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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:
| Wednesday 29 January 2020 |
January 28th 1956 Elvis' first TV appearance: Elvis Presley’s first national TV appearance was on the January 28th 1956 edition of Stage Show (CBS, 1954-1956), hosted by big band leaders Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey. DJ Bill Randle introduced Elvis, at the time comparing him to Johnnie Ray, "We'd like at this time to introduce to you a young fellow who, like many performers, Johnnie Ray among them, came out of nowhere to be an overnight big star... We think tonight that he's going to make television history. We'd like you to meet him now Elvis Presley".
Elvis dressed in black shirt and cool patterned jacket kicking off his TV career with 'Shake, Rattle and Roll / Flip, Flop & Fly'.
Rather strangely, Elvis didn’t perform Heartbreak Hotel, his first RCA single, until his third appearance on the series. By this point, he appeared to be causing little controversy beyond a few raised eyebrows. The trade journal Motion Picture Daily referred to him in advance of his fourth appearance as ‘an abandoned performer who plays and sings in a manner that Marlon Brando should, and doesn’t’ – no doubt a dig at Brando’s vocalising in the previous year’s film Guys and Dolls. What is interesting (and largely forgotten) is that viewing figures for Stage Show did not significantly increase during Elvis’s six appearances.
See our spotlight - Presley In the Press 1956.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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Elvis' Pink Cadillac at Charlotte Speedway Autofair: Elvis' pink-and-white 1955 Cadillac, the car most associated with “The King” and the birth of rock 'n' roll music, will roll into Charlotte Motor Speedway as the centerpiece attraction for the April 2-5 Pennzoil AutoFair.
Other than a trip to London in 2015, the iconic Fleetwood sedan - recognized as one of the most famous American-made cars - has not been displayed outside of Memphis since Graceland opened for tours in 1982.
Charlotte Motor Speedway, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, was no stranger to Presley during his remarkable career. Alongside Nancy Sinatra, Presley starred in the 1968 movie "Speedway," which was filmed at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
"We are thrilled to join in celebrating the Charlotte Motor Speedway's 60th |
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anniversary" stated Jack Soden, CEO of EPE, "No doubt that Elvis would be delighted to support the celebration."
As a struggling, 19-year-old singer Presley and his band began traveling from one performance to another by car. To make the hectic, grinding schedule work, band members often slept in the car between gigs when they weren't taking a turn at the wheel. Band cars had to be large, comfortable, fast, and stylish, which narrowed the field in the mid-1950s to the powerful V-8 engine Lincolns and Cadillacs.
Elvis' Cadillac Fleetwood came equipped with a 250hp V-8 and HydraMatic automatic transmission. Presley's four-door was loaded with optional air conditioning, dual-speaker radio, a pair of spotlights, and Cadillac's high-tech Autronic-Eye sensor, which automatically dimmed the car's headlights when it detected oncoming traffic. The Fleetwood could be ordered in one of 200 color combinations; Presley's car was blue with a black roof when he bought it. He had the body repainted pink so the sedan would match the pink-and-black color scheme Presley had popularized with his suits.
On Sept. 2, when the car was less than two months old, the Caddy was in an accident while the band was performing in Texas. Presley had the Cadillac repaired and repainted in the now-familiar pink and white color scheme. He gave it to his mother Gladys, who had no driving license.
(News, Source;CharlotteSW/ElvisInfoNet) |
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Joel Goldenberg - Elvis Presley's "worthless" albums: In the days when I took the reviews in Rolling Stone magazine and the various editions of the Rolling Stone Record (later Album) Guide seriously, I was conditioned to hate two albums — the Elvis Aaron Presley 8-LP box set and the rather unique album Having Fun With Elvis On Stage (see image below). The latter album was also judged to be the #1 worst LP in the book The Worst Rock ‘n’ Roll Records of All Time by Jimmy Guterman and Owen O’Donnell. The book was kind of tongue in cheek as some of the albums they reviewed had little or no relation to rock and roll.
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Having Fun With Elvis On Stage shouldn't really have been included either — the only rock link is that Elvis Presley is the listed artist. But the album — first conceived by manager Colonel Tom Parker and sold at concerts on his Boxcar label, and then mass produced by RCA Victor — was to capture Elvis as ... a stand-up comedian.
Okay, not really. Actually, what the album featured was between-song patter by Elvis — some of which was a little bizarre ("Hello, I'm the NBC Peacock") and some of which was funny. Also, nobody with eyes could have been fooled by what the album was — in very clear writing on the front cover, it says "A Talking Album Only."
I kind of enjoy the album — Elvis had a great rapport with his audience, and frequently commented humourously on the rapture in the crowd — including the many flashbulbs going off, the frequent requests for Elvis to turn around, and his imitations of women screaming. On the other hand, there's a bit too much of Elvis "singing", "well, well, well, well..."
As the FTD series of Elvis concert soundboard recordings demonstrate, the singer did this schtick as a lead in to his standard second song/medley of his 1972-77 concerts, I Got A Woman / Amen.
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Really, only hardcore fans need an in-between song comments album, but it's telling that streaming services now offer Having Fun With Elvis On Stage volumes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
In a way, the Having Fun album is a preview of the excellent FTD series of soundboard concerts, as it indicated that these recordings existed in the first place.
A more extensive preview of the FTD series of unreleased studio and live recordings was the 1980 Elvis Aron Presley box, which garnered even more hostile reviews than Having Fun.
In part, I can understand the bad reviews, due to the context of the release, and the presentation. At the time, RCA was releasing all kinds of exploitative albums in the wake of Elvis's 1977 passing — those focused on songs kids would like, a religious recording compilation, an albums with songs linked to Canada and two albums of released recordings with strings and background singers stripped away, amongst others.
But much of what is here was a revelation:
Elvis' excellent 1956 concert from Las Vegas in quite clear sound. A 1962 thoughtful monologue by Elvis, very revealing.
The 1961 benefit concert at Pearl Harbor in Hawai, simply, in my opinion, Elvis's best concert for which a recording exists. (Did the Rolling Stone reviewers not hear this disc?).
Plus Movie soundtrack outtakes, previously unreleased rehearsals and performances from the early (1969-72) Las Vegas concerts, Elvis at the Piano: A wonderful group of songs, some of Elvis's most intimate performances and an Elvis concert from 1975. This could be called the first FTD soundboard release before the specialty label was even created.
- This album is yet another reason not to trust elitist music critics, especially when I suspect they didn't really listen closely to the albums they were (Article, Source: Jeff Goldenberg, The Suburban) |
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One of 2020's best Elvis books coming in March: The latest book, Elvis: Roots, Image, Comeback, Phenomenon by acclaimed Elvis author and academic, Dr. Mark Duffett, will be published at the end of March 2020.
The book cover is yet to be released. Interested readers can pre-order the book via the links opposite.
The promotional information states: Elvis Presley remains the single most important figure in twentieth century popular music. To many commentators, however, he has simply embodied the benefits and problems of uncritically embracing capitalism. By 2005 the 'Memphis Flash' sold over a billion records worldwide, yet his cultural significance cannot be measured by these extraordinary sales figures alone. He cannot quite be reduced to a placeholder for the contradictions of commerce. |
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| As the most prominent performer of the rock'n'roll era, then as a charismatic global superstar, Elvis fundamentally challenged the established relationship between White and Black culture, drew attention to the social needs of women and young people, and promoted the value of Southern creativity. He functioned as a bridge figure between folk roots and high modernity, and in the process became a controversial symbol of American unity.
Mark Duffett's new book interprets the image and music of Elvis Presley to reveal how they have evolved to construct a particularly appealing and powerful myth. Following broad contours of Presley's rollercoaster career, the book uses a range of analytical frames to challenge established perspectives on an icon. Its shows that the controversy around Elvis has effectively tested how far a concern for social equality could be articulated through the marketplace, and ultimately challenged how popular music itself should be assessed. (News, Source: EIN)
Read EIN's 2018 interview with Mark Duffett
Read EIN's review of the author's previous Elvis book, Counting Down Elvis His Finest 100 Songs |
| Tom Hanks' low-key arrival in Australia to film Elvis biopic: Hollywood icon Tom Hanks is set to star in the upcoming Elvis Presley biopic directed by Baz Luhrmann. And the two-time Oscar winner cut a casual figure on Sunday as he touched down at Gold Coast Airport. Despite his long flight from the U.S., the 63-year-old appeared to be in a good mood as he arrived in Australia. Tom was seen chatting to ground staff, who escorted him through the terminal and into a waiting vehicle outside.
The biopic will document Elvis Presley's rise to fame against the backdrop of a changing cultural landscape in the 1950s and '60s. Austin Butler plays Elvis, while Olivia DeJonge has been cast as the rock and roll singer's wife, Priscilla Presley. The film is scheduled to be released in October 2021.
Tom plays Elvis' late manager, Colonel Tom Parker, and has already earned the tick of approval from Parker's widow, Loanne. Loanne said: 'If Tom Hanks takes on a role, he makes it a good fit. He will be a good fit for Colonel, I have trust in his abilities. Every story has a hero and a villain, and the past stories that made Elvis a hero and that leaves only the Colonel to be a villain and both of them were heroes in their own right.' (News, Source:Daily Mail Australia) |
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Valuable Irish Elvis collection finds a buyer: SUPERFAN Harry Crosbie has stepped in to save a priceless Elvis collection, after the King appeared to him in a dream. The property developer is to buy items from pensioner Maurice Colgan’s Elvis Presley Story Museum, which he has built up over decades and even includes handwritten notes from the rock ‘n’ roll legend.
It had become Now or Never for the 78-year old, who feared the huge collection of Presley memorabilia would be lost after his death. Maurice told us: “It was costing me a fortune to run right now and I simply don’t have the funding or way of keeping it going on my pension. I wasn’t going to charge people to come and see it.” However after calling to Maurice’s home in Swords, north Dublin to see the vast collection, the Irish Sun contacted developer and life-long Elvis fan Crosbie. And the Point Depot supremo said he would be willing to buy the bulk of the collection to put on display at his new venue Vicar Street South, which is soon set to open its doors in Gorey, Co Wexford. |
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It was in 1999 that Maurice and his late wife Maureen followed up their visit to Graceland with a trip to Elvis’ birthplace Tupelo, Mississippi.
He said: “We were surprised it was such a tiny house but in these beautiful woodlands.
“What surprised me about Tupelo most was there was no statue of Elvis anywhere in the town of his birth. So when I got home, I wrote to the mayor of Tupelo, Larry K Otis, and suggested they erect a statue of Elvis as a young boy. He agreed and a year to the day, on what would have been Elvis 67th birthday, they were putting one up, which was carved by Michail van der Sonnen of North Carolina. We were invited to the unveiling and given a framed resolution from the city of Tupelo thanking us for the idea.”
Maurice has a replica of the statue at his home in Swords, along with other memorabilia including letters from Elvis’ movie co-stars, photographs, original records and rare books. The majority of the collection he bought from markets or from contacting former co-stars and associates of Elvis by letter or on the internet.
And Maurice said: “I get fans visiting me in Swords from all around the world to see my collection and I’ll be encouraging them, when it moves to go down to Harry’s new venue in Gorey, to go see it there as well as checking out the live bands.”
(News, Source: Ken Seeeney, thesun.ie/ElvisInfoNet) |
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NOW UPDATED - 'ELVIS In The 2010s' A Personal Review of the Past Decade: Rather like Elvis’s own career, each decade since Elvis’s death appears to have had a theme or identity of its own. Clearly the late 1970s were difficult for RCA as they struggled to find the right direction with which to take their posthumous releases, and so it was the 1980s that was the decade when the company slowly but surely learned how to look back at Elvis's legacy and start to make some sense of it.
The 1990s were when that reached a peak, with the decades boxed sets, and the Elvis in the 90s series, thus bringing virtually the whole catalogue back into print in a coherent way.
The 2000s were when errors of judgement at retail level started to occur (despite huge successes like Elv1s), but also when FTD came into its own and flourished.
And so what will we make of Elvis releases of the 2010s when we look back on them from the future?
Go here for EIN contributor Shane Brown's personal take on the highs and lows of Elvis product that has come our way over the last decade....
(Spotlight, Source;ShaneBrown/ElvisInformationNetwork) |
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Priscilla talks about Elvis watching the Comeback Special: Speaking at Elvis' 85th birthday celebrations this month, Priscilla Presley spoke of watching the 1968 special with The King live that Winter.
Priscilla, now 74, recalled: "I was sitting with him in our living room and we were watching the show.
It was Sonny West, myself and Charlie Hodge with Elvis.
And it was so intense...you couldn't hear a pin drop.
Elvis was literally stuck to that TV and we didn't say anything.
He watched the whole entire thing with such intensity, I could feel his nervousness watching it that night.
He didn't say a word. Nothing, until after it was over. I could see him a little bit perspiring.
And all of a sudden the phone started ringing and it was all like magic.
They were all saying, 'Oh my god, Elvis was really great...what a night!'
When it came out in the papers it told all the ratings of how well the show did and it was like a big sigh of relief for him.
But, y'know he was nervous."
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You can tell by the tension backstage that Elvis felt... we picked up on it. "He was nervous. You never approached him before a show.
He was in his dressing room by himself, because he had to psych himself out.
And people were wondering, 'oh my god, why would he be nervous?' Because you get nervous."
Elvis' ex-wife added: "He always said, 'you get a different crowd', you never know, you get people drinking - this is Vegas.
"He said: 'Every show's different. You start seeing somebody yawning or looking at their watch, you'd better do a better job'
"He was this way before every show. Always in quietness. He'd think about what he was going to do.
And whether it was Vegas or on the road or wherever, that's how he'd psych himself up."
(News, Source;UkExpress/ElvisInfoNet)
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MRS 'Elvis:Back In Living Stereo' in-depth Review: The new MRS set contains 6CDs of essential 1960-1962 master recordings, plus rare alternate outtakes - including plenty of officially unreleased material - and all of the personal home recordings Elvis made during the 1960s.
The 100 page book, with text from Gordon Minto, includes rare unpublished documents and photographs, supported by a comprehensive text discussing each of Elvis’ RCA studio (non-film) recording sessions held during 1960-62.
Musically the packed cds - over seven hours - present a stunning look at Elvis recording in the early sixties before the shine wore off. The "Master" sessions nicely contrast with the looser "Outtakes" discs and with Elvis getting even more uninhibited on the Home Recordings. - Very unihibited with a certain Nancy Sharpe!
But with so much thrown into the mix, and some tracks in poor audio quality, have MRS packed "Too Much" into the one release.
Go here as EIN's Nigel Patterson & Piers Beagley check out the positives and negatives in their in-depth review.
(Book Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
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"Elvis Reborn" New CD:Out now a stunning rework of Elvis' mono classics into impressive STEREO.
.. Hear 30 classic Elvis songs like you've never heard them before... in STEREO!
Through a new, cutting-edge digital audio process called DES (Digitally Extracted Stereo), it is now possible to create new, authentic-sounding stereo mixes from original mono recordings.
Since instruments and vocals typically occupy fairly narrow frequency ranges, DES is able to isolate guitars, drums, piano, bass, singers, etc. and extract them into separate tracks that can be remixed just like multi-track stereo recordings. This breakthrough technology allows fans to experience their
favorite mono songs in a more lifelike way than ever before!
These are NOT "overdubs". No new instrumentation has been added. All of the sounds you hear are the original musicians backing Elvis, but with a clarity that exposes for the first time sounds you never heard before!
This exciting, trend-setting CD is as close as you will come to actually being present in the studio when these songs were recorded in the glory days of rock 'n' roll.
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| Wednesday 22 January 2020 |
Elvis Presley, Selena Gomez and Ed Sheeran, UK Album Chart Milestones: Forbes reports that the latest edition of the UK album charts isn't completely devoid of popular studio efforts reaching special milestones and reaching new high points, but being post Christmas it's not the most exciting either
However that isn't to say that there are no stories worth telling!
Three titles hit milestones on this week's UK albums chart.
'Elvis Presley - The 50 Greatest Hits' at #95.
Elvis has never dwindled in popularity in the UK and fans of the rock and roll pioneer continue to consume his most beloved songs, even decades after his passing. Somewhat coincidentally, the musician and songwriter's compilation 'The 50 Greatest Hits' has now spent 50 weeks on the chart.
The set returns this time around at No. 95 and will surely return to the UK's Top 100 again at a later date.
- Ed Sheeran - ÷ (Divide) #17
One of the most successful artists of all time Ed Sheeran's albums seem to never stop selling. This title has now been on the UK chart for 150 weeks.
- Selena Gomez - Rare #2
Before this week Selena Gomez had never broken into the UK albums top 10. Now she is so close to #1 she must be thrilled.
(News, Source;Forbes/ElvisInfoNet) |
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Elvis Files Magazine December 2019 Issue: Elvis Files Magazine # 29 is out now, the December 2019 issue. Presumably a little late due to Erik Lorentzen's massive "Elvis Summer Festival" book trilogy.
Featured articles include
- Making of Love Me Tender
- Elvis 1955 in Austin Texas
- The June 1958 Nashville Studio B sessions
Subscriptions (4 issues) Send € 58 by PayPal for your subscription to: sales@elvisfiles.no
If you want to order only issue #28, send € 15 by PayPal to: sales@elvisfiles.no
(News, Source;EL/ElvisInfoNet) |
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| Clarifying the Viva Las Vegas quality control issue noted below. It is the track timing that is incorrect. If you want to hear 'I Need Somebody To Lean On' on CD1 and skip to track 4 you will find the song starts 15 seconds in, mid through the first line. The first 15 seconds is actually at the end of Track 3 'If you think I don’t need you'. Of course if you play the CD all the way through you will not notice. However your CD player will show that 'I Need Somebody To Lean On' runs 2.45 when the song actually runs 3 minutes. |
'Hometown Memphis' Import Box-set: Coming out soon is a limited numbered of 300 copies, 6 CD boxset that feature the Memphis shows.
- March 16, 1974 Afternoon Show
(Previously on Bootleg 'Hello Memphis')
- March 17, 1974 Evening show
(Previously on FTD 'Hometown Shows')
- March 20, 1974
(Previously on 'Elvis Recorded Live On Stage In Memphis')
- June 10, 1975
(Previously on FTD 'Hometown Shows' & others)
- July 5, 1976
(Previously on Bootleg 'Goodbye Memphis')
- Rehearsals at Sam Thompson house, Nov 3 & 4 1973.
(Previously on FTD 'Made In Memphis' & others)
EIN notes that it is hard to believe that Elvis collectors would still need to buy this Memphis set with everything previously released. (Nice cover though!)
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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Another 'quality control' issue identified with an FTD release: On 18 January we led with a news item about a replacement disc relating to the recent Elvis Is Back FTD release. Unfortunately, another audio issue, this time involving a different FTD release, has been identified.
