The latest on www.elvisinfonet.com:

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

Best of Elvis on YouTube FTD Shop

Elvis TV Commercials Special: EIN YouTube Update: Elvis' astounding legacy is never ending and his impact is truly reflected in the fact that Elvis is so often used in today's Television commercials. The recent resurgence started with the swinging "Audi Elvis" and was kicked into this new millennium by the Nike World Cup soccer advert, which then helped Elvis hit Number One in the charts. One of the very best was the recent BBC Radio 2 advert featuring Elvis introducing his band of Superstars. Let's also not forget the excellent Lipton's tea claymation Elvis! With our special thanks to John Pietz, EIN presents sixteen TV adverts featuring Elvis. Not only that, but this week EIN's YouTube selection has now expanded to four indexed pages. With our selection of well over two hundred Elvis videos what are you waiting for? As EIN always says "Catch them all before the Internet police take them away!" ('EIN's Best Of Elvis on YouTube', Source: EIN/John Pietz)

Graceland lit up for Winter: The Graceland Christmas lights were turned on the evening of November 23. Looking extremely picturesque, the live webcam images can be checked out via the Graceland website. Their Elvis Shop is also running a "12 Days of Elvis holiday promotion" which runs through to December 11th. Click here for more info and images (News, Source: EIN)

Graceland "Celebrity Holiday Greetings": For the Christmas holiday season Graceland have been adding some 'Celebrity Holiday Greetings' featuring not only telegrams and cards from Elvis and The Colonel, but also Christmas cards to Elvis.  Who would have thought actress Jayne Mansfield (right) would have sent Elvis her personal Christmas wishes! Some of the telegrams from the wily old Colonel also make interesting reading. In his 1960 Christmas telegram to Bob Hope, The  Colonel can't help himself and asks Bob Hope to "Be sure and mention my special Elvis Presley paper hats for the Christmas season on your show for 'GI Blues'." In another telegram The Colonel asks Liberace to sing Happy Birthday to Elvis in his show as "Your fans and Elvis will appreciate this very much."! The EPE Greetings page is updated each week, click here for more. (News, Source:EIN)

Nixon - Elvis internal Correspondence Released: The National Archives today released 122,800 pages of mostly routine correspondence from the Nixon presidency, none of it apparently earth-shaking but some of it mildly interesting. One of the more amusing letters was from Nixon aide Egil Krough Jr., thanking a friend for helping secure a Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs badge for Elvis following his 1970 Oval Office meeting with the president. "We meet many fascinating creatures in this business," Krough wrote, "but I think that meeting between the president and Elvis Presley was one of the most interesting." Presley pledged his support to the president in the war on drugs, only to die a few years later of a heart attack brought on by years of prescription drug abuse.

Joanne Kelly talks to EIN: This photograph will bring back a lot of memories for many long time fans. In 1956-57 Elvis helped promote polio vaccinations for the March of Dimes (MOD). He was photographed with the organisation's poster girl, Joanne Wilson, and also having his polio vaccination. Subsequently, Elvis' "Love Me Tender" and an interview were featured on the 1957 LP, Remember Me! March of Dimes 1957 Galaxy of Stars. The LP is now a rare collector's item. But whatever happened to the little girl who was lucky enough to meet and kiss Elvis? Well EIN has tracked her down and we recently had the pleasure of talking to Joanne Wilson (married name Kelly) in a very entertaining and informative interview. Joanne opens up about her exciting time as the MOD poster girl meeting not only Elvis, but many other big name celebrities and tells us what she is doing in 2007. (Interviews: Source: EIN)

Two Elvis auctions ending soon: Lelands have ten exclusive Elvis items up for auction which ends tomorrow. Lead items are Elvis' jacket from the movie King Creole (right) for $25,000, as well as his 1956 twice-signed contract for his Harley Davidson motorbike for auction at around $8,000.  Some of Elvis' own notated books are also featured, as well as interestingly a guitar "purported to have been used by Elvis" on the Joe Franklin TV show from WABC New York in 1955. EIN notes that Joe Franklin has never provided any proof photographic or otherwise that Elvis ever appeared on his show. Click here for more auction info. Christies in New York also have a rare signed Eko acoustic guitar signed by Elvis up for auction for around $10,000. Go here for Christies info and photo of Elvis' ball-point signature on the guitar. (News, Source: EIN)

The Imperials touring with Tanya Tucker: Tanya Tucker will unite with Elvis' legendary vocal group the Imperials, for four Christmas shows in December. Joe Guercio is producing the show and will conduct Tucker's band. Billed as Tanya Tucker Family Christmas, the event will include performances by the singer's two daughters and her niece. The tour begins December 12th at Harrah's Casino in Kansas City and continues to Dec 21st at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville. The Imperials are also expected to tour with Tucker in 2008. (News, Source:EIN)

Breaking down Presley and Beatlemania: In a very stimulating commentary, likethebike presents his case for Presleymania and Beatlemania. EIN recommends this very thoughtful and cogent commentary to all readers. With themes including sexual tension, civil rights, backlash by society's cultural arbiters, r&b integration and realising the American dream.......this is a powerful exposition! (Spotlight/Comment, Source: likethebike/FECC)

Among the gifts on display will be a set of bongo drums Priscilla Presley gave to Elvis, a portable TV Elvis gave to his mother in 1957 and various gifts to Lisa Marie from Santa, including a giant stuffed animal, chalkboard, makeup table and tricycle.

For those who can't make the trip to Memphis in person, Graceland's holiday display can be seen via the live "GracelandCam" at www.elvis.com/winter.

The special exhibit, holiday lights and decorations will be on display from Nov. 23 through the annual Presley birthday celebration ending on Jan. 8. (News, Source: EPE/Suzanne, LiveNews Daily Blog)

Elvis featured in wildlife magazine: A very nice article in the Sep-Oct edition of the Dutch “Wildlife Magzine”. With one black and white and three full colour pictures. It gives readers a very positive view on the room where Elvis recorded his famous “Jungle Room Sessions”.(News, Source: EP Gold/Elvis News)

Reverend Frank Smith dies: Rev. Frank Smith, the man who pastored the Assembly of God church in East Tupelo when Elvis, Vernon and Gladys lived here, died Sunday morning approximately 9:00. He had been to breakfast and returned to his room. When the nurses came to check on him later, he was gone, sitting in his recliner. Funeral arrangements are tenative; most likely Tuesday night for visitation; Wednesday for the funeral. Pegues Funeral home is in charge of arrangements. (News, Source: Amber Smith/EP Gold)

Quantum physicist predicts parallel universe where Elvis still rocking!: The only known recordings of a brilliant physicist who predicted the existence of parallel universes have been found in the basement of his rock star son's flat.

