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

FTD Shop EIN's Ultimate "2007 Elvis Week Tour" from Australia

Big news coming from Warner Bros: Rich Stinson sent EIN this very interesting message:

Tonight, I attended the annual Home Theater Forum's An Evening with Warner Home Video.  You can ask them about upcoming DVD releases. I was able to ask them a question in regards to Elvis - here's the transcript:

EIN's 'Best of 2006': 2006 was surely the year of the calm before the storm of all the '30th anniversary' releases. However with hundreds of Elvis CDs, books and DVDs still released in 2006 there was an astounding amount of material for avid Elvis fans to buy. EIN's bank manager told us that we had spent far too much in 2006 - and so to aid the unsuspecting Elvis fan we present our annual round-up of last year with EIN's 'Best of 2006' where we choose our favourite selection of Elvis DVDs, CDs, books and more. (Spotlight, Source: EIN)

"Elvis Rock 'n' Roll Ride for Life" Benefiting the American Diabetes Association: Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE) is pleased to announce the new Elvis Rock 'n' Roll Ride for Life benefiting the American Diabetes Association, which will begin and end at Elvis Presley's Graceland, the legendary superstar's home in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 22, 2007. This event for motorcycle enthusiasts will serve as a fitting homage to Presley's passion for motorcycles and to his lifetime of generosity to individuals and charitable causes. Festivities at Graceland will include the unveiling of the limited edition Elvis 30th Anniversary Signature Collection Harley-Davidson® motorcycle produced by Graceland® Harley-Davidson, a branch location of Bruce Rossmeyer’s Southern Thunder Harley-Davidson.

By offering three levels of participation ranging from $50.00 - $300.00, riders and their passengers can choose from a variety of experiences for the 100-mile escorted ride and the weekend’s events. Activities can include a VIP event and pre-ride party at the Gibson Guitar Beale Street Showcase, ride staging at the steps of Graceland Mansion, tours of the Gibson Guitar Factory and Graceland Mansion, a post-ride party with food, beverages, and live music on the Graceland visitor center property, special commemorative gifts, and much, much more. A special highlight will be the unveiling of the limited edition Elvis Presley 30th Anniversary Signature Collection Harley-Davidson® motorcycle, painting and sculpture, which have been created in tribute to Elvis in this, the thirtieth anniversary year of his passing.

The Elvis Rock 'n' Roll Ride for Life benefiting the American Diabetes Association will depart the Graceland properties at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 22, 2007, with the highest level of participants officially kicking off the ride from the front steps of Graceland Mansion.

Interested individuals can get detailed information and sign up for the ride by going to elvis.com/ride or by calling call 1-901-682-8232 or 1-888-DIABETES extension 3121. To receive Elvis.com e-newsletters and alerts and updates about the Ride, visit elvis.com/newsletters/.

Graceland Mansion and its related attractions will be open for tours as usual on that day. To plan a visit to Graceland for then or anytime, go to www.tourgraceland.com and to learn more about Elvis Presley and EPE visit www.elvis.com.

Full details about the limited edition Elvis 30th Anniversary Signature Collection Harley-Davidson® motorcycles, including prices and ordering information, will be announced soon. (News, Source: EPE)

Elvis Signature Harley Davidson: In honor of the 30th anniversary of Presley's death, Harley Davidson bikes will issue a limited replica of the 1957 Blue Harley-Davidson KH model that Elvis owned. The price is $57,888 (€ 43.934). This includes a limited pain job and a bronze sculpture of Elvis. The Graceland/Harley Davidson logo features the two logo's of Harley Davidson and Graceland in the same font. (News, Source: Elvis Matters)

"Playing For Keeps" promo CD: Volume 43 of the Norwegian Flaming Star magazine comes with a promotional CD entitled "Playing for keeps" which contains four tracks; "Playing For Keeps", "Love Me", "How Do You Think I Feel" and "How´s The World Treating You". All tracks recorded at Radio Recorders, Hollywood, California on September 1, 1956. (News, Source: Magazines: Flaming Star /Elvis News)

"In The Ghetto" - perfect pop song?: A new five-part series "In Search of the Perfect Pop Song" starts tonight on BBC Radio 2. This edition focusses on songwriter Mac Davis, who penned down "In The Ghetto". In this documentary Davis relates the story of how he got the song to Elvis’ attention – by following him into the toilet! The series started yesterday and is presented by Guy Chambers, the Ivor Award winning songwriter behind some of Robbie Williams hit records. BBC Radio 2 - 21.30. Also available online all week on the BBC website. (News, Source: BBC /Elvis News)

"She was a real nut on that," he said. "I have no idea how she got so fanaticized over him. I used to tell her, 'When you go, I'm going to junk all that stuff,' and she'd say I better not."

Third album from the King's daughter in the pipeline: Lisa Marie starts work on her third album next month despite being without a record label. When Capitol merged with Virgin Records, Lisa Marie did not join the new consortium. (Lisa Presley's World, Source: Elvis UK On-line /Elvis News)

Elvis meets Shakespeare - sort of: Elvis meets Shakespeare - sort of -in the jukebox musical "All Shook Up" opening today at the Aronoff Center in Cincinnati. "All Shook Up" is part of the recent genre of musicals that takes the songs and/or music of a singer or musical group and builds a story around the material. The most successful and artful in the jukebox form was "Movin' Out," in which Twyla Tharp set some rousing dances to Billy Joel's music. Most popular and more forced is "Mamma Mia," in which ABBA songs are squeezed into a contrived romance.

Now, from last season on Broadway, comes "All Shook Up." But don't expect an Elvis stage biography, says its star Susan Anton. "It's a delightful piece," she said. "It takes place in about 1955. It uses a great many of Elvis' songs." The roster of 24 Presley songs includes "Love Me Tender," "Heartbreak Hotel," "Hound Dog," "It's Now or Never," "Blue Suede Shoes" and, of course, the title song. " 'All Shook Up' is not about Elvis, "which is always important for people to know," Anton said. "They're not going to come and see a show about Elvis, but they're gonna hear his music," explained Anton, a former Miss California (1969) and second runner-up for Miss America. "It takes place in a fictional town in the middle of nowhere where nothing ever happens. Everybody is heartbroken. "Enter our motorcycle-riding, leather-jacketed, guitar-playing roustabout played by Joe Mandragona. His name is Chad in the piece. "He's not Elvis, but he has an Elvis-like resemblance." (News, Source: The Cincinnati Post)

Uncertain future for Dallas Cotton Bowl: The future of the Dallas Cotton Bowl, where Elvis appeared in 1955, looks uncertain. Although the City Council are ready to spend $50 million renovating the old Fair Park Stadium, the Dallas Cowboys are moving out to a new stadium in Arlington and any planned renovations may just be too late. (News, Source: Elvis UK On-line /Elvis News)

"Elvis The Official Collector's Edition" magazine: Available in the United Kingdom is a new collector series magazine entitled "Elvis The Official Collectors Edition" from DeAgostini. Synopsis: Elvis’ red-hot sound and super-cool looks transformed him into the world’s leading rock ‘n’ roll icon. Thirty years after his death, Elvis’ appeal hasn’t faded, and now the magic that was (and is) the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll is captured in Elvis – The Official Collector’s Edition. Each issue of this exceptional new series consists of three parts – magazine, artifacts and mini-posters – that build into a celebration of the life and work of Elvis Presley. This series is produced in association with Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc., the trustees of Elvis’ estate, which have contributed their privileged insight into Elvis and provided photographs for the magazines, the artifacts and mini-posters from its picture library based at Graceland.

Elvis ballet returns to the stage: As we reported late last year, Blue Suede Shoes, the ballet to Elvis' music is coming back. The terrific Dennis Nahat ballet inspired by Elvis Presley's life and career and performed to Elvis recordings is back, along with the great costumes and sets designed by Bob Mackie.  Blue Suede Shoes will be presented by Ballet San Jose March 16-25.  Click here to learn all about it BalletSanJose.org.   This ballet, first staged in Cleveland in 1996, is once again presented with the cooperation of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. and Sony BMG. (News, Source: EPE) Read EIN's review of Blue Suede Shoes

ELVIS 2007 – The European Fanclub Tour: The 30th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death cannot remain unnoticed by the European fan clubs. In September and October 2007, the official European fan clubs, fully supported by The Original Elvis Cast, take an amazing show on the road: “ELVIS 2007 – The Original Cast”.

The promoters have contracted a very special guest for The Netherlands – although we can’t tell his name yet, due to contractual obligations. For Belgium, the immensely popular Will Tura will do a special guest performance with his musical heroes, the Full Elvis Cast.

Tickets for this amazing live show go on sale on Monday, April 2nd. All details to follow soon on this website and Elvis Matters' brand new own website.

Line Up:

TCB Band
The Imperials
The Sweet Inspirations
Joe Guercio + Orchestra, feat. The original Orchestra members
Terry Mike Jeffrey
Special guests in Holland and Belgium

Touring schedule:

Thursday September 20: Frits Philips Music Hall – EINDHOVEN (NL)
Saturday September 22: Stadthalle Soest, Germany
Sunday September 23: Stadthalle, Germany
Wednesday September 26: Jonkoping, Sweden
Friday September 28: Oslo, Norway
Sunday September 30: Koningin Elizabethzaal – ANTWERPEN (B)
Tuesday October 2: Marseilles, France
Thursday October 4: Geneva, Switzerland
Saturday October 6: Paris, France (News, Source: Elvis Matters/ Elvis News)

Chart update: On the Mid-Price Chart in Finland, the Elvis' 30# 1 Hits album is at #2. (News, Source: Niko Jutila)

New book release in the EC: Due for release in the Summer 2007 in Germany is the book "Soldat Elvis in Grafenwöhr" on Elvis' years in Germany. (News, Source: Collectors Service /Elvis News)

James Burton donates guitar: (see original story dated 21 Feb below) The gesture of ElvisMatters to take the almost-blind boy Michiel Stroobants (17) to Graceland for no cost at all, as the surgeries have cost enough already, hasn’t stayed unnoticed. Fans from all over Belgium and Holland, have donated money to Michiel. James Burton even donates a guitar to Michiel, which he’ll present on September 30th in Antwerp (Elizabethzaal, ‘ELVIS 2007’). This news was picked up by the Belgian press, who decided to do a story on this. ElvisMatters hereby calls on other fanclubs in Belgium and Holland to join forces and participate in this good cause. It would be great if other clubs would follow this example, and publish the story on their websites too. (News, Source: Elvis Matters)

'EIN's Best of Elvis on YouTube' Weekly Update: EIN's biggest update yet with TWENTY new Elvis videos to watch. This week's selection features everything from rare 'Elvis On Tour' material, Elvis live in concert 1977, some amazing and rare August 1970 footage from Elvis' 'best concert ever', 1956 Hound Dog, to U2's personal tour around Graceland. With nearly 100 Elvis videos listed, make sure you check them out before the internet police ban them. See 'em now before they disappear! ('EIN's Elvis on YouTube', Source: EIN/YouTube)

German "Ladies" Elvis Special: The monthly German magazine "Frau im Spiegel" published an Elvis edition in their quarterly "Legenden" series. This 13th volume is an 100 pages biography on Elvis Presley, with emotional stories and pictures it paints the picture of the legend and the past era. (News, Source: Elvis News)

New book - The Gospel According To Elvis (Sanctuary's Gospel): Released on February 16, 2007 by Sanctuary Publishing Ltd. is the book "The Gospel According to Elvis" by Tanja and Kevin Crouch. This paperback contains 256 pages (ISBN-10: 1860746551 / ISBN-13: 978-1860746550).

Synopsis: In the field of popular culture, a handful of artists enjoy a status that is beyond stardom - they are true icons whose life and art remain an inspiration to millions around the world. Sanctuary's Gospel series is a new collection of books that celebrate a handful of those artists through inspirational quotes, biographical anecdotes, photos, memorabilia and other miscellany from their life and work. Elaborately designed and organized into six thematic sections - Life, Love, Success, Family, Work and Friendship - and complete with a full discography of each artist, the Gospels serve as both a reflection on a life well lived and a model for personal success. (News, Source: Amazon.co.uk /Elvis News)

Chart update: Both The Essential album and The Road Show Interstate (DVD) dropped out of the ARIA charts in Australia this week. (News, Source: ARIA)

Peter Noone on The Elvis Hour: On this weeks show we visit with Peter Noone of Hermans Hermits, we'll hear a rare interview with the King and recall highlights from 1965. We'll also play some of your favorite hits with Elvis performing live and in Concert. So stay with us for a busy edition of The Elvis Hour. (News, Source: Darwin Lamm)

Fans can contribute to next Joe Esposito book series: Joe 's book series, Celebrate Elvis, includes interviews from true Elvis Fans. If any EIN readers wish to contribute to the book series they should email Francis Brebner (News, Source: Francis Brebner)

FTD Sun project update: Bill E. Burk tells us: ERNST JORGENSEN's long-awaited, heavily-researched book on Elvis' activities while at Sun Records "may" see a 2007 release.  I've never known any author (Elvis or not) who has been SO meticulous in his research as Ernst has been on this book.  It's planned to have 58 chapters -- the first six about Elvis' shennanigans in late 1954; then one chapter per week during 1955.  It should be loaded with both previously-unknown facts and photos.  (We have worked with Ernst "a little" on this project.)  Three Follow That Dream-label CDs will come with the book. (News, Source: Bill E. Burk)

Quentin Tarantino as Elvis: Before Quentin Tarantino made Pulp Fiction and Grindhouse, he was a struggling actor. Did You Know: Tarantino once appeared as an Elvis impersonator in a Golden Girls episode? IGN has the photos to prove it (one of them can be seen above). This is one of those things I’ve always heard about, but haven’t seen until now. Check out the pictures at IGN.com. (News, Source: FILM)

June Juanico book re-issue: In July the book "In The Twilight of Memory" will be re-released by Arcade Publishing: To commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of his death, here is the highly acclaimed, intimate, tender, and deeply moving portrait of Elvis Presley, written by his first serious girlfriend.

