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Welcome to the "Elvis Information Network", home to the best news, reviews, interviews, Elvis photos & in-depth articles about the King of Rock & Roll, Elvis Aaron Presley...
The latest on www.elvisinfonet.com:
Young Man with the Big Beat by Elvis Presley (Sony Legacy): This attractive box set packaged to resemble a multi-album vinyl set captures Elvis in 1956 when almost everything worked for him. That year, he cut “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Love Me,” “Trying to Get to You,” ” Hound Dog,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” ”Love Me Tender” and more, and you can hear the confidence in the tracks. He sings with the assurance that it’s all going to work because it has so far.
The set includes a live show from Shreveport as well as songs from his one setback that year, a stint in Las Vegas that didn’t speak to the swells at the casinos. You don’t notice any timidity in his performance of “Long Tall Sally” in Vegas until you hear what he comes up with when the Shreveport audience egging him on. Box sets are the coffee table books of the music world, but The Young Man with the Big Beat is an attractive document of a rare moment in anyone’s life when everything was coming up Elvis. GO HERE to EIN's in-depth review (CD Review, Source: Alex Rawlins, offbeat.com/EIN) |
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Multi-million dollar make-over for Elvis Presley Boulevard: Elvis Presley Boulevard is one of the most traveled roads in Memphis, but many argue the sight beyond the Graceland Estate is not fit for a king.
"It's really not becoming," said Whitehaven resident Yvonne D. Nelson. "It's more of an eyesore."
Over the years, part of Elvis Presley Boulevard in between Brooks Road and Shelby Drive has fallen into disrepair. Trash and blight litter the street, and the roads are in poor condition. Citizens argue it's a poor showing in an area that is crowded with tourists arriving to see Elvis' estate.
"People from all over the world, Australia, China, whatever, they've been here," said Visitor Center worker Eric Wilburn. "They know Elvis. They want to see this, so therefore we want to present the best picture possible," he added.
It's why a handful of citizens gathered at Grace United Methodist Church Tuesday night to talk about what will likely be a $43 million upgrade to the street.
With a $27 million commitment already from the Tennessee Department of Transportation, City Councilman Harold Collins hopes to secure an additional $16 million from the city over the next two years. Collins will introduce the measure at the next city council meeting.
The money will go toward projects including road repairs, sidewalks, drainage and landscape improvements, crosswalks and signs.
"The upgrade is definitely needed. Graceland is the second most visited home in the U.S.," Nelson said.
"The roads need to be repaved, the neighborhood needs to be renovated and they need to have a nice hotel/convention center," said one Elvis Fan named Willie Nelson. "The city has kind of neglected this area."
The project could start as early as the end of 2012, and Collins hopes to have the project completed in three years.
"Hopefully these things will happen soon. We can get it done and it won't take long," Wilburn said. (News, Source: Yahoo News/Channel 3 News)
Images from Lisa Marie opening the new Graceland exhibit, Elvis Through His Daughter's Eyes
See Lisa Marie interview below - Is she really going to make a film about her father?
Collecting Elvis Presley (new book release): Sean O'Neal has announced his 5th book about Elvis....Collecting Elvis Presley.
It will include:
- 700 Color Photographs of Elvis Memorabilia
- Selection of never before pictured Elvis collector's items
- Current Market Value of each item
- Tips for making sure that you buy authentic Elvis collectibles
- History of EPE (Elvis Presley Enterprises
The author's earlier Elvis books include:
- Elvis Presley Memorabilia (An Unauthorised Guide)
- Elvis Inc. (The Fall and Rise of the Presley Empire)
- Elvis The Lost Photographs 1948 to 1969 (with Joseph Tunzi)
- My Boy Elvis (The Colonel Tom Parker Story)
Visit the "Collecting Elvis" website and view the video trailer for "Collecting Elvis Presley"
(News, Source: Amber Smith) |
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Pam Tillis reords Two Kings: Have you ever heard a song for the first time and gotten goosebumps?
That happened to me the moment I heard “Two Kings.”
“Two Kings” blends the legacies of two different men who had an impact on the social and cultural means of how we live: The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Elvis Presley.
Singer and now songwriter Pam Tillis co-wrote the inspirational track with Brenda O’Brien, not knowing how the song would be received. They had to have known that they had written something special.
Tillis is no stranger to music. During the ’90s, she dominated the country music charts and won a CMA for Female Vocalist of the Year. I don’t believe you could turn on a country station without hearing one her hits, like “When You Walk In The Room,” “Mi Vida Loca,” “Spilled Perfume,” or her trademark classic, “Maybe It Was Memphis.” |
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I love a great voice, and I beg you to find a better singer to perform “Maybe It Was Memphis.” Tillis sang the pants off that song. Her crystal-clear voice takes you to the limit when she belts out the chorus.
