The year 2017 marked four decades since Elvis' death. Yet his music still topped charts worldwide, and he earned over a dozen new Gold and Platinum awards. Proof that Elvis "never left the building." 2017 saw countless book, movie and music releases, perhaps too many for fans to easily distinguish what's truly worthwhile. Fans enjoyed numerous CD and vinyl releases, spanning Elvis' entire career, from the early SUN Records material on 'A Boy From Tupelo' to the 40th Anniversary Edition of 'Moody Blue'. In between there were themed compilations, FTD Classic Album re-issues, Mono to Stereo mixes, and numerous concert releases. Many of Elvis' movies were re-issued on DVD or upgraded to Blu-ray. Plus new books on virtually every facet of Elvis' life. This yearbook preserves all the day-by-day information about every relevant Elvis release, event and milestone from 2017. It includes 55 in-depth reviews by Elvis writers, experts and fans add thoughtful insights from a 2017 perspective.  This makes it a must-have chronicle for serious Elvis fans and collectors. Book Review by Piers Beagley, November 2025

Kees Mouwen's very first "'Elvis Day By Day' Special" was his year-book compiling "everything Elvis" from 2019.

In his introduction that very first year he wrote that "perhaps this is the start of a tradition" - and indeed it was and with every year-book since then being bigger and brighter.  

Not only do these annuals show fans’ fascination with Elvis Presley but also how his legacy is still growing even after all these years. 
It demonstrates the power of our hero that there are still so many books, CDs, vinyl, dvds and bootlegs being released every single year.

It was after his first two volumes 2019 and 2020 that Kees Mouwen decided to publish the backstory of "The Year In Review 2018". Being the 50th anniversary of the Comeback Special, as well as the year 'Elvis Presley: The Searcher' was released, it was an important 12 months.

Of course, since Elvis’ untimely death in 1977 every decade since then has been a year of not only remembering Elvis' tragic passing but also an important reminder that we all need to celebrate what an amazing legacy he left us with.
So I was more than pleased when Kees announced his publication of another 'backstory', his "2017 The Year In Review".    

There was a lot going on back in 2017 including the "40th Anniversary" and once again it is a beautifully compiled 480-page book of “everything Elvis” that was in the news that year.

First a declaration of interest since EIN and Elvis Day By Day are two of the world’s key websites posting daily news in the Elvis world. There is no doubt that this is the kind of book that would appeal to me - and both Nigel Patterson and I are credited with helping with the book - with some of our articles and reviews included. However we had nothing to do with the book's design, decision on content nor the publication. This is all Kees Mouwen's hard work. 

How he finds the time to write these books, as well as keep his Elvis Day By Day blog updated I truly have no idea. 

The book’s design, with a packed 480-pages, is as always top-notch, nicely laid-out, easy to read and with lots of glorious photos of our man.

The Foreword by Paul Sweeney neatly affirms...

“Thanks to Kees’ dedication, fans can look back at 2017 as not only a celebration of the past but a living testimony to Elvis’ enduring power.
What made 2017 even more remarkable was how it revealed the way Elvis continues to connect across generations. Fans who had followed him since the 1950s found themselves standing alongside younger listeners who were just discovering his music for the first time. That blend of old and new audiences proved what many of us have always known: Elvis is timeless. His voice, his presence, his artistry, none of it has faded.”

The book as always lists what happened day-by-day and the revelation is that hardly a day went by without some kind of product or Elvis news being publicised.
For instance in the month of January 2017 there were only nine days that didn't featured some kind of Elvis news.

The year started with the beginning of Elvis' "Birthday celebrations" in Graceland and with the first publication being 'The World Of Follow That Dream' the 1,200-page triple-deluxe-volume on everything FTD had released up until then.
To me it was a great book but, Ok, I was a co-author! 
Kees in fact concludes that being such a large book "it may be too much for some readers"!

And it is his neat reviews and summaries that help make this volume such an enjoyable read.

