompted some relevant questions from EIN readers.
Good news is that these are all NEW Re-Masters from the original tapes, re-done by Vic Anesini using the most up-to-date technology.
Keen fans have noted that there were multiple songs that Elvis released as singles that never appeared on "regular" RCA albums. For instance 'Suspicious Minds' could only be found on the 'Worldwide 50 Gold Award Hits' box-set, and 'Burning Love' on the 'Burning Love and Hits From Movie vol.2' both of which are not included in this 60CD box-set.
The publicity notes "Features all of the albums Elvis recorded and RCA released in his lifetime" yet the new collection leaves out 'Worldwide Gold Award Hits' Vol 1 & 2, 'A Legendary Performer' Vol 1 & 2, 'Having
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Fun With Elvis On Stage', 'Pure Gold', 'The Sun Sessions', and 1977's 'Welcome To My World' - (not including a few Camden collections of material already featured). This new set does however include three extra CDs of 50's, 60's and 70's Rarities - but these would obviously not include the noted missing singles.
The answer to the questions is that despite the suggestion of releasing Elvis' "Original albums", several of them have had new "bonus tracks" added to their original tracklist to accommodate the missing single & EP tracks.
For instance Suspicious Minds, Don't Cry Daddy, Kentucky Rain and Mama Liked the Roses have all been added to the "new" version of 'From Elvis IN Memphis' while Separate Ways, For the Good Times, Burning Love, Always On My Mind, It's A Matter of Time and American Trilogy have all been added to the "Elvis (Fool)" album.
And despite Elvis never wanting the dreadful 'Dominick' to be released it has been included on the Camden 'Almost in Love' collection!
Comparing the tracklist to the fabulous 'The Complete Masters' release of 2010 , 'Elvis Presley: The Album Collection" Box Set' contains 784 songs while 'The Complete Masters' featured 814 "masters".
The only tracks on this new box-set that were not on 'The Complete Masters' are from the Frank Sinatra TV show, 'Stuck On You', 'Fame and Fortune' and the 'Witchcraft / Love Me Tender' duet.
The three new "Rarities" collections feature the expected fifties acetates and early live recordings, the sixties Home Recordings, 'Are You Lonesome Tonight? (Laughing Version)' etc while the seventies include Rehearsal Jams, studio alternates even 'Froggy Went A-Courtin’!
The publicity does however promise, "The Album Collection also includes a 300-page deluxe fully illustrated hard cover book with complete insightful commentary, discography and recording session data. Elvis Presley-The Album Collection represents a level of artistic achievement unparalleled to this day. This unique and comprehensive collection provides testament to Elvis' innate talent. Original album packaging has been painstakingly restored including gatefold/die cut sleeves, original RCA Victor inserts, stickers and more. CD labels replicate original side 1 labels."
CLICK HERE for more info - and how the additional tracklists fit, plus Rarities tracklists
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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Check prices at your local dealers to see if you can grab a bargain - make sure you check postage cost.
Here are AMAZON's price deals including free postage.
<< Amazon USA
Amazon UK >> |
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| If you are in Australia buy the set CHEAPEST from your local JBHiFi - only AU$380. Pick it up and pay no postage. With the Price Guarantee that if the price drops before the release date, you will pay the lowest price. - Click here for the cheapest Aussie Deal |
22,000 Record Crowd at Australian Elvis Birthday festival: It’s official, the Australian 2016 Parkes Elvis Festival virtually broke every record possible. Organisers are still collating the final figures, but it has been confirmed that the attendance was the biggest in the 24 years of the festival. While the guesstimate back in 1993 was a crowd of 500, this year 22,000 flocked to enjoy the five days of events. The street parade too attracted a record audience of ‘well over 14,000’. There were 120 entries in the street parade itself, with the number of participants over 1000.
The town of Parkes was completely booked out for the festival, as was local town Forbes, and it is anticipated that the benefit to the region will be at least $13 million.
As well, the Elvis Express was full to capacity, with another catering carriage required to look after the passengers.
Festival Director Emily Mann said the festival continues to go from strength to strength with the solid support of funders and loyal sponsors. “This year’s success is a testament to the hard work of our volunteers and council staff.
Nothing brings the community together like the Parkes Elvis Festival. It’s heartening to see locals and visitors come together to celebrate the legacy of the King of Rock'n'Roll. This year’s 'Fun In Acapulco' Mexican theme saw everyone get into the party spirit, the town really came alive.
Next year celebrates the 25th anniversary of the festival - and it is anticipated that with a theme from Elvis’ hugely popular movie, Viva Las Vegas, that further records could be broken.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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Pat Harrington Jr. 'Easy Come, Easy Go' Actor Dead: Pat Harrington, Jr., an actor and comedian who in the 1950s got attention as a member of Steve Allen's fabled TV comic troupe but secured lasting fame decades later as Dwayne Schneider, the cocky handyman on the long-running sitcom "One Day at a Time," has died aged 86. For Elvis fans he is remembered for his comedic talents in Easy Come, Easy Go. (Shown middle of film poster)
Harrington was born in 1929 in New York, the son of Pat Harrington, Sr., a song-and-dance man on Broadway.
In the 1960s and early '70s, he had guest or recurring roles on such shows as "The Munsters," ''The Man from U.N.C.L.E.," ''Love, American Style" and "The Love Boat."
He also had roles in films including "Easy Come, Easy Go" and "The Candidate" with Robert Redford.
But his decade on "One Day at a Time," which blended family comedy with themes of emerging women's rights and youth rebellion, sealed his legacy. His last role was on TVLand's "Hot in Cleveland" in 2012.
(News, Source;NP/ElvisInfoNet) |
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| Wednesday 13 January 2016 |
Imperials' Joe Moscheo Passed Away: More sad news for music fans, The Imperials Joe Moscheo passed away on Monday night, he was 78. Joe Moscheo is a former member of the Imperials gospel quartet that worked with Elvis Presley from the May 1966 'How Great Thou Art' sessions through to his live performances from 1969 to late 1971. He sang on both of Elvis' Grammy Award winning gospel albums 'How Great Thou Art' and 'He Touched Me'. As reported by EIN back in September, Joe Moscheo had been struck down with a degenerative neurological disease and was hospitalised.
Gospel Music Hall of Fame member Joe Moscheo was known to thousands of music industry and was a musician, as well as a producer, songwriter and an author.
Moscheo was born to Italian immigrants in Albany, New York in 1937. He first went on the road in 1960 when he joined the gospel group The Harmoneers. Within a year, he had moved on to perform with The Prophets. In 1964 he joined The Imperials as a singer, keyboard player and arranger. He also wrote several songs for the group.
This version of The Imperials regularly performed with Elvis Presley in Las Vegas in 1969-72, Moscheo revisited this phase of his career in his 2007 book The Gospel Side of Elvis. He also produced the excellent documentary 'He Touched Me: The Gospel Music of Elvis Presley'. |
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The Imperials also backed such entertainers as Jimmy Dean, Pat Boone, Roy Clark and Carol Channing. The group won the first of its many awards from the Gospel Music Association in 1969.
He was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2007. This was actually his second induction, for he was also voted into the Hall as a member of The Imperials in 1998.
He continued to make appearances relating to Elvis and The Imperials until his retirement in 2014. Moscheo suffered from a degenerative neurological disease. He was moved into an assisted living facility last year, underwent emergency surgery but was hospitalized in late December.
Moscheo noted of Elvis, "My favourite performance of Elvis is from the '68 special when he sings "If I Can Dream." But he sings, "If I can dream of a better land". It’s so convincing and it’s so honest, and that’s the real Elvis.
Elvis did have his demons. It’s really hard to imagine a guy that was Elvis Presley could be without that. But from being around him in these intimate settings, I really feel that he was a Christian, I really do. |
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Later on I gave him a Bible - it’s really hard for me to talk about it. I said, "Elvis, I got something for you. I know you’re really struggling, and I know you’re having a hard time, but every answer you need is in this book. All you have to do is read it. It’s real simple now, it’s plain English. Read this book." And we hugged, and I left. And that’s the last time I saw him."
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) - RIP Joe Moscheo |
David Bowie Dead aged 69: In shocking news, today it was announced that David Bowie has died after an 18-month battle with cancer.
Bowie's impact on popular entertainment in the early seventies shook the world in the same way that Elvis did in the fifties. The media did not know what to make of him, his fast-changing musical styles, his sexuality and also his flamboyant stage outfits - they also both happened to be on the RCA label.
In another amazing coincidence Elvis and David Bowie shared their birthday of January 8. Bowie has also stated that he offered his 1975 song 'Golden Years' to Presley, but that Elvis (or more likely Elvis' management) declined it.
"Elvis Presley was a major hero of mine. And I was probably stupid enough to believe that having the same birthday as him actually meant something. I went to see Elvis in 1972, I flew over from London to see Elvis at Madison Square Garden on Friday, June 9th, 1972.
I had a gig on the Thursday night at the Polytechnic in Middlesbrough so I dashed down |
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to London that night after the gig, got on the plane early in the morning, just made the concert - I got in late to the concert and he was already doing 'Proud Mary'. I was wearing all my clobber from the Ziggy period and had great seats near the front. The whole place just turned to look at me and I felt like a right idiot. I had brilliant red hair, some huge padded space suit and those red boots with big black soles. I wished I'd gone for something quiet, because I must have registered with him. He was well into his set.
Then that night I had a quick sleep and got up early, early the next morning and got on a flight back to London and played a gig the next night. So I literally saw him between gigs. I absolutely had to see him before anything happened to him. Elvis was pretty good at that time. He was still in pretty great shape and it wasn't that long after the black leather show that was on television."
(Right; David Bowie, his wife Iman and Lisa Marie backstage at the 2005 Fashion Rocks concert at the Radio City Music Hall in New York)
Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis noted, "He's one of the three greatest in the world ever - Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and David Bowie. There's no one else even close."
- RIP David Bowie 1947 - 2016
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
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Record crowds and Jack Gatto wins the Parkes Ultimate ETA Australia contest: With temperatures in the Australian country town of Parkes hovering at around 36C (= 96F) it was cooler this year at the Australian Elvis Birthday Festival! Once again close to 20,000 fans gathered in the outback Australian town to celebrate The King's Birthday, thousands more than gathered at Graceland itself.
After the jam-packed street parade and multiple Events featuring Steve Binder (see story below) it was Melbourne-based tribute artist Jack Gatto who won the Ultimate Elvis Contest.
The 24-year-old, who was a crowd favourite throughout the contest, said it was an incredible feeling to hold the title.
"There's no better feeling," he said. "All the guys here are super talented and it's phenomenal, I really am kind of speechless."
Mr Gatto now has the next few months to prepare to take on the world in the 2016 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in Memphis.
It is a concept that still has not sunk in for him. "It will probably happen a little later tonight," he said.
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Throughout the competition the eight finalists gave each other constant encouragement.
As each came off stage they were met with applause, feedback and kind words from the other artists. Mr Gatto said it was great to have someone looking out for you during the competition.
"We are all doing the same thing, all here to pay tribute to Elvis, and we all help each other out as much as we can."
For Mr Gatto, the preparation for Memphis starts as soon as the Parkes Festival finishes — and the first thing he wants to work on is his waist line. "I'll be cutting some weight between now and August I think," he said.
The main stage attraction this year was ETA Donny Edwards who left his Las Vegas show to be at the festival.
