| |
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:
| Thursday 31 December 2015 - - - HAPPY NEW YEAR's EVE - - - |
‘If I Can Dream’ - An Irishman’s Diary about Elvis 1968: The Irish Times recently printed this gorgeous article by journalist Joe Jackson....
.. In this Irishman’s diary of 1968 on December 4th, there is the following entry. "God, how brilliant can a singer get? After twelve years as the reigning king, Elvis releases his masterpiece, If I Can Dream. It’s all about a time when there will be peace all over the world, or somewhere. I nearly passed out when I heard it for the first time tonight."
The song instantly made me decide, "1, to go out tomorrow night and collect money door-to-door for the starving children in Biafra and 2, to finally commit to my dream of becoming a journalist."
If I Can Dream also became my theme song, which it remains, and one particular couplet I’ll quote later remains my motto and I want on my tombstone.
How’s that for taking to heart a song that this year, somewhat belatedly, finally topped charts all over the world – in ’68/’69 it didn’t even make the Top Ten – as the title track on an Elvis album for which the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra provided new backings.
But let’s look at the song’s fascinating genesis and trajectory.
If I Can Dream was chosen to close what has since come to be called Elvis’s Comeback TV Special in 1968. It was written by W Earl Brown on request from Steve Binder.
On June 5th, 1968, two days after Presley attended the first meeting about the TV special – Robert Kennedy was assassinated. This disturbed Elvis as deeply as the fact that three months earlier Martin Luther King had been murdered in Memphis. Binder talked with Presley about such matters and decided the show needed a closing song that would "capture something of his unexpectedly idealistic sentiments". Maybe something along the lines of 'You’ll Never Walk Alone', a song Elvis had always loved and recently released as a single.
|
 |
Even so, the phrase "idealistic sentiments," barely scratches the surface of the true nature of Elvis Presley’s soul. Although raised in a Pentecostal religion – it gave him his life-long love of gospel music which informed all his singing and songs – by 1968, Presley was four years into his exploration of alternative theologies and ideologies, largely New Age. He loved Joseph Benner’s book, The Impersonal Life, and Paramahansa Yogananda’s Autobiography of a Yogi, and often visited the latter’s Self Realisation Centre in LA.
Put another way, Presley, so often accused of singing "the devil’s music", was, in truth, and in essence, a spiritual seeker, in a pan-denominational even post-denominational 21st-century sense. Circa 1964, he wrote on a page of David Anrias’s book, Through the Eyes of the Masters: Meditations and Portraits: "God loves you. But he loves you best when you sing."
It is not surprising that while recording If I Can Dream – against the wishes of manager Col Parker who said, "That ain’t Elvis’s kind of song" – he ended up curled foetal-style on the floor of a darkened studio wailing out its soulful lyrics.
|
 |
All of the backing singers, the Blossoms, had tears streaming down their cheeks and one, Darlene Love, said, "He really loves the song, really believes in the song, he means every word."
Why wouldn’t he? The composer had tapped into Martin Luther King’s "I Have a Dream" speech and a Robert Kennedy speech in which he quoted a speech his brother JFK gave in Leinster House. JFK said, "George Bernard Shaw, speaking as an Irishman, summed up his approach to life: Other people, he said, "see things and say, ‘Why?’ but I dream things that never were – and I say: ‘Why not."
But to me the best part of the story is the fact that Elvis added the final word in the part of the song that became my motto. Browne wrote, "As long as a man has the strength to dream/ He can redeem his soul and life" but Elvis sings "and fly".
That word change tells us all we need to know about Elvis Presley.
(Click here to the full article)
(News, Source;ITimes/ElvisInfoNet) |
Elvis’ Jewellery up for Auction at Graceland: Jewellery and watches owned by Elvis will be among items auctioned at the American singer and actor’s Graceland home early next month.
"The Auction at Graceland" on January 7 will offer a gold, diamond and rock crystal quartz ring gifted by Elvis to his friend Linda Thompson, estimated at $15,000 to $20,000 (right) . Also up for bids is a 14-karat gold necklace gifted to bodyguard Sam Thompson featuring the initials "TCB," estimated at $12,000 to $15,000.
Other lots include a gold Baume & Mercier watch gifted by Elvis to Armond Morales, a member of the band The Imperials, at the International Hotel in Las Vegas in 1969, estimated at $10,000 to $15,000 - current bid S7,000.
Plus a 1973 gold Omega TC1 digital watch with an inscription, gifted to musician and friend Charlie Hodge, estimated at $4,000 to $6,000 - shown below. |
 |
The most valuable item at the event, Elvis’ guitar used on stage at the 1973 Aloha from Hawaii concert, is estimated at $300,000 to $500,000. It was given to a fan in the front row at a concert in Asheville, North Carolina, in 1975. -
The current bid on the Aloha guitar is already $220,000
The sale, run by Graceland Auctions, allows bids online and in person at the mansion in Memphis, Tennessee. Select artifacts are on view until January 7 at the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum.
Click HERE to the EPE Auction website - on-line bidding started December 16.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
 |
'Final Countdown To Midnight' NYE 1976' (review): 1976 New Year's Eve was Elvis' very last. Back in 2014 Backdraft released a deluxe 2CD/DVD set of the ultimate look at Elvis' 1976 New Year's Eve performance. It is well-worth revisiting today as there is no doubt that Elvis’ final New Year’s Eve concert was certainly his last "Great" performance of his life. The nearly COMPLETE concert video attests to the above statement. This DVD debuted newly discovered footage, some of which have been transferred in High Definition and are positively stunning! The rich, vibrant colours provide a truly novel viewing experience.
Previously available via CDs with peak-audio distortion and on DVD/VHS low quality fan-footage, Backdraft published a 106-page book plus remastered high-quality audio and incredible DVD featuring multi-camera angles.
The 106 page book also boasted many rare and unpublished photos, detailed information about the show and an eyewitness text.
Watching it again, it is so hard to believe that in only eight months Elvis would be dead. Poor Elvis - think of him tonight at midnight.
Go here and check out Elvis' last GREAT on-stage performance via this EIN review of this amazing deluxe box-set.
(CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
|
 |
US Billboard Charts: Once again Elvis' cheap 'It's Christmas Time' compilation is dominant in the US charts over 'If I Can Dream' down at 153! The US marketing section of EPE should expect a rocket!
'It's Christmas Time' drops from 54 to 61 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart for w/e 9th January, 2016; drops from 44 to 53 on the Top Albums Sales Chart; remains at 8 on the Catalog Albums Chart and drops from 7 to 8 on the Holiday Albums Chart.
'Elvis: Ultimate Christmas' rises from 110 to 107 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart; drops from 66 to 88 on the Top Albums Sales Chart; remains at 14 on the Holiday Albums Chart; drops from 9 to 14 on the Top Rock Albums Chart; drops from 10 to 16 on the Top Country Albums Chart and drops from 53 to 73 on the Top Current Albums Chart.
'The Classic Christmas Album' drops from 109 to 139 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart; drops from 15 to 23 on the Calalog Albums Chart and drops from 16 to 18 on the Holiday Albums Chart. |
 |
'Merry Christmas, Love Elvis' drops from 36 to 44 on the Holiday Albums Chart.
'Heart And Soul' is a new entry at 162 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart and is a re-entry at 33 on the Catalog Albums Chart.
'If I Can Dream' rises from 163 to 153 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart; drops from 81 to 94 on the Top Current Albums Chart and drops from 2 to 3 on the Classical Albums Chart.
'Blue Christmas (Single) remains at 18 on the Holiday 100 Chart; rises from 22 to 13 on the Holiday Digital Songs Chart; drops from 16 to 19 on the Holiday Airplay Chart; rises from 43 to 22 on the Country Digital Songs Chart and rises from 16 to 10 on the Country Streaming Songs Chart.
'Here Comes Santa Claus' (Right Down Santa Claus Lane) (Single) rises from 26 to 23 on the Holiday 100 Chart and rises from 9 to 7 on the Country Streaming Songs Chart.
Elvis drops from 36 to 30 on the Artist 100 Chart.
(News, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNet) |
"Darth Elvis" The band who do Star Wars themed Elvis covers: With EIN's tongue firmly in our cheek for New Year's Eve we have discovered that ... Not all that long ago in a city not far away… a band was formed like no other. Now Aberdeen music-makers Darth Elvis and the Imperials are hoping their unique combination of Elvis covers on a Star Wars theme can cash in on the latest instalment of the multimillion pound Hollywood series.
Lead singer Mr Robertson, who goes under the pseudonym Darth Elvis, said: "In 2005 I received a painting from a friend for my birthday and it was Elvis dressed in Sith robes with a red lightsaber.
"That really got my imagination going and I started working on song ideas.
The band formed in Jan 2007, entered a battle of the bands contest and were lucky enough to be one of the two bands picked to perform.
"1977 was the year Elvis died and also the year that Star Wars was unleashed on the world.
"The concept of the band is that Elvis didn’t die but turned to the dark side of the Force. We are all huge fans of both Elvis and Star Wars but grew up on a diet of Star Wars movies, toys and cartoons.
"A lot of our audience dress up and get into the spirit of our shows, sing and dance along with the songs."
EIN notes that once again this proves "Elvis Is Everywhere" (Mojo Nixon) and his spirit continues...
(Odd SpotNYE, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
|
 |
Elvis New Overdub Album Confirmed: As reported first by EIN earlier this week (see news item below), the follow-up RPO overdub album has now been confirmed by 'If I Can Dream' producer Don Reedman. Despite the poor sales in the US where more marketing emphasis was placed on the new Elvis Postal Stamp and connected CD, the 'If I Can Dream' album is fast approaching a million seller world-wide and a follow-up album is a definite. Physical CD sales in the UK are already close to 800,000 copies.
Producer Don Reedman told the OEPFC that plans are underway for an Elvis Gospel album featuring the RPO for Elvis Week 2017 (really? EIN expected an earlier release) plus a "one-off" Elvis on the big screen Event with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra live UK concert.
It all sounds very interesting. EIN has already whipped up a possible album cover suggestion!
(News, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNet) |
 |
Elvis in Top Ten UK Xmas Presents: While the media has perhaps overly praised Adele for topping the list of Xmas gifts, in the UK it is stunning to see ELVIS still there as one of the most popular gifts under the UK's Christmas trees in 2015.
Looking at Amazon UK's Top Ten list everything else, such as Minions, Fire tablet etc is a product of 2015, (Star Wars perhaps being another notable reboot) Kitchen gadgets, board games, and electronics were also featured. However ELVIS PRESLEY - who hasn't recorded anything in the studio since 1976 - is there at Number Six! -
A stunning Christmas statistic and sensational UK marketing.
Elvis 'If I Can Dream' remains at No.2 on the UK Album Chart for w/e 25th December, 2015 with 173,000 sales.
(News, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNet)
|
 |
Elvis VS Frank Sinatra?: On Frank Sinatra's 100th Birthday earlier this month December 12, Forbes asked the question "Elvis Presley or Frank Sinatra?".
The article included..
.. When Barry Levinson launched his jewel of a film “Diner” it became the first in a trilogy about Baltimore. But the film introduced us to a bunch of guys we knew, as they all seemed a lot like us. Their endless dialogue resonated on many levels.
One key exchange between Steve Guttenberg and Mickey Rourke attempted to answer a crucial musical question of the day:
Edward ‘Eddie’ Simmons: When you’re making out, which do you prefer, Sinatra or Mathis?
Robert ‘Boogie’ Sheftell: I like Presley.
|
 |
Rourke’s answer came to mind last week when I attended the Sinatra 100 concert, which aired on CBS the other night. Actually, the question was a bit more mature: who is the more important singer, Presley or Sinatra?
Let’s explore the variables.
- Both singers were interpreters, neither wrote a significant amount of their repertoire.
- Sinatra spanned more decades as an entertainer, and was arguably more influential outside his primary musical oeuvre.
- Sinatra received kudos for his acting roles, whereas Presley was forced by his inscrutable manager Col. Parker into near cartoonish roles in a seemingly endless parade of goofy films (all of which tended to diminish Presley’s prior musical glory).
- In terms of fashion, Sinatra mirrored the best styles of the day whereas Presley initially upended the status quo with tight jeans, leather jacket and greasy hair. His look today is mainly seen among his impersonators, whereas the cool debonair look of Sinatra is emulated by suave singers like Justin Timberlake and Michael Buble.
- Both Presley and Sinatra appealed initially to a younger demographic, each the Justin Bieber of his day.
- Sinatra moved through more phases, from a big band crooner to a swinging belter of the American Songbook to elder statesman as Chairman of the Board.
|
 |
But it is the transformational role that Presley played which likely makes him the more important singer. There were other crooners throughout Sinatra’s career, and he rose above them all.
Presley, however, grabbed gospel and gutbucket R ‘n B, then mashed them into a potent blend that shocked parents in a manner that only bemused parents a decade earlier with Sinatra.
- Let’s conclude by looking at more quantitative measures to help determine who is the more important singer.
Presley sits between the Beatles and Michael Jackson with the most records ever sold (reportedly around 600 million+ units). Sinatra is further down the list, with 150 units shifted.
Record labels for both Presley and Sinatra have tried valiantly to mine the ongoing interest in the singers, with reissues, remixes and repackagings.
Both labels have undoubtedly scraped the back of the vaults.
Although we can never settle the art vs. commerce debate, there is of course the annual list of 'The Top-Earning Dead Celebrities' which Elvis has dominated for most of the past decade.
This past year the Sinatra estate did not even make the top 13 list, but he was close to making the cut.
With Michael Jackson at number one but Elvis still earning $55 million 38 years after his death perhaps Frank will also join them in 2016 after celebrating what would have been his 100th birthday.
(Go here for original lengthy article on the Forbes website)
(News, Source;Forbes/ElvisInfoNet) |
Guitar Elvis left in Asheville at EPE auction: No one knows why Elvis gave his Gibson Ebony Dove guitar to an Asheville fan in 1975, but the event lives on in the collective consciousness, frequently recounted around the anniversary of the three-day affair that brought more than 20,000 people to the Civic Center.
Now, the guitar that has languished in the security of a local bank vault for 40 years is finally leaving town. The instrument is up for auction through EPE's Graceland Auctions in Memphis. It's expected to fetch $300,000-$500,000 on Jan. 7.
Jeff Marren, consignment director, said it wasn't difficult to authenticate the guitar.
“It’s been fairly well publicized over the years. That’s what we liked about it so much," he said. "It’s been in one person’s hands the whole time, and he was handed a guitar in the middle of a show in 1975."
Elvis was notoriously generous with his fans and staff, but a guitar that he had owned for about five years was a rare gift, even from him.
“Elvis was famous for handing out scarves at his shows, sometimes even jewelry," Marren said. "In terms of guitars going into the crowd, that was a little more unusual. That only happened a couple of times over the years.”
The Gibson Ebony Dove was likely one of Elvis' favorite instruments, and it had well documented stage appearances, such as the 1973 "Aloha from Hawaii" concert. Marren thinks Elvis might have played this guitar onstage more than any other.
Who will buy the instrument? Marren said it will probably go to an Elvis enthusiast or a guitar collector. |
 |
Elvis' father, Vernon, chose the black guitar to commemorate his son's black belt in karate, according to the auction catalog. A Kenpo Karate Association of America decal is affixed to the body of the instrument. The organization was founded by Elvis' bodyguard and instructor, Ed Parker, according to the catalog. The catalog also tells the story of the night Elvis gifted the guitar, including the moment Elvis predicted it would come in handy someday.
Whether his prediction actually came true is unclear, but the sale of the guitar will certainly be a windfall for the Asheville fan. Marren said the auction keeps a small percentage of the sale, but it's safe to say the cosigner will receive hundreds of thousands of dollars.
“We live in the real world, and we’re talking about real money and real people’s lives," he said.
(News, Source;AshevilleTimes/ElvisInfoNet) |
More UK Chart Entries: On the Amazon (UK) 'Best Selling Oldies And Retro Rock' list the new impact of Elvis' massive UK number one hit resounds as Elvis has the following album entries:
1. Elvis' 30 No.1 Hits - see EIN REVIEW HERE
2. Elvis: Ultimate Gospel (EIN Review here)
5. Christmas Peace (EIN review here)
13. Elvis: 2nd To None (EIN review here)
20. Elvis' Christmas Album
25. Gospel Favourites
32. The Real Elvis
35. Christmas Wishes
37. Elvis' Christmas Album (2nd Entry) (Different cover from No.20)
39. Elvis That's The Way It Is
45. How Great Thou Art
46. G.I. Blues
50. Elvis Presley (Elvis' First Album)
56. From The Heart - Greatest Love Songs
58. Always On My Mind
61. Moody Blue
73. Elvis The King
88. Peace In The Valley - The Complete Gospel Recordings
100. The Complete 68 Comeback Special.
This new upsurge is obviously to do with the success of the 'If I Can Dream' album.
(News, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNet) |
 |
Parkes Elvis Festival Australia: It’s been 38 years since Elvis Presley left the building, yet 20,000-plus Elvis fans still gather in the Australian central NSW town of Parkes annually to celebrate The King's Birthday each January.
Record crowds are expected for the 24th anniversary of the Parkes Elvis Festival, which will take place from Wednesday 6 to Sunday 10 January 2016. The theme of the 2016 Festival is ‘Fun In Acapulco’.
The Festival features a jam-packed five-day program of events, including four days of free Cooke Park Main Stage entertainment, look-a-like contests, Tribute to Elvis competitions, Street Parade, displays of Elvis artefacts at Greg Page’s The Kings Castle Elvis Exhibit, the Gospel Service, the Cars of the Era show and over 100 other unique Elvis-themed events.
