Welcome to the "Elvis Information Network", home to the best news, reviews, interviews & articles about the King of Rock & Roll, Elvis Aaron Presley...

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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

Super Bowl Weekend on Elvis Radio/Sirius Satellite 13: Go to Elvis Radio/Sirius Satellite 13 to find out all about special programming for Super Bowl Weekend, including a no-holds-barred interview with former Elvis entourage member Red West, and see what's up for this week's editions of Doc Walker's Elvis Live in Concert and Bill Rock's Soundtrack Saturday Night and other special Elvis programming in the week ahead. (News, Source: EPE)

Click here for info (Source: Charmaine Voisine)

"Heartbreak Hotel" ranked in top selling singles of 2006: HEARTBREAK HOTEL ranked as the #11 biggest selling single in the US in 2006 according to Billboard magazine. (News, Source: Brian Quinn, FECC)

Believe it or not! - Elvis in casket item on ebay: Extremely unusual item is composed of a ceramic elvis bust laid in a real Poplar wood casket, reproducing the well known last photo of the King. The coffin was purchased new specifically for this display, which has been featured in a few local newspapers. This would make a great Halloween prop with or without Elvis. The lot includes the casket, the Elvis bust and torso and the visitation hours sign. (Odd Spot, Source: E-Cat, FECC)

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. 

Presley Publishing Now Exclusively With Cherry Lane: New York based indie Cherry Lane Music Publishing has been selected by Elvis Presley Enterprises, LLC and the estate of Julian Aberbach to administer their 75% share of their prestigious Elvis Presley catalogue. The catalogue contains over 1,000 songs recorded by Elvis Presley as well as other legendary singers of the time, including Peggy Lee, Nat King Cole and Ella Fitzgerald. Cherry Lane had previously administered 25% of the catalogue on behalf of the estate of Jean Aberbach. The multi-year deal marks the first time since 2000 that the administration of the catalogue will be handled by one publisher, a scenario coveted by music licensees given the speed and efficiency of "one-stop" publishing.

In addition, Cherry Lane has committed to special promotions specific to the catalogue. These will include advertisements in Film, TV and advertising trades as well as delivery of songs to music supervisors on branded digital music players.

Phil Cialdella, Vice President, Administration and Licensing for Cherry Lane, notes "Representing this prestigious song catalogue has been a tremendous honor, and carries great responsibility. We look forward to further maximizing the exposure and accessibility of these legendary songs by consolidating and expediting the clearance process for music users. Everyone benefits, but the songs will benefit the most."

"All of us at EPE are looking forward to collaborating with Cherry Lane in promoting these catalogues filled with songs Elvis made popular," states Gary Hovey, Executive Vice-President of EPE. "We are very excited about working together to bring these great songs to new generations through the many new technologies we have today." (News, Source: EPE)

Infomercial for Elvis Film Collection Debuts (Updated): An entertaining infomercial with loads of Elvis movie and concert clips has been produced as a promotion of the new DVD set Elvis: The Ultimate Film Collection - Graceland Edition.  It will air on various TV stations in America during the year and is likely to be seen in other countries at some point. (News, Source: EPE)

More feedback about Wanda June Hill book: On Sunday we published Marty Lacker's comments about the revised edition of Wanda June Hill's book, We Remember, Elvis. Marty's views continue to generate a mixed and very strong response. Read the review and updated feedback including EIN's view on the controversy

'EIN's Best of Elvis on YouTube' Weekly Update: Since last week even more unauthorised Elvis material has been removed from YouTube, including some EPE owned footage. However EIN has still found plenty more Elvis for you to enjoy, so check out this week's EIN update for our favourite selection. And catch them before they disappear! ('EIN's Elvis on YouTube', Source: EIN/YouTube)

"Elvis 30 #1 Hits" re-enters UK album chart: Elvis 30 No.1 Hits is back in the UK Album Chart at No.75. This gets Elvis another week towards his UK Chart total. (News, Source: Brain Quinn/FECC)

Cover artwork for "Up Close: Elvis Presley": Here is the cover artwork for Wilborn Hampton's book. Due out in the US in June 2007 from Viking Juvenile Publishing. (News, Source: ElvisBookResearch)

How did non-American fans find out about Elvis?: likethebike posted a very interesting topic on the FECC board. In EIN's opinion his original posting and KiwiAlan's response provide much food for thought. Read their postings (News, Source: FECC)

Rick Stanley talks about Elvis and his new crusade: Having dedicated his life to God, Elvis' stepbrother, Rick Stanley recently spoke about Elvis and his life in 2007. (News, Source: Charmaine Voisine)

New Elvis biography comic book in EC: Due for release on June 2007 is the 128 pages biography "Elvis". This book by Reinhard Kleist and T. Ackermann will be published in the "Ehapa Comic Collection" series. (ISBN: 3770431286). (News, Source: Elvis Club Berlin /Elvis News)

Chart update: Despite TV advertising, "The Essential" compilation album rose only nine places on this week's Australian ARIA Albums Chart. It is now at #39 after two weeks. (News, Source: ARIA)

More feedback about Wanda June Hill book: Yesterday we published Marty Lacker's comments about the revised edition of Wanda June Hill's book, We Remember, Elvis. Marty's views met with a mixed and very strong response.

"Elvis for Babies" CD re-issued: Reissued by the Megaphon label on January 27, 2007 is the CD "Elvis For Babies". It contains instrumental versions of several Elvis classics, interpreted especially for babies. Track listing: Don't Be Cruel - Are You Lonesome Tonight? - It's Now or Never - Love Me Tender - Wild in the Country - That's Alright, Mama - Wooden Heart - Can't Help Falling in Love - Crying in the Chapel - In the Ghetto (News, Source: Elvis Club Berlin /Elvis News)

On this week's "The Elvis Hour": On this edition Pat Boone shares memories of the first time he met Elvis. We'll have fun with Elvis trivia and we'll highlight the year of 1961. Plus we'll join the King in concert. All of this and much more on The Elvis Hour. (News, Source: Darwin Lamm)

Marty Lacker responds to Wanda June Hill book: Yesterday, EIN published Susan MacDougall's review of the revised edition of Wanda June Hill's controversial book, We Remember, Elvis. Marty Lacker has provided EIN with a hard hitting response on the incredible claims made by Ms Hill. Read the review and Marty's response

'Sideshow Collectibles' develops exclusive figurine: Sideshow Collectibles, the world's number one leader in licensed tv and moviecollectibles has announced its new Elvis line. The first item is a release in the 'Premium Format' range and will have a never before seen detailed finishing, measures 50cm in height with an estimated price of $250. The theme and release date is being kept secret for the moment, but the company already put a poll online to ask which period can be the next release. The Aloha Elvis has a small profit on the Comeback Elvis. It seems to be that the voters are not into the gold suit. (News, Source: Elvis Matters)

Elvis and the politics of pants: In the 1950s, Levi Strauss & Co. decided to update the image of its denim clothes. Until then, the company had been depending for sales on the romantic appeal of the Gold Rush and the rugged image of the cowboy. Hell, it was still calling its signature pants, the ones with the copper rivets, “waist overalls.” It didn’t want to abandon the evocative Gold Rush connection, but the postwar world was filling with consumption-minded creatures called “teenagers,” and it seemed time to rethink the company’s pitch.

So in 1956 Levi Strauss tried an experiment, releasing a line of black denim pants it called Elvis Presley Jeans. It was the perfect endorsement. Read full article (Spotlight, Source: Reason Magazine)

All Shook Up the stage play - it's the plot that's shaky!: Theater critic Marcus Browder was not impressed with All Shook Up. Read his review of the Elvis stage musical on tour in the US. (Review, Source: sacbee.com)

Shell Outdoor Amphitheater in Memphis to receive makeover: The outdoor Memphis amphitheater where a young Elvis Presley played his first show in 1954 is a shell of its former self. But that is all about to change. Read full story (News, Source: Elvis Unlimited)

"We Remember, Elvis" (Book Review): Susan MacDougall explores the pages of the revised edition of Wanda June Hill's book, We Remember, Elvis. What Susan finds include some explosive allegations which are sure to split fans and raise the ire of the Memphis Mafia! Some of the issues uncovered by Susan are: Was Elvis a drug addict? Was he drugged against his will? Were members of the Memphis Mafia controlling? Was he sexually profligate? Elvis' generosity and compassion. Is Wanda June Hill's book genuine? Read Susan's in-depth review to find out more (Book Review, Source: EIN)

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"Readymade Digs Elvis" Japanese CD release: Released: 2007/02/21 by BMG Japan. Rating: - Readymade's Konishi Yasuharu selected his favorite Elvis tracks and did the art direction for this Japan only compilation. This compilation also comes in a thin cardboard sleeve edition in the popular "Readymade digs..." series. Tracklist: My Baby Left Me/One-sided Love Affair/Down in the Alley/Shake, Rattle and Roll/Teddy Bear/Santa Bring My Baby Back to Me/Fools Fall in Love/King Creole (Take 18)/I Got Stung/King Creole/Lover Doll/Such a Night/G.I. Blues/Tonight Is So Right for Love/I'm Coming Home/Rock-a-hula Baby/Bossa Nova, Baby/Night Rider/Kissin' Cousins (number 2)/It's a Wonderful World/Paradise, Hawaiian Style/Beach Shack/Do the Clam/Shake that Tambourine/Stop Look and Listen/Long Legged Girl (With a Short Dress On)/Double Trouble/Old MacDonald/Baby, If You'll Give Me All of Your Love/Who Needs Money/Hey, Hey, Hey/Spinout/Summer Kisses, Winter Tears (Film version)/When My Blue Moon Turns to Gold Again/What a Wonderful Life/Got a Lot o' Livin' to Do (Finale version) (News, Source: Elvis News)

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Would Elvis approve of the EPE Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest?: During 2007, for the first time ever, EPE will hold the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. The contest is a search for the ETA that is the 'best representation of the legacy of Elvis Presley'. The winner of the contest will receive the title of 'The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist', along with official recognition by Elvis Presley Enterprises, a cash prize and more. But would Elvis really approve? What is interesting is the July 1977 letter that EPE has posted on their site. In Elvis' letter that he wrote to a Tribute Artist, Elvis writes that even though he feels it is a great compliment he adds, "Do develop your own special talent and abilities though" and continues, "never neglect your own special abilities to be yourself also".

(News, Source EIN/EPE)

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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

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Elvis movie contracts attract high prices at auction: The live auction of more than two hundred 20th Century Fox movie contracts turned out to be a major success for Swan's Auctioneers. Among the eyecatchers were 4 contracts, signed in person by Elvis. - Altering the start date of 'Wild In The Country': $4000 - Confirmation of start date of 'Wild In The Country': $3800 - Option for a new movie, also signed by Col. Parker: $3000 - Confirmation of start date of 'Flaming Star': $2600 Proof again that certified documents, signed by Elvis are still highly valuable! (News, Source: Elvis Matters)

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Inside Roustabout to be released next week: Inside Roustabout, the follow-up book, 7" single and DVD set to Inside G.I. Blues will finally be released next week. (News, Source: Elvis Unlimited)

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"Elvis The Ed Sullivan Shows" DVD - budget edition released in Australia: The DVD set Elvis Presley: The Ed Sullivan Shows"" has been just been released in Australia in a slim DVD (Amaray Packaging) case at a lower price. The three DVDs have the same content as the deluxe edition. Like the deluxe set this is again in NTSC format. Share the excitement of Elvis Presley's earth shattering introduction to the nation in these three unforgettable episodes from The Ed Sullivan Show, and experience for yourself why Elvis became the legendary King of Rock and Roll! Attracting a record-breaking TV audience of more than 60 million people. Provoke ecstatic screams with hits such as "Don't Be Cruel," "Love Me Tender" and "Hound Dog." In fact, these exhilarating performances were so explosive that Elvis was filmed above the waist during his final Sullivan show appearance on January 6, 1957. (News, Source: Elvis Australia /Elvis News/Ezy DVD) Buy the "budget" priced edition in Australia

"Love Me Tender" DVD re-issued in Australia: The classic film Love Me Tender has been re-released on region 4 PAL DVD in Australia by 20th Century Fox. (News, Source: Elvis Australia /Elvis News/ EzyDVD)

"Is this really Elvis' last song?" update: On 23 January 2007 we published a story about the rights to a song allegedly co-written by Elvis and songwriter, Paul Terry King. Subsequent to our report we received a variety of correspondence, for and against, Mr King's claim. This included a number of email messages from Mr King, prominent Memehis Mafia member, Marty Lacker, and Patrick Lacy, author of the recently published book debunking various Elvis conpspiracies and myths, Elvis Decoded.

Paul Terry King also alleges that Screen Gems/EMI lost 3 reels of 69 published songs by Elvis and American writers.

