Nashville Elvis Festival 2020: Join fans from around the world for the 4th Annual Nashville Elvis Festival - March 19-22, 2020. Nashville Elvis Festival is a premier Elvis event unlike any other, celebrating the music and legacy of Elvis Presley. Join us for a weekend of live music performances, celebrity appearances, an Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist competition and more!
Nashville Elvis Festival is hosted by EPE Elvis Week regular Tom Brown!
We are excited to announce our first headliner Elvis Tribute Artist Ben Thompson.

EIN notes that compared to their first year sadly the Nashville Festival has had to become more reliant on Elvis impersonators and less on genuine Elvis performers and musicians.

Click here to the NEF website for more details

(News, Source;NEF/ElvisInfoNet)

It was Baron Hilton who gave Elvis a 14 karat solid gold bolo-style rope chain necklace as a gift - (it was presented to Elvis by Henry Lewin, Hilton senior vice president) for the incredible success of Elvis' residencies at The Hilton. The elongated, hexagonal-shaped bolo-style clasp is stylized bamboo shapes, with elaborate script initials “EP” on the cross bar.
The billionaire inherited and expanded the hotel empire build by his father, Conrad Hilton; his other business pursuits included founding the L.A. Chargers, and an early credit card company, Carte Blanche.
Long before he passed, Barron Hilton set his affairs in order. Back in 2007, he pledged to donate 97% of his fortune to the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. The foundation's press release notes that his gift will increase its endowment from $2.9 billion to $6.3 billion. Thanks to that $3.4 billion, Barron Hilton will be the organization's largest donor.
According to its website, the foundation has a wide range of initiatives, which target everything from homelessness in L.A. to unsafe drinking water in sub-Saharan Africa.

(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) (Thanks to Pontus for the correction)

In interviews, he came across as sharp and grounded. If anyone could handle unprecedented levels of fame, surely it was Elvis?
As it turned out, not. His legend has been strengthened by it’s tragic arc: from paragon to parody, and finally to parable. The one-time sex symbol became a caricature of excess, addicted to Cadillacs, bacon and banana butties, and prescription medication. He took pills to sleep, pills to perform, pills to go to the loo. Near the end, he gave a performance in Las Vegas of his ballad, Are you lonesome tonight? Obese, exhausted, heavily perspiring, and wired on drugs, Elvis forgot the lyrics. He amuses himself improvising some alternative words, but there’s fear in his eyes, and such tiredness. He was found dead at the age of 42 at his ranch in rural Tennessee, slumped in the bathroom, killed by a cocktail of causes brought on by his prescription drug abuse.

I am biased, I think, and will always think that Elvis is cool. Let me ask or pose a question:
If someone came to light today as great as Elvis, would you consider him or her to be cool?
If your answer is yes, then by default Elvis is cool.
My mind is already made up, but is yours?
(Opinion, Source: Matt, National Autistic Society, UK)

So, as we read these dated news accounts of Elvis Presley as having a similar physical appearance and the cultural influence on his youthful fans as ancient Greek performers it must be understood that in 1956 his frenetic stage act proved so shocking he was banned from appearing in certain venues and was nearly arrested on several occasions.
In 1956, the year Elvis Presley became an international sensation, he was also proclaimed a Greek God! This proclamation is in keeping with the ongoing use of American notions of Greek culture, past present, all invented-by-the-West to explain and understand the everyday world in which we all live. For reasons best understood at the university, while Greek-American have always experienced this kind of multiple symbolic employment of Greeks and their culture these continuing memes cannot be pointed to as a form of Greek exceptionalism on America’s cultural landscape.
Collectively the lesson drawn from Elvis Presley’s ever-so-brief association with the Ancient Greeks is that as modern Greek-observers we must become aware of the changing ideas and images held by the wider society in which we live.

