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Welcome to the "Elvis Information Network", home to the best news, reviews, interviews, Elvis photos & in-depth articles about the King of Rock & Roll, Elvis Aaron Presley...
The latest on www.ElvisInfoNet.com:
| Thursday 28 September 2017 |
'The Wonder Of You' Australia Encore 2018 ON SALE NOW: Back By Popular Demand - Australian ELVIS fans will have a chance that many have never had before - to experience the man who changed the course of popular music in THREE SPECIAL ENCORE SHOWS in April 2018, including new venue in Newcastle, NSW. The Official show, direct from Graceland with ELVIS live on screen, with a full 40 piece Orchestra on stage.
Elvis will beam down from 'state of the art' video screens to give fans the closest possible experience to seeing The King "ELVIS" perform live.
After the sellout success of the Wonder of You concert series this year, the King of Rock ‘n Roll is back in Australia due to overwhelming public demand. Direct from Graceland Elvis Encore Shows 2018 will see the King performing on state-of-the-art screens where audiences can enjoy the passion and excitement of this charismatic rock ‘n roll icon.
Elvis Encore Shows 2018 will feature the 40-piece Chong Lim symphony orchestra live on stage performing the King’s most well-known songs and ballads. Experience the enchantment and wonder of Elvis – the highest selling solo artist in history – whose musical genius helped to inform and shape a generation of fans and performers.
CLICK HERE to Ticketek Australia for tickets
(News, Source;RCM/ElvisInfoNet) |
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Chasing Bernstein - Giving Elvis His Due: One of the most famous quotes about Elvis was made by distinguished American composer and conductor, Leonard Bernstein. While Bernstein’s observation that Elvis “is the greatest cultural force in the twentieth century” is widely reported, it is usually not sourced beyond Bernstein’s name.
EIN decided to investigate where and when Bernstein made his famous statement. While our investigations led to a number of dead ends, the following passage in Pulitzer Prize winner David Halberstam’s riveting account of the 1950’s, appropriately called the Fifties, gave much needed clarity to the origin of Bernstein’s words. |
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In chapter 31 of his 1993 New York Times bestseller, Halberstam discusses the events that signified the break between the older, more staid America and the new, fast-paced America. The first of these was around segregation and the second was Elvis Presley. Halberstam wrote:
In cultural terms, his coming was nothing less than the start of a revolution. Once, in the late sixties, Leonard Bernstein, the distinguished American composer and conductor, turned to a friend of his named Dick Clurman, an editor at Time magazine. They were by chance discussing political and social trends. "Elvis Presley," said Bernstein, "is the greatest cultural force in the twentieth century."
Clurman thought of the sultry-faced young man from the South in tight clothes and an excessive haircut who wiggled his body while he sang about hound dogs. Bernstein’s statement seemed a bit much. “What about Picasso?” he began, trying at the same time to think of other major cultural forces of the century. “No,” Bernstein insisted, and Clurman could tell he was deadly serious, “it’s Elvis. He introduced the beat to everything and he changed everything–music, language, clothes, it’s a whole new social revolution–the Sixties came from it. Because of him a man like me barely knows his musical grammar anymore.”
Or, as John Lennon, one of Elvis’s admirers, once said, “Before Elvis there was nothing.”
If he was revolutionary, then he was an accidental one, an innately talented young man who arrived at the right place at the right time. He had no political interests at all, and through his music symbolized the coming together of black and white cultures into the mainstream in a way that had never happened before…
More recently, coinciding with Elvis Week 2017 (and the fortieth anniversary of Elvis’ passing) Time.com published an excellent article by Jon Meacham, Elvis In the Heart of America, which included the Bernstein-Clurman discussion.
References: (i) the Fifties, David Halberstam, Villard Books, 1993, ASIN: B00RWS8UDW; (ii) Time.com Article originally published by EIN in 2002 |
Recent eBay Elvis sale price bucks well and truly downward trend: One of the most sought after Elvis albums is the original Elvis’ Christmas Album (LOC 1035) which was released in New Zealand in 1957.
Interest in the scarce album is due to its fantastic color cover with Elvis’ image hovering above a wintery, festive scene.
In recent years it has appeared on ebay once or twice a year and sold for prices between US$125 and US$250 with sale prices generally declining with each sale since 2015.
However, earlier this month a copy of the album in VG+/VG+ condition sold for a whopping US$500 (A$628)!
The album attracted 31 bids from 10 individual bidders. |
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Meanwhile, the downward trend in sale prices for Elvis bootleg vinyl and collector’s plates continues. Copies of The Legend Lives On (which once regularly sold for over $100) have recently struggled to achieve a $50 sale price while even the once most desired collector’s plate, Elvis at the Grates of Graceland, which used to sell for over $100, is failing to sell at even US$10 on eBay.
There are currently 100 Elvis collector’s plates listed on eBay ranging in price from $9.95 to $165 (plate set). Many are being offered at ‘Buy It Now’ prices way below their original sale price and most are unlikely to sell anytime soon.
With literally thousands of collectible Elvis items for sale, younger fans not particularly interested in Elvis memorabilia and most older fans no longer interested in adding to their collections (many in fact are those selling on eBay!), it will become increasingly harder to sell general items for their original purchase price let alone make a profit. The market place has changed dramatically.
EIN remembers how around the 10th anniversary of Elvis’ death in 1987 fans were clamouring to buy whatever they could but at that time few fans/collectors wanted to sell. Today the reverse is true - which confirms the old adage, "timing is everything!"
The exceptions are of course the truly collectible items such as original Sun singles, early and ultra-rare RCA releases and items owned or worn by Elvis – these will continue to be bought and sold at impressive prices. (News, Source: EIN/eBay) |
Shure announce the release of the Pitch Black Super 55 Deluxe ‘Elvis’ Mic: A sleek black version of the iconic Super 55 Deluxe microphone. Like the original Super 55 Deluxe, ‘Elvis’ is primarily designed for vocals with a supercardioid cartridge and 60 Hz to 17 kHz frequency response range. Boasting a new matte black finish with complimentary foam, the mike also comes complete with an integrated swivel mount.
Described by Shure itself as 'a modern take on our classic design', ‘Elvis’ will be available in limited quantities.
Named after one of the iconic pop legends that cemented the status of Shure’s original Model 55 Unidyne mic in the 1950s, the Pitch Black Super 55 Deluxe 'Elvis' represents an ode to the history, success and legacy of Shure’s equipment. Introduced to the world in 1939, the popularity of the Shure Model 55 Unidyne mic has seen it updated and reissued by the company many times since. Shure is distributed in Australia via Jands.
(News, Source: Jacob Colliver, MixedDownMag) |
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Elvis' Own Personal Drug War: The Mises Institute (a school of individual freedom, honest history, and international peace) has posted the following article about Elvis.
... When Elvis Presley died in 1977 from drug abuse, he was an official, badge-carrying federal agent for the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, an honorary appointment granted by President Richard Nixon.
To say that Elvis Presley had a respect for law enforcement is to drastically understate his enthusiasm. In another life, he would have liked to have been a police officer, and he was obsessed with collecting police badges and uniforms. |
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When he would perform shows around the country, he always made an effort to obtain a badge from the local police force, sometimes by using his celebrity status and other times by donating money to police functions. In some cases, he would offer a $5,000 donation to a police ball in order to procure a badge. He was also known to give expensive cars to local sheriffs, including Sherriff Bill Morris of Memphis who gratefully deputized Presley after receiving a gift of a Mercedes-Benz.
His generosity was so lavishly offered to members of the Denver police that it actually brought about suspicions of graft and corruption after the King’s death. Along with Cadillacs and Lincoln luxury cars, he paid for officers to take high-class vacations and gifted them with pricey jewelry. He purchased his own Denver police uniform and was made an honorary captain of the Denver Police Force. He would have been a police officer, Elvis once confided, but “God blessed him with a voice.”
Elvis Becomes a Drug Warrior- In 1970, California senator George Murphy promised to get Elvis a meeting with FBI director J. Edgar Hoover and Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (BNDD) director John Ingersoll. In both cases, Elvis was hoping that a generous private donation would be enough to buy him a federal badge from each of these departments.
Elvis never did get to meet Hoover, he spoke instead to the number-two man of the Bureau, Deputy Director John Finlator. The deputy director was not swayed by Elvis’s fame or money and informed him that his department could neither accept donations nor issue honorary badges. Elvis’s offer was spurned.
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Undeterred, Elvis penned a hand-written letter to President Nixon. In the letter, Elvis expressed his concerns for the “drug culture, the hippie elements, the SDS [Students for a Democratic Society], Black Panthers, etc.” Offering his services as a celebrity communicator to the president, Elvis went on to say, “I can and will do more good if I were made a Federal Agent at Large.”
To help the president wage his war against the drug users, the hippies, and the communists, Elvis said, “all I need is the Federal credentials.”
On December 21, 1970, President Nixon agreed to meet the King. In full form, according to an interview given by Egil Krogh, Nixon’s aide who received Elvis, he arrived “in a purple jumpsuit and a white shirt open to the navel with a big gold chain and thick-rimmed sunglasses.” The meeting with the president got off to an awkward start, with Elvis complaining to Nixon about the difficulties of performing in Las Vegas and expressing his anger for The Beatles.
Finally, Elvis revealed his agenda. “Mr. President,” he said, “can you get me a badge from the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs?”
This is what Egil Krogh was worried about. He knew that Elvis had already been turned away by the BNDD on this exact matter. Nixon turned to Krogh, calling him by his nickname: “Bud, can we get him a badge?”
“Well, Mr. President,” Krogh answered, “if you want to get him a badge, we can do that.”
Nixon gave the order to get the King a badge, which elated Elvis so much that he crossed to the other side of the desk and gave the president a bear hug. Elvis then had his body guards bring in the gifts he had brought with him, which he lavished on the president and his aides, including jewelry for their wives. Before leaving, Nixon and Elvis posed for one of the most famous photographs ever taken in the Oval Office.
Elvis was now a badge-carrying drug warrior, and he carried his badge with him for the rest of his life, until he died seven years later from a drug overdose.
(EIN Note: The discussion regarding Prescription Drugs v Illegal drugs is totally lacking which is disappointing in a supposedly informed article)
Go here to 'Mises University alumnus' for the original article
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
'Elvis Presley's The 50 Greatest Hits' VINYL 3-LP set: 'Elvis Presley's The 50 Greatest Hits' is the brand new 3-LP set released last week in Australia.
Described as "an incredible collection of Elvis' hits highlight his astonishing career.
From the poor streets of Tupelo to world domination via some of the biggest songs ever released, Elvis became the first really global star.
The 50 songs on The 50 Greatest Hits include all the classics, from his first recording at Sam Phillips' Sun Studios, "That's All Right (Mama)", through his hits including "All Shook Up", "Viva Las Vegas", "Jailhouse Rock" and "Can't Help Falling in Love", through to one of his last hits "Suspicious Minds". The album also includes songs taken from Elvis' film soundtracks including "Return to Sender", "Hard Headed Woman" and "King Creole".
Heavyweight triple LP package on 180gm audiophile vinyl, completed with a stylish black & white info sheet."
Available in Australian JBHiFi stores for only AU$80 - AUSTRALIANS click here to JBHiFi to purchase on-line
The same 'The 50 Greatest Hits' VINYL 3-LP set was released in the UK back in 2010 and is still available for £44.79 with FREE Delivery in the UK. >>>
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
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More new Elvis Vinyl!
The new Elvis / RPO "Christmas" album is one of the biggest charting vinyl albums this week on pre-order. Selling in the UK with guaranteed price of £20.70 with FREE Delivery in the UK. -
Release date 6 Oct, 2017
Meanwhile 'A Boy From Tupelo: The Sun Masters' VINYL is also selling nicely in the UK at £19.99 on Amazon UK.
Who thought that vinyl would fade away!? SONY Australia will open a brand new vinyl factory next year in 2018!
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
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Welsh Elvis festival attracts 35,000 fans: This weekend about 35,000 Elvis fans have descended on Porthcawl for the Welsh largest festival celebrating the king of rock'n'roll.
Some festival-goers took part in a six-day charity walk along the Wales Coast Path ahead of the event.
Fears about if it would go ahead were allayed as traders had worried they may not have been able to sell anything.
This year's Porthcawl Elvis festival sees Elvis impersonators having their faces scanned by police in a bid to catch troublemakers and criminals.
South Wales Police is using facial recognition technology to seek out wanted criminals and known troublemakers.
EIN points out that facial recognition could be tricky if you check out the look of the visitors!
A new addition to this year's line-up was a Welsh-language day entitled Diwrnod I'r Brenin (Day Fit for a King) held on Thursday.
Other activities include the Best Elvis competition and a fringe festival hosted by 20 additional venues around Porthcawl.
Research estimates that the Porthcawl Elvis Festival generates £6.7m for the local economy.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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Graceland Abandons 6,200-seat Arena plan: EPE have abandoned their new proposal for their new 6,200-seat Arena - see EIN news item below- due to objections from the Memphis Grizzlies.
“At the time that we started this discussion I made sure everyone was aware of the fact that the Memphis Grizzlies in their use agreement for the FedExForum have a noncompete and non-participation agreement. The Grizzlies have raised an objection and in order to be good corporate citizens of Memphis my client has agreed to alter the proposal,” attorney James McLaren told the Economic Development Growth Engine of Memphis and Shelby County.
Graceland has used public incentives over the past three years to build a luxury hotel and a new visitor attraction, Elvis Presley’s Memphis. It recently asked the EDGE board to sweeten one of its incentives to cover the addition of a 50,000 to 75,000 square foot events center at a cost of $40 million to $50 million.
A lawyer for EPE told economic development officials that the new EPE plan is for a multipurpose facility with no permanent seating, limited to 3,500 spectators and events produced by Graceland and affiliates.
The center could provide a larger space for the kind of entertainment productions that EPE has in the pipeline.
Graceland last week announced the first-ever on-campus holiday concerts in December productions at the Graceland Soundstage, a 1,700-seat venue at Elvis Presley’s Memphis, will include “An Elvis Gospel Christmas – Live at Graceland” and “Elvis Live in Concert – with an All-Star Band.”
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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| Thursday 21 September 2017 |
New FTD October Releases: FTD is pleased to announce three new releases for October 2017.
- 'Elvis: The Last Movies' Classic Soundtrack Album.
Finally, Elvis’ last soundtrack recordings are brought together in a cohesive release that works as a companion set for the FTD 7” Classic Album series. “The Last Movies” contains outtakes and an informative illustrated 16-page booklet with rare memorabilia and photos.
Tracklist: 1. Change Of Habit 2. Rubberneckin’ 3. Let’s Be Friends 4. Have A Happy 5. Let Us Pray 6. Clean Up Your Own Back Yard 7. Almost 8. Charro 9. Let’s Forget About The Stars 10. Let’s Forget About The Stars (rough mix)* 11. Charro (rough mix)* 12. Clean Up Your Own Back Yard (undubbed master) 13. Almost (undubbed master) 14. Swing Down Sweet Chariot (movie version) 15. Swing Down Sweet Chariot (female vocals and brass overdub) 16. Signs Of The Zodiac (duet with Marlyn Mason) 17. College Songs Medley (Far Above Cayuga’s Waters* / Boola Boola* / Dartmouth’s In Town Again* / The Eyes Of Texas* / On, Wisconsin* / The Whiffenpoof Song / Fair Harvard* / Notre Dame* / Violet) 18. Almost (takes 1-3*) 19. Almost (takes 4* & 6) 20. Almost (takes 10*-11) 21. Almost (take 13*) 22. Almost (takes 14-16*) 23. Almost (takes 22-25*) 24. Almost (takes 27-28*) 25. Almost (take 29*) 26. Let Us Pray (alternate vocal overdub) 27. Let Us Pray (M/vocal only) * Previously unreleased
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- 'ELVIS: Lake Tahoe ‘74' Following on from the recent (”Las Vegas ’74” and ”Elvis In Atlanta”, releases, FTD’s 'ELVIS: Lake Tahoe ‘74' features another value-for-money double pack with two Dinner Shows from May 25 and May 26 1974.
This a 2-CD 5” digipack release.
FTD have previously released 'High Sierra' from May 21, 1974, Midnight Show (see review here)
While 'Spanish Eyes' is a popular bootleg of May 24, 1974, Midnight Show.
The setlist at Lake Tahoe was fine, the May 25, 1974 Dinner Show has been out as an audience recording while the May 26, 1974 Dinner Show is unreleased.
EIN contributor Ciscoking notes that "In May 26 Dinner Show Elvis introduced 'The Jackson 5', Lisa Marie was there, too ... very fateful."
Tracklist: Disc 1 May 25, 1974 – Dinner show
1 See See Rider 2 I Got A Woman / Amen 3 Love Me 4 Trying To Get To You 5 All Shook Up 6 Love Me Tender 7 You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me 8 Johnny B. Goode 9 Hound Dog |
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| 10 Fever 11 Polk Salad Annie 12 Why Me Lord 13 Suspicious Minds 14 Introductions 15 I Can’t Stop Loving You 16 Help Me 17 An American Trilogy 18 Let Me Be There 19 I’ll Remember You 20 Big Boss Man 21 Heartbreak Hotel 22 Can’t Help Falling In Love 23 Closing Vamp
All tracks recorded live at the High Sierra Room at the Sahara Tahoe Hotel, Stateline, Nevada
For full tracklistings go to 'FTD/ SONY CD News 2017'
- 'Roustabout' - VINYL 2-LP limited edition. Pre-release sales of FTD’s recent 'Roustabout' Classic Soundtrack Album exceeded all expectations reflecting the appeal of the original #1 album. The release of this limited edition 2-LP set will be no exception. It contains STEREO Remixes of the Soundtrack, outtakes and MONO masters.
Mastered at Abbey Road, London, the180 Gram discs feature reproductions of the original RARE RCA ‘Hollywood’ pressing plant LP labels.
