EIN Spotlight: Changing Times, Heavy books, and the two-class Elvis world: While a lot of fans believe Col Parker was bad for Elvis the one thing the Colonel usually got right was to look after the fans. From reasonable ticket prices, cheap licensed merchandise and assisting fan clubs, he worked with fans to engender good will and build interest in the latest Elvis releases.

In 2020, the situation is very different. EPE is owned by commercial interests meaning entry costs to Graceland, and buying licensed Elvis merchandise is no longer cheap - and importantly, no longer affordable for many who have been fans since the 1950s.

Another change is Follow That Dream, RCA-SONY, Eric Lorentzen, Venus, etc all now publish expensive "Deluxe" collections. Some costing US$350. Out of reach for most fans, so why is this?
The answer, of course, is money. There is obviously a neat profit in targeting the higher end of the Elvis fan market. In this respect, the proliferation of coffee table Elvis books is similar to the (admittedly) less regular annual Elvis box set extravaganzas from RCA/BMG/Sony. And, of course, plenty of the material in all these publications has usually been previously released but now include a few new additions or "upgrades" to attract customers.

EIN asked you to comment and we received a large number of replies, including a lengthy explanation from Eric Lorentzen. Reader comments include..
- I totally agree. Fans are being ripped-off, there is a money hungry frenzy going on in the Elvis world...
- Even Graceland has become too expensive for the general fan
- Fans are shocked by these new prices, many cannot afford it anymore
- I hope your article resonates with EPE and others that they are ruining it for middle class and poor Elvis fans.
Eric Lorentzen however adds.. "For the money? No way. Fans think that I and others do this only for the sake of money. But have they considered what the purchase of photos, printing, shipping and all other expenses are?"
Go HERE to read these comments in full, - and Have Your Say.
(Spotlight; Source;NP/ElvisInfoNet)

Changing times, heavy books, and the two-class Elvis world: While a lot of fans believe Colonel Tom Parker was bad for Elvis (especially after he returned from the Army), the one thing the Colonel usually got right was to look after the fans. From reasonable ticket prices, cheap licensed merchandise and assisting fan clubs, he worked with fans to engender good will and build interest in the latest Elvis releases. When Elvis exploded onto the international scene all fans were equal and all could enjoy his records and his merchandise.

In 2020, the situation is very different. EPE is owned by commercial interests meaning entry costs to visit Graceland, staying at the Guesthouse, and buying licensed Elvis merchandise is no longer cheap - and importantly, no longer affordable for many who have been fans since the 1950s. To its credit, Elvis’ record company, established the enduring Elvis collector’s label, Follow That Dream, which started out releasing quarterly CDs before increasing the number of quarterly releases and then introducing coffee table book and CD sets.  While many could afford one CD each quarter, as the number grew to 2 or 3 a quarter, and were supplemented with expensive books, sales declined, but profit per item rose.

More recently, a number of fan clubs have entered the market with book and CD sets, including Erik Lorentzen, whose high quality Elvis Files books and subsequent releases have found an appreciative “niche” market. Like FTD, Lorentzen’s output accelerated and again many long time fans were left behind, unable to afford to buy the books. In addition, the FTD and Lorentzen releases are large and very heavy, another negative for those fans suffering from the onset of arthritis and other conditions.

By comparison, the MRS and Boxcar organisations have also released many excellent sets (books and multimedia) and generally these have been more attractively priced for the average fan.
Adding to the mix has been the dramatic rise in postal costs (globally) in the past decade, particularly to international destinations. In some cases, the cost of posting a heavy book can be higher than book itself, and if you live “downunder” ensure you have a happy bank manager!

In 2020, the FTD Elvis That’s The Way It Is 50th Anniversary, and Lorentzen’s Elvis That’s The Way It Was Vol 4 & 5 sets, are about to hit the market. Both are highly priced with the FTD release costing up to US$350 plus (including postage) for US and EC based fans, and considerably higher for those fans living in far away countries like Australia.

