Welcome to the "Elvis Information Network", home to the best news, reviews, interviews, Elvis photos & in-depth articles about the King of Rock & Roll, Elvis Aaron Presley...
FTD "April Releases" OUT NOW: The FTD 1976 double-soundboard, and new book on 'Elvis Presley movie memorabilia 1956-1958' - are now at your dealers . 'Elvis: Pine Bluff to Madison ’76':As part of its ongoing live on tour series, FTD is pleased to announce the release of ‘Elvis: Pine Bluff To Madison ‘76’.
Released as a 2-CD 5” digi-pak, this set features two shows: Dane County Coliseum, Madison, Wisconsin October 19, 1976 8.30pm and Pine Bluff Convention Center, Arkansas, September 8, 1976 - 830pm. FTD have already releases plenty of soundboards from this tour including the day before Sioux Falls, Oct 18 (Bruce Jackson: On The Road With Elvis CD2) and September 6, 1976 Afternoon and Evening shows ‘Elvis In Alabama: The Last Double Date’
Both these 1976 shows - especially the Pine Bluff Closing show - are recommended by soundboard collectors See 'FTD / SONY CD News 2022' for details and tracklists
Book – ‘Elvis: Celluloid Sell-Out!’
FTD Books presents ‘Elvis: Celluloid Sell-Out!’ from author Bob Pakes.
448 pages and over two thousand images of Worldwide Elvis Presley movie memorabilia from 1956-1958.
It’s packed with movie posters, lobby cards, pressbooks, publicity stills, programs, standees, heralds and much more!
Plus 2 bonus CDs featuring the soundtracks from ‘Love Me Tender’, ‘Loving You’, ‘Jailhouse Rock’ and ‘King Creole’.
EIN Notes – Bob Pakes previously published the stunning book ‘The EPE Catalog’ 400 pages and over 1,450 images on every weird and wonderful product that was part of the immensely successful 1956 Elvis Presley merchandise train. See EIN’s interview with Bob Pakes here.
There can be no doubt that this book will be as thorough – though why fans need the movie soundtracks is anyone’s guess.
(News, Source;FTD/ElvisInfoNet)
‘Elvis – NOW 1971' New MRS box-set OUT NOW: Also at your favourite record shop the UK Label ‘Memphis Recording Service’ (MRS) 4CD Deluxe set ‘Las Vegas International Presents Elvis – NOW 1971'is OUT NOW.
The 4CDs contain a varied selection of live performances drawn from Elvis’ engagement at the Las Vegas International Hotel during the early part of 1971. For the first time ever, these soundboard recordings have been remastered, carefully restored and mixed to "true stereo" using the most sophisticated technologies to achieve the best possible sound.
For the first time ever though, the material from these shows is presented in stereo.
The accompanying 40-page booklet which includes rare photographs and memorabilia dating from this and the following summer appearance in August 1971 - also includes liner notes which set the scene.
ELVIS - Australian Vogue Issue: Lucky down-under Elvis fans as this month's Australian Vogue magazine is dedicated to Elvis! "Step into the wonderful world of Elvis this month with Vogue's June collector's issue guest edited by Baz Luhrmann"
Reprising his role as guest-editor for the first time since 1994, Luhrmann has taken the reins on the June issue, whilst Catherine Martin has assumed the guest-editor role for Vogue Living, both curating content inspired by their spectacular new film, Elvis.
“I wanted this issue of Vogue to be a compendium of the movie itself, a kind of program to accompany the show,” says Luhrmann. “I want to introduce newcomers to the world of Elvis, explore his ongoing impact on music and culture, and for those who are already Elvis fans, offer an insight into where we, the storytellers, have come from in our own creative journey.”
In that vein, this month’s issue champions Australian talent and creativity, with Luhrmann speaking to some of his closest Aussie friends and colleagues, from Nicole Kidman to Kylie Minogue, sees Australian supermodel Adut Akech Bior grace the pages in haute couture to celebrate Memphis’s Beale Street in the 1950s, and of course, features a cover shoot with the Australian actress playing the role of Priscilla Presley in Luhrmann’s Elvis, Olivia DeJonge.
Pick up your copy on June 6 for the full Elvis experience!
Go here to the Oz Vogue website for details (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
The magazine features great articles on both Elvis and Priscilla Fashion! - ELVIS: Despite being renowned for his maximalist ensembles, the King started his career in, quite literally, a more modest fashion. Tailored suit jackets and short-sleeved button-ups (collar popped, of course) were the uniform of the early King, a far cry from the attire he adopted years later.
Before settling on the flared and caped numbers he’s remembered for, Elvis had a brief affair with the statement-making Hawaiian shirt, a floral-printed button-up. Aloha indeed.
But there really is no outfit donned by the man that can surpass his signature suit. The pioneer of, and perhaps only individual brave enough to don rhinestoned, low-cut jumpsuit, Elvis showed the world that he was not only the King of Rock and Roll, but also the most fashionably daring musician around, thank you very much.
Priscilla: Catapulted into the spotlight after marrying Elvis at the tender age of 21, Priscilla quickly became an emblem of 60s glamour, with her heaven-grazing beehive and thigh-grazing shift dresses.
A lover of fashion from a young age, Priscilla took great pride in dressing up. We love a woman willing to push some sartorial boundaries.
Despite being married to one the most famous musicians of all time, Priscilla was hardly one to be outshone by the bedazzled, caped confections donned by her beloved. At the turn of the decade, she took her cues from the disco era, foregoing her signature mod-chic look in favour of flares and a whole lotta denim. Her adoption of a more relaxed look coincided with the opening of her Beverly Hills boutique Bis and Beau, where she sold clothes of both her and friend and co-owner, Olivia Bis’, design to the likes of Cher and Barbara Streisand.
Go here to the Oz Vogue website for details
'Elvis Presley News Report June 2022: Elvis super-fan Emiel Maier presents all the recent news.... including all the news about the new ELVIS movie, the movie soundtrack, Andy Warhol Elvis auction, new 'Dressed To Kill' exhibition, Anne E Nixon (RIP) and fans' Top Ten fifties Elvis songs ..
Baz Luhrmann getting ELVIS out to the New Generation: Indiewire recently interviewed ELVIS director Baz Luhrmann. The highlights include.. Luhrmann's style of a dense wall of visuals and music sets out to hypnotize, overwhelm, and entertain. Telling the Elvis story through three decades of his life, from rangy heartthrob to Vegas lounge singer, ticks all of those boxes.
And he wants to get ELVIS out to the Post-Millennial generation.
"Oh, yeah, they don’t care about Elvis. In a way, I like that. Because they’re very honest about it. Even when I was a fan as a kid, I was more Bowie and Elvis became wallpaper. And I think they know him through ‘Lilo and Stitch,’ or he’s in a video game. Like he’s the guy in the white jumpsuit.”
He’d already spent 10 years moving “Elvis” from one back burner to another. “I’d been talking about using Elvis as a way of exploring America. Actually, the world had changed to this idea of the commercial carnival barker figure who puts his name on everything and knows how to exploit
people and emotions and the artist. This suddenly became relevant to me, So I came back to the idea of doing it.”
Luhrmann uses music to layer initial crowd reactions to the way Elvis moved at his Hayride performance. ‘All of a sudden, the girls were screaming, and he actually said, ‘What are they reacting to?’ ‘It’s the way you’re moving.’ And the truth is the pleated trousers and all of that.”
The director also figured out how to cinematically unite the two worlds of Elvis, the juke joint and the gospel tent. That stemmed from obsessive research: Luhrmann not only took over a room at the vast Graceland archives in a barn behind the Presley mansion, but also tracked a childhood friend of Elvis’, Sam Bell, who told the story of the Presleys living in a black neighborhood, Elvis joining his gang, and soaking up both kinds of music. “The whole issue of Elvis and race, you can’t explore America in the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s, and use Elvis at the center of that if you’re not dealing with race.” The film also delves into Presley’s friendship with B.B. King as well as Little Richard.
The director promised himself he would not make the movie if he couldn’t find someone to embody Presley and he put Harry Styles and Miles Teller through workshops. But then came a taped audition from this young Californian, Austin Butler, who had been a working actor since he was 13 but his highest-profile role was a small part as Manson killer Tex Watson in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.”
“I got this tape of this young guy playing ‘Unchained Melody’ and crying. It was just strange. I mean, it was so moving. I thought, ‘This isn’t really acting.’ Now I learned
years later that it was Austin thinking about his mother, who passed at the same year that Elvis’ mother did.”
When Luhrmann met Austin Butler, the actor fooled the director with his southern accent. “He had this kind of naivete about him. He was kind of Elvis. He has basically lived as Elvis for nearly three years.”
There’s dramatic license and there’s compressions because you’ve got to compress times. My rule is, as long as it doesn’t fundamentally change the truth. I mean, you’re telling a 42-year-long life in two-and-a-half hours.”
Also in play is Warner Bros marketing who must find the audience for the movie beyond older adults who revere the king of rock ‘n roll. In turn, that task will fall to Butler, not veteran Hanks, who is buried beneath a fat suit and prosthetics.
“I make theatrical movies, it's a theatrical experience... Right now, we haven’t really proved that non-franchise movies can bring all quadrants back into the theater. I consider that to be on my shoulders.”
Go here to IndieWirefor the full interview. (News, Source;IW/ElvisInfoNet)
'Can't Help Falling In Love' Kacey Musgraves 'ELVIS' Trailer: Another teaser from Baz Luhrmann's 'Elvis', this time you can check out a first listen of 'Can't Help Falling in Love' by Kacey Musgraves.
The clip features some terrific movie images.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Check out this brilliant seventies live image from Baz Luhrmann's 'ELVIS'
Thursday 26 May 2022
Luhrmann’s ‘ELVIS’ gets Cannes 10-Minute Standing Ovation: Baz Luhrmann’s ELVIS strutted its way up the Cannes Film Festival red carpet last night for the film’s world premiere which was greeted by explosive applause inside the Palais. The crowd got to its feet during the end credits, clapping in rhythm before the lights came up, and remained standing for 10 minutes to mark a 2022 record so far at the festival.
Amid shouts of “Bravo!” from the crowd, an emotional Luhrmann told the audience inside the Lumière Theatre he’d had a “bit of an epiphany” because “30 years ago my wife and I made a little film called Strictly Ballroom and the one exhibitor who had given him one
screen said, “That is the worst film I have ever seen!"
So we went up the coast and I thought my film was never really going to work out when I got a phone-call from a Frenchman, who offered me a chance with a screening at the Cannes Film Festival. Eventually we showed the film in this Palais cinema … and my life has never been the same."
Luhrmann noted about making ELVIS, “I really believed that we would come to Cannes, but then the Covid came and the film was shut down and it was never going to happen, but for the bravery of Tom Hanks to come back and the bravery of this cast and this crew to go on through Covid and finish this film. And we are back in Cannes. And to see these streets so full of people who love movies of every form of life, every kind of movie, says so much more about what this place means and what it means to be back in the cinema. For that we are eternally grateful, Cannes… All I can say is, merci beaucoup, merci beaucoup.”
'ELVIS' Biopic gets Positive Reviews: With its premiere yesterday Baz Luhrmann’s ‘ELVIS’ is receiving some truly stunning and detailed reviews. The Hollywood Reporter review includes.. "The King of Rock and Roll gets suitably electrified biopic treatment"
How you feel about Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis will depend largely on how you feel about Baz Luhrmann’s signature brash, glitter-bomb maximalism. Just the hyper-caffeinated establishing section alone, even before Austin Butler’s locomotive hips start doing their herky-jerky thing when Elvis Presley takes to the stage to perform “Heartbreak Hotel” in a rockabilly-chic pink suit, leaves you dizzy with its frenetic blast of scorching color, split screen, retro graphics and more edits per scene than a human eye can count. Add in the stratified, ear-bursting sound design and this is Baz times a bazillion.
... The live performance sequences are electrifying, shot by cinematographer Mandy Walker with swooping moves to match Presley’s dynamic physicality and with intimacy to capture the molten feeling he poured into his songs. The bold use of color and lighting is eye-popping. The same goes for the production design by Luhrmann’s wife and career-long collaborator Catherine Martin and Karen Murphy; likewise, Martin’s utterly fabulous costumes.
... Luhrmann is often criticized for molding material to serve his style rather than finessing his style to fit the material. Many will dismiss this film’s unrelenting flamboyance as bombastic Baz in overdrive, a work of shimmering surfaces that refuses to stop long enough to get under its subject’s skin. But as a tribute from one champion of outrageous showmanship to another, it dazzles.
Seethe full HR review here. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
UK Tabloids 'ELVIS' 4-Star Reviews: For the ELVIS biopic to get to a large fan-base it is obviously important that the movie appeals to everyone, and not just the Luhrmann Art-House movie fans.
The great news is that both UK Tabloids 'The Sun' and 'The Mirror' have given the movie 4-Star raves. The Sun review notes. "Get ready to be all shook up by this high tempo, ferociously flamboyant take on Elvis Presley’s life.
Similar to Baz Luhrmann’s direction of The Great Gatsby and Romeo and Juliet, the first half hour barely lets you blink.
It kicks off with a high speed spin through the first 20 years of Elvis’ life that makes you feel as though you’ve eaten too many E numbers and then visited the circus.
All with a huge dollop of glitz, glamour and decadence sprinkled on top.
Later the pace evens out and everything suddenly becomes very watchable indeed.
A lot of this due to an extraordinary performance from Austin Butler. While not only portraying a convincing likeness, he like a young Elvis, is a simply beautiful creature to watch.
Hypnotic and somehow different from the rest of us.
In a scene where he gyrates and thrusts on stage for the first time in front of an audience, the women of the 1950s are shocked by their carnal reactions.
But watching him now, it’s totally understandable. Even in 2022.
Despite the gift of a vast soundtrack of Elvis songs, some modern tunes are sprinkled in, which jars and feels unnecessary. But that aside, you can’t help falling in love with this shake, rattle and roll through the life of the biggest star the world has ever seen." The UK Daily Mirror says.. 'Austin Butler nails the moves, the mannerisms and the soulful voice'
30-year-old Austin Butler repays director Baz Luhrman’s faith with a genuine star-is-born performance. Butler nails the moves, the mannerisms, the soulful voice and somehow even channels the icon’s charisma. When girls scream at him in the film’s electrifying musical sequences, you wonder
how much acting was required.
Surprisingly, the film is as much about his corrupt manager as it is about the rock and roll pioneer.
Parker admits he knows nothing about music, but he knows plenty about making money. When he sees Elvis perform for the first time (and hears those ecstatic screams) you can imagine dollar signs in his eyes.
His attempts to tame the rebellious Elvis, lead to conflict but the old charmer always manages to reel him back in. As Elvis needs to provide for an extended family, Parker knows he always has the upper hand.
Highlights include a behind the scenes look at his 1968 TV special and a concert where Elvis baits the police with “If you’re looking for trouble” and whips the crowd into a frenzy with those sinful hips.
Telling the story from someone else’s viewpoint has one drawback - we don’t really get under the skin of the icon. But this is a foot-tapping, spine-tingling testament to a musical pioneer." (News, Source;Tabloids/ElvisInfoNet)
'ELVIS' overall reviews 88% Positive: A large number of various Media reviews of the 'ELVIS' biopic are in - and the Rotten Tomatoes agregator gives them an overall 88% Positive.
Sadly one rather negative review is in the well-respected Guardian newspaper. "Baz Luhrmann’s squeaky-clean King is shaking no one up. Another pointless explosion of super-spangly sparkles in celluloid form..."
However Peter Bradshaw, their reviewer, dislikes all Baz Luhrmann films so it is no surprise he gave it a bad review.
His review of Moulin Rouge was 2 Stars"It is as if a jeroboam of champagne has been shaken up far too much and then uncorked in our faces. That isn't a very refreshing or tasty experience." Great Gatsby was 2 Stars "Having watched this fantastically unthinking and heavy-handed adaptation.. Directed by Baz Luhrmann a man who can't see a nuance without calling security for it to be thrown off his set."
CHECK OUT all the 'ELVIS' movie reviews via 'Rotten Tomatoes' here (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'The Colonel' Alanna Nash 2022 Edition out next month: Alanna Nash's essential book 'The Colonel: The Extraordinary Story of Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis Presley' is being published as a new edition next month on June 21 - by Simon & Schuster.
Author Alanna Nash notes that "This new edition includes an Afterword that I think you will find fascinating. My buddy / brother Tony Stuchbury is responsible for the new material!"
The book itself investigates the extraordinary life of one US Dutch immigrant called Andreas van Kujik. A man who was not a proper military colonel and was something of a charlatan.
The book was the first to reveal the extraordinary extent of the secrets he concealed, and the consequences for the career, and ultimately the life, of the star he managed.
