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EIN ELVIS NEWS for early April 2009
"Elvis Presley in Concert" Returns for new European Tour: "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 it was announced today. 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; Elvis’ backup singers The Imperials and The Sweet Inspirations.
Elvis concert footage for the show comes primarily from the MGM concert films Elvis, That's The Way It Is (1970) and Elvis on Tour (1972)and the historic 1973 global television special Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii, via Satellite. This footage contains some of Elvis' finest performances from the concert era of his career.
Current Tour Schedule for February & March 2010: |
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Feb 19 2010 Sheffield ARENA; Feb 20 Birmingham ARENA; Feb 24 Rotterdam AHOY; Feb 26 Manchester ARENA;
Feb 27 London WEMBLEY ARENA; Feb 28 London O2 ARENA; March 2 Belfast ODYSSEY ARENA; March 3 Dublin THE POINT; March 5 Newcastle ARENA; March 6 Glasgow SECC; March 7 Liverpool ECHO ARENA;
Go here for more Tour details and Pre-Sale info (News, Source:SanjaM/EIN/EPE) |
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.
(News, Source;EPE)
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| Goodbye Boppin' Bob Jones: The legendary Bob Jones has passed away. He died in hospital yesterday morning, after a short battle with cancer. Bob, sound engineer supreme, worked on countless UK Elvis and Rock'n' Roll releases over the last 3 decades. He's famous for bringing live to the music of Elvis from the 50s. Some of his best known work was for the "Essential Elvis" albums. The cover of 'Essential Elvis Volume 2' even carried a charming technical note by Boppin' Bob about Binaural audio. Besides RCA, Bob worked as a sound mastering engineer for many labels. His work for Bear Family is legendary. Bob was a crazy kool guy. One of a kind. Love you Bob - Ger Rijff. (News, Source;GerRijff) |
Elvis pal Red West discovers ‘Solo’ stardom at age 72: As reported by EIN last month (see review below), Red West is getting some marvellous media coverage from his new movie 'Solo'. The Boston Herald also carried this recent story....
... Some actors hit stardom overnight. Others, like Red West, take a longer route to fame. At 72, West has his first leading role since he began acting 40 years ago, in the critically acclaimed "Goodbye Solo."
"I wanted to be in movies since I saw Roy Rogers as a kid. I never thought this would happen," said the Memphis native. West grew up with Elvis Presley, joined his entourage, then became a stuntman.
"I’ve had close calls, ‘Black Sheep Squadron,’ ‘Road House,’ ‘Glory Road’ - but I thought starring roles had passed by."
West hadn’t counted on Ramin Bahrani, the 34-year-old writer-director of "Solo." The son of Iranian immigrants grew up in Winston-Salem, N.C.
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"Ramin was friends with another director from Memphis and when he saw me in his ‘40 Shades of Blue’ from what I understand he said, ‘That’s him.’ "
In "Goodbye Solo" West plays William, a man ready to end it all. He hires Sengalese taxi driver Solo (Souleymane Sy Savane) to drive him to a local mountain spot in two weeks. Solo can’t accept what William intends and moves in with him to change his mind.
"I had to get myself into that character," West said. "I’ve had knee replacement, I’m getting older. So I thought about these things and tried to put myself in William’s place."
Bahrani knew West could keep the cast and crew entertained for months with stories about Elvis. So he isolated West from everyone during filming.
"I tried to stay separated, but now and then Solo and I were goofing around," West said. "Ramin was always there to remind me, ‘You two don’t like each other.’ "
Aug. 16 marks the 32nd anniversary of Elvis’ death.
"I was in the Marine Corps when he did his first four movies and then I was in every one after that," West recalled from his son’s home in Redondo Beach, Calif. "To grow up with somebody like that, it’s hard to, I don’t know, to understand it. He had something nobody has or ever has had. It’s generation after generation."
As for the star’s drug-addicted, self-destructive decline and death, "I really don’t want to get into a conversation about that. I knew it was not going to turn out well," West said. "I wasn’t there at the end, I’d given up. I was working on ‘Black Sheep Squadron’ when we got the news."
Click here to the movie trailer. (News, Source;SanjaM/BostonHerald) |
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, Andy Childs, Ronnie McDowell and The Dempseys along with Elvis Tribute Artists Gino Monopoli, Victor Trevino, Ted Torres, Dwight Icenhower, Jay Zanier, Simon Patrick, Bryant Scott, Mark Anthony, Joseph Hall, Kevin Mills, and George Thomas. Joining the cruise for the first time this year are Elvis’ movie co-stars Celeste Yarnall from Live a Little, Love a Little, |
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Cynthia Pepper from Kissin Cousins and Chris Noel from Girl Happy. Another addition this year is famed Elvis photographer Al Wertheimer.
"The type of talent performing on this cruise is what you would have found on tour or in the recording studio with Elvis, as many of the artists worked with him professionally for many years," said Jerry Schilling, host of The Elvis Cruise.
From the Carnival Inspiration’s seven-deck-high Atrium, gift shops and dining rooms to the bars, Lido Deck and main stage, you will find the King of Rock 'n' Roll and his music around every corner. In addition to Elvis-themed entertainment, guests will also enjoy in-room Elvis movies, meet and greet sessions with celebrity guests, an Elvis fashion show, trivia tournaments and many other Elvis-themed activities.
While the primary focus of the cruise is Elvis and live entertainment, guests will also enjoy the offerings and culture that go along with a visit to Cozumel. The vibrant reefs of the Mexican isle are a magnet for snorkelers and divers while a brief trip inland allows passengers to explore the rich Mayan heritage and landmarks around the island. Cabins for The Elvis Cruise are now on sale and start at US$599 per person based on double occupancy plus taxes and fees. For more information, Click here to Theelviscruise.com. (News, Source;SanjaM/EIN) |
'In The Ghetto' - The 40th Anniversary: 'In The Ghetto' was released forty years ago today 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.