Featuring all the tracks from the recent very fine CD release - go here for vinyl tracklisting
(News, Source;FTD/ElvisInfoNet) |
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Graceland's Archives Angie Marchese on BYU Radio: Graceland's Director of Archives, Angie Marchese will talk this Saturday on a new show on the world's most interesting museums and historical sites.
'Special Collections: Radio Tours to All the Cool Places' is a new hour-long program that is produced by BYUradio. It's heard nationwide on Sirius XM Radio, channel 143.
In the US the show airs on Saturdays at 4 pm Eastern; 1 pm Pacific
You can also listen to the show via our website at http://www.byuradio.org
You can also listen via free BYU Radio Android and Apple apps. Archived episodes are also available as podcasts.
Our debut episode featured The National Great Blacks In Wax Museum and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.
Our next broadcast episode on Saturday, September 23rd will feature Graceland and the Museum of Broken Relationships.
CLICK HERE to BYURadio for more info
(News, Source;BYU/ElvisInfoNet)
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'Elvis @ Argentina 1956-1962' New Book: Cutely promoted as "The Most Awaited Argentinean Elvis Book".
This new book by Carlos R. Ares shows the impact of Elvis in Argentina between 1956 and 1962, his influence on local artists, a complete discography and filmography, press clippings, records and films reviews, magazines, promotional material, RCA label copies and everything related to the aforementioned period in Argentina.
Hundreds of records, documents, posters, RCA label copies never before on print!!! Over 200 pages of ultra-rare Argentinean collectors ítems on display.
And there’s more!
Many years of work and research are showcased in Elvis @ Argentina 1956-1962 book.
For more info you can contact Carlos Ares by his e-mail address elvis.shop@gmail.com
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
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| Tuesday 19 September 2017 |
'A Boy From Tupelo' 2017 In-depth Review: Back in early 2012 Ernst Jorgensen published his definitive look at Elvis during his sensational and creative Sun Records period as a FTD deluxe book/CD package. It had been a project he had been working on for more than a decade.
Now in 2017, RCA/SONY has republished 'A Boy From Tupelo' in a cut-down format and at a price anyone can afford.
This is the story of Elvis Presley before he becomes world-famous, and how this amazing young man readies himself for stardom, achieving success on a level that no one could have dreamed possible.
It features all of Elvis' Sun recordings on 3 CDs plus Elvis LIVE, on the radio, and in concert in the best possible sound. The new release also includes a previously officially unreleased "I Forgot to Remember to Forget" from a 1955 Louisiana Hayride performance.
Our in-depth 3,000 word review provides a detailed look, with 14 example pages plus additional photos from the book.
Go here as EIN's Piers Beagley checks out this new slimline version released for the 'General Public'..
For fans who have asked, we also compare the 2012 'A Boy From Tupelo' Deluxe FTD to the new "Mainstream" release.
(Book/CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork) |
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'The Wonder Of You' Returns to Australia 2018: Back By Popular Demand - Australian ELVIS fans will have a chance that many have never had before - to experience the man who changed the course of popular music - The Official show, direct from Graceland with ELVIS live on screen, with a full 40 piece Orchestra on stage.
Elvis will beam down from 'state of the art' video screens to give fans the closest possible experience to seeing The King "ELVIS" perform live.
The audience will be totally immersed in the world of ELVIS and once again, be captivated by his repertoire of a record forty, Top Ten global hits.
Dates & ticket details coming soon..
Click here to RCM to subscribe for info and for the dates when announced.
(News, Source;RCM/ElvisInfoNet) |
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Incredibly rare 1956 Wooden"Elvis Jeans" Standee for sale: In 1956 Elvis Presley Enterprises licensed the sale of "Elvis Jeans". As part of the promotion for the popular Blue Ridge jeans was a life size 'Elvis standee' made out of wood (not carboard!!).
Dutch collector René Zeilstra is offering the incredibly historically rare and valuable standee for sale.
Interested collectors can contact René for more information at: zeilstra1689@hotmail.com
(News, Source: EIN) |
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Some of the better Elvis books released for the 40th anniverary:
Elvis and the Girl from Vienna (documentary) - Aussie fans can watch it now!: On 10 September, Australia's multicultural television broadcaster screened the new documentary, Elvis and the Girl from Vienna, which tells the story of Trude Forsher and her relationship with Elvis when she was Colonel Parker's office manager/personal secretary as Elvis broke nationally and internationally.
Australian fans can catch up on this very interesting one hour documentary on the SBS On Demand online streaming service. It is available until the second week of October.
Trude Forsher's diary notes of the period were released in book form as The "Love Me Tender" Years Diary. The book is an insider's behind the scenes account of what it was like as Presleymania unfolded and Elvis became a movie star (see Amazon order link opposite).
(News, Source: Bob Hayden/EIN) |
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(New book announced - Feb 2018 release) Counting Down Elvis: His 100 Finest Songs (Mark Duffett): Over the course of his career and since, Elvis Presley has sold over a billion records; his music has touched nearly every modern listeners. But few are book-length assessments of his music instead of his life. In Counting Down Elvis: His 100 Finest Songs, Mark Duffett urges us to put aside the misleading stereotypes and rumor-filled debates about mythical Elvis and listen once again to musical genius who emerged from the Memphis music scene.
As Duffett illustrates, Elvis Presley had a unique approach to music, one that was powerful and versatile. In a career stretching across more than two decades Presley changed the face of popular music by drawing together genres--from country and blues to contemporary folk to even opera--and then putting his unique stamp on them all. Counting Down Elvis: His 100 Best Songs explores the full range of Presley recordings, from his earliest number to his end-of-career (and even posthumous) hits, combing through gold record hits and unpolished gems to distill the best Presley had to offer his generation, his successors, and listeners today.
Amazon pre-orders now being accepted (with pre-order price guarantee)
EIN Note: This release has the potential to be a good one. The author is Senior Lecturer in Media and Cultural Studies at the University of Chester. (News, Source;Amazon,ElvisInfoNet). |
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Parkes Elvis Festival 2018 Program: Primp that pompadour, start swivelling those hips, and get ready to rock 'n' roll, the Australian Parkes Elvis Festival is back! From Wednesday Jan 10 to Sunday Jan 14, 2018, over 25,000 people will shake, rattle and roll into the small NSW country town of Parkes to celebrate the King of Rock 'n' Roll.
The 2018 Parkes Elvis Festival program is jam-packed including the headline Feature Concert Series, Elvis Gospel Service, Street Parade, non-stop free entertainment at the Cooke Park Main Stage, Miss Priscilla Dinner, competitions and plenty more!
Starting out at as a small get together between likeminded Elvis fans in 1993, the festival has grown today into an internationally renowned phenomenon endorsed by EPE.
This year's festival theme is the '68 Special, in celebration of 50 years since the king appeared on television in a special unplugged style performance that helped re-launch his. Expect plenty of pomade and loads of black leather.
Festival Director Cathy Treasure said, "The festival is back and bigger than ever, celebrating the 50-year anniversary of one of the truly great television moments in music history and Elvis' resurgence into the music industry. We have all your festival favourites and also for the first time two fantastic rail services to get you into Parkes in style."
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Tickets are on sale now to all events including the 2018 Feature Concert Series featuring multi-award winning UK Elvis tribute artist Ben Thompson for the first time in Australia. Ben will perform four high-energy shows at Parkes Leagues Club, showcasing the king's greatest hits.
A new train service, the Blue Suede Express, will join the Elvis Express this year, featuring luxury heritage passenger train the Blue Zephyr and plenty of onboard entertainment. The 2018 Miss Priscilla Dinner on January 11 will feature a special performance by Parkes' 2016 ETA winner Jack Gatto, and will see the crowning of the 2018 Miss Priscilla.
The 2018 Parkes Elvis Festival will see celebrated Elvis Tribute Artists converge for five days of incredible live music. Aussie ETAs Mark Andrew and Dean Vegas will return as well as "She is the King" Jacqueline Feilich.
The preliminary round of the international Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest also returns 2018.
For the first time you can purchase tickets online.
For info & tickets go here www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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'Christmas with Elvis and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra' Official Announcement: EIN posted the news 2 weeks ago now, finally, SONY has officially announced the new Elvis album with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra - will be released October 6 via RCA Records and Legacy Recordings.
The album brings together the legend’s yuletide performances from his 1957 Christmas Album and Elvis Sings the Wonderful World of Christmas from 1971, re-imagined with new arrangements performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
A deluxe edition of the album, containing four bonus tracks (new symphonic versions of material from Elvis’ Peace In The Valley EP) will follow shortly after November 24. The deluxe version features this cool red cover.
It's the third album of orchestral re-workings of tracks performed by Elvis, following 2016's The Wonder Of You and 2015's If I Can Dream, the latter of which has sold over 1.1 million copies. Both reached Number 1 on the Official Albums Chart.
If 'Christmas with Elvis' follows suit, his UK chart record of holding the most chart-toppers for a solo male artist will be further extended to 14.
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Priscilla Presley, executive producer, said, "I hope you’ll enjoy this new Christmas album. The songs chosen were songs that Elvis was particularly fond of and it seemed quite fitting to have the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra once again accompanying him at this very special time of year. I’m positive he would be smiling if this opportunity came up in his lifetime and that this album would definitely be in the making.”
Songs from Christmas with Elvis will feature in his upcoming UK tour this November, which runs between November 23 - 30.
This holiday season also marks the 60th anniversary of "Elvis' Christmas Album" the perennial classic that's become the top-selling holiday album of all-time.
Material from "Christmas with Elvis and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra" will be featured in this November’s Elvis In Concert U.K. tour, a six-date engagement occurring November 23-30 in Glasgow, Leeds, Newcastle, Birmingham, Manchester and London.
Tracklist:
1. Santa Claus Is Back In Town,
2. White Christmas,
3. Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)
4. Merry Christmas Baby,
5. Blue Christmas,
6. I’ll Be Home For Christmas,
7. Winter Wonderland,
8. Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me),
9. Silver Bells,
10. Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem,
11. O Come, All Ye Faithful,
12. The First Noel,
13. Silent Night
Deluxe edition tracks:
14. (There’ll Be) Peace In The Valley (For Me),
15. I Believe,
16. Take My Hand, Precious Lord,
17. It Is No Secret (What God Can Do)
(News, Source;SONY/ElvisInfoNet) |
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"Reconsider Baby: Elvis: A Listener's Guide" OUT NOW: Since Elvis' death in 1977, thousands of books have been written about Presley, but very few concentrate on the most important thing: the music.
Elvis made over 700 recordings during his life and this book examines all of them. Session by session, song by song, Reconsider Baby takes the reader on a journey from Elvis’s first recordings in 1953 through to his last performances in 1977. This significantly expanded and revised edition of 2014’s Elvis Presley: A Listener’s Guide also examines in detail how Elvis and his recordings and performances were discussed in newspapers, magazines, and trade publications from the 1950s through to the 1970s. The text draws on over 500 contemporary articles and reviews, telling for the first time the story of how Elvis and his career played out in the printed media, and often forcing us to question our understanding of how Elvis’ work was received at the time.
Go here to our recent interview with author Shane Brown
EIN will be reviewing his new book next week.
(Interviews, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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'Love Me Tender' in Colour: A very cool video has been posted on YouTube of Elvis singing 'Love Me Tender' live on the Ed Sullivan TV show from 1956 in Colour.
Of course it is colourised - and only the first part is colour with it coolly fading back to black and white - but it is a treat.
Click here to YouTube to watch.
Recommended
Thanks to 'ElvisInHD'
(News, Source;SM/ElvisInfoNet)
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Lawsuit Against EPE for Elvis fan who died of Legionnaires: A Kentucky woman who was among nine people sickened by Legionnaires' disease after staying at the Graceland Guest House later died as a result of the ailment, an autopsy report confirmed.
Linda Gail Godsey (shown sitting) 62, a resident of Breathitt County, died on June 21, just days after she and three family members returned from a visit to the Guest House at Graceland located just north of Elvis Presley's famed home.
An autopsy report completed late last month and filed with the Kentucky State Medical Examiner's Office lists "Legionnaires' disease as the immediate cause of death, although earlier medical problems suffered by Godsey were "contributory."
Godsey's family has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the Guest House, EPE, owner of the hotel. |
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Shelby County Health Department spokeswoman Angela Moore said Tuesday that privacy regulations prevented her from confirming Godsey's death or any details about her illness.
The $92 million, 450-room Guest House at 3600 Elvis Presley Boulevard, immediately north of the late singer's famed home, opened last October.
Department officials announced the outbreak in June and said it appeared to be linked to the hot tub and pool at the hotel, which opened last October.
The nine people sickened all stayed at the Guest House between May 15 and June 26.
"In my opinion ... there was clear negligence in the failure to properly regulate the hot tub and allowing the very virulent bacteria to grow in the tub," Savage said.
The suit seeks unspecified monetary damages.
(News, Source;NP/ElvisInfoNet) |
EPE's New Whitehaven Arena: Graceland plans to go to the Economic Development Growth Engine (EDGE) in the next week seeking a bigger percentage of the city and county property tax revenue from its 120-acre campus for a $50 million arena in Whitehaven.
Joel Weinshanker, the managing partner of Graceland Holdings, put in an appearance before Shelby County commissioners to talk about the third act of an expansion of Graceland's campus that began last year.
He says the plan for the Whitehaven arena with 5,000 to 6,000 seats isn't to compete with any venue in Memphis and Shelby County.
The arena, which is to open in 2019, is the latest EPE expansion on the 120 acres it owns in Whitehaven.
It follows the construction of the $90 million, 450-room Guest House at Graceland and the $45 million entertainment complex known as Elvis Presley's Memphis, which features the largest Elvis Presley museum in the world. The resort opened in October, the complex in March.
Graceland is seeking a higher percentage of the property tax increment it currently draws from the 20-year tax increment financing, or TIF, zone that is limited to the Graceland campus - specifically the 120 acres owned by EPE.
Weinshanker talked about the arena as being a staging point for Memphis-based productions that would then go on tour around the world from the arena and use Memphis musicians and other local talent.
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He said that would start with a gospel music touring show Graceland is creating with Sony to include an Elvis gospel tribute, with the stage show being the first production at the event center.
Weinshanker never specifically mentioned FedExForum when he talked about competition.
"If we are going to be taking events away from anyone, it will be in Mississippi."
Weinshanker specifically mentioned Landers Center, the 10,000-seat arena in Southaven that has benefited from the gap in Memphis indoor venues between the 2,300 seats in The Orpheum Theatre and the nearly 20,000-seat FedExForum.
Graceland initially considered booking its annual August Elvis tribute at Landers Center but decided to bite the bullet and lose a substantial amount of money because "we are Memphis proud."
The arena portion of the Whitehaven event center would constitute 60 percent of the space in the new building with the rest being retail and some exhibits, McLaren said. And he told commissioners the cost of the project would be closer to $50 million than $40 million.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
'Money Honey' - EIN Spotlight: Released as the final track on Elvis' dynamic first album, Jesse Stone's 'Money Honey' has always been noted as a classic Elvis recording.
“You know the landlord ring my front door bell” has to be one of the most memorable entrances Elvis ever made into a song.
Elvis' take on Money Honey is unique, unforgettable and unalloyed genius. It is also an object lesson in what you might call the misunderestimation of Elvis.
With Bill Black on bass, Scotty Moore on lead guitar, D.J. Fontana on drums and Floyd Cramer at his sharpest on piano, Elvis’s Money Honey rocks hard.
In this EIN Spotlight respected author Paul Simpson takes a close look at this classic track from Elvis' first album ...
(Spotlight, Source;PSimpson/ElvisInformationNetwork) |
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DJ Red Robinson Retires: Elvis Presley was in Vancouver 60 years ago on August 31 and DJ Red Robinson remembers it well.
The local radio DJ met “The King” at old Empire Stadium, once located on the PNE grounds.
“Vancouver was one of only three cities Elvis played outside the United States, and the show was the last performance he ever gave outside the U.S.
Vancouver’s first rock-and-roll show had taken place barely a year before, when Bill Haley and the Comets drew 6,000 people to the Kerrisdale Arena.
Now Elvis had drawn a crowd over four times larger. This was the first celebrity to ever rent stadiums and he could do it because he was a giant, even then.
He had completed two movies, had great success with his recordings up to that time going to the top of the charts and his appearances on the Milton Berle, Ed Sullivan, and Steve Allen TV shows were ratings monsters. He was a true sensation. I have always stated that this was his biggest show of that tour but to hear Elvis himself say that it was is the icing on the cake.
Robinson says that Elvis was the most impressive artist he has ever met, "I had such a great relationship with him," he admits. Robinson shares the story of when Presley played a practical joke on him in the change room before a show at Vancouver's Empire Stadium that had him locked up in cuffs.
But on Sunday August 27, Robinson said goodbye to the radio biz during a special four-hour show on the CISL 650 “oldies” station that has employed him in recent years.
The station will switch to an all-sports format next week, prompting Robinson’s departure.
Although Robinson is retiring from the radio biz, he promises to continue to entertain at RedRobinson.com and other online channels.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
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'Sensational Opening Night' New Import: Out soon from the E. P. Collector label is the Audience Recording - "A Sensational Opening Night" - From Japan With Love Vol. 4.
Recorded live from the audience in Las Vegas, August 4th, 1972, Opening show, this CD is subtitled "From Japan With Love Vol. 4" because it was recorded by a member of a Japanese fan club.
The Las Vegas, August 4th, 1972 Opening Night was first released in 2003 on the CD 'No Fooling Around' but those CDs were taken from a different, incomplete source tape. Our new recording is great sounding and, for the first time, 100% complete.
Elvis started his 7th season in Las Vegas with a fairly dynamic opening night. He did not perform his usual showstopper 'Suspicious Minds', but he was on stage for 50 minutes, singing his heart out with a passion and energy not seen since August 1970. Compared to the previous Vegas season and the following tour in April, Elvis was in great physical shape, tanned, slim and full of energy. This concert is a good example of Elvis at his best, mixing rock’n’roll with ballads and blues, singing old and new songs, and looking great.
