Recent EIN News Highlights:

• "Elvis Presley in Concert" - IS BACK!!! European 2010 tour Elvis Insider Tickets On Sale Now!: Elvis Presley in Concert," the production that reunites Elvis’ former bandmates live on stage with a video-projected Elvis will tour Europe in February and March of 2010. After multiple, sold-out concert tours and a hiatus of nearly two years, worldwide public demand is at an all-time high for this Elvis concert experience. This latest tour will include engagements in England, Ireland, Scotland, Holland and other European countries to be announced soon. Pre Sales for the concerts in England will begin April 21 at 3 p.m. GMT for Elvis Insiders, members of the official online fan community and on April 24 at 3 p.m. GMT for the general public. "Elvis Presley in Concert" is a production of SEG Events, in association with EPE. Performers currently scheduled to participate include: Joe Guercio, Elvis’ orchestra conductor for many of his Vegas performances; members of the original TCB Band & backup singers The Imperials and The Sweet Inspirations. Go here for more Tour details and Sale info

• 'In The Ghetto' - The 40th Anniversary: 'In The Ghetto' was released forty years ago on April 14th 1969. While the NBC '68 TV Special, along with the single 'If I Can Dream', had pushed Elvis back to the forefront of popular culture once more, it would be the release of 'In the Ghetto' that would prove to everyone that Elvis was once again a powerful and relevant contemporary musical force. Go here for this fascinating spotlight
• Aussie Chart Update: Australia's love affair with Elvis on DVD continues this week. On the ARIA top 40 Music DVD Chart, Elvis: The King of Rock 'n' Roll drops one spot to #27 (after 56 weeks on chart, a high of #4 and certification 1xP), while Elvis: '68 The Comeback Special drops 4 places to #30 (after 61 weeks on chart, a high of #1 and certification of 5xP)
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• Elvis Cirque du Soleil update: The king of rock 'n' roll will soon be back in the building in Las Vegas when ARIA presents a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The creative geniuses at Cirque du Soleil^® have created a new show exclusively for ARIA. The production pays tribute to Elvis' music and life, fusing dance and acrobatics, live music and iconic tracks, nostalgia and modernity, high technology and raw emotion. In short, the show will be in Elvis' image: powerful, sexy, whimsical and truly unique. The opening show on should take place on December 16th. 2009 and is by invitation only. The official public premiere should now be on what would have been Elvis' 75th birthday; January 8th. 2010. The shows running up to that will be trial shows.

• BUT - Elvis Future Las Vegas plans In Trouble. FX Real Estate and Entertainment Inc. of New York said Tuesday it may file for bankruptcy protection following the collapse of its plans to build celebrity-themed properties in Las Vegas and other cities.
  The company, owner of a parcel of land at Las Vegas Boulevard and Harmon Avenue, across the Strip from the CityCenter development, said that on April 9 it was served notice by lenders that they plan to auction the property at a trustee sale because FX is in default under a $475 million loan secured by the property. FX said last month that $454 million was owed on that loan.
  FX in recent years has been promoting plans to build properties with Elvis Presley and Muhammad Ali themes and has been paying royalties to Elvis Presley Enterprises and Muhammad Ali Enterprises. Those licensing deals were canceled last month amid FX's financial troubles. Its plans in Las Vegas for a Presley-themed hotel-casino never got off the ground.