To celebrate the 40th anniversary EIN looks back in detail at the history of this classic song, including insights from Marty Lacker, as well as an interview with composer Mac Davis.
Go here for this fascinating spotlight
(Spotlight, Source; EIN) |
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Australian DVD Chart Update: On the Australian ARIA Music DVD Top 40, the 'Elvis The King Of Rock And Roll' climbs from #38 to #35 (#4 was its highest position) while the previous Number 1 DVD "68 Comeback Special" drops from #23 to #24.
(News, Source:AriaAustralianCharts)
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'King Creole' French budget Re-issue: Yet another King Creole (public domain ) re-issue - See below for yet another EU version. This one is from Amazon France for a budget re-issue entitled "King Creole". The CD was released March 30, 2009.
(News, Source:AmazonFrance/ElvisNews) |
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100 Years of Colonel Parker DVD: To promote the Elvis Matters "100 years Parker, 1.000 times ELVIS" weekend in June 2009 they will release a unique DVD with unedited interviews and the last images of Colonel Parker in Las Vegas, which have never been shown before. Their fan club members will receive a dvd cover that will accompany the 25th ElvisMatters magazine. Inside they will find with the festival programme. The DVD itself will become a true collector’s item which only the members will be able to collect freely. The interviews were conducted by Jorrit van der Kooi, ElvisMatters member and a walking talking encyclopedia on the life of Tom Parker.
This is the content:
• Engelina (Lien) van Kuijk: Sister of the Colonel. This interview is the ONLY one taped on film, and was recorded in December 1996 at her house in Breda. Lien passed away a few months later, in April 1997.
• Ad van Kuijk Jr.: nephew of the Colonel. He was the one who managed to contact his cousin, after his father had seen a picture of his "lost brother" in a Dutch magazine. Recorded at his house in January 2009. |
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• The very last footage of the Colonel, recorded in Juni 1993 in the Las Vegas Hilton hotel. These are the only images, or film if you want, of the Colonel doing what he loved most: gambling.
• Loanne Miller Parker, Mrs Colonel: Loanne marrid the Colonel in 1990 , but they knew one another already in 1969, when she worked as a secretary at the International Hotel in Vegas. This exclusive interview was recorded in Las Vegas, where she still lives, in January 2009.
• Eddie Fadal: Friend of Elvis, especially in the 'early days', although they kept in touch until 1977. This was the last interview recorded, back in the Summer of 1993. Eddie Fadal died in April 1994.
• Mike McGregor: Mike worked for Elvis when he bought the Circle G Ranch, and moved back to Graceland with him. Recorded in 1993 at the Imperial Palace.
Go here for information and full details of the event.
(News, Source;ElvisMatters) |
| EIN Easter Special - 11 April 2009 |
'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
(CD Reviews, Source; EIN) |
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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. (Spotlight, Source;EIN/Nigel Goodall) |
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'Easter Special' FTD CD review: A one-off Easter Special from FTD back in 2001. Twenty fascinating Gospel tracks - with some outtakes that even surpass the Master recordings as they catch Elvis at his most spontaneous and enthused. EIN's Piers Beagley provides an in-depth review and discovers some alternate takes beautiful enough to bring a tear to your eye!
(CD Reviews, Source; EIN) |
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Ernst Jorgensen interview about the 'Easter Special' FTD. During Easter 2006 Sirius Radio DJ Doc Walker talked with Ernst Jorgensen, the respected keeper of Elvis’ musical legacy, about the FTD release 'Easter Special'. In this detailed interview Ernst reveals why he chose the particular tracks, and his thoughts on Elvis' religious sessions.
(Interview, Source EIN)
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Brand new 'New England' Elvis Festival Sept 4-6 in Manchester, NH: It's been more than 32 years since Elvis graced the stage at the Civic Center in Augusta, ME, but his spirit will make a triumphant return to New England when the Radisson Hotel in Manchester, NH plays host to the first annual New England Elvis Festival, Sept. 4-6, 2009.
Modeled after the highly successful Lake George Elvis Festival held in New York's picturesque Adirondack Mountains, the three-day event will feature 20 of the world's most seasoned Elvis Tribute Artists vying for the champion's crown and more than $3,500 in prize money.
"For the past few years we've been looking to transplant our festival to a larger, more cosmopolitan stage," said Jason Sherry, president of Adirondack Promotions, LLC, whose company has overseen the Lake George event since its inception in 2005. "Our inaugural event in this market will feature the country's finest tribute artists performing some of Elvis' most beloved songs." To date, professional ETAs from all corners of the country and as far a field as England and Australia have been invited to appear. Those taking part will perform 15-minute sets on both Friday and Saturday and will have their results from both nights tabulated to determine the overall winner.
Besides the centerpiece ETA competition, fans will also be able to pick up tickets for Saturday night's "Aloha from New England" show, which runs |
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from 8-10:30 p.m. The performance features 2007's Ultimate ETA Competition winner, Shawn Klush, recreating Elvis' famous "Aloha from Hawaii" concert. The show will open with Pete Paquette doing a tribute to Elvis' early years and both Paquette and Klush will be backed by the Change of Habit Tribute Band with the unforgettable Ronnie Craig serving as the master of ceremonies.
"I've seen hundreds of ETAs perform across the country, but there's only one person who makes me sit still for 90 minutes with my mouth open in amazement and that's Shawn," remarked Collins. "He's the complete package. He has the vocals, appearance, stage presence and overall performance. And that's why he won the EPE first Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist competition two years ago."
