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Best of Elvis on YouTube FTD Shop Susan MacDougall's Book Reviews

EPE taking pre-orders for new Elvis Presley's Graceland 2DVD set: This incredible 2-disc collector’s edition DVD offers 75 minutes of stunning footage of Graceland. Watch the story of Elvis’ life at Graceland and learn about his amazing career. The new DVD features photos from the Graceland archives, home movies plus almost 90 minutes of bonus features and hundreds of photographs and documents – some of them never before seen. (News, Source: EPE) Pre-order your copy from EPE

Sony BMG releases latest Elvis "remix" single “Baby Let’s Play House” - available online including from Graceland: Recognized worldwide as one of the most influential figures in music and pop culture, Elvis Presley is on the verge of another career milestone 30 years after his death with the international success of his new remix “Baby Let’s Play House.” Remixed by the progressive Italian DJ Spankox, Elvis’ classic “Baby Let’s Play House”, will be released digitally by SONY BMG Music Entertainment as a single on June 3rd A special limited edition CD single of the re-mix will be available exclusively at Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis and online at shopelvis.com.

This is the third Elvis Presley re-mix to be commercially released by SONY BMG in cooperation with Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. following the smash hits “A Little Less Conversation” (JXL remix) in 2002 and “Rubberneckin'” (Paul Oakenfold remix) in 2003.

“Anytime Elvis' master recordings are altered, we take a special interest to make sure the new sound is the right sound. Elvis was a pioneer who broke the mold and barriers with his music, this remix does just that with a fresh approach to an Elvis classic,” said Jack Soden, CEO of Elvis Presley Enterprises.

“Baby Let’s Play House” was originally recorded by Elvis in April of 1955 at Sun Studio in Memphis. Music historians consider the recording of this single as one of the defining moments of Elvis' time with Sun before signing with the RCA label.

Well known Italian DJ Spankox first remixed the track in 2007, over 50 years after it was first recorded by Elvis. “I fell in love with this song, mostly because of Elvis’ superior voice and the song’s title, not really thinking about the true meaning behind the lyrics, but rather how the title “Baby Let’s Play House” relates to the music genre I’ve play as DJ, house music,” said Spankox.

Upon international release, the remix was a huge hit in Italy. The “Baby Let’s Play House” remix topped the single sales charts in Italy for 7 consecutive weeks and held the #1 spot for 8 weeks on the Italian iTunes sales chart.

In addition to the remix, Sony BMG will also release a music video for the track available for digital download and purchase. The video utilizes archival footage of Elvis singing the classic tune from an April 1956 Dorsey Brothers Stage Show performance.

Known for his sometimes controversial on-stage moves, Elvis once said in an interview, “Some people tap their feet, some people snap their fingers, and some people sway back and forth. I just sorta do ‘em all together.” The new music video continues in the controversial vein and is sure to have American audiences on their feet and moving to the King of Rock n’ Roll’s new beat.

This re-mix release marks the beginning of a whole year of exciting Elvis activity including four new exhibits at Graceland that chronicle various milestones in Elvis’ career. The excitement culminates with Elvis Week, www.elvisweek.com, in August where Spankox, will appear in front of thousands of Elvis fans from all over the world as a guest speaker at the Elvis Insiders Conference.

To purchase the new single on shopelvis.com, click here.

The Gospel Music of Elvis Presley - Diamond Edition 2DVD: This is the package of the "Diamond Edition" of the German DVD "The Gospel Of Elvis Presley" which will be available May 30, 2008. (News, Source: Elvis Club Berlin/Elvis News)

Inspirational Memories tin can release: This is the package of the "Inspirational Memories" package that EPE will release in cooperation with Collectible Elvis Tins August 2008. The set comes with a nine track CD and five track DVD and various pieces of memorabilia like postcards, a candle and small booklet. Tracklisting CD: 01. You’ll Never Walk Alone 02. Who Am I? 03. Let Us Pray 04. (There’ll Be) Peace in the Valley 05. We Call on Him 06. I Believe 07. It Is No Secret (What God Can Do) 08. Sing You Children 09. Take My Hand, Precious Lord

DVD - From Aloha Hawaii:

• You Gave Me a Mountain

From´68 Comeback Special:

• Where Could I Go but to the Lord
• Up Above My Head
• Saved

The DVD also includes a stunning video photo montage set to music according to the information available. (News, Source: Elvis News)

Elvis Week 2008 brochure available for download: Click here to download the new Elvis Week brochure. And for the latest Elvis Week updates visit: ElvisWeek.com 2008/05/30     EPE  /  www.epgold.com

Jacko to wipe out Neverland loan with Elvis-style comeback in Vegas: Michael Jackson can get rid of the crippling loan on his Neverland Ranch home by performing an Elvis Presley-style comeback in Las Vegas. Jackson prevented a foreclosure sale on his sprawling Santa Barbara ranch earlier this month when New York-based private equity group Colony Capital LLC agreed to take over his debt on the property.

The investment company that bought the singer's massive 12.5 million pounds loan on his crumbling, 2,500-acre estate also owns the Hilton Hotel in Sin City, where Elvis re-launched his stage career in 1969. Now bosses of the company want Jackson to revive his own live act on the 40th anniversary of The King's return next year.

"It is a wonderful coincidence that the company owns the Hilton, whose fortunes would certainly be boosted dramatically if Michael Jackson becomes the 'house star' for a period," The Daily Star quoted a source at Colony as saying.

"Everyone would be a winner...and it would be a very dignified way for Mr Jackson to not only re-establish his career but also reclaim his property," the source added.

A source close to the singer said: "He thinks it's a fantastic idea." (News, Source: EP Gold)

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Elvis Meet Up in Memphis during Elvis Week: Elvis Meet Up At Marlowes 4381 Elvis Presley Blvd. August 9 at noon.  Kevin Adams will stage the event.  No cover charge but attendees will pay for their own food, drink, and tips.  Special guests have been invited.  Elvis door prizes will be given.  A collection will be taken up and 100% of the money will be given to the Shelby County Humane Society in honor of Elvis Presley.  RSVP to Sharon Parker elvismeetupatmarlowes@hotmail.com or 615-830-5126 (News, Source: Sharon Parker/Charmaine Voisine)

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Royal Gambit in Richfield released: The "Straight Arrow" label released its CD "ROYAL GAMBIT IN RICHFIELD." The audio-quality of the recording is really stunning, especially considering the fact that it was taped from the audience in a large stadium. Producers were able to obtain an ORIGINAL TAPE recorded by the same person that taped the Johnson City and Orlando 1977 concerts released by STRAIGHT ARROW in 2006 as "TENNESSEE STARLIGHT" and "GOING BACK IN TIME", respectively. Among the Richfield highlights are powerful performances of "And I Love You So", "America", "Hurt", "Heartbreak Hotel" and especially "How Great Thou Art,” performed with absolute show-stopping brilliance. It is followed by an always-welcome, return-to-the roots medley of "Mystery Train / Tiger Man."

Straight Arrow has seen fit to include a deluxe, full-colour, 16-page booklet with approximately 30 photos from the actual show, taken by four different photographers. Once again, we are pleased to announce that the sleeve notes were written by a fan who was happy to be there and is finally sharing his precious memories of the occasion with us.

The producers note that this concert was previously released from a substandard source, entitled "FAIRY TALES" (Chips label, 1994). The sound of the old CD was markedly inferior and also incomplete, running for just 74 minutes. To the show's credit, it has long ranked on the "Top 40" import chart as voted on by fans. Now a superior version can rightly take its place.

In closing, "Straight Arrow" team would like to thank all of you for the success of our label's previous release, "ROCK BACK THE CLOCK" 2-CD set. As a result of this surge of interest, four new Elvis concert CDs are planned for 2008. We hope that you will enjoy the first of them - our springtime release: "ROYAL GAMBIT IN RICHFIELD."

Tracks: 01. Also Sprach Zarathustra (Theme from "2001 A Space Odyssey") - 02. Opening Vamp / C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen (medley) - 04. Love Me - 05. Fairytale - 06. You Gave Me A Mountain - 07. Jailhouse Rock - 08. All Shook Up - 09. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel (medley) - 10. And I Love You So - 11. Little Darlin' (excerpt / intro only) - 12. Fever - 13. America The Beautiful - 14. Polk Salad Annie - 15. Band Introductions - 16. Early Mornin' Rain - 17. What'd I Say - 18. Johnny B. Goode - 19. Drum Solo (by Ronnie Tutt) - 20. Bass Solo (Blues - by Jerry Scheff) - 21. Piano Solo (by Tony Brown) - 22. Electric Piano Solo (by David Briggs) - 23. Love Letters - 24. School Day - 25. Hurt (with last part reprise) - 26. Hound Dog - 27. Danny Boy (by Sherrill Nielsen) - 28. Walk With Me (by Sherrill Nielsen) - 29. Heartbreak Hotel - 30. How Great Thou Art - 31. Mystery Train / Tiger Man (medley) - 32. Can't Help Falling In Love - 33. Closing Vamp & Announcements. Approximate running time: 79:50 (News, Source: EP Gold)

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Tentative Settlement Reached in Stockholder Litigation involving parent Elvis company: CKX, Inc. announced on 28 May 2008 that its Board of Directors has reached an agreement in connection with the revised acquisition proposal made by 19X, Inc., on May12, 2008, to modify certain terms of the pending agreement to acquire CKX. As previously disclosed by CKX, the sale of CKX will be accomplished through a merger with 19X, Inc., a private company owned and controlled by Robert F.X. Sillerman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CKX, and Simon R. Fuller, a director of CKX and the Chief Executive Officer of 19 Entertainment Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CKX. The revised terms, which are listed below, were reached following extensive negotiations among a Special Committee comprised of independent directors and representatives of 19X. The agreed upon terms which have been approved by the Company's Board of Directors are reflected in an amendment to the merger agreement, the management cooperation agreement and a tentative settlement of the outstanding litigation.

The revised terms include the following:

    -- 19X will pay each CKX stockholder $12.00 per share in cash;

    -- The outside deadline for closing the transaction has been extended to October 31, 2008;

    -- 19X has agreed to increase the break-up fee payable to CKX in the event that the merger is not completed by the new outside deadline by offering an additional $500,000 payable in cash, and by reducing the value of the stock, if any, used to pay the initial $37 million fee from $12.00 to $11.08 per share. As a result of the reduction in the attributed stock price, Mr. Sillerman, on behalf of 19X, would pay to CKX approximately 256,016 additional CKX shares as part of the break-up fee if 19X elected to pay in shares;

    -- Stockholders holding at least 73% of CKX's outstanding shares must vote in favor of the deal for the deal to be approved rather than 50%, as provided in the original transaction; and

    -- CKX will conduct a new "go shop" period that will last not less than 45 and no more than 60 days, during which time the Special Committee, through its financial advisor, will actively solicit superior offers for the Company.

In addition, certain members of CKX management, including, among others, Messrs. Sillerman and Fuller, have agreed that if a superior proposal is made to CKX for a price greater than $12.00 per share, such management stockholders will pass along the amount in excess of $12.00 to all other CKX stockholders until the other CKX stockholders have received $13.25 per share, at which point those members of CKX management and the other CKX stockholders would share equally in any further excess amounts.

By way of example, if a third party were to offer $12.50 for the Company, each management stockholder would continue to receive $12.00 per share, and the total amount above $12.00 that otherwise would have gone to such individuals ($0.50 per share) would be added to the $12.50 being received by the public stockholders.

Commenting on the series of transactions, Mr. Sillerman said, "Simon and I are pleased that, in this climate of market turmoil, we have agreed with the CKX Special Committee and with the plaintiffs in the current stockholder litigation to a revised transaction that delivers significant value to the CKX stockholders and provides for greater certainty of closing. We will press forward to a swift closing of the transaction and beginning CKX's future as a private company."