"Elvis was the greatest among the greats. He shined the brightest and I think it was because of who he was on the inside and then he had this immense amount of talent that just seemed to shine, you know at the right, and he just knew how to call it in and he was just a gracious person. So I think it made such a big difference between him and others,"
The festival features tribute concerts, an Elvis gospel service, a Miss Priscilla competition - but for many it's just love for the King that they revel in.
(News, Source;SusanMacDougall/ElvisInfoNet) |
(Book Review): Kings of Memphis Elvis and Tutankhamem (Carolyn Edwards): What do the two Kings of Memphis, Elvis and King Tut, have in common and could it be much more than one might think?
EIN's Nigel Patterson recently delved deep into Carolyn Edweards' wonderful tale connecting curse ridden pyramids on sand swept vistas in ancient Egypt with the relaxing, winding roads of Perugia Way in Bel Air, California. At the centre of the plot are two larger than life 'kings' eternally bound through the coalescence of a powerful religious and philosophical concept, mortal tragedy and eternal adoration.
What Nigel experienced challenged him to consider possibilities quite out of the ordinary. It was a challenge full of high drama, vibrant color and illuminating insight. Read Nigel's review (Book Review, Source: EIN) |
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'Elvis & Nixon' Movie Trailer: You can now catch the promo trailer for upcoming movie 'Elvis & Nixon' a "hilarious" comedy staring Kevin Spacey and Michael Shannon reimagining the meeting between the president and the King.
- And will Elvis fans be offended by producers making such an iconic story into a laughable comedy?
One of the most indelible, surreal photographs in American history – President Nixon and Elvis shaking hands in the White House in December 1970 – is the springboard of an upcoming film that puts a humorous, semi-fictional look at the infamous meeting. In Elvis & Nixon, Kevin Spacey plays the titular president while Michael Shannon portrays the King, who hand-delivered a letter to the White House requesting that Nixon appoint Presley to the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs.
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As the trailer shows, Nixon was initially reluctant to meet with Presley but he ultimately agreed to meet with the rock legend in an effort to boost his own popularity among youths. "He's one of the most famous men on the planet. He loves guns and hates the Beatles," Nixon advisor Egil Krogh, played by Colin Hanks, tells the president to convince him to meet with Presley. "The Beatles, well I don't like them," Nixon growls back.
Presley's meeting with Nixon was kept secret for nearly two years before The Washington Post uncovered the encounter; the photo of Presley and Nixon shaking hands remains the most requested photograph at the National Archives. -
Elvis & Nixon opens in the US April 15th.
Click here to see the trailer on YouTube.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
UK Latest Album Chart: Sadly Elvis missed out on having a UK Number One for his birthday - However Adele's weekly sales were very close to Elvis' and he still held on at #2.
Top 5 UK Albums + 1 for w/e 8th January, 2016
1 Adele '25' 43,446 [2,539,346]
2 Elvis Presley 'If I Can Dream' 40,417 [921,076]
3 Justin Bieber 'Purpose' 35,694
4 Jess Glynne I Cry When I Laugh' 24,931
5 James Bay 'Chaos And The Calm' 17,184
66 Elvis' 30 No.1 Hits
As suspected Elvis remains No.1 on the Physical Album Chart (downloads are his Achilles Heel) and still No.1 on the Scottish Album Chart.
(News, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNet)
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Texarkana dedicates Elvis Presley plaque: The "King of Rock'n' Roll" Elvis Presley would have turned 81 years old Friday, January 8th, 2016 and Texarkana, Arkansas celebrated his birthday by dedicating a plaque in his honor at the Arkansas Municipal Auditorium 'Walk of Fame' next to city hall.
Dozens of people came out to honor him and reflect on their memories of the king.
"He called me when he came to Texarkana. I didn't really know who he was really," said Bobbie Smith, Texarkana, Arkansas resident.
Smith was just a teenager when she first met Elvis.
She didn't even know he wanted to be a singer, but that didn't last long.
Elvis invited her to watch one of his first performances from the back stage of the Arkansas Municipal Auditorium.
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"He got on the stage and shook his leg. Everybody thought that was fun," recalled Smith.
Elvis performed in Texarkana in 1954 and 1955.
LaFonda Clough of Texarkana, Arkansas is a lifetime Elvis fan.
"My dad bought my mom a picture and they stayed and got him to autograph her picture," explained Clough. "So, her picture is autographed on the back, "Yours till sun up. Elvis Presley."
Like many fans still today, Smith can't help but tap along when she hears an Elvis classic played.
However, unlike most fans, Smith got a glimpse into the real Elvis. The shy boy who could make her laugh.
"He was a good ol' country boy. I don't think he changed all that much, but he probably did," said Smith.
Presley performed at the Texarkana venue six times, including two concerts with Johnny Cash, who also has a plaque on the Walk of Fame park.
(News, Source;KTBS3/ElvisInfoNet) |
| Friday 8 January 2016 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELVIS - |
Watch Elvis' Birthday Proclamation Ceremony Replay: Hundreds of Elvis fans from around the world gathered on the front lawn of Graceland today to celebrate Elvis Presley’s birthday as construction of The Guest House at Graceland resort continued at a rapid pace just steps away from iconic mansion in Memphis. Graceland officials and the Memphis and Shelby County Mayors officially celebrated with a birthday cake cutting and a proclamation of Elvis Presley Day on the front lawn of Graceland. Lisa Marie and Priscilla were not in attendance this year.
Complimentary birthday cake was served to all visitors throughout the day in Graceland Plaza. Other birthday events include the opening of the new "Elvis in Hollywood: From Teen Idol to Leading Man" VIP exhibit, fan club gatherings and a special concert by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra.
Click here to watch the EPE replay
(News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet) |
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Elvis' Iconic Guitar does NOT sell at the Graceland auction: Despite news reports to the contrary, the lead item at this year's Graceland Auction did not sell and was passed in at US$270,000. Elvis' Gibson Ebony Dove guitar was expected to reach up to $500,000 but did not reach the reserve of $300,000.
The Gibson Ebony Dove was likely one of Elvis' favorite instruments, and it had well documented stage appearances, such as the 1973 "Aloha from Hawaii" concert.
Some notable items that did sell were..
- The 1958 Elvis Presley Handwritten 2-Page Letter to Alan Fortas "Hog Ears" (see story below) Sold at $35,000
- Original KWKH Reel-to-Reel Recording of Elvis Presley's Last Song on the Louisiana Hayride - The First Time the Famous Phrase is Uttered by Horace Logan. Sold at $10,000
- Gold, Diamond and Rock Crystal Quartz Ring Gifted by Elvis Presley to Linda Thompson. (see story below) Sold at below the estimate ($15,000) for $8,750
- Elvis Presley 14K "TCB" Necklace Gifted to Bodyguard Sam Thompson. Sold for $11,875
- 1970s Elvis Presley "TCB" Nautic Prescription Sunglasses: Sold For $27,500
- Elvis Presley Gold-Toned Microphone and Cord Used on Stage in 1969 at the International Hotel. Sold For $15,000
Click here for full auction results
(News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
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April 5, 1972 Complete Elvis "On Tour" Concert Film sells for $137,500: One of the biggest excitements at the Graceland Auction was the sale of complete April 5, 1972 concert Film from the Memorial Auditorium Show in Buffalo, NY, shot by Elvis on Tour Director Robert Abel. The film auction price was estimated at $25,000 - $35,000 but sold for an incredible US$137,500
Recorded only four days prior to filming Elvis on Tour, director Robert Abel captured Elvis Presley’s concert on April 5, 1972, at the Memorial Auditorium in Buffalo, NY. The black-and-white video footage, most likely a last trial run by Abel to finalize camera and lighting directions before principal filming began on the film, was shot on 1/2” open-reel video tape recorded on a Sony Portapak. Included is a 500 gigabyte hard drive containing a high-resolution (ProRes 422) transfer of the footage in QuickTime format and a Sony 64 Digital Betacam tape master. |
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The performance captured an artist in complete command of his form, with Elvis at the peak of his singing and onstage abilities. He’s as engaged and determined as any pro athlete when the whistle blows to start a game, charging into every note with purpose, riding every melody to perfection. There is, of course, still the jovial and playful taunting and jawing with the band and the crowd, but this concert displays the power and grace of Elvis the performer that can often be somewhat lost behind the legend.
Highlights include a 5+ minute rousing rendition of “Suspicious Minds,” a spot-on “Lawdy Miss Clawdy,” and a moment when Elvis has the lights turned up in the arena to see the crowd just as, right in front of the camera, we catch a glimpse of a security guard stopping an eager fan from charging the stage.
The audio captured here, presumably right into the Sony Portapak camera microphone, is very high quality and better than any we have heard from this show. |
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Reel changes and the occasional refocusing aside, the majority of the film records the rest of Elvis’ superb performance with a combination of close-up, medium and long shots, as the director started mapping out his moves for Elvis on Tour. One imagines the copious notes about shot length, lighting, angles and other details that would consume a director preparing to capture Elvis on stage.
This unprecedented offering represents a never-before-seen Elvis Presley concert. The vast majority of Elvis’ performances were not recorded professionally in any format (or even really photographed!), leaving us with very few examples when considering the number of concerts that occurred between the 1950s and 1970s. (News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet) |
| Thursday 7 January 2016 - Elvis' 81st Birthday Celebrations commence! NOW UPDATED |
Tonight the Graceland Auction Kicks Off Elvis' Birthday Celebrations: The most valuable item at the event, Elvis’ guitar used on stage at the 1973 Aloha from Hawaii concert, is estimated at $300,000 to $500,000. It was given to a fan in the front row at a concert in Asheville, North Carolina, in 1975. - The current bid on the Aloha guitar is already $230,000. (see news story below)
One of the items to get highest bidding so far is an Incredible 1958 Elvis Handwritten 2-Page letter to Alan Fortas “Hog Ears” (right in the photo) sent while in the Army in Germany
He writes to Alan as “Hog Ears,” a nickname given to Alan by Elvis not only because of the size of his ears, but also because it was reminiscent of football players’ nicknames. In this very personal letter, Elvis talks of his feelings towards the time he is serving - it includes..
". I can hardly wait to start singing, traveling, making
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movies, and above all seeing the old gang and old Graceland. All I do is sit and count the days. Well it’ll be over in about 15 months and as Gen. MacArthur said, “I shall return”. Tell D.J. uh, and Lewis I said hello and to hold down the fort till I get back. If you see cous, tell him I said ep skep skep skep. I have been dating this little German “Chuckaloid” by the name of Margrit. She looks a lot like B.B. It’s Grind City. Well I gotta go wade in the mud.
Your Pal, Elvis Presley”
Bidding is currently at $26,000
Elvis' Jewellery is also for sale including a gold, diamond and rock crystal quartz ring gifted by Elvis to his friend Linda Thompson, estimated at $15,000 to $20,000 (see more below) . Also up for bids is a 14-karat TCB gold necklace gifted to bodyguard Sam Thompson featuring the initials "TCB," estimated at $12,000 to $15,000.
The sale, run by Graceland Auctions, allows bids online and in person at the mansion in Memphis, Tennessee.
Click HERE to the EPE Auction website - and BID NOW!
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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3 FTD releases for February: FTD have announced three new releases for february - and yes, there are two more live concerts from 1976!
