Elvis in Literature #4 - 'Elvis, Barbra, A Star Is Born, and a girl circling overhead': That Elvis was considered for the co-lead role in A Star Is Born, starring Barbra Streisand, has long been a discussion point among fans. Why didn't Elvis take up the offer? Could he have carried it off? Ms Streisand recently released her autobiography, My Name is Barbra (Century Books), a mammoth book of nearly 1,000 pages (but unfortunately no index)!! Streisand's account of discussions with Elvis and Colonel Tom Parker about the role of John Norman Howard is interesting - and her description of meeting Elvis also includes a fascinating and somewhat bizarre account of why Elvis was late in meeting up with her. Go to 'Elvis in Literature #4' on Barbra Streisand and Elvis for the whole story, photos and excerpts..   (Spotlight, Source;Nigel Patterson/ElvisInfoNet)

NOW UPDATED (Film Review) Priscilla – film by Sofia Coppola: While Baz Luhrmann’s major hit film in 2022, Elvis, was a colorful narrative and frenetic musical explosion, in 2023, Sofia Coppola’s, Priscilla, is more subdued, but still a colorfully hued and musically expressive story. Coppola is an acclaimed filmmaker and director. Thematically, her films explore themes of identity, isolation, and the complexities of human relationships, and these underscore, Priscilla. EIN’s Nigel Patterson recently watched the film that has divided the Elvis world. Read Nigel’s detailed (2,500 word) review which includes discussion of “the (two) elephants in the room”. Now updated with EIN READER comments... We have had plenty of general negative feedback but also some lengthy and rather interesting discussions on the film.. EIN is also interested in hearing YOUR comments on the movie. (Film Review, Source:ElvisInformationNetwork)

'Elvis Presley's Kind of, Sort of World Tour': EIN's good friend Robert C. Gilbert has posted a new examination and detailed essay about 'Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite'. ... The Honolulu concert, which was broadcast live to much of Australia and Asia on January 14 1973 and on tape delay to much of the rest of the world was arguably the last event in which Elvis truly pushed himself and the last time he would be on television during his lifetime. Aloha From Hawaii was positioned as a way for the singer to perform outside of the United States without actually having to leave the country (something that had a lot to do with Colonel Tom Parker being an illegal alien). The concert is good but falls short of the heights of his shows in Las Vegas in 1969 and 1970 as well as his performances at Madison Square Garden in June 1972. That being said, the music is an interesting way to consider, what one must always do when writing about Elvis, the compromises and choices that the singer made. ... Bejeweled and bedecked in jumpsuits, complete with cape, Elvis was a thoroughly American superhero. A personifacation of the decadent outpouring that often bursts forth upon the attainment of the American Dream.

Elvis in Literature #3 – ''Elvis's Man Friday' by Gene Smith: Continuing EIN’s occasional series of interesting and (hopefully) thought-provoking Elvis excerpts (references/discussions) found in general literature. Elvis's Man Friday by Elvis' first-cousin Gene Smith is an often forgotten "insider" memoir. Elvis and Gene were very close from a young age, and Gene later became a prominent member of Elvis' Memphis Mafia. In his book, published in hardcover (with dust jacket) in 1994, Gene recounted his time with Elvis in linear fashion, in what was a very readable, entertaining and informative release. In particular, the reader is informed about a number of unusual things and Elvis' idiosyncrasies. EIN wonders how many readers knew that Elvis and Gene had (for a while) their own secret language?... Go to 'Elvis in Literature #3' 'Elvis's Man Friday' by Gene Smith for the whole story, photos and excerpts.. (Spotlight, Source;ElvisInfoNet)

Elvis in Literature #1 – celluloid jukebox – popular music and the movies since the 50s: This is the first in what will be a regular series on EIN of interesting and (hopefully) thought-provoking Elvis excerpts (references/ discussions) found in general literature. Our first set of excerpts is from celluloid jukebox, and includes perspectives about Jailhouse Rock, Elvis That’s The Way It Is and pop biopics. Nigel Patterson investigates.... Read the full article   (Spotlight, Source:EIN; celluloid jukebox)

'Elvis Forever 2023': Where were you when Elvis died? What were you doing? Throughout our lifetimes there are very few dates that resonate with such clarity. While some key historical events such as 9/11 or the Boxing day 2004 Tsunami are remembered, other unique moments are lost as vague memories. The day of Elvis' death I was recording a "best of Elvis" cassette for my best friend. A lightning storm was raging through London, the rain pouring down outside when my Mother called upstairs, "Have you heard, Elvis Presley has died?"    - A moment never forgotten. ... I can guarantee you one thing: we will never again agree on anything as we agreed on Elvis. The newspapers the next day told the story. Go here to EIN's 'Elvis Forever 2023' for emotional reminiscences and also those traumatic news headlines ... The world would remember, everything would change, but in 2023 Elvis' legacy still lives on.. (Spotlight, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)

'Elvis: From King to Legend 1972-1973' Review: This new documentary is a unique in-depth look at the incredible 12 month period in Elvis' career that is often skipped through in the usual Elvis biopics. In two parts it has been researched and produced by Elvis super-fan Dennis Laverty. Once again he has assembled footage, interviews and memorabilia from hundreds of sources. Packed full of rare interviews plus fabulous old TV clips and pertinent commentaries from more than 40 of Elvis' associates. Laverty explains, “In this documentary you will go on every Elvis tour and Las Vegas season, see short films from every show plus hear interviews from over 30 associates. The film is a positive one and hopefully after watching both parts the viewer will then ask, "What Happened to Elvis" that he could die four short years afterwards." EIN's Piers Beagley checks it out... (Spotlight; Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)

(Spotlight) 'Elvis biopic and Agent Elvis – Revisionist History and Reinforcing Negative Stereotypes?': In a thought-provoking 3,000 word article, EIN’s Nigel Patterson examines the impact of Baz Luhrmann’s film 'ELVIS' and the adult-orientated animation, Agent Elvis. Undoubtedly in any mass-media the dehumanisation of Elvis is a real issue but marketing the man has always been more concerned with the “mainstream” commodification of his name since mid-1950s. So are these new millennium productions good or bad for how society views Elvis and which one will have the greatest impact? .. Read the article... Now Updated with YOUR comments (Spotlight, Source:ElvisInfoNet)

a "MONO <> Stereo" Discussion with Anthony Stuchbury 'From Elvis At Sun' producer: There are two new 'Mono II Stereo' releases about to come out from the Memphis Mansion label. 'From Elvis At Sun' features all of Elvis' SUN masters in new stereo versions while the 10" vinyl 'Best Of Elvis' is a neat stereo upgrade of the original HMV october 1957 UK album. The question of whether Elvis' mono fifties classic recordings should be re-released in "new stereo" is hotly debated among hard-core collectors and so EIN wanted to ask Memphis Mansion's producer / audio engineer Anthony Stuchbury some key questions. Questions including... - Do we really need stereo versions of these mono classics? - Since EMI are officially releasing The Beatles in "new stereo" perhaps it is time for RCA / SONY to do the same for Elvis.. EIN's Piers Beagley asked the questions.. (Interviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)

'The Elvis RCA Camden Collection' EIN Spotlight: Most fans have had a love-hate relationship with Elvis' Camden collections. On one hand they are seen as an artistic misstep being released at a time when Elvis was back riding high on the charts saturating the market with a series of albums containing little-known songs. Yet on the other hand many younger fans used these budget collections as a way to enter the amazing world of Elvis’ vast back-catalogue. The RCA Camdens featured the first release of an Elvis live recording, 19 previously unreleased tracks and 58 tracks previously unreleased on an album. That is quite impressive even if Col Parker only had his increased revenue as the main goal. Now updated with Readers' Feedback - Read this fascinating article and tell us YOUR THOUGHTS about Elvis' Camden releases... EIN contributor Neil Colombari reveals all... (Spotlight; Source;Neil Colombari/ElvisInfoNet)

EIN 'ELVIS" Movie Spotlight: Baz Luhrmann's new biopic 'ELVIS' will finally be released to the cinemas on June 24 2022. It was as far back at May 2014 - eight years ago - that EIN first reported that fellow-Australian Baz Luhrmann had started working on his concept for a stunningly fabulous ELVIS movie. At the time there were plenty of skeptics that didn't believe that this Academy award-winning director of The Great Gatsby, Strictly Ballroom, Romeo + Juliet, Australia and Moulin Rouge could be interested in an ELVIS biopic but we were proved right. In our in-depth spotlight EIN presents all the stories, interviews and drama that have accompanied this brilliant achievement since those early days of 2014.

'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. EIN contributor Neil Colombari investigates this little known story... (Spotlight, Source;NeilColombari/ElvisInfoNet)

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. ELVIS Forever - forty-five years on. (Spotlight, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)

'ELVIS' EIN EXCLUSIVE 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)

(Review) 'Elvis: Direct from Graceland' ROCKS Bendigo: EIN’s Nigel Patterson spent his Easter interstate including taking in 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 – in a time before celebrities had teams of personal stylists, 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, though sees ways in which the exhibition could be improved. Read Nigel’s detailed narrative-visual review. (Spotlight/Review, Source:ElvisInformationNetwork)

The enigma of "Elvis Cooper": Using Elvis Presley, Alice Cooper and Nirvana in the same sentence is likely incongruous to most serious pop/rock music fans. Each artist occupies a vastly different space in the rock music world…… Elvis, the quintessential rock ‘n’ roll and pop star, Alice Cooper the master of shock rock-heavy metal, and Kurt Cobain (and Nirvana), icons of grunge-punk rock. Primordially, they share the trait of being “controversial”. All three were perceived by the mainstream to be anti-establishment. But beyond this, they share other surprising connections which are testament to their roles as leaders in their respective fields of popular music, and how that leadership and their disparate genres of music, overlap. In this revealing article, EIN's Nigel Patterson explores the sometimes unusual connections between the three icons and the unique and unusual artefact from rock history that intertwines all three in place and time. (Spotlight, Source:ElvisInformationNetwork)

'..And Then There Was Elvis' Sneak Peak: Virginia Coons was a super-SUPER-fan. Her interest started with Elvis’ breakthrough in the mid-fities and continued to her very last day. She has met Elvis multiple times and was the direct link between America and England. She maintained contacts and ensured that the latest releases of LPs and 45s found their way overseas. She not only had contact with Elvis but with everyone close to him including Priscilla, Col. Parker's office and RCA. There are so many fun-to-read stories its incredible. Virginia has hundreds of memories now curated by her daughter ─ Elaine Christan ─ in a 400 page hardback book. Many personal stories summarized in a beautiful book "And Then There Was Elvis - A Superfan's Adventures in the Elvis World" with many high resolution photos, personal candids etc . . . made available by MEGA collector Erik Lorentzen. Erik's stunning photo collection is known worldwide. Elaine translated her mother's journey into writing, so many beautiful stories brought together in one book. Anyone who reads The Elvis Files magazine will be familiar the way Virginia remembered Elvis and penned her memories... Erik Lorentzen has sent EIN a "Sneak-Peak" at some of the pages, describing the book as... "Can there be better personal stories more interesting than this, combined with the unique photos? And the book is full of such stories and pictures. This is my favourite book looking at the personal life of Elvis and his fans." - (News, Source;EL/ElvisInfoNet)

'Think Twice: Elvis in The Studio 1971': The forthcoming 'Back In Nashville' boxset is going to shine the spotlight on Elvis' 1971 sessions which have traditionally been ignored by the official label. In this fascinating and detailed article EIN contributor Shane Brown examines these all too easily dismissed Nashville sessions and discovers some real gems. It’s very easy to look at the March, May and June 1971 recordings out of context. While the recordings are certainly not up to the standard of those from June 1970, it’s also true to say that Elvis was in a very different place personally by spring 1971. In June 1970 Elvis was riding the crest of a wave with his recent successes but by January 1971 he was in the newspapers due to an ongoing paternity suit. The Presley’s marriage was on the rocks and Elvis was having problems with his eyes. However despite all of this there was something very interesting going on during the 1971 sessions. Find out more as Shane Brown investigates these controversial 1971 Nashville Sessions.... (Spotlight; Source;ShaneBrown/EIN)

Easton Press Signed First Editions – A Collector’s Paradise: For those fans interested in collecting rare editions of Elvis books, one option is the Easton Press signed limited edition series. They are gloriously appointed limited editions including leather bound covers, gold lettering, printed using specially milled acid paper, and gilded page edges. Want to have a book personally signed by Priscilla? Read EIN’s spotlight article to discover more and view these collectable editions..     (Spotlight, Source:Nigel-P/ElvisInformationNetwork)

Black market Elvis recordings in the U.S.S.R. (RIBS/Bones/x-ray records/roentgenizat): One of the most unusual and least known genre of illegal Elvis records are those clandestinely produced in Russia and its associated eastern European countries from the 1950s to early 1970s. As western popular music was banned in the USSR (home production of western recordings were officially banned in 1958), the only way to hear new American and British songs was to have an original record smuggled in and individual copies made. Variously known as music on ribs, bones music, and x-ray records, they flourished on the black market. Each record was individually pressed on discarded x-ray films sourced from waste bins at Russian hospitals. Bones records are highly collectable and due to their fragility, are very hard to find. EIN contributor, Ruben Beekmans, is lucky enough to have a number of Elvis RIBS records in his collection and wrote a fascinating article for EIN about them. (Spotlight, Source:Ruben Beekmans/ElvisInfoNet)

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)

ELVIS Forever 2021: Four decades 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. Elvis was the most extraordinary ordinary man. Joe Esposito would be with Elvis to the very end... EIN looks at Joe Esposito's final memories and ELVIS Forever, forty-four years on. (Spotlight, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)

'Selling Elvis in 2021' EIN Spotlight: One of the most common questions asked of EIN is "how do I sell my Elvis records?" Sadly, the market for Elvis’ recorded material is a shadow of what it was in the decade following his death. The exceptions are high quality original Sun Studio singles and various obscure releases such as test pressings, demos and acetates. The best time of the year to sell anything ELVIS related is, of course, now around "Elvis Week" in August. In 2021, demand for Elvis records generally continues to diminish as the sheer volume of Elvis records pressed means most collectors already have what they want, older fans are passing away, and younger fans are not as interested in physical records. Highlighting the situation, a recent edition of the excellent Vintage Rock magazine featured a fascinating article discussing how the market for 50s vinyl has dipped and which artists and recordings are maintaining buyer interest. Go here as EIN's Nigel Patterson puts a spotlight on the declining vinyl market (Spotlight, Source;ElvisInformatoinNetwork)

Andy Warhol - The Elvis Works: In this narrative and pictorial article we look at some of the iconic images by pop artist, Andy Warhol. In 1963 Warhol established a studio in an abandoned fire station in New York's East 87th Street. It was there that he began work on a head of film star Elizabeth Taylor and a full-length portrait of Elvis Presley. Warhol’s 1963 'Elvis 2 Times' represented a watershed moment in twentieth-century Art History. The painting combines an investigation of the uniquely American fascination with celebrity and mass media that emerged in the 1960s. And read about Bob Dylan, Warhol and Elvis - - Dylan acknowledged, "I once traded an Andy Warhol “Elvis Presley” painting for a sofa, which was a stupid thing to do." The visuals range from variations of "Elvis in Flaming Star" to "Red Elvis". - Go here to discover more about Elvis and Warhol. (Spotlight, Source:ElvisInfoNet, June 2008/ 2021)

'Jay Thompson and Elvis Presley' Spotlight: In April 1956 Disc-jockey Jay Thompson, from Breckenridge radio station KSTB, interviewed a young Elvis Presley while he was touring through Texas on a string of one-night stands. In that 1956 interview Elvis interestingly revealed that he was previously training to be an electrician, that his first movie would be The Rainmaker and that he did not know Bill Black or Scotty Moore before their Sun session. In 1982 Elvis fan Scott Wheeler befriended and interviewed Jay Thompson about the experience. Although Jay never actively participated in Elvis-related events or productions in later years he also never sought notoriety for the interview either. However we believe it's important that Jay Thompson be well remembered for his valuable contribution to the history of Elvis. Go here to our special Spotlight - plus Elvis' Wichita Falls Interview - by Scott Wheeler / Piers Beagley... (Spotlight; Source;SW/ElvisInformationNetwork)

'The Best Use of Elvis Music in Recent Movies': In the first two decades after his untimely death it was rare to hear an Elvis song in a new feature film - and certainly not in a TV advert. EPE / BMG seemed reluctant to licence Elvis' music which is strange considering the amount of sub-standard Elvis products they were pumping out to fans. But everything changed in 2002 with ‘ALLC' hitting number one all around the world . So with Baz Luhrmann's ELVIS biopic in production it's a good time to revisit some of the best use of Elvis music in recent movies. Film producers have discovered that using ELVIS in recent movie soundtracks can be a powerful and positive idea. From the cartoon Lilo & Stitch to the blockbuster Blade Runner 2049 and the Elton John biopic Rocketman, the use of Elvis songs in the soundtrack can add that something special. EIN lists Movie blog Screenrant's recently posted Top Ten and also adds EIN readers favourites. Visit our EIN spotlight and also send us YOUR THOUGHTS on your favourite use of ELVIS in modern films. (Spotlight, Source;SR/ElvisInformationNetwork)

The King and the Burlesque Queen: April 2020 - Tempest Storm, exotic dancer, dead at 93: Tempest Storm ‘The Last Queen of Burlesque’ and one-time Elvis girlfriend has died, April 21, aged 93. As Presleymania raged in 1956, Elvis did a promotional photo shoot with the Queen of Burlesque, the statuesque Tempest Storm. But did an unlikely relationship between the two stars subsequently blossom? Read excerpts from Tempest Storm's fascinating, autobiography, The Lady Is A Vamp. In her book, Tempest decribes a hot affair which was eventually derailed by their busy careers and an interferinsg manager. .........Even with his dark skin, Elvis blushed deeply when he saw me.  I could tell he was trying not to look at my plunging neckline as he said in a deep but boyish voice tinged with a southern accent, “Hello, Miss Storm.  Your show is the greatest.”……. Click here to read the excerpts and view more photos (Spotlight, Source: EIN, May 2010)

Bruce Springsteen and Elvis Presley: Referring to our news item last week, there is no doubt that Bruce Springsteen's key influence was ELVIS. EIN contributor Dennis Laverty has closely examined the relationship between the two megastars in his documentary 'If I Can Dream: The Influence of Elvis on Bruce.' Laverty cleverly uses concert footage and previously released interview segments with Springsteen and various rock experts to show just how important Presley was to Springsteen. It all started with Presley’s first appearance on 'The Ed Sullivan Show' in 1956 “The revolution has been televised!! Elvis was the hip-shaking human earthquake”. It didn’t matter that CBS cameramen tried to keep Elvis respectable by shooting his performance from the waist up. For Springsteen, Elvis represented a cultural change and moment for the USA at that time.

EIN Spotlight: Changing Times, Heavy books, and the two-class Elvis world: While a lot of fans believe Col Parker was bad for Elvis the one thing the Colonel usually got right was to look after the fans. From reasonable ticket prices, cheap licensed merchandise and assisting fan clubs, he worked with fans to engender good will and build interest in the latest Elvis releases. In 2020, the situation is very different. EPE is owned by commercial interests meaning entry costs to Graceland, and buying licensed Elvis merchandise is no longer cheap - and importantly, no longer affordable for many who have been fans since the 1950s. Another change is Follow That Dream, RCA-SONY, Eric Lorentzen, Venus, etc all now publish expensive "Deluxe" collections. Some costing US$350. Out of reach for most fans, so why is this? The answer, of course, is money. There is obviously a neat profit in targeting the higher end of the Elvis fan market. In this respect, the proliferation of coffee table Elvis books is similar to the (admittedly) less regular annual Elvis box set extravaganzas from RCA/BMG/Sony. And, of course, plenty of the material in all these publications has usually been previously released but now include a few new additions or "upgrades" to attract customers.

"ELVIS 1969" Documentary - EIN Review: Elvis super-fan and EIN contributor Dennis Laverty has produced a new unique in-depth look at 'Elvis in 1968' with this new special, an exclusive two-part documentary focusing on Elvis' stunning year of 1969. "ELVIS 1969" Part 1 includes rare archive interviews from Chips Moman, Felton Jarvis, The Memphis Boys, back-up singers such as Donna Thatcher and Jeannie Greene, along with Elvis musicians and also includes interviews and scenes from Elvis' last three 1969 era films. While the 50th Anniversary of Elvis' stunning return to live performances was officially celebrated last year, disappointingly there was no related documentary. EIN's Piers Beagley takes a look at this unique in-depth four-hour documentary.. (Spotlight; Source;PB/ElvisInfoNet)

'ELVIS SUMMER FESTIVAL Vols 4 and 5' - SNEAK PREVIEW: Elvis Files' Erik Lorentzen's two-volume follow-up to his stunning 'That's The Way It Is' trilogy. Erik explained.., This new set consists of two Hardcover books, about 800 pages, packed in a slipcase and will contain more than 1,100 colour and black / white photos you never have seen before in pristine quality AND NO ONE ELSE HAS OR WILL GET THESE PHOTOS - ONLY IN THESE TWO VOLUMES. Collectors have been wondering what possibly could be new in these new volumes. Well Erik Lorentzen has collaborated with Jerry Luckenbach to create these stunning new books - CHECK OUT these beautiful images below.. All orders can be done by sending €199 by PayPal to: sales@elvisfiles.no This includes DHL worldwide Click HERE to our EIN Sneak preview - to see more EXCLUSIVE great preview photos. (News, Source;EL/ElvisInfoNet)

Why We Should Take Elvis Fans Seriously: In what is a wonderful example of people-power, this EIN spotlight shines a light on how Elvis fans united to successfully prevent the demolition of the Lauderdale Courts in 1995.... a proposed demolition which, at the time, was supported by EPE! Back in 1995, the Memphis Housing Authority proposed to raze Lauderdale Courts, a downtown housing project, as part of a larger “dedensification” program led by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The tearing down of Lauderdale Courts proved particularly contentious as it would would render many people homeless but what drew the greatest attention was the fact that a teenage Elvis Presley and his parents had lived at Lauderdale Courts from 1949 to 1953. Enter three well-informed Memphis-based Elvis fans, Mike Freeman, Cindy Hazen, and Georgia King... now read on to find how one of Elvis' key historic sights was saved by Elvis-Fan-power. (Spotlight; Source;NP/Academia.edu)

NOW UPDATED - '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 and Bigtop Records - the time Elvis could have left RCA and co-owned his own record company: This is the obscure but true account of how Bigtop Records had discussions with Colonel Parker, to lure Elvis away from RCA. While Bigtop Records is a little known label from the late 1950s-1960s it almost became, not only Elvis’ "recording" home, but also would have been part-owned by the King! Read the full and fascination story here   (Spotlight, Source: EIN)

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ELVIS Forever - 2019: - August 16th, 1956, Elvis arrived on board an American Airlines flight to Los Angeles International airport in order to start work on his first film role, The Reno Brothers soon to be renamed 'Love Me Tender'. Elvis was only 21 years old and at the start of his incredible trajectory to become the world's biggest superstar. Little did Elvis know that he was already halfway through his all too-short life on earth. In the same month Elvis would tell fans, "I've been lucky. You know something? I just feel sometimes like it's all a dream, like I'll rub my eyes and wake up and it will be over. I hope not. I hope it never happens. I hope it never ends" Sadly, just 21 years later, it would end far too soon. Forty two years on we all are once again thinking about tragic end to Elvis' incredible life and how much he did for us in his all too short life-time.

In 2019 EIN's Piers Beagley looks back at why the legacy of ELVIS is still so important to us - along with memories of Elvis from Jerry Schilling, Linda Thompson, Alan Fortas, George Klein, Joe Esposito, Marty Lacker, Lamar Fike and Larry Geller (Spotlight, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)

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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)

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'Counting Down Elvis' Finest 100' Spotlight: Dr. Mark Duffett's 'Counting Down Elvis His 100 Finest Recordings' recently won EIN's joint-prize for 'Best Elvis Book of 2018' . The book is far, far more than a simple look at Duffett's 100 favourite Elvis songs and each chapter delves deep into Elvis' legacy with the book being a much deeper exploration that you might first think. Elvis' timeless music ultimately stands on its own and speaks for itself. Listen again to the recordings, and Elvis amazes. Think about what they mean, and he astounds. Another person emerges...

