The latest on www.elvisinfonet.com:

Lisa Marie Presley's World Lamar Fike talks about his upcoming book & film, "Fike: An Uncommon Journey" Charmaine's Elvis Graphics

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

"Teenager's Hero" print preview: This is a print-preview of the upcoming book "Teenager's Hero" by Steve Rino which should be the definitive book-documentary of Elvis’ live performances in early 1956 according to the press-release. (News, Source: Elvis News)

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Marty Lacker responds to Kanye West: Marty Lacker responded to our link story yesterday saying: "Kanye West's mouth is a joke as is his estimation of himself. Tell him to come back after he's sold over a Billion records and we might take him serious.  What Kanye does not understand, primarily because he was not born back when Elvis started, is that Elvis did not just cut hit records and become a sex symbol to millions of girls and women, more importantly, he changed the culture of the world. If there had been no Elvis there's a possibility that we would not have known or enjoyed the many years of Rock N' Roll and the artists who sing it and there might not be such a thing as hip hop or rap.  That's not a hollow statement because I was close to Elvis, it is based on how music evolves and one style leads to another through the influences of those who come before you. West has a huge ego and one of these days nobody's gonna want to listen to him anymore and he's the kind who will go into a great depression because of it." (News, Source: EIN/Marty Lacker)

Rosella Presley: A lot has been written about the mysterious life of Elvis' paternal great grandmother, Rosella Presley and her numerous offspring. Courtesy of Rex Martin and his legendary Worldwide Elvis News Serice Weekly, EIN presents one of the only known (possibly the only known) photo of Rosella. Check EIN in December when the legendary Rex Martin (Worldwide Elvis News Service Weekly) talks exclusively to EIN in a fascinating two part interview

"Hey Elvis" shooting for success: GOLD Coast (Australia) trainer Bruce Hill is confident improving four-year-old Hey Elvis will handle his first test at 1600 metres at Eagle Farm today and put himself in line for a bigger payday next month. Hey Elvis, winner of his two starts over 1350m and 1400m this campaign, steps up to the 1600m this afternoon in the $75,000 Tattersall's Recognition Stakes. And a strong performance today will almost certainly earn Hey Elvis a crack at the $200,000 Bernborough Hcp (1615m) at Doomben on December 27.

"I want to see how he goes at the 1600m (today) and then work out future plans over the summer for him, but at this stage I think the Bernborough would be the perfect race for him," said Hill. "He was very strong at the end of the 1400m last time and I don't think the 1600m is a concern. And the Eagle Farm track seems to be on the improve, which is a definite help, although they are tipping more rain. He's won on a dead track but is an unknown quantity in anything worse."

The Eagle Farm track was upgraded to a slow (7) yesterday. Hill has always had a big opinion of Hey Elvis but had a setback over the winter when the gelding bled when an unplaced odds-on favourite in the Queensland Day Hcp (1400m) at Eagle Farm on April 26. After copping the three-month ban for bleeding, Hey Elvis resumed to win over 1350m at Doomben on October 25 then proved too good for the classy Heart Of The Citi over 1400m at Eagle Farm on November 15.

"I always thought he'd make a nice horse and he's certainly continued to improve after his enforced break," said Hill.

Jockey Paul Hammersley, who has ridden Hey Elvis both times this campaign, retains the ride today and will also be aboard Hill's talented mare Calchris in the $75,000 Carlton Draught Classic F&M Plate (1200m). (News, Source: goldcoast.com.au)

Sam Phillips USA stamp petition heading to Congress: After three years of gathering signatures and testimonials with the ultimate goal of getting Sam Phillips' likeness on a U.S. postage stamp, Liz Scott is ready to take her effort to another level. Scott is president of a local Elvis Presley fan club, Alabama Fans TCB for Elvis, and the coordinator of the Sam Phillips Commemorative U.S. Postage Stamp Campaign. Phillips, a Florence native known as "the father of rock 'n' roll," died July 30, 2003, at the age of 80. Phillips was born in Florence and at the age of 28 moved to Memphis, Tenn., and formed a musical legacy that shows no sign of disappearing. Phillips founded Sun Records in Memphis and launched the careers of rock 'n' roll pioneers such as Presley, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, Sonny Burgess, Johnny Cash and Charlie Rich. He was also instrumental in promoting blues artists such as B.B. King and Howlin' Wolf, not to mention country legend Conway Twitty.

"I just want to give people one more chance to get their signature on the petition," Scott said. "I could keep doing this for another year, getting the signatures, but that's not going to get us a stamp."

The campaign has gathered more than 10,000 signatures, including 1,403 that were placed on a Web site dedicated to the postage stamp effort, Scott said.

"The response from the fans worldwide has been amazing and it has been a lot of fun getting to know some of them," Scott said.

Former Florence councilwoman Angie Pickens has been helping Scott get petitions into people's hands and encouraged city officials to support Scott's effort.

"The stamp is important to the heritage of Florence and Sam Phillips' roots," Pickens said. "What better way to commemorate his life and accomplishments than with a stamp?"

Kelvin Holly, a guitarist for the local rhythm and blues band The Decoys and rock legend Little Richard's touring band, called Phillips an innovator akin to Albert Einstein or Thomas Edison.

"He gave us the first rock star, really," Holly said. "There might not have been a Beatles or a (Jimi) Hendrix if it hadn't been for Sam Phillips. He really is the father of rock 'n' roll. Sam was the real deal."

Scott said she wants to end the petition drive so she can put together a final count of the names and focus on the trip to Washington, D.C., to speak to Congress.

"We need the U.S. Congress on our side; that's very important," Scott said. "Congress tells the U.S. Postal Service if a stamp is approved or denied. This is our chance to be heard."

Scott said if the request is denied, any subsequent effort would have to begin from scratch, including the gathering of signatures. The online petition is available at gopetition.com or myspace.com/samphillipsstampusa (News, Source: Charmaine Jensen-Voisine/AP)

Elvis' telegram to Carl Perkins: On eBay you can buy a telegram sent by Elvis for 950 pounds (1150 euro, $ 1450), or best offer. After playing a show in Norfolk, VA on March 21, 1956, the Perkins Brothers Band headed for New York City and their appearance on the nationally broadcast Perry Como Show. Shortly before sunrise near Dover, Delaware Stuart Pinkham (aka Dick Stuart, and Poor Richard) assumed the duties as driver. After running head on into the back of a pickup truck, their car ended up in a ditch of water about a foot deep, and Carl was lying face down in the water. Drummer W.C. Holland rolled Carl over, saving him from drowning. Carl had suffered 3 fractured vertebrae in his neck, a severe concussion, a broken collar bone, and lacerations all over his body in the crash.

Here’s the description: Unique 'get well' telegram from Elvis to Carl Perkins - This is a singularly unique piece of early rock & roll history in the form of a 'get well' telegram from Elvis Presley to Carl Perkins after Perkins' almost fatal car accident: 'we were all shocked and very sorry to hear of the accident I know what it is for I had a few bad ones myself if I can help you in any way please call me I’ll be at the Warwick hotel in New York city our wishes for a speedy recovery for you and the other boys sincerely= alvis presley bill black, scotty moo and j d fontana=' (sic) (News, Source: Elvis News/Elvis Matters)

Elvis holds #1 spot in Finland: Elvis Presley still holds the #1 position on the Mid-price album list in Finland with "Christmas with Elvis Presley". TV campaign for "Christmas Duets" will start in Finland on November 25 and will last till December 17th. 2008. (News, Source: Elvis News)

Oldest European Elvis fan dies: Marie Geerts the oldest member of the official French Fanclub "Treat Me Nice" 102 years old, has just died. Jean-Marc Gargiulo says: "I think she was the oldest fan, to belong and frequent at a fan club, in the whole world, she suscribed in my club in 1977. A mass we will done monday morning at 10 A.M in St Marcel Church - 75013 Paris". (News, Source: Jean-Marc Gargiulo - Treat Me Nice Fanclub France  -  www.epgold.com)

Graceland goes "green" for a great cause: Further to our story on Friday, Graceland is going "green" in order to support St Jude's Children's Research Hospital. The story: Six buildings in six cities across the USA will illuminate their structures in bright green to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s ongoing search for cures for cancer and other catastrophic diseases as the hospital kicks off its annual Thanks and Giving campaign. Graceland Plaza in Memphis Tenn., Sears Tower in Chicago, Ill., Brooklyn Borough Hall in Brooklyn, N.Y., One Woodward Avenue in Detroit, Mich., One Financial Plaza in Providence, R.I., LaSalle Tower in Minneapolis, Minn., will light their buildings during the week of November 24.

These buildings are part of an unprecedented coming together of retail and corporate partners, media and celebrities, who are asking everyone to join them in supporting St. Jude’s groundbreaking medical research that benefits children in communities across the country and around the world. St. Jude, one of the world’s premier centers for the research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other catastrophic childhood diseases, pays for all treatment not covered by insurance, regardless of a family’s ability to pay. Eighty-five cents of each dollar received goes to support the research and treatment at St. Jude.

Now in its fifth year, the Thanks and Giving campaign was created by award-winning actress and St. Jude National Outreach Director Marlo Thomas and her siblings, Terre and Tony Thomas, the children of hospital founder Danny Thomas. The campaign encourages customers to “Give thanks for the healthy kids in your life, and give to those who are not.”

These buildings join a family of celebrities including Jennifer Aniston, Robin Williams, Antonio Banderas and Jason Taylor as well as 57 of the nation’s leading brands and most respected companies and their customers as they help St. Jude to fulfill its mission of saving the lives of children. Some of these buildings are located in cities that are also the corporate headquarters of Thanks and Giving partners AutoZone (Memphis), Dominos (Detroit), Target (Minneapolis) and CVS/pharmacy (Providence), which are returning partners of the campaign.

“How exciting that these landmark buildings will be illuminated to show support of the St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign,” says Marlo Thomas. “They will light the skies like beacons of hope reminding people that the holidays are a great time to give back and give to the children of St. Jude who need our help even in these difficult economic times.”

Graceland Plaza in Memphis Tenn., Elvis Presley Enterprises kicked off its holiday lighting program lighting its Christmas tree and other decorations at the famed home and designated an area of the Plaza to light up in Thanks and Giving green through the holiday season. Marlo and Tony Thomas were on hand with Martina McBride, Thomas Kinkade and patients from St. Jude to light the tree as well as other holiday lights on the property Nov 21.

Sears Tower in Chicago Ill., the tallest building in North America standing 1,450 feet and 110 stories tall, will illuminate their antennae green on November 28, 29 and 30. This premier corporate office building in Chicago is located in Chicago's West Loop at 233 S. Wacker Drive and can be visible from 50 miles away on a clear night.

Brooklyn Borough Hall in Brooklyn, N.Y., will illuminate the front façade of its Greek Revival style structure and dramatic staircase, all of which is made of Tuckahoe marble, on November Nov. 28, 29 and 30. The building, located at Cadman Plaza, is visible from one of Brooklyn’s main arteries and was once the site of Brooklyn’s City Hall before New York City consolidated in 1898.

One Woodward Avenue in Detroit, Mich., is illuminating its top section—the “cube”—in green lights on Nov. 28, 29 and 30. Built in 1961 of pre-cast concrete and glass and standing 430 feet with 26 stories, One Woodward Avenue was designed by Minoru Yamasaki Associates as the forerunner to the World Trade Center in New York City. Located at the corner of Woodward and Jefferson Avenues, One Woodward Avenue has direct visibility from the Detroit River and has become an iconic symbol of the Detroit skyline.

One Financial Plaza in Providence, R.I., is a 28 story office building made of steel and Italian Travertine Marble with views of the downtown Financial District, Providence Place Mall, the East Side of Providence and a view down the Providence River toward the new I-195 bridge. Bounded by Westminster and Exchange

La Salle Plaza in Minneapolis, Minn., owned by Zeller Realty Group http://www.zellerrealty.com, is a 30 story office building located between LaSalle Avenue and Hennepin Avenue, and visible from nearby expressways, and mass transit. On Nov. 28, 29 and 30, green spotlights will illuminate the building’s top section, which is made of Minnesota limestone. (News, Source: EPE)

Authenticating the 1953 "My Happiness/That's When Your Heartaches Begin" acetate: Ed Leek has sent Maurice Colgan quite a fascinating collection of printed material and photographs concerning Elvis's 1953 Acetate recording of "My Happiness" and "That's When Your Heartaches Begin". (News, Source: EP Gold/Maurice Colgan)

Priscilla Presley rejects Christmas duet with Sir Cliff Richard!: A few months ago, this add appeared on websites all over the world... but when the X-mas duet album was released, there was no trace of male vocalists, not even of Cliff Richard. So: Cliff - What Happened? The latest Essential Elvis magazine (UK) has the answer: "One track was submitted to Priscilla for decision as to its suitability and it appears that she turned it down, as it was a male artist, none other than Sir Cliff Richard." EIN assumes there was a similar reason why duets with Aussie male singers Adam Brand, Guy Sebastian and Shannon Noll never eventuated. But what about the supposed duet with Jessica Simpson? (News, Source: EIN/ Elvis Matters/Essential Elvis)

Duke Bardwell & Michael Jarrett - New website, May 2009 European Tour: Elvis’ mid-70s bassplayer DUKE BARDWELL and songwriter MICHAEL JARRETT (I’m Leavin’, I’ll Be Home On Christmas Day) now have a new website up, in order to promote the shows that they will be doing in Europe in May ’09 (Promoters are welcome to contact us now). The url is www.elvisnews.dk and it features fascinating and insightful interviews with both Bardwell and Jarrett, a host of rare shots of Duke & Elvis, an overview of the Elvis releases that Duke plays on, rare audio (including Jarrett’s original recording of ‘I’m Leavin’’, as well as a neat message that he recorded a few days ago for all Elvis fans), a column that Jarrett will do regularly for the website (with Christmas being just around the corner, Michael decided that the first one should be about ‘I’ll Be Home On Christmas Day’). Any suggestions, additions and corrections to the website are welcome. Duke is always looking from pics from his period with Elvis, so if you can help with that, then please drop us a line… See you in May! (News, Source: Arjan Deelen)

View Kanye West's Elvis Complex (News, Source: ElvisExpert@aol.com/E Online!)