A memorandum of understanding has been signed by the Company and plaintiff's counsel in the pending Del Shareholders lawsuit challenging the transaction reflecting the tentative settlement agreement and memorializing the terms described above. While the settlement remains subject to court approval, these terms are now definitively part of the transaction and represent the final terms, regardless of whether the settlement is ultimately finalized.

For more detailed information please see our Current Report on Form 8-K, which was filed today and may be obtained at the Company's website at http://www.ckx.com as well as at the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov.

About CKX, Inc.: CKX, Inc. is engaged in the ownership, development and commercial utilization of entertainment content. To date, the Company has focused on acquiring globally recognized entertainment content and related assets, including the rights to the name, image and likeness of Elvis Presley, the operations of Graceland, the rights to the name, image and likeness of Muhammad Ali and proprietary rights to the IDOLS television brand, including the American Idol series in the United States and local
adaptations of the IDOLS television show format which, collectively, air in over 100 countries around the world. On June 1, 2007, CKX entered into a merger agreement with 19X, Inc., a private company owned and controlled by Mr. Sillerman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CKX, and Simon R. Fuller, a director of CKX and the Chief Executive Officer of 19 Entertainment Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CKX, that will result in the sale of CKX to 19X. For more information about CKX, Inc., visit its corporate website at http://www.ckx.com.

This communication is being made in respect of the proposed merger transaction involving CKX and 19X. In connection with the proposed merger, CKX will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) a proxy statement and a Rule 13e-3 transaction statement on Schedule 13e-3. BEFORE MAKING A VOTING DECISION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT, THE SCHEDULE 13e-3 AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. Investors and security holders may obtain a free copy of the proxy statement, the Schedule 13e-3 and other documents filed by CKX (when available) at the SEC's Web site at http://www.sec.gov. The proxy statement, the Schedule 13e-3 and such other documents may also be obtained for free by directing such request to CKX, Inc. Investor Relations, 650 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10022 or on the Company's website at http://www.ckx.com.

CKX and its directors, executive officers and certain other members of its management and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from its stockholders in connection with the proposed merger. Information regarding the interests of the CKX's participants in the solicitation will be included in the proxy statement relating to the proposed merger when it becomes available. (Sale of EPE , Source: CKX/Charmaine Voisine)

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Elvis cover story in June issue of "Faces - People, Places and Culture" magazine: The June issue of  'Faces - People, Places and Culture' magazine.  The magazine is geared toward younger readers, but this issue is something that Elvis fans might like to have as a keepsake,  especially newer fans. The entire issue is about Elvis and things related to Elvis.  The front cover shows a picture of Elvis in his Jailhouse Rock outfit, and the captions read 'All Shook Up, how his music changed the world'  and then it says 'Elvis, king of the world'.

 

The magazine is about 50 pages in length, lots of great articles and photos. There is a cute photo  of Elvis with Gladys and Vernon, taken when Elvis was a little boy (about 1938) ,  and a photo from when he was on the Ed Sullivan show.  The magazine interviewed 12 year old Will Flaherty, who is an ETA. (page 36 and 37)  Don was also interviewed  for the magazine, his interview  is on pages 33 - 35, with a small photo of him on page 34. 

 

The 50 page magazine shows how a poor boy from Mississippi went on the become the greatest entertainer in the world.

 

If you are interested, you can call and order  the May/June Elvis Issue of 'Faces' by calling: 1-800-821-0115 They do sell outside the United States.

 

Their website is: Carus Publishing Company www.cobblestonepub.com (News, Source: Hilda Obusek/Charmaine Voisine)

 

'Elvis: The Man & His Music' - June Issue Details: The UK magazine 'Elvis: The Man & His Music' have managed to obtain two pretty big 'scoop' interviews for the June issue. Firstly a Jerome 'Stump' Monroe interview, the drummer with The Sweet Inspirations who toured with Elvis for the whole of the 1969 - 1977 'concert years' period and also played drums for him three times when Ronnie Tutt couldn't make it. To the best of our knowledge Stump (Photo right by Rick Crofts) has never been interviewed at any length before about his association with Elvis. He talks about his relationship with The King; how he feels about those who claim Elvis was a racist; what it was like playing three shows with him without any rehearsal (!) and lots more, including stories of life on the road with the Elvis Presley Show. Also ETM&HM talks with award-winning actress Barbara Eden, who starred opposite Elvis in the movie 'Flaming Star'. Barbara has lots of fond memories of Elvis and the making of the movie, all of which she openly shares. What isn't generally known is that Barbara would visit with Elvis in later years when she was doing her nightclub act in Vegas.

Reader Feedback added to our "Folk" album Spotlight: Would RCA have been right in releasing an "Elvis Folk" album in 1971 in place of 'Elvis Now'? Do you have a favourite track selection for a better 1971 Elvis album? The 1972 released 'Elvis Now' LP even featured sub-standard recordings from 1969 and only reached #43 in the charts. Click here to read EIN's suggestion for our 'Elvis:In the Early Morning Rain' "folk" album and then send us your own ideas. Click here to HAVE YOUR SAY. (Spotlight, Source;EIN)

New Graceland Childrens Activity Book: A new book released by Graceland to entertain children: From EPE publicity, "When you bring your kids to Graceland, be sure to stop by the Guest Services desk and pick up a Children's Activity Book. The book offers children a variety of content to keep them entertained during their Graceland tour while teaching them a few fun things about Elvis. It includes Elvis coloring pages, a word search, Elvis trivia and an artifact hunt."     (News, Source;EPE)

Author Chris Matthews responds to your feedback: There was a strong critical response to our recent interview with author/researcher Chris Matthews on his Name Code trilogy. In this article Chris responds to the major criticisms about his controversial findings and offers us more food for thought. (Spotlight, Source: Christopher Byrnes Matthews)

For Sale on eBay for $1,000,000.00: We wish the seller luck but $1m for a photo of Elvis, JD Sumner and The Stamps seemsa tad high. (News, Source: eBay)

New figurine from McFarlane company: The figurines McFarlane creates are enjoyed by many fans. The new figurine, number seven, available is the "Elvis Gospel". From the press-release: McFarlane's seventh Elvis Presley figure, Elvis Gospel has been released. Elvis Gospel recreates one of the seminal moments in Elvis' amazing career. Stunningly detailed in his iconic white suit, The King appears as he did in the '68 Comeback Special finale. Articulated at the neck, shoulders, wrists and waist, this remarkable 6.5" resin Elvis figure stands on a 6" wide by 3" deep base. If you love Elvis, you'll worship this! (News, Source: Elvis News)

Barcode Elvis: Website builder Scott Blakes hobby is making portraits out of barcodes. In his collection, you can find a version of Elvis. Nice detail: all the used barcodes are taken from Elvis products. (News, Source: Scott Blake - www.elvismatters.be/  www.epgold.com)

31st Anniversary Main Event Concert in Memphis - Elvis: From Broadway to Memphis with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra: An all new, never-before-seen show!

Enjoy a sophisticated and fun celebration of Elvis music with Leah Hocking, from the Broadway cast of All Shook Up, and Austin Miller, television and Broadway star. The show will also star Elvis Presley, via video, accompanied by live music on stage during some special segments of the show. All will be accompanied by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. Included in the exciting show will be Elvis fan favourites The Dempseys and lots of surprises.

There will be two shows on August 16, 2008 at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Memphis. The matinee will begin at 2:00 p.m. and the evening show will begin at 8:00 p.m.

Tickets to the matinee event are $70.00, $50.00 and $30.00. Tickets to the evening show are $125.00, $85.00, $65.00 and $45.00.

A special Elvis: From Broadway to Memphis package will be offered during the evening show for $125.00. The package includes access to the rehearsal of the Elvis: From Broadway to Memphis concert on August 15, a seat in the orchestra pit section, a reception during intermission of the show with light hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar, a complimentary Elvis Insiders membership or renewal, a special collectible lanyard from the event and two Elvis champagne flutes. Tickets are now on sale through Ticketmaster

The Elvis: From Broadway to Memphis Show will feature: Elvis Presley......This first-ever exciting production will also include a state-of-the-art, video-projected Elvis incorporated into some of the segments. An assortment of his finest performances that exist on film will present the perfect opportunity to hear both Elvis with the orchestra and with the other performers. You have never seen Elvis celebrated like this before and it offers a special night of Elvis-themed entertainment you are sure to never forget.

Leah Hocking........Leah starred in the Broadway production of All Shook Up playing the role of Miss Sandra. Her Broadway credits also include Mamma Mia, Hairspray, Dance of the Vampires, The Wild Party, Jekyll and Hyde, Grease and Guys and Dolls. She made her New York City Opera debut last spring as Cleo in The Most Happy Fella. In addition, she as appeared in various off Broadway and regional theater productions. She can be heard on original cast recordings from The Thing About Men, The Wild Party, Jekyll and Hyde and All Shook Up.

Austin Miller.........Austin is probably most recognized from competing on NBC’s reality show Grease: You’re the One That I Want. Most recently, Austin starred as Adam in the Broadway bound Trip of Love in Osaka, Japan, headed for New York in the fall of 2008. His television credits include Days of Our Lives and MadTV. He has also been part of national tours of Hairspray, Smokey Joe’s Café, Victor/Victoria, and Grease.

Miriam Burns.........Ms. Burns is one of the cover conductors on staff of the New York Philharmonic as a result of an audition by-invitation-only. Ms. Burns is also the Music Director/Conductor of the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestra of the Redeemer in New York City and formerly also Music Director of the Lawton Philharmonic and the C.W. Post Summer Music Festival. Equally experienced on operatic stages, Ms. Burns conducts the opera productions during the summers at the MasterWorks Festival and was Associate Music Director of the Bronx Opera Company.

The Memphis Symphony Orchestra.......Today more than 850 musicians, staff and volunteers in the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, the Memphis Symphony Chorus, the four orchestras within the Memphis Youth Symphony and the Memphis Symphony League present symphonic music to radio, television and live audiences of more than half a million people annually.

The Dempseys ........The Dempseys, a unique musical trio, are known for their brand of high octane rockabilly music and their much talked about live show. The band’s energetic live performances are unlike any show in the current popular music scene and have been referred to by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame as “the most entertaining rockabilly show on the planet.” The group emphasizes “entertainment” including bass fiddle stunts, instrument swapping, a flaming trumpet and a good - humoured repertoire.

Shawn Klush.......Shawn is the winner of the 2007 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. Born and raised in the small coal-mining town of Pittston, Pennsylvania , Shawn's love for music led him to begin imitating his musical idol, Elvis. While Shawn loves performing Elvis on stage, he says he is first and foremost an Elvis fan. (News, Source: EPE)

Elvis Presley The Greatest Hits Collection (EMI) (DVD Review): Not to be disrespectful or anything, but I’m just wondering how this set could possibly be considered ‘The Greatest Elvis Collection’ when Presley wasn’t even alive for one of the concerts that is included?  The DVD is even rather shamelessly titled ‘Elvis Lives’?  The concert it presents was performed to “commemorate the 25th anniversary of Presley’s death”. This is one confusing package.  Moving along, from that particular DVD we have a double-disc set entitled “He Touched Me – The Gospel Music of Elvis Presley”. Now I’m not terribly fond of stating the obvious, but I’m obliged to mention that it really doesn’t take a musicologist to realise that Elvis wasn’t exactly at his peak while singing hymns.  The only Elvis that should be legal these days is footage of the guy with a painted-on leather jacket, slicked back hair and those hips shaking like he wanted to fuck every teenage girl in Memphis.  Rating 1 out of 10 (DVD Review, Source: Greg Reason, tsunami mag #94) EIN Comment: While we agree with the reviewer that this is a confusing package, we’re not quite sure which planet he’s on when it comes to his uneducated assessment of Elvis and gospel music.  His comments certainly suggest HE is no musicologist!!