While EIN seriously doubts the claims by Mr King we have updated our original story to include several of the responses we have received. We also include EPE's official response regarding an earlier song allegedly written by Elvis and Mr King. View updated story (News, Source: EIN)

Spelling of Elvis' middle name Aaron/Aron: In our latest weekly email newsletter, we included a story about the spelling of Elvis' middle name. The response to what we considered was a minor story has surprised us. This is the story:

The reason for the spelling of Aron with only one A is because the names Jesse Garon and Elvis Aron were meant to rhyme. For some odd reason in the early 20th century, it was popular to rhyme the middle names of your children (it's rampant in my mom's family, for example). Elvis switched it to Aaron in later years to reflect the biblical spelling. View some of the responses EIN has received

Elvis what really happened: As promotion for Joe Esposito's new release, Celebrate Elvis, Elvis The Magazine has circulated excerpts from the book. Here is one:

Reporter: There are rumors when Elvis was in the Army in Germany that Elvis and the Sergeant he was driving for got so cold one night during maneuvers that they pulled a tarp over the Jeep as the engine of the Jeep was running to stay warm. Is it true that the Army used the publicized tonsillitis hospital visit to cover up the fact that Elvis almost died from Carbon Monoxide poisoning resulting from the fumes that came into the Jeep from a hole in the floorboard?

Joe Esposito: The Unit that we were in Germany used to go into the field quite a bit. One night in the winter, Elvis was out on maneuvers as a scout driver and he and the Sergeant decided to pull over to the side to take a little nap. So, they covered the jeep with a tarp and left the motor running so they could warm up to the heat of the engine. So, after awhile they passed out from the carbon monoxide gas, which is as you know, quite deadly. Now, here is the strange part. While Elvis and the Sergeant were lying there unconscious, a really strong wind came and blew the tarp off the jeep. That's what saved their lives. That really happened. They didn't pull the tarp off themselves as so many people believe. As for the tonsillitis, well, he got that because of the extreme cold out on maneuvers. So, he went to the hospital to get that taken care of. So, the story that it was a cover up was not true. However, it is true about the gas and the tarp and everything. But the strangest damn thing about it is that the wind blew the tarp off. Talk about divine intervention. (News,Source: Darwin Lamm)

Chart update: Here is the U.S. Billboard Elvis Chart listings for the week ending February 3, 2007:

Billboard Top 200 Albums - The Essential Elvis Presley - down 51 to #143
Comprehensive Albums - The Essential Elvis Presley - down 64 to #161
Top Country Catalog Albums - Elvis 30 #1 Hit - down 5 to #16
Hot 100 Singles Sales - Heartbreak Hotel - down 3 to #32
Top Music Video - Elvis: '68 Comeback Special - down 2 to #17
Top Music Video - Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii - remains at #13
Top Comprehensive Music Video - Elvis: '68 Comeback Special - down 2 to #17
Top Comprehensive Music Video - Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii - remains at #13

With the end of the posting of Holiday Charts for the season, It's Christmas Time drops off the Top Holiday Albums chart. (News, Source: Elvis International Fan Club/Elvis News) 

ELVIS AND CIRQUE STILL ON!!!: (see earlier story dated 23 Jan 2007) Luxe Life is always happy to clear up misinformation when it comes to rampant rumors. We finally got word from Cirque officials about our story on Monday about the rumored breakup of the Elvis/Cirque du Soleil deal for their proposed joint 2009 show at City Center and we're happy to now tell you Elvis and Cirque are still together! Our friends at Cirque advised: "Regarding the Cirque du Soleil Elvis production at City Center, just to let you know all systems are go with that project, so the rumors you heard were incorrect." (News, Source: Vegas Pop)

Elvis show in list of 25 of the greatest ever gigs: The King live on stage....celebrated author, Nik Cohn, tells us why Elvis' concert at the Nassau Coliseuim in 1975 is one of the best ever. (Spotlight, Source: Observor Guardian)

New DVD - Elvis The Sun King: The Mammoth label will release soon a DVD titled '' The Sun King ''. A lot of this footage from the May 1977 tour has circulated through the years but always in bad quality with washed out colors. For the first time, these will be available from an original source with full color and original Super 8mm films sound. This DVD will be NTSC (region free). Restored and revitalized: a new look at Presley, the SUN King. Elvis Presley, wearing his " Mexican sundial " jumpsuit, was nothing but a road warrior in his final year, giving more than 50 shows in five months. Despite what many critics claimed, on many nights Elvis still had the magic. The songs seen here prove it, all drawn from his penultimate tour in late May 1977. Behold, the one and only SUN King, Elvis Presley. View disc contents and larger cover image (News, Source: FECC)

Lisa Presley to buy castle?: The latest trend under celebreties is that they'll search some real estate in Ireland or Scotland. Lisa-Marie was hunting in Ireland the last days. From a selection of 4 estates, she seems to like the Mallow Castle in Cork the most. She can sign the ownerpapers if she pays the small amount of $13,000,000. (Lisa Presley's World, Source: Elvis Matters)

With barely a day left to wave 2006 goodbye, people all  over the world are getting ready to party and celebrate as they usher in the New Year. However, Elvis Presley's widow Priscilla and daughter Lisa Marie have opted for a quieter option. The two celebs are reportedly going to bring in 2007 holed up in a remote Irish castle to which they travelled to recently. The two Presleys will be staying at the exclusive Castle Gorteen Le Poer in Kilasheen, Co Tipperary, the home of Priscilla's pal, the reclusive Austrian artist Gottfried Helnwein. An insider revealed that the two will not have time to get bored, for while at the castle, they will be able to enjoy skeet shooting, archery and falconry, as well as pony treks in the vast castle grounds. "Priscilla is a big fan of Gottfried's art and there is loads for them to do."

Graceland Harley-Davidson opens: Southern Thunder Harley-Davidson has opened a permanent satellite location called Graceland Harley-Davidson in the heart of the Elvis After Dark plaza (formerly Graceland Crossing) in the visitor center complex across the street from Elvis Presley's Graceland Mansion. Southern Thunder Harley-Davidson is affiliated with Bruce Rossmeyer, one of the largest retail franchisees of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. At the new store visitors find t-shirts, mugs, collectibles and other items that feature the Graceland Harley-Davidson logo. (Logo to be posted here soon.)  The store is open daily, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM.   Products with the Graceland Harley-Davidson logo should be available online soon. In the months ahead, Southern Thunder Harley-Davidson will introduce the design of 30 limited edition Elvis Harley-Davidson motorcycles to be custom built in commemoration of the Elvis 30th Anniversary year. The bikes are expected to be completed by summer and purchasers will be invited to participate in a special ceremony at Graceland in August. Further details to come here on Elvis.com. (News, Source: EPE)

Elvis - Cirque du Soleil partnership still on?: Brian Quinn responded to our story on 23 January saying his sources tell him the planned Elvis themed shows via Cirque du Soleil are still on. EIN earlier contacted EPE and is still waiting on an official response regarding the matter. (News, Source: Brian Quinn/EIN)

"Lisa Marie" plane engine not to be sold as jewelry: In the series 'remarkable Ebay-auctions', you can bid untill tomorrow on one of the four engines from the Lisa-Marie. After served as a didactical tool in technical schools, the engine was bought by a fan in 2002. His original idea was to dismantel the engine and use the small parts to manufacture some juwelry. That plan was dismissed because of the sellers health and he will sell the item as a complete piece. Startbid is $65.000, but buyers have to pick-up the item by themself. Less than 24h before the auction ends, there is still no bid, so we think that this item will end in the same lane as the Cadillac and white grand piano. (News, Source: Elvis Matters)

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. 

Actress suggests new Elvis stamp: Pamela Anderson is an active member of animal rights organisation PETA. She is protesting a request to bring out a stamp for Colonel Sanders, founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken. "In stead of honoring a man who mistreaded animals, it should be better to remember Elvis with a new stamp" says the former Baywatch-star. (News, Source: Elvis Matters)

Fake "Elvis Cup" sold on ebay: Wade Cummings (the "Elvis Cup" man) reports: The original Elvis Cup has never been sold...A " fake" paper cup...purportedly used by Elvis was scammed on eBay...sold ...trying to capitalize on the real Elvis Cup's fame. (Odd Spot, Source: PR Inside)

"Reclaiming The Crown" CD release: A new 6 CD box set that is out now is "Reclaiming The Crown". It features the American Sound Studio sessions from Jan. 13- Feb. 22. 1969. The sound is supposed to be very good. Several postings on the FECC board suggest a "buyer beware" policy for this release. (News, Source: FECC)  And if you cannot afford a 6CD boxset, there is always the quality release:

"The American Way - Some Bue Eyed Soul" CD release: Here is the cover art and a sneak preview on the booklet of the upcoming Southern Comfort release: The American Way, Volume 2 - Some Blue Eyed Soul.

Elvis and Dakota Fanning have everyone "all shook up": Entertainment insiders are abuzz about a new controversy, and this time it has nothing to do with Lohan's "water bottle" or Justin's latest ladyfriend. This time, it's Elvis and Dakota Fanning who have everyone all shook up. Seems that 12-year-old actress Fanning's role in the movie Hounddog is that of a child who is brutally raped, then turns to the music of Elvis for comfort. The scene is so brutal that the film's investors actually pulled out, and production had to be stopped until new investors with deep pockets and thicker skin were located. Despite the controversy — or perhaps because of it — the movie was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at this year's Sundance Film Festival. The question now: Is Memphis ready for the dubious attention Hounddog will bring to its most famous dead resident? (News, Source: MemphisFlyerOnline)

What do Elvis, Mary Tyler Moore and Halle Berry have in common?: Halle Berry hardly discussed her diabetes for years. Elvis Presley kept it a secret. Mary Tyler Moore has it, and is an outspoken advocate for the cause. dLife Correspondent and Hollywood actor Jim Turner (Arli$$, Bewitched, and others) has type 1 diabetes himself. This Sunday on dLifeTV, Turner examines the 'dream factory' to reveal what Hollywood legends have revealed their diabetes, who has kept it a secret, and who lives with it today. (News, Source: EarthTimes.org)

New books from Bud Glass: Praytome Publishing has announced two new book projects. “Elvis On Tour ‘75’ is a picture book by Sandi Pichon, author of ‘Raised On Elvis’. As the title explains, this time, Sandi focuses on the live tours of 1975. The other book, “Dixieland Delight”, is a large, full color hardback book, with a free documentary DVD. A release date is not set yet. (News, Source: Elvis Matters)

Buy Elvis' last song!: Currently on ebay is the second song, "Just Like Rolling Up Hill", allegedly co-written by Elvis and Paul Terry King in 1973. EIN has serious doubts about the validity of Mr King's claims. Read the story and visit the ebay listing which already has 10 bids (News, Source: ebay/EIN)

Plans for Elvis themed Cirque du Soleil show collapse?: Rumors are rampant around Vegas show-business circles this morning that the giant alliance between Cirque du Soleil and Robert FX Sillerman to launch an Elvis Presley show in the new MGM City Center, currently under construction, has collapsed.

Luxe Life will attempt to obtain official Cirque clarification this morning, but staffers learned over the weekend that the two producing entities had allegedly agreed to part company. Before the rumored shakeup and split, plans called for Cirque to develop the Elvis show for the 2009 opening of the three hotel-towered mega-city on 70-acres of land between the Bellagio and the Monte Carlo hotels at center-Strip.

It has only been two weeks since public sales began on the residences at City Center. As of this weekend 1,500 reservations have been taken out of 2,700 total units. The sales staff has added 300 sales in just 14 days from the 1,200 that were snapped up opening weekend, indicating still strong demand for on-Strip condominium projects.

Cirque has been simultaneously developing a new magic show with 'Mindfreak' magician Criss Angel for the Luxor which Luxe Life will have all the latest details on Wednesday. Cirque director Gilles Ste-Croix confirmed the Elvis project to Luxe Life several months ago adding he also wanted to develop an ice-skating themed entertainment spectacular sometime in the future. (News/Sale of EPE, Source: Vegas Popular/Luxe Life)

EIN Comment: If this rumor is true it is major setback for EPE. A high profile show like Cirque du Soleil would have brought Elvis' music to new generations of fans.