By the height of Elvis’ success, Parker had become a pathological gambler who was taking, amazingly, a full 50% of Presley’s earnings, frittered away all his wealth in the casinos of Las Vegas.
As Nash shows the often baffling trajectory of Elvis' career makes perfect sense once the secret imperatives of the Colonel’s life are known. Parker never booked Presley for a tour of Europe because of the dark secret that ensured he himself could never return there. Even at his most famous, Elvis was still being booked to play out-of-the-way towns in North Carolina because the former fairground barker knew them from his days on the circus circuit.
Alanna Nash knew Parker towards the end of his life and uncovered the whole shocking story of how this larger-than-life man made, and then unmade, popular music’s first and greatest superstar. With the new Baz Luhrmann ELVIS biopic Alanna Nash's book deserves a second issue.. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Lansky's "ELVIS" movie Belt-Buckle: Memphis Lansky Brothers "Clothier To the King" have a neat "ELVIS" movie Belt-Buckle for Pre-order. They say...
Every once in a generation an artist will come along and completely change and influence a global iconic following. This was such a boy named Elvis Presley.
This Elvis Tribute buckle captures this great musical genius, captures that same Elvis energy, and will be a treasured relic.
This Buckle around your waist will draw many of your friends attention.
Delivery Late June. Limited Edition. US$48
Go here to Lanskys to Pre-Order
And read EIN'sinterview with wonderful Bernard Lansky here. (News, Source;NeilC/ElvisInfoNet)
Vintage Rock features Elvis: The new June 2022 issue of UK's Vintage Rock magazine is on sale now. As we prepare for the big screen event of the summer and Baz Luhrmann’s hotly-anticipated Elvis biopic, they take an in-depth look at the complex relationship between the King of Rock’n’Roll and his controversial manager Colonel Tom Parker. Moulin Rouge director Luhrmann aims to communicate the sheer shock of Presley’s arrival onto the world stage with the movie, labelling Elvis as “the original punk”. He added: “Now, here’s our job: How do we translate strange and shocking to a contemporary audience? Austin’s number one mission, from the moment I met him, was to humanise Elvis Presley, to show the person and go on the journey.”
It also features another extract from "The Sonic Swagger of Elvis".
We also tip our hat to the ground-breaking inventiveness of Les Paul as his trademark Gibson electric guitar celebrates its 70th anniversary and serve up unseen interviews with the legendary Hal Blaine and Chas Hodges.
Vintage Rock favourites Crazy Cavan And The Rhythm Rockers get the richly deserved classic album feature treatment for their 1975 debut studio LP Crazy Rhythm, and we pay tribute to cult hero and rock’n’roll pioneer Jack Scott.
Elsewhere, we count down the 10 hottest prospects in the rockin’ world right now and have must-read chats with Wild Records star Omar Romero and Chicago sensations The Knee-Hi’s.
Go HERE to Vintage Rock for more info (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Wednesday 25 May 2022
ELVIS Official Trailer #2:“I’m gonna show you what the real Elvis is
like tonight”, the second trailer for Baz Luhrmann’s ELVIS biopic has
been released. And it sure looks stunning. In contrast to the first clip
this trailer focuses on the power of Elvis' on stage performances and
the personal sacrifices and highlights the darker side of fame and
Elvis' ascension to God-like status.
In this trailer we see more of the impressive cast such as Helen Thomson аs Glаdys Presley, Richаrd Roxburgh аs Vernon Presley with Jerry
Schilling plаyed by Luke Brаcey, Nаtаshа Bаssett as Dixie Locke аnd Hаnk Snow by Dаvid Wenhаm. Jr. Kelvin Hаrrison is B.B King, Xаvier Sаmuel is Scotty Mooreаnd Jimmie Rodgers Snow is plаyed by Kodi Smit-McPhee.
Shonka Dukureh is "Big Mama” Thornton. EIN is very impressed - as are 'Non-Elvis-fans' who are just looking forward to the creativity and excitement of a new Baz Luhrmann film.
There is no doubt that it will be stunning in the Cinema on the Big Screen. (News, Source;BL/ElvisInfoNet
'ELVIS' movie soundtrack album: The full artist lineup for the ELVIS soundtrack has been revealed (but not all the tracks they are performing) and among those takin’ care of business on the album are Eminem, Tame Impala, Stevie Nicks, Jack White and Jazmine Sullivan.
We already know that Kacey Musgraves will be singing 'Can’t Help Falling in Love' for the film, that Måneskin will perform their take on 'If I Can Dream' and the already released Doja Cat single 'Vegas' (with Hound Dog sample).
But there are still plenty of surprises in the artists announcement. Notable others include Tame Impala, Stevie Nicks, Jack White plus CeeLo Green as a collaborator with Eminem, the combination of Swae Lee and Diplo, Chris Isaak, Pnau among others.
The artists list also includes plenty of cast members whose contributions are no doubt featured in the movie, such as Austin Butler, Yola (Sister Rosetta Tharpe), Gary Clark Jr. (Arthur “Bigboy” Crudup), Shonka Dukereh (Big Mama Thornton), Alton Mason (Little Richard) and Kodi Smit-McPhee (Jimmie Rodgers).
Top-billing still goes to Elvis Aaron Presley and rock'n'roll fans will be happy to see the late Rufus Thomas also listed as a contributor. (News, Source;Baz/ElvisInfoNet)
Elvis & the Colonel - The Complete Story: Due for June 3 release is this 98 pages book. It is described as..
Besides his father and a few close friends, only one other person was by Elvis’ side for almost his entire career, his manager, Colonel Tom Parker. If Elvis stood at the front of the stage, “The Colonel” was a mysterious figure lurking somewhere off to the side.
The relationship between Elvis and the Colonel is a focus of the new movie Elvis from director and screenwriter Baz Luhrmann. Starring two-time Academy Award winner Tom Hanks as Parker and Austin Butler as Elvis, the film explores the relationship between these two iconic figures more deeply than any other Elvis biopic ever produced.
This special collector's edition magazine tells the story of what really happened. (News, Source: Amazon/EIN)
Elvis The King Lives On: Yet another magazine celebrating Elvis in 2022 - announced for publication on August 1, 2022 is this 98 pages magazine.
Featuring 'Stories Behind His Greatest Hits' and 'Secrets From The Movie Sets'!
(News, Source: Amazon)
For our Italian readers - Elvis e il Colonnello: An Italian language Kindle edition of James Dickerson's book, Colonel Tom Parker - The Curious Life of Elvis Presley's Eccentric Manager, will be released on June 7. The book has 346 pages and is described (in Italian) as:
... Sul Colonnello Tom Parker sono fiorite mille leggende: "l'uomo che fece Elvis Presley" è uno dei personaggi più ambigui e misteriosi all'ombra della stella più luminosa dello show business moderno. Questo libro ricostruisce i mille volti del Colonnello, raccontandolo dall'inizio: prima di intraprendere la carriera di manager, Parker giunse clandestinamente negli Stati Uniti a poco più di vent'anni, cambiò nome e mantenne per tutta la vita il segreto sulle sue origini olandesi. Impresario teatrale di spettacoli circensi prima, poi promoter di musicisti, uomo dalle mille risorse, astuto, ma anche smaliziato giocatore d'azzardo abituato a reinventarsi continuamente, a metà degli anni Cinquanta incontra un giovane Elvis Presley. E da quel momento le loro vite cambiano. Padre putativo, ma anche burattinaio di Elvis, contro tutto e tutti lo accompagna a diventare il grande showman che ha fatto tremare l'America e rivoluzionato completamente il business dell'intrattenimento. In pochi mesi Parker riesce a strappare per Elvis un contratto con RCA Records, a introdurlo alla televisione, ai musical, a Hollywood. Presley è stato e sarà sempre una icona anche grazie all'abilità e alla spregiudicatezza del Colonnello, ma dietro la scalata scintillante al successo si nascondono molte altre storie. Elvis e il colonnello è il racconto incredibile e poco conosciuto sul controverso ma produttivo rapporto tra l'artista che portò il rock nel mondo e il suo manager, una storia che ha scatenato l'immaginazione di un genio come Baz Luhrmann che alla complicata relazione umana e professionale tra Elvis e il Colonnello ha dedicato un film con protagonista Tom Hanks nei panni di Tom Parker. (News, Source: Amazon)
Priscilla Presley The Elvis Only I Knew (Star magazine): Getting a little more tabloid, this 'Star' magazine features Priscilla on the cover - along with other article such as 'Harry & Megan Desperate for Cash' and 'Michelle Williams Baby News' - it doesn't get much better, does it!
Out on 30 May - a special 'single issue' magazine.
(News, Source: Amazon)
Saturday 21 May 2022
(Book Review) 'The Sonic Swagger of Elvis Presley: A Critical History of the Early Recordings' (Gary Parker):‘For Elvis Presley, stardom was the promise, and he made the trip, but at an extraordinarily high cost’. This is one of the thought provoking themes in Gary Parker’s latest book which critically examines in thoroughly researched detail, Elvis’ seminal recordings in the 1950s (as well as more briefly discussing Elvis’ post Army recordings).
Noting that... "Elvis' clever manipulation of his numerous interests remains one of the music world's great marvels. Presley, with one foot in delta mud and the other in a country hoedown, teamed with Scotty Moore and Bill Black to fuse two distinctly American musical forms -- country and blues -- to form what would come to be known as 'rockabilly'". This is a book with plenty to discuss.
In their 2,100 words collaboration, EIN’s Nigel Patterson and Piers Beagley, review what they have found to be one of the best, and most important, Elvis book releases of 2022. Read the full review here (Book Review, Source: ElvisInformationNetwork)
Tom Hanks at Australian ELVIS Premiere: Good news for keen Australian Elvis fans as Hollywood superstar Tom Hanks will be at the Australian ELVIS Premiere on the Gold Coast (where the film was shot) on June 4 - and then at the Sydney premiere the following day. (EIN will be there!)
The 65-year-old who plays Elvis' manager Col Parker in the movie will join his co-stars for the red-carpet event.
Austin Butler will also be attending the premiere, as will his Aussie co-star Olivia DeJonge.
Priscilla commented that, "Tom Hanks was Col Parker in this film. What a character he was. There was two sides to Colonel. Jerry and I witnessed both. The story, as we all know, does not have a happy ending.
But I think you will understand a little bit more of Elvis' journey, penned by a director who put his heart and soul and many hours into this film.
I want to make sure these young ones learning about him now will take the torch and keep it going,
Elvis has a phenomenal legacy, and I will always cherish my moments with him."
The new Elvis biopic will have its world premiere at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival next week.
Scheduled for theatrical release in the USA June 24, 2022 and will be released in Australia on June 23. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Riley Keough finds ELVIS movie very emotional: Riley Keough (Elvis' granddaughter) is at the Cannes film festival and told fans that it was "very intense" watching the new ELVIS biopic about her grandfather.
Actress Keough, now 32, known for films 'Logan Lucky' / 'American Honey' and TV series 'The Girlfriend Experience' is in Cannes for her directorial debut "War Pony" just days before the world premiere of Baz Luhrmann's ELVIS.
She told an audience at the French Riviera festival she saw the film recently with her mother, Lisa Marie Presley, and grandmother, Priscilla Presley.
She said, "Watching the movie was a very emotional experience.
There's a lot of family trauma and generational trauma that started around there. It was a very intense experience."
Despite the discomfort of seeing her family on screen, Keough said she was "honoured" that it was handled by Luhrmann.
"The first movie I ever watched in a theatre where I knew I wanted to make movies was ´Moulin Rouge!´ when I was 12," said Keough.
She said it was immediately evident how much effort Luhrmann and Butler had put into capturing the essence of The King.
"That made me emotional and I started crying five minutes in, and didn´t stop, so I need to watch it again," said Keough.
The family was involved in helping Luhrmann get access to Presley's Graceland, and other people from Elvis' life.
"But at the end of the day, we´re not going to tell Baz Luhrmann how to make a film!" Keough said. ELVIS premieres in Cannes on Wednesday (News, Source;AP/ElvisInfoNet)
Andy Warhol 'Elvis' Sells for US$21Million: This season's New York auction marathon came to a close this week with Sotheby's Contemporary Art Evening Sale.
Among the items Andy Warhol's 1963 'Elvis' sold for US$21,581,000. Not bad for a single Elvis screen-print!
Andy Warhol is no doubt the star of this season's New York contemporary art sales, with his US$195 million Shot Sage Blue Marilyn becoming the second most expensive painting in auction history.
Besides Marilyn Monroe and Campbell Soup, Elvis Presley is also an iconic subject in Warhol's painting. For the pop art master, the King of Rock and Roll is not merely a celebrity, but a brand designed for mass consumption not unlike a Coca-Cola bottle or Campbell's Soup Can.
The signature series is inspired by the image of Elvis Presley as a gunslinger from the western film Flaming Star. In his Presley paintings, the shimmering silver ground resembles the silver screen, while the overlapping images are reminiscent of a film strip, individual frames containing a single image but when viewed together producing a sense of dynamism and movement.
In most of his Presley paintings, Warhol screens a number of images,ranging from singles to over eleven in one particular canvas, in a linear progression. Each painting in the series is similar, differed only in the number, distance, and shades of color of Presley's images.
Among them the "Double Elvis" is created the most one was sold at US$37 million at a New York auction last year.
Another special one with Eight Elvis on a 370-centimetre-wide canvas was sold by an Italian collector Annibale Berlingieri privately in 2008 for US$100 million.
'It's The Elvis Sound Of The Sixties 1966 - 1969' New Bootleg Vinyl: The publicity notes, Petticoat records is back! This time with a fantastic vinyl album full of late sixties classics.
This high quality album (including bonus CD) featuring 14 rare and hard to find alternate versions of these classics is now available.
Great stuff: beautiful ballads as well as some great rockers!
And as always housed in a STUNNING full color sleeve suitable for framing!
This high quality 180 grams virgin vinyl pressing is now available in RED or BLUE vinyl.
Don't miss out on this wonderful limited edition album. EIN Note; Featuring outtakes of 'Never Say Yes' and 'The Girl I Never Loved', can this really be that "fantastic"?
Go here to 'All The CD News 2022' for tracklist and details (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'The 1971 Soundboard Collection & More Volume 1' Bootleg Vinyl:The publicity notes, This comprehensive deluxe set contains 4 soundboard recordings recorded during Elvis his first Vegas season of 1971. The first Vegas season of 1971 started on January 26 and finished February 23. During these shows Elvis sang some of the tracks from the just released “Elvis Country” album. Examples are “Make The World Go Away” ”There Goes My Everything” and “Snowbird”.
Another example of one of the highlights is the only known live version of the (back in the day) new song ”only believe” . A studio version would be released in June 1971 on the “Love Letters From Elvis” album, but the song was recorded a year earlier. All shows are remastered and presented in mono just as they were recorded.
The fully packed bonus disc included in this set contains no less than 23 rare and official unreleased versions of studio tracks recorded in 1971.
Sit back and enjoy Elvis in 1971. 4LP + 3CD Set
Available in Red or Blue vinyl. Strictly limited edition.
For Vinyl collectors
Go here to 'All The CD News 2022' for tracklist and details (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Thursday 19 May 2022
'Elvis UK – Cover Story' New Book: From Elvis authors John Townson and Gordon Minto a new (digital) book 'Elvis UK – Cover Story: The Ultimate Guide To Elvis Presley’s EP & LP Sleeves 1956-77'
This newly written 286 page, fully comprehensive book, provides the ultimate guide to Elvis’s EP and LP album sleeves released in the UK between 1956-1977.
- It adds to, complements - and extends considerably - the information originally included in our original book Elvis UK
- Extensively illustrated in full colour
- Arranged in sections, this book addresses a wide range of topics including back cover photos, printing companies, sleeve notes, etc.
- There are extended sections including Front Cover – Fact File, and For UK Fans Only, an in-depth study of those albums that originated in the UK, or were only ever available in the UK
- And as readers have come to expect from Elvis UK publications, there is a wealth of background info incorporated into the text
This definitive work is only available as a downloadable digital flip book stored on your own device Why a digital flip book?
A flip book provides a highly intuitive search facility allowing the reader to access whatever they are looking for quickly and easily
There are no postage costs. It will not deteriorate
It can be held on multiple devices. Pages can be printed off, if required Elvis UK – Cover Story costs just £15 and can be ordered via our website here > www.elvisukbooks.co.uk
which also includes details of our other publications – Elvis UK, Elvis UK2 and Elvis UK3. EIN has had a sneak-peak and it looks fascinating covering everything from the start through to 1977 in fascinating detail.. (News, Source;GM/ElvisInfoNet)
Baz Luhrmann on Col Parker and Elvis: Elvis author Alanna Nash (see EIN interview) recently interviewed ELVIS director Baz Luhrmann for AARP.
