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...
Fats Domino and Elvis, Mutual Admiration: In the new Baz Luhrmann 'ELVIS' drama - in the scene about the 1969 Las Vegas Press Conference Elvis says, "I'm not the King of Rock'n'roll.. here's Fats Domino, he's the real King of Rock'n'roll".
While Elvis loved Fats Domino some fans have commented that Elvis did not actually state that line. However EIN would like to note that Elvis' words, when asked about Fats Domino, were in fact "I love him, he's the greatest!"
From a dramatic point-of-view, along with Elvis' previous comments to Jet magazine, a similar point is made.
As reported by super-fan Maria Columbus "Elvis was asked what he thought of Fats Domino. Elvis beamed and said, "I love him, he's the greatest!""
Recently, making a similar splash, is Fats Domino singing 'Blueberry Hill' at Austin City.
On stage the great Fats Domino says.. "Right now I'm going to do a number - and I play it for such a wonderful man I loved so well.
I just can't help it but I say this when I play this number every night. I've played this number so many times and I think of this man every time I come to my bandstand. I play this for the great Elvis Presley"
Elvis was Not Racist: Priscilla recently appeared on Sky News to discuss the ELVIS movie, as well as Elvis' iconic legacy.
When asked by Sky News how Elvis would fare in "this weird cancel culture" Priscilla confirmed that "Elvis was not prejudiced in any way and not racist in any way.
Elvis was never racist. Elvis had friends, black friends and friends from all over. Elvis loved their music. He loved their style. He loved being around, you know, black musicians."
Priscilla cited his friendships with Fats Domino and Sammy Davis Jr., who she said would "always come into the dressing room" when Elvis performed in Las Vegas.
"He loved, loved being around blacks and being around anyone actually."
Priscilla praised Luhrmann's new biopic "Elvis" which stars Austin Butler as Elvis and Olivia DeJonge as Priscilla herself. Elvis' friendship with B.B. King is a key part of the movie.
Recently due to a wider understanding of cultural appropriation Elvis' legacy has again come under scrutiny during the film's promotional cycle.
In the movie Luhrmann shows how Elvis repackaged historically black genres, styles and performances, along with Gospel and country, to become a star.
Elvis first single was a cover Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup's blues classic "That's All Right". This is highly acknowledged in the film and the lead-single also being a re-working Big Mama Thornton's 'Hound Dog' as Doja Cat and "Vegas" which is now top-ten worldwide. (News, Source,ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis Presley News Report August 2022: Elvis super-fan Emiel Maier presents all the recent news.... including new ELVIS movie is a blockbuster!, the 'On Tour' CD-box announcement, "new" Elvis Jumpsuits still being made and an excellent Catherine Martin (Elvis designer) interview at the end.
And a "Fuzzy Tree" has Emiel Maier all shook up.
'ELVIS Original Soundtrack' CD OUT NOW: At last the 'ELVIS Original Motion Picture Soundtrack' CD has been officially released worldwide today - OUT NOW.
The CD is twenty-two tracks, whereas the Digital Release is 36 tracks.
CD priced at Australia AU$22 and UK £10.99 and US$14 "The soundtrack features Elvis's extraordinary body of work spanning the 1950s, '60s and '70s, while also celebrating his diverse musical influences and enduring impact on popular artists today."
1. Suspicious Minds (Vocal Intro) - Elvis Presley
2. Cotton Candy Land - Stevie Nicks & Chris Isaak
3. Vegas - Doja Cat
4. The King And I - Eminem & CeeLo Green
5. Tupelo Shuffle - Swae Lee & Diplo
6. Baby, Let's Play House - Austin Butler
7. Craw-Fever - Elvis Presley
8. Strange Things Are Happening Every Day - Yola
9. Trouble - Austin Butler
10. Can't Help Falling in Love - Kacey Musgraves
11. I Got A Feelin' In My Body - Lenesha Randolph
12. Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child - Jazmine Sullivan
13. Edge of Reality (Tame Impala Remix) - Elvis & Tame Impala
14. Power of My Love - Elvis Presley and Jack White
15. Polk Salad Annie (Film Mix) - Elvis Presley
16. Suspicious Minds (Film Edit) - Elvis Presley
17. Burning Love (Film Mix) - Elvis Presley
18. I Got A Feelin' In My Body - Elvis Presley & Stuart Price
19. Don't Fly Away (PNAU Remix) - Elvis Presley & PNAU
20. If I Can Dream - Måneskin
21. Suspicious Minds - Paravi
22. In the Ghetto (World Turns Remix) - Elvis feat. Nardo Wick
(News, Source/ElvisInfoNet)
Luhrmann on 'four-hour' 'ELVIS': As Baz Luhrmann revealed at the Sydney ELVIS movie premiere he had to edit his extended movie version down to a realistic 2 1/2 hours for cinemas. He has always talked about a four hour version, which fans hope will be released on the future DVD.
Recently Luhrmann talked with the Radio Times about scenes that were cut from the film. "I have a four-hour version. I do. But I had to bring it down to 2 and a half hours.
I would have liked to lean into some of the other things more and there’s so much more. I mean, there’s lots of stuff that I shot like the relationship with Elvis' original the band, I had to pare them down. And it’s so interesting how the Col Parker got rid of them.
Similarly Elvis' relationship with his first girlfriend Dixie Locke featured more .. And later on how once Elvis is caught in a trap. And he’s discombobulated and doesn’t understand… someone who’s got such a hole in his heart like Elvis constantly looking and searching for love and finding it on stage but nowhere else.
The last section was edited.. Elvis' addiction to barbiturates and all of that, and like what happens when he started doing wackadoo things like going down to meet President Nixon. I had that in there for a while but there just comes a point where you can’t have everything in, so I just tried to track the spirit of the character.”
EIN is looking forward to the 4 hour version. (News, Source;RT/ElvisInfoNet)
New 'Follow Elvis' app:The publicity notes... Can’t get enough Elvis? The new Follow Elvis aims to highlight the untold story of the King, where he came from.. and more. The developers bill it as the “ultimate immersive fan experience that curates written articles, audio design, and video footage showcasing the compelling story of Elvis.”
The Follow Elvis app includes an exclusive guide to Elvis’ life and times spent in Memphis, Tennessee. “We’ve read all the books, watched all the films, and listened to the music over and over,” adds the team behind the app. “But we want to go deeper and give his millions of fans around the world the change to get a close-up of The King.”
The guide includes more than 800 pages of brand new, thoroughly researched articles revealing previously unpublished facts about Elvis. The team spent more than 20,000 hours on countless research trips to Memphis to collect the best stories, film 200 locations around the city, and create a unique audioscape experience for the app.
Some of the Follow Elvis app highlights include:
o- 200+ episodes of 5-15 minutes on key locations in Memphis linked to Elvis. Each episode contains new footage, stills, and a voiceover for the ultimate experience.
o- Select your own itinerary on a route following the footsteps of Elvis in video, audio, and text for 200+ locations in and around Memphis.
o- More than 800 pages of brand new, thoroughly-research articles revealing facts about Elvis.
- 36 hours of stories presenting new sides of rock & roll legend Elvis Presley’s life in Memphis.
The ultimate Elvis quiz for fans to test their knowledge on the life of the King of Rock & Roll.
The app highlights some of Elvis’ favorite restaurants in the city, including having his own back room at The Delta Room. The app is available in the App Store and Google Play. The full experience costs US$24.99, while individual sites can be bought for US$0.99. Don’t have time for a full tour of the city? Pick and choose the locations you visit. EIN NOTE: we have not trialled this app as yet. (News, Source: Ashley King, digitalmusicnews.com)
Austin Butler 'went home in tears': It is perhaps more like method acting but Austin Butler's emotions were shaked, rattled and rolled after he endured a particularly hard filmmaking experiment at the hands of director Baz Luhrmann. Austin Butler recently explained to VMAN....
"Well, when I was on my first day in the recording studio, Baz wanted me to get as close to performing as possible. He had all the executives and everybody from RCA, who were back in the offices, he brought them into the recording studio and he goes, 'I want you all to sit facing Austin,' and he told them to heckle me. So then they were making fun of me and stuff while I was singing."
The 30-year-old actor suggested that there was no malice in Luhrmann's tactic, but rather the filmmaker's intent was to get Butler to empathize with the criticism Presley faced throughout his career. "When we were filming this moment when Elvis first goes on stage and he's getting heckled by the audience, I knew what that felt like. I went home in tears that night. I really did."
Previous Luhrmann movie star Leonardo DiCaprio had previously warned Butler.
"Leo told me, 'Baz is going to constantly keep you off balance, and it's going to pull things out of you that you never knew you had inside you.' That's exactly the experience that I had. There were days where I just thought, 'Baz, why don't we just do what we prepared?' I realized that he would push me right to the edge of what I was capable of. You capture
lightning in a bottle in a way — if you had just done the thing that you had prepared, it may have been more stale." prepared, it may have been more stale."
“I was so nervous, and we were recording on actual equipment that Elvis recorded ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ on,” he remembers. Butler was told that the studio visit would be "laid-back and playful" and saying that
they’d just be recording one line or so at a time while workshopping the voice. “We got down there and it was not that at all. We were recording old school, where all the musicians - some of the best musicians in the world - were recording the entire song. And so that was how I cut my teeth in the recording studio.”
Butler's experience with Luhrmann seems to have paid off as his performance as ELVIS has already got Oscar buzz for 'Best Actor'. (News, Source; VMAN/ElvisInfoNet)
New POD and Kindle book releases: The introduction of print on demand (POD) and online digital (Kindle / Nook book) options have made vanity publishing a generally cost-effective means of getting into hard and/or digital print - they also mean authors or publishers looking to exploit the market can do so relatively easily. In recent weeks the following (and it is not a full list) softcover titles have been added to Amazon sites:
The Ultimate Film Poster Book (hardback and softcover editions)
The Other Side of EP: The Big Cat, The Blues and The Afterlife
Synopsis and Review of Elvis and Me: An Autobiography by Priscilla Beaulieu Presley
Review: Elvis & Me(similar to preceding title)
Follow That Dream – Harry Shahoian (ETA release)
Elvis Presly’s Biography (note the inexcusable incorrect spelling!)
240+ Elvis Quotes That Will Leave You All Shook Up ;
In addition, the following titles are among the relatively cheap Kindle titles that have appeared:
Elvis Presley: His Truth Is Marching On (ETA release)
The King Cool: Elvis Presley for Fans
Synopsis and Review of Elvis and Me: An Autobiography by Priscilla Beaulieu Presley
Review: Elvis and Me (similar to preceding title)
Summary of Elvis and Me
Elvis Presly’s Biography
Elvis and the Fab Four: Short Story - (News, Source: EIN; Amazon)
Release date – 'Guaranteed To Blow Your Mind': On July 6 EIN published a news item about this new book by the owner of the EP Blvd Pawn Shop in Memphis, Jon Daly. While the book is yet to be listed on the EP Blvd Pawn Shop site, EIN has been advised that the 152 pages “hardcover” will be available for purchase on that site just after Elvis Week 2022. For British fans, the book is already listed on the Elvis Shop London sitefor pre-order at £49.99.
From the book description (full information is included in EIN’s July 6 news item): The book details the November 1976 West Coast Tour and does so in remarkable detail. With full cooperation of Elvis’ road manager, Charles Stone, who also wrote the introduction, the book gives you unique VIP access on that tour. There are over 150 photographs, unpublished paperwork from Colonel Parker’s office, insights from the musicians, memorabilia, tour and recording details, original advertisements, reviews, memories from the fans and more.
(News, Source: Mary Clark; ESL)
Priscilla honored for contributions to Memphis: Last weekend Theatre Memphis honored Priscilla Presley’s contributions to "Memphis Art and tourism".
The group additionally introduced the dedication of a $2,500 performing arts scholarship in Presley’s title.
The occasion follows the new interest in Memphis following Baz Luhrmann’s film 'ELVIS'.
This year also marks the 40th anniversary of the opening of Graceland to the general public which has introduced Memphis to millions of tourists from around the globe.
A number of Memphis leaders spoke on Priscilla's eternal effect on the town and awarded her honors, including Pastor Keith Norman of First Baptist Church, US. Rep. Steve Cohen and Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland who presented Presley with a key to town.
The highlight of the evening was when various Priscilla friends from Luhrmann to country singer TG Sheppard, appeared both in person or via video to share emotional tales about her life.
On stage Priscilla, 77, was humbled and in great humour making the room really feel like a family reunion rather than a ceremony.
She acknowledged that “My time in Memphis is what drives me and from coming here with Elvis always has". (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
On the Elvis grapevine: Australian Elvis collectors have been busy in recent weeks. Among the items heading “downunder” are an:
RCA “in-house/experimental” red copy of the 1977 Moody Blue LP
original Elvis Now 1973 ceiling hangar
I Hate Elvis badge from 1956
original Elvis Now at the Hilton (7 feet long!) banner
Montblanc Elvis Presley Special Edition fountain pen
If the new owners find they don’t have room to house their items, EIN would be only too happy to help out. Piers and Nigel can be contacted 24/7.
If legible handwriting is required for the Montblanc Special edition fountain pen, (priced around $5000) we are both willing to undertake intensive remedial instruction. (News, Source: EIN)
Wednesday 27 July 2022
Interview with actor Adam Dunn / Bill Black in 'ELVIS':Elvis author-researcher, Paul Bélard, interviews actor Adam Dunn who plays Bill Black in Baz Luhrmann's movie 'Elvis'.
The interview is particularly of interest as Paul Bélard recently published the first detailed biography of super-bassist Bill Black.
In the interview Adam Dunn reveals.. - how he got the role,
- how he learnt to play double-bass Bill Black style,
- about meeting Tom Hanks and Austin Butler,
- working with Xavier Samuel and Terepai Richmond who played Scotty and D.J.
- the 'trouble' filming the Russwood Park riot
- and much much more...
Elvis biopic soars past $200M globally: Stunning news that Baz Luhrmann’s 'ELVIS' has crossed $200M global with a great -32% hold internationally in 73 markets.
Internationally outside the US it’s nearing $100M with $91.8M through Sunday.
It is one of the rare films without superheroes or dinosaurs to reach that mark.
Grosses US Domestic $118,376,000. International $91,800,000 - Worldwide $210,176,000. ELVIS costars Tom Hanks as manager Col Parker with relative newcomer Austin Butler in the title role. Butler, who beat out higher profile actors has attracted Oscar buzz. 'Elvis' will soon pass 'Australia' to become the second highest-grossing film of Luhrmann’s career. 'The Great Gatsby' at $355.6 million worldwide is the highest-grossing film of Luhrmann's career so far.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
"An Elvis for Himself": A newsletter for music lovers by a music fanatic.
Published by Robert C. Gilbert ‘Listening Sessions’ features a long-form essay on an album or artist.
..With Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis hitting theatres last month, there’s been renewed interest about Elvis Presley, his legacy and whether he continues to matter..
My essay "An Elvis for Himself" only tangentially mentions the new Elvis biopic and instead, focuses on a series of recordings Elvis made in Nashville between May 1966 and January 1968. It was perhaps the most commercially fallow period of his career but amidst the diminishing returns of movies and movie soundtracks was a collection of recordings that stand as among Elvis’ most interesting and varied. Taken together, they provide a vantage point to better understand the comeback that started with the famous NBC special taped in June 1968 and aired on December 3 of that year....
Go HERE to ‘Listening Sessions’ for this fascinating article.
EIN thanks our friend Kees Mouwen for the word-up. (News, Source;ELvisDayByDay/EIN)
DVD 'SOLD OUT' Vol 16: Yet another volume of fan-filmed footage. 'Sold Out' Vol 16 is out now. The publicity states .. it contains some of the rarest and most incredible Elvis 8mm footage you’ve ever seen!
There are several genuine surprises on this volume, ultra-rare footage from the summer ’73 and ’74 Las Vegas engagements.
There’s films from seven shows from the ’74 engagement alone, which demonstrate what a remarkable engagement this was. Elvis looks good and his performances are energetic, and his outfits like the Tiger, the Blue Eagle and the white leather outfits look spectacular on him. The big songs from the season are there, including ‘It’s Midnight’ and ‘If You Talk In Your Sleep’. And his interplay with the audience is, as always, a true highlight. There’s also 8mm footage from various shows from Summer Festival ’73, all superb concerts with Elvis in solid form and good humour. His stageside banter is, once again, a delight.
There’s also several really good films from the ’72 and ’73 tour concerts, and they are an essential watch. There’s much to enjoy here, including a rocking ‘Johnny B. Goode’ (neat harmonies with Charlie Hodge on this one), a tender ‘For The Good Times’ and a tentative ‘Burning Love’, with Elvis still unsure of the lyrics. Another significant film is the Los Angeles ’74 film, which gives you a front seat at one of EP’s best shows of that year. He’s in top form, and he looks spectacular in his Peacock suit, and even the ultra-rare ‘You Can Have Her’, performed only once live in concert, is there! The December 1975 footage is another highlight on this release, and it includes the best version ever of ‘How Great Thou Art’! (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Australian 'Elvis: Direct from Graceland' Exhibition collateral auction: The Australian exhibition is finally over but for those who haven’t had enough 'Elvis: Direct from Graceland' and would like to take a piece home with you, we’re auctioning items related to the exhibition. Banners, posters, photos etc
The online auction is now live concludes at 5pm Sunday 31 July.
Note that items must be picked up from the Bendigo Art Gallery between 1 and 5 August - sorry no postage.
Australian selling HUGE Elvis collection: Australian Elvis super-fan Adrian is having to move overseas and has to sell his complete collection.
He has to move and so has made the sad decision to sell everything.
... I'm selling this in TWO options.
Option 1: is as an entire collection (and I'm open to offers).
Option 2: is to sell in bundles or individual items.
I have kept my collection immaculate!
And I have tons of extremely rare and highly sought after titles here.
I have compiled a catalogue, so have a look through and see what you like.
The catalogue will always be updating, reflecting prices and what has sold and what is still available.
EIN is super impressed with the VINYL - including FTD doublevinyl - in immaculate condiction.
The image only shows a part of his collection Check here on EBAY- Prices are negotiable (News, Source;EIN)
'(Seemingly) Non-Stop Summer' New Import: Since the launch of the Straight Arrow Label in the year 2005 many interesting concert sound tracks of Elvis’ 1974 have come into the light. And we are pleased to bring to you yet another AUDIENCE RECORDED show by Elvis, performed just before the cancellation of the shows scheduled for August 26th. Elvis was feeling under the weather at that time. This is Elvis' last performance before „the collapse“. There is no intention to claim that Elvis’ health was rock solid and without issues. However, immerse yourselves in our unique recording from that very night and make your own opinion. An unexpected exhaustion of the King put a halt to the never-ending chain of his summer concerts in 1974. Just on August 27th he was back in the Hilton hotel showroom as a star.
The Las Vegas, August 25th, 1974 Midnight Show is previously unreleased in any form. Straight Arrow was fortunate enough to obtain an early generation copy of the original audience-recorded cassette. Presented in top notch digipak including photos of Elvis in leather “Mermaid Jumpsuit” from August of ’74. Go here to 'ALL The CD News' for details and tracklisting (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Monday 25 July 2022
'Elvis: Pine Bluff to Madison '76' FTD In-depth Review: FTD continues their extensive look at Elvis' performances in 1976 with another two previously unreleased concerts. This set features two shows: Pine Bluff Convention Center, September 8, 1976 830pm and Dane County Coliseum, Madison, October 19, 1976 8.30pm.
FTD have already released plenty of soundboards from these two tours including September 6, 1976 Afternoon and Evening shows ‘Elvis In Alabama: The Last Double Date’ and the day before Sioux Falls, Oct 18 (On The Road With Elvis CD2).