EIN notes this was a great show, so let's hope the audio quality matches Elvis' performance.
Go here to 'All The CD News' for info & tracklistings
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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'Tahoe '73' New Import: Out soon from the Ragdoll label is an unreleased audience recorded show from Lake Tahoe titled "Tahoe '73". This show is the midnight show, May 9th, 1973.
This one is a good solid show.
EIN notes that this has in fact been out on CDR previously and is a pretty good show and OK for an Audience Recording.
Tracklist: 1. Opening Riff / C.C. Rider 2. I Got A Woman / Amen 3. Love Me Tender (with false start) 4. You Dont Have To Say You Love Me 5. Steamroller Blues 6. You Gave Me A Mountain 7. Love Me 8. Blue Suede Shoes 9. Heartbreak Hotel 10. medley: Long Tall Sally / Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On / Flip Flop And Fly / Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On 11. I'm Leavin 12. Hound Dog 13. What Now My Love 14. Suspicious Minds (with edit) 15. Band Introductions 16. I'll Remember You 17. I Can't Stop Loving You 18. Bridge Over Troubled Water 19. A Big Hunk O'Love 20. Can't Help Falling In Love 21. Closing Vamp / Announcements
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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'A Song For Sheila' New Import: Also from the E. P. Collector label is another Audience Recording, "A Song For Sheila".
Elvis Presley opened his 11th Las Vegas season on August 19th, and he performed a total of 27 shows, closing on September 2nd. Elvis' new love, the beautiful Sheila Ryan was present and Elvis sang the rarely performed 'Early Morning Rain“ for her. He sings the complete song.
The Las Vegas, August 29th, 1974 Dinner show is previously unreleased except for 7 songs released from a soundboard source by the FTD label ('It’s Midnight' CD). This concert is taken from an early generation copy of an original audience recorded cassette tape. As usual, you may ask your supplier for samples.
This CD is packaged in a nicely designed digipak with a great collection of quality images taken in August 1974.
EIN notes that this was a fascinating summer season - however plenty of soundboards have been released by FTD & others.
Go here to 'All The CD News' for info & tracklistings
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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"Reconsider Baby: Elvis: A Listener's Guide" 2017- Shane Brown Interview : Since Elvis's Since Elvis' death in 1977, thousands of books have been written about Presley, but very few concentrate on the most important thing: the music.
Shane Brown's 2014 'Elvis Presley: A Listener's Guide' was a first in its very detailed look into the remarkable and yet often frustrating musical legacy that Elvis left behind.
Now in 2017 Shane Brown has revisited his original Elvis guide expanding it to include even more detailed insights - as well as including a large number of recently unearthed contemporary reviews from the time.
EIN was fascinated by the idea of an even bigger examination of Elvis' musical legacy and Shane Brown kindly agreed to be tell us all about his new expanded look at Elvis' music -
Questions we ask include..
- What expanded insights does this new edition provide?
- Why do a second edition?
- How many contemporary reviews from the time have you unearthed?
- Do you think that the Media understood Elvis' musical ambitions?
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'Moody Blue' 40th Anniversary Vinyl: Mid October has now been mentioned as the date that Sony will be releasing a 40th anniversary Clear-Blue-vinyl release of Elvis' final album Moody Blue. Originally September 1st has been noted.
With Sony Music Entertainment just announcing they will be manufacturing new vinyl for the first time in almost 30 years at a plant outside of Tokyo, Japan. September will see Sony/Legacy will be releasing a special 40th Anniversary vinyl edition of Elvis' last "NEW" album, 'Moody Blue' originally released in July 1977.
The album was a mixture of live and studio work, and included the 4 tracks from Elvis' final studio recording sessions in October 1976 and two tracks left over from the previous Graceland session in February 1976. |
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"Moody Blue" was previously recorded at the earlier Graceland session and held over for this album. Also recorded at the February session was "She Thinks I Still Care".
"Way Down" became a hit upon Elvis' death less than one month after the album was released. 'Moody Blue' was certified Gold and Platinum on September 12, 1977 and 2x Platinum on March 27, 1992 by the RIAA.
Sony hasn't released the final cover or the tracklisting, but one possible suggestion is that Sony could release the FTD double Vinyl edition through their mainstream label which featured the original masters and on the second album was several outtakes. EIN will have the cheapest purchase deal for you as soon as possible
(News, Source;ElvisExpress/ElvisInfoNet) |
New Elvis Statue for Parkes: The legacy of Elvis will forever live on in the Australian country town of Parkes, with Council partnering with the Elvis Revival Inc Committee to commission a statue to be permanently displayed in town.
Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM said, "The statue will be a fitting dedication to our hard working Elvis Festival volunteer committee."
Parkes, Australia plays host to over twenty thousand Elvis fans celebrating The King's birthday every year - more that gather in Memphis itself
"The statue will serve as a lasting legacy and recognition of the wonderful work of those committee members and volunteers who have made the Parkes Elvis Festival what is today."
"The Elvis statue has been designed to tie in with the theme of the existing public art, with Terrance Plowright commissioned to construct the new statue."
"We hope the statute will itself become a tourist attraction for Parkes, drawing visitors into the Cooke Park precinct not just during the Elvis Festival, but all year round."
Terrance has begun sculpting the statue in bronze, with the Elvis Revival Inc planning to hold the official unveiling during the 2018 Parkes Elvis Festival.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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‘ELVIS: Studio Sessions 1956' In-Depth Review: MRS newest release, a massive 3CD/172 page book compilation "Elvis Studio Sessions ‘56 The Complete Recordings". The 172-page book, with text by Gordon Minto, focuses on each of Elvis’ studio recording sessions during his first year of national stardom - from the first one in January, held in Nashville, then later in New York, before finishing his final session of the year in Hollywood in September. The full and comprehensive text is complemented by rare and previously unseen photographs and pieces of documentation.
The 3CDs contain the complete archival master and session studio recordings of Elvis Presley from 1956, along with bonus interviews. All 90 tracks have been remastered and restored. Also for the first time on CD is the complete ‘The Truth About Me’ from an original US 45rpm flexi-disc. Also included are all the out-takes from this interview.
Once again MRS release a first putting all of Elvis' key 1956 Studio Session masters onto one disc, with the addition of two other fully-packed cds of 1956 material and a stunning 172 page book. But what does this set offer over other previous releases
Go here as EIN's Nigel Patterson and Piers Beagley check out this new volume from MRS to find what is on offer. Includes stunning example photos & a detailed audio investigation.
(Book Review: Source;ElvisInformationNetwork) |
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Elvis' White Knabe piano Coming back to Graceland: Three weeks ago EIN reported the Ebay sale of Elvis White Knabe Piano for $375,000 after 117 bids. We now discover that it was EPE who bought back Elvis' famous piano, which will be returned to Graceland 60 years after it was first purchased by Elvis for the home in 1957.
For the first time ever, the public will be able to see this legendary Knabe branded piano on display in its Graceland home. The music room at Graceland will be restored to its original 1960s-era appearance including the white piano, and will be unveiled on December 16, 2017. Other items returning to the famous music room include original white and blue draperies, and a gold couch that was part of the room’s décor in 1964.
The white piano is the most significant Elvis owned piece to come home to Graceland since the Mansion opened for tours in 1982.
Prior to Elvis purchasing and refurbishing the 1912 instrument, it was the house piano at |
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Memphis' legendary Ellis Auditorium from the early 1930s through 1957 which hosted the greatest local and national touring musical acts of the period, including W. C. Handy, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Cab Calloway, and many others. This was the very piano played by his favorite gospel and blues performers in shows that Elvis attended as a boy, during which, as an enthralled member of the audience, he dreamed of his own future stardom.
It was on May 28, 1957, Elvis purchased the piano built by Wm. Knabe & Co. of Gallatin, Tennessee, (serial number 70545) from Jack Marshall Pianos-Organs in Memphis for $818.85. Elvis refurbished the piano in white and placed it in the music room at Graceland where it remained until 1968. During those years, the piano was the musical focal point of many hours spent rehearsing and entertaining guests and was played constantly by Elvis as well as visiting celebrities. Elvis enjoyed playing and singing alone in private moments, but especially enjoyed gathering family and friends in the music room as they ran through a broad repertoire of favorite songs – particularly gospel and R&B.
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The original Knabe piano was placed in storage in 1968 and was sold in 1976 to Ted Sturges, owner of the Sturges Recording Studio in Memphis where it was used in recording over 50 albums by various artists including Jerry Lee Lewis who reportedly played the piano with Elvis when visiting Graceland.
The 1960s-Era Graceland Music Room to be Unveiled December 16th as Part of Graceland's First-Ever Holiday Concert Weekend when Elvis fans will be able to have their photo taken with the piano before it is placed on display in Graceland’s restored music room.
This opportunity will be available December 15 for holiday concert weekend VIP package ticket holders only.
(News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet) |
'Elvis Spliced Takes – Still In Memphis' New Import: Fans know what to expect with this series, but this one will be top-notch, highlights include.. .
Way Down - Starts of with the band fooling around, Elvis joins the fun and it runs straight into the song!
Wearin' That Loved On Look - Over six (!!) splices make a very different version, with extra verses and piano solo.
I'm Movin' On - This splice includes ALL verses done by Elvis , and runs longer then other versions.
She Thinks I Still Care - One of THE highlights probably, Here Elvis start of with the slower version, James takes over and off they go into the faster version, maybe should have been released like this!
Good Time Charlie's Lost His Mind - The title was renamed for fun, and that's what we are getting here, a nice complete take with lots of fooling around.
Suspicious Minds - What's a "Memphis" release without this classic, because some rare parts are used, this one again sound very different to previous releases outtakes.
Do You Know Who I Am - Just listen to the "harmony" ending..
Go here to 'All The CD News' for info & tracklistings
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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'Elvis to the Max' Farewell Australian Tour: After a career spanning thirty years, and with over thirty Australian tours, Max Pellicano ‘Elvis to the Max’ is embarking on his farewell tour. Max Pellicano is hanging up his blue suede shoes for the final time after 30 years of touring as Elvis to the Max.
Pellicano is one of the most celebrated Elvis tribute artists and has a significant following of his own, but he insists he is not an impersonator.
“Nobody can be Elvis — no matter how much they behave like him or sing like him,” he said.
“I’m an actor and I’m playing a character. It’s just been a lot of fun.”
Pellicano said it was important the audience feel the essence of Elvis instead of merely listening to his songs and seeing someone who dressed up in a dazzling jump suit.
“I learnt long ago that the fans don’t want the legend to die,”
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“They want to keep the memory going. For me Elvis was the greatest. His wasn’t just his music, it was always personal. I believe in the same stuff he believed in.”
Pellicano first took up the role after receiving rave reviews for his portrayal of Conrad Birdie in Bye Bye Birdie in the late ’80s.
His first show in Sydney in 1988 was sold out. “I studied the way Elvis walked, the way he talked and the way he moved for months.”
Dates for his Farewell Tour - 2017 - Thursday 14th September Civic Theatre Newcastle NSW
Friday 15th September Rooty Hill RSL NSW
Saturday 16th September Wrest Point Casino TAS
Wednesday 20th September Canberra SC Club ACT
Saturday 23rd September Adelaide Entertainment Centre SA
Sunday 24th September State Theatre NSW
Wednesday 27th September Crown Perth WA
Friday 29th September The Palms at Crown VIC
Saturday 30th September The Palms at Crown VIC.
Back in 2004 EIN interviewed Max Pellicano to find out more about the man and Elvis.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
| Wednesday 6 September 2017 |
‘ELVIS - THE MOVIES’ New Book: From the Elvis Files publisher Erik Lorentzen and KJ Consulting, a new publication in their GOLD STANDARD SERIES - ‘ELVIS - THE MOVIES’.
Written by one of the best writers in the Elvis world, Alan Hanson, it will be 400 pages with some sensational unseen photos.
If it is anything like their previous ‘One Night In Toronto’ it will be yet another real winner.
Be sure to get your copy.
Pre Order Now - Send € 128 By Paypal To: sales @elvisfiles.no - Including shipping all over the world..
More info and previews soon ...
(News, Source;EL/ElvisInfoNet)
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"Elvis Presley Takes Care of Business": A new very short but interesting article on EPE about Elvis Taking Care of Business!
It includes...
... Long before he was the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, long before he was a millionaire, Elvis Presley was a working stiff like the rest of us.
It’s hard to imagine Elvis – studded jumpsuit Elvis, rock ‘n’ rolling ’68 Special Elvis, movie star Elvis or gold lame Elvis – working a 9 to 5, but a young Elvis had to make a living. This Labor Day weekend, let’s take a peek at how Elvis took care of business long before he came to wear those TCB necklaces.
Elvis took the entrepreneurial route for his first job. In his freshman year of high school, he teamed up with three friends, Buzzy Forbes, Paul Dougher and Farley Guy, to start a lawn business. With a push lawn mower that his father, Vernon, purchased for him, and a few sickles, Elvis and his team mowed yards at the cost of $4.00 per yard.
... Elvis’ next job title was movie theater usher. He began working at Loew’s State Theater on Main Street in Memphis in September 1950.
.. The next summer, Elvis worked at Precision Tool. He worked there for three months and he operated a spindle drill press at the plant, which manufactured rocket shells for the military. Elvis earned $27.00 a week. In this same year, 1951, Elvis took his driver’s license test using his uncle Travis Smith’s 1940 Buick.
... In 1955, he reported on his income tax return a total of $25,240 in earnings. The next year, he reported a total of $282,349 - And by 1958, Elvis was earning more than a million dollars a year.
Go here to EPE for the full article
(News, Source/EPE/ElvisInfoNet) |
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'Heartbreak Hotel' Play Review: The play Heartbreak Hotel covers the rise of Elvis Presley from a humble truck driver in Memphis to the King of Rock 'N' Roll, a journey that took only 18 months to complete.
The new musical now playing at the Ogunquit Playhouse, ME, is the prequel to the record setting, Million Dollar Quartet, a Tony award winning Broadway show that has been playing to sold-out houses since 2006. It had an abbreviated stage performance in 2016 and now returns as a full-scale production with a world premiere here in Maine as written and directed by Floyd Mutrux who penned Million Dollar Quartet. His wife, Birgitte Mutrux, serves as choreographer.
This new musical features hit songs from the King himself, as well as the legends who influenced his iconic music, with chart-toppers including "Blue Suede Shoes," "Tutti Frutti," "That's All Right," "Shake Rattle and Roll," and, of course, "Heartbreak Hotel."
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The show begins in 1954 with a mild-mannered Elvis Presley (Eddie Clendening) going to a recording studio simply to record a birthday song for his mother. What ensued was a chance meeting with record producer Sam Philips (Matt McKenzie) who harnessed Presley's talent and forever changed the world of popular music.
There's a marvelous supporting cast of performers portraying many musical legends associated with Elvis and an astonishingly talented trio.
Clendening, as Elvis, is spectacular. He should be after playing the role in Million Dollar Quartet on and Off Broadway for over 2000 appearances. He captures every nuance of Elvis while not looking exactly like him. That's fine and it works wonderfully. He is remarkable in his transition from timid country boy to sensational star.
A hidden gem performance comes through with the character of Dewey Phillips (Christopher Sutton) one of the early disc jockeys of the period who serves as narrator and comic relief. Sutton is perfectly matched to the role that comfortably moves the storyline of the show. -
See full review here
runs to Sept 30. For tickets go here >> ogunquitplayhouse.org.
(News, Source;BWW/ElvisInfoNet) |
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'Elvis Christmas with the RPO' New Release: As EIN first predicted back in 2016, Legacy / Amazon has now announced the new release (only vinyl so far) of 'Elvis Christmas: with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra'.
This album was first worked on by RPO Don Reedman / Nick Patrick team before the 'The Wonder Of You' second release but we presume was bumped from the release schedule due to the immense success of 'If I Can Dream' and the European tour.
Gospel numbers were also worked on at the time, so EIN was expecting a combined Gospel / Christmas RPO release. As this is only announced as a VINYL release so far maybe the CD will be an expanded version including some Gospel tunes.
Stay tuned for more info soon.
Tracklist: 1. Santa Claus Is Back In Town, 2. White Christmas, 3. Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane), 4. Merry Christmas Baby, 5. Blue Christmas, 6. I'll Be Home For Christmas, 7. Winter Wonderland, 8. Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me), 9. Silver Bells, 10. Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem, 11. O Come All Ye Faithful, 12. The First Noël, 13. Silent Night
Release date - October 6 2017.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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'Elvis: The Man & His Music' #117: The new September issue of EIN's favourite music magazine 'Elvis: The Man & His Music' #117 is out now.
Featuring articles on
- Brent Maher (Engineer at Elvis' abandoned Creative Workshop session) Interview - Nashville '77
- Mega-Rare! 'Moody Blue' Coloured Vinyl 45s
- More Rejected Songs
- Elvis UK Revisited - Part 2
- Elvis & Atlantic - What Might Have Been
- Presley Press - Vegas '69
- Readers' letters, CD & Book Reviews etc.
Go here to NDT to subscribe
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
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'Frankie and Johnny' (Blu-ray) Out Now: Released on Blu-Ray last month Elvis' 1966 movie 'Frankie and Johnny' from the Kino Lorber label.
Featuring Elvis Presley, Donna Douglas, Harry Morgan, Nancy Kovack, Directed by Frederick de Cordova
"The Mississippi River's never seen as many wild twists as in this spirited and extravagant riverboat ride which stars the King of Rock 'n' Roll Elvis Presley with the lovely Donna Douglas (TV s The Beverly Hillbillies) and featuring hilarious support from Harry Morgan and eleven original Presley tunes, Frankie and Johnny is a sure-fire romp with pretty girls, toe-tapping score and Elvis all the way. Presley is Johnny, a riverboat singer whose life, according to girlfriend and singing partner Frankie (Douglas), has become "one great big roulette wheel." And he's so obsessed with that wheel of misfortune that when a gypsy woman prescribes a redhead to be his good luck charm, Johnny sets out to find one. Trouble is, Frankie is most definitely a blonde... and a jealous blonde at that.
