The latest on www.elvisinfonet.com:

Lisa Presley's World Bill Burk's Elvis World Online

FTD Shop Courtesy of Sony/BMG, win an Elvis 'Aloha' or 'Comeback Special' DVD!.....competition closes TODAY

Stunning new box set - "Elvis The Ultimate Film Collection": Coming soon...Elvis movie action isn't the only thing you get more of in this new boxed set. You also get more romance, more comedy, and more drama that's fun for the whole family. This new boxed set is filled with Elvis movies music, posters, photos, a script replica, booklets and lots of rarely and never-before-seen content. (News, Source: Amber Smith)

"Chaos In College Park" CD: The forthcoming release from "Straight Arrow" label is entitled "Chaos In College Park", and will feature the complete September 27, 1974 College Park, MD, tour opening show. Just as their previous 3 releases, this new CD will come in a deluxe package with a 16-page booklet containing many rare colour and black & white photographs from the actual show, as well as comprehensive sleeve notes with an "Elvis in 1974" overview, with detailed information about the concert itself and the September/October 1974 tour. The producers are aware of the fact that this show is one of the most controversial Elvis Presley concerts ever. Among the show highlights are surprisingly solid performances of "It's Midnight" and "How Great Thou Art". This recording comes from a newly acquired original audience recorded master tape that was transferred and professionally restored by using 24 bit technology for the best possible sound quality. (News, Source: FECC)

August 2006 is "Elvis Book Month" on EIN: Today we look at the books published by Elvis World legend, Bill E. Burk. Burk has released some of the most authoritative and credible Elvis books ever written. We also provide the link to another of the world's best Elvis book sites, David Neale's Elvis In Print (not to be confused with the bibliographic source: "Elvis In Print: The Definitive Reference and Price Guide"). Win an Elvis book!: You can also enter our new competition where we have three Elvis books to giveaway. As we still have a few important reviews and other material to publish, we are extending our "Elvis Book Month" feature for another week or so.

Elvis price watch: Australian fans take note. JB Hi-Fi currently has the single disc editions of Aloha and the Comeback Special on sale for A$19.99. (News, Source: JB Hi-Fi)

Rumor of "bad taste" Elvis tribute to screen on Auusie TV: A member of the popular Australian music group, Human Nature, is rumoured to be performing a "bad taste" tribute to Elvis in an upcoming TV program celebrating 50 Years of Television in Australia. (News, Source: Amber Smith)

'The Real Failure of Elvis' movie career': All Elvis' movies made profit. Amongst the music-travelogues were some strong dramatic roles demonstrating Elvis' acting potential. So what went wrong? Is The Colonel to blame or did Elvis misunderstand the demands of the film industry? In this fascinating article, EIN contributor Harley Payette investigates whether Elvis really could have been 'a contender'. (Spotlight/Celluloid Elvis, Source: EIN August 2006)

August 2006 is "Elvis Book Month" on EIN: Today we look at the books published by Paul Lichter. Lichter has released more than 25 "coffee table" books and booklets since 1975. We also provide a book review of the lavish release, Elvis World by Jane & Michael Stern and provide a link to one of the best Elvis book sites on the net: Elvis Presley: A Life In Books Win an Elvis book!: Today we also start a new competition with three Elvis books to giveaway.

New Joseph Tunzi book in works: Paul Lichter tells EIN that he is providing for a new JAT book & CD release, Tickle Me, which has a provisional release date early in 2007. (News, Source: Paul Lichter)

Elvis: The 30th Anniversary Concert Ticket Pre-Sale: A three-day “pre-sale” of tickets for the 30th Anniversary concert will start on September 12, 2006. Tickets are $90.00, $70.00 and $50.00. Also available are limited number of $250.00 VIP tickets. Tickets can be purchased starting on September 12 via Ticketmaster online at www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at (901) 525-1515, in person at Ticketmaster office locations, and at the FedEx Forum box office. Elvis: The 30th Anniversary Concert will be August 16, 2007, at the FedEx Forum in downtown Memphis during Elvis Week 2007. (News, Source: EPE)

Aussie & NZ fans - why not join EIN's "30th Anniversary Tour" to Elvis Week 2007

Elvis owned cadillac for sale: You don't often hear of ex-Elvis Presley Cadillacs coming up for sale at a UK auction, but that's what's going to happen in Derbyshire on September 12/13. The auction sale in Buxton will feature a white 1960 Cadillac Coupé DeVille which is believed to have covered just 76,099 miles since it was built and owned by Elvis Presley. Estimated sale price is between 22.500 and 35.000 euro. (News, Source: Elvis Matters/Elvis News)

FTD information on November 2006 releases:  There will be two or three extra releases in November, 2006 and one of these will be Ken Sharp’s book Writing For The King, including 125 interviews with people who wrote songs for Elvis. It will include 2 CD’s: one of Elvis’ recordings of songs by these writers, and one with demos of Elvis songs. It’s a blast!More information by October. (News, Source: EPE)

FTD announces October release: LET YOURSELF GO...The Making of “Elvis” – The Comeback Special

Coming October 1, 2006, this new CD combines previously unreleased outtakes from the sessions at Western Recorders, with the June 24 rehearsal at NBC (previously only available on bootleg). The Western recordings include the opening, the gospel sequence, the road sequence, Memories and If I Can Dream.


The Outtakes:

Trouble/Guitar Man opening – takes 6 & 7
Nothingville - takes 5 & 6
Let Yourself Go - part 1, takes 5 & 6 + part 2, take 2 + part 3, take 6
Guitar Man - Escape Section 1 - fast takes 1,2,5
Guitar Man -After Karate Section 2 – take 1
Trouble/Guitar Man - After Karate Section 3 – take 2
Little Egypt - take 8
Big Boss Man – take 2
It Hurts Me – First part, take 5. Second part, take 3
Guitar Man – Escape 1 (remake) – take 6
Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child/Where Could I Go But To The Lord - Gospel Section 1 - Rehearsal/take 1
Up Above My Head/I Found That Light - Gospel – Section 2, take 7
Saved - Gospel Section 3, take 4
If I Can Dream - takes 3 & 4
Memories (alternate vocal track)


The Dressing Room Rehearsal:

I Got A Woman
Blue Moon/Young Love/Oh, Happy Day
When It Rains It Really Pours
Blue Christmas
Are You Lonesome Tonight?/That's My Desire
That's When Your Heartaches Begin
Peter Gunn Theme
Love Me
When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again
Blue Christmas/Santa Claus Is Back In Town (News, Source: EPE)

FTD to delete four releases: Follow That Dream Records has announced the first deletions from its catalogue of Elvis CDs.  Here is the message from FTD producers Ernst Jorgensen and Roger Semon:

When we started FTD we thought that the interest in our releases would be limited to a 12-24 months period. We were wrong as many titles keep selling for a long time and consequently need to stay in the catalogue. However, at this time, we need to phase out certain releases, as the numbers are too small to justify the expense of reprinting. The following titles will be deleted when the remaining stock is sold: Out In Hollywood, Silver Screen Stereo, Fame And Fortune, and The Way It Was. (News, Source: EPE)

Budget CD release of Aloha & Comeback Special: In an earlier report we mentioned that the "'68 Comeback" and "Aloha" specials were possibly due for release as a 2 CD set. This will be done in the "Elvis Presley 2X" budget series. Both albums will be reissued together with a new slipcase on September 29, 2006 in the EC. (News, Source: Collectors Service/Elvis News)

August 2006 is "Elvis Book Month" on EIN: Today we look at a Bubba Mabry mystery novel featuring the King and provide a review of one the first academic type books about Elvis, Elvis: Images and Fancies.

Elvis Presley In Concert, New Zealand ticket sales: EPE advises - "Dear Elvis Fans, Below are new updates concerning the sale of the Premium Ticket Packages, read on for the latest info! Don’t forget to tell your fellow fans to visit http://www.elvisworldtour.com and sign up for email updates!

CHRISTCHURCH TICKET PACKAGES ON SALE MONDAY: Beginning Monday, August 28 @ 10 AM in New Zealand/ Christchurch, Gold and Platinum Ticket Packages will go on sale. Please note that ALL Gold Package tickets will be picked up at the Will Call the evening of the show to ensure timeliness as this date was added late. Platinum will of course pick up their tickets at their Platinum Experience Check In Session. For full details on the Ticket Packages, visit http://www.elvisworldtour.com now!

AUSTRALIA TICKET PACKAGES CLOSE OUT SOON, DON’T MISS OUT!: Sales will be closing SOON for the Australian shows! Act fast as the very limited inventory will no longer be available after September 11, 2006 at 10 AM local time. Don’t miss out on the chance to buy these Premium Ticket Packages before they are gone! Visit http://www.elvisworldtour.com today!" (News, Source: EPE)

Monday chart update: On the Australian ARIA Music DVD Chart this week, the '68 Comeback Special rose two places to #3 and Aloha From Hawaii two places to #4. Both DVD albums are certified 2xPlatinum. (News, Source: ARIA)

Weekend chart update: In the official French Music DVD Top 40 chart the "Aloha" DVD is new entry at #37 while the "68 special" enters at #25.

In the official Dutch Top 30 Music DVD chart the "Aloha" DVD climbs up to #20 from last week's #26. In the Dutch Free Record Shop DVD music chart the "Aloha" DVD climbs to #9 from last week's #16. The "68 special" is up to #10 from last week's #19.

In the Danish Music DVD Top 10 chart the "Aloha" DVD is a new entry at #5.

In the Italian Music DVD Top 20 chart the "Aloha" DVD is a new entry at #14.

The "Aloha" DVD is a new entry at #5 in the official Belgian Music DVD Top 10. (News, Source: Elvis News)

"The Love Me Tender Years Diaries" released: Following on our recent news report, this new book by Trude Forsher, a secretary to Colonel Parker who enjoyed a close professional relationship with Elvis, has been released. Buy from Amazon (News, Source: Bob Hayden)

'Elvis Presley In Concert' - Elvis still hasn't left the building: The 'Elvis Presley In Concert' event is touring Australia in October. EIN discovered this appealing independent newspaper review of a recent show in Newcastle, England. There, after 29 years, the importance of Elvis was finally revealed! (Spotlight, Source: EIN/Independent)

New 'Elvis Christmas' CD: With a suggested early release date in October, Elvis World Japan has added this provisional cover design. Tracklist: 1. Santa Claus Is Back In Town 2. White Christmas 3. Here Comes Santa Claus 4. I'll Be Home For Christmas 5. Blue Christmas 6. Santa Bring My Baby Back 7. O Little Town Of Bethlehem 8. Silent Night 9. Peace In The Valley 10. I Believe

TV's Doctor Who with an Elvis theme: Proving that Elvis is everywhere even Doctor Who, the BBC sci-fi TV classic, had an Elvis theme last night (in Australia). In the show The Doctor travelled back in time specifically to see Elvis perform on The Ed Sullivan Show! Unfortunately the Doctor's aim was off by a few years & a few 1000 miles as he ended up in London in 1953. Instead of Elvis there was the usual problem with aliens, which The Doctor still tackled sporting an impressive rock'n'roll quiff. (News, Source: EIN)

Elvis and Jack Lord - a special friendship: Elvis had the ability to touch others’ lives as few human beings ever could. Hawaii 5-0's actor Jack Lord & his wife Marie were two people to have had a close bond with Elvis and here both Marcia Borie & Charlie Hodge describe their story. This tale of their friendship is a touching one & worth reflecting back on during this important month. (Spotlight August 2006, Source: EIN)

