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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...
The latest on www.ElvisInfoNet.com:
'A Touch Of Gold Lame', heading to the Printers!: Coming this summer from the Elvis Files Team 'A Touch Of Gold Lame'.
The new book from the Elvis Files Erik Lorentzen is now getting its final check. An in-depth look at Elvis in 1957, the production looks top-notch...
Edited by Gordon Minto, Designed by Neil Chris Middleton
416 Glossy pages with more than 600 photos.
"Boldly handsome with unruly dark hair, dressed in gold lame, sideburns and lull sensuous lips, ELVIS let loose on stage and the screaming began. Screams of delight from women for whom his wildly abandoned style of singing very honestly spelt out sex appeal. Screams from many adults who resented the big, brawny young man with fantastic rhythm and no inhibition. The outcry against the boy from Memphis was loud and furious. And he was called "vulgar, animalistic, a tomcat on a back fence". Many hoped he was just a phase that would pass. Elvis Presley wasn't passing though. Then critics tried to change his unique style and to tame the rocking singer. Despite tremendous pressure, Elvis wouldn't be changed either. And why should he? He saw nothing wrong in what he did. Elvis was not as sophisticated as his critics. On stage he worked with honest zest, with the full enjoyment he felt for everything in life. At the time when so few other people dared to be different, he was an Individual, a creator of a vivid, flamboyant style. For this he was ridiculed and feared."
Go HERE for info and how to order direct from ELVIS FILES
(News, Source;EL/ElvisInfoNet)
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UPDATED - 'Hard Knocks' Bootleg CD Review: How many times have keen collectors bought a new and exciting bootleg release to discover 3 months later that FTD will be releasing the same material?
After all, for the past decade everyone has been scraping the bottom of the Elvis barrel trying to beat each other to the almighty dollar.
Keen fans appear to be willing to buy almost anything “Previously Unreleased” on bootlegs only to find that the same material will then be released by FTD - and we buy it all over again!
So here is a new bootleg featuring only 5 new complete outtakes from Elvis' low mid-sixties period - and the majority of the material from the ghastly 'Easy Come, Easy Go'.
Can it really be worth buying?
EIN's Piers Beagley checks it out - and discovers some surprising delights along the way. - Now UPDATED with YOUR comments.
(CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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EPE Plans 3D Printed Elvis Clone: Authentic Brands Group (owner of brand Elvis) have combined with 3D creative group Staramba to help fans "Get closer to ELVIS than you've ever expected!"
The new partnership between Authentic Brands Group (ABG) and Staramba, a new company using photogrammetric 3D scanning for 3D printing merchandising, is bringing Elvis "back from the dead" with plans to use the latest scanning technology to create a "3D printed clone" of Elvis! This deal also allows for more figurines and merchandise related to many more global superstars represented by ABG, such as Marilyn Monroe and Muhammad Ali. They also plan to create 3D printed selfie figurines with your favourite celebrities: think, Me and Elvis, or Me and Marilyn Monroe and you’re on the right track.
Staramba suggests, "You always wanted to hold ELVIS in your arms?!? As close as no normal fan ever gets?! We say: Let's do it! Staramba allows you to get closer to your star than you've ever expected! We are producing the world's first photorealistic 3D printed figurines of you and your star – 100% uniquely configurated by you!"
EIN notes that there is however no suggestion that you could buy a life-size Elvis clone.
(News, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNet)
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Marya Coburn and the Elvis Kiss: It was 1967 on the set of Elvis' new film 'Stay Away Joe' and the movie crew were poised and ready, and so is the young Filipina actress who is waiting nervously in an open convertible for her leading man to take his place. It was 3am in the Arizona desert of Sedona and night-time temperatures have dipped to below freezing. She’s wearing nothing but a midriff top and hipster jeans and is shaking. She could blame it on the cold, nerves, or both since the next scene involves a long and passionate kiss with her leading man, Elvis Presley.
Not quite sure how to play it due to inexperience, shyness and the unnerving feeling of being kissed in front of the camera and crew, she quickly reaches for something to help prepare her for the scene. What’s a girl to do? "I sprayed my mouth with Binaca,".
Marya, then 22, was playing the role of Billie-Jo Hump, a beautiful Native American girl who is Joe’s (Elvis Presley) love interest in the movie, "Stay Away Joe."
"When it was time to do the scene, Elvis took my hand and asked, ‘Are you ready?’ and I said, ‘Yes,’ so he kissed me, but I must have used too much mouth spray because he threw his head back and screamed out, "This girl swallowed some disinfectant!"
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We all laughed and started all over again. It took eight takes to get the shot right."
Whether it required eight takes to get that perfect shot or Elvis was teasing his young co-actress, when asked what it was like to work with him, Marya replied, "Elvis was the most courteous actor I have ever worked with. He would say, ‘Yes sir, yes ma’am’ and he was also very kind. He had fun on the set and was like a kid at times. He would play pranks on people, including me, and one time he hid firecrackers under my seat so when I sat down it went off. It was all in good fun."
Born in Iloilo Marya Coburn is the first and only Philippine-born actress who worked with legends such as Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, John Voight, Yul Brynner, Bob Fosse, to name a few. She is a singer, actress and dancer whose work includes appearances on mainstream American television shows, movies and Broadway musical productions.
Marya gave up her career in Hollywood when she moved back to New York and married a plastic surgeon.
"I’m slowly working my way out of retirement," she explains, "You know the saying, ‘Once in show business, always in show business!’"
(News, Source;SM/ElvisInfoNet)
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'Rock Is Back' New Vinyl Import Audience Recording: The "VV" label announces an unreleased show from the magical Elvis’ first Las Vegas season titled "ROCK IS BACK" which will feature the Las Vegas August 15, 1969 Midnight Show. We are glad and overall happy to have the possibility to produce a show from Elvis very first season.
EIN NOTES - Don’t get too excited, this will no doubt be the audience recording previously available on the CDR as 'Elvis Live In Las Vegas' or 'Up And Running'. Do we really need audience recordings on vinyl in 2015?
The publicity notes... The midnight show from August 15th, as presented on this double vinyl set, represents one of the best show of Elvis’ first and maybe best Vegas season, Elvis’ first Vegas act is incredible, like a wild animal free from his cage, Elvis gave life to a memorable first season. Dressed in black tunic, Elvis stepped in the stage shaking, gyrating like nothing was changed in the last 9 years of his absence from the stage, He performed the best of his past hits and the new two singles from the Memphis 1969 sessions. The music is the focus of the season, Elvis appear better than ever, concentrate
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and strong He delivered a long show with no surprises in the track list respect the season, but pure dynamite from the begin to the end of the show.
This recording come from an early generation copy of the master tape, the sound quality is very good considering the first season. We have on our hands the original mono tape of extremely good quality enabling us to carry out simple re-mastering work, concentrating on the reduction of noise trying to achieve a more clear sound and of Elvis, keeping his vocal power up in the central mix and at the same time trying to give a great definition to the background music. The Tape is almost complete, missing a little part of the Life Story dialogue , while we have been able to include Can’t help falling in Love from a different source of the same show in the matter to give to the show the deserved completeness.
In Vinyl / CD with only 500 copies.
Go HERE to 'All The CD News 2015' for tracklist and details
(News, Source;FECC/ElvisInfoNet) |
2015 Graceland Auction The Biggest!: The third auction of rare and authentic Elvis Presley artifacts and memorabilia will be held during Elvis Week 2015, featuring an impressive 174 lots, making it the largest and most comprehensive auction yet held on the grounds of Graceland. The Auction at Graceland will take place in the Graceland Archives Studio on Thursday, August 13, 2015, at 8:00p.m.
The most notable item up for auction is a light blue jumpsuit that Elvis wore in concert during 1973 and 1974. Though EPE will have staff members on hand to bid on the item, this will be a rare chance for a private fan to purchase an original Presley jumpsuit.
The first Auction At Graceland was held last summer, and EPE is hoping that this summer’s edition will be their most profitable yet.
Every item up for auction this year will come from private collectors, as no artifacts from the Graceland collection will be up for auction.
The auction will also be streamed live on the internet.
These are the major items EPE have listed
Elvis Presley Light Blue “Starburst” Jumpsuit worn during 1973 at the Las Vegas Hilton and other concerts
(Estimated $100,000-150,000)
Elvis Presley’s Personal Walther Model PPK/S 9mm Kurz Handgun
(Estimated $100,000–125,000)
Elvis Presley “Viva Las Vegas” Jacket worn in dance scene with Ann-Margret
(Estimated $30,000-50,000)
Million Dollar Quartet Signed Guitar with Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis signatures
(Estimated $20,000-30,000)
“TCB” Necklace gifted to Sammy Davis Jr. by Elvis Presley
(Estimated $20,000-30,000)
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1956 Elvis Presley Double-Signed Transfer Agreement moving 15 Songs to Gladys Music
(Estimated $20,000-30,000)
Elvis Presley Owned and Worn Gold Owl-Shaped Ring (right) gifted to a fan from the stage
(Estimated $15,000-20,000)
1969 Elvis Presley Handwritten Signed Letter to Gary Pepper discussing the inaugural show at the International Hotel
(Estimated $10,000-15,000)
Elvis Presley Signed Shirt from his personal wardrobe provided as the Grand Prize in a 1973 Boy Scout raffle
(Estimated $8,000-12,000)
1968 Elvis Presley Film-Worn Jacket from “Live a Little, Love a Little”
(Estimated $7,000-10,000)
1971 Elvis Presley Signed Martial Arts Card with fingerprints
(Estimated $5,000-7,500)
Go HERE to EPE for more Auction info and to register.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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No "Music Room" upstairs at Graceland; Marty Lacker cleverly spotted a slight oddity in Ruth Cobb's Graceland memories that we published on Friday (see story below) where she noted that "her old upstairs bedroom had been turned into a music room".
Marty noted to EIN that, "I read that story about Ruth Cobb and her later visit to Graceland - and I don't know what room she saw upstairs but there was no "music room" up there.
She might be talking about Elvis' office that had an upright piano in it." - Marty.
EIN suspects that she was probably surprised only to see that her bedroom now had a piano in it!
(News, Source;MartyLacker/ElvisInfoNet) |
Country Music Hall of Fame exhibit honors Sam Phillips: More than a decade after his death, it appears that 2015 is going to be the year of Sam Phillips.
The Nashville Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has announced a major exhibit focusing on the life and work of the Sun Records founder, producer and American music visionary. Titled “Flyin’ Saucers Rock & Roll: The Cosmic Genius of Sam Phillips,” it will open Aug. 28 and run through June 12, 2016.
It is co-curated by the Hall of Fame’s Michael Gray and author/historian Peter Guralnick. Guralnick’s long-anticipated biography, “Sam Phillips: The Man Who Invented Rock n’ Roll — How One Man Discovered Howlin’ Wolf, Ike Turner, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis Presley, and How His Tiny Label, Sun Records of Memphis, Revolutionized the World!,” will be published Nov. 10 by Little, Brown & Co.
“It’s really a fantastic time for Sam Phillips,” says his son, Jerry Phillips. “It’s hard to put into words what this means to our family. To be recognized this way by the people from the Country Music Hall of Fame … I know he would be thrilled to be honored with an exhibit of his own.”
As the Hall’s Gray explains: “This is not, for lack of a better term, just going to be an ‘Elvis exhibit.’ It’s not just Sun Records, either. It’s really going to tell Sam Phillips’ whole story. It’ll be an instructive look at who he was, his drive to succeed and his personal experiences. It’s really about Sam’s entire journey.” |
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“Sam is important on so many levels,” adds Gray. “With the blues and country and rock and roll and gospel he was recording, his influence can be felt across the history of music in America and throughout the world.”
The Phillips family have opened up their company and personal collections to curators.
“We’ve uncovered some things that would blow your mind,” says Jerry Phillips. “Letters between Sam and (Chess Records’) Leonard Chess talking about Howlin’ Wolf, things like that. The kind of correspondence where you can read and see history happening behind the scenes.”
Among the artifacts expected to be part of the collection in addition to such newly unearthed documents are some of the original equipment used at Phillips’ Memphis Recording Service, as well as rare acetates and family photos. “And we’re adding things from our own collection, and piecemeal from other museums and other collectors,” says Gray. The multimedia exhibit will include vintage video and audio clips.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
Grant Awarded To Renovate ‘Elvis’ Barracks: Chaffee Crossing secured a $37,000 grant to renovate Elvis first Army barracks for a larger museum dedicated to Fort Chaffee history.
The Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority’s historic district and museum director, Joseph Chasteen, said the multi-phase grant comes from the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program. It will be used for structural repairs, renovations, heating and air, electrical upgrades and handicap accessibility at Barracks No. 823, where Elvis was temporary stationed in March 1958 before being sent to Fort Hood for training. The two-story building will eventually house artifacts and displays from the nearby Museum of Chaffee History.
Barracks No. 823 is located adjacent to the current history museum and the Chaffee Barbershop Museum where Elvis received his first military haircut.
The Arkansas Historic Preservation Program grant was secured on the Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority’s third attempt. FCRA officials were notified Tuesday.
Recently, the 20-acre historic district that includes 42 buildings was expanded on the National Register of Historic Places to include a Vietnam veterans’ museum, former military headquarters and a dozen more buildings and structures.
(News, Source;SM/ElvisInfoNet) |
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Jerry Scheff "TCB" Sells At Auction for $13,500: The recent Bonhams Entertainment Memorabilia auction in London featured several of TCB Bassist Jerry Scheff personal Elvis items including his precious "TCB" necklace which sold for £8,500 = US$13,400.
Scheff informed his facebook friends that "Bonhams auction house, a world wide auction house, is auctioning some pieces of my Elvis memorabilia, and three of my basses in their Entertainment Memorabilia auction.
Please do not ask me any personal questions about why I am selling these things, suffice it to say it is for a good cause."
The items were:
My solid gold TCB necklace.
Elvis presented these to band members and his entourage and I believe the necklace is from the first or second batch made.
Sold for £8,500 = US$13,400
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Solid gold Baume and Mercier watch with engraved back. "TO JERRY FROM SQUIRLLY EP"
Sold for £1,875 US$ 2,948
Solid gold ID bracelet engraved with, "TUFF SCHIFF"
The engraving refers to the surnames of Jerry and TCB Band drummer, Ron Tutt when Elvis would introduce the musicians: '...on drums we have Ronnie Tutt and on bass, Jerry Scheff. That's Tuff Schiff, any way you look at it...',
Sold for £1,000 US$ 1,572
Also for sale were his Elvis In Concert stadium tour jacket,
1966 Fender Precision bass guitar, and
Jerry Scheff TCB two-piece suits.
Go HERE To Bonhams for all the details
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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Download the Elvis Week 2015 App: EPE have announced that the Elvis Week 2015 app is here!
Keep up with all of the latest news, get the official schedule, see all of the special guests and get exclusive offers with the free Elvis Week app.
The app also features maps, exclusive videos, a photo booth and a candle, in case you need one for the Candlelight Vigil. Allow push notifications to get the news the second it happens during Elvis Week, which is August 8-16. The app even tells you the Memphis weather.
Download the Elvis Week app for free from Google Play for Android phones or iTunes for iPhones. If you have last year's version of the app, all you'll need to do is update the app.
Go HERE to EPE to download the app.
(News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
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EPE Refuses use of Elvis in New Fashion Collection: Salvador Dalí and Marilyn Monroe enjoyed a surreal imaginary dialogue, the artist picturing the actress as Mao Tse-tung in 1952. We might wonder if that's what inspired Andy Warhol's progression from Marilyn to Mao two decades later. One thing we know for sure is that it had something to do with the collection Dries Van Noten showed today. The voices of Dalí and Monroe chattered away in the aural tapestry that Kid Koala created to underscore the presentation. John Lydon's voice was there too, his nasal howl an incongruous dissonance in the mix.
There were embroidered lobsters, and beaded firebirds, and palm trees that echoed her work.
Dries Van Noten added that he wanted to include some Elvis designs as well, but that the Elvis estate had not been cooperative.
Getty Images, on the other hand, was perfectly agreeable, so Van Noten got to use Marilyn on anything from a double-breasted suit to a pair of boxing shorts and a capacious poncho. Knitwear claimed one of MM's eyes and her lips, adapting Erwin Blumenfeld's classic 1950 Vogue cover. A polo shirt featured a photoprint of a beautiful, poignant poolside snap.
(News, Source;SM/ElvisInfoNet)
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'Elvis Today' Legacy 40th Anniv Vic Anesini ReMaster: The new SONY Legacy 40th anniversary version of "Elvis Today" as expected will feature the original 1975 album, plus undubbed session mixes of its ten tracks. It will be paired with the 'composite' concert pieced together from recordings made on tour in May and June 1975, first issued as part of the 1980 'Elvis Aron Presley' Silver box-set. Ernst Jorgensen confirmed today with EIN that the release is worldwide and the live concert CD is newly remastered by Vic Anesini. Anesini also remastered the main CD.
Go HERE To EIN's SONY 2015 CD News for the full tracklist
(see FTD 'Elvis Today' review here)
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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More on Marty Pasetta: Jefry Abraham was the person who interviewed Marty Pasetta in great detail for The Television Academy’s Archive Program. He also happens to be the publicist for director/producer Steve Binder.
Jefry Abraham recently contacted EIN and we talked about Marty Pasetta who recently passed away..
EIN - Marty Pasetta comes across as a remarkably humble man for all the legendary TV productions that he originated.
What was he like "off camera" and did he realise exactly what he had achieved?
Jeff A: That interview was the first time I met Marty, but we immediately connected once we started the interview. He was nothing but utterly charming. I do remember at the end of the 3 hour session he did feel quite humbled having his entire life laid in front of him.
He did know what he achieved, but he never spoke as a bragger.
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EIN: Do you know if he had any more interaction with Elvis or The Colonel after the special was aired?
Jeff A: I do believe Marty did see Elvis in Vegas after the special and he went backstage.