• Bill E Burk - the anniversary of his passing. On April 24th last year the Elvis World lost a good friend. "007" Bill E. Burk passed away April 24, 2008, at Baptist Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. Bill E Burk was highly respected throughout the Elvis world and was one of the greatest promoters of the Elvis legacy the world has known. His name was synonymous with rigorous investigative journalism and a knack for exposing longstanding myths about events in the King's life. His legacy is still a great one!.
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• “The Genuine Elvis – Photos and Untold Stories about the King” - a Preview: EIN contributor Pamela Decker is excited to share with fellow fans around the world that within the coming weeks, she will bring you exclusive interviews with some good friends of hers who have a forthcoming book, “The Genuine Elvis – Photos and Untold Stories about the King” which is set for release this summer at Graceland.  
  “The Genuine Elvis – Photos and Untold Stories about the King” special launch will take place at Graceland’s bookstore on August 14, 2009 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Look for the interviews with the authors in June, along with more information about other cities hosting official book signing events.
  Click here for full details about this fascinating book and ordering details
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• Please Sign This ELVIS Petition: I am petitioning for an award to be created and named after Elvis Presley. I have written a letter outlining my idea and sent it to all the key places. This is what Elvis Presley has always been about. Bringing people together,through kindness and generosity. How fitting if he were to be honored this way and it all came about through good people working together with no thought to personal gain. Only to better the world we all live in. Elvis Presley was admired and cherished in life. Years after his passing his memory continues to light our lives, and so it is fitting that we continue to admire and cherish this wonderful man. I really think this is an important cause, and I'd like to encourage you to add your signature, too. It's free and takes less than a minute of your time. Thanks! And Please forward to all your contacts. TLC "Always for Elvis." There is no donation required to sign this petition. Simply sign, comment if you wish and close document. Your signature will be recorded. Go here for more details - Or why not just sign the petition? (News, Source;MH/EIN)

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• Elvis in 1969 - the triumphant return!!!: The King’s return to live performances is one of the highlights of his amazing career.  And one person who was there during that first season in 1969 was Maria Davies.  Courtesy of Rex Martin, EIN presents Maria’s first hand account of Elvis live in Las Vegas in 1969.  Maria’s account of the event is complemented by many wonderful photos she took in 1969 plus several from later seasons. Read full article here
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• The Madison bootleg label says "Adios": The final Madison bootleg CD release 'Rock My Soul' is out now (see below for details). It has been announced as the label's final release. This is a very sad moment for hardcore Elvis collectors since it was a great label releasing quality product. However it had been rumoured over a year ago that Madison were running out of quality soundboards and studio material to release. Their "Standing Room Only" series of five volumes was a very fine way to end, although it seemed to be in direct competition to FTD's up-coming release of exactly the same name. As the Madison producers note, "From everyone at Madison, we bid you a fond, affectionate farewell."

• JAT new releases - Elvis In Gold & 1969 Opening night Menu: The next two projects from JAT Productions can be pre-order now on their website. The 40th anniversary commemorative '1969 Opening Night' menu with bonus CD will be available in late May 2009 and the book 'Elvis In Gold' for August 2009. Go here for more details & to order. .

• Graceland Guidebook updated: Since it was first published in the mid '90s, the purpose of the Official Graceland Guidebook has been two-fold: first, to briefly tell the story of Elvis Presley's life & career and second, to take the reader on tour through Graceland and the additional exhibits & attractions that are available to Graceland guests.
  As Elvis' posthumous career achievements & milestones have grown and as the Graceland guest experience has evolved, the Guidebook has been periodically updated. This latest edition, available in both hard and softcover versions, has been updated in order to provide a more contemporary & vibrant look featuring wonderful photography of Elvis & his family, his beloved Graceland and the adjacent attractions & exhibits that comprise the Graceland tour experience. Click here for details & to purchase your copy today.
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• Elvis Tupelo Festival offers bargain tickets for Elvis lovers: Organizers of Tupelo's Elvis Presley Festival are trimming some ticket prices to make the June event more affordable to the public. The Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association says Saturday prices at the Fairpark stage will drop from $25 to $15. Friday tickets remain at $10. Main Street official Debbie Brangenberg says the organization is considering discounted tickets to festival-goers who arrive before 5 p.m. Also, DTMSA offers $5 tickets for kids 12 and under. The association says prices are valid in pre-sales and at the gate for the June 5-7 festival. Festival co-chairman John Avila has said the ticket price drop is in response to "realistic expectations" about visitor spending in a troubled economy. Go here for Tupelo Elvis Festival information.
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• "Inside Blue Hawaii" box-set out now. The Elvis Unlimited box-set and book of  'Inside Blue Hawaii' is now released adn been getting soem fantastic feedback & reviews. The foreword of the book is written by song writer Sid Tepper who co-wrote five songs for the film.
  Elvis Unlimited originally set the release date for this box set for Christmas but it was delayed to include newly discovered footage and some incredible photographs. The DVD also contains never-before-seen footage of Elvis on the set of the movie "Blue Hawaii". EIN will publish a full review asap.
  Click here to read EIN's review of their 'Inside GI Blues'
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• Third Annual Elvis Cruise Set to Sail in November 2009: EPE and Carnival Cruise Lines today proudly announce the public on sale of The Elvis Cruise, now entering its third year of sailing as a music-themed cruise. The Elvis Cruise will set sail on the 2,052-passenger Carnival Inspiration November 12-16, 2009, round-trip from Tampa, Florida, calling at Cozumel, Mexico. Hosted by Elvis’ close friend and entourage member, Jerry Schilling, the cruise will feature live music and entertainment from some of Elvis’ former band mates and backup singers along with the best Elvis tribute artists in the world. The artists will perform nightly in "Vegas" style shows and in more intimate settings in the various lounges and performance areas on board the Carnival Inspiration. Currently scheduled to perform are The TCB Band, The Imperials, The Sweet Inspirations, Joe Guercio, D.J. Fontana, Terry Mike Jeffrey & Band, Joining the cruise for the first time this year are Elvis’ movie co-stars Celeste Yarnall from Live a Little, Love a Little, For more information, Click here to Theelviscruise.com.

