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Lisa Presley's World Bill Burk's Elvis World Online

Best of Elvis on YouTube FTD Shop

Classic Movies & Songs Collection: Released earlier this year is the movie and CD package "Classic Movies And Songs". It contains the three movies "Clambake", "Kid Galahad" and "Frankie & Johnny" combined into one package with the "Movie" CD from BMG's "Genre" series. (News, Source: Elvis News)

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Also: see EIN's extensive archives on the sale of EPE

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30th Anniversary Edition Collector: Released on the MBL / AAmc label on November 20, 2007 in France is the 4 CD long-box set entitled "Elvis Presley: 30th Anniversary Edition Collector". CD 1: Heartbreak Hotel - I Was The One - Blue Suede Shoes - Tutti Frutti - That´s All Right - Blue Moon Of Kentucky - Good Rockin´ Tonight - I Don´t Care If The Sun Don´t Shine - Milkow Blues Boogie - You´re A Heartbreakter - Baby Let´s Play House - I´m Left, You´re Right, She´s Gone CD 2: Mystery Train - I Forgot To Remember To Forget - I Love You Because - Just Because - Trying To Get To You - I´ll Never Let You Go - Blue Moon - I´m Counting On you - I Got A Woman - One Side Love Affair - I´m Gonna Sit Right Down And Cry - Money Honey CD 3: Hound Dog - Don´t Be Cruel - Lawdy, Mis Clawdy - Shake, Rattle And Roll - I Want You, I Need You, I Love You - Me Baby Left Me - Love Me Tender - Let Me - Poor Boy - We´re Gonna Move - Rip It Up - Love Me CD 4: When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again - Long Tall Sally - First In Line - Paralysed - So Glad You´re Mine - Old Shep - Ready Teddy - Anyplace Is Paradise - How´s The World Treating You - How Do You Think I Feel - Too Much - Any Way You Want Me (News, Source: Elvis News)

Roger Marshutz dies: Roger Marshutz, a photographer whose images of a young Elvis Presley reaching out to his fans, Marilyn Monroe at the height of her fame and other celebrity shots appeared in fan magazines, on posters and in movie publicity kits during the 1950s and '60s, has died. He was 78. Marshutz died Dec. 15 at his home in Los Angeles of pancreatic cancer, his wife, Nancy, said.

Marshutz began working as a Hollywood photographer in the mid-1950s, taking pictures of the most famous actors of the day, including Rock Hudson, Audrey Hepburn and Paul Newman. At times, he was hired by movie studios to photograph actors for news kits promoting their latest movies. He also worked on assignment for Photoplay and other popular picture magazines.

One of his best known images shows Presley at an outdoor concert in Tupelo, Miss., in 1956, singing to a crowd and reaching for the hands closest to the stage. The photograph first appeared in Photoplay.

On another assignment for Photoplay in 1956, Marshutz photographed Monroe, wearing a black slip dress and long, sparkling earrings, her star power showing. By then she had appeared in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" and "The Seven Year Itch," two of her most popular films.

Marshutz's photograph of actor Anthony Perkins shows the actor in shadows, riding a bicycle. It was taken in 1957, three years before Perkins played his most famous role as the shadowy Norman Bates in "Psycho."
On a typical day as a Hollywood photographer, "I'd go to somebody's house, like Natalie Wood's or Kim Novak's and spend an afternoon," Marshutz recalled in a 2003 interview with Los Angeles magazine. Other days he worked on a movie lot, snapping pictures of a film in production.

He got started as a photographer in the early 1950s during the Korean War. He served in the Army and was stationed in Pusan, working for the Army Pictorial Service. He documented U.S. military outreach services to the local community, and in his spare time, he wandered the city streets taking pictures of street vendors, shoeshine boys, schoolchildren and others. Some of the images were displayed in "Reconfiguring Korea," a 2006 exhibit at the Peabody Museum at Harvard University.

Along with his work as a Hollywood photographer through the 1960s, Marshutz worked as a commercial photographer for retailers, airline companies and other clients. He also took photos on his own of former gang members and homeless people as well as scenes in nature. He exhibited his work at several local galleries.

Marshutz was born in Los Angeles on Oct. 17, 1929. He attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo but did not graduate and later studied photography at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. He was married three times. Along with his wife, Nancy, he is survived by two sons, one daughter, four stepchildren and several grandchildren.

Contributions in his name can be made to the Patty Boshell Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, 102 NE 2nd St., Suite 280, Boca Raton, FL 33432. (News, Source: L.A. Times/Joan Gansky)

Jimmy Reed inducted into Mississippi Musician's Hall of Fame: Rhythm and blues legend Jimmy Reed is among the 2007 class of inductees into the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame. Reed grew up in Leland and died in 1976 at the age of 51. He was at his creative peak between 1955 and 1961, when he wrote hits including "Baby, What You Want Me to Do" and "Bright Lights, Big City." Elvis Presley recorded the first song for his "'68 Comeback Special".

Other inductees include, by category: Freddie Waits of Jackson, jazz; Charlie Feathers of Holly Springs, country; the Rev. Cleophus Robinson of Canton, gospel; Blind Roosevelt Graves and the Mississippi Jook Band of Hattiesburg, rock; Tommy Johnson of Terry, blues.

Previously inducted members of the Mississippi Music Hall of Fame include Faith Hill, Elvis Presley, Jimmy Buffett and B.B. King. (News, Source: WAPT)

Chart Update: The Billboard chart listings for the week ending January 5, 2008:

Top 200 Albums: Home For The Holidays: #126
Comprehensive Albums: Elvis Christmas #128
Comprehensive Albums: Home For The Holidays: #149
Comprehensive Albums: It's Christmas Time #172
Comprehensive Albums: ELV1S 30 #1 Hits: #171
Pop Catalogue Albums: Elvis Christmas #20
Pop Catalogue Albums: It's Christmas Time #33
Pop Catalogue Albums: ELV1S 30 #1 Hits #32
Country Catalogue Albums: Elvis Christmas #2
Country Catalogue Albums: ELV1S 30 #1 Hits #5
Country Catalogue Albums: Ultimate Gospel #24
Independent Albums: Home For The Holidays: #8
Holiday Albums: Elvis Christmas: #22
Holiday Albums: Home For The Holidays: #8
Holiday Albums: It's Christmas Time: #30
Hot 100 Singles Recurrents: Blue Christmas #16
Adult Contemporary Recurrent: Blue Christmas # 20
Hot Holiday Songs: Blue Christmas: #20
Music Video: ELV1S #1 Hits Performances: #24
Music Video: Aloha From Hawaii: #39

Read Elvis International's Shelly Powers interview with Jimmy Velvet

A daughter connects with her father's music: When Nancy Shockley was 4 or 5, she would sometimes awaken in the night to the sound of her father coming home from work, his big "doghouse" bass bumping the furniture. Sometimes she would climb on it and ride it like a pony before her mother chased her off. To the world, her father was Bill Black, bass player for Elvis Presley in those early, heady days of the mid-1950s when Elvis was swiveling and shaking his way toward a music that would rock the world. To Shockley, 56, Black was a doting dad, a working-class guy who could give her only a little time before he died of a brain tumor in 1965. His studio and instruments were sold when she was still a child. She now lives in Covington with her husband, William Shockley, where they own a company that levels ground and prepares sites for construction. She never knew what happened to the bass until the late '70s when Rolling Stone reported that Paul McCartney had it. Last month, about 30 years later, Shockley and the bass were reunited in a remarkable interlude spent with McCartney, the former Beatle, at his studio in England. Sir Paul sang to her, posed for photos and even plucked a few notes of her dad's old part on "Heartbreak Hotel."

Shockley's first attempt to reach McCartney after seeing the article in the '70s was unsuccessful. She let it go. But the bass did not let her go. Years later, in Oct. 2006, it turned up again in the arms of McCartney on an episode of PBS's Great Performances. A clip that spotlighted the bass circulated on Youtube.com where a friend found it and sent it to Shockley.