- 'The West Coast Tour '76' - is a 2-CD 5” digipack (same as the last 'Elvis In Alabama') which contains shows from San Francisco and Anaheim in November 1976.
These concerts have not been previously released from soundboard although audience recordings do exist.
Disc 1 - San Francisco – November 29, 1976
1 Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra 2 See See Rider 3 I Got A Woman / Amen 4 Love Me 5 If You Love Me (Let Me Know) 6 You Gave Me A Mountain 7 Blue Suede Shoes 8 It’s Now Or Never 9 All Shook Up 10 (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel 11 And I Love You So 12 Fever 13) Bridge Over Troubled Water 14) Introductions a) Early Mornin’ Rain b) What’d I Say c) Johnny B. Goode 15) Love Letters 16 School Day 17 Hurt 18 Hound Dog 19 Funny How Time Slips Away
The last part of the concert was not recorded.
Go HERE to FTD/SONY release news for tracklists & full details
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- 'He Touched Me – The Recording Sessions' VINYL. - Special 2-LP VINYL set - limited Edition
To coincide with Easter 2016, FTD Vinyl is pleased to announce the the release of its 2x LP, 180-Gram as a limited edition.
”He Touched Me – The Recording Sessions”. This Grammy award winning album completes on vinyl the trio of Elvis’ religious albums.
Go HERE to FTD/SONY news for tracklists & full details
- 'How RCA Brought Elvis To Europe' - Book: This beautifully designed book contains unseen pictures and follows Elvis ascent from hottest act in The South via US stardom to becoming RCA Victor's spearhead as the company launched the RCA label worldwide in 1956. It goes on to show how Europe was completely won over by the early 1960's.
The earliest international Elvis records are listed, and there is a guide to identify Elvis records from all European countries, including a summary of the earliest releases from each country. There are complete illustrated discographies (including variants) for all Nordic countries: Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. There is also a guide to first pressings of the 47 Elvis EP's released in Germany for sale in Northern Europe. |
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Elvis' reception in the Nordic countries is covered by a wealth of press cuttings, local film flyers and posters, ads, premiere dates, pictures and stories from handovers of Swedish and Norwegian record awards, and much previously unknown record company history. Among many revelations, the most surprising is perhaps how the Swedish company Electra engineered most of the Elvis activity taking place in Northern Europe.
Spliced in between are many amusing short stories, like when three Nordic Royal Princesses sought out Elvis on the set of G.I. Blues, or how the man behind RCA in Belgium started out smuggling records in the wings of his WW2 Royal Air Force Spitfire. Or the time Norway's bestselling crooner met Elvis in RCA Studios on the day Hound Dog was recorded.
The story behind German Teldec's earliest Elvis releases is completely rewritten along the way..
And did Elvis really pose a threat to communist Eastern Europe when he served as a US Soldier in West Germany? Boy, he sure did. All these topics and plenty more are covered in How RCA Brought Elvis to Europe. And not to be forgotten: free with the book's first edition comes an UNRELEASED 1956 VINYL EP.
The book is written by Norwegians Sigbjørn Stabursvik and Hans Otto Engvold, supported by a network of experts from 14 countries.
Go HERE to FTD/SONY release news for tracklists & full details
(News, Source;FTD/ElvisInfoNet) |
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Details of Elvis' Tupelo birth revealed by his first cousin; Jack Dennis of the examiner interviewed Harold Loyd back in 1977.
.. Eighty-one years ago this week Vernon and Gladys Presley of Tupelo, Mississippi were preparing for the birth of twins. The previous summer, on June 10, 1934, Gladys and Vernon were at church when she felt “enough kicks to suspect she was having twins,” her nephew, Harold Loyd revealed in 1977. “As soon as she knew she was pregnant Uncle Vernon, Vernon, and their father Jessie started building that house next door to Jesse.”
January 8, 2016 marks the 81st birthday of Loyd’s first cousin Elvis Presley. Millions of fans across the globe will celebrate in some fashion to remember the King of Rock n’ Roll. To many, the life of Elvis Presley is more than a nostalgic memory in the minds of his family, friends and dedicated fans. To some of the most devoted, it |
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continues to be a fascination, pastime, or even a way of life. For years after Presley’s death, surviving relatives would speak of him as if he were sometimes still alive.
“Elvis is good to his family and he is good to his fans,” Harold Loyd told this writer in 1992, some fifteen years after his cousin died on August 16, 1977. “He would love knowing that fans still come to Graceland. He loves his fans.”
In May 1976, this reporter first met Loyd at the famous musical gates at the entrance of Presley’s home, Graceland, in Memphis, Tennessee. Besides being a loyal cousin to the King of Rock and Roll, Loyd was obviously a dedicated ambassador to the fans who came daily to visit where he worked as a security guard.
“I don’t really remember Elvis being born because I was too young, but I do remember playing with him with he was just a little one. I can’t really remember a time when he wasn’t around.”
“Not many people know this, but Aunt Gladys was a singer too,” Loyd smiled. “She was always doing |
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odd jobs, being a maid and looking after children, so she could buy material to sew clothes for her brothers and sisters. She was always taking care of everybody. She sewed nightgowns for her mother who had to stay in bed all the time with TB.”
“But her favorite thing was just to sing and dance,” Loyd added. “Grandpa would let Aunt Gladys and my mother go to the dance hall there in Tupelo and everybody tells me could do every dance there was at the time: the Charleston, Lindy Hop, Jitterbug. And her voice was just amazing. She would sing all the time. That is some of my best memories, listening to Aunt Gladys sing and sometime Elvis and I would sing with her. It’s no wonder he was the best ever singer.”
“When Elvis was in about the first or second grade Gladys was pregnant again,” Lloyd said. “Vernon had to go away for work with the WPA and one day Gladys had to go to the hospital. She miscarried that baby. That was two she lost because she lost Jesse Garon (Elvis’s twin brother, who died during birth on January 8, 1935). We were all real worried about her because she almost died when Elvis was born and they had to take them to the hospital then, too.”
“We always said that was why she was so protective of Elvis,” Loyd stated. “When those two were together they were so close, they would pet each other and talk a different language that hardly any of us could understand. They were just remarkable in how much they loved and cared for each other. It was about the saddest day when Aunt Gladys died. I rushed as fast as I could to Memphis to get to Elvis that day.”
Please Go HERE to the full article and pictures
(News, Source;Examiner/ElvisInfoNet) |
All Aboard The Elvis Express To Parkes Festival: They glittered, they crooned, and they swung their hips with relish. It’s an annual pilgrimage with more lycra than a swimming carnival. Hundreds gathered at Central Station on Thursday to board the Elvis Express bound for Parkes for the annual Elvis Festival in centralwestern NSW town. Held each January to coincide with the late singer’s birthday, the festival doubles the town’s population as thousands of impersonators converge for the biggest event of its kind in Australia. Founded in 1993 as a small, one-night affair, the festival is now a five-day bonanza, drawing fans from around the country to rejoice in the music - and fashion - of the King. The 6 1/2-hour journey from Sydney to Parkes included performances and contests through the carriages. This year over 300 passengers boarded the Elvis Express. The festival runs from January 6 to 10.
While Elvis actually had nothing to do at all with Parkes, more fans gather here - some 20,000 - to celebrate Elvis' Birthday than anywhere else in the world - Including Memphis!
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
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Rex Fowler celebrates Elvis with music and film at Daryl’s House: It’s been 60 years since Elvis Presley turned the world upside-down with his first million-selling single, “Heartbreak Hotel.” If the King of Rock ’n’ Roll were still with us, he would be turning 81 on Friday, Jan. 8. That being the case, Rex Fowler plans to honor him that night with a concert and screening of his short documentary film, “200 Cadillacs.”
Fowler, one-half of the celebrated folk-rock duo Aztec Two-Step, will perform some of Elvis’ early music with his band, the Rockabilly Kings, at the Happy Birthday, Elvis! show at Daryl’s House Club, Pawling (village), New York,
Elvis’ gift of choice was a shiny new Cadillac car, and Fowler, who created and co-produced the film, tracks down many of the recipients of Elvis’ generosity.
“I have an appreciation for what a brilliant singer and a revolutionary artist he was,” Fowler said. “He created a seismic cultural change in America when he burst onto the scene in 1956, when people started hearing and seeing him on mainstream radio and national TV. Because he incorporated so many elements of African-American music and style, it helped open doors for a lot of black singers like Little Richard, B.B. King and Chuck Berry.”
Memphis was a fertile delta of American music, Elvis was the first and probably the only person who really had that ability to sing with all of these elements and styles, and have them come out as this thing we know now as rock ’n’ roll. That was all Elvis. That’s what we’re focusing on.
It’s really a fun and energetic, introspective and historically edifying show, so bring your blue suede shoes and bouffant hairdos, and come on out and have some fun.
Go here for more info about the show
Please see EIN's 2004 review of 200 Caddilacs "one of the best Elvis documentaries ever made"
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
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The Texas Stars to Celebrate Elvis’ Birthday Friday: The Texas Stars, American Hockey League affiliate of the NHL’s Dallas Stars, announced the details surrounding their Jan. 8 home game against the Chicago Wolves at 7:30 p.m., when the team will celebrate Elvis Presley’s birthday.
Fans who dress up as Elvis, who are named Elvis, or who share a January 8 birthday with “The King of Rock ‘N Roll” can receive a free ticket to the game at the Cedar Park Center box office.
The game will feature the music of Elvis as well as games throughout the night. Fans can also visit the Ice Patrol Fan Zone and post pictures to their social media accounts using Elvis-themed props on the team’s TapSnap machine, and pick up an Elvis inspired temporary tattoo.
For Tickets and more information go here > TexasStars.com.
(News, Source;TS/ElvisInfoNet)
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Elvis Presley: The Album Collection (60 CD Deluxe Box Set): At Elvis Week last year FTD's Roger Semon mentioned a mammouth box-set that SONY were working on to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Elvis' contract with RCA.
The news was announced yesterday. This 60th Anniversary 60-CD Deluxe Edition celebrates RCA Victor's signing of Elvis Presley-The King of rock 'n' roll.
Features all of the albums Elvis recorded and RCA released in his lifetime: studio, soundtrack, and live. It also includes compilations released that featured unreleased songs or songs new to the LP format.
The Album Collection represents album sales in the U.S. of 135 million! Collectively, Elvis has RIAA certified sales of singles, EPs and albums equaling 25x multi-platinum, 52x platinum and 92x gold awards given for U.S. sales alone! Estimated worldwide sales are in excess of one billion!
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Highlights include: Elvis' iconic first two studio albums, Elvis Presley and Elvis released in 1956. All 17 of his film soundtrack LPs, the legendary NBC-TV special Elvis; From Elvis In Memphis and Back In Memphis; and 1970s triumphs On Stage (1970), Elvis As Recorded Live At Madison Square Garden (1972) and Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite (1973).
Original album packaging has been painstakingly restored including gatefold/die cut sleeves, original RCA Victor inserts, stickers and more. CD labels replicate original side 1 labels.
The Album Collection also includes a 300-page deluxe fully illustrated hard cover book with complete insightful commentary, discography and recording session data. Elvis Presley-The Album Collection represents a level of artistic achievement |
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unparalleled to this day. This unique and comprehensive collection provides testament to Elvis' innate talent.
