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The day Elvis met Mario Lanza: Following our examination last week on how Elvis was influenced by opera legend, Mario Lanza, we present Jeff Rense's article about a series of telephone calls between the two stars and their one face-to-face meeting. (Spotlight, Source: Jeff Rense)

"Rock Around The Clock" update: According to Andylon Lensen, Ernst Jorgensen has told her the owner of the tape with Elvis singing Rock Around The Clock has not asked for any money. Also, it is not an acetate as we reported on 26 October. The recording is also different to a second known recording of the song. Andylon reported that she has heard a medley of Rock Around The Clock/Good Rockin' Tonight from a Louisiana Hayride show where Elvis also sang Only You. (News, Source: Elvis Collector's Gold)

Jordanaires still playing Heartbreak Hotel: These days, the Jordanaires play the sort of circuit you'd expect for Country Music Hall of Famers - not to mention Rockabilly, Gospel Music and Vocal Group Hall of Famers - who have managed to stay on their feet. In August they were at a casino in Tunica, Miss.; next Saturday they'll be in Wheeling, W.Va. But there's one thing that sets them apart from the Lettermen and the Mills Brothers and all the other groups whose audiences were born during the Hoover administration: hits.

They can be heard singing backup on Martina McBride's version of "(I Never Promised You a) Rose Garden," which recently cracked the top 25 on the Billboard country singles charts. Earlier this year, they appeared on Willie Nelson's rendition of the country-pop standard "Make the World Go Away." They've lent their voices to recent albums by country stars like Kenny Chesney and Vince Gill and this year released a new CD set of bluegrass hymns, "Believe" (Madacy Entertainment).

Not that they can keep track of all this activity. "Don't ask any of us what hits we've been on lately, 'cause we don't watch the charts," said Gordon Stoker, 81, the group's first tenor and manager. "Hits come in and out so fast nowadays that you can't keep up."

If Mr. Stoker seems a little blasé about the charts, he can be excused: as Elvis Presley's longtime backup singers, the Jordanaires got used to being there.

They have been a constant in American music since 1948, backing up Patsy Cline, George Jones and Rick Nelson, among hundreds of others, in addition to Presley. They estimate that they've sung on some 30,000 records - from Presley's "Don't Be Cruel" to Jimmy Dean's "Big Bad John" to Nelson's "Lonesome Town"- that have collectively sold more than 2.5 billion copies. Mr. Stoker nearly counts as an original member, having joined the group in 1950. The other current members are Ray Walker, 71, the bass singer since 1958 and the band's co-leader; Louis Nunley, 73, the baritone, and Curtis Young, 62, the second tenor. So what has kept these senior citizens going while Elvis - and Hula Hoops, and the Beatles, and the Vietnam War, and Nixon, and disco, and Reagan, and boy bands, and AOL Time Warner - came and went? "Life for the four of us is great," Mr. Stoker said. "We are not pushed to do anything, like we were for years. If we want to work, we do." And if they don't? "We use our substitutes," he said. (News, Source: Sanja Meegin)

January 2006 FTD releases: Ernst Jorgensen has told Andylon Lensen that the next TWO FTD releases will be issued in early January 2006. They will be a soundboard and either the "Loving You" or "Something For Everybody" "special edition" album. (News, Source: Elvis Collectors Gold)

Australian chart update: "Hitstory" debuted at #33 on the ARIA Top 50 Album Chart this week. The next few weeks (and the Christmas period) will be an indicator of how well the 3CD release is performing. It is yet to be certified Gold or Platinum. (News, Source: ARIA)

For Christmas - "Elvis Presley Graceland Masterpiece" and "Elvis Presley Village": As part of its Christmas 2005 promotion, The Bradford Exchange is again promoting these collectibles. Visit www.bradex.com and www.bradford.com.au for details. (News, Source: The Bradford Exchange)

"Christmas with Elvis" CD set: In Canada, BMG will release on November 1st, 2005 a CD titled '' Christmas With Elvis''. It will actually contain two Midpriced Holiday CD's in a collector's slipcase. As shown on the picture above it features the '' Elvis' Christmas Album '' and '' The Wonderful World Of Christmas ''. The slipcase artwork is shown above at the top right. (News, Source: Barry McLean/Elvis News)

"Pieces Of My Life" audience recording CD: The new '' Straight Arrow '' label will shortly release the CD '' Pieces Of My Life '' recorded from the audience at the closing show of the July 1975 tour in Asheville, NC. ON (July 24th). The CD will come with a color booklet. Apparently it is sourced from a first generation copy of the original master tape. The sound though limited by the analog off-line recording source has no noticeable distortion and the recording speed remains constant throughout the whole show.

Track listing: 01. Also Sprach Zarathustra (Theme from "2001 A Space Odyssey" movie); 02. Opening Vamp / That's All Right, Mama; 03. I Got A Woman (with false start) / Amen (medley); 04. Big Boss Man; 05. Love Me; 06. If You Love Me (Let Me Know); 07. All Shook Up; 08. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel (medley); 09. Hound Dog; 10. An American Trilogy (by request); 11. Heartbreak Hotel (by request); 12. Jailhouse Rock (by request); 13. Something (by request, last live version); 14. Return To Sender (by request); 15. Wooden Heart (by request); 16. Hawaiian Wedding Song (by request, with last part reprise); 17. Bridge Over Troubled Water; 18. Polk Salad Annie; 19. Band Introductions; 20. Johnny B. Goode; 21. Drums Solo (by Ronnie Tutt); 22. Bass Solo (Blues - by Jerry Scheff); 23. Piano Solo (by Glen D. Hardin); 24. School Day ("Hail Hail Rock'n'Roll" theme); 25. T.R.O.U.B.L.E.; 26. Shake A Hand; 27. Introduction of Vernon Presley and Dr. Nick; 28. Pieces Of My Life (the only live version); 29. How Great Thou Art (with last part reprise); 30. Can't Help Falling In Love; 31. Closing Vamp/ Announcements. Approx. running time: 79:11 (News, Source: FECC)

Colorised version of "Love Me Tender": An enterprising fan has produced a glorious technicolor edition (using state-of-the-art technology) of Elvis' first feature film, Love Me Tender.  Copies can be found on eBay.  EIN guesses King Creole will be next, although the locale and storyline of that film lend themselves to the original atmospheric black & white release.  (News, Source: eBay/EIN)

EPE selling jumpsuits - is it acceptable or not?: Some fans are not impressed by the EPE's new line of Elvis clothing, white jumpsuits. Does it devalue The King's legacy? (News, Source: Various)

New Elvis licence plate not a certainty (see original story yesterday): Apparently the new Elvis license, with a percentage of sales going to The MED (of which the Elvis Presley Memorial Trauma Center is a part), will be available ONLY if 1,000 pre-order it. (News, Source: Bill E. Burk)

German translation of "Last Train To Memphis": The first installment of Peter Guralnick's biography "Last Train To Memphis" has been translated in German and has been released with the title "Elvis Presley-Sein Aufstieg" by Bosworth Musikverlag (ISBN: 3865430961). (News, Source: Collectors Service/Elvis News)

Heartbreak Hotel single postponed: The single re-release of Elvis first UK hit "Heartbreak Hotel" has been postponed from January to May to coincide with it's original release date. At this time no further details, other than to say that the re-release has not been shelved, are available. (News, Source: Todd Slaughter/Elvis News)

"Looking for Colonel Parker" DVD: This is the final cover art for the DVD on Elvis' manager Colonel Tom Parker, now set for release in November. This DVD contains a T.V. documentary "Looking For Colonel Parker" made by the Dutch freelance journalist Constant Meijers. The documentary had previously circulated "unofficially" in video form. Synopsis: The camera captures the search for Dries Van Kuijck’s footsteps from Constant Meijers, bringing him from Breda (The Netherlands) to Alabama and Memphis. The 'clown' Parker slowly turns into a shrewd manager, who has the world at his feet. Meijers talks to eye witnesses, and focuses on the last remaining traces of the once carnival-artist Tom Parker. The documentary is "interesting", although most of the 'newly discovered' facts from 1987 have been told in detail in newer books such by writers such as Dirk Vellenga and Alannah Nash. (News, Source: Elvis Australia/Elvis News)

'A Kick Upwards For Elvis' Movies': Do you wonder why real Elvis fans sometimes go along with the common perception that "All of Elvis' Movies were bad"? Of course they weren't all great but surely Bruce Willis, Burt Reynolds and other recognized actors have made far, far worse & survive with a better reputation? Harley Payette investigates & checks out the good and the bad. (Spotlight Article, Source: EIN)

Baptist Memorial Hospital implosion to be aired live on TV in Memphis: Implosion of Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis is set for pre-dawn hours of Sunday, 6 November.  It will be the largest implosion of a building in the USA during 2005. WKNO-TV will air the implosion live. (News, Source: Bill E. Burk)

Lisa set to shock with same sex kiss (with a twist): LISA-MARIE PRESLEY is set to shock fans with a same sex kiss in her new video IDIOT - but the other woman is actually herself. The two Presleys smooch in the back of a taxi cab. (Lisa Presley's World, Source: Contactmusic/Sanja Meegin)

New Elvis licence plate: The MED Foundation and Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc., are pleased to announce the unveiling of a new license plate in memory of Elvis Presley. The EP License Plate, which the public may immediately order through the MED Foundation, features the King of Rock N’ Roll with guitar in hand striking one of his most memorable poses. The license plate will benefit the Regional Medical Center at Memphis (The MED), which houses the Elvis Presley Memorial Trauma Center, the only medical facility bearing Elvis’s name.

The State of Tennessee will begin production on the License Plate as soon as The MED Foundation has received a minimum of 1,000 orders for it. The Foundation is accepting orders for the first 1,000 plates by calling the toll free numbers 877-545-EPLP or 877-545-3757, or by visiting the MED Foundation website at www.elvislp.com.

The idea for the Elvis Presley plate came from Roselyn Miller, a MED employee, who – in 1999 - felt so strongly about the project that she contacted the MED Foundation. “I just felt that if a plate such as this were done in “good taste” it would not only be a wonderful way to promote the memory of Elvis Presley, and the Elvis Presley Memorial Trauma Center at The MED, but would also spotlight Elvis’s home-state of Tennessee.”

The proposal was presented to Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc., (EPE, Inc.) and Jack Soden, President of EPE, Inc., has endorsed the effort. Mr. Soden is also a member of The MED Foundation Board of Directors.

Senator Mark Norris (R-TN) brought the project before the Tennessee State Legislature in Nashville. Then, State Representative Kathryn Bowers also sponsored a similar bill in support of the plate in 2005. The license plate will be sold for about $35.00, with a portion of the proceeds going to The MED each time the plate is renewed. Though Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE, Inc.) is supporting the project, no portion of the proceeds is being directed to EPE, Inc.

If the State of Tennessee moves ahead with production of the License Plate, Tennessee would become the only state in the nation with a license plate bearing the name of the King of Rock N’ Roll. (News, Source: EPE)

Click to view and/or bid on complete set of "1956 Elvis Topps Bubbles cards" on ebay

Elvis #1 again in latest Forbes Top Earning Dead Celebrities List: Once again Elvis Presley is No. 1 on Forbes.com's annual list of top earners from the crypt www.forbes.com/deadcelebs, earning an estimated $45 million between October 2004 - October 2005. He and the 12 other members of the list brought in a collective $186 million in the last year.

