Welcome to the "Elvis Information Network", home to the best news, reviews, interviews, Elvis photos & in-depth articles about the King of Rock & Roll, Elvis Aaron Presley...
'PHS' actor James Shigeta Dies: James Shigeta, one of the best things about Elvis' movie 'Paradise Hawaiian Style' died last Monday. Shigeta was a top Asian-American actor of the early 1960s who famously co-starred in the Bruce Willis action film Die Hard (1988) passed away Monday. Family members said he was 85. Shigeta, who was born in Honolulu, originally studied to be an actor at New York University. But he initially joined the Marines, and severed during the Korean War. He went on to become a recording artist in Japan, despite not being able to speak a single word of the language when he first arrived in the country.
His career in music eventually led to his first big on-screen role in The Crimson Kimono, for which he won the Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer alongside Barry Coe, Troy Donahue and George Hamilton.
In 1961, he scored the lead role of Wang Ta in the film adaptation of Broadway musical 'Flower Drum Song' where as a natural baritone, Shigeta did all his own singing. He notably starred opposite Elvis Presley in Paradise Hawaiian Style in 1966 and later made a mark in 1973's 'Lost Horizon'.
Shigeta later had recurring roles on the 1969-72 CBS drama Medical Center and appeared on episodes of Hawaii Five-O, Ellery Queen, Little House on the Prairie, Fantasy Island, T.J. Hooker, The Love Boat, Magnum P.I. and Murder, She Wrote.
His agent told media, "It is with great sadness that I report the loss of my long-time friend and client James Shigeta. He passed peacefully in
his sleep, July 28, 2014, at 2 p.m. The world has lost a great actor. Sadly, I lost a dear friend." (News, Source;NP/ElvisInfoNet)
'Ultimate Elvis Sessions' More Promos:Another Great promo page for the new Ultimate Elvis Sessions book - and don't miss the special deal for their great new deluxe book - Don't pay $400, buy it direct to your door from Elvis Filesfor only US$320 - including postage.The combined three book weigh 10Kgs, so it is the postage that makes it expensive. 'Ultimate Elvis – Recording Sessions' is a three-volume, deluxe set, that features all the session information available to date. With fabulous photographs - approximately 1500 of them! - many of them previously unseen, relating to the time period in question. Legendary guitarist James Burton sums it up neatly: 'These are the most beautiful books I have ever seen and the best researched.'. Go HERE to see the new 'Elvis IN LAS VEGAS' promo plus check the pre-order for US$320 (News, Source;EL/ElvisInfoNet.com)
Elvis Opening Night Las Vegas 1969 - 45 Years Ago Today:On July 31st 1969 Elvis stepped onstage in Las Vegas to begin his run of fabulous Las Vegas seasons and to cement his "comeback". Ian Fraser-Thomson was the only fan to witness Elvis' rehearsal, Opening Night and the Press Conference afterwards. "On Opening Night, the electricity was palpable. The anticipation of the crowd on this potentially precipitous and momentous occasion lent to an uneasy and anxious anticipation of what was about to be revealed before their eyes and ears. When the lights were dimmed the crowd was unsettled, almost agitated and loud and then when the horns and the band ignited in the famous loop intro, the crowd was temporarily silenced, women screamed and all eyes and crowd energy focused on the expected entry point and when Elvis appeared and when like a dancer sidestepped across the stage, a powder keg exploded followed by a residual thunder of applause and screams welcoming Elvis. Because Elvis was the true royalty in the room he was given what was due to him from the film and music stars present. He was at that moment the undisputed "King" and those present were his subjects.
The show was a knockout. Standing ovations throughout." Go HERE to his great 2010 EIN article about eavesdropping on this stunning event.
(Interview, Source;FECC/PEP/ElvisInfoNet)
Monday 28 July 2014
'Big Boss Man: What Kind of Technical Advice Did Parker Provide for Elvis’s Movies?': As technical advisor, Colonel Tom Parker was hailed by showbiz bible Variety as an "expert property developer." Though some of the movie properties Elvis’s manager helped develop were incredibly slapdash, that observation does raise one of the most puzzling aspects of the star’s Hollywood career. How much control did Parker have over Presley’s films, and what kind of technical advice did he provide between 1956 and 1972?
The Colonel developed the strategy – and ensured it was executed. Though his client often complained that he was "tired of these damn movies" in which fought in one scene and sang to a dog in the next, he never decisively rebelled, signifying his distaste by hiding in Memphis for as long as possible until the next shooting schedule beckoned.
Rare Elvis Artefacts up for Auction - Elvis' last Cadillac: EPE have announced some highlights of rare Elvis artifacts to be included in the first-ever "Auction at Graceland" during Elvis Week 2014.
Many of the unique artifacts are from the collection of Greg Page, (ex "yellow Wiggle") who is one of the world's biggest Elvis Presley collectors but has been recently selling off parts of his collection. Page's items include Elvis' 1977 Cadillac Seville, a Martin D-28 and Elvis' copy of the original script for his first film, "Love Me Tender."
Other items are
- Elvis Presley Signature on Library Card - from the school Elvis attended in Tupelo and this is one of the earliest known signatures from the would-be King of Rock 'n' Roll.
- 1969 Las Vegas Show Agreement - A blue folder entitled "Agreement Between Elvis Presley and Las Vegas International" contains a 13-page typed agreement. This contract is for the first of Elvis' 15 Las Vegas engagements.
- Gemstone, Diamond and Gold Lion Mask Pendant - This 18kt gold custom-made pendant is set with 24 diamonds, two emeralds and one ruby. The piece was worn by Elvis on many occasions, including when he met President Nixon in the Oval Office at The White House.
All of the items in the auction will be offered from third-party collectors and none of the items included in the auction will come from the treasured Graceland Archives. The mansion and all artifacts in the Graceland Archives continue to be owned by Lisa Marie Presley and are not for sale.
The auction will be held on site at Graceland and powered by LiveAuctioneers for online bidding.
You can register for online bidding on August 1, 2014, when the full list of auction items and images will be released online.
The auction will be held on Thursday, August 14, 2014 at 8:00 p.m. Eastern / 7:00 p.m. Central. (News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis Presley: A Listener's Guide' New Book: To be published mid-August is the new book 'Elvis Presley: A Listener's Guide' by Shane Brown.
... July 5th, 2014 saw the 60th anniversary of Elvis Presley's first commercial recording session, the night on which he cut That's all Right, the song that would launch his career. Less than six months later, on January 8th, 2015, will be celebrations for what would have been Elvis's 80th birthday. Since Elvis's death in 1977, hundreds (probably thousands) of books have been written about Presley, but very few concentrate on the most important thing: the music.
When I first became interested in the music of Elvis Presley as a teenager back in the early 1990s, the first book I bought was Elvis Presley: A Study in Music by Robert Matthew-Walker. It was hardly a hefty tome, but it did what I wanted at the time - it gave me some guidance through the minefield of Elvis's legacy which was then being issued, slowly but surely, on CD.
Matthew-Walker's A Study in Music was/is an important book, and it seems rather strange that other full-length works of a similar nature did not follow it. Bearing this in mind, I hope that Elvis Presley: A Listener's Guide will manage to be a rather more thorough critique of Elvis's music. Working through from 1953 to 1977 one session at a time, one song at a time, the book discusses the remarkable (and yet often frustrating) legacy that Elvis left behind. All recordings released during Elvis's lifetime are discussed, as well as those released posthumously where appropriate.
Why do we need a new critique? Well, times change and opinions change with them. Our views on Elvis's music are still based on what critics wrote forty or more years ago. Of course, the critics who panned Elvis in the 1950s were quickly proven wrong as the years passed, but the accepted view of the 1960s and 1970s recordings is still based on contemporary reviews, often from rock critics who somehow couldn't see how or why Elvis was recording material outside of rock 'n' roll. As I discuss each session, therefore, I make reference to, and quote from, those contemporary reviews from the 1950s to the 1970s - around 170 of them - in order to put into context my own evaluation of the recordings.
This is not primarily a book of facts or figures - there are plenty of other works on the market that can supply those. What there isn't on the market is a "listener's guide" to Elvis's music, in which each and every master recording is discussed. I haven't written this because I think people should agree with my evaluations or thoughts but because, as we approach what would have been Elvis's 80th birthday, it seems important to take a fresh look at the one thing that seems to be ignored most: the music.
Elvis Presley: A Listener's Guide will be available in mid-August, 2014. The paperback edition will be 6in x 9in, and will contain approx. 320 pages. A Kindle version will also be available. (News, Source;FECC/Shane Brown/ElvisInfoNet)
Update on new book Channeling Elvis: How Television Saved the King of Rock 'n' Roll: On 14 July we posted news that Allen Wiener's latest book, Channeling Elvis: How Television Saved the King of Rock 'n' Roll, is being published in October. Allen has sent EIN more information about the book:
"The book has a lot of new information that has not appeared in other books, including a rather amusing confrontation between Colonel Parker and Frank Sinatra, entirely new takes on the Steve Allen Show, Aloha From Hawaii, and Elvis in Concert, and observations about Elvis from those who worked on the TV shows. Each of Elvis' TV appearances is covered in far greater detail than in any previous book. With the exception of the interview program Hy Gardner Calling!, which occupies a single chapter, all shows are given at least two chapters and some even more.
The 1968 "Comeback Special," Elvis, is covered in four chapters, for example, and his final show, Elvis In Concert, which has never really been explored in detail, occupies three. There are connecting chapters between the television shows, since many years passed between some TV appearances. These chapters cover Elvis' years in the army, his film career, and his return to touring in the 1970s, and are designed to lend context to the TV show chapters by describing what transpired in Elvis' life and career during the interims.
I conducted more than 35 new interviews with people like Scotty Moore, D.J. Fontana, Gordon Stoker, Glen D. Hardin, Joe Guercio, Debra Paget, Steve Allen, Steve Binder, Bones Howe, Marty Pasetta, Gary Smith, Dwight Hemion, Bob Finkel, Jerry Schilling, Skitch Henderson, Bobby Ogdin, Irish McCalla, Al Wertheimer, and many others. I also spent countless hours viewing all of the television footage, including outtakes, many hours of 1969-1970 live performance footage, all available footage from the two concert documentaries, Elvis: That's the Way It Is and Elvis on Tour, and reviewed existing literature about Elvis. The book includes a bibliography, discography and videography." (Book News, Source: Allen Wiener)
Saturday 26 July 2014
Chips Moman, American Studios band to be recognised with Marker: During Elvis Week 2014, Chips Moman and the American Studios band will finally get some long-overdue recognition with the unveiling of a Shelby County Historical Marker near 827 Thomas Street on Wednesday, August 13. The address, at Thomas and Chelsea Avenue, is the site of the former American Recording Studio, the place where Moman and the band cut Elvis’ crucial 1969 “memphis” sessions, and recorded dozens and dozens (roughly 120, depending on the source) of chart hits between 1962 and 1972. Chips Moman, who’d also been a catalyst in helping develop Stax Records, wooed members of the staff bands at Hi Records and Phillips to form the classic American Studios group: guitarist Reggie Young, drummer Gene Chrisman, pianist Bobby Wood, organist Bobby Emmons and bassists Mike Leech and Tommy Cogbill. Mostly with Moman at the helm, that unit, known variously as the 827 Thomas Street Band, the American Group, and, later, the Memphis Boys, would help sire a succession of hits for artists such as Dusty Springfield (“Son of a Preacher Man”), Neil Diamond (“Sweet Caroline), Merrilee Rush (“Angel of
the Morning”), B.J. Thomas (“Hooked on a Feeling”), Joe Tex (“I Gotcha”), and, most famously Elvis' Memphis Sessions including 'Suspicious Minds'.
WEVL radio host Eddie Hankins notes, "At the time when there were so many great Memphis studios, American drew artists, not just from the South or solely from the R&B world, but from everywhere and every genre. Dusty Springfield, ‘Sweet Caroline’, ‘Good Time Charlie’s Got the Blues’, all these hits were cut at that studio. The fact that those musicians were so versatile … they could cut soul songs, pop songs, rock songs, R&B, little bit of country, they even had a No. 1 jazz album, those musicians could play anything. They were musical chameleons under Chips’ guidance; he steered them to the right sound for so many artists and created this incredible body of work.”
The original American Studios building was razed in the late ’80s with little fanfare. The August 13 unveiling event will take place at 2 p.m. Memphis television personality Dave Brown will serve as emcee, and various guests are scheduled to attend. Among those tentatively slated to appear are Moman and American band members Young, Wood, Emmons and Chrisman. Relatives of the late Tommy Cogbill will also be there. Don Crews, longtime studio manager Marty Lacker, American writers/artists Johnny Christopher and Mark James.
Priscilla at Collingwood Elvis Festival: This year's festival is being held this weekend from July 24th to the 27th in the Georgian Bay community, Ontario.
Priscilla has joined in with this year's celebrations for the first time. She told the media, "If Elvis himself were here today, he would be honoured and amazed to see what the community has pulled off. I am totally amazed how this has evolved in this tiny, little town outside of Toronto. It’s pretty impressive… kudos to the town for all the support, all the care, all the love, and we are so appreciative what you have done to preserve Elvis’ legacy.” “I’m here because I, too, want the generations to be able to learn, know and experience Elvis Presley through my eyes. I think great-grandparents are here, grandparents are here, parents are here, they’re bringing their children — what better festival for them to come to… this is a family event, and I’m here to appreciate it,” she said, prior
to a $250-a-head evening at Cranberry’s Bear Estate.
Presley said the idea of an Elvis Festival would be quite humbling to her former husband, who she said was not a man for compliments, nor for making speeches.
“But I think here, he would tell you how much he appreciated all of you. I don’t think he was ever at a loss for words, but I have to say, he would be completely amazed to see what you’ve created here in this town. I sometimes think, wow, all the fans who supported him back in the day, still here in the future… he’s been gone three decades, and here we are, and you’ve grown. It’s just remarkable. Priscilla also said that she’s still unsure of tribute artists who copy her husband’s performances, as much as she’s excited to see them perform, although EPE of course make a nice profit from the ETA contests.
“I’m quite excited about seeing what I’ve heard about what I’m going to see here the next few days. It’s kind of hard to realise that I’ll see a lot of little Elvises, a lot of middle-aged Elvises, a lot of good-looking Elvises, a lot of thinking-they’re-good-looking Elvises… all waiting to see what I’m going to say.
I’m just sometimes speechless because you put yourself in my position — it’s very hard to see them trying to perform.
I think they have a lot of nerve; nerve meaning it takes a lot to be able to be
Elvis Presley, and kudos to them for being able to express themselves. I know a lot of them are doing it because of their love (for Elvis)... but it’s going to be an event for me, and I’ll enjoy it very, very much.” Priscilla said Elvis' music and mystique endures nearly four decades after his death because of his authenticity.
“Through his music, through his humble beginnings, he has touched a bit of everyone. His songs were carefully chosen, the ones that he chose, not the movie songs, sends somewhat of a message of emotions to all of us, whether he was a mother’s son, whether he was a military man. Elvis was authentic, and there’s something that connects to him because he’s not in any way trying to be anything but himself. No pretence whatsoever, he didn’t think like that, he didn’t rely on tricks, on things to create an event other than what his passion was. There’s only one Elvis Presley, and it’s a very strange feeling to see someone try to emulate him. It’s strange, especially when you know him so well… I was with him, so it’s hard to see that.”
