The latest on www.elvisinfonet.com:

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

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

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

Happy Halloween from EIN

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

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

Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Martina McBride, Michael McDonald Earn Stars on Nashville's Music Mile: Music City, Inc. today announced the fifth class of inductees to the Music City Walk of Fame, presented by founding sponsor Gibson Guitar: Elvis Presley, Trace Adkins, Martina McBride, Michael McDonald, , Little Richard, Randy Travis and Jo Walker-Meador. The honorees will be recognized officially with the unveiling of commemorative sidewalk markers on Sunday, November 9, beginning at 2 p.m. in the Hall of Fame Park in downtown Nashville. The induction ceremony, which is sponsored by Great American Country (GAC), is free and open to the public. "We are pleased to honor the amazing

Elvis Christmas releases 2008: Yet another version of the Christmas Duets CD has been added to our releases spotlight. Plus more of your own reader feedback to the Duets CD review: Click here to the review

'Elvis Presley Vs. Spankox: Re:Versions' Canadian Release:  Released next month will be the official Canada release of Elvis' first remix album. Go here for dertials or to pre-order on Amazon.Ca for CDN$ 16.99. Release date November 11. (News, Source;JR/SPGMusic)

New David Stanley film 'Restoring My Father’s Honor' in pre-production: Impello Films have announced that it has begun pre-production work on its next feature film “Restoring My Father’s Honor.” From writer, producer, director D. Edward Stanley who captured international interest at his Cannes premier and later through the worldwide release of the Elvis Presley related film 'Protecting The King' in 2007, comes a true story that has been buried for more than fifty years. Restoring My Father’s Honor follows Stanley’s father, Master Sgt. William J. Stanley as he fights his way through D-Day on bloody Omaha Beach only to face an enemy in the form of Vernon Presley, father of Rock icon Elvis Presley. With his first feature film “Protecting The King” released worldwide in 2007, D. Edward Stanley now brings a true story to the screen that has been buried for more than 50 years. In 1958 Master Sgt. William (Bill) J. Stanley, 3rd Armored Division, was stationed in Frankfurt Germany with his wife and three young sons. That same year

On eBay for $1Million - an "Actual Fork" Elvis Used: Described as "This Would be A Perferct Gift For Any Elvis Fanatic!" is an "Actual Fork Elvis Presley ate off of in 1976" from a Bristol, Tn, Holiday Inn. The story goes, "As one of the maids came out of his room with a tray of dishes and left over food people swarmed to get whatever they could of the tray, it was mayhem! A friend of mine by the name of Kathy, brother in law got right in the mayham and was able to grab this fork. He gave it to Kathy because of her love for Elvis and he knew she wasn't going to get to see him at the concert. Since 1976 Kathy has kept the fork wrapped in plastic in a safe place. Looking at the fork closely there are still particles of food on it that has dryed on it. Kathy wants to sell it now because she really wants to be a blessing to her church , family and friends." EIN Note: How they know that Elvis used the fork, as opposed to anyone else in the room, is not explained. Buy Now for a cool $1 Million! there have been 11 bids so far. Go here to look - Auction closes 14 days. (News, Source;Ebay)

On eBay, for 50 cents, a genuine Elvis 1 Dollar Bill!: In contrast also on eBay is an "ELVIS PRESLEY USA ONE DOLLAR BILL 1977- COLLECTABLE". The seller states that it is a "1977 one dollar note, 1977, with a photos of Elvis on the front. Has a few tears - GENUINE LEGAL TENDER." Go here to look. Bidding starts a AU$1, about US 50cents! (News, Source;Ebay)

Graceland Holiday Lighting Ceremony to Shine Brighter than Ever with Martina McBride, Thomas Kinkade, St. Jude: Elvis' Graceland in Memphis will officially begin the holiday season on Friday, November 21 with the annual lighting of the traditional lights and decorations on the mansion property. The extensive spectacle includes hundreds of blue lights along the driveway, a life-size Nativity scene, Santa and his sleigh and much more originally displayed at Graceland by Elvis. Highlighting the activities will be Martina McBride who will be joined by St. Jude child patients to ‘flip the switch’ and officially light the 13.8 acre Graceland Property. Ms. McBride recently finished her participation in an all new holiday CD with Elvis. "Elvis Presley Christmas Duets" features many of today’s biggest country artists, including Carrie Underwood, Gretchen Wilson, Sarah Evans and LeAnn Rimes singing classic Elvis holiday songs with Elvis Presley. Another holiday treat is the unveiling of the new "Christmas at Graceland" painting by renowned artist Thomas

Elvis Christmas releases 2008: This year, possibly due to the multiple copies of the 'Duets' CD, there seems to be more Christmas releases than ever. Super Collector Barry McLean has provided us with a close-up look at some of his favourites. Go here for Christmas CDs. (News, Source/EIN/BarryMcLean)

An Elvis Presley mystery!: In 1956, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash got together for an informal jam session at Sun Records Studio. This well-known "Million Dollar Quartet" photo typically shows only the legendary singers, with the woman at the far right, thought to be named Marilyn Evans and Elvis' girlfriend at the time, cropped out. The mystery: What became of Evans? (Photo:Getty Images). "Million Dollar Quartet," now at The Apollo Theatre, tells the story of the impromptu 1956 jam session of Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash. What it doesn't divulge is an Elvis-related mystery that continues to confound historians as well as the show's playwrights.

Elvis Presley "Met" His Newborn Granddaughters Through A Medium: A UK tabloid newspaper reports (so it must be true!) that Elvis has 'met' his granddaughters through a medium. Lisa Marie Presley - the late music legend's daughter, who gave birth to twin daughters Finley and Harper earlier this month - asked a medium to introduce the babies to her father and was delighted when the spirit guide contacted the singer. Lisa Marie is quoted by Britain's Daily Star newspaper as saying: "This was my dad, this was Elvis coming through. I would know his energy anywhere and this was him, I have no doubt. Not only was it his voice but I could feel the exact same love he gave me when I was a little girl. It was so overwhelming that I started to cry." "The medium comforted me with his words by telling me that he was proud of me and the babies were beautiful, he's doing fine on the other side and he watches over me. And I sort of got acclimatized to this and dried my eyes and we had this amazing link." "The most comforting thing he told me is that even though he's not here physically any more he is still with me and he watches over the babies too." (Right: Lisa Marie in more innocent times!)

Elvis: Educator Or Entertainer?: "Elvis was the perfect singing machine". With Elvis Presley’s seventy-fourth birthday just around the corner on the eighth of January, it would seem there would be little new to learn about him, but it turns out there is. Although he may not have realized it, Elvis Presley’s sexy moves actually modeled the ideal physical techniques for supporting a rich, warm singing voice – techniques still studied today by some of the recording industry’s biggest stars. "Elvis was the perfect singing machine," says celebrity voice coach Renee Grant-Williams. "He had all the right moves." "I constantly reference Elvis in my teaching," claims Grant-Williams. "He had very strong legs, which he used as the basis for his support. He literally pushed into the floor using that karate-type crouch. He kept his entire upper body very loose so that it could resonate. And the way he cocked his head over the microphone really allowed the sound to vibrate freely." "Did he know what he was doing?" Grant-Williams asks. "Probably not, but he had extraordinary instincts and in his own way, I think he truly studied singing. He used to sit out on the back porch for hours on late summer nights with the guitar his mother gave him, trying to imitate the singers he heard at gospel churches and nightclubs." Grant-Williams has taught the wisdom of using Elvis’ techniques to stars such as Hannah Montana, Faith Hill, The Dixie Chicks, Tim McGraw, Larry Gatlin, Bo Bice, and Huey Lewis.

'I Got Lucky' and 'Elvis Presley Sings Hits From His Movies' new on CD: Sony/BMG Special Products division will release two more of Elvis' original Camden Budget albums on November 17. 'I Got Lucky' originally from 1971 and 'Elvis Presley Sings Hits From His Movies' 1972, are available for pre-order from Amazon at the cheap price of $7. Go here for more info. The original tracklisting for 'Elvis Sings Hits From His Movies' seemed a terrible marketing move coming so soon after Elvis' musical renaissance and featuring such drivel as 'Confidence', 'How Would You Like To Be' and 'Old MacDonald'. What was the Colonel thinking? (News, Source;Amazon/EIN)

'Inside Blue Hawaii' Cover preview: Here is the preview of Elvis Unlimited's 'Inside Blue Hawaii' book/box-set. This beautiful production will be a Christmas release. Available for order from Elvis Unlimited, priced at $80. As they say, "Order now to have under your Christmas tree for you or a loved one!" Go here for ordering information.     (News, Source:elvisunlimited.com)

Elvis is still Top-Earning Dead Celebrity:  Elvis tops the Forbes annual list once again - and without so much as lifting a finger, the Memphis Flash earned a whopping $52 million in the last year. That's more than some of the music industry's biggest living acts command - Justin Timberlake pulled in $44 million last year; Madonna $40 million. Elvis is the regular Number One in this top-earning list, with his record only tarnished in 2006 by a Kurt Cobain catalogue sell-off. So while things might be topsy-turvy in the financial markets above ground, it's still a bull market in the boneyard. The 13 famous names that make up the Forbes Top-Earning Dead Celebrities earned a combined $194 million over the last 12 months. The 30th anniversary of Elvis' death helped boost attendance and merchandise sales at Graceland, and new ventures such as an Elvis Sirius Satellite Radio show add to a long list of publishing and licensing deals. Debuting on the list in third place is Australian actor Heath Ledger, most famous for his role as the Joker in The Dark Knight, the latest instalment of the Batman movie franchise. At the time of his tragic overdose in January, the 28-year star seemed poised on the cusp of a lucrative film career. Ledger had reportedly secured a deal for his role in The Dark Knight that included merchandising (think Joker action figures) and a percentage of film revenues. With The Dark Knight grossing $991 million in box office revenue worldwide, we estimate his earnings at $20 million. Also debuting on our list is Paul Newman, who died in September at age 83. His "Newman's Own" line of salad dressings, organic popcorn and spaghetti sauces had sales of more $120 million last year. When he was alive, Newman donated all of his profits from the venture to charity, and his estate plans to continue doing so. Add in the residuals from a lifetime of high-profile movie roles, and we calculate Newman earned $5 million last year. Adding up paychecks of dead celebrities can be a wicked task--after all, they don't exactly sit for interviews. To get to the bottom line, we talked to experts and sources inside their estates and dug up the gross earnings (before taxes, management fees and other costs) from the period of October 2007 to October 2008. Some celebrities, like Charles Schulz and Albert Einstein, are staples on our list. They owe their spots to steady revenue streams from their artistic creations (planning to watch It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown again this Halloween?) and licensing of their names and images (the Baby Einstein brand is expanding to the young adult market this year). But finding other big earners meant scouring the cemetery for posthumous one-hit wonders.