OUT Audio CD, March 18, 2016 - priced at $349.98
The 60 Discs include ALL of Elvis' RCA releases - and some Camden albums - but not stinkers such as 'Burning Love and Hits from the Movies Vol.2'! The final three discs are, '50s Rarities (new collection), 60s Rarities (new collection), 70s Rarities (new collection).
Go HERE to our FTD / SONY release news for more info
(News, Source/Amazon/ElvisInfoNet) |
UK Midweek Album Chart: Elvis could return to the UK Number One for his birthday - if only 5,000 UK Elvis fans all buy one more copy.
This is how the UK Midweek Album Chart looks so far this week, with Adele only 3,919 units ahead !!!
1 Adele - 25 (21,229)
2 Elvis Presley - I Can Dream (17,310)
3 Justin Bieber - Purpose (14,873)
4 Jess Glynne - I Cry When I Laugh (12,681)
5 James Bay - Chaos and the Calm (9,063)
So close. We could still do it and make Elvis' 81st birthday another media record. - Why not buy a few more copies for friends and relatives.
The Documentary 'Elvis And Me' with Joanna Lumley will be repeated on ITV tonight Wednesday, 6th January, at 10.45 pm. and this could help our cause as it features tracks from the IICD album and no doubt the official advertisement during the breaks.
(News, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNet)
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Elvis to get Mississippi “Walk of Fame” star: The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience will honor Elvis Presley with a Hollywood-style “Walk of Fame” star at the MAEE in Meridian.
Details will be unveiled Friday at the annual birthday celebration at the Elvis Birthplace & Museum in Tupelo on Friday. Elvis would have been 81.
A public ceremony for the placement of a permanent Elvis star on the Walk of Fame is expected to be on Jan. 19 in Meridian.
Tommy Dulaney, president of the MAEE’s board of directors, will present information about the project and the Elvis star placement during the birthday ceremony, which begins at 1 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
“This presentation is a welcome addition to our annual celebration and certainly if you think about Mississippi in terms of music think about Elvis Presley”.
The MAEE is a state-wide project which selected Meridian as the location of the $45 million facility which will include exhibition space, state sanctioned Hall of Fame, Walk of Fame, broadcast studio, art studio, outdoor stage and courtyard.
“Simply put, this project is dedicated to celebrating the essence of our legacy in the arts by recognizing and honoring Mississippi’s music, literature, drama, dance and the visual arts,”
The photo shows EIN's Sanja Meegin at the Hollywood Walk Of Fame star.
(News, Source;SM/ElvisInfoNet)
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Dave Hebler & Bob Lanning coming to Europe 2016: The acclaimed show ”An Evening with Elvis’ Friends and Original Musicians” (USA) will be touring Scandinavia and Holland in April & May '16. The guests will include Elvis' 1970 drummer BOB LANNING ('Polk Salad Annie', 'The Wonder of You', etc.) as well as Elvis' bodyguard and karate teacher DAVE HEBLER (shown right with Elvis).
In the 70s, Dave experienced all the highs and lows of Elvis’ life and career up-close, and he talks about his association with Elvis in a very frank and straightforward manner. Dave is co-author of the controversial book ‘Elvis: What Happened’, which came out just weeks before Elvis’ death. Dave has a lot of interesting Elvis stories, which he will share with our audiences, and after the shows you will also have the opportunity to talk to him face-to-face. Even at senior age, Hebler is still a lean, mean killing machine, and he will be doing a karate demonstration during the shows, the same one he did with Elvis many times, and which you can see in documentaries like 'This Is Elvis'. Of course, Dave is best known for his insightful comment right after Elvis’ death: “How do you protect a man from himself?”.
Tour dates are as follows:
April 28 & 29 - Hotell Klockargården, Tällberg, SE
April 30 - Vara Konserthus, Vara, SE
May 1 - Royal, Eskilstuna, SE
May 4 & 5 - Sellosali, Espoo, FI
May 6 - Sibeliustalo, Lahti, FI
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May 7 - Oulu Areena, Oulu, FI
May 11 - Neushoorn, Leeuwarden, NL
May 12 - 013, Tilburg, NL
May 13 - Metropool, Hengelo, NL
May 14 - Melkweg, Amsterdam, NL
May 15 - Effenaar, Eindhoven, NL
Click here for the 2016 Tour Promo Video
Go here for EIN's review of last year's UK concerts.
(News, Source;ArjanDeelen/ElvisInfoNet) |
'That's The Way It Is' Returns to US Theaters This Week: EPE have left it a little late with the press release but now they announce that some US cinemas will be showing a special screening of “Elvis: That’s The Way It Is" tomorrow THURSDAY Jan 7.
EPE note "Celebrate Elvis’ birthday week by attending a theatrical screening of “Elvis: That’s The Way It Is"
This is a limited screening event taking place Thursday evening, January 7th - in select U.S. cities only, check your local theatre listings and become a part of the king’s 81st birthday celebration!
Ridiculously EPE do not indicate which cities it is being shown in.
Another EPE US marketing failure.
Click here for the EPE promotional video
(News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
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"TCB Gang - Stories of the years with Elvis" This weekend in Greenville: Here is something new to help celebrate Elvis' Birthday weekend in Greenville, Texas and night about Elvis with stories from Dick Grob, Sam Thompson and Charles Stone.
The TCB GANG for the first time ever in Texas at the Texan theater in Greenville, Texas January 9th.
Dick Grob, Sam Thompson, Charles Stone and Greg McDonald, all friends of Elvis telling their personal stories of how it was to travel and work with the greatest entertainer of all times. also on the program is Drake Milligan star of the documentary NOBODY. The film will play and Drake will perform his young Elvis musicial set. this is a don't miss show for any and all Elvis fans.
Enjoy the Texan VIP Experience. Always VIP treatment! Parking, gourmet dinner, show, and all gratuities always included.
Go here for info and tickets- January 9, 2016 7:00 PM
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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US Billboard Charts: With 'It's Christmas Time' and 'If I Can Dream' dropping out the US Top 200 albums charts, it is only the classic 30 #1 Hits compilation making any mark at all. Sadly Elvis will definitely not be Number 1 in the charts for his birthday in the US.
'Elvis' 30 No.1 Hits' re-enters the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart for w/e 16th January, 2016 at 177 selling some 3,651 units. It re-enters the Top Catalog Album Chart at 42; re-enters the Country Catalog Album Chart at 1 and is 155 on the Top Album Sales Chart.
'Heart And Soul' drops from 4 to 13 on the Country Catalog Album Chart.
'The Classic Christmas Album' remains at 21 on the Country Catalog Album Chart.
'If I Can Dream' rises from 3 to 2 on the Classical Album Chart and is 171 on the Top Album Sales Chart selling some 3153 units.
Elvis drops from 30 to 99 on the Artist 100 Chart.
(News, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNet) |
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| Saturday 2 January 2016 - - - HAPPY NEW YEAR - - - |
Steve Binder - Australian 'Parkes Elvis Festival' Special Guest: The special guest this year at the Australian Parkes Elvis festival is "Comeback Special" producer Steve Binder. It’s been 38 years since Elvis Presley left the building, yet 20,000-plus Elvis fans still gather in the Australian central NSW town of Parkes annually to celebrate The King's Birthday each January. Record crowds are expected for the 24th anniversary of the Parkes Elvis Festival, which will take place from Tuesday 5 to Sunday 10 January 2016.
Steve Binder will be presenting several special shows "Steve Binder Presents The Elvis ’68 Comeback Special" Tuesday 5 January 2016 6pm - Friday 8 January 10am - Saturday 9 January 12pm - Sunday 10 January 11.30am & 3pm at the Starlight Lounge.
Steve will discusses the secrets behind the making of Elvis, the ’68 special.
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There are also several shows "An Audience With Steve Binder" where you can join Steve Binder for an intimate, up-close and personal discussion. Meet, sit, chat and take photos with Steve…
Steve Binder was interviewed this week on Australian radio (sadly the DJ Warren Moore did not check his facts!!) CLICK HERE for the 7 minute interview.
The Festival features a jam-packed five-day program of events, including four days of free Cooke Park Main Stage entertainment, look-a-like contests, Tribute to Elvis competitions, Street Parade, displays of Elvis artefacts at Greg Page’s The Kings Castle Elvis Exhibit, the Gospel Service, the Cars of the Era show and over 100 other unique Elvis-themed events.
For the first time, Parkes Elvis Festival proudly presents a preliminary round of the 2016 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Contest.
Across two momentous days, leading Australian and New Zealand Elvis tribute artists will compete for the opportunity to represent their nation in the semi-final round of the 2016
The top eight finalists will then strive for Memphis before a panel of international expert judges in the Final at 2pm on Saturday 9 January.
Go here to the Parkes Elvis Festival website for more info
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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'Elvis Presley: A Documentary' on US Cable: There will never be another star like "The King" and now, US Cable Newsmax TV presents a special film, "Elvis Presley: A Documentary," which gives an up-close look at the beloved musical legend and screen star.
"Elvis Presley: A Documentary" airs Sunday, Jan. 3, at 9 p.m./ET, only on US Newsmax TV.
The publicity notes, Presley's star still shines more brightly than many of the entertainers of today, with his string of gold records, top number one hits and the movies that thrilled his fans through the years.
This incredible look at the King of Rock and Roll goes even more deeply into Presley's life, showing rare archival footage and special interviews with those who knew him best, including his young bride, Priscilla; many of his beautiful Hollywood leading ladies; and even the late Col. Tom Parker.
The movie covers the star from his humble beginnings in Tupelo, Mississippi to his worldwide fame, through his recording career, his long stream of hit movies, and even his incredible comeback in 1969, in a special tribute to one of the greatest entertainers ever seen.
EIN strongly suspects the "special" documentary maybe the very average 2008 TMG cheapo of the same name. Hopefully it will be otherwise.
The TMG doco (cover shown right) was one of those terrible run-throughs that featured NO actual Elvis music due to copyright!
Hopefully US watchers will discover something new...
(News, source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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‘The Elvis Files Magazine #14' delayed: Erik Lorentzen apologises for the delay in the December 2015 issue of the ‘The Elvis Files Magazine Issue #14’. "Sorry folks, but due to the extra work with the release and shipping
of THE ELVIS FILES VOL 7 during Christmas time, this magazine have
been delayed. It will be printed and distribution will start next week. I can
promise you some really good stories and photos in this issue"
This volume features a special article written by Gordon Minto "The Comeback Kid" which includes some stunning photos of Elvis in Las Vegas 1969.
Also includes...
- Elvis' Amazing Adventures in Hollywood
- Elvis Live in Vegas January 1973
Annual Subscription 4 issues - send € 58 by PayPal to: sales@elvisfiles.no
Go here to EIN reviews for a look at what you get in The Elvis Files Magazines
(News, Source;EL/ElvisInfoNet)
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Elvis' Birthday Celebration to Commemorate His Breakout Year in Music: The up and coming 2016 Elvis Birthday celebrations will commemorate Elvis' "Breakout Year" in music, film and TV. The Auction at Graceland will also include Elvis’ Iconic Guitar from the legendary “Aloha from Hawaii” Concert
Numerous events are already scheduled by EPE including the Birthday Proclamation Ceremony on Friday, January 8 which includes a cake cutting ceremony on the front lawn of Graceland in Memphis.