“Two Kings” isn’t the norm for country radio. This track carefully blends the genres of R&B and country together. She performs the song in duet with R&B newcomer Kris Thomas.
Tillis has long excelled as a storyteller, but with this track, it goes much further. Her bluesy vocals coupled with Thomas’ smooth sound makes for an awesome pairing.
I always love it when artists think outside the box. Great things can happen when you aren’t afraid to let it happen. Case in point: Robert Plant and Alison Kraus. Their music was pure magic. The same rings true for Tillis and Thomas. Their styles give way to the moment captured in the song. This is big.
“Two Kings walked through Memphis, one had a dream, one had a song. But each man brought a message of love that lives on and on and on. And though the Mississippi River can hardly hold our tears the legacy they left us with we’ll treasure through the years. Remembering two Kings...”
Those lyrics are powerful. The backing choir gives the song a heavenly gospel feel, almost anthem-like.
Welcome back, Pam! And, Kris, I’m sure we’ll be hearing a lot from you. (News, Source: David T. Farr, indieonline.com)
Who is Sivle Nora??: In 1981 Steven Chanzes released the book, Elvis...1935 -? Where Are You? Many consider this release was the genesis for the "Elvis is alive" rumor which reached its peak in the late 1980s thanks to the series of books by Gail Brewer-Giorgio and related TV specials (hosted by the late Bill Bixby).
Chanzes is now willing to tell the whole Sivle Nora story including revealing Sivle Nora's identity. Chanzes states that "This will be proof positive".
If you want to know the full story you currently have the opportunity of bidding on ebay (start price US$10,000) or you can Buy It Now for $20,000. Happy bidding!
EIN Note: The first publication to raise questions about Elvis' death was the 1977 booklet, Elvis Presley DEAD or ALIVE? It was written by Will Jima, then a private investigator in the Tennessee area and whose main claim to fame involves another popular conspiracy theory....in that he claims to having been a UFO abductee. His 12" vinyl albums (UFO Message and Revelation 666) are cult items highly sought after on ebay.
See the ebay listing
Read more about the Elvis conspiracy theory in EIN's comprehensive Elvis Conspiracy section |
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Record number of ETA prelims to find the 2012 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist: A record number of preliminary contests will be taking place around the world as part of the sixth annual search for the “Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist.” Contestants will be chosen at licensed preliminary venues being held at fairs, festivals, theaters and other venues.
The semifinal rounds and final round will be held during Elvis Week 2012 which will take place in Memphis , August 10 - 18, 2012.
“In 2012, during the 35th anniversary, you’ll see Elvis’ life and legacy celebrated with concerts, festivals, special events and unique product releases taking place in countries around the world,” said Scott Williams, Vice President of Marketing and Media for EPE.
“These contests give Elvis fans worldwide an opportunity to experience his music in a fun and unique way that we’ve seen continue to grow in popularity.”
Judges at each venue will look for the “best representation of the Elvis legacy” in vocals, style, stage wear and stage presence. The best overall performer will be named the “2012 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist.”
In addition to the preliminary contests, fans can also enjoy some of the previous ultimate Elvis tribute artists on tour now in Elvis Lives: The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Event, which is performing in 29 U.S. cities through March 19, 2012.
Opposite: Archival image of ETA Joe Ellis |
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The 2011 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest winner, Cody Slaughter, can be seen performing the role of Elvis in the North American tour of “Million Dollar Quartet” and 2008 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest winner, Brandon Bennett, is performing the role of Elvis in the Chicago cast of “Million Dollar Quartet.”
