Welcome to the "Elvis Information Network", home to the best news, reviews, interviews, Elvis photos & in-depth articles about the King of Rock & Roll, Elvis Aaron Presley...
Monday 6 January 2025 - - - It's getting near someone's BIG Birthday Celebrations!
TCM celebrates Elvis’ 90th Birthday: The Turner Classic Movies channel celebrates Elvis Presley’s 90th Birthday, all day on Wednesday, January 8.
If you can’t get enough of Elvis, today is the day to tune in. Beginning at 6am, all day long, 24 hours of cinematic ELVIS - TCM will be airing an array of films featuring the King of Rock ’n’ Roll on what would have been his 90th birthday, beginning with a lesser-known 1968 flick called Live a Little, Love a Little about a photographer moonlighting to make ends meet, and ending with the 1972 documentary Elvis on Tour late into the night.
Some highlights of the movies in between include the 1957 hit Jailhouse Rock, and the 1964's Viva Las Vegas.
6am Live a Little, Love a Little (1968)
8am The Trouble With Girls (1969)
10am Double Trouble (1967)
12pm This is Elvis (1981)
2pm Speedway (1968)
4pm Kissin’ Cousins (1964)
6pm It Happened at the World’s Fair (1963)
8pm Jailhouse Rock (1957)
9:45pm Viva Las Vegas (1964)
11:15pm Elvis: That’s the Way It Is (1970)
1am Girl Happy (1965)
2:45am Spinout (1966)
4:30am Elvis on Tour (1972)
Go here to TCM for more details (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Graceland Elvis 90th Birthday Celebrations: Only two days to go .. Graceland is preparing for a birthday built for the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Join fans at Graceland January 8-11 for a memorable celebration featuring live concerts, panels, special tours, and much more!
Special guests scheduled to appear include singer/ songwriter Larry Gatlin,Richard Sterban, Terry Blackwood, Estelle Brown, Bill "Superfoot" Wallace, Sirius Elvis DJ Argo, Pat Dunn, Tom Brown, Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Dean Z, Terry Mike Jeffrey, Andy Childs, among others. Events include
- Elvis Birthday Proclamation Ceremony
- Graceland's new '90 for 90' Exhibition
- Graceland's rock 'n' roll birthday mansion tours
- Conversations On Elvis
- Elvis Live On Stage: 90th Birthday Celebration
Go here to EPE for tickets and info (News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
Elvis Fans' Collector Show and EAP Society Birthday Celebrations: If you are in Memphis get ready for Elvis fun, music, Elvis-owned collectibles at Dad's Place, Travelodge with The Elvis Fan & Collector Memphis Show plus Jamie Kelley and EAP Society's Elvis Birthday Celebration. January 7th-12th, 2025!
Events...
Jan 7-10, 11am-6pm: The Elvis Fan & Collector Memphis Show
Join Fred Whobrey Sr' Keith Alverson and more to get your collecting on and see some beautiful Elvis items from Elvis' lifetime up to today at the Collectors show.
Jan 7-12, $20: Jamie Kelley LIVE (Jan 7-12, see times on video)
One-man request shows, 3 shows on the 7th and 8th, 2 shows daily on the 9th-12th! World record holder Jamie Kelley sings what you want to hear with a singular insight into Elvis' music.
Jan 8-11th, $10: Midnight Dance and Jam The People's Party
Elvis loved to party into the night, so why shouldn't his fans? Join us after everybody else closes their doors, request songs and watch some cool 8mm footage & dance to the great music!
Jan 9th, 3pm: Elvis: On YouTube FREE MEETUP with EAP Society and Those Elvis Girls (Kristen Rutter) with special guest Matt Elvis Dollar. See Elvis-owned items and Elvis memorabilia while you meet Jamie Kelley, John Michael Heath, Kristen Rutter as Matt Elvis Dollar shares how he met Elvis and got a scarf and sunglasses from him, and more!
From fans to fans, this is one set of events you won't want to miss- January 7th-12th!
Go here to facebook for more info or check out EAP society (News, Source;FredWhobrey/EIN)
Three Beatles 'Blue Moon Of Kentucky': Something a little different, The Beatles' Paul McCartney George Harrison & Ringo Starr play Elvis' 'Blue Moon Of Kentucky'.
On June 23 1994, the surviving members of The Beatles gathered at George Harrison's house (Friar Park in Henley-on-Thames) to shoot foootage for The Beatles Anthology project.
Producers wanted them to perform ‘Let It Be’ but the sadness of John Lennon's absence made the three kick-around some of their earliest songs instead.
One of the songs was a delightful version of 'Blue Moon Of Kentucky.'
McCartney explained, “When we were kids growing up in Liverpool, all we ever wanted was to be Elvis Presley.” (News, Source;NP/YT/ElvisInfoNet)
Saturday 4 January 2025
Spotlight "Elvis Presley: Sun's Newest Star":Printed in the US 'Cowboy Songs' June 1955 issue this was the first national magazine article about Elvis.
The magazine was dedicated to "Hillbilly - Western Songs" and "Favorite Folktunes", country musicians Webb Pierce, Ferlin Husky and The Davis Sisters were all noted on the font cover - along with "Elvis Presley - A Dream Come True".
The article noted that, 'Elvis Presley 'Sun’s Newest Star' at 19 is already enjoying the first reality of life’s dream: to sing for people and hear the spontaneous applause that means he’s made a hit!'
It is interesting that despite the magazines focus on folktunes / country songs the article praises Elvis for his "authentic treatment of Rhythm and Blues songs".
The first in an EIN series looking at early, original magazine articles about Elvis Presley. Go here to discover more..
(EIN Spotlight by Piers Beagley / Paul Gansky)
'The Lisa Marie - The King's Flying Graceland' New Book: If you enjoyed Carlos Varrenti's previous book ''The Airplanes & The King' then you are sure to enjoy his new book about Elvis' personal jet The Lisa Marie.
Due out 17 April 2025, 'The Lisa Marie - The King's Flying Graceland' is 600 pages all about Elvis' favourite plane.
It includes all the stories, interviews with the Pilots and stewardesses plus plenty of great photos.
It also tells the story of what happened to it after Elvis' death before it was brought back to Graceland.
EIN's Nigel Patterson and Elvis DayByDay's Kees Mouwen are thanked in the credits. (News, Source;CarlosV/NP/EIN)
New Rolling Stone 'ELVIS' Magazine: From 'The Editors of Rolling Stone' comes this new Special Collectors 96 page 'ELVIS' magazine - out yesterday, January 3, 2025. The description notes...
... One of the most influential and popular musicians of all time, Elvis Presley redefined the sound of American rock and roll. Though he died at just 42 in 1977, his legacy continues to grow. This collectors edition of Rolling Stone chronicles his rise, from his humble childhood in Tupelo, Mississippi, to his breakthrough as daring singer who drew on a diverse range of musical influences, including gospel, blues, folk, and country, leading to chart-topping records like “Hound Dog,” “All Shook Up,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” and “Jailhouse Rock.” And while his music stood for itself, it was Presley’s lustful, hip-swiveling performances that helped catapult him to superstardom. He parlayed that appeal into an acting career, reeling off dozens of box office hits in the 1950s and ’60s, including Love Me Tender, Jailhouse Rock, Blue Hawaii, and Viva Las Vegas. This special issue includes all the highlights from his career, including his final years, his comeback and his tragic death at Graceland...
Published by the Dotdash Meredith / printed using a high quality matte interior paper.
On Amazon charts today it is '#1 New Release' in Folk & Traditional Music.
Go here to Amazonto check it out - Priced at US$14
EIN hopes it is better printed than the recent LIFE magazine 'Elvis At 90'. (News, Source;Amazon/EIN)
Thursday 2 January 2025
Magazine Review -'Remembering Elvis... The King at 90': LIFE magazine commemorates Elvis' upcoming 90th birthday.
It is described as: “Celebrate the King of Rock 'n' Roll with this keepsake biography of Elvis Presley, lavishly illustrated with dozens of historic photos, including many from the archives of LIFE magazine.
“A detailed timeline traces Elvis's life from when he received his first guitar to his glory days filled with recording, acting, and gyrating for shrieking fans, to his great '68 comeback, and right up to his untimely death in 1977.
“Intimate photojournalism combines with insightful text to reveal Elvis behind the scenes: at Graceland and on the road, with Priscilla and Lisa Marie, in front of the cameras, and on the stage.
