Welcome to the "Elvis Information Network", home to the best news, reviews, interviews, Elvis photos & in-depth articles about the King of Rock & Roll, Elvis Aaron Presley...
UPDATED - 'The Elvis RCA Camden Collection' EIN Spotlight:Most fans have had a love-hate relationship with Elvis' Camden collections. On one hand they are seen as an artistic misstep being released at a time when Elvis was back riding high on the charts saturating the market with a series of albums containing little-known songs. Yet on the other hand many younger fans used these budget collections as a way to enter the amazing world of Elvis’ vast back-catalogue.
The RCA Camdens featured the first release of an Elvis live recording, 19 previously unreleasedtracks and 58 tracks previously unreleased on an album. That is quite impressive even if Col Parker only had his increased revenue as the main goal.
Now updated with Readers' Feedback - Read this fascinating article and tell us YOUR THOUGHTSabout Elvis' Camden releases... EIN contributor Neil Colombari reveals all...
(Spotlight; Source;Neil Colombari/ElvisInfoNet)
2023 UK Tour - Elvis Presley + The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, tickets on sale this Friday: Elvis never toured the UK, in recent years the magic of technology has made that possible with a series of acclaimed shows.
Hot on the heels of this year's hit Elvis biopic comes a return of 'The Very Best of Elvis – In Concert, Live On Screen with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra'.
The unique concert experience is coming back to the UK in autumn 2023, taking in a number of arenas.
"The full-scale concert brings the King up close on screen alongside the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra live on stage performing the King of Rock and Roll’s most well-known 'rocking' songs and his tender, heart-wrenching ballads, with special guests to be announced in due course," said promoters.
'A show like no other, expect an overwhelmingly encapsulating and enthralling evening'
'These shows are a chance to both honour the legacy of an icon who has defined popular culture for over half a century, and for fans to see The King live, who never had the chance to before.'
The full Elvis with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra 2023 tour dates are as follows:
• 25 October – Glasgow OVO Hydro
• 26 October – Manchester AO Arena
• 27 October – Birmingham Resorts World Arena
• 28 October – Newcastle Utilita Arena
• 29 October – Leeds First Direct Arena
• 31 October – London The O2
• 1 November – Cardiff International Arena
Tickets available from Friday, Dec 2 from venues, or via ticketline.co.uk, bookingsdirect.com or ticketmaster.co.uk. (News, Source:MayerNissim, smoothradio.com/EIN)
'Elvis Presley News Report December 2022: Elvis super-fan Emiel Maier presents all the recent news.... includes, Priscilla movie set, ELVIS earnings, Jerry Lee Lewis Obit, You'll Never Walk Alone sing-along, Elvis car auction, Elvis trivia and much more..
New book 'Shake, Rattle and Blue Moon: The Formative Recordings of Elvis Presley 1953-1960' by Alan Tranter: In 1953, Elvis Presley made his very first recording, paying around $4 for two sides of a demonstration disc at the Sun Studios in his hometown of Memphis.
It was a humble beginning, but a significant one. This 267 page book traces what came next; the local success that within a couple of years would explode into worldwide stardom, which would endure for the rest of his life, and beyond.
It is not a biography, it is more accurately a chronicle of Elvis' growth; his visits to the recording studio, his first movies, his record releases, his influences, his live performances, his TV appearances, all of which paint a picture of the artist who became, and remained, King.
When Elvis completed his National Service, in 1960, he emerged almost anew. In this book, the author draws a line from that fledgling artist to the 25-year old that emerged, poised to take on the decade that would usher in so many (as yet unknown) musical (and social) changes. (News, Source: Amazon UK/EIN)
Oscars: ‘Elvis’ Gets Rapturous Standing Ovation at Academy Screening: Some people thought I was crazy declaring Baz Luhrmann’s “ELVIS” an Oscar contender way back in May, but I saw something in this film that made me believe it would be immensely liked by AMPAS voters.
Fact of the matter is that for all of the artful ambition Luhrmann paints his films with, he’s first and foremost a man of the people. He makes movies for the mainstream and that can be seen not just in “Elvis,” but also “Moulin Rouge,” “The Great Gatsby,” “Strictly Ballroom” and “Romeo & Juliet.” All of these were crowd pleasers. So it’s not really that surprising to learn that “Elvis” had a rousing screening for Oscar voters on Saturday. There were standing ovations throughout the film. When Luhrmann and Austin Butler’s names appeared on-screen the crowd roared. It felt like a concert rather than a movie screening.
The film has made around $286 million worldwide, and has more than tripled its $85 million budget. It’s also one of the few major studio films of this
past summer to have earned mostly positive reviews (along with “Nope,” “Top Gun: Maverick,” and “The Black Phone”). “ELVIS” is not the train wreck a few critics would have had you believe. Luhrmann’s biopic is a flashy, and does make you feel pummelled by the end of its 159 minute runtime, but it’s not unworthy. There’s real passion in the delivery. Luhrmann clearly knows the essence, the legend, of Elvis Presley, and what made him such a paradigm-shifting figure immediately after his first single “That’s All Right Mama” was released. Compared to “Bohemian Rhapsody,” at least this was a musical biopic that was more original than the norm. I fully support its Oscar run and believe a Best Picture nomination is more than likely.. (News, Source: Jordan Ruimy-worldofreel.com)
Friday 25 November 2022
'Elvis: From Louisiana and Memphis' New FTD: As part of its ongoing live on tour series, FTD is pleased to announce the release of Elvis: From Louisiana and Memphis'.
This is a FOUR CD set, 5” digi-pak, this set features three 1976 concerts recorded at Hirsch Coliseum, Shreveport, Louisiana July 1, 1976, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana July 2, 1976 and Mid-South Coliseum, Memphis, Tennessee July 5, 1976.
Early 2023 release
Priced at £50 / US$61 + postage for three 1976 soundboards! EIN Note: FTD have already released two soundboards from this 1976 tour (June 25 - July 5) Rockin' Across Texas, Fort Worth TX, July 3 and The Bicentennial Show Tulsa, July 4th 2.30pm
Memphis 1976 has been on many FTD collectors' wish-list however it was released as a bootleg as far back as 1997 on Fort Baxter's 'Goodbye Memphis'.
The other soundboard are new, both concerts previously only released as audience recordings Go to 'FTD / SONY CD News 2022' for tracklisting
(News, Source;FTD/ElvisInfoNet)
'ELVIS' wins again: 2022 is turning out to be a big Awards year for our hero! The American Music Awards took place last weekend in Los Angeles. The show from dick clark productions was hosted by Wayne Brady.
The star-studded event celebrated the year’s best music and performances, as voted on by fans.
While the night belonged to Taylor Swift who won in all six categories for which she was nominated. This makes her the most decorated artist in AMAs history, with 40 career wins.
However 'ELVIS' won for favorite soundtrack of the year!
Other soundtrack nominees were 'Encanto', 'Sing 2', 'Stranger Things Season 4', and 'Top Gun: Maverick'.
Lionel Richie was honored with the Icon Award for his career contributions to the music industry.
Elton John took home his first AMA win since 1988 for best collaboration with Dua Lipa, becoming the longest-recognised artist in the awards show’s history. Congrats to ELVIS and the Baz Luhrmann team
(News, Source;ElvisDayByDay/EIN)
'From Memphis to Tokyo' (Dick Dekker and David Ward): Elvis authors Dick Dekker (Bootleg Elvis, ‘From Memphis To Taipeh’) and David Ward (From Elvis in Japan: Elvis Presley Japanese LPs 1956 - 2018) have announced the May 2023 release of their new book ‘From Memphis To Tokyo – A Reference Guide To The Absolute Mastery Of Elvis’ Japanese Vinyl’.
The authors stated: The book will combine the best of both authors, following the quality format of Dekker’s Asian vinyl book, combined with David Ward’s in-depth details on the Japanese Elvis Presley vinyl.
The 700-page hardcover book is divided in a text and photo section featuring all kinds of info about the Japanese 78rpm, singles, EPs, 10 and 12 inch vinyl records and the different pressings with large and easy to read photos of all releases.
Written by two experts of Asian vinyl, and with the contributions by collectors like Chris Giles and others, who opened their archives and collections for this release, it includes front and back labels, inserts and more.
The price of the book is not yet available but you can flag your interest in pre-ordering by contacting the authors: asia@theelviscloud.com (News, Source: EDBD/Dick Dekker)
Cover artwork - The Chicago Blues - Elvis Encore Performance VII: Joseph Tunzi has released the artwork for the 7th volume in his popular series, Elvis Encore Performance.
This book will feature photos from Elvis' performance at the Chicago Stadium on June 17, 1972.. It will come with a bonus 2023 "pocket" Elvis calendar.
Baz Luhrmann and ‘ELVIS' DoP Mandy Walker at Poland Film Festival: Baz Luhrmann brought his ELVIS roadshow to Poland Monday evening with a thunderous screening of the music biopic at the Camerimage film festival, followed by a raucous Q&A alongside his longtime DoP Mandy Walker. However, when Luhrmann spoke to Deadline the next day, he cut a more somber figure.
Dressed in all black, Luhrmann was in a self-reflective mode after spending the day with a group of young Ukrainian refugees who now call the city of Torun, the festival’s main hub, home.
“It was unexpectedly very emotional,” Luhrmann said sporting a bedazzled heart-shaped brooch in the colors of Ukrainian yellow and blue pinned to his suit.
The trip had been inspired by a short documentary he and Walker caught at the festival by a pair of Ukrainian filmmakers. The doc screened as part of the festival’s opening ceremony and features the names and images of former Ukrainian film industry professionals who have joined the country’s armed forces and are currently
serving on the front line.
“When you see people who do what we do, which is point cameras and lay dolly and put up a microphone and try to record a story, with weapons, it just sort of brings it all home,” the director said before praising the efforts Poland has made to support those fleeing the conflict.
“The generosity of Poland is on another level. We’re not talking thousands, we’re talking millions of people they’re taking in. And amongst that is this festival,” he added.
ELVIS is among the 12 titles in the main competition at Camerimage, which is dedicated to the art of cinematography. The film is also Luhrmann’s latest collaboration with Walker, who he described as his “joint at the hip DoP.”
As always Walker joined Elvis early on, shooting audition tapes and mapping out a visual language for the film, a task complicated by the pair’s desire to shoot inch-for-inch recreations of Elvis Presley’s most famous live performances.
As part of the process, Walker had special bespoke camera lenses made to match images of Elvis from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, as well as effective but period-appropriate lighting fixtures. For the film’s marquee recreation of Elvis’s 1968 NBC “comeback special”, Walker had modern ARRI cameras fitted into old TV floor cameras so that every camera angle could match up to the original broadcast.
“We were replicating footage that exists, and that anyone can look at on the internet. And Austin was perfectly in sync with the real Elvis,” Walker said.
Luhrmann told Deadline that each of the film’s live performances were shot all the way through, with Austin Butler performing full concerts on screen. The director said he would almost certainly release footage of these extended concerts
at some point in the future, but he killed rumors that an extended theatrical cut of the movie is on the way.
“There is no such thing as the four-hour cut. It’s a four-hour director’s assembly, and that just means we put all the stuff together,” he said.
The Warner Bros. pic is currently one of the year’s highest-grossing movies, with $286 million worldwide, and throughout the film’s promotional campaign, Luhrmann has discussed the importance of the theatrical experience to his filmmaking practice.
Luhrmann said he fought hard during negotiations for the film to keep it off streaming services and in the cinema. “I said I’m gonna withdraw this film if it goes straight to streaming. The promise was that it wouldn’t only be in a theater, but we’d double the window of it being in the theater.” ELVIS was Luhrmann’s first return to feature filmmaking since 2013’s The Great Gatsby.
'We made ELVIS during the pandemic and it almost died. But we got it through the pandemic and it was the smoothest shoot we’ve ever had. It came in on time and under budget, which is rare for me, so I feel energized.” (News, Source: Zac Ntim, deadline.com)
With Christmas creeping up, some “Elvis related” present suggestions:
'Elvis Presley Advent Calendar': FRANZIS Elvis Presley 55120 Advent Calendar Cadillac Eldorado Metal Model in 1:37 Scale with Sound Module and 52-Page Companion Book - this multi-faceted new release will appeal to car enthusiasts. It is described as:
· The complete package for all Elvis fans: the Cadillac of the "King", the scale corresponds to approx. 19.5 x 6 x 8.5 cm
· Detailed vehicle: finished model vehicle of the 1953 Cadillac Eldorado with high-quality plastic base and sound module with the voice of Elvis
· 24 reversible boxes made of environmentally friendly cardboard create a large, attractive motif on the front and back and contain small surprises for collecting and decorating
· A celebration for all Elvis fans: the high-quality workmanship of the individual model and electronic components ensures long functional safety. The right tool you need for assembly is included
· Accessories: the officially licensed 52-page companion book contains a detailed overview of the vehicles that accompanied it for a lifetime
· Bi-lingual text: English and German
Monday 21 November 2022
'The Elvis RCA Camden Collection' EIN Spotlight:Most fans have had a love-hate relationship with Elvis' Camden collections. On one hand they are seen as an artistic misstep being released at a time when Elvis was back riding high on the charts saturating the market with a series of albums containing little-known songs. Yet on the other hand many younger fans used these budget collections as a way to enter the amazing world of Elvis’ vast back-catalogue.
The RCA Camdens featured the first release of an Elvis live recording, 19 previously unreleasedtracks and 58 tracks previously unreleased on an album. That is quite impressive even if Col Parker only had his increased revenue as the main goal.
Go here to this fascinating article and tell us YOUR THOUGHTSabout Elvis' Camden releases... EIN contributor Neil Colombari reveals all...
(Spotlight; Source;Neil Colombari/ElvisInfoNet)
Sunday 20 November 2022
Elvis LA Forum, November 14 1970 HD Remaster: While we all wait for the unreleased MGM 'On Tour' footage, why not check out the fabulous 'HD' remastered youtube clip from November 1970 of Elvis at the L.A. 'Forum of Inglewood' in his 'Long fringe' jumpsuit.
You can easily see why the long-fringe caused Elvis so much TROUBLE
As EIN member Robert V notes, "Terrific footage. Elvis was untouchable in 1970."
'Never Been To Spain' (Live Richmond) Official Lyric Video: Continuing the 'On Tour' promotion EPE have released the new 'Never Been To Spain' Live in Richmond Official Lyric Video:
It is a great version and all that more sensational as Elvis sings on the second verse specifically for the Richmond, Virginia crowd.. "Well, I've never been to England, but I kind of like the Beatles
So I headed for Las Vegas, Only made it to Virginia...
I got to feel it, Must be near it..
Feels so good, lord feels so good"
BUT the dopes in EPE 'Official Lyric marketing' have used lyrics missing out the VIRGINIA reference! Hopeless. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'Las Vegas International Presents Elvis – Now 1971' VINYL OUT NOW:The Memphis Recording Service new release 180-gram 2LP version of ‘Las Vegas International Presents Elvis – Now 1971’ is OUT NOW and at your local Elvis dealers.
The live performances are from 28th January (Midnight) and the closing show 23rd February 1971 from Elvis’ engagement at the Las Vegas International Hotel.
The 2 albums feature 36 tracks from the two concerts plus six key bonus tracks - There Goes My Everything, Only Believe, Release Me, It’s Now or Never, Snowbird and The Impossible Dream .
This is a Limited Edition set and is available in both Black and Clear vinyl.
The clear vinyl version is ONLY available from Elvis dealers and is not be available to the mainstream public and stores.
'ELVIS' soundtrack nominated for two Grammys: Australian director Baz Luhrmann may help ELVIS win not only an Oscar but also another Grammy Award!
The 'ELVIS soundtrack' is nominated for "Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media"
Along with 'Encanto', 'Stranger Things', 'Top Gun: Maverick' and 'West Side Story'
From the ELVIS movie soundtrack Doja Cat's 'Vegas' is also nominated for 'Best Rap Performance' single. Interestingly she is also nominated for her single 'Woman' in the 'Best Pop Solo Performance' category.