June Juanico was 17 when she met Elvis Presley; he was 20. She was a good girl from Biloxi, Mississippi; he was a rockabilly singer on the verge of stardom. They fell in love in the summer of 1956, and found a timeless moment of innocence and simple pleasure. Juanico gives us the Elvis she knew and loved—the Memphis boy with aw-shucks charm, impeccable manners, and an easy and irresistible sensuality. Their lives merged quickly and completely: Elvis’s mother, Gladys, felt June was her son’s last hope against the excesses of life on the road and the corruption of fame. But Elvis was on a train that no one could stop. Self-possessed, June chose her own path; she left Elvis, determined never to look back. But in this completely disarming, fascinating memoir, she does look back, and proves she has remembered everything, every conversation, every story, and every caress. ELVIS IN THE TWILIGHT OF MEMORY gives us an intimate and unforgettable portrait of the man who would be King.

Both a hardcover (ISBN 1559703938, 320 pages) and paperback (ISBN 1559708395, 336 pages) will be released. (News, Source: Elvis: A Life In Books)

Tupelo Elvis festival makes Top 100 list: With some 500 buses full of visitors rolling into the city each year, Tupelo has made the Top 100 list of the American Bus Association's what-to-see-and-do calendar.
Specifically, it's the city's Elvis Presley Festival on the ABA's 25th anniversary edition of its list of top events in the U.S. and Canada. The 2007 edition is a guide highlighting the top fairs, festivals, parades, exhibits, theater and shows. (News, Source: djournal.com)

Elvis 2nd to Angelina Jolie in poll: Mother-of-three Angelina Jolie has been named the sexiest individual in history. Jolie, 31, comes four places above her other-half, Hollywood heart-throb Brad Pitt, 43. Hip-gyrating Elvis Presley is second in the poll conducted for Channel 4, almost 30 years after his death.

The Oscar-winning actress beat some of the world's most famous sex symbols, from Steve McQueen to Sophia Loren, in the top 100. Blonde bombshell Marilyn Monroe is third, one place above Crazy in Love singer and Dreamgirls star Beyonce.

George Clooney, 45, is seventh and there is good news for pop princess Kylie Minogue, 38, following her split with Olivier Martinez - she is eighth. Pirates of the Caribbean star Johnny Depp, 43, makes ninth place, and Scarlett Johansson, 22, is tenth.

The top ten sex greatest sex symbols were:

1 Angelina Jolie
2 Elvis Presley
3 Marilyn Monroe
4 Beyonce Knowles
5 Brad Pitt
6 Lara Croft
7 George Clooney
8 Kylie Minogue
9 Johnny Depp
10 Scarlett Johansson (News, Source: Amber Smith)

UPDATED - EIN's Complete 2007 CD list: It is only February but EIN already has over 25 new Elvis CDs listed for release in 2007 - and that's not including all the budget 1956 cheapos such as the one shown opposite!

Elvis still King of eBay: Search for Elvis Presley items on eBay, and you will turn up hundreds — no thousands — of souvenirs, photos, albums, magazine articles, 45s, LPs, CDs, and just about anything and everything someone could slap a TCB logo on. But occasionally, something very rare and unusual turns up, and that’s just what happened recently when someone decided to sell the rights to Elvis’ last recorded song.

In 1973, the King of Rock and Roll teamed up with songwriter Paul Terry King to produce and record two songs. One of these, “If I’d Only Bought Her Roses,” was sold last year to Robert X. Sillerman, the current owner of Elvis Presley Enterprises for an undisclosed price.

But the other song, “Just Like Rolling Up the Hill,” has remained a secret until now, when Hill — not in the best of health — decided to sell the rights on eBay. What this means, according to eBay, is that the new owner can “produce, sing, or release it yourself.” It was promoted on eBay as “Elvis’ Last Recorded Song.”

Sounds like a risky venture, but hey it worked for Elvis, so it might work for the highest bidder, an unidentified (or in eBay’s terms, “private”) buyer who ended up paying $31,101 for the rights. The winner receives “copyright and all associated publication and performance rights, etc.”

Learn more about this unusual auction at www.elvissong.info. (News, Source: Memphis Flyer Online)

EIN Comment: We asked Paul Terry King to provide proof Elvis co-wrote this song with him and evidence that he mentioned this song at the time of promoting the other song allegedly co-wrote with Elvis, If I’d Only Bought Her Roses. We're still waiting! In EIN's opinion whoever bought the rights to Just Like Rolling Up Hill has been duped. As for Robert Sillerman buying "Roses", it came as part of a much bigger acquisition, Elvis-A-Rama. EPE has also dismissed Mr King's claims: see Is this really Elvis' last song?

"Elvis in the Beat of the Night: True Stories of Elvis and His Police Buddies" book delayed yet again: Originally due out in August 2006 publication of this book has again been delayed. Tentative release date is now late March 2007 - this is the sixth time the book has been delayed. (News, ElvisBookResearch)

Chart update: U.S. Billboard Elvis Chart Listings For The Week of 3 March 2007:

Top Country Catalog Albums - Elvis 30 #1 Hits - down 5 to #21

Hot 100 Singles Sales - Heartbreak Hotel - down 14 to #44

Top Music Video - Elvis: '68 Comeback Special - up 3 to #30
Top Music Video - Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii - down 1 to #33

Top Comprehensive Music Video - Elvis: '68 Comeback Special - up 3 to #30
Top Comprehensive Music Video - Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii - down 1 to #33

New entries and Re-entries on the charts include - none.......Dropping off the charts include - none (News, Source: Elvis International)

Roger Semon interview with EIN: Roger Semon, along with Ernst Jorgensen, is the co-producer of everything Elvis at SONY/BMG. It was in fact the UK Roger Semon produced 'E.P. Collection' that spearheaded the fabulous re-packaging of Elvis' musical legacy leading to the creation of the FTD label. Roger recently took time out of his busy schedule to talk with EIN about future releases, how he met Ernst Jorgensen, the future of FTD, 'Clambake', 'Tickle Me', 'Jailhouse Rock' and much much more. (Interviews, Source: EIN, February 2007)

"Reflections of the 70's" CD: Due for release from the Dutch Elvis For Everyone fan club is the CD "Reflections of the 70's". It comes with an eight pages illustrated booklet and contains 57 tracks, including press conferences, radio interviews, two telephone conversations, stories from friends, on stage and backstage recordings, and more. This mainly talking only compilation also includes a message to his fans in Europe, Australia and Japan. (News, Source: Elvis For Everyone Fan Club/Elvis News)

Where's the FECC board?: Many fans are asking the question: what's happened to the popular FECC Messageboard? It has been offline for a number of days.

It appears the moderators are taking a sabbatical following several fierce threads where posters were getting out of hand. No word yet on when it will be back.

Long time patrons of the messageboards will remember when alt.elvis.king board (on Google) reigned supreme. As it started to degenerate in tone, FECC became the most popular. Unfortunately the FECC board is increasingly being afflicted with the nastiness too often seen in the alt.elvis.king threads. (EIN Comment)

The Memphis Boys Live in Memphis: The Memphis Boys are the rhythm section that recorded with Elvis in 1969 at the American Sound Studio in Memphis, Tennessee. The result of those sessions were hits singles like Suspicious Minds, In the Ghetto, Kentucky Rain, Don't Cry Daddy and many more.

Bobby Wood (Piano), Mike Leech (Bass), Gene Chrisman (Drums), Bobby Emmons (Hammond) and Reggie Young (Guitar) will play in Germantown on August 17. (News, Source: Elvis Unlimited /Elvis News)

Graceland jumpsuit catalog: At the time the the giant jumpsuit expo will open in the 'Sincerely Elvis' museum on the other side of Graceland, there will be an official catalogue released. If you look at the the pre-design, it's going to be a very detailled and intereseting book for the fans of the shiny suits. (News, Source: EP Gold)

"March of Dimes" vinyl release: The "March Of Dimes" EP will be reissued on vinyl in two weeks. It come on black vinyl, 12 inch with the original labels in a sleeve that is made like the original envelope. (News, Source: Elvis Unlimited/EP Gold)

Ernst talks FTD plans: Ernst Jorgensen did an interview with the Brazilian Elvis Collectors site. He gave a few glimpses into the future of the Follow That Dream label which he sees active for the next 5 years.

The FTD label is working on more book projects, the first one being a book about Elvis' time at Sun, a bigger project about the seventies is at an early planning stage but definitely won't be ready until next year.

The remainder of the Stax sessions material from 1973 will probably be released on three Classic Album reissues. There will probably be a another release with outtakes from the Nashville 1971 outtakes, but it's not one of the next releases.

The label is working on several other ideas; one of the favourite ideas is a box of the best bootlegs and there will be another August 1974 release since BMG has almost all the shows.

And finally on sound improvement, for the general public Ernst commends "We always try and upgrade the sound, but I don't think anybody supports to SACD format anymore".

You can read the complete interview in English on the Elvis Collectors Brazil website through the link in the right menu. (News, Source: Elvis Brasil /Elvis News)

EIN Note: An English language translation of the interview can be found on the EP Gold site

Investors sought for new Elvis film: From Cassie Bowers: "I am pleased to inform you that we have begun seeking investors for our new film project about the one and only, Elvis Presley.  If you or any of your fan club members are interested in learning more about this film, please reply back." Anyone interested should contact Cassie (News, Source: Cassie Bowers)

Elvis World 2007 Luncheon "Sold Out": Bill E. Burk tells us his popular annual luncheon event during Elvis Week is now completely "sold out". (News, Source: Bill E. Burk)

WANTING TO GET ALL SHOOK UP?: Here are special prices at The Orpheum Theater on March 13-18, 2007 to see the Elvis-inspired musical, All Shook Up! This is 15% off the regular ticket price! Please click on the link below to purchase discounted tickets. Your password is "Graceland." Tickets are available for all performances EXCEPT Friday and Saturday evening. HURRY…DEADLINE TO PURCHASE IS MARCH 5, 2007.

If you have a group of 15 or more, you can contact Karen at 529-4226 or Conrad@orpheum-memphis.com and she will work with you to get an additional discount plus a free ticket for you!

To order go to: http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/s851op   (News, Source: EPE)

ELVIS '68 Comeback Novelty Sign from Bogar: After much anticipation, Bogar Enterprises, LLC announces the release of the ELVIS ’68 Comeback Special Novelty Sign in commemoration of one of Las Vegas’ most beloved performers - Elvis Presley. This novelty sign, which is licensed by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. is a replica of the towering backdrop seen in Elvis’ television special, popularly known as “The ’68 Comeback Special” that first aired on December 3, 1968 on NBC.

April 2007 FTD releases announced:

On 1 April 2007 the FTD label is due to release the following albums:

50,000,000 Elvis Fans Can't Be Wrong
Classic Albums Reissue with bonus material.

An American Trilogy
Jan/Feb 1972 Vegas Recordings - Official RCA recordings plus soundboard material.

Live in L.A.
Concert soundboard recordings from 1974 and a companion photo book.

(News, Source: EPE)

"Rock In Black: released: The SR Label 2 CD release "Rock In Black", containing recordings from January 26 and February 22 1970, has been released.. It comes as a six panel digipack with 3 unreleased pictures and a fold out bonus poster. (News, Source: Elvis News)

Jumpsuit exhibit now open: After Graceland, the highlight of the next two years will be without any doubt the 'Sincerely Elvis Museum'. There are not less than 56 jumpsuits on display. Duke, citizen of Memphis and reporter for our collegue's at Elvis Express Radio visted the expo and was overwhelmed. The suits are placed in a timeline, starting with 1969 and ending with the baby blue suit that Elvis would never where in 1977. Sources inside EPE confirm that they own 88 jumpsuits: 56 in this expo, 10 in the racquetball building, 3 in the trophy room and 2 in the Afterdark expo. That means that there are still 17 suits that are left in the vaults. (News, Source: Elvis Matters)

Priscilla Presley honored by Memphis Tigers: Priscilla Presley - actress, producer, author, entrepreneur, leadership team member of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc./CKX, Inc. and former wife of Elvis Presley – has made plans to attend the University of Memphis Tigers' regular season home basketball finale with the University of Houston. The game, which will be carried by CBS-TV, will be played on February 25 at 1 PM at FedExForum.

Presley, who has co-starred in the highly successful Naked Gun trilogy of films and the iconic Dallas television series, and has made acclaimed special guest star appearances on several top television series while maintaining her career in business, will attend the game as the guest of Memphis Athletic Director R.C. Johnson and his wife Melba.

Halftime activities at the game will feature a special presentation by Ms. Presley and Jack Soden, President & CEO of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. Two scholarships are being established at the University in the name of Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation. One of the scholarships will be awarded to the 11-time, world-champion Memphis Pom-Pon Squad. The second will be designated for a student-intern who will be assigned to work in the athletic director's office.

The Pom-Pon squad will perform a special routine during halftime in honor of Elvis Presley and his family, and Johnson will bestow upon Ms. Presley the title of honorary Tiger letter-winner. (News, Source: EPE)

Elvis Matters helps near blind fan get to Graceland: In the monday edition of the newspaper 'Het Laatste Nieuws' in Belgium, the story of the 17 year old Michiel Stroobans was published. Michiel was born with an eye-disease. The doctors have given up all hope for a recovery, and have informed Michiel and his family that he will have lost complete sight by the end of the year - despite the many expensive surgeries. The nerves in his eyes will stop functioning in months from now, leaving Michiel completely blind. It has always been the dream of Michiel to see Graceland, but the surgeries have taken up all the family's savings. Michiel would never see Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley.

When we read this touching article, the staff of ElvisMatters did not need a second thought. We contacted the Stroobans family and invited Michiel and his dad to join the club trip in August without any cost. All expenses Michiel may have, are on us. Today, this news was picked up in the newspapers and the national radiostation 'Radio 2' i. Listen Here. ElvisMatters is pleased to continue the tradition of Elvis, who donated huge soms of money to others in need. Last December, ElvisMatters donated 1000 euro for MS-patients, and the month before the club donated another 1000 euro to an organisation that supports poor people. (News, Source: Elvis Matters)

EIN Comment: Congratulations to Elvis Matters for their compassion and generosity. Elvis would be proud!

Elvis goes PingPong: Some whizz kids from the Netherlands have invented a system to produce large pictures (2mx3m) that is made from pingpong balls in 6 different grey shades. If you would like to know how this is done, watch this clip. (News, Source: Elvis Matters)

PBS Affiliates To Air "Elvis Lives: The 25th Anniversary Concert Event" in March (News, Source: EPE)

Zippin Pippin held hostage: Elvis Presley's favorite roller coaster car is being "held hostage" by fairgrounds officials in Memphis, according to the coaster's owner. Stephen Shutts, president of Honky Tonk Hall of Fame & Rock-N-Roll Roadshow in Nashville, bought the Zippin Pippin roller coaster last summer for $2,500 in an auction of rides and equipment at the former Libertyland theme park but was only interested in the first car, Elvis' favorite.

