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...
'ELVIS: August Season in Vegas 1974' FTD Review: A triple-CD focusing on Elvis' Las Vegas 1974 Summer Season.
Three previously unreleased soundboards Aug 27 Dinner Show, Aug 29 Midnight Show, Aug 30 Dinner Show.
For Elvis 1974 was an emotionally turbulent year. This was his sixth season singing to the Las Vegas casino audiences, still doing two shows a night, and he was really feeling the loss of Priscilla. Yet this inner turmoil helped produce the most fascinating Las Vegas season of his career.
It seems all too obvious that someone was prescribing Elvis some ‘Little-Helpers’ to get over the 'flu - and this put him in a chatty and distracted mood.
So while there is little doubt that collectors will be very glad to have these previously unreleased soundboards from this exciting season where Elvis truly enjoyed his newer material, it is only a shame that there was too much talking and all too many complete throwaway performances.... Elvis super-collector Geoffrey McDonnell & EIN's Piers Beagley provide an in-depth review.. (FTD Reviews; Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
New Elvis / Kane Brown ‘Blue Christmas’ Duet: US country singer Kane Brown has released a new Elvis duet of 'Blue Christmas'.
Elvis’ voice starts off the familiar song, and Kane’s voice comes in on the second verse.
Kane Brown signed with RCA Nashville in 2016 and with his single "What Ifs" became the first artist to have simultaneous #1s on all five Billboard country charts.
Brown's second album 'Experiment' hit number one on the Billboard 200 Album chart.
Brown said, “I chose to cover ‘Blue Christmas’ because it was probably one of my favorite Christmas songs. I don’t have a lot. I used to sing it all the time whenever I was first coming up in the music scene, just while I was warming up and just playing around on stage, so when I got asked to do a Christmas song, of course, I’d have picked that one. And to reimagine it with Elvis is amazing.
Elvis had something about him. He could just sit on stage and sing and these girls would go just crazy and I feel like, y’know, they can relate to it.” Elvis was just his own thing, man. As I got older, I started listening to his music, and if you really listen, he’s not scared to do anything. I find myself trying to sound like him all the
time. However long this world goes on, Elvis’ll still be talked about.”
Kane added, “Elvis is awesome. I wish I would have been around to see him perform, but I did get to watch his documentary, so it felt like I was kind of there.”
With his large Social Media following this release is no doubt connected to the up-coming Riley Keough produced NBC “Christmas at Graceland” TV special. CLICK HERE to listen to new Elvis 'Blue Christmas' Duet on You Tube (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Cliff Richard on Elvis Presley: In an extract from his new biography Cliff Richard recalls his first encounter with Elvis... The UK Guardian article includes...
That Saturday in May 1956, Norman Mitham, Terry Smart and I did the walk. We were planning to do the usual: hang out in the park, look in a couple of shops, maybe call in at Marsden’s to listen to a new single or two. And then, outside the newsagents we saw the parked car.
It was a French car, a green Citroën, with a funky curved back. And then, wafting through the open front window, we heard the song playing on the car radio. “We-e-e-e-ll, since my baby left me …” Huh? What. Is. That? Norman, Terry and I stared at each other, open-mouthed. .. Wow! I had never heard anything like it in my life!
Norman, Terry and I spent the whole afternoon gabbling about how great it had sounded, and how we had to find out what it was. When I saw him at school that Monday morning, Norman was grinning in triumph.
“I heard that song again, on AFN!” he proclaimed. “It’s called Heartbreak Hotel, and it’s by some guy called Elvis Presley!”
Well, we all had a good hoot about what a daft name that was – Elvis? Who gets called Elvis? – but, more to the point, I knew I had to get the song.
Elvis sounded like he was singing for me. To me. Nobody my age, no teenager, would ever have been inspired by Frank Sinatra or Bing Crosby, or wanted to be like them. Elvis was different.
He sounded so young, so cool and so now, and his voice cut through everything else.
He sounded passionate, and powerful. He sounded like he had secrets that you needed to learn.
Oddly, I wasn’t that bothered about the lyrics of Heartbreak Hotel. It was exactly what it said on the tin: a heartbreak song, as so many great rock’n’roll tunes are. But what excited me about it was the rhythms of the music, the beats, the feel, the attitude.
The sense of something being born. Here, right before my ears, Elvis was giving rock’n’roll a new shape.
Immediately, he obsessed me. I started trying to find out everything about Elvis that I could. When I first saw a photograph of him, I couldn’t believe how cool he looked – that quiff! That curled lip! And when I realised that he had an album out already, I absolutely had to have it....
I set off on a determined one-man mission to make myself look as identical to him as was humanly possible. The quiff came first, of course. I began spending hours in front of the bathroom mirror, sweeping my hair to the back of my head and trying to fix it in place with Brylcreem – I wasn’t the only lad in Cheshunt doing that. I was quite pleased with my Brylcreem skills, but it never looked as good as when Elvis had just a few strands that broke loose from his quiff and hung over his forehead. I never managed to reproduce that.
When I broke through, I started getting called the “English Elvis” or the “British answer to Elvis”.
I no longer think, “What would Elvis do?” whenever I have any big decisions to make, as I did in my earliest years. I’ve been through that. I stopped being the “English Elvis” and started being me, Cliff Richard, a long time ago. I still feel like I owe Elvis everything, though. I have many mornings when I wake up in Barbados, get up, gaze out of my bedroom window at the Caribbean, and wonder: how the hell did I get from Cheshunt to here? And the answer is Elvis Presley. Go here to the Guardian for the full article
(News, Source;G/ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis Treasures' 2024 Reprint: Author Gillian Gaar has published some excellent books on Elvis Presley. Her ‘Return of the King: Elvis Presley's Great Comeback’ and 'Elvis Treasures / Elvis The Legend' are well worth reading.
Her original 'Elvis Presley Treasures: The Story of the King of Rock 'n' Roll Told Through His Personal Mementos' is going to be being republished by Weldon Owenin August 2024.
Gillian Gaar recently appeared in the Steve Binder documentary 'Reinventing Elvis'. Don't miss Gillian Gaar talking exclusively with EIN in 2019 about Elvis, her books, Col Parker, Felton Jarvis and much much more...
'Elvis Presley Treasures'
Publisher: Weldon Owen - Out August 6, 2024
Hardcover: 224 pages
Item Weight: 1.92 pounds (News, Source;GG/ElvisInfoNet)
Friday 27 October 2023
(Interview) Dick Dekker and David Ward, authors of the new book, ‘From Memphis To Tokyo – A Reference Guide To The Absolute Mastery of Elvis’ Japanese Vinyl’: With the release of this book imminent, EIN’s Nigel Patterson and Elvis Day By Day’s Kees Mouwen, went treasure hunting in the land of the rising sun to discover what gems can be found in Dick Dekker and David Ward’s new discography about Elvis’ Japanese vinyl (and learning a few new Japanese words in the process).
Discover the delight of Japanese Elvis vinyl...
... The authors discuss the love the Japanese producers put into their releases. Making alternate, high quality and adoring covers for their records, that fascinate Elvis vinyl collectors.
... Virtually every record has something about it that’s different to the equivalent release in another country, whether it be different artwork, different songs or extras like a lyric sheet. That’s what makes the Japanese releases interesting objects for both Elvis and vinyl collectors... Read Dick and David’s fascinating interview
(Interview, Source: EIN/EDBD)
'Elvis News Report November 2023': Elvis super-fan Emiel Maier presents all the recent news including.... Fact checking Elvis’ 'I will always love you' words on the day of divorce, 1st Glimpse new Elvis movie, View Direct From Graceland exhibition in London, Extended and new trailer Priscilla movie, Details new FTD set: Elvis Now In Person 1972, and much much more.......
'Blue Hawaii' Memphis Mansion Vinyl: Release by the Memphis Mansion label is their new audio upgrade of Elvis' classic 1961 release.
- Limited 300 edition - on quality 180g blue vinyl
This mix, never heard before, has been created using the same skills developed to realise the ‘Mono II Stereo’ releases. (see interview here)
Isolation of particular instruments enabled new stereo placements to be made to create this brand new mix. Tracks - Side One
1. Blue Hawaii
2. Almost Always True
3. Aloha Oe
4. No More
5. Can’t Help Falling In Love ( movie version )
6. Rock A Hula Baby
7. Moonlight Swim
Tracks - Side Two
1. Ku-u-i-Po ( movie version )
2. Ito eats
3. Slicin’ Sand
4. Hawaiian Sunset
5. Steppin’ Out Of Line
6. Beach Boy Blues ( movie version )
7. Island Of Love
8. Hawaiian Wedding Song
( Master created July 2022, remix and remaster finalised 19th February 2023 )
The original RCA movie soundtrack included versions (takes) of some songs that were not the ones used in the actual movie, those versions have now been used to better illustrate the original movie soundtrack experience, along with a couple of surprises that will only be revealed when listening to the album. Collectors Note:
When first released by RCA the backing vocals were placed to the left as opposed to them being in their correct position on the right, that was a confirmed mistake and is now corrected.
This Memphis Mansion release of the Blue Hawaii soundtrack is a brand new and unique listening experience, so ‘take off your shoes, put down your hair, turn on the music and get somewhere!’
Go here to Memphis Mansion for more info (News, Source;AS/ElvisInfoNet)
2023 UK Tour - Elvis Presley + RPO Concert: Elvis never toured the UK, in recent years the magic of technology has made that possible with a series of acclaimed shows, 'The Very Best of Elvis – In Concert, Live On Screen with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra'- kicked off in the UK this week. "The full-scale concert brings the King up close on screen alongside the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra live on stage performing the King of Rock and Roll’s most well-known 'rocking' songs and his tender, heart-wrenching ballads, with special guests to be announced in due course," said promoters.
The full Elvis with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra 2023 tour dates are as follows:
• 25 October – Glasgow OVO Hydro
• 26 October – Manchester AO Arena
• 27 October – Birmingham Resorts World Arena
• 28 October – Newcastle Utilita Arena
• 29 October – Leeds First Direct Arena
• 31 October – London The O2
• 1 November – Cardiff International Arena
Tickets via ticketline.co.uk, bookingsdirect.com or ticketmaster.co.uk. (News, Source:EIN)
Monday 23 October 2023
Elvis in Literature #3 – ''Elvis's Man Friday' by Gene Smith: Continuing EIN’s occasional series of interesting and (hopefully) thought-provoking Elvis excerpts (references/discussions) found in general literature. Elvis's Man Friday by Elvis' first-cousin Gene Smith is an often forgotten "insider" memoir.
Elvis and Gene were very close from a young age, and Gene later became a prominent member of Elvis' Memphis Mafia.
In his book, published in hardcover (with dust jacket) in 1994, Gene recounted his time with Elvis in linear fashion, in what was a very readable, entertaining and informative release.
In particular, the reader is informed about a number of unusual things and Elvis' idiosyncrasies.
EIN wonders how many readers knew that Elvis and Gene had (for a while) their own secret language?...
'Back In Memphis' Red Vinyl: The Dutch Music On Vinyl label have announced the up-coming release of 'Back In Memphis' on Red Vinyl. They write..Back In Memphis was the follow-up LP for the highly acclaimed 1969 Memphis sessions, produced by Chips Moman.
The recordings on Back In Memphis are the product of the same sessions as the popular From Elvis In Memphis, but fans know that Back In Memphis is much more than a collection of leftovers.
Elvis' rendition of Percy Mayfield's "Stranger In My Home Town" is a favorite hidden jam among Elvis aficionados.
Includes "Stranger In My Own Hometown", "Inherit the Wind" and "And The Grass Won't Pay No Mind"
- 180 gram audiophile vinyl
- Limited edition of 2500 individually numbered copies on translucent red coloured vinyl
- Release date: December 1, 2023
Go to Music On Vinyl for more (News, Source;ElvisDayByDay/ElvisInfoNet)
Riley Keough expecting Second child: News that Riley Keough is expecting her second child with husband Ben Smith-Petersen.
This will be Elvis' second Great-Grandchild!
At this time, it's unclear if the couple are using a surrogate as they did with their first child or if Riley is pregnant this time around.
Riley, was battling Lyme disease and "autoimmune stuff" so chose to use a surrogate for their daughter Tupelo, who was born in August 2022.
The baby news comes nine months after Lisa Marie died on January 12 at the age of 54 due to a bowel obstruction.
It's a true shame that Lisa Marie did not get to see her two grandchildren.
Tupelo's birth wasn't revealed until Ben read Riley's tribute to her mother at Lisa Marie's memorial at Graceland. "I hope I can love my daughter the way you loved me, the way you loved my brother and my sisters.
Thank you for giving me strength, my heart, my empathy, my courage, my sense of humor, my manners, my temper, my wildness, my tenacity. I’m a product of your heart, my sisters are a product of your heart, my brother is a product of your heart.”
Australia native Ben met Riley in 2012 while he was working as a stuntman on 'Mad Max: Fury Road'. Riley Keough later told Vogue “I have a half-Australian baby."
Riley became the sole heir to the Elvis Presley Estate on August 4 when a LA judge approved her as the sole trustee of Graceland. (News, Source NP/ElvisInfoNet)
Saturday 21 October 2023
'ELVIS: Now In Person 1972': David English and Pal Granlund are proud to present this Special Collector's Edition 'ELVIS Now In Person 1972' Deluxe book/CD set. It offers readers a detailed chronicle of Elvis Presley's career between January and April of 1972.