By early 1976 Elvis’ set-list had become routine with few surprises along the way and while the Pine Bluff performance has the energy of the Closing show of the tour fans surely don't want to hear Elvis suggest that “we should rehearse more before we tour”! Elvis soundboard super-collector Geoffrey McDonnell and EIN's Piers Beagley check out this new FTD 1976 double-pack to see whether it is another essential release for your collection. (FTD Reviews, Source;GM/ElvisInformationNetwork)
Elvis Week 2022 New Guests: EPE are excited to announce that the following guests been added to the 2022 Elvis Week line-up. For music fans, the best news will be that Ernst Jorgensen, producer / historian will announce details of the upcoming 'Elvis on Tour' release out this November. Pat Boone, singer, composer, actor and writer, was a friend of Elvis Presley. Pat will appear at Elvis Week for the first time in more than 15 years at Conversations on Elvis on August 15 to share some of his favorite stories and memories; he will also appear at The Sapphire Collection Event on August 16, where he will share music, memories, and answer questions from the audience. Billy Swan is a legendary singer, songwriter, and musician, who wrote the song “I Can Help,” which Elvis recorded in 1975. Swan will appear for the first time at the Songwriters Showcase on Aug 11 to share his music and stories of the king Marlyn Mason co-starred alongside Elvis in the 1969 “The Trouble with Girls.” Mason, an actress, producer, and screenwriter, will appear at Conversations on Elvis on Aug 15.
Brian “Q” Quinn stars on the comedy show “Impractical Jokers” on truTV and is a die-hard Elvis fan. He will appear at Conversations on Elvis on August 15.
Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, Cassandra Peterson and Norbert Putnam will be unable to appear during Elvis Week 2022.
- The 'On Tour' Sony Listening Party is on Sunday, August 14. 2pm and is free Ernst Jorgensen will “unbox” this exciting new 'On Tour' CD box set and give the audience a detailed preview of the unreleased music included in it.
- 'ELVIS' Baz Luhrmann Movie Screenings
Two Screenings and chance to watch it at the Graceland Guest House.
Wednesday, August 10. 7pm and Tuesday, August 16. 1pm
Tickets are free, but you must reserve to attend.
Baz Luhrmann on Shonka Dukureh: Shonka Dukureh, who played rhythm and blues singer Big Mama Thornton in the new ELVIS biopic was found dead last week at her home in Nashville. Baz Luhrmann posted this heartfelt message: "A special light went out today and all of the Elvis movie family are heartbroken by the loss of Shonka Dukureh.
From the moment she came into our world, Shonka brought joy, spirit and of course her voice and her music.
Whenever she was on set, on stage or even just in the room, everyone always felt uplifted. Shonka was just starting to find a larger audience for her tremendous talent, and I got to see her uplift whole crowds of people at Coachella and beyond.
A favorite word of Shonka’s, in daily use, was “blessings,” and I, along with the entire Elvis cast, crew and musical collaborators, feel truly blessed to have had time with her.
We send all our love and support to Shonka’s children and family at this time."
Authorities said no foul play is suspected, though officials are awaiting results from the Medical Examiner's Office for an official cause of death.
Nashville Mayor John Cooper noted, "My deepest condolences to the family of Shonka Dukureh. Shonka graduated from Fisk and called Nashville home for many years. Her powerful voice and artistry will live on through her music, and we honor her memory on this sad day." (News, Source;BL/ElvisInfoNet)
Friday 22 July 2022
'ELVIS' actor Shonka Dukureh (Big Mama Thornton) found dead in Nashville home: In shocking news, Shonka Dukureh, who played rhythm and blues singer Big Mama Thornton in Baz Luhrmann's recent ELVIS biopic, has been found dead at her home in Nashville. She was 44.
Police said there were no signs of foul play.
Shonka Dukureh was a singer, actor and former teacher who had recently made her big screen debut as Big Mama Thornton.
Dukureh’s performance of the song 'Hound Dog' which Thornton recorded in 1952, four years before Presley, went viral online after the film was released.
The actor and singer, who also shared the stage at Coachella this year with Doja Cat, had a theatre degree and an education degree from Trevecca Nazarene.
In an interview last month Dukureh recalled the moment she heard she got the part in Elvis and was being flown to Australia for the shoot.
"I thought it was the best Christmas present I had ever received.
I knew to really pay tribute to her, I had to tap into myself, my own self-confidence, my own voice.
I was just so honoured."
In 1952, Big Mama Thornton became the first singer to record Hound Dog, four years before Elvis.
Her recording, released in February 1953, was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2013 and is listed as one of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's "500 songs that shaped Rock and Roll".
Elvis' version became one of the best-selling singles of all time with 10 million copies sold globally, and was simultaneously number one on the US pop, country and R&B charts. (News, Source;NP/ElvisInfoNet)
"REDISCOVER Elvis Presley": Not that we Elvis fans ever need to re-discover Elvis Presley but in a neat follow-up to the MASSIVE success of the new Elvis biopic "Amazon's Music Experts" have brought together over 70 of the most pivotal, memorable, and beloved Elvis Presley tracks in one place, on the 'RE-DISCOVER Elvis Presley' playlist.
Heard a song in the new movie, but can't remember the name? Don’t worry…It'll be included here along with all your classic favorites, including both live and studio recordings.
The playlist is available to all Prime and Amazon Music Unlimited members.
With a swivel & a sneer, Elvis shook up R&B, gospel, & country, igniting a cultural revolution.
77 songs • 3 Hours 34 Minutes EIN note: Interesting selections include..
I Shall Not Be Moved & Peace In The Valley (from Million Dollar Quartet) Long Black Limousine,
It's A Matter of Time,
Your Love's Been A Long Time Coming,
I've Got a Thing About You Baby,
plus Unchained Melody (Live at Ann Arbor, MI)
GOHERE to AMAZON to listen (News, Source;Amazon/EIN)
The book includes a fabulous Elvis-related story about Ron Strauss visiting his bank manager to obtain a home mortgage and the time Ron fell asleep in Elvis’ bed will bring a smile to the reader’s face. Other interesting accounts include Ron’s reaction to Elvis carrying a loaded gun on board (in a pressurized cabin), and many readers will appreciate reading how Ron felt about Linda Thompson and Ginger Alden.
EIN’s Nigel Patterson recently took flight with an advance copy. What Nigel found, not only added appreciably to his knowledge of a rarely written about aspect of the Elvis Presley story and provided greater insight as to who Elvis was as a person, but also offered a wonderfully rich and entertaining account of the life and times of the underappreciated, Ron Strauss.
Marking Gene “Red” West’s passing: On 18 July 2017, Red West, one of the most well-known members of the “Memphis Mafia”, and friend of Elvis’ since high school, passed away. Red had small parts in many of Elvis’ films, including Blue Hawaii, Flaming Star, Wild in the Country, Follow That Dream, Kid Galahad, Love in/Viva Las Vegas, Roustabout, Fun/Love in Acapulco, Girl Happy, Spinout/California Holiday, Roustabout, Spinout, Paradise, Hawaiian Style, (confidence wise, a memorable or maybe not so memorable scene in) Clambake, and Live A Little, Love A Little.
Red was both an accomplished songwriter and an accomplished actor. His song hits included Separate Ways, If You Talk In Your Sleep, and You’ll Be Gone.
Red has an impressive resume on IMDB.com (more than 100 entries!). He appeared in many television shows, and as a good friend of actor Robert Conrad, he co-starred in Conrad’s TV series, Baa Baa Black Sheep, and guested in shows such as Simon and Simon, Lee Major’s, The Fall Guy, and the under-appreciated, Elvis-infused, series, Memphis Beat. He also appeared alongside Patrick Swayze in the film, Road House. In 2008,
Red achieved his greatest acting performance, playing the lead role of William in the widely acclaimed independent film, Going Solo.
Red (along with his cousin Sonny and friend Dave Hebler) fell out of favor after their contribution to the “infamous “Bodyguard” book, Elvis, What Happened?, which was published six weeks before Elvis’ death. Elvis and Red had an honest telephone discussion about the book in October 1976 (note: more than six months before the book’s publication!!). Red West, RIP. (News, Source: EIN)
Red West Interview: Red West was one of Elvis' closest friends. He first met Elvis in High School and went on to work for Elvis as a bodyguard until 1976. Elvis and Red West became close friends when Red volunteered to help drive Elvis, Scotty Moore, Bill Black and DJ Fontana around the southern US states for their early tours of 1955-1956. Red West is also a talented composer and actor who still appears in award-winning movies.
In 1999 Red West was the main guest at the Elvis English Fan Club Convention where he opened up to fans like never before, revealing his true love for Elvis. It is certainly one of the longest and the best interviews with Red West - and at times devastatingly honest.
MODERN SCREEN PRESENTS ELVIS PHOTO ALBUM: Is this a new trend? One of the American gossip magazines, Modern Screen, has one of its many Elvis related issues re-published in digital (Kindle) format). The 68 pages magazine featuring color and black and white photos features these sections:
• The Tender One
• The Personal Side
• Their Precious Love: Elvis and Priscilla
• His Favorite Girl: Lisa Marie
• A Devoted Son
• Elvis and his Fans
• Elvis in Concert
• Elvis and his Friends
• Never Before Seen Photos of Elvis (News, Source: Amazon UK)
(Film review) "Austin Butler dazzles as Elvis": In the post pandemic
dystopian cinema box office, Baz Luhrmann’s ELVIS is racking up robust
ticket sales. Despite the saturation of Elvis’ biopics, TV series,
biographies and ubiquitous iconography, people are fascinated with the
enigmatic, trailblazing, and ultimately tragic King of Rock and Roll.
... Luhrmann’s flamboyant filmmaking seems like a perfect match for
Presley’s flashy performances, but style alone doesn’t make a good film.
Substance and emotional impact depend highly on the actor playing the
King, and Austin Butler is a great choice.
Luhrmann’s typically dazzling storytelling; fast editing, split screens and shots that don’t last longer than a few seconds, is great to look at it, but can be disorienting when you are trying to find an emotional, or even coherent foothold into the story. This is the dilemma I felt during the first third of the film. In this gorgeous kaleidoscope it is difficult to create a credible performance, how can an actor be memorable when they come and go so quickly on the screen? Much of this earlier part of the film is devoted to Elvis as a child (Chaydon Jay) and the influence of black music during his rural upbringing in the South.
Fortunately, as the film progresses the editing becomes less frantic, and Austin Butler, who still must struggle with being an actor in a Luhrmann film – sort of like being a back-up singer to Barbra Streisand - begins to weave a beguiling, charismatic performance. Butler is especially impressive during the concert and performance scenes. Here he somehow manages to inhabit Elvis without imitating him.
Influenced and inspired by the non-fiction book, The Colonel by Alanna Nash the story focuses a lot on Elvis’ controversial manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks) and their tumultuous long relationship. Parker is almost as enigmatic as Presley, and his permanent, often maleficent presence in the film, resembles a villain in a fable. Hank’s performance with its bizarre hybrid accent (Dutch + American southern?) is polarizing. If Hanks and the writers had made the character a bit more mythical and less realistic it might be better to swallow and would also mesh better with Luhrmann’s magical realism touches. However as is, I don’t know what to make of it. It is too bizarre and keeps me at such a distance, that it began to annoy me.
The film is overlong, and the beginning is emotionally off-putting. No matter though, because I found the last third of the film completely involving and when Luhrmann’s originality meets Black’s authenticity the film soars. Sitting in the theater, watching it on the big screen is fun, it’s a unique experience that too often escapes us these days. (News, Source: Craig Thornton, wwnytv.com)
"The Real Elvis Presley" in MOJO: The September 2022 issue of UK music magazine MOJO magazine features an article, The Real Elvis Presley.
Described as .. 'Elvis Presley: As Panto Presley hits the screens, the King comes to life in the jaw-dropping photographs of Alfred Wertheimer. MOJO gets first dibs from a new book'.
The magazine cover story features Bruce Springsteen His 50 Greatest Songs. Entrapment and escape, love and betrayal, murder and mayhem, cars and girls: all human life encapsulated by a force of nature and his Swiss Army band.
Check your newsagents
(News, Source:ElvisInfoNet)
Tuesday 19 July 2022
'ELVIS' tops $100million US box office: Last week Baz Luhrmann’s 'ELVIS' topped $100 million at the US domestic box office on Friday becoming one of the rare films without superheroes or dinosaurs to reach that mark. Globally, the Warner Bros. film has made over $170 million, an impressive result for this kind of material.
With its high production values 'ELVIS' was not a cheap film to produce. The movie which looks at Elvis' rise to become one of the hottest acts in rock ‘n’ roll, as well as his struggles with his bad manager played by Tom Hanks cost $85 million to produce and tens of millions more to market.
Warner Bros. president Jeff Goldstein noted, "We are not only pleased to cross this milestone, but truly thrilled to see it happen with a film like ‘Elvis. In today’s market and especially in the summer corridor, to see a non-branded IP with an up-and-coming lead create not just box office noise but also result in a significant spike in other areas is so gratifying and speaks to the quality of the film on every level. With strong playability, positive word of mouth and cross-generational multiple viewings, we expect ‘Elvis’ to continue to deliver and we congratulate Baz, Austin and everyone involved in the film and the soundtrack on its ongoing success."
ELVIS costars Tom Hanks as manager Col Parker with relative newcomer Austin Butler in the title role. Butler, who beat out higher profile actors has attracted Oscar buzz. 'Elvis' has a good chance to bypass 'Australia' and its $211.8 million haul to become the second highest-grossing film of Luhrmann’s career.
'The Great Gatsby' another Warner Bros. release, netted $355.6 million globally to rank as the director’s most popular film.
See EIN's original Sydney Premiere 'ELVIS' Movie review here (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'ELVIS' Movie Soundtrack VINYL release: Baz Luhrmann confirmed that - as expected - there will be a VINYL release of the 'ELVIS' Original Movie Soundtrack.
House of Iona / RCA Records will release the highly anticipated VINYL version of the 'ELVIS Original Motion Picture Soundtrack'. The soundtrack album features highlights from Baz Luhrmann’s blockbuster film ELVIS. The soundtrack has a variety of artists, mixing different genres and sounds to create something special alongside the movie. It features tracks from some of the biggest stars – Eminem & CeeLo Green (“The King and I’), Tame Impala (“Edge of Reality (Remix)” with Elvis Presley), Stevie Nicks & Chris Isaak (“Cotton Candy Man”) and Jack White’s duet with Elvis Presley (“Power of My Love”). From Kacey Musgraves’ angelic version of “Can’t Help Falling In Love” to Doja Cat’s “Vegas”
the album blends the old classics with a unique flare that brings new life to these Elvis Presley classics.
GO HERE to 'Elvis The Music' for some fun listening (News, Source;BL/ElvisInfoNet)
'ELVIS' biopic continues to post strong box office:'ELVIS' is still making waves; this last weekend, it has brought in an estimated $9.8m at 72 markets, including the openings in Mexico, Brazil, and Korea. Currently, the international total is $79.4m and the worldwide total is $185.6m. Overall, Elvis has had an incredible -32% in holdover markets with the holdovers ranging with Denmark (-15%), Spain (-20%), Australia (-25%), the UK (-27%), New Zealand (-29%) Italy (-30%), Holland (-33%), Japan (-36%), and Germany (-39%).
The film opened in Mexico to $1.6m on 1,360 screens. This marks the biggest opening for a Baz Luhrmann film in the country so far; 'ELVIS' also brought in more than some classic films, opening +132% over Rocketman, +61% over the Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga remake of A Star Is Born, and +60% ahead of House of Gucci.
In Brazil, 'ELVIS' was also the biggest opening for a Luhrmann film and tracked over both House of Gucci and Rocketman, bringing in $970k on 825 screens.
For South Korea, (poster shown right) the film tracked slightly behind Rocketman but brought in $443k on 665 screens.
There are still three final markets that have yet to receive the film and 'ELVIS' is opening there on July 21.
So the box office totals for the film are nowhere near finished yet and the final three markets could continue to make new records for Luhrmann as a director in these countries and so on and so forth. (News, Source: AP/ElvisInfoNet)
Saturday 16 July 2022
Making ELVIS' clothes: Or 'How 'Elvis' Costume Designer Catherine Martin transformed Austin Butler Into Elvis'! In a fascinating 10 minute video, acclaimed costume designer Catherine Martin (she has won four Academy Awards for her work and Baz Luhrmann is her husband), discusses how she approached making the costumes Austin Butler wears in the Elvis biopic. “I think one of the things the Graceland archive allowed me to see was a world that formed Elvis. Both his mother and father were products of the Depression, and his father kept every single receipt and every single check that ended up back at the bank. I saw the kind of financial simplicity that he came from, and how extraordinary his fashion choices actually are because he’s completely self-created. Elvis lived in a time before stylists and before people helped to create the image. This was totally Elvis creating the look himself.”
Ms Martin also makes several incisive observations about what Elvis' clothing meant to him as a person....
Gohere to 'Vanity Fair'to watch (News, Source:EIN/Vanity Fair)
Can you help? Elvis' Gold Cadillac tour of Australasia and America: Prominent Elvis researcher-author, Bob Hayden is working on the final edition of his popular book, Elvis Presley's Gold Cadillac Tour of Australasia 1968-69.
To add to the book, he is interested in obtaining the memories of anyone who saw the Cadillac exhibition.
Bob is also interested in talking to people who saw the tour of the Cadillac in America and have the tour program (see image).
Bob can be contacted at: elvis2594@gmail.com
(News, Source: EIN/RH)
FTD New July Releases OUT NOW: FTD have released two July collections. OUT NOW and at your dealers. The "complete" 1963/64 ‘Lost Album’ Sessions plus a 3CD set of three 1973 Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe Midnight shows. - 'Devil In Disguise: the ‘Lost Album’ Sessions'3-CD.
As part of its acclaimed ‘Sessions' series, FTD is pleased to announce the release of Elvis Presley: Devil In Disguise – The ‘Lost Album’ Sessions - in the usual 3-CD 8” digi-pak with 28-page booklet. Recorded, for the most part, over two days in July 1963, these varied and excellent performances ended up being scattered over several RCA Victor releases between 1963 and 1968. It would not be until 1990 that the songs finally appeared as originally intended on a proper RCA vinyl album. Almost 60-years later, FTD presents all of the masters and outtakes available from the sessions. EIN Note: All the tracks except 'Love Me Tonight' take 7 false start were previously released on FTD's 'Memphis Tennessee' 2008 Classic Album. Hopefully there will be more unreleased 'count
- 'Elvis: From Vegas To Tahoe' 3-CD
As part of its ongoing live on tour series, FTD is pleased to announce the release of Elvis: From Vegas To Tahoe. Released as a 3-CD 5” digi-pak, this set features three 1973 midnight shows recorded on January 27 / February 21 (Las Vegas Hilton) and May 12 1973 (High Sierra Theatre, Sahara Hotel, Lake Tahoe)
Some fans are disappointed that the first two CDs are 'sound-booth' audience recordings and not ‘soundboards’
EIN Note: Two tracks from May 12 1973 concert have been previously released by FTD on 2003’s ‘Takin’ Tahoe Tonight’ and they were rather good. See review here. Elvis was still in good form in 1973 and all three are ‘Midnight Shows’ making them all the more interesting. Note that it is priced at a 1/3 more than the usual FTD double-live set.