Best (and Worst) Books of 2018: What were the best Elvis books published in 2018? The worst? The most incredulous? EIN's Nigel Patterson, with help from Piers Beagley, has compiled an extensive list of the best and worst Elvis books of last year. The 14 award categories include the best: general biography "subject specific" release composite (book/CD and/or DVD) release "insider" memoir photo-journal fiction release ebook book for younger readers non-english text re-issue fan club/fan publication most incredulous release Plus EIN names its top two Elvis books of 2018! To find out what they are (and why) and read about more than 70 other Elvis books published in 2018 click here..(Spotlight, Source: EIN)

'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.. (Spotlight, Source;PaulSimpson/ElvisInformationNetwork)

The Memphis Sessions - 50 Years ago Today: It seems impossible that it was fifty years ago this month that Elvis walked into American Studios in Memphis and started work on what are probably his most celebrated sessions, maybe even better than those made at Sun. Not as influential, of course, but certainly deeper and darker from both the point of view of lyrics and Elvis’s emotional involvement. He was no longer a (relatively) innocent teenager singing about love to his sweetheart, but someone who had really experienced love as an adult. Elvis could also sing about loss in a way he couldn’t fifteen years earlier, he had lived, and he seemed to pour all of his experiences into the recordings at America, and didn’t care about laying bare his soul. In fact, he knew he had to. This was make or break.... In this fascinating article EIN contributor Shane Brown investigates the importance of The Memphis Sessions and the press reaction from the time... (Spotlight, Source;ShaneBrown/ElvisInfoNet)

'Suspicious Minds' - Elvis' Greatest Single?: It was FIFTY YEARS AGO, in the early morning hours of January 23, 1969, that Elvis recorded the song that would guarantee his true musical renaissance would last through until his all-too-early demise almost a decade later.  'Suspicious Minds' would be released on August 26th 1969. While the NBC '68 TV Special, along with the single 'In the Ghetto' had pushed Elvis back to the forefront of popular culture, it would be the release of Elvis' last US Number 1 single that would ultimately prove to all the critics that Elvis was a still relevant contemporary musical force. Back in 2009 EIN celebrated the 40th anniversary of this Number One single and looked back in detail at the history of this classic song, including new interviews with Marty Lacker and Bobby Wood, as well as insights from composer Mark James and producer Chips Moman. Go here for this fascinating spotlight (Spotlight, Source; ElvisInformationNetwork)

'Elvis Presley: The Searcher' EIN Spotlight: The 2018 HBO Documentary & SONY release The three-hour, two-film presentation focuses on Elvis Presley the musical artist, taking the audience on a comprehensive creative journey from his childhood through the final 1976 Jungle Room recording sessions. The films include stunning atmospheric shots taken inside Graceland, Elvis’ iconic home, and feature more than 20 new, primary source interviews with session players, producers, engineers, directors and other artists who knew him or who were profoundly influenced by him. The documentary also features never-before-seen photos and footage from private collections worldwide, and includes an original musical score composed by Pearl Jam lead guitarist Mike McCready. In our extensive spotlight EIN tracks the publicity, interviews and the reviews... Compiled by Piers Beagley Go here for Everything You Need To Know (Spotlight, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)

Dec 3, 2018- ‘Behind The Music- Elvis 68 Television Special’: It was FIFTY YEARS AGO TODAY - that Elvis' stunning 68 NBC Television Special was broadcast in the USA. The programme would become one of the highest rated of the year, Elvis re-discovered his roots, Col Parker was stunned by the reception and Elvis was empowered to choose Memphis' American Sound Studio for his next serious recording session. A string of top-ten Billboard Hits beckoned and his life and ours would never be the same. EIN contributor Dennis Laverty has compiled a unique documentary called “Behind The Music- Elvis 68 Television Special” to celebrate this great day. It tells the story of the 'Comeback Special' by those that were there examining the How and Why Elvis career came to this creative point where he desparately needed to do the show. There is discussion of production numbers, sit down, standup shows, the '69 rebirth plus much more. This special includes ELVIS interviews from 'On Tour'

'Elvis: The Searcher - Additional Stories' Spotlight: Like all too many serious Elvis fans Dennis Laverty felt let-down by the lack of seventies content in the HBO 'Elvis The Searcher' documentary. Luckily for us he has produced a lovely documentary "Elvis Presley: The Searcher - Additional Stories Not in the Original Film" that anyone can view on Vimeo. He writes, "I really enjoyed The Searcher documentary, but after watching I wished they would have made it 4 hours. The 1950's skipped what pushed Elvis over-the-top when he appeared on TV, two of his best films and soundtracks (Loving You & Jailhouse Rock), and the backlash he took with his rock and roll Christmas Album. The 1960s unfortunately glossed over American Sound, especially Elvis taking a risk with 'In The Ghetto'.

Elvis Week 2018: Elvis Week 2018 was full of Conversations and Actions and EIN's Mandy Squair was there to report back on an all things ELVIS. She managed to meet up with every EPE special guest, attended the "Conversations on Elvis", met up with Steve Binder director of the 68 Special and multiple special concerts. She heard special stories from Cissy Houston, Bill Baize, Ed Hill, Donnie Sumner, Larry Strickland as well as Mac Davis and Darlene Love plus many more.. She was also there for the big Event '68 Special Anniversary Celebration concert' Don't miss Mandy Squair's full 2018 report and find out who she met and what it was like seeing Lisa Marie at the emotional 2018 Candlelight Vigil. It is all here in our EIN Elvis Week 2018 special report. (Spotlight, Source;Mandy Squair/ElvisInfoNet)

'Orgies and Orgasms:  Presley in the Press 1956'- an in-depth Spotlight: By the beginning of 1956, everything was in place for Elvis Presley to burst onto the national and international music scene. Within weeks of his signing to major label RCA he would record Heartbreak Hotel, his first single for RCA and his first to reach number 1 in the U.S. charts, and then, at the end of January 1956, he would appear on national television for the first time. Despite all of the success that 1956 would bring Elvis, with three singles and two albums reaching the top spot in the U.S. charts, the year would also prove to be a difficult one when it came to his treatment in the national and international press. Mainstream media published reviews such as... "Every girl watching him sees herself as Elvis’ partner in his fantastic writhing orgy" and "Presley is suggesting he is about to have a self-induced orgasm!" So, let’s go back in time and examine how a single television performance in June 1956 resulted in a change of attitudes towards Elvis within the media from little more than curiosity about the new phenomenon to downright hostility and revulsion. Go here as EIN contributor Shane Brown investigates the phenomenon of Elvis in 1956 - and what the media made of this new, and middle-America shocking, entertainer. (Spotlight, Source;ShaneBrown/ElvisInformationNetwork)

COME ON FTD! Let's Speed Things Up A Little!: EIN has very strongly supported the FTD label from the start even though their quality control has slipped at times. Recently this seems to have got worse, perhaps due to the producers Ernst Jorgensen and Roger Semon's extra work with mainstream SONY releases. The last couple of FTD live soundboards have notably run slow dragging down the pace of Elvis' performance. This has also been an issue on some previous concert releases. On ELVIS LAS VEGAS '74' FTD the dates were wrong with the two shows reversed from what the cover indicated. Do FTD collectors deserve better or should we be happy to have anything released with faults and all? Go here as EIN contributor & Elvis author Shane Brown investigates. Are you a FTD collector - we want to know YOUR THOUGHTS (Spotlight, Source;ShaneB/ElvisInformationNetwork)

‘Bicycle Rider: Thoughts on The Searcher’: One of EIN’s most insightful contributors George Smith has written a stunning essay on the new HBO documentary ‘Elvis Presley: The Searcher’. In his review ‘George Smith’ captures the essence of the narrative, Zimny’s production decisions and notes the difficulty of having to create a documentary about Elvis’ music and having to keep it under 4 hours. His review includes,    “The genius of the documentary though, is in its decision to present Elvis Presley to all viewers in a new and unexpected fashion. For the devotees this is realised through the constant use of new film (professional and amateur) and studio outtakes: it keeps the faithful on their toes and creates the impression of seeing and hearing Elvis anew. This is why Zimny insisted on using the alternative Aloha, the handheld “Trilogy” and “Never Been to Spain”, the “Burning Love” rehearsal, the “If I Can Dream” outtake, the off-air segments from ’68, the non-masters of “Lonely Man”, “Hurt”, “Suspicious Minds”, “Loving You”.. It is a deliberate and clever approach which was much appreciated by this writer.” Go here to “Bicycle Rider: Thoughts on The Searcher”  this is essential reading. (Spotlight; Source;GeorgeSmith/ElvisInfoNet)

Trying To Get To You: The Truth Behind The Elvis And Roy Orbison Show Rumours: For decades there has always been an unsubstantiated rumour that Elvis Presley appeared as a guest on Roy Orbison's TV show on the local station KOSA. The Roy Orbison website notes that both Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley performed on Roy’s TV show in late 1955. Respected author Colin Escott wrote in his book Good Rockin’ Tonight about a kinescope of Elvis on the Roy Orbison TV show actually existing. Some keen Elvis fans have said that they have seen this very kinescope at Elvis Week shows back in the 80s. But like infamous Pied Piper of Cleveland does this footage really exist and is there any real proof that Elvis did appear on the Roy Orbison TV show? Shane Brown (author of Reconsider Baby: Elvis: A Listener's Guide) has done an immense amount of investigation and thinks he has found the answer. Go here as EIN contributor & author Shane Brown investigates and checks the facts and the fantasy. (Spotlight; Source;SBrown/ElvisInformationNetwork)

'Money Honey' - EIN Spotlight: Released as the final track on Elvis' dynamic first album, Jesse Stone's 'Money Honey' has always been noted as a classic Elvis recording. “You know the landlord ring my front door bell” has to be one of the most memorable entrances Elvis ever made into a song. Elvis' take on Money Honey is unique, unforgettable and unalloyed genius. It is also an object lesson in what you might call the misunderestimation of Elvis. With Bill Black on bass, Scotty Moore on lead guitar, D.J. Fontana on drums and Floyd Cramer at his sharpest on piano, Elvis’s Money Honey rocks hard. In this EIN Spotlight respected author Paul Simpson takes a close look at this classic track from Elvis' first album ...   (Spotlight, Source;PSimpson/ElvisInformationNetwork)

'Elvis Sun 78rpm Vinyl' - Spotlight/Review So how did EIN spend the day of August 16, 2017? - well spinning some of Elvis' most important singles ever released - the SUN 78rpms. This is the first time since Elvis Sun replicas produced in the 1970’s, that have been made to play the original 78RPM speed. Since then some were only made at 45rpm. The publicity promised that each of the five Sun replica 78s have the original etched numbers included with the appropriate song sides and are by far the most authentic original 10 inch Sun 78 Records yet produced. All the labels are printed as the originals in size, accuracy and color. How good do they sound, how fine do the look? Check out EIN's turntable as we commemorated the sad fortieth anniversary of Elvis' passing by spinning his first five singles as they should be played. - Go here for our review. (Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)

Forever Elvis - Forty Years On: In his all too short career Elvis managed to achieve more than any other entertainer, the birth of rock 'n' roll, his career renaissance after two years in the army, the family entertainment of his sixties movies, the powerful musical comeback of 1969, the on-stage live return-to-splendour of the 70s, the power of his musical creativity throughout his whole career, his unbelievable generosity and more than anything, the love he gave to his devoted fans. Forty years on we all are once again thinking about tragic end to Elvis' incredible life and how much he did for us in his all too short life-time. In 2017 EIN's Piers Beagley looks back at why the legacy of ELVIS is so important to us all forty years on - - along with memories of Elvis from Joe Esposito, Marty Lacker and Larry Geller (Spotlight, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)

ELVIS WEEK 2017 - EIN exclusive report: ‘C’mon Everybody’ and watch out Memphis because Sanja Meegin, EIN's roving reporter, is back in the Promised Land once again to give us all the inside scoops on Elvis Week 2017. Don't miss out on EIN's thorough look at ELVIS WEEK 2017 - all the news and all the scoops. Check out Sanja's visit to the new Museum, the candlelit Vigil, her trip to Tupelo and more. On her last day before bidding farewell, she met plenty of famous Elvis friends at Vernon's house get-together including Billy Smith and Mindi Miller, visits Forest Lawn Cemetery, checks out some fine music with Jamie Aaron Kelly, meets with Elvis' grandson Ben Keough and does her final visit to the Meditation Garden to say her thanks. What a way to end Elvis Week 2017. EIN is the only website with these exclusive Sanja Meegin Elvis Week 2017 reports, click here & don't miss her great photos (Elvis Week 2017, Source:ElvisInformationNetwork)

ELVIS - 'The Wedding' EIN Spotlight- 50th anniversary: Whatever people's own personal feelings are toward Priscilla, Elvis clearly loved her. We can debate whether he was ‘pushed’ in to marriage by outside forces or whether Elvis who belonged to the women of the world should have married at all, but the fact is that Elvis did marry Priscilla 50 years ago today. May 1st 1967 was no ordinary day in Elvis' life. There were however some odd choices to the day and the ‘last minute’ exclusion of some of those who grew-up with Elvis was a particularly bad and hurtful. Marty Lacker was Elvis' co-Best Man at the wedding and he has kindly given EIN permission to publish his story of what happened on that famous day. Go here to Marty Lacker's story with some great Elvis & Priscilla photos (Spotlight, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)

(TV Review) 'Sun Records' CMT TV series : So how good is the new CMT series? While some media reviews have been so-so, EIN's Nigel Patterson was more than impressed! Nigel found the show had a vibrant fifties feel with strong characters, dramatic thought provoking moments, wonderful doses of humor, great music, and several adult situations..... all of which suggest plenty of potential for future episodes!! Read Nigel's detailed review here   (Review/spotlight, Source: EIN)

'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)

EIN Spotlight - 'Elvis & RPO In Concert' London REVIEW: The general media have been very positive in their reviews of the new 'Elvis & the RPO' UK concert tour. It is amazing that almost 40 years after his death, Elvis Presley is still getting fully-deserved standing ovations at packed arenas. Cleverly put-together, the interaction between an On-Screen Elvis and The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra works better than many expected. Once again the new Elvis shows have such an impact that reviews note, "So realistic fans felt Elvis really was in the building! " Elvis super-fan and EIN contributor Brian Quinn was at the London O2 concert and reports back in detail on the lengthy concert. Go here for the review, concert photos and more  (Spotlight; Source;BQ/ElvisInformationNetwork)

'Secrets and Lies: Getting to the Truth about Elvis' Christmas Album': Probably more than any other album of his career, Elvis’ Christmas Album is generally regarded as having created the most controversy. Some would argue that the first album in 1956 did this, but actually there was relatively little backlash against it or Elvis in the press prior to the second Milton Berle appearance. Elvis’ Christmas Album, however, has stories of it being banned by radio stations, firings of DJs, and an irate Irving Berlin all attached to it. These events make for great stories, have been often repeated, and only add to the legend of the boy from Tupelo taking on the establishment and coming out with #1 album. But are they really true? Go here to this fascinating EIN spotlight where author Shane Brown investigates and checks the facts and the fantasy (Spotlight, Source;ShaneBrown/ElvisInfoNet)

All Shook Up - EIN Spotlight: Composer Otis Blackwell liked to boast that he could write a song about anything. So when music publisher and lyricist Aaron ‘Goldie’ Goldmark dropped a Pepsi on the floor and urged Blackwell to turn that into a hit, the songwriter did precisely that. But Elvis' classic 1957 hit All Shook Up wasn't the first version released - what Elvis managed to do was to transform the demo into something unique with a playfulness, sense of freedom and simple instrumentation that were all reminiscent of the more innocent, earlier understated sound of Sun Records. Go here to our EIN Spotlight where respected author Paul Simpson takes a close look at this US best-selling single of 1957. (Spotlight, Source;PaulSimpson/ElvisInformationNetwork)

UPDATED - Elvis and the Coco Palms Resort: Elvis spent quite some time on the Hawaiian island of Kauai vacationing, and filming Blue Hawaii - in fact the last 20 minutes of the movie was shot on and near the grounds of the Coco Palms resort. Kauai has always been EIN's Sanja Meegin's favourite of the Hawaiian Islands, primarily because of its unspoiled majestic natural beauty, but also because of its Elvis ties. The recent news that Hawaii's Coco Palms Resort will be completely renovated made her extremely eager to see this paradise where Elvis sang The Hawaiian Wedding song whilst floating up the lagoon on a floral canoe with co-star Joan Blackman. Click here as Sanja brings us her fabulous 2015 report on one of Elvis' most famous Hawaiian destinations with some fabulous before and after shots. - Aloha From Hawaii! Now with new photos for 2016 - May 10, 2016, today it has been confirmed for EIN that the first buildings to be demolished with be the bungalows, including Elvis' - and that demolition with start at the end of this month. (Spotlight, Source;SM/ElvisInfoNet)

'The Elusive Norman Taurog' EIN Spotlight: Who was Norman Taurog? - It is a legitimate question because he remains one of the most elusive characters in Elvis Presley’s remarkable career. Even in Starmaker, the memoirs of Hal B. Wallis, for whom Taurog produced six Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis movies and three Presley flicks, he seems a bit player. Taurog is not the kind of director to be revered at film school - and film author David Quinlan describes his Presley films as "the only dull spots" in the filmmaker’s career. So what was Taurog's background and how did he get to direct more films so many Elvis movies? Go here as respected author Paul Simpson investigates the legacy of Norman Taurog - to try and discover why he was chosen to direct more Elvis Presley films than anybody (Spotlight, Source;PaulSimpson/ElvisInfoNet)

'Heartbreak Hotel '- 60 years ago today: On January 10th 1956, a just-turned 21 year-old Elvis Presley walked into RCA's McGavock Street, Nashville recording studio and laid-down his first million seller 'Heartbreak Hotel'. Sounding unlike anything Elvis had recorded previously, drowned in echo and with a melancholic voodoo-sounding tale of suicide and loneliness, the song was also unlike anything in the pop charts of the day. How strange that this moody, dark tale of alienation was recorded in the building RCA shared with the Methodist TV and Film commission! Sun producer Sam Phillips called the song a "morbid mess" while Glenn Reeves, the singer who cut the demo, insisted that his name was kept off the demo as it was the "silliest title" he had ever heard. Heartbreak Hotel was released by RCA on January 27, 1956 - It was as if the world had been holding its breath and waiting for Elvis Presley. On this historic day we look at the true importance of 'Heartbreak Hotel' with a spotlight that nicely places this classic recording in its proper historical context. (Spotlight, Source;PatrickHumphries/ElvisInfoNet)

"Baby, Let's Play House": Recorded at Sun Studios in February 1955, Presley’s historic rendition of "Baby, Let's Play House" reveals the comprehensive love for – and knowledge of – the blues. Compared to the Arthur Gunter original Elvis’s version is much more emphatic, playful, exuberant, tougher and scornful. The interplay between Bill Black’s thunderous bass-slapping, Elvis’s audacious, experimental vocal – he makes use of every trick in his rapidly expanding vocal repertoire – and Scotty Moore’s snarling rhythm guitar creates something that transcends such labels as country and blues. “You may have a pink Cadillac but don’t you be nobody’s fool.” But who is Elvis singing to here? In this EIN Spotlight respected author Paul Simpson takes a fascinating look at this Sun Studios Elvis classic.. (Spotlight, Source;PaulSimpson/ElvisInformationNetwork)

UPDATED - 'If I Can Dream' new Elvis album - EIN Readers Respond: The publicity for the "new" Elvis album is ramping up, which is good to see. Yesterday EIN asked its readers what were their opinions so far about the new album to be released at the end of this week. Of all the sneak previews EIN suggested that the new version of "Burning Love" sounded GHASTLY! Nor can we possibly believe that these songs with new overdubs are, "What Elvis would have loved to have had" as Priscilla tells everyone on her publicity trail. EIN reader's comments are a very mixed bunch such as.. ... I've listened to every track that's available from this CD, and I hate them all! They've ruined Elvis' songs. Why can't they leave his music alone? The original tracks are perfect, just the way they are! ....The new arrangements are terrific and exciting as well as creative - especially Burning Love!! ... I’ve really liked most of what I’ve heard so far but must agree that 'Burning Love' is a bit odd… it doesn’t offend but it won’t be the track I use to sell the concept to family and friends."

"You Can Have Her" Elvis' One-Off Performance: Elvis Presley appeared four times at The Forum of Inglewood in Los Angeles in the 1970’s over two days, three years apart. The first in 1970 on 14 November during just his second tour and the second on 11 May 1974. The 1974 shows were attended by British rock group Led Zeppellin and both performances had very little difference in terms of the setlist. Of the 37,000 who attended those shows the half which made their way into the Forum for the afternoon show had no idea that within that show would be two and a half minutes which would set this show apart and the treat that awaited them. Both shows were excellent with Elvis in good voice and mood – a combination which always proved to be a winner.  During the afternoon show between ‘Love Me Tender’ and ‘Steamroller Blues’ something magical and quite wonderful happened. In a moment of pure Elvis spontaneity he started to sing Ray Hamilton’s 1961 hit ‘You Can Have Her’. The song seems to progress in stages with the passing of each verse firstly Elvis shouts the songs title then Elvis and pianist Glen D. Hardin start of before Ronnie Tutt joins in with the cymbals but at the start of the next verse it’s full blown drums. By the end you can hear the clapping along as everyone seems to be playing and singing with a smile on their face and it’s almost just like they never want it to end but eventually Elvis does just that by bringing the song to a close. A studio version could never have caught this fun in quite the same way and the audience recording seems to add to the ‘fly on the wall’ feel to this recording. I doubt if anyone in the crowd that afternoon had any inclination as to how special a moment they were witnessing.

ELVIS WEEK 2015 - EIN exclusive report: Sanja Meegin, EIN's roving reporter, is back in MEMPHIS and at last soaking up the atmosphere! Today spends her final day in the Promised Land before bidding farewell . She checks out Jerry Lee Lewis' house and of course spent the whole evening at the Candlelit Vigil and Meditation Gardens on a emotional summer's night. This year Lisa Marie, her twins and Priscilla were all there to say a special Thank You to all the fans. EIN is the only website with these exclusive Sanja Meegin Elvis Week 2015 reports, click here & don't miss out   (Elvis Week 2015, Source:ElvisInformationNetwork)

Forever Elvis - A 2015 commemorative Spotlight: Elvis touched the soul of every true fan and that hot August night in 1977 the fans returned the love. The funeral for the famous musician stopped the city. Thousands of people packed the streets, sharing their grief and love for the man who was gone. They followed the casket, which was festooned with flowers, and then, together, started singing one of the musician's most popular songs. Never before had so many voices joined in glorious harmony.... There is a universality to grief. Just as mourners in Milan did back in 1901 as they joined together to sing one of Verdi's signature tunes, so too in August 1977 did people gather from all over the world at the gates of Graceland to mourn over their lost idol. EIN's Piers Beagley contributes a special Spotlight for August 16th - And Elvis will live, Forever.   (Spotlight, Source;EIN)

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)

Elvis "Non Stop Erotic Cabaret": 45 years ago today Elvis’ performance from the midnight show at the Las Vegas International on August 12, 1970 has been described by his record company as "Probably the best live concert ever recorded by Elvis Presley." This stunning performance has been released by SONY on last year's "That's The Way It Is' Deluxe box-set as well as the June 2000 BMG 'That’s The Way It Is: Special Edition' 3cd set. When he decided to investigate in-depth author George Smith discovered however that this 1970 Midnight performance was not just "the best live concert ever recorded by Elvis Presley"; it is an almost spiritual experience. But, like most great albums and concerts of that nature, it cannot be rushed: one must sit and listen to the show in its entirety. Then, and only then, can the genius of Elvis the performer be fully appreciated. The show takes the form of a metaphorical sexual act with Elvis wooing, loving, and then ravishing his audience before twice taking it to an exhausting musical peak. Looking back at Elvis' stunning performance - do not miss George Smith's great investigation into Elvis' "Non Stop Erotic Cabaret"!. (Spotlight; Source;GeorgeSmith/ElvisInfoNet)

'Elvis Meets The Beatles': "It was fifty years ago today"... on August 27, 1965 An EIN spotlight on this famous night in 1965 when the Fab Four finally met the King. In 1965 The Beatles manager Brian Epstein initiated contact with Colonel Parker, and the decision was made that on the night of August 27, the Beatles would come to Elvis’ home for an informal get-together. Intensive security arrangements were worked out, and it was agreed that no press would be involved and no pictures would be taken or recordings made of whatever happened. "So many things could have gone wrong," says Jerry Schilling, "If Colonel and Brian hadn’t gotten along, it wouldn’t have gotten past the phone-call stage. But there were no ego battles, and from the start it was approached as a pair of music greats coming together out of admiration for each other." Piers Beagley and Chuck Crisafulli tell the story of this amazing night. (Spotlight, Source;ElvisInfoNet)

Elvis London O2 Exhibition EIN Review: Having visited Graceland several times the lure of being able to see more than 300 of Elvis’ personal belongings in a less tour-group-timed environment was an opportunity not to be missed. The display is sorted into 10 different rooms focusing on Elvis’ fabulous career from his very early beginnings in Tupelo, to the start of Elvis Mania, his Army Years, Hollywood, the 68 Special, his later concert years and the lovely section dedicated purely to Graceland. In each room relevant Elvis music helps create the right atmosphere along with various interviews, recording sessions and suchlike. To be honest I was expecting something a little more tacky but, surprisingly, a lot of thought and attention has been put in to the display and what has been chosen to be exhibited. Some of the items on display were a delight to linger over.  Go here for EIN's Piers Beagley's look at the London ELVIS O2 exhibition - now open until January 2016! (Review/Spotlight, Source;ElvisInfoNet)

UPDATED - 'Suppose - Did It Inspire Imagine': Released only as a Bonus Song on Elvis' 1968 Speedway soundtrack LP, this quiet, chilling ballad, Suppose is worth a listen in its own right. It is one of a handful of Elvis’s recordings that – like his cover of Dylan’s 'Tomorrow Is A Long Time' – suggests roads he sadly never got to take. Yet it also intrigues me because of the possibility – and I put it no more strongly than that – that it inspired 'Imagine', the utopian anthem that became John Lennon’s signature song. At times this mere suggestion divides Presley’s legion of fans. Go here to our EIN spotlight where EIN contributor Paul Simpson investigates this fascinating possibility... NOW UPDATED with YOUR Feedback. (Spotlight, Source;EIN/PaulSimpson)

Marty Pasetta "Aloha" Producer Dead at 82: Marty Pasetta, best known for directing Elvis' 'Aloha From Hawaii' spectacular and his works with the Academy Awards telecast annually from 1972 to 1988, died Thursday night. He was 82. Pasetta was accidentily struck by a car he had just exited in La Quinta, Calif. He died at the scene, police said. The driver stopped his vehicle to drop off Pasetta and another passenger. Stewart then went to exit his vehicle, but accidentally left the car’s transmission engaged, causing him to crash into his passengers. (Right:Elvis, Waterson & Pasetta) Pasetta helmed “Elvis: Aloha From Hawaii,” which aired on Jan. 14, 1973, in more than 40 countries. The concert special, featuring Elvis Presley at the Honolulu International Center, remains one of the most watched TV programs in history. When Pasetta was chosen to take reins of the 60th Annual Academy Awards in 1988, he set an all-time 17-year record for directing the event.