To buy both sets will set you back around US$450/350 UK Pounds/A$600…….. plus postage. And a 5kgs+ package is not cheap to post (and likely will come via one of the “charge like a wounded bull” logistics companies like DHL).

The Lorentzen set also begs the question – why another two volumes when the initial three volume set contained around 2,000 photos? And why such a high price (around US$200 not including postage)?

The answer is money. There is obviously a neat profit in targeting the higher end of the Elvis fan market. In this respect, the proliferation of coffee table Elvis books is similar to the (admittedly) less regular annual Elvis box set extravaganzas from RCA/BMG/Sony. And, of course, plenty of the material in all these publications has usually been previously released but now include a few new additions or "upgrades" to attract customers.

Times change – the 1950s with its simpler, cheaper and more equitable economy, has been replaced by overstuffed corporations and Wall Street like greed. Sadly for Elvis fans, the

Scandalising Elvis – Albert Goldman’s Elvis: The most significant effort to scandalize Elvis Presley was Albert Goldman’s Presley biography, Elvis. The book was not initially conceived by Goldman but by the music entrepreneur, Kevin Eggers....... On the strength of his Lenny Bruce book, he received a $1 million advance from McGraw-Hill to write a biography of Elvis Presley...... Elvis’ friend, Lamar Fike did the legwork and three men shared copyright. The book was a well-researched piece. Compared to 75 interviews Jerry Hopkins conducted for his second biography, Elvis: The Final Years, Goldman claimed he had managed 600, a figure not to be approached again until Guralnick’s first book in 1994. Despite this, Goldman missed several key players including Elvis’ main doctor (George Nichopoulos), Charlie Hodge, Joe Esposito, Vernon, Priscilla and the Colonel. Yet somehow assessing Goldman’s Elvis by its groundwork seems the wrong way to adjudicate it. Its author’s 1994 New York Times obituary summed up:

   Mr. Goldman’s Elvis (1981), an epic-length work written in a super-charged, impressionistic prose style, provoked howls of outrage from fans of the rock legend, who saw their idol portrayed as a self-indulgent, barely talented rube with perverse sexual inclinations and enormous (and enormously vulgar) appetites, including a gargantuan (prescription) drug habit.

Goldman had essentially acted like an enemy agent on the terrain of another man’s life with a mission to sever all empathy with his victim.

His special method was to find rock stars large enough to attract public curiosity beyond their fan base, then craft a hatchet-job biography and become infamous in the process. He deductively pushed a figment of Elvis Presley’s image so far beyond its source that he came up with something different altogether. Elvis was portrayed through contradictions as a living corpse with a morbid grasp on his girlfriend’s arm, a Frankenstein’s monster.

The preceding was excerpted from the impressive new academic book, Elvis Roots, Image, Comeback, Phenomenon, by Dr. Mark Duffett. EIN’s interview with Dr. Duffett and a review of his book are coming soon.

(News, Source: EIN)

(New comedy-drama film) "Rolling Elvis": Now available on Amazon. The plot is described as: It’s 1985 and while the country focuses on the victories of the national team in the Tour de France, life changes in a blink of an eye for 12-year-old Elvis Elvis Antonio when he’s caught skipping school to watch TV. When his mother forces him to enter the school talent show dressed as Elvis Presley, he must start a painful but hilarious journey that leads him to discover his family’s biggest secret.
Includes English audio and sub-titles.
Running time: 1hr 28 mins.

(News, Source: Amazon)

Lea Anderson – ELVIS LEGS: Lea Anderson MBE is a British choreographer and artistic director. With Teresa Barker and Gaynor Coward, she co-founded The Cholmondeleys and The Featherstonehaughs dance companies, with which she has choreographed over 100 works. One of Anderson’s most accessible works, Elvis Legs marks its 25th anniversary with a special quarantine edition in Britain.
Exactly as the title says, it’s a piece made up of all the Elvis Presley dance moves the original cast could find, mixed up into a new routine.