See EIN's comprehensive archives on the Sale of EPE

Rare Elvis book cover #2: In a new irregular series we publish rare Elvis book covers from around the world. The latest cover is another from Japan: Diamond. (Source: EIN Archives)

New Elvis book announced: "Who was Elvis Presley?" by Geoff Edgers has been announced for publication on 16 August 2007 in the US. The publisher is Grossett & Dunlap and the ISBN-13 is 978-0448446424. The book has 112 pages and will be initially released in hardcover format. While details of its content are presently scarce, it appears it may be aimed at a younger market as two illustrators are listed as contributing to the book. (News, Source: ElvisbookResearch)

'EIN's Best of Elvis on YouTube' Weekly Update: Only one week has past since EPE joined YouTube and already illegal Elvis footage is being removed. But don't worry there is still plenty of Elvis to enjoy. Check out this week's EIN update for a fabulous selection of new Elvis videos - and see them before they disappear! ('EIN's Elvis on YouTube', Source: EIN/YouTube)

"The Essential" album debuts in ARIA chart: Sony-BMG's new Elvis compilation has debuted at #48 with a bullet on the ARIA Album Chart in Australia. TV promotion should see the release rise significantly on next week's chart. (News, Source: ARIA)

Dutch 'Elvis Treasures' book comes with same free CD as original : The Dutch edition of the Robert Gordon book "Elvis Treasures" comes with the same free CD 'Elvis Speaks' as the original release. It is not an unexpected bonus as mentioned elsewhere. A marvelous book (see EIN review) it also contains post cards, contracts, pictures and other documents. Now for sale through the ElvisMatters Shop. * Belgium: +32.(0)496-38.29.39 * Holland: +31 (0)40-71.13.037 * Skype: elvismatters * Email: shop@elvismatters.com (News, Source: Elvis Matters)

"Unseen Elvis" re-released witn new title in EC: Mary Clayton's excellent 2002 photobook "Unseen Elvis" is being re-released under the title "Elvis Presley" for 2007. As before this 2 kilo, 384 glossy pages book contains many known and unknown images of Elvis Presley. It is NOT a new book as mentioned elsewhere, but if you don't already have a copy the features are.. The fifties: It starts with the Milton Berle Show, new images from "Love Me Tender" and rare pictures from the Ed Sullivan Show. The Army chapter is well illustrated. The sixties: It shows known and unknown images, including the intropduction of Elvis in the Kiowa Indian tribe, and "Flaming Star" and casual shot of Elvis on an airplane in 1968. The Seventies: This section is filled with private and "professional" shots of our man, including George Klein's wedding. The book ends with an (incomplete) overview of Elvis' life and achievements, running from 1933, his parent's wedding to 2002. (News, Source: EIN)

"Cashbox" magazine is back: Those who fondly remember the major rival to Billboard, "Cashbox", will be pleased to know it has returned online. (News, Source: Chris Elrod)

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Jailhouse Rock to screen in New York: On Friday, January 26 at 7pm the Howland Public Library, 313 Main Street Beacon, New York  Film Series will be showing Jailhouse Rock free to the public Considered by many fans to Elvis's best filmJailhouse Rock tells the story of convict Vince Everett (Elvis Presley), who, while doing time in the clink learns a thing or two about music from his cellmate and ends up with a hit song. (News, Source: Charmaine Voisine)

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Cover artwork for "Private Elvis" re-issued DVD: Here is the cover art of the 2007 reissue of the "Private Elvis" documentary DVD which is due February 5, 2007 on the Optimum label. (News, Source: HMV U.K./Elvis News)

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German DVD release of "Elvis On Tour" postponed: It appears that the announced German DVD release of "On Tour" has been postponed. The DVD was due for release December 2006, Amazon.de now mentions December 2008. (News, Source: Elvis News)

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Joe Esposito's "Celebrate Elvis" launches FREE Elvis Trivia Feature: We have been informed that Celebrate Elvis has launched it's Brand New Trivia feature. This is a free sign up that will send you a Trivia question a day by email. If you enjoy Trivia and want to have some fun you should visit http://www.celebrateelvis.com and sign up for free. (News, Source: Darwin Lamm)

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Currently on "The Elvis Hour": This week we'll meet Ed Parker. He was Elvis' bodyguard and Karate instructor.They were also close friends and I think you'll enjoy hearing his candid comments about his years with Elvis.Plus we'll have highlight's from 1956, the year Elvis became a national sensation.
We'll also join Elvis in concert. (News, Source: Darwin Lamm)

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Ghostly Elvis - King of the Street Artists: Christchurch will be all shook up as "Silver Elvis" and a host of the world's premier street performers hit its streets. The unique take on the King of Rock 'n' Roll is the creation of Canadian Peter Jarvis, who joins other top international acts in Christchurch today for the start of World Buskers Festival. The annual summer festival has grown to be one of the largest of its type in the world. This year it will run for 10 days and will include more than 40 invited artists from New Zealand, Canada, the United States, Brazil, Portugal, Japan, Italy, the Netherlands, Britain and Australia.

The performers show off their amazing talents, and try to make some money, at a variety of street locations around Christchurch, while more edgy acts are available to adult audiences at clubs around the city. Jarvis, a former Canadian disco dance champion, has been performing his swivelling, robotic-style Elvis act around the world since 1999. "A lot of people say I'm an Elvis impersonator. And I say, 'No, I'm an Elvis simulator'."

He uses a combination of silver reflective clothing and expensive make-up to create the robotic effect. The response everywhere in the world has been overwhelming, he says. "The young kids know it because the Elvis music comes through on the Disney movies and in film culture. The grandmothers love it because they grew up with it, and teenagers like the robotics and the dance elements."

Last year 250,000 people attended 447 shows over 10 days on the streets and in the clubs of Christchurch. (News, Source: New Zealand Herald on Sunday)

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Believe it or not! - could American Idol Mid-Season Surprise be the Return of Elvis?: Only American Idol could make headlines across America by merely suggesting that there will be a surprise on their show.  One vague quote from an American Idol producer promising a mid-season event that will blow America away has become one of the biggest stories of the new year.  Who knows if there really is a surprise planned at this point?  Maybe American Idol producers just threw it out there knowing that thousands of reporters would speculate and try to guess what the surprise event is and generate massive pre-launch media exposure for the show. (News, Source: Reality TV)

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Elvis in UK 2006 chart rap: In the "UK Music Video" Year End Top 30, the DVD "Elvis Presley - Legends - Early Years" was the #20 selling DVD with 43,000 copies sold, the DVD "Elvis '56" came in at #25, selling 38,000 copies. On the UK Albums Chart the compilation "ELV1S 30 #1 Hits" is listed at #96 and has a total of 189 weeks in the Top 200 Album Chart. (News, Source: Elvis News)

Sunday 21 January 2007

YouTube begins removing illegal Elvis footage: When EPE announced their plans to officially use YouTube to exploit the "Presley brand", EIN knew it wouldn't be long before illegal footage would start being removed. So far only the 'On Tour Outtakes' footage and 'That's The Way It Is' material has been removed. The notification says, "This video has been removed at the request of copyright owner Warner Bros Inc because its content was used without permission". Hopefully the positive result will be that Warners will see the enthusiasm Elvis fans have for this kind of material and they will finally release the long-awaited 'Elvis On Tour' DVD. 2007 has to be the key year to market these major releases. So far EPE has only posted THREE videos at their 'Elvis Central'. Go here for EIN's 'Best of Elvis on YouTube'. (News, Source; EIN)

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Essential Elvis, 50th issue out now: The Essential Elvis magazine celebrates its 50th issue. The special edition includes interviews with Jerry Chesnut (It's Midnight, T-R-O-U-B-L-E), Charles Stone (Elvis Tour manager), a look at FTD's recent book/CD 'Writing For The King', rare photos and lots more. To subscribe go to Essential Elvis website.  (News, Source; Essential Elvis)

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Pink's dog Elvis to be buried 'Presley style': PINK is so upset by the death of her beloved bulldog Elvis (see yesterday's news) that she is building a miniature version of Graceland to bury her dead dog in. Pink spent two days solid planning this funeral with her close friend Lisa-Marie. 'Elvis' was given to her as a gift by Lisa-Marie and so they are not cutting any corners. The singer was left devastated this week when she returned home to find her beloved bulldog Elvis had drowned in her swimming pool. As well as building a replica Graceland to use as a crypt for the dog, Pink has also hired a 70-piece orchestra to play a selection of Elvis' classic hits on the day of the funeral. The pet will reportedly be pulled to his final resting place on a mini-carriage by four canine pallbearers and the 27 year-old singer is even planning to erect a huge marble statue of her deceased pet in her garden as a memorial to him. Pink emotionally said, "I want to remember him as he was. I loved him so much. But I can't get that final image of him floating in that pool out of my head." Pink performed on Lisa Marie's last CD 'Now What'. (News, Source: EIN)

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Elvis Gold Record being auctioned: Ethel Gabriel worked for RCA and her Music memorabilia will be sold at auction next Tuesday. She was the first female record producer in American pop music. Included in the auction with be the Gold Record for Elvis' 1975 album 'Pure Gold'. While at RCA she was also involved in the release of the Camden 'Burning Love' LP. All items are sold without reserve. Bidding begins at 3 p.m. at Teel Auctions Gallery. Photos and descriptions are available  online at http://www.teelauctions.com  (News, Source; EIN/Press release)

 

James Brown and Elvis, soul-brothers and spiritual kin: Elvis was "The King of Rock and Roll", James Brown was "The Godfather of Soul" and both changed our musical world forever. But while many Elvis fans know only a little about James Brown, in many ways Brown was a spiritual kin to Elvis and understanding their careers is essential to comprehending the era they lived in, the music that they made and the lives they changed. In this fascinating article EIN’s Harley Payette & Piers Beagley check out their connections and the power of their music. (Spotlight, Source: EIN, Jan 2007)

Elvis drowns!: The popular singer PINK (and good friend to Lisa-Marie) has been left devastated after her pet bulldog 'Elvis' drowned in her swimming pool. Pink found Elvis the bulldog floating on the surface after she'd popped out for an hour. The dog had often swum in the pool at her L.A. mansion and had never got into any difficulty before. Pink who has sold over 20 million albums lives with her motocross-racer husband Carey Hart and tried unsuccessfully to revive her pet. Elvis was given to the 27-year-old singer by her close friend Lisa Marie Presley. A friend noted that, "Elvis was like a child to Pink and Carey. She is completely devastated."  (News, Source: EIN)

Elvis Signature study released by UACC: Elvis Presley's autograph is one of the most sought after in the world. Prices can reach into the $1000s. However fakes are unfortunately everywhere, even with so say 'Certificates Of Authenticity'. This month the Universal Autograph Collectors Club is here to help when it publishes their own study on Elvis' autograph. Written by Al Wittnebert it features examples of Elvis genuine signature from from his grade school days to his famous letter to president Nixon. Buy it now from the UACC website - www.uacc.org (News, Source: EIN)

New Denver Hotel features Elvis images: If staying in Denver, Colorado, maybe Elvis fans should check into the upgraded 'The Curtis' boutique hotel. Each floor is dedicated to a pop culture theme featuring posters & memorabilia from TV-shows, Star Trek, comics to music icons. Elvis fans need to book into the 15th floor with its theme 'Mad About Music'. The centre piece is a large sculpture of Elvis and along the corridor are some framed pictures of The King in action. However other  musical icons are also featured and it is not just an 'Elvis floor' as mentioned elsewhere.  Guests can choose wake-up calls from personalities such as Marilyn Monroe or Elvis Presley. (News, Source: EIN)

New 'Essential Elvis' CD drops already in US charts: Here are the Billboard Elvis Chart listings for the week. It's a shame to see the new 'Essential Elvis' dropping down the US charts so quickly after reaching only #72 - even if it is just another 'hits' compile. EIN will be adding our review soon. Billboard Top 200 Albums - The Essential Elvis Presley - down 20 to  #92 Comprehensive Albums     - The Essential Elvis Presley - down 24 to #97 Top Holiday Albums                   - It's Christmas Time  - down 6 to #25  Top Country Catalog Albums        -  Elvis 30 #1 Hits        - up 4 to #11 Hot 100 Singles Sales                     - Heartbreak Hotel     - up 1 to #29 Top Music Video          - Elvis: '68 Comeback Special      - up 2 to #15 Top Music Video          - Elvis:  Aloha from Hawaii           - up 5 to #13 Top Comprehensive Music Video - Elvis: '68 Comeback Special - up 2 to #15 Top Comprehensive Music Video - Elvis:  Aloha from Hawaii     - up 5 to #13 (News, Source: www.elvischarts.com)

EPE special 'A Little Less Conversation' video added to YouTube: Taken from the recent '68 Comeback DVD, EPE has posted the excellent 'A Little Less Conversation' closing video, but with the credits removed. As EPE explain: "Early on in the planning of the 68 special, parts of a newly recorded version of 'A.L.L.C' were to be used as a thematic linking device for various segments of the show. It ended up not being used in the television special at all." The 2006 single-disc DVD features this clever edit with some excellent close-up footage of Elvis action. Click here for the EPE video. Go here to EIN's 'Best of Elvis On YouTube'. (News, Source: EIN/EPE)

Muhammad Ali turns 65, and still enjoys time with Elvis: Muhammad Ali turns 65 on Wednesday, the heavyweight champion who rocked the world is a senior citizen now. Although he is badly affected by Parkinson's disease his mind remains sharp and clear, and his passion for people hasn't faded with age. Interestingly visitors to his home in Arizona often find Ali absorbed in the past, watching documentaries on his fights & life - and Elvis Presley movies. Ali's friend Jimmy Walker (who organises the annual Ali fundraiser "Fight Night" in the battle against Parkinsons) said, "He watches movies and he listens to Elvis; I always hear Elvis in the background. He really likes Elvis a lot." In the seventies Ali and Elvis were friends spending time together. In the past Ali has said, "Elvis had a robe made for me. I don't admire nobody, but Elvis Presley was the sweetest, most humble and nicest man you'd want to know." Thirty five years later both of them now have their images used for marketing brands to younger generations. Ali sold the rights to his name and likeness for $50 million last year. (News, Source: EIN)

Elvis Bible not to be replaced in Tupelo Chapel: The Tupelo committee has decided not to replace missing bible. Sadly there is still no trace of the bible that got stolen from the Elvis Memorial Chapel in Tupelo, last summer. They say that there will be a bible on display in the new museum, but security cameras in The Chapel are out of the question as they do not want to interfere with visitor's privacy. They state that the stolen bible has a sentimental value only. Elvis did not write in it, nor was it signed. (News, Source: Elvis Matters)

Elvis 1972 Custom Cadillac for sale on Ebay: Elvis' Cadillac Estate Wagon is up for auction and stands at only $30,000. It is cream with a brown vinyl top, light leather interior and has a small gold plaque on the passenger side door engraved with 'TCB'. Elvis owned it from 1972 until his death. The car has the original Tennessee title, an insurance document signed by Elvis and a letter from Jack Soden President of EPE describing a colourful story about the history of the car. Apparently Col Parker's widow said that Elvis owned the car and gave it as a gift to Colonel Parker. The car was in Las Vegas and Elvis would "borrow" the car for trips to Los Angeles and his home in Palm Springs. Col Parker got tired of tracking the car down, so he told Elvis to take the car back.