Finger crossed.
The 2023 Grammys Awards are on Sunday, February 5th from Los Angeles Crypto.com Arena
(News, Source;BazL/ElvisInfoNet)
Graceland Holiday Season livestream: In the USA the Holiday Season is starting. You can re-live the Graceland excitement as Disney actress and singer Olivia Holt and R&B singer / songwriter/ actor Spencer Sutherland along with Madison Iseman and musician Tony Ferrari, “flip the switch” to light up Elvis’ iconic Graceland Mansion for the holiday season.
Elvis and Roy Orbison: More on the Elvis and Roy Orbison photo.
James V Roy of the 'Scotty Moore' websitesays that he was given a copy of the image eight years ago by photographer by Cecile Hollifield. "Several people representing Roy Orbison's family contacted me about it soon after and I referred them to Cecil but I don't think he was happy about it and I've stayed out of it since."
The date would be around June 26 / 27 1957 when Roy Orbison was recording demos at SUN and was staying at Sam Phillips house.
The room is definitely Sam Phillips lounge room.
Elvis returned to Memphis from filming Jailhouse Rock on June 26 1957 and that day would be Elvis' very first night sleeping at Graceland. So perhaps Elvis visiting Sam Phillips on June 27 1957, and bumping in to Roy Orbison at the house is a good possibility.
The oddity is the fact that we have never seen this photo before and if real, why would you not sell the original to Graceland or the Roy Orbison estate?
Some digital lines and blurring in the image suggest some manipulation or perhaps just a bad photo scan. NOTE: There are some dodgy customers offering keen Elvis fans the chance to buy "The Original Print" at a high price. As EIN always says, 'Buyer Beware'.
EIN says thanks for the input from all our readers...
Go here to Roy Orbison facebook
If you can confirm it real or a fakeplease tell EIN! (News, Source;FB/ElvisInfoNet)
Below Elvis at the St. Jude Hospital concert at Russwood Park, Memphis - June 28 1957
'Tampa Wave' 1975 CD /DVD New Import:The promotional blurb states: Millbranch Music is back with its second release in 2022! After the overwhelming success of our recent 1976 CD/DVD set we were able to obtain more new and great 8mm footage plus a first generation audience recording from Elvis' April 1975 tour! 'Tampa Wave' is a 2-disc set: The CD includes Elvis' full performance AUDIENCE RECORDING of the evening show in Tampa, Florida April 26, 1975, taken from the original tape which has been recorded by a by then “experienced” fan who had a great seat in the 5th row - and his recording equipment with him! For our last two releases we have worked strictly with soundboard recordings, but since the Tampa show we got the original tape of is really a very good audience. The DVD in our new set has a running time of almost 100 minutes and
includes rare and high-
quality 8mm-footage of the Tampa evening show from April 26, 1975 and more from the same tour with concerts Lakeland, FL (April 27 evening show / April 28) and Atlanta from May 1st.
As a very special bonus the DVD contains an absolutely stunning performance from Elvis' concert in Richfield, filmed at his magnificent July 75' tour (July 18). The quality and length of the material we invested a lot of money in recently will blow you away! You will get 53 minutes from this show which is almost 80% of the whole performance.
Great times to be an Elvis-Collector! EIN Note: FTD has releases EIGHT soundboards from this April 24 - May 7 season, including the Tampa April 26 afternoon show - Look here to check.
Go to 'All The CD News 2022' for tracklist and full details (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'Sold Out Vol.18' DVD: The publicity notes... New volume # 18 is once again chock-full of footage that will get your temperature risin’!
Pyramid has already released 50 hours of footage, and this new volume contains three more hours, this time focusing on the period 1973 – 1976. There are so many cool and delightful moments, that it’s hard to pick them all out. ‘Steamroller Blues’ is one of the hottest versions ever, with Elvis striking a kick-ass karate pose right from the get-go, and a fan getting so excited that she virtually assaults him! Or another clip where Elvis looks with amazement as he asks the houselights to be turned up, and then commenting: “It’s a long way from Ellis Auditorium in Memphis, J.D.”, no doubt referring to the gospel shows that he attended as a youngster. There’s also various memorable moments in the ’75 footage, including a powerful version of ‘You Gave Me A Mountain’ with different phrasing.
The clips on this volume are long, and really give you the feel of being there at an Elvis show. This volume also documents the brief revival in late ’76, with Elvis looking slimmer and sounding really good. ‘Hurt’ is one of the highlights and cuts through the air like a razorblade! Pyramid takes pride in presenting these 8mm films as they were originally filmed, with the restoration focusing on respecting the history of these remarkable films, and not altering it. No edits, no cuts, no manipulations….From the great highs to the sad lows… it’s all there, and it’s all Elvis. EIN Note: Back at 'Sold Out Vol 13' Pyramid stated "Over the past year we have released some amazing 8mm footage. Now get ready for The Best!"
So what is on this Volume 18? It has to be less than the best. Are that many fans really still collecting these? (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Elvis Presley on Compact Disc - First Australian Edition (Books 1-5): Prolific Australian Elvis author, Bob Hayden, has released the cover images for his upcoming series of Elvis CDs released in Australia.
The books, each of which contains around 80 quality gloss pages, should be available in early December.
Bob can be contacted at: elvis2594@gmail.com
(News, Source: Bob Hayden)
Tuesday 15 November 2022
Elvis and Roy Orbison: When this photo of Elvis and Roy Orbison was published yesterday EIN was somewhat perplexed as it was supposedly from 1955.
After further investigation it is obviously a photo from March / April 1957, and also at Sam Phillip's house in Memphis.
This photo has never been seen before and looks incredibly similar to photos of Elvis at the Chicago 'Saddle and Sirlion Club' on March 28 1957. Is it real? Is it a deep fake?
Yesterday EIN thought it a clever fake (it certainly isn't 1955) but today it seems to be a possible 1957 photo of the two SUN artists together.. We await further research..
Here is the post...
" Exciting News! A picture of Roy Orbison and ELVIS PRESLEY has finally been found. Here it is!
This photo was taken at Sam Phillip’s house on Menden Hall Road in Memphis in the late spring of 1957. Elvis is wearing a medallion he got in Ottawa, Canada from a fan on April 3rd and his hair is certainly 1957, dyed black. Roy Orbison is wearing his “Ooby Dooby” diamond ring and his hair is also dyed black. The photo was taken to Cecile Hollifield in Midland/Odessa by Roy himself.
This was a nice souvenir for Hollifield to have, as he was friends with both singers and with Sam Phillips.
Roy always said he met Elvis in Memphis on June 1st 1956 at the Overton Park Shell, so this picture is definitely 1957.
Thank you to all involved in finally releasing this picture to the public."
Go here to Roy Orbison facebook
If you know and can confirm it real or a fakeplease tell EIN! (News, Source;FB/ElvisInfoNet)
Monday 14 November 2022
ELVIS still Officially the Number One in the UK!: Back in 2015 EIN contributor Brian Quinn spotlighted the fact that ELVIS was still the UK's "Most Successful Chart Act", over 37 years after his sad demise.
Things have changed so much since then that "official charts" can no longer be compared. Instant click purchases, Spotify and streaming all make charts somewhat redundant
However in 2022 after all these changes and new artists such as Ed Sheeran, Drake, Coldplay and Taylor Swift, ELVIS still holds on to some key NUMBER ONE UK chart positions 'MOST SUCCESSFUL UK CHART ACTS' - 11th November 2022
Calculated by the amount of weeks on the chart for both Singles and Albums combined. One point is gained for each week an album/or single appears in the Top 75: 1. ELVIS 2860 weeks (1307 weeks singles) (1553 weeks for albums)
2. Ed Sheeran- 2631 weeks (1412 weeks singles) (1219 weeks albums)
3. Queen- 2339 weeks (462 weeks for singles) (1877 weeks for albums)
4. Michael Jackson-2289 weeks (712 weeks singles) (1577 weeks albums)
5. The Beatles- 2128 weeks (461 weeks for singles) (1667 weeks albums)
NO.1 SINGLES ARTISTS 1. Elvis - 21
2. Beatles - 17
3. Cliff Richard and Westlife - (both with 14)
4. Madonna and Ed Sheeran (both with 13)
5. Take That - 12
TOP 10 SINGLES ARTISTS 1. Elvis - 76
2. Cliff Richard - 68
3. Madonna - 63
4. Michael Jackson - 44
5. Ed Sheeran - 40
NO.1 ALBUMS ARTISTS
1. Beatles - 16
2. Robbie Williams - 14 3. Elvis and Rolling Stones (both with 13)
4. Madonna and Bruce Springsteen (both with 12)
5. David Bowie - 11
TOP 10 ALBUMS ARTISTS 1. Elvis - 53
2. Cliff Richard - 46
3.Bob Dylan and Rolling Stones (both with 41)
4. Frank Sinatra - 40
5. Rod Stewart - 37
Elvis 1971 Stutz Blackhawk sells for $297,000: Elvis' 1971 Stutz Blackhawk sold this weekend at auction for US$297,000.
Back in 2015 the Stutz featured at Julien’s Auctions for a hoped for minimum of $400,000 but did not sell. Seven years later the beautiful vehicle has found a new owner - via Mecum Auctions - for the cheaper price of just under $300,000.
Elvis' ownership truly increased the car's value as other Stutz Blackhawks barely made $55,000.
The Stutz Blackhawk was also the last car that Elvis Presley publicly drove, according to the Graceland Museum. It was a 1973 model year unit, and it showed those interested in cars that the “King of Rock and Roll” truly liked to ride as royalty.
This version was the second Stutz Blackhawk bought by Elvis.
Stutz Blackhawks were among the most expensive cars on sale in the USA in the 1970s and 1980s, selling for the modern equivalent of over $250,000.
This car was owned by Elvis for a number of years before he gifted it to one of his personal physicians, Dr Elias Ghanem, who helped Elvis "detoxing".
Dr Ghanem was a throat specialist to the stars, with a roster of patients that included Tom Jones, Roy Clark, Raquel Welch and Johnny Cash.
While Elvis owned the car he had it detailed by famed artiste George Barris with items such as gold wire wheels and wide whitewall tyres. Inside, there’s a Nardi Torino steering wheel and bucket seats. The Stutz currently has 31,856 miles on the clock, and comes with a 1971 State of California New Vehicle ID registered to Elvis Presley. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Thursday 10 November 2022
ELVIS at the Oscars 2023: The anticipation for ELVIS to get his first Oscar - Baz Luhrmann's ELVIS that is - is still building.
Back in the sixties Elvis was furious when he found out that producer Hal Wallis used the profits from his light-hearted movies to fund 'Oscar worthy' films.
Similarly the uncaring Col Parker even stated that "All Elvis’ films are good for is making money."
Well in 2022 it suddenly looks like ELVIS may get the last laugh and will finally get an Oscar!
Indiewire has recently reported...
One prevailing narrative currently forming around the 2023 Oscars race for Best Picture is acknowledging the films that have been vital toward keeping the moviegoing experience alive.
Movie sequels in particular like 'Top Gun: Maverick', have never been more on the Academy’s radar, upcoming 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' is another.
However Original Screenplays like 'ELVIS','Everything Everywhere All at Once' and 'The Woman King' also benefit from their unexpected box office triumphs. And they also showcase their powerful leads including Best Actor contender Austin Butler.
With a guaranteed 10 best picture contenders, ABC hopes that Oscar voters in 2023 will include blockbusters such as 'Top: Gun Maverick' and Luhrmann’s musical biopic 'ELVIS'.
Best Picture frontrunners (as of Nov 2022) 'ELVIS'
'The Banshees of Inisherin'
'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever'
'Everything Everywhere All at Once'
'The Fabelmans'
'Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio'
'TÁR'
'Top Gun: Maverick'
'The Woman King'
'Women Talking'
The Best Actor Oscar race is also shaping into a year full of possible first-time Oscar nominees like Austin Butler, Colin Farrell, Bill Nighy and Brendan Fraser.
On the tail end of festival season the Best Actor race is starting to form around a final few contenders.
Colin Farrell leads the pack a few steps ahead of Brendan Fraser in 'The Whale'. 'ELVIS' star Austin Butler is still holding strong as Warner Bros. prepares a second wave of campaigns for the hit biopic, while Jeremy Pope has started to gain momentum for his triumphant turn as a gay Marine in 'The Inspection.' Best Actor frontrunners: Austin Butler 'ELVIS'
Colin Farrell - 'The Banshees of Inisherin'
Brendan Fraser - 'The Whale'
Bill Nighy - 'Living'
Jeremy Pope - 'The Inspection'
Meanwhile in Best Costume Design Oscar predictions 'ELVIS' (costumes by Catherine Martin) still leads the field of contenders whose costumes tell stories of showbiz, social change, and superheroics.
Other contenders include 'Amsterdam', 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever', 'Blonde', 'The Fabelmans', and 'Bardo.' (News, Source;Indiwire/ElvisInfoNet)
Vote for Graceland in USA Today Readers Choice Awards; EPE says... Calling all Elvis fans! Graceland has been nominated as a contender for USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Best Holiday Historic Home Tour.
We need your help to get out the vote keep Graceland on top! You can vote once daily through Monday, December 5!
2022 is one of ELVIS' biggest years since he hung up his Blue Suede Shoes, so let's get him another Number 1!
Mike Freeman Needs Your Prayers: More sad news from Memphis.
A large number of Elvis fans (including most EIN members) who have ever visited Memphis will know Mike Freeman through the excellent tours he provided and his stunning font of Elvis knowledge.
Since 1991 Mike offered guided tours as well as books about the life of Elvis Presley.
He co-wrote 'The Best of Elvis in 1992' and 'Memphis Elvis Style' in 1997 with Cindy Hazen.
For eight years they owned and lived in the first home Elvis purchased at 1034 Audubon Drive, Memphis.
In 2007 Mike helped create three DVDS; Elvis’ Memphis and Beyond Elvis’ Memphis with Artsmagic, UK and Elvis: Return to Tupelo with Michael Rose Productions.
His original Mike's Memphis Tours became Memphis Road Tours.
Right; Mike Freeman and another Memphian.
Loved and respected by everyone, as you can see he is now gravely ill and needs our prayers.
Elvis is In The Building at new NFSA Exhibition: Australia's 'National Film and Sound Archive' in Canberra has a new exhibition 'Australians & Hollywood' which features previously unseen costumes, props, documents and footage from the NFSA collection including accessories, props, images and AV content from the 2022 Baz Luhrmann ELVIS film.
The costumes designed by four-time Oscar-winning Australian designer Catherine Martin, and worn by Austin Butler as Elvis, Olivia DeJonge as Priscilla Presley and by David Wenham as Hank Snow will be on view in the NFSA’s blockbuster exhibition which will be open throughout 2023.
‘I’m so happy that these costumes can live on at the NFSA and contribute to Australia’s audiovisual heritage,’ said Catherine Martin. ‘It’s wonderful to think that work made in Australia, including ELVIS, can stay in Australia and become a reference point for future filmmakers and designers.’
Australians & Hollywood is open daily from 10am-4pm with special extended hours on Fridays from 10am-8pm.
Tickets are available to book or on entry.
Gohere to NFSAfor more info. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Another pile of barrel-scraping bootlegs. Back in 2021 EIN was banned from commenting on FECC and Phoenix Elvis forums about "The Collapse of the Bootleg Empire" yet these new releases below are still being flogged by the 'Usual Suspects'. You know who you are. We know who you are. - Buyers Beware.
‘Live Experience In Vegas February 1971’ New CD: An AUDIENCE recorded - February 21, 1971 Midnight Show. The publicity notes… Coming back Vegas for his fourth month-long run in the short time span of only one and a half years, it became apparent to the close observer that the Memphis singer was bored already. Too lazy to care much about an updated repertoire, all the audience got was a rehash of his earlier appearances with two exceptions; Most shows, partially due to the star catching the flu, ran only about half as long as during the previous engagement and some closed with a new song – The Impossible Dream. If you want to relive the magic and excitement of Elvis in Las Vegas, this superbly packaged and good sounding album is your invitation to the showroom of the International Hotel. Enjoy the show. EIN NOTE: This concert was previously on the Bootleg 'Las Vegas Fever Vol.I' in pretty poor audience quality.