Inaugural Rockhurst Auction on Elvis Presley Blvd – Sunday August 14, 2022: Do you have “significant” Elvis items you want to sell? If so, this Elvis Week 2022 auction may help you find a new owner for your item. Importantly, Rockhurst will only be listing items that are “significant”, like Elvis owned and worn clothing, jewelry, autographs, and personal effects. A highlight of the auction will be the one of Elvis’ childhood homes in Kelly Street, Tupelo, going under the hammer. Other items already announced include a 1955 Rolex watch Elvis gifted to his friend and “superfan”, Gary Pepper, and Elvis’ 1967 Lincoln Continental. In total, more than 100 items are expected to be
The Rockhurst Consignment Team is in Memphis and the New York / New Jersey area now. You can contact Rockhurst on (773) 612-0918
or email: jeff.marren@rockhurstauctions.com (News, Source: Rockhurst Auctions)
(New book) 'The Other Side of Elvis Presley: The Big Cat, The Blues and the Afterlife' (Brian Harker Johnson and Denise Lescano): Fans interested in the paranormal may like to check out this new book.
The Amazon book description indicates:
... In The Other Side of Elvis Presley internationally-known psychic medium Denise Lescano connects with the King of Rock n' Roll. Hear what Elvis has to say about the day of his death, his Hollywood films, Priscilla Presley, Lisa Marie, and his grandchildren Riley and Benjamin Keough.
(News, Source: Amazon)
Thursday 14 July 2022
'Elvis UK Cover Story' Book Review: Elvis experts John Townson and Gordon Minto recently published their new (digital) book 'Elvis UK Cover Story: The Ultimate Guide To Elvis Presley's British EP & LP Sleeves 1956-1977' designed to add to and complement their original 'Elvis UK' book.
It is a 286 page, fully comprehensive book, providing the ultimate guide to Elvis’s EP and LP album sleeves released in the UK between 1956-1977.
Extensively illustrated in full colour and arranged in sections, this book addresses a wide range of topics including back cover photos, printing companies, sleeve notes, etc.
There are extended sections including 'Front Cover – Fact File', and 'For UK Fans Only' an in-depth study of those albums that originated in the UK, or were only ever available in the UK.
It includes a wealth of background info incorporated into the text.
It is a downloadable digital flip-book stored on your own device.
Reading through this fact-filled investigation, the amazing thing EIN discovered was just how many sleeve variations, UK only releases, and cheap RCA / Parker design decisions there were.
For the world’s biggest superstar some of their marketing decisions were truly bewildering. And some of their design choices total madness.
'Elvis Live At The International - 50th Anniv Edition' New Book: Elvis author Kieran Davis has published his revised and expanded 50th Anniversary edition of his book 'Elvis Live At The International'.
Originally published back in 2011 and one of EIN's favourite books (see EIN In-depth review here) Davis has been working on a worthy 50th anniversary expanded version. Now double with the pages, the book now weighs over 2 kilos. Kieran Davis explains, It might have been delayed by nearly two years due to the pandemic, but the updated and expanded version of one of our first books is Out Now.
Coming in at 432 pages this hardback book contains more stories, images, memorabilia and newspaper materials than ever before fleshing out the story of the early Vegas years with even greater detail.
Go HERE to Kieran Davis website to order the book - hurry it is a limited print run. (News, Source;KD/ElvisInfoNet)
Australian 'Elvis' Exhibition a Smash Success: The Australian Elvis exhibition closes later this week and every ticket is already SOLD OUT. More than 200,000 people have travelled to Bendigo, Victoria to visit 'Elvis: Direct from Graceland'. Since it opened in March the ELVIS exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery has attracted 219,000 people, outstripping the Grace Kelly and Marilyn Monroe exhibitions, which attracted 152,706 and 143,222 people respectively.
The exhibition is considered the gallery's most successful to date and will close to a sell-out crowd on Sunday.
More than 65,000 visitors to the exhibition were first-time visitors to the gallery and 24,000 of the Elvis fans travelled to Bendigo from interstate.
Gallery director Jessica Bridgfoot says the exhibition has injected a sense of excitement and energy back into the city.
She said 86 per cent of ticketholders were tourists who lived outside of Bendigo.
"We are thrilled with the way visitors, local businesses and the community at large embraced the exhibition," Ms Bridgfoot said.
She said the team at the gallery had a multitude of ideas about what was to follow Elvis.
The gallery's next exhibition season will feature historic and
contemporary Chinese art and design.
Victorian Tourism Minister Steve Dimopoulos said Elvis had been a smash hit for Bendigo and for the state.
He said the government had expected the exhibition to be popular, but hadn't dreamed it would be such a success. (News, Source;ABC/ElvisInfoNet) - See EIN's 'Elvis Rocks Bendigo' review here -
Monday 11 July 2022
'Elvis Rockin' the Billboard Charts': While the initial huge spike in Elvis sales maybe passing, Billboard has pointed out how much the 'ELVIS' movie has pushed Elvis' overall music sales.
Following the film’s US premiere the Original Soundtrack digital release topped the Billboard Soundtracks chart while 'Elvis:30 #1 Hits' re-entered Billboard 200 albums chart for the first time in 19 years.
Elvis' music catalogue also posted a 67% increase in US official streaming growing to 27.04 million. Elvis' most-streamed song being 'Can’t Help Falling in Love'.
Lead single 'Doja Cat’ 'Vegas' also hit #34 in Billboard Hot 100 and top 10 on Billboard Hot Rap Songs. The song also hit #4 in Australia, #3 in New Zealand, #15 Ireland, #22 Netherlands and still heading up other overseas charts. Elsewhere on the Billboard charts. ‘Elvis’ Soundtrack also takes a bow at #4 'Top Rock & Alternative Albums' and 'Top Rock Albums' - and #26 on the Billboard 200.
The Billboard 200 chart entry gives Elvis his 58th top 40-charting album. That ties him with Frank Sinatra for the most top 40 albums on the list since it began in 1956. Right behind Elvis and Sinatra are Barbra Streisand (with 54), Grateful Dead (52) and Bob Dylan (51).
’Elvis 30 #1 Hits’ went from #103 to No.33 returning to the top 40 for the first time since February of 2003. It spent three weeks atop the chart upon its release in 2002.
In total for the week, the album earned 17,000 equivalent album units (up 74%). Digital Streaming shows Elvis' song catalog with 62 million on-demand official streams globally in the week ending June 30, up 53% from the week previous. Elvis' top three most-streamed songs in the US were “Can’t Help Falling in Love” (2.3 million; up 35%), “Suspicious Minds” (1.99 million; up 69%) and “Jailhouse Rock” (1.4 million; up 51%). Doja Cat's ‘Vegas’ hit the US top 40 for the first time and garnered 10.82 million on-demand official US streams, while globally it earned 22.32 million streams (up 10%).
The single is being promoted to US pop radio by RCA as of July 11 where it’s so far only bubbling under.. (News, Source/Billboard/ElvisInfoNet)
'Virtual Elvis Week 2022': Good news for Elvis fans who can't make it to Elvis Week in Memphis for this historic year with Graceland confirming their second annual Virtual Elvis Week - August 9-16. Fans can celebrate the legacy of the King of Rock 'n' Roll from anywhere in the world through an amazing online experience with live concert events, conversations with special guests, and incredible fan experiences!
Highlights include Elvis in concert on the big screen, All the King’s Men Jam Session, Ultimate ETA Contests, a full day of Conversations on Elvis, and more!
We are pulling out all the stops for Virtual Elvis Week 2022, with concerts and events at the Graceland Soundstage live streamed in pristine HD with soundboard audio! And, to enhance your experience, we are expanding the viewing time!
All shows included in each pass are available from the time they premiere and can be re-watched on demand for 7 days following the show.
With Covid issues still happening worldwide plus difficulty with International travel this is a great idea.
Click here to EPE to purchase Virtual Elvis Week tickets (News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
Actor in 3 Elvis movies 'L.Q. Jones' has died: Veteran character actor 'L.Q. Jones' whose career spanned seven decades, died last Saturday of natural causes. He was 94 years old. L.Q. Jones (born Justus Ellis McQueen Jr) will mainly be remembered for being a member of director Sam Peckinpah's stock of actors appearing in films such as Ride the High Country, Major Dundee, The Wild Bunch and Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid.
Elvis fans will remember L. Q. Jones from his roles in 'Love Me Tender', 'Flaming Star' and 'Stay Away Joe'
McQueen took on the stage name, 'L.Q. Jones' from his first 1955 film role Raoul Walsh's 'Battle Cry'. In 2006 he appeared in Robert Altman’s final film 'A Prairie Home Companion'.
Along with his 60 film credits Jones was a regular in the world of TV appearing in western series including 'Gunsmoke', 'The Virginian', 'Wagon Train' and 'Rawhide'.
About working with Elvis he said, "I did Love Me Tender Elvis' first picture when everybody, all of the actors and all of the crew were prepared to hate the man. But within a week everybody on the set loved him and we all had a ball. I did another one Flaming Star with Don Siegel directing and then later on Stay Away Joe. Elvis was a super nice person to me and we got along fine. But you have to be very, very careful with Elvis as he was so charitable. When we were doing Love Me Tender - and we'd been at it for two or three weeks - we were on the set one day doing something and I noticed the watch that he had on and it was gorgeous. So I commented on it.
I had no idea what it was, but it was a very expensive watch. An hour or so later we broke for lunch and when I came back to my dressing room there was a package, I opened it up and it was the watch! So the mere fact that I'd had said something about it, he gave it to me. So I took it back to him and said “heck I can't take this Elvis but I sure appreciate your effort”.But Elvis was just that way, he was always thinking about other people." (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Chaydon Jay Discusses his Role in 'ELVIS': While Austin Butler has dominated the media with his impressive lead role in Luhrmann's ELVIS biopic, Australian actor Chaydon Jay also played a lead role as the younger Elvis. His performance is inspirational especially considering that it is his debut movie role. He astounded both critics and fans who are now excited about seeing him in future projects.
After finding his "ELVIS' in Austin Butler, the search for a perfect young Elvis was a difficult task for Luhrmann who explained that finding Jay was a true stroke of luck and praised the young actor’s performance. “After finding someone with the interpretation that Austin Butler achieved, I thought the chances of doing that again were very very slim. And Chayden was like finding a needle in a haystack to be honest. And he’s wonderful in it.” Chaydon Jay explained more to CBS News... “It was very important to be able to get Elvis within my own bones. Not just moving like Elvis but understanding where that movement comes from. His passion. His energy." An early sequence in the film shows Elvis’s first exposure to gospel music during a tented church service. Elvis grew up in a poor small town, Tupelo,
Tupelo, Mississippi, and Lurhman does a fantastic job of recreating the electricity in the air when a young Elvis discovered the music.
The Gospel music sequence in that Tupelo tented church service.. “Walking into that tent, everything was so real. Which was so exciting. It was electric. It was alive. There was real praising going on. And it was one of the most fun experiences I’ve had in my life.
Working with Baz is such a once-in-a-lifetime experience. He made every single moment on set just feel electrical. He just really laid out the path for me in getting a good understanding and feel for the role. So there really wasn’t any pressure for me. It was just excitement cause he really is amazing.
My passion is to be on set and bring the world of fantasy to light. To be given the opportunity to play young Elvis, one of the significant and impactful musicians ever was such an honor. It really was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Austin Butler, Tom Hanks and Chaydon Jay were reunited at the film's Australian Premiere.
And last week the 15-year-old actor got a chance to visit Graceland and see Elvis' home for himself.
The Australian newcomer has a fine career ahead. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Friday 8 July 2022
Elvis author-researcher, Paul Bélard, reviews Luhrmann's 'ELVIS':Prolific Elvis author, Paul Bélard, wrote down his detailed thoughts after watching the Elvis biopic. His energetic review is great reading and starts..
...Well, I came, I saw, I was conquered! What a wild and unpredictable rollercoaster ride it was. I often had goosebumps and I must confess tears welled up in my eyes when Elvis appeared in all his sorrowing condition at the end of the movie, but still singing his heart out with a voice that never left him, a solemn testament to the music he had always cherished. It brought home the irreparable loss we suffered upon his untimely death.
- For added interest EIN has also assembled a “baker’s dozen” of review excerpts from a variety of other reviews for the new Elvis biopic...
Two ELVIS albums at Billboard #1: Great news out of the US with the ELVIS 'Original Soundtrack album' now #1 of the Billboard Soundtrack Album chart.
Meanwhile 'Elv1s 30 #1 Hits' is back at #1 on the Billboard Catalog Album chart
'Elv1s: 30 #1 Hits' has already been 158 weeks on the Billboard album charts and two weeks at #1.
(News, Source:ElvisDayByDay/EIN)
'Elvis: Direct from Graceland' SOLD OUT: With one more week to go Bendigo Australia's exclusive 'Elvis: Direct from Graceland' is SOLD OUT completely. The Art Gallery announced... "SOLD OUT. Unfortunately the exhibition cannot be extended. The objects need to return to Graceland for 'Elvis Week 2022' in August.
Please DO NOT arrive at the Bendigo Gallery without a pre-purchase ticket.There are no ticket waitlists."
With more than 300 ELVIS items on display including personal treasures and a diverse array of artefacts from Elvis’ performance and film career. EIN was impressed by what they found.
What’s Elvis got to do with English cricketers, Brendon McCullum and Joe Root?: Soon after racking up a match winning ton, with lap shots and reverse sweeps, England’s talismanic batsman Joe Root looked towards the dressing room and wiggled his little finger. A day earlier, at the team’s balcony, England’s captain Ben Stokes would do the same gesture.
It turns out it was a tribute to their new coach Brendon McCullum and in particular, his love for rockstar Elvis Presley. It was a gesture started by McCullum in the camp, after he had recently seen the ELVIS movie, box-office hit.
“Ben (England coach Brendan McCullum) has wanted us to be entertainers, he’s mentioned trying to be ‘rock stars’ on the
field, he'd watched the ELVIS film and he’s been doing that all week, so it’s a little tribute to him,” Root explained the little-finger gesture.
It was in August 1956, the 21-year old Elvis was booked for six shows in Jacksonville in Florida. Just a few months before that, the young Elvis had launched himself into public imagination and notoriety and in Jacksonville the female members in the audience had rioted and tore the clothes off his back.
This time Elvis was taken to meet Judge Gooding before the performance who would warn Elvis "not to do any of the ‘dirty’ moves".
On the day of the concert, police swarmed the arena. At 3.30 pm, Elvis opened his performance with the chartbuster ‘Heartbreak Hotel’. He shook his hips out once. The Judge would whisper to the lawyer, sat beside him. “I am going to put him in jail”. But that was the last such move Elvis would do that day. “They won’t allow me to do this here,” he told the audience. Instead, he stood frozen. Only, his little finger moved. The wiggling little finger replaced the usual erotic movements.
Joe Root noted.. “I don’t think I’ll ever be able to feel or look like a rock star, but for 10 seconds I might have done today (laughter). That was what the little pinky was about.” (News, Source: IndianExpress.com)
Initial buyer reviews in for new sci-fi novel, '3 Days To Save A Legend': Paul Farmer's recent "time-travel" novel is one of the more unusual and intriguing entries in the vast catalog of Elvis fiction. Its main charactor, Nick Cantello, is accidentally transported back in time to 3 days before Elvis' death in August 1977. Can Nick prevent the death of the King of Rock 'n' Roll? The 468 pages book, which is available in softcover and Kindle formats, has a 4.4 (out of 5) rating on Amazon. Buyer reviews include:
... I loved this book and would greatly recommend it. Lots of twists and turns. Gary Botfield (UK)
... If you are a fan of Elvis or time travel and looking for a fun, quick read this summer then you can't do much better than Paul Martin Farmer's "3 Days to Save a Legend". B. Rothbart (USA)
... 3 Days to Save a Legend describes a quest of a lifetime with twists and turns that blew my mind. Some of the action I remember but the rest was nothing like I expected. Norman Bolton (UK) (News, Source: Amazon/EIN)
Two import CD release news items that we missed. Thanks to EIN reader BS for the word-up!
'Mid-South Coliseum, Memphis, 5th July 1976' New CD: Released this month by the Rox Vox label is Elvis' last Memphis concert in 1976. Previously bootlegged as 'Goodbye Memphis'. Two rather strange things about this possibly-illegal release are that a) it is available through Amazon b) it features Elvis in 1975 on the cover! The Rox Vox publicity notes... Although he was in poor shape and nearing the end of his life, in the summer of '76 Elvis was still pulling in huge crowds and putting on rapturously received shows. Backed by his trusty band – led by the legendary James Burton's lead guitar – he appeared in his teenage hometown on July 5th. Although it was a Monday, 12,000 people turned up to hear him tear through a lengthy set featuring material from the length of his career. It’s presented in full here, together with an 8-page booklet featuring background notes and images.
EIN NOTE: The show is one of Elvis' better ones from 1976 and it is a surprise that FTD have never released this set officially. Go to 'All The CD News 2022' for tracklisting
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis Rocks The Garden' Import OUT NOW: This was announced way back in January 2021, but has been delayed until now! From the Straight Arrow label.. In 2020 we obtained two quality tapes of other NYC concerts from June 10th Evening and June 11th, Afternoon.
Now all three AUDIENCE RECORDEDshows including previously released June 9th MSG concert are released in one deluxe 3CD set.
We are fully aware that the June 10th Evening show was released several times officially by RCA from the professional multi-track tapes. Nevertheless, we have found an alternative source - an excellent audience-recorded tape! It brings you a whole new listening experience! The incredible audience reaction to every song will blow you away! The June 11th Afternoon show was released in 2010 from an inferior source. Once again, we have found an excellent audience-provided alternative.
Both the June 10th E/S and 11th A/S were recorded by the same person, using a reel-to-reel tape deck instead of usual the cassette recorder.
Presented in the usual top notch digipack Go here to 'ALL The CD News' for details and tracklisting (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Wednesday 6 July 2022 - - - - updated with TEN Elvis News Stories just today- - -
(New book) Guaranteed To Blow Your Mind (Jon Daly): Owner of E.P Pawn Shop, Jon Daly’s new book features unpublished photos…
It is the stuff of legend: imagine buying an Elvis collection, and then stumbling onto a stack of unpublished Elvis negatives… This is precisely what happened to Jon Daly of the E.P. Blvd. Pawn Shop about a year ago. Jon is proud to be able to present these amazing photos in his first book “Elvis: Guaranteed To Blow Your Mind” (hardback, 152 pages).
The book details the November 1976 West Coast Tour, and does so in remarkable detail. With full cooperation of Elvis’ road manager, Charles Stone, who also wrote the introduction, the book gives you unique VIP access on that tour. There are over 150 photographs, unpublished paperwork from Colonel Parker’s office, insights from the musicians, memorabilia, tour and recording details, original advertisements, reviews, memories from the fans and more.
There are also unique fresh insights into Elvis’ sometimes complicated relationship with Colonel Parker, which will be of particular interest to those who have seen the new movie featuring Tom Hanks. This book challenges the viewpoint as presented in the movie and offers a lot of interesting food for thought.
Elvis had lost a lot of weight and was looking and sounding better than he had in a while. He was excited about performing again, and in many of the photo presented in the book you can clearly see that sense of joy in his face. One of the coolest Elvis books to come out in this special year, the 45th anniversary of Elvis’ passing. The book is printed in a very limited edition. Check 'EP-Blvd' shop to order (News, Source: Mary Clark)
(UPDATED Review) 'Elvis: Direct from Graceland' ROCKS Bendigo: If you're yet to visit Australia's exclusive exhibition 'Elvis: Direct from Graceland' you better get in quick as it closes soon on JULY 17. EIN’s Nigel Patterson checked out the biographical 'Elvis: Direct from Graceland' exhibition in the Victoria, Australia, city of Bendigo.
Included in the more than 300 items on display are personal treasures and a diverse array of artefacts from Elvis’ performance and film career.
As the Bendigo Art Gallery Curatorial Manager, Lauren Ellis explained, "Elvis intoxicated the nation’s youth and provoked vicious backlash from conservative personalities, Elvis Presley invented himself piece by piece. The more I discovered about Elvis' life– the more I wanted to know. "
Nigel was impressed by what he found. Now with added exhibition photos
and extra details - including a $1Million offer for a 1973 Australian
tour!