In the clip McCartney, performing at London's Abbey Road studios, literally unveiled the instrument and presented it as the "original Elvis Presley bass," with its "dashing white trim," he said, that was "played by Bill Black." The bass, identified as a Maestro M-1 Kay model, by scottymoore.net, the Web site of Elvis' guitarist Scotty Moore, was taped at the edges, probably for protection at first, then painted white. McCartney said when Elvis, Moore and Black toured the region, Elvis drove and the bass rode on the roof of the vehicle. McCartney then sang and played "Heartbreak Hotel" on the bass.

Shockley said Gail Pollock, longtime friend and assistant to Moore, gave her a contact for McCartney. Shockley wrote and this time received a letter inviting her to visit McCartney in England. She and her husband arrived in London, Nov. 14, for a four-day stay. The couple, traveling south by train, were "collected," as the English say, by an assistant to McCartney and taken in a van to a recording studio overlooking the English Channel.

Shockley said she wasn't told the name of the studio and declined to provide full details out of concern for McCartney's privacy. But she was almost certainly at his Hogs Hill Mill studio in a restored windmill in a village near Hastings. The couple was offered tea and sandwiches in a kitchen there, and as Shockley gazed out the window, she heard a voice behind her that seemed to come out of the past, say, "Nancy has come to see her daddy's bass."

It was McCartney, casually dressed in jean and loafers. "I almost cried he was so nice," said Shockley. "I immediately felt like this was someone I should have met a long time ago. It was like seeing an old friend."
McCartney led the couple to an upstairs room, apparently an office, where the old bass waited. Shockley choked back tears, and McCartney told her, "Let it go, love."

The three remained there for a time saying little. For Shockley, the silent bass played memories of her father, a former employee at the old North Memphis Firestone plant, who had a musical bent. He was also funny and his stage clowning was often crucial in warming up 1950s crowds for what seemed then like a pretty wild Elvis. The Blacks lived near the Firestone plant until Shockley was about 5 years old, she said, then moved to Pikes Peak Street, off Jackson and a few years later to Frayser. Her mother was Evelyn Steele Black, who died in 2002. Shockley has a sister, Leigh Ann Porterfield of Memphis, and a brother Louis Black of Atoka.

Shockley remembers Elvis coming to her house on Pikes Peak when she was a child and talking business with her dad. She wondered why his car, parked outside, drew curious folks from the neighborhood, and why women had written phone numbers on it with lipstick.

Even after Bill Black left Elvis in 1958, Black was still on the road with his band Bill Black's Combo, and had several hits, including "White Silver Sands" and "Josephine." Shockley knew him mostly during the last two years of his life, after he stopped touring. Shockley imagines the bass stirred memories for McCartney too. It was a gift from Linda McCartney, his wife of 29 years.

Black had sold his bass around 1962 to Mike Leech of The Memphis Boys, according to Moore's Web site, and it remained in Leech's attic until sometime in the late '70s when it was sold to music publisher Buddy Killen, possibly for purchase by Linda McCartney. A PBS.org article states that McCartney used the vintage bass on "Free as a Bird" and "Real Love," songs he recorded in 1995 with the two remaining Beatles, George Harrison and Ringo Starr.

McCartney later posed for photos with the Shockleys and played a little of "Heartbreak Hotel" for them. "That's why I have a big grin on my face," said Shockley, about one of the photos. Later he showed them some of the instruments in the studio, including some used in original Beatles' recordings, and played and sang a bit of "Lady Madonna." The visit lasted about 11/2 hours, said Shockley, and then the couple was taken back to the train station.

James Roy of Boston, who maintains Moore's Web site, and is an authority on vintage guitars, notes that most of the instruments from Elvis's '50s performances are privately owned or lost. Moore has not been in possession of his guitars from that time in many years, said Roy. Two are reportedly in private hands.

Graceland owns Elvis' 1956 Gibson. Only one of his Martins used from 1954-56 has surfaced, said Roy, and was owned by a Seattle man the last time he heard. Shockley said folks in the Memphis music community sometimes ask her about the bass and whether she would like to have it back in the family. Sure she would, she said.

"But it's in the best hands it could be right now," with McCartney, she said. "He takes care of it. He loves it. He keeps it alive. And I would like it to stay with him." (News, Source: Commercial Appeal/EP Gold)

Elvis Birthday month on Australian TV: Australian cable TV is celebrating Elvis' birthday month with a fine selection of fifteen of Elvis' best movies. 

FOX Classics, the Foxtel channel is featuring seven Elvis movies to celebrate the King's birthday.
'Love Me Tender' - JAN 7 at 8.30pm
'Jailhouse Rock' - JAN 8 at 8.30pm
'Flaming Star' - JAN 9 at 8.30pm plus 'Roustabout' at 10.00pm
'Wild in the Country' - JAN 10 at 8.30pm
'Blue Hawaii' - JAN 11 at 8.30pm plus 'Speedway' at 10.10pm
There's also a JAN 13th Sunday midday double-bill of 'Roustabout/Wild in the Country'

Turner Classic Movies meanwhile present 'A Tribute To The King' with Saturday night double-bills every weekend.
Jan 5 8.30pm - The Trouble with Girls/Live a Little, Love a Little.
Jan 12 8.30pm - It Happened at the World’s Fair/Double Trouble
Jan 19 8.30pm - Viva Las Vegas/Speedway
Jan 26 8.30pm - That's The Way It Is/Elvis On Tour
All these films also show at 12.30pm on Saturday afternoon the same day - the perfect treat for a summer weekend. (News, Source: EIN)

Jeanne Carmen dies: B-movie queen and legendary blonde bombshell pinup Jeanne Carmen died aged 77 on Thursday after a battle with lymphoma. A 1950's Hollywood party girl and model, Carmen was known for claiming to be a close confidant of Marilyn Monroe—long rumored to have had lesbian affairs—and a lover of such famous celebrities as Clark Gable, Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley. Born in Paragould, Ark., Jeanne Laverne Carmen was often labeled as the "little country girl" who ran away from home when she was 13 to pursue stardom in New York. A gorgeous platinum blonde, Carmen landed an off-Broadway job as a burlesque dancer and later modeled as a pinup. At 18, Carmen picked up skills as a trick golfer from trick shot master Jack Redmond and claims she used her golfing skills to hustle pro golfers with Las Vegas mobster Johnny Roselli, according to the Associated Press. Eventually Carmen transitioned into acting in a variety of low-budget films, earning the title of "Queen of the B Movies," according to MSNBC.com.

"I was just a little country girl that wanted to be a movie star," Carmen said in a 1996 interview with The Orange County Register. Carmen appeared in such movies as Guns Don't Argue, The Three Outlaws and The Monster of Piedras Blancas.

During her time as an actress and model in Hollywood, Carmen claimed she had affairs with such luminaries as Frank Sinatra, John F. Kennedy, Bob Hope, Clark Gable and Elvis Presley. She also claimed to have become close friends with Marilyn Monroe and did not believe Monroe committed suicide. According to MSNBC.com, Carmen's son Brandon James claims she fled Hollywood after Monroe's death out of fear for her own life. Carmen's rise to stardom has been profiled by The Golf Channel and the E! True Hollywood Story. A Hollywood biopic about Carmen's life is reportedly in the works, with starlets Kate Bosworth and Scarlett Johansson rumored to be in line to play the lead. Christina Aguilera was also supposedly under consideration for the role, but declined to participate after she became pregnant, according to ContactMusic.com. The movie is based on Carmen's son Brandon James' biography The Wild, Wild Life of Jeanne Carmen.

