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...
'From Here to the Great Unknown’ Book Review: After all the publicity and hype Lisa Marie's revealing memoir has recently been published. There is no doubt that being part of a famous family certainly does not guarantee a happy life.
As Keough explains, “The early parts of the book are mostly my mother's voice, in the tapes she speaks at length about her Graceland childhood, the death of her father, the dreadful aftermath, her relationship with her mother, her difficult teen years. She’s frank and funny about my father, Danny Keough. She talks openly about her relationship with Michael Jackson. She’s painfully candid about later drug addiction and the perils of fame…
If you have ever wondered how Lisa Marie coped with life post-Elvis or noticed those old tabloid news reports saying that she had once again “gone off the rails” or spotted the tension between her and Priscilla, the answers and much, much, more are in this stunning memoir...
While Elvis died when Lisa Marie was only 9 years old there is still plenty new to discover from this intriguing book.. EIN's Piers Beagley checks out this powerful memoir, wonders why the Australian book has been edited - and discovers the delights of the Audio-Book..
(Book Reviews: Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Elvis' last car Up for Auction: Elvis' luxurious 1977 Cadillac Seville is up for auction now at Bonhams - ending 25 Nov.
This is the last Cadillac that Elvis bought for himself and the car in which it is believed he took his last ride just one day before his passing. Its history is verified with a certificate of authenticity from the Elvis Presley Museum.
The classic Cadillac was transferred to Elvis’s fiancée, Ginger Alden, after his passing. It was later owned by Jimmy Velvet, who kept it until it was auctioned at the Las Vegas Hilton in 1994 when it was bought by collector "ex-Yellow Wiggle" Greg Page for $101,500.
The Cadillac was sold again at a Graceland Auction in 2014 and has traveled just 4 miles in the last decade, while it was on display at Beaulieu’s National Motor Museum.
The Cadillac’s bodywork was all custom-made by
Fisher and finished in a striking blend of silver and burgundy with chrome accents. The interior is a step back into 1970s luxury with gray leather, faux-wood veneers, and thick carpets. The driver’s seat cushion is reported to have a slight indent, which is a reminder of the King who used to sit there.
All essential documentation, including a signed title, photos of Elvis driving the car, and certification by Graceland Authenticated LLC, is still in the vehicle, ensuring that its history is authentic.
No reserve price is noted. -
Go here to Bonhams for info and to bid. (News, Source:Bonhams/ElvisInfoNet)
Vote Graceland as the 2024 Best Historic Holiday Home Tour: EPE has posted.. Exciting news! Graceland has been nominated for USA Today's 2024 Readers' Choice Best Holiday Historic Home Tour!
We need your help to keep Graceland in the spotlight!
You can vote once daily until December 2!
To cast your vote and help us shine bright this holiday season - CLICK HERE.
Thank you, thank you very much for doing so!
Voting ends on Monday, December 2, at noon ET!
(News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
Quincy Jones Dead at 91: Quincy Jones legendary US musician / producer who worked with Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, George Benson, Aretha Franklin and many others, has died at the age of 91 last Sunday.
Over a career spanning more than 75 years, he won 28 Grammy Awards and was named as one of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century by Time magazine.
He worked closely with Sinatra and reworked the crooner's classic Fly Me To The Moon, taking it from a waltz to a swing.
But Jones was best known as the producer of Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' album and then produced another two Jackson albums. (Photo, Quincy Jones with Elvis' future son-in-law)
In 1985 Jones gathered 46 of America's top performers including Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Tina Turner and Cyndi Lauper, to record We Are the World.
Jones co-wrote the song to raise money for those suffering from a devastating famine in Ethiopia.
The hit reached number one in the UK and the US and was performed at Live Aid.
He was one of the producers of TV's 'The Fresh Prince of Bel Air' and was also recognised by the Emmys, Tonys and Oscars.
From an Elvis perspective Quincy was one of the few musicians who once said he thought Elvis was racist.
In a 2021 interview Quincy Jones was comparing Michael Jackson to Elvis where he made the unfortunate statement...
Quincy Jones: “Jackson knew how to do his homework, whether it was with Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly or whoever, James Brown. He was doing some Elvis copying, too. ‘The King of Pop,’ man. Come on!” Q: “Did you ever work with Elvis?”
Jones: “No. I wouldn’t work with him. I was writing for Tommy Dorsey, back then in the ’50s. And Elvis came in, and Tommy said, ‘I don’t want to play with him.’ He was a racist mother-f .. But every time I saw Elvis, he was being coached by Otis Blackwell, telling him how to sing.” EIN notes that there is no evidence that Tommy Dorsey ever said that he didn't want to play with Elvis or that he thought Elvis was racist. Elvis first TV appearances on Dorsey's 'Stage Show' programme no doubt helped the show stay on air. CBS would cancel the show six months after Elvis' appearances.
Jones was also not telling the truth since we know that 'All Shook Up' composer Otis Blackwell never met Elvis! (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'Music From The MGM Motion Picture “Jailhouse Rock”' New Vinyl: The fourth release on the POPCORN label. This amazing double album is completely dedicated to the JAILHOUSE ROCK sessions. These sessions took place in April & May of 1957, at STUDIO B at the Radio Recorders Studio in Hollywood California. Some overdubs & scoring sessions took place at the MGM soundstage.
The sessions resulted in 6 master recordings beside some alternate movie versions.
Now you can enjoy highlights from these recording sessions on this deluxe double album. All takes are fully remastered and sound better then ever.
This very limited high quality 180 grams vinyl editon is available in CLEAR & PURPLE vinyl.
All the tracks are also available on the 2 bonus cd’s (in cardboard sleeves) that are added to this package.
This is a very limited edition double cd release!
See'All The CD News 2024'for tracklists & details (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'If I Can Dream' New Import Vinyl: Petticoat records label announces ... a fantastic vinyl album full of selected outtakes recorded during the recording sessions & filming of the '1968 COMEBACK SPECIAL'.
This high quality album (including bonus CD) featuring 16 rare and hard to find alternate versions is now available.
Most tracks debut on vinyl for the very first time.
Great stuff: from beautiful versions of 'If I Can Dream' & 'It Hurts Me' to powerful renditions of 'Big Boss Man' & 'Little Egypt'.
The record ends with 5 powerful highlights of the dressing room rehearsal of June 25 1968.
And as always housed in a STUNNING full color sleeve suitable for framing!
This high quality 180 grams virgin vinyl pressing is now available in CLEAR or RED vinyl.
Don't miss out on this wonderful limited edition album.
Of course a bonus cd featuring all tracks is included.
See'All The CD News 2024'for tracklists & details (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Monday 4 November 2024
'Elvis UK – Compact Vol.1 'The Ultimate Guide To British CD Releases 1983-2005': Coming soon – by popular demand!
ElvisUKbooks is delighted to announce the following... Volume 1 of a three-volume, soft-backed set 'Ultimate Guide To Elvis Presley’s British CD Releases' (each volume published in turn over a period of several months – thus spreading the cost) will be available to order as of December 2024 priced at £50 per book (which includes p&p costs for UK buyers) directly available from www.elvisukbooks.
Apart from minor changes to the layout, the print copy editions will contain exactly the same content as the downloadable, digital flip book version (entitled 'Elvis UK3 The Ultimate Guide To Elvis Presley’s British CD Releases 1983-2005'), first issued in early 2021.
Nothing has been added; nothing omitted.
This trilogy of books represents the first major attempt by anyone to chronicle in exhaustive and painstaking detail the rise of Elvis’s compact disc releases from 1983 onwards – cross-referenced where appropriate with vinyl versions. And while particularly focused on the UK, there is a huge amount of overlap with other territories which makes it of major interest to Elvis collectors throughout the world.
When first published in digital form, the reviews were outstanding. Here are just a few of the comments received – ‘I have never seen such a detailed book’ (Bernard Roughton), ‘an amazing piece of work’, (Andy Pendl), ‘an incredible amount of detail’ (Carlos Filgueires), ‘one helluva reference book’ (Bill Bruce), ‘the amount of information is mind-blowing’ (Tony Galvin), ‘absolutely brilliant!’ (Mal Walsh), ‘oozes class – an absolute stunner!’ (Mike Reddy) Please note: on buying the three volumes, each buyer will be sent a complimentary copy of the 23-track CD entitled Beyond The Legend, completely free of charge. More details to follow soon. Watch this space!
EIN reviewed the original Digital Version back in 2021. "Elvis UK3 is an outstanding reference book. The authors are to be congratulated".