Some of the shapes scream the King, some are more surprising, but it’s all 100% Presley, and a lovely bit of intertextuality. In this lockdown version, nine stripy-shirted dancers (plus a cameo by Dylan the Cat) thrust and pose in their separate on-screen cells, which is very Jailhouse Rock.
The perfect dance for the medium.

Click here to "The Elvis Legs (Quarantine Mix) Experience" - Last days.

(News, Source: Guardian/ElvisInfoNet)

dedicated entirely to the iconic instruments of rock and roll.
The guitar comes with extensive documents of provenance including: 1. A photocopy of a receipt from O.K. Houck Piano Co. 121 Union Avenue Memphis 3, Tennessee, September 11, 1956. 2. Photocopies of correspondence from the curator of the Country Music Hall of Fame And Museum, Nashville, Tennessee. 3. A photocopy of an affidavit from the owner of the guitar between 1956 - 1991 confirming the provenance. 4. Historical Notes About Elvis Presley's Martin D-18 Guitar from Mike Longworth, Historian at C.F. Martin & Company Inc., Nazareth, PA, August 12, 1991. 5 Various photographs of Elvis playing the Martin D-18 guitar between January to June 1955 - most featuring Elvis with Scotty Moore and Bill Black, his two recording partners at Sun Records, on their 1955 tour of the South and Southwest States at the Blue Moon Boys. Plus Gotta Have Rock & Roll™ Certificate of Authenticity.

It is of course gonna' cost you millions!
Minimum bid, US$1,200,000 Estimate:$2,000,000- $3,000,000
Click here to start bidding and for more info

(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)

"Mornings are the hardest. I forget you're gone. I can't cry because of the fear that I will never stop. A pain that's new to me. You. There are no words for you. Angel is the closest I could think of. Pure light. Baby brother. Best friend. Wild man. Intellectual. Witness to my life. Twin soul. Protector. Too sensitive for this harsh world.
I hope you give me strength to endure the giant hole you've left in my heart. I hope you give me the strength to eat. I hope you're cradled in love. I hope you feel my love. I hope you feel god. You are god. I can't believe you've left me. Not you sweet Ben, Ben. Anyone but you. I guess this is true heartbreak. I hope we meet again."

(News, Source;NP/ElvisInfoNet)

Graceland archives & Bill Belew: Graceland may be open but Angie Marchese is still sharing more from the Graceland Archives.
In the recent episode fans can check out the work of Elvis costume designer Bill Belew.
It was in June 1968 that Elvis met Bill Belew on the set of the NBC TV special and he would then go on to make the iconic black leather outfit for Elvis.
Among the most famous of Belew's Elvis jumpsuits are the American Eagle and the Peacock. He also designed the suit Elvis wore at the famous meeting with President Nixon.
In the video, Marchese shows the receipts for some of Elvis jump suits and other items worth thousands of dollars.

Click here to Graceland Instagram to watch.

(News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)

(Interviews) Tracy Wuischpard (Director) and George Thomas (star) of the “trippy” and Roger Cormanesque, ELVIS FROM OUTER SPACE: The new psychedelic, sci-fi musical-comedy film, ELVIS FROM OUTER SPACE is being released today - July 7.
Featuring in the film is Memphis Mafia member, the late Sonny West, and well known actor, Martin Kove (The Karate Kid)! The film’s director, Tracy Wuischpard and star, ETA, George Thomas, kindly spent time discussing the film,including how it came about, the challenges they faced in making it, and what Elvis fans can expect from it.

Based on the film trailer and what Tracy and George have told EIN, it appears Elvis from Outer Space is going to be a lot of offbeat fun!

