Elvis' #1 Pop Singles on Cashbox, USA: Heartbreak Hotel (1956) Don't Be Cruel (1956) Hound Dog (1956) Love Me Tender (1956) Too Much (1957) All Shook Up (1957) Teddy Bear (1957) Jailhouse Rock (1957) Don't (1958) Stuck On You (1960) It's Now Or Never (1960) Are You Lonesome Tonight? (1960) Surrender (1961) Good Luck Charm (1962) Return To Sender (1962) In The Ghetto (1969) Suspicious Minds (1969) Burning Love (1972) (The Cashbox chart is now defunct) Elvis Facts: Elvis was 5' 11" tall
Elvis' natural hair color was dark blond
Elvis' blood type was O Positive
Elvis' shoe size was 11D
One of Elvis'( maternal) ancestors, Morning White Dove (born 1800, died 1835), was a full-blooded Cherokee Indian
Elvis' uncle, Noah Presley, became Mayor of East Tupelo on January 7, 1936
The Presley family moved to Memphis on November 6, 1948
Elvis was issued a Social Security card in September 1950 with the # 409-52-2002
In 1954 some of the shows played by Elvis & The Blue Moon Boys were at the Overton Park Shell; the Bel-Air Club; Sleepy-Eyed John's Eagle's Nest Club and the Louisiana Hayride
Elvis' first manager was Scotty Moore, then Bob Neal, before signing with Colonel Tom Parker
The first DJ to play an Elvis record was Fred Cook (WREC), not Dewey Phillips (WHBQ). However, Dewey had the distinction of being the first DJ to play an Elvis record in its entirety
Elvis once dated famous stripper, Tempest Storm
Elvis was filmed from the waist up only during his 3rd and final appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show
In the 50s Elvis was friendly with rising stars, Natalie Wood, Robert Wagner and Ty (Bronco Lane) Hardin
Gladys Presley was 46 years old when she died, not 42, as many books suggest
The Roustabout album sold 450,000 copies on its initial release, 150,000 copies more than any of the preceding three soundtrack LPs. It was Elvis' last "soundtrack" album to reach #1 on the major album charts in the US
Elvis received $1m for filming Harum Scarum (aka Harum Holiday). The film grossed around $2m in the US
Elvis and Priscilla married on May 1, 1967
They were officially divorced on October 9, 1973
Elvis earns nearly $3.5m in 1968 and pays just over $1.4m in income tax
Elvis' return to live performing in Las Vegas on July 31, 1969 was in front of an "by invitation only" audience. Stars in attendance included Wayne Newton, Petula Clark, Shirley Bassey, Burt Bacharach and Angie Dickinson
On January 9, 1971, the national Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) announced Elvis as one of "The Top Ten Young Men of the Year". Elvis spoke at the official awards ceremony on January 16
"Elvis: Aloha From Hawai" made entertainment history on January 14, 1973, when it was beamed around the world by satellite. In the Philippines it drew 91% of the audience, in Hong Kong 70%. The viewing audience was estimated at more than 1 billion
For his 4 week Hilton Vegas season in August 1973 Elvis received $610,000 Sales of Elvis' 1973 album, Raised On Rock, were less than 200,000 units on its initial release
Elvis paid $2,959,000 in income tax in 1973
In December 1976 Elvis was sworn in as a special deputy sheriff of Shelby County (Memphis) by Sheriff Gene Barksdale
Elvis' final live concert was in Indianapolis on June 26, 1977 When Elvis died, he and his father Vernon, were embroiled in an FBI investigation called Operation Fountain Pen More than 1,500 books have been published about The King in more than 30 languages
At Dec 2005 Elvis' biggest selling album in the US is the budget priced, Elvis' Christmas Album, with accredited sales of 9 million units (fingers crossed it reaches 10 million to give Elvis his first "Diamond" award)
By early2006, Sony BMG's "collectors label", Follow That Dream, had released more than 50 Elvis CDs
During the 1980s, tour guides at Graceland stated that Elvis' biggest selling album (globally) was Moody Blue, with sales exceeding 14 million
While Sony BMG estimates Elvis' global sales exceed 1 billion, the company is unable to substantiate this figure. Accredited sales worldwide are estimated to be less than 400 million
|
The latest on www.elvisinfonet.com:
For the first time, this " 30th Anniversary Edition " will feature all the music from the " pre-show, " with Joe Guercio and the Hot Hilton Horns, J.D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet, and The Sweet Inspirations. All these performances will be as presented that night in Fort Worth. Highlights from the first CD include " When The Saints Go Marching In " and "You'll Never Walk Alone" from the Stamps, and the Sweet Inspirations energetic vocals on " Philadelphia Freedom, " " Lady Marmalade " and a medley of Stevie Wonder hits. The stand up comedian Jackie Kahane's set was not recorded and will not appear on this release. Elvis' concert itself will feature all the tracks previously released on Madison's Cajun Tornado, but this time in much better sound quality from the first generation soundboard recording and in unbroken running order. Some of the previously unreleased performances will include " If You Love Me (Let Me Know), " " Heartbreak Hotel, " " Help Me " and many more. Don't miss the dynamic 1976 return of The Elvis Presley Show to Cowtown!!! CD1: The Pre-Show: 01 - Guercio Introduction / Theme From S.W.A.T. / Love Me Tender 2:32 ; 02 - Stamps Introduction / Your First Day in Heaven 1:44 ; 03 - You'll Never Walk Alone 2:41 ; 04 - Operator 3:03 ; 05 - When The Saints Go Marching In 2:58 ; 06 - Inspirations Introduction / Philadelphia Freedom 3:42 ; 07 - Lady Marmalade 3:15 ; 08 - Introduction of Musicians 2:25 ; 09 - Stevie Wonder Medley Boogie On Reggae Woman ("Party ... Stevie Is A Wonder") / For Once In My Life / You Got It Bad Girl / Superstition / You Are The Sunshine Of My Life / Livin' For The City / All In Love Is Fair / Higher Ground / Closing Announcement 7:40. Total time = 30:07. Track 1: Joe Guercio and the Hot Hilton Horns ; Tracks 2-5 : J.D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet ; Tracks 6-10 : The Sweet Inspirations. All tracks previously unreleased CD2 : The Main Event. 01 - Introduction Also Sprach Zarathustra 0:47 ; 02 - C.C. Rider 4:40 ; 03 - I Got A Woman / Amen 7:39 ; 04 - Love Me 2:34 ; 05 - If You Love Me (Let Me Know) 3:22 ; 06 - You Gave Me A Mountain 3:24 ; 07 - All Shook Up 1:05 ; 08 - Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel 1:58 ; 09 - Heartbreak Hotel 1:52 ; 10 - Help Me 2:38 ; 11 - Jailhouse Rock 1:36 ; 12 - Fever 3:11 ; 13 - Polk Salad Annie 3:51 ; 14 - Introductions by Elvis of vocalists, band 3:07 ; 15 - Early Morning Rain (John Wilkinson) 102 ; 16 - What I'd Say? (James Burton) 057 ; 17 - Johnny B. Goode (James Burton) 055 ; 18 - Drum solo (Ronnie Tutt) 1:27 ; 19 - Bass solo (Jerry Scheff) 1:36 ; 20 - Piano solo (Tony Brown) 1:17 ; 21 - Electric piano solo (David Briggs) 1:00 ; 22 - Love Letters 2:43 ; 23 - Introductions by Elvis of vocalists, orchestra 0:25 ; 24 - School Day (Joe Guercio Orchestra) 1:18 ; 25 - "Happy Birthday" to Bruce Jackson 0:26 ; 26 - Hurt 1:53 ; 27 - Hurt (full reprise) 1:57 ; 28 - Hound Dog 2:58 ; 29 - Funny How Time Slips Away 4:36 ; 30 - Can't Help Falling In Love 1:42 ; 31 - Closing vamp and announcements 2:26 ; Bonus tracks : 32 - Jailhouse Rock (incomplete) 0:54 ; 33 - Hound Dog (incomplete) 0:21. Total time = 71:54. Tracks 5-10, 14, 16-21, 23-24 and 32-33 previously unreleased ; Tracks 11 and 28-31 recorded at the same venue, on July 3, 1976. (News, Source: FECC) The New Honda CR-V Raises Temperature with Elvis Presley's "Burning Love": A national advertising campaign for the all-new Honda CR-V begins Sept. 28 and one spot features a newly remixed version of Elvis Presley's, "Burning Love." The strategy developed by Honda's long-standing agency of record, RPA, focuses on the CR-V's all-new styling, inside and out. Fate of Audubon Drive residence to be announced next week: "Elvis World's" Bill E. Burk tells us: MIKE CURB, who today holds title to the old Elvis house at 1034 Audubon (after Londoner Uri Geller has submitted the high bid on eBay and been told he had won title to the house), will make his official announcement late next week about the fate of the house. It will deal with some program Curb will establish at prestigious Rhodes College here. Details when they become available. (News, Source: Bill E. Burk)