Other on-site highlights on tap throughout the weekend include an extensive Elvis memorabilia and souvenir sale, a free Sunday morning Gospel Concert and After Hours events.
For those interested in obtaining a seat for Saturday's "Aloha from New England" show and a pass to all the other festival activities, packages range from $65-115. Tickets for only Saturday's "Aloha from New England" start at $35. Tickets go on sale on April 13.
Go here for more info. (News, Source;SanjaM/EIN)
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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.
(News, Source;EIN) |
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UK Elvis 'Stolen-Goods' sale makes a big loss: Rare Elvis memorabilia, bought with nearly US$900,000 a fan stole from her employer, has raised a tenth of the original amount at auction. Julie Wall an Elvis Super-Fanatic of Sleaford, Lincolnshire (right) was jailed for three years in 2005 for stealing from North Kesteven Council. Wall, 50, bought rare Elvis records, Christmas cards and magazines with money taken from parking meters. But a confiscation hearing at Lincoln Crown Court heard only about one-tenth US$84,000 had been raised by the items' sale.
The court heard Wall had paid inflated prices for the thousands of records, CDs, DVDs, and the sale of the collection - along with her only other asset, a Vauxhall Astra - raised just a fraction of the original sum. Unfortunately her Elvis purchases were not unique collector's items that would have been worth high values. As a result the judge revised the original confiscation order against her down from £597,963 to just £58,299.
Wall took 10 years to steal the money in pay-and-display car-park takings.
Her original trial heard she would put pound coins in her handbag each day, walk out unchallenged and then spend almost all the money at record fairs and in online auctions. Wall, who has been released from prison, was declared bankrupt shortly after being jailed and is now claiming Job Seekers' Allowance.
She now lives with her parents and has refused to sign an undertaking to hand over any future inheritance or windfall, the court heard.
The council said it had received the cash that had been raised and was now considering civil action.
(News, Source;EIN/SanjaM) |
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Sale of Limited Edition Elvis Series Harley-Davidson Motorcycle: To commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Elvis' triumphant return to live performances in Las Vegas in 1969, EPE and Graceland Harley-Davidson are offering a special edition 2009 Harley-Davidson Street Glide with Elvis imagery and additional extras worthy of the King of Rock ‘n" Roll. Beginning April 19th, 2009, this limited edition of five bikes will go on sale at a cost of $50,732 each.
From the front fender to the rear wheel, the world has never seen a bike like the Vegas Elvis Harley-Davidson Street Glide with its customized Elvis packaging. This limited-edition motorcycle offered by Graceland Harley-Davidson and Bruce Rossmeyer’s Southern Thunder Harley-Davidson and licensed by EPE will pay tribute to Elvis’ record breaking engagements in Las Vegas starting in the summer of 1969. When he opened at the International Hotel for a four-week, 57-show engagement, it broke all existing Las Vegas attendance records. Iconic imagery of Elvis’ Las Vegas performances will be found on the fuel tank, front and rear fenders, fairing and saddlebags. This bike also offers plenty of "bling" for buyers with custom wheels and seat, LED lights and a chrome package worthy of a king. To make the deal even sweeter, a limited-edition St. Blues Bluesmaster Guitar, customized to reflect the look of the motorcycle, will also be included with each of the five limited-edition motorcycles. The Vegas Elvis Harley-Davidson and St. Blues Guitar feature custom paint from O’s Custom Paint of Memphis. Both the motorcycle and guitar will be numbered to reflect their unique, collectible status and certificates of authenticity will also be provided by EPE. The bikes and guitars will be numbered in coordinated sets.
Buyers of the limited edition motorcycle and guitar will also be treated to a once-in-a-lifetime bike delivery experience during Elvis Week 2009 in Memphis. They will receive the keys to their motorcycle for the first time on the front steps of Elvis Presley’s Graceland mansion on the morning of August 14. Buyers will
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also receive two premium seats for Elvis Week events, including the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Semifinal and Final Round and Elvis 1969 - A Celebration Concert, tickets to all of Memphis’ music attractions including Graceland, and complimentary lunch for two at Hard Rock Memphis.
The prototype for this limited-edition Vegas Elvis Harley-Davidson Glide will be unveiled at Graceland on April 19, 2009 at 8:30AM CT as part of the 3rd Annual Elvis Rock ‘n’ Roll Ride for Life, benefiting the American Diabetes Association. Joe Moscheo, a member of The Imperials who performed with Elvis on tour and can be heard on his Grammy award-wining album "How Great Thou Art," will serve as master of ceremonies for the unveiling event. The prototype bike for the Vegas Elvis Harley-Davidson Glide will be auctioned off online at a later date to benefit the American Diabetes Association.
The five limited-edition Vegas Elvis Harley-Davidson Street Glides will be sold with preference given to those who register for the 3rd Annual Ride for Life. The 100-mile ride, set for April 19, begins at Elvis Presley’s Graceland Mansion with a pancake breakfast, winds through North Mississippi and concludes at Memphis Motorsports Park with riders doing final laps on the park’s ¾-mile banked track and enjoying a lunch cookout and two bands. Additional events, including a VIP party at Harrah’s Tunica and photos on the steps of Graceland, are available on April 17 and 18. Participants can also choose the commitment level that best suits them—from a full-day, 100-mile escorted ride and post-ride party, to a whole weekend of Memphis-style fun, music, entertainment, and events.
Potential buyers and riders can register online at ElvisRide.com.