'Hillcrest Blues' - Standing Room Only Tapes, Vol. 3: Here is the cover of the recently announced new Madison release which features the 'On Tour' studio rehearsals. Called 'Hillcrest Blues - Standing Room Only Tapes, Vol. 3' because one of the changes in 1972, after wife Priscilla left their marriage, was a move back into Elvis' empty Hillcrest home in Los Angeles, in early March. Was it any surprise that several of the songs done a few weeks later, at RCA's Studio C in nearby Hollywood, were downcast or bluesy?  When MGM's cameras moved in for a one-day "mock" session sequence, Elvis and band rocked it up with "Burning Love" and "Johnny B. Goode," but also showed Presley's true mood with selections like "For The Good Times," "Always On My Mind" and "Separate Ways."  Now, for the very first time, hear the complete, unedited March 30, 1972 "mock" session in superb STEREO! See below for track details. FTD released a similar CD from the same session 'On Tour: The Rehearsals' One of FTD's best releases, go here for EIN's review. (News, source FECC)

Priscilla Presley talks about the Homes she shared with Elvis: In the recent magazine Architectural Digest Priscilla recalls the residences she shared with the Star of Viva Las Vegas.  >> "By 1966 Elvis Presley’s film career was in the doldrums, a fact he recognized all too painfully. Told he would have to sing the children’s ditty “Old MacDonald” for the movie Double Trouble, the King is said to have cried out: “It’s come to this?” And in 1967 he began production on Girl Happy, where the most influential figure in the history of rock-and-roll was ultimately reduced to imploring us to “dig right in and do the clam”—a would-be dance craze that never really caught fire, strangely enough. At the same time, paradoxically, his personal life couldn’t have been happier. In the wee hours of May 1, 1967, Elvis and his longtime love, Priscilla Beaulieu, slipped away to Las Vegas and were married in a very private ceremony at the Aladdin Hotel. They returned later that afternoon to the house they’d been renting on Ladera Circle in Palm Springs. Originally built by the prolific local developer Robert Alexander for his wife, the home comprised four large circles of glass and stone set high on a hill, overlooking the Coachella Valley. After Elvis carried his bride over the threshold, the house instantly became known as the Honeymoon Hideaway. “That was our getaway house,” recalls Priscilla Presley.

'EIN's Best of Elvis on YouTube' October Update: Another Sensational 18 new clips added. This week we feature some fabulous fun videos including Elvis doing 'The Twist', 'Ghost Riders In the Sky' and a "Drum a-pella"  version of 'Rubber Necking'. We also have the rocking 'Way Down' live in concert and a Madison Square Garden 'Polk Salad Annie'. We have added the emotional 'Desert Storm' "listen Cilla" version of 'It's Midnight' and also 'You Gave Me A Mountain'. Plus we have discovered some funky remixes in 'Spinout' and the DJ Spankox 'Jailhouse Rock' plus lots more great Elvis. Once again the Elvis Internet Police have been removing a pile of worthy videos, so with over two hundred videos listed catch them before they get taken away! ('EIN's Elvis on YouTube', Source: EIN/YouTube)

The Mansfields to be guests at EPE 2009 Birthday Event: Rex Mansfield, who was inducted, trained and served with Elvis in the Army, and Elisabeth Mansfield, Elvis' secretary while he was stationed in Germany, will be special guests at the January 2009 Fan Club Presidents’ Event and Elvis Insiders Reception and Tour. Rex Mansfield was inducted into the Army on the same day as Elvis in March 1958 and went through basic training with him in Texas, travelled with him to Germany and they became close friends for the next 18 months. Elisabeth Stefaniak was a young German girl in 1958, and was hired to answer Elvis' fan mail. Elisabeth became romantically involved with Elvis, but was torn between her love for Elvis and her love for Rex. But she eventually chose Rex and they married in 1960. During the Elvis Insiders Reception and Tour on January 9, Rex and Elisabeth will be meeting fans, signing autographs and selling their book Sergeant Presley: Our Untold Story of Elvis' Missing Years. During the Fan Club Presidents’ Event on January 10, fans can hear Rex and Elisabeth sharing their stories about Elvis during his time in the Army. Following the fan club event, they will be signing autographs and selling copies of their book. Go here for EIN's exclusive interview with Rex & Elisabeth Mansfield.  Click here for more details on both EPE events. (News, Source;EPE/EIN)

'Elvis Presley - Christmas Duets' on-line review; Blog critic David Bowling has posted an on-line review giving the new Christmas duets album a positive write up - "It presents some classic Elvis in a new and creative way". Not surprisingly he rates the two blues numbers as the most enjoyable tracks, while Australia's own Olivia Newton-John who joins Elvis on 'O Come All Ye Faithful'doesn't come off so well. 'Santa Claus Is Back In Town' is probably the strongest track on the album. This is a blues rendition that fits Wynonna Judd well. She trades vocal runs with Elvis and more than holds her own. This is the track that I played over and over again. 'Merry Christmas Baby' is a second blues outing and another superior track. A piano and drums dominate the instrumental backing with some clear harmonica added on the break. Gretchen Wilson doesn’t really duet with Elvis but rather adds phasing that enhances his vocal. Go here for the full review. (News, Source;BlogCritics)

Martina McBride Flips Over Elvis; Country music's Martina McBride recorded "Blue Christmas" for the new Elvis Presley Christmas Duets album, and now she’s headed to Graceland Mansion to flip the switch for the annual lighting of the blue Christmas lights at the King’s former home. The event takes place Nov. 21 as Martina takes part in a tradition that Elvis instituted during his lifetime. The holiday blue lights were laid to rest for several years but reinstituted in 1982, and they’ve been a part of Memphis’ yuletide season ever since. Fans can attend the ceremony in person, or they can observe it via the GracelandCam at elvis.com. Martina’s not the only artist who’s added her vocals to Elvis’ on Christmas Duets. The project also features LeAnn Rimes, Carrie Underwood, Gretchen Wilson, Sara Evans, Wynonna Judd, Amy Grant, Anne Murray and Little Big Town members Kimberly Schlapman and Karen Fairchild. (News, Source;CMT)

Out Now - October FTD Releases: The new October 2008 'Follow That Dream' releases have been delivered to retailers. Initial reports are positive and, yes, Elvis Country is the original mix with the '10,000 Years ago' snippets in between the songs. "Nevada Nights" FTD details: Featuring 44 tracks, it includes Elvis stunning Opening Show from August 19th 1974 as well as the Midnight Show from August 21. "Elvis Country" FTD details: The new "Elvis Country" Classic Album comes in a 7" deluxe package and features 40 tracks, including 11 new "takes" and some undubbed masters. (News, Source;EIN)

'Hillcrest Blues' - Standing Room Only Tapes, Vol. 3: The next Madison release will not be another 'On Tour' concert but rather the studio rehearsals. Called 'Hillcrest Blues - Standing Room Only Tapes, Vol. 3' because one of the changes in 1972, after wife Priscilla left their marriage, was a move back into Elvis' empty Hillcrest home in Los Angeles, in early March. (Photo right; Elvis at Hillcrest).   Was it any surprise that several of the songs done a few weeks later, at RCA's Studio C in nearby Hollywood, were downcast or bluesy?  When MGM's cameras moved in for a one-day "mock" session sequence, Elvis and band rocked it up with "Burning Love" and "Johnny B. Goode," but also showed Presley's true mood with selections like "For The Good Times," "Always On My Mind" and "Separate Ways."  Now, for the very first time, hear the complete, unedited March 30, 1972 "mock" session in superb STEREO! No cover design as yet. Track listing: 01. Burning Love - take 1 (incomplete) / Here We Go Again (one liner) 3:10 ; 02. Burning Love - take 2  3:25 ; 03. Burning Love - take 3 / The Lord's Prayer (one liner) 3:19 ; 04. Sweet Sweet Spirit (one liner) 0:19 ; 05. For The Good Times (rehearsal) 2:52 ; 06. For The Good Times - take 1 (incomplete)

Priscilla Presley calls her Grandkids a 'Dream Come True': Priscilla Presley couldn't be happier to be a grandma again – and seeing double. "My daughter just had twins, so that's a dream come true," Presley, 63, told Entertainment Tonight" at a Dream Foundation charity event in Santa Barbara on Friday. "We are just thrilled," Presley said at the 7th Annual First Ladies for the grant-wishing organization, for which she is an ambassador. "It's been a real delight entering into the room and seeing these two little babies – it's been pretty terrific." Lisa Marie Presley and husband Michael Lockwood welcomed twin girls on Oct. 7 and named them Finley and Harper. Lisa Marie, 40 who already has two children – Riley, 19, and Benjamin, 16, by ex-husband Danny Keough – is "doing great" according to her mother. But for daddy Lockwood, fatherhood is a whole new experience. "Father's a little nervous," Presley said of her son-in-law. "He's a first-time dad, so it's the most beautiful thing to watch the way he holds and carries the babies. It's so endearing to watch how delicate he is." (News, Source;EIN/SanjaM)

Elvis "Cirque du Soleil" story on other Elvis websites is old news: Don't get too excited as several other Elvis websites in the last 2 days have repeated a 2006 CKX report about the potential opening of the Elvis 'Cirque du Soleil' show. This news story is unfortunately over two years old and there is still no confirmation of the opening date, nor of recent progress in the development. However potential auditions for the show have been recently advertised. The mention in the other stories of "The announcement of a creative partnership between CKX and Cirque du Soleil" dates from May 2006, not this year. Go here for the 2006 CKX original story. And cross your fingers that the recent financial woes of CKX do not impact on the project. (News, Source;EIN)

George Hamilton's Memoirs of the Colonel and Elvis: George Hamilton talks about his juicy new memoir, 'Don't Mind If I Do' . . "...........Along the way he forged friendships with the likes of Grant, Mitchum, George Peppard, Imelda Marcos and even Elvis Presley's notorious manager, Colonel Tom Parker. The publicist assigned to Hamilton while he was making 1960's "Home From the Hill" for director Vincente Minnelli suggested he give Parker a call about becoming his manager. The Colonel was only handling Elvis but suggested that Hamilton look him up on the MGM lot. They finally met about six months later and became fast friends. Though the Colonel had the reputation of being a charlatan and even misguiding Presley's career, Hamilton says that was far from reality. "I saw the Colonel operate and saw what he did for Elvis and how smart he was," said Hamilton. "The Colonel would say to Elvis, 'You can't be in film and on stage at the same time. You don't want to compete with yourself.' Elvis didn't want to work that hard. He liked to be with the Memphis guys. He liked to play paddle tennis and play touch football. And you had a choice -- you could either be Elvis' friend or the Colonel's friend."...... (News, Source;EIN/SanjaM)

'Elvis Inspirational Memories' tin-can set: Another special tin-can set for collectors from EPE and SONY/BMG. It features a nine track CD, DVD, postcards and guitar shaped candle! Thanks to super-collector Barry McLean. (News, Source; Barry Mclean)

Strong response to the Rabbi's view on an Elvis stamp!: Yesterday we published Rabbi Ben Kamin's opinion on why an Elvis stamp should not have been released in the US. Your response was overwhelming, as epitomised by the following comments:

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Dear Rabbi Ben Kamin, You profess that you adore Elvis, yet you say he abused alcohol. Elvis did not drink alcohol.

