Welcome to the "Elvis Information Network", home to the best news, reviews, interviews, Elvis photos & in-depth articles about the King of Rock & Roll, Elvis Aaron Presley...
With large “coffee table” books tending to dominate the Elvis book market, many price conscious fans are always on the look-out for a more cost-effective option.
Does Arjan Deelen’s latest book chronicling one of Elvis’ best tours of 1976 fit the bill?
Amazon sites pushed back release date for the 'Elvis On Tour' box-set: Thanks to Bernard Roughton for alerting EIN to the fact that according to Amazon UK, the release date for the upcoming 6CD + 1 Blu-ray Elvis On Tour boxset has been pushed back to January 20, 2023.
Amazon US is somewhat confusing as it too now lists the release date as January 20, but also states in its listing that the set will be released on December 2, 2022 (the original release date – EIN expects they forget to amend the latter info).
The set comprises the audio from four of the shows (and two rehearsals) that were part of Elvis’ 1972 North American tour.
The set features a total of 145 tracks, including 91 tracks that have been previously unreleased, as well as the award-winning concert film on Blu-ray. (News, Source: Bernard Roughton / Amazon)
'Elvis Presley - Always On My Mind (Rehearsal - Official Lyric Video)': A new promo for the up-coming, possibly delayed, ON TOUR deluxe box-set.
The "Lyric" version of the delightful 'Always On My Mind' Rehearsal.
Little things I should have said and done...
I just never took the time
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind
(News, Source;EP/ElvisInfoNet)
ELVIS continues its reign at #1: With its global box office gross now approaching US$286M, on streaming channels the Elvis biopic maintained its #1 status on both HBO and Hulu up to September 28.
Documenting the highs and lows of Elvis’s (Austin Butler) life from childhood to becoming the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll through his complicated relationship with manager Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks), the movie ousted Paramount Home Entertainment’s Top Gun: Maverick from its recent four-week stint atop the chart.
ELVIS is still Number One!
(News, Source:Box Office Mojo/Flix Patrol/EIN)
(New book set) Elvis Presley Australian Long Play Album Covers: Following on from his Elvis Presley Australian Long Play Record Labels in Catalogue Order set of books, Australian Elvis rock and roll and Elvis researcher, Bob Hayden, has published his latest set of “five” books. The books are targeted at collectors and those other fans wanting to see the wide variety of Elvis LP releases in Australia. The listing in Elvis in Print: The Definitive Reference and Price Guide, states: .... These five volumes (which have attractive, colorful covers) are a narrative and pictorial record of Elvis “vinyl” albums released in Australia. Both the front and back covers (with track listing) of each album, including variations, are shown, and the author provides the necessary information for collectors to identify different pressings/issues. Book 1 features a consolidated listing of all 211 albums chronicled in the five books - comprising RCA (Victor), Camden, Hammard, Image, J&B, KTel, Rainbow, Readers Digest, Starcall, Summit, and Time Life releases - as well as sections showing the various front cover box logos, back cover logos, and back cover writing on bottom of covers. There are also several items of archival material such as the ultra-rare RCA Records “Wills & Co. Pty Ltd” paper sleeve and an AWA Program Services sticker. Book 5 features the non-primary label RCA and other label releases. The track listings can be difficult to read on some of the back cover images. All volumes are staple-bound and they feature an attractive flexi-cover and internally, high quality gloss paper stock which allows the images to shine.
The books measure 20.5 x 29.2 cms (A4) and vary in page size between 52 and 72 pages (totalling 324 pages for the set). They have been published earlier than expected, and show “2023” on the cover. For more information, the author can be contacted by email: elvis2594@gmail.com (News, Source:ElvisInfoNet)
Thursday 29 September 2022
'Elvis: The Man & His Music' #137: EIN's favourite Elvis music magazine 'Elvis: The Man & His Music' September 2022 issue is out now. Sorry, we missed this announcement a few weeks ago.
Articles include
- The Andreas Enigma Part 1
- A Sky More Blue – Elvis And The Las Vegas Treadmill
- Faith, Hope & Charity
- That Reminds Me…
- CD, DVD & Book Reviews
- Your Letters
- It’s Only Make Believe – ‘Elvis’ movie Review
Interestingly the ETMHM comments & review about the ELVIS movie - "I am unfamiliar with Baz Luhrmann's work" - makes EIN think that they don't get out to the cinemas very often! So it is lucky for all of us that Luhrmann makes fabulous OTT movies for the general public and not boring factual biopics for ETMHM readers! The magazine is however still an excellent read.
Venetia Stevenson actress, Elvis girlfriend, Dead: Venetia Stevenson, a model, actress and daughter of Hollywood luminaries who appeared in films including Darby’s Rangers, Island of Lost Women and Horror Hotel after being labeled “the most photogenic girl in the world,” has died. She was 84. In August 1957 she was romantically linked to Elvis and featured in the papers. Elvis met her off the plane when she flew into Memphis and he took her to a private showing of his new film 'Loving You' at the Strand cinema. In a later interview Elvis admitted to still seeing Venitia and riding with her - "I still see Venetia once in a while. I own three horses, take her riding."
Venetia Stevenson would later marry Don Everly
Stevenson’s parents were Robert Stevenson, the Oscar-nominated director of Mary Poppins and Anna Lee, who starred in How Green Was My Valley and portrayed the matriarch in General Hospital.
The screen siren was married to actor Russ Tamblyn from Valentine’s Day 1956 until their divorce in April 1957 and to Don Everly of The Everly Brothers from 1962-70 and was romantically linked to Elvis as well as Audie Murphy, Tab Hunter and Anthony Perkins.
Joanna Venetia Invicta Stevenson was born in London on March 10, 1938. Soon after, her dad signed a contract with producer David O. Selznick, and the family was off to Hollywood.
When she was 14, Stevenson was spotted on a beach in Malibu by photographer Peter Gowland, who was famous for his pin-up pictures. She posed for Gowland and his wife and wound up on lots of magazine covers, including one for Esquire.
Her big-screen résumé also included two films with her mom, Jet Over the Atlantic (1959) and The Big Night (1960); Day of the Outlaw (1959; Studs Lonigan (1960), featuring Jack Nicholson; and The Sergeant Was a Lady (1961). She quit acting after marrying Don Everly. (News, Source;HR/ElvisInfoNet)
'Blue Hawaii' Vinyl - super-hifi: From the MoFi audiophile label a specially remastered double-vinyl version of Elvis' 'Blue Hawaii'.
The LP is mastered from Original Master Tapes and pressed at RTI 1/4"/15 IPS analog master to DSD256 to analog console to lathe. The Publicity notes... The old adage about Elvis Presley is that his soundtrack work never held a candle next to his studio albums. Though true for a majority of his film-related outings, the traditional notion is forever disproved by his Blue Hawaii set. Originally released in 1961 in support of the film in which he starred, the triple-platinum LP spent nearly five months at the top of the Billboard album charts; outsold his two prior studio efforts; and ultimately, remains the second-best-selling soundtrack of the musical-dominant 1960s. And now, it has received sonic treatment befitting rock royalty.
Mastered from the original master tapes Mobile Fidelity's numbered -edition 180g 45RPM 2LP set of Blue Hawaii transports listeners to both the carefree innocent escapism of the early '60s and calming, breezy atmospherics of the famous Pacific Islands. If you've ever wondered what it might be like to have Presley inhabit your room, this collectible reissue helps make it happen with superb presence, clarity, immediacy, and transparency.
The newly uncovered layers of detail, body, emotionalism, and tonality on this 2LP set bring that treasured element – as well as the brilliance of the arrangements and accompaniment – to light like never before. Presley's warm crooning alone warrants unmitigated attention. It's not for nothing that this record – replete with panache, whimsy, romance, and seriousness – forever altered the course of his career. 180g 45RPM 2LP / Sku: MFSL2-504 / Priced at
$59.99
Click here to MoFI for more info and to buy Personally EIN is going to wait until the FTD 'Complete Blue Hawaii sessions' box-set (News, Source;MOFI/ElvisInfoNet)
Tuesday 27 September 2022
'ELVIS PRESLEY: Prodigy of SUN Records' New Book: Elvis Files publisher Erik Lorentzen and co-author Robert van Beek announce the new deluxe set 'ELVIS PRESLEY: Prodigy of SUN Records' An 800-page two books formatted as an illustrated day-by-day travelogue and date book chronicling Elvis’ early career and life through newspaper clippings, memorabilia and many unique and rare photos in superb quality ─ out November 2022 ─ over 45 years after Elvis’ untimely demise. 'Prodigy of SUN Records' is set to be the most comprehensive early Elvis bible on the market today.
Many hours of research through digital libraries found new facts and interesting anecdotes from Elvis' early life and career dated ‘35 till ‘55. From Old Saltillo Rd., to the magic of SUN recording studios, the first Louisiana Hayride appearances and everything in between. This book is filled with a string of never-before-seen photos from 1935 till 1955.
BUT WAIT, that’s not all ─ a 10 inch vinyl bonus LP with ten songs also comes with this release!! The early Elvis SUN recordings in the best possible sound. The world's first atomic powered singer mixed blues, pop and hillbilly/country to create an electrifying new music that was called Rock ‘n Roll and changed the influence of music in the world forever. Also 9 glossy early SUN promotional photos – suitable for framing - presented in a printed paper sleeve. A collection of stories: many of Elvis' early childhood friends sharing their memories in these two books. Elvis' time in primary and secondary school is extensively discussed as well as his first loves (not only girls) and his roots for Gospel music. Tupeloans share their stories about their childhood friend who became the future King. A collection of jaw-dropping photos and, of course, the near to complete story from Elvis' birth until his big break in 1955.
An unmissable reference book -
Go to Elvis Files to Pre-order (News, Source;EF/RB/ElvisInfoNet)
What can you expect from this release?
Two books printed on high quality paper as you are used to from the 'Elvis Files'. Nine glossy photos to frame, a 10-inch album - cover shown right - with 10 songs in the best possible sound quality and many hours of reading pleasure with
ELVIS: Prodigy of SUN Records.
Erik Lorentzen has already delivered big projects in recent years but I can assure you that this release is the icing on the cake. No expense has been spared to make this travelogue a success. For you of course, the fans.
The complete overview in word and image from Elvis’ birth until he [Elvis] signed for RCA. 800 pages packed with unique material and documentation interspersed with beautiful photos.
Hundreds of hours of research gives an overall picture of the boy who became a king. Many new and/or higher/better quality photos have been purchased and distributed through these two issues. You will be amazed at the mass of information that has come to light through newspaper articles, through those who befriended Elvis over the years and much more info via the web.
This project is not a photo book but a day-by-day travelogue.
New book/CD 'Elvis 1956' (Peter Guralnick): Due for release on November 18 is this new book from Peter Guralnick. It will contain 88 pages and a bonus CD.
It is described as:
... Deluxe hard-cover 88-page book + audio CD. Elvis' debut album + 19 bonus tracks. In this impressive 88-page book, renowned music critic, author, screenwriter, and Elvis Presley authority Peter Guralnick explores Elvis’ records and experiences from 1956 in great detail. Guralnick explains why it was such a ground-breaking year in the career of the iconic rock & roll star. Born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1943, Guralnick specializes in the history of early rock and roll and is the author of a classic two-volume biography of Elvis Presley, Last Train to Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley, followed by Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley. This book is fully illustrated with rare and never-before published photos, including numerous classic shots of Elvis by photographer Alfred Wertheimer.
Also included inside is a 79-minute-long CD containing 31 of Elvis’ most important songs from 1956 carefully selected by Guralnick to accompany this book.
The author and Sun Records expert, Colin Escott, are also due to publish their book, The Birth of Rock ‘N’ Roll: 70 Years of Sun Records, in November 2022. (News, Source: AmazonUK/ElvisInfoNet)
Potentially fascinating new book, 'Alternate Elvis' (Livio Horrakh), to be published in Italy: Elvis Day By Day announced the release of this book which could be a fascinating read (EIN hopes there is an English language edition as the subject matter is certainly different to most Elvis related books):
Due for release from Direct Book is the 180-page Italian book Alternate Elvis In 16 Universi Possibili (1933-2068) by Livio Horrakh. Description: Is Elvis really dead? No, we do not believe he is. Not because he is living in a secret facility in a vegetative state assisted by mechanical supports, or hiding undercover somewhere on this planet, but because of the many "worlds interpretation".
According to physicist Hugh Everett-III, in each circumstance of reality infinite states coexist simultaneously in a sub-quantum cloud of indistinct possibilities. These infinite worlds actualize at each instant in the pluriverse. This could mean that on the night of August 16, 1977, Elvis was rescued in time by ambulance attendants, while in another world Presley is a retired truck driver, and in yet another he was singing in a dance hall with his twin brother or is divorcing his fifth wife, or NASA's first moon landing has resulted in a tragic catastrophe, and the first radio signal from extra-human intelligences is picked up by the Palomar-II telescope or .... (News, Source: Elvis Day By Day /Amazon / Direct Book)
New Elvis based novel - 'The Stars We Wrecked' (Milan Karis): This new novel (available in softcover and Kindle formats) has an intriguing premise described as:
... A beguiling story of espionage and its relationship with the entertainment industry. Penned in Slovakian, translated to English. This is an extremely interesting glimpse into intrigue and its far-reaching initiatives, such as Elvis. "The Stars We Wrecked," takes readers on a journey through the would-be lens of an undercover operative performing clandestine work intended to guide Elvis Presley's selection of music and resultant performances to the betterment of the Nation. A fictional testament to the dark side of fame where politics and personalities warp time and space relative to the talent craved by millions. Using Elvis Presley as an example, Peter – a field agent on a mission to foster sociologically aesthetic musicians – approaches the King to gain his trust. The goal: elevate the minds of listeners. This is a conceptual narrative where the sociological paradigm of entertainment and fame and its resultant fan-pop enter the political and clandestine operations machine. Who will win? (News, Source:Amazon/EIN)
Elvis and Me - tribute song by the legendary, Jimmy Webb): Jimmy Webb is best remembered for writing many of Glen Campbell's top 40 hits, including Wicheta Lineman, By The Time You Get To Phoenix, Galveston, and the underrated, Where's The Playground Susie?
More recently, Jimmy wrote and recorded a tribute song to Elvis.
(Book Review) Elvis Live At The International 50th Anniversary Edition (Kieran Davis): In 2011, Kieran Davis released the highly praised book, Elvis Live At The International. In 2022, he has published an expanded 50th Anniversary edition…and what an expansion it is!
The latest edition dwarfs the original with 432 pages compared to 172 in the original release.
And the added 250+ pages of additional material is stunning, making the 50th Anniversary release one of the best Elvis books published in 2022.
As its title reflects, the book covers Elvis' appearances at the International Hotel in Las Vegas between 1969 and 1971 (it was renamed the Las Vegas Hilton in July 1971). The narrative element is significantly based around fan, Peggy Elzea’s copious diaries, and a bumper array of archival material. Peggy’s experience seeing Elvis in Las Vegas is one every fan will envy. There is so much fascinating information and so many striking images in the book that it is hard to know where to start in describing it...
"Always On My Mind' ON TOUR Promo: RCA have released another promo 'Always On My Mind (Rehearsal)' for the up-coming much anticipated 'On Tour' box-set.
This is Take 3 from the rehearsals/mock studio session. Previously released on the FTD 'On Tour Rehearsals' where we noted.. .. On previous 'This Is Elvis' version the song was edited short & overdubbed and compared to the 'Great Performances' release it is now in the perfect context. This version is so beautiful it is heartbreaking that Elvis never did sing it live since it would have been a stunner.
Remixed by Matt Ross-Spang and sounding beautiful. EIN can't wait to get this new box set.
(News, Source;EP/ElvisInfoNet)
'(It's Fun) Having Elvis On Stage' New DVD: A brand new STAR dvd out now, and it is just the thing the fans have been waiting for!
Lots and lots of 'Sold Out' footage has been released in the last months, great stuff to collect, but it is simply no fun watching it due to bad edits, out of sync sound or both. STAR has used some of the best performances out there and combined them into a great new release.
Most of these performances are complete.