(News, Source,EPE/SanjaM) |
| Webb Wilder Amazing Elvis Tribute Song: American roots-rock artist Webb Wilder has never been shy about his love for The King, and in the cult-movie “Horror Hayride” he performs one of the greatest ever tributes to Elvis. The highlight of the movie is a scene in which a student at a party is making fun of Elvis, annoying Wilder enough to get up and perform his own “T.C.B. Yodel # 9”, together with fellow roots-rock performer Ted Roddy (who will be performing in ‘The Original Elvis Tribute 2009’ in May 2009). The song has some of the coolest lyrics ever heard in an Elvis tribute, and it includes the immortal lines: "If you don't think Elvis was Number One - I feel sorry for you, and If you don’t think Elvis is # 1, you’re full of # 2”. On the above photo you can see Wilder in that scene from movie, performing the song together with Ted Roddy. At a recent radio performance, Wilder performed the song live on the radio, and Click here to see the clip: Go here for more Elvis Tribute 2009 Info. (News, Source;ArjanDeelen) |
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'Hot Shots And Cool Clips Vol.5' & 'After Midnight': JAT Publishing have announced two new releases. Due for release September 2009 is Vol.5 in the "Elvis - Hot Shots and Cool Clips" DVD series.
Also available June 1st 2009 is a 40th Anniversary commemorative July 31, 1969 Las Vegas Menu with the bonus CD "After Midnight," containing many interesting celebrity interviews recorded after the much-celebrated July 31 V.I.P. performance. The CD will also include radio spots and commentary featuring Elvis in Las Vegas. The disc will be included inside the menu, which will be reproduced in its original format of 8 1/2 x 17.
(News, Source;JAT) |
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Matthew Rhys and his role as Elvis: Matthew Rhys has joked about how he could never beat his first role as an actor – playing Elvis in his school play.
The 'Edge of Love' star, from Cardiff, spoke to American TV chat show host Bonnie Hunt before travelling to Patagonia to shoot his new movie.
Asked about how he first got into acting, Rhys said: "It was for a few different reasons. "In Wales they push the youth a lot towards going on stage or singing and poetry. It’s a lot like the Irish traditions really. And that features heavily in your childhood," said Rhys, who plays a lead role in US TV drama Brothers & Sisters.
And the former Glantaf Comprehensive School pupil added his greatest role was playing Elvis in a school production.
"I did a school musical of Elvis," he said. "So, at 17, I was playing the King of Rock ’n’ Roll in a fat suit and a cape. They get very into their school productions where I was from! I should have retired after playing Elvis because you’re not going to get any better. At the beginning of your career you look back and think that was the best part."
Rhys also added that the most important quality in his ideal woman would be a "sense of humour".
"Any girl who makes me laugh is onto a good thing – or I am!" he laughed.
(News, Source;SanjaM/EIN) |
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Nashville has burning love for Elvis, but not statue: The man who single-handedly persuaded the powers that be to transform Eighth Avenue North into Rosa L. Parks Boulevard now wants to put a giant statue of Elvis in Hall of Fame Park. That's the one in front of the Hilton Hotel, across from the symphony hall. Can't blame a guy for trying.
Moses Walter Fisher Jr. proposes "the most magnificent" sculpture of Elvis Presley "anywhere in the United States." He wrote two passionate, lengthy letters to Metro Councilwomen Megan Barry and Erica Gilmore, who sent them to the parks department, which put them on Tuesday's parks board agenda, where it likely will be shuffled off to another agency.
"There are times when I sometimes wonder why the city that's known around the world as Music City, U.S.A. does not have some kind of memorial in honor of the greatest singer and entertainer of our time, Elvis Aaron Presley,".
He makes his case that Presley was a great country singer. Elvis recorded hits at RCA's famous Studio B here. He appeared once on the Grand Ole Opry, and routinely on the Louisiana Hayride. According to the Country Music Hall of Fame (of which Presley is an inducted member), he took country from a regional audience to a national one.
But a sculpture of him? In Nashville? The King was born in Tupelo and hails from Memphis.
Parks Director Roy Wilson will recommend that the parks board send the proposal to the Convention & Visitors Bureau, which has control over the park. "It's going to cost a lot of money," Wilson said. "It's a nice letter. There's a fondness for Elvis. But why would we do this in Nashville?" (News, Source;EIN/SanjaM) |
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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. "When we worked, |
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we were doing six and seven days a week. We'd be in this town tonight and Chicago the next night. It was 400 and 500 miles overnight. So that's about all we had time to do -- get to where we're going, sleep a couple hours and go back and work again.
"It's hard to find three or four guys who work together and everything gels just right. . . . There'd be arguments, of course, but in five minutes, it's over. We had to click in the studio and we had to get along on the road."
Bill Black sadly died of a brain tumor back in 1965; he was only 39.
(News, Source;Cleveland.com/EIN) |
Tickets now on sale for European Elvis TCB show in June! The TCB Band (James Burton, Glen Hardin, Jerry Scheff and Ronnie Tutt) will once again reunite for a very special evening on June 27th in the City of Breda (The Netherlands). This concert is part of the 3 day long Elvis Festival “100 years Parker, 1.000 times Elvis” and features the original TCB Band, Joe Guercio and his Symphonic Orhestra, and the American lead vocalist Andy Childs. After the show there is a meet and greet with the band members. Place to be: the gorgeous Chassé Theater in Breda.
There are various ticket arrangements so Click here for more info and sales.
(News, Source;ElvisMatters) |
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'Las Vegas Attraction #1' new Import CD out now: The Showroom Records import release "Las Vegas Attraction Number 1" has been released. This CD contains - EIN presumes - an audience recording from Elvis' dinner show performance as recorded on December 3rd 1975 in Las Vegas. The tracklist is similar to the FTD release 'Dinner At Eight' from the Dinner show 10 nights later.