.
Read Nigel’s detailed narrative-visual review.
Luhrmann narrates the 'Hayride' sequence from ELVIS: The New York Times features an 'Anatomy of a Scene', where directors reveal the secrets that go into making key scenes in their movies. This week Baz Luhrmann narrates the 'Hayride' sequence from his ELVIS biopic.
It was the ELVIS hip swivel that changed a generation. And it is at the heart of this scene in the biopic “Elvis” that introduces the musician to the world.
In the sequence, Elvis (Austin Butler) is giving one of his first performances in front of an audience while Col. Tom Parker (Tom Hanks), the man who would become his manager, watches on.
Luhrmann explains.. "We discussed many, many ways in how you get to meet Elvis. We felt that you should discover him in performance mode.
Because Elvis wasn't just about what he sang, it was just as much about how he looked and how he moved.
But most importantly it was his effect upon the audience.
So the decision was made to meet Elvis at what we determined would be his first performance.
And in that moment of being mocked you can see Elvis trigger..
Because it happened all the way through his life..
Elvis was mocked for being different, mocked for being shy, mocked for being poor, mocked for his association with black music and having black friends.. he was mocked.
And in that moment it triggered within him what we termed his superpower..."
Go HERE to New York Times to see the full clip and discussion.. (News, Source;NYT/ElvisInfoNet)
“That’s All Right” Cover Song Challenge - win an Elvis Prize Pack including a Gibson G-45 guitar!: Sun Records in Memphis is conducting this challenge with an Elvis prize pack which includes a Gibson G-45 Guitar!
To win you need to record a video of you playing / singing "That's All Right" and Get creative!
The Contest begins July 6, 2022 and ends Midnight July 20, 2022
ELVIS box office update: As of late Sunday, the Elvis biopic had a worldwide box office of US$113.5M, with the USA accounting for $67.3M (59.3%) of that total.
New major movie releases ‘Minions: The Rise of Gru’ and ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ are coming soon and may challenge ELVIS at the box office.
However with ELVIS' budget of $85 million Baz Luhrmann certainly has a success on his hands.
(News, Source:ElN/Box Office Mojo)
Little known incident recorded in 'The Colonel: The Extraordinary Story of Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis Presley' (Alanna Nash): EIN suspects many fans will not be aware of this excerpt from Alanna Nash’s best-selling book about the Colonel and his relationship with Elvis:
... Col Parker hung up and suggested they gather the kids and go to Will Wright's Ice Cream Parlor. Afterward, the Gellers made their good-byes and returned to Los Angeles. "The minute I drove into the driveway. I saw the back door open," Larry Geller remembers. "It was a precision strike."
The intruders had not taken items of monetary value, but Geller's files on metaphysical topics - parapsychology, astrology, palmistry, and numerology - along with tapes of music from the Self-Realization church. His clothes, too, were gone. Garbage was dumped upside down in the living room.
Devastated, Geller piled his frightened family in the car and drove to see Elvis. "Elvis shook his head back and forth a few times and said, 'All right, we know who did this.' "
(News, Source: The Colonel: The Extraordinary Story of Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis Presley)
Hugh Jackman praises Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis: One of Australia’s leading international stars, Hugh Jackman, had this to say about the Elvis biopic, via Twitter, after seeing it with his wife, Deborah Furness:
.. "Baz You have done it again, ELVIS is incredible. Deb and I went to see it last night here in New York City with a packed audience, and everyone went crazy. The music, the visuals, the acting, the production design, everything about is just so beautifully done. It is just so much fun, and I highly, highly recommend you all go out to see it.
Austin [Butler] crushes.. you crush it, man, as Elvis. You did an amazing job. Tom Hanks, you're always incredible, but as Colonel Tom Parker, you're just astonishing. We just absolutely loved it. It was a brilliant, brilliant night at the theater, and Baz and Sam, you're just one of the greatest teams out there, and I'm thrilled, thrilled, thrilled you're making movies. This one is special."
(News, Source: CinemaBlend.com)
ELVIS #1 on IMDb Top Movie Meter: On the IMDb user voted Top Movies list, ELVIS is currently ranked at #1 (last week it was at #5) with a satisfaction rating of 7.8 (out of 10) as voted by 24 thousand users.
On Rotten Tomatoes - ELVIS - Reviewer rating is 78% Audience Rating 94%
(News, Source: IMDb/ElvisInfoNet)
'The Art of Betty Harper' at Elvis Week 2022: The world's greatest Elvis sketch artist, Betty Harper, continues to produce wonderful images of Elvis.
Betty can be found on Facebook, and is a mainstay every year at Elvis Week where she loves to chat with fans.
Betty will again be presenting The Art of Betty Harper during this year's event.
She has also published some wonderful books over the years including Suddenly and Gently: Visions of Elvis; The Magic of Elvis Through the Art of Betty Harper; and Elvis: Newly Discovered Drawings of Elvis Presley.
Go here to read EIN’s (2006) 'Interview with Betty Harper' (News, Source: FB)
(New book) 'Elvis PRESLY's Biography': Finally, one news item to make you smile or wince!
A new slimline release Elvis Presly's Biography (only 41 pages) is published by Leads Press this month.
It is described as, ‘An account of the sad life and tragic death of an American actor and 20th century King of Rock and Roll’.
English text. ISBN-13: 979-8839323902.
EIN Note: Leads Press is an author "self-publishing" group. And this appears to be a truly parasitic attempt to grab onto the coat-tails of the success of the new ELVIS Biopic
The "sad life and tragic death of an American icon" is described in just 41 pages (someone should tell Baz Luhrmann :-) ) and unlike the new Biopic, PRESLEY is spelt wrong on the book's cover!
Avoid at all cost, or better still enjoy the joke!
(News, Source: EPALIB/EDBD)
Sunday 3 July 2022
'Aloha From Hawaii' Deluxe FTD indepth Review: When seeking Elvis' key career highpoints, if one goes by the sales and the audience viewing numbers, there is only one answer. Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite. RCA’s double album of the show was released throughout the world in February 1973 and shot to the #1 spot in many countries including the U.S. It is certified 5x Platinum by the RIAA.
While in 2013 RCA/ Legacy released the '40th Anniversary edition' sadly the audio of the main concert left much to be desired.
In 2022 FTD released this upgraded 'Aloha From Hawaii' set with Matt Ross-Spang remixing the original broadcast - plus including the full after-concert 3am 'Insert Song' session in a 3-CD set. In 'large-size 8" format with 24 page booklet it is a stunning package.
Elvis’ Aussie box office opening is 2nd biggest “debut for a film produced in Australia": Elvis raked in $6.74 million across Oz in its opening weekend – the 2nd-highest debut for an Aussie film, just behind Luhrmann’s 2013 film The Great Gatsby.
Interestingly, US movie buffs say The King has drawn in older crowds who have been slow to return to the cinemas since pandemic restrictions lifted – but in Oz, half the moviegoers were said to be under 44 years old.
(News, Source: The Squiz)
'ELVIS' biopic was #1 in 10 countries in its opening weekend (June 23/24-26): The biopic was the #1 film last weekend in the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Italy Norway, Poland, Switzerland, Croatia and Iceland.
With the film debuting in several other European countries in late June and Argentina and Brazil in mid-July, it is possible Elvis will register even more #1 openings.
(News, Source: Box Office Mojo)
'ELVIS' Biopic & "Real Elvis" inserts: Variety recently talked with 'ELVIS' editors Matt Villa and Jonathan Redmond about the use of "real Elvis" inserts within the movie. The article includes...
.. Austin Butler’s performance of the King is so captivating that many viewers are unable to tell when Luhrmann cuts to the real King, Elvis Presley.
The film is peppered with blink-and-you’ll-miss-it, real-life Elvis appearances and split screens. But the most powerful of the King splices was presented in the grand finale, Presley’s last performance in 1977 in Rapid City, South Dakota. The scene begins with Butler sitting down at the grand piano, and seamlessly cuts to Presley.
Editors Matt Villa and Jonathan Redmond were careful not to overload the film with too many Presley intercuts, at least visually as it would take from the viewing experience, but 'ELVIS' has
been praised for the sprinkles of reality that elevated the hyper-stylized film. A big topic of discussion is when Elvis sings “Unchained Melody.” Villa: The finale when Elvis sings “Unchained Melody”, from a prosthetics standpoint, it was a huge job putting Austin into that makeup, and that was the most significant of his makeup. There wasn’t that much material of Austin, but there were a few takes of him singing the song all way through. Austin did sing 'Unchained Melody' in its entirety because there was a question mark towards the end as to whether we were going to get the real footage of Elvis and if we would be allowed to use it. Redmond: The attention to detail that Austin went into was extraordinary. In that sequence, with the breaths and pauses, he was spot on. Villa: Thankfully that famous footage came through and we were able to use it, and that’s the real Elvis. It’s so interesting that a lot of people don’t realize we cut to the real Elvis because it punches me in the heart every time I through. Austin did sing 'Unchained
Melody' in its entirety because there was a question mark towards the end as to whether we were going to get the real footage of Elvis and if we would be allowed to use it. Redmond: The attention to detail that Austin went into was extraordinary. In that sequence, with the breaths and pauses, he was spot on. Villa: Thankfully that famous footage came through and we were able to use it, and that’s the real Elvis. It’s so interesting that a lot of people don’t realize we cut to the real Elvis because it punches me in the heart every time I see that scene and you see Elvis’ face. When we’re watching the film with an audience, I’ll look around to see if people have that same emotion, and so often there isn’t. It took me a long time to realize that a lot of people don’t realize that is Elvis, and that’s a huge testament to Austin, but we do cut to the real Elvis.
Redmond: At the very beginning where Elvis comes out in the blue suit, where he’s doing karate moves, there’s a two-panel split-screen. There’s real Elvis on one side and Austin is on the other. It’s Austin from a costume test. It’s right before he turns around and starts “American Trilogy.” Both of those shots were not part of the principal photography. They’re stolen moments.
During “Burning Love,” there are a few shots of the real Elvis in there. It was all sublime. We didn’t want to distract audiences too much, but there are quite a few shots of him in the movie. Redmond: For the film's' introduction, the idea of flashing
forward at the very beginning was something born out of one of the reels we did in pre-production. It’s the scene were “American Trilogy” plays and there’s a split-screen, that was in our original pitch.
We wanted that because it was a powerful introduction to Elvis’ voice – this image of the man in the blue jumpsuit that the world was familiar with. The big stage with lots of screaming fans. Villa: There was a lot of evolution to that scene. It was one of the big things we toyed with throughout. The cut to the Colonel [Tom Hanks] reflecting on his time from a point in the present was always there. There was a big sequence at the beginning that involved him getting to that place. It was a very fanciful sequence that we decided to tone down a bit.
But the introduction of Elvis on stage was always a staple because it’s such an iconic series of images.
Go here to the full Variety article (News, Source;V/ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis Presley News Report July 2022: Elvis super-fan Emiel Maier presents all the recent news.... including all the news about the new ELVIS movie, possible idea of 'On Tour' footage outtakes, Emiel 's personal review of the ELVIS movie, the new ELVIS soundtrack CD release, updating the ELVIS brand - and more...
Elvis Watch sells for £240k: EIN noted the auction last week and now Elvis' 'Lord Elgin watch' worn by Elvis Presley for his first major TV appearance in 1956 has been sold at auction for £240,000 = US$290,000
The 14-karat gold-filled Lord Elgin watch, which the star also wore to sign his first contract, sold at the auction in Devizes, Wiltshire.
Other Elvis items in the sale included a spiritual book for £15,000 and a pair of white boots which sold for £18,000.
Auctioneers said the amount reached "reflects the importance and enduring appeal of Elvis Presley"
Jimmy Velvet, Elvis's friend of 22 years, said he believed the watch was "truly one of the grandest pieces Elvis ever owned. That was due to the pivotal moment of his career when it all fell into place for him and the amazing documented history of where the watch has been."
Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge said the amount reached "reflects the importance and enduring appeal of Elvis Presley. Around 30-40 people attending in person with 600 registered for the auction online"
Mr Aldridge said the collection of items were "a classic cross collectable and appealed to fans of Elvis and watch connoisseurs as well".
Go here to check out all the items. (News, Source;HA/ElvisInfoNet)
ELVIS 'Original Film soundtrack' debuts on Aussie chart: It hasn't been released yet but this week’s ARIA Top 50 Album Chart in Australia, Elvis (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) has debuted at #22 (based on advance sales).
The album is due for release on Friday July 29.
(News, Source: ARIA)
Thursday 30 June 2022
Elvis books riding high on Amazon USA best-selling charts: Undoubtedly thanks to the ELVIS biopic, a few days ago on Amazon's Top 50 Rock Music list, Elvis had an incredible 12 titles!:
#3 - Last Train to Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley (Peter Guralnick) (softcover)
#5 - The Colonel (Alanna Nash) (softcover)
#7 - Last Train to Memphis (Audible Audiobook)
#11 - Last Train to Memphis (Kindle enhanced with audio)
#14 - Careless Love (Peter Guralnick) (softcover)
#18 - The Colonel (Nash) (Kindle)
#20 - The Colonel (Nash) (Audible Audiobook)
#23 - Careless Love (Kindle enhanced with audio)
#26 - Elvis & Ginger (Ginger Alden) (Audible Audiobook)
#30 - Last Train to Memphis (Hardback)
#39 - Elvis & the Memphis Mafia (Alanna Nash) (Softcover)
#47 - Me and A Guy Named Elvis (Jerry Schilling) (softcover).
..
At the same time, Elvis had six of the Top 10 selling books in Amazon's Best Sellers in Music History & Criticism list. Five of the top 6 books were Elvis related:
#1 - Last Train to Memphis (Guralnick) (softcover)
#3- The Colonel (Alanna Nash) (softcover)
#4 - Last Train to Memphis (Kindle enhanced with audio/video)
#5 - The Colonel (Nash) (Kindle)
And #1 on Amazon's Best Selling Popular Music list is Alanna Nash's 'The Colonel: The Extraordinary Story of Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis Presley'. Read EIN's interview with Alanna Nash here (News, Source: EIN/Hubert (in Hungary)/Amazon)
Elvis biopic box office update: Elvis was the #1 grossing film at the US box office on Tuesday taking in yet another $5.26M.
That brings its worldwide total already to $60.7M.
Nearly 45 years after his death it is truly stunning that the legend of ELVIS is being understood, questioned and appreciated by yet another new generation.
VIVA ELVIS
(News, Source: Box Office Mojo/EIN)
Elvis biopic 'Original Soundtrack Album' #1 in US and UK: With the Elvis biopic and Alanna Nash's book, The Colonel: The Extraordinary Story of Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis Presley hitting #1 on box office and book sales charts respectively, the film's 'ELVIS Original Soundtrack' album is also #1 on Amazon UK's Film Music and Amazon USA's Soundtracks sales charts.
"Why I couldn’t help falling in love with Austin Butler’s Elvis": The Sydney Morning Herald's Meg Watson neatly explains why Baz Luhrmann's ELVIS biopic is hitting all the right spots. Her article includes...
... Like many people who flocked to see Baz Luhrmann’s new film in the past week, I was prepared to hate 'ELVIS'.
I mean, the reviews didn’t give me much of a choice. This 159-minute biopic (yes, you read that right) has been labelled “utterly deranged” and “tirelessly inescapable”. It’s been derided as “a pointless explosion of super-spangly sparkles” and a “gaudily decorated Wikipedia article”.
Some critics (mostly men) may call it boring. But Austin Butler captures the excitement and sex appeal of Elvis for a whole new generation.
Then there was the added cringe of Tom Hanks. His performance as Elvis’ manipulative manager Colonel Tom Parker is widely regarded as the worst of his career. And, in one critic’s estimation, Parker – part Mike Myer’s Goldmember, part Foghorn Leghorn – is “the most insufferable movie character ever conceived”.
But I think it would be a mistake to let that overshadow the film’s best performance.
Whatever you make of Hanks’ fat suit and Luhrmann’s trademark flair, as the titular Elvis, Austin Butler is undeniable.
Butler is so good, in fact, that critics, fans and Elvis’ own daughter are tipping him for the best actor Oscar – nine months out from the awards.
The task of performing Elvis – let alone performing Elvis for his immediate family – is monumental when you think about it. Elvis was a unique and almost other-worldly figure who redefined the bounds of fandom and popular entertainment in the 20th century. He was the King of Rock and Roll. That comes with a phenomenal amount of pressure and expectation.
But it’s not just that. The King also inspired an entire industry of impersonators and tribute artists (many operating while he was still alive) attempting to capture a glimmer of his likeness and talent. And, partly because of this and partly because pop culture mythology isn’t static or set over time, his image has been distorted
with each year since his death. How do you go about delivering a fresh performance of a man who has likely been performed more than anyone else on the planet? And how do you do that in a way that is sincere and affecting for a generation that has largely grown up associating him with fried peanut butter sandwiches and cheesy Vegas matinées?
Butler found a way. And, when you combine that with the Oscars’ love of both biopics and method acting (the actor is still strangely doing the Elvis voice in press junket interviews), his work probably will earn him a nomination.
I’ve spoken to a lot of Elvis tribute artists in the past, both for work and pleasure, and they always say the act of performing Elvis well comes down to two things: respect and joy. It’s about honouring his legacy and keeping the magic of his performances alive.
For all its glitz and frenzy, ELVIS does just that. And through Butler’s performance (especially on stage during Elvis’ electrifying and hip-gyrating early years), that magic is strong enough to enthral people who haven’t previously cared about Elvis at all.
Sure, some critics have called the film boring or tedious. But with a 94 per cent audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Austin Butler’s Elvis is clearly giving cinema-goers a very real understanding of what their grandmas were once screaming about.
(see full SMH article here) (News, Source;SMH/ElvisInfoNet)
FINAL WEEKS OF 'ELVIS: DIRECT FROM GRACELAND' 19 March - 17 July: If you're yet to visit Australia's exclusive exhibition 'Elvis: Direct from Graceland' you better get in quick. The final weekends are SOLD OUT, but there are tickets available Monday to Friday. Exploring the extraordinary life and style of one of the most iconic public figures of the 20th century, this once-in-a-lifetime exhibition is exclusive to Bendigo Art Gallery and cannot be extended.
ELVIS biopic the clear #1: Once final figures were in, ELVIS stood alone at the top of the US box office
with $31.2M (up from $30.5m) for its debut weekend. Top Gun Maverick, which was initially
provisionally equal with Elvis, was revised down to $29.6M. Receipts for ELVIS were identical in the UK
and Australia with both areas registering weekend box office of US$4.7m. France recorded US$2m. The film's adjusted worldwide total for the weekend was $51.2m.
The film does not open in Japan
until 1 July and major countries (Argentina and Brazil) in South America until 14 July. Finland and
Sweden release is on 29 June.
The release date for China is not yet known.
(News, Source: Box OfficeMojo/IMDB)
(Interview) Alanna Nash talks to EIN: With the recent reissue of her best-selling book, 'The Colonel: The Extraordinary Story of Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis Presley', renowned author, Alanna Nash, took time out of her busy schedule to discuss Elvis, the Colonel and other related issues with EIN’s Nigel Patterson, Elvis Day By Day’s Kees Mouwen, and prolific Elvis author, Paul Bélard.
In her candid interview, Alanna provides insightful commentary about the Colonel’s early years before coming to America, when he lost his way in promoting Elvis, the controversial source Byron Raphael, Lamar Fike’s finding about the rumor the Colonel was involved in the death of a woman in Holland, why Elvis didn’t take more control of his career, the new Baz Luhrmann 'ELVIS' biopic and much, much more...