Elvis owned guitar to be be auctioned: Dallas-based "Heritage Auction Galleries" plans to auction a 1958 Isana Black Pearl Acoustic guitar once owned by Elvis. The guitar was purchased during his stint in the army. "Heritage" says it was one of less than 150 made that year and is believed to be the only guitar used by him while in the service. Years later it passed into the hands of friends and was eventually used to pay for tutoring fees by one of Elvis' secretaries. It's been on display at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
in
Cleveland, Ohio, and at the Rock N Soul Museum in Memphis, Tennessee, for the past two years. Heritage Auction Galleries will hold their upcoming Signature auction on October 6 & 7, 2006, at their headquarters in Dallas, TX. For more information on the auction, click here. (News, Source: Sanja Meegin)
Elvis-A-Rama museum closing: Las Vegas residents only have a few days left to visit the Elvis-A-Rama Museum. The museum is closing October 1st. It is located west of the Fashion Show Mall on Industrial Road.The museum houses more than $5 million worth of Elvis Presley memorabilia. It's the largest collection of its kind outside of Graceland. Last year, the company CKX, Incorporated, which controls the name, image and likeness of "The King," bought the museum. In its place, the company plans to build a world-class Elvis-themed attraction. (News, Source: Sanja Meegin) Chart update: The new single DVD version of "Aloha From Hawaii" is #11 on the Danish Music DVD Chart.
Elvis sings in Christmas 2006 (see also lead story dated 28 Sep 2006): Being dead 29 years is no excuse for lacking Christmas cheer. This Christmas, Elvis Presley will be singing in the season for his fans. For the first time ever, Sony-BMG is compiling all of Elvis’ Christmas records onto one CD. Elvis recorded two complete Christmas albums during his career plus a number of one of singles. His first seasonal record was ‘Elvis’ Christmas Album’ from 1957. In 1971, he released ‘Elvis Sings The Wonderful World of Christmas’. The 1957 album, which is almost 50 years old, has sold around 14 million units since release while the 1971 album has clocked up sales of 3 million. All tracks on the new album have been digitally remastered. Track Listing: 1) Santa Claus Is Back In Town/ 2) White Christmas/ 3) Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)/ 4) I'll Be Home For Christmas/ 5) Blue Christmas/ 6) Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me) Tupelo fan club reactivated: Fifty years after the "King of Rock 'n' Roll" played at a fair in his birthplace, the long-defunct Tupelo Elvis Presley Fan Club has been revived. Presley was born Jan. 8, 1935, in a small house in the northeast Mississippi city of Tupelo. He died Aug. 16, 1977, at his Graceland mansion about 100 miles (160 kilometers) away in Memphis, Tennessee. About 20 people showed up earlier this week at the chapel on the birthplace grounds to get the club going. Jane Riley, who helped organize the Elvis Presley Festival in Tupelo in June, said about 400 fans from around the world have signed up as members. "It's just amazing the common denominator that Elvis Presley and his life and his music provides," Riley said. Local members, some dressed in Elvis regalia, elected officers and voted on bylaws at their meeting Tuesday. Barbara Mallory was elected president of the club, reprising her role as leader of the 1956 fan club named the Elvis Presley Sweethearts. Riley brought an enlarged photo of the original 1956 group. "We were a bunch of teenage girls who were crazy about Elvis," said Mallory, who formed the club with cousins and friends. Although the group disbanded after its members matured, "all of us still remain Elvis fans." (News, Source: Charmaine Voisine)Not everyone "all shook up" over Elvis stage musical: Cashing in on the success of jukebox musicals such as “Mamma Mia” was clearly the main objective of the creative team behind “All Shook Up!” The national tour of the musical, which opened at the Opera House last night, features songs made famous by Elvis Presley, surely a guarantee of box-office gold. There’s only one problem: the story. Writer Joe DiPietro doesn’t have one. But that doesn’t stop anything in the first act. Within the first 10 minutes, we’ve blown through “Jailhouse Rock,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Roustabout” and “One Night With You.” We’ve set up a situation where a sleepy little town where fun is forbidden gets woken up by a motorcycle rider with a song in his heart and a sneer on his face. We’ve only got 20 more songs to go. How hard can this be? Don’t ask. DiPietro writes himself into such a corner that he starts grasping at straws to get out: Let’s tear a page from “Hairspray” and talk about interracial relationships. We’ve already lifted the premise of “Footloose,” but let’s make it seem legit by adding something from that guy Shakespeare, he’s good for some mistaken-identity stuff. And then, because we have no idea where we’re going, let’s tie it all up with a bunch of weddings and humiliate the leading ladies by making them wear garish white dresses that look like they were rejected by the circus. Statuesque Susan Anton the town’s femme fatale, and she’s obviously cast because she’s, well, very tall, and very beautiful. But by accenting her height by surrounding her with smaller actors, the director also draws attention to her stiffness on stage. This touring production boasts some pretty scenery and very sharp choreography, but few of the singers are first rate. The sound in the Opera House is tinny and quite shrill; still you might not notice that our hero Chad (Joe Mandragona) seems slightly off pitch until you hear Natasha Yvette Williams. This girl can sing, and she doesn’t need to belt it out to be heard. “There’s Always Me” is absolutely heartbreaking, and made me want to clear the stage and let her sing everything else in the show alone. Very little is shaking in this musical mess, except maybe Elvis, shaking in his grave over what they’ve done to some great songs. (News, Source: Terry Byrne/Sanja Meegin)
In the course of this definitive collection, Elvis Christmas, Elvis considers every aspect of the holiday season, from its frivolity to its solemnity, from the excitement of getting wished-for presents to the bittersweet longing for those people and things we might be missing to the fun of hanging out near the mistletoe. Elvis conjures up a vision of the holidays as we all know them -- or at least as we wish them to be -- and that's why these songs will never go out of style.(News, Source: Sony BMG/Elites TV) New book announced: Announced by Authorhouse is a new book entitled "Elvis Interview: A Second Chance". The book by M. J. Allan will be published in September 2006. Billy Miller talks to EIN: Today we add the final lot of feedback to our very controversial interview with Billy Miller. Thank you to everyone who has provided comments. Insider trading in purchase of EPE: Regulators say they have solved an insider trading mystery: It was the butler in the poolside office with the fax machine. Graham Lefford was accused by the Securities and Exchange Commission on Tuesday of illegally trading on confidential information that he gleaned in 2004 from his boss's $100 million purchase of a controlling stake of the rights to Elvis Presley's image and likeness. Read full story (News/Sale of EPE, Source: International Herald Tribune/Sanja Meegin) George Klein Day celebrated in Memphis: "George Klein Day" was celebrated in the city of Memphis on Tuesday. It was a special honor for the man known for his friendship with Elvis, his charity work and his long broadcast career. Klein was given a proclamation and a key to the city by Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton during a surprise meeting at the Peabody Hotel. Klein began his broadcast career back in 1957. He now hosts the tv show "Memphis Sounds". He also hosts a radio program on Sirius Satellite Radio (The Elvis Channel 13). Klein is also involved in a number of charities around the Mid-South. (News, Source: Sanja Meegin)
Elvis has left the wardrobe: It seems nowhere on earth was immune to Elvis Presley obsession. Even in Soviet times, Elvis’ LPs slipped through Baltic borders. Thanks to the pirate station Radio Luxembourg, even Estonians were all shook up over the King.