In the insightful interview Luhrmann explained more about the Parker/Elvis love story. Q. What is the inherent drama of the Presley-Parker relationship? Baz L: My takeaway as the ultimate outsider is that the Presley - Parker relationship is probably the real love story. Not that there isn’t a great and genuine romance between Elvis and Priscilla, but the love story that soars brilliantly, but gets a little too close to the sun and tumbles, is Elvis and the Colonel. It’s almost a codependent marriage that, while toxic and destructive, cannot be unwound. Q. Why does Tom Hanks have a much
stronger accent than Parker did in real life?
Baz L: I found it interesting that Parker became obsessed with tape recorders and started taping himself. I spent many hours at Graceland listening to those obscure tapes. His accent changed dramatically depending on what situation he was in. What a gargantuan personality he was — he’d walk into a room and suck all the air out of it, using humor to manipulate and control. You couldn’t back away from the enormity of the character. So I thought it was very important that Hanks present the audience with a strangeness: “What is going on with this guy?” Q. How much of the narrative revolves around 1968, with the assassinations of Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King? Baz L: I always say: no issue of race in America, no Elvis. The fact that he grew up in one of the few white houses in a Black community allowed him to be around a young group of African American kids and his great love, spiritual gospel. I tracked down Sam Bell, an African American childhood friend of Elvis. And Jerry Schilling told me how they’d been filming when King was shot. Elvis just collapsed holding his guitar, rocking back and forth, and he said the very quote that’s in the
movie: “Dr. King, he always spoke the truth.” Q. Your films often end in tragedy. What’s the unraveling of Elvis’ story? Baz L: Elvis is no saint, but he was a deeply spiritual, creative person. Towards the end of his life, he didn’t know that the Colonel was plotting to keep him in Las Vegas partially for the Colonel’s gambling addiction. The Colonel represented the monetization, commercialization, the branding of Elvis. The sell — the marketing, the making of money — became dominant over the new, the authentic. And that always begets tragedy. That actually motivated me to commit to doing this film.
For the complete interview go here to AARP. (News, Source;ANash/ElvisInfoNet)
Baz Luhrmann 'ELVIS' movie posters for 50s/ 60s/ 70s - plus a great shot of Austin Butler
'Meet Me In Memphis' New STAR DVD: The import DVD label STAR is back with a brand new offering "'Meet Me In Memphis' Elvis as recorded live in the Midsouth Colliseum"
This DVD includes ALL songs complete from the 1974 concert, without skips and black screens, even the spoken parts are edited in a way as if it is the real deal!
Fans from the label know what to expect so get ready for the dvd of the year!
The last few months lots of footage has seen the light of day, but most of it is purely for collectors, since it is either way too short, bad sound or bad edits or all combined...
UNTIL NOW!
Edited together from various sources, the best angles and footage. Elvis is in great shape and looks fantastic.
The audio is from Multitrack and will blow you away!
The STAR team has been working on this project for months now and the result is STUNNING. Never before has there been a 1974 concert this complete with over 90 percent of clips taken from the actual year.
The best thing to do probably is to see the trailer and then pre-order
It is impossible to name some of the highlights, since the whole dvd is one big highlight.
This NTSC DVD (Region free) is Limited to 500 copies.
Out Next week - This will sell out before summer!! Check Trailer here on YouTube.
Go here to 'All the 2022 Release News' for tracklisting (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis Homecoming statue in Tupelo': Elvis author Trina Young (see EIN interview here) has posted a new article about Elvis Presley's Homecoming statue in Tupelo.
Best of all it features a YouTube video of the Tupelo Homecoming statue from every angle.
In August 2012, a bronze statue of Elvis Presley was unveiled in his hometown of Tupelo, Mississippi. The statue of Elvis circa 1956 singing and reaching out his hand was based on an actual photo of Presley performing onstage at his historic 1956 homecoming concert in Tupelo.
The photo taken by Roger Marshutz is referred to as “the hands.”
The statue was created by Mississippian sculptor William Beckwith.
The 1956 Tupelo concert allowed such close access to Elvis with fans able to reach up and shake his hand. The statue now allows Elvis fans who weren’t around in 1956 to take a picture with the sculpture of Elvis’ and grab his hand.
Click HERE for the story and virtual tour of the statue – up close and from every angle:
(News, Source;TY/ElvisInfoNet)
Monday 16 May 2022
Måneskin 'If I Can Dream' UK / Ireland Trailer: Following on from the Eurovision Song Contest grand final featuring Eurovision 2021 winners, Italian glam rock band Maneskin performing a sneak-peak of 'If I Can Dream' - The new UK / Ireland movie trailer has now been released.
Luhrmann is known for infusing period films such as 'Moulin Rouge' and 'Romeo + Juliet' with modern songs. Check this new 'If I Can Dream' UK promo clip on YouTube..
(News, Source;NeilC/ElvisInfoNet)
Sunday 15 May 2022
Maneskin 'If I Can Dream' in Eurovision Song Contest: Last night's Eurovision Song Contest grand final featured Eurovision 2021 winners, Italian glam rock band Maneskin performing a sneak-peak of 'If I Can Dream' - which will feature in the new Baz Luhrmann Elvis biopic
The Italian band revealed that they had collaborated with Luhrmann on the track, If I Can Dream. "We felt a huge connection with Luhrmann's ELVIS and we decided to jump on it. We’re really proud of what we did, we can’t wait to see it.”
Luhrmann is known for infusing period films such as 'Moulin Rouge' and 'Romeo + Juliet' with modern songs. Check this new 'If I Can Dream' Italian promo clip on YouTube..
(News, Source;NP/ElvisInfoNet)
Lisa Marie Loves Baz Luhrmann ELVIS movie: Lisa Marie posted a brilliant note on instagram saying that Baz Luhrmann's portrayal of 'Elvis’ brought her to tears.
It included... "I can't tell you enough how much I love this film and I hope you love it too. Everyone involved poured their hearts and souls into it, which is evidenced in their performances.
Baz, your utter genius combined with your love and respect for my father and this project isjust so beautiful and so inspiring. I know I'm being repetitive, but I don't care, Thank you for setting the record straight in such a deeply profound and artistic way."
(News, Source;Neil/ElvisInfoNet)
Hello everyone,
I haven't posted in quite some time because there really isn't much to say, as I am and will forever be mourning the loss of my son. Navigating through this hideous grief that absolutely destroyed and shattered my heart and my soul into almost nothing has swallowed me whole.
Not much else aside from my other 3 children gets my time and attention anymore. However, that being said, I do want to take a moment to let you know that I have seen Baz Luhrmann's movie "Elvis" twice now, and let me tell you that it is nothing short of spectacular.
Absolutely exquisite.
Austin Butler channeled and embodied my father's heart and soul beautifully. In my humble opinion, his performance is unprecedented and FINALLY done accurately and respectfully.
(If he doesn't get an Oscar for this, I will eat my own foot, haha.) You can feel and witness Baz's pure love, care, and respect for my father throughout this beautiful film, and it is finally something that myself and my children and their children can be proud of forever.
What moved me to tears as well was watching Riley and Harper, and Finley afterwards, all 3 visibly overwhelmed in the best way possible way, and so filled with pride about their grandfather and his legacy in a way that I have not previously experienced.
It breaks my heart that my son isn't here to see it. He would have absolutely loved it as well. I can't tell you enough how much I love this film and I hope you love it too. Everyone involved poured their hearts and souls into it, which is evidenced in their performances.
Baz, your utter genius combined with your love and respect for my father and this project isjust so beautiful and so inspiring. I know I'm being repetitive, but I don't care, Thank you for setting the record straight in such a deeply profound and artistic way. Love you -LMP
'ELVIS' Billboard Posters: Fans are getting their first look at Baz Luhrmann's ELVIS movie posters, and they look very impressive. The film is making a great pre-release impression in Italy. (left)
They capture the style, tension and excitement of not only Elvis Presley but also the grandeur of Luhrmann's movie. (News, Source;NigelP/FECC/ElvisInfoNet)
Saturday 14 May 2022
Baz Luhrmann Talks Elvis: Entertainment Weekly recently featured an interview with ELVIS biopic director Baz Luhrmann. The interview hightlights included.. Baz Luhrmann:I was a Elvis fan when I was young. We had a little movie house in my Australian hometown and we used to have the Elvis matinees, so I came to know Elvis through the movies. I loved him as a child. But I'm not doing a biopic of Elvis Presley. .. In the US there's been a lack of balance lately - we are really too much about "the sell" now. That motivated me to commit to this idea of using Colonel Tom Parker, the ultimate seller, who was never a Colonel, never Tom, never Parker. He was really a carnival barker, who saw this kid and goes, "That's a great act." That's the beauty and the tragedy of the movie — you see them rise and fall.
- 'ELVIS' is a drama. But music in this film is as important as words. Because Elvis was a man of few words. When he spoke, he spoke with such intent and meaning, but where he really communicated himself was through song. Austin Butler is incredible when he sings the early Elvis. And we also have the latter Elvis blended in. You hear a lot of classic Elvis, but we also have in the
score all sorts of DNA and some contemporary interpretations — ways to make younger audiences understand what Elvis felt like. It isn't a nostalgia piece. While respecting and loving the fans, I'm opening Elvis' journey out to a new audience that knows only the guy in the jumpsuit and doesn't understand that he was a rebel. He was the first real pop-cultural youth rebel on a mass level.
- I come from a very tiny town in the middle of nowhere on a highway. It left in me a need to always journey and to absorb. I'm still fulfilled by just watching people and engaging and meeting new people. And I think Elvis was like that. Elvis was always in pursuit of some sort of impossible dream. And it's the impossibility of it that keeps you moving forward. I thought at first it was a very intellectual, academic reason why I thought it would make a great exploration, but I've come to understand that his journey and mine are not
dissimilar in the sense that, for different reasons, Elvis through music and for myself through story, it was our escape from the world around us and also our way to travel.
- Elvis' life fits beautifully into three acts. There's Elvis the punk, if you like, the original punk rocker, the rebel. Then there's Elvis the movie man, and that's when he is pop and family-friendly. And then there's '70s Elvis, which is epic. The Apocalypse Now of musicals is what I've joked about calling the movie — and that's the '70s period. It's so sprawling and it's beautiful, but it's powerful. It's a three-act pop-cultural opera.
- You can't discuss Elvis or America in the '50s, '60s and '70s, without talking about the issue of race. I spent so much time in and out of Memphis. I had a workspace in the back of Graceland and met people who knew Elvis. And I met a man called Sam Bell. When Elvis was a young kid and his father had been to jail and was doing itinerate work, he suddenly had to move with his mom alone into one of the few white houses in the Black community during segregation. And this man, Sam Bell, and the gang of other kids, adopted Elvis, and they would run off to juke joints and gospel tents. Sam told me verbatim these stories. Elvis actually lived in the Black community.
He didn't just synthesize Black music and soul and rhythm and blues, but he loved country as well. And he loved white gospel music and he loved anything new."
Go HERE to EW for the full interview (News, Source;ET/ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis’ America - From Sea to Shining Sea' New Book: Henrik Knudsen's Memphis Mansion has announced a new book for 2022. 'Elvis’ America - From Sea to Shining Sea' - Made by “3 Elvis travelers” Henrik Knudsen, Lars Gjeding and Tony Stuchbury, who have followed in Elvis footsteps for close to 40 years and together made more than 200 trips to the USA.
All you need is this book if you want to check out Elvis sights in America.
Tony, Lars and Henrik, got support and info from a lot of people like, Scotty Moore, DJ Fontana, Sam Phillips, The Jordanires, Red West, Marty Lacker, George Klein, Bill Burk, all members of TCB Band, Dick Grob, Charlie Hodge, Linda and Sam Thompson just to name a few.
It features a look at '400+ sights from around Memphis' plus another '100+ Elvis sights in the USA'.
Shirley Connell life long Memphian also helped providing an amazing insight of Elvis Town and other places.
The book is expected out later this year.
More news when we get it.
(News, Source;AS/ElvisInfoNet)
Kees Mouwen Interview: The Memphis Voyager (a new type of media for our community) this week featured a neat interview with EIN's friend Kees Mouwen, author of the 'Elvis Day By Day' blog and annual books.
Kees Mouwen explains... "When I was in Memphis a long time ago, I picked up a copy of the Memphis Voyager. I never would have thought that one day the The Memphis Voyager would feature an interview with me on the story behind my Elvis Day By Day blog and Elvis Yearbooks."
Check out the interview here on the Memphis Voyager website (News, Source;FB/ElvisInfoNet)
UK Magazine Esquire features 'ELVIS': UK's fashion mag Esquire features ELVIS as the cover star of their Summer 2022 issue.
Their 'Elvis Presley Lives! The return of the King' cover story by Mick Brown investigates the continuing power of Elvis.
Elvis bootleg vinyl still in demand: While it can be difficult trying to sell many Elvis bootleg releases (vinyl and CD), some titles are still keenly sought after. A copy of the ultra-rare vinyl album, 'Elvis Presley Colonel Parker's Boy - On the Road and in the Studio', attracted 18 bids on ebay this week, and sold for US$104.00.
Released in 1977 by The Amazing Kornyfone Record Label, the mix of 1950s and 1970s audio content is unremarkable - its collectable status being due to its very unusual (loose leaf under the shrink wrap) cover image.
In 2020, a copy sold on ebay for more than US$150.00
(News, Source: EIN/ebay)
Thursday 12 May 2022
Prominent author and fan, Anne E. Nixon, has died: Anne E. Nixon has died in hospital in the early hours of Tuesday, May 10, 2022. Anne was deservedly highly respected in the Elvis world for her friendship, rigorous research, and strong writing. She was a regular contributor to Elvis Monthly and wrote several books about Elvis, including Elvis 10 Years After and The Elvis Archives (both with Todd Slaughter) and King of the Hilton (with Richard Harvey- in photo, right).
Todd Slaughter, spokesman of ‘The Official Elvis Presley Fan Club of Great Britain’, wrote following the death of Anne: “It is with great sadness, and deep regret, that I have to tell you that “everyone’s Elvis friend” Anne E Nixon died in hospital in the early hours of this morning. Anne has been a good friend to the fan club and was a researcher for radio, TV, publications and myself for six decades. She scripted the first guided tour of Memphis for the fan club in 1972, which is still used today.”
EIN had the pleasure of talking with Anne on several occasions. Her last interview with us was in 2015. Anne will be sorely missed. (News, Source: EIN; EDBD)
New books - Elvis Presley Australian 45 Extended Play Record Labels In Catalogue Order - Books 1, 2 and 3: Noted Australian researcher and collector, Bob Hayden, has published his latest three books. The three volumes provide a full color visual record of, and information about, all side 1 and side 2 labels for each of Elvis' 7" 45RPM Extended Play records released in Australia.
This includes variations of particular titles. Book 3 also features photos and information about two unofficial Elvis EPs produced in Australia.
The books complement Bob's earlier volumes recording the covers for each of the EP releases (he is working on similar volumes for Elvis' Australian LP releases).
The new books will be welcomed by serious collectors and Elvis historians.
Bob can be contacted at: elvis2594@gmail.com
(News, Source: EIN; Bob Hayden)
Tuesday 10 May 2022
The Sonic Swagger of Elvis Presley A Critical History of the Early Recordings: Gary Parker's new book is now available in softcover and Kindle formats. The book description:
Elvis Presley's clever manipulation of his numerous interests remains one of the music world's great marvels. His synthesis of country, rhythm & blues and gospel resulted in an inventive mixture of hair-raising rock & roll and balladry. This book focuses on the music of Presley's groundbreaking early years and includes a comprehensive analysis of every Presley recording session from the 1950s. Chapters show how Presley, with one foot in delta mud and the other in a country hoedown, teamed with Scotty Moore and Bill Black to fuse two distinctly American musical forms--country and blues--to form what would come to be known as "rockabilly." Also detailed is Presley's influence on music and how his contributions are still celebrated today. EIN's review of the book will be published shortly.
(News, Source: EIN; Gary Parker)
Elvis couldn't dance, 'but I can showboat': The AZ Central news website recently published a fascinating article about Elvis’ scandalous performance in Phoenix, Arizona on June 9, 1956. It included:
The Republic also covered Presley meeting with the members of the Phoenix Elvis Presley Fan Club, one of whom asked, "Can you dance, Mr. Presley?" "No doll," the singer replied, "But I can showboat."
The Phoenix Gazette also covered the concert in a Bobbie Johnston column headlined "Presley performance terms disgusting."
"The novelty of his popularity is freakish and frightening, but nevertheless it is there," she wrote, clearly siding with "the irate and disgusted" who phoned to let her know that the singer's "peculiar brand of entertainment" is not appreciated by the older generation.