Many thanks to Jeff Owen for advising EIN of the following issue with The Making of Viva Las Vegas book and triple CD set:
Hi, I see your article on 'Elvis Is Back Sessions' cd 2 defect. Please notify that the new Viva Las Vegas book/cd set also has a defect. On disc 1, Track 3 timing bleeds into track 4. 'If you think I don’t need you' includes 15 seconds of 'I Need Somebody To Lean On'. Which means track 4 begins 15 seconds into 'I Need Somebody To Lean On'. Is there any excuse for these errors on something so expensive. Please help get the word out that we also need replacement for this as well.
There does not appear to have been any advice issued yet by FTD about this issue. Affected buyers should contact their supplier if the defect is apparent in their set.
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EIN notes that the 'Elvis Is Back Sessions' digital glitch was a manufacturing fault, so the pressing plant would have to resupply the faulty discs for free. This new issue with 'Viva Las Vegas' would be a mistake with authorising (creating) the CD - not manufacture - so FTD would have to pay for a new corrected disc. This is far more unlikely to happen due to the extra expense.
(News, Source;JeffOwen/ElvisInfoNet)
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'Elvis in Arkansas' (Joe Walker) new book release - mini review: Elvis in Arkansas was published in December and will be of particular interest to serious students of the Elvis story. The listing for the book in Elvis in Print: The Definitive Reference and Price Guide, includes:
Well researched, written and designed account of the importance of the state of Arkansas in the Elvis story. Much of the information will be new to many readers and there are many interesting stories. They include the gymnasium floor that collapsed while Elvis was performing, Elvis being thrown out of an Arkansas club by a catholic priest for signing a girl’s thigh, and a first-hand account of the scary time the pink and white Cadillac Elvis and entourage were driving was destroyed by fire. Two appendices offer a Discology (1954 to 1956) and maps of places Elvis visited while in Arkansas (these are a neat idea but are let down by a lack of visual clarity). The numerous, but rather dark photos, include many rare images/archival material.
(Source: EIN)
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| Government bureaucracy and Elvis license plates: Almost everyone has a horror story about the frustrations of government bureaucracy. James Mensinger, 82, lived through a nightmare that nearly needed an act of Congress, or at least the help of a U.S. senator, to resolve.
It all began in 1978 when Mensinger bought Nevada state-issued vanity license plates inscribed with “ELVIS” for his Lincoln Town Car.
He’s kept the plates through the years, even though he has bought new Town Cars. “They’ve always been Lincolns,” he said. The problem, though, is other people have purchased novelty Elvis license plates at trinket and memorabilia shops, a proliferation of which soon began to give Mensinger a real headache. Toll charges and tickets from other states began to mount — even though Mensinger hasn’t left Nevada in decades. |
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“The first one I got was from Minnesota and then toll tickets came from other states: Pennsylvania, California, Kentucky.
All of a sudden they started flooding in,” said Mensinger, a retired caterer, bus driver, security man and Amtrak worker.
Many of the tickets or toll fees included pictures of the vehicles. None was a Lincoln Town Car, and none was from Nevada.
“They get these Elvis novelty plates, and the car goes down the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and cameras get a picture,” Mensinger explained.
Since Mensinger’s legal 'ELVIS' plates were registered, “I got the tickets for a trailer truck going down the turnpike. I got tickets with all different types of cars and pickup trucks.”
Within no time, the tickets and fees totaled several thousand dollars. Frustration set in as Mensinger wrote letters to states and agencies that were seeking payment, some threatening his credit rating for failure to pay.
He tried to explain that he hadn’t left Nevada for decades and that the descriptions on the toll tickets were not of his vehicles.
Luckily for him Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nevada, became involved, and her staffers contacted officials in Kentucky until the toll fees in that state, to which Mensinger had never traveled, were finally waived. Cortez Masto said she was glad to help Mensinger safeguard his credit and finances “by getting those erroneous toll charges dismissed and ensuring he isn’t punished for his love for ‘The King.’”
As for the Presley plates, Mensinger said he will keep them despite the recent hassles. When asked whether he would rather change plates to those that honor Wayne Newton or Liberace, Mensinger laughed it off.
“No,” he said. “We’ll stick with Elvis.”
(News, Source: San Francisco Chronicle) |
| Elvis Presley: TRAGIC thing the King told ex Linda Thompson 'I'll only say this once': Elvis continues to be fodder for tabloid newspapers and magazines as this article from Express.co.uk shows... ELVIS PRESLEY had a close relationship with his former girlfriend Linda Thompson, the pair remaining close friends after the break-up until his death several years later. In a newly unearthed interview, the beauty queen and actress shared a heartbreaking insight into her famous beau’s private thoughts, including the tragic admission he once made. Elvis Presley first met Linda Thompson, who was 15 years his junior, at a private movie screening in 1972, shortly after he separated from his wife Priscilla Presley. Soon, they began dating, embarking on a four-year relationship. Linda eventually left Elvis, struggling to cope with his downwards spiral and wanting to live a “normal life”, but the pair stayed close up until his death in 1977.
Opening up on their romance Linda noted, “The year we shared sort of equates to 10 or 12 years in a normal life. In a normal relationship, you go to work, you come back, you meet for a few hours, you have dinner, you go to sleep. The next day you’re both off doing your thing,” she explained. “With Elvis it was so intense. It was so 24/7. |
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There was such togetherness that it really did equate to about 10 years it felt like.”
Thompson went on to recall the heartbreaking thing Elvis told her during a deep conversation one day.
“I asked him one time, when we were sitting and having philosophical talk, ‘What do you think is your worst flaw?’” she said.
“And he thought for a minute and he said, ‘Well, I’m probably only gonna say this once, but I think I’m a little bit self-destructive.’
“That stuck with me in the later years because he recognised it but he had already started the downward spiral and I don’t think he could stop it,” Linda admitted.
“Once I realised that Elvis took sleeping medication and sometimes some other things that maybe interacted with that. I wouldn’t sleep. I wanted to know he was okay.
“I would sit and watch him until he fell asleep and then I would get up all through the night. I had a pattern of wakefulness to check on his breathing and make sure he was okay because sometimes he wasn’t.
“It was exhausting, I have to admit and emotionally exhausting |
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because this is a person that I loved more than my own life and watching him slowly self-destruct and not being able to do anything about it…”
See EIN's review of Linda Thompson's Book: 'A Little Thing Called Life' here
(News, Source: Express UK) |
The night Elvis lambasted Barron Hilton and faced the ire of Colonel Parker: Elvis and the Colnel had a generally pleasant relationship with only a few major arguments.
One of these was the night Elvis let fly about the owner of the Las Vegas Hilton during one of his shows at the Hilton.
Marty Lacker and Lamar Fike told the story in Alanna Nash's great book, Elvis and the Memphis Mafia:
Marty Lacker: That night he went onstage and lambasted Barron Hilton. He said, "I think you people ought to know that the big shots at the Hilton are an unfeeling, uncaring group. They're rotten. A man's wife was dying of cancer, and just because I went out there to try to help her, they fired him. Barron Hilton's behind this. He's not worth a damn." He just berated him. The pills were screwing him up so much that he didn't care what he did. |
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Lamar Fike: Elvis went to the Colonel about it before he went onstage. And the Colonel tore into him. He said, "You don't need to intefere with the hotel's business!" And that's what tilted Elvis. He said, "Fuck the hotel's business!" He said, "Mario's a friend of mine, and Barron shouldn't have fired him." You're involving yourself in something that isn't any of your business, and you're setting yourself up for trouble."
Marty Lacker: I think Elvis was making a statement, which was, "I don't want to play here anymore." He told me, "I'll see that the old son of a bitch doesn't book me in Vegas again!"
The full story behind this incident can be read in 'Elvis and the Memphis Mafia'.
(News, Source: Elvis and the Memphis Mafia, Alanna Nash) |
Please note that EIN receives a small % commission for any purchases made by clicking the above links
'Elvis Is Back Sessions' Replacement CD: Collectors presumably bought the new FTD 'Elvis Is Back Sessions' for completeness sake as well as the brilliant re-mastering by Sebastian Jeannson. Kean listeners will therefore have noticed a digital glitch on 'Soldier Boy' Take 15, CD2.
Your Elvis dealers have now been sent the following.. FTD SPECIAL UPDATE "Due to a minor audio defect, on CD 2 of ”The Elvis Is Back Sessions”, we will be supplying a free replacement disc (housed in a plastic wallet) for you to send out with our new releases to your regular customers. You will receive a quantity matching all orders placed by you to date and any future orders until stock is depleted.
This is from "The Elvis Shop / Studio B"
Please contact your Elvis dealer to receive your replacement disc.
Unlike the mastering fault on "Our Memories Of Elvis" (see EIN comment here) this is a manufacturing error and therefore the CD printers have to supply a correct copy for free.
(News, Source'ElvisShop/FTD/ElvisInfoNet)
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When St. Petersburg got All Shook Up by Elvis: Fans are still around to remember when Elvis Presley performed three sold-out shows in one day, in August 1956 a month before his historic appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show.
Downtown office workers looked on with curiosity as hordes of teens crammed the sidewalk on Central Avenue on a sweaty August day in 1956.
Elvis was coming - and the stunning pictures from Elvis' Florida 1956 concerts are truly etched into Elvis' fabulous legacy.
It was a month before he made his historic first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. But in St. Petersburg, a sold-out crowd of 6,500 saw Elvis Presley perform three shows that day at 3:30, 7 and 9 p.m. It would be one of the last times fans could see the King of Rock 'n' Roll in such a small venue and one of the last times he would even be on a tour like this, before he left for the Army and his movie career took off.
At a recent “Happy Hour with the Historian” at the St. Petersburg Museum of History, almost a dozen hands shot up when author Bob Kealing asked who in the audience had been to that show or his earlier ones the year before at Tampa’s Fort Homer Hesterly Armory. Like so many young people who have caught an artist on the rise, they have a fondness for the artist and the memory. They saw him just as the rocket really took off.
Tickets were $1.25, $1.50 for the big spenders. A half dozen girls fainted that day, according to then St. Petersburg Times photographer Bob Moreland, and officers stopped 14 teenagers who tried to climb the fire escape to Presley’s dressing room.
Nelah Parker was a 13-year-old freshman at the recently opened Boca Ciega High School. She got her parents to drop her off early to join the throng in front of the Florida Theatre before she caught the matinee performance.
“I couldn’t talk for four days,” she said last week after the museum talk by journalist Bob Kealing. “I had his little 45s (records) pasted all over my walls. I was hysterical, screaming my head off.”
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Presley’s recent single Hound Dog / Don’t Be Cruel had been released the month before and had sold more than a million copies in two weeks. He already had four gold records including his debut album Elvis Presley, which had come out in March of that year.
Wearing black pants, a green jacket, his trademark white “bucks” shoes and his famous curled-lip smile, he stepped on stage. The girls screamed. Six fainted.
Kealing, who wrote Elvis Ignited: The Rise of an Icon in Florida, describes a young and hungry Elvis as he toured Florida more than any other state in 1956, just as he was bursting onto the pop culture scene. Young, sexy, controversial, brimming with talent and ambition, Elvis’ lightning-hot year of 1956 in Florida fueled his rise from novelty act to headlining megastar, Kealing said in his talk.
Fans lined up before sunrise that day, waiting for Elvis to appear at the Florida Theatre, the first air-conditioned theater in St. Petersburg. It was one of those beautiful classic buildings with tapestries and sweeping staircases that led to five balconies, demolished in 1968. One mother called the theater to demand that Elvis would “behave” before she’d allow her daughter to attend a performance. Elvis arrived in a white Lincoln Continental, and the theater hired six off-duty policemen to handle the crowd and another dozen were assigned to patrol the streets.
Minutes before the matinee, the King admitted he couldn’t tie a necktie so drummer D.J. Fontana obligingly knotted the cravat that matched Elvis’s white bucks, according to Moreland’s pictures.
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“Elvis hit St. Petersburg with the effect of a small H-bomb, sending fans in mass hysteria end receiving an ovation rarely seen on the Suncoast,” wrote Anne Rowe of the St. Petersburg Times on Aug. 8, 1956.
An editorial the next day noted, “Police had their hands full with hysterical teenagers who ran weeping from the theater after Presley had concluded his show. ‘I can’t stand it, I can‘t stand it,’ screamed a girl, about 15, to Patrolman Jim Krupp. ‘I can‘t stand it either, but I‘m not crying about it,’ said Krupp.”
A photo from Presley’s 1955 concert at the Homer Hesterly Armory in Tampa became the iconic image on the cover of his debut album.
Go here to the Tampa Bay Times for the full article.
(News, Source;TBT/ElvisInfoNet) |
Did Col Parker force Elvis' marriage to Priscilla?: Priscilla Presley has recently shared Col Parker’s ultimatum telegram to the King, which she claims was previously unknown to fans.
Much has been written about Elvis but his ex-wife Priscilla has said there are some facts she keeps for herself from their private life.
Nevertheless, during the King’s 85th birthday celebrations at Graceland last week, the 74-year-old shared a story she says was previously not public.
Speaking at a Q&A, Priscilla spoke of an ultimatum telegraph from Elvis’ manager Colonel Tom Parker.
Priscilla, who had been dating Elvis aged just 14 during his military service in Europe, said: “I have a telegram that he gave me, I’ve never shared this before really.
A telegram, when he left Germany, told what he was up against with Colonel Parker if he was dating anyone.
It warned Elvis that if he has a girlfriend that fans will not be there for him, basically – I’m paraphrasing this.
And he showed it to me and Elvis said, ‘This is what I’m up against.’”
Priscilla continued: “He couldn’t really have a girlfriend because for fans…he’d be taken.
“One day if I ever get to write a book I’m going to put that telegram in there."
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I didn’t quite know what that meant. I guess it meant we would be breaking up.
I thought ‘Are we supposed to be breaking up? Are we together, are we not together?’”
During the interview, Priscilla also “set the record straight” on claims her father forced Elvis to marry her.
The 74-year-old affirmed: “I’m going to set the record straight. It was never that my father wanted me to go to Graceland ever. I had begged my mother to talk to my dad.
It was Elvis’ suggestion that I come and see him in the summer of ’62.
It was his suggestion that I get my dad…talk to my mother…about me coming.”
She continued: “I never ever said, ‘Can I come, can you let me come?’, I was never that girl, I was very reserved.
He’s the one who told me he wanted to see me.
And my dad had to talk to him. And make sure I was going to stay with Vernon.
It was not that easy, but the stories out there that I wanted to come to Graceland…it was never that way round.” |
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Priscilla explained: “It was Elvis making the phone calls… I didn’t know when he was going to call. It could be three months, it could be a couple of months, it could be maybe four months.
Again, he was also busy too. And back in the day, the telephone calls went through an operator, so it would take a few hours before we got the call.
My father wanted to know his intentions. I mean, he didn’t want me hurt.
And Elvis said he cared very much about me…and that he had plans for me. There’s all these stories out there that my dad forced him to marry me.
I mean it makes me sick when I read that, because that’s not true.”
(News, Source;UKTabloids/ElvisInfoNet) - Click HERE to EIN's special on "Col Parker - The Dark Side" |
| Wednesday 15 January 2020 |
New FTD February Releases: Two new FTD releases announce for release later next month.
1. 'Elvis In California' Double-soundboard. As part of the ongoing live on tour series, FTD is pleased to announce the release of 'Elvis In California'.
Released as a 2-CD 5” digi-pak, this set features Elvis touring during May 1974.
Elvis' 10th tour was short, five concerts in California over four days the most famous being his two 'Forum of Inglewood' concerts on May 11, 1974.
(As released on FTD 'Live in LA')
Elvis was in good form. The San Bernadino local review of Elvis' first concert there included, "Above all Elvis Presley knows what the faithful want and he bowls them over with his style. That's why he was a sellout at the Swing last night, will be on Monday night when he returns, and sells out wherever he performs.
"I'm a cement mixer, baby," he snarls at the screamers, "a churning urn of burning funk." Believe it."
The shows, taken from the original soundboard tapes, feature unreleased concerts from Selland Arena, Fresno (May 12) and Swing Auditorium, San Bernadino (May 10 & 13).
The set-list is familiar early 1974 material including, Steamroller Blues, Help Me, Funny How Time Slips Away and Big Boss Man.
Go here for full tracklists
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2. 'Love Letters From Elvis' special double-vinyl. FTD Vinyl’s next release is the upgrade of 'Love Letters From Elvis' featuring plenty of outtakes and masters.
Recorded during the marathon sessions held in Nashville, June 4-8, 1970, the original LP became the last album of utilising songs recorded during that week.
This new 180-gram heavyweight vinyl edition mastered at Abbey Road in London.
Tracklist includes Cindy, Cindy takes 2, 3 (undubbed master), Rags To Riches – take 3, Love Letters – takes 1,3, It Ain’t No Big Thing (But It’s Growing) – takes 1,2 as well as If I Were You – takes 2-5 and Heart Of Rome – takes 2, 3 (undubbed master).
Unusually EIN notes that this release includes 7 master versions
Go here for full tracklist
(News, Source;FTD/ElvisInfoNet) |
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'Elvis Day By Day 2019' OUT NOW: The brand new publication from Kees Mouwen 'Elvis Day By Day 2019 - The Year in Review” is OUT NOW - and includes last-minute extra content taking it to a big 300 pages.
2019 was a year of many celebrations. It marked the 50th anniversary of Elvis Presley's triumphant return to live performing and the release of two of his most iconic recordings, "Suspicious Minds" and “In The Ghetto”.
Sadly 2019 also marks the 42nd anniversary of his untimely death. Elvis Presley will soon have been gone for longer than he was among us, but he left a permanent mark. His cultural impact may very well have been more visible and ‘alive’ during the last 42 years than when he was actually alive. And so is the Elvis-world today.
Today’s Elvis news primarily finds its way to fans through on-line channels and in summarized form in newsletters and fan-club magazines. Based on the Elvis Day By Day news blog, and with additional and exclusive in-depth reviews by Nigel Patterson and Piers Beagley from the Elvis Information Network, the "Elvis Day By Day 2019 - The year in Review" book compiles a comprehensive and illustrated chronology of ‘everything Elvis from 2019’ in one physical reference book.
The full color book measures 20 x 25 cm, now contains 300 pages with more than 600 illustrations. The book is now available on-line as both a paperback and hardcover edition.
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Graceland 2020 Birthday Auction Results: The fourteenth Auction at Graceland took place on Elvis' 85th birthday with over 280 artifacts up for purchase.
The highest bid went for Elvis's 1950s Alpaca Vest selling for an incredible $42,500.