"An Evening with Elvis' Friends and Original Musicians" Review: "An Evening with Elvis' Friends and Original Musicians" stands out from the regular ETA concerts since it features Elvis’ original associates - actress Marlyn Mason - and musicians. It also offers something different from other concepts that use Elvis’ TCB Band presenting a rare opportunity to experience an essential part of musical history, personal and up-close. The concept of the gathering Elvis’ musicians along with a powerful new lead singer is of course not new but hearing musicians outside the TCB band such as funky bass-player Duke Bardwell and with the recently re-discovered Bob Lanning on drums is quite a treat. Sadly the TCB Band almost never stray from their standard set-list. But here we get some real delights. For instance, when was the last time you heard ‘Anyway You Want Me’ or ‘Way Down’ performed in concert by genuine Elvis musicians! EIN's Piers Beagley happened to be in England and checked out both concerts. (Spotlight/Review, Source;ElvisInfoNetwork)

'Elvis - The UK's 'Most Successful Chart Act': In 2015 Elvis Presley is still Officially Number One in the UK music charts! EIN contributor Brian Quinn informs us that ELVIS is still the UK's "Most Successful Chart Act" in 2015. In this detailed spotlight EIN list the statistical details from the 'Official Charts Company (UK)' for April 2015. Elvis has spent in total an incredible 2638 weeks on the UK charts - 1302 weeks for singles, 1336 weeks for albums. Go here to our spotlight where Brian Quinn has provided this great list showing that even in 2015, 37 years after his death - ELVIS is still Number One in the UK charts... (Spotlight, Source/ElvisInfoNet)

Elvis and the Coco Palms Resort: Elvis spent quite some time on the Hawaiian island of Kauai vacationing, and filming Blue Hawaii - in fact the last 20 minutes of the movie was shot on and near the grounds of the Coco Palms resort. Kauai has always been EIN's Sanja Meegin's favourite of the Hawaiian Islands, primarily because of its unspoiled majestic natural beauty, but also because of its Elvis ties. The recent news that Hawaii's Coco Palms Resort will be completely renovated made her extremely eager to see this paradise where Elvis sang The Hawaiian Wedding song whilst floating up the lagoon on a floral canoe with co-star Joan Blackman. Click here as Sanja brings us her fabulous 2015 report on one of Elvis' most famous Hawaiian destinations with some fabulous before and after shots. - Aloha From Hawaii! (Spotlight, Source;SM/ElvisInfoNet)

Is 'From Elvis In Memphis' the only Elvis album you need to own?: July 1969….. man walked on the moon and Elvis Presley's new album 'From Elvis In Memphis' hit the US charts. Both events would prove to be monumental, albeit in different ways. "At the very end of the sixties Elvis recorded the one Elvis Presley album everyone should own if they’re only going to own one" .. ... writes on-line A.V Club's Kenneth Partridge. Released in June 1969, six months after NBC aired what’s become known as the ’68 Comeback Special, From Elvis In Memphis was Presley’s real return to form. It contains everything that was ever great about the King Of Rock ’N’ Roll. So, is 'From Elvis In Memphis' the only Elvis Presley album you need to own? Go here where EIN adds their own thoughts and revisits this incredible album. (Spotlight; Source;ElvisInfoNet)

Elvis London O2 Exhibition Spotlight: The UK Telegraph has decided that - "Elvis Presley is a cultural monument as significant as the Elgin marbles". When it comes to Elvis Presley I am with the late Dowager Duchess of Devonshire: he was without doubt “the greatest entertainer ever to walk on a stage”. I accept that goggling at Elvis’s stuff is not for everyone, but if you are an enthusiast, and there are plenty of us, it was both exciting and moving. In each room the King’s music was playing, and however many times you have seen the snarling, sneering opening number of the ’68 comeback special (“If you’re looking for Trouble…”) it is worth being reminded of just how powerful it is. It is impossible, nevertheless, to grasp how earth-shattering it must have seemed to audiences at the time: they had grown accustomed to the saccharine 1960s movie version of Elvis – unthreatening, middle-of-the-road, and suddenly the raw and gritty Elvis of the 1950s Sun recordings came hurtling into people’s living rooms. To me that is entirely proper, since Elvis Presley has transcended both his era and his musical genre to become a cultural and historical monument. The preservation of his archive is a serious business. And there is a lot of it because Vernon, Elvis’s dad, never threw anything away. As Angie Marchese explained, thousands of Elvis’s belongings, including a million documents, are now being catalogued and preserved in climate-controlled warehouses. It is right that all these artefacts will be preserved for future generations – just as if they were the Elgin marbles. Go HERE for EIN's 'O2 London Exhibition' Spotlight full review and pictures, (Spotlight, Source;Telegraph/ElvisInfoNet)

'Trains, Jet Planes and Morning Rain' EIN Spotlight: Elvis Presley’s cover of 'Early Morning Rain' has exerted an enduring appeal, with composer Gordon Lightfoot going as far as to call it his favourite cover of one of his songs. The 1971 album 'Elvis Now' is still treasured by one Elvis fan. Gordon Lightfoot admitted that, in the 1970s, he hadn’t paid much attention to the King’s cover of his classic song Early Morning Rain. “It didn’t really register until after he was gone, but I loved the job he did on it. I have it right here on my desk. I keep it here. It’s Elvis Now.” Lightfoot's great regret is that he never met Elvis. He went to one concert hoping to meet up, “There were 18,000 people at the show but by the time I got back there to meet him, a voice said: ‘Elvis has left the building'. I had an appointment! But there were too many people around.” Go here where respected author Paul Simpson takes a fascinating look at this sometimes overlooked song... (Spotlight, Source;PaulSimpson/ElvisInfoNet)

UPDATED - 'Elvis Madison 1977 - The Gas Station Incident': Bruce Frey witnessed Elvis stopping a brawl at a Madison Gas Station in June of 1977 - the very last time Elvis would be on tour. Kathy Westmoreland was on tour with Elvis in June 1977 and got to hear Elvis' story first-hand about how he stopped the fight at the Madison Gas Station in June of 1977. Thanks to Bruce Frey EIN has received permission from Kathy Westmoreland to tell her side of this famous story. It’s her version of what happened that night and helps explain how Bruce Frey happened to run into him because he went out a back gate and got ahead of everyone! Go here for this EIN Exclusive by Bruce Frey - and to find out what Elvis told Kathy Westmoreland that night   (Spotlight, Source;BruceFrey/ElvisInfoNetwork)

"If You're Going To Start A Rumble" -The Importance of Fights In Elvis Movies: Exactly why were there so many fights in Elvis movies? Were they crucial to the plot or did they replace the plot themselves? In his films, fights were always useful for raising Presley’s morale –he often choreographed them himself with the Memphis Mafia – and as a means of reassuring those fans (especially men) who had preferred the hard, rocking Elvis that he had not, as a friend of writer Greil Marcus put it, "sold out to the girls." So it came to pass that in twenty-nine of his thirty-one feature films, he throws at least one punch. Go HERE as respected author Paul Simpson takes a fascinating look at the importance of fights in Elvis movies (Spotlight, Source;ElvisInfoNet)

ELVIS WEEK 2014 - EIN exclusive report: Sanja Meegin, EIN's roving reporter, has packed her bags, and said goodbye to MEMPHIS once again. With Elvis Week sadly over, EIN's special Roving Reporter finally had the chance to visit Graceland and found some inner peace, the spirit of Elvis and a chance to say Goodbye for Elvis Week 2014. . EIN is the only website with these exclusive reports GO HERE to see her COMPLETE 2014 Elvis Week report with plenty of great photos - don't miss out (Elvis Week 2014, Source:Sanja/EIN)

'Big Boss Man: What Kind of Technical Advice Did Parker Provide for Elvis’s Movies?': As technical advisor, Colonel Tom Parker was hailed by showbiz bible Variety as an "expert property developer." Though some of the movie properties Elvis’s manager helped develop were incredibly slapdash, that observation does raise one of the most puzzling aspects of the star’s Hollywood career. How much control did Parker have over Presley’s films, and what kind of technical advice did he provide between 1956 and 1972? The Colonel developed the strategy – and ensured it was executed. Though his client often complained that he was "tired of these damn movies" in which fought in one scene and sang to a dog in the next, he never decisively rebelled, signifying his distaste by hiding in Memphis for as long as possible until the next shooting schedule beckoned. Click here to this EIN Spotlight where respected author Paul Simpson takes a fascinating look at Colonel Parker and his input, both positive and negative, into Elvis' film career... (Spotlight; Source;PSimpson/ElvisInfoNetwork)

Elvis Opening Night Las Vegas 1969 - 45 Years Ago Today: On July 31st 1969 Elvis stepped onstage in Las Vegas to begin his run of fabulous Las Vegas seasons and to cement his "comeback". Ian Fraser-Thomson was the only fan to witness Elvis' rehearsal, Opening Night and the Press Conference afterwards. "On Opening Night, the electricity was palpable. The anticipation of the crowd on this potentially precipitous and momentous occasion lent to an uneasy and anxious anticipation of what was about to be revealed before their eyes and ears. When the lights were dimmed the crowd was unsettled, almost agitated and loud and then when the horns and the band ignited in the famous loop intro, the crowd was temporarily silenced, women screamed and all eyes and crowd energy focused on the expected entry point and when Elvis appeared and when like a dancer sidestepped across the stage, a powder keg exploded followed by a residual thunder of applause and screams welcoming Elvis. Because Elvis was the true royalty in the room he was given what was due to him from the film and music stars present. He was at that moment the undisputed "King" and those present were his subjects. The show was a knockout. Standing ovations throughout." Go HERE to his great 2010 EIN article about eavesdropping on this stunning event. (Interview, Source;FECC/PEP/ElvisInfoNet)

Who is this person??: Since Elvis' explosion onto the world stage in the mid-1950s there have been countless Elvis tribute artists, imitators, impersonators, stylists and sound-a-likes offering and emulating a watershed musical icon. Of the thousands who in some way look(ed), perform(ed) or sound(ed) like Elvis there is one performer who stands out from the rest. This performer sets himself apart from all others for a number of reasons.  He: was blessed with a natural singing voice remarkably like Elvis’ had 10 Top 100 hits on the Country Music Chart in the US! was an accomplished singer/songwriter did not want want to be an Elvis imitator had a fan club which at its peak had over 15,000 members had fans who travelled (often as a family) up to 500 miles to see him perform is the only Elvis stylist to have had an album replaced due to controversy is the only Elvis stylist with a best-selling book about his persona like Elvis (whose jumpsuits all had names) had a certain item of his stage attire individually identified by name is the only Elvis stylist to have had bootleg material released – around 150 bootleg albums of his studio and live material is the only Elvis stylist who nearly 20 years after his tragic death still elicits interest from his fans is the only Elvis stylist to have merchandise and memorabilia released (still sold online in 2014!) has featured in a number of documentaries about music in the southern states of the USA is the subject of a film being released in 2015

So who is this person – a performer whose life tragically ended on 12 December 1998? .......Click here to find out

FTD - What now, What next, Where to – What’s left?: During Elvis’ lifetime, RCA released a total of between 60 – 70 albums, consisting of dedicated recordings, movie soundtracks and live performances. The FTD label has been doing an excellent job at looking at the recording anthology of Elvis Presley and releasing every significant LP or recording session on a 1CD or 2CD ‘Classic Album’ version. However as noted with the recent "ELVIS" second LP release there are less and less outtakes and studio sessions left in the vaults. FTD’s first release was ‘Burbank ’68’ fifteen years ago, so with all the past releases and packaging what is left for the collector? Go here as EIN contributor Ian Garfield examines what has been released and what is left for the FTD collectors label.. (Spotlight, Source;ElvisInfoNet)

1950s Flashback - ".....one can’t help getting certain satisfaction out of the fact that he won’t be around for long.  He’s not music.": In the first issue of JazzWorld, in March 1957, editor and publisher, Chester Whitehorn, examined the rise of Elvis Presley and assessed it in comparison to the careers of two other entertainers who were the subject of incredible media obsession, Frank Sinatra and Liberace.  Whitehorn’s article was titled: Music vs. Elvis Presley. Whitehorn's attack on Elvis' music embodied the strident, right-wing religious conservatism of the time and subliminal resistance of an adult population rallying against having its music replaced by the 'unruly sounds' of a younger generation. EIN's Nigel Patterson takes a closer look at what was only one of hundreds of articles attacking Elvis and rock 'n' roll music.... ............Calls to expunge the devil’s music by burning Elvis’ records, ban his public performances given their lewd nature and for parents to lock up their daughters, were commonplace and it seemed the louder the protest the more successful Elvis, the ‘devil incarnate’, became........

"60 Years of Elvis" EIN Exhibition Preview: In the new Graceland exhibition fans can explore the birth of rock ‘n’ roll music and journey through the transformation of the would-be King of Rock ‘n’ Roll from delivery truck driver to world-wide singing sensation and star of the silver screen. CLICK HERE to our EIN preview of the exhibition including some high-res pictures of Elvis' personal copy of “That’s All Right" SUN single, Crown Electric Pay Stub, Jailhouse Rock Original Script and "Viva Las Vegas" Red Shirt and more.    (Spotlight, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)

'ELVIS AT 21' Exhibition Review: Alfred Wertheimer's portrait exhibition is at Australia's National Portrait Gallery in Canberra until March 10, 2014. It is incredible to learn that over seven days in 1956 Wertheimer shot over 3,500 photographs of Elvis in the months of March, June, and July in the unbelievable year that "the Memphis Flash" became the iconic "Elvis the Pelvis". The Sydney Morning Herald’s John Mcdonald checks out the Alfred Wertheimer exhibition that is not to be missed. Click here for a great look at the Elvis Exhibition - capturing wonderful images of Elvis from 1956 (Spotlight: Source;ElvisInfoNetwork)

Elvis' Personal Record Collection: In response to a recent Marty Lacker question, EIN has updated its spotlight on 'The secrets of Elvis' record collection'. Way back in 2004 Britain's excellent Record Collector magazine featured a very interesting article about what was in Elvis' personal record collection when they examined the list EPE supplied of over 1000 albums and singles. It provided a great insight into Elvis' eclectic musical interests with many titles sure to surprise fans. The artists featured are a wide variety of names well known to fans and many artists fans will not have heard of before. EIN also checks out a further detailed look at "Elvis' crates of Vinyl" and what records he collected. Please go here for the revised EIN spotlight. (Spotlight, Source;ElvisInfoNet)

'The Nation's Favourite Elvis Song': EIN contributor Brian Quinn supplied us with his review of last night's UK Elvis special.... .. However the UK Daily Star's journalist Mike Ward was also impressed with the show. He writes.. "The Nation’s Favourite Elvis Song has made me see the light. I'll be honest with you, it’s quite rare for me to experience a blinding epiphany while watching an ITV entertainment show. But that’s pretty much the effect The Nation’s Favourite Elvis Song has had on me. I’m not kidding. Elvis Presley, it’s finally struck me, in a moment of startling realisation, really was extraordinarily special. His squillions of adoring fans have been right all along. Why has it taken me all this time to twig? What kind of cloth-eared ninny am I? Watching this Elvis special really has had a powerful effect on me. In the concert clips, I now see a man with a unique gift for keeping his audience spellbound. Even at a stage in his career when he could have got away with just going through the motions, he looked as though he was giving it absolutely everything, feeding off the crowd’s adoration. It was as if he wasn’t so much singing the songs as living them, even if it physically hurt.. Go here for our Updated The Nation’s Favourite Elvis Song TV Review (Spotlight, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNet)

Elvis Presley vs The Beatles In Chart Sales: The Beatles and Elvis Presley - two of the most successful pop music acts of all time - could fight it out for the number one spot in the UK 's album charts this November 2013. The Beatles On Air: Live At The BBC Volume 2, which has 63 tracks and is released on Monday, contains 37 previously unreleased live performances. The new Elvis best-of album, The Nation's Favourite Elvis Songs, was released this week. History suggests both records will jostle for position in the charts - greatest hits album Elvis The King claimed the top spot in 2007, as did Volume One of the Beatles' BBC Sessions released in 1994. The trouble is that the new Elvis album contains the usual "hit songs" that fans have bought before, whereas The Beatles album contains 23 unreleased recordings. GO HERE to EIN's Spotlight by Roger Semon and Ernst Jorgensen "Is Elvis the Biggest Selling Recording Artist? - Sorting Out Records Sales Stats & RIAA Rules" Go HERE to EIN's Spotlight Breaking down Presley and Beatlemania:

Linda and Sam Thompson in Australia: EIN Vice-President Sanja Meegin shared some cocktails and quality time with Linda Thompson and her brother Sam Thompson at the 'Elvis Leaves His Mark: Now and Then' tour with Mark Andrew. One of the most exciting experiences for any Elvis fan, is meeting someone from his inner circle – someone who was there right by his side for the highs and lows and the joys and pain that was part of Elvis’ incredible life. Go here as Sanja Meegin tells all about what Linda and Sam Thompson had to say to her alone - as well as to the concert audience. (Spotlight, Source;SanjaMeegin/ElvisInfoNet)

Fourteen Key Elvis Singles: Dave Marsh is a respected rock critic and historian who has written more than 20 books about rock music and popular culture. In 1982 Marsh published his excellent book 'Elvis' where he discarded the prevalent extreme myths about Presley and presented the truth about the contradictory and endlessly fascinating man. In 1989 Dave Marsh published the exciting book for music aficionados "The Heart of Rock & Soul: The 1001 Greatest Singles Ever Made". It is a fascinating exploration of some of the greatest music of all time and of course ELVIS is heavily featured. The particular 14 singles that Marsh selected as his Key Elvis songs are a very interesting choice and his essays about each track are well worth reading. - and do you agree? Go here as EIN's Piers Beagley shines a spotlight on this fascinating book as well as Marsh's selection of classic Elvis tracks... (Spotlight, Source:ElvisInfoNet)

ELVIS WEEK 2013 report: It was with a heavy heart that we EIN's special Roving Reporter Sanja Meegin could not attend Elvis Week this year due to other important commitments, but there is no doubting that 2013 was a very quiet year with very few Elvis week presentations actually selling out. Memphis Police still estimated around 30,000 attended the candlelit vigil, while Conversations on Elvis featured the wonderful Mother Dolores Hart. Go here to EIN's 2013 Elvis Week special for more on Dolores Hart, video clips of the Candlelight Vigil, the special "Elvis at Stax" listening party, the Elvis Tribute Artist competition and more..   (Elvis Week 2013, Source:ElvisInfoNetwork)

Remembering ELVIS in 2013: Thirty Six years ago, at 3.30 in the afternoon of 16 August 1977, Elvis Presley was pronounced dead at the Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis. His girlfriend, Ginger Alden, had found his body a little more than an hour earlier, collapsed on the floor of his Graceland bathroom. He had had heart failure while siting down and reading a book entitled 'The Scientific Search for the Face of Jesus'. Elvis was only 42 years old. However back at the start in 1956 within months of his arrival on the national stage, the godlike Elvis had destroyed the old showbiz order, rewritten the rules on young desire and initiated the era of the teenager. BEFORE Elvis, there were no teenagers - older children were just adults in training, apprentices to the past; AFTER Elvis, there was youth culture, the most powerful commercial force in the history of the world. Go here as on the thirty-sixth anniversary of Elvis' passing EIN looks back at the legend and the legacy... (Spotight, Source;ElvisInfoNet)

Elvis And The Vocal Group Tradition: Elvis Presley and doo-wop are not two phrases that normally go together. But, the vocal-group tradition was a profound part of the King's musical heritage, and the group sound's influence on Presley demonstrates the way the art form has infiltrated and informed pop music even if the sound is not visible on the surface. But like blues, gospel and country, the vocal-group sound was where Elvis returned whenever he needed a shot of the real thing. It was a part of who he was. Harley Payette sent this article on "Elvis and doo-wop" to EIN several years ago, asking for us to wait a while before we published it on-line. Today seems the right day to remember his insightful writing and thoughts about the music world that he so loved.... Go here as EIN contributor Harley Payette takes a fascinating look at this often over-looked Elvis musical influence... (Spotlight; Source;HarleyPayette/ElvisInfoNet)

Elvis Information Network Fan Club, only 27 years old turns 100! - One of the world's very best Elvis Fan Clubs, the Elvis Information Network was 27 years old this Easter - and at the same time published its 100th fan club newsletter! As many Elvis fan clubs slow down, EIN still keeps going strong as a worldwide on-line Elvis information service having started over 27 years ago as a small local fan club in Canberra, Australia. It is certainly worthy of a fantastic celebration for everyone involved with EIN.

From local fan club to online behemoth… EIN turns 100 – a retrospective!: EIN’s origins twenty-seven years ago can be traced back to a meeting of a dozen Elvis fans at the Ainslie Football Club in Canberra, Australia on a hot summer day in February 1986. And for over 25 years EIN has been sending out quarterly newsletters to its local fan club members.  This past Easter 2013, EIN posted out its 100th newsletter, a feat worthy of a celebration! Go Here as Honorary EIN President Nigel Patterson looks back at the history of EIN - and includes some unique photos from Elvis Week 1987. (Spotlight; Source;ElvisInfoNetwork)

Elvis Week Through The Years - Sanja Meegin looks back: EIN's Sanja Meegin has been to Memphis and attended Elvis Week 13 times in the past 15 years. During that time she has witnessed great concerts as well as met up with many of Elvis’ family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances. For the past decade Sanja has done her best to get to every concert, book signing, ceremony, convention, appearance and memorial that she could manage and report back to EIN for those who couldn’t be there to experience it for themselves. Of course that hasn’t been easy when combined with the excruciatingly hot Southern summer temperatures, the lure of cocktails on Beale Street and keeping the hours Elvis kept whilst there – party all night, sleep all day - but she has done her best! - Part of our EIN 100th newsletter celebration! Go here as Sanja looks back at her fifteen years of visiting the Promised Land and Elvis Week. (Spotlight; Source;ElvisInfoNetwork)

ALOHA HAWAII 40th Anniversary - The King "live via satellite" a Great Experience in 2013: The local Honolulu newspaper gave Elvis' 'Aloha From Hawaii 2013' a great review. Longtime arts journalist John Berger reported... ... Any lingering suspicions that the long-anticipated "Elvis ‘Aloha from Hawaii’ 40th Anniversary Screening" was going to amount to a shared viewing of the familiar television special that’s available for free on YouTube were laid to rest as soon as the lights went down on several thousand Elvis fans who’d assembled to celebrate The King’s "live via satellite" concert last night in Blaisdell Arena. First, there is no way that watching anything on a p/c screen — or even a "home entertainment center" — can match the experience of seeing it on a theater-size screen and hearing it on an arena sound system. Second, the 40-year-old television special was dramatically modernized and upgraded for the anniversary screening. The entire concert was re-imagined as a multi-image experience — at times there were two or three images on the giant screen, at others there were 16 or more in various combinations. Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie sent a shout out to the people who were seated "right up there in the upper deck" where he had been sitting 40 years ago, and asked everyone who had been in the audience for the original "Aloha from Hawaii" concert to stand — and a notable number of people did.