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• DJ Fontana and Bill Black inducted into the "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame": "We had to click in the studio and we had to get along on the road," says DJ Fontana of being in Elvis's band. Elvis was of course one of the first Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees in 1986. Now it was finally Elvis' rhythm section's turn. "I appreciate that they're doing it," said drummer DJ Fontana (right). "I never played rock 'n' roll until I joined Elvis, and look at me now, here I am," said inductee and drummer D.J. Fontana. "This is great. It worked out good!" "Elvis himself actually was a good rhythm guitar player. He played on a lot of songs with us, too -- the whole band. He'd sing and play. And he was good at it. He could do anything he decided he wanted to do." "It's kind of a blur after this many years," said Fontana, 78.

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• 'IN PERSON’ at The International Hotel' FTD CD review: In August 1969 Elvis was bursting with a new enthusiasm and energy. ‘In The Ghetto’ had just charted #3 in the US and Elvis needed to prove to his first Las Vegas audience that the King could truly reclaim his crown. There is no doubt that 40 years after the event it is a real treat to get a brand new 1969 performance - and even if the songs are very similar it is still fascinating to hear Elvis’ audience interaction. EIN's Piers Beagley soaks up the rock'n'roll of Elvis in 1969 with an in-depth look at FTD's "Classic Album" release of this all-important Elvis LP - and discovers some classic ELVIS Moments. Go here for the in-depth review
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• Have you visited the Elvis LEGACY project? Now there are more videos added: Sandi Pichon - Sandi met Elvis in 1956 when she was 11 years old. She shares her many memories of Elvis over the years, including meeting Gladys, seeing Elvis in concert and more. Darlene Tompkins - Darlene met Elvis in 1961 when she co-starred with him in Blue Hawaii. She talks about how down to earth Elvis was and his unique laugh. Nancy Graff - Nancy talks about when she met Elvis in December of 1971 after he came out of the Crosstown Theater in Memphis. Go here to view all the videos:

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• Book Review - Teenagers' Hero: Steve Rino's mammoth book from Italy has met with a mix of praise and criticism. What is the real story about this release? Is the criticism justified? Amber Smith (with Nigel Patterson) has explored the more than 400 pages and even more images in Teenagers' Hero, and brings you her detailed review of the release and a few choice words for those who have been critical! Read Amber's review
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• Melissa Quigg talks to EIN: Many long time fans fondly remember the movie, Touched By Love. Based on the book, To, Elvis, With Love, by Lena Canada, it tells the bittersweet story of a special relationship between a terminally ill young girl, Karen, her compassionate nurse, Lena Canada, and Karen's inspiring pen-pal friendship with Elvis. In a candid interview, one of the young co-stars of Touched By Love, Melissa Quigg, tells EIN what it was like on the set of the movie, the funny moments, the stars of the film, why the film did not achieve widespread recognition on its release, and life after the final 'cut' of filming. This is a special interview about a special movie and several special people! We hope yoiu enjoy it. Read Melissa's interview with EIN