US Museum in Custody Battle over Elvis' Guitar: An acoustic guitar Elvis Presley smashed during his final tour has sparked a custody fight between the South Dakota museum that currently displays it and a collector who insists the instrument never should have ended up there.
Now a federal judge must sort out whether blues guitarist Robert A. Johnson even technically owned the broken instrument last year when he donated it to the National Music Museum along with one of Bob Dylan's harmonicas, a guitar made for Johnny Cash and two other items.
The museum, based in Vermillion, insists in a lawsuit that it is the legal owner of Elvis' Martin D-35, which the rock-and-roll king played during his 1977 tour and gave to a fan in St. Petersburg, Florida, after he broke it when a strap and string snapped.
But Larry Moss, who has a long history of litigation against Johnson, contacted the museum, arguing that Johnson agreed to sell the guitar to him before it was donated. Johnson and Moss, both of whom live in Memphis, Tennessee, are each listed as defendants in the museum's complaint.
The museum in court filings argues that even if Moss was the owner of the Elvis guitar before Johnson donated it to the facility, his ownership ended when the museum acquired it. The complaint states that if Moss feels he was wronged, he should sue Johnson for damages.
"There are significant issues with his claim including the fact that this guitar was apparently on display for an extended period of time in his hometown and he made no effort to go get the guitar," note the museum attorney, Mitchell Peterson.
Johnson, who played with singer Isaac Hayes and the band John Entwistle's Ox in the 1970s, donated the Elvis guitar and other items to the museum in April 2013, and in exchange received $250,000 for his 1967 Gibson Explorer Korina wood guitar. That instrument was formerly owned by Entwistle, who is best known as a member of The Who. Go here for the full story. (News, Source; Matthew Shepherd/ElvisInfoNet)
Thursday 24 July 2014
'Final Countdown To Midnight' NYE 1976 - in-depth Review:The deluxe 2CD/DVD set released by Backdraft label is the ultimate look at Elvis' 1976 New Year's Eve performance. Previously available via CDs with peak-audio distortion and on DVD/VHS with low quality fan-footage, now Backdraft have published a 106-page book plus remastered high-quality audio and incredible DVD featuring multi-camera angles. It has to be one of the essential Elvis releases of the year.
There is no doubt that Elvis’ final New Year’s Eve concert was certainly his last "Great" performance of his life. The nearly COMPLETE concert video which premieres to the world here will attest to the above statement. This DVD debuts newly discovered films, some of which have been transferred in High Definition and are positively stunning! The rich, vibrant colours provide a truly novel viewing experience.
The 106 page book boasts many rare and unpublished photos, detailed information about the show and an eyewitness text! The double CD set is also complete (unlike the edited FTD 2003 official release).
'Elvis Rocks Little Rock' New Import CD: An upgraded re-release of the original BILKO bootleg cd from 1989.
This is the best Elvis 1956 live album!
Including: - The complete May 16, 1956 concert remastered!
- The story behind this recording as told by disc jockey Ray Green.
-The complete dressing room interview by Ray Green remastered!
And as a bonus...
- The complete December 15,1956 concert as original recorded NOW remastered and speed corrected!
- Don Davis interviews Elvis (March 1956)
-12 pages booklet with photos and recording information.
- Original album artwork - Limited Edition - 500 copies worldwide!
'Elvis Presley - Some Call It Folk' New Import CD: Elvis’ 1970 Country album was a great idea, so it is a shame that with Elvis’ interest in contemporary folk music he didn’t release a "Folk" themed album.
For the May 1971 session Elvis had even used folk group The Nashville Edition as backing singers and selected some interesting songs to record.
However from a marketing perspective we can hardly see an LP called "Elvis Folk"appealing to his fans in 1971, and let’s face it Elvis wasn’t recording what the general public would consider Folk. Instead the sound was more of a spontaneous "unplugged acoustic" feel as opposed to the more recent big ballads or soulful stew of the Memphis
sessions. But still….some call it folk. Now for the very first time.... finally an Elvis ‘Folk’ album. Housed in
'Elvis: That's The Way It Is' Deluxe - Amazon UK offer- Now over! : Coming August 5th is the special release of "Elvis: That's The Way It Is (Deluxe Edition)" presented together for the first time ever in a Deluxe Box Set (8CD/2DVD). Amazon UK has sadly discontinued the deal it was £65, now back up to over £100. CD1 ‘That's The Way It Is’ - Original Album CD2 August 10 Opening Show - (FTD One Night in Vs) CD3 August 11 DS - Unreleased CD4 August 11 MS - (BMG Live In Las Vegas box-set) CD5 August 12 DS - Unreleased CD6 August 12 MS - (BMG 30th Anniv box-set) CD7 August 13 DS - (FTD The Wonder Of You) CD8 Rehearsals - (BMG 30th Anniv box-set) That’s The Way It Is (Deluxe Edition) is the most ambitious Elvis Presley restoration package ever created, bringing together - for the first time ever - the album, the theatrical and home video versions of the film, six full-length concerts (featuring previously unreleased performances), rehearsal highlights and other rare recordings in one astounding and essential package. The result of an historic partnership between Sony and Warner Brothers, the deluxe set combines the video and audio assets of
Elvis: That’s The Way It Is with unique and previously unreleased material.
The highly-collectible That’s The Way It Is (Deluxe Edition), bonuses include unreleased material, remixed and remastered audio and a new 80-page book detailing the entire event with facts, songwriter and musician interviews, and photos in a deluxe 8CD/2DVD box set. Amazon UK Special was at £70- Now (July 25th) - back up to over £100, sorry if you missed it.
Go here to EIN's SONY/FTD 2014 releases page for more details and full tracklists. (News, Source;BrianQuinn/SONY/ElvisInfoNet)
'That's All Right' - the Most Profound Moment: EIN was delighted to see the modern music E-zine 'Far Out Magazine' taking time out from 2014 up and coming musicians to acknowledge the past. Josh Hevicon wrote .. "Today we’re taking a break from introducing the world’s most weird and wonderful new talents and, instead, reverting back to a time in 1954 which, in my humble opinion, one of the most important and profound moments of musical history occurred, so important, in fact, that if for whatever reason the history books were void of the event, a majority of the group’s we all know and love might not even exist.
The occasion? Well, some of you may have already guessed, on July 19th 1954, exactly 60 years ago today, the King of Rock & Roll arrived as now legendary Memphis, USA label Sun Records released ’That’s Alright’, a then 19 year old Elvis’s sexed up Rockabilly cover of Arthur ‘Big Boy’ Crudup’s age old blues tune.
Selling over 200,000 copies, ‘That’s All Right’ opened the door for other Rock & Roll royalty such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Roy Orbison to start plying their trade at Sun and subsequently, such was Elvis’ phenomenal impact and influence, began changing the face of culture the world over…. if
that’s not worthy of our Track of the Day, nothing ever will be. What a tune. What a bloke." (News, Source;FarOutMagazine/ElvisInfoNet)
Darlene Love on Elvis Presley: Darlene Love is one of the most prolific backing singers of the sixties and seventies, she appeared on numerous records including 'He's a Rebel' and 'The Tracks of My Tears' and also sang with Elvis in the 1968 "Comeback Special" (far right, with Elvis). Recently Darlene Love has featured in the Oscar-winning film '20 Feet from Stardom.'
She was recently interviewed by UK's Radio Times and talked about Elvis... - You worked with a plethora of famous faces during your time as a backing singer - who were your favourites? Darlene Love: There are a couple. The one stand out person would be Elvis Presley because of who he was. He was such a star - it was Elvis Presley. The other one would be Sam Cooke just because he was such a nice man and he just oozed sex. He was probably one of the sexiest men living during that time and Elvis was more the icon, he was the superstar that you just go, "Wow. I’m working for Elvis Presley." - What was he like off-stage? Did he behave like a star? DL: Elvis was very introverted, very quiet, very shy, but what brought him out of his shyness was gospel music. He loved gospel music and because my background was so gospel, he
would get his guitar and say, "Do you know this song? Do you remember this?" So that gave us a whole life together, even if it was for five minutes. That gave me a life with Elvis Presley that a lot of people would never have. - Were all the big stars you worked with as introverted? DL: Sometimes I think so. With the internet, with iPhones and with cameras, you really have to be careful of what you do, what you say, how you do it, where you’re going, who you’re going with because there’s no hiding anymore. How people talk about you and what you do – they follow your every move. Back in those days when Elvis was a superstar, they didn’t have all that. That’s the big difference. '20 Feet from Stardom' is out now on DVD. (News, Source;RadioTimes/ElvisInfoNet)
2014 Elvis Week 19 days away!: Elvis Week is around the corner and EIN's Sanja Meegin will be there to report all the stories. Tickets are now available for you to join EIN at Elvis Week 2014 in Memphis August 9-17. Below are the highlights.. - The Candlelight Vigil, the cornerstone event, will begin with the traditional opening ceremony on August 15, at 8:30 p.m at Graceland’s front gates. - Elvis A Cappella: A Tribute to the King, a first-ever event this year will be presented at the Elvis Week Main Stage. - August 14 & 15 - "Elvis: That’s The Way It Is" – Special Edition, an exclusive screening world premiere of Warner Bros’ newly-remastered version at the Orpheum Theatre. - August 16. - The Memphis Boys Salute - at the Elvis Week Main Stage will celebrate the 45th anniversary of Elvis’ acclaimed recording sessions at American Sound Studios - August 13.
- Conversations on Elvis, one of the most popular Elvis Week events, returns this year to the Elvis Week Main Stage. - August 15. - The Official Elvis Insiders Event will feature special segments that highlight various aspects of Elvis’ life and career. - August 14 - Elvis Gospel Celebration - the special close to Elvis Week - August 17
Go HERE toEPE's Schedule of Events. (News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
'Bossa Nova Baby' – The Ultimate Party DVD!: From the STAR import label, the surprise of Summer 2014!! A few weeks ago this fabulous new Party cd was released, now STAR has done it again and provides fans with this amazing new DVD, including new clips and all time favourites!! This great release includes all 24 (!!) tracks from the European version and some bonuses! -Some of the highlights are:
A newly re-created 'Suspicious Minds' edit, done in the similar style as on Viva Elvis, only this time they used the 1969 master version, this HAS to be seen!! Footage from all eras of Elvis life have been used to make an unusual version, is he really singing this in the fifties??
Excellent new 'Too Much Monkey Business' clip, made like the This is Elvis version, but now complete with more rare movie footage. 'We're Coming in Loaded' included as bonus-track, a BRANDNEW remix version for another NIKE commercial… why ON EARTH was this not released on single?? , or at least included on the party cd? Check it out, and you will agree! 'Good Rockin Tonight' includes newly found footage from the fifties, unreleased in this format!! 'King Creole' from the amazing Viva Elvis dvd has been re-edited for a new viewing experience…probably one of the best STAR edits ever 'Burning Love', 'A Little Less Conversation' and 'Rubberneckin', all three OFFICIAL clips are included, very hard to find, especially on one disc! And the
sound has been improved as well!
Presented in limited edition BLUE box, again a not to be missed STAR release was born! - Check your dealers Go HERE for tracklist and details (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
James Burton International Guitar Festival: Expect surprises at this summer’s James Burton International Guitar Festival including Priscilla Presley dropping by.
The three-day festival, Aug 22 to 24 , includes a special guest at the Aug. 23 concert who attendees won’t find out until the evening performance. The same concert also could feature a separate potential performer organizers are tight-lipped about, other than to say, "You’re going to want the grandbaby to come on time."
The mystery performers will join a line-up of more than 20 musicians including country singer Trace Adkins, contemporary Christian singer Lincoln Brewster and Noel Haggard, son of country legend Merle Haggard. The festival also will include a handful of special guests, including Priscilla Presley and Mike Wolfe, star of the History Channel’s "American Pickers." The festival will be anchored this year by Burton’s 75th birthday. Festivities will include a Friday night celebration in the Red River District.
"This is going to be the most incredible show that we’ve ever had and that you’ve ever seen," said Burton’s wife, Louise.
Burton, born Aug. 21, 1939, in Webster Parish, is legendary in the music world for his lead guitar work with Elvis Presley, Ricky Nelson, Jerry Lee Lewis, John Denver, Emmylou Harris and Elvis Costello.
The James Burton International Guitar Festival was created in the
spring of 2005 to help raise funds for the James Burton Foundation. The Foundation is dedicated to providing music training and instruments to children and young adults in schools and hospitals and nurturing the creative abilities of children.
"It’s just an incredible gift that we’re giving these children," Louise Burton said. Go HERE To James Burton website for info and tickets
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Saturday 19 July 2014 -- 60 Years Since The Start of Elvis' Rock'n'Roll Revolution --
60 Years Since The Start of Elvis' Rock'n'Roll Revolution: Elvis Presley's first single was released 60 years ago, on 19 July 1954. It was the record that, eventually, changed everything.
The yellow label didn't exactly signify an earthquake. Above the cut-out centre of the 7in single ran the word SUN, a drop shadow beneath it. Behind the text lay rays of sunshine, and around the perimeter of the label were staves of music. The bottom half of the label contained the important information: the song title, That's All Right; the writer, Arthur Crudup; and the artist, Elvis Presley, with Scotty and Bill credited in smaller lettering. And at the very bottom, proudly, in yellow text reversed out of black, was the place of origin: Memphis, Tennessee.(Right: Elvis' personal copy - Click HERE for a closer look)
Nevertheless, that disc, which arrived in Tennessee record shops 60 years ago, on Monday 19 July, 1954, did cause an earthquake. It was the first commercial release by Elvis Presley, the first tremors of a sensation that would soon transform popular culture and create the modern cult of celebrity. "You'd had teenage music before," says the pop historian Jon Savage, "but Elvis was the first to make music as if it was by teenagers, rather than for teenagers. And he was still a teenager when he made that record.
After that, the industry realised they had to make music teenagers liked." That's All Right had been written and recorded in 1946 by Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup, a brisk blues with a ramshackle, dusty feel. Presley's recording, made on 5 July 1954, was an accident. Towards the end of an unsuccessful session at Sun Studios, during a break from recording, Presley began to sing the song, joined by Bill Black on upright bass and Scotty Moore on guitar. Struck by the contrast with what had come before, Sam Phillips, who was producing the session, asked the trio to run through the song again, this time with the tape rolling. The Elvis version, by comparison, is precise and countrified, the up-and-down two-note Sun rockabilly bassline transforming it, with Moore's guitar trills an embellishment rather than the heart of the record, unlike Crudup's original. But the record belongs to Presley; it's his voice – at first
urgent, then seductive, then lascivious and lustful – that registers on the Richter scale. "Damn," Bill Black is reputed to have said. "Get that on the radio and they'll run us out of town."
"It was an iconic moment," says Todd Slaughter, "And you don't get those iconic moments very often. The timing was right – until then music for teenagers had been Frank Sinatra or Perry Como – it wasn't what you'd class as youth music."
It took a while for the shockwaves to spread, because Elvis was a local musician on a local label."The reason you forget how regional everything was," Savage says, "is that Elvis created the boom in the music industry that really created pop as we know it now. It was after Elvis's success that people could come through and get national attention, even on small labels."