The Postal Service did the right thing because they chose to commemorate a legend in not only music history but American culture as well. While it is a known fact that Elvis had problems with prescribed legal medications, this is not the reason the Postal Service chose him for the stamp.

Elvis Presley served his Country in the Army, donated thousands of dollars to charities, raised the money needed to finish the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, gave to tornado relief in Mississippi, was one of the first celebrities to endorse the Polio vaccine, united white and black cultures through his music when it was obvious that the Christian and Judaic religions could not, changed the way the world listens to music and always respected and gave of his time to his fans. His talent, showmanship, impact, stage presence were like no other. These are the reasons he was chosen to be on the stamp. How does that make him a bad role model? You're blaming the problems of the youth of today on Elvis Presley? Thats quite a stretch. As a supposed man of God, you should be ashamed of what you wrote. I would think you would see the good person he was and what he did. Its your Tabloid style writing and the blurring of facts that does a disservice to the memory of Elvis Presley.

All The Best, Cory Cooper, Elvis Historian (ElvisExpert@aol.com)

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Love Me Tender Shop closes: In a couple of days notice regarding the closing of the business. Satoshi, the former manager of the Love Me Tender shop in Memphis had this to say about the closing of the shop. Satoshi is very well known to fans who travel to Memphis. He was also employed at Memories Of Elvis on Elvis Presley Blvd until their lease with EPE ran out.

"It is with great sadness that we must announce that Love Me Tender Memphis will close its door for the last time on Sunday, October 5, 2008. Although we have been here less than two years, we have met a lot of Elvis fans from all over the world. We have been very fortunate to have a store in a building that has so much Elvis history. We are also proud to have played a role in keeping Elvis' legacy alive on Beale Street. We have tried to always promote his memory in a positive way. We hope that his presence on this street will not fade away after we leave.

We have made a lot of friends here. We wish that we could say good-bye to all of you personally, unfortunately, time does not permit us to do that since we were only given short notice to vacate.

So, we will close with a big "THANK YOU" to all of the loyal customers that have supported our efforts here.

We hope that you enjoyed shopping with us at Love Me Tender Memphis, and we hope to see you again some day."

In addition to the closing of the shop, the EP Delta Kitchen formerly EP Memphis has also closed. (News, Source: EP Gold)

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Reissue of German book: Publisher Oldenburger BPlusU-Verlag will release a new version of the book Der King In Deutschland 1958-1960. The book by Heinrich Burk and Hans-Ulrich Elter will get an extra chapter on Elvis' arrival in Bremen and counts 170 pages. The book will be issued in both German and English. (News, Source: EPGold)

Should there be an Elvis Stamp in the US? - The Elvis Stamp….Return To Sender?: Rabbi Ben Kamin is an Elvis fan but he does not believe that the US Postal Service should have issued an Elvis stamp. Read why: One of those remarkable people called a ‘philatelist’ visited me the other day with a voluminous collection of stamps. This fellow, who even carries around a special moist sponge for his stamps (“It’s so crass to lick a stamp,” he snarls), is actually a member of the American Philatelic Society.   He is very disappointed in the current lack of artistic merit in US stamps, and is opposed to the self-sticking variety. He takes great pride in his anthology of cancelled samples and really possesses a pronounced sense of history and citizenship.

But Elvis Presley should not have a stamp in his memory. You can love Elvis, you can know every lyric of his haunting ballads, but you can still sense that there is something wrong with engraving this tragic man on our letters and cards. Elvis Presley died ignominiously and self-abusively. He killed himself with drugs, alcohol, and indulgence. The end of his life came to be a cacophony of blind extravagance and gross irresponsibility.   He was not martyred; he was stoned.

Elvis Presley, brilliant, stunning, original, nevertheless became as sick in spirit was he was sublime in song. His music was good; his life-style was bad. Can’t we acknowledge the difference? At the time of the release of the Presley stamp, some officials of the Postal Service did acknowledge the concerns of educators and psychologists who mentioned the poor role model Elvis had become—as well as the culture of Elvis “sightings” and reincarnations that blur the difference between life and death for kids. 

I don’t want a dead Elvis on a stamp; better a live Elvis on a stage. Remember when the government canted the refrain, “Just say no!”? (News, Source: Rabbi Ben Kamin, Spiritual Examiner....www.examiner.com)

Aussie Chart Update: On this week's ARIA Music DVD Chart, Elvis: The King of Rock 'N' Roll rises 1 place to #4. This represents its highest position on the chart to date! The DVD, which is certified Platinum in Australia, has been on the chart now for 28 weeks. (News, Source: ARIA)

Asian CD releases: On eBay Elvis News found these two new asian releases. One is a straight copy of the "Ultimate Gospel" compilation, the other features two compilations on two discs in a slipcase.

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Full names of Lisa's twin girls announced: Lisa Marie and husband Michael have apparently named their twin girls: Harper Vivienne Ann Lockwood & Finley Aaron Love Lockwood. Interesting to see the boys name "Aaron" included. The names acknowledge Elvis (Aaron), Gladys (Love) and Priscilla (Ann). (News, Source: Various)

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"Elvis Has Landed Music Festival" postponed: Dear Elvis fan/friend, It is with deep regret that we must cancel/postpone due to unforeseen circumstances the upcoming "Elvis Has Landed Music Festival" in Cocoa Beach on October 17-19, 2008. A new location and spring time date will be forthcoming. Poor ticket sales were cited as the reason for the postponement, according to Florida.com.

Please check periodically www.elvis.com/ultimatecontest/2009/ and/or www.elvishaslanded.com for further details. Thank you for understanding. (News, Source: Charmaine Jensen-Voisine/Karen Crozier/Florida.com)

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Celebrate Elvis' Birthday in Memphis: Tickets for Elvis' Birthday Celebration in January are on sale now through Graceland Reservations and online at Elvis.com. Celebrate with fun Elvis-themed events, including an Elvis Birthday Pops Concert, Elvis Insiders Reception and Tour with special guests The Memphis Boys, a Birthday ceremony on the front lawn and much more. (News, Source: EPE)

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Halloween Promotion: Make a statement this Halloween with an Elvis costume. ShopElvis has a variety of costumes available for fans of all ages as well as a large selection of costume accessories. Through October 31, Save 15% on all costume accessories with any adult costume and get a free glitter microphone with the purchase of any Youth costume. (News, Source: EPE)

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"hounddog" box office update: After 4 weeks of limited screening in the US (only 5 theatres), the controversial Dakota Fanning film, "hounddog" has accumulated a box office gross of US$64,734.00. This week the film dropped 4 places to #73 on the US Box Office report. (News, Source: Yahoo Movies)

Unsold Elvis Musuem heading to storage (for now): Wright City's former Elvis museum is taking a vacation. But it's not traveling very far.Owner Andy Key and his wife have moved most of the collection into storage for now until he returns from military duty in Missouri.
 
Key, 39, of Laurel, Miss., twice failed to sell the Elvis is Alive museum on EBay. But Elvis had no bidders, even after Key reduced his asking price to $13,500 from $15,000.
 
Key felt he had to sell it after being called to military duty. He must report for National Guard training by tomorrow at Fort Leonard Wood. He has already left home. 

"A lot of people want to say that Elvis has now died, but he hasn't," his wife Lori Key, 34, said today.
 
She said her husband hopes to relocate and reopen the museum after he returns.
 
"He loves Elvis," she said.
 
Meanwhile, the Keys are still open to interested buyers.
 
Selling the collection on eBay worked for the former owner, Bill Beeny, a Baptist minister, who ran the museum of Interstate 70 for more than 15 years until he sold it in 2007. Key reopened it in June in Hattiesburg, Miss.

