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...
Coming soon to EIN: Viva Las Vegas - the original "unused" script (which was written by someone famous) - (Spotlight article)
Tuesday 30 May 2023
(Book Review) 'Elvis Aaron Presley - The Man, The Truth' (by Baby Bird):EIN's Nigel Patterson prefers a book he can hold in his hands, but for a change decided to spend an icy
cold, pre-Winter's afternoon in the Australian capital, Canberra, indoors, delving inside the latest Kindle only Elvis release, Elvis Aaron Presley: The Man, The Truth by Baby Bird.
The book promises to counteract previously published "extraordinary unbelievable claims" and also "to try and dispel some of the myths and lies and show who Elvis really was on the inside"....
What he found was very unusual, interesting, but imperfect. Read Nigel Patterson's review
(Book Review, Source:EIN)
'Cooly Rocks On' Festival 2023: The Australian Cooly Rocks On festival which runs JUNE 7-11 features plenty of Elvis and it's right on the beach!
It features the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest 2023 where Australia’s top Elvis Tribute Artists take to the stage to compete.
The celebration also includes Jimmy Holmes and Mark Andrew: The King Returns to Stage '68 - '72
- Wednesday 7 June
And Shawn Klush in concert
- Friday 9 June
- From headlining the annual Las Vegas Elvis Fest to his numerous titles including ‘World’s Greatest Elvis’, this performance will be Shawn’s first show back in Australia in five years and is not to be missed!
The festival also has its own "Elvis Precinct"!
Are you looking to shake, rattle and roll your way to the Elvis Precinct?
The Elvis Precinct is located on the Coolangatta beachfront, Australia's Gold Coast. Enjoy picturesque coastal views at the beachfront bar before heading in to catch one of the various feature shows paying tribute to the legends of yesteryear.
Go here to Cooly Rocks On for all tickets and details (News, Source;EIN)
1956 Cadillac used in ELVIS biopic: Baz Luhrmann brought the life of ELVIS to the big screen in his recent biopic, featuring the King's lifestyle, and also his love of cars.
Greg Dower from Brisbane, Australia owns a 1956 Cadillac which Luhrmann used in the film.
"They repainted, re-chromed, put in new glass plus a new interior," Dower said, while speaking about his purple pride and joy.
As captivating in death as he was on the stage, the Elvis era revolution is far from over.
Elvis' fan-base got a huge boost with the multi-award winning ELVIS biopic and his legacy is again being discovered by a new generation of fans.
All things retro including beautiful cars will be celebrated at this year's Cooly Rocks On festival in Coolangatta, which is kicking off on June 7.
See more details above (News, Source: 9Now ACA)
Barbara Leigh exclusive EIN Interview: Actress and international model Barbara Leigh is known amongst fans for her relationship with not only Elvis but also Steve McQueen.
In 1970 Barbara was introduced to Elvis and that meeting began a torrid, two year affair. As Barbara herself says, "This was a monumental time in my development as a human being, knowing very little about sophistication and being exposed to life beyond the velvet rope. I was, however, a quick study. I learned fast that it was either keep up or get left behind…"
Back in 2002 EIN's Nigel Patterson interviewed Barbara Leigh about her new book as well as her famous lovers including Elvis and Steve McQueen.
Straight Copy & Paste steal by Elvis Australia: EIN understands that it is hard these days to make a living selling Elvis product.
EIN runs purely as a "hobby" with all three of us - plus acknowledged contributors - putting in hours of our own time to help keep Elvis' legacy burning bright.
EIN has no shop, we do not sell bootlegs and we pay for the website with our own cash.
So it really irks us when other Elvis websites or magazines use our researched articles, reviews or interviews for themselves with no acknowledgement - and even worse when directly stolen to use for their own benefit. On May 25 2023 David Troedson's "Elvis Australia" lead article was an Interview with BARBARA LEIGH.
Supposedly done by one "David Adams" May25, 2023
"David Adams" seems to have provided rather a lot of interviews for 'Elvis Australia' and often with people who have been dead for a while. How odd.
This week's "David Adams" interview of Barbara Leigh was however a direct copy & paste of EIN's interview when Nigel Patterson actually did talk with the delightful actress back in 2002.See above.
Our EIN website includes more acknowledgments and DIRECT "click-through" links than any other Elvis website and we do not steal other people's material. You would
hope that we would all get the same respect
(News, Source;EIN)
Sunday 28 May 2023
Tupelo Elvis Festival 2023: The 2023 Tupelo Elvis Festival runs June 7 to June 11 and as it is the 25th anniversary of the Tupelo Elvis Festival it is packed full of ELVIS excitement.
Some events are already sold out, including Opening Night gala but plenty of tickets remain for other concerts and events.
Lucia Randle festival executive director notes that, "The Saturday night symphony performance is going to be outstanding."
The Silver Jubilee Concert with festival host Tom Brown features Pat Dunn and ETAs Ben Thompson, Brandon Bennett, Dean Z and Jay Dupuis along with the T.L.C. Band.
The festival kicks off on June 7 with a Silver Jubilee Gala. Public activities begin June 8, with concerts, the Ultimate Tribute Artist competition, boxing, the Run with the King 5K and other activities before wrapping up June 11 with a gospel concert.
Festival attendees, like most Elvis fans, will visit Tupelo Hardware where he bought his first guitar, and they'll walk around taking their photos in front of murals and other landmarks. They'll also visit the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum.
Birthplace executive director Roy Turner added, "We expect we'll see quite a few more visitors from the festival this year as this is the first festival since the 'Elvis' movie came out, and we're already seeing more people coming here who say they had seen the movie and wanted to come see where Elvis was born."
A record 25 performers will compete in this year's Ultimate Tribute Artist competition.
Go here to Tupelo Elvis Festival Facebook for all the contacts and information. (News, Source;Tupelo/EIN)
Tina Turner dead at 83: The sensational Tina Turner sadly passed away after a long illness on Wednesday, May 24th, 2023.
While there is only a slight connection between Elvis and Tina Turner they of course both recorded ground-breaking versions of Creedence Clearwater Revival's Proud Mary and Tina's husband Ike Turner was one of the early performers to record at SUN Studios.
His SUN recording 'Rocket 88' (Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats) is often considered a major milestone in the development of Rock'n'Roll.
Priscilla this week noted, “Tina Turner was one of Elvis’ favourite performers.
When she took the stage, it was pure magic. I remember how she held an audience with an energy that was undeniably pure Tina! She has left a remarkable legacy and will be sorely missed by all.”
This YouTube clip of ELVIS vs Tina Turner is well-worth watching.
Turner was born Anna Mae Bullock in Nutbush, Tennessee, to Zelma Currie and her husband, Floyd Bullock, a Baptist deacon. Abandoned by their father "Tina" and her elder sister, Alline, moved to St Louis, Missouri, where they encountered Ike Turner and his band the Rhythm Kings where he recruited her as one of his backing singers.
Featuring nine musicians and a trio of skimpily dressed backing singers, the Ikettes, the Revue took the R&B circuit by storm. Tina rapidly developed into a mesmerising performer with a stunningly powerful voice.
The Phil Spector produced 1966 'River Deep, Mountain High' is regarded as a high point of both Spector’s and Turner’s careers. Later ’80s hit would be 'What’s Love Got to Do with it',
'Private Dancer' and 'We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)'. Tina also stared in the 1985 film 'Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome'.
Like Elvis, Tina Turner’s career spanned over decades and boasted multiple Top 40 Billboard hits, 25 Grammy Award nominations, a Kennedy Center Honor, and entry into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2021. RIP Tina Turner 26 Nov 1939 - 24 May 2023 (News, Source;AP/ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis: The Man & His Music' #140: EIN's favourite Elvis music magazine 'Elvis: The Man & His Music' June 2023 issue is out now.
Articles include..
- The Golden Records Series - Part 1
- Wham, Bam, No Thank You, MAM – The Colonel and Gordon Mills
- The Making Of Blue Hawaii – Box-Set Review
- July 2nd 1956 – Alfred Wertheimer Interview - Part Two
- Elvis Presley: Dramatic Actor
- Readers’ Letters
- CD, Book & DVDs Reviews
'Elvis News Report June 2023': Elvis super-fan Emiel Maier presents all the recent news including.. 'James Burton and Friends' concert, The auction of Elvis's last Harley
Davidson, The barbershop museum at Fort Chaffee, The passing of Bill
Baize, Elvis Trivia Quiz .. and much much more..
3 New JUNE FTD releases: Out late June month, three new FTD sets - 'The How Great Thou Art Sessions' (5cd set), 'Houston, Fort Worth, Baton Rouge 1974' (3cd set), 'Fun In Acapulco' special DOUBLE-VINYL.
- 'The How Great Thou Art Sessions' (5CD set)
This 5 CD collection of "complete" session Masters and outtakes is presented in the usual 8”x 8” slipcase with a 28-page booklet featuring notes, photos, session data and memorabilia.
Recorded in May and June 1966, the 3x Platinum winning album also gave Elvis his first 'Grammy' award for "Best Sacred Performance".
Apart from the excellent gospel performances that include 'Run On', 'Stand By Me', 'So High' and 'Where No One Stands Alone' the sessions also spawned the secular hits 'If Every Day Was Like Christmas', 'Love Letters' and 'Indescribably Blue'. EIN NOTE: While the vast majority of this all-important session has been released by FTD before there are a delightful selection of extra takes and false-starts to keep collectors interested.
Previously unreleased takes include from Down In The Alley, Somebody Bigger Than You And I, Without Him and the delightful Where Could I Go But To The Lord Take 1, albeit only 30 seconds.
Plus the delight of hearing the 'complete' session in chronological order. Go here to FTD / SONY News 2023 for full tracklists
- 'Elvis: Houston, Fort Worth, Baton Rouge 1974' (3xCD SET)
As part of its ongoing live on tour series, FTD is pleased to announce the release of 'Elvis: Houston, Fort Worth, Baton Rouge 1974'.
Released as a 3-CD 5” digi-pak, this set includes three shows from 1974. The Astrodome, Houston, Texas (evening show) March 3, Tarrant Convention Center, Fort Worth (evening show) June 15
and Louisiana State University Assembly Center, Baton Rouge, June 17 EIN NOTE: The Texas Astrodome concert has previously been bootlegged multiple times ie 'Event Number 8' / 8th Wonder Of The World.
It is a fascinating concert for only having Elvis' TCB band and without any orchestra. Hopefully the sound is vastly improved.
FTD have previously released 'Sold Out! CD1 - Tulsa, Oklahoma, March 1st' and alsoFort Worth, Texas 1974 June 16 Afternoon and Evening Show Go here to FTD / SONY News 2023 for full tracklists
- 'Fun In Acapulco' special 180 gram Double-vinyl set.
Inspired by RCA Victor's European release, this 180 GRAM double vinyl soundtrack companion features original soundtrack masters and many excellent alternative outtakes.
Includes Bossa Nova Baby, You Can’t Say No In Acapulco, Mexico, Marguerita and Fun In Acapulco
Bonus tracks include 'Witchcraft (takes 3/M)', 'Love Me Tonight (takes 6-8/M)' and 'Slowly But Surely (takes 5/M)'.
'The February 1977 Tour' New DVD: Cine8 returns after their very well received release "A Medley Of Costumes" with their second DVD featuring unreleased 8mm footage.
While Elvis his first tour of 1977 was a step down in comparison to the great december '76 tour, Elvis still seemed to have the spirit to put on some great shows, while he looked far from his best during the first show, things improved as the tour went on and he started to look much better.
This tour often has been overlooked when it comes to footage and so ''The February 1977 Tour'' DVD fills that gap!
On this DVD we've opted to create a watchable DVD consisting of various performances from 7 different shows on this tour, matched with soundboard sound you'll find complete performances of ''Fairytale'' as performed in Charlotte, NC on February 20th, the only version of ''Big Boss Man'', the two versions of ''Blueberry Hill'' Elvis performed on this tour along with the rare ''Where No One Stands Alone'', a rousing version of ''Polk Salad Annie'' and ''It's Now Or Never'' performed on February 16th among other performances, the DVD is rounded out by a few unedited clips, including a rare ''Funny How Time Slips Away'' and a blistering version of ''Hurt'' performed during the very first show of this tour.
Sit back, relax and enjoy this release! Go here to 'All The Release News 2023' to check out the tracklist
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
DVD 'SOLD OUT Vol 20': 'Sold Out Vol.20' contains a wealth of rare and previously unreleased footage. We know that the 1977 footage is very popular and we all know he was out of shape, but on a good night he could captivate an audience with powerful moments like 'My Way'. There are several nice close-ups from 1977 and it's also good to see how much effort he puts into performances like 'That's All Right Mama' and 'Are You Lonesome Tonight'.