Preliminary rounds of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest that have occurred or are in the planning stages at this time include:
Tweed Tribute to Elvis Festival |
August 26 – 28, 2011 |
Tweed, Ontario, Canada |
New England Elvis Festival |
September 2 – 4, 2011 |
Manchester, N.H. |
Rockin' E Jamboree at Oneida Casino |
September 14 – 16, 2011 |
Green Bay, Wis. |
Elvis FANtasy Fest |
October 14 – 16, 2011 |
Portage, Ind. |
Pocono Mountains Elvis Festival |
October 21 – 23, 2011 |
Bushkill, Pa. |
Elvis Birthday Bash and Ultimate
Elvis Tribute Artist Contest |
January 6 – 11, 2012 |
Surfers Paradise, Queensland, Australia |
The 2012 Elvis Cruise |
January 12 – 16, 2012 |
Nassau, Bahamas |
“Fill the Blue Suede Shoes”
Elvis Tribute Artist Contest |
March 3, 2012 |
Ocala, Fla. |
Third Look for Japanese Elvis |
March 11, 2012 |
Osaka, Japan |
Rockin' Elvis Fest at Pala Casino |
March 16 – 18, 2012 |
Pala, Calif. |
Branson Elvis Festival
Presented by Legends in Concert |
April 20 – 22, 2012 |
Branson, Mo. |
Toronto Elvis Festival |
April 20 – 22, 2012 |
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada |
Philadelphia Elvis Fest |
May 4 – 6, 2012 |
Philadelphia, Pa. |
Las Vegas Ultimate ETA Contest
Presented by Legends in Concert |
May 11 – 12, 2012 |
Las Vegas, Nev. |
Hawaii Ultimate ETA Contest
Presented by Legends in Concert |
May 19, 2012 |
Waikiki, Hawaii |
Tupelo Elvis Festival |
May 31 – June 3, 2012 |
Tupelo, Miss. |
LakeGeorge.com Elvis Festival |
May 31 – June 3, 2012 |
Lake George, N.Y. |
Wintersun Festival |
June 1 – 11, 2012 |
Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia |
Atlantic City Ultimate ETA Contest
Presented by Legends in Concert |
June 9, 2012 |
Bally’s, Atlantic City, N.J. |
Rockin' Elvis Fest at Oneida Casino |
June 18 – 20, 2012 |
Green Bay, Wis. |
Penticton Elvis Festival |
June 22 – 24, 2012 |
Penticton, British Columbia, Canada |
Myrtle Beach Ultimate ETA Contest
Presented by Legends in Concert |
June 30, 2012 |
Myrtle Beach, S.C. |
Rockin’ Elvis Fest at Harrah’s
Cherokee Casino & Hotel |
July 19 – 21, 2012 |
Cherokee, N.C. |
Collingwood Elvis Festival |
July 26 – 29, 2012 |
Collingwood, Ontario, Canada |
Hard Rock Cafe
Last Chance Ultimate ETA Contest |
August 10 – 12, 2012 |
Memphis, Tenn.
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For more information on how to compete in these preliminary rounds or attend to cheer on your favorite Elvis tribute artist, visit our Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest website. (Almost Elvis, Source: Google News)
Elvis fancy dress robber set for some Jailhouse Rock: An armed robber used a variety of bizarre fancy dress disguises - including a fisherman, Elvis and a hockey player - during raids at bookmakers across the country, a court has heard.
Martin Reilly, 53, of no fixed address, admitted a series of gunpoint robberies where he used various costumes to escape with thousands of pounds of cash.
CCTV images show Reilly inside and outside different Ladbrokes and Coral stores disguising himself with a series of fancy dress outfits using masks, fake beards, sunglasses, sideburns and wigs.
The hockey mask was used on a raid on a Ladbrokes in Bedford on September 28, in which GBP640 was stolen.
The Elvis disguise was used at a Brighton on July 11, where he escaped with GBP2780. (Odd Spot, Source: John Hutchinson, Daily Mail)
Read more on this story
Read other ODD and sometimes amusing stories involving the Elvis Presley name |
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Lisa Marie opens new Graceland Exhibit & talks about new Elvis Movie!: In a rare interview when opening the new "Elvis Through His Daughter's Eyes" exhibition Lisa Marie said that she has become dissatisfied with movies chronicling her father's life and that she might make a film about the rock `n' roll icon herself.
The daughter of Elvis Presley said she has been in talks about a movie, though she didn't offer a timetable.
"There's not been anything done properly with him yet, you know, that has satisfied me in terms of capturing everything," she said, "It will happen, though."
Presley, who rarely gives interviews, was at Graceland this week to attend the opening of a new exhibit. "Elvis Through His Daughter's Eyes" is a personal look at Lisa Marie and includes her baby shoes, her first record player and a small white fur coat -- touchstones from her days living at Graceland, her father's longtime Memphis home until his death Aug. 16, 1977. |
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Lisa Marie lived at Graceland until she was 5, which is when Priscilla divorced Elvis and moved with Lisa Marie to California. She continued to visit Graceland, and she smiles when talking about the time spent with her dad, such as when they would ride a golf cart through the neighborhood together. She recalled waiting for her father to make his daily entrance down the stairs.
"He was always fully, fully geared up. You'd never see him in his pajamas coming down the steps, ever," she said. "You'd never see him in anything but `ready to be seen' attire."
Elvis, a renowned car and motorcycle aficionado, also was known to leave the grounds and hang out with locals in the neighborhood.
"Sometimes he would go and there would be a convoy and everybody would follow," she said. "He'd be going down Elvis Presley Boulevard and you would see these devices riding down the road, of all sorts."
Lisa Marie has spent much of the past few years taking care of her 3-year-old twin daughters she had with husband Michael Lockwood. She has two children from a previous marriage to musician Danny Keough, which ended in 1994. She also was married to actor Nicholas Cage and pop star Michael Jackson. (click here for more Lisa Marie V Michael Jackson)
Presley did not want to talk at length about Jackson. The exhibit displays a photo of her and Jackson visiting a children's hospital in Budapest, Hungary.