The collection includes hundreds of photographs, newspaper and magazine clippings, copies of FBI files, a drivable replica of Elvis' Cadillac, a gravestone and a full-size bronze casket with a wax Elvis head attached to a fake, stuffed body. (News, Source: Joel Currier, St, Louis Post-Dispatch)

Winter at Graceland website: EPE has unveiled their new 'Winter at Graceland' website. They state "The arrival of winter at Graceland was always special time of year. It meant the holiday season was fast approaching and the anticipation of all the fun things the season would bring, including decorating for Christmas, the annual New Years Eve party, Elvis’ birthday, building snowmen in the front yard of Graceland and more. No matter where you are staying warm this winter season, you can experience the beauty and magic of Elvis and Graceland online with lots of Elvis winter and holiday content, including e-cards, wallpapers, videos, trivia games, a special Web cam and much more." Click here to find out more. (News, Source;EPE)

New Thomas Kinkade "Graceland Christmas" painting: From the press release: “Kinkade, America's most collected living artist, has captured on canvas what Elvis was able to do with his music,” stated Tammy Ashker, owner of the Thomas Kinkade Gallery at Wolfchase Galleria. “The King of Rock and Roll was an inspiration to millions worldwide, and his music, like Thomas Kinkade's art, is enjoyed by millions. We are looking forward to the release of the limited edition canvas so that our collectors will have the opportunity to enjoy the truly American landmark known as Graceland." Prices range from 750 to 7950 $US. Click here for more details from Kinkade’s Gallery. (News, Source;elvismatters)

Elvis genuine Roman sculpture sell for US$42,000: Carved in the second century this Roman marble head that looks remarkably like Elvis – right down to the quiff – was sold for £24,000 at auction yesterday. The 13-inch carving, which came from a 2nd century AD sarcophagus, was bought by an unnamed collector at a Bonhams sale in London. Antiquities specialist Georgiana Aitken said: “It bears an uncanny likeness to Elvis. It’s the quiff that does it. It wasn’t a hairstyle of the day as far as I know.”   (News, Source;SanjaM)

BMG release two 'Genre' collections: SONY/BMG in the UK have released two box-sets each combining three of the individual 'Genre' CDs as released back in 2006. The first combines 'Movies', 'Live' and 'R&B' while the second features 'Country', 'Inspirational' and 'Rock'. While many fan sites were dismissive of these mid-price collections, EIN was quite impressed - especially with the sound improvements. The 'LIVE" CD was particularly impressive. Release date 13 October. Go here for EIN's 'Genre' reviews. (News, Source;EIN)

'Christmas Duets' white cover release?: This very interesting alternate white cover version of the new Christmas Duets album appears to be available through the UK on-line reseller Play.       (News, Source;ElvisNews)

Canadian 'Christmas Duets' released: Here is the Canadian Edition of the 'Christmas Duets' release with a front stickers also noting the Canadian bonus track 'On a snowy Christmas Night' with Renée Martel. (News, Source; Barry Mclean)

New 'Million Dollar Quartet' Musical is a hit! Opening in Chicago on October 5th the critics have embraced the show, which is driven by period pop numbers including "Blue Suede Shoes," "Fever," "Sixteen Tons," "Who Do You Love?," "Great Balls of Fire," "Ghost Riders in the Sky" and "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On." The performances at Goodman's Owen Theatre continue to Oct 26 with the show moving to the Chicago Apollo on Oct 31. A Seattle run preceded the Chicago bow. The show is directed by Eric Schaeffer and Floyd Mutrux from with a book by Mutrux and Colin Escott. Here's how producers characterize the experience: "On Dec. 4, 1956, an auspicious twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley together.

'December Night' new import CD: The forthcoming release from the "SR" label scheduled for the middle of November is titled "December Night" and will feature an unreleased complete show from Las Vegas December 4th, 1976 Midnight Show. The Press release states that although it is yet another audience recording it is. . "In great audio quality. As everybody knows SR concentrates on the early 70's live period of Elvis' activity; however in the past we pressed The Sound of Vegas vol.1 with focus on August 1973. This time, after fans requests, our tenth release will be a concert from the Vegas December 76 season, we are proud to present a very rare and complete show. Despite 1976 being not a great year, Elvis' love of singing is clear in this tape and we are glad to give you the opportunity to listen to it. The Midnight Show from December 4th, as presented on this CD is a great show, with a great variety of songs, all performed with quality in a very high standard. If we look closely at the last Vegas season, we can see that Elvis although a little tired is still able to concentrate on the music to produce great shows. Elvis sings straight to the audience with pauses and jokes, but the performance is still solid; the variety of the repertoire is presented superbly. Songs like I got a Woman, You Gave Me a Mountain or Polk Salad Annie sound great; he presents some good oldies like Lawdy Miss Clawdy, Trying To Get To You and Jailhouse Rock which are performed well. The vocal power is demonstrated in the last single HURT where Elvis’ voice reaches practically the sky, followed immediately by Hawaiian Wedding Song one of his best ballads. With the exception of some jokes like It’s Now Or Never or Hound Dog the show is PERFECT and is a pleasure to hear over and over thanks also to the fantastic audio quality that gives us the possibility for a hour to go back to the past. The best song from this midnight show is very hard to find, because the repertoire is solid, however we think the middle of You Gave me A Mountain and Polk Salad Annie has the right spirit of the show and the season. This recording came from an early generation copy of the master tape; the sound quality is Very Very Good considering the limitation of the Audience Tape. The sound is clear with no audience background noise, the mix is great with practically all instrument presented in the original balance without any manipulation, a GREAT Tape For A Great Show a rare combination that we hope you can enjoy.

Love Me Tender Shop & EP Delta Kitchen in Memphis close-down: The 'Love Me Tender' shop in Memphis has closed with the former manager Satoshi commenting, "It is with great sadness that we must announce that Love Me Tender Memphis will close its door for the last time on Sunday, October 5, 2008. Although we have been here less than two years, we have met a lot of Elvis fans from all over the world. We have been very fortunate to have a store in a building that has so much Elvis history. We are also proud to have played a role in keeping Elvis' legacy alive on Beale Street. We have tried to always promote his memory in a positive way. We hope that his presence on this street will not fade away after we leave. We have made a lot of friends here. We wish that we could say good-bye to all of you personally, unfortunately, time does not permit us to do that since we were only give. So, we will close with a big "THANK YOU" to all of the loyal customers that have supported our efforts here. We hope that you enjoyed shopping with us at Love Me Tender Memphis, and we hope to see you again some day." Satoshi was also employed at Memories Of Elvis on Elvis Presley Blvd until their lease with EPE ran out. In addition to the closing of the shop, the EP Delta Kitchen formerly EP Memphis has also announced its closure. This happened previously with the restaurant only being resurrected for the 30th Anniversary celebrations in 2007. (News, Source;EIN/elvisunlimited)

EPE 'Elvis Week 2008' Website Receives Award: The recent Elvis Week 2008 website received the Entertainment Standard of Excellence award from the Web Marketing Association. This organization annually presents the prestigious WebAward for superior website development. The Elvis Week 2008 site won in the Entertainment category. Entries were judged on design, copy writing, innovation, content, interactivity, navigation, and use of technology. According to the Web Association, “Judges from all over the world reviewed and critiqued some of the most comprehensive Web sites available on the Internet and the winners speak for themselves. There are 96 industry categories and each site goes head-to-head with other

Calling all Elvis impersonators!: Local Australian Elvis impersonators are invited to star in a one-off promotional photo shoot at the Dish this Saturday to help publicise the annual Elvis Birthday Festival in Parkes, NSW. The photos will be used for year-round promotional material for the CountryLink Parkes Elvis Festival, one of which will hopefully appear on large advertising signs on three approaches into Parkes. For the opportunity to be part of this exciting project meet at the CSIRO Radio Telescope Visitor Car Park at 3pm wearing your best Elvis suits and bling. The Elvis Committee would love to see you, including all you Priscillas out there. "We're trying to enhance promotional material that tells visitors year round that we are the Elvis Capital of Australia and these signs are a perfect way to let people know all about the Festival and the town's ties to the King," Festival Coordinator Ellie Ruffoni said. "Signs You See have generously offered to donate the signs and Trudy McMaster has kindly offered to take the photos for us. "We are looking for one shot in particular to include Elvis impersonators at the Dish for the signs but will take many more to help us promote the Festival throughout the year. "We aim to utilise the talent on the day in all different formations and poses." Preparations for the 2009 festival are well underway, with several new additions to the program being added next year. 2009 official souvenir programs will be available from the Visitor Information Centre at the end of October for $5 each. They detail a full listing of events, maps, information and much more. For more information, contact the Parkes Visitor Information Centre. Go here for EIN's Spotlight on the Parkes festival. (News, Source EIN/SanjaM)

Lisa Marie Names Twins Finley and Harper: Lisa Marie Presley has named her girl twins Finley and Harper. Lisa Marie and her husband, rocker Michael Lockwood, welcomed the babies on Oct. 7. Lisa Marie and hubby Michael Lockwood welcomed twin baby girls on Tuesday, Oct. 7. The bundles of joy are the couple's first children together. Lisa Marie gave birth by C-section at 2:46pm. The babies weighed 5 pounds, 15 ounces and 5 pounds, 2 ounces. The newborns and mom are happy and healthy and resting at home. The news broke in August that Lisa Marie, 40, and Michael, 47, were expecting twins. Earlier in March, when news of the pregnancy broke, Priscilla Presley said that she was "ecstatic" at the prospect of becoming a grandmother again. As it turns out, twins run in the Presley family. Lisa Marie's legendary dad, Elvis was a twin, and her mom Priscilla has younger brothers who are twins. Lisa Marie also has two children with ex-husband Danny Keough. (Right, Grandmother Priscilla and Lisa Marie at the Annual William S. Paley TV Festival's "Elvis '68" at the ArcLight Theater on March 14) (Lisa Marie Presley's World, Source;SanjaM)

October FTD Releases Delayed: According to insider information, the October 2008 'Follow That Dream' releases will be delivered around October 20th to FTD retailers. "Nevada Nights" FTD details: Featuring 44 tracks, it includes Elvis stunning Opening Show from August 19th 1974 as well as the Midnight Show from August 21. "Elvis Country" FTD details: The new "Elvis Country" Classic Album comes in a 7" deluxe package and features 40 tracks, including 11 new "takes" and some undubbed masters. (News, Source;EIN)

Beware, Fake Elvis Sun Acetate on Ebay: Described as genuine, this acetate is a fake. This original Sun acetate with the song "That's When Your Heartaches Begin", was being offered on eBay. Sadly it was sold for $2,300. Of course, apart from the personal copy Elvis recorded no other copies were made since these private recordings were cut live onto once-off acetate discs. This however is the description from EBay: "Here offered is the 78rpm acetate single of: Elvis Presley on the SUN label. The song title : That's When Your heartaches Begin. Label is nice with slight yellow aging spots and has DJ writing on it "as seen in the pictures. The vinyl-shellac is near mint "few very very very minor surface storage scuffs" and plays beautiful. This is a mega rare 50's Elvis Presley acetate from the Sun Studios and what is very interesting is that under the Sun label you can see some of the first label that was put on this acetate and then changed it & the Sun label was applied over it. The label underneath is "Memphis Recording Studio" and does have typed information on it that appears to have Elvis' name and same song title that is on the Sun label. Also to mention is that the version of the song on this acetate is shorter then the commercial release on the RCA label.." etc.... Click here to see the item:  See EIN's Spotlight 'Are you paying too much for Elvis memorabilia'. (News, Source;EIN/FECC)