It wasn't until 1956 on the RCA Victor lable that Elvis went truly national, and international, with the release of Heartbreak Hotel, Don't Be Cruel and Hound Dog. So why, 60 years on, is Elvis still a matter of fascination. Why does he still have hundreds of fan clubs worldwide? Why is his face still known, his music still heard? "Because he is a total icon," Savage says. "Like all the Beatles rolled into one. And he's an icon on so many levels. It begins with that teenage moment, then the extraordinary success in 1956, and then carries on and on and on. And, apart from the personal life and the deified status, you also have a lot of really good music." The most important music ever recorded by any artist.
Go HERE for complete Guardian article (News, Source;Guardian/ElvisInfoNet) with special EIN thanks to Naveen V.
New Trailer for 'Elvis: That’s the Way It Is': As EPE get ready to celebrate Elvis Week and the world-premiere of the recently remastered "Elvis: That's The Way It Is," Elvis fans can now check out the new movie trailer below. - "'Elvis: That's the Way It Is' is a fascinating look at Elvis' preparation for and execution of those Las Vegas shows. The rehearsal footage alone is stunning, as are the scenes that show Elvis interacting with his enthusiastic audiences," shares Elvis fan and USA TODAY writer Whitney Matheson.
The historic Orpheum Theatre in downtown Memphis will host the world premiere of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment’s newly-remastered "Elvis: That’s The Way It Is" on August 16. Fans who attend this special
screening will be treated to the newly remastered film along with extras such as rehearsal and actual performance footage - not included when last shown as a feature film.
The documentary depicts Elvis as a master showman, following him as he prepares for his big opening-night performance in Las Vegas.
Additionally, the film will be shown in almost 300 theatres around the USA for a limited engagement - see details below. Go HERE for the USAToday movie trailer. (News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
The Auction at Graceland Official Catalogue Now Available: Graceland has recently announced the first-ever "Auction at Graceland," which will take place on August 14, featuring Elvis artefacts authenticated by Graceland Authenticated. The official catalogue of the auction is now available for purchase and features over 70 pages of stunning images and descriptions of the items that will be included in this first-ever event.
In addition, the catalogue includes beautiful images of Elvis Presley himself, plus two special bonus ticket replicas– one from Elvis’ 1973 Aloha from Hawaii concert and one from Elvis’ 1961 concert at Bloch Arena at Pearl Harbor -- direct from the Graceland Archives. (EIN notes that these replica tickets have been regularly featured in Elvis Memorabilia sets before)
This official, inaugural catalog offers an up-close look at these special pieces of Elvis history and is a wonderful collector’s item. US domestic shipping of the catalog is free.
Did YOU see Elvis filming Stay Away Joe?: A documentary film that's now in the works will take viewers on a cross-country search for a long-lost recording that Elvis Presley created just for the people of the Verde Valley. The film also will explore the story behind the LP's creation.(EIN Notes- Elvis did not actually record any special songs "for the people of the Verde Valley" rather it was an RCA compiled promotional album.)
Elvis enjoyed the hospitality of the Verde Valley while filming Stay Away, Joe in 1967 so much that he wanted to thank locals in a special way. The western comedy features Elvis as a Navajo rodeo bull rider. In a gesture never made before and never repeated for the rest of his life, Elvis recorded an album for the singular purpose of thanking the folks of Cottonwood and Sedona for their kindnesses to him, his friends, and the film's cast and crew.
Just one copy was pressed. It was broadcast only once, on the local KVIO radio station. And then the LP vanished. The principals involved in the recording have passed away, leaving more questions than answers.
Karin Kwiatkowski and her daughter Abby are producing and directing the documentary, and they're looking to the public to help find the answers.
"To our surprise, it turns out that there's quite an Elvis underground in Northern Arizona," Karin Kwiatkowski said.
They launched a Facebook page called "Elvis in Cottonwood" where people
can record their memories of meeting or seeing Elvis in Yavapai County. They're also hoping to find people who shot photos or home movies.
The moviemakers are using an IndieGoGo crowd funding campaign to raise money for the documentary. "We're including a tour of locations from Stay Away, Joe led by a local historian as a perk for donations," Karin Kwiatkowski said. "We're also in discussion with the owners of a local establishment for an Elvis night featuring a contest for Elvis impersonators and screenings of Stay Away, Joe."
One of their confirmed documentary interviews will be with 'Mr. Music' Jerry Osborne, who lived in Prescott in the 1970s. "Unbelievable though it seems, this 12-inch album was made for a one-time broadcast by only one radio station: KVIO in Cottonwood, Arizona," Osborne told the Kwiatkowskis.
While the songs on the lost Stay Away, Joe LP were not unique the lost LP included unique thank-you messages from Elvis and Colonel Parker that were read by DJ Joe Adams of KVIO in Cottonwood.
The LP vanished and wasn't even catalogued until 1999, and it was catalogued incorrectly. Hard to believe for a legend who sold 1 billion albums.
Go HERE to their Cottonwood Facebook Pageif you have any related Elvis stories. More about the Promo Album here on YouTube. (News, Source;Cottonwood/ElvisInfoNet)
Latest Billboard Album Charts: Last week 'Heart And Soul' re-entered the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart at 166 for w/e 19th July, 2014.
It was also a re-entry at 47 on the Top Catalog Album Chart.
This week 'Heart And Soul' drops from 166 to 177 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart for w/e 26th July, 2014. It rises from 47 to 44 on the Catalog Album Chart.
'Elvis On Tour' drops from 17 to 33 on the Music Video Sales Chart.
(News, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNet)
Elvis' Bible and funeral notes up for sale: Elvis ' personalized Bible given to him by TV evangelist Rev. Rex Humbard is up for auction. When Elvis passed away in August of 1977, his father Vernon asked J.D. Sumner to handle the funeral service at Graceland in Memphis, as Vernon described his wishes for his son’s funeral. Sumner was a close friend to Elvis and legendary bass singer of the Stamps Quartet that backed Elvis on records and in concert.
After a solemn discussion at Elvis’ Graceland Mansion with Mr. Presley as to what he wanted for Elvis’ funeral service, J.D. dictated the outline of the service to Stamps quartet member, Ed Enoch. Enoch compiled a list which contained the details of the funeral, including who would sing, what songs would be sung, who would speak and who would officiate at the funeral. The specific details recorded on this original sheet of paper,
just after Presley’s death in August of 1977, would be the initial framework for what would become the biggest and most historic funeral in entertainment history.
Elvis loved Rex Humbard, and Rev. Humbard, at Vernon Presley’s request, officiated the funeral service for Elvis.
J.D. Sumner was friends with Rev. Humbard and later asked him for the bible that he had used to officiate Elvis’ funeral.
As a special gift to J.D. Sumner, Rev. Humbard had Sumner’s named embossed on the cover in gold, and signed the inside, as well as dedicating it "To J.D. Sumner" and presented it to him. The Bible stayed in J.D.’s possession until his death in 1997. This is the first time this historic Bible and original funeral service arrangements are on the market.
Comes with video footage of the extended TV news coverage of Elvis’ death and funeral.
Comes with detailed letter of provenance from Sumner’s family. Selling for an incredible $95,000 -look here if you have some spare cash. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Elvis Superfan Paul McLeod found dead at home: Paul McLeod, the operator of an Elvis shrine that was the stuff of legend in North Mississippi, was found dead on the front porch of his Holly Springs home-turned-museum Thursday morning, two days after a man was shot dead just inside the front door. McLeod, 70, was spotted by passers-by seated in a chair on the porch early Thursday, according to his attorney, Phillip K. Knecht of Holly Springs. An autopsy will be performed, but all indications are that McLeod, who was in poor health, died of natural causes.
The death follows the shooting death less than 48 hours earlier of Dwight Taylor Jr., 28, a local man who had done work for McLeod and showed up at the door of McLeod’s home Tuesday about 10:45 p.m. asking for money. McLeod called his home "Graceland Too" because of the extensive collection of Elvis memorabilia inside.
Holly Springs police had not charged anyone in the shooting of Taylor. Marshall County Coroner James Richard Anderson said Taylor was shot once in the chest by a .45-caliber weapon.
Knecht said Thursday that Taylor tried to force his way into the home, prompting McLeod to shoot in self-defense.
"Maybe it was stress," Knecht said of McLeod’s death. "It’s just a sad ending to the life of a local legend." McLeod’s obsession with Elvis was known far and wide. Word has it that McLeod, who lived alone, chose Elvis over his former wife.
In 2010 McLeod told The Commercial Appeal of losing his wife for Presley: "You gotta do what makes you happy."
Viewing McLeod’s eclectic mix of all of things Elvis, records to photos, gum wrappers to notes, drew visitors from all over the world, and they would be allowed to tour the home at any hour of the day if they knocked on the door and met McLeod’s approval during a brief interview on the porch.
After three visits and a $5 fee, visitors would become lifetime members, entitled to free visits to the 161-year-old home on Gholson Avenue with lion statues at the entrance and "TCB" carved into the woodwork. Go HERE to the full story (News, Source;CommAppeal/ElvisInfoNet)
Graceland SOLD to Justin Beiber!: This laughably fake story has been doing the rounds this week....
- "Graceland has, shockingly, been sold according to Presley’s daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, for an undisclosed amount of money. The buyer was none other than millionaire pop-singer Justin Bieber, who closed the deal on Monday.
The home, registered as a National Historic Landmark, has been estimated to have been worth at least $100 million. Will Bieber keep it as is, which is big business and a major Memphis tourist attraction? Nobody seems to know, including Lisa Marie. “It is a difficult time for my mother and I, as we have decided to move on,” Said Presley via a written statement issued by her publicist, Paul Bloch. “Keeping up with Graceland had proven to be extremely taxing – literally and figuratively. We privately put it on the market last month. It was sold to Justin Bieber, and we will leave any and all details for him and his people to explain. The sale was completed and that is all we can share with you at this time.”
The news is sure to infuriate longtime lovers of The King. Visitors who were waiting in line for a daily tour of the home were asked their opinion about the transaction, none of which had any idea that the home had been sold. As if news of Graceland wasn’t shocking enough, fans seemed generally depressed and mostly angered that it was sold to someone such as Bieber.
Several attempts to contact the Bieber camp came up empty on Monday evening. It is totally unknown what will be done with the mansion located at 3764 Elvis Presley Blvd. There is speculation that there were partners involved with Bieber, but those reports have yet to be confirmed. Why Bieber is remaining tight-lipped about the exchange is as bizarre as the story itself.
“What exactly has the world come to? Maybe some drastic measure can be taken, causing the reversal of transaction.” Said Presley super-fan Mark Chapman. “[Bieber] is everything that is wrong with show business. It is as if he is some mutant, annoying, pimple faced spoiled rich kid that gets anything he wants in this country. If this social decline continues we are ultimately doomed.”
EIN notes that the story is from the spoof news-website EmpireNews which also features the following stories..
- Sarah Palin Signs Contract with Adult Video Distributor Vivid Entertainment
- Bill Clinton Hits Talk Show Circuit to Promote New Book of White House Themed Erotica
- Maine Enacts Law Forcing All Motorists To Wear Helmets Regardless Of Vehicle
The fact that some Elvis fans believed the story is a real worry!
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Wednesday 16 July 2014
Rolling Stone Promos "Elvis: That's the Way It Is": Rolling Stone magazine has a feature on the new "Elvis: That's the Way It Is" plus a soundcloud sample of the unreleased 'I Just Can't Help Believin''.
Officially back performing live to his adoring fans, Elvis Presley spent the summer of 1969 and February of 1970 in Las Vegas, playing well over 50 shows at the International Hotel. On July 14th, 1970 - 44 years ago - he went to the MGM lot in Culver City, California, to start rehearsals for his third run, scheduled to begin on August 10th and be filmed for a new documentary, Elvis: That's the Way It Is.
This August that documentary and the album of the same name will be getting another reissue, blown out across eight CDs and two DVDs. These include the original album, outtakes, the film's theatrical release and 2000 extended reissue and six discs of live sets. Disc two, for instance, contains opening night, and disc five contains the August 12th dinner show. Below, you can stream the previously unreleased take on "I Just Can't Help Believin'" that Elvis sang mid-way through this latter
performance.
In his Rolling Stone review of the 2003 That's the Way It Is reissue, Tom Nawrocki wrote, "Drawing inspiration from the Kris Kristofferson singer-songwriter movement that was encroaching on Nashville in the early Seventies, 'That's the Way It Is' may be Presley's most grown-up collection of songs." The new Deluxe edition will be released on August 5thand is available for pre-order here. Go HERE for the 'I Just Can't Help Believin'' audio sample. (News, Source;RS/ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis: That's The Way It Is' in US Cinemas: Elvis fans in the USA will have the chance to experience the world premiere of the newly re-mastered "Elvis: That's The Way It Is" on the big screen at Elvis Week 2014. The screening will be held on the evening of August 16 at the Orpheum Theatre in Memphis.
For fans unable to attend the Elvis Week world premiere, they will still have a chance to see Elvis on the big screen when the newly-remastered "Elvis: That’s The Way It Is" hits almost 300 theaters in the U.S. following Elvis Week for a limited engagement. Go here to EPE for a complete list of US theaters who will feature screenings of the newly re-mastered "Elvis: That's The Way It Is."
The 2002 'Special Edition' of 'Elvis: That's The Way It Is' played in Australian cinemas when it was rereleased (from a lovely film print!) and ran for six weeks in Sydney.
For more information on the new US screening times and ticket prices, visit the specific theater's website. Go here for EIN's spotlight on "TTWII - The ReCut vs The Original film" by Harley Payette (RIP).
(News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
2014 Elvis Week 24 days away!: Elvis Week is around the corner and EIN's Sanja Meegin will be there to report all the stories. Tickets are now available for you to join EIN at Elvis Week 2014 in Memphis August 9-17. Below are the highlights.. - The Candlelight Vigil, the cornerstone event, will begin with the traditional opening ceremony on August 15, at 8:30 p.m at Graceland’s front gates. - Elvis A Cappella: A Tribute to the King, a first-ever event this year will be presented at the Elvis Week Main Stage. - August 14 & 15 - "Elvis: That’s The Way It Is" – Special Edition, an exclusive screening world premiere of Warner Bros’ newly-remastered version at the Orpheum Theatre. - August 16. - The Memphis Boys Salute - at the Elvis Week Main Stage will celebrate the 45th anniversary of Elvis’ acclaimed recording sessions at American Sound Studios - August 13. - Conversations on Elvis, one of the most popular Elvis Week events, returns this year to the Elvis Week Main Stage. - August 15. - The Official Elvis Insiders Event will feature special segments that highlight various aspects of Elvis’ life and career. - August 14 - Elvis Gospel Celebration - the special close to Elvis Week - August 17
Go HERE toEPE's Schedule of Events. (News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
'Wahooo From Omaha' New Import Book/DVD: Venus Productions have announced their new release, "After the immediate sell out of "The King In Motion- Las Vegas" the first volume in this series, this second volume will bring you the Omaha, NE July 1, 1974 show. Be prepared for over 47 minutes in superb quality, perfectly synced with a tremendously improved soundboard recording of the show. As a bonus we've also included much better footage of Dayton, OH, October 6, 1974, also synced with a SB recording. To round it off, we also included a bonus CD. We're pleased to present you the Omaha show in soundboard quality, the correct sequence, the right pitch (for the first time) and a much better sound than you've ever heard before. To pack the DVD and CD, we designed a 304 page, full color hardcover book with countless rare and unseen pictures".
EIN notes that the Omaha, NE July 1, 1974 show was released with the FTD 'Fashion For A King' -see full concert review here.
