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Welcome to the "Elvis Information Network", home to the best news, reviews, interviews, Elvis photos & in-depth articles about the King of Rock & Roll, Elvis Aaron Presley...
The latest on www.elvisinfonet.com:
Elvis FilesVol.1 '53-'56: Erik Lorentzen's new 'Elvis Files Vol.1 1953 - 1956' is at the printers and will be published soon. A huge volume of 594 pages even with it trimmed down to a feasible postal weight - 1956 was a great
year for Elvis. The first volume of the Elvis Files story, chronicling Elvis' rise from his pre SUN discovery to becoming the world's biggest new sensation - nearly 600 pages & 1,400 photos... Featuring All Elvis Events from 1953-1956, Every Working Moment, The Early Tours, The first Las Vegas trip, Recording Sessions, The TV Shows and lots of UNSEEN and UNPUBLISHED images.
The publication date is now scheduled for January 2013.
115 Euro including postage for Europe, 140 Euro for worldwide
See EIN's exclusive preview and STUNNING Elvis photos & order details here.
(News, Source;EricL/ElvisInformationNetwork) |
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Elvis Express Radio Celebrates their 1000th Show: What a fabulous way to end 2012 as our great friends at Elvis Express Radio, Lee Dawson, Lana and Joe celebrate their 1000th pure Elvis show.
This Special EER 1,000 Show on 12/28/12 will be a fabulous Elvis get together with friends for an extended 5 Hours! Normally the show runs 3 hours.
With all with the latest Elvis News, Elvis Music and Elvis Stories this will be a stunner you shouldn't miss.
This happens TODAY UK time Friday December 28th 2012!
CLICK HERE to EER Radio. (or download it for later listening)
Congratulations to Elvis Express Radio from everyone at EIN.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNetwork) |
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'Elvis – Aloha via Satellite' Boxcar Deluxe PREORDER: Boxcar Enterprises in association with JAT Publishing will release a 40th Year Anniversary special book, in celebration of Elvis’ iconic ‘Aloha from Hawaii’ titled, “Elvis – Aloha via Satellite” in February 2013.
This massive most comprehensive 450 page volume is packaged and housed the same as Boxcar’s previous outing of “Elvis Presley’s Graceland through the Years” released earlier this year.
The stylish book comprises of hundreds upon hundreds of photographs many of which have never been seen before. Also collected here exclusively are scores of historical memorabilia and the Colonels original internal documents and scripts. This is intended to create a time-travel experience of sorts documenting the most groundbreaking event in the annals of television history.
On January 14th 1973 “Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii - Via Satellite” was the first live concert to be televised live with a global viewing audience of 1.5 Billion. An audience larger than man's first landing on the moon!
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From the ‘making of’ to the show itself, the reader enjoys reliving the magic of this extraordinary event and is sufficiently reminded that 1,500,000,000 Elvis fans can't be wrong!
More details with further artwork coming in January 2013.
EIN readers having been asking for price details. The book is now on PREORDER at the London Elvis Shop for £64.99 which is US$105. CLICK HERE for ordering details.
The book will also be on sale through Amazon nearer the time -More info soon.
EIN Note - following on from their 'Graceland book' this looks like a real winner.
(News, Source;Boxcar/ElvisInfoNetwork) |
Elvis' Pascagoula girl: She dated Elvis Presley for a few months back in 1957, but he certainly was not the love of her life. That honor belonged to Herbert Fishman, who met his future bride, Pinkie Elizabeth Smith, when she rang up his groceries in a checkout line. He was smitten and asked her out. She said yes. They married a short time later, in June 1960.
Pinkie Smith was raised in Taylorsville, the daughter of a barber and a housewife who also had a son and three other daughters.
She was working on a bus line when she wound up on the same bus as Elvis' manager and his uncle. They ushered her into Graceland, past a waiting crowd of excitable young women. Of course Elvis took a liking to the petite blonde with high cheekbones. It would not be her last visit to Graceland.
The singer and Smith were both 21, but he was already famous. His lifestyle was a little too fast for Smith so they did not date too long.
Herbert Fishman turned out to be just the man for her. She stayed home with her two sons, Micah and Jared, until they grew older. The story of her time with Elvis made the rounds.
"She was known for her time with Elvis around Pascagoula," Jared Fishman said, "but she didn't consider it that much of a big deal. She just thought he was a nice guy."
When Katrina hit it flooded her house with water and claimed many of their possessions and memories.
Pinkie Fishman's health then began to fail, she died Thursday aged 77.
(News, Source;BiloxiSunHerald/ElvisInfoNet)
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Elvis' Fort Hood Killeen house: The 1950's ranch-style house at 605 Oakhill Drive doesn’t have any visual features that dramatically set it apart from the other homes in the central Killeen neighborhood. It’s a one-story, brick home with a rather large mailbox out front. There is no pink Cadillac. There is no visual evidence that "Elvis was here."
But if these walls could talk, they’d sing.
In 1958, longtime Killeen resident Edith Carlile lived four doors down from the house Pvt. Elvis Presley lived in with his parents. Presley rented the home for seven months from a local lawyer when he was stationed at Fort Hood for Army training.
"The street was extremely crowded with cars going by," said Carlile, "People were standing in the yard, wanting to touch him, kiss him." |
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Carlile, 89, was a mother of four at the time, and wasn’t really into the rock ’n’ roll music that Presley is famous for.
Her children however did get autographs from Presley, but Carlile said she threw the signed pieces of paper away years later.
She said the rock ’n’ roll king dated a few of the local girls when he was here, and his presence made a big impact, especially in the Oakhill Drive neighborhood, which in 1958 was home to lawyers, business owners and other upper-middle class families.
More than 54 years later, the house is still standing, and although it’s aged, the outside doesn’t look dramatically different from when Presley lived there.
The couple who currently own the home surprisingly didn’t even know the house had once been lived in by Presley when they bought it more than a year ago.
But they’ve heard the stories now, and even had some visits from die-hard Presley fans.
One of the owners said people regularly pop by the house to take a snapshot or inquire about the former home of the King.
Some drive hundreds of miles to do so. Others want to peep inside or look at the backyard.
The historical significance of the home — if there is any — may be dwindling.
"It’s just a place he stayed at — like a hotel or something," Carlile said.
Killen resident Penny Love was 3 or 4 years old and lived around the corner in 1958.
Love said she remembers seeing Elvis sneak through her backyard to avoid the crowd that waited out front. She said she would sometimes sit on Presley’s father’s lap on the front porch.
Attempts to officially recognize the house and street as historic never really caught on.
In August 1958, Presley fans petitioned the Killeen City Council to change the name of Oakhill Drive to Presley Drive, bringing nationwide publicity to the area. Today, however, Oakhill is still the name of the street.
And the number of fans who come to look at the home have dwindled over the decades, Carlile said. Some aren’t even quite sure which house it is anymore.
For a good look at where Elvis Presley lived during his life, fans may just have to be satisfied with Graceland
(News, Source;KilleenDailyHerald/ElvisInfoNetwork) |
EPE blocks US comedian Andrew Dice Clay from using Elvis song: It is a big change from the old days when EPE would never give permission for Elvis songs to be used in films or on TV as nowadays Elvis is everywhere. However the executors of Elvis' EPE estate reportedly forced comedian Andrew Dice Clay to re-edit his upcoming New Year's Eve TV special to remove a rendition of one of The King's songs.
Andrew Dice Clay had previously noted, "I decided I'll become the Elvis of standup. I will create that persona for people to have because it's been done on television, it's been done in movies ... but it was never done as a standup comic. It was all Elvis influenced. And it worked."
The funnyman serenaded his wife with a version of Presley's track 'One Night with You' during the pre-taped stand-up performance for the Showtime network.
However, the program had to be re-edited to omit the sequence after Clay failed to win permission to include the song.
He told the New York Post, "I've always been tight with Jerry Schilling and the 'Memphis Mafia'but they don't run the estate anymore. They wanted a lot of money for it (the song). Money is the root of all evil."
The comic's show, titled Indestructible, will air on 31 December (12).
(News, Source;ABCNews/ElvisInfoNet) |
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| Tuesday 25 December 2012 - MERRY CHRISTMAS BABY! |
Everyone at EIN wishes all of our readers a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Santa Claus Is Back in Town
(Jerry Leiber/ Mike Stoller)
Well, it's Christmas time pretty baby
And the snow is falling on the ground
Well, it's Christmas time pretty baby
And the snow is falling down
Well you be a real good little girl
Santa Claus is back in town
Got no sleigh with reindeer
No sack on my back
You're gonna see me comin' in a big black caddilac
Oh, it's Christmas time pretty baby
And the snow is falling on the ground
Well you be a real good little baby
Santa Claus is back in town
Merry Christmas everybody!
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EPE Fan Club Presidents 2012 CD: Always a lovely Elvis collectable, this is the 2012 Christmas CD that EPE sends to all official Elvis fan club presidents.
This year it again features three tracks...
- Silent Night
- Blue Christmas
- Santa Claus Is Back In Town
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNetwork) |
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Crowds get close and personal with Elvis at Australian Reptile Park: A great story for Christmas - They say you should never smile at a crocodile and that you can't get friendly with one, but that's exactly what one lucky person will get to try every day of the school holidays, at Somersby's Australian Reptile Park, north of Sydney.
From December 27, staff at the popular Somersby tourist attraction will randomly pick one person from the crowd to go where no one has gone before - that's inside Elvis the saltwater crocodile's enclosure.
Once inside the enclosure, those chosen will get to experience a once-in-a-lifetime moment and feed the monstrous 5m long and more-than 500kg beast.
"Elvis is a true monster... we think he's about 40 to 50-years-old but we don't know for sure," said manager Tim Faulkner.
"He came to us after being a problem croc in Darwin harbour. He was sent to a croc farm where he ate a couple of his girlfriends, so he's a true monster."
"We call ourselves the hands-on zoo, but this is something we've never done before. But we love Elvis and we love educating people - and this is a perfect way to do both," Mr Faulkner said.
(Odd Spot;Source;ElvisInfoNetwork)
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Monday 24 December 2012 - Only ONE more sleep until... It's Christmas Time Pretty Baby.. |
'Aloha From Hawaii via Satellite' VINYL Re-Release: After the weekend's Aloha release news now UK's Friday Music label has announced a Limited Edition 2013 Re-release of the double-vinyl 'Aloha From Hawaii via Satellite'.
The Historic Concert....back on VINYL!! This was a historic event, millions of people around the world watched The King rock and roll from this 1973 television special and companion album, great band, great show....this hi quality vinyl pressing comes in the double pocket cover, with the cut out hole in the middle, with the photo of Elvis as it was 40 years ago. Great time in music history!
Release date 21 Jan 2013. ASIN: B0096PS5Q6. Priced at £34.96
EIN is surprised Roger Semon has not announced a special Aloha Vinyl package.
(News, Source;Amazon/UK) |
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Stating that we thought 'From Elvis Presley Boulevard' was "certainly one of Elvis’ worst albums" generated some very interesting feedback from EIN readers. Our review is now updated with your thoughts. |
NOW UPDATED - 'From Elvis Presley Boulevard' FTD In-Depth Review: 'From Elvis Presley Boulevard' was first released in April 1976 but only reached #41 in the charts. It only featured 10 tracks, recorded at Elvis' Graceland home among them 'Hurt', 'Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain' and 'For The Heart'.
BUT if Elvis was "Raised on Rock" then why was 'From Elvis Presley Boulevard' such a middle-of-the-road quagmire of syrupy overdubs and tepid songs? This really wasn’t the album Elvis fans had been waiting for.
In hindsight we now understand more about Elvis’ depressed emotional state at the time and the difficulties involved in getting him enthusiastic enough to record at all.
But if the single ‘Hurt/For The Heart’ was supposed to be the promo for the album, then fans were surely disappointed. Even the cover pretended it was a live concert album - the Colonel must have been desperate! It is certainly one of Elvis’ worst albums.