Purchase at Amazon for only US$20 - Click here >>> - watch out for unscrupulous Elvis dealers charging over $60!
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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Clambake (Blu-ray) Out Now: Released on Blu-Ray last month Elvis' 1967 movie 'Clambake' from the Kino Lorber label.
Featuring Elvis Presley, Shelley Fabares, Bill Bixby, Will Hutchins and Directed by Arthur H. Nadel
"Rock n Roll legend Elvis Presley sizzles as a lovelorn million-heir in this riveting and romantic musical romp with eight original Elvis tunes. Vying for the attentions of the lovely Shelley Fabares (Girl Happy, Spinout), Elvis finds himself caught up in a rivalry with playboy Bill Bixby (TV s The Incredible Hulk) against a tuneful background of comedy, romance and speedboat racing. Clambake is pleasing escape entertainment and the wildest party to hit the beach since they invented the beach ball. Gary Merrill (All About Eve) co-stars in this fun-filled comedy musical.
Special Features: Audio commentary by Videodrome (Gideon Kennedy, Matt Owensby and John Robinson).
Purchase at Amazon for only US$20 - Click here >>> - watch out for unscrupulous Elvis dealers charging over $60!
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
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Thom Gilbert EIN Interview: Hasselblad Master, Thom Gilbert talks to EIN about his life as a successful photographer, Memphis music and his new visually stunning new book, one of 2017's premier Elvis releases:
. 'Blue Suede Shoes: The Culture of Elvis'
In this fascinating interview we learn about:
what was hidden for decades in one of Elvis' velvet jackets
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what actress Cynthia Pepper learned about Elvis while filming Kissin' Cousins
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the rarest Elvis ID badge in the world
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the tightly controlled process for photographing Elvis artefacts housed in Graceland's extensive archives
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how the legendary and recently deceased comedian, Jerry Lewis, put Thom in his place
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Memphis Soul music........ and a lot more
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(Interviews, Source;NP/ElvisInformationNetwork)
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Wanda Jackson - Autobiography: Wanda Jackson, 79, will release her autobiography 'Every Night is Saturday Night: A Country Girl’s Journey to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame' mid-November.
The book will chronicle the Queen of Rockabilly and the first Lady of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s rise to prominence following her discovery by Country Music Hall of Famer Hank Thompson. Elvis Costello contributed the foreword, and the book will feature more than 80 photos from her personal collection.
Every Night is Saturday Night will also include passages on why she refused to return to the Grand Ole Opry after more than 50 years, the challenges of touring America with an integrated band during a racially intolerant era, her personal memories of her relationship with Elvis Presley and how she ultimately found the love of her life, her husband Wendell Goodman.
Jackson’s debut single “You Can’t Have My Love” became the Oklahoma native’s first Top 10 country hit when she was 16 years old and still in high school. After graduation, her first major tour was with rock pioneers Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Presley, the latter of whom encouraged Jackson to crossover from country to rock.
Jackson’s signature hits include “Let’s Have a Party,” “Right or Wrong” and “In the Middle of a Heartache.” Her forthcoming album is produced by Joan Jett. Her 31st studio album, Unfinished Business, was released in 2012.
Jackson continues to tour today. Her next show is Oct. 20 in Toronto, Ontario. Her fall schedule will include several public appearances and signings including events at the LA GRAMMY Museum on Nov. 14 and at Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on Dec. 2.
(News, Source;CMT/ElvisInfoNet)
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The Memphis Horns / “Cowboy” Jack Clement, Memphis Music Hall of Fame inductees 2017: Roy Orbison, “Cowboy” Jack Clement, legendary sidemen Wayne Jackson and Andrew Love of the Memphis Horns plus Earth Wind & Fire founder Maurice White are among the latest inductees to the Memphis Music Hall of Fame announced last week.
Bluesman Frank Stokes, gospel artist Cassietta George and Beale Street Music Festival founder Irvin Salky round out the 2017 class.
The seven-member 2017 class will join 60 previous inductees — including B.B. King, Elvis Presley, Otis Redding and Justin Timberlake — bringing the total number of members to 67 for the Rock 'n' Soul Museum-affiliated Hall of Fame. "We’re pleased that once again Memphis is showing its true diversity among musical genres – from blues to gospel, soul to rock 'n' roll -- with this year's class," added Doyle.
The 2017 inductees – all honored posthumously – will be enshrined during Oct. 27 ceremonies at The Cannon Center for the Performing Arts. |
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The Memphis Horns, trumpeter Wayne Jackson and saxophonist Andrew Love made their early reputation as part of the house band at Stax Records in the 1960s. Jackson and Love later struck out on their own, billing themselves as the Memphis Horns. The pair was essential in providing parts for hit records by Elvis Presley, Neil Diamond, James Taylor and U2, among many others. The duo was recognized with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. Love died that year, while Jackson passed way in 2016.
“Cowboy” Jack Clement, recording engineer, singer, songwriter, producer, raconteur and musical philosopher, the Memphis-born Clement, first made his mark as Sam Phillips right hand man at Sun Records. Clement would record Jerry Lee Lewis’ biggest hits, pen several others for Johnny Cash and generally help define the label’s sound and aesthetic through the ’50s.
Go here for EIN's exclusive interview with Wayne Jackson of Elvis' Memphis Sessions
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
'Elvis In Hawaii November 1957' New Book: A self-published new book has been announced 'Elvis In Hawaii November 1957' by Paul Bélard.
Described by 'MikeFromHolland' on FECC, "168 page book featuring some 160 pictures and they all deal with the two weeks Elvis spend during his trip to and his stay in Hawaii from November 5 to November 13, 1957.
A new book that solely deals with those two very interesting weeks. The dedication makes it a pleasure to read and flip through. No analysis, just pictures and articles from the time, as if we're stepping into a time machine.
Not all pictures are of fantastic quality, and some are plain screen shots from footage, but it's all to give us a feel of how it must have been those days. How Elvis looked and moved, and how fans reacted. They have historical value, even the blurry ones.
A soft cover book with matt printed pages, 8.50 x 11.00 Inch.
To my understanding, this book is a one man's project with the aim of showing as much photos and articles about a short period of time as possible.
If you're interested in the book, you can get in contact with the author directly by mail: pbelard@hotmail.com
(News, Source;MikeFECC/ElvisInfoNet) |
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Circle G Ranch seeks historic designation: Elvis' Circle G Ranch has a place in the hearts of his faithful fans, but now the property's owners want it to have a place among the nation's historic sites.
The process to nominate the DeSoto County ranch for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places is underway, and Circle G owners hope to gain approval by early next year.
"We're thinking the soonest it might happen would be February, which would be pretty cool because February is the month Elvis bought it," said Whitney Lee, a spokeswoman for the group redeveloping the ranch. "That means we could announce it the month of the 51st anniversary of Elvis buying it.
The ranch, in Horn Lake, was a getaway spot for Elvis when he wanted a break from Graceland. Elvis and Priscilla spent part of their honeymoon at the ranch in 1967, just after Elvis bought it.
Back in 2014 when real-estate developer "Buddy" Runnels Jr. bought the ranch he wanted to redevelop it as a tourist destination to complement Graceland.
Archaeologists from Prentice & Associates Inc. began researching and documenting the site's history when Runnels bought the property. However the nomination was withheld until this year, 50 years since Elvis purchased the property, because sites must be at least 50 years old to be considered for National Register.
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Moving forward with the nomination in 2017 also worked out nicely because it coincides with the 40th anniversary of Elvis' death, Lee said.
The first step in the nominating process is submitting a preliminary evaluation to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, followed by the formal National Register documentation.
(News, Source;MCommAppl/ElvisInfoNet) |
| News from earlier this week ... |
'The Seeker King' - Book Review: A woman in the audience once handed Elvis a crown saying, "You're the King." "No, honey," Elvis replied. "There is only one king -- Jesus Christ. I'm just a singer."
In his 2013 book 'The Seeker King: a spiritual biography of Elvis Presley' author Gary Tillery presents a coherent view of Elvis's thoughts through such anecdotes and other recorded facts. Elvis came to believe that the Christ shines in everyone and that God wanted him to use his light to uplift people. And so he did. Elvis's excesses were as legendary as his generosity, yet, despite his lethal reliance on drugs, he remained ever spiritually curious. This intimate, objective portrait inspires new admiration for the flawed but exceptional man who said, "All I want is to know and experience God. I'm a searcher, that's what I'm all about."
EIN book reviewer Susan MacDougall explores this interesting book and questions that since so much has been written about Elvis' including at least a dozen books about his spiritual search, is there anything new to say? Go here to read her detailed review to find out!
(Book Reviews, Source;SMacDougall/ElvisInformationNetwork)
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Devoted to the King and Queen; The UK Church Times has published an article linking the devotion of Elvis and Princess of Wales. EIN had never considered the link before.
Ted Harrison (author of The Death and Resurrection of Elvis Presley ) suggests that although not religious figures, two famous people who died 20 years apart have spawned pseudo-religions.
... The shock announcement came early one August morning. Within hours of the news of the death, people were taking to the streets; many were weeping openly. Flowers were laid in tribute by the thousand. With equal speed, the rumour mill began churning: the media were asking if there was more to the death than the authorities were admitting.
That, however, is not a description of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997, but of Elvis Presley in 1977. "The King" and the princess both died in the same month almost exactly 20 years apart, and the public response to the two events was very similar.
Elvis is remembered every year in ritual and pilgrimage. Tens of thousands of Elvis fans converge on the star's Graceland home on the anniversary of his death, to hold an all-night vigil. |
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They process through the grounds and around the Presley graves, carrying candles in silent prayer. For many, it is the highlight of a year of Elvis devotion.
Elvis has been the subject of several academic conferences and university courses. Students of modern religious movements describe visits to Graceland as pilgrimages, and study the messages and prayers to Elvis written on the wall outside the grounds. It is argued that within the song "An American Trilogy", invariably sung on such occasions, a theology of Elvis has evolved which echoes the theology of incarnation, suffering, and triumph to be found in Christianity. On the wackier fringe of Elvis fandom, he is viewed as the true messiah.
After the death of Elvis, it took a few years for the quasi-religious practices associated with him to take shape and become established. It helped that the Presley estate was also actively developing Graceland as a visitor attraction. Since then, the growth in Elvis devotion has been steady; a new generation, who never knew Elvis alive, are becoming involved and getting to know his music through remixes and reissues of his recordings.
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The posthumous devotion to Diana has not reached the same cultic intensity, but there are nevertheless fans for whom the magic and memory of "the people's princess" have not faded.
On 31 August this year, to mark the 20th anniversary, her followers will most probably gather outside Kensington Palace, as they have done regularly since her death. They will leave flowers, and tie cards and prayers to the wrought-iron gates. The prayers will address Diana as "Queen of Hearts" and "Queen of Heaven". The iconography and many of the words will be borrowed from the Roman Catholic tradition of devotion to Mary.
At present, the hardcore Dianaphiles, unlike the Elvis fans, are numbered in their hundreds, not thousands. As with Elvis fans, a few have shrines to Diana in their homes, and they treasure mementoes of her life, and light candles in her honour. Yet, already a theology of Diana is emerging. She is viewed as the feminine expression of the God of the New Age.
As with Elvis, the mockers are active. Yet within a year of her death, a virtual Church of Diana was created on the internet. More seriously, there are now several mediums who claim to receive messages from Diana, and there have been several repeated sightings of the princess in ethereal form as an angel of mercy.
It remains to be seen whether a Diana cult will follow the same pattern of growth as the Elvis "religion". To date, the parallels between the two have been close, but there is no certainty that the memories of either 20th-century celebrity will survive as long-term religious movements.
Click here to ChurchTimes for the original article
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
Elvis' sub-par movies were marketing gold: Academic journal TheConversation recently posted an interesting article on Elvis movies. In it they point out that Elvis was paid a king's ransom for sub-par movies - because they were marketing gold.
The article includes... From the moment he burst onto the music scene Presley's career tells a host of intriguing tales. From an economics point of view, however, his roster of entirely forgettable, but wildly successful movies offers the most fertile ground.
Between 1956 and 1972, he made 33 movies and they were popular. In today's money, the total box office receipts equate to over US$2.2 billion, and that is for the US alone.
Each film typically cost around US$2m to make, a reasonable sum in the 1960s, equating to around US$15.5m in today's money. On average, they grossed around three times that at the US box office. Hollywood saw them as a safe money-spinner, the domestic market alone guaranteed a profit. |
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In some ways, Elvis' films were the precursor to today's music videos. They followed a tried and tested formula, generally featuring Elvis in exotic locations such as Hawaii, Acapulco, or Las Vegas, and performing an album's worth of songs in the midst of adventures involving racing cars, flying planes, or deep sea diving.
From a marketing perspective, film making was a win-win situation, a virtuous circle of marketing gold. The films advertised Presley's latest recordings to his fans. Seeing the film would then encourage fans to buy the soundtrack album, while radio plays of recordings from the soundtrack would prompt them to go and see the film. And there was the added bonus that fans all around the world could watch Elvis perform without him having to travel. The film companies generally paid the costs for recording the soundtrack, as well as the publicity photos that went on the sleeves, meaning that RCA, Elvis' record company, had the majority of their costs covered too.
The films may have been sound financial investments, but their artistic ambition didn't impress the critics. The focus on profit meant that budgets were squeezed. Filming schedules were very tight, typically four weeks, although films such as Kissin' Cousins were made in less than three weeks by a producer known as the "king of the quickies".
The songs also got worse, soundtrack recordings such as Yoga is as Yoga Does, and A Dog's Life were a far cry from the hits that made him famous. In his comprehensive overview of Elvis' recording career Ernst Jorgensen quotes Gordon Stoker, "the material was so bad that Elvis felt like he couldn't sing it".
By the late 1960s, Presley's popularity had waned; movie box office receipts fell, critics were less impressed with each release, and the records from the soundtracks no longer climbed as far up the charts. Strangely though, at the same time, film companies such as MGM and United Artists, were paying ever higher fees for his services. |
The chart below shows both the box office receipts and the fee Elvis received for the film.
Over time we can see that the fees Elvis earned were rising as the box office receipts were declining.
Hollywood appeared to be paying for his star power, which in turn pushed them towards making cheaper, low quality films. Economic theory would predict that as demand falls, the price, Elvis' fee, should also fall. Yet, it appears that his fame insulated him somewhat from market forces, with film companies prepared to cut other costs in order to secure their star.
(EIN notes - This article ignores the "Col Parker factor" where he always negotiated for money over artistic quality. Parker wanted $1Mill for Elvis with the cost-cutting elsewhere).
... Presley's film career is often remembered as playful and flimsy, and rightly seen as an |
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exercise in marketing first and foremost. Yes, US$2.2 billion is a lot of money, but could Elvis' film career been more fulfilling? There is a long line of singers who have made a successful film career for themselves from Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin through to Tom Waits and Justin Timberlake.
Colleagues that worked with Presley felt he had more to give.
Norman Taurog, who directed nine of his films, felt Elvis never reached his peak. Don Siegel, director of Flaming Star (and later on Dirty Harry), felt he only went along for the ride. Robert Abel, co-director of Elvis on Tour, neatly summed it up when he said: "Elvis was basically an incredibly fine actor with a lot of vulnerability and a lot of humanity that he could have communicated in his films. And occasionally he did".
Yet, the films are mostly fun, and they mean we still get to see a youthful Elvis perform classic songs such as Teddy Bear, Jailhouse Rock or Can't Help Falling in Love. And don't forget, A Little Less Conversation - the song which was remixed and launched into an entirely new generation in 2002 - was originally found in the 1968 movie Live a Little, Love a Little.
Ultimately, these films served their purpose at the time, and have helped to give The King longevity into the 21st century.
Go here for the full article
(News, Source;Conversation/ElvisInfoNet) |
| EIN exclusives and News from earlier in August . . . |
'You've Lost That Loving Feeling' Live 1971 Rare Footage: Recently posted on YouTube rare fan-filmed footage of Elvis singing 'You've Lost That Loving Feeling' Live in Houston 1971.
It is fantastic footage and wonderfully lip-synced to an Elvis 1972 live version.
GREAT footage - don't miss out Click Here to YouTube.
Thanks to 'Elvis Presley 4 you' for posting
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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SUN Records Sonny Burgess, Dead at 88: "Sonny" Burgess, who was an early pioneer of what became known as rockabilly music, has died in his native Arkansas.
Albert 'Sonny' Burgess died Friday in Little Rock, Ark. He was 88.
Burgess was among a group of singers in the mid-1950s who mixed rhythm and blues with country and western music. The sound became known as rockabilly and included Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis.
He eventually signed with the legendary Sun Records where Presley, Cash and Lewis were already among the artists under contract.
Burgess toured under the name "Sonny Burgess & The Pacers," transitioning from honky tonk to what became rockabilly.
Rockabilly historian Colin Escott described Mr. Burgess's 1956 debut record, "Red Headed Woman," and its flip side"We Wanna Boogie" as "punk before punk, thrash before thrash." It became known as one of the rawest singles of the early rock era.
Though their music was classified as rockabilly, Mr. Burgess's band, the Pacers, owed more to the horn-driven jump R&B of the 1950s than to the more acoustic sounds of the era's country music.
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Sun Records founder Sam Phillips told the Rockabilly Hall of Fame that Burgess "could have been one of the greats but he never got the right break."
Burgess is a member of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
Sonny Burgess saw Elvis on tour in his early days and commented, "Elvis stepped onto the stage. The band started to play. His hips began to move. He sang "Good Rocking Tonight" and before he was done the crowd was whirled into a frenzy.