The birthday celebration at Graceland will also kick-off a year-long celebration of the 60th Anniversary of Elvis’ breakout year in music, film and television. In January 1956, Elvis’ first gold record, “Heartbreak Hotel” was released and by April had sold one million copies. He ended the year with two million-selling albums. He made his national television debut on The Dorsey Brothers’ Stage Show on CBS that same year and went on to appear on network television 11 times that year, including his legendary performances on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” He also starred in his first movie, “Love Me Tender,” and signed a seven-year film contract with Paramount Pictures.
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Special guest speakers at the Graceland events include Glenn Derringer who, as an 11-year-old child-prodigy pianist appeared on the Dorsey Brothers Show with Elvis in March 1956. He’ll share his memories of the man the world would later know as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Also speaking will be June Juanico, who dated Elvis in 1955-1956. (Right)
The Auction at Graceland will kick-off the celebration on Thursday, January 7 in the Graceland Archives Studio. Among the 126 authenticated artifacts consigned for auction is the legendary guitar played by Elvis during the groundbreaking Aloha from Hawaii concert and at over 100 additional live performances.
Graceland’s new Hollywood VIP exhibit, “Elvis in Hollywood: From Teen Idol to Leading Man,” will open on Thursday, January 7 and continue the 60th anniversary celebration by highlighting Elvis Presley’s time on the silver screen. The exhibit will feature artifacts from Hollywood blockbusters such as “Love Me Tender” (1956), “Loving You” (1957) and “Viva Las Vegas” (1964) to tell the story of how Elvis transitioned from groundbreaking music artist to Hollywood’s highest-paid actor. Additional artifacts include wardrobe, personal scripts (featuring his own handwritten notes), rare behind-the-scenes photos, and a variety of other Elvis movie memorabilia.
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Other activities celebrating the birthday include the Memphis Symphony Orchestra with singer/musician/song writer Terry Mike Jeffrey and his band performing a Pops concert titled “Love Me Tender: The Great Elvis Love Songs” on Saturday, January 9 at the Cannon Center in Memphis.
(News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet) - CLICK HERE to EPE's full Birthday Week Schedule |
Elvis IICD still at #2 in Official UK Charts!: No wonder the second RPO overdub album is being arranged as Elvis' 'If I Can Dream' album incredible run on the UK charts continues with this week it still holding at No.2. Once again only being beaten by the new Adele album - incredibly the new Justin Beiber album just couldn't compete!
The Top 5 UK Albums + 1 for w/e 1 January 2016 are:
1. Adele - '25' (75,783)
2. Elvis - 'If I Can Dream' (70,998)
3. Justin Bieber - 'Purpose' (62,073)
4. Jess Glynne - 'I Cry When I Laugh' (36,007)
5. One Direction - 'Made In The A.M. (32,186)
57. 'Elvis' 30 No.1 Hits'.
Total Sales of IICD To Date: 880,659 units.
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Other Entries on the UK Charts for w/e 1st Jan 2016:
- 'If I Can Dream' down 7 to 12 on the Album Download Chart; still #2 on the Album Sales Chart; up 63 to 45 on the Album Steaming Chart and rises from 2 to 1 on the Physical Album Chart.
- Elvis' 30 No.1 Hits' rises from 63 to 47 on the Album Download Chart; drops from 63 to 64 on the Album Sales Chart; rises from 72 to 60 on the Album Streaming Chart and drops from 65 to 95 on the Physical Album Chart.
- 'Artist Of The Century' from 53 to 44 on the Album Streaming Chart.
- 'The Perfect Elvis Presley Collection' rises from 88 to 67 on the Album Streaming Chart.
- 'I Am An Elvis Fan' from 84 to 69 on the Album Streaming Chart.
- 'Best Of Artist Of The Century' up 82 to 72 on Album Streaming.
- 'That's The Way It Is' 89 to 76 on the Album Streaming Chart.
- 'Elvis By The Presleys' re-entry at 90 on the Album Streaming.
- '8 Classic Albums' drops 95 to 98 on the Album Streaming Chart.
- 'The King Of Rock 'n' Roll' 39 to 29 on the Music Video Chart.
- 'The Elvis Collection' 27 to 32 on the Music Video Chart.
- 'If I Can Dream' rises from 2 to 1 on the Scottish Album Chart.
- Elvis' 30 No.1 Hits' 59 up to 58 on the Scottish Album Chart.
(News, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNet) |
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'Live A Little, Love A Little' FTD Soundtrack Review: 'Live A Little, Love A Little' was Elvis’ 28th movie which at last featured somewhat more of an adult theme.
Billy Strange was the MGM session producer with new musicians from LA’s famous “Wrecking Crew” (Beach Boys, Phil Spector etc). The session was booked at Western Recorders and for the first time Elvis would be recording with a live full-size orchestra.
In a fascinating coincidence in the same month that Sony released 'If I Can Dream' with an overdubbed orchestra, FTD quietly released a genuine studio session of Elvis recording “live” with a full 40-piece orchestra! So what does the FTD CD give collectors? How does Elvis work in the studio with a full orchestra?
In 1968 Elvis was in great voice, there were four quality songs and all backed by a live orchestra. There was a genuine effort on the movie soundtrack to back a movie in which Elvis just couldn’t seem to get a smile off his face.
Go here as EIN contributor Ian Garfield examines this new release, as well as looking carefully at each of the four songs take by take to see what this CD has to offer.
(FTD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork) |
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‘If I Can Dream’ - An Irishman’s Diary about Elvis 1968: The Irish Times recently printed this gorgeous article by journalist Joe Jackson....
.. In this Irishman’s diary of 1968 on December 4th, there is the following entry. "God, how brilliant can a singer get? After twelve years as the reigning king, Elvis releases his masterpiece, If I Can Dream. It’s all about a time when there will be peace all over the world, or somewhere. I nearly passed out when I heard it for the first time tonight."
The song instantly made me decide, "1, to go out tomorrow night and collect money door-to-door for the starving children in Biafra and 2, to finally commit to my dream of becoming a journalist."
If I Can Dream also became my theme song, which it remains, and one particular couplet I’ll quote later remains my motto and I want on my tombstone.
How’s that for taking to heart a song that this year, somewhat belatedly, finally topped charts all over the world – in ’68/’69 it didn’t even make the Top Ten – as the title track on an Elvis album for which the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra provided new backings.
But let’s look at the song’s fascinating genesis and trajectory.
If I Can Dream was chosen to close what has since come to be called Elvis’s Comeback TV Special in 1968. It was written by W Earl Brown on request from Steve Binder.
On June 5th, 1968, two days after Presley attended the first meeting about the TV special – Robert Kennedy was assassinated. This disturbed Elvis as deeply as the fact that three months earlier Martin Luther King had been murdered in Memphis. Binder talked with Presley about such matters and decided the show needed a closing song that would "capture something of his unexpectedly idealistic sentiments". Maybe something along the lines of 'You’ll Never Walk Alone', a song Elvis had always loved and recently released as a single.
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Even so, the phrase "idealistic sentiments," barely scratches the surface of the true nature of Elvis Presley’s soul. Although raised in a Pentecostal religion – it gave him his life-long love of gospel music which informed all his singing and songs – by 1968, Presley was four years into his exploration of alternative theologies and ideologies, largely New Age. He loved Joseph Benner’s book, The Impersonal Life, and Paramahansa Yogananda’s Autobiography of a Yogi, and often visited the latter’s Self Realisation Centre in LA.
Put another way, Presley, so often accused of singing "the devil’s music", was, in truth, and in essence, a spiritual seeker, in a pan-denominational even post-denominational 21st-century sense. Circa 1964, he wrote on a page of David Anrias’s book, Through the Eyes of the Masters: Meditations and Portraits: "God loves you. But he loves you best when you sing."
It is not surprising that while recording If I Can Dream – against the wishes of manager Col Parker who said, "That ain’t Elvis’s kind of song" – he ended up curled foetal-style on the floor of a darkened studio wailing out its soulful lyrics.
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All of the backing singers, the Blossoms, had tears streaming down their cheeks and one, Darlene Love, said, "He really loves the song, really believes in the song, he means every word."
Why wouldn’t he? The composer had tapped into Martin Luther King’s "I Have a Dream" speech and a Robert Kennedy speech in which he quoted a speech his brother JFK gave in Leinster House. JFK said, "George Bernard Shaw, speaking as an Irishman, summed up his approach to life: Other people, he said, "see things and say, ‘Why?’ but I dream things that never were – and I say: ‘Why not."
But to me the best part of the story is the fact that Elvis added the final word in the part of the song that became my motto. Browne wrote, "As long as a man has the strength to dream/ He can redeem his soul and life" but Elvis sings "and fly".
That word change tells us all we need to know about Elvis Presley.
(Click here to the full article)
(News, Source;ITimes/ElvisInfoNet) |
Elvis’ Jewellery up for Auction at Graceland: Jewellery and watches owned by Elvis will be among items auctioned at the American singer and actor’s Graceland home early next month.
"The Auction at Graceland" on January 7 will offer a gold, diamond and rock crystal quartz ring gifted by Elvis to his friend Linda Thompson, estimated at $15,000 to $20,000 (right) . Also up for bids is a 14-karat gold necklace gifted to bodyguard Sam Thompson featuring the initials "TCB," estimated at $12,000 to $15,000.
Other lots include a gold Baume & Mercier watch gifted by Elvis to Armond Morales, a member of the band The Imperials, at the International Hotel in Las Vegas in 1969, estimated at $10,000 to $15,000 - current bid S7,000.
Plus a 1973 gold Omega TC1 digital watch with an inscription, gifted to musician and friend Charlie Hodge, estimated at $4,000 to $6,000 - shown below. |
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The most valuable item at the event, Elvis’ guitar used on stage at the 1973 Aloha from Hawaii concert, is estimated at $300,000 to $500,000. It was given to a fan in the front row at a concert in Asheville, North Carolina, in 1975. -
The current bid on the Aloha guitar is already $220,000
The sale, run by Graceland Auctions, allows bids online and in person at the mansion in Memphis, Tennessee. Select artifacts are on view until January 7 at the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum.
Click HERE to the EPE Auction website - on-line bidding started December 16.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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'Final Countdown To Midnight' NYE 1976' (review): 1976 New Year's Eve was Elvis' very last. Back in 2014 Backdraft released a deluxe 2CD/DVD set of the ultimate look at Elvis' 1976 New Year's Eve performance. It is well-worth revisiting today as there is no doubt that Elvis’ final New Year’s Eve concert was certainly his last "Great" performance of his life. The nearly COMPLETE concert video attests to the above statement. This DVD debuted newly discovered footage, some of which have been transferred in High Definition and are positively stunning! The rich, vibrant colours provide a truly novel viewing experience.
Previously available via CDs with peak-audio distortion and on DVD/VHS low quality fan-footage, Backdraft published a 106-page book plus remastered high-quality audio and incredible DVD featuring multi-camera angles.
The 106 page book also boasted many rare and unpublished photos, detailed information about the show and an eyewitness text.
Watching it again, it is so hard to believe that in only eight months Elvis would be dead. Poor Elvis - think of him tonight at midnight.
Go here and check out Elvis' last GREAT on-stage performance via this EIN review of this amazing deluxe box-set.
(CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
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US Billboard Charts: Once again Elvis' cheap 'It's Christmas Time' compilation is dominant in the US charts over 'If I Can Dream' down at 153! The US marketing section of EPE should expect a rocket!