We see and hear Elvis do lots of great songs including rarities like "I'm Leavin' ", "Bosom Of Abraham / You Better Run" and "Big Boss Man"
Not only do we get great songs from soundboard, some tracks even have MULTI TRACK audio, like "Fairytale" (Spring Tours) it is a great version and you can see and hear Elvis frustration at the end when there is a problem with the mike, he runs over to Charlie and throws the damn thing on the ground, you can hear it fall.
Other Multitrack recordings include:
"If You Love Me" (Spring Tours), "That's All Right /Proud Mary" (MSG Evening) "Heartbreak Hotel /I’ve Lost You/ Love Me Tender/Words/Sweet Caroline" (August 1970)
The STAR team also wanted to show in this release Elvis connection with the crowd, funny moments, getting gifts etc, to give you the total "Elvis Experience".
Including performances from different tours and years.
It really shows "It's fun having Elvis on Stage"
A total of 33 tracks and some bonus tracks will blow you away!
Limited to 500 copies!
Check out the great trailer here - and Go HERE for full tracklist (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'A Date With Elvis + Elvis is Back!' New PD CD: An interesting looking Public Domain CD from Europe on the "Soul Jam" label. (Sure ain't RCA!)
Combining both RCA albums 'A Date With Elvis + Elvis is Back!' plus six Bonus Songs
.... These albums have been packaged together in this very special collector’s edition, which also includes 6 bonus tracks. The music is striking for its raw and visceral quality. In fact, it was more exciting than the material on his last pre-Army LP release, the King Creole soundtrack. This is as rebellious, engaging and rousing as early rock & roll can sound.
Bonus Tracks: It`s Now Or Never / Hands Off (Demo) / Stuck On You / Paralyzed / I`m Left, You`re Right, She`s Gone / Lawdy, Miss Clawdy - all on one 70 minute CD!
If only The Col had thought of that 😁
Label: Soul Jam -
/ Germany:
OUT November 14, 2022.
Thanks to EIN reader Nicole R. who pointed out that this is an exact copy of the 2011 Hoodoo Records PD release!
(News, Source;Amazon/ElvisInfoNet)
'The Moon Is Falling' New Import CD: Straight Arrow has released quite a few of Elvis Summer '73 headline shows, however, the opening and closing performances were always remarkable events and this AUDIENCE RECORDING is no exception! "Also Sprach Zarathustra" was played in famous Eumir Deodato arrangement. Elvis performed "Trouble" / "Raised On Rock" plus another rarity, "Memphis Tennessee" and the premiere of "My Boy".
When the "American Trilogy" began, a round projection screen has descended and Elvis was turning and seeing it but obviously not expecting it, saying "Good God, the moon is falling. Wish they'd tell me these things." They showed slides of Abraham Lincoln, the declaration of independence but Elvis was obviously not comfortable with it and that was the only night the "moon" was used.
The Las Vegas, August 6th, 1973 Opening Night was previously released by in rather flat sound by Memory Records (2008, "RAISED ON VEGAS" CD). For this ultimate release tapes were combined to get the best possible result. Every second was enhanced to achieve the optimal listening experience.
Presented in digipak including the photos of Elvis in Summer of '73. Go to'All The 2022 CD Release News' for full details
(News, Source;SA/ElvisInfoNet)
'Behind The Curtain' New Import CD: The January 26, 1972 opening show re-release on soundboard. From Next Generation Records a "re-release" as their debut release (EIN asks, Why bother?). The 50th anniversary from the original tape with better audio, giving younger fans the opportunity to get this show.
This show is historic on its own as it marks the first time a very different Elvis show was presented to the audience.
New songs were added, the Three Dog Nights tune ''Never Been To Spain'', Elvis' latest 45RPM Single ''Until It's Time For You To Go'' and bringing a song from his back catalogue by including ''A Big Hunk 'O Love'', a song never performed live before, despite having been recorded back in 1958, and Mickey Newbury's ''An American Trilogy''.
This is a jewel case release that's presented with a 16 page booklet with information, rare newspaper reviews, eye witness reviews and some unpublished super-rare photos taken during this season!
Get it now and be sure you don't miss ''Elvis: Behind The Curtain'' EIN Note: Previously out as 'Opening Night 72' and as Audionics 'The Talk Of The Town' in 2008, with the "best tracks" released officially by FTD on 'An American Trilogy'. Which collector needs this again? Go to'All The 2022 CD Release News' for full details
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Monday 19 September 2022
Elvis biopic #1 on streaming channels and best-selling Blu-Ray charts: The Baz Luhrmann biopic is streaming on HBO in 27 countries and was the #1 streaming film in all 27 over its first week. The countries are Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, Malaysia, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, and the US.
Data was not available for the biopic's streaming in the UK on HBO Max. ELVIS was also the #1 film globally on Hulu.
Circa September 16, ELVIS was at #3 on the Amazon US Blu-Ray best-sellers chart behind Top Gun: Maverick (#2) and The Batman (#1).
On the Amazon UK chart, the ELVIS Blu-Ray was #1, ahead of The Batman, Jurassic World: Dominion and Top Gun: Maverick.
Downunder, the Blu-Ray was #4 and the DVD edition #5 on the Amazon Australia best-selling films chart.
(News, Source: Flix Patrol, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Amazon Australia)
ELVIS biopic Blu-ray released early in Australia: While it was listed for release on Wednesday 21 September, pre-ordered "home delivery" copies (including the 4K Ultra HD + Blu-Ray "steel box" edition) from JB Hi-Fi left the warehouse on Saturday 17 September and were delivered on Monday September 19……. EIN's copy arrived just before 7am…
…who can complain about being woken up early on a cold, windy morning, when it's for Elvis!
(News, Source: EIN)
Revised edition - Elvis The Biography (Jerry Hopkins): The revised, re-issue, of Jerry Hopkins' (composite) Elvis biography has finally been released….. following a number of delays due to the pandemic. The single volume book comprises Hopkins' two biographical works on Elvis - Elvis and Elvis The Final Years. Being the original Elvis biography(ies) and less narratively dense than the two Peter Guralnick Elvis biographical volumes, the Hopkins' release (with new information) is an easier journey for those not looking for a less intense day-by-day account.
The suggested new additions (EIN has its doubts) to the 2022 edition are:
... Featuring newly published first-hand interviews with people close to Elvis - including high school teachers, girlfriends, directors, agents, recording engineers, bodyguards, sidemen, karate instructors, medical professionals, and even his personal jeweller - Elvis presents a comprehensive and amazingly intimate look at this cultural icon.
EIN notes that this newly "revised" edition is 416 pages, whereas the previous 2007 version was 416 pages. Is this really an expanded version? We have Suspicious Minds... .
Author Jerry Hopkins died in 2018. The "newly published interviews" is the same publicity as used with the 2007 reprint. So while our new copy has yet to arrive, we believe it will be the 2007 version reprinted.
(News, Source: Book Depository/EIN)
'Blue Hawaii' 4K Blu-ray EPIC-FAIL - FIXED: Well it's a little hard to believe that large companies care about Social Media - but it looks like the big quality control failure on Paramount's "4K Ultra HD / Blu-ray" 2022 new release of 'Blue Hawaii' might have been fixed!
102 min - Out on Nov 15.
... The year was 1961. Fallout shelters dot suburban backyards. Ken joins Barbie and Elvis Presley is in paradise, playing an ex-G.I. who comes home to Blue Hawaii. His mother (Angela Landsbury) expects him to climb the corporate ladder. But Elvis would rather wear an aloha shirt than a white collar, so he goes to work as a tour guide.
The previously used incorrect 1966'Paradise Hawaiian Style'pictures on the insert have now been replaced with images from the actual movie! EIN reader Anthony Britch was one peron who directly complained on the Blu-Ray forum - so hopefully his actions helped get this idiotic error fixed. Great news for Elvis collectors.
Resolution: Native 4K (2160p) / HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10 / Original aspect ratio.
Discs -
Two-disc set
4K Blu-ray: Region free
2K Blu-ray: Region A (B, C untested)
'SOLD OUT Vol 17' DVD: Once again we’ve amassed three hours of rare 8mm footage from concerts ranging from 1970 to ’76.
We know that the July ’75 shows are a big favorite, and we have found a 25-minutes from one of the shows early on in that tour. His voice was unbelievable, and the energy levels at these shows were amazing. It’s always cool to see him joke with the band, like Voice (“I call them a lot of things!”), and his interaction with the female members of the audience shows us again why he is still remembered so fondly. High energy versions of songs like ‘Big Boss Man’ and ‘Burning Love’ are some of the highlights.
There’s also three films from the December ’76 tour, and once again he was brimming with energy. The Atlanta footage especially is great to see. Elvis even includes rarities like ‘Such A Night’ and ‘Reconsider Baby’, as well as a spirited ‘That’s All Right Mama’, the latter two while accompanying himself on the acoustic. At the other end of the spectrum, there’s a lackluster Vegas ’75 performance where he’s clearly not into it.
There’s also two interesting pre-show clips, which show the band tuning their instruments, Al Dvorin testing his microphone, Charlie Hodge center stage and more. This is a lot of fun to see... ,
From 1973, there’s neat footage of him performing in the Aloha outfit. By this time, he had developed a routine for ‘Steamroller Blues’, which brought forth a lot of screams from the ladies in the audience! ‘American Trilogy’ is performed with lots of passion by Elvis, and at one point he is actually marching to the beat. Goosebumps! There’s much more to enjoy on the new “Sold Out”, way too much to list all of it here. Get it today! (News, Source;Pyramid)
'From Sea To Shining Sea' DVD/CD Import: Millbranch Music is back on track after rave reviews for our 2021 mega-release “Kansas City ´74 Revisited”.
The result is that we are now able to present a new 3-Disc (+ 1) Digipack release for every serious “Elvis live in the 70´s” – collector!
Three complete 1976 shows by Elvis and his exciting group of musicians on cd. That alone would give a nice listen but hey, there is one more disc in this set and that is for sure the cream of the crop: 134 Minutes of rare and in big parts unreleased (!) film footage in never before seen stunning quality of Elvis´ concert journey “from sea to shining sea” between two historic New Years Eve performances in 1976. Which means in detail, that we are telling the story of the “Elvis On Tour” bicentennial year on stage and even while travelling!
Taken from the very best available sources highlights from his concerts in Pontiac, MI – Johnson City, TN , – Charlotte, NC – Largo, MD - Hartford, CT: Chicago, IL
– Birmingham, AL - Atlanta, GA and Pittsburgh, PA, with very special and lengthy features of his concerts in Fort Worth, TX (June 3), Philadelphia, PA (June 28) and Anaheim, CA (November 30). Elvis´ Fort Worth performance (June 3, 1976) – is 30 minutes of steady, pretty close to the stage filmed footage. The film-reel has then been scanned in 4K Ultra HD resolution, just to make sure that we can extract as much detail as possible from the analogue film. The Cds include Elvis´ two 1976-Concert dates in Fort Worth with the third “Bonus CD”: Anaheim, CA from November 30, 1976 has been chosen as this concert has its own special feature on the DVD included. Needless to say that speed issues are a thing of the past. While processing this, it even turned out to become Stereo!
Go to'All The 2022 CD Release News' for full tracklist and FULL Description (News, Source;MM/ElvisInfoNet)
From the Archives - Enraged Elvis Presley scolded his critics over religion – ‘I owe it all to Him’: Elvis Presley was extremely open with his fans when he was still a relatively young and unknown singer. At just 21-years-old the born-and-bred Mississippi star responded to countless letters in the fan magazine Elvis Answers Back. During one essay he ranted about religion, and how the press “shouldn’t” have been talking about his private life.
Elvis titled the feature “My True Religion”. He began the passage by quoting an article that commented on his religious views.
The article read: “Presley got his start by singing in a church choir, but fame has made him forget all about religion.”
The young Blue Suede Shoes singer scoffed at this notion. “I sat right down and cut that out of the paper and put it in an envelope and send it home for my momma to put in my scrapbook,” he recalled. “I expected they’d start saying things like that. About me not being religious. I mean. But this was the first time I’d seen it anywhere.” (sic)
He went on to say it wasn’t “right” for people to say things “like that” about him.
Elvis then opened up about the truth about how religious he really was. He revealed that he had been brought up Christian by his parent.
He said: “No, I don’t go to church regular anymore, if that’s what they mean by religious. Being on the road all the time, and traveling every minute I’m not working, I can’t ever be sure when I’ll have a Sunday free to myself. I wish I could, just like I wish I could be with my folks more often, but I can’t. So if they mean just going to church regularly makes you religious, then I guess I don’t fit up to what they want.”
Despite the setback of being on tour and not being able to get to church very often, Elvis opened up about his beliefs. He said: “I want you to know this. I believe in God, I believe in Him with all my heart.” Elvis added that “all good things come from God”. He continued: “That includes all the good things that have come to me and to my folks. And the way I feel about it, being religious means that you love God and are real grateful for all He’s given, and want to work for Him.”
Elvis said he felt “deep in his heart” that everything he did was all for God. He added that he “owed everything” to God. Even though Elvis was young when he wrote this essay, he maintained his beliefs through to his adulthood. In 1976 he reportedly met with TV evangelist Rex Humbard to discuss the possibility of the second coming of Jesus Christ.
Rex said of the meeting: “It really shocked me that Elvis knew all of those Scriptures from the Old and New Testaments about the Lord’s return.”
Rex noted that, when Elvis was playing guitar, he was “reaching back to his childhood” when he would attend church and sing for the congregation.
“I could see he was reaching back to the past,” he added. “That spirituality, that feeling that he had years and years before that had been planted in his heart.”
Elvis died on August 16, 1977. Naturally, his funeral had many notes of religious ceremony, including gospel singers and prayers throughout the service.
Years later, his ex-wife Priscilla Presley spoke about how his religion was a key point in his life.
Priscilla said Elvis “always had a Bible with him”. She added that he became even more filled with faith as the years went on. He even turned to other spiritual books towards the final years of his life when he was looking for answers.
She said: “Now, faced with ever-deepening despair, he began looking to other philosophical books for answers and guidance. He read the works of Kahlil Gibran. One book, in particular, The Prophet, inspired him. He became so enamoured [with] these books that he passed them out to friends, fellow actors, and fans. They appealed to his religious nature and he loved bringing people together ‘in the spirit of one underlying force – Almighty God.'” (News, Source: Samarchal Central)
Thursday 15 September 2022
Elvis returns to the stage on America's Got Talent: "Elvis" returned to the stage - thanks to amazing deepfake technology - during part one of the America's Got Talent finale on Tuesday night, when the top 11 acts of Season 17 took the stage one last time. While all of the acts were pretty stellar, one act had all the judges completely blown away.
Metaphysic, a group that uses artificial intelligence technology to create hyper-real content, turned Simon Cowell into a world-class opera singer and then brought Howie Mandel and Terry Crews into the mix..
The AGT judges wondered how the group could possibly outdo themselves for the finals, and on Tuesday, that's exactly what they did when they brought the King of Rock 'n' Roll, and Las Vegas back to life.
Seeing 'Elvis' on stage with Cowell, plus backup singers Heidi Klum and Sofia Vergara, performing "You're the Devil in Disguise" was a game changer. - EIN AGREES! See fabulous YouTube clip here. (News, Source:Yahoo/ElvisInfoNet)
Elvis biopic could have grossed a lot more: As we reported Baz Luhrmann's ELVIS biopic is still doing good business at US cinemas. This is particularly impressive given the film is now available to stream and the DVD and Blu-ray editions are in US stores this week. In the US the film has passed US$150M, and globally over US$284M. It is still playing in more than 1000 cinemas in the US so will continue adding to its gross.
While Elvis has done exceptionally well at the box office (it is the #1 "original" film so far in 2022), if not for two factors, it could have been a lot more!
Due to China's limits on, and banning of many USA and other western films, Elvis has not screened in the world's biggest film market - China.
Its global gross has also been impacted by the sluggish return of older patrons to cinemas following the pandemic and continuing restrictions in some countries.
At US$284M+ return so far for the $85m budget we are sure that Baz Luhrmann is a happy man. (News, Source:Box Office Mojo;YahooFinance)
Las Vegas International Presents Elvis - NOW 1971 (MRS): In the August-September issue of Britain’s excellent magazine, Vintage Rock (which always has Elvis related content!), reviewer Steve Harnell has rated the recent MRS release at FOUR (out of five) stars. Harnell’s review includes:
... Drummer Ronnie Tutt impresses throughout and Burton’s stinging solos provide the evidence that there was no better backing band anywhere in the world during the early 70sthan those gathered by Elvis here.