Go here as EIN's Piers Beagley discovers a new way to enjoy this Classic Album release - Now Updated with YOUR Feedback.
(FTDReviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork) |
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New Graceland Tupelo exhibit draws fans to Elvis' birthplace: Mississippi officials hope that a new Graceland exhibit about Elvis' boyhood will draw visitors to his birthplace in Tupelo.
Tourism officials visited the exhibit "Elvis' Tupelo," on Thursday.
The walls are covered with Elvis Festival posters, timelines of Vernon and Gladys’ life in Tupelo, pictures of Elvis during his time in Tupelo and his later concert, the exhibit even has one of the metal guitar sculptures that line Main Street in downtown Tupelo.
Elvis' Tupelo combines photos, video, and memorabilia in an interactive experience for fans to enjoy. Fans can see archival footage of Elvis' 1956 Tupelo Homecoming and scroll through childhood photos, rare artifacts and more. Fans also have access to some of the Presley family's clothing, personal photos, concert memorabilia and more.
Neal McCoy, executive director of the Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau, tells WTVA-TV that he hopes the display will draw some Elvis fans from his famous Memphis home to his more humble beginnings in northeast Mississippi.
Each year, Graceland draws anywhere between 600,000 to 650,000 people a year. In comparison, the birthplace in Tupelo draws around 45,000 people a year. The display will continue through into 2015.
(News, Source;AP/ElvisInfoNet)
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Latest Billboard Album Charts: The following appeared on the Billboard charts for w/e 29nd December 2012.
- 'It's Christmas Time' charting higher than the new "Classic Christmas Album"! drops from 46 to 65 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart selling some 15,302 units. Total sales to date: 1,475,722 units. It also drops from 6 to 8 on the Catalog Album Chart and drops from 14 to 18 on the Holiday Album Chart.
- 'Elvis Christmas' drops from 133 to 157 on the Top 200 Album Chart selling some 6,976 units. Total sales to date: 624,306 units.
- 'The Classic Christmas Album' drops from 155 to 185 on the Top 200 Album Chart selling some 6,175 units. Total sales to date: 35,153 units. It also drops from 19 to 24 on the Country Album Chart. It also drops from 107 to 135 on the Current Album Chart (Top 200 albums minus Catalog Albums).
- 'Elvis Uncovered' re-enters the Current Album Chart at 200. (Top 200 albums minus Catalog albums).
- 'Blue Christmas' (Single) drops from 23 to 24 on the Holiday Airplay Chart and drops from 13 to 14 on the Holiday Songs Chart.
(News, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNet)
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Saturday 22 December 2012 - 3 days & Santa Claus is coming to town... 2nd News Update |
'Aloha From Hawaii via Satellite' Legacy Edition March Release: At last a Sony Legacy 40th Anniversary release announced of Elvis' two Aloha concerts. Performed at the H.I.C. Arena in Honolulu on January 14, 1973, Aloha From Hawaii via Satellite was the first, worldwide live satellite broadcast of a concert - broadcast to over 40 Nations and screened to others several weeks later. The concert debuted in the U.S. TV on NBC on April 4 and the Nielsen ratings had the show at 33.8% of homes and 51% of those watching TV - and in the Far-East, TV viewing records were broken in Japan, Philippines, Australia, Korea and Hong Kong!
On Jan 12, a full dress rehearsal took place prior to the main show. Previously issued as "The Alternate Aloha", this dress rehearsal performance makes up the first 21 tracks of Disc 2 of this Legacy Edition, which has been REMIXED and REMASTERED by Steve Rosenthal and Rob Santos. At the end of the main show on Jan 14, Elvis recorded 5 bonus songs behind closed doors for the US version of the TV show (tracks 25 to 29 Disc 2). Although previously issued, it is the first time all 5 songs have appeared in their rightful place! |
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Release date March 19, 2013. Priced at only US$16.30 -
This new 2-CD Legacy Edition features:
Disc 1 The Original Album (REMASTERED)
Disc 2 The Jan 12 Dress Rehearsal + five bonus tracks recorded after the show, Blue Hawaii, Ku-U-I-Po, No More, Hawaiian Wedding Song and Early Morning Rain. (REMIXED & REMASTERED)
24 page booklet with rare photos and new liner notes
Go here to Amazon.
(News, Source;Amazon/ElvisInfoNetwork) |
'Elvis – Aloha via Satellite' Boxcar Deluxe Release: Boxcar Enterprises in association with JAT Publishing will release a 40th Year Anniversary special book, in celebration of Elvis’ iconic ‘Aloha from Hawaii’ titled, “Elvis – Aloha via Satellite” in February 2013.
This massive most comprehensive 450 page volume is packaged and housed the same as Boxcar’s previous outing of “Elvis Presley’s Graceland through the Years” released earlier this year.
The stylish book comprises of hundreds upon hundreds of photographs many of which have never been seen before. Also collected here exclusively are scores of historical memorabilia and the Colonels original internal documents and scripts. This is intended to create a time-travel experience of sorts documenting the most groundbreaking event in the annals of television history.
On January 14th 1973 “Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii - Via Satellite” was the first live concert to be televised live with a global viewing audience of 1.5 Billion. An audience larger than man's first landing on the moon!
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From the ‘making of’ to the show itself, the reader enjoys reliving the magic of this extraordinary event and is sufficiently reminded that 1,500,000,000 Elvis fans can't be wrong!
More details with further artwork coming in January 2013.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New year- Boxcar Enterprises
EIN Note - following on from their 'Graceland book' this looks like a real winner.
(News, Source;Boxcar/ElvisInfoNetwork) |
"Elvis' Christmas Album" # 2 in Rolling Stone's Greatest Christmas Albums: With Christmas comes the timeless melodies of the king and RollingStone.com recently named "Elvis' Christmas Album" as one of "The 25 Greatest Christmas Albums of All Time."
A post on Rolling Stone rates Elvis' album #2 behind Phil Spector's classic 'A Christmas Gift For You' and calls the album "a wonderful mix of lighthearted rock & roll, reverent versions of traditional favorites". They even look at the controversy surrounding the album when it was first released.
... Want to know how revolutionary Elvis was in Fifties America? Irving Berlin, the author of "White Christmas," was so scandalized by Elvis's 1957 version of the song that he tried to get it banned from radio. Sorry, Irv. Instead, Elvis' Christmas Album topped the Billboard charts for a month and went on to sell nearly 20 million copies in various editions. It's a wonderful mix of lighthearted rock & roll ("Santa Bring My Baby Back to Me"), reverent versions of traditional favorites ("O Little Town of Bethlehem") and nods to his country and gospel roots ("Take My Hand,
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Precious Lord"). The classic, of course, is "Blue Christmas." But on every song, Elvis ingeniously adds a suggestive thrust to a lilywhite genre while slightly purifying his own bad-boy image by showing he could warm your hearth as well as roast your chestnuts.
To see the complete list of "The 25 Greatest Christmas Albums of All Time" - Click HERE.(News, Source;Rolling Stone/ElvisInfoNet) |
'Elvis In Concert' Returns To Brazil In 2013: It has just been announced that the EPE/Stig Edgren touring production of 'Elvis In Concert' will play nine concerts (7 cities) in Brazil during October 2013.
Cities and dates to be announced. There is a video advertisement for the tour on YouTube but is narrated in Portuguese. Some interesting video from the 2012 Concerts and Exhibition can be seen.
(News, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNet)
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Brand new Elvis McDonalds in Holland: A great report from the Elvis Matters fan club. Is this world’s greatest McDonalds? No doubt: yes! Far more "Elvis" than you can imagine - including the one in Tupelo. This is a 100% Elvis McDonald's. Last weekend the brand new E-McDo opened its doors in the city of Best, the Netherlands. The fast food restaurant looks exactly like the original first McDonald's in Des Plaines, USA which opened in 1955. The eye catchers of this particular restaurant are huge pictures of Elvis on walls, tables and even windows. Other items of interest are some of Elvis’s gold records (including the brand new 30 gold singles frame), news paper clippings, old merchandise/memorabilia and there’s even an iPhone app: if you point your iPhone to one of the many Elvis pictures, your cell phone screen shows a clip of Elvis! The address: 59 Eindhovenseweg Zuid in Best, Holland.
(News, Source;ElvisMatters/EIN) |
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Elvis Birthday Celebrations 2013 |
Graceland 2013 Birthday Celebrations: From Saturday, January 5 to Jan 8th 2013 you can join Elvis fans from around the world as EPE celebrate the king's birthday. Many fun events are scheduled and the celebration concludes with the Elvis Presley Day Ceremony, which includes a birthday cake cutting and proclamation by both the Memphis and Shelby County officials.
Opening of new exhibit 'Elvis' Hawaii: Movies, Concerts and More!' plus Meet 'n' Greet with artist Betty Harper.
Also meet at the gates of Graceland at midnight pre Elvis' birthday as they join fans from across the globe singing familiar Gospel Tribute to Elvis - and of course, Happy Birthday to Elvis.
Special guests include a rare appearance from Elvis' former girlfriend Anita Wood and her daughter Jonnita Brewer Barrett. Anita will talk and share her memories of dating Elvis from 1957 - 1962.
See EPE's Birthday Schedule here.
(News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
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Parkes Elvis Birthday festival in Australia 2013: It's 35 years since Elvis left the building, yet more than 15,000 Elvis fans gather in the Central NSW town of Parkes to celebrate Elvis Presley's birthday every January. More fans gather in a small country Australian town than in Memphis to celebrate Elvis' Birthday!
The 5 day Festival Program Elvis Festival is from 9th -13th January 2013. The 2013 Feature Artist will once again be DEAN Z! The 5 day Festival Program features a dazzling array of more than 150 individual events. Highlights of the 2013 Program will include top |
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Elvis Birthday Celebration in Sydney, Australia: On the night of Elvis Presley's 78th birthday, celebrate with ‘She Is The King’ at Sydney’s Basement club. Jacqueline Feilich, aka She is The King, is the only woman ever to be selected by EPE to enter the worldwide search for The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist in its inaugural 2007 Contest in Elvis' birthplace - Tupelo, Mississippi USA.
"Jacqueline is the most unique Elvis Tribute Artist in the world and not just because she's female. It's because she's female and does her own interpretation, using her 'own' voice, which accurately and convincingly channels that of Elvis Presley's. Her singles "Edge of Reality", "Viva Las Vegas" and "I Got A Feelin' In My Body" bring us Elvis like we've never heard before. Her renditions of these songs and many tracks on her debut album "Comeback" are the most unique interpretations of Presley classics ever done in the ETA world. She sings with a raw emotional power that would cripple any contemporary in comparison.
For one night only, join She Is The King as she takes over The Basement, with her band The Memphis Flash -at The Basement, 7 Macquarie Place, Circular Quay, Sydney.
Go here for EIN’s interview with ‘She Is The King’
Go here for Birthday Concert details and tickets
(News, Source;The Basement/ElvisInfoNetwork)
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'Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular 'Birthday Edition Tour': Back by popular demand with the best line up ever, the 2013 January tour features some of the most amazing ETAs in the world in a tribute to the most significant entertainer of all time.
Headlining the tour this year is Shawn Klush, EPE's first ever Ultimate ETA. Also starring is Cody Slaughter, 'Elvis' from the Million Dollar Quartet Tour, Donny Edwards and many special guests.
The 'Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular' also features many of Elvis' original band. Returning this year is the Legendary DJ Fontana, Elvis' original drummer and recent inductee in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. DJ is "the First Drummer of Rock N Roll."Also joining the tour this year are The Sweet Inspirations, Elvis' original female backing group from 1969 until his |
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untimely passing. New this year is Elvis' favorite Gospel Group the Blackwood Quartet.
The Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular comes to 7 cities around the US Midwest starting Janunary 3rd in Skokie IL, Elgin IL, Merrillville, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Louisville for last date Jan 13th.