The fifth annual ranking of "Top-Earning Dead Celebrities," edited by Forbes.com Media Editor Peter Kafka, assesses the earning power of deceased celebrities, including musicians, actors, authors, songwriters and composers, among others. This year's list (earnings in $ millions):

   1.  $45 - Elvis Presley   

   2.  $35 - Charles Schulz                              

   3.  $22 - John Lennon                                

   4.  $16 - Andy Warhol                                

   5.  $10 - Theodor "Dr. Seuss" Geisel          

   6.  $ 9 -  Marlon Brando                               

   7.  $ 8 -  Marilyn Monroe                              

   8.  $ 8 -  J.R.R. Tolkien                                

   9.  $ 7 -  George Harrison                            

   10. $ 7 - Johnny Cash                                

   11. $ 7 - Irving Berlin                                

   12. $ 6 - Bob Marley                                  

   13. $ 6 - Ray Charles                                 

Vote for Elvis in "Icon of the Century" poll: Following the results of the recent 'Variety' Magazine' Poll for 'Icon Of The Century' (see 16 October), MSNBC are now conducting on online poll to find out who the public think is the Icon Of the Century. Earlier today, Elvis (36%) assumed the lead from The Beatles (27%) after more than 7,000 votes had been cast. Let's all TCB and show them why Elvis is #1. You can vote at MSNBC. (News, Source: FECC)

Ernst responds to SUN project stories (see 26 October): Ernst Jørgensen has responded on the FECC forum to discussions on his upcoming SUN project and possible newly found songs by Elvis including the live version by Elvis of "Rock Around The Clock". Ernst says:

"Dear Readers

About the FTD SUN project.

This project is primarily a BOOK. It will also include CD'es, but no decision on how many and what content will be finalized until the absolute last minute.

There is a tendency on the board to dream - I do that as well, but throwing titles around is much easier than finding anything useable. We are constantly doing research on all levels, including audio, but I'm afraid that expectations are going through the roof here. At this time the only thing worth highlighting is that you will see a lot of GREAT photos never before published, a lot of new stories, and that Kevan Budd is making great progress with his audio restoration of ALL the SUN outtakes we have.

There is NO release date for this project yet, due to my recent illness and growing ambitions.

I want to take this opportunity to thank everybody for their well wishes, prayers and support during a difficult time. Thank you. (News, Source: FECC)

Elvis closing in on The Beatles: As of last Sunday, 23rd October, 2005, the top 3 acts in the UK Weekly Album Points List are as follows:

1. Queen - 1332 weeks
2. The Beatles - 1293 weeks
3. Elvis - 1291 weeks.

With the release of the TV promoted "Hitstory" box set, expected to go Top 30 in the UK, and the re-release of "Christmas Peace" around Christmas time, Elvis should overtake The Beatles to achieve second place. (News, Source: Elvis 2nd To None/Elvis News)

For "All Things Elvis" you want The King by Jim Piazza: This is the ultimate tribute book, a gorgeously designed rhinestone-studded keepsake filled with little-known biographical and anecdotal information and crammed with hundreds of photos and illustrations, including movie stills and posters. "Romps through the decades, highlighting Elvis events with a chronological time line floating at the top of each page, while amusing anecdotes punctuate a striking selection of magazine covers, paintings, photos, posters and other entertaining ephemera, from cinema curiosities to Elvis imitators. Paging through, readers encounter an explosion of sidebars with revelations such as that a suicide note ('I walk the lonely street') inspired 'Heartbreak Hotel.'" (Book Review, Source: Publishers Weekly)

Artwork "Elvis My Christmas #1's": This is the cover art of the upcoming BMG Germany 2CD release "My Christmas Number Ones". The tracklisting is not yet available, but you can already pre-order this release from Amazon Germany. (News, Source: Elvis News)

"Memories of Elvis" $1.00 customer appreciation sale: Carol's "Memories of Elvis" store, soon to close down, has a great customer appreciation sale. Click to visit her website and see the many bargains. (News, Source: Sanja Meegin)

"Elvis' Gold Records Vol. 2" reissued as "The Hits": Repackaged in the US is the CD "50,000,000 Elvis Fans Can't Be Wrong" with the new title "The Hits". The original album, no bonus tracks, comes in a slipcase with almost the original cover art on the front. The only difference to the original artwork is that the font is red, like the 1997 re-issue and it doesn't feature the RCA logo. The track listing is the original sequence, the regular Master of "A Big Hunk 'O Love" is still the unspliced Take 3, but all tracks are digitally remastered. EPE sells it for $18.98, Walmart for $7.50. 1. I Need Your Love Tonight 2. Don't 3. Wear My Ring Around Your Neck 4. My Wish Came True 5. I Got Stung 6. One Night 7. Big Hunk O Love 8. I Beg Of You 9. Fool Such As I 10. Doncha Think It's Time (News, Source: Elvis News)

It's curtains for 'Legends': Elvis was sick, for only the second time in five years. Luckily, Tina Turner could get time off from her day job in the lingerie department at Boscov's. Yes, these are the waning days for the longest-running musical revue in Atlantic City - the always-legendary Legends in Concert show, featuring not-famous singers impersonating famous singers, a rotating cast of faux legends with a huge, somewhat-obsessed following and a run that rivals Cats on Broadway (6,600 shows to Cats' 7,485). First Miss America, now Legends is getting the hook. It will be replaced by The Price Is Right Live Stage Show ("Come on down!") at the Palace Theater in the Claridge, which is part of Bally's, which is now owned by Harrah's Entertainment, which made the decision.

The show - one of the only steady gigs for musicians, singers and dancers in a town that used to employ hundreds - will impersonate its last legend, fittingly, on Halloween night. It has been at Bally's for 11 years, with runs at other casinos for several years before that." Crowd numbers are still strong and they still get standing ovations.

Fans are distraught, like Rich Brelicki, who last week arrived direct from Vegas with a message for James Lowrey, the Elvis with the sore throat. ("We regret to inform you that Elvis will not be performing," deadpanned the only-in-Atlantic-City sign outside the Palace. "Instead, we are pleased to offer you the musical stylings of Tina Turner.")

Brelicki has seen 66 Legends in Concert shows and never tires of telling the story of how he once shouted up to James Lowrey/Elvis Presley, "Give my wife some sweat!" Like many, he has waited in line for hours so he could get a seat up front. He's on a first-name basis with the four maitre d's, who also are getting canned.

But wait, there was Gloria Estefan sticking her head out of her dressing room. Behind her, Ritchie Valens was blowing out his pompadour. Walking backstage at a Legends show is like going into a casino-act wax museum (a phrase that, before this town got its headlining-musical act together not too long ago, might have been considered redundant) come to life. And then Tina Turner arrived. Lori Mitchell-Gay, the most legendary of all the Legends, has played every black diva around: Whitney, Tina, Aretha, Janet, Donna, Natalie and Diana.

The appeal of the Legends show is part novelty (Wow, that singer looks and sounds like the real thing!), part fantasy (Wow, it's Madonna looking down at me!), and part pure entertainment (the dancers make about 16 costume changes during the 75-minute show). There's no lip-synching. The cast members see their role as more tribute than parody; blues guitarist Billy Cade agreed to do his impeccable B.B. King act only after personally asking the singer for permission. In Vegas once, the real Kenny Rogers performed in a Legends show and nobody caught on.

For Mitchell-Gay, originally from Philadelphia, Legends was the gig that kept on giving, enough so that she settled near Atlantic City and raised a family. She described Atlantic City as "fickle" in the way it relates to its live performers. On the one hand, casinos such as the Borgata have had great success bringing in a better caliber of musical entertainment (a House of Blues opened this year at Showboat). On the other hand, casinos seem less inclined to support long-running shows such as Legends or to use musicians in lounges and restaurants.

Bill Borenstein, Harrah's director of entertainment, said the decision to close Legends came after Bally's customers said in surveys they wanted a chance to see The Price Is Right show, which had been farther up the Boardwalk at Showboat. Borenstein said he was a Legends fan, but wanted to bring in something new. (News/Almost Elvis, Source: The Inquirer/Sanja Meegin)

USA edition of "Hitstory" rewrites gaffes from Elvis 30 #1s: "To clarify previous reviews...this is not "Nothing New." The first one disc comp 30 #1s presented alternate versions of A Big Hunk o' Love, A Fool Such As I, and The Wonder of You. On top of that all stereo songs were remixed. Suspicious Minds has been subjected to flanging.

Now in gathering the two CDs (the above mentioned 30 #1s and 2nd to None) the correct versions are used and not remixed. Vic Anesini did a wonderful job on this! The third disc gathers 19 additional top twenty singles. The title Hitstory is earned on an 80 songs comp that delivers the hit singles!"

EIN Note: Brian O'Marra's review relates to the US edition of Hitstory not the EC/Australia edition. (CD Review, Source: Brian O'Marra)

Click to visit tribute site for......Jimmy "Orion" Ellis

'Summer Festival' - FTD review: After the highs of 'On Tour' and 'Madison Square Garden', Elvis is in surprisingly good form for a 7th Las Vegas season Dinner Show. Featuring the first official live release of the songs, ‘My Way’, ‘What Now My Love’, and a wonderful first-ever ‘Fever’, there are plenty of reasons to check out this new FTD - although some peak audio distortion is a little disturbing. (FTD Review, Source: EIN, October 2005)

Book Review - "The Year the Music Changed": While the Elvis non-fiction book market continues to be variable in quality the same cannot be said of fictional releases with an Elvis theme. This segment has been particularly robust for several years and the latest title, The Year the Music Changed, is no exception. Diane Thomas' debut novel is rich in emotional depth and the insecurities of life. Ms Thomas has infused her story with a powerful realism which lingers in your mind long after you have put the novel down. (Book review, Source: EIN)

Vote for Elvis in "Icon of the Century" poll: Following the results of the recent 'Variety' Magazine' Poll for 'Icon Of The Century' (see 16 October), MSNBC are now conducting on online poll to find out who the public think is the Icon Of the Century. Earlier today, Elvis (36%) assumed the lead from The Beatles (27%) after more than 7,000 votes had been cast. Let's all TCB and show them why Elvis is #1. You can vote at MSNBC. (News, Source: FECC)

"Elvis Concert Anthology 1954-1956" CD: We found this "alternate" cover for the very good 2CD release. It is on the Redline label and available for around 9 pounds in the UK. Note: The guys from Elvis News tell us this visual is actually the cover of the booklet rather than the CD cover. (News, Source: EIN)

Australian promotion for "Hitstory": SonyBMG Australia is promoting the 3CD boxset, Hitstory, through an extensive media marketing campaign. The campaign will include three week's of television advertising in major capital cities and regional areas commencing thisweek. Ads on Pay TV will run from this week for a fortnight and there will be a two week campaign on metropolitan radio stations. BMG is considering other promotional activities including press advertising and spots on programs such as Sunrise and Mornings with Kerri-Anne. (News, Source: SonyBMG Australia)

"Hitstory" debuts at #11 on Sanity store chart in Australia: The 3CD boxset, Hitstory, has debuted at #11 on the store chart of Australia's largest record chain, Sanity. Two other albums debuted higher than Hitstory, the new Robbie Williams album, Intensive Care, at #1 and Destiny's Child #1's at #6. Traditionally Elvis has done better on the Sanity chart than the official Australian chart from ARIA, and if this holds true it could be a case of "history for Hitstory". The ARIA chart will be issued late on Sunday night. (News, Source: EIN)

Elvis The Jukebox Collection (DVD): As we reported on 18 October, three Elvis DVD boxsets are being released in Australia in the next six weeks. The 8 titles in Elvis The Jukebox Collection from Paramount are: King Creole (1958); G.I. Blues (1960); Blue Hawaii; 1961); Girls! Girls! Girls (1962); Fun In Acapulco (1963); Paradise, Hawaiian Style (1966); Roustabout (1964), and Easy Come, Easy Go (1967). Release date: 1 December. RRP is A$99.95. Elvis The Collection Volume 1 (DVD): For release on 16 November is this 4 disc set (not 5 discs as we were originally informed) from Warner Bros. The titles are Harum Scarum; Speedway; Jailhouse Rock and The Trouble With Girls. RRP A$59.95. Elvis The Collection Volume 2 (DVD): Also for release on 16 November. Titles are It Happened At The World's Fair; Viva Las Vegas; Spinout and Double Trouble. RRP A$59.95. (News, Source: EzyDvd)

"Double treat" for Australian Elvis fans on November 6: The 10 Network has a double treat for Elvis fans on 6 November. That night's episode of Australian Idol (6.30pm) will be an Elvis special, and following at 7.30pm is the Elvis "mini-series" telecast earlier this year in the US. Disappointingly, the 10 Network has elected to edit the originally two-part mini-series by excising around 30 minutes of footage so it can screen on the one night. (News, Source: SonyBMG Australia)

No market for 1950's Elvis photobooks!: We found these very interesting comments from the legendary Ger Rijff on the FECC board:

"Most important: There's NO market anymore for the books Ive done in the past. For years and years I've tried publishing houses worldwide. Elvis photojournals! No way! Elvis only sells to the general public if it is the juicy gossip "tell all" type of book. When I mentioned the 60,000 sales, that happened some 20 years ago... Sad, but without a lot of promotion [same goes for cd & dvds] Elvis is pretty much dead. No publishers will promote my stuff. Its too small a market out there...