"It was just one of the moments that was captured ... we were helping this child get a liver transplant," she said. When asked what comes to mind when she thinks of Jackson, she said: "I can only say that I have good memories."
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Lisa Marie has found time to make a new record, her third. Set for release in May, the album is being produced by Grammy-winner T-Bone Burnett.
Presley said she stays involved with the workings of EPE which licenses Elvis' name and image in merchandising. Likenesses of Elvis have appeared in countless movies and TV shows, some without permission.
"There can be a sort of cheesy take on him, which I don't always love sometimes -- you know, the later years and that whole thing with his white jumpsuit," she said. "Now I'm probably over it. But I mean it was kind of running wild for a while. It was a little bit cringe-worthy."
For her movie, Lisa Marie envisions something like "Walk the Line," the Johnny Cash biopic starring Joaquin Phoenix.
Presley, the heir to her father's estate, said she is glad the business is back in the hands of a private company, Apollo Management Group. She likes the idea of updating exhibits and the Heartbreak Hotel at the Graceland tourist attraction across the street from the home. She also would like to see revitalization of the poverty-stricken neighborhoods near Elvis Presley Boulevard.
"It makes me sad to see that, it does, because I remember when it wasn't there," she said. "I don't like to see that anywhere I am, to be honest."
Memphis officials have for years talked about improving some of the areas around Graceland, but nothing has been done. Graceland is one of Tennessee's most visited tourist attractions.
As for the exhibit, Lisa Marie said one of her favorite items is the key used to operate the golf cart because it helps her recall when she was alone with her father, riding around the neighborhood.
"That was my life," she said. "I carried it everywhere. It was never far from me or not on my person when I was a child. I hadn't seen it in 35 years."
Go here to EIN's Lisa Marie archives for more.
(News, Source;AP/ElvisInfoNetwork) |
Lisa Marie Interview & look through the new Graceland Exhibit: ABC TV in the US also got a rare chance to interview Lisa Marie when she opened the new exhibit.
In the 6 minute interview she talked about memories of Elvis, the new exhibition, the new album and more.
You also get to see a look through the Graceland archives.
CLICK HERE to this great interview.
(News, Source;ABC/ElvisInfoNetwork)
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Elvis director John Rich dies at 86: John Rich who directed Elvis in both Roustabout and Easy Come Easy Go has died aged 86 on January 29 last month. He is most famous for his acclaimed TV work on 'The Dick Van Dyke Show', the 'Mary Tyler Moore show', 'All in the Family', 'Gunsmoke,' 'The Twilight Zone' and 'MacGyver.'
In 1973, producer Rich shared an Emmy with executive producer Lear when "All in the Family" won the award for outstanding comedy series.
It was during the '60s that he also directed five feature films including "Roustabout" (right: John Rich, Elvis with Barbara Stanwyck) and "Easy Come, Easy Go," both starring Elvis Presley.
He received the Robert B. Aldrich Award for Extraordinary Service to the guild in 1993 and the DGA Honorary Life Member Award in 2003. |
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While he talked little about his movies with Elvis, Joe Krien of EER interviewed him back in 2007.
John Rich - When we staged the fight in ‘Roustabout’, Elvis came over to me and said. "Mr. Rich can I do my own stunt?" I laughed I said no of course you can't. He said, "Why not?" "What do you mean? Why do you think we have stunt people? If something happens to you, the picture shuts down".
"But I'm a black belt in karate, I know all about this".
Oh, he pleaded and pleaded! Finally he said I really want to do this Mr. Rich". So I had a lot of witness around. He said, I will take full responsibility. Against my better judgment because he really was anxious to do this. I said well ok.
So they did the fight and he gets clipped in the head. He opened up a big cut in his forehead we shut down and they took him to the hospital.
Thank God Hal Wallis' associate producer was on the set when he heard Elvis taking responsibility. Because I would have been out on my rear end. Elvis took one day off, they bandaged him up, and Hal Wallis thought we would have to shut down.
However in the beginning of the film Elvis has a wreck with his motor cycle. So we put a large bandage (on Elvis), we tried to minimize it with make up and we continued to shoot. He wore it for quite awhile in the movie. (see picture above with Elvis wearing the plaster)
- I did a thing at the end of Elvis' contract with Hal Wallis, that I can only tell you was a throw-away. Because it was called "Easy Come, Easy Go". Because the contract was at an end, Hal wanted to spend no money on it. It was done with very little music which drove me crazy. By that time what was selling was his music so why are we cutting out all the songs? Elvis played a navy diver. It was corny but so what. His plot was the same in all his films. But he made them come alive. Sure it could have been saved. He looked good.
Elvis could have been a better actor, I think he came up very high for Roustabout. I would tease him into being better. (But..) By the time we got to "Easy Come Easy Go" Elvis was annoyed at Wallis.