The Omaha footage has also been available for a long time, hopefully Venus will have improved the quality this time. - Go HERE for full size promo and details (News, Source;Venus/ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis – We'll Remember You' - New Book: The new Finn Fan Productions Ed Bonja coffee table "Elvis – We'll Remember You" out soon. The book contains many unseen photos of the King of Rock'n'Roll from the files of Ed Bonja. Bonja will open his photo exhibition of the same name in a South-East harbor town of Kotka, Finland on July 23rd, and the photo book supports the exhibition.
Photos for this publication were taken by Ed Bonja, who worked as Tour Manager and Official Photographer from 1970 to 1977. During that period he took some 10.000 photos of Elvis and various happenings in conjunction with the tours and engagements. Ed's photos were routinely used on all kinds of souvenir materials promoting Elvis tours, Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe engagements. In addition, most photos used on the single and LP covers from the 70's are from Ed. "Elvis – We’ll Remember You" covers years 1970 – 1975; including various tours, photos from Las Vegas Hilton Engagements and photos of crew members and musicians alike. The book is divided in four different categories, which makes it a very special one. Included are the photos Ed took at Graceland when went there to take pictures for the live album cover. Not to forget The King himself: you’ll see Elvis on stage doing what he loved to do – entertaining. Text in the book is in both Finnish and English, which makes this book international. Naturally, photos speak for themselves and cross all language
barriers. Ed is a fantastic story teller and his vivid memories are integral part of this book. This is not an ordinary photo-album-style book, this is a photographic essay which tells the Elvis story in many ways: particularly through the lens of Ed Bonja. Limited print of 1.000 is available. Go here for YouTube promo video (News, Source;FinnFan/ElvisInfoNet)
Monday 14 July 2014
'Ultimate Elvis Sessions' More New Preview Pages:Check these new preview pages and don't miss the special deal for their great new deluxe book. Don't pay over $400 as some dealers are suggesting - buy it direct to your door from Elvis Filesfor only US$320 - including postage.The combined three book weigh 10Kgs, so it is the postage that makes it expensive. (Note- Your local dealer MAY have it even cheaper - so do ask around.) 'Ultimate Elvis – Recording Sessions' is a three-volume, deluxe set, that features all the session information available to date. With fabulous photographs - approximately 1500 of them! - many of them previously unseen, relating to the time period in question. Legendary guitarist James Burton sums it up neatly: 'These are the most beautiful books I have ever seen and the best researched.'. Go HERE for US$320 Pre-Order - plus see the new Previews (News, Source;EL/ElvisInfoNet.com)
Upcoming book release...Channeling Elvis: How Television Saved the King of Rock 'n' Roll: Allen Wiener's latest book, Channeling Elvis: How Television Saved the King of Rock 'n' Roll, is being published in October.
Based on more than a decade of research, dozens of fresh interviews, and careful review of hours of television and other footage, this book focuses on Elvis' TV career and the role it played in creating, sustaining, and reviving his unrivaled popularity.
Only television captured the full arc of the King's career, from his initial steps on the national stage and highly anticipated return from the U.S. Army, to his resurrection in the wake of some lame recordings and lousy movies, renewed acclaim as a concert artist, and premature, self-inflicted 1977 exit. Television captured it all.
And Elvis Presley's TV appearances also provided us with the most extensive visual record of this incredible man doing what he loved best: performing live.
Elvis Presley was a virtual unknown when, in 1956, he strutted his stuff in front of a national television audience for the very first time. By year’s end, following a dozen TV appearances, he was an international superstar.
Over the next two decades, Elvis turned to TV whenever his career required a boost or a complete makeover. Channeling Elvis: How Television Saved the King of Rock 'n' Roll takes a close-up look at his 20-year career through the unique lens of television.
Featuring the insights and observations of some of his closest associates, Channeling Elvis: How Television Saved the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll places the reader behind the camera as well as in front of the small screen to explore one of the most fascinating and revealing aspects of a legendary career.
Early praise for Channeling Elvis:
"Allen J. Wiener knows his way around icons, and ably makes the case that TV transformed the greatest recording artist of the early rock ‘n’ roll era into a unique cultural phenomenon. Even though Presley too often allowed others to control or shape his destiny, the Elvises that emerge in Wiener’s account always command the spotlight.” -- Paul Cool, former program director and disc jockey, KUSF Radio, San Francisco, and author of Salt Warriors: Insurgency on the Rio Grande.
"Allen Wiener puts a new charge into the story of Elvis and his rise, namely television. It's arguable that television had more to do with Elvis' meteoric streak to the top than radio. Channeling Elvis is something new under the Elvis sun." -- Allen Barra, author of Mickey and Willie: Mantle and Mays, the Parallel Lives of Baseball's Golden Age
About the author: ALLEN J. WIENER is the author of The Beatles: The Ultimate Recording Guide as well as co-author of David Crockett in Congress: The Rise and Fall of the Poor Man’s Friend —winner of the 2010 Independent Publisher Book Award for Best Regional Non-Fiction—and Music of the Alamo: From 19th Century Ballads to Big-Screen Soundtracks. He has also written for the Washington Post, People, the Nashville Tennessean, Musician, Goldmine, Discoveries American History, Western Clippings, the Alamo Review, the Alamo Journal, and the Crockett Chronicle, while providing the liner notes for several CDs. He lives in Maryland. (News, Source: EIN)
(Dessert of the Week) A Taste of the Elvis-Inspired King's Cheesecake at Delicatessen: The world is well aware of the colossal mark Elvis Presley left on the music industry, but he hardly left the food industry untouched. Just ask the team at Delicatessen ( 54 Prince Street, 212-226-0211), where chef Michael Ferraro and pastry chef Shana Feldman created a "King's" Cheesecake in the rock icon's honor for their summer menu.
"The thought process for this dessert came from the inspiration of someone who enjoyed life to the fullest -- Elvis Presley," explains Ferraro, who, with Feldman, designed the pastry to pay homage to the musician's penchant for peanut butter, banana, and bacon sandwiches.
The dessert follows the lead of a traditional cheesecake, with a few vital exceptions. To start, peanut butter is incorporated into the recipe during the batter creaming stage, and the crust is formed by pulverizing candied bacon, a touch of sugar, butter, and another all American favorite: Wonder Bread.
But it's not its legendary reputation alone that landed the famed flavor combo on the menu. "I'd have to agree with The King about it being a perfect balance of flavor," says Ferraro. "You get the smooth richness from the peanut butter, the familiar flavor of the banana that I love, and, in this case, the candied bacon introduces the salty sweet component." (Dessert of the Week, Source: Nicole Schnitzler, New York Village Voice)
Saturday 12 July 2014..............................................also updated today: Almost Elvis
No more flickering candlelight at Graceland??: EPE is not having a good run! First there was controversy when it announced the name change of Elvis Insiders to Graceland Insiders, then things really became turbulent with the news that the airplanes may soon depart Graceland for good.
Now a rumor has surfaced on the message boards and social media that the very popular Candlelight Vigil is in danger of having its flame extinguished! Fact or baseless rumor? Guess we'll have to wait and see.
The changes being made/considered by National Entertainment Collectibles Association, the new "operating" managers of Graceland, suggest their vision is (at least partly) grounded in the realisation that (pragmatically) the 'baby boomer' cohort has diminishing importance and ongoing success lies in focusing more on the general tourist market! (EIN Comment/Sale of EPE)
Baby, Let’s Play House…….it’s time to have a Party….…Elvis opened the door to damnation and the ruination of society!
Records by Elvis Presleywere burned in the ’50s; in the 1960s, Beatlesrecords were consigned to hellfire. And in December 1975, a public record burning was held in Florida.
A Tallahassee pastor held what a columnist described as “a spirited bonfire celebration.” Several hundred albums worth about $2,200 all told were put to the torch.
Elvis records were burned on various pretenses, from his presumably corrupting effect on the morals of kids to the alleged communist influence of rock ‘n’ roll. Beatles records were burned after John Lennon suggested that the Fab Four were more popular than Jesus. By the 1970s, the sexual revolution was in full swing, and that provided the justification for the Tallahassee record roast. The Reverend Mr. Charles Boykin criticized rock music for its “appeal to the flesh,” but he wasn’t just speaking in generalities — he had statistics. Out of a thousand girls giving birth out of wedlock, he claimed, 984 of them were listening to rock music when they got pregnant. To fight this lascivious trend, albums by artists including the Rolling Stones and Elton John were fricasseed.
The columnist wisecracked that all of the pregnant girls were breathing at the time of conception, so “maybe the congregation should hold their breath.” While a few critics might have been sympathetic to setting copies of It’s Only Rock and Roll (the Stones’ most recent album) ablaze, the protest got little notice at the time, and had little effect — after all, Boykin wasn’t calling for the burning of rock radio stations. (Source: Rock Flashback: Tallahassee Roasts the Rolling Stones, 1975)
.......The Oracle Speaks.......
What did capitalist society learn between the advent of Elvis in the mid 1950s and the (let’s face it) musically stuttering Rolling Stones of the mid 1970s? Going by the above article, it seems not much! Yes, Elvis opened the door very wide to allow subsequent minstrels of alleged societal destruction the opportunity to their dastardly deeds. But hey….have a guess what?
In the noughties it doesn’t seem they succeeded! The fundamental issue here is that western societies were still paranoid about change in the mid 1970s. OK there was a Cold War raging but even blind Charlie (and what an inspired harmonica infused blues player he was) could see teenager’s music had not undone the core pillars of western democracy and capitalist society.
In fact, the advent of Elvis and the subsequent burgeoning market driven by youth favored music and fashion had only stimulated the capitalist levers to produce more, sell more, create bigger profits and (heaven help the world) help validate a teenager’s identity (in 2014 a teenager in love is not that different to a teenager in love in 1955).
So if rock and roll, rock, punk and rap and whatever Gangnam Style is represent society’s Devil in Disguise, I’ll sleep a lot easier tonight. It could have been a lot worse! I mean, there could have been fruitcakes in the kitchen!!!
New home for the Lisa Marie airplane??...... Rumor has it if EPE’s new management cannot come to terms with the owners of the Lisa Marie airplane, the plane’s new home is likely to be outside the South Dapto Model Airplane Association Tent, which itself was recently relocated (due to a dramatic downturn in model airplane kit sales in Dapto) to the picturesque but rather barren environs of downtown Innamincka (pop. 12) in the Strzelecki Desert region of South Australia.
None of the three surviving members of the South Dapto Model Airplane Association (Unincorporated) were available for comment. However, a spokesperson for someone in Innamincka, the rightly dishonourable I.D. Clair, commented that a tourist boom in the area could be avoided. (Humor, Source: EIN)
'With all the rumour and counter rumour regarding the Lisa Marie airplane story as reported by the Associated Press I thought it only fair to try and get to the bottom of the many assumptions being made by fans, myself included, on various forums, fan sites and facebook.
I called Mr K G Coker of the OKC Partnership who owns the two airplanes in Memphis to try and clarify a few questions that I primarily had myself. Although Mr Coker obviously has a financial interest at stake (as do the new owners at EPE) it soon became very clear to me that he also has us, the Elvis fans at heart too!
He recalled the day Elvis died, his office was at Memphis airport where the Lisa Marie was packed and ready to leave for Portland, Maine. He heard on the radio that Elvis had died and went out to the pilot who confirmed the news, he also remembered the fans and how they were trying to get to the airplane that day, this was when he realised just what the Lisa Marie might mean to us the Elvis fans.
It was in 1984 with co-operation of the then Elvis estate and Jack Soden (who worked tirelessly) that a deal was reached to display the Lisa Marie at Graceland, the Hound Dog Jet-Star would follow later.
The arrangement was that financial remuneration would be paid to the OKC Partnership for the display of the airplanes.
The contract has never addressed the Lisa Marie or the Jet Star individually or even as part of a tour bundle, and although not in the contract, up until August of this year (2014) it has been in the bundled tour package for 25 years.
Mr Coker says he is concerned that by separating the airplanes from the bundle some fans might be disadvantaged and not be able to afford to view 'the pride of Elvis Presley airways.'
In relation to the public release of the Graceland letter from Jack Soden, it seems to have been a forced hand, he didn't want to release it, but as it was beginning to look like the OKC Partnership was to blame he felt he had no choice to make things clearer to the Elvis fan base.
It is the new owners ENTERTAINMENT COLLECTIBLES ASSOCIATION, INC* that are making these changes, and Mr Coker would like to make it clear that he is truly appreciative that Priscilla is trying to help out regarding the situation.
Although OKC still have three of the four Lisa Marie’s engines that were removed (the fourth went to a tech school) Mr Coker says he would like nothing better than the Lisa Marie and Jet Star to stay at Graceland forever, but that an agreement that is acceptable to all parties involved has to be reached.
Personally, and as a fan myself, I really do hope that can be accomplished to everyone’s satisfaction, fingers crossed.' (Sale of EPE, Source:Elvis Express Radio)
*In November 2013, New York-based Authentic Brands Group bought Elvis Presley Enterprises and the licensing and merchandising rights for Presley's music and image from CORE Media Group. As part of the deal, Joel Weinshanker, founder of the National Entertainment Collectibles Association, acquired the operating rights to Graceland, which attracts about 500,000 visitors each year. After the sale, Authentic Brands said upgrades to the tourist attraction were planned. Earlier this year, Elvis Presley Enterprises announced plans to build a 450-room hotel, theater and restaurant, with a projected opening date of August 2015. Their plan was approved Tuesday by the Memphis City Council.
Wednesday 9 July 2014
The Elvis Planes at Graceland situation??: So who do we believe? That the owner of the two planes at Graceland is stirring the pot or that it is really EPE driving the agenda?
Well this "leaked" EPE letter (dated 7 April 2014), published by Elvis Matters, appears to suggest where the "push" on the story is coming from, with EPE clearly stating to K.G. Coker (owner of the two planes) that on 5 August 2014, EPE's Platinum Tickets Package will exclude the planes and that "...it has been decided to exercise EPE's option to end the [planes] agreement as of April 26, 2015 and ask you to make arrangements for the removal of the airplanes and the restoration of the site on or shortly after April 26, 2015."
Elvis Matters also reported: The "airplanes" discussion is reaching a climax. It's obvious that both parties (EPE on one hand and the current owner on the other) are playing it hard, how else can one explain that private letters like these are leaked to the fans? Priscilla has once again reacted, and asks fans to stay calm, and trust the management of Graceland. More so, Priscilla says that a lot of new susprises are coming our way and assures a happy ending. Wait and see!
It is EIN's opinion that Priscilla Presley's accusatory statement on her Facebook page against Mr Coker's company is a basic "corporate" ploy and rather disingenuous (given the above letter):
I’m reading what you are saying, but listen, the people who own the plane put the release out to intentionally upset everyone. We’re on top of it. Thank you for your trust in us. We will soon be putting out a release about some new and exciting things happening at Graceland. If you want to even hear more about it... come to Graceland in August. That way you will hear it and experience it first hand. I can't imagine you'll be disappointed.
So what is it all about?....well supergroup ABBA probably sang it the best: "Money, Money, Money". (News, Source: EIN/Elvis Matters)
How Elvis created scream queen film hostess “Elvira” (aka Cassandra Peterson): Before she was the famed '80s horror show hostess Elvira, Cassandra Peterson was a Las Vegas showgirl with big dreams. While working as a topless dancer, Peterson tells "Oprah: Where Are They Now?" she caught the eye of one of her idols.