At the time we also noted "The authors found that to independently publish a 1,400-page book was prohibitive. For this reason, they chose the digital, flip-book format. Some, predominately older fans, have expressed disappointment that Elvis UK3 is not available as a physical book."
So EIN is delighted that it is now being published as a 3-volume book.
'Elvis In Focus' (A3 poster magazine): Hot on the heels of its annual Elvis special edition magazine (Elvis: The Ultimate Album Guide), Vintage Rock magazine has released a large-sized Elvis poster-magazine, described as:
"Celebrate what would have been Elvis Presley's 90th birthday with this stunning A3 magazine! This special edition highlights The King's
triumphant career and is beautifully illustrated with 16 luxury posters and one massive A2 portrait, perfect for framing and keeping forever.
Cherish the legacy of Elvis's legendary music and unforgettable moments with this exquisite glossy keepsake.
This item will be published on the 1 November 2024 and any pre-orders will be despatched afterwards.
For UK orders please allow up to 5 working days, and up to 10 working days for international orders."
Visit the Vintage Rock website to order. (News, Source:VR/ElvisInfoNet)
The “Hallmark” Movies Filmed at Graceland: Since 2018 there have been three “Hallmark” movies filmed at Graceland. All three movies were directed by Eric Close (perhaps best known for his roles as FBI agent, Martin Fitzgerald, in the long-running TV series, Without A Trace, and Sawyer Walker in Santa Barbara).
- Christmas at Graceland (2018)
Starring: Kellie Pickler and Wes Brown
Synopsis: A Chicago-based business executive travels to Memphis to secure one of the city's oldest family-owned banks. While in Memphis she reunites with an old flame, Clay, a local music promoter with loftier aspirations.
- Christmas at Graceland: Home for the Holidays (2019)
Starring: Kaitlin Doubleday and Adrian Grenier
Synopsis: Harper is in Memphis before Christmas, visiting her sister and family after three years working at museums in Europe. Visiting Graceland with her two nieces, Harper meets a single dad of three kids and is offered a job as a temporary nanny.
- Wedding at Graceland (2019)
Starring: Kellie Pickler and Wes Brown
Synopsis: When a spot opens up at Graceland Chapel, Laurel & Clay have only 3 weeks to plan their wedding. Their simple plans get all shook up as their very different families descend to help. Stars Kellie Pickler and Wes Brown.
All three films were released on DVD (although Wedding at Graceland does not appear to be currently available) and are available to rent or buy in SD or HD from streaming service, Amazon Prime.
'Ella Loves Elvis' (Michele Wallace Campanelli - author, KeriAnne Jelinek - illustrator): With Christmas on the horizon, this recent (softcover and Kindle) release may be perfect as a present for younger readers aged 5-10 years (it does have an intriguing cover).
The book description:
“Dive into the heartwarming world of “Ella Loves Elvis”! This enchanting tale introduces Ella, a spirited baby rescue elephant with an unexpected passion for the King of Rock 'n' Roll, Elvis Presley. Her love for Elvis' music brings unexpected joy and rhythm to the Rushing River Rescue Farm.
“But when the farm faces its biggest challenge yet, can Ella’s unique talent and unyielding spirit save the day? Join Ella on an unforgettable adventure filled with friendship, music, and a dash of rock 'n' roll magic. “Perfect for young readers with big dreams and even bigger hearts! Great for Elvis lovers. For children five to ten years old.” (News, Source: Amazon/ElvisInfoNet)
The book's description includes.. Elvis' extraordinary story, told through a fashion lens, celebrates the shy, lonely boy who awakened an entire generation to forbidden fruits.
The defiant hair, the sultry good looks, the gender-ambivalent outfits - even the famous sideburns of the man who would be King - are all considered in loving detail.
From impoverished scamp and teenage anti-heroin pink, through Hollywood heartthrob and sensual leather-clad rock star, to caped superhero in Vegas jumpsuits, the author describes his clothes with as much joy as she does his journey through the decades.
EIN’s Nigel Patterson, replete with blue suede shoes, paisley shirt and polarised sunglasses, took time out to read Ms Gibson’s entertaining release. Read Nigel’s full review
(Book Review, Source:ElvisInformationNetwork)
“Elvis By Invitation Only” New Deluxe 1969 GRM set: From Gravel Road Music 'Elvis By Invitation Only'a deluxe set including their very first vinyl release.
What’s a better year than Elvis’ BIG BANG YEAR 1969. (click for high res) The set includes...
- 408 page book, photos of the opening show including unpublished ones in very good quality.
with extensive and new information from the first days in Las Vegas,
- 2 Gold CDs, impressive new transfer of dinner show from August 3, 1969 with many extras
- Blu-ray and DVD 50+ minutes of documentary of 8mm footage in incredible unreleased quality.
- Double-Vinyl “The Return of a Prodigy” in a trifold sleeve with a beautiful 24-page full color Booklet in 12-inch format.
- VIP gift box from 1969, complete reproduction of the extremely rare gift box with very rare content and the opening night invitation.
The book is based upon months of research, new facts, documents and interviews. It features rare promotion material, supported with original documents and a staggering 440+ Photos to see for yourself, this book has the largest collection of the opening show photos EVER published. Including unpublished and rare ones in color in excellent quality! The VIP gift box includes faithful reproductions of the Opening invitation and the RSVP card with the matching envelopes. (Very rare)
Two rare different promotional photo cards of the International with the mirrored advertising and the International Hotel logo on the front.
The 9-page newsletter from Col. Parker
Two of four different promotion photos with alternate photos.
The original 1969 RCA catalog (36 pages) which were handed out during the press conference. Limited to 600 sets. All numbered with holographic seals.
See'All The CD News 2024'for FULL details / tracklists
and check with your local Elvis dealers (News, Source;GRM/ElvisInfoNet)
ELVIS #4 Highest Paid Dead Celebrity 2024: Forbes annual list of the highest earning deceased celebrities for 2024 has been released - and without even leaving his secret hideaway ELVIS is at forth place!
Culture critic Chuck Klosterman noted “Dying is the only thing that guarantees a rock star will have a legacy that stretches beyond temporary relevance.”
It also still pays well.
In 2024 music legends Michael Jackson, Freddie Mercury, Elvis Presley, Prince, Bob Marley and John Lennon are once again topping the charts of the highest-paid dead celebrities.
Music catalog income and estate deals on 'name, image and likeness' remain the top income generators for deceased recording artists.
The King of Pop’s estate scored a huge win in August, after a judge ruled that the $600 million catalog sale of his publishing and recorded masters’ rights to Sony could proceed, despite protestations from the late artist’s mother, Katharine Jackson.
At #2 Queen’s Freddie Mercury remains rock royalty in the afterlife, rejoining the list for the first time since 2020 with an estimated $250 million due to the group’s $1 billion catalog sale to Sony in June.
Proceeds were split four ways among all members of Queen. This year Elvis comes in #4, earning a cool $50 Million.
A combination of licensing, music streaming, and revenues generated by Graceland remain extremely profitable. Graceland welcomed 600,000 visitors in
the past year. Last year Elvis was at Forbes #2 boosted by the profits of the ELVIS movie.
The Cars' Ric Ocasek is at #5 due to a recent deal while regulars Prince, Bob Marley, Dr. Seuss, Charles M. Schulz and John Lennon are also in the Top Ten.
Friends star Matthew Perry became the rare TV actor to ever make the list at #9.
TOP TEN 2024 1 Michael Jackson $600 Million
2 Freddie Mercury $250 Million
3 Dr. Seuss $75 Million 4 Elvis Presley $50 million
5 Ric Ocasek $45 Million
6 Prince $35 Million
7 Bob Marley $34 Million
8 Charles M. Schulz $30 Million
9 Matthew Perry $18 Million
10 John Lennon $17 Million
James Brown came in at #11 while Whitney Houston (last year's #5) is down at #13 with $13 Million.
So while ELVIS may have "left the building" he is still an economic powerhouse this year generating $50 million in income 47 years after his death.
As Gore Vidal once noted, "Death is a good career move"!
Read the original article here (News, Source:Forbes/ElvisInfoNet)
'Christmas at Graceland - From the Graceland Archives' New Book: In time of the festive season, EPE has announced this new "Graceland exclusive" 9" x 12" hardcover.
The book description:
"This collectable hard cover book is filled with photos of Elvis and Graceland during the holidays.
Direct from the Graceland Archives, Christmas at Graceland is a photo based book that tells the stories of Elvis’ holiday traditions in addition to giving the reader an insight into the holiday décor, Christmas cards, and much more.