Carmen died on Thursday after a battle with lymphoma in her Orange County home. She is survived by her son Brandon James, daughters Melinda Belli and Kellee Jade Campo and three grandchildren. (News, Source: Amber Smith)

YouTube: Jeanne Carmen talks about drive-in date with Elvis

Visit the Jeanne Carmen website

Elvis with Jeanne Carmen at Sy Devore Halloween party, Beverly Hills, 1957

"2008 Ultimate Elvis Competition" announced: Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. has announced that due to the huge worldwide response and overwhelming success of this year's search, it is launching the second annual "Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest" for 2008. As with 2007, contestants will be selected at existing Elvis tribute artist contests, along with fairs, festivals and other venues holding new contests. Licensed festivals from Australia to New York have confirmed to hold preliminary contests so far, with more to follow. The qualifying rounds and finals will be held in Memphis during Elvis Week in Memphis, August 9 through 17, 2008.

"The worldwide response to the first annual competition was astounding. The contest exceeded all of our expectations," stated Paul Jankowski, Chief Marketing Officer for EPE. "Both the original and the growing new generation of Elvis fans discovered yet another way to celebrate Elvis' on-going contribution to the world of entertainment. We applaud the quality of contestants and again congratulate the winner, Shawn Klush."

"To be named The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist by Elvis Presley Enterprises was one of the most meaningful experiences in my life," stated Klush. "I am greatly humbled and honored to have received such an accolade. I just love doing what I do. I do it for Elvis and his fans." The 38-year-old was selected in the "Viva Las Franklin" preliminary contest in Franklin, TN. Since winning the title he has traveled internationally for performances and appeared on several national television programs.

Judges will be looking for the "best representation of the Elvis legacy" in talent, appearance, performance, stage presence and each contestant's overall tribute to Elvis. The best overall performer will be named the "2008 Elvis Tribute Artist of the Year."

For the 2007 competitions, 24 preliminary contests were held from Norway to New Zealand to Canada and California. For 2008, confirmed preliminary events include Coolangatta, Queensland, Australia; Arnold, Missouri; Windsor, Ontario, Canada; Lake George, New York; Tupelo, Mississippi; Penticton, British Columbia, Canada; the Boston area in Arlington, Massachusetts; and Collingwood, Ontario, Canada.

Yet to be confirmed is an Aussie contest in Melbourne with DJ Fontana as special guest (see news item below dated 21 December). Also unconfirmed are rumors that the world's #1 ETA, Shawn Klush, is coming to Australia in 2008.

For additional information on the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest and Elvis Week please visit www.Elvis.com  or email Ultimate@elvis.com (Almost Elvis, Business Wire/EPE)

"The King of Rock 'N' Roll" DVD/CD/Book: Released in Germany November 11, 2007 is the DVD / CD / audiobook set entitled "The King Of Rock 'N' Roll". The DVD is region code 2. (News, Source: Elvis News)

Special screening of "Jailhouse Rock" in Atlanta, Georgia: PLAZA THEATRE DANCES TO THE “JAILHOUSE ROCK” WITH ELVIS BASH Elvis impersonators and a rare screening of “Jailhouse Rock” celebrate the King’s birthday at the Historic Plaza Theatre. Are your hands shaking, your knees weak? Can’t seem to stand on your own two feet? The Historic Plaza Theatre has the cure for what ails you with a special ELVIS BASH on January 12 to commemorate what would’ve been Elvis Presley’s 72nd birthday.

ELVIS BASH begins with a special Iron Elvis competition when five Elvis Presley tribute artists take the stage to see who will be crowned king. As the Elvises sing the timeless classics live on stage, vote on who has the best studded jumpsuit, lip curl and hip swivel. Performers include award-winning Elvis tribute artist Dana Daniels.

Audience members who know their Elvis trivia may walk away with prizes, too. And don’t miss the girls, girls, girls of Blast Off Burlesque as they dance to Elvis’ greatest hits.

A rare screening of one of Elvis’ most critically acclaimed films “Jailhouse Rock” follows. The 1957 flick tells the story of Vince Everett (Presley), an ex con with rock ‘n’ roll in his soul. After getting out of the big house, he becomes a singing sensation. But will success spoil Vince? Songs include “(You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care,” “Don’t Leave Me Now” and “Jailhouse Rock.”

Stuff an Elvis fan’s stocking this Christmas with a pair of ELVIS BASH tickets. The show takes places Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 8 p.m. All seats are $12. Advance tickets are available at the Plaza Theatre box office and at www.plazaatlanta.com. Plaza Theatre, 1049 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta GA 30306. 404-873-1939, www.plazaatlanta.com. (News, Source: Jon Waterhouse)

"Elvis A Legendary Performer Vol. 13" release: The Wolf Call label has announced this album. Track listing: Bossa Nova Baby (Take 2) - Girl Happy (Take 13, Take 4 Of Ending) - He (Monovale Drive, Hollywood 1960 Autumn) - Heart Of Rome (Take 1) - Hi Heel Sneakers (Take 5) - Hide Thou Me (Februar 1966, Rocca Place, Hollywood) - Home Is Where The Heart Is (Take 7) - If I Loved You (Februar 1966, Rocco Place, Hollywood) - I´ll Be Home On Christmas Day (Take 9) - O Come All Ye Faithful (Take 2) - Reach Out To Jesus (Unkown Take) - Roustabout (Take 8) - Seeing Is Believing (Unkown Take) - Sound Advice (Take 5) - Spanish Eyes (Duet S. Nielsen April 1974 Palm Springs California) - Speedway (Master) - The First Noel (Remixed Version) - The Sound Of Your Cry (Take 3) - U. S. Male (Take 10) - Whole Lotta Shakin´ Goin´ On (Overdub) (News, Source: Elvis Club Berlin/EP Gold)

Tour Memphis in January with Essential Elvis: Andrew Hearn from Essential Elvis in Britain informs us:

"Due to the success of our city tour in August, I'm planning another all-day tour of Memphis on January 8th.  Bigger and better than anything offered before, we aim to show fans a huge number of Elvis-related sights in and around the city - and all in the comfort and warmth of a luxury coach.

In August, a hundred excited fans were shown a total of 80 Elvis-related places over a period of 8 hours, and we all had so much fun.  I am personally organising and conducting the tour, and I will be providing the commentary along the way.  You may know that I've recently released a book entitled Follow Me To Tennessee (www.followmetotennessee.com) in which fans can learn about 125 Elvis sights in Memphis, along with accurate facts and stories by people who experienced those places with Elvis first hand.

When? The tour will leave, at 10:30am, from behind the ticket office on the plaza once the birthday proclamation on the lawn has finished.  Our first stop will be at Elvis' Circle G Ranch in Mississippi, and then we'll progress towards downtown Memphis.  Well stop for lunch downtown early afternoon and the tour will finish back at Graceland at approximately 5pm.  

A Special Surprise Guest There's more exciting news - I have enlisted the help of a surprise guest, who will be coming along for the ride.  This person was a personal friend of Elvis' and rode around the city with him over many years in the 1970s.  So, we guarantee some first-hand tales of life with the King - making this particular tour very special.

A Unique Price Structure The cost is up to you... honestly!  I'm not asking for an exact amount.  If you wish to experience the tour, I'd be happy for you to make a payment which reflects the service and professionalism shown during the trip.  Once finished, you simply pay what you feel the tour was worth.  We really can't be any fairer than that.

I'd be pleased to hear from you if you are considering joining us.  It'd be helpful to have some idea of numbers, so booking in advance would be good.  If you've any concerns, questions or ideas, please email me on enquiries@essentialelvis.com or simply hit your 'reply' button. 