Boy, he was different, as soon as Elvis walked into the building you could feel his energy. He had the looks, the songs and the charisma. Whatever a star has, he had it - more than anyone else."
Sonny Burgess continued to record for Sun and later toured with Cash and Roy Orbison. His other Sun recordings included a cover of the Hank Williams hit "My Bucket's Got a Hole in It" (1957) and the bluesy instrumental "Thunderbird" (1958) with Billy Lee Riley on harmonica. When Cash settled in California, Mr. Burgess declined an offer to perform regularly on Cash's syndicated television show.
In the '80s, he teamed with guitarist Paul Burlison, bassist Stan Kesler and several other Sun Records alumni to form the Sun Rhythm Section, releasing the album Old Time Rock 'n' Roll in 1987.
Burgess reunited the Pacers in the '90s and continued tour, finding renewed popularity in Europe and Japan. Burgess continued to perform until July, when he was hospitalized after falling at his home.
(News, Source;AP/ElvisInfoNet) |
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Jerry Lee Lewis Talks ELVIS: In an interview this week with People magazine the great "Last Man Standing" Jerry Lee talked about Elvis.
There are men and then there are myths. Jerry Lee Lewis is the latter. The rock pioneer first set the charts ablaze in 1957 with twin dynamos “Great Balls of Fire” and “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On,” and 60 years on he’s still pounding the keys before packed houses across the country. With the death of Chuck Berry and with Little Richard and Fats Domino largely retired, Lewis is the last of the great rock ‘n’ rollers still conjuring the sounds of long nights in long gone Delta juke joints.
Lewis recently sat down with PEOPLE in his dressing room just before a sold out show at New York City’s B.B. King Blues Club and Grill. This is edited highlights..
Q- Your status as a rock ‘n’ roll pioneer often overshadows the huge success you’ve had as a country star. Do you have any favorites from your country period?
Jerry Lee Lewis: Country hits, rock ‘n’ roll hits, pop hits. I’ve had number ones in every field of music you could imagine. I got “Whole Lot of Shakin’ Going On,” and “Great Balls of Fire.” Also a song called “Breathless,” “High School Confidential,” “Take Another Chance on Me.” My records would hit number one with a bullet on it.
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Q- Do you remember your first time in Sun Studios?
Jerry Lee Lewis: Yes, I do remember it real well. I was 20 years old at the time and—could have been 21. But I knew I was on my way then. It was hard to get there, you know? I had to convince a lot of people that I could do what I was talking about. Mr. Sam Phillips and Mr. Jud Phillips, they were responsible for getting my hit records. Sam Phillips started it, and Jud Phillips got it to a disc jockey on WSPQ. If he played your record, it was a hit. If he didn’t play your record, it wasn’t a hit. But when he heard mine he knew what he had. Just like he started Elvis off the same way — so I’ve been told.
Q- You played with Elvis, as well as Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins, at the famous Million Dollar Quartet session.
Jerry Lee Lewis: Yes, Sam Phillips was responsible for that. He knew what he was doing the whole time. You don’t know how much trouble he caused me! [laughs]
It was a lot of fun. I never regret one minute of it.
Q- It was just the 40th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death. Do you have any memories that you’d like to share of your time with him?
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Jerry Lee Lewis: We had some great times riding motorcycles, and racing cars! He always took my advice. Little did he know I wasn’t giving him great advice…[laughs]
Q- Who would win when you were racing?
Jerry Lee Lewis: We both had Eldorado Cadillacs. Same year. I was coming down the street, Elvis was coming down the street. I saw this black Eldorado pull over into my line. I thought, “Whoever the hell this is, I guess we’re playing ‘Chicken.’ So we were blowin’ those Eldorados up Union Avenue just in front of the record store. We pulled right up to each other. He jumped out of his car, and I jumped of mine, and I didn’t know what else to do. He said, “I’m gonna sue you!” I said, “Sue me? Man, for what?” He said, “Mean Woman Blues.” He couldn’t get over that I covered him on it. I didn’t know I covered him on it! I had no idea. I rewrote it, I put different words
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over the tune. “I ain’t bragging but it’s understood, everything I do I sure do it good.” I added to it.
Q- You’ve always had your own way with words.
Jerry Lee Lewis: They said “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On” and “Great Balls of Fire” were risqué records. I couldn’t see anything risqué about it!
Q- Did that hurt you?
Jerry Lee Lewis: It didn’t hurt me, but it made me wonder — how could I be so stupid that I didn’t know what this meant? I am not risqué! [laughs]
Q- What does rock ‘n’ roll mean to you?
Jerry Lee Lewis: Rock ‘n’ roll? It’s a mixture of boogie-woogie and my style. I kind of introduced rock and roll to the world with “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On.” Elvis was not rock ‘n’ roll, he was rockabilly. And that’s a lot different from rock ‘n’ roll. “Ohh baby, whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on.” That’s rock ‘n roll. Elvis, Wanda Jackson, and a few of them, they were rockabilly. But I was rock ‘n’ roll, and you just can’t beat rock ‘n’ roll.
Go here to people for the full interview
(News, Source;People/ElvisInfoNet) |
Ray Connolly considers "What if ELVIS Really Hadn’t Died": Elvis Presley died 40 years ago this week but some fans have continued to insist he is still alive, it’s become a commonplace joke that he’s been spotted on a ranch in Arizona. What if ELVIS hadn't really died, what if his heart attack hadn’t been fatal? What would Elvis' past 40 years have looked like?. Ray Connolly - who met Elvis several times - thinks the singer’s story might have gone something like this...
... Had he been dreaming or had he been dying? He didn’t know. One minute he’d been at home in his Graceland bathroom reading a book about the imprint of Jesus’s face on the Shroud of Turin....
The next thing ELVIS was aware of was coming round in a bed in the Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis and watching a TV headline news item about how the day before, August 16, 1977, he’d suffered a massive heart attack.
His life, the TV presenter was saying, had been |
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saved when his 20-year-old girlfriend, asleep in his adjacent bedroom, had been woken by the sound of his unconscious body hitting the bathroom floor.
He’d been in this hospital before - drying out. This time, however, it was different. ‘Elvis,’ the cardiac surgeon told him, ‘with the way you’ve been abusing your body you shouldn’t be here today. The paramedics who brought you in had all but given you up for dead.’
Elvis didn’t reply.
.. For several weeks as the doctors went through their tasks of helping his heart repair itself while beginning a detoxification programme on his other badly damaged organs. Naturally, his father and cousins, current and past girlfriends and some of the guys who worked for him, came to visit.
His manager, ‘Colonel’ Tom Parker, came, too - wearing a Hawaiian shirt and pulling some papers out of a plastic document holder and stretching out a hand with a pen in it.
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Feigning tiredness, Elvis didn’t read or sign the contracts. His mother had never trusted the man, and it was she who was now dominating his thoughts. Besides, he needed time to think.
The Get-Well cards and letters from people such as Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Neil Young and Elton John told a different story. Apparently they still revered him. He was astonished.
Then, one day, he had a surprise visitor. It was guitarist Scotty Moore, alongside whom he’d started his career. His mother had always liked Scotty, so he asked him what the meaning of her appearance might have been?
‘It seems to me she came to tell you that it wasn’t your time yet,’ Scotty hazarded. ‘That you still had work to do, and were being given a second chance.’
‘A second chance?’ Elvis repeated. That was it. He would start again following Gladys’s code of conduct. But it wouldn’t be like before when, as a singing cash-cow for the Colonel, he’d sleep-walked through a couple of dozen beach boy movies he’d hated and sung songs in them that he’d loathed.
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That night he instructed a nurse to dump all the contracts the Colonel had left with him in the hospital incinerator.
When he was finally fit to return home to Graceland, he asked lawyers to begin to unravel his deal with a very angry Colonel. Owing millions in gambling debts, the manager needed Elvis as a working client. But Gladys had finally won that battle.
Then in early summer 1978, his hair now no longer dyed black but returning to its natural brown, though flecked with much grey, he drove himself the 200 miles to Nashville to join Scotty in a small rented studio.
In his hand was a demo record of a song called 'Fire' that he’d been sent by Bruce Springsteen just before his heart attack. For two decades all songwriters had been told by the Colonel’s publishing men they would have to give up some of their royalties if they wanted Elvis to record them.
But that side-deal wouldn’t operate any more. Elvis would sing exactly what he wanted to, and Fire was sexy rock ’n’ roll. When he’d finished, he turned to Dolly Parton’s country hit 'I Will Always Love You'.
He’d wanted to record that three years earlier but had been talked out of it when Dolly refused to give up some of her royalties. He didn’t blame her. Then there was '500 Miles', which he and Priscilla used to sing when they had friends over for dinner, and 'You Are My Sunshine'.
It was his most personal album ever and when it was released just a year after his heart attack it became his biggest seller since the Fifties.
For years he’d struggled to find good material, but now all the top writers wanted him to sing their songs, provided they weren’t being ripped off any more. So when Freddie Mercury sent him 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love', it meant that he, and not Queen, had the hit single.
The hits just kept coming as top musicians, including Ringo Starr and Eric Clapton, queued up to play with him.
He’d always felt he’d failed in Hollywood, with producers having dropped him in the late Sixties when the public had bored of the girls, sand and songs formula of Blue Hawaii.
But he now found that film folk soon developed amnesia when money was in the air, and a big break came when he was chosen over Harrison Ford to play the cop in Witness. Ford, it seemed, was considered too much of a Star Wars man.
Other movies followed. Naturally, there were disappointments, but his part in Shawshank Redemption alongside Morgan Freeman in 1994 was a wiser choice, and won him an Oscar nomination.
Altogether the mid-Nineties were great Elvis years when he was asked to sing, not only at the Super Bowl, but also at the White House for fellow southerner and fan, President Bill Clinton.
These days, aged 82, it seems he’s hardly ever away, sitting among Wimbledon tennis-goers, and teasing Tom Jones on Later . . . With Jools Holland that his version of Prince’s song 'Kiss' sold more than Tom’s.
He even appeared on The Graham Norton Show, although he did look uncomfortable when the conversation lingered for too long on sex. He wasn’t brought up to talk about sex when ladies were present.
Back in 1975, he’d found turning 40 emotionally crippling and stayed in his bedroom at Graceland all day, but reaching 60 and then 70 and even 80, was no problem.
Scotty Moore’s death last year was a blow, but this winter Elvis will be on stage again with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. What he still enjoys most of all, though, is a big crowd, and his appearance in the legends slot at the next Glastonbury festival is certain to give him that — when, we’re told, he’s already planning a duet of 'Islands In The Stream' with Adele.
All of which isn’t bad for a man who really should have died 40 years ago.
Above was a very edited version - Click here to the full article
Go here to EIN's Elvis Interview by Ray Connolly
(News, Source;DM/ElvisInfoNet) |
Elvis at UK Number Two & Scottish Number One!: In an incredible race up the UK Official Charts, Ed Sheeran just piped Elvis Presley to the Number 1 Album in one of the year's closest chart races
The Top 2 on this week’s UK Official Albums Chart were separated by just 35 combined sales, and it is Ed Sheeran who scoops his 16th (non-consecutive) week at Number 1, denying Elvis Presley an extension of his Official Chart record.
In the Scottish Official Album Charts Elvis' "The 50 Greatest Hits" was NUMBER ONE ahead of Glen Campbell's final album 'Adios' with Ed Sheeran at #3.
Ed’s third studio album and the reissued Elvis compilation "The 50 Greatest Hits" were neck-and-neck all week, but Ed has pipped Elvis to the post at the final whistle.
Elvis’ collection, re-released in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of his death, reaches a new peak of Number 2 following its previous best of Number 8 achieved in 2000.
Elvis holds the record for the most Number 1 albums ever achieved by a solo artist; he topped the Official Albums Chart last year with his 13th Number 1 album The Wonder Of You, his collaborative collection with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
(News, Source;OfficialCharts/ElvisInfoNet) |
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Gordon Hendricks Wins 2017 Ultimate ETA Contest: Gordon Hendricks, who represented the Collingwood Elvis Festival won the 2017 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in Memphis as Elvis Week 2017 came to an end. He also won a cash prize of $20,000 and a contract with EPE.
Australia's Mark Anthony won second place.
WOW, remember the old days when EPE had nothing to do with Elvis impersonators!?
Gordon Hendricks of Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England, was a barber who became known as the "Singing Barber of Stoke," before becoming an Elvis tribute artist. He became a fan of Elvis as a child, and he loves paying tribute to the king. He says it's a dream come true for him to be in Memphis for the contest. His favorite Elvis song is "American Trilogy."
Congratulations also to third place winner Ben Thompson, and top five finalists Taylor Rodriguez and Al Joslin.
Contestants must win an official EPE preliminary round to be eligible to participate in the Semifinal Round held during Elvis Week in Memphis. Since 2007, two UETA winners have come from the United Kingdom.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
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Miley Cyrus channels Elvis!: The King would be proud. It wasn't only the older fans who were remembering Elvis during Elvis Week, Miley Cyrus was thinking of Elvis as well as she released her new video.
Unlike her "Malibu" music video, which featured breezy white dresses, Miley Cyrus is all about color and ELVIS in her new "Younger Now" video, out August 17th.
In the Diamond Martel-directed clip, Cyrus pays homage to Elvis Presley, rockin' out in a studded blue Nudie suit while being surrounded by tiny mimes. She took to Instagram on Friday to post a photoshopped image of her next to the King of Rock 'n' Roll in similar-looking outfits, writing, "Twins! We miss you Elvis!"
She's even got the pompadour to match.
During the video, Cyrus wears a variety of eye-catching ensembles, including a red satin 'Loving You' button-up shirt paired with high-waisted shorts and Western-style belt, an all-red, off-the-shoulder gown with a ruffled neckline, and a multi-color checkered onesie under a red sheer skirt.
She also appears in a custom-studded leather outfit designed by good friend Jeremy Scott.
Click here to hew new videon on YouTube
Elvis will never be forgotten
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
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| Wednesday 16 August 2017 - - - - FORTY YEARS AGO TODAY - - - - |
Forever Elvis - Forty Years On: In his all too short career Elvis managed to achieve more than any other entertainer, the birth of rock 'n' roll, his career renaissance after two years in the army, the family entertainment of his sixties movies, the powerful musical comeback of 1969, the on-stage live return-to-splendour of the 70s, the power of his musical creativity throughout his whole career, his unbelievable generosity and more than anything, the love he gave to his devoted fans.
Forty years on we all are once again thinking about tragic end to Elvis' incredible life and how much he did for us in his all too short life-time.
In 2017 EIN's Piers Beagley looks back at why the legacy of ELVIS is so important to us all forty years on - - along with memories of Elvis from Joe Esposito, Marty Lacker and Larry Geller
(Spotlight, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork) |
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Vigil Numbers down on 2012: Forty years ago today, Elvis Presley died in his Memphis home. As one of the world's biggest stars and a pioneering voice in rock and roll music, news of his death at age 42 would give rise to the cult of personality that endures still today.
It's a fandom that drew an estimated crowd of 50,000 to 60,000 people last night to Elvis Presley Boulevard for Graceland's annual Candlelight Vigil, about 15,000 fewer than five years ago. Officials predicted a larger than average attendance this year, enticed by the recent $130 million expansion of the entertainment complex.
But many long-time Elvis fans had as much to say about the corporate changes at Graceland and EPE as they did about their love for the King of Rock and Roll.
"It's just not the same; it just isn't," said Kelly Diakonis, a frequent vigil attendee from Chicago. She was first in line outside the famous gates of Graceland on Tuesday afternoon.
"I don't think it's only me, most of everybody is saying the same thing. It's kind of Disney World now. It's lost that feeling of being someone's house."
The expansion added gift shops, a hotel and museum exhibits. It also added steeper admission prices.
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Cheryl Skogan from LA said the structure and pricing of Elvis Week is broadcasting the wrong message to fans.
"It's not personal anymore; it's too commercial," she said.
The most egregious change for die-hard Elvis fans was Graceland's decision to make the vigil a paid event. Traditionally, it has been free, giving everyone who wanted to wait in the enormous line the opportunity to walk quietly past Elvis' grave and pay their respects. Now locals who have no desire to buy tickets to see the Museum during Elvis Week must pay Graceland $28.75 for the privilege.
Skogan called the scheme "ridiculous."
Graceland defended the cost, citing crowd size and beefed up security measures that kept many early arrivals standing in long lines just to access the street in front of the house. Far fewer in numbers were the homespun Elvis "shrines" set up most years by local Elvis fans.
Elvis would have been 82 this year, and while the ages of his fans seem to get ever younger, his music itself remains ageless.
News, Source;WKNO/ElvisInfoNet) |
Priscilla Talks Elvis 40 Years On: Priscilla Presley, 72, candidly spoke about life with late husband Elvis and described iconic singer as vulnerable when promoting her up-coming Australian speaking-tour on Channel 9's Today Show.
In an interview with the Richard Wilkins, Priscilla Presley admitted that she never viewed her husband as a worldwide phenomenon, the 72-year-old revealed a vulnerable and softer side to his persona: 'He poured his heart out to me.'
Priscilla appeared on the Channel Nine breakfast program to promote her upcoming Australian tour in November, that will see her share stories from her fascinating life.
And in the short clip, the actress and businesswoman revealed details on life as the partner of one of the greatest entertainers of all time. |
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Quizzed as to whether she knew she was dating a superstar, Priscilla responded with a laugh: 'No, I didn't.
'I saw him at probably one of the most vulnerable times of his life. Losing his mother and then of course being drafted which was devastating at the top of his career. So he poured his heart out to me,' the actress and businesswoman revealed.
(EIN note, Elvis of course met Priscilla after his Mother died)
'Obviously I'd heard of Elvis, one of my best friends had a fan club that you could join and she showed me the magazine, and when she showed me the inside...