Click HERE for info, dates and tickets
(News, Source;ETA/ElvisInfoNet) |
Elvis Palm Springs Birthday Weekend: Celebrate Elvis Presley's Birthday At His Famous Home In Palm Springs, California! Elvis Birthday Tribute Day Saturday January 5, 2013.
With House Tours, Concert, Celebrities and Birthday Cake
Starring Elvis Tribute Artist Chris Luna And The Tcb Flash Band
Elvis Celebrities- Tanya Lemani - "Little Egypt" From The '68 Comeback Special plus Glen Glenn - Rockabilly Hall Of Famer And Friend Of Elvis.
Go HERE for more info and tickets
(News, Source;Hideaway/ElvisInfoNet)
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Thursday 20 December 2012 |
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'Hawaii Conversations' and 'Gospel Event' On Sale Now': Elvis fans in Hawaii who are not part of the 'Aloha 2013' package can now purchase individual tickets to attend a few of the events that will be part of the 40th Anniversary Aloha from Hawaii Celebration. A limited number of individual tickets for "Conversations on Elvis-Hawaiian-Style" and the "Gospel Performance" are now available through Graceland Reservations.
'Conversations on Elvis - Hawaiian Style' will feature
$59.00 per person Tom Moffatt; author Jerry Hopkins, Jan Shepard Elvis’ co-star in “King Creole” and “Paradise, Hawaiian Style”; and former members of the group J. D. Sumner and The Stamps Quartet who sang back up for Elvis in the 1970s and were part of Elvis’ “Aloha from Hawaii”
The 'Elvis Gospel Performance' will celebrate one of Elvis’ favorite styles of music with one of his favorite gospel groups. Live on stage will be former members of the group J.D. Sumner and The Stamps Quartet.
EIN will be in attendance - see you there! GO HERE for info and tickets.
(News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
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Bruno Mars an early ELVIS achiever!: Grammy award-winning heart-throb Bruno Mars, who has already sold 6 million albums and 40 million singles worldwide, recently shared his story from being a tiny Elvis fan to having a lucrative career as a singer and songwriter with CBS's Sunday Morning.
Born to a family of music, Bruno Mars began his career dressed in rhinestone suits and singing Elvis' music in his family's band. Mars has always credited Elvis as being one of his biggest inspirations and highlights his childhood love for the king in the recent interview.
Even at age two, Mars said he was taken with how girls were screaming for "Elvis." "And as a young kid, you're like, 'I want that.'"
So when his dad put Bruno on stage he did the only thing he knew. His Mini-Elvis was an instant hit, becoming so popular that little Bruno was given a cameo in the movie "Honeymoon in Vegas."
Despite his recent rise to fame, it was a long road for Mars' eclectic '50s style genre to fully surface in the industry. After a failed deal with Motown Records, Mars debated on returning to Hawaii - a decision that turned out to be the best one he never made. Now after 13 Grammy nods, two of the
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bestselling digital singles of all time and over a billion hits on YouTube, Mars is now performing to audiences as big as his childhood icon.
"As for Hawaii, Bruno did finally go home after all - to a packed arena, where perhaps not so coincidentally Elvis once performed."
- Read more of Bruno Mars interview with CBS Click here.
Go here to see Bruno Mars performing as "Elvis" aged 4. Who knew he would become a Grammy Award winner!
(News, Source;CBS/ElvisInfoNet) |
Graceland Named in "Ten Spots For Music-Lovers": Graceland was named in the recent article "Ten Spots For Music-Lovers" on CanadianTraveller.com.
"Elvis was a cultural industry unto himself, a force in music as well as film, a walking political controversy. Little wonder that he captured the world’s attention so powerfully."
Other favorites include the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which houses several of Graceland's artifacts, as well as "The Beatles Story Exhibition" which features the "Elvis and Us" Exhibit.
To read more about the "Ten Spots For Music-Lovers" CLICK HERE.
(News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
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Priscilla Wicked Queen of Panto - Great Reviews: Priscilla Presley may have taken some time to understand the concept of British pantomine but UK's New Wimbledon Theatre is cock-a-hoop about landing Presley for her panto debut, boasting of its “biggest and most exciting line-up to date”.
And she has been getting very good reviews! One reviewer enthuses how Presley relishes her role, taking to it with “a real sense of fun,” while another says: “I can’t say I held out much hope for Priscilla Presley...but she entirely confounded my low expectations. She performs with fizzing confidence, whipping up the audience into a storm of boos with gleeful malevolence.”
The Guardian critic wrote - "Presley has apparently never appeared on stage before, let alone in panto, and initially it looks as if she's going to fall flat on her face... But then something curious happens. The wickeder the Wicked Queen gets, the better her performance becomes... Presley certainly earns her fee."
Priscilla has previously performed as an actor, she memorably played Jenna Wade in the original Eighties series of Dallas and displayed a deft comic touch in
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'Elvis As Recorded Live In Lake Charles' New Import: Coming Soon Elvis' Lake Charles, Louisiana May 4, 1975 Evening Show -Newly remastered.
-38 tracks including the evening show from May 4, 1975 + 8 bonus tracks!
-Elvis sings "Jambalaya", "Johnny B. Goode", "Big Boss Man", "Fairytale", "My Boy", "Promised Land", "It's Midnight" and many others...
Including 8 pages booklet with photos and recording information.
The evening show from May 4, 1975 was released on the "A Profile - The King On Stage" boxset (released in 1995) from the Fort Baxter label - Now available for the first time on a single disc!
Click HERE to EIN's 2012 CD News for the full tracklist
(News, Source;FECC/ElvisInfoNet)
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'Dancing with Elvis' By Tianna Woods: There's a rather cute new country single out by Canadian recording artist Tianna Woods. She is one of the many people who have the same birthday as Elvis and because of that I was presented with a song called "Dancin’ with Elvis" which I just released to radio. - "Wouldn’t we all love to have danced with Elvis."
You can check her out on facebook here & for a chance to win a collector's special edition of 'Dancing with Elvis' not sold anywhere
Or 'Dancin’ with Elvis' is also available on itunes - Go Here.
(News, Source;TiannaWoods/ElvisInfoNet)
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Elvis Portfolio Briefcase on EBay- Now Reduced Price: Marty Lacker was with and close to Elvis Presley for twenty years and he is now selling Elvis' Personal Black Leather Portfolio Briefcase
Marty Lacker tells how a little over 40 years ago Elvis was shopping at Whitehaven Plaza and picked up a black leather portfolio with handles and handed it to Marty. Marty thought Elvis wanted to buy it for himself but as usual Elvis had other ideas which was probably a spur of the moment one. After buying a few more items in the store they returned to Graceland where Marty handed the portfolio to Elvis. Elvis said it wasn't for him but he bought it for Marty because he liked the way it looked and thought Marty could use it for his then music business.
Marty has now decided to sell the portfolio because he is doing something for his grandkids and is only asking for the amount he needs to take care of that project.
Go HERE to Ebay for full details
(News, Source;MartyLacker/ElvisInfoNet)
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'From Elvis Presley Boulevard' FTD In-Depth Review: 'From Elvis Presley Boulevard' was first released in April 1976 but only reached #41 in the charts. It only featured 10 tracks, recorded at Elvis' Graceland home among them 'Hurt', 'Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain' and 'For The Heart'.
BUT if Elvis was "Raised on Rock" then why was 'From Elvis Presley Boulevard' such a middle-of-the-road quagmire of syrupy overdubs and tepid songs? This really wasn’t the album Elvis fans had been waiting for.
In hindsight we now understand more about Elvis’ depressed emotional state at the time and the difficulties involved in getting him enthusiastic enough to record at all.
But if the single ‘Hurt/For The Heart’ was supposed to be the promo for the album, then fans were surely disappointed. Even the cover pretended it was a live concert album - the Colonel must have been desperate! It is certainly one of Elvis’ worst albums.
Go here as EIN's Piers Beagley discovers a new way to enjoy this Classic Album release
(FTDReviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork) |
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'Elvis Gospel Show on the BBC' for Christmas: EIN contributor and BBC journalist Matt Shepherd is doing another Elvis special on BBC Radio Cornwall in the UK for Christmas. The show looks at Elvis' Gospel music, and throws in a few Christmas tunes as well.
It is being broadcast on BBC Radio Cornwall on Christmas Eve at 1.05pm UK time. = 8pm East Coast USA or Midnight Sydney, Australia
It can also be heard online worldwide by visiting www.bbc.co.uk/radiocornwall.
EIN will remind all our readers next week.
(News, Source;BBC/ElvisInfoNet)
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'Hampton on Tour & Bicentennial '76' - New Import: Gravel road Music doesn’t want to end the year without bringing you one really great release. Two Hampton concerts in stunning sound. The "Bicentennial ’76" will raise a few questions for the critics as Elvis sounds way better now with a mastering job done properly. The second disc is a great re-mastering of the famous Hampton ’72 concert, which blows all previous releases of this show out of the water – Great sound, fantastic dynamics and Elvis in amazing voice. A real treat. We gratefully used original transfers from these concerts. Now you can hear many details and nuances not heard previously, and both recordings sounds more vibrant and spatial than before.
This Special limited 2 CD 'Star-Spangled Spectacular Bicentennial ‘76' includes two spectacular Hampton concerts, the first disc contains the legendary 1976 Hampton Bicentennial concert! The second disc contains the famous 1972 Hampton On Tour Concert!
It comes in a wonderful deluxe digi-pack with booklet, extensive liner notes & photos. |
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You may have heard this before, but never in this quality.
August 1- 1976 (2:30 pm). Hampton VA. Hampton Coliseum
It was a special year for America. The Bicentennial Year, the two-hundredth anniversary of this great nation. Any American with patriotism wanted to show it in some way. Elvis wanted to spread a positive message about this country throughout this special year, and so he decided to add ‘America The Beautiful’ to his set list.
This concert has never been properly restored and re-mastered. UNTIL NOW!
EIN Note - Interestingly the review by Forest George of August 1, 1976, Hampton Roads
was mentioned in original lengthy the publicity - but not his closing words on this 1976 concert.
To quote - "With the sole exception of a rather fun version of 'Return to Sender' (already officially released by FTD on the 'New Haven 1976' release), Elvis Presley needed to be anywhere, but on a stage performing. Majority of the songs were struggles for him just to stay on key. He seemed actually ill, rather than just being over medicated. Unlike some other poor concerts from that year, he wasn't intoxicated enough where he didn't care, as he really tried to make an effort to keep the concert from falling apart. In the end, the concert was one of the worst concerts of 1976, and completely forgettable."
April 9 - 1 1972 (8:30 pm). Hampton VA. Hampton Coliseum. A very special extra concert, Elvis’ remarkable Hampton Roads concert as filmed for "Elvis On Tour" (April 1972). You may have heard this before, but never in this quality. The results are amazing: One of Elvis’ finest shows ever, and now with an ooommpphh that almost places you in the center of all the action. Thanks to the audio improvements, you can hear many details and nuances not heard previously, and the recording now sounds more dynamic and spatial than before.
Click HERE to EIN's 2012 CD News for all the tracklists and more detailed info
EIN notes that it is unbelievable that Sony have still not officially released this major concert.
(News, Source;GravelRoad/ElvisInfoNet) |
Congress 'Elvis Day' rated with a 31% chance: A North Carolina congressman defeated for re-election last month has introduced a resolution expressing Congressional support for designating Jan. 8 as "Elvis Presley Day."
U.S. Rep. Larry Kissell, has already picked up 10 co-sponsors, including Mid-South Congressmen Alan Nunnelee, and Jim Cooper, D-Tenn.
The resolution notes that Presley was born on that date in 1935 in Tupelo, Miss., and "remains one of the most famous American entertainers of all time whose influence on music and whose cultural impact continues today." (see the full story below)
In a statement shortly after introducing the resolution, Kissell, who represents a district east of Charlotte also noted- "We have many Elvis fans in our district, and on their behalf I have introduced a resolution to express the sense of Congress that Elvis' birthday, January 8, should be celebrated. This legislation costs no money to taxpayers and doesn't require a day off for the Federal government, but it does celebrate perhaps our first real worldwide cultural icon whose legacy continues to help us export our culture internationally."