See also the Essential Elvis Party poster below (22 December)

	Chart Update: On the Swedish Mid-price Top 10 Elvis' "White Christmas" climbs from #3 to #1 while on the Album Top 60 "The Essential Elvis Presley" climbs from #42 to #36. The compilation DVD "The King Of Rock And Roll" remains #2 on the DVD Top 20. (News, Source: Elvis News)

XRCD releases in Asia: Released in Asia are the double XRCD editions of the “Elvis Viva Las Vegas” soundtrack and the “The Essential Elvis” compilation. The Extended Resolution Compact Disc (XRCD) from JVC brings the listener higher fidelity and improved audio quality by enhancing the process of mastering and manufacturing compact discs. All of this is done within the current CD standard, so no special CD player or decoding box is needed to hear the benefit of the XRCD.(News, Source: Elvis News/eBay)

"The Ultimate Elvis Presley": Released in Italy is the 2 CD / book set “The Ultimate Elvis Presley”. Track listing: CD 1: Blue Suede Shoes / Hound Dog / Tutti Frutti / Shake, Rattle & Roll / Don't Be Cruel / Rip It Up / Long Tall Sally / Ready Teddy / Heartbreak Hotel / Love Me Tender / Blue Moon / My Baby Left Me / I Won't Be Rockin Tonight / That's Allright / Paralysed / I Want You, I Need You, I Love You CD 2: Money Honey / Mystery Train / Poor Boy / Love Me / How Do You Think I Feel / I Got A Woman / How's The World Treating You? / I Love You Because / I Was The One / I'll Never Let You Go / Baby, Let's Play House / Milkcow Blues Boogie / Blue Moon Of Kentucky / Good Rockin Tonight / Just Because. (News, Source: Elvis News)

Hot Shots and Cool Clips Volume 4" DVD: Coming in late Spring  ......Hot Shots and Cool Clips Volume 4 featuring over 50 minutes of unreleased footage...from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Everybody Come Along and celebrate 20 years of JAT PRODUCTIONS with this ultimate DVD. Stay tuned as more productions will be coming on this 20th Anniversary year long Celebration. (News, Source: JAT Productions/FECC)

Elvis HD DVD editions released in Australia: Both Jailhouse Rock and Viva Las Vegas were released in HD DVD format in Australia on 5 December. (News, Source: EzyDVD)

to all EIN readers and their families

Elvis CHRISTMAS YouTube Special! 'EIN's Best of Elvis on YouTube' Christmas Update:  EIN presents a fabulous selection of Elvis Christmas clips with all your favourites. A fantastic 'Blue Christmas', 'I'll Be Home On Christmas Day' blues version, the fun of 'Santa Bring My Baby Back To Me', the 'Santa Claus Is Back In Town' TTWII rehearsal, the marvellous Elvis tribute 'Lonely This Christmas' - plus don't miss out on two gems, the Laurel & Hardy 'Ain't That Loving You Baby' - and of course Spankox's 'Baby Let's Play House' remix. Since EIN started our YouTube pages last December we have accumulated over 250 clips - so enjoy your Christmas with some great Elvis viewing.('EIN's Elvis on YouTube', Source: EIN/YouTube)

"LA. art museum having a merry blue Christmas with Elvis": They've got a blue Christmas with Elvis. But a merry one. Elvis Presley _ dead since 1977 _ is still pulling 'em in. At a city-owned museum in northeast Louisiana, he's the main attraction for the holidays. Through Feb. 24, the Masur Museum of Art in Monroe, La., is showing photographs of Presley's last appearance at the Louisiana Hayride _ the country music show at which an announcer is purported to have been the first to say, "Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has left the building" _ and local artists' interpretations of the King of Rock 'n Roll. "Attendance has been great. It's a fun show, and one that's real easy to bring the family to," said Evelyn Pell, curator of exhibitions and collections at the Masur (pronounced "MASS'-er"). "All ages can enjoy this, because everyone knows who Elvis is." The museum is decorated in blue, celebrating Presley's depressive holiday favorite, "Blue Christmas." Wreaths outside include blue ribbons and blue and silver balls, and the halls are decked with blue lights and blue and silver decorations. The photographs are black and white, taken by staffers for Shreveport's daily newspapers at a Dec. 15, 1956, benefit set up as part of Col. Tom Parker's $10,000 buyout of Presley's $200-a-week contract with the Hayride. Parker, Presley's manager, already had signed bigger deals for Elvis: a $40,000 recording contract, a seven-year movie contract and television appearances. The late Langston McEachern of The Times and Jack Barham of The Shreveport Journal, an afternoon paper which folded in 1991, were friends and competitors. "The Times was on one side of the building, the Journal on the other," Barham recalls. "We'd go on assignment together. We'd be in real competition until one of our cameras didn't work or ran out of film, and we'd swap." Barham, who kept the rights to any negatives the paper didn't use, met Presley while covering another performer on the Hayride, a live country music show broadcast on KWKH-AM radio. "I was going behind the curtain to get different angles to shoot. There was a kid lying down between the curtains there, with a guitar," he recalled. "I stepped over him twice. I said, `Who the hell are you?' He said, 'I'm Elvis Presley, sir.'" They became friends. When Presley was in town, he'd call Barham and invite him out for drinks. One of McEachern's photographs shows Presley in 1954, the year his first two singles were released. "He's wearing a suit and bow-tie, and his band is in Western cowboy gear," Pell said. "He looks really timid. Like he's nervous." The Hayride benefit performance came at the end of a year that began with the release of Presley's breakout hit "Heartbreak Hotel." Presley had two singles in 1954 and seven in 1955. Then in 1956 he went on to 21 records, 10 of them extended play records with two songs to a side, and his first two long-playing albums, with six songs per side. The 3,200 seats in the show's usual home, the Municipal Auditorium, weren't enough so Elvis sang before 10,000 people at the State Fair Grounds. Fans paid $2 in advance, $2.50 at the door. Presley signed autographs backstage for polio victims in iron lungs. Proceeds benefited the YMCA. On stage, he showed off the sneer and gyrations that made parents fear for their daughters. "There's some really great shots of him on his knees, on stage _ the heart of the performance you think of when you think of Elvis performing," Pell said. The next day, The Times described the event as "one of the finest displays of mass hysteria in Shreveport history.....The gyrating rotary troubadour was seldom if ever heard by an audience, screaming every time he moved," it reported. The photographs came to light six years ago, when the Meadows Museum at Centenary College in Shreveport was preparing an exhibit of Jay Leviton's photographs of Presley's 1956 tour. Diane Dufilho, director of the Meadows Museum, said she was directed to the Times and Journal photographers by someone who recalled their photos. McEachern "had all these negatives in a shoebox," Dufilho said. For the Masur's other exhibit, Pell said, "We chose artists in the area to bring people we knew could bring us quality artwork and creative artwork." Many are portraits, but there's an oil pastel of lips _ the Elvis sneer, the Elvis smile, and so on _ with titles of Presley hits, by Linda Snider Ward. The portraits include a mosaic, by Staci Mendaries, of bits of broken records. There's also a photograph by Camille Jungman, an art history instructor at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, of a beauty parlor owner standing next to her portrait of Elvis on velvet, hanging next to a "story about how she got to meet Elvis was young, and he smelled so good and was so handsome. There's this great respect and love for him," Pell said. And yes, she said, "We have one velvet Elvis. In every show, I guess you have to have one." The painting on purple velvet, by Randy Jolly, includes rhinestones on the King's painted white jumpsuit. The shows have brought in a number of people who might not come to more traditional exhibits. "We've had a lot of Elvis fans; we've had people who remember the Louisiana Hayride, listening as they grew up, a lot who want to tell you their Elvis story," Pell said. "Or they have the name of someone they knew who went to high school with Elvis we ought to call for their story." (News, Source: AP)

"FBI Files" book release: Released December 6, 2007 is the 780 pages paperback book entitled "Elvis Presley: The FBI Files" by Federal Bureau of Investigation. The book is published by Filibust (ISBN-10: 1599862433 / ISBN-13: 978-1599862439). Book Description Elvis Presley: The FBI Files contains the actual original and declassified criminal investigation files related to rock and roll musican Elvis Presley. Although Elvis Presley was never the subject of an FBI investigation, the FBI maintained records filed under his name consisting of copies of letters from members of the public commenting on his performances, newspaper clippings, and documents reporting that Elvis Presley was the target of extortion attempts. This publication is being published and made available now for the first time in a paperback book edition for those interested in the history surrounding music legend Elvis Presley. (News, Source: Amazon/Elvis News)