Pop-queen Shakira's hips: the best since Elvis!: Fifty years since Elvis first shook his hips and rocked America, Shakira is following his dancin' moves. Her concert review stated, "It happened midway through her 100-minute set. Shakira tied up her black T-shirt to reveal her abdomen and those hips that don't lie. Simply put, Shakira possesses the most influential pop-music hip-shake since Elvis Presley's shook the world on 'The Ed Sullivan show' 50 years ago. But that's not her only weapon as she also uses emotional fluctuating vocals, pinup-girl looks and the sensual moves of a belly dancer. It's that combination of talent that has made Shakira a huge star around the world. (News, Source: EIN)

"Elvis Lives" DVD release: Here is the cover art of the EPE release "Elvis Live 25th Anniversary DVD" (EP-131-1675). It is available from the official EPE on-line store for $24.99. Synopsis: Elvis Presley was larger than life, and the Elvis experience is an amazing phenomenon that has continued to astonish a quarter century after his death in 1977. in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of his death, Elvis: The 25th Anniversary Concert Event was staged at the Pyramid Coliseum in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. Through the magic of modern technology, Elvis is reunited with his original TCB band, back-up singers and musical director for a unique concert special. The program features footage of Elvis from previous concerts, along with his supporting musicians and singers live on stage together in Memphis. This one-of-a-kind concert event has stirred audiences around the world and ignited a passion for the King in a whole new generation of music lovers. (News, Source: Shop Elvis/Elvis Insiders)

Elvis' death celebrated in Kingly style: Memphis has the Candlelight Vigil on August 16th to let Elvis fans worldwide mourn the King of Rock ‘n Roll’s death; but Los Angeles stepped up to the plate this August 16th in the way it knows best – THE MOVIES! The historic Egyptian Theater on Hollywood Boulevard was the site of the star studded premiere of Jayce and Tiffany Bartok’s off-the-wall and moving hour long documentary, Altered By Elvis. Shown on a double bill with a newly restored print of Viva Las Vegas in Cinemascope, Altered By Elvis played to a lively house in the 400 seat theater as part of The American Cinematheque’s Mods and Rockers Film Festival. Larry Geller, EP’s main man hairstylist and spiritual advisor (also in Altered By Elvis) was on hand for a Q&A with the directors, moderated by Beatles historian, Martin Lewis. Larry discussed in great length the historic rock ‘n roll summit between the Beatles and Elvis, answering numerous questions from the thrilled audience, already stoked from Viva Las Vegas on the Egyptian’s massive screen.

All in all, this anniversary of EP’s passing into the rock ‘n roll blue heaven was my favorite. Besides watching Elvis and Ann-Margret gyrate on the Strip, the Bartok’s fresh new documentary on lives changed by the King left me smiling and strangely moved. My eyes couldn’t help but wander through the star studded screening spying the likes of X-Men 2 and 3’s Aaron Stanford (Pyro), Panic Room and Zathura’s Kristen Stewart, and Melissa Joan Hart of Sabrina the Teenage Witch fame chomping popcorn and laughing away. Richard Terregrossa, author of the upcoming Cary Grant bio, took time out of his busy schedule to chat with me in the lobby about the legacy of EP’s revolutionary style and fashion sense. Who knew there were so many young Elvis fans. Guess the King hasn’t left the building! (Review, Source: David Kale/Jayce Bartok)

Read EIN's review of "Altered By Elvis" the film

New book 'Elvis Presley Limited Edition": To be released by Genesis Publications and by Mike McCartney and Lew Allen. McCartney is the editor of this large format volume, which features Lew Allen's superb photographs of Elvis along with Buddy Holly and The Everly Brothers. Click for the latest info and to find out more (News, Source: ElvisBookresearch)

Graceland Cellars Sweepstakes

Maryland Zoo In Baltimore Presents Elvis Tribute: The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is getting all shook up, but that’s all right, mama.  It’s because Elvis is coming for a visit.

The Zoo Goes Blue Hawaii: An Elvis Tribute Celebration will be taking place on Saturday, August 26 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The King of Rock and Roll will be honored with a “Blue Hawaii” inspired luau. There’ll be Elvis Tribute Artists and look-a-likes, vintage cars, hula dancing, an Elvis dress-up booth sponsored by Café Hon, special appearances by the Zoo’s animal ambassadors, luau food, and icy alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.

Guests who think they look or sound like Elvis will get the chance to prove it by entering one of three contests. Both the adult only Elvis Look-A-Like Contest and the adult only Best Overall Elvis Contest featuring live singing performances boast $1,000 prizes. Kids 12 and under can even take part in their own Elvis Look-A-Like Contest, with fun prizes for the winners.

Cost of The Zoo Goes Blue Hawaii is $15 for Zoo members; $20 for non-Zoo member advance tickets; $25 for non-Zoo member tickets purchased the day of the event; and $5 for kids 10 and under. The event includes free same-day only admission to The Maryland Zoo. The first 1,000 adults to enter the event will receive a free commemorative Zoo Goes Blue Hawaii t-shirt. All guests will receive a free Hawaiian lei and a free surprise gift from Café Hon. Guests who dress like Elvis and enter one of the contests will get free admission to the event.

For more information or to buy tickets, call 443-552-5276 ext. 8062, or visit MarylandZoo.org.  (News, Source: EPE)

Win an Elvis DVD! Courtesy of Sony BMG, EIN has two copies each of the new single disc DVDs, "Elvis The '68 Comeback Special" and "Elvis Aloha From Hawaii" to giveaway. To enter the draw to win a copy of one of the DVDs simply click here and send us your email address. The competition closes on 31 August at which time we will commence another competition involving the new "genre" Elvis CDS.

New Sony/BMG Christmas CD details: Ernst Jorgensen mentioned that BMG would be issuing a Christmas CD again this Christmas at the "Insider's Conference" in Memphis. According to the SONY/BMG website the release date is October 3, 2006.

Track listing Elvis Presley called Elvis Christmas: 1. Santa Claus Is Back In Town /2. White Christmas /3. Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane) /4. I'll Be Home For Christmas /5. Blue Christmas /6. Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me) /7. O Little Town Of Bethlehem /8. Silent Night /9. (There'll Be) Peace In The Valley (For Me) /10. I Believe /11. Take My Hand, Precious Lord /12. It Is No Secret (What God Can Do) /13. O Come, All Ye Faithful /14. The First Noel /15. On A Snowy Christmas Night /16. Winter Wonderland /17. The Wonderful World Of Christmas /18. It Won't Seem Like Christmas (Without You) /19. I'll Be Home On Christmas Day /20. If I Get Home On Christmas Day /21. Holly Leaves And Christmas Trees /22. Merry Christmas Baby /23. Silver Bells (News, Source: Sony BMG/Elvis News)

August 2006 is "Elvis Book Month" on EIN: Today we provide a detailed review of one of the most recent Elvis books published, "Elvis Cinema and Popular Culture" (and add more Elvis book covers). As EIN discovers, author Douglas Brode has stepped outside the square to "reframe" our focus on what the Elvis film was, and is, all about. In so doing he has written a fascinating book traversing a wide and eclectic range of themes in the context of radical transformation in America and an icon of mythic proportions around which much of that socio-political transformation was played out on the big screen. Well argued with cogent examples, the result is a potent and challenging mix of innocence and primal change. It is an illuminating journey examining where the "reel" ends and the "real" begins.

Tupelo tourism group approves funds for work at Elvis museum: The Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau has approved a $50,000 request to fund renovations at the Elvis Presley Museum.

The CVB had denied the request on two occasions earlier this summer because members of the Elvis Presley Memorial Foundation had refused to turn over some financial reports. The foundation - a city-created trust that runs the Elvis attractions in Tupelo - provided the information, which was published in a Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal newspaper story this past weekend.

The foundation has also asked for $100,000 from the city, which is expected to make its decision in September. Daphne Holcombe, the city's chief financial officer, said council members have already inserted the request into the budget.

The project to turn the museum into a "world-class" attraction will cost $262,400. The foundation will contribute $100,000 of its own money and raise another $12,400 through "internally generated funds." Renovations are expected to begin this fall on a multimedia exhibit focusing mostly on Elvis as a boy. Presley, who died in 1977, was born and grew up in Tupelo. The museum also will feature a tribute to Presley-family-friend and longtime foundation chairwoman Janelle McComb, and memorabilia from Elvis' days as an entertainer.

The new showcase is slated to open by Presley's Jan. 8 birthday. (News, Source: APWire)

New Elvis film trailers DVD: The release "Elvis Presley Rock & Roll / Elvis In The Movies" is a new DVD release with Elvis movie trailers. This is an unofficial digipack release like the Celluloid Rock DVDs. (News, Source: Elvis For Everyone Fan Club / Elvis News)

"The Elvis Hour" to air daily: Darwin Lamm tells us: We have decided to air the Elvis Hour on a daily basis to give every Elvis fan the opportunity to listen in. The Elvis Hour will now be available every day starting today at Noon(eastern) and then again at 7:00PM (eastern). The newest segment of "The Elvis Hour" will be released every Sunday. Remember this show is Free and is intended to promote Elvis The Magazine. (News, Source: Darwin Lamm)

Lisa Marie Presley set for new tour?: Rumors are circulating of a new tour by Lisa Marie Presley and her band. (News, Source: Official Lisa Marie Presley site)

Planet Elvis?: Elvis may have left the building, but if Beale Street bar owner Silky Sullivan has his way, the King will have a new place in the solar system. Sullivan has begun a local campaign to re-name Xenu, the recently discovered pseudo-planet just beyond the orbit of Neptune. He wants to call it Planet Elvis. The official task of naming planets belongs to the International Astronomical Union (IAU), but Sullivan believes a little grassroots work can convince the agency to take his advice.

“Just imagine when a child opens his textbook and sees the planets in the solar system. He’ll say, ‘Look, Daddy, there’s Pluto. And there’s a Hunk of Burning Love,” says Sullivan. (News/Odd Spot, Source: Memphis Flyer Online)

Elvis Presley Studio Recording Sessions Online: Keith Flynn has updated his website with some great recording sessions info. (News, Source: FECC)

"Altered By Elvis" DVD released: Click www.alteredbyelvis.com to get a souped up copy with 45 minutes of special features and an awesome dvd cover by Kristine Arth.  Or, if you have seen it a million times, THANK YOU for your support and pass the news along if you know anyone who loves Elvis or grass roots projects. (News, Source: Tiffany Bartok) Read EIN's review of "Altered By Elvis" the film

Elvis featured in "Number Freaking" book: Doodling with numbers, with over 200 pages of surreal sums and absurd arithmetic. For example, Elvis Presley was eating 65,000 calories daily when he died at the age of 42. According to McDonald's, a Big Mac contains 600 calories. Elvis was eating the equivalent of 108 Big Macs a day when he died! (News/Odd Spot, Source: Cafe Press)

"Elvis is alive" schematic chart on ebay: Conspiracy lovers take note. Currently for sale on eBay is this rare laminated, multi-colored chart showing the "links" between more than 30 groups, individuals, issues and timelines in the theory that The King did not die 29 years ago! Names like Steven Chanzes, Gail Brewer-Giorgio, David Darlock, Operation Fountain Pen, Orion; the Oklahoma City bombing, The Fraternity are all shown with their links to other parts of the conspiracy puzzle.  The schematic is also rumored to contain a "code" revealing the identity of the authors of two of the most controversial books written about Elvis - "Fairytale" and "The Tupelo-Memphis Murders". Click to view item Also listed on eBay is a copy of the conspiracy book, The Tupelo-Memphis Murders!(News, Source: eBay)

August 2006 is "Elvis Book Month" on EIN: Today we provide a detailed review of one of the most recent Elvis books published, "The Blue Moon Boys: The Story of Elvis Presley's Band". EIN's Nigel Patterson delves inside the release and discovers a side to the Elvis story and the development of rock 'n' roll which is often overlooked. We also reveal details of the unusual Shakin': Homage to Elvis Presley and Igor Stravinsky, the latest Elvis related book to be announced.