This eventful period started with a successful stint at the Hilton Hotel International in Las Vegas spanning January and February, followed by the RCA recording sessions in Hollywood in March and ending with his 1972 April Tour, segments of which were filmed for the MGM movie-documentary Elvis On Tour.
Features 2 Books / 4 CDs and special vinyl EP.
'From Las Vegas To Buffalo'
Contains 120-pages, featuring Elvis' Las Vegas shows from January 26 - February 23, a comprehensive record of all the recording sessions and rehearsals from March 27 until the final stage rehearsal at the Statler Hotel, Buffalo on April 5.
Filming logs from the MGM movie Elvis On Tour are also documented. 'The April Tour'
Contains 384-pages, illustrated throughout with several hundred photographs, many of which are previously unpublished.
Newspaper articles and filming documentation are also included to form a comprehensive record of Elvis' 1972 April Tour and the making of the documentary Elvis On Tour. AUDIO CD.1 'Live In Las Vegas' February 1972 Las Vegas multi-track recordings. Includes 8 unreleased tracks.
The main section of the CD is the 2007 FTD 'An American Trilogy' remixed by Matt Ross-Spang CD.2 'Studio Rehearsals'. CD version of the vinyl 'Burning Love - The RCA Rehearsals'. All previously released in 'On Tour' Rehearsals'. CD.3 'The April Tour'. CD version of the vinyl 'Live 1972'.Everything previously released in the recent 'Elvis On Tour' box-set
CD.4 'The Stage Rehearsal'. Elvis' April 5, 1972 Statler Hilton, Buffalo rehearsal. Officially previously unreleased but was featured on the stunning 'Elvis On Tour' Amiga 2018 bootleg set. VINYL - A collectors' 'Compact 33rpm' EP
Priced at £190 /€220/ $230/ AU$365 PLUS POSTAGE!
For overseas countries please check the postage which will be expensive.
NOTE: FTD has announced that there will be separate 4CD release for those that need the audio and cannot afford these Deluxe books.
Go here to "SONY / FTD News 2023"for all the tracklists more photos and full details (News, Source;FTD/ElvisInfoNet)
London 'Direct from Graceland' review: The London Evening Standard has given UK's 'Direct from Graceland' new exhibition a great review - 4 / 5 stars!
... In the new 11,000 square feet centre in London Bridge comes a new exhibition about the man without whom rock'n'roll would never have conquered the world.
The Presley estate’s 1.5 million artefacts have been curated down into about 450 pieces on display here, with jumpsuits, cars, contracts, an immersive concert film room and all kinds of other King-related delights. You can see, for example, the Western Union Telegram that Elvis sent to Colonel Tom Parker in response to the impressively lucrative deal he had secured for the ’68 Comeback Special, it reads... “Dear Colonel, Is that the best you could do? Yours, Elvis…”
For the Elvis obsessive, a ‘white glove’ experience allows you to actually lay hands on items like the diamond, ruby and sapphire-adorned World Championship belt Presley was awarded having played 57 Vegas shows in 28 days, which he wore to meet Richard Nixon at the White House - careful though: it’s valued at $500,000.
Elvis was a sensation across the world, he took the Memphis Blues of the African Americans and took it mainstream for everyone and, yet he kept it real, loving
his mum, family and country. As you go into the exhibition you can see Elvis' gold plated telephone from his bedroom, but also his Hai Karate and Brut aftershave.
He was both extraordinary and, in his private life, ordinary, and this exhibition helps us to get closer to Elvis the Superstar and Elvis the real man.
The Exhibition starts with Elvis' parents and humble origins. His father worked four jobs to support the family and we are able to see a 1950s poodle motif handbag and velvet dress owned by his mother.
A report on Elvis himself records that while "flashily dressed" and a "playboy type" he has worked hard for the last three summers and wants a job dealing with people.
His clothes in his ordinary life were surprisingly plain albeit with a few flourishes. His Karate gear is on display with Elvis Presley embroidered on the belt.
His wooden jewellery box with brass inlay which is on display empty is surprisingly plain given the contents that is must have once displayed. Elvis' onyx and diamond encrusted medallion bearing his name and a large gold metal belt with diamonds, rubies and sapphires are on display in another case.
But Elvis was a performer and he understood the need to stun on stage.
...Elvis was weirder and wilder before them all, he invented the idea of the megastar eccentric and looked and sounded fabulous while doing it.
This great exhibition is fitting testament to that indisputable fact and a great tribute to the King of Rock 'n' Roll.
See TOTALROCK's excellent review ...
Go here to get London ELVIS tickets
The 'Direct from Graceland' exhibition was originally in Australia - see EIN's in-depth review here (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis’ Christmas Album' VINYL Re-Release: Sony / Legacy are Re-releasing 'Elvis’ Christmas Album' on VINYL - OUT NOW. To EIN this seems very odd since it is "Public Domain" and so many expanded versions have been released in the last ten years.
.. Elvis' Christmas Album is the third studio album and first Christmas album by Elvis Presley. It spent four weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Pop Albums chart. According to the RIAA, Elvis' Christmas Album along with its reissues has shipped at least 17 million copies in the United States.
It is the first Presley title to attain Diamond certification by the RIAA and is also the best-selling Christmas album of all time in the United States. With total sales of more 20 million copies worldwide, it remains the world's best-selling Christmas album and one of the best-selling albums of all time.
Manufacturer: Legacy Recordings - Release: OUT NOW.
(News, Source;Amazon/EIN)
'Elvis Sings The Wonderful World Of Christmas' VINYL Re-Release: Sony / Legacy are Re-releasing ''Elvis Sings The Wonderful World Of Christmas' on VINYL - OUT NOW.
The publicity notes,
.. Elvis Sings The Wonderful World of Christmas is the fifteenth studio album by Elvis Presley, released in October 1971. It was his first Christmas album with new recordings since Elvis' Christmas Album (1957). The album's single, "Merry Christmas Baby" / "O Come All Ye Faithful", was later released in November 1971.
This album was a top seller and topped the Billboard Holiday Albums Chart.
Manufacturer : Legacy Recordings Release: OUT NOW.
Intriguingly the 2023 back cover features this year's 'Elvis On Tour' set and Aloha Vinyl re-release!(see pic right)
(News, Source;Amazon/EIN)
Thursday 19 October 2023
'Elvis UK Beyond RCA' Book REPRINT: In fantastic news for authors John Townson and Gordon Minto their first edition of the "physical book" 'Elvis UK Beyond RCA The Ultimate Guide To Elvis Presley's British Non-RCA LPs 1974-1997' has sold out - and already has been REPRINTED.
It is a second edition, updated and slightly revised. The book is a newly written 377 pages, with fully comprehensive text and follows on from our previous publications in the Elvis UK series, each of them acclaimed by collectors, and provides the ultimate guide to Elvis’s non-RCA LP album releases issued in the UK between 1974-1997.
This new volume complements - and extends considerably - information relating to these particular releases included in our original books Elvis UK, published in 1987, and Elvis UK2, published in 2002
The softback book is being sold exclusively through Now Dig This / Elvis The Man And His Music.
It retails at £45 (includes p&p in the UK) overseas customers will have to pay the higher postage costs.
Go here toElvis The Man And His Musicto purchase REPRINT is OUT NOW IN STOCK.
Read EIN's'Elvis UK Beyond RCA' book review here (News, Source;GM/ElvisInfoNet)
'Rock 'n' Roll No.1 - MONO II STEREO' OUT NOW: From the French RDM label..... Rediscover Elvis Presley's first album with a new stereo mix! The influence and impact of this album released in 1956 was considerable. This CD edition opens with all twelve tracks from the original US album, as heard around the world on its first release plus the additional five tracks from the UK version as Bonus Material’ along with two further recordings from Elvis’ first RCA single. OUT NOW - and this week with a special discount. See RDM for details
You can check out the first review here at 'Elvis Day By Day' - - EIN review coming soon.
The stereo mixes newly created for this CD allow you to find the naturalness of the original recordings and give the impression of being in the heart of the studio with Elvis and his musicians.
Of course, the original mono recordings released during this landmark year will forever remain a vital part of rock 'n' roll history and even though that feeling of excitement at hearing a new album from Elvis is now a thing of the past, that doesn't mean we can't embrace new ways of listening to old albums, rediscovering 'The Young Man with the Big Beat' all over again. Audio production by Anthony Stuchbury - 'Info and ORDER here at RDM' - check out the great 'Sound Samples' (News, Source;RDM)
Elvis Birthplace Upgrades: Roy Turner, Elvis Birthplace Executive Director and friend of EIN, sent out this note about their recent upgrades....
... We have been busy at the Birthplace this year with two construction projects to make your visit even more enjoyable.
On the hillside at the east end of the pond Reflections, we have constructed a water feature to include a babbling brook feeding into a koi pond, then flowing into Reflections.
Created primarily of native stone, the koi pond (picture below) is located at the north end of the Bridge Over Troubled Waters.
Always with our fans in mind, we have also created bus and automobile parking with a turnaround behind the statue Becoming.
Now, you can drive your car or take your motorcoach to the top of the hill to view Tupelo just as Elvis did as a boy."..
Paul Belard Interview about Col Parker and Elvis 'The King & The Jester': EIN recently discovered that prolific author Paul Belard is researching a new book about Elvis and Col Parker. Due out in 2024 the book has the provisional title 'The King & The Jester'.
Belard explains... Nearly forty-five years after his death, Elvis Presley remains equally famous and easily recognized around the world. For most of the entirety of his adult life, the man who made all the major decisions of Elvis’ career was Tom Andrew Parker, who, himself, became a celebrity by association. Why is Elvis’ manager so well-known? The author is clearly not the only one who cannot name Sinatra’s manager, nor Johnny Cash’s, the Rolling Stones’, Springsteen’s or Beyoncé’s.
On the positive side, Tom Parker was a hard worker, a gifted promoter, a skillful negotiator, and a keen judge of character. Aside from the gifted promoter, which he undoubtedly was, the other traits, put in the wrong hands, can easily become negative qualities.... A new book on Col Parker? EIN wanted to know more about how Paul Belard chooses his topics, his views on wily old Col Parker - as well as the recent 'ELVIS' and 'Priscilla' movies... EIN's Piers Beagley asked the questions... (Interviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Sunday 15 October 2023
"ELVIS : Aloha From Hawaii - Through The Eyes of Japan" New Trailer: Coming out in the new year, a beautiful photo book of Elvis' Aloha From Hawaii will be released in January 8, 2024! - with English text translated by David Ward.
The title is "ELVIS : ALOHA FROM HAWAII - Through The Eyes of Japan".
Fifty years after Elvis’ legendary concert in Hawaii... many valuable, long-lost negatives have been discovered - Beautiful photographs taken by Japanese cameraman, Yoshiji Kizaki.
Mr. Kizaki is one of the few photographers who photographed not only the actual show in January 1973, but also the three Aloha performances and press conference held in November of the previous year.
At last, they will be reprinted from the original negatives and finally published as a gorgeous photo-book!
We have carefully rescanned all of Kizaki's amazing photographs and selected about 300 from them.
Also includes contributions from people involved in the live satellite broadcast and record release.
Includes the treasured photos of the people involved, as well
as newspaper and record company documentation from the time. Deluxe Size 290mm x 235mm, 1.5kg, hard cover color/black & white 200 pages, text in English. EIN recommends this detailed new promotional trailer >>> Go HERE to Elvis Society of Japan for full details and sample pages - -
Available for pre-order at: The Elvis Shop London
Flaming Star, Norway
Elvis-Presley-Gesellschaft
'Elvis 4 Sale' (News, Source ;ElvisSocietyJapan/EIN)
Elvis and Triumph Motorcycles: This week Triumph motor-cycles are launching an appeal to fans around the world to help track down the fate of these ELVIS motor-bikes. In 1965 Elvis bought nine Triumph motorcycles as gifts, so he and his closest friends could ride together in the hills of Los Angeles.
Elvis, best-selling solo artist in history was also a passionate motorcyclist, riding bikes in several of his films including a red and silver Triumph 650 Bonneville ‘Desert Sled’ in the 1968 comedy western “Stay Away Joe”.
But, Elvis’ introduction to Triumph motorcycles came several years earlier, with this story, which is as rock and roll as the man himself.
In June 1965, Elvis had been on the set of ‘Frankie and Johnny’. Taking a break from filming, Elvis spent his down time with his friends, ‘The Memphis Mafia’ at his Bel Air home.
Jerry Schilling then put a down payment on a new Triumph T120
650 Bonneville at Bill Robertson & Sons on Santa Monica Boulevard. When he brought the bike home, Elvis asked to take it for a ride around the Bel Air neighborhood.
Jerry, of course, obliged and Elvis jumped on the bike. He was impressed, and in fact when he returned, he told Alan Fortas, to “order one for all the guys, but… it has to be tonight!”
Bill Robertson & Sons managed to deliver seven Triumphs that night, a mixture of 650 TR6′s and the high-performance, twin-carbureted 650 T120′s.
They rode together around Bel Air, riding late into the evening, only stopping when neighbors called the police to complain. The remaining bikes arrived two days later and the nine of them made sure they made the most of down time from filming, riding the Pacific Coast Highway together on Sundays.
Jerry Schilling recalls: “Elvis loved to ride and I knew that when he saw my new Bonneville he’d want to try it... and when he did, he wanted all the guys to have one so we could ride them together!”