New Elvis Army Photos from LIFE Magazine:LIFE magazine has just published a group of rare and unpublished Elvis army photos. Taken by photographers James Whitmore and Al Fenn they capture a moment in Elvis' life when he was poised to remind everyone who might have doubted it that, despite two years of taking orders, he was ready to again be the King. ... Back in 1958 the biggest musical star on the planet was drafted into the United States Army. Sure, Elvis Aaron Presley often affected a sneer that would drive most drill sergeants to near-apoplexy, and his pompadour was hardly the sort of hairstyle one associated with America's fighting men. But Elvis was a good ol' boy, born in Mississippi and raised in Tennessee, and maybe his humble Southern roots allowed for a more seamless transition from pop-culture icon to buck private. Whatever the reason Elvis looked like he belonged in a uniform - and by all accounts, his brothers in arms saw what he was made of, and accepted him as one of them. The series of photos - most of which never appeared in LIFE - showing Elvis, along with his 15-year-old girlfriend, Priscilla Beaulieu, in Germany on the day he left for the States (March 2, 1960), and Elvis again at Fort Dix, New Jersey, where he landed on March 3, sans Priscilla. He was officially discharged from the Army on March 5. sorrowful at parting but anxious to get into his bright-colored pants and back to his hip-swinging singing. Go HERE to 'LIFE' for this great selection of over 50 photos. (News, Source;LIFE/ElvisInfoNet)

Elvis FilesVol.1 '53-'56. Sneak Preview: A Special EIN Sneak preview looking at Erik Lorentzen's up-coming The Elvis Files Vol.1 1953 - 1956. The first volume of the Elvis Files story, chronicling Elvis' rise from his pre SUN discovery to becoming the world's biggest new sensation - over more than 500 pages & 1,200 photos... Featuring All Elvis Events from 1953-1956, Every Working Moment, The Early Tours, The first Las Vegas trip, Recording Sessions, The TV Shows and lots of UNSEEN and UNPUBLISHED images. The publication date is scheduled for December 2012. Go here as EIN has some exclusive preview and STUNNING Elvis photos. (News, Source;EricL/ElvisInformationNetwork)

'Elvis was not a Racist'- A Spotlight Revisited: Back in 2005 EIN's Piers Beagley wrote an in-depth look at Elvis' background & cultural influences, discovering a man that not only helped the local black community but who was also key figure in the racial integration of popular music. As James Brown said, "I love him and hope to see him in heaven. There’ll never be another like that soul brother" and Muhammad Ali, "Elvis Presley was the sweetest, most humble and nicest man you'd want to know." Now in 2012 EIN's good friend Bernard Tanner, Jr. sent us a wonderful letter explaining his reaction when faced with young adults in his hometown of Altanta Georgia accusing Elvis of being a racist. He says.. "My refusal to back down against their impassioned but wrong-headed and false accusations of Presley's race bigotry shocked them.... .. And (often) lost in these arguments is the fact that Elvis was supernally

Aloha From Hawaii 2012: In August this year Sanja Meegin returned to Memphis for her 14th electrifying Elvis Week. Ten days of burnin' non-stop fun, meeting up with some of Elvis' best friends and soaking up the fabulous atmousphere. So where else to go afterwards for the perfect wind-down but a week in beautiful Hawaii? Go here as Sanja brings us her fascinating Aloha Hawaii report and once again searches out some fabulous Elvis destinations - including Elvis' 1977 holiday house, the famous "Chinaman's Hat" palm tree, inside the HIC arena and even his Aloha dressing room! As always the locals have some secrets and stories to tell about Elvis. (Spotlight;ElvisInfoNetwork)

ELVIS WEEK 2012, The Sanja Meegin report: "Maybe it's too late, sometimes I even hate myself for loving you..." Well dear friends all good things come sadly to an end so here is Sanja Meegin's final wrap up of ALL the ELVIS WEEK 2012 insider news from the Promised Land. On the last day she finally toured the mansion properly to soak up the end-of-the-week loving Elvis vibes. She saw the sensational Shawn Klush/Cody Slaughter concert - as well as experiencing the ETA finals. Was it a great Elvis Week overall for 2012? - Click here to see all the photos. -- EIN is the only website with these daily exclusives so click here & don't miss these special SANJA reports. (Elvis Week 2012, Source:SanjaMeegin)

'Elvis At Madison Square Garden' FORTY YEARS AGO TODAY!: Elvis' June 1972 concerts in Madison Square Garden were a key part of his stunning career. It was on June 9th 1972, forty years ago today, that Elvis finally took on and conquered the USA's major city of New York. "He looked like a prince from another planet, narrow-eyed, with high Indian cheek bones and a smooth brown skin untouched by his 37 years. When Elvis started to work with the mike, his right hand flailing air, his left leg moving as though it had a life of its own, time stopped, and everyone in the place was 17 again. It was a lesson in dominance; we had just seen the comic who couldn’t control anybody, not even himself, and that had got us nervous; now Elvis made it all right again." EIN contributor Daniel Massey and Colin Escott check out this major Elvis concert at Madison Square Garden Go here to read this special EIN spotlight 40 years on! (Spotlight, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)

'Follow That Dream' 50th Anniversary Spotlight: Follow That Dream was Elvis’ 9th movie and although filmed after ‘Blue Hawaii’ the Elvis "travelogue formula" still hadn’t been established. ‘Follow That Dream’ was still a fresh chance for Elvis to try out his relaxed comedic style of acting and without the added pressure of too many soundtrack songs. Filmed almost entirely on location in Florida it is one of Elvis’ best films. It was released 50 years ago this week on May 23rd 1962. A great number of Elvis fans share an appreciation for this particular movie even though that appreciation is virtually absent from all critical texts. There are two reasons for this continued level of likeability. One of course is that Follow That Dream is a pretty good movie. The second, less obvious reason, is the fact that it says something good about human nature and that observation makes you feel a little bit better about living. Go here as EIN contributor Harley Payette takes a fascinating look at this fan favourite. (Spotlight, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)

'The Wedding' EIN Spotlight: Whatever people's own personal feelings are toward Priscilla, Elvis clearly loved her. We can debate whether he was ‘pushed’ in to marriage by outside forces or whether Elvis who belonged to the women of the world should have married at all, but the fact is that Elvis did marry Priscilla 45 years ago. May 1st 1967 was no ordinary day in Elvis' life. There were however some odd choices to the day and the ‘last minute’ exclusion of some of those who grew-up with Elvis was a particularly bad and hurtful. Marty Lacker was Elvis' co-Best Man at the wedding and he has kindly given EIN permission to publish his story of what happened on that famous day. Go here to Marty Lacker's story with some great Elvis & Priscilla photos (Spotlight, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)

'Elvis In Ottawa' Spotlight & Elvis Interview: Elvis performed in Ottawa, Canada on April 3rd 1957, 55 years ago this month. Janet Fulton was only 13 years-old when she attended Elvis' concert and one of the highlights of her life was not only meeting Elvis but also being kissed by him. Back in November 2011 EIN interviewed Janet Fulton about the experience of meeting Elvis and recently she also provided us with this interesting article on 'Elvis In Ottawa' - 55 years ago this month. Following the spotlight is Ottawa's radio CKOY Mac Lipson's interview with Elvis on the same day. "I have never thought I had a good voice. I just enjoy what I'm doing and I put every part of my heart, soul and body into it. But I guess one of the reasons the people have liked it is because it was a little something different" - Elvis Presley, Ottawa 1957. Go here to this fabulous look at Elvis in Ottawa.  (Spotlight, Source;JanetFulton/ElvisInformationNetwork)

Spotlight on the new 'Vintage Rock' Magazine: The very first issue of the UK 'Vintage Rock' magazine features Elvis on the cover. Inside the magazine fans can read a great feature article that details Elvis' early years (up to 1955) and also check out some rare childhood photos. The first two lines of the Elvis feature article read, "Elvis Presley was more than a singer. He was - and still is - an icon of pop culture, the first larger than life superstar, a folk hero and legend, yet also something of a myth." In addition to this another article ‘The Roots Of Rock‘n’Roll’ also features a close-up on Scotty Moore and Elvis.   Go here as EIN turns the spotlight onto this new Rock'n'Roll magazine.   (Spotlight, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)

Shawn Klush and Donny Edwards In Australia - Review: Elvis Tribute Artists Shawn Klush & Donny Edwards along with Elvis' Sweet Inspirations have recently been touring Australia together in concert. Since 2007 when EPE named Shawn Klush (right) as the “Ultimate ETA” he has become one of the World's most sought-after Elvis tribute artists. Similarly Donny Edwards regularly features in the top “Ultimate ETA” contests held in Memphis and he is renown for his remarkable authenticity. The Sweet Inspirations need no introduction - only to mention that thankfully they are still continuing to perform under the guidance of Estelle Brown after the untimely death of Myrna Smith. The group also helped out by joining with the Joe Esposito fundraiser that had been organised by Australian ETA Mark Andrews. Go here to our spotlight where EIN's Sanja Meegin reviews the concert and fundraiser. (Spotlight, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)

Blue Hawaii - The Movie: Released FIFTY YEARS AGO this week in November 1961 Blue Hawaii is the movie that most "serious" Elvis fans hate to love, although it is one of Elvis' most successful films. After the 1960 dramas of Flaming Star and Wild In The Country, Blue Hawaii was a return to the musical fluff first seen in GI Blues. While Elvis craved dramatic interest and acting challenges the general public thought otherwise. Fifty years on, EIN contributor Harley Payette takes an in-depth look at Blue Hawaii and wonders if this film really was the beginning of the end - or perhaps first class family entertainment.  See if you agree. - - Click here for the review plus some great Hawaii photos   (Spotlight, Source;Harley Payette/ElvisInfoNetwork)

"Kissed By Elvis" Janet Fulton Interview: Janet Fulton was only 13 years-old when she attended Elvis' Canadian Ottawa concert on April 3rd 1957, despite her family having great reservations. One of the highlights of her life was not only meeting Elvis but also being kissed by him, as shown in the famous photo. Last month Janet Fulton contacted EIN regarding some other photos she was tracking down and was kind enough to let us interview her about the experience of meeting Elvis and being a young teenage fan in the fifties. She tells us the experience of being at Elvis' famous Canadian concert in Ottawa "the nuns were saying it was the Devil's work" - and how meeting Elvis was a totally unexpected surprise. Go here for our exclusive interview and for some great stories about Elvis in Ottawa in 1957. (Interviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)

'1956, Elvis Presley’s Pivotal Year': TIME magazine featured this recent article by SONY/FTD's music producer and consultant Roger Semon. The article helps explain to readers what the new deluxe box-set 'Young Man With The Big Beat' is all about. ... "In the mid-1950s, the post-war Eisenhower era of social conformity in America was at its peak, and musically, the most threatening image appeared to be Bill Haley’s kiss-curl as he sang “Rock Around The Clock.” That all changed on Jan. 28, 1956, when a raw and electric Elvis Presley made his breakthrough on the CBS program Stage Show. Presley’s good looks, sensuous moves and mesmerizing voice made him a sensation overnight. But it wasn’t until a third appearance on the show that Presley truly challenged the status quo. On Feb. 11, the singer performed “Heartbreak Hotel” and by April, the single would be #1 on the Billboard chart. At last, teenagers had music of their own to swoon over while their parents continued listening to Frank Sinatra and Mario Lanza.... Click HERE for the full article and fabulous Elvis Photos. (Spotlight; Source;Time/ElvisInfoNet)

EIN Spotlight on Alfred Wertheimer: Photographer Alfred Wertheimer was a special guest at this year's Elvis Week "Conversations On Elvis". Wertheimer described a few of those moments he spent with Elvis back in 1956 to the crowd but of course the main topic of discussion was the recent discovery and confirmation of the woman belonging to the famous "Elvis Kiss" photograph. It is incredible to learn that over seven days in 1956 Wertheimer shot over 3,500 photographs of Elvis in the months of March, June, and July in the unbelievable year that "the Memphis Flash" became the iconic "Elvis the Pelvis". Back in 2009 Vanity Fair contributor Bob Colacello wrote a fascinating and detailed article about Alfred Wertheimer which goes on to explain far more about how Wertheimer and Elvis interacted to get those iconic images - "The First of Elvis". EIN presents an edited version of that in-depth and fascinating interview along with some stunning photographs of Elvis, some that you may not have seen before. Click here for a great look at Elvis in 1956. (Spotlight: Source;ElvisInfoNetwork)

SONY/RCA 2011 Future CD Release Details: During Elvis Week this year SONY/RCA/FTD producers Ernst Jørgensen and Roger Semon were both present to discuss and launch the new five-disc 1956 "Young Man With the Big Beat" set - as well as talk about other upcoming releases at 'Conversations on Elvis' - as well as their own presentation. They were willing to answer questions from those present, as well as talk about future plans to individuals who were interested. Committed Elvis music collector & EIN contributor ElvisSessions was there to take notes. Go here to this fascinating article where he reveals more of the story about the new "Young Man With the Big Beat", FTD '48 Hours To Memphis', questions Ernst over 'Stage Rehearsal' as well as finding out details of other future releases. (Spotlight, Source;ElvisSessions/ElvisInfoNetwork)

ELVIS WEEK 2011, EIN reports: Go here for all the details about Elvis Week 2011. EIN has reviews and the news - plus a message from Lisa Marie Presley at Candlelight Vigil: Click here for Elvis Week 2011 reports & photos.   (Elvis Week 2011, Source:EIN)

'Elvis At Madison Square Garden' An In-Depth Report: Elvis' June 1972 concerts in Madison Square Garden were a key part of his stunning career. Only days after the first concert RCA rush-released the album 'Elvis: ‘At Madison Square Garden’. Most serious Elvis fans will own both the original release as well as the 1997 release ‘An Afternoon In the Garden’. While both shows are impressive, fans and reviewers often describe Elvis’ evening show performance to be as if he was running to catch a bus and suggest that the earlier Afternoon show may have been a better concert. We all know that Elvis always preferred performing at his evening shows, so has this classic concert been misrepresented or was it just a badly mixed rush-release?. With ‘An Afternoon In the Garden’ making the billboard charts once again in 2011 EIN contributor Daniel Massey has examined each show very closely to truly discover which is the best show. Go here to read this fascinating EIN spotlight and have YOUR SAY over which is your favourite MSG concert. (Spotlight/CD Review, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)

'Elvis Memphis to Madison 1977' The Gas Station Incident: Bruce Frey witnessed Elvis stopping a brawl at a Madison Gas Station in June of 1977 - the very last time Elvis would be on tour. This particular public encounter with Presley at the gas station has been written about numerous times. Bruce Frey first reported the event to the local newspapers the next day and since then it has been re-told multiple times in various biographies. Now over 30 years later, Bruce Frey tells it properly for the first time. Over the years he has gathered enough information to finally piece the puzzle together. Bruce has interviewed nearly everyone involved, including bodyguard Sam Thompson, cousin Billy Smith and Veteran Police Detective Tom McCarthy. Here for the first time is the full story as he witnessed it. Go here for this EIN Exclusive by Bruce Frey   (Spotlight, Source;ElvisInfoNetwork)

'Heartbreak Hotel '- 55 years ago today: On January 10th 1956, fifty-five years ago, a just-turned 21 year-old Elvis Presley walked into RCA's McGavock Street, Nashville recording studio and laid-down his first million seller 'Heartbreak Hotel'. Sounding unlike anything Elvis had recorded previously, drowned in echo and with a melancholic voodoo-sounding tale of suicide and loneliness, the song was also unlike anything in the pop charts of the day. How strange that this moody, dark tale of alienation was recorded in the building RCA shared with the Methodist TV and Film commission! Sun producer Sam Phillips called the song a "morbid mess" while Glenn Reeves, the singer who cut the demo, insisted that his name was kept off the demo as it was the "silliest title" he had ever heard. RCA 's Steve Sholes was similarly concerned, as this sure wasn't the Sun Sound that he had hoped Elvis would be recording. Rock'n'roll fans can be thankful that Elvis however understood the magic that had just been created and had faith in its release. On this historic week we look at the true importance of 'Heartbreak Hotel' with a spotlight that nicely places this classic recording in its proper historical context. (Spotlight, Source;PatrickHumphries/ElvisInfoNet)

John Lennon And Elvis: It was "Thirty Years Ago Today" - On December 8th 1980 John Lennon was shot dead outside his New York apartment. In commemoration, LA Times music critic Robert Hilburn remembers discussions with John Lennon about life and Elvis... >> In mid 1980 John Lennon raced into Yoko Ono's home office in the mammoth old Dakota building with a copy of Donna Summer's new single, "The Wanderer." "Listen!" Lennon shouted as he put the 45rpm on the record player. "She's doing Elvis!" I didn't know what he was talking about at first. The arrangement felt more like rock than the singer's usual electro-disco approach, but the opening vocal sure sounded like Donna Summer to me. Midway through the song, however, her voice shifted into the playful, hiccuping style Elvis had used on so many of his early recordings. "See! See!" John shouted, pointing at the speakers "That's Elvis!" Lennon plugged in one of his prized possessions a vintage jukebox. He then punched one Elvis Presley record after another and bopped around playfully.

Elvis Statues & Memorials - an EIN Spotlight: Aside from the more well-known Elvis statues in and around Memphis - the corner of Beale Street opposite the Orpheum Theatre & the display centre on Mud Island - I discovered many different memorials and dedications to the King on my search for Elvis statues around the world. From Auckland to Hawaii to Israel - Elvis statues are being erected in bronze, stone, wood and even duct tape! EIN's Sanja Meegin has been investigating - Click here to see these commemorative and sometimes 'creative' monuments. (Spotlight, Source;ElvisInfoNetwork)

'Elvis Tattoos' an EIN Spotlight: Fans around the globe are inked with Elvis Tattoos. It seems like these days branding Elvis' name, his likeness, "EP" or even the TCB logo is quite a trend for the hardcore fan. Not to mention the odd celebrity here and there - from Robbie Williams and Fred Durst to Pink, Ed Westwick and even Linda Thompson's son Brody Jenner. During my last few visits to Memphis for Elvis Week, I noticed a lot more "Elvis ink" being displayed on fans' arms, legs, backs and even necks! I had my ink done on a trip to New Orleans about 14 years ago. At the time I remember thinking to myself "I love Elvis, I've always loved Elvis and I always will" - so it seemed like the logical thing to do to have his name marked on me forever. EIN's Vice-President Sanja Meegin's search for Elvis tattoos saw images arrive from around the world - from the USA to Poland to New Zealand, UK and Turkey. Elvis is being branded on bodies all around the globe, and displayed proudly as a mark of loyalty and admiration. Click here to check out some of these fan's awesome tattoos (Spotlight, Source;SanjaMeegin)

SONY/RCA 2010 Future CD Release Details: During Elvis Week this year SONY/RCA/FTD producers Ernst Jørgensen and Roger Semon were both present to discuss and launch the major release 'The Complete Elvis Masters Box-Set' - as well as talk about other upcoming releases at the special Graceland Plaza presentation. They were willing to answer questions from those present, as well as talk about future plans to individuals who were interested. Committed Elvis music collector & EIN contributor ElvisSessions was there to take notes. Go here to this fascinating article where he reveals the finer details behind the new "Complete Masters" box-set as well as more details about other future releases. (Spotlight, Source;ElvisSessions/ElvisInfoNet)

Remember 'The King' with Music: On August 16th 2010, we should remember all the good things about Elvis. We should be celebrating his amazing musical legacy as well as the happiness that he has brought into all our lives. Elvis touched the soul of every true fan and 33 years later those feelings still run deep, as demonstrated by the 10,000 fans who struggled last night against the 120F temperatures only because they needed to pay their respects to our great hero. If Elvis Presley were alive today, he would be 75 years old. And though he would certainly be in his golden years, there is a chance that he still might be giving concerts, and that his golden voice - the best rock music has ever heard - would still be booming through arenas. On this special day in 2010 music columnist Alan K. Stout explains why we should all Remember The King. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)

ELVIS WEEK 2010, EIN Exclusive reports: Sanja Meegin, EIN's roving reporter, is back in MEMPHIS and soaking up the atmosphere! From the very first day of the celebration to The final Candlelight Vigil, Sanja Meegin was there to report on it all. Including meeting up with Billy Stanley, jumping on a motorbike and riding into the distant Mississippi sunset!  EIN was the ONLY website with these daily exclusives so click here & read our Elvis Week 2010 special reports & exclusive photos. (Elvis Week 2010, Source:SanjaMeegin/EIN)

Elvis' 1956 Mystery Kisser Found! Former Memphis radio engineer Ron Brandon believes that he has finally found the famous 1956 'Elvis Mystery Kisser'. In 1956 it was Ron Brandon who recorded the famous Mississippi-Alabama Fair concert and so was well aware of the iconic photographs of Alfred Wertheimer including the ones taken in June 1956 at an Elvis concert in Richmond, Virginia. There were over forty of the photos of Elvis many of them featuring an attractive young lady.  One or two of these photographs, in particular, have become quite famous.. photos of Elvis apparently attempting to kiss the young lady. In 2010, earlier this year Brandon "stumbled upon" the woman who claimed to be the mystery kisser in the photos. Having lived in Richmond at one time, Brandon was intrigued enough follow through with a full interview - and was convinced without any reservation whatever, that she is the mystery kisser. This led to a phone-call with Mr. Wertheimer, Ron Brandon and the mystery kisser - which in the end was sworn to confidentiality.... Go here to the fascinating story of how Ron Brandon finally tracked her down. An EIN exclusive. (Spotlight, Source;Ron Brandon/ElvisInfoNet)

EIN Spotlight on 'Girl Happy': Elvis’ 17th movie Girl Happy was made solely to generate revenue. There was no artistic intent on behalf of the stars, the producers, the director, the writers and the studio. Its plot only intermittently makes contact with reality. Some sexist attitudes are expressed on the screen and its depiction of college age sexuality is dated. Such a venture was well beneath the talents of its star, one of the most vital performers in 20th century American popular culture. So how can anyone like or even love this ridiculous piece of cinematic fluff? On the 45th anniversary of its release EIN contributor Harley Payette takes a fascinating look at this often unloved film. (Spotlight, Source;HarleyPayette. May 2010)

The King and the Burlesque Queen: As Presleymania raged in 1956, Elvis did a promotional photo shoot with the Queen of Burlesque, the statuesque Tempest Storm. But did an unlikely relationship between the two stars subsequently blossom? Read excerpts from Tempest Storm's fascinating, autobiography, The Lady Is A Vamp. In her book, Tempest decribes a hot affair which was eventually derailed by their busy careers and an interferinsg manager. .........Even with his dark skin, Elvis blushed deeply when he saw me.  I could tell he was trying not to look at my plunging neckline as he said in a deep but boyish voice tinged with a southern accent, “Hello, Miss Storm.  Your show is the greatest.”……. Click here to read the excerpts and view more photos (Spotlight, Source: EIN, May 2010)

'Elvis Meets The Beatles': An EIN spotlight on this famous night in 1965 when the Fab Four finally met the King. In 1965 The Beatles manager Brian Epstein initiated contact with Colonel Parker, and the decision was made that on the night of August 27, the Beatles would come to Elvis’ home for an informal get-together. Intensive security arrangements were worked out, and it was agreed that no press would be involved and no pictures would be taken or recordings made of whatever happened. "So many things could have gone wrong," says Jerry Schilling, "If Colonel and Brian hadn’t gotten along, it wouldn’t have gotten past the phone-call stage. But there were no ego battles, and from the start it was approached as a pair of music greats coming together out of admiration for each other." Piers Beagley and LA writer Chuck Crisafulli tell the story of this amazing night. (Spotlight, Source;EIN)

Elvis artefact on display in Liverpool Beatles Exhibition: EIN contributor Tony Stuchbury recently paid a visit to Liverpool and visited The Beatles Story exhibition. There they found on display an artefact on loan from EPE, a BEAUTIFUL shirt of Elvis’s. Coinciding with our 'Elvis Meet The Beatles' Spotlight above, click here to see Tony's great photos.   (Spotlight, Source;TonyStuchbury)

'A Heart That's True', Remembering Elvis in 2010: The Elvis 75th Celebrations continue. Out this week is the 'On Stage' special Legacy Release while back in December, SONY/RCA released "Elvis 75 -- Good Rockin' Tonight.' In February, Cirque du Soleil premiered 'Viva Elvis', its newest resident show at Las Vegas' ARIA Resort & Casino.March saw Washington, D.C's, Newseum open an exhibit that focuses on how Elvis was seen in the media, from early negative newspaper coverage that helped him become the first rock 'n' roll star, through the change in views after he served in the Army. In this special spotlight L. Kent Wolgamott of the Lincoln Journal Star investigates Elvis' endurance and talks to Ernst Jorgensen and looks at the recollections of the King by guitarist James Burton and the queen of rockabilly, Wanda Jackson. (Spotlight, Source;LincolnStar)

March 1960 - The Return Of The King: Elvis Presley left the army 50 years ago this week, to suggestions that the music he pioneered had died in his absence. On the morning of 3 March, 1960, after a flight from Germany broken by a refuelling stop at Prestwick Airport, 30 miles south of Glasgow (the only time he set foot in Britain), the DC7 jetliner carrying Elvis Presley landed at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, amid the remnants of a light blizzard. At the US base he was then met and escorted away from military life by Nancy Sinatra, the 19-year-old daughter of a man who had once described Presley's music as "a rancid-smelling aphrodisiac". The truth however turned out to be a little different! Go here to read this fascinating spotlight by Richard Williams of The Guardian.   (Spotlight, Source;Guardian/ElvisInfoNet)

"Viva Viva Elvis" - There he is, ELVIS in vivid black and white, onstage at Las Vegas' new Aria hotel-casino, squalling "Blue Suede Shoes" on a gigantic screen behind a jukebox-shaped set. Below him, eight musicians serve as his amped-up house band while a dozen dancers practically leap out of their tight pants and pedal pushers. At centre stage is a huge shoe, which another half-dozen revellers use as a trampoline, performing double somersaults in time to the music. The King looks down, smiling as if in approval of this spectacular union of two crucial elements--one past, one present--of Vegas show biz. Elvis Presley, meet Cirque du Soleil's Viva Elvis. Go HERE for all the NEWS & REVIEWS

Elvis and the Coal Mine - an exercise in tax fraud!: The Elvis story never ceases to reveal new or little known facts, as an item from the December 15, 1980 edition of TIME magazine highlights. Click here to read of the tax scam and how Elvis was (unwittingly) its biggest investor! (March 2010)

Viva Elvis - Glitzy, glamorous, affectionate, but the King's still a mystery: Randy Lewis, from the Los Angeles Times recently took in Cirque Du Soleil's eye poppingly spectacular 'Viva Elvis' show. His review records the audio-visual grandeur of the show and questions its inability to explore the mystery of just who Elvis was. ....There's also a gorgeous and moving aerial pas de deux in which two members of the troupe float effortlessly through the air to accompany the weightless sound of Elvis' vocal on Are You Lonesome Tonight?..... Read the full review here

Happy Birthday Elvis!!! Jan 8th 2010 marks what would have been Elvis’ 75th birthday.  The world’s media has again risen to the occasion and a significant number of Elvis articles, reviews and stories have been published in the lead up to 8 January.  EPE marked the milestone with a special commemoration ceremony at Graceland on "Elvis Presley Day" in Memphis and Sony has released a fitting 4CD tribute box set: Elvis 75 Good Rockin’ Tonight EIN hopes you enjoy the special set of news, commentary, articles and photos below to mark what is a special Elvis birthday. Happy Birthday Elvis!!! Go HERE to read ALL the Elvis 75th Birthday News.