Surprisingly both original TBC necklaces sold for under their estimates price, Lamar Fike's only selling for $18,750
Among the 288 items offered in the January 8 auction, auction highlights included:
- 1950s Elvis owned and Worn Alpaca Vest Gifted to Texas DJ and Dear Personal Friend Eddie Fadal - Sold for $42,500
- Elvis Gold Colored “ELVIS” Monogrammed I.D. Bracelet with Secret Photo Compartment - Sold for $30,000 (way over $1,000 estimate)
- Group of 22 Photos of Elvis at the Lee County Sheriff's Office - Sold for $21,250 (way over $1,000 estimate)
- Lamar Fike’s TCB Necklace Given to Him from Elvis Presley - Sold for $18,750 (way under estimate of $30,000+)
- Elvis TCB Necklace Gifted to Friend of Kathy Westmoreland After a Concert in Las Vegas - Sold for $6,875 (under the estimate of $10,000+)
- Elvis Blue “Ron Postal” Turtleneck Sweater - Sold for $7,500
- 1969 Elvis Presley Signed Oversized Photo with Don Ho - On Stage at the International Hotel - with Huge Signature! - Sold for $7,500 |
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- 1957 Elvis Presley Doll in Rare Original Shipping Box - Sold For $6,000
- Elvis Presley Screen-Used “Match-O-Matic” Chrome Pistol-Shaped Lighter Used in the Film Spinout with Letter from Charlie Hodge - Sold for $5,500
- Elvis Presley Owned Silver Dollar Money Clip – with Genuine 1881 “Liberty Head” Morgan Silver Dollar Coin! - Sold for $4,250
Elvis' Harley-Davidson Golf Cart (see story below) was passed in & did not meet $20,000 minimum
Graceland Auctions was also honored to offer a selection of “Experiences at Graceland” that raised nearly $20,000 to benefit the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation.
Go HERE for all the auction results
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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'Elvis Presley 1968' New Import: ELVIS ONE presents 'Elvis Presley 1968'. A collection of 23 recordings, including take 1 of 'U.S. Male', 'Stay Away' (take 1, slow version), 'Stay Away' (take 4, fast version), the hard to find backing track of 'A Little Less Conversation', some outtakes from the 1968 tv special, and many more. All these recordings are in very good sound and previously unreleased by Elvis' record company.
Including a booklet with photos and recording information.
Tracklist includes, Trouble / Guitar Man (takes 2 & 3), U.S. Male (take 1), Jam “The Prisoner’s Song”, Wonderful World (binaural, master), Edge Of Reality (binaural, master), A Little Less Conversation (dubdown to backing track)
Go to 'Elvis ALL the CD News' for full tracklist
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
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'Lonesome August Nights' New Import: To be released in the early February, Lonesome August Nights (SR Records) will focus on Elvis’ August 1972 Las Vegas season, featuring August 18 1972 dinner & midnight show AUDIENCE RECORDINGS, previously unreleased and taken directly from the original high-quality tapes.
The August 18 Midnight Show was previously released on vinyl format in the SR boxed edition of Not too Sweet, here for the first time will be released on CD format completely remastered and in superior sound.
The ambiance tapes are both of very good quality, as you can appreciate both Elvis and the band and at the same time you can feel and live the live atmosphere of the intimate Las Vegas Showroom.
The shows are great See See Rider is back as opener song and the show now consist in a solid collection of great quality songs all well performed . Two new addictions at the repertoire : What Now My Love and My Way. Due to Elvis’ moment two sentimental songs no randomly chosen. However talking about best song we like to say that the rockin’ side is still present in Elvis and Polk Salad Annie never sounded better: both Elvis and the band are pushing strong with a great job of Jerry Scheff bass guitar.
Go to 'Elvis ALL the CD News' for full tracklist and all the details
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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'Elvis Birthday Proclamation Ceremony' Replay: Happy Birthday, Elvis! EPE and Elvis fans have gathered at Graceland to celebrate Elvis' birthday with a weekend full of events and of course, Birthday cake.
The 'Elvis Birthday Proclamation Ceremony' was a crowd pleaser with plenty of fans turning up for Elvis' special 85th Birthday..
Sadly the Birthday-Boy refused to attend.
Fans who were unable to attend can watch the REPLAY ceremony live via Elvis Presley's Graceland Livestream. Runs 48 minutes
Click HERE to Graceland Livestream to watch Elvis Birthday Proclamation REPLAY
(News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
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'Inside Elvis' Out Now: Available now is the new hardback book 'Inside Elvis' an "Elvis One / Rock Legends" publication. The 300 page book features Arjan Deelen's interviews with many of Elvis' musicians, including James Burton, Bob Lanning, Scotty Moore, Jim Murray, Jerry Scheff, D.J. Fontana, The Sweet Inspirations, The Holladay Sisters, Glen D. Hardin, Johnny Christopher, Charlie Hodge, Duke Bardwell, Sherril Nielsen and The Imperials. Some of these interviews first appeared in "Elvis - The Man and his Music". These in-depth, candid interviews are presented here in complete, unedited form.
Highlights include the first-ever interview with the elusive Bob Lanning, and a heartwarming conversation last year with Jim Murray, where Jim concluded the interview saying, "These are things that I've never told anybody before". There are many great stories and unique insights that will give you a deeper perspective of the man and his music.
This impressive work contains over 300 photographs from the collections of various high-profile collectors, and most of these are in color and razor-sharp. The artwork of the book was done by graphic artist Michael van Werven, who has worked during most of 2019 on the design of 'Inside Elvis', and has made it a visually stunning work. |
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Also included as an extra is a 29-track CD containing various rarities, including the acetate of 'Viva Las Vegas', rare live attempts at 'Crying Time', promos for both 'Love Me Tender' and 'Jailhouse Rock', as well as 'Heartbreak Hotel' and 'Hound Dog' from Elvis' show at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas on October 11th, 1956 (note: very poor audio), courtesy of longtime collector Luuk Bonthond, who had the recording since the 60s
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You can order 'Inside Elvis' directly from Arjan Deelen at: deelen@elvis.dk
Price for the book is EUR50. Postage to Europe is EUR20, rest of the world US$30.
(News, Source;AD/ElvisInfoNet)
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Elvis Was ‘Searching for a True Love’: The Closer tabloid this week reports that "Elvis Was a Hit With the Ladies, but was ‘Searching for a True Love’!
.. With his brooding blue eyes, his silken voice and a naughty swivel of his hips, Elvis Presley seduced a nation. But while millions swooned over his records and lined up to see his movies, only a few women intimately knew the real man behind the legend.
“Elvis was very down-to-earth” says Priscilla “He made me comfortable.”
He could have had a different girl every night, but Elvis preferred to have one special someone in his life.
“He wasn’t a one-night-stand kind of guy,” Michael St. John, a friend from Elvis’ Hollywood days, tells Closer Weekly, “He always seemed to be searching for a true love that just seemed to elude him.”
Elvis felt drawn to women who shared his traditional values, like his Viva Las Vegas co-star Ann-Margret.
“We loved our families and we had a strong belief in God,” the actress once recalled.
Three of the women Elvis dated in the 1970s, Cybill Shepherd, Linda Thompson and Ginger Alden all had roots in Memphis, Tennessee, Elvis’ hometown.
“We had the same sense of loyalty,” Linda once gushed. “Elvis and I hit it off immediately.”
When it came to courting, Elvis remained a gentleman who liked to take his dates to the movies — superstar style as he would rent the movie theater out until midnight.
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Ginger notes, “Elvis wasn’t a candlelit dinner-for-two kind of guy. He loved to play the piano while wearing this great jeweled robe. To have him singing for me, that’s an image I will always have.”
The performer also enjoyed showering his lovers with gifts. “Elvis gave me three cars,” Ginger, who also received jewelry and fur coats from her beau, once admitted. “He loved to put a smile on someone’s face.”
(News, Source;Closer,ElvisInfoNet) |
Lisa Marie Twins stopped from attending Elvis' Birthday celebrations: According to various tabloids Lisa Marie's twins are reportedly barred from traveling to Memphis to join in with Elvis' 85th birthday celebrations.
According to "The Blast" Lisa Marie's estranged husband, Michael Lockwood, is not allowing their 11-year-old twin daughters, Harper and Finley, to travel for the celebration. Under Lisa Marie and Lockwood's current custody agreement, the kids cannot travel outside of California without the consent of both of their parents or approval from the court.
In an effort to overrule Lockwood's decision, Lisa Marie's legal team appeared in Los Angeles County Court last Tuesday to file emergency documents asking a judge to allow the children to travel.
However the judge ultimately denied her request saying that the situation did not rise to the level of an "emergency."
Though Lisa Marie and Lockwood, 58, share joint legal custody of the twins, a source says that Lockwood only has supervised visits with the girls three times a week while Lisa Marie has physical custody. According to the source, Lockwood also blocked the girls from traveling to Memphis in August for Elvis Week 2019.
Lisa Marie married Lockwood, her fourth husband, in 2006 and filed for divorce in June 2016. Ever since their separation, the two have been embroiled in an ongoing custody battle. They are set to go to trial over custody, visitation rights and child support amounts on July 20, 2020.
(News, Source;Tabloids/ElvisInfoNet) |
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| Wednesday 8 January 2020 - - - - HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELVIS - - - - |
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELVIS
EIN wishes Elvis all the best, where ever he is, celebrating his 85th Birthday.
58 years ago today in 1962 Elvis celebrated his 27th birthday at the Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas - (photo right).
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Elvis was there with Memphis girlfriend Bonnie Bunkley as well as Joe Esposito & friends. Elvis also met up with one of his favourite songwriters Don Robertson.
President Nigel Patterson of the Elvis Information Network Fan Club (Australia's oldest Elvis fan club) was also there to present Elvis with a special Birthday cake. |
A story for all Elvis fans from Larry Geller...
.. This is not an Elvis birthday story, but it is about how Elvis preferred to give rather than receive.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ELVIS!
.... Late one Fall afternoon at Graceland in 1964, Elvis and I were sitting in the living room. Vernon came in and told Elvis about a young boy and his mother who had just arrived from Sweden. The young boy’s recently deceased grandfather had left him $500,000 plus two hotels and a jewelry store, and he wanted to give it all to Elvis!
“Wait a minute. I don’t want his money or anything else, Daddy; it wouldn’t be right for me to take it.”
“I think you better see them, son. I just don’t know what to tell them. The mother’s frantic. She says her kid is threatening to commit suicide unless you take the gift from him.”
Elvis shook his head in disbelief. “Are they really serious, Daddy? Alright, alright, I’ll see them. But I’m gonna tell him the truth, that I don’t want anything from him.”
The next day, Vernon brought the slim, gangly blond 16-year-old boy and his mother to Graceland. The boy gulped when he saw Elvis; his eyes gave off sparks. His voice cracked as he told Elvis how much Elvis had done for him, and now he must now do something for Elvis. He knew all the lyrics of Elvis’ music by heart, and had made his room in
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Stockholm a shrine plastered in Elvis memorabilia. His mother showed Elvis a photo of the room. “You see, Elvis, he lives for you. Please, you must accept his gift; he says he can’t live if you don’t.”
Holding back her tears, her voice barely audible, she revealed that his older brother committed suicide a year ago, and he’s all she had left. Elvis looked at his father and me for a minute. “Let me speak to him alone.”
Elvis took the boy off to the music room. About fifteen minutes later they emerged, both beaming.
“It’s alright, he understands how I feel. He gave me this gold ring (with a diamond horseshoe set inside) and that’s how we’re going to leave it for now. Ma’am, I told your son I wanted him to stay in touch with me, and let me know how he is doing.” Elvis put his arm around the boy’s shoulders. “We’re friends now.”
When they left I asked Elvis what had happened.
He grinned, “I couldn’t have that kid outdoing me, right in my own backyard. I told him that he could best please me by going back to Sweden to take care of his mother, and by spending that money to get an education for himself, and to help other people. I told him that I had more money than I could spend, and his gift would only give me problems.”
. . . . . EIN thanks Larry Geller for such a wonderful story on this special day. - (Go here for our 2019 interview with Larry) |
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Larry Geller interview with EIN: From 1964 until the very final days Larry Geller was a close friend to Elvis. Perhaps Elvis might have lived longer had he paid more attention to Geller's healthy life-style and managed to shake off the excessive demands of Colonel Parker. Back in 2007 with the 30th Anniversary fast approaching Larry was kind enough to answer a lot of questions that fans have raised with EIN and to also tell us something about his new book. Larry has multiple projects happening at this very moment, so EIN extends its sincere thanks to him for sparing us the time for this interview. (Source: EIN, June 2007) |
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Tom Hanks gets to play the Bad Guy!: Veteran actor Tom Hanks says he is set to play a "bad guy" in the Elvis Presley biopic and he hopes to prove the naysayers wrong that he can only play the good guy.
Hanks who was awarded the Cecille B DeMille award at the recent Golden Globes ceremony is playing Elvis' shifty manager Colonel Tom Parker in Baz Luhrmann's untitled biopic on the legendary musician. Relative newcomer Austin Butler is playing Presley.
Backstage at the Golden Globes Hanks joked, "If all goes according to plan, I'll be playing Colonel Tom Parker to Austin Butler's Elvis and hopefully I will then finally have an answer to all your stupid questions about why I will never play a bad guy. I think I'm about to do that. That's who I am playing next!" |
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Hanks will be flying to Australia to shoot the movie also sent out "good thoughts to Australia for what's going on down there" in the wake of the devastating bushfires.
(News, Source;AP/ElvisInfoNet) |
Australian Parkes Elvis Festival kicks off: It's that time of year again when we all celebrate the birthday of Elvis Aaron Presley - and close to 27 thousand fans are already gathering in country New South Wales.
Wednesday, January 8 marks Elvis' 85th birthday and it's then that we will kick off the biggest and best tribute in the Southern Hemisphere to the King of Rock 'n' Roll.
As is Parkes Elvis Festival tradition, the celebrations will start on Wednesday morning in Cooke Park with a cake cutting and free entertainment.
If you are lucky enough to share a Birthday with Elvis you could have the honour of cutting the official birthday cake.
This year's Festival theme is the 1966 Elvis film Frankie and Johnny, a classic Elvis hit where The King played a Mississippi riverboat performer with a weakness for gambling.
Featuring card sharks, casinos, a masked ball and theatrical costumes, the Festival is expecting to witness one of the most colourful events in history.
Festival Director, Cathy Treasure said this year's program is bigger and better than ever.
"There's a bunch of phenomenal free events, family focused activities, outdoor markets, and special performances sure to blow audiences away," Ms Treasure said.
2020 Highlights include:
Feature Concert Series with Californian ETA Dean Z.
ELVIS - A Legendary Performer starring Mark Anthony making his long-awaited return to Parkes Elvis Festival,
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Parkes Little Theatre Shows with a variety of shows including, the Mark Andrew Legends Show and also Dean Vegas and Damian Mullin spectacular tributes to The King.
Australian music legend Joe Camilleri will be inducted to the Parkes Elvis Festival Wall of Fame on Wednesday 8 January, 2020. To celebrate this achievement, Joe will perform with The Black Sorrows after the ceremony for Festival fans at the Parkes Services Club.
The preliminary round of the international Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest also returns in 2020
For all Events and info www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au
(News, Source;Parkes/ElvisInfoNet) |
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'Elvis Day By Day 2019' New Book: Some sample pages below for this great new book “Elvis Day By Day 2019 - The Year in Review” by Kees Mouwen - coming out later this month
2019 was a year of many celebrations. It marked the 50th anniversary of Elvis Presley's triumphant return to live performing and the release of two of his most iconic recordings, "Suspicious Minds" and “In The Ghetto”.
Sadly 2019 also marks the 42nd anniversary of his untimely death. Elvis Presley will soon have been gone for longer than he was among us, but he left a permanent mark. His cultural impact may very well have been more visible and ‘alive’ during the last 42 years than when he was actually alive. And so is the Elvis-world today.
Today’s Elvis news primarily finds its way to fans through on-line channels and in summarized form in newsletters and fan-club magazines. Based on the Elvis Day By Day news blog, and with additional and exclusive in-depth reviews by Nigel Patterson and Piers Beagley from the Elvis Information Network, the "Elvis Day By Day 2019 - The year in Review" book compiles a comprehensive and illustrated chronology of ‘everything Elvis from 2019’ in one physical reference book.
The full color book measures 20 x 25 cm, contains around 280 pages with more than 550 illustrations. The book will be available on-line as both a paperback and hardcover edition early January 2020.
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These small preview pages are just to show the stylish design of the book - More preview pages and info coming soon. For more details visit ElvisDayByDay.com or contact the author elvis@xs4all.nl.
The buylink with shipping to all countries will be available in about a week. |
Elvis' Harley-Davidson Golf Cart for sale: Caught in a trap? Can't walk out? Elvis Presley might have the solution for your suspicious mind: a three-wheeled, Harvey-Davidson golf cart formerly owned by The King himself. The historic cart is one of hundreds of memorabilia items from throughout his life up for auction tomorrow.
The cart is more 50 years old, "Shortly after Elvis and Priscilla married in Las Vegas on May 1, 1967, the couple spent the next several weeks in Memphis enjoying time together at Graceland and on May 18, 1967, Elvis purchased a white Harley-Davidson golf cart from Taylor Harley-Davidson in Memphis."
Harley-Davidson began producing three-wheeled, gas-powered golf carts in 1963, eventually |
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expanding to offer both three and four-wheeled options. The carts fell out of production in 1982 as the company shifted toward traditional motorcycle sales.
Presley's two-seated, gas-powered cart comes complete with a white "1-ELVIS" license plate and is available for Auction - Click here to Graceland Auctions.
For years, it was available for public viewing at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. But ironically, the cart's time on the Vegas strip might be the closest it ever got to the course. According to the Graceland website, Elvis rarely played golf, opting to use the cart for transportation around his sprawling Graceland estate but that didn't stop a chance encounter with another legend, Gary Player, in 1961.
It sounds like the stuff of fairytales, but it actually happened when champion Gary Player visited the set of Elvis' |
1961 film, Blue Hawaii.
Before the ceremonial tee shot at the 2014 Humana Challenge, Player recounted the story to a captive audience. The music-loving South African had previously done an Elvis-like guitar impression, which he said was eventually seen by the King.
"'I want to meet you!'" Elvis said, according to Player, to which Player replied: "I want to meet you too!"
Player, who was about 26 at the time and a big Presley fan, said that when he arrived on set Elvis stopped production, put on a jacket and approached the golfer.
EIN thanks Golf.Com for the puns!
(News, Source;GC/ElvisInfoNet) |
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| Friday 3 January 2020 - - HAPPY NEW YEAR - - Welcome to a new ELVIS decade! |
Elvis Hologram Tour a Future Reality?: While in the UK Priscilla recently commented on the possibility of a future Elvis hologram tour - however she doesn’t think the technology is there yet.
Sadly most Elvis fans nowadays will never know what it was like to see Elvis perform live. The closest now is Elvis In Concert – Live on Screen which sees footage of the entertainer singing live accompanied by a real orchestra. But what about a hologram tour as there already are plans for Whitney Houston and ABBA hologram tours in the near future, with "Roy Orbison" already having gone "On Tour" but with varied results.