Explore the days of "Heartbreak Hotel," "Don't Be Cruel," "Blue Suede Shoes," "Jailhouse Rock," "Love Me Tender," "Blue Christmas" and so many other unforgettable hits.
BBC's 'Your Ultimate Elvis Song vote': For New Year's Day BBC Radio 2, Vernon Kay played the UK's favourite 40 Elvis Presley songs as determined by the Your Ultimate Elvis Song vote.
More than a hundred thousand votes were cast.
The show marks the 90th anniversary of Elvis's birth and there were 90 songs in all to vote from - each of the songs have appeared on a single or an EP that reached the Top 20 of the Official UK Singles chart.
As well as counting down to Your Ultimate Elvis Song, Vern hears memories of The King and his music taken from celebrity interviews in the BBC archive, and from listeners who contacted him while the vote was running.
In the show, Priscilla featured saying:“Hello everyone this is Priscilla Presley, and I want to thank you. To everyone who has voted and shown this outpouring of love ahead of such a special anniversary, it's wonderful knowing just how much Elvis’ music means to you all and that he lives on through the beautiful memories that remind you of him and his amazing career, and I send you all my love.
To pick out one track from his vast catalogue is such a big decision. But between you, that's what you’ve done. So let's play Your Ultimate Elvis Song.”
You can listen here via BBC I-player until January 28.
There is no real surprise that the Top five songs were .. Suspicious Minds, In The Ghetto, If I Can Dream, Always On My Mind and Can't Help Falling In Love.
Below are the the Top 20 voted songs, after that it gets more intriguing - Check out the show to discover more. (News, Source;BBC/ElvisInfoNet)
1 Suspicious Minds
2 In The Ghetto
3 If I Can Dream
4 Always On My Mind
5 Can't Help Falling In Love
6 The Wonder Of You
7 An American Trilogy
8 Burning Love
9 I Just Can't Help Believin'
10 Jailhouse Rock
11 Love Me Tender
12 A Little Less Conversation (Elvis vs JXL)
13 Are You Lonesome Tonight?
14 Viva Las Vegas
15 Hound Dog
16 Return To Sender
17 (You're The) Devil In Disguise
18 Wooden Heart
19 Heartbreak Hotel
20 (Marie's The Name) His Latest Flame
Lawsuit alleges 'irreplaceable' Elvis artifacts illegally put up for auction: A recent update from ABCNews on the EPE vs GWS Auctions row.
According to a lawsuit filed in California, EPE are trying to recover a potential trove of records and memorabilia left behind by the King of Rock and Roll, valued at over US$2M.
The lawsuit, filed on Dec 24, is a fitting coda to a year that saw Graceland itself nearly auctioned off as part of what federal authorities now call an attempted scam.
EPE now allege "irreplaceable" items they bought more than three decades ago from longtime manager Col. Parker, have fallen into the hands of people who have no right to them and are now trying to sell them in an online auction.
The lawsuit claims "It is now clear that some of the material that the parties to the Parker Acquisition intended to be transferred to EPE never was."
Despite "clear and repeated demands" that the defendants stop hawking what was not theirs to sell, those demands were "ignored," according to the filing.
At issue is a collection that allegedly includes everything from contracts and agreements signed by Presley, to a telegram from associates congratulating Elvis and Priscilla on the birth of their daughter, Lisa Marie.
EPE contends the cache of memorabilia is valued at upwards of $2 million, though the "unique" artifacts are "priceless."
The items were listed on the website of GWS Auctions, a California company that boasts sales of "celebrity" items from the likes of Elvis, Marilyn Monroe and Johnny Cash.
The Presley items listed in the lawsuit appeared as available online in mid-November under the heading "The Lost Collection of Elvis, Col. Tom Parker & More."
EPE alleges the auctioneering company advertised while knowing the sellers had no legal right to the items, which the company denies.
The origin of the dispute dates back to 1990, when Col. Parker directly sold EPE "perhaps the greatest collection of Elvis-related documents and memorabilia ever held by anyone other than Elvis himself," the suit alleged, adding it is the "entire collection" irrespective of where such material was located."
EPE's Jack Soden, "had dealt with and known Col. Parker for many years" and said he "was acting with the authority of Elvis's widow Priscilla Presley, was intent on acquiring from Parker every scrap of Elvis-related material Parker owned."
The lawsuit alleges company leaders believed all the items covered in the agreement "had been collected," only now to find otherwise. Some of those items "ended up in the possession" of one of Parker's former longtime employees after Parker's death in 1997, according to the filing.
Then in December 2021, the lawsuit says, the co-founder of GWS Auctions, Brigitte Kruse, reached out to both Priscilla Presley and Graceland's chief archivist to tell them she knew that the employee had items that should be in EPE's custody. Kruse allegedly even shared videos of her discussions with him acknowledging who
owned what and told Graceland's archivist Angela Marchese "that she knew these materials were involved in 'theft' and rightfully belonged to EPE," according to a signed declaration by Marchese obtained by ABC News. When an EPE executive confronted the employee directly, he backtracked, saying it had all been "a misunderstanding," and he only had "photocopies," not originals, - the suit says.
"Some of the very documents and memorabilia Kruse claimed [the employee] possessed have now been listed for sale," the suit alleges, adding "it is apparent" how those items "made their way" to the auction house.
EPE sent a cease-and-desist letter to Kruse earlier this month.
EIN cannot see this lawsuit ending any time soon. (News, Source: Sasha Pezenik, ABCNews.com) -see fullABC story here
Australian fans - "Elvis The Early Years": Now on sale in Australian newsagents (A$23.95) is this excellent magazine in Anthem Publishing's "Vintage Rock Presents..." series.
Originally released in Europe earlier in 2024, it is described as:
In Elvis The Early Years, we pay tribute to the King's Imperial Phase, when America was first seduced by the raw charisma of Elvis Aaron Presley. We delve into his back catalogue to examine his iconic first two albums, and we run down his 20 best tracks from the 50s.
We also have features on Elvis’ parents, Vernon and Gladys, plus The Jordanaires, Sun boss Sam Phillips, the Louisiana Hayride, the Million Dollar Quartet, the King’s army years, the Jailhouse Rock film and much, much more!
Tuesday 31 December 2024... HAPPY HAPPY NEW YEAR... EIN wishes you all the best.
Former President Jimmy Carter died - Aged 100.
Former US president Jimmy Carter, who died on Sunday aged 100, achieved a far more favourable reputation after leaving the White House than he did in office. Following his electoral defeat his on-going efforts to improve life for the deprived people of the world won him the 2002 Nobel peace prize.
James Earl Carter Jr was born on 1 October 1924 in the small town of Plains, Georgia, and like Elvis the music he was first exposed to was gospel.
Carter was raised as a Southern Baptist, his affinity for the music from the black churches of Plains, Georgia, along with his lifelong position as an anti-segregationist, has been credited in part for his popularity with black voters.
After he became governor of Georgia and was weighing up a run for the presidency, Carter’s musical tastes had expanded to everything from country and blues to jazz and rock ’n’ roll. Carter is widely acknowledged as the first president to effectively use music and musicians to help propel himself into office.
Carter later acknowledged, “It was the Allman Brothers that helped put me in the White House by raising money when I didn’t have any money.” Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn met Elvis on June 30, 1973 at the Omni Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia before Elvis' evening performance. -
Jimmy Carter was the Governor of Georgia at the time.
Rather strangely Elvis Presley was a sixth cousin once removed from President Carter.
Both were descended from Thomas Preslar and President Carter was the sixth great-grandson of Valentine Pressler. (the spelling of the name varied)
Following Elvis' tragic death in 1977 President Carter officially noted... ... Elvis Presley's death deprives our country of a part of itself. He was unique and irreplaceable. More than 20 years ago, he burst upon the scene with an impact that was unprecedented and will probably never be equaled.
His music and his personality, fusing the styles of white country and black rhythm and blues, permanently changed the face of American popular culture.
His following was immense, and he was a symbol to people the world over of the vitality, rebelliousness, and good humor of his country. (News, Source;Various/ElvisInfoNet)
EPE Fan Club Presidents CD 2024: This year's message reads... Merry Christmas Friends!
We hope this message finds you and your loved ones well.
We are deeply grateful for all of Elvis' fan clubs around the world. Fan clubs have long played an integral role in keeping Elvis' music, movies, and memory alive. Your love, support, and generosity are a testament to your dedication to honoring his life and preserving his incredible legacy. Elvis loved his fans, and we believe he would be moved by your commitment to sharing his music to inspire a whole new generation of fans.