It's official, Elvis lives - but not on our planet!: It sounds ridiculous but according to Marcus Chown's new book, 'The Never-Ending Days of Being Dead: Dispatches from the Frontline of Science' there is the genuine suggestion that an infinite number of Elvis Presleys still exist. It also means that you, and the Elvis Information Network are also repeated ad infinitum across the universe. Elvis' survival turns out to be an unavoidable consequence of two things, the standard theory of cosmology and the quantum theory of physics. The prediction is that the seeds of galaxies were randomly scattered throughout the "Big Bang" fireball. Consequently, in the next soap-bubble region to our own, the seeds were different, which means that the history of that region was different, and the galaxies that formed were not the same as ours. And the same goes for the next region. And the next... Further theory leads to the fact that there are only a finite number of possible histories for a universe leading to only a finite number of possible arrangements of galaxies. In the end this means that every possible history happens not once but an infinite number of times.
Alex Vilenkin of Tufts University states that, "There are an infinite number of places in the universe where Elvis is alive and kicking."
EIN believes that this explains why there seem to be an infinite number of Elvis "Greatest Hits" compiles, all endlessly repeating ad infinitum! (News, Source: EIN)

'Unchained Melody' FTD mastering fault?: Several fans have commented on audio static during the track 'Where No One Stands Alone' on the new FTD released last week. The discussion is that this audio fault was not apparent on previous bootleg releases of this same song. Elvis News asked Ernst Jorgensen for a comment who replied that, "It's recorded badly". EIN has not received its copy as yet so cannot comment. However EIN did note a mastering error on the recent 'Clambake' FTD as well as the deluxe 'Today' FTD - mastered by Tocano's Lene Reidel who worked on 'Unchained Melody' - which had a major audio level fault.  (News, Source: EIN/ElvisNews)

'The Songs That Inspired the King Vol.2': A new CD on the Hustlerz Inc label is released for Elvis' Birthday. The CD features Elvis' 1956 songs alongside original versions that may have inspired him. It is an interesting selection, although it is yet another compile making money through Elvis' 1956 songs coming out of their 50 year copyright. I guess the label name "Hustlerz" doesn't disguise their work-ethic! It is now available from Amazon. Tracks: A Messages From The King Of Rock´n´Roll (13.05.1955), Baby Let´s Play House (Elvis), Baby Let´s Play House (Arthur Gunter), Just Because (Elvis), Just Because (The Shelton Brothers), Trying To Get To You (Elvis), Trying To Get To You (The Eagles), Fool Fool Fool (Elvis), Fool Fool Fool (Kay Starr), When It Rains It Really Pours (Elvis), When It Rains It Really Pours (Billy "The Kid" Emerson), Tomorrow Night (Elvis), Tomorrow Night (Lonnie Johnson), Blue Suede Shoes (Elvis), Blue Suede Shoes (Carl Perkins), My Baby Left Me (Elvis), My Baby Left Me (Arthur Crudup), Lawdy Miss Clawdy (Elvis), Lawdy Miss Clawdy (Lloyd Price), So Glad You´re Mine (Elvis), So Glad You´re Mine (Arthur Crudup), I´m Gonna Sit Right Down And Cry (Elvis), I´m Gonna Sit Right Down And Cry (Roy Hamilton), Long Tall Sally (Elvis), Long Tall Sally (Little Richard), Hound Dog (Elvis), Hound Dog (Freddie Bell & The Bell Boys), Love Me (Elvis), Love Me (Willy & Ruth), Ready Teddy (Elvis), Ready Teddy (Little Richard). (News, Source: EIN/Amazon)

Elvis 'Live A Little, Love A Little' autographed cast sheet for sale: The commemorative cast sheet from Elvis' 1968 film 'Live A Little, Love A Little' with over 30 signatures is up for auction on Ebay. Other signatures include stars Rudy Vallee, Celeste Yarnell, Michele Carey, Don Porter, even Joe Esposito and Jerry Schilling. The main signature is of course Elvis' in nice black ink. It comes from the estate of Director Norman Taurog and would look very nice on the wall of EIN's office. Elvis' signature is near the bottom left-hand corner. With no bids so far the starting price is US$2,450. One day to go for bidding. Ebay item number: 140072056740. (News, Source: EIN)

'Let It Be Me' - Audiophile CD Review: An audience recording of Elvis’ Las Vegas Feb 21, 1970 Midnight Show. This is a previously unknown and unreleased show taken directly from the original master tape. We all know these performances from the sensational soundboards releases, RCA’s ‘On Stage’ and the excellent FTD ‘Polk Salad Annie’, but Elvis was performing such a fantastic set-list that any new concert has to be worth investigating. (CD Reviews, Source: EIN, 2007)

'EIN's Best of Elvis on YouTube' Weekly Update: Two days after EIN added our new 'Elvis YouTube' feature, EPE added their own Elvis page to the site. EIN's weekly update will lead you to the EPE feature plus EIN's own favourite selection of Elvis videos. ('EIN's Elvis on YouTube', Source: EIN/YouTube)

Memphis Airport & Graceland neighborhoods to be upgraded in the future: Memphis business leaders including EPE are interested in improving the area near the Airport/Brooks Road corridor. Part of the reason is nearby Graceland which brings an estimated 600,000 visitors to the area every year. While the neighbourhood around Graceland is middle- to upper-middle class, the drive from the airport to Graceland -- particularly along heavily travelled routes like Brooks and Elvis Presley -- is dotted with empty, outdated and decaying buildings.When Robert F.X. Sillerman, who paid $100 million for an 85 percent stake in Elvis Presley Enterprises in late 2004, visited Memphis last year to tout his vision for an improved Graceland, he wanted assurances that the city would do its part to improve the area.

"It needs to be because we have around 600,000 people, for the most part getting off at the interstate at Brooks and Elvis Presley, making their way down to Graceland," said Jack Soden, president and CEO of EPE. "Every step of the way they have to be going, 'Surely we're lost?'

"A lot of them have this vision of Tara and they're coming down Elvis Presley Boulevard saying, 'It can't be here.' But, you know, Graceland tends to save the day." EPE has been buying property along Elvis Presley Boulevard in anticipation of making millions of dollars worth of improvements to the area. "We've got an ownership group with very deep pockets and significant intention to invest in the future of the Elvis legacy," said Soden. "If we make Graceland as big a draw as we think it can be, we are going to suffer if we don't control the doughnut of land around us."
"We've been working and made some incremental benefits," said Dexter Muller, senior vice president for community development at the Chamber. "What we've realised is we've got to step it up a notch." (News, Source: Various/EIN)

Elvis gathering sets world-record in Australia: The town of Parkes in central New South Wales now lays claim to a world record the largest gathering of Elvis Presley impersonators with 147 singing in unison. The record attempt was part of this year's annual Elvis Festival, which attracts national and international competitors in a giant Elvis look-alike competition. The streets have been awash with colourful cars and more than 6,000 jumpsuit clad impersonators. The five day event features more than 60 events including Elvis concerts, rock concerts, and gospel music services. Canada previously held the world record with 78 impersonators on stage at the same time. Elvis Presley never visited Australia, let alone Parkes, a dusty farming town 350 kilometres west of Sydney that today could put on a pretty good imitation of what Tupelo, Mississippi, was like when the King of Pop was born there in a 2-room shack on January 8, 1935. This weekend, and for the past 15 years, the dusty streets of Parkes flashed with the rhinestones and mirrored glasses of hundreds of Elvis impersonators. As usual a special ELVIS Express train transported the faithful from Sydney, replete with onboard entertainment including Elvis trivia competitions. Click here to see some amazing images of ELVIS FANS IN PARKES. (News, Source; EIN. Jan 2007)

Elvis Bible Stolen; EIN has heard rumours that Elvis' personal bible that was on display in the Memorial chapel next to his birthhouse in Tupelo has been reported as stolen. This Chapel was the dream of Elvis' who wanted a place for meditation at the Park. It was dedicated to his fans in 1979. No further details are known at the moment, but they ask to contact the Tupelo Museum and Chapel via www.elvispresleybirthplace.com if by chance you see the item for sale. (News, Source: Various)

Hip-shakin' Birthday salute to The King of Rock; Some say there was only one Elvis Presley but, in truth, there were many. Aside from the sneering image of teenage insurrection, Elvis was the all-American boy in G.I. fatigues; the pastel-adorned pretty boy in a string of B-movies; the leather-clad rocker with a late-'60s social conscience; and the Las Vegas icon in rhinestone jumpsuits. All those eras of Presley were saluted at the Merrillville Star Plaza during Omar Farag's annual Elvis Birthday Tribute. "I'll be doing the movie years," said Chicago's Rick Saucedo, who has portrayed Presley since 1972 and who also played The King in the Broadway musical, "The Legend Lives On." Joining Saucedo in representing various periods of Presley's career will be Donny Edwards, as the young 1950s Presley, and Matt Lewis as the leather-clad Presley of the late 1960s. "I close the show by recreating Elvis' mid-'70s Las Vegas years," said Pennsylvania-born Shawn Klush, who has impersonated Presley since the 1980s. Klush said he orders his jumpsuits from the same wardrobe company Presley used to the tune of $3,500 to $5,000 per suit.

D.J Fontana (photo above) also commented on Presley's kind and generous ways, even before he became rich and famous. "They weren't making much, but Elvis still paid me better than 'The Hayride", Fontana said of early shows he played with Presley after meeting him on the Saturday night radio show 'The Louisiana Hayride'. "Elvis wasn't too well known at the time. He had a couple of records ('That's All Right' and 'Blue Moon of Kentucky') that got him some shows in Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas. They did those records as a trio with just two guitars and a bass, but they had a really great sound," the 74-year-old drummer said. "Elvis wanted to try the songs with drums, and asked me if I would sit in with them on their 'Hayride' ppearances," Fontana said. "I played with them and tried to stay out of their way (musically) and Elvis liked the way it sounded. They asked me if I wanted to do some dates with them in Texas and, since I was only playing the 'Hayride' on Saturday nights, I had plenty of free time to go with them." Shortly afterward, Fontana became a full-time member of Presley's band, along with guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black.

"I know that Elvis would be very flattered by these talented young men and how they portray him so respectfully," Brown said. The Elvis Birthday Tribute Celebration featured Shawn Klush, Rick Saucedo, DJ Fontana, Sweet Inspirations, Matt Lewis and Donny Edwards. (News, Source; EIN/Various)

"Elvis 30 #1 Hits" German release artwork: Here is the complete cover art for the 2007 slipcase edition of the "classic" "ELV1S 30 #1 Hits" as it will be issued in February in Germany. (News, Source: Collectors Service/Elvis News)

Wanda Jackson pays tribute to Elvis: Wanda Jackson has been in the music whirl for parts of five decades. She's in no way coy when it comes time to talk about longevity. "I'm glad it still happens. I'm enjoying a second career here in my later years," she said, laughing, during a phone interview from her home in Oklahoma City.

