EIN E-Alert #257 ... MAY 2010 All the recent Elvis News and more..

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Recent EIN Exclusives & Highlights:

• Elvis On Tour DVD/Blu-ray release date FINALLY announced plus screening during Elvis Week 2010: Elvis on Tour, Noted Golden Globe-Winning Documentary, Debuts August 3 in Newly-Restored and Remastered Blu-ray and DVD Versions from Warner Home Video Elvis on Tour, the Golden Globe-winning documentary that followed Elvis on a 15-city tour of the United States in 1972, will make its debut August 3 in newly-restored and remastered Blu-ray and DVD versions from Warner Home Video. A screening of the documentary on August 14 in Memphis will follow the home entertainment release as WHV joins in the celebration of Elvis Week (August 10 – 16), commemorating the 75th birthday year of the rock ‘n’ roll icon. Screening set for August 14 in Memphis for Elvis Week Celebration

• 'On Stage' 40th Anniversary CD review: With reader feedback and alternate reviews: Back in 1970 Elvis' ‘On Stage’ live album was unique in that it featured a totally different message with an Elvis in concert album featuring no Elvis oldies and hits! It cleverly demonstrated that Elvis really was musically & professionally growing, recording an album that showcased original material from new songwriters and which no longer had to depend on his own greatest-hits. With this fabulous 40th Anniversary Legacy release SONY also includes Elvis' stunning 1969 'In Person' album giving us two definitive Vegas concert performances from 1969 and 1970 as well as a 24-page booklet. EIN's Piers Beagley has a close look at this special 40th Anniversary release to find out some sensational audio delights. Click for the reviews - and have YOUR SAY!.

• VIVA ELVIS by Cirque du Soleil on US 'Dancing with the Stars': Recently on US “Dancing with the Stars” on ABC, Macy's "Stars of Dance" performance features “Viva ELVIS by Cirque du Soleil,” with a medley of Elvis Presley’s iconic hits “Blue Suede Shoes” and “Heartbreak Hotel.” Click here for EIN's Spotlight on everything "VIVA ELVIS".
• One of our favourite EIN contributors recently provided us with this rare observation about GIRL HAPPY!

• EIN Spotlight on 'Girl Happy': Elvis’ 17th movie Girl Happy was made solely to generate revenue. There was no artistic intent on behalf of the stars, the producers, the director, the writers and the studio. Its plot only intermittently makes contact with reality. Some sexist attitudes are expressed on the screen and its depiction of college age sexuality is dated. Such a venture was well beneath the talents of its star, one of the most vital performers in 20th century American popular culture. So how can anyone like or even love this ridiculous piece of cinematic fluff? On the 45th anniversary of its release EIN contributor Harley Payette takes a fascinating look at this often unloved film.

• View cast of "Million Dollar Quartet" on Letterman: In case you missed the cast of Million Dollar Quartet on David Letterman, thanks to Broadway World, you can click here to see the clip. Million Dollar Quartet, a new musical inspired by the historical gathering of Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash at Sun Records, is currently in previews at Broadway’s Nederlander Theatre.
• Is Lisa Marie leaving U.S. for England?: Despite his huge following on this side of the Atlantic, Elvis never found the time to visit England. His daughter, by contrast, has become so enamoured with the UK that she is said to be looking to move her family over here.
  Reports say Lisa Marie Presley is possibly turning her back on her homeland, putting her two California homes up for sale and telling friends she hopes to resettle by the end of the year. The 42-year-old is said to have become sick of Los Angeles.
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• 'A Minnesota Moment' FTD in-depth review: Elvis live-in-concert in 1976 is not an easy year to review. There were no major set-list changes and more often than not Elvis was on auto-pilot, bored and overmedicated. Apart from the exceptional blast of the final December Tour, 1976 in retrospect seems a slow downward spiral. However, as with everything Elvis, there are always contradictions, changes and sometimes light at the end of the tunnel. The month leading up to Elvis' October 1976 Tour saw a positive change and Elvis' concert in Minnesota on October 17th 1976 captures a somehat rejuvenated Elvis as he headed towards those final great December 1976 concerts. With the help of Elvis fan Steve Lecher who actually attended the concert, EIN's Piers Beagley has a close look at the new FTD release. (FTD Reviews, Source;EIN)