(Interview excerpts Thanks to Joe Krein of EER/Elvis2001 – click here)
(News, Source;JoeKrein/ElvisInfoNet) |
“ELVIS: Caught In A Trap” 10th Anniversary: In 2002, Arjan Deelen and Laurens van Houten produced the Elvis photo-book "Elvis: Caught In A Trap", which at the time set a new standard for Elvis photo publications. The book detailed Laurens’ trip to Las Vegas to photograph Elvis’ August / September 1973 shows there. The elusive Laurens van Houten has always avoided publicity and he’s always been guarded about his photos. Laurens did meet up with Arjan recently to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the book, and at that meeting he also expressed his dissatisfaction with those that use his photography without his permission, like for instance the recent “Fashion For A King” book.
In a new video excerpt - Click Here - they chat about the remarkable September 3rd, 1973 Las Vegas Closing Show -- one of the most unusual shows of Elvis' career. Laurens talks about the challenges of photographing Elvis at the Las Vegas Hilton, which included having to give the hotel staff generous tips in order to get up-close. The last remaining copies of the book will be sold at the ‘Original Elvis Tribute’ shows in April ’12, but you can also order the book through the website merchadise - GO Here > www.elvisnews.dk
Read EIN's 2002 original book review here.
(News, Source;ArjanDeelen) |
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Latest Billboard Album Charts & Sales: This week, 'An Afternoon In The Garden' remains at 186 this week (w/e 11th February, 2012)
on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart selling some 2904 copies. Total sales to
date: 424,397 copies.
'Elvis: Best Of Love' drops from 173 to 199 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart selling some 2735 copies. Total sales to date: 226,361 copies.
'Elvis Country' (Compilation) appeared on the Catalog Album Chart selling some 1,625 copies. Total sales to date: 87,962 copies.
'Elvis Rock' (Compilation) also appeared on the Catalog Album Chart selling some 1519 copies. Total sales to date:143,880 copies.
'Elvis Gospel' (Compilation) also appeared on the Catalog Album Chart selling some 1474 copies. Total sales to date: 135,182 copies.
(News, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNet)
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Lisa Marie wins "The Top 10 Celebrity Offspring Singers!": Despite intense competition from Jordin Sparks, Liza Minnelli and even Miley Cyrus - Elvis' daughter Lisa Marie Presley came top of the Hollywood Gossip Poll for the "The Top 10 Celebrity Offspring Singers!"
Lisa Marie gets twice as many votes as her nearest rival!
From the article ... Did you hear Jane Carrey, daughter of beloved actor Jim Carrey, received a golden ticket to Hollywood on American Idol this week.
But the 24-year old still has a long way to go until she's considered one of the premiere celebrity offspring singers. That's right, there are a number of famous artists with similarly famous parents.
Click here to the count down.
Click here to EIN's "Lisa Marie Presley World"
(News, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNetwork)
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| Wednesday 1 February 2012 |
Elvis jumpsuit photos added to Elvis Mobile app: Elvis' fashion is one of the most captivating parts of his career and he often put on grand shows with vibrant costumes and never-before-seen dance moves.
In 1970, Elvis' performances shifted gears and many of his stage moves were karate moves.
During a four-week engagement at the International Hotel in Las Vegas, Elvis introduced the one-piece jumpsuit as his stage costume to allow greater freedom in movement. The costumes were designed by Bill Belew and made by Ice Capades Costume Company in Los Angeles.
This week's five mobile app photos showcase the different jumpsuits Elvis often wore during his performances throughout the 70s.
These photos have been added to the Elvis Mobile 2.0 iPhone app, the Elvis for iPad app, and the Elvis Mobile 2.0 Android app.
Download the FREE Elvis Mobile app to enjoy weekly Elvis photo updates, videos, Graceland Beat podcasts and more. Plus, see what’s going on at Elvis’ home in Memphis, Tennessee with two live-cam shots of the Graceland mansion.
Visit the Elvis Mobile page on iTunes to download the new iPhone app and the new Elvis for iPad app for free! Visit the Elvis Mobile page in the Android Market to download the new Android app for free! (News, Source: EPE) |
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| Jerry Scheff autobiography now available for pre-order: The long awaited Jerry Scheff Autobiography is now available for pre-order.
From the publisher's pr: In this candid and perceptive memoir of his 45-year career, bassist Jerry Scheff takes us onto Elvis's private jet, on tour with Bob Dylan, and into the studio with the Doors. A stalwart presence behind some of the greatest names of popular music, Scheff has also played with Roy Orbison, Elvis Costello, the Association, Neil Diamond, Johnny Mathis, the Everly Brothers, John Denver, and Nancy Sinatra, to name just a few. Eschewing hype, Scheff provides a behind-the-scenes perspective, from having worked sleeves rolled up, side by side, with the great artists in their factories. The book opens with the TCB band's learning of the King's death while en route to a tour date, a pivotal moment for him, the rest of the band, and the world at large. He then proceeds on a nonlinear journey that mirrors the process of true life-reflection, from his roots in San Francisco to his touring all over the world. (News, Source: Brian Quinn/EIN)
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Update for new Hollywood books: FTD Books and Flaming Star have decided to join forces in order to streamline the production, sales and distribution of Elvis book product.