"Elvis: Still Taking Care of Business" available for pre-order update: Further to the following report several days ago, co-author Marshall Terrill has advised EIN that in fact Sonny West's book will have 400 pages, not 240 as currently stated by Amazon (who will be correcting the information shortly). Our 25 Sep 2006 news item said: Amazon now lists Sonny West's upcoming book with a release date of May 2007. To be published by Triumph Books (ISBN: 1572439394) it can be pre-ordered from Amazon at the discounted price of US$17.13. (News, Source: Marshall Terrill) Elvis shop opens in Paris, France: Thanks to Caroline Miranda for sending EIN this message: "You might be interested to know that last month opened in Paris France a shop totally dedicated to Elvis, it was created by his fans, they have a web site www.elvismyhappiness.com when you are on the site on the left it says Association you click on it and then you click on descriptif and you get the address and the phone numbers, opening hours and so on". (News, Source: Caroline Miranda) The Memphis Boys get own website: Thanks to Louella Chrisman for sending EIN this message: "I am writing you on behalf of the 1969 Memphis Sessions Band, the rhythm section that recorded with Elvis at the American Sound Studio in Memphis, Tennessee. Out of these recordings, two albums emerged which included the hits, "Suspicious Minds", "In The Ghetto", "Kentucky Rain", "Don’t Cry Daddy", and more. Check out our website www.memphisboys.com. We hope you and the Elvis Information Network Fan Club members will enjoy reading the history behind Elvis and The Memphis Boys and enjoy listening to some wav clips. Also, we thought you and the Elvis Information Network Fan Club members might be interested in our Elvis tee shirts picturing Elvis with us, as well as autographed pictures of Elvis with The Memphis Boys. New productions by The Memphis Boys will be coming soon". (News, Source: Louella Chrisman - wife of Elvis drummer, Gene Chrisman) Billy Miller talks to EIN: We've added yet more of your feedback to our very controversial interview with Billy Miller. Today's update includes Cory Cooper providing details of his discussion with Billy Miller.
Graceland Cellars unveils new packaging for Elvis wines: Graceland Cellars has unveiled new packaging for its line of premium California wines featuring Elvis Presley® imagery. Included in the new packaging lineup are All Shook Up™ California Brut Champagne, 2004 Velvet Elvis Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003 Etched Elvis California Cabernet Sauvignon, and a three-bottle Commemorative Party Pack.
Australian TV features Elvis Week & Memphis: Last night the Australian TV travel show, 'The Great Outdoors', ran a special edition on Memphis & Elvis Week. Highlighting most of the important institutions of Elvis' life; Sun Studios, Tupelo, Graceland etc, the programme also featured EIN's Sanja Meegin describing her passion for Elvis (this year was her ninth visit!). What the show failed to tell you was the high prices the Memphis Hotels are already charging for bookings in Elvis Week 2007. There is still a chance for you to join our very special EIN Elvis Week 2007 Tour. (News: Source, EIN) Elvis stars in a BBC commercial: Don't miss Elvis in this great advert for BBC Radio 2. Featuring Aloha footage but with Elvis introducing a stellar band including Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Sheryl Crowe and a marvellous Keith Moon on drums! It is very funny. Click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEYFMHFTNec (News, Source: BBC/EIN, Sept 2006)
Elvis image featured in "Blondie" comic strip (News, Source: FECC)
The "Elvis" of terrorists: Rumors that Osama bin Laden has died have been running rampant in the news the past few days. Reportedly the evil, bearded one fell dead from typhoid, or ennui, or something like that in the latest of his caves. Of course, who can forget the time he died in Jan. 2002? Or when he ceased living in July of 2002? Or when his 72 smoking-hot virgins welcomed him in June 2005? Or in Dec. 2005? Osama bin Laden has basically become the Elvis of terrorists. Soon, there will be sightings of him pumping gas while dead in Des Moines. Plus, I hear bin Laden digs wearing leather and swiveling his hips. And loves peanut-butter and banana sandwiches. And popping pills like a mad man. And had a twin brother that died at birth named Jessie Garon. And can also bring tears to your eyes with a version of "Love me Tender." Seriously, the similarities are mind blowing. Anyway, the world may or may not be without its favorite demented cave dweller. (News/Odd Spot, Source: WKW, Travelgolf.com)
"Elvis: Still Taking Care of Business" available for pre-order: Amazon now lists Sonny West's upcoming book with a release date of May 2007. To be published by Triumph Books (ISBN: 1572439394) it can be pre-ordered from Amazon at the discounted price of US$17.13. (News, Source: ElvisBookResearch)
New Elvis website - Elvis Unplugged: An attractive new Elvis site, Elvis Unplugged, has been set up in the EC. It includes a forum and video footage outside Graceland the day Elvis died. (News, Source: Charmaine Voisine) Australian chart update: The Comeback Special fell five places this week to #19, and Aloha one place to #20 on the ARIA Music DVD chart. (News, Source: ARIA) Elvis on "The Great Outdoors" tonight!: The popular Aussie television travel program, The Great Outdoors, visits Elvis territory tonight. Graceland, Beale Street, Sun Studio etc apparently will all be covered. (News, Source: Robert Vasilevski) Billy Miller talks to EIN: We've added yet more of your feedback to our very controversial interview with Billy Miller. Today's update includes more comments from Marty Lacker and an apology from EIN to both Jimmy Velvet and Billy Miller.