On his 75th birthday, Elvis lives on in hearts of fans: His timeless music endures as many continue to relate to his success, failure. Elvis Presley’s pompadour is not carved into Mount Rushmore. He never dressed up as Uncle Sam to sing “Hound Dog” or “Love Me Tender.” His cherubic likeness does not grace U.S. currency. Yet there are few iconic images that are as quintessentially American as Elvis: the swivelling hips, the unlikely devotion to both rockabilly and gospel, the carefree movies, the Las Vegas monarchy, the millions of records, “The Ed Sullivan Show,” the military service, the photo with Richard Nixon, the sad and too soon finale... Michael Ventre investigates Elvis' longterm endurance with EIN friends including Cory Cooper & Larry Geller. Go here to the full article & photos. (Spotlight, Source;msnbc/CoryCooper)

'Suspicious Minds' - Elvis' Greatest Single?: 'Suspicious Minds' was released on August 26th 1969. While the NBC '68 TV Special, along with the single 'In the Ghetto' had pushed Elvis back to the forefront of popular culture, it would be the release of Elvis' last US Number 1 single that would ultimately prove to all the critics that Elvis was a still relevant contemporary musical force. To celebrate the 40th anniversary EIN looks back in detail at the history of this classic song, including new interviews with Marty Lacker and Bobby Wood, as well as insights from composer Mark James and producer Chips Moman. Go here for this fascinating spotlight (Spotlight, Source; EIN)

Elvis at 75: Can we ever again see the performer, not the punch line?; One of the best articles EIN has read about "Elvis at '75". From Mark Feeney of The Boston Globe. Begin with two facts. First, he was once beautiful, astonishingly beautiful, and that fact contributed so much both to the rapidity of his rise and the awfulness of his decline. Beauty was almost as important to his success as race was. Same voice, same talent, same songs sung by a white Fats Domino? The impact would have been nothing like what it was. Music created and drove the phenomenon that was Elvis, but it was only part of what made that phenomenon so overwhelming..... Continue here to the full article & images. (Spotlight, Source;Feeney/EIN)

Parkes Elvis Birthday Festival 2010 Preview: On January 8th 2010 it would have been Elvis Presley's 75th Birthday. The major celebrations will of course be at Graceland in his hometown of Memphis. However the world’s second biggest celebration will be when 10,000 Elvis fans descend on the small country town of Parkes, New South Wales, Australia to party in the King’s name. The Parkes Elvis Festival will be held from 6 - 10 January 2010. Internationally celebrated ETAs such as Mark Andrew, ‘She Is The King’, Mark Anthony and Scott Baker are all scheduled to perform plus there is also the very popular Elvis Gospel Church Service, the famous Street Parade and more than 140 Events over five days of Elvis fun. EIN's Piers Beagley got the low-down on this year's festivities from the major personalities and performers to see what to expect.  (Spotlight: Source;EIN, Dec 31 2009)

The Rosella Presley Story: Just who was Rosella Presley? Elvis' great, grandmother is a mysterious figure who had 9 or 10 children and apparently never married. Genealogist, Lorina Bolig, author of Ancestors of Elvis Aaron Presley 50 Generations, recently decided to do some serious detective work on Rosella and her family. Scouring through all available documentation from US Census Data to university databases and births, deaths and marriages, Rosella believes she has unlocked many of the mysteries surrounding Rosella. With more twists and turns than an Agatha Christie mystery, read what Lorina discovered about Rosella including evidence of possibly one marriage and a surprise son! (Source: Lorina Bolig, 1 Nov 2009)

Elvis Film Posters and Lobby Cards from around the world - photo article: EIN has compiled an impressive gallery of more than 50 images of promotional material for Elvis' films from a dozen countries around the world covering South America, North America, the far east, Middle East, Europe and Australasia. We also feature an ultra rare and unusual film poster from Israel, one of the rare "Miltary" posters used for films screened on miltary bases and two Italian posters for Kid Galahad where the emphasis is on co-star Charles Bronson rather than the amusingly named "Elvy Presley". (Oct 2009)

Elvis' biorhythm charts on the day he died: Many people use biorhythm charts as part of their daily routine. They are seen as a guide to their physical and mental functioning or well being and can be useful in helping to avoid accidents and clumsy thinking. Elvis' primary and secondary biorhythm charts around 16 August 1977 are certainly interesting. Click here to view both charts and and both an explanation of how biorhythms work and an interpretation of Elvis; biorhythm charts around 16 August 1977. (News, Source: Judy Nevers)

Forever Elvis - A commemorative Spotlight: Elvis touched the soul of every true fan and that hot August night in 1977 the fans returned the love. The funeral for the famous musician stopped the city. Thousands of people packed the streets, sharing their grief and love for the man who was gone. They followed the casket, which was festooned with flowers, and then, together, started singing one of the musician's most popular songs. Never before had so many voices joined in glorious harmony.... There is a universality to grief. Just as mourners in Milan did back in 1901 as they joined together to sing one of Verdi's signature tunes, so too in August 1977 did people gather from all over the world at the gates of Graceland to mourn over their lost idol. EIN's Piers Beagley contributes a special Spotlight for August 16th - And Elvis will live, Forever. (Spotlight, Source;EIN)

ELVIS WEEK 2009: ‘C’mon Everybody’ and watch out Memphis because Sanja Meegin, EIN's roving reporter, was back in town once again to give us all the inside scoops on Elvis Week 2009. Covering every day, Graceland, Conversations On Elvis, the 1969 Special celebration, the emotional Candlelight Vigil - Sanja was there! EIN was the only website with exclusive daily info - so click here to see her special 2009 report and Exclusive photos. (Spotlight: Source:SanjaMeegin/EIN)

Elvis; Concert Review 1969: EIN 40th Anniversary special Spotlight: Forty years ago today Elvis returned to Live concert performances. All the media were there but so were the true fans. EIN contributor Joan Gansky was one of the lucky ones and wrote a delightful, personal review. "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 - 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! I vaguely recall the Sweet Inspirations perform - followed by a seemingly lengthy act by comedian Sammy Shore. The audience grew impatient. At last! The curtains closed. A pause. . . . A white shoe, a hand "peeked" round the curtain - now open - the thrill of a lifetime as Elvis simply stood there. He smiled happily, looking far more dynamic than any photo I had ever seen of him! - attired in white, with a long sash (belt) and a splash of color in the red kerchief (scarf). . ."   Click here for her unique eye-witness account & photos of this fabulous event. (Spotlight, Source;EIN)

Elvis' Secret Life Exposed: And now for something a little different! From Libertyland to the White House, Dolly Parton, Kill Bill and in-between, we think you will enjoy this recent, very clever and amusing, article... Elvis Presley, the man who jump-started the rock-and-roll revolution from a tiny Memphis recording studio in 1954 and went on to become the world's most recognizable entertainer, died Monday, August 6th, of cardiac arrest, at his Horn Lake, Mississippi, home. He was 72 years old. (20 July 2009) Read full article

Elvis or Michael Jackson - who is the bigger star in death?: In response to your comments about claims Michael Jackson is bigger than Elvis, EIN has examined the claims and finds them to be exaggerated. Read the other side of the story as we expose the hype and reality. (6 July 2009) Read our article

EXCLUSIVE new Elvis photographs: Tammy sent EIN these fabulous exclusive photographs of Elvis in concert. She says, "These photos were a gift from my grandmother. I thought that you might enjoy them as well. Please post them on EIN for all Elvis fans if you like." -  Tammy. Go HERE to over 3,600 Rare Elvis Photos! Click HERE for some Great Images and more EIN photo-site information Don't miss out on these rare and exciting photographs. Now with over 1,090 members! Why not JOIN NOW! Or click here directly to our EIN Facebook Photos. (News, Source;SanjaM)

'The Dark Side Of Colonel Parker' - EIN Spotlight: June 26th 2009 is a special date that commemorates four unique events of the Elvis World. 1. The 100th Birthday of Colonel Parker. 2. The 32nd Anniversary of Elvis' final concert in Indianapolis. 3. The 30th Anniversary of the death of Elvis' father, Vernon Presley. 4. The 30th Anniversary of the revelation to Elvis’ estate that Colonel Parker was still fleecing his client. Although comedian Nipsy Russell stated that "Every entertainer should go to bed at night and pray he finds a Colonel Tom Parker under his bed when he wakes up in the morning" - is that really the truth? It is a fact that after Elvis' death an official investigation found that "both Colonel Parker (and RCA) acted in collusion against Presley's best interests. Colonel Parker was guilty of self-dealing and overreaching and had violated his duty to both Elvis and to the estate." While there is no doubt that Elvis and The Colonel's story is extremely complex, in this in-depth Spotlight EIN takes a look at the darker side of Colonel Tom Parker - and includes plenty of insights from Elvis’ colleagues and friends. . Go here for this fascinating investigation- and also Have Your Say. (Spotlight, Source;EIN)

The most powerful man in the Elvis world under pressure?: While many people talk about Ernst Jorgensen, there is one man arguably more powerful in the Elvis world. His power comes from having acquired the majority ownership in the rights to market the Elvis name, image and likeness from Lisa Marie Presley. That man is of course, Robert F.X. Sillerman. And with Elvis merchandise and licensed ETA competitions generating more profits than sales of Elvis' music, Sillerman may currently be the most powerful man in the Elvis world! At a time when his powerful company interests are under strain due to the global financial crisis, EIN thought it timely to go behind the scenes of the Sillerman empire, an empire which is vast and eclectic with an emphasis on the sports and entertainment industries. From Elvis and Muhammad Ali to Lassie and American Idol, with much in between. In the series of news items and articles below you will find out a lot about who Robert Sillerman is, his business interests, his health issues and his current financial challenges. Read EIN's article

Dr. Nick - Medically Irresponsible or Misunderstood?: EIN has always thought Dr. Nick receives an unfair rap!  So we thought it was time to present a range of information about him, hopefully allowing readers to, in the clear light of day, freshly reflect on each side of the story and determine a reasonable and balanced consideration of Dr. Nick's role and intentions in the complex, and often easily biased, Elvis story! (Source: EIN, 5 June 2009)

'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. (Spotlight; Source;Harley Payette/EIN)

Osama bin Elvis?: The cover story for this month's issue of The American Spectator bears a bold and striking title, "Osama bin Elvis."  Angelo Codevilla, a former Senior Staff Member for the Senate Intelligence Committee, is its author, and as Jack Cashill explains at World Net Daily, Codevilla "argues persuasively" that Osama bin Ladin is long dead-probably, since late 2001 (the last time he was seen by any reputable person was October of that year, when he was interviewed by al Jazeerah.) Codevilla's focus is the CIA. That so many attribute such outsize capabilities to bin Laden "can be traced to the CIA's institutional bias in favor of the idea of rogue agents and against that of state-sponsored terrorism," Cashill writes. Cashill adds, "This bias found a particularly receptive audience in a ‘peace and prosperity' Clinton White House that had neither the cojones nor the competence to deal with its terrorism at its source."  Indeed, the Clinton administration was already quite consumed by the Arab-Israeli "peace process," when the World Trade Center was first attacked in February 1993 (reading Martin Indyk's memoir, Innocent Abroad, I'm reminded of that very narrow focus; they thought they were going to make the lions lie down with the lambs!). (Spotlight, Source: Laurie Mylroie/American Spectator, March 2009) Read full article

Blue Hawaii - the movie: Blue Hawaii is the movie that Elvis fans hate to love, although it is one of Elvis' most successful films. After the 1960 dramas of Flaming Star and Wild In The Country, Blue Hawaii was a return to the musical fluff first seen in GI Blues. While Elvis craved dramatic interest and acting challenges the general public thought otherwise. Nearly 50 years on, EIN contributor Harley Payette takes an in-depth look at Blue Hawaii and wonders if this film really was the beginning of the end - or perhaps first class family entertainment. See if you agree. - - Click here for the review plus some great Hawaii photos (Source;EIN/Harley Payette, March 2009)

Elvis’ in 1969 - the triumphant return: The King’s return to live performances is one of the highlights of his amazing career.  And one person who was there during that first season in 1969 was Maria Davies.  Courtesy of Rex Martin, EIN presents Maria’s first hand account of Elvis live in Las Vegas in 1969.  Maria’s account of the event is complemented by many wonderful photos she took in 1969 plus several from later seasons. Source: Rex Martin, Mar 2009) Read full article  Visit the Rex Martin Page on EIN

George Hamilton chose Colonel Parker over Elvis!: The actor recently recalled stories about Elvis, Marilyn and JFK in his new autobiography. Hamilton states that "You had a choice -- you could either be Elvis' friend or the Colonel's friend. I chose The Colonel. I saw the Colonel operate and saw what he did for Elvis and how smart he was," said Hamilton. "The Colonel would say to Elvis, 'You can't be in film and on stage at the same time. You don't want to compete with yourself.' Elvis didn't want to work that hard. He liked to be with the Memphis guys. He liked to play paddle tennis and play touch football." Go here for 'Gorgeous George's excerpts'. (Spotlight, Source;EIN)

'From Elvis To Garth' Bobby Wood & The Memphis Boys; EIN contributor Pamela Mays Decker turns a much-needed spotlight on Bobby Wood, keyboardist and a musical inspiration behind Elvis' important 1969 Memphis sessions. Extraordinarily the 40th anniversary of Elvis' pivotal recordings at American Studios has essentially passed without so much as a whimper and with no respectful fanfare from EPE. As part of The Memphis Boys Bobby Wood recorded some astounding material which totalled over 100 chart hits in four years – a feat yet unmatched. He is writing his memoirs subtitled "From Elvis to Garth" which is slated for later this year.  Go here for a fascinating look into Bobby Wood and this amazing musical scene.    (Spotlight, Source;Pam Decker/EIN)

'American Studios - A Turning Point In History': Elvis' pivotal recordings at American Studios in January and February 1969 were a key turning point, not just in Elvis' amazing legacy but also in music history. Extraordinarily the 40th anniversary of Elvis' American Studios sessions has essentially passed without so much as a whimper. There is no sign marking the site where these landmark sessions took place. There has also been no media focus commemorating the string of hits generated from Elvis’ all too brief Memphis convergence with legendary producer Lincoln Wayne "Chips" Moman and the talented musicians assembled in his studio. EPE has not even acknowledged the recording or release dates of these chart topping songs. EIN recently noted the 40th Anniversary of the first chart topping song from these sessions 'In The Ghetto' and now EIN contributor Pamela Mays Decker turns a much-needed spotlight onto these unique Memphis sessions. Click here for this fascinating spotlight. (Spotlight, Source;EIN/PamDecker)

In search of Oahu Elvis, Aloha From Hawaii: It is no secret that Elvis loved Hawaii and its people. He vacationed there on many different occasions and was personally involved in raising money for their charities. On her recent visit to the spectacular islands, EIN contributor Sanja Meegin checked out some of the places Elvis vacationed, filmed and performed during his many visits to this beautiful island. On her travels around Oahu, she was pleased to find that Elvis is still fondly remembered by many of the locals and his memory is still very much alive. Click here for some great photos and insights into Elvis In Hawaii. (Source;SanjaMeegin)

'In The Ghetto' - The 40th Anniversary: 'In The Ghetto' was released forty years ago today on April 14th 1969. While the NBC '68 TV Special, along with the single 'If I Can Dream', had pushed Elvis back to the forefront of popular culture once more, it would be the release of 'In the Ghetto' that would prove to everyone that Elvis was once again a powerful and relevant contemporary musical force. To celebrate the 40th anniversary EIN looks back in detail at the history of this classic song, including insights from Marty Lacker, as well as an interview with composer Mac Davis. Go here for this fascinating spotlight   (Spotlight, Source; EIN)

"The Gospel According To Elvis" - an EIN Spotlight by Nigel Goodall: In celebration of the new BMG release of 'I Believe: Elvis Gospel Masters' acclaimed author and EIN contributor Nigel Goodall explores this least appreciated influence on Elvis’ career. More than any other musical genre, gospel played a consistently important role in Elvis’ life, from his childhood to his final years on the road. Gospel music brought Elvis his only Grammy awards, and also became his consolation in times of stress or depression.  During the dark years of the 60s, when Elvis' recording career came close to collapsing in a sea of trivia, his spiritual releases acted as a beacon of artistic quality. Yet this side of Elvis' great legacy is too often ignored by the general public. Click here for this fascinating spotlight. (Spotlight, Source;EIN/Nigel Goodall)

Elvis' TWO Hollywood Walk of Fame stars: On the eve of the 49th anniversary of Elvis' Hollywood Walk of Fame Star (9 Feb 1960), Rex Martin's latest exclusive article for EIN tells the story of Elvis' TWO Hollywood Walk of Fame Stars. Apart from Rex's own article he has sourced other stories about the star and all are complemented by 9 great visuals. Elvis' Hollywood Walk of Fame Star is one of the least known parts of the Elvis story........until now!! Rex takes us behind the story and gives us the lowdown on the history of the Walk of Fame; how "stars" are awarded across 5 categories; some of the other celebrities to receive multiple stars; and the re-dedication of Elvis' star following damage. (Source: EIN, 8 Feb 2009)

'Hound Dog' new Leiber & Stoller autobiography: 'Hound Dog: The Leiber & Stoller Autobiography' by Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller with David Ritz has been announced for a June 9 release. The publicity notes, "In 1950 a couple of rhythm and blues-loving teenagers named Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller met for the first time. In 1956 "Hound Dog" would become a #1 record for Elvis Presley, and Jerry and Mike became the King's favorite songwriters. They wrote such early Elvis hits as "Jailhouse Rock," "Treat Me Nice," and "You're So Square (Baby I Don't Care)." Their affection for Elvis was mutual, but Elvis's manager, "Colonel" Tom Parker, didn't appreciate Jerry and Mike's independent ways and ended the relationship." Hardcover: 336 pages, Publisher: Simon & Schuster (June 9, 2009). ISBN-13: 978-1416559382. In a recent press interview they talked about their times writing in the fifties and working with Elvis. Mike Stoller: I always thought of it as R&B, but when people told us it was rock'n'roll I took their word for it. But rock'n'roll  -for a lot of people it was everything they loved and for other people it was everything they hated. Jerry Leiber: We were really committed to black music, not rock'n'roll. We thought rock'n'roll was really silly, to be frank with you and concocted by Alan Freed and Jerry Wexler and a couple of other ne'er-do-wells in the music business that were trying to rustle up publicity and excitement about a form, and the form was essentially white." Go here for the interview highlights. (News, Source;EIN)

Rex Martin talks about his friends Maria & Gladys Davies; Elvis in Houston and those reel-to-reel audio recordings: EIN presents another fabulous article from Rex Martin, publisher of the legendary Worldwide Elvis News Service Weekly. Rex's article includes rare photos of Elvis in Houston, stories of Rex's great friendship with the Davies sisters as well as details of the video film shot by Maria. Relive a piece of Elvis history as Rex recounts some wonderful memories. (Source: EIN, 27 Jan 2009) Coming soon to EIN: Maria Davies' report with photos of Elvis' triumphant return to live performing in Las Vegas in 1969!

Priscilla on Larry King Live - a photo montage: Priscilla Presley appeared on Larry King Live on 8 January to celebrate what would have been Elvis' 74th birthday. Rex Martin, publisher of the legendary Worldwide Elvis News Service Weekly, not only watched the show but put together a wonderful photo montage. Included in the 17 image montage are photos of Elvis, Graceland, Priscilla and Lisa. (Source: Rex Martin/Larry King Live, 10 Jan 2009)

When Elvis met Nixon: Scott recently posted the following commentary on powerlineblog.com: Today is the anniversary of the birth of Elvis Presley, who was born on this day in 1935. Elvis died of a life of excess and drug abuse at an absurdly young age. He had been a superstar for more than 20 years by the time he died, entombed in his own celebrity. When Elvis, Scotty and Bill found their way to the heart of American music with their recording of "That's Alright, Mama" in 1954, they (and Sun Records owner/producer Sam Phillips) knew they had done something special. Elvis found the heart of America -- the place where country, blues, and gospel meet -- many times over in his music. Indeed, after his artistic decline in the '60s, he willed himself to a second period of creative genius and genuine accomplishment at the end of the '60s and early '70s. Am I wrong in thinking that listening closely to the music all by itself can make us love our country more?

Elvis admired law enforcement officers and collected the badges of police departments he visited. In Los Angeles on a secret getaway from tensions at home in Memphis, Elvis became inflamed with the desire to be deputized by the federal Bureau of Narcotics and Dangersous Drugs (BNDD). He inveigled his friend Jerry Schilling to join him on a quick trip to Washington. Bodyguard Sonny West would fly in from Memphis to meet them. Elvis asked Schilling to take out some cash for the trip, which Elvis ended up giving away to soldiers returning from service in Vietnam.

California Senator George Murphy was coincidentally on the flight from Los Angeles to Washington. Elvis sought out Murphy back in tourist to enlist his assistance. On the flight Elvis wrote out a letter to President Nixon:

Dear Mr. President

First I would like to introduce myself. I am Elvis Presley and admire you and Have Great Respect for your office. I talked to Vice President Agnew in Palm Springs a week ago and expressed my concern for our country. The Drug Culture, The Hippie Elements, the SDS, Black Panthers, etc do not consider me as their enemy or as they call it The Establishment. I call it America and I Love it. Sir I can and will be of any Service that I can to help the country out. I have no concerns or motives other than helping the country out. So I wish not to be given a title or an appointed position, I can and will do more good if I were made a Federal Agent at Large, and I will help out by doing it my way through my communications with people of all ages. First and Foremost I am an entertainer but all I need is the Federal credentials. I am on the Plane with Sen. George Murphy and We have been discussing the problems that our country is faced with. Sir I am Staying at the Washington hotel Room 505-506-507. I have 2 men who work with me by the name of Jerry Schilling and Sonny West. I am registered under the name of Jon Burrows. I will be here for as long as it takes to get the credentials of a Federal Agent. I have done in depth study of Drug Abuse and Communist Brainwashing Techniques and I am right in the middle of the whole thing, where I can and will do the most good. I am Glad to help just so long as it is kept very Private. You can have your staff or whomever call me anytime today tonight or Tomorrow. I was nominated the coming year one of America's Ten Most outstanding young men. That will be in January 18 in my Home Town of Memphis Tenn. I am sending you the short autobiography about myself so you can better understand this approach. I would love to meet you just to say hello if you're not too busy.