As Graceland gears up for 2027, marking the 50th anniversary of Elvis' passing, fans can anticipate an incredible array of new events, tours, and experiences over the coming years. Join us on this remarkable journey as we celebrate the life and legacy of the man whose music changed our lives. We wish you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season filled with warmth and cheer!
From our family to yours, may your new year be bright, merry, and full of wonderful moments. We hope to see you soon!
With Love, The Presley Family & the Staff at Graceland & the Guest House
Elvis in the Christmas Charts: As noted earlier the Christmas season is a great time for Elvis to make a higher than usual appearance in the US and UK Charts. UK Official Top 100 Singles Chart ‘Blue Christmas’ is at #44, up 12 places from last week.
Other songs of interest might be
#1 Last Christmas - Wham
#4 Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee
#41 Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town - Bruce Springsteen
#42 White Christmas - Bing Crosby
UK Official Streaming Chart
#37 ‘Blue Christmas’
UK Official Album Charts
42 – ‘Elv1s - 30 Number 1 Hits’
85 - The Classic Christmas Album
UK Official Albums Streaming Chart
32 - 'Elv1s - 30 Number 1 Hits’
53 - The Classic Christmas Album
US Billboard Charts Official Top 100 Singles Chart
#36 Blue Christmas
Official Top 200 Global Singles Chart
#51 - Blue Christmas
Top 200 Album Chart
#46 - The Classic Christmas Album
Australian Singles Charts
#48 - Blue Christmas
(News, Source:ElvisInfoNet)
Australia Parkes ELVIS Festival: The 2025 Parkes Elvis Festival is promising to be bigger and better than ever.
Are you ready for the 32nd installment of the Parkes Elvis Festival running from 8-12 January 2025.
Join in 25 thousand Elvis fans as they celebrate the life of The King
The theme this year is 'Easy Come, Easy Go' (Ed - Poor Elvis)
Six new ticketed shows have been added at the Parkes Services Club featuring top Elvis tribute artists.
With temperatures heading into the high 30's the new 250m canopy of umbrellas will provide the perfect photo op with shade down town especially for Saturday morning's main event, the parade.
During the night Vivid Elvis will come to life with a nightly display illuminating the main drag with movie scenes and Elvis videos.
The highly anticipated full-sized replica "Gates of Graceland" will also be launched at the Parkes Visitors Information Centre.
Australian rock legend Frankie J Holden has been announced as the 2025 Wall of Fame inductee.
The Parkes concert legends are.. Cote Deonath is a world-renowned Elvis Presley tribute artist. Emilio Santoro has been making a huge impression everywhere he
turns. He was the 2024 EPE Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Champion. Riley Jenkins an award-winning Elvis Tribute Artist.
For more information check out the Parkes Elvis Festival website -
Some tickets are selling out (News, Source;Parkes/ElvisInfoNet)
Wednesday 25 December 2024 ..... MERRY, MERRY CHRISTMAS BABY!
Everyone here at EIN wishes all of our readers a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year! Let's all wish for a safe, happy & peaceful 2025 ...
I hear a choir
Singing sweetly somewhere
And a glow fills my heart
I'm at peace with the world
As the sound of their singing fills the air
Oh why can't every day be like Christmas?
Why can't that feeling go on endlessly
For if everyday could be just like Christmas, What a wonderful world this would be....
Elvis and Linda Thompson At Christmas: It is over fifty years ago that Elvis started dating Linda Thompson. For a recent Christmas Linda shared some of her Graceland Christmas photos via instagram.
She commented.. "This is a photo of our first Christmas together, and he had given me this coat, along with a beautiful platinum and diamond ring that I found in the coat pocket at his urging. He had taken the diamond from one of his rings and had it mounted in the beautiful ballerina ring he had designed & made for me. Christmas was his very favorite time of year… Because he was so inordinately generous, and he derived so much joy in giving to others. Elvis was so incredibly generous that we called him the real Santa Claus. Of course Christmas always reminds me of Elvis’s generous spirit and sensitivity to this special time of year."
EIN Exclusives and News from earlier in December ...
'Elvis News Report 2024 Year In Review': Elvis super-fan Emiel Maier presents the 'Elvis News Highlights Of 2024: The Good, The Bad & The Sad while skipping the nonsense'. Includes the Lisa Marie memoir, the Elvis Evolution show in London, future SONY Elvis Mono > Stereo releases, 'Elvis MEMPHIS', Elvis memorablia auctions, That's All Right 70th anniversary and much much more...
‘ELVIS: On Tour 1974: California’ & VINYL ‘Live In Los Angeles 1974’ New MRS releases: The UK Label ‘Memphis Recording Service’ (MRS) will release a 3CD set ‘ON TOUR 1974: CALIFORNIA’ together with a Double LP vinyl set titled ‘LIVE IN LOS ANGELES 1974’.
Both scheduled for release in February 2025.
The Deluxe 3CD set 'ELVIS: On Tour 1974: California’ contains a range of live performances from Elvis’ five-day tour of California in May 1974, during which he performed in front of 60,000 fans, including an attendance by the legendary British rock band, Led Zeppelin, whom he met afterwards.
The pack includes 66 live tracks plus Bonus Tracks the ‘Home Recordings’ of 'Spanish Eyes' and 'Let Me Be The One'. For the first time ever, the material from these shows is presented in STEREO.
The accompanying booklet includes general background notes as well as presenting rare photographs and memorabilia dating from this short tour.
The 3CD set includes Elvis' performances from May 11 Inglewood Forum, May 12 afternoon
Fresno and May 13 San Bernardino.
click for high res
The 2LP VINYL version ‘Live In Los Angeles 1974’ is a limited edition set and will be available in both Black and Clear vinyl.
The special double-vinyl compilation includes Elvis' May 11 1974 Inglewood Forum show together with highlights of his May 10 San Bernardino show.
It also includes Elvis' unique 'You Can Have Her' as well as the two home-recordings.
Please note, the clear vinyl is ONLY available from exclusive Elvis dealers and fan clubs and NOT to the mainstream public stores.
MRS CAMDEN ‘Made in Germany – Private Recordings’ Review: From the budget MRS Camden label this CD features personal recordings
taken from a recently discovered tape made by Elvis while stationed with
the US army in Germany in January 1959.
What is so fascinating about this period is that, although The Colonel stopped Elvis recording anything professionally in Germany, Elvis was still bursting with music. Elvis was jamming at home on multiple songs that he would later record professionally for RCA. These original jams on songs such as ‘His Hand In Mine’, ‘Like A Baby’, ’I'll Take You Home Again Kathleen’, ‘I Will Be True’, ‘Danny Boy’, ‘The Fool’ even an attempt at ‘Are You Lonesome Tonight’ plus ‘There’s No Tomorrow’ are totally enthralling.
Historians always talk about Elvis vast knowledge of every musical genre and here is proof of his influences.
A lot of fans, including myself, would truly appreciate a “Best Of” these home-recordings and just in time for Christmas 2024 the budget label ‘MRS Camden’ have done exactly that. EIN's Piers Beagley checks out this new budget release just in time for Christmas.... - Buy it TODAY for Christmas! (CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
17 Dec - New FTD Releases OUT NOW: The three new FTD releases, 'The Making Of King Creole','The Girl Happy Sessions', 'The Last Tours Vol.2' along with 'California Holiday' LP are at European Elvis dealers today.
'The Girl Happy Sessions'
continuues the FTD series of "complete sessions". A 3-CD set this contains all the masters and available session outtakes. Highlights include unedited masters and the rare vocal re-record of 'I Feel That I’ve Known You Forever' especially made for the motion picture 'Tickle Me'.
Mixed by Vic Anesini and mastered by Jan Eliasson.
This set includes previously unreleased takes of 'Puppet On A String', 'The Meanest Girl In Town', 'Girl Happy' (multiple long 'False starts'), 'Cross My Heart And Hope to Die' (multiple long 'False starts'), 16 new outtakes of 'Spring Fever' - and all 36 takes of 'Do Not Disturb' (only 6 outtakes have been released so far!).
There is a lot of previously unreleased studio session in this release.
'Elvis: The Last Tours Vol. 2'.
As part of its ongoing live on tour series, FTD announced the release of “Elvis: The Last Tours Volume 2”.
Released as a 3-CD 5” digipak, this set features great shows from March 1977. Elvis' 'Tour 26'.