• "Elvis by Bono" wins British GOLD radio Award: The winners of the Sony Radio Academy Awards 2010 were announced at a Ceremony hosted by Chris Evans at London's Grosvenor House on Monday 10th May.
  U2 singer Bono, more accustomed to winning prizes for his musical output, was the unlikely recipient of a GOLD broadcasting award when his programme Elvis By Bono - in which he read his beat poet-style ode to the king of rock 'n' roll - was named Best Music Special. Click here to view the poem and video featuring Elvis and Bono.
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• Ian Fraser-Thomson 1969 fan Interview: SPECIAL 1969 Interview. Ian Fraser-Thomson was the only fan to witness Elvis' astounding July 1969 rehearsal, Las Vegas Opening Night and the Press Conference afterwards. As we all know July 31, 1969 marked a historic milestone in Elvis' career. In this insightful interview Ian Fraser-Thomson gives an incredible insiders viewpoint on what it was like to actually be there while Elvis went through the most important on-stage resurrection of his career. Do not miss this great interview and rare Elvis 1969 photos.

• Good News About John Wilkinson And Sherrill Nielsen: Perhaps too many detailed stories about these guys' health have been going around. However EIN is happy to report positive progress for both of them.
  Sherrill Nielsen is getting better and still thinking of a new album together with Voice with ideas of touring Europe again in 2011.
  John Wilkinson via Elvis Matters sends all Elvis fans his best wishes. He is at home and making excellent progress.
• Elvis' "An American Trilogy" features in new Nicolas Cage film, Kick-Ass: It may be 'violent, obscene and outrageously entertaining' (take EIN's word for it....it is all of these and more!!!), but the climactic action sequence in Kick-Ass plays out to the pounding sound of Elvis and orchestra soaring high on An American Trilogy.

• 'ELVIS Coming Home'- new DVD, out end of May: For the first time in over a year, an all new Star DVD release titled ‘ELVIS COMING HOME’ will be released in May 2010. This Star DVD collection will feature an all new mixture of Elvis songs and clips with highlights from the fascinating late sixties period. This is Pure Elvis Magic featuring typical Star video edits and mixes. This excellent sharp video mixes of some great late sixties songs, with brand new edited videos include the following songs: Guitar Man, Big Boss Man, Edge of Reality, Going Home, Just Call Me Lonesome, Wonderful World, Fools Fall in Love, You Don’t Know Me, Clean Up Your Own Backyard, Rubberneckin’, A Little Less Conversation, It Hurts Me, Let Yourself Go, Power of My Love, Tomorrow is A Long Time, Singing Tree, I’m Movin’ On, Come What May, All I Needed Was the Rain, Charro!, Almost in Love, U.S. Male, Too Much Monkey Business, Stay Away, Almost. CLICK HERE to the trailer.

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• Go Backstage with Elvis Presley: EPE suggest that if you have not visited Elvis Backstage 1969, be sure you take some time to browse around the Web site for a fun online interactive experience.
  Read Elvis’ personal telegrams, play a few chords on his guitar, look through the clothing on his clothes rack, flip through the Colonel’s scrapbook, and lots more. This virtual experience features rare Elvis memorabilia, photos, artifacts, video and audio clips and much more.
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• The King and the Burlesque Queen: As Presleymania raged in 1956, Elvis did a promotional photo shoot with the Queen of Burlesque, the statuesque Tempest Storm. But did an unlikely relationship between the two stars subsequently blossom? Read excerpts from Tempest Storm's fascinating, autobiography, The Lady Is A Vamp. In her book, Tempest decribes a hot affair which was eventually derailed by their busy careers and an interfering manager. .........Even with his dark skin, Elvis blushed deeply when he saw me.  I could tell he was trying not to look at my plunging neckline as he said in a deep but boyish voice tinged with a southern accent, “Hello, Miss Storm.  Your show is the greatest.”……. Click here to read the excerpts and view more photos (Spotlight, Source: EIN)