Elvis is the new man in Carrie Underwood's life: Stork. Phelps. Romo. So many men have been linked to Carrie Underwood, but this time, she’s really found her soulmate. Elvis Presley. Granted, he’s not living in the here and now. But they are so good together on his Elvis Presley’s Christmas Duets CD. The two sing “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” together. Underwood said singing “with” Presley was very surreal, but that it felt like a good thing to do. “When Priscilla asks you to sing with Elvis, you do it,” she told Entertainment Tonight. She added that she loves traditional Christmas songs like this one because of their ability to stand the test of time. I have to agree although she’d probably sound just as good dueting on more modern country Christmas tunes like Kenny Chesney’s “All I Want for Christmas Is a Real Good Tan” or Garth Brooks‘ “Baby Jesus Is Born.” (News, Source: CMT)

Wish Elvis a Happy Birthday with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® was still just a dream when Elvis Presley became a supporter. Today, St. Jude is one of the world’s premier centers for research and treatment into pediatric cancer and other catastrophic childhood diseases. In 1957, Danny Thomas, St. Jude’s founder, asked Elvis to add his star power to a variety show in order to raise funds for the hospital. But Elvis didn’t stop there. After the hospital opened its doors in 1962, Elvis continued to support its lifesaving mission. St. Jude was privileged to be one of Elvis’ favorite charities during his lifetime. Now you can help keep that memory alive. Join the St. Jude Thanks and Giving® campaign by donating $5 or more in honor of Elvis’ birthday. Just like Elvis’ support did, your contribution will help St. Jude find cures and save children. Click here to donate or for more information or click here to find out about Graceland "going green" for St. Jude's Fifth Annual Thanks and Giving Campaign. (News, Source: EPE)

UK DVD reissue of Charro: This is the cover art for the 2009 re-issue of the Elvis Presley western "Charro!". Due for release from Video International on January 19, 2009 in the United Kingdom. (News, Source: Elvis News/Elvis Club Berlin)

Elvis: That's The Way It Is - The Complete Works - 6CD/DVD/book set - Video (including quality) Update: EIN received the following message: Details of the Video Footage: I've just had the opportunity to watch the 9+ hours of video (exhausting but intriguing as well) and think I can provide some accurate details to the questions being asked: -the focus of the video is Elvis. If a camera angle with Elvis in it exists, then that is what is seen on the screen. The picture quality is the best you will ever have seen of these outtakes (and I've purchased over 50 discs of this material over the last few years spending over $1,500). The footage has either come from an earlier generation copy or has been extensively remastered to improve sharpness/colour/reduce graininess, etc (or both). It is not as good as SE of course (except for the portions in the edits borrowed from the original discs) but significantly better than what we have had before.

The edits are all created 'new' from scratch. Nothing has been taken from previous Star or other releases. There is at least 3 hours of new footage without "Propert of ..." and perhaps about 30 minutes of footage never before seen.

Some of the completely 'new' footage that I can remember includes: "Something" from Aug 10; "some extra telegram" reading:
"Love Me Tender" complete from Aug 12ds without Property..;
"Lovin' Feeling" complete from Aug 12ds ( T T WII SE was a splice of Aug 12ds and Aug 11ds);
"new extra dialogue" before 20 days on Aug 12ds;
"extra dialogue" before H Hotel on Aug 12ds;
"H Dog" from Aug 12 ms but mainly the band;
"dialogue and complete instrumental" before and after Polk Salad Aug 12ms
"H Hotel" Aug 12ms (to this date I've never seen the first bar of the song with Elvis in the picture, always the audience
"Love Me/Words/Lonesome T onight" Aug 12ms without Property..
'Lot of New dialogue before Wonder of You" Aug 13ds
"Can't Help Falling" more complete Aug 11ds
"Love Me Tender" Aug 11ms
"Believing" Aug 11ms
"I'll Take you Home Kathleen"-few lines Aug 7 rehearsal
"Lot of clips" with original sound from Aug 14MS that were new to me.

Probably a lot more but these clips stood out in my mind.

There is no cropping of any pictures. In the 3 angle sequences, the main angle is raised to the top where the widescreen black bars would normally be seen. The 2 additional angles are at 50% size and below the main normal sized angle. Talking about angles, there are lots of new angles thoughout that I had not seen before

Sound throughout is excellent to my ears except with Aug 14MS which is 'camera' sound. T he rest has to be from BMG source but the mix is different.
Live material played surround on a dolby digital 2x receiver.
-3 angle screens seem to be in perfect synch
-picture looked very good on a 65 inch screen and better than what I've seen before
-some of the songs (perhaps 5-6) do not have original Elvis footage but rather nicely created videos from candid/band/audience/Vegas clips to create more complete shows for Aug 11 and 12. All the rest are complete Elvis songs presented in multi angle and single angle depending on what was available.

Don't expect Turner quality throughout
Expect better quality than you've ever seen before
Expect excellent sound in stereo (except for rehearsals which are a combination.
Expect perfect synchs
Expect complete songs in order
Expect lots of new footage without Property..
Expect seamless transitions from multi angle to single angle
Expect a box set that you will value for many years to come
Expect to be able to see where Turner/MGM did their splices and the proper order here. (News, Source: The Phantom)

More details on the release

Elvis' Gold Cadillac - 1968 Tour of Australia-NZ Aussie-New Zealand Fans: can you help?? Australian collector and Elvis researcher, Bob Hayden, is preparing a detailed account of the 1968 Tour of Australia-New Zealand of Elvis' Gold Cadillac. Bob is seeking help from fans who saw the Cadillac at the time. Bob tells EIN:

Of particular interest to me would be details, (photos or newspaper clippings) of when the Cadillac was in:-

• Melbourne at the Preston Motors display rooms during the period 19th of January thru to the 2nd of February
• Newcastle at the show from 21st of February till the 24th of February 1968
• Various towns in Queensland from the 3rd of May thru to the 14th of July
• Tasmania from the 9th of October thru to the 19th of October
• Perth from the 10th of December thru to the 20th of December

I would also like to hear from any person who was accepted as a tour guide at various venues when the Cadillac visited their town. Would anybody know what ever happened to the lady in the picture opposite? Her name at the time was Jan Renninson and she was the Sydney Golden Girl selected to host activities. I would dearly like to contact her if possible. I can be contacted direct via email at elvis2594@gmail.com or phone/fax (Australia) 02-63824332. Thanks……Bob If you can help, email Bob

Latest Madison album released: Hillcrest Blues has been released. For Elvis, one of the changes in 1972, after wife Priscilla left their marriage, was a move back into his empty Hillcrest home in Los Angeles, in early March.  Was it any surprise that several of the songs done a few weeks later, at RCA's Studio C in nearby Hollywood, were downcast or bluesy?  When MGM's cameras moved in for a one-day "mock" session sequence, Elvis and band rocked it up with "Burning Love" and "Johnny B. Goode," but also showed Presley's true mood with selections like "For The Good Times," "Always On My Mind" and "Separate Ways."  Now, for the very first time, hear the complete, unedited March 30, 1972 "mock" session in superb STEREO!

Elvis and the Moustache Epidemic: The Dutch city of Tilburg (The Netherlands) has just released the Dutch book "Elvis Presley en de Snorrenepidemie" (translated: "Elvis Presley and the Moustache Epidemic". The book deals with all kinds of mysteries from the city, one involves a link to one of Elvis' girlfriends according to the publisher's site. (News, Source: Elvis News/Elvis Matters)

GRAND ROULETTE AT THE SAHARA:  As recorded live in Lake Tahoe , Nevada ; at the Sahara Tahoe Hotel showroom, May 6 th, 1973 - Midnight show. The forthcoming "Memory Records" label CD release is entitled "GRAND ROULETTE AT THE SAHARA ". In 1973, Elvis appeared at Del Webb‘s Sahara Tahoe hotel for the second time since July/August 1971, and his concerts were an even bigger succes this time, with all tickets being sold out in advance. This CD features the previously unreleased Midnight show from May 6 th, 1973 . It’s a rather typical set with no real surprises, but nevertheless Elvis is in fine fettle and gives a strong and entertaining show for an enthusiastic crowd.

This previously unreleased recording was taken from an early generation copy of the original master tape, as recorded by a member of the audience. All tracks were digitally restored for your best possible listening pleasure. All accompanying photographs were taken between February and July 1973.

Tracks:   01. Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen (medley) - 04. Love Me Tender - 05. Steamroller Blues - 06. Surrender (excerpt) / You Don't Have To Say You Love Me - 07. You Gave Me A Mountain - 08. Love Me - 09. Blue Suede Shoes - 10. Heartbreak Hotel - 11. Long Tall Sally / Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On (medley) - 12. Hound Dog - 13. I'm Leavin' - 14. Fever - 15. What Now My Love - 16. Suspicious Minds - 17. Band Introductions - 18. I'll Remember You - 19. I Can't Stop Loving You - 20. Bridge Over Troubled Water - 21. A Big Hunk O'Love - 22. It's Over - 23. Can't Help Falling In Love - 24. Closing Vamp. Approximate running time: 56:54 (News, Source: Memory Records)

Australia's Sun-Herald Christmas CD: Here is the newspaper cover pr for CD1 of the Sun-Herald's FREE 2CD release featuring yuletide recordings by Elvis (Silver Bells), Olivia Newton-John, Chris Rea, Cyndi Lauper, Andy Williams and more. Elvis' track featured in the CD given away yesterday. The second FREE CD will be issued with next week's issue, but does not feature an Elvis track (although still some great Christmas recordings including Chris Rea's classic, Driving Home For Christmas). (News, Source: Sun Herald)

Aussie Chart Update: On this week's ARIA Music DVD Chart, Elvis The King of Rock 'n' Roll, slips five places to #22. It has been on the chart for 33 weeks and is certified Platinum. (News, Source: ARIA)

News from Portugal: "CHRISTMAS DUETS" CD RELEASED IN PORTUGAL......On November 24, Sony/BMG will release the "Christmas Duets" cd in Portugal.

SANTA ELVIS? Worten's new tv commercial features Santa Claus dressed as Elvis. This ad can be seen on stores, on brochures and on TV. Worten’s brochure can be seen in our site at: www.cofebs.com/indexing.html.

NEW EXHIBITION FEATURING ELVIS - The new exhibition "Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and Roy Orbison" opened
on November 8, at Galeria Fernando Santos in Oporto. This is an exhibition about the trips to the USA made recently by João Louro.

WIN “ELVIS – THE MAGAZINE” Stop by our site and win “Elvis – The Magazine”! Details on www.cofebs.com/indexing.html

Ana Henriques, Clube Oficial de Fãs de Elvis “Burning Star” www.cofebs.com/indexing.html

FAN CLUB CONTACTS
Adress: Apartado 111 - 2806-802 Cova Piedade - Portugal
Phone Numbers: +351-962944994 / +351-962551495
E-mails: cofei@iol.pt / cofebs@yahoo.com
Web page: www.cofebs.com/indexing.html

Elvis Cover Article in Record Collector: Elvis graces the cover of the Christmas edition of the UK Record Collector magazine. (News, Source: Elvis News)

New Christmas Releases: Many thanks to Samuel Ketenjian for these visuals of two new Christmas "longbox" releases featuring Elvis from Sony BMG USA. Price: US$15.00 each. Visit Samuel's site for more info:

FREE Elvis Christmas Album in UK: According to an posting on the FECC forum the UK Daily Mail newspaper is giving away "Elvis' Christmas Album" for free and you can also order a 2 CD set for £8.95 which consists of "Elvis, Loving You", "Elvis Presley" and "Best Of Elvis". It may only cost you £2.99 for postage. (News, Source: For Elvis CD Collectors Forum /Elvis News)

	Elvis & Vernon - DNA issues - a Memphis Mafia view: Following our recent news items about Eliza Presley and possible illegitimate offspring of Elvis', prominent Memphis Mafia member, Marty Lacker, has told EIN: "I have read the stories by Eliza What's hername and by the fan wondering about any illegitimate children fathered by Elvis and I felt it was time for us to come clean.  I am writing this for myself and on behalf of Lamar Fike and we'd like to inform you that Elvis was not really just our friend, he was really our birth father.  Because he was so special and worked miracles he fathered me when he was two years old and he fathered Lamar when he, Elvis, was only 11 months old.

The chances of that being true are about as good as Eliza being Elvis' half sister or that there are any illegitimate Elvis children out there.  I can assure you if there had been any children outside of Lisa Marie, the mother would have immediately come forward for big bucks. Just as Eliza's mother said she would have if it was true that Vernon fathered Eliza or whatever her real name is.  Her mother effusively stated Vernon is not her father.

EIN Comment: Thanks Marty! Marty does not always agree with what EIN publishes, for as he says, we publish a very broad cross-section of what is happening in the Elvis world. Despite assertions (from time to time) to the contrary, EIN does not support, nor endorse, a number of views we publish. For instance....EIN has always maintained Elvis died on 16 August, 1977. We stand by that belief today!

Visit EIN's "Eliza Presley Archives"

Elvis Presley Collection (6DVD set) released in Australia: 20th Century Fox has released, at approx. A$29.95, a great "value for money" 6 DVD set featuring: Love Me Tender: The year is 1865, and the three Confederate Reno brothers don't know the war has ended. They manage to steal a Union Army payroll, and head for home with the money. While Vance (Richard Egan) can think only of the love of his life, Cathy (Debra Paget), it turns out that the brothers have been reported dead, and Cathy has married their youngest brother Clint (Elvis Presley). Vance accepts this until he learns that Cathy still loves him. To complicate things, the U.S. Army knows of the brothers' theft and is hunting them down. (EIN Comment: Weak but opportune movie debut) Flaming Star: West Texas in the years after the Civil War is an uneasy meeting ground of two cultures - one white, the other native American. Elvis portrays Pacer Burton, the son of a white rancher (John McIntire) and his beatiful Kiowa Indian wife (Dolores DelRio). When fighting breaks out between the settlers and natives, Pacer tries to act as a peacemaker, but the "flaming star of death" pulls him irrevocably into the deadly violence. (EIN Comment: Great drama)

Soden Says Graceland Expansion Plans Still Afoot: Graceland turns on the most famous Christmas lights in rock ‘n’ roll this evening in Whitehaven, and country music star Martina McBride will be in Graceland Plaza to throw the switch on the rows of blue lights. The year at Graceland ends with the release of a Christmas duets album that features McBride as well as other female crooners trading lyrics digitally with Elvis Presley.

But 2009 will begin with some uncertainty about broader plans for the worldwide business of Elvis including an expansion of Graceland into a tourist zone taking in Elvis Presley Boulevard from Brooks Road to Shelby Drive.
CKX Inc., the company that bought 85 percent of Elvis Presley Enterprises in 2007, announced the $250 million project, but there have been complications with the economic downturn.