…setlist centrepiece Suspicious Minds and The Impossible Dream remain as grandiose as ever. It’s also rather nice to hear Gene MacLellan’s Snowbird get an airing.
Across almost 100 songs there’s plenty of duplication of material, but Elvis completists won’t baulk at that. Instead they can dig in to the King in his peak years as a performer with a stellar backing band burning down the house. ...
Go here to Vintage Rock website. (News, Source: Vintage Rock/EIN)
Elvis release rated the #1 Greatest Live Album!: Also in the latest issue of Vintage Rock is an article discussing the 20 Greatest Live Albums. At #1 is the 2001 boxset, 'Elvis Live in Las Vegas'. Vintage Rock comments:
…this fantastic 4CD compilation inarguably stands as an essential document of the singer’s mastery across three decades of live performance.
There is no filler here. Presley is on top form and the song selection is impeccable……At his best, Presley live was second to none, and here is the literal proof.
The TCB Band of course, backed Elvis in Vegas, and it also ranks on the list at #15, having backed Roy Orbison on his legendary Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black and White Night Live concert. The Big O’s other friends weren’t too tardy either: Bruce Springsteen, the other Elvis (Costello), k.d. Lang, Bonnie Raitt and Tom Waits.
For the record The Beatles Live! At the Star Club, Hamburg was #19, while at #2 and #3 respectively were Jerry Lee Lewis – Live At the Star Club, Hamburg and Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison. Elvis Live in Las Vegas is still available, and its price is very attractive. (News, Source: Vintage Rock)
Tuesday 13 September 2022
'ELVIS: From Vegas to Tahoe' 1973 FTD Review: Released in July as a 3-CD 5” digi-pak, this set features three 1973 midnight shows recorded on January 27 / February 21 (Las Vegas Hilton) and May 12 1973 (High Sierra Theatre, Sahara Hotel, Lake Tahoe).
Elvis was still in good form in 1973 and all three are ‘Midnight Shows’ making them all the more interesting. Including You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me, Steamroller Blues, I’m Leavin’, What Now My Love and I’ll Remember You, this could be a very enjoyable set....
Two of the shows are however lesser quality "sound-booth" recordings rather than soundboards. With some noticeable audience laughing and talking, can this 3-CD set really be an essential purchase? Go here as Elvis soundboard super-collector Geoffrey McDonnell and EIN's Piers Beagley check out this new FTD triple-pack from 1973....
(FTD Reviews, Source;GM/ElvisInformationNetwork)
'ELVIS' DVD, BluRay, 4K OUT Now: Baz Luhrmann's 'ELVIS' movie now released as DVD, BluRay and 4K Blu Ray, out September 13.
The BluRay review includes,, The 1080p transfer offers a very crisp and faithful representation of Elvis' specific appearance. Cinematographer Mandy Walker reportedly shot the entire film .. with custom "Elvis" lenses made from special glass. Meant to evoke the era in which it represents this formula genuinely produces an image evocative of a classic cinematic appearance. With the addition of artificial film grain, the illusion is even more convincing. Still, this is ultimately a purely digital image through and through, and one with a varied color palette that ranges from dark and muted to almost candy-colored in its overall intensity, especially in some of the specific background elements by costume and production designer Catherine Martin. Bonus features include
- Bigger Than Life: The Story of Elvis (22:22) The challenges and joys of adapting Elvis' life for the big screen.
- Rock 'N Roll Royalty: The Music and Artists Behind ELVIS (7:33)
- Fit for a King: The Style of Elvis (8:02) - An overview of the iconic stage outfits and period clothing used in the film.
- Viva Australia: Recreating Iconic Locations for Elvis (7:26).
- "Trouble" Lyric Video (2:15).
- Musical Moments (19 clips, 46:19 total) All of the music segments. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet/Bluray.com)
USA >>>
UK >>>
'Priscilla' New Movie in production: Another boost to Elvis' legacy with another new Elvis film in production, this time a remake of Priscilla's memoir 'Elvis and Me'. It was previously a 1988 tele-movie.
For the new film 'Priscilla' director Sofia Coppola (Lost in Translation) has teamed with independent entertainment company 'A24' and has already cast Jacob Elordi (from HBO’s Euphoria) as Elvis Presley, while Cailee Spaeny, (Mare of Easttown and Showtime's 'The First Lady') will play Priscilla Presley. In addition to being the film's director Sophia Coppola also worked on Priscilla’s script.
According to Deadline, Sofia Coppola has been looking to tackle Priscilla “for some time” as her follow-up to the Apple TV+ /
A24 movie On the Rocks which starred Bill Murray and Rashida Jones. Although Coppola reportedly met with a number of actors for the Elvis Presley role, Cailee Spaeny was the only actress she had in mind to play Priscilla.
The original 'Elvis and Me' memoir which came out eight years after Elvis' all-too-early death detailed how Priscilla met Elvis, their complex marriage and what led to them separating. (News, Source;Various/ElvisInfoNet)
'ELVIS' Hits US Box Office 2022 Top 10: Baz Luhrmann's 'ELVIS' has now past $150 million at the domestic box office, making it the ninth highest-grossing film of 2022. 'ELVIS' is also the only original film included in the list. 'ELVIS' has been a consistent performer at the box office since its premiere on June 24. Since then its total gross has risen to $282 million worldwide, off a budget of $85 million.
It is now also the fourth highest-grossing Australian production of all-time behind It is now also the fourth highest-grossing Australian production of all time behind 'Happy Feet' 2006, Luhrmann's 'The Great Gatsby' 2013, and 'Crocodile Dundee' in 1986 .
It is also the second highest-grossing music biopic in history behind Bohemian Rhapsody, which earned an Oscar for Rami Malek as Queen's Freddie Mercury.
If 'ELVIS' wins some Academy Awards we can expect its profits to grow even further. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
ELVIS 'I'll Be Home For Christmas' VINYL; True to tradition, Denmark's Memphis Mansion label is releasing a Christmas vinyl album again this year... because, you know... it's no Christmas without Elvis!
This year 'Elvis Presley -I'll Be Home For Christmas'
In coloured vinyl (the colour is currently a surprise)
As a little extra Christmas present this year for the track 'I'll Be Home For Christmas' is in STEREO
'The Comprehensive USA Artwork Guide' Book: A new book from JAT publishing. 'The Comprehensive USA Artwork Guide to Elvis Presley Tapes (RCA Reel-To-Reel, 8-Track & Cassette)' features a collection images of Elvis Presley albums released on tape from 1960-1977. This is the perfect companion to the best seller - 'The Definitive Vinyl Artwork of Elvis Presley 1956-1977'.
Included with this release will be a 2022 pocket calendar featuring and image initially chosen for the Elvis Is Back reel-to-reel AND a 2021 pocket calendar featuring an image found on inserts of several cassette releases.
Go here to JAT for more info and to order. The JAT website notes a different price of $69.95 plus S&H - which EIN cannot explain.
ElvisDayByDay point out that $49.95 is the wholesale price.
(News, Source;JAT/ElvisInfoNet)
Friday 9 September 2022
(Book Review) Elvis The King of the Rings Volume 2 (Paul Bélard): The second volume of Paul Bélard’s two volume photo-journal record of Elvis’ love of rings has been released.
While on holiday, EIN’s Nigel Patterson spent a leisurely afternoon perusing the rich narrative detail and jaw dropping, visual splendor on offer....
... They say first impressions last! The cover image of Elvis’ famous TCB ring is truly striking and sets the tone for what is an impressive examination of another 100+ rings that Elvis owned during his lifetime.
This is more than a photo-book and while the mostly colour images dominate, the narrative component contains valuable and interesting information...
New Elvis pencil drawing: Pencil artist, Ileana Hunter recently contacted EIN. Ileana said: “I thought your readers might enjoy seeing my brand-new Elvis portrait; I'd been mustering my courage for years as it's such a daunting task, but I am quite pleased with how I've captured a fraction of something indefinable.”
Elvis. So much has been written, drawn, painted, filmed. All that was left for me to do was to do the only thing I do well: strip a few layers of mythology off this boy and find something pure and accessible.
Consign for “live” Elvis auction on Elvis Presley Boulevard on January 8, 2023: Rockhurst Auctions concluded its latest Elvis auction on September 7 and is now taking consignments for the next Elvis auction on what would have been his 88th birthday. If you have anything owned or signed by Elvis, rare “collectable” records (original Sun singles, 1950s RCA vinyl, etc) and are interested in selling, call (773) 612-0918 or email: jeff.marren@rockhurstauctions.com
In the recently ended Rockhurst Elvis auction, many of the items listed sold for significantly more than the pre-auction estimate. Among the items up for purchase were rare US and European film posters from the Darline Cleary Elvis Presley Collection, film lobby cards, “film herald” booklets from Denmark and Japan, 1970s RCA record store promotional stands and ceiling hangars, Las Vegas menus, and more.
A rare Harem Holiday film poster expected to sell for between US$100 and $150, sold for more than $250, while a “double bill” Elvis film poster (Fun in Acapulco /Girls! Girls! Girls!) was expected to also sell for US$100 to $150, but the final sale price was over $400!
(News, Source:RockhurstAuctions/EIN)
Bronze Elvis statue passed in at auction: One item that didn’t sell at the auction was a striking bronze statue by noted artist/sculptor, Vernon Parks. The estimated sale price was between US$25,000 and US$35,000. The statue received one bid above the minimum starting price of US12,000 but the bid was below the reserve price and the item was passed in.
The description and background information for the statue was:
... Statue was created by Vernon Parks, who is best known for the massive 9 1/2 foot tall statue of Elvis that has resided in Memphis for the last 40 years. The clay model from which this bronze was created was one of Park's preliminary versions when creating the final statue. The tale of creating the statue is one of true artistic inspiration.
On August 17, 1977, William M. Matthews, Jr. Chairman of Union Planters National Bank of Memphis, asked Eric Parks to create a memorial to Memphis' most famous son, who had passed away the previous day. The sculptor began building preliminary models in preparation for the full-sized memorial and developed several including the example offered here.
Park's doggedly persisted in his quest to create a compelling likeness and so began work on his third and final preliminary model. While sculpting this 42-inch standing figure an event took place in Parks' life experience so extraordinary that he was unable to acknowledge it for years. Late one November afternoon, while working in his rural studio something from above and behind hit him in the upper right rear part of his head. The impact threw his head forward such that his forehead missed a corner of the modelling stand. His first thought was one of relief at having not hit his head. The next was a question: what had hit him?
Turning around and looking up in the direction of the large studio skylights from which this "beam of energy" had come, he saw only the blue sky and white clouds of a beautiful day in the country. Somewhat puzzled, he turned back to the sculpture and at that instant realized that a "veil" had lifted, allowing him to understand and visualize his final image of Elvis Presley. After months of fruitless study, alternate compositions and changes, an exact
likeness and startlingly life-like image was finished in a few days. His hands seemed to complete the modelling on his own..
On August 16, 1980, Eric Parks' 9 1/2 ft. bronze statue was unveiled on Beale St. in Memphis by Sam Phillips before a crowd of several thousand sobbing fans.. (News, Source:RockhurstAuctions/ElvisInfoNet))
Why did Elvis wear pink and black in the 1950s?: A recent comment on Quora... This is a question with an answer I got straight from the source – not Elvis, unfortunately – but from Bernard Lansky, the man who dressed Elvis.
When Elvis was a teenager, he worked as an usher in a movie theater near Beale St., in Memphis. He spent a lot of his time on Beale St. listening to the blues music played in the bars and clubs up and down that street. Also on Beale St. was a clothing store called Lansky Brothers. Bernard Lansky ran the store and chose the clothing. He put a lot of flashy clothing in the window because it appealed to the musicians. Elvis used to look in that window and long to have some of that fancy clothing. Once he started earning money, he went to the store and Bernard helped him establish his style. Elvis was a humble kid and often deferred to authority or experience. It was Bernard that got him to turn up his collars and it was Bernard who picked out that pink clothing.
By the time I visited Lansky Brothers it had moved from Beale St. to the Peabody Hotel and Bernard Lansky was in his eighties but still had his tailor’s eye. With just a glance, he sized me perfectly and I walked out of that store with a replica of the jacket Elvis wore in Speedway, a replica of the sweater he wore in Jailhouse Rock, a pair of blue suede shoes, and a magnificent pair of German blue jeans.
I’m sure Bernard had told those Elvis stories a million times and honed them to perfection. It was a joy to hear them and get some attention from “the man who dressed the king”. (News, Source: Robert Frost, Quora/ElvisInfoNet)
Flaming Star - The greatest film you never saw: David Crow, Movies Editor for the popular review site, denofgreek, published an excellent review of Flaming Star. Here is an excerpt...
... There’s a reason Luhrmann’s 'ELVIS' epic spent only a scant 102 seconds on Presley’s years in Hollywood: the vast majority of movies he made were awful. So much so, they derailed his career as a rock ’n roll rebel, leaving him in a precarious place where by ‘68 he had to decide if he wanted a musical comeback or to sing Christmas jingles on TV for the rest of his life.
Even so, Elvis’ movie career could have gone a different way. And if you only want to spend your time on watching one movie that shows that potential, your best bet is 1960’s Flaming Star.
Directed by Don Siegel (Invasion of the Body Snatchers / Dirty Harry) and released in 1960, Flaming Star really was one of those first few films Presley made after getting out of the Army, attempting to become another Dean or Marlon Brando. Indeed, as originally conceived by 20th Century Fox, Flaming Star was intended to be a vehicle for Brando and Frank Sinatra. That of course never happened, perhaps because no one told them that Sinatra despised Brando after working with him on Guys and Dolls (1955). The years, and later The Godfather, did not make the heart grow fonder for Ol’ Blue Eyes.
In any event, when it became clear that Flaming Star would not be a star vehicle for the most interesting young actor of the 1950s, plus a popular singer(!), the Western was reimagined as an experiment for a young actor who also was a popular singer: Elvis Presley.
In the film, Presley stars as Pacer Burton, a half-white and half-American Indian rancher’s son. Pacer grew up in the wilds of 1870s Texas where his white father (John McIntire) and Kiowa
mother Neddy (Dolores del Rio) raised him and his white half-brother Clint (Steve Forrest) as equals. Theirs is a genuinely loving inclusive family. But after a Kiowa raiding party brutally attacks a nearby homestead, tensions swell between white Texans and Native Americans again, and the Burton family finds itself in the crosshairs of both sides, with Pacer particularly being the subject of vitriol and suspicion among former friends and neighbors who would kill his father’s cattle before letting the lad sing another ditty to their lily-white daughters.
To modern eyes, there are all manner of trigger warnings required for a movie like Flaming
Star: the film is rife in the sentiments and prejudices of 1950s America, not least of which include casting all-white Elvis as the “half-breed” Pacer, and the Mexican del Rio as his fully Indigenous mother. There’s also no particular good explanation for how Presley’s Pacer perfected his greaser pompadour in the 1800s.
However, the movie’s strength is how straightforward and grimly self-aware it is about the racism of its subject matter. Here is a film produced in what was still the then highly segregated 1950s in which the hero (and not the John Wayne sidekick) is of a biracial background, and most of the conflict derives from how the white characters react to this fact. At the beginning of Flaming Star, Presley has his one tacked-on singing sequence where Pacer croons a birthday barnburner for his neighbors before the killing starts. (Presley apparently insisted the two other songs intended for the film be cut so he could be taken more seriously as an actor.)... Read the full review here - and you can also read EIN's very own indepth 'Flaming Star' Spotlight below (Film Review, Source: David Crow, Movies Editor, Den of Greek/ElvisInfoNet)
'Flaming Star' an in-depth Spotlight:Flaming Star was Elvis' post-army chance to prove himself in a dramatic role and as a serious actor. Elvis had complained about his previous film 'GI Blues' being so lightweight. He even went as far as telling Priscilla that he was "goddamn miserable" about it. With terrible timing 'Flaming Star' would be released just 4 weeks after the family-friendly 'GI Blues' and unfortunately it would falter at the box-office. Described by US critic Leonard Maltin as "along with Jailhouse Rock, Presley's best film", Flaming Star is too often ignored by Elvis fans. 50 years on EIN contributor Harley Payette turns a well deserved in-depth spotlight at this often over-looked film. After reading this article there is no doubt that fans will want to revisit this fine Elvis western. Go here to this fascinating in-depth review. - from 2009
'ELVIS' Trending after HBO-Max movie Debut: Once again our long-departed hero is getting another positive blast on Social Media after the film's debut on HBO Max four days ago.