"They keep sending notices telling us that if we don't pick up the car it's going to be declared 'abandoned property.' Then, when we go to get it, they won't let us have it," Shutts said.

He sold the rest of the Zippin Pippin to a North Carolina tourist attraction, Carolina Crossroads, which has yet to move the entire structure. Mid-South Fair chief operating officer Jim Rout said on Friday he considers Shutts the Zippin Pippin's owner and said when the coaster is removed, the car will be released. (News, Source: AP)

Actress says Elvis was "prisoner of fame": Susan Anton remembers the night she met Elvis Presley. In the 1970s, the 20-something Anton — starring through tonight in the touring All Shook Up at the Palace Theatre — was singing in a hotel show in Las Vegas. She attended a Tom Jones concert one night when Presley joined Jones for the finale. Afterward, Anton was invited to accompany Presley to his penthouse apartment in the Las Vegas Hilton.

"He was so sweet," she said. "That’s what struck me the most."

Presley then asked Anton to enter his bedroom.

"I thought: ‘Oh, my God. The big superstar is going to make the play for the big, naive girl,’ " she recalled.

He didn’t make a pass, though. Instead, he read a favorite passage from the best-selling The Prophet by Khalil Gibran.

"He signed it, gave it to me and wished me a good life," she said.

In retrospect, Anton views Presley as a prisoner of his fame.

"That, and his roots in gospel music and the church, fueled his desire to seek out more knowledge about the world and self realization." (News, Source: Amber Smith)

"Memphis Recording Service Vol. 2" - 2006's #1 release (Review): If you thought MRS1 was a superb release...be prepared...Memphis Recording Service Volume 2 (MRS2) has lifted the bar to another level! A sublime mix of book, audio and video DVD, and 7" single, Joseph Pirzada has thrown down the gauntlet to Ernst and his upcoming Sun project. Chock full of great photos, historical content and 40 enhanced audio tracks MRS2 is an absolute delight! And the amazing earliest known video footage (in full color) of Elvis as an up and coming new star in May 1955, will blow many fans away. Read EIN's full review of "Memphis Recording Service Vol. 2" (Book Review, Source: EIN)

Kathy Westmoreland to Visit Denmark in April: Elvis Unlimited is very proud to announce that “the little girl with the beautiful high voice” Kathy Westmoreland will be special guest at our next shows in Denmark in April. Kathy sang soprano for Elvis on stage and during recording sessions from August 16, 1970 until his last show on June 26, 1977.   You can easily hear her beautiful high voice on songs like Something and Hawaiian Wedding Song.   Before Kathy joined the Elvis show she worked with the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. She also performed with Bobby Darin in the late 1960’s. In 1987 Kathy published her book Elvis and Kathy. In the book she describes her very close relationship with Elvis.   Kathy hasn’t done any Elvis shows in Europe for the last ten years. This will be a unique chance to meet and she her perform with the great TCB Band.

"The Great American Novel" by Elvis Prestley released: Lulu.com has released what is obviously a send-up (the spelling of Prestley is correct). The one page book is available in both book and download formats. (News, Source: ElvisBookResearch)

"Elvis was a truck driver...and other useless facts!": This new book appears to have little to do with Elvis besides its title and cover artwork. Released by Lulu.com it has 200 pages. (News, Source: ElvisBookResearch)

The Elvis Years - 1958: Documenting the life and career of history's most popular (and, many say, best) entertainer is a daunting task, because everything Elvis touched and everything he did seemed to make history by dint of his unprecedented fame. So I've taken the time to create a series that breaks The King's life up into one big year-by-year timetable, in order to better understand the forces that led to his rise and fall.

The year 1958 was perhaps the most important of Elvis Presley's life -- not because the Memphis Draft Board forced him to have hassenfeffer amd black pumpernickel for chow, but because of his mother's untimely passing. Could any one person, even his mother, have affected his The King so deeply? Yes, and as this latest in a series of Elvis histories shows, her passing accomplished what the rest of the world could not. (News, Source; Robert Fontenot, About: Oldies Music)

Controversial photo shoot - your feedback: There has been a strong response to the news items and photos we ran yesterday and on 16 Feb 2006. Opinion is quite polarised with feedback from males in favor of the photos and feedback from females against it. Your feedback ranges from "This should not be allowed" (Maureen, England), to "there are many racier ones online at both the magazine site and at Elvis.com" (Carol, Ohio), to "A great way to keep Elvis' name alive today" (John, Brussels). (Source: EIN Reader Feedback)

'EIN's Best of Elvis on YouTube' Weekly Update: It appears that the Elvis internet police were less active last week with no more illegal Elvis videos being removed. This week's EIN selection features sensational footage of 1969 Elvis live in Vegas, a rare 1977 interview with Ginger Alden, a look at Graceland's backlot and some 'blackvelvet' Elvis. With over sixty Elvis videos listed, make sure you check them out before they disappear! ('EIN's Elvis on YouTube', Source: EIN/YouTube)

Chart update: On this week's ARIA charts in Australia The Essential album dropped five places to #38 after 5 weeks in the chart, and on the Music DVD Chart, The Road Show Interstate dropped seven places to #15 after 3 weeks in the chart. (News, Source: ARIA)

Elvisly Yours releases fantastic new range of Elvis clocks and watches: Sid Shaw's "Elvisly Yours" organisation has released details and pictures of its latest range of Elvis clocks and watches. (News, Source: Sid Shaw) Click for more info and to view each release

Controversial photo shoot at Humes High & Graceland: Jamie Coyne has circulated this message: I was shocked and disgusted today to learn that pictures which will appear in the upcoming Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue of a *topless* model, Tori Praver were taken at *HUMES MIDDLE SCHOOL auditorium in Memphis, TN*. (in 1954 this was a (Elvis') highschool). Who at the school approved usage of the property?  Who would clear the way for risque - let alone TOPLESS photos to taken AT A SCHOOL. In addition other photos depict the model nearly naked in various poses in Graceland Mansion. (see EIN story below dated 16 Feb 2007)

EIN Comment: EIN sees nothing wrong with the photo shoot (of course Piers and I are red blooded males). It appears to be tasteful (it certainly is not pornographic) and we are now living in the new millennium, not the 1950s. If Elvis was still alive we suspect he would cast a quiet smile at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit spread.

"Legendary Gold" CD release in EC: Just released is another 2CD budget release entitled "Legendary Gold". CD 1 contains 12 master tracks and CD 22 contains several interviews. (News, Source: Elvis Corner /Elvis News)

"Now and Forever" CD release in EC: Here is another budget CD, this compilation of the same well known material is entitled "Now And Forever". (News, Source: Elvis Corner /Elvis News)

Hollywood has long history of prescription drug abuse: If a prescription needs to be filled in Hollywood, chances are celebrities can find a doctor to do it. Doctors have a long history of feeding the drug demands of the entertainment industry from Marilyn Monroe to Winona Ryder, Elvis Presley to Courtney Love.

"It's not easy to say no to a celebrity," said Michael Levine. "History has taught us whether it's Anna Nicole, Elvis or John Belushi, they can get what they want. It's like water." Monroe died at 36 from an overdose of sleeping pills in August 1962. She had been under a doctor's care at the time, police said.

Presley, who died in 1977 at 42, was known to travel with George Nichopoulos, a former physician who overprescribed drugs to clients, who also included rockabilly singer Jerry Lee Lewis.

Members of the medical team who performed Presley's autopsy acknowledged in 1990 that the singer was addicted to prescription medications and his death may have been hastened by "polypharmacy," a reaction to mixing many drugs. Nichopoulos lost his medical license but was acquitted of related criminal charges.

"Top Gun" producer Don Simpson was found dead of a drug overdose at his Bel-Air estate in January 1996. Traces of 21 drugs were found in his blood, and at least two doctors were investigated for overprescribing medications for Simpson.

More recently, celebrities have used fake names to get their vials filled. A 2002 probation report stemming from the shoplifting arrest of actress Winona Ryder showed that she used a half-dozen aliases when she sought prescription drugs. The report said Ryder went "doctor shopping" and had 37 prescriptions filled by 20 doctors over a three-year span.

"It's not uncommon for a high-profile person to get a prescription filled under an alias," said Ryder's attorney, Mark Geragos, citing a celebrity's need for privacy. "It happens with great frequency."

The California Health and Safety Code includes several sections stating that no person who prescribes or dispenses a controlled substance may give a phony name or address or make any false statements on the prescription form. Geragos said the onus is on the doctor. In Ryder's case, Jules Lusman pleaded no-contest to practicing medicine without a license and grand theft, and was sentenced to five years probation.

This past week, California's medical board opened an inquiry as investigators tried to determine if there was any misconduct by Dr. Sandeep Kapoor, who reportedly prescribed methadone to Smith. The celebrity news Web site TMZ.com said "Michelle Chase" was an alias used by Smith in a pharmacy receipt for a methadone prescription. Methadone is a popular narcotic painkiller that is used as part of drug addiction detoxification and maintenance programs. Methadone overdoses can cause shallow breathing and dangerous changes in heart beat.

An attorney for Kapoor, a 1996 graduate of Boston University School of Medicine, said in a statement Friday that his treatment of Smith was "sound and appropriate" and he will cooperate with the state's medical board. Levine said celebrities turn off their "psychological smoke alarms" and surround themselves with people willing to cater to their needs and who aren't willing to intervene when problems arise.

"We hopefully have friends and family who will step in and help us out when there are problems," Levine said. "But people who don't have the smoke alarms will be enveloped by fire at some point." (News, Source: Yahoo News)

"He Touched Me" DVD reissue: Due for rerelease by EMI Video on March 6, 2007, is the 2 DVD documentary "He Touched Me: The Gospel Music Of Elvis Presley". This set was originally released in 2000. Tracks: 1. How Great Thou Art 2. Peace In The Valley 3. An American Trilogy 4. If I Can Dream 5. Where Could I Go 6. Bossom of Abraham 7. I John 8. Lead Me Guide Me 9. In The Ghetto 10. Bridge Over Troubled Water 11. He Touched Me 12. I Beleive In The Man In The Sky 13. Why Me Lord 14. Take My Hand, Precious Lord 15. In The Garden 16. Swing Down Sweet CHariot 17. His Hand In Mine 18. It's No Secret 19. Mansion Over The Hilltop 20. Father Along 21. Where No One Stands Alone 22. Without Him 23. You'll Never Walk Alone 24. Amazing Grace 25. Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus (News, Source: CD Universe /Elvis News)

Elvis vs. James Brown - who had the most influence?

Q. Who do you think had more of an impact on music: Elvis Presley or James Brown?
—Murphy Edward Smith, Baltimore, Md.

A. Both had their first hits in the mid-1950s, and Elvis went on to become the biggest rock star of the 20th century. But we think Brown had a bigger impact on music. He was instrumental in combining gospel and rhythm & blues—leading to soul, rap, funk and hip-hop. Vote in our interactive poll at right. (News, Source: Parade.com/Patti Ross)

Vote for Elvis

Songwriter Ray Evans dies: Hollywood-songwriter Ray Evans died February 15, 2007 of heart failure at a Los Angeles hospital, he was 92. Raymond Bernard Evans was an American songwriter and partner in a composing and songwriting duo with Jay Livingston, known for the songs they composed for films. Evans wrote the lyrics and Livingston the music for the songs. Livingston and Evans won Academy Awards in 1948 for the song "Buttons and Bows", written for the movie The Paleface; in 1950 for the song "Mona Lisa", written for the movie Captain Carey, U.S.A.; and in 1956 for the song "Que Sera Sera", written for the movie The Man Who Knew Too Much. In addition to their three Oscar-winning songs, Livingston and Evans earned four other Oscar nominations Livingston and Evans also wrote popular TV themes for shows including "Bonanza" and "Mr. Ed". Among Livingston and Evans' songs, which reportedly have sold a total of nearly 500 million copies, is the Christmas standard "Silver Bells." Introduced in the 1951 Bob Hope-Marilyn Maxwell comedy "The Lemon Drop Kid," "Silver Bells" is said to have been recorded by nearly 150 artists and has sold more than 160 million copies. He was inducted in the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1977. Elvis Presley recorded "Mona Lisa" and "Silver Bells". (News, Source: Charmaine Voisine)

Chart update: The "Elvis Lives" DVD entered the official French Music DVD chart at #27 this week. In The Netherlands volume 2 of "The Definitive Collection" drops from #9 to #10 while volume 1 of this set climbs from #10 to #7 on the Free Record Shop Music DVD Top 20. (News, Source: Elvis News)

Elvis on the Potomac: On March 23, 1956, Elvis played D.C. for the first and last time. The show, unlike the boat, rocked. Read full article (Spotlight, Source: Washington City Paper)

"Inside Double Trouble" artwork and release details: Elvis Matters has issued a press release providing artwork and release details for its upcoming book. View larger artwork and release details (News, Source: Elvis Matters)

"Elvis The American Way Vol. 2" released: Despite rumors to the contrary, the latest import CD from the Southern Comfort label "Amercan Way - Volume 2 - Some Blue Eyed Soul" has been released. The tracks on this CD are: Wearin' That Loved On Look Session: 01. Takes 2-9 (false starts + long false start) 02. Take 10 (complete take) 03. Takes 11-13 (2 false starts + 2 long false starts) 04. Take 14 (complete take)

You'll Think Of Me Session: 05. Takes 1-5 (5 false starts) 06. Take 6 (complete take) 07. Take 7 (complete take) 08. Take 8 (complete take) A Little Bit Of Green Session: 09. Takes 1, 2 (complete take + false start + long false start) After Long You Session: 10. Takes 1, 2 (rehearsal + long false start + complete take) 11. Take 3 (rehearsal + complete take)

Only The Strong Survive Session: 12. Takes 1, 2 (long false start + rehearsal + 4 false starts + long false start) 13. Take 3 (complete take) 14. Take 4 (3x false start + long false start) 15. Takes 5, 6 (3x false start + complete take) 16. Takes 7, 8 (false start + 3x long false start) 17. Takes 9, 10 (false start + long false start) 18. Take 11 (long false start) From A Jack To A King Session: 19. Takes 1-3 (2x false start + complete take) 20. Take 4 (rehearsal + complete take) (News, Source: Amber Smith)

Chart update: Here are the U.S. Billboard Elvis chart listings for the week ending February 24, 2007:

Top Country Catalog Albums - Elvis 30 #1 Hits - up 1 to #16
Hot 100 Singles Sales - Heartbreak Hotel - up 3 to #30 (sg)
Top Music Video - Elvis: '68 Comeback Special - down 5 to #33
Top Music Video - Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii - down 3 to #32
Top Comprehensive Music Video - Elvis: '68 Comeback Special - down 5 to #33
Top Comprehensive Music Video - Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii - down 3 to #32

There were no new entries, no re-entries or releases dropping off the the charts this week. (News, Source: Elvis International)

Sci-Fi Elvis film: Elvis Express Radio has published the following report about a planned sci-fi film around Elvis: Elvis does not die in 1977? He is whisked away on a flying saucer to another galaxy where he does not age.   Then he returns 30 years later. He wants to stay anonymous, so what does he do....? Why, he joins an Impersonator contest in Las Vegas of course! Then the mob goes after him, and the fun begins?" The official website states that Sonny West is involved in the movie, however we think (or hope) that this is just some joke? Anyway, here is what we found on the site.