'It's Christmas Time' drops from 54 to 61 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart for w/e 9th January, 2016; drops from 44 to 53 on the Top Albums Sales Chart; remains at 8 on the Catalog Albums Chart and drops from 7 to 8 on the Holiday Albums Chart.
'Elvis: Ultimate Christmas' rises from 110 to 107 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart; drops from 66 to 88 on the Top Albums Sales Chart; remains at 14 on the Holiday Albums Chart; drops from 9 to 14 on the Top Rock Albums Chart; drops from 10 to 16 on the Top Country Albums Chart and drops from 53 to 73 on the Top Current Albums Chart.
'The Classic Christmas Album' drops from 109 to 139 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart; drops from 15 to 23 on the Calalog Albums Chart and drops from 16 to 18 on the Holiday Albums Chart. |
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'Merry Christmas, Love Elvis' drops from 36 to 44 on the Holiday Albums Chart.
'Heart And Soul' is a new entry at 162 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart and is a re-entry at 33 on the Catalog Albums Chart.
'If I Can Dream' rises from 163 to 153 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart; drops from 81 to 94 on the Top Current Albums Chart and drops from 2 to 3 on the Classical Albums Chart.
'Blue Christmas (Single) remains at 18 on the Holiday 100 Chart; rises from 22 to 13 on the Holiday Digital Songs Chart; drops from 16 to 19 on the Holiday Airplay Chart; rises from 43 to 22 on the Country Digital Songs Chart and rises from 16 to 10 on the Country Streaming Songs Chart.
'Here Comes Santa Claus' (Right Down Santa Claus Lane) (Single) rises from 26 to 23 on the Holiday 100 Chart and rises from 9 to 7 on the Country Streaming Songs Chart.
Elvis drops from 36 to 30 on the Artist 100 Chart.
(News, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNet) |
| News from earlier this week . . . . |
Elvis New Overdub Album Confirmed: As reported first by EIN earlier this week (see news item below), the follow-up RPO overdub album has now been confirmed by 'If I Can Dream' producer Don Reedman. Despite the poor sales in the US where more marketing emphasis was placed on the new Elvis Postal Stamp and connected CD, the 'If I Can Dream' album is fast approaching a million seller world-wide and a follow-up album is a definite. Physical CD sales in the UK are already close to 800,000 copies.
Producer Don Reedman told the OEPFC that plans are underway for an Elvis Gospel album featuring the RPO for Elvis Week 2017 (really? EIN expected an earlier release) plus a "one-off" Elvis on the big screen Event with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra live UK concert.
It all sounds very interesting. EIN has already whipped up a possible album cover suggestion!
(News, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNet) |
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Elvis in Top Ten UK Xmas Presents: While the media has perhaps overly praised Adele for topping the list of Xmas gifts, in the UK it is stunning to see ELVIS still there as one of the most popular gifts under the UK's Christmas trees in 2015.
Looking at Amazon UK's Top Ten list everything else, such as Minions, Fire tablet etc is a product of 2015, (Star Wars perhaps being another notable reboot) Kitchen gadgets, board games, and electronics were also featured. However ELVIS PRESLEY - who hasn't recorded anything in the studio since 1976 - is there at Number Six! -
A stunning Christmas statistic and sensational UK marketing.
Elvis 'If I Can Dream' remains at No.2 on the UK Album Chart for w/e 25th December, 2015 with 173,000 sales.
(News, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNet)
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Elvis VS Frank Sinatra?: On Frank Sinatra's 100th Birthday earlier this month December 12, Forbes asked the question "Elvis Presley or Frank Sinatra?".
The article included..
.. When Barry Levinson launched his jewel of a film “Diner” it became the first in a trilogy about Baltimore. But the film introduced us to a bunch of guys we knew, as they all seemed a lot like us. Their endless dialogue resonated on many levels.
One key exchange between Steve Guttenberg and Mickey Rourke attempted to answer a crucial musical question of the day:
Edward ‘Eddie’ Simmons: When you’re making out, which do you prefer, Sinatra or Mathis?
Robert ‘Boogie’ Sheftell: I like Presley.
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Rourke’s answer came to mind last week when I attended the Sinatra 100 concert, which aired on CBS the other night. Actually, the question was a bit more mature: who is the more important singer, Presley or Sinatra?
Let’s explore the variables.
- Both singers were interpreters, neither wrote a significant amount of their repertoire.
- Sinatra spanned more decades as an entertainer, and was arguably more influential outside his primary musical oeuvre.
- Sinatra received kudos for his acting roles, whereas Presley was forced by his inscrutable manager Col. Parker into near cartoonish roles in a seemingly endless parade of goofy films (all of which tended to diminish Presley’s prior musical glory).
- In terms of fashion, Sinatra mirrored the best styles of the day whereas Presley initially upended the status quo with tight jeans, leather jacket and greasy hair. His look today is mainly seen among his impersonators, whereas the cool debonair look of Sinatra is emulated by suave singers like Justin Timberlake and Michael Buble.
- Both Presley and Sinatra appealed initially to a younger demographic, each the Justin Bieber of his day.
- Sinatra moved through more phases, from a big band crooner to a swinging belter of the American Songbook to elder statesman as Chairman of the Board.
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But it is the transformational role that Presley played which likely makes him the more important singer. There were other crooners throughout Sinatra’s career, and he rose above them all.
Presley, however, grabbed gospel and gutbucket R ‘n B, then mashed them into a potent blend that shocked parents in a manner that only bemused parents a decade earlier with Sinatra.
- Let’s conclude by looking at more quantitative measures to help determine who is the more important singer.
Presley sits between the Beatles and Michael Jackson with the most records ever sold (reportedly around 600 million+ units). Sinatra is further down the list, with 150 units shifted.
Record labels for both Presley and Sinatra have tried valiantly to mine the ongoing interest in the singers, with reissues, remixes and repackagings.
Both labels have undoubtedly scraped the back of the vaults.
Although we can never settle the art vs. commerce debate, there is of course the annual list of 'The Top-Earning Dead Celebrities' which Elvis has dominated for most of the past decade.
This past year the Sinatra estate did not even make the top 13 list, but he was close to making the cut.
With Michael Jackson at number one but Elvis still earning $55 million 38 years after his death perhaps Frank will also join them in 2016 after celebrating what would have been his 100th birthday.
(Go here for original lengthy article on the Forbes website)
(News, Source;Forbes/ElvisInfoNet) |
Guitar Elvis left in Asheville at EPE auction: No one knows why Elvis gave his Gibson Ebony Dove guitar to an Asheville fan in 1975, but the event lives on in the collective consciousness, frequently recounted around the anniversary of the three-day affair that brought more than 20,000 people to the Civic Center.
Now, the guitar that has languished in the security of a local bank vault for 40 years is finally leaving town. The instrument is up for auction through EPE's Graceland Auctions in Memphis. It's expected to fetch $300,000-$500,000 on Jan. 7.
Jeff Marren, consignment director, said it wasn't difficult to authenticate the guitar.
“It’s been fairly well publicized over the years. That’s what we liked about it so much," he said. "It’s been in one person’s hands the whole time, and he was handed a guitar in the middle of a show in 1975."
Elvis was notoriously generous with his fans and staff, but a guitar that he had owned for about five years was a rare gift, even from him.
“Elvis was famous for handing out scarves at his shows, sometimes even jewelry," Marren said. "In terms of guitars going into the crowd, that was a little more unusual. That only happened a couple of times over the years.”
The Gibson Ebony Dove was likely one of Elvis' favorite instruments, and it had well documented stage appearances, such as the 1973 "Aloha from Hawaii" concert. Marren thinks Elvis might have played this guitar onstage more than any other.
Who will buy the instrument? Marren said it will probably go to an Elvis enthusiast or a guitar collector. |
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Elvis' father, Vernon, chose the black guitar to commemorate his son's black belt in karate, according to the auction catalog. A Kenpo Karate Association of America decal is affixed to the body of the instrument. The organization was founded by Elvis' bodyguard and instructor, Ed Parker, according to the catalog. The catalog also tells the story of the night Elvis gifted the guitar, including the moment Elvis predicted it would come in handy someday.
Whether his prediction actually came true is unclear, but the sale of the guitar will certainly be a windfall for the Asheville fan. Marren said the auction keeps a small percentage of the sale, but it's safe to say the cosigner will receive hundreds of thousands of dollars.
“We live in the real world, and we’re talking about real money and real people’s lives," he said.
(News, Source;AshevilleTimes/ElvisInfoNet) |
Elvis' Honeymoon Hideaway Birthday Celebration: on Saturday January 9 Elvis' Honeymoon Hideaway in Palm Springs have their Annual Elvis Birthday Celebration.
The party includes ...
Chance Tinder as Elvis.
Famous Living Room Concert- 3PM- 5PM and Morning Tours.
Includes Birthday Cake and Celebrities.
Rock-A Billy Great- Glen Glenn, Chan Romero "Hippy Hippy Shake", and Larry Geller.
Special guest performance by the Palm Desert Strummers!
Special morning tours available, this day only at 10am, 11am, 12pm and 1pm
Go HERE to their website for more info
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet.com)
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| Friday 25 December 2015 - MERRY CHRISTMAS BABY! |
Everyone at EIN wishes all of our readers a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Santa Claus Is Back in Town
(Jerry Leiber/ Mike Stoller)
Well, it's Christmas time pretty baby
And the snow is falling on the ground
Well, it's Christmas time pretty baby
And the snow is falling down
Well you be a real good little girl
Santa Claus is back in town
Got no sleigh with reindeer
No sack on my back
You're gonna see me comin' in a big black caddilac
Oh, it's Christmas time pretty baby
And the snow is falling on the ground
Well you be a real good little baby
Santa Claus is back in town
Merry Christmas everybody!
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EPE Fan Club Presidents 2015 CD: Always a lovely Elvis collectable, this is the 2015 Christmas CD that EPE sends to all official Elvis fan club presidents.
This year it again features three tracks...
1. The Wonderful World of Christmas
2. Holly Leaves And Christmas Trees
3. If Everyday Was Like Christmas
With thanks to Elvis Express Radio - EIN's copy has not arrived in time for Christmas.
(News, Source;ElvisExpress/ElvisInfoNet) |
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'If I Can Dream' the First in a Series of Overdub Albums: EIN had already heard that the second RPO overdub album was being worked on and now Priscilla Presley has announced that she has plans for a series of similar albums.
In promotional interviews this week, Priscilla noted that Elvis was much more than just a rock 'n' roll star who was never taken seriously and that she doesn't want to demean his legacy with "hologram" concerts. (EIN Note- yet it is obviously OK for EPE to sell Elvis potato-head dolls?)
At the same time Priscilla commented, "I'll never forget walking out of the studio with him after he'd approved of how something should sound and told no one to touch the recording. Then we'd hear the song on the radio and he'd freak out because it had been changed and his voice was way out front."
Yet now EIN notes that as an executive producer Priscilla is doing exactly that, changing Elvis' original recordings pushing his voice out front and adding over-the-top orchestral overdubs!
She again remembered that "Elvis often talked of his desire to have full orchestras on stage with him". This, she reasons, would not have been a possibility during his lifetime since his manager Colonel Parker ruled with such an iron fist. |
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In reality, of course, Elvis did have 30-piece orchestras on stage with him and Aloha even included the Hawaii Philharmonic Orchestra! -
Sometimes Priscilla's promotional interviews make no sense!