The tapes document how Hugh Everett, a quantum physicist, developed his idea at the age of 24, while a graduate student at Princeton University in 1957. Everett's theory gave rise to the concept of a multitude of universes, or a "multiverse", where all life's possibilities play out. It means that somewhere Elvis is still rocking, the Nazis won the second world war and England qualified for Euro 2008.

The recordings are believed to have been made in 1977, after a physics conference at which Everett's parallel worlds theory was resurrected after being shunned for two decades. The tapes were thought lost after his death at the age of 51 in 1982.

They were found during the making of a TV documentary in which Mark Everett, the physicist's son and lead singer of the US band Eels, attempts to understand the work that consumed his father. The programme, Parallel Worlds, Parallel Lives, airs on BBC4 this evening. The tapes record a conversation between Everett and Charles Misner, a physics professor at the University of Maryland. In the background, Mark can be heard playing the drums.

Everett talks of how his inspiration came after talking about the ridiculous consequences of quantum theory over a few glasses of sherry with Misner and Aage Petersen, an assistant of the Nobel prize-winning physicist Niels Bohr. Everett completed a draft paper describing the idea in 1956. On seeing it, his supervisor, John Wheeler, said: "I am frankly bashful about showing it to Bohr in its present form, valuable and important as I consider it to be, because of parts subject to mystical misinterpretations by too many unskilled readers."

Everett's work tackled one of the most puzzling mysteries to emerge from the field of quantum mechanics. One consequence of the theory is that tiny particles such as electrons can behave in a curious way that allows them to be in two places at once. As Bohr was to comment: "Anyone who is not shocked by quantum theory has not understood it."

In the 50s, the prevailing view, and one championed by Bohr, was that weird quantum behaviour vanishes as soon as the object is measured.

But Everett thought differently. His calculations showed that whenever quantum mechanics said a particle was in two places at once, the universe divides. In one universe the particle appears in one place, while in a second it appears in the other. The implications were apparently so alarmingly counter-intuitive that Everett's ideas were largely ignored, notably by Bohr.

Speaking to New Scientist magazine, Mark Everett said the rejection had had a devastating effect on his father. But recently, the theory has been accepted by many scientists as profoundly important. (News, Source: Ian Sample, The Guardian)

The nun who shared Elvis' crib: Her laugh is quick and hearty, audibly framing eyes dancing with bemusement behind wire-rimmed glasses. Of course she'll talk about the Elvis connection, she says. It makes for a fun story. And people always get a kick out it. But for Sister Barbara Spencer, who's celebrating a half-century as a member of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth (Ky.), her association with the King is simply an amusing anecdote -- one of many. "When I lived in Tupelo, my mother and Elvis' mother were best friends and we grew up together," explains Spencer, 72. "When we were babies they even put us in the same crib sometimes, and later on people joked around that I was the nun who slept with Elvis." It's her sense of humor that distinguishes Spencer, friends and colleagues say. That and her seemingly endless compassion.

"She is clearly the most-loved person in this organization," says Patrick Lawler, chief executive officer of Youth Villages, where Spencer has worked for 27 years. "She's passionate about her work, and she cares about everyone. I can't imagine this organization without her."

Spencer was brought on as Director of Education at Youth Villages -- a nonprofit facility for emotionally and behaviorally challenged children -- when it was known as Dogwood Village. Back then, the facility had only about 40 students and there wasn't any money in the budget to pay her salary.

"They used to hold garage sales every week and whatever they made, that's what I got paid," Spencer remembers. "I always prayed that people would donate stuff and that people would buy it."

Spencer established the campus school system and in the early days did everything from take children swimming to serve as house mother in the residential area. Whatever needed to be done, she did.

"Her energy level is amazing, and she does more now than people half her age," said Brother Chris Englert, principal of Christian Brothers High School. "She's honest and funny and a great lady."

Today, she directs the facility's nationally recognized college internship program, which attracted more than 65 candidates last year. An education building recently was named in her honor.

"She's a wonderful educator and she found her true love at Youth Villages," says Father Albert Kirk, pastor of Church of the Holy Spirit. "She's a lot of fun to be around and relates to everyone she meets. It's a gift to know her."

Longtime friend Sister Betty Fracchia, who has known Spencer for nearly 50 years, agrees. "She's so generous and she has so many friends in Memphis that it's unreal," Fracchia says. "If you go to the grocery store with her, just be prepared to be there awhile because every few steps it seems like somebody comes up to talk to her."

Spencer doesn't plan to slow down anytime soon, although she is going to be out of the office for awhile. She's preparing for an all-expenses-paid trip to Italy, a gift from a childhood friend.

"I have tickets for an audience with the Pope, but I guess thousands of other people do, too," Spencer says. "I don't imagine I'll get to meet him, but I'm sure I'll have a memorable time anyway."

She probably will. Spencer's having the time of her life and views every day as a gift. As such, she doesn't have time for regrets. Well, OK. Maybe one.

"Elvis gave me a copy of his first record, 'That's All Right (Mama),' but when I went away to become a nun my mother ended up throwing it away because she didn't have a record player," Spencer says. "I couldn't believe it. I've been looking in garbage cans for it ever since." (News, Source: James Dowd, Commercial Appeal)

Elvis leads online poll: With a little over five weeks remaining to vote, Elvis Presley has an impressive lead in RockinTown.com's annual poll of the Greatest Rock n' Roll Artist of All-Time. The King leads Led Zeppelin and Evanescence, who are virtually tied for 2nd and 3rd, in the most recent tally. Last year's winner, Pearl Jam, is fourth while the 2005 winner, Nirvana, sits at 7th. Fans have until New Year's Eve to vote for their favorite artist."

The 30th anniversary of Presley's death was this year," said RockinTown editor Mark Clinton. "Elvis has been gone a long time. So it's pretty amazing he still has a hold on a sizable audience." Led Zeppelin has consistently placed in the survey's Top 5 while Evanescence is the most current band to land in the Top 10.

Presley is the only 1950's star to make the survey's Top 50. 1960's legends The Beatles and Rolling Stones are at #12 and #22, respectively. "Whether you are talking about his '50s rock or legendary comeback, Presley's music and image obviously has enormous staying power," added Clinton.

There might also be another reason. The 1950s are seen as a peaceful and optimistic era (even though that's not entirely true). "And after the tumultuous '60s, the '70s were practically docile, or as close to the '50s as we'd ever get," said Clinton. "Elvis reached iconic status in the '70s performing sold-out shows in Vegas when he wasn't touring. So he's directly associated with two of the better decades - at least in memory. When times are uncertain, people get nostalgic."