All these 1971 live songs feature on the recent MRS 1971 set in soundboard quality, which also includes the '23rd Feb 1971' closing show from two days later.
Do fans really need this?
Go to 'All The CD News 2022' for tracklist and full details (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
‘Summer Festival: Reflections Of '71 Vol.2’ New CD: Yet more 1971 Audience recordings that have been previously bootlegged. The publicity notes... This 3 CD set featuring 3 audience recorded live shows from August 1971.
This set contains many highlights like Kris Kristofferson's beautiful ballad "Help Me Make It Through The Night" which Elvis only sang twice during this season. Perry Como's "It's Impossible" is a song first sang by Elvis in July 1971 during a show in Lake Tahoe. The song was an almost steady on the setlist during this August season, but after this season it only turned up once more on the setlist in February 1972. The always The powerful "It's Over", probably best known from his famous "Aloha From Hawaii" debuted also in July 1971 and is also featured on this set.
No soundboard recordings have yet surfaced.
Included in this box set are:
August 16 1971 midnight show/ August 18 dinner show / August 19 dinner show. EIN NOTE: These were previously bootlegged on SR’s 'Trying To Get To Memphis', 'Setting The Standard' and 'Rock And Beauty' all in very poor audio quality. Buyer Beware. Go to 'All The CD News 2022' for tracklist and details (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
‘Well, It's Christmas Time Pretty Baby: Songs Of Christmas’ New CD: The publicity notes… Elvis' fourth studio album was released in October 1957 and was titled "Elvis' Christmas Album". The album was a very clever move by Elvis' record company. Probably the Colonel also had his (big) part in this commercial masterpiece. The foldout sleeve contained a full sized 12 page booklet containing some very handsome pictures shot during the filming of "Jailhouse Rock". So this album was really something for everybody. All original new tracks were recorded at the Radio Recorders studio in Hollywood .
Radio recorders™ brings you a fully packed CD containing 27 masters & alternate tracks from the sessions plus bonus tracks. Some highlights are the outtakes of "peace in the valley" & "it is no secret" taken from the original binaural tapes.
All recordings on this compact disc are carefully restored and remastered. They never sounded better, it’s like you are right there in the studio. EIN NOTE: All previously released by FTD, Elvis ONE or MRS. And what a terrible cover design, something Parker might do! Go to 'All The CD News 2022' for tracklist and details (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
‘Rhythm 'n' Gospel’ New Import Vinyl: The publicity notes… Petticoat records is back! This time with a fantastic vinyl album full of ballads & uptempo gospel tracks.
This high quality album (including bonus CD) featuring 16 rare and hard to find alternate versions is now available.
And as always housed in a STUNNING full color sleeve suitable for framing!(EIN asks, Do fans really frame bootleg album covers still?)
This high quality 180 grams virgin vinyl pressing is now available in WHITE or BLUE vinyl.
Don't miss out on this wonderful limited edition album. EIN NOTE: All previously released tracks. For vinyl collectors only.
'ELVIS: Prodigy of Sun Records' AT THE PRINTERS! Elvis Files' Erik Lorentzen has posted the great news that his stunning 2-book 800-page project with Robert van Beek is at the printers and with the Release date set for December 8 2022!
After all last year's covid delays this is impressive. He notes both Volumes #1 1935-1954 and #2 1955 are printed. Go to ELVIS FILES to place your order now and have a chance to win a free promo single.
Hundreds of hours of research gives an overall picture of the boy who became a king. Many new quality photos have been purchased, you will be amazed at the mass of information that has come to light. (News, Source;EL/ElvisFiles /ElvisInfoNet)
Announcement "Elvis Day By Day 2022": Poplar Tunes Publishing announced the January 2023 release of volume 5 in the 'Elvis Day By Day - The Year In Review' series. This new edition covers everything Elvis Presley from 2022 on almost 400 pages. YouTube cool Preview here.
What a great year it was for Elvis fans with Baz Luhrmann's 'ELVIS' #1 movie and soundtrack putting Elvis back in the spotlight. Add to that the 50th Anniversary release of 'On Tour', FTD's 'Aloha', classic hits, albums, concerts and alternate takes in mono, stereo and HD-quality on CD, vinyl, DVD and 4K Ultra HD discs. Interesting books on Elvis' musical catalogue, the SUN years, airplanes, pilot, manager, cars, jewelry, concert tours and much more. 'Elvis Day By Day 2022' contains it all, with a foreword by Elvis World's Phil Gelormine.
Literally, a great addition your Elvis library, available January 2023.
New FTD Releases OUT NOW: The two new FTD 'early November' releases are at your local Elvis dealers now. 1. 'Las Vegas `71'. FTD's second 3cd set in a row, 'Las Vegas '71' is released as a 3-CD 5” digi-pak and the set features three 1971 concerts recorded at the International Hotel on January 27 / 28 Midnight shows and January 29 Dinner show.
Recorded by Bill Porter, the tapes unfortunately have imperfections, but we have prioritized the historic importance and rarity of these recordings. EIN NOTE: The odd fact is that these three concerts have been out on bootleg for years and have recently been released as "Public Domain" by the MRS label. To FTD collectors there are not rare at all.
Obviously the 50 year EU Public Domain rule expired last year so why FTD did not release them in 2021 makes no sense. FTD are fully aware of PD rules and must be struggling to get their On Tour material out before the end of the year. See full tracklisting here
2. 'It Happened At The World’s Fair': Continuing their series of unique double-vinyl releases, FTD is pleased to announce the release of 'It Happened At The World’s Fair' as a 2-LP LIMITED EDITION.
Taking inspiration from RCA Victor’s originally planned but subsequently aborted deluxe soundtrack release (LOC/LSO 1080), this 180 GRAM double vinyl soundtrack companion features original soundtrack masters and excellent alternative outtakes. The publicity notes, "Bonus tracks include “Witchcraft (takes 3/M)”, “Love Me Tonight (takes 6-8/M)” and “Slowly But Surely (take 5/M)" - although EIN cannot find them on the announced tracklists nor album cover.
Now available - 'Elvis On Tour November 1971: 50th Anniversary Edition': Author Kieran Davis has advised EIN that supplies of the expanded edition of Elvis On Tour November 1971 50th Anniversary Edition were received earlier than expected and are now shipping to countries around the world. The book features much new information and images with the comprehensive text presenting the tour in its greatest detail, plus archival documents and memorabilia, colour and b&w photographs, and fan stories.
When originally published in 2010, the book contained 150 pages. The new edition has more than doubled that number to 350 pages!
Copies of 'Elvis On Tour November 1971 50th Anniversary Edition' can be ordered here. (News, Source: Kieran Davis)
'How Great Thou Art' Elvis On Tour Interview: A neatly timed 'On Tour' promo to coincide with our interview about 'Elvis: Gospel Singer'.
EIN readers should enjoy this as it features Ernst Jorgensen and audio engineer Matt Ross-Spang again listening to the session tapes and talking about why 'How Great Thou Art' would have meant so much to Elvis at this point in his career.
(News, Source;EOT/ElvisInfoNet)
What fabulous news posted by James Burton to give a sigh of relief and happiness to all his friends and family.
The man is a true legend and I am sure everyone will keep praying for his health and well-being.
(News, Source;JB/EIN)
Tuesday 1 November 2022
ELVIS #4 Highest Paid Dead Celebrity 2022: Forbes' annual list of the highest earning deceased celebrities for 2022 has been released and without even leaving his secret hideaway ELVIS has made a big comeback!
The Top Ten departed artists, athletes and entertainers on this year’s list earned a record US$1.1 billion making it a 72% increase over last year’s total.
It’s by far the biggest 12-month haul since Forbes started tracking graveyard earnings in 2001 and, for the first time ever, the top five made more than $100 million each - including ELVIS!
Top earner is long-deceased author of 'The Lord of the Rings' J.R. Tolkien. While he died of pneumonia in 1973 he still earned $500 million from the sale of rights-owner "Middle-Earth Enterprises" to Swedish gaming company Embracer.
Kobe Bryant similarly earned $400 million from his estate sale of sports drink to Coca-Cola.
The sale of David Bowie's publishing catalog and Masters to Warners Chappell helped generate $250M for The Thin White Duke.
And while ELVIS may have "left the building" he is still an economic powerhouse this year generating $110 million in income 45 years after his death. Forbes notes that major share was made from box office and merchandise sales at Graceland while only $5 million of that came from rights for the Baz Luhrmann-directed ELVIS biopic. EIN Note; This is such a massive jump from recent years of around $30m earnings that we suspect the methodology has changed.
It was back in 2006 that we saw Elvis' earnings drop from the usual $55m to half that. At the time Forbes noted "Though Presley’s 2016 earnings are listed at half of last year’s total a change in methodology and not plummeting demand accounted for Forbes shift in income".
Perhaps that has now changed back as $110 million is such a massive increase from last year's $30m. It's possible that EPE asked for a percentage profit from the film - as they do from other ELVIS product. TOP TEN 2022 1 J.R. Tolkien $500 million
2 Kobe Bryant $400 million
3 David Bowie $250 million 4 Elvis Presley $110 million
5 James Brown $100 million
6 Michael Jackson $75 million
7 Leonard Cohen $55 million
8. Dr. Seuss $32 million /
9. Jeff Porcaro (Toto drummer) $25 million
/ 10. Charles Schulz $24 million In 2021 Elvis was seventh with $30 million, with author Roald Dahl topping the list at $513 million. Prince was second $120m, and #3 Michael Jackson with $75m
This is the first time since Michael Jackson's death that Elvis overtaken Jacko.
Overall the music of yesteryear is seen by investors as a reliable income stream.
Nearly $700 million of total earnings came from the estates of the nine musicians including David Bowie ($250m), Michael Jackson ($75m) and “Hallelujah” songwriter Leonard Cohen ($55m). Some of those earnings came from one-time sales. The estate of Toto drummer Jeff Porcaro, for instance, sold his publishing and recording royalties for $25m in November 2021. As Gore Vidal once noted, "Death is a good career move"!
Read the original article here (News, Source:Forbes/ElvisInfoNet)
The night Jerry Lee Lewis disgraced 12,000 fans: The night Jerry Lee Lewis disgraced 12,000 fans: There is no doubt that
Jerry Lee Lewis was one of rock and roll's most dynamic but troubled
artists. His live albums from the 60s, including Live at the Star Club,
Hamburg*, are ranked as being among the greatest ever live performances.
I only saw The Killer once. He was the headline act of the 'Legends of Rock Live!' show that toured Australia circa the late 1980s.
It was a night the sold-out audience of 12,000 will never forget!
Other acts included Australian icon, Col Joye, the always excellent Bo Diddley, the Everly Brothers (who were going through one of their "not talking to each other" periods and entered and exited the stage from different sides), and the real star of the night, a rockin’ and a rollin’, Chuck Berry.
As for The Killer, he disgraced himself arriving on stage with a half-empty bottle of bourbon (he was plastered) and immediately started swearing at the audience. His mood only seemed to worsen, and after two or three songs he started abusing the
crowd again yelling "F*** this" and "This is a c***!"
He then picked up his piano stool and threw it across the stage, swore some more, before storming off, leaving the audience dumbstruck.
Postscript: While I never got to see Jerry Lee at his peak (or sober), I was very fortunate to see a Jerry Lee Lewis tribute artist (wish I could remember his name) at Captain Bilboa's Restaurant in Memphis during Elvis Week 1986.
This young guy was absolutely phenomenal singing The Killer's hits and he was so frenetic on the piano that you thought it would catch fire from all the friction.
*In a 5-out-of-5 stars review, Milo Miles wrote in Rolling Stone magazine that "Live at the Star Club, Hamburg” is not an album, it's a crime scene: Jerry Lee Lewis slaughters his rivals in a thirteen-song set that feels like one long convulsion…" EIN highly recommended!
(News, Source: NigelPatterson/EIN)
Baz Luhrmann ELVIS 4-Hour Director's cut On-Hold: Fans hoping for the publicised 4-hour director's cut of Baz Luhrmann ELVIS biopic may be waiting a long time. (EIN NOTE: It's 50 years later and we still do not have our 'On Tour' box-set - we are used to waiting!)
Fans, and EIN, have been desperately hoping for a director's cut of the film but Luhrmann has now said he won't be working on it any time soon.
It was back in June at the Sydney Premiere when Luhrmann first said there was an extended original cut of ELVIS that ran an impressive four hours.
Since then the musical biopic was released to rave reviews and Austin Butler is currently the favourite to win Best Actor at the next Oscars for his incredible performance as Elvis.
However in a recent interview with ScreenRant, Luhrmann noted that despite the passion fans have an extended cut of the movie there wont be an extended cut any time soon even though he's still open to the idea.
“Not now, and not probably next year. But I don't close my mind to the idea that in the future, there might be a way of exploring another cut.”
Luhrmann explained that a finished director's cut of Elvis isn't exactly just sitting there, waiting to be released. “It isn't just like I've got it, and you just put it out there. Every minute in post-production, you have to do visual effects, grading, cutting, refining, and ADR sound. It's not like it's just sitting there finished, and I can just push a button and it comes out. You'd have to get back in and work on it. To do an extended cut, you'd be working on it for another four or six months something. I'm not closed to it, but not now. I'm a little bit on the tired side.”
According to the director it's not all up to him as Warners still owns the film and they'll have to agree not only to release a different version of it but to put up the funds for the crew to complete it. Luhrmann thinks this could happen, given how successful the film has been in theaters and on HBO Max, but it's not a foregone conclusion.
The fatigue is understandable as Luhrmann has been working intensively on the idea of his Elvis film since 2014.
Go here to every news story about Baz Luhrmann ELVIS (News, Source;ScreenRant/ElvisInfoNet)
Saturday 29 October 2022
Jerry Lee Lewis Dead at 87: Very sadly "The Last man Standing" rock'n'roll legend "The Killer" Jerry Lee Lewis died yesterday aged 87. He died at his home in Desoto County, Mississippi, with seventh wife Judith Coghlan by his side.
Jerry Lee Lewis achieved dazzling early success along with Elvis, Little Richard and Chuck Berry as a defining hero of rock’n’roll. His SUN recordings with hammering pumpin'-piano helped create rock’n’roll and his wild stage act also rocked the US media. With SUN singles 'Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On', 'Great Balls of Fire' and 'High School Confidential' Lewis created three of Rock'n'Roll's most primal classics.
Jerry Lee Lewis was always defiant, moody, angry and unreliable and the revelation, by UK tabloids, that he (aged 22), had married his 13-year-old cousin Myra Gale Brown became a notorious scandal that for a while killed his career. The pair would however stay married for 13 years.
Lewis noted, "I never said I was the King Of Rock'n'Roll.. I simply said that I am the best!" Not holding back on his magnificence he also explained to Rolling Stone magazine, “I had created rock & roll before they ever thought about having rock & roll. When Elvis come out, he was rockabilly. When I come
out with ‘Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,’ that was rock and roll. That’s when the name ‘rock & roll’ was put in front.”
Lewis also courted controversy on the Steve Allen TV show with his dynamic July 1957 performance of 'Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On'. Previously his second single had sold poorly as it had been widely banned for lewdness but after Lewis shook up Steve Allen’s TV show he was a true star with nationwide tours and a million sales. The single made #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 the R&B charts. The glorious 'Great Balls of Fire' and 'Breathless' followed.
Elton John said, “Jerry Lee's the best rock & roll pianist ever. I couldn’t play like him because he’s too fast.”
Offstage, Lewis personified the perceived dangers of rock music too. “I've been very successful, even though I have done a lot of things people have said was wrong.... Nobody's perfect!" Throughout much of his life, he fought addictions to alcohol and pills, once accidentally shot a member of his band, and famously burned a piano onstage when he was asked to play before headliner Chuck Berry. “Burned it to the ground” Lewis explained, “I was supposed to be the star of the show!”