The film is available now on Apple TV, Amazon Prime (USA), as well as a variety of digital platforms, and DVD.
Read the full exclusive EIN interviews

(Interviews, Source: EIN)

The King Is Dead (Robert Holton) sells for US$521.00!: A copy of the ultra rare book, The King Is Dead (The Funeral of Elvis Presley) by Robert Holton (published by KatcoMedia) attracted five bids from two interested buyers last week on ebay.

The sale price was a whopping US$521.00 for the softcover book which provides a detailed minute-by-minute account of how Elvis’ funeral was arranged at short notice by Memphis Funeral Home’s Funeral Director, Robert Kendall.

(News, Source:EIN/ebay)

Why We Should Take Elvis Fans Seriously: In what is a wonderful example of people-power, this EIN spotlight shines a light on how Elvis fans united to successfully prevent the demolition of the Lauderdale Courts in 1995.... a proposed demolition which, at the time, was supported by EPE!

Back in 1995, the Memphis Housing Authority proposed to raze Lauderdale Courts, a downtown housing project, as part of a larger “dedensification” program led by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The tearing down of Lauderdale Courts proved particularly contentious as it would would render many people homeless but what drew the greatest attention was the fact that a teenage Elvis Presley and his parents had lived at Lauderdale Courts from 1949 to 1953.
Enter three well-informed Memphis-based Elvis fans, Mike Freeman, Cindy Hazen, and Georgia King... now read on to find how one of Elvis' key historic sights was saved by Elvis-Fan-power.

(Spotlight; Source;NP/Academia.edu)

'Elvis 42 Years Before & After' New Import: First featured by EIN back in December 2019, finally this new interestingly-themed bootleg is out.
... 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 2020' for tracklist.

(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)

The Way It Is CD3', FTD 'The Way It Was' / SONY Deluxe 2014 box-set 'That's The Way It Is'
Las Vegas Convention Center - August 4, 1970
- Bootleg: 'TTWII - The Complete Works DVD3' (complete)
Officially: Near complete,- BMG 2000 'That's The Way It Is CD3' / FTD 'One Night In Vegas' / 'That's The Way It Is' - Movie Special Edition
The International Hotel - August 7, 1970
- Bootleg: 'TTWII - The Complete Works DVD3' (complete)/ International Heatwave
Officially: 7 songs out of 14 recorded,   'That's The Way It Is' - Original movie and Special Edition
The International Hotel - August 10, 1970
- Bootleg: Hang Loose (complete tape)
Officially: FTD 'Stage Rehearsal' complete but with weird fake spliced intros: also two tracks on 'Elvis Aron Presley' boxset

Fans who don't own all the bootlegs can see that there are a massive number of tracks not officially released as yet - and we are also promised some brand new material including new rehearsals of 'I've Lost You'
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)

'Elvis: That's the Way It Is' BluRay 2020 Re-Release: The 2014 combined version of  "Elvis: That's the Way It Is: 2001 Special Edition [BluRay] & 1970 TTWII Original [DVD]" is being re-released for the 50th Anniversary as a cheaper "Archive Collection" priced at only $22.
This set was originally released at Elvis Week August 12, 2014, this year it is being re-released August 11, 2020.

The product details note: Elvis was a legend unlike any other. After years of making movies, Elvis made a triumphant return to the stage, including a stint of celebrity packed shows at the International Hotel in Las Vegas in 1970. Now, see the backstage footage from rehearsals to relaxing at the hotel and the performances in one of the most intimate looks at Elvis captured on film. Included here are both the 1970 theatrical version (DVD 108 mins) and the 2001 special edition (Blu-ray 95 mins), with the songs, the fans, the love and most of all...the King himself.
Studio: WarnerBrothers
BluRay/DVD Release Date: August 11, 2020
Total Run Time: 203 minutes

(News, Source;Amazon/ElvisInfoNet)

Bud Glass is proud to announce the release of the first episode of his new web-based video series ELVIS: BEHIND THE IMAGE.