The bikes that Elvis bought are considered most likely to be 1964 models of Triumph’s game-changing
performance roadster 650 TR6 and 650 Bonneville T120, which were essentially the same bike with one or two carburetors and different states of tune. Please HELP find the missing bikes.
All nine of the original bikes are currently lost to time, with no formal record of where they went after the summer of ‘65. Triumph is now launching an appeal to fans around the world to help track down or uncover the fate of these bikes.
Triumph’s researchers are keen to hear from anyone who has a lead on what happened to one of these bikes, or perhaps a last known location.
With the collective eyes of the Triumph and Elvis communities on the look-out, it is hoped that one of these historic bikes will one day come to light and make history by being placed on display alongside other historic Triumphs. EIN NOTE: While the photo above shows Elvis on a Harley-Davidson his friends are riding the Triumph motorbikes.
If you have any information related to the whereabouts of one of these historic bikes, please contact Triumph at ElvisTriumph@TriumphMotorcycles.com
See the full story here at Cycle-world (News, Source;CW/ElvisInfoNet)
'Complete U.S.A. EP Collection 1955-1962 (4CD set)': From the UK Public Domain label Expensive Woodland Recordings a 4CD set of Elvis' 'Complete U.S.A. EP Collection 1955-1962'
The publicity notes... This fantastic 4CD set contains every track from The King's US EP releases from 1955 to 1962, featuring "Baby Let's Play House" from the Country & Western Jukebox Promotion Kit, and the press interviews from "Elvis Sails".
Includes the classic tracks Jailhouse Rock, Love Me Tender, Heartbreak Hotel, Mystery Train and many more.
Out 17 November 2023.
Includes the usual Pre-1962 Public Domain material - 108 tracks - such as 'Baby Let’s Play House', 'Blue Suede Shoes', 'I Got A Woman', 'Heartbreak Hotel' etc through to 'Riding The Rainbow', 'Home Is Where The Heart Is', 'I Got Lucky', 'A Whistling Tune' and some Elvis Presley Press Interviews
(News, Source;PlasticHeaddistribution/EIN)
Thursday 12 October 2023
'Elvis A Musical Revolution' To Tour Australia: Since August 2023 'Elvis A Musical Revolution' has been playing in Sydney Australia and has just moved to Melbourne for an incredible sixty-six performances .
Great News as "Due to incredible demand" they are thrilled to announce that Elvis: A Musical Revolution is returning to Sydney's State Theatre, followed by a national Australian tour in Adelaide, Perth and the Gold Coast!
Don't miss this smash hit production that has Sydney and Melbourne audiences raving.
Coming Soon in 2024... Sydney State Theatre - February 2024 Adelaide Her Majesty's Theatre - April 2024 Perth Crown Theatre – May 2024 Gold Coast Home of The Arts – June 2024
Featuring dazzling choreography and over 40 iconic songs including Hound Dog, Blue Suede Shoes, Burning Love and more, you simply can’t help falling in love! See EIN's Sydney State Theatre Review here
See Elvis a Musical Revolution com.au website for all the ticket info (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis A Musical Revolution' Touring USA: After the huge success of the musical in Australia 'Elvis A Musical Revolution' is also back touring the USA!
Celebrate the greatest name in Rock n Roll history in Elvis - A Musical Revolution! This official musical documents the legendary performer and cultural icon's life, all the way from childhood right up to his crowning as The King!
Look back on Elvis Presley's career with over 40 of his greatest hits performed along the way, including Blue Suede Shoes, Hound Dog, A Little Less Conversation and Love Me Tender.
One of history's most recognizable figures all over the world, this musical like no other brings the King back to life in the most gripping way. You'll be transported back in time to witness one of the greats across every stage of his career!
EIN has noted performances in Philadelphia, PA for October
and also November shows lined up for Beverly, MA.
We are not sure whether the production is the same high-tech version as the one in Australia.
Check your local directories, ticket sellers and reviews (News, Source;EIN)
'Elvis Velvet Night in Vegas' New Import CD: Following on from the recent RocksVegas label 'Rockin the Hilton 72' is their new release 'Elvis Velvet Night in Vegas'.
An AUDIENCE RECORDING of Elvis' Dinner Show 17 August 1972.
They note, "A recently found cassette recording was totally remastered track by track for optimal listening pleasure.
Comes factory pressed in a lovely Digipak in limited quantity." EIN Notes: This album was previously released as 'Rockin' And Lovin' In Las Vegas' by Straight Arrow in 2018
Check sound samples before purchasing
The four August 11 / 12 concerts have just been released on 'stereo' soundboard by MRS - see review here.
No tracklist supplied.
(News, Source;FECC/ElvisInfoNet)
Monday 9 October 2023
'The Joan Deary Tapes - Volume 1' New Import CD: The publicity from new label 'JD Inc' states...."The Joan Deary Tapes - Volume 1" offers some brand new content obtained a couple years ago from Joan Deary's personal collection after carefully digitizing these tapes we are now able to share something special.
The CD offers unique content, with different mixes and some outtakes that have never been issued before and is the start of a brand new CD series.
Listen out for the funky and different way Elvis sings the previously unissued take 7 of ‘If You Don't Come Back’, or a brand new outtake of the ‘Nothingville - Guitar Man’ medley from the '68 Comeback Special.
Some very different mixes like "Why Me Lord" from "Live On Stage In Memphis" and a stunning "Amazing Grace" also can be heard here among other glorious sounding tracks like live versions of "Release Me" and "America The Beautiful".
Every track comes in great sound quality and has been remastered for optimal listening pleasure and the digipack is filled with liner notes and brand new unpublished photos.
We hope you enjoy this first volume! Because volume 2 is not far off! EIN Note: Why Joan Deary's "personal collection" suddenly features these outtakes and new mixes makes one suspicious.
A lot of these tracks have also been previously released. Please check before purchasing.
Go to'All The Elvis CD News 2023' for tracklist (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
In EIN's in-depth interview with Paul Dowling (former Elvis Bootlegger / Elvis collector) he discussed how RCA's Joan Deary was buying his Elvis bootlegs... which then helped inspire her to start releasing Elvis outtakes...
Paul Dowling, "one of my first customers was Joan Deary who, at the time, was in charge of Elvis in New York! ... I met Joan Deary and we spoke for maybe 15 minutes and she not only told me that she liked ALL of the boots I did but she said she wished that I could work for them at RCA... "
See below for the complete Paul Dowling interviews...
Paul Dowling in-depth EIN Interview: Paul Dowling is without doubt one of the major names in the Elvis World. He started collecting and selling Elvis vinyl over 40 years ago and has one of the world's largest Elvis Presley record collections. He started "WorldWide Elvis" back in the seventies, way before the internet, where fans could get hold of rare Elvis records and memorabilia.
With such a fascination with Elvis, Dowling not only became a big name in the early years of Elvis bootlegs but later became friends with Ernst Jorgensen and helped RCA with various official releases.
In this fascinating and informative interview Paul Dowling discusses .... - How he became part of the Elvis World
- How he became one of the world's most famous Elvis bootleggers
- The shock of Elvis' death
- The classic bootlegs, THE DORSEY SINGLE , TV GUIDE PRESENTS ELVIS, The 68 COMEBACK LP, The ROCKIN REBEL LP.
- Unreleased Elvis material - the possibility of 'Don't Be Cruel' outtakes! - Unreleased material noted on RCA paperwork - Famous Bootleg customers such as Elton John and RCA's Joan Deary
Graceland Bomb Threat: A bomb threat was reported at Graceland on Sunday morning, shortly after 10am officers were dispatched to Graceland, located on Elvis Presley Boulevard, following reports of a bomb threat.
The area was swiftly evacuated by the officers as a precautionary measure, ensuring the safety of all individuals present.
The officers on the scene worked diligently to secure the area and ensure that any potential risk was neutralized.
The focus remained on ensuring the safety of the public and the officers involved in the operation.
Officers searched all of Graceland’s facilities and did not locate any threats. No bomb was found, according to Memphis Police Department. A white haired old man who was discovered hiding in Graceland's attic and who claimed to
be the father of recently deceased Lisa Marie Presley was interviewed by the Police Department.
He explained to the police that... "I'm a napalm bomb, Guaranteed to blow your mind, If I can't have your love now baby, There won't be nothing left behind.."
He was detained for reckless behaviour! (News, Source;EIN/MemphisNews)
Saturday 7 October 2023
Priscilla 'New trailer': A24 have released the official trailer for “Priscilla” based on the life of Priscilla Presley (played by Cailee Spaeny) and her troubled romance with Elvis Presley.
The pair’s controversial relationship has been heavily criticized in recent years given that Priscilla met Elvis when she was 14 and he was 24.
Fans are already divided on whether Euphoria's Jacob Elordi take on the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll is better than Austin Butler’s last year... 'Priscilla' hits theaters Nov 3. (News, Source;EIN)
'Priscilla' Design and Sofia’s vision: The costume designer for the new Sofia Coppola movie 'Priscilla' was Stacey Battat and she explained about how she meticulously recreated some of Elvis and Priscilla's iconic looks.
The film tell the story from Priscilla and Elvis' first meeting in 1959 to their separation in 1972, with Priscilla providing insight and serving as an executive producer.
Costume designer Stacey Battat explained to ET 'that she wanted every look to be as accurate as possible, "We started with research because it's based on history, but at the same time, it's about their private lives and moments that were never public. It was really important to see her intimate view of Elvis, and not the world's view of Elvis."
For the scenes set in Germany, Coppola wanted to lean into a softer, post-war color palette, both in the costumes and the production design. "We always said that when we get to Memphis, the sun comes out."
For the 30-day shoot in Toronto, Battat had to fabricate 120 looks just for Priscilla, “We also had about 100 outfits for Elvis and his pals. My joke was that the Memphis Mafia had more costumes than they had lines.”
For Priscilla and Elvis' 1967 wedding, Battat turned to two legendary fashion houses. Coppola has a long history of collaborating with Chanel, so the director personally asked the company to help recreate Priscilla's stunning lace dress and veil. Meanwhile, Elordi's custom tux was made by Valentino.
Battat also had to carefully consider Cailee Spaeny's (Priscilla) shoes. In real life the 6-foot-5 Jacob Elordi (Elvis) towers over his 5-foot-1 costar, so Battat needed two pairs of wedding shoes with different heals to help lessen the height difference when Spaeny and Elordi stood next to each other. "It was hard to make them level, but it also worked in certain ways. He is so much bigger and taller than her, and I think it played to the story."
In the 'Family Portrait' scene, at his point, the pair have been married for years, and Battat notes how much their personal styles have shifted. Priscilla has abandoned her sky-high hair and thick winged eyeliner for a far more natural look, while Elvis is in full glam mode, rocking overgrown sideburns and heavy makeup of his own. Early in their relationship, Elvis would dictate how Priscilla dressed, encouraging her to dye her hair black and wear thick eye makeup. At this point, she's started to experiment with her own style.
Battat notes, "What's so important about that photo is it really is the story of their life. It shows how far they diverged from one another."
Elvis' flashier look, Battat turned to the famous 'B&K Enterprises' who meticulous recreated some of Elvis'
most iconic jumpsuits. B&K uses original patterns designed by legendary costumer Bill Belew. "Those costumes are so incredible, every time Jacob had one of them on, everyone gasped. They were like, 'Oh my God, Elvis is in the room.'"
Both Coppola and Spaeny had spent time with Priscilla Presley herself. Coppola comments, “She was open and complimentary of my work, but she was a bit tentative. I sent Priscilla the script, and she went through it page by page and gave me specific details, like ‘I didn’t have a teddy bear on my bed.’ But, in the end, I did reinvent some things, like Elvis’s bedroom. I wanted him to have a man cave,very dark and mysterious.” “Truthfully, I was never that interested in Elvis. I liked that he was committed to style, but his personality didn’t intrigue me at the time.
I gravitated toward Priscilla. I was so impressed that Priscilla left Elvis. She was always trying to be his fantasy, his ideal woman. I think about my mom’s generation and how hard it was to be independent. Women without any power or money at that time had nothing when they left their husbands. Priscilla had courage, and that seemed, to me, to be a universal theme.”
During production, Priscilla offered to tell Spaeny exactly what she had felt before every scene in the script, before any encounter with Elvis.
“We had many phone calls, but once I started filming, I stopped speaking to Priscilla because it became too overwhelming,” said Spaeny. “In the end, it had to be Sofia’s vision.”
Spaeny used the costumes to keep track of Priscilla’s age during filming. “I’d be 14 in the morning and then 27, with a toddler at the end of the day. It was crazy, but the arc of the character became clearer when I saw what I was wearing in the scene. And then, of course, there was the jet black hair in a bouffant, which we all know.”
... Go here to ET for the extended interview (News, Source;ET/ElvisInfoNet)
'Graceland's Holiday Concert Weekend!: The Elvis weekend festivities include two nights of live holiday shows at the Graceland Soundstage!
Rock 'n' roll into the holidays. Join us for festive weekend at Graceland on December 1-2, as we rock 'n' roll into December with two nights of live holiday shows at the Graceland Soundstage!