The man still had it.
Yet there are also some difficult moments, including the last tour of June 1977, and it is still heartbreaking to see Elvis in this form. But it's all part of history, and Pyramid has stated from the start to document everything, without obscuring anything.
This release is really from Elvis live in the seventies, with especially 1969 to 1972 well presented. He really is the live ultimate performer in these movies, in complete control and giving his all. The early concert years were very exciting and his live show was very physical and dynamic as you can see in this footage.
There are also plenty of highlights in the later years, although the tempos were a bit lower. There are four movies from April 1, 1975 and they are a real delight, because they highlight the fun side of Elvis as a performer, playing with the audience and have a great time.
Lesser performances are also discussed, including infamous Houston 1976 and even worse College Park 1974, where his behavior is strange to say the least. Even after all these years there's still something dark and disturbing about moments like this, but it's all part of the Elvis story. (News, Source;Pyramid/EIN)
Sunday 21 May 2023
Bill Baize Dead Aged 83: Sad news that the Legendary tenor of The Stamps / Blackwood Brothers Quartet, Bill Baize has passed away aged 83.
The Blackwood Brothers Quartet FB page lovingly states, "Legendary tenor, Bill Baize, graduated to heaven on May 15th."
Bill Baize joined The Stamps and toured with Elvis from 1971 through to June 1976 and was there for Elvis' Jungle Room sessions.
It is Bill Baize who sings the fabulous falsetto high note at the end of 'Burning Love' and you can see him in action in the 1972 movie 'Elvis On Tour'.
In later Elvis performances Bill Baize would sing a solo spot requested by Elvis, 'When It's My Time'.
Baize commented that "Elvis was the hardest working entertainer that I ever saw but he loved to have fun with his friends and colleagues. After the shows we'd all go up to his suite and often sing Gospel for him
Elvis would call out names of his favourites and we would sing them.. sometimes for two or three hours. That could be pretty hard after the late night concert.
To me Elvis was the consummate entertainer. Elvis was unique, there has only ever been one Elvis." (News, Source;FB/ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis Encore Performance VII: The Chicago Blues' New Book: Joe Tunzi's new book from JAT Publishing is “Elvis Encore Performance VII: The Chicago Blues” with lots of unpublished and rare pictures from Elvis' concert on June 17, 1972.
The JAT publicity states that.. "This release will include a 2023 pocket calendar" which seems a little late as it is already May!
The book should be out early June.
'From Elvis at Sun' Stereo CD Review: A new ‘From Elvis at Sun’ “Mono II Stereo” release from the Danish Memphis Mansion label.
The compilation includes the five classic SUN SINGLES plus the other nine alternate cuts that RCA would purchase from Sam Phillips.
Keen Elvis fans must surely have a serious fascination about how Elvis' early ground-breaking recordings were created.
Why do Elvis' classic rock’n’roll singles sound so good, especially given the low quality recording equipment of the time? And how were they laid down in the studio?
One way to discover the wonders of 50’s rock’n’roll inventiveness is to examine "stereo" versions of the old mono recordings and it is only since the creation of the cutting-edge audio process DES (Digitally Extracted Stereo) that we can do this.
Previous Mono <> Stereo versions have not quite made their mark. So is it possible that this new 2023 set can help fans appreciate the real magic and brilliance of Elvis at SUN? EIN's 2,600 word review by Piers Beagley looks in-depth at whether new upgrades in "DES" software can help create something special from these old SUN classics...
(CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'Elvis’ Women' documentary series on Amazon Prime: Elvis Presley’s relationship with the women closest to him is to be revealed in an Amazon Prime Video documentary series.
Premiering this week, Elvis’ Women aims to “uncover a man who was much more complex than the public perception of the titular American icon,” according to the show’s synopsis. Elvis’ Women goes offstage to reveal more about the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll through the eyes of the women whose love for the man endures: his nurse, his fiancé, his live-in girlfriends, his many dalliances and fans.
Episode one sees his rise to fame in the 1950s recounted by the various women he dated at the time while revealing a mama’s boy who never recovered from his mother Gladys' sudden death, while the second installment follows the ups-and-downs of his relationship with Priscilla Beaulieu and Ann-Margret.
Episode three charts his post-Priscilla search for true love in the 1970s, towards the end of his life.
The show will be available on Prime Video in the UK and other European territories this week and is also streaming on RTL+ in Germany.
It is produced by UK indie Renowned Films, which also makes the likes of Discovery+’s Ice Cold Catch and BBC Three’s The Drop. Go here to Amazon.uk to check it out
'Elvis’ Women' comes off the back of Baz Luhrmann biopic 'ELVIS' which was nominated for eight Oscars including Best Actor and Best Picture. (News, Source;Alanna Nash/Amazon/EIN)
EIN Note: While Alanna Nash posted news of the series on Facebook, it does not appear to have any connection to her excellent book, Baby, Let’s Play House: Elvis Presley and the Women Who Loved Him. Read EIN’s detailed review of the book ………Amazon Prime also features many of Elvis’ films and various documentaries about his life and career.
Unusual Elvis book release: - 'We Love Elvis!: Interior Design, Elvis Presley & Graceland in Bogota, Columbia': The Elvis literary canon is an eclectic one and this recent book (available in hardback and softcover) highlights just how diverse books about Elvis can be. The book is apparently "dual language" (English and Spanish). Here are the respective book descriptions:
.. This is the companion guidebook for the We Love Elvis! penthouse apartment in Bogota, Colombia. It details the recent renovation of a luxury apartment into an Elvis Presley Graceland inspired palace. This guidebook includes detailed descriptions of the apartment with multiple photographs of the current decor and renovations in addition to general travel information for the visitors to the city of Bogota, Colombia.
Please note: Elvis never toured internationally during his career, with the exception of his military service, when he was sent to Germany (and met the young Priscilla Ann Beaulieu). So, Elvis Presley has never entered this building, nor is this apartment in any way affiliated with Elvis Presley, his heirs, or Elvis Presley Enterprises.
Many of the photographs contained within, of Elvis Presley, and Graceland are courtesy of the Elvis Presley estate. Many others have entered the public domain. When possible, images have been attributed to the original photographers.
Spanish translation: Esta es la guía complementaria en tapa dura de We
love Elvis! Penthouse en Bogotá, Colombia. Detallan la reciente remodelación de un apartamento de lujo inspirado en la mansión de Elvis Presley "Graceland". Está guía incluye descripciones detalladas del apartamento con Múltiples fotografías de la decoración actual y las renovaciones, además de información general de viaje para visitantes a la ciudad de Bogotá.
Debe tener en cuenta que Elvis Presley nunca realizó giras internacionales durante su carrera, con la excepción de cuando prestó su servicio militar apostado en Alemania donde conoció a la joven Priscilla Ann Beaulieu. "Es por eso que Elvis Presley no ha entrado a este edificio ni este apartamento está relacionado de alguna manera con "Elvis Presley Enterprises". Muchas de las fotografías contenidas en el interior de Elvis Presley y Graceland son cortesía del patrimonio de Elvis Presley. Muchas de ellas han pasado al dominio público. Cuando ha sido posible las imágenes se han atribuido a los fotógrafos originales. (News, Source: Amazon/EIN)
It is regularly updated and includes news of new releases, reader comments, and links to reviews.
(News, Source: EIN)
Tuesday 16 May 2023
Publication update - 'From Memphis to Tokyo: A Reference Guide to the Absolute Mastery of Elvis' Japanese Vinyl' (David Ward & Dick Dekker): Publication of this eagerly awaited release, which was originally announced for publication this month, has slipped to Summer 2023 (Northern Hemisphere).
All Elvis Japanese vinyl will be featured in text and photos: 78rpm, singles, EPs, and 10 and 12 inch albums.
The authors are highly regarded: Dick Dekker was co-author of both Bootleg Elvis and From Memphis to Taipeh: A Reference Guide to the Colourful Magic of Elvis' Asian Vinyl Volume 1, while David Ward authored Elvis in Japan: Japanese LPs 1956-2018 (pictured).
Now Updated (Spotlight) 'Elvis biopic and Agent Elvis – Revisionist History and Reinforcing Negative Stereotypes?':In a thought-provoking 3,000 word article, EIN’s Nigel Patterson examines the impact of Baz Luhrmann’s film 'ELVIS' and the adult-orientated animation, Agent Elvis.
Undoubtedly in any mass-media the dehumanisation of Elvis is a real issue but marketing the man has always been more concerned with the “mainstream” commodification of his name since mid-1950s. So are these new millennium productions good or bad for how society views Elvis and which one will have the greatest impact? .. Read the article... Now Updated with YOUR comments
(Spotlight, Source:ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis Presley: The Airplanes & The King' (Carlos Varrenti): The 3rd edition of Carlos Varrenti's book about Elvis and his airplanes has been published. The 1st edition was in Spanish and the revised, expanded 2nd edition (400+ pages), in English. However, the book was not widely available. The 3rd edition (285 pages) features new information but also has been edited to reduce the total number of pages and make the book affordable for more fans. Unlike the earlier editions this volume is available to all fans from Amazon sites!
The book is described as:
.. As an aeronautical engineer and lifelong Elvis Presley fan, I have always been fascinated by the King's connection to aviation. Since my first visit to Graceland in 2001, I have been compiling every detail I could find about Elvis and his planes - every short paragraph in a book, every video, every photograph, and every bit of information. Now, I am thrilled to share this wealth of knowledge and unique Elvis stories in the third edition of "The Airplanes & the King."
.. This book provides a detailed account of Elvis's aviation history, featuring photos and stories from 1955 through 1977. It offers a fascinating look at Elvis's life on tour from an original and compelling perspective. The book includes archival material, personal stories, and stunning imagery that will captivate aviation enthusiasts and Elvis fans alike. Whether you are a die-hard fan or simply curious about the King's connection to the skies, "The Airplanes & the King" is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of aviation and popular culture.
EIN's Nigel Patterson read the 2nd edition earlier this year. Read Nigel's detailed review (News, Source: EDBD; Amazon/EIN)
Why the ELVIS biopic almost didn’t get made: When Austin Butler won the Break Through Performance Award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival and director Baz Luhrmann won the Creative Impact in Directing Award last year, Baz Luhrmann’s acceptance speech included revealing information about the biopic:
Accepting his award, Luhrmann said that like children, he loves all his films equally but differently. But ‘ELVIS’ he said, was different because “we almost lost that child. During the pandemic, Tom Hanks got some cold thing, it turned out to be Covid 19. And so the film fell apart, I couldn’t keep the cast together. I went to Austin and said 'the film’s over'.” Luhrmann explained.
But Butler had an incredible connection to the movie, and he said “I’m not going" Luhrmann remembered.
“He inspired me to go back to Tom and say, ‘You’ve got to do this. We held this child like a precious, precious thing because its mission was to get born and bring audiences back into theaters, and the fact that it actually happened is why I’m standing here now.” (News, Source: AP)
Priscilla Settles Dispute over Lisa Marie estate: News just in from CNN.
Priscilla has reached a settlement agreement over her petition questioning the validity of her late daughter's will.
Priscilla's attorney Ronson J. Shamoun stated, “The parties would like to report that they’ve reached a settlement" at the court hearing in LA on Tuesday.
The agreement pertains to the Promenade Trust, which names Riley Keough as the beneficiary of her late mother’s estate. Details of the agreement were not discussed in court.
Attorneys for the parties said they plan to file a motion to seal the settlement agreement.
The judge asked for the settlement and the motion to seal to be filed by June 12 and set another hearing in the case for Aug. 4.
Shamoun told reporters “The families are happy. Everyone is happy, unified, together and excited for the future.”
Riley Keough attorney Justin Gold told CNN “she is very content.”
Lisa Marie died in January after being hospitalized following an apparent cardiac arrest at her California home.
Priscilla disputed a 2016 amendment to her daughter’s will which states that Lisa Marie Presley removed her mother and former business manager, Barry Siegel, as co-trustees, replacing them with her children Riley and Benjamin Keough.
The petition, filed in January alleged that Priscilla Presley did not receive the amendment while her daughter was alive, as required by her Trust, and that the document misspells Priscilla’s name.
The petition also alleged that the amendment was not witnessed or notarized and questioned the authenticity of Lisa Marie’s signature.
Lisa Marie Presley’s cause of death remains under review, according to the LA County Coroner. (News, Source;CNN/EIN) EIN Thanks our friend Larry C for the word-up
Priscilla Denies feud with Riley Keough over Graceland estate: According to "tabloid sources" Priscilla has shut down claims that she and her granddaughter Riley Keough are at war over Lisa Marie's estate during a rare public outing three days ago.