A complete list of the Greatest Rock n' Roll Artists is available at http://www.rockintown.com/ (News, Source: prwire)

Elvis Lives....the 30th anniversary tribute in Sydney, Australia

starring 'She Is The King'...check out EIN's 'Almost Elvis' page

HIGH VOLTAGE - Birmingham '76 Revisited: As Recorded live from mixing desk in Birmingham, Alabama, Jefferson Coliseum, on December 29, 1976. The two leading import labels have now joined forces, and are proud to present the first results of this very special partnership, a strictly limited edition release of the classic December 29th , 1976 concert in Birmingham, Alabama, under the title "High Voltage - Birmingham '76 Revisited". Some of you may recall that this concert was originally released in mono on “Burning In Birmingham” back in ’98, and that it quickly became a firm favorite. In fact, many fans preferred this show over the legendary Pittsburgh concert from two nights later, as Elvis’ performance in Birmingham was far more relaxed and authoritive, and particularly Elvis’ intense reading of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” was a great surprise to many.

For this reissue, we worked directly from the first generation DAT, and we were able to make significant audio improvements. After a long and painstaking process of repairing and enhancing the original binaural recording, we were able to mix it down to genuine stereo, thus ensuring a much more satisfying listening experience. Originally, the left channel consisted of all the vocals and nearly all of the instruments, while the right channel featured the (isolated) keyboards. To give you an idea of how the tape originally sounded in binaural, we added two bonustracks “as recorded”.

This release is neatly packaged in a 16-page full color booklet with ultra-cool design, relevant liner notes and a collection of stunning pix taken during Birmingham show.

'Audionics / 2001' hope that this special joint-production will satisfy all those fans who have been clamouring for a reissue of this much sought-after title. A great deal of care and thought went into this release, and we promise you that the improved sound will blow you away. In a time where you constantly see bugball labels ripping off classic titles with cheesy equalizer-jobs, it’s becoming harder to do quality releases, but we will continue as long as you want us to. The original 2001 people want to thank everybody for their loyalty, and add that, “It ain’t over until the fat lady sings!”. And with this little gem of a CD, she finally has a good reason to sing with joy. This CD is scheduled for late December release.

Tracks: 01. Also Sprach Zarathustra (Theme from "2001 A Space Odyssey") - 02. Opening Vamp / C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen (medley) - 04. Love Me - 05. Fairytale - 06. You Gave Me A Mountain - 07. Jailhouse Rock - 08. O Sole Mio (by Sherrill Nielsen) / It's Now Or Never (medley) - 09. Tryin' To Get To You - 10. My Way - 11. Polk Salad Annie - 12. Band Introductions - 13. Early Mornin' Rain (complete) - 14. What'd I Say - 15. Johnny B. Goode - 16. Drums Solo (by Ronnie Tutt) - 17. Bass Solo (Blues - by Jerry Scheff) - 18. Piano Solo (by Tony Brown) - 19. Electric Piano Solo (by David Briggs) - 20. Love Letters - 21. School Day - 22. Funny How Time Slips Away - 23. Hurt (with last part reprise) - 24. Hound Dog - 25. For The Good Times (with false start, last live version) - 26. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (last live version) - 27. Unchained Melody (Elvis at the piano) - 28. Mystery Train / Tiger Man (medley) - 29. Can't Help Falling In Love - 30.Closing Vamp. All tracks mixed to stereo.

Bonus tracks in original binaural sound - as recorded: 31. You Gave Me A Mountain - 32. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (last live version). (News, Source: Email)

Status of DVD release of "Elvis On Tour": Recently Elvis Australia asked EPE for comment on a possible DVD release of the only outstanding Elvis film yet to be so released. EPE's Todd Morgan replied: "Elvis: That's the Way It Is, Special Edition was very successful. There's no truth to any rumor to the contrary. There's also no truth to the rumor that Warner Brothers has cancelled their plans for the release of Elvis on Tour on DVD. We should see that come along from them in a couple of years or so. Until Warner Brothers is ready to share more details publicly, we aren't at liberty to say anything more regarding what they have let EPE know about their plans so far.

We have suggested to Warner Brothers on several occasions the possibility of their someday licensing to EPE the Elvis, That's the Way It Is and Elvis on Tour footage for us to produce special additional DVD releases or partnering with us on such special releases as Andrew Solt did with us on last year's Elvis/Sullivan DVD set. Nothing like that is actually in the works with Warner and EPE at this time, but it remains open for consideration in our ongoing and very good relationship with Warner Brothers. In whatever scenario it might happen, we just hope there will be special additional DVD releases of material from the two Elvis MGM concert films."

EIN Comment: Having spoken with officials in Warner Bros (WB) at the time of the original release (2001) of Elvis That's The Way It Is (SE) (ETTWI) we were informed sales were below expectations. This should be considered in the context of the money invested by WB in a Special Edition release. In 2007 (and with ongoing reissue of the DVD) the release should now be in profit.

Had ETTWI sold more than respectably on original release, logically you would expect the organisation to, by now, have also released Elvis On Tour.

This coming week on EIN: Interview: Joanne Kelly (the 1950's March of Dimes poster girl) talks to EIN Book Review: Elvis, Sherlock & Me

New book - Inside Graceland: A special addition to the “Inside” series from Elvis Unlimited (EU) will be a book titled Inside Graceland. It will be released in early December 2007. EU says: Inside Graceland is the book that every Elvis fan has been waiting for. Inside Graceland bring you on a pictorial journey back to the time when Elvis Presley - the biggest entertainer in the history of popular music lived in the mansion.

What you can find on the 112 pages of never before seen pictures is that the foyer, the living room, the dining room and even the jungle room has changed a lot since Elvis died. What you will see here for the fist time in print is the red Ludwig XV style rooms that were installed in 1974.

More than half of the pictures were shot in 1975. Elvis’ girlfriend from 1972-75 Linda Thompson takes the photographer on a tour through the house. The rest of the pictures were shot after August 1977, with several of them right after Elvis died and around the time of the opening of Graceland.

The pictures in the book are from the collection of the mega Elvis collector Sherif Hanna. The well informative text in the book has been written by Megan Murphy. You will also find quotes from well know persons like Linda Thompson, Sandi Miller,  Larry Strickland and others.

Apart from the unique pictures the book is also filled with quotes from the people who were there in the 1970’s.