“DOUBLE TROUBLE” is the title of episode 1 - and the title is definitely an understatement as to the mayhem that ensues in this exciting, action-packed, true-life story.
As the teaser video stated, “Sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction”. This rare glimpse inside the private world of Elvis is based on the intriguing and bizarre facts from first-hand accounts of those who were there, as told to the creator of this series.

An excerpt from the video says it best:
"This story involves Elvis' live-in girlfriend, two jealous sisters, a real bonefied "Cat-fight" and Elvis going completely off the hook, wild-man ballistic, in a frenzied fit of rage so extreme- that it took three grown men to restrain him. The ensuing collateral damage was so substantial that it can be clearly evidenced in one of Elvis' films that he was shooting at the time ...if you know where to look."
Fasten your seatbelts, because it's about to get real!

The story is almost unbelievable enough to begin with (as Elvis says), but there are also more than one occasion when the plot further thickens in mid-stream, as this real-life saga unfolds before your eyes. This is definitely unlike any production on Elvis that you have ever seen before.
More episodes are currently in production and pre-production stages… “this is just the beginning” of this TOTALLY FREE video series that is available for fans to enjoy. Bud only asks that you share it with all of your Elvis friends so they can also share in the fun.

immediately ceased their regular on-air programs the instance Presley’s death was announced. Radio Luxembourg, with the largest audience in Europe, cancelled their commercials just to play his music non-stop. His Graceland mansion was then for the first time opened to the public for the viewing of his body lying-in-state and an estimate of 50,000 to 100,000 people appear to pay their respects to him.

Although life held such a tragic, ill-fated end to his all-too-short career, Elvis' final concert in Indianapolis, Indiana performed to 18 thousand of

Elvis Macrame Belt Sells for $298,000!: At the recent Julien's 'Music Icons 2020 Auction' Elvis memorabilia sold very well with the biggest surprise being Elvis' ivory macrame belt with accented reflective stones selling for $298,000 - after 32 bids - and for nearly 10 times its expected price.

Other notable Elvis items that sold were
- A pair of black western trousers with beige fringe on the sides, worn by Elvis in his role as Johnny in Frankie and Johnny (UA, 1966). (Shown below) Estimate US$6000 - Winning Bid $11,875

- The OWL metal decoration buckle. The back of the buckle has handwritten “Elvis LR” from one of Presley’s famous suits worn on stage -  Winning Bid $5,120
- A 1966 Chevrolet Impala which Elvis later decided to gift it to Gary Pepper, president of Presley’s fan club -  Winning Bid $62,500
- 14K yellow gold TCB necklace with full-cut round diamonds Winning bid $34,375
- 14K yellow gold TCB necklace. - $7,680
- A sterling silver cross pendant with turquoise stone inlay  Estimate $6,000 Winning Bid $11,520
-  A 1977 Silverado pickup truck was purchased on Christmas Eve 1976 by Presley. He eventually gave it to his father, Vernon Presley. Winning bid $41,600.

The main item featured at the auction however was Kurt Cobain's 'MTV Unplugged' guitar which sold for a sky-high $6 million. The 1959 Martin D-18E that Cobain played in the band's rare acoustic performance on November 18, 1993, approximately five months before his death, Cobain chose this guitar to paint what Rolling Stone called "his last self-portrait." The guitar was sold to Australian Peter Freedman, owner of Røde Microphones.

Also a custom guitar played by Prince at the height of his stardom in the 1980s and 1990s sold for $563,500 around three times the estimate. Prince played the blindingly blue guitar with the artist's "love" symbol on its neck on his 1984 Purple Rain tour, and it also appeared on the classic albums Lovesexy and Sign O' The Times. He used it into the early 1990s.