The concerts were not recorded in their entirety, but all songs recorded by the engineer are included.
Recorded in mono.
The six concerts included are Norman, March 25 & 26, Abilene, March 27, Austin 28, Alexandria, March 29 & 30
From this tour FTD has previously released 'Amarillo '77' from March 24. FTD released six of the best tracks from this set on their 'Spring Tours 77' compilation- 'That’s All Right', 'Are You Lonesome Tonight, 'Blue Christmas' - from Norman, March 26. 'Trying To Get To You', 'Lawdy Miss Clawdy' from Abilene, March 27 and 'Fever' from Alexandria, March 30.
'Elvis: The Making Of King Creole'
A neat follow-up volume to 2021 'The Making Of Jailhouse Rock', 'Elvis: The Making Of King Creole' by David English and Pål Granlund.
In a slipcase, the brand new hardback FTD Deluxe book contains 380-pages with many newly discovered photographs, details on deleted scenes, pages from the script, the shooting schedule, memos, contracts, as well as memories from the cast and crew.
Also includes:
Six film frames taken from the original 35mm reels of the movie King Creole.
Exclusive to this set - a special collector's 10" vinyl with picture sleeve, recreating the original Japanese King Creole album.
It includes two CDs in gatefold sleeve.
CD 1: King Creole movie soundtrack recordings plus newly discovered acetate recordings.
CD 2: 1958 RCA studio recordings, demos and radio spots.
See 'FTD / SONY CD News 2024'for details (News, Source;FTD/ElvisInfoNet)
Larry Gatlin Added to Elvis 90th Birthday Celebration: As Graceland prepares for a birthday built for the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, we are excited to share another addition to the guest lineup. Singer/songwriter Larry Gatlin will appear at the Elvis Music Salute on January 9 to share his Elvis memories and music. Elvis recorded two of Gatlin’s songs, Help Me and Bitter They Are, Harder They Fall. Join fans at Graceland January 8-11 for a memorable celebration featuring live concerts, panels, special tours, and much more!
Special guests scheduled to appear include Richard Sterban, Terry Blackwood, Estelle Brown, Bill "Superfoot" Wallace, Sirius Elvis DJ Argo, Pat Dunn, Tom Brown, Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Dean Z, Terry Mike Jeffrey, Andy Childs, among others. Events include
- Elvis Birthday Proclamation Ceremony
- Graceland's new '90 for 90' Exhibition
- Graceland's rock 'n' roll birthday mansion tours - Conversations On Elvis
- Elvis Live On Stage: 90th Birthday Celebration
Tickets for Elvis' Birthday Celebration on sale NOW. - Go here to EPE for tickets and info (News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
The Sweet Inspirations to be Inducted to Graceland Legends: Graceland is excited to announce that the next inductees to the Graceland Legends program will be The Sweet Inspirations.
The Sweet Inspirations provided backing vocals for Aretha Franklin and other R&B greats and had a hit of their own with their signature song “Sweet Inspiration” before they started working with Elvis in 1969.
Estelle Brown, Cissy Houston, Sylvia Shemwell, and Myrna Smith were the members during Elvis’ first Las Vegas engagement at the International Hotel. After Houston left the group, the three settled on being a trio. The Sweet Inspirations were Elvis’ female backing vocal group from 1969 to 1977. Their rich F&B gospel-infused harmonies and stage presence delighted Elvis and his audiences.
Graceland Legends is designed to honor and recognize the musicians and musical groups who were an integral part of Elvis’ legendary career.
Past Graceland Legends inductees including James Burton, Ronnie Tutt, Glen Hardin, Jerry Scheff, Scotty Moore, Bill Black, DJ Fontana, David Briggs, Norbert Putnam, Charlie McCoy, and The Jordanaires.
The induction ceremony will be part of the Conversations on Elvis event in January at Graceland during Elvis’ Birthday Celebration.
We look forward to recognizing their contribution to Elvis musical legacy with fans from around the world.
Go here for EIN's 2004 interview with Myrna Smith (News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
'Presley: The Essential 50's Masters'OUT NOW: From the RDM label 'Presley : The Essential 50's Masters - Mono II Stereo'.
... Rediscover 109 tracks of the King with a new stereo mix! This 4 CD box-set brings together the essential tracks of the 50s. Tracks from Elvis' albums, but also soundtracks from his films, including some rarities such as versions used for the films and different from the versions released on album.
Please note that this box set is a limited edition including an 8-page booklet and a slipcase.
Producer Anthony Stuchbury notes.. These four discs will take you on a journey through Elvis's 1950s era that fans will enjoy via the remastered STEREO audio and remixes."
Go here toRDM to Orderwith 40% off! OUT TODAY & check out Sound-Samples (News, Source;RDM)
'The Mono to Stereo Interview with Anthony Stuchbury':The new STEREO Elvis box-set 'PRESLEY The Essential '50's Masters' from producer Anthony Stuchbury will be released by the french RDM label next week.
The question of whether Elvis' mono fifties classic recordings should be re-released in "new stereo" is hotly debated among hard-core collectors and this box-set includes all of Elvis' 50's mono masters in STEREO!
So this week is the perfect time to talk to the man behind the mixing desk, for the backstory behind this recent development of mixing Elvis’ original Mono recordings into STEREO.
Tony talks about working with RDM, Memphis Mansion, Ernst Jorgensen, the FTD label ... and much much more.. EIN's Piers Beagley and Elvis Day By Day's Kees Mouwen combined forces to ask "Mono II Stereo" producer Anthony Stuchbury some tricky questions. (Interview, Source;Elvis Day By Day/ElvisInfoNetwork)
'From ELVIS At Christmas' MRS 'STEREO' Album Review: The cover of Elvis' original 1957 Christmas album was truly disappointing as it always looked like RCA wanted to keep Elvis’ image as small as possible. Elvis’ 1971 Christmas album was an even worse design.
For their new album 'From ELVIS At Christmas' the MRS label have finally created a cover worthy of Elvis - and it is a stunner.
Elvis albums are all about the tactile feel and this vinyl features a super-impressive snow-glitter colour. It even sparkles as it spins...
And the real treat here is that MRS present Elvis’ Christmas album in gorgeous STEREO - and “boy mah-boy” does it sound superb.
From the very first seconds of ‘Santa Claus Is Back In Town’ when The Jordanaires sing “Christmas, Christmas” on the right channel, Dudley Brooks piano kicks in left and then DJ Fontana’s drums burst on the centre channel with Elvis singing, “Wellllllll, it’s Christmas time pretty baby and the snow is falling on the ground...” you know this is going to be a sensational ride. Join EIN's Piers Beagley as he spins glorious vinyl and digs deep.. (Vinyl/CD Reviews; Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
More praise for 'Elvis Hero of the Comic Books':Written by EIN’s Nigel Patterson (with “over and above” help from Elvis Day By Day’s, Kees Mouwen) the first in-depth record of Elvis in comic books, graphic novels and cartoons, was published earlier this year.
Reviews have been glowing since day one, the latest including a four-page text and image overview in It’s Elvis Time magazine (Netherlands) and a detailed review in the cult rock & roll magazine, Ugly Things (based in California).
'Elvis Last Tours Vol.1' In-depth FTD Review: FTD's 4-CD 5”digipak 'Elvis: The Last Tours Volume 1' features recordings from seven Elvis performances in February 1977, West Palm Beach (Feb 13), St. Petersburg (Feb 14), Montgomery (Feb 16), Columbia (18), Johnson City (19) and Charlotte (20/21).
By 1977 Elvis was running on low, his set-list had become stagnant and
fans were lucky to hear Elvis perform any rare song in
his predictable set-list.
Elvis did not look healthy at the start of this tour but his weight and voice definitely improved as the tour progressed.
So one has to ask how much do you enjoy Elvis’ performances in 1977?
There were certainly a few highlights but overall most of these concerts sound all too similar.
Of course if you are a collector who appreciates Elvis in 1977 then this set might be perfect for your collection. Elvis soundboard super-collector Geoffrey McDonnell along with EIN's Piers Beagley explore this new seven concert pack in-depth to see what fans might discover.. (FTD Reviews; Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'Elvis UK – Compact Vol.1 'The Ultimate Guide To British CD Releases 1983-2005' BOOK OUT NOW:Volume 1 of the three-volume, soft-backed set 'Ultimate Guide To Elvis Presley’s British CD Releases' (each volume published in turn over a period of several months – thus spreading the cost) is OUT NOW. Priced at £50 per book (which includes p&p costs for UK buyers) directly available from www.elvisukbooks.