Despite reports that she has been feuding with Elvis' granddaughter Riley Keough the 77-year-old former wife of Elvis said speculation that they are at odds is just a 'a bunch of B.S.'
When asked if people should not 'believe what we’re reading' about the drama between her and Keough, Priscilla shook her head.
When asked "Are you guys OK? So, you guys are on good terms?"
Priscilla answered "Yes, we are . . . yep". (EIN notes: Seriously, what else would she say to the paparazzi?)
Her comments come after her and Elvis' only daughter Lisa Marie’s devastating death, followed by rumored legal battles over the Graceland estate.
Following Lisa Marie’s death, Priscilla filed documents to dispute who oversees her late daughter’s estate.
She took issue with the validity of a 2016 amendment to Lisa Marie's living trust.
In that amendment, Lisa Marie removed Priscilla and a former business manager as trustees and replaced them with her two oldest children, Riley Keough and Benjamin Keough, who would take over the trust when she died.
After her recent death, Lisa Marie’s daughters Riley Keough, Harper and Finley will receive Graceland, which is held in a trust.
A living trust is a form of estate planning that allows a person to control their assets while alive but have them distributed if they die. It serves the function of a will if a separate will is not filed, as appears to be the case with Lisa Marie.
Lisa Marie Presley's last public appearance was at the Golden Globes on January 10th.
EPE managing partner Joel Weinshanker claimed that before her death Lisa Marie was "very, very quite certain and quite direct about who she wanted to have the legacy left to." That was always Riley and Ben. There was never a question in her mind that they would be the stewards, that they would look at it exactly the way she did. Obviously, when Ben passed, it really sat with Riley,"
Although Riley is a movie star, she's an award-winning director, she had always had an interest and had always known that one day, she would be in charge."
To EIN, the truth still seems somewhat murky (News, Source;Various/EIN)
While Adolf Hitler is dead, his son, Ivan, is very much alive and seeking vengeance for the death of his mother and father.
He also has access to technology which makes him a threat to the survival and security of the world.
And did I mention, Ivan is also an Elvis tragic!
'Blue Hawaii' new Memphis Mansion VINYL: Just announced by the Memphis Mansion label 'Blue Hawaii' on 180g blue vinyl.
This mix, never heard before, has been created using the same skills developed to realise the ‘Mono II Stereo’releases.
Isolation of particular instruments enabled new stereo placements to be made to create this brand new mix. Tracks - Side One
1. Blue Hawaii
2. Almost Always True
3. Aloha Oe
4. No More
5. Can’t Help Falling In Love (movie version)
6. Rock A Hula Baby
7. Moonlight Swim
Tracks - Side Two
1. Ku-u-i-Po (movie version)
2. Ito eats
3. Slicin’ Sand
4. Hawaiian Sunset
5. Steppin’ Out Of Line
6. Beach Boy Blues (movie version)
7. Island Of Love
8. Hawaiian Wedding Song
The original RCA movie soundtrack included versions (takes) of some songs that were not the ones used in the actual movie, those versions have now been used to better illustrate the original movie soundtrack experience, along with a couple of surprises that will only be revealed when listening to the album.
Limited numbered collectors edition of only 300 Collectors Note: When first released by RCA the backing vocals were placed to the left as opposed to them being in their correct position on the right, that was a confirmed mistake and is now corrected.
This Memphis Mansion release of the Blue Hawaii soundtrack is a brand new and unique listening experience, so ‘take off your shoes, put down your hair, turn on the music and get somewhere!’ Go here to Memphis Mansion to Pre-Order (News, Source;AS/ElvisInfoNet)
The Dead Rock Stars (Jay Watson and Kyle Wiltshire): In keeping with EIN’s review of the book Elvis vs Hitler, this new novel (due out on November 30), also sounds as though it could be fun:
What if famous rock stars from the past, those who died young, in sudden and tragic ways, actually faked their deaths to become secret agents? Welcome to the world of The Dead Rock Stars, the heroes we never knew we had.
The Dead Rock Stars is a tale about Cole Denton, a young tech genius who discovers the secret world of rock star secret agents. He is tasked with saving the world from an unknown threat— one that’s closer to home than either Elvis Presley or the team can imagine. But can they beat the clock before it strikes midnight on December 31, 1999?
In a twisting and nostalgic story, The Dead Rock Stars is an alternate history, placed squarely in the realm of real-world events, that happened without anyone knowing. Brimming with pop culture references for music lovers of every generation, the novel’s fast and hilarious plot will keep readers guessing at every turn. (News, Source: Amazon UK/EIN)
'James Burton and Friends' June 4 UK concert: James Burton's website confirms the great news that "James is back! And will perform a show with all his musical friends at the London Palladium on June 4th 2023"
One of the most recognised musicians in rock and roll, rockabilly and country music, James Burton’s name has since been attached to such legendary artists as George Harrison, Elvis Presley, Ricky Nelson, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, The Everly Brothers, John Denver, Emmylou Harris and on 1000s of recordings. His innovative use of banjo strings on his guitar in the 1950s to bend and stretch notes, coupled with his unique ‘chicken pickin’ playing style revolutionised rock, country and pop guitar and continues to inspire and influence artists across all generations to this day.
He holds a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, inducted by long time fan and friend Keith Richards in 2001, and has also been recognised by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
It should come as little surprise then that Burton’s London appearance on 4 June has drawn the participation of many of his fellow musicians from around the world.
Joining Burton in this special one-off event are Sir Brian May, Van Morrison, Albert Lee, and Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, with more surprise guests to be announced.
Guitarist Sir Brian May commented: “This concert, centered around my hero James Burton, one of the most influential guitar players of all time, is something we’ve been wanting to do ever since we played together in Nashville in 2019. It’s for a great man, and a great cause (the James Burton, Foundation) – and best of all we all get to play with James Burton!”
This very special and historic show ‘James Burton & Friends UK,’ will take its audience on a unique musical experience across more than six decades of exceptional musical history. Go here for tickets (News, Source;JB/EIN)
Thursday 11 May 2023
Regarding our recent article on "'ELVIS' biopic vs 'Agent Elvis' Revisionist History and Reinforcing Negative Stereotypes?'"
EIN was sent this great 'ELVIS' v reality scene comparisons' which truly demonstrates how hard Baz Luhrmann worked to closely re-create Elvis' genuine performances.
Some reenactments are astonishing and blow every previous Biopic version of "Elvis" out of the water. Check it out.
Thanks to Barry for word-up (News, Source;BS/EIN)
'ELVIS' DoP Mandy Walker Wins Again: The Australian Cinematographers Society (ACS) named ELVIS' Mandy Walker cinematographer of the year at its national awards this week.
This marked the first time the society’s Milli Award (presented since 1968) has ever been won by a woman.
Walker also took home the Gold Tripod in the Feature Films (budget $2+ million) for her work on 'ELVIS'. Again she is the first woman to win this award.
The Milli Award is yet another glass ceiling smashed by Walker in the last 12 months, having also been the first woman to ever win the AACTA Award for Best Cinematography, American Society of Cinematographers feature film award for ELVIS. Walker was also just the third woman to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Cinematography.
She was also nominated for a BAFTA.
Walker told the audience at the ACS Awards that she was proud to be the first woman to win the Milli and that she hoped many more will follow.
“It’s an honour and privilege to have won the Milli and to have worked on ELVIS with so many Australian filmmakers who are undeniably at the top of their game.
As a team we created an incredibly special piece of cinema.
Australian cinematographers continue to create some of the best work across the globe and I am truly humbled to win this award.”
Austin Butler Wins Again!: The awards keep on flowing for those involved in the making of Baz Luhrmann’s glittering biopic, ELVIS.
Actor Austin Butler has won the award for 'Best International Actor' at the 2023 Irish Film and Television Awards.
Martin McDonagh’s latest film 'The Banshees of Inisherin' and Apple’s comedy series 'Bad Sisters' took the top honors for Best Film and Best Drama at this year’s Irish Film & TV Awards (IFTAs).
The awards were handed out to the winners at Dublin’s Royal Convention Centre in Dublin, Ireland.
The IFTA Film & Drama Awards are awards given by the Irish Film & Television Academy for Irish television and film, the awards began in 1999.
Edward Berger’s All Quiet on the Western Front won the Award for International Film, while International Actress Award went to Australia's Cate Blanchett for her performance in Tár.
(News, Source;EIN/ElvisDayByDay)
'Elvis and Me' by Priscilla getting a revamp!: If there’s one musical icon people are still talking about, it’s Elvis Presley. Upon the release of the blockbuster movie, it makes sense why Elvis and Me by Priscilla Presley is getting revamped.
For those of us who weren’t alive upon its first publication, the book originally hit shelves in 1985. Written by Priscilla Presley in collaboration with Sandra Harmon, the book gave insight into the popular musician and his life with Priscilla.
While the two eventually divorced, their love is one still heavily discussed today. That’s why it makes sense for Berkley to republish it along with a new cover and in paperback.
This new makeover comes at an excellent time, too.
Not only did ELVIS catapult Priscilla Presley’s relationship with the king back into the spotlight, but the book is serving as an inspiration for an upcoming adaptation.
While the Elvis movie was popular, we’re going to be getting a new look at Priscilla’s life through the lens of Sofia Coppola. Entitled 'Priscilla', the film is going to be based on Elvis and Me with Cailee Spaeny playing Priscilla while Jacob Elordi is playing Elvis. At this point, there is no release date set for the film.
However, we do have all the details you need to know about the Elvis and Me makeover.
This new paperback version will be released on August 1st, 2023. While the original cover is clearly of its time, I can say that I vastly prefer the new one and I can see why Berkley chose to use that picture.
I feel like Elvis and Priscilla’s relationship is so glamorized that it’s nice to know she talks about the good, bad, and ugly within these pages. I have a feeling that this one is going to blow up upon its re-release and even more after the release of Priscilla. (News, Source: Rebecca Mills, Fansided.com/EIN)
'The Ultimate Music Guide to Elvis Presley' Magazine: In AUSTRALIAN Newsagents now: From UK's UNCUT (NME) publishers.... John Lennon famously said that before Elvis there was nothing, but that wasn’t strictly the case. As you’ll read in this latest Ultimate Music Guide, there was a whole previous generation of pop singers, and Bing Crosby was the guy routinely quizzed about Elvis’s rise. What did he think? Would it last? Bing, not engaging with the rock revolution per se, observed that perhaps Elvis would do well to try some different styles of song. Good advice, as it turned out.
Bing wasn’t the only one to help the writers of NME and Melody Maker register the impact of this new singer, and his new sound. Among the manufactured rivalries (“Elvis v Pat Boone”; “Elvis v Johnnie Ray” “No Presley without Haley”) created at the time by a British press struggling for information in an enormous world, Johnnie Ray makes the wise observation that Elvis is a force helping to make the world smaller. Such is the demand for Elvis’s music, Ray notes, his records are being released at the same time in the USA and England.
The NME wasn’t slow to pick up on the fact that Elvis isn’t just a singer, but a force which portends far more. Elvis has “swarthy good looks” and “sex appeal”, and it’s this which gives him the power to unsettle parents. And in so doing, they imply, sow the seeds for something remarkable and generational to follow.
In this comprehensive guide, in a selection of gems from our archive of historic Elvis writing. We also bring you a definitive guide to the absolute pick of Elvis’s extraordinary catalogue. The landmark early sessions. The
religious ones. The decent film soundtracks. The comeback records and the late classics. You’ll find it all inside.
Hopefully we can help you navigate your way through his kingdom. Go here for info. -- OUT NOW in local AUSTRALIAN Newsagents - Don't Miss it!
Monday 8 May 2023
(Spotlight article) 'Elvis biopic and Agent Elvis – Revisionist History and Reinforcing Negative Stereotypes?':In a thought-provoking 3,000 word article, EIN’s Nigel Patterson
examines the impact of Baz Luhrmann’s film 'ELVIS' and the adult-orientated animation, Agent Elvis.
Undoubtedly in any mass-media the dehumanisation of Elvis' genuine self is a real issue but marketing the man has always been more concerned with the “mainstream” commodification of his name and image since the mid-1950s. So are these new millennium productions good or bad for how society views Elvis and which one will have the greatest impact? .. Read the article...
(Spotlight, Source:ElvisInfoNet)
ELVIS WEEK 2023 - New Guests Announced: Graceland has added the following guests to the Elvis Week line-up, including three who will be making their first-ever Elvis Week appearance!