New iTunes Elvis releases: Another iTunes Elvis Christmas Album has been released this time under the 'Only The Best' banner, from N2K and featuring 12 Christmas tracks. Also out this month is 'Another Side of Elvis Presley' featuring the usual fifties public domain 26 tracks, from the Delta label. (News, Source;iTunes)

Aussie chart update: Showing great resilience in a crowded Music DVD market, Elvis The King of Rock 'n' Roll climbed into the ARIA Top 10 (yet again) this week. It rose 6 places to #5 after 27 weeks in the chart. The disc is certified Platinum in Australia. (News, Source: ARIA)

Lisa Marie's twin special: Elvis Presley's only known child, Lisa Marie Presley, gave birth to twin girls earlier this week. This isn't just any old celebrity baby news. It means that Elvis has finally been reincarnated. First of all, it's well-known that greatness skips a generation. Secondly, although Lisa Marie already has two kids from a previous marriage, those kids weren't twins. Why is that important? Do you even have to ask? Elvis—who shares a birthday with David Bowie and a certain weekend editor—had a twin brother, Jesse Garon Presley, who died at birth on January 8, 1935. The implications are mind-boggling. 31 years after Elvis' death, and 73 years after Jesse Garon's untimely demise, the Presley boys are back to save the world—as girls! Rejoice, people! Everything's gonna be fine! (Lisa Marie Presley's World, Source: The Gawker)

CD release update: The "Christmas Duets" CD from SONY / BMG has been released. On this album a variety of female country stars sings a duet with Elvis Presley and three Christmas songs were remixed with new instrumental and vocal backings. The import release "Then Sings My Soul" from the Rainbow Records import label is available too. The double CD contains the never before released Midnight Show of May 7, 1976 from the 1976 Sahara Tahoe – Engagement. Both discs run close to 80 minutes and the package comes with a twenty pages full-color booklet. (News, Source: Elvis News)

Largest Velvet Elvis - The Tattoo Factory, Chicago: At the Tattoo Factory in Chicago, stands what is currently the largest velvet Elvis, at four metres by four metres. Elvis is pictured with a tear in his eye. (News, Source: The Gazette/Rueters)

Latest issue of "Elvis International" magazine announced: Here is the cover of the new Birthday Issue '09 below.  If you're not already a subscriber, please join us with your subscription or take advantage of the Special Offer for sample back issue.   Quality You Can See and Feel...   Elvis Stories and Memories you can Believe...   Respect He Deserves...   A Magazine Elvis would be proud of...   Best Regards,   Darwin Lamm Publisher, "Elvis... The Magazine" Email Darwin Lamm

Lisa Marie gives birth to twin girls: Lisa Marie Presley has given birth to twin girls, Star has learned. The 40-year-old daughter and heir of Elvis Presley had her babies on Friday, Oct. 10, at Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center in Thousand Oaks, Calif.

Her husband, musician Michael Lockwood, 47, was by her side "the whole time," a friend of the family tells Star.

Lisa Marie’s two older children, Riley, 21, and Ben, 16, from her first marriage to Danny Keough, were also present for the twins' arrival.

“Lisa Marie is mom to four now! She’s feeling good, a little tired too,” a friend of the family tells Star. “She is so happy and Michael is ecstatic. He’s wanted to be a dad for so long. This is his dream come true.”

The birth went along without a hitch. “There was no drama. The babies are healthy and beautiful. Ben was seen pushing them down the hall in their cart and cooing to them,” the friend says. (Lisa Marie Presley's World, Source: Star Magazine/Charmaine Voisine)

Elvis' Influence as an Albums Artist: Throughout his career Elvis was considered to be a Singles artist rather than an Albums artist. This view was consistent with Singles being the dominant recorded music format during his first period of chart dominance. Singles dominated sales until 1968 when Albums outsold Singles for the first time. Despite Elvis' as a Singles artist, a number of his albums have become iconic, due to either their recordings (eg. From Elvis In Memphis) or a combination of music and cover artwork (Elvis Presley; Elvis: '68 Comeback Special). In this "pictorial" Spotlight, it is the latter element we focus on as we present a cross-section of album covers which have copied Elvis' iconic record from 1958.......50,000,000 Elvis Fans Can't Be Wrong (Spotlight, Source: EIN)

Does Elvis have a half-sister?: EIN has established an archives of news stories, articles, commentary and reader feedback (including Marty Lacker) about Eliza Presley's claim that her father was Vernon Elvis Presley. Now that a Memphis judge has allowed the claim to proceed it will be very interesting to see what ensues and whether or not Ms Presley's DNA evidence stands up in court. Visit EIN's Eliza Presley news archives

Ger Rijff contributing to "Inside Blue Hawaii: Elvis Unlimited announced that Ger Rijff decided to contribute to the next installment in the "Inside" series. Previously Ger Rijff stated that "Inside Love Me Tender" would be the last book he contributed to. According to the fan club the interest in the "Inside Blue Hawaii" book is the most so far. "And we can promise some very rare pictures, and lots of great memorabilia". Ger Rijff added to a posting to the announcement from the Elvis Unlimited fan club president Henrik Knudsen on the FECC forum: "Hey-ho! Knuds, dont overdo your promotion campaign! I've handed over some Blue Hawaii related material for you to use. That's it. Inside Love Me Tender was a different story all together, simply because a lot of the LMT material was meant for my own edition that never was... Anyway, you have a strong enough team of co-workers to clear the Blue Hawaii job without any serious input from me. But I dont mind to lend a helping hand, should I find more BH related material." (News, Source: Elvis Unlimited/FECC/Elvis News)

Finnish Edition Christmas Duets: Hanna Pakarinen, the winner of the Finnish edition of Idols in 2004, will sing a duet on Finnish edition of the upcoming "Christmas Duets" CD.

In this international project singers from different countries will duet with late Elvis and Hanna Pakarinen was approved by the Presley family after they saw and heard her. she and Elvis will perform "Winter Wonderland". (News, Source: Elvis News)

Judge Rules that Woman Can Make Claim to Presley Estate: A Memphis judge ruled today a woman claiming to be Elvis Presley's half sister could make a claim to Vernon Presley's estate.  Bill Bradley, the attorney representing Elvis Presley's interests, said the claim will not get her anywhere. A woman who changed her name to Eliza Presley testified in court Wednesday that she has DNA evidence that Vernon Presley, Elvis' Father, is her father. Eliza Presley's attorney said the DNA evidence is reliable. "They've been tested in and retested by various labs and proof is conclusive," Eliza Presley's attorney Kathleen Caldwell said. Cameras were not allowed in the courtroom when Eliza Presley testified about the DNA. But she said she got Elvis' DNA from an envelope given to her by a person named Jesse. When she was questioned about who Jesse is, she said Elvis is using the assumed name of Jesse. Eliza Presley's mother Florence Clark said the story is not true.

'Christmas Duets' Australian & UK releases Postponed: Both Sony/BMG Australia and Sony/BMG UK have delayed the release of  the highly anticipated 'Christmas Duets'. In Australia it will now be in the shops November 1, 2008. The UK release date is November 3rd. The USA release date is 2 weeks earlier on October 14. Click here for the "Making Of" Elvis Christmas Duets video.     (News, Source;SonyBMG)

"The Memphis Boys" announced for the Annual Elvis Insiders Birthday Celebration: EPE is excited to announce that our special guests for the Elvis Insiders Graceland Tour and Reception will be the Memphis Boys. January 13, 2009 marks the 40th anniversary of Elvis’ historic recording sessions at American Sound Studios. Gene Chrisman, Bobby Wood, Bobby Emmons, Reggie Young and Mike Leach are all part of the self-named rhythm section that served as the house band on those recording sessions. Sadly their lead-singer would not agree to a 2009 reunion concert. The Memphis Boys also served as the house band for many different hits with many artists like Dusty Springfield ("Son of a Preacher Man"), The Boxtops ("The Letter," "Cry Like a Baby"), BJ Thomas ("Hooked on a Feeling," "I Just Can't Help Believing"), and many more. In twelve days, Elvis cut 36 sides at American Sound and the sessions produced some of his best work. “In the Ghetto,” “Suspicious Minds,” and “Don’t Cry Daddy” all went gold, and “Kentucky Rain” was also a huge success. Two albums also came from the sessions: From Elvis in Memphis and From Memphis to Vegas/From Vegas to Memphis, and they both went platinum. The very best of the raw studio sessions are featured on the essential FTD 'Memphis Sessions'. (News, Source;EPE)

'American Music Legends' 3 DVD set: Featuring Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Tony Bennett a 3 DVD box set running 200 minutes in total. Described as "combines Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Tony Bennett, three American music icons with distinctly different styles in one unique DVD box set. This three DVD set contains hours of rare live performances including these Legends singing several of their #1 hits." The Elvis section supposedly features "previously unseen and revealing footage and rare recordings" which EIN very much doubts! From 'Well Go USA' with a release date of November 11, 2008 (Region1 U.S/Canada).   (News, Source; Amazon)

Twist in Vernon paternity case; Mom says daughter is not sister of Elvis: Former Whitehaven resident Florence Clark says she spent some time at Graceland as a teen, but that her daughter most definitely was not fathered by Vernon Presley. Her daughter, Alice Elizabeth Tiffin, now 46, filed a petition in Memphis two weeks ago claiming to have DNA proof that she is Vernon's daughter -- and Elvis' half-sister -- and seeking to be named an heir. She recently changed her name to Eliza A. Presley. In an intriguing twist her mother now says that her daughter, who she put up for adoption at birth, also used to claim Elvis was her father and that anyone with common sense would know both claims are bogus. "There is no Presley connection," said Clark, 67, who lives in Oregon. "I would be rich if there was a Presley connection. Do you think I would walk away from that? Would any girl walk away from that if they had a child by Vernon or Elvis?" Vernon Presley died in 1979 at age 63. Elvis died in 1977 at age 42. In her Probate Court petition, Eliza Presley, who was born in 1962 in Texas, says she

Book Review - ELVIS, Dave Marsh (Times Book/Straight Arrow Publishers Inc., USA, 1982, Hardback, 245 pages, Illustrated, ISBN: 08129094X. (Re-issued numerous times, principally in softcover format, since 1982) On its release, either aggressively lauded as a masterful tour de force or a pretentious, overblown biography on Elvis. Marsh’s intellectual prose is certainly not to everyone’s liking but his ‘Elvis’ has stood the test of time exceptionally well. Littered with great shots of Elvis in concert - several of the 1950’s visuals are dramatically symbolic of the enormity of Elvismania at its peak. Marsh weaves an almost surrealist tale of a simple country boy thrust into an initially magical world of women and riches far beyond his wildest dreams. There are so many moments of rare insight and illumination in Marsh’s book that it is difficult to determine which, if any, are more important than others. The following text reflects both the power of the rags to riches success Elvis experienced and the countervailing forces opposing the liberation of a free, independent spirit in the land that pretentiously prides itself on the rights of the individual to free expression:

Superficially, Elvis’ goals had been realized. He was a star of stage, screen, radio, television and recordings, easily the biggest name in American entertainment, an international figure so persuasively attractive that in other lands, young people had begun to dream of the U.S. as the land where anyone might grow up to become not president but Presley, ruler of his own destiny. But Elvis’ act of self-invention was unwelcome at home. In addition to the media and social forces allied against the outbreak of hillbilly barbarism, there stood the United States government’s Selective Service System (conscription).