This is the perfect gift for all Elvis fans and Graceland visitors."
EPE does not state the number of pages - the book costs US25.00.
Fans "downunder" should note that the postage cost to Australia/NZ is US47.54!!
'Elvis Presley - The Magic Vinyl Box' New PD release: From PD PowerStation label a 3LP set 180m vinyl on Marbled, Clear and Color Vinyl.
The set description:
"Elvis Presley, the King of Rock 'n‘ Roll, is one of the most important representatives of 20th-century rock and pop culture. With over one billion records sold, he is considered the most successful solo artist of all time. He influenced generations of artists and left a lasting legacy in music history.
"A great present for vinyl lovers and a must-have for collectors.
"Luxurious Magic Vinyl Box with a sophisticated matt surface and hot foil stamping, elegant black interior.
"Additionally, randomly selected boxes contain an extra surprise: a Secret Item!" -
Priced at US$100
EIN Note: Contains all Public Domain tracks. Elvis' original LP, 'Songbook With Friends' LP includes 'Hound Dog by Big Mama Thornton', The Wonder Of You by Ray Peterson, third LP is 'The Era of the Military Service' includes Frankfort Special & Return To Sender.
See'All The CD News 2024'for full tracklist & details (News, Source: iMusic/ElvisInfoNet)
News from earlier last week...
Actress Teri Garr Passed Away: The Elvis world has lost another member, with the passing of actress Teri Garr, who started out in uncredited bit parts, before rising to prominence with roles in such classics as Young Frankenstein (1974), Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) and Tootsie (1982).
Born Terry Ann Garr in Los Angeles on 11 December 1944, and raised in North Hollywood (after spending some of her early years in Ohio and New Jersey), it was no surprise that Teri gravitated towards a career as an actor, especially as her father, Eddie (who died when she was 11) was a comedic actor, and her mother, Phyllis, was a studio costumer.
After graduating from North Hollywood High School, Teri attended San Fernando State College for two years, before dropping out to pursue an acting career in New York, where she studied at the Actors Studio and Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. In 1963, Teri made her film debut in A Swingin’ Affair.
For much of the next decade she was cast in a number of small, often uncredited roles in around 20 movies, including six Elvis films - Fun In Acapulco, Viva Las Vegas, Kissin’ Cousins, Roustabout, Girl Happy, and Clambake. - (In interviews Garr has sometimes stated that she was in nine Elvis movies). Photos below show her on stage in Roustabout, and in the white top in Viva Las Vegas.
Talking about Viva Las Vegas her first Elvis movie Garr explained.. "I was so excited to be in a movie but I was disappointed we didn't start the shoot at the studio but instead in a gym in Culver City. I was warming up on the gym's parallel bars and Elvis came up to me and said "So, you live around here?".
I tried to be cool but Elvis was very nice - and surprisingly humble once you got to know him. Elvis had a great sense of humor and he was really fun to work with. We danced in all the numbers that were in 'Viva Las Vegas'.
Elvis put everyone at ease and, unlike some big stars I have worked with, he cared. I did feel that Elvis was being exploited, one movie after another.
But he was so talented and had amazing charisma."
In the mid-70s she began to feature more prominently, including starring roles in Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Tootsie, for which she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Teri also appeared in many television shows between 1964 and 2011, with many younger viewers remembering her as Phoebe’s mother, Phoebe Abbott, in Friends.
In October 2002, Teri announced that she was suffering from Multiple Sclerosis.
She died at her home in Los Angeles from complications brought on by MS on 29 October 2024. She was 79. (News, Source;NeilColombari/ElvisInfoNet)
Elvis' 90th Birthday Celebration: In January 2025, Graceland will celebrate the 90th birthday of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Born in 1935 in humble beginnings in Tupelo, Mississippi, Elvis Presley achieved legendary status, leaving a legacy that still resonates.
Join fans at Graceland January 8-11 for a memorable celebration featuring live concerts, panels, special tours, and much more!
Performers and special guests include Sweet Inspiration Estelle Brown,Bill "Superfoot" Wallace, Terry Mike Jeffrey, Dean Z, Pat Dunn, Argo, Tom Brown and more. Names to be announced soon!
Events include Elvis Birthday Proclamation Ceremony Elvis' Birthday Celebration officially kicks off with our annual proclamation ceremony on the front lawn of Graceland. The proclamation of Elvis Presley Day is read by Memphis and Shelby County officials.
Graceland's new '90 for 90' Exhibit opens to celebrate Elvis' birthday.
Graceland's rock 'n' roll birthday mansion tours
Celebrate the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s birthday with private evening tours of Graceland Mansion featuring live tour guides sharing stories throughout.
Tickets: $110 for Adults
Conversations On Elvis
Special guests include American Martial arts, actor, and former professional kickboxer Bill "Superfoot" Wallace, who worked for Elvis in the 1970s; Sweet Inspiration Estelle Brown, with more guests to be announced soon
Elvis Live On Stage: 90th Birthday Celebration
A special show featuring a live band and larger-than-life visuals of Elvis, showcasing his incredible performances from his early days to his iconic tours.
Tickets for Elvis' Birthday Celebration go on sale Friday, November 8 at 1pm CST.
Go here to EPE for tickets and info (News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
Lisa Marie Photos: One of the disappointments noted, about the otherwise engrossing emotional journey of Lisa Marie's memoir, is the lack of photos of her with her family.
In the book From Here to the Great Unknown there are only three low-quality photographs of her with Elvis.
Notably, there are no photos of any kind of Lisa Marie with her mother!
Fans would have truly appreciated some more candid photographs of Lisa Marie with her father, especially ones that we have not seen before.
There are of course multiple photos of Lisa Marie with Elvis showing the care and love between the two of them.
Recently Oprah shared some of Lisa Marie's own family photographs (not featuring Elvis) look here... 'Riley Keough shares some of her favorite snapshots of her mother, from her Graceland days to her whirlwind romances and beyond'. (News, Source;Oprah/ElvisInfoNet)
'Seven Wonders of Graceland': In Australia weekend's Sydney Morning Herald Travel section, a neat promo for visiting Graceland.
The 'Seven wonders within Graceland', here’s how to make the most of a visit to Elvis’ former home. - Enter the building.
In life, Elvis Presley was the king of rock and roll. In death, he’s the overlord of killing time. If the thought of waiting at least an hour for the shuttle to the Graceland mansion gets you all shook up, it’s worth splashing out for VIP entry.
VIP costs extra but helps to beat the queues for the exhibits. - Spot The Wildlife.
Elvis loved animals and kept pet horses, a squirrel monkey and a chimpanzee, which would be enough to get him cancelled these days. Every room in Graceland except the bathroom is decorated with some sort of animal figurine or statue. See if you can spot them all. - Admire the retro tech
The colonial-style mansion was sold to Elvis in 1957 when he was just 22. Among its 23 rooms, eight bedrooms and bathrooms and five staircases are examples of the world’s earliest models of both home and kitchen tech.
Elvis kept a TV in every room, including three in the media room. He also had the latest kitchen gadgets, including a now-retro microwave & a mint green KitchenAid dishwasher.
- Get the best shot
Given the crowds, it’s almost impossible to get a clean, front-on shot of the Graceland mansion from directly outside.
For a more artsy photo without all the heads, wait until you exit. Once you’ve toured the Meditation Garden, where Elvis and Lisa Marie Presley are buried, you’ll come across a leafy side-view of the mansion, its white columns in view.
- See the last car Elvis drove
The king owned more than 200 cars in his 42 years. His collection includes Cadillacs (a pink 1955 and a purple 1956), a 1963 Rolls-Royce and a gaudy 1973 Stutz Blackhawk III that he had customised with red leather, 18-carat gold-plated trim and a telephone. - Go inside Elvis’ jet
Nothing says “I have too much money” like gold-plated airplane seatbelts. There’s a lot to wrap your head around at Elvis Land, and not everything’s worth your time – but don’t miss Elvis’ jets. A walk through this 1958 Conair 880, named Lisa Marie, is a jolt back to the golden age of flying. The customised beast features a bed with a gold-plated seatbelt, suede chairs and 24-ct gold-flecked bathroom sinks. - Eat Elvis’ favourite snack
Gladys’ Diner is where to head to sink your teeth into the fried peanut butter and banana sandwich that was so close to the king’s heart.
Go to SMH traveller for more. (News, Source;SMH/ElvisInfoNet)
Zodiac Mindwarp & the Love Reaction: Surely this has to be one of the greatest ever band names? The band is described as hard rock /glam metal.