Whereas in previous volumes Kees has often published one personal review of a new release, in this 2017 book he has found the time to combine multiple reviews and interviews into a much more interesting overall summary.

At the end of most major articles, or reviews, he usually credits four people or more for their combined input. For instance with the controversial 'Elvis Christmas with the RPO' album review it was clever to use seven people’s differing opinions (all credited) - which, with such a contentious release, was a great idea. 

While they were a large number of fine quality publications in 2017 there were also a fair few real stinkers purely released to grab unsuspecting fan’s hard-earned cash. And a real positive of Kees’ reviews is that he doesn't hold back in his thoughts if the product is bad.

For example, of the audience recorded ‘Wild In Wichita’ December 27, 1976 release by ‘EP Collectors’ he concludes... “This release is so bad it is truly for EP collectors only”.

About the January 27, 1973 audience recorded concert released by the bootleg Ampex label as ‘Long Tall Sally’, Kees similarly concludes “This CD is a release for completists only.”

On the other hand I really enjoyed reading through the articles and reviews of top-quality Elvis products from the year, such as Paul Sweeney’s book ‘One Night in Toronto’, the FTD book ‘Elvis At Madison Square Garden’, the photo-book ‘Strictly Elvis Vol 1’ (what a beauty that was!) and Shane Brown’s fascinating examination of Elvis' recording sessions ‘Reconsider Baby’ (revised edition).

I also really enjoyed the reviews of all the Elvis vinyl that is pumped out in Europe every year. Being in Australia the overseas postage makes vinyl a very expensive proposition so detailed reviews that help reveal what is good and what is disappointing are really important.
Of course with vinyl it is the tactile feel and glorious large Elvis images that make some of the product a joy to own.

Very sadly in 2017 there were several tragic deaths from within the Elvis world, including Red West, Marty Lacker, Chuck Berry and Fats Domino. All these important characters are rightly given well deserved lengthy tributes in this book.

Other articles that were a highlight for me were ‘Elvis At 40: Still Relevant Today’ an 18-page examination of Elvis’ legacy in 2017, Kees’ personal review of attending ‘Elvis Live In Rotterdam’ along with an 8-page review of the ‘Elvis On Tour’ exhibition in London.

The book ends, as always, with his personal list of the 'Top 10 releases of 2017' - along with plenty of suggested runners-up.

I always find these so fascinating since they are never going to match your own personal favourites. And if I was over in the Netherlands I would certainly be discussing with Kees, over a few beers, why he chose the ‘Alternate Moody Blue’ set as one of his top 10 of the year! Elvis fans are fascinating people. 

But you will have to get the book to discover his other top choices. 

Worth mentioning is the very detailed index, which I have already used multiple times. 

Overall Review: While I understand that this book might not be for everybody -  after all some fans are purely interested in the 'newest never-seen-before product' being released this week - I find it fascinating looking through what was being released back in 2017 and the Elvis highlights from the year. 
Not only did this 2017-year-in-review book provided some very satisfying reading but it also got me spinning some Elvis CDs and vinyl that I haven't played in years. And also had me looking through some of those glorious Elvis books that I have left gathering dust on my shelves for far too long. 
And perhaps best of all, using Kees’ list of top quality Elvis products that were released back in 2017 I have tracked down and ordered some older items that I missed out on from eBay. 
In the end, it’s all about the joy of being an Elvis fan - there’s always more to read and discover. 

Go HERE to 'Elvis Day By Day' to order a copy

Fans should also check out your AMAZON store for options i.e. >> Amazon.com or Amazon UK

Comment on this review

Book Review by Piers Beagley.
-Copyright EIN November 2025
EIN Website content © Copyright the Elvis Information Network.