Don’t miss this unique chance to travel back in time and visit Elvis’ home in the 1970’s. Welcome inside Graceland! (News, Source: Elvis Unlimited)

Elvis film historian dies: Eric Braun, one of Britain’s most famous showbiz writers, has died at the age of 86. He began his career as a an assistant film director in the 1940s and went on to write bestselling biographies of Doris Day, Elvis Presley and Deborah Kerr. He also co-authored three books with the actress and comedienne Beryl Reid. In 1945 he became an assistant director to the film producer Gabriel Pascal at Denham Studios and later he worked on David Lean’s classic 1946 film Great Expectations. He went on to become one of the West End’s leading theatrical publicists representing stars such as Peter Sellers, Michael Denison and Dulcie Gray, and the pop star Ruby Murray. As a showbiz writer he interviewed many leading Hollywood stars including Marlene Dietrich, Joan Crawford, Veronica Lake and Joan Bennett. He contributed to many leading publications including The Stage. Ill health forced Braun to give up his Twickenham home in 2003 and he became resident at Brinsworth House, the Entertainment Artistes Benevolent Home in Middlesex, where he died yesterday. Eric Braun wrote "The Elvis Film Encyclopedia" (ISBN: 9780879518141 / ISBN10: 0879518146) which was issued in the UK by B.T. Batsford Ltd. and in the US by Penguin Books in 1997. (News, Source: EP Gold)

Chart update #1: On the ARIA Music DVD chart in Australia, Elvis The King of Rock 'n' Roll slipped four places to #9 (2 weeks on chart) - it is certified Gold! Also on the chart, The Comeback Special slips two places to #31 (after 37 weeks on the chart) and Aloha one place to #33 (after 49 weeks on the chart. Both of the latter albums are 2xPlatinum with sales close to 3xP. (News, Source: ARIA)

Chart update #2: On the UK singles Top 40 the re-issue of "Always On My Mind" is a new entry at #17 (it was #10 in the midweek chart). Up next week is "An American Trilogy". (News, Source: Elvis News/FECC)

Christmas cheer comes to Presley Place: For the ninth holiday season in a row, Arkansas businessman and philanthropist Jennings Osborne and his family will be coordinating with the staff of Graceland and Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE) to follow the wonderful example that Elvis set by providing Christmas cheer and joy to his fans and the needy. The Osbornes have provided holiday lighting to many properties around the country through the years and for the past eight years have brought elaborate displays to the visitor center across the street from Graceland as an annual gift to their fellow Elvis fans.

This year, the Osbornes and the EPE staff, have focused their efforts on making it a special Christmas for the families of Presley Place and the other MIFA's Estival Communities locations in Memphis. The Osbornes and EPE feel certain that Elvis would approve.

The Osbornes will provide a special Christmas delivery to each one of the 88 families on the campuses of MIFA. They will also host a Christmas dinner for all MIFA residents and staff. At Presley Place there will be a touch of Osborne Christmas Lights on the front gates and and inside each unit all families will receive a 6 ft Elvis styled white Christmas tree with blue lights and ornaments and a gift of Osborne Christmas cheer in memory of Elvis.

Presley Place is a 12-unit apartment property, one of several such "campuses" that are part of the outstanding Estival Communities program created and managed by the Metropolitan Inter-faith Association (MIFA) in Memphis. The building of Presley Place was funded by The Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation, which has also funded its ongoing operation. The foundation also funds the Elvis Presley Music Room, where the youngsters of Presley Place and all the other Estival campuses may enjoy access to musical instruments and instruction and participate in special related programs. MIFA's Estival Communities program provides qualifying homeless families up to one year of rent-free housing in the apartments on its various campuses and provides a comprehensive program of child day care, career and financial counseling, family management guidance and other tools to help them break the cycle of poverty and regain self-esteem and independence. (News, Source: EPE)

Winter at Graceland: Visit the special new Winter at Graceland site to learn about everything going on at Elvis Presley's Graceland for you to enjoy during the winter season, including special exhibits, Elvis's traditional Christmas lights and decorations, the Elvis Presley Birthday Celebration and more! (News, Source: EPE)

Charro reissue on DVD in EC: Due for release on January 7, 2008 on the Video International label is the DVD "Charro". With a price of 3.99 UK Pounds this is most likely a budget re-issue. (News, Source: EP Gold)

Elvis Presley - Orange Range: Due for release December 3, 2007 on the DA label is a budget CD entitled "Elvis Presley - Orange Range". Catalogue number: ORANGE208. (News, Source: Virgin Mega Store/Elvis News)

Elvis, Very Best Of Love (+ Bonus DVD): Combo CD + DVD due for release from Madacy in US and Japan on 11 December. (News, Source: Elvis World Japan)

The Holiday Collection Package: This is the complete "Holiday Collection" package released by BMG Canada on November 13, 2007 containing Elvis' original 20 Chritmas songs as well as 10 additional sacred performances in a collectable tin can. (News, Source: Elvis Corner /Elvis News)

A Graceland in Denmark?: The Danish Elvis Unlimited fan club appears to have big plans. Their latest magazine mentions the decision to build a copy of Elvis' Graceland mansion. The fan club wants to use the building for their museum, their shop and a restaurant and hope to have the building ready in less than two years. (News, Source: Elvis Unlimited /Elvis News)

DVD reissue: The DVD "The Legend Lives On" will be re-issued on January 21, 2008 in the UK. It contains several of Elvis early television appearances, some clips from movies like "Treat Me Nice" from Jailhouse Rock and clips for "My Baby Left Me", "Trying To Get To You" and “Blue Moon” made with photo stills and various footage. Also included are tributes by Tom Jones, Tony Bennett, Little Richard, Bill Haley, Carl Perkins and unfortunately an impersonator (Rio) too. (News, Source: Source: Play/Elvis News)

Interview with Sam Thompson: Sam Thompson, the former bodyguard for Elvis Presley, Deputy Sheriff, Judge and more has taken an appointment to the Nevada Transportation Authority in Las Vegas.

Sam met Elvis in 1972 when his sister Linda Thompson started to date Elvis after his split from wife Priscilla. Fans have always been very fond of Linda and Sam, and in an interview with the Las Vegas Review Journal, Sam speaks warmly of the time he spent with Elvis.

To read the interview please  follow this link. (News, Source: EP Gold)

---

Queen lead singer beats Elvis as #1 rock legend: In a controversial British poll, voters have dubbed Queen front man Freddy Mercury the greatest rock legend of all time. Elvis Presley narrowly missed out on the rock n' roll crown coming in second, while Woodstock veteran Jimi Hendrix was hot on his heels in third place. Other contenders include Brit rockers Slash, Mick Jagger and Eric Clapton.

The research commissioned to coincide with the launch of Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, also reveals the most memorable moment in rock history is Ozzy Osbourne biting off a bat's head on stage. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock is a video game that allows players to strum along to rock hits.

1. Freddie Mercury
2. Elvis Presley
3. Jimi Hendrix
4. Ozzy Osborne
5. Jon Bon Jovi
6. Slash
7. Meatloaf
8. Eric Clapton
9. Mick Jagger
10. David Bowie2(News, Source: Amber Smith)

---

"Elvis The Movie" (starring Kurt Russell) - official website ....still no word on the release of this film on DVD. First Look Studios continues to show it as "now available" but without a link for purchasing the DVD....

