Welcome to the "Elvis Information Network", home to the best news, reviews, interviews & articles about the King of Rock & Roll, Elvis Aaron Presley...
Big news coming from Warner Bros: Rich Stinson sent EIN this very interesting message:
Tonight, I attended the annual Home Theater Forum's An Evening with Warner Home Video. You can ask them about upcoming DVD releases. I was able to ask them a question in regards to Elvis - here's the transcript:
<RichTCB> Hello. I’m a fan of Elvis Presley. Many fans around the world and I want to know: are there any plans for a single or multi disc package of the concert documentaries, “That’s The Way It Is” and “Elvis On Tour, with unreleased concert and rehearsal footage? Thank you.
<WARNER> We have huge Elvis news.....We cannot announce all the plans now, but we will have a big announcement to make in a few weeks. Stay tuned to HTF for further details. ELVIS fans are going to be VERY VERY HAPPY!
So there we have it. Looks like something is planned ... and we'll know more soon! (News, Source: Rich Stinson)
EIN's 'Best of 2006': 2006 was surely the year of the calm before the storm of all the '30th anniversary' releases. However with hundreds of Elvis CDs, books and DVDs still released in 2006 there was an astounding amount of material for avid Elvis fans to buy. EIN's bank manager told us that we had spent far too much in 2006 - and so to aid the unsuspecting Elvis fan we present our annual round-up of last year with EIN's 'Best of 2006' where we choose our favourite selection of Elvis DVDs, CDs, books and more. (Spotlight, Source: EIN)
"Elvis Rock 'n' Roll Ride for Life" Benefiting the American Diabetes Association: Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE) is pleased to announce the new Elvis Rock 'n' Roll Ride for Life benefiting the American Diabetes Association, which will begin and end at Elvis Presley's Graceland, the legendary superstar's home in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 22, 2007. This event for motorcycle enthusiasts will serve as a fitting homage to Presley's passion for motorcycles and to his lifetime of generosity to individuals and charitable causes. Festivities at Graceland will include the unveiling of the limited edition Elvis 30th Anniversary Signature Collection Harley-Davidson® motorcycle produced by Graceland® Harley-Davidson, a branch location of Bruce Rossmeyer’s Southern Thunder Harley-Davidson.
By offering three levels of participation ranging from $50.00 - $300.00, riders and their passengers can choose from a variety of experiences for the 100-mile escorted ride and the weekend’s events. Activities can include a VIP event and pre-ride party at the Gibson Guitar Beale Street Showcase, ride staging at the steps of Graceland Mansion, tours of the Gibson Guitar Factory and Graceland Mansion, a post-ride party with food, beverages, and live music on the Graceland visitor center property, special commemorative gifts, and much, much more. A special highlight will be the unveiling of the limited edition Elvis Presley 30th Anniversary Signature Collection Harley-Davidson® motorcycle, painting and sculpture, which have been created in tribute to Elvis in this, the thirtieth anniversary year of his passing.
The Elvis Rock 'n' Roll Ride for Life benefiting the American Diabetes Association will depart the Graceland properties at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 22, 2007, with the highest level of participants officially kicking off the ride from the front steps of Graceland Mansion.
Interested individuals can get detailed information and sign up for the ride by going to elvis.com/ride or by calling call 1-901-682-8232 or 1-888-DIABETES extension 3121. To receive Elvis.com e-newsletters and alerts and updates about the Ride, visit elvis.com/newsletters/.
Graceland Mansion and its related attractions will be open for tours as usual on that day. To plan a visit to Graceland for then or anytime, go to www.tourgraceland.com and to learn more about Elvis Presley and EPE visit www.elvis.com.
Full details about the limited edition Elvis 30th Anniversary Signature Collection Harley-Davidson® motorcycles, including prices and ordering information, will be announced soon. (News, Source: EPE)
Elvis Signature Harley Davidson: In honor of the 30th anniversary of Presley's death, Harley Davidson bikes will issue a limited replica of the 1957 Blue Harley-Davidson KH model that Elvis owned.
The price is $57,888 (€ 43.934). This includes a limited pain job and a bronze sculpture of Elvis.
The Graceland/Harley Davidson logo features the two logo's of Harley Davidson and Graceland in the same font. (News, Source: Elvis Matters)
"Playing For Keeps" promo CD: Volume 43 of the Norwegian Flaming Star magazine comes with a promotional CD entitled "Playing for keeps" which contains four tracks; "Playing For Keeps", "Love Me", "How Do You Think I Feel" and "How´s The World Treating You". All tracks recorded at Radio Recorders, Hollywood, California on September 1, 1956. (News, Source: Magazines: Flaming Star /Elvis News)
"In The Ghetto" - perfect pop song?: A new five-part series "In Search of the Perfect Pop Song" starts tonight on BBC Radio 2. This edition focusses on songwriter Mac Davis, who penned down "In The Ghetto". In this documentary Davis relates the story of how he got the song to Elvis’ attention – by following him into the toilet! The series started yesterday and is presented by Guy Chambers, the Ivor Award winning songwriter behind some of Robbie Williams hit records. BBC Radio 2 - 21.30. Also available online all week on the BBC website. (News, Source: BBC /Elvis News)
Hidden obsession of cafeteria lady: After 49 years of marriage, Richard O. Mitchell understood his wife, Rena, very well, but he never did understand that thing she had for Elvis Presley.
"She was a real nut on that," he said. "I have no idea how she got so fanaticized over him. I used to tell her, 'When you go, I'm going to junk all that stuff,' and she'd say I better not."
Mrs. Mitchell died Feb. 24 at an Indianapolis rehabilitation center. She was 69. The thousands of students pushing their lunch trays through the cafeteria line at Warren Central High School for about 30 years never suspected Mrs. Mitchell, the friendly head cashier, was such an Elvis devotee. Mrs. Mitchell knew the words to Elvis' songs and played Elvis CDs, but she knew better than to ask her husband to grow his sideburns long or add a spangled jumpsuit and cape to his wardrobe.
"She was a top-notch fan," her husband said. "She adored him and she loved him, but she wasn't a teeny-bopper over him, if you know what I mean. "It was kind of one of those things that happened, and I went along with it. I didn't have any choice."
He went with her to an Elvis concert in Indianapolis, but he mostly concentrated on leaving in time to get to his job by midnight. He retired in 1990 as a general supervisor at Ford's engine assembly plant in Indianapolis. "Rena had boxes of Elvis memorabilia stored in the garage," Mitchell said. "I have no idea what to do with it. I don't know why anyone would want it."
