Priscilla and Jerry Schilling in UK to promote Elvis Concerts: With the UK tour "Elvis' Greatest Hits" kicking off tonight in Cardiff and playing six arenas across the UK, Priscilla and Jerry Schilling have been promoting the tour on TV. This tour will include performances from the Philharmonic Orchestra as well as the TCB Band.
Priscilla Presley and long term associate Jerry Shilling will also appear on stage at each date, sharing stories, personal photos and rare home movies.
The 2019 tour marks 50 years since Elvis made a triumphant return to live performing with a Las Vegas residency in 1969. Priscilla noted, "We're BACK and better than ever!"
Priscilla (now 74) joined Jerry Schilling, 77, in London before heading to Cardiff.
Priscilla cut a very chic figure for her turn on the promo trail as she was spotted leaving BBC's Wogan House in London on Saturday.

Elvis's Greatest Hits tour dates:
November 25 - Manchester Arena
November 26 - Cardiff Motorpoint Arena
November 27 - Birmingham Resorts Arena
November 28 - Sheffield FlyDSA Arena
November 29 - Glasgow Hydro
December 1 - London O2 Arena
go to ticketmaster.co.uk for bookings
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)

'The ELVIS Movie' New STAR DVD: A new DVD from the STAR label, 'The ELVIS Movie' starring Kurt Russell but with the soundtrack of Elvis Presley!
It's the same story but the performances have made an incredible upgrade!
STAR keeps surprising fans worldwide, this time they have chosen something "risky" but they deliver once more!
They have replaced Ronnie McDowell's soundtrack with the only singer that should have been there in the first place ELVIS!
Lots more music is included and the whole film has a more modern touch then before and can now compete with blockbusters like "Walk the Line" and "Great Balls of Fire"
Rare live versions and outtakes were handpicked to find the best matching songs for the scenes.
Kurt Russell's lip-syncing looks much more natural and real then before, and how cool it is to hear the actual radio broadcast (Dewey Philips) from the time when "That's All Right" was first played on the air, or to hear "The Blackwood Brothers" at the funeral of Elvis his mother Gladys.
After 40 years the movie finally is ELVIS!
Factory Pressed Dual Layer DVD - Pal
Go HERE to YOUTube for a short preview

Click HERE to 'All The CD News 2019' for tracklist & more.
(News, Source;STAR/ElvisInfoNet)

'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)

Graceland guests all shook up over additions to Elvis Presley's estate: A new $45 million entertainment and exhibit complex showcases Elvis Presley's phenomenal career........

Soon after my evening arrival at the Guest House at Graceland, I lined up with other hotel guests at the peanut butter and jelly station, just off the lobby, which opens for one hour nightly at 10 p.m. Some were dressed casually in shorts, others in comfy white hotel bathrobes over pajamas. And all seemed eager to pay homage to Elvis Presley by making their own free, bedtime version of his favorite sandwich, topped with sliced bananas.
“It’s awesome,” declared Ervin Campbell, 60, of Columbus, Ohio, as he slathered peanut butter on bread. “I’m a huge Elvis fan and visiting Graceland is a bucket list item for me. I’m not sure why we waited as long as we did.”

In the new museum complex visitors can spend hours checking out his pink Cadillac and other cars, motorcycles, ski boats, jumpsuits, gold and platinum records and much more.
I especially enjoyed exhibits about his stint in the U.S. Army in Germany, and “Icons,” highlighting 25 artists he influenced. As John Lennon famously said: “Before Elvis there was nothing. … If there hadn't been Elvis, there wouldn't have been the Beatles."
If you go: The annual Christmas at Graceland celebration gets underway this weekend.