(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet/Juliens)

(New book) ELVIS: A Plan of God & SUN The Magic of Without You (Darrin Memmer) – NOW AVAILABLE: Prolific Elvis researcher-author has released a number of new books. The first of these is his ground breaking, ELVIS: A Plan of God & SUN The Magic of Without You. It features a number of never seen before documents and new information about Elvis’ appearance at the Hume High School talent show and his recordings at SUN Studio. EIN has seen an advance copy of the book it lives up to its press release:
The soft cover 'ELVIS, The Hand of Fate & SUN: The Magic of Without You', has been released. Based on months of rigorous research, access to primary source materials, and interviews with those who were there at the time, it provides fascinating, new information and never-before-seen archival documents about Elvis' 12th grade Carnival performance and Sun Studio recordings.
The artwork of this 264-page, 6x9 soft cover dramatically transports you to the Lauderdale Courts on January 8, 1953. The precise moment in time when a Boy from Tupelo turned eighteen years old and purposefully began his transition to an entertainer of renown in Memphis.

Highlights of this new release include:
    -"Without You" lyrics and music chart handwritten on 2 pages within a Peters' Blank Music Book. This previously-unseen document courtesy Rose Clayton
   - Eighteen pages devoted to the "real story" of the Mildred Scrivener-produced talent show Elvis appeared on (and won) at Humes High

'His Latest Flame' Shuffle Remix: OK, this won’t be too everyone’s liking, but it is fun, and if you need something to motivate you to exercise during virus restrictions, this might just be it. And it has already had 25 million views!
It certainly suits the TikTok generation and if they are dancing to ELVIS the world is a better place.
Click here for some hot 'Latest Flame' TikTok Shuffle.

And if you want a full workout, there are also other Elvis remix shuffle dance songs available, including a great 7 minute Such A Night, Viva Las Vegas, Burning Love, and Little Sister.

Time to get up and boogie on down to the King!

(News, Source:ElvisInfoNet)

UPDATED- 'Elvis: St Louis & Spokane 1976' FTD In-Depth Review: 1976 is not an easy Elvis concert year to review. There were no major set-list changes, no dramatic "emotional roller-coaster" of 1974 and no high-flying "Huntsville" 1975 excitements.
Released as a 2-CD 5” digi-pak, this new FTD set features Elvis at the Kiel Auditorium on March 22 1976 and The Coliseum on April 27 1976.
Both shows were "Closing Nights" of these short 1976 tours where Elvis would often go that little bit further for his loving fans.
Larrie Londin played drums with the TCB band on the March 1976 tour so it will be a treat for collectors to get an official release featuring 'A Different Beat' with Larrie Londin playing at St Louis on March 22, 1976.

Can there really be that much to say about these two concerts, well EIN's coolest reviewers have rustled up over 4000 words.. and check if there any surprises in store..
Go here as Elvis soundboard super-collector Geoffrey McDonnell & Piers Beagley check out this new set ....
(FTD Reviews, Source:GM/ElvisInfoNet)

Follow That Dream - My Life as the Asian Elvis (Part 8) – Yoshi (Suzuki) Rides Again: Over the past year, EIN has published the uplifting story and enviable adventures of the “Original Asian Elvis”, Robert “Yoshi” Kim, as he has established himself as one of the world’s most popular ETA’s, collaborating with many musicians who performed with Elvis, and meeting those who knew Elvis.

Yoshi is concluding his decades long amazing story as he takes us both back, and front stage, for his participation in the auditions for the very popular America’s Got Talent (AGT) TV show, and subsequently the Gong Show.

Throw in celebrities Megan Fox and Mike Myers, and 3,500 other contestants in AGT, and what we have is a colorful and fun conclusion to what has been an amazing ride. Thanks “Yoshi”!

(Almost Elvis, Source: Robert ‘Yoshi” Kim)

Loanne Parker interview: Back in 2004 Loanne Parker was interviewed for ETA radio where she spent a lengthy time discussing life, Elvis and the Colonel.
Loanne Parker was Col Parker's second wife. She was working as an RCA Records tour secretary a job she held until Elvis' death.
She married Col Parker in 1990 but their relationship went back to 1970.