Born in the same year as Elvis, on Sept 29, 1935, in Ferriday, Louisiana, Lewis grew up poor but began playing piano at age eight. Lewis’ life changed when he and his father drove to Sun Records where Elvis had made Sam Phillips' studio the place
to be for many aspiring musicians. Label head Sam Phillips wasn’t in that day, but chief engineer Jack Clement was, and after hearing Lewis sing and play country songs, he advised Lewis to focus on rock & roll instead. At the end of one of his Sun sessions, Lewis offhandedly suggested he cut a song he’d been playing on stage. With little rehearsal Lewis bashed out “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” and the rest is rock'n'roll history.
His famous 1956 SUN records jam session with Elvis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash was also turned into a Broadway musical 'Million Dollar Quartet'.
On the very evening that Priscilla met Elvis at his house in Bad Nauheim, Germany (13 Sept 1959) Elvis was at the piano doing a Jerry Lee Lewis impersonation... "pounding the keys so hard that a glass of water he'd set on the piano began sliding off. When Elvis caught it without missing a beat everyone laughed and applauded."
Other later coincidences with Elvis' life includes Dr. Nick (Nichopoulos) who also supplied Jerry Lee with his "medication" and used to fly on Jerry lee's private jet.
One of Jerry Lee's "comeback" albums on Elektra in 1979, called 'Jerry Lee Lewis', was produced by 'Bones Howe' (of Elvis' 1968 Comeback special) and included musicians James Burton and drummer Hal Blaine.
Sadly in the last 20 years health issues continued to trouble him. In the early 2010 Lewis was hospitalised several times and in February 2019 he suffered a major stroke.
Lewis was finally inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in October this year but poor health confined him to his bed and he was unable to accept the award in person.
Jerry Lee once wrote his own epitaph, "When they look back on me, I want them to remember me not for all my wives - although I've had a few - and certainly not for any mansions or high-living money I've made and spent. I want them to remember me simply for my music." RIP Jerry Lee Lewis "Last Man Standing" September 29 1935 - October 28 2022. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis vs. Jerry Lee Lewis' EIN Spotlight: Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis went back a long way. They were both brought up singing the Christian gospel music of the southern Pentecostal churches. From a very early age Jerry Lee would play the piano in church, but by the age of 15 he had been expelled from the Southwestern Bible Institute in Texas for misconduct!
But in 1976 one incident happened which strained their relationship.
Jerry Lee arrived at Graceland - "He was outta his mind, man. He was screamin', hollerin', and cussin'. Jerry Lee demanded "Get on the goddamn phone. I know you got an intercom system. Call up there and tell Elvis I wanna visit with him. Who the hell does he think he is? Tell him the Killer's here to see him." (Spotlight, Source:EIN/MemphisFlyer/June 2005)
'Elvis Presley News Report November 2022: Elvis super-fan Emiel Maier presents all the recent news.... includes, Help ELVIS win an AMA award,
Sofia Coppola's new movie, James Burton's health, FTD new releases,
"Prodigy of Sun" new book plus a good discussion about Priscilla - a friend or foe? and much more..
EIN Exclusives and News from earlier in October...
'The Story Behind: Burning Love' EPE Video: The fine people from EPE / SONY have posted a new video today 'The Story Behind: Burning Love'
While their heart may be in the right place.
a) Why do they use such a ghastly voice-over person
This is not the person to attract millennials or new fans
b) Why say 'Suspicious Minds' was released in 1968 - are they that stupid?
(and wouldn't the voice-over person also have a clue)
c) They note that "Burning Love, is a
lesser performed song". But
Elvis sang it over 110 times in concert, around the same number as 'The Wonder Of You'. He sang 'Don't Cry Daddy', also mentioned in the video, less than 30 times (News, Source; RobertV/ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis On Tour' box-set January 27 Release date: While rumours abound that the SONY 'On Tour' box-set may be delayed until March 2023, Amazon has now updated their official release date for the upcoming 6CD + 1 Blu-ray Elvis On Tour boxset to January 27, 2023.
The FTD Deluxe book/boxset is sadly not expected until much later in the year. It has, after all, only been FIFTY YEARS for these Elvis companies to get their act together!
The set comprises four concerts (and two rehearsals) that were part of Elvis’ 1972 North American tour.
The set features a total of 145 tracks, including 91 tracks that have been previously unreleased, as well as the award-winning concert film on Blu-ray. (News, Source:Amazon/ElvisInfoNet)
ELVIS 'Live 1969' Keeping an eye on the prices.
Amazon UK has just dropped the price £24!
Buy a copy now if you don't own one!
Now $89 <<< US Amazon (another great deal)
UK Amazon - a great bargain >>> £50.00
Both with FREE Delivery
Check deals at other sites.
'Pop Star Assassin Vol. 1' New Comic: Released today, a new 108 page comic, featuring you-know-who Described as...The year is 1977. The King is dead, and the world mourns. But...When a mysterious briefcase turns up in his dressing room, Bruce, a coke-addled Elvis impersonator finds himself wedged between a Mob boss out to avenge the death of his only son, and a government conspiracy with far-reaching, world-ending ramifications, all in an attempt to discover the true identity of his father's killer. Questioning whether or not his entire life up until that moment has been a lie, Bruce sets out on a mission to discover the truth behind his own identity and that of his father. His mission throws him headlong into the heart of a government conspiracy perpetrated by a shadow agency known as 'The Chamber'. Their endgame: world domination at the hands of an unstoppable army of dead celebrity
Look-A-Like(TM) robot assassins.
From: Behemoth Comics; 1st edition 27 Oct. 2022 - 108 pages -
Go to Amazon for more info (News, Source;ST/ElvisInfonet)
'Never Been To Spain' (Live at Richmond, Virginia): Sony have released two new promo tracks from the up-coming 'On Tour' box set. 'Never Been To Spain' is one of Elvis' very best live versions with him neatly ad-libbing “Only made it to Virginia”
These are never-before-officially-released tracks although they have been kicking around for decades on various bootlegs. 'How Great Thou Art' (Live at Hampton Roads) is again a stunning version. (listen here)
Elvis’ Hampton Roads performance is full of a real power and excitement, which is quite a surprise as he had already performed an afternoon show.
Along with Elvis’ TTWII August 12, 1970 midnight show this is one of Elvis best ever performances recorded by RCA
The audio quality shines in comparison to previous unofficial versions (News, Source;SONY/ElvisInfoNet)
Austin Butler’s ELVIS playlist: Austin Butler recently revealed, to UK magazine NME, his key Elvis songs that he listened to while filming the movie.
Seeing his performance in the film Butler pulls off the astonishing task of getting beyond Elvis' omnipresent image and countless imitations. “You need to be incredibly meticulous. I wanted every gesture and everywhere that his eyes go and the way that he moves his entire body to feel as truthful and identical to him as possible but it’s got to feel as though it’s happening for the first time.”
Austin Butler then revealed the key songs that helped him slip into Elvis’ (blue suede) shoes.
– ‘Milkcow Blues Boogie’
“Starting from his early stuff, I’d go for ‘Milkcow Blues Boogie’. I love listening to that song as far as hearing him going from the slow stuff in the beginning to when he kicks it up. Also, hearing Elvis' live performances on ‘A Boy From Tupelo' was helpful, because you hear different qualities, like when he sings ‘Long Tall Sally’ onstage, it has an explosive power, so that helped me a lot for those early performances.”
– ‘(There’ll Be) Peace in the Valley (For Me)’
“Throughout his career, Elvis would go back to spiritual music as his solace so there’s a number of different gospel songs that I would return to, including ‘(There’ll Be) Peace in the Valley (For Me)’. When we went down to Nashville and recorded all the gospel numbers for the film, getting to be in these small churches listening to gospel being sung for eight hours straight, it sent chills down my spine and I couldn’t help but move.”
- 'Are You Lonesome Tonight? (Laughing Version)’
“There’s a recording of Elvis singing ‘Are You Lonesome Tonight?’ onstage where he can’t stop laughing. He’s almost crying! When I show that to people who haven’t heard it before, they can’t help but fall in love with him because he had one of the greatest, most genuine, open-hearted laughs. I felt like this gave me a window into him.”
– ‘Polk Salad Annie’
“Every day, I listened to two songs while driving to work which were ‘Polk Salad Annie’ and ‘Never Been to Spain’. There’s a live performance of ‘Polk Salad Annie’ he does in 'That’s the Way It Is' which is great because you get to see how dynamic his energy is and how he uses humour in the music.”
- ‘Never Been to Spain’
“It just fires me up. I love to turn it on super-loud in the car and drive. Singing ‘Never Been to Spain’ once on set, my voice went out. I lost the mid-range of my voice for a couple of days. Thankfully, it was on a Friday so we could take the weekend off, so I went on vocal rest and didn’t speak for two days to let the vocal cords rest. It’s a tough sing!”
– ‘Unchained Melody’
“Every time I watch or hear ‘Unchained Melody’, it brings tears to my eyes. It was a tricky one to sing, because at that point, I was quite large and so my breathing was constricted because you’re strapped into the jumpsuit.”
- ‘Separate Ways’
“It’s interesting tracing the songs around the time of his divorce, like ‘Separate Ways’, and knowing that when he recorded it, he just stared up at the ceiling afterwards and shook his head, with tears in his eyes. And would listen to it over and over. You’re hearing the voice of a man going through an incredible amount of pain and there’s such honesty to certain lines he sings, so that made me feel very connected to his soul.”
– ‘Trouble’
“That was fiery and exciting! What I loved is you can read a lot of stories about Elvis performing on stage in that small amount of time before he goes into the army and his mother passes away, where he’s at the height of his primal, animalistic power. You can see images of it, but you can’t see a lot of footage, because if he was on television, he didn’t push it quite as far as he would live. There are stories of him spitting on the stage, and rolling around on it,
and completely giving what sounds like a punk-rock show. So it was fun to perform ‘Trouble’ and for it to be at this pivotal point in the story, with real emotional meaning behind it. It’s a moment where he’s rebelling and being true to his own artistic and moral integrity. The way he sings ‘Trouble’ in the ’68 Comeback Special became an influence for the way I performed it in the 1950s scene because he has more grit, and does a growl that became very influential for me.”
and also - Howlin’ Wolf – ‘Smokestack Lightnin’’
“For the most part, I listened to Elvis, but I also listened to Howlin’ Wolf, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Little Richard and all the other people who are in the film a lot. I was constantly drawn to the passion of Howlin’ Wolf because you can watch videos of him singing and imagine Elvis being in Beale Street, Memphis, and watching him sing and that’s exciting.
Go here for full article (News, Source;NME/ElvisInfoNet)
'Priscilla' New Biopic: Director Sofia Coppola is in pre-production on new her biopic about the journey of the famous Presley couple - as well as Priscilla later as a successful actress and business woman. Jacob Elordi will be filling the shoes as the new Elvis Presley. It will be nigh impossible to beat Austin Butler, but he has already shown his magnetic talent as Nate in the series Euphoria. The 25-year-old actor now seems ready to take his charisma to the next level as a movie star on the silver screen. Cailee Spaeny(Pacific Rim: Uprising) will play the role of Priscilla Presley. Spaeny also worked with Kate Winslet in the HBO mini-series Mare of Easttown. With Priscilla, Cailee Spaeny could very well have signed the role of a lifetime.
The film, written and directed by Sofia Coppola for A24, will be directly adapted from Priscilla's autobiography, Elvis And Me.
Published in 1985, the book topped the prestigious New York Times bestseller list and has remained a bestseller ever since.
Sofia Coppola has joined Instagram in a moodboard dedicated to the film. In doing so, Coppola offers us a glimpse into her creative process. One post featured an original copy of the book Elvis and Me, snippets of the script with handwritten notes and a vintage shot of none other than Priscilla herself.
The film will begin shooting this fall in Toronto.
(News, Source;Vogue/Variety/ElvisInfoNet)
'Always On My Mind' Elvis On Tour Interview: A neat promo interview about the upcoming 'Elvis On Tour' box-set.
EIN readers should enjoy this as it features Ernst Jorgensen and audio engineer Matt Ross-Spang listening to the session tapes and talking about why 'Always On My Mind' would have meant so much to Elvis at the time.
Interesting it dates the song incorrectly as 1973! (News, Source;EOT/ElvisInfoNet)
Elvis 2023 Birthday Celebration: Graceland announced, join us in Memphis on January 5-8 as we celebrate Elvis' birthday with concerts, movies, conversations and much more!
This year's festivities include our annual Elvis Birthday Proclamation Ceremony, The Memphis Symphony Orchestra's annual Elvis Pops Concert with Terry Mike Jeffrey, Conversations on Elvis.
It also includes the 'Aloha from Hawaii' 50th anniv concert.
Live on the big screen, featuring vocals by the king himself, backed
by a live band on stage. A 50th anniversary tribute to this landmark concert event!
Tickets and packages go on sale Saturday, October 22.
Go here to EPE for Birthday Schedule and ticket info (News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
EIN was there in the Honolulu International Center, 2013 for the Aloha 40th Anniversary and it was a stunning spectacle. Sadly all too many of Elvis' friends and musicians have died since then. See EIN's exclusive 40th anniversary report here.
(Book Review) Elvis For Vinyl Fans Only Vinyl Discography from Eastern Europe Yugoslavia * Romania (Piotr Soczynski): To date, Polish author Piotr Soczynski has published eight (one more to come) Elvis discographies. His first four books were two volumes chronicling Elvis’ demo and acetate records and two volumes detailing his U.S. Army vinyl records.
His most recent books have been discographies of Elvis’ music released in Eastern European countries.
All eight books are high quality “coffee table” hardcovers full of color and information for all fans, but particularly serious collectors.
Billy Stanley talks Elvis: With his new book 'The Faith of Elvis Presley’ recently published, stepbrother Billy Stanley is on a mission to shed light on Elvis' faith.
He recently told CBN’s Faithwire.. “Elvis was a Christian, and most people don’t know that, he was a Bible-carrying Christian … wherever he went, he took the Bible with him. He read the Bible almost every day.
Nobody can really imagine the position Elvis was in … here you have a man that really changed culture. I always thought … he had the devil on one side, and he’s got God on the other side, and there was a constant battle going on inside of his head.
Elvis did his best … whenever he was in trouble, he would always turn to God.”
Elvis was also the most generous giver I’ve ever met my life, giving money, cars and homes … to people he didn’t even know.
One time driving around Memphis with Elvis we passed a homeless man. Elvis did a U-turn and told Stanley to grab his wallet to give money to the man.
"I said, ‘How much money?’ He said, ‘All of it.'” Elvis handed over the cash to the homeless man, who recognized the megastar.
“I still get a little emotional on this. As we were pulling away. The guy said, ‘God bless you, Mr. Presley’ and Elvis looked at him and said, ‘Sir, He already has'”. I’m sitting there crying like a baby, going, ‘This generosity.'”
Another time Elvis helped a woman whose home burned down around Christmastime; the woman and her children escaped but lost their belongings.
“He had one of the guys that worked for him go get an apartment, pay for
six months rent, furnish it, get toys and clothes and everything for the family.
His strict instructions was … if she asked who did this, he said, ‘You just tell her Santa Claus did it.’ He didn’t want the recognition for it.” Stanley also reflected on his final conversation with Elvis, just two days before the singer died. As Elvis was helping his stepbrother bandage up a minor injury in the bathroom, the two looked at one other in the mirror and had a heartfelt conversation.
“Elvis says, ‘Do you believe God forgives us for all our sins?’ I said, ‘Yes,'” He kind of took me off guard with that question. I said, ‘Yes, we’ve read about it many times, and you’ve told me this too, and this is what I’ve learned in church.’ He said, ‘Good. I just want to make sure you know that.'”
“He said, ‘One day, Billy, you’re gonna fall in love with a girl and she will just go and change your whole life,’ and that’s happened,” Stanley said. “Everything he told me that day has happened.” (News, Source;CBN/ElvisInfoNet)
FTD Deluxe 'Elvis On Tour' Delayed to 2023: From Elvis The Man & His Music."It's official. Sad but somehow not totally surprising, FTD's 'Elvis On Tour' book / audio package has now been postponed until "the middle of 2023" due to various legal problems with Warner Bros.