"The Very Best of Love" tin can CD release: This is the cover of the "The Very Best Of Love" tin-can CD which was released by Madacy / SBME Special MKTS (SONY / BMG) on December 18, 2007 and is due for release January 2008 with an additional bonus DVD. The content of the DVD is not yet available. (News, Source: Elvis News)

Merry Christmas from EIN

"Walk Hard" film flops at box-office: The latest film from the Judd Apatow comedy machine, Sony's "Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story," was a surprise bomb on devut at US and Canadian theaters, taking in just $4.1 million despite good reviews praising its no-holds-barred humor and John C. Reilly's giddy performance. The film includes good natured parodies of Elvis, Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan, among others. Read more about Walk Hard in our Celluloid Elvis pages. (Celluloid Elvis, Source: Yahoo Movies)

Charmaine's latest Elvis graphic: "Happy Holidays Everyone" Check out all of Charmaine's glorious Elvis graphics

Elvis International's Shelly Powers interviews Jimmy Velvet

Chart Update: On the ARIA Music DVD chart in Australia the Gold certified DVD Elvis The King of Rock 'n' Roll held steady this week at #22 (6 weeks on chart). The Comeback Special slipped five places to #37 while Aloha From Hawaii also slipped five places to #39. Both of the latter music DVDs are certified double platinum. (News, Source: ARIA)

New DVDs in 2008??: Elvis World Japan lists with a question mark thecfollowing DVD releases for 2008 - Elvis: Viva Las Vegas (2007 ABC TV Special) and The Great Performances (Extended version) (News, Source: Elvis World Japan)

The Imperials taking bookings for 2008: EPE advises: The Imperials have asked us to let Elvis fan club leaders and event organizers know that they are now planning their appearance schedule for 2008. They look forward to opportunities to perform for Elvis fans throughout the year. Booking contact information is on their Web site www.theimperials.us.

Elvis and Priscilla's wedding album on eBay: Looking for a last minute, yet exclusive present? Why not check this out: the original wedding album of Elvis and Priscilla is now up for sale on eBay. The album contains exclusive pictures from the wedding ceremony at the former Aladdin Hotel and was a gift from Col. Tom Parker to Vernon Presley who gave it to his son. All pictures are black and white. Elvis kept the album ever since the day he got it.

From Ebay: WHAT A FIND ! Up for sale is the ORIGINAL wedding album of Elvis & Priscilla Presley-Beaulieu. Elvis and Priscilla married on May 1st 1967 at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas. Colonel Parker directed the marriage, and had a personal photographer at hand.

After the wedding, Parker presented the wedding album with over 20 exclusive pictures to Vernon, Elvis’s father who, in turn, handed it to Elvis, who kept it for the rest of his life. The personal wedding album remained in the Graceland Archives until American collector Jimmy Velvet purchased it, and included it in the Butterfield & Butterfield Elvis auction. The item is now the centrepiece of a private museum in Europe.

The album with a white leather look cover comes with a Certificate of Authenticity by Jimmy Velvet. (News, Source: EP Gold)

Holiday albums can become classics and the song Elvis didn't want to record: Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks and Toby Keith have a couple apiece. Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton did one together. The ever-prolific Willie Nelson has at least four of them. Most country stars, and many of their pop counterparts, have a Christmas album or two in their catalogs, and for good reason: The records are relatively easy to make and have the potential for big payoff."If it's really good, it can go for 20 years," said Bill Kennedy, vice president of sales for Capitol Records Nashville.Or longer.Released in 1957, "Elvis' Christmas Album" is the top-selling holiday release of all time with 9 million in sales, according to the Recording Industry Association of America. The single "Blue Christmas" is a Christmas classic, even parodied by Porky Pig.Other Christmas blockbusters are Kenny G's "Miracles: The Holiday Album" (8 million) and Barbara Streisand's "A Christmas Album" (5 million), according to the RIAA. But the Christmas kings, at least in terms of sales, have to be Mannheim Steamroller with two albums topping the 6 million mark: "A Fresh Aire Christmas" and "Mannheim Steamroller Christmas."Holiday records are unique in the way they're promoted and marketed."It is a very short window that begins in late October, hits its peak the first two weeks of December, and then falls off the cliff right after the holiday," explained Ben Kline, executive vice president of sales, marketing and new media for Universal Music Group Nashville.Though the window is tight, successful releases will do well for at least a few seasons before trailing off, said Peter Strickland, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Warner Brothers Nashville. This year's hot holiday release is Josh Groban's "Noel," a traditional collection that has already scanned more than 2 million.But for many, the star at the top of the tree remains "Elvis' Christmas Album." Released at the height of Presley's fame, it's a must-have for the serious Christmas music fan.Ironically, the album's biggest hit, "Blue Christmas," was the one track Elvis didn't want to record. As Gordon Stoker, a member of the Jordanaires, the vocal group that backed Presley on that song and many others, recalls, Elvis at first refused to do "Blue Christmas" out of respect for Ernest Tubb, who had had a No. 1 hit with it earlier.When the producers said he had to cut it, he told folks at the session to come up with something so bad that it would never see the light of day as a single, Stoker told The Associated Press recently from his Nashville home."We thought that 'oo-ooo-oooo' was bad enough that they wouldn't release it," Stoker said of the signature backing vocals. To this day, he said, "It still sounds bad to me when I hear it." (News, Source: AP)

EIN Note: Elvis' biggest selling Christmas album in the USA is actually the 1970 Camden release, Elvis' Christmas Album (9 million units accredited). Elvis' 1957 album, Elvis' Christmas Album is certified only 3xP in the USA.

Skullduggery in Memphis?: Honoured by the City and State sued by EPE: From Sid Shaw's "Elvisly Yours Cyberclub Newsletter #51:

I am probably the only person who has been honoured by the City of Memphis, Shelby County and the State of Tennessee but sued by Elvis Presley Enterprises. However, I do have a Graceland book signed by Ken Brixey, the original Marketing Manager thanking me for all I had done to promote Elvis and describing me as Elvis’ best friend in England.

Over an eleven-year period from 1982 until 1992 I organised Elvis Tours to Memphis and Tupelo and took over 1000 people on these tours. I had encouraged thousands more Elvis fans to visit Graceland from all over the world. All my efforts were rewarded by political leaders but because of Jack Soden I was sued by EPE. Originally, in 1982, Soden was “friendly” with me and came to our fan club parties at the Quality Inn on Brooks Road, Memphis where we stayed. I had offered a free life-size replica of the Elvisly Yours bronze statue but said he did not want statues of Elvis he only wanted money. Sid Shaw & EPE's Jack Soden in happier times

Elvisly Yours was the exclusive supplier of Elvis memorabilia to Graceland when it opened in 1982. But, after successfully selling out of all my memorabilia I was told by Soden and his legal cronies I had to get a license from EPE. After my visit in October 1982 Soden completely avoided me. If he saw me he would duck into stores or walk the other way. It was farcical until October 1984 when suddenly I bumped into Soden in the Graceland Mall car park. Instead of hiding he came up to me, gave me a great hug and acted as if the previous two years had been a “Bobby Ewing” dream. Immediately, I thought something is not right…why is Soden hugging me? He had avoided me like the plague for two years. I didn’t think he had turned gay so I was intrigued. He knew something that I did not.

The truth was to be revealed in February 1985 when I was invited to meet the lawyers for EPE in Memphis supposedly to discuss a mutual deal. Instead, I was set up and sued. Incidentally, after Elvis Week in August 1984 all my files were stolen from my warehouse, all invoices, orders, shipping documents, everything relating to my business except my checkbook from my Memphis bank. In the lawsuit EPE stated I was not trading in Elvis products in America and without documentation it made it difficult to substantiate my trading record in the USA. Additionally, not one fan, trade customer, Elvis friend or family member would give evidence on my behalf in the US Federal lawsuit.