"Should 'Aloha From Hawaii' be in the Guinness Book of Records?: Currently of the FECC forum there is an interesting discussion about why Aloha is not in the Guinness Book of Records as the most watched television performance by a solo artist (for the record a larger global auduence watched the Live Aid concert). It appears the reason why not is similar to the dilemma with claimed sales of Elvis records...a lack of documented, rather than rhetorical, proof. Brian Quinn posted: 'I contacted the Guinness people about this some 3 years ago and they were happy to include the Aloha Concert as the Largest TV Audience ever for a solo perfomance. The problem is that they want documented proof and that is very difficult to find. Even EPE cannot help in this regard. If anyone can get such information then please contact the Guinness People. Elvis is being cheated out of this one at present.' (News, Source: FECC forum)
"Tiger Man - An Alternate Anthology Volume 5" CD: With volume four in the "Tiger Man - An Alternate Anthology" series just released volume five is already announced in the booklet of volume 4. No details on the content or cover art are available yet and although the booklet mentions volume five should contain "unreleased material" we have yet to find an unreleased track in this series. (News, Source: Elvis News) Tupelo ordered to pay $120k re Elvis Presley Heights Cemetery: A federal jury has awarded $120,000 in damages to a couple who sued the city of Tupelo for altering private property without permission. Bill and Linda Kinard were trying to develop 15 acres in east Tupelo into the Elvis Presley Heights Cemetery. Bill Kinard testified that while he was away from the property in March 2004, city workers dug a trench across it, in the area to be used for the cemetery. The workers were trying to eliminate an erosion problem, said city attorney Guy Mitchell III. Good luck charm: Spirit of Elvis guides Susan Anton in ‘All Shook Up’: When Susan Anton was asked to join the touring company of “All Shook Up,” which arrives at the Opera House on Tuesday, she didn’t hesitate. “I’m 50-plus and they offered me the part of the hottie. I said ‘Thank you very much, I’m there’,” she says with a laugh. Anton, who became a celebrity in the ’70s, is no stranger to theater, having starred in the original company of “The Will Rogers Follies,” performed in Vegas for several years with her own band and just finished a long run of “Hairspray.” But she has a special connection to “All Shook Up,” which features songs made famous by Elvis Presley. “I knew Elvis,” she says, “but not in the biblical sense, no. When I was first starting out in Vegas and he ruled the town, he and I were both backstage after a Tom Jones concert. It was getting late and things were winding down and he sat down on a little stool and read to me from Kahlil Gibran’s ‘The Prophet.’ He told me it was important because it dealt with people’s spiritual life. What amazed me was that as he read, he followed the lines of the sentences with his finger like a child. And I thought, ‘He’s just a sweet boy, a prisoner of his fame.’” (News, Source: Boston Herald) Anne Heche upstaged by Elvis: Anne Heche was being upstaged by a raccoon, and the animal wasn't even in the room. Heche was talking to a gathering of TV critics about her new series, Men in Trees, but the critics seemed more interested in gleaning information about Elvis, a raccoon regular on the ABC series airing Fridays. As Elvis's talent was discussed, Heche played along. "Best actor I ever worked with," she quipped. Yet she also revealed Elvis didn't do all his own stunts. He needed a double -- a dog called Boomer in a raccoon suit -- for a sequence when he had to run really fast. (Odd Spot, Source: The Calgary Sun) A few classic 'oldies' that should be covered: The admonition in Ecclesiastes 1:9 that there is nothing new under the sun is particularly applicable of the entertainment business. Tons of jokes, songs and stories are “re-invented,” veneered to contemporary taste. It’s natural to mark one’s generational territory. Each group seeks uniqueness. I happen to believe the 1950s were wonderful but, like religions, everybody considers his or her flavor the absolute best. Part of the “marking” process is making old stuff appear new. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with recycling art. After all, we do it to cans, bottles, newspapers, tires and cooking oil, why not creative property? It clearly makes sense to preserve and promote excellence where possible. Good grief, dead guys like Frank Sinatra and Elvis continue to sell loads of music and will be “players” in the entertainment future for as long as our air is breathable … even longer if you believe Al Gore. In music, recycling means the “covering” of a song by another artist. Re-makes or “covers” aren’t new. In fact, many tracks issued by my R&B icons were, in fact, retreads from the recycle bin. Elvis Presley’s “Hound Dog” covered the 1953 recording by Big Mama Thornton. Wilbert Harrison’s huge 1959 hit, “Kansas City,” was a cover for Little Willie Littlefield’s 1952 platter. Such facts are dim history because those remakes so totally eclipsed the originals. (News, Source: The Free Press) Billy Miller talks to EIN: We've added yet more of your feedback to our very controversial interview with Billy Miller. Today's update includes a post from 'Blue', a close friend of Billy Miller's, responding to comments made by Marty Lacker.
Relive Elvis’s greatest movie moments and memories in this one of a kind box set. Elvis’ movies and music are timeless and this box set is a perfect way to share it with friends and family, now and forever.
'Is Elvis alive?' conspiracy voted the #20 conspiracy theory: The idea that Elvis may not have died in August 1977 has been rated as the #20 conspiracy theory by the popular Australian television program, '20 to 1'. Strangely, (it's probably a conspiracy), theories above Elvis were that Prince Harry is not the son of Prince Charles and the death of Princess Diana. (News, Source: EIN) The 100 Most Bankable Celebrities
New German CD - "Elvis Pures Gold: 30 #1's": Set for release on November 10, 2006 is a CD from BMG Germany entitled "Elvis Presley - Pures Gold: 30 #1's" This compilation is aimed at the general public and will be supported by an advertisement campaign. (News, Source: Collectors Service/Elvis News) Chart update: The US Billboard chart listings for the week ending September 30, 2006: Having Fun With Elvis On Stage Again: Reissued on the Cargo Records label earlier this month are five volumes of the "Having Fun With Elvis On Stage" series. (News, Source: Elvis Club Berlin /Elvis News)
THOMAS KINKADE PAINTS
Who: Thomas Kinkade, The Painter of Light™, and America’s most collected living artist will unveil and discuss his Plein Air Study in preparation for the creation of his first-ever painting of Graceland. Mr Kinkade is in Memphis to tour Graceland, paint, and find inspiration by walking in the footsteps of the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley.
A Profile - The King On Stage Volume 3?: According to the Elvis In Norway site, a third volume of the famed Profile boxsets is to be released. While the first two volumes were released by Fort Baxter, there is no word yet on who is behind this new release.
From Elvis In Norway: "From reliable sources - a new Profile box has been announced. A Profile - The King On Stage Volume 3 will contain 4 shows from Huntsville 1975. This 4 cd box-set will include two shows from May 31 and two shows from June 1. Said to come from recently found, top-notch soundboard recordings. As with the other Profile box-sets this one will be limited. More information about label, content and cover will come later." (News, Source: Robert Vasilevski/Elvis In Norway)
Elvis radio salutes 50 years since Elvis' Tupelo homecoming: For this weekend’s edition of Elvis Live In Concert, Elvis Radio's Doc Walker will pay tribute to the 50th anniversary of Elvis’s Tupelo Homecoming Concerts (afternoon and evening shows) from Wednesday, September 26, 1956. Go to the Elvis Radio page at Sirius.com to see details about Elvis programming in the week ahead plus the Sirius presentation of this year's Collingwood Elvis Festival. Not a subscriber? While visiting Elvis Radio check out the free trial subscription offer to enjoy not only Elvis Radio, but also all the other Sirius channels. (News, Source: EPE) Elvis at The Hard Rock Cafe in Memphis: The Hard Rock Cafe in Memphis will be unveiling the redecoration of their mezzanine level on October 1, 2006, at 5:00 pm CST. The entire second floor has been redocorated with Elvis memorabilia and artifacts. (News, Source: Elvis Unlimited/Elvis News) Jerry Scheff to write book: Bass player and TCB member Jerry Scheff has begun writing a book about his career. “The Elvis shows will be an important chapter in the book, but it’s not all Elvis”, Jerry said during a press conference in Soest, Germany. Scheff played with hundreds of other singers, including Jim Morrison, John Denver, Roy Orbison and Tom Petty. No release date yet, but Jerry added that the book may come with a bonus CD. (News, Source: Elvis Matters/Elvis News) New Madison label CD announced: Following the double CD release '' The Elvis Presley Show- Holding Down The Fort, '' the Madison label will release Elvis' May 31st evening and June 1st matinee shows from Huntsville, Alabama from the May / June 1975 tour. Both in excellent sound quality and will include 16-page, illustrated booklets, with relevant photos and notes. More details to follow soon!! (News, Source: FECC) Latest celebrity visitor to Graceland: Singer/songwriter KT Tunstall and members of her band toured Graceland on 18 September. (News, Source: EPE)
James Burton plays on Dutch single: During his stay in Holland and Belgium last week, James Burton took some time off for a studio recording. James played the dobro guitar on the English song “Extraordinary”, with lead vocals by ElvisMatters member Mark Schraven. The single should be out in a few months. The actual recording took place in a studio in Goirle (Holland). (News, Source: Elvis Matters/Elvis News)
Elvis Presley's Graceland Becomes a Partner Place of The National Trust for Historic Preservation: Following is a press release from the National Trust for Historic Preservation:
Netherlands chart update: In the Netherlands the "Aloha Special" climbs from #19 to #10 while the "'68 Comeback Special" climbs from #16 to #9. (News, Source: Elvis News)