• 'I Believe: The Gospel Masters’ BMG box-set review: "I Believe – The Gospel Masters" is a BMG 4CD repackage of (nearly) all of Elvis’ Gospel and Inspirational Master recordings. While true Elvis fans will have bought most of these all-important recordings several times before, BMG promises the best-quality remastered Studio Sessions, along with an interesting final CD of other inspirational material. EIN's Piers Beagley spends a week soaking in Elvis' glorious spirit as he sings for salvation and escape. He discovers a few surprises on the way and considers whether BMG has delivered a value-for money quality box-set for 2009. Go here for the in-depth review

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• "The Gospel According To Elvis" - an EIN Spotlight by Nigel Goodall: In celebration of the new BMG release of 'I Believe: Elvis Gospel Masters' acclaimed author and EIN contributor Nigel Goodall explores this least appreciated influence on Elvis’ career. More than any other musical genre, gospel played a consistently important role in Elvis’ life, from his childhood to his final years on the road. Gospel music brought Elvis his only Grammy awards, and also became his consolation in times of stress or depression.  During the dark years of the 60s, when Elvis' recording career came close to collapsing in a sea of trivia, his spiritual releases acted as a beacon of artistic quality. Yet this side of Elvis' great legacy is too often ignored by the general public. Click here for this fascinating spotlight.
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• New FTD Website: As promised back in 2002, a new FTD website is at last coming to reality. In 2002 FTD's Roger Semon told us, "The Website is something that we are passionate about from the very beginning but the reality of FTD is that everything is very carefully budgeted and it’s quite expensive to put a record out despite what people may think. I think realistically we trying to get it up by the end of this year (2002) and hopefully it will include lots of snippets of information about forthcoming releases, current releases and to share things with the fans that they will not see day to day. From my point of view things like Artwork and sleeves that never made it that because they didn’t pass the litmus test. Sharing stuff like that helps you understand what it is we actually do." Check out here and see that the FTD logo is shown noting "New site currently under construction", the site administrator is FTD's Roger Semon. Go here to the complete 2002 FTD interview.

• Tony Curtis to be Special Guest at Elvis Week Conversations on Elvis: EPE has announced that Tony Curtis will the special guest for Session One of Conversations on Elvis at Elvis Wek on Saturday, August 15, 2009 at 10:00 am.
  Tony met Elvis in 1960 when he was filming The Rat Race at Paramount Studios. Elvis was a fan of Curtis from watching his films in Memphis theaters and it is even rumored that Elvis copied Curtis' "ducktail" hairstyle in the '50s.
  Session Two of Conversations on Elvis will feature some of the cast from Elvis' 1969 Las Vegas engagement at The International Hotel. Both segments will be hosted by Tom Brown from Turner Classic Movies.
  The location of the event will be announced soon. Tickets are available for either event individually or you can purchase both together and save. They expect a sell out of this event so purchase tickets in advance.
  Go here for Elvis Week ticket info.

• 'American Studios - A Turning Point In History': Elvis' pivotal recordings at American Studios in January and February 1969 were a key turning point, not just in Elvis' amazing legacy but also in music history. Extraordinarily the 40th anniversary of Elvis' American Studios sessions has essentially passed without so much as a whimper. There is no sign marking the site where these landmark sessions took place. There has also been no media focus commemorating the string of hits generated from Elvis’ all too brief Memphis convergence with legendary producer Lincoln Wayne "Chips" Moman and the talented musicians assembled in his studio. EPE has not even acknowledged the recording or release dates of these chart topping songs. EIN recently noted the 40th Anniversary of the first chart topping song from these sessions 'In The Ghetto' and now EIN contributor Pamela Mays Decker turns a much-needed spotlight onto these unique Memphis sessions. Click here for this fascinating spotlight. (Spotlight, Source;EIN/PamDecker)
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• Elvis Conspiracy issues - Dr Donald Hinton exposed?: EIN hopes to publish its exclusive interview with Eliza Presley shortly. Meanwhile, not surprisingly, many people do not believe Eliza's claim that she is Elvis' half sister. Barbara Lee Rowe, a cousin of Elvis', has published an informative and clerly named website: The Kin of Rock and Roll. On the site is an interesting article looking at Dr Donald Hinton and Linda Hood Sigmon, two prominent figures in the continuing saga of Elvis having faked his death.