---

Elvis guitarist dies: John Hughey, a steel guitar player who toured for years with country legend Conway Twitty and recorded with Elvis Presley and many other stars, died Sunday. He was 73.

The Elaine, Ark., native was credited with developing a unique style of playing that focused on the instrument's high tones, resulting in a distinctive "crying sound." (News, Source: ToledoBlade.com)

---

Hello from Memphis!

It has been awhile since our last update, and we hope everyone has been doing well. This year has been a busy one for us here at Sun. More people have visited us than ever before. Elvis week was absolutely crazy(as some of you may already know). We have also been busy recording. Groups such as Chemisite, Drew Nix, The Machine is Off, and David Brookings have all spent time in the studio(among many others).

This November marks the 50th anniversary of the release of Jerry Lee Lewis' 'Great Balls of Fire'. We are offering some great deals in our online store to celebrate the anniversary of this landmark recording, so keep us in mind if anyone you know would like some Sun gear. Just type 'GBOF' in the "purchase code" window located in the bottom left of the checkout page to receive 40% off any clothing items.

We hope the year is going well, and wish you all a happy holiday season.

Sincerely, The Sun Crew (News, Source: Charmaine Voisine)

Jay Leno's "Elvis" bike now online: Jay Leno, the host of NBC's The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, is one of the lucky owners of one of the 30 Elvis Presley 30th Anniversary Signature Harley-Davidson motorcycles.   You can check out lots of photos and even a video on Jay Leno's Garage. (News, Source: EPE)

New Christmas CD in China: Many thanks to It's Elvis Time/EP Gold for this artwork and news:

Elvis Straight Up! series discontinued: The Elvis Straight Up! series has been officially discontinued. The topics reserved for Elvis Straight Up! will from this point on be incorporated into the Celebrate Elvis series.

For more information about Celebrate Elvis or how to obtain a copy visit:

http://www.tcbjoe.com/celebrateelvis/bookbyjoeesposito.php

"Celebrate Elvis Volume 2" released: Darwin Lamm advises: I wanted to take a moment to let you know that the long awaited and highly anticipated Celebrate Elvis Vol.2 is now available. In this edition Joe Esposito has answers  some of the following questions. What Really Happened? Reporter: Is it true that Milton Prell was the front man to the Detroit Mob, who secretly controlled Elvis, through the Colonel, by way of his gambling debts? Ask Joe: How did the Elvis and Priscilla wedding rings show up for an auction sale? Joe, how could Priscilla do this? Ask Joe: Joe, what was up with that jar of peanut butter we can see Elvis holding when he was coming out of a building before heading towards a waiting limo? Was that a regular habit of his?

What Really Happened?

Reporter: Is it true that Elvis gave Barbra Streisand some constructive criticism after seeing one of her shows at the International Hotel? Barbra was supposedly so incensed by this that she swore to get back at Elvis. Joe, what really happened?

The answers to some of these questions are quite revealing.

Celebrate Elvis Vol.2 incorporates all of the insights from Joe Esposito along with interviews with fans from all over the world. Starting with Vol. 2 Celebrate Elvis will now include topics that were originally reserved for the discontinued Elvis Straight Up series.

This is a really revealing edition that I  would highly recommend to any Elvis fan seeking the absolute truth about the King.

Get your copy today at: http://www.tcbjoe.com/celebrateelvis/bookbyjoeesposito.php

Elvis pays tribute to the blues: Released on the Saga Blues label on November 22, 2007 is the 2CD "Blues Vs. Rock And Roll - Elvis Pays Tribute To The Blues". It contains tracks from artists (CD 1) which were later recorded by Elvis (CD 2). CD 1 - Various Artists: That's All Right (Arthur 'Big Boy' Crudup) - Good Rocking Tonight (Roy Brown) - Milk Cow Blues (Kokomo Arnold) - Baby Let's Play House (Arthur Gunter) - Mystery Train (Junior Parker) - My Baby Left Me (Arthur 'Big Boy' Crudup) - Hound Dog (Big Mama Thornton) - Tutti Frutti (Little Richard) - I've Got A Woman (Ray Charles) - Money Honey (Clyde Mcphatter & The Drifters) - Lawdy Miss Clawdy (Lloyd Price) - Shake (Rattle And Roll (Big Joe Turner) CD 2 - Elvis Presley: That's Alll Right Mama - Good Rockin' Tonight - Milk Cow Blues Boogie - Baby Let's Play House - Mystery Train - My Baby Left Me - Hound Dog - Tutti Frutti - I Got A Woman - Money Honey - Lawdy Miss Clawdy - Shake (Rattle And Roll) (News, Source: Elvis Club Berlin /Elvis News)

Double Features DVDs: This is the cover art for the Paramount double feature DVD sets "Blue Hawaii / Paradise Hawaiian Style" and "King Creole / G.I. Blues" which will be released in the U.S. on February 5, 2008. (News, Source: Elvis Club Berlin /Elvis News)

Sirius radio celebrates: Thanksgiving Day specials will feature live coverage of Graceland Holiday tree lighting ceremony, Arlo Guthrie, Jimmy Buffett, Tommy Lee, Dionne Warwick, Fred Imus and Mojo Nixon - The exclusive programming will feature the annual lighting of Elvis's "Blue" Christmas tree, broadcast live from Graceland; a special broadcast of Arlo Guthrie's epic Thanksgiving song "Alice's Restaurant Massacree"; Radio Margaritaville's Annual Thanksgiving Jimmy Buffett Concert; Tommy Lee and DJ Aero spinning electro-house beats live from Pacha in New York City; a visit by Dionne Warwick; a special Thanksgiving edition of Fred Imus' Trailer Park Bash and an exclusive interview with Arlo Guthrie. SIRIUS' Thanksgiving music programming schedule is as follows: The Graceland Holiday Lights Come Alive on Elvis Radio Elvis Radio channel 13 -- November 23 at 7 pm ET Live coverage of the traditional lighting of Elvis's "Blue" Christmas tree. (News, Source: PRNewswire)

• A rare, nighttime tour of Graceland decorated for the holidays
• Santa will be available for pictures and to meet the kids
• Special prices and discounts at Graceland gift shops for the Elvis fans on your list
• Hot Chocolate and Cookies Available
• Free activities for the Kids

• a set of bongo drums Priscilla Presley gave to Elvis
• Elvis’s Bible, given to him by members of the Memphis Mafia
• Portable television Elvis gave to his mother in 1957
• Gifts to Lisa Marie from Santa, including a giant stuffed animal, chalkboard, makeup table, and tricycle

Chart update: In Sweden the "The King" compilation drops from #25 to #49 on the Album Top 60. On the DVD Top 20 "The King Of Rock And Roll" drops from #1 to #2. On the Mid-price Album Top 10 "White Christmas" is a new entry at #8.