For the full article go here - As reported by Steve Frangos for the National Herald
(News, Source;SF/ElvisInfoNet)

'ELVIS SUMMER FESTIVAL' New 3-Book Set: Elvis Files publisher Erik Lorentzen has announced his new special project a "Photographic Trilogy" of Elvis' stunning 'That's The Way It Is'.
Erik explained, "I had plans after turning 70 that 'ELVIS NOW IN PERSON 1969' would be my last book however, out of the blue, I was offered 2,000 unseen photos from my all time favorite period "That's The Way It Is". All from the original negatives and colour slides.
After checking some samples I went totally crazy as, being an Elvis photo collector for almost 60 years, this was incredible.
It took months to obtain all 2,000 photos and my plans to retire from this Elvis world would have to be put on hold.
I felt that to do these photos justice, a deluxe box set of 3 books was in order. After talking to some good and understanding people in the Elvis world, the matter was settled...
That's The Way Is Was, it had to be done. The books will be printed in early November and ready to be sent out the first week of December.
I both believe and hope you will be as excited as I am."

You can Pre-Order from the Elvis Shop London
More info and examples soon.
(News, Source;EL/ElvisInfoNet)

Fasn should note that the set was never intended to be the 'complete' sessions. Therefore it does not include sub-standard, inconsequential and fragmented material that has surfaced illegally on bootleg over the years. It features all the recordings deemed essential by the producers.
We will only be manufacturing to satisfy initial orders."
EIN noticed from the start for instance that the tracklist is obviously missing 'Only the Strong Survive' takes 2-7 "Dear Georgie"!

However 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 delayed until the last week of September. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)

'Elvis The Man & His Music' September Issue Out Now: EIN's favourite music magazine 'Elvis The Man & His Music' September Issue #125 is out now.

Articles include
- Rejuvenation – 11xCD Vegas Box-Set Reviewed
- Jim Murray (Imperials) Interview
- Memories Of Ger Rijff
- Neville Smith Interview – ‘Long Distance Information’ Hits 40!
- Withdrawn! – Infamous 1977 LP
- Presley Press – ‘Tiger’ magazine, December 1956.
- Readers’ Letters
- Book Reviews

Go here to NDT to order or subscribe

(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)

'ELVIS: The Danish Singles Collection Vol.1' New Vinyl: Recently announced by Memphis Mansion, Randers 'ELVIS: The Danish Singles Collection Vol.1'.
The idea behind the release was to have a discography that was a little different, and the Danish singles were certainly that.
There's a whole generation of fans that have grown up never hearing the original vinyl sound of Elvis, so these are how the tunes sounded when first released, complete with compression, and some of them really rock !
As good as our modern releases are we've kind of lost a little bit of history, and we wanted to put that back.
What we present here is that original vinyl sound, first heard when these tracks were originally released.
Sit back, relax, listen and enjoy the original sound of Elvis !'
Volume one is already selling fast. - Numbered limited edition of 300.
Mastering by EIN contributor Tony Stuchbury

Go to 'Elvis: All The CD News 2019' for tracklist and purchase details
(News, Source;TS/ElvisInfoNet)

alleged details about. She says she read a book that detailed Elvis' life and, allegedly, while the King had her in one room of his Sin City hotel ... he'd also have two other women on the same floor.

Speaking of womanizers in Hollywood, Cybill sheds some light on some of the most famous men she turned down -- including Jack Nicholson, De Niro and Les Moonves -- and gives an interesting reason as to why she snubbed those dudes in their heyday. Sounds like Cybill doesn't like mixing business with pleasure. (News, Source: TMZ)

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)

New James Burton Interview: Legendary guitar maestro, James Burton, was recently interviewed by Terry Gross, host of the Fresh Air podcast. Gross is known for her stimulating and wide ranging interviews and her discussion with James is a beauty. Apart from his time with Elvis, James talks about his start in the business at age 14, working with Rick Nelson, Glen Campbell, and a lot more. Here are some excerpts from the interview:

Terry Gross: My guest is guitarist James Burton. He's featured on the new 11-CD box set "Elvis Live 1969." These Vegas concerts were the first time he was, like, back onstage in front of a lot of people live. And he was nervous about getting onstage. I think he told you that he was afraid that he wasn't going to be able to do it. Is that right?