"Longevity has to do with the music, but, if we knew the formula for getting a hit we could write 'White Christmas' all day long," she said. "In '56, '57, '58, I couldn't get any radio airplay. Now the songs that I couldn't get airplay with are the songs that are selling. But I've been a stickler for keeping my music pure. I received the (National Endowment for the Arts) award in 2005 and that award goes to people who are keeping their art pure. I want to do my songs exactly like people remember them." Saturday night, Jackson will do her songs at Sam's Burger Joint, 330 E. Grayson St. Doors open at 8 p.m. The show starts at 9 with The Tennessee Rounders and the Texas Sapphires opening. The Texas Sapphires also will back Jackson. Tickets for the all-ages show cost $15 at the door.

"To me, the only natural thing to do was sing the songs he did when I toured with him," Jackson said. "I started with my favorites and then also did a few of his songs from the early '60s." The disc, produced by guitarist Danny B. Harvey, includes "Good Rockin' Tonight," "Blue Moon of Kentucky," "Heartbreak Hotel" and more plus some of Jackson's stories about Elvis.

"I knew I wanted to tell the stories," Jackson said. "And I've always done a tribute to Elvis in the shows. In the beginning, there'd never been anybody like him. He had a wild spirit, he was flirty onstage, he was sexy and good looking and he had a beautiful voice." Jackson, like other American roots musicians, for years had more success in Europe.

"In Europe, they highly respect the older people in the arts," she said. "In '95, I found a new audience in America and they found me. But from '85 until '95, I toured in Scandinavia and Western Europe several times a year. Europe kept me alive. In '95 I recorded with Rosie Flores (on the 'Rockabilly Filly' CD) and did a five-week tour with Rosie and now I'm working more and more in America." Live, Jackson doesn't just go through the motions. She has an electric personality, a repertoire that lends itself to singing along and a wardrobe that still shouts "showtime!"

"I'd like to do a lot more current things, but that's not what people come to hear," she said. "I stick with rockabilly and country. Of late, I've had albums to work with so I'll do excerpts from the latest albums. My audience is now the younger generation and it's amazing how they know these songs." (News, Source: MySA)

"King Live" DVD release in UK: Due for release in the U.K. is the DVD "King: Live"on the Quantumleap label. This single disc release is due March 26, 2007. The content is not available yet. (News, Source: HMV U.K. /Elvis News)

Spotlight on Gordon Stoker of The Jordanaires: Recently we featured our EIN in-depth interview with Ray Walker of The Jordanaires. Now we turn our EIN spotlight on Gordon Stoker who has been singing first tenor with The Jordanaires since 1953. EIN contributor Pam Harris is from Gordon Stoker's home county and met up with the great man. As Pam notes, "Mr Stoker is a super nice gentleman who refuses to say anything negative about Elvis.  He truly loved Elvis."(Spotlight, Source: EIN)

Another Elvis song inducted into Grammy Hall of Fame: Are You Lonesome Tonight as recorded by Elvis in 1960 is a 2007 Grammy Hall of Fame inductee.  It is the sixth Elvis recording to receive this honor.  The five others are:  Hound Dog (1956 recording, inducted 1988), Heartbreak Hotel (1956 recording, inducted 1995), That's All Right (1954 recording, inducted 1998), Suspicious Minds (1969 recording, inducted 1999) and Don't Be Cruel (1956 recording, inducted 2002). The Recording Academy's national trustees established the Grammy Hall Of Fame in 1973 to honor recordings of lasting qualitative or historical significance that are at least 25 years old. Many inductees are recordings that were created and released before the 1958 inception of NARAS and the Grammy Awards. (News, Source: EPE)

Official Elvis channel on YouTube: Recently, EPE posted on YouTube.com two promotional videos - one for Elvis: The Ultimate Film Collection (DVD set) and one for Christmas at Graceland 2006.  EPE has now started up an official channel for Elvis videos on YouTube.com called Elvis Presley Central.  Direct link:  http://www.youtube.com/elvisvideo.   The focus will be on Elvis Himselvis as we add Elvis performance videos and other Elvis material on a regular basis.  

Elvis Presley Central debuted yesterday with Having Fun With Elvis In Burbank, the "funny reel" that is a bonus feature on the 2006 release Elvis: '68 Comeback Special - Deluxe Edition DVD.  Next up on Elvis Presley Central will be a special music video for A Little Less Conversation, which Elvis Insiders are now having a "first look" at in the members-only area of their site.

We hope you will enjoy Elvis Presley Central and help make it a popular channel on YouTube.com by visiting often and telling all your friends about it.  Your support could also help Elvis have a big hit video on YouTube from time to time.  Elvis Presley Central is one of many new ways to take Elvis and his work to new audiences.  We also hope it will be a source of enjoyment and pride for his existing fan base as well. (News, Source: EPE)

Also check out EIN's Best of Elvis on YouTube page

"What Now, My Love" to be dropped from "Elvis Lives" DVD: When the DVD "Elvis Lives", with the live concert of August 16th 2002, is made available for the regular retail market next February, the DVD will not contain "What Now My Love". A copyright dispute has put the song back in the vault. Track 21 will not be replaced by another. (News, Source: Elvis Matters)

Elvis lives on downunder: What do you get when a small town some six hours from Sydney decides it wants to make itself famous? You get an Elvis Festival in a place that has absolutely no link to the guy at all.

But if you're an Elvis fan that shouldn't stop you time-warping right this instant to Parkes in inland New South Wales, where as we speak the Parkes Elvis Festival is up and swinging. With Elvis impersonators on every corner, special Elvis movie screenings, even Elvis in the Park Markets, the four-day festival brings in a million dollars a year directly to the 10,000 member town (and generates eight times that indirectly), and that ain't peanuts!

It all culminates this weekend with the Elvis Sportsmans Dinner; dress is optionally smart casual, or rock 'n' roll. But is it a case of true Elvis devotion or a way to strip tourists of their bucks? You decide. (Parkes Elvis Festival 2007, Source: Jaunted)

View EIN's ClubsNSW Parkes Elvis Festival 2007 page

Elvis' last car exhumed: The last car that was bought by Elvis, a Lincoln, was released from a concrete tomb where it has been stored for the last 20 years. Dean Lewis from Geargia bought the car at auction where it was presented by Larry Geller. The reason why it was stored in a closed tomb is unknown. Luckily enough, the car dealer realised that the car was rotting away and decided that Elvis' 72th birthday was the perfect moment to tear down the tomb and restore the car. Once the car looks 'as new', Lewis will decide if he will sell it. (News, Source: Elvis Matters/Newreport on 11Alive.com)

Impressive " Elvis Sessions" site updated: Keith Flynn tells EIN he has updated his comprehensive and popular Elvis Sessions site. Keith says: "I've included all sorts of "Session Logs" and "Tape Legends" never before seen by fans - and some new information that will surprise many fans, on my "Recording Sessions" pages!" (News, Source: Keith Flynn)

Justin Timberlake does Elvis: Justin Timberlake performed a cover of Elvis Presley's 'Heartbreak Hotel' this week to mark what would have been the great man's birthday. The acclaimed pop star played the rendition on the opening date of his world tour in San Diego, California on Monday (January 8). He told the crowd:  "It is Elvis's birthday. Since I am from Memphis I'm going to sing a song." The performance seemed to have duel relevance in the light of his recent split with Cameron Diaz. Timberlake added: "Sometimes love can't be that easy so I'm going to do these songs." Elvis Presley would have been 72 on Monday. (News, Source: MusicRooms)

SBS TV documentary "Elvis Lives in Parkes" splits fans: Last night's TV documentary on the rise and rise of the Parkes Elvis Festival has divided fans. The SBS web chat after the show was predominately full of positive comments, but there was a mninority who thougfht it showed things Elvis in a poor light. The feedback EIN has received has also been split, from comments that the show was "wonderful" to "an absolute disgrace to Elvis' memory". EIN felt the show was a good one, showing how a determined group of people overcame town politics, bushfires and flood to produce one of Australia's most successful annual festivals. (News, Source: EIN/SBS)

View EIN's ClubsNSW Parkes Elvis Festival 2007 page

Full cover artwork for "Unchained Melody": see yesterday's story (News, Source: Elvis News)

Bud Glass talks to EIN about his new project: TOP SECRET - Elvis Presley Paternity Suit is the brand new project from Bud Glass which focusses on Elvis' 1970 Paternity Suit. Promising a 100-page, full-colour, hard-cover book containing a thrilling detective tale, EIN is intrigued as anybody. Bud was kind enough to take time off from his Christmas festivities to answer a few of our questions. (Interview, Source: EIN)

Latest FTD released: The latest FTD release Unchained Melody is now out. This a soundboard recording from an Elvis concert in Charlotte, North Carolina on February 20, 1977.  For unknown reasons, the engineer never recorded the beginning of the shows on this tour, and consequently the CD starts with Love Me rather than Elvis's usual opening material for this tour. Bonus songs from other concerts on the same tour are included.  Track Listing ( Charlotte Concert ): Love Me ; Fairytale; You Gave Me A Mountain; Jailhouse Rock; O Sole Mio/ It’s Now Or Never; Little Sister; Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel ; My Way; Moody Blue –intro only; How Great Thou Art; Hurt; Hound Dog; Unchained Melody; Can’t Help Falling In Love

EPE behind major new Elvis documentary: A major new documentary series on Elvis Presley, similar to The Beatles' Anthology, is being planned for the 30th anniversary of his death. The Elvis Presley Estate which runs Elvis' business affairs and includes his widow Priscilla, is presently working on the series which will include never-before-seen footage.

According to the New York Post, the Elvis anthology is due out in 2007 - 30 years after Presley died aged 42 on August 17, 1977.

The Beatles' Anthology initially aired on television in 1995 before being released in DVD format with added footage. Meanwhile, the estate and BMG this week releases two new DVD sets of two of Elvis' most historic TV appearances in America. (News, Source: Ananova/Elvis News)

Another impressive Elvis artwork: Artist Peter Engels is well known for his portraits. His preference is to paint celebreties. After J.F. Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe and Brigitte Bardot, Elvis belongs to the collection. The painting measures 120x100cm and has got a price tag of € 8.500,- ($ 11.125,-) (News, Source: Elvis Matters)

Vegas Rhythm Birthday Present: Here is a small present from the Gravel Road Mucic team for Elvis birthday today. It is a preview of the upcoming import release "Vegas Rhythm". Here's the link with the before and after A - B of "Blue Suede: http://download.yousendit.com/D7B7DBA6600C2148 (News, Source: Elvis News)

Additional day added to Tupelo Elvis Festival 2007: Concerts, an artist contest and a number of other events are planned during the extended May 31-June 3 Elvis Presley Festival - a hometown salute to the King of Rock 'n' Roll. Debbie Brangenberg, executive director of the Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association, announced during a Monday meeting of the E-Club that the 2007 festival would have more to offer. The E-Club party at the BancorpSouth Conference Center was held on what would have been the Tupelo native's 72nd birthday.

"We've expanded the festival to Thursday evening with an old-fashioned street party," Brangenberg said.

Officials said the street party will feature performances by Sonny Burgess and the Pacers and the Tiptops, as well as Dean Vegas, an Elvis tribute artist from Australia. During Friday's festival day, tribute artists will spend the day competing to see who gets to represent Tupelo at the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in Memphis during Elvis Week, Aug. 11-17. That Saturday's events will include a pair of tribute artists performing with the Sweet Inspirations and D.J. Fontana, and a Sunday gospel show will feature the Landmarks and Donny Blackwood and the Imperials. Headliners for the concerts on June 1-2 will be released later.

Members of the E-Club got to experience David Lee as he channeled Tupelo's favorite son. He wandered the center in a white "Inca gold" jumpsuit, and sang "In the Ghetto," "Blue Suede Shoes," "Love Me" and others.

"I'm handing out scarves to the ladies," Lee said. "I don't give out scarves to the men." (News, Source: AP Wire)

Parkes "all shook up" over Elvis: More than 6,000 visitors are expected to converge on Parkes in central west New South Wales for the annual Elvis Festival that starts today. Organisers expect this year's festival will be the biggest yet, and the number of tourists attending its more than 60 events will increase by 20 per cent. The first Elvis Festival attracted just 200 people who attended a concert.

Accommodation in Parkes has been booked out since last year's festival and hotels are also fully booked in neighbouring Peak Hill. The president of the Elvis Revival Committee, Robert Steel, says the success of the festival is a tribute to Elvis.

"I think there's more Elvis fans now days than there used to be. I think they reckon Elvis is probably the most known person on the planet," he said.

Mr Steel says he started the festival to boost tourism and says he cannot believe how popular it has become.

"I thought maybe it would level out somewhere along the line but it just keeps on growing," he said.