A hologram of Elvis singing in 2049 appeared in the last Blade Runner film so the idea has certainly been around for some time.
Asked in a recent interview Priscilla Presley isn’t convinced the technology is good enough yet but is open to the idea.
Priscilla stated, “No, it hasn’t progressed really to what I feel would be him. It’s very difficult to get his image right.
It's very difficult because the way they do holograms is putting bits and pieces together.
But (in Elvis In Concert) you are seeing the real deal on the screen. I don’t think a hologram can really match what you’re seeing yet.
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I haven’t really seen it that perfected. I’m not saying it’ll never be around (in the future) but right now it’s not in progress.”
Meanwhile, a request for a CGI recreation of Elvis to star in a new movie was rejected by his estate.
However Baz Luhrmann's major biopic on Elvis is already in production staring 'Once Upon A Time In Hollywood’s Austin Butler.
(News, Source;UK Tabloids/ElvisInfoNet) |
Linda Thompson Gives her Son a TCB for Xmas!: Linda Thompson's son Brody Jenner received a fantastic Christmas present last year when she gifted him a TCB necklace formerly owned by Elvis!
The gold and diamond necklace, made from a mold by Presley’s jeweler Lowell Hays, has the initials “TCB”, Taking Care of Business.
Linda posted, “Brody has a deep admiration for Elvis, not only as the king of rock ‘n’ roll, but as the ‘king of bling’ as well. So this is what I got Brody for Christmas this year! He already has a TCB tattoo on his wrist!”
In her post, Thompson also shared other pieces of jewelry that Hays had created for her and Presley.
“Scroll through to see other jewelry that my dear friend Lowell Hays in Memphis made for Elvis and me years ago… Lowell is the best!”
Linda Thompson dated Elvis for close to five years in the 1970s. She later married and divorced Caitlyn Jenner, with whom she shares two children — Brody and Brandon Jenner.
After her divorce from Caitlyn, Thompson married musician David Foster until they split in 2005.
In her 2016 memoir A Little Thing Called Life, Thompson recalled meeting Presley in 1972, when she was just 22 years old.
“From our first moments together, our relationship was all-encompassing,” she wrote adding, “The first year of the four and |
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Freddie Mercury and ELVIS: Freddie Mercury loved Elvis Presley from the beginning and in the book 'A Life In His Own Words' he revealed the truth about his personal tribute to The King.
The British star was always very open about performers he idolised, from Montserrat Caballe and Liza Minelli to Jimi Hendrix and David Bowie. But it all started with Elvis Presley.
Freddie's musical talent started emerging at a young age when he was encouraged to take piano lessons by his mother growing up in Zanzibar.
When he went away to boarding school in India he was exposed to Western music and soon discovered how much he liked to sing along.
He said: "When I was little I was in the choir and I just liked to sing. I would copy Elvis Presley songs, then I suddenly realised that I could actually write songs and make my own music – call it a natural gift, or whatever.”
Many years later he would pay tribute to ELVIS when he wrote 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love.'
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It was Queen's first official No 1 single in America, which meant a huge deal to the British stars bearing in mind that Bohemian Rhapsody had only made it to No 6 and We Are The Champions had stalled at No 4.
Freddie was never one to miss a chance to reveal a cheeky trick and happily told everyone where the inspiration for the song hit him, as well as why he sounded like Elvis on the track.
He admitted: “My voice does sound a bit like Elvis Presley’s on Crazy Little Thing Called Love. That wasn’t something I was trying to do, naturally, it was pure coincidence. It’s all sung rather low, so then you soon come close to Elvis, especially with such a 50s-type song.
"I don’t mind telling you that my girlfriend thought it was a cover song, but that is absolutely not true. I wrote it… while taking a bath.”
Queen guitarist Brian May confirmed that his bandmates love for The King had lasted beyond his boyhood years.
He said of the classic rock 'n roll song: “It’s Freddie’s tribute to Elvis in a way... Freddie was very fond of Elvis.”
(News, Source;UKTabloids/ElvisInfoNet) |
'Heartbreak Hotel' Las Vegas Musical closed: The Las Vegas show “Elvis Presley Heartbreak Hotel In Concert” at Harrah’s Showroom has closed this week after its 207th show. The show opened in last May and held the theater’s prime-time 8 p.m. slot.
“Overall, people loved our Elvis show, but it was just a question getting the crowds in the door” stated co-producer Scott Prisand, “There are so many shows in Las Vegas. Our reviews were fantastic; people really enjoyed the show. They were surprised at the level of talent in the show, how skillful the musicians were and and how great the voices were.”
Skilled Elvis tribute artist Eddie Clendening played the lead role in “Heartbreak” - with the show’s stage replete with spinning Sun Records 45s, a neon-glowing logo and vintage Elvis photos characteristically inventive work from Emmy Award-winning set designer Andy Walmsley.
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But “Heartbreak” was themed for the ebbing Elvis brand, which has struggled over the past decade or so in Las Vegas. A Presley-designed production, with accompanying museum attraction licensed by EPE, faltered at Westgate Las Vegas after less than a year in 2016. Cirque’s “Viva Elvis” shut down at Aria in August 2012.
The only Elvis-specific, ticketed show on the Strip remains “All Shook Up” at V Theater at Miracle Mile Shops, while “Legends In Concert” at Tropicana Theater continues to feature an Elvis portrayal in its iconic rotation.
Prisand says the show hopes to continue on as a touring production, but no dates or partnerships are yet locked in.
The Elvis brand should enjoy a new renaissance in 2021 with Baz Lurhmann’s upcoming biopic about the King, which is to star Austin Butler in the lead role and Tom Hanks as “Colonel” Tom Parker.
(News, Source;LVJ/ElvisInfoNet) |
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'Elvis Presley at The Hayride' New Vinyl: Coming February 2020 from the 'Memphis Mansion' label a new release, in highly collectable 10" Pink Vinyl.
'Elvis Presley at The Hayride' is a 10' vinyl Louisiana Hayride' compilation that highlights the rarest and best of Elvis' Hayride performances, all sandwiched between his first and last appearances.
Features tracks, That's All Right, Little Mama, Hearts Of Stone, Paralyzed and more...
Go to 'Memphis Mansion' Vinyl shop here
(News, Source;TS/ElvisInfoNet) |
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'ELVIS In The 2010s' A Personal Review of the Past Decade: Rather like Elvis’s own career, each decade since Elvis’s death appears to have had a theme or identity of its own. Clearly the late 1970s were difficult for RCA as they struggled to find the right direction with which to take their posthumous releases, and so it was the 1980s that was the decade when the company slowly but surely learned how to look back at Elvis's legacy and start to make some sense of it.
The 1990s were when that reached a peak, with the decades boxed sets, and the Elvis in the 90s series, thus bringing virtually the whole catalogue back into print in a coherent way.
The 2000s were when errors of judgement at retail level started to occur (despite huge successes like Elv1s), but also when FTD came into its own and flourished.
And so what will we make of Elvis releases of the 2010s when we look back on them from the future?
Go here for EIN contributor Shane Brown's personal take on the highs and lows of Elvis product that has come our way over the last decade....
(Spotlight, Source;ShaneBrown/ElvisInformationNetwork) |
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'Elvis Day By Day 2019' New Book: Due for release early January 2020 is the book “Elvis Day By Day 2019 - The Year in Review” by Kees Mouwen.
2019 was a year of many celebrations. It marked the 50th anniversary of Elvis Presley's triumphant return to live performing and the release of two of his most iconic recordings, "Suspicious Minds" and “In The Ghetto”.
This was celebrated with several milestone releases like the "Elvis Live 1969" deluxe 11 CD box, a vinyl re-issue of "From Elvis in Memphis" and the sessions that for that album on the “American Sound 1969” 5 CD set, a Record Store Day 2-LP and the “Elvis Now In Person” book.
2019 also marked the 60th anniversary of the release of the classic "A Date With Elvis" LP, his trip to Paris and much more.
Sadly 2019 also marks the 42nd anniversary of his untimely death. Elvis Presley will soon have been gone for longer than he was among us, but he left a permanent mark. His cultural impact may very well have been more visible and ‘alive’ during the last 42 years than when he was actually alive. And so is the Elvis-world today.
The almost 500 news-updates about Elvis Day By Day this year about the many new books, CDs, LPs, movie releases on DVD, Blu-ray and in movie theaters around the world, appearances on music and movie charts (and still topping some of those) and still playing sell-out arenas clearly show that Elvis Presley still matters today. Especially when younger generations discover his music through digital releases and Spotify and start to buy re-issues of his work |
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on old fashioned vinyl.
Today’s Elvis news primarily finds its way to fans through on-line channels and in summarized form in newsletters and fan-club magazines. Based on the Elvis Day By Day news blog, and with additional and exclusive in-depth reviews by Nigel Patterson and Piers Beagley from the Elvis Information Network, the "Elvis Day By Day 2019 - The year in Review" book compiles a comprehensive and illustrated chronology of ‘everything Elvis from 2019’ in one physical reference book.
The full color book measures 20 x 25 cm, contains around 280 pages with more than 550 illustrations. The book will be available on-line as both a paperback and hardcover edition early January 2020.
The book was inspired by the great “Elvis Day By Day” book by Peter |
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Guralnick and Ernst Jorgensen.
For more information or to order the book visit ElvisDayByDay.com or contact the author elvis@xs4all.nl.
More info coming soon.
(News, Source;ElvisDayByDay/ElvisInfoNet) |
January 8th Auction at Graceland: The regular Graceland Elvis Birthday Auction is on next week while commemorating the life and legacy of Elvis Presley's 85th birthday celebration.
EPE note that with a plethora of authenticated artifacts on offer in the auction, as well as some amazing experiences on offer to benefit the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation, we hope that every collector will discover a treasure or activity of interest. Highlights in the auction include Lamar Fike’s diamond studded TCB necklace, one of Elvis’ favorite vests from the early 50s that he gifted to Eddie Fadal before he left for his military service in Germany and more articles of his personal clothing, rings, awards and so much more!
This January 8th “Auction at Graceland” live auction event will be held in the theater at the Guest House at Graceland.
Auction highlights include:
Elvis Presley Handwritten Letter on Las Vegas Hilton Stationery - $30-40,000
Lamar Fike's Gold and Diamond-Studded TCB Necklace Given to Him from Elvis Presley - $30-50,000
1950's Elvis Presley Owned and Worn Alpaca Vest Gifted to Texas DJ and Dear Personal Friend Eddie Fadal - Emanating from the Fadal Family! - $10-15,000
1971 Mathey-Tissot Custom-Made Watch with “ELVIS PRESLEY” on the Bezel - Gifted by Elvis to Memphis Mafia Member Lamar Fike to Commemorate Elvis’ “Ten Outstanding Young Men of America” Award - $10-15,000
Elvis Presley Owned Gold Ring with 25+ Diamonds Gifted to Patti Parry - $10-15,000
Elvis Presley Owned and Possibly Stage Used Microphone Gifted to Charlie Hodge - $10-15,000 |
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Elvis Presley Owned TCB Necklace Gifted to Tom Morgan of the Shelby County Sheriff's Office - $10-15,000
Elvis Presley Owned 14kt Gold Ring with 1911 $2 ½ Gold Coin Surrounded by 29 Diamonds Gifted to Richard Davis - $10,000-15,000
Elvis Presley Owned 1960 Fender Jaguar Electric Guitar Used by Jimmy Hawkins and Jack Mullaney in the 1966 Film Spinout - $10,000-20,000
Bulova “Accuquartz” 18K Gold and Diamond Watch Gifted to Lamar Fike from Elvis Presley - Engraved “To Lamar Thanks Elvis” - $8,000-12,000
In addition unique Graceland “Experiences” are being will also sold to benefit the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation that including...
2-Hour Private Tour of Graceland Archives
2-Hour Review and Reading Time of Elvis' Library
Private Dinner for 4 Guests with Elvis Presley Enterprises CEO Jack Soden
Photo Shoot of Your Classic Car or Motorcycle in Front of Graceland Mansion
Tour of Graceland With Elvis’ Cousin
Go here to EPE Auctions for more info.
(News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet) |
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EIN exclusives and News from earlier in December ... |
'The Guitar Player Worth A Damn' - The King In Motion Vol. 4 (Venus Productions): Elvis' 1972 'On Tour' performances have been featured in multiple books as well as the official MGM movie / DVD. The latest Venus Productions multimedia set revisits this tour with a composite book, DVD and CD set.
The DVD promises a qualified revamp of "Elvis On Tour" compiled from hours of unreleased footage taken from the best sources available - while the CDs include the never-before-released Hampton Roads Afternoon Show from April 9, 1972 plus an unreleased alternate mix of Elvis' Greensboro April 14, 1972 concert.
The main feature is the 200 page hardcover book with loads of rare pictures of the On Tour performances.
EIN's Piers Beagley and Nigel Patterson recently explored this new release. What did they find? How does the book component compare to other Venus releases? What do the audio-visual elements offer?
Read Piers and Nigel's detailed review featuring plenty of example pages of 1972 Elvis 'On Tour' on-stage action.
(Review, Source: ElvisInformationNetwork) |
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Elvis Rings purchased by Kim Kardashian for Christmas: Have you got some cool Elvis memorabilia to sell to someone with unlimited money?
Well it seems Kim Kardashian has been on a spending spree buying up priceless celebrity memorabilia for her family, and the latest one is a piece of history owned by The King himself, Elvis Presley.
KK revealed on her Instagram story she had purchased a set of gold rings that once belonged to Elvis for her brother Rob Kardashian.
"I'm obsessed with auctions and my brother is the biggest Elvis Presley fan so I got him two of Elvis' rings for Christmas," she said. Kardashian included pictures of the gold jewelry she gifted to Rob.
It appears Kim bought the items from Julian's auctions which also sold other priceless Elvis memorabilia.
According to its website, it has "The car was delivered to Elvis on September 9, 1971, at his Monavale Street home in Beverly Hills. At the time, the Stutz Blackhawk featured the best audio system money could buy."
Also, it featured, "Elvis’ black and white Penguin suit" worn in Las Vegas - (Estimate: $60,000-$80,000), and also included Elvis’ first live performance worn stage shirt from 1954 (Estimate: $25,000-$35,000)
(News, Source;TheBlast,ElvisInfoNet) |
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Wednesday 25 December 2019 ..................... MERRY, MERRY CHRISTMAS BABY. . . . . |
Everyone at EIN wish all of our readers a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year!
If Everyday Was Like Christmas
(words & music by Red West)
I hear a choir
Singing sweetly somewhere
And a glow fills my heart
I'm in peace with the world
As the sound of their singing fills the air
Oh why can't every day be like Christmas
Why can't that feeling go on endlessly
For if everyday could be just like Christmas
What a wonderful world this would be
I hear a child
Telling Santa what to bring
And the smile upon his tiny face
Is worth more to me than anything
Oh why can't every day be like Christmas
Why can't that feeling go on endlessly....
Merry Christmas everybody! |
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Mariah passes Elvis, now for the Beatles: It is loved by many. Not by some, but its indisputably euphoric and vocally impressive and now Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You had finally reached the U.S. No. 1 spot – 25 years after its first release!
When it was released as part of an EP in 1994, chart rules meant it couldn’t compete with singles. Later reclassified as a standalone song in 2000, it has been a seasonal fixture in the charts ever since – and after 25 years has finally reached No 1.
It is Carey’s 19th US No 1, leapfrogging Elvis Presley’s 18 - and also inching her closer to the Beatles’ record of 20. It is also the first Christmas song to top the US charts since The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late) in 1958.
Carey has benefited from the growth in streaming, with the song included on major Christmas playlists by Spotify, Apple Music and others. Music industry analysts Nielsen state that streams of the song during the Christmas period have gone from 12.6m |
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in 2014 to 61m in 2016, and 185m in 2018. Its US radio plays almost doubled over the same period. This year, Carey released a new version of the music video, whose views, along with two pre-existing videos, all count towards its chart placing. As well as creating a children’s book and animated film based on the song, Carey has also used it as the basis for a Christmas-themed tour in recent years.
(News, Source: AP) |
'Technicolor in Black & White' New Book: From the French Fan Club 'Elvis My Happiness' the new book 'Technicolor in black and white' set for publication in early 2020.
This book by Jean-Marie Pouzenc is on Elvis Presley’s movies “Blue Hawaii” and “Fun In Acapulco”.
The book tells the story of Elvis Presley’s film career in France and contains over 600 - unpublished - black and white photos from the Paramount archives, documents, posters, press clippings, advertisements and reproductions of photo-novels.
Only a few photos have been published before in other works of Jean-Marie Pouzenc.
The book is set for release Spring 2020 and will come with a CD and vinyl album.
(News, Source;EMH/ElvisInfoNet)
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The Beatles cover Elvis' "Blue Moon": Stepping back into the Far Out Magazine vault, we’re revisiting a moment when The Beatles performed an impromptu cover version of Elvis’ hit ‘Blue Moon’.
Recorded during a session for the White Album in September 1968, the version includes three Beatles; John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr as they attempted to lay down a rendition of their song ‘I Will’. The same recording session included versions of ‘The Way You Look Tonight’, ‘Los Paranoias’ and ‘Step Inside Love’.
Listen to the recording
With McCartney on lead vocals, it shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise that his mind would wander across to ‘Blue Moon’ while recording ‘I Will’ given the backstory of the Beatles track. While scribing the lyrics for ‘I Will’, McCartney once recalled that while he was in India he and Donovan had written a set of lyrics with a “moon theme” before later changing them to “very simple words, straight love-song words.” With Ringo playing the snare rim, Lennon joins in with the same woodblocks the band used while recording ‘I Will’ and, in doing so, created a typically unique rendition of a song that was made famous by Elvis. While ‘Blue Moon’ was originally written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart in 1934, Elvis’ 1954 rendition of the track propelled its notoriety when it remained in the charts for seventeen weeks.
The international recognition and major commercial success, however, first came in 1961 when doo-wop group The Marcels took it to number one in the charts — a move which further benefitted Elvis’ version as his early interpretation became all the more interesting for music fans.
(News, Source:ElvisInfoNet/Far Out magazine) |
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Note: EIN receives a small percentage commission for purchases made by clicking the above links
The TCB Band plus Terry Blackwood & The Imperials at Elvis' Birthday Celebration: The TCB Band plus Terry Blackwood & The Imperials have now been added as special guests to the Graceland Elvis 85th Birthday celebrations' "Elvis: Live in Concert" event Saturday 11 January 2020.
The 'Elvis: Live in Concert' show features amazing on-screen performances from the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, backed live on stage by a live band with special appearances by TCB Band members James Burton, Glen Hardin and Ronnie Tutt.