They will join us to share their Elvis memories, stories, and music! - Allan Blye -Writer on Elvis' ‘68 Comeback Special
@ ’68 Special Enhanced Screening, Conversations on Elvis - Janice Fadal- Daughter of theater owner and disc jockey, Eddie Fadal. While Elvis was going through boot camp at Fort Hood, Elvis made the Fadal’s home in Waco his “home away from home."
@ Conversations on Elvis - Gene McAvoy- Art director on Elvis’ ’68 Comeback Special
@ ’68 Special Enhanced Screening, Conversations on Elvis - John Schneider - Singer/actor whose acting career includes the iconic role of "Bo Duke" on The "Dukes of Hazzard." In 1981, he released a cover of the song “It’s Now or Never” as his first single and the title track of his debut album It's Now or Never.
@ Elvis Music Salute.
Already announced
special guests include Linda Thompson, Sam Thompson, Jerry Schilling, Glen Hardin, Spencer Sutherland, Mike Deasy, Tanya Lemani George, Terry Mike Jeffrey, The Blackwood Brothers Quartet, 10 Ultimate Elvis tribute artists, among others! Plus more exciting guest and event announcements yet to come!
Tickets On-sale Wednesday, April 5
Go here to EPE for more 'Schedule of Events' info (News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
(New book) 'Almanaque Elvis 2022' (Waldenir Cecon): Prolific Brazilian Elvis author, Waldenir Cecon, has published his latest book, Almanaque Elvis 2022 (Elvis Almanac 2022). The text is in Portuguese and the initial printing (book size: 19 x 27 cm) features a color cover and internally, 200+ pages including b&w images. A second printing with color images throughout will be made available for sale in Europe next month (size 16 x 23cm).
The book is inspired by Kees Mouwen's excellent Elvis Day By Day series - featuring Elvis news and for the Almanac, articles and features not in the EDBD series - the 2022 edition has a special tribute to Lisa Marie Presley. Waldenir intends that the Almanac will be an annual publication.
For more information about Almanaque Elvis 2022 and Waldenir's other Elvis books, visit the Elvis Presley Brasil
(Elvis Presley's World Fan Club) site and some of Waldenir's books are also available for sale in Europe from Clube de Autores.-
Updates on the European edition of the Almanaque will appear on EIN as they become available. (News, Source: Waldenir Cecon)
Update - 'Rethinking Elvis' (Mark Duffett): The academic book, Rethinking Elvis, edited by Dr. Mark Duffett, originally announced for release last year, has been rescheduled for publication in early November 2023.
Riley Keough graces cover of Vogue Australia (May issue): In the accompanying article in the latest edition of Vogue Australia, Elvis' granddaughter, Riley, talks about her love for Australia ("like a second home") and how she and Aussie husband, Ben Smith-Peterson, would like to buy a home here one day. Riley also discusses her incredibly busy life (where she has "no chill time").
Riley was most recently seen as the star of the Netflix hit, Daisy Jones & The Six.
New Elvis DVD Box-set: From Oscar-winning films to unforgettable
television shows, Warner Bros is celebrating '100 YEARS of storytelling' that has entertained audiences around the world since 1923.
Part of the celebration is a new 7-DVD Elvis box-set - "Best of WB 100th: Elvis 7-Film Collection"
.. Warner Bros has released a series of celebratory films and animation bundles on digital, Blu-ray and DVD, including four 25-film volumes and a 100 film collection plus “Best of” animation compilations from the most beloved Warner Bros franchises.
Throughout the year, Warner Bros will also release remastered film titles available for the first time in 4K Ultra-High Definition, including the Superman 5-Film Collection, The Maltese Falcon, Rebel Without a Cause, Rio Bravo, East of Eden, and special 50th Anniversary editions of Enter the Dragon and The Exorcist. In addition multiple themed digital film bundle collections will be available throughout 2023 including Harry Potter,The Dark Knight and more. The ELVIS set includes..
Jailhouse Rock (1957)
Viva Las Vegas (1964)
Girl Happy (1965)
Elvis: That's The Way It Is (1970
Elvis On Tour (1972 )
This Is Elvis (1981)
EIN Notes, it happens to be identical to the release "Elvis | 7 Film Collection" released by Roadshow Entertainment last June 2022!
Go here to Walmart to check it out. Priced at ONLY US$14.96 (News, Source;NP/ElvisInfoNet)
Elvis reveals what he thought about KISS:“OK, I get it!” said Elvis Presley while listening to KISS in the basement of Graceland in 1974. In a recent interview, Presley’s stepbrother Billy Stanley shared the memory of a time he and Elvis once listened to KISS’ 1975 live album, 'Alive! together'.
Prior to buying the album and playing it in the basement of Graceland, Stanley had seen KISS for the first time and was clearly a fan.
“I got it cranked up, playing air guitar” said Stanley. “Elvis comes down and asks ‘What are you listening to?’” and Stanley replied, “It’s a band called Kiss. And I showed him the album cover and he said, ‘Uh, OK.’ He sat down on the couch, looking at it, and he said, ‘OK, I get it.’”
Still taking in what he was listening to, Elvis wanted to hear one song, in particular again, “Let Me Go, Rock ‘n’ Roll,” according to Stanley.
The song was originally released on KISS’ second album, Hotter Than Hell in 1974, before the live version was featured on Alive!
“Elvis, ‘So play that song again that you was just playing,'” added Stanley. “It was ‘Let Me Go Rock [and] Roll.’ I played it. I actually played it two times for him, and I was surprised when he said, ‘Play it again.’ I played it again.”
Stanley added, “I said, ‘What do you think?’ He said, ‘Well, I understand the whole thing. You know, KISS – keep it simple, stupid. And they got the makeup so they can walk around when they get off the stage. Nobody sees them and knows who they are or anything like that.’ He said, ‘Good idea.’”
Presley elaborated more on the track, hearing deeper roots of 1950s influences in KISS music. “He said, ‘Billy, listen to it. All it is is a ‘50s groove. But that guitar player,'” remembered Stanley. “I said, ‘That’s Ace [Frehley].’ He said, ‘That guy’s got some X-rated guitar licks. I really like him.’
Before he walked out of the room he said, ‘I get it. It’s three chords and a cloud of dust and that’s how you do it. And you leave them wanting more. I’m sure that’s how they do it in their live performances.”
KISS founding members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley have always praised Presley. In 2017, statues of the four KISS members were featured in the ICONS: The Influence of Elvis Presley exhibit at Graceland, featuring a collection of artists influenced by The King over the decades. “Elvis is King,” said Simmons. “Period.”
KISS’ Stanley added, “No one’s name says more than his Elvis. It roars while others whisper.” (New, Source: Tina Benitz-Eves, AmericanSongwriter.com/EIN)
'HANG LOOSE - Elvis Live From Hawaii, January 12, 1973' STAR DVD: At the start of this year STAR released the now near sold out "Elvis From Hawaii"
The dvd included all available camera angles combined with new sound and is to date the best version out there.
Now the rehearsal concert has been giving the same treatment, with remastered sound and for the first time ever it includes MULTIPLE angles of the show... Check out the trailer HERE and be amazed!
This REGION FREE factory pressed dvd is limited to 500 copies and will most likely sell out before the summer.
Next to the complete live concert it also includes the interview Elvis gave on his arrival on Honolulu to Tom Moffat and some other nice surprises like "The Story behind Burning Love"
"Proud Mary" (Official Clip) "I've Got A Feeling In My Body" (Elvis arrives on Hawaii) and more!
Order Now to make sure you can enjoy this show like never before!
(New book) 'Elvis vs Hitler: Elvis Is Alive IV' (Robert Mickey Maughon): This new novel which was published in late April (available in softcover and Kindle formats) may not to be everyone's taste (given its title).
However, Mickey Maughon's Elvis is Alive series has been entertaining. The book has 222 pages (softcover)/140 pages (Kindle). The book description: Fictional account that speculates how a world famous music and entertainment icon is called upon to help his country, the United States Of America, by exposing a dictator wanna-be mad scientist who has his mind set on world dominance via nuclear weaponry. Ironically, this dictator bears a striking resemblance to the world renown entertainer, even to the point of being indistinguishable from the icon, including his musical and performance skills, and is using that skill set to put his evil plan into action. (News, Source: Amazon/NP/EIN)
'DB King: The Dead Creole Club' (Book 1) (Diana Marie DuBois): For those who are Kindle format readers, this new "fiction" title (print length: 220 pages) is being released on May 16. The (quite clever) book description: A deal with the skeletal man has my temperature risin’, and it’s burning through to my soul...
As an Elvis tribute artist, the King’s music has not only been my life but my entire career. All that changed the night flames lifted higher and higher, turning my club to smoke and dreams to ash. In my lowest moment, a skeletal man appeared... and didn't bother with a disguise. We struck a deal that seemed too good to be true. Because it was. Heaven help me, I didn't see the cunning in his eyes. Elvis finds himself down in the underworld brought down by the loa of the dead who has a deal for the King of Rock and Roll. He's in trouble since he arrived. You’d almost think his middle name was misery. Now, the spirit of the King himself is trapped within me, leaving us no choice but to share my body. Our goals? To restore my singing voice and break him free from an eternity of performing in the Underworld. With a little less conversation, and tons more action, can we find a way to work together for our mutual benefit? Or are we caught in a trap with no way to walk out? (News, Source: Amazon/NP/EIN))
Other ELVIS related books in the pipeline: Other books due for publication later this year include:
o Elvis Presley: Amor deccuidado (Portuguese edition) (Peter Guralnick)
o And Then There Was Elvis - A Superfan Adventures in the Elvis World (Elaine Christian with Virginia Coons)
o From Memphis to Tokyo: A Reference Guide to the Absolute Mastery of Elvis' Japanese Vinyl (David Ward and Dick Dekker)
o Elvis at 21: New York to Memphis (reissue) (Alfred Wertheimer)
o The Airplanes & The King (abridged Amazon edition) (Carlos Varrenti)
o Elvis Encore Performance VII: The Chicago Blues (June 17, 1972) (Joseph Tunzi)
o Elvis and the Colonel: An Insider's Look At the Most Legendary Partnership in Show Business (Greg McDonald and Marshall Terrill)
o Graceland: A Novel (Nancy Crochiere)
o Elvis Presley En España - Una Mirada Critica 1970-1990 (Volume 2) (Rubén Olivares Rosell) History's Most Influential Musicians
o Elvis and Me (reissue) (Priscilla Presley and Sandra Harmon)
o The Faith of Elvis (softcover edition) (Billy Stanley).
(News, Source: EIN; Amazon; EPALIB)
'From Memphis To Nashville: Essential Fifties Splices Vol.2' CD:From Memphis To Nashville - Essential Fifties Splices volume two is a deluxe digipack factory pressed cd.
The series next volume of the fifties, this time songs from 1953 - 1958.
It starts of with some Sun recordings and most sound very different then released before.
The Acetate medley has been compiled from the first 4 tracks Elvis recorded for private use, "Just listen to his voice ladies and gentlemen"
'Blue Moon of Kentucky' starts of with the slow version and then gets really going once the master kicks in..
'You're A Heartbreaker' has been edited the intro is different and it really sounds as if we have an alternate take.
'I Was the One' has been spliced with all available takes and you can hear Elvis trying out different approaches to the lyrics.
'Ain't That Loving You Baby' was first released in 1965 but here we have the remastered version not released officially yet.
Fans of this series know what to expect.. Go to 'All The Elvis CD News 2023' for full details and tracklist (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis Country On Stage' New Import CD: 'Elvis Country On Stage' is the new release from Meant to be Played Records.
It's been a long time since their last release, but it was worth the wait!
The series delivers discs not for collecting, but (meant to be) playing.
Although most die hard fans will have most (all) of the tracks included this is a special collection of Elvis' Country songs done live and
one you will be playing more then once.
As a bonus you get some stage rehearsals from 1973 as well as the last country song Elvis ever did; "I Really Don't Want To Know" taken from his last concert.
('Blue Moon of Kentucky' was the first country song Elvis sang live)
The artwork has a nice touch resembling a cool mixture from "Elvis Country" and "On Stage" resulting in 'Elvis Country On Stage'
Elvis Artifacts at the Rockhurst Entertainment Auction: Check out your last minute bids because the May Rockhurst Entertainment Auction ends Thursday May 4 US time.
This month's auction features an incredible 190+ lots of Elvis Presley personal clothing, his jewelry, autographs, personal effects and vintage concert memorabilia.