The Mitchells met on a blind date in 1953. "We went to Riverside Park to ride the rides. That was the place to go. I was a perfect gentleman on that date. I wasn't going to push my luck." She made an immediate impression: "She struck me as a person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. It was a gut feeling. She was what you might call my first love." After their daughters had graduated from Warren Central, Mrs. Mitchell took a job washing dishes in the cafeteria kitchen.
"She kind of hit it off with the boss and became a cashier and then head cashier," her husband said. "She loved her job and she loved the kids. Knowing her, I'm sure she helped out if a student was a little short, but she was a bulldog if someone tried to steal something. She went after them and caught them." She retired in 2004.
Services will be at noon Friday at Shirley Brothers Washington Memorial Chapel, 9606 E. Washington St., with calling there from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday. Other survivors include daughters Kim Pope and Pam Broschart and a brother, Roy Hensley. (News, Source: Indy Star)
Third album from the King's daughter in the pipeline: Lisa Marie starts work on her third album next month despite being without a record label. When Capitol merged with Virgin Records, Lisa Marie did not join the new consortium. (Lisa Presley's World, Source: Elvis UK On-line /Elvis News)
Elvis meets Shakespeare - sort of: Elvis meets Shakespeare - sort of -in the jukebox musical "All Shook Up" opening today at the Aronoff Center in Cincinnati. "All Shook Up" is part of the recent genre of musicals that takes the songs and/or music of a singer or musical group and builds a story around the material. The most successful and artful in the jukebox form was "Movin' Out," in which Twyla Tharp set some rousing dances to Billy Joel's music. Most popular and more forced is "Mamma Mia," in which ABBA songs are squeezed into a contrived romance.
Now, from last season on Broadway, comes "All Shook Up." But don't expect an Elvis stage biography, says its star Susan Anton. "It's a delightful piece," she said. "It takes place in about 1955. It uses a great many of Elvis' songs." The roster of 24 Presley songs includes "Love Me Tender," "Heartbreak Hotel," "Hound Dog," "It's Now or Never," "Blue Suede Shoes" and, of course, the title song.
" 'All Shook Up' is not about Elvis, "which is always important for people to know," Anton said. "They're not going to come and see a show about Elvis, but they're gonna hear his music," explained Anton, a former Miss California (1969) and second runner-up for Miss America. "It takes place in a fictional town in the middle of nowhere where nothing ever happens. Everybody is heartbroken.
"Enter our motorcycle-riding, leather-jacketed, guitar-playing roustabout played by Joe Mandragona. His name is Chad in the piece. "He's not Elvis, but he has an Elvis-like resemblance." (News, Source: The Cincinnati Post)
Uncertain future for Dallas Cotton Bowl: The future of the Dallas Cotton Bowl, where Elvis appeared in 1955, looks uncertain. Although the City Council are ready to spend $50 million renovating the old Fair Park Stadium, the Dallas Cowboys are moving out to a new stadium in Arlington and any planned renovations may just be too late. (News, Source: Elvis UK On-line /Elvis News)
Tuesday 27 February 2007
"Elvis The Official Collector's Edition" magazine: Available in the United Kingdom is a new collector series magazine entitled "Elvis The Official Collectors Edition" from DeAgostini.
Synopsis: Elvis’ red-hot sound and super-cool looks transformed him into the world’s leading rock ‘n’ roll icon. Thirty years after his death, Elvis’ appeal hasn’t faded, and now the magic that was (and is) the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll is captured in Elvis – The Official Collector’s Edition.
Each issue of this exceptional new series consists of three parts – magazine, artifacts and mini-posters – that build into a celebration of the life and work of Elvis Presley. This series is produced in association with Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc., the trustees of Elvis’ estate, which have contributed their privileged insight into Elvis and provided photographs for the magazines, the artifacts and mini-posters from its picture library based at Graceland.
Devoted entirely to Elvis includes articles explaining key events in the star’s life and career. Illustrated with photographs direct from the archives at Graceland, each issue helps you build a greater understanding of this amazing talent.
Each issue in the series includes three (or more) printed artifacts. These include Elvis’ personal documents, music and film memorabilia, and awards and landmarks.
Holding these artifacts, you can see and feel that they have a truly authentic quality that can only come from reproducing them as closely as possible to the originals held at Graceland. Unrivalled as a collection outside of Elvis’ former home, these artifacts build a unique documentary record of Elvis’ life.
Elvis ballet returns to the stage: As we reported late last year, Blue Suede Shoes, the ballet to Elvis' music is coming back. The terrific Dennis Nahat ballet inspired by Elvis Presley's life and career and performed to Elvis recordings is back, along with the great costumes and sets designed by Bob Mackie. Blue Suede Shoes will be presented by Ballet San Jose March 16-25. Click here to learn all about it BalletSanJose.org. This ballet, first staged in Cleveland in 1996, is once again presented with the cooperation of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. and Sony BMG. (News, Source: EPE)
all tour participants receive a special 30th Anniversary Tour pack with Elvis goodies - get to meet some very special guests in Memphis!!! - and a lot, lot more
ELVIS 2007 – The European Fanclub Tour: The 30th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death cannot remain unnoticed by the European fan clubs.
In September and October 2007, the official European fan clubs, fully supported by The Original Elvis Cast, take an amazing show on the road: “ELVIS 2007 – The Original Cast”.
This unprecedented show features the original band mates that worked with Elvis: The TCB Band, The Sweet Inspirations, The Imperials, Joe Guercio & Orchestra, featuring original Joe Guercio Orchestra Members. A similar show sold out the big ‘Frits Philips Concert Hall’ in May last year (picture), and will now be exported to Norway, Sweden, Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, France and Switzerland. Lead singer on the entire tour is Terry Mike Jeffrey.
The promoters have contracted a very special guest for The Netherlands – although we can’t tell his name yet, due to contractual obligations. For Belgium, the immensely popular Will Tura will do a special guest performance with his musical heroes, the Full Elvis Cast.
Tickets for this amazing live show go on sale on Monday, April 2nd. All details to follow soon on this website and Elvis Matters' brand new own website.