Beyond Elvis: Memphis offers other don’t-miss attractions, including:
- the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated in 1968.
- Sun Studio, the legendary “birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” where tour guides detail the story of Sam Phillips’ and stars including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis.
- Beale Street, to hear blues and jazz day and night.
- the Memphis Zoo’s red pandas.
- the Peabody Hotel’s daily duck parade.
- The Arcade, Memphis’ oldest restaurant for sweet potato pancakes, and Central BBQ for slow-smoked pulled pork.
Information: memphistravel
(News, Source:ElvisInfoNet/ The Detroit News)

The other Elvis pays tribute to Elvis in Memphis with a special guest in the audience: When Elvis Costello and the Imposters took the stage at Graceland last Saturday night, the irony was palpable. As it should be, given that this other Elvis is a songsmith and wordsmith of subtle twists and turns of phrase. The fact that he's also a dedicated fan and historian of Memphis music only gave the irony a more heartfelt touch. This show was nothing if not soulful.

Indeed, when the lights went down and shadows gathered on the stage, the first sounds we heard were exhortations to give our hearts to Jesus and the ecstatic sounds of a genuine gospel band. Then the lights came up and we saw that was all simply a recording, and the band launched into the thundering tom toms of "Strict Time."

The bandleader's whimsical outfit was just one manifestation of the playfulness he brought to the evening, perhaps inspired by the meta-irony of playing literally in the King's backyard. Dodges, feints, and witty asides were the order of the evening, and such looseness was a perfect foil to some of the thornier content of his back catalog.

As Elvis Costello noted, "I once found myself sitting next to a woman, and I sang this to her..." With that, he launched into the evening's first nod to the King. Singing the chorus and song title plaintively, "Don't...Don't...Don't..." Elvis then abruptly cut off the tune with a curt quip, "So I didn't." Ba-dum-bum!

Later, he revealed that "the woman" was none other than Priscilla Presley, whom he met on a talk show, as he revealed in his generous between-song banter. Other bits of the King's history found their way into the set from then on: "Mystery Dance" gave way to a bit of "His Latest Flame" the coda to "Alison" became a stylized interpolation of "Suspicious Minds" and the old chestnut "What's So Funny 'Bout Peace, Love & Understanding" even had a bit of "Mystery Train" thrown in.
Other gems of Memphis music history were also present: a full-on rendition of Johnny Cash's "Cry, Cry, Cry;" a quote from "Mr. Big Stuff" at the end of "Everyday I Write the Book;" and an especially gospel-drenched treatment of a Sam & Dave tune Costello put his stamp on decades ago, "I Can't Stand Up For Falling Down."

It was a spirited evening, in which Costello's vocal chops only got better and better. Once again, he showed that one can find a perfect balance between punk energy and musical craftsmanship, between history and innovation, between irony and soul.
(News, Source: Alex Greene, The Memphis Flyer)

Jack Soden, CEO of Elvis Presley Enterprises and Graceland, accepted the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House from President Trump. I find it a little disappointing that the statement on the ‘Graceland: The Home of Elvis Presley’ website did not mention President Trump by name. Even if I am wrong in my supposition that Elvis would have been a Trump supporter, I am certain Elvis would have graciously and specifically thanked President Trump for the honor. I was a young child when Elvis died. I’m not sure if I knew much about Elvis beforehand but I vividly recall when it came on the news that he died. It was also my first experience with death that I can remember.

Growing up in Tupelo in the 1940s in a largely black neighborhood, Elvis saw and heard friends and neighbors performing blues music on their porches. Later in 1948, the family moved to Memphis, and Elvis spent quite a bit of time on Beale Street, which was the heart of the Memphis blues scene. Elvis’ version of “My Babe,” by the great songwriter Willie Dixon, is my favorite Elvis song. Elvis also did outstanding versions of some of the other great blues songs such as “Baby, What You Want Me to Do,” “Reconsider Baby” and “Lawdy, Miss Clawdy.”

I usually consider the songwriter as the most significant contributor to any music but in the case with Elvis Presley, for me, he was the best singer, arranger and producer and chose the best songs. I believe he was the single most important person in 20th century music and probably in the history of music.
RYAN MOORE is a writer, songwriter and social media strategist.
(Opinion, Source: djournal.com)

Rod Stewart opens up about the connection between his hit song "You're In My Heart"and Elvis: Speaking in a video on his social media channels, Rod discussed You're in My Heart. He said: "There's a sad story attached to You're in My Heart because I wrote that the day Elvis died.