For the first time, Parkes Elvis Festival proudly presents a preliminary round of the 2016 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Contest.
Across two momentous days, leading Australian and New Zealand Elvis tribute artists will compete for the opportunity to represent their nation in the semi-final round of the 2016 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist in Memphis during Elvis Week, August 2016.
Don’t miss the best Elvis tribute artists our countries have to offer as they perform live backed by the dynamic eight-piece Elvis In Concert band.
With $5,000 prize money up for grabs, the competition will be fierce.
The top eight finalists will then strive for Memphis before a panel of international expert judges in the Final at 2pm on Saturday 9 January.
Go here to the Parkes Elvis Festival website for more info
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
 |
Graceland Randers Forced by EPE to Change its Name: Despite on-line petitions from Elvis fans, Henrik Knudsen's Elvis Presley museum "Graceland Randers" in Denmark has been forced to rebrand after a legal challenge over its use of the name of the EPE's copyrighted Graceland home.
Graceland Randers, which opened in 2011 in the town of Randers, will now be known as the Memphis Mansion.
The building is a replica of Elvis' Memphis home, but is twice the size to house a shop and restaurant.
Henrik Knudsen, who runs the Danish attraction, said Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc demanded a name change.
He said the company also sought 1.5m kroner (£148,000) in compensation for the infringement of the Graceland name.
|
 |
Mr Knudsen opened Graceland Randers in 2011 and put almost 6,000 Elvis items, from guitars and letters to clothes, on display.
In a statement, he said: "Pending the case, we have chosen to change the name... namely to Memphis Mansion! It has been very difficult to find a new name... But we believe Memphis Mansion says it all. We also hope our customers and friends of the house will welcome our new name."
Reports that the museum would have to close because of the lawsuit were incorrect, he added. More than 130,000 people visited the museum in 2015.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
Elvis' Honeymoon Hideaway Birthday Celebration: on Saturday January 9 Elvis' Honeymoon Hideaway in Palm Springs have their Annual Elvis Birthday Celebration.
The party includes ...
Chance Tinder as Elvis.
Famous Living Room Concert- 3PM- 5PM and Morning Tours.
Includes Birthday Cake and Celebrities.
Rock-A Billy Great- Glen Glenn, Chan Romero "Hippy Hippy Shake", and Larry Geller.
Special guest performance by the Palm Desert Strummers!
Special morning tours available, this day only at 10am, 11am, 12pm and 1pm
Go HERE to their website for more info
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet.com)
|
 |
| Friday 25 December 2015 - MERRY CHRISTMAS BABY! |
Everyone at EIN wishes all of our readers a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Santa Claus Is Back in Town
(Jerry Leiber/ Mike Stoller)
Well, it's Christmas time pretty baby
And the snow is falling on the ground
Well, it's Christmas time pretty baby
And the snow is falling down
Well you be a real good little girl
Santa Claus is back in town
Got no sleigh with reindeer
No sack on my back
You're gonna see me comin' in a big black caddilac
Oh, it's Christmas time pretty baby
And the snow is falling on the ground
Well you be a real good little baby
Santa Claus is back in town
Merry Christmas everybody!
|
 |
EPE Fan Club Presidents 2015 CD: Always a lovely Elvis collectable, this is the 2015 Christmas CD that EPE sends to all official Elvis fan club presidents.
This year it again features three tracks...
1. The Wonderful World of Christmas
2. Holly Leaves And Christmas Trees
3. If Everyday Was Like Christmas
With thanks to Elvis Express Radio - EIN's copy has not arrived in time for Christmas.
(News, Source;ElvisExpress/ElvisInfoNet) |
 |
Tuesday 22 December 2015 - 3 days & Santa Claus is coming to town... |
'Live A Little, Love A Little' FTD Soundtrack Review: 'Live A Little, Love A Little' was Elvis’ 28th movie which at last featured somewhat more of an adult theme.
Billy Strange was the MGM session producer with new musicians from LA’s famous “Wrecking Crew” (Beach Boys, Phil Spector etc). The session was booked at Western Recorders and for the first time Elvis would be recording with a live full-size orchestra.
In a fascinating coincidence in the same month that Sony released 'If I Can Dream' with an overdubbed orchestra, FTD quietly released a genuine studio session of Elvis recording “live” with a full 40-piece orchestra! So what does the FTD CD give collectors? How does Elvis work in the studio with a full orchestra?
In 1968 Elvis was in great voice, there were four quality songs and all backed by a live orchestra. There was a genuine effort on the movie soundtrack to back a movie in which Elvis just couldn’t seem to get a smile off his face.
Go here as EIN contributor Ian Garfield examines this new release, as well as looking carefully at each of the four songs take by take to see what this CD has to offer.
(FTD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork) |
 |
'If I Can Dream' the First in a Series of Overdub Albums: EIN had already heard that the second RPO overdub album was being worked on and now Priscilla Presley has announced that she has plans for a series of similar albums.
In promotional interviews this week, Priscilla noted that Elvis was much more than just a rock 'n' roll star who was never taken seriously and that she doesn't want to demean his legacy with "hologram" concerts. (EIN Note- yet it is obviously OK for EPE to sell Elvis potato-head dolls?)
At the same time Priscilla commented, "I'll never forget walking out of the studio with him after he'd approved of how something should sound and told no one to touch the recording. Then we'd hear the song on the radio and he'd freak out because it had been changed and his voice was way out front."
Yet now EIN notes that as an executive producer Priscilla is doing exactly that, changing Elvis' original recordings pushing his voice out front and adding over-the-top orchestral overdubs!
She again remembered that "Elvis often talked of his desire to have full orchestras on stage with him". This, she reasons, would not have been a possibility during his lifetime since his manager Colonel Parker ruled with such an iron fist. |
 |
In reality, of course, Elvis did have 30-piece orchestras on stage with him and Aloha even included the Hawaii Philharmonic Orchestra! -
Sometimes Priscilla's promotional interviews make no sense!
While 'If I Can Dream' has been a MASSIVE seller in Europe (which is fine by EIN) it is also easy to be cynical.
As the Irish Times noted, "'If I Can Dream' is The King, the greatest singer of all time, reduced to having the likes of Eurovision entrants Il Volo digitally inserted alongside him. At best, you could say it's unnecessary; at worst, mawkish karaoke."
But Priscilla has an answer for the naysayers, "They don't have to listen. The music they love is still there, no one's taking that away, and this is something Elvis wanted to happen - I have proof, after living with him and hearing him talk about it."
EIN Note: This statement is ridiculous since IF Elvis had wanted to record with any Philharmonic Orchestra, RCA would have organised it immediately.
Priscilla went on, "Elvis was very frustrated as an artist. Song choices, particularly, upset him. He wanted to experiment, to be daring and be an artist, but he was a commodity to the record label. It was the same with his films. After the fourth film, he was done, but Colonel had signed a long deal and he had to carry on making them. They saw the money coming in and that was all they cared about.
If he stood up to the Colonel, he'd just mention the money Elvis was making as proof of their success and say that nothing could change. But the thing is, Elvis didn't care about money."
On these new albums we're not changing anything, we're embellishing. And we're not forcing it on anyone, the old songs exist. Here's something new to try, if you want to."
She does sometimes draw the line and as well as Priscilla who heads up the Elvis estate, there's a team of other people on the lookout for new opportunities, but also to stop things going too far.
"Elvis' image is a very precious thing to protect. For now we're concentrating on these overdub albums, and it's something I'm proud of because it allows Elvis to do what he always wanted. I would love to be able to expose Elvis as the great artist he was. He was never appreciated for what he was. And I'm still here, fighting in his corner."
EIN Note: As the world's biggest selling solo performer of all-time, recognised and praise by everyone from Bruce Springsteen to Lady Gaga and with a legacy that still pulls in $55 million per year 38 years after his death, it is bizarre to suggest that Elvis was "never appreciated for what he was."
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
Elvis Meets Nixon: It was forty-five years ago December 21 1970, Elvis
met with President Richard Nixon. Elvis had decided that he really
wanted a badge from the federal Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs.
In a letter to Nixon Elvis wrote, "Sir, I can and will be of any service that I can to help the country out.. I would love to meet you.. I will be in Washington for as long as it takes to get the credentials of a federal agent."
The first person Elvis would tell of his visit to see Nixon was Washington girlfriend Joyce Bova. As she relates in her book 'Don't Ask Forever: My Love Affair With Elvis, when she and her sister Janice visited Elvis at the Hotel Washington he was looking very pleased with himself!
Joyce asked Elvis why exactly he was back in Washington..
... Elvis continued, “it was when I was flyin’ back here with Schilling that I got the idea to meet Nixon.” I turned to Janice and saw she was trying to muffle a laugh.
|
 |
“Elvis,” I said, trying to keep my own face straight, “what idea? What do you mean, you decided to call the President? What for? An appointment.” He was deadly serious. “I figured if I could see him today, then—”
“Today?” Janice looked from Elvis to me.
It had been years since she worked on Capitol Hill, but Janice knew as well as I did how difficult it was to get any appointment with the President of the United States, and that getting one immediately was virtually impossible.
“C’mon, Elvis,” she challenged, “you’re making this up, aren’t you? You don’t have to impress us,” she teased goodnaturedly.
“Shucks, ya can see right through me, can’t they, Sonny?” The curled-lip grin spread and became a full, cat-who-ate-the-canary smile. He stood, marched across the room, took something from a table and turned to hold it up to us.
“ ’Cept I wonder then, how I got this?” It was a badge from the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs and it certainly looked to us to be the genuine article.
“Elvis,” I said, “you actually met with the President?”
“Nixon, man,” he said, nodding and pacing at the same time. “I knew he’d want to see me. He’s a smart guy. I knew he’d be glad I wanted to help him.”
He palmed the badge and sat back down alongside me, still extremely animated, glancing at the badge as he spoke. “That sonofabitch, Finlator, man, he didn’t want to give it to me, but Nixon, man, he made him.”
GO HERE to EIN's exclusive Interview with Joyce Bova - and how to buy the newly updated book
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
'Elvis Live In The 50’S - The Complete Concert Recordings' New Box-set PREORDER Now: Memphis Recording Service will have its first release in 4 years titled 'Elvis Live In The 50’S - The Complete Concert Recordings' on February 19th 2016.
This box set is the ultimate tribute to Elvis Presley documenting his shows from the 1950’s. The 3 CD’s represent for the first time ever, the release of the complete collection of archival live concert recordings (including rare interviews and the recently discovered new material) by Elvis Presley in the 1950’s.
All of the 82 tracks included have been painstakingly remastered and restored. Fans who enjoyed previous mastered works of the MRS team such as ‘Such a Night in Pearl Harbor’, ‘The Complete Hayride Archives’ and Boxcar’s remastered works of the Orlando February 1977 concert, are in for a treat. Our restoration techniques have now been applied to the Tupelo shows as well as the Eagles Hall, Frontier and Robinson Auditorium shows.
Combined with further works on the Hayride the quality of these recordings is now far superior to ever before.
The 172 page book is a chronological photo journey following Elvis from the very first to the very last shows performed in the 1950’s. It contains linear notes that includes every show listing (now updated) and is accompanied by hundreds of photographs many of which are rare and unpublished.
The tracklist includes Elvis' performances from 16th October 1954, through to Interviews from Elvis in Tupelo, 27th September 1957.
Go to "All The CD News 2015' for details and tracklist. |
 |
Elvis IICD BACK UP to #2 in Official UK Charts!: No wonder the second RPO overdub album is being arranged as Elvis' 'If I Can Dream' album incredible run on the UK charts continues with this week it going BACK UP to No.2. Once again only being beaten by the new Adele album - incredibly the new Coldplay album just couldn't compete!
1 Adele - 25 (376,716)
2 Elvis Presley - If I Can Dream (121,488)
3 Coldplay - A Head Full of Dreams (119,555)
4 Justin Bieber - Purpose (102,823)
5 Jess Glynne - I Cry When I Laugh (64,515)
and at # 75 Elvis Presley - Elvis' 30 No.1 Hits
Total sales to date for If I Can Dream: 636,194 units
|
 |
Other entries on the UK Charts for w/e 18.12.2015:
- 'If I Can Dream' rises from 3 to 2 on the Physical Albums Chart; rises from 14 to 13 on the Download Chart; rises from 3 to 2 on the Album Sales Chart and rises from 97 to 86 on Album Streaming.
- 'Elvis' 30 No.1 Hits' drops from 82 to 83 on the Physical Album Chart; rises from 100 to 90 on the Download Album Chart; rises from 78 to 75 on the Album Sales Chart and rises from 99 to 89 on the Album Streaming Chart.
- 'Artist Of The Century' rises from 84 to 65 on the Album Streaming Chart.
- 'I Am An Elvis Fan' is a re-entry at 96 on Album Streaming Chart.
- 'The King Of Rock 'n' Roll' still 36 on the Top Music Video Chart.
- 'The Elvis Presley Collection' drops from 27 to 46 on the Top Music Video Chart.
- 'If I Can Dream' rises from 3 to 2 on the Scottish Albums Chart.
- Elvis' 30 No.1 Hits' drops from 75 to 80 on the Scottish Albums Chart.
- 'Burning Love' (IICD single Version) rises from 90 to 85 on the Scottish Singles Chart.
(News, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNet) |
 |
| Friday 18 December 2015 ................... I'll Be Home For Christmas - .... 7 sleeps to go... |
'Elvis Live In The 50’S - The Complete Concert Recordings' New Box-set: Memphis Recording Service will have its first release in 4 years titled 'Elvis Live In The 50’S - The Complete Concert Recordings' on February 19th 2016.
This box set is the ultimate tribute to Elvis Presley documenting his shows from the 1950’s. The 3 CD’s represent for the first time ever, the release of the complete collection of archival live concert recordings (including rare interviews and the recently discovered new material) by Elvis Presley in the 1950’s.
All of the 82 tracks included have been painstakingly remastered and restored. Fans who enjoyed previous mastered works of the MRS team such as ‘Such a Night in Pearl Harbor’, ‘The Complete Hayride Archives’ and Boxcar’s remastered works of the Orlando February 1977 concert, are in for a treat.
Our restoration techniques have now been applied to the Tupelo shows as well as the Eagles Hall, Frontier and Robinson Auditorium shows.
Combined with further works on the Hayride the quality of these recordings is now far superior to ever before.
The 172 page book is a chronological photo journey following Elvis from the very first to the very last shows performed in the 1950’s. It contains linear notes that includes every show listing (now updated) and is accompanied by hundreds of photographs many of which are rare and unpublished.
The tracklist includes Elvis' performances from 16th October 1954, through to WELO Interviews from Elvis in Tupelo, 27th September 1957.
Go to "All The CD News 2015' for details and tracklist.
(News, Source;MRS/ElvisInfoNet)
|
|
| Thursday 17 December 2015 ................... only 8 sleeps to Merry Christmas Baby! |
FTD December Releases OUT NOW!: The two new FTD December releases, one double-set of Elvis Live in 1976 and the classic album 'Elvis Golden Records Vol.3' with plenty of unreleased outtakes - are at your dealers NOW!
- 'Elvis Golden Records Vol.3' is the new 2-CD release in FTD's classic album series. It features a 7” digipack with 12-page booklet. By the time Elvis' Golden Records Vol. 3 was released in August 1963, no one in rock ‘n’ roll up to that point, other than Elvis, had ever legitimately earned a second ‘greatest hits’ volume, much less a third. It also embodied the best commercial examples of Presley’s new post-Army maturity, as both vocalist and musician, and the songs featured on this album achieved an unparalleled level of global chart success by any artist between 1960 and 1963.
The recent 'Elvis For Everyone' FTD featured a second CD which helped "mop-up" officially previously released outtakes and it truly was one of FTD's best releases in 2014. Here FTD continues the same idea with plenty of unreleased early 60s outtakes being released for the first time such as the remaining seven outtakes of 'Fame and Fortune' or four unreleased takes of 'Kiss Me Quick'.
|
 |
- 'Elvis In Alabama: The Last Double Date' is a 2-CD 5” digpack containing both the afternoon and evening show in Huntsville on September 6, 1976. Includes America The Beautiful, Love Letters, School Day, Hurt and Blue Christmas.
The evening show was previously released on bootleg as "Elvis Still Rockin' The Nation" although Elvis was notably tired on this tour. The Afternoon show is reputed to be the better concert.
Last Double Date - Huntsville Alabama, September 6 1976
Disc 1 - The Afternoon Show. 1 See See Rider 02 I Got A Woman / Amen 03 Love Me 04 Fairytale 05 You Gave Me A Mountain 06 All Shook Up 07 Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel 08 And I Love You So 09 Jailhouse Rock 10 America The Beautiful 11 One Night 12 Polk Salad Annie 13) Introductions a) Early Mornin’ Rain b) What’d I Say c) Johnny B. Goode 14) Love Letters 15) School Day 16) Hurt 17) Hound Dog 18) Funny How Time Slips Away 19) That’s All Right 20) Can’t Help Falling In Love 21) Closing Vamp
Go here to EIN's 'FTD / SONY News 2015' for all the details .
(News, Source;FTD/ElvisInfoNet) |
 |
'If I Can Dream' UK Platinum Award: Elvis was apparently too busy to pick up his new Platinum Album Award for over 500,000 sales this week. Executive producer of the album Priscilla stepped in to accept the award on UK television.