Apart from minor changes to the layout, the print copy editions will contain exactly the same content as the downloadable, digital flip book version (entitled'Elvis UK3 The Ultimate Guide To Elvis Presley’s British CD Releases 1983-2005'), first issued in early 2021.
This trilogy of books represents the first major attempt by anyone to chronicle in exhaustive and painstaking detail the rise of Elvis’s compact disc releases from 1983 onwards – cross-referenced where appropriate with vinyl versions. And while particularly focused on the UK, there is a huge amount of overlap with other territories which makes it of major interest to Elvis collectors throughout the world. UK books say that those who want a copy in time for Christmas really should order quickly. This is likely to be a limited press run.
The second and third volumes will be available in the early part of 2025, though released separately to ease the cost burden for collectors.
EIN is delighted that this massive volume is now being published as a 3-volume physical book. (News, Source;ElvisUkBooks/EIN)
‘Elvis Day by Day 2024 - The Year in Review’ - The Beat Goes On: The book you’ve been waiting for all year long, 'Elvis Day by Day 2024 - The Year in Review', will be released in January 2025. “In 1954, Elvis came crashing through the doors of popular music, and he hasn’t stopped rocking since.”
And this new yearbook is the proof of that! Packed into a colorful 450 pages is all the relevant news of what happened in the Elvis world, it is a complete overview, guide, and reference book of Elvis from all corners of the world in 2024.
It features all the news, including a complete overview of the “new”:
• Music, in Mono and Stereo, CD and vinyl at 33, 45, even 78 RPM.
• Books and magazines.
• Movies and TV specials as released on DVD, Blu-ray, and digital streaming services.
• PLUS “Everything else Elvis” that mattered, skipping the nonsense. Highlights include:
• The true story about Dewey Phillips playing the ‘That’s All Right’ acetate on WHBQ in July 1954.
• The scam to “steal” Graceland.
• All the Sony, Follow That Dream, and bootleg releases, including the major deluxe box sets, books, and more.
• Over 70 in-depth reviews, articles by well-known Elvis experts, and interviews with key people in the Elvis world.
• The Mono to Stereo releases of Elvis’ SUN recordings, greatest hits, soundtracks, and live recordings.
• An in-depth look at Lisa Marie Presley’s memoir as completed by her daughter Riley Keough.
• All the stunning colored and “liquid” vinyl releases.
• A complete chart and awards overview (a new addition this year!)
• And, of course, some of the oddball Elvis releases that make collecting fun
From the “young man with the big beat,” it is a small step to Elvis’ former drummer, Jerome “Stump” Monroe, who provided the beat behind the King as part of the Elvis Presley Show in the seventies and wrote the foreword for this year’s edition.
Seventy years after the release of Elvis’ debut single, “the beat goes on” and that’s all right!
Praise for earlier volumes in the Elvis Day by Day series:
This annual “Bible for Elvis fans” provides essential reading for every Elvis fan and a valuable keepsake for years to come. And don’t just take our word for it, this is what fans are saying:
“I thought I knew what was happening in the Elvis world, but I found so much news that I completely missed!”
“If you consider yourself a serious fan, you ought to have these books.”
“These are books that won’t gather dust on your shelf—you’ll find yourself consulting them all the time. Unmissable!”
“Fascinating, interesting, enlightening! Need I say more?”
“My only criticism is that it has left me with a massive shopping list, and I have the 2024 edition at the top of that list already!”
As Colonel Parker would say, “something for everyone,” or perhaps we should say, “too much for any fan.” Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just starting your journey into the King’s world, this yearbook is the definitive guide to everything Elvis. 'Elvis Day by Day 2024 - The Year in Review' is available for pre-order now at www.PoplarTunes.com.
Shipping is planned for January 2025. (News, Source;EDbyDay/EIN)
Each album is introduced by a generously sized image of its cover followed by thoughtful analysis of the record's content, and its context in the Elvis Presley story. There is also a coloured rectangular box neatly detailing key release information and track listing.
Fans will no doubt be impressed with the breadth of the thoughtful views expressed by each contributor and there is plenty in the magazine to stimulate debate.
It is unfortunate that well-written periodicals aren't afforded the same level of attention to detail as some other Elvis publications.
EIN’s Nigel Patterson spent a rainy afternoon reliving what Elvis’ eclectic album catalogue offered, the good, the bad, and the mediocre.
Stephen took time out of his busy schedule to discuss the book, what to look for when buying an Elvis signature, and bogus signatures.
His interview also covers issues including Paul Lichter’s collection of “alleged” Elvis signatures and Gary Lindberg’s controversial 2018 book, Letters from Elvis.
'Elvis Evolution' New Tickets & 'Super VIP Package': The new London 'Elvis Evolution' experience has added new booking dates - opening up tickets for August & September.
The 110 minute event can be booked for "Multiple shows per day for 180 people per performance.
All ticket holders get to access to the ‘All Shook Up’ afterparty.
A night for lifelong fans and newcomers alike, Elvis Evolution lets you experience Elvis, like never before".
There is a 'If I Can Dream' Super VIP Package costing £300 / US$390 which includes...
- Dedicated VIP seating within the '68 Special
- A drink in the pre-show diner, the interval Tiki bar and at the 'All Shook Up' After Party
- Souvenir photo with Elvis
- Complimentary cloakroom
- VIP collectible ticket
- Elvis Evolution Programme
- Exclusive, mid-show Champagne Experience
- Commemorative Elvis Evolution glass
- Dedicated VIP seating at the 'All Shook Up' After Party Bar
- Limited edition Elvis Evolution poster.
Standard tickets are £75 and you see the same 110 minute event. - EIN wonders what would Elvis think?
Go here toElvis Evolution for ticket bookings (News, Source;EE/ElvisInfoNet)
'From Here to the Great Unknown’ Book Review: After all the publicity and hype Lisa Marie's revealing memoir has recently been published. There is no doubt that being part of a famous family certainly does not guarantee a happy life.
As Keough explains, “The early parts of the book are mostly my mother's voice, in the tapes she speaks at length about her Graceland childhood, the death of her father, the dreadful aftermath, her relationship with her mother, her difficult teen years. She’s frank and funny about my father, Danny Keough. She talks openly about her relationship with Michael Jackson. She’s painfully candid about later drug addiction and the perils of fame…
If you have ever wondered how Lisa Marie coped with life post-Elvis or noticed those old tabloid news reports saying that she had once again “gone off the rails” or spotted the tension between her and Priscilla, the answers and much, much, more are in this stunning memoir...
While Elvis died when Lisa Marie was only 9 years old there is still plenty new to discover from this intriguing book.. EIN's Piers Beagley checks out this powerful memoir, wonders why the Australian book has been edited - and discovers the delights of the Audio-Book..
(Book Reviews: Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
‘Golden Elvis!' Mono II Stereo CD review: In the fifties when Scotty, Bill and D.J were in RCA studios with Elvis they were of course playing in “stereo”. It was RCA’s engineers who mixed the multiple microphone feeds down to MONO.
In this 4-year period Elvis changed the very world we live in with his unprecedented success and it was his almighty RCA 45 rpms that rocked the world.
'Elvis’ first two Golden Records LPs encapsulated this stunning creativity and the two albums are neatly combined here in Anthony Stuchbury’s new RDM release ‘Golden Elvis!’ Mono to Stereo.
And it is a sensational compilation.
From the almighty blast of ‘Hound Dog’, via ‘Jailhouse Rock’, ‘Too Much’, I Need Your Love Tonight’, through to ‘Doncha’ Think It’s Time’ Elvis in the fifties doesn’t get much better.
Note: In a neat coincidence, the above GOLDEN RECORDS! Mono > Stereo review was completed before yesterday's announcement from Ernst Jorgensen that RCA were also looking into releasing Elvis' MONO recordings in stereo sometime in the future! (See story below)
STEREO Sun-Sessions from SONY/RCA?; Rolling Stone this week featured an interview with RCA's Ernst Jorgensen who confirmed that they were looking at releasing Elvis' MONO recordings in STEREO using AI Digitally Extracted Stereo.
EIN has been suggesting this for years often to be slammed by the 'old-school' who said it would never be done officially!
In the interview Jorgensen confirmed..