The evening also includes special appearances by Priscilla Presley and long-term Elvis associate Jerry Schilling.
(EIN notes that this sounds the same show as the recent 'Elvis Seen Unseen' concerts in the UK)
7:30 PM. Graceland Soundstage. $70-$40.
Terry Blackwood, who performed alongside Elvis with The Imperials, has joined forces with Darrell Toney and Will Shaw, creating a contemporary gospel sound. Terry Blackwood is the son of Doyle Blackwood, original co-founder of the Blackwood Brothers Quartet.
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Elvis' Birthday Celebration, which will celebrate Elvis' 85th birthday, is January 8-11 at Graceland, and special events include the Elvis' 85th Birthday Pops Concert featuring the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and Terry Mike Jeffrey; the Elvis Birthday Proclamation Ceremony; Elvis Birthday Bash and more.
Go here to EPE for bookings and details
(News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet) |
"Eternally Elvis" Photo Exhibition in LA: Rare and unseen photos of Elvis Presley are to be part of a major respective to mark the 85th birthday of the King of Rock 'n' Roll
The exhibition is scheduled for January 2020 with the Eternally Elvis show.
Curated by Sam Milgrom, Mr Musichead Gallery will present a stellar photography collection culled from the archives of photographers Bill Avery, Roy Cummings, Bud Fraker, Roger Marshutz, Ernest Reshovsky, Gabi Rona, Joe Shere, William 'Popsie' Randolph, and Bob Willoughby.
These photographers and others will make up the Eternally Elvis show at Los Angeles' Mr. Musichead Gallery 10 to 15 January.
Included in the exhibition are images from a live performance in Elvis Presley’s hometown of Tupelo, Mississippi (Mississippi - Alabama Fair, 1956), a rehearsal and performance on the Ed Sullivan Show, backstage images, candid shots, publicity shoot outtakes, Elvis with Bill Haley, Elvis on the set of the films 'Love Me Tender' and 'Jailhouse Rock', and a few images of a young Priscilla Beaulieu who was to marry Elvis a decade later.
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"Elvis represented and reflected the youthful angst, exuberance, and rebellion of the mid 1950s and these photos give a real sense of what a fresh and exciting talent he was and reveal the charisma that everyone was drawn to," said gallery owner Sam Milgrom.
Go here to Mr Musichead Gallery website for more details
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
'Elvis and His Love of Football' New Graceland Exhibition: When Elvis wasn’t on stage performing for thousands of screaming fans, he was trading in his microphone and jumpsuits for a football and pair of cleats, and now, Graceland guests can get an up-close look at one of the King’s favorite pastimes in the new “X’s & O’s: Elvis and His Love of Football” exhibit.
Elvis’ love for one of America’s greatest games went far beyond watching the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers – his two favorite teams – in the Mansion’s tv room. He carried a football with him just about anywhere, and pickup games on the Graceland grounds or a nearby park weren’t an uncommon occurrence. Even though these were games with friends, Elvis took touch football very seriously. He even went as far as developing playbooks for his teams.
Former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning visited the Graceland Archives earlier this year to film an episode of his new series "Peyton’s Place" airing January 5, 2020 on ESPN+, and even the Super Bowl champ was blown away by the king’s play-calling and attention to detail when it came to formations and assignments. During the episode, Manning takes a trip to one of Elvis’ former stomping grounds and brings the playbook back to life with the help of local high school students. He even brings out his very own American Eagle jumpsuit and cape!
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Graceland’s newest exhibit also features autographed memorabilia given to Elvis by NFL Hall of Famer “Broadway” Joe Namath and memorabilia from the Memphis Southmen, Memphis’ WFL team.
Fans can also get a glimpse of Elvis’s very own 1959 “Most Valuable Player” award from his touch football league in Bad Nauheim, Germany.
(News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet) |
'ELVIS SUMMER FESTIVAL' - Heading To Dealers: Elvis Files' Erik Lorentzen's new project 'Elvis Summer Festival - That's The Way It Is' - has left the printers and is now heading to dealers.
2000 unseen photos from my 1970 "That's The Way It Is". All from the original negatives and slides. |
All orders can be done by sending €230 by PayPal to: sales@elvisfiles.no - includes shipping. Click HERE to our EIN Sneak preview - to see great preview photos.
(News, Source;EL/ElvisInfoNet)
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Elvis Presley News Report 2019 The Re-Cap!: Emiel Maier has released his final 2019 roundup of all "things Elvis".
This is the 2019 Re-cap of the past year's news.
If you did not watch the videos of the past year... here is all the news in a 10 minute video.
Always interesting, Emiel is to be congratulated on his great monthly video release for Elvis fans.
Watch the 2019 report here - Runs 10 minutes
Merry Christmas and a happy new year - Emiel Maier
(News, Source;EM/ElvisInfoNet)
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'Elvis 42 Years Before & After' New Import: A future CD with an interesting theme. EIN believes it will be coming out of Europe.
... Elvis achieved many musical highs, however his career didn’t end at age 42 in 1977.
The first disc of this double Cd set brings you all the most important recordings and hits from his lifetime. From Elvis’ 1954 debut at the Sun label through to the 'Elvis In Concert' 1977 CBS TV special.
The second disc contains the stuff that has kept his name and legacy alive some 42 years after that fatal day in August 1977. From Felton Jarvis' 1980 Re-Recording session through to 2018 Where No One Stands Alone duet with Lisa-Marie Presley.
It is a journey through new songs, remakes and remixes, a live recording from Elvis The Concert World Tour and finally duets with well-known artists and his daughter Lisa Marie Presley.
EIN loves the "Sgt Pepper" cover image!
See 'All The CD News 2019' for tracklist.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) with THANKS to "our man-on-the-ground". |
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How Parkes made me Fall In Love with ELVIS: The Guardian has recently featured an article by journalist Meg Watson who fell in love with Elvis through the Australian Parkes Elvis Festival.
"I thought the Elvis fan festival would be funny. It cracked me open and changed my life"
... It’s often said that watching Elvis Presley was a religious experience. He sent women into fits and presided over his disciples, singing gospel and gently blessing them with silk scarves. I’m not a religious person but in 2016 – 39 years after Elvis died – I saw the neon light.
This was also, not coincidentally, the year I gained sympathy for journalists who pursue stories about cults which they then end up joining.
I've become obsessed with a song I used to sing at church as a child.
I travelled to country New South Wales to cover the Parkes Elvis festival for the pop culture website Junkee. This rural town (population 11,000) hosts an annual celebration with more than
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25,000 Elvis fans, impersonators and tribute artists. The best among them compete for the title and glory of Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist. I went in thinking it would be a funny and novel story. Elvis was good, sure, but who are these people dressing up and singing in the streets? I left as one of them.
Fandom is intoxicating. Anyone who truly, wholly loves a boy band or a football team will tell you the same. But there’s something transcendent about the way Elvis fans love Elvis. It’s eternal.
Kids slick their hair back and practise dances their families have passed down. Women of all ages are allowed – encouraged – to be sexual. They twist and swoon and dab the sweat off Elvis’ chest as he gyrates on them. The men performing are a mixed bunch: some do it for a laugh and others are more solemn in their mission to honour the man.
Ultimately they all want to make people happy.
Happiness this intense is contagious, and it brings out the best in people. Each year the residents of Parkes open their homes as extra accommodation for visitors. Elvis songs soar through loudspeakers at all hours, and strangers literally dance in the street.
Each ETA has their own community of open-hearted fans who, whether on the dance floor or in the corresponding Facebook groups, share their lives with one another.
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This kind of daggy devotion was alien to me in 2016. I was 24 years old, spending too much time online where the default mode was cynicism, crippled by self-doubt and illusions that “cool” was something not only worth chasing but best attained by being detached or aloof. Four years is nothing but I think it might be an eternity in your 20s. I’ve changed so much. This fandom cracked my chest open and made room for something bigger, warmer and sillier.
I'm heading back to Parkes in January and I can’t stop grinning. You’ll find me on the dance floor, spreading that joy, eyes closed and arms raised, reaching for a silk scarf.
The 2020 Parkes Elvis festival takes place 8-12 January in Parkes, NSW
Go here to the Guardian for the full article
(News, Source/G/ElvisInfoNet) |
Note: EIN receives a small % commission on any sales made from clicking the above links
Baz Luhrmann' ELVIS movie update: Priscilla and Jerry Schilling recently supplied a few more details about the up-coming Baz Luhrmann' ELVIS movie.
While in the UK for Elvis Seen/Unseen Priscilla revealed how she’s met with Baz and given him some feedback on the movie.
“I’m involved as much as Baz will let me be involved because he’s learning as he’s going along.
I also asked Jerry come to my house and visit with Baz.”
Baz told us both what he had in mind and of course as it is "Baz Luhrmann" it is going to be very stylised - and not just a regular biopic.
I met him in Memphis and he brought Austin Butler over, who is playing Elvis, to meet me.
I am meeting with Austin soon, back in LA. He is sending me the script when they finish up the little details. So he has me pretty much involved.”
(Photo shows Baz Luhrmann and Elvis stars Olivia DeJonge and Austin Butler)
Elvis’ ex also confirmed her hopes of being in the biopic. (EIN - Surely NOT!)
“I don’t know. I will be in it, of course, but I have no idea yet because I haven’t seen the script yet.
He’s not quite finished. This is going to be out in 2021. So there’s a lot of changes in the script.
They’re really working diligently to make it right, or to make it about what Baz is looking for. So I’ll be seeing that soon, but I think there’ll be a lot of changes.” |
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Schilling added, "Tom Hanks is playing Col Parker and he’s the easy-to-go-to bad guy. But he was actually quite a special guy. A good human being. (EIN - Surely NOT!) There might have been differences, but they were creative.
But Colonel Parker is, I think, the most undeveloped personality in rock-and-roll history, and the most interesting. He’s like the PT Barnum of rock-and-roll.”
(News, Source;Tabloids/ElvisInfoNet) |
UK Elvis Concert Tour ends on a High: The 2019 UK tour of "Elvis' Greatest Hits" wrapped up December 1 in London's sell-out 02 Arena concert and Priscilla posted to fans how much the tour meant to her. After all, it is amazing that Elvis who died 42 years ago can still sell out massive arenas. There is NO other artist like ELVIS.
Priscilla wrote to fans..
It was a great tour in the UK.
I’m always so touched by your continued support and loyalty to Elvis.
Thank you for all your positive comments on how much you enjoyed the concert.
When the lights went on at the end of the show and seeing the “whole” arena in a standing ovation, left me with overwhelming emotion. - Priscilla
(News, Source;PP/ElvisInfoNet)
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December 2 - FTD November Releases OUT NOW: FTD's two new releases, perfect for Christmas are OUT NOW!
- 'The Elvis Is Back Sessions' New FTD Deluxe-Set: To celebrate its 60th Anniversary year, FTD is pleased to announce the release of “The ELVIS IS BACK Sessions”.
Hailed by many as Elvis’ finest recordings. For the first time, here are all the songs as recorded in sequence. Included are all the RCA outtakes and masters.
The release includes a deluxe 28-page booklet and sound carrier adorned with, beautiful portraits, rare photos, insightful essay, recording data and classic memorabilia.
Fans are sure to know what tracks were recorded at these crucial sessions - but what a treat to get the Complete Sessions plus new outakes from songs such as 'Make Me Know It' , 'Soldier Boy', "Mess Of Blues', 'Fame And Fortune' and 'Girl Of My Best Friend'.
Go to 'FTD/SONY CD News 2019' for the full tracklist
(News, Source;FTD/ElvisInfoNet) |
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- 'The Making of Viva Las Vegas' New FTD Book: Also published is the new 'deluxe' book announced by FTD, 'The Making of Viva Las Vegas' by David English and Pal Granlund.
This book is large Coffee-Table format, same size as previous FTD book/cd publication 'Elvis Presley A Boy From Tupelo' with a hard slip-case.
The ultimate in background story into how the fabulous musical starring Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret was created. This 400 page hardback book gives a fascinating and comprehensive insight from script to screen.
The book features, 250 newly discovered images, including wardrobe stills, memos, contracts and pages from director George Sidney's personal script, Soundtrack recording session documents, Memories from the cast and crew. The shooting schedule, filming dates and locations revealed for the first time. Exclusive Warner Brothers interview on the film restoration of Viva Las Vegas. Book includes a deluxe slip case
The audio on 3 cds: The first official release of the original soundtrack in mono. The original conceived 1963 studio album. Bonus songs from the soundtrack and newly discovered songwriters' demos.
CHECK OUT the promo video here
Go to FTD / SONY News for tracklisting and more info
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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'Elvis in Arkansas' New Book: Between 1954 and 1977, Elvis Presley visited Arkansas more than forty times. In Joe Walker's new book, 'Elvis in Arkansas' you'll travel with Elvis across Arkansas and experience the birth of Rock 'n Roll through eyewitness accounts of the people who were there as well as never before published photographs. Stories include read...
- The night Elvis' original pink Cadillac burned alongside the highway
- The Arkansas gymnasium floor that collapsed while Elvis was performing
- Elvis being thrown out of an Arkansas club by a Catholic priest for signing a girl's thigh
- Elvis' fear of flying caused his plane nearly crashing over Arkansas
- Elvis being Inducted into an Arkansas college fraternity
- Elvis singing "Heartbreak Hotel" live for the very first time (which happened in an Arkansas night club)
- The night in Little Rock where Gladys & Vernon Presley met Colonel Parker for the very first time
- Elvis' attempt at purchasing a 14,000 acre duck hunting farming operation in Arkansas
- The auto accident where the authorities wouldn't take his check because they had no idea who Elvis Presley was
'Elvis in Arkansas' offers a fresh perspective on those early days when Elvis and his bandmates, Scotty Moore and Bill Black first ventured west out of Memphis with the trio criss-crossing the Ark-La-Tex, performing in hundreds of shows across Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas. And when they weren't playing a show in Arkansas, they were driving back and forth across the state weekly. You'll read the stories from those who were there, not realizing they were witnessing the birth of Rock 'n Roll. For them, they were witnessing something, they just weren't sure what.
Click here to 'Elvis in Arkansas' website for more info - Out this week.
Coming soon to EIN... an interview with author Joe Walker
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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Robert F.X. Sillerman Dead aged 71: Robert Sillerman the New York entertainment businessman who bought EPE Inc in 2005 and helped form the modern concert industry, died Sunday of a respiratory illness. He was 71.
Sillerman carved his way into the music industry by purchasing and consolidating multiple promoters in the 1990s, including Bill Graham Presents based in San Francisco. He merged individual entities into SFX Entertainment and later sold the business for $3 billion in 2000. That eventually became the empire that is now Live Nation, which merged with Ticketmaster in 2010.
It was in February 2005 when, in a shock move, 85% of EPE was sold to Robert Sillerman's company. At the time CKX hoped that modern technology was the way to bring a refresh of the ELVIS brand ("VIVA Elvis" in Las Vegas, Hologram Elvis in American idol etc) and pump up the income of EPE. It was only six years later in May 2011 that CKX sold out to Apollo Global Management when Sillerman's original dream collapsed and his operation was sold for about $511 million.
At the time the sale of Graceland / EPE was the biggest news story to hit the Elvis world since the opening of Graceland to the public on 7 June 1982.
EIN kept a close eye on the Sale of The Estate. Click here to EIN's comprehensive archives of news and articles about EPE sale and its aftermath through to the new Guesthouse in 2016.
Also click HERE to EIN's spotlight on Sillerman in 2009
A Bronx native, Sillerman was born into a family whose father, Michael McKinley Sillerman, built the Keystone Radio Network. He started buying radio stations in the late 1970s with DJ Bruce Morrow, and over the next decade amassed TV and radio stations across the country. The company sold eight of the stations to Westinghouse Broadcasting in 1989 for more than $350 million, a record transaction at the time.
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In the early 1990s, Sillerman and partner Steven Hicks created SFX Broadcasting in reaction to the deregulation of the radio industry. When the Telecommunications Act of 1996 was enacted, Sillerman bought and consolidated dozens of radio stations before selling 71 of them in the late 1990s for $2.1 billion.
This left room for Sillerman to focus on live entertainment and he created "SFX" which he later sold to create CKX Inc with the intention of creating a diverse entertainment company. As its chief executive, he purchased stakes in the estates of Elvis Presley and Muhammad Ali; Simon Fuller's 19 Entertainment ("American Idol") and the management company for Woody Allen and Billy Crystal.
He left CKX in 2010 before selling it the following year while later on his own company was declared bankrupt and he had to step down as chief executive.
In the entertainment industry Sillerman certainly had a wild ride.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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"Elvis in Concert" Manchester UK Review: The first show of the 2019 UK tour and the Manchester Messenger published a positive review..
.. More than forty years after his death and Elvis Presley can still play to arenas.
This latest incarnation of the show combining original concert footage of the 'The King' and the musicians of the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra accompanying him live had an added bonus.
For joining the orchestra for parts of the show were the original members of the TCB Band who played with Elvis throughout his 1970s tours.
(EIN Note: We were surprised that the TCB Band are only featured for the last parts of the first and second acts. Keen fans note that all the footage looked familiar - no "never before seen" material stuck out - and as always the TTWII footage was the same poor quality it has always been. Why this footage has never been properly remastered for the huge screen beggars belief)
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This was a chance to see rock and roll royalty - guitarist James Burton, pianist Glen D Hardin and drummer Ronnie Tutt - on stage together for one more time.
There is something slightly surreal about watching the star of the show on a giant screen.
The whole idea really shouldn't work, but it does. The key is to suspend your scepticism and open your ears.
The problem with Elvis is that his legacy has been tarnished by the sheer number of tribute acts - some excellent, the majority less so.
It is only when you hear that voice through a state-of-the-art PA system that you can fully appreciate just how good he was.
The RPO isn't a bad backing band to have either. It can't be easy playing live to a performer who himself was performing live, albeit up to 50 years ago. |
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But they rose to the challenge majestically. And they had a blast while they were doing it.
As we were treated to a series of early Elvis rock and roll numbers, the string section turned into the Ikettes, dancing away with giant smiles on their faces.
The show featured hit after hit and spanned much of Elvis's career from the early days through to his movies.
Priscilla Presley and lifelong friend Jerry Schilling acted as slightly distracted comperes to the evening, sharing a few anecdotes and offering a glimpse of some of their home movies on the big screens.
But the evening really didn't need any embellishment.
The songs, the musicians and that ELVIS voice had everything you needed.
Click here to the original article
(News, Source;MM/ElvisInfoNet) - EIN says a big THANKS to our man-on-the-ground for these great photos |
'American Sound 1969' Special RSD Vinyl: OUT TOMORROW Record Store Day special "BLACK FRIDAY 2019" release - 'Elvis Presley - American Sound 1969' gets a limited 4000 copies double-vinyl release.