"Elvis The Graceland Collectors Box" sells on eBay: After receiving 61 bids, this 54 CD set housed in a Graceland design box sold on eBay yesterday for US$1,050.00. (News, Source: eBay)

New promo CD "Sixties": Here is the cover art of the upcoming EFE promo release "Sixties". It is a give-a-way on during their upcoming even later this month. (News, Source: Elvis For Everyone Fan Club/Elvis News)

German release of "Careless Love": Here is the cover art of the German edition of part two of Peter Guralnick's biography entitled "Careless Love - Elvis Presley - Sein Niedergang - 1958 - 1977" (ISBN: 3865431070). This volume is due for release in October 2006 from Bosworth-Music GmbH. (News, Source: Elvis Club Berlin /Elvis News)

Is following Elvis a religion?: Today EIN adds a new section to the site looking aspects of the study of Elvis as a growing religion. In this section we will publish a variety of wide ranging writings exploring themes and structural parallels between religion and how some fans follow Elvis. A link to this section appears in our Reference section in the right hand column of the Home page below Audio-Visual.

"Most Famous Hits" DVD: Here is another cover of the budget release "Most Famous Hits". This edition was released by Studio Koch Entertainment Distribution earlier this year on May 16, 2006. (News, Source: CD Universe /Elvis News)

The death of an icon: On the 29th anniversary of Elvis' passing, American Heritage looks back at the events on August 16, 1977. (Spotlight, Source: American Heritage)

August 2006 is "Elvis Book Month" on EIN: Today we look at the impressive Joseph Tunzi Elvis booklist including cover images of 14 of his famous books. Also added is a new Elvis book fact, more Elvis book covers and a book review of "The Best of Elvis: Recollections of a Great Humanitarian" by Cindy Hazen & Mike Freeman.

Weekend chart update: On the UK Budget Albums chart for the week ending August 13, 2006 the compilation "ELV1S 30 #1 Hits" climbs from #3 to #2 while on the Canadian Country Albums chart this compilation is listed at #35 in its 203rd. week. (News, Source: Elvis 2nd To None /Elvis News)

EIN's final Exclusive Sanja report from ELVIS WEEK 2006: Emotions ran high as the faithful walked up to the Meditation Garden to pay their respects. Sanja Meegin, EIN's roving reporter, signs off from Elvis Week with some stunning Graceland photos, as well as getting filmed for Australian TV. (Elvis Week 2006, Source: EIN)

Free CD with Revolver magazine in Holland: For the second time in less than a year, the Dutch magazine “Revolver” surprises its members with a free CD. This month, the magazine comes with a free CD, “Elvis Presley’s Jukebox: the Original Songs behind the Hits”, featuring amongst others, Arthur ‘Big Boy’ Crudup, The Ink Spots, Little Junior Parker, Roy Brown, Big Mama Thornton, Smiley Lewis, Hank Snow, Tony Martin, Al Jolson, Rina Ketty, Dick Haymes and... Elvis. (News, Source: Elvis Matters / Elvis News)

Chart update: U.S. Billboard Elvis Chart listings for the week of August 26, 2006:

Rolling Stone magazine picks favorite Elvis tracks: On the anniversary of Elvis' death, Rolling Stone editors have selected their favorite Elvis tracks. (Spotlight, Source: Rolling Stone)

World famous Elvis artist, Betty Harper, talks to EIN: The name Betty Harper has been associated with stunning sketch portraits of Elvis Presley and other celebrities for many decades. The author of three stunning art books showcasing some of her 10,000+ Elvis portraits, and an artist hailed as the best since Norman Rockwell, has that rare ability to bring life and feeling to her sublime images of the King. Trained at the American Academy in Paris and winner of countless awards, Betty's exquisite, intimate portrtaits of Elvis are a revelation in the world of Elvis art. In a fascinating interview with EIN, Betty talks about her life and reveals some of the secrets of how she approaches her amazing drawings. We also present a dozen of her critically acclaimed Elvis sketch portraits (Interview, Source: EIN)

The "inspirational" return of El Gamble: Last Saturday in the Elvis town of Parkes, NSW, EIN witnessed a rare event. Australia's original Elvis tribute artist returned to the stage 28 years after his last Elvis show. Renowned for both his vocal similarity to Elvis and great stage presence, last year El Gamble was afflicted with a rare nerve disease which has literally turned his life upside down. In Parkes, he returned to face his the biggest challenge of his career in front of Australia's toughest Elvis audience. The result was an unforgettable experience for those present and truly inspirational. Click to read how a legendary artist conquered his fears and won over an initially apprehensive audience (Concert Review, Source: EIN)

No Cirque du Soleil Elvis show until 2009: CKX, Inc., , its subsidiary Elvis Presley Enterprises and Cirque du Soleil have reached an agreement with MGM MIRAGE to create a permanent Elvis Presley show at the CityCenter hotel/casino, under construction in Las Vegas. The show is expected to open with the hotel in November 2009. Read full story (News, Source: boursorama.com)

August 2006 is "Elvis Book Month" on EIN: Today we have added a fascinating interview with celebrated Elvis sketch artist Betty Harper (see above), more Elvis book covers, another Elvis book fact, and mini-reviews of Betty Harper's "Suddenly and Gently Visions of Elvis" and "Elvis The Boy Who Would Be King ".

Conspiracy theory update: Thanks to AJ who pointed out to us that the conspiracy theory we mentioned yesterday is in fact not a "new" one. The theory was first floated in 1977 and raised periodically since then. (News, Source: Email)

"All Shook Up" Broadway musical hits the road

"The 25th Anniversary Concert" DVD sold out until 2007: According to Terry Blackwood in The Imperials Quartet newsletter the just released DVD "The 25th Anniversary Concert" is already sold out. No more than 1.000 copies were made available, and all have been sold. The worldwide release date is set for January 2007. (News, Source: Elvis Matters /Elvis News)

Fans mourn their King: Fans of the King from around the world are in Memphis, honoring the 29th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death. Presley died of heart disease and prescription drug abuse at his Graceland mansion on Aug. 16, 1977. The singer's fans traditionally file past his grave site at Graceland on the eve of the anniversary. A spokesman says as many as 10,000 fans could visit the mansion for this year's vigil. Opposite: Carolyn Russell of Crestine Ohio (Click to read EIN's "Elvis Week 2006 Updates")

President Bush and his wife, who brought Elvis fan and Japanese leader Junichiro Koizumi to Memphis in June for a tour of Graceland, sent their regards. The White House sent a letter to be read to the fans noting Presley's "special place in the cultural life of America." It says the anniversary gives fans around the world an opportunity to come together, share memories and celebrate Presley's legacy. (News, Source: Amber Smith)

Linda Thompson remembers Elvis: The 29th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death was August 16, 2006, and thousands gathered outside Graceland to pay their respects, but only "Extra's" Carlos Diaz went behind the gates with the ultimate Elvis expert, Linda Thompson.  "For the first time in too many years, I'm back at Graceland where Elvis lived and ultimately died 29 years ago this week," Linda said. Linda and Elvis were together for four and a half years and lived together at Graceland during that time. However, she moved out about eight months before his tragic death.

"To the world he was The King," Linda said. "To me he was the sweet southern gentleman who swept me off my feet back in 1972. In Memphis for Elvis Week I got to meet with fans, fanatics and old friends, who I haven't seen in many years who gathered to honor his memory." 

Linda gave "Extra" a tour of Graceland, including the famous Jungle room. "Elvis and I actually went shopping, and we picked out all this furniture together, so I helped him decorate this room," Linda said. "Please keep in mind that it was his taste I was deferring to." Linda also showed us a piece of jewelry she gave Elvis as a Christmas gift one year.

"I designed this Maltese cross for him with our birthstones, each heart, intertwined and brought together by a single diamond," Linda shared. "So many memories, so little time." (News, Source: Charmaine Voisine)

25th Anniversary Concert DVD released: The 25th Anniversary Concert DVD was released during Elvis Week. It was available at the "Insider's Conference" for $19.95. (News, Source: Amber Smith)

New conspiracy theory: ELVIS PRESLEY's father was the man who secretly plotted to snatch The King's dead body from his mausoleum resting place - to convince Memphis, Tennessee officials that the rocker should be buried at his Graceland home. The bodysnatching incident stunned Elvis fans just a week after he was buried at Forest Hill Midtown Cemetery in 1977, and now one of the grave robbers is speaking out about the plot in a new film. In THE TRUTH ABOUT ELVIS, RONNIE LEE ADKINS insists he met with Presley's father VERNON in a parking lot to arrange the theft of the King's body.

He says, "He asked me if there was anything that might be able to be done to get Elvis moved from Forest Hills Cemetery. "I said, 'The best thing to do is put him in a mausoleum, where it's easier to get to, it's inside work and that way we won't be seen.'" Former FBI secret agent IC SMITH backs up Adkins' claim in new documentary, adding, "The Presley family had gone to the Memphis City Council and asked for permission to bury Elvis at Graceland and there was no provision for burying people in one's yard." Presley now lies at rest alongside his mother, grandmother and father at Graceland, where his grave is visited by millions of fans every year. (Conspiracy/News, Source: Contact Music)

Elvis lives on through DVDs from Bud Glass: Yesterday marked 29 years since ELVIS PRESLEY's untimely death, but decades later, the mania surrounding the rock legend shows no sign of dying down. We're going inside two DVDs that show The King as he's never been seen before! In the sea of Elvis memorabilia on the market, one company has set itself apart with two documentary-style DVDs that capture little-seen footage of The King, in a new, high-quality format.

BUD GLASS, an avid collector of Elvis memorabilia, was frustrated at the lack of the quality of the Elvis footage that was circulating collectors circles. There was plenty of Super 8 mm footage being passed around, but as copies were made, the quality deteriorated. Glass dreamed of creating a high-quality, affordable DVD of all of the accumulated footage. Out of this desire, along with Praytome Publishing, he created 'Elvis: Behind the Image' Volumes 1 and 2.

The DVDs feature original footage replicated directly from the film reels with cutting-edge laser technology into DVD format. Content-wise, they combine historic coverage with never-before-heard insights on the life of The King, from first-hand experiences of those who surrounded him. To find out more about these DVDs, visit www.behind-the-image.com. (News, Source: The Insider Online)

"Chaos in College Park" CD confirmed: The rumors about the show of 27 September (8.30 pm), 1974 in College Park, Maryland seem to be true. The Straight Arrow label should release this show by the end of the month under the title “Chaos in College Park” (Straight Arrow SA 2006-4-02), according to Elvis’s musicians one of his worst shows ever.