From Terry Mike Jeffrey's salute to Elvis' holiday hits on December 1, to Dean Z’s high-energy rockin’ Christmas show on December 2, it will be a magical weekend of entertainment, surrounded by enchanted holiday decorations at Graceland. Tickets on sale now at EPE - (News, Source;EPE)
Christmas at Graceland 'Special Tours':
Outside see traditional lights including hundreds of blue Christmas lights lining the driveway, a life-size nativity scene, Elvis’ Santa and his sleigh lawn decorations, and more. The interior of the Elvis' home is beautifully decorated with Christmas décor that includes his traditional red velvet drapes, Christmas trees throughout, and Presley family Christmas artifacts on display.
Graceland will be decorated for the holidays from Nov to January 8, 2024, but when you visit November 16-December 23, guests will be able to enjoy limited-time holiday Evening Tours with an Expert Guide for each small group of up to 8 Guests at a cost of US$285 per Person!
Christmas UVIP Tours will allow you to explore the grounds of Graceland decorated for the holidays after-hours like never before!
Go here to EPE for tickets and info (News, Source;EPE/EIN)
'The KING in the G.O.A.T.'s Hometown' New Import CD: The E.P Collector label is back after nearly 3 years with unique release of Elvis tour opening show at Freedom Hall, Louisville, July 23rd, 1976.
It was the show that Elvis played in Muhammad Ali hometown!
Every tour opening concert was special and this one is not an exception. Listen to high spirited Elvis in great voice and good mood. July 23rd, 1976 concert is previously unreleased. This show is taken from newly found audience recorded tape never available in complete listenable form until now! Carefully restored and mastered in September 2023, with a focus on preserving the integrity of the original recording. The sound is very good for an off line recording - ask your CD dealer for audio samples!
This CD is packaged in a nicely designed digipack with local press review. All images used for the artwork were taken during July / August 1976 tour.
An AUDIENCE RECORDING was previously released as 'The Concert Years Vol. 15'
Go to'All The Elvis CD News 2023' for tracklist (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis Rocking at The Hilton 1972' New Import CD: Scant details except a note that "Rocksvegas presents Elvis rocking at the Hilton 1972" The publicity states... Here at Rocksvegas we used a brand new cassette Tape for the 18.8.1972 show represented here
Fully remastered track by track to get the best sound possible
Elvis show was in high gear during those vegas shows in august and sept 72 and this midnight show from the 18th august shows the king in high spirits knocking em dead.
Presented in a nice digipak grab yours now from your favourite Dealer. EIN NOTE: likely to be the same source as previous bootleg 'Lonesome August Nights' AUDIENCE RECORDING.
The four August 11 / 12 concerts have just been released on 'stereo' soundboard by MRS - see review here.
No tracklist supplied. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Tuesday 3 October 2023
Baz Luhrmann announces new "Elvis Unseen Footage" project: While promoting his award-winning ELVIS biopic director Baz Luhrmann often mentioned his placement of snippets of 'real Elvis' footage into his film as Easter-Eggs for the core fans.
He also discussed that some of the footage was "previously unseen" and newly discovered by his team in the Warner vaults.
There was also a mention of him doing an "extended original cut of ELVIS" that ran four hours. However back in November 2002 he then explained... “Its not now, and not probably next year. But I don't close my mind to the idea that in the future, there might be a way of
exploring another cut. To do an extended cut, you'd be working on it for another four or six months something. I'm not closed to it, but not now. I'm a little bit on the tired side.”
Perhaps Baz is feeling happy and refreshed as today he hinted about already working on a new project with the "unseen footage" that he uncovered.
Luhrmann posted a video on Insta today of a Warner Bros box of "Elvis OUTTAKES" followed by raw 1970 footage of Elvis filmed during TTWII in Las Vegas.
Baz captioned the post:
“A TCB headlines that I know so many of you have been wanting to hear… “It’s true we’ve found reels and reels of never before seen footage of Elvis On Tour, and Thats The Way It Is' stay tuned #tcb #tcbheadlines.”
Go here to BazLuhrmann Instagram to see the short reel (News, Source;BL/ElvisInfoNet)
What did Priscilla and Elvis bond over the first time they met?: Elvis author Trina Young has posted a neat new article on-line.
She writes..."When 14-year-old Priscilla meets Elvis Presley for the first time they formed a bond over something unexpected"
... The day that Priscilla Beaulieu met Elvis Presley, on Sunday, September 13, 1959, was truly an unforgettable night for both Elvis and Priscilla, as noted by the people who were also there at Presley’s house in Bad Nauheim, Germany that evening.
Wearing a navy and white sailor dress with white socks and shoes, Priscilla had a strong resemblance to actress Debra Paget, who Elvis had famously been interested in when he was filming Love Me Tender with her in 1956.
Priscilla remembered Elvis wearing a red sweater and tan pants. When she walked into the living room, he immediately stood up to meet her.
Instantly taken with her beauty, Elvis made small talk with Priscilla.
He thought she looked mature enough to be a junior or senior in high school, but Priscilla was only in ninth grade.
There was a 10-year age gap between Elvis, who was 24 years old at the time, and Priscilla.
“For a girl her age, she held her own,” recalled Elvis' buddy Cliff Gleaves...... See Trina Young's article here for all the details and the full story... (News, SourceTY/ElvisInfoNet)
Monday 2 October 2023
"Elvis Is Back in Las Vegas" thanks to AI and U2: Legendary rock band U2 opened their new residency at the $2.3 billion Sphere on Friday.
Las Vegas concert-goers were stunned by seeing Elvis Presley, like never before. Film director and video artist Marco Brambilla had been invited to create the digital artwork dubbed 'King Size' the largest video collage ever made for U2.
The band performed for two hours inside the massive, state-of-the-art spherical venue with massive kaleidoscope images taking the 18,000 attendees on U2’s epic musical journey.
Lead singer Bono also paid homage to Elvis Presley as the Las Vegas entertainment staple. “Look at all this stuff. … Elvis has definitely not left this building. It’s an Elvis chapel. It’s an Elvis cathedral.
Tonight, the entry into this cathedral is a password: flirtation.”
The King of Rock and Roll featured in a video collage - only a fraction of it shown above - that renders ELVIS hundreds of times, projected hundreds of feet into the air, in incarnations young and old, gyrating and reclining, in bas-relief and gold, all thanks to new AI technology.
The video collage is the creation of the artist Marco Brambilla who fed hours of footage from ELVIS' movies and performances into the AI model to then create surreal new images by prompting the AI model Midjourney.
The members of U2 have long been massive fans of Elvis, with Bono even penning a letter about his love for the singer in Rolling Stone in 2020.
Given U2’s love for Elvis and the lavish setting of the Sphere, Brambilla thought a tribute to Elvis would be extremely fitting. He wanted to create a maximalist work that encapsulated both the ecstatic highs and grimy lows, “The piece is about excess, spectacle, the tipping point for the American Dream". AI can exaggerate, there’s no limit to the density or production value, and this seemed perfect for this project, because Elvis became a myth; a larger-than-life character.”
Brambilla says that only about 20% of the output images actually looked like Elvis. “But some really interesting accidents came out of it. It was a stream of-consciousness experiment".
See more details here
See the stunning video here (News, Source;NP/ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis News Report October 2023': Elvis super-fan Emiel Maier presents all the recent news including.. The NBC Christmas Special (date reveal), Priscilla 'The
Movie', Vintage footage of Roanoke Elvis fans, From Memphis To Tokyo new book, the monthly Elvis trivia
and much much more..
'Elvis UK - Beyond RCA' "Physical Edition" Review: To satisfy collectors who need physical versions of books rather than E-Books, UK authors John Townson and Gordon Minto have published the soft-backed PRINT COPY of 'Elvis UK Beyond RCA The Ultimate Guide To Elvis Presley's British Non-RCA LPs 1974-1997'.
It is a second edition, updated and slightly revised. The book is a newly written 377 pages, with fully comprehensive text and follows on from our previous publications in the Elvis UK series, each of them acclaimed by collectors, and provides the ultimate guide to Elvis’s non-RCA LP album releases issued in the UK between 1974-1997.
This new volume complements - and extends considerably - information relating to these particular releases included in our original books Elvis UK, published in 1987, and Elvis UK2, published in 2002
The softback book is being sold exclusively through Now Dig This / Elvis The Man And His Music.
It retails at £45 (includes p&p in the UK) overseas customers will have to pay the higher postage costs.
... EIN's copy has not arrived in Australia yet so our good friend Kees Mouwen has posted this additional review to add to our original digital flip-book detailed examination. Go here to understand more about this new soft-cover version of this essential book for Elvis collectors
(Book Review, Source:EIN/EDayByDay)
Elvis News from earlier this week
New FTD October Releases: The official FTD announcement is for these two new releases for October. 1. 'Elvis: Summer Of '76': As part of its ongoing live on tour series, FTD is pleased to announce the release of Elvis: Summer Of '76. Released as a 3-CD 5" digi-pak, this set features three 1976 concerts:
CD1 - Charleston, West Virginia, Afternoon Show, July 24
CD2 - Springfield, Massachusetts, Evening Show, July 29
CD3 - Hampton Roads, Afternoon Show, August 1. EIN Note: FTD released another 1976 triple-pack back in early January and this third tour of 1976 was one of Elvis' worst. Starting just 10 days after Elvis fired Red, Sonny West and Dave Hebler he was not in a good way.
The Hampton Roads August 1 show has been out previously on bootleg (Fort Baxter’s ‘Bicentennial Elvis Experience') and Elvis sounds exhausted. Fans consider it one of his worst performances - what an odd choice for FTD to release. The only song of interest is a rough version of 'Return To Sender' but it's already released by FTD.
... Go to 'Elvis FTD/ SONY CD News' for tracklistings
Priced at around US$62.
2. 'From Elvis Presley Boulevard' VINYL - regular black-vinyl edition.
With the same tracklist as the 'Blue vinyl' version released back in March 2023, each double album features great outtakes and masters recorded in the legendary Jungle Room.
Songs include Hurt, For The Heart, Love Coming Down, I'll Never Fall In Love Again, Danny Boy, Solitaire and The Last Farewell. See 'Elvis FTD/ SONY CD News' for details
3.'Elvis: The His Hand In Mine Sessions' FTD's 3-CD "complete" 'His Hand In Mine' sessions is being reprinted.
This is an amazing success story as the "complete" sessions version only featured a few more minutes than FTD's original HHIM 'Classic Album' release from 2007.
(News, Source;FTD/ElvisInfoNet)
'Gotta Have Rock & Roll Americana Auction' Results: Last weekend's Gotta Have Rock & Roll auction featured multiple Elvis pieces up for auction.
Several items came via Charlie Hodge and also from the Eddie Hammer Collection.
The highlights were... - Elvis' Blue Hawaii Gibson J-45 acoustic Guitar
Elvis' film-used Gibson J-45 acoustic guitar that he also personally owned and used in his Paramount films "Blue Hawaii" and "G.I. Blues."
According to the letter from Charlie Hodge, he may have also used the guitar in "King Creole" as that was a Paramount production as well.
The guitar is stamped inside "Property of Paramount Prop Department" and Elvis' name is stamped inside as well.
According to Charlie Hodge, Elvis would usually take home his movie-used guitars, and he played this guitar at his home in Los Angeles and at Graceland.
Provenance: Originally from the collection of Charlie Hodge.
Estimate: $200,000 - $500,000 - SOLD for just $82,000
- Elvis owned and stage worn oversized and heavy 5ct diamond and 14kt gold ring.
Elvis gifted this ring to George Klein his close personal friend who said Elvis wore the ring both on and off stage.
One day when Elvis was trying on some new rings he was purchasing, he took this ring off his finger, and asked George to hold it for him. When he had finished with his purchases, George handed this ring back to him and Elvis said "GK you keep that one." -
Estimate: $10,000 - $20,000 - Final Bid: $30,000
- Elvis stage worn, owned, and personally worn Florsheim black patent leather boots.
With side zipper and "Imperial Florsheim" stamped on the bottom of the sole.
Elvis gave these boots to his long-time, close friend Charlie Hodge. Size 12, Charlie notes that Elvis's foot size could vary a great deal depending on the boot and whether Elvis had any swelling in his feet.
Condition: Very Good. -
Estimate: $5,000 - $7,500 - Final Bid: $2,750
- Elvis "Verschollen en Harem" (Harum Scarum) Vintage Original German Movie Poster.
From the Eddie Hammer Collection, a writer for Goldmine and Discoveries magazines who was an Elvis expert.
At one point he had what was believed to be the largest Elvis Presley collection in the world.
Condition: Vintage, sold as is.
Estimate: $200 - $400 Final Bid: $60
Elvis Presley "La Mujer Robada" (Love Me Tender) Vintage Original Spanish Movie Poster
Good Condition
From the Eddie Hammer Collection.
Condition: Vintage, sold as is.
Estimate: $200 - $400 Final Bid: $50 EIN liked the look of the posters which went for a seemingly low price
Go HERE for all the auction results (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
EIN Exclusives and News from earlier in September ...
The topics include did Elvis’ music decline when he moved from Sun to RCA, “who” triggered the media and public moral outrage about Elvis in the 1950’s, Elvis’ film recordings (particularly in the 1960s), the connection between Elvis’ films and those of Mario Lanza, singles that failed to be major hits, Elvis’ mid-60’s soul-infused recordings, the quality of Elvis’ albums after From Elvis in Memphis, the artistic value of Elvis’ RCA Camden albums, Shane’s views on 10 particular Elvis songs, Elvis remixes, can Sony have another hit Elvis album?, and a lot more...