The Billboard chart listings for the week ending 1 December 2007:

Top 200 Albums: Home For The Holidays: #127
Comprehensive Albums: Home For The Holidays: #149
Comprehensive Albums: Elvis Christmas #95
Comprehensive Albums: It's Christmas Time #150
Pop Catalogue Albums: Elvis Christmas #11
Pop Catalogue Albums: It's Christmas Time #22
Pop Catalogue Albums: ELV1S 30 #1 Hits #44
Country Catalogue Albums: ELV1S 30 #1 Hits #6
Country Catalogue Albums: Elvis Christmas #2
Independent Albums: Home For The Holidays: 14
Holiday Albums: Elvis Christmas: #17
Holiday Albums: It's Christmas Time: #29
Holiday Albums: Home For The Holidays: #22
Music Video: ELV1S #1 Hits Performances: #18
Music Video: '68 Comeback Chart: #39
Music Video: Aloha From Hawaii: #40
Comprehensive Music Video: ELV1S #1 Hits Performances: #18
Comprehensive Music Video: '68 Comeback Special: #39
Comprehensive Music Video: Aloha From Hawaii: #40 (News, Source: Elvis News/Elvis International)

Directed by Jake Kasden (who co-wrote the script with Judd Apatow), the tale of Dewey Cox — who’s equal parts Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly — has it all: tough upbringing, musical dreaming. Booze, drugs and cute back-up singers (Jenna Fischer). Think “Walk the Line,” “Ray” and maybe even a touch of “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” but don’t think too hard … that’s not the point here.

The real appeal of “Walk Hard,” however, may be its wealth of cameos. Everyone from the White Stripes’ Jack White (as Elvis Presley) and Jason Schwartzman (as Ringo Starr) to Patrick Duffy (!) and Eddie Vedder (both as themselves) — make the musical mystery tour through Dewey Cox’s fabled life.

Rating: 3 dancing popcorn guys (out of 4) (Celluloid Elvis, Source: Rachel Leibrock, The Sacramento Bee/KansasCity.com)

"Elvis" ready to battle another bushfire season: The fire fighting helicopter known as "Elvis" (shown opposite) is ready to help battle another bushfire season in Victoria, Australia. The helicopter can carry 9000 litres of fresh or salt water to dump on fires and can reload in 40 seconds. The Victorian Environment Minister Gavin Jennings says it will be one of two sky cranes used this summer. "Elvis is a spectacular piece of equipment that adds to our fire fighting capacity, so the ability to get into rugged train, or very, very closely target homes and areas around homes on the urban fringe make Elvis a fantastic resource to have over summer," he said. (News, Source: ABC)

The other Elvis lives!: Back in 1998, actor Steve Carlson, a veteran of series such as The Virginian and General Hospital as well as over 500 TV commercials, published the how-to tome Hitting Your Mark: Making a Life and Living as a Film Actor. But his latest work, the fictional novel Almost Graceland, is set to cause a whole lot of shaking with Elvis fans rather than Elvis impersonators. It supposes that Presley’s identical twin brother did not die at birth, but rather lived to lead a separate life and eventually reunite with his world famous singing brother. The novel is set in 1977, with 42-year-old trailer park protagonist Ray Johnston deciding to sell his story to the tabloids. For Carlson, who could very easily rest in contented retirement in Oregon, it’s but the first of several efforts. Another novel, the romance crime intrigue Tracks, is set for release in 2008, while he is currently at work on a third book. Chances are the fiction game will be far less lucrative for Carlson than the world of TV commercials. He tells the Wyoming Eagle-Tribune that writing the score and starring in the “Aren’t You Glad You Used Dial [Soap]?” commercial took care of ten years’ worth of house payments. On the other hand, writing fiction is probably a piece of cake for Carlson compared to his days on soaps such as GH and The Bold and the Beautiful. “It's the hardest work there is,” insists the 64-year-old, who was born in Missouri but grew up in Wyoming. “One day, you could have 30 to 40 pages of dialogue, and the next day could be another 40 pages. You get good at memorization." (Book Review, Source: FilmStew.com)

January 2008 FTD will be "Wild In The Country": The Follow That Dream label will release the “Wild In The Country” soundtrack in the classic albums series in early January 2008. As usual it will be in the 7” digipack format, with a booklet. Due to the number of songs recorded for the movie, this will be a single disc release. All tracks have been remixed and remastered for this release and sound truly beautiful according to the FTD newsletter. Original Soundtrack: 1. Wild in the Country 2. Lonely Man 3. I Slipped I Stumbled I Fell 4. In My Way 5. Forget Me Never 6. Lonely Man (solo) 7. I Slipped I Stumbled I Fell (low key) Artwork opposite is indicative only

Outtakes 8. Lonely Man (take 1) 9. Wild in the Country (takes 1,2) 10. Wild in the Country (takes 10,11)
11. I Slipped I Stumbled I Fell (takes 1,2,3) 12. Lonely Man (solo, take 1) 13. In My Way (take 1) 14. Forget Me Never (takes 2,1) 15. Lonely Man (take 4)16. Lonely Man (solo, takes 2,3) 17. In My Way (take 2) 18. In My Way (takes 4,5,6/8) 19. Wild in the Country (takes 12,13) 20. Wild in the Country (take 14) 21. I Slipped I Stumbled I Fell (takes 7,8,9) 22. I Slipped I Stumbled I Fell (take 11) 23. Lonely Man (takes 6,7,8) 24. Lonely Man (takes 11,12) 25. I Slipped I Stumbled I Fell (takes 14,15,16) 26. Wild in the Country (take 16) (News, Source: Follow That Dream/ Peter Haan/ FECC/Elvis News)

Zero Tolerance For (Public Domain) Bootlegs: Ernst Jorgenson, driving force behind the ‘Follow That Dream’ releases, leaves no doubt about zero tolerance for bootlegs. In the latest FTD newsletter to FTD sellers he writes:

"Unfortunately Sony BMG’s legal department has informed us about several of you selling illegal records, and apparently there is more to come. As the guilty ones know, it’s both unpleasant and expensive to be caught, and for the future there will be a ”no tolerance” policy. Any customer getting in trouble with the authorities on this issue will automatically be dropped by FTD.

One of the key reasons for the development of FTD was to give the fan clubs legal product to sell in order to substitute the sales of bootlegs that escalated in the nineties. Not only are these illegal activities potentially hurtful to your business, but they also put the whole future of FTD in jeopardy.