The track listing: 01. Also Sprach Zarathustra (Theme from "2001 A Space Odyssey"); 02. Opening Vamp / C. C. Rider; 03. I Got A Woman / Amen (medley); 04. Love Me; 05. If You Love Me (Let Me Know); 06. It's Midnight; 07. Big Boss Man ; 08. Fever ; 09. Love Me Tender; 10. Hound Dog; 11. Bridge Over Troubled Water; 12. Polk Salad Annie; 13. Band Introductions; 14. Lead Guitar Solo (by James Burton); 15. Drums Solo (by Ronnie Tutt); 16. Bass Solo (by Duke Bardwell); 17. Piano Solo (by Glen D. Hardin); 18. Killing Me Softly (by Voice); 19. Why Me Lord; 20. All Shook Up; 21. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel; 22. Hawaiian Wedding Song; 23. How Great Thou Art; 24. Can't Help Falling In Love; 25. Closing Vamp / Announcements. (News, Source: Elvis Matters / Elvis News)

TCB Band finally has its own website: After all those years, the TCB Band finally has its own site at www.tcb-band.com. It was put online on August 16, 2006. More news and shows will be added on later. The site is hosted by ElvisMatters. (News, Source: Elvis Matters /Elvis News)

Speaking Roses International Inc. inks new deal with EPE: Salt Lake City-based Speaking Roses International Inc. has announced that its license agreement with Elvis Presley Enterprises has been renewed through July 2008. Speaking Roses uses its patented embossing technology to print images of Elvis on live and silk roses. (News, Source: Charmaine Voisine)

Elvis has overrun the building: Paul MacLeod, 64, has converted his home on a sleepy street in this north Mississippi town into a 24-7-365 shrine to the King of rock 'n' roll.

"I eat, sleep and breathe Elvis, 24 hours a day," said MacLeod, a Detroit-born former prison and auto worker, delivering a line with the same cadence as a carnival barker. "This place oughta be declared a national monument -- the Taj Mahal of Elvisology, better than Graceland, Disneyland, the Neverland ranch.

"Elvis has not left the building," he said. "Never has and never will."

MacLeod opened his home, which he dubbed Graceland Too, in 1990. Since that time, he claims to have had more than 285,000 visitors, who drop in from the early morning to the middle of the night for a tour of his Elvis memorabilia. (News, Source: Fox News)

Audubon Drive - Uri Geller vs. Freeman & Hazen update: Bill Burk tells us: "BANKRUPTCY COURT re-hearing for Mike Freeman and Cindy Hazen still set for tomorrow, 17 August, in Memphis. MEANWHILE, Uri Geller, the Londoner who thought he has bought the Freeman/Hazen house on Audubon Drive, has filed a lawsuit in U. S. District Court in Memphis against Freeman/Hazen for breach of contract.  The word "fraud" appears frequently in the filing papers.  The papers were served this week to Freeman/Hazen . . . but YOU are the first ones to know this (since the local paper isn't aggressive in covering REAL news!!!). Geller and his two partners have employed one of the very top legal firms in Memphis to represent them." (News, Source: Bill E. Burk)

29 years ago today: EIN pays tribute in words and pictures to Elvis on the 29th anniversary of his passing.

"Elvis Presley In Concert" Aug 2007 pre-sale tickets: A "pre-sale" for tickets to "Elvis: The 30th Anniversary Concert" (2007) begins on September 12, 2006. Click for full details. (News, Source: EPE)

"Candlelight Vigil 2006" report

Elvis stamp card in Holland: ElvisMatters shop created an Elvis stamp card with the original Dutch Heartbreak Hotel stamp. Each sheet is numbered and officially dated "August 16th, 2006 - 29 years after". The first 100 customers at the ElvisMatters shop in Turnhout get this sheet as a nice surprise for their Member's day on August 16, 2006. Click to view larger image (News, Source: Elvis Matters /Elvis News)

$3m reward if Elvis still alive: In conjunction with British oddsmaker, William Hill, filmmaker Adam Muskiewicz is offering a $3 million reward for proof that Elvis is still alive. Adam Muskiewicz is making a documentary called "The Truth About Elvis." He writes on his Web site, ElvisWanted-dot-com, that he has spent two years interviewing 150 friends, conspiracy theorists and others trying to find out what they know about Elvis' whereabouts. The film is due for release around August 2007. (News, Source: AP/The Truth About Elvis)

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If you would like to promote your products or services and become an Elvii Radio sponsor please contact us at email@elvii.com today! Thanks for listening to Elvii Radio...(News, Source: Elvii Radio)

Listen to Jerry Schilling interview: Fresh Air from WHYY, August 14, 2006 · Elvis Presley confidant Jerry Schilling talks about his new book, Me and a Guy Named Elvis: My Lifelong Friendship with Elvis Presley. When Schilling was 12 years old, he met the teenaged Elvis Presley at a north Memphis pickup football game. As Presley rose to fame, Schilling joined him on the rise, eventually becoming creative affairs director for Elvis Presley Enterprises. (News, Source: Dr John Carpenter, FECC)

EIN's third Exclusive report from ELVIS WEEK 2006: Watch out Memphis 'The Walls Have Ears' and Sanja Meegin, EIN's roving reporter, is back once again. The Elvis faithful have arrived and Sanja has been celebrating at the Elvis Dance Party, talking with the famous, as well as feeling the emotions of Graceland. EIN is the only website with exclusive info, plus photos- so don't miss these special reports. (Elvis Week 2006, Source: EIN)

Shakin' Up The Great Lakes - Fort Baxter CD release: Here is the cover art of the next release of the Fort Baxter Classic Series from our previous news. The third release on the Fort Baxter Classic Series will be  Shakin' Up The Great Lakes . This CD will feature the April 24th, 1977 Ann Arbor, MI show ( originally released on the  A Profile - The King On Stage vol.1  ). Since the soundboard recording is incomplete the CD will contain also the performance recorded two days later in Kalamazoo, MI. Both soundboard recordings had some songs edited out when originally released, and for the first time presented in their complete form. These two concerts certainly make a nice double features as both contain several songs done only once, songs like ; Trying To Get To You, Jailhouse Rock, Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel, Help Me, Little Sister, Polk Salad Annie, Unchained Melody, Little Darlin', Big Boss Man, Heartbreak Hotel, And I Love You So, Blue Suede Shoes and Hurt.

Track listing :01- Love Me * 1:35 ; 02- If You Love Me, Let Me Know 2:54 ; 03- You Gave Me A Mountain 3:36 ; 04-Trying To Get To You 2:25 ; 05 - O Sole Mio / It's Now Or Never 4:09 ;  06- Little Sister 1:52 ; 07 -Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel 2:10 ; 08- Help Me 2:42 ; 09- My Way 4:02 ; 10- Polk Salad Annie 4:08 ; 11- Hurt ( with reprise ) 2:50 ; 12- Hound Dog * 2:02 ; 13- Unchained Melody 2:36 ; 14- Little Darlin' 1:52 ; 15- Can't Help Falling In Love / Closing vamp 1:58 ; 16- Love Me 2:41 ; 17- Fairytale ( false start ) 0:31 ; 18- If You Love Me, Let Me Know 2:54 ; 19-You Gave Me A Mountain 3:44 ; 20- Jailhouse Rock 1:58 ; 21- O Sole Mio / It's Now Or Never 3:34 ; 22- Big Boss Man 2:53 ; 23- Heartbreak Hotel 1:55 ; 24- Blue Suede Shoes 1:12 ; 25- And I Love You So (with false start ) 4:08 ; 26- My Way 4:13 ; 27- Hound Dog* 1:53 ; 28- Can't Help Falling In Love* / Closing vamp * 2:17 * previously unreleased

Tracks 01-15 recorded on April 24th, 1977 Ann Arbor, MI. Tracks 16-28 recorded on April 26th, 1977 Kalamazoo, MI Total running time = 74:59. (News, Source: FECC)

Foxtel Australia - August 2006 Elvis Screenings update: Elvis movies galore on Foxtel this month!

August 2006 is "Elvis Book Month" on EIN: Today we have a look at the world's rarest Elvis book, a book which was one of the first two Elvis "books" ever published and one that few have heard of. We have also added a number of news items, another Elvis book fact, and a mini-review of "Elvis Behind Closed Doors".

View Sony BMG "e-card" promoting the new single disc DVD editions of Aloha & the Comeback Special

New Australian CD/DVD release: On 7 August we mentioned a new 2CD release from Payless. EIN has learned that the release is in fact a 2CD plus DVD release. Titled "Essential Elvis" (CDDVD01) the two CDs comprise standard Louisiana Hayride recordings and the DVD is the previously issued "The Story of Elvis Presley". Each of the three discs in the package is a colorful picture disc. RRP A$9.95. (News, Source: EIN)

New Australian CD + DVD release: "Elvis and Friends" (CDDVD02) is the title of a second Paylress release in Australia. Again comprising two CDs and a DVD, the CDs contain no Elvis but are songs by some of his contemporaries including Ricky Nelson, Gene Vincent, Chuck Berry, Carl Perkins and Jery Lee Lewis. The DVD features two previously issued Elvis documentaries: "Sun Days With Elvis" and "Elvis Presley's America". Each of the three discs in the package is a colorful picture disc. RRP A$9.99. (News, Source: EIN)

"Elvis in the Beat of the Night" new book release: Due for release in the US later this month is "Elvis in the Beat of the Night: True Stories of Elvis and His Police Buddies". Published by Phillips Entertainment, Incorporated, no author is listed. ISBN: 0978853407. The softcover book can be pre-ordered from Barnes & Noble. (News, Source: ElvisBookResearch)

Audio format releases for Jerry Schilling memoir: "Me and A Guy Named Elvis" by Jerry Schilling will be released in audio format in the US next month. It will be available in both "unabridged" 'CD' and 'MP3 on CD' formats. There will be two 'CD' editions, one a library only release and one for the retail sector. (News, Source: ElvisBookResearch)

August 2006 is "Elvis Book Month" on EIN: Throughout August 2006 we are highlighting the vast 2000 strong Elvis library comprised of non-fiction, fiction and specialist publications. Today we have added: mini book review - "Elvis The Concert Years" (Stein Erak Skar) more Elvis book covers another Elvis book fact Tomorrow: EIN looks at the world's rarest Elvis book Access EIN's "Elvis Book Month" page

Day #7 - Elvis Week 2006 - Click for EIN's Daily Update Archives

Elvis still lives at Little Graceland: A retired Rio Grande Valley schoolteacher opens his home for a music festival again today, welcoming maybe 2,000 guests for a concert starring singers named Marquez and Rodriguez. Twice a year, devoted fans gather 20 miles from the Tamaulipas border to celebrate ... Elvis?! "Sure! All Latins like Elvis," said Simon Vega, 70, of Los Fresnos, answering yet another phone call as workers outside reassembled borrowed stadium bleachers for the twice-annual Elvis Fest at Vega's family home, a Presley shrine officially designated on state road signs as "Little Graceland." Read full story Opposite: Elvis impersonator Rene Davis of Weslaco talks with Simon Vega

"Elvis Hour" radio specials: Darwin Lamm will be broadcasting his famous Elvis Hour radio specials every Sunday Evening at 7 PM(eastern) to promote their new online magazine Elvis The Magazine. It all starts next Sunday August 20th at 7:00PM (eastern). It will air on www.elvisthemagazine.com and is FREE. Each of these 65 shows will only be broadcast once and you will not want to miss a single show. So pass the word on to other Elvis fans to tune into www.elvisthemagazine.com Sunday Evenings at 7:00PM (USA eastern) for these superb Elvis radio specials. (News, Source: Elvis The Magazine)

ELVIS WEEK 2006 - EIN exclusive report: ‘C’mon Everybody’ and watch out Memphis because Sanja Meegin, EIN's roving reporter, is back in town once again to give us all the inside scoops on Elvis Week 2006. Sanja found it a little quiet before the weekend, but Beale Street saved the day, and The Insiders’ Conference was a must. Sanja met Linda Thompson, James Burton, Ernst Jorgensen, Alfred Wertheimer & many more. EIN is the only website with exclusive info, plus photos- so don't miss these special reports. (Elvis Week 2006, Source: EIN)

‘Elvis On Tour’ for 2007 release?: Steve on FECC posted the following - Tom Brown of Turner Classic Movies was on the George Klein show this afternoon as he is in Memphis for the Elvis Insiders convention. He stated that they did TTWII-SE in 2001 and that someday he wanted to do the same for Elvis On Tour. He went on to say he wanted it to be a 2 DVD set with the first being the original and disc 2 being all the other concert footage along with all the backstage stuff plus interviews from the people that were there. He then stated that maybe they could get it out for next year.