Another Elvis #1....this time in books: Congratulations to acclaimed author, Alanna Nash, as the re-issue of her book, The Colonel: The Extraordinary Story of Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis Presley, is the #1 selling book in Amazon USA's Popular Music (Books) category. Amazon also has it ranked #2 in both Music History (Books) and Criticism and Music Business (Books).
'The Elvis Business Is Booming Into the Billions': Billboard recently published an article how "With the new biopic, booming publishing valuations and his continued cultural cache, the value of Presley's estate is doing gangbusters." It included ...
.. Of all the songs the Elvis filmmakers ran by Peter Raleigh for publishing approval, one jumped out at him: “Cotton Candy Land,” a 1963 ballad Elvis Presley sang to a sleeping girl in It Happened at the World’s Fair. “It’s an unexpected choice for an Elvis biopic,” says Raleigh, co-president of Raleigh Music Group, which administers 25% of Presley’s song catalog, who approved the Stevie Nicks and Chris Isaak cover for the film. “But it does work for the context.”
In addition to Graceland the late Presley’s song catalog is the jewel of his estate holdings. Graceland draws 700,000 visitors a year, and Presley’s posthumous popularity is constant, with occasional spikes from movies or other cultural events such as 2002 'A Little Less Conversation' remix. Luhrmann's ELVIS movie is sure to do the same.
These intermittent revenue boosts are crucial for
the investors who have plowed tens of millions into Presley’s estate in recent years.
Aside from Graceland, the bulk of the Presley estate’s value is in the 650 compositions for which it owns co-publishing rights. Billboard estimates Presley’s catalog generated publishing royalties that averaged $12 million annually over the last three years; of that, Authentic Brands took about $4.5 million. The estate, however, doesn’t profit as much from other valuable Presley holdings – in 1973, Parker made a deal to sell all of Presley’s master recordings to RCA Records for $5.4 million, which means the label pays no royalties to the estate for tracks released before 1973.
Sony Music-owned RCA Records has earned an average $23.5 million in annual revenue over the past three years. "Elvis consistently is one of our top 10 artists” says Lyn Koppe, executive vp of global catalog for Sony Music.
The new ELVIS film stands to turbo-charge this kind
of listening trend. Baz Lurhmann took over an office at Graceland and incorporated the estate’s resources into his work. “If he didn’t know a date of an event, the historian at Graceland had access to his entire life."
EPE's Joel Weinshanker says the estate went “back and forth with Baz” over rights to songs, as well as other intellectual-property holdings such as the singer’s name and likeness, trademarks, merchandising and, of course, anything pertaining to Graceland, in 2018. “I took Baz down to Memphis and we spent several days going through Graceland and talking about who Elvis was, what he desired, what his fears were.”
Lisa Marie as well as Priscilla have made effusive endorsements. More importantly, the film is an investment, a marketable product that could potentially generate serious revenue for the estate for years to come. ABG notes, “We think this soundtrack is going to live forever, and hopefully be the entry point for fans to hear about Elvis in an entirely new way.” (News, Source;Billboard/ElvisInfoNet)
Is Sony/ RCA on the ball? Surprisingly, the one major organisation “dragging the chain” with regard to capitalising on the success of the new movie appears to be Sony Music….
Considering the high level of media and public interest in the biopic you would also expect Sony to have CDs available to buy when the film launched, and interest is at its highest. Yet in all countries the ELVIS soundtrack album is not being released until late July while the expanded edition of 30 #1 Hits is listed for release in the US and UK on July 8 – based on several Amazon sites it does appear to be already available in a number of European countries.
Sony Australia has announced the soundtrack album (late July) but at this time only import copies of the 30 #1 Hits 2CD are listed on Australian sites, at a cost of nearly $100! A missed opportunity?
Col Parker must be turning in his grave!
(News, Source: EIN; EDBD)
'The Elvis Presley Channel' Offical Launch: Today the entertainment / streaming company Cinedigm Corp announced the launch of The Elvis Presley Channel. In partnership with EPE / ABG the new streaming channel comprises Elvis Presley films and specials along with additional movies, series and lifestyle programming inspired by Elvis - including new, original series in development.
Now available in the USA, The Elvis Presley Channel is accessible as a free, ad-supported streaming television channel on connected TVs, digital set-top boxes, media-streaming devices and online. With an overall reach of more than 100 million devices, fans can find the linear channel through several popular streaming platforms, including LG Channels, Amazon Freevee, VIZIO WatchFree+, Comcast's Xumo, Plex, Local Now and Dish Sling TV. Additionally, the Xfinity 'What to Watch' channel on XUMO will feature a curated collection of films and documentaries from Elvis channel during primetime starting the weekend of July 2, and continuing weekly throughout the rest of July.
Cinedigm President Erick Opeka said, "Elvis Presley is an iconic performer whose global appeal transcends across generations and a diverse range of fans. We see his ongoing influence today in music, movies, fashion and culture. Building on this expansive legacy, The Elvis Presley Channel will provide compelling programs, including exclusive and eclectic original series and specials, across a variety of concert, documentary and scripted content genres. With the channel, we aim to not only thrill current fans and showcase Elvis' influences and demonstrate enduring impact but to engage new generations of fans through our curated and creative program line-up." The Elvis Channel features two 12-hour blocks (aka “wheels”) of content.
Cinedigm will regularly refresh the programming on the channel, with upwards of 175 hours of Elvis and Elvis-adjacent material expected to be
featured each month.
2022 is a banner year for Elvis with the launch of ELVIS, from Baz Luhrmann plus the 45th anniversary of Elvis' passing at Elvis Week 2022 from August 9 - August 17. Additionally, Netflix is slated to launch the Elvis animated action-comedy series "Agent King" and Sony has two Elvis albums planned later this year. The Elvis Presley Channel "a Mix of New and Classic Programming" Refreshed monthly with hundreds of hours of films and series, The Elvis Presley Channel will provide viewers with an intimate look at one of the most influential figures of the 20th Century. Through exclusively streamed films, series and documentaries, fans can relive the glory days of rock ‘n' roll with the legend who transformed music. Programming curated by Cinedigm for the channel will include:
Exclusive films and specials such as the Elvis '68 Comeback Special, Elvis Aloha From Hawaii and both the broadcast & unedited versions of 'Elvis, by the Presleys'.
Themed programming blocks including Elvis'
Favorites, Friends of Elvis, Elvis Inspired Reality and Lifestyle Programming, African American Artists that Inspired Elvis and 50's Rock N' Roll Rebel Movies. Fans will be able to tune in for hours watching some of Elvis' favorite TV and film content including The Beverly Hillbillies, John Wayne movies such as Angel and the Badman, Blue Steel and Riders of Destiny, as well as Bruce Lee films like Warrior's Journey and The Man The Myth.
Search Your TV guides for more ie Amazon Freevee (News, Source;Cinedigm/ElvisInfoNet)
The Day After: Austin Butler's hospitalised after he finished filming Elvis: Having seen his stunning performance it can be no surprise that Austin Butler suffered exhaustion once the movie wrapped. The actor said he devoted two years of his life to the film, obsessively researching Presley and gradually transforming into him. Butler went through daily routines wondering how Presley did them. When the movie wrapped, Butler struggled to let go.
"Suddenly, it was me brushing my teeth, now it’s me doing these mundane things. It was a real existential crisis when I finished," said Butler. "The next morning, I woke up, and I couldn’t walk. I thought my appendix burst. It was the most excruciating pain in my stomach, so they took me to the emergency room. It’s wild how your body can kind of hold on for the duration of doing something."
The virus simulated appendicitis and left Butler bedridden for one week.
Considering how Butler immersed himself in the role of Elvis it is perhaps not surprising his body reacted when filming wrapped. As GQ reported -
“The producers were ready to whisk Butler home to Los Angeles, but he decided to stay put and hole up and use the break to dig even deeper into his character. He basically turned his apartment into a detective scene, à la Charlie in ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ unearthing a vast mail-room conspiracy. ‘Just images of Elvis everywhere, from every time period,’ says Butler. ‘I think the film would have been very different if we had started shooting at that point, and I’m grateful I had the time to let myself marinate.'”
Butler also prepped for “Elvis” by meeting with the late music icon’s ex-wife Priscilla Presley. “She looked like an angel,” Butler said. “I walked down the hall with Baz afterwards with tears in my eyes.” Priscilla, along with her daughter Lisa Marie and granddaughter Riley Keough, have all since raved about “Elvis” and have praised Butler for his performance. (News, Source:AAP/ElvisInfoNet)
My Diary & Elvis (Kathy Tatum) - revised edition: An updated edition of Ms Tatum's book, originally published as Love Beads from Elvis: The Diary of Kathy Tatum in 2015, is also available in softcover and Kindle formats. The 148 page book is described as:
“I want you to come to Vegas with me…”
What was it about me that attracted him?
How many starry-eyed girls made diary entries of long kissing sessions with the King? Numerous of fans clambered to see Elvis outside the gates of Graceland in the summer of 1969. When my sister called his name and asked for a kiss, I got one, too. And then another. And another…
Within these pages, I share my treasured memories with Elvis, pulled from my diary of those days. The innocent voice of a newly sixteen-year-old girl is peppered into a narrative spun today, as I am now a mother and grandmother.
Why me? I have often wondered. Maybe it’s because I never asked him for anything, never demanded nor expected.. All I have from him is a strand of love beads he placed around my neck, a couple of photographs, and the wondrous memories of our times together. These are the days of his life which are etched into my mind and are scribed in the pages of my diary. (News, Source: Amazon/ElvisInfoNet)
New Kindle book in Spanish - Elvis: El hombre y el mito (Manuel López Poy): Originally published as a softcover edition, but now released in digital (Kindle) format, this book is described as:
This magnificent book by Manuel López Poy –one of the best music journalists in our country– paints a precise and detailed portrait of the King of Rock that masterfully complements the sensational film Elvis by award-winning Baz Luhrmann. Among the numerous biographies dedicated to the figure of Elvis Presley, this one stands out especially for its ability to take us back to the origins of the Tupelo genius – with numerous data, anecdotes and phrases of the protagonist– and the portrait of a musical genre in which blues, country and rock come together. The book also includes:
• The cursed legend of Elvis's first guitar.
• Sun Records, the door of the future.
• The black legend of a white singer.
• The story of the hotel of broken hearts.
• The ‘Million Dollar Quartet’.
• A worthy farewell for a king. (News, Source: EDBD/Amazon US/UK)
EIN Exclusives and News from earlier in June
'ELVIS' tops Australia box-office: On its opening weekend Baz Luhrmann’s ELVIS biopic became Australia's second-highest opening for any Australian film in box office history - just shy of the record set by Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby in 2013. ELVIS also opened impressively in the US, with a higher-than-expected $US30.5 million, equalling 'Top Gun: Maverick' at the top of the box office as the resurgence of cinema-going continued.
Managing director of Universal Pictures Australasia, Mike Baard, said he was “Absolutely thrilled. People came out in big numbers even though there were a lot of other distractions like 'State of Origin', Minions opening, Top Gun, Jurassic World, Lightyear plus a lot of other movies in theatres. So we are chuffed that it was seen and loved.”
Luhrmann shot Elvis in Queensland with the backing of Hollywood studio Warner Bros and Australian federal and state filmmaking incentives.
Surveys of patrons leaving Australian cinemas showed 91 per cent rated Elvis either “excellent” or “very good” which matched the pre-covid result for 2018's 'A Star Is Born' with Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. Fifty-six per cent of the film’s weekend audience were female and, despite expectations the film would largely appeal to older viewers who are fans of Presley’s music, 50 per cent were aged under 44. ELVIS took as much on the weekend as the biggest musical
biopic of recent years 'Bohemian Rhapsody' which opened with $6.8 million before making $55.4 million all up.
While that total is considered unrealistic, Elvis could easily pass Luhrmann’s Gatsby ($27.4 million) and Moulin Rouge! ($27.8 million).
Luhrmann's biggest hit in this country is the romantic epic Australia ($37.6 million) which is the second-biggest Australian film hit behind Crocodile Dundee.
American entertainment website Deadline notes that 'ELVIS' had a rocking start with a $50.5 million debut around the world. (News, Source;JM/ElvisInfoNet) - Read EIN's detailed review of the film here.
There is 4 hour cut of the Elvis biopic!: In an interview with
Collider’s Steve Weintraub, writer-director Baz Luhrmann explained... SW: Your editing is very unique compared to a lot of other filmmakers, your style. I'm curious, what is it actually like for you? How long does it for, say Elvis, how long is it for you in the editing room putting this thing together? Baz L: I've got this actually great team. I have two editors that I work with, Mattie and Johno, Matt Villa and Johno Redmond. Then they have a vast team around them. But you're so right, Steven. See, I look upon editing as writing. I write it, then I shoot it. But then I keep writing it in a sense through editorial. Because also I've got a four hour version. I shouldn't say that, but I have.
But I have to make a two and a half hour version and I have to serve the main art. So here's something beautiful. Last night, and we didn't expect this, but the Presley family have been so suddenly embracing of the movie. They brought us back to Graceland and we had a barbecue and we go inside the building,
we're drinking in the jungle room, hanging, like it's a home. We're in Graceland and we're being treated to a warm, loving home.
I'm sitting there with Olivia DeJonge and she says, "Baz, this is crazy. Because remember you rebuilt the jungle room. I've never been here to Graceland. This is exactly like the jungle room set that we shot In the Ghetto, Elvis recording." Now, I didn't use that in the movie. As much as you love that scene, you go, "No. Structurally if we go there, we're not going to go onto the drama of the next beat." So it's relentless cut and recut, try and restyle. I'm even doing revoice overing and pickups as I go through the editorial process. It's like molding clay. I never finish. SW: I would love to see a longer version of this movie as a fan of Elvis and as a fan of yours. You mentioned you have like a four-hour cut. Is that a cut that you were happy to show it or is it like that's an assembly cut? Baz L: It's an assembly. It's a different kind of movie. I wanted to make a movie for the theater, right? I make theatrical movies. My mission is to make a movie that's not a franchise movie. All respect to franchise movies by the way. I love my Batman.But I want to make a movie that cross generations, will come in that's not a franchise and sit in a dark room with strangers and commune in a vast American story, a vast American opera. That's what I hope this will be and that's what I'm fighting for is to try and bring audiences of all types back to the theater.
EIN Note: At the Sydney premiere (see EIN exclusive here) Luhrmann also explained that he never feels he is truly finished with his films edit and noted that his "longer cut" could come out later on a DVD release. (News, Source: Steve Weintraub, collider.com/ElvisInfoNet)
Elvis honoured with Presley Family hand-prints At Hollywood’s Chinese Theatre: Elvis' family - along with director Baz Luhrmann and friend Jerry Schilling - have honored Elvis' contribution to Hollywood by having their hand prints included outside the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
Lisa Marie noted, “My family and I are so truly honored and grateful to have been asked to put our handprints in such an incredible and historic place together”
Priscilla Presley said, “Certainly if Elvis had lived he would have been given this honor as having been become a part of his tradition of Hollywood history."
“One of his biggest dreams was to be acknowledged in Hollywood,” added Baz Luhrmann. “That is why we are here today. To honor and acknowledge his legacy”.
The photo shows, Back row: Jerry Schilling, director Baz Luhrmann and actor Austin Butler
Front row: Harper Presley Lockwood, Lisa Marie, Priscilla Presley, Riley Keough and Finley Presley Lockwood. (News, Source;AP/ElvisInfoNet)
Marketing Elvis in the shadow of the Elvis biopic: It has been a long time since there has been such a high level of media and public interest in Elvis. And the reason why is the Baz Luhrmann film extravaganza, ELVIS. With the biopic now screening in cinemas worldwide, it is interesting to see its impact in the general market (rather than fan market) where there are a plethora of new releases and re-issues hoping to feed off interest in Elvis generated by the film.
Musically, Sony has the ELVIS Original soundtrack album, featuring both original Elvis recordings and songs from the film by contemporary artists including Doja Cat, Yola, Jack White, and Eminem(EIN note - the soundtrack features some wonderful contemporary adaptations). Sony has also announced 'Elvis 30 #1 Hits Expanded Edition' a 2CD release comprising the titular album and its follow up, 'Elvis Second to None'.
In the book world, Alanna Nash's 'The Colonel: The
The Extraordinary Story of Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis Presley', has been reissued, as has Gillian Gaar's, 'Elvis The Legend: The Authorized Book from the Official Graceland Archives' (in several countries/languages with a striking black cover).
In August, CD Audio and Audio book editions of Priscilla Presley's memoir, Elvis and Me will be released. Also, in the wings is a general market hardcover book, Elvis Presley: Love Me Tender, by Michael O'Neill, a re-issue of Alfred Wertheimer's stunning coffee-table book, Elvis and the Birth of Rock and Roll plus the re-issue of Steve Binder's 'Elvis '68 Comeback: The Story Behind the Special'.
There are also a swag of magazines already on or soon to be on newsstands. LIFE has republished its popular, Remembering Elvis Presley, while other titles are Elvis & The Colonel: The Complete Story and Elvis The King Lives On (1 August), while England's New Musical Express (NME) has published an online and physical one-off magazine, Elvis Film Special Edition - Taking Care of Business. Elvis related cover stories have also appeared in a diverse range of magazines including Vintage Rock (UK), American Legend (France), le film francais (France), soir mag (France), Cinema Teaser (France), TV Film (Italy), Veronica Superguide (Netherlands), TV Krant (Netherlands), Star Magazine (USA), and Vogue (Australia).
Similar to the 2002 Elvis media explosion when the 'ALLC' Remix went to #1 worldwide, people want to talk about ELVIS and the younger generation have again become more fascinated by this larger-than-life icon. The Doja Cat 'Vegas' single (18 million+ views on YouTube) was a very smart lead-single promo for the new film.
By all accounts there has also been an uptick in demand for the services of Elvis Tribute Artists. - (News, Source: EIN; EDBD)
'ELVIS' 5-Star Reviews: Glowing reviews for Baz Lurhmann's 'ELVIS keep' rolling on in..
The well-respected UK Guardian stated.. "Blistering, turbocharged chronicle of the King" 5 Stars.
... From an opening that cheekily evokes the dropped snow globe of Citizen Kane to an Unchained Melody finale that had me crying in the chapel, Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis is a turned-up-to-11 treat. This blistering pop biopic combines the kinetic musical madness of Moulin Rouge! with the turbo-charged irreverence of The Great Gatsby, the Shakespearian tragedy of Romeo+Juliet and the “what-all-of-it!?” ambition of Australia. It’s a riotously audacious work, a kaleidoscopic portrait of the king of rock’n’roll and his puppet-master promoter, the latter of whom narrates the story and who tells his money-spinning client: “We are the same, you and I – two odd, lonely children, reaching for eternity.”
Of the actors who have previously tried to bottle Elvis’ lightning-like magic – from Kurt Russell, Rob Youngblood to the more recently, Michael Shannon in the goofy 'Elvis & Nixon' none has come close to the physical, emotional, electrical energy that throbs through Austin Butler’s titular performance here.
Luhrmann’s co-writers are clear on the true roots of Presley’s success, from scenes of the young Elvis feeling the gospel spirit move him in church to Big
Mama Thornton rocking Hound Dog upstairs at Club Handy, Little Richard offering flamboyant inspiration and Mahalia Jackson making “the music that makes me happy”. A poignant drop of Elvis’s spoken-word 'Men with Broken Hearts' amid the end credits vocals of In the Ghetto is the cherry on the cake of a film that knows its subject, but isn’t afraid to play fast and loose with a familiar tune. (see full review here)
Canberra Times - "Elvis is an exhilarating and brilliant homage to a tortured icon" 5 Stars
... The King has been gone a while now but that doesn't mean people don't feel a connection and want to bring him back. Just what was it about Elvis Presley that spoke to so many of us, made us feel he was reaching out?