Line Up:
TCB Band
The Imperials
The Sweet Inspirations
Joe Guercio + Orchestra, feat. The original Orchestra members
Terry Mike Jeffrey
Special guests in Holland and Belgium
Touring schedule:
Thursday September 20: Frits Philips Music Hall – EINDHOVEN (NL)
Saturday September 22: Stadthalle Soest, Germany
Sunday September 23: Stadthalle, Germany
Wednesday September 26: Jonkoping, Sweden
Friday September 28: Oslo, Norway
Sunday September 30: Koningin Elizabethzaal – ANTWERPEN (B)
Tuesday October 2: Marseilles, France
Thursday October 4: Geneva, Switzerland
Saturday October 6: Paris, France (News, Source: Elvis Matters/ Elvis News)
Chart update: On the Mid-Price Chart in Finland, the Elvis' 30# 1 Hits album is at #2. (News, Source: Niko Jutila)
New book release in the EC: Due for release in the Summer 2007 in Germany is the book "Soldat Elvis in Grafenwöhr" on Elvis' years in Germany. (News, Source: Collectors Service /Elvis News)
James Burton donates guitar: (see original story dated 21 Feb below) The gesture of ElvisMatters to take the almost-blind boy Michiel Stroobants (17) to Graceland for no cost at all, as the surgeries have cost enough already, hasn’t stayed unnoticed. Fans from all over Belgium and Holland, have donated money to Michiel. James Burton even donates a guitar to Michiel, which he’ll present on September 30th in Antwerp (Elizabethzaal, ‘ELVIS 2007’). This news was picked up by the Belgian press, who decided to do a story on this. ElvisMatters hereby calls on other fanclubs in Belgium and Holland to join forces and participate in this good cause. It would be great if other clubs would follow this example, and publish the story on their websites too. (News, Source: Elvis Matters)
Monday 26 February 2007
'EIN's Best of Elvis on YouTube' Weekly Update: EIN's biggest update yet with TWENTY new Elvis videos to watch. This week's selection features everything from rare 'Elvis On Tour' material, Elvis live in concert 1977, some amazing and rare August 1970 footage from Elvis' 'best concert ever', 1956 Hound Dog, to U2's personal tour around Graceland. With nearly 100 Elvis videos listed, make sure you check them out before the internet police ban them. See 'em now before they disappear! ('EIN's Elvis on YouTube', Source: EIN/YouTube)
German "Ladies" Elvis Special: The monthly German magazine "Frau im Spiegel" published an Elvis edition in their quarterly "Legenden" series. This 13th volume is an 100 pages biography on Elvis Presley, with emotional stories and pictures it paints the picture of the legend and the past era. (News, Source: Elvis News)
New book - The Gospel According To Elvis (Sanctuary's Gospel):Released on February 16, 2007 by Sanctuary Publishing Ltd. is the book "The Gospel According to Elvis" by Tanja and Kevin Crouch. This paperback contains 256 pages (ISBN-10: 1860746551 / ISBN-13: 978-1860746550).
Synopsis: In the field of popular culture, a handful of artists enjoy a status that is beyond stardom - they are true icons whose life and art remain an inspiration to millions around the world. Sanctuary's Gospel series is a new collection of books that celebrate a handful of those artists through inspirational quotes, biographical anecdotes, photos, memorabilia and other miscellany from their life and work. Elaborately designed and organized into six thematic sections - Life, Love, Success, Family, Work and Friendship - and complete with a full discography of each artist, the Gospels serve as both a reflection on a life well lived and a model for personal success.(News, Source: Amazon.co.uk /Elvis News)
Chart update:Both The Essential album and The Road Show Interstate (DVD) dropped out of the ARIA charts in Australia this week. (News, Source: ARIA)
Peter Noone on The Elvis Hour:On this weeks show we visit with Peter Noone of Hermans Hermits, we'll hear a rare interview with the King and recall highlights from 1965. We'll also play some of your favorite hits with Elvis performing live and in Concert. So stay with us for a busy edition of The Elvis Hour. (News, Source: Darwin Lamm)
Elvis Recipe - Barbecue Bologna:
Ingredients: 1/2 stick bologna; 1/2 cup vinegar; 1/2 cup lemon juice; 2 tablespoons red pepper; 1 tablespoon salt
Cooking directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Punch holes in bologna. Place bologna in baking dish in grill or oven. Mix vinegar, lemon juice, red pepper, and salt and constantly baste bologna. Cook over low heat for about 1 hour. Baste with sauce and cook for 30 more minutes.
Fans can contribute to next Joe Esposito book series: Joe 's book series, Celebrate Elvis, includes interviews from true Elvis Fans. If any EIN readers wish to contribute to the book series they shouldemail Francis Brebner(News, Source: Francis Brebner)
Sunday 25 February 2007
FTD Sun project update: Bill E. Burk tells us: ERNST JORGENSEN's long-awaited, heavily-researched book on Elvis' activities while at Sun Records "may" see a 2007 release. I've never known any author (Elvis or not) who has been SO meticulous in his research as Ernst has been on this book. It's planned to have 58 chapters -- the first six about Elvis' shennanigans in late 1954; then one chapter per week during 1955. It should be loaded with both previously-unknown facts and photos. (We have worked with Ernst "a little" on this project.) Three Follow That Dream-label CDs will come with the book. (News, Source: Bill E. Burk)
Quentin Tarantino as Elvis: Before Quentin Tarantino made Pulp Fiction and Grindhouse, he was a struggling actor. Did You Know: Tarantino once appeared as an Elvis impersonator in a Golden Girls episode? IGN has the photos to prove it (one of them can be seen above). This is one of those things I’ve always heard about, but haven’t seen until now. Check out the pictures at IGN.com. (News, Source: FILM)
June Juanico book re-issue: In July the book "In The Twilight of Memory" will be re-released by Arcade Publishing: To commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of his death, here is the highly acclaimed, intimate, tender, and deeply moving portrait of Elvis Presley, written by his first serious girlfriend.
June Juanico was 17 when she met Elvis Presley; he was 20. She was a good girl from Biloxi, Mississippi; he was a rockabilly singer on the verge of stardom. They fell in love in the summer of 1956, and found a timeless moment of innocence and simple pleasure. Juanico gives us the Elvis she knew and loved—the Memphis boy with aw-shucks charm, impeccable manners, and an easy and irresistible sensuality. Their lives merged quickly and completely: Elvis’s mother, Gladys, felt June was her son’s last hope against the excesses of life on the road and the corruption of fame. But Elvis was on a train that no one could stop. Self-possessed, June chose her own path; she left Elvis, determined never to look back. But in this completely disarming, fascinating memoir, she does look back, and proves she has remembered everything, every conversation, every story, and every caress. ELVIS IN THE TWILIGHT OF MEMORY gives us an intimate and unforgettable portrait of the man who would be King.
Both a hardcover (ISBN 1559703938, 320 pages) and paperback (ISBN 1559708395, 336 pages) will be released. (News, Source: Elvis: A Life In Books)
Tupelo Elvis festival makes Top 100 list: With some 500 buses full of visitors rolling into the city each year, Tupelo has made the Top 100 list of the American Bus Association's what-to-see-and-do calendar.
Specifically, it's the city's Elvis Presley Festival on the ABA's 25th anniversary edition of its list of top events in the U.S. and Canada. The 2007 edition is a guide highlighting the top fairs, festivals, parades, exhibits, theater and shows. (News, Source: djournal.com)
Elvis 2nd to Angelina Jolie in poll: Mother-of-three Angelina Jolie has been named the sexiest individual in history. Jolie, 31, comes four places above her other-half, Hollywood heart-throb Brad Pitt, 43. Hip-gyrating Elvis Presley is second in the poll conducted for Channel 4, almost 30 years after his death.