EIN: Do you know any of Marty's feelings about the 2010 deluxe expanded DVD release?
Jeff A: The interview was done in 2007 so I can’t answer this question. I never asked him afterwards.
EIN: In Pasetta's interview he often mentions that he saw Elvis Live in Santa Monica.
However that cannot be right! Elvis didn't perform in Santa Monica that year.
Personally I think he saw Elvis at Long Beach (Nov 14/ 15 1972).
Jeff A: You have to remember this interview was done 35 years after the fact he first Elvis.
My educated guess was that Marty saw Elvis in Long Beach as it was closer to Los Angeles. You have to remember these people did so much in the career, they don’t remember every detail.
I apologize in that I’m not an Elvis expert, so I did not catch that error of Santa Monica. Otherwise, I would have corrected him.
Also, when doing these interviews, you don’t want the subjects to lose their train of thought, so you don’t correct while they are speaking.
I would done have it before the next question, had I known.
EIN: Do you have anything else you would like add about Marty Pasetta, the man?
Jeff A: I ran into Marty a few years later and we had a wonderful chat and he could not have been any nicer.
Go HERE for full Jeff Abraham Marty Pasetta Interview & much more.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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Amazon Buys ‘Elvis & Nixon’: Amazon Studios is making its first big move into film acquisitions by acquiring US domestic rights to 'Elvis & Nixon' for close to $4 million. Amazon will team up with Bleecker Street, who will handle the film’s release. The film will have a theatrical release as part of the deal.
While the other non-linear giant Netflix has been ramping up its acquisitions, the 'Elvis & Nixon' deal would be Amazon’s first major buy. Significantly, Amazon will then be able to combine the theatrical shows along with harnessing the marketing power of Amazon’s vast global online platform.
'Elvis & Nixon' centers on the historic 1970 meeting between King and the president that famously yielded one of the more curious White House photo ops in pop culture history. The film is directed by Liza Johnson (Hateship Loveship, Return) and stars Michael Shannon as the legendary hip shaker and Kevin |
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Spacey, this time playing a real U.S. President. The Butler’s Cassian Elwes is producing with Cary Elwes and Holly Wiersma. Byron Wetzel is exec producing alongside Tim Smith and Paul Brett for Prescience, which backed the project, and Johnny Mac, Dave Hansen, Laura Rister, Rob Barnum and Jason Micalef.
The 'Elvis & Nixon' deal will likely be the first in a long line of acquisitions and original productions to come.
(News, Source;NP/ElvisInfoNet) |
Early Graceland Photos: Ruth Cobb is one of the few people outside Elvis Presley's family to visit the upstairs of Graceland. It was before it opened as a tourist attraction, and Cobb who lived there before Elvis, soon learned her old upstairs bedroom had been turned into a music room.
Cobb visited in 1967 at the invitation of Elvis' grandmother, and later when the Presley family planned to turn the home into a tourist attraction. It reminded Cobb of her own music career and left her slightly quizzical about a few decorating changes.
"We did not have a jungle room growing up," she says. There was also no fabric on the ceiling of the billiard room in her day. "We didn't have a billiard room," she says.
Other distinctive touches added during Elvis' ownership of Graceland drew little attention from Cobb, but there was one: |
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"Elvis didn't like the chandelier we had in the dining room. It came from New Orleans. He put up some garish thing."
Cobb, 82, and her husband, retired lawyer Charles Cobb, 86, married in 1948. She had grown up at Graceland as an only child. When she married Charles Cobb, they remained at Graceland with her parents at first while Ruth toured the country as part of a professional harp ensemble.
Her father, Dr. Thomas Moore, was a prominent surgeon and urologist. Her mother, Ruth Brown Moore, was a volunteer who enjoyed club work and became president of the Tennessee Association of Garden Clubs.
They built Graceland in 1939, naming it for Ruth's great aunt, Grace Toof, who had left the farm to Ruth's grandmother. The grandmother divided her 520-acre farm into three parts, leaving it to her three children. Two of them sold their shares to Ruth's father.
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The house on 20 acres began as what Ruth Cobb calls "just a comfortable country home." It would become as familiar to America as Tara, Scarlett O'Hara's home in "Gone With the Wind," and it would rival Monticello, Mount Vernon and other once-private homes among the biggest tourist attractions in the country.
There, Ruth's father taught her to shoot well enough that she once downed three geese with a single shot. He also taught her to fish in a 25-acre manmade lake behind the house. But her first love was music. Ruth played the piano, but she loved the harp, studying, then touring with one of the world's leading harpists, Carlos Salzedo.
Her favorite music was classical, but Ruth says she liked all music from country to Elvis' music. "I wasn't really crazy about his music, but my mother marveled at his hymns," she says. When her mother decided the property was more than she wanted to keep up, she asked Ruth and Charles if they would like to stay.
"We just didn't have time to take care of a big house," says Charles. "It cost $1,000 a month to keep it up. The yard alone was like trying to take care of a golf course. We had a yard man who worked two to three days a week."
When the property was put up for sale, Ruth said there were three potential buyers -- Sears Roebuck Co.; a private party who wanted to turn it into an exclusive restaurant, and Elvis. By then, most of the surrounding land had been sold to developers for a subdivision, and the lake behind the house had been drained.
Ruth says a church, Graceland Christian Church, wanted to buy 5 acres on the northwest corner of the property. Sears and the restaurant interests did not want to split the 5 acres off for the church, but Elvis said he would be glad to have a church next door, she says. That helped seal the deal. Elvis bought the property for $102,000 in 1957.
When the church next door, Graceland Christian Church, eventually decided to move, the Presley family bought back the land and turned the church into the headquarters of Elvis Presley Enterprises.
Charles met Elvis during the closing on the sale of Graceland, but Ruth never met him.
She has since returned to Graceland as a tourist with her grandchildren. "I thoroughly enjoyed it, but it didn't feel like home," she says.
Go HERE for the full story video and more photos
(News, Source;SM/ElvisInfoNet) |
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'Hard Knocks' Bootleg CD Review: How many times have keen collectors bought a new and exciting bootleg release to discover 3 months later that FTD will be releasing the same material?
After all, for the past decade everyone has been scraping the bottom of the Elvis barrel trying to beat each other to the almighty dollar.
Keen fans appear to be willing to buy almost anything “Previously Unreleased” on bootlegs only to find that the same material will then be released by FTD - and we buy it all over again!
So here is a new bootleg featuring only 5 new complete outtakes from Elvis' low mid-sixties period - and the majority of the material from the ghastly 'Easy Come, Easy Go'.
Can it really be worth buying?
EIN's Piers Beagley checks it out - and discovers some surprising delights along the way.
(CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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'Elvis Today' Legacy 40th Anniv Tracklist: The new SONY Legacy 40th anniversary version of "Elvis Today" as expected will feature the original 1975 album, plus undubbed session mixes of its ten tracks. It will be paired with the 'composite' concert pieced together from recordings made on tour in May and June 1975 and first issued as part of the 1980 'Elvis Aron Presley' Silver box-set. EIN is confirming that the concert will be remastered for 2015.
Go HERE To EIN's SONY 2015 CD News for the full tracklist
Similar in concept to the earlier FTD 'Classic Album' TODAY release, hopefully the session audio will be remastered by Vic Anesini as the previous FTD audio mastering was not their best.
(see FTD 'Elvis Today' review here)
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
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ASK Marty: Today Marty Lacker answers your questions about....
- Should Elvis have considered A Star IS Born
- Did Elvis follow any TV show, in particular like Columbo, Kojak
- I’m wondering if Elvis ever met Sharon Tate
- Were Elvis and Glen Campbell good friends
- Elvis and MSG, the old fashioned concept that "woman should be at home"
- What about the to 1974 Easter 1973 tv special that was supposed to happen
Go here to 'ASK MARTY' for his answers plus how to send in your questions.
(Ask Marty, Source;ML/ElvisInfoNet)
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BBC4 New Rock'n'Roll series “Rock ‘n’ Roll America”: UK's BBC4 is readying a three-hour documentary series that explores the birth and popularity of rock ‘n’ roll music in the U.S. between 1954 and 1964.
Titled Rock ‘n’ Roll America, the three-parter will be narrated by actor David Morrissey and is to trace the roots of the genre deep within the American south in the 1950s, exploring the musical stylings of Fats Domino and Little Richard, and spotlighting the origins of Elvis Presley’s career as a local singer in Memphis, Tennessee.
As well, the series will explore the subculture’s explosive move into the mainstream at the hands of Elvis’ performance of “Hound Dog” on The Milton Berle Show in 1956, the media’s unsuccessful attempts to quell the genre, the early demise of Buddy Holly at 22 and America’s introduction to The Beatles in 1964.
The series is to feature exclusive interviews with a raft of music legends, including Ben E. King, Chubby Checker, Ronnie Spector, Tom Jones, Pat Boone, Don |
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Everly, Wanda Jackson, Joe Boyd, Jerry Lee Lewis and The Crickets’ Jerry Allison.
“So many of the greats who helped define and kick-start that era are getting to the end of their lives,” said Mark Cooper, BBC head of music television and the series’ executive producer, said in a statement. “Now seemed like the perfect moment to celebrate that magical decade, to examine it journalistically and to try and give a sense of what it felt like to be young and alive and inventing something as new and wild and alive as rock ‘n’ roll.”
Rock ‘n’ Roll America was ordered by Jan Younghusband, head of commissioning for music at the British broadcaster, and is set to premiere on July 3 at 9 p.m.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
'Elvis Files Magazine Issue 12' Out Now: Once again Erik Lorentzen's new June 2015 issue of his 'Elvis Files Magazine' looks like another essential purchase.
As always featuring some great unseen photos and interesting articles..
And what a SENSATIONAL front cover photo!
Go HERE for some Issue 12 Sneak Preview Pages - as well as a look at the previous magazine.
or Go Here and order yours direct from Elvis Files.
(News, Source;EL/ElvisInfoNet)
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Hal Blaine Joins Elvis Week's Conversations on Elvis: Good news for Elvis music fans as super-drummer Hal Blaine joins EPE's Elvis Week to share his personal memories at 'Conversations on Elvis'.
Hal Blaine played on a number of Elvis sessions particularly the mid-sixties movie soundtracks. He played on Girls! Girls! Girls, Roustabout, and Blue Hawaii, to name a few. He can also be spotted in Elvis' backing bands in some of those films. (back right in photo)
Hal has played on 50 number one hits, over 150 top 10 hits and has recorded on more than 35,000 pieces of music in over 40 years of work. He's best known for his work with The Wrecking Crew. He worked with artists such as The Beach Boys, Simon & Garfunkel, John Denver, The Ronettes and many more. He also recorded on six consecutive Record of the Year Grammy Award winners. A member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Musicians Hall of Fame Hal is widely regarded as one of the most prolific drummers in music history.
Hal will be joined at Conversations on Elvis by singer Brenda Lee and former Shelby County Sheriff Bill Morris, a close friend of Elvis'.
Go here to EPE to check out this year's guests at Elvis Week.
(News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
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'Elvis Something Blue' New Import CD: Out soon is 'Elvis Something Blue: Love Ballads Of The Sixties' the new import release.
The publicity notes... A really beautiful release with a stunning cover, containing 28 hard to find outtakes of some Elvis’ best ballads, recorded in the sixties.
The ultimate Elvis LOVE collection. Most tracks are unreleased in this form !!
Some highlights are the hard to find version of 'It Hurts Me' without the backing vocals, the original mono version of 'Home Is Where The Heart Is', the original album mix of 'Let’s Forget About The Stars' and the master of 'What Now, What Next, Where To' including the count- in.
EIN notes that most serious collectors will already have all this content.
Go HERE to 'All The CD News 2015' for tracklist and details
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
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'ELVIS ‘65' ('Elvis For Everyone' Alternate Album): From the same company comes 'ELVIS ‘65' ( RCA 10th Anniversary Album (‘’ Elvis For Everyone’’ Alternate Album)
The publicity notes... 1965 celebrated the 10th anniversary of Elvis signing to RCA in November 1955.
RCA released an ‘anniversary album’ with contained many , for that time, unreleased tracks and 1 overdubbed SUN recording. The album was titled ‘Elvis For Everyone ‘.
This stunning new 'ELVIS ‘65'’ digipack release contains 20 of the best outtakes and alternate versions of Elvis’ 1965 single releases and studio recordings.
Although 1965 saw probably one of Elvis’ weakest recordings output, these 20 tracks show that he could still deliver the goods.
It’s a truly enjoyable CD release !!
EIN again notes that most serious collectors will already have all this content.
Go HERE to 'All The CD News 2015' for tracklist and full details
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
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'Hot Shots & Cool Clips Vol. 7'- DVD Out Now: It has been a while in the making but this week JAT Publishing have finally released their new DVD 'Hot Shots & Cool Clips Vol. 7'.
It contains the well-known colour home-video footage in 'The Making of It Happened At The World's Fair'
For more info and to purchase go HERE to JAT -
Costs $45 including postage
(News, Source;JAT/ElvisInfoNet)
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Latest Billboard Album Charts: The feeling of love continues for 'Heart And Soul'.
'Heart And Soul' drops from 20 to 23 on the Billboard Country Catalog Album
Chart for w/e 27th June, 2015.
Elvis has no other entries on the Billboard Charts.
(News, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNet) |
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(Interview) Bob Hayden talks to EIN: Noted Elvis and rock 'n' roll researcher/author, Bob Hayden, recently sat down with EIN's Nigel Patterson to talk about his life, his critically acclaimed books about Elvis and the heyday of Australian rock 'n' roll. In a fascinating interview Bob:
- recounts the strategic game-play between promoter Lee Gordon and the Colonel
- talks about his friendship with Lee Gordon's right-hand man, Alan Heffernan
- reflects on Aussie rock 'n' roll stars including the late, great Johnny O'Keefe,
- names the 'most popular rocker' in Melbourne
- reveals what gave him the idea for his recent Elvis book trilogy
- discusses how he was able to confirm facts and source photos for his Elvis books
- tells us what will be in the final volume of his "Biggest Shows of 1957" trilogy
- and a lot more!
Bob's candid interview will appeal to not only Elvis fans but will also conjure up many pleasant memories for those old enough to remember the golden days of Australian rock 'n' roll. (Interview, Source: EIN) |
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Billionaire Kirk Kerkorian has died: Kirk Kerkorian, the media-shy investor who became one of the richest Americans by betting his money on ventures like casinos and film studios, died Monday night at his home in Beverly Hills, Calif. He was 98. He began to develop his Las Vegas acreage, breaking ground in 1968 for what he promised would be the largest hotel and casino in the world. Elvis Presley would become the biggest star to appear at the International.
The project infuriated Howard Hughes, the reclusive airline and movie magnate, who had recently moved to Las Vegas intending to dominate the casino and resort business. Hughes announced a huge expansion of his own Sands Hotel, aimed at convincing creditors that Mr. Kerkorian’s project, the International Hotel, would not be viable in what looked like an overbuilt market. In the end, Mr. Kerkorian found other creditors and completed his hotel on schedule in 1969.
Elvis would headline his first season of shows at the International Hotel from 31 July that year. (News, Source: AP/TIME/New York Times) |
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Graceland named #1 Best Musical Attraction: Elvis Presley™ is known and loved around the world as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll™, and now his legendary Memphis home, Graceland, was voted #1 in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers' Choice contest for “Best Musical Attraction” from a field of iconic music-themed landmarks. As 10Best describes the win, “After four weeks of voting, one legendary attraction won the title of Best Musical Attraction by a landslide: Graceland.” Elvis Presley’s Graceland was voted into the top spot by readers of USA TODAY, who were asked to cast their online ballot for their favorite global music attraction from a pool of 20 museums, memorials, historic studios and epic record stores originally selected by 10Best’s travel experts and journalists. Voting began on May 11 and ran through noon EDT June 8, 2015.
Based on the number of votes cast, 10Best announced that Graceland was a “clear favorite with our music-loving readers,” in their voting recap, which is music to the ears of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. CEO Jack Soden. “This honor confirms what our guests from around the world have been telling us for years -- that Graceland is a must-see destination, not only for Elvis fans, but for anyone who appreciates music and history. We have a rich story to tell here at the King’s castle, as we honor Elvis’ legacy and celebrate a music and pop culture revolution that started right here in Memphis, Tennessee,” said Soden.
Graceland was in good company as neighbors in Memphis and across the state of Tennessee also received honors in the 10Best poll. The city known as the “Home of the Blues and Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll” was well represented with Sun Studio, which cranked out hits not only for Elvis but Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lewis taking the second spot on the list along with the Stax Museum of American Soul Music in the fifth position. The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville placed fourth in addition to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge with the sixth spot on the list.
"Readers of the nation's No. 1 newspaper have declared Tennessee the No. 1 best state for music," said Kevin Triplett, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. "These five Tennessee attractions are at the top, but that's just the beginning of all Tennessee has to offer to music fans from around the world."
Additional nominees for Best Musical Attraction included the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Detroit’s Motown Museum, the famed Abbey Road studio in London and historic Apollo Theater in New York.
10Best is a division of USA TODAY Travel and USA TODAY’s award-winning travel website, providing users with original, unbiased, and experiential travel content of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
To celebrate the honor, Graceland offers the Get Closer to Rock 'n' Roll Package for visitors, providing guests a chance to “get closer to the man who changed the world with his music” when they visit the home he loved and lived in for 20 years. The package includes two nights at Elvis Presley's Heartbreak Hotel, two VIP Tours of Elvis Presley's Graceland, along with two tickets to fellow winners of the USA TODAY 10Best Musical Attraction Readers Choice award, Sun Studio and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.
For details on the package and touring this iconic music landmark, visit: www.graceland.com/getcloser/ (News, Source: Yahoo News)
Now available from Amazon USA:
Marty Pasetta & "The Making Of Aloha" : EIN contributor Rob Salamanca has made this wonderful 14 minute video about "Marty Pasetta and the making of Aloha From Hawaii".