"I was in Canada and we were just laying down the track and it was on the television in the studios. So every time I think of that song when I wrote it Elvis crops up." (News, Source: The Scottish Sun)

As the above suggests, it is always best to check out primary sources before accepting unsubstantiated 'third party' claims. The interesting thing about so doing is that it can throw up unexpected outcomes as well as explain some of the technical issues.

In his book, Elvis Presley - The Truth Will Prevail, published in 2018, author-researcher Darrin Memmer conducted one-on-one interviews and consulted a range of primary source materials including the Memphis Fire Department's Emergency Unit Incident Report No, 79350 (Aug 16, 1977); Baptist Memorial Hospital Emergency Department Form for Elvis A. Presley on August 16, 1977; and "The Jerry Hopkins Collection" and "Death of Elvis Presley Materials" (Cole and Thompson) held by the University of Memphis.

In his interview with Dan Warlick, Chief Medical Investigator for the State of Tennessee (circa August 1977), this interesting answer arose in relation to the cause of Elvis' death:

What Jerry Francisco said was it was a "cardiac arrhythmia of undetermined cause," which kinda threw Dr. Sexton and Dr. Muirhead a curve [both doctors were part of the Baptist Memorial Hospital autopsy team]. All Jerry said was that his heart stopped: cardiac arryhythmia. but those guys were hospital pathologists. And I have got to tell you, a hospital autopsy in those days would reveal a description of every major disease process but never really, necessarily, told you exactly what the cause of death was.

On the issue of Elvis having experienced earlier heart attacks (another claim some some people believe), Warlick said:

I did not see that. No. But let me explain "why" too. He had a large heart that appeared to be a hyperintensive heart. One that the whole pump is wearing out because it's pushing too much against a lot of vessels that are not dilating and responding properly - that's your hypertension. Coronary artery disease doesn't enlarge the entire heart. Cornonary artery disease causes the area where a particular artery is clogged up, to die and have insufficient flow. That doesn't make that an autopsy. And you can also pick up that in an EKG. So, if he'd had any EKG's, they would have invariably shown a previous myocardial infarction.

But if his heart, straining, ran out of rhythm: the whole thing would have been hypoxic [inadequate supply of blood] or received some damage. But it wouldn't show up like a specific area or a punctate heart attack that we could see at autopsy. If you take a heart and look at it and it's got a white scar or a tough area on the interior wall of the left ventricle, then you know that the left descending coronary artery has been plugged up and caused an infarction. And then that area healed into a scar. This is your heart attack.

But when you see a big ole, 500-gram heart, that doesn't sound like one that's having little punctate areas of dead muscle scarring over. It's just the whole thing wearing out. He had a big ole, what I call "hypertensive heart", that was just kind of sickly looking.

There is also a common misconceoption that Elvis' autopsy report was sealed, at Vernon's request, for 50 years and will become publicly available in August 2027. That is not the case. Under Tennesse law an autopsy ordered by the District Attorney General is a "public autopsy" and is a publicly available record. However, Vernon Presley formally requested Elvis' autopsy, thereby making it a "private autopsy" and as such it forms part of Elvis' health records. Lisa Marie Presley could, at any time, make it public, but this is considered unlikely. In relation to Elvis' autopsy report, it is interesting to note that Vernon asked that a copy not be made available to Dr. Nick.

(News, Source: EIN/Dr. George C. Nichopoulos/Darrin Memmer, Elvis Presley - The Truth Will Prevail)

"Follow That Dream: My Life as the Asian Elvis" - part Six: "Yoshi Meets the Jordanaires": It's every Elvis Tribute Artist’s biggest fantasy to sing with Elvis’ original backup singers, “The Jordanaires.”, and in the latest instalment of his story, Robert "Yoshi" Kim describes how this happened for him, why the Jordanaires were interested in recording with him, and the unexpected "music icon" from Elvis' early days who also asked to be part of the session.

Read the full story

(Almost Elvis, Source: EIN/Robert "Yoshi" Kim)

'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)

By the end of the decade, this parade of schlock had taken its toll. His star was fading, in the musical arena as well as on the screen. It was during this skid that his famed 1968 comeback special arrived, rocketing him back into the limelight. It also signaled the end of his movie career as he refocused on his music; Change of Habit, released in November 1969, would be his last film.

