EIN E-Alert #261 January 2011 All the recent Elvis News and more..

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Recent EIN Exclusives & Highlights:

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  UPDATED - 'The Final Curtain' Deluxe Box-Set Review: The Final Curtain comprises of a 400 page jam packed book with 6 CD’S and 6 DVD’s with hours of unreleased footage and new complete soundboards all housed in a large and heavy beautiful box set. The book is packed with more than a thousand pictures plus reviews, full text featuring all the tours and rare facts etc to create a 1977 book finally worthy of release. DONT MISS THIS DETAILED review and great Elvis photos The 6 CD collection includes 3 new shows featuring the lost recorded performance of Orlando on February 15th, Saginaw’s May 3rd and Madison’s June 24th. Also included on the CD’s are highlighted show recordings from 1977 and has a new version of Elvis’ last show in Indianapolis, all of the audio materials contained in the box are taken from 1st generation copies of original Soundboard/RCA tapes. EIN's Piers Beagley spent a few days indulging in this mammoth box-set and writing this in-depth review - After all the wait does it match up to the hype? Review now UPDATED with more images, comments from drummer Jerome Stump - and more..

• 'Elvis - Good To Be Back "75' Out Now: Gravelroad music comes with a genuine follow up to ELVIS -The Return Of A Prodigy,' the historical amazing and complete soundboard recording of December 13, 1975 Midnight Show 'GOOD TO BE BACK', for the younger fans a discovery and for the longtime fans it will be impressive and surprising. The sound is a thrill, the package an 28 page booklet which covers everything, The photo's, the facts and specially written liner notes.
  The lucky ones who decide quick will have one of the limited Concert tour Photo folio books, in full color 20cm x20cm on heavy glossy stock paper , In the tradition of the 70’s Elvis folio books with some new and amazing photos of the Early '75 tour. These won't be reprinted and are intended to become collectables.
  This was the very first soundboard ever released on cd, and now totally remastered and complete! A long time very hard to get cd, NOW in totally new sound !

• 'Elvis Memphis to Madison 1977' The Gas Station Incident: Bruce Frey witnessed Elvis stopping a brawl at a Madison Gas Station in June of 1977 - the very last time Elvis would be on tour. This particular public encounter with Presley at the gas station has been written about numerous times. Bruce Frey first reported the event to the local newspapers the next day and since then it has been re-told multiple times in various biographies. Now over 30 years later, Bruce Frey tells it properly for the first time. Over the years he has gathered enough information to finally piece the puzzle together. Bruce has interviewed nearly everyone involved, including bodyguard Sam Thompson, cousin Billy Smith and Veteran Police Detective Tom McCarthy. Here for the first time is the full story as he witnessed it. Go here for this EIN Exclusive by Bruce Frey   (Spotlight, Source;ElvisInfoNetwork)