Respectfully,
Elvis Presley

Upon his arrival in Washington on the morning of December 21, Elvis dropped the letter off at the White House and went off to a meeting (arranged by Murphy) with the director of the BNDD to seek a badge. He instead met with BNDD deputy director John Finlator, who refused Elvis's request for a badge. Back in the hotel room, however, Schilling received a call inviting Elvis to the White House for a meeting with the president.

Elvis's letter had prompted internal deliberations over the wisdom of a presidential meeting. Dwight Chapin's memo to Bob Haldeman summarizing Elvis's request is a bit clueless. The second page of the memo has Chapin's earnest advice and Haldeman's somewhat more astute response. Chapin writes: "[I]f the President wants to meet some bright young people outside of the Government, Presley might be a perfect one to start with." Haldeman responds: "You must be kidding." The meeting was nevertheless promptly approved and arranged. Elvis, Schilling, and West met up with White House aide Bud Krogh for Elvis's 12:30 meeting with the president in the Oval Office.

Bud Krogh's memo summarizes the meeting:

Presley indicated to the President in a very emotionial mamner that he was "on your side." Presley kept repeating that he wanted to be helpful, that he wanted to restore some respect for the flag, which was being lost. He mentioned he was just a poor boy from Tennessee who had gotten a lot from his country, which in some way he wanted to repay.

Elvis thought he could be helpful to Nixon "in his drug drive" and Nixon expressed "his concern that Presley retain his credibility." It was at this point that Elvis made his pitch for the BNDD badge. Nixon told Krogh that he would like Elvis to receive a badge.

Krogh wrote in a subsequent account of the meeting:

Elvis was smiling triumphantly. "Thank you very much, sir. This means a lot to me."...Elvis then moved up close to the President and, in a spontanous gesture, put his left arm around him and hugged him.

Not done yet, Elvis asked the president if he would see his friends Schilling and West: "It would mean a lot to them and to me." Schilling and West were ushered into the Oval Office. Nixon gave them the same tie clasps and cuff links with presidential seals that he had already given Elvis.

Elvis prompted Nixon: "You know, they've got wives too."

According to Guralnick, Elvis and Nixon then rummaged through Nixon's desk for suitable presents for the wives.

After lunch in the White House mess and a tour of the White House, Elvis was presented with the BNDD badge by Finlator at Krogh's office. Finlator promised to send along additional credentials.

"Leaving the White House," Guralnick writes, "Sonny and Jerry never stopped to ponder the many strange things that had occurred on this day. As far as they were concerned, there was one thing, and one thing only, responsible for whatever had happened to them, good or bad: they were with Elvis Presley."

At least this particular chapter of the Elvis story had a happy ending. (Source: Gail Carver, 8 Jan 2009)

EIN Exclusive!!! Very Rare Elvis Photos Unveiled: Many thanks to Rex Martin for this breaking news story and photos from BBC Antiques Roadshow............. ..........Elvis in Germany in 1960........ .............very rare photos revealed on UK TV show!   Read Rex's account of this breaking story and view the photos

Rick Husky, Elvis - and the TKE 'Man Of The Year' award: In mid 1960 Rick Husky from the TKE fraternity at Arkansas State College came up with the idea of presenting Elvis with a 'Man of the Year' Award for his considerable contributions to charity. Elvis had only recently returned from his stint of Army duty in Germany. Husky got the name of Elvis' secretary from a fan magazine and sent a letter to Graceland notifying him that TKE wished to present him with his award. But even he wasn't prepared for what followed when the world's biggest entertainer actually accepted their invitation to become an honorary TKE brother. Go here to the full story. (Source;theTrumann Democrat)

Parkes Elvis Festival - losing the plot?: More stories of behind the scenes politics and a lack of strategic foresight are coming to light as the 2009 Parkes Elvis Festival in Australia draws closer. In addition, fans have complained to EIN about what they see as a "tacky" television ad promoting the January event. They say it only reinforces the negative aspects of the Elvis legacy. EIN will publish a detailed report about the Parkes Festival issues later this week, including fan feedback.

Jesse D Presley - 'The Forgotten Presley': Born in 1896, Elvis' Grandfather Jessie D Presley was often regarded as the 'bad apple' of his family and with a reputation for being 'mean as hell'. Elvis supposedly had little connection with his Grandfather - which is not surprising since his ex-wife, Minnie Mae, lived with Elvis at Graceland. However with such a passing of time, all may not be as it seems. EIN contributor Tony Stuchbury recently investigated the stories of Elvis' Grandfather and decided that after all he may have been unfairly mis-represented within the Elvis history.  Go here for the full story and some wonderful photos exclusive to EIN. (Source;TonyStuchbury/ElvisInfoNet, Dec 2008)

Caroline Kennedy's Journalism Days -- And Meeting Elvis: Since Caroline Kennedy’s name resurfaced last week in the sweepstakes to replace Hillary Clinton as New York’s junior senator, reviews of her life often contain one brief line about her being a former "journalist" with some also referring to her once writing a story for Rolling Stone about visiting Graceland following Elvis Presley’s death – and somehow getting a rare private viewing of the King lying in state.

So let's dig a little deeper. A People magazine online bio observes that young Caroline "considered becoming a photojournalist (her mother's original career) but soon realized she could never make her living observing other people because they were too busy watching her."

However, she did, during college, intern at the New York Daily News in 1977, where according to People "she sat on a bench alone for two hours the first day before other employees even said hello to her." Explained former News reporter Richard Licata, "Everyone was too scared."

She was apparently doing "copy girl" tasks but the newspaper "had to post guards at every entrance to keep camera crews out. Once a photograph of Caroline fetching coffee for the editors from a local Bagel Nosh came over the wire in the newsroom even before she returned from her errand.

"Another time Caroline and Licata, who gossip columnists wrongly assumed was her boyfriend, snuck out the back door to avoid network reporters coming up to interview them." Caroline supposedly said, as the pair waited, "Now you have an idea what my life is like." Later she worked as a photographer's assistant at the Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria.

But Kennedy is best known, at least in the journalism field, for her Sept. 22, 2007 article in Rolling Stone. Reading it today, one may be surprised to find that it does not seem to match some of the recent press accounts which suggested that Caroline had sneaked into the mansion or carried out some other kind of derring-do.

Yes, the estate had been sealed off by cops and private guards as 75,000 gathered following Presley’s death on August 17, 1977. But Kennedy was simply outside mingling with others in line when Winslow "Buddy" Chapman, the director of police, “invited me into the house where a scarlet carpeted hall led into a large room filled with gold and white folding chairs," she wrote. "At the far end of the room was the gleaming copper coffin that contained the body of Elvis Presley. His face seemed swollen and his sideburns reached his chin.

“A couple in their late twenties stand beside the casket. The woman was sobbing. The man had his arm around her. Behind the coffin, an arch led to another room where a clear glass statue of a nude woman stood high off the floor, twirling slowly, adorned by glass beads that leaked like water. Potted plastic palms surrounded the coffin and on the wall was a painting of a skyline on black velveteen.”

Priscilla Presley entered. "Would you like a Coke or 7-Up?" she offered. Kennedy described the living room as mahogany-paneled and decorated with fur-covered African shields and spears.

Then Priscilla introduced Caroline to Elvis’s father, Vernon Presley, who was watching the 10 o’clock news in a nearby bedroom. Nobody in the group spoke.

At the front door, Caroline interviewed Charlie Hodge, Elvis' rhythm guitarist. "It's really hard to believe," he said. "I went to the dentist with him on Monday night around 9:30. We were getting ready for the tour and we talked about the songs we'd use. But we never did rehearse. We just used to make it up right on the stage….I've been with Elvis all day. Just this afternoon I shaved his sideburns. It was the least I could do."

Kennedy closed with this description: “Outside the front door were hundreds of wreaths; some spelled ‘Elvis’ in flowers, others were shaped like crowns, broken hearts, hound dogs and blue suede shoes.” (Article, Source: Greg Mitchell, editorandpublisher.com, Dec 2008)

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

'The Insiders Conference' Elvis Week 2008: Highlights of the Elvis Week 2008 Insiders Conference. Susan Graham has worked on several Elvis projects, including the production of the DVD '200 Cadillacs' and is a regular visitor to Memphis. In this special EIN series she has contributed three reports looking at the highlights of this year's Elvis Week. This first part looks at The Elvis Insiders Conference and includes some fascinating interviews with the following: Comedian Sammy Shore, The Imperials, EPE owner Robert Sillerman, Jerry Schilling and Joe Guercio, Susan Henning, Celeste Yarnell, Edward Faulkner and Francine York. (Source:EIN/SusanGraham)

Elvis' Influence as an Albums Artist: Throughout his career Elvis was considered to be a Singles artist rather than an Albums artist. This view was consistent with Singles being the dominant recorded music format during his first period of chart dominance. Singles dominated sales until 1968 when Albums outsold Singles for the first time. Despite Elvis' as a Singles artist, a number of his albums have become iconic, due to either their recordings (eg. From Elvis In Memphis) or a combination of music and their cover artwork (Elvis Presley; Elvis: '68 Comeback Special). In this "pictorial" Spotlight, it is the latter element we focus on as we present a cross-section of album covers which have copied Elvis' iconic record from 1958.......50,000,000 Elvis Fans Can't Be Wrong (Source: EIN, Oct 2008)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When he took over the Nashville office of MCA Records, he revolutionized the way things were done. He was able to take up-and-coming talent and turn them into superstars, including George Strait, Reba McEntire, Hank Williams Jr. and Rabbitt.

What I love the most about the entertainment business is “the talent.” From talent comes greatness. When you have talent, it is its own commodity which I call: “it.” Once you have “it,” your talent just has to come out in one way or another. The thing about the entertainment business is that it so subjective. You can walk down the street and run into ten different people, and get ten different stories about what “entertainment” is and where we now stand in the “entertainment business?”

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

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

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

About Lamar: Lamar Fike has had a wide-ranging career in the music business. Fans of Elvis Presley instantly recognize his name as a key member of The King of Rock & Roll’s entourage, also known as the Memphis Mafia. However, Fike once worked as a disc jockey, worked for Nashville music publisher Hill & Range, wrote a best-selling Presley book and had an important role at MCA Records in Nashville in the 1980s and 1990s. Drawing upon all of these experiences, Fike recently completed work on an autobiography entitled “Fike: An Uncommon Journey” and a screenplay, “’57-’60: One of the Boys.” For both projects he teamed up with New York Times best-selling author Mark Bego, and he and Bego collaborated on the screenplay with filmmaker D. Edward Stanley. Lamar, who now resides in Texas, was Elvis’s friend, confidante and “sounding board.” He calls his own colorful observations “Fikeisms.” (Oct 2008)

Read EIN's 2008 interview with Lamar

The Cult of Elvis.....the King of Rock 'n' Roll died for our sins!: In our latest Spotlight feature, EIN offers three disparate articles looking at a controversial subject which is of increasing interest to both fans and academia. Is Elvis worship really a cult or growing religion? (July 2008)

Elvis as reflected in Mexican Folk Art, on velvet....and more: EIN presents a visual look at how Elvis' socio-cultural impact has been reflected in Mexican Folk Art and on velvet. From colorful visuals to heartfelt designs the eclectic nature of these artworks is both interesting and open to varying interpretations. (Source: EIN, July 2008) Visit EIN's "Elvis Art Archives"

Andy Warhol - The Elvis Works: In this narrative and pictorial article we look at some of the iconic images by pop artist, Andy Warhol. The visuals range from variations of "Elvis in Flaming Star" to "Red Elvis". ( Source: EIN, June 2008)   Visit EIN's "Elvis Art Archives"

Elvis' Top 10 Films: On Tuesday 10 June we ran the Top 10 Elvis Films as ranked by Film World. We asked for your views on the list and your favorite Elvis films. Click here to read your feedback

Author Chris Matthews responds to your feedback: There was a strong critical response to our recent interview with author/researcher Chris Matthews on his Name Code trilogy. In this article Chris responds to the major criticisms about his controversial findings and offers us more food for thought. (Spotlight, Source: Christopher Byrnes Matthews)

Should RCA have released an Elvis "Folk" album in 1971?: In 1971 Elvis recorded a lot of different musical genres in that year as featured in the recent FTD 'I Sing All Kinds'. Elvis’ 1970 Country album was a great idea, so it is a shame that with Elvis’ interest in contemporary folk music RCA missed the chance to release a "Folk" themed album. RCA failed to capitalise on these new secular recordings releasing the lacklustre 'Elvis Now' instead. In this article EIN suggests the possibility of a stronger "folk" themed album that should have been released in its place. Click here to read our Spotlight on Elvis "Folk" and our selection for the album 'Elvis: In The Early Morning Rain'. And click here to HAVE YOUR SAY as you can also send us you own suggestions of your favourite tracklist of album idea. (Source: EIN, May 2008)

New Elvis sculpture completed: Michael Kuznetsov has completed his latest Elvis sculpture. Michael has told EIN: " This sculpture is made of polymer clay turned into plastic after baking. It is only 7 inches high." Michael's sculptor's gift was inspired by seeing many Elvis action-figures having nothing in common with their fabulous prototype. (Source: Michael Kutnetsov, April 2008) See more images

The '68 Special - 40th Anniversary Celebration: How lucky in life would you be to get to the recording of Elvis' 68 TV Special and also make it to the recent 40th Anniversary screening in L.A? EIN's correspondent Joan Gansky is one of those few very fortunate fans. Joan Gansky not only met Elvis multiple times - but being at the original NBC recording of the 68 Special truly changed her life! Here are her unique recollections of attending the recent 40th Anniversary celebration - as well as her thoughts on being there back in June 1968. This EIN exclusive features comments by Steve Binder, Priscilla, Bones Howe as well as great close-up photos by Paul Gansky. Click here for the full article. (Spotlight, Source;EIN/JoanGansky)

Is the new 'T.T.W.I.I' Classic Album release just a rehash of the 30th Anniversary BMG issue? The April FTD release of 'That's The Way It Is' is an interesting one with several fans writing to EIN saying that FTD's recently announced 'TTWII' deluxe Classic Album release is only a revisit of the BMG 30th Anniversary 3-CD TTWII' Special Edition and not worth ordering. As Elvis fans often complain of being forced to buy the same material repeatedly for only a couple of new Elvis snippets - are they being ripped off once again? EIN's Piers Beagley checks out the details and reasons that this FTD version will in fact become a firm favourite. (News, Source; EIN)

The Night Elvis Reclaimed His Crown: In summer 1968, Elvis Presley taped a television special to be broadcast that Christmas. Fifteen years earlier, he had walked into Sun Studios in Memphis to make a record as a present for his mother, or so the story goes, and changed history.The special begins in darkness, to the sound of a whomping, Muddy Waters-ish blues riff, and then a famous face fades in, turning toward the camera, filling the screen, meaning business.... "Singer Presents Elvis" is a great moment in music, in television, and in the narrative of his own life -- a moment of change, when what was lost is found again. He regains his voice -- and in so doing becomes at once who he was and who he'll become. His singing has the lilt of youth but with a mature edge. He is 33 years old, lean and chiselled and -- what he had not seemed in years -- a little dangerous. . . . . .   (Spotlight, Source;LATimes)

Breaking down Presley and Beatlemania: In a very stimulating commentary, likethebike presents his case for Presleymania and Beatlemania. EIN recommends this very thoughtful and cogent commentary to all readers. With themes including sexual tension, civil rights, backlash by society's cultural arbiters, r&b integration and realising the American dream.......this is a powerful exposition! (Source: likethebike)

Is Britney today's Elvis?: Laura Barton from the Guardian News Service presents a cogent case why Elvis and Britney are similar..in more ways than one! (6 Nov 2007) Read article

Ron Strauss, the pilot of the Lisa Marie: We found this interesting article (posted by Robert from the Netherlands) on the FECC board. (Source: Robert, FECC board, 1 Nov 2007)

Elvis by the numbers: Elvis Presley may have left the building 30 years ago, but that hasn't stopped the company that owns his name from putting up more buildings. (Sale of Estate, Source: Forbes, Aug 2007)

Million dollar and less Elvis artworks (Spotlight article): EIN recently took a look at the intriguing world of Elvis artworks. From million dollar pieces to the more affordable, it is a bourgeoning area offering a variety of styles which satisfy varying personal tastes. Is the artwork opposite worth more than its asking price of US$3,000,000.00+??? In our article we offer tips for those wanting to invest in "Elvis artworks" and images of an eclectic variety of works currently for sale on eBay. (Source: EIN, Oct 2007)

"Elvis" the 1990 TV series: In this Spotlight article EIN takes a look at the shortlived but fondly remembered dramatisation of the "early" Elvis story which aired on prime time TV in the US in 1990. With background information, a cast listing, production details, episode guide, photos, reviews and an analysis of why the series failed, this is one of the most comprehensive articles available about the series. (Source: EIN, Oct 2007)

"Elvis Rules on TV": Today we publish a major update to our popular Spotlight article "Elvis Rules on TV". From the article: To date there have been few serious examinations of Elvis themes on television and most listings of Elvis on television have focused on US programming. What follows is arguably the most comprehensive listing of Elvis themes, reference points and motifs on the small screen, taking in programs from the US, UK, Europe and Australia. In this update we have added more than a dozen substantive entries, added a new category, and also provide details of programs known to be available on DVD. ( Source: EIN, Oct 2007)

"I gave up my life for Elvis": Patti Parry met Elvis Presley when she was 17, and it was just as you might imagine it. The year was 1960 and it was a sunny day in California. She and her girlfriend were driving down Santa Monica Boulevard in an old Buick on their way to a fraternity party and they spotted a fancy black Rolls Royce. Read Patti's story as she became known as "Elvis' little sister" and the only female member of the Memphis Mafia. (Sep 2007)

Spotlight on Kata Billups - Elvis artist "extraordinaire": Today we look at some of the amazing Elvis artworks by contemporary artist Kata Billups. An original Kata Billups can sell for up to hundreds of thousands of dollars, while her "replica originals" are more affordable to the ordinary buyer. Kata is known around the world for her stunning works. Some of the celebrities who collect Kata's works are Julia Roberts, Susan Sarandan and Bob Dylan. (Source: EIN, Sep 2007) Read our article & view 20 of the Kata Billups "Elvis collection"

Elvis lived to rock, but loved gospel: We came across this interesting article/review based around Joe Moscheo's recently published book, The Gospel Side of Elvis. It includes: Presley, who was raised in a soul-filled Assembly of God church in East Tupelo, Miss., eventually had to abandon regular church attendance as his popularity skyrocketed. After he nearly started a fan frenzy one Easter at First Assembly of God in Memphis, he decided to limit his spiritual diet to gospel music recordings and Sunday sermons from his favorite TV preacher, Rex Humbard. Read full article (Source: Religion News Service, 31 Aug 2007)

How Elvis changed Tom Petty's life: Tom Petty is a well-known US singer and guitarist who has produced numerous hit singles such as 'American Girl', the #7 hit 'Free Fallin', the #12 hit 'I Won't Back Down', and a 1981 #3 with Stevie Nicks on 'Stop Draggin' My Heart Around.' In 2002 Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  Elvis changed Petty's life when one summer morning in 1961, an 11-year-old Tom Petty sat on pine straw in his front yard, wondering how he was going to spend his day. By the end of the afternoon, he knew how he would spend his life. The difference made by that afternoon added another notch to rock 'n' roll history, and a tantalizing addition to Florida lore. For, by the end of the day, the young Petty would encounter none other than Elvis Presley, the swivel-hipped sensation who had already been crowned "The King of Rock 'n' Roll." And by that evening, the Gainesville youngster would be forever fascinated - and hooked - on rock 'n' roll. "I caught the fever that day and I never got rid of it," says Petty. "I learned all of those early Elvis songs, and having that kind of background in rock 'n' roll, of where it had come from, has served me to this day. It became an invaluable thing to have. So for that, I thank him." Click here to read the full story in our EIN spotlight. (Spotlight, Source; Gainesville.com)

Bono talks Elvis: U2's lead singer, Bono, has some very interesting things to say about Elvis: "In Elvis, you had the whole lot; it's all there in that elastic voice and body. As he changed shape, so did the world: He was a Fifties-style icon who was..." read full article (Source: U2 France)

How did Elvis get turned into a Racist?: Noted Elvis biographer penned this insightful article for The New York Times. Mandatory reading for any fan wanting to know what lies behind continuing accusations that Elvis was racist. (Source: The New York Times, Aug 2007)

Arena that hosted Elvis being demolished: The Toledo Sports Arena played host to innumerable bands and celebrities over the years, but only once was it deemed fit for a king. Elvis Presley, the rising musical monarch of the ’50s, gyrated into town for two Thanksgiving Day concerts in 1956 and blew Toledo away. “The screaming youngsters frequently bordered on hysteria,” a Blade reporter wrote in the next day’s paper. Read full article (Source: Ryan E. Smith, Toledo Blade, July 2007)

Boots Randolph; Elvis' finest saxophone player: An EIN Tribute: Homer "Boots" Randolph was one of the key Nashville musicians. During the 1960s he played on scores of hit records by such artists as Brenda Lee, Roy Orbison, the Everly Brothers and of course Elvis. Boots also had his own amazing success in 1963 with the whacky tenor-sax sound of 'Yakety Sax'. Boots Randolph's fabulous sax-work fitted perfectly within Elvis' 1960's Nashville band and often seemed to push Elvis' blues work to new highs. Boots was booked to perform this year at Elvis Week in Memphis and although he sadly won't be there in person, there is no doubt that his fabulous spirit will live on. Boots Randolph died on 3 July 2007. EIN presents a tribute to this very fine musician. (Source: EIN, July 2007)

Spotlight on 'Elvis 30th Anniversary Concert' - The Ultimate Review: The shared emotions of this adoring, loving, crowd wrapped up in the beauty of Elvis as he sang from his heart and soul will never be repeated. When we arrived at the FedEx Forum at 7.15pm we were prepared for anything. We had had such a great trip, that nothing could dampen our spirits, but I don’t think anything prepared us for the treat we were about to experience. Just walking into that massive stadium was electrifying…. the atmosphere was something I had never experienced, and the sense of anticipation was spine tingling. Thanks to EIN the whole group had some great seats, and a surprise was in store for us later in the evening. . . Do Not Miss this EIN ultimate review of the final 'Elvis In Concert' - plus 'The Midnight Show'. Includes complete set-lists and photos. It was a very magical experience. (Source;EIN)

2007 Elvis Week EIN Exclusive Photos and complete reports:

Every year EIN's Sanja Meegin provides some of the BEST photos from Memphis - and 2007 is no exception.