'Elvis was signing this blonde woman across her breasts. I looked at that and (thought) there's no way I could be a part of this fan club. It's really gross.
'And then I was introduced to him, but do you know what it was?' Priscilla trailed off.,,
Priscilla will visit Australia in November this year, sharing her personal stories in an interview format.
Click here for tickets
(News, Source/ElvisInfoNet) |
Watch Video of the 2017 Candlelight Vigil - REPLAY: Thousands of Elvis fans gather around the gates of Graceland for the annual Candlelight Vigil and to celebrate the life and legacy of the King of Rock 'n' Roll.
The ceremony for the 39th anniversary is organized as always by the Elvis Country Fan Club.
Priscilla was there to thank everyone as was Lisa Marie - - This year's nominated theme song was Elvis' "America".Gates remain open until all who wish to participate in the procession have done so, which typically takes until the early morning hours of August 16, the anniversary date of Elvis' passing.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH REPLAY - 8pm-CT USA = 1am GMT
(News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
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| On this hot and steamy night Lisa Marie let fans light their special rememberance candles from hers.. |
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New UK Exhibition, 'Elvis on Tour': Due to phenomenal public demand, Elvis Presley will be returning to The O2 in London with a new exhibition, Elvis on Tour, opening on November 3, 2017.
Following the mammoth success of 'Elvis at The O2 exhibition' which was visited by over 200,000 people, Elvis on Tour The Exhibition will showcase more than 200 artifacts from the Graceland archives many of which will be in the UK for the very first time.
This new exhibition covering the years 1969 – 1977 will provide an in-depth look at the world that was Elvis on Tour, offering a unique insight into exactly what drove the audiences wild in the ’70’s – the chance to see the King in concert as he toured America.
Bringing together dozens of examples of Elvis’ costumes and stage wear along with the guitars, jewellery, posters and - for the first time - unique interviews with Elvis’ touring band.
Providing an insight into what went on backstage, the planes, the clothes and of course the music, Elvis on Tour The Exhibition will bring fans as close as possible to the experience of seeing the King live for themselves.
Artifacts showcased in Elvis on Tour The Exhibition and leaving Graceland include:
Over 35 jumpsuits and costumes worn by Elvis between 1969-1977
Elvis Guitars from tours played during the period, including the Gretzch Country Gentlemen Guitar from 1969
Tour trunks including one still filled with silk scarves that Elvis gave out to audiences at his concerts during 1969-1970
Original acetate of ‘An American Trilogy’ – brought by Priscilla
Original costume sketches designed by Elvis’s designer Bill Belew
Gold Belt given to Elvis in 1969 by the International Hotel to mark his record breaking live performance attendance in the City
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''To have a second exhibition dedicated to Elvis opening in London is remarkable. We were overwhelmed by the huge numbers, who were not only fans but people who were curious to learn more about Elvis, who visited the last exhibition at The O2," Priscilla Presley said.
Priscilla Presley will be making a very special appearance in London on November 30, 2017, joining the RPO on stage at The O2 as part of the Elvis in Concert – Live on Stage UK tour.
Opens November 3, 2017 Tickets: Adult £25 / Child £12 / Concessions £18.
To book, please visit: www.elvisontourexhibition.co.uk Opening times: 9:30am > 7:30pm
Tickets for this new three month retrospective will go on sale at 9am on Friday, August 18.
(News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet) |
'Roustabout' FTD Soundtrack Review: Roustabout was Elvis' 16th movie, it had been five months since Elvis’ last album session and his publishers had a chance to secure soundtrack material from a variety of composers. Eleven songs were needed and while the carnival theme stopped most of them having any inspired lyrics, at least the composers Leiber / Stoller and Otis Blackwell were included in the selection.
Reaching #1 on Billboard in early 1965, it would Elvis’ last chart topping album until "Aloha From Elvis Via Satellite" in 1973.
53 years after its original release FTD is pleased to announce the long awaited "Classic Album" version of "Roustabout". Packaged in 7" format with a full colour 16-page memorabilia booklet, it contains some previously unreleased material.
So why has it taken FTD so long to release? It was once noted that only the masters had been located in the vaults, so there was not much to include for a “Classic Album”...
Go here as EIN contributor Ian Garfield examines this new FTD soundtrack release and checks out what's new.
(FTD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork) |
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Graceland Auction Brings in Over $1.6 Million: Collectors from around the world raised their paddles to bid in hopes of going home with a piece of Elvis history at the “Auction at Graceland” yesterday with items selling for over $1.6 million.
It was the first time Graceland Auctions brought in over $1 million in its history.
Big ticket items included an Elvis owned and stage-worn sleeveless jumpsuit and jacket that sold for $250,000.
Jeff Marren director for Graceland Auctions, said the stage-worn suits tend to fetch the most money because only 15 to 18 of them are owned by collectors.
"Those are very hard to come by because the vast majority of them are in the Graceland archives"
The 40th Anniversary attracted a worldwide bidding contingent with an unprecedented 315 lots available, it was the largest and most comprehensive auction to date at Graceland.
All of the items in the auction were offered from third-party collectors and none of the items included in the auction came from the treasured Graceland Archives. The mansion and all artifacts in the Graceland Archives continue to be owned by Lisa Marie Presley and are not for sale.
Among the 315 items sold the major items included:
- Elvis owned and stage-worn “Blue Armadillo” two-piece jumpsuit - $250,000
This jumpsuit was one of Elvis' favourite in mid-1975 worn multiple times during March, April and May 1975.
- Elvis owned and worn gold and diamond ram’s head necklace - $138,750
- Elvis owned and worn gold and diamond guitar ring with “EP” initials - $112,500
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- 1973 Elvis stage worn cape with tiger skin pattern on the interior - $83,750. The cape will be coming home to Graceland to join the jumpsuit and belt.
- Elvis Presley TCB necklace - $75,000
- Elvis Presley owned and worn red “elephant corduroy” suit - $62,500
- March 26, 1956, Elvis Presley signed contract solidifying Colonel Parker as his exclusive management - $35,000
- Historic 1977 Elvis Presley signed legal document giving Vernon Presley power of attorney, one of the last legal documents Elvis signed - $32,500
- Elvis Presley handwritten and initialed note “When You’re Not In Love, You’re Not Alive – God Is Love. E.P.” - $27,500
This incredible handwritten missive measures was given to his good friend Patti Parry who noted, "Elvis was a very spiritual person. Over the years we spent countless hours discussing the bible and other spiritual books."
- Scotty Moore’s personal 1999 Gibson “ES-295 Scotty Moore” guitar – The first one made, presented to Scotty by Gibson - $25,000
Go here to EPE for all the Elvis Week Auction results
(News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
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Dick Grob Talks Elvis: Elvis' bodyguard Dick Grob recently talked to the UK Telegraph about life with Elvis...
.. I'd met him six years earlier when I was working for the Palm Springs Police Department and he'd just married Priscilla. He rented a house for his honeymoon and his manager, Colonel Parker, arranged for a police car to sit outside for security.
I took the assignment as overtime and I remember thinking, I must be crazy, because it was 100F that day, there was no shade and no air-conditioning in my patrol car.
Elvis came out and introduced himself. He handed me a glass of lemonade and asked if he could sit in the car. I wasn't a fan of his music, but I quickly found out he was very interested in and knowledgeable about police work.
After an hour of listening to radio reports of dogs and break-ins, I thought, this guy is crazy, because he's sweating too and he could be in an air-conditioned house with his beautiful new wife.
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Elvis told me to come up to the house if I wanted any more lemonade later, and when I went to the kitchen door he ran over and locked it. He said, 'Any friend of mine comes in the front door.' So I went around to the front and he took me in and introduced me to his wife, his father and his entourage.
Elvis was a gun nut and whenever he came back to Palm Springs he would ask me to take him out to the police shooting range. He tried every gun we had in the armoury. I was the chief marksman and when he saw what a good shot I was, he said, 'I think I need a new bodyguard.'
We became friends and one day he gave me a gold necklace inscribed with TCB (for Taking Care of Business). He said all his guys had one and now I was a member of the Memphis Mafia.
I became his head of security, liaising with the police in the cities where he toured, and his bodyguard for the rest of his life. The biggest problem was women trying to touch him, because he'd often get scratched. He also had death threats from jealous husbands, and frivolous lawsuits.
When he came to my wedding on 11 December 1973 all the other guests were policemen and I think he liked the fact that no one bothered him for photos or autographs.
When the preacher asked if there were any objections, Elvis started waving a cane in the air, but I'd warned the preacher beforehand to ignore him if he did something like that. In fact, as we were leaving, he came over and said, 'Don't you want a picture with me?'
Outside, he took my bride and me aside and shone a torch on a Mercury Marquis convertible and said, 'That's your wedding present.'
The things I most remember about Elvis are his generosity and the fact he never forgot where he came from. Several years later, he said, 'Dick, I wish I'd had a wedding as normal as yours.'
Dick Grob will launch his book, Elvis: Safe and Sound, at Elvis Week
Go here to EIN's 2014 Arjan Deelen in-depth interview with Dick Grob
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
"Elvis as you've never seen him before": The UK Mirror continues the tabloid love-fest with ELVIS on the 40thh anniversary of his untimely death.
Today they publish a great set of photos - in very good quality - promoting a stunning new book of photos from the private collection of The King's family "Elvis: The Legend" by Gillian G Gaar that brings to life some of his most beloved moments.
EIN readers will surely know all of these classic photos.
Staring down the barrel of the lens, the young Elvis Presley is yet to turn 20 - but that famous sparkle in his eyes, the one which would go on to sell more than a billion records and break a million hearts, is already unmistakeable.
The shot is from the early 50s, when Elvis was making his first mark on the charts. By 1960, he was the King of Rock n' Roll - the gyrating, hip-swiggling, one-of-a-kind who changed music for ever.
From his beginnings in a two-room shack in Tupelo, Mississippi, through his army days and the happy moments in his over-the-top home, the images will remind you why - four decades on - we still can't help falling in love with the so-called "Elvis the pelvis".
The King might be dead, but he'll long live on in history...
From the new book "Elvis: The Legend" by Gillian G Gaar.
It's still worth checking out all these great ELVIS images - Click here to The Mirror
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
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'A Boy From Tupelo' documents the big bang of rock 'n' roll: The LA Times has posted a good article about the new 40th Anniversary set.
It includes some discussion with Ernst Jorgensen...
..... The Twitterization of history, and with it, culture, is a trend that deeply worries Ernst Jorgensen who's been overseeing Elvis Presley's recorded legacy since the early 1990s.
"I'm convinced that history needs to be told and retold and retold again," said Jorgensen, who is retelling a critical part of Presley's contribution to cultural history with the new box set.
For Jorgensen "A Boy From Tupelo" is one more way to refresh the memories of those who may have forgotten just how monumental Presley's arrival was more than 60 years ago.
"Stories tend to get shorter and shorter over time to the point where you can't make sense of them anymore," said Jorgensen, who chased down elusive outtakes, alternate takes, live recordings as well as radio broadcasts and interviews that Presley made before his career fully blossomed.
He also uncovered hundreds of photos from the period that have never been widely seen, many of them in color. Those are included in a richly detailed 120-page book that accompanies the new three-CD set released on July 28. |
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The new set delivers a comprehensive look at everything the Tupelo, Miss., native did en route to leaving fans around the globe all shook up with his RCA releases, which began with the bluesy ballad "Heartbreak Hotel."
"Everything he did, all the hard work, all he learned from these people he worked with - when he arrives at RCA in 1956, he knows exactly what he wants to do," Jorgensen said.
"Nobody at RCA liked 'Heartbreak Hotel,' but he believed in it. I've spent my life in the record business. If I were just starting out, I wouldn't have started with 'Heartbreak Hotel.'"
Yet Presley's instincts turned out to be right. That debut major-label single shot to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained there for eight weeks, helping to usher in this new genre called rock 'n' roll.
For his own research, Jorgensen had to rely on more than just instinct. He placed ads in small-town newspapers throughout the South to root out people who had seen Presley in his early years. "All these people, hundreds of Americans who helped me, came forward with audio, pictures and stories they let me use," he said. "I love American librarians. Some of them would call their sister, whose best girlfriend went to the show and maybe took some snapshots."
The point is "telling this story in much greater detail than it's been told before. If nothing else should come through, it's that we don't need to go back to "Elvis got lucky" theory. He didn't just get lucky. |
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Chuck Berry didn't just get lucky. Little Richard didn't just get lucky. They adjusted to a new form of music that wasn't like any other form of music. They did something original, something that affected everything that came later.
"Yes, they arrived during an environment that was ready for the change. You could call it a cultural change even. They arrived at the right time, that's for sure. But if those three hadn't arrived when they did, would somebody else have come along in their place? We can speculate on that forever."
Go here to the LA Times for the full article
(News, Source;LAT/ElvisInfoNet) |
RIP Glen Campbell (April 22 1936 - Aug 8 2017): During his 50 year career Glen earned 10 Grammys (including a record 4 in 1967) and sold over 45 million records (including many Gold and Platinum), with hits like Galveston, Rhinestone Cowboy, By The Time I Get To Phoenix, Wichita Lineman, and many others.
Glen claimed to have first met Elvis at a concert in Albuquerque around 1957, where Elvis shared the bill with Faron Young. Later, when Glen was playing at a small club in LA (The Crossbow), Elvis and some of the Memphis Mafia would occasionally drop by. Subsequently, Glen played guitar on What'd I Say from Viva, Las Vegas, and assisted with some acetate and demo recordings for Elvis.
In 1969 Elvis recorded Campbell's 1967 hit Gentle On My Mind, and both artists recorded a number of the same songs including Tomorrow Never Comes, Let It Be Me, I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry, The Lord's Prayer, My Way, Amazing Grace, Mary In The Morning, It's Over, The Impossible Dream, Until It's Time For You To Go, You'll Never Walk Alone, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Help Me Make It Through The Night, and Your Cheatin' Heart.
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Elvis and Glen remained friends, and both were famously photographed together at George Klein's wedding in December 1970. According to Memphis Mafia member Richard Davis, one night Glen and Tom Jones went to Elvis' suite at the International Hotel where the three jammed together for a couple of hours.
In early 2011, Glen was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, and his condition was made public in June the same year. Recording sessions at the time resulted in the albums Ghost On The Canvas, See You There, and Adios, and he commenced a 15 month, 151 concert 'Goodbye Tour' which ended in November 2012. That same year he was honoured at the Grammy Awards ceremony. In 2014, the documentary I'll Be Me was released, focussing on his Goodbye Tograur and condition. As the Alzheimer's progressed, Glen had to enter a long-term care facility.
On Campbell's final album 'Adios' released in June this year, he included a number of covers previously recorded by Elvis: Funny How Time Slips Away (duet with Willie Nelson), Don't Think Twice, It's All Right, She Thinks I Still Care, and A Thing Called Love.
These were Glen's final studio recordings, and as he knew they would be his last, he wanted them to be songs that loved, but had never recorded.
Glen Travis Campbell passed away peacefully at around 10:00 AM, Tuesday 8 August 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. He was 81.
Check out on YouTube Gentle on My Mind: Glen Campbell - and Gentle On My Mind: Elvis Presley
(News, Source;NeilColombari/ElvisInfoNet) |
'Elvis - Live in Concert' Returns to Europe June 2018: Hot on the heels of the European tour this May, the reprise of "The Wonder Of You" tour has been announced by EPE for June 2018.
Elvis will return to Europe to visit ten new cities, and to give music fans an opportunity that many have never had before: experiencing the biggest selling solo artist in history in a live concert experience. The 2018 tour will once again feature the most recognizable voice of all time with a full symphony orchestra live on stage performing his most well-known rock 'n roll songs and his tender, heart-wrenching ballads with a very special personal appearance by Priscilla Presley.
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Following the success of the two orchestral albums and a sold out UK arena tour featuring Elvis Presley on the big screen backed by a full symphony orchestra in November 2016, a very successful European 10 date arena tour has just been completed this May. After rave reviews from fans and media alike, a new European tour has been announced for June 2018, exactly 50 years after Elvis' iconic '68 Comeback special.
Elvis: Live in Concert is produced by EPE. The European concert tour is produced by GEA Live.
Tour Dates Europe 2018
June 1st - Sweden, Gothenborg Scandinavium
June 2nd - Sweden, Stockholm Ericsson Globe
June 3rd - Norway, Oslo Spektrum
June 4th - Denmark, Copenhagen Forum
June 6th - Hungary, Budapest, Papp László arena
June 7th - Poland, Krakow, Tauron Arena
June 8th - Czech Republic, Prague, O2 Arena
Click here to EPE for Tickets
(News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet) |
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‘A Boy From Tupelo: A Short Film’: In a lovely surprise move Legacy Recordings have released a new promotional film ‘A Boy From Tupelo: A Short Film’.
The film tells the story of Elvis Presley from the perspective of the people who witnessed his rise to the top.
World premiere today.
A 15 minute film with great footage of inside SUN studios and the original equipment (which created Rock'n'Roll history) with wonderful early photos of Elvis. Jerry Phillips features and there is some marvellous rare footage of Sam Phillips. Highly recommended.
Click here to Sony Legacy 'A Boy From Tupelo Short Film' to watch
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"Elvis Presley: The Searcher" HBO Doco: HBO have announced the name of their forthcoming major Elvis documentary that will debut next year.
"Elvis Presley: The Searcher" is a three-hour, two-film presentation focusing on Elvis Presley the musical artist, taking the audience on a comprehensive creative journey from his childhood through the final 1976 Jungle Room recording sessions. The films include stunning atmospherics shot inside Graceland, Elvis’ iconic home, and feature more than 20 new, primary source interviews with session players, producers, engineers, directors and other artists who knew him or who were profoundly influenced by him.
The documentary also features never-before-seen photos and footage from private collections worldwide.