He also told George that he had a 58 minute audio tape of EP talking about his career from the film and he would like to get that out also. George Klein said he would like to have that audio tape and Brown said he would have to talk to him about that off-air. At least we now know that there is someone at Turner that has this project in mind!

EIN comment: There can be no doubt that 2007 will be a huge celebration of ‘everything Elvis’. It will also be the last key marketing chance for any major Elvis public releases. As Ernst has mentioned this upgrade since 2002, EIN feels certain that 2007 will see a special edition ‘Elvis On Tour’ finally released. (News, Source: FECC/EIN)

Zimbabwe Elvis musical update: The timeless music of Elvis Presley will be the focus of a brand new musical production in Harare, to be staged at Reps Theatre in late August and early September.

Elvis Lives is the production, to be directed by award-winning actor and singer David Smith. It will feature nearly 30 of Elvis' most famous songs and will be a tribute to the late "king of rock and roll," who died in August 1977 at the young age of 42.

"I am a great Elvis fan and I know that many other people are, too, so while this show will appeal to them in particular, we know that his music has great appeal across the broadest spectrum of audiences and this show will, therefore, be widely popular," said Smith.

The first half of the show will feature younger singers presenting Elvis songs from the 1950s and early 1960s, while the second half will feature David Smith as Elvis in a "live concert" presentation with a seven-piece live backing band. The show opens on Tuesday, August 29 and will close on Saturday, September 9, with a total of 10 performances. Booking is now open at The Spotlight. Also on stage will be 5Star boy band members Alex Fairlie and Josh Ansley, as well as Rowland Amm and Steve Theron and two female singers -- Ellena Kupusa Smith and Adiona Maboreke. (News, Source: The Zimbabwe Independent /Elvis News)

Interview with 'Inside GI Blues' co-author: Megan Murphy is the co-author of the recently released 'Inside GI Blues'. With a deluxe box-set combining a 112 page book, DVD and vinyl single, EIN was excited to know more about its contents. EIN thanks Paul "PEP" for contributing this interview. (Interview, Source: PEP/EIN)

'Elvis: Has left the building' CD review: Every year, when August comes around, all true Elvis fans needs to reflect on what might have been - and what a great loss we feel. This CD, released by Rock Legends in 2003, perfectly captures the emotions of that surreal night in 1977, and is a very poignant & moving reminder of Elvis and his amazing effect worldwide. Here EIN plays it one more time. (CD Review, Source: EIN, August 2003/2006)

Audubon Drive sale update: Bill Burk reports: "NOT OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCED yet, but it's reported that Mike Curb, the 2nd person to "buy" Elvis' old house at 1034 Audubon Drive, Memphis, will "donate the house to Rhodes College."

Day #5 - Elvis Week 2006 - Click for EIN's Daily Update Archives

The King in Thailand: This is one of the Billboards for Elvis In Concert that can be seen everywhere in Thailand. This particular one is in Bangkok Pattaya. The King And Queen of Thailand are both staunch Elvis fans. They met up with Elvis during the filming of "G.I. Blues" in 1960. (News, Source: HT Long /Elvis News)

MIFA’s Presley Place Event to Feature Elvis’ Favorite Recipes and Author of “Graceland’s Table”: On Wednesday, August 16, the Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association (MIFA) will host a reception and tour from 10 a.m. to noon at Presley Place, located at 709 St. Paul Ave., adjacent to MIFA’s Les Passees Center for Children and Families. The reception will feature cookbook guru Ellen Rolfes and food samples from her book, Graceland’s Table, filled with recipes from Elvis's fans and friends.

A joint venture between the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation and MIFA, Presley Place provides families who are homeless with transitional housing. Since opening in July 2001, Presley Place has been home to more than 100 families, providing a safe and nurturing environment where residents can learn the skills and get the education they need to be independent and productive members of society. The complex, which consists of two four-bedroom apartments and 10 two-bedroom apartments, is part of MIFA’s House Opportunities Program with 100-units. The community is invited to attend this reception and tour, which are free of charge. MIFA is changing our community by helping change lives. (News, Source: EPE)

Jerry Schilling on QVC August 16: At the invitation of Sony BMG, Jerry Schilling will appear on QVC television program on August 16th at 6:30-7:00 AM Eastern to promote the new Elvis '68 Comeback and Aloha from Hawaii Special Edition DVDs and the Hitstory and Peace in the Valley CD releases, along his book, Me and a Guy Named Elvis - My Lifelong Friendship with Elvis Presley. Jerry is a participant in the Elvis Week 2006 edition of The Elvis Insiders Conference with a special segment about his book.  (News, Source: EPE)

EIN checks in with Chris Lambeth the "art designer" of Elvis' CDs: Back in 2005 EIN interviewed Chris Lambeth who works for Peacock Design, the company that fashions the look for all of Elvis’ FTD CD releases and more. With the recent improvement in FTD's style & design we contacted Chris for a quick 2006 update, and yes he did work on 'Clambake'! (Interview, Source: EIN)

August 2006 is "Elvis Book Month" on EIN: Throughout August 2006 we are highlighting the vast 2000 strong Elvis library comprised of non-fiction, fiction and specialist publications. Today we have added: Book Review - Lips (an Elvis novel) tips on where to find rare and out of print Elvis books more Elvis book covers another Elvis book fact mini book review - "A Presley Speaks" (Vester Presley) revised our article on Ger Rijff publications (thanks to Ger for clarifying a number of details about his legendary books) Access EIN's "Elvis Book Month" page

"Echoes of the King" (CD Review): Is the latest El Gamble CD the best Elvis tribute album of 2006? EIN's Nigel Patterson explores the aural delights of a stunning studio recording. (CD Review, Source: EIN)

"Definitive Elvis" DVD reissue in Germany: Here is another "Definitive Elvis" reissue "The Definitive Elvis" documentaries set. This region free 3 DVD set will be released on August 21, 2006. (News, Source: Elvis News)

Elvis chart update: U.S. Billboard Elvis Chart listings for the week of 19 August 2006:

Elvis disc featured in "The Unchained Melody" set: The Japanese BMG Funhouse released an Elvis CD in their "The Unchained Melody" box. This CD, entitled "Eternal Elvis" is sold by mail order only from Universal Music, Japan for 13.980 JPY. The Unchained Melody box includes one Elvis CD and five sampler CDs: 1. Stars Of The Golden Ages Of Pops; 2. The Golden Ages Of Rock 'n' Roll; 3. Everlasting Melodies; 4. Film Music; 5. World Standard; 6. Eternal Elvis

What's up with 'Elvis The Magazine'?: They claim 86,000 subscribers but many fans are suspicious. Originally a quarterly newsstand magazine, for a number of years now it has only been a bi-annual release. EIN takes a look at questions being asked about this once rightly proud magazine. Read our full report (Comment, Source: EIN)

New FTD "Clambake": banquet feast or damp squid?: Some interesting debate on the FECC messageboard regarding the latest FTD soundtrack release. EIN's Piers Beagley put the negative case for the release and while many agreed with Piers there were some who didn't, as well as a number of potent observations about a possible double standard in FTDs approach to Elvis albums. Read full story (Comment, Source: FECC)

"Inside G.I. Blues" Package released: The limited edition (2,000) package comprising book, DVD and 7" single has been released. A further pressing of 1,000 books will be available shortly once the package is sold out. Click to read full details Australian/NZ fans note: EIN is offering the package at the cheapest price available in the Australia-NZ region and we still have a few copies available. (News, Source: Elvis Unlimited)

New book announced - "Inside Roustabout": Author of the new book "Inside G.I. Blues", Megan Murphy, has revealed that she is now working on another Elvis book project, "Inside Roustabout". (News, Source: FECC)

Revised edition of "Fairytale" planned: Following our review of the "underground" book Fairytale, Wanda June Hill has revealed she owns the copyright to the anonymously authored book and is planning to excise parts of the original manuscript and publish a revised, shorter edition. (News, Source: Email)

"Aloha From Sweden" DVD released: The long awaited Aloha From Sweden DVD and Cd release from Elvis Unlimited has now been released. This is the very first complete Elvis show by the TCB Band and The Sweet Inspirations that has been released on DVD. Al "Elvis has left the building" Dvorin is also staring in this DVD. The lead singer is the great and very popular Maarten Jansen from Holland. The show was filmed and recorded in Uddevalla, Sweden on April 3, 2004 as the closing show on the Aloha tour. The sound on the DVD is both in 5.1 surround and stereo. The CD is in stereo. (News, Source: Elvis Unlimited)

Day #2 - Elvis Week 2006 - Click for EIN's Daily Update Index

'Clambake' FTD Soundtrack CD review: This is the sound of Elvis at the crossroads trying to break free from his movie contracts and heading for renewed musical creativity. So can this Clambake extended FTD possibly shine a complimentary light on the wrong side of these crossroads? Unfortunately not, and EIN's Piers Beagley suffers for his art with some disappointing Clambake stew. (FTD Review, Source: EIN, August 2006)

'The Complete Million Dollar Quartet' BMG release update: BMG Australia has confirmed that 'The Complete Million Dollar Quartet' will also be released "downunder" around September 19th. This version will be the complete tape and with audio restoration by Kevan Budd ('Elvis At Sun', 'Elvis Presley'). The session will be in the correct order of songs sung and will feature material never before released. Kevan Budd has done some incredible audio restoration work in past (for instance the acetates on the 'Loving You' FTD) so we can expect this insight into Rock'n'Roll history with Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis & Carl Perkins to be well-worth purchasing. (News Source: Sony BMG/EIN)

August 2006 is "Elvis Book Month" on EIN: Throughout August 2006 we are highlighting the vast 2000 strong Elvis library comprised of non-fiction, fiction and specialist publications. Today we have added: more Elvis book covers another Elvis book fact mini book review - "Caught In A Trap Elvis Presley's Tragic Lifelong Search For Love" Access EIN's "Elvis Book Month" page

German & French book releases: In Germany, Bosworth Music GmbH will release the German edition of Careless Love by Peter Guralnick (paperback, ISBN 3865431070). Release date is set for August. In February this year they also released the German edition of Last Train to Memphis. Also in August, Bosworth Music GmbH will re-release Elvis - Story und Songs Kompakt (paperback, 160 pages, ISBN 3865432301).

Publisher Schwarzkopf & Schwarzkopf released in June a second edition of the book Elvis Presley - Ein Leben fur den Rock'n'Roll. Die Fotochronik der Karriere (paperback, 320 pages, ISBN 3896024353).

In October, Schwarzkopf & Schwarzkopf will release the German edition of Elvis at 21: Elvis im Alter von 21 Jahre: Von New York nach Memphis (hardback, 300 pages, ISBN 3896027263).

A German edition of Tara McAdams' book Elvis Handbook will be released in November by Collection Rolf Heyne (hardback, 432 pages, ISBN 3899103289).

Also published by Collection Rolf Heyne are the book(s) from Jim Piazza, "Elvis Presley - The King". They come with three different covers: black (ISBN 3899103181), gold (ISBN 3899103173) and white (ISBN 389910319X). Release is set for October.