Includes newly available artifacts from the Trude Forsher Archive as well as Graceland cook Nancy Rooks. Highlights include - Feb 1976 Elvis sSigned Contract for "Presley's Center Courts" - Initialed FOUR TIMES! (BAS)
Estimate: $30,000 - $40,000 - Elvis owned "Box Car" Diamond and Gold Ring - Acquired Backstage at His Final Las Vegas Concert on Dec. 12, 1976
Estimate: $30,000 - $40,000 - Elvis owned "Musical Note" Black Star Sapphire, Diamond and Gold Ring - Acquired Backstage Dec 12, 1976
Estimate: $20,000 - $25,000 - 1971 Elvis Handwritten Numerology Notes on Envelope - Given to Las Vegas Waitress (Elvira "Mistress of the Dark")
Estimate: $10,000 - $15,000 - Elvis Handwritten Note "E.P. Loves B.L.T." on Las Vegas International Hotel Napkin - From Barbara Leigh Collection
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000 - Elvis Personally Owned 1956 EPE Overnight Case - Given to Girlfriend Barbara Leigh-
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000 - 1957 Elvis Presley Signed Photo Folio - With Jailhouse Rock Ad on Back Cover.
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
- 1956 STILL SEALED RCA Elvis Presley Debut Album ELVIS PRESLEY (LPM-1254) - Estimate: $1,000 - $1,500
- also of interest Carl Perkins Owned and Played Gibson "Blues Hawk" Guitar.
Estimate: $15,000 - $20,000 Go here to check out ALL the Rockhurst 'ELVIS memorabilia' for sale (News, Source;Jeff Marren/EIN)
Apart from the lovely rings, three items caught EIN's eye. The Elvis signed "Presley's Center Courts" contract, the cute "E.P. Loves B.L.T." and also the fabulous Elvis' Numerology Notes on envelope. Check them out...
Barbara Gray of "The Kiss" has died: In June 1956 at an Elvis concert in Richmond, Virginia, Alfred Wertheimer snapped some iconic photographs. One photograph in particular became quite famous.. a photo of Elvis apparently attempting to kiss a young lady.
Gray's family posted... "It is with great sadness that Barbara Gray passed away March 1st. Born in Charleston, SC.
Famously known as the, mystery kiss woman, in the iconic photo kissing Elvis Presley in 1956.
Survived by her daughter Debbie and husband Malcolm Gray"
In 1956 Barbara Gray (then "Bobbi" Wright) couldn't remember what Elvis and she talked about that night the alcohol had taken its toll. But she does remember that Elvis told her he was leaving for Richmond the next morning. He said that he had to leave early, but that he wanted to meet her, and would send a car by to pick her up.. She went back to her friends and the party, and promptly forgot all about it.
... She did not expect to ever hear from Elvis again.. Read the whole story in EIN's spotlight by our friend Ron Brandon who back in 2010 "stumbled upon" the the mystery kisser in the photos. (News, Source;Elvis Matters/EIN)
Elvis' 1956 Mystery Kisser Found! Former Memphis radio engineer Ron Brandon believes that he has finally found the famous 1956 'Elvis Mystery Kisser'. In 1956 it was Ron Brandon who recorded the famous Mississippi-Alabama Fair concert and so was well aware of the iconic photographs of Alfred Wertheimer including the ones taken in June 1956 at an Elvis concert in Richmond, Virginia. There were over forty of the photos of Elvis many of them featuring an attractive young lady. One or two of these photographs, in particular, have become quite famous.. photos of Elvis apparently attempting to kiss the young lady.
In 2010, earlier this year Brandon "stumbled upon" the woman who claimed to be the mystery kisser in the photos. Having lived in Richmond at one time, Brandon was intrigued enough follow through with a full interview - and was convinced without any reservation whatever, that she is the mystery kisser.
This led to a phone-call with Mr. Wertheimer, Ron Brandon and the mystery kisser - which in the end was sworn to confidentiality.... Go here to the fascinating story of how Ron Brandon finally tracked her down.An EIN 2010 exclusive. (Spotlight, Source;Ron Brandon/ElvisInfoNet)
The King's Coronation: In a marvelous juxtaposition the UK Guardian featured this photo in yesterday's paper showing Camilla Queen Consort of the United Kingdom with two other kings!
It was in the Memphis Press-Scimitar on May 4, 1956 that local journalist Robert Johnson called Elvis “the fledgling King of Rock’n’Roll” and the name caught on in every form of media as Elvis' popularity sky-rocketed.
Elvis, of course, never accepted the title "The King".
In concert Elvis explained 'There's only one "King" and that's Jesus' and when pressed at his 1969 Press conference Elvis stated, "Fats Domino.. I love him, he is the greatest!"
EIN hopes EPE is getting their 10% royalties this weekend. (News, Source;NP/ElvisInfoNet)
Tuesday 2 May 2023
Gordon Lightfoot has died age 84: Gordon Lightfoot, one of Canada’s greatest songwriters, has died at the age of 84. He died of natural causes in a Toronto hospital, Monday May 1, with his passing confirmed by his publicist.
His songs were covered by artists including Elvis Presley, Barbra Streisand and Johnny Cash.
Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau described him as one of the country's greatest singer-songwriters.
Lightfoot hailed from a tiny town in Ontario born in 1938. He first made his name in Toronto's coffeehouse scene and would then find international fame in with "If You Could Read My Mind" in 1971.
That song says Toronto music critic Robert Everett Green, contains what would become some of Lightfoot's favorite themes: loss, longing and nostalgia.
Lightfoot's voice was raspy and regretful, the perfect complement to his rugged hinterlands look. Lightfoot was the epitome of the articulate storyteller in song, with an accompanying gift for unforgettable melodies that remained rooted in acoustic folk, but crossed into the rock world with ease.
Bob Dylan once said that he didn’t think he had ever heard a Gordon Lightfoot song he didn’t like, and described him as a “mentor.”
From early songs such as “Ribbon of Darkness”, “Did She Mention My Name” to the signatures anthems such as “Early Morning Rain,”
“If You Could Read My Mind,” “Sundown,” “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” “The Circle Is Small,” his songs captured his fans.
Songs such as "Early Morning Rain" covered by Elvis Presley would describe the ever-changing world "You can't jump a jet plane, like you can a freight train" - Elvis would also cover Lightfoot's "For Lovin' Me"..
Lightfoot’s place in the pantheon of Canadian art cannot be overstated, and he commanded a place of undisputed prominence from his emergence there in the mid-1960s until his death. Lightfoot continued to record and tour exhaustively until he was recently taken ill. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'Trains, Jet Planes and Morning Rain' EIN Spotlight: Elvis Presley’s cover of 'Early Morning Rain' has exerted an enduring appeal, with composer Gordon Lightfoot going as far as to call it his favourite cover of one of his songs.
The 1971 album 'Elvis Now' is still treasured by one Elvis fan. Gordon Lightfoot admitted that, in the 1970s, he hadn’t paid much attention to the King’s cover of his classic song Early Morning Rain. “It didn’t really register until after he was gone, but I loved the job he did on it. I have it right here on my desk. I keep it here. It’s 'Elvis Now'.”
Lightfoot's great regret is that he never met Elvis. He went to one concert hoping to meet up, “There were 18,000 people at the show but by the time I got back there to meet him, a voice said: ‘Elvis has left the building'. I had an appointment! But there were too many people around.” Go here where respected author Paul Simpson takes a fascinating look at this sometimes overlooked song... (Spotlight, Source;PaulSimpson/ElvisInfoNet)
New FTDs OUT NOW: And heading to your local Elvis dealers this week....
- 'Elvis As Recorded At Madison Square Garden' 3-CD set.OUT NOW.
After Elvis completed a hugely successful and sold-out tour filmed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer for the 1972 documentary 'Elvis On Tour' in April, confidence was high in the Elvis camp with all four shows at New York's Madison Square Garden sold out, as did the rest of the June tour. Any reservations Elvis might have had about performing in the Big Apple were quickly dispelled as the noise from the MSG crowd was deafening. The New York Times 'Arts and Leisure' headline summing up the triumph read 'Like a Prince From Another Planet'. Elvis As Recorded at Madison Square Garden with the evening show of June 10 was a rush release later in the month and sold a million copies in the US in just a few weeks. Total US sales to date exceed 3 million, achieving triple platinum status. The afternoon show was eventually released by RCA as An Afternoon In The Garden in 1997, 20 years after Elvis' death.
This belated FTD 50th Anniversary Edition celebrates these legendary shows with remixed versions of both shows by Memphis recording engineer Matt-Ross Spang. Disc 3 contains the original press conference, recorded at the New York Hilton on June 9th.
Packaged in our 8' x 8' 'Sessions' slipcase, this deluxe 3-CD includes a 20-page color booklet, great photos, memorabilia, press conference transcript and stories from the late Phil Gelormine.
- 'The Making Of Blue Hawaii': Following on from the success of ‘The Making of Jailhouse Rock”, FTD Books announces the release of “The Making of Blue Hawaii”.
The deluxe movie book by David English / Pal Granlund contains 387 pages of rare photos and extensive memorabilia from the film including shooting schedules and memories from cast and crew.
The music book includes 85 pages of photos and detailed recording documents. 4 compact discs feature the soundtrack recording sessions which are newly mixed from the original 3-track tapes. Featuring 50 unreleased takes, the songs are sequenced in recording order for the first time.
A 33rpm vinyl EP is also included.
Perhaps to compensate Elvis fans who cannot afford the Deluxe books there is also the unusual announcement that "The recording sessions audio will be issued later this year as an FTD audio only release".
'Elvis LIVE 1972' (double-LP) Review: On this brand new ‘ELVIS LIVE 1972’ double-vinyl release producer Ernst Jørgensen has cleverly included nearly all of the concert highlights from RCA's ‘On Tour’.
The album features a "best of" the four 'On Tour' concerts using one key section from each of the first three concerts (one per vinyl side) plus the missing unique tracks on Side D.
'On Tour' classics from Hampton Roads 'Polk Salad', 'Big Hunk O' Love', from Richmond 'It's Over', Greensboro 'Burning Love', 'Funny How Times Slips Away', 'For The Good Times' plus San Antonio 'Proud Mary', 'How Great Thou Art' are all included...
But if fans already own all these songs from the recent 'On Tour' box-set can this vinyl version really be worth buying?
This title was released on March 24 2023.
'Elvis News Report May 2023': Elvis super-fan Emiel Maier presents all the recent news including.. 'The Making of Blue Hawaii', The story of a vintage Love Me Tender movie
poster, Elvis at Madison Square Garden, an expensive handgun, Elvis Trivia Quiz .. and much
much more..
"Some white artists, like Elvis, exploit Black culture. So celebrate Bobby Caldwell, who enriched it": That the Elvis appropriated black music myth persists in 2023 is surprising. The latest article making the claim recently appeared in The Guardian and was written by Nels Abbey. Here is an excerpt:
In that moment, Caldwell could have culturally tanked, like Jamie Oliver’s ill-advised jollof rice, or seemed as ludicrous as the English faux hip-hop group Blazin’ Squad. He could have poppified his music and become enormous – like Vanilla Ice or Elvis Presley. Instead, Caldwell helped define the difference between being a cultural appropriator and a genuinely skilled and heartfelt cultural practitioner with a real understanding of and appreciation for the art, for the culture and its creators.
He didn’t think he sounded Black (he thought he sounded “like a white guy that was influenced by R&B music”, adding, “but people would swear up and down I was Black. Huge amounts of money were lost in bets.”). He also didn’t sound like a confused cultural voyeur. He was not leveraging any privilege; he was a genuinely great soul man.
EIN was not familiar with singer-songwriter, Bobby Caldwell, who died recently. On YouTube we could only find one song, What You Won't Do For Love (we are familiar with Michael Bolton's cover of the song), and Bobby's original recording resonates a wonderful soulful vocal and has a great jazzy feel, but more reflective of what lounge singers offer than r&b.
On researching Bobby Caldwell, it was interesting to find that his first big break in music was as a rhythm guitarist for Little Richard and that he later portrayed Frank Sinatra in tributes to the Rat Pack in Las Vegas.
It is disappointing that Nels Abbey did not do due diligence and research what black artists in the 1950s, such as Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley and B.B. King, said about how Elvis opened the door to their music being exposed to the (then) mainstream white audience and allowing their careers to be far more successful than they otherwise would have been. Elvis frequently acknowledged his debt to black music and black musicians.
Abbey doesn't appear to understand Elvis' purpose as a singer. Elvis never intended to be a "cultural practitioner", he blended the essence of r&b, country and gospel to give new life to their rhythms – Elvis’ music was a fusion of black and white music! What Elvis did was part of the natural evolution of music. Elvis’ recordings also were not confined to one genre, but were incredibly broad, encompassing rockabilly, rock 'n' roll, country, gospel, pop, semi-operatic, Latino, and rhythm & blues.