A study by the University of Wollongong estimates last year's festival injected almost $8 million into the local economy. (News, Source: ABC News Online)

View EIN's ClubsNSW Parkes Elvis Festival 2007 page

'2007 New Releases': 2007 will be a massive year for Elvis, not only drawing huge crowds to Memphis but also generating tons of media coverage. Elvis fans will see an unprecedented number of Elvis products released this year. The number of forthcoming books announced are already over an astounding forty seven! EIN has created a section for all the '2007 New Releases' news, along with links to our comprehensive list of Elvis CDs and books. (2007 New Releases, Source: EIN)

'EIN's Best of Elvis on YouTube': EPE's head of marketing Paul Janowski recently announced that not only did EPE add content to YouTube but they were also keen to exploit the medium. However with thousands of Elvis videos, many of them dreadful or just regular clips from Elvis' movies, EIN helps you avoid the dross and brings you the rarities, the emotional and the highlights. This page will be updated with our favourite new videos each week. ('Elvis on YouTube', Source: EIN/YouTube)

Legendary "El Gamble" to perform at Parkes Elvis Festival: Australia's legendary Elvis tribute artist, El Gamble, has dusted off his blue suede shoes for performances at the 2007 ClubsNSW Parkes Elvis Festival. El Gamble will perform tomorrow night at the Parkes Leagues Club (8pm start) and at 1.15pm on Sunday 14 January at the Cooke Park Main Stage. (News, Source: Parkes Elvis Festival)

Check out EIN's 2007 Parkes Elvis Festival page

Joe Esposito on The Elvis Hour: On this week's The Elvis Hour Joe Esposito, Elvis' right hand man, gives a first hand account of the night the Beatles came to visit Elvis. Plus we'll have some fun with trivia about the King of  Rock 'n' Roll and we'll highlight the year of 1959. Stay with us for some great memories on this edition of The Elvis Hour. Sunday evenings at 7:00PM (eastern) and then repeated each day. Voted the most original Elvis Specialty show by those that knew the king best. Only at www.elvisthemagazine.com (News, Source: Darwin Lamm)

Happy Birthday Elvis!!!......72 years young today Elvis's Birthday Celebration and LiveCam

A mansion fit for a King: Join journalist, Mary Alice Powell, as she reports on her third trip to Graceland - the "hip" decor, the exhibits, the Meditation Garden, and how easy it is to miss something the first time around (hence why her third trip to Graceland). (News, Source: The Toledo Blade)

"Hawaii 1972" DVD release: A new DVD release showcases Elvis' performances in Hawaii in late 1972. Digitally improved, previously unreleased footage from great November 1972 tour, preceeding the famous "Aloha From Hawaii" TV broadcast in Januray 1973. All footage comes with original soud. You will see Elvis performing his new hit "Burning love", as well as his favourites "Suspicious Minds", "A Big Hunk O' Love", "What Now My Love" or "I'll remember You". 3 different shows, 3 different jumpsuits, dynamic performances from The King. Read full details and view larger image (News, Source: Pavel Cernocky)

Buy "TOP SECRET Elvis Presley Paternity Suit Uncovered!"

Elvis on cover of Andy Warhol book: The Belgian news paper 'De Morgen' offers its readers the opportunity to collect 'points' for a new book on Andy Warhol, starting January 20. Warhol's interpretation of "Elvis" graces the cover of the book. This full-length image of Elvis was taken from a publicity still for the 1960 film 'Flaming star' & copyrights are now owned by Elvis Presley Enterprises. (News, Source: Elvis Matters)

The Sweet Inspirations to back Elvis again: The Sweet Inspirations (Myrna Smith, Estelle Brown and Portia Griffin) are going to back Elvis ‘live’ again, via the big screen on May 5th on invitation by Essential Elvis. The British fanclub is working on a big screen jam session along the lines of Elvis – The Concert, giving the Sweets the chance to interact and sing with Elvis in a so-called ‘intimate setting’. (News, Source: Elvis Matters)

30th Anniversary Edition of "Elvis The Magazine" available online: The brand new online edition of Elvis The Magazine commemorating the 30th Anniversary is now available. This is one edition you will not want to miss! (News, Source: Darwin Lamm)

Belgium states does Elvis: The statue of "Manneke Pis", the number one symbol for the Belgian capital Brussels and by far the most famous statue in Belgium, will be wearing an Elvis jumpsuit next Monday, celebrating Elvis’s 72nd birthday. The suit is designed by students of the Erasmus College in Brussels. The statue itself, is over 500 years old and has been photographed countless times in countless costumes. (News, Source: Elvis Matters)

Robotic Elvis coming: It appears EPE are fully aware of this product from the following statement on the Tech Digest Wesbsite: So what do you make after you've churned out the best robots on the planet? Well WowWee, makers of the Robosapien and its chums, hope to all shake up the bot scene with this fabulous new Elvis-bot (see head opposite alongside another robotic wonder). It is apparently fully ok'd by Graceland, and they're a tough group to please. Unfortunately, they're such a tough group to please that we've had to film the pre-production model, so if you're not impressed, remember that the final version will be even better. It's due for worldwide release in the summer, and will cost about $349. Watch video (News, Source: Brian Quinn/Amber Smith)

Elvis birthday celebration in the EC draws noted identity: The professional camera footage that Keith Alverson (picture) brought with him to the Birthday Party, were absolutely breath taking. The footage showed Elvis live on stage in 1974 and 1975, in full close-up, “walking like glory and talking like a dream”. Together with the expo, the excellent buffet, the great live music, the giant birthday cake and a very friendly guest star (who left the building last) made this Birthday Party another unforgettable happening. (News, Source: Elvis Matters)

Linda and Sam Thompson to write book: By August 2007, Linda and Sam Thompson hope to have their memoirs in writing. For years and after the divorce with Priscilla, Linda was Elvis’s girlfriend. Her brother Sam worked as a bodyguard for Elvis in the late seventies. (News, Source: Elvis Matters)

Barbara McGregor dies: During the week, Barbara McGregor passed away. She was the widow of Mike. They lived for a while at Graceland in the seventies. Elvis learned to know blacksmith Mike in the sixties and offered him a job on his Circle G Ranch. Besides fixing the sadles, Mike started to design leather costumes, holster, jewelry and even costume belts. The well known TCB ring and the Aloha-belt were handcrafted by Mike. (News, Source: Joan Tilitzki/Elvis Matters)

INSIDE Australia - ELVIS LIVES IN PARKES: For three days each year, Parkes, in central NSW is taken over by the Elvis Festival. Elvis devotees, Bob and Anne Steel intended the festival to help the struggling town's economy through the slow summer months. However, over the next ten years the Elvis Festival would have to contend with bushfires, floods, financial loss, dwindling numbers, exhaustion, and continuing community indifference to their efforts. At the last minute help came from the local newspaper – whose editor was a huge Elvis fan. With his campaign the local council came on board and the Tourism Officer embraced the Elvis Festival – bringing in record numbers of people. Combining energetic storytelling with the playful narration of Elvis (or at least someone who looks a lot like him!) this film tells the story of the most unlikely community festival in Australia and the loveable, sometimes eccentric, people that made it possible. (Commissioned by SBS Independent, in English) PG CC WS. Screens Wed 10 January at 8pm. (News, Source: Inside Australia)

"Elvis is Alive - Bringing Booming Business to Rural Australian Town: Elvis lives on – albeit in the rural township of Parkes, a small town west of Sydney Australia – and it is his legendary stardom that keeps the rural community in business, putting it on the national map as Australia’s ‘Elvis capital’.

Published by Blackwell Publishing for the Institute of Australian Geographers in the March 2007 issue of Geographical Research, this paper examines the extent and impact of rural festivals on inland townships and their contributing role in the survival of rural communities.

Using the annual Elvis Revival Festival in the small town of Parkes - 350 km to the west of Sydney, Australia - as a case study, lead author Dr. Chris Gibson from the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Wollongong analyzes the manner in which a remote place with little economic prospects managed to successfully create a tourism product, and subsequently captured national publicity. He also calculates the economic significance of this popular festival.

Dr. Gibson said, “Rural festivals can make an important contribution to the struggling economies of inland towns, and are increasingly part of their shift from traditional agricultural bases towards tourism, lifestyle and service industries.”

The Parkes phenomenon is evidence of this – the annual festival based around the commemoration of Elvis Presley’s birthday every January brings over $1 million in direct income to Parkes – a town with few visitor attractions other than the nationally-famous radio telescope, ‘The Dish’.

The festival demonstrates how places (even small towns) can successfully construct ‘tradition’ and new identities and eventually develop thriving economic activities through such festivals. Parkes has done just that: by ‘inventing’ an association between the town and a performer who never visited Australia – let alone Parkes – the township reinvented itself from a struggling rural community of only 8,000 residents to being recognized as the “Elvis capital” of Australia.

Dr. Gibson added, “This is a ‘good news story’ from a region otherwise plagued by drought, facing on-going problems of an ageing community, declining population and poor prospects for agricultural growth. The Festival has grown in size since its initial conception in the 1990s – with notable impact – and the town now partly trades on its association with Elvis, constituting an “invented” tradition and place identity”.

This paper is published in the March 2007 issue of Geographical Research (Vol. 45, Issue 1, 71- 84). Media wishing to receive a PDF or further information should contact Alina Boey, Public Relations Asia. (News/Parkes Elvis Festival, Source: Newswire)

See EIN's "Parkes Elvis Festival 2007" page

Elvis the "Dream Flight" King: If travelers could create their own dream flight, they would like to sit next to Elvis. This is the result from a research issued by British Airways. Elvis received 10% from the votes from 2000 people. Princes Diana is second on the list. The people who have answered have chosen mostly dead celebreties like Frank Sinatra and Martin Luther King. Under the modern celebreties, Madonna and Bill Clinton got a high ranking like John Lennon, Nelson Mandela and the Dalai Lama. Other names in the list are Prince William, Jimi Hendrix, George Best, Sir Paul McCartney and Audry Hepburn. (News, Source: Elvis Matters)

Re-issue of "Muziek Mens Mythe”: Belgian author Marc is re-releasing his Dutch Elvis bible “Muziek Mens Mythe” on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Elvis’ death. The new 2007 edition will be made up to date, and is scheduled for release next May. With this re-run of the book, Marc hits the 20.000 mark for a Ducth Elvis book – well done! (News, Source: Elvis Matters)

Elvis on Australian Pay TV, 8 Jan 2007

Tupelo Elvis Museum to re-open tomorrow: The ‘new’ Tupelo Museum, next to Elvis' birth house, is ready and opens it's doors again on the January 8, 2007. Designer Scott Blake, who designed museums for the Kremlin and the Vatican, focuses on the story of Elvis' life in Tupelo using dramatic themes, artifacts, audio and video clips. Two-thirds of the exhibit highlight young Elvis and use muted colors and textures to tell that tale, while the last third showcases Elvis as a performer with vibrant hues and backdrops & original stage outfits to accentuate that part of his life. A special eyecatcher is a display signifying the special friendship between Janelle McComb and Elvis. McComb donated most of the memorabilia for the museum, which was given to her as a gift by Presley himself. (News, Source: Source: Elvis Matters)

Elvis's Birthday Celebration and LiveCam: This weekend, fans will be celebrating Elvis's birthday here in Memphis with many events, including the Birthday Proclamation on January 8. If you are not able to be in Memphis, you can still enjoy the fun with our Graceland Ticket Pavilion LiveCam that will be up through Jan. 9. Visit the LiveCam during the Elvis Dance Party on Jan. 5th from 8 PM to midnight, and the Elvis Insiders Tour and Reception on Jan. 7 from 6 to 9 PM. (News, Source: EPE)

Book Review - "The Elvis Reader": Susan MacDougall delves inside The Elvis Reader, a selection of writings by a variety of authors. It ranges over all facets of the Elvis myth - the Musical, the Mythical, the Southern, the Physical, the Mortal, and the Metaphysical Elvis. With an introduction by Mojo Nixon, articles from the New Republic and Harpers sit alongside essays and book extracts. The writers are journalists, authors and academics, including: James and Annette Baxter, Stanley Booth, Van K. Brock, Jay Cox, the infamous Albert Goldman, John Lardner, Richard Middleton, Maureen Orth, Clark Porteous, Priscilla Presley, Janet Winn, and Charles Wolfe. What merit does The Elvis Reader hold? - do we can develop our own discernment and critical thinking, or we could become swamped by the bewildering number of different view points and find it hard to decide where the truth lies? Read the full review (Book Review, Source: EIN)

Bradex Editions releases first-ever "Elvis Lead Crystal Tree": Bradex Editions has issued this ornate, faux jewel encrusted limited edition with montage base. (News, Source: Bradex Editions) Click for more details and to view larger image

"Lonely Street" movie appears to be getting very lonely: A comedy-thriller film adaptation of the Bubba Mabry P.I. mystery, Lonely Street, by Steve Brewer, appears to be in limbo. Directed by Peter Ettinger and starring Jay Mohr and Robert Patrick, the Elvis flavored film apparently finished post-production in 2006 but online listings show no scheduled release date yet announced.