Fans at home are now sharing their thoughts via Twitter and other socials on the high-rated Baz Luhrmann biopic.
New viewers who may have been reluctant to go to the theatres have got ELVIS trending once again. During its theatrical run, there had been a lot of chatter about the film. While opinions varied when it came to different aspects of the movie, it was pretty much unanimous that viewers loved Austin Butler as the King of Rock 'n Roll. It's a thought that even more are now being impressed after streaming the film at home on HBO Max.
One viewer tweeted "Saw the #ElvisMovie yesterday. It's Amazing. Movie making as art. Intense at times. Bitter sweet story tho. But such a great movie on a lot of levels. And what a performance by Austin Butler."
Another raves, "Oh my, if you get a chance this is a must see. Austin Butler what a doll, it was as Elvis was still alive. You have got to see it and if Austin doesn't get a oscar for portraying Elvis Presley it would be a damn shame. I give this movie, five, out of five."
The publicity adds.. 'White-hot star-in-the-making Austin
Butler gives a tour de force performance as Elvis, his own vocals blending with the King's to create a multilayered transition from the 1950s to Elvis' final years. Given how many Elvis impersonators there are in the world, Butler's ability to take on the role without falling into stereotype is admirable -- as is his commitment to nailing Presley's iconic moves and The Voice'.
EIN Notes how fantastic to see 'ELVIS' doing so well on streaming services while it is still playing twice daily at our local cinema in Sydney. (News, Source;HBO/ElvisInfoNet)
'Blue Hawaii' 4K Blu-ray EPIC-FAIL: One big quality control failure as the recently announced Paramount "4K Ultra HD / Blu-ray" 2022 release of 'Blue Hawaii' includes 'Paradise Hawaiian Style'images!
102 min - Out on Nov 15.
... The year was 1961. Fallout shelters dot suburban backyards. Ken joins Barbie and Elvis Presley is in paradise, playing an ex-G.I. who comes home to Blue Hawaii. His mother (Angela Landsbury) expects him to climb the corporate ladder. But Elvis would rather wear an aloha shirt than a white collar, so he goes to work as a tour guide.
EIN sure hopes that the 1966'Paradise Hawaiian Style'pictures on the insert are not being printed. If so, this is an EPIC FAIL. No one on the Blu-Ray comments page has yet mentioned the error.
Resolution: Native 4K (2160p) / HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10 / Original aspect ratio.
Discs
Two-disc set
4K Blu-ray: Region free
2K Blu-ray: Region A (B, C untested)
Book Review: 'Elvis Presley, Gospel Singer – An Inspirational Life' (Madeleine Wilson): This new book differentiates itself by being a “Christian biography” where Elvis’ life and career is considered within the prism of his faith and love of gospel music.
It is a long overdue release which covers seminal factors that defined Elvis Presley the person, and Elvis Presley the artist.
... Elvis, “The King”, many times said publicly that there is only one King, and that is Jesus Christ. He not only acknowledged the Lord but also worshipped Him and prayed to Him, often. (Madeleine Wilson)
It has been said that the formula of a great tragedy is that a fatal flaw prevents tremendous potential from being realized, and the ending is one of ruin not of joy.
In many ways, the life story of Elvis Presley can be seen as one of tragedy…
'Boston Garden 1971' New MRS Vinyl: The UK Memphis Recording Service will release its vinyl 180-gram LP version of ‘Like A Black Tornado - Live At Boston Garden 1971’ on 21st October 2022.
A captivating performance from one of Elvis’ earliest tours of the 1970s. Performed and recorded in Boston on 10th November 1971, this show demonstrates the raw energy and spirit Elvis displayed when performing away from his Las Vegas engagements, reminding everyone that, finally, he was back!
This is a Limited Edition sets and will be available in both Black and Clear vinyl.
In astonishingly great remastered "stereo" audio the concert sounds better than ever.
Please note, the clear vinyl is ONLY available from Elvis fan clubs and exclusive Elvis dealers and WILL NOT be available to the mainstream public and stores.
'Unchained Melody' Official Video: The emotional climax to Baz Luhrmann's 'ELVIS' movie is Elvis' heart-breaking performance of 'Unchained Melody'.
Previously unknown by the General Public the song has now become one of Elvis' most popular in 2022.
EPE have finally released their new "Official Video" but it has nothing to do with the version in Baz Luhrmann's 'ELVIS' biopic.
Not only that but Elvis doesn't even appear in the video.
His voice is enough. 'Unchained Melody' Official Video - recording from Ann Arbor, MI. (News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
News from earlier last week...
What has happened to the Netflix animated series, Agent King?: With the Elvis biopic doing so well and generating significant interest in Elvis, it is surprising Netflix has not capitalized on this interest and released its Agent King series which was originally due for release last year but was postponed due to Covid.
Priscilla Presley is an Executive Producer on the series and is reported to have made several suggested changes to the dialog to make it as Elvis spoke. (sse YouTube promo clip here)
The series will follow Elvis, but not the Elvis Presley people are familiar with, as this animated take on the King of Rock & Roll has traded in his jumpsuit for a jetpack when he joins a secret government spy program to help battle the dark forces that threaten the country. (News/Opinion, Source: ElvisInfoNet)
The sad claim 'Elvis was racist': One would have thought that with the new 'ELVIS' biopic being one of the world's top grossing movies any previous rumor of Elvis being racist would have been squashed. However Larry Blong (an ETA who bore a close resemblance to Elvis in the 1970s) published this message in a recent email:
.. The other night someone tried to tell me that Elvis was a big-time racist. I tried to set this lost soul straight, but I couldn’t say anything over his screaming. So, I did a little research together with my own knowledge of how great a person Elvis was and sent him the following: o Little Richard said “Elvis was an integrator. A blessing. They wouldn’t let black music through. Elvis opened the doors for black music..”
o Chuck Berry “Elvis is the greatest that ever was is or will be.”
o Rufus Thomas, “A lot of people say Elvis stole our music. No man has got a music of his own. Music belongs to the universe."
o Elvis hired black employees to be in his home every day to cook for him to sing with him to talk with him when he could’ve hired white employees.
o Elvis hired The Sweet Inspirations black soul back-up group over a white back-up group. He showered them with many expensive gifts.
o Elvis paid $40,000 of Jackie Wilson’s medical bills when he had a stroke.
o Elvis bought Minnie Pearson a stranger who happened to be black a brand-new Cadillac when she complemented his car. All documented on the Internet.
o Maids who worked for Elvis speak about him as if you were a member of their own family. Among some of the gifts Elvis routinely gave his help he bought his black maid Mary Jenkins a brand-new home in Memphis.
o At times Elvis visited the prisons in Memphis spending time with the prisoners most of whom were black.
o Moreover, there is evidence that Presley donated money to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and other civil rights organizations; he publicly lauded Black musicians; and, treated the Blacks he encountered with respect.
o “A lot of people have accused Elvis of stealing the black man’s music,” said soul singer Jackie Wilson, “when in fact, almost every black solo entertainer copied his stage mannerisms from Elvis.”
o Black American musicians in the 50s and 60s acknowledged the fact that Elvis opened doors for black music on white radio stations.
o Elvis felt an affinity to the black community because he grew up in black neighborhoods in his hometown of Tupelo, Mississippi. As a white Southern boy, he did not see color. Because they were poor, the Presleys lived the same kind of life as any poor black family.
o A competitive magazine to the black magazine Jet, created a lie about Elvis and black people just to try to get higher ratings to compete with Jet. Jet magazine investigated and cleared Elvis of any wrongdoing.
Go here to EIN's'Elvis was NOT A Racist' spotlight to clarify things. (News, Source: Larry Blong/ElvisInfoNet)
Aussie (and probably Kiwi fans) 'The Story of Elvis' magazine : Now in Australian newsagents is the glossy magazine, The Story of Elvis (Explore the Rise and Fall of the Undisputed King of Rock 'n' Roll).
Nicely designed and informative with hundreds of images.
130 pages.
Price: A$19.99.
(News, Source: EIN)
News Bytes From around the Elvis world: The third season of Dwayne Johnson's, TV biopic, Young Rock, will be shot in Memphis, with some filming to take place at Graceland. Dwayne (aka "The Rock") is a big Elvis fan as his entertaining 2007 hit film, The Game Plan, suggested......
Australian researcher-author, Bob Hayden, is hard at work on his likely trilogy of books showcasing Elvis' Album covers as released in Australia........ Robert Plant, lead singer of legendary rock group, Led Zeppelin, is a big Elvis fan. In concert he treated his audience to a rendition ofCan't Help Falling In Love. Plant is also on record as telling David Letterman: “I heard ‘Heartbreak Hotel’. It was the sound of Elvis’ voice and the echo, a kind of exotic calling. When I was in the bathtub one night – it didn’t take long – I pulled the plug out and sat there ’til all the water went away.”..... (News, Source;NP/ElvisInfoNet)
EIN Exclusives and News from earlier in August
'ELVIS' Grosses $276 Million: Baz Luhrmann's 'ELVIS' biopic is still showing in Sydney cinemas, even having gone to streaming services, and it continues its box office success ahead of its HBO Max release.
This week the movie has earned another $1.9 million from 64 overseas markets bringing the film's worldwide total to $276.7 million. 'ELVIS' overseas box office total, outside North America, is now close to 50% of the film’s total gross. 'ELVIS' is currently the 11th highest-grossing film of the year tucked between 'Uncharted' (based on the video game franchise at $401 million) and 'The Bad Guys' (DreamWorks animation at $245 million). 'ELVIS' is now earning more through its PVOD release, while it is a week before the film’s HBO Max release date of September 2 and its 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD release of September 13.
'ELVIS' is Luhrmann’s highest-grossing film in North America but has a long way to go to catch 'The Great Gatsby's' worldwide gross of $353M. (News, Source;imdb/ElvisInfoNet)
'ELVIS' Soundtrack holds at Number Two: Five weeks after the release of movie's 'ELVIS Original Soundtrack'CD the charts still show excellent sales and chart positions. 45 years on and Elvis is still holding strong at Number 2! UK Official Charts have 'ELVIS' the #2 Soundtrack album(down from last week's #1) 'ELVIS' at #19 Compilation Album chart 'Elv1s 30#1 Hits' at #11 Top 100 Album chart.
USA Billboard charts 'ELVIS' holds at #2 Soundtrack album
'ELVIS' up again to #54 Top 200 Album chart
'Elv1s 30#1 Hits' #44 Top 200 Album chart
Irish charts
'Elv1s 30#1 Hits' sits at #10 on the Irish Official Album charts.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'Blue Hawaii' 4K Blu-ray Release: Paramount have announced the "4K Ultra HD / Blu-ray" 2022 release of 'Blue Hawaii'.
102 min - Out on Nov 15.
... The year was 1961. Fallout shelters dot suburban backyards. Ken joins Barbie and Elvis Presley is in paradise, playing an ex-G.I. who comes home to Blue Hawaii. His mother (Angela Landsbury) expects him to climb the corporate ladder. But Elvis would rather wear an aloha shirt than a white collar, so he goes to work as a tour guide.
Resolution: Native 4K (2160p) / HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10 / Original aspect ratio.
Discs
Two-disc set
4K Blu-ray: Region free
2K Blu-ray: Region A (B, C untested)
'ELVIS' on HBO Max soon: The massive success of 'ELVIS' meant that it was the first 2022 Warner Bros movie not released on HBO Max within 45 days of its theatrical release.
However, seeing as the film is now available as PVOD on multiple streaming services, the ELVIS movie will begin streaming on HBO Max on Friday, September 2. 'ELVIS' hit US theaters on June 24 and it is still playing in theaters and has racked up $271.2 million worldwide, including $145.4 million in North America.
It is the 10th-highest-grossing movie of the year in North America and the highest-grossing movie that isn't part of an established franchise. It is also the 11th highest-grossing 2022 movie in the world.
In 2021 Warner Bros released all its films on HBO Max the same day as theaters while in 2022 they all had a 45-day theatrical
exclusive window before hitting HBO Max. Once again in 2022, 'ELVIS' is a first. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis Presley News Report September 2022: Elvis super-fan Emiel Maier presents all the recent news.... including the 'On Tour' box-set details, Elvsi and the Lansky Brothers, Priscilla's epic Elvis Week fail, plus coffee, sex and Elvis! Not only that but Emiel also gets to grips with that strange "Fuzzy Tree"!
Time for the Virtual Elvis?: There have been several attempts with using modern technology to recreate a "virtual" Elvis on stage. The most notable was for the 2007 duet between "Elvis" and Celine Dion ofIf I Can Dream on American Idol. The Elvis figure was actually an ETA with technology used to transpose Elvis' face on the performer's body. Back in 2014 "Hologram" Elvis (Pulse Evolution apparently acquired the rights) was also being considered around the time of Micheal Jackson's MTV 'comeback' but then Priscilla later stated that EPE was "not interested in a Hologram show".
EIN suggests that the overwhelming success of the ABBA Voyage (ABBAtars) shows there is a proficient and viable technology now available to bring Elvis to his existing and new audiences. The “digital” ABBAtars were created by the company behind the special effects for Star Wars, George Lucas’, Industrial Light & Magic.
After investing huge sums in the flashy technology to create the show, the band have shunned corporate sponsorship, working exclusively with Swedish firm Oceanbird. To break even, profits from ticket sales will need to exceed US$165M! ABBA has already sold a staggering 380,000 tickets for the London residency, which is booking until May 2023, while the show is then expected to head on a worldwide tour, according to The Times. The tickets so far sold would amount to more than US$50M, still a long way short of what is needed to make a profit.
However a difference between ELVIS and ABBA - and let's ignore the impersonators - is that the group ABBA last toured back in 1980, whereas "Elvis" (albeit via huge video screens) has been back on the concert trail since 1997, touring every few years with the TCB Band, or more recently with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. In this way Elvis fans have been celebrating the amazing power of Elvis live for the last 25 years, while ABBA fans have been left out in the cold.
While the cost of staging similar digital events will likely reduce in coming years it is also likely the number of fans interested in a digital Elvis concert will also be in decline.
Will EPE/Authentic Brands seize the opportunity or is the Elvis brand no longer potent enough to generate the required turnover? (News, Source: EIN, ABBAVoyage.com)
'Elvis and Me' Audiobook Out Now: - "The intimate story of Elvis Presley and Priscilla Presley, told by the woman who lived it"
Decades after his death, millions of fans continue to worship Elvis the legend. But very few knew him as Elvis the man. Here in her own words, Priscilla Presley tells the story of their love, revealing the details of their first meeting, their marriage, their affairs, their divorce, and the unbreakable bond that has remained long after his tragic death.
A tribute to both the man and the legend, Elvis and Me gives Elvis fans the world over an unprecedented look at the true life of the King of Rock ‘N’ Roll and the woman who loved him.
.. Go here to Amazon and you can hear a sample of her reading the book. Listening Length: 7 hours and 30 minutes Author / Narrator; Priscilla Beaulieu Presley.
Release Date; August 23, 2022
Publisher; Blackstone Publishing
Program Type; Audiobook (News, Source, Amazon/ElvisInfoNet)
Elvira on her Dream Date with Elvis: Famed '80s horror show hostess Elvira, aka Cassandra Peterson who cancelled on Elvis Week this year, was originally a Las Vegas showgirl with big dreams. While working as a topless dancer, Peterson recently told Oprah, she caught the eye of one of her idols.
"I was a big groupie. I loved music. I got to realize the dream of actually meeting Elvis and actually going out on a date with Elvis, so that was a dream come true for me. Elvis invited me to a party at his suite, along with lots of other people, and he really kind of took to me, I think because I was 17, and probably all the other showgirls there were in their 30s. I loved Elvis, I had grown up with him being one of my idols. My parents were giant Elvis fans. The fact that I was meeting him was beyond belief. We did
hang out one whole evening, a whole night, the next morning, and mostly talked, believe it or not. There was some kissing going on - a lot of making out going on. We had a great time."