Calling artists for 2008 Elvis Week Art Contest: Each year, artists from around the world submit their artwork for the 2008 Elvis Week Art Contest and Exhibit. The artwork is exhibited in the Graceland ticket pavilion on August 9-15 during Elvis Week.

Guests visiting Graceland throughout the week can see this exhibition of Elvis-themed artwork from amateur and professional artists from around the world for free.

Click here for a Art Contest Rules, Guidelines and Entry Form for artists who would like to submit their work. Deadline to submit artwork is July 31. (News, Source: EPE)

Aussie chart update: Elvis Aloha From Hawaii rose 2 places to #34 on this weeks ARIA Music DVD Top 40 Chart. The album is certified 2xP and has been in the chart for 63 weeks. (News, Source: ARIA)

DJ Spandox invited to Elvis Week 2007...as SonyBMG announces plans to release remix single: The Italian DJ Spankox, who remixed Elvis' classic "Baby Let's Play House" has been invited to Elvisweek 2008 by EPE a guest speaker at the Elvis Insiders Conference. SONY BMG will release his remix single May 27, 2008; a special limited edition CD single of the re-mix will be available exclusively at Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis and online at Shop Elvis. And from an official media release:

New Remix of Elvis Presley's Baby Let's Play House to be Released by Sony BMG - Elvis’ classic “Baby Let’s Play House”, re-mixed by progressive DJ Agostino Spankox, will be released by SONY BMG Music Entertainment as a new re-mix single on May 27th and will be available for purchase via digital download. A special limited edition CD single of the re-mix will be available exclusively at Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis and online at shopelvis.com.

This is only the third re-mix SONY BMG has released in cooperation with Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. following the smash hits “A Little Less Conversation” (JXL remix) in 2002 and “Rubberneckin'” (Paul Oakenfold remix) in 2003.

“Anytime Elvis' master recordings are altered, we take a special interest to make sure the new sound is the right sound. Elvis was a pioneer who broke the mold and barriers with his music, this remix does just that with a fresh approach to an Elvis classic,” said Jack Soden, CEO of Elvis Presley Enterprises.

“Baby Let’s Play House” was originally recorded by Elvis in April of 1955 at Sun Studio in Memphis. Music historians consider this single as one of the defining moments of Elvis' time with Sun before signing with the RCA label. “Elvis has a long history of inspiring creativity in other musicians and artists; this new remix is a great example of his influence on today’s music. When you listen to the re-mix, the essence of the original recording is still there, but the contemporary production values and the blazing guitars give it a whole new sound,” said Tony Yoken, Format Manager and DJ of SIRIUS Elvis Radio.

Well known Italian DJ Agostino Spankox first remixed the track in 2007 over 50 years after it was first recorded by Elvis. “I fell in love with this song, mostly because of Elvis’ superior voice and the song’s title, not really thinking about the true meaning behind the lyrics, but rather how the title “Baby Let’s Play House” relates to the music genre I’ve play as DJ, house music,” said Spankox.

Following its release in Europe, the “Baby Let’s Play House” remix shot up the single sales charts to #1 in Italy for 7 consecutive weeks in addition to 8 weeks in the top spot of the Italian iTunes sales chart.

On the heels of the overseas success of Elvis Presley's “Baby Let’s Play House” remix, SONY BMG will release the song to all digital service providers in the United State for a May 27 release date. A music video of the remixed track will also be available for digital download and purchase. The contemporary music video creatively utilizes archival footage of Elvis singing the classic tune from an April 1956 Dorsey Brothers Stage Show performance.

Known for his sometimes controversial on-stage moves, Elvis once said in an interview, “Some people tap their feet, some people snap their fingers, and some people sway back and forth. I just sorta do ‘em all together.” The music video continues in the controversial vein and this latest re-mix of “Baby Let’s Play House,” already popular in dance clubs across Europe is sure to have American audiences on the feet and moving to the King of Rock n’ Roll’s new beat.

As part of the excitement surrounding the re-mix release, Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis will host an exclusive launch event 10 AM CDT on May 27th featuring the first CD sales of “Baby Let’s Play House.” The event also includes the first official radio air play of the re-mix following its release in the U.S., special programming on SIRIUS’ Elvis Radio channel 13 and will feature the new re-mix, the original recording from 1955, and several live versions recorded by Elvis. Elvis Radio broadcasts live from Graceland exclusively on SIRIUS Satellite Radio and is the world’s first and only officially authorized, commercial-free, Elvis all-the-time radio station.

This re-mix release marks the beginning of a whole year of exciting Elvis activity that includes four new exhibits at Graceland that chronicle various milestones in Elvis’ career. The excitement culminates with Elvis Week, www.elvisweek.com, in August where Spankox, creator of the re-mix, will appear in front of thousands of Elvis fans from all over the world as a guest speaker at the Elvis Insiders Conference.

Where No One Stands Alone artwork: There are only a few more days before the new ''REELTRAX ''–label will come up with their second cd titled '' Where No One Stands Alone '' (Reeltrax LSP-3758-2) REELTRAX is – again - able to present a great variety of HGTA-Outtakes on its brandnew 79:58 minutes of listening pleasure-release in very good sound – better than you have heard it before.  And if this would not be enough reason to get the cd while you can: You won´t believe your ears when you hear the stunning sound on the 1966 private recording „Oh How I Love Jesus“! The other two bonus tracks are also presented with noticeably better sound than heard before. The tracklist is rounded off by a statement  from Felton Jarvis who talks about HIS story how it came to work with Elvis.

Here is the tracklist: 01 - Where No One Stands Alone (Take 3+4) ; 02 - So High (Take 1) ; 03 - Somebody Bigger Than You And I (Take 1+2) ; 04 - We Call On Him (Take 4,5,8) ; 05 - How Great Thou Art (Take 1,2,3 + Count-in Take 4) ;  06 - Somebody Bigger Than You And I (Take 11,12,13,14,15,16) ; 07 - If The Lord Wasn't Walking By My Side (Takes 1,2 + count-in Take 3) ; 08 - Somebody Bigger Than You And I - workpart (Take 1,2,3,4,5,6) ;  09 - Without Him (Take 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14) ; 10 - Where Could I Go But To The Lord (Take 1 + count-in Take 2) ; 11 - In The Garden (Take 1) ; 12 - Stand By Me (Take 1,2,3,4,5,6,7) ; 13 - Oh How I Love Jesus (private recording) ;  14 - How Great Thou Art incl. reprise - live June 10, 1975 ; 15 - Where No One Stands Alone - live February 16, 1977 ; 16 - Statement by Elvis' producer Felton Jarvis - December 16, 1980 (News, Source: FECC)

This sparkling performance, recorded in Greensboro, NC on Friday, April 14, 1972, in the presence of MGM's documentary cameras, has been issued many times in the past, but never in such GREAT SOUND QUALITY.  For the very first time, hear the show mixed down from the multi-track tapes into superb STEREO. 

The April 1972 tour was Presley's first of the year.  And he was ready.  Three outstanding performances from this gig made the final cut of "Elvis On Tour" -- "Bridge Over Troubled Water," "An American Trilogy" and "Funny How Time Slips Away."  In 1992, "The Lost Performances" gave fans a fourth visual, with the inclusion of "Release Me."  All are here, and the entire evening is a delight.   

Track listing:  01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra 1:04 ; 02. C.C. Rider 3:09 ; 03. Proud Mary 2:43 ; 04. Never Been To Spain 3:36 ; 05. You Gave Me A Mountain 3:13 ; 06. Until It's Time For You To Go 2:36 ; 07. Polk Salad Annie 3:14 ; 08. Love Me 1:35 ; 09. All Shook Up 1:00 ; 10. Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel 2:26 ; 11. Hound Dog 1:30 ; 12. Heartbreak Hotel 1:49 ; 13. A Big Hunk O' Love 2:00 ; 14. Bridge Over Troubled Water 4:13 ; 15. Suspicious Minds 4:48 ; 16. Love Me Tender 1:34 ; 17. Introduction of Vocalists, Musicians, Orchestra 1:21 ; 18. For The Good Times 3:08 ; 19. An American Trilogy 4:42 ; 20. Burning Love 2:44 ; 21. Release Me 3:03 ; 22. Funny How Time Slips Away 2:49 ; 23. Can't Help Falling In Love / Closing Vamp 2:15 

Bonus Tracks: 24. Backstage, Saturday, April 15, 1972, Macon, GA 0:59 ; 25. Bridge Over Troubled Water (unrepaired) 3:43  Total Time = 65:39 (News, Source: FECC)

Download Rick Stanley story: If you missed Rick Stanley's riveting one-of-a-kind life story, you can now hear it online. Having grown up at Graceland and serving as Personal Assistant to his stepbrother (Elvis Presley), Rick's recollections are fun and thought-provoking. All Audio Downloads at bellroad.org are offered free-of-charge as a service to our community. www.bellroad.org www.bellroadradio.com

Rare photos go on display at Graceland: Recently rediscovered photos of Elvis Presley performing in New York City in 1972 are going on display at Graceland. Managers of the Graceland tourist complex at Presley's former Memphis residence say they are putting the photos on display beginning Friday at their Sincerely Elvis Museum. George Kalinsky, a photographer for Madison Square Garden for 40 years, said he discovered the pictures while working on a billboard project called "Great Moments in New York." The pictures, taken by Kalinsky, show Presley performing in a white jumpsuit and cape.

Graceland managers say 20 of the photos will be displayed for the first time in public as part of an exhibit called "Elvis Jumpsuits: All Access." (News, Source: AP/Commercial Appeal)

Tickets to go on sale for Elvis film festival: Tickets go on sale June 6 at malco.com for "Elvis Film Fest 5," set for Aug. 12 at Malco's Studio on the Square in Memphis. The annual festival gives fans a chance to experience The King on the big screen in a movie theater, as Elvis-lovers would have done when the films first were released. This year's schedule of movies includes Elvis as boxer Danny Fisher in "King Creole" (1958), a Harold Robbins adaptation directed by Michael Curtiz ("Casablanca"); Elvis as soldier Tulsa McLean in "G.I. Blues" (1960); Elvis as surfing tour guide Chad Gates in "Blue Hawaii" (1961); Elvis as fisherman Ross Carpenter in "Girls! Girls! Girls!" (1962), which co-stars former Memphian Stella Stevens; and Elvis as helicopter pilot Rick Richards in "Paradise, Hawaiian Style" (1966), which co-stars current Memphian Suzanna Leigh. The movies screen -- sometimes in competition against one another -- from 9:30 a.m. until noon. Admission is $5 per film, with all ticket proceeds going to support the Todd Morgan Sound Fuzion Performance Enrichment Fund at the University of Memphis. Sound Fuzion is a touring ensemble of vocalists and instrumentalists that performs as part of the concert season of the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music. (Celluloid Elvis, Source: John Beifuss, Commercial Appeal)

So who was the stranger in the photo with Elvis?: EIN had plenty of suggestions from fans and friends of Elvis as to who was the unknown character in the photo taken at the end of 1957, in Elvis' early days at Graceland. These included from Elvis collector Paul Lichter who believed it was a young Alan Fortas. There is a resemblance, however Fortas' close friends Marty Lacker &  Lamar Fike do not agree. They think it was most likely "someone who worked on the house when it was being decorated". Other interesting suggestions were performer Bob Luman, or even Tommy Devito from 'The Four Seasons'. EIN also discovered that one of our favourite Elvis publications, the UK magazine 'Essential Elvis' had run this same query in the past and that the strongest lead was from Elvis super-fan Tony Stuchbury. While in Memphis Stuchbury saw the photo on display with the information that the man was in fact a car salesman from downtown Memphis, probably from one of the dealerships on Union Aves. He hopes to re-confirm his facts when he visits Memphis later this year. Coincidentaly EEUK Editor Andrew Hearn also informs us that he has an immaculate colour version of the same photo which will be featured in the forthcoming MRS 'Graceland' book. (Photos left > right,Tommy Devito, Alan Fortas, Bob Luman) EIN thanks everyone who wrote in. (News, Source;EIN)