Tracklisting: Also Sprach Zarathustra - See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Love Me - Fairytale - Big Boss Man - And I Love You So - Elvis Talks - Trying To Get To You - All Shook Up - Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - Blue Christmas - Polk Salad Annie (Incomplete) - Band Introductions - Johnny B. Goode - Drum Solo Ronnie Tutt - Bass Solo Jerry Scheff - Piano Solo Glen D. Hardin - Band Introductions - School Days (With Reprise) - My Boy - Just Pretend - How Great Thou Art (With Reprise) - Burning Love - Softly As I Leave You - Mystery Train / Tiger Man - America The Beautiful - Can't Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp (News, Source;ElvisNews) |
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New Public Domain "Elvis Presley 5CD Box set": Another Public Domain release gathering up all the pre-1958 recordings both on SUN and RCA. With only 15 tracks per side they have stretched the concept to 5 CDs. The Colonel would be proud. Out on 25 May, on the Music Digital label.
(News, Source;AmazonUK) |
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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. 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".
Because of the delay Elvis Unlimited decided to give one of you lucky readers one of the first fifty "Inside Blue Hawaii" box sets for free. One winner will be randomly picked to receive a box set free. All you have to do is send an email to info@elvispresley.dk with your name, address and phone number. The winner will be chosen on Monday, April 6th, 2009. The timing is very interesting since the FTD "Classic Album" of Blue Hawaii has also been released at a similar time. Click here to read EIN's review of their 'Inside GI Blues'
(News, Source:ElvisUnlimited) |
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Billboard Chart Updates for the week ending April 11, 2009.
Top Country Albums:
#64 – Collector’s Edition: Elvis Inspirational Memories
#65 – I Believe: The Gospel Masters
Top Christian Albums:
#43 – Collector’s Edition: Elvis Inspirational Memories
#44 - I Believe: The Gospel Masters
Top Christian & Gospel Albums:
#61 – Collector’s Edition: Elvis Inspirational Memories
#62 - I Believe: The Gospel Masters
Top Country Catalogue Albums:
#4 – Elv1s: 30 #1 Hits
Top Music Video:
#18 – He Touched Me: The Gospel Music Of Elvis Presley: Volumes 1 & 2
#19 – Elvis Lives: The 25th Anniversary Concert
(News, Source:FECC) |
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'The Last Vegas Opening Night' New Cover: Following the Straight Arrow announcement of their new 1976 concert release (see details below) a new cover design has been announced.
Excerpts from the sleeve notes, a unique eye-witness perspective from a person who was THERE and describes the show in fascinating detail.
"There was a surprise then, as Elvis decided to sing "I Just Can't Help Believin'", creating pure magic and getting well-deserved applause. The mood changed completely: "Fever" was as sexy as ever, as Elvis, did exaggerated leg movements in the red spotlight. Charlie brought out a blue chair, but Elvis refused it, and began to tell the poignant story that led into "Softly As I Leave You". A pulsating intro could only mean one thing - "Polk Salad Annie". Elvis moved to the funky new arrangement and the heavy rock beat, raising excitement levels in the showroom."
"The show - probably the second longest of Elvis's career - was drawing to a close. Elvis treated the audience to a fine "Bridge Over Troubled Water", introduced his father, thanked the crowd "for making this opening night really fantastic", and, ignoring requests for yet more songs, began "Can't Help Falling In Love". The-usual scarf-and-kiss routine drew many fans to the edge of the stage. Two tiny girls in blue dresses were put up onto the stage. Elvis acknowledged the crowd's ovation before disappearing under the descending gold curtain. He'd never be quite as dynamic again during the 12-day season, but it had been an opening night to remember - over 100 Magic Minutes."
(News, Source;email) |
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Elvis’ Fingerprints in detail: Elvis' Concealed Weapon Application fingerprints, the only record of the late singer legend prints known to exist, are seen here on his application to the State of California for a gun permit, which was shown during a presentation in London last year. The document, which notes that the application is for his .38 Colt revolver and 7.6 Beretta automatic weapons, will be auctioned on Sept. 4 and is estimated to fetch 50,000-75,000 pounds (US$89,500-$134,000; 61,500-92,000euro). The fingerprints, stamped on Oct. 30, 1970, are accompanied by records of his driving licence and social security numbers and his residential business addresses.
(News, Source;EIN/SanjaM) |
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Three more videos added to the EPE Elvis Legacy project:
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.
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FTD 'Standing Room Only' preview: Here is a preview of the new Follow That Dream release "Standing Room Only" which was released last week. The first concept for this album was originally planned in the early seventies of the last century but the album never came out. FTD state that . . "it's possible that the
version we create was never meant to be, but it's the best way we can present
the Las Vegas masters from February of 1972 and the masters and out-takes from
the March 1972 sessions at RCA".
(News, Source:ShopElvis.eu)
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Marty Lacker responds to yesterday's article about RED WEST's new film 'Goodbye Solo'...
>>>: It is heartening to see this fantastic review of Red's new movie because for too long Red has gone without the reviews of his really good natural acting. His previous portrayals of characters in his movies like the silent father in The Rainmaker, were absolutely brilliant and many of the stars that he acted with wondered why he was not getting the attention in Hollywood that he deserved.
In this new movie, "Goodbye Solo", Red excels once again and along with Solo is the main character. To see clips of this new movie that the critics are hailing as being the next big movie like Slumdog
Click here to YouTube clip
Red called me this morning from California and he's really proud of this movie and to let me know that one of the southern premieres will be here in Memphis on May 15th and asked me to be there. I'm really happy for him that at last he's getting the recognition as an actor he should have had years ago. I hope you'll go see it when it comes to your city. - Thanks, Marty.