• Sylvia Shemwell, Sweet Inspiration Singer Passes Away: It is with deep sadness that we heard the news of Sylvia Shemwell's death on February 13, 2010. Sylvia was an original member of The Sweet Inspirations. She stopped touring with the group in 2001 due to a stroke.
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• 'Elvis Meets The Beatles': An EIN spotlight on this famous night in 1965 when the Fab Four finally met the King. In 1965 The Beatles manager Brian Epstein initiated contact with Colonel Parker, and the decision was made that on the night of August 27, the Beatles would come to Elvis’ home for an informal get-together. Intensive security arrangements were worked out, and it was agreed that no press would be involved and no pictures would be taken or recordings made of whatever happened. "So many things could have gone wrong," says Jerry Schilling, "If Colonel and Brian hadn’t gotten along, it wouldn’t have gotten past the phone-call stage. But there were no ego battles, and from the start it was approached as a pair of music greats coming together out of admiration for each other." Piers Beagley and LA writer Chuck Crisafulli tell the story of this amazing night. (Spotlight, Source;EIN)

• The Turban'd King: It is bizarre but footage of Elvis wearing a turban has been recently discovered from a visit to a karate studio in California in 1972. You’d almost think that this was a spoof of some sort, but it is the real deal. While we have seen some photos before the clip while only 2 minutes long is well-worth seeing. It was filmed at Dave Hebler's karate studio in California with Elvis wearing a turban while calmly signing autographs for fans. Click here for the video

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• Elvis "Kindle" book releases: With the increase in convenient and affordable self-publishing, combined with new technology opportunities to publish books, there has been a flood of Elvis releases on Amazon's "Kindle" book format. To read these books you must have an Amazon Kindle reader. The online/download format often makes well known titles much cheaper to buy and allows new authors the opportunity to offer their writing to a mass market. Prices range from US$0.99! Major Elvis book releaes available in Kindle format include Baby, Let's Play House (Alanna Nash); The Colonel (Alanna Nash); and the recent memoirs by Dr. Nick and George Klein. The many Elvis titles include:
  • Elvis Has Not Left the Building by J.R. Rain (March 2010)
  • FACE THE MUSIC: An Elvis Novel by Connie Kirchberg (Dec 2009)
  • ELVIS AND ME A MYSTERY THRILLER (Elvis Mystery Thrillers) by Richard D Weber and R Douglas Weber (Jan 2010)
  • Laugh and Cry with Elvis in the Army by John Gilgun and Jane Gilgun (April 2008)
  • Jesse Garon: The Search for Elvis Presley's Twin by Brett Wallach (Sep 2009)
  • To My Elvis: Wall Writings at Graceland by J. Frank Kenney (Feb 2010)
  • Elvis Presley True FBI Files Parts 1-5
  • Elvis by Jack Earl (May 2009)
  • Careless Loss - The Unmaking Of The Snowman by Scott Huffman (Feb 2010)
  • Elvis: Alive Or Dead by Scott Huffman (Feb 2010)
  • Live A Little, Love A Little; A Review by Scott Huffman (Feb 2010)
  • Mock Interview With Gladys Presley by Scott Huffman (Feb 2010)
  • Elvis! King of Collectibles by Nancy Hendrickson (Jan 2010) .
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• 'Jailhouse Rock' EIN in-depth FTD Soundtrack review: Jailhouse Rock is one of Elvis' key films, and certainly his best "musical". Directed by Richard Thorpe and produced by Pandro Berman it reached #3 of Variety's weekly list of Top Grossing films. Despite being a genuine "musical" in the old MGM sense the film featured only 6 songs and only a Single and Extended Play was released. Of course both the Single and EP went to Number 1 and several CD compilations have since been released. Can FTD really treat us to something worth buying all over again? Who else could write 5,000 words on an old Elvis soundtrack?  The first CD presents a compilation of 29 highlights divided into The Originals, RCA Alternate Masters, Movie Masters but with only 6 songs can FTD really give us anything new? EIN's Piers Beagley reveals all... (FTD Reviews, Source;EIN)