The legislation-monitoring website GovTrack.us gives the bill a 31 percent chance of passing before Congress adjourns later this month.
(News, Source;CommAppeal/ElvisInfoNetwork) |
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Sunday 16 December 2012 - - - 3rd News Update - - - |
'The Classic Christmas Album' gets 5 STAR rating: The independent MuzikReviews website recently featured a 5/5 star delightful review for Elvis' new Christmas compile. Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck wrote...
"For a few months before Christmas arrives I feel like Scrooge. This has been happening for a quite a few years now since retailers and media started advertising their goods before the kids come to your door for candy. I find it all very annoying. I do not enjoy shopping or wrapping either! I know I am not alone with these feelings. So it really takes something special for this cloud over me to be lifted every year. The relief from the intrusive ads comes in the form of some classic yearly program on TV or a new music release. This year it was Elvis Presley that did it for me.
The Classic Christmas Album is one of a series from a stable of artists at the Sony Legacy label. You get 17 tracks on one CD for the bargain basement price of $6.99! Not bad considering the level of entertainment found on these tracks. Elvis was a special talent that has yet to be matched and probably never will be. He was one of the most talented, versatile and natural talents we have ever seen on the planet.
Elvis takes all of his charismatic and eclectic musical talent and makes this collection of tracks spiritual like on “If Every Day Was Like Christmas” and bluesy Sun Records like with “Merry Christmas Baby.” We then step into today with the wonders of technology allowing Carrie Underwood to perform a duet with The King on ”I'll Be Home For Christmas” and Martina McBride gets her shot on “Blue Christmas” (which you get to hear with just Elvis as the album closes out). Both ladies are fine talents and match up well with Elvis.
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This was the essence of Elvis the entertainer, the innate ability to please nearly everyone by crossing over genres and generations. His far reaching appeal is still popular on a worldwide level and it is recordings like this collection that showcase that quintessential Elvis sound that we remember, have come to know or have just discovered. Any way you found the man’s music, the end result is always the same. You will walk away from one listen of this collection with an appreciation for a real and unusual talent that can be fully appreciated. Along with all the warm and fuzziness comes some sadness that he had to leave us so soon.
So the legend of Elvis Presley continues to grow and with that the Holidays have become much more bearable (at least in the second week of December) and meaningful thanks to one the greatest vocalist of all time.
Now go and have yourself a merry little Elvis Christmas!"
Go HERE for the full MuzikMan review.
(News, Source;MuzikMan/ElvisInfoNet) |
FTD December Releases Out Now: Two new FTD CD releases are out now.
- '3000 South Paradise Road' - A two disc 7" "Classic Album" type release with 16-page booklet. It takes a closer look at Elvis’ engagement at the Las Vegas Hilton in August of 1972. The main disc is the dinner concert on August 12, and the second disc is culled from the rehearsals on August 4th, the date of the opening of the engagement.
'3000 South Paradise Road' provides a unique experience of Elvis rehearsing, 6 hours before the opening night at the Las Vegas Hilton on August 4, 1972.
A short review of '3000 Paradise Road' on FECC notes, "Great covershots, great booklet with great photos, and not one in a jumpsuit. Those "casual" (ok, not too casual) clothes Elvis wore on stage then made him look really good. The rehearsal CD is a nice experience as an eavesdropper. Sure elvis does not use his complete vocal range nor does he put a lot of power in the rehearsed songs, but still most of the songs sound good enough for his stage performance. Furthermore it is surprising to me that he did do some songs that really did not |
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need any rehearsal because they have been played regularly since at least the beginning of the year (1972). "True Love Travels on a Gravel Road" is a good performance and the band does it well rehearsed. Elvis jokes around at the beginning of "Faded Love" but it still sounds good. The big ballads get their usual lenghty treatment and they sure meant something to him ('What Now My Love', 'My Way') although the sound is an Audience Recording it is really okay. After all, this is a piece of Elvis history that fans would loved to have witnessed.
The Concert CD truly is Full Blast. A great 1972 double." - Jambalaya FECC.
- 'Back In Memphis' - Is also released - the Classic Album double-album series first volume from the 1969 sessions in Memphis with the release of 'Back In Memphis' featuring 'Suspicious Minds' as a bonus track. FTD 115 (506020-975050) |
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Latest Billboard Album Charts and NEW GOLD for ELVIS!: The following appeared on the Billboard charts for w/e 22nd December 2012.
- 'It's Christmas Time' rises from 57 to 46 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart
with sales of 15,716 units. Total sales to date: 1,460,420 units. It also rises
from 7 to 6 on the Catalog Album Chart and rises from 17 to 14 on the Holiday
Album Chart.
- 'Elvis Christmas' rises from 192 to 133 on the Top 200 Album Chart with sales of 6,802 units. Total sales to date: 617, 330 units.
- 'The Classic Christmas Album' rises from 163 to 155 on the Top 200 Album Chart with 6,041 units. Total sales to date: 28,978 units. It also remains at 19 on the Country Album Chart.
The following albums also appear on the Catalog Album Charts:
- 'Blue Christmas' selling some 3,660 units. Total sales to date: 763,915 units.
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- 'Elvis Christmas Duets' selling some 2,983 units. Total sales to date: 501,801 units. NOW QUALIFIES FOR RIAA GOLD AWARD.
- 'Heart And Soul' selling some 2,890 units. Total sales to date: 600,266 units.
- 'Elvis Inspirational' selling some 2,485 units. Total sales to date: 116,662 units.
- 'An Afternoon In The Garden' selling some 2,441 units. Total sales to date: 505,415 units. NOW QUALIFIES FOR RIAA GOLD AWARD.
- 'Elvis Country' selling some 2,422 units. Total sales to date: 143,690 units.
- 'Blue Christmas' (Single) remains at 13 on the Holiday Songs Chart and also remains at 23 on the Holiday Airplay Chart.
(News, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNet) |
Elvis Portfolio Briefcase on EBay: Marty Lacker was with and close to Elvis Presley for twenty years and he is now selling Elvis' Personal Black Leather Portfolio Briefcase
Marty Lacker tells how a little over 40 years ago Elvis was shopping at Whitehaven Plaza and picked up a black leather portfolio with handles and handed it to Marty. Marty thought Elvis wanted to buy it for himself but as usual Elvis had other ideas which was probably a spur of the moment one. After buying a few more items in the store they returned to Graceland where Marty handed the portfolio to Elvis. Elvis said it wasn't for him but he bought it for Marty because he liked the way it looked and thought Marty could use it for his then music business.
Marty has now decided to sell the portfolio because he is doing something for his grandkids and is only asking for the amount he needs to take care of that project.
Go HERE to Ebay for full details
(News, Source;MartyLacker/ElvisInfoNet)
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Wednesday 12 December 2012 |
TCB Band for UK 2013 Elvis Festival: Good news for UK Elvis fans as Essential Elvis and Strictly Elvis UK have combined to bring over the TCB band for the Elvis Festival in Great Yarmouth, September 2013.
Elvis’ first cousin, Wayne Mann, has also agreed to attend the festival.
Fans not be familiar with the name should be aware that Elvis and Wayne were close, both born in Tupelo and moving to Memphis as a young men, Wayne’s mother (Lilian) and Elvis’ mother (Gladys) were sisters.
This is the first time that a close relative has attended the festival and we are very excited about having Wayne join us. Come and experience this gentleman’s Southern charm and hear his memories of growing up with his famous cousin first hand.
(News, Source;EssentialElvis/ElvisInfoNet) |
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Elvis Aloha Fan Mosaic - Almost Sold Out!: According to the marketing there are
only a limited number of the 40th Anniversary Elvis Aloha Fan Mosaic
Commemorative prints remaining.
If your photo is included in this magnificent piece of Elvis history, and have not yet placed your order for the commemorative print - then order it now.
To order your copy CLICK HERE.
Over 7,000 Elvis fans uploaded their photos to be included in the Aloha Elvis fan mosaic celebrating the 40th Anniversary Celebration of "Aloha From Hawaii."
(News, Source;ElvisFanMosaic/ElvisInfoNet)
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"Unedited Masters" New Import Boxset: The bootleg label 'Wonderland Records' have now copied all the previous Venus 'Unedited Masters' CDs into one boxset called the "Elvis - Unedited Masters".
Bootleggers stealing others label's illegal material - it has been happening since it all began.
This one features
CD 1 Unedited Masters Nashville 1970.
CD 2 Unedited Masters Nashville 1971.
CD 3 Unedited Masters Stax 1973.
CD 4 Unedited Masters Hollywood To Nashville 1972 - 1980.
Click HERE to EIN's 2012 CD News for all the VENUS tracklisting and info
(News, Source;ElvisClubBerlin/ElvisInfoNet)
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'Pot Luck' Budget Hallmark Re-release: The Hallmark label will re-release their version of the original 1962 album 'Pot Luck' on Jan 1st 2013.
Only £3.76 with free UK delivery.
Go here to AMAZON UK for more info
(News, Source;Amazon/ElvisInfoNet)
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'Elvis Presley - In The Movies' New DVD: The Wienerworld label (you've got to be kidding!) release the 60 minute documentary 'Elvis Presley - In The Movies'
DVD Release Date: 11 Feb 2013
Wienerworld release some very cheap music DVDs and EIN suspects a rehash of the old documentary 'Elvis: The Hollywood Years'.
Priced £11.99.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNetwork)
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Monday 10 December 2012 - - - 2nd News Update - - - |
Two New Exhibits for Graceland in 2013: Throughout 2013 Grceland will be honoring the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll with two new exhibits exploring various sides of Presley’s career including films, music, touring and more.
- “Elvis’ Hawaii: Concerts, Movies and More!” will open for the public in January for the Elvis 2013 Birthday Celebration on January 8. The exhibit celebrates Elvis’ love for Hawaii and the 40th anniversary of “Aloha from Hawaii.” Guests will be able to experience Elvis’ Hawaii and see why it was one of his favorite places to vacation. The exhibit also features both of the American Eagle jumpsuits he wore in January of 1973. Other artifacts in the exhibit include items such as the gold lamé jacket he wore in his first Hawaiian concert in 1957, one of the tiki mugs that Col. Parker had made for promotion of “Blue Hawaii,” the crown and pendant given to Elvis during the “Aloha from Hawaii” |
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concert, movie memorabilia from films “Blue Hawaii” and “Paradise, Hawaiian-Style," footage from his “Aloha from Hawaii” television special, rarely-seen photos, and never-before-seen footage of Elvis’ first Hawaiian concert from the Graceland archives and more.
- "Elvis: Live from Vegas” opens on March 1 and will allow guests to experience Las Vegas through the eyes of Elvis Presley. The exhibit will feature part of the 30-foot marquee Col. Parker had made to stand outside the New Frontier Hotel in 1957 and the first jumpsuit worn on-stage by Elvis in 1970. Other jumpsuits in the exhibit include Elvis’ Leather and Chains suit worn in August of 1970, Elvis’ three-piece Spanish Flower suit worn in 1972, and Elvis’ I Got Lucky jumpsuit from 1970. From the first time the Elvis stepped foot on-stage in Vegas through his triumphant return in 1969 and beyond, this exhibit captures all of the excitement and energy that is Elvis in Las Vegas.
- EPE also announced that “Elvis…Through His Daughter’s Eyes” will remain open for another year due to popular demand.
(News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet) |
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Elvis Arizona Fundraiser listed by History Channel: Today in "History in the Headlines" the History Channel names five facts about Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona. The post talks about how Elvis played an integral role in raising money for the construction of the USS Arizona Memorial.
"In March of 1961, entertainer Elvis Presley, who had recently finished a two-year stint in the U.S. Army, performed a benefit concert at Pearl Harbor’s Bloch Arena that raised over $50,000 — more than 10 percent of the USS Arizona Memorial’s final cost."