The author is both critic and sympathizer about the King of Rock and Roll and one suspects stands as most of us do, in awe of the incredible primal talent and impact that one man possessed and unleashed upon the world. Includes a solid bibliography. Some of Marsh’s analysis has been questioned in recent times (see in particular: Elvis After Elvis by Gilbert B. Rodman). Recommended. (Book Review, Source: Elvis In Print: The Definitive Bibliography & Price Guide)

Availability: Hard to find, but copies often available through Amazon & Barnes & Noble

Elvis - Concerts book: This is the full cover of the new JAT book "Elvis - Concerts" due for release at the end of October. It should be impressive if it continues in the same style as the recent top-class '68 at 40' JAT publication.     (News, Source:JAT)

Competition Winners - The Best Elvis Album: Last month we ran a competition asking you to name your favorite Elvis album. In response we received over 250 entries! The lucky 6 winners of an Elvis CD (courtesy of Sony BMG) are: Cate Curtin Peter Dunne Joan Gansky Christopher Miles Marcella Terrel Celia Wenbown

And your favorite 10 Elvis albums were:

1. From Elvis In Memphis/Suspicious Minds: The Memphis Anthology
2. Elvis Presley (1956)
3. Elvis Is Back
4. Elvis: Aloha From Hawaii
5. Elvis: The '68 Comeback Special
6. Elvis Country
7. Elvis (1956)
8. How Great Thou Art
9. Elvis' Golden Records Volume 1
10. Elvis' Christmas Album (1957)

The list of albums nominated was diverse (over 100 titles) and included The King of Rock 'n' Roll: The Complete 50's Masters (boxset); From Memphis To Vegas/From Vegas To Memphis; Love Letters from Elvis; Inspirations; The Sun Sessions; Moody Blue; On Stage February 70; Elvis' Golden Records Volume 3; Elvis In Concert; Elvis: Greatest Country Songs; Almost In Love; Promised Land; Pot Luck; Something For Everybody; Amazing Grace; Elvis '56; He Touched Me; Flaming Star; Worldwide Gold Award Hits Volume 1; and Elvis: A Legendary Performer Volume 1.

A number of FTD releases also featured, particularly The Jungle Room Sessions; Elvis Recorded Live On Stage In Memphis; Made In Memphis and Dixieland Rocks.

Noticeably absent from your nominations were Elvis film soundtrack albums with only Loving You; King Creole; Blue Hawaii and G.I. Blues receiving votes.

"hounddog" Box Office Update: After 3 weeks of limited release in US theatres, the controversial Dakota Fanning film climbs 3 spots to #68 this week. It is showing in 5 theatres for a cumulative gross to date of US$47,794.00. (News, Source: Yahoo)

'Christmas Duets' Walmart CD with Exclusive Video Download: Available to preorder from Walmart their exclusive version with video download. Discounted to $11.88 and with a release date of 10/14/2008. This Wal-Mart exclusive CD includes a blow-in card for a download with the first-ever Elvis Duets album in history! Go here for product info & pre-order   (News, Source;Walmart)

Elvis rare memorabilia at the Heritage Auction: While Elvis' Star Sapphire Ring sold for $37,000 last weekend at the Heritage Auction, there are still items for sale post auction. Elvis' 2-piece leather Vegas suit (right) was supposedly sold for $120.000 but still has a "BuyNow" price of $149,375 - Go here for leather suit details. Another promotional rarity is this double-gatefold pocket sleeve (below) "Elvis Presley/Jaye P. Morgan" Promo Double EP Sampler (RCA 992/993, 1956), one of the rarest Elvis promotional items ever - still available as "Buy Now" for $8,365.00 Go here for more rare EP details. (News, Source;Heritage)

Making Music, Elvis and more by Lamar Fike: As we wait for Lamar's long anticipated memoir, Fike: An Uncommon Journey, here is a fascinating article which appeared in TheImproper.com: I have been in the music business for five decades now, and I can assure you that there is nothing more constant than the changes in it. When I first became close friends with Elvis Presley in the 1950s, I used to go into the recording studio with him. At the time he was recording songs for his iconic film “Jailhouse Rock,” and the records he made that day were still cut using a lathe, a needle, and a virgin vinyl master. When people ask me what changes I have seen in the music business, I tell them that I was in radio when it was all tubes, then I was there when it was all converted to transistors, and I am still here to watch the entertainment world embrace digital music. It is an ever-changing world, and the internet has moved faster that anyone ever thought it could move.

Texas Disc Jockey: Maybe it’s an experience or an emotion that makes a songwriter write a song, but is a product of that talent. And, although it is the singer of a hit song who gets a lot of the glory for creating the hit, the bottom line is that a hit song is a hit song no matter who sings it.

If it hadn’t been for my love of music, and my first job as a disc jockey in Texas, I might never have met Elvis, become friends with him, and suddenly have been thrown into a life in the fast lane. For a while I lived with Elvis and the Presleys at Graceland. That era still vividly lives in my memory. This has become one of the highpoints of my book “Fike: An Uncommon Journey.”

Is my new book “the final word” on the Elvis saga? Readers will have to be the judge of that. You always think, and you always hope that the book you write on any subject is the “be all” and the “end all” book on that topic. Even I have to admit, that with a subject like Elvis, there is always some new aspect to write about. However, I have a unique perspective that no one else has. I was there at the dinner table when it was just Elvis and his parents Gladys and Vernon. When I describe this book to people, I call it a “buddy book.” On one hand, I can’t tell anything new about Elvis per se, but I can certainly tell a story from a totally different vantage point. Every time you read about his life, there is something new to learn.

Touching People’s Lives: One of the most fascinating aspects of Elvis’ life is that he touched so many different aspects of other people’s lives. He was many things to many people, and my book captures many of his sides.

I also had a much more varied career than people realize. I moved to Nashville in 1962 to road manage Brenda Lee, and I was with her for many of the peaks of her great career. While in Nashville I was able to hang out in the recording studio with such superstars as Patsy Cline. I also worked with all of the aspiring talent that was drawn to Nashville: including once-struggling songwriters like Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson. My original job with Johnny was to place his songs with recording artists; however I often found that my real assignment was to sober him up to perform and write demos. Johnny was one-of-a-kind, and I always respected his talent.

When I see talent, I know it instantly. When I saw first met Eddie Rabbit in Nashville in the early 1970s, I knew that he was an extremely talented songwriter. He walked into my office with a demo for a song called “Kentucky Rain.” The minute I heard it, I told Eddie, “If Elvis cuts this track, your career will be made.” The rest is history. It became one of Elvis’ final No. 1 recordings.

Back to Nashville: After Elvis died, in the 1980s I went back to Nashville and began working as the “right hand man” to Jimmy Bowen at MCA Records. Bowen is not only a great record producer; he was always a great business man as well. Bowen rode into Nashville and he spun it like a top.

When he took over the Nashville office of MCA Records, he revolutionized the way things were done. He was able to take up-and-coming talent and turn them into superstars, including George Strait, Reba McEntire, Hank Williams Jr. and Rabbitt. A lot of people don’t realize that it was Bowen who was responsible for turning Dean Martin into a recording star. Bowen knew what material to pick for him, and how to record him. Dean was a successful actor and comedian when Jimmy got hold of him, but Bowen knew how to record Martin. I tell all of these stories in my book, which is why it is much more than just “an Elvis book.”

Today’s Talent: There is nothing really new about the current wave of talent shows that are now such a big hit on television. In the 1930s and 1940s there was “Major Bowes” and then came “Arthur Godfrey” in the 1950s. When I look at the shows like “America’s Got Talent” and “American Idol,” I see the natural continuation of that tradition. I think Simon Cowell is a brilliant guy. With “American Idol,” he took a tried and true formula and combined it with the immediacy of voting for talent on a cell phone or telephone and he has turned into a vastly successful empire.

I have always admired the talent of songwriters the most. Singer/songwriters are even more talented. When you can be both the songwriter and the singer, you have a real live gold mine. You have all of the bases covered. John Mayer, Carole King, James Taylor, Eddie Rabbitt, Deborah Gibson, Billy Joel, Paul McCartney, and Elton John are all living proof of this. In the long run, it’s the songs that outlive the performers. I call it “mailbox money.” If you write a hit song, all you have to do is to go out to your mailbox, and there is a royalty check! It’s mailbox money.

While the music business has changed over the years in many ways, the bottom line remains the “talent.” Talent always goes by the gut. When you see it or hear it, you know it is there. A hit song doesn’t care who sings it. Talent doesn’t care where it lands. True talent always rises to the top.

About Lamar: Lamar Fike has had a wide-ranging career in the music business. Fans of Elvis Presley instantly recognize his name as a key member of The King of Rock & Roll’s entourage, also known as the Memphis Mafia. However, Fike once worked as a disc jockey, worked for Nashville music publisher Hill & Range, wrote a best-selling Presley book and had an important role at MCA Records in Nashville in the 1980s and 1990s. Drawing upon all of these experiences, Fike recently completed work on an autobiography entitled “Fike: An Uncommon Journey” and a screenplay, “’57-’60: One of the Boys.” For both projects he teamed up with New York Times best-selling author Mark Bego, and he and Bego collaborated on the screenplay with filmmaker D. Edward Stanley. Lamar, who now resides in Texas, was Elvis’s friend, confidante and “sounding board.” He calls his own colorful observations “Fikeisms.”