'Elvis: Day By Day 2024' Book Review:  From author Kees Mouwen the latest in his 'Elvis Day By Day' series of 'The Year In Review'. Packed into a colourful 480 pages is all the relevant news of what happened in the Elvis world these past twelve months . 'Elvis Day By Day 2024' features all the news, including a complete overview of all new music, available on CD and on vinyl. Additionally, it covers all the worthwhile books and magazines, all the movies and TV specials released on DVD, Blu-ray, and streaming services. Plus “everything else Elvis” that mattered, while skipping the nonsense. ELVIS is still impacting the world we live in. His legacy is truly stunning. To appreciate Elvis’ lasting impact we actually need an “Annual” summary where we can take it all in - and this is what ‘Elvis Day By Day 2024’ provides. Over the 480 pages there is so much to discuss, lots to debate and always stunning images. Plus some delicious negative reviews.. EIN's Piers Beagley checks out this new 'Elvis Annual' and finds that there is plenty to read and lots for collectors to discuss (Book Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)

'Elvis UK - Extended' In-Depth Book Review: UK specialists John Townson and Gordon Minto's new book 'ELVIS UK Extended - The Ultimate Guide to the Elvis Presley's EPs 1957 - 2001' follows on from their previous publications in the Elvis UK series. The 500 page soft-cover book, extensively illustrated, details the history of Elvis' Extended Play releases, their popularity and subsequent fall from favour. It includes a chronological list of all the EPs their multiple repressings and all are cross-referenced with its US counterpart and key differences discussed. Based on 40+ years of research, and with contributions by insiders providing previously unknown perspectives and knowledge on the production, marketing, musical and other aspects of Elvis' UK EP releases. But can there really be anything new of particular interest in a book about Elvis’ vinyl UK EP releases? Many of us believed they started with the ‘Love Me Tender’ EP and wrapped by 1967 with ‘Easy Come Easy Go’. That’s only 20 or so EP releases and surely some like ‘Elvis Sails’ or ‘Elvis Sings Christmas Songs’ would only get one original print run and then be deleted. We thought that this smaller UK vinyl theme would be done and dusted in under 100 pages – “mah boy, mah boy” were we wrong! .. and the book will make you want to spin some vinyl! The incredible trio Nigel Patterson / Piers Beagley and Kees Mouwen (Elvis Day by Day) combine forces to check out the book. (Book Review, Source:EIN/ElvisDayByDay)

'Elvis UK - Beyond RCA' Book Review: UK specialists John Townson and Gordon Minto's new book 'Elvis UK - Beyond RCA - The Ultimate Guide To Elvis Presley’s British Non RCA LPs 1974-1997' flipbook follows on from their previous publications in the Elvis UK series. This book.. • Is extensively illustrated in full colour • Features a host of background information including a chronological list of all the albums included • Deals with each album individually, in a detailed and forensic way, while the text is amply illustrated with scans of every known cover and label variation, relevant photographs, and scans of contemporaneous newspaper and magazine articles • Includes background information about each release including historically significant events of the period • Contains hitherto unpublished information from company files • Includes a wealth of background information relating to the record industry incorporated throughout the text. The incredible trio Nigel Patterson / Piers Beagley and Kees Mouwen (Elvis Day by Day) combine forces to check out this very detailed Digi-book. (Book Review, Source:EIN/EDayByDay)

'Elvis Day By Day 2020' Book Review: 2020 is a year none of us will forget. But as we all tried to adapt to a "new normal" the wonderful world of Elvis Presley provided a very fine distraction. 2020 brought us several great Elvis releases on CD and vinyl (lots of it!), many new books, movie releases on DVD, Blu-ray and in cinemas around the world. We had to say good-bye to friends from the Elvis world and there was the Covid-19 pandemic, which had a huge impact on the Elvis world too. Everything Elvis Presley from 2020 is captured in this comprehensive, day-by-day yearbook. Fully illustrated, with new in-depth reviews, articles and interviews on the main - and odd-ball - releases of the year. The good, the bad, the funny and the sad, and even the news and reviews you may have missed. All packed in one comprehensive book to revisit 2020 as it happened. The book is.. "Impeccably written, in an attractive and easy to read composition, it is peppered with facts accompanied by high quality B&W and color pictures. It demonstrates in detail that Elvis is still present and influential." Go here to Elvis author Paul Belard's full review.. (Book Reviews, Source;PB/ElvisInfoNet)