Side 1 features Elvis Died for You and on side 2, T.V. Brain.
A CD release includes the additional tracks: Elvis Died For You(Mike Stone Mix) and Don't Do Anything Illegal.
(News, Source: EIN; Discogs)
For serious book collectors only - 'Taboo' (Elizabeth Gage): Recently sold on ebay was this very unusual and quite striking non-Elvis "novel" but with Elvis' face cut-in along the edge of the pages!
In addition, the hardback is adorned by several color music notes and a tied Elvis sash.
The novel is about Hollywood's golden age (1930s-1940s) so has nothing to do with Elvis.
(News, Source:ebay/ ElvisInfoNet)
EIN Exclusives and News from earlier in October ...
'Elvis News Report November 2024': Elvis super-fan Emiel Maier presents all the recent news including...... Lisa Marie's book release, Oprah Winfrey & Riley Keough's CBS TV Special, New unseen footage of Elvis (January 4, 1957), Death of Cissy Houston & Kris Kristofferson, Celebrating the 70th anniversary of Elvis's Louisiana Hayride performance and and much much more...
'ELVIS EVOLUTION' Tickets Book NOW: London's brand new 'Elvis Evolution' is an immersive journey through the life and legacy of an icon, centring on his iconic ‘68 special performance. Step into the world that shaped him and walk in his blue suede shoes.
Opening Saturday May 10 2025, Tickets start from £75, Duration 1 hour 50 minutes, with an afterparty
There are multiple shows per day for 180 people per performance. All ticket holders get to access to the ‘All Shook Up’ afterparty. A night for lifelong fans and newcomers alike, Elvis Evolution lets you experience Elvis, like never before.
This 'walk-through immersive experience' has some seated scenes and themed bars, giving you a multi-sensory journey through Elvis’ rags to riches story from country boy to musical icon.
Performances start at 1345, 1430, 1515, 1730, 1815 and 1900.
Standard ticket is £75
The 'Burning Love' £180 ticket includes "Dedicated VIP seating within the '68 Special"...
Go here toElvis Evolution for ticket bookings (News, Source;EE/ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis, The Colonel and Me: The Elephant in the Room' (Todd Slaughter): Just announced is this upcoming (December 3) "coffee table" 22.8 x 28 cms (8.5" x 11") book by long-time British Fan Club president (and editor of Elvis Monthly), Todd Slaughter.
With the sub-title The Elephant in the Room the text deals with those urban myths that have devalued Elvis' legacy whilst looking at both his and the Colonel's private and professional life stories, and Todd Slaughter's personal recollections of times spent with them both.
It's a compassionate story which should answer some of those questions which have often puzzled us.
The photographic content of 300 (full color) images, in the main, was gifted to us from the Colonel's private collection.
Signed author copies can be pre-ordered now from Elvis4Sale.com.
Priced at £25 & postage
(News, Source:Elvis4Sale/NP/EIN)
EIN Note: Back in April 2022 Todd Slaughter published his previous 230-page book 'Colonel Parker: Hero or Heel: Godverdomme!' where he wrote of his involvement with Parker, so one wonders what new stories this book will tell.
In 'Hero or Heel' Slaughter still claimed that Parker was not an 'illegal alien'.
This is despite that fact that in the 1980 Blanchard Tual trial of EPE vs Parker, the Col tried to escape the law by confirming "I am not a citizen of the United States or any foreign country."
‘Golden Elvis!' Mono II Stereo CD review: In the fifties when Scotty, Bill and D.J were in RCA studios with Elvis they were of course playing in “stereo”. It was RCA’s engineers who mixed the multiple microphone feeds down to MONO.
In this 4-year period Elvis changed the very world we live in with his unprecedented success and it was his almighty RCA 45 rpms that rocked the world.
'Elvis’ first two Golden Records LPs encapsulated this stunning creativity and the two albums are neatly combined here in Anthony Stuchbury’s new RDM release ‘Golden Elvis!’ Mono to Stereo.
And it is a sensational compilation.
From the almighty blast of ‘Hound Dog’, via ‘Jailhouse Rock’, ‘Too Much’, I Need Your Love Tonight’, through to ‘Doncha’ Think It’s Time’ Elvis in the fifties doesn’t get much better.
Note: In a neat coincidence, the above GOLDEN RECORDS! Mono > Stereo review was completed before yesterday's announcement from Ernst Jorgensen that RCA were also looking into releasing Elvis' MONO recordings in stereo sometime in the future! (See story below)
STEREO Sun-Sessions from SONY/RCA?; Rolling Stone this week featured an interview with RCA's Ernst Jorgensen who confirmed that they were looking at releasing Elvis' MONO recordings in STEREO using AI Digitally Extracted Stereo.
EIN has been suggesting this for years often to be slammed by the 'old-school' who said it would never be done officially!
In the interview Jorgensen confirmed..
.. Jorgensen recently asked Emile de la Rey, who worked on the sound for Peter Jackson’s Get Back documentary, to do a test remix of “Good Rockin’ Tonight” using Jackson’s proprietary AI technology. The results, “a perfect separation of instruments” along with the removal of tape hiss, were far superior to any more widely available methods, so Jorgensen is waiting for access to that level of technology.
Once he’s got it Ernst says, “I’d like to do everything from the Fifties. Because even the Sun recordings,
they are very simple. There’s an acoustic and electric and a slap bass. But when you open that up, it’s still like a new revelation. It’s not like it becomes thin and you think, ‘Oh, is that all there is?'”
Jorgensen has been in charge of Presley reissues from the groundbreaking 1992 collection 'The Complete 50s Masters' to the just-released box set MEMPHIS. And when the technology’s ready, Jorgensen is hoping for an ambitious, AI-fueled reworking of Presley’s 1950s masterpieces, starting with his epochal recordings at Sun Studios between 1954 and 1956.
Go here to RS for the full interview (News, Source;RS/ElvisInfoNet) - Please note that the photo is an EIN mock-up ;-)
'Elvis Evolution' What to expect: The creative team behind 'Elvis Evolution' have posted a clip explaining the show's concept. Discover how they’re bringing the King’s legacy to life with cutting-edge technology, stunning visuals, and unforgettable sound.
Get an exclusive look at how this multisensory journey is being crafted to immerse you in Elvis’s iconic moments.
Its notable that they mention using actors, smells and letting experience Elvis as if they have "actually been there".
EIN is thinking that fans will see parts of the 68 Comeback, TTWII and Aloha as immersive 3D avatar performances. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'From Here to the Great Unknown' – Best-selling Lists:
(Combined format sales – hardcover, softcover, digital)
List
Position first week on sale
USA - Amazon Non-Fiction (all books)
1
USA - New York Times
2
USA Today
1
USA - Publishers Weekly
2
(Available) Week 2 lists
Position
USA Amazon Non-Fiction
9
USA – Indiebound (Indie Best Sellers List Non-Fiction)
5
UK – Amazon
17
Australia - Amazon
9
Germany – Amazon*
161
Italy Amazon
60
Ireland (Chapters – All Bestsellers)
Top 10
Early signs are that after the initial promotional blitz and Oprah TV special, sales are starting to drop significantly.
Surprisingly, the book does not appear to have impacted the main sales charts in France, Germany, Japan and Spain (although in each country it has made the top 10 in one or more sub-genre listings including Memoirs, Music, Theatre).
In the UK, The Official UK Top 50 book list is only available to paid subscribers – what is known is that at October 12, From Here to the Great Unknown was not in the top 5. (News, Source: EIN; Amazon, New York Times, Publisher’s Weekly, USA Today)
'Elvis 59 April - May' New Book: From prolific Elvis author Paul Belard his newest book 'Elvis 59 April - May' focuses on two months that Elvis was in Germany.
As described.. Life in the US army continued. Early in March at his rented home, a relaxed Elvis is pictured at a piano, playing records, strumming a guitar and reading fan mail. On April 10 in celebration of the 18th anniversary of the 3rd Armored Dvision, an open house took place at Ray Barracks. Elvis was involved in guiding visitors.
Early in May, an extensive photo shoot took place in Frankfurt. Several of the pictures would be used on forthcoming record sleeves.
Fans can order directly Paul Bélard at pbelard@hotmail.com
Go here for more information on Paul Bealard's books
(News, Source;PB/ElvisInfoNet)
“Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis Presley” Netflix Doc: Netflix’s new documentary “Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis Presley” delves into the extraordinary journey of Elvis Presley, from his meteoric rise to becoming the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, through the challenges and personal struggles that followed his peak fame and finally to his triumphant 1968 comeback.