CKX was in the process of going from a publicly traded company to a privately held company this year. CKX chairman and chief executive Robert F.X. Sillerman had hoped to complete the sale of CKX to 19X, a company also controlled by Sillerman, by the end of October. But two weeks ago, 19X Inc. announced in a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing that it has ended its bid to buy CKX.

“19X cited the extraordinary national and global economic conditions that made it impossible to consummate the transaction,” read the SEC notice. The notice also said Sillerman would “continue to pursue an alternate transaction for the acquisition of the company.”

All but $500,000 of the $37.5 million termination fee will be paid in CKX stock owned by 19X. The remaining $500,000 will be paid in cash.

Question marks - EPE Chief Executive Officer Jack Soden was asked about the impact at a meeting this month of the Metro Memphis Attractions Association at Graceland’s Chrome Grille.

“Everything is not without a question mark,” Soden said, referring generally to national economic conditions. He said he couldn’t be more specific about the Whitehaven plan. “There’s an awful lot of behind-the-scenes work done,” Soden said. “It’s going forward. I’m not sure you could say it’s going forward at breakneck speed, right now. But it is definitely going forward.”

A Las Vegas casino to feature a Cirque du Soleil Elvis-themed show is under construction as the year’s end nears and will still open despite economic conditions, Soden said. Sillerman told the annual Elvis fan convention Downtown in a taped appearance in August that his attempt to spread the Elvis brand will not seek to change Graceland but to keep it as it was in 1977, the year Presley died. Soden confirmed that as well this week.

“Everything else needs to change,” he said, referring to plans that include using land beyond Graceland Plaza and north and south of Graceland that EPE has been buying up over an 18-year period. With nearly 25 years at the helm of EPE, Soden said he frequently hears proposals to “reinvent” the late entertainer. It’s a term he doesn’t care for.

“He just needs a reintroduction,” Soden told the group of 25 people. “You don’t need to change anything about Elvis. All you have to do is introduce him to new young eyes and ears and get out of the way. Let the introduction happen.”

Things to come - Like other attractions, Graceland’s attendance has leveled off at between 500,000 and 600,000 visitors a year. Soden’s goal is a million visitors a year and to break a “five-year cycle” of focusing on the anniversaries of Elvis’s death or birth. 2007 was the 30th anniversary of Presley’s death. The year before, Graceland produced a concert featuring Presley’s backing band from the 1970s performing live with a digital big-screen image of Presley singing the same songs. Soden estimated it cost about $700,000 to produce.

“It’s not the kind of things we can do every year. That’s why we’ve gotten into this rhythm,” Soden said. “One of these years we’re going to have to cut loose and produce a $500,000 show that we may not make money on. But it will get people out of their five-year rhythm.”

Another attempt will be more of a focus on anniversaries of career milestones. Next month will mark the 40th anniversary of Presley’s 1968 comeback special. In January and February, Soden said, there will be commemorations of the recording sessions at the old American Recording studio. The sessions at the now demolished studio at Chelsea Avenue and Danny Thomas Boulevard in North Memphis produced some of Presley’s biggest hits during the 1970s in about a week and a half of recording. August will mark the 40th anniversary of Presley’s landmark 1969 show opening the International Hotel in Las Vegas.

Original drawings of Graceland found - A new exhibit next year will be a first for Graceland in that Elvis Presley won’t be the sole focus of it. 2009 will mark the 70th anniversary of the construction of Graceland, which was built in 1939 as a house for Whitehaven’s Moore family. It replaced an older farm house on top of the hill of what was then a 500-acre farm in rural Shelby County.

The original plans and an early drawing of the house were found in a shed on the property years ago. The drawing had been hanging in Soden’s office until archivists discovered its value and began planning the exhibit. (Sale of EPE Archives, Source: AP)

Visit EIN's comprehensive "Sale of EPE Archives"

Elvis in 30 Greatest Conspiracy Theories List: The UK based Telegraph newspaper listed the 30 greatest conspiracy theories. From the assassination of John F Kennedy to the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. From Roswell, New Mexico, to Nasa's moon landings. From the bloodline of Christ to the death of Elvis Presley. Every major event of the last 2,000 years has prompted a conspiracy theory and here we examine those with the biggest followings and the most longevity.

1. September 11, 2001
2. The assassination of John F. Kennedy
3. A flying saucer crashed at Roswell in 1947
4. NASA faked the moon landings
5. The illuminated and new world order
6. The Jesus conspiracy
7. Diana, Princess Of Wales was murdered
8. Elvis Presley Faked his own death
9. Operation Northwoods
10. MK-Ultra

You can read the complete Top 30 on the newspaper's website. (News, Source: Elvis News/ Telegraph) 

Visit EIN's "Elvis Conspiracy" Archives

Elvis ranks in Most Popular Karaoke Songs of 2008: The most popular karaoke songs for 2008 have been revealed. Robbie Williams nabs the Number One spot with his 1997 single 'Angels', while Amy Winehouse's Mark Ronson-produced cover of The Zutons' song 'Valerie' is at Number Two. According to the Performing Right Society ABBA and Elvis Presley both feature twice on the poll.The Top Ten most popular karaoke songs for 2008 are:

1. 'Angels' - Robbie Williams
2. 'Valerie' - The Zutons/Amy Winehouse
3. 'Dancing Queen' - ABBA
4. 'Sweet Caroline' - Neil Diamond
5. 'Kingston Town' - UB40
6. 'The Wonder of You' - Elvis Presley
7. 'Black Velvet' - Alannah Myles
8. 'My Way' - Frank Sinatra
9. 'Suspicious Minds' - Elvis Presley
10. 'Waterloo' - ABBA (News, Source: Elvis News/NME) 

Elvis fan's collection going under hammer: An Elvis fan who saw ‘The King’ 38 times in concert could make more than £18,000 when she sells off her treasured memorabilia at auction next week. Maria Davies, 81, has had to give up her shrine to the late singer following a move to Maidenhead to be nearer to her family. The rock legend’s suede jacket, signed LPs and Maria’s own photographs of Elvis are among the haul set to go under the hammer at Bonhams in Knightsbridge on Tuesday.

A former Liverpool branch leader of the Elvis fan club, Maria made it to the front row at numerous shows with her sister Gladys, who died last year. She became a familiar face to Elvis, who she met personally twice, and was kissed by the singer every time he delved into the front of the crowd.

The first time they met the superstar was in 1970, when the sisters were invited backstage, Maria recalled. “My sister was standing there just looking at him and his teeth were on the same level as her eyes and she kept saying how absolutely gorgeous his teeth were,” she said.

Among the items up for the sale at the auction is an original 1955 poster that has Elvis at the bottom of the bill of a Memphis concert. Auctioneers believe it could fetch £7,000. (News, Source: Gareth McPherson, Maidenhead Advertiser)

New audience recording release: Soon to be released is the latest production from “Rainbow Records”. This release will feature the complete performance of Elvis Presley in Augusta, Maine - recorded May 24, 1977. The producers have been able to locate the original audience-recorded tape. Using 24bit audio transfer they achieved an optimum sound of this recording. We think that with our 6th release we can bring you the best sounding disc so far. Although Elvis was clearly not in the best shape regarding his physical appearance his voice was strong and powerful as always. “Never Been To Spain” which unfortunately was only intoned or the performance of “You Gave Me A Mountain”, “Little Sister” and “My Way” prove that his spirit and feeling for many of his songs was still there.

Christmas Duets chart update: On this week's Billboard 200 (Albums chart), Christmas Duets has reached its highest position to date of #56 (down 5 spots). On the Billboard Country chart, the album dropped one spot to #11 (that representing its peak position on that chart). The album has been on both charts for 5 weeks. (News, Source: Billboard)

The Elvis Encyclopedia (Book Review): Your feedback added

Eliza Presley DNA claim update - video news item: Following the TV item on Eliza's case we received the following message and link from Carol in Ohio (thanks Carol!): "Our Cleveland Fox 8 Cleveland has now been contacted by Eliza Presley who claims and has DNA proof that she is Vernon's daughter...Below is the VIDEO for you to see that aired last night on TV.  Her DNA does match Vernon's niece named Donna Presley, but what is astounding is that the DNA of Jesse's (Dr. Hinton's patient from 6 years ago) has now been proven to match both of Vernon's nieces...and hence, making him the REAL ELVIS...No kidding...look at this video. This woman Eliza really looks like Elvis....she is 46, so is 27 years younger than Elvis.

PS...This is the ONLY time that the Memphis courts have approved of re-opening a Presley estate!  The Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper has also reported on this."

New DNA Evidence Could Prove Elvis Is Alive:

http://www.myfoxcleveland.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?contentId=7896958&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=1.1.1

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Visit EIN's Eliza Presley Archives

Did Elvis father any illegitimate children?: As interest in Eliza Presley's claim she is the daughter of Vernon Presley gathers momentum, one fan has asked about any illegitimate offspring fathered by Elvis. Over the years there have been various claims, from Lucy De Barbin to Deborah Presley, Tim Farrell and Elvis Presley Jr., but known have cprovided substantive evidence to support their claims. EIN received the following message:

"Thanks for responding so quickly.  Truth be told, I am an Elvis fan and I am curious to see if Elvis did father any other children - talent like Elvis' should have transcended generations. As far as DNA testing in regards to siblings, a valid DNA sample from Elvis (or Lisa) is not required.  True siblings - those that share both a mother and father - would have about 50% shared DNA; those siblings which share only one biological parent would have about 25% shared DNA.  Therefore, a comparative DNA analysis of these "half siblings" to see if they share a biological male parent would have merit. The test is roughly $400/each according to this website (DNA Testing Siblings, Testing brothers and sisters ). 

However, to get bullet-proof validity, probably having these "illegitimate children" go to at least 3 different reputable DNA labs to be tested would be a good idea. As far as costs for the DNA test, there are so many Elvis fans out there that anyone wanting to contribute to a DNA test fund would not be hard to find. Also, some of these "illegitimate children" may even pay for the tests themselves - I can understand the need of wanting to know who your father is and who are your brothers and sisters.  Maybe all these "illegitimate children" need is just someone to coordinate the whole thing for them so that they can come forward and be DNA tested.   

This DNA sibling test can at least give some credence to the "illegitimate children" claims by showing that they all share the same father.  I understand that Elvis (or Lisa) would then have to give DNA to show that Elvis is that "shared father". But with this DNA sibling test coupled with the claims of the mothers (they all can't be lying and there is that facial resemblance in some of the "illegitimate children") - how then, can the world deny that Elvis fathered these children when DNA proves that they are all related to one another through a male biological parent? Your thoughts on this are much appreciated! Signed, An Elvis fan who just wants to know!"

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More Elvis Christmas Albums: Elvis News has reported two new Christmas releases featuring the early Christmas recordings from Elvis Presley. The Delta label released "White Christmas - Christmas With Elvis" on October 31, 2008. In Finland VL-Musiikki released a CD called "Elvis Presley - Joulutunnelmissa" (in English "In Christmas atmosphere"). Because the record company is not a member of IFPI this album can't be listed on Top 40 chart. Tracklisting "Elvis Presley - Joulutunnelmissa": 1. Santa Claus Is Back In Town 2. White Christmas 3. Here Comes Santa Claus 4. I'll Be Home for Christmas 5. Blue Christmas 6. Santa Bring My Baby Back (to Me) 7. O Little Town of Bethlehem 8. Silent Night 9. Peace in the Valley 10. I believe 11. Take My Hand, precious Lord 12. It Is No Secret (What God Can Do)

 

TTWII - COMPLETE WORKS – WORLD PREMIERE ON ELVIS EXPRESS RADIO ON FRIDAY: On Friday Nov 21st , 2008 Elvis Express Radio will for the first time play totally unreleased tracks from the upcoming Limited Edition Box Set,  ‘ELVIS TTWII – THE COMPLETE WORKS’. The few tracks that have been selected will be from the August 12th Dinner Show. None of the tracks have been released before, on either audio or film. One of the tracks contained will be the ultra rare opening music followed by TAR. The following Friday, Elvis Express Radio will play selected unreleased tracks from the August 13th Dinner Show. The FREE Download for the Friday Show will be available after 7pm on the 21st Nov from www.elvis-express.com

New Elvis remix featured in Knight Rider: US fans......be sure to watch the new series Knight Rider on Wednesday night, November 19 at 8/7c to be among the first to hear a new Elvis remix of the song "Night Rider." You can find out more about the show here. (News, Source: EPE)

The Elvis Encyclopedia (Book Review): Is Adam Victor's long awaited Elvis book one of the stand-out releases of the year or a half-baked turkey? EIN recently spent a leisurely afternoon with Elvis music playing softly in the background and a nice red at the ready. (Book Review, Source: EIN) Read what we discovered!

Eliza Presley DNA claim Update: Eliza tells EIN: THIS IS FROM MY MYSPACE PAGE AT: myspace.com/elizaalicepresley (Visit EIN's Eliza Presley Archives)

New Tunzi book announced: Elvis Concerts is just out, but Tunzi already announced his next book project. Atlanta In Black And White is the title, and it will bring photographs taken at the Omni on June 29, 1973 and April 30, 1975. The book is to be issued in the first quarter of 2009. (News, Source: FECC) 

Mixed reviews for Elvis Concerts book from JAT: Joseph Tunzi's latest release has met with a mixed response. While some fans are praising the full color visuals, others are critical of the book's lack of substance beyond the portraits. Just how many quality photos of Elvis in a jumpsuit do we need to see?

Meanwhile, JAT's policy of saying "sold out" once all its supplies are exhausted is quite misleading. What it means is that the print run is now in the hands of Elvis clubs and dealers....and many copies are widely available!

Now on eBay - THE VIRGIN ELVIS: One of the more unusual Elvis art items we've seen. New Mexican Retablo influenced art from W.D. HARDEN. Made from recycled sheet metal, bottle caps, vintage cigar boxes, glass "gems", punched metal flashing & plywood. (News, Source: eBay) Visit EIN's "Elvis Art Archives"

"hounddog" box ofice update: In its 9th week of limited release, "hounddog" has now grossed a total of $117,204. It is only screening in 2 US theatres.