Reprinting the old titles would probably cost twice as much now than when I did them first time around. Price of paper has tripled, the damn Euro and other factors make it impossible to do. On top of that: the 50s Elvis isn't very big. Check the crowd on this site! But even the Tunzi 70s books nowdays don't sell like they used to... But that won't stop me from doing another one, someday. They never made money for me. Im just a nutter who loves making books of Elvis in the 50s, because Im good at it!"

EIN comment: Ger Rijff's 1950s photobooks are simply sensational and among the best there is. With great book design, strong text and fascinating archival material they are a must for any serious fan. With no disrespect to Joseph Tunzi's very good 1970s jumpsuit photobooks, the Ger Rijff photobook releases are in a league of their own, matched only by books such as Stein Erik Skar's superb Elvis The Concert Years 1969-1977 and last year's best release, A Date With Elvis. Check out EIN's reviews of the Ger Rijff books: Inside Loving You and The Rock 'n' Roll Years Volume One. (News, Source: FECC/EIN)

Poem to Elvis signed by The Colonel for sale: Now for sale on ebay: 'A signed printed poem written "For all fans worldwide by the late "The Colonel" signed by Colonel Tom Parker  "Thanks Colonel" in black ink. An extremely rare signature from the man that created the iconic legend that was Elvis Presley. Acquired from Poppy Collinson of Stanley Gibbons, The Strand, London some years ago. A copy of the Frasers auction summary showing this item is included with this auction as authentication for the signature'. (News, Source: ebay)

"Elvis In Bianco & Nero" book release: Released in Italy is the 128 pages book "Elvis In Bianco & Nero" (ISBN: 8873330584). (News, Source: Elvis Club Berlin/Elvis News)

Elvis movie trailers available online: Elvis The King website has added Elvis' movie trailers to its site. (News, Source: Elvis The King)

"Hitstory" & "Elvis #1 Singles" boxset released in Australia this week: Australian fans should check their local record stores as both Hitstory and the #1 Singles boxset (RRP $129.95) have been released. The 3CD Hitstory comes complete with a special fold-out Elvis poster booklet. The RRP is A$39.99. Australia is receiving the European edition of Hitstory with 12 additional tracks. Christmas Wishes is scheduled for release by BMG Australia on Monday 14 November. (News, Source: BMG Australia)

Spain's best cartoonist: Click to visit web pages of Joan Vizcarra, perhaps Spain best cartoonist, with some books published, and a big Elvis fan himself. (News, Source: Juan Antonio Hidalgo)

"Sam Phillips Week" in Florence, Alabama: Florence, Alabama will be celebrating the birth of the Father of Rock N Roll at the 2nd Annual Sam Phillips Week. It will be held January 3-7, 2006. It is being sponsored by Big River Broadcasting, Alabama Fans TCB For Elvis Fan Club and the city of Florence. Several activities have been planned. Sam Phillips, who discovered Elvis, Johnny Cash and others, and opened up the legendary Sun Studio, was born January 5, 1923 in Florence, AL. Here is a list of the events:

For more information, please email Liz Scott at scooterbooter27@yahoo.com (News, Source: EPE)

Influences on a Legend - Mario Lanza: "Elvis loved opera, and he especially liked Mario Lanza. He would watch The Student Prince which was set in Heidelberg, over and over again. He loved the power of the big voices. And he loved big orchestras. He liked real dramatic things." Marty Lacker's observation nicely captures the essence of this article where we look closely at how Mario Lanza influenced Elvis' music style. (Spotlight Article, Source: EIN)

Robbie Williams does Elvis: These are photos from the filming of Robbie Williams' new video clip in Blackpool, England. See earlier story on 20 October (News, Source: New Weekly magazine/Sanja Meegin)

"The Dove Collection" CD set: This is a 2 CD release we haven't seen before. It combines the budget release "Good Rockin' Tonight" with an interview CD. This "special collector's edition" is released in a series titled "The Dove Collection". (News, Source: Elvis News)

Good Rockin' Tonight CD: The Newsound label will release another Louisiana Hayride compilation with the title "Good Rockin Tonight" on November 18, 2005. Track listing: That's All Right - Blue Moon Of Kentucky - There's Good Rockin' Tonight - Heartbreak Hotel - Long Tall Sally - I Was The One - Money Honey - I Got A Woman - Blue Suede Shoes - Hound Dog - Baby Let's Play House - Maybellene - Tweedle Dee - I Got A Woman (Alternative version) - Interview (News, Source: Elvis Club Berlin/ Elvis News)

"All That I Am" CD release altered: On 11 October we posted the artwork for the CD '' All That I Am''. However it looks like the producers have changed their mind as this new design has been issued. Also, the booklet will now be 24 pages instead of 20 as originally announced. The Mystery Train label expects to release the CD shortly. (News, Source: FECC)

"From Union Ave to Thompson St, 1954-1969" CD release: This CD will be released soon and is limited to 500 copies. It includes out-takes from Elvis' first studio sessions and six out-takes never before officially released on CD and two previously unreleased tracks. Track listing: That's All Right (Introduction) - I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine (Take 1) - I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone (Take 1) - That's All Right (Takes 1, 2 + 3) - I Love You Because (Takes 1 + 2) - I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone (Takes 4 + 5) - Tomorrow Night (edited / undubbed) - Blue Moon (Take 1) - I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone (Take 2) - I' ll Never Let You Go (Little Darlin') (Alternate Take) - I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone (Take 3) - Blue Moon Of Kentucky (Alternate Take) - I Love You Because (Take 3) - Harbor Lights (Take 3) - Blue Moon (Take 2) - I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone (Take 7) - I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine (Takes 2 + 3) - I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone (Take 6) - I Love You Because (Takes 4 + 5) - How Do You Think I Feel (instrumental) - Studio excerpts 1969 - Poor Man's Gold (#1) - Poor Man's Gold (#2) - Answering message by Elvis. Bonus tracks: 25. Radio Interview 1955 #1 26. Radio Commercial 1955 27. Radio Interview 1955 #2 *previously unreleased. (News, Source: For CD Collectors Only) 

(Cartoon, Source: Sanja Meegin)

Elvis gets the G.I. Blues: Elvis' induction into the Army was a sucker punch for the first generation of rock & roll fans. The King was twenty-four years old and at the peak of his success when he was drafted in December 1957 (he would get a deferment until March 1958 so he could complete the filming of King Creole), and he was justifiably concerned that his stint in the military would ruin his career, as the public saw him transform from a pompadoured rocker to a crew-cut G.I. But what Presley and his fans viewed as a potential tragedy, his manager Colonel Tom Parker saw as a PR opportunity. He reasoned Elvis' service as a proud, patriotic young man would be a boon to his public image. With plenty of recorded material in the can, releases were paced to keep Presley in the public eye for the duration of his Army stint. Parker's ploy worked: with his popularity as strong as ever, Presley was discharged two years later to resume his reign as the King of Rock & Roll. (News, Source: Michael Ansaldo)

"Spinout" outtake identified: Thefunkyangel posted this message on FECC: "Spinout had outtake footage (albeit just for the drum intro!) of 'Adam and Evil', left in the final print!! I wonder how many of you picked up on this! (I uploaded this not long back!) During the drum intro. Elvis has a white fender bass guitar slung up over his shoulder, but when Elvis goes into the number he is not wearing it (yes, there is an edit!) Now, there just maybe an unedit production number some where in the can! Enjoy!" (News, Source: FECC)

Playboy: the Byron Raphael claims - Bill E. Burk responds: Dry humping "Nipper" on stage, the size of Elvis' genitals, and The King's "relationship" with 'gay' actor, Nick Adams, are several of the issues Elvis World's Bill Burk tackles in his review of the controversial article in Playboy, In Bed With Elvis. (See earlier reports 13, 14 & 15 October) (Review, Source: Bill E. Burk)

The Playboy article - Lamar Fike responds: Memphis Mafia member Lamar Fike also contacted EIN this week about the Playboy story. Lamar said: "This story is not true. There is no way that any of this ever happened. I was there." (News, Source: Lamar Fike)

Enduring economic power of The King: A look at how EPE's marketing arm kept Elvis' memory alive to the tune of $40 million in 2004. (Spotlight Article, Source: Sanja Meegin)

Promo copies of BMG Japan "Paper Sleeve" 20 Album collection: It has been revealed that there is also a promo box with the 20 BMG Japan paper sleeve collection, remastered on 24bit technology. Only 100 were pressed. (News, Source: FECC messageboard)

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"Pied Piper of Cleveland" recreation: We meant to publish this news last week. Today, Saturday October 22, Brooklyn High School in Ohio, is recreating the famous Pied Piper of Cleveland event, on the original stage where Elvis performed. On the card for the show are Pat Boone, The Four Lads, and others that performed during the orignal show back in 1955. There will also be a special exhibit of Elvis memorabilia. Exhibit opens at 6pm tonight with main event at 7.30pm. (News, Source: Sanja Meegin)

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Elvis obsession leads to crime and 'jailhouse rock': A town hall cashier who stole more than £500,000 in car-parking fees to fund her obsession with Elvis Presley has been jailed for three years. Julie Wall, 46, took up to £10,000 a month for nearly a decade at North Kesteven District Council to spend on records, Lincoln Crown Court heard.

Officials only realised the theft when an audit was carried out. Wall, of Rippon Drive, Sleaford, whose job was counting coins from cashboxes at car parks, admitted theft. Council bosses had regarded her as a "mild and modest" employee, the court was told. But she used the cash to buy hundreds of CDs, DVDs, videos and signed mementoes during visits to record fairs, auctions and internet sites.

The court was told she got away with her "extraordinary" crimes because the council never carried out any checks, until an audit was carried out earlier this year. Wall, a council employee for 30 years, repeatedly held back hundreds of pounds from each box and then exchanged the coins for notes used in other council transactions. Sam Robinson, prosecuting, said that between January 1996 and July this year she was estimated to have stolen more than £557,000. Luke Blackburn, mitigating, told the court Wall had been in the grip of "an exceptional habit" and was now ashamed of herself. Det Con Graeme Baker, of the Lincolnshire Police Financial Investigation Unit, said that when Wall was arrested officers seized thousands of Elvis related items from her home.