- "He had one chance to show the world he was still the King of Rock 'n' Roll. Discover the story behind Elvis Presley's triumphant '68 comeback special".
Elvis explains, "I didn't know what to do.I just felt I was obligated to things that I didn't fully believe in.
They couldn't have paid me no amount of money in the world to make me feel any satisfaction inside."
Includes interviews with Priscilla, Jerry Schilling, Baz Lurhmann, Darleen Love and Bruce Springsteen.
Back in March EIN posted the news that Darlene Love had posted a message about a new Elvis documentary.
She stated that Priscilla Presley had asked her to participate in an Elvis Netflix doco that will air "in the coming months".
The documentary is on Netflix from Wednesday, November 13.
Watch the official Netflix trailer>
(News, Source;NP/Elvisinfonet)
Book Review - 'ELVIS UK 78 rpm': Recently published soft-cover 'ELVIS 78 r.p.m. The Ultimate Guide to Elvis Presley's British 78s 1956 - 1960' by John Townson and Gordon Minto is their latest forensic look into Elvis' UK releases, this time 228
pages dedicated to Elvis 78rpms, along with plenty of bonus chapters.
“78s” were the dominant record type for more than 50 years before disappearing circa 1960.
Today, they hold special significance for many who grew up with them. Given 78s were in their last few years of mass production when Elvis arrived on the scene, his 78s are much sought after by collectors and largely forgotten by the general fan. 'Elvis 78 rpms' includes a history of both the HMV and RCA releases but also provides a context for the 1950s pop scene.
It discusses each 78rpm release individually with scans of every release, plus relevant photographs plus magazine articles and adverts.
It also incorporates historically significant events of the period throughout and cross-references with US releases where appropriate.
There are also several picture covers, and interspersed within listing images and information are many “from the time” news clippings which add historical interest.
How exciting it must have been to be there as Elvis exploded onto the music scene! EIN’s Nigel Patterson and Piers Beagley spent several days delving into what the new flexi-cover, high-quality gloss paper release by Townson and Minto, has to offer.... (Book Reviews; Source;ElvisInfomationNetwork)
FTD 'Elvis Last Tours Vol.1' OUT NOW:
- 'Elvis: The Last Tours Vol.1': As part of its ongoing live on tour series, FTD has released 'Elvis: The Last Tours Vol.1' a 4-CD 5”digipak, featuring recordings from seven Elvis performances in February 1977.
These are West Palm Beach (Feb 13), St. Petersburg (Feb 14), Montgomery (Feb 16), Columbia (Feb 18), Johnson City (Feb 19) and Charlotte (Feb 20/21).
The concerts feature all of the songs that were recorded by the engineer during the February 1977 tour.
Recorded in mono. EIN Note: FTD previously released the same concert from Charlotte Feb 20 on 'Unchained Melody' in 2007.
That release included the following bonus songs also from these February concerts...
Blueberry Hill / Love Letters (St. Petersburg, Feb 14)
Where No One Stands Alone (Montgomery, Feb. 16)
Release Me / Trying To Get To You (Columbia, Feb 18)
Moody Blue / Reconsider Baby / Why Me Lord (Charlotte, Feb. 21) - Check with your Elvis Dealer - OUT NOW
Go to 'FTD / SONY News 2024' for full tracklists
Note: The 'California Holiday' FTD new vinyl set is delayed, might be shipped later this month or early Nov.
V V - - Other EIN Highlights continue below - - V V
'From Elvis At Christmas' Vinyl SOLD OUT & Reprint: UK label MRS will release a Deluxe CD plus a Christmas special LP, in Crystal Clear 180g Vinyl with "white splatter & glitter" titled 'From Elvis At Christmas' on October 18, 2024.
MRS however reports that their new Christmas LP has SOLD OUT on pre-orders and is already being reprinted!
MRS state, "Our new 'From Elvis At Christmas' vinyl has been way oversold, including with our major UK mainstream distributors.
Due to the unexpected overwhelming demand some dealers are not able to fulfil their full requests so MRS have decided to do a re-press to cover all this.
There will be a second shipment of MRS LPs which should coincide with the release of our our budget ‘Made in Germany’ Camden CD release at the beginning of November."
In pristine stereo fans can finally explore the beauty of Elvis’ vocal, the Jordanaires’ gorgeous harmonies, Dudley Brooks’ crucial piano-work plus the key musical contributions of Scotty Moore, Bill Black and DJ Fontana. - (click for high-res)
Newly Discovered Elvis Footage: From the 'Historic Films Archive' newly found footage of Elvis from January 1957.
Described in the book 'Elvis Day-By-Day'.."Elvis drives his Cadillac Eldorado to the Kennedy Veterans Hospital in Memphis for a pre-induction physical that will determine his draft status.
He is accompanied by Cliff Gleaves and Dottie Harmony.
Later in the day, Dottie flies back to Los Angeles and Elvis takes the train to New York City for his third Ed Sullivan appearance."
The footage come from Historic Films Archive which since 1991 has provided hundreds of thousands of music and archival clips for use in documentaries, television series and feature film productions across the globe. Thanks to Johnnyburnz of FECC for the word-up (News, Source; HistoricFilmsArchive/EIN)
Riley Keough will "Preserve Graceland": More publicity in US People magazine for Lisa Marie's upcoming memoir.
Elvis' granddaughter Riley tells the magazine “My hope is to continue what my grandmother did, and then my mother did, which is simply to preserve our family home."
In order to complete the memoir, which she'd promised her mom she'd help write prior to her death, Riley listened to tapes of memories Lisa Marie recorded. "Because my mother was Elvis' daughter, she was constantly talked about, argued over and dissected. What she wanted to do in her memoir, and what I hope I’ve done in finishing it for her, is to go beneath the magazine headline idea of her and reveal the core of who she was. To turn her into a three-dimensional human being: the best mother, a wild child, a fierce friend, an underrated artist, frank, funny, traumatized, joyous, grieving - everything that she was throughout her remarkable life. I want to give voice to my mother in a way that eluded her while she was alive.
The tapes are an incredible portrait of the force of nature that she was. Depending on the day and her mood, she can sound locked-in or distracted, vulnerable and open or annoyed and closed off, hopeful, angry, everything. You hear her in all her complications.
There wasn’t much we didn’t discuss, and I know that she knew how much I loved her, just as I know how much she loved me and my brother and sisters.
I don’t feel like she or I left anything unsaid, which I feel profoundly grateful for.
The early parts of the book are mostly her voice, in the tapes she speaks at length about her Graceland childhood, the death of Elvis, the dreadful aftermath, her relationship with her mother, her difficult teen years. She’s frank and funny about my father, Danny Keough. She talks openly about her relationship with Michael Jackson. She’s painfully candid about her later drug addiction and about the perils of fame...."
Lisa Marie was only 9 when her father Elvis Presley died from complications from various health issues in 1977, but she had long-simmering fears about losing him.
Lisa Marie states, "I was always worried about my dad dying. Sometimes I’d see him and he was out of it. Sometimes I would find him passed out. I wrote a poem with the line, 'I hope my daddy doesn’t die.'"
(Spotlight/Opinion, Source: Rock and roll - an introduction)
UPDATED 'ELVIS / MEMPHIS' In-depth Review: The SONY RCA 'ELVIS / MEMPHIS' 2024 5-CD box-set was released last month.
The publicity promised.. "MEMPHIS is a comprehensive collection that takes listeners through the many recordings Elvis had done while in Memphis - from his songs at SUN Records, to his American Studio and Stax sessions, through to his 1974 hometown show and finally, his last recordings in Graceland.
This 5-CD collection of Elvis’ songs over the years features 111 tracks, 88 of which are newly mixed versions of the select recordings, pure and without overdubs."
The five CDs each focus on SUN Records, American Studios, Stax Studios, LIVE Mid-South Coliseum Memphis and Graceland. Elvis fans have of course bought these tracks multiple times before and FTD have even released most of the "Undubbed masters".
However with 'ELVIS / MEMPHIS' engineer Matt Ross-Spang remixing these crucial recordings, often creating something unique and new for 2024 and there is much to enjoy.
In fact listening to this set is like a five-course 'MEMPHIS degustation' since every individual recording session has a different flavour and vibe. . Go here as EIN's Piers Beagley provides a 5,500 word review checking out every track to reveal what new excitements fans might discover..
You can also 'Have Your Say' - what did you like or dislike about this new release? NOW UPDATED with Readers comments. (CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
EPE Future Plans: For Elvis fans, the really interesting point was when Joel Weinshanker (majority owner of EPE) explained his future plans.