EIN suggests Nels Abbey read the books Thirty Pieces of Silver: The Betrayal of Elvis Presley (Joyce Rochelle Vaughn, a black American woman) and Dispelling the Myths: An Analysis of American Attitudes and Prejudices (Todd Rheingold). Read the full article
Also read EIN’s detailed Spotlight article:'Elvis was Not a racist' (News, Source: Nels Abbey (Guardian)/ElvisInfoNet)
Book 'Elvis Remembered: Interviews With the People Who Knew Him Best'(Shelly Powers): This potentially interesting hardcover (240 pages) was announced for publication on October 7, a month or so ago. The cover image is now available. This is the Amazon book description:
.... When Shelly Powers was 7, she told her mother that she'd marry Elvis Presley when she grew up She did -- though he was an impersonator, a tribute artist she met in Las Vegas
But over her 12 years living in Vegas, she joined an Elvis fan club After a few Elvis conventions she met Presley's personal photographer, Ed Bonja, and with him made her first Elvis Interview
What started as one interview became many more, and with them many more friendships with people in Elvis' circle Each of the 11 of Elvis' intimates interviewed here has a good story to tell Each is accompanied by period photographs of Elvis and the friend, movie posters, concert memorabilia, and unusual memories that every fan or Elvis will want to read.
Interviewees include:
• Ed Bonja Tour manager and official photographer 1970-77
• Cynthia Pepper Co-star in the movie "Kissin' Cousins"
• Darleen Thompkins from "Blue Hawaii" and remained close till his death
• Patti Perry Met Elvis when she was 17 and only female member of "Memphis Mafia"
• Myrna Smith Elvis backing singer 1969-77
• Joe (Diamond Joe) Esposito Lifelong friend and best man
• Sonny West Lifelong friend of Elvis and bodyguard
• Jerry Schilling Lifelong friend
• Larry Geller Spiritual advisor and personal hair stylist
• Jimmy Velvet Friend for 20 years and ran an Elvis memorabilia museum in Memphis
Packed with remarkable photographs, this will be a memorable fans' resource and enjoyable reading for anyone.
EIN Notes - While there are a few typos and factual errors in the promotional text, as the book is a series of interviews, it will have merit if those interviews offer new or interesting information. (News, Source: Amazon)
Muhammad Ali Talks About His Relationship With Elvis!: “The only white boy who had soul was Elvis Presley!” Two years before Elvis Presley passed away, he visited Ali at his Deer Lake, Pennsylvania training camp, asking that it would not be announced but kept quiet by Presley. Some of the comments Ali said about Elvis were: “Many celebrities have done talk shows, commercials, and other things but Elvis never did any of these!” “Elvis was the sweetest, most humble, and one of the nicest men you’d ever want to meet!” This Ali said at the funeral of Elvis in Memphis. “I felt a great loss when I heard of the death of my friend Elvis Presley.”
Per Gene Kilroy, Ali’s business manager: Ali was at an Elvis concert and asked to meet Elvis. He is taken to the dressing room of Elvis, and Elvis did his karate motions while Ali did his shadow boxing, facing one another. At the Elvis Memorial, Ali said, “Elvis was not just a great talent, but a great person. He was one white boy that had soul. I’m black and Muslim. Elvis was white and a Christian and one of the greatest of All-Times!”
On Phil Donahue’s show, Ali said about Elvis: “If he could get out of his grave, he would fill Yankee Stadium on a day’s notice.” “Elvis was not just great in spirit but had
a great heart!” I once did an article called “Two Kings One of Rock n’Roll and the other of the Ring!” It was pertaining to Elvis and Ali.
Elvis gave Ali a white robe with “People’s Choice on the back!” He wore it for the Joe Bugner fight when Ali first met Elvis in Las Vegas and in his next fight against Ken Norton. They were both the greatest in their professions, Elvis in Rock ’n’ Roll and Ali in boxing! (News, Source: Ken Hissner - Boxing News 24)
'The Faith of Elvis' is the top selling Christian music book: Billy Stanley's The Faith of Elvis continues to sell well. The hardback edition peaked at #1 on Amazon's Top 100 Best Sellers in Christian Music list (it is currently #16).
The new #1 on the list is the audiobook edition of Billy's book, while the Kindle edition has fallen to #51. The Faith of Elvis however is yet to be released "downunder" with the latest revised release date being 23 May.
Stanley notes... “Elvis was a Christian, and most people don’t know that, he was a Bible-carrying Christian … wherever he went, he took the Bible with him. He read the Bible almost every day.
Nobody can really imagine the position Elvis was in … here you have a man that really changed culture. I always thought … he had the devil on one side, and he’s got God on the other side, and there was a constant battle going on inside of his head. Elvis did his best … whenever he was in trouble, he would always turn to God.” Elvis was also the most generous giver I’ve ever met my life, giving money, cars and homes … to people he didn’t even know."
(News, Source: Amazon/ElvisInfoNet)
EIN Exclusives and News from earlier in April ...
Book Review: 8mm Elvis - The Story of Elvis on 8mm': Long before the days of Bluray, DVD and VHS people watched home movies on 8mm film. '8mm Elvis The Forgotten Format' is a glossy, colour, hardback book cataloguing the history of Elvis on 8mm film.
Author Vince Wright has been collecting all the Elvis 8mm he could find since the 80s.
He explained.. “I was cataloguing all these films hoping someone would write a book about it – I waited, they didn’t, so I did.”
So in 2023, and after many years of searching and researching, the author has released his comprehensive narrative and visual record of Elvis on 8mm.
This book is unique in its narrative and visual content and is an important inclusion in the complex jigsaw puzzle that forms a complete record of the multi-varied story of Elvis Presley. Go here to read Nigel Patterson's review
(Book Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'From Elvis At Sun' in Stereo; OUT NOW: From the Memphis Mansion label all of Elvis SUN recordings released "For The First Time In Stereo!" is released today.
This time promised in quality, realistic "Stereo" The Sun Singles:
1. That’s All Right
2. Blue Moon of Kentucky
3. Good Rockin’ Tonight
4. I Don’t Care If The Sun Don’t Shine
5. Milkcow Blues Boogie
6. You’re a Heartbreaker
7. Baby Let’s Play House
8. I’m Left, You’re Right, She’s Gone
9. I Forgot to Remember to Forget
10. Mystery Train
More Sun Masters:
11. Harbor Lights
12. I Love You Because
13. Blue Moon
14. Tomorrow Night
15. I’ll Never Let You Go
16. Just Because
17. My Baby’s Gone
18. Trying To Get To You
19. When It Rains It Really Pours Go to Memphis Mansion to order. - Great value at €13 (News, Source;MM/ElvisInfoNet)
John Cooper Clarke on ELVIS:"The thrill of Elvis has never gone away" - John Cooper Clarke
If you are British or perhaps watch the TV show '8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown' you will probably know of UK Poet John Cooper Clarke.
A seventies "Punk Poet" he has appeared on stage with bands such as The Sex Pistols, Joy Division, Elvis Costello and New Order.
In 2019 on BBC's long-running "Desert Island Discs" he chose two great records to share his loneliness with..
Jerry Lee Lewis' 'Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On'"What a mover, the greatest piano player that ever lived"
and Elvis' 'How Great Thou Art'- "Elvis is the greatest singer that ever lived. If anybody changed the nature of our world it is Elvis. The zenith of male beauty.
If you are on a Desert Island, sooner or later you are going to want to contemplate the nature of eternity and there is only one guy with the vocal equipment to do this and that is Elvis Presley - with his wonderful reading of 'How Great Thou Art'.
If I had to choose only one record for my desert island, no hesitation it would be ELVIS."
Recently he told UK's The Guardian of his 'Honest Playlist'.
The article includes... - The first single I bought was 'Rock Around the Clock' by Bill Haley & His Comets on 78 ... the first plastic 45 I bought was Diana by Paul Anka.
- The song I wish I’d written is 'White Christmas' It’d be a payout on an annual basis.
- The song that changed my life was 'All Shook Up' by Elvis Presley. I first discovered it on a fairground in Salford. It was like nothing else I’d heard. The thrill of Elvis as a whole package has never gone away.
- The song I want played at my funeral - I don’t want to think about it, but if I have to, 'Peace in the Valley' by Elvis."
See full Guardian article here (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis Presley, Burning Love: The RCA Rehearsals' RSD VINYL- OUT TODAY: RCA Legacy's Elvis release is now out for Record Store Day - April 22, 2023. 'Elvis Presley, Burning Love: The RCA Rehearsals' is being released as a double 12” Vinyl
The publicity notes.. 'Burning Love: The RCA Rehearsals' compiles the best of the rehearsal recordings around Elvis’ April 1972 US tour, all taken from the new Elvis On Tour collection.
The 2LP set features rare and unreleased versions of “Burning Love”, “Heartbreak Hotel” and “For The Good Times” along with some of Elvis’ favorite cover songs, gospel songs and more.
Selling for around US$60 from your local 'Record Store'.
(Thanks to javierTCB on FECC for the inside cover)
(News, Source;RSD/EIN)
Side A
1. Burning Love - Take 3 *
2. For The Good Times - Take 5 *
3. Always On My Mind - Take 3
4. Separate Ways - Take 2
5. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
Side B
1. See See Rider - Take 2
2. Proud Mary - Take 2
3. Never Been To Spain - Take 2
4. Until It’s Time For Me To Go
5. Polk Salad Annie
6. All Shook Up
7. Heartbreak Hotel
Side C
1. Help Me Make It Through The Night
2. Young And Beautiful
3. Lawdy, Miss Clawdy
4. Release Me (And Let Me Love Again)
5. A Big Hunk O’Love - Take 2
6. Funny How Time Slips Away
7. Can’t Help Falling In Love
Side D
1. I, John
2. Bosom Of Abraham
3. You Better Run
4. Lead Me, Guide Me
5. Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus /Nearer My God To Thee
6. How Great Thou Art *
'The Airplanes & The King' Paperback Edition: Carlos Varrenti, author of the original 'Elvis Presley - Los Aviones y el Rey' has announced his third edition of the book, this time a cheaper paperback version via Amazon out next month. Carlos Varrenti explains, "It has been an amazing journey. In the first Spanish hardback edition I explored Elvis' fears and his conquests in aviation and the unnatural act of flying. When the second English edition was released, in cooperation with Robert van Beek and Erik Lorenzen and his Elvis Files team, I was totally stunned holding the Deluxe fully illustrated 400-page book in my hands. That little dream had become bigger and more colorful than I could have imagined!
And now this 280-page paperback edition features the key content with an additional selection of the best rare and relevant photos from the 'Deluxe Edition'.
Carlos told EIN, "It was hard for US fans to get hold of the deluxe version and so I have done a more “modest” edition paperback of 280 pages. Erik was very generous to let me use his photos from the Deluxe edition and also my friend Steve Barile gave me hand with some new ones and some upgrades. I did my part too! I bought some rare cool photos plus there are some amazing illustrations!
While there is obviously not so many pictures and pages as in the Deluxe edition it is a very nice upgrade!
There is also new text and upgrade of the content. Stories such as the recent red Jet-Star purchase, the final destination of the DC-6 that brought the king from Germany and some other cool stuff too.
Being a paperback with 280 pages it will also retail at a very reasonable price.
This third edition is exclusively through Amazon -and holds several new surprises for Elvis and aeronautical fans!
A lot has happened in the last three years with these birds! But we're not done yet. So, ladies and gentlemen, fasten your seat-belts and get ready to fly with the King, again! Go HERE to EIN's review of the hard-back version. (News, Source;Carlos Varrenti)
UPDATED - 'Elvis On Tour' Box-Set In-Depth Review:The January 2023 'Elvis On Tour' SONY release is a 6CD / 1 Blu-Ray box set comprised of the audio from four of the shows (and two rehearsals) that were part of Elvis’ 1972 North American tour.
Originally recorded for the Elvis On Tour concert film that was released later that year, the set features a total of 145 tracks, including 91 previously unreleased tracks, as well as the award-winning concert film on Blu-ray.
RCA/Legacy's Elvis On Tour box set is produced by Ernst Jørgensen and mixed by Grammy Award-winning Memphis-based producer Matt Ross-Spang.
Elvis' April 1972 concerts were magnificent, so hopefully this expensive 50th anniversary release including newly remastered concert performances captures the magnificence and excitement of the movie and Elvis' stunning shows.