The Award is actually nominated to Priscilla and not Elvis!
The plaque says, "Presented To PRISCILLA PRESLEY. To recognise sales in the United Kingdom in excess of 500,000 copies of Elvis Presley's 12th UK No. 1 album 'If I Can Dream' 2015."
This is somewhat strange as during his career Elvis never wanted Priscilla at his recording sessions and her dislike of his co-composed song "You'll Be Gone" caused Elvis to have a fit. As noted in the book 'Elvis By The Presleys' after the incident "Elvis never tried to write a song again". If true, then the blame for Elvis no longer trying to explore his creative song-writing side of his talent must be taken by Priscilla. And now she's picking up his album producer's prize! What would Elvis think?
EIN does of course acknowledge the GREAT JOB Priscilla did in marketing this album and getting it to Number One.
|
 |
Brenda Lee remembers Her Elvis' TLC gift: Every year, there are piles of presents under Brenda Lee's Christmas tree, but one of her favourite gifts is one she received years ago.
Elvis Presley presented Lee with a "TLC"-"Tender Loving Care" necklace that the rocker occasionally gave to his female friends. (Elvis' male friends and colleagues received similar jewellery, with TCB pendants for "Taking Care of Business." One of those TCB necklaces is currently on display at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in "Flyin' Saucers Rock and Roll," an exhibit paying tribute to producer Sam Phillips.)
Lee's TLC necklace is on display next to a photo of her and Presley taken backstage at the Ryman Auditorium in December 1957, the night of Lee's Grand Ole Opry debut. She had just turned 13; he was 22, and they'd both go on to have legendary careers.
After that night at the Ryman, the two became friends and would remain so until Presley passed away in 1977. For Lee, the framed necklace and photo are daily reminders of her dear friend. Her favourite thing about Presley was "his loyalty" to his family, friends and fans.
"Elvis never lost that Southern, genteel, gentlemanly persona. Of course, that came from Miss Gladys (Presley's mother)," Lee explained. "I loved that about him. He was that way to the end."
The Tennessean is celebrating 12 Days of Brenda Lee this year. Visit Tennessean.com/music every day through Dec. 25 to see videos of "Little Miss Dynamite" sharing memories from her career and her favourite holiday traditions.
(News, Source;TN/ElvisInfoNet) |
 |
US Billboard Charts: Once again Elvis' cheap 'It's Christmas Time' compilation is dominant in the US charts over 'If I Can Dream' down at 144! The US marketing section of EPE should expect a rocket!
'It's Christmas Time' rises from 59 to 57 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart for w/e 26th December, 2015; rises from 47 to 42 0n the Top Album Sales Chart; remains at 8 on the Catalog Albums Chart and drops from 7 to 8 on the Holiday Albums Chart.
'The Classic Christmas Album' rises from 132 to 117 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart; rises from 97 to 84 on the Top Album Sales Chart; rises from 25 to 20 on the Catalog Albums Chart and is a new entry at 23 on the Holiday Albums Chart.
'Elvis: Ultimate Christmas' rises from 170 to 126 on the Top 200 Albums Chart; is a new entry at 82 on the Top Album Sales Chart; rises from 28 to 21 on the Holiday Albums Chart; rises from 14 to 11 on the Top Country Albums Chart and rises from 13 to 10 on the Top Rock Albums.
|
|
'Merry Christmas, Love Elvis' rises from 169 to 151 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart and drops from 27 to 33 on the Holiday Albums Chart.
'If I Can Dream' rises from 148 to 144 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart and remains at 2 on the Classical Album Chart.
'Blue Christmas' (Single) drops from 15 to 17 on the Holiday 100 Chart; drops from 18 to 22 on the Holiday Digital Songs Chart and rises from 18 to 16 on the Holiday Airplay Chart.
'Here Comes Santa Claus' (Right Down Santa Claus Lane) (Single) drops from 22 to 23 on the Holiday 100 Chart and rises from 13 to 12 on the Country Streaming Songs Chart.
Elvis drops from 35 to 38 on the Artist 100 Chart.
(News, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNet) |
| Tuesday 15 December 2015 ................... only 10 sleeps until Santa comes to town! |
'That’s The Way It Is – Studio and Stage Rehearsals' Import box-set: After the announcement below for the 'TTWII rehearsals box-set' the revamped International label has announced another similar up-coming project!
From the Press release ... This 8-CD + dual layer DVD plus Book will contain everything from these rehearsals. Finally, you are getting these rehearsals uncut, straight from actual tapes, which have not been used before in full. All rehearsals including the August 4th, 7th and 10th rehearsals are now presented more complete than before. The dual layer DVD contains all rehearsal footage shot, including new footage. Count on at least 20 minutes of footage that will surprise even hardcore fans!
You deserve the best, and International’s version is the definitive version and the final word on these rehearsals. The box set includes a 250+ page book stuffed with both known as well as many rare shots, many of them in color, including a few from August 10th that will knock your socks off!! … 300 photos in all, many of them sourced from the actual negatives.
The book contains an in-depth text on these rehearsals, written with authority by one of the leading Elvis experts. The text will give you various new details and insights. Also added are several reproductions of original TTWII souvenirs. The set is housed in a beautiful slipcase cover.
This project has been two years in the making and all the audio and footage have been newly remastered using the latest technology… a real audio / visual treat, made by real fans for the fans. For now, enjoy this spectacular new set, lovingly researched and compiled from the actual sources, containing more material than before, and remastered with expertise for the best sound possible… a true winner.
Coming January / February 2016.
EIN Note - This project has nothing to do with the INTERNATIONAL label that released the marvellous 'TTWII The Complete works" back in 2009. -
With two unknown labels offering similar product we suggest checking genuine reviews before ordering.
(News, Source;ElvisNews/ElvisInfoNet)
|
 |
'Elvis: Our Brother' New Stanley's Book: Recently announced, a new book by the three Stanley brothers coming out in 2016. The publicity notes, "Stepbrothers to Elvis Presley Billy, Ricky and David Stanley share the inside untold story of growing up in rock & rolls first family."
To be published August 16, 2016.
Of course all three Stanley brothers have already published their own individual books.
'Elvis, My Brother' by Billy Stanley
'Life With Elvis' by David Stanley
'Caught in a Trap: Elvis Presley's Tragic Lifelong Search for Love' by Billy Stanley
Plus the disturbing 'Elvis, We Love You Tender' written with their mother Dee Stanley.
EIN wonders what more can they tell in a new, combined book?
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
|
 |
'The Guest House at Graceland' rated in Sydney magazine: A nice promotion for the new Guest House at Graceland by Australia's Sydney Morning Herald. The paper rated the new Graceland Guest House as one of the "Best New hotel openings for 2016".
As well as new hotels in Australia and overseas, the new Memphis hotel was the only one listed for the USA...
The article states, "There are some great hotel openings across the US, from the ultra-cool James Hotel in Hollywood, to the boutique historic beauty of the Hi-Lo in Portland, Oregon. But will any other generate as much excitement as this?
The 450-room The Guest House at Graceland on Elvis Presley Boulevard, the largest hotel project in Memphis for more than 90 years, is inspired by Elvis Presley's home and promises that "every aspect of The Guest House at Graceland will reflect Elvis's personal style (EIN - Really??!!) and the unique character of Graceland, from the southern colonial exterior to themed specialty suites, many with designs supervised by Priscilla Presley".
Opens late October 2016.
(News, Source;SMH/ElvisInfoNet) |
 |
Elvis IICD still #3 in Official UK Charts: The 'If I Can Dream' album is having an incredible run in the UK charts and this week drops only one place to No.3. It is only being beaten by the new Adele album and the new Coldplay album released this week to much publicity.
1 Adele - 25 (353,765)
2 Coldplay - A Head Full of Dreams (235,975) *
3 Elvis Presley - If I Can Dream (104,574)
4 Justin Bieber - Purpose (91,182)
5 Jess Glynne - I Cry When I Laugh (42,959)
Total sales to date for IICD: 514,605 units.
(News, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNet) |
|
| "Baby, Let's Play House": Recorded at Sun Studios in February 1955, Presley’s historic rendition of "Baby, Let's Play House" reveals the comprehensive love for – and knowledge of – the blues. Compared to the Arthur Gunter original Elvis’s version is much more emphatic, playful, exuberant, tougher and scornful. The interplay between Bill Black’s thunderous bass-slapping, Elvis’s audacious, experimental vocal – he makes use of every trick in his rapidly expanding vocal repertoire – and Scotty Moore’s snarling rhythm guitar creates something that transcends such labels as country and blues.
“You may have a pink Cadillac but don’t you be nobody’s fool.” But who is Elvis singing to here?
In this EIN Spotlight respected author Paul Simpson takes a fascinating look at this Sun Studios Elvis classic..
(Spotlight, Source;PaulSimpson/ElvisInformationNetwork) |
 |
"That's The Way It Is: The Rehearsals" New Import: From an unknown label the publicity notes, This deluxe 8 CD set features the 'That's The Way It Is' rehearsals. The rehearsals that lead to the legendary shows at the International Hotel in Las Vegas during the summer of 1970 and resulted in the documentary film well known by any Elvis fan. Both the studio & stage rehearsals are powerful and full of fun. He looked great, He sounded great and he was committed to make the upcoming shows a mind blowing success. The rehearsals are presented in the best possible audio quality, and remastered where necessary. With as a highlight the August 10 stage rehearsal remastered "from scratch" and unedited as they were available on the original tapes. This is a very limited release only...... Get it while you can and get back to the summer of 1970.
|
 |
July 14, 1970 (MGM Studios , Culver City, Los Angeles, California)
July 15, 1970 (part 1) (MGM Studios, Culver City, Los Angeles, California)
July 15, 1970 (part 2) (MGM Studios, Culver City, Los Angeles, California)
July 24, 1970 (part 1) (RCA Studios Hollywood, California)
July 24, 1970 (part 2) (RCA Studios Hollywood, California)
July 29, 1970 (MGM Studios, Culver City, Los Angeles, California)
August 4, 1970 (International Hotel, Convention Centre, Las Vegas, Nevada)
August 7, 1970 (International Hotel, Convention Centre, Las Vegas, Nevada)
August 10 (International Hotel, Convention Centre, Las Vegas, Nevada)
EIN Note: There seems to be nothing new here - these have all been out on previous bootlegs such as 'The Brightest Star', 'Hang Loose' and 'Plugged In and Geared Up' - BUT it is a clever idea to collect them all together in a box set.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
"Hits Of The 70's Volume 2" New Import: From an unknown label following up on the success of the FTD "Hits Of The 70's", this import looks like a collection that any fan can put together. The publicity notes.... A great follow up of the 1970’s volume 1 album ! Housed in 6 panel digipack, this is a cool 70’s hit compilation album, that also includes rare and hard to find outtakes.
SINGLES: Steamroller Blues, I’ve Got A Thing About You Baby, If You Talk In Your Sleep, Promised Land, My Boy, It’s Midnight, T.R.O.U.B.L.E, Hurt, For The Heart, Moody Blue, She Thinks I Still Care, Way Down, Pledging My Love, My Way, Unchained Melody, Are You Sincere.
Bonus Tracks: Promised Land ( Undubbed Master), Are You Sincere (Take 2), If You Talk In Your Sleep (Unedited Undubbed Master), It’s Midnight (Undubbed Master), I’ve Got A Thing About You Baby (Rough Mix Of Master), T.R.O.U.B.L.E ( Original Session Mix ), For The Heart ( Undubbed Master ), Way Down ( Rough Mix Of Master ), Moody Blue ( Take 5 ), Unchained Melody (Undubbed Live Master ),
EIN Note: Quite a fine idea for lovers of Elvis' later work. A good track selection that I might compile for myself over the weekend.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
 |
| Thursday 10 December 2015 |
Elvis' Birthday Celebration to Commemorate His Breakout Year in Music: The up and coming 2016 Elvis Birthday celebrations will commemorate Elvis' "Breakout Year" in music, film and TV. The Auction at Graceland will also include Elvis’ Iconic Guitar from the legendary “Aloha from Hawaii” Concert
Numerous events are already scheduled by EPE including the Birthday Proclamation Ceremony on Friday, January 8 which includes a cake cutting ceremony on the front lawn of Graceland in Memphis.
The birthday celebration at Graceland will also kick-off a year-long celebration of the 60th Anniversary of Elvis’ breakout year in music, film and television. In January 1956, Elvis’ first gold record, “Heartbreak Hotel” was released and by April had sold one million copies. He ended the year with two million-selling albums. He made his national television debut on The Dorsey Brothers’ Stage Show on CBS that same year and went on to appear on network television 11 times that year, including his legendary performances on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” He also starred in his first movie, “Love Me Tender,” and signed a seven-year film contract with Paramount Pictures.
|
 |
Special guest speakers at the Graceland events include Glenn Derringer who, as an 11-year-old child-prodigy pianist appeared on the Dorsey Brothers Show with Elvis in March 1956. He’ll share his memories of the man the world would later know as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Also speaking will be June Juanico, who dated Elvis in 1955-1956.
The Auction at Graceland will kick-off the celebration on Thursday, January 7 in the Graceland Archives Studio. Among the 126 authenticated artifacts consigned for auction is the legendary guitar played by Elvis during the groundbreaking Aloha from Hawaii concert and at over 100 additional live performances. The Gibson Ebony Dove guitar, with an estimate of $300,000 to $500,000, has never been up for auction before and is one of the most culturally-significant and celebrated guitars in music history. Other auction highlights are an incredible handwritten letter to his pal Alan "Hog Ears" Fortas while he was in the Army, original recording of the Louisiana Hayride show in which the famous phrase "Elvis has left the building" was first uttered, an early 1956 signed concert contract, a classic "TCB" gold necklace gifted to his friend Sam Thompson, a digital Omega watch gifted to Charlie Hodge, a crystal and diamond ring gifted to Linda Thompson, Elvis' leather coat and Colonel Parker's Harem Holiday robe. Every artifact is authenticated by Graceland Authenticated, LLC.
Graceland’s new Hollywood VIP exhibit, “Elvis in Hollywood: From Teen Idol to Leading Man,” will open on Thursday, January 7 and continue the 60th anniversary celebration by highlighting Elvis Presley’s time on the silver screen. The exhibit will feature artifacts from Hollywood blockbusters such as “Love Me Tender” (1956), “Loving You”
|
|
(1957) and “Viva Las Vegas” (1964) to tell the story of how Elvis transitioned from groundbreaking music artist to Hollywood’s highest-paid actor. Additional artifacts include wardrobe, personal scripts (featuring his own handwritten notes), rare behind-the-scenes photos, and a variety of other Elvis movie memorabilia.
Other activities celebrating the birthday include the Memphis Symphony Orchestra with singer/musician/song writer Terry Mike Jeffrey and his band performing a Pops concert titled “Love Me Tender: The Great Elvis Love Songs” on Saturday, January 9 at the Cannon Center in Memphis.
(News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet) |
Elvis 'My Happiness' Grammy Nomination: In a weird twist of fate Elvis' very first acetate recording from 1953 has been nominated for a "Best Recorded Package" Grammy Award in 2016!
This year's top nominees for the 58th Grammy Awards, presented by the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, include Kendrick Lamar (who received 11 nominations), megastar Taylor Swift (seven nominations), and Canadian crooner the Weeknd (seven). But somewhat bizarrely also included Elvis Presley for a record that he only recorded on acetate for himself.
Supporting Elvis' nomination are also current stars such as Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift who earned the trifecta of nominations with album, record, and song of the year categories.
Jack White bought Elvis' first acetate for $300,000 and the direct facsimile was released through his "Third Man Records" label. The 10-inch, 78rpm facsimile vinyl re-release of Elvis Presley’s “My Happiness” in the award honors the label's art directors Jack White & Nathanio Strimpopulos.
|
 |
Other nominations for Best Recording Package are..
"My Happiness," Nathanio Strimpopulos (Elvis Presley)
"Alagoas," Alex Trochut (Alagoas)
"Bush," Anita Marisa Boriboon (Snoop Dogg)
"How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful (Deluxe Edition)," Brian Roettinger, art director (Florence + the Machine)
"Still the King: Celebrating the Music of Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys," Sarah Dodds, Shauna Dodds and Dick Reeves (Asleep at the Wheel)
The GRAMMY® Awards will be held on Monday, February 15th at the Staples Center in Los Angeles and broadcast live on CBS from 8-11:30 pm (ET/PT).
(News, Source;TMRecords/ElvisInfoNet) |
Elvis Presley Estate Fighting Sony Over Royalties: In the 1970s, the King and the Colonel got a $5.4 million buyout from RCA, but then copyright was extended, and consumers moved to digital outlets like iTunes and Spotify.
Elvis may have left the building, but the digital income issues that have bedeviled more contemporary musicians have hardly escaped the King.
EPE as his estate is currently battling a subsidiary of Sony Music in Germany over foreign royalties. This month, the 4-year-old legal battle spilled into a New York federal court as EPE contends with Sony's corporate structure and intercompany licensing agreements and looks to obtain more documentation on how Presley's musical works have been exploited.
EIN Note - This may seem strange as EPE are embedded with Sony worldwide when it comes to the like of 'If I Can Dream' that has recently topped European charts making both Sony & EPE a lot of money.
In 1974, Presley entered into a buyout agreement with RCA, terminating all previous agreements between the musician and the record company. As part of that deal, Presley got $2.8 million, and his manager "Colonel" Tom Parker got $2.6 million.