"The sight of Mr. Presley wailing his unintelligible lyrics in an inadequate voice during a display of primitive movements difficult to describe is enough to upset parents," Johnston wrote.
"His entire career seems to be based on crudeness no teenager should witness. It is good to know many of the parents in the audience seemed to fear such displays might spread and grow. His performance can be summed up briefly: poor talent; poor taste; certainly not for children."
'Elvis -Pop Icons #1': France's Daniel Ichbiah has a new magazine - in french - dedicate to ELVIS. Why not support a new illustrated magazine dedicated to Pop Culture icons?
And who better than Elvis Presley to embody the Pop icon par excellence? The images capture Elvis' stylish transformation and physical evolutions that embody all the stages of the King of Rock'n Roll.
45 years after his death, Elvis Presley returns more alive than ever this year being honored at the Cannes Film Festival with the screening of ELVIS the electrifying biopic by Bazz Luhrmann.
The first issue of "Pop Icons" is therefore an opportunity to rediscover the incredible life of an adored artist who was the first to unleash passion, madness and the screams of the public.
Probably the greatest legend of the rock phenomenon, Elvis will have, in a sway and twenty years of career, caused an unprecedented earthquake in the music industry which will again shake the screens in June 2022.
EIN particularly likes Col Parker as the puppet-master!
(News, Source;DayByDay/ElvisInfoNet
Elvis-haunted home, 'Graceland Too,' resurrected in New York theatre: The names Paul MacLeod and Graceland Too will be familiar to some readers. Surprisingly (or maybe not so surprisingly), the story behind these names have inspired the new play, Graceland Too: The Building Elvis Never Left. John Beifuss’ article for the Commercial Appeal in Memphis includes:
.... Even before the tragic deaths that closed its open-all-night doors, the dilapidated antebellum Mississippi mansion known as "Graceland Too" was essentially a haunted house - haunted by the memory if not by the ghost of Elvis.
Long a place of irreverent pilgrimage for boozy after-hours Ole Miss students, Memphis daytrippers, indie rockers and other aficionados of the bizarre from around the world, the two-story, memorabilia-crammed Holly Springs shrine to Elvis Presley was closed in 2014, after its Elvis-fanatical owner, Paul MacLeod, shot and killed Dwight David Taylor Jr, 28, a local handyman, on the mansion's front porch. Two days later, MacLeod, 70, died on that porch, of a heart attack.
Although the saga of “Graceland Too” inspired some magazine articles, a book of photographs and a few songs (check out "Uncast Shadow of a Southern Myth" by Parquet Courts), the story in recent years has been more or less forgotten, even by those true-crime podcasters and streaming-service dramatists for whom surreal calamity is catnip. Read the full M-C-A article
(News, Source: John Beifuss, Memphis Commercial Appeal)
Sunday 8 May 2022
'ELVIS' Biopic Trailer #2 'Hayride' Clip: The second trailer is now officially out. The new clip shows the transformation of its lead character Elvis Presley into the rock and roll legend. The film produced by Warner Bros is set for its debut in the U.S. on June 24.
The film from Oscar-nominated director Baz Luhrmann, (‘The Great Gatsby’) promises to examine the life and music of Elvis (Austin Butler) through the prism of his complicated relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker - Tom Hanks. The biopic ELVIS will chart their dynamic over the course of 20 years, from Presley’s rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Lisa Marie gives ELVIS movie her seal of approval: While we haven't heard from Lisa Marie herself, Priscilla revealed on Instagram post that her daughter is thrilled with the way the movie has turned out.
Priscilla posted, "I've seen ELVIS the film and I watched the trailer over a dozen times. But the words I heard from my daughter on how much she loved the film and that [her daughter] Riley will love it too when she sees it brought tears." I relived every moment in this film and it took me a few days to overcome the emotions as it did with Lisa."
Priscilla also added "Beautifully done Baz, Tom, Austin and Olivia" adding her praise to director Baz Luhrmann plus stars Tom Hanks, Austin Butler, as well as Olivia DeJonge who portrays Priscilla herself! see photo right.
(News, Source;Insta/ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis: Dressed To Rock' New Exhibit open: The new Graceland exhibit 'Elvis: Dressed To Rock' opened yesterday.
The exhibit explores Elvis’ on-stage style from 1969-1977 through more than 100 pieces of iconic stagewear, including jumpsuits, capes, belts, jewelry, original designer sketches and more.
This limited-time exhibit will feature a dramatic 21-foot floor-to-ceiling display of Elvis’ iconic stage costumes.
Some of the iconic items included in the new Elvis: Dressed to Rock Exhibit, include:
• Aloha from Hawaii jumpsuit.
• Aztec jumpsuit, the last jumpsuit Elvis wore.
• TCB Custom-made Ring, worn on stage.
• Original Drawings by Bill Belew, designer of Elvis’ stagewear
• TTWII Jumpsuits worn in Las Vegas 1970, featured in the concert documentary.
The Memphis Commercial Appeal explained...
Graceland's Angie Marchese noted, "Elvis' costumes were as big a part of his show as the songs," said Marchese, basking, as it were, in the glow of the light bouncing off a few thousand so-called rhinestones. "They really define the Elvis image in those years. The jumpsuits are really works of art in themselves."
The main exhibit hall contains some 60 mannequins dressed in Elvis jumpsuits. The mannequins are arrayed in illuminated man-sized, glass-fronted cases, stacked atop each other in rows, two or three levels high.
The exhibit chronicles Elvis' successful return to live performance, following the diminishing returns of his movie career and the success of the so-called 1968 "Comeback Special" on NBC. Designer Bill Belew, who created the famous black leather suit for the TV special, was recruited to be Elvis' stage designer and several of Belew's original drawings are included in the show.
Assisted especially in the later years by embroidery specialist Gene Doucette, Belew (who died in 2008 at 76) designed all the costumes on display in the exhibit, and had them created by hand at this Los Angeles studio.
Like ice skaters' costumes, the suits generally were made of stretchable wool/mixed-blend gabardine fabric, and most feature the "Napoleonic" raised collars and pointed cuffs that were a Belew/Elvis trademark. The metal studs and "rhinestones" were added by hand; the stones are actually semi-precious gems.
When Elvis returned to live performance, "He wasn't going to go out there in a tux or a suit," Marchese said. "He
needed something special. He was Elvis."
To prove that point, the exhibit showcases numerous costume milestones.
Including the Aztec Sun jumpsuit, which Elvis wore on June 26, 1977, in Indianapolis his final concert.
Visitors will also see Elvis' first cape, from 1971, known as the "Black Fireworks" cape, due to the pyrotechnical-like spray of stones across its surface.
They also will see Elvis' last cape, from 1973, named "The Egyptian" for its vaguely pharaonic motif.
Also on display are numerous significant jumpsuits, including the four that were seen in "Elvis: That's the Way It Is," the 1970 documentary about Elvis' triumphant return to Vegas that really introduced the Elvis-in-a-jumpsuit concept to the world. Go here to the MemphisCommAppeal for the full story
Admission to the "Elvis: Dressed to Rock" and the other attractions of Elvis Presley's Memphis are included with regular admission to Graceland.
For more information go here to Graceland.com.
See the 'ABC 24' news item about the display here on YouTube. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Friday 6 May 2022
'ELVIS' Baz Luhrmann SECOND Trailer: Posted by Priscilla Presley - probably ahead of official plans - the SECOND trailer for the new Baz Luhrmann 'ELVIS' biopic has arrived. Once again it looks splendid - and this time we get to hear Austin Butler sing as early ELVIS and he's pretty damn good! As Col Parker says, "In that moment I watched that skinny boy transform into a super hero".
Luhrmann's magnificent style still shines in this new trailer... fingers crossed...
Watch it now before the Internet police get it removed. (News, Source/NeilC/ElvisInfoNet)
Thursday 5 May 2022 . . . . "ELVIS" takes over the N.Y. Met Gala!
ELVIS fashion at the NY Met Gala: Known as “Fashion's biggest night out” the Met Gala is a fundraising benefit for the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art. And while we know 2022 is going to be a HUGE year for Elvis we have never seen publicity like this...
Only days after Priscilla praised Austin Butler for his performance in the ELVIS movie (see news item below) the two were posing together at the 2022 Met Gala.
Priscilla looked rock-and-roll chic in head-to-toe black Prada, while Butler looked dapper in a matching black Prada suit.
But it was director Baz Luhrmann who best channeled Elvis’ later style most vividly with his custom black mohair jacket with a dramatic collar and red embroidery being more than worthy of the King. His wife, Martin, who is the costume designer for Elvis, wore a sophisticated top and trousers that were also embroidered. Alton Mason, who plays Little Richard, wore a bedazzled cape.
In a clever move the whole team behind Baz Luhrmann’s upcoming biopic ELVIS all wore coordinating looks that paid tribute to the legendary musician’s love for bling. Their Prada ensembles, most of which were accentuated with colored stones, were singularly sophisticated. But together, their dazzling impact would have made the King proud.
Austin Butler, Luhrmann, Catherine Martin, Priscilla Presley, Olivia DeJonge, Kacey Musgraves, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. all showed up on the carpet in looks by Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons. Butler, who plays the titular character, led the pack in a custom black kid mohair bolero jacket and trousers with a black satin scarf and black shoes.
DeJonge, who plays Priscilla, wore a custom silk satin strapless gown with a bow train, embroidered head-to-toe in green starbursts.
Priscilla Presley herself, meanwhile, wore a signature padded black headband and a long-sleeve sheath gown with embroidered gold cuffs on the biceps.
Priscilla took the opportunity to gush over the film with Austin Butler right by her side... in her red carpet interview she said.."I love the movie. I think the young generation is gonna see and know what Elvis is all about, and learn a little more about him. Even the people who've heard stories about Elvis before, they're gonna learn something new".
Butler also added that the most important thing to him was "making all the people who loved Elvis so much proud and doing him justice. I just set out to find his humanity as much as I could and bring that out with as much life as much as I could."
(News, Source;Tabloids/ElvisInfoNet)
ELVIS - Prada-Style
The 'ELVIS' movie ensemble at the Met Gala, N.Y, 2022 ..
Catherine Martin (designer), Alton Mason, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Olivia DeJonge, Austin Butler, Priscilla Presley, Jerry Schilling (adviser), Kacey Musgraves with director Baz Luhrmann.
(News, Source;Tabloids/ElvisInfoNet)
Priscilla Raves about Luhrmann ELVIS biopic: Having seen a private screening, Priscilla recently took to Instagram to give her seal of approval to Luhrmann's vision as well as Austin Butler's performance as the titular rock legend.
Priscilla posted...
.."For those curious about the new film ELVIS, Baz Luhrmann, the director, provided a private screening for me and Jerry Schilling at Warner studios recently. This story is about Elvis and Colonel Parker’s relationship. It is a true story told brilliantly and creatively that only Baz, in his unique artistic way, could have delivered.
Austin Butler, who played Elvis is outstanding.
Halfway through the film Jerry and I looked at each other and said WOW!!!
Bravo to him…he knew he had big shoes to fill. He was extremely nervous playing this part. I can only imagine.
Tom Hanks was Col Parker in this film. What a character he was. There was two sides to Colonel, Jerry and I witnessed both.
The story, as we all know, does not have a happy ending. But I think you will understand a little bit more of Elvis’ journey, penned by a directer who put his heart and soul and many hours into this film."
Last year Priscilla noted about her life with Elvis,"My God, I had to learn everything. Women gravitated to him, so I would be nervous when he had to go places alone. I would even go with him to get his teeth cleaned! I always had an eye on him because everyone in the world was after him.
Priscilla, now 76-years old, added, "I truly cherish the great times. As you grow up, there are always fears and insecurities. But as you get older you understand it all."
(News, Source;Insta/ElvisInfoNet)
Kacey Musgraves 'Can’t Help Falling in Love' in ELVIS Biopic: American singer / songwriter Kacey Musgraves is a million-seller with six Grammy awards plus an RIAA platinum certification. She was also at the Met Gala to promote ELVIS, because as Baz Luhrmann revealed she has covered Elvis' 'Can’t Help Falling In Love' for the movie soundtrack.
When released in 1961 'Can’t Help Falling in Love' reached No.1 in the UK, a US Billboard No.2 (backed with 'Rock-A-Hula Baby') and was a key part of Elvis' biggest selling album Blue Hawaii. It was later covered by everyone from Doris Day, Andy Williams, Perry Como, Boby Dylan and more recently U2, UB40, Andrea Bocelli, Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Chris Isaak, and more.
Kacey Musgraves who has won a Grammy Award for 'Best Country Song' is in a very different musical genre to the already previewed 'Doja Cat' single 'Vegas'. This goes to show how diverse and imaginative Baz Luhrmann is with his movie soundtracks - as his previous films have all shown.
The RCA soundtrack is set for release on June 24. Musgraves is currently on a US tour in support of her 2021 album 'Star-Crossed'. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
FTD new 'Elvis: Pine Bluff to Madison ’76' Delayed: FTD have informed dealers that"Due to a manufacturing problem, the ‘'Elvis: Pine Bluff to Madison ’76' release has been delayed. Stock will not arrive until May 10th. The order will not be shipped until the following week.:
It seems likely that fans won't get the new release until early June.
Released as a 2-CD 5” digi-pak, this set features two shows: Pine Bluff Convention Center, Arkansas, September 8, 1976 - 830pm and Dane County Coliseum, Madison, Wisconsin October 19, 1976 8.30pm.
Both these 1976 shows - especially the Pine Bluff Closing show - are recommended by soundboard collectors
See'FTD / SONY CD News' for tracklists
(News, Source;FTD/ElvisInfoNet)
Monday 2 May 2022
'This Is Elvis - The Lost Theme Song' EIN spotlight: With all of the hype surrounding Baz Luhrmann's upcoming biopic, ELVIS, many fans will fondly recall the first official movie of Elvis' life, 1981's 'This Is Elvis', which, for better of worse, is the benchmark against which all subsequent attempts are measured.
One of the well-known names involved with This Is Elvis was Jerry Schilling, who was hired as a Consultant on the film - and who was involved in getting the long-lost theme song written and recorded by Beach Boy Carl Wilson and Sweet Inspirations Myrna Smith..
Another delight is discovering that Beach Boy Carl Wilson had a great love of Elvis.
'Elvis Presley News Report May 2022: Elvis super-fan Emiel Maier presents all the recent news.... including Priscilla in Australia, the Bendigo Elvis exhibition, the ELVIS new movie, DOJA CAT new single, plus "too much Elvis" in Memphis ..
Rockhurst 'Rock & Roll' Auction Results! The Rockhurst "Rock & Roll, Entertainment, Sports and Americana" Auction ended Saturday and includedmore than 130 lots of Elvis Presley personal clothing, his jewelry, autographs, personal effects and vintage concert memorabilia. Highlights and final prices were....
- Elvis Owned Lightning Bolt Silver and Turquoise Ankh Necklace – with original Sketch from Mike McGregor's Files!- Estimate: $6,000 - sold for $6,900
- Elvis Personally Owned and Studied Bible Given to Him by a Fan- later Gifted to His Aunt Nash Pritchett - no bids!
- Elvis Presley Signed 1953 Humes High School Yearbook – Also Signed by George Klein - sold for $5,750 - Elvis Boldy Signed 1955 Sun Records Promotional Photo (BAS)- sold for $2,645
- Elvis Owned Monogrammed “ELVIS” ID Bracelet - Given to His Cousin Patsy Presley - sold for $4,600 - RIAA Gold Record Award for Elvis Presley's 1969 Single “Don't Cry Daddy” - Certified in 1970 - Early White Linen Matte Style - sold for $1,380
- The Elvis owned “Passion of the Christ” Sterling Silver Necklace Gifted to His Cousin Patsy Presley. The estimate was $1,000 - $2,000 and it sold for $5,175
(Review) 'Elvis: Direct from Graceland' ROCKS Bendigo: EIN’s Nigel Patterson spent his Easter interstate including taking in the biographical 'Elvis: Direct from Graceland' exhibition in the Victoria, Australia, city of Bendigo.
Included in the more than 300 items on display are personal treasures and a diverse array of artefacts from Elvis’ performance and film career.
As the Bendigo Art Gallery Curatorial Manager, Lauren Ellis explained, "Elvis intoxicated the nation’s youth and provoked vicious backlash from conservative personalities – in a time before celebrities had teams of personal stylists, Elvis Presley invented himself piece by piece. The more I discovered about Elvis' life – the more I wanted to know. "
Nigel was impressed by what he found, though sees ways in which the exhibition could be improved.