.. Jorgensen recently asked Emile de la Rey, who worked on the sound for Peter Jackson’s Get Back documentary, to do a test remix of “Good Rockin’ Tonight” using Jackson’s proprietary AI technology. The results, “a perfect separation of instruments” along with the removal of tape hiss, were far superior to any more widely available methods, so Jorgensen is waiting for access to that level of technology.
Once he’s got it Ernst says, “I’d like to do everything from the Fifties. Because even the Sun recordings,
they are very simple. There’s an acoustic and electric and a slap bass. But when you open that up, it’s still like a new revelation. It’s not like it becomes thin and you think, ‘Oh, is that all there is?'”
Jorgensen has been in charge of Presley reissues from the groundbreaking 1992 collection 'The Complete 50s Masters' to the just-released box set MEMPHIS. And when the technology’s ready, Jorgensen is hoping for an ambitious, AI-fueled reworking of Presley’s 1950s masterpieces, starting with his epochal recordings at Sun Studios between 1954 and 1956.
Go here to RS for the full interview (News, Source;RS/ElvisInfoNet) - Please note that the photo is an EIN mock-up ;-)
Book Review - 'ELVIS UK 78 rpm': Recently published soft-cover 'ELVIS 78 r.p.m. The Ultimate Guide to Elvis Presley's British 78s 1956 - 1960' by John Townson and Gordon Minto is their latest forensic look into Elvis' UK releases, this time 228
pages dedicated to Elvis 78rpms, along with plenty of bonus chapters.
“78s” were the dominant record type for more than 50 years before disappearing circa 1960.
Today, they hold special significance for many who grew up with them. Given 78s were in their last few years of mass production when Elvis arrived on the scene, his 78s are much sought after by collectors and largely forgotten by the general fan. 'Elvis 78 rpms' includes a history of both the HMV and RCA releases but also provides a context for the 1950s pop scene.
It discusses each 78rpm release individually with scans of every release, plus relevant photographs plus magazine articles and adverts.
It also incorporates historically significant events of the period throughout and cross-references with US releases where appropriate.
There are also several picture covers, and interspersed within listing images and information are many “from the time” news clippings which add historical interest.
How exciting it must have been to be there as Elvis exploded onto the music scene! EIN’s Nigel Patterson and Piers Beagley spent several days delving into what the new flexi-cover, high-quality gloss paper release by Townson and Minto, has to offer.... (Book Reviews; Source;ElvisInfomationNetwork)
(Spotlight/Opinion, Source: Rock and roll - an introduction)
UPDATED 'ELVIS / MEMPHIS' In-depth Review: The SONY RCA 'ELVIS / MEMPHIS' 2024 5-CD box-set was released last month.
The publicity promised.. "MEMPHIS is a comprehensive collection that takes listeners through the many recordings Elvis had done while in Memphis - from his songs at SUN Records, to his American Studio and Stax sessions, through to his 1974 hometown show and finally, his last recordings in Graceland.
This 5-CD collection of Elvis’ songs over the years features 111 tracks, 88 of which are newly mixed versions of the select recordings, pure and without overdubs."
The five CDs each focus on SUN Records, American Studios, Stax Studios, LIVE Mid-South Coliseum Memphis and Graceland. Elvis fans have of course bought these tracks multiple times before and FTD have even released most of the "Undubbed masters".
However with 'ELVIS / MEMPHIS' engineer Matt Ross-Spang remixing these crucial recordings, often creating something unique and new for 2024 and there is much to enjoy.
In fact listening to this set is like a five-course 'MEMPHIS degustation' since every individual recording session has a different flavour and vibe. . Go here as EIN's Piers Beagley provides a 5,500 word review checking out every track to reveal what new excitements fans might discover..
You can also 'Have Your Say' - what did you like or dislike about this new release? NOW UPDATED with Readers comments. (CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
EPE Future Plans: For Elvis fans, the really interesting point was when Joel Weinshanker (majority owner of EPE) explained his future plans.
This included the following points
- EPE wants to bring back "the life" to Graceland of when Elvis lived there.
There has been too much sadness recently.
His idea is to only do new concepts that Elvis would do or approve of.
- EPE are going to be doing "something special"on the mansion grounds every few months. Some fans can participate in, some not.
- The new special tour 'Presley for a Day' will be unique and expensive, however a fair portion of the profits are going to charity & good things for the local community.
Part of this tour will be 'Moriah’s House' which was the stable and home for Lisa Marie’s horse. We’re starting with that house. Elvis’ legacy was Lisa. Elvis said, "The best thing I ever did in my life was have Lisa".
Now her daughter Riley has taken over and is extraordinary - and solely focused on what is best for Elvis’ legacy.
“Our Road to fifty” is the new plan as they head to the fiftieth anniversary. We have three years until 2027
- There will be three to four new buildings opened on the mansion property. EPE will be announcing these and they will be doing things that Elvis would have done.
Some of the things that Elvis designed himself.
- One could be a Recording Studio built on the property. This was something that Elvis not only always wanted, but he designed. In the archives there are architectural drawings for that. - There will be one new Elvis movie between now and 2027 - possibly two. - Baz Lurhman is working on his Elvis documentary.
There should also be a "streamer" show.
- There is the London ‘Elvis Evolution’ event where you’ll be able to go into virtual rooms that Elvis was in and interact with all of it.
- The whole thing is that in this world of such quick change, where movies and music are all so disposable, Elvis is one of the few things from 70 years ago that is still incredibly relevant.
Elvis was a revolutionary.
- So fans should “spread the gospel of Elvis”.
- Elvis always respected his neighbours even he might disagree with them. So please ignore the bad social media, respect your neighbours. Ask yourself, "What would Elvis do?"
-
So we are all going to keep going to Elevate Elvis’ legacy and keep thinking ‘What would Elvis want, what would Elvis do?’ EIN Note: photo shows Joel Weinshanker with Lisa Marie in 2018 (News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
(Book Review) Elvis, Hero of the Comic Books (Nigel Patterson): Respected Elvis author and reviewer, Gordon Minto, recently put on his reviewer’s cap to take on what he rightly describes as “a strange landscape” of how Elvis is portrayed in comic books (aka sequential art), a subject, which until now, has not been well covered or understood.
The book in question, Elvis, Hero of the Comic Books, was written by EIN’s Nigel Patterson and sublimely designed by Elvis Day By Day’s, Kees Mouwen.
The book includes stunning artwork from a number of releases and an eclectic variety of Elvis related comic book ephemera. Elvis, Hero of the Comic Books features more than 600 images!
Read Gordon’s detailed review to discover why he found the book to be “refreshingly different, extremely eye-catching, well-researched and well-written, while offering a new slant on things”.
(Book Review, Source: Gordon Minto;ElvisInfoNet)
Nigel Patterson 'Hero of the Comic Books' Interview:'Elvis, Hero of the Comic Books' is the first book to showcase Elvis' impact in comic books, graphic biographies, graphic novels, comic strips and caricatures.
Written by EIN's founding president, Nigel Patterson, it features outstanding page design by Elvis Day By Day's, Kees Mouwen.
A mammoth 450 page "coffee table" release 'Elvis, Hero of the Comic Books' highlights how diverse and far-reaching Elvis' impact has been, the themes ranging from biography, superhero, teen interest, crime, and satire, to zombies, vampires, the supernatural, anthropomorphic Elvis, and even a Fairy godmother and Lady Hellvis (Lady Death).
To celebrate the recent publication, the book's designer Kees Mouwen (from Elvis Day-By-Day) interviewed the author Nigel Patterson to find out what the book is all about....
"That's All Right" 70 Anniversary Spotlight: Seventy years ago today Elvis Presley would walk into 706 Union Avenue and by the end of the evening his recording of 'That's All Right' would change the course of music history.
Elvis author Tony Plews' 'Walk A Lonely Street' is a unique book that tells the tale of Elvis Presley’s rise to fame and presented as a series of consecutive short stories, it offers a new perspective on Presley’s musical and cultural achievements.
Every Elvis biography has, of course, described the recording of “That's All Right” but none have really captured that special day in such a cool, inspiring, involving and natural way.
In 'Walk A Lonely Street' it’s as if Tony Plews was actually there watching... On this 70th anniversary every Elvis fan should read this fabulous spotlight about 'That's All Right'.
(Spotlight, Source;TonyPlews/EIN)
'Las Vegas: On Stage Feb 1973' MRS CD Review: The new MRS 4CD Deluxe-set contains three performances recorded in February 1973, during Elvis’ eighth engagement in Las Vegas.