... 1969 was a pivotal year for Elvis Presley. Fresh from the success of the '68 Comeback Special, a revitalized Elvis headed to American Sound Studios with producer Chips Moman and a crack group of local session musicians. From these sessions came From Elvis In Memphis, one of the most beloved LPs of his career, plus the seminal hits "Suspicious Minds" (his 18th and final No. 1 hit) and "In The Ghetto." American Sound Sessions 1969, available for the first time on vinyl, features rare and unreleased outtakes from these legendary sessions.
As an "Alternate Album" this looks quite delicious.
These RSD Exclusive titles are physically released only at indie record stores.
Event: BLACK FRIDAY - 29/11/2019
Label: Legacy - Quantity: 4000
Go to EIN SONY Releases for full tracklist and RSD info
(News, Source;RSD/ElvisInfoNet)
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Elvis' 85th Birthday Celebrations: Elvis' 85th Birthday will be celebrated over four days at Graceland from January 8-11, 2020. These include the annual Elvis Birthday Proclamation Ceremony on January 8, The Auction at Graceland, an Elvis Birthday Bash and Evening Tour, a Birthday Celebration Concert featuring Terry Mike Jeffrey and the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, plus the fan-favorite concert Elvis: Live in Concert featuring TCB Band members James Burton, Glen Hardin and Ronnie Tutt, Priscilla Presley and Jerry Schilling.
The highlight of the celebrations will be two concerts at the Soundstage at Graceland:
- Friday, January 10, the Memphis Symphony Orchestra brings their annual Elvis Pops Concert to Graceland. Musician and singer Terry Mike Jeffrey and his band join the orchestra for a special birthday salute featuring music from all facets of Elvis' career. With performances featuring his greatest hits, movie songs and love ballads that will take you from Memphis to Las Vegas to Hawaii all in one evening.
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- Saturday, January 11, fans will be treated to a very special Elvis: Live in Concert. The concert will feature amazing on-screen performances from the King of Rock 'n' Roll, backed live on stage by a live band with appearances by TCB Band members James Burton, Glen Hardin and Ronnie Tutt. Plus special appearances by Priscilla Presley and long-term Elvis associate Jerry Schilling. -
This will be the first time to see them all together at Graceland on one stage.
Festivities begin on January 8, Elvis' birthday. At 9am the annual Elvis Birthday Proclamation Ceremony will take place on Graceland's North Lawn. The special ceremony will feature a birthday cake cutting and proclamation of Elvis Presley Day.
At 11am fans and collectors from around the world will have the opportunity to participate on-site and online in The Auction at Graceland.
On January 9 at 10am Tom Brown will host a special Conversations on Elvis featuring Priscilla Presley and Jerry Schilling, who will share some of their favorite memories and stories about Elvis.
Go here to EPE for full schedule
(News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet) |
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'INSIDE ELVIS' New Book /CD: To commemorate Elvis' 85th birthday in January 2020, 'ELVIS FOR EVERYONE!'
is proud to present our new 300 page, A4-size photobook, titled simply: INSIDE ELVIS.
This handsomely designed book contains a collection of more than 300 rare photographs from the collections of various high-profile collectors, with a focus on the concert years.
Many of these showcase the grace and artistry of the greatest entertainer that ever lived. The detail and clarity of some of the photos will almost make you feel like you are there.
The stunning artwork was done by Dutch artwork director Michael van Werven, whose stylish design has turned this into one of the most gorgeous photo books on Elvis out there.
The text consists of interviews with various of Elvis’ musicians and associates, including Jim Murray, Bob Lanning, Ginger and Mary Holladay, Charlie Hodge and Chips Moman. Several of these interviews by Arjan Deelen were first published in “Elvis – The Man and his Music”.
INSIDE ELVIS comes with a CD containing various rarities.
Out next month
More info coming soon.
(News, Source;AD/ElvisInfoNet) |
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'ELVIS: The 1972 Press-Conference - The Way It Was and How It Is Today': It is almost 50 years since Elvis held his Madison Square Garden 1972 press conference in the Mercury Ballroom at the New York Hilton.
Elvis is no longer with us but his spirit lives forever. Elvis fans always discover something quite magical when they get the chance to “Walk-a-mile-in-his-shoes” or at least stand in the same rooms and places that Elvis did. Graceland, when not overrun by crowds, feels very special indeed. Standing in the quiet you can almost feel the spirit of Elvis still inhabiting his home. The feeling in Memphis’ Sun Studios can bring fans to tears.
After his 2017 visit to the Las Vegas International / Hilton Hotel, EIN contributor Arjan Deelen recently returned to New York and the Mercury Ballroom, home of Elvis' famous 1972 'M.S.G' press conference.
"The image is one thing, and the human being is another”… a well-known Elvis quote from his press-conference at the Mercury Ballroom in the New York Hilton, on June 9th, 1972. At the time Elvis gave us a brief glimpse of the pressures that he was living under being Elvis, even adding, “It’s very hard to live up to an image, I’ll tell you”.
“First of all, I plead innocent of all charges!”.
Go here as Arjan Deelen revisits Elvis’ New York press-conference - together with photographer Phil Gelormine
(Spotlight, Source;ArjanDeelen/ElvisInfoNet) |
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'BACK-IN LIVING STEREO' New MRS OUT NOW: MRS have released their 6CD/100-page book 'BACK-IN LIVING STEREO' - NOW at your Elvis dealers. - Go HERE for an inside sneak-peak
The 6 CDs contain over 150 remastered tracks of the essential 1960- 1962 master recordings, plus rare alternate outtakes (including unreleased material) and all of the personal home recordings Elvis made during the 1960s.
All tracks have now been cleaned, repaired (there are too many to mention), and restored. The home recordings have now had the same mastering techniques as used so successfully on the recent MRS release Made in Germany.
The set also includes unreleased recordings - including one that will have the Elvis world ‘all shook up’, as well as a previously unreleased stereo version of a home recordings.
The 100 page book includes rare unpublished documents and photographs, supported by a comprehensive text discussing each of Elvis’ RCA studio (non-film) recording sessions held during 1960-62.
The six CDs focus on different sections of Elvis stunning early sixties career - as well as his personal musical inspirations and home recordings |
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CD1 – THE ESSENTIAL 1960 MASTERS - 'Make Me Know It' through to 'Working on the Building'
CD2 – THE ESSENTIAL 1961 - 1962 MASTERS - ' I'm Comin' Home' to 'She's Not You' (plus 2 bonus tracks)
CD3 – SELECTED ALTERNATE OUTTAKES 1960 – 1961 - 'Make Me Know It' to 'For the Millionth and Last Time ' alternate takes
CD4 – SELECTED ALTERNATE OUTTAKES 1961 – 1962 - '(Marie's the Name) His Latest Flame' to 'She's Not You' plus plus unreleased extras including 'Goin’ Home' outakes
CD5 – THE COMPLETE 1960’S HOME RECORDINGS
CD6 – THE 1966 HOME RECORDINGS
Click HERE for MORE Sneak Previews - at 'All The CD News' .
(News, Source;MRS/ElvisInfoNet) |
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'Elvis: Seen/Unseen' US Concerts Rescheduled: EPE announced last month that "Due to circumstances beyond anyone's control" the 'Elvis: Seen/Unseen' shows originally scheduled on East Coast for Oct. 30 through Nov. 2 have been postponed.
The new dates are as follows:
January 30, 2020 Montclair, NJ - The Wellmont Theater
January 31, 2020 Atlantic City, NJ - The Borgata
February 1, 2020 Westbury, NY - NYCB Theatre at Westbury
All tickets previously purchased for the original date will be honored for the rescheduled date. If you are unable to attend the rescheduled date a refund will be available at the original point of purchase.
Click here to Ticketcity for more info
(News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet) |
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'You're Driving Me Crazy' MRS Vinyl Promo: MRS have now released 'You're Driving Me Crazy' (Anita Wood calls Elvis Presley) a one-sided vinyl 'Promo LP Track' to help advertise their new 6CD/Book combo 'Elvis: Back In Living Stereo'. This is surely one of the strangest Elvis collectable's ever to be released.
It features a 25 minute phone conversation between Anita Wood and Elvis that she recorded in 1961 when she was becoming suspicious of Elvis not being faithful to her.
Worth noting is that because it is a phone conversation recorded in 1961 the audio quality is terrible.
More importantly in this new "Me Too" era Elvis comes off as arrogant, angry and not the charming man all his fans want him to be.
Anita Wood has since stated that she wished she had never made the phone call (see story below) and it is interesting that in the low-tech early 60s she had decided to record the conversation. You can feel that she was setting Elvis up as she keeps on pushing him for better answers to tricky questions. |
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What Anita Wood hoped to prove (or record) I have no idea.
Most people at some time or another wish they hadn't said such stupid things to their friends / partners and this feels like such a private conversation I doubt if fans would ever want to listen to it more than once.
Whether this private phone conversation should ever have been released is a debatable point. My personal feeling is that it will be sad interruption in the otherwise glorious up-coming MRS box-set of Elvis' early 60s recordings.
However there is no doubt that this vinyl promo release will become a real Elvis collectable.
You can hear more discussion about this new track in the most recent 'Elvis Express' radio show.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
'Elvis: From Hollywood To Nashville' MRS Vinyl review: Released just in time for my birthday MRS has put out a limited edition vinyl compilation 'Elvis: From Hollywood To Nashville - The Essential 1957-58 Studio Masters'.
Featuring a delicious selection of Elvis' studio work from 1957 until he he got "drafted & shafted" in 1958, this album basically features all his studio recordings - except for the movie soundtracks and the ubiquitous Christmas album.
From 'All Shook Up' to 'I Got Stung' Elvis was riding a creative peak.
With a limited pressing of 1,000 copies, 400 in Clear Vinyl and 600 in Black vinyl this is a treat.
EIN grabbed a copy and played it loud - go here for our review.
(Reviews, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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The Anita Wood, Elvis Phone-call: In her "biography" 'Elvis and Anita', written by her daughter, the recorded phone conversation is featured over a few pages. Anita admitted it was a "Fishing exploration" since by that time she had realised that Elvis was being unfaithful with other women. She also wished she had never made the phone call as it did change her feeling for Elvis. It is notable that Anita felt strongly enough at the time to actually record the private conversation. As her daughter explains in the book..
...By now my mother understood that the one certainty about life with Elvis is that there would always be rumors about women, especially when he was on tour or off making a movie. While she never liked hearing these stories, by and large she knew to ignore them. Because no matter how many miles separated them, Elvis always called her — if not every day, then usually every two or three days — and assured her that she was the one.
One time, however, the press seemed to be circulating even more rumors than usual. ... This made Momma believe that, maybe, just maybe, Elvis really was seeing someone "special" this time, and not just for publicity.
Though Momma hated the idea of confronting Elvis, she also knew that this was something she needed to get off her chest. So she picked up the phone and asked him why he hadn't called... it was a fishing exploration, pure and simple.
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The conversation went something like this:
"I haven't heard from you in a while," Momma began. "You must be working real hard... or something... Seems that's the only time I do talk to you these days, is when I call!"
Elvis tried to smooth that over with a laugh, but Momma wouldn't have it.
"Well, you know I love you, Anita."
"I don't believe you do," Momma replied. "Don't you miss me?" "Of course, I miss you," Elvis said, "You're my Little Itty-Bitty."
"Well, it sure don't seem like it."
"Well, it may not seem like it to you, Little, but that's the way it is. That's the way it is, and you know it." Then he tried to "baby talk" her, but Momma wouldn't go for that, either.
"Elvis, I am not a baby right now." She came right out and said it. "Do you have a girlfriend out there?"
"Do I have a girlfriend out here?"
"You heard what I said."
"Oh, don't be that way, honey. I've told you a thousand times, I'm crazy about you."
"Well, you're sure not acting like it."
"Anita, can't you take my word for it? If I didn't love you, I wouldn't be wasting my damn time with you. Just because I don't call you three or four times week, don't mean that I don't love you. Don't go crazy on me now — every time I talk to you, you tear my damn head up!"
"That's not true, Elvis, and you know it!"
"Well, then, you ought to know by now how I feel after you, Little. I love you very much, I miss you very much, and if you were with me right now, I'd be perfectly happy!" |
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When she looks back on it now, my mother wishes that she had never made that call, because she and Elvis ended up arguing with each other for nearly half an hour. But at the same time, her gut kept telling her that something was different, that no matter what he said, he was not being faithful. And it was about time that she stop pretending to herself, and to everyone else, that he was.
Even so, their conversation gives us some insight into Elvis' feelings. I don't believe he was insincere that night when he told Momma that he loved her.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
Updated - The Most Dramatic Elvis Film Poster ever released (and other rare posters): While many fans in English-speaking countries are familiar with the normally seen Elvis film posters, most will not have seen many of the very different posters released in countries including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, France, Germany, Italy, Argentina, Mexico, South Africa, Spain and Yugoslavia.
In this pictorial spotlight article, EIN presents 25 rarely seen Elvis film posters and lobby cards, starting with what is arguably the most dramatic Elvis movie poster, an extra large 4 sheet (40" x 60") released in Italy promoting Charro.
View EIN's rare Elvis film poster pictorial
Now with Reader FEEDBACK and corrections...
(Spotlight, Source;NPatterson/ElvisInformationNetwork) |
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'The Blue Hawaii Sessions' FTD confirmed: FTD's Ernst Jørgensen has confirmed with EIN that the expanded deluxe FTD release of 'The Blue Hawaii Sessions' is already being worked on.
Jørgensen notes that FTD do not like to announce future releases anymore since this only makes bootleggers rush in to bang-out poorer quality copy-cat product.
"We are normally working on a handful of these projects simultaneously" he adds.
EIN notes that with all the on-going debate about the recent "Venus" (really?) issue of their 'Mele Mai Ka Lani Mai' 'Blue-Hawaii sessions' (without the advertised "Top-Notch" sound!) it is good to know that fans of quality session releases can wait for the FTD version.
In this circumstance, where the bootleg is already out, EIN thinks it is a real positive that FTD let fans know their sessions product will be released in the near-future.
(see another reader comment about the Venus release below)
(News, Source;EJ/ElvisInfoNet) |
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'Elvis Unleashed' EIN exclusive Review: The publicity stated... Experience the King Like Never Before With 'Elvis Unleashed'. Elvis Presley returns to big screens across the globe this fall with the new music special, "Elvis Unleashed" featuring previously unseen footage on movie theater screens of Elvis as he filmed the iconic "68 Comeback Special." The two-day cinema event, which includes outtakes and performances that reveal a new side of the King.
"Elvis Unleashed" captures the spontaneous moments and stories behind the legendary special, and sheds new light on Elvis as a cultural icon. Each screening will include a new 30-minute segment with LA writer Randy Lewis in conversation with actor Dennis Quaid, rising pop/country artist Jade Jackson and the esteemed director of the "68 Elvis Comeback Special," Steve Binder, to discuss Elvis's life and legacy.
But does the cinema-event really live up to all the publicity, is there really anything new to enjoy? The answer is that, "the material is amazing and essential viewing, you can tell that Elvis knew that a lot was at stake – he simply works his ass off".
While the US and Australia screenings were cancelled EIN contributor ARJAN DEELEN saw this movie-event in Copenhagen last night - and kindly sent us his on-the-spot review... he notes, "All fans deserve to see this footage"..
(Spotlight/Reviews, Source;ArjanDeelen/ElvisinfoNet) |
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'Elvis - That’s The Way It Is' Future FTD Release: There is no doubt that 2020 will be a massive celebration for the 50th Anniversary of Elvis' MGM filmed August 1970 Las Vegas concerts.
Erik Lorentzen (Elvis Files) has already announced his 3-book set 'Elvis Summer Festival' (see below)
Now FTD have announced their future 2020 deluxe TTWII Book / CD set.
.. David English & Pal Granlund who have just released details on their forthcoming FTD book/cd Elvis Presley - The Making of Viva Las Vegas are proud to announce a new book, which will be released in 2020 on the 50th Anniversary of the documentary Elvis That’s The Way It Is.
Some brief details are listed below.
THE BOOK: 'Elvis Presley - That’s The Way It Is'– Hardbound book with deluxe slipcase containing over 400 pages. It is a 12 by 12 Deluxe format, in the same style as the FTD book ‘Elvis Presley - A Boy From Tupelo’ and ‘Elvis Presley - The Making of Viva Las Vegas.’
With access to 2,000 original negatives |
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and 35mm slides, these images have been restored and repaired, many of which have never been seen before. The book will also contain items from the MGM and RCA archives including paperwork, documents, memos and recording information.
THE AUDIO: The package will also contain a gatefold sleeve and three compact discs with unreleased material, more details to follow.
EIN presumes the 3 cds will include the unreleased rehearsal material
(News, Source;FTD/ElvisInfoNet) |
Elvis Calendars for 2020: A range of Elvis calendars have been released in the US for 2020 (EIN will feature EC released calendars shortly). They include:
'Elvis: Stories Behind The Songs' Book Review: BBC Local Radio presenter Matt Shepherd has published his first printed book looking at some of Elvis' biggest hits and lesser known treasures.
'Elvis Presley: Stories Behind The Songs' is the first of a two volume book and starts in January 1969, almost 50 years ago, when Elvis recorded in Memphis for the first time in 14 years.
The 248-page book features nine chapters examining Elvis' stunning musical legacy. Elvis' recordings from 1969 - 1973 feature in the first section of the book while Elvis' fabulous fifties performances make up the second part.
A lot of EIN readers will have read so much about Elvis' amazing legacy already that a new book really needs to have an alternate viewpoint to keep one interested - and we think Sheppard’s 248-page book does just that.
Unlike other books, Sheppard’s examination of each song (usually) explains the composers backstory, the connection to Elvis, who previously recorded the song, alternate reviews, interview extracts and website links to other sites (such as youtube) and performances of the song by other artists.
EIN's Piers Beagley selected the book for some summer holiday reading on the beach and found himself enjoying what he found ..
(Book Reviews, Source:ElvisInformationNetwork)
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ELVIS Movie in Pre-Production: Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin, husband and wife collaborators are back home in Australia to work on what will probably go down as their biggest career gamble to date: recreating the life and times of music icon Elvis Presley for the big screen.
Naturally the local film industry is excited by the huge Warner Bros project coming to Australia, with the production being split between Queensland and Sydney.
Luhrmann and Martin have previously recreated Belle Epoque Parisian nightclubs and Jazz Age New York with much fanfare in Sydney, so Graceland on the Gold Coast is highly feasible.
But in these early days knowing exactly what to expect with the Elvis film is uncertain. Indeed, while Luhrmann and Martin share a love of sequins with Elvis (see below) when delving into the the real life of the King of Rock, things can get quite murky.
It was last June at the Chateau Marmont in Hollywood that Luhrmann was working hard on his Elvis epic, a project which has been on the backburner for several years. (EIN first reported this project back in May 2014!)