Tennessee's site at http://www.tnvacation.com - the only place where you can see the commercial on demand - has become one of the most popular vacation web addresses on the internet, ranking in the Top 10 of more than 200 million Google sites, she said. (News, Source: News 24) New Elvis remix album?: Further to our story on 15 September comes this item: A remixed version of Elvis' classic "Burning Love" is currently used in Japan for a Honda CR-V commercial. According the remixer "Mowo": "Ive just done a remix of "HUNK OF BURNIN LOVE". funky new beats, gospel sounding piano, THE KING getting his whoops and hollahs in and me, little old stupid me... rocking the funkiness. Initially the remix is going to be featured in a HONDA CR-V ad... and then it will be released as a full version on an ELVIS remixed album." (News, Source: Mocean Worker /Elvis News) Photographer captures the faces of those who pay tribute to Elvis: Chicago photographer Patty Carroll began by looking for ways to show people's inner lives, but she ended up revealing their inner Elvis. Call them Elvis impersonators, impressionists, stylists, performers, interpreters or imposters; they call themselves ETAs — Elvis Tribute Artists. Immersing herself in the kitschy yet cool subculture, Carroll has taken hundreds of portraits, some of which have been published in a little pink book, "Living the Life! The World of Elvis Tribute Artists." Read full story (Almost Elvis, Source: Express News)
Elvis' death voted the 5th most memorable event on TV: Elvis' death has been voted by Australian television viewers as the 5th most memorable event on TV. Not surprisingly, man's first step on the Moon and 9-11 filled the top two positions respectively. The assassination of JFK was #3 and the death of Princess Diana #4. The Beatles stunning visit to Australia came in at #19. The list of the top 20 moments on TV were announced last night on the TV special, "TV Turns 50 - The Events That Stopped A Nation". The special included a tribute to Elvis by both Human Nature (Don't Be Cruel) and David Campbell (Viva Las Vegas/Suspicious Minds). As Campbell sang, two large screens and five thin screens showed clips from various parts of Elvis' career. (News, Source: EIN)
"The Essential Elvis Presley" greatest hits comilation announced: Sony-BMG will release a new 2CD compile of Elvis' greatest hits. "The Essential Elvis Presley" is scheduled to be released in the first quarter of 2007. (News, Source: Sony-BMG) Elvis collection for sale...at reasonable prices: Debra Palmer is returning to Singapore and can't take her Elvis collection with here. So many items are for sale at very reasonable prices. Debra's collection comprises CDs, books and magazines. Some examples: America The Beautiful CD single with video track (US$3.00); Elvis The Number One Hits CD (US$8.00); Burning Love & Hits From His Movies - Camden CD (US$7.00; The Girl's Guide To Elvis book (US$10.00); selection of TV Guide issues with Elvis covers (US$3.50 each); Priscilla & Elvis book (US$2.50) Contact Debra for details (News, Source: Charmaine Voisine) Elvis Gospel Service in Paradiso, Amsterdam, Sunday September 24, 2006, 4 p.m.:
After several Elvis Gospel Services throughout Holland there will be one on Sunday September 24 in Paradiso. This former church and nowadays famous pop temple is the place to built a bridge between pop music and religion. Accompanied by the Couleur Locale choir under direction of Anton Poot you will hear Elvis sing, among others, Where could I go but to the Lord?, Precious Lord, take my hand, So High and If I can Dream. Singer Sue Moreno will sing some Elvis Gospels with choir and solo. Paradiso site: www.paradiso.nl (News, Source: Rev. Fred Omvlee)
Read EIN's article Is Elvis a Religion?
and
'Elvis in Afghanistan'
- Armed Forces Chaplain brings Peace in the Valley -
"Chaos In The Park" CD released: The latest release from the Straight Arrow import label, "Chaos In The Park" has been released. The label also announced their next project - they will release Elvis' August 23, 1972 Midnight show, recorded in Las Vegas. No release date has been given yet. (News, Source: Elvis News) New book announced - "Elvis: Inspirations": On 1 May 2007 the Andrews McMeel Publishing will release this title in the US. It will be a hardcover issue with 160 pages. ISBN: 0740763598. (News, Source: ElvisBookResearch)
Australian chart update: On this week's ARIA Music DVD chart in Australia, the Comeback Special fell six places to #14 while Aloha fell nine places to #19. (News, Source: ARIA)
Congratulations to EPE - Graceland wins major award: As we reported recently, EPE was nominated for "Event Site of the Year" in the Annual Events Solutions Awards. And it has won!:
Event Solutions is the premier trade magazine for professionals involved with all aspects of the event, meeting and incentive markets. These readers represent decision-makers who are responsible for events, meetings and incentives in terms of choosing destinations and locations, selecting planners, producers and suppliers, and setting budgets and spending limits for these events. The magazine delivers valuable content by and for those in the special events industry, and has become the standard for information and resources for event professionals. (News, Source: EPE) 'Elvis on Ed Sullivan' DVD release in EC: The three DVD-Box set with The Ed Sullivan Shows will have it's European release through BMG on November 11, 2006. (News, Source: The United Elvis Presley Society /Elvis News) Elvis on the auction block: Elvis' embalmer sells the hanger on which Elvis' costume was delivered to the funeral home by Elvis' father Vernon Presley at the Memphis Funeral Home Langsheen Union Avenue on August 17, 1977. Elvis Presley´s massive 1960 Cadillac Coupe DeVille sold for £23,000 - 50% over its estimate this week at H&H's sale in Buxton, Derbyshire. The King of Rock ´n´ Roll´s pink and white motor was one of several entered by the Yorkshire Car Collection. (News, Source: Elvis News) Chart update: The U.S. Billboard Chart listings for the week ending September 23, 2006. Top Country Catalog Albums - Elvis 30 #1 Hits - remains at #9 Hot 100 Singles Sales - Heartbreak Hotel - down 5 to #31 Top Music Video - Elvis: '68 Comeback Special - up 3 to #7 Top Music Video - Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii - up 5 to #9 Top Comprehensive Music Video - Elvis: '68 Comeback Special - up 3 to #7 Top Comprehensive Music Video - Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii - up 5 to #9 (News, Source: Elvis International Fan Club) "Tears of A King" film update: Further to our report on 15 September, here is the press release about the film exploring links between Elvis and the Book of Mormon:
What do you think of when someone mentions Elvis Presley? The music, the outfits, and his gyrations during his early career, of course. What you probably don't think of is his spiritual side, witnessed by notes he left in a Book of Mormon. A new movie, currently in production, shows that side of the "King". 'Good Rockin' Tonight' CD release: Set for release on September 12, 2006 is another budget release entitled "Good Rockin' Tonight". This release comes from the German Membran/ Intense label. Track listing - 1. Good rockin' tonight /2. That's all right /3. Milcow blues boogie /4. Blue moon /5. Harbor lights /6. Blue moon of Kentucky /7. You're a heartbreaker /8. I don't care if the sun don't shine /9. I'm left you're right she's gone /10. I love you because /11. Tomorrow night /12. I'll never let you go /13. Just because. (News, Source: CD Universe/Elvis News) World’s best Elvis: IT is believed that there are in excess of 85,000 Elvis Impersonators in the world today! Not only is Liam's voice identical to Elvis, his show is just as exhilarating and action packed. The two-hour spectacle features most of Elvis' big hits and also Elvis songs that most impersonators would not dare attempt, like 'Bridge Over Troubled Water', 'Proud Mary' and 'You've Lost that Lovin' Feeling'. At 36 Liam is one of the few Elvis performers that captures 'The King' in his prime. Every shake, rattle, and roll has the audience screaming for more, particularly when he arrives out after the interval wearing the black leather '68 Comback Special' suit, and mingles with the screaming crowd. All Liam's costumes are hand made by the same company that made Elvis Presley's threads, and are exact replica, as is the pink paisley Fender guitar. Elvis track on The Oxford American CD: This CD compiled by the staff of The Oxford American (University of Central Arkansas ) with Rick Clark of Nashville, TN (producer) contains one track by Elvis (Suspicious Minds). (News, Source: Amber Smith)
Higher priced Aug 2007 ' Elvis Presley In Concert' Tickets all "sold out": Charmaine Voisine has advised EIN that all $250.00 and $90.00 tickets for the performance of 'Elvis Presley In Concert' in Memphis in August 2007 are apparently "sold out"! There are still $70.00 and $50.00 tickets available. (News, Source: Charmaine Voisine) Audio link: Elvis, April 2, 1957 concert at Toronto's Maple Leaf Garden (Source: Charmaine Voisine)
New film looks at Elvis and the Book of Mormon: We know him as the king of rock and roll and much was written about his
spiritual side. But not many people know Elvis was looking into The Book of
Mormon. That is now the subject matter of a new movie being filmed in Utah
County. "The Elvis Presley Show - Holding Down The Fort" CD release: The Madison label will soon release a double CD set titled " The Elvis Presley Show - Holding Down The Fort, " featuring the much-heralded Fort Worth, Texas concert from June 3, 1976. About five years ago Madison issued portions of this show, unfortunately far from complete and in lesser sound quality. However, this 2006 collection will be taken from a first generation soundboard recording in excellent sound quality. Read full story and see track listing (News, Source: FECC) "Elvis The Ultimate Film Collection" update: According to the official Elvis site, this package is an Elvis Presley Enterprises production that will be sold through the Graceland gift shops (later this month) and to the general public commencing in January 2007 via a television infomercial. (News, Source: EPE)
"Burning Love" being used in Honda CRV ad in the US: A new TV commercial for Honda CRV uses Burning Love as the backing track. (News, Source: Andy Foster) EPE's Todd Morgan charged - "Blew .243, doesn't know how he got to Collierville": As the long-time spokesperson for Elvis Presley Enterprises, Todd Morgan has been in the newspaper about 180 times since the early 1990s. But this time it's different.