On March 25, 1961, Elvis performed a benefit concert to help the memorial. At the time, fundraising for the memorial had lost much of its early momentum. The $500,000 necessary for construction was a distant goal, with no serious prospects on the horizon. When Honolulu Advertiser editor and WWII veteran George Chaplin appealed to a national audience for support, Col Tom Parker, Elvis' manager, responded by calling the Advertiser and saying, “I know a young man whose services can be a big help.”
With US generals vying with Oahu teenagers, housewives and music fans for tickets, the 1961 Bloch Arena concert was a big success, netting over $54,000 and raising national awareness of the fundraising campaign. The USS Arizona Memorial would go on to secure many more private, state, and federal donations just in time for the Memorial Day dedication in 1962.
Go HERE to History.com for the full list.
Go HERE for more info from the CD/Book 'Such A Night In Pearl Harbour'
(News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
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FTD 'South Paradise Road' World Premier: Here's a great World Premier from EIN's friends at 'Elvis Express Radio', on this week's edition EER brings you a few selections - for the first time ever on radio - from the soon to be released FTD '3000 South Paradise Road'.
EER Requests Show #993 is now online available to download until 14 December.
Join Lee Dawson & Joe Krein as they bring you 3 hours of requests and news and play all the songs you love to hear with your messages and opinions on the goings on in the Elvis world. Elvis Express Radio is the place where is you opinions are heard and shared.
CLICK HERE to access the Request Show.
Go here for all the new FTD Details.
(News, Source;ElvisExpressRadio/ElvisInfoNet)
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Priscilla Presley "My family values": In the weekend UK Guardian, Priscilla Presley talked about life with Elvis and how they raised their daughter, Lisa Marie. The article includes..
Priscilla: I was only 14 when I first met Elvis and my father was not happy. It was the equivalent of a 14-year-old today being given the chance to meet Justin Bieber.
- I met Elvis at a time when he was lonely and he'd just lost his mother. He was still grieving and our relationship was based on bonding through his sorrow; bonding through his fears of what it was going to be like when he went back to the States and whether he would be accepted or not. Because I'd just come from the States and knew how popular he still was, I encouraged him. He went back to America in March 1960, and I stayed in Germany as I was only in ninth grade. We stayed in touch through letters and long phone calls but I didn't see him again until the summer of 1962.
- After we got married in May 1967, when I was 21, |
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I got pregnant straight away. Initially I was devastated. I thought, "Oh my gosh, here I am married and now I'm pregnant and I'm not going to look attractive any more." It was certainly a rocky time. It was hard for Elvis too because he was a sex symbol – the most wanted sexual specimen in the world. And he was apprehensive about what his fans would think about him being a dad and how that would affect his status as a sex symbol.
- Elvis wasn't a hands-on dad. And living at Graceland was difficult but I knew when I got married that he was going to have his guys around all the time. I could not domesticate Elvis, and I accepted that. He didn't really have that much to do with the practical stuff but I took naturally to becoming a mother. I thought, "My God, this is a product of Elvis and me and I'm going to be there for her." The moment you have the child, everything changes. It is terrifying and it is beautiful and it changed my life and it brought Elvis and me closer together.
- When Elvis died, family life changed and I took Lisa to Italy to escape the attention. It was an extraordinary situation and I don't know too many other families that have gone through what we have gone through.
Go HERE for the full Guardian interview
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNetwork) |
Elvis Back In Australia: ELVIS the Helitanker has returned to Melbourne ahead of the fire season and will lead a fleet of more than 40 aircraft this summer.
After more than a decade in Victoria's skies, ELVIS the bright orange helicopter will lead a fleet of more than 40 aircraft this summer. A further 150 aircraft will be "on call' to help out in Victoria if required.
With temperatures set to hit the high 30Cs (100F) today and total fire bans in most regions the water bomber has arrived just in time.
But with contract negotiations due next year, it could be the last time Elvis returns to its Essendon base.
Speaking at yesterday's launch, Victorian Deputy Premier Peter Ryan said "Elvis was a remarkable machine" and had helped protect Victoria for many years.
"Elvis is now in position and a second aircrane, Gypsy Lady, will be based in Ballarat from later this month," Mr Ryan said.
Two Sikorsky helicopters, which can each carry 3500 litres of water, have also been brought in especially for the summer period.
Elvis has the ability to carry more than 9000 litres of water or foam and travel at about 200km/h.
(OddSpot, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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More Great reviews for 'Prince from Another Planet': The Seattle Post recently featured another positive review for SONY's great new set. The review includes...
... Those who have heard these concerts already know that Presley was in flawless voice throughout. The TCB Band, backing vocalists The Sweet Inspirations, and The Joe Malin Orchestra are all absolutely on-point for both of these shows. The entire gamut is covered, from the early rock and roll classics "Blue Suede Shoes" and "Hound Dog" (teased out humorously before a slightly funky arrangement) to more recent hits like "Suspicious Minds."
The DVD makes the most of approximately 20 minutes of fan-shot 8mm footage, the entire audio of the afternoon performance is presented with the film footage in its appropriate place. What we have here is a rare chance to see Presley live on stage at MSG. Quite a restoration effort was invested in the 8mm material and it looks amazing considering it was filmed by a fan in the audience.
The 50-page booklet is a great guide to this set, with lots of photos, reprinted vintage articles, and an excellent new essay by Lenny Kaye. This is simply an essential set that perfectly documents an important chapter of Elvis Presley's career." - SeatllePI
Don't miss out on EIN's in-depth review of 'Prince from Another Planet' -
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Too Good to be True Auction - Elvis footage 1969: The upcoming Regency Superior auction features private footage from the late Jim E Curtin - and supposedly features some footage of Elvis' Opening Night 1969:
The catalogue states, Direct from the collection of Jim E Curtin, the world's most renowned collector of Elvis Presley material, a large collection of eighty-five (x85) 8mm films featuring Elvis in concert at various locales from 1969 through 1976. Many of these films were taken by Jim E himself, and are usually in lengths of 3-to-10 minutes maximum. All movies packaged in manila envelopes with detailed information printed on outside (e.g. Elvis / Lubbock, Texas / Nov. 8th, 1972 / Blue Jumpsuit (Cape Ending) / 40 feet (2½ minutes) / Super-8 Color / About 25 feet of Good Quality). A substantial amount of films from Las Vegas and Honolulu, including his opening night at the Imperial Hotel in Vegas in July of 1969. A half-dozen of the films cover newsreels such as when he was drafted into the Army, his marriage to Priscilla, his funeral, and other Hollywood-related events. Probably the rarest item found here is a film covering 3 minutes and 45 seconds of a 1957 performance featuring Elvis in his famous 'gold lame suit'. Quality ranges
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(as stated on envelopes) from Fair to Good, with a couple 'bad' reels thrown in to the lot. We have faith in Jim E Curtin's devotion to Elvis that these are ultra-rare and certainly would make a smashing addition to your Elvis collection. GO HERE for full info and large photo.
Unfortunately EIN can see no indication of 'Opening Night 1969' written on any of the film labels, nor can we believe that Jim Curtin wouldn't have revealed his secret before. We hope we are proved wrong.
(News, Source;SanjaM/ElvisInfoNetwork) |
Priscilla Presley Sings Elvis!!: Filed under the 'too-ridiculous-to-be true' news section.
The Wicked Priscilla Presley is to enter the panto spirit this Christmas by performing one of Elvis’ songs on stage in London!
The former Dallas star has been persuaded to sing in public for the first time as she makes her stage debut as the Wicked Queen in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in Wimbledon.
“I was shying away from it a bit. But the more I was told about panto, I thought, ‘We’ll have fun with this’. The song, I’m not going to say what it is, does fit the part,” she said. “Lisa Marie is a singer, her dad, obviously… but the world needs to know I’m not a singer. It’s not serious, it’s just having fun.”
Presley, 67, said she had known nothing of pantomime which is not performed in America. “It’s all very new to me. But I’m getting prepared to be booed and have things being yelled at me.”
(News, Source;SantasWicked Elves/ElvisInfoNet) |
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Latest Billboard Album Charts: The following appeared on the Billboard charts for w/e 15th December.
- 'It's Christmas Time' rises from 80 to 57 on the Billboard Top 200 Album
Chart selling some 13,150 units. Total sales to date: 1,444,704 units. It also
rises from 11 to 7 on the Catalog Album Chart and drops from 15 to 17 on the
Holiday Album Chart.
- 'The Classic Christmas Album' drops from 159 to 163 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart selling some 5,375 units. Total sales to date: 22,937 units. It also rises from 22 to 19 on the Country Album Chart.
- 'Elvis Christmas' re-enters the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart at 192 with sales of 4,767 units. Total sales to date: 610,528 units.
- 'Blue Christmas' jumps from 15 to 13 on the Holiday Songs Chart; drops from 22 to 23 on the Holiday Airplay Chart and also appears on the Country Digital Songs Chart and Rock Digital Songs Chart both in the 30 position. It also appears at No.157 on the Hot Digital Songs Chart at 157 with sales of 11,263 downloads. Total downloads to date: 476,149.
(News, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNet) |
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Check HERE for AMAZON great prices
< < Europe < < < or > > > USA > >
for UNDER £14 or US $26
and with free delivery depending where you live |
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Wednesday 5 December 2012 |
Elvis Ranks #1 in Encyclopedia Britannica: Topping the list for the Encyclopedia Britannica's "10 Musical Acts That Scored #1 Hits" is none other than the King of Rock 'n' Roll. Landing a number-one hit on Billboard magazine's Hot 100 the premiere pop singles chart in the United States is by itself a remarkable achievement. A handful of recording artists, however, have managed the feat at least 10 times since the 1950s, when the chart originated.
In a recent article, Elvis' rates as Number One among such famous acts as The Beatles, Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder.
"Elvis helped usher in the rock-and-roll era with the single “Heartbreak Hotel,” which shot to number one in 1956. By the end of the decade, he had become a singular presence on the shifting American musical landscape. In 1960, shortly after returning from his stint in the U.S. Army, the King of Rock and Roll recorded “It’s Now or Never,” a ballad based on the popular Italian tune “O sole mio.” Wedding Elvis’s operatic-style vocals to a snappy backbeat, “It’s Now or Never” appealed to bobby-soxers and adult easy-listening fans alike, in the process becoming one of his most enduring number-one hits. He went on to score four more."
The Beatles are #2 with The Supremes at #3.
Go HERE for more from Encyclopedia Britannica
(News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
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De Agostini to Publish Never-Before-Seen Elvis Material: De Agostini Publishing, in partnership with EPE, is proud to announce the publication of "Elvis: The Official Collector’s Edition" in the U.S. and Canada. This three-volume book and DVD gift set contains never-before-seen footage of The King.
The set includes a new 256-page full-color hardbound biography, replica artifacts and memorabilia from Elvis’ life, 10 DVDs of Elvis’ performances plus interviews, unseen footage and much more. The deluxe hardcover book chronicles the story of Elvis’ life, from his early childhood to stardom in music and movies. Created in collaboration with EPE the book paints an intimate portrait of the king of rock ’n’ roll and features hundreds of photographs from the archives of Graceland. (De Agostini previously published the 90 volume Elvis magazine).
The accompanying artifact collection includes high-quality, life-size replicas of some of the most important private documents in Elvis’ life.
The 10-disc DVD set is a record of Elvis' finest musical performances, from his early rockabilly days to the world-spanning concerts of the 1970s. The collection includes the full-length versions of all three Ed Sullivan shows in which Elvis won the heart of the nation. In addition to rare historic radio interviews and press conferences, the DVDs also showcase Cinecam footage of Elvis at Graceland and on-set, some of which has never-before been released to the public. (EIN seriously wonders exactly how much will be unseen footage)
Available from Costco stores in the US and Canada.
(News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet) |
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Elvis promoter Pete Bennett Dies: He worked relentlessly in the promotion of such icons as Elvis Presley, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones but Pete Bennett ended his lifelong mission last month with a heart attack at age 77.