In France, the French translation of Alanna Nash' book The Colonel "Le colonnel : L'homme dans l'ombre d'Elvis" will be published by Stanké in September (paperback, ISBN: 2760410269). (News, Source: Elvis Presley A Life In Books / Elvis News)

Elvis Week 2006 starts today! Click here for EIN's daily updates

1956 - A Watershed Year: In a fascinating article, Alfred Lubrano looks back at a year in history which changed our culture...a year infused with the eclectic, cross-over sounds of Elvis Aaron Presley. Against a backdrop of exploding hydrogen test bombs, a frigid Cold War, and the nascent civil-rights movement, the year 1956 was not understood as an important precursor to the 1960s and beyond until recently. (Spotlight Elvis, Source: Philadelphia Enquirer)

Elvis Week 2006 Update #2: Davis-Kidd Booksellers gets a head start on Elvis Presley International Tribute Week by hosting a booksigning for Jerry Schilling Saturday at 1 p.m. Schilling, a prominent member of Presley's "Memphis Mafia," lived with Presley, first in Los Angeles and then at Graceland, from 1964 until the performer's death in 1977, working as bodyguard, photo double and film producer. Schilling's recently published memoir, "Me and a Guy Named Elvis" (Gotham Books, $26), tells the story of the friendship between Schilling and Presley from a uniquely intimate standpoint.

3xDVD Elvis on Ed Sullivan Show release (see original story below dated 2 July): EPE says: 'In the months ahead, probably in either November 2006 or January 2007, the three complete episodes of The Ed Sullivan Show that Elvis appeared on will be released on a 3-disc DVD set.  This release by SOFA Entertainment, the owner of the Ed Sulllivan Show catalog, is in partnership with Elvis Presley Enterprises.  The distributor is Image Entertainment.  Click here for the content details.  A formal press release will be issued closer to the release date of the DVD set.  It should include details from SOFA Entertainment regarding the remastering of the sound and picture and point out special aspects of the footage, including the restoration of a "lost" medley. Andrew Solt, who heads up SOFA Entertainment, will present a preview of the DVD set in a segment of Day Two of this year's Elvis Insiders Conference during Elvis Week 2006.  He will be joined by Gordon Stoker of The Jordanaires, who appeared on all three Sullivan episodes with Elvis.' (News, Source: EPE)

Tickets are now on sale for the Memphis Symphony's Elvis Presley Birthday Pops in Jan 2007: 8:00 PM. Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, 255 North Main Street in downtown Memphis. The Memphis Symphony Orchestra presents a concert of Elvis music performed from the original music charts from Elvis Presley's concert tours. The Terry Mike Jeffrey Band performs as the rhythm section. Lead vocals performed by Terry Mike Jeffrey. Special guest vocalists, The Imperials: Sherman Andrus, Terry Blackwood, Gus Gaches and Joe Moscheo. Tickets are on sale now at www.MemphisSymphony.org. Groups of 10 or more may contact Colleen McNichol, Marketing Manager via email at groups@MemphisSymphony.org. CLICK HERE to see the complete calendar of events for the Elvis Presley Birthday Celebration 2007. (News, Source: EPE)

Platinum packages for Aussie tour of "Elvis Presley In Concert" end soon: Just a quick note to let you know that your last chance to order Platinum Hotel Packages for the Australian tour of Elvis Presley In Concert is quickly approaching! There is a VERY limited quantity available and will only be on sale through this Sunday, August 13 2006. 

There are still a limited number of Platinum and Gold ticket packages available through the special ticketing page www.ElvisWorldTour.com .  Make sure you get yours before time runs out! (News, Source: EPE)

Latest celebrity visitors to Graceland: Actress Megan Mullally of Will and Grace fame and her husband, actor Nick Offerman, toured Graceland on Saturday, August 5. Click here to go to News Archive for an article listing Graceland's celebrity visitors since opening for tours in 1982. (News, Source: EPE)

August 2006 is "Elvis Book Month" on EIN: Throughout August 2006 we are highlighting the vast 2000 strong Elvis library comprised of non-fiction, fiction and specialist publications. Today we have added: the Ger Rijff catalog - a look at more than 20 great books + selected reviews more Elvis book covers another Elvis book fact mini book review - "Child Bride: The Untold Story of Priscilla Presley" Access EIN's "Elvis Book Month" page

Elvis Week 2006 Update #1: Bill Burk tells us fans should bring their drink bottles. Temps in Memphis around 100 degrees F. Temps in Tupelo over 100 until Friday when they are expected to drop to a "coolish 97". Bill also says " WHILE IN Tupelo during August, drop by the Lee County Library (over near Milam Jr. High).  They have a month-long Elvis exhibit there and we've been told it has some wonderful one-of-a-kind Elvis things on display." (News, Source: Bill E. Burk)

"The Collection" USA CD boxset: Released July 11, 2006 by BMG Strategic Marketing was a long box/cube case entitled "The Collection". This box features the three classic Elvis albums: "Elvis Presley", "Elvis" and "Loving You". (News, Source: Elvis World Japan /Elvis News)

BMG Japan boxset reissues: On 16 August BMG Japan is reissuing the following four Elvis boxsets - Platinum A Life In Music; That's The Way It Is (Special Edition); Live In Las Vegas; Today, Tomorrow & Forever. (News, Source: Elvis World Japan)

New Australian CD release: The Payless label in Australia has released a 2CD boxset featuring tracks from Elvis' Louisiana Hayride appearances. RRP A$9.95. (News, Source: Amber Smith)

Jon Bon Jovi speaks: When asked what happens when we die, singer/actor Jon Bon Jovi replied:

"If we've been good we go to a show featuring Elvis and Lennon on the bill. If we've been bad it's Michael Jackson, and not the young one either, and the Spice Girls reunion." (News, Source: MOJO)

"King Of The Mountain" Elvis tribute from Kate Bush: MOJO had this to say about Kate Bush's haunting tribute to Elvis: "...in which Kate, in a quivering voice (a homage?), wonders if Elvis is still alive in some snowbound realm where mysteries dwell, happily sledging down a mountainside on Kane's Rosebud. She lets this happen with an opaque membrane of sound, which is later embellished with some shanky guitars. The drums arrive late and loud. King of the Mountain suggests that Aerial will be pleasingly spare."

'King Of The Mountain' was the first single from the latest Kate Bush album, "Aerial".

Sanity Australia says of the single: " 'King Of The Mountain' starts out as an atmospheric, lo-fi electronica ballad, which slowly settles into a lilting reggae-lite rhythm, before building into a lumbering, bass-heavy, rock track, resulting in a challenging and experimental piece of artistic statement.

EIN says: "'King Of The Mountain' is one of the best, most interesting and experimental Elvis tribute songs in a long time" (News, Source: MOJO/Sanity/EIN)

Joe Esposito answers Playboy magazine article claims about Elvis: Listen to Joe counter the "outrageous lie" printed about Elvis in an article that appeared in Playboy several months back. (News, Source: Joe Esposito website/Charmaine Voisine)

Where's Navarone?: Judie King asked USA Weekend: "Some years ago, Priscilla Presley, now 61, had a son, but we never hear about him. How old is he, and what is he doing?" USA Weekend replied: "Presley's son Navarone Garibaldi, with former love Marco Garibaldi, is 19. We're told Navarone doesn't want the limelight, but he made news two years ago when he was stopped for speeding and arrested for alleged possession of drugs. Some reports had Navarone joining the Church of Scientology after that (his mother and half-sister Lisa Marie Presley are members), but neither a church spokesperson nor Presley's people would confirm it." (News, Source: Amber Smith)

TCB Band House Party in Scotland Update (see earlier stories 3 and 15 July 2006): Ann Ogilvie sent us this message: "It looks like the event will be a complete sell out!! At the moment, we just have 3 castle places remaining, so if you know of anyone that wants to come but they haven't booked yet, please ask them to contact Natalie Scheff NOW!" (natalie@scheff.biz) (News, Source: Ann Ogilvie)

New JAT book update: Here is the cover artwork for the new Joseph Tunzi book, "Starring In Oklahoma". It is due for release in mid December this year. (News, Source: FECC)

"Aloha Elvis: Hawaii's Great Friend" book update: Following his best-selling ELVIS IN HAWAII, an illustrated account of Elvis's many connections to Hawaii published in 2001, the same publisher, Bess Press, soon will release ALOHA ELVIS: HAWAII'S GREAT FRIEND, the third in it's mini-book series.   The 100-page, palm-sized book will place Elvis in the context of other foreign individuals and musical forms that influenced and changed the music of the islands from the time of its Western discovery in the 18th century. For example, the early missionaries brought the piano and hymns to Hawaii and, later, Portuguese field workers contributed a small stringed instrument that was adapted to become the Œukulele.  As was true everywhere else, Elvis's taught the islands to rock. (News, Source: Elvis In Hawaii/Elvis News)

Cover art - new JAT DVD: Here is the cover artwork for the second volume in the Joseph Tunzi DVD series, Hot Shots and Cool Clips. It is scheduled for release next year. (News, Source: FECC)

Scrapbook company to market Elvis: Whether wanting to commemorate a trip to Graceland or that unforgettable first concert, EK Success, the country’s leading scrapbooking and creative consumer products company, along with Elvis Presley Enterprises is launching the licensed Elvis craft line. Available starting in November 2006, the collection features paper-based scrapbooking products, such as papers, albums and dimensional stickers, that capture the music and lifestyle of one of America’s most beloved rock and roll icons. The collection made its debut to retailers at last week’s annual Craft & Hobby Association 2006 Summer Trade Show in Chicago. (News, Source: EPE)

The Nine Days of Elvis: Elvis Presley was a larger-than-life celebrity, so it's only fitting that the week celebrating his life and career would be nine days instead of seven.

Elvis Week runs from Aug. 8 through Aug. 16, with events at Presley's home, Graceland, and surrounding locations in Memphis, Tenn. The event grew out of the annual pilgrimage by fans to Presley's grave in memory of his death on Aug. 16, 2006. This year's activities include the 2006 Elvis Film Festival, Elvis Week Dance Party, Elvis Presley International Art Show and a scavenger hunt at Graceland. The largest event of the week is the annual candlelight vigil on Tuesday, Aug. 15, when fans will gather around Presley's grave.

This year is also a "golden anniversary" of Elvis' breakout year. Among his career highlights in 1956 were his network television debut, his first No. 1 single ("Heartbreak Hotel") and the release of his first movie, "Love Me Tender." Presley also released the songs "Don't Be Cruel," "Blue Suede Shoes," and "Hound Dog," that year. According to his official biography, Elvis Presley was born "in the humblest of circumstances" on Jan. 8, 1935, in a two-room house in Tupelo, Miss.