JAMES BURTON: Yeah, he - backstage, just before we went out on stage, he was very nervous. He came up to me, and he said, James, I don't know if I can walk out there. And I said, Elvis, you'll have no problem. Just when you come out onstage, man, just sing maybe three or four songs just to the band, you know? We'll just key off each other and forget the audience. And after he did that, he just kind of relaxed

and loosened up, and he started talking to the audience. But he was very nervous. He actually hadn't been onstage in nine years. He just did movies for nine years. And when he called me and asked me to put the band together in '69, he said that his favorite thing was to be onstage and sing to his live audience. And that's what he really missed most of all - is singing to the fans.
TG: Was there ever a moment where you thought he's really not going to make it; he is not going to be able to go onstage?
BURTON: No, not really. He was always wound up and ready to go. I mean, all of his performances were fantastic. You know, that suit he wore weighed, like, 5,000 pounds. It was the heaviest suit I've ever seen. I don't have a clue how he could jump around onstage in that suit.
TG: : Well, let me describe this. It's a white jumpsuit, but it had, like, a zillion really large rivets on it, like... instead of buttons, there were rivets. And then it's, like, a heavy white material with a big collar - not the huge collar that he later wore, but a pretty big collar nevertheless.
BURTON: It was so heavy, Terry. I got to tell you. I picked it up one day to move it off the couch, and I couldn't pick it up. It was so heavy. I really don't know how he could jump around like a little kid on stage wearing that suit.
TG: I read that he rehearsed with weights on his hands and feet so that he'd be...
BURTON: He would do that because, I guess, wearing those suits and everything, he had to get ready for it - jumping around onstage.
TG: And describe your pink paisley guitar that you got for these concerts.
BURTON: Oh, wow. That guitar - this was amazing. My friend that was - he was actually the vice president of Fender - called me. He said, I have a guitar here with your name on it. And I said, really? Well, send it to me. And he said, no, no. You have to come down and check it out. So I went down and had lunch with him that day, and he said, there's the guitar in the corner. So I went over and opened the case, and I said, no, no, no. That's too flashy, too bright for me.
But anyway, I took the guitar to Vegas with me. The first two weeks, I decided to only play my Telecaster that my mother and dad bought me and I played on thousands of records. And two weeks later, we had two weeks left in Vegas. And I said - Red West came to me, the Memphis Mafia guy. He came to me and he said, James, you've got to play that new guitar, man. So I was a little nervous about playing it. I figured, you know, it's a little too flashy.
Elvis might say something onstage and, you know, might embarrass me.
But anyway, I played the guitar that night. We did two shows, and he never said anything. And after the second show, Elvis said, "hey, James. I noticed you were playing a different guitar tonight. Man, it sounds great, and it looks great". And I said, yeah. I told him a story. I said, yeah, I was a little nervous about bringing it out onstage. I don't know what you might think about it. And he said, "no, it looks great and it sounds great, so play it all you want to." So I continued playing it. It was great.

TG: So what was it like standing behind Elvis or to the side of Elvis onstage facing the audience, watching the audience, watching him? Because, like, you're onstage, but, like, the eyes are mostly going to be, like, fixed on Elvis, and you're taking in the whole spectacle.
BURTON: Yeah. You know, he loved guitar. He always keyed off guitar, and he'd always give me looks onstage.
He'd always kind of follow me on guitar, and we had to watch him every second because he would change in middle of a song or something. We never knew what he was going to do, so we had to watch him every second. But it was amazing. He was - we couldn't get too close because he was moving so fast and kicking and - a little bit of karate there. We didn't want to get our head chopped off.
TG: So you kept playing with Elvis from '69 until his death, so you weren't put in a position to watch his health deteriorate. Do you think he understood that the pills he was taking were addictive and were really harming his health?
BURTON: Well, you know, I never saw him do anything or take anything. I know that sometimes, he would he would gain a little weight, and then he would say, man, I got to go back on my diet. I got to slow down here and lose this weight. I've seen him gain quite a bit of weight and then lose it real fast, which is not good. But I never saw him do anything or take anything. And all the time I worked with him, I never saw any of that.
TG: You know, you've had such a big influence on guitar players. And I think part of that comes from being on "Ozzie And Harriet," which, like I said, like, all teenagers watched it at the time. Elvis watched it. Elvis told you he used to watch it.
Go here for EIN's spotlight on 'Ricky Nelson and James Burton'
BURTON: Well, I found out later. But when Elvis called me and asked me to put the band together for a 1969 comeback and he said, "you know, I watch the "Ozzie And Harriet" TV show, I watch Ricky sing and you play guitar - it's my favorite show. I watch it every week". And I said, you got to be kidding. The king of rock 'n' roll watching me on TV, watching me play guitar? (Laughter). But he said he loved it. He watched it every week.
TG: So what Phil Spector records do you remember playing on?
BURTON: Oh, boy. I don't have a clue right now. I don't have a clue. There's so much stuff. You know, I was doing, like, four sessions a day seven days a week, and it got pretty crazy because sometimes, you didn't even know who the artist was, you know? But I know I'd go from one session like The Monkees and, of course, The Beach Boys - Glen Campbell and I played on a lot of Beach Boys stuff. And I used to go up to Brian Wilson's house in Bel Air, and we would play all weekend. We cut a record, a whole album in one weekend, and he would have all the studio guys come up there and stay. He said, nobody goes home. Everybody stays up here. And we just played day and night, and it was crazy.
Go here for the full TG podcast / interview
(Interview, Source: npr.com/ElvisInfoNet)