• 'How Hollywood Killed JFK - Starring Elvis' – New Book: Described as .. .. A must read for all Elvis and Sinatra fans, classic movie buffs and burnt-out conspiracy theorists!!! The long-awaited FIRST and ONLY spoof and satire EVER written about the Crime of the Century!!! The one-of-a-kind, never-before-told, star-studded story of the secret Hollywood conspiracy leading up to the JFK assassination ----------- Comically channeling JFK and the three biggest stars of the 20th century, Elvis Presley, John Wayne and Frank Sinatra, 'gonzo historian' Joe Burke weaves his uniquely original and absolutely twisted blend of fact and fiction as he takes readers through an uproarious tale of the era’s Hollywood-Cold War intrigue in 336 fast and fun pages. "Awesome! The perfect cure and bookend for the jaded and cynical conspiracy theorist! Page-turning, fantastic fun!" -The Boston Mystery Review
  This could be summer reading fun.
  Go here for info. ... also available on Kindle!!!
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• Elvis' backing-singer Sherill Nielsen Passed Away: Donnie Sumner reports that "I regret to inform you that MY FRIEND Sherrill (Shaun) Nielsen passed away Friday morning at about 11:00 A.M. Sherrill fought a good fight and has now received his new body. I will miss MY FRIEND. Remember Brenda in your prayers. I haven't heard about the funeral arrangements yet, but Sherrill and Brenda have a home in Cullman AL and I assume the memorial service will be in Cullman I'll let all of my friends know as soon as I am informed. God bless you all, Your friend Donnie Sumner. Shaun (Sherrill) Nielsen was an undisputed legend in gospel music, is the only person to be inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame as a member of 3 different groups: The Speer Family, The Imperials and The Statesmen. In 1966, Shaun’s first meeting with Elvis as a backup singer on his gospel album “How Great Thou Art”, led to their friendship and an eventual contract drawn up by Elvis himself. This contract stated that Shaun and the group VOICE would open his shows, sing back up on his records and write songs for his publishing company. Sherrill also appeared with JD Sumner in "The Masters Five" group (see image right) in 1988. Sherrill is recognised by millions as the singer on Elvis’ recording of “Softly As I Leave You” on which Elvis does a recitation behind Sherrill's vocal. His vocal of “O Sole Mio” as the introduction to “It’s Now or Never” is also featured on Elvis’ last album titled “In Concert”. Earlier this year Nielsen had been diagnosed with lung cancer. Go here to Donnie Sumner's website Go here to Sherrill & Brenda Nielsen's website

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• 'Heartbreak Hotel '- 55 years ago today: On January 10th 1956, fifty-five years ago, a just-turned 21 year-old Elvis Presley walked into RCA's McGavock Street, Nashville recording studio and laid-down his first million seller 'Heartbreak Hotel'. Sounding unlike anything Elvis had recorded previously, drowned in echo and with a melancholic voodoo-sounding tale of suicide and loneliness, the song was also unlike anything in the pop charts of the day.
  How strange that this moody, dark tale of alienation was recorded in the building RCA shared with the Methodist TV and Film commission! Sun producer Sam Phillips called the song a "morbid mess" while Glenn Reeves, the singer who cut the demo, insisted that his name was kept off the demo as it was the "silliest title" he had ever heard.
  RCA 's Steve Sholes was similarly concerned, as this sure wasn't the Sun Sound that he had hoped Elvis would be recording. Rock'n'roll fans can be thankful that Elvis however understood the magic that had just been created and had faith in its release.
  On this historic week we look at the true importance of 'Heartbreak Hotel' with a spotlight that nicely places this classic recording in its proper historical context.
  

• 'The Elvis Files Vol. 2' Book Review: 'The Elvis Files Vol. 2' 1957 – 1957 contains over 1,300 stunning photos in its 540 pages and all in quality printing. It includes every public ELVIS event in his life from "1957 to 1959", every Working Moment, with over 200 newly discovered photos, multiple interviews, all the Recording Sessions, the Gold Lame tours of 1957, the Movies: Loving You, Jailhouse Rock, King Creole are all covered in great details with lots of unseen photos. Best of all are the stunning full-page photos as well as the intricate look into Elvis' amazingly high-paced life.   There is no doubt that this is a labour of love for Norwegian Erik Lorentzen, author and long time Elvis fan, who has found a ton of images and information never before published.   And while this isn't a cheap book The Elvis Files Volume 2 is even more impressive than the first book. DONT MISS this review - see lots of example pages here. (Book Reviews, Source;EIN)

• Unseen Elvis: Presley's first visit to Detroit in never-published photos: It's May 1956. Americans were fretting about President Eisenhower's health, slugger Mickey Mantle was the toast of the baseball world, and 21-year-old Elvis Presley was about to make his first appearance at the Fox Theatre in Detroit. It had been a whirlwind five months for the soft-spoken truck driver from Tupelo, Miss., who recorded his first RCA Records session in January, yielding "Heartbreak Hotel," which shot to No. 1. Go to EIN to see photos .
  But are YOU in these photos?
  Did you meet Elvis Presley backstage at the Fox Theatre in 1956? Are you, or a loved one, pictured in any of the photos?
  Author Michael Rose is putting together a book, "Spring of '56," on the subject of the memorable spring when Elvis broke out into mainstream success (and teenaged hysteria). and would like to hear from you.
  GO HERE for the detailed story and all the images.