The Oscar-winning actress beat some of the world's most famous sex symbols, from Steve McQueen to Sophia Loren, in the top 100. Blonde bombshell Marilyn Monroe is third, one place above Crazy in Love singer and Dreamgirls star Beyonce.
George Clooney, 45, is seventh and there is good news for pop princess Kylie Minogue, 38, following her split with Olivier Martinez - she is eighth. Pirates of the Caribbean star Johnny Depp, 43, makes ninth place, and Scarlett Johansson, 22, is tenth.
The top ten sex greatest sex symbols were:
1 Angelina Jolie
2 Elvis Presley
3 Marilyn Monroe
4 Beyonce Knowles
5 Brad Pitt
6 Lara Croft
7 George Clooney
8 Kylie Minogue
9 Johnny Depp
10 Scarlett Johansson (News, Source: Amber Smith)
Saturday 24 February 2007
UPDATED - EIN's Complete 2007 CD list:It is only February but EIN already has over 25 new Elvis CDs listed for release in 2007 - and that's not including all the budget 1956 cheapos such as the one shown opposite!
Elvis still King of eBay: Search for Elvis Presley items on eBay, and you will turn up hundreds — no thousands — of souvenirs, photos, albums, magazine articles, 45s, LPs, CDs, and just about anything and everything someone could slap a TCB logo on. But occasionally, something very rare and unusual turns up, and that’s just what happened recently when someone decided to sell the rights to Elvis’ last recorded song.
In 1973, the King of Rock and Roll teamed up with songwriter Paul Terry King to produce and record two songs. One of these, “If I’d Only Bought Her Roses,” was sold last year to Robert X. Sillerman, the current owner of Elvis Presley Enterprises for an undisclosed price.
But the other song, “Just Like Rolling Up the Hill,” has remained a secret until now, when Hill — not in the best of health — decided to sell the rights on eBay. What this means, according to eBay, is that the new owner can “produce, sing, or release it yourself.” It was promoted on eBay as “Elvis’ Last Recorded Song.”
Sounds like a risky venture, but hey it worked for Elvis, so it might work for the highest bidder, an unidentified (or in eBay’s terms, “private”) buyer who ended up paying $31,101 for the rights. The winner receives “copyright and all associated publication and performance rights, etc.”
Learn more about this unusual auction at www.elvissong.info. (News, Source: Memphis Flyer Online)
EIN Comment: We asked Paul Terry King to provide proof Elvis co-wrote this song with him and evidence that he mentioned this song at the time of promoting the other song allegedly co-wrote with Elvis, If I’d Only Bought Her Roses. We're still waiting! In EIN's opinion whoever bought the rights to Just Like Rolling Up Hill has been duped. As for Robert Sillerman buying "Roses", it came as part of a much bigger acquisition, Elvis-A-Rama. EPE has also dismissed Mr King's claims: see Is this really Elvis' last song?
"Elvis in the Beat of the Night: True Stories of Elvis and His Police Buddies" book delayed yet again: Originally due out in August 2006 publication of this book has again been delayed. Tentative release date is now late March 2007 - this is the sixth time the book has been delayed. (News, ElvisBookResearch)
Chart update: U.S. Billboard Elvis Chart Listings For The Week of 3 March 2007:
Top Country Catalog Albums - Elvis 30 #1 Hits - down 5 to #21
Hot 100 Singles Sales - Heartbreak Hotel - down 14 to #44
Top Music Video - Elvis: '68 Comeback Special - up 3 to #30
Top Music Video - Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii - down 1 to #33
Top Comprehensive Music Video - Elvis: '68 Comeback Special - up 3 to #30
Top Comprehensive Music Video - Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii - down 1 to #33
New entries and Re-entries on the charts include - none.......Dropping off the charts include - none(News, Source: Elvis International)
Friday 23 February 2007
Roger Semon interview with EIN: Roger Semon, along with Ernst Jorgensen, is the co-producer of everything Elvis at SONY/BMG. It was in fact the UK Roger Semon produced 'E.P. Collection' that spearheaded the fabulous re-packaging of Elvis' musical legacy leading to the creation of the FTD label. Roger recently took time out of his busy schedule to talk with EIN about future releases, how he met Ernst Jorgensen, the future of FTD, 'Clambake', 'Tickle Me', 'Jailhouse Rock' and much much more. (Interviews, Source: EIN, February 2007)
Australian and New Zealand fans can now pre-order the three April FTD releases from EIN
We offer the best online price in Australia!
"Reflections of the 70's" CD: Due for release from the Dutch Elvis For Everyone fan club is the CD "Reflections of the 70's". It comes with an eight pages illustrated booklet and contains 57 tracks, including press conferences, radio interviews, two telephone conversations, stories from friends, on stage and backstage recordings, and more. This mainly talking only compilation also includes a message to his fans in Europe, Australia and Japan. (News, Source: Elvis For Everyone Fan Club/Elvis News)
Where's the FECC board?: Many fans are asking the question: what's happened to the popular FECC Messageboard? It has been offline for a number of days.
It appears the moderators are taking a sabbatical following several fierce threads where posters were getting out of hand. No word yet on when it will be back.
Long time patrons of the messageboards will remember when alt.elvis.king board (on Google) reigned supreme. As it started to degenerate in tone, FECC became the most popular. Unfortunately the FECC board is increasingly being afflicted with the nastiness too often seen in the alt.elvis.king threads. (EIN Comment)
The Memphis Boys Live in Memphis: The Memphis Boys are the rhythm section that recorded with Elvis in 1969 at the American Sound Studio in Memphis, Tennessee. The result of those sessions were hits singles like Suspicious Minds, In the Ghetto, Kentucky Rain, Don't Cry Daddy and many more.
Bobby Wood (Piano), Mike Leech (Bass), Gene Chrisman (Drums), Bobby Emmons (Hammond) and Reggie Young (Guitar) will play in Germantown on August 17. (News, Source: Elvis Unlimited /Elvis News)
Graceland jumpsuit catalog: At the time the the giant jumpsuit expo will open in the 'Sincerely Elvis' museum on the other side of Graceland, there will be an official catalogue released. If you look at the the pre-design, it's going to be a very detailled and intereseting book for the fans of the shiny suits. (News, Source: EP Gold)
"March of Dimes" vinyl release: The "March Of Dimes" EP will be reissued on vinyl in two weeks. It come on black vinyl, 12 inch with the original labels in a sleeve that is made like the original envelope. (News, Source: Elvis Unlimited/EP Gold)
Thursday 22 February 2007
Ernst talks FTD plans: Ernst Jorgensen did an interview with the Brazilian Elvis Collectors site. He gave a few glimpses into the future of the Follow That Dream label which he sees active for the next 5 years.