New book release - Johnnny Rivers and Elvis Presley - Sun '54 & Memphis '64: Last month we announced a new book from prolific Elvis author, Darrin Memmer. A formal press release has now been issued providing more detail about the release. It includes:

Now available on Amazon! Johnny Rivers and Elvis Presley – Sun ’54 & Memphis ’64: That’s All Right and Blue Moon of Kentucky à la Marion Keisker, Scotty Moore, Sam C. & Dewey Phillips, George Klein (SUN 209), and Mr. Ricky Nelson’s Legit Black Belt is a 230-page soft cover that features unpublished knowledge destined to thrill fans of Elvis, Johnny Rivers and Ricky Nelson.

Tabloid media continues to feed on Presley family stories: With Britain's tabloid papers regularly spruiking the tiresome story that Elvis did not die in 1977, last week radaronline.com in the US ran the headline: Desperate Measures! Priscilla Begs Scientology To Save Troubled Lisa Marie. Complete with unflattering photos, the story included:

Desperate Priscilla Presley is begging the Church of Scientology to accept her troubled daughter, Lisa Marie, back into the fold, insiders claimed, so she can enroll in their notorious drug treatment program!

Scientology “shunned” drug-addled Lisa Marie in 2016, and sources said she hit rock bottom during her toxic custody and divorce battle with her estranged husband.

Elvis singing hazardous to your bank balance but avoids Jailhouse Rock: An Elvis Presley impersonator has been left all shook up after being handed a £9,000 fine for belting out tunes in the early hours of the morning from the kitchen of his two-bed semi. Dean Holland, 45, who is from Bradford, West Yorkshire in England, live streams his performances to fans in the U.S. late at night because of the time difference.

Mr Holland's vocals failed to win over his neighbours though who complained to the Department of Environmental Health leading to officials issuing the father-of-one with a noise abatement order telling him to pipe down. However, Mr Holland failed to heed the warning and continued to perform from his home. Magistrates then issuing a warrant allowing officials to enter his home and take equipment. Dean said he has a wide audience in the U.S. and is often life-streaming into the early hours of the morning.. "I perform as guest singer on Facebook Elvis fan pages. I don't get paid for this. I do this to bring the fans together, to reach out to those who are lonely or can't get out of the house,' he said. Read full story (Almost Elvis, Source: Daily Mail UK)

'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)

4. Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite, Jan. 14, 1973.
The most known version of all and also on film. The claim at the time was that Aloha From Hawaii was watched by no less than 1 billion people. The show has reappeared again and again on TV, and if people have a memory of his exceptional performance of the song, this version is most likely what they remember.

3. As Recorded at Madison Square Garden, June 10, 1972.
"Suspicious Minds" would be a highlight of most shows for the rest of Elvis' career, and literally hundreds of versions exist. This New York version represented a triumph for Elvis. He had never played in New York City, and basically felt that people "up there" didn't like him, based on the devastating criticism that the New York media had given in his early career.

Four sold-out shows at the Garden was a sweet revenge and triumph, and his band probably never played better than here.