This included the following points
- EPE wants to bring back "the life" to Graceland of when Elvis lived there.
There has been too much sadness recently.
His idea is to only do new concepts that Elvis would do or approve of.
- EPE are going to be doing "something special"on the mansion grounds every few months. Some fans can participate in, some not.
- The new special tour 'Presley for a Day' will be unique and expensive, however a fair portion of the profits are going to charity & good things for the local community.
Part of this tour will be 'Moriah’s House' which was the stable and home for Lisa Marie’s horse. We’re starting with that house. Elvis’ legacy was Lisa. Elvis said, "The best thing I ever did in my life was have Lisa".
Now her daughter Riley has taken over and is extraordinary - and solely focused on what is best for Elvis’ legacy.
“Our Road to fifty” is the new plan as they head to the fiftieth anniversary. We have three years until 2027
- There will be three to four new buildings opened on the mansion property. EPE will be announcing these and they will be doing things that Elvis would have done.
Some of the things that Elvis designed himself.
- One could be a Recording Studio built on the property. This was something that Elvis not only always wanted, but he designed. In the archives there are architectural drawings for that. - There will be one new Elvis movie between now and 2027 - possibly two. - Baz Lurhman is working on his Elvis documentary.
There should also be a "streamer" show.
- There is the London ‘Elvis Evolution’ event where you’ll be able to go into virtual rooms that Elvis was in and interact with all of it.
- The whole thing is that in this world of such quick change, where movies and music are all so disposable, Elvis is one of the few things from 70 years ago that is still incredibly relevant.
Elvis was a revolutionary.
- So fans should “spread the gospel of Elvis”.
- Elvis always respected his neighbours even he might disagree with them. So please ignore the bad social media, respect your neighbours. Ask yourself, "What would Elvis do?"
-
So we are all going to keep going to Elevate Elvis’ legacy and keep thinking ‘What would Elvis want, what would Elvis do?’ EIN Note: photo shows Joel Weinshanker with Lisa Marie in 2018 (News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
(Book Review) Elvis, Hero of the Comic Books (Nigel Patterson): Respected Elvis author and reviewer, Gordon Minto, recently put on his reviewer’s cap to take on what he rightly describes as “a strange landscape” of how Elvis is portrayed in comic books (aka sequential art), a subject, which until now, has not been well covered or understood.
The book in question, Elvis, Hero of the Comic Books, was written by EIN’s Nigel Patterson and sublimely designed by Elvis Day By Day’s, Kees Mouwen.
The book includes stunning artwork from a number of releases and an eclectic variety of Elvis related comic book ephemera. Elvis, Hero of the Comic Books features more than 600 images!
Read Gordon’s detailed review to discover why he found the book to be “refreshingly different, extremely eye-catching, well-researched and well-written, while offering a new slant on things”.
(Book Review, Source: Gordon Minto;ElvisInfoNet)
‘For LP Fans Only’ ‘A Date With Elvis’ Mono II Stereo' CD review: From the RDM label,
"Two classic 1959 Elvis albums, for the first time in stereo". 'For LP Fans Only' brought together songs previously released on 45rpm or on EPs, such as the classics 'That's All Right', 'Lawdy Miss Clawdy', 'Mystery Train' or the song 'Poor Boy'. 'A Date with Elvis' was based on the same principle of compiling previously published 45rpm
or 'Extended Play' songs from Elvis' past. It contained other Elvis SUN
classics plus 'Baby, I Don't Care' and the haunting 'Is It So Strange'.
Looking back, these two 1959 albums were a strange compilation with their short running time and odd track selection..
The stereo mixes created by producer Anthony Stuchbury, are authentic to original Mono releases but now sound more like the original studio sessions. Featuring twenty fabulous 50's tracks, EIN's Piers Beagley checks out this intriguing Stereo compilation.. (CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Nigel Patterson 'Hero of the Comic Books' Interview:'Elvis, Hero of the Comic Books' is the first book to showcase Elvis' impact in comic books, graphic biographies, graphic novels, comic strips and caricatures.
Written by EIN's founding president, Nigel Patterson, it features outstanding page design by Elvis Day By Day's, Kees Mouwen.
A mammoth 450 page "coffee table" release 'Elvis, Hero of the Comic Books' highlights how diverse and far-reaching Elvis' impact has been, the themes ranging from biography, superhero, teen interest, crime, and satire, to zombies, vampires, the supernatural, anthropomorphic Elvis, and even a Fairy godmother and Lady Hellvis (Lady Death).
To celebrate the recent publication, the book's designer Kees Mouwen (from Elvis Day-By-Day) interviewed the author Nigel Patterson to find out what the book is all about....
"That's All Right" 70 Anniversary Spotlight: Seventy years ago today Elvis Presley would walk into 706 Union Avenue and by the end of the evening his recording of 'That's All Right' would change the course of music history.
Elvis author Tony Plews' 'Walk A Lonely Street' is a unique book that tells the tale of Elvis Presley’s rise to fame and presented as a series of consecutive short stories, it offers a new perspective on Presley’s musical and cultural achievements.
Every Elvis biography has, of course, described the recording of “That's All Right” but none have really captured that special day in such a cool, inspiring, involving and natural way.
In 'Walk A Lonely Street' it’s as if Tony Plews was actually there watching... On this 70th anniversary every Elvis fan should read this fabulous spotlight about 'That's All Right'.
(Spotlight, Source;TonyPlews/EIN)
'Las Vegas: On Stage Feb 1973' MRS CD Review: The new MRS 4CD Deluxe-set contains three performances recorded in February 1973, during Elvis’ eighth engagement in Las Vegas.
The Las Vegas shows took place weeks after the historic satellite TV show, Aloha From Hawaii, was filmed and broadcast on 14 January.
All shows are presented in stereo for the first time ever.
All shows are presented in stereo for the first time ever.
A bonus CD of remastered rehearsal tracks that were recorded the day before Opening night is also included.
The accompanying booklet includes rare photographs, memorabilia and liner notes which set the scene.
... This latest release from the Memphis Recording Service is an interesting one and manages to shed new light on the post-Aloha Elvis Las Vegas season that many fans have largely dismissed.
MRS 'Elvis: The Complete Movie Masters 1960-62' In-Depth Review: This 2024 MRS 'Elvis: The Complete Movie Masters 1960-62 - Plus Session Out-takes' 4CD/Book combo pays tribute to Elvis Presley’s complete master soundtrack recordings made for his movies between 1960-62.
As a bonus two CDs contain rare outtake tracks from these recording sessions and do include unreleased material.
The 140-page book focuses on each of the seven films and is accompanied by informative text, complemented by rare and previously unseen photographs and memorabilia.
In his first two years out of the army Elvis still looked terrific and the book includes a veritable pot-pourii of attractive images for readers to savor.
The set includes the STEREO masters from 'Follow That Dream' that have never been officially released on album, as well as other previously unreleased remastered stereo recordings.
Collectors will not only enjoy the images of Elvis in gorgeous close-up but also nearly five hours of great sixties soundtrack music.
'Elvis: Stateline SAHARA '74' FTD In-Depth Review:'ELVIS: Stateline Sahara 1974 Lake Tahoe' released as a 3-CD 5” digi-pak
features three previously unreleased performances from Elvis' third
Lake Tahoe season -
May 19 (Evening show), May 20 (Midnight show) and May 25 (Midnight show).
Just two weeks before this Lake Tahoe season Elvis had been playing to audiences of over 18 thousand at the Los Angeles Forum, so it is understandable if Elvis sounds a little more on ‘cruise-control’ but being less O-T-T is also a positive in that they sound more intimate.
'The Blue Hawaii Sessions' Box-Set FTD In-Depth Review: Released last month, 'The Blue Hawaii Sessions' was the eleventh in FTD’s “complete sessions” packages. This is the audio-set that was released earlier as part of 'The Making Of Blue Hawaii'. The 8 inch deluxe 4-CD package includes the complete sessions "newly-mixed from the original 3-track tapes", a 24-page booklet with informative flashbacks from musicians, songwriters, session data, memorabilia and global chart information.
The set includes 50 'officially previously unreleased' session outtakes. However most of these have to be 'False-Starts'.
There is however over four hours of Polynesian influenced material to enjoy and lots of studio banter to eavesdrop on. The set also includes all twenty-nine takes of Elvis' classic chart-topper Can’t Help Falling In Love.
Elvis in Literature #4 - 'Elvis, Barbra, A Star Is Born, and a girl circling overhead': That Elvis was considered for the co-lead role in A Star Is Born, starring Barbra Streisand, has long been a discussion point among fans. Why didn't Elvis take up the offer? Could he have carried it off?