• Myrna Smith Los Angeles Memorial, January 29:  To all the fans of my mother Myrna Smith: I wanted to give you all a great big THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for all that you did for my mother. Not only when she was ill, but all the support you gave her during the years of touring, as well as, listening and purchasing her music. Many of you followed her closely and she loved you for that.   My mother was a wonderful lady. My life with her will never be forgotten. I have watched my mom from day one of her time with Elvis and the people from Graceland, showing many people what a great entertainer should project. My mom, although had friends by her side all the way to the end, always understood our special relationship. I will always love and respect my mother for who she is and what she became. Her grandson had the opportunity to sit with his Grandmother long before she became too ill  and shared with her his aspirations to follow her entertainment footsteps.   Thank you all for the respect while the family was grieving and we appreciate your well wishes and condolences. I have included the memorial information below and would love to hear from you or see you there.   For people who cannot make it to the memorial, we will be taking all emails and posting them at the memorial for people to read. We may even read a few there. Sincerely, Martin Smith

• Myrna Smith Interview with EIN: It is with great sadness that we reported that Myrna Smith passed away on Christmas Eve 2010. Myrna Smith was one of the original Sweet Inspirations, the backing group who sang with Elvis in concert from 1969 until the end. She has also worked with stars from Aretha Franklin to Van Morrison and has provided the world with some of the best soulful harmonies that have ever been recorded. In 2004 EIN's Piers Beagley interviewed Myrna Smith when she was in Australia along with the TCB Band. She was an absolute delight to spend time with, always full of life and happiness. She talked in depth about her time with Elvis and also how she introduced a young Lisa Marie to Michael Jackson. (Interview, Source/ElvisInfoNetwork)

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•  “The Day Elvis Met Nixon” Just Released: 'The Day Elvis Met Nixon', a first hand account of Elvis Presley’s historic meeting with President Nixon, has just been published by the Richard Nixon Foundation and is now available online.
  Released to coincide with the anniversary of Elvis’s 76th birthday, the book is a trove of rare photos, original documents, and anecdotes from the December 21, 1970 encounter presented in a fun and interactive way for readers of all ages.
  Told through the eyes of Egil “Bud” Krogh, White House aide and liaison to the Drug Enforcement Administration, The Day Elvis Met Nixon recounts the surprise of White House staffers when the King of Rock-n-Roll appeared at the front gates of the Executive Mansion to deliver a handwritten letter to the President.
• “The meeting between Elvis and President Nixon remains in my mind the most novel and interesting,” writes Krogh. “While these two men came from totally different backgrounds, they tried to find ways to cooperate in responding to one of the most severe problems.”
  Go here for more info and to order.
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• 'Elvis Presley And Nancy Sinatra On The Speedway': EIN exclusive images for the brand new Deluxe Collectors Edition Hardback Book featuring 'Elvis Presley And Nancy Sinatra On The Speedway'. All Elvis fans will be very pleased with the unique and stylish design by Tristan Lichter. The book features text by Paul Lichter and inside there are hundreds of world premier photos never seen before including the Taurog's inside Elvis' Palm Springs home and behind the scenes with Norman Taurog, Elvis and Nancy. This book is really stunning and the publishers believe it will sets the standard for all future Elvis film books. Approximately 300 exclusive and breathtaking photographs!!! The SPEEDWAY prepublication Sale plus Bonus CD Ends Soon CLICK HERE for the special pre-release sale price of $59.99 - only until Valentine's Day February 14th and for visitors to EIN. After that date the book will cost $69.99 and will be released on March 1st.