(News, Source;EIN)
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Graceland 'Goes Orange' in support of Animals. To support ASPCA’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month Graceland is ‘Going Orange for Animals’ with other Landmark Participants. Countless buildings and landmarks across the country signed on to help the ASPCA celebrate Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month and embrace its ‘Go Orange for Animals’ message by lighting up in the ASPCA’s signature color during the month of April. Here are just some of the buildings and landmarks which have joined the ‘Go Orange’ campaign:
• The Empire State Building, • The Woolworth Building, New York, • Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, • The Wrigley Building, Chicago, • Los Angeles Coliseum, LA, • San Francisco City Hall, • Bank of America Tower at International Place, Miami, Fla.
Graceland will be lit orange on April 7. For up-to-the-minute information about the ASPCA’s "Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month," please visit www.ASPCAApril.org
(News, Source;EPE) |
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Yet another Advert Degrades Elvis! -Please register your disgust: New York Fries (NYF) is taking on The King, and infuriating some of his loyal followers in phase two of the "Real Fries in a Fake World" campaign, launched this month. An Elvis execution that features an impersonator - hair gelled, pantsuit bedazzled, mouth crooked - was designed for national rollout by Media Experts in the form of mall posters, community newspapers, magazines and posters.
Elvis fan club members from around the world voiced complaints to NYF after an ad appeared in the Regina Sun Community News, which serves the hometown of the president of the 'I'll Remember You' Elvis fan club. "The controversy was that we were touching something sacred," says Alyssa Berenstein, marketing manager for New York Fries. "We were infringing on the boundaries acceptable to them." Overall they say that the reaction to their Elvis is mixed, "We're really embracing all feedback," says Berenstein, and the campaign will continue to run through May.
CLICK HERE and register your complaint about the advert.
(News, Source/EIN)
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From Elvis to Aguirre, UD tickets director has seen it all: Gary McCans has been in charge of tickets at UD Arena for all of the facility's 40 seasons. He's seen numerous upsets, 82 NCAA tournament games and, perhaps most memorable of all, three Elvis Presley concerts. Every show by the King ended with an announcement that's become a part of pop culture: "Elvis has left the building." McCans knows that wasn't just a line to discourage fans from clamoring for an encore — because the UD alum had a back-stage view of some of those quick getaways.
"During the show, they would back down a limousine to the bottom of the ramp and sit there," McCans said. "He'd come off stage into the dressing room while the band was still playing. He had three or four security guys. ... They had to pick up his wardrobe when he got into the room, throw it in the trunk and then get into the limo with him, and I had to slam the trunk lid. That was the signal for the limo driver to take off.
"He'd get to the top of the ramp, a police car would be there and he was out of the parking lot before the lights (in the arena) came on." (News, Source;EIN/SanjaM) |
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'King Creole' new EU Public Domain CD: Super-collector Barry Mclean reports on this new public domain 'King Creole' CD just released by the Delta Group in the EU
which features the original soundtrack songs plus extras such as 'One Night' (News, Source; Barry Mclean)
'Rock Hits' public Domain CD: Yet another fifties public domain release this time on the Success budget label.
Due for release May 5, 2009. A fun cover though.
(News, Source;ElvisNews)
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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. (Spotlight, Source;EIN/Nigel Goodall) |
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'The Last Vegas Opening Night' - import CD delay: Straight Arrow label announced its 12th release near the end of December; a double CD with the famous December 2nd, 1976 Opening Night. Some fans are asking, "Why is this release delayed and will it ever see the daylight?". The answer is very simple: Straight Arrow is here to give you the best possible quality. We originally intended to use a 1978 first generation copy for this release, simply because we figured that the original tape was no longer around or could no longer be traced. But then, as the project was almost near completion, our search for the original tape finally paid off, and we got in touch with the person who recorded the concert and owns the original 120-minute master tape. The sound fidelity and overall quality of this tape is FAR superior to any copy in circulation, and unlike these copies is also 100% complete!
The negotiations took some time, but we came to an agreement, and the Straight Arrow team is now working its magic on the original tape. We can assure you that you will be impressed when you hear this; one of the King’s finest ’76 concerts in a remarkably clear and dynamic sound. The person who recorded the show also wrote the liner notes, a unique eye-witness perspective from a person who was THERE and describes the show in fascinating detail.
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Tracks: CD1: 01. Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen - 04. Love Me - 05. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - 06. You Gave Me A Mountain - 07. Jailhouse Rock - 08. It's Now Or Never / Are You Sincere (excerpt) - 09. All Shook Up - 10. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - 11. Dialogue / Don't Be Cruel (excerpt) - 12. And I Love You So - 13. I Just Can't Help Believin' (by request / last live version) - 14. Fever - 15. Softly As I Leave You - 16. Polk Salad Annie.
CD2: 01. Band Introductions - 02. Early Mornin' Rain - 03. What'd I Say - 04. Johnny B. Goode - 05. Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) - 06. Bass Solo (Blues - Jerry Scheff) - 07. Piano Solo (Tony Brown) - 08. Electric Piano & Clavinet Solo (David Briggs) - 09. Love Letters - 10. School Day - 11. Celebrity Introductions (Vikki Carr, Glen Campbell) - 12. Hurt #1 - 13. Hurt #2 - 14. Hound Dog (with false start) - 15. Hawaiian Wedding Song (with false start) - 16. Dialogue - 17. Blue Christmas - 18. That's All Right, Mama - 19. Bridge Over Troubled Water - 20. Introduction of Vernon Presley - 21. Can't Help Falling In Love - 22. Closing Vamp.