While the relationship didn't last, Peterson says Elvis gave her some life-changing advice. "He is 100 percent responsible for me getting out of Vegas and going on with my career. Elvis said to me, 'You don't want to stay here, this is not a town you should be in.' And I don't think if that would've come from anybody but Elvis I would've done it."
His advice inspired a move to Los Angeles, which is where Peterson auditioned for the role of Elvira. The rest is horror show history. More than 30 years later, she's still casting a spell on her legions of fans.
EIN Note: In her entertaining memoir, Yours Cruelly, Elvira Memoirs of the Mistress of the Dark, Elvira devotes a chapter each to her meeting with Elvis and more intimate meeting with Tom Jones.
(News, Source: Lynn Okura/huffpost/EIN)
'The Airplanes & The King' OUT NOW: Finally after months of waiting 'The Airplanes & The King' by Carlos Varrenti has been published. The delay was due to covid and paper supplies. Published as a deluxe English version the Prologue was written by Elvis expert Carlos R. Ares.
Expanded to an amazing 400 pages with a lot of unreleased material from Elvis Files' vaults the book has been on sale at Elvis Week 2022.
The English version is printed - and finally in the shops - as a High quality Hardback book.
The author notes, 'As an Aeronautical Engineer, and a huge Elvis Presley fan, I have always wanted to write a book on Planes and the King. Since my first visit to Graceland, back in 2001, I have been extremely intrigued by Elvis' history with his aircraft and his link to aeronautics in general. In my life every little detail, every short paragraph in a book, every video, every photograph, every little note or information related to Elvis and his planes, was always marked and kept in my personal archive. In 2021 all this information, along with some unique Elvis stories, has now been beautifully arranged in this glorious book, for every Elvis fan."
Check out these YouTube Trailers - Trailer 1- and brilliant flip-through > Trailer 2
Printed and distributed by The Elvis Files Team.
EIN has seen some preview pages and it is an absolute stunner.
Parkes Elvis Festival 2023 to celebrate Blue Hawaii: Next year's Parkes (Australia) Elvis Festival will be held between 4 and 8 January and will have a Blue Hawaii theme……. It’s time to start planning your outfit for the 2023 Parkes Elvis Festival, as we celebrate Elvis' 1961 musical film, Blue Hawaii.
Elvis plays the role of Chad Gates who has recently gotten out of the Army and is looking forward to some fun and romance the Aloha State.
The movie's sun, sand and surf mixed with Hawaiian shirts, grass skirts, leis, ukuleles and pineapples will give lots of options to dress in theme.
For more info see the Parkes Elvis Festival website. (News, Source:PEF/ElvisinfoNet)
Nancy Rooks Elvis' Cook has died: Nancy Rooks who worked a Graceland as Elvis' cook and maid has died aged 84.
She started work at Graceland in 1967 and was there on the tragic day that Elvis died.
She continued working at Graceland after Elvis' death.
Nancy Rooks is the author of the books 'Inside Gracelend' and 'The Presley Family Cookbook'.
Her Grandson posted the news on FB noting, "She went from maid to author, which gave me a first hand look that we don’t have to end where we start. Granny, your love and support has been instrumental to my development as a human being. I will forever miss my time with you as I promise to work hard to make you smile every time you look down from heaven as you get the rest that you have earned. I love you grandma!"
RIP Nancy Rooks
(News, Source;FB/ElvisInfoNet)
'ELVIS' Soundtrack Number One: 45 years and Elvis is still Number 1! Four weeks after the release of movie's 'ELVIS Original Soundtrack'CD the charts still show excellent sales and chart positions. UK Official Charts have 'ELVIS' the #1 Soundtrack album(as last week)
'ELVIS' up to #11 Compilation Album chart 'Elv1s 30#1 Hits' up to at #7 Top 100 Album chart.
USA Billboard charts 'ELVIS' drops to #2 Soundtrack album
'ELVIS' sadly down to #61 Top 200 Album chart
'Elv1s 30 #1 Hits' #65 Top 200 Album chart
Australia ARIA chart
'ELVIS' #24 on Australian Top 50 album chart
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
16 August 2022 - 45 years ago today the world lost the greatest entertainer of all time.
"Elvis was God-given, there’s no other explanation. A Messiah comes around every few thousand years, and Elvis was it this time.”- Little Richard “I remember Elvis as a young man hanging around the Sun Studios. Even then, I knew this kid had a tremendous talent. He was a dynamic young boy. His phraseology, his way of looking at a song, was as unique as Sinatra’s. I was a tremendous fan and had Elvis lived, there would have been no end to his inventiveness.” - B.B. King
ELVIS Forever 2022: Forty five years after his death, Elvis Presley still reigns unchallenged as the King of rock 'n' roll, the greatest superstar the world has ever known.
All the tabloid media reports and old rumours can't change the fact that there never was anyone like him and there never will be an other again.
Today Elvis has a #1 soundtrack album in both the UK and US Billboard charts and Baz Luhrmann's 2022 'ELVIS' biopic has grossed over $262 million worldwide.
Author Lenny Kaye recently wrote,, Elvis loved to sing, with a magnificent instrument of a voice, and it's fitting that his last recordings at Graceland returned him to a single room in Memphis removed from the outside world, surrounded by empathetic musicians, where he might reconnect with why he drove past Sam Phillips's studio in the first place, to uplift that which was his alone.
“Nothing really affected me until I heard Elvis. If there hadn’t been an Elvis, there wouldn’t have been a Beatles”- John Lennon
"It was like Elvis came along and whispered some dream in everybody's ear, and somehow we all dreamed it." - Bruce Springsteen
"When I first heard Elvis' voice, I just knew that I wasn't going to work for anybody; and nobody was going to be my boss. Hearing him for the first time was like busting out of jail." - Bob Dylan
"Elvis Presley's death deprives our country of a part of itself. He was unique, irreplaceable." - President Jimmy Carter
EIN thanks Anthony Stuchbury for use of his wonderful Meditation Garden photographs.
Watch Candlelight Vigil Presentation REPLAY:Tonight the world honours the life and legacy of Elvis Presley and observe the annual Candlelight Vigil at Graceland on August 15.
The ceremony for the 44th anniversary is organized as always by the Elvis Country Fan Club.
At the Candlelight Vigil presentation unfortunately Priscilla told the crowd, “Today is Elvis’ 45th Birthday and here we are celebrating, all of us together tonight”.
Linda Thompson on Facebook agreed with EIN's thoughts noting, “August 16th commemorates the 45th anniversary of Elvis‘s passing. It is a day of remembrance, not celebration."
Elvis Birthplace unveils bench in honour of Sam Bell: The Elvis Presley Birthplace has unveiled a bench in memory of Sam Bell, a childhood friend of Elvis, during the museum's annual Fan Appreciation Day on Saturday morning.
"We are slowly losing those who grew up knowing and playing with Elvis, the boy," Roy Turner, executive director of the Birthplace, said. Sam
Bell died September 6, 2021, at 85 years old.
Turner recalled some of the times Bell and Presley, whom Bell referred to as "EP," shared.
Growing up in the era of segregation, the two shared a unique bond. The boys crossed barriers sharing meals together, spending the night and one another's house and going to the movie theater to see Westerns together.
"Once inside, although they had to enter through separate entrances, Elvis would hop over and sit in the section designated as 'colored' with Sam," Turner said. "And Sam said 'Nobody ever bothered us.'" Recollections of Bell's childhood with Elvis are included in the Birthplace's story wall along the side of the building.
"Today, we dedicate this bench to the memory of Sam Bell" Turner said, as staff lifted a covering to unveil the bench, which sits outside between between the museum entrance and the fountain.
Its inscription reads: "Sam Bell, Childhood Friend of Elvis."
Prior to his death, Bell spent hours talking with Baz Luhrmann, writer and director of the new "Elvis" film, about his relationship with future King of Rock and Roll and what it was like for the boys growing up.
Much of what Bell told Luhrmann ended up being used in the film so now Sam Bell's memory continues to live on at the Birthplace and on the big screen, alongside his childhood friend.
Go here toElvis Birthplace website for more info (News, Source;TupeloDJ/ElvisInfoNet)
EIN's exclusive 'ELVIS' movie spotlight features the Baz Luhrmann Interview with Sam Bell. In it Sam talks about Elvis’ childhood and growing up together - Go here and check it out - November 2021
‘ELVIS ON TOUR’ Official Announcement: The official SONY announcement has now been posted. EIN was correct with our news item yesterday and the release date is December 2, 2022
... 'Elvis On Tour' is a 6CD + 1 Blu-ray box set comprised of the audio from four of the shows (and two rehearsals) that were part of Elvis’ 1972 North American tour. Originally recorded for the Elvis On Tour concert film that was released later that year, the set features a total of 145 tracks, including 91 previously unreleased tracks, as well as the award-winning concert film on Blu-ray.
It includes 3 Unreleased Elvis Concerts plus the San Antonio Concert Remixed, Pre-Tour Rehearsals and 'Best Documentary Film' Golden Globe winner film on Blu-ray Release date Friday, December 2.
Fans can get their first taste with the previously unreleased"Burning Love (Rehearsal 2)"recorded live at RCA Recording Studios in Hollywood in March 1972.
RCA/Legacy's Elvis On Tour box set is produced by Ernst Mikael Jørgensen and mixed by Grammy Award-winning Memphis-based producer Matt Ross-Spang.
The original recordings were made by Felton Jarvis and Al Pachucki.
Disc 1 live April 9, 1972, Hampton Roads Coliseum, Hampton, Virginia, and contains all previously unreleased material. Disc 2 live April 10, 1972, Richmond Coliseum, Richmond, Virginia, and contains all previously unreleased material. Disc 3 live April 14, 1972, Greensboro Coliseum, Greensboro, North Carolina, and contains all previously unreleased material. Disc 4 live April 18, 1972, Convention Center San Antonio, TX previously on 2003 'Elvis: Close-Up' remixed for this release. Disc 5On Tour rehearsals, recorded live at RCA Recording Studios in Hollywood, California, on March 30 and 31, 1972. The disc is comprised primarily of previously unreleased tracks. (EIN Note: the 2004 FTD 'Elvis On Tour - The Rehearsals' featured some great highlights) Disc 6 completes Elvis' rehearsals with his band at RCA Recordings Studios on March 31, 1972. The disc includes previously unreleased takes on Kris Kristofferson's 'For The Good Times' plus others already released.
As Elvis Presley’s national tour played to sold-out secondary markets across the country in 1972, Elvis was enjoying himself on-stage and finding electrifying new ways of connecting to audiences at every show. Working with a band and set lists of his choosing, Elvis was channeling the music he loved most--from pop and gospel and traditional country to blues and rock and contemporary hits--while transforming his own greatest hits with fresh arrangements, turning nostalgia into an unforgettable concert experience packed with immediacy.
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Award-winning filmmakers Pierre Adidge and Robert Abel (Mad Dogs & Englishmen) went on the road with Elvis Presley and his band with all-access passes, cameras and crew to chronicle the
King of Rock & Roll at his on-stage peak in MGM’s Elvis On Tour documentary film. The film captures Elvis, the human being driving the myth, behind-the-scenes backstage with his eyes open and his defenses down. According to MGM's original press release, the Elvis On Tour film "offers the first intimate look at the enigmatic country boy who became the world's most celebrated musician." Both documentary and concert film, Elvis On Tour features
montage sequences supervised by Martin Scorsese. The film was released on November 1, 1972.
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The Elvis On Tour box set includes fascinating behind-the-scenes liner notes by Jerry Schilling, a longtime personal friend and member of Elvis' inner circle.
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The set also features an illuminating essay by rock historian/musician Warren Zanes, founding member of The Del Fuegos and Professor at New York University. According to Zanes: "The set lists and the performances of the Elvis On Tour period bring a rare thing: a fifties legend working in the early seventies who was still taking his audiences to new places.... "
'Elvis and Steve' New Doco: Steve Binder who produced Elvis' 1968 Comeback Special is now making a documentary about it titled 'Elvis and Steve'.
By 1968 Elvis had gone from America's biggest musical act, the man whose swiveling hips set many young girls' hearts aflame, to a has-been with a floundering career. But that all changed when, on December 3, 1968, Elvis performed in a TV special that would go on to cement his status as The King. And to celebrate the life of a musician whose life has recently been subject to overwhelming public interest, Steve Binder, the man behind the original special is helping to create a new documentary to be titled 'Elvis & Steve: The Making of the '68 Comeback Special'.
The new special will explore the crucial event from a perspective not from the director's point of view. He is also, in part, the subject, as he explains how the critical pop culture event came to be.
He is also, in part, the subject, as he explains how the critical pop culture event came to be. Binder stated, “There’s been so much written and created about Elvis, but when it comes to the 1968 special, I’m truly the only one who can tell the behind-the-scenes story of how it came to be – because I’m the only one who was actually there for all that happened.
This new documentary will take viewers behind the scenes into the making of the special, and the close bond I developed with Elvis – and the courage and strength he found to defy Col. Tom Parker and take his career into a totally different direction, none of which would have been possible without the special. The documentary will show the immense drama and enormous passion that went into the making of it".
Spencer Proffer (The Story of Don McLean’s American Pie) who is producing noted, “Steve opens the vault to share a buddy story that is revealing, poignant and an explosive time capsule that offers a new perspective on the inner workings of Elvis, Colonel Parker and a director who took risks and made history in the process.”
When asked if the Presley estate is cooperating with the documentary Binder said that it’s too early to have had that conversation yet. “I haven’t even opened that door right now. The most important thing is I’ve really got to get in behind the scenes and tell stories that people will be knocked out with.” (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Olivia Newton-John Has Died: Four-time Grammy award winner Australian/UK singer/ songwriter/ actress Olivia Newton-John has died aged 73.
Olivia Newton-John was born 26 September 1948. She sold more than 100 million records worldwide including 'You're the One That I Want' one of the biggest-selling singles of all time. Other major hits included 'I Honestly Love You', 'Physical', 'Hopelessly Devoted to You, 'Magic' and 'Xanadu'. Elvis covered two of her big hits 'Let Me Be There' and 'If You Love Me (Let Me Know)' live in concert.
Olivia Newton-John also performed 'O Come, All Ye Faithful' on Elvis' 2008 "Christmas Duets" release.
- Listen here to the Elvis /ONJ duet via You-Tube
Another Elvis connection is that Film Producer Allan Carr supposedly offered Elvis a role in the massively successful 'Grease'. The movie was however filmed in 1977, a fateful year.
Allan wanted Elvis to play "Teen Angel" a rock'n'roll spectre that appears during 'Beauty School Dropout'.
'Grease' stared John Travolta as the young "Elvis-Styled" character Danny Zuko and Olivia Newton-John as Sandy Olsson.
Good friend John Travolta paid tribute.. “My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better. Your impact was incredible. I love you so much. We will see you down the road and we will all be together again. Yours from the first moment I saw you and forever!
Your Danny, your John!”
Newton-John has been a long-time activist for animal and environmental rights plus health awareness and cancer charities.
Newton-John saw Elvis in concert but never met him. She noted, "I was really excited to see Elvis at the Hilton in Las Vegas. Elvis would always be The King. He's got a special something, and he is magic as soon as he comes on stage. I also like it because Elvis sends himself up.
Afterwards I went backstage to meet him but sadly I never met Elvis up close and personal. His road manager said there was an emergency and Elvis had to leave the building, Literally!"
Newton-John was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992 and has been raising awareness since then. RIP Olivia Newton-John 26/09/1948 > 8 August 2022. (News, Source;NP/ElvisInfoNet)
Elvis King of the Rings Vol 2: Elvis author Paul Belard has sent EIN this unique Elvis ring that is featured in his new book 'Elvis King of the Rings Volume 2'.
The ring shown is 14 karat gold and diamond, emblazoned with Elvis’ motto, “TCB”, on the face.
It was given to a friend who chose to remain anonymous.
Estimated to bring $30,000-$45,000, it sold for $43,125 at an auction on May 27, 2021.
Published by Linden Press, the A4 sized book showcases many more of Elvis' bling in color. From the stunning cover image of Elvis' famous TCB ring the book is chock full of other rings highlighting his flashy, grandiose, and flamboyant jewelry style.