More Artists Announced for ‘ELVIS’ Soundtrack Album: RCA Records is set to release the ELVIS Original Motion Picture Soundtrack this summer for Baz Luhrmann’s forthcoming film ELVIS, in theaters June 24th, starring Austin Butler and Tom Hanks. While the lead single, Doja Cat’s “Vegas” (which incorporates “Hound Dog”) will be released May 6th other new artists involved in the film soundtrack were flagged this week by director Baz Luhrmann. These artists are Australia's Tame Impala, American singer-songwriter Jazmine Sullivan, Dance-music veteran Diplo with Swae Lee, Chris Isaak, Stevie Nicks among others. Luhrmann explained, “You’ll hear Elvis sing the classics but right next door Doja Cat will be doing an interpretation of Hound Dog while Big Mama Thornton [Shonka Dukureh] sings it.”
The RCA "ELVIS" soundtrack will feature Elvis’ extraordinary body of work spanning the 1950s, 60s and 70s, while also celebrating his diverse musical influences and enduring impact on popular artists today.
At Coachella, Luhrmann called Uk singer Yola “a powerhouse voice full of song, plus a beautiful soul. She was so devoted to playing the role, she came all the way to Australia and captured the detail of how Sister Rosetta
Tharpe expressed herself on stage for the film” as well as pre-recording tracks in Nashville. He also lauded Doja Cat, who previewed her single "Vegas", saying that her live performance was brilliant and that “the whole cast and crew are so thrilled and proud.”
Luhrmann is back in Australia still working on final post-production for the film which will get a worldwide cinema release on June 23 / 24.
Elvis fans who are concerned about "new" artists involved in the ELVIS soundtrack have to realise that artists such as Doja Cat’s 'Planet Her' lead single 'Kiss Me More' is certified RIAA platinum and has had over 2.8 billion streams worldwide. These statistics help show the importance of getting Elvis' music out to the new generation. Go here to listen to the Doja Cat 'VEGAS' feat. Big Mama Thornton Extended Edit - on YouTube (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'This Is ROCK' magazine: The new issue of the spanish language 'This is ROCK' magazine features that incredibly cool image of Elvis in the '68 Comeback Special'.
The magazine includes.
,,, The magazine with the music that is important in your life, presents on our cover Elvis Presley, with “Ten Moments of the King”- No matter where you look or listen, you will find Elvis' influence on any
group or musical artist that you appreciate. To commemorate a King, we
gather here ten of his most important moments.
We tell you how Motörhead managed 'Iron Fist', the latest album with Fast Eddie Clarke, a hymn to the fast life. In 1992, everything seemed to be taken over by grunge and Generation X.
We spoke to Queen's Brian May about 'Another World'. The Wilson sisters have been masters at marrying their love of British hard rock and soft rock, and Ann Wilson on 'Fierce Bliss', featuring talents like Warren Haynes and collaborations like Kenny Wayne Shepherd, continues in that glorious tradition.
New book - 'Elvis Presley, Gospel Singer: An Inspirational Life' (Madeleine Wilson): New publication 'Elvis Presley, Gospel Singer: An Inspirational Life' - from Shalom Publishing - out April 15, 2022. The publicity notes... Elvis was known as the “King of Rock and Roll”, but he was also a Gospel Singer. He received three Grammy awards for his recordings, all of which were for his gospel songs. Elvis, “The King”, many times said publicly that there is only one King, and that is Jesus Christ. He not only acknowledged the Lord but also worshipped Him and prayed to Him, often. This book looks at Elvis’ life, particularly his Christian faith and the inspiration that he has been, and still is, to so many people.
There is no doubt that Elvis is an enigma, but hopefully this book clarifies a side of Elvis that is often neglected. I believe it is a ‘good read’ which will be a revelation to many and, I hope, a blessing to all. EIN note: The author previously released a much smaller book(let) on the subject but this release is much bigger with 370 pages. (News, Source: Elvis Presley A Life in Books; Amazon)
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Doja Cat’s "Vegas" ‘ELVIS’ Soundtrack Single Out May 6: Doja Cat’s single from Baz Luhrmann’s 'ELVIS' soundtrack, “Vegas,” will be released May 6.
The single precedes a full film companion album that has loosely been scheduled for summer by RCA.
Although “Vegas” is an original song, live snippets reveal the Doja Cat track does incorporate a Big Mama Thornton's sample of 'Hound Dog'.
Baz Luhrmann was at Coachella for its second weekend, supporting three artists associated with “Elvis” as a film or soundtrack — including Yola, who plays Sister Rosetta Tharpe in the movie, and Shonka Dukureh, who portrays Big Mama Thornton, as well as Doja Cat.
The exact nature of the soundtrack is not yet being revealed by RCA, though the Doja Cat song is obviously a clear indicator that it will not consist solely of vintage Presley
recordings or even the adapted versions that will be featured in Luhrmann’s film.
RCA will for now confirm only that the album will include variations on Presley material that include contributions from a number of name artists representing different genres. The “summer” release date is likely to mean close to June 24 when the movie premieres.
The photo shows Shonka Dukureh, Baz Luhrmann, Doja Cat and Yola. Go here to listen to the Doja Cat 'VEGAS' feat. Big Mama Thornton Extended Edit - on YouTube (News, Source;Variety/ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis: A Biography' Reprint for 2022: According to Amazon, Jerry Hopkins popular 'Elvis: A Biography' is being re-published this month. The publicity notes... Jerry Hopkins's Elvis: A Biography was the first book on popular music to top the U.S. bestseller list, and its sequel was equally popular. Both books, along with a wealth of exciting new interviews, are brought together in Elvis to form the most exhaustive account available of the King's life. Telling the complete story of Presley's rise and fall, from his poverty-stricken childhood in Tupelo through his musical development and emergence as pop's first superstar to his decline and death, the book explores Presley's singular appeal, his far-reaching influence, and his extraordinary legacy. Featuring newly published first-hand interviews with people close to Elvis - including high school teachers, girlfriends, directors, agents, recording engineers, bodyguards, karate instructors, medical professionals, and even his personal jeweller, a comprehensive and amazingly intimate look at this cultural icon.
Plexus Publishing (April 26, 2022) - Paperback: 416 pages NOTE: When first published in 2007 EIN's Piers Beagley could not believe all the factual errors that the book still contained - while EIN's Nigel Patterson still appreciated Hopkins "fluent and evocative style without being florid".
Check out our very differing reviews! (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet/Amazon)
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'Elvis '68 Comeback: The Story Behind the Special' Reprint for 2022: Also being reprinted is Steve Binder's 'Elvis '68 Comeback: The Story Behind the Special' taking advantage of the foreword by noted film director Baz Luhrmann!, The publicity notes... A chronicle of the comeback performance that marked Elvis Presley’s return from the screen to the stage. Includes exclusive content from the show’s director, Steve Binder. The book contains a foreword by noted film director Baz Luhrmann, whose film credits include Strictly Ballroom, Moulin Rouge!, The Great Gatsby, and the 2022 Warner Brothers feature film, ELVIS.
Take a tour behind the scenes at the NBC television special that relaunched Elvis Presley’s career as a stage musician. Author Steve Binder— who directed the TV special— provides exclusive content that gives fans even more insight into the performance that many see as a high point in the King of Rock’s reign of American music. Elvis ’68 Comeback includes full-color photographs and detailed commentary on the show’s development and production, making this an excellent addition to the shelf of every Elvis fan. Foreword by film director Baz Luhrmann.
Now with the special offer hard-cover selling at a reduced price of $19.48. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
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'The King of Rock and Prince of Pop' Australian Concerts: Featuring Mark Andrew as ELVIS and Marty Rhone as Cliff Richard.
After many Covid reschedules at long last, 'The King of Rock and Prince of Pop' Australian concerts are happening. ELVIS and Cliff Richard - For more than a generation they were the two biggest rock stars on the planet. Today, generations later, they remain two of the biggest recording stars in music history with a combined total of over 100 hits, many of which you will hear in this unique event that pays tribute to a man who was, and still is, so BIG he is referred to as the KING! From the other side of the planet came a young, equally good looker who idolized the KING and was inspired to follow in his footsteps and became known as the Prince of Pop and was fittingly knighted by the Queen to become Sir Cliff Richard.
This is a show that all the fans love because it also tells a beautiful story in great music & pictures.
Sat 21 May - State Theatre Sydney – Bookings Ticketmaster
Sat 18 June – Costa Hall Geelong – Bookings through www.martyrhonemusic.com/tours
Sat 6 August – Perth Concert Hall – Ticketmaster
Sat 20 August – The Star Gold Coast – Ticketek
Thurs 25 August – Concert Hall QPAC Brisbane – Qtix
Sat 10 Sept – Darwin Entertainment Centre - www.martyrhonemusic.com/tours (News, Source;Marty Rhone/ElvisInfoNet)
EIN Exclusives and News from earlier in April
The enigma of "Elvis Cooper": Using Elvis Presley, Alice Cooper and Nirvana in the same sentence is likely incongruous to most serious pop/rock music fans. Each artist occupies a vastly different space in the rock music world…… Elvis, the quintessential rock ‘n’ roll and pop star, Alice Cooper the master of shock rock-heavy metal, and Kurt Cobain (and Nirvana), icons of grunge-punk rock.
Primordially, they share the trait of being “controversial”. All three were perceived by the mainstream to be anti-establishment. But beyond this, they share other surprising connections which are testament to their roles as leaders in their respective fields of popular music, and how that leadership and their disparate genres of music, overlap.
Two New Guests added to Elvis Week 2022: EPE have announced that 'I Dream of Jeannie' star Barbara Eden, who co-starred with Elvis in Flaming Star, has been added to the line up.
TCB Band bassist Jerry Scheff has also joined the exciting line-up of special celebrity guests who will be part of the week. Barbara Eden will make her first-ever Elvis Week appearance on August 15 as a special guest at Conversations on Elvis, where she will share some of her favorite memories of co-starring alongside Elvis in the 1960 film “Flaming Star.” Throughout her illustrious career, Barbara Eden has starred in over 25 feature films, five network TV series, and 19 top-rated network made-for-television movies. Her iconic “I Dream of Jeannie” NBC Television series, launched in 1965, became an instant hit. In addition, Barbara is a New York Times bestselling author with her memoir, Jeannie Out of the Bottle.
Jerry Scheff will return to Elvis Week for the first time in 10 years with appearances at All the King’s Men on August 13, Conversations on Elvis on August 15, and Elvis Presley in Concert on August 16.
Scheff played bass guitar as part of Elvis’ TCB Band from 1969-1977.
After his time with Elvis, Scheff worked with Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash, and in the '70s and '80s, toured with Elvis Costello, Sam Phillips, and John Denver.
Other guests already confirmed for 2022 are Jerry Schilling, Cassandra Peterson aka Elvira Mistress of the Dark, James Burton, Glen Hardin, Norbert Putnam, Gene Chrisman, Terry Blackwood & The Imperials, Larry Strickland, The Blackwood Brothers Quartet, Estelle Brown, Sam Thompson, Charles Stone and Priscilla.
Elvis loves Parkes, Australia: With bigger crowds than in Memphis for Elvis' Graceland Birthday, Australia's 2022 Parkes Elvis Festival kicked off with a raucous street parade.
For sure it's basically a big country-fare with far too many old-men-in-white-latex-jumpsuits - but there is ELVIS music everywhere and more than 20 thousand fans all gathered together celebrating Elvis' magnificent legacy.
Despite the 14,000 kilometre distance from Elvis’ Graceland home, fans have been gathering at the country town festival to honour his legacy for nearly 30 years.
Thousands lined Clarinda Street today to watch the parade of cars, in keeping with the festival’s theme of Speedway, the 1968 film starring Elvis and Nancy Sinatra.
Elvis lookalikes revved their engines, sounded their blaring horns and one feigned his best southern drawl to call out “Elvis loves you baby” to a cheering crowd.
There was an Elvis on rollerskates, another sitting next to Marilyn Monroe while swing dancers twirled down the street, alongside a bewigged brass band.
Longtime Elvis fan Cheryl Latter noted, “There’s no badness or sadness about it. Elvis' fashion and the music brings back memories of people's childhood and good old-fashioned fun. The kids are reviving it now, when we go dancing they’re doing the Jailhouse Rock. Everyone’s happy, you don’t see any drunks, there’s no swearing, it’s just everyone enjoying themselves.”
With his hair combed back Elvis-style, mechanic Charlie McCarter added that "Young and old alike love Elvis because he changed music and the way people move. Everyone was so silent before Elvis. They couldn’t move their hips, they couldn’t dance properly.
Elvis really broke the ice.”
The festival has been a long time coming and it didn't disappoint. SeeParkes Elvis Festival website (News, Source;Championpost/ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis: Dressed to Rock' New Graceland Exhibit: EPE have announced the new 'Elvis: Dressed to Rock' Exhibit will open at the Elvis Museum at Elvis Presley's Memphis on Saturday, May 7. Elvis: Dressed to Rock will be an in-depth exhibit exploring Elvis' on-stage style from 1969-1977.
Featuring over 100 pieces of stage-wear, including jumpsuits, capes, belts, jewelry, original designer sketches, and more, visitors will be enamored by floor-to-ceiling displays of fashion pieces that defined the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s style in a newly reimagined Elvis: The Entertainer Museum experience.
On Friday, May 6, before the exhibit opens to the general public, Graceland will be
hosting an Elvis: Dressed to Rock First-Look Experience. Only 50 tickets are available for this private event.
Tickets for this first-look experience are US$200 per person and extremely limited!
Go here to Graceland for more details (News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
Yola / Sister Rosetta Tharpe: More news stories on the Baz Luhrmann ELVIS biopic.
Talented English singer-songwriter Yolanda Quartey aka "Yola" received four nominations at the 2020 Grammy Awards including "Best New Artist".
She is making a big name for herself as a hot-new-talent and features in Baz Luhrmann's 'ELVIS' as “the Godmother of Rock'n'Roll” Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
Elvis fans would know of Tharpe through her songs 'Up Above My Head', 'Just A Closer Walk With Thee' and 'My Babe' which Elvis recorded. (See EIN's spotlight on 'Sister Rosetta Tharpe')
In a recent interview with Variety Yola explained more on her ELVIS movie role..
..It’s just the privilege I have to speak Sister Rosetta Tharpe's name and to speak on it. Everyone can talk about it, but the role I have is
so central and mainstream and in the purview of everyone, everyone knows about it. So the privilege I get to transmit this message, of rock and roll, and the diaspora’s ownership of this genre, along with everything that it gave birth to, that gives me life."
According to Yola, Luhrmann made it a priority to address how Black American music impacted Elvis' work and also how Rosetta Tharpe helped invent Rock'n'Roll. “The thing that touched me is it was Luhrmann’s mission to address this balance as well. It wasn’t just pulling people in and making a token gesture at it, it’s profound within him. And that spoke to me, that was my motivation.”
There’s definitely a vanguard of artists of color coming through, I identify very much across a lot of space. And my record inhabits that space, including Rock'n'Roll and soul music. So it’s very important that
we are able to claim all of this space. And everything I’m doing in my life right now is about claiming that space - including the movie.”
Go here for the Variety article (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Book Review - Elvis: The Quest For An Oscar (James Turiello): Many will find it surprising that someone could write more than 500 pages detailing the case why Elvis deserves to receive an Honorary Academy Award, but
author James Turiello has achieved this with his latest book.
EIN's Nigel Patterson spent a weekend exploring the author's argument.
Can someone who appeared in Kissin' Cousins, Harum Scarum and Clambake really be Oscar worthy?
In a detailed review, Nigel discusses what the book has to offer and provides his assessment of whether or not the author successfully makes his case that Elvis is deserving of an Honorary Oscar.
Remembering Albert Hand: Albert Hand is a name many longtime fans will fondly remember. In 1959, Albert, who operated Heanor Record Centre in London, commenced publishing a series of Elvis related publications starting with the booklets A Century of Elvis and The Elvis They Dig.
In 1960, Albert masterminded what was to be the world's most famous and longest printed commercial Elvis magazine, Elvis Monthly, which could be found in newsagents in countries as far away as Canada and Australia.
The pocket-sized Elvis Monthly ran to 483 editions over more than 40 years of continuous publication. Its first edition appeared on newsstands in February 1960 and the final edition was published in March 2000. For a time, a "sister" publication using the same format but with less pages, Elvis Mensuel, was published in France. Albert was also responsible for publishing the popular annual Elvis Specials (all of which, except for the first issue, were hardcover releases) from 1962 to 1985.
Other Albert Hand publications included Meet Elvis, various Elvis handbooks, and the "Elcyclopedia" (several editions).
On April 1, 1962, Jeanne Saward and Dug Surtees handed over management of the Official Elvis Presley Fan Club of Great Britain (and the Commonwealth) to Albert. Under his stewardship it became the world's biggest and most successful Elvis fan club.