It's a fascinating and at times almost impossibly strange movie, one that perfectly encapsulates the collision between the '50s rock 'n' roll culture that shaped Presley and the new Age of Aquarius world he'd found himself in as he reached his mid-30s.
Presley plays John Carpenter, a doctor who works on Washington Street in a poor black and Hispanic neighborhood. Mary Tyler Moore plays Sister Michelle, one of three nuns who arrive on Washington Street, not wearing their habits, on a secret mission to help the local population. Together, Dr. Carpenter and Sister Michelle start to tackle the neighborhood problems, including underprivileged children, surly teenagers, a local loan shark and the resistance of an older out-of-touch parish priest who disapproves of the nuns' undercover operation.

Slowly, Dr. Carpenter falls in love with this Sister Michelle, not knowing, of course, that she has committed her life to God. And Sister Michelle begins to have some of the same feelings. ... We close in a church, with Dr. Carpenter leading the congregation in a gospel song and Sister Michelle looking back and forth between him and the religious imagery on the walls, trying desperately to come to a decision about what course she will take: God or love?

What no summary can do justice to is the whipsaw effect created by this mixture of rock and roll, religion and social commentary. It features, in no particular order, a black nun (Barbara McNair) being confronted by two Black Panther-types about whether she's being true to the cause or is a race traitor; a pair of elderly women who appear at various points to give comedic commentary on the events; a group of young Latinas who learn a lesson in true femininity from Moore's nun; one of the nuns using her feminine wiles to trick some neighborhood men into moving her furniture and then is almost assaulted by them; a teenager with a terrible speech impediment who is first helped by and then attacks Moore's character; a sit-in, played for laughs, at a butcher shop that charges exorbitant prices; some extended commentary on the question of the amount of reform possible in Catholic doctrine; and a closing musical number which explicitly raises the question of who's better, Elvis or Jesus.

The effect of all this is at turns charming and chaotic. The '60s are in full swing, and the filmmakers can't quite figure out what to do with them, other than to try to throw in every sequence they can dream up to show that they're hip and with it.
But throughout it all, one can't help but be reminded of the charisma and presence of the man around whom the film revolves. As absurd as many of the sequences are, Presley is always somehow both openhearted and mysterious, sexual and noble, the kind of guy one really could imagine saving the less-fortunate and convincing nuns to fall in love with him.
The King was, all the way through to the very end, the King.
(Review, Source: Tyler Sage, ultimateclassicrock.com)

'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)

James had relocated to Memphis to become a house writer for Moman at American Sound Studio. When the producer told him that Presley wanted to work there – specifically so he could harness the country music power of house band the Memphis Boys – Moman also asked him to come up with songs for the King to consider. However, James was struggling for ideas. “We went to about two days before,” he recalled. “I was down, man, because I still hadn't come up with anything.”

Then he thought of “Suspicious Minds.” “It was like seeing a golden number one and I knew that was the song I'd been looking for,” he said. “I knew most of the guys with Elvis, some of them working there, around Memphis – I felt like telling George Klein, Marty Lacker, I felt like even shaking Elvis and saying, ‘This is a great one for you, man, to record.’ But I knew probably everyone in the world had probably said that to him. So all I could do is tell all the guys around him, ‘Get him to cut this, this is a great one for him!’” James wasn’t in the room when Presley first heard the song – and immediately asked to hear it again. Moman recalled that he took to it so quickly that he’d already learned it by the time he left for home with a tape under his arm.

Recording began at 4AM on Jan. 23, 1969, and eight takes were recorded over three hours before Presley added his vocal track. Once again, James wasn’t present, having attended a previous session and felt as if it made Presley uncomfortable. “I went to the studio one time,” the writer recalled. “I went upstairs and I heard they were taking a break. … And I went in there and he happened to be leaning up against the baffle. … I said, 'Hey Elvis, I heard you might cut 'Suspicious Minds.'' And he said, 'Hey Mark, been thinking about it' – you know, just like Elvis would say it.” (News, Source: Ultimate Classic Rock)

Tupelo Visitors Center display: The Tupelo Visitors Center has some fun with the idea that Elvis’ muse was Captain Marvel, Jr.: Visitors can read about Elvis’ childhood via giant comic books. Here, you’ll also learn the stunning fact that Elvis was actually a natural blond.