The key element is the books created by Erik Lorenzen and Pål Granlund. Through books like “King Creole-The Music”, “Fashion for a King”, and “Elvis-The Concert Years ”, and the Norwegian fan-club magazine, the quality of the work of Flaming Star is already well known by the fans. The new release “King Creole – Frame By Frame” is a sequel to “King Creole – The Music”.
Through 440 pages, in a 25 x 30 cm format, you will be taken through the entire story of the movie, with the original manuscript as the guiding element. Each spread combines the manuscript page with the relevant photos to cover the entire movie. The book features more than one thousand photos, including actual shots from the film, publicity stills, and a lot of rare and previously unpublished behind the-scenes photos.
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Hard bound and printed on glossy paper “King Creole – Frame By Frame”, is the ultimate journey through the making of what is by many considered Elvis’ finest movie. The book weighs 2,5 kilo.
On March 6, along with the new FTD releases, FLAMING STAR productions will release the follow up to “King Creole – Frame By Frame”: an intimate look at Jailhouse Rock. (News, Source: Elvis News/Elvis Matters)
Original Elvis album available on 180 gram Vinyl: Amazon Canada currently has this "Limited Edition" item listed for release on 14 February. (News, Source: Amazon Canada/EIN)
Click here to order |
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| Film version of Upon the Day Elvis Presley Addressed The Tennessee State Legislature in development: Aaron Webster responded to EIN's review of his latest book (see below) and informed us that a film version of his Elvis novella is in development. Click here for more info (News, Source: Aaron Webster/EIN) |
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Aaron also provided EIN with links to two radio interviews about his latest Elvis book and his earlier superb release Elvis A Radio History from 1945 to 1955:
Four phases of Elvis feature distinct differences: If you're playing Elvis Presley during the "movie" years, there's a lot of exercise involved.
"You've got stay physically fit and active," says Kevin Mills, the performer charged with capturing that era in "Elvis Lives," a Presley-sanctioned stage show. "Elvis is a good-looking man so you've got to make sure you're in shape."
And in the later years? Mills laughs. "He always looked good. We remember him as the 'healthy' Elvis."
The show -- slated to play the Orpheum Theatre Monday -- covers four periods -- the early years, the movie years, the concert years and the jumpsuit years. Four singers play the roles; an Ann-Margret impersonator joins Mills for some of those movie songs.
"There's a lot of choreography in the show," he says. "And Lori Russo, who plays Ann-Margret, is the best in the business."
Opposite: Unidentified ETA not part of "Elvis Lives" |
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Naturally, the two do songs from "Viva Las Vegas" and kindle warm thoughts of the '60s. The voice? "Elvis' voice was higher then and he was more suave than in the early years."
Six dancers join the segment for some heart-pounding choreography. To get the proper look, Mills says, it takes an hour of makeup and hair. "I have his features -- the jaw and the cheekbones. But it takes some time to create the illusion." When he's not part of the "Elvis Lives" tour, Mills performs in the "Legends" show in Atlantic City.
The gig? It came about on a lark. "I sang in a rockabilly band in the late '80s and I entered a contest as Elvis. There were 80 guys in jumpsuits and I beat them all." After that, Mills was hired to play the role on cruise ships and, for the better part of two decades, Mills has been recreating the King on a nightly basis. "It's awesome," he says. "There's no other character I could imagine doing. Because of his energy and what he brought to the stage, it's exciting."
And, thanks to "Elvis Lives," The King is constantly getting new fans. Elvis Presley Enterprises is responsible for keeping the singer's music alive. "They rebranded his name and introduced him to a new generation," Mills says. Now, at the touring production of "Elvis Lives," casual fans are becoming diehard ones. "We get a standing ovation every night," Mills says. "They love it."
To stay in the hunt, however, takes work. Mills says he has performed routinely in Elvis competitions, placing third in 2009 and second in 2010. Additionally, he performed at Bill Clinton's inauguration. The secret to recalling Presley's essence lies in study, Mills says. "We look at videos to get his mannerisms, his voice. The four of us are always doing that." Those movies Elvis made? "The first four were awesome but the rest were silly," Mils says. "He hated doing them."
Elvis' acting ability? "I thought he was pretty good."