A spokesman for North Kesteven District Council said Miss Wall had been dismissed and that "steps were being taken" to recover money she had pocketed. A confiscation and compensation hearing has been scheduled for next year when the collection is expected to be auctioned off to raise the cash taken from the council. Det Con Baker said: "The collection could potentially raise in excess of half a million if it was sold off." (News, Source: BBC)

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"Elvis booklist 2005-06" updated: We've updated our list of Elvis books published in 2005 and scheduled for publication in 2006. More than 20 titles have been added bringing the total to nearly 100 books! (News, Source: EIN)

"Elvis Meets Nixon" DVD release: The quite hilarious mockumentary, Elvis Meets Nixon, is finally being released on DVD. Contender Entertainment Group has announced its release for Boxing Day 2005 in the UK. (News, Source: Amber Smith)

Is this the most "creative" Elvis DVD cover?: We believe last month's release of Love Me Tender in Germany has to be among the most creative cover artwork of any official Elvis DVD release. Why can't all Elvis DVD covers be this interesting? Click for larger image (News, Source: EIN)

"Elvis" CBS mini-series DVD delayed a month: The DVD release of the much maligned CBS "Elvis" mini-series from earlier this year has been put back until November. The 2 part mini-series was originally to be released in Germany this month. (News, Source: Amber Smith)

A delighted Robbie said: "It's amazing the amount of people who have come down to say hello. It's made my night. I haven't seen anything like this since my days with Take That. I feel loved."

Robbie filmed scenes on the prom, outside the Lucky Star arcade, on a red London bus and inside the Belle Vue pub. At the height of the Robbie-mania, police had to divert traffic to allow filming to go on.Although the shoot was supposed to be top secret, rumours quickly spread that he was in town.Robbie, who was filming the promo for his new single Advertising Space, rewarded crowds outside the pub by appearing at a window and waving to them. Fan Melanie Crookall, 24, said: "He was lovely and very down to earth. He signed my Robbie book and then took my pen to sign autographs for other people. (News, Source: Sanja Meegin)

All 3 Elvis sites in top #100 "People's Choice Awards" list: Well the votes are in and all three Elvis sites entered in this year's People's Choice Award category in the BT Digital Music Awards polled very well. Congratulations to Elvis News and Elvis Express which ranked at #69 and #82 respectively, while EIN came in at #91. Three Elvis sites all in the top 100 list is a great achievement. EIN thanks everyone who voted for us. We certainly appreciate it. This year's People's Choice Award was won by depechemode.tv with coldplay.com taking honors as the favorite official site. (News, Source: BT)

Elvis wines help Signature Wines into list of fastest growing companies: Corks popped today at Signature Wines on news that the firm has been named to Inc. Magazine's 2005 Inc. 500 list of America's fastest growing private companies. The Hayward, California-based wine seller vaulted on to the coveted list through an innovative mix of internet-based custom private label solutions, wine club services and the Graceland Cellars(R) brand of Elvis Presley(R) wines.

"We're thrilled to be named one of America's fastest growing companies," said Signature Wines CEO Scott Cahill. "As premium wine continues to grow in popularity, we expect that our innovative approach to wine sourcing, marketing, and distribution will keep us on the list for years to come."

Signature Wines, in partnership with Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE), bottles Elvis Presley's Graceland Cellars Jailhouse Red Merlot, The King Cabernet Sauvignon, Blue Suede Chardonnay and Blue Christmas Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. Signature Wines has established retail distribution in over 40 states and earlier this year Wine Business Monthly magazine named Graceland(R) Cellars one of the top 10 hottest small wine brands of the year. (News, Source: EPE)

"Elvis That's The Way It Is" Outtakes - what to buy?: We found this interesting posting by Rob on the FECC messageboard:

"I know that everyone is eager to see these. However, let me just give you a little warning if you are thinking about spending a lot of money on them. I don't have to do this, but hey, I'm a nice guy. Some people are offering 11 DVD's of this stuff. Don't go there. What you are getting is much of the same footage over and over except for different camera angles. Much of this footage is also silent. I have been collecting Elvis concert footage for years and am now to the point that silent footage (unless it is a very rare show and in excellent quality) does nothing for me. Been there, done that.

The best footage with sound of the TTWII outtakes can be put on one DVD. Stranger In The Crowd, Words, I Just Can't Help Believin', Make The World Go Away, etc.

Don't buy 11 DVD's of this footage because you won't be watching it very often. That is unless you like the same silent footage shown from the back of the stage, the side of the stage, etc. Again, you can put ALL of the good footage together (like a good friend of mine did) and combine it to one DVD.
I'm just trying to save you from keeping your electricity shut off this winter after you spend all of your money for 11 DVD's that you probably won't watch, except for maybe a couple of hours. That's my advice. Take it or leave it." (News, Source: FECC)

The Imperials to perform during Elvis Birthday celebrations: The Imperials (Sherman Andrus, Terry Blackwood, Gus Gaches, Joe Moscheo) have been confirmed as special guest vocalists for The Elvis Presley Birthday Pops, which will be performed on January 7, 2006 at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, 255 North Main Street in downtown Memphis. (News, Source: EPE)

Elvis has left the building...but only temporarily: Elvis has left the Las Vegas Hilton, at least for a short time. When the Las Vegas Hilton began the initial phase of a planned five-year redevelopment and expansion of the aging off-Strip resort, the statue Elvis Presley, who used to grace the Hilton showroom, was moved from its place at the property's front entrance into storage.

Once the lobby, main entry area, porte cochere and front desk are remodeled, Elvis will be returned for guests to enjoy and photograph. "Elvis will be back, we promise," said Las Vegas Hilton spokesman Ira Sternberg. He said the current construction is expected to be completed in December. (News, Source: Elvis News)

The night Elvis was given an Elvis bootleg!: This allegedly true story recently appeared on the FECC messageboard:

"I the late sixties the acetate of My Babys Gone was discovered in the back of Tom Philips record shop in Memphis. Tom was Sams brother. After some years in their posession, these guys had the brilliant idea to let the Acetate out on a 45rpm, and also as part of an album. Can't remember which one came first? It came in a white sleeve featuring a pen and ink illustration of Elvis on stage in Houston 1970 with the text: please release me. No other clues given. It took me ages to understand the sleeve text had nuthin to do with Hump-a-dick!

Anyway, in 1971 the guys went back to the States, and this time hoping for a meeting with Elvis, backstage at the Vegas Hilton... After all they had met with all their other heroes on previous trips : Jerry Lee, Cash, Perkins, Scotty& DJ and a host of other Legends! So why not with Elvis?! First they went to see Lewis who also played Vegas the same time as E , got invited to sit front row, and after the show went to his dressing room with him, met up with Linda Gail, Jerrys sister, fellin love with her, and they all got drunk, the Lewis way! Next day Linda asked if she could do anything to make their Vegas stay pleasant as possible...?

They came up with a few suggestions,but Linda nodded no... Could she maybe help in gettin to the right people to talk about them gettin to meet Elvis?! Again no. She wasnt in the position to get into the Elvis camp. But should they wanna see another JLL show, just ring...! That night the Dutchmen got seated close to the stage at the Hilton showroom. Yes, that had cost them a small fortune and after the Lewis experience it didnt make them all too happy to be treated so cold by the Hilton creeps... Ah, those were naive times...

Somewhere halfway through the show, Hans Langbroek opened his shoulder bag, and pulled out a copy of the My Babys Gone bootleg and threw it on stage, near where Elvis was singing!... Elvis looked down at the record, picked it up and looked at the sleeve and muttered "Please Release Me???" He turned the record over and eyed a blank sleeve... "Its an unreleased Sun song, Hans yelled out loud!"....."No, its not," Elvis replied, and threw it back in to the crowd and continued his show! True story, but no photos to go with it. (News, Source: Tallhair aka Ger Rijff/FECC)

"Born To Rock" (DVD Review): The fans have been telling BMG they want an Elvis' greatest hits compile on DVD. While we patiently wait, releases such as Born To Rock, with its audio overlays and innovative visual approach to the images we are watching, offers great viewing enjoyment. From its in-your-face psychedelic screens to unobtusive but highly effective touches, this DVD is one to savour. (DVD Review, Source: EIN)

New CD singles release: A second series of singles will be re-released on CD-single in the EC. This time Elvis' first five singles will be released as a limited edition of 1000 copies as "special freestyle CD-singles" with special cardboard package and a booklet. Each single contains the original recordings and three bonus tracks. Elvis first two singles will be available soon, the last three singles will be available December 10, 2005. (News, Source: Elvis Corner / Elvis News)

Graceland - The ultimate bachelor pad: Matt Katz finally made his pilgrimage to Graceland and discovered why Elvis was the King of Cool. (Spotlight Article; Source: Sanja Meegin)

New DVD boxset releases in Australia: Three new Elvis DVD boxsets will be released 'downunder' in November and December. On 2 November, Elvis Collection Vol. 1 and Elvis Collection Vol. 2 will be issued. Both are 5 disc sets. Then on 1 December, an 8 disc set, the Elvis Jukebox Collection will hit stores. Australia's Sanity record store chain is running a competition around the Jukebox set where if you buy a copy you are entered in the draw for a trip for 2 to Graceland. More details on all three sets shortly. (News, Source: Sanja Meegin/OzDvdWhs)

Elvis book reissues: Several well known Elvis books are due for reissue shortly. They are:

• Elvis and the Memphis Mafia (Alanna Nash) - EC (now available) and Australia (to be released in next few days RRP A$29.95); softcover
• Elvis Presley Unseen Archives (Marie Clayton): USA, softcover, released next week in the US
• Elvis by the Presleys, softcover, USA, 28 November release
• Child Bride (Suzanne Finstad) - 3 January 2006 (Softcover, USA release)

Also due out this month/early November in the US, EC and Australia is The King by Jim Piazza. This is the latest coffee table hardcover sanctioned by EPE. It comes with a hefty price tag but features leatherette, gold and rhinestone binding, and hundreds of color images. The text is described as "lively" and "includes lots of inside information and behind-the-scenes gossip". It also includes a discography, chronology and timelines.

Elvis 'alternate take' on Elizabethtown soundtrack: The soundtrack of the movie "Elizabethtown" contains an alternate track of "Kentucky Rain". The details of the tracklisting were not known when we first mentioned the CD in Spetember. Apparently the take of the Elvis track is #9, available on the "Memphis Sessions" CD. Track listing: Same In Any Lingo (Nancy Wilson) - Kentucky Rain (Elvis Presley - Alternate Take 9) - I Will Be There When You Die (My Morning Jacket - live) Long Ride Home (Patty Griffin - Demo) - Blue Moon Of Kentucky (Bill Monroe) - Kentucky Woman (Sun Kil Moon) (News, Source: For CD Collectors Only /Elvis News)

He was the King: Neil Young's tribute to Elvis is now available on his new Prairie Wind album. 'He Was The King' is a great track driven by acoustic guitar, engaging harmonica, a hint of big band backing and an addictive country flavored lyric. 2005 has certainly been a good year for Elvis tributes with Neil Young's recording following three other very notable songs, King of the Mountain (Kate Bush), Singing With Angels (Suzi Quatro) and Rock and Roll Heaven (Bap Kennedy). In the video clip for King of the Mountain, Kate Bush is seen dancing with a white Elvis jumpsuit. (News, Source: EIN)

"Elvis" Unauthorised Biographies: This is another budget DVD release available in Europe. (News, Source: Today, Tomorrow & Forever/Elvis News)

'Elvis was not a Racist'- EIN sets the record straight: Piers Beagley has an in-depth look at Elvis' background & cultural influences, discovering a man that not only helped the local black community but who was also key figure in the racial integration of popular music. As James Brown said, "I love him and hope to see him in heaven. There’ll never be another like that soul brother" and Muhammad Ali, "Elvis Presley was the sweetest, most humble and nicest man you'd want to know." (Spotlight Article, Source: EIN)

"Elvis Prestige Collection" DVD set: This is the cover art for the "Prestige Collection" 8 DVD box set. This region 2 DVD set contains the titles "The Trouble with Girls", "Harum Scarum", "Spinout", "Double Trouble", "Viva Las Vegas", "Jailhouse Rock", "It Happened At The World's Fair" and "Thats The Way It Is". (Source: Amazon.de/Elvis News)

Click here to vote for The King in an Elvis vs. The Beatles. vs. Michael Jackson poll

New take on how Elvis and Priscilla met: Priscilla Presley, keynote speaker at the ninth annual In the Interest of Women: A Forum for the Women of Kentucky, had said she was going to talk about her life as a wife, mother and working woman. But she spent at least the first 20 minutes of her speech last week talking about her life with Elvis. I cringed as she told about meeting Elvis. She was 14 years old and living in Germany -- her father was in the Air Force. Elvis, 24, was in the Army and stationed in Germany.