In it Producer /Director Marty Pasetta talks about the making of NBC's Aloha from Hawaii the first live concert broadcast worldwide via satellite starring Elvis Presley and it features some marvellous Elvis clips.
It runs 14 minutes - Click here to watch.
At their firrst sit-down meeting, attended by two bodyguards, Pasetta said he told Presley he had to lose weight before the concert.
"Elvis sat straight and the guys on either side of him took out their guns and laid them down on the table, and if you don't think I was scared, you're crazy." |
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On May 21st this year Marty Pasetta sadly died in a car accident - he was 82 years old.
Marty Pasetta June 16, 1932 – May 21, 2015 - RIP
"One of The Best Elvis ever worked with"- Marty Lacker
For more on Marty Pasetta go HERE to EIN's Spotlight.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
Please note, the interview included with Marty Pasetta comes from an interview Jeff Abraham conducted for The Television Academy’s Archive Program. The interview was done in his home in Los Angeles on January 18, 2007.
EIN and Rob Salamanca credits Jeff Abraham and Television Academy as the source material.
"In the original three-hour Archive interview, Marty Pasetta (1932-2015) talks about his early interest in theater his first job at San Francisco's KGO-TV and his long association with The Grammy Awards (from 1971-78), where he was hired for the show's first live telecast and details his long stint as director of The Academy Awards (from 1972-88).
He also speaks in great detail about his favorite project, Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii, which was Elvis' 1973 satellite special.
Go HERE for the full interview and more information.
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Elvis' original 12-Pound 'Aloha From Hawaii' Cape to The King's Ransom Museum: Elvis Presley's original 12-Pound 'Aloha From Hawaii' Cape has a new home!
The 12-pound cape custom-made for Elvis Presley for the singer's famed 1973 performance Aloha from Hawaii Via Satellite is now owned by The King's Ransom Museum and is one of the 'Personal Treasures of Elvis Presley' soon to be displayed for Elvis fans around the world to enjoy.
The full-length cape, adorned with an American eagle and stars and inlaid with semi-precious stones, measured nearly five feet in length, but when Presley tried it on in rehearsals, he found it too heavy to be worn onstage for the show. Designer Bill Belew was forced to create a lighter replacement for Presley, with the original sent back to Graceland.
"Presley had the cape made to hide behind at the opening of the Hawaii show. His intention was to 'emerge' from behind the cape during the 2001 opening segment. The show was heavily choreographed - he intended to drop the cape and reveal himself to the anxiously awaiting crowd. However, when Presley tried on the cape during rehearsals, the weight almost pulled him over backwards, and it was decided that a smaller version was needed."
"three small hooks and Velcro are sewn into the collar to connect the cape to Presley’s jumpsuit, and two small straps are sewn into the corners to enable Elvis to stretch out the cape while wearing it."
Belew, who died in 2008, gained fame for designing many of Presley's outfits from 1968 to 1977, including the velveteen ensemble the singer wore for his infamous "Elvis meets Nixon" photo. In 1999, the full size Aloha cape made for Presley for the
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Hawaii performance sold by Graceland for over $100,000 at auction. Years later, it was sold again for a quarter of a million dollars, making it one of the highest valued Elvis personal items ever sold. It was eventually acquired by Elvis historian, author, documentary producer and museum owner, Bud Glass.
Glass and his partner Russ Howe are owners of the world famous King's Ransom Museum that has successfully toured America and even Europe for the past ten years. Early this year, the museum just finished up a one year engagement at the former Las Vegas Hilton, where Elvis performed more than 800 performances from 1969-1976. Other than a single suit and cape that was on display in the early 1980's, The King's Ransom Museum was the first time Elvis had been back in the building in over 40 years, and preceded the current Graceland sponsored display and impersonator show. During the 'Ransom's' run at the former Hilton, The History Channel filmed the museum and interviewed Bud Glass on the very stage where Elvis made history. Clips of the museum were also filmed and included on Fox News, and Geraldo Rivera's 80th birthday salute to Elvis last January.
"Hundreds of thousands of people from all a over the globe have been through our exhibit in the past decade. Our record attendance was 110,000 people during a three week period in Dallas, Texas". said Glass. But in the last year at the Former Las Vegas Hilton, it is estimated by the Hotel Entertainment Director that well over half a million people have walked through the exhibit. Our museum is constantly evolving over the years as new artifacts are discovered and added to our archives. This historic cape, made for the most famous of all of Elvis' performances is something we are extremely proud to soon display for the first time in our museum. It was actually on display in Elvis' Graceland home for the first several years the mansion was first opened up for tours in the 1980's. Priscilla Presley can be seen telling the incredible story behind the famous cape on the very first 'Elvis Presley's Graceland' video documentary."
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In a 2005 interview, Belew explained his process behind designing Presley's white jumpsuits. "The lighting [in Las Vegas] was still in its early stages," said the designer. "And we found that the color that worked the best was white. It allowed them to change the colors on him, where as black would absorb all the color. And it was hard to highlight him. And we experimented with blue which was one of his favorite colors. Red. But it just ended up that white was the best thing and, of course, you know, you want the star to be the person, you know, and not the wardrobe."
Presley filmed the special on January 14th, 1973 at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center (then named the Honolulu International Center). It aired in more than 40 countries, with the United States airing it three months later on April 4th.
Go HERE for more info on TheKing'sRansomMuseum.
(Right: Photo of Aloha long-cape on display in Graceland in the early 1980s)
(News, Source;BGlass/ElvisInfoNet) |
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60 years ago a young Elvis made a splash in Biloxi: 60 years ago a young Elvis wowed Biloxi. Elvis performed 3 shows in June 1955 before he really hit the big-time.
Presley's visit lasted three days -- June 26-28, 1955. He performed back-to-back shows, at the Slavonian Lodge Auditorium the first night, then at Keesler Air Force Base the two following nights.
Before his breakout recordings with RCA in January 1956, he usually performed in town halls and school gymnasiums throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and other Southern states. One of his first big-city stops was Feb. 4, 1955, in New Orleans, though it was at Jesuit High School, still a relatively small venue.
Elvis' ties to the Mississippi Coast are still relevant today.
Andrew "FoFo" Gilich, Biloxi's new mayor, recalled meeting Presley before the singer's name became synonymous with rock'n'roll and long before young FoFo was even old
enough to vote. (left in photo)
Gilich said he grew up next door to Presley's friend Eddie Bellman, near the corner of Porter and Judge Sekul Avenue. Presley often stayed with Bellman when he visited Biloxi, drawing the attention of some of the neighborhood teenage girls.
"They'd say, 'He's back there. See if you can get him out,'" Gilich said. "I'd knock on the back door, and he would come out." |
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The 9-year-old Gilich likely did not understand who Elvis was or why the girls wanted to see him.
"I probably didn't know what was going on. I mean, how much can you remember from that age? I know the girls liked him, for sure."
Mingling with fans was not uncommon for the soon-to-be star, who would meet girlfriend June Juanico four months later during his Biloxi tour.
Juanico, like many others at that time, had never even heard of Elvis before meeting him at his June 26 performance at Keesler's Airman's Club.
"A friend of mine saw him at the Slavonian Lodge," Juanico said, "and she called me like mid-afternoon the following day. She said to me, 'You got to go see this guy, this singer.
"He was at the Slavonian Lodge last night, and girls were so thick around him, you couldn't get near him.'"
Presley introduced himself to Juanico after his show, sparking what became a two-year relationship for the couple.
When he wasn't performing on the Coast, Presley occasionally went night-clubbing. One place he visited was the popular Gus Stevens Lounge, which hosted many musicians and movie stars through the 1950s and 1960s.
The owner's wife, Irene Stevens, remembered meeting the young Elvis during one of his visits in 1955.
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"At the time, he was very new in the business," she said. "I kind of maybe misjudged the way he dressed because he didn't have a sense of style at that time."
Stevens, who is now 93 but still has a clear memory of that day, said Presley ordered a coke and was extremely polite.
"I don't think he even drank alcohol at the time," she said. "He was very nice, like a Southern gentleman should be."
Presley may have been trying to impress the Stevenses, because their lounge routinely hosted famous movie stars and musicians of the era.
The Stevenses' daughter, Elaine, said her father, in his thick Greek accent, gave the aspiring musician a piece of advice: "Son, you're never going to make it moving your hips like that."
Go HERE to the SunHerald for the full story and even more photos
(News, Source;SM/ElvisInfoNet) |
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Jim Ed Brown, Country Singer, Dead at 81: Jim Ed Brown, a Grand Ole Opry star whose smooth, sweet baritone made him a chart-topper as a solo act and as one third of the close-harmony group the Browns, whose 1959 hit “The Three Bells” sold more than a million records, died on Thursday in Franklin, Tenn. He was 81. The cause was lung cancer.
Mr. Brown (left in the photo) and the other members of the Browns — his sisters Maxine and Bonnie — were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in March.
In the late fifties the Country Music group The Browns were enjoying unprecedented international success, rivaled only by their longtime friend Elvis Presley.
With the runaway success of “The Three Bells,” and the growing popularity of folk music, RCA packaged the Browns as a clean-cut |
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country-folk act. After recording the solid crossover hits “Scarlet Ribbons (for Her Hair),” “The Old Lamplighter” and “Send Me the Pillow You Dream On,” they were invited to join the Grand Ole Opry in 1963.
Both sisters, Maxine Brown and Bonnie Ring, survive Mr. Brown, who lived in Brentwood, Tenn.
The Browns disbanded in 1967, but over the next decade Mr. Brown reached the country Top 10 with “Morning,” “Southern Loving,” “Sometime Sunshine” and “It’s That Time of Night,” all in the suave Nashville style of the time.
Earlier this year, Mr. Brown released an album, “In Style Again,” for Plowboy Records, singing with his sisters, Ms. Cornelius, Vince Gill, and Sharon and Cheryl White.
A week before Mr. Brown died, Opry officials took the Country Music Hall of Fame medallion to his hospital room and placed it around his neck.
Jim ED Brown said: ‘I had about convinced myself that even if I don’t make the Hall of Fame, I’ve had a pretty good run. But to wear this medallion and know that I made it to the Hall of Fame makes it perfect.’ ”
The connection between The Browns and Elvis is an interesting topic Please read EIN contributor Susan MacDougal recent review of "Nashville Chrome"
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
Elvis' Bloch Arena handwritten set list up for Auction: Written by Elvis to his good friend Gary Pepper on Hilton Hawaiian Village stationery - on one side is a handwritten set list for the Pearl Harbor charity concert while on the other is a letter to his long-time friend.
The letter is being auctioned on-line by Paddle8 - The estimate is $12,000 - $15,000 bidding ends Jun 25 at 1:00pm EST.
Elvis' USS Arizona Benefit Concert at Pearl Harbor in March of 1961 was one of Elvis' best concerts, as well as an event to raise money for the memorial. The set list from that concert, a show that lent a inspirational element to an historical moment of extreme anxiety, has now surfaced, a relic from a time when Elvis was still a positive, popular force of goodwill.
Handwritten on Hilton Hawaiian Village stationery, the set list comprises fifteen songs, bookended by some of his biggest crowd-pleasers: "Heartbreak Hotel" and the always popular "Hound Dog." After the show, Elvis scrawled a handwritten note on the reverse of the set list to his longtime friend, Gary Pepper, the president of his Memphis fan club. Elvis writes, “The show was for a good cause, Gary, and it was good to be able to do my part.”
Their friendship started after Gary began collecting clippings about the singer from the newspaper and sharing them with Elvis’s mother. Elvis saved the set list for Gary as a memento from the show because he wasn't able to be there. |
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The fine penmanship and heartfelt message transformed what was already a piece of music history. In reference to his hometown of Memphis, Elvis confides, “I don’t mind telling you, Gary, I miss it every time I leave it.”
Regarding his return to the stage after his service, Elvis adds, "It was good to be entertaining the folks again." At the time the letter was written, Elvis planned to stay a few weeks in the islands to film Blue Hawaii and, he wrote, “then it’s back to Hollywood to finish it.” Elvis took a hiatus from public performance during his film career, and the Pearl Harbor concert was his last show for seven years.
To own a piece of music history, CLICK HERE to Paddle8 for more info and to bid - before June 25.
(News, Source;SM/ElvisInfoNet) |
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Graceland Wins Top Musical Attraction in the USA: Graceland wins - and five of the top six spots on USA Today's list of 10 best musical attractions, voted by the newspaper's readers also went to cities in Tennessee.
Elvis' Graceland in Memphis was rated as the top musical attraction in the country.
Sun Studio, the Memphis-based birthplace of Rock and Roll, took the second position.
Though the third spot went to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, the fourth, fifth and sixth spots went to attractions located in Tennessee.
The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville took fourth place, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis took fifth place, and country music singer Dolly Parton's Dollywood in Pigeon Forge |
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took sixth. -
The announcement comes at the height of live music season in Tennessee with Nashville's CMA Music Festival, Manchester's Bonnaroo, and Chattanooga's Riverbend Festival in full swing.
(News, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNet) |
Latest Billboard Album Charts: The feeling of love continues for 'Heart And Soul'.
'Heart And Soul' rises from 21 to 20 on the Billboard Country Catalog Album Chart for w/e 20th June, 2015.
Elvis has no other entries on the Billboard Charts.
(News, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNet) |
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| Wednesday 10 June 2015 - Bringing you MORE in-depth articles than any other Elvis site! |
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ASK Marty: Today Marty Lacker answers your questions about....
- What recollections do you have of Elvis sitting down and listening to a pile of sub-standard songs demos. (- You don't want to miss Marty's detailed answer)
- Did Dr. Nick truly have Elvis' best interests at heart
- What was it like being up all night doing stuff with Elvis wasn't it always cold
- What do you really think of Jerry Schilling, then and now
- Could Elvis handle him self in a fight
- What about the nasty stories that Elvis would get various MM members to inject him and that parts of his body looked "like a pin cushion"
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'Elvis’ Golden Records' New FTD Classic Album: FTD have announced a new July 2015 Classic Album release.
With U.S. sales of more than six million, and an even higher figure for rest of world, Elvis’ Golden Records is Elvis’ biggest selling album except for his 1970 budget album Elvis’ Christmas Album. It was complied from eight #1 A-sides, along with five B-sides and the track "Love Me" from his second LP ELVIS. Collectively they represent more than 20 million singles sold in the USA alone, resulting in 17x platinum certifications. Elvis' best-selling EP ELVIS (EPA 992) sold more than one million copies in the USA and was RIAA certified double platinum. For this FTD release we have added four songs that easily could have been included; "Blue Suede Shoes," "My Baby Left Me," "I Was The One" and "Playing For Keeps." Additionally, stereo versions available in RCA’s vault are added of four songs from the album. Unfortunately, most of the outtakes from the sessions that produced these songs have been lost, so the bonus disc includes all the outtakes of four songs recorded during the period in January 1957.
Also includes "The Stereo and Binaural Hits" with 'Treat Me Nice' (undubbed movie master) Previously unreleassed in binaural plus
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'That's When Your Heartaches Begin' (splice of takes 7/M & 6) Previously unreleased edit.
The second CD features "The Binaural Session Tapes" many tracks we know from "Stereo '57"
Go here to EIN's '2015 SONY/ FTD New releases' for full tracklist
(News, Source;FTD/ElvisMatters/ElvisInfoNet) |
Madison Square Garden, June 10 1972: Forty-three years ago today June 10, 1972 - RCA would record two of Elvis’ finest 1972 concerts for a potential new album. Over that weekend Elvis would make history by performing four sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden. The media noted that George Harrison, John Lennon, David Bowie and Bob Dylan were among music stars to attend the shows.
Elvis became the first person to sell out four consecutive shows at MSG - 80,000 tickets were sold and $730,000, an astounding amount of money for the time, was made. The New York Times produced no fewer than three features on Elvis and all were filled with praise for the man who had stunned the audience with his exceptional voice and his ability to put on a show.
"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 mic, 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.
Elvis used the stage, he worked to the people. The ones in front, in the best seats, the ones in back, and up in the peanut galleries. He turned, he moved, and when a girl threw a handkerchief on the stage, he |
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wiped his forehead with it and threw it back, a gift of sweat from an earthy god.
A special champion comes along, a Joe Louis, a Jose Capablanca, a Joe DiMaggio, someone in whose hands the way a thing is done becomes more important than the thing itself. When DiMaggio hit a baseball, his grace made the act look easy and inevitable... Friday Night at Madison Square Garden, Elvis was like that. He stood there at the end, his arms stretched out, the great gold cloak giving him wings, a champion, the only one in his class."
Go HERE to EIN’s special 'Elvis At Madison Square Garden' report.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
Elvis & Frank Sinatra’s Legendary Collaboration: Though it lasted just a couple minutes, the Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley’s duet is fondly remembered as one of pop music’s favorite moments.
That the two biggest stars of their respective generations shared the stage at all is almost unthinkable, especially considering the attitude towards rock and roll at the time from music’s old guard.
Just three years earlier, Sinatra wrote a short article about American music for French magazine Western World, "My only deep sorrow is the unrelenting insistence of recording and motion picture companies upon purveying the most brutal, ugly, degenerate, vicious form of expression it has been my displeasure to hear — Naturally I refer to the bulk of rock ’n’ roll. It fosters almost totally negative and destructive reactions in young people. It smells phony and false. It is sung, played and written for the most part by cretinous goons and by means of its almost imbecilic reiterations and sly, lewd - in plain fact, dirty - lyrics, and as I said before, it manages to be the martial music of every sideburned delinquent on the face of the earth … this rancid-smelling aphrodisiac I deplore."
And though Sinatra never specifically targeted Elvis, the media made a fuss over this disparaging comment and brought it to Presley specifically as "the King of Rock and Roll.
Soon after when Presley was asked about the statement in a
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press conference he noted, "He has a right to his opinion, but I can’t see him knocking it for no good reason. I admire him as a performer and an actor but I think he’s badly mistaken about this. If I remember correctly, he was also part of a trend. I don’t see how he can call the youth of today immoral and delinquent. It’s the greatest music ever and it will continue to be so. I like it, and I’m sure many other persons feel the same way."