While Mills ventures to Graceland every August (for memorial festivities), he's not a groupie. "I don't have anything Elvis in my home -- nothing on the walls." Instead, he likes the man's image and says it's tough to live up to. "If he were alive today, I think he'd be producing," the former Toronto resident says. "I don't know if he'd be performing. But he'd still be in the industry. He couldn't just walk away." (Almost Elvis, Source: Bruce R. Miller, siouxcityjournal.com/EIN)
Details:
What: "Elvis Lives"
When: 7:30 p.m. Monday
Where: Orpheum Theatre
Tickets: Available at all Ticketmaster outlets.
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Happy Birthday Lisa Marie!!: Today is Lisa Marie's 44th birthday!!
As part of her celebrations Lisa Marie is appearing on Good Morning America to talk about the new exhibit at Graceland...."Elvis...Through His Daughter's Eyes"
Visit EIN's extensive: Lisa Marie Presley Archives
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Cast of Million Dollar Quartet performing FREE LIVE lunch time show: The cast of Million Dollar Quartet will play a free 20 minute preview concert Live at Lunch on Tuesday, February 7 at 12:15 p.m. inside City Center Plaza in downtown Appleton. The public is invited to spend their lunch hour enjoying music from the actors who play Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis in the hit Broadway show. Attendees will have a chance to win tickets to the Wednesday evening performance.
The national tour of the Tony Award®-winning Broadway musical Million Dollar Quartet will make its Fox Cities Performing Arts Center debut February 7-12. Tickets for Million Dollar Quartet start at $53 and can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787 or the Center’s ticket office at (920) 730-3760. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center’s ticket office or online at foxcitiespac.com. Group orders of 10 or more may be purchased by calling (920) 730-3786. Group discounts and additional fees may apply.
The international smash hit musical, Million Dollar Quartet is set on December 4, 1956, when an auspicious twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley together. Sam Phillips, the “Father of Rock ’n’ Roll” who was responsible for launching the careers of each icon, brought the four legendary musicians together at the Sun Records storefront studio in Memphis for the first and only time. The resulting evening became known as one of the greatest rock ’n’ roll jam sessions in history. |
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Million Dollar Quartet brings that legendary night to life with an irresistible tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayal and celebrations featuring an eclectic score of rock ’n’ roll, gospel, R&B and country hits including; “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Who Do You Love?,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Matchbox,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Hound Dog,” and more.
Portraying these icons are Lee Ferris as Carl Perkins, Martin Kaye as Jerry Lee Lewis, Derek Keeling as Johnny Cash, and Cody Slaughter as Elvis Presley. Christopher Ryan Grant will play the “Father of Rock ’n’ Roll,” Sam Phillips. The cast also features Kelly Lamont as Dyanne, and musicians Billy Shaffer (Fluke, drums) and Chuck Zayas (Jay Perkins, bass). Rounding out the company is: Austin Cook, Scott F. Moreau, John Michael Presney, David Sonneborn, Alyssa Marie and Billy Woodward.
The performance schedule at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center is: February 7-10 at 7:30 p.m.; February 11 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and February 12 at 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Million Dollar Quartet is locally supported by Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company and
Plexus Corp. Partial support for open captioning during the Saturday, February 11 matinee is provided by Octoberfest. Million Dollar Quartet is part of the 2011/12 Kimberly-Clark Broadway Across America – Fox Cities Series, which is supported by the title sponsor, Kimberly-Clark Corporation.
For more information, please visit the official Million Dollar Quartet website at milliondollarquartetlive.com (News, Source: BroadwayWorld.com/EIN)
"Have you ever wanted to be somebody else?"
"The Last Elvis" Trailer: Director Armando Bo wrote Biutiful, a sad exploration of one man’s quest to be utterly depressing at every turn.
Joy, because now he’s back with a story about a dude who perhaps will blow Javier Bardem out of the water with how low this man will fall. What I absolutely love about this trailer is that we’re given one long moment with our anti-hero, a guy who might as well think he’s the living representative of Elvis Presley. Now, it’s not the facade of him pretending to be Elvis that seems to be the hook for me here. It’s actually the way in which we move from his sad life singing in a lonely casino hall to a sad life having to play a divorced dad to a kid who doesn’t seem thrilled about the prospect of having him as a blood relative. Watch the trailer
That aside, I really do feel the pain just slowly oozing out of this trailer. The emotional notes of estrangement, loss, being disconnected from life, feeling like you want so much more for your kids, for yourself, are perfectly played here. I damn near weep for this man who looks like he’s leaving it all on the stage and there is a bit of rooting you have for the guy who is giving it his all. It is interesting that we see this faux Presley performing “Unchained Melody”, a ditty that would mark Elvis’ last television appearance before his death six weeks later. Foreshadowing? Perhaps, but what’s here is meaty and more than enough to sink your teeth into. The blood will be flowing. (Celluloid Elvis, Source: slashfilm.com/EIN)
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The Drummer Boy From Illinois Went Crash Boom Bang! and Upon the Day Elvis Presley Addressed The Tennessee State Legislature (Mini Book Review): In 2003, Aaron David Webster released one of the decade’s best Elvis books, Elvis A Radio History from 1945 to 1955 (Republic of Texas Press). More recently he has penned a great double bill novella, blending fact and fiction through clever journalistic endeavour. The result is a well baked recipe which neatly satisfies its pre-publication pr as being two romantic comedies.