Meanwhile, Mayor Bill Morris of Shelby County, Mayor Richard Hackett of the City of Memphis and the State of Tennessee had honoured me with keys to the County, City and State. Mayor Morris was a close friend of Elvis and had even visited my shop in Shoreditch, London. You’d have thought EPE would have honoured me instead of suing me except for one joker, Jack Soden. It is a great pity that I did not elect to have Trial by Jury and instead only Judges made the ruling in my case that was dragged on for over six years by EPE trying to wear me down, but they failed. I am sure I would have won with a Jury Trial. Having Soden cross-examined on the witness stand would have been very damaging for EPE. In his deposition, Soden was very economical with the truth. He said he did not know I was NOT licensed by EPE when Graceland bought my Elvisly Yours memorabilia to sell at their gift shops during Elvis Week 1982. (News, Source: Elvisly Yours)

Anniversary Benchmarks from EPE (Source: FECC)

Longtime Elvis record falls: Singer Josh Groban is giving big thanks to Santa this holiday season. His album Noel maintained the No. 1 slot for an astounding fourth week in a row, surpassing Elvis Presley's record for most weeks at No. 1 for a Christmas album in Billboard Magazine's 51-year chart history. The King's Elvis' Christmas had previously held the No. 1 slot in 1957 for a total of three weeks. Groban's Noel has sold 669,661 albums this past week for total U.S. sales of 2.8 million copies, passing the blockbuster High School Musical (2.7 million) and Daughtry (2.3 million), and shows no signs of slowing down. In addition, Groban's previous multi-platinum albums have had huge sales jumps. Awake, Closer and his self-titled debut have all had jumps of between 45 and 50 per cent this past week.

Noel has also been the best-selling record of 2007 in Canada (which has long been Josh's best selling market per capita in the world) with sales of over 295,000 copies. The album debuted at No. 1 Canada on Oct. 17, has never been lower than No. 5 on the chart and has spent five weeks in total at No. 1 (including the past three weeks) since its release 10 weeks ago. Groban, who has upcoming appearances on Good Morning America on Dec. 22 and 24, Larry King Live on Dec. 24 and the ABC Disney Special on the morning of Dec. 25, has been declared one of Oprah's 'favourite things' on a recent Oprah Winfrey Show. (News, Source: 24Hours)

"Elvis Forever" Limited Edition?: According to the U.K. branch of Amazon BMG will release a limited 2CD edition of the "Elvis Forever" set on January 8, 2008. But the track listing shown will not fit on the two discs this set is supposed to contain. Track Listing: Disc 1: 1. My Baby Left Me 2. Heartbreak Hotel 3. Blue Suede Shoes 4. Hound Dog 5. Love Me Tender 6. Got a Lot O' Livin' to Do! 7. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear 8. All Shook Up 9. Don't 10. Hard Headed Woman 11. King Creole 12. Jailhouse Rock 13. Big Hunk O' Love 14. I Got Stung 15. One Night 16. Stuck on You 17. Too Much 18. Loving You 19. Treat Me Nice 20. I Beg of You

Travelocity Roaming Gnome: Take home the trademark mascot of CBS' "The Amazing Race" and pack him in your suitcase before your next travel adventure. The classic gnome in his blue shirt and red cone hat is available, but the Las Vegas (in an Elvis Presley costume), Mexico (complete with a Mexican hat and maracas) and Hawaii (dressed in a grass skirt and lei) versions are pretty festive.

The 8-inch gnomes weigh 2.5 pounds each and retail for $24.95. The official, 18-inch Roaming Gnome seen on the show retails for $69.99. Visit www.cbsstore.com (News, Source: EP Gold)

Elvis In The Beat of the Night: Essential Elvis, the UK's largest Elvis Presley organisation, is planning a wonderful party to commemorate what would've been Elvis' 73rd birthday, and the venue is as exciting as what's on offer. Join other fans at Vernon Presley's former home on Dolan Drive, just yards from Graceland, to enjoy some great music, film and delicious birthday cake on the evening of January 8th, beginning at 6pm.

You'll be able to mingle with Elvis' friends, associates and colleagues. The EE:UK team are currently finalising details with some very exciting guests, but this year they have a very unique theme - In The Beat Of The Night. Yes, they've tracked down some of Elvis' old police buddies, including ex-Memphis cop Tom Morgan and retired Shelby County Sheriff Gene Barksdale. You'll also get to meet ex-Sheriff and Mayor Bill Morris, and even the current Sheriff, Mark Luttrell, has had an open invite.

Jeanne LeMay, Linda Thompson friend and Elvis' Graceland secretary, will also be there to meet the fans and to sign copies of her new book, Elvis, Linda and Me. Along with others yet to confirm, Mike Freeman will be signing copies of his new DVD, Elvis' Memphis. There will also be some interesting police paraphernalia on display including badges that once belonged to Elvis.

The entrance fee will be just $20.00 (that's just £10.00, if you're from the UK) per person, and you can pay on the door. (News, Source: EP Gold)

Tripping with the King: EIN received this letter recently about a new Elvis book release:

"I 'm sending this letter to Elvis Fan Clubs everywhere to alert you to a new book about Elvis. The book is titled TRIPPING WITH THE KING & OTHERS, written by my very dear friend Sal Orefice.

Elvis Presley was a phenomenon. A hurricane of talent. A self-effacing musical revolutionary with unsurpassed energy and a unique ability to move audiences. Given the number of books written about him we might think we know all there is to know about Elvis, but we would be wrong. The "real" Elvis - the "personal" Elvis known only to his closest friends - is still waiting to be discovered and revealed.

When it comes to Elvis Presley there is always someone who knows "more." Someone who walked at his side, traveled with him, had long intimate talks with him, lived under his roof at Graceland and shared many, many private moments with a man who truly was the King. That man is Sal Orefice.

Sal was privileged to know Elvis as few people have. The stories he tells in TRIPPING WITH THE KING... reveal an Elvis that will surprise and amaze you. After reading those stories you cannot help feeling that you now know a different side of Elvis - the Elvis confronted with questions and choices, the Elvis dealing with his unprecedented stardom, the Elvis who impressed friends and strangers with his humility and the Elvis who embraced life with humor. TRIPPING WITH THE KING... gives an insight into a man who has never truly "left the building" but lives on in our hearts.

Sal also enjoyed a long career as a trusted confidant to other celebrities and stars and he shares many fascinating details about their personal lives as well as his own career.

For anyone interested in knowing more about Elvis Presley and the people who surrounded him, influenced him and loved him, TRIPPING WITH THE KING & OTHERS by Sal Orefice is a "must" read.

The book is currently available at www.AMAZON.com. As a fellow fan of Elvis, I urge you to alert the members of your fan club to this wonderful book. Link to Amazon

Elvis Viva Las Vegas Official Soundtrack - Sony BMG Flyer

(News, Source: Barry McLean)

Sillerman company declares distribution of shares date: CKX, Inc. (Nasdaq: CKXE), announced today that it had set the record date for the distribution of shares of FX Real Estate and Entertainment Inc. stock to the CKX stockholders as December 31, 2007. Stockholders of CKX will receive, on the date the distribution is made, two shares of common stock of FX Real Estate and Entertainment for every ten shares of common or preferred stock of CKX that they own as of December 31st.FX Real Estate and Entertainment has filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission to register the shares to be distributed. The distribution will take place as soon as is commercially practicable after the date on which the registration statement is declared effective by the SEC.The distribution of shares in FX Real Estate and Entertainment is intended to give CKX stockholders an interest in FXRE's location-based exploitation of CKX's Elvis Presley and Muhammad Ali assets pursuant to the terms of FXRE's license agreements with CKX and its subsidiaries.