What the King didn't see coming was copyright term extensions that would push back the date when his songs entered the public domain. A lot more revenues would be enjoyed by the owner of such hits as "Love Me Tender" and "Hound Dog." In Germany, for example, where Presley was once |
 |
stationed as a soldier in the Army and remains popular, the copyright to his songs were once scheduled to expire in the 1990s whereas now they enjoy another twenty to thirty years of protection.
Backed by a private equity firm, EPE went to court in Germany looking to amend the buyout contract for more "equitable remuneration."
EIN Note - This seems ludicrous and Colonel Parker at the time sold Elvis up-the-river so that Parker could pay off gambling debts. But convinced Elvis that it was a good idea. Which Elvis agreed to. Yet now in 2015 EPE wants some money back - yet the guy who earned the money is long gone!
Thanks to decisions by several regional and appeals courts in Munich, EPE is only being allowed to pursue royalty claims since 2008.
While revenue earned on phonograms continues to dwindle, money from digital exploitation is unsurprisingly headed north. Naturally, EPE wants a bigger share of this pie and is treading on arguments that have come up in American courts by other prominent musicians.
The money being pocketed by SONY for Elvis songs in Germany also includes public broadcast income as well as other sources.
|
 |
As for what EPE has actually gotten from the Buyout Agreement for 2008-2013, the inflation adjusted remuneration has been calculated at $245,945 compared to $6.3 million allegedly reaped by Sony entities.
A response from Sony will be filed soon.
(News, Source;SM/ElvisInfoNet) |
US Billboard Charts: With the Elvis' cheap 'It's Christmas Time' compilation at #59 in the charts 'If I Can Dream' has already plunged to #148 in the US album charts. The US marketing section of EPE should expect a kick-up-the-butt from management.
'It's Christmas Time' rises from 78 to 59 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart for w/e 19th December, 2015. It also rises from 65 to 47 on the Top Album Sales (selling some 11,430 units); rises from 11 to 8 on the Catalog Album Chart and rises from 8 to 7 on the Holiday Album Chart.
'The Classic Christmas Album' rises from 194 to 132 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart; is also a re-entry at 97 on the Top Album Sales Chart; rises from 26 to 25 on the Catalog Album Chart and rises from 3 to 1 on the Country Catalog Album Chart.
'If I Can Dream' drops from 102 to 148 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart; remains at 2 on the Classical Album Chart and drops from 57 to 78 on the Top Current Album Chart. |
|
'Merry Christmas, Love Elvis' is a new entry at 169 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart; remains at 31 on the Catalog Album Chart; drops from 25 to 27 on the Holiday Album Chart and remains at 5 on the Country Catalog Album Chart.
'Elvis: Ultimate Christmas' is a new entry at 170 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart; drops from 22 to 28 on the Holiday Album Chart; rises from 17 to 14 on the Top Country Album Chart (selling some 5,800 units); rises from 21 to 13 on the Top Rock Album Chart and rises from 96 to 80 on the Top Current Album Chart.
'Blue Christmas' (Single) rises from 19 to 15 on the Holiday 100 Chart; rises from 23 to 18 on the Holiday Digital Songs Chart and rises from 23 to 18 on the Holiday Airplay Chart.
'Here Comes Santa Claus' (Right Down Santa Claus Lane) (Single) rises from 23 to 22 on the Holiday 100 Chart and is a new entry at 13 on the Country Streaming Songs Chart.
Elvis rises from 75 to 35 on the Artist 100 Chart.
(News, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNet) |
“Elvis: The New Sessions” New PD CD: Another CD from the same producer behind “Elvis: The New Recordings,” which debuted in January 2015 on the 80th anniversary of Presley’s birth and quickly won worldwide praise from fans and music critics alike. The publicity notes.... Many people asked for another overdub CD and this is it: “Elvis: The New Sessions” (2016).
(EIN - That's odd we thought 'If I Can Dream' was an Overdub album!!:-)
These 20 tracks represent some of The King’s best studio work, from a timeframe when he was in good health and good voice (1957-62). Some of the songs are classics, while others may be unfamiliar to you. First and foremost, the producer has been careful to preserve the intimacy, simplicity and authenticity of Elvis’s vocal performances through expert remastering and remixing.
The musicians who played on this new CD have backed major stars like Aretha Franklin, Elton John, Patti Austin, Barry Manilow, Carrie Underwood, Willie Nelson, Norah Jones, Don McLean, Jaci Velasquez, Paul Simon, the Dixie Chicks and more. One of them even played for the Pope!
|
 |
Each of these songs will sound FRESH AND NEW to you — as if Elvis just recorded them today! The repertoire runs the gamut from Memphis/Sun studio-style rock and blues, to pop stylings with lush strings, to Nashville with steel and dobro, to Latin-flavored up-tempo (including twin trumpets), some quiet ballads with an acoustic feel, a reworking of a Presley Gospel number and even a beloved traditional Christmas carol — “Silent Night” — on which, for the first time, Elvis is backed by an angelic children’s choir! It is a tour de force of some of Elvis’s best vocal performances.
This CD is a vivid reminder of how good this iconic performer, Elvis Presley, was during his prime.
EIN NOTES: This CD is a Public Domain CD featuring songs from before 1962. Most tracks features the original masters (i.e. with the Jordanaires) plus added new overdubs. Interestingly this album features 'It’s Now Or Never' that was similarly overdubbed on the recent 'If I Can Dream' album! I wonder what Priscilla thinks of this album!
Tracklist: 1. Suspicion, 2. Fountain Of Love, 3. A Mess Of Blues, 4. Blueberry Hill, 5. It’s Now Or Never, 6. Such An Easy Question, 7. It’s So Strange, 8. Are You Lonesome Tonight?, 9. Love Me, 10. Forget Me Never, 11. Loving You, 12. Sentimental Me, 12. Return To Sender, 14. I Feel That I’ve Known You Forever, 15. As Long As I Have You, 16. True Love, 17. Young And Beautiful, 18. Where Do You Come From?, 19. In My Father’s House, 20. Silent Night**Elvis with children from the Blackpool Aspire Gospel Choir.
Click HERE to listen to samples from the whole album and you will know if it is right for you.
(News, Source;GoodMusic/ElvisInfoNet) |
"Elvis & Nixon" Movie - EPE leaves out Sonny West!: EPE has a clear bias in the favourites that they use for publicity from Elvis' close friends. It is very notable that Elvis' blood relative Billy Smith was not even asked to participate in the 'Elvis By The Presleys' release.
Now Marty Lacker comments about the new upcoming movie 'Elvis & Nixon' ...
... Reading your recent story about the new movie 'Elvis & Nixon' pisses me of to see, once again, the injustice being done to Sonny West by Jerry Schilling and EPE. Sonny was present and as prominent as Schilling that day at the White House and should have been included in that movie but because Priscilla the bitch has a problem with those of us that don't kiss her ass, her mandate to her stooges is to not mention some of us.
Even in his quest to recover from his terrible medical problems Sonny is aware of this slight |
|
to him and in fact mentioned it to me just the other day.
I hope you will print this and at least let the fans know Sonny shared in this historical day with Elvis. (photo above)
Sonny always does the right thing and includes Schilling when talking about that day. Sonny and Jerry were the only two people with Elvis that day.
None of the other guys were present or even in Washington.
Let me also add to what I previously stated about Schilling and the Nixon movie, I mentioned his being the culprit because he's listed as a consultant on the movie and represents EPE. BTW, the guy they have playing Elvis looks more like Ichabod Crane than Elvis from the pictures I've seen of scenes from the movie.
Thanks, Marty.
(News, Source;ML/ElvisInfoNet) |
 |
Sonny West Health Update: The Wests are doing it tough and Sonny's family is trying to raise some funds. EIN has heard from Marty Lacker that Sonny is still having troubles with the cancer and fluid on his lungs plus his wife Judy has heart issues and that all this has taken its toll on them financially.
His son has posted, "I want to thank everyone on behalf of our family. All of the prayers and support means so much in these difficult times. We appreciate everyones donations. No donation is too small. I merely want my dad to have the best care available. I believe Elvis would want the same. Prayer is also very strong, especially when two or more are gathered. It makes me feel very good and extremely proud to see how much my dad is loved and cared about.
This is a son asking if you have it somewhere in your heart to give a
donation.....I know it would mean the world to my dad and lift his
spirits. To see how many people care and are rooting for him. God bless
and thank you. - Bryan West.
If anyone is willing or able, please donate some money to one of Elvis' closest friends - Click here to the Sonny West 'Fund Me' page.
To know more about Sonny West and his friendship with Elvis please see EIN's 2007 in-depth interview with Sonny West - (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
|
 |
Elvis crooned song to Tom Jones during awkward shower meeting!: EIN was not going to run this ridiculous Elvis story that Tom Jones is once again using to promote his own ego. But as it is about "Elvis" the story has been seen everywhere.
The story is.. Tom Jones had the most awkward encounter with his hero Elvis Presley when The King opted to relieve himself while pitching the Brit a new song.
The two rockers became friends in the mid-1960s after a meeting in Los Angeles, and when Presley heard a song he thought was perfect for the Welshman, he insisted on visiting him in his hotel suite, while Jones was taking a shower.
The 'It's Not Unusual' singer could hear Elvis singing in the bathroom as he cleaned up and it was only when he stepped out did he realise The King had been crooning on the toilet.
"He was standing there cleaning up, looking in the mirror and so I'm naked and he's half-naked; his pants are down by his ankles," Jones told U.S. chat show host Conan O'Brien.
"He's singing this song to me. I'm trying to towel down and Elvis is singing... and then of course I said, 'Elvis, you know your pants...' and he went, 'Red!', because he used to have a bodyguard called Red... so Red busts through the door, thinking there's something wrong... and he says, 'My pants, man...'"
Red West, then proceeded to help Elvis squeeze back into his skintight leather trousers.
Tom has previously opened up about his friendship with Elvis, noting they had all types of conversations.
|
 |
"He would say to me, 'Tom, you're a lucky man, because you married your childhood sweetheart'," Tom recalled.
"Elvis said, 'How do you sing like that?' That's what he said, to me. I said, 'Well, you're partly to blame.' He said, 'Yeah, but I grew up in the South, listening to black gospel. How did you learn it?' I said, 'By listening to you, and people like you. By listening to Mahalia Jackson.' I was getting it on the radio, but we were both white boys listening to black singers."
(News, Source;Tabloids/ElvisInfoNet) |
'Elvis - Rejuvenated and Rockin'' New Import: Gravel Road Music presents the cover of their new release of Elvis' December 14, 1975 Las Vegas show. The complete artwork is out this week.
The publicity notes... December 1975 was when Elvis' performances were consistently strong, and far better than they had been in quite a while. He was in good voice, too, and he used it to great effect on the big dramatic songs that he loved performing. Elvis even added several rather interesting songs to his setlist, including the gorgeous 'Just Pretend' from 1970. His rapport with the audience was good, heartwarming even at times.
The December 14, 1975 show being a good case-in-point. Elvis truly loved his fans and his kindness towards them on this recording is heartwarming. Just as importantly, he is in good voice, and he sings especially well on songs like 'And I Love You So', 'Trying To Get To You', a rare-for-the-period 'Until It's Time For You To Go', 'Just Pretend', 'Burning Love', 'How Great Thou Art'.
|
 |
New Australian book release - A Guide to the Australian Records of Elvis Presley The Vinyl Years 1956 – 1990: Just released is Glenn Reimer’s collaborative effort with noted Elvis historian, Peter R. (Bob) Hayden: A Guide to the Australian Records of Elvis Presley The Vinyl Years 1956 – 1990.
The release weighs in at over 1 kilogram and contains 250 pages, making it the most exhaustive examination of Elvis’ record history in Australia. The result of many years of research, it included the author spending countless hours scouring through library records and Elvis collections in order to source the most authoritative information possible.
The release includes many value-added features including:
- All the daybills posters, film release dates in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne
- Price guide with label variations
- RCA sleeves and labels
- Articles from newspapers reviews from around Australia
- Newspaper ad for Elvis releases
|
 |
The book is softcover A4 size and features 250 colour pages. The gloss paper stock is 128gsm. The initial print run was only 100 copies but
depending on demand more may be printed - already half the copies are already sold to collectors around the world.
- EIN's detailed review of the book will be added in the next week or so
- We will also publish an interview with the author, Glenn Reimer
To enquire or obtain a copy of the book interested readers can contact Glenn at: lonelymanpublications@gmail.com |
'Elvis & Nixon' for US / Canadian Release in 2016: The North American distributor has announced its 2016 film line-up which includes 'Elvis & Nixon' starring Michael Shannon and Kevin Spacey due out April 2016.
Earlier this year Amazon Studios made its first big move into film when it bought the US domestic rights to 'Elvis & Nixon' for close to $4 million. Included in the Amazon deal was it having a theatrical release.
'Elvis & Nixon' centers on the historic 1970 meeting between King and the president that famously yielded one of the more curious White House photo ops in pop culture history. The film is directed by Liza Johnson (Hateship Loveship, Return) and stars Michael Shannon as the legendary hip shaker and Kevin
Spacey, this time playing a real U.S. President. The Butler’s Cassian Elwes is producing with Cary Elwes and Holly Wiersma. Byron Wetzel is exec producing alongside Tim Smith and Paul Brett for Prescience, which backed the project.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
 |
Elvis Still #2 in Official UK Charts: The 'If I Can Dream' album remains at No.2 in the UK Charts as of today (4.12.2015 ) having sold 96,152 units this week and still only being beaten by the heavily promoted new Adele album and with Elvis still dominating Justin Bieber's sales. This brings the total sales to 409,894 units:
Early days yet but it looks like the IICD album is starting to equal the sales of ‘Elvis’ 30 No.1 Hits’.
Additional UK Chart Entries:
'If I Can Dream' drops from 17 to 20 on the Download Chart; remains at 2 on the Album Sales Chart; drops from 83 to 87 on the Streaming Chart; remains at 2 on the Physical Album Chart; drops from 10 to 27 on the Vinyl Album Chart and remains at 2 on the Scottish Album Chart.
'Elvis 30 No.1 Hits' rises from 88 to 86 on the Download Chart; rises from 75 to 74 on the Album Sales Chart; rises from 90 to 88 on the Streaming Chart; drops from 72 to 77 on the Physical Album Chart and drops from 68 to 72 on the Scottish Album Chart. |
|
'Artist Of The Century' drops from 72 to 74 on the Streaming Chart.
'I Am An Elvis Fan' remains at 99 on the Streaming Chart.
'The Elvis Collection' drops from 29 to 35 on the Scottish Album Chart.
(News, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNet) |
Garrett Leight, EPE 'The King’ Sunglasses: EPE has linked with Garrett Leight and California Optical to launch a limited-edition holiday eyewear collection called “The King.”
Inspired by the American musician and pop culture icon, Leight worked with men’s wear designer Mark McNairy to design sunglasses that faithfully represent Presley’s imitable style. Modeled after frames from Presley’s personal collection, including the “Neostyle Nautic” gold-plated frames he wore throughout the late Sixties and Seventies, the metal sunglasses feature the letters “TCB” wrapped around a lightning bolt on the temple. The limited-edition collection of 100 $395 frames hits Garrett Leight stores, select retailers and elvis.com and garrettleight.com Dec. 14.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
|
 |
Orion - The Man Who Would Be King: Despite a few initial poor reviews, Jeanne Finlay's documentary examination of the Jimmy "Orion" Ellis story has steadily amassed several nominations and awards, and an impressive number of positive and interesting reviews. Curtis Woloschuk from Paste magazine had this to say about the film:
If you can’t beat the Elvis comparisons, exploit them.
Such was the thinking of Shelby Singleton, the Machiavellian Sun Records mogul who saw a nation (read: record buyers) left reeling by Elvis Presley’s death in 1977 and seized the opportunity to unveil a Vertigo-like doppelgänger.
Blessed with a high baritone practically indistinguishable from the King’s, Jimmy Ellis also possessed enough of a passing resemblance to Presley that, when adorned in a sequined eye mask, mourners could convince themselves that perhaps their icon had faked his death and adopted a new guise. |
.jpg) |
| Consequently, Ellis’ record contract stipulated that he never appear in public unmasked. Sun Records also saw fit to add fuel to the delusional fire by opting for some rising-from-the-grave imagery for the album cover of Orion Reborn.
While certainly outrageous, such dubious gimmickry doesn’t seem particularly uncharacteristic in an industry where images and identities often seem to come courtesy of an assembly line and knockoffs are always in fashion. That said, this latest stranger-than-fiction documentary from Jeanie Finlay (who previously profiled Scotsmen masquerading as California rappers in 2013’s The Great Hip Hop Hoax) poignantly reminds us that it’s also an industry fueled by emotion—be it an artist’s intense need for self-expression or a listener’s desire to discover a song that speaks to them.
Indeed, there’s a longing that lends an unnerving melancholy to Ellis’ balladeering. With great economy, Finlay reveals the details of an early life that saw him put up for adoption by his unwed mother only to languish for three years in boarding homes before finally being taken in by a farming family in Orrville, Alabama. The welcome sign promised living that was easy. Instead, it presented frequent hurdles for Ellis, who waited until his 30s to overcome his family and community’s withering appraisal of his artistic ambitions and finally pursue a music career.
Given this late start, it’s unsurprising that archival interviews with Ellis (who died in 1998) and contemporary recollections from his collaborators and exes (he made a habit of divorcing and remarrying) paint a picture of a man desperately trying to play catch-up. And perhaps it’s due to this sense of urgency that Finlay proves a touch too impatient with Ellis’ songs (recorded both in the guise of Orion and under his own name), offering only brief excerpts from dozens of tracks; a more select sampling might have allowed each song to resonate a little longer and ultimately offer a greater appreciation of the man’s evident talent.