The British fan club which reportedly had more than 50,000 members at its peak, allowed Albert to establish strong connections with both Colonel Parker and RCA, meaning the "fans" voice was heard. In the late 1960s, due to ill health, Albert handed over management of the fan club to Todd Slaughter, who continued to maintain strong links with the Colonel and RCA/BMG/Sony.
This month it is 40 years since Albert Hand passed away. His legacy in the Elvis world is immense and should not be forgotten. EIN thanks Luther Moore in Elvis The Man and His Music for drawing attention to this important anniversary. (News, Source: EIN/ETMAHM)
‘Las Vegas International Presents Elvis – NOW 1971' New MRS box-set: As we mentioned last week the UK Label ‘Memphis Recording Service’ (MRS) will release a 4CD Deluxe titled ‘Las Vegas International Presents Elvis – NOW 1971' on May 27, 2022.
The 4CDs contain a varied selection of live performances drawn from Elvis’ engagement at the Las Vegas International Hotel during the early part of 1971.
For the first time ever, these soundboard recordings have been remastered, carefully restored and mixed to "true stereo" using the most sophisticated technologies to achieve the best possible sound.
For the first time ever though, the material from these shows is presented in stereo.
The accompanying 40-page booklet which includes rare photographs and memorabilia dating from this and the following summer appearance in August 1971 - also includes liner notes which set the scene.
Elvis German EPs Record Guide: Heins Otto Zimmermann's new book focuses on a forgotten 7" vinyl category, the Extended Play - EP (which had 4 to 6 tracks placing its playing time in between a single and LP), specifically Elvis EPs in Germany.
For more information contact Heins at: heozim@web.de
The book "Elvis German EP's Record Guide" by Horst Zimmermann (co-author of the books "The EP Records Guide", "Picture Sleeve Record Guide") will now be published in April / May 2022 after several postponements.
This will be divided into four areas, each with the title "Guide", "Part 1 - the EPs", "Part 2 - the "Army-EPs" and as the last area the appendix "Singles (re-releases)".
In the "Guide" the differences between the covers and labels are described, explained and fully illustrated..
In addition, the "Guide" contains a table showing the release dates of the covers and the records, so that it is easy to see whether a record can belong to the cover in which it is found.
"Part 1 - the EPs" will contain all known EPs up to the editorial deadline. For Germany that's 46 EPs. While in the USA the EPs were published chronologically according to number order, beginning in 1956 with the EPA-747, the German editions unfortunately do not have a clear order. EPA-821 “Heartbreak Hotel” appeared as the first EP in 1956, followed by EPA-747, then EPA-9500, followed by the two EPB-1254-1 and EPB-1254-2.
An attempt is made to reproduce the records as authentically as possible and to depict them as they were sold in stores at the time,
which means that the covers are shown with the corresponding record. Other combinations cannot be ruled out as long as the year of release of the cover and the record roughly match - there were no more for the book.
The penultimate "Part 2 - the "Army-EPs" contains several of the 46 records made in Germany, which were sold from the PX department stores.
The same order (and numbering) was chosen for the "Army-EPs" as for the EPs in Part 1, even though apparently not all EPs were available in the PX. But here, too, only those who were known at the time of going to press could be considered. It's entirely possible that there are other EPs as well.
In the appendix "Singles (re-releases)", the picture sleeves of the singles that were re-released in the 70s and 80s are shown ("Devil", "Gospel" and "Annual" covers) and explained in detail. (News, Source: Hans Otto Zimmermann/ElvisInfoNet)
(Book Review) 'Disc Jockeys, Preachers, and Elvis': From author /DJ Ron Brandon 'Disc Jockeys, Preachers, and Elvis' is a self-published biography.
Ron Brandon was the person who recorded Elvis' 1956 live performance in Tupelo and our Elvis legacy would be less rich had he not done so and then sent Elvis a personal copy!
The book details "55 years of Behind The Scenes stories of Disc Jockeys, Rock & Roll, and Elvis.. as told by the author that lived them"
It includes 23 chapters, 96 pages, 150 photos many in color, A4 size with large type easy-to-read, excellent quality.
Chapters include sections on radio stations WTUP Tupelo 1956, WMOC Chattanooga 1962, WNOE and Marty Lacker New Orleans 1963, 'Radio Music Report' magazine, Sex Drugs and Rock 'n' Roll, as well as the story of 'Elvis comes home to Tupelo'. Brandon tells the stories of hard work, meeting loads of radio personalities and getting a successful time slot in multiple radio stations. He meets plenty of interesting characters along the way, both good and bad! He also was the person who tracked down Elvis' 'Mystery Kisser'!
Packed full of stories EIN's Piers Beagley spent time enjoying this look into a very interesting life well-lived!go here to find out more (Book Review, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
FTD 'Live 1976' Title Change: In a neat cover and title change, FTD have now swapped the new double 1976 soundboard title to match the chronological order of the actual concerts! 'Elvis: Pine Bluff to Madison ’76': As part of its ongoing live on tour series, FTD is pleased to announce the release of ‘Elvis: Pine Bluff To Madison ‘76’.
Released as a 2-CD 5” digi-pak, this set features two shows: Pine Bluff Convention Center, Arkansas, September 8, 1976 - 830pm and Dane County Coliseum, Madison, Wisconsin October 19, 1976 8.30pm. FTD have already releases plenty of soundboards from this tour including the day before Sioux Falls, Oct 18 (Bruce Jackson: On The Road With Elvis CD2) and September 6, 1976 Afternoon and Evening shows ‘Elvis In Alabama: The Last Double Date’
Both these 1976 shows - especially the Pine Bluff Closing show - are recommended by soundboard collectors
See 'FTD / SONY CD News 2022' for tracklists
Three new Eastern Europe vinyl discographies: Piotr Soczynski has advised EIN that the remaining volumes in his superb series of Elvis vinyl discographies have been published. Like his earlier releases the new books are "coffee table" volumes with excellent page design, wonderful color images and strong narrative. The titles are:
ELVIS "For Vinyl Fans Only" Vinyl Discography from Eastern Europe Yugoslavia *Romania - Piotr advises: The 2nd part of "Vinyl Discography from Eastern Europe" is finally out!! Like the first volume it contains 160 pages with a complete discography from Yugoslavia and information from Romania. More than 900 color and black & white pictures including all cover and label variants of each record, promos, booklets, etc. I present the history of the Yugoslav company Jugoton, and even a short history of Yugoslavia. The book is available with two cover variants, SATIN MATT HARD COVER (as first volume) and GLOSSY HARD COVER. The book includes a bonus photo (like the first edition).
ELVIS "For Vinyl Fans Only" Elvis' Vinyl Discography from Eastern Europe Yugoslavia 45 RPM Singles & Extended Play Records - 160 pages, high quality gloss paper stock, laminated hard cover and bonus photo.
ELVIS "For LP Fans Only" Elvis' Vinyl Discography from Eastern Europe Yugoslavia Long Play Records - 160 pages, high quality gloss paper stock, laminated hard cover and bonus photo.
Piotr's earlier volumes are among the best Elvis discography books ever published. The new volumes and remaining copies of the earlier books can be found on Piotr’s page on eBay
EIN will be featuring plenty of example pages - and more details soon...
‘Elvis: Celluloid Sell-Out!’ from FTD: Chris Giles of the Elvis Shop London has posted some neat sample pages of the new FTD book ‘Elvis: Celluloid Sell-Out!’ from author Bob Pakes.
The book contains 448 pages and over two thousand images of Worldwide Elvis Presley movie memorabilia from 1956-1958.
It’s packed with movie posters, lobby cards, press-books, publicity stills, programs, standees, heralds and much more!
Plus 2 bonus CDs featuring the soundtracks from ‘Love Me Tender’, ‘Loving You’, ‘Jailhouse Rock’ and ‘King Creole’.
Chris Giles notes, "Here’s a few Sampler Pages of what to expect with this fantastic new Book.
The book brings you Artwork from around the World that were used on their Elvis Promotion for the Movies, including many fabulous images that many will have never seen before plus the History behind them all.
Over 4 years of painstaking research by Bob Pakes this is truly a Gem that will grace anyone's collection that loves Elvis history."
FTD - Three New April Releases: FTD have announced three new releases for next month. A 1976 double-soundboard, a Kid Galahad double Vinyl LP, plus a new book on 'Elvis Presley movie memorabilia 1956-1958'. 1- 'Elvis: Madison to Pine Bluff ’76': As part of its ongoing live on tour series, FTD is pleased to announce the release of ‘Elvis: Pine Bluff To Madison ‘76’.
Released as a 2-CD 5” digi-pak, this set features two shows: Dane County Coliseum, Madison, Wisconsin October 19, 1976 8.30pm and Pine Bluff Convention Center, Arkansas, September 8, 1976 - 830pm. FTD have already releases plenty of soundboards from this tour including the day before Sioux Falls, Oct 18 (Bruce Jackson: On The Road With Elvis CD2) and September 6, 1976 Afternoon and Evening shows ‘Elvis In Alabama: The Last Double Date’
Both these 1976 shows - especially the Pine Bluff Closing show - are recommended by soundboard collectors
See 'FTD / SONY CD News 2022' for tracklists
2- “Kid Galahad” (2-LP Limited Edition)
FTD is pleased to announce the release of the first official ‘Kid Galahad’ vinyl soundtrack album. It is hard to believe that it was 60 years ago that this movie first made its debut. “King Of The Whole Wide World” sounds as fresh today as it did then.
This 180gram 2-LP limited edition contains all the original soundtrack masters and many excellent alternative outtakes.
EIN finds this particularly surreal as one of the first Elvis 45rpm singles I ever bought was the ‘Kid Galahad’ EP.
... and now it is a double-vinyl release!
3- Book – ‘Elvis: Celluloid Sell-Out!’
FTD Books presents ‘Elvis: Celluloid Sell-Out!’ from author Bob Pakes.
448 pages and over two thousand images of Worldwide Elvis Presley movie memorabilia from 1956-1958.
It’s packed with movie posters, lobby cards, pressbooks, publicity stills, programs, standees, heralds and much more!
Plus 2 bonus CDs featuring the soundtracks from ‘Love Me Tender’, ‘Loving You’, ‘Jailhouse Rock’ and ‘King Creole’.
EIN Notes – Bob Pakes previously published the stunning book ‘The EPE Catalog’ 400 pages and over 1,450 images on every weird and wonderful product that was part of the immensely successful 1956 Elvis Presley merchandise train. See EIN’s interview with Bob Pakes here.
There can be no doubt that this book will be as thorough – though why fans need the movie soundtracks is anyone’s guess.
(News, Source;FTD/ElvisInfoNet)
‘Elvis’ World Premiere at Cannes!: Great news that the Baz Luhrmann ELVIS biopic will have its World Premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.
Warner Bros is hyping up its upcoming film ELVIS with a premiere just as flashy as the man himself. The movie will premiere at the Cannes Film Festival a month before its theatrical release. While no specific date has been selected yet it will have to be between May 17 to May 28.
Luhrmann has previously opened the French Riviera Film festival with both Moulin Rouge! in 2001 and The Great Gatsby in 2013.
Luhrmann’s first movie since The Great Gatsby, ELVIS explores the
life and music of Elvis Presley, seen through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager. The story delves into the complex dynamic between Presley and Parker, from Presley’s rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and loss of innocence in America.
Variety had predicted the film will play at Cannes along with 'Top Gun: Maverick', George Miller’s 'Three Thousand Years of Longing', David Cronenberg’s 'Crimes of the Future',
Wes Anderson's 'Asteroid City' among others..
The Cannes Film Festival’s Official Selection will be unveiled at a press conference in Paris during the second or third week of April. -
ELVIS is set to hit Cinemas on June 24 / June 23. (News, Source;Variety/ElvisInfoNet)
'The Pot Luck Sessions' Deluxe FTD Review: Released back in December 2021, 'The Pot Luck Sessions' was the eighth in FTD’s “complete sessions” packages. An 8 inch deluxe 5-CD package featuring a 28-page booklet with an insightful essay, record and session data, memorabilia and rare photos. The set includes remastered complete RCA sessions from Elvis' June 25 and October 15 1961 and March 18-19 1962 recording sessions.
The set features a good number of previously unreleased outakes and EIN also uncovers plenty of Elvis studio discussions that had been previously edited out on earlier "Classic Album" releases such as Elvis saying, “Here we go already. How do like that
arrangement, Red?” an important question to his friend Red West who
had composed the song 'That’s Someone You Never Forget'.
'..And Then There Was Elvis' Sneak Peak:Virginia Coons was a super-SUPER-fan. Her interest started with Elvis’ breakthrough in the mid-fities and continued to her very last day. She has met Elvis multiple times and was the direct link between America and England. She maintained contacts and ensured that the latest releases of LPs and 45s found their way overseas. She not only had contact with Elvis but with everyone close to him including Priscilla, Col. Parker's office and RCA. There are so many fun-to-read stories its incredible.
Virginia has hundreds of memories now curated by her daughter ─ Elaine Christan ─ in a 400 page hardback book. Many personal stories summarized in a beautiful book "And Then There Was Elvis - A Superfan's Adventures in the Elvis World" with many high resolution photos, personal candids etc . . . made available by MEGA collector Erik Lorentzen. Erik's stunning photo collection is known worldwide.
Elaine translated her mother's journey into writing, so many beautiful stories brought together in one book.
Anyone who reads The Elvis Files magazine will be familiar the way Virginia remembered Elvis and penned her memories... Erik Lorentzen has sent EIN a "Sneak-Peak" at some of the pages, describing the book as...
"Can there be better personal stories more interesting than this, combined with the unique photos?
And the book is full of such stories and pictures.
This is my favourite book looking at the personal life of Elvis and his fans." - (News, Source;EL/ElvisInfoNet)
Gary kindly took time to discuss what we can expect in his new book, Jethro Tull, and things in-between.
Elvis’ Sun recordings vs. RCA early recordings, the muddy Mississippi delta plains, Elvis’ swirlingly innovative mixture of hair-raising rock & roll and balladry.
'ELVIS WEEK 2022' Details: EPE have finally released the first details about ELVIS WEEK 2022. The publicity states... We are so excited to be able to share what we have planned for Elvis Week 2022 - and we can't wait for you to join us here in Memphis for this historic celebration.
Graceland will be welcoming fans from around the world on August 9-17 for Elvis Week 2022, as we mark the 45th anniversary of Elvis' passing and honor the man, the star, the icon - the King of Rock 'n' Roll!
Elvis Week 2022 will offer an unforgettable line-up of concerts, conversations, tributes, and more. 2022 highlights include...
- The August 16 'Elvis Presley in Concer't featuring Elvis on the big screen backed by a live band;
Includes James Burton, Glen Hardin, Terry Blackwood and The Imperials, Larry Strickland and a special appearance by Priscilla Presley.
- All the King's Men, showcasing those who shared the studio and stage with Elvis;
Hear stories from TCB Band members James Burton, Glen Hardin and Memphis Boy Gene Chrisman.
- The Gospel Music of Elvis Presley Dinner Show, where fans can enjoy Elvis' gospel favorites;
Features Terry Blackwood and The Imperials, Stamps' Larry Strickland, The Blackwood Brothers Quartet, and Estelle Brown of The Sweet Inspirations.
- Conversations On Elvis: the man, the music, the legend
Including Priscilla Presley; James Burton, Glen Hardin, Estelle Brown with more guests to be announced.
- The annual Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest and performances by many of EPE's past Ultimate winners;
- The the annual Candlelight Vigil on August 15 where fans gather in quiet remembrance of the king.
Tickets for Elvis Week 2022 officially go on sale on Thursday, March 10!
Check out the schedule of events & tickets here at Graceland website
There will be further special guest announcements and added events (News, Source;EPE/EIN)
EIN’s Nigel Patterson spent a weekend consulting Google Translate and exploring what is featured in an absorbing, richly narrative and visual, 155 pages of Elvis Italian style.
MRS 'Elvis: Mono To Stereo 1956' CD Review: At the end of last year the UK based MRS label released their Double CD/ Book 'Elvis: Mono To Stereo - The Complete RCA Studio Masters 1956'.
The set contains the complete 1956 RCA studio master recordings in mono and (DES extracted) stereo versions. These were thirty classic RCA recordings that would help change the future of popular music.
The accompanying 20-page booklet includes photographs and memorabilia plus introductory notes.
While 'DES Stereo' remastering can sometimes reveal new details about classic MONO studio recordings, trying to create believable stereo from echoey mono masters is not that easy, even when using "highly advanced sound processing techniques".
Can classic mono tracks such as 'Hound Dog', 'Don't Be Cruel', 'My Baby Left Me' and 'Heartbreak Hotel' really sound better in DES stereo?
'Elvis: South Bound- Tampa / Atlanta '75' FTD in-depth Review: Mid 1975 found Elvis back in good form and having fun on stage. This 5" digipack double-soundboard features two more concerts from Elvis' 1975 Spring Tour. The Tampa April 26, 1975 Afternoon show at Curtis Hixon Convention Center plus Atlanta Omni Coliseum May 2, 1975 Evening Show.