Critics are widely split on the film's merits: media critics on Yahoo rate it as a D+ while the public gives it an average B-. (Celluloid Elvis, Source: Yahoo)

The Bootleg Police and FTD - your feedback continues to arrive (updated today)

French book releases: Due for release in France is the book "Elvis, Le King en Devenir" featuring the photographs of Alfred Wertheimer. This 225 - glossy - pages hardcover book will be released by Luc Pire / La Renaissance du livre and is written in English (ISBN : 2874159581). Released October 20, 2008 in France is the audio book "Elvis Presley Legends of Music". Released November 16, 2008 by Monin Yves was the 207 pages book "Le message d'Elvis Presley: Un heros civilisateur (Reliure inconnue)" by de Emanuel-Yves Monin (ISBN-10: 291009703X / ISBN-13: 978-2910097035). (News, Source: Elvis News)

The Bootleg Police and FTD - your feedback continues to pour in (updated today)

(Also updated today: Almost Elvis)

Lamar Fike item on eBay: Because of the chemotherapy treatments Lamar Fike had to endure for his cancer that he contracted four years ago he became weak and it was difficult for him to maneuver around and so he bought and used a Scoorter Store Power Chair to use.  Now that he has been in remission for a year he does not need the chair anymore and wants to sell it. he wants to give an Elvis fan first shot at it.  Either they or someone in their family or that they know might be helped by this chair and this is an opportunity to obtain a very expensive one at a greatly reduced price. You can obtain more information here:   http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260316627355

Aussie Chart Update: With Dutch violin maestro, Andre Rieu, touring Australia and riding high on the music DVD charts with the top 5 music DVDs, 8 in the top 10 and 15 in the top 40, Elvis The King of Rock 'n' Roll slipped 7 spots to #17 (32 weeks on chart and certified Platinum). Incredibly, Andre Rieu's 15 DVDs are certified more than 40xPlatinum! (News, Source: ARIA)

FTD prices set to rise: According to reports, Elvis Unlimited has announced price rises for FTD releases from January 2009.

Elvis Timeless Favorites : Many thanks to Samuel Ketenjian (SPKCollectibles.com) for the following image of Elvis Timeless Favorites. You will find Samuel on eBay as seller spk65.

James Bond's "Quantum of Solace" does Elvis: Elvis is Dominic Greene’s henchman and Anatole Taubman has worked hard to develop the character to set him apart from the Bond henchmen of the past. “I love it on this picture, you have a certain format and you have it written in the script but Marc is very open so you can develop the character from there. He has a vision and the artists are invited to help round that vision, we all have creative input. I want to make Elvis as colorful, as edgy and as interesting as possible. I suggested a wig with a monk cut and Marc agreed so you have the head of Elvis, then the costume department adds another layer, then you meet the makeup department and another layer goes on and you go back and forth developing this character. It is a work in progress and on the first day of filming, Elvis is created.”

On the character of Elvis, “Elvis is Dominic Greene’s better or worse half, depending on the situation. The problem with Elvis is that he comes from a rough background, he has always had to struggle for everything materialistically. Greene, a wealthy influential man, took him under his wing and suddenly Elvis wore all these great clothes. He is a big fashionista, he loves clothes but there is always something wrong with the look, something odd and strange—and that is a reflection of his character. Elvis is the most loyal warrior that any boss could wish for but he is not very bright, a bit of a dumbo and a bit clumsy.” (News, Source: commanderbond.net)

The Elvis Commandments: EIN graphics guru, Charmaine Jensen-Voisine, sent us this interesting item originally posted by Linda @presleymania yahoogroup

Commandment #1 - Follow That Dream

If there is one thing we learn from The King, it is that no dream is beyond possibility. As Elvis states, "Every dream I ever had has come true a thousand times." A sharecropper's child from Tupelo dreamed of changing the course of history. Even though it would have been hard to find anyone who thought Elvis's dream was possible, The King didn't let anything stand in the way--and neither should we. Elvis is King of dreams, and King of dreamers.


Commandment #2 - Don't Be Cruel

Cruelty is any wanton and willful act of violence, regardless of form. From a cigarette butt tossed on the ground to race hatred to nuclear warfare, it's all the same. And as we all know, violence is not cool, and begets only fear, which leads to more violence. Elvis is the perfect example of nonviolence, a bottomless well of benevolence and love. The King is never one to cause pain, take advantage, or look the other way. Elvis's example should inspire us all to eradicate cruelty from ourselves and from the Universe around us.


Commandment #3 - Love Me Tender

Love is the universal constant that is the linchpin of human existence, and the basis of all community. All of us want love, and all of us need it, even as we grow inside our mother. Elvis tells us that while the concept of love in the abstract is simple and easy to profess, the real challenge we face is to love with tenderness. Elvis
is King of love, and King of tenderness. This plea serves to remind us always to accept and to convey the love embrace of the Universe in all its diversity.


Commandment #4 - Shake, Rattle, and Roll


Don't hold yourself back! Feel the rhythm of the cosmos within you and around you. It is omnipresent and incessant. Let your heart pulse to the rhythm and pump it through your blood. When we let ourselves go, we feel its pervasive essence. It shakes our preconceptions, rattles our minds. It rolls another number for the road. Elvis wants us all to know our part in the rhythm, so that we can continue The King's vital Work. Though the rhythm is powerful beyond our comprehension, we must not be afraid--all of us must one day join it.


Commandment #5 - Do the Clam

Elvis urges us to be ever more aware of all of our cousins of all species. Don't just see the clam. Don't just think the clam. Don't just know the clam. Don't just be the clam. DO the clam. DO the clam (or the moss, or the prairie dog, or the homeless person). Only when we become fully aware of our interdependence can we be fully aware of ourselves, and only then can we E-volve to a better state of being. The King's most heartfelt desire is fullness of life for all.


Commandment #6 - Treat Me Nice

Elvis knows that it may not be easy to pass through life without inflicting harm on others--but that's not even half the job! The real effort is in helping others E-volve along with us, and we can only do that through deliberate effort to make life better for all our cousins. Just as cruelty breeds fear, niceness begets kindness. The simplest way to improve our Universe is through plain, genuine niceness. King of nice, Elvis always illustrates how best to treat others.


Commandment #7 - Don't

Are you damned if you do? Are you damned if you don't? No, and no. Fact is, you're not damned at all. Ever. As Elvis says, "As long as we have the strength to dream, we can redeem our souls and fly." But you still have to take responsibility for all that you are and all that you do. So on this monkey-see-monkey-do journey, try to see only the monkey you want to do. In the meantime, given that Saturn always returns, if you get a chance to do something you might have to come back later and undo, DON'T.


Commandment #8 - It's Now or Never

Each moment is precious and irreplaceable, and every moment is rife with what seem to be innumerable choices and options. Of course, we want to make the best decisions we can, but we shouldn't let that
stand in the way of living Kingly lives. Elvis reminds us that once this moment passes, it lapses into "never," and we won't see it again. The King reminds us that the life continues on even if we cease, and that we must always strive to live every moment in rhythm and harmony with the Universe.


Commandment #9 - Return to Sender

Elvis is King of life cycles and gyrations. Elvis wants us always to be aware that there is a beginning and an end to everything, and to remember that what goes around comes around. Everything eventually goes back to where it came from, and The King's desire for sustainability makes it our obligation to assist the process in a
peaceful and loving manner. So whether it's an old container (that could be you) or some major bad karma, love-tap a little extra postage on it as it passes, to help make sure it gets where it needs to go.


Commandment #10 - Viva Las Vegas!

By definition, life in human form is a gamble. Every decision entails risk. In the desert, even a pit stop at the oasis means taking a chance because that is where the predators lie in wait. Does that mean we should stay away? No! We need it, and all our cousins (be they animal, mineral, or vegetable), need it as well. The King wants us to take the risk--to go there and protect our precious havens from waste, pollution, radiation, and anything else that makes our vital resources unavailable. Long live The King! Long live our cousins! Long live the oases!


Commandment #11 - Wear My Ring Around Your Neck

We should never be afraid to let anyone know how we feel about The King. Odds are, they feel the same way. We should always be proud of who we are, and of how we do The King's Work. One thing we can count on is that just the mention of Elvis's name seems to karate-kick doors open. When we face the world, we should never try to dim our inner Elvis. Let it shine through! The more Elvis we show, and the more Elvis we see, the better our little corner of the Universe will be.

See Charmaine's fantastic Elvis graphics!

An American Princess: With a father like the King, Lisa Marie Presley is the closest thing we have in this country to down home American royalty. Few fans, however, actually know the real Lisa Marie. As sole heir to her father’s estate, her estimated net worth is said to be close to $300 million. Yeah sure, she has kept the tabloids abuzz with her early drug problems, Vogue modeling campaigns for Versace, Gap, and Cartier, and her “one-minute” marriages to Michael Jackson and Nicholas Cage. A celebrity since the moment of her birth in 1968 – nine months to the day after the fairy-tale wedding of Elvis to his young bride, Priscilla Beaulieu – she soon earned a reputation for being overly indulged by her father.

Growing up in the lap of luxury, Elvis frequently dressed her in miniature fur coats, showered her with jewels, provided her with her own golf cart to ride around the estate, and even flew her to Idaho aboard his private jet -– dubbed Lisa Marie – just so she could play in the snow.

Presley cherishes the memories of making music with her dad. “He would always wake me up to sing in the middle of the night,” she told Diane Sawyer in a revealing TV interview earlier this year. Certainly, she was the star of her father’s universe even after her parents split when she was just 4. Bouncing between the Graceland mansion and her mother’s home in Beverly Hills, Lisa Marie often attended Elvis concerts, and learned songs to play for him on the piano that he bought for her.

This seemingly perfect life all came to a complete stop on August 16, 1977, the day Elvis died. In the house that the time, the shocked 9-year-old Lisa Marie screamed as her father lay dead on the bathroom floor. A brooding, lonely child in the aftermath of her father’s death, she chafed at the strict discipline imposed by Priscilla, daughter of a career military officer who enforced rigid rules.

Priscilla, a longtime member of the Church of Scientology, suspected that her teenage daughter was experimenting with drugs; thus, enrolling her into a church-run school. By age 17, she was drug-free and had grown so close to her mother that she was present in the delivery room when Priscilla gave birth to her son, Navarone.

At 18, she dropped out of the exclusive Westlake School for Girls in Los Angeles, and moved into an apartment in the Scientologists’ Celebrity Center on Sunset Boulevard. There, after successful drug rehabilitation, she first met Danny Keough, the aspiring musician she later married in 1988 in a ceremony at the center. Although now divorced, as the father of her two children, he still remains very much a part of her life. She refers to him as her “best friend in the world.”

Taking care of business now means focusing on her own career and family. Though she admits she is a bit shy of relationships, she adores and has a very close and loving relationship with her children, Danielle, age 13, and Ben, 10. Following in the King’s footsteps, her debut album, “To Whom It May Concern”, has received rave reviews showing off both her surprisingly powerful voice and original songwriting talents. Musically, the album bears a distinctive rock edge. “This is me. Every song is me. You’re going to see who I really am and not what the tabloids say or whatever anyone has to say about me,” Lisa Marie explained.

Although it has taken her 35 years to find her voice, if she continues to live up to her potential, it was worth the wait and would surely make daddy proud. Despite some of the negative press, Lisa Marie Presley deserves accolades as well. She has become an outspoken activist including against medicating mentally challenged children. As head of the Presley foundation, and the establishment of Presley Place, a housing development for previously homeless families, last year Lisa Marie received the World Literacy Crusade’s Humanitarian award for her outstanding efforts.

Her eerie resemblance to the King – from her eyes right down to the upturned lip that was the Elvis trademark to her flashy dance moves and incredible vocal talent – it is clear that she inherited more than just good looks from dad. It cannot be easy being the daughter of a legend. We have no choice but to give her credit for following her dreams and recovering from her hardships in the public eye. In fact, we might even admire her for finally opening up and becoming so readily accessible. In some small way, one could say that Elvis has definitely not left the building. (Lisa Marie Presley's World, Source: Kaya Morgan, millionaire.com)

The Bootleg Police - Your Say! Your response to Ernst Jorgensen's letter to a number of fan clubs about selling bootlegs! The response to our story about Ernst contacting was a very strong and mixed one. EIN offers its views on the issue and publishes your feedback. Is it time to rethink the FTD business model? You be the judge.

'Elvis That's The Way It Is - The Complete Works' Update: After our news report on Friday 14 November, EIN received many enquiries about pre-orders for this much anticipated book, 6CD & 3DVD set. We have been advised that pre-orders are not yet open, and details of how to order will be available in the next few weeks. View full track listings, additional artwork & pricing

USA "longbox" editions: Many thanks to Samuel Ketenjian (SPKCollectibles.com) for the following images of the longbox editions of The Essential (Elvis Presley) and Christmas Duets.

Elvis Concerts book released: Joe Tunzi's latest publication "Elvis Concerts" has been released. These images are two sample pages from this new book, which is done pretty much in the same vein as the "Portraits" book. (News, Source: Elvis News/FECC)

Marty Lacker Memphis Mafia jacket sells on eBay for US$500.00: Earlier this week we reported Memphis Mafia memnber and co-best man at Elvis and Priscilla's wedding, Marty Lacker, had advised EIN: Since 1999, I have been asked if I have any more Memphis Mafia items for sale that we had made in '97.  They were all gone by '99 and all I had left was my own personal items of Memphis Mafia clothing which I wasn't wanting to part with. EIN is pleased to report Marty's jacket has sold for $500.00.

Biggest selling singles in the USA?: Posted on the Y! Music Playlist Blog by Robert of the Radish is a playlist of the biggest selling singles of all time in the United States. The biggest selling single has sold almost twice as many as its closest competition. In 1997, Elton John released a remake of his classic 1973 song "Candle In The Wind" with new lyrics that paid homage to Diana, Princess of Wales after her untimely death. This single sold over 11 million copies in the United States. An incredible figure. Unfortunately, "Candle In The Wind" is not available for streaming via Rhapsody at this time, so it is not included in the final playlist here. So what are the runners up to "Candle In The Wind 1997"? Well, only two have broken the 6 million mark ("A Little Less Conversation" by Elvis Presley & "Here Without You" by 3 Doors Down"), and only 12 have cracked the 4 million mark. Please note that I am speaking only of sales in the USA. Look for future blog posts to reveal top sellers in other countries and worldwide. A "single" is a song recording that has been marketed for sale as a unit, usually with a second track, or "b-side". For the most part singles also appear on a full-length album and tend to be the track(s) a record company feels have the best chance for massive sales and airplay.