For more detailed information please see our Current Report on Form 8-K, which was filed today and may be obtained at the Company's website at www.ckx.com as well as at the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov. (Sale of EPE, Source: Fox Business)

'Dear Ole Humes - The Humes High Class of 1953' book published: EIN has received this delightful self-published book recalling stories and comments from Elvis' friends and school colleagues. Although this has been locally printed, mainly for Humes classmates, the 160-page book is well worth investigating for people interested in Elvis' very early years. As the editor/author Rose Howell - Klimek notes in the inscription,"The idea of doing a book about the Humes Class of 1953 came to me when I was taking a creative writing class at the University of Memphis and became a goal after I took a statistics class at the University of Tennessee. Although our class is known for having Elvis as a member, it actually was full of special people. During the 50th Class Reunion in October 2003, we had fun talking about the good old days. But, we also realized that out of a class of about 200, more than 50 members were deceased and many more couldn't be located. It became apparent eye needed to rite down our memories soon, or they would be lost forever." Of course while many students had little to do with Elvis a surprising number tell some wonderful tales. While they are all "small" high-school stories it is their innocence and honesty that makes them so delightful. For instance from classmate Ann Billie Banks, - "I thought of when the English class read MacBeth. Miss Jennie Allensworth assigned the part of Macbeth to Elvis Presley, who promptly said, "Aw, Miss Jenny, you know I can't read." Of course,

DJ Fontana coming to Australia for the Ultimate Elvis Contest: The legendary DJ Fontana will be coming to Australia in 2008 as part of the worldwide Ultimate Elvis Contest. At the moment it is possible that two separate contests will be organised in Australia - with the final winner going on to the EPE official E.T.A. challenge for 2008. The first Ultimate Elvis Contest is booked to be held in Melbourne at the Dallas Brooks Centre, April 24, 25 & 26, 2008. With high profile ETAs performing in Australia such as Mark Anthony, Dean Vegas and 'She Is The King' (who has been getting very promising recent international exposure) it is sure to be a impressive line-up - that's if they decide to perform. The event is to be hosted by Silvana Laird who manages various artists, among them ETA Silas Paisley. Look here for more info. (News, Source;EIN/Bob Hayden)

Elvis Number One! - 'Baby Let's Play House' remix hits #1 in Italy: Elvis Presley fans send new historic remix of 'Baby Let's Play House' to number 1 in the iTunes Top Singles chart in Italy. The brand new Elvis remixed song, available for download exclusively from iTunes, has reached today the number one spot of Apple's digital online store, knocking down Jovanotti's hit "Fango". At number three in the chart sits Alicia Keys' 'No One.' Elvis entered the iTunes chart three weeks ago and climbed to the top thanks to new and old fans that downloaded the song from the store after the news of this new remixed song by contemporary DJ/producer Spankox started to circulate on the Internet and on the press. Spankox (real name Agostino Carollo) is an Italian, Verona based  J/producer/composer who has also recently remixed tracks for Roxette, Snap! and Vasco Rossi (Italy's no.1 rockstar) amongst others. Italy's number one radio network Radio Deejay has been giving airplay to the track since two weeks ago, bringing first the song to the masses and boosting the downloads. "This new remix by Spankox is much nicer than JXL's remix of A Little Less Conversation" - said Radio Deejay's famous dj-musician Nikki, "because it respects more the feel of the original song". The 'Baby Let's Play House (Spankox Remix) is also available for download in Canada, Germany, Austria, Italy, France, Spain, Holland, Belgium and UK where it's already very popular. "The Spankox Re:Version of Baby Let's Play House will deliver Elvis to a new generation of music fans in an unexpected, cool and compelling way," said Marketing Manager Edward Johnson. After the digital release, the physical release of the record set for January 8th to celebrate Elvis' birthday, will be on a brand new media called VinylCD, a special compact disc playable on a normal CD player but also by a traditional turntable. (News, Source:Various)

Cliff Richard admits "I wanted Elvis to be me": British singer Sir Cliff Richard recently confessed to an embarrassingly strong obsession with Elvis which led him to pray that the rock 'n' roll pioneer would take over his soul. The veteran crooner admits his passion for the King, who died in 1977 aged 42, ran so deep he would dream of embodying the star. He says, "I didn't just want to be like Elvis - I wanted to be him. I'd like to have woken up and found that really he was me. That's the kind of fervour I felt about the power of his music." Early in his career Cliff Richard was groomed as the British Elvis. (News, Source:EIN/contactmusic)

Shawn Klush UK January concert Sold Out - New concert added: Nice to see that due to phenomenal demand the January 22nd London concert by leading ETA Shawn Klush has sold out and a new show on Jan 23rd has been added. In just a short time Shawn Klush has emerged as the world's top Elvis tribute artist. In August 2007 Shawn was chosen by Graceland as the winner of EPEs' first ever Ultimate Tribute Artist Contest in Memphis TN and was also used by EPE in the introduction to the 30th Anniversary Concert in Memphis.  Born and raised in the small coal-mining town of Pittston, Pennsylvania, Shawn's love for music led him to begin imitating his musical idol, Elvis Presley. He performed in the poconos region followed by a tour of Canada where he entered and won the $5,000.00 prize in the "Worldwide Elvis Competition" in Montreal. This caught the attention of the award winning Las Vegas show, "Legends in Concert" where in 2004 he starred as 'Elvis'. On Jan 6th 2005, just 2 days before Elvis' 70th Birthday, Shawn became grand champion at the $25,000.00 "World Elvis Tribute Artist Competition". This year he received "The peoples Choice Award" from Gibson Guitar in Nashville as "Best Concert Elvis". Shawn was recently named the international champion of BBC1's World's Greatest Elvis competition in the United Kingdom. This is a unique chance to celebrate Elvis' 73rd birthday in one of London's most stylish venues. Date: Wednesday 23rd Jan, 200, The Bloomsbury Ballroom, London. Buy Tickets Online here. (News, Source: EIN/Elvis.co.uk)

"Elvis The Biography (Book Review): The first serious Elvis biography (Elvis A Biography) was published in 1971. Reaching the top of numerous best seller lists around the world, Jerry Hopkins biography of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll was irresistible reading for millions of Elvis’ fans and those simply wanting to understand more about the 20th century‘s pre-eminent cultural icon. It was followed in 1980 by a sequel (Elvis The Final Years), completing the remaining years of Elvis’ extraordinary but flawed life. The 2007 edition of Elvis The Biography combines revised editions of the earlier two volume biography and adds new material advancing the Elvis story to the sale of EPE in 2005 to entrepreneur, Robert Sillerman. Read EIN's review of arguably the definitive one volume Elvis biography

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FTD to increase prices of regular releases: Roger Semon and Ernst Mikael Jørgensen send out the December - January Follow That Dream newsletter. Besides the announcement that the title “Long Lonely Highway” has been deleted an increase in some CD prices, for handling and a general increase, is announced for 2008. Books will remain at the current price.

Quote: "Due to spiraling costs, FTD unfortunately has to introduce some pricing increases in the New Year. This will be the first change in 10 years and its implementation is imperative to ensure the label’s profitability. It’s certainly hoped that it will be the last for at least another decade!" (News, Source: Elvis News)

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Lorina Bolig, Elvis genealogist talks to EIN: Lorina Bolig is a professional genealogist, child advocate, relative of Elvis' and author of several books. Her latest book is Ancestors of "Elvis Aaron Presley" 50 Generations The Unofficial Genealogy, the result of more than 13 years research and writing. In a fascinating interview with EIN, Lorina discusses: Elvis' ancestry which includes royal ancestry!;presidential relations; settles the Elvis is German vs. Elvis is Scottish debate; spelling variations of the Presley name over time; tells us what she discovered about the claimed relationship link between Elvis and Oprah; how to research your own ancestry;her upcoming Marilyn Monroe genealogy book; and many more interesting issues. (Interview, Source: EIN)

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Japanese edition of "Careless Love": This is the cover of the Japanese edition of Peter Guralnick's "Careless Love" biography which is due for release December 21, 2007. (ISBN-10: 4622073331/ISBN-13: 978-4622073338). (News, Source: Elvis World Japan/Elvis News)

"You Ain't Ain't Ain't Nothing But A Hound Dog" released: The new audience recorded CD entitled "You Ain't Ain't Ain't Nothing But A Hound Dog" has been released. It contains Elvis' show from July 29, 1976 in Springfield, Mass.