Jordanaire Hugh Jarrett in critical condition: Elvis Unlimited spoke exclusively with Gordon Stoker who informed us that Hugh suffered a heart attack last Wednesday. Hugh Jarrett who worked with Elvis as bass-singer of the Jordanaires up until 1958 is now in critical care. Hugh was badly injured in a car accident recently while his wife was driving him to his doctor for an appointment in regards to a car accident he previously had. After recording and appearing in the film King Creole, Hugh Jarrett left the group to work at Nashville radio station WLAC. There he created the character of Big Hugh Baby Jarrett. He was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame in 2007. The photo shows Elvis and The Jordanaires with Hugh Jarrett on the far right. (News, Source:elvisunlimited.com)

'I Sing All Kinds' FTD CD review: Ever since the excellent FTD ‘Nashville Marathon’ focused on Elvis’ recording sessions in 1970 there has been a demand from fans for a similar look at his 1971 sessions. Elvis certainly covered a lot of different musical genres in that year, from Christian Rock to Folk to Gospel and lonesome ballads. The title ‘I Sing All Kinds’ is most appropriate and the CD even features five Christmas songs! FTD have chosen a very eclectic selection of songs for the CD, but does it really work? EIN's Piers Beagley delves deep into a bunch of fascinating outtakes to find out. (FTD reviews, Source; EIN)

Should RCA have released an Elvis "Folk" album in 1971?: In 1971 Elvis recorded a lot of different musical genres in that year as featured in the recent FTD 'I Sing All Kinds'. Elvis’ 1970 Country album was a great idea, so it is a shame that with Elvis’ interest in contemporary folk music RCA missed the chance to release a "Folk" themed album. RCA failed to capitalise on these new secular recordings releasing the lacklustre 'Elvis Now' instead. In this article EIN suggests the possibility of a stronger "folk" themed album that should have been released in its place. Click here to read our Spotlight on Elvis "Folk" and our selection for the album 'Elvis: In The Early Morning Rain'. And click here to HAVE YOUR SAY as you can also send us you own suggestions of your favourite tracklist of album idea. (Spotlight, Source;EIN)

BMG confirm '68 Comeback Special' FOUR CD Box-set: Sony/BMG Australia have confirmed that the 'Elvis Presley '68 Comeback: 40th Anniversary' Special Box-Set' will be a four CD set in stylish mini-sleeves. The release date is August 8, 2008. The box-set is supposed to include "the complete 68 Comeback sessions". Already available on FTD is the excellent 'Let Yourself Go' (the making of) as well as their very first release focussing on the 68 rehearsals and other outtakes. EPE were of course involved with The 68 Comeback 40th Anniversary Show in L.A. BMG also confirmed EIN's earlier mentioned July release of 'The Greatest Hits' Tin-Box, plus the 5CD set 'Original Album Classics'. This will contain the following albums; 'Elvis Presley', 'Elvis', 'Loving You', 'Elvis Is Back!' and 'G.I. Blues.' (News, Source;BMG)

Help Save the TCB Tour Bus that Elvis gave JD Sumner: Legacy Hall of Fame Inc. a non profit foundation, is asking for your donations to help save, restore, and preserve Elvis Presley's TCB Tour Bus. Legacy Hall of Fame Inc. plans to bring Elvis Presley's TCB Tour Bus to Tupelo, Mississippi, restore it, and put it on display for fans to come and see from around the world. In order to do this we must raise funds to pay for the cost to save the bus, restore it, and construct a facility to protect the bus. Legacy Hall of Fame Inc. is asking for donations of $5.00, $10.00 or more, (US Dollars) from individuals. A fan club can donate what ever they like. We will also be asking for donations from corporate sponsors and other 501 (3) (c)'s. To make donations to save Elvis' TCB Tour Bus send donations to Legacy Hall of Fame, Inc., P.O. Box 376 Tupelo, MS 38802. These donations are tax deductible. For more information you please contact: Bill & Linda Kinard at (662) 620- 9966. (News, Source:Various)

Rare 22 track Cherry-Lane Promo CD: A 2 CDR set released by Sony/BMG & Cherry Lane in the U.S. A promo set, on the discs it states Music Licensing Sampler 2007. It features a fascinating mix of tracks including classics such as 'Spring fever' and 'Smorgasboard'! (News, Source; Barry Mclean)

In Vegas Elvis has yet to leave the building!: Despite his untimely death 30 years ago, The King's legacy in Las Vegas still lives on. Las Vegas Sun columnist Ralph Pearl recently revealed how Elvis' opening night on July 31, 1969, at the International Hotel caught him off-guard. Pearl recalled how, in a column he had written earlier in Elvis' career, he had criticised producer Bill Miller for hiring the young performer, "a lad whose singing style is no longer popular." In the 1950s Elvis had become a swivel-hipped teen sensation, but his style didn't fit the Vegas entertainment scene at the time. "We also told Bill that Presley 'will never draw,' " Pearl recalled. "Luckily, Miller wasn't discouraged by our 'astute' observations and signed Elvis to a long-term contract." Elvis first performed in Las Vegas in 1956 when he was 21 years old. He headlined at the Venus Room at the New Frontier Hotel as "The Atomic Powered Singer." The King of Rock 'n' Roll's 1969 International opening launched his rise as a Las Vegas legend. Although the nation and the world had embraced Elvis' brand of rock for years, Las Vegas audiences displayed a new enthusiasm for the singer. Actually, the day after Elvis opened, Alex Shoofey, the International's then-vice president and future president, sat in the showroom drinking coffee with Elvis' manager, Colonel Tom Parker. Noting the successful opening night, Shoofey appeared unhappy because Elvis had signed only a two-week-per-year contract at the new resort. Shoofey offered to extend the singer's contract then and there. Parker hesitated, cautioning Shoofey to wait and see how the next couple of weeks played. "I'll take that chance right now," Shoofey said. He then scribbled a new pact on the tablecloth, a common practice in the old casino days of shaking hands and having a cup of coffee. Elvis' contract was extended for five years.

'Elvis - American Music Legends Vol.2' CD: Out now in the US is the second in the American Music Legends Elvis series. Featuring ten classic tracks inlcuding 'America the Beautiful' it is released by Cracker barrel, Sony/BMG U.S.A. (News, Source; Barry Mclean)

'Elvis - Devil In Disguise' CD: Super-collector Barry Mclean recently sent us this scan of the rare 'Elvis - Devil In Disguise. Best of Elvis Presley 2' official German release from 2000. An official BMG Zounds label CD, it features an extraordinary tracklist combining classics like Burning Love and Devil In Disguise along side oddities such as Don't Forbid Me and Do Not Disturb. (News, Source; Barry Mclean)

Screaming, crying girls and a pimple-faced boy as Presleymania gains momentum: The first time, I was 18," said Ele Sherrard of Plymouth, speaking to a Star Tribune reporter in 2006. "We were nuts, screaming, leaning over the railing, crying. We say 'those crazy kids!' Well, I was one of them," she said, describing her attendance at Elvis Presley's first concert in Minneapolis on May 13, 1956. After two years of singing and recording, the 21-year-old Presley exploded on the music scene in January of that year with the release of "Heartbreak Hotel," followed by a series of appearances on major TV variety shows. On May 13 he performed an afternoon show in the St. Paul Auditorium, now Roy Wilkins Auditorium, and an evening show in the Minneapolis Auditorium, which was demolished in 1989 to make way for the Convention Center. Photographer: Powell Krueger

What the crowds lacked in size, they made up for in volume. Will Jones, columnist for the Tribune in Minneapolis, wrote of the St. Paul concert: "Presley faced a sea of empty seats. When the noise started, however, even the empty seats seemed to be screaming."

Jones seemed to be uniformly unimpressed with the new rock 'n' roll phenom, noting, "He has pimples all over the back of his neck, a few on his chin, and a number of nervous facial mannerisms."

None of which seemed to bother Sherrard, as she recalled: "My dad was not happy. It was Mother's Day and he said, 'Why are you going to see that guy, he's wiggling around up there?' Oh, he was something." (News, Source: Brian Leehan, Star Tribune/Charmaine Voisine)

Your feedback - Interview with Chris Matthews, author of the highly controversial Name Code trilogy: Is Elvis the true Messiah? Today we add your feedback about our recent interview with author/researcher Chris Matthews and his highly controversial findings which challenge our view of not only Elvis, but also fundamental religious beliefs.

Vinyl release Elvis '68 at 40': Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the 1968 TV Special JAT Productions will release a ''Vinyl 45'' featuring four never released commercials on July 4, 2008. Price: US$19.95. The vinyl single complements JAT's book of the same name. (News, Source: JAT Publishing)

REELTRAX New Import CD Where No One Stands Alone (REELTRAX LSP 3758-2): There are only a few more days before the new „REELTRAX“–label will come up with their second Import cd titled "Where No One Stands Alone“. REELTRAX is – again - able to present a great variety of HGTA-Outtakes on its brandnew "79:58 minutes of listening pleasure“-release in very good sound – better than you have heard it before.

And if this would not be enough reason to get the cd while you can: You won´t believe your ears when you hear the stunning sound on the 1966 private recording "Oh How I Love Jesus“! The other two bonus tracks are also presented with noticeably better sound than heard before. The tracklist is rounded off by a statement from Felton Jarvis who talks about HIS story how it came to work with Elvis.

"Where No One Stands Alone“ contains a 20 (!!) page-booklet with all necessary information regarding Elvis´ legendary HGTA-Sessions.

Here is the tracklist:

01 - Where No One Stands Alone (Take 3+4)
02 - So High (Take 1)
03 - Somebody Bigger Than You And I (Take 1+2)
04 - We Call On Him (Take 4,5,8)
05 - How Great Thou Art (Take 1,2,3 + Count-in Take 4)
06 - Somebody Bigger Than You And I (Take 11,12,13,14,15,16)
07 - If The Lord Wasn't Walking By My Side (Takes 1,2 + count-in Take 3)
08 - Somebody Bigger Than You And I - workpart (Take 1,2,3,4,5,6)
09 - Without Him (Take 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14)
10 - Where Could I Go But To The Lord (Take 1 + count-in Take 2)
11 - In The Garden (Take 1)
12 - Stand By Me (Take 1,2,3,4,5,6,7)
13 - Oh How I Love Jesus (private recording)
14 - How Great Thou Art incl. reprise - live June 10, 1975
15 - Where No One Stands Alone - live February 16, 1977
16 - Statement by Elvis' producer Felton Jarvis - December 16, 1980 (News, Source: EP Gold)

Women of Rock, Here’s Your Musical Grandma - the Female Elvis!: All those interested in improving their chances of snagging the vice-presidential slot on one of the 2008 tickets should tune in “The Sweet Lady With the Nasty Voice,” on Sunday on the Smithsonian Channel. It has nothing to do with politics, but it’s a virtual clinic in the art of self-promotion.

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Too much of this legacy-building comes from Ms. Jackson herself and her husband and manager, Wendell Goodman, but there are some delicious biographical tidbits: an account of how their children led them to embrace Christianity; a serendipitous call by Ms. Jackson’s father at the start of her career that landed her on a bill with an up-and-comer named Elvis Presley.

Late in the documentary another Elvis, Elvis Costello, nicely summarizes Ms. Jackson’s achievement. The film by this time has gone from endearing to mildly annoying, turning into a blatant campaign to get Ms. Jackson enshrined in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but Mr. Costello (reading from a letter he wrote to the hall) captures what those vintage film clips conveyed:

DJ Fontana joins world #1 ETA for show: A SHOW featuring a tribute artist dubbed the world's greatest Elvis, is to get an extra element of authenticity - in the shape of The King's long-serving drummer, DJ Fontana. Bolton Arena is set to rock to some of Elvis' greatest tracks when Amerca-based Shawn Klush hit the stage in August. He will also be joined by The Sweet Inspirations, the original backing group of the 1950s star, known to fans as Memphis Flash.