(News, Source: Tupelo.net)

Conversations With The King released in softcover and ebook formats: In 2011, David Stanley, Elvis' youngest step-brother, released Conversations With The King Journals of a Young Apprentice as a hardcover (with dust jacket) edition. The book has now been released in softcover and Kindle formats with an amended sub-title: The Enduring Spiritual Legacy of Elvis Presley. It is co-written by Dr. David Gruder.

The book is thematically different to most other books about Elvis and provides an intriguing perspective on Elvis’ spiritual side (his search for meaning) and its legacy for others in a world where many people are seeking spiritual development. Based on a platform of self-development, the authors discuss themes such as authenticity and inauthenticity, while each chapter includes important Questions to Ponder. (News, Source: Amazon)

The Beatles and Elvis next swapped some stories, but the atmosphere was not yet relaxed. Elvis asked for guitars and they had a brief jam session with him that included “I Feel Fine” and a Cilla Black song.

Elvis had been playing a bass guitar when the Beatles arrived, so he played bass during the jam. Things eased up during the jam and when Paul and Elvis talked about blues and playing bass. After that, they discussed their respective fans, tours and movies. They all played a few games of pool also. They thought Elvis was shy and quiet…which he was. The meeting lasted about three hours.

In all, the Beatles thought it was great and exciting. John, however, felt it a bit more boring than he’d hoped. They did NOT feel antagonism. All but John did NOT feel particularly disappointed. I think they, as big fans of Elvis like anyone else, expected a dynamic, outgoing, animated guy in Elvis who would lead the way and show them a great time. But Elvis was real: Shy. Elvis did not act like he was defensive or threatened, although at the start of the meeting he seems to have betrayed a bit of this.

PAUL: “It was one of the great meetings of my life. I think he liked us.” (News, Source: Quora.com)

Elvis is Back! once again #2 Top-Earning Dead Celebrity: Last year ELVIS once again jumped back up the Forbes charts to become #2 Top-Earning Dead Celebrity and this year he retained that same position earning a cool $39 million - helped no doubt by the expanded Elvis Presley's Memphis museum and interest surrounding the 1969 '50th Anniversary'.
In 2019 Michael Jackson again tops Forbes magazine's annual list of the highest-earning deceased celebrities but with an estimated of $60 million income - this is a MASSIVE DROP from his income last year of $400 million.
Golf legend Arnold Palmer drops to No.4 with $30 million while "Peanuts" cartoonist Charles Schulz is back to No.3 with a $38 million.
As last year, rounding out the top five is reggae icon Bob Marley ($20 million).
Even with CD sales collapsing nine musicians feature in the list of 13, up from just six a year ago. John Lennon is the richer late Beatle at #7 on the list with $14 million (much of it owed to the 50th anniversary of Abbey Road) while George Harrison is 13th on the list, with $9 million.
Other musicians included are Prince #9 ($12M), Rapper Nipsey Hussle (who was shot in Los Angeles) comes in at 10 with $11 million, XXXTentacion, who died in June 2018, is 11 on the list having made $10 million since his death. He is most-streamed deceased celebrity in America.
Whitney Houston is #12 ($9.5M). The great Marilyn Monroe is #8 ($13M) while children’s author Dr. Seuss is #6 ($19M)

Top Ten Forbes magazine Top-Earning Dead Celebrities 2019.
1. Michael Jackson $60 million (down from $400m!)
2. Elvis Presley $39 million (down from $40m)
3. Charles Schulz ('Peanuts' creator) $38 million.
4. Arnold Palmer $30 million.
5. Bob Marley $20 million.
Also - 6. Dr. Seuss $19 million, 7. John Lennon $14 million, 8. Marilyn Monroe $13 million, 9. Prince $12 million, 10. Nipsey Hussle $10 million.

As Gore Vidal once noted, "Death is a good career move"!