While 'If I Can Dream' has been a MASSIVE seller in Europe (which is fine by EIN) it is also easy to be cynical.
As the Irish Times noted, "'If I Can Dream' is The King, the greatest singer of all time, reduced to having the likes of Eurovision entrants Il Volo digitally inserted alongside him. At best, you could say it's unnecessary; at worst, mawkish karaoke."
But Priscilla has an answer for the naysayers, "They don't have to listen. The music they love is still there, no one's taking that away, and this is something Elvis wanted to happen - I have proof, after living with him and hearing him talk about it."
EIN Note: This statement is ridiculous since IF Elvis had wanted to record with any Philharmonic Orchestra, RCA would have organised it immediately.
Priscilla went on, "Elvis was very frustrated as an artist. Song choices, particularly, upset him. He wanted to experiment, to be daring and be an artist, but he was a commodity to the record label. It was the same with his films. After the fourth film, he was done, but Colonel had signed a long deal and he had to carry on making them. They saw the money coming in and that was all they cared about.
If he stood up to the Colonel, he'd just mention the money Elvis was making as proof of their success and say that nothing could change. But the thing is, Elvis didn't care about money."
On these new albums we're not changing anything, we're embellishing. And we're not forcing it on anyone, the old songs exist. Here's something new to try, if you want to."
She does sometimes draw the line and as well as Priscilla who heads up the Elvis estate, there's a team of other people on the lookout for new opportunities, but also to stop things going too far.
"Elvis' image is a very precious thing to protect. For now we're concentrating on these overdub albums, and it's something I'm proud of because it allows Elvis to do what he always wanted. I would love to be able to expose Elvis as the great artist he was. He was never appreciated for what he was. And I'm still here, fighting in his corner."
EIN Note: As the world's biggest selling solo performer of all-time, recognised and praise by everyone from Bruce Springsteen to Lady Gaga and with a legacy that still pulls in $55 million per year 38 years after his death, it is bizarre to suggest that Elvis was "never appreciated for what he was."
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
| More News and EIN exclusives from earlier in December ... |
Elvis Meets Nixon: It was forty-five years ago December 21 1970, Elvis
met with President Richard Nixon. Elvis had decided that he really
wanted a badge from the federal Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs.
In a letter to Nixon Elvis wrote, "Sir, I can and will be of any service that I can to help the country out.. I would love to meet you.. I will be in Washington for as long as it takes to get the credentials of a federal agent."
The first person Elvis would tell of his visit to see Nixon was Washington girlfriend Joyce Bova. As she relates in her book 'Don't Ask Forever: My Love Affair With Elvis, when she and her sister Janice visited Elvis at the Hotel Washington he was looking very pleased with himself!
Joyce asked Elvis why exactly he was back in Washington..
... Elvis continued, “it was when I was flyin’ back here with Schilling that I got the idea to meet Nixon.” I turned to Janice and saw she was trying to muffle a laugh.
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“Elvis,” I said, trying to keep my own face straight, “what idea? What do you mean, you decided to call the President? What for? An appointment.” He was deadly serious. “I figured if I could see him today, then—”
“Today?” Janice looked from Elvis to me.
It had been years since she worked on Capitol Hill, but Janice knew as well as I did how difficult it was to get any appointment with the President of the United States, and that getting one immediately was virtually impossible.
“C’mon, Elvis,” she challenged, “you’re making this up, aren’t you? You don’t have to impress us,” she teased goodnaturedly.
“Shucks, ya can see right through me, can’t they, Sonny?” The curled-lip grin spread and became a full, cat-who-ate-the-canary smile. He stood, marched across the room, took something from a table and turned to hold it up to us.
“ ’Cept I wonder then, how I got this?” It was a badge from the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs and it certainly looked to us to be the genuine article.
“Elvis,” I said, “you actually met with the President?”
“Nixon, man,” he said, nodding and pacing at the same time. “I knew he’d want to see me. He’s a smart guy. I knew he’d be glad I wanted to help him.”
He palmed the badge and sat back down alongside me, still extremely animated, glancing at the badge as he spoke. “That sonofabitch, Finlator, man, he didn’t want to give it to me, but Nixon, man, he made him.”
GO HERE to EIN's exclusive Interview with Joyce Bova - and how to buy the newly updated book
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
FTD December Releases OUT NOW!: The two new FTD December releases, one double-set of Elvis Live in 1976 and the classic album 'Elvis Golden Records Vol.3' with plenty of unreleased outtakes - are at your dealers NOW!
- 'Elvis Golden Records Vol.3' is the new 2-CD release in FTD's classic album series. It features a 7” digipack with 12-page booklet. By the time Elvis' Golden Records Vol. 3 was released in August 1963, no one in rock ‘n’ roll up to that point, other than Elvis, had ever legitimately earned a second ‘greatest hits’ volume, much less a third. It also embodied the best commercial examples of Presley’s new post-Army maturity, as both vocalist and musician, and the songs featured on this album achieved an unparalleled level of global chart success by any artist between 1960 and 1963.
The recent 'Elvis For Everyone' FTD featured a second CD which helped "mop-up" officially previously released outtakes and it truly was one of FTD's best releases in 2014. Here FTD continues the same idea with plenty of unreleased early 60s outtakes being released for the first time such as the remaining seven outtakes of 'Fame and Fortune' or four unreleased takes of 'Kiss Me Quick'.
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- 'Elvis In Alabama: The Last Double Date' is a 2-CD 5” digpack containing both the afternoon and evening show in Huntsville on September 6, 1976. Includes America The Beautiful, Love Letters, School Day, Hurt and Blue Christmas.
The evening show was previously released on bootleg as "Elvis Still Rockin' The Nation" although Elvis was notably tired on this tour. The Afternoon show is reputed to be the better concert.
Last Double Date - Huntsville Alabama, September 6 1976
Disc 1 - The Afternoon Show. 1 See See Rider 02 I Got A Woman / Amen 03 Love Me 04 Fairytale 05 You Gave Me A Mountain 06 All Shook Up 07 Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel 08 And I Love You So 09 Jailhouse Rock 10 America The Beautiful 11 One Night 12 Polk Salad Annie 13) Introductions a) Early Mornin’ Rain b) What’d I Say c) Johnny B. Goode 14) Love Letters 15) School Day 16) Hurt 17) Hound Dog 18) Funny How Time Slips Away 19) That’s All Right 20) Can’t Help Falling In Love 21) Closing Vamp
Go here to EIN's 'FTD / SONY News 2015' for all the details .
(News, Source;FTD/ElvisInfoNet) |
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'If I Can Dream' UK Platinum Award: Elvis was apparently too busy to pick up his new Platinum Album Award for over 500,000 sales this week. Executive producer of the album Priscilla stepped in to accept the award on UK television.
The Award is actually nominated to Priscilla and not Elvis!
The plaque says, "Presented To PRISCILLA PRESLEY. To recognise sales in the United Kingdom in excess of 500,000 copies of Elvis Presley's 12th UK No. 1 album 'If I Can Dream' 2015."
This is somewhat strange as during his career Elvis never wanted Priscilla at his recording sessions and her dislike of his co-composed song "You'll Be Gone" caused Elvis to have a fit. As noted in the book 'Elvis By The Presleys' after the incident "Elvis never tried to write a song again". If true, then the blame for Elvis no longer trying to explore his creative song-writing side of his talent must be taken by Priscilla. And now she's picking up his album producer's prize! What would Elvis think?
EIN does of course acknowledge the GREAT JOB Priscilla did in marketing this album and getting it to Number One.
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'That’s The Way It Is – Studio and Stage Rehearsals' Import box-set: After the announcement below for the 'TTWII rehearsals box-set' the revamped International label has announced another similar up-coming project!
From the Press release ... This 8-CD + dual layer DVD plus Book will contain everything from these rehearsals. Finally, you are getting these rehearsals uncut, straight from actual tapes, which have not been used before in full. All rehearsals including the August 4th, 7th and 10th rehearsals are now presented more complete than before. The dual layer DVD contains all rehearsal footage shot, including new footage. Count on at least 20 minutes of footage that will surprise even hardcore fans!
You deserve the best, and International’s version is the definitive version and the final word on these rehearsals. The box set includes a 250+ page book stuffed with both known as well as many rare shots, many of them in color, including a few from August 10th that will knock your socks off!! … 300 photos in all, many of them sourced from the actual negatives.
The book contains an in-depth text on these rehearsals, written with authority by one of the leading Elvis experts. The text will give you various new details and insights. Also added are several reproductions of original TTWII souvenirs. The set is housed in a beautiful slipcase cover.
This project has been two years in the making and all the audio and footage have been newly remastered using the latest technology… a real audio / visual treat, made by real fans for the fans. For now, enjoy this spectacular new set, lovingly researched and compiled from the actual sources, containing more material than before, and remastered with expertise for the best sound possible… a true winner.
Coming January / February 2016.
EIN Note - This project has nothing to do with the INTERNATIONAL label that released the marvellous 'TTWII The Complete works" back in 2009. -
With two unknown labels offering similar product we suggest checking genuine reviews before ordering.
(News, Source;ElvisNews/ElvisInfoNet)
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'Elvis: Our Brother' New Stanley's Book: Recently announced, a new book by the three Stanley brothers coming out in 2016. The publicity notes, "Stepbrothers to Elvis Presley Billy, Ricky and David Stanley share the inside untold story of growing up in rock & rolls first family."
To be published August 16, 2016.
Of course all three Stanley brothers have already published their own individual books.
'Elvis, My Brother' by Billy Stanley
'Life With Elvis' by David Stanley
'Caught in a Trap: Elvis Presley's Tragic Lifelong Search for Love' by Billy Stanley
Plus the disturbing 'Elvis, We Love You Tender' written with their mother Dee Stanley.
EIN wonders what more can they tell in a new, combined book?
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
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| "Baby, Let's Play House": Recorded at Sun Studios in February 1955, Presley’s historic rendition of "Baby, Let's Play House" reveals the comprehensive love for – and knowledge of – the blues. Compared to the Arthur Gunter original Elvis’s version is much more emphatic, playful, exuberant, tougher and scornful. The interplay between Bill Black’s thunderous bass-slapping, Elvis’s audacious, experimental vocal – he makes use of every trick in his rapidly expanding vocal repertoire – and Scotty Moore’s snarling rhythm guitar creates something that transcends such labels as country and blues.
“You may have a pink Cadillac but don’t you be nobody’s fool.” But who is Elvis singing to here?
In this EIN Spotlight respected author Paul Simpson takes a fascinating look at this Sun Studios Elvis classic..
(Spotlight, Source;PaulSimpson/ElvisInformationNetwork) |
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"That's The Way It Is: The Rehearsals" New Import: From an unknown label the publicity notes, This deluxe 8 CD set features the 'That's The Way It Is' rehearsals. The rehearsals that lead to the legendary shows at the International Hotel in Las Vegas during the summer of 1970 and resulted in the documentary film well known by any Elvis fan. Both the studio & stage rehearsals are powerful and full of fun. He looked great, He sounded great and he was committed to make the upcoming shows a mind blowing success. The rehearsals are presented in the best possible audio quality, and remastered where necessary. With as a highlight the August 10 stage rehearsal remastered "from scratch" and unedited as they were available on the original tapes. This is a very limited release only...... Get it while you can and get back to the summer of 1970.