It guarantees a ready-made audience for this
intensely immersive cinema experience that is so steeped in Elvis' life story it barely pauses for breath over 160 minutes of running time.
A Baz Luhrmann film is by definition high-energy, and Elvis was never going to be any exception. It generates exuberance from its jewel-encrusted, exuberant opening credits through to the story's tragic end, every frame filled with lavish production detail.
This is an exceptional collaboration from Luhrmann and his partner, the production and costume designer Catherine Martin, the recipient of four Oscars.
This is Luhrmann's sixth feature film. Four of these are in the top ten all-time hits at the Australian box office, which is no bad feat in a notoriously capricious market. I do expect that 'ELVIS' will eventually join them. (News, Source;NP/ElvisInfoNet)
"ELVIS" ABC Review: ABC film critic Zak Hepburn raised some interesting new points in his review this week..
...'Elvis' is Baz and Catherine Martin's epic telling of Elvis' life and it is delivered in the requisite Baz Lurhmann way. Now that may be too much for some people. I think that this is an film you really have to tune in to. I love it, I actually think it's Baz's best work since Romeo and Juliet.
The first act is 100% Baz Luhrmann, smash grabs, zooms and a fusion of music. Essentially you've got this epic telling of Elvis' life but it's not only a biopic though, it's about the whole Elvis mystique, the legacy of Elvis.
And that's what I love about this film, the fusion of all those traditional biopic tropes that we all know - but it also looks at the impact of Elvis and also those that manipulated him for their own gain.
The cast is absolutely exquisite.Austin Butler as Elvis is one of the best performances I've seen in some time. He has really become Elvis.
The other impressive performance in the film is, of course, Tom Hanks as Col Parker. Usually "Mr Good guy" but here he's doing something different with this performance. I really appreciated it because what we're doing here is using the idea of Tom Hanks and we're taking it in a new direction, 'cos he is actually the villain of the piece. The film is narrated by Tom Parker and Luhrmann's using that idea that Tom Hanks is everyone's "best friend" just like everyone thought Col Parker was everyone's "best friend". And that is the clever manipulation of the audience.
I think there'll be a few divisive fans out there, because it does take a huge stylistic leap. But Baz of course does nothing by halves - and in an Elvis Biopic you'd expect nothing less. It is almost an evolution of the Biopic, from such as Rocket Man with Elton John, Bohemian Rhapsody with Freddie Mercury. This feels like something different by Baz tapping into the idea that Elvis and his influence has touched so many facets of pop culture and by weaving all that into this incredible tapestry.
I was really wrapped up in the movie particularly the third act. There is a moment were it cuts into actual footage of Elvis and it sends shivers throughout the audience, because the performance is so impeccable.
The retelling of the 68 Comeback Special is also really fantastic, there is a lot going on here.
The costume design is exquisite, the production design is exquisite, the music is exquisite. I really really really loved this film.
Anyone who has suspicious minds about this movie can lay those worries to rest - I think Baz has a real winner on his hands here. (News, Source;ABCNewsBreakfast/ElvisInfoNet)
"ELVIS" Behind The Scenes: A neat seven minute clip from Screen Australia about Behind The Scenes of the new ELVIS movie.
Baz Luhrmann, Designer-Producer Catherine Martin and producer Schuyler Weiss talk about their experience making Elvis, from filming on the Gold Coast, the effects of COVID on production and why Luhrmann continues to return to Australia to make his films.
"Elvis in the studio"- excerpt from the critically acclaimed recent book, 'The Sonic Swagger of Elvis Presley: A Critical History of the Early recordings': ... Surviving outtakes make it abundantly clear that it's the 21-year-old Elvis Presley, not ostensible producer Steve Sholes, who's in control. Even when Sholes pronounces a take satisfactory, Elvis, if not happy, overrules him and insists on doing it again. And if one of the musicians makes a mistake, forcing a new attempt, Elvis remains nonplussed. "In his own reserved manner," as recalled in Elvis '56, In the Beginning, a journalist on hand to view the session would write, "he kept control, he made himself responsible. When someone else made a mistake, he sang off-key The offender picked up the cue. He never criticised anyone, never got mad at anybody, but himself. He'd just say, "Okay, fellas, I goofed." (News, Source:EIN) Read EIN's detailed review of 'The Sonic Swagger of Elvis Presley'
Read EIN's revealinginterview with the author, Gary Parker
She explains... The tribute artist industry has continued to grow in recent years and
has become very popular. I think it’s wonderful that they are keeping
the music alive, especially for those of us who never had the
opportunity to see the original artists.
Sheree recently took time out to talk to EIN about the book, her other rock music publications, and the eclectic world of musical tribute artists.
'ELVIS Original Motion Picture Soundtrack' CD: At last the 'ELVIS Original Motion Picture Soundtrack' CD release has been officially announced and with the worldwide release date of 29th July (odd that it is not the same week June 24 as the movie release)
The CD is twenty-two tracks, whereas the Digital Release is 36 tracks.
CD priced at Australia AU$22 and UK £13.25 "The soundtrack features Elvis's extraordinary body of work spanning the 1950s, '60s and '70s, while also celebrating his diverse musical influences and enduring impact on popular artists today."
1. Suspicious Minds (Vocal Intro) - Elvis Presley
2. Cotton Candy Land - Stevie Nicks & Chris Isaak
3. Vegas - Doja Cat
4. The King And I - Eminem & CeeLo Green
5. Tupelo Shuffle - Swae Lee & Diplo
6. Baby, Let's Play House - Austin Butler
7. Craw-Fever - Elvis Presley
8. Strange Things Are Happening Every Day - Yola
9. Trouble - Austin Butler
10. Can't Help Falling in Love - Kacey Musgraves
11. I Got A Feelin' In My Body - Lenesha Randolph
12. Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child - Jazmine Sullivan
13. Edge of Reality (Tame Impala Remix) - Elvis Presley & Tame Impala
14. Power of My Love - Elvis Presley
15. Polk Salad Annie (Film Mix) - Elvis Presley
16. Suspicious Minds (Film Edit) - Elvis Presley
17. Burning Love (Film Mix) - Elvis Presley
18. I Got A Feelin' In My Body - Elvis Presley & Stuart Price
19. Don't Fly Away (PNAU Remix) - Elvis Presley & PNAU
20. If I Can Dream - Måneskin
21. Suspicious Minds - Paravi
22. In the Ghetto (World Turns Remix) - Elvis Presley feat. Nardo Wick (News, Source/ElvisInfoNet)
'ELVIS 30 #1 Hits Expanded Edition' - New Release: To be released next week to coincide with the new Baz Luhrmann ELVIS movie, Sony Music is repackaging 'Elvis'
30#1 Hits' together with 'Second To None' creating 'ELVIS 30 #1 Hits Expanded Edition'
Released date is next week June 24, 2022.
Priced at UK £12.99.
This twin set was previously released in 2013 as a double pack '30# 1 Hits / 2nd To None' selling in the US for US$16. see below for details..
Either way it is a great double-set at a good price.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'Alfred Wertheimer. Elvis and the Birth of Rock and Roll' Re-Print: Yet another re-print to catch that Baz Luhrmann wave of ELVIS publicity is 'Alfred Wertheimer. Elvis and the Birth of Rock and Roll' hardcover book.
... The King of Rock ’n’ Roll is born. Find yourself up close and personal with the King. This collection brings together over 300 photographs of Elvis from the legendary portfolio of Alfred Wertheimer. Extraordinary in their intimacy and unparalleled in scope, these pictures immortalize a young man in the very process of making history.
Publisher: TASCHEN;
Hardcover 335 pages
Out 1 June 2022.
The Presley family at 'ELVIS' Movie screening: At the weekend Baz Luhrmann’s 'ELVIS' was screened at the Graceland Guesthouse Theatre. In attendance was a large number of the films stars - including Tom Hanks and Austin Butler and Olivia DeJonge who got to watch the movie with Elvis' actual family Lisa Marie, Riley Keough and Priscilla Presley. What a night that must have been.
Priscilla posted, "Hello all! What a weekend it has been here at Graceland!
We’ve had screenings for family, friends, guests and fans for Baz Luhrmann’s film, ELVIS at our theater at the Guesthouse. Baz, Austin Butler, Tom Hanks, Olivia DeJonge, Jerry Schilling, me, Lisa and Riley were all on stage to welcome our
guests. We each spoke openly about our personal reaction or experience on seeing this film. By all accounts, Austin Butler has recharged the life of of Elvis Presley. Not that it has ever left us but it will, I feel, give our younger generation a taste of why Elvis is “still” the king of R/R, beloved, and always will be. As I’ve mentioned, This movie is a true story about the up and down relationship Elvis had with his Manager Col Parker. Baz Luhrmann has made a film about Elvis that I feel will leave a mark as one of the most artistic, creative, stylized, and sensitive films to date, on an important part of Elvis’ life.
Thank you to: Warner Bros, Baz Lurhman, Austin Butler, Tom Hanks and Olivia
DeJonge for giving your heart, soul and belief in making this sensitive, heartfelt movie." (News, Source;JM/Warners/ElvisInfoNet)
Austin Butler plays Elvis' guitar: While the "ELVIS" movie cast were assembled at Graceland, Austin Butler got to play Elvis' genuine guitar in the Jungle Room!
It must have been a surreal experience both for him and for Elvis' actual family who were there..
Riley Keough commented on Instagram: "We got to spend time with Austin Butler this weekend in the house, at Graceland. It was such a special and overwhelming experience I haven’t quite processed. One of many sweet things that happened while we were there- Austin played my grandfather’s guitar in the house. This guitar hasn’t been played by many people. I know it was tuned by Paul McCartney once, but as far as people sitting down and playing it Austin Butler is one of very few people aside from my grandfather. ❤️"
ELVIS 'Austin Butler Pre-Production Test Footage': This is a sensational clip. Forget all those average Elvis Impersonators you might have seen, here Austin Butler truly inhabits Elvis character showing what he could do
at a pre-production jam.
As 'Depper' rightly comments, "Austin was a brilliant choice as there are millions of new young Elvis fans just based on the trailers alone. Many more will join us in the Elvis fanbase as soon as the movie drops. This movie successfully explains the contributions to music of Elvis Presley, to today's current generation. Elvis' legacy has been given a tremendous boost, and will help young people understand that he was a force of good for American music and humanity." (News, Source;EIN)
'ELVIS' Soundtrack Digital Tracklist: Finally we get the tracklist for the Baz Luhrmann soundtrack album.
It's great to get something new that will hopefully push a new generation to discover Elvis' immense back-catalogue
In Australia you can hear the first single 'Vegas' by Doja Cat playing everywhere. A cool sign.
From RCA Records / Sony Music
Pre-order started today June 10, 2022 Release Date: June 24, 2022 Tracklist
1. Suspicious Minds (Vocal Intro) – Elvis Presley
2. Also Sprach Zarathustra / An American Trilogy – Elvis Presley
3. Vegas – Doja Cat
4. The King and I – Eminem & CeeLo Green
5. Tupelo Shuffle – Swae Lee & Diplo
6. I Got A Feelin’ In My Body – Elvis Presley & Stuart Price
7. Craw-Fever – Elvis Presley
8. Don’t Fly Away (PNAU Remix) – Elvis Presley & PNAU
9. Can’t Help Falling in Love – Kacey Musgraves
10. Product of the Ghetto – Nardo Wick
11. If I Can Dream – Maneskin
12. Cotton Candy Land – Stevie Nicks & Chris Isaak
13. Baby, Let’s Play House – Austin Butler
14. I’m Coming Home (Film Mix) – Elvis Presley
15. Hound Dog – Shonka Dukureh
16. Tutti Frutti – Les Greene
17. Strange Things Are Happening Every Day – Yola
18. Hound Dog – Austin Butler
19. Let It All Hang Out – Denzel Curry
20. Trouble – Austin Butler
21. I Got A Feelin’ In My Body – Lenesha Randolph
22. Edge of Reality (Tame Impala Remix) – Elvis Presley & Tame Impala
23. Summer Kisses / In My Body – Elvis Presley
24. ’68 Comeback Special (Medley) – Elvis Presley (News, Source; Amazon/ElvisInfoNet)
25. Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child – Jazmine Sullivan
26. If I Can Dream (Stereo Mix) – Elvis Presley
27. Any Day Now – Elvis Presley
28. Power of My Love – Elvis Presley & Jack White
29. Vegas Rehearsal / That’s All Right – Austin Butler & Elvis Presley
30. Suspicious Minds – Elvis Presley
31. Polk Salad Annie (Film Mix) – Elvis Presley
32. Burning Love (Film Mix) – Elvis Presley
33. It’s Only Love – Elvis Presley
34. Suspicious Minds – Paravi
35. In the Ghetto (World Turns Remix) – Elvis Presley & Nardo Wick
36. Unchained Melody (Live at Ann Arbor, MI) – Elvis Presley
'ELVIS' EIN movie review: Keith Richards said, "Elvis hit like a bombshell ... it was like the world went from black and white to Technicolor." While those words apply to Elvis Presley they could similarly apply to Baz Luhrmann's style of film direction. Compared to the regular Hollywood output Baz Luhrmann movies have a similar feel of busting out of jail and going from black-and-white to technicolour. They are loud, brash, super-colourful, fast-edited and exciting, they have their own language and style.
The full-bore soundtrack, the glowing colour, the revelation of Austin Butler's truly stunning performance and the real excitement of the fast editing really does make it feel that Luhrmann has grabbed Elvis' true spirit. The film not only tells Elvis’ life but has the genuine excitement of the real Elvis, something that I've never felt from any previous Elvis Bio-Pic.
The incredible fact is that while the movie includes so many snatches of real Elvis (Hy Garner interview, Lisa Marie, Al Dvorin etc) yet Austin Butler has one so enthralled in playing Elvis' character that you can hardly spot the difference.
However typical of a Luhrmann movie you can see why fans' overly detailed fact-checking needs to be left at the door - and knowledgeable Elvis fans should just enjoy the ride. Go here for EIN Piers Beagley's exclusive and detailed review
(Review; Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Baz Luhrmann ELVIS Sydney Premiere: The Sydney Premiere of Baz Luhrmann's ELVIS movie was presented in the glorious Sydney State Theatre where Luhrmann's first film 'Strictly Ballroom' was featured thirty years ago at the 1992 Sydney Film Festival.
The evening was part of Sydney's VIVID festival and before the actual Premiere, director Baz Luhrmann spent an hour in conversation discussing his life in movies as well as his thoughts on ELVIS.
The Sydney Media were out in force to celebrate the international cast of the movie, including Austin Butler, Tom Hanks and Australia's Olivia DeJonge, along with Director Baz Luhrmann.
EIN's Piers Beagley was lucky enough to be part of the ELVIS celebration - and who knew that his night would include an Elvis sing-a-long with Tom Hanks! Go here for the Baz Luhrmann discussion and plenty of Premiere pics.
(Spotlight, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'Destined to Fly: The Story of Pilot Ron Strauss- From Iowa to Elvis' New Book: From author Sally A. Hoedel (who also published the book 'Elvis: Destined to Die Young') a brand new book for later this year. 'Destined to Fly – The Story of Pilot Ron Strauss' retraces the extraordinary life of an ordinary boy from Iowa as he leaves home and sets out for a life of unknown adventures. What began as a desire to be involved in aviation, quickly turned into a 12-year military career in the United States Air Force. Often choosing an unconventional route, Ron Strauss achieved his dream of becoming a pilot. With Elvis Presley as his boss, he even co-piloted one of the most famous airplanes in existence, the Lisa Marie.
Ron Strauss certainly cannot be reduced to the nearly two years he flew Elvis Presley. His story is more vast than that short period from 1975-1977. However, the book does capture Elvis Presley as a boss and a leader within a very unique organization. Elvis fans discover new information about the Lisa Marie and what it was like to be called up in the middle of the night for an unscheduled destination at the request of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Hoedel examines the eight decades of Ron’s journey thus far. As she explores the roots of his character and the motivating factors behind his successful aviation career, she delivers a portrait of Americana. Aviation enthusiasts will also be inspired as they connect with this timeless story of hard work, perseverance, dreams, love, life, family… and flying.
There will be a limited edition available at Elvis Week.
Official release date is September 15th.
You can pre-order here at her websitewww.ElvisAuthor.com.
Go here for EIN's exclusive interview with Sally A. Hoedel. (News, Source;SH/ElvisInfoNet)
FTD New July Releases: FTD are releasing two neat collections for July 2022. The "complete" 1963/64 ‘Lost Album’ Sessions plus a 3CD set of three 1973 Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe Midnight shows. - 'Devil In Disguise: the ‘Lost Album’ Sessions'3-CD.
As part of its acclaimed ‘Sessions' series, FTD is pleased to announce the release of Elvis Presley: Devil In Disguise – The ‘Lost Album’ Sessions - in the usual 3-CD 8”
digi-pak with 28-page booklet. Recorded, for the most part, over two days in July 1963, these varied and excellent performances ended up being scattered over several RCA Victor releases between 1963 and 1968. It would not be until 1990 that the songs finally appeared as originally intended on a proper RCA vinyl album. Almost 60-years later, FTD presents all of the masters and outtakes available from the sessions. EIN Note: All the tracks except 'Love Me Tonight' take 7 false start were previously released on FTD's 'Memphis Tennessee' 2008 Classic Album. Hopefully there will be more unreleased 'count ins' and snippets of
- 'Elvis: From Vegas To Tahoe' 3-CD
As part of its ongoing live on tour series, FTD is pleased to announce the release of Elvis: From Vegas To Tahoe. Released as a 3-CD 5” digi-pak, this set features three 1973 midnight shows recorded on January 27 / February 21 (Las Vegas Hilton) and May 12 1973 (High Sierra Theatre, Sahara Hotel, Lake Tahoe)
EIN Note: Two tracks from May 12 1973 concert have been previously released by FTD on 2003’s ‘Takin’ Tahoe Tonight’ and they were rather good. See review here. Elvis was still in good form in 1973 and all three are ‘Midnight Shows’ making them all the more interesting. Including You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me, Steamroller Blues, I’m Leavin’, What Now My Love and I’ll Remember You, this could be a very enjoyable set. Note that it is priced at a 1/3 more than the usual FTD double-live set.
Austin Butler Discusses 'Elvis': A new interview with Austin Butler in Cannes has been posted and it captures how perfect it was for Austin Butler to get the lead role of Elvis "I knew what Elvis' loss felt like when he lost his mom. I keep saying this, but I've never loved anybody than I'd never met more than Elvis. After spending two year with all the good, bad and ugly of his life I'm feeling like my heart is so connected to his. At the premiere last night it was so emotional, I wish Elvis was here to see how loved he is.."
(News, Source;Variety/EInfoNet)
‘Elvis – NOW 1971' New MRS box-set OUT NOW: Also at your favourite record shop the UK Label ‘Memphis Recording Service’ (MRS) 4CD Deluxe set ‘Las Vegas International Presents Elvis – NOW 1971'is OUT NOW.
The 4CDs contain a varied selection of live performances drawn from Elvis’ engagement at the Las Vegas International Hotel during the early part of 1971. For the first time ever, these soundboard recordings have been remastered, carefully restored and mixed to "true stereo" using the most sophisticated technologies to achieve the best possible sound.
For the first time ever though, the material from these shows is presented in stereo.
The accompanying 40-page booklet which includes rare photographs and memorabilia dating from this and the following summer appearance in August 1971 - also includes liner notes which set the scene.
(Book Review) 'The Sonic Swagger of Elvis Presley: A Critical History of the Early Recordings' (Gary Parker):‘For Elvis Presley, stardom was the promise, and he made the trip, but at an extraordinarily high cost’. This is one of the thought provoking themes in Gary Parker’s latest book which critically examines in thoroughly researched detail, Elvis’ seminal recordings in the 1950s (as well as more briefly discussing Elvis’ post Army recordings).