Fast forward two years, Presley was serving in the United States Army in West Germany and it was announced that following his release he would make his first television appearance in three years on Frank Sinatra’s Timex-sponsored variety show. Boosted by the media-perpetuated "feud," this was nearly the musical equivalent of a boxing grudge match, despite that the two had spoken publicly of their admiration and respect for one another.
For his appearance, Presley would receive $125,000 — reportedly more than Sinatra was making for the whole series.
Elvis joined Sinatra for the fourth and final episode of his Timex
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show with the officially titled special It’s Nice to Go Traveling, more commonly known as Welcome Home Elvis.
Aside from Presley’s brief appearance the opening number, during which he walks out in his Army uniform, it’s nearly 40 minutes show before he performs, opening with both sides of his first post-army single, "Fame and Fortune" and "Stuck on You." But when he and Sinatra do finally duet "Love Me Tender / Witchcraft" it’s a magic moment. What makes the moment amazing is not the strength of the performances themselves, but because there have never been, and never will be again, two musical icons so defining of their respective generations. Both of them are the epitome of cool in their own rights, defining American culture.
Watch the full Sinatra / Elvis clips via YouTube here.(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
EIN's Rare Elvis Facebook page Now with 15,200 members! - including several of Elvis' own friends and colleagues
So Elvis fans don't miss out on these rare and exciting photographs - from EIN's V-P Sanja Meegin.
Now with over thousands of great photos, News and with more added every day – including YouTube footage.
Click here to access our Facebook - Elvis Information Network group.
You need to be a Facebook Member. |
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Brazilian ETA wins in Tupelo: A hip-shakin’ lawyer from Brazil,
Diogo "Di Light" Leichtweis, of Porto Alegre, Brazil, won Saturday’s tribute competition in Tupelo, where thousands of visitors attended the annual Elvis Festival.
"Elvis is huge in Brazil. People love his movies, especially ‘Blue Hawaii,'" Leichtweis said. "Since I was a kid, my father has been a huge fan."
Leichtweis first visited Graceland in 2006 and has been performing as the King ever since. In 2013, he earned a spot as a top five finalist in Graceland’s Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest.
"I think Elvis was a complete artist," Leichtweis said. "He had charisma, talent, the voice, the look. He was the greatest entertainer of all time."
Over the years, Leichtweis said, he’s formed close ties with other young men attempting to fill in the King’s shoes. They’re a unique group and very supportive of one another, he said.
"Back home I’m a lawyer, and this is a hobby," he said. "But I took a break to devote time to this. My father — he is an associate at my firm — loves it. Elvis represents the American dream. He grew up poor, but he had the talent and the strength to make it."
Leichtweis’ victory marks the second year for an international contestant to represent Tupelo in the Memphis competition. This year’s Tupelo Elvis Festival featured artists from six states and three foreign countries.
Elvis Week is Aug. 8-16 in Memphis, Tennessee.
(Almost Elvis, Source;Tupelo/ElvisInfoNet) |
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Memphis Music Hall of Fame - New Museum: The new 'Memphis Music Hall of Fame' is connected to the well-known and recommended 'Rock 'n' Soul' museum just down Beale street. The Opening Ceremony is planned for later this month.
The museum is a geo-centric collection honoring musicians who are from or substantially tied to Memphis. The late B.B. King was in the inaugural class, so it seems fitting that the new space is just half a block from his original and still thriving Beale Street blues club. The historic 1904 building was the original Lansky Brothers store, a men's shop that found huge success with local musicians, including King, Duke Ellington and many others. But it was when Elvis Presley began buying his wardrobe here that Lansky Brothers became "The Clothier to the King." As history comes full circle, Lansky Brothers just reopened a boutique in its original space below the new Hall of Fame.
The goal of the museum, which opens this month, is to showcase the individual behind the music, with a lot of personal artifacts, like Jerry Lee Lewis' Cadillac. "We want people to get to know the person beyond the performer," said executive director John Doyle. "So while we have one of Elvis' jumpsuits, we
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also have his first mobile phone, in a briefcase, and his Gi from his karate days. The Rock 'n' Soul museum was done by the Smithsonian in their style, traditional and academic. This one honors the craziness of the folks who invented rock 'n' roll."
While the museum has plenty of early rockers like Presley and Lewis, it covers every genre, soul, gospel, R&B and even local radio personalities so long as the Memphis connection is there. Honorees range from Isaac Hayes to Johnny Cash to ZZ Top.
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'Elvis Files Magazine ISSUE 11' Review: After a stressful week lazing under palms trees in the South Pacific EIN's Piers Beagley finally got around to checking out the last Elvis Files Magazine, Issue 11...
The magazine includes articles on...
- "Col Tom Parker - A Ruthless, Gambling Crazy Murderer"
- George Klein – ‘Evening With Elvis' – looking back at 1957
- Barbara Eden talks about Elvis
- Celeste Yarnell - "Tells All" …
- A controversial show by Elvis - Burlington, 1956
- Super-fan Elaine Christan continues her exclusive look at various meetings with Elvis, this time 1972.
But perhaps the best find is the 12-page article on Elvis in Germany "The Day Elvis Was Mocked and Threatened By His Buddies"
This issue is packed with articles focussing on all kinds of different subjects - and in this overview EIN supplies plenty of extracts.
I am sure you will want to read more about our hero - as described back in 1956 as a "mush-mouthed singer", who "shakes and wiggles and jumps and bumps; it's like watching a strip-tease and a malted milk machine at the same time."
Plus plenty more Rare Candids ...
Go HERE as EIN checks out this sensational issue
(Book Reviews, Source;ElvisInfoNetwork) |
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'Sam Phillips: The Man Who Invented Rock n’ Roll' - New Book: Peter Guralnick is no doubt best known for his bestselling, critically acclaimed two-volume biography of Elvis Presley, Careless Love and Last Train to Memphis, but this November, he’ll release the crown jewel of his oeuvre, a biography he’s essentially been working on for 25 years: Sam Phillips: The Man Who Invented Rock n’ Roll.
(How One Man Discovered Howlin’ Wolf, Ike Turner, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis Presley, and How His Tiny Label, Sun Records of Memphis, Revolutionized the World!)
In a recent interview Guralnick taked about Sam Phillips’s unmatched charisma, his lifelong mission to erase racial lines, and his three early heroes: A female whorehouse owner during the Depression, his brilliant, deaf Aunt Emma, and a blind, black sharecropper named Silas Payne who lived with Sam’s family.
Peter Guralnick: This biography goes back to the first time that I met Sam Phillips in 1979. With the possible exception of Solomon Burke, I’d never met anyone as inspiring or as charismatic. It was just such an astonishing meeting, and I had been trying for 10 years to get an interview, because Sam wasn’t doing any interviews at all at that time.
I showed up for the interview with Sam’s son Knox, who has just become a wonderful friend. I had known him for seven or eight years, and he had been trying all that time to get Sam to get with me. When I showed up at the radio station, Knox came out to the car and said, “I’m afraid we’re going to have to postpone. The station has been flooded.” The sprinkler system had been triggered, and the whole thing was underwater. I just said, “I can’t wait another 10 years!” I didn’t say that, |
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but I said, “Is there any way I can help?” So I ended up just squeegeeing and carrying buckets all day and watching Sam Phillips command a legion of people. I mean, his whole family was there, all the people that worked for the station, everybody.
I never saw him produce a session, but I saw him produce a session in that way. And at the end of the day, after about eight or nine hours of cleaning up, we sat down in his office while the first rock and roll documentary, The Heroes of Rock and Roll, happened to broadcast for the first time. So we sat there watching Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis, and did the interview after. Just spent the whole day. I didn’t want to go away!
Go here to EW for the whole interview
(News, Source;EW/ElvisInfoNet) |
Graceland's Angie Marchese on UK's Ideal World TV! The director of archives at Graceland, Angie Marchese, is coming to UK's Peterborough - based Ideal World TV shopping channel on June 18 for an Elvis Presley special.
Angie has worked at Graceland since 1989 when she started as a tour guide during her school holidays and worked her way up through the ranks to become an authority on Elvis Presley and Graceland.
She is coming over to the UK to introduce Elvis Presley’s Pink Cadillac to the Elvis At The O2 and will take time out to visit Peterborough for an hour-long Elvis Presley Special on Ideal World TV.
Presented by Howard Griffiths, the show will give Elvis fans the chance to buy items from Graceland.
EIN notes - Really? The director of archives at Graceland on a UK TV shopping channel!!! - has it come to this?
The last time the TV station did an Elvis Presley Special on all the items on sale sold out in record time.
(News, Source;UK/ElvisInfoNet)
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'Uniondale Hysteria, Final Day' New Import CD: The MxF label will doon release the third volume of a trilogy dedicated to Elvis’ historical performance at Uniondale Nassau Coliseum. This third and final cd is entitled 'Uniondale Hysteria, Final Day', featuring the Uniondale, June 24, 1973 8.30 PM Show.
The June Tour represent the second and last tour of the year, Elvis on tour means Elvis at the top of his possibilities. Uniondale is the third step of the tour, in the Nassau coliseum Elvis performs four shows in three days. The show here presented is the third one, full of enthusiasm he sings with power delivering a solid and long show. In this last day Elvis delivery a solid show….. replacing the classic Bridge Over Troubled Water with the gospel How Great Thou Art, on stage is an impressive figure in the nail studded jumpsuit, the rocker attitude still intact, the voice great, the atmosphere enormous, the demand terrific, 16.500 lucky people attended at the show.
The show is unreleased and complete, here we present the show directly from a first generation copy of a privately-recorded 60-minute cassette. Considering it was taped from the audience in a big hall
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the audio is incredibly good.. Elvis and overall the band is loud and clear, the sounds is very powerful in very good balanced mix the audience is never too intrusive giving instead the real feeling of the concert.
Like its predecessors, this new release will be presented in a beautiful four panels digipack with a collection of photos taken during show.. Go HERE To 'All the Elvis CD News 2015' for the full info and tracklist(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
The Tupelo Elvis Festival In Full Swing: Elvis may have left the building, but his memory is alive and well in Tupelo with the Tupelo Elvis Festival ranked as third on the top 10 best Southern events list from USA Today.
“It’s quite an honor,” said Jessica Hollinger with the Tupelo Downtown Main Street Association. “We’re excited to be back for another year".
Festivities kicked off Thursday with a concert from previous Elvis Fest tribute competition winners Cody Ray Slaughter and Jay Dupuis ahead of the first round of the Elvis tribute artist competition on Friday morning where half of the competitors are all from different countries making Tupelo an international festival.
But if ETAs aren’t your thing, there is plenty of other action such as Friday with Shagadoo and Section Funk Band, and Paul Thorn headlining.
Saturday’s events get started early, beginning with the Running with the King 5k at 7:30 a.m while Tom Brown, will interview Memphis Mafia member Jerry Schilling at 10 a.m. at the BancorpSouth Conference Center.
The final round of the ETA competition starts Saturday at the arena at 7 p.m while wrapping up the festival is a gospel concert on Sunday morning starting at 10 am, featuring Jay Dupuis, Bill Cherry and Ben Thompson.
“This is obviously a local event,” Hollinger said, “but it’s for everyone. Anything we can do to promote and pay tribute to Elvis and his music is something we need to keep doing. It’s special to be a part of that.”
Go HERE to the Tupelo Elvis Festival website for tickets and more info.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
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"Elvis" Saves U2 Concert: A technical failure turned into an "Elvis" opportunity at the U2 show last week. When a piano failed on stage, Bono was forced into some impromptu banter with the crowd. Thinking quickly, he spied an Elvis impersonator in the crowd and invited him on stage.
“What’s Elvis doing in the crowd?” Bono asked “Dude, I have everything by you. Everything.” Bono pretends to be awed by the presence of a celebrity, bowing down in front of the impersonator. “This is unbelievable,” he said, “I always wanted to meet you, dude. Love your early work.”
The Edge tries to cut in with a new song, but Bono signals for him to hold off and asks the impersonator to sing the Elvis classic “Can’t Help Falling In Love,” which he does to rapturous applause. |
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In the past Bono has noted, "Elvis Presley is like the 'Big Bang' of Rock 'n' Roll. It all came from there and what you had in Elvis Presley is a very interesting moment because you had two cultures colliding there. You had a kind of white, European culture and an African culture coming together - the rhythm of black music and the melody chord progressions of white music. That was the moment.
Out of all that came the Beatles and the Stones, but you can't underestimate what happened. It does get back to Elvis."
U2′ will finish up their American tour on July 31 at Madison Square Garden. Perhaps Elvis will also be there!
Click HERE to watch the 3 minute piece on YouTube.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
'Elvis at The O2' Exhibition Extended: One of the world’s most iconic cars, Elvis’ Pink Cadillac, will be displayed at 'Elvis at The O2: The Exhibition of His Life' for a limited time from June 17 having been shipped over from Graceland especially.
In addition, due to overwhelming demand and tremendous critical acclaim, the exhibition is now extending to January 10, 2016. The Pink Cadillac will arrive at Elvis at The O2 Exhibition in time to celebrate its 60th anniversary year and marks the first time that the car will be on display outside of Graceland. Bought by Elvis on July 7, 1955, the car was originally blue with a black roof, but Elvis had the body work re-painted pink to replace the first pink Cadillac, which had been destroyed after brake lining had caught fire and set the car alight while Elvis was driving back from a gig on June 5, 1955.
The exhibition organizers are pleased to announce that the exhibition, the largest Elvis retrospective ever mounted in Europe, will now be extended until January 10, 2016, instead of closing as planned at the end of August 2015, to ensure that fans of Elvis can celebrate his birthday on January 8. Since opening the exhibition has received rave reviews from fans and the media alike.
With over 300 artifacts direct from the Presley’s treasured Graceland Archives, the incredible collection includes automobiles, personal items, historical documents, iconic stage costumes, guitars, photography, as well as gold and platinum records.
EIN recently visited the exhibition and while the ticket price is not cheap (UK£22.50 = US$35) it was a fun way to pass nearly 3 hours. EIN review coming soon.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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US Postal Service to Issue New Elvis Stamp: The US Postmaster General announced today that Elvis Presley will be commemorated on a Forever stamp as the sixth inductee into the Postal Service's Music Icon Series. The stamp image will be previewed at a later date.
"Elvis is a natural addition to our Music Icon Series, his life and talents are an incredible story. Spanning from his humble beginnings in a Tupelo, Mississippi, two-room house to becoming one of the most legendary performance artists of the 20th Century, Elvis Presley's works continues to resonate with millions the world over" he noted.
The First-Day-of-Issue dedication ceremony will take place on the morning of August 12 at Graceland as part of this year's Elvis Week celebration.
Launched in 2013, the Music Icons series consists of beloved musicians whose blend of sound and way of life broke musical boundaries. The first inductees included Johnny Cash and Ray Charles. Other countries such as Palau (right) have issued some excellent Elvis stamps in the past.
Elvis Presley is regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century. "The King's" influence continues to inspire today's artists, musicians, designers and social influencers. The Postal Service previously honored Presley on a stamp in 1993.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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Elvis' London Shows Scuppered by Col Parker: Yesterday UK promoter Harvey Goldsmith confirmed that Colonel Parker admitted at the time that it was Parker's alien illegal status in the USA that stopped him letting Elvis tour overseas, despite Elvis' own desire to play concerts worldwide.
Legendary live UK promoter Harvey Goldsmith tried for years to bring 'The King of Rock 'n' Roll' across the pond from America to perform in Britain for his millions of fans but during a private conversation with Elvis' manager 'Colonel' Tom Parker he was told it could never happen because Parker - who was actually Dutch - didn't know if he'd be allowed back into the US if he left.
Speaking at the Hay literary festival in Wales, Goldsmith who has worked with The Rolling Stones, U2, Madonna etc over the years revealed: "Parker explained that it was because he was an illegal. He didn't want to risk leaving the US - it was him, not Elvis."
Throughout his incredible career Elvis only performed in three cities outside of the US - Toronto, Ottawa and Vancouver - during brief tours to Canada in 1957. At the time US citizens did not need a passport to cross the border from the US into the neighbouring North American country.
Parker was born Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk in Breda in the Netherlands, and as a boy he worked as a barker at carnivals in his hometown, a job that first opened his eyes to the entertainment business.
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At 15, he moved to Rotterdam to work on the boats and at 18 he entered the US illegally by jumping ship from his employer's vessel. He first worked with a Chautauqua educative tent show, before returning briefly to the Netherlands. Parker returned to America at age 20 and worked for a number of carnivals before joining the US Army. He got the name 'Tom Parker' from the officer who interviewed him to disguise the fact he was an illegal alien.
He first began working in the music business in 1938, working with singer Gene Austin. Parker "discovered" Elvis in 1955 and later that same year he became his co-manager with Memphis radio personality Bob Neal.
There is no doubt that the lack of a new challenge to his client would lead to Elvis' on-going boredom and eventually his early death. Parker also prioritised his own monetary earnings seemingly without any care for the health of Elvis, his only client.
Go HERE to EIN's look at Dark Side of the Colonel
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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(Book Review) 'Lee Gordon Presents Elvis Presley - The Biggest Shows of 1957' Book 2: Only a little over a month since the first volume was published, Australian researcher-author Bob Hayden has released the second volume in his trilogy.
To say this volume is a strong follow up to the first would be an understatement. Book 2 not only meets the high standard of narrative and visual exposition in Book 1, but well and truly exceeds it with an additional half century of pages laden with a wealth of information and visual treasures!!
Read EIN's detailed review of this fascinating book which highlights one of the seminal years in the Elvis story. (Book Review, Source: EIN) |
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Marty Allen Talks Elvis and More: Marty Allen is one of the icons in comedy history. The people with whom he’s performed during his career reads like a “Who’s Who” celebrity Rolodex: Milton Berle, Connie Stevens, Nat King Cole, Carol Burnett, Lena Horn, Shirley Bassey, Linda Evans, Frank Sinatra…the list could go on and on. He’s even written a book about his life called “Hello Dere!: An Illustrated Biography.”