It was at the time that Luhrmann confirmed he had won the blessing of both Elvis' ex-wife Priscilla as well as Lisa Marie to make the film.
Both women have been long-term defenders - and fierce proponents - of the Elvis image and estate, which has generated hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue since his death in 1977.
So the question remain about just how accurately the legend of the much-loved Elvis Presley showbiz icon and "Southern gentleman" reflects the reality of Elvis Presley the man.
Handsome young actor Austin Butler will portray Elvis in Baz's film which covers a 20-year period tracking Presley’s rise from |
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“very famous” to “minor American God.”
Central to the story will be Presley's tumultuous relationship with his manager, a colourful and rather disturbing character named Colonel Tom Parker, who will be played by Tom Hanks.
When Presley died in August 1977, Parker did not join the global outpouring of grief. Instead he flew to New York to negotiate a deal for the merchandising rights to the name and likeness of the dead star.
Posthumous sales of Elvis records and memorabilia boomed.
"Elvis didn't die," the Colonel told callers in the days following Presley's death. "The body did. We're keeping Elvis' spirit alive."
Before managing Elvis, Colonel Parker worked in a travelling circus with a dancing chicken act. The fowl were encouraged to perform by placing them on a kitchen hotplate, invisible to the audience.
Some have argued Colonel Parker's methods did not change much by the time he got hold of Elvis, who at the end of his career was touring in an endless series of fairly low rent productions at Parker's behest.
But what about Elvis himself? How will he be presented in the film? As the hip-swivelling love god or as the grown man who, by today's standards, dated rather young girls.
It was in 1959 when Elvis was 24-years-old serving in the military in Germany that he met Priscilla Beaulieu who was only 14-years-old at the time but who later would become his one and only wife.
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They dated for six months before he returned to the US. In her memoir Elvis and Me, Priscilla writes that Elvis remained a gentleman until they married many years later in 1967.
Jerry Lee Lewis' career was initially ruined when the UK pres discovered he was married to Myra Gale Brown, his first cousin once removed, who was only 13 years old. It was Lewis' third marriage.
Let's hope Baz Luhrmann can pull off a genuinely truthful and also stunning look at the magnificence of Elvis' early career.
(News, Source;SMH/ElvisInfoNet) |
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ELVIS 'Live 1969'
Keeping an eye on the prices.
Now $102 (down from $160) <<< US Amazon
UK Amazon >>> £80.00
Both with FREE Delivery
Check deals at other sites.
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ELVIS Forever - 2019: - August 16th, 1956, Elvis arrived on board an American Airlines flight to
Los Angeles International airport in order to start work on his first
film role, The Reno Brothers soon to be renamed 'Love Me Tender'.
Elvis was only 21 years old and at the start of his incredible trajectory to become the world's biggest superstar.
Little did Elvis know that he was already halfway through his all too-short life on earth.
In the same month Elvis would tell fans, "I've been lucky. You know something? I just feel sometimes like it's all a dream, like I'll rub my eyes and wake up and it will be over. I hope not. I hope it never happens. I hope it never ends"
Sadly, just 21 years later, it would end far too soon.
Forty two years on we all are once again thinking about tragic end to Elvis' incredible life and how much he did for us in his all too short life-time.
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31 July 2019 .... It was FIFTY YEARS ago today ... Elvis was back in Las Vegas .. |
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| Wednesday 31 July 2019 .... It was FIFTY YEARS ago today ... Elvis was back in Las Vegas .. |
'Elvis Needed a Reboot in July 1969. So Did Las Vegas': Today is the 50th anniversary of Elvis’ Vegas comeback show, on July 31, 1969. This was a milestone and is being celebrated by the new RCA 11-CD boxed set of his ’69 Vegas performances, a reunion concert in Memphis next month and major Elvis Week celebrations.
Author Richard Zoglin reports in the New York Times.
... In the late sixties Elvis’ bona fides were in question when he returned to LIVE on-stage performances after more than eight years. His ’69 comeback show was a make-or-break gamble.
Unfortunately Elvis’ Vegas years are mostly recalled in the tabloid press as a period of commercial excess and artistic decline: the bombastic shows, the gaudy white jumpsuits, the ballooning weight, the erratic stage behavior, the drugs. “For many,” wrote Dylan Jones in “Elvis Has Left the Building” “Vegas Elvis was already Dead Elvis.”
But for that 1969 comeback, and at least a year or two after, Elvis was at his peak as a stage performer, and he created a show that not only revitalized his career, but changed the face of Las Vegas entertainment.
The younger generation was going to arena concerts, not hanging out in the Sands Hotel lounge. So it was fitting that Las Vegas, a town blindsided by the rock revolution, would turn to a megawatt rock ‘n’ roll star as the agent of its reinvention two weeks before Woodstock would take place in upstate New York.
Elvis’ return to the stage in Vegas was a make-or-break career gamble. Colonel Parker had envisioned a traditional |
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Vegas show, with chorus girls and choreography. Elvis wanted something different: a concert to reconnect him with his fans and showcase all the music he loved.
But when Elvis walked out, to a throbbing rhythm intro, grabbed the microphone with a trembling hand, and launched into “Blue Suede Shoes,” the audience went wild.
It was the old Elvis, rocking as hard as ever, on a song he hadn’t done in a decade. He followed with more vintage hits — 'All Shook Up', 'Don’t Be Cruel,' 'Hound Dog'. He did them faster than in the old days, almost as if he wanted to get through them as quickly as possible, to get to the more mature and varied material he was starting to record. He sang “In the Ghetto,” the social-protest song that had been released in the spring and became a hit. He did covers of songs identified with other artists — Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode,” Ray Charles’s “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” the Beatles’ “Yesterday.”
The high point of the show was a galvanic, seven-minute version of a song almost no one in the crowd had heard before: “Suspicious Minds,” which would be released during his Vegas run and give him his first No. 1 hit in seven years.
The show lasted an hour and 15 minutes, and Elvis was on fire throughout — prowling the stage like a panther, doing karate kicks, sweating and downing water and Gatorade. He was huffing and puffing after just a few minutes, but the voice never faltered: richer, more expressive, more powerful than ever. “I never saw anything like it in my life,” said Mac Davis, the singer-songwriter who had written “In the Ghetto” for him and was in the audience that night. “You couldn’t take your eyes off the guy. It was just crazy. Women rushing the stage, people clamoring over each other. I couldn’t wipe the grin off my face the entire time.”
Presley talked to the audience too — nervously, with a few corny jokes and a lot of self-deprecating asides. But that was part of the appeal: this was no slick Vegas performer with polished jokes and programmed patter. Elvis seemed just as awed by the occasion as everyone in the audience.
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He played for four solid weeks, seven nights a week, two shows a night — not a single evening off — and every gig was sold out. The critics raved; David Dalton in Rolling Stone called Elvis “supernatural, his own resurrection.” Richard Goldstein, writing in The New York Times, said watching him “felt like getting hit in the face with a bucket of melted ice. He looked so timeless up there, so constant.” The hotel instantly signed him up for five more years.
Elvis brought something new to Las Vegas: not an intimate, Rat Pack-style nightclub show, but a big rock-concert extravaganza. He showed that rock ’n’ roll (and country and R&B too) could work on the big Vegas stage. And he brought in a new kind of audience: not the Vegas regulars and high rollers, but a broader, more middle-American crowd: female fans who had screamed for Elvis as teenagers, families who made Elvis the centerpiece of their summer vacation. It was the same audience that Vegas would discover, over the next couple of decades, as it embarked on its own reinvention — a foretaste of the Vegas we know today, the Vegas of Cirque du Soleil, theme-park hotels, and (more recently) a new generation of pop-star residencies, from Elton John to Lady Gaga.
Go here to the NYT for the full article.
(News, Source;NYT/ElvisInfoNet) |
'Elvis Live 1969' SONY Promo Video: SONY have released a cute promo video for the brand new "Elvis Live 1969" deluxe 11CD boxset and also the double August 26 1969 vinyl release.
Worth a look - only runs 1 /12 minutes
Unfortunately they state that "Elvis hadn't performed on stage for over 11 years" - which is crazy seeing that the March 1961 Arizona Memorial - Pearl Harbour fund-raiser was one of Elvis' best concerts of all time.
Elvis also performed two concerts in Memphis on February 25 1961.
Click here to YouTube to see the promo video
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
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'The Fun In Acapulco Sessions' Deluxe FTD Review: Released by FTD back in March 'The Fun In Acapulco Sessions' is a 3-CD set that the publicity noted included more than an hour of previously unreleased false starts and complete takes!
The 28-page booklet includes rare photographs, memorabilia, session data, Movie Trivia and an updated overview of the movie by Alan Hanson - with all tracks recently remixed and remastered.
A Mexican locale, some Tijuana horns, plus the interesting presence of the Mexican ‘Amigos’ at the recording sessions presented a novel setting for Elvis.
If you like Elvis, sunny locations, sixties movies packed full of songs and the Latino sound then there is no doubt that Fun In Acapulco must be one of your favourites.
But 56 years after the original album and movie can there really be that much of interest left in the vault unreleased?
EIN's Piers Beagley investigates this massive set, discovers all the Previously Unreleased Delights - and wonders if 33 minutes of Guadalajara might be too much for some...
A FTD Deluxe set deserves a proper review and EIN gives you 4000 words plus to see if you really need to add this limited release to your collection!
(FTD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork) |
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Ken Sharp Interview 2019: Ken Sharp is a New York Times best-selling writer who has published an astounding number of books about musicians such John Lennon, David Bowie, Kiss, Cheap Trick, LA's Wrecking Crew as well as Elvis Presley.
He authored the stunning FTD book 'Writing For The King' as well as the unique 'Elvis Vegas 1969' and has published a multitude of interviews with key Elvis acquaintances in major music magazines such as Goldmine, he has also supplied sleeve notes for some major Sony ELVIS releases.
Packed full of unique interviews, fans have asked EIN whether "Elvis Vegas '69"is being republished for the 50th anniversary.
It has been a while since EIN has caught up with Ken Sharp - and with the 50th anniversary of Elvis' 1969 Las Vegas Return-To-Splendour about to be celebrated we thought it was about time to find up what he was up to.
Go here as EIN's Piers Beagley asked the questions.. and YES you can get copies of 'Elvis Vegas 1969' now at a special price for the 50th anniversary.
(Interviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork) |
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(Book Review): Elvis September 1958 - Germany Bound (Paul Belard): Paul Belard's latest visual and archival record of the Elvis story focuses on just one month, September 1958. This was the month Elvis prepared for his departure from the USA on deployment to Germany to continue his Army training.
EIN's Nigel Patterson took a tour of duty through Germany Bound. He has taken inventory and you can read what Nigel found here:
Read Nigel's review ......
..(Book Review, Source: EIN) |
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Elvis LIVE Aug 23, 1969 Album Review + Elvis Concert Review 1969: ... "The atmosphere throughout the entire hotel was nail-bitingly electric! It is difficult for me to describe and paint a true portrait of attending in person this unique occasion - Elvis' Return to Splendor LIVE in 1969 - but I'll try my best. I want, and hope, you will understand the excitement of what has to be the pinnacle of Elvis' career to date!"
Joan Gansky was lucky because not only was she in the audience for Elvis' TV musical renaissance of the '68 NBC Special but she also saw Elvis at his most dynamic - first at his August 22nd 1969 Midnight Show and then the following night at his August 23rd Dinner Show.
Joan Gansky has written this insightful and emotional article for EIN in 2019, fifty years later, looking back at this special event from 1969 as well as providing her review of the new RCA vinyl album of the August 23rd Dinner Show.
One of EIN's most important articles we have ever published - Go here for Joan and Paul Gansky's incredible articles and exclusive photos
(Review/Spotlight, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork) |
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'Elvis - Made In Germany’ In-Depth Review: The new MRS 'Elvis - Made In Germany – The Complete Private Recordings’ 4CD set contains more than 3 hours of the private recordings Elvis made while off duty in Germany when he was serving as a soldier in the US army during the 1958 -1960 period and, includes rare tracks from a recently discovered tape comprising over an hour of unheard personal recordings.
The 152-page hardback book contains rare photographs and documents plus a comprehensive text provided by Gordon Minto, which discusses each of Elvis’ RCA studio (non-film) recording sessions held during 1957-58, before focusing on the private recordings he made in Germany.
The BONUS CD features the essential RCA studio masters from 1957-58.
With such an expansive book, along with hours of Elvis jamming with his friends in Germany, there is plenty to discuss as well as finding out what extra material this set contains over the official releases.
Go here as EIN's Nigel Patterson & Piers Beagley provide an in-depth review of this new MRS release
(Book Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork) |
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'The Best Of The '68 Comeback Special' CD Review: The original NBC TV Special featured Elvis playing with so much passion that it inspired a career renaissance
Released to cash-in on the recent “Elvis All-Star Tribute” one can only hope that the mass of Post Malone and Ed Sheeran fans will consider Elvis’ amazing musical legacy worth checking out.
Elvis never looked cooler than in the 68 Special and this surely has got to help.
The original ELVIS NBC soundtrack vinyl album was obviously the very first selected ‘Best Of’ while BMG’s marvellous 1998 “Memories” double-album was an expanded version.
This new ‘Best Of’ has presumably been selected by Rob Santos and John Jackson.
Elvis was SO DAMN GOOD performing for the NBC TV special that any alternate edit has to be enjoyable so EIN thought it worth giving the new set a spin. With all of Elvis’ USA sales getting a positive bump after the new TV show we know that this new set is being played in a fair few homes.
EIN's Piers Beagley investigates, can another '68 ComeBack Special compilation really be worth buying all over again?
and Have Your Say! Does this really help Elvis' great legacy...
(CD Review, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
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Larry Geller talks to EIN: Larry Geller, Elvis' personal hair stylist and spiritual confidante, recently talked with EIN's Nigel Patterson about a range of Elvis and Larry related issues. Larry's fascinating and candid interview traverses issues including:
- Elvis' last few years and his dramatic plans to change his life and career from September 1977
- new claims about Elvis by Aurelia Dupont Yarbrough and singer-songwriter, Leo Sayer
- meeting Elvis for the first time - and later working for him
- "What was Elvis really like?", what Larry tells fans who want to know
- Elvis and UFOs
- Vernon Presley and the "blue light" over the Presley home in Tupelo the night Elvis was born
- Larry's new company, Wisdome Organics, based on his Holistic Hair Care Philosophy
Read Larry's interview
(Interview, Source: EIN) |
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'What was Elvis searching for?' EIN Spotlight: The question is raised – but never answered – in the title of HBO’s recent absorbing, imperfect documentary 'Elvis Presley: The Searcher'.
At the start it seems clear what the teenage Elvis was searching for – an escape from the oblivion of poverty in the American South. Yet his quest was cultural as well as financial.
Later Elvis read obsessively, seeking out such books as The Impersonal Life, Joseph Brenner’s guide to self-discovery and Kahil Gibran’s book of fables, The Prophet. In his copy of Gibran’s tome, Elvis jotted down the line: “A singer can sing his songs but he must have an ear to receive the song”.
So what exactly was Elvis searching for?
In this fascinating EIN Spotlight respected author Paul Simpson takes a close look at this all important question which, for some reason, was basically ignored in the recent HBO documentary..
(Spotlight, Source;PaulSimpson/ElvisInformationNetwork) |
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Don't forget that EIN's Elvis Facebook page regularly features fabulous RARE newly discovered photos of Elvis.
This week celebrated our 25,000 members! - including several of Elvis' own friends and colleagues
So Elvis fans don't miss out on these rare and exciting photographs.
Now with over thousands of great photos, News and with more added every day – including YouTube footage.
Click here to Facebook - Elvis Information Network group.
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The VINYL Boom: Over 7.6 million vinyl LPs were sold in the USA during the first half of 2018, a 20% increase from the previous year, while in Australia vinyl sales increased by $3 million, the same increase of 20%. In the same period CD sales however dropped by 15%.
Elvis vinyl is still selling very nicely with ‘ELV1S: 30 #1 Hits’ recently in the UK Top ten VINYL charts.
And there is plenty of Elvis Presley vinyl on offer.... |
‘ELV1S: 30 #1 Hits’ on GOLD Vinyl: ELV1S: 30 #1 Hits was re-released by Sony Music on GOLD Vinyl on 12 October. UK's Entertainment-Focus have posted this cute review.
... What is there to say about Elvis Presley that hasn’t already been said?
It may be 41 years since the icon died tragically at only 42 years old but his music continues to live on, and likely will forever. It’s actually mind-blowing to think that his music has survived for almost as long as he was alive. In 2002 Sony Music released a new greatest hits collection titled ELV1S: 30 #1 Hits, which dominated charts across the world and sold millions and millions of copies. 16 years on from its original release, ELV1S: 30 #1 Hits has been reissued on 2LP vinyl.
Taking inspiration from the album cover, the release has been pressed on gold vinyl making the whole package feel very special.
Presley was an incredibly prolific artist so getting this collection down to 31 tracks was no easy feat. It also includes the ALLC Junkie XL remix.
What was achieved with ELV1S: 30 #1 Hits though, is a
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collection that gives you all the highlights you need from The King’s career to showcase the incredible impact he had on music. The album opens with Heartbreak Hotel and there isn’t a single filler track here.
It’s actually near impossible to pick out highlights across the 2LPs because every single one of these songs is a classic.
Of course no Elvis collection would be complete without Suspicious Minds and that track is near the end of the track listing on the final side.
The release features the artwork from the original 2002 release and it’s a beautiful, high-quality gatefold. I mentioned earlier about the gold vinyl but what I’ve not commented on yet is the sound. The CD version was a little patchy given that the songs were all recorded at different times. It’s not as noticeable on the vinyl release and the quality is crystal clear. The warm crackle of vinyl adds to the overall feel too.
ELV1S: 30 #1 Hits is a must-have release for any Elvis Presley fan. While he had plenty of great songs that aren’t featured here, this collection truly is the definitive one to own. There’s not a single bad song here and it’s lengthy enough to give you value for money. The whole vinyl package is fantastic and it looks as good as it sounds.
They don’t make artists like Elvis anymore and they probably never will again.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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‘ELV1S: 30 #1 Hits’ GOLD Vinyl Double LP.
'ELV1S: 30 #1 Hits' is a must-have release for any Elvis Presley fan.
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| The Official 'A Boy From Tupelo' Vinyl album is still selling, while there are some interesting Public Domain Vinyl releases out in the UK including 'Jailhouse Rock' with 16 tracks even including 'Lonesome Cowboy'! Also the rather odd CD called 'Girls! Girls! Girls! + Loving You' with thirty tracks including Bonus tracks such as 'Is It So Strange' and even 'Good Luck Charm' out 29 October 2018 from Hoo Doo Records! |
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'68 Comeback Special - 50th-anniversary' deluxe box-set.