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• Elvis royalties rocket up by 34.6 percent: Elvis may have left the building, but his star power is still growing. EPE parent company CKx Inc. released its annual report Tuesday, which showed a 34.6 percent increase in Presley royalties and licensing revenue.
  The Presley business segment of CKx brought in $24.473 million in royalties and licensing revenue in 2009, compared to $18.186 million in 2008.
  Attendance at Elvis’ Memphis home was also up in 2009. 542,728 people went to Graceland in 2009, a 1.2 percent increase compared to 536,196 in 2008.

• March 1960 - The Return Of The King: Elvis Presley left the army 50 years ago this week, to suggestions that the music he pioneered had died in his absence. On the morning of 3 March, 1960, after a flight from Germany broken by a refuelling stop at Prestwick Airport, 30 miles south of Glasgow (the only time he set foot in Britain), the DC7 jetliner carrying Elvis Presley landed at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, amid the remnants of a light blizzard. At the US base he was then met and escorted away from military life by Nancy Sinatra, the 19-year-old daughter of a man who had once described Presley's music as "a rancid-smelling aphrodisiac". The truth however turned out to be a little different! Go here to read this fascinating spotlight by Richard Williams of The Guardian.

• .The Truth About Elvis documentary - UPDATE: Film maker and researcher Adam Muskiewicz advises EIN: On-camera interviews with some of Elvis Presley's friends are being released UNEDITED.  This raw footage is very revealing, because it doesn't just show sound bites chosen for TV. You can tell for yourself what's true, and what isn't.  New interviews are released every month on ElvisWanted.com along with various documents and photos. If you are a true Elvis fan, or a music historian, you will cherish this content.  Many of the people interviewed have not been on camera for 25 years or more! 

• King 'n' Me (DVD Review): 'An eccentric millionaire [Michael Jacobs] sends a seasoned documentary film crew on a search to find the most legendary icon in the history of rock ‘n’ roll......The King. Is he alive, as many believe? If so, does he want to be found? Is there any credibility to the often ridiculous tales of "sightings"? With an angry, alcoholic Director [Rob Ashkenas], a spoiled, egomaniacal celebrity journalist [Michael Dasch], and a ragtag crew of half-wits, the team searches throughout the urban jungles of Southern Florida to answer these questions. What they soon find will not only change their careers, but also their lives.' EIN recently sat down wth a glass of Coke and a bucket of popcorn to watch King 'n' Me, one of the latest Elvis related film releases. What we found was a deliciously offbeat indi film filled with colorful characters, humor and an underlying reflection of the King's spirit. Read our full review

• AND not to forget these great videos if you missed them ...

• EIN's Best of Elvis on YouTube' Update: We're back with a sensational 18 new fabulous Elvis clips. With the new 'Elvis On Tour' DVD being at last released after 38 years - why aren't there any exciting Rehearsal outakes in the 2010 version? So check out these very fine 'On Tour' videos, 'Proud Mary', 'Big Hunk O' Love',  'Love Me/All Shook Up' plus others. Don't miss some other very rare on-stage footage 'My Baby Left Me' 1974, 'Trouble' live 1973, even Felton Jarvis wandering on stage during 'If You Love me' in May 1977. Also some old gems, 'Such A Night' 1961 even 'Never Ending Love'! As EIN always says "Catch them now before they get taken away" ('EIN's Elvis on YouTube', Source:EIN)

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Click HERE to EIN - for all the up-to-date ELVIS News you may have missed.