She has often defended the regular negative comments made against Col Parker including the fact that his manager stopped Elvis travelling overseas, that Parker worked Elvis to death and also denied that Parker had any gambling debts..
Go here to this fascinating and controversial interview and read on ...

(Interviews, Source;ETA/ElvisInfoNet)

'INSIDE ELVIS' - Book Review: With the world in lockdown now is the perfect opportunity to invest time into some quality and thought provoking reading. 'Inside Elvis' by author Arjan Deelen might be just what the doctor ordered, with insightful interviews from key Elvis musicians such as James Burton, Scotty Moore, Jerry Scheff, Glen D. Hardin, Charlie Hodge, Bob Lanning, Jim Murray, Duke Bardwell and many more.
We can learn what was it like working with Elvis. What was it like being on the road day after day as the world’s most famous entertainer and it all helps us understand more about Elvis’ complicated life story.
The 300-page book also 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 made it a visually stunning work.
Also included is a Bonus CD with 29-tracks containing various rarities.

EIN's Piers Beagley takes a break and enjoys soaking up time with Elvis and his friends. Go here for his review and check out some example pages along the way.
(Book Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)

Interview with Dick Grob, Elvis' Head Of Security: Some fans have very strong opinions about some Elvis associates such as Priscilla, Charlie Hodge and indeed Dick Grob. One can ask the question whether it is fair to judge these people like we sometimes do, since in reality we were not there – and yet they were.
Elvis’ life was pretty extraordinary, with many highs and lows, and one wonders how any of us would have coped with the stress, especially if you were responsible for the man’s safety.
In our special interview Dick Grob talks about Elvis as a friend and as a human being, life on the road, Aloha, Elvis’ fondness for the police, Ginger Alden, Elvis’ plans in ’77 for shows in Europe, Elvis’ decline and his death. Grob also discusses, Elvis’ reaction to a fan who said he should smoke marijuana to improve his music and his final conversation with Elvis in the very early morning of August 16, 1977.

Go here for this fascinating interview by EIN Contributors Arjan Deelen & Mariusz Ogieglo
(Interviews, Source;ArjanDeelen/MariuszOgieglo/ElvisInfoNet)

‘Elvis: That’s the Way It Is’ CINEMA Rescheduled to AUGUST 13: Trafalgar Releasing has announced the cinema re-release for “Elvis: That’s the Way It Is” - originally planned for April 22 worldwide - has now been rescheduled to AUGUST 13. .
The event will mark the 50th anniversary of the film’s original release by MGM. Most of the remastered footage was shot at the International Hotel in Las Vegas with songs including “Love Me Tender,” “Sweet Caroline,” “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Suspicious Minds.”
The film was directed by Denis Sanders.
On July 31, 1969, in Las Vegas Elvis Presley staged a triumphant return to the concert stage from which he had been absent for almost a decade.
Elvis' series of concerts broke all box office records and completely re-energised the career of the King of Rock 'n' Roll.
The film followed Elvis’s summer festival in Las Vegas during August 1970. An unmissable event for fans around the world. Elvis: That’s The Way It Is will be shown in the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, Germany and Austria.
Also, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Australia and New Zealand. Go HERE to the TTWII website to BOOK LOCAL CINEMA TICKETS & for all the details - (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)

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)

'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)

(Book Review): Elvis in Vegas: How the King Reinvented the Las Vegas Show (Richard Zoglin): EIN recently interviewed senior editor of Time magazine, Richard Zoglin, about his new book, Elvis in Vegas. To complement our interview, EIN's Nigel Patterson provides a detailed review of Zoglin's book, a release that offers a lot more than its title suggests, and a book that is clearly one of the most important Elvis releases of 2019.

Read Nigel's detailed review of Elvis in Vegas: How the King Reinvented the Las Vegas Show

Read EIN's interview with the author, Richard Zoglin

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)

(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)

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 1977new 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 UFOsVernon 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)

'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)