An HBO Documentary Films Presentation in association with Sony Pictures Television; executive producers, Glen Zipper, Priscilla Presley, Jerry Schilling, Andrew Solt, Alan Gasmer and Jamie Salter (chairman and CEO, Authentic Brands Group); producers, Jon Landau and Kary Antholis; directed and produced by Thom Zimny.
Thom Zimny, is a Emmy and Grammy winner who has work on multiple Bruce Springsteen projects
“The producers came to HBO and Sony with the idea for a film drawing upon very rare footage that captures Elvis’ musicianship in a new and exciting way. The artistry on display in that footage reminded us of the great work by Jon Landau and Thom Zimny on their previous HBO documentaries, we are thrilled to have them at the helm to lend their unique cinematic perspectives to this iconic, complex and singular artist” noted HBO's Kary Antholis.
Debuts in 2018.
(News, Source;HBO/ElvisInfoNet)
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'Elvis And Me' Australian Tickets on sale Now: Priscilla Presley, the original first lady of Rock n Roll, has stories to share. Be captivated by Priscilla as she tells us about her teenage years, being romanced by Elvis, their marriage and life inside the gates of Graceland. Hear how she raised a daughter during the rise of the tabloids and how she coped with Elvis’ passing. From being named as co-executor of the Elvis estate to her stint on the number one hit television series Dallas, to the Naked Gun franchise, be riveted by Priscilla as she takes us on a journey through her fascinating life. Audiences will feel invited into her living room as she shares intimate stories and hand-picked
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pieces from her private collection of home movies and photos. For the first time, Priscilla will answer your questions directly.
Priscilla Presley, philanthropist and actress, mother and business woman, live and on stage. Do not miss this opportunity to join this intimate and once in a lifetime open conversation!
Saturday 4 November 2017 - The Star, Gold Coast
Monday 6 November 2017 - Crown Theatre, Perth
Thursday 9 November - Crown Palladium, Melbourne
Sunday 12 November - Star Event Centre, Sydney
Click here to RCM Touring for tickets and more info
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
(Review) Book with new Elvis offering is better than the music: Elvis Presley, "A Boy From Tupelo: The Complete 1953-1955 Recordings" (RCA Legacy, 3-discs plus 119-page book): The enclosed book is one of the best written enclosures in any deluxe Elvis package. Lord only knows, then, why it's such hard work detecting who the author was of the terrific weekly chronology of Elvis' young life between 1953 and 1955.
It turns out to be Ernst Mikael Jorgensen, not exactly a household name but a man who did first-rate work. Unfortunately, the music here in this punctiliously accurate portrait of larval Elvis emerging in Memphis from his musical egg and being recorded wretchedly far too often doesn't begin to be worthy of what went into the book. |
| Once upon a time, the best of this three-disc set was called "The Sun Sessions" and it was always known as some of the primal music in all of rock, the moment when Elvis and Sam Phillips changed American ears forever. Some of the live performances memorialized here are interesting but there's so much music wretchedly recorded that it has no chance of winning affection from anyone but completists more interested in his life than his music. And even there, the enclosed book satisfies them in ways that the musical scrapings from the bottom never could. One disc is good here, the other two are for Elvis fanatics. *** (out of four) (Review, Source: Jeff Simon, Buffalo News) EIN Note: The vinyl release does NOT include the 119 page book. |
'ELVIS: The 50 Greatest Hits' Re-Release: Elvis may soon be back in the charts as his earnings potential surges on the 40th anniversary of his tragic death. Presley, who came in fourth last year in the Forbes List of Top-Earning Dead Celebrities with $27 million, will be boosted by events such as the re-release of his 2002 double album The 50 Greatest Hits.
The album, out on August 11, is just one product out of many set to boost the tally of more than one billion records worldwide already sold by the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Presley still moves more than 1 million albums per year, most of them physical – music-industry analysts said the demographic of his fans tends to be a little older than average, with such purchasers favoring CDs or vinyl over downloads or digital; a lot of the more recent Elvis products have been elaborate box sets.
Even so, the Presley income stream from music is dwarfed by the cash that still flows in from Graceland, Memphis. While Elvis died at his Tennessee mansion on August 16 1977, he has never left the building in the sense that it has become a place of pilgrimage for his fans worldwide. Organizers of the annual Elvis Week say that they are expecting this year’s festival to be the biggest ever. |
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This time fans can sleep at Graceland, thanks to a new Elvis-inspired hotel, Guest House at Graceland, which is open for its first Elvis Week after being previewed late last year.
RCA/Legacy has also just released Elvis Presley - A Boy From Tupelo: The Complete 1953-1955 Recordings. Tupelo: The Complete 1953-1955 Recordings. This lavish set expanded on the likes of The Sun Sessions and is the most comprehensive early Elvis library assembled. Over three discs, it includes every known Sun Records master and outtake, along with live and radio recordings and even his first acetates.
The greatest hits compilation, one of many available, puts a convincing case for Presley, often seen as more of a singles artist than an albums star. It runs from “All Shook Up” through “Jailhouse Rock” and “Can’t Help Falling In Love” through to “Suspicious Minds” and more. The album also includes songs taken from Elvis’ film soundtracks including “Return to Sender,” “Hard Headed Woman” and “King Creole” - Sadly this is a straight forward re-release and his best seller 'A Little Less Conversation' is not included.
Elvis Presley has famously returned to the charts in the last few years. Two albums, If I Can Dream (2015) and The Wonder Of You (2016), combined his voice with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and both went to No. 1 in the U.K. – a country that the King only visited briefly, on a plane stopover. Way Down In The Jungle Room last year was a 2 CD set of his final studio recordings recorded in Graceland’s den.
Of course his earnings will be greatly boosted by Elvis Week 2017 which could be the largest ever.
Still, Presley maintains his appeal among those with longer memories and he has been clocking up 382 million streams a year on Spotify. While that lags Bowie and Michael Jackson on 600 million, Sony Legacy has been consistently releasing material from his archive and Elvis memorabilia-selling is an industry all to itself.
(News, Source;Forbes/ElvisInfoNet) |
Rolling Stone gives 'A Boy From Tupelo' Top-Rating!: Rolling Stone magazine has given 'A Boy From Tupelo' an incredible 5-out-of-5 in their review noting Elvis Presley's 'A Boy From Tupelo' Is a Museum-Grade look at Sun sessions years
The 3-CD set contains a wealth of material from 1953 to 1955
There's an eye-popping photo in this essential 3-CD set taken on July 31, 1955, at a Tampa, Florida. gig. Elvis clutches his customized Martin acoustic, hollering to heaven and the cheap seats, right hand a strumming blur, face and throat glistening, pants soaked in sweat, as Scotty Moore leans into the shot with his Gibson peghead.
It's a high-resolution alternate angle on the cover shot from Presley's debut LP, one of rock's most iconic images, packaged with a 120-page detailing – via images and a day-by-day timeline, of Presley's birth as recording artist and mega-star.
Why buy music when you can stream it? This is why.
The set includes the Memphis Recording Service acetates Presley had cut on his own dime ($3.98 a pair, to be exact); the entire legendary Sun Sessions, aborted takes and all; and every known concert and radio recording from the period. |
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The sound quality is likely as good as it'll ever get, and the performances are musical bedrock. Five versions of "Blue Moon," with slight variations on its clip-clop falsetto-moan conjuring? More'd be fine.
Ditto the Louisiana Hayride live recordings here, which show a 19- and then 20-year-old galloping headlong into fame's stratosphere.
Go here to RS for the review
(News, Source;RS/ElvisInfoNet) |
'A Boy From Tupelo: The Sun Masters' VINYL - OUT NOW: Sony Legacy Recordings has released the new single disc 12" vinyl package that chronicles the rise of Elvis Presley before he became The King of Rock and Roll - and it looks damn attractive! Recorded with producer Sam Phillips, guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black during his first incredible year as a professional recording artist (July 1954-July 1955), this collection includes Elvis' complete single A and B-sides for Sun Records, plus additional songs recorded at Sun Studio and released on his landmark self-titled debut album in 1956.
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THANKS to our friends at ElvisExpress for the photo - EIN's copy has not arrived in Australia as yet. Side 1, That’s All Right, 2. Blue Moon of Kentucky, 3. Good Rockin' Tonight, 4. I Don't Care if the Sun Don't Shine, 5. Milkcow Blues Boogie, 6. You’re a Heartbreaker, 7. Baby Let's Play House, 8. I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone, 9. I Forgot to Remember to Forget.
Side 2, 1. Mystery Train, 2. I Love You Because (RCA LP version), 3. Blue Moon, 4. I'll Never Let You Go (Little Darlin’), 5. Just Because, 6. Tryin’ to Get To You, 7. Tomorrow Night, 8. Harbor Lights
(News, Source;ElvisExpressRadio/ElvisInfoNet) |
'A Boy From Tupelo' First Review: NPR music site has published their "First Listen" review of the new Elvis 'A Boy From Tupelo' 40th Anniversary set.
The review notes, "Think of this three-disc set as The Rise of Elvis Presley: The Granular Detail Version. The fabled personal recordings young Presley paid Sun Records $3.98 to make are here. The very early singles are all represented as well - and they've been put through a magical audio scrubber and buffed to diamond clarity. The set includes every available studio outtake, and some choice banter between takes. Naturally there are live performances, among them a rousing (and previously unissued) "I Forgot To Remember To Forget" from a 1955 Louisiana Hayride radio broadcast.
Fans may ask, "Haven't we been sold much of this stuff several times before?" Yes, we have. But this collection is different in a few crucial ways: The sound is astonishing, and there's an accompanying 120-page book that offers a lovingly researched account of every step along Presley's path from Tupelo to stardom.
Delightful in a way most catalog projects are not, 'A Boy From
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Tupelo' presents the well-known biographical details from the Presley trajectory as they unfolded, week by week, with galvanic musical accidents followed by unremarkable contract signings and radio station visits. The timeline begins on July 4, 1954, with Presley visiting guitarist Scotty Moore's house to go over songs for a tryout session at Sun. The next day's session began with the torch songs they'd rehearsed, but soon detoured when Presley, between takes, sang a jittery reworking of Arthur Crudup's "That's All Right." Moore recalls that he and bassist Bill Black got swept up in Presley's "acting the fool," and eventually caught the attention of Sam Phillips in the control room, who told them "Back up, try to find a place to start, and do it again."
Just savour this twist of fate. Presley shows up for his first big recording session expecting to sing tender romantic songs. On a whim, he starts "acting the fool," and the band follows, chasing a twitchy mix of rockabilly, R&B and country that was utterly new. Suddenly that became the art.
The book provides this kind of specific context for most of the highlight reel moments of Presley's time at Sun. It suggests that what can seem, in the biopic version, like an overnight success, is often something more routine: There's day-in and day-out work involved in developing a musical trademark. The blazing neon meteor of sound we associate with Elvis at Sun was also the story of a Crown Electric deliveryman making the transition to full-time musician, and figuring out how to present himself on stage.
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Not all of this "process" stuff can be considered essential, but many of the studio alternates are worth hearing. The crew spent a long time pursuing a very particular stargazing mood on "Blue Moon of Kentucky," and the alternate takes show how they refined it, with Moore eventually doing muted guitar percussion to keep time. The live performance disc is arguably even more revealing, as it shows how quickly Presley grew into his role: Just a few weeks after the release of "That's Alright" the 19-year-old Presley appears on the Louisiana Hayride to deliver a version of the song that bubbles over with teenage irreverence. It was just another gig in a career of thousands, but as this set makes clear, sometimes an ordinary gig (or song or clowning moment) can trigger a cultural contagion.
Click here to full NPR review - by Tom Moon.
EIN will post our review soon.
(News, Source;NPR/ElvisInfoNet) |
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<< Buy from Amazon US for only $26.80
Buy from Amazon UK for only £24.99 >>>
Australian and NZ fans should go to Amazon UK here >>> and get it for ONLY AU$43.00 including postage to your door.. |
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Keith Alverson Interview - 'Strictly Elvis: 1973-74-75': Photographer Keith Alverson's new book with KJ Consulting (with Erik Lorentzen as editor) is at the printers.
The publication date will be in August, 2017 during the 40th anniversary of Elvis' death!
Keith Alverson first saw Elvis in concert in the early 70s when he secretly smuggled in his small pocket camera to sneak a few photos of Elvis from there he went from strength to strength. One his first Elvis' concerts where he was able to get quality photos of Elvis in concert was Elvis in Atlanta, July 1973 after which he saw Elvis over 80 times live on stage.
Alverson's outstanding photos of Elvis in his "Phoenix" jumpsuits are known by every Elvis fan. With 1,500 photos this book concentrating on Elvis from 1973-1975 has to be a real stunner. Even better the photos have been newly scanned straight from the original negatives.
Beyond his stunning photographs of Elvis live in concert, very little is known about photographer Keith Alverson and so EIN's Piers Beagley tracked down the man to asked him more about his background, times with Elvis and his exciting new publication...
Go here to our interview and plenty of PREVIEW pages from this great book
Plus USA ordering details & how to get a signed copy at ELVIS WEEK!
(Interviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
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'An Evening With Priscilla Presley' Australian Dates Announced: RCM Tour productions who organised the recent massive 'The Wonder Of You' Elvis tour of Australia have now confirmed the dates of their new "in conversations" tour featuring Priscilla Presley.
'An Evening With Priscilla Presley: An Open Conversation', which has been touring in the USA, will offer Australian audiences an extremely rare opportunity to gain insight into a world only a few have entered, being married to Elvis and his girlfriend at only 14 years of age.
Click HERE to the 'Elvis and Me' An Evening With Priscilla Presley' Australian Tour' website and register for updates.
Tickets on sale soon - plus VIP options
(News, Source;RCM/ElvisInfoNet)
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JULY 18 - Red West has Died, aged 81: Terrible news as Red West, yet another of Elvis' very best friends, has died.
Red West died Tuesday night after suffering an aortic aneurysm at Baptist Hospital. He was 81.
Born in Bolivar, Tennessee, the athletic Robert Gene "Red" West befriended Elvis at Humes High School, where the 6-foot-2 redhead protected the smaller pre-fame Elvis from bullies on at least a couple of occasions, according to Presley lore. He worked for Elvis for some 20 years, occasionally taking small roles in such films as “Flaming Star” and writing or co-writing such memorable Elvis songs as the 1972 hit 'Separate Ways,' 'If Every Day Was Like Christmas', 'That's Someone You'll Never Forget' and the masterpiece of infidelity, 'If You Talk in Your Sleep,' recorded at Stax in 1973.
Red West also composed or contributed to songs recorded by other artists, including Ricky Nelson, Pat Boone and Johnny Rivers.
An ex-Marine, Golden Gloves boxer, karate instructor and genuine tough-guy-with-a-heart-of-gold (at least in his later years), West said it was his protective streak that motivated him to co-write "Elvis: What Happened?" a tell-all best-seller published only two weeks before Elvis' death.
As Elvis' friend, driver and bodyguard, Red West was among Presley's closest associates during the singer's meteoric rise, Army tour of duty, Hollywood stardom, late 1960s so-called comeback and 1970s decline. West's father, Newton West, died the same day as Elvis' mother, Gladys Presley, which only strengthened the men's bond.
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When Elvis was in the Army, West traveled to Germany to be nearer the singer, at Presley's request. Elvis attended Red West's wedding (photo right), but was too late to act as best-man as planned.
Red West, Elvis and others would frequently spar at the old Tennessee Karate Institute, co-owned by West. "He was a tough son of a gun," said former kickboxing world champion Bill "Superfoot" Wallace, one of the studio's co-owners.
Prior to being fired in July 1976, Red West and some of Presley's other bodyguards had received some criticism for heavy-handed tactics in attempts to protect Elvis.
West always defended his work for Elvis, while Vernon Presley said the firings were an attempt to cut Presley's expenses.
Post-Elvis, West became a full-time actor, earning a regular role opposite star Robert Conrad in the late 1970s series “Black Sheep Squadron" about a squadron of World War II fighter pilots.
West's most famous role was in the 1989 Patrick Swayze cult classic “Road House,” but major critical acclaim eluded him until late in life, when he landed his first top billing in the acclaimed independent drama “Goodbye Solo” (2008), which critic Roger Ebert labeled "a masterwork" and The New York Times called "a near perfect film."
“It took me 59 years to be an overnight success,” West told The Commercial Appeal, in a 2009 interview timed to the local release of the movie, in which he portrayed a taciturn |
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old-timer contemplating suicide.
“I started out in this business as a stuntman, and it’s taken its toll on me,” West added. “I’ve had knee replacements, and I’ve got big calcium deposits in my neck from falling on my head so many times. So this is just in time.”
“Goodbye Solo” director Ramin Bahrani said of West: "I wish Clint Eastwood would quit casting himself and realize that this guy's better."
Red West also appeared in the movies Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Rainmaker”, Ira Sachs’ “Forty Shades of Blues,” both shot in Memphis, as well as Robert Altman’s made-in-Mississippi “Cookie’s Fortune,” Oliver Stone’s “Natural Born Killers,” Bahrani’s “At Any Price” (with Dennis Quaid), the horror sequel “I Still Know What You Did Last Summer” and the true-sports story, “Glory Road.”
On TV he appeared in episodes of “Mannix,” “The Six Million Dollar Man,””Magnum P.I.” and “The A-Team.” A 2015 appearance in the series “Nashville” was his final credit.
In a 2011 episode of "Memphis Beat" a TNT crime series set but not shot in Memphis, West played a cancer-stricken inmate serving time for the murder of the father of the series' star, an Elvis-impersonating police detective played by Jason Lee.
Red West and his wife, acting coach Pat West, had celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary on July 1. A Messick graduate who met her husband while she was |
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working as a secretary for Elvis, Pat West said Red had complained of pains Sunday afternoon and was taken to Baptist Hospital. Early Tuesday he died after suffering what she described as an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
“From the very start, we had a bond that was just unusual,” Pat West said of her husband. “He was just a straight shooter.”