Elvis left the building 42 years ago - will Michael Jackson still be in the list in 30 years' time? - EIN truly has its doubts.
(News, Source;Forbes/ElvisInfoNet)

Ed Bonja book "Elvis We'll Remember You" still available: Thanks to Hannu Ignatius who sent us the following message:

Concerning your wonderful interview of our common friend Ed Bonja, I'd like to let you know that the last photo book "Elvis - We'll Remember You" by FinnFan Productions, published in summer of 2014: it is still available. You published a piece of news in 2014 when the book was about to come out.

The hard cover coffee table book (+170 pages) is written both in English and Finnish. For more info you can send e-mail to: epfkea@outlook.com

Read EIN's interview with Ed Bonja

Did you know Elvis briefly dated a pro-wrestling women's world champion?: Believe it or not, but prior to his Army stint Elvis dated Penny Banner, who in the 1960s became the first American Wrestling Association (AWA) Women's World Wrestling Champion. In her entertaining autobiography, Banner Days (published in 2004), Ms Banner details her "dates" with Elvis. Her account is both respectful and insightful, confirming a number of characteristics of Elvis' personality, his "kissing" ability, and his unusual attitude to sex.

Read EIN's book review of Ms Banner's autobiography

(News, Source: EIN)

Two New FTD Releases for November: Announced for release next month, two special treats from FTD and perfect for Christmas!
- '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)

'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)

While not a "Complete Sessions" to have all these session gathered together on a 5 disc set with 28-page booklet plus uniform remastering makes this an essential collector's purchase if you can afford it.
Both the FTD 'ELVIS: American Sound 1969' box-set and ‘Elvis Sings Memphis Tennessee’ Double-Vinyl releases are OUT NOW

- Photo courtesy Henrik Knudsen

(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)

'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)

'Mele Mai Ka Lani Mai' New Import CD: With the fact that FTD will no doubt release their Blue Hawaii deluxe "Complete Sessions" in the near future the bootleggers are trying a last attempt to earn some cash and releasing their own version.
EIN has asked Ernst for a FTD release confirmation
Publicity notes, Venus Productions is proud to present you a 3-CD set with unreleased outtakes from the movie “Blue Hawaii”.
As with all Venus releases all tracks are uncut and the sound is top notch!

Go here to 'All The Elvis CD News' for full tracklisting and details

(News, Source;Venus/ElvisInfoNet)

(Book Review) Elvis A Humanitarian (Paul Belard): Prolific Elvis book author, Paul Belard, has published his latest photo-journal, a comprehensive 300 page record of Elvis' acts of kindness and compassion for others.

The book has a good balance between narrative, visual and archival material, and documents not only the well known but also many acts of kindness by Elvis that many fans will be unaware of.

Read EIN's detailed review

(Book Review, Source: EIN)

'Elvis Unleashed' - CANCELLED!: While there has been no official notification or explanation as yet, it appears that the new cinema special 'Elvis Unleashed' has been CANCELLED in US / Australia.
Despite the big publicity push "Elvis Presley returns to big screens across the globe next month with the new special, "Elvis Unleashed," featuring previously unseen footage of Elvis as he filmed the iconic "68 Comeback Special" the film has been removed from Australian Cinema bookings and it has also been removed from EPE's news page and also FATHOM Events bookings.

Both EPE and FATHOM should be honest and offer an explanation (presumably poor ticket sales) rather than just ignore it.
"Elvis Unleashed" was supposed to capture the spontaneous moments and stories behind the legendary special and sheds new light on Elvis as an icon. Click HERE for cute promo Video.
"Elvis Unleashed" WAS going to be shown in "more than 800 US movie theaters" Click here to Fathom Events for US Theatre locations & info
In Australia showings have been removed- Click HERE for Australia EVENT cinemas - - EIN was looking forward to seeing it again!
In the UK (and in Europe) the various cinema chains are STILL showing the new film! check UK theatres via SHOWCASE / MyVu

EIN has been told, "The Australian cancellation was made by the distributor of the film"
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)

Sept 4 - Ed Bonja Photographer / Tour Manager has died: EIN has heard the sad news that Elvis' photographer Ed Bonja died in Berlin last night, aged 74. EIN's good friends Joan & Paul Gansky noted..