"I was a big groupie," Peterson says in the above video. "I loved music. I got to realize the dream of actually meeting Elvis and actually going out on a date with Elvis, so that was a dream come true for me."
What happens on a date between the King and the future "Mistress of the Dark?" "There was a lot of making out going on," Peterson admits. "We had a great time."
While the relationship didn't last, Peterson says Elvis gave her some life-changing advice. "He is 100 percent responsible for me getting out of Vegas and going on with my career," she says. "Elvis said to me, 'You don't want to stay here, this is not a town you should be in.' And I don't think if that would've come from anybody but Elvis I would've done it."
His advice inspired a move to Los Angeles, which is where Peterson auditioned for the role of Elvira. The rest is horror show history. More than 30 years later, she's still casting a spell on her legions of fans. (News, Source: HuffingtonPost.com)
Bobby Dillard was a close friend of the late Jimmy Ellis.......the man who, wearing a mask, became a key part of the 'Elvis is alive' movement, as the mysterious singer, Orion!
In his insightful interview, Bobby D. reveals what (the real) Jimmy Ellis was like off-stage and covers a range of subjects including:
the story behind Bobby D's friendship with Jimmy Ellis
Priscilla Presley 'Special Guest' during Elvis Week 2014: A special guest has been added to the Elvis Week lineup and fans will want a front row seat to hear exciting stories from someone very close to the King of Rock 'n' Roll.
Priscilla Presley will join the annual celebration of the life and legacy of Elvis Presley when she sits down with host Tom Brown during Conversations on Elvis at the Elvis Week Main Stage on Friday, August 15.
Other confirmed guests for Conversations on Elvis include Elvis' Imperials Terry Blackwood and Joe Moscheo who were in "Elvis: That's The Way It Is."
More guests to be announced soon.
Tickets for this event are available through Graceland Reservations by calling 800-238-2000 or 901-332-3322 or online at Graceland.com.
'What Every Child Needs to Know About Elvis Presley': The endless onslaught of flash-in-the-pan teen pop stars and boy bands might be preventing young children from appreciating the roots of rock and roll, but something very significant happened 60 years ago today -- Tuesday, July 8. Elvis Presley's debut single, "That's All Right," was heard on the radio for the first time. It changed music forever.
Bradley Snyder, a child expert and author of "What Every Child Needs to Know about Elvis Presley," (Barns and Noble and Independent Retailers www.needtoknowpublishing.com), sat down with 3TV's Javier Soto to talk about Presley and why kids need to know who he is and how he influenced the music they listen to today.
Snyder explained how "That's All Right," crossed color lines and brought the blues - a uniquely American art form - to an audience that had never heard it before.
Without it, rock and roll, something that we all take for granted, might never have happened. When children learn about this, they better appreciate music, history, and how far we have come.
"We say that these books are for young readers and pre-readers," Snyder explained. "These are books for adults to share with their children. These get read with the child and to the child. "They're a great way to introduce a child to a favorite artist or to introduce a difficult topic, as with our cancer book, or even just to explain why adults are the way that we are," he continued. (Book News, Source: azfamily.com)
Monday 7 July 2014
Elvis continues to create controversy in 2014!: [On the] weekend, American entertainment magazine Variety sent off a Twitter trolling frenzy when users reacted to the magazine’s headline which commented that Elvis had “invented rock ‘n’ roll 60 years ago”.
Many were angered with the publication who seemingly ignored the wealth of rock music pioneered by black musicians well before Elvis and his hips hit the scene, something that even Elvis himself acknowledged.
Which is why in its own glorious fashion, Twitter responded by launching the hashtag #VarietyHeadlines, which satirised the many other things that white people definitely “invented”. Such gems include, “‘I can twerk’ Miley Cyrus talks battling prejudice and racism in the music industry,” and “Eminem: The first person to ever make it out of the hood.”
Variety has since changed the headline and issued an explanation. “The word “invented” in the original headline has stirred an angry response from some readers who argue that it diminishes the contributions of many African-American musicians,” it reads.
“Crediting a single ‘inventor’ of rock ‘n’ roll is as hard as determining who invented television or the automobile, and the headline on this story was not meant to indicate an absolute in this regard,” it continues. “In deference to the concerns raised by readers we have adjusted the headline to better reflect the nuance of the story.” (News, Source: Natassia Baroni, musicfeeds.com.au)
"The European PAL Blu-Ray release of Flaming Star, release date Sept 3, 2014. The North American release should be shortly after, most likely for the Christmas Season, so a November release would be likely. Too bad there won't be extras like the deleted songs or commentary by Barbra Eden, but not all wishes come true.An excellent film."
Elvis Anniversary Boosting Tourism: A promising year for Memphis tourism has got even better the recent 60th anniversary of Elvis Presley's first record.
Memphis area hotel occupancy is up 12 percent this year, a key barometer, outstripping a 3 percent increase nationally.
This weekend Graceland and Sun Studio commemorated Presley's first record which brought in the crowds. Hotels had strong bookings with some sellouts caused by the arrival of Elvis fans.
"These anniversaries, as far as milestones and great moments in culture, I think they just go to underscore the role that Memphis has in the history of America's music," said visitor spokesman Kevin Kane, "They send that branding message that Memphis is a great destination for the music lover, the music tourist."
Operators of attractions including Presley's Graceland and Sun Studio say they draw visitors year-round, but the pace quickens in the summer with an influx of foreign tourists, especially Europeans.
Graceland averages around 600,000 visitors annually. "July is typically our busiest month of the year with Elvis Week allowing Memphis and Graceland to finish the summer months on a high note in August." Sun Studio draws just under 200,000 a year to see where artists including Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins made records. Sun Studio's Jayne Brooks said, "We had a slow season once upon a time but it doesn't really exist any longer." (News, Source: Memphis/ElvisInfoNet)
Elvis was interested in the Carnation Revolution in Portugal: We learn something new about Elvis everyday! We found this fascinating post by Kathy Westmoreland on her Official Fan Page:
I Love You, Portugal! ONLY A GREAT PEOPLE COULD ACCOMPLISH THIS with flowers in the barrels of guns instead of bullets. Elvis called me and asked if I'd read about it. I had, as had every musician in the studios in L.A. where I was working that day, APRIL 25, 1974. THE CARNATION REVOLUTION which ousted the fascist government of Portugal in 1974, is a remarkable example of the level of political change that even a repressed people can achieve without the use of violence.
Unlike many other nonviolent revolutions, the Carnation Revolution was a full-fledged military coup, but the insurgents didn’t resort to fighting to bring democracy to the nation. This song composed and sung by Zeca Afonso, who was chosen by the Armed Forces Movement (MFA) to be the second password signaling the Carnation Revolution. The first password Paolo de Carvalho on a TV show sang a flower song...two weeks prior, so signaling the people." Elvis commented on how music was once again used to change a people, a culture, to free its people as in one of our favorite topics, "Music and the evolution of Consciousness".
The Memphis Flash Blog: There are a multitude of very good reasons to check out this great blog! Not only is it filled with interesting interviews and articles, but its latest interview,Understanding Elvis, is a candid discussion with EIN's Nigel Patterson about Elvis' film career.
The comprehensive interview covers a broad range of issues from the myth that all Elvis films are the same and the online course New Perspectives on Elvis Cinema to the history of EIN and the role a new paradigm in marketing played in preventing Elvis from achieving his dream of becoming a respected dramatic actor.
Saturday 5 July 2014 - - - 60th Anniversary of The Birth of Rock 'n' Roll ---
July 5th '60 Years of Elvis Rock 'n' Roll' - It All Started On This Day:On July 5, 1954, Presley joined guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black at Phillips' studio in an effort to generate some sides for Phillips' newly launched Sun Records label. The session resulted, mostly by accident, in the recording of the bluesy "That's All Right," among other tunes. The next day they went back to into the studio and recorded a rockabilly-flavored take on the Bill Monroe classic "Blue Moon of Kentucky." By week's end, according to Elvis historian Peter Guralnick, Phillips had the recordings in the hands of a few tastemaker Memphis DJs. Once "That's All Right" hit the airwaves, Elvis was on his way.But Presley wasn't exactly an overnight sensation. He'd first gone to Memphis Recording Studio in the summer of 1953 to cut a do-it-yourself record of the ballad "My Happiness," a hit for the Ink Spots. (Cost: $3.98 plus tax.) Phillips' secretary, Marion Keisker, was intrigued by his voice and made a note of his name and phone number. Around this time, Phillips' studio had been rented by Chess Records and other established labels to record blues
artists such as Howlin' Wolf, Ike Turner and B.B. King. Phillips was famously prescient in anticipating the convergence of African-American musical styles with country and pop into a phenomenon that didn't yet have a name.As Keisker later recalled, according to Guralnick, Phillips often declared: "If I could find a white man who had the Negro sound and the Negro feel, I could make a billion dollars." This was the 1950s and the South, after all. Phillips had Presley back in his studio in January 1954 to record a host of songs. But none of them captured the sound Phillips was looking for, according to Guralnick.
Presley's tastes leaned toward pop ballads in the vein of Dean Martin and Billy Eckstine. At the July 5, 1954, session, Phillips took another shot on Presley, this time pairing him with Moore and Black. The spark of "That's All Right," a variation on a tune Presley knew from Mississippi bluesman Arthur Crudup, came during a break when the three thought they were just goofing around. Phillips finally got what he wanted. By the end of the month, Presley had incited a frenzy at his first professional concert performance in a Memphis park. Sun Records released more Elvis singles (including "I Forgot to Remember to Forget," "Baby Let's Play House" and "Good Rockin' Tonight") as his regional hits became national sellers. Elvis would leave Sun for the big leagues of RCA Records by the end of 1955. But Phillips secured his place in musical history, and made a tidy profit even if it wasn't $1 billion. (Right; Elvis back in Sun Studios Dec 1956) Phillips' vision of Presley as the one who could achieve crossover success by expropriating African-American influences was reinforced by the very first reference to "Elvis Presley" in Variety, which came in the Aug. 24, 1955, weekly edition. The story wasn't about Elvis per se (those came just a few
weeks later) but about a movement in Houston led by the local branch of the NAACP to clean up the airwaves of sexually suggestive "race music" played on stations that targeted African-American auds.A sub-committee of the city's Crime and Juvenile Delinquency Commission, formed at the behest of the NAACP and a professor at Texas Southern University, came up with a list of 26 "objectionable" tunes and threatened stations with FCC complaints if they were played. "First act of the group was to list 26 waxings mostly by indie labels, that had bothered Negro leaders as degrading or possibly contributory to juvenile delinquency. Most of the 26 were by Negro artists," Varietyreported.The list of included Ray Charles' "I Got a Woman," B.B. King's "Everyday I Have the Blues," the Dominoes' "Sixty-Minute Man," the Midnighters' "Annie Had a Baby" and "Work With Me Annie," Bull Moose Jackson's "I Want a Bowlegged Woman" and two versions of "Good Rockin' Tonight": one by R&B hitmaker Roy Brown - who wrote the infectious "Have you heard the news / there's good rockin' tonight" and one by the singer who would soon be on a first-name basis with the world - ELVIS. Go HERE to listen to Sirius XM's Elvis Radio channel this weekend for plenty of broadcasts that commemorate the moment when the alchemy in the studio was just right to spark a musical revolution. (News, Source;Variety/ElvisInfoNet)
Memphis Rock n' Roll 60th Anniversary Celebrations: EPE and Memphis are also laying on a few special celebrations this weekend.
On July 5, 1954, Elvis walked into Sun Studio in Memphis and recorded “That’s All Right” with guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black. DJ Dewey Phillips played the song on July 8 on WHBQ radio and the switchboard lit up. Rock ‘n’ Roll was born and the music world changed forever. Visitors to Graceland on the historic day of July 5 will receive a free limited-edition poster by noted rock ‘n’ roll artist Joe Petruccio. Featuring art created especially for the anniversary, the prints showcase a young Elvis Presley early in his career clutching his favorite guitar, a 1956 Gibson J200 with the phrase “He Rocked the World.”
Fans can also enjoy a special Elvis-themed fireworks display, celebrate at Sun Studio, explore 60 years exhibits in Memphis, see the new Hard Rock Cafe's location on Beale Street, and take an Elvis-themed tour. For more information on all of the 60 Years of Rock 'n' Roll events and exhibits and also to check out our 60-day countdown, featuring artists who helped shape rock 'n' roll and pop culture. Click HERE to EPE's Events and schedule. (News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
'A Boy From Tupelo' In-depth Review: Want to know MORE about Elvis' early years and his first recordings at SUN STUDIO - Please see EIN's in-depth look at 'A Boy From Tupelo' - get those SUN recordings on your turntable and "Shake that Tambourine and Go"! For more than a decade Ernst Jorgensen has been working on his deluxe book/CD package to present the definitive look at Elvis during his sensational and creative Sun Records period. Over eight years later after first being discussed with fans it is finally released as a massive 530 pages, around 1,000 photos and weighing nearly 5 kilograms, this is the biggest project of its kind.
It also features all of Elvis’ Sun recordings on 3 CDs - including a CD of Elvis LIVE, on the radio, and in concert. Go here as EIN checks out this fabulous production with plenty of photos and stories plus a look at his sensational early LIVE recordings. The review features plenty of book extracts and rare photos.
'That's the Way It Is' Legacy 2CD Set - TrackList Confirmed: The double CD Legacy version features the original album, singles, bonus tracks plus the previously unreleased August 12th Dinner Show. CD 1 Original Album: 1. I Just Can’t Help Believin’, 2. Twenty Days And Twenty Nights, 3. How The Web Was Woven, 4. Patch It Up, 5. Mary In The Morning, 6. You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me, 7. You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’, 8. I’ve Lost You, 9. Just Pretend, 10. Stranger In The Crowd, 11. The Next Step Is Love, 12. Bridge Over Troubled Water, ORIGINAL SINGLES: 13. I’ve Lost You (single version), 14. The Next Step Is Love (single version), 15. You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me (single version), 16. Patch It Up (single version), OUTTAKES 17. How The Web Was Woven (Take 1), 18. I’ve Lost You (Take 1), 19. You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me (Take 2), 20. Patch It Up (Take 1), 21. Bridge Over Troubled Water (Take 1) CD 2: August 12, Dinner Show - Previously Unreleased.
Pre-Order Amazon - Only $16 >>That's The Way It Is (Legacy Edition) Release date August 5 confirmed
Go here to EIN's SONY/FTD 2014 page for and full tracklists. (News, Source;SONY/ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis In Hollywood' New Import CD: From the 'Bootleg Series' semi-official label comes the single CD release, 'Elvis In Hollywood'.
Includes:
- 10 complete masters and outtakes.
- The original "Girls! Girls! Girls!" mono masters as released in 1962.
- Movie radio trailers and promos plus as a bonus some instrumental tracks.
12 pages booklet with photos and recording information.
Elvis -Live In Las Vegas - Dec 7, 1976 New Import CD: Out soon,Elvis As Recorded Live In Las Vegas - December 07, 1976 the only known available soundboard recording from Elvis’ last Vegas season. Now newly remastered and for the first time available in the right speed.
Please note: This show was first released on the cd "Run On" in 1997. Although this is a soundboard recording, the sound quality is not very good. Whilst the sound quality is disappointing for a soundboard, the unusual circumstances of this show make it worthwhile to listen to. Now you can hear this show for the first time on cd in remastered sound and in the right speed!