Graceland makes a splash in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition: Elvis starred with bombshells in bikinis when he filmed GIRLS! GIRLS! GIRLS! in 1962, but in 2007, his beloved Memphis mansion is one the stars of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition. The magazine and SI.com feature 20 of the world’s most beautiful supermodels posing at spectacular locations around the world as well as some of the biggest stars in the world of music, including Elvis Presley’s Memphis mansion. SI newcomer Tori Praver and favorite Oluchi Onweagba sizzled on the hot streets of Memphis and in the hallowed halls of Graceland with photographer Walter Chin. The much anticipated stand-alone edition will reach more than 67 million adults in the U.S. alone and is the most widely-read issue of any magazine in the world. This year’s issue is the ninth orchestrated by Swimsuit Editor Diane Smith. The annual search for paradisiacal locales took the magazine to ten unique locations which all played into the issue’s music theme: Arizona, Brazil, Florida, Jamaica, Los Angeles, Louisiana, Maui, Memphis, New York and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.

EIN Note: Bill E. Burk broke this story on EIN back in November last year. Check out Bill Burk's Elvis World Online

EPE, SOFA and Leiber & Stoller Awarded Damages in Lawsuit Against Elvis Documentary Producers: In what is considered a significant monetary judgment for copyright infringement lawsuits, the United States District Court in Los Angeles has awarded plaintiffs Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE), SOFA Entertainment, Inc. and songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller $2.8 million in damages and attorneys fees to be paid by Passport International Productions, Inc. (a/k/a Passport Video, Inc.) and its owner, Dante Pugliese.

The case began in 2002 when, without permission and against numerous express objections, Passport manufactured and sold a set of eight DVDs entitled "25th Anniversary Elvis: The Definitive Collection August 16, 1977 - August 16, 2002," otherwise entitled "The Definitive Elvis." The 16-hour set included copyrighted works and the rights of publicity owned by Plaintiffs. In reaching its decision, the Court agreed that Passport released the set with the full knowledge that Plaintiffs did not consent to the unauthorized use of their copyrighted material, and that their activities would mislead consumers and damage Plaintiffs. Passport appealed the case up to the 9th Circuit, claiming "Fair Use," arguing that the set was a documentary look at the life of Elvis Presley. The Court did not agree in a 2005 ruling, and the decision successfully delineated the limits of the Fair Use defense.

“This is a landmark decision for all of us,” stated Gary Hovey, Executive Vice President of Entertainment/Music Publishing for Elvis Presley Enterprises. “We are delighted with the Court’s ruling, the damages awarded and the precedent it sets.”

The copyrighted materials included Presley home movies owned by EPE, material from “The Ed Sullivan Show,” and portions of “Ed Sullivan Rock & Roll Classics – Elvis Presley,” owned by SOFA Entertainment, a producer of movies, videos and television programs. Other unauthorized material was from the EPE owned “The Elvis 1968 Comeback Special (a/k/a "The Singer Special,”) “Aloha From Hawaii,” and “Elvis In Concert,” which also include songs written by Leiber & Stoller.

“It is reassuring to know that the courts have seen fit to uphold our copyrights thereby putting unscrupulous parties on notice that historic performances from ‘The Ed Sullivan Show,’ cannot be used by those who prefer to steal rather than to license,” commented Andrew Solt of SOFA Entertainment. “We are very pleased with the court’s informed decision.”

“Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller have always supported the ownership and protection of intellectual property,” said Randy Poe, President of Leiber & Stoller Music Publishing. “This ruling puts on notice anyone wishing to improperly claim ‘Fair Use,’ rather than acquiring permission from the copyright owner.”

George R. Hedges of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart Oliver & Hedges, LLP successfully argued the case for the Plaintiffs. (News, Source: EPE)

EIN Note: The Definitive Elvis is the biggest selling Elvis DVD in Australia. It was the #1 selling Music DVD in 2002 and has been released in ordinary and limited edition "Gold" editions.

Elvis statue says 'Aloha to Hawaii': A life-size statue of Elvis Presley is to be erected in Hawaii to mark the 30th anniversary of the singer's death. Wearing his iconic bejewelled jumpsuit, the bronze statue will be placed on the site of Presley's historic 1973 Aloha From Hawaii concert. "Elvis remains an idol and a hero to so many of us," said Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann. "Hawaii considers him an adopted son." The star died at Graceland on 16 August 1977, aged 42. During his career, he made three films and several concert appearances in Hawaii. The Aloha gig was the first musical event to be broadcast live around the world on satellite on 14 January 1973. It was seen in about 40 countries by more than 1bn people, according to the DVD edition of the concert.

The statue will be unveiled in July in front of the Neal Blaisdell Center, formerly the Honolulu International Center Arena, near Waikiki. (News, Source: Matthew Shepherd, BBC News)

Jerry Schilling Appearance at Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace: On February 17, longtime friend of Elvis, Jerry Schilling, will appear at the Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace in Yorba Linda, California for a signing of his memoir, Me and a Guy Named Elvis, My Lifelong Friendship with Elvis Presley.  Click here for details. 

During the visit he will record an oral history for the official historic record documenting his memory of having accompanied Elvis on his famous visit with President Nixon at the White House in 1970. 

Presently, through a collaboration between the Nixon Library and Elvis Presley Enterprises, on display at the library are the outfits Elvis and the president wore on the day of their meeting, plus related artifacts.  Later this year, the exhibit will be seen at Graceland. (News, Source: EPE)

Ultimate Elvis Tribute Concert in the EC: 'IT'S ELVIS TIME' BRINGS YOU: THE OFFICIAL - ULTIMATE - 30th ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTE CONCERT Click to view poster and read full details (News, Source: It's Elvis Time)

Priscilla To Be Guest at Thomas Kinkade Event: Priscilla Presley will be a special guest at the "Light & Legend Event" on March 24 at Graceland, where Thomas Kinkade will unveil his latest masterpiece Graceland, 50th Anniversary. Guests can enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres among the amazing assortment of vehicles from Elvis’s collection, have their photo taken with Thomas and Priscilla, and meet and mingle with fellow collectors and special guests. VIP tickets for this event are limited and are on sale now. (News, Source: EPE)

'Writing For The King' FTD Book/CD review: FTD’s biggest project to date with over 140 interviews, 400 pages, plus two bonus CDs. While perhaps not for 'jumpsuit junkies', this is a text driven book that deserves one's time being spent poring over the information and discovering plenty of fascinating quotes and Elvis stories along the way. EIN's Piers Beagley spent a week delving into this host of delights - and here provides an in-depth review of one of the best Elvis releases of 2006. (FTD Reviews; Source: EIN, Feb 2007)

Quote of the week: "I'd be bigger than Elvis": Asked about going solo, Noel Gallagher from Oasis said he would not do it because being in a band was "more fun" and he had seen other former members of bands end up as "very lonely boys". But he left no doubt he felt he would be a great success on his own.

"I could do it easily but if I was a solo artist I would be the biggest solo artist in the country easy, no messing, within a year...seriously... but I prefer being in a band. But don't ever think that I couldn't do it. I could. I'd be bigger than Elvis. I would." (News, Source: Yahoo Music)

The Country Music Hall of Fame celebrates Bob Moore: The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s quarterly program series Nashville Cats: A Celebration of Music City Session Players returns on Saturday, February 17, with a salute to legendary bassist Bob Moore. The 2:00 p.m. program, which will be held in the Museum’s Ford Theater, is included with Museum admission and is free to Museum members.

In a career spanning sixty years, Nashville native Bob Moore has played bass on over 17,000 recordings, making him one of the most recorded musicians in history. From the 1950s on, Moore contributed to a host of #1 country hits including Bobby Helms’ “Fraulein,” Marty Robbins’ “El Paso,” Roger Miller’s “King of the Road,” Loretta Lynn’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter” and Conway Twitty’s “Hello Darlin’.” Moore also played on classic recordings like Elvis Presley’s “It’s Now or Never” and Patsy Cline’s “Crazy.”

As a member of Nashville’s celebrated “A-Team,” his impeccable meter along with his subtle yet commanding style made Moore’s bass lines the foundation for a myriad of artists recording in Nashville for four decades. Moore’s studio credits span several genres with artists including Julie Andrews, Sammy Davis Jr., Bob Dylan, Connie Francis, Burl Ives, George Jones, Quincy Jones, Jerry Lee Lewis, Wayne Newton, Roy Orbison, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Andy Williams, Tammy Wynette and many more. Moore even saw success on his own accord with the 1961 instrumental pop hit “Mexico” on Monument Records.

Bob Loyce Moore was born November 30, 1932, in Nashville to humble beginnings. Barely out of diapers, he was drawn to the sounds of his grandmother’s phonograph and broadcasts of the Grand Ole Opry. By age 15 Moore had transitioned from shining shoes outside the Ryman Auditorium to playing bass onstage with country comedians and Opry regulars Jamup & Honey. Soon afterward, Moore landed a prestigious job playing bass for Paul Howard's Arkansas Cotton Pickers, which would help open the door for him to back the likes of Eddy Arnold, Jimmy Dickens, Flatt & Scruggs and Andy Griffith, among others.

By age 20 Moore was playing with Red Foley in Springfield, Missouri, and Marty Robbins in Nashville, Tennessee. Tired of commuting between the two cities, Moore returned in 1954 to Nashville where he became primarily a studio musician. As part of the “A-Team” of virtuosos, Moore helped usher in the lushly orchestrated Nashville Sound, which attracted top artists and producers to Music City.

He worked regularly on sessions with Elvis Presley and, in 1959, he was an early investor in Monument Records, where he served as Roy Orbison’s orchestra leader. Moore was also a sideman for Jerry Lee Lewis from 1983-1985.

Although widely known as a successful country session musician, Moore also performed at the Newport Jazz Festival and recorded with Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops, experimental rock guitarist Harvey Mandel and premier jazz guitarist Hank Garland, to name a few.

The interactive Nashville Cats programs include in-depth, one-on-one interviews with the players themselves; audio-visual elements, including vintage recordings, photos and film clips culled from the Museum’s Frist Library and Archive; and, in some cases, instrument demonstrations. Visitors will be encouraged to ask questions. Museum Instrument Curator Bill Lloyd hosts the sessions.

Museum memberships ($25/adults and $10/youth) include one year of unlimited admission to the Museum, discounts in the Museum Store, SoBro Grill and Hatch Show Print, and more. Membership support helps fund research, education and public programs that make country music history available to a worldwide audience.

These programs are made possible, in part, by grants from the Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission and by an agreement between the Tennessee Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts. (News, Source: Elvis Unlimited/Elvis News)

KEOUGH + CABRERA MAKE OUT AT ROCK CLUB - AGAIN: ELVIS PRESLEY's granddaughter RILEY KEOUGH and pop star RYAN CABRERA went public with their not-so-secret romance again last night (12FEB07) at the same club where they were spotted making out in last year (06). The hot couple were spotted "going at it" by revellers at Los Angeles Key Club - and this time Keough's mother wasn't there to play chaperone. Tattooed Cabrera posed for his 17-year-old girlfriend as she took goofy snapshots of the singer and then the couple let everyone at the venue know they were very much in love with a very open public display of affection.

Ernst Jorgensen talks about his SUN project, the future of FTD and more - An EIN exclusive interview: Ernst Jorgensen’s long-awaited FTD SUN project is due for release in 2007. Containing hundreds of Elvis photos, many never previously published, interviews and 3 CDs it will be FTD's biggest project ever. However Elvis fans have recently have highlighted the possible clash of content between Ernst’s forthcoming FTD book and Joseph Pirzada’s ‘Memphis Recording Service’ packages released last year. Ernst kindly agreed to talk at length with EIN about how his SUN project is progressing, its contents, the future of FTD, illegal downloads, and much, much more. (Interviews, Source: EIN, February 2007)

Cover artwork for new DVD: The DVD/ book combination "Up Close And Personal" will be released on February 23. The DVD will be region 2. The combination features interviews with Scotty Moore, DJ Fontana and the Jordannaires. (News, Source: Elvis Club Berlin/Elvis News)

"The King's Early Hits" and "The Early Recordings" CD releases in EC: Released on February 1, 2007 in the UK is the budget compilation "The King's Early Hits". Due for re-release on February 16, 2007 on the Going for (SPV) label is the compilation "The Early Recordings". Track listing: 1. That's all right 2. Blue moon of Kentucky 3. I don't care if the sun don't shine 4. Good rockin' tonight 5. Milkcow blues boogie 6. You're a heartbreaker 7. I'm left you're right she's gone 8. I love you because 9. Blue moon 10. I'll never let you go 11. Just because 12. Tomorrow night 13. Harbour lights. (News, Source: Amazon.de / Elvis News)

Confessions of EPE CEO: Jack Soden, CEO, Elvis Presley Enterprises, the business entity created by the estate of Elvis Presley recently said: "We licensed a company that made bedroom slippers. They were big, furry slippers and they had this rubber image of Elvis' head on the toes. It was one of those things that when you saw them in the store, it was like, 'What were we thinking?' We pulled the license and got them off the market as fast as we could." (News, Source: Sanja Meegin)

George Klein book update: Due for release November 1, 2007 is the book"Elvis Presley The Family Album" by George Klein. This hardcover book contains 144 pages and will be published by Little Brown and Company (ISBN-10: 0316003506 / ISBN-13: 978-0316003506). (News, Source: Amazon.ca /Elvis News)

"In Search of Elvis" audio release: This recently published book by Charlie Connolly has also been released in audio CD format by Hachette Audio. ISBN-10: 1405502339/ISBN-13: 978-1405502337. (News, Source: ElvisBookResearch)

"The Diamond Collection" CD release in the EC: Due for release on the Pid label is the compilation CD "The Diamond Collection". This release is due on February 27, 2007. (News, Source: CD Universe /Elvis News)

Elvis "vinyl" releases: Released by Speaker's Corner on the Audiophile vinyl label is "Gold Records Volume 3". This is an official release and it comes on 180 gram vinyl. Synopsis: Elvis made a whole lotta records, but not all of them sounded very good. Well, this is one of the absolute audiophile classics among the Elvis catalog. And the songs – every one of them – are worth inclusion in any collection. Don't miss a true classic. Track Listing: 1. It’s Now Or Never 2. Stuck On You 3. Fame And Fortune 4. I Gotta Know 5. Surrender 6. I Feel So Bad 7. Are You Lonesome Tonight? 8. (Marie’s The Name) His Latest Flame 9. Little Sister 10. Good Luck Charm 11. Anything That’s Part Of You 12. She’s Not You Also available are "A Date with Elvis", "Elvis Is Back" and "From Elvis In Memphis". (News, Source: Elvis News)

The Elvis Tapes 1 & 2 reissue in Canada: Reissued (in Canada) are the two volumes of the interview CDs "Elvis Tapes". These CDs were released on February 2, 2007 on the Jerden label. Track Listing Volume 1: 1. Best Ever Interview With Elvis Recorded in Vancouver, 1957 Track Listing Volume 2: 1. Interviews With Elvis Presley, 1957 Ottawa, Canada/1960, others. (News, Source: Amazon.ca/Elvis News)

Were game show contestants robbed on Elvis question?: On last night's edition of the popular game show, The Rich List, one group was eliminated when, in listing a number of Elvis' top 10 hits in Australia, they included Hound Dog. It seems the contestants were erroneously eliminated as "The Book Top Forty Research 2nd Edition 1956-1985" lists the double sided hit, "Don't Be Cruel/Hound Dog" as having reached #10 on the NSW chart.