  Right:Back cover of the new Speedway book - plus the Bonus CD. Paul Lichter and JAT previously combined forces for the recommended 'Viva Las Vegas' Go here for our review.       (ElvisInfoNetwork)

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

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RARE Elvis Birthday photos Special Elvis LIVE in Action! Don't miss out on these rare and exciting photographs. From EIN's Rare Elvis Photos Facebook page, now with over 2,300 members including many of Elvis' friends!

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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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From Marty Lacker - Lamar Fike Passed Away: I have the unfortunate task of officially sadly announcing the passing of Lamar Fike as authorized by his cousin Tommy McDonald who was very close to Lamar and was with him daily in his hospital room in Arlington,Texas. Lamar passed away very peacefully last night, Friday, January 21. Lamar had been hospitalized since last October 14th and then transferred to the physical therapy wing of the hospital. Unfortunately he did not improve and was sent back to the hospital about a month ago. Outside of Red West, Lamar was with Elvis the longest and he remained close to him until Elvis' passing.  Lamar was also very close to Elvis' mother. Lamar's wishes to be cremated will be carried out and the Brown, Owen, Brumley Funeral Home, Ft. Worth are handling his funeral.  A memorial service will be held in Mart, Texas, one of Lamar's boyhood homes at a date to be announced.  He was born in Cleveland,Mississippi on November 11,1935. Those of us in the Memphis Mafia who remained his friend are greatly saddened by the loss of yet another member of our close group.  May G-d Bless his Soul and may he Rest In Peace. Marty   PS: This is the official announcement, his family has asked that it you hear anything else from anyone else do not believe it.

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Lamar Fike commented about how his mother and Gladys Presley had similar characteristics. In this photo from August 13th 1958, Elvis and his close friends, Alan Fortas, Lamar Fike, George Klein , Bily Smith and Louis Harris all wait at the Memphis Hospital for the Doctor's update about Elvis' mother's health. Gladys would sadly pass away early the next morning.

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Saturday 8 January 2011 .... HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELVIS !

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELVIS!

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Linda Thompson Birthday Message: Linda Thompson posted this birthday thought on her Facebook page today: "The heart is a funny thing, with a mind all its own... It withers like a garden... Left untended and alone... And the thorns of loneliness invade, to destroy what they can't steal... So easy to hurt...but oh so hard to heal." - Larry Gatlin ...and one of Elvis's favorite song lyrics! Remembering that special January 8th birthday of an extraordinary man! (EIN Note: ‘The Heart’ was on Larry Gatlin’s 1974 debut album ‘The Pilgrim’ which also featured his composition ‘Bitter They Are, Harder They Fall’ that Elvis would later record. Go here to EIN Linda Thompson interview special

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Happy Birthday, Elvis: Author  Noah St. John wrote this very nice article about Elvis for his 76th Birthday. We thought it worth re-publishing. >> On October 3, 1945, a ten-year-old boy stood onstage at the Mississippi-Alabama Fair and Dairy Show talent contest. He was dressed as a cowboy. One of his teachers had encouraged him to enter the contest after hearing him sing during morning prayers. He had to stand on a chair to reach the microphone. He placed fifth. A few months later, he received a guitar for his 11th birthday. What he really wanted was a rifle or a bicycle. Two of his uncles and the new pastor at the family church gave him basic guitar lessons. He learned mostly by watching other people. But he didn't like singing in public. He was too shy. Yet something inside kept pulling him back to music. In 1948, his family moved from Tupelo, Mississippi to Memphis, Tennessee. The boy would spend every moment of his free time on Beale Street, the heart of the Memphis blues scene. He'd often bring his guitar to school. Yet his eighth grade teacher gave him a "C "in music. She told him that he had "no gift for singing". During his teenage years, he was often bullied by classmates, called a "mama's boy". Still painfully shy, he nevertheless stood out because of his appearance -- including long sideburns, slicked-back hair and funky clothes. In 1953, the young man walked into the offices of Sun Records. In those days, you could pay for studio time and create your own record. The receptionist asked him who he sounded like. The young man replied, "I don't sound like nobody." But the record went nowhere. He tried out for a local singing group, but failed the audition. He told his father, "They told me I couldn't sing."