Collierville Police arrested the disoriented 44-year-old Sunday night on a charge of driving under the influence after he wrecked his car, according to a police report. "Mr. Morgan did not know where he was or how he got there," the report states. The Presley Enterprises director of media and creative development registered a .243 on the breathalyzer, the report states. The maximum allowable blood alcohol content in Tennessee is .08. Police found Morgan and his damaged Toyota Avalon at Byhalia Road and Polo Run at 9:53 p.m.
"Officer observed Mr. Morgan to have a strong odor of intoxicant on or about his person, bloodshot, watery eyes and was very unsteady on his feet," the report states. He performed poorly on three field sobriety tests, according to the report. Morgan told police he had three beers at Rafferty's Restaurant at Poplar and Perkins near his home in Memphis. "... And could not figure out how he ended up in Collierville," the report states. The arrest occurred about 15 miles east of the Memphis restaurant. Police took Morgan to jail. The car's hood was cracked, the front fender damaged, front left tire missing and rear left tire was flat. But police couldn't figure out what he had hit. "It was undetermined what location Mr. Morgan caused damage to his vehicle," the report states. Morgan said Tuesday that his car struck something in the road. His arraignment in Municipal Court is scheduled for Sept. 21. (News, Source: Contact)
Elvis ringtones introduced by Sony-BMG Australia
That "Elvis cup" is back!: We've eagerly been waiting here at TMZ for our chance to own a cup that may (or may not) have been used by Elvis Presley. Now that chance to spend all of our hard earned cash on a Styrofoam cup has arrived. For a starting bid of $56,000, you too can own the world famous Elvis Cup. That's right -- for the price of a luxury German sedan, you can own the cup the King himself allegedly drank from at a 1977 concert. Wade Jones, the man who saved the cup from obscurity, has already auctioned off three teaspoons of water from the the cup for $455 back on Christmas Day 2004. Now Wade is going for the whole enchilada and selling the cup that has brought him so much joy over the years. Now all we need is an Elvis plate and some Elvis utensils and we'll have ourselves an Elvis dining set. (News, Source: In The Zone/Elvis News)
Louisiana Hayride secures legend, Frankie Avalon, for Elvis infomercial: The Louisiana Hayride, Inc. has secured the services of 1960s 'beach movies' legend, Frankie Avalon, for their infomercial promoting the "Elvis at the Hayride" package (see original story 10 Sep 2006). (News, Source: Louisiana Hayride)
Elvis The Concert 25th Anniversary DVD: Retail distribution issues is the reason the DVD presentation of the 25th anniversary Elvis - The Concert presentation at The Pyramid Arena in Memphis in August 2002 will not be available on general release until January 2007. Released by Coming Home Music the DVD concentrates on Act 2 of theconcert plus material from the gospel segment from Act 1. (News, Source: Elvis The Man and His Music)
Concert not to be missed: Pittsburgh - Chamber Music Project - Seven members of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra offer a terrific-looking program of Stravinsky's "L'histoire du soldat'' (complete with narrator), Michael Dougherty's "Dead Elvis,'' and tangos by Astor Piazzolla. (Presented by the San Jose Chamber Music Society.) Where: Le Petit Trianon, 72 N. Fifth St., San Jose.....When: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 24....How much: $21-$36; (408) 286-5111....Info: www.sjchambermusic.org
Chart update: The '68 Comeback Special DVD is at #10 this week on both the Billboard Comprehensive Music Video and Top Music Video Charts in its 5th week of release. On the Billboard Country Catalogue Album Chart the compilation "ELV1S 30 #1 Hits" is at #9 this week, this album remains at 4X Platinum in the United States.
This means a faster tune from Ministry of Sound, for example, will elicit similar effects as seen in clubs while a romantic ballad by Elvis will result in a soothing, constant stream of light. Alternatively, you can also stick to a static color which proves to be considerably less funky but provides a calming effect instead. These speakers pump out tunes at 5 watts of power each. Constructed from high-grade polycarbonate, each speaker is equipped with a control knob that enables you to select the color mode as well as the volume level. The speakers measure 11cm x 10cm x 10cm each. You can pick up a pair for $89.98 from IWantOneOfThose.com. (News, Source: Ubergizmo) Unused 1956 Elvis concert ticket fetches high price at auction: An unused 1956 Elvis concert ticket has netted a trio of siblings US$1,623.98 on eBay. The ticket belonged to their mother, Ginny Jevack, 64, of Painesville. A snowstorm on Nov. 23, 1956, prevented her from attending the concert at the Cleveland Arena. She originally bought the ticket for $2. "We were hoping for $1,000," said Matt Jevack, 36, who put the ticket on eBay. "So we are really happy with the bid." Jevack will split the money with his two siblings: brother Michael Jevack, 38, who lives in Denver and sister Melissa Jevack, 40, who lives in Lake County. Their mother, who found the unused ticket years ago, suggested selling it on eBay after she asked Matt to sell her upright piano on the popular auction Web site. The ticket went on the Web site a week ago, at first only garnering a $50 bid. It was the lone bid for most of the week. As Saturday's 3 p.m. deadline loomed, the item picked up interest and in the last few minutes jumped from $1,350 to the final winning bid. Matt said he will probably put his share of the money in the bank. "Yeah, maybe I'll put it in an Elvis CD account," he joked. (News, Source: The Plain Dealer) Elvis book competition winners: Congratulations to the three winners in our recent Elvis book competition: John Iannazzo, Felicia Merton and Chris Bonny. Thank you to everyone who entered. And please check out our new Elvis CD competition above.