Her parents were approached by a man and a woman in a restaurant where the family was having dinner. The couple asked if they could take Priscilla to meet Elvis. Her parents said yes. Priscilla knew who Elvis was. She was excited to meet this superstar. Doesn't that sound like feeding a lamb to the wolf? Priscilla said she tried to appear mature for the meeting, and wore a white sailor suit. Elvis asked whether she was a junior or senior in high school. "I said I'm in the ninth grade," Priscilla said. "He said, 'You're just a baby.'" (News, Source: Sanja Meegin)

Hit maker for Elvis dies: Prolific songwriter Baker Knight, whose hits were recorded by stars ranging from Ricky Nelson and Paul McCartney to Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, has died at age 72. Elvis had a major hit in 1970 with his song "The Wonder Of You". Elvis' recording topped the UK chart for 5 weeks. (News, Source: AP)

"Elvis A Legendary Performer Volume 7" released: The latest import release from the Madison label, "Elvis- A Legendary Performer Volume 7" is now out. As with the two previous releases in this series, this album contains some unreleased performances and a 16 page illustrated booklet. (News, Source: For CD Collectors Only /Elvis News)

"Elvis The Documentaries" available for pre-order: The latest book from J.A.T. Publishing is scheduled for release on November 1st. It is now possible to make direct orders for the book on their website at www.jatpublishing.com. (News, Source: J.A.T. Publishing/FECC)

Elvis shunned sex with Natalie Wood: Late movie icon NATALIE WOOD once pleasured herself with one of ELVIS PRESLEY's entourage after the King refused to have sex with her. The stunning actress courted Presley on and off while he shot LOVE ME TENDER in 1956, and one night attempted to bed the superstar. But 20 minutes into the romp, Wood came storming out of Presley's bedroom, accusing the singer of being gay because he wouldn't have sex with her.

Presley's pal BYRON RAPHAEL was forced to make love to the frustrated actress instead, outside the singer's room. He recalls, "'What's the matter with your boss?' she demanded, glaring at me. 'Doesn't he know how to screw? He's all hands and no action.'"

But Raphael insists Presley felt that full sex before marriage was a sin and feared he'd tear his foreskin if he indulged in anything but fellatio and masturbation. He felt he couldn't explain that to angry Wood. He adds, "She kept on raving, 'I thought he was supposed to be the king of the sack... What's Elvis going to do, tell his buddies I'm not sexy enough for him?'" Wood then called Elvis and the members of his entourage "homos" before demanding Raphael prove he didn't fit that category in Presley's living room. He remembers, "All of a sudden it hit me that I was actually f**king Natalie Wood." (News, Source: Contact Music)

Elvis Diamonds: The German based DAE label will release a compilation with selected tracks from its six previous releases with a bonus two previously unreleased tracks. No specific details are being given on those latter two tracks. Track listing :

Also Sprach Zarathustra / See See Rider / Love Me / Steamroller Blues / Jailhouse Rock-Don't Be Cruel / Fairytale / You Gave Me A Mountain / Runaway / There Goes My Everything / Announcement by Elvis / Why Me Lord? / You Don't Have To Say You Love Me (previously unreleased) / Twenty Days And Twenty Nights (previously unreleased) / In The Ghetto / America / If You Love Me Let Me Know / Promised Land / It's Midnight / You're Loves Been A Long Time Coming / If You Talk In Your Sleep / Down In The Alley / Good Times Charlie Got The Blues / The Twelfth Of Never / Faded Love / Mystery Train-Tiger Man / Hurt / Only Believe

Tracks 1,2 an 7: Old Times They Are Not Forgotten
Tracks 3,4, 10, 15 and 26: Holding Back The Years
Tracks 5, 8 and 14: Here I Go Again
Tracks 6, 11 and 25: Let Me Take You Home Again
Tracks 9 and 27: All Things Are Possible
Tracks 16-24: From Sunset Boulevard To Paradise Road
Tracks 12 an 13: previously unreleased (News, Source: Elvis Is Still Active In Norway/ElvisNews)

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Jerry Leiber cancels Belgian visit: Jerry Leiber, one half of the hit-writers duo "Leiber & Stoller", has unexpectedly cancelled his visit to the Belgian Movie Festival in Gent. Leiber quotes "medical reasons" for his cancellation. Apparently, one factor was the long flight which would be hard on him. Meanwhile, Mike Stoller has confirmed his presence next weekend. Members of ElvisMatters and their friends are invited to attend a talk session with Mike Stoller, for no charge at all. And on Sunday evening, 8.30 pm, Mike will be interviewed on stage by the BBC.

If you'd like to attend, please contact www.filmfestival.be or www.vooruit.be first. (News, Source: Elvis Matters)

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Concert Anthology 1954-1956 for Japan release: Set for release in Japan on October 19, 2005 by the Vivid-Japan label is the 2 CD set ''Concert Anthology 1954-1956''. This digipack, previously released on the Master Classics label in the US in August 2005, contains the usual Hayride material, but comes with generally good sound and is nicely presented. The Master Classics release is a quality digipack with 'leather like' cover and one gold and one black disc. The track listing is:

Disc 1: 1. Intro 2. That's Alright Mama 3. Blue Moon Of Kentucky 4. Heart Of Stone 5. That's Alright Mama 6. Tweedle Dee 7. Money, Honey 8. Blue Moon Of Kentucky 9. I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine 10. That's Alright Mama 11. Good Rockin' Tonight 12. I Got A Woman 13. Tweedle Dee 14. I'm Left You're Right, She's Gone 15. Baby, Let's Play House 16. Maybellene 17. That's Alright Mama 18. I Was The One 19. Love Me Tender 20. Hound Dog 21. Outro

Disc 2: 1. That's Alright, Mama 2. Baby Let's Play House 3. Good Rockin Tonight 4. Maybellene 5. Blue Moon Of Kentucky 6. Tweedle Dee

The second disc contains interesting Elvis arrangements overdubbed by Lee Rocker and Slim Jim Phantom (both formerly of the Stray Cats) and Danny B. Harvey (Swing Cats). (News, Source: Amber Smith/EIN)

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Return To Sender - 'stolen' shirt owned by Elvis: A blue silk shirt worn by late great entertainer Elvis Presley has been swiped from a State Fair of Texas exhibit. Collector Bud Glass of Tallahassee, Florida, today made a public appeal for whoever stole the ruffled shirt on Wednesday -- to return it. Glass says he owns that particular shirt, which is part of an Elvis exhibit at the Hall of State on the fairgrounds in Dallas. Glass told The Associated Press that the theft was caught on videotape and Dallas police have dusted for fingerprints. He declined to release further details.

Glass says he won't prosecute -- he just wants the shirt back. Glass says the item can be mailed to: Bud Glass, C/O Dallas Historical Society, P.O. Box 150038, Dallas, TX 75315-0038. (News, Source: AP)

Update - shirt returned!: The blue China silk shirt, once owned by Elvis, is back in the Bud Glass collection. "We're grateful to all involved for the swift return of this item", said a spokesperson, "The staff at The State Fair, and the Dallas Police, did a wonderful job here, and it just goes to show you that you can't put a price on state-of-the-art security." (News, Source: Elvis News)

Byron Raphael claims (update): Due to the controversial nature of some of Byron Raphael's claims we contacted Alanna Nash, who co-authored the article in Playboy with him. Alanna is well known and respected for her several books about Elvis, including Elvis and the Memphis Mafia (see 10 October) and The Colonel: The Extraordinary Story of Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis Presley. This is what Alanna had to say about Byron:

"In working with him closely during the writing of THE COLONEL, I found that everything he told me checked out.  I have no reason to believe he is wrong or lying with the Playboy story, and neither did my editors".

By way of background, Byron Raphael was employed by the Colonel and not Elvis. However, by the very nature of his employment he had close contact with Elvis. There are numerous references to Byron in Alanna's excellent book, The Colonel. (News, Source: Alanna Nash)

Did Memphis Mafia cost Elvis date with Marilyn Monroe?: The issue of whether Elvis and Marilyn Monroe ever met has fascinated many fans for a long time. For this reason the following claim published in the November (USA) edition of Playboy, is being read with great interest:

But, he tells men's magazine Playboy, the encounter never hit the headlines because Presley was keen to play down the fact the actress had turned down his advances. However, Raphael insists Monroe was initially interested - until she spotted Elvis' entourage and quickly learned how dumb they were.

Raphael recalls the actress was particularly put off by Elvis' "dim-witted cousin" GENE SMITH and his pal CLIFF GLEAVES, "a hooligan". Of the brief meeting, he says, "Monroe smiled in a way that said she liked how Elvis filled out his Oxford trousers, but then her face fell as she took in his companions.

"Monroe, forever insecure, had been searching for class in her choices of husband and lover and the sight of Elvis' barely civilised friends launched an unmistakable look of fear and disgust."

Smitten Presley continued to woo Monroe until she became one of the only women ever to turn down a date with the King - when she cried off with a headache excuse. Raphael says, "It was one of the rare times Elvis was refused." (see also related story on 12 October)

EIN Note: Despite Byron Raphael's claims, his name appears in few Elvis publications, although he features extensively in Alanna Nash's excellent book, The Colonel. Bill Burk informs us that both Lamar Fike and Marty Lacker have come forward to paint Raphael's claims as ridiculous, though Lacker admits he was away in the Army at the time. (News, Source: AP/Sanja Meegin/Bill E. Burk)

"Circle G" sale update: Further to our story yesterday (and also 29 Aug and 10 Aug 2005), this is the latest on the sale of the Circle G ranch once owned by Elvis. Dale morrow, manager for the new buyer, High Pointe Investments, has said the property likely would be developed as an upscale village-type residential development, possibly with an equestrian theme, but he was noncommittal Tuesday about future plans.

Horn Lake Mayor Nat Baker said Morrow has asked for a meeting with city officials to discuss possible changes in the planned unit development zoning Stacy had obtained for the property. Baker said he has been impressed by development plans Morrow has produced for several large pieces of property across DeSoto County.

"He's always promised high quality development and I've had no reason to doubt his assurances," he said.

Under the contract approved by Lundy, High Pointe will pay $7 million for the ranch. In addition, Lundy approved the sale of an 8-acre tract on the northwest corner of Goodman Road and Mississippi 301 at a price of about $6.50 a square foot. Shan McLemore, one of the four McLemore sons, said, "This is best for the family. We couldn't keep on going back and forth on the property waiting to see if it would be sold." Dennis McLemore, another son, said he was happy to see the issue decided.

"We had another contract (Stacy's) but that's dead. It expired. It's time to move on and this (ruling) allows us to do that. All that was really involved here was a family dispute. Now, hopefully, that's over," he said.

Gerald McLemore, who objected to the sale, said an offer from CPR Enterprises - a partnership identified with Stacy - "is ready to close by Nov. 15." He said the family would have received $7.5 million under the CPR offer - $500,000 more than High Pointe was offering - and that the CPR group was willing to pay a nonrefundable $200,000 in earnest money to seal the deal. Dennis McLemore said the CPR offer was just another play for time.

"I think the hour's past," he said.