His family moved to Memphis in 1948, and Presley began his singing career with Sun Records six years later. He has sold over 1 billion records and was given the Grammy Lifetime Achievement award when he was only 36. This year [again] Presley topped Forbes' list of celebrities who continue to generate income after their death. The magazine estimated that Elvis Presley Enterprises earned $52 million in 2005. (News, Source: CBS News)

'Elvis Presley' FTD Deluxe CD review: The quintessential first Elvis Presley album. The first million-selling Popular Music LP, the world’s first Number One Rock’n’Roll album, the album that changed music history forever! Released by BMG in another format for the umpteenth time, EIN investigates the new FTD deluxe version. Can the small number of new outtakes, improved audio & new packaging really make it worth buying all over again? (FTD Review, Source: EIN, August 2006)

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Vernon Presley home for sale on ebay: The home that ELVIS PRESLEY's father VERNON once owned is to be auctioned off on website eBay. The 3650 Hermitage Drive property in Memphis, Tennessee, is being offered by the same company, the Honky Tonk Hall of Fame llc, that recently auctioned off the superstar's first home for $1 million (£555,500). Vernon Presley's home was just a mile from his famous son's Graceland mansion. The auction began on Friday (04AUG06) and continues for a month (03SEP06). (News, Source: Charmaine Voisine)

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'Good Luck Charm' the video: EIN's review of the 1st, 2nd & 4ever DVD mentioned this very sweet piece of video editing. It has now been posted on YouTube for all to see: Click here

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August 2006 is "Elvis Book Month" on EIN: Throughout August 2006 we are highlighting the vast 2000 strong Elvis library comprised of non-fiction, fiction and specialist publications. Today we have added: a review of Banner Days, a pro wrestling memoir involving The King more Elvis book covers another Elvis book fact a look at an Elvis book which could only be published in New Zealand due to copyright issues involving the "Tarzan" franchise Access EIN's "Elvis Book Month" page

Links to these Elvis related radio stations are now permanently included in EIN's "audio-visual" section in the right hand column of our Home page (see below right under "Latest Interviews")

Graceland Cellars gears up for holiday season: Graceland Cellars has released several new wines for the holiday season featuring classic Elvis imagery combined with award-winning wine. The new wines are a charming addition to the holiday table and the ideal gift for Elvis fans and wine enthusiasts alike. Click to read full story, prices and get the wine recommendations (Source: EPE)

Elvis fans recall Miami debut: A shredded pink sports jacket, scathing editorials and a lot of young enthusiasm are part of the memories of Elvis Presley's first Miami performance...In a fascinating article, Margaria Fichtner looks back at the Elvis phenomenon and the moral devate surrounding his early performances. (Spotlight, Source: Miami Herald)

Warning - Mad Tiger releases are CDRs (see original story 27 July 2006): The recent flood of import re-releases by the Mad Tiger label are not what they appear to be. These releases are CD-recordables. Some of the titles to watch out for are: From Ann Arbor to Kalamazoo, Recorded Live At the Hilton, Macon Magic, Dallas 76, Mobile Trouble, T-R-O-U-B-L-E In Texas, On Fire and King Of Flies. (News, Source: Elvis News)

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Elvis film & documentary screenings in Los Angeles during August: The American Cinematheque presents a salute to Sand, Surf and Elvis onscreen, August 5 - 16 at the Egyptian Theatre and August 19 - 20 at the Aero Theatre as part of Mods and Rockers 2006. Read full media release & film details (Celluloid Elvis/News, Source: American Cinematheque)

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BMG promotional card & 7 track digital sampler: SONY-BMG created another flash promotional card to promote the latest three "Genre" releases "Live", "Movies" and "R&B". On the site it mentions: "Buy this title at Walmart and receive a free 7 track digital Elvis sampler. Includes an exclusive never before available Elvis recording!". (News, Source: BMG / Elvis News)

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Sleep in Elvis' Palm Springs Home: Reno Fontana and his wife Laura are the proprietor's of the Elvis Presley Estate at 845 West Chino Canyon in Palm Springs, CA. They are establishing a unique Elvis fan club where members will be able to hold private parties in the house and will be able to sleep in Elvis' bedroom! Any fan clubs or fans interested in being part of this new club should contact the Fontana's. (News, Source: Reno Fontana)

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"Elvis treasures reissue in Holland: Robert Gordon's "The Elvis Treasures" memorabilia reproduction book will be published in The Netherlands in a Dutch translation in January 2007. The package will be the same as the original release. (News, Source: Elvis For Everyone Fan Club / Elvis News)

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Reissue "Most Famous Hits Elvis The Early Performances" DVD: According to reports, this DVD has been reissued in Malaysia. Originally released a few years ago it features low quality footage of various Elvis TV appearances in the 50s and shorts about his time in Germany and film career. The man behind the DVD is apparently Ray Santilli, who claimed to have bought the 'Pied Piper of Cleveland' footage and also released the "fake" Roswell alien autopsy video. (News, Source: Amber Smith)

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New British calendar: second British company is releasing an official licenced Elvis calendar for 2007. Fans will now have the choice between two official and several not so official products which are all being produced in Great Britain. (News, Source: The United Elvis Presley Society /Elvis News)

Chart update: No chart entries in Britain or Australia this week. U.S. Billboard Elvis Chart listings for the week of 12 Aug 2006:

'Elvis Presley In Concert' Aussie tickets selling fine: With rumours of both the Elvis Sydney concert selling-out and another suggesting poor tickets sales, EIN talked with Dainty Entertainment. EIN: What can you tell us about the recent rumours of either sell-outs or the opposite of poor ticket sales?   DCE: Actually neither are true! Ticket sales have been fine so far, with Melbourne showing the most interest. If anything Sydney sales are a bit behind the other cities. However this is not just shown with the Elvis tickets but is also reflected in all other Tour & concerts sales. Maybe NSW is feeling the monetary pinch more than other states, who can say.

EIN: How's the publicity going?

Controversial university study compares fans of Elvis and the Beatles: In the late 1970s the findings of an Elvis related university research study were published in a prominent US psychology journal. It is undoubtedly the most controversial academic paper ever published about the Elvis world. EIN warns Elvis fans, you won't like some of what you read Read the full article updated today with reader feedback (Spotlight, Source: EIN/Man From Memphis)

Dog mauls Elvis' teddy bear in rampage: A guard dog has ripped apart a collection of rare teddy bears, including one once owned by Elvis Presley, during a rampage at a children's museum. "He just went berserk," said Daniel Medley, general manager of the Wookey Hole Caves near Wells, England, where hundreds of bears were chewed up Tuesday night by the 6-year-old Doberman pinscher named Barney. Barney ripped the head off a brown stuffed bear once owned by the young Presley during the attack, leaving fluffy stuffing and bits of bears' limbs and heads on the museum floor. The bear, named Mabel, was made in 1909 by the German manufacturer Steiff. The collection, valued at more than $900,000, included a red bear made by Farnell in 1910 and a Bobby Bruin made by Merrythought in 1936. The bear with Elvis connections was owned by English aristocrat Benjamin Slade, who bought it at an Elvis memorabilia auction in Memphis, Tenn., and had loaned it to the museum. "I've spoken to the bear's owner and he is not very pleased at all," Medley said. A security guard at the museum, Greg West, said he spent several minutes chasing Barney before wrestling the dog to the ground.(News/Odd Spot, Source:AP)

Sales of FTD releases: "thenexte" posted this interesting message on the FECC board about sales of FTD releases circa 1999-2000. It was originally found by "ElvisSessions" in an interview with Ernst Jorgensen in the quarterly magazine, "Elvis The Man and His Music" (March 2000):

"Regarding overall sales, we had an idea that the top bootleg titles were selling around 4,000 copies each and we thought we needed to do at least 50% better than that to make it viable and keep the interest of the parent company. We realised that the outlets and availablility would be more or less the same as it was for the bootlegs; we're not going far beyond that to deal with retailers, book clubs or whatever. So initially we thought that if we could do 6,000 then that would be okay. But in reality we've been doing 8,000 on each of the [first] three titles, so it's been better than our expectations. It would not be good if they ended up selling 20,000 copies because then that would prove that they should have been out as regular albums and you could assume that they would sell even more copies than that. So at the moment we'll be quite happy if things continue the way they have been gonig with the first three releases." (News, Source: ElvisSessions/thenexte, FECC)

August 2006 is "Elvis Book Month" on EIN: Throughout August 2006 we are highlighting the vast 2000 strong Elvis library comprised of non-fiction, fiction and specialist publications. Today we have added: The "hard-to-believe" books worth reading #1: "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" (Lucy de Barbin) Elvis Fact #3 More Elvis book covers Mini-review - "The Atomic Powered Singer" (Brian Petersen) Access EIN's "Elvis Book Month" page

Scam has Elvis festival visitors "all shook up": Ontario Provincial Police are warning people who visited the Elvis Festival in Collingwood to be wary of phone calls offering them free boat cruises after two women uncovered an apparent scam. After the festival wrapped up last weekend, several people who gave out personal information while filling out a contest entry form received phone calls telling them they had won a free cruise.

The caller then asked them for an $800 transfer fee to collect their prize. Ontario Provincial Police said the crooks took credit card information and made the transaction immediately. Two women discovered the scam when they were talking on the phone and found out both had won the same prize. Realizing that was unlikely, they contacted the police. Bruce Peninsula OPP Const. David Meyer said one of the women had already paid part of the fee using her credit card.

About 70,000 people attended the 12th annual Collingwood festival, but it's unknown how many entered their names in the fake draw. Provincial police are trying to track down the company or individuals responsible. Meanwhile, the festival is still waiting to hear whether a performance of All Shook Up by 94 Elvis Presley impersonators will make it into the Guinness World Records book for the largest Elvis impersonation event. (News, Source: CBC News Canada)

Aussie Elvis festival wins award: The ClubsNSW Parkes Elvis Festival has brought home a prized trophy, taking out the winning title in the CountryLink Inland NSW Tourism Awards. On Sunday night, the Elvis Festival was named winner in the Festivals and Events Category at an Awards Presentation Dinner in Wagga Wagga. The Elvis Festival won within a pool of high quality finalists, including Parkes Shire's own Tullamore Irish Festival.

"This is an exciting win for the Elvis Revival committee!" Monique Kronk, Parkes Shire Tourism Manager said yesterday. "The volunteer Committee members work very hard all year round to make the Festival happen and they should be very proud because their work is now acclaimed and held up as an example for others across New South Wales."

The Awards which received 72 entries this year, are open to entrants from right across Central NSW, Outback NSW, Riverina and the New England. (News, Source: Parkes Champion Post)

Controversial university study compares fans of Elvis and the Beatles: In the late 1970s the findings of an Elvis related university research study were published in a prominent US psychology journal. At the time, in the absence of the Internet, the tyranny of distance, and a resistance to things academic, the study was not widely publicised in Elvis circles, but when it was it created widespread uproar, incensing many fans! It is undoubtedly the most controversial academic paper ever published about the Elvis world. EIN warns Elvis fans, you won't like some of what you read Read the full article (Spotlight, Source: EIN/Man From Memphis)

"Elvis The Ed Sullivan Shows" DVD: Image Entertainment in the US is releasing Elvis' historic appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show on 21 November 2006 in the US. Image Entertainment says: The Ed Sullivan Show (originally called "The Toast of the Town" for the first seven seasons, before the name change for the rest of its 23 years on the air) is a legendary program in the annals of television history. One of the landmark events during the course of the show was the introduction of Elvis Presley, the future King of Rock And Roll. This will now be released on DVD. Read full news story (News, Source: TV Shows on DVD/Elvis News)

Elvis Film Day in UK & Australia on Turner: On August 16, the Turner Film Classics channel is broadcasting 24 hours of Elvis movies. EIN has been informed the movies will screen, at least, both in the UK and Australia. (News, Source: FECC messsageboard/Foxtel magazine/Robert Vasilevski)

Elvis documentarty specials on Foxtel in Australia: Robert Vasilevski has advised EIN that the following specials are listed in the Foxtel (Australia) magazine for telecast on 8 August: The Biography Channel -
Dead Famous - Elvis (New episode)
Lisa Marie special
The Burger And The King (News, Source: Foxtel magazine/Robert Vasilevski)