Pete Bennett also became part of the picture whenever and wherever a camera and a celebrity were in the room. He wasn't shy about letting everyone know how close he was to The Beatles, James Taylor, Frank Sinatra, The Stones, The Who and Michael Jackson. Pete's embellishments of his own biography were more entertaining than annoying.
Known for exaggeration, this is his story about working with Elvis...
... In 1969 Elvis approached me about promoting his unreleased song, "Suspicious Minds". Although he was a long-time friend, I had never promoted him before. I listened to the song and immediately agreed to promote it. "Suspicious Minds" was his first #1 hit in several years.
Later I was invited to his first appearance in Las Vegas, which was at the International Hotel. Backstage while reminiscing and chatting, I advised Elvis to consider performing live at stadium shows like the Beatles did.
Elvis asked me if I thought he would sell out like the Beatles, and I told him, "there is no question in my mind".
I also told Elvis that his live show was truly great, and added, "man, those four rings you had on your fingers were sparkling all over the theater, especially your pinky ring". |
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Elvis laughed, and said, "Really? You like it? ... Its yours", and he took off his pinky ring on the spot and gave it to me.
At his Las Vegas opening, there were many Hollywood stars and press from around the world. But Elvis banned all cameras. There wasn't a camera allowed in the theatre. That historic night the only photographs taken were pictures of Elvis and I in his dressing room with a camera that Elvis procured from one of the hotel employees. (EIN NOTE - This is obviously not true, see Ken Sharp 'VEGAS 69' book here).The photos were taken by the way not at my request, but at Elvis' insistence.
(News, Source;HuffPost/ElvisInfoNetwork) |
Martina McBride and the Elvis duet: One of the best tracks on the Elvis Christmas duets CD was Martina McBride singing 'Blue Christmas' with Elvis at the Comeback sit-down show.
In this recent interview she talks about that 2008 video and singing with Elvis.
--- "It's great. That Elvis video was such a cool project, with the technology to be able to insert me into the video. For everybody to experience that is a real treat. Elvis is on a big screen, he’s larger than life and he’s beautiful – well, he’s Elvis. I just love showing that video to people. We were so lucky that the only Christmas footage we could find of him singing on film was 'Blue Christmas' and it just happened to have this empty spot right next to him that we were able to put me into that spot. It’s a really cool thing, and we were able to put me into the video and I
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Elvis The Man & His Music Christmas Issue: Our favourite magazine 'Elvis The Man & His Music' # 98 is out this week and heading to subscribers.
The almost as cool as Elvis December issue features:
- Ed Bonja Interview (and great photos)
- Whirlwind In Louisville - The Cat in Kentucky, 1956
- Downloading The King - Elvis and the E-book minefield
- Too Much Monkey Business? - The murky world of PD releases
- Shout It Out! - Readers' letters
- News 'n' Views
- Rare Photos
- CD & Book Reviews
For more info and to subscribe click here.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNetwork)
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More Guests at Memphis 2013 Birthday Celebration: Rex Mansfield, who was inducted, trained and served with Elvis in the Army, and Elisabeth Mansfield, Elvis' secretary while he was stationed in Germany, will be special guests at the Memphis 2013 Birthday Celebration.
Rex Mansfield was inducted into the Army on the same day as Elvis in March 1958 and went through basic training with him in Texas, traveled with him to Germany and became close friends for the next 18 months. Elisabeth Stefaniak (right) was a young German girl in 1958, and was hired to answer Elvis' fan mail. Elisabeth became romantically involved with Elvis, but was torn between her love for Elvis and her love for Rex. She eventually chose Rex and they married in 1960.
During the Elvis Insiders Reception on Sunday, January 6, Rex and Elisabeth will hold a special Q&A for attendees, plus greet fans and sign autographs. Insiders will also enjoy an evening tour of the mansion, plus a VIP tour of the brand new "Elvis' Hawaii: Movies, Concerts and More! Exhibit." Other featured guests include Anita Wood Brewer, who dated Elvis from 1957 – 1962, and her daughter Jonnita Brewer Barrett, who will be signing copies of the new "Once Upon A Time: Elvis and Anita" book.
Go here for our exclusive EIN interview with Rex & Elisabeth Mansfield
(News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
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EPE lawyers seeking revenge from SONY/RCA: Elvis Presley's estate EPE is still embroiled in a long-running legal action to extract cash from RCA records in a case that alleges Elvis was "unjustly exploited by his record company". If the estate wins, a hefty percentage of any payout will go to a litigation funding business, Calunius Capital, set up by Leslie Perrin in the island of Guernsey.
Two types of clients predominate, Perrin told a recent conference, "David v Goliath" claims where small firms do not have the resources to take on larger businesses, and risk averse organisations that fear pouring more money into a court case without knowing whether they will eventually win.
The Presley lawsuit, filed in August 2011, seeks more than $9m in backdated royalties and a share of future revenue – alleging a 1973 buyout agreement left the singer collecting only $10 a year for worldwide rights on each of his songs. (See EIN's 'The Dark side of Colonel Parker' for more info)
"We are finally getting revenge for 'The King'," Perrin said. "The estate is now owned by private equity institutions. RCA is now owned by Sony. Both are based in Madison Avenue, New York, but the court case [over disputed copyright earnings] is taking place in Munich."
Presley was stationed in Germany as a soldier in the army in the late 1950s. The country is "Elvis crazy" and is responsible for 10% of the world's Elvis Presley sales, Perrin said at the time the suit was filed.
The firms typically take between 25% and 35% of any settlement as their fee
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNetwork) |
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Elvis' Final Resting Place voted Most Popular Rock Star Grave: CNN Travel recently looked at the pilgrimage sites for rock 'n' rollers and named Graceland as the most commonly visited grave site around the world.
Most fittingly Johhny Cash sang, "There ain't no grave can hold my body down."
From almost the beginning of the Rock Era, death and the music's most famous figures have been engaged in a dangerous dance, one that lingers with fans long after the last power chords have faded and the last cymbals have been crashed.
From Jim Morrison's plot in Paris to Buddy Holly's humble headstone in Lubbock, Texas, the graves of rock stars have been the site of candlelight vigils, vandalism and defacement and impromptu concerts.
However only one superstar can really maintain a legacy like no other. The original singer-songwriter heart-throb ELVIS remains |
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the King of Rock 'n' Roll, judging from the 600,000 people that visit his grave yearly.
Other artists named in CNN's most popular rock star graves include Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Cash, Buddy Holly, and AC/DC vocalist Bon Scott.
(News, Source;CNN/ElvisInfoNet) |
Elvis #1 Gold Records Collectors' Coins: Elvis coin collectors are in for a treat as Northwest Territorial Mint has released their latest Elvis commemorative coins. Featuring several of Elvis' hit records, the avid Elvis collector can add these rare and one-of-a-kind coins to their collection.
Fans can choose between nine #1 gold record hits and three designs featuring solid silver, silver enhanced with 24K gold or MerlinGold which is a brass alloy that stimulates the look and feel of gold. Each replica 45 RPM record coin features one of Elvis' #1 hits and iconic images.
An expensive treat the Elvis #1 Gold: Heartbreak Hotel 1956 Coin Silver with Gold Enhancement will set you back US$88.
Go here for more info and the whole selection
(News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
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UPDATED - 'Prince From Another Planet’ In-Depth Review: Of all the live concert recordings released by RCA during Elvis Presley’s lifetime, none carried the historic significance of his long-awaited New York City shows at Madison Square Garden and now the two RCA recorded concerts and newly found fan-filmed video footage been released in one deluxe package for the 40th Anniversary Edition.
"PRINCE? MAKE THAT KING!" - Go here as Arjan Deelen reviews the new Sony ‘Prince From Another Planet’ package.
It’s been a while since a new Elvis release generated as much publicity as ‘Prince From Another Planet’ - But is it as good as our high expectations?
Now with videos and reader feedback
(CDReviews, Source;ArjanDeelen/ElvisInfoNetwork) |
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"Honoring Elvis" by US Rep Larry Kissell: As noted in our news story below Rep. Larry Kissell has focused his efforts on passing an official declaration to observe Jan. 8 as “Elvis Presley Day” in US Congress. he has now posted his argument "Honoring Elvis".
>>> I’ve often written here about our need to find points of agreement, so that we can communicate across the aisle and open the door to discussions about the big challenges our nation faces. I introduced a bill this week intended to do just that. I was asked by someone recently why, when America’s biggest export is our culture, do we not do more to celebrate that culture as a society.
Anyone who has followed my career knows how seriously I take our efforts to export all American products to the world, and how committed I am to doing more to protect our products from unfair competition. This person suggested that much of our success in exporting our culture and making all things American more readily acceptable around the world can be traced to none other than the late Elvis Presley and the cultural changes in our nation represented by the man, his generation and his music. |
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I knew that Elvis had served our country honorably in the US Army and had helped the less fortunate through generous contributions and was very successful, but I asked my staff to research his contributions further and was surprised to find so many of the following facts: Elvis Presley performed the first worldwide TV broadcast, Aloha from Hawaii, which was seen by more than a billion people; according to the National Archives, the most requested item from the Archives is a photograph of Elvis Presley shaking hands with President Nixon during a visit to the White House; his home, Graceland welcomes more than 600,000 visitors each year from around the world and is the most visited home in America after the White House, and in 2006, Interior Secretary Gail Norton designated his home as a National Historic Landmark; and in 1993, the US Postal Service issued a first class stamp featuring an image of Elvis Presley which became the most popular stamp in United States history.
We have many Elvis fans in our district, and on their behalf I have introduced a resolution to express the sense of Congress that Elvis’ birthday, January 8, should be celebrated. This legislation costs no money to taxpayers and doesn’t require a day off for the Federal government, but it does celebrate perhaps our first real worldwide cultural icon whose legacy continues to help us export our culture internationally.
Go HERE for the complete article.
(News, Source;Larry Kissell/ElvisInfoNetwork) |
Latest Billboard Album Charts: The following appeared on the Billboard charts.
- 'It's Christmas Time' drops from 64 to 80 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart for w/e 8th December, 2012 with sales of 15,187 units. Total sales to date: 1,431,554 units. It also drops from 5 to 11 on the Catalog Album Chart and from 14 to 15 on the Holiday Album Chart.
- 'The Classic Christmas Album' drops from 152 to 159 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart with sales of 8,246 units. Total sales to date:17,272 units. It also remains at 22 on the Country Album Chart and rises from 126 to 115 on the Current Album Chart (Top 200 minus catalog albums).
- 'Blue Christmas' jumps from 17 to 15 on the Holiday Songs Chart and re-enters at 22 on the Holiday Airplay Chart.
(News, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNet) |
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Charles Bronson, Kid Galahad and Elvis: EIN contributor Jeremy Roberts recently published a lengthy article on actor Charles Bronson. Titled 'A face like an eroded cliff', Roberts features plenty of stories about Kid Galahad and Elvis and Charles Bronson with quotes from Lamar Fike, Sonny West, Steve McQueen's business partner Robert Relyea, and a new interview courtesy of Marty Lacker.
In the article he notes, Among Bronson's many well-known costars in the '60s, one who certainly stands out is Elvis Presley. Bronson portrayed Presley's boxing trainer in Kid Galahad, one of Presley's better acting vehicles.
The Memphis Mafia was by Presley's side throughout the shoot, and longtime member and bodyguard Sonny West spoke about Bronson and Presley's relationship, "Elvis got his nose a little bent out of shape by Bronson. As Elvis did on all of his pictures, between takes Elvis often demonstrated his karate moves for the cast and crew. While the others at least acted impressed, Bronson never joined in the applause. That rankled Elvis big-time.
"'That muscle-bound sonofabitch wouldn't know something good if it hit him right in the face'", Elvis angrily remarked to his |
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buddies. Yet West considered Bronson to be a true professional who never bad-mouthed Elvis. "Both of them were able to give the impression that the two had a tremendous chemistry on screen," West concluded.