Instead, we’re left to marvel at the collection of outlandish characters who contributed to the Orion legend, be it Singleton (declared the “most-sued man in Tennessee” and easily deserving of his own documentary) or Gail Brewer-Giorgio, the novelist whose fictional resurrected rock star was borrowed wholesale for Singleton’s fictional resurrected rock star. (I refer you back to that “most-sued man in Tennessee” moniker.) There’s also considerable amusement to be found in the film’s parade of pop culture ephemera that illustrates how rumors and urban legends proliferated in a strictly analog world. In fact, Finlay’s documentary would frequently cater in hilarity if she didn’t so diligently depict the torment Ellis endured due to the Faustian bargain that saw him experience fame while having to remain agonizingly anonymous.
With The Great Hip Hop Hoax, Finlay batted around the importance of authenticity and master manipulator Orson Welles was paraphrased but no particular conclusions were arrived at. And with Orion, Finlay also floats out some intriguing theories—Did the fact that Ellis was adopted lay the psychological groundwork for his constant reinventions?—but seems reluctant to delve too deeply into any of them. More often than not, she appears content to traffic in colorful anecdotes rather than risk rigorous analysis.
This bet-hedging tendency ultimately pays dividends in the film’s final passages, where a bold gambit sees Finlay speculate on Ellis’ true bloodlines. As the rationale behind this deduction is methodically revealed, we find ourselves instinctively nodding along, acknowledging that it indeed seems to make perfect sense. But then another thought strikes us: Are we simply being told what we want to believe? And, by buying into this theory, are we every bit as gullible as those Elvis fans who turned a blind eye to the incongruities and accepted Orion as their new King? (Review, Source: Curtis Woloschuk, pastemagazine.com) |
'Right Direction In Johnson City' New Import: Yet another 1976 Audience recording. The publicity notes... For our last CD "Atlanta Loves Elvis" we selected one of the best Shows from his last Tour in 1976 and for our new CD we will stay in the same Year. This time we decided to take a show from Johnson City from his first Tour in 1976. With "Right Direction In Johnson City" we present you his show from the 19th of March 1976. Again it is an Audience Recording and the quality is really good for this kind of recordings. With no doubt this show is the best from his first Tour that year and for sure also one of the best of the whole year. The performance of Elvis is on the same level as the one from his last tour and the Set list is excellent. The CD has a duration of 79 Minutes and four seconds and as always includes a 16 Pages Booklet.
EIN notes that the audio sample we have heard is pretty low-fi and echoey to these ears.
Go here to "All The CD News 2015' for the tracklist.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
|
 |
'The Elvis Files Vol. 7 1974-1975' "OUT NOW": The long wait for the publication of 'Elvis Files Volume 7' is at last over. The book is back from the printers and will be posted out in the next few days. Erik Lorentzen assures EIN that "Fans will be very impressed with all the great photos. I was fortunate to attend several of the shows featured in the book, and working on them brought back a lot of great memories."
The seventh volume of the Elvis Files story chronicles Elvis' years on tour through the USA, the Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe seasons..
All ELVIS EVENTS in this Time Frame 1974-1975 are shown
- Every Working Moment...
- The Mid-Seventies Tours
- The Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe Seasons
- Plenty of CANDID Moments
- The Recording Sessions
- Previously Unpublished Photos.
The cover photo is taken by our friend Keith Alverson.
Go HERE for 'Elvis Files Vol 7' PREVIEW & to PURCHASE |
 |
 |
 |
US Billboard Charts: After only three weeks Elvis' cheap 'It's Christmas Time' compilation has overtaken 'If I Can Dream' in the US album charts. The US marketing section of EPE should expect a rocket from management.
'It's Christmas Time' rises from 108 to 78 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart for w/e 12th December, 2015. It also rises from 66 to 65 on the |Top Album Sales Chart; drops from 7 to 11 on the Top Catalog Album Chart and drops from 6 to 8 on the Holiday Album Chart.
'If I Can Dream' drops from 79 to 102 on the Top 200 Album Chart; drops from 46 to 69 on the Top Album Sales; drops from 42 to 57 on the Top Current Albums but remains at 2 on the Classical Album Chart.
'The Classic Christmas Album' is a new entry at 194 on the Top 200 Album Chart. It also rises from 34 to 26 on the Top Album Sales Chart and rises from 5 to 3 on the Country Catalog Album Chart.
|
|
'Merry Christmas, Love Elvis' drops from 16 to 31 on the Top Album Sales Chart; drops from 14 to 25 on the Holiday Album Chart and drops from 1 to 5 on the Country Catalog Album Chart.
'Elvis: Ultimate Christmas' drops from 17 to 22 on the Holiday Album Chart; rises from 18 to 17 on Top Country Albums; rises from 99 to 96 on Top Current Albums and remains at 21 on the Top Rock Album Chart.
'Blue Christmas' (Single) is a new entry at 19 on the Holiday 100 Chart; rises from 31 to 23 on the Holiday Digital Songs Chart and is a new entry at 23 on the Holiday Airplay Chart.
'Here Comes Santa Claus' (Down Santa Claus Lane) (Single) is a new entry at 23 on the Holiday 100 Chart.
Elvis drops from 36 to #77 on the Artist 100 Chart.
(News, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNet) |
'827 Thomas Crown Affair' New Import: Coming out soon is new Victrola label CD, called '827 Thomas Crown Affair'. The American Sound sessions of '69 are an iconic marker in Elvis Presley's career. The Singer Special of '68 had returned the King to the throne he had vacated for Hollywood for the past decade. He returned to Memphis, where it all began. He was home, he was recharged and in fine form vocally, mentally and physically. Chips Moman presented the songs to Elvis and produced the rhythm sessions with a fine stable of musicians who contributed a style which was heavily R&B influenced. This and the fact that Chips had a knack for producing hits is what drew Elvis to American Sound in the first place. The tracks on this disc present a warmer, richer sound and mix, than found on previously released albums! Every song presented here is in its original undubbed form, apart from "Gentle On My Mind" and "I'm Moving On." As the American sessions were so important in Elvis' career, they produced a stream of hits, this CD needs to have a space in your collection.
EIN NOTE - these undubbed versions have been released on the official FTD label. How many Memphis Session compilations do fans really still need?
Go here to "All The CD News 2015' for the complete tracklist
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
|
 |
'Elvis - Rejuvenated and Rockin'' New Import: Gravel Road Music announces a newly upgraded release noting, after the highly acclaimed "Good to be back" CD of 2011 finally a worthy volume 2 of the December 1975 shows in Amazing sound quality!
The concert is Elvis' December 14, 1975 Las Vegas show.
These days, most people think of Elvis' final years as a steady decline until it all ended on August 16, 1977. Overall, that may well be true, but if you look at those years up-close, you will see that things are not as simple and as black & white as that. That viewpoint leaves out the nuances that make the overall picture so much more interesting.
One such period was December 1975 when Elvis' performances were consistently strong, and far better than they had been in quite a while. He was in good voice, too, and he used it to great effect on the big dramatic songs that he loved performing. Elvis even added several rather interesting songs to his setlist, including the gorgeous 'Just Pretend' from 1970. His rapport with the audience was good, heartwarming even at times.
The December 14, 1975 show being a good case-in-point. Elvis truly loved his fans and his kindness towards them on this recording is heartwarming. Just as importantly, he is in good voice, and he sings especially well on songs like 'And I Love You So', 'Trying To Get To You', a rare-for-the-period 'Until It's Time For You To Go', 'Just Pretend', 'Burning Love', 'How Great Thou Art'.
|
 |
The first release of this show was somewhat problematic due to faulty mastering, but you can now enjoy this splendid show in far better audio: 80 minutes + Plus 28 Pages booklet stuffed with info and photos of the show!
EIN NOTE This has previously been released by FTD with their 'Fashion For a King' book, reviewed at the time we noted that it was 'An absolutely 'packed' CD coming from a ¼ inch Reel-to-Reel mono soundboard giving a MUCH better overall sound too."
Go here to "All The CD News 2015' for more details and the complete tracklist.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
'Always On My Mind' and 'The Memphis Record' Import: In the mid 1980's producer Rick Rowe compiled some excellent Elvis albums. All albums contained some unique mixes, unavailable on any other Elvis album.
Out now is a stunning 6 panel digipack with 2 of the best Rick Rowe albums: 'Always On My Mind' and 'The Memphis Record'. These albums are very hard to find on original CD these days.
Rick Rowe did some mighty fine mixing on both albums. It's Midnight, You Gave Me a Mountain on 'Always On My Mind' simply sound fantastic. The unique mix of "Separate Ways" on this album is always worth a listen. Also contains also some great rare bonus tracks !
'The Memphis Record' also has alternate mixes inc 'I'm Movin' On', 'Wearin' That Loved On Look', 'Inherit The Wind' plus 'Suspicious Minds' without Brass overdub & fade out/fade in.
Now for the first time you have both great and rare albums on 1 sublime set. All tracks are remastered.
EIN NOTE - copies of the original CDs are not that hard to find so we are not sure of the point of this release.
Go here to "All The CD News 2015' for complete tracklists.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
|
 |
George Harrison Discusses Meeting Elvis: Following on from our ASK Marty Lacker post yesterday we were reminded that The Beatles’ George Harrison (RIP) once discussed meeting Elvis for a second time backstage at Madison Square Garden.
Harrison noted, “Elvis had those squawking girl singers and trumpets and stuff. But he had a great rhythm section with James Burton. I wanted to say to him to just get your jeans on and get your guitar and do ‘That’s All Right’ and bugger all that other crap.
Afterwards I went backstage to meet him and I was sitting there and talking to the guys again and he was nowhere to be seen.
Then finally Elvis came round the corner and he had that big white outfit on with all the gold things and big belt buckle, all his hair was black and he was tanned. I thought I was meeting Vishnu or Krishna or somebody. I felt like a little snotty nobody.. .
He was great when he was great.”
Go here to see The Beatles discussing Elvis here on YouTube.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet/PatOdonnell) |
 |
| “Friday Night at Madison Square Garden, Elvis was like a special champion. He stood there at the end, his arms stretched out, the great gold cloak giving him wings, a champion, the only one in his class." The New York Times, June 1972 - Go HERE for EIN’s special on Elvis at Madison Square Garden. |
'Elvis The Man & His Music' Out Now: The December 2015 issue of EIN's favourite Elvis music magazine is available now.
Leading the way is the first in-depth chat with arranger, songwriter, musician and producer, Glen Spreen - one of the finest interviews we’ve ever ran. And it’s only Part 1!
‘Elvis - A Life Unfolding Part 3’ shows how the UK press covered our boy’s activities in the 1970s, while the Editor has a rant over ‘If I Can Scream’ in a no-holds-barred piece entitled, ‘Why?’.
‘Behind The Gates’ serves up another first-time interview, this time with former Graceland secretary Bonya Rhodes McGarrity.
All of this plus CD and book reviews, all the latest news worth reporting and lots of other groovy stuff.
Go here to Now-Dig-This to subscribe.
(News, source;ETM&TM)
|
 |
| News from earlier this week ... |
 |
ASK Marty: Today Marty Lacker answers your questions about....
Would Elvis have done more upbeat rock material if not for his commitment to Hill & Range.
What about the racquetball law suit brought against Elvis by Joe Esposito.
Why did Elvis not get nominated for Grammys for From Elvis in Memphis or TTWII.
Did any of the Beatles ever meet with Elvis again after 1965.
Who were your 'Best Buddies' in the Memphis Mafia
What did Elvis think of Dolores Hart.
Go here to 'ASK MARTY' for his answers plus how to send in your questions.
(Ask Marty, Source;ML/ElvisInfoNet)
|
|
Elvis in the Official UK Charts: Although no longer number one in the UK Elvis is still doing fine going back up one place to this week's #2 beating both Justin Beiber and One Direction! He also has plenty of other entries in the UK charts for w/e 27th November 2015
Top Album Chart
1 Adele 800,307 (CD: 542,498, download: 252,423, vinyl: 5,386)
2 Elvis Presley 77,261
3 Justin Bieber 74,028
4 Enya 39,954
5 One Direction 36,54371
On the other UK charts.
'If I Can Dream' drops from 1 to 2 on the Physical Album Chart
Elvis: 30 No.1 Hits drops from 63 to 72 on the Physical Album Chart
'If I Can Dream' drops from 3 to 10 on the Vinyl Album Chart
Elvis Christmas Album is a new entry at 26 on the Vinyl Album Chart
Artist Of The Century drops from 66 to 72 on the Streaming Chart
|
|
'If I Can Dream' drops from 71 to 83 on the Streaming Chart
Elvis:30 No.1 Hits drops from 82 to 90 on the Streaming Chart
Elvis: 30 No.1Hits is a re-entry at 88 on the Download Chart
'If I Can Dream' drops from 11 to 17 on the Download Chart
'If I Can Dream' rises from 3 to 2 on the Album Sales Chart
Elvis: 30 No.1 Hits drops from 67 to 75 on the Album Sales Chart
'If I Can Dream' rises from 3 to 2 on the Scottish Album Chart
Elvis: 30 No.1 Hits drops from 65 to 68 on the Scottish Album Chart
The Elvis Collection drop from 27 to 29 on the Music Video Chart
I Am An Elvis Fan drops from 91 to 99 on the Streaming Chart
'If I Can Dream' (Vinyl Single) drops from 4 to 9 on the Vinyl Singles Chart
The BPI have awarded Elvis 'If I Can Dream' for 'If I Can Dream'. Total sales as of this week: 313,742 units.
(News, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNet) |
Australia Elvis Parkes Festival Gets Ready to Rumba! : The annual Parkes main Street Parade is back and ready to rumba at the 2016 Parkes Elvis Festival. This is the first year that Elvis' biggest birthday festival in the world, with around 20,000 fans, has been authorised by EPE!
Shake, rattle and roll your way down the main drag on Saturday, January 10, with this year's Mexican theme film 'Fun in Acapulco'.
Join thousands of muchachas and register your float, car or walking team for the biggest fiesta in Parkes.
Get amongst the hordes of Elvis-themed floats, Elvis and Priscilla look-alikes, vintage cars, motorcycles and marching bands parading down Clarinda Street from Bushman Street to Cooke Park at 10am.
Think bold and bright Mexican colours like hot pink, purple, green, gold and blue.
As the King himself said, "You Can't Say No In Acapulco", so gather your amigos, don your sombreros and join in the show!
There are fantastic awards up for grabs including Best Classic Car, Best Float and even Best Walking Group, so start practising that swagger
Go HERE to the Parkes Elvis Festival site for more info.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
 |
'Come Along with Frankie & Johnny' New Import: This deluxe 3 cd set features the Frankie & Johnny Sessions. 3 fully packed cds with rare and unreleased material, including 4 never before heard demo recordings written by Dolores Fuller, but rejected by Elvis & the Colonel for the movie.
This is a very limited release only......
Get it while you can and come along with frankie & Johnny.
Good news for fans who never bought the previous bootleg release 'The Complete Frankie & Johnny Sessions'
Go here to "All The CD News 2015' for the complete tracklist
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
|
 |
US Billboard Charts and 'If I Can Dream': In the US EPE / Sony decided to promote the Elvis commemoration Stamp and its associated greatest hits album over the new 'If I Can Dream' album. Expecting fans to buy two "new" Elvis albums within a few months of each other was not a good marketing strategy.
So sadly 'If I Can Dream' continues its fast slide from #44 to #79 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart for w/e 5th December, 2015.
It also drops from 25 to 46 on the Top Album Sales Chart; drops from 1 to 2 on the Classical Albums Chart & drops from 22 to 42 on the Top Current Albums Chart.
- 'It's Christmas Time' rises from 153 to 108 on the Top 200 Album Chart. It also rises from 81 to 66 on the Top Albums Sales Chart; rises from 9 to 7 on the Catalog Albums Chart and drops from 5 to 6 on the Holiday Albums Chart.
- 'Merry Christmas, Love Elvis' rises from 25 to 16 on the Catalaog Albums Chart and drops from 12 to 14 on the Holiday Albums Chart. It also rises from 4 to 1 on the Country Catalog Album Chart
- 'Elvis: Ultimate Christmas' rises from 22 to 17 on the Holiday Albums Chart; rises from 40 to 18 on the Top Country Albums Chart and is a new entry at 99 on the Top Current Album Chart.
- 'The Classic Christmas Album' rises from 8 to 5 on the Country Catalog Album Chart.
- 'Blue Christmas' (Single) rises from 33 to 31 on the Holiday Digital Songs Chart.
Elvis drops from 50 to 61 on the Artist 100 Chart.
After three weeks at the Number One spot in Australia Elvis also dropped down to #3 in the ARIA charts with Justin Bieber claiming the top spot with his new release 'Purpose'
SONY provided this photo of their Elvis 'If I Can Dream' shop display - although EIN has yet to see one - it would make a nice collector's item.
(News, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNet)
|
 |
Elvis' Graceland Birthday Celebration Events Announced: Why not celebrate Elvis' birthday at Graceland in Memphis this January! EPE have announced their initial schedule of Birthday Celebration Events.
The 2016 Elvis Birthday Celebration is January 7-10, 2016, at Graceland, and includes the Elvis Birthday Proclamation Ceremony, The Auction at Graceland, the Official Graceland Insiders Reception, Fan Club Presidents' Event, Club Elvis and more.