Gwyn Hughes from Bolton Arena said: "We've been inundated with enquires for months from as far afield as The USA. This latest good news will delight Elvis fans everywhere. Many of the ticket categories have been sold out and we are urging the public to book quickly to secure their seats. Bolton Arena is proud to be hosts for this awe inspiring show which is arguably the biggest and most original Elvis tribute concert ever in the Europe - this is Rock and Roll history in the making."

DJ Fontana was Elvis' drummer for 14 years and was inducted into the 'Rockabilly Hall of Fame,' for playing on over 460 RCA record cuts with Elvis.

In October 1954 he was hired to play the drums for Presley, marking the beginning of an extraordinary relationship. He also appeared on many radio broadcasts and performed with Elvis on NBC Television in his 1968 comeback special. Since Elvis' death, Fontana has continued to work with original lead guitarist Scotty Moore and recorded "That's All Right (Mama)" with Sir Paul McCartney in 2002. Tribute act, Klush's claims to be the best, were made official when he won Elvis Presley Enterprises' first-ever Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest last year. The show is on August 9. Tickets can be bought from Bolton Arena on 08448 110999 or www.ticketmaster.co.uk. Prices are £28, £38 and £48. A VIP package for £120 is also available. (News, Source: Amber Smith)

‘Elvis' character in upcoming James Bond movie: The forthcoming James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace features Swiss actor Anatole Taubman, portraying Elvis, the sinister, bowl cut-wearing henchman of faux eco-tycoon Dominic Greene (played by Mathieu Amalric). (News, Source: Amber Smith)

Elvis Poetry Launch: You are invited to the launch of Domenico’s first collection of poetry, “I thought elvis was italian”, published by Wolsak and Wynn. It will be launched on June 3 ^rd 2008 @ Nicholas Hoare Books on 45 Front Street East, Toronto.  Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and readings will begin at 7:00 p.m. Website: http://domcapilongo.googlepages.com

Singer joins Elvis related TV drama, Caught in a Trap: I'd Do Anything winner Connie Fisher is to star in an upcoming one-off drama for ITV1.

The reality TV star achieved fame on the BBC One show and won herself a role in a West End production of The Sound of Music.

She has just begun filming for the new production called Caught in a Trap. Fisher will play Gemma Perkins - a young woman obsessed by Elvis Presley who finds a dishonest means to fund her need for memorabilia.

"I am thrilled to have been cast in my first television drama and I am very excited to be in front of the camera," she said.

Caught in a Trap is written by playwright James Graham (Eden’s Empire) and will also star Jim Carter (Cranford) as Gemma's father, Geraldine James (Heist) as her stepmother and Joe Absolom (Doc Martin) as her love interest.

Jill Green, producer at Greenlit Rights, said: "Connie has a vulnerability about her and an interesting face which betrays a range of emotions which we require for this role. She has an accessibility, and is a person we can all relate to. (News, Source: Chad Heywood)

Elvis on the Big Screen in Auburn  - He Touched Me gospel documentary: Brilliant, sincere, touching." "He Touched Me: The Gospel Music of Elvis Presley" explores the religious side of Elvis' life, which most Elvis fans knew existed, but had only heard little snippets of prior to this documentary. The film will be shown in installments each night (THIS Sunday through Wednesday) prior to our Spiritual Emphasis with Rick Stanley (author of "The Touch of Two Kings").

"He Touched Me" features more than forty of Elvis’ gospel songs that played a prominent role throughout his life as witnessed by those who knew him well. Sunday-Wednesday, (May 18-21) 6:00pm - Bell Road Baptist Church, Folsom, CA (News, Source: Amber Smith)

Chart Update: The Elvis: Aloha From Hawaii 'Special Edition" DVD climbed to #36 on the Australian Music DVD chart following last week's re-entry at #38. It has been on the chart for 62 weeks and is cetified 2xP. On the Dutch Back-catalogue Chart the "ELV1S 30 #1 Hits" compilation climbs from #47 to #42. (News, Source: EIN/ARIA/Elvis News)

Cold War? What Cold War? - The cast of “Happy Days: A New Musical complete with Elvis”: If you’re going to make a stage musical out of a television show, “Happy Days” is not a bad choice. All that cheerful white-bread 1950s innocence. All those instant audience associations with beloved characters and the actors who played them. The show won’t ever win a Pulitzer Prize (or the musical-comedy equivalent), but the Goodspeed Opera House’s bouncy new production delivers a pleasant if not transporting evening, and — most important — the Fonz (Joey Sorge) is cool.

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Interview - Christopher Byrnes Matthews, author of The Name Code trilogy talks to EIN: Over the years EIN has published a number of very controversial interviews and articles. However, today's interview with author/researcher, Chris Matthews, represents the most challenging discussion you have ever read on EIN! Chris Matthews' research is explosive, with the potential to alter not only our understanding of Elvis' role in the world, but also fundamental religious beliefs! Why are there hidden codes in the Elvis Aaron Presley name? Who put them there? Jesus Christ is an imposter! Who is the real Messiah? These and many other highly controversial issues are discussed in the interview, an interview unlike any other we have published. (Interviews, Source: EIN)

Book Review - The Name Code: The God of Elvis Volumes 1 & 2: Complementing our interview with author Chris Matthews, EIN also publishes its review of his highly controversial and challenging books. The Name Code trilogy, is in a sense, the Elvis world's own DaVinci Code. The books require serious intellectual rigour as they take one on a stunning journey traversing hidden name messages, the Hebrew language and the Bible. For those willing to approach the controversial issues in The Name Code trilogy with an open mind there is a rich outcome. (Book Reviews, Source: EIN)

FTD releases in 2008: A number of sites have published info regarding possible FTD releases this year based on a report in the May/June issue of Essential Elvis magazine. The report indicated the following albums will be released in 2008:

"Louisiana Hayride Farewell Concert 1956"' "The Sun Era 1954-1955" (Photo book with CD), "Live In Hawaii 1961", "Good Times", "Promised Land" and "How Great Thou Art".

EP Gold has provided corrected information about the story:

Brian Quinn columnist from The Essential Elvis magazine just responded:

When I submitted my article for publication in 'Essential Elvis' Magazine the scheduled release 'due' dates should have been printed as 2008/9 and not 2008. This was a typing error on my behalf and I apologise if this has given cause to some confusion.

Note from EpGold: Ernst Jorgensen confirmed Andylon Lensen a half a year ago that at the end.... the complete RCA catalogue on official releases  Studio - Live and Movies is planned for release on FTD  - if possible. And that planned schedules on FTD can always be changed for future releases in 2008 and the following years to come. (News, Source: Essential Elvis magazine - Brian Quinn - Andylon Lensen  / www.epgold.com) 

Do you know who this is with Elvis?: On publishing this photo yesterday, EIN also contacted Marty Lacker who also checked out the photo with Billy Smith, but it still remains somewhat of a mystery. Marty replied, "He resembles someone who went to Humes High with us but I don't think it's the same guy. There could be a very simple explanation. He could be someone who worked on the house when it was being decorated when Elvis moved in there in '57. Let me put it this way, that picture is the first and last time we ever saw this guy's face. He had no real importance in Elvis' life. - Marty" If you know who the unknown person might be please click here to contact EIN. Click here to read Joan Gansky's report on the recent 40th Anniversary celebration of the 68 TV Special. (News, Source;EIN)

New Elvis YouTube service: Jordan from Elvicities has informed EIN about an interesting new service he has started:

ElviCities Video: http://video.elvicities.com

It is a Youtube type site that is 100% Elvis! There are many advantages of using ElviCities Video over the "Big Name" video sharing sites. Faster loads, better quality, and you don't have to worry about your videos ever being removed.. Not to mention 100% free to use. To name a few!

The site is still in the "Beta" stages since it is such a new site, and concept in the EP World. So if you encounter and bugs or problems (or have suggestions), please report them to: tech@elvicities.com  and the bug will be looked into and (hopefully) fixed ---- ASAP!

Flip Schulke dies: Photographer Flip Schulke died in West Palm Beach, Florida. He was 77. He photographed Elvis at the Frank Sinatra Timex TV show, but is best known for his photographs of the other "King" from Memphis, Martin Luther King. (News, Source: Elvis News)

'The King, McQueen And The Love Machine' Audiobook released: Barbara Leigh's 2002 biography has been released as a dramatized audiobook. In this 3-CD set, Barbara Leigh reads her autobiography and performs the dramatizations with Joe Esposito, Elvis Presley's right hand man who also introduces the book along with David Hedison in the role of The Love Machine (Jim Aubrey), Tim Tomerson in the role of Steve McQueen, and Paul Casey as Elvis The King. From the publicity release: In the early '70's world class actress and model Barbara Leigh captured the hearts of Elvis Presley, Steve McQueen, and MGM president Jim Aubrey, all at the same time. Barbara was the original Warren comic book character Vampirella. She appeared in more than 50 commercials as well as ten movies, including Sam Peckinpah's Junior Bonner as Steve McQueen's love interest and Pretty Maids All in a Row as Rock Hudson's wife, and also starring in Roger Corman's cult classic The Student Nurses. In this special presentation, Barbara reads her auto-biography and performs the dramatizations with Elvis' dear friend Joe Esposito, This is the first dramatized autobiography in the history of audio-books. Running time is 2 hrs. 45 min. on 3 CDs. Barbara Leigh has personally hand signed each individual inside photo just before shrink wrapping. Each CD has a different photo of Barbara Leigh. Go here for EIN's exclusive interview with Barbara Leigh. (News, Source;EIN)

Do you know who this is with Elvis? Joan Gansky, a friend of Elvis' since 1967 and one of originals who were in the audience at the 68 TV special, has asked EIN to try and find out who this other person in the photo with Elvis is. She has already asked the knowledgeable magazine 'Elvis -The Man and His Music' who even published the photo and got no answer from their readers. Editor Trevor Cajiao replied - "We've studied it and studied it, but I'm afraid we've no idea who that is in the photo with Elvis. My guess is that it was taken in the latter part of 1957 and developed in January 1958, hence the date on the photo. Elvis' hair looks very much like it did when he visited 'The Grand Ole Opry' in December 1957." Recently the question has come up again. Any ideas to help her out? Click here to send us any of your ideas. Click here to read Joan Gansky's report on the recent 40th Anniversary celebration of the 68 TV Special. (News, Source;EIN)

Penny Banner, pro-wrestling legend and Elvis friend, died May 13th: Penny Banner, after a long battle with cancer, died at her daughter's home on May 13 aged 74. She enjoyed a long successful wrestling career which spanned the years 1954 through 1977 and she had there is an Elvis connection.  Penny Banner is a name that won't be familiar to many Elvis fans. Penny was one of the original professional wrestling divas, who achieved world championship status in the early 1960s. Penny's connection with Elvis, while publicised in the media at the time, was for a long time relegated to that elusive ether full of "lost" Elvis stories. That was, until Penny published her memoir, "Banner Days", in 2004. Elvis met Penny after one of his concerts at the Kiel Auditorium in St. Louis and they got together several more times including when Elvis attended one of Penny's matches in Memphis and at Graceland before Elvis left for his Army stint. As Penny Banner eloquently describes, she and Elvis "were both from the same thread of life's cloth", and enjoyed each other's company, neither being in awe of the other. EIN was in e-mail contact with Penny Banner until only a few weeks ago. She was a woman with a wonderful spirit. She will be sadly missed. Go here for EIN's review of her memoir.  (News; Source;EIN)

'Elvis: Return to Tupelo' film screening, and the Elaine Dundy connection: For Elaine Dundy, the late writer, the 'Source of the Nile' led to Tupelo: Thanks to Elvis Presley, it's easy to draw a line from Tupelo to anywhere in the world! Elaine Dundy grew up a daughter of privilege in New York, and spent years in Paris and London. It took a while for the boy from Tupelo to get her attention. "One of the things she said was she didn't know Elvis was alive until he was dead," said Roy Turner of Tupelo. "When he died, every shop, every cab in London was playing his music. She said, Who is that?'" Take a moment to consider her question: "Who is that?" Somebody says, "Elvis," and that would be enough for most of us. But Dundy wanted a better answer, a complete answer. She was willing to travel from London to Tupelo to get it. "She told her friends she was going to find The Source of the Nile,'" Turner said. "Her friends tried to talk her out of it, saying things like, They're still barefoot down there, you know.'" She came to Tupelo in 1981, asked for a historian and hooked up with Turner, an East Tupelo native who spent his childhood roaming the same terrain that young Elvis had explored a few years earlier.