Click here for a tasty insider's selection. Continuing our exclusive reports from Elvis Week in Memphis, EIN supplies all the news and photos that other websites missed. Go here for all of EIN's Elvis Week reports. (Source; EIN/SanjaM)

Spotlight on 'Elvis 30th Anniversary Concert' - The Ultimate Review: The shared emotions of this adoring, loving, crowd wrapped up in the beauty of Elvis as he sang from his heart and soul will never be repeated. When we arrived at the FedEx Forum at 7.15pm we were prepared for anything. We had had such a great trip, that nothing could dampen our spirits, but I don’t think anything prepared us for the treat we were about to experience. Just walking into that massive stadium was electrifying…. the atmosphere was something I had never experienced, and the sense of anticipation was spine tingling. Thanks to EIN the whole group had some great seats, and a surprise was in store for us later in the evening. . . Do Not Miss this EIN ultimate review of the final 'Elvis In Concert' - plus 'The Midnight Show'. Includes complete set-lists and photos. It was a very magical experience. (Spotlight, Source;EIN)

2007 Elvis Week EIN Exclusive Photos and complete reports: Every year EIN's Sanja Meegin provides some of the BEST photos from Memphis - and 2007 is no exception. Click here for a tasty insider's selection. Continuing our exclusive reports from Elvis Week in Memphis, EIN supplies all the news and photos that other websites missed. Go here for all of EIN's Elvis Week reports. (News, Source; EIN/SanjaM)

50,000,000 Elvis fans can't be wrong - Manilow is the man!: Who is the king of Vegas? Elvis...Sinatra...Wayne Newton...Barry Manilow? Who has the most passionate fans? Elvis fans need to read this very interesting and thought provoking article - there is much food for thought! (Source: Fletch, Dry Heat The Blog, 15 June 2007)

New theater play "The Elvis Test": Julian Stone's "The Elvis Test" is a clever if cautious imagining of the only time, apparently, that Elvis Presley took LSD. The play is a story of people crippled by insecurities and codependencies, and Stone sketches these vividly. Elvis, egged on by Steve, has come to realize that his deference to manager Colonel Tom Parker has led his career away from music to making schlock movies aimed at family markets. Read full review (Review, Source: Steven Mikulan, LA Weekly, June 2007)

ELVIS - The Greatest Singer of All-Time: Britain's Q magazine (The Essential music guide) recently selected the finest voices in music history. Presented as a list of the 100 Greatest singers of all-time, their 10 greatest songs were also nominated. Johnny Cash made #14, Roy Orbison #23, Ray Charles #24, Tom Jones #71 and Smokey Robinson #95. Here are the top five with you-know-who at Number One! John Lennon #5; Otis Redding #4; Frank Sinatra #3; Aretha Franklin #2; Elvis Presley #1. EIN presents Q magazine's article about Elvis, as well as their Top Ten key Elvis Songs. (Source: EIN/Q)

Elvis in the gossip magazines - Part 2: One of our most popular items in 2006 was a look back at 25 Elvis covers from gossip magazines. The covers symbolised the public's ongoing fascination with Elvis as an important pop culture icon. Today we publish a second photo spread with a further 20 magazine covers. From the hush hush wedding for Elvis and Linda Thompson to the fan murdered near Graceland, this is another thought provoking collection. (Spotlight, Source: EIN)

When the Big O met the King: Roy Orbison's impact on popular music is indelible. However, had it not been for a 1955 concert at Midland High School, it is entirely possible Orbison's superstar career might never have happened. The Oct. 12 package show starred Elvis Presley....read full story (Source: Sanja Meegin, May 2007)

EIN's 'Best of 2006': 2006 was surely the year of the calm before the storm of all the '30th anniversary' releases. However with hundreds of Elvis CDs, books and DVDs still released in 2006 there was an astounding amount of material for avid Elvis fans to buy. EIN's bank manager told us that we had spent far too much in 2006 - and so to aid the unsuspecting Elvis fan we present our annual round-up of last year with EIN's 'Best of 2006' where we choose our favourite selection of Elvis DVDs, CDs, books and more. (Source: EIN, Feb 2007)

Elvis on the Potomac: On March 23, 1956, Elvis played D.C. for the first and last time. The show, unlike the boat, rocked. Read full article (Source: Washington City Paper, 17 Feb 2007)

Elvis and the politics of pants: In the 1950s, Levi Strauss & Co. decided to update the image of its denim clothes. Until then, the company had been depending for sales on the romantic appeal of the Gold Rush and the rugged image of the cowboy. Hell, it was still calling its signature pants, the ones with the copper rivets, “waist overalls.” It didn’t want to abandon the evocative Gold Rush connection, but the postwar world was filling with consumption-minded creatures called “teenagers,” and it seemed time to rethink the company’s pitch.

So in 1956 Levi Strauss tried an experiment, releasing a line of black denim pants it called Elvis Presley Jeans. It was the perfect endorsement. Read full article (Spotlight, Source: Reason Magazine, 27 Jan 2007)

Elvis show in list of 25 greatest gigs ever: The King live on stage....celebrated author, Nik Cohn, tells us why Elvis' concert at the Nassau Coliseuim in 1975 is one of the best ever. (Source: Observor Guardian, Jan 2007)

James Brown and Elvis, soul-brothers and spiritual kin: Elvis was "The King of Rock and Roll", James Brown was "The Godfather of Soul" and both changed our musical world forever. But while many Elvis fans know only a little about James Brown, in many ways Brown was a spiritual kin to Elvis and understanding their careers is essential to comprehending the era they lived in, the music that they made and the lives they changed. In this fascinating article EIN’s Harley Payette & Piers Beagley check out their connections and the power of their music. (Source EIN, Jan 2007)

Spotlight on Gordon Stoker of The Jordanaires: Recently we featured our EIN in-depth interview with Ray Walker of The Jordanaires. Now we turn our EIN spotlight on Gordon Stoker who has been singing first tenor with The Jordanaires since 1953. EIN contributor Pam Harris is from Gordon Stoker's home county and met up with the great man. As Pam notes, "Mr Stoker is a super nice gentleman who refuses to say anything negative about Elvis.  He truly loved Elvis." (Source: EIN)

Elvis Presley In Concert "downunder" tour. ALL the reviews, photos and information: EIN proudly presents a spotlight on 'Elvis Presley In Concert' 2006. Here are all the fan reviews of this fabulous series of 2006 concerts, plus interviews with DCE, as well as a look at the special Elvis exhibition. Featuring reviews of all the recent shows in Australia, New Zealand and Thailand. Elvis performed at his absolute best - You should have been there! Source: EIN/various, Nov 2006)

Elvis in the "gossip" magazines: During his lifetime Elvis was one of the most popular cover stories for the very popular "gossip" magazines. EIN has delved into its archives and presents a pictorial essay featuring 25 magazine covers from the 1950s to late 1970s. From Elvis' search for his lost love child, to his plans to marry Elizabeth Taylor, and what he did for Cher before she married Gregg Allman, the covers and headlines traverse a very wide and conflicting range of themes. They are an amazing and enlightening aspect of one part of our recent pop culture phenomenon. Due to the size and number of images in this article the page may be slow to load. (Source: EIN, Oct 2006)

Graceland is top rock 'n' roll attraction in America: Writer John Bordsen took a tour of Graceland and tells us what to keep in mind when visiting rock 'n' roll's holy grail. (Source: The Charlotte Observer, October 2006)

ELVIS WEEK 2006 - The exclusive EIN photographs & reports: Wrapping up our Elvis Week 2006 reports, EIN Roving Reporter Sanja Meegin presents her favourite photos. Although relatively quiet this year, there was still plenty of fun to be had and the Insiders' Conference was a must. Check out all of Sanja's 81 photos - plus Elvis' jumpsuits close-up. And see you all there next year! (Spotlight, Source EIN Sanja Meegin, August-September 2006)

'Elvis In Concert' 1977 TV special; Should it be released officially? There is always a heated debate as to whether Elvis' final TV special should be released. Should we accept Elvis with the sadness & pain of his last concerts, or do we agree with EPE's policy of glorifying the god-like Elvis mega-star and deny that anything changed after 'Aloha'? Some fans scream YES for the release of 'Elvis In Concert', yet they are often labelled as idiots for wanting Elvis' good clean image once again vilified. In this stimulating article, Gary V explains why most of us are in fact deluded! (Source: Gary V/EIN, September 2006)

"The Elvis Cover-Up" - Geraldo Rivera 20/20 documentaries: EIN recently obtained a copy of the unofficial DVD release of the "20/20" investigations into Elvis' death. Based on a "leaked" copy of the toxicology report on drugs in Elvis' body when he died, and the book, "The Death of Elvis What Really Happened" by Thompson & Cole, the original hour long special (September 1979) plus several follow-up stories are enlightening 'tabloid' viewing. Rivera exposes the role of Dr Jerry Francisco in going public with a cause of death (cardiac arrythmia) at odds with the official autopsy findings (polypharmacy). The 20/20 investigations were instrumental in leading to the indictment of "Dr Nick". Also featuring a lucid Ginger Alden, the DVD is compelling viewing. In a follow-up to the most controversial article EIN has ever pubished (the Beeny DNA evidence), EIN examines the iconic Rivera reports. (Source: EIN, September 2006)

'The Real Failure of Elvis' movie career': All Elvis' movies made profit. Amongst the music-travelogues were some strong dramatic roles demonstrating Elvis' acting potential. So what went wrong? Is The Colonel to blame or did Elvis misunderstand the demands of the film industry? In this fascinating article, EIN contributor Harley Payette investigates whether Elvis really could have been 'a contender'. (Spotlight/Celluloid Elvis, Source: EIN August 2006)

'Elvis Presley In Concert' - Elvis still hasn't left the building: The 'Elvis Presley In Concert' event is touring Australia in October. EIN discovered this appealing independent newspaper review of a recent show in Newcastle, England. There, after 29 years, the importance of Elvis was finally revealed! (Source: EIN/Independent)

Elvis and Jack Lord - a special friendship: Elvis had the ability to touch others’ lives as few human beings ever could. Hawaii 5-0's actor Jack Lord & his wife Marie were two people to have had a close bond with Elvis and here both Marcia Borie & Charlie Hodge describe their story. This tale of their friendship is a touching one & worth reflecting back on during this important month. (August 2006, Source: EIN)

The death of an icon: On the 29th anniversary of Elvis' passing, American Heritage looks back at the events on August 16, 1977. (Source: American Heritage, August 2006)

Rolling Stone magazine picks favorite Elvis tracks: On the anniversary of Elvis' death, Rolling Stone editors have selected their favorite Elvis tracks. (Source: Rolling Stone)

What's up with 'Elvis The Magazine'?: They claim 86,000 subscribers but many fans are suspicious. Originally a quarterly newsstand magazine, for a number of years now it has only been a bi-annual release. EIN takes a look at questions being asked about this once rightly proud magazine. Read our full report

1956 - A Watershed Year: In a fascinating article, Alfred Lubrano looks back at a year in history which changed our culture...a year infused with the eclectic, cross-over sounds of Elvis Aaron Presley. Against a backdrop of exploding hydrogen test bombs, a frigid Cold War, and the nascent civil-rights movement, the year 1956 was not understood as an important precursor to the 1960s and beyond until recently. (Source: Philadelphia Enquirer, 8 Aug 2006)

Elvis fans recall Miami debut: A shredded pink sports jacket, scathing editorials and a lot of young enthusiasm are part of the memories of Elvis Presley's first Miami performance...In a fascinating article, Margaria Fichtner looks back at the Elvis phenomenon and the moral devate surrounding his early performances. (Source: Miami Herald, 3 Aug 2006)

Controversial university study compares fans of Elvis and the Beatles: In the late 1970s the findings of an Elvis related university research study were published in a prominent US psychology journal. At the time, in the absence of the Internet, the tyranny of distance, and a resistance to things academic, the study was not widely publicised in Elvis circles, but when it was it created widespread uproar, incensing many fans! It is undoubtedly the most controversial academic paper ever published about the Elvis world. EIN warns Elvis fans, you won't like some of what you read Read the full article (Source: EIN/Man From Memphis)

Elvis vs. The Beatles - The Matrix Argument: Continuing our controversial series of articles comparing the impact of Elvis and The Beatles, in this article we present a tabular (matrix) comparison of the two musical-cultural icons plus supporting arguments/views. Our examination is based on a review of a cross-section of online and printed material about both artists. Your feedback will be added to the article over the coming weeks. (Spotlight Elvis, Source: EIN)

Elvis and Jack Lord - a special friendship: Elvis had the ability to touch others’ lives as few human beings ever could. Hawaii 5-0's actor Jack Lord & his wife Marie were two people to have had a close bond with Elvis and here both Marcia Borie & Charlie Hodge describe their story. This tale of their friendship is a touching one & worth reflecting back on during this important month. (Source: EIN)

Ken Lay and Elvis, through a curious coincidence, are on my mind: So says Joe Guzzardi in his interesting article about similarities between the deceased & disgraced Enron chief and Elvis....and a cadillac connection. Read the full story (Source: vdare.com)

The King has rebel roots: The King of Rock and Roll is famous for his blue suede shoes, but one American woman wants him to be remembered for his relatives who sported gray. Barbara Lee Rowe, who says she's a fourth cousin of Elvis, recently opened a store on Steinwehr Avenue commemorating Elvis' Confederate cousins and uncles who served at the Battle of Gettysburg. (Source: The Evening Sun, June 2006)

Tucson fans lavished Elvis: One night and one night only,"the nation's only atomic-powered singer" gave us his all at the Tucson Rodeo Grounds. His name: Elvis Presley. On June 10, 1956, a day that would top out at 108 in the shade, Elvis brought his famous pelvis to town for the first time. Click to read full story (Opposite: Sheriff's deputies escort Elvis Presley to his car after a press conference at the Tucson Rodeo Grounds in June of 1956)

Sale of EPE analysed: Sherwin Willmott takes a close look at the sale of 85% of EPE's marketing arm to businessman, Robert Sillerman and identifies a global market for the Elvis brand and a "sweetheart" deal for Lisa Presley. (Spotlight Elvis/Sale of EPE Archives)

'Elvis helps bring peace to Afghanistan': Dutch Armed Forces preacher Fred Omvlee is stationed in the inhospitable terrain of Northern Afghanistan. He is not only an ordained minister in the Dutch Protestant Church but also a huge Elvis-fan. Chaplain Omvlee carries with him the religious appreciation of Elvis' life & music wherever he is working, and has even discussed Elvis with the local Afghan mullah. Here is his fascinating story. (Spotlight: Source: EIN, May 2006)

Act Naturally: Elvis Presley, the Beatles and "rocksploitation.": EIN recently came across this erudite analysis of Elvis and Beatles films. It is an excellent article going way beyond the usual surface analysis of Elvis' body of film work. (Source: Screening The Past, 23 May 2006)

'MOJO Magazine'; The British music magazine MOJO, May 2006, is in Australian stores right now. Celebrating their 150th issue, the focus is on Elvis in 1956. Robert Gordon wrote the sensational book 'The Elvis Treasures' and his 14-page feature article is yet another excellent & insightful look at Elvis’ pivotal year. Not only that, but the magazine also comes with a fascinating 15-track Bonus CD saluting The King. This includes some very collectable highlights, as well as classic Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash & Roy Orbison versions of Elvis' songs. (CD Review and Spotlight: Source: EIN, May 2006)

The Death of Elvis Presley? - DNA evidence flawed: In an absorbing major article, EIN today presents the findings of its investigation of the DNA evidence supporting the contention that Elvis did not die in August 1977. EIN's inquiry, undertaken with the assistance of a professional investigation company, exposes the flaw in the DNA claims, provides a timeline of the "Is Elvis Alive?" conspiracy story, and looks at various other strands to the conspiracy theory. ( Conspiracy, Source: EIN)

Sid Shaw critical of EIN report - responds with article on legal battle: On 18 April 2006 we published news of concern and actions being taken by ETAs in the light of news reports that Robert Sillerman may be moving to licence or regulate ETAs. Sid Shaw who operates Elvisly Yours in the UK believes we misrepresented his legal battle with EPE. In his latest Elvisly Yours Cyberclub newsletter, Sid provides an illuminating account of his 'David & Goliath' legal battle with EPE (Source: Sid Shaw)

What was Elvis' worst day as a performer?: What was Elvis' biggest failure as a performer? Was it his appearance at the Grand Ole Opry in 1955?.....No. Was it Las Vegas in 1956?.....No. EIN takes a look at a little known appearance which was Elvis' worst day on stage. (Source: EIN)

Elvis' musical legacy - 'A Complete Body Of Work': Elvis produced more great music than the Beatles did or the Beach Boys or Michael Jackson or Bo Diddley or Chuck Berry. The only artists to come close to matching it, in terms of depth, are Ray Charles, Bob Dylan and maybe James Brown. So why do Elvis fans often have to defend his astounding musical creativity? EIN contributor Harley Payette explores Elvis' musical legacy - could Elvis have done more? (Source: EIN)

"The Best of Elvis": Following the popularity of EIN's recent article looking at the Top 10 Elvis releases of 2005, we've now gone a step further to identify our listing of the "best ever " Elvis records/CDs, books and DVDs. Today we unveil the first 26 CDs, books and DVDs in a list spanning 50 years of great releases. We will add to the list from time to time as we rediscover some of the greatest things Elvis to have ever come our way. Check inside, explore, and see if you agree with EIN. Have we got it right or have we lost the plot? (Source: EIN)

Elvis and the Mexican Bracero - is it true?: "It turns out that the main movie house in Lubbock was presenting the film "Love Me Tender," and as a special attraction Elvis would be there live. Pedro didn't think twice and asked his father's permission to go see the movie and meet Elvis in person". (Source: FECC)

Tribute to Charlie Hodge: EIN has prepared a tribute to Elvis' long time friend, Charlie Hodge. Our 1986 interview with Charlie will be added to the site in the next few days. (Source: EIN)

The Top 10 Elvis releases in 2005: Was 2005 a good year for Elvis new releases? Was there a book or a CD that really stood out amongst the plethora of Elvis material that was pumped out to unsuspecting Elvis fans? Well EIN has combed through its boxes of 2005 goodies and come up with our Elvis TOP TEN of 2005. We also include some worthy runners-up - and two real disappointments. (Spotlight Article, Source: EIN)

Wilson Pickett and Elvis: Wilson Pickett, born in Prattville, Alabama on March 18th 1941, died January 18th 2006 of a heart attack. One of the greatest souls singers of all-time, there may seem to be little connection with Elvis Presley. However at the peak of his success in the mid-sixties the "Wicked Pickett" caused similar controversy to Middle-America as Elvis had done in the fifties. Not only that but Wilson Pickett perfected his soul-style only after relocating to Memphis. (Source: EIN)

"Elvis That's The Way It Is": The Recut vs, the Original Film: In 2000, Ernst Jorgensen and film archivist Rick Schmidlin got together to try and rectify the problems of Dennis Sanders' original 'Elvis That's The Way It Is' film. New performances were edited into the flick and others cut. EIN expolores whether or not they got it right. (Source: EIN)

Elvis' bad break!: In a stimulating article, William F. Buckley Jr. asks why 700,000 people visit Graceland each year. (Spotlight article, Source: AP)

The tragic story of Jimmy "Orion" Ellis: EIN takes a detailed look at the amazing but eventually tragic story of Jimmy Ellis, a talented performer whose vocal similarity to Elvis was initially the key his success, but eventually part of his downfall. Featuring 25 images (including 19 album covers), several news stories, and EIN's biography of Ellis, we uncover the fascinating, bittersweet story of an entertainer who, as the "masked man", Orion, would briefly enjoy worldwide fame. From his adoption at a young age to his tragic murder, the Jimmy Ellis story is an enthralling ride. (Source: EIN)

A trip through Graceland: John Bordsen pays a visit to the Elvis mansion in Memphis, Tennessee and tells us about its highlights. (Spotlight article, Source: Sanja Meegin)

'Thoughts on Vegas': Just why do journalists see "Elvis in Vegas" as kind of shorthand 'for showbiz emptiness, sloth & tackiness'? Elvis' shows in 1969 & 1970 were pure dynamite - but it is also important to realize that Elvis' Vegas years were full of contradictions and complications. Not only did Elvis' act have a profound influence on other strip performers but it became the forerunner of the pop music show in general. Harley Payette has a deep look at Vegas and Elvis' relationship with the 'bright-lights' city. (Spotlight Article, Source: EIN. December 2005)

Extract from "The Presley Commission Report": One of the most elusive publications in the annals of Elvis literature is The Presley Commission Report into Elvis' "alleged" death on August 16, 1977. The following extract is from The Presley Commission Report. Even if you don't agree with the Commission's finding that Elvis did not die in August 16, 1977, the timeline and notes make for a greater understanding of events on that day. Some of the notations will undoubtedly generate debate. (Spotlight/Conspiracy, Source: The Presley Commission, 27 Nov 2005)

Paul McCartney on 'Heartbreak Hotel' in UNCUT: UNCUT, the music magazine celebrating its 100 issue, is out now locally in Australia. The collector's edition examines their "100 music & film icons that changed our world." As we previously reported Bob Dylan's 'Like A Rolling Stone' came in first place, with Elvis' 'Heartbreak Hotel' in second. Interestingly The Beatles came 3rd with 'She Loves You', yet it is Paul McCartney who actually justifies Elvis' placing above The Beatles! Here you can read why McCartney selected 'Heartbreak Hotel' as such an iconic event. (Spotlight Article, Source: UNCUT/EIN)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

'The First Cut Is the Deepest' - Elvis on the Creative Edge - Part 2 - The CD: EIN's Piers Beagley takes a look at Elvis at his creative best in the recording studio. Here in part 2 he selects 30 tracks for the perfect BMG CD that could enlighten the general public to hearing & understanding more than just another 'greatest hits' compile.(Spotlight Article, 2005/2003, Source: EIN)

'Elvis Seriously': Commentator Mike Handley wonders why, after Elvis was rightly crowned 'Artist Of The Century', the brilliance of Elvis' voice is too often ignored and misunderstood by people who should definitely know better. (Spotlight, Source: Mike Handley, EIN. September 2005)

Elvis on The Ed Sullivan Show- The Real Story: Given that many fans think Elvis is still alive despite his death certificate, highly publicized funeral, and gravestone, it’s no surprise that misunderstandings abound about his career. Among those events surrounded by fallacies—perhaps because it strongly affected popular culture as well as Elvis’s work—is his legendary first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show, 49 years ago today, on September 9, 1956. (Source: American Heritage)

EIN's exclusive reports & photos from Elvis Week 2005: Watch out Memphis 'The Walls Have Ears' and Sanja Meegin EIN's roving reporter was back once again to give us all the inside scoops. In her fascinating articles she reveals news about new DVD footage, yet more new outtakes, unknown tales of Elvis, family secrets and very emotional tears! Plus her sensational photos. You should have been there! (Spotlight, Source EIN Sanja Meegin)

"Elvis" - symbol of freedom of consumer revolution or power based decision?: In a stimulating article for Wired News, Momus looks at some weighty issues which, at least in part, involve The King. For instance, was McCaffery right that consumers could create a grass-roots revolution (for instance, rock 'n' roll) by buying what they wanted (for instance, Elvis records)? Or was Galbraith right to say that freedom of choice was mostly illusory, dictated by decisions made by producers, distributors, retailers, advertisers and authority? (Source: Momus, Wired News)

The importance of being Elvis: Film critic, John Ervin, looks at how Elvis has been portrayed on the big and small screen. (Source: Elites TV/Sanja Meegin, 22 Aug 2005)

Elvis rules on television: Our popular article examining Elvis' impact on the small screen has been updated. More than 40 entries have been added and a number of revisions made. (Spotlight Elvis, Source: EIN)

Tribute to Elvis: EIN presented its 28th anniversary tribute address at the commemoration, "Memories of Elvis" A Tribute to Elvis Presley, last Saturday in Canberra, Australia. (Spotlight, Source: EIN)

'Meeting Elvis' & 'Priscilla, when The King found his Queen':  Derek Johnson was a good friend of Elvis’ - maybe the only journalist to ever share a bunk with The King! He even received  personal invitations to stay at Graceland and has some wonderful stories to tell. Towards the end of his life, Elvis still confided in Johnson and made some very disturbing remarks about how sad his life had become. (Spotlight/Reference, Source: EIN. 8 August 2005)

How and where do I sell my Elvis collection?: In response to an increasing number of requests EIN receives for help in valuing and selling Elvis collections, we have prepared a detailed guide to having your collection valued and how to sell it. (Spotlight/Reference, Source: EIN)

"Welcome to Gulag Graceland": Just when you thought it was safe to approach Elvis Week 2005, Sid Shaw in England has published his latest attack on Graceland and EPE. Whether or not you agree with Sid, he certainly writes with a lot of passion. (Spotlight Article, Source: Sid Shaw, Elvisly Yours, 23 July 2005)

"Elvis Today", the LP revisited: Our recent posting about the July 2005 release of the updated classic album, "Elvis Today" caused a lot of interest. Ernst Jorgensen recently confirmed, exclusively to EIN, that CD2 will feature the Felton Jarvis produced, original Rick Ruggieri "RCA rough-mix". In this interesting article EIN’s Piers Beagley delves a little deeper into ‘Today’ to find out why it was Elvis’ final great LP and highlights some great new cover artwork from Spinout Designs. (Spotlight, Source: EIN, July 2005)

The King and I: Alice Kahn looks inside Priscilla Presley's best selling memoir, "Elvis and Me". (Spotlight Article, Source: San Francisco Chronicle)

False rumor taints Elvis: Continuing our series on accusations Elvis was racist and stole "black music, we look at an alleged comment made by Elvis in the mid 1950s: "The only thing Negroes can do for me is buy my records and shine my shoes." (Spotlight Article, Source: Cox News Service)

Elvis in Amarillo, Texas - a look back at "Elvismania": When Elvis appeared for the first time in Amarillo, it was before Hank Snow on the bill. The public didn't like him so that we had to cancel his performance and send Snow earlier than planned on the stage. That was 1955 - but in April 1956 it was totally different: the Auditorium was filled with 2547 visitors up to the last seat. The crowd broke through doors and windows in order to see Elvis. The fire defense patrol came in order to not let break the total chaos out. Before the show, we had major problems. The people stood so thickly pressed that it was impossible for us to open the doors! The crowd was so large, that on Buchanan Street the traffic simply stood absolutely still. I announced finally over a microphone that we would open the side entrances and the people flooded in. When only around 500 fans were left, we tried to open the front doors again. The mass pressed forward and a young girl was thrown through the glass door - however she wasn't hurt at all and wildly raced back in order to get a good seat. (Source: Paul Terry King...originally published in Bringin' It Back #10, April 1995)