We have heard many absurd excuses over the years for selling product that wasn’t legal (Czech republic releases is just one example), but all of you are experienced Elvis dealers, and it is your responsibility to know if the product you are selling is legal or not. As some will know, the so-called P.D. releases in many instances are not P.D. at all. Original masters recorded AND released more than 50 years ago are public domain (free for all), but masters and outtakes released within the 50-year period are not automatically P.D. Selling illegal P.D. recordings is exactly the same as selling bootlegs. Don’t let yourself down!!" (News, Source: Follow That Dream /Elvis News)

EIN Comment: The loss of royalties due to bootleg product is a serious issue. However, as is being mentioned on the various Elvis messageboards, there is apparently an element of hypocrisy in the FTD statement.

John Hughey dies: John Hughey passed away last sunday at the age of 73 in Henderson, TN. John was known as one of the best steel guitar players in the USA and was inducted in the Pedal Steel Guitar Hall of Fame. He also was a session musician for the album 'From Elvis in Memphis', with classics as 'In The Ghetto' and 'Long Black Limousine'.

He started playing professionally in the early 1950s with a Memphis-based band, Slim Rhodes and The Mother's Best Mountaineers, before playing for about 20 years with Twitty, who was a school mate of Hughey's when his family lived in Horn Lake, Miss.

Hughey later recorded songs with Presley, Loretta Lynn, Marty Stuart, Willie Nelson, Dickey Betts of The Allman Brothers and others. He recorded and toured with star Vince Gill for about 12 years. A visitation was scheduled for Tuesday at Hendersonville Funeral Home, with a funeral on Wednesday at Hendersonville First Baptist Church. (News, Source: USA Today)

Remix versions of Baby Let's Play House geared to youth market!: As mixed views of the latest Baby Let's Play House remixes are discussed on the various Elvis messageboards, EIN congratulates the remixers who have produced pulsating, bass infused mixes which should appeal to many in the youth market. In particular, EIN liked the remix by Glen Vincent.

However, we'll leave the last words to one of the iconic identities of the Elvis world, Tallhair2 (aka Ger Rijff), who posted this message on the FECC board:

'Is Elvis or Rock n Roll sacred? Listen to what Sam and the boys did to Monroes Blue Moon Of Kentucky, way back in 54?! The weeping vocals and tiny mandolin heard on the original were blasted away by electric guitar and gutso vocals. Or the version of Blue Moon, from Broadway musical to... yes, to what exactly? It was so different! I felt good when at a school party, years ago, I watched my son and other 8 year olds jumping up and down to ALLC in the class room! And I hope, with Play house, kids once again will party to this remix, and if some will afterwards remember the singer was one Elvis Presley, than thats 2 bonus points. My son is 13 now. Elvis is never discussed in class.... He's not part of their lives. Of course not! Sinatra wasnt part of mine when I discovered Elvis in 57...! So let the remixers do what they want, and let the kids decide if it rocks! Its ONLY entertainment after all. Nothing more, nothing less.' (Comment, Source: FECC)

View the 'Baby Let's Play House' remix #1

View the 'Baby Let's Play House' remix #2 (Glen Vincent)

The iconic Elvis books from Ger Rijff

And.........for a different type of remix and song:

"It's Only Love" remix

Check out EIN's popular 'Best of Elvis YouTube'

"Elvis Presley The Family Album" by George Klein (Book Review): EIN's Nigel Patterson recently delved inside George Klein's latest book offering. Anchored by great design, interesting text and impressive visuals, what Nigel found will please most fans! (Book Review, Source: EIN) Read EIN's detailed review

Elvis article in "History Today" (August 2007 edition): Thanks to Barry McLean who tells EIN the article is an interesting story, based overall on Elvis' place in history, and how it developed. (News, Source: Barry McLean)

"You Ain't Ain't Ain't Nothing But A Hound Dog" CD: Another new audience CD release is "You Ain't Ain't Ain't Nothing But A Hound Dog" from July 29th, 1976 Springfield, Mass. Here the tracklisting: 2001 Theme / See See Rider/ I Got A Woman / Amen / Love Me / If You Love Me Let Me Know / You Gave Me A Mountain / Help Me / All Shook Up / Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel / And I Love You So / Jailhouse Rock / America The Beautiful / Polk Salad Annie / Elvis introduces his band / Love Letters / Hail, Hail Rock & Roll / Hurt - repeat / Hound Dog / Funny How Time Slips Away / Can't Help Falling In Love (News, Source: FECC)

Chart update #1: "Elvis The King of Rock 'n' Roll" has debuted at #5 on the ARIA DVD Chart in Australia. "The Comeback Special" and "Elvis Aloha From Hawai"i have re-entered the chart at #29 and #32 respectively. (News, Source: ARIA)

Comprehensive Albums: Home For The Holidays: #151
Comprehensive Albums: Elvis Christmas #133
Comprehensive Albums: It's Christmas Time #176

Pop Catalogue Albums: Elvis Christmas #16
Pop Catalogue Albums: It's Christmas Time #26
Pop Catalogue Albums: ELV1S 30 #1 Hits #37

Country Catalogue Albums: ELV1S 30 #1 Hits #7
Country Catalogue Albums: Elvis Christmas #2

Independent Albums: Home For The Holidays: 16

Holiday Albums: Elvis Christmas: #19
Holiday Albums: It's Christmas Time: #25
Holiday Albums: Home For The Holidays: #22

Music Video: ELV1S #1 Hits Performances: #13
Music Video: '68 Comeback Chart: #40

Comprehensive Music Video: ELV1S #1 Hits Performances: #13
Comprehensive Music Video: '68 Comeback Special #40

The "Aloha From hawaii" special drops off both the Comprehensive Music Video and Music Video charts.

"Home For The Holidays is also #15 on the Cashbox Hot Christmas Album Chart (News, Source: Elvis International)

"Elvis Presley: The Life and Times of the King" book release: Due for release from Taschen Publishers in the Movie Icons series is the 192 pages book "Elvis Presley: The Life and Times of the King" by F.X. Feeney (Author), Paul Duncan (Editor). The languages available are German, French and English (ISBN-10: 3822823236 / ISBN-13: 978-3822823231)

Synopsis (The New York Times Book Review): Elvis Presley would have been the first to laugh at the mad, godlike status he attained after death, but he would have surely identified with the human, gospel-haunted need such adoration rises out of. He shared that need, and courted it. He could sing and move with a spellbinding violence and grace. Yet his nature was also marked by a startling passivity - an eerily contented lack of ambition at his essence that kept him from growing after his first fiery years of success. That early fire still burns, nevertheless, and his mythical figure remains an omnipresent fixture today.