Including: "You Better Run" and "Bosom Of Abraham"
Plus 8 great bonus tracks from Audience Recordings !
Including 8 pages booklet with photos and recording information. Go HERE to All Elvis 2014 CD Releases - for full tracklist.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Thursday 3 July 2014 - - - 2nd News Update - - -
'That's All Right: 60 Years On' BBC Radio Special: On 5th July 1954, a 19-year-old Elvis Presley walked into Sun Studio and recorded three tracks. To mark the anniversary of Elvis' historic recording, Hollywood actor and musician Sam Palladio hosts 'That's All Right: 60 Years On', BBC Radio 2 Special - this SATURDAY 6pm London time - live from Sun Studio in Memphis.
Having recorded Harbor Lights and I Love You Because, Elvis began an impromptu version of an Arthur Crudup song called That's All Right. Producer Sam Phillips instantly knew that he was onto something very different, as did bass player Bill Black who yelled: 'Damn, get that on the radio and they'll run us out of town!'.That's All Right would go on to make Elvis a star, and some argue it was the first ever rock and roll record.
Saturday night, live from the now legendary Sun Studio, artists including The Pierces, Laura Bell Bundy and Candi Staton will be performing the songs Elvis recorded that night as well as other classic Elvis tracks. Performances will be broadcast live into the Dermot O'Leary Show (3-6pm UK Time) today; the celebration then continues in this programme as Palladio has interviews with those who knew Elvis, as well as further special performances and little-known anecdotes as the story of the
first 19 years of Elvis' life and his obsession with music - from gospel, blues to rock and roll - is told.
The day will also be filmed for an hour long programme for broadcast on BBC Four in July You can listen to BBC Radio 2 ONLINE here. Note - 6pm London = Midday in Memphis = 1pm New York = 3am Sydney.
Go here for more programme info. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Future of Elvis’ Airplanes at Graceland in doubt?: It has been a bad week for EPE! After strong fan backlash over plans to change the name of its “Elvis Insiders” club (see report 1 July), it is again under fire, this time with apparent plans to end its agreement with the owner of Elvis’ two airplanes for their continued exhibition at Graceland.
From an AP report: For 30 years, tourists from around the world have paid money to get a look at two airplanes once owned by Elvis Presley at Graceland in Memphis. Fans enjoy touring the planes for their direct connection to Presley and his jet-setting lifestyle, a sort of touchstone to the life of the King of Rock and Roll and his family.
By April of next year, the planes named Lisa Marie and Hound Dog II could be gone. Elvis Presley Enterprises, which operates the Graceland tourist attraction, has written to the planes' owners saying they should prepare to remove the jets from Graceland by next spring. The planes have been a tourist attraction since the mid-1980s. They had been sold after Presley's death, and were eventually purchased by OKC Partnership in Memphis.
OKC Partnership and Graceland agreed to bring the two jets to Graceland. The agreement called for OKC Partnership to receive a cut of ticket sales in return for keeping the planes there. In an April 7 letter to OKC Partnership's K.G. Coker, Elvis Presley Enterprises CEO Jack Soden says the company is exercising its option to end the agreement and asks Coker "to make arrangements for the removal of the airplanes and the restoration of the site on or shortly after April 26, 2015." Their removal could cause an uproar among fans, especially those who visit Graceland every year as part of an annual pilgrimage to events such as Elvis Week and the candlelight vigil commemorating Presley's death.
Dedicated Elvis fan Paul Fivelson of Algonquin, Illinois, says he expects many fans will be upset to hear the planes may be leaving: "The people who come to Memphis for Elvis Week like seeing those planes there because it's just part of the whole aura of what Elvis was about," Fivelson said Tuesday. "It would be kind of blasphemous to take them away, and I think there are probably a lot of fans who will feel the same way."
The disclosure also raises questions about the future use of the site where the airplanes now sit, across the street from Presley's longtime home. Elvis Presley Enterprises declined immediate comment.
In November 2013, New York-based Authentic Brands Group bought Elvis Presley Enterprises and the licensing and merchandising rights for Presley's music and image from CORE Media Group. As part of the deal, Joel Weinshanker, founder of the National Entertainment Collectibles Association, acquired the operating rights to Graceland, which attracts about 500,000 visitors each year. After the sale, Authentic Brands said upgrades to the tourist attraction were planned. Earlier this year, Elvis Presley Enterprises announced plans to build a 450-room hotel, theater and restaurant, with a projected opening date of August 2015. Their plan was approved Tuesday by the Memphis City Council.
Today, Graceland visitors can buy a ticket that includes a tour of Presley's home-turned-museum and the two airplanes. Fans climb into the airplanes for an up-close look at their interiors. The larger plane, a Convair 880 named after Presley's daughter Lisa Marie, is like a customized flying limousine, complete with a large bed, a stereo system, conference room and gold-plated bathroom fixtures.
It was renovated after Presley bought it from Delta Air Lines. Presley took his first flight on it in November 1975. When Presley died on Aug. 16, 1977, Presley's pilot flew the Lisa Marie to California to pick up Presley's ex-wife, Priscilla Presley, to bring her back to Memphis. The smaller jet, a JetStar named the Hound Dog II, was also used by Presley.
At one point, after the planes were sold following the singer's death, the Lisa Marie was owned by Raymond Zimmerman, owner of the Service Merchandise chain, according to Coker. The Hound Dog II was in the hands of Hustler head Larry Flynt for a time, Coker said. OKC Partnership eventually bought the planes and the Lisa Marie was installed at Graceland in 1984. The Hound Dog II came later. Coker, 76, says OKC may sell the planes if they're removed from Graceland, but he still hopes to negotiate a deal that would keep the planes there. Coker acknowledges that he and his partners would lose money from ticket sales if the planes were removed.
"I would love to see the airplanes stay where they are forever," Coker said. "Millions of fans have toured those airplanes and there's a real connection between fans and those airplanes. Those airplanes are part of the Elvis experience."
EIN has received a number of messages on the issue: This one epitomizes fan feelings:
Brave decision given the recent backlash to changing Elvis Insiders name (which they quickly backtracked on but of course that was much easier to do than the planes decision). Wonder if it is really because of the redevelopment plan or if EPE manoeuvring for a much better deal on the planes. Certainly would free up a lot of space and for new tourists to G/L they won’t realise what they’re missing. Of course older fans will be incensed. Progress does that to us!
In response to negative backlash, Priscilla Presley apparently posted on her Facebook page:
I see your posts about the planes. Please calm down, we're in the midst of negotiations. It's as simple as that. Thank you.
EIN Comment: As the AP report gives NO indication the issue was actually being negotiated it was quite reasonable that fans thought the issue was NOT “....as simple as that”.
The bottom line is EPE can do what they want (regardless of what fans think), however greater transparency and a more effective pr strategy would benefit them greatly with fans! It is surprising (downright worrying) EPE has not realised this over the years. After more than three decades the EPE organisation continues to not understand and therefore underestimate how fans think and feel!
The reality is the owner of the planes, OKC Partnership, stands to lose a lot if the planes are no longer on display at Graceland. By themselves they would not be a huge tourist attraction except maybe as part of an airplane museum.
The planes represent an important part of the Elvis story and as such it is reasonable to view the current situation as a strategic ploy on the part of EPE to obtain a significantly improved financial deal on their continued presence at Graceland. (News/Comment, Source: AP/Facebook/EIN)
Fascinating facts about Elvis!: History.com published these facts recently:
(1) Elvis bought Graceland when he was 22: In 1957, Elvis shelled out $102,500 for Graceland, the Memphis mansion that served as his home base for two decades. Situated on nearly 14 acres, it was built in 1939 by Dr. Thomas Moore and his wife Ruth on land that once was part of a 500-acre farm dubbed Graceland in honor of the original owner’s daughter, Grace, who was Ruth Moore’s great-aunt. The Moores’ white-columned home also came to be known as Graceland, and when Elvis purchased the place he kept the name.
The entertainer made a number of updates to the property over the years, including the addition of music-themed iron entrance gates, a “jungle room” with an indoor waterfall and a racquetball building. After finding out President Lyndon Johnson enjoyed watching all three network news programs simultaneously, Elvis was inspired to have a wall of built-in TVs installed in his home.
In 1982, five years after Elvis was found dead in a bathroom at Graceland, his ex-wife Priscilla Presley opened the estate to the public for tours. Some 600,000 fans now flock there each year. Elvis’ only child, Lisa Marie Presley, inherited Graceland when she turned 25 in 1993 and continues to operate it today.
In 2006, George W. Bush became the first sitting U.S. president to visit Graceland, when he traveled there with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, a die-hard Elvis fan.
(2) Attempt to steal Elvis' remains: Elvis died at age 42 on August 16, 1977. The next day, Vernon Presley opened Graceland for a public viewing of his son’s body, and a huge line of fans filed into the home to pay their last respects. Not long after Elvis was interred at Memphis’ Forest Hill Cemetery, near his mother’s grave, several men made a failed attempt to steal the entertainer’s remains. In October of that year, Vernon Presley had the remains of Elvis and his mother moved to the more secure Meditation Garden at Graceland.
(3) Elvis’ controversial manager, Colonel Tom Parker, was a former carnival barker: Born Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk in the Netherlands in 1909, Elvis’s future manager immigrated illegally to America as a young man, where he reinvented himself as Tom Parker and claimed to be from West Virginia (his true origins weren’t known publicly until the 1980s). He worked as a pitchman for traveling carnivals, followed by stints as dog catcher and pet cemetery founder, among other occupations, then managed the careers of several country music singers. In 1948, Parker finagled the honorary title of colonel from the governor of Louisiana and henceforth insisted on being referred to as the Colonel.
After learning about the up-and-coming Elvis in 1955, Parker negotiated the sale of the singer’s contract with tiny Sun Records to RCA, a major label, and officially took over as his manager in 1956.
Under the Colonel’s guidance, Elvis shot to stardom: His first single for RCA, “Heartbreak Hotel,” released in 1956, became the first of his career to sell more than 1 million copies; his debut album, “Elvis Presley,” topped Billboard’s pop album chart; and he made his big-screen debut in 1956’s “Love Me Tender.”
The portly, cigar-chomping Parker controlled Elvis’ career for the next two decades, helping him achieve enormous success while at the same time taking commissions of as much as 50 percent of the entertainer’s earnings and drawing criticism from observers that he was holding Elvis back creatively.
Parker outlived his protégé by 20 years, dying in 1997 at age 87 in Las Vegas. (News, Source: History.com)
Misleading news item published by EIN c/- Yahoo News on Tuesday: Two days ago we (deliberately) published a news item about Elvis' hairstyle appearing in a new book release, Elvis By The Presleys by Henry Leutwyler.
The book title should have been a give-away to many fans that the book wasn't in fact a new book! Elvis By The Presleys was of course published almost a decade ago in 2005. Harry Leutwyler did all the still-camera photography for the book by Priscilla, Lisa Marie and other members of the Presley family.
We sourced the item from Yahoo News which had it dated 19 June 2014 (the Yahoo News 'search item synopsis' stated 16 June 2014). It is an ongoing irritant that news sites, in order to keep up a high and interesting number of stories, mislead readers by recycling much older stories as if they are current. (Comment: EIN)
New owner for former Vegas Hilton where Elvis sang: The storied former Las Vegas Hilton, famous for staging Liberace and more than 800 sold-out Elvis Presley concerts in the 1960s and 1970s, has a new name and owner.
Florida-based timeshare company Westgate Resorts announced it purchased the LVH hotel from Goldman Sachs and Gramercy Capital and would rename it Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. About 200 of the nearly 3,000 rooms and suites will be converted to timeshare villas, while others will remain open to regular hotel guests.
"We will be providing the best of both worlds on our resort property," said new owner David Siegel, who was hoisted up by a crane Tuesday to help as crews removed the letters "LVH" from the hotel's giant marquee. "We are very excited to be taking this important part of Vegas history and reinventing it for the next generation of Las Vegas visitors."
A full renovation is planned, according to company officials. The famously large sports book will be upgraded with better televisions and seating, but will retain its name and continue hosting events such as SuperContest, the premier sports handicapping competition.
With 1,500 rooms, the property was the largest hotel in the world when billionaire investor Kirk Kerkorian opened it as The International Hotel in 1969. Barbara Streisand performed an inaugural series of concerts there before Elvis Presley began a 58-show series that broke Las Vegas attendance records. He later went on to set up his own penthouse in the hotel and generated millions in ticket sales in the years before his 1977 death.
The hotel was the site of the famous 1978 fight in which Leon Spinks defeated Muhammad Ali for the world heavyweight championship. It was also the site of an arson that killed eight people in 1981, just 90 days after a fire at the nearby MGM Grand casino that killed 85 people.
The hotel, which is located in a quieter area close to the sprawling Las Vegas Convention Center and about a block east of the bustling Las Vegas Strip, has been expanded over the years. It was renamed the Las Vegas Hilton in 1971 and retained the name for 40 years before its licensing agreement with the Hilton hotel chain expired. The property struggled through the recession, defaulting on a $252 million loan in 2010. It was christened the Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, or LVH, in 2012.
The acquisition will significantly enlarge Westgate's portfolio. Before the buy, Westgate owned about 10,000 rooms at 28 other resorts, including the Westgate Flamingo Bay Resort in Las Vegas and others in Orlando, Florida, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Branson, Missouri, and Park City, Utah. Westgate CEO Siegel and his wife Jackie are known for their attempt to build a 90,000-square-foot Florida mansion modeled after the Palace of Versailles. The recession stalled construction on the house, which will be the largest in the U.S. if it's completed. (News, Source: AP)
Tuesday 1 July 2014
Elvis’ iconic hairstyle gets book treatment: It wasn’t just Elvis Presley’s music that signaled he was a true 20th century icon, his signature style set him apart as a different kind of pop star.
And thanks to a series of photographs by Henry Leutwyler in his new book Elvis, by the Presleys, the tools and products behind Elvis’ legendary style—and that legendary pompadour—are finally on display.
Elvis’ singing might have been natural and soulful, but he put plenty of thought into his image and held strong opinions about how he wanted to appear. “Elvis’ real hair was a sandy blond, but he wanted that black, black color.
You can see pictures from the army when he couldn’t dye it, he got highlights,” explains Kim Adelman, author of The Girls’ Guide to Elvis and a longtime fan of The King. (News, Source: Lilit Marcus, Yahoo.com)
Hosted by EIN's 'roving international reporter, Sanja Meegin, check out EIN's fabulous Facebook page full of interesting stories and Sanja's amazing Elvis Photo Archives!!!
EPE HAS NOT RELENTED!!!!.......Despite our headline below it turns out the original post on FECC was incorrect. EPE intends sticking to its change of "Elvis Insiders" to "Graceland Insidrers" While EPE will lose some renewing fans, undoubtedly new fans will more than make up for any losses. It is clear EPE wishes to push the "Graceland" brand as a key element in its strategic plan for the future! Many thanks to Jennie Carpenter for advising EIN of the actual situation! Here is our incorrect story:
EPE relents - "Elvis Insiders" name to remain!: On Saturday we reported a gathering storm of protest about the renaming of EPE's "Elvis Insiders' club to "Graceland Insiders".