Priced at around US$150 and £95.40 in the UK.
Not cheap if you already own the DVDs and CD box-set but the Blu-Rays are still pretty tempting. |
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'68 Comeback Special - 50th-anniversary': More publicity out for the new box set.
... '68 Comeback Special (50th Anniversary Edition) is set for release on November 30 and includes five CDs of music plus two Blu-ray discs featuring video content.
After spending most of the decade in Hollywood making forgettable movies and mostly boring music to accompany those films, Presley staged a comeback in 1968 with a TV special that was simply called Elvis and aired on Dec. 3.
Part of that program featured Presley singing some of his old hits, as well as a few new songs, surrounded by a lavish, Hollywood-style backdrop. But another section of that show spotlighted Presley, decked out in black leather and armed with a guitar, sitting on a stool on a spare stage that also included guitarist Scotty Moore and drummer D.J. Fontana, two-thirds of the trio that catapulted Presley to fame in the mid '50s with their work on the Sun sessions and early RCA recordings.
That "sit-down" performance included raw takes of some of their best records, including "That's All Right" and "Heartbreak Hotel." |
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There were also scorching versions of "Baby, What You Want Me to Do" and "Lawdy, Miss Clawdy" that pretty much signalled Presley's return to rock 'n' roll.
The Comeback Special, as it was later called, opened the door to Presley's terrific Memphis records from 1969 and his renewed success in the '70s until his death in 1977.
The '68 Comeback Special (50th Anniversary Edition) collects all of the existing audio and video from the show plus rehearsals and sessions recorded with the Wrecking Crew.
The CD Track-listing is a previously noted by EIN - see below.
The book also features rare photos and memorabilia and full recording data
There is over 7.5 hours of footage across 2 newly mastered Blu-ray discs, overseen by Thom Zimny.
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Blu-ray Disc 1:
- Elvis NBC TV Special originally broadcast on December 3, 1968
- Black Leather Sit-Down Show #1 - June 27, 1968
- Black Leather Sit-Down Show #2 - June 27, 1968
- Black Leather Stand-Up Show #1 - June 29, 1968
- Black Leather Stand-Up Show #2 - June 29, 1968
(News, Source;SONY/ElvisInfoNet) |
Blu-ray Disc 2:
- Trouble/Guitar Man TV Show Opener - June 30, 1968 - All Takes and Raw Components
- If I Can Dream TV Show Closer - June 30, 1968 - All Takes
- Huh-Huh-Huh Promo - June 30, 1968
- Elvis Closing Credits Without Credit Roll - June 30, 1968
- If I Can Dream Special Music Video 2004 - June 30, 1968
- Gospel Production Number - All Takes and Raw Components
- Guitar Man Production Number - All Takes and Raw Components
- Blu-ray Special Feature Re-Cut |
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The Searcher DVD - OUT NOW
The standard versions are available from under US$18 and £14.99 in the UK.
'The Searcher Collector's Edition' costs $33 from Amazon USA. |
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(Book Review) The Comeback - Elvis and the Story of the 68 Special (Simon Goddard): The past two months have been a busy period regarding Elvis' legendary '68 Comeback Special. Marking its 50th anniversary, the Special was shown in cinemas and two new books were published, one by Steve Binder (Director/Producer of the Special) and the other by noted rock music analyst, Simon Goddard.
EIN's Nigel Patterson recently took a few deep breaths and submerged himself in the Simon Goddard release.
Having previously read a number of the author's cerebrally challenging books, he was not surprised to find that Goddard's treatise on Elvis' legendary Comeback Special is one hell of an intellectively challenging and dizzy rollercoaster of a ride....... a journey most rewarding for those brave enough to go the distance.
Read Nigel's detailed review (Book Review, Source: EIN) |
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(Book Review) The Elvis Experience (Dave Hebler): As a member of Elvis' Memphis Mafia, Dave Hebler was part of Elvis' inner sanctum at least until his acromonious sacking, along with Red West and Sonny West, in 1976, and the subsequent publication of the infamous book, Elvis What Happened?.
Over the years, Dave, Red and Sonny West reclaimed respect in the Elvis world, at least with many fans, if not the Presley family and EPE.
Dave Hebler's new book was released during Elvis Week 2018.
The Elvis Experience has a 'fan friendly' feel to it. There are many amusing and fun stories and the author does not shy away from discussing at least some of the not so positive aspects of his experience working for Elvis.
To find out more about "The Elvis Experience" you can read Nigel Patterson's in-depth review here.
(Book Review, Source: EIN) |
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UPDATED - Elvis Presley: The Searcher (HBO film review): EIN's Nigel Patterson takes an in-depth look at Thom Zimny's documentary film about Elvis and his music.
What Nigel finds will surprise many fans. Discover what's The Good and The Bad about this new documentary looking at Elvis' music.
Is the film a masterpiece (the definitive Elvis documentary), over-rated or somewhere in the middle?
NOW UPDATED WITH YOUR COMMENTS
Read Nigel's review here
(Film Review, Source: ElvisInformationNetwork) |
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UPDATED - EIN review ‘Elvis: The Searcher’ Deluxe CD boxset: If your main interest in Elvis is his music then HBO’s ‘Elvis: The Searcher’ will probably become your favourite documentary ever produced about our hero.
The companion 3-CD deluxe edition box set offers an expanded 55-track overview of Elvis’ career as heard in the film including familiar hit recordings, powerful vocal performances and rare outtakes plus a bonus disc of additional recordings relevant to the film - including several early singles that inspired Elvis.
Thom Zimny said, "To live with the music of The Searcher over a period of years was more than a privilege. It changed my thinking about the emotional life of songs, both for those who make them and those who listen to them."
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'ELVIS ON TOUR - 45th Anniversary Deluxe Edition' IN-Depth Review: Amiga International's long awaited LIMITED-EDITION boxset featuring 9-CD’s, all remastered, of all known recordings made for the Golden Globe Award-winning concert documentary ELVIS ON TOUR is OUT NOW. It includes the premiere of the complete rehearsal recorded in Buffalo, NY on April 5, 1972, with three previously unreleased performances.
The 13-inch boxset also includes a huge 128-page hardcover book containing detailed essays of the entire April 1972 tour with RARE AND UNPUBLISHED photographs and related memorabilia.
When considering the lack of attention paid to this concert documentary, it seems a shame that so few official releases have emerged. It is for this reason that AMIGA International presents this deluxe package to honor the excellent recordings made for the much neglected "Elvis On Tour" film. |
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FTD will NOT end in 2019: A fair number of uninformed supposed Elvis "insiders" (even some Fan Club Presidents) have been publishing fictional stories that the FTD label is planning to close in 2019.
Ernst Jorgensen had strongly denied this story stating, that FTD has plans to continue for the foreseeable future.
In an interesting interview about 'The Future of FTD' - with Trevor Cajiao in the recent ETM&HM magazine - Ernst Jorgensen's main points were....
1. FTD will not be closing in 2019
2. The 'Classic Albums" series is nearly complete but there are more to come, noting 'Aloha' and 'Madison Square Garden' are still to be done.
3. Expanded "complete session tapes" releases are being considered
4. Plenty more soundboards to come
To read the complete story including answers about FTD deletions and other future ideas please read the December issue of ETM&HM.
For what's left for FTD check out our detailed listing
(News, Source;FTD/ElvisInfoNet)
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UPDATED - Trying To Get To You: The Truth Behind The Elvis And Roy Orbison Show Rumours: For decades there has always been an unsubstantiated rumour that Elvis Presley appeared as a guest on Roy Orbison's TV show on the local station KOSA.
The Roy Orbison website notes that both Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley performed on Roy’s TV show in late 1955.
Respected author Colin Escott wrote in his book Good Rockin’ Tonight about a kinescope of Elvis on the Roy Orbison TV show actually existing.
Some keen Elvis fans have said that they have seen this very kinescope at Elvis Week shows back in the 80s.
But like infamous Pied Piper of Cleveland does this footage really exist and is there any real proof that Elvis did appear on the Roy Orbison TV show?
Shane Brown (author of Reconsider Baby: Elvis: A Listener's Guide) has done an immense amount of investigation and thinks he has found the answer.
Go here as EIN contributor & author Shane Brown investigates and checks the facts and the fantasy.
(Spotlight; Source;SBrown/ElvisInformationNetwork) |
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'Elvis:The Last Movies' FTD in-depth Review: Charro!, The trouble with girls, Change Of Habit, finally Elvis’ last soundtrack recordings are brought together in a cohesive release that works as a companion set for the FTD 7” Classic Album series.
“The Last Movies” contains outtakes and an informative illustrated 16-page booklet with rare memorabilia and photos.
In this period Elvis' voice had matured and the sound of ‘68/’69 was a great musical turning point for Elvis with the NBC TV special and the Memphis sessions. While some of the movie compositions were not as good as he deserved, with Elvis sounding vocally great at this time what does this new Classic Soundtrack have to offer?
The one disc contains previously unreleased material, including "rough mixes" and also multiple outtakes from 'The Trouble With Girls' 'Almost' session.
EIN contributor Ian Garfield checks out this new FTD Classic soundtrack album release....
(FTD Reviews, Source;IanGarfield/ElvisInformationNetwork) |
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UPDATED - 'ELVIS: That's The Way It Was & This Is How It Is Today': Elvis is no longer with us but his spirit lives forever. Elvis fans always discover something quite magical when they get the chance to “Walk-a-mile-in-his-shoes”. Graceland, when not overrun by crowds, feels very special indeed. Standing in the quiet you can almost feel the spirit of Elvis still inhabiting his home. The feeling in Memphis’ Sun Studios can bring fans to tears.
One of the places that Elvis spent a large part of his life is the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel – now the Westgate. Elvis performed a stunning 636 concerts in the Hilton showroom and the impact of his incredible legacy can still be felt. - NOW with more great Hilton photos - plus EIN Readers Feedback.
Arjan Deelen recently returned to the classic hotel to investigate “Elvis Hotspots” and discovered that behind the showroom stage it is relatively unchanged.
(Spotlight, Source;ArjanDeelen/ElvisInfoNetwork) |
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Book Review "Reconsider Baby: Elvis: A Listener's Guide": Elvis Presley made over 700 recordings during his life. This book by author Shane Brown examines all of them. Session by session, song by song, Reconsider Baby takes the reader on a journey from Elvis’s first recordings in 1953 through to his last performances in 1977.
This significantly expanded and revised edition of 2014’s Elvis Presley: A Listener’s Guide provides a commentary on Elvis’s vast and varied body of work, while also examining in detail how Elvis and his recordings and performances were discussed in newspapers, magazines, and trade publications from the 1950s through to the 1970s.
The text draws on over 500 contemporary articles and reviews, telling for the first time the story of how Elvis and his career played out in the printed media, and often forcing us to question our understanding of how Elvis’s work was received at the time of release.
Can another detailed examination into Elvis' musical legacy really be worth buying? (Hint, the answer is a big YES!)
Go here as EIN's Piers Beagley reviews the newly expanded look into Elvis' musical legacy, including some choice book extracts...
(Book Reviews, Source,ElvisInformationNetwork)
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Mindi Miller Interview with EIN: Mindi Miller was a working actress when she met Elvis in early 1975. She was interested in karate (she performed all her own movie stunts), exploring spirituality and the Bible and so they had a lot in common.
Mindi Miller and Elvis bonded over their common interests and soon afterwards he asked her to go on tour with him in April 1975.
She stayed friends with Elvis through the years - along with members of the 'Memphis Mafia' - and attended his funeral.
EIN's Sanja Meegin recently caught up with Mindi Miller to talk about her close friendship with Elvis over the years.
In this fascinating interview she discusses. . .
- Her first night with Elvis
- How Elvis persuaded her to cancel her overseas movie & modelling plans
- Their mutual interest in Karate
- Graceland and meeting Lisa Marie
- Attending Elvis' funeral . . . and much much more...
Go here for EIN's Sanja Meegin and her intimate and detailed discussion with the delightful Mindi Miller - Now with Reader Feedback.
(Interviews, Source;SMeegin/ElvisInformationNetwork)
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Official Elvis CD Box-sets at bargain prices through Amazon UK |
'Marty Lacker: A Life Well-Lived' & Elvis at American Studio's Interview: It was with immense sadness that last month EIN had to report on the death of our great friend - and a true friend to Elvis - Marty Lacker. We will miss him dearly.
Marty is well-known as one of the key members of the Memphis Mafia and also co-Best Man at Elvis' wedding. He was known for both his honesty and being forthright with his opinions. He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia who still watched and commented on recent Elvis News. He had no issue with holding people to account (especially ones who would inflate their importance within Elvis' legacy) and would regularly ask EIN to add his comments or to correct any inaccuracy.
Elvis fans often ask about Marty Lacker's background, how he came to meet Elvis, as well as his involvement in the music industry outside of working for The King.
As a prelude to Ken Sharp's fascinating interview with Marty Lacker and a discussion about Elvis' famous American Studio' Memphis sessions, EIN presents "Marty Lacker: a life well-lived" in which Marty tells of his life in the music industry, his friendship with Elvis along with his dislike of the over-controlling Col Parker.
Go here to learn all you need to know about Marty Lacker as well as Elvis outstanding Memphis American Sound sessions in 1969.
(Spotlight; Source,KenSharp/ElvisInformationNetwork) |
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Marty Lacker RIP : Sadly Marty will no longer be able to answer all your those fascinating questions, but his honesty and openess should not be forgotten.
- Chips Moman (RIP) later thoughts on Elvis
- Being a consultant on 1979 "ELVIS" movie.
- The demonstrations in Memphis this Elvis Week.
- Felton Jarvis as Elvis' Executive Album Producer.
- The Jungle Room sessions
- Elvis might have some illegitimate children
- Why did Elvis never travel to holiday in Europe,
- Is David Stanley, Holy Priest of truth, OR a liar
Go here to 'ASK MARTY' to remember the great man.
(Ask Marty, Source;ML/ElvisInfoNet)
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'The World of FTD' In-Depth Review: The new deluxe book 'The World Of FTD' has been received by some lucky fans and Elvis collector Mike Lodge has provided EIN with a very detailed review - of well over 3 thousand words!
The book was authored and designed by Keith Flynn with input from a large number of other Elvis specialists including EIN's Piers Beagley, EM&HM's Trevor Cajiao, Geoffrey McDonnell, Gordon Minto and many others.
It is 1,200 pages, hardbound three book set, chronicling every release by FTD.The book also features 100s of high-quality photos from the collection Erik Lorentzen
KJ Consulting are proud to publish this Box Set which weighs 8 kilos.
Unfortunately the book has not arrived in Australia yet so I have not seen the final product!
Go here to see his very detailed review - plus more new preview pages - EIN thanks Mike Lodge for the review
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
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Book Review: A Little Thing Called Life: Finally, Linda Thompson's memoir has been published.....and it has been well worth the wait! Linda's life, not only with Elvis, but with two other global icons and her own amazing career is an engrossing and revealing read.
Inside its nearly 400 pages Linda reveals her life as an individual, as a mother and as a partner. We learn of the similarities and differences between the three.
Alternating between the light, dark and shades of life in between, A Little Thing Called Life is an honest and intimate account of the incredible life of an amazing woman, from the three men who shared her life and her family to the highly successful and varied career that she continues to enjoy. (Book Review, Source: EIN)
Read Nigel Patterson's detailed review
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UPDATED - 'Way Down In The Jungle Room' EIN Review: Released for August 2016 this SONY Legacy pack celebrates the 40th anniversary of Elvis’ last recording sessions which took place in Graceland’s Jungle Room.
The publicity noted the sessions “have been newly mixed by Matt Ross-Spang at Sam Phillips Recording” and “includes both outtakes and in-the-studio dialog, providing a ‘fly-on-the-wall experience’ of what the sessions were like".
Elvis' original 76/77 albums were fairly uninspired collections (bar a few fine singles) and on the original LPs it was almost impossible to glimpse any sign of creative input from Elvis through the syrupy overdubs. It wasn't until the release of FTD’s magnificent ‘The Jungle Room Sessions’ that many fans began to understand the raw emotion, close camaraderie and Elvis’ personal feelings that were revealed by these intimate Graceland sessions.
To produce that same kind of revelation for the 'General Public' would be a very tricky project but that is exactly what the new legacy team has done - and to great effect.
Go here as EIN's Piers Beagley discovers the old Elvis magic and what is special for Elvis Collectors in our in-depth review
Now Updated & Expanded with Your Comments - James Burton talks about the Jungle Room sessions & more
(CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork) |
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In Australia - buy this great release for only $23 at JBHiFi click here . delivery only $1.70!
Please Do Not be ripped off by other Australian Elvis shops. |
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UPDATED - Paul Dowling EIN Interview Part Three: Paul Dowling is without doubt one of the major names in the Elvis World. He started collecting and selling Elvis vinyl over 40 years ago and has one of the world's largest Elvis Presley record collections. He started his "WorldWide Elvis" shop back in the seventies, way before the internet, where fans could get hold of rare Elvis records and memorabilia.
With such a fascination with Elvis, Dowling not only became a big name in the early years of Elvis bootlegs but later became friends with Ernst Jorgensen and helped RCA with various official releases.
In the final part of our fascinating interview Paul Dowling discusses ....
- Dodging the FBI agents that were sent after him
- Unreleased Elvis material that still hasn’t come out
- Why does Ernst Jorgensen doubt this claims
- His BMG project 'For The First Time Ever' - what happened
- The true story of obtaining the Million Dollar Quartet tape
- His thoughts on Paul Lichter, Sean Saver, Sherif Hanna, Rex Martin
- Spending time with Alan Fortas
- Jim Curtin, newly added story
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'Elvis Taking Care Of Business - In A Flash FTD Book Review: Focusing on Elvis in late 1970 and early 1971, "Elvis Presley Taking Care Of Business - In A Flash" is the new FTD Book/CD combo by Flaming Star/FTD.
Produced by David English, Pål Granlund and Paul Richardson, this book presents a detailed chronicle of Elvis’ personal life and public career between the autumn of 1970 and the early weeks of 1971.
It is a hardcover, large-format book with 450 pages that offer detailed coverage of Elvis’ life and career over the important four months from October 1970 to January 1971.
The publicity promised hundreds of photographs, many of them candid and previously unpublished and new and exclusive interviews.
It also comes with a bonus CD with unreleased versions of studio-tracks plus Elvis’ concert in Portland, Oregon on Nov 11th 1970.
Can it really be as good as promised? EIN's Piers Beagley investigates and discovers plenty .. Go here to our indepth review featuring plenty of extracts and wonderful photographs.
(FTD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork) |
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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) |
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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Elvis Presley, Elvis and Graceland are trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises.
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 w
ebsite along with the popular Elvis EIN Mega Quiz.
If you need to know more about the fan club, newsletters, Elvis EIN quiz or EIN membership
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