Ms Streisand recently released her autobiography, My Name is Barbra (Century Books), a mammoth book of nearly 1,000 pages (but unfortunately no index)!!
Streisand's account of discussions with Elvis and Colonel Tom Parker about the role of John Norman Howard is interesting - and her description of meeting Elvis also includes a fascinating and somewhat bizarre account of why Elvis was late in meeting up with her.
'ELVIS: At 3am Sahara Tahoe 1973' MRS CD Review: This Deluxe 2CD set features two shows from Elvis’ May 1973 engagement at The Sahara Tahoe in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Included is a rare 3am charity performance as well as the midnight show from the previous night. Both shows for the first time are presented in stereo.
The accompanying booklet includes memorabilia and rare photos along with liner notes that set the scene.
Despite having to perform three concerts in the one evening, Elvis was feeling inspired and although it was 3am he still treated the ‘Mother’s Day’ benefit more like a Closing Night performance. Elvis was in extremely jovial spirits, teasing the band and adding some crazy lyrics. He also added unique live versions of ‘My Way’, ‘Faded Love’, ‘Funny How Time Slips Away’ and a rare ‘It’s Over’.
With the cassette hiss removed, the musicians and backing-vocals in stereo and Elvis’ vocal raised to the correct level, this MRS release sounds just like an RCA recorded multi-track and is the best representation of the “real Elvis” live in 1973 that fans could hope for. Go here as EIN's Piers Beagley checks out a sensational STEREO Elvis double-pack. (CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Book Review 'The King and The Jester': Elvis author Paul Belard's new "special interest" book all about Elvis and manager Col Parker is out now.
The cover notes, "As this uncultured philistine said of himself, "I did not know what to make of Elvis, or his music. I did not care, but I saw the reaction of the audience says and it was enough for me".Parker promptly realised that Elvis was his own ticket to wealth."
Belard's new 260 page book's twenty three chapters include, 'The Hank Snow Affair', 'The Snowman', 'The Lost Years', 'The Narcissist', 'World Wide Tour', 'What Could Have Been' and 'Exposing The Con Man'.
The author makes his disdain for Parker known from the outset and he does not hold back about what he sees as one of, if not the biggest, travesties and examples of unscrupulous mismanagement, in show business history!
The book is a very strong read and one that is very much a counterpoint to the recently published "rose colored glasses" account, 'Elvis and the Colonel: An Insider's Look At The Most Legendary Partnership In Show Business', by Parker employee Greg McDonald and Marshall Terrill.
Some fans have suggested that Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 ELVIS drama made Parker out to be too much of a cartoon villain but after reading this book the movie looks even more truthful than fans might have believed. ... Go here and read EIN's detailed review by glimmer twins Nigel Patterson and Piers Beagley (Book Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'Elvis in Print: A Comprehensive Annotated and Illustrated Bibliography 1955-2023 Volume 1' UPDATE: This comprehensive new book was due to be published this month but has been delayed due to editing issues and the discovery of more than 70 new titles and/or editions. A revised publication date for the nearly 500-page book will be announced soon. (non-final cover image pictured)
Compiled and written by EIN's Nigel Patterson, the four volumes of Elvis in Print: A Comprehensive Annotated & Illustrated Bibliography 1955-2023 will comprise around 2,000 pages, with listings for more than 4,000 books and around 2,000 images.
Volume 1 is the first of two detailing English language, “non-fiction” releases. It contains close to 500 pages, listings for more than 800+ titles, book covers for more than 500 listings, and interesting Sidebar articles discussing controversial releases and issues in the massive Elvis book catalog.
Sections in Elvis in Print Volume 1 include:
Academic Releases, Biographies, Compendiums: Catalogs, Discographies, Chart Histories, Interviews... Conspiracy Theories, Elvis and the Colonel, Elvis and the Law, Elvis as Art and Elvis as Religion (including Psychic Experiences and Spirituality)...
The 'Listings' include original releases, subsequent re-issues , (including digital editions) and a book synopsis. 'Elvis in Print' will be published in hardcover, softcover, and Kindle formats. It will be available from Amazon stores (the hardcover edition will only be available in those countries where Amazon offers this format).
EIN will publish more information soon. (News, Source;NP/EIN)
(Film Review) Priscilla – film by Sofia Coppola: While Baz Luhrmann’s major hit film in 2022, Elvis, was a colorful narrative and frenetic musical explosion, in 2023, Sofia Coppola’s, Priscilla, is more subdued, but still a colorfully hued and musically expressive story.
Coppola is an acclaimed filmmaker and director. Thematically, her films explore themes of identity, isolation, and the complexities of human relationships, and these underscore, Priscilla.
EIN’s Nigel Patterson recently watched the film that has divided the Elvis world.
Now updated with EIN READER comments...
We have had plenty of general negative feedback but also some lengthy and rather interesting discussions on the film.. EIN is also interested in hearing YOUR comments on the movie. (Film Review, Source:ElvisInformationNetwork)
UPDATED- CD Review 'The Joan Deary Tapes Vol1' - and has Ernst won the war?’: Two years ago EIN posted an article suggesting that the Elvis bootleg era was over, that FTD and Ernst Jorgensen had truly won the war.
So it was a surprise to many that a new bootleg label ‘Joan Deary Inc’ suddenly popped up two months ago promising a very similar series of releases to the Madison ‘A Legendary Performer’ set.
They promised "Unique content... with never issued before outtakes. Some very different mixes among other glorious sounding tracks. Every track comes in great sound quality and has been remastered for optimal listening pleasure..."
EIN was suspicious from the start - to be honest I saw no need to purchase this CD - but several EIN readers wanted to know more before they put down their hard earned cash. Go here as EIN's Piers Beagley investigates to see if there is life in this new series of Elvis bootleg releases... Please read this before ordering we've done the work so that you don't have to! Now UPDATED with YOUR comments (CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'ELVIS: Closing Night 1972' MRS CD Review: This MRS 2CD set features a live performance recorded on 4 September 1972,during the last night of Elvis’ seventh engagement in Las Vegas at the
Hilton Hotel.
The show is presented in stereo. A bonus CD of remastered rehearsal tracks, recorded days before the engagement began, is also included.
While Elvis is perhaps not as full-blast as on the 'Opening Night' here MRS's 'Studio D' engineer has done some brilliant audio remastering,
removing the bad cassette-tape-hiss of all previous releases. Emphasising the instrumentation with this "Stereo remaster" not only elevates Elvis and the musicians' performance but also places the listener right into the audience.
This night Elvis rocked into 'Johnny B. Goode' and even performed the golden-oldies with some real respect. It's a great show. Go here as EIN's Piers Beagley discovers something new in this re-release - the near perfect bookend to MRS' examination of Elvis’ 1972 Summer Festival.
(CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'Elvis On Tour' Box-Set In-Depth Review:The January 2023 'Elvis On Tour' SONY release is a 6CD / 1 Blu-Ray box set comprised of the audio from four of the shows (and two rehearsals) that were part of Elvis’ 1972 North American tour.
Originally recorded for the Elvis On Tour concert film that was released later that year, the set features a total of 145 tracks, including 91 previously unreleased tracks, as well as the award-winning concert film on Blu-ray.
RCA/Legacy's Elvis On Tour box set is produced by Ernst Jørgensen and mixed by Grammy Award-winning Memphis-based producer Matt Ross-Spang.
Elvis' April 1972 concerts were magnificent, so hopefully this expensive 50th anniversary release including newly remastered concert performances captures the magnificence and excitement of the movie and Elvis' stunning shows.
After fifty years surely SONY/RCA will get it right.....
Don't miss out on one of EIN's most-viewed and controversial interviews of all-time - Mike Stone tells all.
EIN Interview with Mike Stone: Mike Stone has had a long and successful career in athletics, in the entertainment business, as an author, sports instructor, bodyguard and personal fitness trainer.
Mike Stone was also a key figure in the emotional roller-coaster that described Elvis and Priscilla Presley's lives in the seventies. In this exclusive EIN interview Priscilla's ex-partner, karate champion and author talks about his amazing life, including... - Meeting Elvis and Priscilla
- Hawaii, Elvis and Karate
- Being Phil Spector's bodyguard
- Sitting next to John Lennon recording
- Priscilla and karate
- Fans blaming him for Elvis' marriage split-up
- Elvis putting a "Hit" out on him
- Finding peace in the Philippines
- His new autobiography
Don't forget that EIN's Elvis Facebook page regularly features fabulous RARE newly discovered photos of Elvis. This month EIN celebrates our 45,000 members! - including several of Elvis' own friends and colleagues So Elvis fans don't miss out on these rare and exciting photographs.