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July 14, 1970 (MGM Studios , Culver City, Los Angeles, California)
July 15, 1970 (part 1) (MGM Studios, Culver City, Los Angeles, California)
July 15, 1970 (part 2) (MGM Studios, Culver City, Los Angeles, California)
July 24, 1970 (part 1) (RCA Studios Hollywood, California)
July 24, 1970 (part 2) (RCA Studios Hollywood, California)
July 29, 1970 (MGM Studios, Culver City, Los Angeles, California)
August 4, 1970 (International Hotel, Convention Centre, Las Vegas, Nevada)
August 7, 1970 (International Hotel, Convention Centre, Las Vegas, Nevada)
August 10 (International Hotel, Convention Centre, Las Vegas, Nevada)
EIN Note: There seems to be nothing new here - these have all been out on previous bootlegs such as 'The Brightest Star', 'Hang Loose' and 'Plugged In and Geared Up' - BUT it is a clever idea to collect them all together in a box set.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
'The Elvis Files Vol. 7 1974-1975' "OUT NOW": The long wait for the publication of 'Elvis Files Volume 7' is at last over. The book is back from the printers and will be posted out in the next few days. Erik Lorentzen assures EIN that "Fans will be very impressed with all the great photos. I was fortunate to attend several of the shows featured in the book, and working on them brought back a lot of great memories."
The seventh volume of the Elvis Files story chronicles Elvis' years on tour through the USA, the Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe seasons..
All ELVIS EVENTS in this Time Frame 1974-1975 are shown
- Every Working Moment...
- The Mid-Seventies Tours
- The Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe Seasons
- Plenty of CANDID Moments
- The Recording Sessions
- Previously Unpublished Photos.
The cover photo is taken by our friend Keith Alverson.
Go HERE for 'Elvis Files Vol 7' PREVIEW & to PURCHASE |
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George Harrison Discusses Meeting Elvis: Following on from our ASK Marty Lacker post yesterday we were reminded that The Beatles’ George Harrison (RIP) once discussed meeting Elvis for a second time backstage at Madison Square Garden.
Harrison noted, “Elvis had those squawking girl singers and trumpets and stuff. But he had a great rhythm section with James Burton. I wanted to say to him to just get your jeans on and get your guitar and do ‘That’s All Right’ and bugger all that other crap.
Afterwards I went backstage to meet him and I was sitting there and talking to the guys again and he was nowhere to be seen.
Then finally Elvis came round the corner and he had that big white outfit on with all the gold things and big belt buckle, all his hair was black and he was tanned. I thought I was meeting Vishnu or Krishna or somebody. I felt like a little snotty nobody.. .
He was great when he was great.”
Go here to see The Beatles discussing Elvis here on YouTube.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet/PatOdonnell) |
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| “Friday Night at Madison Square Garden, Elvis was like a special champion. He stood there at the end, his arms stretched out, the great gold cloak giving him wings, a champion, the only one in his class." The New York Times, June 1972 - Go HERE for EIN’s special on Elvis at Madison Square Garden. |
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ASK Marty: Today Marty Lacker answers your questions about....
Would Elvis have done more upbeat rock material if not for his commitment to Hill & Range.
What about the racquetball law suit brought against Elvis by Joe Esposito.
Why did Elvis not get nominated for Grammys for From Elvis in Memphis or TTWII.
Did any of the Beatles ever meet with Elvis again after 1965.
Who were your 'Best Buddies' in the Memphis Mafia
What did Elvis think of Dolores Hart.
Go here to 'ASK MARTY' for his answers plus how to send in your questions.
(Ask Marty, Source;ML/ElvisInfoNet)
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UPDATED 'If I Can Dream' Elvis with the RPO - In-depth CD Review: It is forty years since Elvis Presley entered a recording studio and he seems very reluctant to record anything new. So in terms of releasing a "new" album of Elvis material the topic has always been a tricky one. Now in 2015 as the publicity notes "Elvis Is Back - with a Brand New Album" for the cleverly re-imagined "Elvis with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra" in the highly marketed ‘If I Can Dream’. In the UK and Australia it has made Number One in the album charts, an incredible achievement.
There is no doubt that the marketing has been very impressive - but do Elvis fans have to love everything about it?
EIN checks the facts and three Elvis fans of varying familiarity all provide their own opinions.
Both EIN's Piers Beagley and Bryan Gruszka take a very detailed listen to this new chart-topping release to discover what's good and bad... Go here for our 5,000 word review - Do you agree? Send us your Comments.
(CD Review, Source, Elvis Information Network) |
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‘The Elvis Files Magazine #14': Meanwhile hard-working Erik Lorentzen is already putting together the December 2015 issue of the ‘The Elvis Files Magazine Issue #14’.
This volume features a special article written by Gordon Minto "The Comeback Kid" which includes some stunning photos of Elvis in Las Vegas 1969.
Also includes...
- Elvis' Amazing Adventures in Hollywood
- Elvis Live in Vegas January 1973
Annual Subscription 4 issues - send € 58 by PayPal to: sales@elvisfiles.no
Go here to EIN reviews for a look at what you get in The Elvis Files Magazines
(News, Source;EL/ElvisInfoNet)
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'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.
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- 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) |
| 'A Touch Of Gold Lamé' Book Review: The new book from the Elvis Files Erik Lorentzen is an in-depth look at Elvis' fabulous tours of 1957 over 420 pages.
EIN has never seen so many glorious photographs of Elvis on tour in 1957 with so many photographs we have previously not seen in such stunning quality and as glorious full-page images.
The wealth of material in this book is stunning. His single day Ottawa appearance with the first fabulous article “The Pelvis Arrives” and continue over forty-two pages of articles and stunning images. There are 10 articles alone from Ottawa’s various newspapers and two interviews with Elvis. And yet he was there for only one day!
.. "Glittering in an unborn calf skin suit, which was completely covered with 24-karat gold cloth, and 24-karat gold shoes, Elvis seemed to be somewhat groggy as he greeted the record crowd. Assuming his provocative stance, he tilted the microphone, embraced it and began rotating his pelvis....
It is incredible, only twenty-eight Elvis concerts over 400 plus pages and not a jumpsuit in sight!
Go here as EIN's Piers Beagley checks out this sensational new book about the crucial tours of 1957 that would help cement Elvis' incredible legacy as he headed towards his possible career-changing term in the US Army....
(Book Reviews, Source;ElvisInfoNetwork)
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'Elvis: Today' in-depth Legacy Review: On March 10th 1975 Elvis returned to RCA Studio C, LA to record his last significant album. Recorded over three nights, the album featured Elvis covering other songwriter's material. Interestingly with no other recordings left in the RCA vault every single track from the session was released on the one album - and what a fine album it was.
Kicking off with the rocking power of T-R-O-U-B-L-E the album also included some country, gospel, sentimental ballads while also featuring some of Elvis’ personal favourites. Unlike all of his albums since ‘Elvis Country’ this album had a nice overall cohesiveness that probably did reflect Elvis’ musical interests of the time. In 1975 it really was “Elvis Today”.
Now out as a 40th Anniversary legacy release and combined with a wonderfully enjoyable June 1975 concert can it really be worth buying again?
Luckily for Elvis collectors both the live concert and the 'Original Session Mixes' show a vast improvement in audio quality.
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EIN Joyce Bova Interview: Joyce Bova worked in Washington DC and had a fascinating relationship with Elvis that lasted between 1969 and 1972. The story of which she wrote about in her 1994 book, 'Don't Ask Forever: My Love Affair With Elvis' has recently been re-published as an updated E-Book.
Bova was a Capitol Hill staffer on the House Armed Services Committee when she first met Elvis in 1969 in Las Vegas during her vacation.
'Don't Ask Forever' is the intimate true story of two star-crossed lovers-and a revealing portrait of an Elvis Presley that also looked at the crazy day-to-day world rarely featured in other Elvis books.
As the book publicity stated, "It started out like a fairy tale. She was a beautiful, hardworking Congressional aide. He was America's most explosive entertainer. They met one night in Las Vegas in 1969 - a night that changed Joyce's life forever".
Go here as EIN's Piers Beagley recently caught up with Joyce Bova to talk about her incredible times with Elvis and to learn more about the new revised and update Ebook publication.
(Interview, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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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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Now available from Amazon USA:
EIN's Rare Elvis Facebook page Now with 17,500 members! - including several of Elvis' own friends and colleagues
So Elvis fans don't miss out on these rare and exciting photographs - from EIN's V-P Sanja Meegin.
Now with over thousands of great photos, News and with more added every day – including YouTube footage.
Click here to access our Facebook - Elvis Information Network group.
You need to be a Facebook Member. |
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FTD "What now, What next, What If? PART TWO ": The FTD label has been doing an excellent job at looking at the recording anthology of Elvis Presley and releasing every significant LP or recording session on a 1CD or 2CD ‘Classic Album’ version.
However, as noted with the recent "ELVIS" second LP release and the Christmas album, there are less and less outtakes and studio sessions left in the vaults.
With our new article “What now, What next, What If?” EIN contributor Ian Garfield examines exactly how FTD might present their future 'Classic Album' releases.
This second article covers the possible releases Speedway; Live a Little, Love a Little; Charro, The Trouble with Girls and Change of Habit.
Go here as EIN also wants YOUR input and ideas - and we will send the final suggestions to Roger and Ernst at FTD.
(Spotlight, Source;IanGarfield/ElvisInfoNet) |
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UPDATED Reviews - 'Ultimate Elvis' Book Review: 'Ultimate Elvis – The Complete And Definitive Recording Sessions' is a this three-volume, deluxe set that not only comprises all the session information available to date, based on Keith Flynn's incomparable website and includes comprehensive notes on each session, discographies, letters, original sheet music covers plus huge index all included in its 1,800 pages.
The book includes around 3,000 stunning high-quality photographs many of them previously unseen, relating to the time period in question.
The promotional publicity for this three-volume set was very impressive with the original publishing date of August 2014 missed as more photographs were discovered and the content expanded. Finally published in December 2014, Elvis enthusiast Brian Quinn checks out this astounding deluxe package to discover if it is as good as promised.
Go HERE - Now updated with a new 2,000 word in-depth new review from super-fan Neil Colombari- -
(Book Reviews, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNet) |
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The Two Best Books in 2014 that add Appreciably to our Knowledge & Understanding of Elvis: |
The Two Best Elvis Related Memoirs of 2014: |
The Four Best Elvis Photo-Journal Book Releases of 2014: |
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Indepth Review soon |
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Indepth Review soon |
Note: Not all these releases are not available from online or regular bookstores (to obtain enquire with your regular Elvis supplier) |
More great Elvis deals on Amazon
'Young Man With The Big Beat' Cheap Box set: Re-released for 2014 in a Limited Edition cheap slim-line box-set is Elvis' 'Young Man With The Big Beat'.
A great opportunity for those that missed it in
Go HERE for EIN's detailed YMWTBB review
UK price - only £19.99 = Euro25 = US$33 with FREE Delivery in the UK.
Click to Order now special deal >> . . Young Man With The Big Beat
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(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
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The Elvis Information Network has been running since 1986 and is an EPE officially recognised Elvis fan club.
EIN also has a local Australian national Elvis Fan Club for paid up members featuring quarterly newsletters and an annual EIN Elvis Mega Quiz with special prizes.
The printed newsletters have extra content, articles and reviews to this website along with the popular Elvis EIN Mega Quiz.
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