Shane Brown has strong, well-reasoned views on many “things Elvis”, and they offer a lot for readers to think about and possibly reevaluate their views on various issues. Don't miss this fascinating interview for 2023.
(Interview, Source:ElvisInformationNetwork)
'Elvis Now In Person: 1972' New FTD Deluxe Set: At a recent Flaming Star fan-club event Ernst Jorgenson discussed the up-coming FTD Deluxe set 'Elvis Now In Person- 1972'.
It will be a two-book set (similar to the other recent FTD sets) by David English and Pål Granlund.
David English has mentioned that the set will cover Elvis' journey from January - April 1972. (Similar to the sensational 'TCB-In A Flash')
The audio is said to be... CD1. February 1972 Las Vegas multi-track recordings. 8 unreleased tracks CD2. Copy and paste of the Record Store Day vinyl release, "Burning Love - The RCA Rehearsals"
without the live version of "How Great Thou Art" at the end. CD3. Copy and paste of the vinyl release "Live 1972." CD4.April 5, 1972 Buffalo rehearsal.
A November 2023 publishing date is mentioned so expect official confirmation very soon (News, Source;DE/ElvisDayByDay/FB)
The Birth of Rock 'N' Roll - The Illustrated Story of Sun Records (and the 70 Recordings That Changed the World) (Peter Guralnick & Colin Escott) Mini-Review: Given the pedigree of the authors (Escott is arguably the world's greatest expert about Sun Records) you would expect this "coffee table" release to be a good one - and it is! More than 250 large-sized "heavy stock" pages with glorious quality images (b&w), including some striking double page spreads, and strong text. Peter Guralnick's content is an analysis of the titular 70 Recordings.
The book description is an honest one: ...... 'A fascinating look at the history of Sun Records, the label that started Rock n’ Roll, told through 70 of its iconic recordings.
In Memphis, Tennessee, in the 1950s, there was hard-edged blues playing on Beale Street, and hillbilly boogie on the outskirts of town. But at Sam Phillips’ Sun Records studio on Union Avenue, there was something different going on – a whole lotta shakin’, rockin’, and rollin’.
This is where rock ’n’ roll was born.
Sun Records: the company that launched Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, and Carl Perkins. The label that brought the world, “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Breathless,” “I Walk the Line,” “Mystery Train,” “Good Rockin’ Tonight.”
The Birth of Rock ’n’ Roll: 70 Years of Sun Records is the official history of this legendary label, and looks at its story in a unique way: through the lens of 70 of its most iconic recordings. From the early days with primal blues artists like Howlin’ Wolf and B.B. King to long nights in the studio with Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis, you will see how the label was shaped and how it redefined American music.
Accompanying the recordings is the label’s origin story and a look at the mission of the label today, as well as “Sun Spot” sidebars—a fascinating dive into subjects such as how the iconic logo was created, the legendary Million Dollar Quartet sessions, and how the song “Harper Valley, PTA” funded the purchase of the label.
Written by two of the most acclaimed music writers of our time, Peter Guralnick and Colin Escott, and featuring hundreds of rare images from the Sun archives as well as a foreword by music legend Jerry Lee Lewis, this is a one-of-a-kind book for anyone who wants to know where it all started.'
While the book is not exclusively about Elvis there is plenty of relevant content with his name also dotting the write-ups about other Sun artists.
Peter Guralnick’s look at the key 70 SUN recordings is a very enjoyable journey. He examines all Elvis’ important singles along with plenty of Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash. The insights he presents are fascinating even if you have previously read plenty about Sun records. For instance...
‘My Kind of Carrying On’ - Doug Poindexter. “It was with the hillbilly band, the Starlite Wranglers, that guitarist Scotty Moore, not too long out of the Navy and a hatter at his brother’s dry-cleaning establishment, first entered the Sun studio in April 1954. It was Scotty’s group, to which he had only recently recruited vocalist Doug Poindexter, a baker with a passion for Hank Williams. … Scotty said, “Sam knew there was a crossover coming.. He foresaw it. I think that recording all those Black artists had to give him an insight. He just didn’t know where that insight would lead.”
‘Hey, Porter!’ - Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two. “Johnny Cash arrived at the Sun studio at the invitation of Elvis Presley in early 1955. … He did not receive a warm welcome. Marion Keisker told him Sam didn’t have time for him, he was too busy with Elvis, and then when he finally did get the opportunity to present himself to Mr. Phillips and told him he was a gospel singer, Sam explained to him the same thing he had already told others: he just didn’t have any way to sell it.”
in 'The History Of Sun Records, Part 2 (1969-2022)' Colin Escott also looks at the arrival of Shelby Singleton and, of course, the Elvis-styled ‘Orion’.
Available from Amazon and other outlets. There is also a Kindle edition. (News, Source: Amazon/Nigel Patterson-EIN)
New 'MRS CAMDEN' label releases: In a move Col Parker would be proud of the UK ‘Memphis Recording Service’ (MRS) label are re-releasing 3 CD titles on its new alternate budget label 'MRS CAMDEN'.
This is mainly due to public demand and driven by low-stock on many older key MRS titles.
- One Night In Pearl Harbor CD - Elvis On Television 1956- 1960 2CD - The Complete 1950's Live Recordings 3CD
All three will be released on 24th November 2023.
The titles have slight changes in the name and on CD content and come in a Digi-Sleeve pack. Each comes with a small booklet.
The releases on this specific new label are scaled-down budget versions of the previous, priced for the mainstream market.
At the same time however, some of the CD’s include newly sourced audio upgrades.
- One Night In Pearl Harbor
On March 25, 1961, Elvis Presley performed what would become his final live concert for eight years! This benefit charity show, in aid of the USS Arizona Memorial fund at Pearl Harbor has been remastered and restored and includes 25-minute press conference taken just before the show. Please note that the ‘Elvis Salutes the USS Arizona’ that was on the original MRS release ‘Such a Night in Pearl Harbor’ is not included on this release. However, the 25-minute press conference taken just before the show is now included for the first time on CD with MRS.
- Elvis On Television 1956- 1960
The 2CDs contain the complete archival sound recordings of Elvis Presley’s television appearances from 1956-60 remastered and restored. They include interviews as well as the live performances from the Dorsey Brothers “Stage Show,” Milton Berle, Steve Allen and the Ed Sullivan shows. For the first time on this MRS release, unlike the previous version, is a newly sourced, recently discovered acetate of Elvis' appearance on the 'Frank Sinatra Timex' show in 1960.
MRS took the operation to completely remaster the tracks direct from the original transfer files with the best of results.
- The Complete 1950's Live Recordings
The 3CD set represents the complete archival live concert recordings by Elvis Presley in the 1950’s.
All 82 tracks have been remastered and restored and the accompanying booklet chronologically follows Elvis from the very first, to the last shows performed. Please note, a newly remastered version of the live track 'I Forgot to Remember to Forget’ has been upgraded for this release.
2024 Parkes Elvis Festival Tickets On-Sale: Recognised as one of the top Australian festivals, the Parkes Elvis Festival attracts over 25,000 fans to the small NSW country town.
Celebrating its 31st year, the 2024 ELVIS Festival will be held 10-14 January.
The theme for the 2024 Festival is Elvis’ 1957 musical drama, Jailhouse Rock.
Elvis’ third film that captured early Elvis in all his leg-quivering, lip-snarling teen idol glory in black and white.
The King-sized program is filled with hundreds of Elvis and Jailhouse Rock inspired events, including much-loved festival favourites such as the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition, Northparkes Mines Street Parade, Renewal of Vows Ceremony, Sons of Suns, free Cooke Park Main Stage and Memphis Stage Entertainment and the Elvis Gospel Service.
The 2024 headline acts are ETA champions Taylor Rodriguez and Cote Deonath.
Go to www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au to see the full program of events - and to purchase tickets.
(News, Source;Parkes/EIN)
'Double Trouble' new Blu-Ray Release: After the successful release of 'Spinout' Warner Bros announces 'Double Trouble' out on Blu-ray October 31, 2023.
Good news is that it is a "New 1080p HD Master from 4K Scan of Original Camera Negative" 'Double Trouble' - 1967
Runs: 91 Minutes
Audio: DTS 2.0 Mono
Aspect Ratio 16x9 2.35:1 Letterbox
Special Features: Original Theatrical Trailer
Cast: Elvis Presley, Annette Day, John Williams "When crooner Guy Lambert wraps his London show and travels to Brussels, two beauties secretly follow. One (Annette Day) is a lovestruck heiress, the other (Yvonne Romain) an enigmatic temptress. And they could be two too much for the attached Guy. Comedy, mystery and mayhem combine when Elvis Presley plays Guy in Double Trouble, a romp involving stolen gems, trenchcoated defectives – that is, detectives! – and more. Through it all, a guy’s gotta do what a guy’s gotta do. That means performing a tune array that include the title tune "City By Night", "Could I Fall in Love?" "Long-Legged Girl" and "There’s So Much World to See". Trouble was never this cool and this much fun."
(News, Source;Warners/EIN)
'Elvis UK Beyond RCA' Print Edition OUT NOW: To satisfy collectors who need physical versions of books rather than E-Books, UK authors John Townson and Gordon Minto have published the soft-backed PRINT COPY of 'Elvis UK Beyond RCA The Ultimate Guide To Elvis Presley's British Non-RCA LPs 1974-1997'.
It is a second edition, updated and slightly revised. The book is a newly written 377 pages, with fully comprehensive text and follows on from our previous publications in the Elvis UK series, each of them acclaimed by collectors, and provides the ultimate guide to Elvis’s non-RCA LP album releases issued in the UK between 1974-1997.
This new volume complements - and extends considerably - information relating to these particular releases included in our original books Elvis UK, published in 1987, and Elvis UK2, published in 2002
The softback book is being sold exclusively through Now Dig This / Elvis The Man And His Music.
It retails at £45 (includes p&p in the UK) overseas customers will have to pay the higher postage costs.
Go here toElvis The Man And His Musicto purchase OUT NOW IN STOCK
Read EIN's'Elvis UK Beyond RCA' e-book review here (News, Source;GM/ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis: A Musical Revolution' Sydney Theatre Review:'Elvis A Musical Revolution' has been playing in Sydney Australia since early August. Described as.. The Icon. The King. The story of a man who gave the world a musical revolution. Featuring over 40 hit songs, Elvis: A Musical Revolution celebrates the extraordinary life of cultural icon, Elvis Presley.
Let me declare that I like the genuine Elvis Presley. I really don’t like theatre musicals, so it was with slight trepidation that I found myself close to the front of the stalls for this new Elvis "jukebox musical".
However as they say, “Elvis was in the building” and with a cleverly designed functional set and some high-energy performances it was a most enjoyable celebration of The King.
The Australian producer is David Venn and there is no doubt that Baz Luhrmann’s ELVIS has spurred some monetary investment into this show and the presentation is highly professional.
The show begins with australia lead Rob Mallett as '68 Elvis in silhouette - but just as you anticipate a massive start Elvis’ doubts and fears kick-in and he wonders if he still has it. At this point a young child Elvis appears to offer advice.
And it is this clever device that creates that special edge to the overall performance as well as a stunning cast. Go here for EIN Piers Beagley's full review
(Spotlight; Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
"Elvis: From King to Legend 72-73 PART TWO " New Doco: Now that Elvis Week 2023 is over - along with the publicity blast for 'Aloha From Hawaii' 50th Anniversary edition' - a reminder not to miss Part Two of Dennis Laverty's excellent new documentary "Elvis: From King to Legend 72-73".
Running 2 1/2 hours, part 2 takes Elvis' story from July 1972 through to the excitement of Aloha.
In two parts, this is a new five hour documentary from Elvis super-fan and EIN contributor Dennis Laverty. It is a unique in-depth look at this incredible 12 month period in Elvis' career that is often skipped through in the usual Elvis documentaries.
In PART two the interviews include Linda Thompson, John Wilkinson, Loanne Parker, Joan Deary, Bill Baize, Tony Prince, Bill Belew, Felton Jarvis, Priscilla Presley and many more. There is also a fascinating interview with Aloha's director Marty Pasetta.
EIN Note: This is a labour of love by a serious Elvis fan featuring fascinating footage and interviews that we would have all liked to have seen officially. It is free and is a true celebration. (News, Source; Dennis Laverty/EIN)
NBC “Christmas at Graceland” TV special with Riley Keough as executive producer: NBC is bringing together the legacy of Elvis Presley and the spirit of the holiday season in a new live music special, “Christmas at Graceland.”
The special is set to air Wednesday, November 29 at 10pm ET and simulcast on Peacock.
Viewers will be brought into the historic Graceland estate, Elvis’ treasured home that has been visited by millions of his fans around the world. “Christmas at Graceland” is the first live musical televised holiday special of its kind at the estate. “Christmas at Graceland” will feature music’s biggest stars celebrating the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, his music and his favorite time of year, in an unprecedented holiday special live from his iconic home, Graceland.
Participating performers will be announced at a later date. Riley Keough as executive producer stated,“My
family and I are elated to open the doors to Graceland in this first-of-its-kind special. With intimate musical performances drawing inspiration from my grandfather Elvis’s cherished Christmases in Memphis, viewers will be invited to experience firsthand the magic that is Christmas at Graceland.”