Pat West said she and her husband usually skipped "Elvis Week," but they had been planning to participate in some activities organized this year by friend and longtime Elvis associate George Klein. "We wanted to go this year, this special year," she said, referring to the 40th anniversary of Presley's death.
According to most sources Red West was born on Nov. 20, 1936, which would make him 80 at the time of his death. But Pat West said his actual birthday was March 8, 1936.
West is survived by two sons, actor John Boyd West, Brent West, brother Harold West of Olive Branch; and six grandchildren.
Memorial Park Funeral Home will handle services.
(News, Source;CommAppeal/ElvisInfoNet) |
Red West Interview: Red West was one of Elvis' closest friends. He first met Elvis in High School and went on to work for Elvis as a bodyguard until 1976. Elvis and Red West became close friends when Red volunteered to help drive Elvis, Scotty Moore, Bill Black and DJ Fontana around the southern US states for their early tours of 1955-1956. Red West is also a talented composer and actor who still appears in award-winning movies.
In 1999 Red West was the main guest at the Elvis English Fan Club Convention where he opened up to fans like never before, revealing his true love for Elvis. It is certainly one of the longest and the best interviews with Red West - and at times devastatingly honest.
EIN added this fascinating interview for Elvis Week 2010.
(Interviews; Source;OEPFC) |
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UPDATED - 'ELVIS & The Colonel' Book Review: Published in March 2017 from author Darrin Lee Memmer, 'ELVIS & The Colonel' is an A4 format, 200-page project.
The publicity noted, "Rest assured that this is no whitewash or rose-colored approach to biography; nah, just the most contemporaneously-rich, fair-minded & engaging collection of material about Colonel Parker to be assembled in one place."
There is no doubt that "ELVIS & The Colonel" is one of the strangest books EIN has ever read.
Darrin Lee truly enjoys challenging Elvis myths. His most famous publication so far is in fact 'Desert Storm; The Shattering of a Myth' about Elvis' emotional roller-coaster ride of mid-1974.
So while the book about Elvis and Col Parker promises NOT to be a "whitewash" you can expect that it will be.
Go here as EIN's Piers Beagley spends some time soaking up the author's controversial thoughts and finds the book a challenge to the reader that will certainly getting one involved and feeling argumentative - which is not necessarilly a bad thing.
Now with READER FEEDBACK + a note from Geoffrey McDonnell
(Book Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork) |
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"The Colonel" New Film: A new biopic is being planned about "Colonel" Tom Parker, the Dutch undocumented immigrant turned carnival huckster who became Elvis' manager.
The film is being co-produced by Joe Berlinger, the filmmaker who helped free the "West Memphis Three" with a trilogy of documentaries about the infamous 1993 murder case.
Tentatively titled "The Colonel," the film will be adapted from Alanna Nash's 2003 book, "The Colonel: The Extraordinary Life of Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis Presley."
In 1977, Alanna Nash, a feature writer for various publications, was one of the few journalist allowed to view Presley's remains, which perhaps prepared her for a career in Elvis postmortem investigation: Some of her other books include "Elvis Aaron Presley: Revelations from the Memphis Mafia" and "Baby Let's Play House: Elvis Presley and the Women Who Loved Him."
According to reports Berlinger and Nash will develop the screenplay, with Berlinger as director. The producing team will include Berlinger; Spencer Proffer, a longtime composer, music producer and specialist in music projects; and Steve Binder, producer-director of the so-called "'68 Comeback" special, the NBC program broadcast on Dec. 3, 1968, that helped reestablish Elvis' credibility in the wake of the British invasion and the psychedelic Summer of Love.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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'The Dark Side Of Colonel Parker' - EIN Spotlight: June 26th 2009 was a special date that commemorated four unique events of the Elvis World.
1. The 100th Birthday of Colonel Parker.
2. The 32nd Anniversary of Elvis' final concert in Indianapolis.
3. The 30th Anniversary of the death of Elvis' father, Vernon Presley.
4. The 30th Anniversary of the revelation to Elvis’ estate that Colonel Parker was still fleecing his client.
Although comedian Nipsy Russell stated that "Every entertainer should go to bed at night and pray he finds a Colonel Tom Parker under his bed when he wakes up in the morning" - is that really the truth?
It is a fact that after Elvis' death an official investigation found that "both Colonel Parker (and RCA) acted in collusion against Presley's best interests. Colonel Parker was guilty of self-dealing and overreaching and had violated his duty to both Elvis and to the estate."
While there is no doubt that Elvis and The Colonel's story is extremely complex, in this in-depth Spotlight EIN takes a look at the darker side of Colonel Tom Parker - and includes plenty of insights from Elvis’ colleagues and friends.
. Go here for this fascinating investigation- and also Have Your Say.
(Spotlight, Source;EIN) |
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"Elvis: The Wonder of You" Glorified end to Australian Tour: The Australian "Elvis: The Wonder Of You" tour ended its capital city run last weekend with stunning reviews and packed houses. Close to forty years since Elvis checked out of Heartbreak Hotel, The King was back in the building and rocking Australian audiences at every venue.
The review from Elvis' last stand in Melbourne included..
Elvis Presley is a legend and although it’s almost been 40-years since his death, his music is still just as powerful and unfortunately for Australians, he never had the opportunity of touring Australia until now. Using past footage of Elvis from concerts and his films plus the live music from an orchestra and back-up singers, Elvis Presley the Wonder of You is a true concert spectacular that almost makes it feel like the King is actually performing.
The Master of Ceremonies for this leg of the tour is Jerry Schilling who had a very close friendship with this music icon who helps set the scene of this |
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performance. Although Elvis is no longer with us, Schilling creates a link for the audience. Matched with the exceptional orchestra and back-up singers, Elvis Presley the Wonder of You is quite a powerful performance which also tugs at your emotional heartstrings. Given that, it’s quite a loud experience!
Hearing Elvis performing American Trilogy with the live orchestra was definitely a wow moment and there’s plenty of them throughout the concert. Seeing the actual footage of Elvis on the giant screens not only showcased the talent of this man but also his wide range of vocals that becomes quite an immersive experience from start to finish. Songs such as Always On My Mind and You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin are lifted to a new level thanks to the live music that not only pays homage to the original songs but creates a new experience for both new and old.
So as you become drawn into the music and |
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'ELVIS: Las Vegas ‘74' FTD Review: A double set featuring both Dinner and Midnight shows from August 20, 1974 from Elvis' legendary 1974 Summer Season at the Las Vegas Hilton.
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. He gave some of his longest performances and with a varied set-list including great new songs It’s Midnight, Promised Land, If You Talk In Your Sleep and Help
Me.
One of the fascinations of this new double-pack is that it presents Elvis' second and third concerts by which time Elvis was back once again to the old regular set-list routine. Whatever the reason for Elvis' backwards step, fans can consider whether these concerts capture Elvis' happiness at being back pleasing his audience with the regular set-list.
Go here as super-collector Geoffrey McDonnell & EIN's Piers Beagley provide an in-depth review of this new release.
(FTD Reviews; Source;ElvisInformationNetwork) |
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Available from Amazon US and UK:
‘Elvis RPO Christmas/ Gospel’ album for Xmas 2017: As EIN reported back in December 2015, UK producers Don Reedman and Nick Patrick were already working on the ‘Elvis RPO Christmas / Gospel’ album before the team, including Priscilla, decided on following up with the second ‘The Wonder Of You’ release and world-wide concert tour.
This was no doubt due to the massive success of the first 'If I Can Dream' album which the previous 'Christmas Duets' experimental album had not achieved.
With yet another Number One album in the UK and the “RPO” concert event ending Elvis Week 2017, EIN believes the delayed ‘Elvis RPO Christmas / Gospel’ album will now be announced for Christmas 2017 release. (Right: an EIN suggested cover)
Watch this space for confirmation..
As you can see below, producer Don Reedman has now moved on to a similar RPO overdub project but this time with Roy Orbison.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet) |
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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.
(Interviews, Source;SMeegin/ElvisInformationNetwork)
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'Platinum: A Life In Music' Re-Release OUT NOW: Sony UK has re-released the classic 4-Cd set 'Platinum: A Life In Music'- in a small-book format twenty years after its first release in 1997.
The set chronicles the outstanding career of Elvis Presley (1954 to 1977) from a unique perspective and it includes 100 performances, 77 of which were previously unreleased in 1997. This historic overview traces his development as an artist and emphasizes how Elvis' music always returned to its unshakable core values. This 4-CD box set contains a 48-page book and consists mostly of previously unreleased alternate takes of Elvis Presley's hits.
There is no info on whether this 20th anniversary release includes audio upgrades of all the "77 were previously unreleased takes" which have since been remastered.
The publicity notes, "You probably think you've heard all there is to hear from The King, what with countless Elvis retrospectives, anthologies, and reissues flooding the market. While PLATINUM is far from the first Elvis boxset, it's unique in that it's composed largely of previously unreleased material. Four discs cover every phase of Presley's career, from young Memphis hip-shaker to the Las Vegas era, adding a fresh perspective to each period.
It's both an education and a kick to hear alternate versions of songs as ingrained in the public consciousness as 'That's All Right', and others from Elvis' legendary Sun sessions."
Only £18.53 & FREE UK Delivery on Amazon UK orders (see below)
(News, Source;Sony/Amazon/ElvisInfoNet)
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Official Elvis CD Box-sets at bargain prices through Amazon UK |
'The Wonder Of You' Elvis RPO UK Tour 2017: Following the sellout British arena tour last year and the No.1 multi-platinum album The Wonder Of You, Elvis Presley returns to the UK for a live concert experience like no other backed by the legendary Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra.
The six date UK arena tour kicks off in Glasgow at the SSE Hydro on November 23rd, taking in Leeds First Direct Arena (24th), Newcastle First Direct Arena (25th), Birmingham Genting Arena (27th), Manchester Arena (28th), with the finale at London's O2 Arena on November 30th.
Last year's run gained critical applause including, the Lancashire Telegraph's "By the end, the show left no-one in any doubt. Elvis is and always will be the king of rock and roll - and so much more besides".
Featuring a special personal appearance by Priscilla Presley, the shows will once again give fans a chance to experience the man who changed the course of popular music. |
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If I Can Dream and The Wonder Of You (Elvis' 13th No.1 album in the UK!) were produced by Don Reedman, Priscilla Presley and EPE. Priscilla Presley will be also be making a very special appearance at the arena shows.
These shows will be a musical celebration of the legend for whom superlatives weren't enough and who continues to break records.
Go here to EIN's exclusive review of the Elvis / RPO 2016 London Concert
Tour Dates: - ON SALE NOW - click here for tickets
November 23 Glasgow SSE Hydro
November 24 Leeds First Direct Arena
November 25 Newcastle First Direct Arena
November 27 Birmingham Genting Arena
November 28 Manchester Arena
November 30 London O2 Arena
(News, Source;BQuinn/ElvisInfoNet) |
'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) |
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(Book Review) 'Being Elvis - A Lonely Life': The latest Elvis biography is authored by noted rock writer, Ray Connolly. Media reviews have suggested that... "Perhaps because we all know how it ends, it’s those early years that make for the hardest reading. The decisions Elvis makes all seem to be omens of what’s still to come for the young man."...
EIN's Nigel Patterson offers his observations on a release which searches below the surface to reveal how Elvis' insecurity and loneliness were exacerbated by the unique situation that he experienced as the world's first truly global superstar.
Go here to Nigel's review of this new biography
(Book Review, Source: EIN) |
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Marty Lacker RIP : Sadly Marty will no longer be able to answer all your those fascinating questions, but his honesty and openess should not be forgotten.
- Chips Moman (RIP) later thoughts on Elvis
- Being a consultant on 1979 "ELVIS" movie.
- The demonstrations in Memphis this Elvis Week.
- Felton Jarvis as Elvis' Executive Album Producer.
- The Jungle Room sessions
- Elvis might have some illegitimate children
- Why did Elvis never travel to holiday in Europe,
- Is David Stanley, Holy Priest of truth, OR a liar
Go here to 'ASK MARTY' to remember the great man.
(Ask Marty, Source;ML/ElvisInfoNet)
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'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.
Unfortunately the book has not arrived in Australia yet so I have not seen the final product!
Go here to see his very detailed review - plus more new preview pages - EIN thanks Mike Lodge for the review
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
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EIN's Elvis Facebook page this week celebrates its 22,000 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.
Click here to Facebook - Elvis Information Network group.
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Book Review: A Little Thing Called Life: Finally, Linda Thompson's memoir has been published.....and it has been well worth the wait! Linda's life, not only with Elvis, but with two other global icons and her own amazing career is an engrossing and revealing read.
Inside its nearly 400 pages Linda reveals her life as an individual, as a mother and as a partner. We learn of the similarities and differences between the three.
Alternating between the light, dark and shades of life in between, A Little Thing Called Life is an honest and intimate account of the incredible life of an amazing woman, from the three men who shared her life and her family to the highly successful and varied career that she continues to enjoy. (Book Review, Source: EIN)
Read Nigel Patterson's detailed review
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UPDATED - 'Way Down In The Jungle Room' EIN Review: Released for August 2016 this SONY Legacy pack celebrates the 40th anniversary of Elvis’ last recording sessions which took place in Graceland’s Jungle Room.
The publicity noted the sessions “have been newly mixed by Matt Ross-Spang at Sam Phillips Recording” and “includes both outtakes and in-the-studio dialog, providing a ‘fly-on-the-wall experience’ of what the sessions were like".
Elvis' original 76/77 albums were fairly uninspired collections (bar a few fine singles) and on the original LPs it was almost impossible to glimpse any sign of creative input from Elvis through the syrupy overdubs. It wasn't until the release of FTD’s magnificent ‘The Jungle Room Sessions’ that many fans began to understand the raw emotion, close camaraderie and Elvis’ personal feelings that were revealed by these intimate Graceland sessions.
To produce that same kind of revelation for the 'General Public' would be a very tricky project but that is exactly what the new legacy team has done - and to great effect.
Go here as EIN's Piers Beagley discovers the old Elvis magic and what is special for Elvis Collectors in our in-depth review
Now Updated & Expanded with Your Comments - James Burton talks about the Jungle Room sessions & more
(CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork) |
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In Australia - buy this great release for only $23 at JBHiFi click here . delivery only $1.70!
Please Do Not be ripped off by other Australian Elvis shops. |
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UPDATED - Paul Dowling EIN Interview Part Three: Paul Dowling is without doubt one of the major names in the Elvis World. He started collecting and selling Elvis vinyl over 40 years ago and has one of the world's largest Elvis Presley record collections. He started his "WorldWide Elvis" shop back in the seventies, way before the internet, where fans could get hold of rare Elvis records and memorabilia.
With such a fascination with Elvis, Dowling not only became a big name in the early years of Elvis bootlegs but later became friends with Ernst Jorgensen and helped RCA with various official releases.
In the final part of our fascinating interview Paul Dowling discusses ....
- Dodging the FBI agents that were sent after him
- Unreleased Elvis material that still hasn’t come out
- Why does Ernst Jorgensen doubt this claims
- His BMG project 'For The First Time Ever' - what happened
- The true story of obtaining the Million Dollar Quartet tape
- His thoughts on Paul Lichter, Sean Saver, Sherif Hanna, Rex Martin
- Spending time with Alan Fortas
- Jim Curtin, newly added story
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'Elvis Taking Care Of Business - In A Flash FTD Book Review: Focusing on Elvis in late 1970 and early 1971, "Elvis Presley Taking Care Of Business - In A Flash" is the new FTD Book/CD combo by Flaming Star/FTD.
Produced by David English, Pål Granlund and Paul Richardson, this book presents a detailed chronicle of Elvis’ personal life and public career between the autumn of 1970 and the early weeks of 1971.
It is a hardcover, large-format book with 450 pages that offer detailed coverage of Elvis’ life and career over the important four months from October 1970 to January 1971.
The publicity promised hundreds of photographs, many of them candid and previously unpublished and new and exclusive interviews.
It also comes with a bonus CD with unreleased versions of studio-tracks plus Elvis’ concert in Portland, Oregon on Nov 11th 1970.
Can it really be as good as promised? EIN's Piers Beagley investigates and discovers plenty .. Go here to our indepth review featuring plenty of extracts and wonderful photographs.
(FTD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork) |
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Now available:
NOW UPDATED - 'Elvis Presley - The Album Collection' EIN Review: This 60th Anniversary 60-CD Deluxe Edition celebrates RCA Victor's signing of Elvis Presley. It features nearly all of the albums Elvis recorded and RCA released in his lifetime: studio, soundtrack, and live.
It includes a 300-page deluxe fully illustrated hard cover book with complete insightful commentary, discography and recording session data. Elvis Presley-The Album Collection represents a level of artistic achievement unparalleled to this day.
Elvis collectors have bought these Elvis albums time and time again - so can this new set really offer anything more..
Go here as Elvis author Shane Brown investigates the new deluxe box-set and and discovers the good, the bad and truly great value package ...
Now Updated- EIN Contributor David Tinson add his comments on the two classic album s NBC-TV Special and Memphis To Vegas, Vegas To Memphis
(CD Reviews; Source;ShaneBrown/ElvisInfoNet) |
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'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.
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- 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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Now available from Amazon USA:
Copyright the Elvis Information Network.
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 also has a local Australian national Elvis Fan Club for paid up members featuring quarterly newsletters and an annual EIN Elvis Mega Quiz with special prizes.
The printed newsletters have extra content, articles and reviews to this w
ebsite along with the popular Elvis EIN Mega Quiz.
If you need to know more about the fan club, newsletters, Elvis EIN quiz or EIN membership
' ELVIS EIN QUIZ', Elvis EIN quiz, elvis EIN mega quiz, elvis mega quiz, EIN mega quiz, ELVIS EIN QUIZ, EIN elvis mega quiz,
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