EPE's special guests this year are June Juanico (Elvis girlfriend from 1955 to 1956) and Glenn Derringer (Pianist on the same Dorsey Brothers Stage Show in 1956 where Elvis made his TV debut).
Tickets are on Sale Now.
Click here to EPE Elvis' Graceland Birthday Schedule of Events if you want to know more
(News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
|
|
FTD releases for December: Just announced are two new FTD releases for December, one double-set of Elvis Live in 1976 and the classic album 'Elvis Golden Records Vol.3' with plenty of unreleased outtakes.
- 'Elvis Golden Records Vol.3' is the new 2-CD release in FTD's classic album series. It features a 7” digipack with 12-page booklet. By the time Elvis' Golden Records Vol. 3 was released in August 1963, no one in rock ‘n’ roll up to that point, other than Elvis, had ever legitimately earned a second ‘greatest hits’ volume, much less a third. It also embodied the best commercial examples of Presley’s new post-Army maturity, as both vocalist and musician, and the songs featured on this album achieved an unparalleled level of global chart success by any artist between 1960 and 1963.
The recent 'Elvis For Everyone' FTD featured a second CD which helped "mop-up" officially previously released outtakes and it truly was one of FTD's best releases in 2014. Here FTD continues the same idea with plenty of unreleased early 60s outtakes being released for the first time such as the remaining seven outtakes of 'Fame and Fortune' or four unreleased takes of 'Kiss Me Quick'.
'Elvis Golden Records Vol.3”-
Disc 1 -
The Original Album
|
|
01 It’s Now Or Never 02 Stuck On You 03 Fame And Fortune 04 I Gotta Know 05 Surrender 06 I Feel So Bad 07 Are You Lonesome Tonight? 08 (Marie’s The Name) His Latest Flame 09 Little Sister 10 Good Luck Charm 11 Anything That’s Part Of You 12 She’s Not You,
The Alternate Album 13 It’s Now Or Never – take 1 3:13 14 Stuck On You - take 1 2:20 15 Fame And Fortune - take 1 3:03 16 Surrender – take 9 & workpart take 1 2:000 17 I Feel So Bad – take 1 3:01 18 Are You Lonesome Tonight? – takes 1 & 2 3:43 19 (Marie’s The Name) His Latest Flame – take 6 2:14 20 Little Sister – take 6 2:38 21 Good Luck Charm – take 1 2:49 22 Anything That’s Part Of You – take 9 2:17 23 She’s Not You – take 2 & work part take 1 2:16
Go here to EIN's 'FTD / SONY News 2015' for all the details and full tracklists. |
- 'Elvis In Alabama: The Last Double Date' is another 1976 live soundboard release from FTD this time a 2-CD 5” digpack containing both the afternoon and evening show in Huntsville on September 6, 1976. Includes America The Beautiful, Love Letters, School Day, Hurt, Danny Boy and Blue Christmas.
The evening show was previously released on bootleg as "Elvis Still Rockin' The Nation" although Elvis was notably tired on this tour. The Afternoon show is reputed to be the better concert. Sadly 'Danny Boy' is sung by Sherrill Nielsen and not Elvis.
Last Double Date - Huntsville Alabama, September 6 1976
Disc 1 - The Afternoon Show
01 See See Rider 2:49 02 I Got A Woman / Amen 8:17 03 Love Me 2:45 04 Fairytale 3:09 05 You Gave Me A Mountain 3:04 06 All Shook Up 1:08 07 (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel 2:08 08 And I Love You So 3:20 09 Jailhouse Rock 2:46 10 America The Beautiful 4:51 11 One Night 2:35 12 Polk Salad Annie 4:22 13) Introductions 8:42 a) Early Mornin’ Rain b) What’d I Say c) Johnny B. Goode 14) Love Letters 2:47 15) School Day 1:41 16) Hurt 1:59 17) Hound Dog 2:30 18) Funny How Time Slips Away 3:40 19) That’s All Right 2:08 20) Can’t Help Falling In Love 1:39 21) Closing Vamp
Go here to EIN's 'FTD / SONY News 2015' for all the details and full tracklists.
(News, Source;FTD/ElvisInfoNet) |
|
ELVIS King of Billboard's Top 200 Albums: Elvis Presley, the King of Rock & Roll, leads all acts on the Billboard 200 with the most charted albums: 107 - even though this doesn't include his biggest successes between 1956 and 1963!
Presley most recently hit the Billboard list with the collection 'Elvis Presley Forever', which peaked at No. 11 on the Sept. 5, 2015-dated chart. Presley's incredible sum is dozens ahead of the next-largest total, the 73 collected by country titan Willie Nelson.
It's important to note that many of Elvis' albums were released and found popularity before 1963 and the chart of "acts with the most hits" was compiled from the charts dated Aug. 17, 1963 through Oct. 10, 2015.
Elvis had his massive million sellers before 1963 and yet he still beats trounces them all!
Most Charted Albums
1. Elvis Presley - 107
2. Willie Nelson - 73
3. Grateful Dead - 69
4. Bob Dylan - 64
5. Frank Sinatra - 62
6. Barbra Streisand - 58
7. The Beatles - 57 |
 |
The key date of Aug. 17, 1963 is when Billboard's two separate pop album charts for stereo and mono recordings joined to become one all-encompassing weekly chart. Go here to Billboard to see the All-Time Charts: Billboard 200 Albums | Billboard 200 Artists
(News, Source;Billboard/ElvisInfoNet) |
| More News and EIN exclusives from earlier in November ... |
UPDATED 'If I Can Dream' Elvis with the RPO - In-depth CD Review: It is forty years since Elvis Presley entered a recording studio and he seems very reluctant to record anything new. So in terms of releasing a "new" album of Elvis material the topic has always been a tricky one. Now in 2015 as the publicity notes "Elvis Is Back - with a Brand New Album" for the cleverly re-imagined "Elvis with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra" in the highly marketed ‘If I Can Dream’. In the UK and Australia it has made Number One in the album charts, an incredible achievement.
There is no doubt that the marketing has been very impressive - but do Elvis fans have to love everything about it?
EIN checks the facts and three Elvis fans of varying familiarity all provide their own opinions.
Both EIN's Piers Beagley and Bryan Gruszka take a very detailed listen to this new chart-topping release to discover what's good and bad... Go here for our 5,000 word review - Do you agree? Send us your Comments.
(CD Review, Source, Elvis Information Network) |
 |
Men recall seeing Elvis at Lawton, Oklahoma in 1955: The McMahon Memorial Auditorium is a staple for entertainment in the Lawton community and has been for almost 60 years. Those who call Lawton home can remember attending shows of famous singers, musicians, off-Broadway shows, and of course, performances by multiple community talents.
During the 1960s and '70s, Lawton had famous headliners at the auditorium a so called "heyday." Lawton's touring chapter of the national Community Concerts Inc. would bring in the big acts and sell the tickets.
Some acclaimed names that graced Lawton's home stage include Elvis Presley, Paul Revere and the Raiders, Doc Severinsen, Judy Collins, Count Basie, Glen Campbell, Tony Bennett, John Fullbright, John Raitt and many, many more.
|
 |
Lawtonians, Jay Davis and Allen Johnson, recall seeing Presley perform at the auditorium on June 19, 1955, (EIN Note - Elvis was actually at Magnolia Gardens, Houston on this date! Elvis was at Lawton on June 23) just months before the King of Rock and Roll became The King. It was the summer after Davis graduated from Lawton High School and Johnson had finished his freshman year at the University of Oklahoma. The best friends attended the concert with a group of 12 friends and, Johnson said, "We didn't know who we were seeing."
The group sat five rows back from the stage and saw multiple country singers. Davis and Johnson said Presley was the last one to perform. Davis remembered there couldn't have been more than 100 to 150 people in the 1,500-seat auditorium watching the soon-to-be rock star.
"I remember he walked out on stage dragging his guitar," Johnson said.
"He didn't do much dancing though," Davis replied. "Not like he did later on."
Johnson, Davis, their dates and the rest of the group attended an after party at the Southern Club an old country and western dance hall in Lawton on Lee Boulevard. The group was able to snag a photo with Presley and his musicians. Johnson and Davis remembered Presley being more fascinated by their attending college than they were with him being an almost-famous musician.
In the photo Allen Johnson stands next to Scotty Moore.
(News, Source;LawtonConstitution/ElvisInfoNet) |
Rare Elvis 1972 Jacket sells for $60,000: Arkansas's Dr Bill Chandler got nearly $60,000 in an online auction for a rare white jacket worn by the King himself.
Elvis wore this IC Costume jacket with gold lame accented pockets, wide lapels and standing collar on stage in Las Vegas mid 1972.
At this point, Presley favoured two-piece suits worn with matching capes accented in patterned or colour linings and a variety of different coloured shirts.
Chandler got Presley's jacket with gold lame accented pockets, wide lapels and standing collar when the iconic singer tossed it into the audience at a show at the Las Vegas Hilton in 1972. |
 |
 |
Chandler was in the audience with his wife when Elvis threw the jacket into the crowd toward the end of his performance. The lucky catch followed Presley's toss of a white cape into the audience that ended up in a tug of war between two men. Presley then threw off his jacket, which hit Chandler in the face. Two women sitting behind him tried to wrestle the jacket from his hands but Chandler held tight, losing only three buttons from the jacket’s left sleeve.
The jacket had stayed in the Chandler family as a treasured heirloom until he decided to sell it.
Click here to watch 20 min of Candid Elvis footage from August 1972 - This jacket is seen at the very end.
(News, Source;SM/ElvisInfoNet) |
ELVIS Second Week as Australia's Number One!: The impact of Elvis is still being felt down-under as 'If I Can Dream' remains at the top of Australia's ARIA album chart for the second week.
In the year of Elvis' 80th anniversary this is SENSATIONAL news.
This is Elvis' first #1 Australian album since '30 #1 Hits' in 2002. Elvis even beat Australia's own Tina Arena who's new album 'Eleven' debuted at #2. Tina Arena Joked, "You won't believe who stopped me from a #1 album just days before I was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame".
In New Zealand “If I Can Dream” dropped from #3 to #5 on the New Zealand Album chart.
The DVD “Elvis – The King Of Rock’n’Roll – 30 Hit Performances And More” re-entered the Australian Music DVD chart at #40.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
|
Elvis Military Memorabilia up for auction: In a turn of events that made the teen girls of the world quake with agony, Elvis Presley took leave of his rock idol status and joined the US Army in March 1958.
Now nearly 60 years later items from that period of Presley’s life are going up for auction.
The items had been in the private collection of Presley’s close friend Sgt. William A. Norwood up until a decade ago when it went onto the market. Now the current owner has placed it back on the block for sale via RR Auction out of New Hampshire.
On his 22nd birthday in 1957, the King of Rock N' Roll was declared 1-A by the Memphis Draft Board which meant he was physically fit and likely to be drafted sometime in the following eight months.
Due to his ongoing film work on “King Creole” his date with the green fatigues was delayed somewhat.
After entering training at Fort Hood in Texas in March 1958, Presley was assigned to the 3rd Armored Division in West Germany. He left Fort Hood on September 19, 1958 to ship out to Germany three days later.
Gone were the sideburns and perfect quiff of hair, replaced with a regulation military cut.
According to RR’s Mike Graff, the collection contains seven items related to Presley, his girlfriend Anita Wood, and their relationship with the family of his friend Sgt. William A. Norwood. |
 |
 |
 |
“Sgt. Norwood was given the assignment of training Presley upon his arrival at Fort Hood, and the two soon became friends. Homesick, Elvis spent much of his time at the Norwood residence, often with his girlfriend Anita Wood,” auction organizers say.
Also in this auction are a pair of reference recordings for Presley’s film “King Creole” which might fetch upwards of $12,000 from collectors.
The online auction kicked off on Thursday and runs for one week.
Go HERE to the RR AUCTION for all the details and to bid.
(News, Source;Chron/ElvisInfoNet) |
'Sam Phillips: The Man Who Invented Rock n’ Roll' Out Now: Peter Guralnick is best known for his critically biographys of Elvis Presley, Careless Love and Last Train to Memphis - his new book ‘Sam Phillips: The Man who Invented Rock ‘n’ Roll’ is Out ut Now - and getting great reviews..
The Boston Globe notes..
... A 19-year-old Elvis Presley walked into a Memphis studio in 1954, “a good-looking boy with acne on his neck, long sideburns, and long, greasy hair combed in a ducktail that he had to keep patting down.”
He was there to see Sam Phillips, who ran the Memphis Recording Service before it was rechristened Sun Studio. Their initial sessions didn’t go well, but Presley struck Phillips as “one of the most introverted people who had ever come into the studio, but for that reason one of the bravest, too.”
Once Presley found his sound, by sheer accident when he began goofing around with a version of a blues number called “That’s All Right,” it all fell into place. And thus began one of the most seismic pairings in all of rock ’n’ roll, a partnership that revolutionized the world.
That’s one of numerous remarkable anecdotes relayed in Peter Guralnick’s exhaustive new biography of Phillips, the record impresario whose legacy looms large but has never before been explored in such rich detail. “Sam Phillips: The Man Who Invented Rock ’n’ Roll” is a long overdue appraisal of his achievements, but well worth the wait.
Guralnick's character study of Phillips presented a new challenge. Unlike with his previous subjects, Guralnick knew Phillips for nearly 25 years and conducted thoughtful, probing interviews with him. It was a blessing that also brought a heightened responsibility to get the story right.
While no hagiography, the project was clearly a labor of love. A lot of it.
|
 |
The book was born out of an astonishing amount of research and interviews; at more than 750 pages, it’s hard to fathom what was left out. Guralnick paces the story slow and steady, breaking down key moments in a methodical but conversational flow.
Along the way Guralnick touches on Phillips’s struggles with mental illness, his astute business savvy, his complicated relationships with friends and family, and the incredible drive and charisma that propelled his genius even if some believed, at heart, he was deeply lonely.
Liberally layered with his own words, Phillips’s stories and philosophies light up these pages as if you were speaking directly to the man, who died in 2003 at age 80.
Chapter nine chronicles the start of the author’s time with Phillips, whom he met through his relationship with Phillips’s son Knox. I won’t spoil it, but Guralnick’s account of their initial meeting in 1979, back when Phillips was reticent to do interviews, is a fascinating tribute to what it’s like to finally meet your idols.
In Guralnick’s mind, Phillips was on par with Walt Whitman, William Faulkner, and Mark Twain — American artists who captured the essence of others and amplified their voices. |
 |
He frames Phillips’s relevance far beyond the context of music history, making a strong case that he wasn’t merely a producer and studio owner. “A practicing psychologist” is how Guralnick imagines Phillips would have preferred to be called.
Indeed, he was a visionary who recognized the innate talent and magnetism of emerging talents, regardless of their skin color and social status. If anything, Phillips was hell-bent on wiping out racial barriers to give black artists a sonic canvas to tell their stories — a particularly trailblazing goal given that Phillips’s formative years were spent in the Jim Crow South.
“I knew what I opened the studio for,” Phillips says. “I was looking for a higher ground, for what I knew existed in the soul of mankind. And especially at that time the black man’s spirit and his [soul].”
From an early age, Phillips was transfixed by human nature, specifically the power of the common man to accomplish extraordinary things and tell universal truths. And he found them in spades in blues artists such as Howlin’ Wolf, Ike Turner, and B.B. King, not to mention the staggering roster of rock ’n’ roll’s founding fathers who recorded for his Sun Records: Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Charlie Rich, Roy Orbison, and so on.
Phillips was no savior, though, and Guralnick is unflinching in his accounts of his less savory qualities, too, without ever casting a judgmental eye.
By the book’s end, the weight of Guralnick’s mission comes into full view. Phillips had advised him early on, “It ain’t for you to put me in a good light. Just put me in the focus that I’m supposed to be in.” And that’s exactly what Guralnick has done. His subject would no doubt be proud that he got it right.
Go here To the Boston Globe for the full review
Or Click HERE to buy the book >> Sam Phillips: The Man Who Invented Rock 'n' Roll
- as a music lover it is essential - only $22 for 780 pages!
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
'The Elvis Files Vol. 7 1974-1975' "Out Soon": The publication of 'Elvis Files Volume 7' was supposed to be the end of October but has been delayed by a few weeks. The book is at the printers and will be out soon. Erik Lorentzen assures EIN that "Fans will be very impressed with all the great photos. I was fortunate to attend several of the shows featured in the book, and working on them brought back a lot of great memories."
The seventh volume of the Elvis Files story chronicles Elvis' years on tour through the USA, the Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe seasons..
All ELVIS EVENTS in this Time Frame 1974-1975 are shown
- Every Working Moment...
- The Mid-Seventies Tours
- The Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe Seasons
- Plenty of CANDID Moments
- The Recording Sessions
- Previously Unpublished Photos.
The cover photo is taken by our friend Keith Alverson.
Go HERE for 'Elvis Files Vol 7' SNEAK PREVIEW & Great Photos |
|
 |
|
‘The Elvis Files Magazine #14': Meanwhile hard-working Erik Lorentzen is already putting together the December 2015 issue of the ‘The Elvis Files Magazine Issue #14’.
This volume features a special article written by Gordon Minto "The Comeback Kid" which includes some stunning photos of Elvis in Las Vegas 1969.
Also includes...