Well that storm did not abate and EPE quickly bowed to fan pressure asnd the "Elvis Insiders" name will continue!(News, Source: FECC)
Our original story:
Angst following EPE renaming of ''Elvis Insiders': Apparently there is a gathering storm of protest following EPE's decision to rename its Elvis Insiders club to Graceland Insiders. The club provides a range of special deals on merchandise for members, as well as access to rare information, photos etc and members also get to meet at special functions each year during Elvis Week. There are two levels of annual membership:.. Basic ($19.95) or Plus ($39.99).
Posts on the FECC board are mixed about the news with some posters asking why it is such a big deal while others are "all shook up". (News, Source: FECC board/graceland.com)
Elvis Radio turns 10!: SIRIUSXM will celebrate the 10th anniversary of ELVIS Radio, which broadcasts live from GRACELAND, with special programming for throughout the week leading up to JULY 5th. Elvis Radio broadcasts 24/7 "live" from Graceland!
BILL ROCK will host a special broadcast JULY 5th that will look back at the "Big Bang Of Rock & Roll" with historic memories from SCOTTY MOORE, DJ FONTANA, SAM PHILLIPS, GEORGE KLEIN and the DJ who played the very first ELVIS record on the radio, DEWEY PHILLIPS. (News, Source: allaccess.com)
Rapid City '77 "Live" on Stage: Presented by: Coming to Melbourne, Australia on 26 July - Bluestone Productions - A Tribute to Elvis: Rapid City ’77 is not only back for its one and final spectacular Melbourne Concert, but also to farewell and give its own “Thank you very much” to the iconic landmark venue, The Dallas Brooks Centre before its demolition.
Rapid City 1977 was one of Elvis’ last public appearances before his evident decline in health and of course disappearing from the spotlight of his adoring fans. The production’s driving force is reliving the magic that this incredible man brought to millions of people worldwide during his lifetime and in particular on this very occasion in South Dakota.
Tony Franks has once again gathered the fantastic 12 piece Moreland City Orchestra, 8 back- up singers, his very own magic 8 piece band and a cast of colourful characters from Elvis’s past
Take a trip back in time as the Dallas Brooks Centre will be transformed into a spectacular Elvis Memorabilia Museum, featuring relics, costumes and collectables from Elvis’ final concert tour in 77.
Join us as we salute the Dallas Brooks Centre for one Last Concert, reliving Elvis’ “Final Performance in Rapid City 1977”.
“Every member of the Bluestone Productions has gone the whole nine yards to bring into life Elvis Presley. Tony Franks, Melbourne musician and producer, has delivered a dazzling performance impersonating the King, one of the world's greatest entertainers.” - WeekendNotes.com
“The King is in the building” - The Weekly Review (Almost Elvis, Source: MarketingDesign.com.au)
STORY UPDATE - Cornish village (no longer) in lockdown over fears of armed Elvis lookalike:
Further to our rather unusual Elvis related story on Saturday...
An Elvis impersonator remains in hospital after being arrested following a major operation on Friday. Derrel Weaver, of Higher Widlake Farm, was found in Widegates, near Looe. Two firearms were also seized. The 60-year-old was detained in hospital after his arrest.
A spokeswoman for Devon and Cornwall Police said yesterday he was still being treated in hospital.
Mr Weaver’s arrest at 9.30pm on Friday concluded a major operation which saw armed officers patrolling the countryside around the village of Widegates, as colleagues searched hundreds of acres of local woodland. Trenode Church of England primary school, in Looe, was closed as a precaution. Mr Weaver had gone missing from Higher Widlake Farm on Thursday following what police described as a domestic incident. (Odd Spot, Source: Western Morning News)
News from late June 2014.........................................................Saturday 28 June 2014
Ben Folds writes searing open letter to protest Elvis’s studio getting torn down: This week, Ben Folds proved there’s a lot more to him than his Buddy Holly look and piano power pop anthems when he stood up for the city of Nashville.
A bit of context—Nashville, like many other cities, has been exponentially growing for the past few years, after a bevy of mustachioed and kitten-heeled journalists from high gloss publications finally figured out that Nashville wasn’t just a scene dedicated to singing about trucks and “country cuties,” and returned to their respective big cities to alert the masses. The press hailed “the new Nashville” (a popularized buzz phrase that most natives try to ignore) as one of America’s hippest cities, and trust fund kids and entrepreneurs alike flocked to the city to test their grit.
Naturally the rise in residents sparked frenzied new construction, as greedy developers from the Republican parts of town have been adamantly capitalizing on the aforementioned “coolness” in Nashville’s more liberal areas.
Enter Folds. The piano man has owned and operated historic RCA Studio A for twelve years. Any music nerd (for lack of a better term) knows RCA’s Studios A and B are where some of the most iconic music of all-time was recorded—from Elvis, to Dolly, to Willy, and far beyond. Places like A and B give Nashville the authenticity that makes the dissonance between the smoky dive bars filled with natives (and now a lot more North Faces and Sperry’s), and the neon, vomit-soaked, strip of honky tonks that only play commercial country music—somehow make sense.
Like many other hallowed spots around town, the fate of the RCA Building hangs in the balance as developers have begun bidding on the space. Because bad news is always accompanied well by disparaging irony—on theday that would have been the 90th birthday of Chet Atkins, one of two founders of the RCA Studios, Folds was given notice that the building would likely be sold. Naturally he took to paper to finally give voice to what so many locals have been lamenting for the past few months, as they’ve watched the city’s charm get paved over with condos and chain restaurants. He sent his open letter to the local alt weekly, The Nashville Scene, where it was published and quickly consumed by the town.
Folds apologizes for nothing, unabashedly listing every artist of note to have ever recorded in the almost 50-year-old studio, in a lengthy paragraph that in essence communicates to anyone who doesn’t understand the import of the space’s musical heritage, “fuck you.” His love of Nashville, its rich musical history and the studios themselves are palpable, as he goes on to talk about both the million dollars he’s invested in the past twelve years to preserve the space so that others may continue to create within it, as well as sharing anecdotes passed own through the years describing the kind of magic that has always lived there.
Folds eloquently sums up the concerns of all Nashvillians asking, “What will the Nashville of tomorrow look like if we continue to tear out the heart of Music Row that made us who we are as a city? Ultimately, who will want to build new condos in an area that has no central community or creatives?” The sad truth that seems to be prevailing is that the question isn’t so much who will want to build the condos, but who will want to live in them. The developers don’t seem to be asking themselves anything, really, other than what they should destroy next to make a quick profit.
Addressing both the development company and developer by name, Folds appeals to the people who have been adulterating Nashville to—much like a girl scout—consider their impact on the space. His resounding earnest sentiment haunts, “We are Music City—the only city in the world truly built on music.” He ends hopefully though, stating that he believes “progress and heritage can co-exist in mutual respect.” That is an ideal world that I think all Nashvillians hope they can live in. But for now the city continues to prove the cliché that things really can be ruined by becoming too popular, when the mainstream has no more respect for its independent roots. Only time will tell if the fair city will hold, but for now, hats off to Ben. (News, Source: Chloe Stillwell, deathandtaxesmag.com)
Elvis on Barbra Streisand All-Star "Duets" album: "It's a beautiful, beautiful record," says the legendary producer of the upcoming all-star album. Barbra Streisand's upcoming all-star duets album is nearing completion, according to one of its producers.
"It took a long time to get it done, but we're finally, I don't want to say done-done, but we're right there," Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, who's co-producing the set with Walter Afanasieff, tells Billboard. "It's a beautiful, beautiful record. She's singing amazingly well, and it's been a fun project to do."
Streisand made her first public acknowledgement of the album last week via a birthday greeting for Lionel Richie -- thanking him for being part of the project -- that was shown during his concert in suburban Detroit.
The set also includes pairings with Billy Joel, John Mayer, Michael Buble, John Legend, Blake Shelton, Andrea Bocelli and Josh Groban, as well as a virtual duet with the late Elvis Presley.
An online posting from Afanasieff earlier this year said that Beyonce, Stevie Wonder, Lady Gaga and Bette Midler were also part of the set, while during the fall of 2012 he reported that Usher, Willie Nelson, Robin Thicke and Yo Yo Ma were also involved. Neither Columbia Records nor Streisand's reps responded to requests for more details about the project. Streisand previously released a "Duets" compilation in 2002. Her last album, "Release Me," featured previously unreleased material and debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 in October 2012. (News, Source: Gary Graff, Billboard)
EIN Note: There have also been recent reports that Sir Cliff Richard has been given the green light to record/release a duet with Elvis, with Blue Suede Shoes mentioned.
Elvis' Peacock Jumpsuit sells for $245.000!: Last Saturday we reported that Elvis' Peacock jumpsuit had been listed for saleby Sotheby's in London as part of its A Rock & Roll History: PRESLEY TO PUNK auction .
The estimate was that the jumpsuit (with broken zipper and allegedly remnants of Elvis' sweat) could reach $200,000 in bidding.
That estimate was nicely exceeded as the jumpsuit sold for a princely $254,000. (News, Source: wbsradio.com)
Angst following EPE renaming of ''Elvis Insiders': Apparently there is a gathering storm of protest following EPE's decision to rename its Elvis Insiders club to Graceland Insiders. The club provides a range of special deals on merchandise for members, as well as access to rare information, photos etc and members also get to meet at special functions each year during Elvis Week. There are two levels of annual membership:.. Basic ($19.95) or Plus ($39.99).
Posts on the FECC board are mixed about the news with some posters asking why it is such a big deal while others are "all shook up". (News, Source: FECC board/graceland.com)
Officers with Heckler & Koch assault rifles and body armour combed quiet country lanes and woodland in search of tree surgeon Derrel Weaver, 60.
Police had been called to his home in Higher Widlake Farm, Widegates, where he lives with his partner Karen Pengelly and her children on Thursday evening following reports of a domestic incident.
But Mr Weaver had already left the house and vanished. Officers spent the night searching for Mr Weaver, before ordering the closure of the nearby Trenode CofE Primary School as a precaution. He is known to have access to firearms although police say they have no reason to believe he plans to use a weapon. Police said that Ms Pengelly and the children were safe.
Mr Weaver, a tree surgeon who was trained by the National Trust, is a well-known Elvis impersonator and motorcycling enthusiast who collects high-end bikes and parts as well as jukeboxes and old records. He is believed to have a comprehensive knowledge of the local woods. A camouflage-wearing police sniper was among those drafted in to scour the village which is four miles from the popular Cornish holiday spot, Looe.
Superintendent Jim Pearce of Devon and Cornwall Police urged Mr Weaver to contact police urgently. He said: "It's currently unclear whether Mr Weaver may be armed but this is a possibility as he is a licensed firearms holder.” (News, Source: Telegraph.co.uk)
All Shook Up captures essence of Elvis: This is the 11th year the University of Alabama's SummerTide Theatre has presented a musical at the George C. Meyer Performing Arts Center in Gulf Shores, Alabama. I've had the pleasure of reviewing several of the previous shows presented as part of this program, and I've always been impressed by the exceptional quality.
This year's production is "All Shook Up," and it was great to see the quality has not wavered as the student cast from the University of Alabama's Department of Theatre and Dance scores high marks in all areas. Theatergoers have through Fourth of July to see a show.
"All Shook Up" is all about performing songs by Elvis Presley. The story features a "roustabout" drifter named Chad — the obvious Elvis figure — who arrives in a small town in the throes of moralistic repression back in the '50s. The set, costumes and props all capture the flavor of that bygone era.
I won't even start to detail the various interconnected romantic entanglements that engulf the eight characters we meet in "All Shook Up." Suffice it to say, the story is largely a framework within which the cast members have frequent opportunities to break into song. This musical is clever, frequently funny and full of lively dance choreography.
I also want to credit this year's SummerTide director, Stacy Alley, for including a pair of interracial relationships in the show's romantic mix. One of them involves Dean, a character played by Pensacolian Benjamin Haupt, who is a junior at the University of Alabama. Dean is in love with Lorraine, portrayed by Sandra Gates, and they are charming together on stage. It's also nice to see how Haupt's voice and acting skills have continued to develop from his days of performing in Pensacola productions. Haupt and Gates were especially engaging on their rendition of "It's Now or Never."
Kilian Afzalirad completely nails the Elvis persona as Chad. He has the look, the swagger and that '50s era crooner's voice. His best moment and, in my opinion, the best number in the show, occurs when Afzalirad sings the lead vocals in a knockout good rendering of "C'mon Everybody." Rachel Barber, who plays Sylvia, has the best voice in the cast. She conjures up some Aretha Franklin magic, especially on her soaring solo, "There's Always Me."
Highest marks for comic timing go to Will Erwin, who plays a nerdy wannabe named Dennis; and to Brianna Heller, who plays Sandra, the beautiful, intellectual caretaker of the town's museum who transforms into a smoldering volcano of repressed passion. I also have to mention Kelly Kohlman, who plays Natalie and Ed. Natalie is a tomboy of a girl who is so smitten with Chad that she disguises herself as "Ed" so she can be around him as his sidekick. This leads to many funny moments, but I also liked the sincerity Kohlman injects into her role. We really feel for Natalie and Kohlman's rendering of "Love Me Tender" is my favorite quiet musical moment in the show. Bill Martin plays Jim — Sylvia's eventual love interest in the production's other interracial relationship — and he does a good job of portraying a middle-aged widower trying to find his way to a new life.
Assisting Alley are musical director/pianist Terry Moore, stage manager Karen Baker, technical director Abigail Gandy, scenic designer Andy Fitch, lighting and sound designer William Teague, costume designer Donna Meester and drummer Zachary Swanner.
Want to GO?
• WHAT: "All Shook Up."
• WHEN: 8 p.m. today through Sunday and Tuesday through July 4.
• WHERE: George C. Meyer Performing Arts Center, 2022 W. Second St., Gulf Shores, Alabama
• TICKETS: $20; $15 for children ages 12 and younger.
• DETAILS: 251-968-6721 or visit www.summertide.org. (News, Source: Andy Metzner, pnj.com)
"He was one good lookin' cat" - Seniors 'All Shook Up' by Elvis memories: The name of the sometimes controversial King of Rock n' Roll continues to evoke a wide range of emotions from love to fear to even disgust.
For many, however, the name Elvis Aaron Presley brings about fond memories of a performer who, while considered a little edgy for the mid-1950s, provided rockin' good times.
That's the case for Effie McFarland, 76, of Florence. She was a teen in 1956 when Elvis came out with his first No. 1 hit "Heartbreak Hotel."
"I like a lot of things about Elvis," she said. "I really liked it when he wiggled."
McFarland was one of many residents of Colonial Heights and Gardens in Florence who were treated to a special June 23 presentation about the famed singer. Burlington resident and avid Elvis fan Sam Lapin, 51, led an interactive multimedia program he created to share with residents of assisted living facilities. He also brought along a portion of his extensive collection of Elvis memorabilia.
"This is something I enjoy doing," Lapin said. "I've done volunteer work with seniors in the past and I just love them." I also love Elvis and his music; it's a passion of mine. The two are a good fit. I have so much fun and we share a lot of laughter. You can't beat that."
Effie McFarland, 76, a resident of Colonial Heights and Gardens, takes a look at Sam Lapin’s Elvis memorabilia that was displayed during his presentation on the singer.