The FTD label is working on more book projects, the first one being a book about Elvis' time at Sun, a bigger project about the seventies is at an early planning stage but definitely won't be ready until next year.
The remainder of the Stax sessions material from 1973 will probably be released on three Classic Album reissues. There will probably be a another release with outtakes from the Nashville 1971 outtakes, but it's not one of the next releases.
The label is working on several other ideas; one of the favourite ideas is a box of the best bootlegs and there will be another August 1974 release since BMG has almost all the shows.
And finally on sound improvement, for the general public Ernst commends "We always try and upgrade the sound, but I don't think anybody supports to SACD format anymore".
You can read the complete interview in English on the Elvis Collectors Brazil website through the link in the right menu. (News, Source: Elvis Brasil /Elvis News)
EIN Note: An English language translation of the interview can be found on the EP Gold site
Investors sought for new Elvis film: From Cassie Bowers: "I am pleased to inform you that we have begun seeking investors for our new film project about the one and only, Elvis Presley.If you or any of your fan club members are interested in learning more about this film, please reply back." Anyone interested should contact Cassie(News, Source: Cassie Bowers)
Elvis World 2007 Luncheon "Sold Out": Bill E. Burk tells us his popular annual luncheon event during Elvis Week is now completely "sold out". (News, Source: Bill E. Burk)
Cruise the Bahamas with Kathy Westmoreland: BAHAMAS CRUISE, set April 20-23, with ETA Don Obusek (voted by WQED Radio as Pittsburgh's best Elvis) and Kathy Westmoreland, who backed Elvis on stage for years. Kathy will tell Elvis stories between sets. Cost is US$384 per person. Call Sheri at MAC Travel ... 1-800-243-0550. (News, Source: Bill E. Burk)
WANTING TO GET ALL SHOOK UP?: Here are special prices at The Orpheum Theater on March 13-18, 2007 to see the Elvis-inspired musical, All Shook Up! This is 15% off the regular ticket price! Please click on the link below to purchase discounted tickets. Your password is "Graceland." Tickets are available for all performances EXCEPT Friday and Saturday evening. HURRY…DEADLINE TO PURCHASE IS MARCH 5, 2007.
If you have a group of 15 or more, you can contact Karen at 529-4226 or Conrad@orpheum-memphis.com and she will work with you to get an additional discount plus a free ticket for you!
ELVIS '68 Comeback Novelty Sign from Bogar: After much anticipation, Bogar Enterprises, LLC announces the release of the ELVIS ’68 Comeback Special Novelty Sign in commemoration of one of Las Vegas’ most beloved performers - Elvis Presley. This novelty sign, which is licensed by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. is a replica of the towering backdrop seen in Elvis’ television special, popularly known as “The ’68 Comeback Special” that first aired on December 3, 1968 on NBC.
The ELVIS ’68 Comeback Special Novelty Sign is sure to become a collector’s item for admirers of Elvis Presley and Las Vegas. The sign features red light emitting diodes (LEDs) that flash the name ELVIS in red lights just like the backdrop seen in the opening and closing segments of the television special. Bogar’s replica adds a 43-second sound chip playing one of Elvis’ most recognized tunes, “Don’t Be Cruel.”
“With the international popularity of Elvis and his association with Las Vegas, it was natural to create a novelty sign that would pay homage to both,” said Bob McMonigle, Owner and President of the Las Vegas-based Bogar Enterprises, LLC. “The ’68 Comeback Special is a milestone in Elvis’ career as well as one of the greatest moments in rock music history and it deserves to be commemorated.”
The ELVIS ’68 Comeback Special Novelty Sign has a suggested retail price of $49.95 and can be purchased in casino gift stores, hotel gift stores, specialty stores and souvenir shops throughout Las Vegas. The novelty sign can also be purchased at Graceland and online at www.LVSignCo.com and in Shop Elvis on www.Elvis.com. (News, Source: EPE)
"Rock In Black: released: The SR Label 2 CD release "Rock In Black", containing recordings from January 26 and February 22 1970, has been released.. It comes as a six panel digipack with 3 unreleased pictures and a fold out bonus poster. (News, Source: Elvis News)
Jumpsuit exhibit now open: After Graceland, the highlight of the next two years will be without any doubt the 'Sincerely Elvis Museum'. There are not less than 56 jumpsuits on display. Duke, citizen of Memphis and reporter for our collegue's at Elvis Express Radio visted the expo and was overwhelmed. The suits are placed in a timeline, starting with 1969 and ending with the baby blue suit that Elvis would never where in 1977. Sources inside EPE confirm that they own 88 jumpsuits: 56 in this expo, 10 in the racquetball building, 3 in the trophy room and 2 in the Afterdark expo. That means that there are still 17 suits that are left in the vaults. (News, Source: Elvis Matters)
Priscilla Presley honored by Memphis Tigers: Priscilla Presley - actress, producer, author, entrepreneur, leadership team member of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc./CKX, Inc. and former wife of Elvis Presley – has made plans to attend the University of Memphis Tigers' regular season home basketball finale with the University of Houston. The game, which will be carried by CBS-TV, will be played on February 25 at 1 PM at FedExForum.
Presley, who has co-starred in the highly successful Naked Gun trilogy of films and the iconic Dallas television series, and has made acclaimed special guest star appearances on several top television series while maintaining her career in business, will attend the game as the guest of Memphis Athletic Director R.C. Johnson and his wife Melba.
Halftime activities at the game will feature a special presentation by Ms. Presley and Jack Soden, President & CEO of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. Two scholarships are being established at the University in the name of Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation. One of the scholarships will be awarded to the 11-time, world-champion Memphis Pom-Pon Squad. The second will be designated for a student-intern who will be assigned to work in the athletic director's office.
The Pom-Pon squad will perform a special routine during halftime in honor of Elvis Presley and his family, and Johnson will bestow upon Ms. Presley the title of honorary Tiger letter-winner. (News, Source: EPE)
Elvis Matters helps near blind fan get to Graceland: In the monday edition of the newspaper 'Het Laatste Nieuws' in Belgium, the story of the 17 year old Michiel Stroobans was published. Michiel was born with an eye-disease. The doctors have given up all hope for a recovery, and have informed Michiel and his family that he will have lost complete sight by the end of the year - despite the many expensive surgeries. The nerves in his eyes will stop functioning in months from now, leaving Michiel completely blind. It has always been the dream of Michiel to see Graceland, but the surgeries have taken up all the family's savings. Michiel would never see Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley.