Elvis' Palm Springs residence marketing rights: The current owners of Elvis’s Palm Springs home are offering the lending rights to the mansion. The house is not for sale, but interested parties can place a bid on the highest amount you they’re willing to loan on this property in exchange for exclusive marketing rights in association with this historic residence. Minimum bid (via eBay) is 2 million dollar. (News, Source: Elvis Matters/Elvis News)
Bring The King to your home with Elvis Interiors: Decorate with Elvis and get free shipping. Elvis Interiors is a new and exciting company that launched during Elvis Week 2006 in Memphis. Their team of award winning artists and designers are developing an exciting and totally unique assortment of contemporary Elvis images. These can be used on canvas art and other custom-made but affordable interior design products like rugs, murals, blinds, flooring and more. Order now and take advantage of a "20% off" introductory discount and free shipping in the USA. For more information or to order, go to www.elvisinteriors.com. (News, Source: EPE) Brenda Lee on "The Elvis Hour" today: On this Sunday's edition of "The Elvis Hour" we'll visit with Brenda Lee as she tells what Elvis meant to her generation. We'll take you back to 1956 as Elvis dispells rumors of a rivalry with his friend Pat Boone. We'll also relive those landmark appearances on the Ed Sullivan television show, and country music superstar Eddie Rabitt tells what it's like to write a hit for The King. All of this plus the highlights from 1962 and more with Elvis in Concert. It's all coming this Sunday evening with an all new edition of "The Elvis Hour." Sunday evenings at 7:00PM (eastern) only at www.elvisthemagazine.com (News, Source: Elvis The Magazine) Priscilla Presley sells an asset: Priscilla Presley has sold one of her California estates, reportedly for some $2.5 million. The Los Angeles Times said Presley, the actress and ex-wife of late rock legend Elvis Presley, described the Canterbury, Calif., home as “a country English farmhouse on a grand scale.”
The paper said the spread includes a seven-bedroom house, three-tiered theater and other amenities on five lakeside acres. But the Times said Presley owns several homes and rarely used the place.
"The Headhunter" film update: Despite rumors of a name change for the upcoming film by David Stanley, "The Headhunter" is remaining as the title. The producers had considered changing the title to "Raised On Rock" but decided to leave it as is. (News, Source: Impello Films)
The Return of Evil Elvis: Hordes of Australian Elvis Presley fans are carving their quiffs in preparation for the King's return on the big screen with live backing from his old TCB band at Rod Laver Arena in October. But those who like some heavy metal and dark imagery with their crooning are more excited about the news that Glenn Danzig, aka "Evil Elvis", has returned to our shores for the first time in 13 years. Read the full story (News, Source: The Age) "The Complete Million Dollar Quartet" - new CD taken from Elvis' private tape of the legendary "jam" session: With news that the upcoming Complete Million Dollar Quartet album is taken from a tape found in Elvis' personal collection, 'Dr John Carpenter' posted this on the FECC messageboard: "EPE and others have been going through the Graceland archives, not to mention what Parker sold to the estate in the 1990s, cataloging everything for the record. Obviously, Elvis had a collection of personal tapes, acetates, promos and more in his home. All of those wonderful 1966 demos were located and identified in a similar search several years back. Hopefully we'll hear more cool discoveries in the future." (News, Source: FECC)
James Burton buys building on Elvis Presley Avenue: James Burton and his wife Louise have bought the building across the street from the Municipal Auditorium, where Elvis played week after week in the fifties at the Louisiana Hayride. James started playing in the staff band when he was 14 years old. The building, located at Elvis Presley Avenue, is the new home of the James Burton Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps children in developing their musical talents. (News, Source: Elvis Matters / Elvis News)
"Elvis Presley" to be released as vinyl pic disc: Elvis' self titled debut album "Elvis Presley" will be reissued as a vinyl picture disc by the same label that released the "Sunshine" vinyl picture disc. This edition is due for release early October 2006. (News, Source: Elvis Corner /Elvis News)
DJ Fontana & Myrna Smith online interview: We received this message from Laura Grochocki of Upscale TV: "Dear President, The recent interview was done with Upscale TV's William Kelly and also features interviews and performances with acclaimed Elvis tribute artists, Shawn Klush and Ryan Pelton at one of their concerts in Chicago.
Hope you enjoy it. By the way - there is also website link information for the Elvis performers at www.upscaletv.com under exclusive preview."
Steady Clothing licensed to release new line of Elvis clothing: EPE has licensed a new range of Elvis clothing. The company involved has the credentials of already outfitting and making clothes for many top musicians, including Billie Joe Armstrong, Jessica Simpson, Davey Havoc, The Living End and The Brian Setzer Orchestra. Steady Clothing’s signature embellishments, finishes, custom buttons, unique fabrics and custom screen-printing make it the ideal choice for the Elvis Presley clothing collection. Read the press release (News, Source: EPE) Bring Elvis to your home with Elvis interiors: Decorate with Elvis and get free shipping. Elvis Interiors is a new and exciting company that launched during Elvis Week 2006 in Memphis. Their team of award winning artists and designers are developing an exciting and totally unique assortment of contemporary Elvis images. These can be used on canvas art and other custom-made but affordable interior design products like rugs, murals, blinds, flooring and more.
BMG Music Sold To French Holding: As we reported several months ago was a possibility, the German media company Bertelsmann has sold BMG Music Publishing to the French group Vivendi for 1.63 Billion euro. Last May, Bertelsmann announced the possible sale of the music catalogue. BMG owns the rights to over one million titles, including the hits of Robbie Williams, Mariah Carey and Elvis. (News, Source: Elvis Matters/Elvis News) SRVS thanks EPE and fan clubs: Received by EPE: Dear Mr. Soden, On behalf of our staff at Shelby Residential & Vocational Services (SRVS) and more than 800 service recipients, I would like to extend a special thank you to Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE) and the Elvis Presley fan club presidents for choosing SRVS as their charity to support this year. Last day to win an Elvis book! Lisa Marie Presley: new tour dates (USA Sep-Oct 2006) Lisa Marie Presley one of new faces of Viva Glam lipstick line: What do you get when you mix a rock legend, a rapper, a burlesque babe and Elvis Presley's daughter? The latest MAC Viva Glam squad, made up of Blondie frontwoman Deborah Harry, Eve, Dita von Teese and Lisa Marie Presley. The ladies started their stints yesterday as the newest faces of MAC makeup's Viva Glam lipstick and lip gloss line, which raises money to help people who are living with HIV/AIDS and has generated $70 million to date for the MAC AIDS Fund. The four are "outstanding ambassadors for raising awareness for the cause" because each conveys glamour and confidence, says John Demsey, chairman of the MAC AIDS Fund and group president of Estee Lauder Cos. (News, Source: USA Today)
Sad death for "the Elvis of the animal world": The sad death on Monday of the Crocodile Hunter, the larger-than life Steve Irwin, has seen him described as "the Elvis of the animal world". (News, Source: Amber Smith) Chart update: "Aloha" enters the Wallonian DVD top 10 at #3 this week in Belgium. In the TOP 20 DVD music chart from the Canary islands, The "68 Special" is a new entry at #8 while "Aloha" lands at #20. (News, Source: Elvis News)