While he was destined to become huge in the comedy world, Allen actually earned accolades in his youth by winning all kinds of dance contests. He admits, though, that he was always the class clown. “It just came naturally,” says Allen. “I even had the teachers hysterically laughing.” Throughout his life, he’s used his humor to help friends stop worrying and to entertain the world at large.
In fact, Allen is still going strong, having performed in Las Vegas in March on his 93rd birthday!
“When I get out of bed in the morning, the only thing that doesn’t hurt is my pajamas,” Allen jokes.
Allen is thrilled when fans contact him saying that his comedy helped them in some way or made them laugh.
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“I’m physically funny, and I enjoy doing what I do. I enjoy entertaining."
For years, Allen appeared with Steve Rossi as part of the comedy team Allen & Rossi. Besides performing live and in movies, the duo appeared many times on The Ed Sullivan Show. That’s where Allen also met The Beatles.
Allen not only performed with a lot of stars, but he was friends with them, and he cherishes these friendships. He says that he was even close friends with Elvis Presley. When he met him, Allen said, “Elvis, I want you to quit doing my act!” Allen says that the King collapsed with laughter. “It’s my payoff when I can get that kind of reaction.”
He also spent nights up in Elvis' Hilton suite during the post-show gospel sessions. The photo shows Allen with Elvis and Linda Thompson, you can also see Mama Cass and Joe Moscheo at the piano.
Today, Allen and his wife Karon Kate perform their act mainly at casinos around the country.
Go here to Parade for the full story
(News, Source;SM/ElvisInfoNet) |
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| Tuesday 2 June 2015 - EIN first with the News - that other Elvis websites only copy! |
'If I Can Dream' - Orchestral / Duets - New SONY CD for 2015: EIN contributor Brian Quinn reports that the BIG Sony release for 2015 looks to be a brand new Elvis album "If I Can Dream" which will feature Elvis and other artists, including Michael Buble, remixed with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
For some while SONY has been working on the idea of an Elvis "duets" but were somewhat disappointed with the reception to the Christmas Duets CD from 2008. Perhaps this is their final re-working of the concept.
There is certainly a potential for high sales figures if the set gets good TV exposure. The UK 'Greatest Hits' compile 'The Nation's Favourite Elvis Song' in 2013 with its associated TV special after all made #1 in Britain.
Hopefully some more popular recent chart acts will feature in duets. Think how much publicity the recent Lady GaGa / Tony Bennett album received. No cover or anymore info is available as yet.
The release date is September 2015.
The album was produced by Don Reedman and Grammy nominated Nick Patrick (Gypsy Kings / West Side Story 50th Anniv). The new production
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sounds totally contemporary with Elvis' remastered vocal track showing an unbelievable power and control. Engineered at Abbey Road the journalists and engineers present, along with Priscilla, broke into spontaneous applause upon hearing the new production. The remake of 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' is a case in point where the 2015 orchestra remix supply the song with a brand new and contemporary ambience. Priscilla has noted that, "Elvis would have loved this new album, because it presents Elvis where he always wanted to be - The best sounding entertainer on the planet".
Do not copy EIN news items without proper acknowledgement.
(News, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork) |
Interview:
Jon Abbott author of The Elvis Films speaks to EIN |
Coming soon to EIN |
Interview:
Bob Hayden author of Lee Gordon Presents Elvis Presley - The Biggest Shows of 1957 speaks to EIN
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Elvis in Huntsville 40 Years Ago!: Forty years ago this last weekend Elvis played a series of stunning concerts in Huntsville. Local reporter Lee Roop was there back in 1975.
... Looking back, Elvis Presley's five Huntsville concerts 40 years ago really were amazing. I was there as a young reporter, and even I had forgotten.
Historically speaking, they shouldn't have been amazing. This was Vegas-era Elvis, past-his-prime, pudgy Elvis. And some of the clichés of that era were on display: the "2001: A Space Odyssey" theme entrance, the scarves, the screams, the roses, the glittery jumpsuits and, finally, the Voice-of-God announcement that "Elvis has left the building."
But look a little closer and you can see the power that week had for the city and its brand new Von Braun Civic Center. Remember that:
- Forty-four thousand tickets were sold.
- Five local teenagers were hurt throwing themselves off a 20-foot balcony trying to land on the stage.
- Sixty rooms in the Hilton Hotel were taken by Elvis and his entourage. Sixty rooms. That's a star tour.
- A stage security guard had his finger bitten to the bone by one of eight women trying to rush the stage.
- Three hundred teddy bears were thrown and recovered.
- Three 55-gallon barrels of flash bulbs were swept from the arena floor after each performance
It's hard to imagine any of that happening at a concert today, except maybe the flash bulbs. We'd have to put down our phones.
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Elvis returned to the concert stage to escape the painfully bad Hollywood movies that almost ruined his career and his legacy. And even though those last concerts were more famous for his interactions with fans than the music, look at what he sang here.
- He opened with "C.C. Rider" playing an old guitar reminiscent of the best movies like "Blue Hawaii" and "Roustabout."
- He sang "I Got A Woman," "Love Me Tender," "All Shook Up" and "Don't Be Cruel."
- He sang "Dixie" and "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" in his 'American Trilogy'.
Elvis died two years and three months after the Huntsville shows. He was 40 when he came and 42 when he died on Aug. 16, 1977. It's such a waste.
In Huntsville, 44,000 people can tell you exactly where we were when we heard the news. And every one of those 44,000 people who survive can remember that we heard the King of rock and roll sing live on stage "Love Me Tender," "All Shook Up" and "Don't Be Cruel."
... That's pretty amazing.
(Go here for the full article and more photos)
The "Best Of" Elvis' southern 1975 early summer concerts including Huntsville were released on FTD's 'Southern Nights' compilation.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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Vote for Graceland in US 10 Best Readers' Choice: Graceland has been nominated in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice awards in the "Best Musical Attraction" Category.
Graceland is one of the most-visited private homes in the nation. Every year, more than 600,000 people go to Elvis Presley’s former estate in Memphis. This revival-style mansion on nearly 14 acres is more than just an inside look at the famous musician’s life; it’s a symbol to fans of the American Dream. Elvis lived in Graceland for more than 20 years. Today, Graceland is a National Historic Landmark and museum that is open to the public.
You can take a guided iPad tour, walk through the meditation garden or even rent the space here for special events, like weddings.
Graceland is currently ranked #1 of 20.
EPE says Please Vote for Graceland - CLICK HERE to Vote.
(News, Source/EPE/ElvisInfoNet) |
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| News from earlier this week ... |
Tupelo Elvis Festival Next Weekend: The Tupelo Elvis Festival is a musical celebration designed to honor Elvis Presley, Tupelo’s native son, and the impact that his music has on the world.
This year's festival will take place June 4, 5, 6, & 7.
Each year's festival features regional, national and local artists along with a Sunday Gospel Concert and a Tribute Artist Contest that serves as a preliminary round of the
Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. Fans come from near and far to see who will be chosen to represent Tupelo in Memphis during August.
In addition to all of the great music, the festival features a number of local food vendors, a carnival midway, pet parade,
beauty pageant, 5k run, disc golf, movie poster exhibit, and much more
Special guest Tribute Artists include, Bill Cherry, Jay Dupuis and Ben Thompson - while Thursday Night kicks off with Jay Dupuis, Cody Ray Slaughter, DJ Fontana plus Sonny Burgess and the Legendary Pacers.
Conversations with Tom Brown includes special guest Jerry Schilling while the main Saturday night June 6th Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition Finals & Concert features Ben Thompson.
Please go HERE to the Festival website for the schedule, details and tickets.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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How Tupelo honors the King of Rock n' Roll: In January 1945, Gladys Presley took her son Elvis into Tupelo Hardware Company in his Mississippi hometown to pick out a gift for his eleventh birthday. He tried to talk her into a .22 caliber rifle, but she promptly said no. They compromised on a guitar instead. The rest, as they say, is history. And to this day Tupelo is the best place to retrace The King's childhood steps toward stardom.
Born in east Tupelo, Elvis grew up skinny-dipping in Mud Creek, eating cheeseburgers at Johnnie's Drive-In and sitting on the porch at Mayhorn's Grocery. He honed his early interest in gospel music at the local Assembly of God Church.
Today each of these sites remains as a part of a 13-stop Elvis Presley Driving Trail around Tupelo. Narrated by historian Memphis Jones it features unique tidbits about the history of Tupelo and its most famous native.
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The Elvis Presley Birthplace stands in its original location and is open to the public for tours and the Elvis Presley Museum showcases the personal artifact and collection of Janelle McComb, a Tupelo resident and long-time friend of the Presleys.
Other Elvis-centric sites marked with plaques around the driving trail include the former site of the Shake Rag District and the Elvis Presley Homecoming Statue in the Fairpark District plus Tupelo Hardware.
Jennie Bradford Curlee of the Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau says the proceeds from Elvis' fairground homecoming concerts in 1956 and 1957 changed the lives of children on the east side of town and established the land where the Elvis Presley Birthplace attractions sit today.
"The money that was raised from those concerts, Elvis gave it back to the city. The children on the west side of town had parks and places that they could play, but the kids on the east side didn't have that. Elvis wanted this to be a park for the kids to enjoy and have things that he didn't have. It also paid to purchase his birthplace. We have what we have today because of him."
Tupelo formally honors the King of Rock n' Roll with special events three times a year — on January 8, Elvis' birthday; the first full weekend in June, for the music-centered Tupelo Elvis Festival (see above) ; and in August during Elvis Week, to commemorate the week he died.
(News, Source;SM/ElvisInfoNet) |
'Elvis The Man & His Music' Issue108: The latest issue of EIN's favourite music publication (No.108, June 2015) is available now.
This Issue Features ...
- The first of a two-part, in-depth interview with David Winters (choreographer on four Elvis movies)
- Exclusive pix from a long-lost ‘Love Me Tender’ movie location
- Report on the O2 Elvis exhibition
- The first part of a series detailing what the British press had to say about Elvis through the years and a look back at some of the first Elvis CDs
- All of this plus readers’ letters, CD and book reviews, news, rare pix and so much more.
Go here to Now Dig This for your subscription.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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Sonny West Health Update: Sonny West recently collapsed and was back in hospital but today Essential Elvis reports some good news. Andrew Hearn has posted , "I'm pleased to tell you that Sonny is at home now, getting lots of rest. He is going to need physical therapy to strengthen everything again. The good news is that a recent heart scan was good, as was an MRI of his head. He has no broken bones from passing out and falling, but he's still very weak. Doctors will be changing certain blood pressure medication as he was getting weak each time he stood up. The Sonny West I know is a strong and determined man, but we must continue with our prayers and positive vibes for both him and his wife Judy, who is battling breast cancer. Thank you for all your good wishes."
Good News - And Get Well Soon Sonny!
Go here for EIN's in-depth Sonny West Interview
(News, Source;EssentialElvis/ElvisInfoNet) |
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Elvis and the Denver Police Museum: Elvis Presley is among those who will be recognized by the Denver Police Law Enforcement Museum, now in the process of being created.
"In 1970, Denver Police handled the security arrangements for the King of Rock 'n Roll's concert and he formed lasting friendships with several of the officers," according to the Denver Police Department.
Elvis was reportedly such a big fan of the Denver Police Department that he donated the money to outfit the Denver's first Police Athletic League gymnasium.
The future museum will include a photo of Presley in a Denver Police Department uniform with then Police Chief Art Dill.
The museum will also include historic uniforms, hats, badges, photos and police vehicles.
More than 300 officers are donating money each month toward the new museum, according to Michael Hesse, Vice President, Denver Police Museum.
More about the Denver Police museum at their website here.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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Fan Gets Elvis response after 40 years!: A fabulous from-the-vaults Elvis story from 1999!
"Elvis: Letter delayed for 39 years"
An Elvis Presley fan who wrote to the king of rock'n'roll nearly 40 years ago, has at long last received a reply.
Karen Golz, 50, wrote to the "the King" while he was serving with the US army in Germany.
She received the long-awaited hand-written reply after it was found among papers belonging to Elvis's German landlady, who apparently forgot to send it.
The stamped and addressed letter, signed "Your friend Elvis", was found in the attic and passed on to an Elvis fan club in Germany who spent weeks tracking down Ms Golz. It is now said to be worth about $7,000.
"My eyes filled with tears when I received the letter and realised that |
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Elvis had written back to me after all," said Ms Golz.
"When the Elvis fan club called me and told me what had happened to my letter and handed it to me, I could scarcely believe my eyes. I opened the envelope and there it was. A letter for me all those years ago from my idol. I never stopped loving him."
Karen, who lived in Oberhausen, West Germany, in 1960: had written: "It's my birthday soon and if you send me your autograph I promise I will marry you when I grow up."
Elvis wrote a personal note at the end of his reply: "May you have a happy 11th birthday - and a lot of "Teddy Bears" - your friend Elvis".
(News, Source;NP/ElvisInfoNet) |
'Elvis Meets The Beatles' with Joe Esposito: The new Australian concert tour in August being, put on by Paul Fenech, celebrates the 50th anniv of the famous meeting between the world's most iconic and influential recording artists of the 20th century.
ETA Chris Connor will co-star in this, his first, Australian tour along with the biggest names in Beatles tributes. It has now been confirmed that Elvis' good friend Joe Esposito will be part of the show. Both "Elvis" and "The Beatles" will perform their biggest hits including an epic grand finale which will have both Elvis and The Beatles performing together.
They will also be recreating the actual meeting of Elvis and The Beatles with a live Jam session. Dates - August 20 / 21 The Palms Melbourne. August 22 State Theatre, Sydney, August 28 HBF Stadium Mt Claremont, WA
Tickets on sale now - Go here to TicketMaster & more info
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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Latest Billboard Album Charts: The feeling of love continues for 'Heart And Soul'.
'Heart And Soul' drops from 22 to 24 on the Billboard Country Catalog Album Chart for w/e 6th June, 2015.
Elvis has no other entries on the Billboard Charts.
(News, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNet) |
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"A Touch Of Gold Lame" Heading to The Printers!: The new book from the Elvis Files Erik Lorentzen is getting its final check. An in-depth look at Elvis'in 1957, the production looks top-notch.
..."Boldly handsome with unruly dark hair, dressed in gold lame, sideburns and full sensuous lips, he let loose on stage and the screaming began. Screams of delight from women for whom his wildly abandoned style of singing very honestly spoiled out sex appeal. Screams from many adults who resented the big, brawny young man with fantastic rhythm and no inhibition. The outcry against the boy from Memphis was loud and furious. And he was called "vulgar, animalistic, a tomcat on a back fence". Many hoped he was made phase that would pass. Elvis Presley wasn't passing though. Then critics tried to change his unique style, and to tame the rocking singer. Despite tremendous pressure, Elvis wouldn't be changed either. And why should he? He saw nothing wrong in what he did; Elvis was not as sophisticated as his critics. On stage he worked with honest zest, with the full enjoyment he feels for everything in life. At time when so few other people dared to be different, he was an individual, a creator of a vivid, flamboyant style. For this he was ridiculed and feared."
"GO,CAT, GO"MORE new sneak-peak pages from this great new book - which will include 100s of never before seen Elvis photos.
GO HERE to see sneak-peak example pages in high quality
(News, Source;EL/ElvisInfoNet)
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New Book from Linda Thompson?: Elvis Matters reports that after the books from Shirley Dieu and Ginger Alden, Linda Thompson is now writing a new book of her life and also the period as she was Elvis' girlfriend from July 1972 till December 1976, Linda Thompson was in a relationship with Elvis Presley for four years. Their relationship was portrayed in the 1981 television movie Elvis and the Beauty Queen. Marty Lacker notes that "Linda Thompson cared a great deal for Elvis in ways Priscilla never did."
The rumour of Linda Thompson writing her memoirs has been a news item on EIN over the past couple of years. We hope that this time it might be true.
Linda Thompson turned 65 recently on May 23, 2015 - Happy Birthday Linda!
Go here for EIN's spotlight and Interviews with Linda Thompson
(News, Source;Elvis Matters/ElvisInfoNet)
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'Elvis Presley' & 'Elvis 30 #1 Hits' Sony Vinyl Releases for 2015: In a rather unusual move Sony Music have announced two vinyl releases for August 2015.
1 - Elvis' classic first album 'Elvis Presley'
2 - 'ELVIS 30 #1 Hits' as a double album.
Both on 180 gram vinyl and they can be preordered via Amazon.
'ELVIS 30 # 1 Hits' will be released as ...
DISC 1 - A - Heartbreak Hotel - Don't Be Cruel - Hound Dog - Love Me Tender - Too Much - All Shook Up - (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear - Jailhouse Rock
Side B - Don't - Hard Headed Woman - One Night - (Now And Then There's) A Fool Such As I - A Big Hunk O' Love - Stuck On You - It's Now Or Never
DISC 2 - A - Are You Lonesome Tonight? - Wooden Heart - Surrender - (Marie's The Name) His Latest Flame - Can't Help Falling In Love - Good Luck Charm - She's Not You - Return To Sender - (You're The) Devil In Disguise |
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Side B - Crying In The Chapel - In The Ghetto - Suspicious Minds - The Wonder Of You - Burning Love - Way Down - A Little Less Conversation (JXL Remix)
With VINYL sales increasing, especially among the younger-set, this is surely a profitable move.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
"LOVE ME TENDER" goes to Bristol in the UK: Packed with 25 of the best loved songs by The King himself, "LOVE ME TENDER", by the writer of the award-wining Broadway smash hit 'Memphis' is a funny and moving tale of hope and Rock 'n' Roll. The full cast for the UK and Ireland tour featuring the music of Elvis Presley which is coming to Bristol in the UK has been announced.