When we read this touching article, the staff of ElvisMatters did not need a second thought. We contacted the Stroobans family and invited Michiel and his dad to join the club trip in August without any cost. All expenses Michiel may have, are on us. Today, this news was picked up in the newspapers and the national radiostation 'Radio 2' i. Listen Here. ElvisMatters is pleased to continue the tradition of Elvis, who donated huge soms of money to others in need. Last December, ElvisMatters donated 1000 euro for MS-patients, and the month before the club donated another 1000 euro to an organisation that supports poor people. (News, Source: Elvis Matters)
EIN Comment: Congratulations to Elvis Matters for their compassion and generosity. Elvis would be proud!
Elvis goes PingPong: Some whizz kids from the Netherlands have invented a system to produce large pictures (2mx3m) that is made from pingpong balls in 6 different grey shades. If you would like to know how this is done, watch this clip. (News, Source: Elvis Matters)
Zippin Pippin held hostage: Elvis Presley's favorite roller coaster car is being "held hostage" by fairgrounds officials in Memphis, according to the coaster's owner. Stephen Shutts, president of Honky Tonk Hall of Fame & Rock-N-Roll Roadshow in Nashville, bought the Zippin Pippin roller coaster last summer for $2,500 in an auction of rides and equipment at the former Libertyland theme park but was only interested in the first car, Elvis' favorite.
"They keep sending notices telling us that if we don't pick up the car it's going to be declared 'abandoned property.' Then, when we go to get it, they won't let us have it," Shutts said.
He sold the rest of the Zippin Pippin to a North Carolina tourist attraction, Carolina Crossroads, which has yet to move the entire structure. Mid-South Fair chief operating officer Jim Rout said on Friday he considers Shutts the Zippin Pippin's owner and said when the coaster is removed, the car will be released. (News, Source: AP)
Actress says Elvis was "prisoner of fame":Susan Anton remembers the night she met Elvis Presley. In the 1970s, the 20-something Anton — starring through tonight in the touring All Shook Up at the Palace Theatre — was singing in a hotel show in Las Vegas. She attended a Tom Jones concert one night when Presley joined Jones for the finale. Afterward, Anton was invited to accompany Presley to his penthouse apartment in the Las Vegas Hilton.
"He was so sweet," she said. "That’s what struck me the most."
Presley then asked Anton to enter his bedroom.
"I thought: ‘Oh, my God. The big superstar is going to make the play for the big, naive girl,’ " she recalled.
He didn’t make a pass, though. Instead, he read a favorite passage from the best-selling The Prophet by Khalil Gibran.
"He signed it, gave it to me and wished me a good life," she said.
In retrospect, Anton views Presley as a prisoner of his fame.
"That, and his roots in gospel music and the church, fueled his desire to seek out more knowledge about the world and self realization." (News, Source: Amber Smith)
A sublime mix of book, audio and video DVD, and 7" single, Joseph Pirzada has thrown down the gauntlet to Ernst and his upcoming Sun project.
Chock full of great photos, historical content and 40 enhanced audio tracks MRS2 is an absolute delight! And the amazing earliest known video footage (in full color) of Elvis as an up and coming new star in May 1955, will blow many fans away.
Kathy Westmoreland to Visit Denmark in April: Elvis Unlimited is very proud to announce that “the little girl with the beautiful high voice” Kathy Westmoreland will be special guest at our next shows in Denmark in April. Kathy sang soprano for Elvis on stage and during recording sessions from August 16, 1970 until his last show on June 26, 1977.
You can easily hear her beautiful high voice on songs like Something and Hawaiian Wedding Song.
Before Kathy joined the Elvis show she worked with the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. She also performed with Bobby Darin in the late 1960’s. In 1987 Kathy published her book Elvis and Kathy. In the book she describes her very close relationship with Elvis.
Kathy hasn’t done any Elvis shows in Europe for the last ten years. This will be a unique chance to meet and she her perform with the great TCB Band.
Kathy will be at the following two shows in Denmark:
April 6 in Svendborg, Denmark (Tickets can be ordered at Fynsbilletten +45 7554 2071)
With the TCB Band, Lasse Helner, Steen Jørgensen & Maarten Jansen
April 7 in Randers, Denmark (Tickets can be ordered at Værket in Randers +45 8913 5110) With the TCB Band, Lasse Helner, Steen Jørgensen & Maarten Jansen
The tickets prices are between 329.- Dkk. and 349.- Dkk. (News, Source: Elvis Unlimited)
"The Great American Novel" by Elvis Prestley released: Lulu.com has released what is obviously a send-up (the spelling of Prestley is correct). The one page book is available in both book and download formats. (News, Source: ElvisBookResearch)
"Elvis was a truck driver...and other useless facts!": This new book appears to have little to do with Elvis besides its title and cover artwork. Released by Lulu.com it has 200 pages. (News, Source: ElvisBookResearch)
The Elvis Years - 1958: Documenting the life and career of history's most popular (and, many say, best) entertainer is a daunting task, because everything Elvis touched and everything he did seemed to make history by dint of his unprecedented fame. So I've taken the time to create a series that breaks The King's life up into one big year-by-year timetable, in order to better understand the forces that led to his rise and fall.
The year 1958 was perhaps the most important of Elvis Presley's life -- not because the Memphis Draft Board forced him to have hassenfeffer amd black pumpernickel for chow, but because of his mother's untimely passing. Could any one person, even his mother, have affected his The King so deeply? Yes, and as this latest in a series of Elvis histories shows, her passing accomplished what the rest of the world could not. (News, Source; Robert Fontenot, About: Oldies Music)
Monday 19 February 2007
Controversial photo shoot - your feedback: There has been a strong response to the news items and photos we ran yesterday and on 16 Feb 2006. Opinion is quite polarised with feedback from males in favor of the photos and feedback from females against it.
Your feedback ranges from "This should not be allowed" (Maureen, England), to "there are many racier ones online at both the magazine site and at Elvis.com" (Carol, Ohio), to "A great way to keep Elvis' name alive today" (John, Brussels). (Source: EIN Reader Feedback)
'EIN's Best of Elvis on YouTube' Weekly Update: It appears that the Elvis internet police were less active last week with no more illegal Elvis videos being removed. This week's EIN selection features sensational footage of 1969 Elvis live in Vegas, a rare 1977 interview with Ginger Alden, a look at Graceland's backlot and some 'blackvelvet' Elvis. With over sixty Elvis videos listed, make sure you check them out before they disappear! ('EIN's Elvis on YouTube', Source: EIN/YouTube)
Chart update: On this week's ARIA charts in Australia The Essential album dropped five places to #38 after 5 weeks in the chart, and on the Music DVD Chart, The Road Show Interstate dropped seven places to #15 after 3 weeks in the chart. (News, Source: ARIA)
Controversial photo shoot at Humes High & Graceland: Jamie Coyne has circulated this message:
I was shocked and disgusted today to learn that pictures which will appear in the upcoming Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue of a *topless* model, Tori Praver were taken at *HUMES MIDDLE SCHOOL auditorium in Memphis, TN*. (in 1954 this was a (Elvis') highschool).