However Marty Lacker offered further analysis, saying "I also think in spite of what Elvis said to Charlie, I think he respected his acting ability, and he knew Charlie was a good actor. Elvis' remark was just a spur of the moment remark because he thought Charlie was dissing karate as foolishness but he got over it."
Go HERE for the full Charles Bronson article.
(News, Source;Examiner.com/ElvisInfoNetwork) |
Memphis Music Hall of Fame inducts Elvis and the 1st class: The Memphis Music Hall of Fame inducted its first class Thursday with a roster of 25 music greats spanning generations, from rock 'n' roll icon Elvis Presley to Oscar-winning rap group Three 6 Mafia.
The ceremony was a tribute to inductees and the rich musical history of Memphis, known as a cradle of blues, soul and rock n' roll. Blues guitarist B.B. King, Sun Records founder Sam Phillips, R&B singers Otis Redding and Isaac Hayes, and influential R&B-soul-rock group Booker T. and the MGs also were inducted.
Throughout the night, video messages from notables including honorees like B.B. King and Priscilla Presley, accepting on behalf of her late husband, Elvis Presley, were also shown.
Presley noted that Elvis' musical influences included "many from here in Memphis and in this Hall of Fame class," she said. "I know Elvis would be humbled and pleased to be included in standing with them tonight at this inaugural event."
Inductee Bobby "Blue" Bland provided one of the evening's highlights. Though |
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the 82-year-old Bland had to be assisted onto the stage, once there he sang a sizzling rendition of "Stormy Monday" that delighted the audience.
The evening concluded with the inductees, their families and representatives all coming onstage to accept the foot-tall pewter statuettes bearing the Hall of Fame's logo.
Otis Redding's sons performed a medley of their father's hits remembering their father who died in a plane crash in 1967 at age 26.
Outside the theater, the children of Sun Records founder Sam Phillips and iconic radio deejay Dewey Phillips laughed together, and the sons of Otis Redding reminisced with their father's guitarist and songwriting partner, Steve Cropper. It was an opportunity for the owners and heirs of some of America's greatest musical legacies to bask in the appreciative glow afforded by the belated establishment of the hall of fame.
(News, Source:ElvisInfoNetwork) |
2012 Christmas Fan Club Presidents CD: The highly collectable EPE Christmas CD has been released. EPE are excited to announce the Official Elvis Presley Fan Club Presidents' annual holiday CD will include three songs this year.
This highly collectible CD will include Elvis' version of 'Silent Night', 'Blue Christmas' and 'Santa Claus is Back in Town'.
(News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
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'The Bicentennial King Vol. 5' New Import CD: The fifth release by the Millbranch Music label is another complete performance by Elvis Presley in the year of 1976. From May 6, 1976, this very long show (more than 90 mins) would not fit on one cd so this release simply has to be a 2CD set.
Out by December 7, 2012 this will be factory pressed, limited to only 300 copies with an 8 page booklet containing lots of photos and information regarding Elvis´ last concert series in Lake Tahoe. The sound is very good for an audience recording and Elvis is delivering a decent show with some rare songs, being in good spirits. This concert has NOT been released yet on factory pressed cd. All you fans out there know what to expect from Elvis´ 76 Lake Tahoe performances - so if you are interested be advised to get your copy as soon as you can.
EIN Note- Super-collector CiscoKing comments.... One of the best Spring 1976 shows with many rarities and Elvis being in a good mood. A highlight from this time.... We have 2 sources on cdr.. one in a bit better sound and slightly incomplete during the intros.. the other one a hair worse and complete..
The source here seems complete and the sound should be fine, too (for an audience recording) as I have heard.
Go here to EIN's 'All the Elvis CD News 2012' for full tracklist
(News, Source;FECC/Millbranch/ElvisInfoNet) |
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‘Love Me’ New Vinyl EP!: Coming soon a ‘Compact 33 EP’ that could have been released in December, 1960. Supposedly everything was ready for this release back then. There is recently discovered official RCA paperwork - ‘RCA Listing Notice’ – that shows the preparation for the release, assigning catalogue number ‘LPC-123’ to the release. For reasons still unknown the release was withdrawn at the very last moment. The title track ‘Love Me’ was obviously well chosen to be released just before the Christmas of 1960. The other tracks ‘Hound Dog’, ‘Don’t Be Cruel’ and ‘Jailhouse Rock’ are of course huge hits for and by Elvis, adding excitement to the release. Now, 52 years later, this EP is finally released to and for the Elvis fans! A fantastic produced release in a stunning and wonderful looking full color sleeve. The EP is available in traditional black colored vinyl but also in special blue colored vinyl.
Check out your local dealers. This is selling for a higher price than 'Prince From Another Planet'! - a real collector's item!
(News, Source;ElvisTime/ElvisInfoNet) |
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Wednesday 28 November 2012 |
US Congress considers 'Elvis Presley Day': While official Washington is preoccupied with such serious matters as averting sharp tax increases and severe government spending cuts Rep. Larry Kissell (D-N.C.) is focusing his efforts on passing an official declaration to observe Jan. 8 as “Elvis Presley Day.”
The resolution introduced this week is cosponsored by eight House Democrats and a lone Republican, and would recognize Presley’s birth in Tupelo, Miss. in 1935.
“Elvis Presley remains one of the most famous American entertainers of all time whose influence on music and whose cultural impact continues today,” the resolution said.
The legislation also notes that in addition to Presley’s vast catalogue of work — 750 songs and one billion records sold worldwide — the King of Rock and Roll also served honorably in the Army.
“Whereas Elvis Presley often shared his success with the less fortunate through benefit concerts and contributions to charity … (he also) exemplified the American dream by pulling himself up from poverty through hard work and personal talent,” the resolution said.
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“Whereas in a time when the trade deficits of the United States continue to grow, the sustained export of American music and culture is a uniquely American product that can never be replaced by foreign competitors,” the resolution said.
Presley’s home Graceland is designated as a National Historic Landmark while iin 1993, the Post Office issued a first class stamp featuring Presley’s likeness, and is one of the most popular stamps sold.
The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform for consideration, but with only a few weeks left in the congressional session, it does not stand a strong chance of passage.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNetwork) |
Humes High School to Close: It was announced this week that six Memphis city schools will be closed because of the low student occupancy.
One of the schools is the former Humes High School that Elvis, Marty Lacker and Red West attended back in the 50's. For the past decade or more it was changed to Humes Middle School and no longer a high school.
(Photo right: Elvis in class, is the kid at the back distracted with a comic book!)
Humes, on the National Register of Historic Places for famous graduate Elvis Presley, is the face of an exodus in North Memphis running its course since the '80s when International Harvester, Kimberly-Clark and Firestone left town.
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Like Elvis, Humes once served students who lived in densely populated public housing development. By 1999, fewer than half of the 450 units at Hurt Village were occupied; at Lauderdale Courts, the fraction was much smaller.
As early as last spring, Cash anticipated Humes would be closed or repurposed. The sixth grade was moved to Gordon this fall, taking 140 students.
Marty Lacker comented to EIN that.. "The Mayor announced that the plans for the building will be changed to a school for the performing arts. How fitting is that."
(News, Source/MartyLacker/ElvisInfoNetwork) |
Cliff Richard and Elvis Duets Album: Sir Cliff Richard (now aged 72) would like to record a Cliff and Elvis 'Duets' Album and has already contacted EPE but they appear to have turned it down. He even has the album cover ready.
Early on he was known as Britain's answer to Elvis Presley but emerged as a superstar in his own right. It's estimated that Cliff has sold 250 million records over his career, from early on with The Shadows to his hugely successful solo career.
Cliff Richard talked about this and other matters on Australian ABC radio while he is downunder on tour. (Click here to listen)
EIN contributor Brian Quinn comments... Personally, I cannot see him ever getting permission for a whole album, however, he may be one of the artists likely to be featured on the rumoured 'Elvis Duets' Album which is still being considered.
(News, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNet) |
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'THE FAITHFUL: The King, the Pope, the Princess' new documentary: 'The Faithful' is a new documentary by Annie Bergman Director/Co-Producer that is in pre-production is asking for you to help with 'KickStarter' funding.
The 'The Faithful' is a meditation on art, religious expression, commerce, and copyright. It interweaves trips to Graceland, the Vatican, and Kensington Palace; and examines the complexities that bind us to celebrities, images, religion, and one another.
Participants include everyday people like Joe Passos, an Elvis fan who shares his Elvis traditions with his family; Maria Lindberg, a Princess Diana fan from Florida; Rockin’ Robin Rosaaen a lifelong Elvis collector from California; Jerry Engelby and Annie Schmutzler, (‘the pink and black Elvis gals”) from Missouri, who never miss an Elvis Week; Margaret Tyler, one of the world’s largest collectors of Diana memorabilia; and the youth who pilgrimage to World Youth Day with Pope John Paul II. Theorists involved are Larry Lessig, the founder of the Creative |
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More news and EIN exclusives from earlier in November |
Elvis FilesVol.1 '53-'56. Sneak Preview: A Special EIN Sneak preview looking at Erik Lorentzen's up-coming The Elvis Files Vol.1 1953 - 1956. The first volume of the Elvis Files story, chronicling Elvis' rise from his pre SUN discovery to becoming the world's biggest new sensation - over more than 500 pages & 1,200 photos... Featuring All Elvis Events from 1953-1956, Every Working Moment, The Early Tours, The first Las Vegas trip, Recording Sessions, The TV Shows and lots of UNSEEN and UNPUBLISHED images.
The publication date is scheduled for December 2012.
Go here as EIN has some exclusive preview and STUNNING Elvis photos.
(News, Source;EricL/ElvisInformationNetwork) |
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..Elvis Presley jerked his tenuous way across the stage, "sang" 8 or 10 songs, thumped on a guitar, fell to the floor, knocked over microphones and set off a din of teenage squealing unparalleled since the heyday of Sinatra.
At matinee and evening performances before nearly full houses on each occasion (the auditorium holds 10.000). Elvis the Pelvis started each show with a small tiny belch and on each occasion brought the house down. It was that kind of show.
When police started to move in, Elvis jerked his way back to the center of the stage and comparative safety of the trio which backs him up. He flings his limbs about and quivers in such a way as to make one think he might have a trick knee or hip, possibly from an old war injury, but this is not the case. This is just Elvis Presley.
------- Go here as EIN has some exclusive preview and STUNNING Elvis photos. |
John Wilkinson Back Home: Great News about TCB Band guitarist John Wilkinson from Lee Dawson of Elvis Express radio. They have heard the news from John Wilkinson's wife that he is at last back home after a 6 month long stay in ICU and various hospitals.
It's been a long six months and EIN wishes him all the very best - and Welcome Home!
(News, Source;ElvisExpressRadio/EIN)
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NOW UPDATED - 'Elvis: Walk A Mile In My Shoes' - EIN Review: 'Elvis: Walk A Mile In My Shoes' is subtitled “Arjan Deelen talks to the musicians, singers, songwriters and producers who helped create the ‘Presley Sound’”.
Arjan Deelen's interviews were carried out over a 14-year period and he interviewed everyone from Scotty Moore & D.J. Fontana and the TCB Band through to Shaun Nielsen, Jim Murray & Terry Blackwood, The Memphis Boys, Mary & Ginger Holladay and many, many more.
The book is publicised as a feast for the eye, with almost 300 rare and unpublished photos of Elvis, in some cases sourced from the original negatives and dias. These photos cover the whole spectrum of Elvis’ career, from 1954 to 1977.
The book has finally arrived in Australia and EIN's Piers Beagley has an In-Depth look to see whether it lives up to its expectations..
Go HERE for the review, NOW UDATED with EIN Readers Feedback interview excerpts, rare photos and much more.
(Book Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork) |
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Bernard Lansky Dies Aged 85: Bernard Lansky, the Memphis retailer who helped a young Elvis Presley establish his signature clothing style of pegged pants, two-toned shoes and other flashy duds in the 1950s, has died. He was 85.