Joining the previously announced Mica Paris as 'Sylvia' will be Sian Reeves as 'Mayor Matilda Hyde' and Shaun Williamson as 'Jim' with Ben Lewis as 'Chad'. The rest of the company includes: Mark Anderson as 'Dennis'; Aretha Ayeh as 'Lorraine'; Chris Howell as 'Sheriff Earl'; Felix Mosse as 'Dean' and many more.
The tour will open on Friday 5 June 2015 at the Manchester Opera House and arrives at The Bristol Hippodrome for one week from the 15th – 20th June 2015.
If you are in the UK - go here for more info and tickets.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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| More News and EIN exclusives from earlier in May ... |
"Elvis & Christianity" - Marty Lacker Comments: EIN received some strong reactions from readers about the "Christianity in Crisis? Blame Elvis" Huffington Post article (see below). Elvis' good friend Marty Lacker was just one person who reacted strongly against the story.
Marty Lacker commented ... "I just read that ridiculous story quoting the Emory University Professor Laderman and the ridiculous rantings of Bill O'Reilly that Elvis was the cause of the decline of Christianity, what a crock of shit.
Elvis' hips movement were no different and they were inspired by a popular GOSPEL singer, Big Chief of The Statemen Quartet. Yet nobody finds fault with Big Chief. He used to shake his legs while singing to thrill what was known as the Gospel Groupies, the women in the audience. As a young guy Elvis used to watch Chief and others and he noticed that. PLUS the music he sang made him move because that's what he felt at the time.
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Laderman and lying O'Reilly the Fox News joke, must think anything sexual started with Elvis - AND THAT IN ITSELF IS A JOKE. The number of people today who are religious has declined according to recent polls in the media and maybe that has to do with the fact that more and more people are realizing that the so-called religious leaders are not what they are supposed to be and quite frankly neither is organized religion.
The leaders and Churches are more interested in having influence in other matters as well as power and money.
People shouldn't have to pay to pray.
Last but not least Thaderman and O'Reilly's crap is an insult to Elvis' religious beliefs.
How many people did, and still are, inspired by Elvis' 'How Great Thou Art' album and other Gospel albums.
- Marty
Another pointed response we received was from Allen Nies...
"Hi there EIN, I am a Christian. I also believe Elvis would not have liked being on the same scale as Jesus Christ. The article stated he was more popular then Jesus Christ or at least on the
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same footing. Elvis would not have liked this statement. I agree with you. He made many statements who he thought the King was to him. Jesus Christ of course.
I remember hearing a live recording in 1974. Two girls pulled out a sign that said "Elvis Is The King". Elvis said, "Thank you very much". Then he said, "I cannot get caught up in this kingsman ship. There's only one King to me and that is Jesus Christ".
Way to go Elvis. I did not like the article and I know Elvis wouldn't gave liked it either. - Allen Nies.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
More special guests for Elvis Week 2015: EPE have announced more special guests for Elvis Week 2015. Brenda Lee, Mac Davis, Sandy Martindale, Bill Morris, Ernst Jorgensen and John Jackson will all share their insights on Elvis Presley during Elvis Week 2015.
Singer Brenda Lee will speak at Conversations on Elvis, along with former Shelby County Sheriff Bill Morris, who was a close friend of Elvis'. Sandy Martindale, who dated Elvis, will share her memories at the Official Graceland Insiders Conference, along with songwriter and actor Mac Davis.
Ernst Jorgensen, Elvis historian, will be a part of Elvis 101 and the Insiders Conference. He'll be joined by Elvis historian John Jackson, vice president of A&R and Content Development at Legacy Recordings.
Diane McBain, Tony Brown, Norbert Putnam, David Briggs, former members of JD Sumner and the Stamps Quartet and more are also scheduled to appear during Elvis Week 2015.
Go here to EPE's Schedule of Events
(News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet) |
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Priscilla Presley 70th Birthday: Priscilla Ann Wagner was born on May 24, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York. Her biological father was James Wagner, a US pilot killed in a plane crash when she was only six months old. Her mother then married United States Air Force officer Paul Beaulieu. The Beaulieus would be stationed in West Germany in 1958 when she first met Elvis.
In 1962 she moved to Graceland and by 1967 Priscilla and Elvis married.
By 1973 Priscilla was having an affair as the marriage unravelled, and they were divorced in October 1973. Priscilla noted, "He was still very lovey with me, but only upstairs, when the guys weren't around to impress. He was a Southern boy, a man's man, and girls were kept out of sight. The other wives and I were only allowed to leave Memphis and go to Vegas at certain times - first nights or last nights." |
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After Elvis' death in 1977, Priscilla conferred another kind of immortality on him: when she helped incorporate him with the set-up of Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc. which runs Graceland as a museum and controls commercial rights to Elvis' image and products. Both Lisa Marie and her income has been assured since Graceland was open as a tourist attraction in 1982 with EPE earning around $55 million per year.
Coincidentily May 24 is also the birthday of Bob Dylan (74) and Tommy Chong (of Cheech and Chong) (77). Each in their own way has made an indelible impression on the collective culture.
HAPPY 70th BIRTHDAY Priscilla.
(On Priscilla's 60th Birthday the UK newspaper The Observer published the article - "Priscilla Presley - No Angel")
(News, Source,ElvisInfoNet) |
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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
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directing the event. He also produced and directed eight live Grammy Awards and Emmy telecasts.
Pasetta’s other notable credits include “AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Fred Astaire” (1981), “The Smother Brothers Comedy Hour” (1967) and TV inaugural galas for presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan.
Go HERE for more on Marty Pasetta - "One of The Best Elvis ever worked with"- Marty Lacker
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
Demolition of Coco Palms Resort Approaches: Demolition of Kauai’s long-shuttered Coco Palms Resort is scheduled to begin in the next 30 or 60 days, clearing the way for the redevelopment of the iconic property into a Hyatt-branded hotel.
The iconic resort, which was recently approved by the Kauai Planning Commission, is slated to reopen as a Hyatt-branded property in 2017, and has fulfilled its state Historic Preservation District requirements for the redevelopment of the resort on Kauai's Coconut Coast.
Hawaii Chef Jean-Marie Josselin will run the Coco Palms Seashell Restaurant across the highway from the resort.
The resort, which was featured in the Elvis Presley movie “Blue Hawaii,” suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Iniki in 1992 and never reopened. Coco Palms Hui has plans to rebuild the resort with about 350 rooms and the redevelopment will cost more than $100 million. A construction firm has yet to be chosen.
A few months ago EIN's Sanja Meegin visited the resort for a special inside look - 'Elvis and The Coco Palms resort' - Click here
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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"Christianity in Crisis? Blame Elvis"!: EIN saw the headline and knowing Elvis' serious religious convictions we thought the article to be a joke.
Written by Gary Laderman, (Chair of the Department of Religion, Emory University) it seems that he is in fact being serious!
"Christianity in Crisis? Blame Elvis"
... Bill O'Reilly is wrong. Rap is not to blame for the current crisis in American Christianity. Blame Elvis, that's what I say. He is the main culprit in the current cultural transformation shaking the foundations of religion in America. Elvis Presley's appearance on television in the late 1950s signaled the beginning of the end of Christianity in America, and birthed a religious rival to the Christian churches that is now, finally, winning the hearts and minds and souls of more and more Americans.
... And of course to get to the real story here and now, we've got to go back and look in the past for the seeds that explain our present. Which brings me back to Elvis, the progenitor of the religious changes we are seeing today. Many have written about his cultural influence in twentieth century America, and even about his religious background and his status as a cultural American icon after his death. But what I propose here is that Elvis's shaking hips and curled lips unleashed two conflicting religious cultures that pitted Christian cultural authority, charisma, and institutions against sacred |
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popular cultures with multiple sources of authority, potent forms of charisma, and a preference for experience and insight over dogma and institutions.
... America is different after Elvis. The combination of sexual energy in the performance and its reception by his young audience; sheer pleasure in listening to this particular form of music; and rebellious effervescence liberating fans from conventional cultures in place at the time was a game changer. That young entertainer who magically blended different musical cultures together, including Southern forms of African American and white blues and country, Christian gospel and Pentecostal expression, helped to initiate the rock and roll cultural awakening that transformed the second half of the twentieth century. Many Christians at the time perceived in his lascivious gyrations and obscene gestures a clear and present danger to American society, something so vile, so repulsive, so harmful, his appearances and growing popularity motivated them to publicly decry and attack the young man.
... What made this moment, the Elvis moment, different from previous Christian interventions in times of perceived moral crisis, was of course mass media. Radios, phonographs, and television, along with printed materials and concert venues, |
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accelerated and diversified the imprint and influence of Elvis in American lives. The Christian attacks and condemnations directed at Elvis generated a conservative Christian religious culture explicitly obsessed with the new (now old) media's power to corrupt the youth and blow the lid off of youthful, and especially young female, sexuality.
... Elvis made it clear that Religion stands no chance against the gods of popular culture. Yes there were other popular singers and screen idols before Elvis, but after Elvis the viability and legitimacy sacred popular cultures is secured and implanted in the youth cultural sensibilities of the Baby Boomers. Elvis was more popular than Jesus -- or at least on equal footing -- and the moral teachings he preached in songs, performances, conversations, and lifestyle choices, guided the flocks clamoring to see him, hear him, touch him. The ascendance of Elvis in the late 1950s signaled a cultural awakening, a transitional period from an old and outdated social order to a new and different one that makes more sense. |
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.... With Elvis Presley, America's search for a new social order began.
With each swing of his hips, Elvis rattled the Christian stranglehold on America values and appealed to a very different spiritual sensibility in Americans, one that is not aroused by church music or sermons, but by rock concerts and fan magazines. The hip shakes of course were only the beginning. It took a few decades to come to pass -- the protracted and increasingly political culture wars only delayed the inevitable outcome of a brand new religious playing field.
Go HERE to the full article at Huffington Post Blog
EIN is somewhat saddened as there is no doubt that Elvis would have been upset by this article and statements such as "Elvis made it clear that Religion stands no chance against the gods of popular culture." -
And which other rock'n'roller won Grammys for religious albums? Elvis always made it very clear, "I am not the King. Jesus Christ is the King. I'm just an entertainer".
Go HERE for EIN's spotlight 'The Gospel According To Elvis"
(News, Source;Huff/ElvisInfoNet) |
FTD 'King Creole' OUT NOW: The new 'King Creole' FTD 2-CD "Classic Album" is out now.
This 2-CD set features the original RCA masters, unique RCA engineer Thorne Nogar live monitor mixes many of which contain slates, and original song demos. It features a 16-page booklet featuring great photos, behind-the-scenes chronology and memorabilia.
The other two FTD promised releases - the 'From Elvis At American Sound' vinyl LP and the 'Change Of Habit' book are now delayed until mid-June.
Go HERE for all the FTD 2015 release details
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
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Don McLean talks Elvis: Last month singer-songwriter Don McLean sold the original lyrics for his 1971 'American Pie' hit for an amazing $1.2 million (£800,000).
Released as the title track of McLean’s second album, his emotionally elegiac, lyrically cryptic eight-and-a-half-minute epic spent four weeks at number one in the US singles chart.
Recently McLean reminisced about American Pie and his life.
He talked about how he listened to on the radio as a boy "folk, pop, Johnny Mathis, Elvis Presley - all those all mixed up, that’s how my head is, the key to my music is the way the charts were when I was 12".
In the lyrics of 'American Pie' he also mentioned Elvis' sixties decline in musical revelance.
The lyrics, "Oh, and while The King was looking down The jester stole his thorny crown" was a reference to Elvis' decline and Bob Dylan's ascendance. The thorny crown refers to the price of fame, and Dylan's side-line interest in Presley's creative past.
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McLean has also written many other great songs. He was number one in the UK in 1972 with 'Vincent' composed after a long period ruminating on the life of Van Gogh. "The song started to come out, words and music, as if I’m tuning it in on a radio."
He also talked of his classic song, and one of his sweetest ballads, 'And I Love You So'.
"What a thrill that was for me when Elvis recorded 'And I Love You So' in 1975. For me, Elvis did it all first, and he did it all best."
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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Priscilla Reflects on Wedding Memories: There was no crying in the chapel - except for tears of joy - when Priscilla Presley recently served as matron of honor at a ceremony held at Elvis Presley’s Graceland Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas.
The glowing bride wore a white gown with lace overlay, reminiscent of Priscilla’s hand-beaded dress when she married the King of Rock ’n’ Roll in 1967. Cherished memories of that day came flooding back to Priscilla. "I remember the nerves, like any couple, we were very nervous.”
The recent ceremony took place in the new chapel that’s part of Graceland Presents Elvis: The Exhibition at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. The wedding was followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the exhibit with Lisa Marie Presley, 47, who told Closer her dad was “astoundingly funny and mischievous.”
The King might have enjoyed the Viva Las Vegas nuptials, but Priscilla, 69, recalled how different hers had been. “My wedding was very unusual,” she says. “It was the people closest to us, and private, and that’s how we wanted it. We didn’t want a fan club. We didn’t want a circus. We wanted it to be ours and not have that moment stolen from us.”
Priscilla cherishes her recollections of that special day, which occurred 48 years ago on May 1, 1967, when she was 21. “It’s a big commitment, and you want to honor that.” But she also recalls all the subterfuge that |
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went into keeping the ceremony — and her dress — a secret. “I went to places like Neiman Marcus in disguise. I went with a wig and everything just to keep it private!”
You can read the full story on Priscilla and Elvis, in the new issue of 'Closer Weekly' magazine.
OR - read the true story from Marty Lacker here 'The Wedding' Elvis & Priscilla EIN special Spotlight:
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
Dolores Hart Helps Answer Abbey's Prayers: Mother Dolores Hart finds it miraculous that she was able to turn one kiss with Elvis Presley into the spark that helped save an abbey.
The former starlet who walked away from Hollywood in 1963 to become a nun spun her tale into a fundraising campaign for her crumbling monastery in rural Connecticut.
But her book about Elvis' first on-screen kiss (in Loving You) and the girl who turned from the screen to sisterhood has done more than keep open the doors of Abbey of Regina Laudis. It has inspired new interest in its monastic work. Now she and the other nuns hope to raise up to $9 million to restore the order's former brass factory for future generations.
Mother Dolores, now 76, first shared her story with The Associated Press in 2011 as she and about 40 other members of her Benedictine order faced the possibility that their abbey in Bethlehem would close.
Fire officials had found numerous fire code and safety issues in
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what was a ramshackle collection of factory buildings, barns and sheds that were linked together in 1947 after the nuns purchased the old industrial site.
Mother Dolores went on to write an autobiography, embark on a speaking tour, and in 2012, she returned to Hollywood to attend the Academy Awards when a documentary short about her life, "God is the Bigger Elvis," was nominated for an Oscar.
"Of course it was only a nomination," she joked. "I'm still waiting for the real thing."
But the bigger reward, she said, came as an answer to her prayers for the abbey.
Shortly after her autobiography was published, the monastery began receiving letters and donations from across the world. One man began sending $100 a month. A woman in New Zealand sent $3,000.
"The Elvis fans didn't have a lot of money, but they sent quite a few dollars and all their love," she said.
The nuns quickly raised more than $1 million. The abbey's main building now has new alarm and sprinkler systems, an elevator and other safety improvements.
What was once a project designed to keep the abbey from closing has become a fundraising effort to renovate the abbey for a long future.
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The nuns estimate the needed work will cost between $7.5 million and $9 million. They have so far raised more than $3 million.
"That first phase was more of an urgency, a survival thing," said Sister Angele Arbib, who serves as the abbey's spokeswoman. "But this is all needed. We have to continue, because we aren't going to be in a position to do this ever again. We are doing this for the future."
Mother Dolores' story has attracted more than money, Mother Lucia said.
There has also been a steady stream of young people, many inspired by Mother Dolores' story, showing up and looking for direction. Every room where the novices live is currently filled.
"So there has been more than just donations," Mother Lucia said. "People have really been finding spiritual renewal."
(News, Source;AP/ElvisInfoNet) |
"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) |
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'Elvis Files Magazine Issue 12': Erik Lorentzen has previewed the forthcoming 'Elvis Files Magazine Issue 12'.
It will be published in June.
As always featuring some very interesting articles and some great unseen photos.
He also notes that for subscribers it will be time for everyone to renew their subscription since they run out after this issue. Annual fee €58 by PayPal to: sales@elvisfiles.no
Or send € 15 for this issue only.
What a SENSATIONAL front cover photo!
Note that EIN will feature a detailed review of 'Elvis Files Magazine Issue 11' this time next week. (we are travelling overseas this month)
(News, Source;EL/ElvisInfoNet)
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"Elvis didn't invent rock and roll!" Marty Lacker comments: Our previous 'From the Archives' article (below) certainly stirred up plenty of fan reactions - including one from Marty Lacker.
..."I read that story in today's EIN about Elvis starting not starting rock and roll and I'm wondering whether the author was alive or of an intelligent age in the early 50's because I was and I also had the advantage of growing up in NY with the music that came before that and then moving to Memphis at 15 and I can tell you that Elvis started the rock explosion and if it wasn't for him there's a possibility that none of it would have gone the way it has.
The music back then, before Elvis, recorded or played by Black artists was not called "rock" back then - it was R&B, a phrase by the way that was coined by Atlantic Records great Jerry Wexler later in the 50's.
However it was then that Elvis came along and broke down the barriers for those artists and that genre of music that exposed it greatly to white America and in white homes because the kids picked it up and started buying the records like they never did before.
Those black artists named in that story that came before Elvis didn't consider themselves "rock artists" or their music as "rock", it was blues to them not rock.
Then Wexler coined the R&B phrase for what was called blues music.
Elvis exploded the record and music business when he emerged on the scene. I can also tell you that Sam Phillips who produced records on those black artists named never called it "rock n roll". Fact is that "Rock N' Roll" was coined by |
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Alan Freed in Cleveland on his radio show when he simply asked his audience "Are you ready to rock and roll" and he was referring to their dance movements while listening to the records he was playing.