Who at the school approved usage of the property? Who would clear the way for risque - let alone TOPLESS photos to taken AT A SCHOOL.
In addition other photos depict the model nearly naked in various poses in Graceland Mansion. (see EIN story below dated 16 Feb 2007)
This is the contact information for Humes Middle School: Humes Middle School, 659 North Manassas Street, Memphis, TN 38107; Telephone: (901)416-3226 (office) (901)416-2815 (fax) /Michael C. Bates, Principal / /Pamela Yancy-Taylor, Assistant Principal/ yancyp@mcsk12.net
EIN Comment: EIN sees nothing wrong with the photo shoot (of course Piers and I are red blooded males). It appears to be tasteful (it certainly is not pornographic) and we are now living in the new millennium, not the 1950s. If Elvis was still alive we suspect he would cast a quiet smile at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit spread.
"Legendary Gold" CD release in EC: Just released is another 2CD budget release entitled "Legendary Gold". CD 1 contains 12 master tracks and CD 22 contains several interviews. (News, Source: Elvis Corner /Elvis News)
"Now and Forever" CD release in EC: Here is another budget CD, this compilation of the same well known material is entitled "Now And Forever". (News, Source: Elvis Corner /Elvis News)
Hollywood has long history of prescription drug abuse: If a prescription needs to be filled in Hollywood, chances are celebrities can find a doctor to do it. Doctors have a long history of feeding the drug demands of the entertainment industry from Marilyn Monroe to Winona Ryder,
Elvis Presley to
Courtney Love.
Now, California authorities are looking at a physician who reportedly prescribed methadone to
Anna Nicole Smith under a fake name. The former Playboy Playmate died Feb. 8 after collapsing at a Florida hotel. The cause is under investigation.
The allure of having a star as a patient can sometimes influence whether doctors follow the rules or break the law, one veteran Hollywood publicist says.
"It's not easy to say no to a celebrity," said Michael Levine. "History has taught us whether it's Anna Nicole, Elvis or John Belushi, they can get what they want. It's like water." Monroe died at 36 from an overdose of sleeping pills in August 1962. She had been under a doctor's care at the time, police said.
Presley, who died in 1977 at 42, was known to travel with George Nichopoulos, a former physician who overprescribed drugs to clients, who also included rockabilly singer Jerry Lee Lewis.
Members of the medical team who performed Presley's autopsy acknowledged in 1990 that the singer was addicted to prescription medications and his death may have been hastened by "polypharmacy," a reaction to mixing many drugs. Nichopoulos lost his medical license but was acquitted of related criminal charges.
"Top Gun" producer Don Simpson was found dead of a drug overdose at his Bel-Air estate in January 1996. Traces of 21 drugs were found in his blood, and at least two doctors were investigated for overprescribing medications for Simpson.
More recently, celebrities have used fake names to get their vials filled. A 2002 probation report stemming from the shoplifting arrest of actress Winona Ryder showed that she used a half-dozen aliases when she sought prescription drugs. The report said Ryder went "doctor shopping" and had 37 prescriptions filled by 20 doctors over a three-year span.
"It's not uncommon for a high-profile person to get a prescription filled under an alias," said Ryder's attorney, Mark Geragos, citing a celebrity's need for privacy. "It happens with great frequency."
The California Health and Safety Code includes several sections stating that no person who prescribes or dispenses a controlled substance may give a phony name or address or make any false statements on the prescription form. Geragos said the onus is on the doctor. In Ryder's case, Jules Lusman pleaded no-contest to practicing medicine without a license and grand theft, and was sentenced to five years probation.
This past week, California's medical board opened an inquiry as investigators tried to determine if there was any misconduct by Dr. Sandeep Kapoor, who reportedly prescribed methadone to Smith. The celebrity news Web site TMZ.com said "Michelle Chase" was an alias used by Smith in a pharmacy receipt for a methadone prescription. Methadone is a popular narcotic painkiller that is used as part of drug addiction detoxification and maintenance programs. Methadone overdoses can cause shallow breathing and dangerous changes in heart beat.
An attorney for Kapoor, a 1996 graduate of Boston University School of Medicine, said in a statement Friday that his treatment of Smith was "sound and appropriate" and he will cooperate with the state's medical board. Levine said celebrities turn off their "psychological smoke alarms" and surround themselves with people willing to cater to their needs and who aren't willing to intervene when problems arise.
"We hopefully have friends and family who will step in and help us out when there are problems," Levine said. "But people who don't have the smoke alarms will be enveloped by fire at some point." (News, Source: Yahoo News)
"He Touched Me" DVD reissue: Due for rerelease by EMI Video on March 6, 2007, is the 2 DVD documentary "He Touched Me: The Gospel Music Of Elvis Presley". This set was originally released in 2000.
Tracks: 1. How Great Thou Art 2. Peace In The Valley 3. An American Trilogy 4. If I Can Dream 5. Where Could I Go 6. Bossom of Abraham 7. I John 8. Lead Me Guide Me 9. In The Ghetto 10. Bridge Over Troubled Water 11. He Touched Me 12. I Beleive In The Man In The Sky 13. Why Me Lord 14. Take My Hand, Precious Lord 15. In The Garden 16. Swing Down Sweet CHariot 17. His Hand In Mine 18. It's No Secret 19. Mansion Over The Hilltop 20. Father Along 21. Where No One Stands Alone 22. Without Him 23. You'll Never Walk Alone 24. Amazing Grace 25. Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus (News, Source: CD Universe /Elvis News)
Q. Who do you think had more of an impact on music: Elvis Presley or James Brown? —Murphy Edward Smith, Baltimore, Md.
A. Both had their first hits in the mid-1950s, and Elvis went on to become the biggest rock star of the 20th century. But we think Brown had a bigger impact on music. He was instrumental in combining gospel and rhythm & blues—leading to soul, rap, funk and hip-hop. Vote in our interactive poll at right. (News, Source: Parade.com/Patti Ross)
Songwriter Ray Evans dies: Hollywood-songwriter Ray Evans died February 15, 2007 of heart failure at a Los Angeles hospital, he was 92.
Raymond Bernard Evans was an American songwriter and partner in a composing and songwriting duo with Jay Livingston, known for the songs they composed for films. Evans wrote the lyrics and Livingston the music for the songs.