- Elvis' Amazing Adventures in Hollywood
- Elvis Live in Vegas January 1973
Annual Subscription 4 issues - send € 58 by PayPal to: sales@elvisfiles.no
Go here to EIN reviews for a look at what you get in The Elvis Files Magazines
(News, Source;EL/ElvisInfoNet)
|
 |
 |
 |
November 7- ELVIS Is UK Number One!: It is official, almost 40 years after his death, Elvis Presley has topped the UK album charts for a 12th time.
In the year of Elvis' 80th anniversary this is SENSATIONAL news.
It means Elvis has had more UK number one albums than any other male solo artist.
Elvis claimed the top album spot with 'If I Can Dream' 79,000 chart sales, giving him the second-fastest selling album of the year behind Chasing Yesterday by Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds.
Receiving the award on Elvis's behalf, the star's former wife Priscilla Presley told OfficialCharts.com: "This is an album that Elvis always really wanted to do and he would have been so pleased to know his fans are still there and they continue to love his music.
"The most talented team put this album together and helped us all realise an unfulfilled dream."
Rod Stewart landed his 34th top ten album with 'Another Country', just behind Elvis at two, while Elbow frontman Guy Garvey was at three with his first solo release 'Courting The Squall'.
Ed Sheeran's 'x' jumped three places back up the chart to spend its 72nd week in the top ten at four.
(News, Source;BBC/ElvisInfoNet)
|
|
Priscilla Denies Elvis Hologram Shows in Production: Priscilla this week said she would react strongly against attempts to abuse his legacy and that she’s “not quite convinced” by the idea of creating a hologram of Elvis.
In the UK she recently discussed the trend of posthumous music production and the growing number of holograms being created, which include Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson and Tupac.
When asked about where to draw the line with posthumous music, and in particular the Elvis hologram whose rights are reportedly owned by Pulse Evolution, Presley said, “To be honest, I don’t know about that.”
She continued, “Our partners are exploring different options. I don’t think it’s full-range usage or a few images. There are ideas, his image in a couple of things… I haven’t seen anything to look at, there’s a lot of talking at the moment. I’m not quite convinced by it.”
She also said that she would react strongly against attempts to abuse Elvis’ legacy. “It’s a precious legacy, and we have to protect it. We have a team that sees what’s out there and the name, likeness and image cannot be abused.
“If it is,” she went on, “and something slips – then we act, and it doesn’t exist any more. Unless they want to come with us and we can work together. There’s a lot to keep up with, the amount of stuff out there.”
This week Pulse Evolution Corp and CEO John Textor were still publicising their continuing work on Elvis Presley new Hologram Stage shows.
|
 |
However this weeks story may have been a bluff as the company invovled Pulse Evolution Corp are struggling with a massive $100 million fraud suit in Florida.
This all stems from the now famous Michael Jackson hologram performance at the Billboard Music Awards in May of 2014. Textor and Pulse, after initially seeking to partner with Hologram USA, holder of the patented technology that creates the in-demand high definition 3D projections, decided to attempt to go it alone without proper technicians, or any permission, to use the technology. Despite many warnings, Textor and Pulse went ahead and acted surprised when Hologram USA sued them for patent infringement.
Pulse Entertainment is a company based solely on producing “celebrity resurrections” via hologram technology it has no rights to use. Though it has announced projects involving the likeness of Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe, there is no explanation of how it will produce any shows without access to the technology that makes it happen.
Meanwhile rivals Hologram USA this week teleported Jimmy Kimmel from Hollywood to Nashville for the CMAs. It has also announced touring stage shows featuring holograms of Liberace and Buddy Holly.
It was also announced that a new hologram show of Whitney Houston is to make its first appearance in 2016.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
Three New FTD Releases OUT NOW: The three FTD releases announced for October are at your local Elvis dealers now. A 1976 Live Soundboard, Movie soundtrack "Classic Album" and a unique collectible double-vinyl release.
1. 'Elvis In West Texas' a new soundboard contains the evening show in Odessa on May 30, 1976.
A thoroughly great show with repertoire highlights in “Help Me Make It Through The Night” and “It’s Now Or Never”.
It is packaged in a digipack 5” format with a 12-page booklet of 1976 photos.
The show features the pretty regular 1976 set-list including an 8 minute 'I Got Woman / Amen' but also highlights 'Funny How Time Slips Away' and ' Help Me Make It Through The Night'. This is the second 1976 show FTD have released from Elvis' MAY/JUNE 1976 tour #18 - as FTD's sixth release back in 2000 was 'Tucson' from June 1, 1976 just two days later. |
 |
Recorded at County Coliseum, Odessa, Texas on May 30, 1976, at the evening show. “See See Rider” and the talk about Odessa following it, are from the afternoon show the same day.
A short piece of the introductions was not recorded.
First reviews are very positive with Elvis sounding on good form.
Go here to EIN's FTD/SONY 2015 releases for full tracklist
2. 'Live A Little, Love A Little' new movie soundtrack 'Classic Album' release. Features a newly discovered Elvis session reel!
It comes in a 7” digipack with booklet. Due to the fact that there are only four songs in the movie, this is a single disc with selected outtakes.
From a newly found session tape, while the session only included four songs for the movie soundtrack, it did feature the wonderful 'A Little Less Conversation' and 'Edge Of Reality'. At last fans will get to hear TEN new session takes of 'A Little Less Conversation', FIVE new takes of 'Edge Of Reality' plus five new versions of 'Wonderful World' and five attempts at 'Almost In Love' - including a rehearsal. Go here for full details and tracklist
|
|
3. 'Moody Blue', special Double-Vinyl version.
Continuing on from the popular special vinyl editions, FTD is pleased to announce the release of “Moody Blue” in its original discarded art layout for the first time.
To create a unique collectible, it is issued in clear vinyl and each pressing is hand numbered.
This edition is limited to 1500.
This double vinyl edition includes, session outtakes, rough mixes, undubbed versions but for some reason misses out on the full-length version of 'Pledging My Love'.
Go here to EIN's FTD/SONY 2015 releases for full tracklist
(News, Source;FTD/ElvisInfoNet)
|
 |
'Ultimate Elvis' New Electronic Edition: Announced by Elvis sessions expert Keith Flynn for publication November 1 is the brand new concept of the 1750 page super-deluxe Elvis sessions book 'Ultimate Elvis' Electronic Edition.
This incredible three volume book will now be available as an e-book on an i-pad or android tablet.
- Created in HTML5
Fully updated e-books will open in any web browser on any operating system, so no need for separate downloads for different operating systems.
- Life-Like 'Flipping' Pages
Flip through pages as if you are reading an actual book, but also being able to zoom-in to view smaller images and captions.
|
 |
- View as Double or Single pages
View as double pages on a computer or laptop etc, and single pages when viewing in portrait on an i-pad or Android tablet.
- Fully Navigational Table Of Contents
Jump back and forth to the sections of the books you want to read, instead of flipping through numerous pages to find what you want.
PRICED AT - all 3 Volumes for £60 = US$93
On sale from November 1st 2015.
Try Before You Buy -
Download free zip-file containing 27 pages from Volume 1, before you decide to buy the complete set. -
NOTE - These books are MASSIVE so you will need approximately 1GB of spare disc space for these three volumes, -
Click HERE to Keith Flynn's 'Ultimate Elvis' Electronic Edition to try.
Go HERE to EIN's independent review of 'Ultimate Elvis'
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
2015 - Elvis Presley #2 Forbes Top-Earning Dead Celebrity: This year Michael Jackson again leads the list of the 13 top-earning dead
celebrities, pulling in $115 million over the past year - however this marks an 18% drop from last year. The main
drivers of his afterlife fortune: the Vegas Cirque du Soleil show
Michael Jackson One, recorded music sales and
half of the Sony /ATV publishing empire.
Once again Elvis Presley is holding steady at $55 million. The King of Rock n’ Roll doesn’t rule the realm of postmortem cash, but he’s making more than most living stars thanks largely to Graceland ticket sales. In August he earned his 53rd Top 40 album with Elvis Presley Forever, a compilation released by the U.S. Postal Service along with a commemorative stamp.
Peanuts creator Charles Schulz ranks third with $40 million, much of it from his cut of licensing revenue from the popular comic.
Bob Marley ($21 million) and Elizabeth Taylor ($20 million) round out the top five. In death, Marley is becoming quite the businessman with his Marley Beverage company (home to Marley’s Mellow Mood) and House of Marley (maker of eco-friendly audio and lifestyle products).
Other notables include actor Paul Walker, who banked $10.5 million on the success of Furious 7–which grossed $1.5 billion at the worldwide box office, making it the franchise’s biggest intake to date. Albert Einstein earned $11 million, thanks to branded merchandise including apparel, posters and tablets designed by Israeli tech company Fourier Systems.
|
 |
Though there are only 13 names on our Top-Earning Dead Celebrities list, plenty of others are pulling in millions from beyond the grave. Among those closest to making the cut: Frank Sinatra, Bruce Lee, Joan Rivers, George Harrison, Richard Rodgers, Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Cash and Kurt Cobain.
Top five Forbes magazine Top-Earning Dead Celebrities 2015.
1. Michael Jackson $115 million
2. Elvis Presley $55 million
3. Charles Schulz ('Peanuts' creator) $40 million.
4. Bob Marley $21 million.
5. Elizabeth Taylor $20 million.
As Gore Vidal once noted, "Death is a good career move"!
Elvis left the building 38 years ago - will Michael Jackson still be in the list in 30 years time? - EIN truly has its doubts. - Go HERE to EIN's Elvis vs Michael Jackson spotlight
(News, Source;Forbes/ElvisInfoNet) |
UPDATED - 'If I Can Dream' new Elvis album - EIN Readers Respond: The publicity for the "new" Elvis album is ramping up, which is good to see. Yesterday EIN asked its readers what were their opinions so far about the new album to be released at the end of this week.
Of all the sneak previews EIN suggested that the new version of "Burning Love" sounded GHASTLY!
Nor can we possibly believe that these songs with new overdubs are, "What Elvis would have loved to have had" as Priscilla tells everyone on her publicity trail.
EIN reader's comments are a very mixed bunch such as..
... I've listened to every track that's available from this CD, and I hate them all! They've ruined Elvis' songs. Why can't they leave his music alone? The original tracks are perfect, just the way they are!
....The new arrangements are terrific and exciting as well as creative - especially Burning Love!!
... I’ve really liked most of what I’ve heard so far but must agree that 'Burning Love' is a bit odd… it doesn’t offend but it won’t be the track I use to sell the concept to family and friends."
|
|
... They have absolutely destroyed "Burning Love". This was about as stupid as painting a mustache on the "Mona Lisa".
To be honest while EIN is not so sure of the concept of putting an orchestra over already orchestrated versions and putting violins over great rock'n'roll numbers like 'Burning Love' but we are keeping an open mind until we hear the whole album on a quality HiFi.
We also hope the album is a big success but maybe we are the wrong target-market since we know the originals so very well. Today we add lots more reader feedback - including a very detailed look from EIN contributor Bryan Gruszka.
Click HERE to read our reader Feedback - and send us YOUR Opinion
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
| 'A Touch Of Gold Lamé' Book Review: The new book from the Elvis Files Erik Lorentzen is an in-depth look at Elvis' fabulous tours of 1957 over 420 pages.
EIN has never seen so many glorious photographs of Elvis on tour in 1957 with so many photographs we have previously not seen in such stunning quality and as glorious full-page images.
The wealth of material in this book is stunning. His single day Ottawa appearance with the first fabulous article “The Pelvis Arrives” and continue over forty-two pages of articles and stunning images. There are 10 articles alone from Ottawa’s various newspapers and two interviews with Elvis. And yet he was there for only one day!
.. "Glittering in an unborn calf skin suit, which was completely covered with 24-karat gold cloth, and 24-karat gold shoes, Elvis seemed to be somewhat groggy as he greeted the record crowd. Assuming his provocative stance, he tilted the microphone, embraced it and began rotating his pelvis....
It is incredible, only twenty-eight Elvis concerts over 400 plus pages and not a jumpsuit in sight!
Go here as EIN's Piers Beagley checks out this sensational new book about the crucial tours of 1957 that would help cement Elvis' incredible legacy as he headed towards his possible career-changing term in the US Army....
(Book Reviews, Source;ElvisInfoNetwork)
|
 |
'Elvis: Today' in-depth Legacy Review: On March 10th 1975 Elvis returned to RCA Studio C, LA to record his last significant album. Recorded over three nights, the album featured Elvis covering other songwriter's material. Interestingly with no other recordings left in the RCA vault every single track from the session was released on the one album - and what a fine album it was.
Kicking off with the rocking power of T-R-O-U-B-L-E the album also included some country, gospel, sentimental ballads while also featuring some of Elvis’ personal favourites. Unlike all of his albums since ‘Elvis Country’ this album had a nice overall cohesiveness that probably did reflect Elvis’ musical interests of the time. In 1975 it really was “Elvis Today”.
Now out as a 40th Anniversary legacy release and combined with a wonderfully enjoyable June 1975 concert can it really be worth buying again?
Luckily for Elvis collectors both the live concert and the 'Original Session Mixes' show a vast improvement in audio quality.
|
 |
‘Elvis at the O2’ exhib New Items on Display: Due to its popularity, London's 'Elvis at The O2' exhibition has been extended until January 10, 2016. The exhibition features over 300 artefacts from EPE's Graceland Archives, some of which have never been exhibited outside Graceland.
Since the exhibition started they have been rotating the "Major" items such as Elvis' leather Comeback Suit or the Gold Lame suit.
This week two new items have been added to the display, the White 'If I Can Dream' suit from the '68 Comeback Special, as well as Elvis' famous 'Aztec Sundial' jumpsuit worn during the CBS TV special and his last concerts in 1977.
If you are near London the exhibition is well-worth seeing.
See EIN's exclusive 'Elvis At the London 02' review here.
(News, Source;StrictlyElvis/ElvisInfoNet)
|
 |
 |
'If I Can Dream' UK Super-Deluxe version: 'If I Can Dream: Elvis Presley With The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra' is a remarkable new album featuring classic Elvis vocal performances with brand-new orchestral accompaniment, along with a duet with Michael Bublé on Fever.
The UK super deluxe version of the album includes 3 additional tracks on CD, 2 heavyweight LP, a poster, 12" booklet, all housed in a box.
An exciting revisit of Elvis’ work, ‘If I Can Dream’ focuses on the iconic artist’s unmistakable voice, emphasising the pure power of The King of Rock and Roll. Recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London, the album features Elvis’ most dramatic original performances augmented with lush new arrangements by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. "This would be a dream come true for Elvis," Priscilla Presley says of the project. "He would have loved to play with such a prestigious symphony orchestra. The music…the force that you feel with his voice and the orchestra is exactly what he would have done."
Go here to 'Elvis FTD /SONY News 2015' for a closer look
Release date 30 Oct. 2015. From RCA Records
On Amazon UK for £36.99 & FREE Delivery in the UK. - Click HERE.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
|
 |
Sonny West Health Update: The Wests are doing it tough and Sonny's family is trying to raise some funds. EIN has heard from Marty Lacker that Sonny is presently in ICU in the hospital with fluid on his lungs and his wife Judy is having heart surgery and that all this has taken its toll on them financially.
His son has posted, "I want to thank everyone on behalf of our family. All of the prayers and support means so much in these difficult times. We appreciate everyones donations. No donation is too small. I merely want my dad to have the best care available. I believe Elvis would want the same. Prayer is also very strong, especially when two or more are gathered. It makes me feel very good and extremely proud to see how much my dad is loved and cared about.
I have always been extremely proud of my dad Sonny West. He is the toughest man I will ever know in my lifetime. He has beaten stage 4 throat cancer. However, his health has slowly been taking a turn for the worse. To say the least.... my parents are in need of financial help at this time. This is a son asking if you have it somewhere in your heart to give a donation.....I know it would mean the world to my dad and lift his spirits. To see how many people care and are rooting for him. God bless and thank you. - Bryan West. |
|
 |
 |
New Graceland "Museum" across the street: EPE has announced plans to shift Elvis' memorabilia and displays across the street to a new museum. Sometime in the next few years, moving trucks will gingerly carry many of the mementoes down the hill and across Elvis Presley Boulevard to be showcased in a new 22,000 square-foot Elvis "career museum.''
But the career musuem will be only one anchor of an L-shaped $35 million entertainment complex that will offer another 104,000 square feet of exhibit and "discovery'' space.
The linear footprint of the rooms should allow Graceland to tell Elvis's story in a more flowing way than it can in a big box like the racquetball building.
Jack Soden, CEO of EPE told this week's neighborhood meeting...
"We're going to move an awful lot of what’s presented in the trophy building and the racquetball building on the Graceland tour, which, if you think about it, we just kinda shoe-horned the entire story of Elvis-the-entertainer into what was a rec room and a racquetball court.
We’re going to do all of that justice, the gold records, the jumpsuits, the guitars, the awards, all the things related to his amazing, iconic career. |
 |
So now we’ll have how Elvis and where Elvis lived, how Elvis and why Elvis is the greatest entertainer ever.''
Moving so much of the memorabilia out of the mansion raises some questions: What will become of the newly cleared spaces in the trophy and racquetball buildings?
Will EPE seek to restore those rooms to appear exactly as they were when Elvis was alive and then will visitors have to pay more to see both the mansion and the memorabilia?
The existing strand of souvenir shops and exhibit and souvenir spaces -- fashioned out of an old strip shopping center or two -- will be demolished to make room.