In 1956, Australia did not have a national Top 40 chart and the main chart used was the NSW chart (NSW being the most populous state). In 1960 both the NSW and new Victorian chart became the main reference points for Australian Top 40 hits. Both of the state charts were based on sales.

In October 1966 the first official National Top 40 Chart was introduced and published by Go-Set magazine. This gave way to the Kent Music Report in the 1970s, which itself was replaced by the ARIA charts in the 1980s (although ARIA and Kent published competing National charts for a number of years).

In 2005, longtime Australian Top 40 compiler, David Kent, released "Australian Chart Book 1940-1969", separating the double sided Elvis hit into individual releases with "Australian Top 40" placings of 12 (Don't Be Cruel) and 17 (Hound Dog). Critics of the David Kent chart lists point out that the author has used/amalgamated different charts (sales; jukebox plays etc) in producing the placings for hits, rather than relying solely on recognised sales charts. (News, Source: EIN/Top 40 Research)

Elvis owned Mercedes 600 for sale on ebay: Does anybody know how many cars Elvis ever owned? Besides the large collection in the museum at Graceland, from time to time you can find a car from the King for sale. This time it is a 1969 Mercedes-Benz 600. All the certificates and sales documents are included. On the pay slip, you can see that Elvis financed the car: $5500 down payment and 36 payments of $344/month. Elvis was driven in this limo to the famous Jaycess awards. The TCB logo is printed on the front doors. Elvis donated the car to Jimmy Velvet in 1976. The car can be yours for $750.000. (News, Source: Elvis Matters)

"Elvis Lives" DVD promotion in Belgium: It's almost impossible NOT to see the new "Elvis Lives" DVD in most specialized Belgian shops. This concert DVD (Memphis, August 16th, 2002) is one of the best selling products for the ElvisMatters Shop as well. To boost the sales of this release, EMI added a special front cover sticker. The DVD is subtitled in Dutch, English, French, German, Japanese, Portugese and Spanish. Available in the Online Store on this website. (News, Source: Elvis Matters)

'EIN's Best of Elvis on YouTube' Weekly Update: The Elvis internet police have been fairly active this past week in removing a few of EIN's favourite videos. However there are still plenty more and EIN lists over SIXTY fabulous Elvis videos for you to watch. This week's highlights include a marvellous 'Danny Boy' compile, Ann-Margret & Elvis duetting on 'Today, Tomorrow & Forever', some amazing Elvis Live in 1975/1976, as well as the obscure news clip of Vernon's Presley's funeral at Graceland. So check them out before they disappear! ('EIN's Elvis on YouTube', Source: EIN/YouTube)

New audience recording announced: Soon available on the import market, is the CD “Swing & Swirl Your Hips Again”, a live registration of the November 13, 1972 show in San Bernadino, California (Swing Auditorium). This audience recording has never been released before. Here’s the track listing: See See Rider, I Got A Woman/Amen, Until It’s Time For You To Go, You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me, Love Me, Polk Salad Annie, All Shook Up, Heartbreak Hotel, Blue Suede Shoes, Teddy Bear, Don’t Be Cruel, Love Me Tender, Little Sister/Get Back, I’ll Remember You, How Great Thou Art + reprise, Suspicious Minds, What Now My Love, Fever, Burning Love, You Gave Me A Mountain, Mystery Train/Tiger Man, Can’t Help Falling In Love. (News, Source: Elvis Matters)

Another Top 10 Hit for Elvis in Australia: On this week's ARIA Music DVD Chart, The Elvis-Johnny Cash Road Show Interstate release jumps twenty places to #8. On the ARIA Albums Chart, The Essential Elvis Presley compile rose five places to #33. (News, Source: ARIA)

On The Elvis Hour this week: Welcome back to The Elvis Hour. This time it's another interview with Elvis' right hand man Joe Esposito. Joe will talk about the King's favorite Pastime performing live in front of his wildly enthusiastic fans. Also we are going to play the rare Ray Green interview! There's alot to do so tune into this edition of The Elvis Hour. (News, Source: Darwin Lamm)

Would Elvis fail in American Idol?: "American Idol" has taken over television and turned millions of viewers into zombies. The talent they recognize reminds me of karaoke bar singers. I am thankful that Simon (Cowell) wasn't there to critique Bob Dylan -- a truly talented musician needs more than a voice to be a legend. How would Elvis rank? Would Simon say "Sorry, the wiggling hips make you look stupid." "Mr. Mick Jagger, you're not the trained voice we're looking for, please get off the stage and join Mr. Jim Morrison in the hall." "Please Mr. Garcia, I don't care if you play guitar like an angel, NEXT!" "John, Paul, George and Ringo, please don't waste my time." "Taylor Hicks you are fabulous!" Thank God the judges of "American Idol" weren't there to pass judgment on legends that never get old. If you want your kids to appreciate music, turn off the TV and pull out some old records, 8-tracks or cassettes. (Source: Sean King, PressConnects.com)

"Elvis Aloha" book by Jerry Hopkins: Due for release a few days ago was this hardcover book from the original Elvis biographer, Jerry Hopkins. Published by Bess Press it contains 100 pages and is a folow-up to the author's 2004 release, Elvis In Hawaii. (News, Source: ElvisBookResearch)

"The Elvis Encyclopedia" - new book announced: This title is due for release in the US in early August 2007. Written by Adam Victor and published by Overlook Press it is a 420 page hardback book. ISBN 13: 978-1585675982. (News, Source: ElvisBookResearch)

EIN Note: Both of the above books are available for pre-order through Amazon

Grid iron blocker friend to Elvis: Old-time Cleveland Browns fans will remember Gene Hickerson as the lead blocker for the great Jim Brown and two other Browns' NFL Hall of Fame backs, Leroy Kelly and Bobby Mitchell.

As for this scribe, one of the new Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees is not only remembered as one of the fastest and mobile linemen to ever play the game, perhaps the Browns' best-ever offensive lineman, but the former Ole Miss star generates several memories beyond the football field.

Hickerson was born just a few miles from Milan, Tenn., my hometown. His family moved around several times in the area. He had a younger brother, Willie, who also became a standout lineman at Ole Miss and he had an older brother, Marshall, whose talent was tossing 100-pound sacks of livestock feed around with ease at my father's milling company in Milan. Unfortunately, Marshall died of a heart attack after he turned down a heart transplant.

Gene had a brother, Oliver, who lived in Whitehaven, a suburb of Memphis, and was a neighbor of Elvis Presley. Gene met Elvis and they were close friends right up to Presley's tragic death in 1977 at his Graceland mansion.

Gene and Elvis often motored around Memphis in one of "The King's" Cadillacs. My father once told me a story about a Gene and Elvis episode at a gas station in Memphis. Elvis pulled into the station and told a young attendant, "Fill 'er up."

After the attendant was finished cleaning the windsheld and Elvis was prepared to pay him, there was no reaction from the attendant who had no idea who he was servicing.

"Don't you know who I am?" Elvis said.

"Nope," said the attendant.

"Well," Elvis said, "here's a $100 bill. My name is Elvis Presley and don't you forget it."

Needless to say, the attendant was stunned and just stood there, mouth open, as the Cadillac pulled away. (News, Source: The Marietta Times)

First ever Online ETA contest: On February 4th we will begin conducting Elvis Tribute Artist Contests - ONLINE, exclusively on the internet. The ONLINE CONTEST will not replace or intersect with the traditional contests we have been producing and will continue to produce.

Through an online contest we offer a service to ETAs and fans who are often unable to travel and attend the traditional contest. The online contest will allow ETAs and FANS worldwide to participate in the same event together without the time and expense of traveling to a traditional contest.

The ONLINE CONTEST will allow ETAs to show us their very best... Their best photo. Their best video. Their best song. And their bio.

Fans view contestant materials online and listen to the contestant performances during the broadcast of the online contest on ELVII RADIO. Fans can register online as well and login and vote for their favorite contestant. At the conclusion of the contest the top-scoring contestants will win the prizes posted and advertised for that ONLINE CONTEST. Complete rules and regulations and details are available here. (News, Source: Elvii Radio)

Patsy Andersen joins Elvii Radio: A life-long Elvis Presley Fan, for over 22 years Patsy Andersen worked for Elvis Presley Enterprises at Graceland and wore many, many hats including Fans Relations manager and Marketing manager.  Since leaving EPE Patsy has been busy operating her successfull promotions and management company.  During Tribute Week 2006 Patsy produced a one-of-a-kind Gospel concert in Memphis.  Hosted by Country Music Star Naomi Judd the show featured former-members of "JD Sumner & The Stamps Quartet", Elvis' Cousin Jerry Presley and others.

For over 22 years Patsy was a voice for the fans at Elvis Presley Enterprises and we are proud that Patsy has become a part of the ELVII team and will continue to be a voice for fans thru ELVII Radio. Beginning SUNDAY FEBRUARY 11 at 1:00PM Eastern time tune into ELVII Radio for "Presley & Andersen:  Together Again."  This new show and unique format will answer your questions and is all about you - the fans, your fan clubs.  Listen for exclusive interviews with Elvis' friends, family, band-members, co-stars and more. (News, Source: Elvii Radio)

Burtons give 20 guitars To Shriners Hospital: With tears and laughter, patients and parents at Shriners Hospital for Children in Shreveport received 20 acoustic guitars from legendary rock guitarist James Burton. With hospital administrators, some of his relatives and members of the James Burton Foundation, Burton gave the gift of music to the orthopedic hospital that is the flagship of Shriners Hospitals for Children. The gift is a continuation of presentations of guitars that have put at least 600 instruments in the hands of Caddo students so far.

“This is something that’s going to be here forever,” said Burton, a guitarist since the 1950s and someone whose name can be mentioned in the same breath as the Rolling Stones’ Keith Richard and the Who’s Pete Townsend. “And when I’m gone, these young kids are going to carry on my legacy in music.”

Burton said the gift to a hospital that treats children is more than appropriate.

“Even though a child can’t play an instrument, it’s something they love,” said Burton, who just returned from Austria to take part in the culmination of the project begun with the hospital months ago by his wife, Louise, and son Jeff. “When they hear music, it does something to the mind and the body. It’s great therapy.”

Jeff Burton said neither the work of his father’s foundation or that of the Shriners Hospital would be possible without the support of the community, which could do more if people offered the cost of the night out on the town, even once, to nonprofits trying to accomplish good.

“We think every child should have the opportunity to have an instrument,” he said, adding that Thursday’s move was just a first step. “We want to move outside Shreveport and work with Shriners across the United States. That’s our next goal.”

Hospital administrator Kim Green was pleased with the day’s events. “As a struggling guitarist myself, I’m very excited about having the opportunity for the children here to be participants in music therapy and have the enjoyment and excitement that all of us get from participating in playing and enjoying music.”

Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover had planned to attend. In fact, the presentation was scheduled to accommodate his schedule. But a last-minute meeting prevented him from attending. He was represented by spokeswoman Gwen Campbell and by Arlena Acree, a former mayoral opponent and now head of the city’s film office.

At least one young patient from Honduras was starry-eyed at holding a guitar autographed by Burton and to fret chords with him standing over her shoulder.

Chart update: The U.S. Billboard Elvis chart listings for the week ending February 17, 2007:

Top Country Catalog Albums - Elvis 30 #1 Hits - down 3 to #17
Hot 100 Singles Sales - Heartbreak Hotel - down 2 to #33
Top Music Video - Elvis: '68 Comeback Special - down 2 to #28
Top Music Video - Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii - down 7 to #29
Top Comprehensive Music Video - Elvis: '68 Comeback Special - down 2 to #28
Top Comprehensive Music Video - Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii - down 7 to #29

No new entries this week, dropping off the Billboard Top 200 Albums and Comprehensive Albums charts is the latest Elvis' compilation "The Essential Elvis Presley". (News, Source: Elvis International/Elvis News)

"Elvis Jumpsuits: All Access" opening next month at Graceland: The exhibition "Elvis Jumpsuits: All Access" will officially open early March 2007 at Graceland, here are some details. Angie from the Graceland Archives says: "We've spent nearly a year now in planning and research for the design of the exhibit, but the installation date is almost here. Just a few last minute lists to go over to make sure we have everything we need to make this happen. The most difficult task is behind us.