Unfortunately soundboards from the start of this tour all have the same inherent 'problem' a HEAVY bias towards Piano tracks, there was often very little drums or orchestra in the mix. So can this release show us anything new?
But while collectors are right to be a little reticent about “Afternoon Shows” this soundboard is surprisingly enjoyable...
(Book Review) 'Don't Be Cruel, Elvis: The Bill Black Story': It is easy to forget that, in the beginning, Elvis was only one part of a trio put together by Sam Phillips, which included Bill Black on bass and Scotty Moore on lead guitar.
The unique sound that emerged from their early sessions was the result of a close collaboration of like-minded musicians and an engineer who wanted to generate something as yet unheard. Bill Black's contribution to Elvis’ success went beyond the bass playing. His antics on stage — twirling his bass, riding it as if it was a bronco to be tamed, trading corny jokes with Elvis — delighted the audiences. Scotty confirmed that, “If it hadn’t been for Bill, we would have bombed many times in the early days.”
Memphis Mansion’s Henrik Knudsen fortuitously befriended Bill Black's family and was entrusted with the family’s treasured scrapbook.
Using this key source, plus the investigative power of author Paul Belard, key rock'n'roll bassman Bill Black finally gets the biography he deserves with this impressive 260 page book.
Packed full of rare photos, great stories and interviews, EIN's Piers Beagley spent some quality time enjoying this very fine tribute to "Blackie" a great musician and a true character ... go here to find out more.. (Book Review, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
"ELVIS 45" Year-long Celebration: Elvis Presley’s Graceland will be celebrating the life and legacy of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll throughout 2022 in commemoration of the 45th anniversary of his passing in 1977. ELVIS 45 will include special events, giveaways, new exhibit openings, and concerts at Graceland during the year, plus exclusive merchandise offerings and more!
The yearlong celebration kicks off this week during Elvis’ Birthday Celebration on January 6-9 in Memphis. Additional Elvis 45 events planned for 2022 include Graceland traditional annual events like Ultimate ETA Weekend, Graceland Performing Arts Camp, Elvis Week 2022,Holiday Lighting Weekend, and Christmas Tours: plus, one-time events including a Valentine’s Day Package,Jailhouse Rock Party, Memphis Music Weekend and more.
- As part of ELVIS 45, Graceland is offering the highly collectible ELVIS 45: The Sapphire Collection featuring a 2022 Graceland Annual Pass, limited-
edition records, plus other exclusive items. Additionally, Graceland will be giving out 1,000 special ELVIS 45 RPM Records to visitors in Memphis who tour on six select days in 2022. - Graceland will also open four new exhibits in 2022:'Rock On' in early January, a replica guitar exhibit in partnership with Gibson Guitars; 'Elvis: Dressed to Rock' on May 7, featuring jumpsuits and stagewear from 1969-1977; 'Graceland: Welcome to My World' on June 7, in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Graceland opening to the public; and 'Dear Elvis' in August, an exhibit honoring Elvis fans.
Go here to EPE for all the details (News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
Interview 'The Airplanes & The King' with Carlos Varrenti & Robert Van Beek:As promised a few months ago, the extremely well-received spanish book 'The Airplanes & The King' by Carlos Varrenti is now being republished as an English version.
Not only that but it has now been expanded to an amazing 400 pages with a lot of unreleased material from Elvis Files' vaults!
The English version is printed as a High quality Hardback book.
Printed and distributed by The Elvis Files Team, EIN has seen some preview pages and it is an absolute stunner.
EIN is delighted to be able to talk with the author Carlos Varrenti - as well as Elvis Files designer Robert Van Beek to find out more.
We find out more about Carlos Varrenti's Argentinian background, how he came to be involved with designer Robert Van Beek and The Elvis Files for the expanded reprint, what highlights are in the book and what new stories fans will be able to discover within the covers. Go here as EIN's Piers Beagley asked the questions..
(Interview, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'Elvis: '72 Summer Festival' Book Review: Published back in 2019 by author Kieran Davis, this impressive hardcover book focuses on Elvis' 1972 stunning summer season in Las Vegas. With every performance examined in detail over 160 pages, it features rare on-stage photographs, plenty of memorabilia, exclusive original tour documents and best of all fan diaries detailing Elvis' every move.
Packed with rare pics, multiple concert reviews, detailed tracklists, articles on meeting Elvis, an examination of his new stage attire and much much more.. it is one of the most comprehensive books ever written about Elvis' 1972 summer season.
It has been described as a labour-of-love by a true Elvis fan who wanted to self-publish a worthy book for true Elvis fans. Originally Sold Out, the book has now been re-printed for 2021
"Elvis Back In Nashville" 8/10 Review: It's great to see the mainstream music press already giving truly positive reviews to the new "Elvis Back In Nashville" box-set that comes out next week. UNCUT uk music magazine have already reviewed it noting.... "The King's final recordings in the country music capital"
Elvis Presley was more ambitious than his late career output might suggest.
During his 1971 sessions in Nashville, he cut tracks for his dream project: a folk-rock record featuring songs by Buffy Sainte-Marie, Kris Kristofferson and others. Sadly, it never saw the light of day, and tracks from those sessions were scattered across cookie-cutter collections throughout the'70s. 'Elvis Back In Nashville' collects those recordings in one place, showcasing his stylistic range (gospel, carols, standards... you name it) and offering a glimpse of what might have been.
Despite being sold as a nostalgia act, Elvis was absolutely devoted to whatever he song he was singing. He immersed himself in the story and invested each line with nuance and character, whether it's the casually funky "Put Your Hand In The Hand" or the delicate "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" (recorded while he had the flu). Box-Set rates 8/10. Extras: 6/10. Archival photos and liner notes by David Cantwell.
You can also have a sneak preview of 30 seconds of every track via PlatoMania -CLICK HERE to listen
(News, Source;NP/ElvisInfoNet)
MRS presents 'ELVIS: September 1970' in-depth Review:MRS's new 2CD deluxe set features a new previously unreleased soundboard
from 2nd September 1970 and a bonus CD that covers the final rehearsals at the International Hotel on August 10th before the start of the summer
festival.
In September 1970 Elvis was still excited to be back on stage and performing for his fans.
Newspaper reviews of his concerts wrote about the excitement and fun Elvis was having back on-stage.
This brand-new previously unknown concert captures Elvis feeling 'loose-as-a-goose' yet still performing with a real intensity. His live versions of ‘You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’’, 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' were truly exceptional this evening.
The accompanying 40-page booklet of the CD deluxe includes rare photographs and memorabilia taken during these engagements along with introductory notes.
(Book Review) Elvis June 1956: June 1956 was another busy month for Elvis Presley and author Paul
Bélard captures the frenzy and excitement of Elvis' rocket-to-stardom in
this new photo-book, ‘Elvis June 1956’.
Elvis' 1956 juggernaut was picking up strength during the month with a series of dynamic live shows across America, appearing on Wink Martindale’s ‘Dance Party’ TV show, violating segregation laws in Memphis, outraging media critics and many parents with his burlesque show rendition of ‘Hound Dog’ on The Milton Berle Show and rehearsing for his appearance on The Steve Allen Show as the highlights.
The book includes some wonderful archive material such as.. - “Singing Sensation Causes Near Riot Here”
- “Writhing Singer Has Long Beach Soxers Wailing”
- "Elvis Sends 6,400 Here Into Frenzy”
- “Presley Leaves You In A Blue Suede Funk”
· “The Presley Problem”
This graphic biography illustrates how our man worked hard getting his career off the ground. All this packed on 220 pages. Go here as Nigel Patterson and Kees Mouwen check out this look at one of Elvis' key months of his career (Book Review, Source:EIN & EDayByDay)
Book Review 'From Elvis in Japan': David Ward's 'From Elvis in Japan: Elvis Presley Japanese LPs 1956-2018' is the a very detailed and visually attractive Elvis “discography”. It covers Elvis LP (vinyl) releases in Japan between 1956 and 2018, the e-book is full of interesting information about each release and stunning images of the LP covers and discs.
The discography contains information on 131 Elvis LPs released in the “land of the rising sun”, a complete song index, and “value add” sections such as How to Read Elvis’ Name in Japanese, Japanese Albums with US Artwork, and English Lyrics (the translations are often outrageously funny!).
Japan also pressed plenty of unique compilations such as 'Elvis Presley Special 24', 'Elvis on Screen', 'Elvis Presley The Complete Singles (11 LP box set)' and 'Elvis Presley By Request of Japanese Fans'.
Despite what some fans may think, Elvis’ Army years were eventful, full of interesting and sometimes sad, incidents.
Those two years in the Army were important in shaping Elvis as a person.
As Kees notes in his enlightening review, in her book, Trina Young “goes behind the superficial public relations story of Presley’s army years”.
'Elvis: Fort Worth, Texas 1974' FTD in-depth Review: This FTD double-pack features two concerts from Elvis’ third tour of 1974, both performances from Father's Day in Fort Worth, Texas, June 16 1974. Elvis performed four shows at the 14,000 seater Tarrant County
Convention Center in Fort Worth Texas. These were the first four shows
of Elvis' Tour #11 so he was ready to rock. Reviews included, "Elvis put on one sharp, uptown and professional show. Wrapped skintight or loosely white bellbottoms and waist-length jacket. Elvis had the show in the palm of his hand".
In fine humour, at the evening show Elvis jokes that the whole band are from Texas...“John Wilkinson from Waco Texas, Ronnie Tutt from Dallas Texas, Duke
Bardwell from Abilene Texas, Charlie Hodge from Decateur Texas, Voice
from Nashville Texas and Joe Guercio with the all-Texas choir band! And
I’m from Tupelo, Texas." Go here as Elvis soundboard super-collector Geoffrey McDonnell & EIN's Piers Beagley give you the complete low-down on this new FTD double-pack ....
(FTD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
(Interview) Dennis van Tiel... the Netherlands: EIN continues its series of interviews with Elvis world identities in different countries, this time discussing “things Elvis” with Dennis Tiel from the Netherlands.
Dennis has published several books about Elvis and is also responsible for the long-running series of “annual” publications, Almost in Elvis.
His view about the Elvis world and what fans can learn from "everything Elvis" is truly fascinating.
As Tiel explains,"'Almost in Elvis' is an initiative for writers, journalists, poets, artist and just passionate lovers of the character Elvis A. Presley. Every issue has is own theme. The style and the design are different every issue and follows the theme of that edition sort of speak. You could consider Elvis is a kind of muse in this context." Go here as EIN's Nigel Patterson discovers more ..
(Interviews, Source;NP/ElvisInformationNetwork)
'Think Twice: Elvis in The Studio 1971': The forthcoming 'Back In Nashville' boxset is going to shine the spotlight on Elvis' 1971 sessions which have traditionally been ignored by the official label. In this fascinating and detailed article EIN contributor Shane Brown examines these all too easily dismissed Nashville sessions and discovers some real gems.
It’s very easy to look at the March, May and June 1971 recordings out of context. While the recordings are certainly not up to the standard of those from June 1970, it’s also true to say that Elvis was in a very different place personally by spring 1971.
In June 1970 Elvis was riding the crest of a wave with his recent successes but by January 1971 he was in the newspapers due to an ongoing paternity suit.
The Presley’s marriage was on the rocks and Elvis was having problems with his eyes. However despite all of this there was something very interesting going on during the 1971 sessions. Find out more as Shane Brown investigates these controversial 1971 Nashville Sessions....
(Spotlight; Source;ShaneBrown/EIN)
Don't miss out on one of EIN's most-viewed and controversial interviews of all-time - Mike Stone tells all.
EIN Interview with Mike Stone: Mike Stone has had a long and successful career in athletics, in the entertainment business, as an author, sports instructor, bodyguard and personal fitness trainer.
Mike Stone was also a key figure in the emotional roller-coaster that described Elvis and Priscilla Presley's lives in the seventies. In this exclusive EIN interview Priscilla's ex-partner, karate champion and author talks about his amazing life, including... - Meeting Elvis and Priscilla
- Hawaii, Elvis and Karate
- Being Phil Spector's bodyguard
- Sitting next to John Lennon recording
- Priscilla and karate
- Fans blaming him for Elvis' marriage split-up
- Elvis putting a "Hit" out on him
- Finding peace in the Philippines
- His new autobiography
(Interview) Piotr Soczynski talks to EIN: While serious collectors will be familiar with Piotr Soczynski’s phenomenal work in documenting little known parts of the Elvis recording catalog, most fans will not. This is a great pity, as Piotr, who lives in Poland, has already published five of the best Elvis books in 2021, with two more volumes due later this year and in 2022. These books are:
★ Elvis Army Vinyl Records 1956-1967
★ Elvis Army Vinyl Records 1968-1991
★ Elvis U.S. Demo and Acetates 1953-1965
★ Elvis U.S. Demo and Acetates 1965-1993
★ Vinyl Discography from Eastern Europe, Part 1
★ Vinyl Discography from Eastern Europe, Part 2 (late 2021)
★ Vinyl Discography from Eastern Europe, Part 3 (expected 2022)
The first four volumes sold out quickly earlier this year, while the more recent first volume of Piotr’s Eastern Europe vinyl trilogy is selling fast. The depth of information, glorious visuals, and strong, clean book design have resulted in fascinating “coffee table” releases which will please (amaze) both collectors and the general fan. Piotr recently took time out to discuss
Elvis in Poland and his series of books which are an important narrative-visual record of little understood Elvis vinyl releases. Read Piotr’s full interview with Nigel Patterson and marvel at some great page visuals from the various volumes
(Interview, Source:ElvisInformationNetwork)
UPDATED- The collapse of the Elvis Bootleg Empire: Has Ernst won the war?’: Back in 1999 Ernst Jorgensen and Roger Semon convinced BMG to let them start the FTD collectors label in order to counteract the Elvis bootleg companies which had been selling unreleased material to fans since the very first vinyl bootleg 'Please Release Me' was issued back in 1970.
Of all the bootleg labels that have come and gone the 'Madison' label was one of the very few that always produced high-quality releases and which happened to start at the same time as FTD. The designs were top-notch and with detailed sleeve notes they easily competed with the legal Elvis releases.
In 2021 ‘Madison’ have returned with the new bootleg ‘A Legendary Performer Volume 9’ but all is not what was promised. The Elvis bootleg vaults are empty and FTD appears to have won the game. Go here as EIN’s Piers Beagley checks out the lack of new material and considers the bootleg era at an end... And EIN wants YOUR SAY -Our article is now updated with YOUR FEEDBACK - and more... (Spotlight; Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Don't forget that EIN's Elvis Facebook page regularly features fabulous RARE newly discovered photos of Elvis. This month EIN celebrates our 45,000 members! - including several of Elvis' own friends and colleagues So Elvis fans don't miss out on these rare and exciting photographs.
Now with over thousands of great photos, News and with more added every day – including YouTube footage.
"On Tour" 50th Anniversary - FTD vs Lorentzen release:
In the same way that the FTD 'TTWII' Collectors Edition had to include similar photos to Erik Lorentzen's 'TTWII' Summer Festival publication, a debate among Elvis collectors has already started regarding the two new 'On Tour' editions and which one to purchase.
Lorentzen promises the earlier publication this year, whereas FTD are still gathering documentation and unseen images for their 2022 release.
Trouble has also started as Lorentzen has stated about his book, "Unique in this 1200 page edition is that for the first time the complete and very extensive information of all shows and sessions" yet now Ernst Jørgensen has posted that his personal session notes are being used without permission.
It will be difficult for fans to decide which to buy, or both, especially with the extra wait for the David English / Pål Granlund 50th Anniversary FTD 'On Tour' project. Ernst Jørgensen posted the following statement.. "It has come to my attention that some of my personal recording notes are being used in Erik Lorentzen’s forthcoming Elvis On Tour book.
This is disappointing; as Erik has been notified that this information is private and confidential, and prior to publication permission is required, which has not been granted.
Pål, David and myself are working on an 'Elvis On Tour' FTD release for 2022, this information will be included with this release."
We do however also know that FTD will be including audio cds with their publication, the audio content however has not been finalised as yet. (Note: Both images are of course not the actual book covers!) (News, Source; ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis UK' Book Re-Issue: Following the successful release of 'Elvis UK3 The Ultimate Guide To Elvis Presley’s British CD Releases 1983-2005' as a Flip book in February 2021, co-authors John Townson and Gordon Minto are pleased to announce that their original book – the long out-of-print Elvis UK – published in 1987 – is now to be made available using the same digital technology but with an additional 60 pages of ‘bonus material’.