If they're gonna write about history, get it right!
I speak from experiencing the start of it all as a teenager. - Marty Lacker.
(News, Source;ML/ElvisInfoNet) |
B.B. King Dead at 89: The great B.B. King, who has died aged 89, was the most eminent and influential blues musician of his generation. He had suffered with type II diabetes for a long while. It was BB King who raised the blues almost single-handedly from its backwater status into the musical mainstream.
Riley B King was born near Itta Bena, Mississippi, and grew up with the limited prospects of an African-American agricultural worker, a barrier he gradually worked to overcome as he learned the basics of guitar from a family friend and honed his singing with a quartet, the St John Gospel Singers of Indianola.
As a child, King concentrated on gospel singing. His first contact with its profane half-brother, the blues, was on his great-aunt’s wind-up phonograph, and this early experience was reinforced during his military service in an all-black US Army company. Then, aged 20, he hitchhiked to Memphis, Tennessee, to live with his mother’s cousin, the famed bluesman Bukka White, who advised him: “If you want to be a good blues singer, people are going to be down on you, so dress like you’re going to the bank to borrow money.”
The harmonica player Sonny Boy Williamson invited King to perform on his radio programme, King Biscuit Time, and this led to work in Memphis’s Beale Street clubs and a slot promoting a pick-me-up tonic on WDIA,
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America’s first all-black radio station. King soon had his own show, shortening his billing as “The Beale Street Blues Boy” to “BB”.
At Memphis’s Sun Studios, before Elvis Presley's career kicked off, King then began a prolific recording career that saw him cut more than 200 discs in the 1950s alone. 'Three O’Clock Blues' launched him to blues stardom in 1951, topping the R&B charts for 17 weeks. (Above shows B.B. King with Elvis in December 1956)
Throughout the 1950s, King was the leading blues artist on the circuit of black-patronised theatres and clubs. In 1956 he is supposed to have filled 342 engagements. In 1962. he ventured to change that working pattern by signing with a major label ABC. It took him a while to establish himself with a rock audience, for whom the blues was largely defined by the Chicago school of Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf, but he was brought forcibly to their attention by musicians who admired him.
B.B. King said of Elvis, "Finally I heard him do some Arthur Big Boy Crudup. I heard him do some of those songs, and then I started to turn my head a little bit. That ain't the same Elvis Presley that I been hearing previously. And Elvis went on from there doing some other things that sound black to me. That's when I started having respect, respect, respect. And he sorta earned it, earned that respect from me
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at that time. Finally I had a chance to meet him and I found out that Elvis really was something else. He started to be more and more and more. And he was still like that to me, Elvis was, until he died. As far as I was concerned, he was growing all the time."
In 2008, the BB King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center was opened in Indianola, and in 2009 King received a Grammy award, for best traditional blues album, for One Kind Favor. In 2012 he performed at a concert at the White House, where the US president, Barack Obama, joined him to sing Sweet Home Chicago.
(News, Source;AP/ElvisInfoNet) R.I.P - B.B. King - |
EIN's Rare Elvis Facebook page Now with 15,000 members! - including several of Elvis' own friends and colleagues
So Elvis fans don't miss out on these rare and exciting photographs - from EIN's V-P Sanja Meegin.
Now with over thousands of great photos, News and with more added every day – including YouTube footage.
Click here to access our Facebook - Elvis Information Network group.
You need to be a Facebook Member. |
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'Nashville Chrome' - Book Review: In the late fifties the Country Music group The Browns - Maxine, Bonnie, and Jim Ed - were enjoying unprecedented international success, rivaled only by their longtime friend Elvis Presley. The book 'Nashville Chrome' by author Rick Bass presents a vivid evocation of an era in American music, while at its heart it is a wrenching meditation on the complexities of fame and of one family who experienced them firsthand.
Just two months ago it was announced that The Browns would be inducted into Country Music Hall of Fame. With immaculate timing, EIN contributor Susan McDougall reviews the 2010 publication 'Nashville Chrome' about this fascinating group.
The connection between The Browns and Elvis is an intersting topic - and as always Susan presents both the positives and negatives about publishing a book about such a well-researched period.
Read Susan's full review
(Book Review, Source: EIN, May 2015) |
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| (From the Archives) Getting Elvis's Legacy Right......he didn't invent rock and roll. He didn't steal it from black people, either. What did he do?:
(July 2014) was the 60th anniversary of Elvis Presley's most famous early recordings in Memphis, including the Arthur Crudup cover "That's All Right."
July 5, 1954 was an important moment in American musical history—and it's also one of the most consistently overhyped dates in rock.
The latest example: Variety’s article that went up with a headline declaring that Elvis "invented rock n' roll."
That headline was eventually changed, and the text is a bit more sober, but still claims that "That's All Right" touched off "the explosion of rock ‘n’ roll as a cultural force."
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Elvis was innovative, popular, influential, and a great performer. But he didn't invent anything. By the time Elvis showed up at Sun Records, numerous other performers like Ike Turner, Ruth Brown, Ray Charles, Big Mama Thornton, and Fats Domino had already released early rock songs.
Nor did Elvis make the music popular. While rock initially was black music, with a limited profile among white audiences, by the early 1950s it was achieving widespread success. The vocal group the Dominoes, led by the prodigiously talented Clyde McPhatter, scored a major pop crossover hit when "Sixty Minute Man" went #1 in R&B and #17 pop in 1951. The song used the phrase "rock and roll", which was often used in R&B and jump blues to describe sex, dancing, music, and/or some combination of all three. "Sixty Minute Man" probably inspired DJ Alan Freed to call his popular radio show Moondog's Rock 'n' Roll Party, where he played songs by black artists for a large mixed audience. The show began in 1951; by 1954 it was a smash success. Elvis and Sam Phillips didn't have to guess that rock and roll by black artists had crossover potential. They just needed to look at what the kids, of every race, were already listening to. So Presley wasn't an innovator, he was simply chasing a trend.
Elvis was not actually a white man playing black music. But the belief that he was is part of his appeal.
In reaction to the transparently false claim that Elvis invented rock and roll, an equal and opposite meme holds that Elvis stole rock from its original black performers—that he put a white face on black music and then unjustly profited from white America's clueless and racist marketing preferences. But, again, looking at the actual landscape of ‘50s rock and roll, this narrative doesn't really work. In the first place, Elvis was not the first white rock and roll star. Bill Haley had already recorded the original song "Crazy, Man, Crazy" in 1953; his version of "Rock Around the Clock" was recorded a couple of months before Elvis's famous Sun session. Moreover, white performers in the hillbilly boogie tradition like Moon Mullican and the Maddox Brothers and Rose had long been making music strongly influenced by the beat and spirit of R&B.
Nor was this influence one way. Rock-and-roll performers like Ray Charles and Chuck Berry were fans of and strongly influenced by country music. Black performers regularly performed songs by white songwriters like Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Some even covered country hits—especially at King records, where African-American producer Henry Glover oversaw both R&B and country divisions. Rock and roll wasn't black music, and it wasn't white music; it was an integrated form drawing from other integrated forms including country, country blues, R&B, boogie woogie, jump blues, Western swing, and more. America's pop-music marketing categories are often shamefully segregated, but the music itself has never been.
So, what's so special about Elvis then? He wasn't the first person to play rock and roll; he wasn't the first white person to play rock and roll; he didn't make rock and roll popular. He invented nothing and popularized nothing. It's true he was an extremely talented performer whose early records especially are original, exciting, and hugely influential. But you could say the same for the work of contemporary performers like Etta James, Jackie Wilson, LaVern Baker, Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Rosetta Tharpe, and Howlin' Wolf. Elvis was great, but he wasn't greater than a host of other rock and roll greats. Why do we call him the King, exactly?
Though I love Elvis, I wish pop culture could find a way to make some other session our big, iconic rock-and-roll moment.
There seem to be a couple of answers. First, Elvis is the King because he's the King. It's tautological. A combination of talent, being the right color, physical attractiveness, and being in the right place at the right time meant he achieved massive, ridiculous popularity. Pop enthusiasms are by their nature unpredictable and a bit random. If things had been a little different, it could have been Buddy Holly or Bill Haley who captured the national imagination, and Variety would be posting headlines about how one or the other of them invented rock and roll.
But while it could have been others, I think it's also the case that Elvis retains his iconic appeal in part because of the racial dynamics of American music. Elvis was not actually a white man playing black music, as Sam Phillips suggested he was; again, rock and roll, like all American music, has no color. But the image of a white man playing black music, the idea that a white person could shuck off the bonds of race and become black, has long had a transgressive, sexy, exciting pop appeal. Elvis certainly capitalized on this through his choice of material and performance style—his sexualized scandalousness was linked in large part to the fact that he was imitating, or referencing, black performers, who (because of racism) were seen as innately sexual and scandalous.
"To put on the cultural forms of blackness was to engage in a complex affair of manly mimicry," Eric Lott argued in his famous book Love and Theft—or as Stefan L. Brandt writes "Elvis absorbed as much ‘blackness’ as possible to embark on the popular trends of musical hipness and as much ‘whiteness’ as necessary to cater to the consciousness of the majority." These comments echo Sam Phillips himself, who, before Elvis arrived on his door, was supposed to have remarked wistfully, "If I could find a white boy who could sing like a nigger, I'd make a million dollars." Criticisms of Elvis often were shot through with racism; the New York Daily News said his dancing was "tinged with the kind of animalism that should be confined to dives and bordellos," while the New York Journal-American actually compared Presley's performance to "an aborigne's mating dance." Such a shocked reception only made Elvis more exciting to a younger audience.
Elvis was not necessarily a pioneer here either; performers like Bing Crosby or Jimmie Rodgers or, for that matter, Jack Keruoac, had long used black performance and musical styles as a way to signal cool counter-culture cred. But Presley was certainly an iconic precedent for many, many after him, from the Rolling Stones to Madonna to Miley Cyrus.
Presley by all accounts was quick to acknowledge his debt to African-American performers, and scholars have even argued that, by playing multi-racial music for multi-racial audiences, he helped to point the path away from segregation. "That's All Right," drawn from both blues and country sources, can certainly be celebrated as one, hugely popular, superbly realized, moment of pop integration, like Chuck Berry's fusion of blues and country in "Maybellene," or the collaboration between Big Mama Thornton, Leiber, and Stoller on "Hound Dog," or Howlin' Wolf's repurposing of Jimmie Rodgers's yodel, or any number of others.
But the eagerness to see Elvis as scandalous inventor or scandalous thief feeds a narrative about how white people are always in the process of heroically discovering black people, always mining that mysterious, authentic source for earthy sensuality and innovative awesomeness. It's a poisonous story to keep telling. Which is why, though I love Elvis, I wish pop culture could find a way to make some other session our big, iconic rock-and-roll moment—Ray Charles's "What'd I Say," or Ike Turner's "Rocket 88," or even Moon Mullican's integrated country/R&B performance with some of the original Tiny Bradshaw Orchestra musicians on "Well Oh Well." And if celebrating some of these other lesser-known gems means we miss the next go-round for Presley's anniversary—that would be all right. (Article, Source: The Atlantic)
Orion: The Man Who Would Be King: Jeanie Finlay's latest documentary about the legendary Jimmy "Orion" Ellis has been receiving mixed reviews since its debut at the Tribeca Film Festivakl in New York. Jason rated it as one of the highlights of this year's festival in this short review:
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So here’s a bizarre and, these days, forgotten footnote to the Elvis legacy: Jimmy Ellis was a country and rockabilly singer who bore an uncanny physical and vocal resemblance to Mr. Presley. Not long after the King’s death, his old (and now sketchy) label Sun Records swiped the story of a fiction novel called Orion and rechristened Ellis with the moniker, sending him into the studio and out on the road — in a Lone Ranger-style mask — to perform songs in the Presley style, encouraging the conspiracy theory. It’s a fascinating story well told by director Jeanie Finlay, and a poignant examination of what it must’ve been like to end up so tantalizingly close to fame, and yet (in all those high schools and dive bars and local TV studios) so far from it at the same time. (Review, Source: flavorwire.com)
Available from Amazon USA:
The King of Rock ’n’ Roll is born: The making of Elvis, behind the scenes: Coming in June is this version of the Alfred Wertheimer-Chris Murray-Ray Santilli book concept originally released in different formats at exorbitantly high prices. While the original Birth of Rock and Roll book featured an array of rock 'n' roll artists this release appears to only provide the (often released) Elvis imagery captured by the late Alfre Wertheimer in 1956......
“Elvis who?” was photographer Alfred Wertheimer response when, in early 1956, an RCA Victor publicist asked him to photograph an up-and-coming crooner from Memphis. Little did Wertheimer know that this would be the job of his life: just 21 years old, Elvis Presley was—as we now know—about to become a legend.
Trailing Presley like a shadow, Wertheimer took nearly 3,000 photographs of Presley that year, creating a penetrating portrait of a man poised on the brink of superstardom. Extraordinary in its intimacy and unparalleled in its scope, Wertheimer's Elvis project immortalized a young man in the very process of making history.
Now available as a TASCHEN standard edition, Elvis and the Birth of Rock and Roll collects Wertheimer’s most remarkable Elvis shots from that magical year, along with a selection of his historic 1958 pictures of the star being shipped off to an army base in Germany. Each chapter is illustrated with an original poster created for this book by Hatch Show Print, one of the oldest letterpress print shops in America, which created many early Elvis posters in the 1950s. Text in English, French, and German (News, Source: Amazon) |
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Pre-order Elvis and the Birth of Rock and Roll
The Germany headquartered Taschen publishing house is renowned for its quality photo-narrative releases.....this release is at a price under $50.00 (compared to several hundred dollars for earlier more complex versions of the subject matter)
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Incorrect Number of Vegas "Elvis’ consecutive sold-out shows": The number has grown into the rock ’n’ roll equivalent of Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak: 837 consecutive sold-out shows performed by Elvis Presley at the International and Las Vegas Hilton from July 1969 through December 1976. However the real number is 637.
“Well, that’s very interesting,” said Joe Esposito, “I’ve always thought 837 was the number, but I couldn’t tell you exactly how they figured that was the number. … We were not counting up the shows at the time.”
“That’s news to me,” said Sam Thompson, “I’ve always thought 837 was the number, but it was not something we discussed when Elvis was playing at the Hilton.”
In September 1978, more than a year after Presley’s death, then-Las Vegas Hilton owner Baron Hilton unveiled a bronze statue of the King that still stands in the lobby of Westgate Las Vegas. He was joined by Presley’s father, Vernon, and former wife, Priscilla. They pulled away a drape to reveal the statue of Elvis in his Vegas heyday and a plaque noting he had performed 837 consecutive sold-out shows at the hotel.
Ever since, that number has been held up as the official total of sold-out shows during Elvis’ reign at the International and Hilton.
But the figure was revisited when Westgate took over the former LVH and pursued a partnership with EPE and Graceland in Memphis for the new “Graceland Presents Elvis: The Exhibition, the Show, the Experience,” which opened last week.
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When the venture was announced, Westgate officials touted that Presley had performed “more than 600” sold-out shows. As plans for the partnership advanced, Graceland’s chief archivist, Angie Marchese, dove back into the family’s files and counted every performance in the showroom. She arrived at 636. (EIN believes the number to actually be 637)
Those who were around at the time say they aren’t sure how the 837 figure surfaced. There is a sense Presley’s manager, Col. Tom Parker, bumped the number up to add zeal to the Presley legacy.
But others maintain that Hilton himself created the figure. Hilton commissioned the statue and |
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had final authority in what was written for the plaque.
The Clark County Fire Department’s listed capacity for the showroom during the Presley era reportedly was 1,150. But under the direction of the late Emilio Muscelli, the hotel’s legendary maître d’ and food and beverage manager during Presley’s headlining days, upwards of 2,000 fans were stuffed in for each performance.
EIN notes that Ciscoking (font of all knowledge about Elvis Concerts) knows the exact number to be 637. He explained, "A few years ago an extra added 3 am show surfaced from the morning of Sep 6 1970, which increased the known number."
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
Composer Sid Tepper Dies aged 96: Songwriter Sid Tepper, who songwriting partner Roy C. Bennett co-wrote 43 songs specifically for Elvis Presley died Friday at his home in Miami Beach. He was 96.
He also composed hundreds of other songs performed by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Eartha Kitt, Perry Como, and many more.
Although Tepper / Bennett wrote extensively for Elvis, sadly they never met him. Nearly all their songs were for Elvis' movies, including the title number for 'G.I. Blues'. Their best songs included 'New Orleans', 'Puppet On A String', 'Just For Old Times Sake', 'Relax', and 'Hawaiian Sunset' while their worst included 'Song Of The Shrimp', 'Petunia' and 'Confidence'. They also composed 'The Lady Loves Me', the Viva Las Vegas poolside duet with Ann-Margret.
By the time they wrote for Elvis, Tepper and Bennett were already established songwriters. Their first big hit, "Red Roses for a Blue Lady," was recorded by Vaughn Monroe in 1948. Over the years it was covered by Sinatra (on a radio show), Andy Williams, Paul Anka, Wayne Newton and others, including Vic Dana, who got it back on the bestselling charts in 1965.
"When Elvis started to make the movies, they needed non rock- |
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and-roll writers, people who could come up with special material songs and ballads," Tepper said in an interview for the book "Writing for the King," by Ken Sharp.
"We had to give away a third of our songs to Elvis and The Colonel. There was a lot of that stuff going on."
Tepper and Bennett would be given movie scripts and asked to write for specific scenes. But they were not the only songwriters approached — others were asked to submit songs for the same scenes.
Tepper explained, "The way it worked was that it was actually a competition. To be honest, it was a little downer feeling that we had to compete with the other writers because Roy and I had a life before Elvis....
We wrote songs for all the stars of our generation."
Tepper and Bennett, who both wrote music and lyrics, often beat out the competition. On "Blue Hawaii" (1961) alone, they have five credited songs.