• 'Dixieland Delight' new FTD: On May 18th FTD will be releasing a 2xCD set called Dixieland Delight featuring concert performances from May 31st 1975 and June 1st 1975 in Huntsville, Alabama. It is said to be released in cooperation with the forthcoming multimedia boxset Book/Dvd "Dixieland Delight" by Bud Glass & Praytomepublishing. Elvis was truly inspired by the superb reaction he received in Huntsville, selling out five shows. It’s the only time in his career that he did so many consecutive performances in one City. This set will be released as a 5” digipack with a 4 page colour booklet. CD1 - Love Me* / If You Love Me (Let Me Know)* / Love Me Tender* / All Shook Up* / (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear - Don’t Be Cruel* / The Wonder Of You* / Burning Love* / Introductions* / Trouble (incomplete)* / T-R-O-U-B-L-E* / Hawaiian Wedding Song* / Let Me Be There* / An American Trilogy* / Funny How Time Slips Away* / Blue Suede Shoes* / For The Good Times* / Little Darlin’* / Can’t Help Falling In Love*. Bonus Songs: Johnny B. Goode / Hound Dog / I’m Leavin’. First 18 (*) tracks recorded May 31st 1975 at the matinee show Rest recorded May 31st 1975 at the evening show Beginning of Matinee show not recorded. Bonus tracks have been added from the evening performance. CD2 - Love Me* / If You Love Me (Let Me Know)* / Love Me Tender* / All Shook Up* / (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear - Don’t Be Cruel* / The Wonder Of You* / Burning Love (incomplete)* / Polk Salad Annie* / Introductions* / I Can’t Stop Loving You* / T-R-O-U-B-L-E* / I’ll Remember You* / Let Me Be There* / Why Me Lord* / An American Trilogy* / Funny How Time Slips Away* / Little Darlin’* / Can’t Help Falling In Love*. Bonus Songs: I Got A Woman - Amen / Release Me / Heartbreak Hotel / How Great Thou Art. First 18 (*) tracks recorded June 1st 1975 at the evening show Rest recorded June 1st 1975 at the matinee show Recorded live May 31st and June 1st 1975 at Von Braun Civic Center, Huntsville, Alabama

EIN's Best of Elvis on YouTube' May Update: We're back with a sensational 28 new fabulous Elvis clips and don't miss out on our five great 'Videos of the Week'; 'Got My Mojo Working Live', Elvis & Ann Margret -'You`re The Boss', 'Too Much Monkey Business', 'In The Ghetto' photo-montage and some wonderful Army footage. Other delights this week are 'My Babe' (live '69), a 'Good Luck Charm' sixties compilation, Elvis in Portland 1957, 'What'd I Say' rare rehearsal plus a very silly 'Hound Dog' clip that you know Elvis would love. Not forgetting interviews with Sammy Shore and Goldie Hawn. As EIN always says "Catch them now before they get taken away" ('EIN's Elvis on YouTube', Source:EIN)

Click HERE for all the recent ELVIS News you may have missed.

Rare Candids - From Sanja's exciting new EIN/Facebook page.

Click Here to our EIN Rare ELVIS Photographs Facebook page.

Sandi Miller Interview: An exclusive interview with Elvis' good friend Sandi Miller with thanks to Elvis Collectors Brasil. Sandi was a fan of Elvis just like every one of us, but over the years she became a personal friend of his, a privilege that very, very few fans can say they had. Sandi not only became Elvis' friend but was also a guest at his various homes and was present at some important moments in his career. She also took some of the most beloved candid pictures we have of him. Many of his pictures appeared in the great Behind The Image book, together with her fascinating stories of Elvis, that could be relived as it just happened yesterday, thanks to the entries on her journals. In this conversation Sandi shared some more stories about her times with Elvis Presley. We hope you enjoy read it as much as we did. Go here to this fascinating interview. Go here to EIN review of 'Behind The Image'..... ...(Interviews, Source;ElvisBrazil)

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Rare Candid - Fake or real?