Elvis Music & Movies at Graceland: At 8:00 PM on August 13 and 14, an exciting new event, Elvis Music & Movies at Graceland, will be staged on the front lawn of Graceland Mansion.  On each of these evenings an outdoor concert of Elvis music will be performed live on the front lawn followed by the screening of an Elvis movie. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket, make yourself at home and enjoy a live concert by one of the Elvis fans' favorite bands while the sun begins to set, then stay for the screening of an Elvis movie under the stars.  Enjoying Elvis music and movies with your fellow Elvis fans in the night-time magic of Graceland - it doesn't get much better than that! (News, Source: EPE)

Graceland celebrates soul: EPE joins in as Memphis Celebrates 50 Years of Soul, a milestone in the history of our city's rich musical legacy and its global influence. With tremendous gratitude and abiding respect, we salute all the gifted songwriters, singers, musicians, producers and business leaders who made soul music happen in a big way in Memphis and took that groove out to the world. studio in Memphis were the epicenter of soul music.  Elvis's series of recording sessions at Stax in July and December of 1973 came on the heels of the triumph of his global television special Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii earlier that year. The Stax sessions produced a collection of R&B, pop, rock, country and gospel material that comprised a special chapter in Elvis's recording catalog. Elvis called upon the talents of some of his usual stage and studio collaborators and some Stax regulars.

The albums Good Times, Raised on Rock and Promised Land and several singles emerged from these sessions. Standout tracks include It's Midnight, I Got a Feelin' in My Body, If You Talk in Your Sleep, Help Me, My Boy and a splendid rocking cover of the Chuck Berry classic Promised Land. Later compilations containing some of Elvis's Stax recordings are Rhythm and Country and, on the Follow That Dream collectors label, Made in Memphis

.In exhibits at Graceland are gold records, artifacts and other items related to Elvis’s Stax recording sessions. The "Elvis After Dark" exhibit includes original acetates from a couple of his sessions, his Fender Jazz bass and more. (News, Source: EPE)

New Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Preliminaries: Contests in Texas, Kentucky, and Windsor, Canada, are among the newest editions to the schedule of Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest preliminaries. EPE's first-ever Elvis tribute artist contest will see winners of the preliminary rounds in Memphis during Elvis Week to compete for the ultimate title. The city of Arnold, Missouri, is the first preliminary round location scheduled to pick their winner on March 24. Visit the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest site for a full schedule of confirmed contest locations. In Australia, the annual Wintersun festival has also been accepted to stage the "downunder" preliminary contest. (News/Almost Elvis, Source: EPE/Wintersun)

Unofficial DVD release of "Elvis On Tour": Released through the import circuit in Germany is the concert movie "On Tour". This version, apparently lifted from either a laser disc or a digital tape, contains the movie and the trailer. (News, Source: Elvis News)

Q: If you had realized that Python would become the legend it is, is there anything you might have done differently during your heyday?

A: Well, I would have tried to meet Elvis because he loved Python. I met Linda Thompson (Elvis' former girlfriend) the other day and she said that Elvis knew all the Python sketches. He would watch all-night Python. He would learn and recite them. Took the tapes on his plane. He would call people Squire from the "Nudge Nudge" sketch.

I said to Linda, "What? You're kidding!" She said, "No, we'd be up all night. He'd make me learn these things and we'd laugh and laugh and laugh." And I just felt so happy. I mean, I knew we had the Beatles but Elvis as well! You know, Elvis saved my life when I was 13 or 14. He saved all our lives." (News, Source: EPE)

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Latest celebrity visitor to Graceland: Country music star, the "Redneck Woman" herself, Gretchen Wilson toured Graceland on 2 February. (News, Source: EPE)

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Jazz Cruises Presents 30th Anniversary Elvis Tribute Cruise with Jerry Schilling: Be a part of rock ‘n’ roll history when Jazz Cruises, LLC, the world’s only producer and operator of full charter, luxury music cruises presents, in association with Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE), The Elvis Tribute Cruise, departing from Jacksonville, Florida with ports of call in Freeport and Nassau. Spend Labor Day Weekend, August 30 – September 3, 2007 celebrating the career of the King of ”Rock ‘n’ Roll” aboard the Carnival Celebration to enjoy a musical extravaganza to commemorate the 30th anniversary of his passing. Join host Jerry Schilling, Elvis’ lifelong friend and entourage member, for the cruise experience of a lifetime.

Enjoy performances by the finest Elvis tribute artists in the world, including the top contestants from the upcoming Ultimate Elvis Tribute Contest™, the first official tribute contest ever presented by EPE. Perform in our special passengers’ Elvis Tribute Contest and compete for the $10,000 “best in show” first prize. The cruise will also feature Elvis music, Elvis movies, appearances by celebrities who worked with Elvis and passengers will participate in the grandest Elvis costume party ever held anywhere in the world.

Michael Lazaroff, executive director of Jazz Cruises, LLC stated: “It is our mission to produce the most exciting and memorable musical events at sea. We are honored to be associated with Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. as the producers of the only official 30th anniversary Elvis cruise in the world! Every cruise program that we do is faithful to the genre and first rate. This cruise will be no different. And, we are thrilled to have Jerry Schilling as part of our great team.”

“We’re excited about this project because it brings us another way to celebrate the legacy of Elvis, said EPE’s chief marketing officer, Paul Jankowski, “and Jerry Schilling adds the insight and personal touch that make this event unique.

Jerry Schilling says: “This is a project that I have thought about for years. As a personal friend of Elvis, I am constantly asked to participate in events, but I will only do so if I believe that the event will truly honor his memory, be first class and celebrate his greatness. The Elvis Tribute Cruise does all three. It is an honor and a pleasure to host this event so wonderfully being produced by Jazz Cruises, LLC in association with Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.” (News, Source: EPE)

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An evening of modern dance fused with Elvis’ top classics: If you love Elvis and enjoy fine modern/jazz dance, then the Fraser Valley Youth Dance Theatre has got the show for you. Tonight, under the theme of “children helping children,” these dance students have volunteered their time and talents. They have teamed up with the Cedar Valley Lions club (CVLC) in order to support CVLC Community Kids Projects through Jailhouse Rock, which runs Feb. 9 at the Clarke Theatre starting at 7:30 p.m.

“It is essential,” states artistic director Lee Kwidzinski, “that all children have the opportunity to be active in the arts and other extra-curricular activities. We think this is a very worthwhile cause.” On the heels of last year’s hugely successful benefit performance Rocka My Soul (a modern dance performance set to gospel music, which raised $4,200 for tsunami relief and Mission’s underprivileged youth), Kwidzinski has put together another powerhouse show.

“What better way to build an evening of entertainment than with the King of Rock and Roll himself,” says Kwidzinski. Jailhouse Rock is a modern/jazz dance performance that tells the fictitious love story of Johnny and Marie, characters borrowed from the lyrics of Johnny B. Goode and Marie’s The Name (of His Latest Flame), two songs sung by Elvis in the show.

“We listened to practically every song Elvis ever recorded and carefully arranged 28 of Elvis Presley’s most memorable songs to create a truly unique love story,” says Kwidzinski. So board that Mystery Train with Elvis once again or don your Blue Suede Shoes and take a memorable walk down lonely street to Heartbreak Hotel in support of CVLC Community Kids Projects.

This show is not only for the legions of Elvis fans who grew up on Elvis, but also for those fans too young to have experienced the King first hand, but love his music none the less. This dance infused Jailhouse Rock performance is destined to create a whole new Elvis fan base. Opening Jailhouse Rock is the Fraser Valley’s very own, incomparable, Randy “Elvis” Friskie.

Since Expo 86, Friskie has been hailed as the “Worlds Best Elvis Tribute Act.” His spine-tingling tribute to Elvis (who Friskie himself calls “the greatest performer that has ever lived”) has overwhelmed audiences for over two decades. Sponsored by Lanka Jewels, tickets for Jailhouse Rock are $20 for adults and $12 for both seniors and students.

Purchase tickets at Lanka Jewels in the Junction, or the Fraser Valley Academy of Dance and Rex Cox Men’s Wear on First Avenue. (News, Source: Mission City Record, Canada)

 

Priscilla Presley at Insiders Conference during Elvis Week 2007: Now confirmed!  On August 14, Priscilla Presley will participate in Day 2 of the Elvis Insiders Conference during Elvis Week 2007.   This will mark Priscilla's first-ever participation in the conference.  Her on-stage interview segment will be conducted by longtime friend of Elvis and his family, Jerry Schilling.  

On August 13, Loanne Parker, longtime RCA Records staff member who worked with Elvis and his manager Colonel Tom Parker and later became Mrs. Parker, will participate in Day 1 of the conference.  This will mark Mrs. Parker's first-ever Elvis Week appearance. (News, Source: Sanja Meegin)

"Elvis Presley" CD reissue in Europe: Reissued on February 5, 2007 in the "Platinum DeLuxe Butterfly" series is an Elvis CD with the standard material. This CD was originally released in Italy 2 years ago. Track listing: Mystery Train - That´s All Right - I Forget To Remember To Forget - Good Rockin Tonight - Baby Let´s Play House - Blue Moon Of Kentucky - I´m Left, You´re Right, She´s Gone - I Don´t Care If The Sun Don´t Shine - You´re A Heartbreaker - Milkcow Blues Boogie (News, Source: Elvis Club Berlin/Elvis News)

Cover artwork for new book: The book "Singing Elvis Badly" is a 148 pages novel by Stephen Jones which will be released February 2007 (ISBN: 142596558X) by AuthorHouse. More details when available. (News, Source: Elvis Club Berlin/Elvis News)

Aloha From Hawaii - second DVD cover: Here is a second cover for the reissue of "Aloha From Hawaii" in the Rock And Roll Milestones - The Essential Albums Of All Times" DVD series. The reissue which is due for release August 8, 2007 with region code 2. (News, Source: Elvis News)

New EC CD release: Here is the correct cover and track listing for the upcoming release "Elvis Presley ... Plus" which is due for release today on the Universe (Cargo Records) label in Germany, and Comet label in the UK. This compilation was previously released on vinyl by the same label. Track listing: 1. Blue Suede Shoes 2. I'm Counting On You 3. I Got A Woman 4. One-Sided Love Affair 5. I Love You Because 6. Just Because 7. Tutti Frutti 8. Trying To Get To You 9. I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Cry (Over You) 10. I'll Never Let You Go (Little Darlin') 11. Blue Moon 12. Money Honey 13. Heartbreak Hotel (Bonus Track) 14. I Was The One (Bonus Track) 15. Lawdy, Miss Clawdy (Bonus Track) 16. Shake, Rattle And Roll (Bonus Track) 17. My Baby Left Me (Bonus Track) 18. I Want You, I Need You I Love You (Bonus Track) 19. We're Gonna Move (Bonus Track) 20. Shake Rattle And Roll (Acetate Demo) (Bonus Track) 21. Blue Moon (Unreleased Out-take) (Bonus Track) 22. Lawdy, Miss Clawdy (Unreleased Out-take) (Bonus Track) 23. Shake, Rattle And Roll (Unreleased Out-take) (Bonus Track) 24. Heartbreak Hotel (Live)(Bonus Track) 25. Blue Suede Shoes (Live) (Bonus Track) 26. Money Honey (Live) (Bonus Track) 27. We're Gonna Move (Unreleased Out-take) (Bonus Track) 28. I Want You, I Need You I Love You (Unreleased Out-take)(Bonus Track) (News, Source: Amazon.de /Elvis News)

.....Click to view controversial surrealistic Elvis artwork....

Cover artwork - 'Elvis Presley "ROCKS" Blue Suede Shoes': Here is the cover art of the budget release "Elvis Rocks - Blue Suede Shoes" on the Dutch DISKY label. It is the follow up to the CD with the same main title "Elvis Rocks - Through His Early Years" which came with a red cover. (News, Source: Elvis Corner/Elvis News)

Cover artwork - "Signature Reflections": In between all budget releases sometimes one release stands out from the rest. The "Signature Collection" is a 3CD set with 47 tracks which comes in a five panel digipack. (News, Source: Elvis Corner /Elvis News)

Cover artwork - "Icons, Reflections and Autograph Collection": Here is the cover art of the budget releases "Icons", "Reflections" and "Autograph Collection" from the Green Umbrella label. All two 2CD compilations contain the same 47 tracks, all CDs were released by the same label at the same time early January 2007. (News, Source: Elvis Corner /Elvis News)

Elvis "Aloha" statue for Hawaii: The city of Honolulu will unveil this year a life-size bronze statue of Elvis (with the endorsement of EPE) recognising the memory of Elvis' legendary concert in 1973. The statue will be placed in the Neal S. Blaisdell Centre formerly known as the Honolulu International Centre - where the first worldwide satellite concert was broadcast. (News, Source: Elvis News)

"Elvis Is Back - 1960" book announced: During the research for "Inside G.I. Blues", , the Danish Elvis Presley Fan Club Elvis Unlimited, found so many great shots from 1960 that they decided that Elvis' incredible year, 1960, deserved a book by itself. The images combined with the stories from Megan Murphy and contributions from Ger Rijff will come in the same format as the "Inside G.I. Blues" and "Inside "Roustabout". The book will contain more pages and the DVD will have a longer playing time. (News, Source: Elvis Unlimited)

West End (London UK) Musical #1 - Elvis: The Ultimate Performance' Concert: Elvis - the Ultimate Performance is the show that represents the true charisma and electricity of Elvis Presley’s original performances. The show is not another tribute act, and deliberately stays away from the image presented by the many Elvis impersonators that most fans feel only cheapens the memory of Elvis. Elvis – the Ultimate Performance is a professional theatre production that emphasizes two of Elvis’ greatest performances: The 68 Comeback Special & 73 Aloha from Hawaii Everything about the show has been finely tuned, from the musical arrangements to the actor’s study of Elvis. It is truly as if Elvis Presley was performing in front of your very eyes! (News, Source: Barisons Management)

West End (London UK) Musical #2 - Elvis at the Movies: Criss Cross’s new production of Brian Hill’s ELVIS at the MOVIES The Musical is the first musical of its kind. Focusing on the movie soundtracks featured in all 31 of his movies, ELVIS at the MOVIES The Musical offers the audience a colourful and visual presentation through the film archive of Elvis Presley in one highly produced spectacle. With dedication to every fine detail, ELVIS at the MOVIES brings the highest quality in musical representation; the music score being true to the original soundtracks.