Russian DVD Releases: Due for release on June 2, 2008 in Russia is the (iPod ready) DVD "Classic Performances". Also due for release, but with no information on the date, is the 2DVD/CD set "The Last 24 Hours" and the movies "Wild In The Country", " Jailhouse Rock", "Girls! Girls! Girls!", "Fun In Acapulco", "Flaming Star". "Viva Las Vegas" and "Paradise Hawaiian Style". The movies all feature the same style of design. (News, Source;ElvisClubBerlin/ElvisNews)

iTunes Elvis Public-Domain releases: Poor old Elvis, not happy with getting enough Public-Domain flogging on CD, the ITunes market is also gearing up for the same! 'Greatest 50's Moments With The King'  released by the Burning Fire label is a 70-track Public Domain compilation ready for download for only $17. AVID Entertainment has also released the 25 track 'Elvis Restored' compilation again for $17. While the 3CD collection 'The Shadow Of Elvis Presley' again with all the usual fifties Public Domain songs has been released by DGR Records. (News, Source;ITunes/ElvisNews)

July FTD News from Ernst Jørgensen: Many of our customers have asked to have information about new releases as early as possible. Consequently we hereby publish the information about the July 2008 releases. As they are all work in progress, this is just basic information. Track listings and cover art is not ready yet. 'AMERICA' - A soundboard release from April 1976, with the body of the recordings being from the Omaha show. 'MEMPHIS TENNESSEE (The Lost Album)' - 2 CD version in our Classic Album series (7" digipack with booklet). 'LOVE LETTERS FROM ELVIS' - 2 CD version in our Classic Album series (7" digipack with booklet). EIN notes: - The featured 1976 concert on 'America' is a totally new unreleased soundboard from Omaha 22nd April 1976. The local newspaper at the time reviewed it as a fine concert with the headline 'King Elvis Still Classy' and noting, "During the concert Presley mixed patriotism, religion, sex and self-parody in a way that's as seductive as ever".  - Elvis' 1963 "lost album" was to be the follow-up to the #1 'Pot Luck' album, but was shelved in favour of the better-selling movie soundtrack LPs. It was first released in the UK in 1991 with the title of 'For The Asking'. Here is the tracklist in case anyone has forgotten. 1. It's A Long Lonely Highway 2. Western Union 3. Witchcraft 4. Love Me Tonight 5. What Now What Next Where To 6. Please Don't Drag That String Around 7. Blue River 8. Never Ending 9. Devil In Disguise 10. Finders Keepers 11. Echoes Of Love 12. Slowly But Surely 13. It Hurts Me 14. Memphis Tennessee 15. Ask Me (News, Source;ErnstJorgensen)

Unique Elvis oddity on EBay: An intact sheet of playing cards featuring the last 54 pictures of Elvis taken in Vegas. As described by the seller, "This is my most precious possession and since I am now finally retiring, I must sell if to down size. Many years ago, when the first Elvis Presley playing cards featuring the King were printed, the last 54 pictures of Elvis Presley taken in Vegas were reproduced as the "faces" on his playing cards, as you can see on the attached photos. These were printed on huge triple-ply playing card stock, which after printing cut to make the cards. These sheets were 23-1/" v 23-3/4" - which is very large. When the printer went out of business I acquired one of these sheets. The others were burned, destroyed. This sheet is now a piece of history. So rare in fact that will not ship it in its frame for fear of exposing it to possible damage. Beautifully framed, it belongs in an Elvis museum somewhere or possibly in a first class casino, or even the card playing room of a mansion." The asking price is around $1,600. For more details click here. (News, Source;EIN)

'The Tupelo Mississippi Flash' UK 4cd set: After yesterday's BMG excitement (see below) today sees a plethora of other Elvis CD news - this one being the cream of the crop. While this is yet another Public Domain release, this set comes with quality packaging including a 51 page booklet. This 4 cd set also features picture discs in separate sleeves as shown below. It includes all Elvis' public Domain songs from the Sun and live Hayride tracks, through to the 1957 RCA Christmas album. From the Proper Records label in the UK. Our Elvis super-collector Barry McLean was most impressed.   (News, Source; Barry Mclean)

President Nixon taped Elvis: Former President Richard Nixon secretly had Elvis Presley's Graceland home taped, but not for any criminal reasons. A former aide to the white house during Nixon's term has just released an autobiography of the Nixon years and tells the story that Nixon had aspirations of becoming a crooner after his time in office. "He ordered the CIA to tape Presley's home so that he could try and decipher what makes a hit record, but all the tapes came out with were Elvis and his buddy's goofing around. He did manage to get some great recordings of Elvis alone at the piano, in fact he got Elvis on tape going through every hit by the Beatles as Elvis seemed obsessed by their succession to his throne." The tapes have come to light and are gonna be offered to an auction house next month. Nixon only ever performed once at a secret gig in a small bar off Times Square under the name of Jimmy the Sneak, there were three people in the audience and no one clapped. EIN says please note this story has been circulated by the website TheSpoof.com! (News, Source;SanjaM)

'Elvis Presley - Standing Room Only' CD release: Announced by EP Gold "For the very first time, you can see and hear the album that never was. The Standing Room Only vinyl LP was cancelled by RCA in the Summer of 1972, but here it is, finally, with original front and back artwork, and the proposed tracks. The CD is very impressive - in black vinyl. It looks exactly like an original record, only in CD form. It's the real deal, not a CD-R. The sleeve has been professionally printed on high quality thick, laminated card." The cover design and tracklist, all live tracks, are exactly as featured in Tunzi's book "Elvis Sessions 3". Tracklist: 2001, See See Rider, Proud Mary, Never Been To Spain, You Gave Me A Mountain, A Big Hunk O' Love, For The Good Times, Burning Love, An American Trilogy, It's Over, I Can't Stop Loving You, Polk Salad Annie, Funny How Time Slips Away, Lawdy Miss Clawdy, Can't Help Falling In Love, Closing Vamp. Another noted suggestion was that the 'Standing Room Only' album - announced by RCA as 'LSP-4762' - actually had the following tracklist mixing a live side with studio side. Had this been released after the chart success of 'Burning Love', this would have surely been another classic Elvis album and a chart smash. Live Side A: Never Been To Spain, You Gave Me A Mountain, A Big Hunk o' Love, It's Impossible, The Impossible Dream, An American Trilogy, It's Over Studio Side B: Separate Ways, For The Good Times, Where Do I Go From Here, Burning Love, Fool, Always On My Mind, It's A Matter Of Time. Click here for more details, (News, Source; EIN/EPGold)

New UK TV drama about an Elvis-obsessed parking warden in production!: Connie Fisher (UK 'Sound Of Music' star) is to make her TV drama debut in a new film for UK's ITV. The 24-year-old, who won the BBC's How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?, will play an Elvis Presley-obsessed parking warden in Caught in a Trap. Fisher, who went on to play Maria Von Trapp on stage, said she was "thrilled" to have been cast in the drama. Shooting has started on the film, which also stars Jim Carter, Geraldine James and ex-EastEnders actor Joe Absolom. Fisher plays Gemma Perkins, who lives with her father and overbearing step-mother and has a boring and low paid job emptying car park meters. But her life takes a dramatic turn when she starts dipping into cash from the parking meters to fund her obsession with Elvis Presley, giving her a thrill she has never felt before. Producer Jill Green said: "Connie has more than proved herself as an actress in her role as Maria in The Sound of Music. We thought she would be perfect for the role of Gemma Perkins in Caught in a Trap. "Connie has a vulnerability about her and an interesting face which betrays a range of emotions which we require for this role. She has an accessibility, and is a person we can all relate to." (News, Source;EIN)

BMG 5CD "Album Classics" set 2008 release: BMG is to release a 5 CD "Original Album Classics" set combining Elvis/Elvis Presley/Loving You/Elvis Is Back/GI Blues on 16 Jun 2008. Here is the cover image.   (News, Source;EIN)

And the Public Domain Elvis CDs keep on coming!: '30 Original Hits', 'The Complete '56 Sessions' and 'True Love' are just three of the Public Domain cds to be released in the next few months. 'Elvis Presley - World-Shaker' a double cd of the "usual" fifties songs was released earlier this month.   (News, Source: Various)

'68 Comeback Special' CD Box-set 2008 release?: Elvis insiders are buzzing with rumours of a likely '68 Comeback Special' CD Box-set worldwide release this August - to coincide with the 40th Anniversary of the ground-breaking TV show. The box-set is supposed to include "the complete 68 Comeback sessions". Already available on FTD is the excellent 'Let Yourself Go' (the making of) as well as their very first release focussing on the 68 rehearsals and other outtakes. EPE were of course involved with The 68 Comeback 40th Anniversary Show in L.A. BMG could not confirm this particular release this week but did note that "There are a few Elvis releases this year... including 'The Greatest Hits' Tin-Box in July and another 3CD Tin Box set for September  . . . plus another release."   (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet/Egibbs)

Joyce 'Dottie' Rambo Died: Gospel singer-songwriter Joyce "Dottie" Rambo, 74, died early Sunday when the bus she was in ran off a road in southwest Missouri and struck an embankment. "She was a giant in the gospel music industry," said Beckie Simmons, Rambo's agent. Singing gospel at the age of sixteen Dottie met singer Buck Rambo at a revival meeting. After they married the travelled becoming part of 'The Singing Rambos'. Within a few years Dottie went from $50 a week singing in churches to singing at the largest concert dates across the country. Her 1968 album, 'The Soul Of Me' won the Grammy for best Gospel Album, and Billboard named her "Trendsetter of the year" because of her singing with an all-black choir. After writing her heartfelt blockbuster, 'He Looked Beyond My Faults (And Saw My Need)' the doors opened for her songs to be recorded by artists including: Elvis, Bill Monroe, Johnny Cash, Whitney Houston and Vince Gill. She was a prolific composer with over 2,500 songs registered with ASCAP. Her hits included 'We Shall Behold Him', 'I Go To The Rock', 'He Saw Beyond My Fault' and 'Tears Will Never Stain The Streets Of That City'. Elvis recorded her composition 'If That Isn't Love' for his 1973 LP 'Good Times'. Rambo was inducted to the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2007. Dolly Parton stated, "I know Dottie is in heaven in the arms of God right now, but our earth angel will surely be missed. Dottie was a dear friend, a fellow singer, songwriter and entertainer, and as of late my duet singing partner." Dottie Rambo's most recent CD 'Stand By The River' won two Christian Music Fan Awards including "Duo of The Year" with Dolly Parton. (News, Source;EIN)

'She Is The King', announces Australian concert - and US trip: Australian She Is the King - the only woman ever to be selected by EPE to compete in their worldwide Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition - has announced a new Australian concert. July 26th will see her perform in Balmain in Sydney. She has also announced a trip over to the US around Elvis Week from August 4th – August 22nd, 2008. Go here to her newly updated website for all the details.   (News, Source;SITK)