One-time Elvis ranch sold...but not to J.D. Stacy: A judge in Hernando, Mississippi, has approved the sale of a ranch where Elvis and Priscilla Presley spent their honeymoon in 1967. The former Circle-G Ranch will be bought by High Pointe Investments for seven million dollars and is scheduled to close before April 15th.The court decision ends a plan by developer J.D. Stacy that called for 35-story condominium towers, two championship golf courses, a performing arts center and a posh golf and entertainment resort on the property and adjacent tracts. Stacy had touted his plan for a high-end resort development for more than two years, but he'd never been able to arrange the financing to purchase the 155-acre ranch or other land. The ruling yesterday by Chancellor Mitchell Lundy came over the objection of one member of the family that owns the ranch property and allows him and other family members to accept High Pointe's offer. For our earlier reports on the Circle G sale see 29 August and 10 August 2005 (News, Source: AP)

Pimp says "Elvis bad in bed": Elvis Presley was reportedly a flop in bed. Byron Raphael, who was "Elvis's pimp" from 1956 to 1960, claims a string of famous beauties told him the hip-swivelling lothario was a disaster between the sheets. Raphael also alleges the rock legend rarely "went all the way" with fans because his mother had told him pre-marital sex was a sin.

Elvis's right hand man goes on to tell the November issue of America's Playboy magazine how screen icon Marilyn Monroe scorned the singer's advances, while actress Natalie Wood moaned The King "didn't know how to screw". Raphael boasts he himself ended up bedding sexy Wood instead.

The lady procurer's bizarre claims also include Presley's fondness for "slumber parties" - in which he would relish inventing hairstyles and applying make-up to female fans - and how the star was frightened of gays and lesbians.  

When asked if he is worried about the backlash from Elvis's loyal fans, Raphael told America's MSNBC website: "The things that I had to say are true and I don't think they tear him down.

"I think it shows just how innocent he was compared to this image that he had "He was not some wild rock-and-roller He was a very sweet and shy young guy". (News, Source: MSNBC/Sanja Meegin)

Elvis tribute show to benefit troops: The Leeds Center for the Arts will feature an Elvis tribute show Saturday to benefit the troops serving overseas. Bill Kelly's ”Dedication To A King!“ show will take place 7:30 p.m. Saturday as a benefit for The Blue Star Mothers. There is no charge for the event, but those attending the show have been asked to bring a new or used CD, DVD, video, book, book on tape, magazine, video game or non-perishable snacks. Participants are asked not to donate items that may be offensive. The donations will be prepared and shipped off to Kentucky troops in time for the upcoming holiday season. There is no reserved seating for the show. Doors open at 7 p.m. (News, Source The Sun, Kentucky/Sanja Meegin)

No "Live A Little, Love A Little" on DVD?: The movie "Live A Little, Love A Little" was featured on the CD Universe site for pre-order with a release date of November 1, 2005. Now the movie has been removed from the site suggesting it won't be released at this time. (News, Source: Elvis Australia/Elvis News)

"Yes, we've got quite a history with the King," said Controlled Demolition Project Manager Stacey Loizeaux. "Of course, he got around quite a bit and so do we."

Loizeaux is third-generation with the family-run business, which counts among its projects the collapse of such high-profile buildings as the St. Louis Arena and the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The tower in Memphis is being cleared for construction of the UT-Baptist Research Park, a state-of-the-art campus designed for the highly specialized needs of Memphis' growing bioscience community.

That's according to Memphis Bioworks Foundation, a not-for-profit organization formed in 2001 to establish the Memphis region as an internationally recognized center for biomedical technology. The foundation said in a statement Tuesday that this will be the biggest implosion in the United States this year. It will take only seconds for the 20-story, 924,000-square-foot tower to fall during the controlled collapse, but preparations have been underway since May when workers began removing salvageable and hazardous materials such as asbestos from the building.

Controlled Demolition will put explosives at key structural points on six floors, the foundation said. Once the charges are ignited, gravity will take over and cause the building to fall. And the whole Controlled Demolition 15-person crew plus additional contractors will be there, said Loizeaux. Even her younger sisters who aren't directly involved in the business will be in Memphis to lend support. "This one is a biggy," she said. (News, Source: Baltimore Business Jornal/Sanja Meegin)

New book about Elvis tribute artists: The colorful, passionate and diverse world of Elvis Tribute Artists is revealed in photographer Patty Carroll's portraits of 74 performers -- among them a Japanese female Elvis, a father-son duo, and Hispanic Elvez. Always an Elvis fan, Patty Carroll began attending impersonator performances at clubs, competitions and conferences in the early 1990s. She set up on-site studios to capture the performers in full Elvis regalia, and the result is Living the Life! The World of Elvis Tribute Artists (Verve: $10.00). "My photographs are of people being their fantasy, being their own version of Elvis, mixing their own self and the self they would like to be. I try to capture the Elvis inside in a timeless photograph," says Ms. Carroll, whose career has centered on portraying aspects of our popular culture.

"Along the way, I developed a rapport with the artists and a sympathetic understanding of this unique subculture's obsessive, almost religious, attachment to the King. Each has each with his or her own story and unique take on Elvis," she says.

In his entertaining foreword to Living the Life!, Andrei Codrescu, of NPR fame, recalls first meeting Patty Carroll at an Elvis conference and her part in his immersion into the world of Elvis impersonator high priests. For a surprising number of the ETAs, it's their full-time job. For others, living the life means a balancing act between a day job writing novels or working as a state trooper.

In his comments, novelist and Elvis impersonator Bill Henderson, says it best, "So, thank you, Patty. I and several hundred other Elvis impersonators owe you a great debt. In this crazy world where everyone chases the image, you made us real." Patty Carroll's photographs are displayed in major U.S. museums, many private collections and books. She teaches photography at the School of the Art Institute and Columbia College in Chicago. Her photos of popular culture subjects can be found at http://www.pattycarroll.com .

Living the Life! The World of Elvis Tribute Artists will be available shortly at Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million and through http://www.elimpersonators.com for $10.00 plus shipping. Publisher is Verve Editions, Burlington, Vermont. An online press kit with more photos and book highlights is at http://www.elimpersonators.com. (News, Source: PR Newswire/Sanja Meegin)

"All That I Am" CD release: The Mystery Train import label is set to release a new CD entitled "All That I Am". The CD will mostly contain interviews recorded in March 1972 and July 1972. About 45 minutes of these interviews are unreleased and should interest the fans. Hear Elvis in a very relaxed and candid atmosphere talking about the early days, the army, the tours, his friends, Hollywood, driving a truck, sideburns and several other subjects. The CD will come with an extensive 20 pages booklet. The track listing is:

Lisa Presley "new" tour dates: Click here for details of the second leg of Lisa's "Now What" tour. (News, Source: Official LMP site)

"The great thing about England is that the media will give you a very hard time. They won't let you get away with it. I wish Elvis Presley had lived in England because if he had, he would probably still be alive today." (News, Source: BackPage)

"He's going to come over as soon as he gets back and by that time I will have prepared him a couple of tracks and we'll get to work," Christos told UK newspaper The Sunday Telegraph.

Christos will not reveal what Flintoff will record. The all-rounder is an Elvis Presley fan, but started the Ashes celebrations last month with some Elton John classics. "I promised Fred I would not give away what we're doing," Christos said. "It's not Elvis." (News, Source: smh.com.au)

The definitive Elvis "blues" album: Surprisingly, given the wealth of great "blues" material recorded by Elvis, and a propensity by BMG/RCA to release countless Elvis "greatest hits" and "love songs" compilations, the company has released very little by way of Elvis "blues" compiles. EIN has indulged itself with a long moody night to delve into Elvis' blues legacy and produce our definitive list...a 55 track double album likely to provoke strong debate on the relative merits of many songs. (Spotlight Article, Source: EIN)

Elvis' true psyche revealed in "Elvis and the Memphis Mafia": This is the publicity write-up for the re-issue of Alanna Nash's book, originally titled 'Elvis Aaron Presley: Revelations of the Memphis Mafia'. The 806 page re-issue, "Elvis and the Memphis Mafia", is due out in Australia later this month (ISBN: 1845131282): "A monumental oral biography filled with joy, aching loss and terrible poignancy, Elvis and the Memphis Mafia is the first book to capture the King - the man and the phenomenon - in his full complexity. Through revealing interviews with three of Elvis' closest friends, who were also his protectors and rescuers, Nash achieves a true mapping of Elvis's psyche". (News, Source: Bookwise International)

The Visitor Information Centre is coordinating a new Home Hosting Program, which will see festival visitors staying in temporary bed and breakfast style accommodation in the homes of local Parkes residents. There are financial incentives to get involved. Local residents who offer accommodation through the Home Hosting Program receive a payment for each guest staying in their home. "It's very easy to be a home host," Parkes Shire Tourism Manager, Monique Kronk said on Friday.

"Residents renting their home are not eligible, but aside from this requirement, there is a fairly simple check-list and inspection to find out if you are eligible to participate. "The festival is three months away and we've already got Elvis fans on waiting lists for accommodation," Monique said.

"Our priority is to fill commercial accommodation, so we're tracking vacancies and referring visitors to also stay in Peak Hill, Bogan Gate and Forbes accommodation. "But the reality is that some visitors simply won't come to the Festival unless they can find accommodation in the town itself and that's why the Home Hosting program is an important step in the growth of the Festival." Monique said the Home Hosting program was a first for Parkes. "We're pilot testing the program for the Elvis Festival next year, but if it's successful it may prove to be a useful tool during other peak event times. "We will however only use Home Hosting for events when there is a certainty that commercial accommodation will be booked out in Parkes."

The ClubsNSW Parkes Elvis Festival will be held on 6th - 8th January 2006. Residents interested in offering Home Hosting accommodation are encouraged to register their interest and find out more by contacting the Parkes Visitor Information Centre during weekdays. Phone: 02-6862 4365. (News, Source: Parkes Champion Post)

Definitive Elvis 'French" style: Released in France last month were two volumes in French of the "Definitive Elvis" series. The single DVD releases from this originally 8 DVD documentary box set, contain one documentary. Available are a disk with "Elvis Presley: Les amours de Elvis" and a disk with "Elvis & Pricilla - Elvis & le colonel". (News, Source: Elvis News)

"Playboy" magazine November 2005 - "In Bed with Elvis": The November issue of Playboy carries the following article - Fledgling William Morris agent Byron Raphael began working for Elvis Presley in 1956. Among his responsibilities: making sure the King was visited by a steady stream of beautiful women, including stars such as Marilyn Monroe and Natalie Wood. What went on behind closed doors wasn't as steamy -- or as normal -- as his fans would think. By Byron Raphael with Alanna Nash. (News, Source: ME4EP, FECC)

'The First Cut Is the Deepest' - Elvis on the Creative Edge - Part 2 - The CD: Recently under discussion on the FECC Elvis message board here is EIN's Spotlight where we profiled Elvis at his creative best in the recording studio. In part 2 we selected 30 tracks for the perfect BMG CD that could enlighten the general public to hearing & understanding more than just another 'greatest hits' compile. (Spotlight Article, 2005/2003, Source: EIN)

Elvis by the Presleys "has left the Australian DVD chart": After falling to #40 last week, Elvis by the Presleys has dropped out of the ARIA Music DVD Top 40 chart this week. It was on the chart for 15 weeks, peaking at #3 and (to date) certified Platinum, with sales exceeding 15,000 copies. (News, Source: ARIA)

"Don't Be Cruel" & "Rubberneckin'" (2003) music videos online: The AllMusic Group site has a video of "Don't Be Cruel" (apparently from 1992) posted on at the bottom of it's biography page on Elvis, along with the 2003 "Rubberneckin'" remix video. (News, Source: Gregory Nolan Jr, FECC)

EPE's "rumor buster" blasts Elvis fan sites!: On numerous Elvis fan sites and messageboards recently (see 6 October) , information, much of it incorrect, was posted regarding the status of Elvis Presley Enterprises’ (EPE’s) efforts to find a new tenant for the building that formerly housed its Elvis Presley’s Memphis restaurant on Beale Street. Here is the straight story with some background for those who might not be aware of the history:

The building is the former home of the historic Lansky Brothers’ men’s clothing store, which Elvis frequented. EPE leased the property from the Lanskys, remodeled it, and operated Elvis Presley’s Memphis restaurant there from 1997 to 2003. Although the restaurant closed, EPE’s long-term release with the Lanskys remains in effect.