In "The Movie Icon" series, people talk about Hollywood glamour, about studios that had more stars than there are in heaven, about actors who weren't actors but were icons. Other people talk about these things, "Taschen" shows you. "Movie Icons" is a series of photo books that feature the most famous personalities in the history of cinema. These 192-page books are visual biographies of the stars. For each title, series editor Paul Duncan has painstaking selected approximately 150 high quality enigmatic and sumptuous portraits, colorful posters and lobby cards, rare film stills, and previously unpublished candid photos showing the stars as they really are. These images are accompanied by concise introductory essays by leading film writers; each book also includes a chronology, a filmography, and a bibliography, and is peppered with apposite quotes from the movies and from life.More bang for your buck! "...a fast-food, high-energy fix on the topic at hand." (News, Source: Amazon.co.uk /Elvis News)

Elvis Viva Las Vegas: Official Soundtrack: Announced on Amazon as a release for January 8, 2008 is a CD entitled "Elvis Viva Las Vegas: Official Soundtrack". No other details available yet. (News, Source: Amazon.com/Elvis News)

''Elvis - Greatest Hits Volume Two'' CD: A new  Import CD entitled ''Elvis - Greatest Hits Volume Two'' will be released soon. This is reminiscent of the original volume one released by RCA with a similar artwork. The compilation is aimed to Collectors, and pressed in very limited quantity. Track listing: 1- My Boy 3:02 ( undubbed master ) ; 2- When I'm Over You 3:31 ( unedited undubbed master ) ; 3- Steamroller Blues 3:01 ( Memphis, TN March 16, 1974 AS ) ; 4- It's Midnight 3:13 ( Las Vegas, NV September 2, 1974 CS ) ; 5- You Don't Have To Say You Love Me 2:05 ( Macon, GA April 24, 1975 ) ; 6- For The Good Times 3:03 ( Richmond, VA April 10, 1972 ) ; 7- I Just Can't Help Believin' 4:56 ( rehearsal, July 24, 1970 ) ; 8- Little Sister 1:55 ( Alexandria, LA March 30, 1977 ) ; 9- America The Beautiful 2:12 ( Charlotte, NC March 20, 1976 ) ; 10- Make The World Go Away 3:36 ( undubbed ) ; 11- Patch It Up 3:33 ( rehearsal, August 10, 1970 ) ; 12- Hurt 2:09 ( Johnson City, TN March 17, 1976 ) ; 13- Down In The Alley 2:08 ( rehearsal, August 16, 1974 ) ; 14- And I Love You So 2:25 ( West Palm Beach, FL February 13, 1977 ) ; 15- Just Pretend 3:38 ( rehearsal , July 24, 1970 ) ; 16- It's Now Or Never 2:16 ( rehearsal, July 29, 1970 ) ; 17- Never Been To Spain 3:25 ( Richmond, VA April 10, 1972 ) ; 18- Loving Arms 2:52 ( undubbed master ) ; 19- Suspicious Minds 5:15 ( rehearsal, July 24, 1970 ) ; 20- Return To Sender 1:56 ( Hampton Roads, VA August 1, 1976 AS ) ; 21- That's All Right 1:48 ( Memphis, TN July 5, 1976 ) ; 22- I'm Leavin' 3:15 ( Boston, MA November 10, 1971 ) ; 23- Polk Salad Annie 4:30 ( Las Vegas, NV February 1970 ) ; 24- Love Letters 2:34 ( San Francisco, CA November 28, 1976 ) 25- Unchained Melody 2:25 ( Montgomery, AL February 16, 1977 ) Running time 76:55 (News, Source: EP Gold)

'The Essential Elvis Presley‘ vs ‘The King’: Two very similar double CD Elvis ‘Greatest Hits’ compiles were released by BMG in the first half of 2007. Continuous release of these same old compiles is exactly why The Beatles & Garth Brooks garner so many recognised "RIAA Gold Sales" and dominate Elvis in the gold sales statistics - when of course Elvis in absolute total must have sold more. EIN wonders if everyone in BMG/SONY marketing is related to Colonel Parker as they still continue to flog the same old horse. If ever there was a prima-facie case of BMG/RCA pumping out too much of the similar Elvis product, then the releasing of ‘The Essential Elvis Presley’ (40 Greatest tracks) within a few months of their 30th Anniversary "key" marketing release ‘The King’ (52 Greatest hits) must be exhibit number One. EIN's Piers Beagley investigates. 'The Essential Elvis Presley': CD review: Released by BMG/SONY at the start of 2007 in order to add Elvis to Sony's "Essential" artist series. With the overall packaging, sleeve notes, good photos and the "a little different" track selection 'The Essential Elvis Presley' can be rated as a fine companion to their series. The audio sparkles and the CDs present a good, if brief, look at Elvis’ musical legacy. However as always there is more to consider and wonder about when it comes to marketing Elvis' greatest hits. (CD Review, Source: EIN, November 2007) 'The King': CD review: Released by BMG/SONY as their 30th Anniversary Elvis "key" marketing release , one would have hoped that some thought and inspiration could have been used by their Project Directors. But why bother? - Of course, due to the timing and marketing ‘The King’ became an international number One – and so why should fans complain? As always there is more to consider and wonder about when it comes to marketing Elvis' greatest hits - and you get the feeling that BMG/SONY will be laughing all the way to the bank with this one. EIN's Piers Beagley investigates. (CD Review, Source: EIN, November 2007)

Quality import labels unite to release reissues: The quality import labels Audionics, 2001 and Fort Baxter announced to join forces to produce several limited edition re-issues from their classic bootleg catalogue. These upgraded re-issues will be remastered with a new additional booklets. This way fans won't have to buy rip-off re-issues. The CDs will be released under the coproduction labels "Audionics / 2001" and "Audionics / Baxter".

Titles announced for re-issue are: "Burning In Birmingham", "A Hot Winter Night In Dallas", and Elvis' March 22, 1975 midnight show (from the "A Profile - The King On Stage" Box 2 set). The first title should be available before the end of this year as "High Voltage - Birmingham '76 Revisited" the other two titles should be available early 2008. (News, Source: Elvis News)

Graceland - The National Historic Landmark: Brian Quinn recently posted a link to an absolutely fascinating article. As Brian said:

"The following article is one of the best overviews of Elvis' career I have ever read. It is 50 pages long, and in the PDF format, but well worth the read and would be very handy to keep as a reference source."

EIN believes this is recommended reading for all serious students of Elvis. (News, Source: FECC)

Access the article

"Elvis Presley -You Know": Due for release from Gravel Road Music are two volumes entitled “Elvis Presley – You Know, It Doesnt Have To Be Strictly Country” with acetate recordings Elvis supposedly took home and agreed to be released. Volume 1 contains recordings from June 4 , 5 and 6, 1970. The seconde volume holds recordings from June 7 and 8 and September 22, 1970.