Livingston and Evans won Academy Awards in 1948 for the song "Buttons and Bows", written for the movie The Paleface; in 1950 for the song "Mona Lisa", written for the movie Captain Carey, U.S.A.; and in 1956 for the song "Que Sera Sera", written for the movie The Man Who Knew Too Much. In addition to their three Oscar-winning songs, Livingston and Evans earned four other Oscar nominations Livingston and Evans also wrote popular TV themes for shows including "Bonanza" and "Mr. Ed".
Among Livingston and Evans' songs, which reportedly have sold a total of nearly 500 million copies, is the Christmas standard "Silver Bells." Introduced in the 1951 Bob Hope-Marilyn Maxwell comedy "The Lemon Drop Kid," "Silver Bells" is said to have been recorded by nearly 150 artists and has sold more than 160 million copies. He was inducted in the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1977.
Elvis Presley recorded "Mona Lisa" and "Silver Bells". (News, Source: Charmaine Voisine)
Chart update:The "Elvis Lives" DVD entered the official French Music DVD chart at #27 this week. In The Netherlands volume 2 of "The Definitive Collection" drops from #9 to #10 while volume 1 of this set climbs from #10 to #7 on the Free Record Shop Music DVD Top 20. (News, Source: Elvis News)
Saturday 17 February 2007
Elvis on the Potomac:On March 23, 1956, Elvis played D.C. for the first and last time. The show, unlike the boat, rocked.
"Elvis The American Way Vol. 2" released: Despite rumors to the contrary, the latest import CD from the Southern Comfort label "Amercan Way - Volume 2 - Some Blue Eyed Soul" has been released.
The tracks on this CD are:
Wearin' That Loved On Look Session:
01. Takes 2-9 (false starts + long false start)
02. Take 10 (complete take)
03. Takes 11-13 (2 false starts + 2 long false starts)
04. Take 14 (complete take)
You'll Think Of Me Session:
05. Takes 1-5 (5 false starts)
06. Take 6 (complete take)
07. Take 7 (complete take)
08. Take 8 (complete take)
A Little Bit Of Green Session:
09. Takes 1, 2 (complete take + false start + long false start)
After Long You Session:
10. Takes 1, 2 (rehearsal + long false start + complete take)
11. Take 3 (rehearsal + complete take)
Only The Strong Survive Session:
12. Takes 1, 2 (long false start + rehearsal + 4 false starts + long false start)
13. Take 3 (complete take)
14. Take 4 (3x false start + long false start)
15. Takes 5, 6 (3x false start + complete take)
16. Takes 7, 8 (false start + 3x long false start)
17. Takes 9, 10 (false start + long false start)
18. Take 11 (long false start)
From A Jack To A King Session:
19. Takes 1-3 (2x false start + complete take)
20. Take 4 (rehearsal + complete take) (News, Source: Amber Smith)
Chart update: Here are the U.S. Billboard Elvis chart listings for the week ending February 24, 2007:
Top Country Catalog Albums - Elvis 30 #1 Hits - up 1 to #16
Hot 100 Singles Sales - Heartbreak Hotel - up 3 to #30 (sg)
Top Music Video - Elvis: '68 Comeback Special - down 5 to #33
Top Music Video - Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii - down 3 to #32
Top Comprehensive Music Video - Elvis: '68 Comeback Special - down 5 to #33
Top Comprehensive Music Video - Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii - down 3 to #32
There were no new entries, no re-entries or releases dropping off the the charts this week. (News, Source: Elvis International)
Sci-Fi Elvis film: Elvis Express Radio has published the following report about a planned sci-fi film around Elvis:
Elvis does not die in 1977? He is whisked away on a flying saucer to another galaxy where he does not age.
Then he returns 30 years later. He wants to stay anonymous, so what does he do....? Why, he joins an Impersonator contest in Las Vegas of course! Then the mob goes after him, and the fun begins?"
The official website states that Sonny West is involved in the movie, however we think (or hope) that this is just some joke?Anyway, here is what we found on the site.
Graceland to Memphis - The KING Returns
Genre: Musical / Fantasy
Running time: 90 min.
Starring: TBA.....Directed by: TBA
Synopsis: It's been almost 30 years since the King died. But was he really dead?
In 1977, he was whisked away to another galaxy, but now, the King returns. As he
doesn't want anyone to know who he really is, he enters an impersonator contest.
And the trouble begins...
Production status: In Development.
Additional information: Attached to the project at the moment:
Sonny West - the King's former bodyguard (technical advisor)
Sean Lawlor - actor (Braveheart)
Tony Tarantino - actor, filmmaker (News, Source: Elvis Express Radio/ Westham Films)
Friday 16 February 2007
Graceland makes a splash in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition:
Elvis starred with bombshells in bikinis when he filmed GIRLS! GIRLS! GIRLS! in 1962, but in 2007, his beloved Memphis mansion is one the stars of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.
The magazine and SI.com feature 20 of the world’s most beautiful supermodels posing at spectacular locations around the world as well as some of the biggest stars in the world of music, including Elvis Presley’s Memphis mansion. SI newcomer Tori Praver and favorite Oluchi Onweagba sizzled on the hot streets of Memphis and in the hallowed halls of Graceland with photographer Walter Chin.
The much anticipated stand-alone edition will reach more than 67 million adults in the U.S. alone and is the most widely-read issue of any magazine in the world. This year’s issue is the ninth orchestrated by Swimsuit Editor Diane Smith. The annual search for paradisiacal locales took the magazine to ten unique locations which all played into the issue’s music theme: Arizona, Brazil, Florida, Jamaica, Los Angeles, Louisiana, Maui, Memphis, New York and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.
The 2007 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Special premieres on TNT this Saturday, February 17, at 11 p.m. ET. The special, hosted by Brooklyn Decker and Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas, takes an exciting behind-the-scenes look at the making of the issue with exclusive footage and model interviews. (News, Source: EPE)
EPE, SOFA and Leiber & Stoller Awarded Damages in Lawsuit Against Elvis Documentary Producers: In what is considered a significant monetary judgment for copyright infringement lawsuits, the United States District Court in Los Angeles has awarded plaintiffs Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE), SOFA Entertainment, Inc. and songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller $2.8 million in damages and attorneys fees to be paid by Passport International Productions, Inc. (a/k/a Passport Video, Inc.) and its owner, Dante Pugliese.
The case began in 2002 when, without permission and against numerous express objections, Passport manufactured and sold a set of eight DVDs entitled "25th Anniversary Elvis: The Definitive Collection August 16, 1977 - August 16, 2002," otherwise entitled "The Definitive Elvis." The 16-hour set included copyrighted works and the rights of pub