The film description is: A private detective in New Mexico is hired by a man to bodyguard a visiting celebrity from an overzealous fan. The celebrity turns out to be Elvis--determined to keep a low profile--and the fan turns out to be a sleazy tabloid reporter--determined to break the story that the King is still alive. The P.I.'s predicament grows darker when the reporter winds up dead in a motel room, and he becomes the number one suspect after Elvis and the man who hired him skip town. (Celluloid News, Source: Amber Smith)

Elvis programs on the "Home Shopping Network" on 8 January

New Ultimate ETA Contest locations announced: Seven preliminary round contest locations have been announced so far. Find out where they are and how you can be part of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. Please be sure to check back often as we will have many more added soon. (News, Source: EPE)

Elvis Quarterly #81: The last magazine for 2006 from the Belgian United Elvis Presley Society has been released. This 81st. volume contains news, an article on Elvis' greatest concert performances 1970 - 1974, a gem from the vaults of the club and a letter from a fan who appears to have a problem with one of our editors, of course our reaction is added too. (News, Source: Elvis News)

Elvis exhibit and lecture at Presidential Library: California's Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum is set to feature an exhibit on singer Elvis Presley's famed visit to the White House. A news release from the museum said that beginning next Monday, the facility in the city of Yorba Linda will offer a special exhibit based around the singer's 1970 visit to the home of the U.S. president.

Monday's launch will not only mark the official beginning of the exhibit, but is the day Elvis would have turned 72 and a day prior to when Nixon would have turned 94. To help support the exhibit's launch, former Nixon assistant Egil "Bud" Krogh will offer a lecture about his personal memories of the day the King of Rock and Roll's visited the White House. The exhibit, which runs until April 9, will also feature the famous photo of Presley and Nixon, which has become the National Archives' most requested photograph. (News, Source: Charmaine Voisine)

Elvis was greatest singer who ever lived - rock star and opera legend agree: DEEP PURPLE frontman Ian Gillan recently spoke to Classic Rock magazine for its latest issue in which the stars of rock (plus some assorted rock-loving comedians, sportsmen, MPs and other riff raff) nominate their "rock icons." He and opera legend, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, rate the early Elvis as the greatest singer who ever lived. Read full story (News, Source: blabbermouth.net)

Graceland behind the scenes - view video footage: It's the home of the King of Rock'n Roll, one of America's brightest stars. Graceland is a home away from home for many visitors, some just in for the holidays to see how a rock, country and gospel legend once lived. The home welcomes more than 6,000 visitors annually, and everyone from college football players to news photographers show up during one of the most-visited times of the season.

Read EIN's comprehensive article All about Graceland

"Heading For Tulsa" CD artwork: Here is the cover art for the import release "Heading For Tulsa" with an audience recording of Elvis' bicentennial show from July 4, 1976. Possible track listing: Opening - C. C. Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Love Me - If You Love Me Let Me Know - You Gave Me A Mountain - America - All Shook Up - Teddy Bear / Don´t Be Cruel - And I Love You So - Jailhouse Rock - Fever - American Trilogy - Intros - Early Morning Rain - What´d I Say (Incomplete) - Tutt Solo - Scheff Solo - Brown Solo - Briggs Solo - Love Letters - Hail! Hail! Rock ´n´ Roll - Hurt (With Reprise) - Help Me - Hound Dog - Funny How Time Slips Away - How Great Thou Art - Little Darlin´ Can´t Help Falling In Love (False Start) - Can´t Help Falling In Love (News, Source: Elvis News)

Australian TV celebrates Elvis' Birthday; While 2007's biggest Elvis celebration will be in August, EIN has discovered plenty on TV next week to share Elvis' birthday celebration with. Of major note is the new documentary 'Elvis Lives in Parkes' about the Parkes, NSW Elvis festival that happens each year in Australia. On January 8th, the TCM movie channel shows five Elvis movies - Jailhouse Rock, Double Trouble, Live a Little Love a Little, Spinout and Kissin' Cousins. Showtime cable features 'Elvis Has Left the Building', 'Bubba Ho-Tep' and the excellent 'Wild At Heart'. Other channels show the iconic 'Golden Girls' episode where director Quentin Tarantino stars as an Elvis impersonator plus Bill Haley's 'Rock Around the Clock'. Go here for EIN's full TV listings. (News, Source EIN)

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Elvis Google Community Chat: For all Elvis fans who wish to stay active and ON TOPIC with posts, starting in March of this year Elvis Google Community Chat will look at the Top posters for the month. The Top posters with the most Elvis Related Topics and reponses will be entered into a monthly drawing and will win an Elvis Presley Prize. From Books, to DVD's, Music, and Movies, We are going to partner with several vendors to bring you exciting contests. Stay tuned to the website for additional information as it becomes available! It's just another way to gain more posters, and keep it All Elvis. Link above has been updated. (News, Source: JW- email)

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Rare Elvis book cover #1: In a new irregular series we will publish rare Elvis book covers from around the world. The first cover is from Japan - ELVIS PRESLEY God Bless You, Published in Japan in 1998 (Source: EIN Archives)

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The King's Crown to be auctioned: A model of Elvis Presley’s Teeth and Porcelain Crown is to be auctioned by former Memphis dentist’s family on eBay beginning January 8, 2007. Read full story (News, Source: Lewis Weiss)

 

For Sale - Elvis Presley's "Round Table" Dining Room Set w/COA: Now on ebay and described as: Owned & used by Elvis & Priscilla Presley at their Beverly Hills home with documentation. Read full story and view larger image (News, Source: ebay)

Controversial Dakota Fanning "rape" film to screen at Sundance: Maybe the most controversial film heading to this month's Sundance Film Festival concerns the rape of a 12-year-old girl while Elvis Presley is heard singing in the background. "HoundDog," written and directed by Deborah Kampmeier, is already getting more advance attention than "Chapter 27," the film about Mark David Chapman murdering John Lennon. That's because the character played by 12-year-old actress Dakota Fanning, who made her mark six years ago in "I Am Sam," is raped onscreen. Kampmeier doesn't show the actual rape, but it's quite clear, from sources who've seen the film, that as scripted and directed, the scenes in question are going to cause as big if not bigger uproar than when Brooke Shields played a pre-pubescent prostitute in Louis Malle's classic "Atlantic City." (EIN note: should read "Pretty Baby")

Apparently there are already a number of Web sites protesting this film, and lots of comments on the Internet Movie Data Base lamenting the potential exploitation of Fanning. What could do the movie in, though, is the soundtrack of Elvis Presley records. It's unclear whether the Presley estate will approve the licensing of the ultimate pop idol's voice as the film's backdrop, or even if the writers of the song "Hound Dog" — Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller —won't do something to keep their famous composition out of it.

No producers are credited yet for "HoundDog," by the way, but the Premiere article does cite Jean Gatien as having raised funds and lists her as "daughter of New York club owner Peter Gatien." For the record, Peter Gatien — implicated in the famous nightclub murder of Angel Melendez that was depicted in the Macaulay Culkin movie "Party Monster"— was deported to Canada in 2003. He'd pled guilty in 1999 to not paying $1.9 million in taxes and spent 60 days in jail, after he was acquitted of federal drug charges in 1996.

His many New York clubs, like Limelight and the Tunnel, were the scenes of constant drug raids during their heyday. (News, Source: FOX News)

Elvis acetates to be released on Yellow SUN Records vinyl: The very successful re-prints of the two acetates Elvis made in 1953 and 1954 will soon be released on yellow (Sun Records) vinyl. There will only be made 300 copies of this soon to be rarity. Both acetates are exactly like the original ones. For the first time ever these reproductions of both pre fame Elvis Presley acetates be available in their originally form. Both are made on a 10” vinyl record that will play at 45 rpm. (News, Source: Elvis Unlimited)

EIN comments on Joe Esposito's special announcement (see story yesterday): Memphis Mafia member Joe Esposito is in for a busy 2007. With his latest book, Celebrate Elvis Vol. 1" due for publication later this month and his "Elvis Straight Up!" book due for release in July it will be a busy year for Joe. We only hope "Elvis Stright Up!" lives up to its marketing pr: Destined to become the most examined and talked about Book since "Elvis, What Happened?"

Joe's "Remember Elvis" was heavily hyped last year and while a good book it is not as good as some would have you believe. (Comment, Source: EIN)

"Elvis And The Birth Of Rock" book released: Originally due for release December 2006, but available now is the book "Elvis And The Birth Of Rock" with photographs from Lew Allen. The large format book, published by Genisis Publications, is "a remarkable collection of mainly unseen photographs of the great, early rock & roll stars: Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, The Everly Brothers, Bobby Darin, Frankie Avalon and many more" according to the press release.

"Elvis Presley Words The Complete Lyrics Volume 9" set for release: Volume 9 in the "Words" (song lyrics) series will be released early 2007. Volume 10 in this series with lyrics and backgrounds will be the only one left. Volume 8 ended with an entry for "The Vicious Circle" (better known as "In The Ghetto"). (News, Source: Elvis Unlimited)

"Heading For Tulsa" CD release: Elvis' bicentennial show from July 4, 1976 in Tulsa has been released on CD. This audience recording has a running time of 79 minutes. (News, Source: Elvis Unlimited)

"Elvis News #95" released: Volume 95 of this Danish magazine, the last of 2006, has been released. This magazine is packed with content and contains far more than the Elvis Unlimited magazine from the same publisher. A lot of news and reviews, but especially more articles. In this issue you can read about venues and J.D Sumner. But most interesting is a 40 pages special on Elvis army stint in Europe. (News, Source: Elvis News)

Joe Esposito reveals his special announcement: COMING THIS SUMMER! ELVIS-STRAIGHT UP!
Destined to become the most examined and talked about Book since "Elvis, What Happened?" (News, Source: Darwin Lamm)

A SPECIAL BULLETIN FROM JOE ESPOSITO AND THE TCBJOE TEAM: "I hope you will all watch for our special announcement to be released to you at midnight tonight (eastern). We are announcing an upcoming event, which I predict, will change forever the way you look at Elvis Presley. I hope you'll join me in supporting this first-time-ever project which I'm certain will become the most talked about Elvis event of the year...and beyond". Sincerely Joe Esposito (News, Source: Darwin Lamm)

EIN Comment: Joe announced his Celebrate Elvis book series yesterday...we will be interested to see what else he has planned.

"Jukebox Rock 'n' Roll Vol. 1" DVD: As we reported on 1 January 2007, the Payless Entertainment Group has released this budget DVD in Australia. It features 16 video tracks plus an introductory track with Bill Haley & The Comets singing Rock Around The Clock. Of the 16 tracks six are by Elvis, four song clips: Heartbreak Hotel; Blue Suede Shoes; Don't Be Cruel and Too Much, and two newsreel clips: Elvis Returns To Tupelo and Elvis In The Army. Other song clips include Travelin' Man (Ricky Nelson); Peggy Sue (Buddy Holly); Ain't That A Shame (Fats Domino), Mack The Knife (Bobby Darin), Wake Up Little Susie (The Everly Brothers) and Okee Shamokee Pop (Big Joe Turner). What is on offer is a seminal experience, a piece of rock 'n' roll heaven presented in a glorious stage show guaranteed to excite. Read EIN's full review of this release (DVD Review, Source: EIN)

"Vegas Rhythm - Special birthday edition" CD: A new import release has been announced. The new Gravel Road Music label will release a soundboard from Elvis' dinner show performance from February 3, 1973 at the Las Vegas Hilton. Part of this concert has previously been released on the import release "Its A Matter of Time". The press release: The newly formed Gravel road music team, is packing out with an fabulous release which would make The King smile. This release we found fit for a birthday present to the fans…

Postage stamp for Sam Phillips: This week, during the 2nd Annual Sam Phillips Music Celebration in Florence Alabama, an official announcement will be made that the “Alabama Fans TCB For Elvis” Fan Club is heading the campaign to get Sam Phillips on a commemorative U.S. Postage Stamp. The club is also working on an official website, approved by the Phillips Family, where everyone around the world can sign an on-line petition for the stamp. (News, Source: EP Gold)

James Burton appearing in Sweden: James Burton will be doing shows in Sweden in March 2007, together with The Cadillac band, and Svenne Hedlund, and guitarplayer Mats MP Persson from Swedish Group Roxette. (News, Source: Elvis News)

Library Journal reviews Jerry Schilling memoir: "In 1954, Schilling had a chance meeting with Elvis Presley at a Memphis pickup football game. It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship, which eventually led to Schilling's entry into the strange and exciting Presley entourage in 1964. Here, the author vividly describes meeting the Beatles, Eric Clapton, Richard Nixon, and basketball great Wilt Chamberlain; tripping on LSD with the King; and sitting in shock with Elvis as they watched the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. on television. Throughout, Schilling treats Elvis evenhandedly, focusing on their friendship but not ignoring the drug problems, isolation, and creative vacuum that killed Presley. The King comes alive once again as a romantic, sensitive, caring, and sometimes childish and moody man in a bubble. Refreshingly, the author reveals as much about himself as Elvis, showing how the tinsel lifestyle transformed him from a well-meaning, wide-eyed, obedient kid to a divorced adult wanting freedom and a career. Schilling has captured the aura and grim realities of life with one of the most important American icons of the 20th century. One can only hope that he will follow with a book about his post-1977 life as a manager of the Beach Boys, Jerry Lee Lewis, Rick Nelson, and Billy Joel. Highly recommended for all types of readers.-David P. Szatmary, Univ. of Washington, Seattle Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information". (Book Review, Source: Library Journal, USA)

Elvis back on the building (see original story dated 1 Jan 2007): The King is back. A 6ft model of Elvis Presley is safely home again after being stolen from the roof of a pub in Hove. The Argus reported on Friday how Mike Greaves and Adrienne Lover of the Nevill Pub were left scratching their heads after the plaster model of the legendary singer disappeared overnight. It had taken three men to lift the Elvis model into place on a 12ft high flat roof six months ago. However, Mr Greaves, Ms Lover and her daughter Kara, five, who live in a flat above the pub, did not hear a thing when it was removed.