The Spankox Elvis "Re:Versions" Album: This is the suggested cover of the new "Re: Versions" remix album by the Italian DJ Spankox. The CD will be released as a deluxe edition. As this release is official unfortunately all the remixed songs have to be from the fifties - and in the Public Domain. Tracklisting: Baby Let's Play House (SpankoX Re: Version - Highpass Radio Edit) Don't Be Cruel (Spankox Re: Version - Highpass Radio Edit) (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear (SPANKOX re:version- Highpass Album Cut) Jailhouse Rock (Spankox Re: Version n- Highpass Radio Edit) All Shook Up (Spankox Re: Version - Highpass Album Cut) Blue Moon Of Kentucky (Spankox Re: Version - Highpass Album Cut) Heartbreak Hotel (Spankox Re: Version - Highpass Radio Edit) Too Much (Spankox Re: Version - Highpass Album Cut) Just Because (Spankox Re: Version - Eyes Cream 3AM Short Mix) You're A Heartbreaker (Spankox Re: Version - Highpass edit) That's All Right. (Spankox Re: Version - X-Treme Edit) Bonus Videoclip: Baby Let's Play House (Spankox Re: Version) (News; Source: Elvis Corner)

The 2008 US Election - Bill and Elvis make a connection again! When former president Bill Clinton bounded onto the makeshift stage in the volunteer fire department of this West Virginia coalfields town, it was reported that the crowd "shrieked like they were about to hear an Elvis Presley concert", rather than listen to a 40-minute speech about health care and the economy. "It's really exciting," Danville resident Tommy Crisp said afterward. "This is the first time I've ever seen him." In firehouses, school gyms and fairgrounds this week, the 42nd president became a familiar sight, just one of the signs that West Virginia has attained a political prominence it doesn't normally enjoy. Of course Bill Clinton in the past was perceived as the "Elvis" president, with Clinton himself drawing the connection between the two Southerners going back, in the public eye at least, as far as the then-candidate's saxophone version of "Heartbreak Hotel" on the Arsenio Hall Show. Greil Marcus even published a book 'Double Trouble: Bill Clinton and Elvis Presley in a Land of No Alternatives'. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)

The 25 Best "Best Of" Albums: Yahoo's 'List of the Day' by Rob O'Connor has published the top 25 "Best Of" albums of all-time. Elvis scrapes in at #10. Here is the Top 10. Not surprisingly The Beatles are ranked #1:

10) The Top Ten Hits--Elvis Presley: The Sun Sessions remain his most stunning achievement. But his longevity and the scope of his career deserve as much attention as his initial impact. This dude is majorly famous. And these 38 top ten hits span decades and give you a broad overview despite the fact that nothing from Sun Records, no gospel or blues, little country and many hits are missing. (They didn't go Top Ten!) Even without all that there's still what marketing departments call "an embarrassment of riches."

9) Mania--Ramones: Any of the Ramones first four albums would probably serve as a "Greatest Hits" of sorts, but while the Ramones consistency dropped a bit in their later years, they still managed to slip some fine songs into their catalog while the rest of the world seemingly ignored them. This one-disc collection is truer to their spirit than the 2-CD anthology. The Ramones were about speed and getting it over with, not dragging it out. Odd then that there isn't a 20-minute, 12-track "Best of" out there.

8) Smash Hits--Jimi Hendrix: Hardcore Jimi Hendrix fans need to listen to something else. They need to hear Jimi play long, extended solos in jam sessions and live concerts and they can rightfully marvel at the man's ability to twist six strings into so many directions. But there are those who are just curious, who want maximum impact and don't have hours to spend with a wah-wah pedal jammed between their ears. For those people, there is this album, where you get the poetry, the hits, the hard rock, the blues and the psychedelia in quick, crushed up doses without the long, extended guitar lessons.

7) Greatest Hits, Volume 2--Bob Dylan: Maybe it's because I don't ever want to hear "Everybody Must Get Stoned," (titled "Rainy Day Women, your SS# here") that I've chosen this collection instead of something more obvious. Or maybe it's because as much as I enjoy "Isis" or anything from Knocked Out Loaded, I don't want it showing up on a Greatest Hits collection. Hardcore devotees enjoy his every burp, but the average person can barely stand his voice. So let's not overextend ourselves and force too much of the man's catalog onto people all at once This double album will do.

6) Greatest Hits--Al Green: Call Me and The Belle Album come recommended but here's another gentleman who belongs to the radio. Who doesn't get chills hearing that voice slink up the pole for "Let's Stay Together"? Usually when you reduce a man's career down to a handful of essential tracks, you're, well, reducing him. Yet, here the effect is the opposite. By reducing Green's multi-decade career into a Reader's Digest Condensed Edition, it actually makes each punch a knockout blow.

5) Decade--Neil Young: Some people said he couldn't sing. Some people said he was too moody, too erratic. Some people think we're going to see the release of his voluminous archives in our lifetime. Some people think they "understand" the method to the man's madness. Some people think "Heart of Gold" is a nice song and don't know what the fuss is. Well, this once 3-LP, now 2-CD collection from the mid-70s doesn't assemble every key moment by any stretch, but it gives you a good idea of the man's range. And, no, he can't sing, by any "formal" definition, but remember those who can't sing, sing rock n' roll!

4) Greatest Hits--Sly And The Family Stone: Yes, Stand and There's A Riot Goin' On are great albums, but Sly was a master of the single. His songs belonged on the radio and to the radio. His ability to distill his ambitions into three and four minute explosions of joy without getting corny or preachy came from his ability to kick his band's butt into overdrive. He went crazy as a result. Or was it the craziness that gave him the results? I think we've got a chicken or the egg theory here.

3) Star Time--James Brown: I don't like to include boxed sets because "Greatest Hits" serve as an introduction to an artist's work and a four-disc box is more than just a big hello, it's an overbearing, sweaty hug from someone you're meeting for the first time. But Star Time serves as a great overview of a long, deserving career that I'm willing to overlook just how far Brown's tongue gets jammed down my throat. Hey, it's great to see you too! Godfather of Soul! The R&B years, the invention of funk, the angeldust, its mastery, and eventually the slowdown, it's all here.

2) Hot Rocks--The Rolling Stones: The world's oldest rock n' roll band were once the among the greatest and this collection spanning up to 1971 captures enough of the highlights to qualify as a decent, if not definitive, collection. They simply recorded too many top notch tunes and until they get a real boxed set collection together--The Singles Collection is ok, but is paced with A-side then b-side and not as an album--this will have to stand. You can always add More Hot Rocks for the extra-tasty "fazed cookies."

1) 1--The Beatles: Assembling their #1 hits in one spot is a great move for beginners. Too obvious for most and the group's genius was partly how they turned the album into an artform of its own. They even managed to do this with albums they didn't program, as the US versions didn't start matching their British counterparts until Sgt. Pepper's and yet the American release of Rubber Soul plays just fine. Chances are you can sing the songs on this collection in your sleep. If not, you haven't mastered the art of singing in your sleep. Or you've never owned a radio.

Country music legend, Eddy Arnold, dies: Eddy Arnold, whose mellow baritone on songs like "Make the World Go Away" made him one of the most successful country singers in history, died Thursday morning, days short of his 90th birthday. Arnold died at a care facility near Nashville, said Don Cusic, a professor at Belmont University and author of the biography "Eddy Arnold: I'll Hold You in My Heart." His wife of 66 years, Sally, had died in March, and in the same month, Arnold fell outside his home, injuring his hip. Elvis recorded several songs written and/ or recorded by Eddy Arnold including "It's A Sin", "How Is The World Treating You", "You Don't Know Me", "I'll Hold You in My Heart (Till I Can Hold You in My Arms)", "I Wanna Play House with You," and "Make The World Go Away". Early in his career, his manager was Col. Tom Parker. Arnold fired him as his manager late in 1953 over a dispute never made public (they actually remained friends), and Parker soon moved on to Hank Snow and (most famously) Elvis Presley.

Arnold's vocals on songs like the 1965 "Make the World Go Away," one of his many No. 1 country hits and a top 10 hit on the pop charts, made him one of the most successful country singers in history. Folksy yet sophisticated, he became a pioneer of "The Nashville Sound," also called "countrypolitan," a mixture of country and pop styles. His crossover success paved the way for later singers such as Kenny Rogers. "I sing a little country, I sing a little pop and I sing a little folk, and it all goes together," he said in 1970. He was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1966. The following year he was the first person to receive the entertainer of the year award from the Country Music Association.

The reference book "Top Country Singles 1944-1993,'" by Joel Whitburn, ranked Arnold the No. 1 country singer in terms of overall success on the Billboard country charts. It lists his first No. 1 hit as "It's a Sin," 1947, and for the following year ranks his "Bouquet of Roses" as the biggest hit of the entire year. Other hits included "Cattle Call," "The Last Word in Lonesome Is Me," "Anytime," "Bouquet of Roses," "What's He Doing in My World?" "I Want to Go With You," "Somebody Like Me," "Lonely Again" and "Turn the World Around."

Most of his hits were done in association with famed guitarist Chet Atkins, the producer on most of the recording sessions. The late Dinah Shore once described his voice as like "warm butter and syrup being poured over wonderful buttermilk pancakes."

Reflecting on his career, he said he never copied anyone."I really had an idea about how I wanted to sing from the very beginning," he said. He revitalized his career in the 1960s by adding strings, a controversial move for a country artist back then. "I got to thinking, if I just took the same kind of songs I'd been singing and added violins to them, I'd have a new sound. They cussed me, but the disc jockeys grabbed it. ... The artists began to say, `Aww, he's left us.' Then within a year, they were doing it!"
Arnold was born May 15, 1918, on a farm near Henderson, Tenn., the son of a sharecropper. He sang on radio stations in Jackson, Tenn., Memphis, Tenn., and St. Louis before becoming nationally known.

His image was always that of a modest, clean-cut country boy. "You cannot satisfy all the people," he once said. "They have an image of me. Some people think I'm Billy Graham's half brother, but I'm not. I want people to get this hero thing off their mind and just let me be me."

Survivors include a son and daughter. (News, Source: AP)

EIN Note: Thanks to Trevor Cajiao from the legendary magazine, Elvis - The Man & His Music, for pointing out that the AP article contains an error. Elvis' Baby Let's Play House is a different song to Eddy Arnold's I Wanna Play House With You.

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The Very Best of Elvis Presley: Thanks to Barry McLean for these images of this new SonyBMG digipack release in the USA:

 

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Tornado hits NE Mississippi: Power outages are being reported along the apparent track of today's (Thursday) storms in Lee County, including Tupelo, and areas of Lafayette County north of Oxford and in the New Albany area of Union County.

The general manager of the Tennessee Valley Authority in Tupelo, Terry Kemp, confirmed the outages. Kemp says officials are trying to get outage numbers from the distributors and crews who are assessing damage to power lines and facilities.

Click Here to watch Video: http://wcbi.com

EPE: No Damage Done to Elvis Presley's Birthplace in Tupelo, MS: A possible tornado was spotted over the Tupelo area during the early morning hours Thursday. There were numerous reports of downed trees and police reported some damage to a Mississippi Department of Transportation building, but Elvis Presley's birthplace did not receive any damage. Our thoughts go out to those who sustained damage.

For more information about Elvis Presley's Brithplace in Tupelo click here (News, Source: EP Gold/AP)

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"Marble Elvis" sculpture & book release: Think your love for Elvis is BIG? Here’s the tiny hunka hunk of sculpture to prove it. Yes, now you can take a piece of Presley wherever you go with this handsome little bust. Also included is an Elvis Almanac loaded with quotes, trivia, photos, and more—plus, a perforated accessories card that lets you adorn your Elvis with his signature aviators or Hawaiian lei, or just prop him up with his guitar and watch the magic happen. He may not have hips to shake, but his curled lip says it all: the King of Rock ‘n Roll still reigns, and he’s never looked better! Published by Running Press, September 2008, 64 pages.