Since 2003, EPE has been pursuing a sub-lease arrangement by communicating with various highly regarded restauranteurs who might be interested in opening a new restaurant and live entertainment venue there. EPE has kept open the possibility of also forming a partnership/licensee relationship with a new tenant and being involved to some degree with the new venture. EPE is very optimistic that a new tenant will be confirmed soon. The name of the new restaurant, any changes in the interior/exterior design of the facility, and whether the new venture will maintain some thematic tie to the Elvis legacy all remain to be determined as discussions with a potential new tenant continue.

If all goes as hoped, a new restaurant could be open by late Spring 2006. EPE looks forward to sharing further information when a new tenant is confirmed and details are finalized. Fan site and messageboard reports of plans for an opening celebration are pure fabrication or speculation by those making such posts. Actually, how the opening of a new venture might be celebrated has not even been discussed yet. (News, Source: EPE)

Elvis' stepbrother brings crusade to Kettering: Don't expect a whole lot of shakin' when Elvis Presley's stepbrother, evangelist Rick Stanley, launches the final leg of his Ohio Crusade at First Baptist Church of Kettering, 1600 Brownleigh Road, this weekend. What you can expect, however, is a whole lot of teachin,' a whole lot of preachin' and a whole lot of prayin'. Stanley, 52, said his attitude and beliefs have been shaped by two kings: the King of Rock 'n' Roll and the King of Kings. "I started traveling with Elvis when I was 17," said Stanley, whose mother, Dee Stanley, married Elvis' dad, Vernon Presley. "He taught me things I incorporate in my life right now, like spending time to talk to people. Elvis talked to his fans and never ran from the media or photographers. His philosophy was that we should thank God they want to take our pictures." Stanley was Elvis' personal assistant, and few friends or family members were closer to the sacroiliac-quaking crooner up until the day he died at Graceland in 1977.

Unusual Elvis collectible for sale: Recently listed on ebay is a 1955 Memphis area telephone directory. Described as being in "Nice condition, yellowed from age, complete. Listing of Elvis Presley Enterprises (160 Union Ave), Aaron Presley (1147 Biltmore), Vernon Presley (1414 Getwell Road), Sam Phillips (1028 McEvers Rd), Sun Record Co. (706 Union Ave) etc. Also really great Yellow Page ads for (Memphis Recording Studios, Jukebox operators, record shops)." Bidding closes in less than 2 days. (News, Source: ebay)

Another "high price" Elvis memorabilia 'online' store opens: Cooper Owen, the World’s No 1 Auction House for Entertainment and Musical Collectibles, has teamed up with one of the worlds leading Elvis collectors, Daniel Johnson.Johnson has always been a fan of Elvis and has now dedicated his life to searching for very special items that once belonged to legendary rock King.

EIN note: As usual it is a case of "buyer beware". Many of the online items can be bought elsewhere (eg. ebay.com) for considerably less than what Cooper Owen is charging. For example, original Elvis concert tickets (circa 1970s) regularly sell on ebay for less than US$50.00 (Cooper Owen has them at £95.00); an original copy of the August 17, 1977 Memphis Press-Scimitar has a list price of US$40.00 (Cooper Owen price is £50.00), and the Butterfield & Butterfield catalogs (see photo above) have appeared on ebay numerous times in the past year with a start price around US$25.00 (Cooper Owen wants between £45.00 and £55.00). As we always say "it pays to shop around". (News, Source: Elvis Express/EIN)

Book read to Lisa Marie by Elvis for sale: From ebay: "On February 1st, 1968 Elvis & Priscilla Presley’s only child, Lisa Marie, was born. Although Elvis and Priscilla would separate in February of 1972, Elvis love for Lisa never diminished. This is one of the actual bedtime books that Elvis would often read to Lisa. When Elvis’ would be away touring and performing, the task of reading to Lisa Marie was often fulfilled by Pauline Nicholson.

Lee Nichols dies: Former Wichita broadcast personality Lee Nichols died last Saturday in Spearman, Texas, he was 99. Nichols was a Texas native who spent more than 20 years in radio at Wichita, from 1951 to 1974. He was a rock 'n' roll disc jockey at K-W-B-B and manager at K-S-I-R and K-F-R-M. In 1956, he introduced Elvis Presley to more than four-thousand screaming fans at a Wichita concert.

In 1965 Nichols wrote a song, "I'm Gonna Tie One On Tonight," that became a Number One country and western hit for the Wilburn Brothers, who also used it as the title for an album. Ernest Tubb also made a recording of the song. (News, Source: AP)

Almost Elvis "News" updated: World's best Elvis impersonator to perform in Cyprus; "Aloha From Hawaii" at luau. (Almost Elvis, Source: AFP; Lamar Daily News)

On Oct. 15 at 10 a.m., the Township Hall on the Square will be where you get your tickets for the tour of the Opera House, the museum rooms, and of the jail. The $3 ticket charge includesn having your picture taken behind bars. Tours will commence on the half hour until noon. At 8 p.m. the Opera House will feature nearly twenty vocalists expressing Elvis' musical legacy in the Jailhouse Rock Concert. Admission is $5. The door will open at seven for those wanting to visit the Jailvis Shop, have their photo taken with Elvis, or visit the museum room prior to the concert. No taping will be permitted.

On Oct. 16 at 3 p.m. the Elvis-Fest continues with a Look-Alike Competition and Auction. Donations of products and services from the businessmen, and Elvis sights and sounds will be available for bid. The $5 admission charge will give you five one dollar tickets to spend in the Jailvis Shoppe or for the auction action. Doors will open one hour prior to the event. (News, Source: The Advocate, Ohio/Sanja Meegin)

Book Review - "Elvis Aaron Presley: A Candle In The Wind": Bill Burk's latest Elvis photobook rates as one of the "must buy" releases of 2005. EIN takes a look inside at its stimulating mix of very rare visuals and enlightening narrative. (Book Review, Source: EIN)

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"Elvis Presley's Memphis" to re-open: Elvis Presley's Memphis restaurant reportedly will re-open in January 2006! The restaurant, a BIG money loser before, was closed some 3 years ago. A third party will manage the restaurant this time around.  Food in the old EP's-MEM rated from average to horrible, we thought on our few times dining there. EP's-MEM was to have been the first in a chain of similar restaurants around the world, but it was the only one ever to open its doors. Perhaps new EPE owner Robert FX Sillerman has the wherewithal to make it fly this time. The official re-opening is scheduled for Elvis Week in January, and will be attended by many Elvis-celebrities, possibly including Priscilla and Lisa Marie. (News, Source: Bill E. Burk/Sanja Meegin)

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Anniversary of passing of Australia's equivalent to Elvis: On this day in 1978, the man known both as the "wild one" and Australia's "King of Rock & Roll", Johnny O'Keefe, died. The volatile hip shaker was often a troubled soul but his showmanship and music making ability was amazing. Some of his big hits included She's My Baby, I'm Counting On You and The Wild One. Like Elvis, JO'K was born in 1935. (News. Source: Chris Bamford/EIN)

Judge who married Elvis & Priscilla dies: Funeral services were scheduled Thursday in San Diego for former Nevada Supreme Court Justice David Zenoff, who died Monday at age 89. Zenoff, who performed Elvis Presley's marriage ceremony and founded a Las Vegas-area youth camp, died of a respiratory ailment at Scripps Memorial Hospital in Encinitas, Calif., near his home in La Costa. "He was a good leveling influence on the court," former Justice Cliff Young said. "He was a credit to the judiciary." Zenoff was a district court judge in Las Vegas from 1958 to 1965 before serving more than a decade as a Supreme Court justice. After retiring in 1976, he became the state's first senior justice and occasionally participated in high court cases. As a Supreme Court justice, Zenoff performed the May 1, 1967, marriage of 32-year-old Elvis Presley and 21-year-old Priscilla Anne Beaulieu at the Aladdin hotel in Las Vegas.

Zenoff drew criticism in the mid-1970s for participating in a case involving the Heavenly Valley Ski Resort. Zenoff lived at nearby Lake Tahoe, and accepted free ski passes at Heavenly Valley. (News, Source: AP/Sanja Meegin)

Trip to Graceland for man on dole who wins lotto: Skint Graham Everall quit the dole this week after collecting £4.2million in lotto winnings. And one of the items high on the agenda is to visit his idol's mansion in Memphis, Tennessee. (News, Source: The Sun Online)

Questions raised about "private" tour of Graceland offered by Joe Esposito: EIN has received a number of comments regarding the "Ultimate Elvis Tour" sweepstakes competition being run by Joe Esposito on his new website, tcbjoe.com. There were suggestions EPE had not agreed to Joe conducting a 'private' tour of the mansion, which is one part of the prize. EIN contacted EPE for clarification and their response confirmed what we had been told: "Graceland and Elvis Presley Enterprises, in no way, supports or is cooperating with Joe on this contest. Thanks!"

Apparently to enter the sweepstakes fans need to "buy" a ticket or tickets. (News, Source: Emails/EPE)

"Sing Like The King" DVD: Blue Suede Films, the team behind the superb documentary, Almost Elvis (click to read EIN's review), have released a new DVD/video, Sing Like The King: The Professional's Guide to Impersonating Elvis. The DVD is the definitive training tool for Elvis Tribute Artists. Sing Like the King is jam-packed with proven vocal training techniques and methods that are guaranteed to bring your Elvis act to a whole new level. The DVD costs US$24.95 and the video US$29.95 plus $5.00 p&p. Click on the image opposite to order your copy today. Also in the production stages is another DVD, Doug Church "The Voice of Elvis" Live In Concert. Doug is known worldwide for his uncanny vocal resemblance to Elvis. Doug Church In Concert will be released on 1 November. (News, Source: John Paget, Blue Suede Films )

NASA to blast "Elvis" into space: Analex will continue to help NASA develop a new space ship, with the first of two possible extensions to a contract related to the Expendable Launch Vehicle Integrated Support (Elvis).

The three-year contract, which runs through Sept. 2008, is worth $63 million. Under terms of the contract, Analex will continue to provide ground services and technical support for engineering, launch operations and business services. It is doing the work at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida and at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Alexandria-based Analex (AMEX: NLX) has been a NASA contractor for over 20 years. Its "Elvis" contracting partners include SAIC and AI Solutions. (News, Source: Sanja Meegin)

13th Annual Elvis Fest: There will be tribute artists, fun activities, artwork, plenty of blue suede shoes and stacks of Elvis merchandise for sale when the 13th Annual Elvis Fest fires up this weekend at Woodland Park in Portage, USA. (Almost Elvis, Source: Sanja Meegin)

CKX has risen from a shell corporation in the last year to buy two of the most famous properties in entertainment, purchasing control of 85 percent of Elvis Presley Enterprises, plus 19 Entertainment, the firm responsible for the popular ``American Idol'' and ``So You Think You Can Dance'' television shows.

It's a story stock, the kind of young issue that attracts people hoping to get in on the ground floor of something big, and which uses a tinge of celebrity to possibly color the judgment of those potential investors. CKX is the latest business of billionaire entertainment mogul Robert F. X. Sillerman.

The company went public by purchasing a defunct Nevada shell company, Sports Entertainment Enterprises, in a reverse merger last December. Sillerman was one of the founders of SFX Entertainment, a sports-promotion and live-concert business that was sold five years ago to Clear Channel Communications for more than $4 billion.

He bought Sports Enterprises and renamed it CKX – for Content is King with the "X'' as his signature mark – and simultaneously bought the Presley business for about $100 million in cash and stock. Elvis has been the top-earning dead celebrity for years, according to Forbes magazine, and the plan is to build a Las Vegas museum/theater property, plus to use much of the available Elvis memorabilia to develop income streams from overseas, where the King lives large in the minds of music fans.