Read EIN's recent interview with Lamar

What can we say?: Now on eBay with clever, if rather exaggerated, claim: Shaking Hands With Fame-signed hard back,with Elvis............Written by Osie Jackson-Elvis's Assistant Manager

Aussie Chart Update: Elvis: The King of Rock 'N' Roll rose 9 places to #11 on this week's ARIA Music DVD Chart. The Comeback Special exited to chart. (News, Source: ARIA)

Walmart to sell special edition of 'Christmas Duets' album: The US chain Walmart will sell a special edition of the "Christmas Duets" CD. This edition will feature a blow-in card for an exclusive video download. (News, Source: Walmart/Elvis News)

Elvis Is Alive Museum appears to be terminal: The Elvis is Alive Museum will not live, at least not for now. Andy Key tried to sell the Missouri museum twice on eBay. He received no bids by the time the auction ended Friday. He did get one bid at his first asking price of $15,000, but it turned out to be from a child playing on a computer.

Key bought the museum on eBay last year for more than $8,000. He says military duties will keep him away from home and he can't operate it. The collection includes photos, books, FBI files, DNA reports and other memorabilia that aim to support the theory that Elvis Presley never died. Bill Beeny, a Baptist minister who started the museum in 1990, says he has no plans to buy it back. (News, Source: AP/St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

Elvis stage musical no Mamma Mia!: "All Shook Up" wanted to be a U.S. version of "Mamma Mia!" Only with Elvis music instead of ABBA. In the end it misses the emotional mark of the ABBA musical.

"Mamma Mia!" had a witty book with a strong narrative hook. "All Shook Up," which had its world premiere in Chicago in 2005 and did poorly thereafter on Broadway, copies the idea of using a much-loved catalog of songs—in this case from the mighty King himself—and putting them in a whole different story. Sadly, the writer, Joe DiPietro, just couldn't replicate the wit or heart of the stellar Europop model. Nor could he come up with a story that really holds your interest or belief, even though he's actually riffing on Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night."

This loosey-goosey yarn involves an Elvis Presley-like roustabout named Chad (Tyler Hanes) who arrives in some you-never-heard-of-it Midwestern town and catches the heart of Natalie (Jesse Mueller) the local ingenue/grease monkey. After various machinations and gender-bending disguises, multiple couplings ensue.

Inserted into the plot are various hits first recorded by the great man, including "Blue Suede Shoes," "Love Me Tender," "Fools Fall in Love" and so on. They are inserted in mostly schlocky fashion. For example, two characters with the urge to merge will catch sight of each other and launch directly into the lyric "One night with you." Or a character shows up wearing blue suede shoes and suggests that stepping thereupon would be a bad thing. You get the idea.

I've seen the hugely talented director-choreographer Marc Robin rehabilitate problematic Broadway shows for Marriott Theatre. But I don't think he succeeds with this one.

The problem is not the cast. On the contrary, Hanes, a young Broadway star, is a bona fide triple threat. Mueller is quite charming, if not wholly believable as such a sexually aggressive character. And there are some terrific performances in smaller roles, including the huge-voiced Melody A. Betts, the lovely Chasten Harmon and the very droll Dennis Moench, who plays the town nerd and delivers the best gags of the night.

If you really just want to kick back and watch some very talented kids sing and dance to Elvis tunes, you'll probably have a pretty good time.

This show is a surface confection. And with the exception of a couple of terrific set-pieces, I don't think the staging comes with Robin's usual incision and precision.

It's a cheap-looking staging—the original production at least had a gas station, diner and motorcycle to distract you—and, compared with Marriott's usual standards, the whole shooting match feels lumpy and insufficiently crisp.

When: Through Dec. 7

Where: Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire

Running time: 2 hours, 10 minutes

Tickets: $45-$55 at 847-634-0200 or marriotttheatre.com (News, Source: Chicago Tribune)

More reader feedback added to EIN's interview with the legendary Rocky Barra, publisher of "Strictly Elvis"

Susan Henning to release book: Next month (November), Susan Henning will release the book "68". She promises to "open the archives and share with her intimate memories and her personal and private collection of never before seen photographs from her engagements with Elvis hidden for forty years ". Synopsis from Susan Henning's website: Life flies by all too quickly, and at last I have had time to sit down with these precious memories and photos and put together a unique book that celebrates my work and relationship with "Elvis."

The perfect gift for Elvis fans!...............This loving memory of Elvis will give you a rush of memories and great feelings from the happiest days of the King. Susan co-starred with Elvis in the movie "Live A Little, Love A Little" and has published photos and notes from that wonderful experience in 1968, including out takes from the infamous 1968 TV Special. Enjoy the photos of Susan and Elvis in the glamorous glow of a Hollywood movie set, both enjoying the prime of youth. (News, Source: FECC)

Mike Stoller praises Spankox remix: While in Memphis during Elvis week 2008 the Italian DJ Spankox met with Mike Stoller, the composer of “Jailhouse Rock” and many other Elvis Presley hits. His reaction on the remix of ghis classic "Jailhouse Rock" was: “It’s a fantastic album; I wonder how Spankox managed to do this incredible job. Thankyou to Spankox for the great ”Re:Version” of the song that I wrote with Jerry Leiber in 1957, “Jailhouse Rock”: I love it!”. (News, Source: Elvis News)

Hackers clone, then use Elvis "ePassport": A group of Dutch hackers has shown the vulnerability of the new "ePassports" by making, and then using, one for Elvis Presley. Even worse, they tell you exactly how to do it. The U.S., Canada, the European Union and other developed countries have been introducing electronically reinforced passports in which a radio-frequency ID (RFID) chip is implanted in the passport's cover. The chip, meant to be read by a scanner at border controls, duplicates much of the information printed in the passport: photo, name, address, place of birth and often a fingerprint.

Yet hackers and computer-security experts have repeatedly shown that the passport RFID chips are easy to read and "clone," even through a wire mesh the U.S. added to ePassports a couple of years ago.

Now the Dutch group's taken it a step further by not just cloning, but creating an entirely new fake ePassport for a very famous dead man. (News, Source: FoxNews.com)

Bid for Elvis museum only child's play: For a little while, it seemed Wright City's former Elvis museum had found a new home.

But a young Elvis Presley fan apparently made a boo-boo when he clicked an important button on eBay last week, placing the winning $15,000 bid on all contents of the Elvis Is Alive museum in Hattiesburg, Miss.

Museum owner Andy Key said the boy's mother called him over the weekend to tell him the bid — the only one Key received — was a mistake. "She said her little boy had gotten on the computer or whatever and bid on it," he said.

So Key said he let her out of the deal, but now finds himself in a bind. He has relisted the museum on eBay and must sell the museum before he leaves Oct. 14 for five months of military training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. The new auction ends Friday. Key dropped the minimum bid to $13,500.

Something's got to happen pretty quick," said Key, 39, of Laurel, Miss. "There's a deadline, and the rent's got to be paid."

In November of last year, Key bought the collection on eBay for $8,300. It had been owned by Bill Beeny, a Baptist minister, who has since turned the building off Interstate 70 in Wright City into a mission for the needy.
Key moved the museum to Hattiesburg, Miss., but announced last week he was selling it because is he leaving for National Guard basic training.

The collection includes hundreds of photographs, newspaper and magazine clippings, copies of FBI files, a drivable replica of Elvis' Cadillac, and a full-size bronze casket with a wax Elvis head attached to a fake, stuffed body.

Key said he doesn't know what he will do with the contents if he can't find a buyer. (News, Source: Joel Currier, St Louis-Dispatch)

The Gift of Elvis: Due for release from the Cargo Records budget label on October 17, 2008 is the 3 CD set "The Gift Of Elvis". Due on October 31, 2008 from the same label is the is the 3 CD set "Christmas Gift". (News, Source: DG Literatur/Elvis News)

19X - CKX merger now unlikely: Robert F.X. Sillerman, on behalf of 19X, Inc., has notified the Board of Directors of CKX, Inc. (Nasdaq: CKXE) that in light of the recent turmoil in the financial sector and the related tightening of the financing markets, he no longer believes that 19X will be in position to consummate its pending acquisition of CKX at the current price of $12.00 per share. The Company added that, given the time needed to complete the proxy process and obtain stockholder approval, a closing by the current October 31st deadline is no longer possible.

Mr. Sillerman further informed the Company that despite the difficult economic climate, he intends to continue to pursue a transaction and intends to approach the Board with an alternate acquisition proposal, either through purchase, merger, tender offer or other acquisition structures, by no later than the October 31st transaction deadline.

Pursuant to the terms of the existing merger agreement, 19X has until October 31, 2008, to complete the transaction. In light of the information provided by Mr. Sillerman and the impending October 31 deadline, the Board of Directors of the Company is reviewing CKX's alternatives and will consider any proposal presented to it, including a revised proposal by Mr. Sillerman.

While the current merger transaction has been pending, management of the Company has continued to concentrate on the on-going business operations of the Company, as evidenced by the strong results posted for the six months ended June 30, 2008. As reported in its recently filed Quarterly Report, the Company has significant cash on hand and substantial additional available borrowing capacity for its short term and long term operations.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, 19X agreed to acquire CKX at a price of $12.00 per share in cash. 19X, Inc. is a private company owned and controlled by Robert F.X. Sillerman, the Chairman and CEO of CKX, and Simon R. Fuller, a director of CKX and the CEO of 19 Entertainment Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CKX. (Sale of EPE, Source: PR Newswire)

"Genre" series reissue: These are the covers of the two three CD re-issue boxes containing the six "Genre" compilations "Live", "Rock", "Inspirational", "R&B", "Movies" and "Country". These sets will be available October 13, 2008. (News, Source: HMV UK/Elvis News)

Best selling Elvis books last month: The 10 best selling Elvis books in the USA (based on store and online sales) during September 2008 were:

• Last Train to Memphis, Peter Guralnick
• Who Was Elvis Presley?, Geoff Edgers
• Careless Love, Peter Guarlnick
• Fortunate Son: The Life of Elvis Presley, Charles L. Ponce De Leon
• Graceland: An Interactive Pop-Up Tour
• All Shook Up: The Life & Death of Elvis Presley, Barry Denenberg
• Life: Remembering Elvis: 30 Years Later
• Elvis & Me, Priscilla Presley
• Me and A Guy Named Elvis: My Lifelong Friendship with Elvis Presley, Jerry Schilling
• Elvis By the Presleys, Priscilla Presley, Lisa Presley et al

Elvis DVD and CD discounting: Elvis News reports that in the UK: After the CDs now the Elvis DVDs are heading for the bargain bin. In the UK you can get several titles for 3.99 pounds; Double Trouble, Harum Scarum, Speedway, Spinout and Trouble With Girls. These DVD's, originally released in 2004, were re-issued September 29, 2008.