1. A Little Less Conversation - Elvis Presley
2. Here Without You - 3 Doors Down
3. Another One Bites The Dust - Queen
4. Apologize - Timbaland
5. (Everything I Do) I Do It For You - Bryan Adams
6. Hey Jude - The Beatles*
7. Hound Dog / Don't Be Cruel - Elvis Presley
8. I Will Always Love You - Whitney Houston
9. Let's Get It On - Marvin Gaye
10. Low - Flo Rida
11. Macarena - Los del Rio
12. Ridin' - Chamillionaire
13. We Are The World - USA For Africa**
14. Whoomp There It Is - Tag Team (News, Source: Elvis News/Yahoo News) 

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I'll Remember You FTD clarification: Elvis Unlimited (EU) has confirmed with Enrst Jørgensen that the upcoming FTD, I'll Remember You will be the midnight show from February 3, 1973 and not the dinner show. Elvis only sang I'll Remember You at the dinner show and not at the midnight show. Therefore, the song is included as a bonus song on the new FTD release. Ernst tells EU not only was Elvis in great spirits for this show but also that the sound quality is outstanding on this release.

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More iTunes Elvis releases: Released on iTunes on the Revolver label are three compilations of early material entitled "The Definitive" volumes 1 to 3. All compilations feature studio recordings, Hayride material and interviews.
Released on the same day - October 27th. 2008 - on the same label is the compilation "Elvis, The King".   filled with early material. (News, Source: Elvis News/ iTunes) 

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A Very Elvis Christmas: The Herbert Hoover Museum has come up with an exciting new holiday exhibit that features 20 trees showcasing the life and career of Elvis Presley. "A Very Elvis Christmas" opens on Saturday, Nov. 22.

There are trees that recall some of the places where Elvis lived and worked. For example, there is a Hawaiian tree covered with ornaments of the islands-leis, hibiscus and the like. And no one can forget Elvis' frequent appearances in Las Vegas; the tree will feature dice, playing cards and coins. The most important place in Elvis' life was his beloved Graceland estate-and the tree standing in the rotunda will be decorated in the likeness of a tree from Graceland.

There are trees decorated to represent songs that Elvis sang and recorded during his career. The "Love Me Tender" tree is filled with hearts and other signs of love. The "Teddy Bear" tree is filled with teddy bears! How about a "Hound Dog" tree featuring bones, dog collars and fire hydrants among other items? And, of course, there is a "Blue Christmas" tree covered with blue lights and blue ornaments.

Elvis was more than a singer and selected, non-musical aspects of his life will be included in the holiday exhibit. Not surprisingly, there is a tree filled with items that recall his service in the U.S. Army. Several trees are decorated to represent themes from movies that Elvis made. For example there is a "Western" tree, a "Race Car" tree and a "Beach/Ocean" tree-all 3 recalling Elvis' appearances in various genre films of the 1950's and 1960's.

Fame visited Elvis early and often so several trees concentrate on his achievements. There is a tree devoted to various kinds of Elvis memorabilia-from mini album covers to collectable playing cards. Another tree concentrates on his gold records and is covered with-gold colored records! And since Elvis was known as the "King of Rock and Roll," there is a regal tree featuring crowns and the colors of royalty.

These are just some of the themes and trees that are included in "A Very Elvis Christmas." It is an exhibit that will bring back memories of holidays past. In fact, it may encourage you to go up to the attic or down to the basement to find your own old copy of an Elvis' Christmas album. And if you can't find it, you can buy a new one. More than 50 years after the original release, the album is still in stores-the top selling holiday album of all time!

"A Very Elvis Christmas" opens at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Museum on Nov. 22 and continues until Jan. 4. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. For more information call 319-643-5301 or visit www.hoover.archives.gov.

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum are located in West Branch and are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking is limited so please allow extra time to find a parking space. (News, Source: Elvis Unlimited)

'Elvis That's The Way It Is - The Complete Works'

Finally.....here it is......

Artwork plus complete 6CD & 3DVD track listing & pricing (click above to view all artwork & track listings)

Christmas Duets with Elvis: Recording for this album must have felt like one giant ego trip. They are singing with Elvis Presley. Of course, the great King of Rock and Roll is no longer in the flesh. We do not even know if he would have approved. Come to think of it, Elvis was not really much for duets. I cannot recall any from the albums I have heard. But he is in no position to complain and like it or not, thanks to the wonder of technology anybody can now do duets with him and they can proudly say that they have duets with Elvis. The new CD is Christmas Duets. Basically it is made up of previously recorded songs by Elvis. Most of them are from his very first Christmas sessions in 1957 while he was at the peak of his career. The resulting LP became the biggest selling Christmas album of all time. The others come from a later set done in 1971. These songs were then arranged into duets, the new vocals were added and then reorchestrated, remixed and presto!, you have the Elvis Presley Christmas Duets.

Eleven country music stars were treated to this chance to sing with Elvis in one of this year’s most important Yuletide releases. Blue Christmas with Martina McBride; I’ll Be Home for Christmas with Carrie Underwood; Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane) with LeAnn Rimes; Santa Claus is Back in Town with Wynonna Judd; Silent Night with Sara Evans; White Christmas with Amy Grant; Merry Christmas Baby with Gretchen Wilson; O Little Town of Bethlehem with Karen Fairchild & Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big Town; Silver Bells with Ann Murray; O Come All Ye Faithful with Olivia Newton-John.

This is a powerhouse line-up that cuts across generations of country music stars. For some strange reason though, the duets are exclusively female. This is probably because the people behind the project still saw Elvis in his leading man image and not as the music artist. It would have been nice to have a male or two singing along. Garth Brooks or Tim McGraw in a duet with Elvis would have really been an event. And what about a band, something like the Eagles would have been sensational. But that is all wishful thinking.

The best thing about the CD is that it showcases Elvis in his country roots, back to the time before he discovered Italian-inspired pop. And he sounds great, bluesy and rocking hard. Another one is that it shows that Elvis has really no need for singing partners. As the three solo bonus tracks, The First Noel, If I Get Home on Christmas Day and Winter Wonderland that he recorded in 1971, easily prove, he could put so much feeling in a song that embellishments like added vocals come out superfluous.

Still, this is a must for all Elvis fans who must have thought they will never again get new recordings from their king. It is also a good addition to this year’s harvest of new holiday albums, which seems to be turning out one of the most varied and interesting.

Speaking of varied and in this case of a very different sort from Elvis’ music is the Cool Sexy Christmas CD. This one is an off-shoot of the Cool Sexy Jazz series. The compilation usually features jazz tunes ranging from the simply jazzy like Kenny Rankin’s to the fusion type from Spyro Gyra to the R&B of Patti Labelle. So if you like your Christmas music, elegantly laid back, you should consider getting this one.

But too bad, there are no Rankin or Labelle in the holiday edition. Only Spyro Gyra made the cut and its contribution, I’ll Be Home for Christmas is the best of the batch. Great to find two cuts by the smooth as honey sounding Vanessa Williams’ Do You Hear What I Hear? and What Child is This? Nice too, to hear the strong vibrant tones of Carl Anderson again in O Holy Night. Was he not Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar?

Other titles included are This Christmas with Yutaka; Let It Snow by Boyz II Men; The First Noel by Brian McKnight; Silent Night by Al Jarreau; Give Love on Christmas Day by Daryle Chinn; The Little Drummer Boy by Daryle Stuemer; The Christmas Song by Norman Brown; Winter Wonderland and The Christmas Song by Larry Carlton; Do You Hear What I Hear? by David Benoit; The First Noel by Will Downing; Winter Wonderland by Ashanti; Feliz Navidad by Tom Scott; and Sleigh Ride by Eddie Daniels. (Article, Source: SOUNDS FAMILIAR By Baby A. Gil, philstar.com)

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Duets TV video debuting 17 November: The music video featuring Elvis and Martina McBride performing Blue Christmas promoting the Elvis Duets CD will have it's worldwide premiere on Entertainment Tonight and USAToday.com in the United States on Monday, November 17th. One day later the video will come in rotation on CMT and GAC. On Wednesday, November 19th. the video will be available at iTunes and all other digital service providers and on Elvis.com.

It will premiere on free to air TV in Australia on November 19, 2008. (News, Source: Elvis News)

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Elvis International Magazine - Birthday 2009 Edition Update

EIN Comment: With this week's news about the Bootleg Police being out on patrol, EIN finds it interesting a magazine indicating itself to be an officially licensed publication of Graceland/EPE is using a bootleg CD cover to promote its article on Opening Night Vegas 1969.

Classic import release reissued as 8CD + 1DVD boxset: The classic Bilko 4 volume series "There's Always Me" has just been re-issued in a eight CD box set on the WLR label. This re-issue comes with an additional DVD containing "Rock And Roll: Elvis In The Movies" and a sixteen page booklet with the complete tracklisting. (News, Source: Elvis News)

James Burton donates guitars: Local guitar legend James Burton stopped by Shreveport's Rutherford House Wednesday. And while Burton put on a little show for the kids, his purpose there was bigger than a mini-concert. He also donated some guitars for budding musicians, with the hopes of making a difference in their lives."Music is one of the most important things in our lives, and it's just such a ... great discipline for the future for the young kids to get into music and play an instrument. It's just wonderful, it's fantastic," Burton said.

The guitars were provided through the James Burton Foundation, which provides technical training, music lessons and free guitars to young musicians. (News, Source: ksla.com)

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And while talking about James:Play - The Guitar Album: Brad Paisley has developed into one of Nashville's hottest guitar players, and now that he's also a bona fide superstar, he can indulge in a mostly instrumental album like this one. The 16 tracks showcase Paisley's versatile stylings, from twangy country to poignant acoustic to gritty rock to old-school surf. Some heavy-duty guests check in to join the fun. The strongest track, Start a Band, has vocals, and Keith Urban's rock-edged playing is a perfect foil for Paisley's rootsy picking.

B.B. King growls along on a country-rocking take on Let the Good Times Roll, while a jaw-dropping group including Vince Gill, Albert Lee, James Burton and Steve Wariner rips up Cluster Pluck.

Paisley shows that he knows his way around jazz in Les Is More, and he goes all Eddie Van Halen in Cliffs of Rock City. This is a fun spin for guitar geeks, but it may be a bit much for casual Paisley fans. (News, Source: )

A woman who sings like Elvis!: AUSTRALIAN by nurture and Elvis by nature, Jacqueline Feilich succumbed to her lifelong Presley passion by entering the 2006 Elvis Tribute Competition in Las Vegas. Performing in jeans and a T-shirt since her luggage hadn't arrived, she nonetheless came second and decided to turn pro afterwards, calling her act She Is The King. Since then she has performed at Graceland as well as on Mornings With Kerri-Anne, released an album late last year (the iTunes tracks are particularly popular in Japan, although Feilich is baffled as to why) and finds herself in demand in the US. Feilich (www.sheistheking.com) performs songs from throughout Elvis's career and does it because of her "obsession and love" for the artist - although she adds that stepping into his blue suede shoes was initially daunting." I always wanted to incorporate Elvis songs into whatever I was doing, whether it's working with a garage band or when I sang at the Stamford Plaza [Double Bay] at the piano bar but most people weren't into it, so I wasn't singing what I loved," she says. "That forced me into doing it myself against all odds and really against odds because everybody told me I was either crazy or an idiot."

Feilich says she isn't an impersonator but a tribute artist, the difference being that for her the music comes first. Having said that, the King's fashion sense does influence what she wears and she's particularly fond of tight jumpsuits.

"One [lesbian fan] even put a question to me and asked, 'How do I like cross-dressing?' and I never really thought of it like that ... but it's true!" Feilich says.

This might explain why she was recruited to perform at Girlfest '09, a lesbian festival held in January in Coolum, Queensland, although her gigs are varied - she'll also perform on an Elvis fan cruise aboard P&O's Pacific Dawn sailing from Brisbane to Sydney next year and is in talks with a US casino that wants to fly her stateside. Her most interesting gig so far, however, was at Graceland in front of 75,000 Elvis fans.

"These people were from Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Denmark, Japan and China and even if they couldn't speak English every person there still knew every word to every song - for them it's like a religion," she says.

Asked whether it's a religion for her as well, Feilich answers without hesitation.

"Absolutely," she says, nodding her head. "Even though I'm Jewish - but I tell that to my rabbi." (Almost Elvis, Source: Dan Kaufman, smh.com.au)

Visit the "She Is The King" website

Aretha Franklin named Greatest Singer of Rock Era: She's already the Queen of Soul, but now Aretha Franklin has been named the greatest singer of the rock era in a poll conducted by Rolling Stone magazine. Franklin, 66, came in ahead of Ray Charles at No. 2, Elvis Presley at No. 3, Sam Cooke at No. 4 and John Lennon at No. 5, according to the magazine's survey of 179 musicians, producers, Rolling Stone editors, and other music-industry insiders.

The issue includes testimonials from musicians. R&B singer Mary J. Blige, for example, writes that Franklin is "the reason why women want to sing." Former Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant, who was No. 15 on the list, describes Presley's voice as "confident, insinuating and taking no prisoners."

Besides Franklin, the only other living people in the top 10 were Bob Dylan at No. 7 and Stevie Wonder at No. 9. Marvin Gaye was No. 6, Otis Redding No. 8, and James Brown No. 10. Other notables included Paul McCartney at No. 11, one place ahead of his idol, Little Richard; and Mick Jagger at No. 16, also one ahead of a key influence, Tina Turner. Among the top 25, 50-year-old Michael Jackson was the youngest, coming in at No. 25.

Voters included Metallica frontman James Hetfield, folk singers David Crosby and Yusuf Islam, Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards, punk rock veteran Iggy Pop and English pop star James Blunt. They each submitted their top 20 choices, and an accounting firm tabulated the results. (News, Source: Reuters)

Marty has now listed the jacket on eBay. Click here to view listing

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My Happiness acetate for sale?: In 1953 Elvis Presley made his first vanity recording for US$4.00. The songs he recorded on the one-time acetate were "My Happiness" and "That's When Your Heartaches Begin". The acetate disc was given to a friend, Ed Leek who had attended the same high school as Elvis. The historic recording vanished from sight until 1988 when it was released by BMG. The original disc is now up for sale according to an Irish blogger.