ELVIS at the MOVIES is a truly unique production – never before has one show re-created the magic of all 31 movies in such a way.  The catalogue of hits used throughout the show is extensive and includes great titles from soundtracks such as:

Love Me Tender :: Loving You :: Jailhouse Rock :: King Creole :: G.I.Blues

Blue Hawaii :: Double Trouble :: Viva Las Vegas :: Girl Happy ::

Frankie and Johnny :: Kissin Cousins :: Girls! Girls! Girls! (News, Source: Barisons Management)

Elvis Presley's legacy is muddled says Pete Townshend of The Who: Pete Townshend says that the true power of Elvis Presley's early work overshadows the myth that has built up in the 30 years since his death. The Who have been performing Townshend's personal tribute to Presley, called "Real Good Looking Boy," on their recent tour, despite the fact that Presley was never a major influence on Townshend growing up. He explained to Goldmine that, "He is not as important to me as some other late 1950s artists, but Elvis was the first truly beautiful man, rather than rugged handsome man, that young men like me, and Roger (Daltrey), felt safe to adore."

Townshend added that when Presley became an actor and a global superstar, it came close to ruining him as an artist: "His legacy is muddled. We have to focus on (his) early work, and just one or two of his movies, and elements of his TV shows, to keep his memory pure. People now know that Elvis could play a mean rhythm guitar himself, and needed no other musicians to perform a great song. But Elvis was not just a rock star, he was an all-round entertainer. He flew on our adoration for the last 10 years of his life and he is probably still flying on it now."

We spoke to Townshend while he was in the States during the Who's last set of dates. Townshend said that he viewed Presley's movie years as a wasted opportunity: "I was watching the TV yesterday, and Blue Hawaii was on. I just thought, 'What was Elvis doing?!' You know, the Beatles were about to appear, Ricky Nelson was putting out 'Hello, Mary Lou,' the Everly Brothers were doing 'Cathy's Clown' -- the most unbelievably brilliant music! Dion was doing great stuff. It was the most fantastic records being made! (Elvis was) dressing up in Hawaiian shirts, playing the ukulele and getting married on a raft."

"Real Good Looking Boy" includes passages from Presley's 1962 Top Two hit "Can't Help Falling In Love." It was originally released on the band's compilation The Who: Then And Now - 1964-2004, and was the band's first original studio track in 15 years. In October, the Who released their first new album since 1982, the critically acclaimed Top Ten hit, Endless Wire. Townshend has just released a new solo compilation titled Definitive Collection, featuring such favorites as "Let My Love Open The Door," "Rough Boys," "Slit Skirts," "Give Blood," and others.

Pete Townshend will next perform on February 20th with his girlfriend Rachel Fuller, and other yet-to-be-named guest artists, at Joe's Pub in New York City. The Who kick off their next series of dates on February 23rd in Reno, Nevada at the Reno Events Center. (News, Source: The Rock Radio)

"Rock In Back" CD: January & February 1970 Rock Concept Import. This Deluxe Digipack import is limited to only 500 copies. The 6 panel packaging will include unreleased Elvis photo’s, the black jumpsuit of the opening night will appear here for the first time, as a bonus three side fold out inlay poster.

The sixth release from the “SR” label scheduled for an early February release is entitled ‘Rock In Black’ and will feature both the complete January 26^th 1970 Las Vegas opening show and the complete February 22^nd midnight show from the showroom. As with the other SR releases we get something new and a little different. For this release we decided to focus on the early 1970 Vegas season affording you the possibility to listen to the quality of the performance throughout this season via the two shows presented here.

This Deluxe Digipack import is limited to only 500 copies. The 6 panel packaging will include unreleased Elvis photo’s, the black jumpsuit of the opening night will appear here for the first time, as a bonus three side fold out inlay poster.

The producers are aware of the fact that the opening night show, as one of the best Elvis Presley concerts ever, has been released in parts on two previous imports. Here we give you the chance to listen to the show in its entirety and with professionally remastered sound from the original audio source. The second show, the unreleased February 22^nd midnight show, although not new to tape collectors, will not have been heard in this quality before. This release is taken directly from a first generation tape and has been professionally remastered to a high standard producing an excellent audio quality. Elvis is still able to concentrate to the end of the season, delivering a great performance that compares with the opening night in terms of quality. (News, Source: EP Gold)

'Let Yourself Go' FTD CD review: 'Let Yourself Go' is a glimpse into the making of Elvis' sensational 1968 'Comeback' TV Special. While it does feel like a 'work under construction' this is the sound of Elvis kicking open the door to his prison cell of movie contracts and dreadful scripts. With Studio outtakes plus a rehearsal jam, isn't this what the FTD "Collectors" label is all about? (FTD Reviews; Source: EIN, Jan 2007)

Barbara McNair dies: Singer and actress Barbara McNair, who starred opposite Elvis Presley and Sidney Poitier and became one of the first black women to host her own television variety show, has died at 72, her husband said on Monday. McNair died on Sunday after a long battle with throat cancer, husband Charles Blecka told Reuters. McNair, who started singing in church as a girl, was still performing as recently as late last year.

"She was the strongest person I knew," Blecka said. "She was powerful in a strong way. If she set her sights to do something, she did it and did it in a dignified way."McNair broke into show business as a nightclub singer and had nearly a two-decade recording career but she parlayed her early fame into a series of TV appearances and ultimately became better known as an actress.

After making her feature film debut in the 1968 crime drama "If He Hollers Let Him Go," she went on to star along with   Mary Tyler Moore and Jane Elliott opposite Presley in his last movie, 1969's "Change of Habit." McNair, Moore and Elliott all played nuns and Presley portrayed a doctor.

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Elvis' shirt in Girl Happy for sale on eBay

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"Elvis Sessions Vol. 2" CD track listing: Here are the details of the second volume of "'56 Sessions Volume 2". This (Dutch) release is a limited edition upgraded version of the original 1978 album. It includes: - 9 bonus tracks; - 3 introductions of the original master recordings; - with original album artwork and liner notes; - all original masters are remixed / remastered; - including 4 official previously unreleased tracks. Track listing - 1. Anyway You Want Me 2. Love Me Tender (movie version) 3. We’re Gonna Move 4. Introduction / Poor Boy 5. Let Me (movie version) 6. Playing For Keeps 7. Love Me 8. Paralysed 9. How Do You Think I Feel? 10. How’s The World Treating You? 11. When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again 12. Introduction / Long Tall Sally 13. Old Shep 14. Too Much 15. Any Place Is Paradise 16. Ready Teddy 17. First In Line 18. Rip It Up 19. Old Shep (alternate take 2) 20. Introduction / Love Me Tender 21. Let Me 22. Poor Boy (movie version) 23. Long Tall Sally (overdubbed live version) 24. 1956 Commercial #1 25. 1956 Commercial #2 26. Love Me Tender (instrumental) 27. Love Me Tender (live recording (News, Source: Elvis Corner /Elvis News)

"Elvis Ultimate Gospel" CD reissue: Due for re-release from the SBME Strategic Marketing Group on March 6, 2007 is the reissue of the sacred "Ultimate Gospel" compilation. The cover changed colour according to the cover shown on Amazon. Track listing: 1. How Great Thou Art 2. So High 3. Amazing Grace 4. Crying In The Chapel 5. You'll Never Walk Alone 6. Swing Down Sweet Chariot 7. In My Father's House 8. Milky White Way 9. Hid Hand In Mine 10. I Believe In The Man In The Sky 11. Where Could I Go But To The Lord 12. If The Lord Wasn't Walking By My Side 13. Run On 14. He Touched Me 15. Bosom Of Abraham 16. Lead Me, Guide Me 17. Joshua Fit The Battle 18. If We Never Meet Again 19. I, John 20. Reach Out To Jesus 21. Who Am I?22. Help Me 23. An Evening Prayer 24. Take My Hand, Precious Lord 25. (There'll Be) Peace In The Valley (For Me) (News, Source: Elvis News)

'EIN's Best of Elvis on YouTube' Weekly Update: Want a chance to see Elvis live in concert 1976, Linda Thompson in Graceland last year, a sensational video for 'Promised Land', the marvellous Lisa Marie/Elvis duet of 'Dont Cry Daddy', rare home videos and much, much more? Well don't miss out on EIN's biggest weekly YouTube update yet! Although EPE is removing unauthorised Elvis material we have still found plenty of Elvis fun for you to enjoy. Check it out before they disappear! ('EIN's Elvis on YouTube', Source: EIN/YouTube)

'Celebrity Secrets: Government Files of the Rich and Famous' reveals Elvis army secret: In the new book 'Celebrity Secrets: Government Files of the Rich and Famous', a lot of unknown secrets about celebrities are unvealed with the help of official records. Of course, it's not possible to publish such a book without a story of Elvis. The supposed story goes like this; Elvis asked the army top in 1959 to dismiss a south-african homosexual from the army after giving dermatological treatments. The man blackmailed Elvis with the fact that he would release compromising pictures if he did not pay $450 and a plane ticket to London. (EIN Note: This alleged "secret" has been known for many years and appears in several publications) (News, Source: Elvis Matters)

Elvis owned car on display: On June 9, the Henry Ford museum in Michigan, USA, will host the exhibition 'Rock Stars' Cars & Guitars' with a collection of 18 shiny cars, once belonged to the greatest artists of the planet. The 1971 De Tomaso Pantera from Elvis is one of the eye-catchers. The bullet-holes in the dashboard are still visible. Elvis shot them, because the car would not start. (News, Source: Elvis Matters)

New movie - " Elvis and Anabelle": In "Elvis and Anabelle", every terrible tragedy brings about something equally miraculous. Groomed by her overly ambitious mother (Mary Steenburgen), Anabelle (Blake Lively) is on the road to winning the Miss Texas Rose tiara when she dies tragically during a pageant. Her death lands her on the embalming table of Elvis (Max Minghella), an embittered young man whose sense of family duty and love for his ailing father (Joe Mantegna) keep him from following his dreams. When Anabelle is miraculously resurrected on Elvis' embalminnigelg table, the two unexpectedly connect and sparks fly. With the help of each other and Elvis' father, they discover love, freedom and happiness as the real world and their own demons threaten to force them apart.

An official selection at the South by Southwest Film Festival (World Premier - March 10, 2007). "Elvis and Anabelle" is a joint production by Goldcrest Films International (Ghandi, Chariots of Fire, The Killing Fields, All Dogs Go To Heaven, A Room with A View) and Burnt Orange (The Quiet) called "Elvis and Anabelle" and has been chosen for the Gala Night premiere slot at this year's SXSW Film Festival. It features Max Minghella, Blake Lively, Joe Mantegna, Keith Carradine, and Mary Steenburgen. (News, Source: Sanja Meegin)

"Aussie" chart update: After 3 weeks, the Essential Elvis compilation 2CD is currently #38 on the ARIA Albums Chart. Mastered by Vic Anesini, the compile spans Elvis' full recording career from his first single, That's All Right in 1954, to Moody Blue in 1977. With 40 tracks on its 2 discs it is a pleasing compilation including several unusual selections in Follow That Dream, Big Boss Man, Memories, Polk Salad Annie and I Just Can't Help Believin'. The release is complemented by an attractive 16 page booklet with excellent liner notes written by Michael Hill. The release is available now in all good Australian record stores. Meanwhile, the Elvis Presley-Johnny Cash Road Show Interstate DVD has debuted on the ARIA Music DVD Chart this week at #28.

Aussie & NZ fans - EIN's FREE online newsletter!!!: Do you live in Australia or New Zealand? Are you receiving EIN's FREE online newsletter for "downunder" fans? If you aren't and would like to receive it simply contact us.........................Issue #16 was released earlier today.

This week on The Elvis Hour: This week we'll go back to the beginning with Elvis and recall how his incredible career began. On this edition of The Elvis Hour we'll hear abit of rare recording sessions and Sun Records, and we'll hear Elvis telling in his own words about those all important early years. So tune in for a very special edition of The Elvis Hour. Only at http://www.elvisthemagazine.com (News, Source: Darwin Lamm)

Good Rockin' Tonite concert in Memphis during Elvis Week 2007: August 15th, another Good Rockin' Tonite evening with "The Last Man Standing" Concert. It's an Exclusive appearance in Memphis-with Scotty Moore, Boots Randolph, Bob Moore, Billy Swan and other Legends.  Scotty along with these legends helped shape Elvis' career and Rock & Roll and will take you on a musical journey that you'll never forget.  It will most likely be their last Memphis concert ever.  Don't Miss It. For ticket ordering go to http://www.elvisthemagazine.com (News, Source: Darwin Lamm)

CD issues/reissues in EC: Re-released in Germany on February 1, 2007 is the 2 CD compilation "Good Rockin' Tonight" from 2000.

Released On February 5, 2007 in France are the CDs "Don't Be Cruel" and "Lawdy Miss Clawdy". No other information available yet.

Due for release in Germany on March 5, 2007 on the Music Sessions label is the CD entitled "Elvis Presley". (News, Source: Elvis News)

Elvis Hour radio show starts in UK: Starting today the British radiostation Original106fm will start a weekly Elvis Hour Show. It will be on air every Sunday from 5-6 pm (GMT). The show can also be listened to on-line at Original106.com. (News, Source: Elvis News)

"Elvis Videobiography" DVD: Due for release on the Classic Rock label on March 19, 2007 is the 2 DVD/booklet set "Elvis Presley". (News, Source: HMV U.K. /Elvis News)

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"Elvis" & "Elvis Presley" on CD: Here is the cover art for the UK Hallmark reissue of Elvis' first two albums on one single disc. This reissue is due February 12, 2007. Track listing: Blue Suede Shoes - I'm Counting On You - I Got A Woman - One Sided Love Affair - I Love You Because - Just Because - Tutti Frutti - Tryin' To Get To You - I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Cry (Over You) - I'll Never Let You Go - Blue Moon - Money Honey - Rip It Up - Love Me - When My Blue Moon Turn To Gold Again - Long Tall Sally - First In Love - Paralyzed - So Glad You`re Mine - Old Shep - Ready Teddy - Anyplace Is Paradise - How`s The World Treating Me - How Do You Think I Feel (News, Source: Elvis Club Berlin /Elvis News)

"Rock In Black" CD release: The sixth release from the “SR” label scheduled for an early February release is entitled ‘Rock In Black’ and will feature both the complete January 26th 1970 Las Vegas opening show and the complete February 22nd midnight show from the showroom. As with the other SR releases we get something new and a little different. For this release we decided to focus on the early 1970 Vegas season affording you the possibility to listen to the quality of the performance throughout this season via the two shows presented here. This Deluxe Digipack import is limited to only 500 copies. The 6 panel packaging will include unreleased Elvis photo’s, the black jumpsuit of the opening night will appear here for the first time, as a bonus three side fold out inlay poster.