See more details below
(News, Source;PB /ElvisInfoNet)
Barbara Eden Talks Elvis: It is hard to believe but 'I Dreamed of Jeannie' star Barbara Eden is now 90 years old. She is participating at ELVIS WEEK 2022 and has recently been talking about working with Elvis on his 1960 film Flaming Star. "Unlike other co-stars I didn’t have a romance with Elvis, he a real gentleman. At the time I was married to actor Michael Ansara.
I’d come on the set, and Elvis would get me a chair. Actors usually don’t do that. You can sit on the floor, they don’t care. And in between shots, when they were fixing the lights and everything, Elvis would get his guitar out and sing, quite wonderfully. And we used to talk. We talked a lot.
Elvis would ask 'How do you have a working marriage in Hollywood? How do you do this with all the stuff going on?'.
I explained, 'You know, for us, it's our job. This is how we make money. That's it.'
Elvis then told me 'Well, I met this girl in Germany, but I'm not too sure, she's awfully young.' But he didn't tell me how young! Priscilla was 16 years old by then. And I said, 'Well, you know if the two of you are a team, you'll be fine.'"
Little did I know!"
Barbara Eden and her husband would later attend Elvis' show in Las Vegas. "I've seen a lot of people work, but this was the most thrilling thing I've ever seen. All those guitars! Elvis was fabulous. He was just wonderful. And I remember him that way, not the later years. Because Elvis was beautiful and a lovely man.
Elvis was just a dear to work with. With no huge ego sticking out.
He was very sure of himself. He knew what he was and what he wanted to accomplish. He was grounded, which I loved. And he was wonderful to work with. He cared about what he was doing. He knew the role was demanding and hard, but he worked just as hard at it. And he was really good. I just loved him."
You can hear more from Barbara Eden at Elvis Week (News, Source;NP/ElvisInfoNet)
'ELVIS' Pre-order in Amazon's Best Sellers: Demonstrating the popularity of Baz Luhrmann's 'ELVIS' movie the new DVD, BluRay and 4K Blu Ray are all sitting in Amazon's 'Best Sellers in Movies and TV' and these are purely for Pre-orders as they are not being released until September 13, 2022. 'ELVIS' DVD is even Number One!
The two Blu-Rays are sitting at #8 and #22. This of course does not take into account the future Digital streaming release.
He died 45 years ago but ELVIS is still topping the charts! (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
USA >>>
UK >>>
Fats Domino and Elvis, Mutual Admiration: In the new Baz Luhrmann 'ELVIS' drama - in the scene about the 1969 Las Vegas Press Conference Elvis says, "I'm not the King of Rock'n'roll.. here's Fats Domino, he's the real King of Rock'n'roll".
While Elvis loved Fats Domino some fans have commented that Elvis did not actually state that line. However EIN would like to note that Elvis' words, when asked about Fats Domino, were in fact "I love him, he's the greatest!"
From a dramatic point-of-view, along with Elvis' previous comments to Jet magazine, a similar point is made.
As reported by super-fan Maria Columbus "Elvis was asked what he thought of Fats Domino. Elvis beamed and said, "I love him, he's the greatest!""
Recently, making a similar splash, is Fats Domino singing 'Blueberry Hill' at Austin City.
On stage the great Fats Domino says.. "Right now I'm going to do a number - and I play it for such a wonderful man I loved so well.
I just can't help it but I say this when I play this number every night. I've played this number so many times and I think of this man every time I come to my bandstand. I play this for the great Elvis Presley"
July 29- 'ELVIS Original Soundtrack' CD OUT NOW: At last the 'ELVIS Original Motion Picture Soundtrack' CD has been officially released worldwide today - OUT NOW.
The CD is twenty-two tracks, whereas the Digital Release is 36 tracks.
CD priced at Australia AU$22 and UK £10.99 and US$14 "The soundtrack features Elvis's extraordinary body of work spanning the 1950s, '60s and '70s, while also celebrating his diverse musical influences and enduring impact on popular artists today."
1. Suspicious Minds (Vocal Intro) - Elvis Presley
2. Cotton Candy Land - Stevie Nicks & Chris Isaak
3. Vegas - Doja Cat
4. The King And I - Eminem & CeeLo Green
5. Tupelo Shuffle - Swae Lee & Diplo
6. Baby, Let's Play House - Austin Butler
7. Craw-Fever - Elvis Presley
8. Strange Things Are Happening Every Day - Yola
9. Trouble - Austin Butler
10. Can't Help Falling in Love - Kacey Musgraves
11. I Got A Feelin' In My Body - Lenesha Randolph
12. Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child - Jazmine Sullivan
13. Edge of Reality (Tame Impala Remix) - Elvis & Tame Impala
14. Power of My Love - Elvis Presley and Jack White
15. Polk Salad Annie (Film Mix) - Elvis Presley
16. Suspicious Minds (Film Edit) - Elvis Presley
17. Burning Love (Film Mix) - Elvis Presley
18. I Got A Feelin' In My Body - Elvis Presley & Stuart Price
19. Don't Fly Away (PNAU Remix) - Elvis Presley & PNAU
20. If I Can Dream - Måneskin
21. Suspicious Minds - Paravi
22. In the Ghetto (World Turns Remix) - Elvis feat. Nardo Wick
(News, Source/ElvisInfoNet)
Interview with actor Adam Dunn / Bill Black in 'ELVIS':Elvis author-researcher, Paul Bélard, interviews actor Adam Dunn who plays Bill Black in Baz Luhrmann's movie 'Elvis'.
The interview is particularly of interest as Paul Bélard recently published the first detailed biography of super-bassist Bill Black.
In the interview Adam Dunn reveals.. - how he got the role,
- how he learnt to play double-bass Bill Black style,
- about meeting Tom Hanks and Austin Butler,
- working with Xavier Samuel and Terepai Richmond who played Scotty and D.J.
- the 'trouble' filming the Russwood Park riot
- and much much more...
'Elvis: Pine Bluff to Madison '76' FTD In-depth Review: FTD continues their extensive look at Elvis' performances in 1976 with another two previously unreleased concerts. This set features two shows: Pine Bluff Convention Center, September 8, 1976 830pm and Dane County Coliseum, Madison, October 19, 1976 8.30pm.
FTD have already released plenty of soundboards from these two tours including September 6, 1976 Afternoon and Evening shows ‘Elvis In Alabama: The Last Double Date’ and the day before Sioux Falls, Oct 18 (On The Road With Elvis CD2).
By early 1976 Elvis’ set-list had become routine with few surprises along the way and while the Pine Bluff performance has the energy of the Closing show of the tour fans surely don't want to hear Elvis suggest that “we should rehearse more before we tour”! Elvis soundboard super-collector Geoffrey McDonnell and EIN's Piers Beagley check out this new FTD 1976 double-pack to see whether it is another essential release for your collection. (FTD Reviews, Source;GM/ElvisInformationNetwork)
The book includes a fabulous Elvis-related story about Ron Strauss visiting his bank manager to obtain a home mortgage and the time Ron fell asleep in Elvis’ bed will bring a smile to the reader’s face. Other interesting accounts include Ron’s reaction to Elvis carrying a loaded gun on board (in a pressurized cabin), and many readers will appreciate reading how Ron felt about Linda Thompson and Ginger Alden.
EIN’s Nigel Patterson recently took flight with an advance copy. What Nigel found, not only added appreciably to his knowledge of a rarely written about aspect of the Elvis Presley story and provided greater insight as to who Elvis was as a person, but also offered a wonderfully rich and entertaining account of the life and times of the underappreciated, Ron Strauss.
'Elvis UK Cover Story' Book Review: Elvis experts John Townson and Gordon Minto recently published their new (digital) book 'Elvis UK Cover Story: The Ultimate Guide To Elvis Presley's British EP & LP Sleeves 1956-1977' designed to add to and complement their original 'Elvis UK' book.
It is a 286 page, fully comprehensive book, providing the ultimate guide to Elvis’s EP and LP album sleeves released in the UK between 1956-1977.
Extensively illustrated in full colour and arranged in sections, this book addresses a wide range of topics including back cover photos, printing companies, sleeve notes, etc.
There are extended sections including 'Front Cover – Fact File', and 'For UK Fans Only' an in-depth study of those albums that originated in the UK, or were only ever available in the UK.
It includes a wealth of background info incorporated into the text.
It is a downloadable digital flip-book stored on your own device.
Reading through this fact-filled investigation, the amazing thing EIN discovered was just how many sleeve variations, UK only releases, and cheap RCA / Parker design decisions there were.
For the world’s biggest superstar some of their marketing decisions were truly bewildering. And some of their design choices total madness.
Elvis author-researcher, Paul Bélard, reviews Luhrmann's 'ELVIS':Prolific Elvis author, Paul Bélard, wrote down his detailed thoughts after watching the Elvis biopic. His energetic review is great reading and starts..
...Well, I came, I saw, I was conquered! What a wild and unpredictable rollercoaster ride it was. I often had goosebumps and I must confess tears welled up in my eyes when Elvis appeared in all his sorrowing condition at the end of the movie, but still singing his heart out with a voice that never left him, a solemn testament to the music he had always cherished. It brought home the irreparable loss we suffered upon his untimely death.
- For added interest EIN has also assembled a “baker’s dozen” of review excerpts from a variety of other reviews for the new Elvis biopic...
(UPDATED Review) 'Elvis: Direct from Graceland' ROCKS Bendigo: If you're yet to visit Australia's exclusive exhibition 'Elvis: Direct from Graceland' you better get in quick as it closes soon on JULY 17. EIN’s Nigel Patterson checked out the biographical 'Elvis: Direct from Graceland' exhibition in the Victoria, Australia, city of Bendigo.
Included in the more than 300 items on display are personal treasures and a diverse array of artefacts from Elvis’ performance and film career.
As the Bendigo Art Gallery Curatorial Manager, Lauren Ellis explained, "Elvis intoxicated the nation’s youth and provoked vicious backlash from conservative personalities, Elvis Presley invented himself piece by piece. The more I discovered about Elvis' life– the more I wanted to know. "
Nigel was impressed by what he found. Now with added exhibition photos
and extra details - including a $1Million offer for a 1973 Australian
tour!
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Read Nigel’s detailed narrative-visual review.
'Aloha From Hawaii' Deluxe FTD indepth Review: When seeking Elvis' key career highpoints, if one goes by the sales and the audience viewing numbers, there is only one answer. Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite. RCA’s double album of the show was released throughout the world in February 1973 and shot to the #1 spot in many countries including the U.S. It is certified 5x Platinum by the RIAA.
While in 2013 RCA/ Legacy released the '40th Anniversary edition' sadly the audio of the main concert left much to be desired.
In 2022 FTD released this upgraded 'Aloha From Hawaii' set with Matt Ross-Spang remixing the original broadcast - plus including the full after-concert 3am 'Insert Song' session in a 3-CD set. In 'large-size 8" format with 24 page booklet it is a stunning package.
(Interview) Alanna Nash talks to EIN: With the recent reissue of her best-selling book, 'The Colonel: The Extraordinary Story of Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis Presley', renowned author, Alanna Nash, took time out of her busy schedule to discuss Elvis, the Colonel and other related issues with EIN’s Nigel Patterson, Elvis Day By Day’s Kees Mouwen, and prolific Elvis author, Paul Bélard.
In her candid interview, Alanna provides insightful commentary about the Colonel’s early years before coming to America, when he lost his way in promoting Elvis, the controversial source Byron Raphael, Lamar Fike’s finding about the rumor the Colonel was involved in the death of a woman in Holland, why Elvis didn’t take more control of his career, the new Baz Luhrmann 'ELVIS' biopic and much, much more...
Another Elvis #1....this time in books: Congratulations to acclaimed author, Alanna Nash, as the re-issue of her book, The Colonel: The Extraordinary Story of Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis Presley, is the #1 selling book in Amazon USA's Popular Music (Books) category. Amazon also has it ranked #2 in both Music History (Books) and Criticism and Music Business (Books).
'The Elvis Presley Channel' Offical Launch: Today the entertainment / streaming company Cinedigm Corp announced the launch of The Elvis Presley Channel. In partnership with EPE / ABG the new streaming channel comprises Elvis Presley films and specials along with additional movies, series and lifestyle programming inspired by Elvis - including new, original series in development.
Now available in the USA, The Elvis Presley Channel is accessible as a free, ad-supported streaming television channel on connected TVs, digital set-top boxes, media-streaming devices and online. With an overall reach of more than 100 million devices, fans can find the linear channel through several popular streaming platforms, including LG Channels, Amazon Freevee, VIZIO WatchFree+, Comcast's Xumo, Plex, Local Now and Dish Sling TV. Additionally, the Xfinity 'What to Watch' channel on XUMO will feature a curated collection of films and documentaries from Elvis channel during primetime starting the weekend of July 2, and continuing weekly throughout the rest of July.
Cinedigm President Erick Opeka said, "Elvis Presley is an iconic performer whose global appeal transcends across generations and a diverse range of fans. We see his ongoing influence today in music, movies, fashion and culture. Building on this expansive legacy, The Elvis Presley Channel will provide compelling programs, including exclusive and eclectic original series and specials, across a variety of concert, documentary and scripted content genres. With the channel, we aim to not only thrill current fans and showcase Elvis' influences and demonstrate enduring impact but to engage new generations of fans through our curated and creative program line-up." The Elvis Channel features two 12-hour blocks (aka “wheels”) of content.
Cinedigm will regularly refresh the programming on the channel, with upwards of 175 hours of Elvis and Elvis-adjacent material expected to be
featured each month.
2022 is a banner year for Elvis with the launch of ELVIS, from Baz Luhrmann plus the 45th anniversary of Elvis' passing at Elvis Week 2022 from August 9 - August 17. Additionally, Netflix is slated to launch the Elvis animated action-comedy series "Agent King" and Sony has two Elvis albums planned later this year. The Elvis Presley Channel "a Mix of New and Classic Programming" Refreshed monthly with hundreds of hours of films and series, The Elvis Presley Channel will provide viewers with an intimate look at one of the most influential figures of the 20th Century. Through exclusively streamed films, series and documentaries, fans can relive the glory days of rock ‘n' roll with the legend who transformed music. Programming curated by Cinedigm for the channel will include:
Exclusive films and specials such as the Elvis '68 Comeback Special, Elvis Aloha From Hawaii and both the broadcast & unedited versions of 'Elvis, by the Presleys'.
Themed programming blocks including Elvis'
Favorites, Friends of Elvis, Elvis Inspired Reality and Lifestyle Programming, African American Artists that Inspired Elvis and 50's Rock N' Roll Rebel Movies. Fans will be able to tune in for hours watching some of Elvis' favorite TV and film content including The Beverly Hillbillies, John Wayne movies such as Angel and the Badman, Blue Steel and Riders of Destiny, as well as Bruce Lee films like Warrior's Journey and The Man The Myth.
Search Your TV guides for more ie Amazon Freevee (News, Source;Cinedigm/ElvisInfoNet)
"ELVIS" Behind The Scenes: A neat seven minute clip from Screen Australia about Behind The Scenes of the new ELVIS movie.
Baz Luhrmann, Designer-Producer Catherine Martin and producer Schuyler Weiss talk about their experience making Elvis, from filming on the Gold Coast, the effects of COVID on production and why Luhrmann continues to return to Australia to make his films.
"Elvis in the studio"- excerpt from the critically acclaimed recent book, 'The Sonic Swagger of Elvis Presley: A Critical History of the Early recordings': ... Surviving outtakes make it abundantly clear that it's the 21-year-old Elvis Presley, not ostensible producer Steve Sholes, who's in control. Even when Sholes pronounces a take satisfactory, Elvis, if not happy, overrules him and insists on doing it again. And if one of the musicians makes a mistake, forcing a new attempt, Elvis remains nonplussed. "In his own reserved manner," as recalled in Elvis '56, In the Beginning, a journalist on hand to view the session would write, "he kept control, he made himself responsible. When someone else made a mistake, he sang off-key The offender picked up the cue. He never criticised anyone, never got mad at anybody, but himself. He'd just say, "Okay, fellas, I goofed." (News, Source:EIN) Read EIN's detailed review of 'The Sonic Swagger of Elvis Presley'
Read EIN's revealinginterview with the author, Gary Parker
'ELVIS 30 #1 Hits Expanded Edition' - New Release: To be released next week to coincide with the new Baz Luhrmann ELVIS movie, Sony Music is repackaging 'Elvis'
30#1 Hits' together with 'Second To None' creating 'ELVIS 30 #1 Hits Expanded Edition'
Released date is next week June 24, 2022.