EP Gold reports: Friends of Ed Leek contacted me by EMAIL and telephone about the "My Happiness" Acetate. They sent me a recording of Ed Leek Telling his side of the My Happiness story, and an email they received from him about their friendship. The taped recording now on CD Is a fascinating first hand account of the Historic event, in a fine Memphian accent! This story has nothing to do with a recent sale of a Sun Fake apparently sold on EBAY.. Maurice Colgan. http://irelandtoo.blogspot.com (News, Source: Ireland Too /EP Gold/Elvis News)

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Audio preview of "Hillcrest Blues": Perhaps surprisingly, given Ernst Jorgensen's recent message to many Elvis clubs/sites, on the Elvis Australia site you can listen to a preview "For The Good Times" from the the upcoming import release from the Madison label entitled "Hillcrest Blues - Standing Room Only Tapes, Vol. 3".  This CD is volume 3 in the Madison "Standing Room Only" series, previeous volumes were "A Greensboro Revolution" and "Red Hot In Richmond". (News, Source: Elvis News) EIN will publish your responses to the bootleg police message in the next few days

Sam Phillips Celebration 2009: The Sam Phillips Celebration will take place on January 5th through January 10th, 2009. This event is now in it's fourth year. It will be held at the Marriott Shoals Conferce Center in Florence, Alabama.

Delbert McClinton is the headliner of the event. Delbert represents the blues era of Sam's career when he produced Howling Wolf, BB King and Ike Turner. Sam's youngest son Jerry said, "Sam started out recording blues artists before Elvis or any of the other guys. It's what he liked to do." Jerry also said McClinton has alot of connections in Florence having recorded there in the past.

Jason D. Williams will return for his third appearance at the Sam Phillips event. He is back by popular demand said Jerry. Sonny Burgess and The Pacers will also honor Sam. Sonny said he wanted to pay tribute to Sam while he was still around. "Sonny Burgess is an original Sun artist that Sam actually recorded. Sonny wanted to do the show for a couple of years ." said Jerry Phillips.

Jerry said the concept behind the celebration remembering his father is to feature artists that mirror the various genres of music that Sam Phillips recorded such as Rock n Roll, Blues and Country.

More guests will be announced. Check back for more information soon. (News, Source: EP Gold/Elvis Unlimited)  

Kelly Osbourne considering a secret Elvis-themed wedding: The daughter of rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, reportedly wants to wed model Luke Worrell in Las Vegas next spring after accepting his marriage proposal two months ago. A friend of Kelly said: “They want their wedding to be fun rather than a big, solemn occasion, which is why they are thinking something Vegas-style would work best. They are even toying with the idea of an Elvis-themed ceremony.

“They share the same sense of humour and unconventional streak, so they wanted to celebrate their love for each other with something different and memorable.”

The couple - who divide their time between London and Los Angeles - are set to spend their honeymoon on the idyllic Caribbean island of St. Lucia. They will enjoy a few days at a luxury private resort together, before being joined by their closest friends and family for a week of celebrations.

Luke, 19, is believed to have asked 24-year-old Kelly to marry him while they were at New York Fashion Week in September. The source added to Britain’s Star magazine: “Kelly was over the moon. And although he bought her a ring, they both agreed they would keep things hush-hush for a while.

“She wore it a couple of times back in September but it was getting a lot of scrutiny and she didn’t want the pressure.”

Kelly reportedly told her mother Sharon about the engagement straight away, but Ozzy didn’t find out for several weeks. (News, Source: NZ City)

All Elvis, all day: Rock 'n' roll lovers from around the world can't forget the pelvis-gyrating performances of Elvis Presley. To preserve these memories, the Today, Tomorrow and Forever Elvis Fan Club, formed four years ago, will host the fourth annual Elvis Day to celebrate the 53rd anniversary of Presley's historic concert in Sheffield.

The all-day event will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday 15 November at Webster Hotel and Suites in Sheffield.

Proceeds will go to the Lauderdale Animal Control Shelter. In previous years, the organization has contributed to the American Cancer Society and the Sheffield Public Library. (News, SourceL Shelbia Brown, TimesDaily.com)

Mystery of missing girlfriend solved: (update on story from last month) On Dec. 4, 1956, Marilyn Evans entered--and exited--rock 'n' roll history. That was the day Elvis Presley stopped by Memphis' Sun Studio and recorded an impromptu session with Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis. Historians have long believed Evans was there too because she was dating Presley then and a voice assumed to be hers appears on the recording. Also, a local newspaper photographer captured an image of the brunet alongside the famous foursome, which the paper dubbed the Million Dollar Quartet.

"That lovely creature sitting on top of the piano," the caption for the photo read in the next day's newspaper, is "Marilyn Evans, who dances at the New Frontier in Las Vegas. She is Elvis' house guest thru Friday."

Unlike some other Elvis exes, Evans didn't make a career out of her companionship with The King, and Elvis enthusiasts have long wondered what happened to her after her week in Memphis. Colin Escott, a music historian and co-author of the play "Million Dollar Quartet," now playing at Chicago's Apollo Theater, has called her the "the least known of Elvis' girlfriends," which was true.....................Until today.

Two weeks ago, the Tribune ran a story about the missing-girlfriend mystery, explaining why the "Million Dollar Quartet" show features a fictitious Elvis girlfriend, "Dyanne."

"Given that lawyers govern everything these days, they said, if you don't know where [Evans] is, [then] we had to create a fictitious character," Escott said at the time. As it happens, Evans, now Marilyn Knowles-Riehl, 71, saw the article and contacted the Tribune.

For 52 years she has hidden in plain sight, a living, missing link to one of America's most magical music moments.

Here is her story. When a promoter called Marilyn Evans in summer 1956 and asked her to join the chorus line at Las Vegas' New Frontier Casino, she could hardly contain herself--this teenager from Fresno, Calif., lived to dance. "I thought it was probably the most sophisticated thing that had ever happened in the whole world," she said last week with an easy laugh. She came to a Las Vegas in its infancy, a relatively innocent place, where the dancers enjoyed good pay--$135 a week--sports cars and soirées with such headliners as Mickey Rooney and George Chakiris. The MDQ as often shown:

"It was just very exciting: two shows a night, seven days a week," she said. "I was loving it."

Between shows, the dancers would gather in an employees-only coffee shop within the casino. It was there that Elvis walked in one night and sat at their table. "Wow," Evans thought. "He's beautiful--really, truly." Within an hour, Elvis had slipped Evans a scrawled note on the back of a napkin. It read: "Can I have a date with you tomorrow night or before I leave?"

Evans nodded in excitement and shock.

"He called backstage that night, set a time," she remembered.

And so, for the next couple of weeks she and Elvis explored Las Vegas, driving around, hanging out and walking through the casinos. (Neither enjoyed gambling, she said.) Asked why he picked her, she giggles and shrugs.

"I think he probably liked that I wasn't 'out there.' I was respectable," she said. "I still am respectable, you know!"

And what did this respectable teenager's parents think about her dating Parental Enemy No. 1? Evans' father had died when she was in high school, but to head off any trouble she wrote her mother a letter that began, "Don't flip, mama, but I've become acquainted with Elvis Presley." Momma did flip, a little; that is, until Evans put the young star on the phone.

"He seems like a very nice person," her mom, L.E. Evans, informed The Fresno Bee in December 1956, after word of the relationship leaked. "Elvis told Marilyn he likes her because she doesn't act like a show girl, because she's real."

Like Evans, Elvis too was performing at the New Frontier--his first Vegas engagement--but when he left, the couple kept in touch by telephone. Then one day, he called Evans and asked her to come visit and stay at his Memphis home. She said yes.

And so, 52 years later, what does she remember most about the house? "I remember that phone just rang and nobody answered, which was odd." In Memphis, Elvis and Evans spent their days riding motorcycles, going out to eat and watching rented movies at Elvis' house, a luxury the girl from Fresno could hardly believe.

"He was relaxed. He was comfortable there," Knowles-Riehl recalled. And at night she slept ...... not with him. He was extremely honorable. He was young; I was young."

On Dec. 4, 1956, the couple, along with some of Elvis' friends, cruised around Memphis, as usual. But on this day Elvis stopped at Sun, where he had made his first record only three years prior. It was there, over the next few hours, that fate (and a tape recorder) would allow a rare glimpse of the musical passions of these four future legends, as they jammed on gospel, country and blues. It was a seminal session of rock 'n' roll's origins ... and one that Knowles-Riehl barely recalls.

"I remember that outfit I was wearing was all wool," she said with a shrug of apology. "A lot of water has passed under the bridge since then."

The fact that the session meant so little to her might help explain why she said she felt fine when the relationship faded a few weeks later.

"I always preferred classical music," she explained. "We were just into different things, not that one's better than the other. It was great, I loved it, it was terrifically exciting and wonderful, but I had other things I wanted to do," said Knowles-Riehl who, the next year, began attending the University of Utah.

Asked why she never broadcast her brush with stardom, Knowles-Riehl said she never thought it among her life's highlights. Instead she prefers to gush about her two husbands--her first died--her son and a dancing career that includes 13 years as the director of the Fresno Ballet.

"It's like people whose high point of their life is their senior prom," she explained. "My senior prom was good, but a lot of stuff has happened that's been great since then." Such as ...When it's not driving me crazy, I enjoy genealogy," said Knowles-Riehl, who divides her time between Carmel, Calif., and Salt Lake City.

She also continues to dance--thanks to the fitness of a 40-year-old-- and she runs her own belly dancing troupe.

"It's pretty much the opposite of all my training, but I love it," she said. Until last week, Knowles-Riehl had never listened to the recording session from that day in Memphis. But when she did, she quickly nixed the popular theory that she's the one who requested the song "Farther Along."

"That's not me," she said, as the female voice on the recording speaks with an obvious drawl. "I wouldn't pick up a Southern accent that fast," she said, chuckling.

And yet, in listening to the rest of the album from that day's session Knowles-Riehl stumbled upon another female voice, this one requesting "End of the Road." "That's me," she said, as her wide brown eyes grew wider.

"It's like otherworldly," she said of hearing herself, "out of body."

With the headphones still on, Knowles-Riehl appeared in that moment as she does in the '56 photograph: Her face bright and blushing, wondering how could it possibly get any better than this. (News, Source: Jason George, Chicago Tribune

Larry Geller "Elvis" documentary: Larry Geller is working on a new documentary about Elvis, the roots of Elvis and his impact on fans. The documentary, to be released on DVD, has the working title Elvis Presley Boulevard. Larry hopes to have the documentary for August 2009 during Elvis Week in Memphis. Larry was the special guest at the first Elvis Weekend in Bischofsgrün (Germany), arranged by collector Markus Henfling. Two hundred fans attended the sold-out weekend. (News, Source: EIN/Elvis News) Read EIN's 20078 interview with Larry Geller

He Touched Me - The Alternate Album EP Gold advises that the 5th volume in this very popular CDr series, is now available!!! This edition contains a RED cd disc (bottom / front), 4 page full color booklet with pics and info, and a FREE 2009 POCKET CALENDAR!! Limited edition of only 300 copies. The track listing is: He Touched Me – take 2; I’ve Got Confidence – take 1; Amazing Grace – take 2; Seeing is Believing – take 4; He is My Everything – take 1; Bosom of Abraham – take 3; Miracle of the Rosary – take 1; Put Your Hand in the Hand – take 1; An Evening Prayer – take 2; There is No God but God – take 2; A Thing Called Love – rehearsal; Only Believe – spliced take; Reach Out to Jesus – alternate take (n.a.); How Great Thou Art – Live-April 18, 1972; I, John - Informal recording-March 31, 1972; Bosom of Abraham – Informal recording-March 31, 1972; You Better Run - Informal recording-March 31, 1972; Lead Me, Guide Me - Informal recording-March 31, 1972; Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus/; Nearer My God To Thee - Informal recording-March 31, 1972

Sidemen News: On Sunday, Joe Moscheo from The Imperials accepted Elvis' star during the Music City Walk Of Fame induction ceremony at the Country Music Hall of Fame park in Nashville.

Sherrill Nielsen will be receiving the prestige Living Legend Award from the North American Country Music Association, International. This award will be given to him in March 2009. Sherrill and Brenda Nielsen (VOICE) will be opening the Awards Show in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. This is to recognize and honor his 50 years in the music industry and also his special vocal part on the Elvis programs. (News, Source: Elvis News)

"hounddog" box office update: In a peculiar twist, the latest USA Film Box Office Report initially listed "hounddog" at #81 this week, before hours later dropping it to #96. Remaining the same in both listings was its cumulative (to date) box office earnings of $110,664 and its 8 weeks on the chart. Sadly, "hounddog" is now only being shown in 2 theaters in the US. After a predictable controversy tinged limited theater release, the best the film can hope for now is an early release on DVD and better acceptance through that medium. (News, Source: Yahoo)

Hand blown Elvis tribute: To commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the '68 Comeback, Hour Glass Studio is pleased to introduce their first 'Collector Series.' The package includes a specially commissioned hand-blown glass etched with the famous '68 Comeback image as reproduced by the artist Joe Petruccio. Encrusted with 7 Swarovski crystals, Elvis' signature is etched across the base and the set includes a signed and numbered special edition print and COA. Only 300 made. Available for immediate worldwide shipment. See the entire collection, including the popular 'Classic Series,' at: AllShookUp.com (News, Source: EP Gold)

Target (USA) has Elvis film boxsets at very low price: Thanks to Amber Smith for letting us know Target in the US is currently selling two 4DVD boxsets for only US$9.99!. The sets feature the following films:

Kissin' Cousins
Live A Little, Love A Little
Girl Happy
Tickle Me

Jailhouse Rock
It Happened At The World's Fair
Stay Away, Joe
Charro

Elvis the squirrel attacks author!: An injured red squirrel named Elvis the Pelvis left a pensioner who came to his rescue in need of hospital treatment. The six-month-old rodent sank his teeth into squirrel fanatic Ernie Gordon's finger and thumb - leaving the retired civil servant in need of a tetanus injection and a course of antibiotics. Mr Gordon, who wrote children's book The Adventures Of Rusty Redcoat Volume 1, had been called out to rescue the squirrel after workmen spotted the injured animal in a timber yard in Alnwick, Northumberland. (Odd Spot, Source: The Press Association)

Sony BMG targeting Elvis clubs selling bootlegs!: There has been an overwhelming response to our lead news item yesterday. Time constraints prevent EIN from publishing your responses today, but we will add your strong and vigorous response in the next few days.

Sony BMG targeting Elvis clubs selling bootlegs!: Elvis News has published the following report: It looks like Sony/ BMG is trying to get fan clubs to stop selling bootlegs to their members, according to a letter the Follow That Dream label sent out to fan clubs selling FTD releases last Thursday. This is an excerpt from the letter from FTD as found on the FECC forum, of which Ernst Jorgensen confirmed to us it was sent out last week:   "FTD does not police your activities but others do. We will however support SONY’s battle to stop illegal product, and we need your support. You may want to consider whether it’s really necessary to fill your magazines with reviews of illegal records, both encouraging fans to purchase them, and drawing attention to your own business. Reviews of such records will lead to speculation as to whether you sell this type of product or not. The professional people who investigate bootlegging are not naive! Unfortunately we have already been asked to stop delivery to one fan club, several others are being investigated, and a few were VERY lucky in the last 12 months not to get caught."