Our prime reason for making this book available is due to the constant requests for hard copies as it went out of print in the late 1980s. Unfortunately, a physical reprint was not an option, owing to extremely high production costs – just as it wasn’t for Elvis UK3. However, unlike the latter project - which we wanted to be able to update when required – 'Elvis UK' will be available as a download. The document will not be held on a digital platform and accessed via the internet, but will be available on the buyer’s own device.
Importantly though, the original book appears exactly as it was in 1987 as it has not been possible to make any textl amendments as the book did not exist in a digital form.
The original Elvis UK was a 565 page hard-backed reference book, published by Blandford Press, dealing with the then hitherto largely unexplored subject of Elvis Presley’s UK record releases from March 1956 through to 1986, nine years after Presley’s death. The digital copy of Elvis UK features: Every individual record release – singles, EPs and LPs issued on HMV, RCA and third party labels between 1956-86 – in great detail and in chronological order
- Each entry included detailed track info as well as writers’ names, release dates, and chart entry positions
Every release and re-release carefully cross-referenced
Label and sleeve variations identified and dated
Introductory sections which include background to the issuing companies, comprehensive information about details printed on labels and the process of how records were made
Chronological and alphabetical listings of all main sections, including catalogue numbers and release dates
A various artist section which featured one or more Elvis tracks
A section detailing promotional records
Hundreds of illustrations
An Interview and spoken word index
A full list of every song showing where it appeared, cross-referenced with page numbers
- Plus - 60 pages of bonus material – which includes the following: The Making Of Elvis UK
Golden Grooves
Mastering
LP Re-issues
Fortunately, in transferring Elvis UK into the Flip format none of the original search features have been lost. On the contrary, the comprehensive contents and indexing system built in to the original book has been accentuated by the highly intuitive navigational features offered by Flip. Searching is much easier and quicker.
In our view, this move represents the only sensible and cost-effective way of making this valuable and much-sought after reference work available to a much wider audience – but at the reasonable and affordable price. The download version of 'Elvis UK', complete with 60 pages of bonus material section costs just £20. More about this release (and others in the series) and how to order it can be found on our website –www.elvisukbooks.co.uk (News, Source;GM/ElvisInfoNet)
Book Review - 'ELVIS UK3': Recently published 'ELVIS UK3' The Ultimate Guide to Elvis Presley's British CD Releases 1983-2005' by John Townson and Gordon Minto comprises 1400 pages with over a million words plus 4,000 plus illustrations.
This examination of Elvis’ British releases is an incredibly detailed narrative and visual record of his CD releases in the UK from 1983 to 2005.
The first Elvis CD, 'The Legend' (3CD), was released in the UK in December 1983. Reflecting the fledgling nature of the format, UK fans had to wait another 12 months until the release of not one, but three, Elvis albums, in December 1984. By that time, the flood gates for the CD medium were starting to strain.
As with the authors’ earlier two volumes on Elvis UK vinyl releases, the information in Elvis UK3 is exhaustive.
To say that Elvis UK3 was well-researched would be a serious understatement. There is so much information in this book that it is difficult to comprehensively review it all. While many collectors will be most interested in the technical details for each entry, the author’s narrative is excellent.
Released using the flipbook format EIN tested Elvis UK3 on four platforms - a 28” computer monitor, 14” tablet, iPad 8 and a 6.5” android mobile phone. EIN's Nigel Patterson has spent plenty of time reading through this massive work and here presents his in-depth review ...
(Book Review, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Elvis "BACK ON DVD!": Paramount have re-released three classic Elvis movies this month on DVD. 'G.I. Blues'- BACK ON DVD! The year was 1960... 'Girls! Girls! Girls!' - BACK ON DVD! The year was 1962... 'Paradise, Hawaiian Style'- BACK ON DVD! The year was 1966...
From Paramount Pictures.-
Release date: March 12, 2021.
From Amazon for $14.99. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
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(Book Review) Elvis@Argentina 1963-1969 (Carlos Ares):The second volume in Carlos Ares’ series of “coffee table” books detailing Elvis’ reception in Argentina is another high quality production. With a great balance between informative text, colorful images and impressive archival artefacts, it is a worthy inclusion in any fan’s Elvis library.
It is available in English and Spanish text editions.
'Walk A Lonely Street' Book Review:Recently published Tony Plews, 'Walk A Lonely Street: Elvis Presley, Country Music & The True Story of Heartbreak Hotel' is a unique volume that tells the tale of Elvis Presley’s rise to fame as viewed through the lens of his era-defining first hit record, “Heartbreak Hotel”. Presented as a series of consecutive short stories, it offers a new perspective on Presley’s musical and cultural achievements, and reveals the true and dramatic saga behind the breakthrough song that changed the world.
In EIN Piers Beagley's detailed review he discovers that.. the true joy of this book is Tony Plews’ delightful and engaging writing style. His detailed research and his mix of facts and imagination blend together to create an emotional narrative that really draws the reader in. At times he also adds a nice British, somewhat droll, sense of humour that can make you laugh out loud.
A totally enthralling musical journey, Tony Plews writes with a truly engaging, colourful and passionate style. If your love of Elvis is based upon his amazing musical legacy then this is the book for you....
Go here to EIN's 'Walk A Lonely Street' in-depth review Coming Wednesday.. EIN interviews author Tony Plews
(Book Review, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
‘From Elvis in Nashville’ Box-set EIN In-Depth Review:
A 4CD collection presenting the definitive chronicle of Elvis' 1970 marathon sessions with the "Nashville Cats".
Recorded live in RCA's Studio B over the course of an epic five day run in June 1970 now, for the first time, the sessions are presented in pristine audio, newly mixed by acclaimed engineer Matt Ross-Spang without the added overdubs appearing on earlier releases.
Elvis’ 1970 Nashville session was very different from the previous Memphis sessions or even Elvis’ later sessions. Nashville was a real mix of Elvis recording RCA supplied demos along with one-take spontaneous favourites Elvis threw into the mix.
As Elvis noted, "It don't take much to get these guys going, boy, I'll tell you…. Just give them a "well..." and they're gone. That's what I call 'Sittin' on ready". EIN's Piers Beagley explores this new box-set to discover one of the best Elvis releases in years..
(CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
US CD box-set
US Vinyl
UK CD box-set
UK Vinyl
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‘TTWII 50th Anniversary Collectors Edition’ FTD Book Review: FTD's most expensive set ever published, David English and Pal Granlund bring the complete background story of 'Elvis: That's The Way It Is'. Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the movie's 1970 release, this ultimate collector's edition includes two hardback books, eight cds with over 450 minutes of music,
including newly discovered unreleased performances.
With access to 2,000 original negatives and 35mm slides, restored and repaired, many of which have never been seen before, the book also contains items from the MGM and RCA archives including paperwork, documents, memos and recording information.
Two books, 600 pages, plus all the MGM recorded rehearsals - including 70 tracks officially unreleased.
FTD's most expensive set but with the vast majority of the rehearsals already out on bootleg, can it really be worth the US$270 plus postage. Initially Sold Out and already into its first reprint what makes it so desirable? EIN's Piers Beagley investigates and discovers plenty .. Go here to our 6000 word review including plenty of extracts and stunning images. (FTD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Amazon Deals on ELVIS Blu-rays - Beware of excessive prices at some Elvis dealers.
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'ELVIS In The 2010s' A Personal Review of the Past Decade: Rather like Elvis’s own career, each decade since Elvis’s death appears to have had a theme or identity of its own. Clearly the late 1970s were difficult for RCA as they struggled to find the right direction with which to take their posthumous releases, and so it was the 1980s that was the decade when the company slowly but surely learned how to look back at Elvis's legacy and start to make some sense of it.
The 1990s were when that reached a peak, with the decades boxed sets, and the Elvis in the 90s series, thus bringing virtually the whole catalogue back into print in a coherent way.
The 2000s were when errors of judgement at retail level started to occur (despite huge successes like Elv1s), but also when FTD came into its own and flourished. And so what will we make of Elvis releases of the 2010s when we look back on them from the future? Go here for EIN contributor Shane Brown's personal take on the highs and lows of Elvis product that has come our way over the last decade....
(Spotlight, Source;ShaneBrown/ElvisInformationNetwork)
Both with FREE Delivery
Check deals at other sites.
Elvis LIVE Aug 23, 1969 Album Review + Elvis Concert Review 1969: ..."The atmosphere throughout the entire hotel was nail-bitingly electric! It is difficult for me to describe and paint a true portrait of attending in person this unique occasion - Elvis' Return to Splendor LIVE in 1969 - but I'll try my best. I want, and hope, you will understand the excitement of what has to be the pinnacle of Elvis' career to date!" Joan Gansky was lucky because not only was she in the audience for Elvis' TV musical renaissance of the '68 NBC Special but she also saw Elvis at his most dynamic - first at his August 22nd 1969 Midnight Show and then the following night at his August 23rd Dinner Show. Joan Gansky has written this insightful and emotional article for EIN in 2019, fifty years later, looking back at this special event from 1969 as well as providing her review of the new RCA vinyl album of the August 23rd Dinner Show. One of EIN's most important articles we have ever published- Go here for Joan and Paul Gansky's incredible articles and exclusive photos
(Review/Spotlight, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'Elvis - Made In Germany’ In-Depth Review: The new MRS 'Elvis - Made In Germany – The Complete Private Recordings’ 4CD set contains more than 3 hours of the private recordings Elvis made while off duty in Germany when he was serving as a soldier in the US army during the 1958 -1960 period and, includes rare tracks from a recently discovered tape comprising over an hour of unheard personal recordings. The 152-page hardback book contains rare photographs and documents plus a comprehensive text provided by Gordon Minto, which discusses each of Elvis’ RCA studio (non-film) recording sessions held during 1957-58, before focusing on the private recordings he made in Germany.
The BONUS CD features the essential RCA studio masters from 1957-58.With such an expansive book, along with hours of Elvis jamming with his friends in Germany, there is plenty to discuss as well as finding out what extra material this set contains over the official releases. Go here as EIN's Nigel Patterson & Piers Beagley provide an in-depth review of this new MRS release
(Book Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'What was Elvis searching for?' EIN Spotlight: The question is raised – but never answered – in the title of HBO’s recent absorbing, imperfect documentary 'Elvis Presley: The Searcher'.
At the start it seems clear what the teenage Elvis was searching for – an escape from the oblivion of poverty in the American South. Yet his quest was cultural as well as financial.
Later Elvis read obsessively, seeking out such books as The Impersonal Life, Joseph Brenner’s guide to self-discovery and Kahil Gibran’s book of fables, The Prophet. In his copy of Gibran’s tome, Elvis jotted down the line: “A singer can sing his songs but he must have an ear to receive the song”.
So what exactly was Elvis searching for? In this fascinating EIN Spotlight respected author Paul Simpson takes a close look at this all important question which, for some reason, was basically ignored in the recent HBO documentary..
Mindi Miller Interview with EIN: Mindi Miller was a working actress when she met Elvis in early 1975. She was interested in karate (she performed all her own movie stunts), exploring spirituality and the Bible and so they had a lot in common. Mindi Miller and Elvis bonded over their common interests and soon afterwards he asked her to go on tour with him in April 1975.
She stayed friends with Elvis through the years - along with members of the 'Memphis Mafia' - and attended his funeral.
EIN's Sanja Meegin recently caught up with Mindi Miller to talk about her close friendship with Elvis over the years.
In this fascinating interview she discusses. . . - Her first night with Elvis
- How Elvis persuaded her to cancel her overseas movie & modelling plans
- Their mutual interest in Karate
- Graceland and meeting Lisa Marie
- Attending Elvis' funeral . . . and much much more... Go here for EIN's Sanja Meegin and her intimate and detailed discussion with the delightful Mindi Miller - Now with Reader Feedback.
Official Elvis CD Box-sets at bargain prices through Amazon UK
'Marty Lacker: A Life Well-Lived' & Elvis at American Studio's Interview: It was with immense sadness that last month EIN had to report on the death of our great friend - and a true friend to Elvis - Marty Lacker. We will miss him dearly. Marty is well-known as one of the key members of the Memphis Mafia and also co-Best Man at Elvis' wedding. He was known for both his honesty and being forthright with his opinions. He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia who still watched and commented on recent Elvis News. He had no issue with holding people to account (especially ones who would inflate their importance within Elvis' legacy) and would regularly ask EIN to add his comments or to correct any inaccuracy. Elvis fans often ask about Marty Lacker's background, how he came to meet Elvis, as well as his involvement in the music industry outside of working for The King.
As a prelude to Ken Sharp's fascinating interview with Marty Lacker and a discussion about Elvis' famous American Studio' Memphis sessions, EIN presents "Marty Lacker: a life well-lived" in which Marty tells of his life in the music industry, his friendship with Elvis along with his dislike of the over-controlling Col Parker. Go here to learn all you need to know about Marty Lacker as well as Elvis outstanding Memphis American Sound sessions in 1969. (Spotlight; Source,KenSharp/ElvisInformationNetwork)
'The World of FTD' In-Depth Review: The new deluxe book 'The World Of FTD' has been received by some lucky fans and Elvis collector Mike Lodge has provided EIN with a very detailed review - of well over 3 thousand words! The book was authored and designed by Keith Flynn with input from a large number of other Elvis specialists including EIN's Piers Beagley, EM&HM's Trevor Cajiao, Geoffrey McDonnell, Gordon Minto and many others. It is 1,200 pages, hardbound three book set, chronicling every release by FTD.The book also features 100s of high-quality photos from the collection Erik Lorentzen
KJ Consulting are proud to publish this Box Set which weighs 8 kilos.
UPDATED - Paul Dowling EIN Interview Part Three: Paul Dowling is without doubt one of the major names in the Elvis World. He started collecting and selling Elvis vinyl over 40 years ago and has one of the world's largest Elvis Presley record collections. He started his "WorldWide Elvis" shop back in the seventies, way before the internet, where fans could get hold of rare Elvis records and memorabilia.
With such a fascination with Elvis, Dowling not only became a big name in the early years of Elvis bootlegs but later became friends with Ernst Jorgensen and helped RCA with various official releases.
In the final part of our fascinating interview Paul Dowling discusses .... - Dodging the FBI agents that were sent after him
- Unreleased Elvis material that still hasn’t come out
- Why does Ernst Jorgensen doubt this claims
- His BMG project 'For The First Time Ever' - what happened
- The true story of obtaining the Million Dollar Quartet tape
- His thoughts on Paul Lichter, Sean Saver, Sherif Hanna, Rex Martin
- Spending time with Alan Fortas
- Jim Curtin, newly added story
'Ultimate Elvis' New Electronic Edition: Announced by Elvis sessions expert Keith Flynn for publication November 1 is the brand new concept of the 1750 page super-deluxe Elvis sessions book 'Ultimate Elvis' Electronic Edition.
This incredible three volume book will now be available as an e-book on an i-pad or android tablet. - Created in HTML5
Fully updated e-books will open in any web browser on any operating system, so no need for separate downloads for different operating systems. - Life-Like 'Flipping' Pages
Flip through pages as if you are reading an actual book, but also being able to zoom-in to view smaller images and captions.
- View as Double or Single pages
View as double pages on a computer or laptop etc, and single pages when viewing in portrait on an i-pad or Android tablet. - Fully Navigational Table Of Contents
Jump back and forth to the sections of the books you want to read, instead of flipping through numerous pages to find what you want. PRICED AT - all 3 Volumes for £60 = US$93
On sale from November 1st 2015. Try Before You Buy -
Download free zip-file containing 27 pages from Volume 1, before you decide to buy the complete set. -
NOTE - These books are MASSIVE so you will need approximately 1GB of spare disc space for these three volumes, -
Click HERE to Keith Flynn's 'Ultimate Elvis' Electronic Edition to try.
Go HERE to EIN's independent review of 'Ultimate Elvis' (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Did Elvis Record 'Tiger Man' At Sun?: A question that has puzzled Elvis fans through the years is whether he actually recorded the song ‘Tiger Man’ during his years at SUN studios.
The basic question is why did Elvis refer to 'Tiger man' several times in concert as “The second song that I ever recorded, not too many people heard it”?
And if Elvis DID record it, then why hasn’t any reference to it at SUN or proof of its existence been found?
Elvis would first perform ‘Tiger Man’ in concert at his first 1969 Las Vegas International season and would continue playing it through the years – usually in a medley with Mystery Train - until his last performance at Saginaw on May 3 1977. He would sing it over 150 times on stage! The thought that there might be an acetate or undiscovered tape of Elvis at SUN singing ‘Tiger Man’ is a mouth-watering concept - but is it an unlikely fantasy or strong possibility?
Go here to our detailed 'TIGER MAN' spotlight as EIN's Piers Beagley puts in the hard yards to check the facts from the fantasy . (Spotlight; Source;ElvisInfoNetwork)
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