Unbeknownst to the young man, Sam Phillips, the owner of Sun Records, had been saying to his friends, "If I could find a white man who had the Negro sound and the Negro feel, I could make a billion dollars." Then Sam heard this young man's record. Sam invited him back to the studio and asked him to sing as many songs as he knew. Yet even then, the recording session was not going well. Things just weren't coming together. The young man and his backup musicians were about to pack it up and go home, when the young man suddenly picked up his guitar and started signing a 1946 blues song, "That's All Right". In the words of one of the musicians from that legendary session: "All of a sudden, [he] just started singing this song, jumping around and acting the fool, and then Bill picked up his bass, and he started acting the fool, too, and I started playing with them". Sam, I think, had the door to the control booth open... he stuck his head out and said, "What are you doing?' And we said, 'We don't know.' 'Well, back up,' he said, 'try to find a place to start, and do it again.'" Phillips immediately began taping; he knew this was the sound he'd been looking for. Sun Records released the single. No one had ever heard anything like it before. And within three years, Elvis Presley was an international superstar. A few years ago, I got the chance to visit Graceland, Elvis's Memphis mansion and now National Historic Landmark. I was speaking at a corporate conference and the company arranged for a private tour of Graceland for me and the company executives. It was an amazing experience, one I'll never forget. Elvis died on August 16, 1977, so his home is decorated in that distinctive 70's style and will remain that way forever. One thing that surprised me is that Elvis's mansion is much smaller than you might think. For example, the kitchen is positively cramped. The pool in the backyard -- the one you see in all those home movies -- is only average size. But in one room of Graceland is an enormous display of his different costumes, shimmering sequins and bursting with color. And then the small garden in the back where he, his mother, and stillborn brother are buried. It's impossible to be there and not stand in awe and humility. Whether or not you're a fan of the man or his music, there's no question that Elvis Presley is the world's first modern superstar. He transcended race, age, and has even transcended death. He continues to make more money every year after his death than he ever made while he was alive. We have each been given special gifts, unique to us. Your gift may not be appreciated, or even recognized, by your teachers, your peers, or even your family. Yet, it's there. Nurture it. Thank God for it. Share it with the right people. Soon, it will be seen. Happy 76th Birthday, Elvis. * * *

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Another sensational shot from the Sanja Meegin archives.

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NEW RELEASES

'Elvis is Back: Legacy Edition' 2CD set out March 1: Two words exploded worldwide on December 19, 1957 – “Elvis Drafted!” – but three words resounded across the universe even more explosively on March 3, 1960: “Elvis Is Back!”  the album that Elvis Presley began recording in Nashville on March 20th, and finished in the legendary overnight session of April 3-4th, is widely regarded as possibly the best album he ever made. A half-century later, "Elvis Is Back" is now coupled with 1961’s "Something For Everybody," an album he recorded back in Nashville one year later.  Along with one dozen hit single sides recorded (also in Nashville) and charted over roughly the same period of time, the deluxe "ELVIS IS BACK: LEGACY EDITION" will be available at all physical and digital retail outlets starting March 1, 2011.  Click here to pre-order - only $16. (News, Source;EPE)