Jen Neal, NBC's Executive Vice President Live Events and Specials said, "To celebrate the holidays at Graceland, and be a part of the King’s legacy, is both an honor and absolute dream come true.
We thank Riley and her family for allowing all of us to visit her grandfather’s iconic home and share an intimate musical experience that Elvis would’ve truly loved.” “Christmas at Graceland” will air immediately after NBC’s highly rated “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” on Nov. 29 for a night of 'unforgettable holiday programming'.
Elvis previously collaborated with NBC to create what was planned as a "Christmas special" in 1968.
The project which has since been commonly referred to as the '68 Comeback Special helped to revitalize Elvis' career at the time.
Go here to EPE for more info (News, Source;EPE/EIN)
"From Memphis To Tokyo" New Book: Scheduled for an October 2023 release is "From Memphis To Tokyo: A Reference Guide to the Absolute Mastery of Elvis' Japanese Vinyl" by authors David Ward and Dick Dekker.
We are proud to present to you our updated and upgraded guide to Elvis Presley’s Japanese record releases.
Over ca. 700 pages, we’ll show more than 2,700 full colour pictures of front and back covers, labels, inserts etc.
Many entries are accompanied by extensive notes and tables to find all variants at a glance.
For the first time ever, you’ll now be able to find out when your record was pressed by looking at the information
in the run-out portion of the record. This also allowed us to get more exact release dates of the records and their variants.
It’s all extensively described in our “Guide to Dating Records”.
Also described are topics like:
- differences in label design
- colour differences on obis and covers
- stamps on covers and labels
- record prices
- company sleeve designs
- free gifts and special offers
- Victor and RCA promo records
and many more
From Memphis to Tokyo is a hardcover, almost LP-size book, weighing in at no less than 4 kilos, that will answer almost everything you ever wanted to know about Elvis’ Japanese vinyl.
Be amazed by the absolute mastery of Elvis‘ Japanese vinyl releases.
Please note that the free bonus 45 Rpm single will ONLY be available for orders, paid for, before October 8, 2023.
You can order by emailing Dick Dekker (News, Source;DD/EIN)
Priscilla talks Elvis and 'Priscilla' Movie: Priscilla, an executive producer of 'Priscilla' the new Sofia Coppola film, revealed what it felt like to watch the new biopic drama about her relationship with Elvis.
The two famously met in Germany when Priscilla Beaulieu was just 14 years old.
Priscilla explained at the Venice Film Festival press conference, even though she was not part of the official panel.. “It’s very difficult to sit and watch a film about you, about your life, about your love.
Sofia did an amazing job. She did her homework, we spoke a couple of
times and I really put everything out for her that I could.”
Priscilla then insisted that Elvis did not take advantage of her as a young woman. “It was very difficult for my parents to understand that Elvis would be so interested in me and why.
And I really do think because I was more of a listener. Elvis would pour his heart out to me in every way in Germany: his fears, his hopes, the loss of his mother, which he never, ever got over. And I was the person who really, really sat there to listen and to comfort him. That was really our connection.
Even though I was 14, I was actually a little bit older in life, not in numbers. That was the attraction. People think, ‘Oh, it was sex.’ No, it wasn’t. I never had sex with him.
He was very kind, very soft, very loving, but he also respected the fact I was only 14 years old. We were more in line in thought, and that was our relationship.”
In her 1985 book "Elvis and Me", which the film is based on, she wrote.. "It would have been so easy for him. I was young, 14, vulnerable, desperately in love, and he could have taken complete advantage of me. But he quietly said, 'No. Someday we will, Priscilla, but not now. You’re just too young.'"
At Press conference, she confirmed that their bond had been based on trust. “I didn’t know why Elvis put so much trust in me, but he did. And I never, ever, ever told anyone that I was seeing him, and that was another issue that he loved, is the fact that I never gave him
up in any way. I never told anyone at school that I was seeing him.
So, we built a relationship and then our relationship went on until I left. And it wasn’t because I didn’t love him, he was the love of my life.
It was the lifestyle that was so difficult for me, and I think any woman can relate to that.
But it didn’t mar our relationship, we still remained very close. And of course, we had our daughter, and I made sure that he saw her all the time. It was like we never left each other."
Sofia Coppola’s film stars Cailee Spaeny in the title role and Jacob Elordi as Elvis. The movie documents their first meeting when Priscilla Presley was in the 9th grade and their subsequent relationship. (News, Source;VariousTabloids/EIN)
'Elvis: Houston, Fort Worth, Baton Rouge 1974' FTD in-depth Review: This FTD triple-pack features Elvis' important March 3 1974 Houston Astrodome performance plus two more concerts from Elvis’ third tour of 1974.
In the first half of 1974 Elvis was clearly enjoying performing before the emotional turmoil of ‘Desert Storm’.
The Houston Astrodome show is an important concert recording since there was no orchestra involved, while the two other concerts
- Fort Worth, June 15 Evening Show and Baton Rouge, June 17 - come from the first two cities on Elvis' third tour of 1974.
FTD have already released nine concerts from this particular tour, so can there really be anything new to discover from yet another two concerts?
'Rock 'n' Roll No.1 - MONO II STEREO' New CD: From the French RDM label..... Rediscover Elvis Presley's first album with a new stereo mix! The influence and impact of this album released in 1956 was considerable. This CD edition opens with all twelve tracks from the original US album, as heard around the world on its first release plus the additional five tracks from the UK version as Bonus Material’ along with two further recordings from Elvis’ first RCA single.
Today, CDs and vinyl have reverted to the original mono recordings. However, as technology and
production techniques are constantly evolving, the idea of creating new stereo mixes from mono recordings, with new techniques for separating instruments and vocals originally recorded on a single track, is now possible. The original mono mixes of these tracks were clearly oriented for radio play and were therefore heavily compressed. The stereo mixes newly created for this CD allow you to find the naturalness of the original recordings and give the impression of being in the heart of the studio with Elvis and his musicians.
Of course, the original mono recordings released during this landmark year will forever remain a vital part of rock 'n' roll history and even though that feeling of excitement at hearing a new album from Elvis is now a thing of the past, that doesn't mean we can't embrace new ways of listening to old albums, rediscovering 'The Young Man with the Big Beat' all over again. Audio production by Anthony Stuchbury - 'Info and ORDER here at RDM' - check out the great 'Sound Samples' (News, Source;RDM)
Elvis in Literature #2 – 'Inside Elvis' by Ed Parker: Continuing EIN’s occasional series of interesting and (hopefully) thought-provoking Elvis excerpts (references/discussions) found in general literature. 'Inside Elvis' by Elvis' good friend and martial arts instructor, Ed Parker, is one of the most liked memoirs by a member of Elvis' inner circle. Originally published in 1978, today it is difficult to find the original hardback.
Thematically, Parker’s book is about who Elvis was as a person. He discusses several subjects not often included in books about Elvis, including Elvis’ interest in psychic healing and UFOs, and he also comments on Elvis’ relationship with Red West.
Ed Kealoha Parker was an American martial artist, actor, senior grandmaster, and founder of American Kenpo Karate. Parker had a minor career as a Hollywood actor and stunt man. His most notable film was Kill the Golden Goose. In this film, he co-stars with Hapkido master Bong Soo Han.
But Parker is best known to Kenpoists as the founder of American Kenpo and is referred to fondly as the "Father of American Kenpo." He is formally referred to as Senior Grand Master of American Kenpo. Parker also authored more than a dozen books, most about the martial arts.
He served as one of Elvis' bodyguards during his final years.
Go to 'Elvis in Literature #2' – Inside Elvis by Ed Parker' for the whole story (Spotlight, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis Forever 2023':Where were you when Elvis died? What were you doing? Throughout our lifetimes there are very few dates that resonate with such clarity.
While some key historical events such as 9/11 or the Boxing day 2004 Tsunami are remembered, other unique moments are lost as vague memories.
The day of Elvis' death I was recording a "best of Elvis" cassette for my best friend.
A lightning storm was raging through London, the rain pouring down outside when my Mother called upstairs, "Have you heard, Elvis Presley has died?" -
A moment never forgotten.
... I can guarantee you one thing: we will never again agree on anything as we agreed on Elvis.
The newspapers the next day told the story. Go here to EIN's 'Elvis Forever 2023' for emotional reminiscences and also those traumatic news headlines ...
The world would remember, everything would change, but in 2023 Elvis' legacy still lives on.. (Spotlight, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Elvis in Print: A Comprehensive Annotated & Illustrated Bibliography 1955-2023 - Volume 1: After more than two decades research, the first volume of what will be the definitive account of books published about Elvis, is scheduled for release on January 8, 2024.
Compiled and written by EIN's Nigel Patterson, the four volumes of Elvis in Print: A Comprehensive Annotated & Illustrated Bibliography 1955-2023 will comprise around 2,000 pages, with listings for more than 4,000 books and around 2,000 images.
Volume 1 is the first of two detailing English language, “non-fiction” releases. It contains more than 450 pages, listings for more than 800 titles, book covers for more than 500 listings, and interesting Sidebar articles discussing controversial releases and issues in the massive Elvis book catalog.
Elvis as Religion (including Psychic Experiences and Spirituality)
Elvis for Younger Readers
The 'Listings' include available publishing details for the original release and subsequent re-issues (including hardcover, softcover and digital editions) and a book synopsis, which varies between one or two sentences and several paragraphs.
Elvis in Print will be published in hardcover, softcover, and Kindle formats. It will be available from Amazon stores (the hardcover edition will only be available in those countries where Amazon offers this format).
EIN will publish more information and sample pages in the coming months.
Note: The accompanying image is not the final cover artwork. (News, Source: EIN)
(Film Review) Reinventing Elvis: The ’68 Comeback…..”a battle for artistic integrity”: EIN’s Nigel Patterson recently immersed himself at the cinema watching John Scheinfeld’s documentary film, Reinventing Elvis: The ’68 Comeback (based on Steve Binder’s account of the making of Elvis’ legendary Special). Reinventing Elvis takes a deeper dive into the making of the Comeback Special, featuring interviews from some of the surviving performers and audience members, as well as Presley experts placing it in the context of the times and the singer's career.
Nigel left the cinema after viewing a fascinating and illuminating account full of drama, humor, and ultimately reclamation. Read Nigel’s full review
'Eleven Hundred and Twenty-Four' New Deluxe Book: A quick title change on the new book announced by Elvis Files' Erik Lorenzen. Today he updated, "two of the world's most famous Elvis historians, Jean-Etienne Baduel and Keith Flynn, have concluded that all the shows Elvis did from 1969 to 1977 were ELEVEN HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FOUR.
Some websites show a special 3am show on September 7/8, 1970, but that didn't happen! The ELVIS FILES team are very happy to have these two on the team."
The book is now a 1,200-page Deluxe set 'Eleven Hundred and Twenty-Four'.
Three volumes, housed in a slipcase.
..
The 3-book-set covers everything from the Opening Night performance on July 31, 1969 until the last concert Elvis ever did on June 26, 1977 at Market Square Arena, Indianapolis.
It includes detailed information on all the concerts, every suit he wore on stage, all the information on every CD ever
released by RCA, Sony and the FTD Collectors label and more. - ─ €269 including postage World Wide.
Go to 'Elvis Files' to Pre-order . (News, Source;EL/ElvisInfoNet)
'Las Vegas Summer Festival 1972' MRS CD Review: This 4CD set contains a varied selection of live performances drawn from Elvis’ seventh engagement in the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel during Elvis’ summer festival in the month of August 1972.
It features the 11 August Dinner and Midnight Show plus 12 August Dinner and Midnight Show. For the first time ever these performances are released in "Stereo". Bonus rehearsal tracks, recorded days before the engagement began, are also included.
The accompanying 40-page booklet includes rare photographs, memorabilia and liner notes help set the scene.
Key songs include My Way, Fever, Its Over, Until It’s Time For You To Go, American Trilogy, What Now My Love, Little Sister/ Get Back, Never Been To Spain, For The Good Times and A Big Hunk O' Love'.
Elvis was in superb form and with more new songs in his set-list sounding even better with the new MRS audio remaster it is a power-packed set.
'Elvis and the Colonel' New Book: Described as 'An Insider's Look at the Most Legendary Partnership in Show Business' by Greg McDonald and Marshall Terrill. 'Elvis and the Colonel' is a fresh biography of legendary manager Col Tom Parker, with a contrarian and corrective point of view.
Colonel Tom Parker, often reviled in his time, led the strategy from the earliest days of Elvis's career. Together, they built the most legendary partnership in show business. For the first time, Col Parker's story is told by an insider, Greg McDonald, who worked under Parker for years. Never-before-heard stories of Parker's collaboration with Elvis reveal the man behind the legend and the strategies that made Elvis a commercial groundbreaker.
Ingrained lore has it that Parker took advantage of "poor country boy" Elvis to sign the singer who became "The King". But Elvis and the Colonel shows that Elvis was not foolish when it came to business arrangements. This book is full of stories of innovations Parker made with his star client, including:
--ingenious merchandising (eg, selling both "I love Elvis" and "I hate Elvis" buttons)
--licensing and branding, from suits to toys, ashtrays to guitars
--establishing The King as an artist-in-residence in Las Vegas
--creating televised concert events, like Elvis' Christmas special
Many of the practices Parker established are still deployed today by most major agencies. Parker's experience as a carny and an immigrant shaped his management style when he was at his peak. The heart of Elvis and the Colonel is the long, strong, warm and complex relationship between two iconic men.