'Elvis Day By Day 2019' Book Review: 2019 was a year of many celebrations. It marked the 50th anniversary of Elvis Presley's triumphant return to live performing and the release of two of his most iconic recordings, "Suspicious Minds" and “In The Ghetto”. Sadly 2019 also marked the 42nd anniversary of his untimely death - yet his cultural impact may very well have been more visible and ‘alive’ during the last 42 years than when he was actually alive. And so is the Elvis-world today. Kees Mouwen's "Elvis Day By Day 2019 - The year in Review" compiles a comprehensive and illustrated chronology of ‘everything Elvis from 2019’ in one physical reference book and with over 500 illustrations. Joan Gansky first met Elvis on August 18, 1967 and was there at the '68 Special' as well as Elvis' 1969 Las Vegas live return. She writes, "We are both honored and proud that this book features my husband Paul's photographs and my fond memories of August '69 at the International Las Vegas! When I wrote them back at that time, I never dreamed 50 years later they would be printed in any book, especially one of this high caliber. This ongoing deep interest is due to Elvis Presley and the enduring love for and appreciation of him by his fans worldwide." Go here as Joan Gansky provides a lovely insider's review.. (Book Reviews, Source;JG/ElvisInfoNet)

Spotlight on the new 'Vintage Rock' Magazine: The very first issue of the UK 'Vintage Rock' magazine - published in 2011 - features Elvis on the cover. Inside the magazine fans can read a great feature article that details Elvis' early years (up to 1955) and also check out some rare childhood photos. The first two lines of the Elvis feature article read, "Elvis Presley was more than a singer. He was - and still is - an icon of pop culture, the first larger than life superstar, a folk hero and legend, yet also something of a myth." In addition to this another article ‘The Roots Of Rock‘n’Roll’ also features a close-up on Scotty Moore and Elvis.   Go here as EIN turns the spotlight onto this new Rock'n'Roll magazine.   (Spotlight, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)

(Book Review) Elvis, Hero of the Comic Books (Nigel Patterson): Respected Elvis author and reviewer, Gordon Minto, recently put on his reviewer’s cap to take on what he rightly describes as “a strange landscape” of how Elvis is portrayed in comic books (aka sequential art), a subject, which until now, has not been well covered or understood. The book in question, Elvis, Hero of the Comic Books, was written by EIN’s Nigel Patterson and sublimely designed by Elvis Day By Day’s, Kees Mouwen.   The book includes stunning artwork from a number of releases and an eclectic variety of Elvis related comic book ephemera.  Elvis, Hero of the Comic Books features more than 600 images! Read Gordon’s detailed review to discover why he found the book to be “refreshingly different, extremely eye-catching, well-researched and well-written, while offering a new slant on things”.    (Book Review, Source: Gordon Minto;ElvisInfoNet)

(Book Review) Shake, Rattle and Blue Moon – The Formative Recordings of Elvis Presley 1953-1960 (Alan Tranter): This new book by Alan Tranter is not a biography, it is more accurately a chronicle of Elvis' growth; his visits to the recording studio, his first movies, his record releases, his influences, his live performances, his TV appearances, all of which paint a picture of the artist who became, and remained, King. Need to brush up on your knowledge of Elvis’ earliest recordings or are a new fan wanting a solid account of Elvis in the studio circa 1950s? If so, Alan Tranter’s new book is a fresh and satisfying release, chock full of background on individual songs, recording information and neat analysis of Elvis in the studio.  Read Nigel Patterson’s full review     (Book Review, Source:ElvisInformationNetwork)

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