"Mystery Train" on Aussie TV tonight: Australian fans take note - on SBS tonight at 10pm is the Jim Jarmusch Elvis inspired movie, Mystery Train". Abstract storytelling at its best, "Mystery Train" involves three separate stories linked by their setting in a seedy Memphis hotel, Elvis and the foreigners who stay there. Idiosyncratic characters and trademark deadpan Jarmusch wit make this an enjoyable endeavour especially for anyone who has ever wanted to visit Graceland or Sun Studio. The movie features cameos from Screwamin' Jay Hawkins and The Clash's Joe Strummer. Australian fans: register for our "Aussie Only" E-Alerts and receive more about Elvis in Australia. (News, Source: The Canberra Times)

"Going Back In Time" released: The latest Straight Arrow outing entitled ''Going Back In Time'' with an audience recording from Elvis February 15, 1977, 08:30 P.M. show, recorded live in Orlando, Florida, Sports Stadium, is out. Track listing: 01 Also Sprach Zarathustra (Theme from "2001 A Space Odyssey")/02 Opening Vamp/C C Rider / 03 I Got A Woman - Amen (medley) / 04 Love Me / 05 If You Love Me (Let Me Know)/06 You Gave Me A Mountain/07 O Sole Mio (by Sherrill Nielsen) - It's Now Or Never (with long false start) (medley)/08 All Shook Up (last live version)/09 (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel (medley)/10 Help Me/11 Big Boss Man/12 My Way (with false start and with last part reprised)/13 Band Introductions/14 Early Mornin' Rain/15 What'd I Say/16 Johnny B Goode/17 Drums Solo (by Ronnie Tutt)/18 Bass Solo (Blues - by Jerry Scheff)/19 Piano Solo (by Tony Brown)/20 Love Letters/21 School Day/22Hurt (with last part reprised)/23 Hound Dog/24 Can't Help Falling In Love/25 Closing Vamp/Announcements. Special soundboard bonus from 15.02.1977/26 It's Now Or Never (with long false start)/27 My Way (with false start and with last part reprised)/28 Hurt (with last part reprised). (News, Source: Elvis News)

New Elvis related comic book: "Cindy and Her Obasan in: Elvis and the Lost Halo": This new comic book is due for US release in October. Book overview: Cindy wakes one morning to the sight of her new fairy godmother, Obasan (Japanese for “auntie”), a palm-wand (reducing the changes of carpal tunnel syndrome) carrying magical being who has been assigned by Fairy Godmother Inc. to take care of Cindy’s wishes.

“Cindy's first real wish is to get a personal souvenir from Elvis in Rock Heaven so that she can give it to her granny, an ardent Elvis fan,” says Gladir. “Unfortunately, on one of his many forays to Earth Elvis loses his halo, a big no-no because re-admittance to Rock Heaven is barred to those without their halo.”

This sends Cindy and her Obasan (along with Cindy’s disgruntled teddy bear, Benny, who fumes over the “phony cuddly teddy bear image foisted on the public by the greedy toy industry”) on a quest for both Elvis and his lost halo. (News, Source: Comic Book Bin)

"Nur das Beste" CD released: Released in Germany is the budget compilation "Nur Das Beste". This released is aimed at the younger fans and contains 20 upbeat tracks. The text "Nur Das Beste" (German for "Only The Best') has been printed in on the jewel case itself too. Track listing: 1. Don't be Cruel/2. Hound Dog /3. Blue Suede Shoes/4. Tutti Frutti /5. Heartbreak Hotel /6. Jailhouse Rock /7. I got Stung /8. A big hunk o' love /9. Wear my Ring around your Neck /10. Hard Headed Woman /11. King Creole/12. I need you love tonight /13. Too much/14. All shook up/15. Long tall Sally /16. Rip it up /17. Got a lot o' livin' to do!/18. Party/ 19. Mean Woman Blues/20. Dixieland Rock (News, Source: Collectors Service/Elvis News)

Photographer Jim Reid dies: Memphis photographer, Jim Reid, the man responsible for two photobooks on Elvis, has passed away from lung cancer. Mr Reid was a colleague of Elvis World's Bill E. Burk at the now defunct newspaper, the Memphis Press-Scimitar. Bill Burk tells us: "Jim was one of three Press-Scimitar photographers that Elvis liked and thus had easy access to Elvis.  One of Jim's more memorable photos was a grieving Elvis and a grieving Vernon sitting on the steps of Graceland after they had buried Gladys Presley in 1958.  Jim also was the Press-Scimitar photographer at Union Station when The Tennessean train pulled in on 7 March 1960, bringing Elvis home from the Army". Jim Reid's Elvis photobooks were "Fond Memories of Elvis" and "Fond Memories of Elvis Vol. II Twenty-Three Years of Photos". (News, Source: Bill E. Burk/EIN)

August 2006 is "Elvis Book Month" on EIN: Throughout August 2006 we will be highlighting the vast 2000 strong Elvis library comprised of non-fiction, fiction and specialist publications. We will: have reviews of new Elvis book releases publish various articles about the Elvis book phenomenon look at the bibliographies for prolific Elvis authors and publishers including Ger Rijff, Joseph Tunzi, Sean Shaver and Bill Burk present an interview or two with Elvis book authors run a competition with several Elvis books as prizes look at the rarest Elvis books ever published publish various Elvis book covers PLUS much more! Access EIN's "Elvis Book Month" page

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Book Review - "Fairytale": As part of our "Elvis Book Month" EIN will be bringing you a series of reviews on new and rare titles. Today, Susan MacDougall (Presleys In The Press) delves into the anonymously written "Fairytale". The idea that Elvis did not die in August 1977 has spawned a mini-library of richly diverse and controversial, fiction and non-fiction titles since the late 1970s. The most well known books are of course by Gail Brewer-Giorgio, who left the Elvis world several years ago to pursue other interests. In the fiction area, one book highly sought after by collectors is "Fairytale". In her thorough and insightful review of the book, Susan MacDougall dissects its meaning and explores its themes and merits. (Book Review, Source: EIN)

New Elvis graphic by Charmaine: Charmaine Voisine has completed another stunning Elvis graphic. Visit Charmaine's Elvis Graphics page to view a larger image of "Elvis On Tour" and also 26 more great Elvis visuals.

New book - "Who Is the Greatest? Elvis or the Beatles?": Coinciding nicely with EIN's ongoing series of articles comparing Elvis and the Beatles, comes news of this new softcover 232 page book by Mike Stephens and Bill Slater. Due out in the USA on 28 August from the Dorset Group (ISBN: 0976802112). (News, Source: ElvisBookResearch)

Read EIN's articles on Elvis vs the Beatles

10 foot Elvis statue sold: An unbelievable 10 feet tall statue of the king of Rock’n’Roll Elvis Presley has been sold at Ebay for $ 17,700.01. This statue was hand sculptured by Mr. Eric Vernon Parks. Mr. Parks is the son of the "world famous sculptor", Mr. Charles Parks. This Elvis sculpture is one of only 'hand full' that are known to exist! Mr. Eric Parks was the only sculptor approved by Graceland, at the time (1979), to commission an exact full body likeness of Elvis. No more of these statues are being commissioned by Parks and haven't been for many years. The first one created by artist Eric Parks used to be located in the Elvis Presley plaza on Beale Street in Memphis Tennessee, but has for the last few years been located in the visitors centre in Memphis. Artist Parks has paid great attention to detail in this sculpture. Elvis’ hair, combed in a familiar style, with a single prominent curl and side burns, looks freshly combed. The hair curves around the ears, and ends at mid-neck. His sideburns have a slightly bushy look to them. His facial features are strong and distinctive, capturing the manly beauty of the young Elvis. The incredible detail is even evident in his shirt. About the Artist: Eric Vernon Parks was born on March 8, 1948 in Wilmington, Delaware . He is the first-born son of prominent sculptor, Charles Parks. Early exposure to the techniques of drawing and modeling in his father’s studio encouraged and enabled him to pursue his own journey in the three-dimensional arts. The artist has exhibited extensively. His works are in numerous corporate and private collections, and in the Brandywine River Museum in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania.” Other than his ten-foot-high statue of Elvis Presley in Memphis he created the "American Song", a seven foot bronze statue of a flute player that stands in Independence Mall in Philadelphia. (News, Source: Elvis Unlimited /Elvis News)

The Million Dollar Quartet - 50th Anniversary Special Edition CD: This double CD set has been released in the UK by the Charly label. Both discs have the same photo as the cover. (News, Source: Barry McLean/FECC)

"The Best of Elvis Presley" Vietnamese CD release: Released in Vietnam is a new compilation CD "The Best of Elvis Presley" featuring 30 favorites from Vietnamese Fans. This release includes hits like: Summer Kisses Winter Tears, Fever, Your Cheatin' Heart, The Girl Of My Best Friend, Blue Suede Shoes, Santa Lucia, I Just Can't Help Believin', Make Me Know It, No More and Angel. (News, Source: HT Long/Elvis News)

Quote:

"Elvis Presley is the supreme socio-cultural icon in the history of pop culture"

(Dr. Gary Enders)

Quote:

"Elvis is the 'glue' which holds our society together....which subconciously gives our world meaning"

(Anonymous)

Quote:

"Eventually everybody has to die, except Elvis"

(humorist Dave Barry)

Quote:

"He is the "Big Bang", and the universe he detonated is still expanding, the pieces are still flying"

(Greil Marcus, "Dead Elvis")

Quote:

"I think Elvis Presley will never be solved"

(Nick Tosches)

Quote:

"He was the most popular man that ever walked on this planet since Christ himself was here"

(Carl Perkins)

Quote:

"When I first heard Elvis' voice I just knew I wasn't going to work for anybody...hearing him for the first time was like busting out of jail"

(Bob Dylan)

Quote:

"When we were kids growing up in Liverpool, all we ever wanted was to be Elvis Presley"

(Sir Paul McCartney)

Quote:

"You can't say enough good things about Elvis. He was one of a kind"

(Johnny Cash)

Quote:

"And don't think for one moment he's just a passing fancy....he's got enough of it to keep him on top for a long time"

(R. Fred Arnold, Fury magazine, Aug 1957)

Quote:

"It isn't enough to say that Elvis is kind to his parents, sends money home, and is the same unspoiled kid he was before all the commotion began. That still isn't a free ticket to behave like a sex maniac in public"

(Eddie Condon, Cosmopolitan)

Elvis records reaching #2 & #3 on the Cashbox Pop Singles chart:

#2: A Fool Such As I (1959)

#2: A Big Hunk Of Love (1959)

#3: Hard Headed Woman (1958)

#3: One Night (1958)

#3: (You're The Devil) In Disguise (1963)

Elvis Facts:

Tickets for Elvis' show on March 29, 1957 in St. Louis cost $2.00 to $2.50

While in Germany Elvis was hospitalised with tonsillitis in October 1959

Despite being an illegal immigrant, photographic evidence shows Colonel Tom Parker traveled to Canada with Elvis in 1957

Elvis strongly believed there weren't enough good songs in King Creole to justify releasing a soundtrack album. RCA initially agreed, releasing two very successful EPs from the movie. A soundtrack LP eventually followed

During the 1960s Elvis had his own football team, Elvis Presley Enterprises, which played in the Memphis touch football league. In the 1962 final, EPE narrowly lost to Delta Automatic Transmission, 6-13

In Clambake, (Elvis) Scott Hayward's driving licence shows February 23, 1940...taking 5 years off Elvis' real age

In the 1970s Elvis was offered $5m to stage a concert in front of the Pyramids in Egypt. When the Colonel declined the offer, Saudi billionaires raised the offer to $10m