After fifty years surely SONY/RCA will get it right.....
Elvis Week 2023 tickets Now On Sale: This year’s Elvis Week, which runs August 9-17 will mark the 46th anniversary of Presley’s death.
Enjoy an unforgettable nine days filled with live music, panels, contests, tributes, screenings and more – all honoring the man, the star, the icon - the King of Rock 'n' Roll!
Elvis Week 2023 highlights include....
- August 16 Aloha from Hawaii 50th Anniversary Concert featuring Elvis on the big screen backed by a live band;
- ’68 Special Enhanced Screening with Elvis bigger than life in black leather
- Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest and performances
- Conversations on Elvis, with those who knew Elvis best.
- A Celebration of Lisa Marie Presley with Jerry Schilling
- The annual Candlelight Vigil Special guests and performers include Linda Thompson, Jay Osmond, Sam Thompson, Jerry Schilling, Glen Hardin, Spencer Sutherland, Mike Deasy, Tanya Lemani George, Terry Mike Jeffrey, The Blackwood Brothers Quartet, 10 Ultimate Elvis tribute artists, among others!
'Elvis: Let Me Be There 1974' FTD In-depth Review: A 3CD soundboard release from Elvis' January-Feb 1974 Las Vegas season and FTD's first new release for 2023.
Released as a 3-CD 5" digi-pak, this set features three 1974 concerts recorded via soundboard at The Hilton Hotel, Las Vegas on January 28, plus Jan 29 and Feb 1, 1974 Midnight shows.
So far FTD have only released one Dinner Show from this season .
The January 29, 1974 Midnight Show is totally new for collectorsm with the Jan 28 Dinner Show, and Feb 1, 1974 Midnight Show only been released as bootleg AUDIENCE recordings.
While the early 1974 performances are fine quality with new songs 'Help Me', 'Spanish Eyes', 'Let Me Be There', ‘Trying To Get To You’ and ‘My Baby Left Me’ in the set-list - the audio mastering here sadly leaves a lot to be desired. Elvis soundboard super-collector Geoffrey McDonnell along with EIN's Piers Beagley check out this 1974 triple- pack. (FTD Reviews, Source;GM/ElvisInformationNetwork)
Anthony Stuchbury 'From Elvis At Sun' Interview: There are two new 'Mono II Stereo' releases about to come out from the Memphis Mansion label. 'From Elvis At Sun' features all of Elvis' SUN masters in new stereo versions while the 10" vinyl 'Best Of Elvis' is a neat stereo upgrade of the original HMV october 1957 UK album.
The question of whether Elvis' mono fifties classic recordings should be re-released in "new stereo" is hotly debated among hard-core collectors and so EIN wanted to ask Memphis Mansion's producer / audio engineer Anthony Stuchbury some key questions.
Questions including... - Do we really need stereo versions of these mono classics?
- Since EMI are officially releasing The Beatles in "new stereo" perhaps it is time for RCA / SONY to do the same for Elvis..
'Elvis UK - Beyond RCA' Book Review: UK specialists John Townson and Gordon Minto's new book 'Elvis UK - Beyond RCA - The Ultimate Guide To Elvis Presley’s British Non RCA LPs 1974-1997' flipbook follows on from their previous publications in the Elvis UK series.
This book..
• Is extensively illustrated in full colour
• Features a host of background information including a chronological list of all the albums included
• Deals with each album individually, in a detailed and forensic way, while the text is amply illustrated with scans of every known cover and label variation, relevant photographs, and scans of contemporaneous newspaper and magazine articles
• Includes background information about each release including historically significant events of the period
• Contains hitherto unpublished information from company files
• Includes a wealth of background information relating to the record industry incorporated throughout the text.
March 13 - Oscar disappointment for "ELVIS": We was robbed! In what must have been a bitterly disappointing night for Baz Luhrmann and his team, after receiving eight Academy Award nominations, his ELVIS biopic went home without winning even one.
Two other films with eight or more nominations, Everything, Everywhere All At Once (11 nominations) and All Quiet On the Western Front (nine nominations), bagged seven and four Oscars, respectively, while The Banshees of Inisherin (nine nominations) also failed to win an award. Austin Butler, who missed out on the Best Actor gong, was seen on screen to be quick to his feet congratulating Brendan Fraser, who won Best Actor for his portrayal in The Whale.
Butler had been neck and neck with Fraser as "the bookies" favorite for the Best Actor Award, while Catherine Martin was a strong chance to win the award for both Best Production Design and Best Costume Design, as was Mandy Walker to win the award for Best Cinematography.
Austin Butler fans are truly feeling the disappointment of his two years of dedication playing every fact of Elvis' life from teenager to final days being beaten by an over-emotional one-trick fat-suit performance.
Butler’s commitment shone to critics circles world-wide winning
BAFTAs, Golden Globes and Australian Academy awards. Priscilla neatly added, "My whole life I’ve had to put up with people impersonating my husband, and I don’t know how that boy did it, but every move, every wink… If ELVIS was here, he’d say, ‘Hot damn, you are me!’”.
In the lead up to the Oscars, ELVIS had amassed an increasing number of major awards (nearly 50) including Austin Butler's best actor BAFTA.
'Elvis: A Musical Revolution' to tour Australia in 2023. David Venn Enterprises (Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical, The Wedding Singer, Bring It On: The Musical) is thrilled to announce 'Elvis: A Musical Revolution' to tour Australia in 2023.
Presented in partnership with ABG the new musical authorised by Elvis Presley Enterprises is coming to Australia. The Icon. The King. The story of a man who gave the world a musical revolution.
Penned by acclaimed international writers, Elvis: A Musical Revolution is a new bio-musical exploring the extraordinary life of the award-winning cultural icon and rock ‘n roll superstar, Elvis Presley.
The Australian premiere will open at Sydney’s State Theatre from July 2023, before rocking into Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre from September 2023.
Led by award-winning producer David Venn, this brand-new production will explore pivotal moments in Elvis’ life from his childhood in Tupelo, Mississippi through to his triumphant ‘68 Comeback Special. Featuring over 40 iconic Elvis Presley hit songs, audiences of all ages will have the chance to connect with the music of a generation that continues to have an undeniable cultural impact.
Songs include Jailhouse Rock, Hound Dog, That’s All Right, All Shook Up, Suspicious Minds, Heartbreak Hotel, Burning Love, Blue Suede Shoes, Good Rockin’ Tonight, Can’t Help Falling In Love, Earth Angel, Don’t Be Cruel, Are You Lonesome, Blue Moon of Kentucky, See See Rider, A Little Less Conversation and more.
With an all-star Australian cast, dazzling choreography, and hit after hit, you simply can’t help falling in love!
Tickets on sale now - in total SIXTY FOUR performances have been booked. Go HERE for tickets and more information. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis: From Louisiana and Memphis 1976' FTD In-depth Review: FTD continues their extensive look at Elvis' performances in 1976 with three July 1976 concerts. This is a FOUR CD 5” digi-pak, this set features three concerts, Shreveport Louisiana July 1, 1976, Baton Rouge, July 2, 1976 and Elvis' last home-town concert Mid-South Coliseum, Memphis July 5, 1976.
FTD have already released two soundboards from this June-July 1976 tour but both the Louisiana concerts have never been released from soundboard before.
By early 1976 Elvis’ set-list had become routine with few surprises along the way however this tour was one of the best for 1976 and for collectors the previously unreleased Shreveport July 1 1976 soundboard is a real bonus - and Elvis’ final show in Memphis should be in everyone’s collection. Elvis soundboard super-collector Geoffrey McDonnell along with EIN's Piers Beagley check out this new FTD 1976 triple-concert pack to see whether we can learn anything new... (FTD Reviews, Source;GM/ElvisInformationNetwork)
'The Airplanes & The King' In-depth review: The original spanish book 'Los Aviones Y El Rey' by Carlos Varrenti was republished as an expanded English version 'The Airplanes & The King' towards the end of 2022.
Not only that but it was expanded from its original 197 pages to an amazing 400 pages with a lot of unreleased material and stunning photos from the 'Elvis Files' vaults!
The English version was unfortunately delayed by supply issues due to the worldwide Covid pandemic - but has now been published as a High quality Hardback book.
As an Aeronautical engineer and Elvis fan, Varrenti is well qualified to write a book which details Elvis’ history with his aircraft and his link to aeronautics in general. With photos and stories from 1955 through to 1977 - and beyond - the book is also an interesting historical look at Elvis’ life "on tour" but this time with an delightfully original theme.
Lisa Marie / Austin Butler Interview: Here is a delightful and important reminder of what a kind soul Lisa Marie was and how important ELVIS was to her.
Looking in good form, Lisa Marie laughs and joked through the interview and her genuine friendship with Austin Butler is self-evident.
In the ABC interview Lisa Marie comments, "First watching the movie I was gripping my chair scared to death.. Baz Lurhmann is a wild card, I didn't know Austin yet, I didn't know what Baz was doing, I didn't know what I was in for."
"I feel so protective of Austin, I don't want anybody saying anything about him in a negative way" EIN thanks Ed Gibbs for the word-up (News, Source;EG/ElvisInfoNet)
'ELVIS: Opening Night 1972' MRS CD Review: Elvis’ first 1972 Las Vegas season ran from January 26th through February 23rd, 1972. Elvis was in great shape both physically and vocally, and he was once again serious about performing.
While a large number of fans think that Elvis started losing inspiration and impetus after the power-year of 1970, his rejuvenation of his first live performances in 1972 demonstrate another more positive aspect. Introducing the new songs 'You Gave Me A Mountain', ‘I'll Remember You’ , 'A Big Hunk O'Love' and the brilliant 'An American Trilogy' would enrich Elvis’ live shows for the rest of his career. So while Elvis collectors may have heard the bootleg recording multiple times before, you have never truly enjoyed this concert, or appreciated its importance, until this sessional MRS audio Remaster.
Elvis was in superb form and this set-list - along with the new MRS audio remaster - is truly sensational. Check out EIN's detailed review here
(CD Reviews;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Feb 1 2023 Lisa Marie's 55th birthday: Having noted the anniversary of Lisa Marie's birthday throughout her successful career, this year comes as a sad remembrance.
Today would have been Lisa Marie's 55th birthday.
Priscilla Presley posted a loving message on this sad day... “Today would have been Lisa’s 55th birthday. My wish is to protect my three grandchildren and keep our family together.
From the first moment I held Lisa in my arms, I’ve protected, loved and guided her, as I have my son.
Our hearts are broken, and I am having to learn to live without my only daughter.
We truly love all of you, and we feel your prayers.
Thank you so much for caring so deeply for our family.”
Lisa Marie's death, Tabloid Media Beat-up: Once again the tabloids can't leave the Presley legacy alone, trying all they can for Click-Bait and revenue.
Already the tabloids, such as the Daily Mail, are suggesting Lisa Marie died from opioid use.
The usual "Unnamed Sources" (=made-up facts to fit their headlines) have told the tabloids that Lisa Marie was "Taking Opioids again on an Extreme Weight Loss Regime".
This may be vaguely true, but so what? Fact - 2 million+ Americans abuse opioids and more than 90 Americans die every day from opioid overdose. Fact - Around 45% of US women have used some kind of supplement for weight loss. Fact - It would be the very same tabloids who shamed Lisa Marie into thinking she was fat. In 2014 the Daily Mail shamed her as becoming "fat like her dad" - only to be sued by Lisa Marie as she was in fact pregnant at the time!
With the high pressure on Lisa Marie to "look good" at the Golden Globes it is no surprise that she'd be dieting.
The tabloids now state that she did "extreme cosmetic surgery and a 40-50lbs weight loss in 6 weeks"
Looking at photos of Lisa Marie looking fine back in September it's hard to imagine that she had put on 40lbs that needed shedding.
The tabloids need to stop spreading their fantasy click-bait and explain who their "Unnamed Sources" are. - Poor Lisa Marie, Poor Elvis, Poor Presleys. (News, Source;Tabloids/ElvisInfoNet)
Robert Van Beek Interview -author of 'Elvis: Prodigy of SUN': In this new book 'Elvis: Prodigy of SUN Records' hundreds of hours of research have revealed new facts and interesting anecdotes from Elvis' early life and career. From Old Saltillo Rd to the magic of SUN recording studios, the first Louisiana Hayride appearances and everything in between. This book is filled with a string of never-before-seen photos dated from 1935 till 1955.
Many of Elvis' early childhood friends share their memories in these two books. It includes a collection of jaw-dropping photos and, of course, the near to complete story from Elvis' birth until his big break in 1955.