Tracklisting: 2001 Theme / See See Rider/ I Got A Woman / Amen / Love Me / If You Love Me Let Me Know / You Gave Me A Mountain / Help Me / All Shook Up / Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel / And I Love You So / Jailhouse Rock / America The Beautiful / Polk Salad Annie / Elvis introduces his band / Love Letters / Hail, Hail Rock & Roll / Hurt - repeat / Hound Dog / Funny How Time Slips Away / Can't Help Falling In Love. (News, Source: Elvis Unlimited /Elvis News)

"EP 18 Singles": Released by the Dutch Elvis For Everyone fan club is the CD "EP 18 Singles" featuring Elvis Presley's first 18 singles. Also included is a newly remastered live show and seven special and rare fan additions. This CD is included as a special gift with their new magazine which comes out later this week. From the press release: * The number one hits: Heartbreak Hotel, Don't Be Cruel and Love Me Tender. * Love Me Tender is included as a special mix, including the end theme from the movie. * March 19, 1955 live show - newly remastered! * 7 fan additions including: - Blue Suede Shoes (Elvis and Carl Perkins version) - Trying To Get To You (Elvis and Roy Orbison version) - That's All Right (re-creation of the story) - Red Robinson reports from Elvis in Canada - Radio spot for Elvis' concert, August 20, 1977 - and 2 others. (News, Source: Elvis News)

Elvis After Midnight radio show: Elvis After Midnight Show 3 is ready to listen to.  Features include a trivia question on the show's last song; Elvis by Somebody Else; and two more "Your Midnight 3s", and we've included some Elvis Xmas songs too! (1 hour)Click here:  http://easytimeradio.co.uk/elvisaftermidnight.html

If you would like to request your Midnight 3s, with a dedication and perhaps an Elvis memory to share you can do so by replying to this email or refer to the Elvis After Midnight webpage on Easy Time Radio fpr details. (News, Source: Gary Moritz)

Live In Rapid City: A new import label VB Records released as a long-box CD "Live In Rapid City" June 21, 1977 show in Rapid City as filmed from the CBS Television for the Special "Elvis In Concert". Note: Nice to see most pictures are from Omaha on this long-box CD "Live In Rapid City". This show was released a couple of years ago on a import CD - but without the band introduction, so is this a new source? Also claim the audio quality is very good. Track listing:01. Presentation Of Medallion Of Life 02. 2001 A Space Odissey 03. See See Rider 04. I Got A Woman/Amen 05. That's All Right 06. Are You Lonesome Tonight? 07. Dialogue 08. Love Me 09. If You Love Me 10. You Gave Me A Mountain 11. Jailhouse Rock 12. O Sole Mio/It's Now Or Never 13. Trying To Get To You 14. Hawaiian Wedding Song 15. Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel 16. My Way 17. Introductions 18. Early Morning Rain 19. What’d I Say 20. Johnny B. 21. Drum Solo 22. Bass Solo 23. Piano Solo 24. I Really Don’t Want To Know 25. Orchestra Solo 26. Elvis Introduce His Father 27. Hurt 28. Hound Dog 29. Unchained Melody 30. Can't Help Falling In Love (News, Source: EP Gold)

Elvis And Pat Boone: Rockin' Rivals: For release from Koch International on March 4, 2008 - one hour DVD entitled "Elvis And Pat Boone: Rockin' Rivals". Description: An entertaining and insightful one-hour look at the friendly rivalry between Mr. Blue Suede Shoes and Mr. White Buck Shoes, who dominated the pop charts in the 1950s. As Pat himself puts it, "I was the salt and he was the pepper." Included are rare film, TV, and newsreel clips plus revealing interviews with such luminaries as Dick Clark, Tom Jones, Glen Campbell, Kenny Rogers, Phyllis McGuire, Bill Medley, Arlene Dahl, Joe Esposito, Shirley Jones, and the legends themselves: Elvis and Pat Boone. (News, Source: Amber Smith)

"Elvis, Sherlock & Me" (Book Review): Michael Hoey's account of growing up, working in, and meeting the stars of Hollywood is a wonderfully rich memoir and history of the film business covering the decades from the 1940’s to the present. Hoey deftly weaves among illuminating anecdotes about the industry and at times revealing profiles of some of its biggest stars including Elvis (Hoey wrote the screenplay for six of Elvis' films). There are two chapters about Elvis including some great anecdotes and interesting insights! Throughout his memoir, Hoey maintains a colorful picture of a vibrant, multi-layered “Tinseltown” from its golden years to the, in its own way, equally fascinating culture of contemporary filmmaking. Hoey's prose evokes dazzling images of the dramas, highs and lows, and stars of a magical industry which occupies the minds, bookshelves and DVD collections of most people. Elvis, Sherlock & Me will appeal to both Elvis fans and lovers of film. (Book Review, Source: EIN) Read EIN's full review

EC Releases: Elvis DVD boxset: (G.I. Blues - Blue Hawaii - Roustabout - Paradise Hawaiian Style - Fun In Acapulco - King Creole - Girls! Girls! Girls! - Easy Come, Easy Go) Release date August 7, 2007 Region code: 2 Elvis At Sun Records: Two disc DVD & CD. Release date November 12, 2007 Region code: 2 (News, Source: Elvis Club Berlin/EP Gold)

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Hotel's staff holds key to storied past: When Nick Costakis started his job as a water boy at the Hotel Washington in 1956, at the age of 17, real silver was on the tables of the rooftop restaurant. Diners could watch jetliners approach the new National Airport above the barren land that is now Rosslyn.

Over time, Mr. Costakis and the Hotel Washington packed away much of the silver and buildings went up in the District and across the Potomac on the Virginia skyline.

Now, the Hotel Washington is set to close at the end of the year, 90 years after it opened and nearly 52 years after Mr. Costakis started his job. Owner Istithmar Hotels Washington, a subsidiary of Dubai World, plans to replace the property in about a year with a swanky Starwood brand W hotel.

"I've enjoyed it very much," Mr. Costakis said of his tenure at the Hotel Washington, much of it in the banquet department. "I'm sorry we're leaving, but we can't help it."

He said he learned a lot and saw his share of interesting guests: heads of state and other politicians, celebrities and even the national turkey, which stayed at the hotel before the annual pardon.

Mr. Costakis often served John W. McCormack, who lived at the hotel during much of his tenure as speaker of the House in the 1960s.

"He was in Suite 719," Mr. Costakis recalled as if it were yesterday, rattling off the speaker's breakfast menu. "I used to be his waiter every morning."

Mr. Costakis said his friendly nature with customers helped him in ways he never imagined. One guest, whom Mr. Costakis said he never knew by name, advised him 25 years ago to buy shares of Gulf Oil.
"The guy came to me, put his hand on my back and said, 'Son, go and buy. You're going to make money. Don't share nothing,' " he said. "I used to serve the guy, and he liked me." Mr. Costakis tripled his investment.

Among the celebrities who stopped by the hotel were John Wayne, Elvis Presley, Casey Kasem and Jodie Foster.

Mr. Presley's stay was documented in a 1994 book by Joyce Bova (opposite), a former staffer for the investigations subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee. Miss Bova said she had an affair with the singer, much of it at the hotel, beginning in late 1969 when she was 25. Miss Bova said she met Mr. Presley and gave him her number in Washington, backstage at one of his Las Vegas