From St. Martin's Press. -
Out November 2023 (News, Source;MarshallTerrill/EIN)
(Book Review) 'Fact vs. Fiction in the 2022 ELVIS Movie' (Trina Young): EIN’s Nigel Patterson recently sat down to read Trina Young’s fourth book about Elvis. Given its core intent, Fact vs. Fiction in the 2022 ELVIS Movie is not a standard narrative, but rather, an illuminating treatise assessing degrees of fact and fiction in what was the most successful non-franchise movie of 2022, Baz Luhrmann’s spectacular assault on your visual and auditory senses, ELVIS.
For the core section of the book, Ms Young rates each scene based on four different criteria (note that for each scene it's time in the film is included). The author then provides narrative details for each of the last three criteria, the Storyline information often running to several pages. Her ratings for historical accuracy (truth) can be truly enthralling.
Elvis, Ann-Margret, the filming of Viva Las Vegas (aka 'Love in Las Vegas'), the slap heard across Hollywood, (and more): The story of the behind-the-scenes filming of Elvis’ best and highest grossing film, Viva Las Vegas (released in 1964), is colorful, and one that had repercussions for Elvis’ subsequent films as well as a rare loss for Colonel Tom Parker.
Drawing on a wide range of sources, EIN’s Nigel Patterson takes a reflective look at the drama between star, manager, Ann-Margret, Viva Las Vegas film director and what it all meant.
'Elvis: From King to Legend 72-73' Review: This new documentary is a unique in-depth look at the incredible 12 month period in Elvis' career that is often skipped through in the usual Elvis biopics.
In two parts it has been researched and produced by Elvis super-fan Dennis Laverty.
Once again he has assembled footage, interviews and memorabilia from hundreds of sources. Packed full of rare interviews plus fabulous old TV clips and pertinent commentaries from more than 40 of Elvis' associates.
Laverty explains, “In this documentary you will go on every Elvis tour and Las Vegas season, see short films from every show plus hear interviews from over 30 associates. The film is a positive one and hopefully after watching both parts the viewer will then ask, "What Happened to Elvis" that he could die four short years afterwards." EIN's Piers Beagley checks it out...
(Spotlight; Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'From Elvis at Sun' Stereo CD Review: A new ‘From Elvis at Sun’ “Mono II Stereo” release from the Danish Memphis Mansion label.
The compilation includes the five classic SUN SINGLES plus the other nine alternate cuts that RCA would purchase from Sam Phillips.
Keen Elvis fans must surely have a serious fascination about how Elvis' early ground-breaking recordings were created.
Why do Elvis' classic rock’n’roll singles sound so good, especially given the low quality recording equipment of the time? And how were they laid down in the studio?
One way to discover the wonders of 50’s rock’n’roll inventiveness is to examine "stereo" versions of the old mono recordings and it is only since the creation of the cutting-edge audio process DES (Digitally Extracted Stereo) that we can do this.
Previous Mono <> Stereo versions have not quite made their mark. So is it possible that this new 2023 set can help fans appreciate the real magic and brilliance of Elvis at SUN? EIN's 2,600 word review by Piers Beagley looks in-depth at whether new upgrades in "DES" software can help create something special from these old SUN classics...
(CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
(Spotlight) 'Elvis biopic and Agent Elvis – Revisionist History and Reinforcing Negative Stereotypes?':In a thought-provoking 3,000 word article, EIN’s Nigel Patterson examines the impact of Baz Luhrmann’s film 'ELVIS' and the adult-orientated animation, Agent Elvis.
Undoubtedly in any mass-media the dehumanisation of Elvis is a real issue but marketing the man has always been more concerned with the “mainstream” commodification of his name since mid-1950s. So are these new millennium productions good or bad for how society views Elvis and which one will have the greatest impact? .. Read the article... Now Updated with YOUR comments
(Spotlight, Source:ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis Presley: The Airplanes & The King' (Carlos Varrenti): The 3rd edition of Carlos Varrenti's book about Elvis and his airplanes has been published. The 1st edition was in Spanish and the revised, expanded 2nd edition (400+ pages), in English. However, the book was not widely available. The 3rd edition (285 pages) features new information but also has been edited to reduce the total number of pages and make the book affordable for more fans. Unlike the earlier editions this volume is available to all fans from Amazon sites!
The book is described as:
.. As an aeronautical engineer and lifelong Elvis Presley fan, I have always been fascinated by the King's connection to aviation. Since my first visit to Graceland in 2001, I have been compiling every detail I could find about Elvis and his planes - every short paragraph in a book, every video, every photograph, and every bit of information. Now, I am thrilled to share this wealth of knowledge and unique Elvis stories in the third edition of "The Airplanes & the King."
.. This book provides a detailed account of Elvis's aviation history, featuring photos and stories from 1955 through 1977. It offers a fascinating look at Elvis's life on tour from an original and compelling perspective. The book includes archival material, personal stories, and stunning imagery that will captivate aviation enthusiasts and Elvis fans alike. Whether you are a die-hard fan or simply curious about the King's connection to the skies, "The Airplanes & the King" is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of aviation and popular culture.
EIN's Nigel Patterson read the 2nd edition earlier this year. Read Nigel's detailed review (News, Source: EDBD; Amazon/EIN)
'Elvis LIVE 1972' (double-LP) Review: On this brand new ‘ELVIS LIVE 1972’ double-vinyl release producer Ernst Jørgensen has cleverly included nearly all of the concert highlights from RCA's ‘On Tour’.
The album features a "best of" the four 'On Tour' concerts using one key section from each of the first three concerts (one per vinyl side) plus the missing unique tracks on Side D.
'On Tour' classics from Hampton Roads 'Polk Salad', 'Big Hunk O' Love', from Richmond 'It's Over', Greensboro 'Burning Love', 'Funny How Times Slips Away', 'For The Good Times' plus San Antonio 'Proud Mary', 'How Great Thou Art' are all included...
But if fans already own all these songs from the recent 'On Tour' box-set can this vinyl version really be worth buying?
This title was released on March 24 2023.
Book Review: 8mm Elvis - The Story of Elvis on 8mm': Long before the days of Bluray, DVD and VHS people watched home movies on 8mm film. '8mm Elvis The Forgotten Format' is a glossy, colour, hardback book cataloguing the history of Elvis on 8mm film.
Author Vince Wright has been collecting all the Elvis 8mm he could find since the 80s.
He explained.. “I was cataloguing all these films hoping someone would write a book about it – I waited, they didn’t, so I did.”
So in 2023, and after many years of searching and researching, the author has released his comprehensive narrative and visual record of Elvis on 8mm.
This book is unique in its narrative and visual content and is an important inclusion in the complex jigsaw puzzle that forms a complete record of the multi-varied story of Elvis Presley. Go here to read Nigel Patterson's review
(Book Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'Elvis On Tour' Box-Set In-Depth Review:The January 2023 'Elvis On Tour' SONY release is a 6CD / 1 Blu-Ray box set comprised of the audio from four of the shows (and two rehearsals) that were part of Elvis’ 1972 North American tour.
Originally recorded for the Elvis On Tour concert film that was released later that year, the set features a total of 145 tracks, including 91 previously unreleased tracks, as well as the award-winning concert film on Blu-ray.
RCA/Legacy's Elvis On Tour box set is produced by Ernst Jørgensen and mixed by Grammy Award-winning Memphis-based producer Matt Ross-Spang.
Elvis' April 1972 concerts were magnificent, so hopefully this expensive 50th anniversary release including newly remastered concert performances captures the magnificence and excitement of the movie and Elvis' stunning shows.
After fifty years surely SONY/RCA will get it right.....
'ELVIS: Opening Night 1972' MRS CD Review: Elvis’ first 1972 Las Vegas season ran from January 26th through February 23rd, 1972. Elvis was in great shape both physically and vocally, and he was once again serious about performing.
While a large number of fans think that Elvis started losing inspiration and impetus after the power-year of 1970, his rejuvenation of his first live performances in 1972 demonstrate another more positive aspect. Introducing the new songs 'You Gave Me A Mountain', ‘I'll Remember You’ , 'A Big Hunk O'Love' and the brilliant 'An American Trilogy' would enrich Elvis’ live shows for the rest of his career. So while Elvis collectors may have heard the bootleg recording multiple times before, you have never truly enjoyed this concert, or appreciated its importance, until this sessional MRS audio Remaster.
Elvis was in superb form and this set-list - along with the new MRS audio remaster - is truly sensational. Check out EIN's detailed review here
(CD Reviews;ElvisInformationNetwork)
2023 UK Tour - Elvis Presley + The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, tickets on sale this Friday: Elvis never toured the UK, in recent years the magic of technology has made that possible with a series of acclaimed shows.
Hot on the heels of this year's hit Elvis biopic comes a return of 'The Very Best of Elvis – In Concert, Live On Screen with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra'.
The unique concert experience is coming back to the UK in autumn 2023, taking in a number of arenas.
"The full-scale concert brings the King up close on screen alongside the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra live on stage performing the King of Rock and Roll’s most well-known 'rocking' songs and his tender, heart-wrenching ballads, with special guests to be announced in due course," said promoters.
'A show like no other, expect an overwhelmingly encapsulating and enthralling evening'
'These shows are a chance to both honour the legacy of an icon who has defined popular culture for over half a century, and for fans to see The King live, who never had the chance to before.'
The full Elvis with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra 2023 tour dates are as follows:
• 25 October – Glasgow OVO Hydro
• 26 October – Manchester AO Arena
• 27 October – Birmingham Resorts World Arena
• 28 October – Newcastle Utilita Arena
• 29 October – Leeds First Direct Arena
• 31 October – London The O2
• 1 November – Cardiff International Arena
Tickets available from Friday, Dec 2 from venues, or via ticketline.co.uk, bookingsdirect.com or ticketmaster.co.uk. (News, Source:MayerNissim, smoothradio.com/EIN)
'The Elvis RCA Camden Collection' EIN Spotlight:Most fans have had a love-hate relationship with Elvis' Camden collections. On one hand they are seen as an artistic misstep being released at a time when Elvis was back riding high on the charts saturating the market with a series of albums containing little-known songs. Yet on the other hand many younger fans used these budget collections as a way to enter the amazing world of Elvis’ vast back-catalogue.
The RCA Camdens featured the first release of an Elvis live recording, 19 previously unreleasedtracks and 58 tracks previously unreleased on an album. That is quite impressive even if Col Parker only had his increased revenue as the main goal.
Now updated with Readers' Feedback - Read this fascinating article and tell us YOUR THOUGHTSabout Elvis' Camden releases... EIN contributor Neil Colombari reveals all...
(Spotlight; Source;Neil Colombari/ElvisInfoNet)
(Book Review) Elvis Live At The International 50th Anniversary Edition (Kieran Davis): In 2011, Kieran Davis released the highly praised book, Elvis Live At The International. In 2022, he has published an expanded 50th Anniversary edition…and what an expansion it is!
The latest edition dwarfs the original with 432 pages compared to 172 in the original release.
And the added 250+ pages of additional material is stunning, making the 50th Anniversary release one of the best Elvis books published in 2022.
As its title reflects, the book covers Elvis' appearances at the International Hotel in Las Vegas between 1969 and 1971 (it was renamed the Las Vegas Hilton in July 1971). The narrative element is significantly based around fan, Peggy Elzea’s copious diaries, and a bumper array of archival material. Peggy’s experience seeing Elvis in Las Vegas is one every fan will envy. There is so much fascinating information and so many striking images in the book that it is hard to know where to start in describing it...
'ELVIS' DVD, BluRay, 4K OUT Now: Baz Luhrmann's 'ELVIS' movie now released as DVD, BluRay and 4K Blu Ray, out September 13.
The BluRay review includes,, The 1080p transfer offers a very crisp and faithful representation of Elvis' specific appearance. Cinematographer Mandy Walker reportedly shot the entire film .. with custom "Elvis" lenses made from special glass. Meant to evoke the era in which it represents this formula genuinely produces an image evocative of a classic cinematic appearance. With the addition of artificial film grain, the illusion is even more convincing. Still, this is ultimately a purely digital image through and through, and one with a varied color palette that ranges from dark and muted to almost candy-colored in its overall intensity, especially in some of the specific background elements by costume and production designer Catherine Martin. Bonus features include
- Bigger Than Life: The Story of Elvis (22:22) The challenges and joys of adapting Elvis' life for the big screen.
- Rock 'N Roll Royalty: The Music and Artists Behind ELVIS (7:33)
- Fit for a King: The Style of Elvis (8:02) - An overview of the iconic stage outfits and period clothing used in the film.
- Viva Australia: Recreating Iconic Locations for Elvis (7:26).
- "Trouble" Lyric Video (2:15).
- Musical Moments (19 clips, 46:19 total) All of the music segments. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet/Bluray.com)
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Don't miss out on one of EIN's most-viewed and controversial interviews of all-time - Mike Stone tells all.
EIN Interview with Mike Stone: Mike Stone has had a long and successful career in athletics, in the entertainment business, as an author, sports instructor, bodyguard and personal fitness trainer.