Priced at UK £12.99.
This twin set was previously released in 2013 as a double pack '30# 1 Hits / 2nd To None' selling in the US for US$16. see below for details..
Either way it is a great double-set at a good price.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
ELVIS 'Austin Butler Pre-Production Test Footage': This is a sensational clip. Forget all those average Elvis Impersonators you might have seen, here Austin Butler truly inhabits Elvis character showing what he could do
at a pre-production jam.
As 'Depper' rightly comments, "Austin was a brilliant choice as there are millions of new young Elvis fans just based on the trailers alone. Many more will join us in the Elvis fanbase as soon as the movie drops. This movie successfully explains the contributions to music of Elvis Presley, to today's current generation. Elvis' legacy has been given a tremendous boost, and will help young people understand that he was a force of good for American music and humanity." (News, Source;EIN)
'ELVIS' EIN movie review: Keith Richards said, "Elvis hit like a bombshell ... it was like the world went from black and white to Technicolor." While those words apply to Elvis Presley they could similarly apply to Baz Luhrmann's style of film direction. Compared to the regular Hollywood output Baz Luhrmann movies have a similar feel of busting out of jail and going from black-and-white to technicolour. They are loud, brash, super-colourful, fast-edited and exciting, they have their own language and style.
The full-bore soundtrack, the glowing colour, the revelation of Austin Butler's truly stunning performance and the real excitement of the fast editing really does make it feel that Luhrmann has grabbed Elvis' true spirit. The film not only tells Elvis’ life but has the genuine excitement of the real Elvis, something that I've never felt from any previous Elvis Bio-Pic.
The incredible fact is that while the movie includes so many snatches of real Elvis (Hy Garner interview, Lisa Marie, Al Dvorin etc) yet Austin Butler has one so enthralled in playing Elvis' character that you can hardly spot the difference.
However typical of a Luhrmann movie you can see why fans' overly detailed fact-checking needs to be left at the door - and knowledgeable Elvis fans should just enjoy the ride. Go here for EIN Piers Beagley's exclusive and detailed review
(Review; Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Baz Luhrmann ELVIS Sydney Premiere: The Sydney Premiere of Baz Luhrmann's ELVIS movie was presented in the glorious Sydney State Theatre where Luhrmann's first film 'Strictly Ballroom' was featured thirty years ago at the 1992 Sydney Film Festival.
The evening was part of Sydney's VIVID festival and before the actual Premiere, director Baz Luhrmann spent an hour in conversation discussing his life in movies as well as his thoughts on ELVIS.
The Sydney Media were out in force to celebrate the international cast of the movie, including Austin Butler, Tom Hanks and Australia's Olivia DeJonge, along with Director Baz Luhrmann.
EIN's Piers Beagley was lucky enough to be part of the ELVIS celebration - and who knew that his night would include an Elvis sing-a-long with Tom Hanks! Go here for the Baz Luhrmann discussion and plenty of Premiere pics.
(Spotlight, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
(Book Review) 'The Sonic Swagger of Elvis Presley: A Critical History of the Early Recordings' (Gary Parker):‘For Elvis Presley, stardom was the promise, and he made the trip, but at an extraordinarily high cost’. This is one of the thought provoking themes in Gary Parker’s latest book which critically examines in thoroughly researched detail, Elvis’ seminal recordings in the 1950s (as well as more briefly discussing Elvis’ post Army recordings).
Noting that... "Elvis' clever manipulation of his numerous interests remains one of the music world's great marvels. Presley, with one foot in delta mud and the other in a country hoedown, teamed with Scotty Moore and Bill Black to fuse two distinctly American musical forms -- country and blues -- to form what would come to be known as 'rockabilly'". This is a book with plenty to discuss.
In their 2,100 words collaboration, EIN’s Nigel Patterson and Piers Beagley, review what they have found to be one of the best, and most important, Elvis book releases of 2022. Read the full review here (Book Review, Source: ElvisInformationNetwork)
Baz Luhrmann 'ELVIS' movie posters for 50s/ 60s/ 70s - plus a great shot of Austin Butler
'This Is Elvis - The Lost Theme Song' EIN spotlight: With all of the hype surrounding Baz Luhrmann's upcoming biopic, ELVIS, many fans will fondly recall the first official movie of Elvis' life, 1981's 'This Is Elvis', which, for better of worse, is the benchmark against which all subsequent attempts are measured.
One of the well-known names involved with This Is Elvis was Jerry Schilling, who was hired as a Consultant on the film - and who was involved in getting the long-lost theme song written and recorded by Beach Boy Carl Wilson and Sweet Inspirations Myrna Smith..
Another delight is discovering that Beach Boy Carl Wilson had a great love of Elvis.
Book Review - Elvis: The Quest For An Oscar (James Turiello): Many will find it surprising that someone could write more than 500 pages detailing the case why Elvis deserves to receive an Honorary Academy Award, but
author James Turiello has achieved this with his latest book.
EIN's Nigel Patterson spent a weekend exploring the author's argument.
Can someone who appeared in Kissin' Cousins, Harum Scarum and Clambake really be Oscar worthy?
In a detailed review, Nigel discusses what the book has to offer and provides his assessment of whether or not the author successfully makes his case that Elvis is deserving of an Honorary Oscar.
'The Pot Luck Sessions' Deluxe FTD Review: Released back in December 2021, 'The Pot Luck Sessions' was the eighth in FTD’s “complete sessions” packages. An 8 inch deluxe 5-CD package featuring a 28-page booklet with an insightful essay, record and session data, memorabilia and rare photos. The set includes remastered complete RCA sessions from Elvis' June 25 and October 15 1961 and March 18-19 1962 recording sessions.
The set features a good number of previously unreleased outakes and EIN also uncovers plenty of Elvis studio discussions that had been previously edited out on earlier "Classic Album" releases such as Elvis saying, “Here we go already. How do like that
arrangement, Red?” an important question to his friend Red West who
had composed the song 'That’s Someone You Never Forget'.
Gary kindly took time to discuss what we can expect in his new book, Jethro Tull, and things in-between.
Elvis’ Sun recordings vs. RCA early recordings, the muddy Mississippi delta plains, Elvis’ swirlingly innovative mixture of hair-raising rock & roll and balladry.
MRS 'Elvis: Mono To Stereo 1956' CD Review: At the end of last year the UK based MRS label released their Double CD/ Book 'Elvis: Mono To Stereo - The Complete RCA Studio Masters 1956'.
The set contains the complete 1956 RCA studio master recordings in mono and (DES extracted) stereo versions. These were thirty classic RCA recordings that would help change the future of popular music.
The accompanying 20-page booklet includes photographs and memorabilia plus introductory notes.
While 'DES Stereo' remastering can sometimes reveal new details about classic MONO studio recordings, trying to create believable stereo from echoey mono masters is not that easy, even when using "highly advanced sound processing techniques".
Can classic mono tracks such as 'Hound Dog', 'Don't Be Cruel', 'My Baby Left Me' and 'Heartbreak Hotel' really sound better in DES stereo?
'Elvis: South Bound- Tampa / Atlanta '75' FTD in-depth Review: Mid 1975 found Elvis back in good form and having fun on stage. This 5" digipack double-soundboard features two more concerts from Elvis' 1975 Spring Tour. The Tampa April 26, 1975 Afternoon show at Curtis Hixon Convention Center plus Atlanta Omni Coliseum May 2, 1975 Evening Show.
Unfortunately soundboards from the start of this tour all have the same inherent 'problem' a HEAVY bias towards Piano tracks, there was often very little drums or orchestra in the mix. So can this release show us anything new?
But while collectors are right to be a little reticent about “Afternoon Shows” this soundboard is surprisingly enjoyable...
(Book Review) 'Don't Be Cruel, Elvis: The Bill Black Story': It is easy to forget that, in the beginning, Elvis was only one part of a trio put together by Sam Phillips, which included Bill Black on bass and Scotty Moore on lead guitar.
The unique sound that emerged from their early sessions was the result of a close collaboration of like-minded musicians and an engineer who wanted to generate something as yet unheard. Bill Black's contribution to Elvis’ success went beyond the bass playing. His antics on stage — twirling his bass, riding it as if it was a bronco to be tamed, trading corny jokes with Elvis — delighted the audiences. Scotty confirmed that, “If it hadn’t been for Bill, we would have bombed many times in the early days.”
Memphis Mansion’s Henrik Knudsen fortuitously befriended Bill Black's family and was entrusted with the family’s treasured scrapbook.
Using this key source, plus the investigative power of author Paul Belard, key rock'n'roll bassman Bill Black finally gets the biography he deserves with this impressive 260 page book.
Packed full of rare photos, great stories and interviews, EIN's Piers Beagley spent some quality time enjoying this very fine tribute to "Blackie" a great musician and a true character ... go here to find out more.. (Book Review, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Interview 'The Airplanes & The King' with Carlos Varrenti & Robert Van Beek:As promised a few months ago, the extremely well-received spanish book 'The Airplanes & The King' by Carlos Varrenti is now being republished as an English version.
Not only that but it has now been expanded to an amazing 400 pages with a lot of unreleased material from Elvis Files' vaults!
The English version is printed as a High quality Hardback book.
Printed and distributed by The Elvis Files Team, EIN has seen some preview pages and it is an absolute stunner.
EIN is delighted to be able to talk with the author Carlos Varrenti - as well as Elvis Files designer Robert Van Beek to find out more.
We find out more about Carlos Varrenti's Argentinian background, how he came to be involved with designer Robert Van Beek and The Elvis Files for the expanded reprint, what highlights are in the book and what new stories fans will be able to discover within the covers. Go here as EIN's Piers Beagley asked the questions..
(Interview, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
"Elvis Back In Nashville" 8/10 Review: It's great to see the mainstream music press already giving truly positive reviews to the new "Elvis Back In Nashville" box-set that comes out next week. UNCUT uk music magazine have already reviewed it noting.... "The King's final recordings in the country music capital"
Elvis Presley was more ambitious than his late career output might suggest.
During his 1971 sessions in Nashville, he cut tracks for his dream project: a folk-rock record featuring songs by Buffy Sainte-Marie, Kris Kristofferson and others. Sadly, it never saw the light of day, and tracks from those sessions were scattered across cookie-cutter collections throughout the'70s. 'Elvis Back In Nashville' collects those recordings in one place, showcasing his stylistic range (gospel, carols, standards... you name it) and offering a glimpse of what might have been.
Despite being sold as a nostalgia act, Elvis was absolutely devoted to whatever he song he was singing. He immersed himself in the story and invested each line with nuance and character, whether it's the casually funky "Put Your Hand In The Hand" or the delicate "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" (recorded while he had the flu). Box-Set rates 8/10. Extras: 6/10. Archival photos and liner notes by David Cantwell.
You can also have a sneak preview of 30 seconds of every track via PlatoMania -CLICK HERE to listen
(News, Source;NP/ElvisInfoNet)
MRS presents 'ELVIS: September 1970' in-depth Review:MRS's new 2CD deluxe set features a new previously unreleased soundboard
from 2nd September 1970 and a bonus CD that covers the final rehearsals at the International Hotel on August 10th before the start of the summer
festival.
In September 1970 Elvis was still excited to be back on stage and performing for his fans.
Newspaper reviews of his concerts wrote about the excitement and fun Elvis was having back on-stage.
This brand-new previously unknown concert captures Elvis feeling 'loose-as-a-goose' yet still performing with a real intensity. His live versions of ‘You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’’, 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' were truly exceptional this evening.
The accompanying 40-page booklet of the CD deluxe includes rare photographs and memorabilia taken during these engagements along with introductory notes.
(Book Review) Elvis June 1956: June 1956 was another busy month for Elvis Presley and author Paul
Bélard captures the frenzy and excitement of Elvis' rocket-to-stardom in
this new photo-book, ‘Elvis June 1956’.
Elvis' 1956 juggernaut was picking up strength during the month with a series of dynamic live shows across America, appearing on Wink Martindale’s ‘Dance Party’ TV show, violating segregation laws in Memphis, outraging media critics and many parents with his burlesque show rendition of ‘Hound Dog’ on The Milton Berle Show and rehearsing for his appearance on The Steve Allen Show as the highlights.
The book includes some wonderful archive material such as.. - “Singing Sensation Causes Near Riot Here”
- “Writhing Singer Has Long Beach Soxers Wailing”
- "Elvis Sends 6,400 Here Into Frenzy”
- “Presley Leaves You In A Blue Suede Funk”
· “The Presley Problem”
This graphic biography illustrates how our man worked hard getting his career off the ground. All this packed on 220 pages. Go here as Nigel Patterson and Kees Mouwen check out this look at one of Elvis' key months of his career (Book Review, Source:EIN & EDayByDay)
Despite what some fans may think, Elvis’ Army years were eventful, full of interesting and sometimes sad, incidents.
Those two years in the Army were important in shaping Elvis as a person.
As Kees notes in his enlightening review, in her book, Trina Young “goes behind the superficial public relations story of Presley’s army years”.
'Think Twice: Elvis in The Studio 1971': The forthcoming 'Back In Nashville' boxset is going to shine the spotlight on Elvis' 1971 sessions which have traditionally been ignored by the official label. In this fascinating and detailed article EIN contributor Shane Brown examines these all too easily dismissed Nashville sessions and discovers some real gems.
It’s very easy to look at the March, May and June 1971 recordings out of context. While the recordings are certainly not up to the standard of those from June 1970, it’s also true to say that Elvis was in a very different place personally by spring 1971.
In June 1970 Elvis was riding the crest of a wave with his recent successes but by January 1971 he was in the newspapers due to an ongoing paternity suit.
The Presley’s marriage was on the rocks and Elvis was having problems with his eyes. However despite all of this there was something very interesting going on during the 1971 sessions. Find out more as Shane Brown investigates these controversial 1971 Nashville Sessions....
(Spotlight; Source;ShaneBrown/EIN)
Don't miss out on one of EIN's most-viewed and controversial interviews of all-time - Mike Stone tells all.
EIN Interview with Mike Stone: Mike Stone has had a long and successful career in athletics, in the entertainment business, as an author, sports instructor, bodyguard and personal fitness trainer.
Mike Stone was also a key figure in the emotional roller-coaster that described Elvis and Priscilla Presley's lives in the seventies. In this exclusive EIN interview Priscilla's ex-partner, karate champion and author talks about his amazing life, including... - Meeting Elvis and Priscilla
- Hawaii, Elvis and Karate
- Being Phil Spector's bodyguard
- Sitting next to John Lennon recording
- Priscilla and karate
- Fans blaming him for Elvis' marriage split-up
- Elvis putting a "Hit" out on him
- Finding peace in the Philippines
- His new autobiography
UPDATED- The collapse of the Elvis Bootleg Empire: Has Ernst won the war?’: Back in 1999 Ernst Jorgensen and Roger Semon convinced BMG to let them start the FTD collectors label in order to counteract the Elvis bootleg companies which had been selling unreleased material to fans since the very first vinyl bootleg 'Please Release Me' was issued back in 1970.
Of all the bootleg labels that have come and gone the 'Madison' label was one of the very few that always produced high-quality releases and which happened to start at the same time as FTD. The designs were top-notch and with detailed sleeve notes they easily competed with the legal Elvis releases.
In 2021 ‘Madison’ have returned with the new bootleg ‘A Legendary Performer Volume 9’ but all is not what was promised. The Elvis bootleg vaults are empty and FTD appears to have won the game. Go here as EIN’s Piers Beagley checks out the lack of new material and considers the bootleg era at an end... And EIN wants YOUR SAY -Our article is now updated with YOUR FEEDBACK - and more... (Spotlight; Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Don't forget that EIN's Elvis Facebook page regularly features fabulous RARE newly discovered photos of Elvis. This month EIN celebrates our 45,000 members! - including several of Elvis' own friends and colleagues So Elvis fans don't miss out on these rare and exciting photographs.