Elvis beats Queen & the Beatles in Channel 5 poll: Okay, so it was only on Channel 5 (UK), but our man beat Queen to the number 1 spot! The Beatles came third! (News, Source: Heath Barclay/FECC) Quote of the week: We found this great quote in Michael Hill's liner notes to the recent "genre" CD release 'Elvis Live': Once in a great while, a special champion comes along, a Joe Louis...a Joe DiMaggio, someone in whose hands the way a thing is done is more important than the thing itself...Friday night at Madison Square Garden, Elvis was that. He stood there at the end, arms stretched out, the great gold cloak giving him wings, a champion, the only one in his class." (Rock critic, Chris Chase, New York Times)
The Elvis Presley Watermark Radio Show: The site elvis.org has added an article on the 1971 & 1975 radio series based on the Jerry Hopkins biography, "Elvis A Biography". The site also has an interesting article looking at Elvis' personal guitars. (News, Source: elvis.org) DVD competition winners: Congratulations to the following winners in our recent Elvis DVD competition: Michael Fugaro, Nerida Langdon, Margaret Kennedy and Tina Farmer. Thank you to everyone who entered the competition and to Sony BMG for providing the competition prizes. Don't forget our current Elvis Book Competition (see above) and watch out for our new Elvis CD Competition starting later this week. Aussie chart update: The single disc DVD editions of "Elvis '68 Comeback Special" (#3) and "Elvis Aloha From Hawaii" (#4) held steady on this week's ARIA Music DVD Chart. (News, Source: ARIA)
"Elvis: How Great Thou Art" documentary film receives standing ovation in Glasgow: Elvis, How Great Thou Art, adapted from the book, The Memphis Lullaby, is a documentary portrait commemorating the artist Elvis Aaron Presley’s Musical, Cultural and Historical legacy. For the first time, his artistic legacy has been collated to illustrate Elvis Presley’s artistry and his contribution to the arts. Linda Ann McConnell’s debut film, Elvis, How Great Thou Art premiered to a standing ovation at the Glasgow Film Theatre in Scotland on the 29th anniversary of Elvis’ death on the 16th Aug 2006. The film is now available for hiring. Read full press release (News, Source: Linda Ann Connell) New Elvis books announced for 2007 release: ElvisBookResearch has advised EIN that the following Elvis books have been announced -
Hawaii '61 JAT book "sold out": Also sold out (at least by the publisher), is the recent JAT book & CD release, "Hawaii '61". The release has gained mixed reviews but with JAT having sold all of its supplies it is likely we will see its selling price rise on ebay. (News, Source: FECC)
Australian BMG album releases & DVD sales update: The budget priced album, "Elvis Rock 'n' Roll Hero" will be released mid September by BMG Australia. The Aussie release of "The Million Dollar Quartet" album has slipped to sometime in October. Also, BMG Australia is very pleased with sales of the single disc editions of "Aloha From Hawaii" and "The '68 Comeback Special". Both titles are creeping close to triple platinum certification (based on combined sales of the deluxe and single disc editions). (News, Source: Sony BMG) Meet the woman who turned down Elvis! "Elvis" a common online & computer password - but beware!!: Security.net has included the name "Elvis" in its list of commonly used passwords. The downside says Security.net is that computer hackers often use a 'brute force' or 'dictionary' attack on computers pairing common log on id's (such as admin, guest or user etc) with common 'passwords'. Those who have adopted a basic log on/password combination are therefore at higher risk of being hacked into. (News, Source: Security.net)
New Elvis embroidery design collection licensed: Dakota Collectibles, the world’s largest supplier of stock embroidery designs, is proud to present an Embroidery Design Collection of one of the greatest entertainers of all time—Elvis Presley! Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the beginning of Elvis’ illustrious career, Elvis Presley “the 50’s” Embroidery Design Collection is professionally digitized and captures the talent, good looks, sensuality, and good humor that endeared Elvis to millions of fans worldwide. Elvis Presley “the 50’s” includes 20 designs in 4x4 and 5x7 sewing fields and is on a multi-formatted CD-Rom. Read full story (News, Source: EPE)
Encore presentation of 2006 Candlelight Vigil: Go to Elvis Radio on the Sirius Satellite Radio site and scroll down to see the current programming schedule. Among the highlights is an encore presentation of Elvis Radio's very special coverage of the Candlelight Vigil at Graceland during Elvis Week 2006: New book delayed: Last month we reported on a new book "Elvis in the Beat of the Night: True Stories of Elvis and His Police Buddies" (ISBN:0978853407). Due for release a few days ago in the US, publication has been delayed. (News, Source: ElvisBookResearch) Rockabilly singer Gene Simmons dies: Gene Simmons (not from KISS), who lived in Tupelo and opened for Elvis at an early Tupelo gig, died Tuesday (29 August) in Tupelo. He was best known for his one big hit, "Haunted House," which climbed to #11 on the Billboard charts in 1964. I knew him as a night club performer in Memphis when I penned the "Memphis After Dark" column for the Press-Scimitar. Simmons, 69, co-wrote "Indian Outlaw," which Tim McGraw charted with in 1994. (News, Source: Bill E. Burk) Single disc DVD editions of "Aloha" and "Comeback Special" for release in Japan: BMG Japan will release the single disc editions of these DVDs in November. (News, Source: Elvis World Japan) Chart update: The latest release of the "68 Comeback Special" DVD drops to no. 8 (from no. 5 last week) this week in both the September 9, 2006 Billboard Top Music Video and Comprehensive Music Video Charts. (News, Source: Elvis News) The Truth About Elvis film trailer: The trailer for this film documentary will be released on My Space today.
|
Quote: "Elvis Presley is the supreme socio-cultural icon in the history of pop culture" (Dr. Gary Enders) Quote: "Elvis is the 'glue' which holds our society together....which subconciously gives our world meaning" (Anonymous) "Eventually everybody has to die, except Elvis" (humorist Dave Barry) Quote: "He is the "Big Bang", and the universe he detonated is still expanding, the pieces are still flying" (Greil Marcus, "Dead Elvis") Quote: "I think Elvis Presley will never be solved" (Nick Tosches) Quote: "He was the most popular man that ever walked on this planet since Christ himself was here" (Carl Perkins) Quote: "When I first heard Elvis' voice I just knew I wasn't going to work for anybody...hearing him for the first time was like busting out of jail" (Bob Dylan) Quote: "When we were kids growing up in Liverpool, all we ever wanted was to be Elvis Presley" (Sir Paul McCartney) Quote: "You can't say enough good things about Elvis. He was one of a kind" (Johnny Cash) Quote: "And don't think for one moment he's just a passing fancy....he's got enough of it to keep him on top for a long time" (R. Fred Arnold, Fury magazine, Aug 1957) Quote: "It isn't enough to say that Elvis is kind to his parents, sends money home, and is the same unspoiled kid he was before all the commotion began. That still isn't a free ticket to behave like a sex maniac in public" (Eddie Condon, Cosmopolitan) Elvis records reaching #2 & #3 on the Cashbox Pop Singles chart: #2: A Fool Such As I (1959) #2: A Big Hunk Of Love (1959) #3: Hard Headed Woman (1958) #3: One Night (1958) #3: (You're The Devil) In Disguise (1963) Elvis Facts: Tickets for Elvis' show on March 29, 1957 in St. Louis cost $2.00 to $2.50
While in Germany Elvis was hospitalised with tonsillitis in October 1959
Despite being an illegal immigrant, photographic evidence shows Colonel Tom Parker traveled to Canada with Elvis in 1957
Elvis strongly believed there weren't enough good songs in King Creole to justify releasing a soundtrack album. RCA initially agreed, releasing two very successful EPs from the movie. A soundtrack LP eventually followed
During the 1960s Elvis had his own football team, Elvis Presley Enterprises, which played in the Memphis touch football league. In the 1962 final, EPE narrowly lost to Delta Automatic Transmission, 6-13
In Clambake, (Elvis) Scott Hayward's driving licence shows February 23, 1940...taking 5 years off Elvis' real age
In the 1970s Elvis was offered $5m to stage a concert in front of the Pyramids in Egypt. When the Colonel declined the offer, Saudi billionaires raised the offer to $10m
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||