The schism between Elvis' stage and studio work: In live concerts Elvis pleased himself by making sure that he pleased the audience. In the studio however many of Elvis' greatest performances came out of Elvis simply singing for his own entertainment. In this thought-provoking article EIN contributor Harley Payette puts the spotlight on this interesting dichotomy.  (Spotlight Article, Source: Harley Payette)

Elvis was a racist (#2): Continuing our series on accusations that Elvis was a racist and stole "black" music, we present a 1994 article by Steve Hammer certain to anger many fans. In it Hammer begins: "A distant relative of mine went to see the very last Elvis Presley concert, which was held in June 1977 at Market Square Arena. From all accounts, it was a travesty of a show. Elvis was fat, half-dead, bloated and sweating, tossing soaked scarves into the audience, walking through cruel parodies of his songs." (Spotlight article, Source: NUVO NewsWeekly)

Elvis vs. Jerry Lee Lewis: Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis went back a long way. But in 1976 one incident happened which strained their relationship. Jerry Lee arrived at Graceland - "He was screamin', hollerin', and cussin'...." (Spotlight article, Source: EIN/Memphis Flyer, June 2005)

Elvis was a racist?: The theme of Elvis being racist has been a recurring one since he sprang to fame in the 1950s. This is a recent article looking at this very emotive and controversial issue. (Spotlight Article, Source: The Village Broadsheet/Sanja Meegin, June 2005)

Elvis is making a killing: Drugs, hamburgers and even death have not blunted the appeal of the original rock star, writes Harry Mount. When Elvis died at the age of 42 on his ensuite loo at Graceland on August 16, 1977, he was in a terrible way. (Spotlight Article, Source: Fairfax Digital/Sydney Morning Herald)

Access all areas...Polaroid memories of Elvis: This week, 49 years ago, Elvis Presley performed Hound Dog, and the new rock 'n' roll was born. Paul McNamee talks to Al Wertheimer, a photographer who was given exclusive access to The King during that first, heady flush of fame. (Spotlight/Interview, Source: Belfast News

Elvis and the treasure chest of blood money: Chet Flippo reflects on the day Rolling Stone sent him to Memphis to cover Elvis' death...and the dirty tactics used by a rival magazine. (Spotlight Article, Source: CMT.com, 26 May 2005)

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Priscilla Presley 'No Angel' - EIN Spotlight: Is she, was she the Devil or Angel to Elvis? Priscilla, now 60, is still doll-like - dainty, impenetrably painted, with waxen cheeks and a pursed mouth that is under too much duress, after the tightening she has undergone, to blab out secrets. A face not lived in has no way of registering her distress. Her eyes, pinioned open, continue to look at the world with dazed wonder, and her voice is that of a breathy, tentative teenager. She speaks now about 'the bigness of Elvis Presley'. What you notice about Priscilla is her littleness - her frailty, and her bemusement at what has happened to her. It would be easy to call the adolescent who beguiled Elvis a nymphet, like Nabokov's Lolita. (Spotlight, Source;EIN)

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Elvis in the 1970s - a creative and commercial force that should not be ignored: The recent CBS 'Elvis' TV mini-series finished at 1968, the point that Elvis staged his great musical comeback. This unfortunately helps strengthen the public's belief that this was Elvis' "last great performance". Astoundingly the programme didn't even then bother to mention his extraordinary masterpiece 'Suspicious Minds' that followed, taking him once again back to the top of the charts! In this perceptive article Harley Payette puts the spotlight on Elvis in the 1970s, pointing out how both the general public and far too many Elvis fans are missing out on acknowledging some truly creative music. (Spotlight Article, Source: Harley Payette)

Elvis Rules on Television: We have updated our Spotlight article about Elvis' amazing impact on TV. There are now nearly 100 entries and the 11 new additions include "Elvis By the Presleys" the CBS mini-series "Elvis", Johnny Bravo and several TV/DVD documentaries. (Spotlight, Source: EIN, 14 May 2005)

Many pretenders to Elvis' throne: With anticipation high about this weekend's telecast of the new Elvis: The Early Years mini-series, this is an interesting article about other TV dramatisations of the Elvis story. (Spotlight article, Source: newsday.com, 4 May 2005)

Jimmy "Orion" Ellis gunned down: We recently found this archival article on the sad death of the singer at the center of the "Is Elvis Alive?" conspiracy throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, Jimmy (aka the masked man, Orion) Ellis. (Spotlight/Almost Elvis, Source: APB)

Spotlight on "Elvis Is Back": Why is 'Elvis Is Back!' such an important LP and did Elvis' first post-army session produce the greatest music of his career? EIN delves deep into those two important 1960 recording sessions that would shoot Elvis right back to the top of the charts (and we include several rare photos too). (Source: EIN)

Elvis Presley: Hero with a thousand faces: This fascinating and challenging paper explores the notion that Elvis Presley is becoming semi-divine by comparing his life story with those of legendary and mythical heroes, and other archetypal beings. Presley appears to fit more than one archetypal pattern of the mythical hero/king/god. Susan MacDougall presents the iconic Elvis in a light many fans may not have ever considered. (Spotlight Article, Source: Susan MacDougall)

Elvis Film Guide: We have updated our detailed look at Elvis' film career including reviews, film ratings and movie trivia. (Spotlight/Celluloid Elvis; Source: EIN, March 2005)

Was there anything before Elvis: John Lennon once said "Before Elvis there was nothing". How true was Lennon's statement. We found this thought provoking article on the Elvis World Japan site. In it, Will Friedwald from the New York Sun challenges Lennon's view but does it with an interesting twist. (Spotlight/Article, Source: Elvis World Japan)

Elvis rules on television!: Elvis' name, image and likeness have been a powerful icon on our TV screens for decades, yet the phenomenon is rarely discussed. EIN has put together a comprehensive listing of Elvis themes, reference points and motifs seen on the small screen, taking in programs from the US, UK, Europe and Australia. (Spotlight Article, Source: EIN, 22 Feb 2005)

Beware of false bootlegs - "From The Vaults of RCA": While the publicity announces a tracklist of potentially exciting new alternate takes and rehearsals, simple investigation reveals it to be an obvious rip-off lifting tracks off previous compiles and releases & containing nothing new. EIN's Piers Beagley tells us why we should not buy this release. (Spotlight/Article, Source: EIN, Feb 2005)

Most celebrity autographs sold are fake!: If you're interested in buying an Elvis autograph we recommend you read this article first. (Spotlight/News, Source: Yahoo News, Feb 2005)

Elvis not the only major artist to miss out at the Grammys: Elvis has only received three Grammy awards during his lifetime and all three were for his gospel recordings not his seminal rock & roll catalog. It turns out the Grammy Awards has a long history of ignoring major artists when it comes to handing out its awards. (Spotlight/Article, Source: Daily Trojan Online, Feb 2005)

Elvis sideman a friend worthy of the King: A meeting with Hugh Jarrett of the legendary Jordanaires. (Spotlight/Article, Source: East Memphis Appeal)

Elvis vs. Jerry Lawler in the ring!: Jerry Lawler, the King of Memphis wrestling offers a little known story about Elvis and wrestling, one that would have, had Elvis not died, seen Elvis vs. Lawler in a karate vs. wrestling match at the Mid-South Coliseum. (Spotlight/Article, Source: Jerry Lawler)

The pacing makes "Mamma Mia!" look like "Show Boat": All Shook Up the musical is now playing in its lead up to opening on Broadway. This is one of its early reviews. (Spotlight/Review, Source: Chicago Tribune)

EPE's new owner - Robert Sillerman: People interested in the sale of EPE should find this detailed article about Robert Sillerman particularly interesting. It details many of his business successes and gives several insights into the psychology of his character. (Sale of Estate/Spotlight Article, Source: NewYorkMetro.com)

Elvis in an alternate universe: ElvisEagle penned this interesting article about what Elvis might be doing at 70. (Spotlight Article, Source: ElvisEagle)

Elvis and Gospel Music: This article examines the influence of gospel music on the young Elvis Presley. (Spotlight/Article, Source: The Star Online)

Elvis’ 70th birthday- what if?: If Elvis had lived what would he be doing at 70? Perhaps he would be recording duet albums with other music superstars. EIN's Piers Beagley offers one view. (Spotlight Article, Source: EIN)

Elvis at 70: Would the pompadour be grey? Would arthritis have stilled the swivelling hips? Would the lip now curl above false teeth? If he were still alive, Elvis Presley would have turned 70 today. But old age and the unfortunate problem of being dead haven't slowed down the King as this article shows. (Spotlight Article, Source: Associated Press)

Elvis sells out...again!: According to The Washington Post, the sale of EPE isn't the firtst time The King has sold out! (Spotlight Article/Sale of Estate, Source: The Washington Post)

Journalist slams Elvis and his fans: According to Tim Luckhurst of The Times, Elvis fans have little musiucal taste and "Elvis contributed less than nothing" to rock & roll. This article is certain to get fans blood boiling. (Spotlight Article, The Times/Christine Bamford)

BMG, it's time for "Elvis' Greatest Hits" on DVD!: The time is right for BMG to invest the Definitive collection of Elvis' Greatest Hits on DVD. In this article we discuss why such a release is needed and the barriers to its production. (Spotlight/Article/Comment, Source: EIN)

The King of Rock sold his soul!: This incisive article from The Washington Post draws examples from Elvis' career that parallel the upcoming sale of EPE and the marketing of contemporary stars...with a less than flattering bottom line. (Spotlight Article, Source: The Washington Post)

SFX/SPEA Filing with U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission: This is the SFX/SPEA filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The filing makes very interesting (if heavy) reading and includes that the deal is contingent on a three-year audit of Lisa Presley's two combined entities (already underway), and that RFX made a down payment to Lisa Presley of $5 million. It also includes details of EPE's operating income and states that Lisa Presley will have the right to either serve as a director of the acquiring company or to designate an individual to serve on her behalf. (News/Article, Source: Email)

"Thank God 1981 sale of EPE didn't happen!": This is an interesting commentary from the Memphis Flyer on the sale of EPE to Robert Sillerman. (Spotlight/Article, Source: Memphis Flyer)

Is the sale of EPE a good or bad thing?: Elvis fans have reacted swiftly and strongly to the sale of EPE to Robert Sillerman. EIN has examined the arguments, and offers its analysis of what the sale means and whether or not the sale price is a reasonable one. (Spotlight/Article/Commentary, Source: EIN)

Bridge Over Troubled Water: Madeleine Wilson looks at the history of the classic track, Bridge Over Troubled Water and what Elvis' recording of it meant to songwriter, Paul Simon. (Spotlight/Article, Source: Madeleine Wilson/Susan MacDougall)

Article on Robert F.X. Sillerman: This is a long but informative article about the new owner of EPE. (Spotlight/Article, Source: Bill E. Burk)

Long live the King?: If Elvis is dead, why won't he die? We found this article recently. It looks at the continuing fascination some people have with the thought that Elvis may not be dead. (Spotlight/Article, Source: People Online)

Elvis at 69 - richer than ever: We've published this story before, however it is again getting a run in the online press following the sale of EPE, so we thought we'd re-add the link. (Spotlight/Article, Source: Bankrate.com)

Elvis fans - "The Following": Many words have been written over the years to describe Elvis' fans. Often they are steteotyped as being lower class women in rural areas. But how true is this broad assumption? Do Elvis fans conform to a general socioeconomic type that allows them to be 'profiled'? And what are Elvis' fans as a "group"? This is another article in EIN's series examining the question..."Why Elvis?" (Spotlight/Article, Source: EIN)

Redefining Elvis: Author Bobbie Ann Mason offers an interesting and honest view on the Elvis story and what "we" (the fans) did to him. (Spotlight/Article, Source: MiamiHerald.com)

How Great Thou Art: Elvis writer Madeleine Wilson looks at the origin, and meaning it had to Elvis, of one of his greatest gospel recordings, How Great Thou Art. (Spotlight/Article, Source: Madeleine Wilson/Susan MacDougall/Inaugural Elvis Presley Convention, Australia)

Rough road to the top for The King's Daughter: As the only child of rock & roll's first and most celebrated rock star, Lisa Marie Presley would have to work extremely hard to establish her own individuality, far far away from her famous Father. (Spotlight Article, Source: MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide/VH1.com)

How did Elvis die?: This informative article first appeared in the Salt Lake City Tribune on January 29th, 1978. It discusses Elvis' autopsy report, and the drugs found in his body. It is unlikely to please the conspiracy theorists. (Spotlight/Article, Source: Salt Lake City Tribune; added to site on Dec 8 2004)

Elvis film biography: We found this short biography of Elvis' film career in our archives. (Spotlight/Article, Source: Jason Ankeny, All Movie Guide - added to site on 8 Dec 2004)

500,000,000 fans can't be wrong, or can they?: Tony Galvin enters the debate on Elvis' alleged record sales with a spirited, well researched and argued case. If you are at all interested in how many records and CDs Elvis has sold don't miss this great article that adds real value to our discussions. (Source: Tony Galvin, November 2004)

Elvis: Sightings & Faith - Making Sense of the Seemingly Absurd: Is worship of Elvis a growing religion? This paper examines the two types of Elvis "sightings" and their link to what several commentators see as religion based around Elvis. The paper was presented at the Inaugural National Elvis Presley Convention held in Canberra, Australia in November 2004. (Source: EIN)

Does Elvis matter?: Is it Elvis that matters or what people think of Elvis that matters? This is an interesting look at Elvis' relationship to the Peterson trial in the US. (Source: Recordnet.com)

Quick reference guide to Lisa Marie Presley: EIN has compiled a series of facts and photos about the life and career of Lisa Marie Presley. (Spotlight/Article, Source: EIN)

Why can't Elvis compete on the DVD charts?: Both the Aloha and Comeback Specials were released with great fanfare. Have they lived up to the pr? EIN's look at the performance of long established, major artists on the Australian ARIA MUsic DVD Chart suggests there is cause for concern. (Spotlight/Article, Source: EIN)

Elvis and Jimmy Dean: We found this very interesting and colorful article on Elvis World Japan. A great story and rare photos. (Spotlight/Article, Source: ElvisWorldJapan)

Sir Cliff supports Elvis: In Europe on January 2005 the stars who created rock’n’roll could lose the rights over the classic hits that made them famous. Sir Cliff Richard has weighed into the debate supporting not only Elvis but particularly those who only had one or two hits. (Spotlight/Article, Source: The Times)

Broadway musical "all shook up" as original Elvis replaced: A new Elvis has been announced for the upcoming musical, All Shook Up. (Spotlight/Article, Source: Playbill)

Elvis industry flourishes but what is the future?: Twenty-seven years after his death Elvis is the most profitable "dead celebrity", and in this article Forbes magazine looks at EPE's strategy to lift 'flat' revenues as Elvis again tops the deceased celebrities earnings list. (Spotlight/Article, Source: Forbes.com)

Fifties musician recalls meeting Elvis: Buzz Cason's new book, Living the Rock 'n Roll Dream: The Adventures of Buzz Cason, is filled with interesting stories, none moreso than the time Buzz and his band The Casuals met Elvis. (Spotlight/Article, Source: Suburban Journals)

Elvis' right hand man, "Diamond Joe" Esposito remembers: Joe Esposito, Elvis' long-time road manager and close friend, reflects on his years with The King and Elvis' enduring popularity. (Spotlight/Article, Source: Scene & Heard)

Green Carpet Ceilings- The Textile Art of Elvis Presley: We came across this fascinating article about the decor of Graceland ("Elvis style") on one of the messageboards. (Spotlight/Article, Source: Elvis-Collectors.com)

A road trip thru Elvis Presley's America: An insightful, sometimes irreverent look at Elvis and the southern states where he was born and lived and where Elvis memorabilia thrives. From humble beginnings to immense wealth and fame, Elvis is indeed the American Dream. (Spotlight/Article, Source: Creative Loafing)

Elvis: A brief look back over 50 years: In his introductory article for Bill E. Burk's Elvis World Online, "007" reflects on his nearly five decades of researching The King, "digging deeper" than most other journalists have ever done. (Spotlight Article/Elvis World Online, Source: Bill E. Burk)

The Elvis Detective: Take a sneak peek inside one of the articles in the Billboard tribute to Elvis edition (out this week). Alanna Nash looks at the "mystery train" that is Ernst Jorgensen's ongoing obsession ongoing as he preserves Elvis' musical legacy. Read how Ernst got back stolen Elvis tapes, how he scored the job of looking after The King's catalog, and more interesting stories. (Spotlight Article , Source: Billboard)

How Roy Hamilton influenced Elvis: EIN takes an in-depth look at Roy Hamilton's impact on Elvis' musical style. (Spotlight Article, Source: EIN)

"That's All Right" Framed Mother Master Stamper: As a limited edition of 1954 copies, is this item an investment opportunity or another case of "let the buyer beware"? EIN offers its analysis of yet another "alleged" Elvis collectible. (Spotlight Analysis, Source: EIN)

Shake Rag and Elvis - Fact or myth?: what influence did the Shake Rag part of Tupelo have on The King and his music? We found this stimulating article while going through our archives. (Spotlight Article, Source: Daily Journal)

Elvis' music DVD sales: will The King be a major market force with mainstream music buyers? EIN looks at the success of The '68 Comeback Special and Aloha From Hawaii and poses some contentious questions. (Spotlight Article, Source: EIN)

James Burton praises Elvis: Elvis The Concert came to Hawaii earlier this month and legendary guitarist, James Burton, spoke about his late friend. (Spotlight Article, Source: StarBulletin, Hawaii)

The world's greatest showman: Anne E. Nixon recalls a night she witnessed The King in full flight, live on stage. (Source: email)

Elvis Aaron Presley: EIN pays tribute to Elvis on the 27th anniversary of his passing. (Source: EIN)

Developing Elvis: Albert Wertheimer was in Memphis for Elvis Week 2004. In this article he reflects on the historic and very famous set of Elvis publicity photos he took in 1956 (Source: Elvis World Japan/The Commercial Appeal)

Elvis 2004 Auction: is it all genuine?: EIN's Piers Beagley casts his suspicious mind over the latest Elvis auction extravaganza, urging prospective buyers to exrercise caution. (Source: EIN)

Political correctness in the Elvis world: Dr. Gary Enders argues in a thought-provoking article that the Elvis world is becoming increasingly intolerant and "politically correct" (Article, Source: Dr. Gary Enders, 22 July 2004)

Burning down the road: As we appraoch the 27th anniversary of Elvis' passing it is timely to reflect on a thought provoking article written by noted critic, Greil Marcus, in the lead up to the 20th anniversary. (Article, Source:Reuters, 16 July 2004)

Elvis At Sun: should BMG's new Elvis album be on the charts? EIN takes a critical look at the issue and suggests it is not album sales we need to look at. (Elvis Commentary, Source: EIN, 12 July 2004)

Fans celebrate the 50th anniversary: Andrew J. Howard has put together a very interesting article based around the reactions of a number of fans (Article, Source: Andrew J. Howard/Pete Smith, 10 July 2004)

Everything you ever wanted to know about Elvis Presley's "Graceland": EIN takes a penetrating look at Elvis' Memphis mansion, its history, touring the home and much more (Article, Source: EIN 9 July 2004)

"It was 50 years ago today": you may not have seen or read David Neale's article about Elvis and the birth of rock & roll. And you may not agree with everything David has to say, but this is an article that makes us think (Article, Source: David Neale, 7 July 2004)

50 years ago today...: EIN commemorates the 50th anniversary of the birth of rock & roll...that historic day when a young singer named Elvis Aaron Presley stepped up to the microphone in Sun Studios in Memphis Tennessee and recorded a song that would literally change the world, That's All Right, Mama (Article, Source: EIN, 5 July 2004)

The debate rages: 50 years on, but was Elvis the first: global media is reporting on the 50th anniversary of the birth of rock & roll. But not all reports see Elvis as the beginning (Elvis News/Article, Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 5 July 2005)

Elvis vs Bing? - Who really was the King?: a biography of Bing Crosby casts doubt on Elvis' credentials as the biggest entertainment star of the 20th century. EIN examines the claims.

Elvis vs. The Beatles (Part 2): Nigel eats humble pie!: our article on Elvis vs. The Beatles sparked one of the biggest responses we have ever received. While fans views were split on the issue, Nigel is eating humble pie.

Year: 2003

Elvis: Sightings and Faith - Making Sense of the Seemingly Absurd: EIN gives a perspective on why there are so many Elvis sightings.

Are you paying too much for Elvis memorabilia?: EIN examines the extensive world of buying and selling Elvis and the exorbitant prices being asked for many items.

Is Elvis Alive?: Dr. Gary Enders provides the "no" case, challenging claims made by Phil Aitcheson of The Presley Commission in his recent controversial interview with EIN.

Discovering Elvis - Converting non-fans to The King: noted author, Paul Simpson, provides a thought provoking view on Elvis, his music and non-fans.

The Pitfalls of Re-Mixing The King: Junkie XL's sensational re-mix of A Little Less Conversation has led to calls for more Elvis tracks to be re-mixed. EIN examines the pros and cons of modernising other Elvis songs.

Influences on The King - The Blues!: Blues music was an important genre that would shape the musical direction of The King. EIN continues its "influences" series with a comprehensive look at Elvis and the blues.

New Comedy-Horror Movie pits Elvis against The King of the Dead! "Bubba Ho-Tep" is gaining rave reviews around the world at film festivals but struggling to find a distributor.

The Fans Got It Wrong!: Paul Simpson, author of The Rough Guide to Elvisdisagrees with the results of EIN's latest fan poll about Elvis' worst ever movie.

"Blue Suede Shoes" - The Elvis Ballet: Who would have ever thought there would be an Elvis ballet. "Blue Suede Shoes" opened in Cleveland to "sold out" houses and fantastic reviews, and a national and possibly international tour is planned.

"The Mysterious John Crow Recordings": is it really Elvis? EIN examines a little known, baffling mystery in the Elvis world.

"Elvis 2nd To None" - Sacrificial Lamb?: in a thought provoking article, Bryan Gruszka presents a case around 'Elvis 2nd To None' that many fansmay not agree with, but one that bears our consideration.

Top 40 Elvis Books of All-Time: EIN takes a look at some of the titles announced in the listing of the best ever books about Elvis.

Pre 2003

"World Title Fight 2003 - Elvis vs. The Beatles!": We have had a large number of enquiries about this "missing" article in our Elvis lacks credibility series. We're pleased to say that it has been located and is republished to stir up further debate among Elvis fans. (Spotlight Article, Source: EIN)

Is Elvis the Biggest Selling Recording Artist?: BMG answers EIN's doubts about claimed sales figures for Elvis

Elvis' Touching Pen-Pal Relationship with a Dying Girl: EIN looks back at 'Touched By Love.

Why Princess Diana is no Elvis: five years after her tragic death in a car crash, Princess Diana's legacy seems to be fading while Elvis' continues to flourish. Sociologists look at the reasons why the Elvis legend thrives while Diana's is not.

Is Elvis Becoming "Cool"?: EIN looks at current trends suggesting The King's mainstream credibility is back in town.

"The King Has Lost His Crown!" (Elvis Lacks Credibility): EIN's provocative article about the unsubstantiated rhetoric on Elvis' record sales.

A Star Is Born: why did Elvis miss out on this film opportunity with Barbra Streisand? As EIN found out, there is more to this story than is normally reported.

Historic Elvis Find: do a mother and daughter have one of the rarest Elvis recordings in the their possession - an unreleased record of Elvis live at the Louisiana Hayride in the mid 50s? EIN goes behind the scenes in search of the truth.

Influences on The King - How Sister Rosetta Tharpe Influenced Elvis: Elvis would listen to legendary gospel singer, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, on the family radio each week. Her influence on the future King of Rock & Roll was to be substantial.

Influences on The King - The Blackwood Brothers: Elvis was influenced heavily by both "black" and "white" male gospel groups.

Influences on The King - The Statesmen Quartet: continuing our in-depth examination of those artists who influenced Elvis' musical direction, EIN looks at the impact of another white gospel group, The Statesmen Quartet,a group fronted by the charismatic singer, Jake Hess.

Influences on The King - The seminal influence of Dean Martin on Elvis: Elvis idolised Dean martin and was heavily influenced by Dean's singing style.

EIN's Campaign to have Elvis elected to the Gospel Hall of Fame: in 2001 EIN initiated a campaign to have Elvis inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame. For the first time we publish our strategy document.

Elvis confesses: "I killed a man!": One of the most sensational claims made about Elvis comes from the former editor of England's prestigious New Musical Express, Derek Johnson. Johnson claims to have been a friend of Elvis' and in the final days of his life Elvis revealed a shocking secret. EIN checked out the veracity of Johnson's incredible story.

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