The Sony/Legacy version has been moved back to January 2023 but the audio will be available for streaming, thereby protecting the 50-year copyright rule. -
Shame.
They've only had half a century to sort this all out and they still miss the anniversary.
To quote Tom Ewell in 'The Girl Can't Help It': "Sometimes you wonder just who's minding the store." EIN can only agree. Sadly way too many of our Australian EIN Fan Club
members have
died in the past decade while waiting for this release. The package was truly expected in 2012, the 40th anniversary, and now it misses the 50th.
The On TourHampton Roads concert 'Live in Virginia' Vicky bootleg was released back in 1990. Over 32 years later RCA have still not managed to officially release it. What a joke.
Any 25-year-old Elvis fan who saw 'On Tour' in the cinema first time round will now be over 75. No wonder Elvis collectors feel upset. (News, Source/ETM&HM/ElvisInfoNet)
Angela Lansbury, Dead Aged 96: Beloved actress Angela Lansbury who's lengthy career included five Tony Awards, an honorary Oscar plus 12 seasons of 'Murder, She Wrote' and with Elvis in Blue Hawaii, has died aged 96.
She was a three-time Oscar nominee and received an Emmy nomination for best actress in a drama series for every season of 'Murder, She Wrote' died in her sleep yesterday at her home in Los Angeles.
She was born in London but when her mother joined a touring theatre company in Canada, Lansbury secured a job at a nightclub at age 16.
In 1942 they moved to Hollywood where she was noticed by an MGM executive who cast her as the saucy maid in the
1944 film 'Gaslight'. Aged just 19 she received a best supporting actress Oscar nomination for this very first film role.
She was also be Oscar nominated for role in The Manchurian Candidate (1962).
Lansbury often played characters much older than herself and in Blue Hawaii she was only 10 years older than Elvis even though she played his Mother.
Her well-known movie roles included her delightful turn as Elvis' mom in Blue Hawaii (1961), a cold-hearted parent in The World of Henry Orient (1964), as a witch in Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971) and as the teapot in the animated Beauty and the Beast (1991).
Warming up for her classic tv series Lansbury starred in two Agatha Christie projects, 1978's 'Death on the Nile' and Miss Marple in 'The Mirror Crack'd' (1980).
It was in 1984 that her classic roles as Jessica Fletcher began in the TV series 'Murder She Wrote'.
The series stayed at the top of the ratings for an unprecedented nine seasons and made Lansbury, also the show's executive producer, one of the country's wealthiest women, with a fortune estimated at nearly $100m.
She appeared in over 20 films in the 1990s including memorable performance in Neil Jordan's cult fantasy 'A Company of Wolves'.
In 2009 she was still onstage in the Broadway revival of Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit winning her fifth Tony Award.
Of working with Elvis, Lansbury noted, "I was awed by being in his presence but Elvis was an awfully nice young man in those days. He was just out of the army but was a wonderfully nice young man, a very caring person.
Elvis was fit, he was slender and he was top of his form. And he couldn't have been nicer to me.
We had a lovely time, it was a wonderful location. We were on Kauai in the Hawaiian islands. I'll never forget it, it was really wonderful.
On the movie set we sat around and I filmed some wonderful scenes with Elvis and his movie father, Roland Winters.
My character was great fun including her ridiculous reaction to her son who she didn't understand at all. Elvis loved it, he thought it was terribly funny. He was very sweet." (News, Source;/R/BBC/ElvisInfoNet)
'The Airplanes & The King' OUT NOW:Confirming that the highly anticipated expanded English edition of 'The Airplanes & The King' by Carlos Varrenti is at your local Elvis shop now.
The book has been been expanded to an amazing 400 pages with a lot of unreleased material from Elvis Files' vaults!
The English version is printed as a High quality Hardback book. The author notes, 'As an Aeronautical Engineer, and a huge Elvis Presley fan, I have always wanted to write a book on Planes and the King. Since my first visit to Graceland, back in 2001, I have been extremely intrigued by Elvis' history with his aircraft and his link to aeronautics in general. In my life every little detail, every short paragraph in a book, every video, every photograph, every little note or information related to Elvis and his planes, was always marked and kept in my personal archive. In 2021 all this information, along with some unique Elvis stories, has now been beautifully arranged in this glorious book, for every Elvis fan."
The Prologue was written by Elvis expert Carlos R. Ares.
Printed and distributed by The Elvis Files Team!
After months of delays the book is in stock Internationally.
Now Available at: Elvis Shop London 🇬🇧 / Elvis Matters 🇳🇱 / The Elvis Files Shop 🇳🇴 / TCB-shop.de 🇩🇪 / Museum RockArt 🇳� Culture Factory Shop -France - and more... See EIN's exclusive interview with the authors here (News, Source,ElvisInfoNet)
Graceland Holiday Lighting Weekend Nov 17-19: EPE announces, 'Tis the Season to celebrate the King of Rock' n' Roll's love for Christmas with our annual Holiday Lighting Weekend November 17-19- all here at Graceland!
Graceland officially kicks off the holiday season by flipping the switch to light Elvis' iconic Graceland Mansion on Thursday, November 17th at 6:00PM - Graceland Plaza Green. The public is free to attend. Fans can also watch it live from Elvis' home via our Graceland Livestream page.
Experience the magic of Christmas at Graceland followed by two days of festive events- holiday concerts, Christmas Afternoon Tours, Christmas UVIP Tours, and much more! Elvis Christmas Peace concert on Friday, November 18, at the Graceland Soundstage, will feature singer, songwriter John Paul Keith, along with guest performances by Peedy Chavez, Jesse Kramer, John Nemeth, TN Mass Choir, and others.
Then, Dean Z’s Rockin’ Christmas Show will return to the Graceland Soundstage on Saturday, November 19, with his high-energy 10-piece band and the beautiful Dynamite Singers with the best rock 'n' roll, rockabilly, and Christmas classics, guaranteed to rock you into the holiday spirit!
For a full line-up and ticket info about Holiday Lighting Weekend, go HERE (News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
OCT 8 - James Burton Back Home!: Positive weekend news for all about the great man James Burton. The TCB Band guitarist has been released from hospital and is already home. EIN sends Best Wishes and prayers for a full recovery.
(News, Source;JB/EIN)
'Las Vegas International Presents Elvis – Now 1971' New MRS Vinyl: Hot on the tails of the FTD 1971 triple-cd-set announcement, the UK Memphis Recording Service notes that it will release its vinyl 180-gram 2LP version of ‘Las Vegas International Presents Elvis – Now 1971’ on 25th November 2022.
The live performances are from 28th January (Midnight) and the closing show 23rd February 1971 from Elvis’ engagement at the Las Vegas International Hotel.
The 2 albums feature 36 tracks from the two concerts plus six key bonus tracks - There Goes My Everything, Only Believe, Release Me, It’s Now or Never, Snowbird and The Impossible Dream .
This is a Limited Edition sets and will be available in both Black and Clear vinyl.
Please note, the clear vinyl is ONLY available from Elvis fan clubs and exclusive Elvis dealers and will not be available to the mainstream public and stores.
New FTD Releases: Two new FTD releases have been announced, for early November, a live 1971 soundboard and World's Fair VINYL but surprisingly nothing mentioned about the new 'ON TOUR' deluxe FTD set. 1. 'Las Vegas `71'. FTD's second 3cd set in a row, 'Las Vegas '71' is released as a 3-CD 5” digi-pak and the set features three 1971 concerts recorded at the International Hotel on January 27 / 28 Midnight shows and January 29 Dinner show.
Recorded by Bill Porter, the tapes unfortunately have imperfections, but we have prioritized the historic importance and rarity of these recordings. EIN NOTE: The odd fact is that these three concerts have been out on bootleg for years and have recently been released as "Public Domain" by the MRS label. To FTD collectors there are not rare at all.
Obviously the 50 year EU Public Domain rule expired last year so why FTD did not release them in 2021 makes no sense. FTD are fully aware of PD rules and must be struggling to get their On Tour material out before the end of the year. See full tracklisting here
2. 'It Happened At The World’s Fair': Continuing their series of unique double-vinyl releases, FTD is pleased to announce the release of 'It Happened At The World’s Fair' as a 2-LP LIMITED EDITION.
Taking inspiration from RCA Victor’s originally planned but subsequently aborted deluxe soundtrack release (LOC/LSO 1080), this 180 GRAM double vinyl soundtrack companion features original soundtrack masters and excellent alternative outtakes. The publicity notes, "Bonus tracks include “Witchcraft (takes 3/M)”, “Love Me Tonight (takes 6-8/M)” and “Slowly But Surely (take 5/M)" - although EIN cannot find them on the announced tracklists nor album cover.
'ELVIS: Prodigy of Sun Records' Book Promo: Elvis Files' Erik Lorentzen has posted more details about the new deluxe book to be released by co-author Robert van Beek.
The release date is December 10 2022 and fans can check out two promo clips
Printed as tTwo books on high quality paper as you are used to from The Elvis Files Team. 9 glossy photos to frame, a 10-inch album with 10 songs in the best possible sound quality and many hours of reading pleasure with ELVIS: Prodigy of SUN Records.
We have already delivered big projects in recent years but I can assure you that this release is the icing on the cake. No expense has been spared to make this travelogue a success.
The complete overview from Elvis’ birth until Elvis signed for RCA. 800 pages packed with unique material and documentation plus beautiful photos.
Hundreds of hours of research gives an overall picture of the boy who became a king. Many new and /or higher/better quality photos have been purchased, you will be amazed at the mass of information that has come to light through newspaper articles, through those who befriended Elvis over the years and much more info via the web.
This project is not a photo book but a day-by-day travelogue.
Check out the YouTube promo clips Elvis Presley: Prodigy of SUN Records How Elvis Presley Came to Sing the song "Without You" in 1954 (News, Source;EL/ElvisFiles /ElvisInfoNet)
One of the most controversial and hated Elvis books finally gets digital (Kindle) release: The infamous “Bodyguard” book, Elvis: What Happened?, written by then Murdoch Corporation journalist, Steve Dunleavy, based on
the accounts of Red West, Sonny West, and Dave Hebler, is now available
in Kindle format.
Together with Albert Goldman’s universally hated, Elvis, this release continues to be (45 years after its initial publication) strongly criticised by fans (arguably it is also one of the most misunderstood – unlike the Goldman release). One of the biggest selling Elvis books of all time with multi-million sales worldwide (by 1988 it was in its 13th edition!).
A no-holds barred account of life with the King: the good times, the funny times, the temper tantrums, the girls, the drugs, and Elvis’s slide in the final years.
The passing of time often softens anger. In the case of 'Elvis: What Happened?' this does not appear to be the case. On Amazon both the softcover and Kindle editions are charting high – on October 3, the Kindle edition was #2 on the Music History & Criticism (Kindle); #30 on the Biographies of Actors & Entertainers (Kindle) chart, and the softcover edition was #4 on the Music History & Criticism (physical books) chart.
New Book from Japan – '1954-56 The Real Face of Elvis Presley': Written by super-Elvis collector, Funabashi Shunsuke, this 272 page hardcover is being published by Tankoben on October 21.
The book description is somewhat ambiguous: Elvis Presley is considered the most collectible artist in the world….(the author) reveals the secrets why Presley is named “The King” and why he continues to have presence, even today.
This is an Elvis book that is distinctively different from biographies, and reference books with chapters on being an Elvis maniac, a mysterious filled record collection, Elvis’ private life in magazines and advertisements, Elvis’ favorite clothes, the Harleys and Cadillac (the vehicles he loved), and more…
'Elvis On Tour November 1971 - 50th Anniv Edition' - EXPANDED: Following on from the successful 50th Anniversary edition of his acclaimed release, Elvis Live At the International - 50th Anniversary Edition, author-researcher, Kieran Davis has announced "pre-orders" are open for the mid-November release of the 50th Anniversary edition of another of his best-selling books. On its original release in 2010, Elvis On Tour November 1971 comprised 150 pages. The 50th Anniversary Edition more than doubles that to 368 pages!
Kieran adds.. We are now taking pre-orders for this book, which is expected around the middle of November. As with our expanded edition of 'Live At The International,' much new information and images have been added taking the page count from 150 to 368. As always there is comprehensive text to present the tour in its greatest detail, plus archival documents and memorabilia, colour and b&w photographs, and fan stories.
There is some additional good news in that we are able to price this book lower than 'Live At The International'.
This is partly because of the lower page count, but with the cost of everything going up we decided being able to reduce the price so that more fans can afford our books was the way to go. To do this, however, it means we are no longer going to wholesale our books. As 80% of our books are sold direct to customers it was decided reducing the price overall was more important than being able to offer both retail and wholesale.
To place an order please visit our website and use the paypal links. (News, Source: Kieran Davis)
'ELVIS' Original Soundtrack Vinyl:'ELVIS' director Baz Luhrmann promised a vinyl edition of his original soundtrack and the first announcements have it as a single album with 13 tracks plus the short Elvis "Vocal intro" 'Elvis - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack' is the music companion to the Warner Bros. film 'Elvis' This critically acclaimed film stars Austin Butler as Elvis Presley and Tom Hanks as his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker.
Vinyl track list is
Side A
1 Suspicious Minds (Vocal Intro) - Elvis Presley
2 Vegas- Doja Cat
3 The King and I - Eminem & CeeLo Green
4 Tupelo Shuffle - Swae Lee & Diplo
5 Can't Help Falling in Love - Kacey Musgraves
6 Cotton Candy Land - Stevie Nicks & Chris Isaak
7 Edge of Reality (Tame Impala Remix) - Elvis Presley & Tame Impala
8 Don't Fly Away (PNAU Remix) - Elvis & PNAU
Side B
1 Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child - Jazmine Sullivan
2 If I Can Dream - Måneskin
3 Power of My Love - Elvis Presley & Jack White
4 I Got A Feelin' In My Body - Elvis & Stuart Price
5 Suspicious Minds - Paravi
6 In the Ghetto (World Turns Remix) - Elvis Presley feat. Nardo Wick
RCA Records. OUT November 18, 2022
Amazon US listed at US$27.98 (News, Source;Amazon/ElvisInfoNet)
In a wide ranging and intriguing interview, Mariusz discusses how Elvis has been viewed in Poland (during and after Communist rule in the country), how difficult it was to obtain Elvis records before Poland’s transition to democracy, the lengths some fans went to in order to listen to Elvis’ music, Polish media and Elvis, Elvis’ biggest selling record in Poland, Mariusz’s three books about Elvis, and more. Read the full interview
(Interview, Source:ElvisInfoNet/EDBD)
ELVIS continues its reign at #1: With its global box office gross now approaching US$286M, on streaming channels the Elvis biopic maintained its #1 status on both HBO and Hulu up to September 28.
Documenting the highs and lows of Elvis’s (Austin Butler) life from childhood to becoming the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll through his complicated relationship with manager Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks), the movie ousted Paramount Home Entertainment’s Top Gun: Maverick from its recent four-week stint atop the chart.
ELVIS is still Number One!
(News, Source:Box Office Mojo/Flix Patrol/EIN)
(Book Review) Elvis Live At The International 50th Anniversary Edition (Kieran Davis): In 2011, Kieran Davis released the highly praised book, Elvis Live At The International. In 2022, he has published an expanded 50th Anniversary edition…and what an expansion it is!
The latest edition dwarfs the original with 432 pages compared to 172 in the original release.
And the added 250+ pages of additional material is stunning, making the 50th Anniversary release one of the best Elvis books published in 2022.
As its title reflects, the book covers Elvis' appearances at the International Hotel in Las Vegas between 1969 and 1971 (it was renamed the Las Vegas Hilton in July 1971). The narrative element is significantly based around fan, Peggy Elzea’s copious diaries, and a bumper array of archival material. Peggy’s experience seeing Elvis in Las Vegas is one every fan will envy. There is so much fascinating information and so many striking images in the book that it is hard to know where to start in describing it...