... Our dear friend and Elvis Photographer/tour manager Ed Bonja has joined Elvis and so many of his friends, co-stars, musicians, backup singers and others in Heaven. Leukemia and other medical complications brought his life to a close on September 4th, 2019. He was 74. Rest in peace Ed, our special friend.

Ed lived in Germany, most recently in Berlin, for the last 12 years of his life, participating in hundreds of shows at Hotel Estrella with Elvis-connected entertainers and friends. He also was a guest celebrity at many Elvis-events all over Europe and the USA.
Previously, he had called our house in Culver City “home” for several years. Whenever Ed visited the USA, he had his old “Bonja Suite” reserved in our home!
Our precious memories are too numerous to mention here, but we will always remember him as a gentle soul who went through life seeing good in everyone that crossed his path. - Paul & Joan Gansky

EIN Comment: Ed's passing is another sad day for Elvis fans. His photos were among the best taken of Elvis. Ed released several books including Elvis: Shot By Ed Bonja, Viva Elvis, and Spotlight On Elvis. In 2012, EIN reviewed the deluxe, coffee table release, Viva Elvis, rating it as one of the finest Elvis photo books ever published and a "visual assault on your senses" - the text was in Japanese and the photos were viscerally mouth watering. We gave it a "Highly Recommended" commendation. Copies of Viva Elvis are still available from Amazon Japan.
In 2004, EIN's Piers Beagley spoke with Ed Bonja at length in a great two-part interview.
(News, Source:ElvisInfoNet)

'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)

'Elvis Is Back' next Complete Sessions FTD: Ernst Jorgensen was in Memphis for Elvis Week and at the panel discussion he informed the audience that the next FTD "Complete Sessions" deluxe box-set would be the 1960 'Elvis Is Back' post-army sessions.
'Elvis is Back' was originally released by RCA in April 1960 and was recorded at two sessions March and April at RCA Studio B.
The sessions included ‘Girl Of My Best Friend’, ‘Stuck On You’, ‘Fever’, ‘It’s Now Or Never’, ‘Are You Lonesome Tonight’, ‘Reconsider Baby’ and ‘Such A Night’.
FTD have released nearly all the sessions already (see 'E.I.B' FTD review) however there are still a few outakes we haven't got from tracks including 'Make Me Know It' , 'Soldier Boy', "Mess Of Blues', 'Fame And Fortune' and 'Girl Of My Best Friend'.
(See Keith Flynn's marvellous ELVIS Sessions site for all the info)

EIN rated the 'Fun In Acapulco Complete Sessions' very highly

(News, Source;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)

(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

(Interview) Richard Zoglin (author of Elvis in Vegas) talks to EIN: Time magazine contributing editor and theater critic, Richard Zoglin, recently talked with EIN's Nigel Patterson about his much anticipated new book, Elvis in Vegas.

In an illuminating interview, Richard discusses, among other things:

• why Elvis was so important to Vegas;
• how Elvis redefined the Vegas show;
• the important role Colonel Parker played in the success of Elvis' comeback to Vegas in 1969;
• the impact of Elvis' lack of a musical director for his Vegas shows;
• Elvis fans and his decline;
• Elvis and rock critics; and
• mob rule, Howard Hughes and the corporatisation of Vegas.

Read the full interview ...........(Interview, Source: EIN)

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)

Best (and Worst) Books of 2018: What were the best Elvis books published in 2018? The worst? The most incredulous?

EIN's Nigel Patterson, with help from Piers Beagley, has compiled an extensive list of the best and worst Elvis books of last year.

The 14 award categories include the best:

• general biography
• "subject specific" release
• composite (book/CD and/or DVD) release
• "insider" memoir
• photo-journal
• fiction release
• ebook
• book for younger readers
• non-english text
• re-issue
• fan club/fan publication
• most incredulous release

Plus EIN names its top two Elvis books of 2018!

To find out what they are (and why) and read about more than 70 other Elvis books published in 2018 click here..(Spotlight, 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 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)

'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)