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Two new FTD February Releases & other news: FTD have announced two new releases, their first in 2011, out February 15. 1 - ‘White Knight In Vegas’ CD ‘White Knight In Vegas’ (artwork & title TBC) features a great complete concert from Elvis’ opening Vegas season in 1969. Elvis received critical acclaim for these shows and now this official release of the AUGUST 26, DINNER SHOW makes it available for fans around the world. Ann Moses was a correspondent for the infamous NME and TIGER BEAT publications during this magic time and she had the good fortune to meet Elvis and report on the shows. Her unique photos from this season are featured in the package, some published for the first time. The booklet also includes a unique essay written by Ann. ‘White Knight In Vegas’ will be issued as a 5" digipack featuring a 12- page booklet and is mastered by VIC ANESINI from the original multi track tapes. It is this great show that gave us the astounding ‘Suspicious Minds’ from the original ‘In Person’ album as well as the excellent ‘My Babe’ from the Silver ‘EAP’ box-set. The vast majority of this concert has never been released. Tracklist: 1 Blue Suede Shoes, 2 I Got A Woman, 3 All Shook Up, 4 Love Me Tender, 5 Jailhouse Rock / Don't Be Cruel, 6 Heartbreak Hotel, 7 Hound Dog, 8 Memories, 9 My Babe, 10 Mystery Train / Tiger Man, 11 Monologue, 12 Baby, What You Want Me To Do, 13 Runaway, 14 Inherit The Wind, 15 Yesterday / Hey Jude, 16 Introductions, 17 In The Ghetto, 18 Suspicious Minds, 19 Can’t Help Falling In Love. Recorded live on stage at The International Hotel, Las Vegas August 26, 1969. Dinner show. 2 – ‘How Great Thou Art’ Limited Edition Vinyl double-Album Following on from the great success of FTD’s previous vinyl editions, we are pleased to announce the release of ‘How Great Thou Art’ as a limited edition 180 gram 2-LP set. The vinyl edition features all the original masters plus many outtakes. Also included is ‘Beyond The Reef’ that was recorded informally at these sessions. This is the overdubbed version. Interestingly on this version the first album has extra tracks compared to the original release.

Tracklist: Side 1: 1. How Great Thou Art (3:02), 2. In The Garden (3:11), 3. Somebody Bigger Than You And I (2:27), 4. Farther Along (4:06), 5. Stand By Me (2:29), 6. Without Him (2:30), 7. How Great Thou Art – takes 1 & 2 (3:30), Side 2: 1. So High (1:59), 2. Where Could I Go But To The Lord (3:38), 3. By And By (1:52), 4. If The Lord Wasn’t Walking By My Side (1:38), 5. Run On (2:23), 6. Where No One Stands Alone (2:44), 7. Crying In The Chapel (2:28), 8. Somebody Bigger Than You And I - takes 14 (fs), 15 & wp 5 Go here to EIN’s Elvis 2011 CD Releases page for FULL DETAILS & tracklists Other FTD News 3. ‘Elvis (Fool)’ Classic Album - All copies of the ‘Elvis (Fool)’ Classic set that ship from now on WILL feature the corrected CD. So we will not be sending the disc separately. 4. FTD BOOKS ‘Writing For The King’ and ‘Live In L.A. will be deleted when stocks are gone. 5. FTD VINYL - Please be advised that ‘Blue Hawaii’ and ‘Standing Room Only’ are sold out. ‘Jailhouse Rock’ is low on stock.

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'Viva Elvis' UK special Double-CD: While the 'Viva Elvis' release has got varied reviews depending on whether you think Elvis' originals should be updated/remixed or not, SONY UK release a 2CD version with Elvis' originals on the second CD. The undisputed King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley, remains one of the most iconic and powerful forces in popular culture. This new sound echoes Elvis' own versatility and ability to master all music genres, from Delta blues to rockabilly, from raw soul to gospel, from Southern folk to Vegas pop, while incorporating elements of garage rock, punk, urban and hip-hop. Go here to Amazon UK for details - This deluxe edition includes a second disc featuring the original songs. Click here to EIN's positive 'Viva Elvis' review. Click here to EIN's negative 'Viva Elvis' review. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)

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'Welcome To The Jungle - Way Down' Import CD Out Now: Out now from Venus Productions a new installment in the Welcome to The Jungle series titled Way Down. Welcome To The Jungle - Way Down offers you again some spectacular recordings from these sessions, including some never heard before out-takes. This volume is again sensational and presented in the best sound quality including a standard jewel case with a beautiful 16 page booklet. Hear for the first time the very short intro of America which was subsequently erased and recorded over with Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain. This is all what remains on the tape besides an ending. The out-takes of Way Down are definitely a highlight of this CD. This is a great follow-up to all previous volumes so don't miss it !!! If it sounds like from outer space, you can be sure it's from Venus. Go here for more details (News, Source;JungleRoom)