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EXCLUSIVE - Viva Las Vegas cover artwork: Many thanks to Paul Lichter for providing EIN with the front and back cover artwork for the upcoming JAT release, Viva Las Vegas. The photographs in the book are from the massive Paul Lichter Photo Archives.

Order "Viva Las Vegas"

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The Elvis Files Vol. 3 1960 - 1964  Coming Soon: At around US$130 it isn't cheap - but it does look very high-class! From the author of the critical acclaimed book Elvis - The King Of Las Vegas comes this stunning six-volume series, unlike anything you've seen before. The Elvis Files Vol. 3 1960 - 1964. - OVER 1200 PHOTOS on 400 PAGES. All ELVIS EVENTS in this Time Frame Period "1960 to 1964" are shown (with full Info.) - Every Working Moment... - Elvis AT PLAY Images. (over 200 Newly Discovered - seen for the first time) - ELVIS BEING HONOURED With Many Awards during this 6 Year Period - All the "Many Interviews" are shown. - Wonderful Photos of ELVIS' CHARITY WORK in the 1960s - The Hawaii and Memphis 1961 Shows.. are showcased with Many Rare Pictures - The Movies from GI BLUES up to 1964, are covered in Great Detail... - OVER 1200 PHOTOS on 400 PAGES *** This is a labour of love for me, says Erik Lorentzen, author and long time Elvis fan, who has found images and information never revealed before. Below you can see some pages from the "G.I. BLUES" & "VIVA LAS VEGAS" sections including photos you have never seen before. The six Elvis Files volume 1-6 carefully documents almost every single day of Elvis Presley's life from the 1954 to 1977, covering everything from what he wore on stage to whom he meet that day.

While the Six-Volume series will contain everything from 1954 > 1977, the first published book in the 'The Elvis Files Series' will be Volume 3, 1960-1964 to be released at the end of May 2010. The next one four months later.... Priced at around US$130. Go here for purchase information and lots more info and images.

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FTD NEWS: "Showtime! Birmingham/Dallas '76" New double FTD Confirmed!: To be released mid May, "SHOWTIME! Birmingham/Dallas ’76" is a 2-Disc Set that features Elvis in top form at 2 great December 1976 shows! It comes packaged as a 5” digipack with 8-page booklet. The Birmingham Show is from the Jefferson County Coliseum and Dallas from the Memorial Auditorium.   Disc 1 – BIRMINGHAM – December 29, 1976  1) Also Sprach Zarathustra  2) See See Rider  3) I Got A Woman / Amen  4) Love Me  5) Fairytale  6) You Gave Me A Mountain  7) Jailhouse Rock

8) It's Now Or Never  9) Trying To Get To You  10) My Way  11) Polk Salad Annie  12) Introductions / Early Mornin’ Rain  13) What’d I Say / Johnny B. Goode  14) Love Letters  15) School Days  16) Funny How Time Slips Away  17) Hurt  18) Hound Dog  19) For The Good Times  20) The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face  21) Unchained Melody  22) Mystery Train/Tiger Man  23) Can’t Help Falling In Love  24) Closing vamp Note, The original source tape for Dallas is damaged. We have chosen to keep track 6 & 7 on this release for historical reasons in spite of the damage. However 'Hound Dog', performed between 'Hurt' and 'Unchained Melody' was beyond any element of repair and has consequently been left out.