"She knew nothing about where he had got it from until she opened up The Argus and saw the story. She immediately made him bring the model back. He will also be helping me to scrub out the cellar for a few hours as well as a way of saying sorry."

When the model Elvis was taken, he was snapped off and his feet left behind so he needs to be repaired before he can go back on the roof again.

Mr Greaves said: "It should take about a week and then we are going to plan a special Elvis night around the end of January." (Odd Spot, Source: The Argus)

EIN Comment: This is odd. We find it hard to believe one boy could remove an item that took three men to put in place on the roof.

New book by Joe Esposito: "Celebrate Elvis Volume 1 " is the latest book announced by Memphis Mafia member, Joe Esposito. The softcover book (ISBN: 0977894533) is to be released this month and features 104 pages of uplifting stories designed to enlighten, entertain and inform. Excerpts from Joe's latest book are available here (News, Source: Elvis The Magazine)

Marketing Elvis difficult sell to today's youth: Teenagers in the 1950s and '60s went wild over Elvis Presley, much to the consternation of their parents, but kids in the new millennium aren't so stirred by rock 'n' roll's original rebel.

"I can't try to sell somebody Elvis who doesn't know who he is . . . that he's not just some guy who's been gone for 30 years," said Paul Jankowski, chief of marketing for Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc.

Next year, three decades after Presley's death, the multimillion-dollar Elvis business will try to connect with a new generation of teenage fans.

"Our opportunity demographic is really going to be 12 to 34 (years old), with a sweet spot around the 18-24 area," Jankowski said.

Early in Presley's career, teenagers gathered at jukeboxes or around turntables. But now the music has moved to the Internet, on sites like MySpace and YouTube. Next year more film clips, photos and other material from the vast Presley archives will be showing up online.

"We will take our My-Space page and we will focus on expanding our number of friends on My-Space, that kind of thing," Jankowski said. "There's all kinds of Elvis content on YouTube, things that we put up, things that fans put up."

MySpace is a social-networking site that lets visitors share photos and personal web pages. YouTube lets users post and share videos. Moving Elvis content online should be easy; making Elvis cool again will be more difficult. After all, for most kids, Elvis is the music of their parents' -- or grandparents' -- generation.
Aaron O'Connell, a 17-year-old from Fredericksburg, Va., said it could be tough to make Elvis relevant again.

"Probably in today's world, like, he wouldn't be as cool, but back then he probably was," said O'Connell, a high school junior. (Sale of EPE, Source: AP)

Visit EIN's comprehensive archives of news, articles and analysis about the sale of EPE

"Red Hot In Vegas" CD released: The latest escape from the "Straight Arrow" label, entitled "Red Hot In Vegas" featuring the Las Vegas August 23rd, 1972 Midnight show has been released. Just like all previous releases from this label, this CD comes in a deluxe package with a 16-page booklet, containing a collection of photographs from the August - September 1972 Las Vegas engagement (both on-stage and candid shots), rare memorabilia, liner notes with an "Elvis in 1972" overview, as well as details about Elvis' Las Vegas 1972 Summer Festival. This recording comes from an early generation copy of the original audience recorded master tape, and the sound quality is VG+ for an amateur recording.

Click to view trailer from the DVD: "TOP SECRET Elvis Presley The Paternity Suit Uncovered!"

Elvis Presley - Paternity Suit Book & DVD: The latest release from Praytome Publishing is a composite book & DVD release. From the press release: 20 years of research and hard detective work and additional 18 months of pure production time have gone by. Different than our other productions which were most of the time advertised long before their release dates we kept the work about this extreme and highly controversial topic behind the curtain and over the years every little detail of this work has been handled as top secret. A 100-pages full-colour, hard cover book with the use of the outstanding, high quality paper stock being established as best choice paper for books by our releases of the "Elvis - Behind The Image" & "Elvis - Born To Rock". The outstanding and thrilling script of Bud Glass (author of "Elvis - Behind The Image") for the first time breaks down iron walls of silence and leads you behind the scenes of one of the biggest sex scandals in history of music.

The book goes along this line and has original court documents and photos that allow your own research for the mystery behind the most controversial sex scandal in the history of music.

Published by "Praytome Publishing" this 100 pages, full colored, hardback book co-operates perfectly with the included full length 95 minutes DVD documentary and German subtitles for the documentary. Now available direct from Praytome Publishing (Conspiracy, Source: Bud Glass)

Have your name inscribed on the Elvis Presley Heights Tribute Wall:

(News, Source: Bill & Linda Kinard/ElvisPresleyHeights.com)

"Readymade Digs Elvis" CD: This is the upcoming Japanese CD release "Readymade Digs Elvis". Readymade's Konishi Yasuharu has selected his favorite Elvis tracks for an unusual compilation and did the art direction. There will be a limited edition thin cardboard sleeve similar to the rest of the "Readymade digs..." popular series. This release is due out February 21, 2007. Readymade is a Japanese entertainment company.

Track Listing: 01. My Baby Left Me 02. One-Sided Love Affair 03. Down In The Alley 04. Shake, Rattle And Roll 05. Teddy Bear 06. Santa Bring My Baby Back 07. Fools Fall In Love 08. King Creole (Take 18) 09. I Got Stung 10. King Creole 11. Lover Doll 12. Such A Night 13. G.I. Blues 14. Tonight Is So Right For Love 15. I'm Coming Home 16. Rock-A-Hula Baby 17. Bossa Nova Baby 18. Night Rider 19. Kissin' Cousins (#2) 20. It's A Wonderful World 21. Paradise, Hawaiian Style 22. Beach Shack 23. Do The Clam 24. Shake That Tambourine 25. Stop, Look And Listen 26. Long Legged Girl 27. Double Trouble 28. Old MacDonald 29. Baby, If You'll Give Me All Of Your Love 30. Who Needs Money 31. Hey, Hey, Hey 32. Spinout 33. Summer Kisses, Winter Tears (Film Version) 34. When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again 35. What A Wonderful Life 36. Got A Lot O' Livin' To Do (Finale Version) (News, Source: Elvis World Japan)

Elvis ranked in list of Madison Square Garden greatest moments: During the end of the year, the TV-station MadisonSquareGuarden Networks aired a documentary about their 50 greatest moments in history. All items are higlighted in detail.

The Garden hosts mainly sportsevents and that's the reason why more than 50% of the items are dedicated to sport. The 4 legendary sold-out concerts from Elvis in NY are on the fourth place of the list and is the only non-sports event in the Top 20. The 9/11 concert (an event that shocked the USA and happened recently) comes in at # 21. The item in the show is documented with unknown footage of the concert and newscoverage. It is unknown if the series will be published on DVD. (News, Source: Elvis Matters /Elvis News)

The staff at EIN wish all our readers and their families a very happy new year and prosperous 2007!

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Elvis guide to Memphis: Want to see Memphis the Elvis way? Then check out this news article about Elvis' Memphis - the music haunts, the eateries, the fun places and a lot more. (News, Source: TheState.com)

Will today's teens go for Elvis, too?: Teenagers in the 1950s and '60s went wild over Elvis Presley, much to the consternation of their parents. But kids in the new millennium aren't so stirred by rock 'n' roll's original rebel.

Next year, three decades after Presley's death, the multimillion-dollar Elvis business will try to connect with a new generation of teenage fans. More film clips, photos and other material from the vast Presley archives will be showing up online.

Elvis Presley Enterprises plans to take advantage of MySpace and YouTube. The Elvis archives are believed to offer a rich source of material for digital use. Presley was 42 when he died of heart disease and prescription drug abuse at Graceland in 1977. See also earlier story dated 29 December (News, Source: Showbuzz)

"Jukebox Rock 'n' Roll Vol. 1" DVD: The Payless Entertainment Group has released this budget DVD in Australia. It features 16 video tracks plus an introductory track with Bill Haley & The Comets singing Rock Around The Clock. Of the 16 tracks six are by Elvis, four song clips: Heartbreak Hotel; Blue Suede Shoes; Don't Be Cruel and Too Much, and two newsreel clips: Elvis Returns To Tupelo and Elvis In The Army. Other song clips include Travelin' Man (Ricky Nelson); Peggy Sue (Buddy Holly); Ain't That A Shame (Fats Domino), Wake Up Little Susie (The Everly Brothers) and Okee Shamokee Pop (Big Joe Turner). EIN will publish a review of this interesting, all zone release in the next 48 hours. (News, Source: EIN)

New CD release in Australia: Dynamic Entertainment Ltd has released a 3CD box set (DYN 3137-3) in Australia imported from the EC. Simply titled "Elvis Presley", it features 10 "licensed" Sun & RCA studio tracks (disc 1) and 14 "live" Elvis recordings from the 1950s (disc 2) with the third disc being five interviews. The "live" recordings are standard Louisiana Hayride recordings. The sound quality is generally quite good. The tracks are Heartbreak Hotel, Long Tall Sally, Blue Moon of Kentucky (2 versions), Tweedle Dee, Good Rockin' Tonight (2 versions), Milkcow Blues Boogie, That's Alright Mama (2 versions), You're A Heartbreaker, Baby Let's Play House (2 versions), Blue Suede Shoes, I Forgot To Remember To Forget, I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine, Mystery Train, Maybelline, I Got A Woman (2 live versions), I'm Left You're Right She's Gone, Hound Dog, Money Honey and I Was The One. The five interviews were recorded in Texarkana (1955), Witchita Falls (1956), Lacrosse (1956), Little Rock (1956) and Ottowa, Canada (1957). (News, Source: Amber Smith)

Elvis has left the building: A theft at a Hove pub has left the locals all shook up. A 6ft model of legendary singer Elvis has been stolen from the roof of The Nevill. Landlady Adrienne Lover said: "We are missing him and we want him back." The plaster model is so heavy it took three men to lift it into place six months ago. Wearing his famous spangly white jumpsuit, Elvis stood on top of the 12ft high flat roof above the saloon bar of the pub in Nevill Road. But on Wednesday night, thieves pinched the King, leaving only his feet, which were snapped off, behind. Adrienne, 37, said neither she nor her partner Michael Greaves nor her fiveyear- old daughter Kara, who live in a flat above the pub, heard anything. Opposite: Michael Greaves and Adrienne Lover beneath where the King used to sit Advertisement     continued...

"I do feel pretty upset. It feels like nothing is sacred."

She said Elvis had become a popular attraction since he was bought from a friend and put on the roof of the pub, which is currently for sale. Regular customers grew fond of him and passers-by took photographs. Elvis fans would call in for a drink and recently 20 people who had just attended an Elvis convention turned up. (Odd Spot, Source: The Argus, UK)

Happy New Year - Charmaine's latest Elvis graphic: To view a larger version of Charmaine's latest Elvis graphic and see her extensive Elvis graphics archives click here

Postcard from Memphis - USC visit Graceland & Tupelo: "When USC played at Mississippi State in August, we made a trip to Tupelo to see Elvis’ childhood home -- a shotgun shack built by his father. Four months later, we ended our Elvis tour at Graceland, which was overrun Thursday by Gamecocks. I hope none was looking for home design ideas, unless shag carpet and mirrored walls are making a comeback. But the sightseeing is over; game day is here. Mayor Bob e-mailed to find out Friday’s weather forecast in Memphis. I told him to pack for rain. At least it’s not snowing".--- Joseph Person (News, Source: The State/Myrtle Beach Online)