Noting that... "Elvis' clever manipulation of his numerous interests remains one of the music world's great marvels. Presley, with one foot in delta mud and the other in a country hoedown, teamed with Scotty Moore and Bill Black to fuse two distinctly American musical forms -- country and blues -- to form what would come to be known as 'rockabilly'". This is a book with plenty to discuss.
In their 2,100 words collaboration, EIN’s Nigel Patterson and Piers Beagley, review what they have found to be one of the best, and most important, Elvis book releases of 2022. Read the full review here (Book Review, Source: ElvisInformationNetwork)
'Elvis UK – Cover Story' New Book: From Elvis authors John Townson and Gordon Minto a new (digital) book 'Elvis UK – Cover Story: The Ultimate Guide To Elvis Presley’s EP & LP Sleeves 1956-77'
This newly written 286 page, fully comprehensive book, provides the ultimate guide to Elvis’s EP and LP album sleeves released in the UK between 1956-1977.
- It adds to, complements - and extends considerably - the information originally included in our original book Elvis UK
- Extensively illustrated in full colour
- Arranged in sections, this book addresses a wide range of topics including back cover photos, printing companies, sleeve notes, etc.
- There are extended sections including Front Cover – Fact File, and For UK Fans Only, an in-depth study of those albums that originated in the UK, or were only ever available in the UK
- And as readers have come to expect from Elvis UK publications, there is a wealth of background info incorporated into the text
This definitive work is only available as a downloadable digital flip book stored on your own device Why a digital flip book?
A flip book provides a highly intuitive search facility allowing the reader to access whatever they are looking for quickly and easily
There are no postage costs. It will not deteriorate
It can be held on multiple devices. Pages can be printed off, if required Elvis UK – Cover Story costs just £15 and can be ordered via our website here > www.elvisukbooks.co.uk
which also includes details of our other publications – Elvis UK, Elvis UK2 and Elvis UK3. EIN has had a sneak-peak and it looks fascinating covering everything from the start through to 1977 in fascinating detail.. (News, Source;GM/ElvisInfoNet)
Baz Luhrmann 'ELVIS' movie posters for 50s/ 60s/ 70s - plus a great shot of Austin Butler
'This Is Elvis - The Lost Theme Song' EIN spotlight: With all of the hype surrounding Baz Luhrmann's upcoming biopic, ELVIS, many fans will fondly recall the first official movie of Elvis' life, 1981's 'This Is Elvis', which, for better of worse, is the benchmark against which all subsequent attempts are measured.
One of the well-known names involved with This Is Elvis was Jerry Schilling, who was hired as a Consultant on the film - and who was involved in getting the long-lost theme song written and recorded by Beach Boy Carl Wilson and Sweet Inspirations Myrna Smith..
Another delight is discovering that Beach Boy Carl Wilson had a great love of Elvis.
(Review) 'Elvis: Direct from Graceland' ROCKS Bendigo: EIN’s Nigel Patterson spent his Easter interstate including taking in the biographical 'Elvis: Direct from Graceland' exhibition in the Victoria, Australia, city of Bendigo.
Included in the more than 300 items on display are personal treasures and a diverse array of artefacts from Elvis’ performance and film career.
As the Bendigo Art Gallery Curatorial Manager, Lauren Ellis explained, "Elvis intoxicated the nation’s youth and provoked vicious backlash from conservative personalities – in a time before celebrities had teams of personal stylists, Elvis Presley invented himself piece by piece. The more I discovered about Elvis' life – the more I wanted to know. "
Nigel was impressed by what he found, though sees ways in which the exhibition could be improved.
The enigma of "Elvis Cooper": Using Elvis Presley, Alice Cooper and Nirvana in the same sentence is likely incongruous to most serious pop/rock music fans. Each artist occupies a vastly different space in the rock music world…… Elvis, the quintessential rock ‘n’ roll and pop star, Alice Cooper the master of shock rock-heavy metal, and Kurt Cobain (and Nirvana), icons of grunge-punk rock.
Primordially, they share the trait of being “controversial”. All three were perceived by the mainstream to be anti-establishment. But beyond this, they share other surprising connections which are testament to their roles as leaders in their respective fields of popular music, and how that leadership and their disparate genres of music, overlap.
Book Review - Elvis: The Quest For An Oscar (James Turiello): Many will find it surprising that someone could write more than 500 pages detailing the case why Elvis deserves to receive an Honorary Academy Award, but
author James Turiello has achieved this with his latest book.
EIN's Nigel Patterson spent a weekend exploring the author's argument.
Can someone who appeared in Kissin' Cousins, Harum Scarum and Clambake really be Oscar worthy?
In a detailed review, Nigel discusses what the book has to offer and provides his assessment of whether or not the author successfully makes his case that Elvis is deserving of an Honorary Oscar.
(Book Review) 'Disc Jockeys, Preachers, and Elvis': From author /DJ Ron Brandon 'Disc Jockeys, Preachers, and Elvis' is a self-published biography.
Ron Brandon was the person who recorded Elvis' 1956 live performance in Tupelo and our Elvis legacy would be less rich had he not done so and then sent Elvis a personal copy!
The book details "55 years of Behind The Scenes stories of Disc Jockeys, Rock & Roll, and Elvis.. as told by the author that lived them"
It includes 23 chapters, 96 pages, 150 photos many in color, A4 size with large type easy-to-read, excellent quality.
Chapters include sections on radio stations WTUP Tupelo 1956, WMOC Chattanooga 1962, WNOE and Marty Lacker New Orleans 1963, 'Radio Music Report' magazine, Sex Drugs and Rock 'n' Roll, as well as the story of 'Elvis comes home to Tupelo'. Brandon tells the stories of hard work, meeting loads of radio personalities and getting a successful time slot in multiple radio stations. He meets plenty of interesting characters along the way, both good and bad! He also was the person who tracked down Elvis' 'Mystery Kisser'!
Packed full of stories EIN's Piers Beagley spent time enjoying this look into a very interesting life well-lived!go here to find out more (Book Review, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'The Pot Luck Sessions' Deluxe FTD Review: Released back in December 2021, 'The Pot Luck Sessions' was the eighth in FTD’s “complete sessions” packages. An 8 inch deluxe 5-CD package featuring a 28-page booklet with an insightful essay, record and session data, memorabilia and rare photos. The set includes remastered complete RCA sessions from Elvis' June 25 and October 15 1961 and March 18-19 1962 recording sessions.
The set features a good number of previously unreleased outakes and EIN also uncovers plenty of Elvis studio discussions that had been previously edited out on earlier "Classic Album" releases such as Elvis saying, “Here we go already. How do like that
arrangement, Red?” an important question to his friend Red West who
had composed the song 'That’s Someone You Never Forget'.
'..And Then There Was Elvis' Sneak Peak:Virginia Coons was a super-SUPER-fan. Her interest started with Elvis’ breakthrough in the mid-fities and continued to her very last day. She has met Elvis multiple times and was the direct link between America and England. She maintained contacts and ensured that the latest releases of LPs and 45s found their way overseas. She not only had contact with Elvis but with everyone close to him including Priscilla, Col. Parker's office and RCA. There are so many fun-to-read stories its incredible.
Virginia has hundreds of memories now curated by her daughter ─ Elaine Christan ─ in a 400 page hardback book. Many personal stories summarized in a beautiful book "And Then There Was Elvis - A Superfan's Adventures in the Elvis World" with many high resolution photos, personal candids etc . . . made available by MEGA collector Erik Lorentzen. Erik's stunning photo collection is known worldwide.
Elaine translated her mother's journey into writing, so many beautiful stories brought together in one book.
Anyone who reads The Elvis Files magazine will be familiar the way Virginia remembered Elvis and penned her memories... Erik Lorentzen has sent EIN a "Sneak-Peak" at some of the pages, describing the book as...
"Can there be better personal stories more interesting than this, combined with the unique photos?
And the book is full of such stories and pictures.
This is my favourite book looking at the personal life of Elvis and his fans." - (News, Source;EL/ElvisInfoNet)
Gary kindly took time to discuss what we can expect in his new book, Jethro Tull, and things in-between.
Elvis’ Sun recordings vs. RCA early recordings, the muddy Mississippi delta plains, Elvis’ swirlingly innovative mixture of hair-raising rock & roll and balladry.
'ELVIS WEEK 2022' Details: EPE have finally released the first details about ELVIS WEEK 2022. The publicity states... We are so excited to be able to share what we have planned for Elvis Week 2022 - and we can't wait for you to join us here in Memphis for this historic celebration.
Graceland will be welcoming fans from around the world on August 9-17 for Elvis Week 2022, as we mark the 45th anniversary of Elvis' passing and honor the man, the star, the icon - the King of Rock 'n' Roll!
Elvis Week 2022 will offer an unforgettable line-up of concerts, conversations, tributes, and more. 2022 highlights include...
- The August 16 'Elvis Presley in Concer't featuring Elvis on the big screen backed by a live band;
Includes James Burton, Glen Hardin, Terry Blackwood and The Imperials, Larry Strickland and a special appearance by Priscilla Presley.
- All the King's Men, showcasing those who shared the studio and stage with Elvis;
Hear stories from TCB Band members James Burton, Glen Hardin and Memphis Boy Gene Chrisman.
- The Gospel Music of Elvis Presley Dinner Show, where fans can enjoy Elvis' gospel favorites;
Features Terry Blackwood and The Imperials, Stamps' Larry Strickland, The Blackwood Brothers Quartet, and Estelle Brown of The Sweet Inspirations.
- Conversations On Elvis: the man, the music, the legend
Including Priscilla Presley; James Burton, Glen Hardin, Estelle Brown with more guests to be announced.
- The annual Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest and performances by many of EPE's past Ultimate winners;
- The the annual Candlelight Vigil on August 15 where fans gather in quiet remembrance of the king.
Tickets for Elvis Week 2022 officially go on sale on Thursday, March 10!
Check out the schedule of events & tickets here at Graceland website
There will be further special guest announcements and added events (News, Source;EPE/EIN)
MRS 'Elvis: Mono To Stereo 1956' CD Review: At the end of last year the UK based MRS label released their Double CD/ Book 'Elvis: Mono To Stereo - The Complete RCA Studio Masters 1956'.
The set contains the complete 1956 RCA studio master recordings in mono and (DES extracted) stereo versions. These were thirty classic RCA recordings that would help change the future of popular music.
The accompanying 20-page booklet includes photographs and memorabilia plus introductory notes.
While 'DES Stereo' remastering can sometimes reveal new details about classic MONO studio recordings, trying to create believable stereo from echoey mono masters is not that easy, even when using "highly advanced sound processing techniques".
Can classic mono tracks such as 'Hound Dog', 'Don't Be Cruel', 'My Baby Left Me' and 'Heartbreak Hotel' really sound better in DES stereo?
'Elvis: South Bound- Tampa / Atlanta '75' FTD in-depth Review: Mid 1975 found Elvis back in good form and having fun on stage. This 5" digipack double-soundboard features two more concerts from Elvis' 1975 Spring Tour. The Tampa April 26, 1975 Afternoon show at Curtis Hixon Convention Center plus Atlanta Omni Coliseum May 2, 1975 Evening Show.
Unfortunately soundboards from the start of this tour all have the same inherent 'problem' a HEAVY bias towards Piano tracks, there was often very little drums or orchestra in the mix. So can this release show us anything new?
But while collectors are right to be a little reticent about “Afternoon Shows” this soundboard is surprisingly enjoyable...
(Book Review) 'Don't Be Cruel, Elvis: The Bill Black Story': It is easy to forget that, in the beginning, Elvis was only one part of a trio put together by Sam Phillips, which included Bill Black on bass and Scotty Moore on lead guitar.
The unique sound that emerged from their early sessions was the result of a close collaboration of like-minded musicians and an engineer who wanted to generate something as yet unheard. Bill Black's contribution to Elvis’ success went beyond the bass playing. His antics on stage — twirling his bass, riding it as if it was a bronco to be tamed, trading corny jokes with Elvis — delighted the audiences. Scotty confirmed that, “If it hadn’t been for Bill, we would have bombed many times in the early days.”
Memphis Mansion’s Henrik Knudsen fortuitously befriended Bill Black's family and was entrusted with the family’s treasured scrapbook.
Using this key source, plus the investigative power of author Paul Belard, key rock'n'roll bassman Bill Black finally gets the biography he deserves with this impressive 260 page book.
Packed full of rare photos, great stories and interviews, EIN's Piers Beagley spent some quality time enjoying this very fine tribute to "Blackie" a great musician and a true character ... go here to find out more.. (Book Review, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
"ELVIS 45" Year-long Celebration: Elvis Presley’s Graceland will be celebrating the life and legacy of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll throughout 2022 in commemoration of the 45th anniversary of his passing in 1977. ELVIS 45 will include special events, giveaways, new exhibit openings, and concerts at Graceland during the year, plus exclusive merchandise offerings and more!
The yearlong celebration kicks off this week during Elvis’ Birthday Celebration on January 6-9 in Memphis. Additional Elvis 45 events planned for 2022 include Graceland traditional annual events like Ultimate ETA Weekend, Graceland Performing Arts Camp, Elvis Week 2022,Holiday Lighting Weekend, and Christmas Tours: plus, one-time events including a Valentine’s Day Package,Jailhouse Rock Party, Memphis Music Weekend and more.
- As part of ELVIS 45, Graceland is offering the highly collectible ELVIS 45: The Sapphire Collection featuring a 2022 Graceland Annual Pass, limited-
edition records, plus other exclusive items. Additionally, Graceland will be giving out 1,000 special ELVIS 45 RPM Records to visitors in Memphis who tour on six select days in 2022. - Graceland will also open four new exhibits in 2022:'Rock On' in early January, a replica guitar exhibit in partnership with Gibson Guitars; 'Elvis: Dressed to Rock' on May 7, featuring jumpsuits and stagewear from 1969-1977; 'Graceland: Welcome to My World' on June 7, in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Graceland opening to the public; and 'Dear Elvis' in August, an exhibit honoring Elvis fans.
Go here to EPE for all the details (News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
Interview 'The Airplanes & The King' with Carlos Varrenti & Robert Van Beek:As promised a few months ago, the extremely well-received spanish book 'The Airplanes & The King' by Carlos Varrenti is now being republished as an English version.
Not only that but it has now been expanded to an amazing 400 pages with a lot of unreleased material from Elvis Files' vaults!
The English version is printed as a High quality Hardback book.
Printed and distributed by The Elvis Files Team, EIN has seen some preview pages and it is an absolute stunner.
EIN is delighted to be able to talk with the author Carlos Varrenti - as well as Elvis Files designer Robert Van Beek to find out more.
We find out more about Carlos Varrenti's Argentinian background, how he came to be involved with designer Robert Van Beek and The Elvis Files for the expanded reprint, what highlights are in the book and what new stories fans will be able to discover within the covers. Go here as EIN's Piers Beagley asked the questions..
(Interview, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
"Elvis Back In Nashville" 8/10 Review: It's great to see the mainstream music press already giving truly positive reviews to the new "Elvis Back In Nashville" box-set that comes out next week. UNCUT uk music magazine have already reviewed it noting.... "The King's final recordings in the country music capital"
Elvis Presley was more ambitious than his late career output might suggest.
During his 1971 sessions in Nashville, he cut tracks for his dream project: a folk-rock record featuring songs by Buffy Sainte-Marie, Kris Kristofferson and others. Sadly, it never saw the light of day, and tracks from those sessions were scattered across cookie-cutter collections throughout the'70s. 'Elvis Back In Nashville' collects those recordings in one place, showcasing his stylistic range (gospel, carols, standards... you name it) and offering a glimpse of what might have been.
Despite being sold as a nostalgia act, Elvis was absolutely devoted to whatever he song he was singing. He immersed himself in the story and invested each line with nuance and character, whether it's the casually funky "Put Your Hand In The Hand" or the delicate "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" (recorded while he had the flu). Box-Set rates 8/10. Extras: 6/10. Archival photos and liner notes by David Cantwell.
You can also have a sneak preview of 30 seconds of every track via PlatoMania -CLICK HERE to listen
(News, Source;NP/ElvisInfoNet)
MRS presents 'ELVIS: September 1970' in-depth Review:MRS's new 2CD deluxe set features a new previously unreleased soundboard
from 2nd September 1970 and a bonus CD that covers the final rehearsals at the International Hotel on August 10th before the start of the summer
festival.
In September 1970 Elvis was still excited to be back on stage and performing for his fans.
Newspaper reviews of his concerts wrote about the excitement and fun Elvis was having back on-stage.
This brand-new previously unknown concert captures Elvis feeling 'loose-as-a-goose' yet still performing with a real intensity. His live versions of ‘You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’’, 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' were truly exceptional this evening.
The accompanying 40-page booklet of the CD deluxe includes rare photographs and memorabilia taken during these engagements along with introductory notes.
(Book Review) Elvis June 1956: June 1956 was another busy month for Elvis Presley and author Paul
Bélard captures the frenzy and excitement of Elvis' rocket-to-stardom in
this new photo-book, ‘Elvis June 1956’.
Elvis' 1956 juggernaut was picking up strength during the month with a series of dynamic live shows across America, appearing on Wink Martindale’s ‘Dance Party’ TV show, violating segregation laws in Memphis, outraging media critics and many parents with his burlesque show rendition of ‘Hound Dog’ on The Milton Berle Show and rehearsing for his appearance on The Steve Allen Show as the highlights.
The book includes some wonderful archive material such as.. - “Singing Sensation Causes Near Riot Here”
- “Writhing Singer Has Long Beach Soxers Wailing”
- "Elvis Sends 6,400 Here Into Frenzy”
- “Presley Leaves You In A Blue Suede Funk”
· “The Presley Problem”
This graphic biography illustrates how our man worked hard getting his career off the ground. All this packed on 220 pages. Go here as Nigel Patterson and Kees Mouwen check out this look at one of Elvis' key months of his career (Book Review, Source:EIN & EDayByDay)
Book Review 'From Elvis in Japan': David Ward's 'From Elvis in Japan: Elvis Presley Japanese LPs 1956-2018' is the a very detailed and visually attractive Elvis “discography”. It covers Elvis LP (vinyl) releases in Japan between 1956 and 2018, the e-book is full of interesting information about each release and stunning images of the LP covers and discs.
The discography contains information on 131 Elvis LPs released in the “land of the rising sun”, a complete song index, and “value add” sections such as How to Read Elvis’ Name in Japanese, Japanese Albums with US Artwork, and English Lyrics (the translations are often outrageously funny!).
Japan also pressed plenty of unique compilations such as 'Elvis Presley Special 24', 'Elvis on Screen', 'Elvis Presley The Complete Singles (11 LP box set)' and 'Elvis Presley By Request of Japanese Fans'.
Despite what some fans may think, Elvis’ Army years were eventful, full of interesting and sometimes sad, incidents.
Those two years in the Army were important in shaping Elvis as a person.
As Kees notes in his enlightening review, in her book, Trina Young “goes behind the superficial public relations story of Presley’s army years”.
'Think Twice: Elvis in The Studio 1971': The forthcoming 'Back In Nashville' boxset is going to shine the spotlight on Elvis' 1971 sessions which have traditionally been ignored by the official label. In this fascinating and detailed article EIN contributor Shane Brown examines these all too easily dismissed Nashville sessions and discovers some real gems.
It’s very easy to look at the March, May and June 1971 recordings out of context. While the recordings are certainly not up to the standard of those from June 1970, it’s also true to say that Elvis was in a very different place personally by spring 1971.
In June 1970 Elvis was riding the crest of a wave with his recent successes but by January 1971 he was in the newspapers due to an ongoing paternity suit.