"Always On My Mind' ON TOUR Promo: RCA have released another promo 'Always On My Mind (Rehearsal)' for the up-coming much anticipated 'On Tour' box-set.
This is Take 3 from the rehearsals/mock studio session. Previously released on the FTD 'On Tour Rehearsals' where we noted.. .. On previous 'This Is Elvis' version the song was edited short & overdubbed and compared to the 'Great Performances' release it is now in the perfect context. This version is so beautiful it is heartbreaking that Elvis never did sing it live since it would have been a stunner.
Remixed by Matt Ross-Spang and sounding beautiful. EIN can't wait to get this new box set.
(News, Source;EP/ElvisInfoNet)
Elvis returns to the stage on America's Got Talent: "Elvis" returned to the stage - thanks to amazing deepfake technology - during part one of the America's Got Talent finale on Tuesday night, when the top 11 acts of Season 17 took the stage one last time. While all of the acts were pretty stellar, one act had all the judges completely blown away.
Metaphysic, a group that uses artificial intelligence technology to create hyper-real content, turned Simon Cowell into a world-class opera singer and then brought Howie Mandel and Terry Crews into the mix..
The AGT judges wondered how the group could possibly outdo themselves for the finals, and on Tuesday, that's exactly what they did when they brought the King of Rock 'n' Roll, and Las Vegas back to life.
Seeing 'Elvis' on stage with Cowell, plus backup singers Heidi Klum and Sofia Vergara, performing "You're the Devil in Disguise" was a game changer. - EIN AGREES! See fabulous YouTube clip here. (News, Source:Yahoo/ElvisInfoNet)
'ELVIS: From Vegas to Tahoe' 1973 FTD Review: Released in July as a 3-CD 5” digi-pak, this set features three 1973 midnight shows recorded on January 27 / February 21 (Las Vegas Hilton) and May 12 1973 (High Sierra Theatre, Sahara Hotel, Lake Tahoe).
Elvis was still in good form in 1973 and all three are ‘Midnight Shows’ making them all the more interesting. Including You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me, Steamroller Blues, I’m Leavin’, What Now My Love and I’ll Remember You, this could be a very enjoyable set....
Two of the shows are however lesser quality "sound-booth" recordings rather than soundboards. With some noticeable audience laughing and talking, can this 3-CD set really be an essential purchase? Go here as Elvis soundboard super-collector Geoffrey McDonnell and EIN's Piers Beagley check out this new FTD triple-pack from 1973....
(FTD Reviews, Source;GM/ElvisInformationNetwork)
'ELVIS' DVD, BluRay, 4K OUT Now: Baz Luhrmann's 'ELVIS' movie now released as DVD, BluRay and 4K Blu Ray, out September 13.
The BluRay review includes,, The 1080p transfer offers a very crisp and faithful representation of Elvis' specific appearance. Cinematographer Mandy Walker reportedly shot the entire film .. with custom "Elvis" lenses made from special glass. Meant to evoke the era in which it represents this formula genuinely produces an image evocative of a classic cinematic appearance. With the addition of artificial film grain, the illusion is even more convincing. Still, this is ultimately a purely digital image through and through, and one with a varied color palette that ranges from dark and muted to almost candy-colored in its overall intensity, especially in some of the specific background elements by costume and production designer Catherine Martin. Bonus features include
- Bigger Than Life: The Story of Elvis (22:22) The challenges and joys of adapting Elvis' life for the big screen.
- Rock 'N Roll Royalty: The Music and Artists Behind ELVIS (7:33)
- Fit for a King: The Style of Elvis (8:02) - An overview of the iconic stage outfits and period clothing used in the film.
- Viva Australia: Recreating Iconic Locations for Elvis (7:26).
- "Trouble" Lyric Video (2:15).
- Musical Moments (19 clips, 46:19 total) All of the music segments. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet/Bluray.com)
USA >>>
UK >>>
'Priscilla' New Movie in production: Another boost to Elvis' legacy with another new Elvis film in production, this time a remake of Priscilla's memoir 'Elvis and Me'. It was previously a 1988 tele-movie.
For the new film 'Priscilla' director Sofia Coppola (Lost in Translation) has teamed with independent entertainment company 'A24' and has already cast Jacob Elordi (from HBO’s Euphoria) as Elvis Presley, while Cailee Spaeny, (Mare of Easttown and Showtime's 'The First Lady') will play Priscilla Presley. In addition to being the film's director Sophia Coppola also worked on Priscilla’s script.
According to Deadline, Sofia Coppola has been looking to tackle Priscilla “for some time” as her follow-up to the Apple TV+ /
A24 movie On the Rocks which starred Bill Murray and Rashida Jones. Although Coppola reportedly met with a number of actors for the Elvis Presley role, Cailee Spaeny was the only actress she had in mind to play Priscilla.
The original 'Elvis and Me' memoir which came out eight years after Elvis' all-too-early death detailed how Priscilla met Elvis, their complex marriage and what led to them separating. (News, Source;Various/ElvisInfoNet)
(Book Review) Elvis The King of the Rings Volume 2 (Paul Bélard): The second volume of Paul Bélard’s two volume photo-journal record of Elvis’ love of rings has been released.
While on holiday, EIN’s Nigel Patterson spent a leisurely afternoon perusing the rich narrative detail and jaw dropping, visual splendor on offer....
... They say first impressions last! The cover image of Elvis’ famous TCB ring is truly striking and sets the tone for what is an impressive examination of another 100+ rings that Elvis owned during his lifetime.
This is more than a photo-book and while the mostly colour images dominate, the narrative component contains valuable and interesting information...
Book Review: 'Elvis Presley, Gospel Singer – An Inspirational Life' (Madeleine Wilson): This new book differentiates itself by being a “Christian biography” where Elvis’ life and career is considered within the prism of his faith and love of gospel music.
It is a long overdue release which covers seminal factors that defined Elvis Presley the person, and Elvis Presley the artist.
... Elvis, “The King”, many times said publicly that there is only one King, and that is Jesus Christ. He not only acknowledged the Lord but also worshipped Him and prayed to Him, often. (Madeleine Wilson)
It has been said that the formula of a great tragedy is that a fatal flaw prevents tremendous potential from being realized, and the ending is one of ruin not of joy.
In many ways, the life story of Elvis Presley can be seen as one of tragedy…
Parkes Elvis Festival 2023 to celebrate Blue Hawaii: Next year's Parkes (Australia) Elvis Festival will be held between 4 and 8 January and will have a Blue Hawaii theme……. It’s time to start planning your outfit for the 2023 Parkes Elvis Festival, as we celebrate Elvis' 1961 musical film, Blue Hawaii.
Elvis plays the role of Chad Gates who has recently gotten out of the Army and is looking forward to some fun and romance the Aloha State.
The movie's sun, sand and surf mixed with Hawaiian shirts, grass skirts, leis, ukuleles and pineapples will give lots of options to dress in theme.
For more info see the Parkes Elvis Festival website. (News, Source:PEF/ElvisinfoNet)
‘ELVIS ON TOUR’ Official Announcement: The official SONY announcement has now been posted. EIN was correct with our news item yesterday and the release date is December 2, 2022
... 'Elvis On Tour' is a 6CD + 1 Blu-ray box set comprised of the audio from four of the shows (and two rehearsals) that were part of Elvis’ 1972 North American tour. Originally recorded for the Elvis On Tour concert film that was released later that year, the set features a total of 145 tracks, including 91 previously unreleased tracks, as well as the award-winning concert film on Blu-ray.
It includes 3 Unreleased Elvis Concerts plus the San Antonio Concert Remixed, Pre-Tour Rehearsals and 'Best Documentary Film' Golden Globe winner film on Blu-ray Release date Friday, December 2.
Fans can get their first taste with the previously unreleased"Burning Love (Rehearsal 2)"recorded live at RCA Recording Studios in Hollywood in March 1972.
RCA/Legacy's Elvis On Tour box set is produced by Ernst Mikael Jørgensen and mixed by Grammy Award-winning Memphis-based producer Matt Ross-Spang.
The original recordings were made by Felton Jarvis and Al Pachucki.
Disc 1 live April 9, 1972, Hampton Roads Coliseum, Hampton, Virginia, and contains all previously unreleased material. Disc 2 live April 10, 1972, Richmond Coliseum, Richmond, Virginia, and contains all previously unreleased material. Disc 3 live April 14, 1972, Greensboro Coliseum, Greensboro, North Carolina, and contains all previously unreleased material. Disc 4 live April 18, 1972, Convention Center San Antonio, TX previously on 2003 'Elvis: Close-Up' remixed for this release. Disc 5On Tour rehearsals, recorded live at RCA Recording Studios in Hollywood, California, on March 30 and 31, 1972. The disc is comprised primarily of previously unreleased tracks. (EIN Note: the 2004 FTD 'Elvis On Tour - The Rehearsals' featured some great highlights) Disc 6 completes Elvis' rehearsals with his band at RCA Recordings Studios on March 31, 1972. The disc includes previously unreleased takes on Kris Kristofferson's 'For The Good Times' plus others already released.
As Elvis Presley’s national tour played to sold-out secondary markets across the country in 1972, Elvis was enjoying himself on-stage and finding electrifying new ways of connecting to audiences at every show. Working with a band and set lists of his choosing, Elvis was channeling the music he loved most--from pop and gospel and traditional country to blues and rock and contemporary hits--while transforming his own greatest hits with fresh arrangements, turning nostalgia into an unforgettable concert experience packed with immediacy.
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Award-winning filmmakers Pierre Adidge and Robert Abel (Mad Dogs & Englishmen) went on the road with Elvis Presley and his band with all-access passes, cameras and crew to chronicle the
King of Rock & Roll at his on-stage peak in MGM’s Elvis On Tour documentary film. The film captures Elvis, the human being driving the myth, behind-the-scenes backstage with his eyes open and his defenses down. According to MGM's original press release, the Elvis On Tour film "offers the first intimate look at the enigmatic country boy who became the world's most celebrated musician." Both documentary and concert film, Elvis On Tour features
montage sequences supervised by Martin Scorsese. The film was released on November 1, 1972.
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The Elvis On Tour box set includes fascinating behind-the-scenes liner notes by Jerry Schilling, a longtime personal friend and member of Elvis' inner circle.
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The set also features an illuminating essay by rock historian/musician Warren Zanes, founding member of The Del Fuegos and Professor at New York University. According to Zanes: "The set lists and the performances of the Elvis On Tour period bring a rare thing: a fifties legend working in the early seventies who was still taking his audiences to new places.... "
July 29- 'ELVIS Original Soundtrack' CD OUT NOW: At last the 'ELVIS Original Motion Picture Soundtrack' CD has been officially released worldwide today - OUT NOW.
The CD is twenty-two tracks, whereas the Digital Release is 36 tracks.
CD priced at Australia AU$22 and UK £10.99 and US$14 "The soundtrack features Elvis's extraordinary body of work spanning the 1950s, '60s and '70s, while also celebrating his diverse musical influences and enduring impact on popular artists today."
1. Suspicious Minds (Vocal Intro) - Elvis Presley
2. Cotton Candy Land - Stevie Nicks & Chris Isaak
3. Vegas - Doja Cat
4. The King And I - Eminem & CeeLo Green
5. Tupelo Shuffle - Swae Lee & Diplo
6. Baby, Let's Play House - Austin Butler
7. Craw-Fever - Elvis Presley
8. Strange Things Are Happening Every Day - Yola
9. Trouble - Austin Butler
10. Can't Help Falling in Love - Kacey Musgraves
11. I Got A Feelin' In My Body - Lenesha Randolph
12. Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child - Jazmine Sullivan
13. Edge of Reality (Tame Impala Remix) - Elvis & Tame Impala
14. Power of My Love - Elvis Presley and Jack White
15. Polk Salad Annie (Film Mix) - Elvis Presley
16. Suspicious Minds (Film Edit) - Elvis Presley
17. Burning Love (Film Mix) - Elvis Presley
18. I Got A Feelin' In My Body - Elvis Presley & Stuart Price
19. Don't Fly Away (PNAU Remix) - Elvis Presley & PNAU
20. If I Can Dream - Måneskin
21. Suspicious Minds - Paravi
22. In the Ghetto (World Turns Remix) - Elvis feat. Nardo Wick
(News, Source/ElvisInfoNet)
Interview with actor Adam Dunn / Bill Black in 'ELVIS':Elvis author-researcher, Paul Bélard, interviews actor Adam Dunn who plays Bill Black in Baz Luhrmann's movie 'Elvis'.
The interview is particularly of interest as Paul Bélard recently published the first detailed biography of super-bassist Bill Black.
In the interview Adam Dunn reveals.. - how he got the role,
- how he learnt to play double-bass Bill Black style,
- about meeting Tom Hanks and Austin Butler,
- working with Xavier Samuel and Terepai Richmond who played Scotty and D.J.
- the 'trouble' filming the Russwood Park riot
- and much much more...
'Elvis: Pine Bluff to Madison '76' FTD In-depth Review: FTD continues their extensive look at Elvis' performances in 1976 with another two previously unreleased concerts. This set features two shows: Pine Bluff Convention Center, September 8, 1976 830pm and Dane County Coliseum, Madison, October 19, 1976 8.30pm.
FTD have already released plenty of soundboards from these two tours including September 6, 1976 Afternoon and Evening shows ‘Elvis In Alabama: The Last Double Date’ and the day before Sioux Falls, Oct 18 (On The Road With Elvis CD2).
By early 1976 Elvis’ set-list had become routine with few surprises along the way and while the Pine Bluff performance has the energy of the Closing show of the tour fans surely don't want to hear Elvis suggest that “we should rehearse more before we tour”! Elvis soundboard super-collector Geoffrey McDonnell and EIN's Piers Beagley check out this new FTD 1976 double-pack to see whether it is another essential release for your collection. (FTD Reviews, Source;GM/ElvisInformationNetwork)
The book includes a fabulous Elvis-related story about Ron Strauss visiting his bank manager to obtain a home mortgage and the time Ron fell asleep in Elvis’ bed will bring a smile to the reader’s face. Other interesting accounts include Ron’s reaction to Elvis carrying a loaded gun on board (in a pressurized cabin), and many readers will appreciate reading how Ron felt about Linda Thompson and Ginger Alden.
EIN’s Nigel Patterson recently took flight with an advance copy. What Nigel found, not only added appreciably to his knowledge of a rarely written about aspect of the Elvis Presley story and provided greater insight as to who Elvis was as a person, but also offered a wonderfully rich and entertaining account of the life and times of the underappreciated, Ron Strauss.
'Elvis UK Cover Story' Book Review: Elvis experts John Townson and Gordon Minto recently published their new (digital) book 'Elvis UK Cover Story: The Ultimate Guide To Elvis Presley's British EP & LP Sleeves 1956-1977' designed to add to and complement their original 'Elvis UK' book.
It is a 286 page, fully comprehensive book, providing the ultimate guide to Elvis’s EP and LP album sleeves released in the UK between 1956-1977.
Extensively illustrated in full colour and arranged in sections, this book addresses a wide range of topics including back cover photos, printing companies, sleeve notes, etc.
There are extended sections including 'Front Cover – Fact File', and 'For UK Fans Only' an in-depth study of those albums that originated in the UK, or were only ever available in the UK.
It includes a wealth of background info incorporated into the text.
It is a downloadable digital flip-book stored on your own device.
Reading through this fact-filled investigation, the amazing thing EIN discovered was just how many sleeve variations, UK only releases, and cheap RCA / Parker design decisions there were.
For the world’s biggest superstar some of their marketing decisions were truly bewildering. And some of their design choices total madness.
Elvis author-researcher, Paul Bélard, reviews Luhrmann's 'ELVIS':Prolific Elvis author, Paul Bélard, wrote down his detailed thoughts after watching the Elvis biopic. His energetic review is great reading and starts..