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Images from THE FINAL CURTAIN - from Elvis' very last concert - Check our review for more great pictures

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‘Original Elvis Tribute’ European Tour April/May 2011: The acclaimed ‘Original Elvis Tribute’ theater production will be returning to Europe in April and May ’11, and this time the show will include BOBBY WOOD (legendary musician from a.o. Memphis ’69 and Stax ’73 sessions), JOHNNY CHRISTOPHER (session-guitarist Stax ’73 sessions & songwriter of classics like ‘Always on My Mind’) as well as the charismatic DUKE BARDWELL (Elvis’ bass-player on 181 shows as well as on the 'Today' sessions in ’75). The ‘Original Elvis Tribute’ is a topnotch production featuring some of the best singers and musicians in the music industry, all united by a strong passion for the man and his music. The dates booked thus far are as follows: Mondorf Casino, Luxembourg April 28, 2011 Leman Theater, Geneva (Switzerland) April 29, 2011 Alhambra, Paris (France)  April 30, 2011 013, Tilburg (Holland) May 1, 2011 Ritz, Vaasa, (Finland)  May 3 and May 4, 2011 Tampere-talo, Tampere (Finland) May 05, 2011 Cosmopolite, Oslo (Norway) May 07, 2011 Stadthalle Bad Godesberg, Bonn (Germany)  May 14, 2011 Our official tourposter was designed by Patrick Onderwater, and as you can see, it’s a salute to the original 1972 ‘On Tour’ film poster. See you at the shows! Click here for more information

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A marvellous smouldering Elvis, Lizabeth Scott image, I have never seen it in this stunning quality. (note this is only a low-resolution scan of it!) From THE ELVIS FILES Vol.2

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The £20 Elvis novelty banknote that fooled the German bank clerk: Contrary to what many people might believe, bank notes with Elvis Presley on them are not legal tender. So when one ended up in the banking system in Germany the German Central Bank was not best pleased. This is the £20 Elvis banknote which a counter clerk in a German bank failed to spot when a customer paid money into their account with a pile of multi-denominational notes. The illegal tender was one of a number of personalised Elvis novelty notes that are for sale as souvenirs on the Internet to fans of The King. The German Central Bank displayed it and several others in Frankfurt this week as specimens of the 60,000 fakes which managed to get into the country's monetary system last year.

'Obviously it is a fraud but it entered the banking system so someone got some real money for it,' said a bank spokesman, who was clearly all shook up. Elvis banknotes can be found for sale on Ebay for £1.49 One banknote specialist commented, 'I'm sure lots of people would like to see Elvis on a note, but the Federal Reserve would never do it'.

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Sensational Quality Candid

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EPE Christmas Message: Every year EPE sends Elvis fan club presidents a special one track CD as a thank you for the work they do throughout the year. This year 'Peace In The Valley' is the Elvis song chosen for 2010. In the annual message Lisa Marie and Priscilla Presley write, "This has been a great years to be a fan of Elvis Presley! The launch of Viva ELVIS by Cirque du Soliel, the new Elvis exhibit at the Newseum in Washington, the celebration of "Elvis On Tour", and the recent release of Viva ELVIS - The Album have been just a few ways fans around the world have celebrated Elvis' life and legacy." They continue... "2011 is certain to be another amazing year. As you know, it is the 55th Anniversary of Elvis' first RCA single, first album, first movie and first television appearance. From new exhibits at Graceland and on Elvis.com to special movie and music releases, there will be many ways for you to celebrate this special year with us." (What "special movie" release is not indicated)

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For all the new release news - go here to our 2010 CD Release News -

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Another fabulous Piretos creation.