Tracklist: CD 1 opening night January 26, 1970 01. Intro 02. All Shook Up 03. That's All Right 04. Proud Mary 05. Don't Cry Daddy 06. Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel 07. Long Tall Sally 08. Let It Be Me 09. I Can't Stop Loving You 10. Walk A Mile In My Shoes/In The Ghetto 11. True Love Travels On A Gravel Road 12. Sweet Caroline 13. Polk Salad Annie 14. Introductions 15. Kentucky Rain 16. Suspicious Minds 17. Can't Help Falling in Love (Part only)

CD 2 Midnight Show February 22, 1970 01. Intro 02. All Shook Up 03. I Got A Woman 04. Long Tall Sally 05. Don't Cry Daddy 06. Hound Dog 07. Love Me Tender 08. Kentucky Rain 09. Let It Be Me 10. I Can't Stop Loving You 11. Walk A Mile In My Shoes 12. C.C. Rider 13. Sweet Caroline 14. Polk Salad Annie 15. Introductions 16. Suspicious Minds 17. Can't Help Falling In Love 18. Walk A Mile In My Shoes/In The Ghetto* 19. Sweet Caroline* 20. Polk Salad Annie* 21. Suspicious Minds*
* February 22 DS, 1970 (News, Source: FECC)

"Elvis Sails" released: The original EP "Elvis Sails" has been reissued in three versions; the American, Japanese and German version. The set is limited to 500 copies. (News, Source: Elvis Corner /Elvis News)

Ultimate Elvis festival: The Penticton Elvis Festival is now part of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in Memphis, Tenn. in August. The Penticton festival, from June 22-24, is now the preliminary contest, one of many held around the world. The Elvis tribute artists will be looking to these preliminary contests for their chance to make it to the final spot in the festival rounds in Memphis. For more information about the Penticton Elvis Festival visit . The festival is currently accepting registrations for tribute artists in both amateur and professional categories. (News, Source: Penticton Western News)

Chart update: Here are the U.S. Billboard Elvis Chart listings for the week ending February 10, 2007:

Billboard Top 200 Albums - The Essential Elvis Presley - down 18 to #161
Comprehensive Albums - The Essential Elvis Presley - down 27 to #188
Top Country Catalog Albums - Elvis 30 #1 Hits - up 2 to #14 (sg)
Hot 100 Singles Sales - Heartbreak Hotel - up 1 to #31 (sg)
Top Music Video - Elvis: '68 Comeback Special - down 9 to #26
Top Music Video - Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii - down 9 to #22
Top Comprehensive Music Video - Elvis: '68 Comeback Special - down 9 to #26
Top Comprehensive Music Video - Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii - down 9 to #22 (News, Source: Elvis International)

Graceland & Thomas Kinkade “Light & Legend Event” - March 23 & 24, 2007: The year 2007 marks a very special anniversary for Graceland. In March 1957, Elvis purchased Graceland for his home. And to commemorate this historic event, Painter of Light, Thomas Kinkade, has created his newest masterpiece “Graceland, 50th Anniversary” and will unveil it during this exclusive event. Read full story and view larger image (News, Source: EPE)

Elvis Decoded - A Fan's Guide to Deciphering The Myths And Misinformation (Book Review): There has been a strongly worded response to our review of Patrick Lacy's new book. We have added your feedback today.

U2 video clip online: To view the sensational new U2 video clip (see news report yesterday) featuring Elvis, go to EIN's Best of Elvis on YouTube

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Updated Today:

CD Releases in 2007

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DVDs reissued in EC: Two very well received DVD’s have been re-released this week. EMI distributes Elvis Lives for a far better price than the USA pressings (though they had one song more!), and the Dutch music distributor ‘Coast to Coast’ has just put out Aloha from Sweden with the TCB Band, the fantastic Sweet Inspirations and ‘our’ Maarten Jansen. (News, Source: Elvis Matters)

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Rare Elvis book cover #3: In a new irregular series we publish rare Elvis book covers from around the world. The latest cover is The Elvis Mystery a slimline, 48 page volume about Elvis' death. It was published by Edward Arnold (Hoddard & Stoughton), in 1990. ISBN: 0-340-52638-6. (Source: EIN Archives)

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Elvis, fossils and taxonomy!: Elvis lives! Well, kind of. Way back in 1991 I wrote a column on taxonomy -- which is not, as you might suppose, the scientific study of taxes. And it's a lot like Elvis. Read full story (News, Source: Leader-Post)

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"Elvis" campaign brings back some listeners to BBC Radio 2: The BBC’s high-profile marketing drive for its radio stations has produced only modest results, according to the latest Rajar figures. The corporation launched several television campaigns to promote its stations and individual DJs last year, most notably the Radio 2 TV spot (pictured) which showed Elvis Presley on stage with famous musicians including Noel Gallagher and the Sugababes.

However, Rajar figures that cover the three months to 17 December 2006 showed that the total number of listeners for the main national stations fell slightly, to 28.71 million. Only an increase in BBC local stations managed to push the corporation into a healthier position that last time around, with an overall rise of around 150,000 listeners to 32.81 million. In the battle against commercial radio, the BBC achieved a 55.4 per cent market share, a rise of just 0.1 per cent.

Radio 1 shed 300,000 listeners over the quarter, falling to 10.26 million. The station is down by 30,000 listeners on the same period last year.

Radio 2, boosted by the Elvis campaign, added 500,000 listeners over the three months, rising to 13.26 million. However, the station has only regained listeners lost throughout 2006.

Five Live, boosted by cricket coverage and a competitive Premiership football title race, gained 40,000 listeners over the quarter and is nearly 200,000 listeners better off compared with the same period in 2006. A senior source at Heart, which rivals the BBC in London, said: “Radio 1, especially the Chris Moyles show, is beginning to lose momentum. I don’t think it’ll be long before that spreads to the BBC’s other stations.

“The Elvis ad for Radio 2 is a great piece of TV, but I’m not sure it’ll permanently change people’s listening habits.” (News, Source: mad.co.uk)

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Elvis and Nixon exhibit heading to Graceland: The exhibit about the meeting between Nixon and Elvis, that is on display in California for the moment, will move to the 'Elvis After Dark Exhibit' from May to September 2007. Among the eye-catchers are the costumes that both man where wearing that day and the letter that Elvis wrote to the president. (News, Source: Elvis Matters) 

 

Elvis Decoded - A Fan's Guide to Deciphering The Myths And Misinformation (Book Review): Finally a researcher has spent years of investigative research getting to the bottom of the myriad of myths and misinformation which have affected the Elvis world since The King's death in August 1977. Patrick Lacy is to be congratulated on Elvis Decoded, a powerful, if at times imperfect, decimation of many of the unfounded theories and claims that have been the fodder of an eager tabloid media and an even more eager Elvis underground movement. Read EIN's detailed review (Book Review, Source: EIN)

Elvis will never amount to much: Time magazine has now made its complete archives available online, and it’s interesting to see what that venerable publication first thought of some of the biggest stars of our day. It turns out: Not much. Here, for example, is their April 2, 1956, mention of a young singer from Memphis by the name of Elvis Presley. Time was pretty certain he would never amount to much of nothin'.

Elvis Presley: "Heartbreak Hotel" (Elvis Presley, Victor Records). A new singer with a new twist: a double voice that alternates between a high, unpleasant quaver, reminiscent of Johnnie Ray at his fiercest, and a rich basso that might be smooth if it were not for its spasmodic delivery. "Heartbreak Hotel," yelps the high voice, is where he’s going to get away from it all. Answers the basso: "He’ll be sorry."

Meanwhile, that same music reviewer called Joyce Bradley (who?) "a voice of sanity in a live-for-tonight era," and a group called the Hi-Lo's "just about the most virtuoso vocal quartet on records."

Other reviews by Time in the same article cited Bill Haley as "primitive to the point of idiocy," and Pat Boone as a "virile but slack-jawed crooner."

Yep, Time magazine could sure pick 'em. (News, Source: Memphis Flyer)

Elvis in Super Bowl commercial update: Not to be left behind GMH, Honda and Toyota plan big game moves too. Honda plans to run two 30-second commercials during the game's fourth quarter. The first commercial will promote the fuel efficiency of Honda and the second is a blatant appeal to baby boomers. A Honda spokesman said the second spot is known inside the company as "Elvis" and features a CR-V dancing to Elvis Presley's song "Burning Love." (News, Source: ConsumerAffairs.com)

I knew Elvis: Journalist Jay Thomas recently wrote a column about his rock and roller coaster ride. In it he discussed his brushes with rock and roll icons. On Elvis he said:

WAYS sponsored Elvis when his comeback was in full stride. It was after the NBC special and shortly before Aloha, From Hawaii. Not only did I have access to Elvis, more importantly, I controlled the show tickets. Women would line up in the lobby, some with babies in bassinets, willing to do anything to get their hands on tickets. Ah, the good times. By the way, I liked Elvis. Thought he was a good guy. We never got to be pals, and he never gave me one of those TCB lightning bolt necklaces the Memphis Mafia wore, but come on. I knew Elvis. Thank you, thank you, very much. Read full article at hofmag.com

Elvis and marketing: We could not resist Tom in North Carolina's clever and very humorous posting on the FECC board about EPE and Elvis marketing. Specifically Tom suggests using the following Elvis songs for these products or services:

Viagra- It ain't no big Thing (but it's growing)
Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention- Burning Love
West Virginia Tourism- He's Your Uncle Not Your Dad
Habitat for Humanity- Working On The Building
Rolaids- That's When Your Heartaches Begin
Amway- Rags To Riches
United States Postal Service- Return To Sender
*****- Please Don't Drag That String Around (you figure it out)
Trojan Condoms- Love Me Tonight
Magnum Extra Large Condoms- Somebody Bigger Than You and I
Immodium AD- Help Me Make It Through The Night
Ritalin- Edge Of Reality
Alzheimer's Association- I Forgot To Remember To Forget
EPT At Home Pregnacy Test- I Gotta Know
Any Adoption Agency- It's Your Baby You Rock It
Pepto Bismol- I Got A Feelin' In My Body
Rand-McNally- Gonna Get Back Home Somehow
Chap Stick Lip Balm- Kiss Me Quick
Roman Catholic Church or US Senate Page recruitment- He Touched Me

And jbgude suggested: Trojan Condoms - "Devil in disguise" (News, Source: FECC)

Elvis and other stars appear in new U2 music video: Elvis is one of dozens of musicians honored by lead singer Bono in the video for U2’s new song. In the video for U2’s new song, Window in the Skies, Lou Reed, Johnny Cash, Billie Holiday, Marvin Gaye and a shirtless Iggy Pop take turns singing the lyrics on Bono’s behalf. Instead of the Edge on guitar, you see Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, Elvis Costello and a very young Keith Richards. All thanks to the magic of editing and copyright clearances.

The Window in the Skies video is a montage that features roughly 100 archival clips of various musicians performing in concert. The footage has been carefully and cleverly edited so that the performances synchronize with U2’s lyrics and music — right down to Frank Sinatra conducting the song to its conclusion. It’s a triumph of postmodern reconstruction, a four-minute, 19-second celebration of some of popular music’s most beloved and influential figures.

U2 seems to have invited the entire Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to its party, and more than a few folks showed up: Ray Charles, Joe Strummer, Smokey Robinson, Patti Smith, Jerry Lee Lewis, Robert Plant, Ronnie Spector, Roy Orbison. They were joined by some celebrated newcomers, from rapper Kanye West to the Canadian indie-rock band Arcade Fire.

"We wanted to honor these great artists," says Gary Koepke, the video’s director. "We wanted to celebrate them and their passion. This video had to happen. And it made itself, basically."

Well, not really. It took three months and plenty of man-hours to make the addictive video, which has become a hit on YouTube and VH1 and has inspired endless pages of Internet discussion-board messages about who exactly appears in the clip and when. (That’s Lou Reed, not Jim Morrison, at the 44-second mark; Beyonce, not Britney Spears, at 1:47. A rundown of all of the artists might eventually appear on U2’s Web site.)

Koepke says the wheels began to spin almost immediately when Bono gave him a copy of a new U2 song that was intended for a greatest-hits package. "Everybody probably has a different interpretation," the director says, "but to me, the song is about time and the power of love."

Somehow, that interpretation led to the idea of a montage of musicians. The resulting video features 137 clips, including several "Where’s Waldo?"-type crowd shots in which the various members of U2 can be seen, if only briefly. As director of business affairs for Modernista!, Jeff Estow spent endless hours making licensing deals for the archival footage and trying to secure permission to use the artists’ likenesses.

In making his pitch, Estow says, he told the musicians’ reps that the video would be "a very tasteful homage to artists from across eras and genres who’ve provided particular influence and inspiration to U2."

Sinatra’s estate attorney signed off on the project almost immediately (it didn’t hurt that Bono had worked with Sinatra). Shortly thereafter, Presley’s estate agreed to allow the singer’s image to appear in the video and provided footage from a 1968 comeback special that synced exceptionally well with Bono’s singing.

"Once that happened, we went to other artists and said Sinatra and Elvis are in the video, and things really got rolling," Estow says.

The video is not meant to be a comprehensive yearbook of popular music’s best. "There were a few legends we missed, obviously, that we really would have liked to get," he says. Among them: Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, James Brown, Chuck Berry and Bruce Springsteen. While the Beatles didn’t make the final cut, their representatives approved the project after the deadline; the video has been redone to accommodate them. The new version probably will be released this week. And then, Koepke says, that’s it: No more music videos.

"This project took a quarter of a year to finish," he says. "If I do another one, it will just be a picture of the sun rising and the song playing over it. Very conceptual! "

Elvis Gold Cadillac Tour of Australia/New Zealand in 1968-69 - can you help?: Researcher Bob Hayden is preparing a detailed article about this tour and is seeking remembrances from those who saw it. Bob is also after photos from the tour, dates it was in different cities etc. Contact Bob Read Bob's recent article about the tour

Elvis Presley's 12 Commandments

Aussie & NZ fans - join EIN in Memphis this August on its:

"Ultimate 30th Anniversary Tour!"

With this year's Elvis Birthday celebration over, the excitement is starting to build and there is now only a little over 6 months before EIN's Ultimate 30th Anniversary Tour departs Australia for the US.