Officially licensed by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Marble Elvis bears the Graceland seal of approval and along with the King’s irresistible charm this distinctive package is sure to be a hit with the millions of Elvis fans worldwide. (News, Source: Amazon)

Elvis (Deluxe Edition Images) book release: Parragon (USA) will release this 256 page book in September 2008. (News, Source: Amazon)

Tupelo Appreciation Day Tour: Memphis tour and travel is now scheduling for a great bus tour to Tupelo Mississippi on Fan Appreciation day which is August 9th. We leave at 8am and spend most of the day in Tupelo coming back by 5pm.  We take you to all the celebrations at the birth place as well as a comprehensive tour of Tupelo and the young Elvis Presley.  We take you to the birth place, Tupelo Hardware, 1010 N. Green St another home Elvis lived in before coming to Memphis, Priceville cemetary, the Elvis McDonalds, Lake Elvis in the pines, as well as Varona where Vernon and Gladys were married a real treasure trove into the past.  You get all this for only $35.00 you can't rent a car and put gasoline in the tank for that little, so come and ride and enjoy the trip with us.  Schedule now before someone takes your place.  Reach us via email or call us at 901 345 8146 ask for Betty to schedule. (News, Source: Elbert Stonebraker)

Tony Stewart Live at Graceland on May 12: Two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Tony Stewart will broadcast his weekly SIRIUS NASCAR radio show from Graceland plaza on May 12. The event is open to the public and free of charge, allowing Elvis fans and NASCAR enthusiasts to watch one of NASCAR’s greatest drivers host his show live. Special guests on the show will include Elvis’s longtime friend and SIRIUS DJ George Klein. (News, Source: EPE)

Budget CD releases in EU: Here are the covers of the budget releases "Loving You" and "jailhouse Rock" which were released on the Membran In (SPV) label in Europe March 3, 2008. (News, Source: Elvis News/Amazon France)

New Elvis online Memorabilia from the Hard Rock: The new Hard Rock memorabilia site features plenty of Elvis, along with John Lennon and other classic rock'n'roll artifacts. There's the chance to see Elvis' military identification affidavit - apparently issued after The King lost his original military I.D. Scotty Moore's Gibson 400 guitar, Elvis' personal Derringer pistol and other items. There are the original handwritten lyrics for John Lennon's 'Don't Let Me Down', Madonna's corset, John Entwistle's bass and much much more. At the moment nine important Elvis items are featured, including the chance to see his Karate Gi and Jailhouse Rock jacket close-up. Other exhibits include Lennon's handwritten lyrics for "Imagine," and the TV tuner knob Bo Diddley used for his first hand-built guitar. Sean Dee, Hard Rock International's VP and chief marketing officer noted, "Hard Rock's memorabilia is extremely valuable and must be handled with extreme care, so we wanted to find a more practical way to bring the collection to a broader audience. With Silverlight, we were able to build an application that allows us to make our collection accessible and highly interactive for millions of fans worldwide." Click here to view the Hard Rock online collection.       (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)

New book - 'Elvis: Your Personal Fashion Consultant': A follow up to the "Liberace" book of the same format, ‘Elvis: Your Personal Fashion Consultant’ by Michael and Karan Feder is due for release from Abrams Image on July 23, 2008. A paperback book of 32 pages this is a fun book where you can create multiple Elvis outfits. As the publicity for the previous Liberace version says, "Packing for your next Mediterranean cruise? Shopping for a new car? Rest assured, Liberace has the perfect gold lamé number or full-length cape to suit all of your needs. Not only can you enjoy dazzling photographs of Liberace in the most outrageous of outfits, but you can also punch these photos out to play with twelve paper dolls in hilarious poses! The perfect novelty gift!" This also book features punch-out stand-up cardboard images of Elvis to play with. Suitable for fans with a sense of humour - EPE should be proud!  (News, Source;EIN/SanjaM)

Elvis' friend Jeanne LeMay to visit England: Andrew Hearn, editor and publisher of Essential Elvis magazine in the UK, has told EPGold that he has personally invited Jeanne LeMay Dumas to his event "A Rockin' Good Night" in Sussex England on July 19th 2008. Jeanne was, and still is, best friends with Linda Thompson. When Linda was Miss Tennessee in 1972, Jeanne was Miss Rhode Island and the two were thrown together as roommates for that years Miss America pageant. They became fast friends and Jeanne moved to Memphis to be with Linda within weeks. She was present the night Elvis and Linda first met at the Memphian theatre, and remained part of the inner circle for almost five years, until Linda and Elvis split in November 1976. Elvis adored Jeanne, giving her a beautiful car and jewellery. She was even offered a job answering fan mail at Graceland where she loved to swim in the pool during her lunch breaks. It was during a particularly snowy Christmas of 1973 when Jeanne became stranded at Graceland, after working in the office behind the mansion. The weather worsened and Elvis became concerned, invited Jeanne to stay with him and Linda for the whole Christmas period. It was a time Jeanne will never forget. "Everyone who has met Jeanne in Memphis has pleaded with us to fly her to the UK as our guest," Andrew Hearn went on to say. "So, I'm delighted to announce that Jeanne will be joining us for a very special event this Summer." Go here for tickets and all the news about "A Rockin' Good Night" a night of live rock 'n' roll music and Elvis features. Go here for EIN's exclusive interview with Jeanne LeMay Dumas. (News, Source;www.essentialelvis.com)

Golden Boy Elvis Vol 6 - German magazine: Volume six of this great German glossy is just out. This sixty pages full color A4 magazine is filled with articles on the movie "Girls! Girls! Girls!", soundtrack review of "Wild In The Country", Elvis in Germany with many rare items, Elvis songs with background stories, Elvis' guitars, rare vinyl for the collectors and more.   (News, Source; ElvisNews)

Three Burton Generations On Stage: What a scoop, the Dutch/Belgian ElvisMatters fan club has a fine treat in store for the Elvisfans attending the James Burton Live Show on May 17 in Holland (Eindhoven) and May 18 in Belgium (Mol). Not only will this be the very first time that James and his own Band will play before a European audience - but James will bring his son Jeff, 'The Fender Bender' and guitar hero himself, but also his grandchildren Skylar (16) and Taylor (13), who both play guitar as well. With so much guitar talent together in one building, we can't pass up the unique chance of having the three generations together on one stage, with four guitars. This will be a unique and one off experience, which nobody can afford to miss. The fan club has a few tickets left, so be sure to order them today at peter@elvismatters.com (News, Source;ElvisMatters )

Revised edition of JD Sumner memoir: An updated edition of JD sumner's highly sought after memoir, Gospel Music Is My Life, has been released. I highly recommend this book.  J.D. was so much more than a back-up singer on The Elvis Presley show.  He was a living legend in his own right, and a pioneer that broke more ground, and accomplished more in his field than most people realize. You will love this great read ..told by J.D. himself, from his unique perspective.........Bud Glass $18. plus $2. shipping in America ($8.  Canada /  $10. overseas) 270 page book soft cover b&w loaded with photos     J.D.'s life with Elvis is  all through this book. The book is told by J.D. himself Introduction by James Blackwood   To order book send an email to bglass@nettally.com

Elvis author Elaine Dundy passed away: Elaine Dundy author of the marvellous book 'Elvis and Gladys' passed away on May 2nd. She was aged 81. In her early years Elaine Dundy was a significant part of the Hollywood and theatre scene with friends such as Ernest Hemingway, Orson Welles, Gore Vidal and Tennessee Williams. As an author Dundy was well respected for her inspired writing, as well as her attention to detail and thorough research. Her 1958 novel 'The Dud Avocado' was a massive seller world-wide and has never been out of print. For 'Elvis and Gladys' she lived over 5 months in Tupelo befriending many of Elvis' Tupelo acquaintances and returning multiple times to continue her investigations. As she noted in the book, "I arrived in Tupelo Friday night and by Sunday I was listening to a sermon delivered Brother Frank Smith at the Assembly of God." Brother Frank Smith was of course a key player in Elvis' musical development. Back in 2004 EIN was delighted to interview Elaine Dundy and find out more about her amazing life. She will be missed by all her friends. Read her amazing interview here. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet/Gansky)

'68 at 40 Restrospective: This new book from JAT Publishing written by Steve Binder ( Special's producer/director ), and with exclusive never before seen color photos from the collection of Timothy Mulrenan and Robert Brower will be available on August 6, 2008. There will be only 2000 hardcover books available that will include a 8'' x 10''not used in the book and signed by Steve Binder. This will be the definitive book on the making of the 1968 Elvis Presley television special. (News, Source: FECC)

(News, Source: Charmaine Voisine)

Lisa Marie Presley wins apology: A newspaper has been forced to apologize to Lisa Marie Presley – who is pregnant – over claims she was pursuing a poor diet like her late father, Elvis.

Last month, Britain's Daily Mail published a photo of Presley, dressed down and without makeup, eating with friends in Los Angeles, and the accompanying article said she was "growing just like her dad."

Presley's lawyers sued for libel, and on Friday the newspaper printed an apology: "On March 4 we published a photograph of Lisa Marie Presley while she was dining with friends. We suggested she might have an unhealthy appetite similar to her late father. We now accept that the suggestion is untrue and apologize to Ms. Presley for any distress caused."

In fact, Presley, 40, felt forced to reveal her pregnancy secret two days after the article appeared. "I have had to show my cards and announce under the gun and under vicious personal attack that I am in fact pregnant," she wrote on her MySpace Celebrity blog.

"My client is deeply upset and offended by this article, especially as it was widely published just as she and her family were meant to be celebrating her happy news," her legal rep, Simon Smith, said at the time.

Presley – who has two teenagers, daughter Riley, 18, and son Benjamin, 15, with ex Danny Keough – and her husband Michael Lockwood will welcome their first child in the fall. (Lisa Marie Presley's World, Source: Charmaine Voisine)

New Time Music International 2CD release: This new release is a 40 track 2 cd set from Time Music International Limited. Both CDs are picture discs. (News, Source: Barry McLean)

View back covers and track listings

Presley - Movie Icons (Book Review): Another Elvis photobook has been released. Is it simply more of the same or does it offer value to the viewer? EIN recently took a look inside to find out. (Book Review, Source: EIN)

Elvis voted #1 on Belgian list of 50 Best Voices: The Belgian station ‘Radio 1’ broadcasted on may 1st the ‘Fab 50’, a list of the 50 best voices from the last 50 years. The listeners could send in their favorites and Elvis Presley made it to the #1 spot. The top 50 ended with a compilation of the following hits: Heartbreak Hotel / In The Ghetto / Suspicious Minds / Jailhouse Rock / Blue Suede Shoes / Baby Let’s Play House / Hound Dog.

The Top Ten:

01 - Elvis Presley
02 - Freddie Mercury
03 - Tom Waits
04 - Jacques Brel
05 - Amy Whinehouse
06 - Aretha Franklin
07 - Arno
08 - Bruce Spingsteen
09 - Johny Cash
10 - Leonard Cohen (News, Source: Elvis Matters)

20 Golden Hits Vol. 2 CD: Volume two in the "20 Golden Hits" series from the Tyrostar budget label was released on April 25, 2008. Tracklisting: Jailhouse Rock - All Shook Up - (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear - Baby I Don't Care - Treat Me Nice - Mean Woman Blues - Blueberry Hill - Playing For Keeps - True Love - Loving You - Hot Dog - Have I Told You Lately That I Love You - Don't Leave Me Now - It's No Secret - I Believe - Young And Beautiful - It Is So Strange - Party - That's When Your Heartaches Begin - I Beg Of You (News, Source: Amazon.de / Elvis News)

Swedish chart update: On the Swedish Singles Top 60 the Re: Version of "Baby Let's Play House" drops from #27 to #43 while "The Essential Elvis Presley" compilation climbs from #9 to #4 on the Mid-price chart. "The King Of Rock And Roll" compilation DVD fell off the Swedish Music DVD Top 10. (News, Source: Elvis News)