Now with over thousands of great photos, News and with more added every day – including YouTube footage.
"On Tour" 50th Anniversary - FTD vs Lorentzen release:
In the same way that the FTD 'TTWII' Collectors Edition had to include similar photos to Erik Lorentzen's 'TTWII' Summer Festival publication, a debate among Elvis collectors has already started regarding the two new 'On Tour' editions and which one to purchase.
Lorentzen promises the earlier publication this year, whereas FTD are still gathering documentation and unseen images for their 2022 release.
Trouble has also started as Lorentzen has stated about his book, "Unique in this 1200 page edition is that for the first time the complete and very extensive information of all shows and sessions" yet now Ernst Jørgensen has posted that his personal session notes are being used without permission.
It will be difficult for fans to decide which to buy, or both, especially with the extra wait for the David English / Pål Granlund 50th Anniversary FTD 'On Tour' project. Ernst Jørgensen posted the following statement.. "It has come to my attention that some of my personal recording notes are being used in Erik Lorentzen’s forthcoming Elvis On Tour book.
This is disappointing; as Erik has been notified that this information is private and confidential, and prior to publication permission is required, which has not been granted.
Pål, David and myself are working on an 'Elvis On Tour' FTD release for 2022, this information will be included with this release."
We do however also know that FTD will be including audio cds with their publication, the audio content however has not been finalised as yet. (Note: Both images are of course not the actual book covers!) (News, Source; ElvisInfoNet)
Book Review - 'ELVIS UK3': Recently published 'ELVIS UK3' The Ultimate Guide to Elvis Presley's British CD Releases 1983-2005' by John Townson and Gordon Minto comprises 1400 pages with over a million words plus 4,000 plus illustrations.
This examination of Elvis’ British releases is an incredibly detailed narrative and visual record of his CD releases in the UK from 1983 to 2005.
The first Elvis CD, 'The Legend' (3CD), was released in the UK in December 1983. Reflecting the fledgling nature of the format, UK fans had to wait another 12 months until the release of not one, but three, Elvis albums, in December 1984. By that time, the flood gates for the CD medium were starting to strain.
As with the authors’ earlier two volumes on Elvis UK vinyl releases, the information in Elvis UK3 is exhaustive.
To say that Elvis UK3 was well-researched would be a serious understatement. There is so much information in this book that it is difficult to comprehensively review it all. While many collectors will be most interested in the technical details for each entry, the author’s narrative is excellent.
Released using the flipbook format EIN tested Elvis UK3 on four platforms - a 28” computer monitor, 14” tablet, iPad 8 and a 6.5” android mobile phone. EIN's Nigel Patterson has spent plenty of time reading through this massive work and here presents his in-depth review ...
(Book Review, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Elvis "BACK ON DVD!": Paramount have re-released three classic Elvis movies this month on DVD. 'G.I. Blues'- BACK ON DVD! The year was 1960... 'Girls! Girls! Girls!' - BACK ON DVD! The year was 1962... 'Paradise, Hawaiian Style'- BACK ON DVD! The year was 1966...
From Paramount Pictures.-
Release date: March 12, 2021.
From Amazon for $14.99. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
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'Walk A Lonely Street' Book Review:Recently published Tony Plews, 'Walk A Lonely Street: Elvis Presley, Country Music & The True Story of Heartbreak Hotel' is a unique volume that tells the tale of Elvis Presley’s rise to fame as viewed through the lens of his era-defining first hit record, “Heartbreak Hotel”. Presented as a series of consecutive short stories, it offers a new perspective on Presley’s musical and cultural achievements, and reveals the true and dramatic saga behind the breakthrough song that changed the world.
In EIN Piers Beagley's detailed review he discovers that.. the true joy of this book is Tony Plews’ delightful and engaging writing style. His detailed research and his mix of facts and imagination blend together to create an emotional narrative that really draws the reader in. At times he also adds a nice British, somewhat droll, sense of humour that can make you laugh out loud.
A totally enthralling musical journey, Tony Plews writes with a truly engaging, colourful and passionate style. If your love of Elvis is based upon his amazing musical legacy then this is the book for you....
Go here to EIN's 'Walk A Lonely Street' in-depth review Coming Wednesday.. EIN interviews author Tony Plews
(Book Review, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
‘From Elvis in Nashville’ Box-set EIN In-Depth Review:
A 4CD collection presenting the definitive chronicle of Elvis' 1970 marathon sessions with the "Nashville Cats".
Recorded live in RCA's Studio B over the course of an epic five day run in June 1970 now, for the first time, the sessions are presented in pristine audio, newly mixed by acclaimed engineer Matt Ross-Spang without the added overdubs appearing on earlier releases.
Elvis’ 1970 Nashville session was very different from the previous Memphis sessions or even Elvis’ later sessions. Nashville was a real mix of Elvis recording RCA supplied demos along with one-take spontaneous favourites Elvis threw into the mix.
As Elvis noted, "It don't take much to get these guys going, boy, I'll tell you…. Just give them a "well..." and they're gone. That's what I call 'Sittin' on ready". EIN's Piers Beagley explores this new box-set to discover one of the best Elvis releases in years..
(CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
US CD box-set
US Vinyl
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‘TTWII 50th Anniversary Collectors Edition’ FTD Book Review: FTD's most expensive set ever published, David English and Pal Granlund bring the complete background story of 'Elvis: That's The Way It Is'. Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the movie's 1970 release, this ultimate collector's edition includes two hardback books, eight cds with over 450 minutes of music,
including newly discovered unreleased performances.
With access to 2,000 original negatives and 35mm slides, restored and repaired, many of which have never been seen before, the book also contains items from the MGM and RCA archives including paperwork, documents, memos and recording information.
Two books, 600 pages, plus all the MGM recorded rehearsals - including 70 tracks officially unreleased.
FTD's most expensive set but with the vast majority of the rehearsals already out on bootleg, can it really be worth the US$270 plus postage. Initially Sold Out and already into its first reprint what makes it so desirable? EIN's Piers Beagley investigates and discovers plenty .. Go here to our 6000 word review including plenty of extracts and stunning images. (FTD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Amazon Deals on ELVIS Blu-rays - Beware of excessive prices at some Elvis dealers.
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'ELVIS In The 2010s' A Personal Review of the Past Decade: Rather like Elvis’s own career, each decade since Elvis’s death appears to have had a theme or identity of its own. Clearly the late 1970s were difficult for RCA as they struggled to find the right direction with which to take their posthumous releases, and so it was the 1980s that was the decade when the company slowly but surely learned how to look back at Elvis's legacy and start to make some sense of it.
The 1990s were when that reached a peak, with the decades boxed sets, and the Elvis in the 90s series, thus bringing virtually the whole catalogue back into print in a coherent way.
The 2000s were when errors of judgement at retail level started to occur (despite huge successes like Elv1s), but also when FTD came into its own and flourished. And so what will we make of Elvis releases of the 2010s when we look back on them from the future? Go here for EIN contributor Shane Brown's personal take on the highs and lows of Elvis product that has come our way over the last decade....
(Spotlight, Source;ShaneBrown/ElvisInformationNetwork)
ELVIS 'Live 1969'
Keeping an eye on the prices.
Now $88 (down from $105) <<< US Amazon
UK Amazon >>> £73.00
Both with FREE Delivery
Check deals at other sites.
Elvis LIVE Aug 23, 1969 Album Review + Elvis Concert Review 1969: ..."The atmosphere throughout the entire hotel was nail-bitingly electric! It is difficult for me to describe and paint a true portrait of attending in person this unique occasion - Elvis' Return to Splendor LIVE in 1969 - but I'll try my best. I want, and hope, you will understand the excitement of what has to be the pinnacle of Elvis' career to date!" Joan Gansky was lucky because not only was she in the audience for Elvis' TV musical renaissance of the '68 NBC Special but she also saw Elvis at his most dynamic - first at his August 22nd 1969 Midnight Show and then the following night at his August 23rd Dinner Show. Joan Gansky has written this insightful and emotional article for EIN in 2019, fifty years later, looking back at this special event from 1969 as well as providing her review of the new RCA vinyl album of the August 23rd Dinner Show. One of EIN's most important articles we have ever published- Go here for Joan and Paul Gansky's incredible articles and exclusive photos
(Review/Spotlight, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'Elvis - Made In Germany’ In-Depth Review: The new MRS 'Elvis - Made In Germany – The Complete Private Recordings’ 4CD set contains more than 3 hours of the private recordings Elvis made while off duty in Germany when he was serving as a soldier in the US army during the 1958 -1960 period and, includes rare tracks from a recently discovered tape comprising over an hour of unheard personal recordings. The 152-page hardback book contains rare photographs and documents plus a comprehensive text provided by Gordon Minto, which discusses each of Elvis’ RCA studio (non-film) recording sessions held during 1957-58, before focusing on the private recordings he made in Germany.
The BONUS CD features the essential RCA studio masters from 1957-58.With such an expansive book, along with hours of Elvis jamming with his friends in Germany, there is plenty to discuss as well as finding out what extra material this set contains over the official releases. Go here as EIN's Nigel Patterson & Piers Beagley provide an in-depth review of this new MRS release
(Book Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'What was Elvis searching for?' EIN Spotlight: The question is raised – but never answered – in the title of HBO’s recent absorbing, imperfect documentary 'Elvis Presley: The Searcher'.
At the start it seems clear what the teenage Elvis was searching for – an escape from the oblivion of poverty in the American South. Yet his quest was cultural as well as financial.
Later Elvis read obsessively, seeking out such books as The Impersonal Life, Joseph Brenner’s guide to self-discovery and Kahil Gibran’s book of fables, The Prophet. In his copy of Gibran’s tome, Elvis jotted down the line: “A singer can sing his songs but he must have an ear to receive the song”.
So what exactly was Elvis searching for? In this fascinating EIN Spotlight respected author Paul Simpson takes a close look at this all important question which, for some reason, was basically ignored in the recent HBO documentary..
Mindi Miller Interview with EIN: Mindi Miller was a working actress when she met Elvis in early 1975. She was interested in karate (she performed all her own movie stunts), exploring spirituality and the Bible and so they had a lot in common. Mindi Miller and Elvis bonded over their common interests and soon afterwards he asked her to go on tour with him in April 1975.
She stayed friends with Elvis through the years - along with members of the 'Memphis Mafia' - and attended his funeral.
EIN's Sanja Meegin recently caught up with Mindi Miller to talk about her close friendship with Elvis over the years.
In this fascinating interview she discusses. . . - Her first night with Elvis
- How Elvis persuaded her to cancel her overseas movie & modelling plans
- Their mutual interest in Karate
- Graceland and meeting Lisa Marie
- Attending Elvis' funeral . . . and much much more... Go here for EIN's Sanja Meegin and her intimate and detailed discussion with the delightful Mindi Miller - Now with Reader Feedback.
Official Elvis CD Box-sets at bargain prices through Amazon UK
'Marty Lacker: A Life Well-Lived' & Elvis at American Studio's Interview: It was with immense sadness that last month EIN had to report on the death of our great friend - and a true friend to Elvis - Marty Lacker. We will miss him dearly. Marty is well-known as one of the key members of the Memphis Mafia and also co-Best Man at Elvis' wedding. He was known for both his honesty and being forthright with his opinions. He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia who still watched and commented on recent Elvis News. He had no issue with holding people to account (especially ones who would inflate their importance within Elvis' legacy) and would regularly ask EIN to add his comments or to correct any inaccuracy. Elvis fans often ask about Marty Lacker's background, how he came to meet Elvis, as well as his involvement in the music industry outside of working for The King.
As a prelude to Ken Sharp's fascinating interview with Marty Lacker and a discussion about Elvis' famous American Studio' Memphis sessions, EIN presents "Marty Lacker: a life well-lived" in which Marty tells of his life in the music industry, his friendship with Elvis along with his dislike of the over-controlling Col Parker. Go here to learn all you need to know about Marty Lacker as well as Elvis outstanding Memphis American Sound sessions in 1969. (Spotlight; Source,KenSharp/ElvisInformationNetwork)
'The World of FTD' In-Depth Review: The new deluxe book 'The World Of FTD' has been received by some lucky fans and Elvis collector Mike Lodge has provided EIN with a very detailed review - of well over 3 thousand words! The book was authored and designed by Keith Flynn with input from a large number of other Elvis specialists including EIN's Piers Beagley, EM&HM's Trevor Cajiao, Geoffrey McDonnell, Gordon Minto and many others. It is 1,200 pages, hardbound three book set, chronicling every release by FTD.The book also features 100s of high-quality photos from the collection Erik Lorentzen
KJ Consulting are proud to publish this Box Set which weighs 8 kilos.
UPDATED - Paul Dowling EIN Interview Part Three: Paul Dowling is without doubt one of the major names in the Elvis World. He started collecting and selling Elvis vinyl over 40 years ago and has one of the world's largest Elvis Presley record collections. He started his "WorldWide Elvis" shop back in the seventies, way before the internet, where fans could get hold of rare Elvis records and memorabilia.
With such a fascination with Elvis, Dowling not only became a big name in the early years of Elvis bootlegs but later became friends with Ernst Jorgensen and helped RCA with various official releases.
In the final part of our fascinating interview Paul Dowling discusses .... - Dodging the FBI agents that were sent after him
- Unreleased Elvis material that still hasn’t come out
- Why does Ernst Jorgensen doubt this claims
- His BMG project 'For The First Time Ever' - what happened
- The true story of obtaining the Million Dollar Quartet tape
- His thoughts on Paul Lichter, Sean Saver, Sherif Hanna, Rex Martin
- Spending time with Alan Fortas
- Jim Curtin, newly added story
'Ultimate Elvis' New Electronic Edition: Announced by Elvis sessions expert Keith Flynn for publication November 1 is the brand new concept of the 1750 page super-deluxe Elvis sessions book 'Ultimate Elvis' Electronic Edition.
This incredible three volume book will now be available as an e-book on an i-pad or android tablet. - Created in HTML5
Fully updated e-books will open in any web browser on any operating system, so no need for separate downloads for different operating systems. - Life-Like 'Flipping' Pages
Flip through pages as if you are reading an actual book, but also being able to zoom-in to view smaller images and captions.
- View as Double or Single pages
View as double pages on a computer or laptop etc, and single pages when viewing in portrait on an i-pad or Android tablet. - Fully Navigational Table Of Contents
Jump back and forth to the sections of the books you want to read, instead of flipping through numerous pages to find what you want. PRICED AT - all 3 Volumes for £60 = US$93
On sale from November 1st 2015. Try Before You Buy -
Download free zip-file containing 27 pages from Volume 1, before you decide to buy the complete set. -
NOTE - These books are MASSIVE so you will need approximately 1GB of spare disc space for these three volumes, -
Click HERE to Keith Flynn's 'Ultimate Elvis' Electronic Edition to try.
Go HERE to EIN's independent review of 'Ultimate Elvis' (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Did Elvis Record 'Tiger Man' At Sun?: A question that has puzzled Elvis fans through the years is whether he actually recorded the song ‘Tiger Man’ during his years at SUN studios.
The basic question is why did Elvis refer to 'Tiger man' several times in concert as “The second song that I ever recorded, not too many people heard it”?
And if Elvis DID record it, then why hasn’t any reference to it at SUN or proof of its existence been found?
Elvis would first perform ‘Tiger Man’ in concert at his first 1969 Las Vegas International season and would continue playing it through the years – usually in a medley with Mystery Train - until his last performance at Saginaw on May 3 1977. He would sing it over 150 times on stage! The thought that there might be an acetate or undiscovered tape of Elvis at SUN singing ‘Tiger Man’ is a mouth-watering concept - but is it an unlikely fantasy or strong possibility?
Go here to our detailed 'TIGER MAN' spotlight as EIN's Piers Beagley puts in the hard yards to check the facts from the fantasy . (Spotlight; Source;ElvisInfoNetwork)
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The Elvis Information Network has been running since 1986 and is an EPE officially recognised Elvis fan club.
EIN also has a local Australian national Elvis Fan Club for paid up members featuring quarterly newsletters free EIN members cds plus an annual EIN Elvis Mega Quiz with special prizes.
The printed newsletters have extra content, articles and reviews to this website along with the popular Elvis EIN Mega Quiz.
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