"Downunder", there are many Elvis DVD titles available for under A$10.00. In addition, several leading retailers are marketing Elvis: The King of Rock 'n' Rol and Elvis 30 #1 Hits at heavily discounted prices. Check outlets including K-Mart, Target and JB Hi-Fi. (News, Source: EIN/Elvis News)

Spankox to be special guest at Elvis 2008 concert in Milan: Spankox will be our special guest on October 12 at the Elvis 2008 concert in Milan. He will perform live offering a special national preview of his upcoming album "Re:Versions". Please read below all the information related to Spankox and his production.

Elvis Presley Enterprises and SonyBMG have chosen the Italian creative talent to bring The King of Rock’n’Roll to the verge of another career milestone. Agostino Carollo, Verona based DJ and producer know as Spankox, has created Elvis Presley’s first remix album, Elvis Presley “Re:Versions”, released today in the UK and worldwide in the coming weeks.

The new album, anticipated by the “Baby Let’s Play House (Spankox Re:Version)” single, already n. 1 for 7 consecutive weeks in Italy and Top 10 sales hit in Sweden and Spain, features 11 tracks accompanied by a 24 page booklet and housed in a specially printed PVC case. Also included in the CD is the bonus controversial videoclip of the single “Baby Let's Play House'”. Following on from the success of the chart topping Elvis remixes of JXL's 'A LIttle Less Conversion' and Paul Oakenfold's 'Rubberneckin', the Elvis Vs Spankox Re:Versions album will deliver Elvis to a new generation of music fans.

This album, produced by Spankox with the precious assistance of his friend Highpass, is actually much more than a remix album. All the songs have been carefully reworked and rearranged using the latest technology but keeping intact the original feel of Elvis' music. The result is an unprecedented approach to the music of The King of Rock 'n' Roll, it's Elvis as you've never heard him before. “Re:Versions” has been recently reviewed in the UK as “milestone album” for Elvis. (News, Source: Elvis Matters/EP Gold)

“hounddog” box office report: In its 2nd week of limited release, only 4 theatres are now screening this controversial film starring Dakota Fanning. Its box office receipts have risen to a cumulative $31,469.  The film moved up two spots to #69 on this week’s US Box Office report. (News, Source: Yahoo)

Strictly Elvis' Rocky Barra talks to EIN: The name Rocky Barra is one synonymous with the Elvis world in the 1970s. As the publisher of the monthly magazine, Strictly Elvis, Rocky became an iconic figure in the history of Elvis publishing. So what has Rocky been up to do since he stopped publishing Strictly Elvis? Rocky recently took time out to talk to EIN about the heady days of Strictly Elvis, why he decided to end its publication, the nearly 70 Elvis concerts he attended, his vast photo archives, how his relationship with Colonel Parker's office changed, and a lot more. (Interview, Source: EIN) Reader feedback added today! Read Rocky's fascinating interview

'The '68 Comeback Special' - no updated FTD in the near future says Ernst Jørgensen: EIN has had several fans suggest that they are not buying the recent BMG 4-CD set because of the possiblility of the 'Comeback Special' being released by FTD as a Classic Album (plus new outtakes) in the near future. Ernst Jørgensen told EIN yesterday that, "There are no firm decisions except that no FTD version of the '68 Comeback Album' is in the planning for the next 12 months (we never plan more than 12 months ahead). I think 'The Complete Comeback Special 68 box' is nice, while obviously aimed at a broader audience than the Elvis collectors. And it is great value for money for those fans who - believe it or not - did not buy the earlier TIGER MAN and MEMORIES releases." Go here for EIN's review of the BMG set. (News, Source:EIN). Reproduction of this news item is granted, on condition of reference to the source: www.ElvisInfoNet.com

'More news about 'Elvis That's The Way It Is – The Complete Works (3DVD/6CD/Book box set)': EIN has more information regarding this recently announced new box-set that is causing a high level of excitement amoung Elvis fans - and is due for release from the new International label around November this year. >> The DVDs are an improvement over what everyone has bought before because the production has taken months using top-class editing and with all the possible Elvis camera angles put together into one amazing sequence. Plus there is the impact of a true high-quality stereo mix of all the concerts there to match the vision. The International label has got together as a group since we now have all the sound for all the concerts so that we can release the ultimate TTWII package that BMG/Turner ought to have done for Elvis fans years ago.

'Elvis - Concerts' new JAT book; News from JAT Productions that their latest project "Elvis - Concerts" should be ready earlier than originally scheduled. All the books will come with a free pocket calendar (as shown right). Go here for EIN's review of their most recent book, '68 At 40; Retrospective'       (News, Source: JAT Publishing)

'68 At 40 Retrospective' book review: Joe Tunzi has teamed up with Elvis' 1968 TV Comeback producer Steve Binder to create a quality hard-backed book of 120 colour pages. The book, which features 8 chapters that examine all the different aspects of bringing this life-changing programme to air, is very stylish and beautifully laid-out. There is a real excitement in being able to study every stunning classic Elvis moment in detail and best of all are Steve Binder's recollections giving us yet more insights on this special event and all the tricky production decisions that he had to make a stand for. JAT Productions best book so far. Click here for our detailed review and images. (Book reviews, Source;EIN)

Strictly Elvis' Rocky Barra talks to EIN: The name Rocky Barra is one synonymous with the Elvis world in the 1970s. As the publisher of the monthly magazine, Strictly Elvis, Rocky became an iconic figure in the history of Elvis publishing. So what has Rocky been up to do since he stopped publishing Strictly Elvis? Rocky recently took time out to talk to EIN about the heady days of Strictly Elvis, why he decided to end its publication, the nearly 70 Elvis concerts he attended, his vast photo archives, how his relationship with Colonel Parker's office changed, and a lot more. (Interview, Source: EIN) Read Rocky's fascinating interview

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Elvis That's The Way It Is – The Complete Works (3DVD/6CD/Book box set): Due for release from the new International label is 'Elvis That's The Way It Is – The Complete Works'.

The stunning lavish box set will come with 6 CD's containing complete recordings of all the 6 shows that were recorded for the original movie Elvis That's The Way It Is. It includes many unreleased tracks (both officially and unofficially) from the shows with all the dialogue in its correct places, much of which is also previously unreleased.

The Set will also contain 3 dual layer DVD's with complete shows never before seen and heard with multi angle viewing and, will include a stunning hardback book. The set has been produced in very limited numbers.

A promo trailer and more details will follow soon. (News, Source: The Phantom)

Book Review - The Man Who Made Elvis Laugh: Sammy Shore's second memoir is filled with wonderful stories about his time with Elvis and the countless other celebrities who he either opened for, or were his good friends. From Red Skelton, Bob Hope and Glen Campbell to Barbra Steisand, Sid Caesar and Ann-Margret, Sammy's memoir lives up to its by line of "A Life in American Comedy". There are many delicious one liners and more involved jokes to keep the reader smiling as you engage in Sammy's trip down memory lane to a sadly by-gone era - the Golden Era of Comedy. (Book Review, Source: EIN) Read EIN's full review

'The Complete '68 Comeback Special' CD Review: For the 40th Anniversary BMG/SONY release a 4CD "Complete '68 Comeback Special" to the general public. Hard-core Elvis fans have been overly dismissive, pointing out that we have all bought the same product previously. But is this true? Here we not only get the ORIGINAL Album version (The 'Memories' set was a very different compilation) but also something refreshing about the way this new set has been compiled. The second CD itself cleverly leads us from Elvis jamming with the boys on his very first release 'That's All Right' through a fabulous revitalisation of his classic songs all the way to the stunning 'If I Can Dream' which would be his newest single. It is still a fascinating musical journey. So is this a new chance for us to be revitalised by Elvis' fresh and exciting rock'n'roll renaissance, or just a marketing rip-off? EIN's Piers Beagley spends a while with Elvis in his gorgeous leather suit. Click here for the in-depth review. (News, Source;EIN)

Elvis' half sister Eliza Alice Presley update: A 46-year-old woman who claims to be the half-sister of Elvis Presley is asking a court to reopen the estate of the rock-and-roll legend's father, Vernon Presley, and to be admitted as an heir.

According to the petition filed in Shelby County Probate Court, Eliza Alice Presley said her mother gave her up for adoption at birth and that after a lifetime search she learned this summer through DNA testing that Vernon Presley was her father. The divorced mother of four then changed her name from Alice Elizabeth Tiffin.

"I am 99.99 percent sure that Eliza Presley and Elvis Aaron Presley are half siblings and that she is not related to Elvis Presley's mother's relatives and that can only mean that they share a father," said Donald Yates, head of DNA Consulting in Scottsdale, Ariz., who said he has worked on the case for five years.

"There was no DNA from Vernon. The relationship has to be inferred from the DNA from other family members. We're talking about samples from an extended family group." The attorney who handled Vernon Presley's estate was not available for comment and Kevin Kern, spokesman for Graceland, is traveling out of the country. Vernon Presley died June 26, 1979, at age 63. Elvis died in 1977.

He said that included DNA from Elvis, but he would not elaborate on where or how that was obtained.

Probate Court Clerk Chris Thomas said Wednesday a hearing on the Texas woman's petition is set for next month.

"I've never had one where someone comes in after the estate's been closed almost 25 years," he said. "Most of the people involved are dead."

He said Vernon Presley's estate distributed a total of about $200,000 to his heirs and has been closed since 1985. Vernon Presley was the executor of the Elvis estate, the bulk of which went to his only daughter, Lisa Marie.

DNA expert Yates said Eliza Presley's mother, Florence Juanita Sharp, lived across the street from Graceland as a teenager, but that little is know about how she might have met Vernon Presley. He said Sharp moved to Pasadena, Texas, where Eliza was born Jan. 23, 1962, and placed for adoption.

Despite the petition seeking to reopen Vernon Presley's estate and be admitted as an heir, Eliza Presley's motive is not money, Yates said.

"Her main goal is to be recognized as Vernon Presley's daughter and Elvis Presley's half sister," he said. "She's spent her entire lifetime searching for her true identity." (News, Source: MemphisCommercialAppeal)