Tepper and Bennett never had a big hit with an Elvis song — many of them were novelty numbers. The songs were in sharp contrast to the gritty numbers that made Elvis an electrifying star. But Tepper made no apologies.
"I believe that Elvis' movies and their songs made a mighty contribution to his career, they brought him to the attention of millions of people who otherwise would never have known the greatness of the King."
He said one of his favorite Elvis songs that they wrote was from "Kissin' Cousins" (1964) called "Once Is Enough."
Tepper was born June 25, 1918, in Brooklyn, N.Y. He wrote poetry while in school but got involved with music in the Army, where he was assigned to Special Services, the division that provided troop entertainment.
After World War II, he teamed with his childhood friend Bennett. During their career, they wrote more than 300 songs. In Britain, Cliff Richard had a hit with their "The Young Ones" in 1961.
But Tepper always had a special place in his heart for their first hit, written after a tiff with his wife, Lillian. "I sent her some red roses and wrote on the card, 'I'm sorry, red roses for a blue lady,'" he told the Miami Herald in 2008. "And about a week later, I thought, 'What a great idea for a title.'" Lillian Tepper died in 2005.
(News, Source;AP/ElvisInfoNet) |
Elvis planes to stay at Graceland: After all the long debacle it looks like Elvis Presley's airplanes are staying at Graceland after all.
Graceland released a statement Sunday saying the Lisa Marie and the Hound Dog II, two custom-designed airplanes once owned by Presley, will permanently remain at the Memphis tourist attraction centered on the life and career of the late singer.
The announcement ends confusion about the future of the airplanes, which had been owned by a company named OKC Partnership since after Presley died in August 1977. OKC Partnership had received approval on Tuesday from the Memphis City Council to move the airplanes to another location just down the street from Graceland.
Lisa Marie Presley confirmed via Twitter that "Graceland now owns the planes and they will remain at Graceland "4 ever." She did not elaborate. |
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EIN however suspects that the planes' owners OKC did eventually get a suitable financial deal from EPE who had been playing hard-ball until now, although earning $55 million per year.
The timing of the announcement - just days after the Memphis council gave permission for OKC to move the planes one block south against the wishes and notice of "copyright issues" from EPE - suggests that OKC got a satisfactory deal from EPE after all.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
Linda Thompson and Family visits Graceland: Linda Thompson was a special visitor to Graceland earlier today.
She posted this message, "Such a nostalgic private tour of Graceland today. I got to share with Brandon Jenner, Brody Jenner and Kaitlynn memories of Elvis. I designed the stained glass peacocks leading into the music room, the climbing roses and "P" stained glass at the front door. I also decorated the downstairs rooms, and the Jungle Room... All according to Elvis's unique taste, of course. Really rarefied memories were made at Graceland. Love and Peace Linda"
Go HERE for EIN's special on Linda Thompson.
(News, Source;SM/ElvisInfoNet) |
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Elvis: The Exhibition Opens: The new Las Vegas 'Elvis: The Exhibition' opened yesterday at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. It was an exciting day of events starting off with the first wedding at the Elvis Presley's Graceland Wedding Chapel, then a ribbon cutting with Priscilla Presley and Lisa Marie Presley at Elvis: The Exhibition, followed by an evening performance of The Elvis Experience in the Elvis Presley Theater.
Once again Elvis is back as the heartbeat of Hotel.
The CEO noted, “We would absolutely love to bring the entire look and feel back as it was in Elvis’ days, but we’re challenged with the advancement of technology in lighting. So what we’ve chosen to do is bring the same finishes, colors and style back into place. We’re bringing the gold back, we’re building a new theater lobby, a grand new theater entrance, more respectful of the quality of the show."
You can see the official photos of the event here at EPE.
Watch the video of the Opening Ceremony here on YouTube.
(News, Source;BrianQ/EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
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'Ultimate Elvis' in Soft Cover: Elvis Files has announced that as the deluxe 1,720 page 'Ultimate Elvis' Hardback Box-Set is sold out from the dealers, they are now offering a special SOFT COVER set at a special lower price.
The original release have already been reviewed as....
"I can honestly say that I have never got so much pleasure from a post Elvis product as I did from these magnificent books which were obviously a labour of love from those who compiled it."
"This is the most thorough analysis of Elvis’ recorded output ever undertaken, with the finished product being exceptional"
"I don't see how this publication can be topped by anyone. It is what I consider |
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truly groundbreaking and THE definitive work concerning Elvis' recording career."
GO HERE for full reviews
So now is the chance for anyone who missed out to get the three huge books in exactly the same high-quality print but as a Soft-Cover version and now at the special price €197 = US$208 = £141 including shipping worldwide.
Get in early for your copy and send an email for info to sales@elvisfiles.no
(News, Source;ElvisFiles/ElvisInfoNet) |
Big News from 'The Elvis Files': Elvis Files publisher Erik Lorentzen and his team have some big news and big surprises up their sleeves for 2015 - 2016.
Firstly the news that the final volume of "The Elvis Files" series of books has had to be split into two, due to the fact that Elvis was so busy touring during his last years.
There are so many stunning photos available - so it was just not possible to do justice to Presley's final four years in just one volume.
The first book 'The Elvis Files Vol. 7 1974-1975' is planned for August 2015 publication.
'The Elvis Files Vol. 8 1976-1977' is planned for Spring 2016.
Also another new book underway, "Greater Than Ever - A Touch Of Gold Lame" an in-depth look at Elvis tours of 1957.
And also not forgetting the quarterly 'Elvis Files Magazine'.
For a better quality look at all these releases - please go HERE to our Elvis Files 2015 information page.
(News, Source;EL/ElvisInfoNet) |
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'The Elvis Files Vol. 7 1974-1975' Coming this August, Volume 7 of the great Elvis Files series.
The sixth volume of the Elvis Files story chronicles Elvis' years on tour through the USA, the Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe seasons..
All ELVIS EVENTS in this Time Frame 1974-1975 are shown
- Every Working Moment...
- The Mid-Seventies Tours
- The Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe Seasons
- Plenty of CANDID Moments
- The Recording Sessions
- Previously Unpublished Photos.
The publication date is August 2015.
Here's the cover for Volume 7 and some pages from the famous LA concerts in 1974. The cover photo is taken by our friend Keith Alverson.
Go HERE for more info 'Elvis Files 2015' information page |
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Three new FTD Releases for Pre-Order: The 'King Creole' Classic Album, 'Elvis at American Sound' Limited Edition 2-Disc set and 'Change Of Habit' another deluxe book from David English and Pål Granlund.
1 - 'King Creole' FTD Classic Album.
The next FTD soundtrack album release is 'King Creole' (although previously released in a combined CD/Book) but this "Classic Album" version features far more within its two CDs.
This 2-CD set features the original RCA masters, unique RCA engineer Thorne Nogar live monitor mixes many of which contain slates, and original song demos. It features a 16-page booklet featuring great photos, behind-the-scenes chronology and memorabilia. Out late May 2015.
DISC 1 - The Album 1 King Creole 2 As Long As I Have You 3 Hard Headed Woman 4 Trouble 5 Dixieland Rock 6 Don’t Ask Me Why 7 Lover Doll 8 Crawfish 9 Young Dreams 10 Steadfast, Loyal And True 11 New Orleans BONUS TRACK 12 Danny - Thorne Nogar LIVE Mono Mixes 13 Hard Headed Woman (take 10 – master) 14 Trouble (take 5 – master) 15 New Orleans (take 5 – master) 16 King Creole (first version – take 3) 17 King Creole (first version – take 18) |
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18 Crawfish (take 7 – unedited master) 19 Dixieland Rock (take 14 – master) 20 Lover Doll (take 7 – unedited/undubbed master) 21 Don’t Ask Me Why (take 12 – master) 22 As Long As I Have You (take 10 – master) 23 Muskrat Ramble (instrumental) 24 Steadfast, Loyal And True (first version – take 6) 25 As Long As I Have You (short version – take 4) 26 As Long As I Have You (long version – take 8) 27 King Creole (revised version – take 13 – master) 28 Young Dreams (take 8 – master) 29 King Creole (main title – instrumental – take 8 – master) Recorded at Paramount 30 Steadfast, Loyal And True (undubbed record master) 31 Steadfast, Loyal And True (movie version)
DISC 2 Demos and Acetates (not featuring ELVIS on vocal) 1 King Creole 2 Trouble 3 Dirty, Dirty Feeling 4 New Orleans 5 Hard Headed Woman 6 Dixieland Rock 7 Crawfish 8 As Long As I Have You 9 Danny 10 Don’t Ask Me Why 11 Lover Doll 12 Young Dreams 13 Steadfast, Loyal And True 14 Turtles, Berries, Gumbo 15 Banana.
2 - 'Change of Habit' Book/CD.
Once again written by Pål Granlund and David English is the new FTD deluxe hardback book in the same size as ”Something for the Girls”. For June 2015 publication.
'Change of Habit' is published by FTD/Flaming Star with more than 450 pages and over 150 unpublished photos from the movie, on the set, plus candids from the same period, it captures Elvis at his very best. Elvis reported at Universal 10th of March and the filming started on the 12th. Elvis was dismissed from the movie on the 29th of April.
The CD features the nine-track budget album 'Let’s Be Friends' plus the bonus tracks 'Rubberneckin’' and 'Let Us Pray'.
Let's Be Friends CAS-2408, released April 1970 Peak chart position: #105 Pop Track 01 Stay Away, Joe, 02 If I’m A Fool (For Loving You) |
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03 Let’s Be Friends 04 Let’s Forget About The Stars 05 Mama 06 I’ll Be There 07 Almost 08 Change Of Habit 09 Have A Happy
BONUS TRACKS 10 Rubberneckin’ 11 Let Us Pray.
2 - 'From Elvis at American Sound, Memphis, Tennessee' (Limited Edition Vinyl 2-Disc Vinyl Set)
"Elvis at American Sound” completes the successful American Sound trilogy. ”From Elvis In Memphis” and ”Back In Memphis” are still available with limited stock. Out late May 2015.
Released on 180gram vinyl -
Mastered at Abbey Road
SIDE A 01 Kentucky Rain – take 8 3:32 02 My Little Friend – master 2:49 03 Rubberneckin’ – takes 1,2/M 2.50 04 If I’m A Fool (For Loving You) – master 2:46 05. True Love Travels On A Gravel Road – take 5 (2.55) 06. Hey Jude – take 1 (4.34)
SIDE B 01 I’ll Be There – takes 1, 2 3M 4.40 02 Kentucky Rain – takes 5, 6, 7 6.06 03 Who Am I? – undubbed master 3:25 04 Memory Revival – instrumental 4:05
SIDE C 01 If I’m A Fool (For Loving You) – takes 1, 2, 3 5:56 02 Come Out, Come Out (Wherever You Are) – instrumental take 2/M 2:47 03 Mama Liked The Roses – alternative vocal overdub 2:30 04 Kentucky Rain – take 9 3:58 05 In The Ghetto – take 19 3:08
SIDE D 01 Poor Man’s Gold – take 12/M with abandoned vocal overdub 3:38 02 I’ll Be There – takes 4, 5, 6 3.15 03 Do You Know Who I Am? – takes 3, 5 6:59 04 Only The Strong Survive – takes 8,11, 12 5:55
(News, Source;LondonElvisShop/ETMHM) |
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Lee Gordon Presents Elvis Presley......The Biggest Shows of 1957 (Volume 1) (Book Review): The mid 1950’s represented a halcyon period in the Elvis story. As a young man in his early 20’s bridled with incredible musical ability and a rampant onstage physical presence, 1954 to 1957 represented the peak of what has been referred to as “Presleymania”.
The latest book (the first in a trilogy) by noted Australian Elvis researcher and author, Peter Robert (“Bob”) Hayden: Lee Gordon Presents Elvis Presley......THE BIGGEST SHOWS OF 1957 (Book 1) tackles Elvis' concert performances in 1957.
EIN's Nigel Patterson recently delved deep inside this new release and found a treasure trove of rare and fascinating information from behind the scenes details to the hysteria caused by Elvis' on stage performances, all nicely complemented by an array of important historical archival material. (Book Review, Source: EIN)
Read Nigel's full review
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'Rock Around The Bloch' FTD Book Review: Fifty four years ago Elvis Presley helped raised money and directed much-needed attention to the stalled efforts to build the USS Arizona Memorial.
On March 25, 1961, the 26-year-old Presley took the stage to an arena packed with 4,000 frenzied, screaming fans. He performed 15 songs that night ending with a rousing performance of "Hound Dog, which included a slide across the stage on his knees.
The concert raised about $54,000, and public and private donations poured in following the show.
This newly published FTD Book/CD combo celebration of this fabulous show is 'Rock Around The Bloch' by David English and Pal Granlund. A hardback book containing 288 pages it includes first-hand accounts from people who were there, newspaper articles from the time and numerous photographs (over 130 of which have never been published before).
EIN contributor David Tinson checks out this new FTD release....
(FTD Reviews, Source/ElvisInfoNet) |
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Elvis Presley: Music & Memories New Book/DVD set: Recently announced a new Hardcover Book / 4 DVD set 'Elvis Presley: Music & Memories'.
This four-volume collection tells the story of the cultural and musical icon known as the King of Rock and Roll. This set contains four DVDs and offers a unique journey with one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century; Elvis Presley. Follow the man we call the King of Rock and Roll's career. The programmes examine the life of the man who swooned his way into the lives of teenage girls across America, from his beginnings at Sun Records to becoming an international star with countless hits on the Billboard chart. Amongst his contemporaries interviewed are guitarist Scotty Moore, drummer D.J. Fontana and backing singers The Jordanaires.
Number of discs 4, Release Date: 23 Feb. 2015, Run Time: 330 minutes.
EIN cannot comment on the quality of this compilation and this DVD may not be viewable outside Europe - please check with dealer.
However some unscrupulous Elvis Shops are offering this set for an unbelievable $99.95 (plus postage) - when you can buy it from Amazon UK for only US$52 / £35.
PLEASE don't be ripped off - Click here to AMAZON >. Elvis Presley: Music And Memories [DVD]
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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The Elvis Files Vol. 7 1974 - 75: The seventh volume of the Elvis Files story chronicles Elvis' mid seventies years on tour through the USA, the Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe seasons through to the end of 1976.. .
Features all ELVIS EVENTS in this Time Frame 1974-1975 ...
- Every Working Moment...
- The Mid Seventies Tours
- The Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe Seasons
- Plenty of CANDID Moments
- Plus plenty of previously Unpublished Photos.
The book is planned for AUGUST 2015 publication.
'The Elvis Files Vol. 8 1976-1977' is planned for Spring 2016.
(News, Source ;ElvisInfoNet) |
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FTD "What now, What next, What If? PART TWO ": 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 and the Christmas album, there are less and less outtakes and studio sessions left in the vaults.
With our new article “What now, What next, What If?” EIN contributor Ian Garfield examines exactly how FTD might present their future 'Classic Album' releases.
This second article covers the possible releases Speedway; Live a Little, Love a Little; Charro, The Trouble with Girls and Change of Habit.
Go here as EIN also wants YOUR input and ideas - and we will send the final suggestions to Roger and Ernst at FTD.
(Spotlight, Source;IanGarfield/ElvisInfoNet) |
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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) |
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Ginger Alden Interview: Ginger Alden spent the last nine months of Elvis' life by his side before his untimely passing on August 16, 1977 at the age of 42.
Her recent book, 'Elvis & Ginger' is not a sleazy tell-all but rather offers a clear-eyed chronicle of their courtship, she was 22 years his junior, revealing previously unknown details about the final year of “The King’s’’ life while setting the record straight about their relationship.
EIN contributor Ken Sharp recently interviewed Ginger Alden to publicise her recent book, as featured in the Sydney Telegraph.
As with all her interviews there were restrictions on what questions could be asked.
Go HERE for edited highlights from the interview..
(Interviews, Source;SydTele/ElvisInfoNet) |
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UPDATED Reviews - 'Ultimate Elvis' Book Review: 'Ultimate Elvis – The Complete And Definitive Recording Sessions' is a this three-volume, deluxe set that not only comprises all the session information available to date, based on Keith Flynn's incomparable website and includes comprehensive notes on each session, discographies, letters, original sheet music covers plus huge index all included in its 1,800 pages.
The book includes around 3,000 stunning high-quality photographs many of them previously unseen, relating to the time period in question.
The promotional publicity for this three-volume set was very impressive with the original publishing date of August 2014 missed as more photographs were discovered and the content expanded. Finally published in December 2014, Elvis enthusiast Brian Quinn checks out this astounding deluxe package to discover if it is as good as promised.
Go HERE - Now updated with a new 2,000 word in-depth new review from super-fan Neil Colombari- -
(Book Reviews, Source;BrianQuinn/ElvisInfoNet) |
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EIN Elvis New Book Selection & Best Of 2014 |
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'Elvis in Hawaii' books released in Kindle format:
The two books by noted author/researcher, Jerry Hopkins, examining Elvis' love affair with the island state of Hawaii are now available in Kindle format. Both books are full of interesting information, arcvhival material, color photos and are priced under US6.00!
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The Two Best Books in 2014 that add Appreciably to our Knowledge & Understanding of Elvis: |
The Two Best Elvis Related Memoirs of 2014: |
The Four Best Elvis Photo-Journal Book Releases of 2014: |
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Indepth Review soon |
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Indepth Review soon |
Note: Not all these releases are not available from online or regular bookstores (to obtain enquire with your regular Elvis supplier) |
More great Elvis deals on Amazon
'Young Man With The Big Beat' Cheap Box set: Re-released for 2014 in a Limited Edition cheap slim-line box-set is Elvis' 'Young Man With The Big Beat'.
A great opportunity for those that missed it in
Go HERE for EIN's detailed YMWTBB review
UK price - only £19.99 = Euro25 = US$33 with FREE Delivery in the UK.
Click to Order now special deal >> . . Young Man With The Big Beat
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(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
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