Julie Lansky, the clothier's granddaughter, said he died Thursday at his Memphis home.
Bernard Lansky and his brother Guy started a retail business in Memphis in 1946, with help from a $125 loan from their father, Samuel.
After World War II, the store started selling Army surplus goods on Beale Street. When the supply dried up, they opened a high-fashion men's store, where Bernard Lansky established his reputation as a natural salesman and storyteller.
Lansky Bros. ended up supplying Presley with the pink and black shirts and other outfits.
"It's a statement to say that he dressed one of the most influential entertainers of all time," said Julie Lansky, "He knew that for any entertainer, they had to look different."
Even though his style of dress changed over the years — including sparkling jumpsuits — Presley shopped at Lansky Bros. the rest of his life. Lansky even picked out the white suit and blue tie that Presley wore when he was buried.
"I put his first suit on him and his last suit on him," Lansky was fond of saying. |
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By the early 1950s, Lansky's shop was known as a place where a man with a taste for flash could find the styles Lansky referred to as "real sharp."
At the time, Beale Street was a hot spot for blues, rhythm and blues and jazz, and drew a colorful parade of musicians, gamblers and hustlers from the Mississippi Delta.
Presley began hanging around Beale Street as a teenager and picked up quickly on its music.
Lansky first met the future King of Rock 'n' Roll when Presley was just a teenager working as an usher at a nearby theatre and liked to window shop at Lansky's.
After Elvis' success the Lansky brothers often opened the store at night so Presley could avoid drawing crowds and took outfits to Graceland for him to check out.
Lansky dressed him for the "Louisiana Hayride" and his first TV spots on the Tommy Dorsey and Ed Sullivan shows.
See BELOW for EIN's exclusive and fascinating interview with Bernard Lansky.
(News, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork) |
Bernard Lansky talks to EIN: EIN's Piers Beagley chews the fat with a man instrumental in Elvis' fashion sense, the great Bernard Lansky. Bernard talks candidly about Elvis, Priscilla, Lisa Marie, the clothes he made for Elvis, Michael Jackson, Jerry Lee Lewis, Nicolas Cage and more in a fascinating interview.
In 2002 Lansky doesn't hold back on his views and heading towards 80-years old he can sure say what he likes! the interview certainly captures Bernard's fabulous spirit and energy - Parental guidance advised.
Go HERE to this very amusing interview with a great character of the Elvis World.
(Interview, Source:ElvisInformationNetwork) |
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'What the Beatles thought about Elvis' newly found interview: He was the King of Rock'n'Roll, who could reduce millions to a swooning frenzy with a flick of his hips. They were the Fab Four, who drove legions of girls to a screaming, hysterical frenzy with a shake of their mop-tops. For the cameras, the King and the Fabs were all mutual bonhomie and back-slapping. But a newly discovered interview reveals how the Beatles, at the height of their fame, slate Elvis for not playing live and pour scorn on their roots, their films and even some of their fans.
The previously unreleased 1965 interviews have remained in the hands of an LA record executive – until now.
A cocky McCartney dismisses the King's 1960s output: "Yeah, well of course, since when I was 16, I've loved his records. We used to do a lot of his songs until we started doing our own … but I don't like the new stuff half as much – we told him that last night."
Presley had all but given up making music in the mid-60s and had become something of a recluse, shunning personal appearances and spending most of his time making films.
In another honest assessment of Elvis, Lennon said he quizzed him on why he only made films: "We were asking him about just making movies, and not making any personal appearances, and I think he enjoys making movies so much ... We couldn't stand not doing personal appearances – we get bored quickly." |
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(EIN note, The Beatles stopped touring themselves the following year!)
When asked by Bishop whether a joint Elvis/Beatles album was in the pipeline, Lennon retorted: "None of us have ever liked those albums where they put two people together. I'd hate an album like that."
Go HERE for our EIN spotlight ELVIS MEETS THE BEATLES
(News, Source;TheIndependent/ElvisInfoNetwork) |
The '3000 South Paradise Road' new FTD: New flyers have been produced for the '3000 South Paradise Road' new August 1972 special double FTD release.
EIN has been informed that the audio from the August 12 Dinner Show soundboard has been vastly improved upon from its original 'Blazing Into The Darkness' bootleg release. Elvis was very focused and motivated at this engagement which is a surprise at his seventh Las Vegas season.
Our friend Rock Legend also reports that the rehearsal CD is pretty decent audio and better than expected.
Treats are a very relaxed ‘Blueberry Hill’, ‘My Babe’ with a very different James Burton guitar solo not heard in other versions and ‘True Love Travels On A Gravel Road’ is not the rehearsal that we know but a better version, closer to the original release.
Robert Frieser and Hans Slebos have collected some stunning and rare photos (EIN notes - Isn’t it great to see Elvis not in jumpsuit for a change!) plus tons of memorabilia and documents which make the whole package a real winner. Don’t miss out on this one.
Go here for more info and flyers.
(News, Source;RockLegend/ElvisInfoNetwork)
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Bruce Springsteen Names Elvis as Inspiration: Bruce Springsteen credits Elvis for being his musical inspiration in a new biography featured in The New York Times. The article looks at the ups and down of the pop icon and names him a worthy heir to Elvis Presley.
"We witness the rental of a first guitar after Mr. Springsteen saw Elvis on 'The Ed Sullivan Show.'"
Springsteen has often credited Elvis as the beginning of a new language in popular culture. In a speech at the Southwest Music Festival in Austin, Texas, Springsteen said his "genesis moment of inspiration" was in 1956 when he watched Elvis perform on "The Ed Sullivan Show."
Bruce Springsteen's black leather jacket is featured at the "ICON: The Influence of Elvis Presley" Exhibit at Graceland.
Recently Springsteen also talked of his own life and experiences with music from Elvis Presley to soul to punk and country music, he said, "Whatever the genre, it's all about how you're putting what you do together. There is no right way, no pure way of doing it, there's just doing it." |
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Paraphrasing famed rock critic Lester Bang's Presley obituary, "Where Were You When Elvis Died?", Springsteen said, "Elvis was probably the last thing we were all going to agree on… We would never see eye to eye again."
Back on April 30, 1976 Bruce Springsteen hopped the fence at Graceland hoping to get to meet his idol. At 3am in the morning 26-year-old Springsteen and E-Street Band's Steve Van Zandt visited Graceland. When he saw lights blazing inside the mansion, Springsteen climbed over the wall and ran to the front door. But just as he was about to ring the doorbell, he was intercepted by security. Explaining who he was, Springsteen begged to be let inside but instead the unimpressed guards told him that Presley was out of town (which was true) and escorted him promptly to the sidewalk.
Springsteen proudly bears an Elvis fan club button on his successful 'Born to Run' album cover.
Read the entire New York Times article about the biography of Bruce Springsteen Click Here.
(News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNetwork) |
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FTD December Releases: Three new FTD releases for December.
- '3000 South Paradise Road' - A two disc 7" "Classic Album" type release with 16-page booklet. It takes a closer look at Elvis’ engagement at the Las Vegas Hilton in August of 1972. The main disc is the excellent Dinner show on August 12, and the second disc is culled from the rehearsals on August 4th, the date of the opening of the engagement.
As with '48 Hours To Memphis' this release has been prepared by Robert Frieser and Hans Slebos, who once again has done a fabulous job of collecting information and materials for the project. There will be additional information in the next few weeks.
'3000 South Paradise Road' provides a unique experience of Elvis rehearsing, 6 hours before the opening night at the Las Vegas Hilton on August 4, 1972. As disc 2 is captured on a personal tape recorder, the sonic quality is below standards, but historical significance more than compensates for its audio limitations. Disc 1 is a soundboard recording.
This is a great Las Vegas dinner show from August 11, 1972 with Elvis in a
confident mood, giving excellent performances on almost every song, and enjoying
being back on stage. Elvis wore a cool range of two piece suits and was up for
lots of karate action and with lots of energy. Previously released as the
bootleg 'Blazing Into The Darkness'.
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Disc 2 - THE REHEARSAL: 1) You Don't Have To Say You Love Me 2) Until It's Time For You To Go 3) You've Lost That Loving Feeling 4) Burning Love 5) What Now My Love (version 1) 6) What Now My Love (version 2) 7) My Babe 8) For The Good Times 9) True Love Travels On A Gravel Road 10) Fever 11) Blueberry Hill 12) Little Sister – incomplete 13) I’ll Remember You 14) An American Trilogy 15) Something 16) Faded Love 17) You Gave Me A Mountain 18) I’m Leavin’ 19) My Way (version 1) 20) My Way (version 2)
Go here to our FTD page for full tracklist and for more info. |
- 'Back In Memphis' - In our Classic Album double-album series we dive into the 1969 sessions in Memphis with the release of 'Back In Memphis' featuring 'Suspicious Minds' as a bonus track.
DISC 1 The Original Album 1) Inherit the Wind 2) This Is the Story 3) Stranger in My Own Home Town 4) A Little Bit of Green 5) And the Grass Won’t Pay No Mind 6) Do You Know Who I Am? 7) From a Jack To A King 8) The Fair’s Moving On 9) You’ll Think of Me 10) Without Love (There Is Nothing)
Bonus Song 11) Suspicious Minds - First Takes 12) Inherit the Wind (take 1, rehearsal, take 4/M with v.o. #1) 13) A Little Bit of Green (take 1) 14) And the Grass Won’t Pay No Mind (takes 1-3, 5) 15) Do You Know Who I Am? (take 1) 16) From a Jack to a King (takes 1-3) 17) You’ll Think of me (takes 1-6) 18) Without Love (There is Nothing) (take 1) 19) Suspicious Minds (takes 1-5) 20) Suspicious Minds (take 6)
DISC 2 The Rehearsals plus January & February Outtakes and Unfinished Masters - Looks like a GREAT set! Go here to our FTD page for for full tracklist and info.
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'G.I. Blues' – Special Limited Edition 2-DISC VINYL Set- features a "companion album" of alternate takes. As always DMM Mastering by Abbey Road Studios.
Side 1 – The Companion Album 1. Tonight Is So Right For Love (take 4) 2. What’s She Really Like (takes 12, 13) 3. Frankfort Special (version 1, take 12) 4. Wooden Heart (takes 2-4M) 5. G. I. Blues (take 5) 6. Tonight Is So Right For Love (instrumental) (Barcarolle from "The Tales Of Hoffman" by Jacques Offenbach) 7. Tonight’s All Right For Love (alternative version, take1) 8. Big Boots (medium tempo version)
Side 2 – The Companion Album 1. Pocketful Of Rainbows (version 1, take 10) 2. Shoppin’ Around (version 1, take 5) 3. Big Boots (slow version, takes 2, 3) 4. Didja’ Ever (take 1) 5. Shoppin’ Around (instrumental, take 4) 6. Doin’ The Best I Can (takes 1-3) 7. Doin’ The Best I Can (takes 4-7)
Side 3 and Side 4 Original Album plus Bonus tracks.
Go here to our FTD page for for full Album tracklist and info.
(News, Source:ItsElvisTime/ElvisInfoNetwork)
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‘Greatest Live Hits of the 50s’ MRS CD Review: This 24 track CD is the most varied compilation of Elvis LIVE in the 1950's to date, containing only the best live performances, making the ultimate live set list of the 1950’s. It features the 8 new recently discovered live fifties rarities plus the CD also contains the unreleased live version of ‘I Forgot to Remember to Forget’ from October 1955.
It’s been a longtime since those first cheap "Hayride" compilations arrived in our record shops and EIN can still remember the excitement of not only hearing the first Elvis Hayride recording but also discovering their first non-RCA Hayride release. Things have come a long way in 25 years and now we are really spoilt.
Any "Best Of" Elvis LIVE must crackle with the power and stunning performances of Elvis and the Blue Moon Boys.
Go here as EIN's Piers Beagley checks out this new MRS/JAT release.
(CD Reviews, Source:ElvisInformationNetwork)
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