As the book hit the printers EIN wanted to know more about this massive project, questions include... - What extra material does this new publication offer to collectors compared to 'A Boy From Tupelo' and 'Elvis Files Vol 1'?
- The book is described as a "day-by-day" travelogue, isn't that the same as Ernst's Tupelo volume?
- How many unseen photos will fans get to see in this huge book?
- What new material is featured in the 1955 volume of the book?
- How many copies were printed and is it selling out?
Author Robert Van Beek was kind to take time out of his heavy schedule to answer our questions and send us some preview pages. EIN's Piers Beagley asked the questions..
(Interview, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
2023 UK Tour - Elvis Presley + The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, tickets on sale this Friday: Elvis never toured the UK, in recent years the magic of technology has made that possible with a series of acclaimed shows.
Hot on the heels of this year's hit Elvis biopic comes a return of 'The Very Best of Elvis – In Concert, Live On Screen with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra'.
The unique concert experience is coming back to the UK in autumn 2023, taking in a number of arenas.
"The full-scale concert brings the King up close on screen alongside the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra live on stage performing the King of Rock and Roll’s most well-known 'rocking' songs and his tender, heart-wrenching ballads, with special guests to be announced in due course," said promoters.
'A show like no other, expect an overwhelmingly encapsulating and enthralling evening'
'These shows are a chance to both honour the legacy of an icon who has defined popular culture for over half a century, and for fans to see The King live, who never had the chance to before.'
The full Elvis with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra 2023 tour dates are as follows:
• 25 October – Glasgow OVO Hydro
• 26 October – Manchester AO Arena
• 27 October – Birmingham Resorts World Arena
• 28 October – Newcastle Utilita Arena
• 29 October – Leeds First Direct Arena
• 31 October – London The O2
• 1 November – Cardiff International Arena
Tickets available from Friday, Dec 2 from venues, or via ticketline.co.uk, bookingsdirect.com or ticketmaster.co.uk. (News, Source:MayerNissim, smoothradio.com/EIN)
UPDATED - 'The Elvis RCA Camden Collection' EIN Spotlight:Most fans have had a love-hate relationship with Elvis' Camden collections. On one hand they are seen as an artistic misstep being released at a time when Elvis was back riding high on the charts saturating the market with a series of albums containing little-known songs. Yet on the other hand many younger fans used these budget collections as a way to enter the amazing world of Elvis’ vast back-catalogue.
The RCA Camdens featured the first release of an Elvis live recording, 19 previously unreleasedtracks and 58 tracks previously unreleased on an album. That is quite impressive even if Col Parker only had his increased revenue as the main goal.
Now updated with Readers' Feedback - Read this fascinating article and tell us YOUR THOUGHTSabout Elvis' Camden releases... EIN contributor Neil Colombari reveals all...
(Spotlight; Source;Neil Colombari/ElvisInfoNet)
(Book Review) Elvis Live At The International 50th Anniversary Edition (Kieran Davis): In 2011, Kieran Davis released the highly praised book, Elvis Live At The International. In 2022, he has published an expanded 50th Anniversary edition…and what an expansion it is!
The latest edition dwarfs the original with 432 pages compared to 172 in the original release.
And the added 250+ pages of additional material is stunning, making the 50th Anniversary release one of the best Elvis books published in 2022.
As its title reflects, the book covers Elvis' appearances at the International Hotel in Las Vegas between 1969 and 1971 (it was renamed the Las Vegas Hilton in July 1971). The narrative element is significantly based around fan, Peggy Elzea’s copious diaries, and a bumper array of archival material. Peggy’s experience seeing Elvis in Las Vegas is one every fan will envy. There is so much fascinating information and so many striking images in the book that it is hard to know where to start in describing it...
'ELVIS' DVD, BluRay, 4K OUT Now: Baz Luhrmann's 'ELVIS' movie now released as DVD, BluRay and 4K Blu Ray, out September 13.
The BluRay review includes,, The 1080p transfer offers a very crisp and faithful representation of Elvis' specific appearance. Cinematographer Mandy Walker reportedly shot the entire film .. with custom "Elvis" lenses made from special glass. Meant to evoke the era in which it represents this formula genuinely produces an image evocative of a classic cinematic appearance. With the addition of artificial film grain, the illusion is even more convincing. Still, this is ultimately a purely digital image through and through, and one with a varied color palette that ranges from dark and muted to almost candy-colored in its overall intensity, especially in some of the specific background elements by costume and production designer Catherine Martin. Bonus features include
- Bigger Than Life: The Story of Elvis (22:22) The challenges and joys of adapting Elvis' life for the big screen.
- Rock 'N Roll Royalty: The Music and Artists Behind ELVIS (7:33)
- Fit for a King: The Style of Elvis (8:02) - An overview of the iconic stage outfits and period clothing used in the film.
- Viva Australia: Recreating Iconic Locations for Elvis (7:26).
- "Trouble" Lyric Video (2:15).
- Musical Moments (19 clips, 46:19 total) All of the music segments. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet/Bluray.com)
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(Book Review) Elvis The King of the Rings Volume 2 (Paul Bélard): The second volume of Paul Bélard’s two volume photo-journal record of Elvis’ love of rings has been released.
While on holiday, EIN’s Nigel Patterson spent a leisurely afternoon perusing the rich narrative detail and jaw dropping, visual splendor on offer....
... They say first impressions last! The cover image of Elvis’ famous TCB ring is truly striking and sets the tone for what is an impressive examination of another 100+ rings that Elvis owned during his lifetime.
This is more than a photo-book and while the mostly colour images dominate, the narrative component contains valuable and interesting information...
Interview with actor Adam Dunn / Bill Black in 'ELVIS':Elvis author-researcher, Paul Bélard, interviews actor Adam Dunn who plays Bill Black in Baz Luhrmann's movie 'Elvis'.
The interview is particularly of interest as Paul Bélard recently published the first detailed biography of super-bassist Bill Black.
In the interview Adam Dunn reveals.. - how he got the role,
- how he learnt to play double-bass Bill Black style,
- about meeting Tom Hanks and Austin Butler,
- working with Xavier Samuel and Terepai Richmond who played Scotty and D.J.
- the 'trouble' filming the Russwood Park riot
- and much much more...
The book includes a fabulous Elvis-related story about Ron Strauss visiting his bank manager to obtain a home mortgage and the time Ron fell asleep in Elvis’ bed will bring a smile to the reader’s face. Other interesting accounts include Ron’s reaction to Elvis carrying a loaded gun on board (in a pressurized cabin), and many readers will appreciate reading how Ron felt about Linda Thompson and Ginger Alden.
EIN’s Nigel Patterson recently took flight with an advance copy. What Nigel found, not only added appreciably to his knowledge of a rarely written about aspect of the Elvis Presley story and provided greater insight as to who Elvis was as a person, but also offered a wonderfully rich and entertaining account of the life and times of the underappreciated, Ron Strauss.
'Aloha From Hawaii' Deluxe FTD indepth Review: When seeking Elvis' key career highpoints, if one goes by the sales and the audience viewing numbers, there is only one answer. Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite. RCA’s double album of the show was released throughout the world in February 1973 and shot to the #1 spot in many countries including the U.S. It is certified 5x Platinum by the RIAA.
While in 2013 RCA/ Legacy released the '40th Anniversary edition' sadly the audio of the main concert left much to be desired.
In 2022 FTD released this upgraded 'Aloha From Hawaii' set with Matt Ross-Spang remixing the original broadcast - plus including the full after-concert 3am 'Insert Song' session in a 3-CD set. In 'large-size 8" format with 24 page booklet it is a stunning package.
(Interview) Alanna Nash talks to EIN: With the recent reissue of her best-selling book, 'The Colonel: The Extraordinary Story of Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis Presley', renowned author, Alanna Nash, took time out of her busy schedule to discuss Elvis, the Colonel and other related issues with EIN’s Nigel Patterson, Elvis Day By Day’s Kees Mouwen, and prolific Elvis author, Paul Bélard.
In her candid interview, Alanna provides insightful commentary about the Colonel’s early years before coming to America, when he lost his way in promoting Elvis, the controversial source Byron Raphael, Lamar Fike’s finding about the rumor the Colonel was involved in the death of a woman in Holland, why Elvis didn’t take more control of his career, the new Baz Luhrmann 'ELVIS' biopic and much, much more...
ELVIS 'Austin Butler Pre-Production Test Footage': This is a sensational clip. Forget all those average Elvis Impersonators you might have seen, here Austin Butler truly inhabits Elvis character showing what he could do
at a pre-production jam.
As 'Depper' rightly comments, "Austin was a brilliant choice as there are millions of new young Elvis fans just based on the trailers alone. Many more will join us in the Elvis fanbase as soon as the movie drops. This movie successfully explains the contributions to music of Elvis Presley, to today's current generation. Elvis' legacy has been given a tremendous boost, and will help young people understand that he was a force of good for American music and humanity." (News, Source;EIN)
'ELVIS' EIN movie review: Keith Richards said, "Elvis hit like a bombshell ... it was like the world went from black and white to Technicolor." While those words apply to Elvis Presley they could similarly apply to Baz Luhrmann's style of film direction. Compared to the regular Hollywood output Baz Luhrmann movies have a similar feel of busting out of jail and going from black-and-white to technicolour. They are loud, brash, super-colourful, fast-edited and exciting, they have their own language and style.
The full-bore soundtrack, the glowing colour, the revelation of Austin Butler's truly stunning performance and the real excitement of the fast editing really does make it feel that Luhrmann has grabbed Elvis' true spirit. The film not only tells Elvis’ life but has the genuine excitement of the real Elvis, something that I've never felt from any previous Elvis Bio-Pic.
The incredible fact is that while the movie includes so many snatches of real Elvis (Hy Garner interview, Lisa Marie, Al Dvorin etc) yet Austin Butler has one so enthralled in playing Elvis' character that you can hardly spot the difference.
However typical of a Luhrmann movie you can see why fans' overly detailed fact-checking needs to be left at the door - and knowledgeable Elvis fans should just enjoy the ride. Go here for EIN Piers Beagley's exclusive and detailed review
(Review; Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
"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)
'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
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.
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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‘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
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‘TTWII 50th Anniversary Collectors Edition’ FTD Book Review: FTD's most expensive set ever published, David English and Pal Granlund bring the complete background story of 'Elvis: That's The Way It Is'. Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the movie's 1970 release, this ultimate collector's edition includes two hardback books, eight cds with over 450 minutes of music,
including newly discovered unreleased performances.
With access to 2,000 original negatives and 35mm slides, restored and repaired, many of which have never been seen before, the book also contains items from the MGM and RCA archives including paperwork, documents, memos and recording information.
Two books, 600 pages, plus all the MGM recorded rehearsals - including 70 tracks officially unreleased.
FTD's most expensive set but with the vast majority of the rehearsals already out on bootleg, can it really be worth the US$270 plus postage. Initially Sold Out and already into its first reprint what makes it so desirable? EIN's Piers Beagley investigates and discovers plenty .. Go here to our 6000 word review including plenty of extracts and stunning images. (FTD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Amazon Deals on ELVIS Blu-rays - Beware of excessive prices at some Elvis dealers.
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'ELVIS In The 2010s' A Personal Review of the Past Decade: Rather like Elvis’s own career, each decade since Elvis’s death appears to have had a theme or identity of its own. Clearly the late 1970s were difficult for RCA as they struggled to find the right direction with which to take their posthumous releases, and so it was the 1980s that was the decade when the company slowly but surely learned how to look back at Elvis's legacy and start to make some sense of it.
The 1990s were when that reached a peak, with the decades boxed sets, and the Elvis in the 90s series, thus bringing virtually the whole catalogue back into print in a coherent way.
The 2000s were when errors of judgement at retail level started to occur (despite huge successes like Elv1s), but also when FTD came into its own and flourished. And so what will we make of Elvis releases of the 2010s when we look back on them from the future? Go here for EIN contributor Shane Brown's personal take on the highs and lows of Elvis product that has come our way over the last decade....
(Spotlight, Source;ShaneBrown/ElvisInformationNetwork)
Elvis LIVE 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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EIN is a not-for-profit Elvis Fan Club website posting daily news and informative articles for Elvis Presley's legion of fans.
EIN tries to credit all news sources, as well as link to the original articles if excerpts are used.
If you believe we have used copyrighted material please contact us and we will remove it immediately.
EIN also has a local Australian national Elvis Fan Club for paid up members featuring quarterly newsletters along with free EIN members cds plus an annual EIN Elvis Mega Quiz with special prizes.
The printed newsletters have extra content, articles and reviews to this website along with the popular Elvis EIN Mega Quiz.
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