The Las Vegas shows took place weeks after the historic satellite TV show, Aloha From Hawaii, was filmed and broadcast on 14 January.
All shows are presented in stereo for the first time ever.
All shows are presented in stereo for the first time ever.
A bonus CD of remastered rehearsal tracks that were recorded the day before Opening night is also included.
The accompanying booklet includes rare photographs, memorabilia and liner notes which set the scene.
... This latest release from the Memphis Recording Service is an interesting one and manages to shed new light on the post-Aloha Elvis Las Vegas season that many fans have largely dismissed.
MRS 'Elvis: The Complete Movie Masters 1960-62' In-Depth Review: This 2024 MRS 'Elvis: The Complete Movie Masters 1960-62 - Plus Session Out-takes' 4CD/Book combo pays tribute to Elvis Presley’s complete master soundtrack recordings made for his movies between 1960-62.
As a bonus two CDs contain rare outtake tracks from these recording sessions and do include unreleased material.
The 140-page book focuses on each of the seven films and is accompanied by informative text, complemented by rare and previously unseen photographs and memorabilia.
In his first two years out of the army Elvis still looked terrific and the book includes a veritable pot-pourii of attractive images for readers to savor.
The set includes the STEREO masters from 'Follow That Dream' that have never been officially released on album, as well as other previously unreleased remastered stereo recordings.
Collectors will not only enjoy the images of Elvis in gorgeous close-up but also nearly five hours of great sixties soundtrack music.
'Elvis: Stateline SAHARA '74' FTD In-Depth Review:'ELVIS: Stateline Sahara 1974 Lake Tahoe' released as a 3-CD 5” digi-pak
features three previously unreleased performances from Elvis' third
Lake Tahoe season -
May 19 (Evening show), May 20 (Midnight show) and May 25 (Midnight show).
Just two weeks before this Lake Tahoe season Elvis had been playing to audiences of over 18 thousand at the Los Angeles Forum, so it is understandable if Elvis sounds a little more on ‘cruise-control’ but being less O-T-T is also a positive in that they sound more intimate.
'The Blue Hawaii Sessions' Box-Set FTD In-Depth Review: Released last month, 'The Blue Hawaii Sessions' was the eleventh in FTD’s “complete sessions” packages. This is the audio-set that was released earlier as part of 'The Making Of Blue Hawaii'. The 8 inch deluxe 4-CD package includes the complete sessions "newly-mixed from the original 3-track tapes", a 24-page booklet with informative flashbacks from musicians, songwriters, session data, memorabilia and global chart information.
The set includes 50 'officially previously unreleased' session outtakes. However most of these have to be 'False-Starts'.
There is however over four hours of Polynesian influenced material to enjoy and lots of studio banter to eavesdrop on. The set also includes all twenty-nine takes of Elvis' classic chart-topper Can’t Help Falling In Love.
'ELVIS: At 3am Sahara Tahoe 1973' MRS CD Review: This Deluxe 2CD set features two shows from Elvis’ May 1973 engagement at The Sahara Tahoe in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Included is a rare 3am charity performance as well as the midnight show from the previous night. Both shows for the first time are presented in stereo.
The accompanying booklet includes memorabilia and rare photos along with liner notes that set the scene.
Despite having to perform three concerts in the one evening, Elvis was feeling inspired and although it was 3am he still treated the ‘Mother’s Day’ benefit more like a Closing Night performance. Elvis was in extremely jovial spirits, teasing the band and adding some crazy lyrics. He also added unique live versions of ‘My Way’, ‘Faded Love’, ‘Funny How Time Slips Away’ and a rare ‘It’s Over’.
With the cassette hiss removed, the musicians and backing-vocals in stereo and Elvis’ vocal raised to the correct level, this MRS release sounds just like an RCA recorded multi-track and is the best representation of the “real Elvis” live in 1973 that fans could hope for. Go here as EIN's Piers Beagley checks out a sensational STEREO Elvis double-pack. (CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Book Review 'The King and The Jester': Elvis author Paul Belard's new "special interest" book all about Elvis and manager Col Parker is out now.
The cover notes, "As this uncultured philistine said of himself, "I did not know what to make of Elvis, or his music. I did not care, but I saw the reaction of the audience says and it was enough for me".Parker promptly realised that Elvis was his own ticket to wealth."
Belard's new 260 page book's twenty three chapters include, 'The Hank Snow Affair', 'The Snowman', 'The Lost Years', 'The Narcissist', 'World Wide Tour', 'What Could Have Been' and 'Exposing The Con Man'.
The author makes his disdain for Parker known from the outset and he does not hold back about what he sees as one of, if not the biggest, travesties and examples of unscrupulous mismanagement, in show business history!
The book is a very strong read and one that is very much a counterpoint to the recently published "rose colored glasses" account, 'Elvis and the Colonel: An Insider's Look At The Most Legendary Partnership In Show Business', by Parker employee Greg McDonald and Marshall Terrill.
Some fans have suggested that Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 ELVIS drama made Parker out to be too much of a cartoon villain but after reading this book the movie looks even more truthful than fans might have believed. ... Go here and read EIN's detailed review by glimmer twins Nigel Patterson and Piers Beagley (Book Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'Elvis in Print: A Comprehensive Annotated and Illustrated Bibliography 1955-2023 Volume 1' UPDATE: This comprehensive new book was due to be published this month but has been delayed due to editing issues and the discovery of more than 70 new titles and/or editions. A revised publication date for the nearly 500-page book will be announced soon. (non-final cover image pictured)
Compiled and written by EIN's Nigel Patterson, the four volumes of Elvis in Print: A Comprehensive Annotated & Illustrated Bibliography 1955-2023 will comprise around 2,000 pages, with listings for more than 4,000 books and around 2,000 images.
Volume 1 is the first of two detailing English language, “non-fiction” releases. It contains close to 500 pages, listings for more than 800+ titles, book covers for more than 500 listings, and interesting Sidebar articles discussing controversial releases and issues in the massive Elvis book catalog.
Sections in Elvis in Print Volume 1 include:
Academic Releases, Biographies, Compendiums: Catalogs, Discographies, Chart Histories, Interviews... Conspiracy Theories, Elvis and the Colonel, Elvis and the Law, Elvis as Art and Elvis as Religion (including Psychic Experiences and Spirituality)...
The 'Listings' include original releases, subsequent re-issues , (including digital editions) and a book synopsis. 'Elvis in Print' will be published in hardcover, softcover, and Kindle formats. It will be available from Amazon stores (the hardcover edition will only be available in those countries where Amazon offers this format).
EIN will publish more information soon. (News, Source;NP/EIN)
(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.
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)
UPDATED- CD Review 'The Joan Deary Tapes Vol1' - and has Ernst won the war?’: Two years ago EIN posted an article suggesting that the Elvis bootleg era was over, that FTD and Ernst Jorgensen had truly won the war.
So it was a surprise to many that a new bootleg label ‘Joan Deary Inc’ suddenly popped up two months ago promising a very similar series of releases to the Madison ‘A Legendary Performer’ set.
They promised "Unique content... with never issued before outtakes. Some very different mixes among other glorious sounding tracks. Every track comes in great sound quality and has been remastered for optimal listening pleasure..."
EIN was suspicious from the start - to be honest I saw no need to purchase this CD - but several EIN readers wanted to know more before they put down their hard earned cash. Go here as EIN's Piers Beagley investigates to see if there is life in this new series of Elvis bootleg releases... Please read this before ordering we've done the work so that you don't have to! Now UPDATED with YOUR comments (CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'Elvis On Tour' Box-Set In-Depth Review:The January 2023 'Elvis On Tour' SONY release is a 6CD / 1 Blu-Ray box set comprised of the audio from four of the shows (and two rehearsals) that were part of Elvis’ 1972 North American tour.
Originally recorded for the Elvis On Tour concert film that was released later that year, the set features a total of 145 tracks, including 91 previously unreleased tracks, as well as the award-winning concert film on Blu-ray.
RCA/Legacy's Elvis On Tour box set is produced by Ernst Jørgensen and mixed by Grammy Award-winning Memphis-based producer Matt Ross-Spang.
Elvis' April 1972 concerts were magnificent, so hopefully this expensive 50th anniversary release including newly remastered concert performances captures the magnificence and excitement of the movie and Elvis' stunning shows.
After fifty years surely SONY/RCA will get it right.....