Go here to EIN's "EPE ARCHIVES" for the full story and more
(News, Source;MComm/ElvisInfoNet) |
 |
EIN Joyce Bova Interview: Joyce Bova worked in Washington DC and had a fascinating relationship with Elvis that lasted between 1969 and 1972. The story of which she wrote about in her 1994 book, 'Don't Ask Forever: My Love Affair With Elvis' has recently been re-published as an updated E-Book.
Bova was a Capitol Hill staffer on the House Armed Services Committee when she first met Elvis in 1969 in Las Vegas during her vacation.
'Don't Ask Forever' is the intimate true story of two star-crossed lovers-and a revealing portrait of an Elvis Presley that also looked at the crazy day-to-day world rarely featured in other Elvis books.
As the book publicity stated, "It started out like a fairy tale. She was a beautiful, hardworking Congressional aide. He was America's most explosive entertainer. They met one night in Las Vegas in 1969 - a night that changed Joyce's life forever".
Go here as EIN's Piers Beagley recently caught up with Joyce Bova to talk about her incredible times with Elvis and to learn more about the new revised and update Ebook publication.
(Interview, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
 |
Did Elvis Record 'Tiger Man' At Sun?: A question that has puzzled Elvis fans through the years is whether he actually recorded the song ‘Tiger Man’ during his years at SUN studios.
The basic question is why did Elvis refer to 'Tiger man' several times in concert as “The second song that I ever recorded, not too many people heard it”?
And if Elvis DID record it, then why hasn’t any reference to it at SUN or proof of its existence been found?
Elvis would first perform ‘Tiger Man’ in concert at his first 1969 Las Vegas International season and would continue playing it through the years – usually in a medley with Mystery Train - until his last performance at Saginaw on May 3 1977. He would sing it over 150 times on stage!
The thought that there might be an acetate or undiscovered tape of Elvis at SUN singing ‘Tiger Man’ is a mouth-watering concept - but is it an unlikely fantasy or strong possibility?
Go here to our detailed 'TIGER MAN' spotlight as EIN's Piers Beagley puts in the hard yards to check the facts from the fantasy .
(Spotlight; Source;ElvisInfoNetwork) |
 |
Now available from Amazon USA:
EIN's Rare Elvis Facebook page Now with 15,200 members! - including several of Elvis' own friends and colleagues
So Elvis fans don't miss out on these rare and exciting photographs - from EIN's V-P Sanja Meegin.
Now with over thousands of great photos, News and with more added every day – including YouTube footage.
Click here to access our Facebook - Elvis Information Network group.
You need to be a Facebook Member. |
 |
FTD "What now, What next, What If? PART TWO ": The FTD label has been doing an excellent job at looking at the recording anthology of Elvis Presley and releasing every significant LP or recording session on a 1CD or 2CD ‘Classic Album’ version.
However, as noted with the recent "ELVIS" second LP release and the Christmas album, there are less and less outtakes and studio sessions left in the vaults.
With our new article “What now, What next, What If?” EIN contributor Ian Garfield examines exactly how FTD might present their future 'Classic Album' releases.
This second article covers the possible releases Speedway; Live a Little, Love a Little; Charro, The Trouble with Girls and Change of Habit.
Go here as EIN also wants YOUR input and ideas - and we will send the final suggestions to Roger and Ernst at FTD.
(Spotlight, Source;IanGarfield/ElvisInfoNet) |
 |
UPDATED Reviews - 'Ultimate Elvis' Book Review: 'Ultimate Elvis – The Complete And Definitive Recording Sessions' is a this three-volume, deluxe set that not only comprises all the session information available to date, based on Keith Flynn's incomparable website and includes comprehensive notes on each session, discographies, letters, original sheet music covers plus huge index all included in its 1,800 pages.
The book includes around 3,000 stunning high-quality photographs many of them previously unseen, relating to the time period in question.
The promotional publicity for this three-volume set was very impressive with the original publishing date of August 2014 missed as more photographs were discovered and the content expanded. Finally published in December 2014, Elvis enthusiast Brian Quinn checks out this astounding deluxe package to discover if it is as good as promised.
Go HERE - Now updated with a new 2,000 word in-depth new review from super-fan Neil Colombari- -
(Book Reviews, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNet) |
 |
The Two Best Books in 2014 that add Appreciably to our Knowledge & Understanding of Elvis: |
The Two Best Elvis Related Memoirs of 2014: |
The Four Best Elvis Photo-Journal Book Releases of 2014: |
|
Indepth Review soon |
|
Indepth Review soon |
Note: Not all these releases are not available from online or regular bookstores (to obtain enquire with your regular Elvis supplier) |
More great Elvis deals on Amazon
'Young Man With The Big Beat' Cheap Box set: Re-released for 2014 in a Limited Edition cheap slim-line box-set is Elvis' 'Young Man With The Big Beat'.
A great opportunity for those that missed it in
Go HERE for EIN's detailed YMWTBB review
UK price - only £19.99 = Euro25 = US$33 with FREE Delivery in the UK.
Click to Order now special deal >> . . Young Man With The Big Beat
-
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
|
 |
 |
Copyright the Elvis Information Network.
Elvis Presley, Elvis and Graceland are trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises.
The Elvis Information Network has been running since 1986 and is an EPE officially recognised Elvis fan club.
EIN also has a local Australian national Elvis Fan Club for paid up members featuring quarterly newsletters and an annual EIN Elvis Mega Quiz with special prizes.
The printed newsletters have extra content, articles and reviews to this website along with the popular Elvis EIN Mega Quiz.
If you need to know more about the fan club, newsletters, Elvis EIN quiz or EIN membership
' ELVIS EIN QUIZ', Elvis EIN quiz, elvis EIN mega quiz, elvis mega quiz, EIN mega quiz, ELVIS EIN QUIZ, EIN elvis mega quiz,
.
|
Most Popular |
| "Baby, Let's Play House" - EIN Spotlight |
| 'If I Can Dream' Elvis with the RPO - In-depth CD Review: |
| 'A Touch Of Gold Lamé' Book Review |
| 'If I Can Dream' new Elvis album - EIN Readers Respond: |
| Remember....A Love Story - Book Review: |
| Happy Birthday EIN EIN turns 100 – a retrospective!: |
| 'Elvis: Today' in-depth Legacy Review: |
| "You Can Have Her" Elvis' One-Off Performance: |
| EIN's "EPE Graceland ARCHIVES" |
| EIN Joyce Bova exclusive Interview: |
| 'Elvis Meets The Beatles': |
| Did Elvis Record 'Tiger Man' At Sun? |
| Forever Elvis - A 2015 commemorative Spotlight: |
| .ELVIS WEEK 2015 EIN exclusive Sanja Meegin reports. |
| Elvis "Non Stop Erotic Cabaret": |
| Ian Fraser-Thomson 1969 fan Interview: |
| Elvis London O2 Exhibition EIN Review: |
| Jon Abbott, author of The Elvis Films and acclaimed author on pop culture Interview |
| 'Hard Knocks' Bootleg CD Review: |
| 'Suppose - Did It Inspire Imagine': |
| (Interview) Bob Hayden author of Lee Gordon Presents Elvis Presley |
| 'Elvis Files Magazine ISSUE 11' Review: |
| (Book Review) 'Lee Gordon Presents Elvis Presley - The Biggest Shows of 1957' Volume 2: |
| EIN Spotlight on Aloha's director Marty Pasetta |
| 'Rock Around The Bloch' FTD Book Review: |
| Elvis and the Coco Palms Resort: |
| FTD "What now, What next, What If? PART TWO ": |
| 'Elvis' Christmas Album' FTD Review: |
| 'Flaming Star' FTD Review: |
| Ginger Alden Interview: |
| 'Ultimate Elvis' Book Review: |
| (Interview) Allen J. Wiener author of Channeling Elvis: How Television Saved the King of Rock 'n' Roll talks to EIN |
| Elaine Beckett -Easy Come Easy Go costar- Interview: |
| Shirley Dieu, author of Memphis Mafia Princess, talks to EIN: |
| |
Latest Reviews |
| 'If I Can Dream' Elvis with the RPO - In-depth CD Review: |
| 'A Touch Of Gold Lamé' Book Review |
| Remember....A Love Story - Book Review: |
| 'Elvis: Today' in-depth Legacy Review: |
| Elvis London O2 Exhibition EIN Review: |
| 'Elvis Files Magazine ISSUE 11' Review: |
| 'Hard Knocks' Bootleg CD Review: |
| (Book Review) 'Lee Gordon Presents Elvis Presley - The Biggest Shows of 1957' Volume 2: |
| 'Nashville Chrome' - (Maxine Brown & Elvis) Book Review: |
| "An Evening with Elvis' Friends and Original Musicians" 2015 Tour Review: |
| Lee Gordon Presents Elvis Presley - The Biggest Shows of 1957 (Book Review) |
| 'Rock Around The Bloch' FTD Book Review |
| 'Elvis' Christmas Album' FTD Review: |
| 'Flaming Star' FTD Review |
| Is 'From Elvis In Memphis' the only Elvis album you need to own? |
| 'Elvis Files Magazine ISSUE 9' Mini-Review |
| 'Ultimate Elvis' Book Review |
| (Book Review): Elvis Presley: A Southern Life |
| (Book Review) The world knows Elvis Presley....but they don't know me: |
| The Elvis Films (Book Review) |
| 'Elvis In Florida April 1975' FTD In-Depth Review: |
| 'Autopsy: The Last Hours Of Elvis' - Review: |
| (Book Reviews): If I Can Dream: The Story of "Being Elvis" for 50 Years and Elvirus! Elvi-geddon: Dawn of the Elvi Invasion: |
| (Book Review): CHANNELING ELVIS How Television Saved the King of Rock 'n' Roll: |
| (Book Review) Elvis and Ginger: |
| ‘Final Countdown To Midnight' jewel-case Versions Review: |
| 'Elvis Files Magazine ISSUE 8' Review: |
| (Book Review) Memphis Mafia Princess: |
| 'Final Countdown To Midnight' NYE 1976 - in-depth Review: |
| 'Elvis Files Magazine ISSUE 7' Review: |
| 'ELVIS' FTD Classic Album Review: |
| (Book Review) 100 Things Elvis Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die: |
| Walkin' On The Bridge I Will Follow That Dream (an Elvis based tale) Review: |
| For the Love of Elvis (Book Review): |
| 'Elvis-The King Of The Jungle' In-Depth Book Review: |
| (Book Review): Elvis' Favorite Director:Norman Taurog: |
| 'ELVIS AT 21' Exhibition Review: |
| 'Elvis Files Magazine ISSUE 6' Review: |
| 'Elvis Music FAQ' - Book Review: |
| 'Elvis Films FAQ' Book Review: |
| 'The On Stage Season' FTD In-Depth Review: |
| 'Elvis Files Magazine ISSUE 5' Review: |
| 'The Elvis Files Vol. 6 1971-1973' Book Review: |
| 'Love Me Tender' Blu-Ray Edition Review: |
| 'Houston We Have A Problem' - CD review: |
| 'SOLD OUT' FTD CD Review: |
| ‘Elvis At Stax’ [Deluxe] Reviews: |
| |
Latest Articles (Spotlights) |
| "Baby, Let's Play House" - EIN Spotlight |
| 'If I Can Dream' new Elvis album - EIN Readers Respond: |
| "You Can Have Her" Elvis' One-Off Performance: |
| 'Elvis Meets The Beatles': |
| Did Elvis Record 'Tiger Man' At Sun? |
| Forever Elvis - A 2015 commemorative Spotlight: |
| Elvis "Non Stop Erotic Cabaret": |
| Elvis London O2 Exhibition EIN Review: |
| 'Suppose - Did It Inspire Imagine': |
| EIN Spotlight on Aloha's director Marty Pasetta |
| "An Evening with Elvis' Friends and Original Musicians" On Tour Review: |
| 'Elvis - The UK's 'Most Successful Chart Act': |
| FTD "What now, What next, What If? PART TWO ": |
| Elvis and the Coco Palms Resort: |
| FTD "What now, What next, What If?": |
| Is 'From Elvis In Memphis' the only Elvis album you need to own?: |
| EIN's 'Elvis Star Track' Of The Week |
| Music of Mississippi at the Grammy Museum: |
| Elvis London O2 Exhibition Spotlight: |
| 'Trains, Jet Planes and Morning Rain' EIN Spotlight: |
| Wertheimer's Reaction To Finding The 'Mystery Kisser': |
| UPDATED - 'Elvis Madison 1977 - The Gas Station Incident' with Kathy Westmoreland: |
| "If You're Going To Start A Rumble" -The Importance of Fights In Elvis Movies: |
| ELVIS WEEK 2014 - EIN exclusive Sanja Meegin reports: |
| 'Big Boss Man: What Kind of Technical Advice Did Parker Provide for Elvis’s Movies?': |
| Spotlight: Who is this person?? |
| FTD - What now, What next, Where to – What’s left?: |
| UPDATED - 'American Studios 1969 - A Turning Point In History': |
| "60 Years of Elvis" EIN Exhibition Preview: |
| Elvis' Personal Record Collection: |
| Linda and Sam Thompson in Australia: |
| Happy Birthday EIN EIN turns 100 – a retrospective!: |
| Elvis Week Through The Years - Sanja Meegin looks back: |
| 'The Wedding' Elvis & Priscilla EIN special Spotlight: |
| John Lennon And Elvis: It was "Thirty Years Ago Today" |
| Elvis or Michael Jackson - who is the bigger star? |
| Dark Side of the Colonel |
|
Latest Interviews |
| EIN Joyce Bova exclusive Interview: |
| Jon Abbott pop culture and The Elvis Films |
| Bob Hayden author of Lee Gordon Presents Elvis Presley |
| (Interview) Anne E. Nixon answers your questions |
| Ginger Alden Interview: |
| Elaine Beckett -Easy Come Easy Go costar- Interview: |
| (Interview) Dennis Forbus author of one of 2014's best Elvis books talks to EIN: |
| Shirley Dieu, author of Memphis Mafia Princess, talks to EIN: |
| Interview With Elvis author - : Gillian G. Gaar |
| Bobby D. talks to EIN about his good friend, Jimmy Ellis (aka the masked man known as Orion): |
| Interview with Dick Grob, Elvis' Head Of Security: |
| Hollywood veteran Michael Hoey talks to EIN: |
| Interview with 'Elvis Films FAQ' author Paul Simpson: |
| Elvis Music FAQ - Mike Eder Interview: |
| "My Fast Life" Rare Elvis Presley 1964 Interview: |
| John Wilkinson Tribute & 1972 Interview: |
| Interview - Dr. Gary Vikan: |
| 'Elvis: Walk A Mile In My Shoes' - Arjan Deelen Interview: |
| RIP - Bernard Lansky talks to EIN: |
| Allyson Adams 'The Rebel and The King' Interview: |
| Interview with Elvis Photographer Dagmar: |
| Joseph A. Tunzi (part 2) |
| David Stanley (2012) |
| Vernon Presley Interview: |
| Jerry Leiber Interview for EIN |
| Elvis Paradise Hawaiian Interview - with Peter Noone |
| Sam Thompson, Elvis' bodyguard, 2011 Interview |
| James Burton Interview - Rick Nelson & Elvis: |
| Elvis Drummer Jerome "Stump" Monroe EIN Interview: |
| Donnie Sumner Remembers his friend Sherrill Nielsen: |
| Lamar Fike EIN Exclusive Interview |
| Ernst Jorgensen interview about 'The Complete Masters' and more: |
| Red West Interview:- 2010 Elvis week special |
| Linda Thompson - Interview Special: |
| Dr. Nick talks to EIN |
| Alanna Nash |
| Ernst Jorgensen (2009) |
|
Audio-Visual |
| Best of Elvis on YouTube |
| Graceland cam |
| EPE's Multimedia Elvis Gallery |
| Sirius Elvis Satellite Radio |
| Elvis Radio (ETA's) |
| Elvis Express Radio |
| Ultimate Elvis Radio |
| Elvis Only Radio |
| "Images in Concert" PhotoDatabase |
| Radio Interview: Vernon & Gladys Presley |
| Sanja's Elvis Week 2007 Photo Gallery |
| 'EIN's Best of Elvis on YouTube' |
| The Music of Elvis Presley - Australian Radio Show |
|
Reference |
| All about Elvis |
| All about Elvis Tribute Artists |
| All about Graceland |
| All about Lisa Marie Presley |
| Ancestors of Elvis |
| Art Archives |
| Book Releases 2009 |
| Contact List |
| Elvis and Racism |
| Elvis as Religion |
| Elvis Film Guide |
| Elvis Online Virtual Library |
| Elvis Research Forum |
| Elvis Rules on Television |
| FTD Database (EPE) |
| Graceland - The National Historic Landmark |
| How & where do I sell my Elvis collection? |
| Is Elvis the best selling artist? |
| Links to Elvis' family & friends |
| Links to other Elvis sites |
| Marty's Musings |
| Online Elvis Symposium |
| Parkes Elvis Festival 2009 (Australia) |
| Presley Law legal archives (Preslaw) |
| Presleys In The Press |
| Sale of EPE (Archives) |
| 6th Annual Elvis Website Survey |
| Spotlight on The King |
| "Wikipedia" Elvis biography |
|
Did You Miss? |
| 50,000,000 Elvis Fans Can't Be Wrong - the most 'covered' Elvis album of all-time |
| Spotlight: Elvis Film Posters |
| FTD Review: An American Trilogy |
| Book Review: Elvis: A King in the Making |
| Interview: Vic Colonna - the Dangerous World of Bootlegging Elvis |
| |
|
| |
|
|