...Well, I came, I saw, I was conquered! What a wild and unpredictable rollercoaster ride it was. I often had goosebumps and I must confess tears welled up in my eyes when Elvis appeared in all his sorrowing condition at the end of the movie, but still singing his heart out with a voice that never left him, a solemn testament to the music he had always cherished. It brought home the irreparable loss we suffered upon his untimely death.
- For added interest EIN has also assembled a “baker’s dozen” of review excerpts from a variety of other reviews for the new Elvis biopic...
'Aloha From Hawaii' Deluxe FTD indepth Review: When seeking Elvis' key career highpoints, if one goes by the sales and the audience viewing numbers, there is only one answer. Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite. RCA’s double album of the show was released throughout the world in February 1973 and shot to the #1 spot in many countries including the U.S. It is certified 5x Platinum by the RIAA.
While in 2013 RCA/ Legacy released the '40th Anniversary edition' sadly the audio of the main concert left much to be desired.
In 2022 FTD released this upgraded 'Aloha From Hawaii' set with Matt Ross-Spang remixing the original broadcast - plus including the full after-concert 3am 'Insert Song' session in a 3-CD set. In 'large-size 8" format with 24 page booklet it is a stunning package.
(Interview) Alanna Nash talks to EIN: With the recent reissue of her best-selling book, 'The Colonel: The Extraordinary Story of Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis Presley', renowned author, Alanna Nash, took time out of her busy schedule to discuss Elvis, the Colonel and other related issues with EIN’s Nigel Patterson, Elvis Day By Day’s Kees Mouwen, and prolific Elvis author, Paul Bélard.
In her candid interview, Alanna provides insightful commentary about the Colonel’s early years before coming to America, when he lost his way in promoting Elvis, the controversial source Byron Raphael, Lamar Fike’s finding about the rumor the Colonel was involved in the death of a woman in Holland, why Elvis didn’t take more control of his career, the new Baz Luhrmann 'ELVIS' biopic and much, much more...
Another Elvis #1....this time in books: Congratulations to acclaimed author, Alanna Nash, as the re-issue of her book, The Colonel: The Extraordinary Story of Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis Presley, is the #1 selling book in Amazon USA's Popular Music (Books) category. Amazon also has it ranked #2 in both Music History (Books) and Criticism and Music Business (Books).
"ELVIS" Behind The Scenes: A neat seven minute clip from Screen Australia about Behind The Scenes of the new ELVIS movie.
Baz Luhrmann, Designer-Producer Catherine Martin and producer Schuyler Weiss talk about their experience making Elvis, from filming on the Gold Coast, the effects of COVID on production and why Luhrmann continues to return to Australia to make his films.
"Elvis in the studio"- excerpt from the critically acclaimed recent book, 'The Sonic Swagger of Elvis Presley: A Critical History of the Early recordings': ... Surviving outtakes make it abundantly clear that it's the 21-year-old Elvis Presley, not ostensible producer Steve Sholes, who's in control. Even when Sholes pronounces a take satisfactory, Elvis, if not happy, overrules him and insists on doing it again. And if one of the musicians makes a mistake, forcing a new attempt, Elvis remains nonplussed. "In his own reserved manner," as recalled in Elvis '56, In the Beginning, a journalist on hand to view the session would write, "he kept control, he made himself responsible. When someone else made a mistake, he sang off-key The offender picked up the cue. He never criticised anyone, never got mad at anybody, but himself. He'd just say, "Okay, fellas, I goofed." (News, Source:EIN) Read EIN's detailed review of 'The Sonic Swagger of Elvis Presley'
Read EIN's revealinginterview with the author, Gary Parker
'ELVIS 30 #1 Hits Expanded Edition' - New Release: To be released next week to coincide with the new Baz Luhrmann ELVIS movie, Sony Music is repackaging 'Elvis'
30#1 Hits' together with 'Second To None' creating 'ELVIS 30 #1 Hits Expanded Edition'
Released date is next week June 24, 2022.
Priced at UK £12.99.
This twin set was previously released in 2013 as a double pack '30# 1 Hits / 2nd To None' selling in the US for US$16. see below for details..
Either way it is a great double-set at a good price.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
ELVIS 'Austin Butler Pre-Production Test Footage': This is a sensational clip. Forget all those average Elvis Impersonators you might have seen, here Austin Butler truly inhabits Elvis character showing what he could do
at a pre-production jam.
As 'Depper' rightly comments, "Austin was a brilliant choice as there are millions of new young Elvis fans just based on the trailers alone. Many more will join us in the Elvis fanbase as soon as the movie drops. This movie successfully explains the contributions to music of Elvis Presley, to today's current generation. Elvis' legacy has been given a tremendous boost, and will help young people understand that he was a force of good for American music and humanity." (News, Source;EIN)
'ELVIS' EIN movie review: Keith Richards said, "Elvis hit like a bombshell ... it was like the world went from black and white to Technicolor." While those words apply to Elvis Presley they could similarly apply to Baz Luhrmann's style of film direction. Compared to the regular Hollywood output Baz Luhrmann movies have a similar feel of busting out of jail and going from black-and-white to technicolour. They are loud, brash, super-colourful, fast-edited and exciting, they have their own language and style.
The full-bore soundtrack, the glowing colour, the revelation of Austin Butler's truly stunning performance and the real excitement of the fast editing really does make it feel that Luhrmann has grabbed Elvis' true spirit. The film not only tells Elvis’ life but has the genuine excitement of the real Elvis, something that I've never felt from any previous Elvis Bio-Pic.
The incredible fact is that while the movie includes so many snatches of real Elvis (Hy Garner interview, Lisa Marie, Al Dvorin etc) yet Austin Butler has one so enthralled in playing Elvis' character that you can hardly spot the difference.
However typical of a Luhrmann movie you can see why fans' overly detailed fact-checking needs to be left at the door - and knowledgeable Elvis fans should just enjoy the ride. Go here for EIN Piers Beagley's exclusive and detailed review
(Review; Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Baz Luhrmann ELVIS Sydney Premiere: The Sydney Premiere of Baz Luhrmann's ELVIS movie was presented in the glorious Sydney State Theatre where Luhrmann's first film 'Strictly Ballroom' was featured thirty years ago at the 1992 Sydney Film Festival.
The evening was part of Sydney's VIVID festival and before the actual Premiere, director Baz Luhrmann spent an hour in conversation discussing his life in movies as well as his thoughts on ELVIS.
The Sydney Media were out in force to celebrate the international cast of the movie, including Austin Butler, Tom Hanks and Australia's Olivia DeJonge, along with Director Baz Luhrmann.
EIN's Piers Beagley was lucky enough to be part of the ELVIS celebration - and who knew that his night would include an Elvis sing-a-long with Tom Hanks! Go here for the Baz Luhrmann discussion and plenty of Premiere pics.
(Spotlight, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
(Book Review) 'The Sonic Swagger of Elvis Presley: A Critical History of the Early Recordings' (Gary Parker):‘For Elvis Presley, stardom was the promise, and he made the trip, but at an extraordinarily high cost’. This is one of the thought provoking themes in Gary Parker’s latest book which critically examines in thoroughly researched detail, Elvis’ seminal recordings in the 1950s (as well as more briefly discussing Elvis’ post Army recordings).
Noting that... "Elvis' clever manipulation of his numerous interests remains one of the music world's great marvels. Presley, with one foot in delta mud and the other in a country hoedown, teamed with Scotty Moore and Bill Black to fuse two distinctly American musical forms -- country and blues -- to form what would come to be known as 'rockabilly'". This is a book with plenty to discuss.
In their 2,100 words collaboration, EIN’s Nigel Patterson and Piers Beagley, review what they have found to be one of the best, and most important, Elvis book releases of 2022. Read the full review here (Book Review, Source: ElvisInformationNetwork)
Baz Luhrmann 'ELVIS' movie posters for 50s/ 60s/ 70s - plus a great shot of Austin Butler
'This Is Elvis - The Lost Theme Song' EIN spotlight: With all of the hype surrounding Baz Luhrmann's upcoming biopic, ELVIS, many fans will fondly recall the first official movie of Elvis' life, 1981's 'This Is Elvis', which, for better of worse, is the benchmark against which all subsequent attempts are measured.
One of the well-known names involved with This Is Elvis was Jerry Schilling, who was hired as a Consultant on the film - and who was involved in getting the long-lost theme song written and recorded by Beach Boy Carl Wilson and Sweet Inspirations Myrna Smith..
Another delight is discovering that Beach Boy Carl Wilson had a great love of Elvis.
Book Review - Elvis: The Quest For An Oscar (James Turiello): Many will find it surprising that someone could write more than 500 pages detailing the case why Elvis deserves to receive an Honorary Academy Award, but
author James Turiello has achieved this with his latest book.
EIN's Nigel Patterson spent a weekend exploring the author's argument.
Can someone who appeared in Kissin' Cousins, Harum Scarum and Clambake really be Oscar worthy?
In a detailed review, Nigel discusses what the book has to offer and provides his assessment of whether or not the author successfully makes his case that Elvis is deserving of an Honorary Oscar.
'The Pot Luck Sessions' Deluxe FTD Review: Released back in December 2021, 'The Pot Luck Sessions' was the eighth in FTD’s “complete sessions” packages. An 8 inch deluxe 5-CD package featuring a 28-page booklet with an insightful essay, record and session data, memorabilia and rare photos. The set includes remastered complete RCA sessions from Elvis' June 25 and October 15 1961 and March 18-19 1962 recording sessions.
The set features a good number of previously unreleased outakes and EIN also uncovers plenty of Elvis studio discussions that had been previously edited out on earlier "Classic Album" releases such as Elvis saying, “Here we go already. How do like that
arrangement, Red?” an important question to his friend Red West who
had composed the song 'That’s Someone You Never Forget'.
Gary kindly took time to discuss what we can expect in his new book, Jethro Tull, and things in-between.
Elvis’ Sun recordings vs. RCA early recordings, the muddy Mississippi delta plains, Elvis’ swirlingly innovative mixture of hair-raising rock & roll and balladry.
MRS 'Elvis: Mono To Stereo 1956' CD Review: At the end of last year the UK based MRS label released their Double CD/ Book 'Elvis: Mono To Stereo - The Complete RCA Studio Masters 1956'.
The set contains the complete 1956 RCA studio master recordings in mono and (DES extracted) stereo versions. These were thirty classic RCA recordings that would help change the future of popular music.
The accompanying 20-page booklet includes photographs and memorabilia plus introductory notes.
While 'DES Stereo' remastering can sometimes reveal new details about classic MONO studio recordings, trying to create believable stereo from echoey mono masters is not that easy, even when using "highly advanced sound processing techniques".
Can classic mono tracks such as 'Hound Dog', 'Don't Be Cruel', 'My Baby Left Me' and 'Heartbreak Hotel' really sound better in DES stereo?
'Elvis: South Bound- Tampa / Atlanta '75' FTD in-depth Review: Mid 1975 found Elvis back in good form and having fun on stage. This 5" digipack double-soundboard features two more concerts from Elvis' 1975 Spring Tour. The Tampa April 26, 1975 Afternoon show at Curtis Hixon Convention Center plus Atlanta Omni Coliseum May 2, 1975 Evening Show.
Unfortunately soundboards from the start of this tour all have the same inherent 'problem' a HEAVY bias towards Piano tracks, there was often very little drums or orchestra in the mix. So can this release show us anything new?
But while collectors are right to be a little reticent about “Afternoon Shows” this soundboard is surprisingly enjoyable...
(Book Review) 'Don't Be Cruel, Elvis: The Bill Black Story': It is easy to forget that, in the beginning, Elvis was only one part of a trio put together by Sam Phillips, which included Bill Black on bass and Scotty Moore on lead guitar.
The unique sound that emerged from their early sessions was the result of a close collaboration of like-minded musicians and an engineer who wanted to generate something as yet unheard. Bill Black's contribution to Elvis’ success went beyond the bass playing. His antics on stage — twirling his bass, riding it as if it was a bronco to be tamed, trading corny jokes with Elvis — delighted the audiences. Scotty confirmed that, “If it hadn’t been for Bill, we would have bombed many times in the early days.”
Memphis Mansion’s Henrik Knudsen fortuitously befriended Bill Black's family and was entrusted with the family’s treasured scrapbook.
Using this key source, plus the investigative power of author Paul Belard, key rock'n'roll bassman Bill Black finally gets the biography he deserves with this impressive 260 page book.
Packed full of rare photos, great stories and interviews, EIN's Piers Beagley spent some quality time enjoying this very fine tribute to "Blackie" a great musician and a true character ... go here to find out more.. (Book Review, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Interview 'The Airplanes & The King' with Carlos Varrenti & Robert Van Beek:As promised a few months ago, the extremely well-received spanish book 'The Airplanes & The King' by Carlos Varrenti is now being republished as an English version.
Not only that but it has now been expanded to an amazing 400 pages with a lot of unreleased material from Elvis Files' vaults!
The English version is printed as a High quality Hardback book.
Printed and distributed by The Elvis Files Team, EIN has seen some preview pages and it is an absolute stunner.
EIN is delighted to be able to talk with the author Carlos Varrenti - as well as Elvis Files designer Robert Van Beek to find out more.
We find out more about Carlos Varrenti's Argentinian background, how he came to be involved with designer Robert Van Beek and The Elvis Files for the expanded reprint, what highlights are in the book and what new stories fans will be able to discover within the covers. Go here as EIN's Piers Beagley asked the questions..
(Interview, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
"Elvis Back In Nashville" 8/10 Review: It's great to see the mainstream music press already giving truly positive reviews to the new "Elvis Back In Nashville" box-set that comes out next week. UNCUT uk music magazine have already reviewed it noting.... "The King's final recordings in the country music capital"
Elvis Presley was more ambitious than his late career output might suggest.
During his 1971 sessions in Nashville, he cut tracks for his dream project: a folk-rock record featuring songs by Buffy Sainte-Marie, Kris Kristofferson and others. Sadly, it never saw the light of day, and tracks from those sessions were scattered across cookie-cutter collections throughout the'70s. 'Elvis Back In Nashville' collects those recordings in one place, showcasing his stylistic range (gospel, carols, standards... you name it) and offering a glimpse of what might have been.
Despite being sold as a nostalgia act, Elvis was absolutely devoted to whatever he song he was singing. He immersed himself in the story and invested each line with nuance and character, whether it's the casually funky "Put Your Hand In The Hand" or the delicate "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" (recorded while he had the flu). Box-Set rates 8/10. Extras: 6/10. Archival photos and liner notes by David Cantwell.
You can also have a sneak preview of 30 seconds of every track via PlatoMania -CLICK HERE to listen
(News, Source;NP/ElvisInfoNet)
'Think Twice: Elvis in The Studio 1971': The forthcoming 'Back In Nashville' boxset is going to shine the spotlight on Elvis' 1971 sessions which have traditionally been ignored by the official label. In this fascinating and detailed article EIN contributor Shane Brown examines these all too easily dismissed Nashville sessions and discovers some real gems.
It’s very easy to look at the March, May and June 1971 recordings out of context. While the recordings are certainly not up to the standard of those from June 1970, it’s also true to say that Elvis was in a very different place personally by spring 1971.
In June 1970 Elvis was riding the crest of a wave with his recent successes but by January 1971 he was in the newspapers due to an ongoing paternity suit.
The Presley’s marriage was on the rocks and Elvis was having problems with his eyes. However despite all of this there was something very interesting going on during the 1971 sessions. Find out more as Shane Brown investigates these controversial 1971 Nashville Sessions....
(Spotlight; Source;ShaneBrown/EIN)
Don't miss out on one of EIN's most-viewed and controversial interviews of all-time - Mike Stone tells all.
EIN Interview with Mike Stone: Mike Stone has had a long and successful career in athletics, in the entertainment business, as an author, sports instructor, bodyguard and personal fitness trainer.