Elvis News commented: "Well if we can't write about the music of our man released on bootleg, we should perhaps do what Elvis Presley Enterprices does; talk about tribute artists, Elvis glasses, Elvis Week events with impersonators and boyscouts, members of the Insiders club, Elvis porcelain Kinkade, Gretchen Wilson and meeting Martina McBride ... just to list the last ten updates from the Official Elvis Presley fan club website:

• 2009 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Prizes Announced
  
• New '68 Comeback Collector Series Glasses from Hour Glass Studio
  
• Elvis Week 2009 Schedule of Events Announced
  
• Elvis Insiders Fan Spotlight
  
• Upcoming Highlights on SIRIUS Satellite Radio
  
• 2009 Elvis Week Insiders Event Announced
  
• It’s Always Christmas at Graceland Mansion in New Porcelain Illuminated Musical from Santa’s Best
  
• Graceland Holiday Lighting Ceremony to Shine Brighter than Ever with Martina McBride, Thomas Kinkade, St. Jude
  
• Gretchen Wilson visits Graceland
  
• Win a Trip to Memphis to Meet Martina McBride

We're sure Ernst Jorgensen does not want all fan clubs and their members enjoying Elvis this way ..."

EIN Comments: The fact is this letter is reported to have come came directly from FTD, not from its parent company, Sony BMG! That FTD has made Sony's bootleg police activities known suggests an agenda on its part. Are falling sales of FTD releases the motivation for FTD releasing its statement?

While sales of bootleg releases deprive Sony BMG and to a much lesser extent EPE, of some sales and artist royalties, they also serve to reinforce demand for FTD and Sony BMG product among "Elvis collectors". There is a basic psychological driver at work.

From EPE's perspective, it is probably fair to say that it receives significantly greater profits from its licensed memorabilia products than music sales. Regardless of what many fans think of this, EPE is a capitalist business (as is Sony BMG).

For anyone familiar with the Elvis messageboards, it has been widely published there that 'significant' bootleg releases are now released on pressing runs of between 500 and 1,000 (in the glory days of Baxter and Bilko labels etc, pressing runs numbered around 3,000+).......and importantly, today's unofficial releases do not always "sell out".

On a global scale the issue is hardly an imposing situation and is arguably instructive regarding our (EIN's) initial comments above!

Aussie chart update: On tomorrow's ARIA Music DVD Chart, Elvis The King of Rock 'N' Roll drops 3 places to #10. Certiofied Platinum, the DVD has now been ion the chart for 31 weeks. (News, Source: ARIA)

Tunzi's Elvis Concerts book due out next week: According to reports on FECC & Elvis News, the latest Joseph Tunzi book will be a limited edition available for only a short time.

EIN Comment: With all due respect to the quality product from JAT, its marketing strategy has long been to sell part of its 'limited edition' pressing run via its website and the balance to major online Elvis shop sites and fan clubs. While JAT may sell out, copies of its releases continue to be available from these other sources for quite some time.

Roger Moore met Elvis: Scott, on the FECC board, reports that entertainment legend, Sir Roger Moore - celluloid "James Bond", UNICEF ambassador, and TV's long time Simon Templar (The Saint) met Elvis. In his apparently very entertaining autobiography, My Word Is My Bond, Moore states: "Dot [singer Dorothy Squires] continued to travel between Britain and America when I was out there, in between her tours and engagements. In LA, she appeared at the Moulin Rouge club in Hollywood. One of her biggest fans was a young Elvis Presley, who attended most of her performances and repeatedly asked her to sing 'This Is My Mother's Day!' He came backstage and, being very nervous, introduced himself to me - as though I didn't know who he was. 'Hello, I'm Roger,' I said. 'How are you, sir?' he asked. 'Lovely to meet you, sir.' He insisted on calling me 'sir' throughout our brief chat, and acted as though he was in awe of me. Him! In awe of me! Elvis told Dot how much he admired her and hoped he might have just a little of the success she had achieved. If only he knew. If only I knew! I'd have signed him up, as I was, after all, an 'actor-manager'." Visit the official Roger Moore website

Elvis' last owned Cadillac for sale: On eBay Australia you can bid on Elvis Presley's 1976 Cadillac Seville. The Cadillac was bought several years ago by an international celebrity. From the auction listing: This is probably the last Cadillac that Elvis purchased! It is believed that Elvis bought more than 200 Cadillacs for himself, friends, family and strangers. This is your chance to own the last one that he purchased for himself in December 1976! As I understand it, this was a 1977 model Cadillac Seville which was sold to Elvis in December 1976 - date of manufacture is October 1976. Upon Elvis' untimely death in August 1977, this car was gifted (by Vernon Presley) to Ginger Alden - Elvis' fiance at the time. There are some great shots taken by fans of Elvis driving this car through the front gates of Graceland only two days before he passed away. This car is a fantastic piece of Rock and Roll and Elvis history! You will not be disappointed with this car when you sit inside it and feel the "spirit" of the King! The car is in good condition, but has some cosmetic wear and tear (as it was obviously driven as a day to day car by Ginger and others who owned it), and it runs well. It would need some restoration work done to it if it were to be used as a vehicle, but as a show piece, it is in great condition to display! (Source: Elvis News/EIN) View eBay Australia listing

'Most Collectible' Elvis Book Authors: ElvisBookResearch in the US has released its list of the most collectible Elvis book authors. The list was compiled based on eBay sales from July 2007 to June 2008 (the list was moderated to exclude bias towards authors with only 1 or 2 releases). The top 5 most collectible authors are: Sean Shaver Ger Rijff Joseph Tunzi Paul Lichter Kathy Westmoreland Shaver's book, The Life of Elvis Presley (shown opposite) was rated as the most sought after Elvis book, followed by Kathy Westmoreland's memoir, Elvis & Kathy.

Is this the "Elvis" face of the future? ...............ETA Ryan Pelton

Magazine Cover From The Past:

Elvis A Legendary Performer Volume 15: It appears a 15th edition of this series is imminent following publication of this cover image on the FECC forum. (News, Source: Elvis News/FECC)

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"hounddog" - scandalous or relevant?

Dakota Fanning's controversial film, in its own very important way, echoes issues of media and public concern, as did the emergence of Elvis in the mid 1950's! And like Elvis, its reviews are largely critical......with few positive reports.

This begs an important question......how far have we come as a knowledgable and socially aware world since 1956?

See EIN's "Celluloid Elvis" for more on "hounddog"

December releases from FTD: Here is the cover art work and track listings for: I'll Remember You Elvis In Person

I'll Remember You - soundboard recording from February 3, 1973 in Las Vegas, NV. Tracks:

1. Also Sprach Zarathustra
2. See See Rider
3. I Got A Woman / Amen
4. Until It's Time For You To Go
5. You Don't Have To Say You Love Me
6. Steamroller Blues
7. You Gave Me A Mountain
8. Fever
9. Love Me
10. Blue Suede Shoes
11. Love Me Tender
12. Johnny B. Goode
13. Hound Dog
14. What Now My Love
15. Suspicious Minds
16. Introductions By Elvis
17. I'll Remember You
18. I Can't Stop Loving You
19. American Trilogy
20. Can't Help Falling In Love

Bonus Song: Sweet Caroline

Elvis In Person - double CD edition of the album Elvis In Person, including bonus songs recorded live in Las Vegas in August 1969 and the complete dinner show from August 22, 1969.

CD 1 - Original album:

• Blue Suede Shoes
• Johnny B. Goode
• All Shook Up
• Are You Lonesome Tonight?
• Hound Dog
• I Can't Stop Loving You
• My Babe
• Mystery Train / Tiger Man
• Words
• In The Ghetto
• Suspicious Minds
• Can't Help Falling In Love

Bonus songs - originally released on On Stage - February 1970

• Runaway
• Yesterday

Rare performances:

• This Is The Story
• Inherit The Wind
• Rubberneckin'
• Reconsider Baby
• Funny How Time Slips Away

CD 2 - The complete August 22, 1969 Dinner show

• Blue Suede Shoes
• I Got A Wo¬man
• All Shook Up
• Love Me Tender
• Jailhouse Rock / Don't Be Cruel
• Heartbreak Hotel
• Hound Dog
• Memories
• Mystery Train / Tiger Man
• Monologue
• Baby, What You Want Me To Do
• Runaway
• Are You Lonesome Tonight?
• Yesterday / Hey Jude
• Introductions
• In The Ghetto
• Suspicious Minds
• What'd I Say
• Can't Help Falling In Love

(News, Source: Elvis Unlimited)

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Elvis Wade returns to Memphis: One of the most popular ETA's ever......Elvis Wade will once again “Return To Sender” in Memphis. His annual show, which always sells out, will be at the Memphis Theater on the square. The show will be at the traditional 7:00 p.m. slot on Thursday, November 13th. Wade always guarantees a two hour show but usually extends it to three. This year’s show is expected to draw people from 75 to 100 miles away as the word has spread of Wade being here. One will need to get their tickets early to insure a good seat. There is always a possibility of a guest singer or two when Wade comes. “I will only get to hunt for the maximum of three days this year, says Wade. I have a concert in Detroit the following Saturday and have to fly out of Nashville on Wednesday. I almost missed this year’s hunting as it opened on an unexpected date. I had set aside the weekend of the 8th of November and only recently found out that it was moved back to the third Saturday this year.

I am disappointed that I can’t stay longer but three days are better than none! I will also miss my good friend, Everett Keith who passed away earlier this year. I always looked forward to seeing him and swapping some stories.”

Elvis Wade still travels around the globe doing his world-renowned tribute to Elvis. He has three new videos of his full show that can be seen at youtube.com. Simply go to that site and do a search of Elvis Wade. You will be able to watch three full songs of Wade and his group that were filmed at a recent concert in Hawaii.

This event only happens once a year and even that’s not a guarantee. Don’t be a “Hound Dog” and miss this great evening of fun as Elvis Wade gets folks “All Shook Up” once again in Memphis. (Almost Elvis, Source: Memphis Democrat)

 

New book from Italy: In an exclusive, EP Gold advises that due for release late November 2008 is the Italian book “Elvis Presley Enciclopedia Delle Canzoni” covering all the songs recorded by Elvis from his early SUN tracks to the last Moody Blue album he recorded and songs released after that on 210 pages. All songs recorded by Elvis Presley were indexed from A to Z with indications on writers, artists who originally recorded the song first, personal comments by the author of the book and an index of all the songs listed in alphabetical order, with an indication of the CDs on which you can find the available versions of the song. The book also contains the opinion of fans on all the Elvis' albums other chapters of the book. The text is in Italian. (News, Source: EP Gold)

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EPE Marketing – Reverential or Crass reflection of the King's legacy?: EIN received the latest email marketing message yesterday.  What concerned us were the primary “visual” sales messages –

Elvis 1970's Jumpsuit Giant Pez

Elvis & Guitar Bar Stool

Elvis Leopard Heart Women's Hoodie

Elvis for King White T-shirt

Elvis: By The Numbers Trading Cards Box Blaster

Elvis G.I. Blues Figurine

Elvis Has Left The Building Leather Wrapped 6 oz Flask

Elvis King of Rock 'n' Roll Music Box

Elvis Gettin Down Black T-Shirt

OK, the latest FTD releases were promoted (but not with 'links"), but pictorial promotion for the above items way overshadowed the ‘narrative only’ pr for Elvis’ music!

EIN accepts we are (primarily) in a consumerist, product driven economic environment (read: capitalist society), but, doesn’t the current global financial crisis strongly suggest/urge, that we have a more balanced approach so as to ensure a better, long term outcome (based on primary/core business product)?

And........the current EPE Fan Poll is:

Receiving Elvis Gifts

Giving Elvis Gifts

Both

Is this really where Elvis is at for the future??? (EIN Comment/EPE)

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Cashbox Chart Update: On this week's US Cashbox charts "Elvis' Christmas Album" jumps from #16 to #4 while the "Christmas Duets" album drops from #2 to #13 on the Hot Christmas Albums chart. On the Top Country Albums chart the "Duets" album remains steady at #4 this week. (News, Source: Elvis News)

Elvis The King: The 3 CD and 1 DVD set "Elvis The King" was released by Delta Entertainment on October 31, 2008. (News, Source: Elvis News)

"hounddog" box office update: After 7 weeks on the US box office chart, "hounddog" has amassed $106, 246. (News, Source: Yahoo)

Elvis states split on support for new US President: There are four American states most associated with Elvis: Tennessee; Mississippi; Nevada and Hawaii. Not surprisingly the southern states of Tennessee and Mississippi voted Republican (John McCain), while Nevada gave its vote to the new (historic) President, Barack Obama, and the island state of Hawaii is expected (votes not in yet) to also favor the incumbent President. Considered to be more Republican than Democrat during his lifetime, it is a moot (but interesting) point on where Elvis would have stood today on US politics.

December FTD Confirmation: Elvis Unlimited has just confirmed with Ernst Jorgensen the December FTDs. There were several rumors on various web sites about the releases. Ernst told us that yes,  the FTD releases will be I'll Remember You, a single CD live Vegas show from February ,1973  and the In Person classic album release. The I'll Remember You release has been reported to be a 2 CD set from various sources, Ernst confirmed to us, it will in fact only be a single CD release. These FTD releases will be available on December 8th. (News, Source: Elvis Unlimited)

Lisa Marie to appear at ETA competition??: THE daughter of rock ‘n’ roll god Elvis Presley is coming to south Essex. Lisa Marie Presley, 40, is set to join more than 250 Elvis impersonators at the Battle of the South competition in Corringham next month. The former wife of pop star Michael Jackson and Elvis’s only daughter will attend the final show of the contest. It will see tribute acts of the King fight it out every other Sunday throughout November and December for the title of “Elvis of the South”. (Lisa Marie Presley's World, Source: James Kershaw, Echo UK)

Privatisation of EPE parent company nixed: CKX Inc., which licenses the rights to images of Elvis Presley and other celebrities, said that a $1.33 billion plan to go private has fallen through because of "extraordinary" economic conditions. Formed in 2004, CKX has built a rights portfolio related to the images and creative output of public figures including Muhammad Ali and David and Victoria Beckham. As a result of its 2005 acquisition of London-based 19 Entertainment Ltd., CKX also owns the "American Idol" TV and music franchise and its international counterparts.