Mike Stone was also a key figure in the emotional roller-coaster that described Elvis and Priscilla Presley's lives in the seventies. In this exclusive EIN interview Priscilla's ex-partner, karate champion and author talks about his amazing life, including... - Meeting Elvis and Priscilla
- Hawaii, Elvis and Karate
- Being Phil Spector's bodyguard
- Sitting next to John Lennon recording
- Priscilla and karate
- Fans blaming him for Elvis' marriage split-up
- Elvis putting a "Hit" out on him
- Finding peace in the Philippines
- His new autobiography
UPDATED- The collapse of the Elvis Bootleg Empire: Has Ernst won the war?’: Back in 1999 Ernst Jorgensen and Roger Semon convinced BMG to let them start the FTD collectors label in order to counteract the Elvis bootleg companies which had been selling unreleased material to fans since the very first vinyl bootleg 'Please Release Me' was issued back in 1970.
Of all the bootleg labels that have come and gone the 'Madison' label was one of the very few that always produced high-quality releases and which happened to start at the same time as FTD. The designs were top-notch and with detailed sleeve notes they easily competed with the legal Elvis releases.
In 2021 ‘Madison’ have returned with the new bootleg ‘A Legendary Performer Volume 9’ but all is not what was promised. The Elvis bootleg vaults are empty and FTD appears to have won the game. Go here as EIN’s Piers Beagley checks out the lack of new material and considers the bootleg era at an end... And EIN wants YOUR SAY -Our article is now updated with YOUR FEEDBACK - and more... (Spotlight; Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Don't forget that EIN's Elvis Facebook page regularly features fabulous RARE newly discovered photos of Elvis. This month EIN celebrates our 45,000 members! - including several of Elvis' own friends and colleagues So Elvis fans don't miss out on these rare and exciting photographs.
Now with over thousands of great photos, News and with more added every day – including YouTube footage.
Elvis "BACK ON DVD!": Paramount have re-released three classic Elvis movies this month on DVD. 'G.I. Blues'- BACK ON DVD! The year was 1960... 'Girls! Girls! Girls!' - BACK ON DVD! The year was 1962... 'Paradise, Hawaiian Style'- BACK ON DVD! The year was 1966...
From Paramount Pictures.-
Release date: March 12, 2021.
From Amazon for $14.99. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
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‘From Elvis in Nashville’ Box-set EIN In-Depth Review:
A 4CD collection presenting the definitive chronicle of Elvis' 1970 marathon sessions with the "Nashville Cats".
Recorded live in RCA's Studio B over the course of an epic five day run in June 1970 now, for the first time, the sessions are presented in pristine audio, newly mixed by acclaimed engineer Matt Ross-Spang without the added overdubs appearing on earlier releases.
Elvis’ 1970 Nashville session was very different from the previous Memphis sessions or even Elvis’ later sessions. Nashville was a real mix of Elvis recording RCA supplied demos along with one-take spontaneous favourites Elvis threw into the mix.
As Elvis noted, "It don't take much to get these guys going, boy, I'll tell you…. Just give them a "well..." and they're gone. That's what I call 'Sittin' on ready". EIN's Piers Beagley explores this new box-set to discover one of the best Elvis releases in years..
(CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
US CD box-set
US Vinyl
UK CD box-set
UK Vinyl
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‘TTWII 50th Anniversary Collectors Edition’ FTD Book Review: FTD's most expensive set ever published, David English and Pal Granlund bring the complete background story of 'Elvis: That's The Way It Is'. Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the movie's 1970 release, this ultimate collector's edition includes two hardback books, eight cds with over 450 minutes of music,
including newly discovered unreleased performances.
With access to 2,000 original negatives and 35mm slides, restored and repaired, many of which have never been seen before, the book also contains items from the MGM and RCA archives including paperwork, documents, memos and recording information.
Two books, 600 pages, plus all the MGM recorded rehearsals - including 70 tracks officially unreleased.
FTD's most expensive set but with the vast majority of the rehearsals already out on bootleg, can it really be worth the US$270 plus postage. Initially Sold Out and already into its first reprint what makes it so desirable? EIN's Piers Beagley investigates and discovers plenty .. Go here to our 6000 word review including plenty of extracts and stunning images. (FTD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Amazon Deals on ELVIS Blu-rays - Beware of excessive prices at some Elvis dealers.
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'ELVIS In The 2010s' A Personal Review of the Past Decade: Rather like Elvis’s own career, each decade since Elvis’s death appears to have had a theme or identity of its own. Clearly the late 1970s were difficult for RCA as they struggled to find the right direction with which to take their posthumous releases, and so it was the 1980s that was the decade when the company slowly but surely learned how to look back at Elvis's legacy and start to make some sense of it.
The 1990s were when that reached a peak, with the decades boxed sets, and the Elvis in the 90s series, thus bringing virtually the whole catalogue back into print in a coherent way.
The 2000s were when errors of judgement at retail level started to occur (despite huge successes like Elv1s), but also when FTD came into its own and flourished. And so what will we make of Elvis releases of the 2010s when we look back on them from the future? Go here for EIN contributor Shane Brown's personal take on the highs and lows of Elvis product that has come our way over the last decade....
(Spotlight, Source;ShaneBrown/ElvisInformationNetwork)
Elvis LIVE Aug 23, 1969 Album Review + Elvis Concert Review 1969: ..."The atmosphere throughout the entire hotel was nail-bitingly electric! It is difficult for me to describe and paint a true portrait of attending in person this unique occasion - Elvis' Return to Splendor LIVE in 1969 - but I'll try my best. I want, and hope, you will understand the excitement of what has to be the pinnacle of Elvis' career to date!" Joan Gansky was lucky because not only was she in the audience for Elvis' TV musical renaissance of the '68 NBC Special but she also saw Elvis at his most dynamic - first at his August 22nd 1969 Midnight Show and then the following night at his August 23rd Dinner Show. Joan Gansky has written this insightful and emotional article for EIN in 2019, fifty years later, looking back at this special event from 1969 as well as providing her review of the new RCA vinyl album of the August 23rd Dinner Show. One of EIN's most important articles we have ever published- Go here for Joan and Paul Gansky's incredible articles and exclusive photos
(Review/Spotlight, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'What was Elvis searching for?' EIN Spotlight: The question is raised – but never answered – in the title of HBO’s recent absorbing, imperfect documentary 'Elvis Presley: The Searcher'.
At the start it seems clear what the teenage Elvis was searching for – an escape from the oblivion of poverty in the American South. Yet his quest was cultural as well as financial.
Later Elvis read obsessively, seeking out such books as The Impersonal Life, Joseph Brenner’s guide to self-discovery and Kahil Gibran’s book of fables, The Prophet. In his copy of Gibran’s tome, Elvis jotted down the line: “A singer can sing his songs but he must have an ear to receive the song”.
So what exactly was Elvis searching for? In this fascinating EIN Spotlight respected author Paul Simpson takes a close look at this all important question which, for some reason, was basically ignored in the recent HBO documentary..
Mindi Miller Interview with EIN: Mindi Miller was a working actress when she met Elvis in early 1975. She was interested in karate (she performed all her own movie stunts), exploring spirituality and the Bible and so they had a lot in common. Mindi Miller and Elvis bonded over their common interests and soon afterwards he asked her to go on tour with him in April 1975.
She stayed friends with Elvis through the years - along with members of the 'Memphis Mafia' - and attended his funeral.
EIN's Sanja Meegin recently caught up with Mindi Miller to talk about her close friendship with Elvis over the years.
In this fascinating interview she discusses. . . - Her first night with Elvis
- How Elvis persuaded her to cancel her overseas movie & modelling plans
- Their mutual interest in Karate
- Graceland and meeting Lisa Marie
- Attending Elvis' funeral . . . and much much more... Go here for EIN's Sanja Meegin and her intimate and detailed discussion with the delightful Mindi Miller - Now with Reader Feedback.
Official Elvis CD Box-sets at bargain prices through Amazon UK
'Marty Lacker: A Life Well-Lived' & Elvis at American Studio's Interview: It was with immense sadness that last month EIN had to report on the death of our great friend - and a true friend to Elvis - Marty Lacker. We will miss him dearly. Marty is well-known as one of the key members of the Memphis Mafia and also co-Best Man at Elvis' wedding. He was known for both his honesty and being forthright with his opinions. He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia who still watched and commented on recent Elvis News. He had no issue with holding people to account (especially ones who would inflate their importance within Elvis' legacy) and would regularly ask EIN to add his comments or to correct any inaccuracy. Elvis fans often ask about Marty Lacker's background, how he came to meet Elvis, as well as his involvement in the music industry outside of working for The King.
As a prelude to Ken Sharp's fascinating interview with Marty Lacker and a discussion about Elvis' famous American Studio' Memphis sessions, EIN presents "Marty Lacker: a life well-lived" in which Marty tells of his life in the music industry, his friendship with Elvis along with his dislike of the over-controlling Col Parker. Go here to learn all you need to know about Marty Lacker as well as Elvis outstanding Memphis American Sound sessions in 1969. (Spotlight; Source,KenSharp/ElvisInformationNetwork)
'The World of FTD' In-Depth Review: The new deluxe book 'The World Of FTD' has been received by some lucky fans and Elvis collector Mike Lodge has provided EIN with a very detailed review - of well over 3 thousand words! The book was authored and designed by Keith Flynn with input from a large number of other Elvis specialists including EIN's Piers Beagley, EM&HM's Trevor Cajiao, Geoffrey McDonnell, Gordon Minto and many others. It is 1,200 pages, hardbound three book set, chronicling every release by FTD.The book also features 100s of high-quality photos from the collection Erik Lorentzen
KJ Consulting are proud to publish this Box Set which weighs 8 kilos.
Paul Dowling EIN Interview Part Three: Paul Dowling is without doubt one of the major names in the Elvis World. He started collecting and selling Elvis vinyl over 40 years ago and has one of the world's largest Elvis Presley record collections. He started his "WorldWide Elvis" shop back in the seventies, way before the internet, where fans could get hold of rare Elvis records and memorabilia.
With such a fascination with Elvis, Dowling not only became a big name in the early years of Elvis bootlegs but later became friends with Ernst Jorgensen and helped RCA with various official releases.
In the final part of our fascinating interview Paul Dowling discusses .... - Dodging the FBI agents that were sent after him
- Unreleased Elvis material that still hasn’t come out
- Why does Ernst Jorgensen doubt this claims
- His BMG project 'For The First Time Ever' - what happened
- The true story of obtaining the Million Dollar Quartet tape
- His thoughts on Paul Lichter, Sean Saver, Sherif Hanna, Rex Martin
- Spending time with Alan Fortas
- Jim Curtin, newly added story
'Ultimate Elvis' New Electronic Edition: Announced by Elvis sessions expert Keith Flynn for publication November 1 is the brand new concept of the 1750 page super-deluxe Elvis sessions book 'Ultimate Elvis' Electronic Edition.
This incredible three volume book will now be available as an e-book on an i-pad or android tablet. - Created in HTML5
Fully updated e-books will open in any web browser on any operating system, so no need for separate downloads for different operating systems. - Life-Like 'Flipping' Pages
Flip through pages as if you are reading an actual book, but also being able to zoom-in to view smaller images and captions.
- View as Double or Single pages
View as double pages on a computer or laptop etc, and single pages when viewing in portrait on an i-pad or Android tablet. - Fully Navigational Table Of Contents
Jump back and forth to the sections of the books you want to read, instead of flipping through numerous pages to find what you want. PRICED AT - all 3 Volumes for £60 = US$93
On sale from November 1st 2015. Try Before You Buy -
Download free zip-file containing 27 pages from Volume 1, before you decide to buy the complete set. -
NOTE - These books are MASSIVE so you will need approximately 1GB of spare disc space for these three volumes, -
Click HERE to Keith Flynn's 'Ultimate Elvis' Electronic Edition to try.
Go HERE to EIN's independent review of 'Ultimate Elvis' (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Did Elvis Record 'Tiger Man' At Sun?: A question that has puzzled Elvis fans through the years is whether he actually recorded the song ‘Tiger Man’ during his years at SUN studios.
The basic question is why did Elvis refer to 'Tiger man' several times in concert as “The second song that I ever recorded, not too many people heard it”?
And if Elvis DID record it, then why hasn’t any reference to it at SUN or proof of its existence been found?
Elvis would first perform ‘Tiger Man’ in concert at his first 1969 Las Vegas International season and would continue playing it through the years – usually in a medley with Mystery Train - until his last performance at Saginaw on May 3 1977. He would sing it over 150 times on stage! The thought that there might be an acetate or undiscovered tape of Elvis at SUN singing ‘Tiger Man’ is a mouth-watering concept - but is it an unlikely fantasy or strong possibility?
Go here to our detailed 'TIGER MAN' spotlight as EIN's Piers Beagley puts in the hard yards to check the facts from the fantasy . (Spotlight; Source;ElvisInfoNetwork)
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Elvis Presley, Elvis and Graceland are trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises.
The Elvis Information Network has been running since 1986 and is an EPE officially recognised Elvis fan club.
EIN is a not-for-profit Elvis Fan Club website posting daily news and informative articles for Elvis Presley's legion of fans.
EIN tries to credit all news sources, as well as link to the original articles if excerpts are used.
If you believe we have used copyrighted material please contact us and we will remove it immediately.
EIN also has a local Australian national Elvis Fan Club for paid up members featuring quarterly newsletters along with free EIN members cds plus an annual EIN Elvis Mega Quiz with special prizes.
The printed newsletters have extra content, articles and reviews to this website along with the popular Elvis EIN Mega Quiz.
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