'Suspicious Minds' - Elvis' Greatest Single?: "It was fifty years ago today".. 'Suspicious Minds' was released on August 26th 1969. While the NBC '68 TV Special, along with the single 'In the Ghetto' had pushed Elvis back to the forefront of popular culture, it would be the release of Elvis' last US Number 1 single that would ultimately prove to all the critics that Elvis was a still relevant contemporary musical force.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary EIN looks back in detail at the history of this classic song, including new interviews with Marty Lacker and Bobby Wood, as well as insights from composer Mark James and producer Chips Moman.

Go here for this fascinating spotlight

(Spotlight, Source; EIN)

'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)

It was fifty years ago today that RCA started professionally recording ELVIS LIVE 1969 at the International Hotel Las Vegas. RCA recorded eleven concerts, all of which have now been released in the new deluxe box-set. Fifty years later fans can truly reminisce about all the excitement that Elvis generated as he returned to live performances. The eleven concerts would be culled to produce the 'Elvis In Person' 13-track album which would be released in November 1969. In 2019 EIN suggests you relive every concert day-by-day on their 50th anniversary.

Elvis history with Ernst Jorgensen: While over in Memphis for Elvis Week 2019 Elvis historian Ernst Jorgensen appeared on WREG News TV to talk about the new 1969 LIVE box-set and Elvis in general.
Unfortunately the questions were a little simplistic - "Is Elvis the greatest that ever lived?" - "How much does Elvis consume you?" but Jorgensen is fabulously animated in his replies, obviously enjoying the interview.
There is a marvelous reaction to the question, "Is there any new Elvis find that still surprises you today?"
He says about the 1969 LIVE set, "This is a music fan's dream, 11 consecutive shows professionally recorded"

Runs 6 minutes, worth a watch.
Click HERE to You-Tube

(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)

“The trouble with going to see Elvis Presley is that you’re liable to get killed. The experience is the closest thing to getting hit on the head by an atomic bomb. All to see Elvis sing, stomp, stagger and strum.” (Frank Beckman, Free Press)

“Elvis, leaning backwards like an intoxicated seaman with a gale at his heels while the fans whistled, screamed, wept, stomped their feet, jumped up on their seats, ran up and down the aisles and shrieked over and over again ‘Ohhh Elvis, Elvis!” (Paul Wallace, Long Beach Press-Telegram)

“A hard working stripper who tried anything like it would find herself a guest of the country.” (Variety)

A ban on lewd movements and wiggles on stage was enforced by Louisville Police Chief, Carl Hestis.

Female students of Notre Dame High School burned Elvis souvenirs together with an effigy, and prayed for forgiveness for their teenage excesses. “girls shrieked and Elvis shrieked, but he was outnumbered.” (Post-Dispatch, St. Louis)

“On stage he is obscene, ridiculous and sullen, yet he gets $50,000 a week because of his appearances. Off-stage he appears polite and good-natured, only too eager to tell the truth about the way he acts and feels.” (Donalee Donaldson, Lakeland Ledger)

“Tennessee fugitive from a barber shop.... Elvis Presley, who allegedly sings.” (Jim O’Connor, Daily News)

“The sound from the audience was like 12,000 girls having their heads shaved at once.” (Don Duncan, Tacoma News-Tribune)

“His performance was the most disgusting exhibition this reporter has ever seen. He has a sulky look and his infrequent smile is almost surly. The act was merely variations on a single theme, except that each wiggle was a little more ‘low down’.” (Marjorie Howe, Sioux City Journal)

“At the first tap of the Presley leg, the auditorium exploded.” (David Lee, La Crosse Tribune)

Note: Following the Elvis show a letter was sent from La Crosse to J Edgar Hoover at the FBI. It read:

“The filthiest and most harmful production that ever came to La Crosse for exhibition to teenagers.... sexual gratification on stage...a strip-tease with clothes on...may possibly be a drug addict and sexual pervert.”

Elvis as a religious figure: Since the Elvis’s death at Graceland on Aug. 16, 1977, at age 42, there have been alleged post-death sightings of Elvis. It gave him a resurrection theme to go with his divine pop culture status as “The King,” after a rise from humble beginnings in a stable-like home in Tupelo, Miss.

In 2006, Gregory L. Reece, a former instructor at the University of Montevallo, wrote a book called “Elvis Religion: Cult of the King.” Reece explored the possibility that Elvis had founded his own religion.