Mike Stone was also a key figure in the emotional roller-coaster that described Elvis and Priscilla Presley's lives in the seventies. In this exclusive EIN interview Priscilla's ex-partner, karate champion and author talks about his amazing life, including... - Meeting Elvis and Priscilla
- Hawaii, Elvis and Karate
- Being Phil Spector's bodyguard
- Sitting next to John Lennon recording
- Priscilla and karate
- Fans blaming him for Elvis' marriage split-up
- Elvis putting a "Hit" out on him
- Finding peace in the Philippines
- His new autobiography
UPDATED- The collapse of the Elvis Bootleg Empire: Has Ernst won the war?’: Back in 1999 Ernst Jorgensen and Roger Semon convinced BMG to let them start the FTD collectors label in order to counteract the Elvis bootleg companies which had been selling unreleased material to fans since the very first vinyl bootleg 'Please Release Me' was issued back in 1970.
Of all the bootleg labels that have come and gone the 'Madison' label was one of the very few that always produced high-quality releases and which happened to start at the same time as FTD. The designs were top-notch and with detailed sleeve notes they easily competed with the legal Elvis releases.
In 2021 ‘Madison’ have returned with the new bootleg ‘A Legendary Performer Volume 9’ but all is not what was promised. The Elvis bootleg vaults are empty and FTD appears to have won the game. Go here as EIN’s Piers Beagley checks out the lack of new material and considers the bootleg era at an end... And EIN wants YOUR SAY -Our article is now updated with YOUR FEEDBACK - and more... (Spotlight; Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Don't forget that EIN's Elvis Facebook page regularly features fabulous RARE newly discovered photos of Elvis. This month EIN celebrates our 45,000 members! - including several of Elvis' own friends and colleagues So Elvis fans don't miss out on these rare and exciting photographs.
Now with over thousands of great photos, News and with more added every day – including YouTube footage.
"On Tour" 50th Anniversary - FTD vs Lorentzen release:
In the same way that the FTD 'TTWII' Collectors Edition had to include similar photos to Erik Lorentzen's 'TTWII' Summer Festival publication, a debate among Elvis collectors has already started regarding the two new 'On Tour' editions and which one to purchase.
Lorentzen promises the earlier publication this year, whereas FTD are still gathering documentation and unseen images for their 2022 release.
Trouble has also started as Lorentzen has stated about his book, "Unique in this 1200 page edition is that for the first time the complete and very extensive information of all shows and sessions" yet now Ernst Jørgensen has posted that his personal session notes are being used without permission.
It will be difficult for fans to decide which to buy, or both, especially with the extra wait for the David English / Pål Granlund 50th Anniversary FTD 'On Tour' project. Ernst Jørgensen posted the following statement.. "It has come to my attention that some of my personal recording notes are being used in Erik Lorentzen’s forthcoming Elvis On Tour book.
This is disappointing; as Erik has been notified that this information is private and confidential, and prior to publication permission is required, which has not been granted.
Pål, David and myself are working on an 'Elvis On Tour' FTD release for 2022, this information will be included with this release."
We do however also know that FTD will be including audio cds with their publication, the audio content however has not been finalised as yet. (Note: Both images are of course not the actual book covers!) (News, Source; ElvisInfoNet)
Book Review - 'ELVIS UK3': Recently published 'ELVIS UK3' The Ultimate Guide to Elvis Presley's British CD Releases 1983-2005' by John Townson and Gordon Minto comprises 1400 pages with over a million words plus 4,000 plus illustrations.
This examination of Elvis’ British releases is an incredibly detailed narrative and visual record of his CD releases in the UK from 1983 to 2005.
The first Elvis CD, 'The Legend' (3CD), was released in the UK in December 1983. Reflecting the fledgling nature of the format, UK fans had to wait another 12 months until the release of not one, but three, Elvis albums, in December 1984. By that time, the flood gates for the CD medium were starting to strain.
As with the authors’ earlier two volumes on Elvis UK vinyl releases, the information in Elvis UK3 is exhaustive.
To say that Elvis UK3 was well-researched would be a serious understatement. There is so much information in this book that it is difficult to comprehensively review it all. While many collectors will be most interested in the technical details for each entry, the author’s narrative is excellent.
Released using the flipbook format EIN tested Elvis UK3 on four platforms - a 28” computer monitor, 14” tablet, iPad 8 and a 6.5” android mobile phone. EIN's Nigel Patterson has spent plenty of time reading through this massive work and here presents his in-depth review ...
(Book Review, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Elvis "BACK ON DVD!": Paramount have re-released three classic Elvis movies this month on DVD. 'G.I. Blues'- BACK ON DVD! The year was 1960... 'Girls! Girls! Girls!' - BACK ON DVD! The year was 1962... 'Paradise, Hawaiian Style'- BACK ON DVD! The year was 1966...
From Paramount Pictures.-
Release date: March 12, 2021.
From Amazon for $14.99. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
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‘From Elvis in Nashville’ Box-set EIN In-Depth Review:
A 4CD collection presenting the definitive chronicle of Elvis' 1970 marathon sessions with the "Nashville Cats".
Recorded live in RCA's Studio B over the course of an epic five day run in June 1970 now, for the first time, the sessions are presented in pristine audio, newly mixed by acclaimed engineer Matt Ross-Spang without the added overdubs appearing on earlier releases.
Elvis’ 1970 Nashville session was very different from the previous Memphis sessions or even Elvis’ later sessions. Nashville was a real mix of Elvis recording RCA supplied demos along with one-take spontaneous favourites Elvis threw into the mix.
As Elvis noted, "It don't take much to get these guys going, boy, I'll tell you…. Just give them a "well..." and they're gone. That's what I call 'Sittin' on ready". EIN's Piers Beagley explores this new box-set to discover one of the best Elvis releases in years..
(CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
US CD box-set
US Vinyl
UK CD box-set
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‘TTWII 50th Anniversary Collectors Edition’ FTD Book Review: FTD's most expensive set ever published, David English and Pal Granlund bring the complete background story of 'Elvis: That's The Way It Is'. Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the movie's 1970 release, this ultimate collector's edition includes two hardback books, eight cds with over 450 minutes of music,
including newly discovered unreleased performances.
With access to 2,000 original negatives and 35mm slides, restored and repaired, many of which have never been seen before, the book also contains items from the MGM and RCA archives including paperwork, documents, memos and recording information.
Two books, 600 pages, plus all the MGM recorded rehearsals - including 70 tracks officially unreleased.
FTD's most expensive set but with the vast majority of the rehearsals already out on bootleg, can it really be worth the US$270 plus postage. Initially Sold Out and already into its first reprint what makes it so desirable? EIN's Piers Beagley investigates and discovers plenty .. Go here to our 6000 word review including plenty of extracts and stunning images. (FTD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Amazon Deals on ELVIS Blu-rays - Beware of excessive prices at some Elvis dealers.
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'ELVIS In The 2010s' A Personal Review of the Past Decade: Rather like Elvis’s own career, each decade since Elvis’s death appears to have had a theme or identity of its own. Clearly the late 1970s were difficult for RCA as they struggled to find the right direction with which to take their posthumous releases, and so it was the 1980s that was the decade when the company slowly but surely learned how to look back at Elvis's legacy and start to make some sense of it.
The 1990s were when that reached a peak, with the decades boxed sets, and the Elvis in the 90s series, thus bringing virtually the whole catalogue back into print in a coherent way.
The 2000s were when errors of judgement at retail level started to occur (despite huge successes like Elv1s), but also when FTD came into its own and flourished. And so what will we make of Elvis releases of the 2010s when we look back on them from the future? Go here for EIN contributor Shane Brown's personal take on the highs and lows of Elvis product that has come our way over the last decade....
(Spotlight, Source;ShaneBrown/ElvisInformationNetwork)
Elvis LIVE Aug 23, 1969 Album Review + Elvis Concert Review 1969: ..."The atmosphere throughout the entire hotel was nail-bitingly electric! It is difficult for me to describe and paint a true portrait of attending in person this unique occasion - Elvis' Return to Splendor LIVE in 1969 - but I'll try my best. I want, and hope, you will understand the excitement of what has to be the pinnacle of Elvis' career to date!" Joan Gansky was lucky because not only was she in the audience for Elvis' TV musical renaissance of the '68 NBC Special but she also saw Elvis at his most dynamic - first at his August 22nd 1969 Midnight Show and then the following night at his August 23rd Dinner Show. Joan Gansky has written this insightful and emotional article for EIN in 2019, fifty years later, looking back at this special event from 1969 as well as providing her review of the new RCA vinyl album of the August 23rd Dinner Show. One of EIN's most important articles we have ever published- Go here for Joan and Paul Gansky's incredible articles and exclusive photos
(Review/Spotlight, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'Elvis - Made In Germany’ In-Depth Review: The new MRS 'Elvis - Made In Germany – The Complete Private Recordings’ 4CD set contains more than 3 hours of the private recordings Elvis made while off duty in Germany when he was serving as a soldier in the US army during the 1958 -1960 period and, includes rare tracks from a recently discovered tape comprising over an hour of unheard personal recordings. The 152-page hardback book contains rare photographs and documents plus a comprehensive text provided by Gordon Minto, which discusses each of Elvis’ RCA studio (non-film) recording sessions held during 1957-58, before focusing on the private recordings he made in Germany.
The BONUS CD features the essential RCA studio masters from 1957-58.With such an expansive book, along with hours of Elvis jamming with his friends in Germany, there is plenty to discuss as well as finding out what extra material this set contains over the official releases. Go here as EIN's Nigel Patterson & Piers Beagley provide an in-depth review of this new MRS release
(Book Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'What was Elvis searching for?' EIN Spotlight: The question is raised – but never answered – in the title of HBO’s recent absorbing, imperfect documentary 'Elvis Presley: The Searcher'.
At the start it seems clear what the teenage Elvis was searching for – an escape from the oblivion of poverty in the American South. Yet his quest was cultural as well as financial.
Later Elvis read obsessively, seeking out such books as The Impersonal Life, Joseph Brenner’s guide to self-discovery and Kahil Gibran’s book of fables, The Prophet. In his copy of Gibran’s tome, Elvis jotted down the line: “A singer can sing his songs but he must have an ear to receive the song”.
So what exactly was Elvis searching for? In this fascinating EIN Spotlight respected author Paul Simpson takes a close look at this all important question which, for some reason, was basically ignored in the recent HBO documentary..
Mindi Miller Interview with EIN: Mindi Miller was a working actress when she met Elvis in early 1975. She was interested in karate (she performed all her own movie stunts), exploring spirituality and the Bible and so they had a lot in common. Mindi Miller and Elvis bonded over their common interests and soon afterwards he asked her to go on tour with him in April 1975.
She stayed friends with Elvis through the years - along with members of the 'Memphis Mafia' - and attended his funeral.
EIN's Sanja Meegin recently caught up with Mindi Miller to talk about her close friendship with Elvis over the years.
In this fascinating interview she discusses. . . - Her first night with Elvis
- How Elvis persuaded her to cancel her overseas movie & modelling plans
- Their mutual interest in Karate
- Graceland and meeting Lisa Marie
- Attending Elvis' funeral . . . and much much more... Go here for EIN's Sanja Meegin and her intimate and detailed discussion with the delightful Mindi Miller - Now with Reader Feedback.
Official Elvis CD Box-sets at bargain prices through Amazon UK
'Marty Lacker: A Life Well-Lived' & Elvis at American Studio's Interview: It was with immense sadness that last month EIN had to report on the death of our great friend - and a true friend to Elvis - Marty Lacker. We will miss him dearly. Marty is well-known as one of the key members of the Memphis Mafia and also co-Best Man at Elvis' wedding. He was known for both his honesty and being forthright with his opinions. He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia who still watched and commented on recent Elvis News. He had no issue with holding people to account (especially ones who would inflate their importance within Elvis' legacy) and would regularly ask EIN to add his comments or to correct any inaccuracy. Elvis fans often ask about Marty Lacker's background, how he came to meet Elvis, as well as his involvement in the music industry outside of working for The King.
As a prelude to Ken Sharp's fascinating interview with Marty Lacker and a discussion about Elvis' famous American Studio' Memphis sessions, EIN presents "Marty Lacker: a life well-lived" in which Marty tells of his life in the music industry, his friendship with Elvis along with his dislike of the over-controlling Col Parker. Go here to learn all you need to know about Marty Lacker as well as Elvis outstanding Memphis American Sound sessions in 1969. (Spotlight; Source,KenSharp/ElvisInformationNetwork)
'The World of FTD' In-Depth Review: The new deluxe book 'The World Of FTD' has been received by some lucky fans and Elvis collector Mike Lodge has provided EIN with a very detailed review - of well over 3 thousand words! The book was authored and designed by Keith Flynn with input from a large number of other Elvis specialists including EIN's Piers Beagley, EM&HM's Trevor Cajiao, Geoffrey McDonnell, Gordon Minto and many others. It is 1,200 pages, hardbound three book set, chronicling every release by FTD.The book also features 100s of high-quality photos from the collection Erik Lorentzen
KJ Consulting are proud to publish this Box Set which weighs 8 kilos.
UPDATED - Paul Dowling EIN Interview Part Three: Paul Dowling is without doubt one of the major names in the Elvis World. He started collecting and selling Elvis vinyl over 40 years ago and has one of the world's largest Elvis Presley record collections. He started his "WorldWide Elvis" shop back in the seventies, way before the internet, where fans could get hold of rare Elvis records and memorabilia.
With such a fascination with Elvis, Dowling not only became a big name in the early years of Elvis bootlegs but later became friends with Ernst Jorgensen and helped RCA with various official releases.
In the final part of our fascinating interview Paul Dowling discusses .... - Dodging the FBI agents that were sent after him
- Unreleased Elvis material that still hasn’t come out
- Why does Ernst Jorgensen doubt this claims
- His BMG project 'For The First Time Ever' - what happened
- The true story of obtaining the Million Dollar Quartet tape
- His thoughts on Paul Lichter, Sean Saver, Sherif Hanna, Rex Martin
- Spending time with Alan Fortas
- Jim Curtin, newly added story
'Ultimate Elvis' New Electronic Edition: Announced by Elvis sessions expert Keith Flynn for publication November 1 is the brand new concept of the 1750 page super-deluxe Elvis sessions book 'Ultimate Elvis' Electronic Edition.
This incredible three volume book will now be available as an e-book on an i-pad or android tablet. - Created in HTML5
Fully updated e-books will open in any web browser on any operating system, so no need for separate downloads for different operating systems. - Life-Like 'Flipping' Pages
Flip through pages as if you are reading an actual book, but also being able to zoom-in to view smaller images and captions.
- View as Double or Single pages
View as double pages on a computer or laptop etc, and single pages when viewing in portrait on an i-pad or Android tablet. - Fully Navigational Table Of Contents
Jump back and forth to the sections of the books you want to read, instead of flipping through numerous pages to find what you want. PRICED AT - all 3 Volumes for £60 = US$93
On sale from November 1st 2015. Try Before You Buy -
Download free zip-file containing 27 pages from Volume 1, before you decide to buy the complete set. -
NOTE - These books are MASSIVE so you will need approximately 1GB of spare disc space for these three volumes, -
Click HERE to Keith Flynn's 'Ultimate Elvis' Electronic Edition to try.
Go HERE to EIN's independent review of 'Ultimate Elvis' (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Did Elvis Record 'Tiger Man' At Sun?: A question that has puzzled Elvis fans through the years is whether he actually recorded the song ‘Tiger Man’ during his years at SUN studios.
The basic question is why did Elvis refer to 'Tiger man' several times in concert as “The second song that I ever recorded, not too many people heard it”?
And if Elvis DID record it, then why hasn’t any reference to it at SUN or proof of its existence been found?
Elvis would first perform ‘Tiger Man’ in concert at his first 1969 Las Vegas International season and would continue playing it through the years – usually in a medley with Mystery Train - until his last performance at Saginaw on May 3 1977. He would sing it over 150 times on stage! The thought that there might be an acetate or undiscovered tape of Elvis at SUN singing ‘Tiger Man’ is a mouth-watering concept - but is it an unlikely fantasy or strong possibility?
Go here to our detailed 'TIGER MAN' spotlight as EIN's Piers Beagley puts in the hard yards to check the facts from the fantasy . (Spotlight; Source;ElvisInfoNetwork)
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