Now with over thousands of great photos, News and with more added every day – including YouTube footage.
Elvis LIVE Aug 23, 1969 Album Review + Elvis Concert Review 1969: ..."The atmosphere throughout the entire hotel was nail-bitingly electric! It is difficult for me to describe and paint a true portrait of attending in person this unique occasion - Elvis' Return to Splendor LIVE in 1969 - but I'll try my best. I want, and hope, you will understand the excitement of what has to be the pinnacle of Elvis' career to date!" Joan Gansky was lucky because not only was she in the audience for Elvis' TV musical renaissance of the '68 NBC Special but she also saw Elvis at his most dynamic - first at his August 22nd 1969 Midnight Show and then the following night at his August 23rd Dinner Show. Joan Gansky has written this insightful and emotional article for EIN in 2019, fifty years later, looking back at this special event from 1969 as well as providing her review of the new RCA vinyl album of the August 23rd Dinner Show. One of EIN's most important articles we have ever published- Go here for Joan and Paul Gansky's incredible articles and exclusive photos
(Review/Spotlight, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'What was Elvis searching for?' EIN Spotlight: The question is raised – but never answered – in the title of HBO’s recent absorbing, imperfect documentary 'Elvis Presley: The Searcher'.
At the start it seems clear what the teenage Elvis was searching for – an escape from the oblivion of poverty in the American South. Yet his quest was cultural as well as financial.
Later Elvis read obsessively, seeking out such books as The Impersonal Life, Joseph Brenner’s guide to self-discovery and Kahil Gibran’s book of fables, The Prophet. In his copy of Gibran’s tome, Elvis jotted down the line: “A singer can sing his songs but he must have an ear to receive the song”.
So what exactly was Elvis searching for? In this fascinating EIN Spotlight respected author Paul Simpson takes a close look at this all important question which, for some reason, was basically ignored in the recent HBO documentary..
Mindi Miller Interview with EIN: Mindi Miller was a working actress when she met Elvis in early 1975. She was interested in karate (she performed all her own movie stunts), exploring spirituality and the Bible and so they had a lot in common. Mindi Miller and Elvis bonded over their common interests and soon afterwards he asked her to go on tour with him in April 1975.
She stayed friends with Elvis through the years - along with members of the 'Memphis Mafia' - and attended his funeral.
EIN's Sanja Meegin recently caught up with Mindi Miller to talk about her close friendship with Elvis over the years.
In this fascinating interview she discusses. . . - Her first night with Elvis
- How Elvis persuaded her to cancel her overseas movie & modelling plans
- Their mutual interest in Karate
- Graceland and meeting Lisa Marie
- Attending Elvis' funeral . . . and much much more... Go here for EIN's Sanja Meegin and her intimate and detailed discussion with the delightful Mindi Miller - Now with Reader Feedback.
'Marty Lacker: A Life Well-Lived' & Elvis at American Studio's Interview: It was with immense sadness that last month EIN had to report on the death of our great friend - and a true friend to Elvis - Marty Lacker. We will miss him dearly. Marty is well-known as one of the key members of the Memphis Mafia and also co-Best Man at Elvis' wedding. He was known for both his honesty and being forthright with his opinions. He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia who still watched and commented on recent Elvis News. He had no issue with holding people to account (especially ones who would inflate their importance within Elvis' legacy) and would regularly ask EIN to add his comments or to correct any inaccuracy. Elvis fans often ask about Marty Lacker's background, how he came to meet Elvis, as well as his involvement in the music industry outside of working for The King.
As a prelude to Ken Sharp's fascinating interview with Marty Lacker and a discussion about Elvis' famous American Studio' Memphis sessions, EIN presents "Marty Lacker: a life well-lived" in which Marty tells of his life in the music industry, his friendship with Elvis along with his dislike of the over-controlling Col Parker. Go here to learn all you need to know about Marty Lacker as well as Elvis outstanding Memphis American Sound sessions in 1969. (Spotlight; Source,KenSharp/ElvisInformationNetwork)
'The World of FTD' In-Depth Review: The new deluxe book 'The World Of FTD' has been received by some lucky fans and Elvis collector Mike Lodge has provided EIN with a very detailed review - of well over 3 thousand words! The book was authored and designed by Keith Flynn with input from a large number of other Elvis specialists including EIN's Piers Beagley, EM&HM's Trevor Cajiao, Geoffrey McDonnell, Gordon Minto and many others. It is 1,200 pages, hardbound three book set, chronicling every release by FTD.The book also features 100s of high-quality photos from the collection Erik Lorentzen
KJ Consulting are proud to publish this Box Set which weighs 8 kilos.
Paul Dowling EIN Interview Part Three: Paul Dowling is without doubt one of the major names in the Elvis World. He started collecting and selling Elvis vinyl over 40 years ago and has one of the world's largest Elvis Presley record collections. He started his "WorldWide Elvis" shop back in the seventies, way before the internet, where fans could get hold of rare Elvis records and memorabilia.
With such a fascination with Elvis, Dowling not only became a big name in the early years of Elvis bootlegs but later became friends with Ernst Jorgensen and helped RCA with various official releases.
In the final part of our fascinating interview Paul Dowling discusses .... - Dodging the FBI agents that were sent after him
- Unreleased Elvis material that still hasn’t come out
- Why does Ernst Jorgensen doubt this claims
- His BMG project 'For The First Time Ever' - what happened
- The true story of obtaining the Million Dollar Quartet tape
- His thoughts on Paul Lichter, Sean Saver, Sherif Hanna, Rex Martin
- Spending time with Alan Fortas
- Jim Curtin, newly added story
'Ultimate Elvis' New Electronic Edition: Announced by Elvis sessions expert Keith Flynn for publication November 1 is the brand new concept of the 1750 page super-deluxe Elvis sessions book 'Ultimate Elvis' Electronic Edition.
This incredible three volume book will now be available as an e-book on an i-pad or android tablet. - Created in HTML5
Fully updated e-books will open in any web browser on any operating system, so no need for separate downloads for different operating systems. - Life-Like 'Flipping' Pages
Flip through pages as if you are reading an actual book, but also being able to zoom-in to view smaller images and captions.
- View as Double or Single pages
View as double pages on a computer or laptop etc, and single pages when viewing in portrait on an i-pad or Android tablet. - Fully Navigational Table Of Contents
Jump back and forth to the sections of the books you want to read, instead of flipping through numerous pages to find what you want. PRICED AT - all 3 Volumes for £60 = US$93
On sale from November 1st 2015. Try Before You Buy -
Download free zip-file containing 27 pages from Volume 1, before you decide to buy the complete set. -
NOTE - These books are MASSIVE so you will need approximately 1GB of spare disc space for these three volumes, -
Click HERE to Keith Flynn's 'Ultimate Elvis' Electronic Edition to try.
Go HERE to EIN's independent review of 'Ultimate Elvis' (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Did Elvis Record 'Tiger Man' At Sun?: A question that has puzzled Elvis fans through the years is whether he actually recorded the song ‘Tiger Man’ during his years at SUN studios.
The basic question is why did Elvis refer to 'Tiger man' several times in concert as “The second song that I ever recorded, not too many people heard it”?
And if Elvis DID record it, then why hasn’t any reference to it at SUN or proof of its existence been found?
Elvis would first perform ‘Tiger Man’ in concert at his first 1969 Las Vegas International season and would continue playing it through the years – usually in a medley with Mystery Train - until his last performance at Saginaw on May 3 1977. He would sing it over 150 times on stage! The thought that there might be an acetate or undiscovered tape of Elvis at SUN singing ‘Tiger Man’ is a mouth-watering concept - but is it an unlikely fantasy or strong possibility?
Go here to our detailed 'TIGER MAN' spotlight as EIN's Piers Beagley puts in the hard yards to check the facts from the fantasy . (Spotlight; Source;ElvisInfoNetwork)
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EIN is a not-for-profit Elvis Fan Club website posting daily news and informative articles for Elvis Presley's legion of fans.
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If you believe we have used copyrighted material please contact us and we will remove it immediately.
EIN also has a local Australian national Elvis Fan Club for paid up members featuring quarterly newsletters along with free EIN members cds plus an annual EIN Elvis Mega Quiz with special prizes.
The printed newsletters have extra content, articles and reviews to this website along with the popular Elvis EIN Mega Quiz.
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