(Photo: Melissa Stewart/The Community Recorder)
Colonial Heights activities director Yvonne Ward said Lapin's visit was a wonderful opportunity for the residents. "It really brought back a lot of good memories to them," she said. "That's good for them." Lapin said he likes the stories he gets to hear when he makes one of his Elvis presentations. "One lady was telling me how she got to sit on Elvis's lap," he said. "Another lady in her 90s was telling me how she had young kids when Elvis was first around and that she tried to shield them from his music. She said the presentation gave her a fresh look at him and she saw him in a different light. That was very rewarding."
Lapin's collection includes more than 100 LPs, 30 books and lots of "interesting" pieces such as an Elvis-themed train, dolls, Monopoly game, cologne and, of course, teddy bears. He started the collection 12 years ago to serve as visual aids for a rock 'n' roll history class he was teaching. The collection grew and now he wants to share it with others.
"I hope the word gets out about this," said Lapin, a professor at Northern Kentucky University. "I like volunteering and I think you should do what you're passionate about. This is a passion I want to share."
Colonial Heights resident Warren Johnson, 90, said he's glad Lapin came to visit and share his collection. "He was one good lookin' cat," Johnson said of Elvis while looking at a doll made in his image. "I liked Elvis. I liked his style." Nancy Norton, 77, said the presentation brought back a lot of good memories for her. "I liked Elvis a lot," she said. "One of my favorite things about him, well, he used to spend a lot of time in Asheville, North Carolina, and once I got a picture of me sitting on his knee. I enjoyed his outgoing personality. He was an outstanding young man, very friendly."
According to Lapin, that's one of the most interesting facts he's learned about Elvis. "Elvis was known for being a generous person," he said. "He did lots of charity work. But one story I find interesting is about one of his maids or cooks. She had gotten to work late and when she came in, she apologized and said she had to wait on the bus. She thought she'd be fired. Elvis got up and left. When he came back he handed her the keys to a new Cadillac he bought for her and said: 'You won't have to wait for the bus anymore.' He was constantly doing stuff like that."
Lapin himself lives by the example. He may not be giving away Cadillacs, but he's sharing his passion, making friends and giving more fond memories of Elvis.
Invite Sam for a visit: Sam Lapin is looking to share his Elvis presentation and memorabilia with more senior living communities. To book Lapin, call him at 859-663-5683.
'UK's number one Elvis impersonator' facing jail after admitting child porn offences: Entertainer Louis Fella, 53, has played to stars including Liam Gallagher, Tom Jones and Sir Elton John.
An Elvis impersonator who sang for Elton John and performed in front of 25,000 screaming fans in Las Vegas faces jail for child porn offences.
Merseyside entertainer Louis Fella was yesterday crooning to tourists on Southport’s seafront with his tribute to “The King”.
But the 53-year-old – whose stage name is Louis Rockafella – was today exposed by the Liverpool ECHO as a paedophile caught with more than 900 indecent pictures and films of children.
He also shared the images on the internet with other perverts. Fella – who boasts of being UK’s number one Elvis tribute – admitted 19 counts of possessing and distributing indecent images of children at Liverpool Crown Court earlier this month. He is due to be sentenced early next month. (News, Source: John Siddle, Liverpool Echo/mirror.co.uk)
News and EIN exclusives from earlier last month
Gillian G. Gaar talks to EIN!: Today, Gillian G. Gaar celebrated rock history aficionado and rock music author opens up to EIN in a fascinating 6,000 word discussion covering a range of eclectic subjects.
Brew your coffee, break open the biscuits........sit back and enjoy what is one of the most interesting and diverse interviews EIN has ever conducted as Gillian takes us inside her life and career and reflects on:
how Elvis will be remembered in the year 2525
EPE’s policy on Elvis’ later years and how EPE could market a DVD of the 1977 TV special, Elvis In Concert
Elvis and touring overseas
the role of Colonel Parker
writing for Rolling Stone, Mojo, Goldmine, Melody Maker, Q and Classic Rock
the Beatles, Green Day, Kurt Cobain, Nirvana and grunge rock
women in rock & roll including Big Mama Thornton, Janis Joplin, Patti Smith, Blondie, Pussy Kill, The Go-Go's
Quentin Tarantino
a shoot-out at the Graceland Gates (the O.K. Corral was booked) as digital publishing threatens the future of physical books
the time Elvis invited Ronnie Tutt upstairs at Graceland and played him a contemporary record asking why his own records didn’t sound like that.......Elvis knew something was missing from his records but didn’t know how to ask for that!
and along the way we find out what the other "G" stands for in Gillian's name! (Interview, Source: EIN)
BACKDRAFT announces FINAL COUNTDOWN TO MIDNIGHT....THE ULTIMATE PITTSBURGH 1976 NYE EXPERIENCE PACKAGE 2CD/DVD/BOOK: This release, ‘FINAL COUNTDOWN TO MIDNIGHT’, follows from Backdraft’s first offering, ‘Rebooked at the International’. It contains a hardback book with over 100 pages of many rare and unpublished photos, all taken from original slides with detailed information including eyewitness text, facts and more!
Incorporated with the book is a 2CD set offering for the first time ever, THE COMPLETE SHOW of the Pittsburgh 1976 New Years Eve concert re-mastered from a newly acquired source, now running well over 92 mins that is guaranteed to please the listener as Elvis rings in the new year of 1977, his final countdown. The sound will attest to the best near soundboard quality ever!
The DVD premieres to the world, newly discovered footage and has been edited from over 2 hours and 20 mins allowing us to present this near complete show running at 85 mins in multiple-angle format. Some of the footage transferred in High Definition is positively stunning! The rich and vibrant colours provide a truly stunning viewing experience.
This Pittsburgh experience package has been a mammoth task to complete to finally bring the ultimate experience of what was the greatest show on earth, to the fans.
You can view a quick made trailer here and a sneak preview of the DVD is coming soon! (News, Source: Email)
'Ultimate Elvis Sessions' More Preview Pages:More great sixties preview pages and don't miss the special deal for their great new deluxe book - Don't pay $400, buy it direct to your door from Elvis Filesfor only US$320 - including postage.The combined three book weigh 10Kgs, so it is the postage that makes it expensive. 'Ultimate Elvis – Recording Sessions' is a three-volume, deluxe set, that features all the session information available to date. With fabulous photographs - approximately 1500 of them! - many of them previously unseen, relating to the time period in question. Legendary guitarist James Burton sums it up neatly: 'These are the most beautiful books I have ever seen and the best researched.'. Go HERE for US$320 Pre-Order - plus see the new Previews (News, Source;EL/ElvisInfoNet.com)
Elvis "Comeback Special" IsoCam Tape!: For Elvis' "Comeback Special" the NBC studio recorded several continuous hand-held camera feeds for editing into their final cut. These were often used to fill in any gaps or errors that might have been made during the live control room switching.
Recently discovered on YouTube is this FABULOUS very Close-Up IsoCam tape from Elvis' 6pm Stand Up performance on Saturday June 29th 1968. Seeing the show as a continuous feed from one hand-held camera captures the live experience like never before.
'Elvis: That's The Way It Is' Deluxe Edition: After weeks of speculation Sony/RCA/Legacy officially announce the release of monumental definitive edition of "Elvis: That's The Way It Is (Deluxe Edition)" presented together for the first time ever in a Deluxe Box Set (8CD/2DVD). Available on August 5, 2014. The CD selection is exactly as EIN predicted with two concerts being officially released for the very first time. CD1 ‘That's The Way It Is’ - Original Album CD2 August 10 Opening Show - (FTD One Night in Vs) CD3 August 11 DS - Unreleased CD4 August 11 MS - (BMG Live In Las Vegas box-set) CD5 August 12 DS - Unreleased CD6 August 12 MS - (BMG 30th Anniv box-set) CD7 August 13 DS - (FTD The Wonder Of You) CD8 Rehearsals - (BMG 30th Anniv box-set) That’s The Way It Is (Deluxe Edition) is the most ambitious Elvis Presley restoration package ever created, bringing together - for the first time ever - the album, the theatrical and home video versions of the film, six full-length concerts (featuring previously unreleased performances), rehearsal highlights and other rare recordings in one astounding and essential package. The result of an historic partnership between Sony and Warner Brothers, the deluxe set combines the video and audio assets of Elvis: That’s The Way It Is with unique and previously unreleased material.
The highly-collectible That’s The Way It Is (Deluxe Edition), bonuses include unreleased material, remixed and remastered audio and a new 80-page book detailing the entire event with facts, songwriter and musician interviews, and photos in a deluxe 8CD/2DVD box set.
Originally released on RCA Records in November 1970, Elvis: That's The Way It Is combined eight studio tracks, recorded in Nashville, and four live concert performances recorded in Las Vegas during Presley's 1970 "Summer Festival" season at The International Hotel in Las Vegas to create one of Elvis' best albums.
On July 14, rehearsals for the movie and live shows commenced at the MGM lot in Culver City, California. The Hollywood cameras rolled for five different rehearsals prior to the opening night on August 10. Unquestionably, Elvis was keen to broaden his repertoire for the film,as more than 60 songs were attempted during the period, far more than the usual average of 20 to 25 that would normally be chosen. Over the four nights filmed by MGM, Elvis and his band worked tirelessly, trying out a broad variety of musical styles, emphasizing his desire to share the wide range of music he loved with his audience. Director Denis Sanders captured the end result magnificently, providing fans throughout the world with their first glimpse of the new contemporary Elvis performing at the peak of his vocal prowess both in rehearsal and on the stage. 'That's The Way It Is (Deluxe Edition)' centers on the SIX complete shows recorded and partially filmed by MGM. Two of the shows are released for the first time in their entirety.
The original RCA album is expanded with the four single sides from the period, and a selection of “fly-on-the-wall” outtakes from the June Nashville sessions that produced the majority of tracks for the album. Completing the audio section, a separate disc of insightful rehearsal highlights, featuring unusual song selections showcases both the hard work and the playful atmosphere that governed Elvis’ relationship with his musicians. That's The Way It Is (Deluxe Edition) puts the original RCA album and the 1970 MGM documentary feature together in a single package for the first time. It includes the previously released original theatrical DVD version (1970) and the re-edited and extended DVD version from 2000. (EIN note: What a shame not one scrap of new footage has been included. This would have been the perfect place and presumably indicates that there will never be an official release of any more MGM filmed material). Go HERE to Amazon Pre-Order>> That's The Way It Is (Deluxe Edition) with cheap price guarantee
Go here to EIN's SONY/FTD 2014 releases page for more details and full tracklists. (News, Source;SONY/ElvisInfoNet)
'That's the Way It Is' Legacy 2CD Set - Confirmed: It seems that although 2014 is supposed to be a celebration of Elvis and the "60th Anniversary of the Birth of Rock'n'Roll", SONY have instead decided to celebrate the 44th Anniversary of 'That's the Way It Is'!
Not only is the Warners Deluxe BluRay DVD Digibook movie being released, as well as the "Deluxe" 8 CD, 2 DVD set but the two-CD 'That's the Way It Is' Legacy release is also being released. Pre-Order Amazon - Only $19 >>That's The Way It Is (Legacy Edition)Release date August 5 confirmed
(News, Source;Amazon/ElvisInfoNet)
Two New FTD Releases June: FTD is pleased to announce its new June 2014 releases.
- 'The Return To Vegas' - This is the official release of the soundboard recording that Joan Deary planned as a double album release back in the late seventies. It’s the earliest known professional recording from Elvis’ 1969 engagement in Las Vegas. The original tape box has "opening night" written on the back, but that’s not the real date. Some experts believe it’s from August 3, but we have no information what so ever to suggest a certain date.
However, the arrangements seem to suggest that this show is definitely several days earlier than the shows RCA recorded from August 20 and onwards. Why Joan Deary edited and mastered this for release is another mystery, since she of course had all the shows RCA recorded on 8-track tape with audio in substantially better quality. This release comes in a 7" digi-pack with a 12-pages booklet, featuring great photos from the collections of Steve Barile & Jim Patino, and a foreword by Ken Sharp. Tracklist: 1. Blue Suede Shoes, 2. I Got A Woman, 3. All Shook Up, 4. Love Me Tender, 5. Jailhouse Rock / Don't Be Cruel, 6. Heartbreak
Hotel, 7. Hound Dog, 8. Memories, 9. Mystery Train / Tiger Man, 10. Monologue, 11. Baby, What You Want Me To Do, 12. Are You Lonesome Tonight?, 13. Yesterday / Hey Jude, 14. Introductions, 15. In The Ghetto, 16. Suspicious Minds, 17. What’d I Say, 18. Can’t Help Falling In Love.
Previously released on the bootleg'Return Of A Prodigy' (see EIN review here), the remastered audio on this FTD is supposed to be far superior.
- 'Memphis To Nashville '61' FTD Book/CD: FTD Books and Flaming Star, in association with EPE, will release a new book – "Memphis To Nashville ’61" – in late June. This will give a comprehensive account of the two Memphis charity shows that Elvis performed at the Ellis Auditorium on a cold day in February 1961. The book includes accounts of that day and the events leading up to it. It features accounts from Elvis’ musicians, friends and fans, magazine- and newspaper articles from the time, and many rare and newly-discovered photographs. The collection of over 100 unpublished photographs, most of them in black and white, have been collected from many different sources; some are from original negatives whilst others are from original prints. Also included in the book is a section on Elvis’ visit to Nashville on March 8, 1961, less than two weeks after the benefit shows of February 25, to receive an honorary colonelship from the Governor of Tennessee, Buford Ellington. Furthermore, the final part of the volume includes information and details relating to the recording sessions held on March 12 and 13, 1961 that provided most of the tracks for the classic LP, "Something For Everybody". As an added bonus, the book comes with a CD containing the mono version of "Something For Everybody" plus
recordings of Elvis’ press conference, held at the Hotel Claridge in Memphis on February 25, 1961, and of the presentation of honours at the Tennessee State Capitol just 11 days later. The 'Memphis To Nashville '61' Book includes a bonus CD. Tracklisting: Something For Everybody (mono version) Plus BONUSES 13) Press Conference (March 25, 1961) 14) Elvis Is Made An Honorary Colonel (March 8 1961) (go HERE for full tracklisting)
Both "The Return To Vegas" and "Nashville To Memphis '61" will be shipped last week of June. (News, Source;FTD/ElvisInfoNet)
Elvis Week Tickets Now on General Sale: Elvis Week tickets are now available to the general public for Elvis Week 2014 in Memphis August 9-17. Below are the highlights.. - The Candlelight Vigil, the cornerstone event, will begin with the traditional opening ceremony on August 15, at 8:30 p.m at Graceland’s front gates. - Elvis A Cappella: A Tribute to the King, a first-ever event this year will be presented at the Elvis Week Main Stage. - August 14 & 15 - "Elvis: That’s The Way It Is" – Special Edition, an exclusive screening world premiere of Warner Bros’ newly-remastered version at the Orpheum Theatre. - August 16. - The Memphis Boys Salute - at the Elvis Week Main Stage will celebrate the 45th anniversary of Elvis’ acclaimed recording sessions at American Sound Studios - August 13. - Conversations on Elvis, one of the most popular Elvis Week events, returns this year to the Elvis Week Main Stage. - August 15. - The Official Elvis Insiders Event will feature special segments that highlight various aspects of Elvis’ life and career. - August 14 - The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest returns for the eighth year with over 20 competitors from around the world. The Finals are on August 14.
- Elvis Gospel Celebration - the special close to Elvis Week - August 17
Go HERE toEPE's Schedule of Events.EIN's Sanja Meegin will be there to report all the stories (News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
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Release date August 5 confirmed
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