Approx. runing time: 101 minutes (News, Source:SA) |
President Barack Obama and super Elvis fan, former President Bill Clinton, are now "honorary members" of The Memphis Mafia. See below for details on how you too can also join up with these famous and special Elvis fans. |
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Choosing Elvis Tupelo Festival headliner a long process: Tupelo June festival, the dates are announced and the poster's picked. Now the next major news expected from the Tupelo Elvis Presley Festival is the announcement of what band or singer will entertain thousands of Elvis fans at this year's event.
Festival organizers hope to have a name out by early April. "We even had crazy names up there, like Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, to acts like the Zac Brown Band and Jake Owen," Daniel said. "We wanted to make it as much of a wish list as possible." With that information in hand, the list was narrowed to about 15 to 20 candidates for headliner, Daniel said.
Daniel said she would love to hire an A-list country star like Taylor Swift, but Swift's hefty, six-figure price tag is simply too steep. "That's more than our whole budget for the festival," Brangenberg said of Swift's price. "When you have a huge headliner, you have to have a high ticket price," she said. "The bigger the act, the bigger everything else - the size of the stage, the equipment, the security, the lights... Those expenses turn back to the public in terms of the price of a ticket." With a sour economy, affordable ticket prices are a priority this year, she said.
Daniel and Brangenberg offer no clues as to who this year's headliner could be, but the pair promise a good time at the 2009 festival. Past headliners of the Tupelo Elvis Presley Festival include Jo Dee Messina, Chuck Berry, B.B. King and "American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks. The Tupelo Elvis Presley Festival will be June 5-7. (News, Source;EIN/SanjaM) |
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Red West's new film gets rave review: Red West's new film is 'Goodbye Solo' and has been receiving rave reviews. Film critic Roger Ebert has posted the following. . .. . (Right:Red West and Souleymane Sy Savane)
>>"Two actors. One from Africa. The other who was a bodyguard for Elvis. Who but Director Ramin Bahrani would find these men and pair them in a story of heartbreaking depth and power? Bahrani is the new great American director. He never steps wrong. In "Goodbye Solo," he begins with a situation that might unfold in a dozen different ways and makes of it something original and profound. It is about the desire to help and the desire to not be helped.
Now look at these actors. They aren't playing themselves, but they evoke their characters so fully that they might as well be. Red West plays William, the white man. West's face is a map of hard living. |
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He was a Marine and a boxer. He became a friend of Elvis in high school. He was his bodyguard and driver from 1955 -- a charter member of the "Memphis Mafia." He split with Elvis after breaking the foot of the cousin who was bringing Elvis drugs, and telling him he would work his way up to his face.
Souleymane Sy Savane plays Solo, the taxi driver. He is from the Ivory Coast, although the character is from Senegal. Savane was a flight attendant for Air Afrique. Solo is studying for just such a job. Solo lives in Winston-Salem, is married to a Mexican-American woman, adores the woman's young daughter, acts as her father. William's face was made to look pissed off. Solo's face was made to smile. We are not speaking of an odd couple here. We're speaking of human nature. You can't learn acting like this. Bahrani worked with the actors for months. Savane drove a taxi in Winston-Salem. Red West spent a lifetime rehearsing William (although in real life, he is said to be kind and friendly). Bahrani and his cinematographer, Michael Simmonds, discussed every shot.
Although this is an independent film in its heart and soul, it is a classical film in its style. It is as pure as something by John Ford. A film like this makes me wonder if we are coming to the end of the facile, snarky indie films. We live in desperate times. Wherever you live, when this film opens, it will be the best film in town."
(News, Source;EIN/SanjaM) |
New line of Elvis cool design Accessories: Elvis is 'The King' and the timeless cultural icon that everybody loved and still worships. ComecoInc.com offers wholesale handbags, backpacks, belt buckles and a whole load of other chic accessories that has ultimately captured the very essence of the King. Wholesale handbags in a variety of styles such as vinyl bags, tote bags, shoulder bags, hobo bags and messenger bags are up for grabs with ComecoInc.com's tribute to Elvis Presley. The dashing good looks of the legendary icon is also eternally etched on vinyl wallets (image right), coin purses and even cosmetic boxes.
With the help of the Elvis design team, the online maker of wholesale handbags strives to combine the hottest and latest in fashion styles for all Elvis fans.
Go here to have a look (News, Source;EIN/SanjaM) |
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The Bosses' Men Induct The King's Men. Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band rhythm section members Max Weinberg (drums) and Garry Tallent (bass) will induct Elvis Presley collaborators DJ Fontana (drums) and Bill Black (bass) into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Black and Fontana will enter the hall, in the sideman category, at an April 4 ceremony at Cleveland's Public Auditorium. Other members of the class of '09, with their inductors listed in parentheses, are: Metallica (Flea, of the Red Hot Chili Pepper); Run-DMC (Eminem); Jeff Beck (Jimmy Page); Bobby Womack (Ron Wood); and Little Anthony and the Imperials (Smokey Robinson).
Keyboardist Spooner Oldham will also be inducted as a sideman (by Paul Shaffer), while Wanda Jackson will enter the hall as an early influence (inductor not named yet). The Cleveland hall will open a new exhibit, "From Asbury Park to the Promised Land: The Life and Music of Bruce Springsteen," on April 1. (News, Source:StoneyNews ) |
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Elvis' "Ode To A Robin" Sells: EIN featured an article on the Elvis Memorabila Auction last week but now the tabloid media have discovered Elvis' “Ode to a Robin”. Here is what they report...
..>>> They say one can never put a price on an item that once used to belong to one of the most famous figures in the music industry, but the most recent auction of Elvis memorabilia just did. The bird murder poem that went up for sale a little over a week ago was just now sold for the whopping sum of $20,035.20.