Yet the deal can't work unless Elvis generates a lot more money than he has been, just to cover the new layer of pricey corporate management that now gets a cut of the proceeds. And while the King remains hugely popular, Presley Enterprises saw its revenues decline by 6 percent in 2004; Elvis won't be making new albums or movies to regenerate his popularity, so CKX must turn that trend on its own, which could get increasingly tough as the King's core fans head toward retirement.  (News/Sale of EPE, Source: Chuck Jaffe/Sanja Meegin)

"Elvis and Kathy" book sells for US$177.00: A copy of the very rare and highly sought after memoir by Kathy Westmoreland, Elvis and Kathy, sold on ebay yesterday for US$177.00! (News, Source: eBay)

"Loving Arms" single artwork: Have you ever seen this cover? Probably not. And mostly likely only in books. Elvis Unlimited are proud to announce that they have the original printed artwork for the deleted cover for the single "Loving Arms/You Ask Me Too" for sale. The cover were deleted by Joan Deary probably because Elvis is smoking a cigar on the picture. The cover comes from Joan Deary’s personal collection. Elvis Unlimited guarantees that the artwork is 100 % Authentic. Price 1800.- Dkk. The price includes a promotion copy of the single itself. (News, Source: Elvis Unlimited)

Man claims he taught Elvis to dance: Tom Van Bibber of south Fort Myers says he taught Elvis Presley to dance, yet he can't figure out how to silence an irritating sound in his house. What do Elvis and the mysterious noise have in common? Nothing, except I know Tom's sinister sound exists, but Elvis — except for occasional sightings — isn't around to ask if Tom straightened out his two left feet in a Memphis VFW.

"Elvis was 13, the same age as my brother, and I was 16,'' says Tom, 73. "Elvis couldn't dance much so I taught him a few steps.''

Elvis' 70th birthday is this year, so Tom is on the money as far as dancing after school in 1948, but keep in mind that Tom is quite the salesman — building materials and women's clothes with ex-wife Lynda — and the stories keep getting better as they get older. (News/Odd Spot, Source: The News-Press)

Justin bids for Elvis's kingdom: The capital city of soul and rock'n'roll, which launched the careers of stars including Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding and Jerry Lee Lewis, has hit hard times. In its heyday Elvis was its king in his Graceland mansion. Yet today the stardust of Memphis is gone, replaced by high unemployment, crime and grinding poverty.

Now an unlikely figure, the former boy band member Justin Timberlake, has emerged as its would-be saviour. He is negotiating to build a huge recording studio complex and to buy up two of the city's world-renowned record labels, Sun, which gave the planet Elvis and rock'n'roll, and Otis Redding's Stax. The audacious plan would revive Memphis as a creative centre in a way not seen since BB King and Booker T and the MGs played Beale Street in the Sixties.

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Timberlake's move is not without controversy. Smaller studios and labels that have struggled in the city for years fear they could be ruined by such a powerful player signing up local talent. Senior figures behind the project said Timberlake, 24, could launch a new record label to go alongside the revival of Sun and Stax, or dramatically expand the company he started up this summer, JayTee Records, which signed hip hop's Joshua B as its first act. 'Right now it is something that is in the works, but it's not something that can really be spoken about. It would be great, wonderful for Memphis,' said Jon Hornyak, senior executive director of the Memphis chapter of the Recording Academy, the body behind the Grammys music awards.

'[Justin] is the biggest pop star in the world right now. It's like when Elvis was here 50 years ago, it shook a lot of things up and people paid attention,' said Hornyak. Timberlake started out as a teen pop vocalist, but as a solo artist has swung towards R&B and rap. His studio would probably record a variety of styles.

It's very exciting to have someone of his significance participate in the music scene here,' said Ray Fleming, president of the Memphis Music Foundation. Sun Studio is now primarily a tourist attraction, especially the room where in 1954 a young Elvis sang 'That's All Right (Mama)' and rock 'n'roll was born. It also hosted Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash; Carl Perkins recorded 'Blue Suede Shoes' there. Country music producer Shelby Singleton bought Sun in 1969, and ever since his family has owned a major stake in the valuable back catalogue of more than 7,000 songs.

'We have been talking to Ray Fleming about a group he is working with who might be interested in buying Sun. It depends if the price is right. I have also heard that they [the group of investors and Timberlake] may be trying to buy Stax too,' said company president John Singleton. Fleming said Stax was now worth more than $1 billion.

'Even Puff Daddy or Jay-Z's labels do not make that kind of money,' he said. Not everyone is thrilled at the prospect of Timberlake's homecoming. The city has about 20 independent recording studios and about 50 tiny record labels. 'The business leaders say Timberlake will bring wealth to the town for everyone but there are too many vested interests at the top of the industry, and we are worried that all the power and investment will be kept there,' said one small-label owner.

'All the new talent would probably want to sign with him, not us.' (News, Source: Guardian Unlimited)

Aussie chart update: After 15 weeks on the ARIA Music DVD Top 40 chart, Elvis by the Presleys fell seven places to #40 today. (News, Source: ARIA)

Kid Galahad will also be re-issued on DVD in the US on 6 December by Columbia Tri-Star Home Video. The RRP is US$14.94 but amazon.com has it for under $10.46 not including post & handling charges. (News, Source: Amazon)

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From the Archives #2: From time to time EIN dips into the vast Elvis archives to bring you items of historical interest.

Elvis gun banned from auction!: A gold plated gun that was owned by Elvis has been banned by media regulators from appearing in a TV auction.

The lot was to appear amongst other Elvis memorabilia for sale on TV station Auction World TV and was expected to receive bids of up to £60,000.  The gold plated Walther PPK was banned from the auction because it is against the law to advertise the sale of guns on TV. A spokeswoman for media regulator Ofcom said: "Auction-world TV approached us for clarification of our code relating to guns. It is clearly set out that the advertisement of guns or gun clubs is prohibited."

Elvis, a gun fanatic, was the proud owner of several guns which he used to shoot TV screens when he was bored. Other Elvis memorabilia in the sale include jewellery and one of Elvis’s guitar. Monday 16th August is the 27th anniversary of Elvis's death. (Archives, Source: gigwise.com, Aug 2004)

"Live A Little, Love A Little" US DVD release: Announced on the CD Universe site is the SONY DVD "Live a Little, Love a Little" from 1968. The release date is November 1, 2005.

Synopsis: Intrigue arises when Bernice and her pet pooch kidnap Greg, a photographer. Greg shoots pictures for the buttoned-down Penlow as well as for men's magazine publisher Lansdown. It takes a while for the mysterious Bernice's motive for nabbing Greg to become clear...

Presley sheds his wholesome on-screen image and goes mod as a jet-setting, turtlenecked playboy photographer whose swingin' lifestyle is derailed by a flaky, domineering vixen with designs on his bachelorhood. Highlighted by a surreal dream sequence involving a ratiocinative Great Dane in a baby bonnet.

Director - Norman Taurog
Starring - Elvis Presley
Featuring - Michele Carey, Eddie Hodges, Sterling Holloway, Don Porter, Dick Sargent, Rudy Vallee, Celeste Yarnall
Art Director - Preston Ames, George W. Davis
Cinematographer - Fred Koenekamp
Composer - Billy Strange
Editor - John Jr. McSweeney
Producer - Douglas Laurence
Set Designer - Henry Grace
Writer - Michael A. Hoey (News, Source: Elvis News)

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Sonny West still "taking care of business": Sonny West still knows how to take care of business. The throng of fans that constantly surrounded him on opening day at the State Fair of Texas proved it. Mr. West, Elvis Presley's longtime bodyguard and friend, began drawing crowds to the Hall of State even before the fair officially opened at 10 a.m. Friday.

He's in Dallas as part of "The American Music Scene," an exhibit highlighting the highs and lows of rock 'n' roll, and he'll be signing autographs and telling stories throughout the fair's run. The exhibit features many Elvis artifacts – including his pants from the movie Viva Las Vegas, karate and football equipment, hair dryer, Mobil credit card and his custom-made red velvet bedspread. But Mr. West, 67, and his tantalizing tales seemed to be the biggest hit Friday morning. "We had some crazy, wild times," Mr. West told his ever-growing group of gawkers. "When I went to work for him in 1960, I was 21. When I left in 1976, I was still 21. We refused to grow up."

Mr. West first met the King in 1958 at a roller rink in Memphis, where the two grew up. They were on opposite sides of a game called "War" – a version of roller derby in which the goal was to knock down your opponents by almost any means necessary. Elvis was impressed by Mr. West's fortitude during the game, even after splitting open his lip, hitting his head and getting knocked down several times by a girl. "He asked me if I had fun," Mr. West said. "I said, 'Sometimes.' "

The next night, Mr. West played on Elvis' team. The crooner later asked Mr. West to join his entourage, and the two became good friends. Elvis was best man at Mr. West's wedding. Mr. West was fired by Elvis in 1976, and he and others wrote a book about the King's problems with prescription drugs.

Mr. West said he had hoped the book would be a wake-up call for his friend, but Elvis died just weeks after it was published. Many of Elvis' fans were upset by the book at the time, though Mr. West said most have forgiven him. There are some, however, who will never understand, he said.

"To them, he is an icon, an image," said Mr. West, who now lives outside Nashville. "They forget he was a human being with human frailties. His frailty was his addiction."

Fort Worth resident and Elvis fan Jodon Hicks, one of the first in line to talk to Mr. West on Friday, said he felt the book was fair. He peppered Mr. West with questions about Elvis, listened to his answers and told some stories of his own. Mr. Jodon was 12 when he first saw Elvis. The young singer was playing at a high school dance in 1955.

"Three months later, I couldn't remember his name," Mr. Hicks, a former disc jockey, told Mr. West.

Many of the people who gathered around Mr. West – clad in black with dark-tinted glasses and a gold lightning-bolt necklace – wanted to hear stories of Elvis' life. A few were more interested in his death. One wanted to know what Mr. West thought of the people who believe the King will return someday.

"If you think he'd stay in hiding when Michael Jackson wanted to marry his daughter, there's no way," Mr. West said, laughing. "He never would have let that happen." (News, Source: Dallas Morning News)

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"Bald Elvis" in newspaper advertisement: After the Dutch, the Belgian news papers have begun a new campaign with a photo-shopped picture of Elvis. The message is obvious: at first, readers of the news paper will be amazed (what was Elvis' biggest fear? as the text reads), and then they’ll read the ad about a hair transplant factory. The article claims that EPE agreed so quickly, probably – as the article says – after the right amount of cash has been deposited.

Elvis News contacted EPE's Todd Morgan and his response was:

“Of course, EPE did not give permission for this silly thing. We'll pass it on to Licensing/Legal to check into in case they are not already aware. Unfortunately, trademark protections for deceased celebrities are very weak in Europe. This sort of thing is very easy to stop in the USA, but it's sometimes very difficult or even impossible to do something about in Europe. But, we'll see.”

"I wonder whom they "paid a lot of money." Definitely not EPE. Not a penny." (News, Source: Elvis News)

 

Quote:

"Elvis Presley is the supreme socio-cultural icon in the history of pop culture"

(Dr. Gary Enders)

Quote:

" Elvis is the 'glue' which holds our society together....which subconciously gives our world meaning"

(Anonymous)

Quote:

"Eventually everybody has to die, except Elvis"

(humorist Dave Barry)

Quote:

"He is the "Big Bang", and the universe he detonated is still expanding, the pieces are still flying"

(Greil Marcus, "Dead Elvis")

Quote:

"I think Elvis Presley will never be solved"

(Nick Tosches)

Quote:

"He was the most popular man that ever walked on this planet since Christ himself was here"

(Carl Perkins)

Quote:

"When I first heard Elvis' voice I just knew I wasn't going to work for anybody...hearing him for the first time was like busting out of jail"

(Bob Dylan)

Quote:

"When we were kids growing up in Liverpool, all we ever wanted was to be Elvis Presley"

(Sir Paul McCartney)

Quote:

"You can't say enough good things about Elvis. He was one of a kind"

(Johnny Cash)