Disc 2 – DALLAS – December 28, 1976   1) Also Sprach Zarathustra   2) See See Rider   3) I Got A Woman / Amen   4) Love Me   5) Fairytale   6) You Gave Me A Mountain   7) Jailhouse Rock   8) It's Now Or Never   9) Trying To Get To You  10) Blue Suede Shoes  11) My Way  12) Polk Salad Annie  13) Introductions/Early Mornin’ Rain  14) What’d I Say / Johnny B. Goode  15) Love Letters  16) School Days  17) Hurt  18) ?? Hound Dog ??  19) Unchained Melody  20) Can’t Help Falling In Love  21) Closing vamp

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'High Sierra' Lake Tahoe LIVE 1974 new FTD: Yet another early May release, 'HIGH SIERRA' features mainly the performance from May 21, 1974 at the Sahara Tahoe Hotel with additional highlights from other shows that month (see details below). 'High Sierra' will be released in a 5” digipack format with an 8-page booklet. Strangely FTD's cover right says "May 1976" although it is definitely Elvis 1974! Tracklist: 1 See See Rider 2 I Got A Woman / Amen 3 Love Me 4 Trying To Get To You 5 All Shook Up 6 Love Me Tender 7 You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me 8 Hound Dog 9 Fever 10 Polk Salad Annie 11 Why Me Lord

12 Suspicious Minds 13 Introductions 14 I Can’t Stop Loving You 15 Help Me 16 Bridge Over Troubled Water 17 Let Me Be There 18 The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face 19 Big Boss Man 20 Can’t Help Falling In Love 21 Closing Vamp BONUS SONGS 22 Johnny B. Goode 23 Steamroller Blues 24 Spanish Eyes 25 How Great Thou Art 26 It's Now Or Never 27 I’m Leavin’ 28 Introducing Billy Eckstine

All tracks recorded live at the High Sierra Room at the Sahara Tahoe Hotel, Stateline, Nevada Tracks 1-21 recorded May 21, 1974 at the dinner show Tracks 22 & 27 recorded May 25, 1974 at the midnight show Tracks 23, 24 & 25 recorded May 19, 1974 at the dinner show Track 26 recorded May 23, 1974 at the dinner show Track 28 recorded May 27, 1974 at the 3:00 a.m. show

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'So High' FTD to be deleted: More FTD News - One of the best FTD compiles from Elvis' sixties Nashville sessions, 'So High' is to be deleted from the FTD calatogue as soon as the current stock is sold out, notes Elvis Matters. One of our top-rating CDs featuring Elvis' Nashville session outtakes 1966-1968 it is a essential on for your colection. See EIN review here. We are informed that the vinyl releases 'Blue Hawaii' and 'Standing Room Only' are also nearly out of stock.

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"Viva Viva Elvis" - Click HERE for all the 'VIVA ELVIS' News, Articles & Reviews

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Elvis singing to Lisa Marie - another marvellous Piretos creation.

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

Click Here to our EIN Rare ELVIS Photographs page.

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RARE Elvis photos - Now with over 5,000 Rare Elvis images! Click HERE for some Great Candids Now with over 1,850 members including many of Elvis' friends! Or click here directly to our EIN Facebook Photos.

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Brand new colour photo of Elvis in his fringe suit.

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EPE celebrates 45th Anniversary of 'Tickle Me' Release!! Hardly Elvis' best movie but EPE has an interesting campaign noting that 2010 marks the 45th anniversary its release. The film, produced for Allied Artists by Ben Schwalb and directed by Norman Taurog, opened nationwide on July 7, 1965. In the film, Elvis plays a singing rodeo rider who finds work as a stable hand at an all-female dude ranch. Elvis received $750,000 to appear in Tickle Me, his 18th film. Due to the fact that Allied Artists was struggling to stay afloat financially, Elvis agreed to take a paycut for his appearance, but adjusted his contract so that he would receive 50% of the films profits, which was quite the negotiation coup at the time. The film's success ended up saving the production company from bankruptcy. Go here for EINs review of the 'Tickle Me' FTD. Click here more EPE info plus gallery of photos from Tickle Me. (News, Source,EIN)

Another sensational unseen colour 1956 shot - What A stunner!