''I don’t think there’s an Elvis cult,'' Reece said. ''But there are a lot of religious references to Elvis in popular culture.''

Reece, a former Methodist minister who has taught classes in religion and philosophy at several Alabama colleges, once taught a class at the University of Montevallo applying scientific methods of analyzing religion to the cult of Elvis Presley. He did a similar presentation at the American Academy of Religion, which caught the attention of a book editor.

Some say the intense devotion to Presley constitutes not just reverence but worship, and that his life bears messianic parallels. Presley died and many think he lives on; pilgrims constantly throng his home, Graceland in Memphis, as if it’s the Holy Land; his image on objects turns them into icons; relics from his lifetime are treasured; a priesthood of Elvis impersonators imitate him in reverence.

Watch the Candlelight Vigil REPLAY: It is Thursday night in Memphis as thousands of fans honour the life and legacy of Elvis Presley and observe the annual Candlelight Vigil at Graceland.
Thousands of Elvis fans have gathered around the gates of Graceland for the annual Candlelight Vigil and to celebrate the life and legacy of the King of Rock 'n' Roll.
The ceremony for the 41st anniversary is organized as always by the Elvis Country Fan Club.
You can watch the vigil live from Graceland starting at 8pm. CT USA tomorrow =1am GMT on Livestream. 11am Sydney time

CLICK HERE TO WATCH via LiveStream

(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)

The ceremony for the 41st anniversary is organized as always by the Elvis Country Fan Club.

The Elvis Country Fan Club included these words in the service...

... People around the world are present with us tonight, in person, in spirit and via all the media outlets to honour the many unsurpassed achievements of Elvis Presley. This candle is lit for those people that are not able to be here in person, we acknowledge their presence with the lighting of this candle.

The theme for this year's Candlelit Service is "It Keeps Right on a A-Hurtin'"

It has been 42 years since Elvis has walked this earth. As it was only 42 short years that Elvis accomplished more than any other entertainer. And it keeps right on a hurtin' every minute of the day ... for every year and for every year to come.

When we see your picture, hear your magnificent voice, and a walk in your footsteps, our hearts break down and we cry a million tears. It just keeps right on hurtin' since your gone.

Yes, Elvis it does keep right on hurtin' and it always will, since you're gone. We miss you more than words can express.

Lisa Marie shared this message with the Elvis fans at the vigil....

"I am sorry that I am not able to be there with you this year. by now you will have read that it is not possible for us to do so. Please know that our hearts and spirits as they are with you regardless. I have said many times before that there's nowhere else I'd rather be and no one else I would rather be with at this time than with you. thank you for your continued love and support. Most sincerely Lisa Marie, Riley, Ben, Harper and Finley"

(Photo from the 2017 Elvis candlelit vigil)

For the Memphis Mafia book, she spoke with three members of Elvis Presley’s entourage - who between them - covered just about every phase of his life, including his cousin, Billy Smith, who was able to detail the early years. Smith, Marty Lacker, and Lamar Fike painted a vivid portrait of what it was like to live with Elvis through the highs and lows of his life and career, and during the later years as he began to slip away.

“They were haunted by Elvis and how they weren’t able to save him,” says Nash. “And it was extremely important for them to be able to tell their story because they’d been blamed for letting him die, and they were blamed by fans who thought they were hangers-on when honestly I think he would have died years earlier without that pack of guys around him to bolster him emotionally, save him from overdoses, and rescue him from lots of frightening situations when he was too drugged to realize what he was doing.”

Her book Baby, Let’s Play House explores his relationships with the women with who touched his life from lovers to friends to family members. It includes interviews with Ann-Margret, Barbara Eden, Cybil Shepherd, and a host of others. It also delves into his extremely close relationship with his mother, Gladys.

“He was really very woman-centered because of his closeness with his mother and the death of his twin at birth,” explains Nash. “He was what a psychologist would call ‘lethally enmeshed with his mother.’ She was always going to be the premiere female figure in his life. But he loved being around female energy and I don’t just mean sexual energy. He liked being around young people and he adored those younger fans. It wasn’t just ‘love me, love me,’ he wanted to know what they thought about the music.”