The Presley’s marriage was on the rocks and Elvis was having problems with his eyes. However despite all of this there was something very interesting going on during the 1971 sessions. Find out more as Shane Brown investigates these controversial 1971 Nashville Sessions....
(Spotlight; Source;ShaneBrown/EIN)
Don't miss out on one of EIN's most-viewed and controversial interviews of all-time - Mike Stone tells all.
EIN Interview with Mike Stone: Mike Stone has had a long and successful career in athletics, in the entertainment business, as an author, sports instructor, bodyguard and personal fitness trainer.
Mike Stone was also a key figure in the emotional roller-coaster that described Elvis and Priscilla Presley's lives in the seventies. In this exclusive EIN interview Priscilla's ex-partner, karate champion and author talks about his amazing life, including... - Meeting Elvis and Priscilla
- Hawaii, Elvis and Karate
- Being Phil Spector's bodyguard
- Sitting next to John Lennon recording
- Priscilla and karate
- Fans blaming him for Elvis' marriage split-up
- Elvis putting a "Hit" out on him
- Finding peace in the Philippines
- His new autobiography
(Interview) Piotr Soczynski talks to EIN: While serious collectors will be familiar with Piotr Soczynski’s phenomenal work in documenting little known parts of the Elvis recording catalog, most fans will not. This is a great pity, as Piotr, who lives in Poland, has already published five of the best Elvis books in 2021, with two more volumes due later this year and in 2022. These books are:
★ Elvis Army Vinyl Records 1956-1967
★ Elvis Army Vinyl Records 1968-1991
★ Elvis U.S. Demo and Acetates 1953-1965
★ Elvis U.S. Demo and Acetates 1965-1993
★ Vinyl Discography from Eastern Europe, Part 1
★ Vinyl Discography from Eastern Europe, Part 2 (late 2021)
★ Vinyl Discography from Eastern Europe, Part 3 (expected 2022)
The first four volumes sold out quickly earlier this year, while the more recent first volume of Piotr’s Eastern Europe vinyl trilogy is selling fast. The depth of information, glorious visuals, and strong, clean book design have resulted in fascinating “coffee table” releases which will please (amaze) both collectors and the general fan. Piotr recently took time out to discuss
Elvis in Poland and his series of books which are an important narrative-visual record of little understood Elvis vinyl releases. Read Piotr’s full interview with Nigel Patterson and marvel at some great page visuals from the various volumes
(Interview, Source:ElvisInformationNetwork)
UPDATED- The collapse of the Elvis Bootleg Empire: Has Ernst won the war?’: Back in 1999 Ernst Jorgensen and Roger Semon convinced BMG to let them start the FTD collectors label in order to counteract the Elvis bootleg companies which had been selling unreleased material to fans since the very first vinyl bootleg 'Please Release Me' was issued back in 1970.
Of all the bootleg labels that have come and gone the 'Madison' label was one of the very few that always produced high-quality releases and which happened to start at the same time as FTD. The designs were top-notch and with detailed sleeve notes they easily competed with the legal Elvis releases.
In 2021 ‘Madison’ have returned with the new bootleg ‘A Legendary Performer Volume 9’ but all is not what was promised. The Elvis bootleg vaults are empty and FTD appears to have won the game. Go here as EIN’s Piers Beagley checks out the lack of new material and considers the bootleg era at an end... And EIN wants YOUR SAY -Our article is now updated with YOUR FEEDBACK - and more... (Spotlight; Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Don't forget that EIN's Elvis Facebook page regularly features fabulous RARE newly discovered photos of Elvis. This month EIN celebrates our 45,000 members! - including several of Elvis' own friends and colleagues So Elvis fans don't miss out on these rare and exciting photographs.
Now with over thousands of great photos, News and with more added every day – including YouTube footage.
"On Tour" 50th Anniversary - FTD vs Lorentzen release:
In the same way that the FTD 'TTWII' Collectors Edition had to include similar photos to Erik Lorentzen's 'TTWII' Summer Festival publication, a debate among Elvis collectors has already started regarding the two new 'On Tour' editions and which one to purchase.
Lorentzen promises the earlier publication this year, whereas FTD are still gathering documentation and unseen images for their 2022 release.
Trouble has also started as Lorentzen has stated about his book, "Unique in this 1200 page edition is that for the first time the complete and very extensive information of all shows and sessions" yet now Ernst Jørgensen has posted that his personal session notes are being used without permission.
It will be difficult for fans to decide which to buy, or both, especially with the extra wait for the David English / Pål Granlund 50th Anniversary FTD 'On Tour' project. Ernst Jørgensen posted the following statement.. "It has come to my attention that some of my personal recording notes are being used in Erik Lorentzen’s forthcoming Elvis On Tour book.
This is disappointing; as Erik has been notified that this information is private and confidential, and prior to publication permission is required, which has not been granted.
Pål, David and myself are working on an 'Elvis On Tour' FTD release for 2022, this information will be included with this release."
We do however also know that FTD will be including audio cds with their publication, the audio content however has not been finalised as yet. (Note: Both images are of course not the actual book covers!) (News, Source; ElvisInfoNet)
Book Review - 'ELVIS UK3': Recently published 'ELVIS UK3' The Ultimate Guide to Elvis Presley's British CD Releases 1983-2005' by John Townson and Gordon Minto comprises 1400 pages with over a million words plus 4,000 plus illustrations.
This examination of Elvis’ British releases is an incredibly detailed narrative and visual record of his CD releases in the UK from 1983 to 2005.
The first Elvis CD, 'The Legend' (3CD), was released in the UK in December 1983. Reflecting the fledgling nature of the format, UK fans had to wait another 12 months until the release of not one, but three, Elvis albums, in December 1984. By that time, the flood gates for the CD medium were starting to strain.
As with the authors’ earlier two volumes on Elvis UK vinyl releases, the information in Elvis UK3 is exhaustive.
To say that Elvis UK3 was well-researched would be a serious understatement. There is so much information in this book that it is difficult to comprehensively review it all. While many collectors will be most interested in the technical details for each entry, the author’s narrative is excellent.
Released using the flipbook format EIN tested Elvis UK3 on four platforms - a 28” computer monitor, 14” tablet, iPad 8 and a 6.5” android mobile phone. EIN's Nigel Patterson has spent plenty of time reading through this massive work and here presents his in-depth review ...
(Book Review, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Elvis "BACK ON DVD!": Paramount have re-released three classic Elvis movies this month on DVD. 'G.I. Blues'- BACK ON DVD! The year was 1960... 'Girls! Girls! Girls!' - BACK ON DVD! The year was 1962... 'Paradise, Hawaiian Style'- BACK ON DVD! The year was 1966...
From Paramount Pictures.-
Release date: March 12, 2021.
From Amazon for $14.99. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
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(Book Review) Elvis@Argentina 1963-1969 (Carlos Ares):The second volume in Carlos Ares’ series of “coffee table” books detailing Elvis’ reception in Argentina is another high quality production. With a great balance between informative text, colorful images and impressive archival artefacts, it is a worthy inclusion in any fan’s Elvis library.
It is available in English and Spanish text editions.
'Walk A Lonely Street' Book Review:Recently published Tony Plews, 'Walk A Lonely Street: Elvis Presley, Country Music & The True Story of Heartbreak Hotel' is a unique volume that tells the tale of Elvis Presley’s rise to fame as viewed through the lens of his era-defining first hit record, “Heartbreak Hotel”. Presented as a series of consecutive short stories, it offers a new perspective on Presley’s musical and cultural achievements, and reveals the true and dramatic saga behind the breakthrough song that changed the world.
In EIN Piers Beagley's detailed review he discovers that.. the true joy of this book is Tony Plews’ delightful and engaging writing style. His detailed research and his mix of facts and imagination blend together to create an emotional narrative that really draws the reader in. At times he also adds a nice British, somewhat droll, sense of humour that can make you laugh out loud.
A totally enthralling musical journey, Tony Plews writes with a truly engaging, colourful and passionate style. If your love of Elvis is based upon his amazing musical legacy then this is the book for you....
Go here to EIN's 'Walk A Lonely Street' in-depth review Coming Wednesday.. EIN interviews author Tony Plews
(Book Review, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
‘From Elvis in Nashville’ Box-set EIN In-Depth Review:
A 4CD collection presenting the definitive chronicle of Elvis' 1970 marathon sessions with the "Nashville Cats".
Recorded live in RCA's Studio B over the course of an epic five day run in June 1970 now, for the first time, the sessions are presented in pristine audio, newly mixed by acclaimed engineer Matt Ross-Spang without the added overdubs appearing on earlier releases.
Elvis’ 1970 Nashville session was very different from the previous Memphis sessions or even Elvis’ later sessions. Nashville was a real mix of Elvis recording RCA supplied demos along with one-take spontaneous favourites Elvis threw into the mix.
As Elvis noted, "It don't take much to get these guys going, boy, I'll tell you…. Just give them a "well..." and they're gone. That's what I call 'Sittin' on ready". EIN's Piers Beagley explores this new box-set to discover one of the best Elvis releases in years..
(CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
US CD box-set
US Vinyl
UK CD box-set
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‘TTWII 50th Anniversary Collectors Edition’ FTD Book Review: FTD's most expensive set ever published, David English and Pal Granlund bring the complete background story of 'Elvis: That's The Way It Is'. Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the movie's 1970 release, this ultimate collector's edition includes two hardback books, eight cds with over 450 minutes of music,
including newly discovered unreleased performances.
With access to 2,000 original negatives and 35mm slides, restored and repaired, many of which have never been seen before, the book also contains items from the MGM and RCA archives including paperwork, documents, memos and recording information.
Two books, 600 pages, plus all the MGM recorded rehearsals - including 70 tracks officially unreleased.
FTD's most expensive set but with the vast majority of the rehearsals already out on bootleg, can it really be worth the US$270 plus postage. Initially Sold Out and already into its first reprint what makes it so desirable? EIN's Piers Beagley investigates and discovers plenty .. Go here to our 6000 word review including plenty of extracts and stunning images. (FTD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Amazon Deals on ELVIS Blu-rays - Beware of excessive prices at some Elvis dealers.
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'ELVIS In The 2010s' A Personal Review of the Past Decade: Rather like Elvis’s own career, each decade since Elvis’s death appears to have had a theme or identity of its own. Clearly the late 1970s were difficult for RCA as they struggled to find the right direction with which to take their posthumous releases, and so it was the 1980s that was the decade when the company slowly but surely learned how to look back at Elvis's legacy and start to make some sense of it.
The 1990s were when that reached a peak, with the decades boxed sets, and the Elvis in the 90s series, thus bringing virtually the whole catalogue back into print in a coherent way.
The 2000s were when errors of judgement at retail level started to occur (despite huge successes like Elv1s), but also when FTD came into its own and flourished. And so what will we make of Elvis releases of the 2010s when we look back on them from the future? Go here for EIN contributor Shane Brown's personal take on the highs and lows of Elvis product that has come our way over the last decade....
(Spotlight, Source;ShaneBrown/ElvisInformationNetwork)
ELVIS 'Live 1969'
Keeping an eye on the prices.
Now $88 (down from $105) <<< US Amazon
UK Amazon >>> £73.00
Both with FREE Delivery
Check deals at other sites.
Elvis LIVE Aug 23, 1969 Album Review + Elvis Concert Review 1969: ..."The atmosphere throughout the entire hotel was nail-bitingly electric! It is difficult for me to describe and paint a true portrait of attending in person this unique occasion - Elvis' Return to Splendor LIVE in 1969 - but I'll try my best. I want, and hope, you will understand the excitement of what has to be the pinnacle of Elvis' career to date!" Joan Gansky was lucky because not only was she in the audience for Elvis' TV musical renaissance of the '68 NBC Special but she also saw Elvis at his most dynamic - first at his August 22nd 1969 Midnight Show and then the following night at his August 23rd Dinner Show. Joan Gansky has written this insightful and emotional article for EIN in 2019, fifty years later, looking back at this special event from 1969 as well as providing her review of the new RCA vinyl album of the August 23rd Dinner Show. One of EIN's most important articles we have ever published- Go here for Joan and Paul Gansky's incredible articles and exclusive photos
(Review/Spotlight, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'Elvis - Made In Germany’ In-Depth Review: The new MRS 'Elvis - Made In Germany – The Complete Private Recordings’ 4CD set contains more than 3 hours of the private recordings Elvis made while off duty in Germany when he was serving as a soldier in the US army during the 1958 -1960 period and, includes rare tracks from a recently discovered tape comprising over an hour of unheard personal recordings. The 152-page hardback book contains rare photographs and documents plus a comprehensive text provided by Gordon Minto, which discusses each of Elvis’ RCA studio (non-film) recording sessions held during 1957-58, before focusing on the private recordings he made in Germany.
The BONUS CD features the essential RCA studio masters from 1957-58.With such an expansive book, along with hours of Elvis jamming with his friends in Germany, there is plenty to discuss as well as finding out what extra material this set contains over the official releases. Go here as EIN's Nigel Patterson & Piers Beagley provide an in-depth review of this new MRS release
(Book Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'What was Elvis searching for?' EIN Spotlight: The question is raised – but never answered – in the title of HBO’s recent absorbing, imperfect documentary 'Elvis Presley: The Searcher'.
At the start it seems clear what the teenage Elvis was searching for – an escape from the oblivion of poverty in the American South. Yet his quest was cultural as well as financial.
Later Elvis read obsessively, seeking out such books as The Impersonal Life, Joseph Brenner’s guide to self-discovery and Kahil Gibran’s book of fables, The Prophet. In his copy of Gibran’s tome, Elvis jotted down the line: “A singer can sing his songs but he must have an ear to receive the song”.
So what exactly was Elvis searching for? In this fascinating EIN Spotlight respected author Paul Simpson takes a close look at this all important question which, for some reason, was basically ignored in the recent HBO documentary..
Mindi Miller Interview with EIN: Mindi Miller was a working actress when she met Elvis in early 1975. She was interested in karate (she performed all her own movie stunts), exploring spirituality and the Bible and so they had a lot in common. Mindi Miller and Elvis bonded over their common interests and soon afterwards he asked her to go on tour with him in April 1975.
She stayed friends with Elvis through the years - along with members of the 'Memphis Mafia' - and attended his funeral.
EIN's Sanja Meegin recently caught up with Mindi Miller to talk about her close friendship with Elvis over the years.
In this fascinating interview she discusses. . . - Her first night with Elvis
- How Elvis persuaded her to cancel her overseas movie & modelling plans
- Their mutual interest in Karate
- Graceland and meeting Lisa Marie
- Attending Elvis' funeral . . . and much much more... Go here for EIN's Sanja Meegin and her intimate and detailed discussion with the delightful Mindi Miller - Now with Reader Feedback.
Official Elvis CD Box-sets at bargain prices through Amazon UK
'Marty Lacker: A Life Well-Lived' & Elvis at American Studio's Interview: It was with immense sadness that last month EIN had to report on the death of our great friend - and a true friend to Elvis - Marty Lacker. We will miss him dearly. Marty is well-known as one of the key members of the Memphis Mafia and also co-Best Man at Elvis' wedding. He was known for both his honesty and being forthright with his opinions. He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia who still watched and commented on recent Elvis News. He had no issue with holding people to account (especially ones who would inflate their importance within Elvis' legacy) and would regularly ask EIN to add his comments or to correct any inaccuracy. Elvis fans often ask about Marty Lacker's background, how he came to meet Elvis, as well as his involvement in the music industry outside of working for The King.
As a prelude to Ken Sharp's fascinating interview with Marty Lacker and a discussion about Elvis' famous American Studio' Memphis sessions, EIN presents "Marty Lacker: a life well-lived" in which Marty tells of his life in the music industry, his friendship with Elvis along with his dislike of the over-controlling Col Parker. Go here to learn all you need to know about Marty Lacker as well as Elvis outstanding Memphis American Sound sessions in 1969. (Spotlight; Source,KenSharp/ElvisInformationNetwork)
'The World of FTD' In-Depth Review: The new deluxe book 'The World Of FTD' has been received by some lucky fans and Elvis collector Mike Lodge has provided EIN with a very detailed review - of well over 3 thousand words! The book was authored and designed by Keith Flynn with input from a large number of other Elvis specialists including EIN's Piers Beagley, EM&HM's Trevor Cajiao, Geoffrey McDonnell, Gordon Minto and many others. It is 1,200 pages, hardbound three book set, chronicling every release by FTD.The book also features 100s of high-quality photos from the collection Erik Lorentzen
KJ Consulting are proud to publish this Box Set which weighs 8 kilos.
UPDATED - Paul Dowling EIN Interview Part Three: Paul Dowling is without doubt one of the major names in the Elvis World. He started collecting and selling Elvis vinyl over 40 years ago and has one of the world's largest Elvis Presley record collections. He started his "WorldWide Elvis" shop back in the seventies, way before the internet, where fans could get hold of rare Elvis records and memorabilia.
With such a fascination with Elvis, Dowling not only became a big name in the early years of Elvis bootlegs but later became friends with Ernst Jorgensen and helped RCA with various official releases.
In the final part of our fascinating interview Paul Dowling discusses .... - Dodging the FBI agents that were sent after him
- Unreleased Elvis material that still hasn’t come out
- Why does Ernst Jorgensen doubt this claims
- His BMG project 'For The First Time Ever' - what happened
- The true story of obtaining the Million Dollar Quartet tape
- His thoughts on Paul Lichter, Sean Saver, Sherif Hanna, Rex Martin
- Spending time with Alan Fortas
- Jim Curtin, newly added story
'Ultimate Elvis' New Electronic Edition: Announced by Elvis sessions expert Keith Flynn for publication November 1 is the brand new concept of the 1750 page super-deluxe Elvis sessions book 'Ultimate Elvis' Electronic Edition.
This incredible three volume book will now be available as an e-book on an i-pad or android tablet. - Created in HTML5
Fully updated e-books will open in any web browser on any operating system, so no need for separate downloads for different operating systems. - Life-Like 'Flipping' Pages
Flip through pages as if you are reading an actual book, but also being able to zoom-in to view smaller images and captions.
- View as Double or Single pages
View as double pages on a computer or laptop etc, and single pages when viewing in portrait on an i-pad or Android tablet. - Fully Navigational Table Of Contents
Jump back and forth to the sections of the books you want to read, instead of flipping through numerous pages to find what you want. PRICED AT - all 3 Volumes for £60 = US$93
On sale from November 1st 2015. Try Before You Buy -
Download free zip-file containing 27 pages from Volume 1, before you decide to buy the complete set. -
NOTE - These books are MASSIVE so you will need approximately 1GB of spare disc space for these three volumes, -
Click HERE to Keith Flynn's 'Ultimate Elvis' Electronic Edition to try.
Go HERE to EIN's independent review of 'Ultimate Elvis' (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Did Elvis Record 'Tiger Man' At Sun?: A question that has puzzled Elvis fans through the years is whether he actually recorded the song ‘Tiger Man’ during his years at SUN studios.
The basic question is why did Elvis refer to 'Tiger man' several times in concert as “The second song that I ever recorded, not too many people heard it”?
And if Elvis DID record it, then why hasn’t any reference to it at SUN or proof of its existence been found?
Elvis would first perform ‘Tiger Man’ in concert at his first 1969 Las Vegas International season and would continue playing it through the years – usually in a medley with Mystery Train - until his last performance at Saginaw on May 3 1977. He would sing it over 150 times on stage! The thought that there might be an acetate or undiscovered tape of Elvis at SUN singing ‘Tiger Man’ is a mouth-watering concept - but is it an unlikely fantasy or strong possibility?
Go here to our detailed 'TIGER MAN' spotlight as EIN's Piers Beagley puts in the hard yards to check the facts from the fantasy . (Spotlight; Source;ElvisInfoNetwork)
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