Don't miss out on one of EIN's most-viewed and controversial interviews of all-time - Mike Stone tells all.
EIN Interview with Mike Stone: Mike Stone has had a long and successful career in athletics, in the entertainment business, as an author, sports instructor, bodyguard and personal fitness trainer.
Mike Stone was also a key figure in the emotional roller-coaster that described Elvis and Priscilla Presley's lives in the seventies. In this exclusive EIN interview Priscilla's ex-partner, karate champion and author talks about his amazing life, including... - Meeting Elvis and Priscilla
- Hawaii, Elvis and Karate
- Being Phil Spector's bodyguard
- Sitting next to John Lennon recording
- Priscilla and karate
- Fans blaming him for Elvis' marriage split-up
- Elvis putting a "Hit" out on him
- Finding peace in the Philippines
- His new autobiography
Don't forget that EIN's Elvis Facebook page regularly features fabulous RARE newly discovered photos of Elvis. This month EIN celebrates our 45,000 members! - including several of Elvis' own friends and colleagues So Elvis fans don't miss out on these rare and exciting photographs.
Now with over thousands of great photos, News and with more added every day – including YouTube footage.
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)
'What was Elvis searching for?' EIN Spotlight: The question is raised – but never answered – in the title of HBO’s recent absorbing, imperfect documentary 'Elvis Presley: The Searcher'.
At the start it seems clear what the teenage Elvis was searching for – an escape from the oblivion of poverty in the American South. Yet his quest was cultural as well as financial.
Later Elvis read obsessively, seeking out such books as The Impersonal Life, Joseph Brenner’s guide to self-discovery and Kahil Gibran’s book of fables, The Prophet. In his copy of Gibran’s tome, Elvis jotted down the line: “A singer can sing his songs but he must have an ear to receive the song”.
So what exactly was Elvis searching for? In this fascinating EIN Spotlight respected author Paul Simpson takes a close look at this all important question which, for some reason, was basically ignored in the recent HBO documentary..
Mindi Miller Interview with EIN: Mindi Miller was a working actress when she met Elvis in early 1975. She was interested in karate (she performed all her own movie stunts), exploring spirituality and the Bible and so they had a lot in common. Mindi Miller and Elvis bonded over their common interests and soon afterwards he asked her to go on tour with him in April 1975.
She stayed friends with Elvis through the years - along with members of the 'Memphis Mafia' - and attended his funeral.
EIN's Sanja Meegin recently caught up with Mindi Miller to talk about her close friendship with Elvis over the years.
In this fascinating interview she discusses. . . - Her first night with Elvis
- How Elvis persuaded her to cancel her overseas movie & modelling plans
- Their mutual interest in Karate
- Graceland and meeting Lisa Marie
- Attending Elvis' funeral . . . and much much more... Go here for EIN's Sanja Meegin and her intimate and detailed discussion with the delightful Mindi Miller - Now with Reader Feedback.
'Marty Lacker: A Life Well-Lived' & Elvis at American Studio's Interview: It was with immense sadness that last month EIN had to report on the death of our great friend - and a true friend to Elvis - Marty Lacker. We will miss him dearly. Marty is well-known as one of the key members of the Memphis Mafia and also co-Best Man at Elvis' wedding. He was known for both his honesty and being forthright with his opinions. He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia who still watched and commented on recent Elvis News. He had no issue with holding people to account (especially ones who would inflate their importance within Elvis' legacy) and would regularly ask EIN to add his comments or to correct any inaccuracy. Elvis fans often ask about Marty Lacker's background, how he came to meet Elvis, as well as his involvement in the music industry outside of working for The King.
As a prelude to Ken Sharp's fascinating interview with Marty Lacker and a discussion about Elvis' famous American Studio' Memphis sessions, EIN presents "Marty Lacker: a life well-lived" in which Marty tells of his life in the music industry, his friendship with Elvis along with his dislike of the over-controlling Col Parker. Go here to learn all you need to know about Marty Lacker as well as Elvis outstanding Memphis American Sound sessions in 1969. (Spotlight; Source,KenSharp/ElvisInformationNetwork)
'The World of FTD' In-Depth Review: The new deluxe book 'The World Of FTD' has been received by some lucky fans and Elvis collector Mike Lodge has provided EIN with a very detailed review - of well over 3 thousand words! The book was authored and designed by Keith Flynn with input from a large number of other Elvis specialists including EIN's Piers Beagley, EM&HM's Trevor Cajiao, Geoffrey McDonnell, Gordon Minto and many others. It is 1,200 pages, hardbound three book set, chronicling every release by FTD.The book also features 100s of high-quality photos from the collection Erik Lorentzen
KJ Consulting are proud to publish this Box Set which weighs 8 kilos.
Paul Dowling EIN Interview Part Three: Paul Dowling is without doubt one of the major names in the Elvis World. He started collecting and selling Elvis vinyl over 40 years ago and has one of the world's largest Elvis Presley record collections. He started his "WorldWide Elvis" shop back in the seventies, way before the internet, where fans could get hold of rare Elvis records and memorabilia.
With such a fascination with Elvis, Dowling not only became a big name in the early years of Elvis bootlegs but later became friends with Ernst Jorgensen and helped RCA with various official releases.
In the final part of our fascinating interview Paul Dowling discusses .... - Dodging the FBI agents that were sent after him
- Unreleased Elvis material that still hasn’t come out
- Why does Ernst Jorgensen doubt this claims
- His BMG project 'For The First Time Ever' - what happened
- The true story of obtaining the Million Dollar Quartet tape
- His thoughts on Paul Lichter, Sean Saver, Sherif Hanna, Rex Martin
- Spending time with Alan Fortas
- Jim Curtin, newly added story
'Ultimate Elvis' New Electronic Edition: Announced by Elvis sessions expert Keith Flynn for publication November 1 is the brand new concept of the 1750 page super-deluxe Elvis sessions book 'Ultimate Elvis' Electronic Edition.
This incredible three volume book will now be available as an e-book on an i-pad or android tablet. - Created in HTML5
Fully updated e-books will open in any web browser on any operating system, so no need for separate downloads for different operating systems. - Life-Like 'Flipping' Pages
Flip through pages as if you are reading an actual book, but also being able to zoom-in to view smaller images and captions.
- View as Double or Single pages
View as double pages on a computer or laptop etc, and single pages when viewing in portrait on an i-pad or Android tablet. - Fully Navigational Table Of Contents
Jump back and forth to the sections of the books you want to read, instead of flipping through numerous pages to find what you want. PRICED AT - all 3 Volumes for £60 = US$93
On sale from November 1st 2015. Try Before You Buy -
Download free zip-file containing 27 pages from Volume 1, before you decide to buy the complete set. -
NOTE - These books are MASSIVE so you will need approximately 1GB of spare disc space for these three volumes, -
Click HERE to Keith Flynn's 'Ultimate Elvis' Electronic Edition to try.
Go HERE to EIN's independent review of 'Ultimate Elvis' (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Did Elvis Record 'Tiger Man' At Sun?: A question that has puzzled Elvis fans through the years is whether he actually recorded the song ‘Tiger Man’ during his years at SUN studios.
The basic question is why did Elvis refer to 'Tiger man' several times in concert as “The second song that I ever recorded, not too many people heard it”?
And if Elvis DID record it, then why hasn’t any reference to it at SUN or proof of its existence been found?
Elvis would first perform ‘Tiger Man’ in concert at his first 1969 Las Vegas International season and would continue playing it through the years – usually in a medley with Mystery Train - until his last performance at Saginaw on May 3 1977. He would sing it over 150 times on stage! The thought that there might be an acetate or undiscovered tape of Elvis at SUN singing ‘Tiger Man’ is a mouth-watering concept - but is it an unlikely fantasy or strong possibility?
Go here to our detailed 'TIGER MAN' spotlight as EIN's Piers Beagley puts in the hard yards to check the facts from the fantasy . (Spotlight; Source;ElvisInfoNetwork)
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EIN is a not-for-profit Elvis Fan Club website posting daily news and informative articles for Elvis Presley's legion of fans.
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If you believe we have used copyrighted material please contact us and we will remove it immediately.
EIN also has a local Australian national Elvis Fan Club for paid up members featuring quarterly newsletters along with free EIN members cds plus an annual EIN Elvis Mega Quiz with special prizes.
The printed newsletters have extra content, articles and reviews to this website along with the popular Elvis EIN Mega Quiz.
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