It did seem odd the Colonel never allowed Elvis to tour in Europe when he was so popular there. Nash met with Colonel Parker three times and traveled to the Netherlands to uncover his story. She says that while the Colonel made a number of bad decisions, he’s credited with others that kept Elvis on top through the years, even when music had radically changed. The Colonel shifted Elvis from records to movies, then when the movies petered out, to Vegas. Still, she says, there was something that struck her with each of her three in-person meetings with Colonel Parker.

“They were strange and wonderful, he was very wily and there was a lot to like about him. He was also very amusing, but there was something predatory about him that was really frightening. It was the only time I’ve ever felt that I’d been in the presence of evil.”

Nash admits that studying Elvis so closely through the years has not always been easy, but it has been very rewarding. While Elvis faced a number of challenges and his life ended far too soon at the age of 42, his music, his art, and his legacy lives on. And will continue to do so.

“I expect Elvis will still be someone that generations will study long after you and I are in the grave," says Nash. “He’s probably the most influential figure in the 20th century.” (Article, Source: Pam Windsor, Forbes magazine)

Leaving Graceland: In the fourth part of Robert "Yoshi" Kim's adventures in becoming a successful Elvis Tribute artist, Yoshi discusses his meetings with Elvis' housekeeper/cook, Nancy Rooks, and Elvis' close confidante and spiritual adviser, Larry Geller. (Right with Yoshi)

Among other things, Yoshi relates what Larry told him about Elvis' death on August 16, 1977.

(Almost Elvis, Source: Yoshi Kim)

(Interview) Eric Wolfson, author of 'From Elvis in Memphis': In a very interesting and detailed interview, Eric Wolfson talks to EIN's Nigel Patterson about how his upcoming book, From Elvis in Memphis (part of the popular Bloomsbury 33 1/3 series), came about and what we can expect in it.

Eric also discusses why American Sound Studio was so successful and whether, by the late 60s, Elvis' recordings could have been improved through more innovative use of contemporary recording techniques.

If you are interested in Elvis' recording sessions and how they led to the stunning impact of "The Memphis Sessions" this is a fascinating read.

(Interview, Source: EIN)

Read Eric's interview

'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

‘Elvis Sings Memphis Tennessee’ FTD Double-Vinyl:  FTD is pleased to announce the release of “Elvis Sings Memphis Tennessee” limited edition, a double-vinyl set.
The album contains great alternative versions of songs from The Lost Album sessions in May 1963 and January 1964.
Mastered at Abbey Road Studios, the album is released in 180-gram format.

EIN Notes: This double-album looks a real stunner with tracks such as 'Memphis, Tennessee', 'Echoes Of Love', 'Please Don't Drag That String Around', 'Devil In Disguise', 'What Now, What Next, Where To', 'Blue River'  and 'It Hurts Me' all on the same album.

Go here to 'FTD / SONY CD News' for the full-tracklist.

(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)

(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)

MRS ‘Made in Germany – Private Recordings’ VINYL Review: The MRS label released ‘Made in Germany: Private Recordings’ which features the best of the remastered private recordings Elvis made in Germany, for Record Store Day 2019.
The audio from Elvis' private recordings has been painstakingly cleaned, repaired, and restored, using the most sophisticated technology.
Elvis vinyl fans can now enjoy these truly historical recordings including the newly found 'Like A Baby', 'He Knows Just What I Need', 'His Hand in Mine', 'Are You Lonesome Tonight?' and 'Cool Water' for the very first time.
Limited Edition 180-gram 2LP set with a 24-page photo spread gatefold with stunning pictures and with several photos not featured in the recent MRS Book/CD combo.
Released on 180grm Vinyl and with quality audio remastering.

EIN's Vinyl-lover Piers Beagley spins these new discs of Elvis' German Private Recordings and checks out the sumptuous packaging...

(VINYL Review, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)

Paul has numerous other titles nearing completion including Elvis May 1956; Elvis October 1958, and Elvis November-December 1958, as well as the thematic volumes, Elvis A Humanitarian; Elvis Badges, Cops and Guns; and Advertising Elvis.

Contact Paul Belard for purchase information

Other titles from Paul Belard already published are:

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)