Under the now-scuttled plan, announced in June 2007, a group of managers led by Chairman and Chief Executive Robert F.X. Sillerman and 19 Entertainment CEO Simon Fuller would have paid $1.33 billion, or $13.75 a share, for CKX. The company on Monday cited "national and global economic conditions that made it impossible to consummate the transaction." CKX shares settled at $4.18 in 4 p.m. Nasdaq composite trading, down 26 cents, or 5.9%. The corporate vehicle created as the buyer in the transaction, 19X Inc., will be required to pay a $37.5 million termination fee, nearly all of it in CKX shares valued for the purpose at $11.08 apiece.

Mr. Sillerman is viewed in the entertainment industry as a shrewd entrepreneur. He is best known for reshaping the concert business in the 1990s, when he bought up numerous local and regional concert promoters. He sold the resulting conglomerate in 2000 to Clear Channel Communications Inc. for almost $3 billion. A 2005 public spinoff of the concert company, now known as Live Nation Inc., valued it at $871 million. Clear Channel ultimately declared a $2.4 billion loss on the deal.

In an interview last year, Mr. Sillerman said he wanted to take CKX private because certain celebrities were uncomfortable about disclosing personal financial details, which would be required if they entered a broad agreement with a public company. These people, whom Mr. Sillerman declined to name, would be more comfortable dealing with a closely held company, he said.

In a filing Monday with the the Securities and Exchange Commission, Messrs. Sillerman and Fuller said they intend to continue pursuing the acquisition using alternative financing options. (Sale of EPE Archives; Source: Ethan Smith, Wall Street Journal)

"I'll Remember You" - new FTD release?: Elvis News reports that Amazon.UK lists this 2CD title for release on 8 December 2008. (News, Source: Elvis News/Amazon UK)

New book release series - Teenagers' Hero Vol. 1: A new book entitled "Teenager's Hero" by Steve Rino is due for release is December from Teenagers Hero Publishing. From the press release: This is the definitive book-documentary of Elvis’ live performances in early 1956. With more than 400 pages, sized 30x21 and featuring 445 photos mostly unpublished and never put in the right context. The book has high quality design (soft cover 300g, cloth binding, and 150 glossy pages), 1000 copies printed, each copy numbered. In the beginning the book was thought to be one volume only about the 1956, but due to the great quantity of material that we were able to find during in this period and also the different aspects of Elvis activity during the same year, we decided to give life to two different volumes. The first volume, has as its focus Elvis’ live activity in the first six months of 1956. The author Steve Rino spent two years of research to give life to a day by day photo journal where together with a scientific approach of the day, has been put together a professional layout with relative photos taken from newspapers, magazines and his personal collection. In trying to bring to the reader a feeling of the time through images, newspaper & magazines clips we give life, we hope, to something unique and new in the landscape of books about Elvis. We are proud of the in-depth research of every detail of every one of the 180 days listed, trying to putting in the right order all information, news, photo and tales coming from this difficult research. (News, Source: Elvis News)

Paper Sleeve Boxset in Japan: Available on November 26, 2008 in Japan is a box for the remastered paper sleeves re-issues of twelve original Elvis Presley albums. The titles are: Something For Everybody Pot Luck Elvis For Everyone Love Letters From Elvis The Wonderful World Of Christmas Elvis Now ELVIS (Fool) Raised On Rock Good Times Promised Land Elvis Today From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee (News, Source: Elvis News/Elvis World Japan)

Viva Bundoran! Elvis festival leaves town all shook up: WHAT do Elvis Presley and the milk float from 'Father Ted' have in common? The answer lies in the seaside town of Bundoran, which transformed into 'Las Bundoran' at the weekend for Ireland's first Elvis Festival and All-Ireland Elvis Competition.

The event organiser is Peter Phillips, who has been running what is now Europe's biggest Elvis festival in the Welsh seaside town of Porthcawl for the past five years. He is also the mastermind behind the annual Ted Fest, on Inis Mor. Earlier this year, when he was pushing the famous milk float from 'Father Ted' around Ireland for charity, it struck him how the town once dubbed 'Las Vegas in the Hills of Donegal' would be ideal for an Elvis festival.

"We were looking for a location in Ireland to host a competition to select an Elvis to represent Ireland at the world championships in Memphis next year, and Bundoran fitted the bill. Paddy Power Bookmakers came on board as sponsors and here we are," he said.

So, on went the polyester rhinestone-studded jumpsuits for eight enthusiastic Elvis finalists, who converged on the Great Northern Hotel in Bundoran for the final showdown on Saturday night. At the end of a long tense night, Ciaran Houlihane, clad in a pale blue jumpsuit and representing Connacht, emerged as the surprise winner at odds of 6-1. A credit controller with an oil company from Lusk, Co Dublin, Ciaran had come second in the Leinster final before deciding to give it another shot in the Connacht final. "It doesn't get better than this. I am going to represent my country as Elvis in his hometown. It's a dream come true," he said. Ironically, the runner-up at the weekend was Liam Murphy, from neighbouring Rush, the 'Aloha' Elvis with the $2,000 replica suit, who had beaten Ciaran in the Leinster final. One of the judges, The Rocking Reverend Steve Caprice, an ordained minister and Elvis impersonator from England, admitted that the standard was very high. "Of course there will never be another Elvis; but we look for someone who has the charisma, voice, looks, outfits and stage presence. He has to have the whole package," he said.

Today there are an estimated 85,000 Elvis impersonators, or tribute artists as they prefer to be known, worldwide. Among them is Texan Kraig Parker who took his band Red Alert to Bundoran for the inaugural festival.

"Everywhere I go it is unbelievable and overwhelming the interest there is in Elvis. I'm lovin' it, baby," he said. (Almost Elvis, Source: independent.ie; Anita Guidera)

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Bubba Nosferatu update: Ron Perlman (opposite) is to play Elvis Presley in a new film. The 'Hellboy' star is set to portray the musical icon in 'Bubba Nosferatu', the follow-up to 'Bubba Ho-Tep', which finds Elvis shooting a film in Louisiana when he runs into trouble with a coven of female vampires. Paul Giamatti, who is portraying the 'All Shook Up' star's manager Colonel Parker, revealed to website Ain't It Cool News: "He's a great guy. He's an amazingly great guy and I've always loved him as an actor, so when he actually was interested, I couldn't believe our luck man, like "This is f**ing great!" He's a really terrific guy." Explaining why Bruce Campbell - who portrayed the icon in the first film which saw Elvis take on a re-animated Egyptian mummy - won't be returning to the franchise, Paul added: "Every effort was made by us, he just didn't want to do it and he was cool about it. "He just didn't want to do it, which is a bummer, because part of the reason I love that movie is him, a big part of it. He's fantastic and I've always loved him. I'm a big fan of his, but he didn't want to do it, which is totally cool." (Celluloid Elvis, Source: MyParkMagazine)

'The Talk of the Town' CD released: The import CD of the joint Audionics / 2001 labels "The Talk Of The Town" has been released. It features the Las Vegas, January 26, 1972 Opening show as taken directly from first generation DAT copy of original mono soundboard tape. This classic concert includes first ever live performances of "Never Been To Spain", "You Gave Me A Mountain", "Until It's Time For You To Go", "A Big Hunk O' Love", "An American Trilogy" and "I'll Remember You". For this reissue the producers worked directly from the first generation DAT, and were able to make significant audio improvements, compared to original 1997 release according to the press-release. Tracklisting: 01. C. C. Rider - 02. Proud Mary - 03. Never Been To Spain - 04. You Gave Me A Mountain - 05. Until It's Time For You To Go - 06. Polk Salad Annie - 07. Love Me - 08. Little Sister / Get Back (medley) - 09. All Shook Up - 10. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel (medley) - 11. One Night - 12. Hound Dog (slow & fast) - 13. A Big Hunk O'Love - 14. Bridge Over Troubled Water - 15. Lawdy Miss Clawdy - 16. An American Trilogy - 17. Band Introductions - 18. I'll Remember You - 19. Suspicious Minds - 20. Can't Help Falling In Love - 21. Closing Vamp. Approximate running time: 56:48 (News, Source: Elvis News)

Ultimate Elvis 14 DVD boxset: Watching Elvis 14 DVD Ultimate collection Box Set makes one feel that the rumors of the King of Rock and Roll being alive are true and he just made a secret comeback on national television. Yes, that is a great thought to put on the Internet, but before that, make sure you buy the Elvis Ultimate collection Box Set. The Elvis 14 Disc Ultimate collection Box Set contains all the episodes of the television which sometimes works as an insight into the life and times of one of the world’s most famous personalities and at times as a tribute to one of the world’s most troubled individuals.

But all said and done, ensure that you enjoy the life of the King in Kingsize and buy this dvd box set, so that you do not have to scramble around to look for CD box sets while viewing your favorite episode. A DVD can actually store four times as much of data as a CD can. The cast of Elvis 14 Disc Ultimate collection Box Set with their true to life, takes the television series to a whole new level. Buy the Elvis 14 Disc Ultimate collection Box Set and watch some of the finest talent on television give you a never-before insight into the life and times of the King of entertainers. Elvis fans will love the Elvis 14 Disc Ultimate collection Box Set, simply because it will traverse them to the golden times of music, free love and especially, Elvis Presley. Elvis 14 Disc Ultimate collection Box Set has won many awards and nominations, which proves that the Elvis 14 Disc Ultimate collection Box Set is one of the best television series in recent times. Buy the Elvis 14 Disc Ultimate collection Box Set today. Disc 1 - Viva Las Vegas - Elvis Disc 2 - Spinout , Speedway - Elvis Disc 3 - The Trouble With Girls - Elvis Disc 4 - Stay Away, Joe - Elvis Disc 5 - Girl Happy - Elvis Disc 6 - Live A Little, Love A Little - Elvis Disc 7 - Jailhouse Rock - Elvis Disc 8 - This Is Elvis (1) - Elvis Disc 9 - This Is Elvis (2) - Elvis Disc 10 - That’s the Way it is (1) - Elvis Disc 11 - That’s the Way it is (2) - Elvis Disc 12 - Charro - Elvis Disc 13 - Kissin' Cousins - Elvis Disc 14 - Harum Scarum , Double Trouble - Elvis (Celluloid Elvis, Source: Amber Smith)

Christmas Duets - A Review: In his first review for more than 30 years, "Strictly Elvis'" Rocky Barra explores the latest Sony BMG Elvis release, the Christmas Duets album. What Rocky finds may surprise many fans. Read Rocky's detailed review as he puts on the headphones, cranks up the volume, and loses himself in the album, track by track. Santa Claus is truly coming to town..... (CD Review, Source: EIN)

EIN's Best of Elvis on YouTube' November Update: Yet another 18 new fabulous Elvis clips and don't miss out on our four great 'Videos of the Week'; 'Young Elvis in Colour' (sensational colour footage), 'I Got A Feeling In My Body' live "On Tour", 'Patch it Up' 1970 with that sensational back-flip, plus a fascinating 9 minute interview with Sam Phillips. Other delights this week are an alternate 'Treat Me Nice', 'If You Talk In Your Sleep' live 1974, 'Baby Let's Play House' 1970 new clip from TTWII, plus an interview with James Burton. Not forgetting a fabulous 'It's A Matter Of Time' Live from Aloha! As EIN always says "Catch them now before they get taken away" ('EIN's Elvis on YouTube', Source:EIN)

Chart Update: On this week's ARIA Music DVD Chart in Australia, Elvis: The King of Rock 'n' Roll slips two places to #7 after 30 weeks in the chart. (News, Source: ARIA)

"hounddog" box office update: After its 6th week in the US Movie Box Office Chart, the controversial Dakota Fanning film has taken a cumulative total of $94,951.00. It is still only showing in 5 theatres and still no word on a DVD release. (Cellulouid Elvis, Source: Yahoo)

"Fashion For A King" book announced: The Norwegian fanclub 'Flaming Star' is working on a spectacular project. The club hopes to collect pictures of all the jumpsuits Elvis ever wore on stage in the 200 page book "Fashion For A King". Authors Tommy Edvardsen and Atle Larsen hope to have the book ready for print early 2009. (News, Source: Elvis News)

Ron Perlman replaces Bruce Campbell for Bubba Ho-Tep sequel: With Ron Perlman (Hellboy; TV's Beauty & The Beast - shown opposite) confirmed for Bubba Nosferatu, Journalist Eric Washington says: "I have this fleeting feeling in my soul that tells me the rest of my life is filled with empty promises about supposed sequels to Bruce Campbell cult classics.  Obviously we’ve all heard the Evil Dead IV rumors that pop up on the internet EVERY OTHER FREAKIN’ DAY (but seriously, Sam Raimi, Rob Tappert and Campbell need to talk to one another and get ONE story for their stock answer when someone asks them about it) – and here’s one I bet you haven’t heard mention of in a while:  Bubba Nosferatu.  What already is known about the project is that old Spruce Bruce will not be returning to reprise his role of Elvis from the 2002 Don Coscarelli cult hit.  So who will be filling Sir Bruce’s shoes?  According to an interview Ain’t It Cool News had with Paul Giamatti (who is signed on to play Colonel Parker in the flick), none other than Ron “Kid Gorgeous” Perlman!

Now on eBay: Nevada (April 1990) magazine...."Going to the Chapel".....Elvis & Priscilla's wedding

New JAT book, 'Elvis: Aloha '73 - Ho'i Hou': Coming in 2009 from JAT Publishing is the book "Elvis : Aloha '73 - Ho'i Hou". The image shown above for the Aloha '73 book isn't the actual cover but just a promotional ad for it.     (News, Source: FECC)

Happy Halloween from EIN

Elvis China CD: This Double Picture Disc CD from China is entitled: 'ELVIS PRESLEY The Best Music' featuring 50 songs from That's All Right, Heartbreak Hotel, Blue suede Shoes to Burning Love, Moody Blue, Way Down.   (News, Source:HT Long)

More Japanese Super High Media Releases:  BMG Japan will release ten more original Elvis titles on the Super High Media format. The titlesare: Elvis [SHM-CD] 50,000,000 Elvis Fans Can't Be Wrong; Elvis' Gold Records, Vol.2 [SHM-CD] Elvis Is Back! [SHM-CD] G.I. Blues [SHM-CD] Elvis' Golden Records, Vol.3 [SHM-CD]