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The author has an inviting and fluent writing style, at times evocative of the time in which his stories take place, at other times bringing a smile to your face. As its title suggests there is a strong Elvis theme and Webster’s clever device of mixing real life characters and events with fictional ingredients works a treat. The release is an entertaining read and with one novella revolving around Elvis and a small Elvis sub-theme in the other, it should satisfy many fans. (Book Review, Source: Nigel Patterson, EIN)
Something from Hallmark: Hallmark will release Something For Everybody on February 20.
Available from Amazon UK at the budget price of only 2 pounds 21 pence!(News, Source: Elvis News/Elvis Club Berlin) |
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Le jour où Elvis a chanté à Paris: Released in France earlier this month this French text book is written by Jean-Marie Pouzenac, President of one of the world's best known and Elvis fan clubs, Elvis My Happiness.
The release comprises 317 pages and is published by Editions Didier Carpentier.
- ISBN-10: 2841677508
- ISBN-13: 978-2841677504
Available from Amazon France here (News, Source: Amazon)
Additional info: Jean-Marie Pouzenc, president of the French fanclub 'Elvis My Happiness' has just released a new book: "Le Jour où Elvis a chanté à Paris", translated: "The day Elvis sang in Paris'. It's a fiction novel about a show at the Colombes Concert Hall, May 27th 1972. Of course the show never happened, but this book describes the 'dream' that Jean-Marie had. (News, Source: Elvis News/Elvis Matters)
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Quote:
"Elvis was a major hero of mine. I was actually stupid enough to believe that having the same birthday as him actually meant something"
(David Bowie) |
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Elvis Still King of Fashion: Earlier in January, EPE announced licensing deals with fashion stores Benetton, H&M, Dolce & Gabbana and Hot Topic, the new Vogue Fashion Magazine takes it a step further, and shows the 2012 collection of topdesigners Versace, Balmain and John Richmond, all insprired by the King's great 1973 Aloha From Hawaii American Eagle jumpsuit. (News, Source: Elvis News / ElvisMatters)
FTD new March Releases Confirmed: The official announcement has been made of the up-coming new FTD releases in early March.
1 – ‘ON STAGE – FEBRUARY, 1970’ Classic Album. A 2cd 7" digipack with the regular 12-page booklet. As well as the Original Album (mastered by Vic Anesini) the album will include all of RCA’s multi-track recordings from three of Elvis’ shows.
2 – ‘OUR MEMORIES OF ELVIS’ – a nice surprise as FTD releases a 2cd 5" digipack version of the original albums, with an added bonus of the previously unreleased Volume 3 LP master tape plus six more cuts that series producer Joan Deary had prepared at the time. It comes with a 12-page booklet of relevant memorabilia and photos. Despite earlier thoughts that "Our Memories" was not a priority FTD release, the success of the recent bootleg of the same albums may have changed FTD’s plans.
3 – ‘HIS HAND IN MINE’ vinyl 2-album set. Special Limited Edition 2-disc 180-gram vinyl set.
Elvis Matters also announces that "There will be a separate announcement of book titles" soon.
Click HERE for FTD/Sony 2012 New CD Releases for tracklists and more
(News, Source;ETM&HM/ElvisMatters/FTD/EIN) |
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MRS 'Such A Night' Audio Samples!: Amazon UK already has audio samples for the up-coming MRS release of Elvis' amazing 1961 "Such A Night in Pearl Harbor" concert.
The audio has been restored by 'Studio D' the same engineer that did technical wonders on the MRS 'Hayride' CD/Book and once again this is a stunning improvement on the previous release.
CLICK HERE for audio samples.
(News, Source;Amazon)
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In January 1978, Elvis' father Vernon Presley agreed to an in-depth interview with Nancy Anderson for Good Housekeeping magazine.
The interview is incredible for Vernon's honesty and openness as he discusses everything from Elvis' birth, his childhood, his girlfriends, and even his drug habits. The interview begins ....
"My love for my son began even before he was born on January 8, 1935. At that time there was almost nobody poorer than my wife Gladys and me.
But we were thrilled and excited when we learned that we were going to be parents. I was only 18 years old, but throughout Gladys’ pregnancy it never occurred to me that I wouldn‘t be able to take care of her and the baby - - - -
Go here to read this amazing interview.
(Interviews, Source;MRT/GoodHouskeeping/ElvisInfoNet) |
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Elvis Presley, Elvis and Graceland are trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises.
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