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George Hamilton chose Colonel Parker over Elvis!: The actor recently recalled stories about Elvis, Marilyn and JFK in his new autobiography. Hamilton states that "You had a choice -- you could either be Elvis' friend or the Colonel's friend. I chose The Colonel. I saw the Colonel operate and saw what he did for Elvis and how smart he was," said Hamilton. "The Colonel would say to Elvis, 'You can't be in film and on stage at the same time. You don't want to compete with yourself.' Elvis didn't want to work that hard. He liked to be with the Memphis guys. He liked to play paddle tennis and play touch football." Go here for 'Gorgeous George's excerpts'.

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Sammy Davis, Elvis & Ann-Margret backstage 1970

Rare Candid - Fake or real!!

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Blue Hawaii - the movie: Blue Hawaii is the movie that Elvis fans hate to love, although it is one of Elvis' most successful films. After the 1960 dramas of Flaming Star and Wild In The Country, Blue Hawaii was a return to the musical fluff first seen in GI Blues. While Elvis craved dramatic interest and acting challenges the general public thought otherwise. Nearly 50 years on, EIN contributor Harley Payette takes an in-depth look at Blue Hawaii and wonders if this film really was the beginning of the end - or perhaps first class family entertainment. See if you agree. - - Click here for the review plus some great Hawaii photos

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Sensational Blue Hawaii shot - Most definitely real!

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In search of Oahu Elvis, Aloha From Hawaii: It is no secret that Elvis loved Hawaii and its people. He vacationed there on many different occasions and was personally involved in raising money for their charities. On her recent visit to the spectacular islands, EIN contributor Sanja Meegin checked out some of the places Elvis vacationed, filmed and performed during his many visits to this beautiful island. On her travels around Oahu, she was pleased to find that Elvis is still fondly remembered by many of the locals and his memory is still very much alive. Click here for some great photos and insights into Elvis In Hawaii.

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Finally here's a crazy little article..!!

Why Mexicans Hated Elvis! In May 1959 while Elvis Presley’s popularity in the U.S. was arguably at its all-time peak, Mexico was in the midst of a huge anti-Elvis backlash. Tijuana tabloids called him a racist and homossexual, after the singer reportedly told gossip columnist Federico de León "I'd rather kiss three black girls than a Mexican."A Mexican woman in the same column was quoted saying "I'd rather kiss three dogs than one Elvis Presley.” Mexican Radio Exitos read de León's column over the air and spearheaded a boycott of the "insolent artist," while the powerful student group Federación Estudiantil Universitaria (FEU) held public record burnings.  When Elvis’ movie King Creole screened in May 1959 at the Américas Cinema in Mexico City, newspapers who’d advertised the film under the title Melodía Siniestra (Sinister Melody) reported a “riot” occurring. Mexican counterculture novelist Parménides García Saldaña wrote a short story, "El rey criollo," about the screening where several hundred gatecrashers reportedly shredded the seats and threw lit papers onto patrons from the balcony. “Before the film began,” wrote Saldaña, “it was pure chaos, a f-ing riot as they say more vulgarly. The different gangs shouted ‘Here the Guerrero [neighborhood],’ ‘Here the Roma’ ...And then some chicks come in with leather jackets with swastikas painted on them, pony tails and bobby socks, real rock and roller like…a group of guys gang up around them [and shout] “‘Dance!’” Mexican reporters suggested Elvis’ hip-wiggling and mannerisms proved he was either maricón (homosexual) or actually a woman in reverse-drag. The movie Los chiflados del rock'n roll, a musical spoof, was promoted with posters showing Elvis in drag, being shot by rifle-toting men in sombreros, under a banner reading “Die Elvis Presley!” (right) The book "Refried Elvis: The Rise of the Mexican Counterculture" (Berkeley: University of California Press, c1999) claims the original Elvis quote was fabricated. According to author Eric Zolov, “Herbe Pompeyo of Polygram Records in Mexico City claims that a high-up Mexican political figure wanted to contract Presley for a private party, for which he sent the performer a blank check to fill in as he wished. Presley, according to the story, returned the blank check, so the politico, extremely offended, invented the storyline about Elvis not liking Mexican women.” Who could have imagined that, four decades later, Mexico would be producing more Elvis velvet paintings than any other region in the world…  …not to mention giving us “El Vez, the Mexican Elvis….”

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Click here for all of April 2009 Elvis News

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