The unique poem managed to sell for more than the expected price. When the auction opened over at GottaHaveIt, the initial announcement said that, “Ode to a Robin,” the poem that Elvis himself wrote and was immensely proud of, would get about $4,000-5,000, since there were other items in the massive auction that seemed of more interest with fans. Yet, it looks like the King’s handwriting convinced one lucky buyer to shell out over $20,000 for it. “Elvis Presley handwrote this poem and initialed it in blue ballpoint pen on his personal stationery titled ‘From the home of… Elvis Presley.’ The yellow stationery measures 5” x 5.25”. This is a poem that Elvis would recite often on stage and in his personal life, called ‘Ode to a Robin.’ (EIN note: It can be found on the FTD 'Made In Memphis') |
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Elvis even used it on his home phone message machine recording. He wrote the poem down for several people and this one was given to his very good friend Charlie Hodge in the 1970’s. Comes with signed letter from Hodge on his personally stationery dated December 12, 1993.” a description of the poem on the website hosting the auction reads.
Although relatively short, the “Ode to a Robin” is full of surprises. As several media outlets have pointed out at the time the auction was opened, the poem starts on a happy note and ends in tragedy, just like the singer’s life. Its value mostly relies on the fact that it presents a side of Elvis as few got to know him, which brings this lucky buyer who nabbed it one step closer to the King as he truly was, it has been stressed.Go here for some great pictures and more details (News, Source;EIN) |
Seven Inches Of Pleasure: Happy 60th Birthday to the vinyl single!: For many of us the 7" 45RPM single was our first music purchase. The circle of black vinyl with a label and a hole in the middle was a magical portal into another world; they were cheap ( even a schoolboy fan's pocket money could buy one), plentiful and marketed aggressively. Even now in the age of anonymous CD singles and invisible intangible downloads, the 7" single retains a mystique, perhaps relegated to a box in the spare room or for the devoted still sought out by avid collectors, DJs and audiophiles. The supposedly superseded vinyl single still has an attraction and appeal 60 years on.
On 31 March 1949, RCA released the first commercial 7" single spinning at 45rpm. Eddy Arnold's Texarkana Baby on bright green vinyl, soon followed by Arthur Crudup's That's All Right on cerise vinyl - both rock'n'roll classics. The two formats, singles and four-track EPs, were initially colour-coded - green vinyl for country and polka, red for classical, yellow for children's, blue for international, cerise for rhythm'n'blues. By 1954, 200 million 45s had been sold
45s were also adapted to the smaller spindle of an LP player with a plastic snap-in insert known as a "spider". In countries outside of the US, 45s often had the smaller album-sized holes (ie Australia and New Zealand), or otherwise a pseudo-spider was "built-in" to the record, which could be punched out if desired (ie the U.K. especially before the 1970s).
From the mid-1950s through the 1960s, in the U.S. the common home "record player" or "stereo" (after the introduction of stereo recording) would typically have had these features: a three- or four-speed player (78, 45, 33â…“, and sometimes 16â…” rpm); with changer, a tall spindle that would hold several records and automatically drop a new record on top of the previous one when it had finished playing, a combination cartridge with both 78 and microgroove styluses and a way to flip between the two; and some kind of adapter for playing the 45s with their larger centre hole.
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Careers were built around them, charts reflected their sales, then in the sixties as they did in so many areas of popular music The Beatles upped the ante by releasing multiple non album track singles a year, not with the "A" side and a sub-standard throw-away on the "B" side, instead they released double "A" sided singles and put them into a picture sleeves. Their peers and a generation of musicians took up their innovations and in the sixties the single format boomed. Then the pendulum swung to albums in the Seventies, before punk and independent artists and labels revitalised the format in the late Seventies.
In spite of their flaws, such as the lack of portability and their scratchability and vulnerability to heat, vinyl records still have enthusiastic supporters. Vinyl records continue to be manufactured and sold today, especially by independent rock bands and labels, although singles record sales are considered to be a niche market. Old records and out of print recordings in particular are in much demand by collectors the world over. Many popular new albums are given releases on vinyl records and older albums are also given reissues as well, sometimes on audiophile grade vinyl with high quality sleeves. Ironically the internet has helped keep the format alive by providing collectors and enthusiasts with global networks of singles specialist sites.
In the U.K. sales of new vinyl records (particularly 7 inch singles) have increased significantly in recent years, somewhat reversing the downward trend seen during the 1990s. In the U.S. annual vinyl sales increased by 85.8% between 2006 and 2007,[and by 89% between 2007 and 2008. One format that has seen a mini-revival in recent years is the seven-inch single, where sales have increased fivefold since 2000. Rock and indie music have driven the revival, showing there is a market for people who want attractively-packaged singles product.
Global All-Time Top 10 Singles; Elvis has Two singles in the Top-Ten.
1. Candle In The Wind '97 - Elton John (37 million)
2. White Christmas - Bing Crosby (30m)
3. Rock Around The Clock - Bill Haley and His Comets (17m)
4. I Want To Hold Your Hand - The Beatles (12m)
5 Hey Jude - The Beatles (10m)
5 It's Now Or Never - Elvis Presley (10m)
6 I Will Always Love You - Whitney Houston (10m)
8 Hound Dog - Elvis Presley (9m)
8 Diana - Paul Anka (9m)
9 I'm A Believer - The Monkees (8m)
10 (Everything I Do) I Do It For You - The Bryan Adams (8m)
So Happy Birthday and congratulations to the 7" single for surviving 60 years!
(News, Source;EIN/SanjaM) |
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….”
(News, Source;EINSanjaM)
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