Welcome to the "Elvis Information Network", home to the best news, reviews, interviews, Elvis photos & in-depth articles about the King of Rock & Roll, Elvis Aaron Presley...
ELVIS #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)
Wednesday 30 October 2024
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)
Tuesday 29 October 2024
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)
Sunday 27 October 2024
'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."
Friday 25 October 2024
‘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: The Ultimate Album Guide' New mag: The new October 2024 issue of Vintage Rock Presents is 'Elvis: The Ultimate Album Guide'.
This latest issue brings you the most comprehensive guide yet to the albums of Elvis Presley, starting with his incendiary debut through to his final LP of original recordings, 1977’s Moody Blue.
But that’s not all – we also take a look at the many live albums and EPs the King put out during his lifetime, as well as the remix records that have emerged in the years since his death.
Whether you own everything by Elvis already, or you’re just starting out on your Presley journey, this new special issue is for you.
EIN Note: The magazine is a very enjoyable read but some of Elvis' key compilations ie 'Gold Records Vol.2' don't get a mention while 'Something For Everybody' is described as "Pleasant but unremarkable" and 'Elvis In Concert' is described as "a last great salute". The mag interestingly uses the FTD re-release cover of 'Speedway' rather than the genuine version!
( News, Source;VR/ElvisInfoNet)
James Burton inducted into Country Music Hall of Fame: Shreveport native James Burton was inducted to the the Country Music Hall of Fame during a ceremony in Nashville on October 20.
Having been inducted into the 'Rock and Roll Hall of Fame' back in 2001 with longtime fan Keith Richards giving his induction speech, there was another surprise last week when Rolling Stone's Keith Richards again stepped up on stage to honour his idol.
Before he appeared, honouree Burton had no clue that Richards would appear since Country Music Hall of Fame CEO Kyle Young kept it completely under wraps.
The CMHF noted that... Few guitarists have made a more sustained impression on country music — and popular music — than James Burton, who blended blues and country for a signature sound. By age 14, he was a “Louisiana Hayride” staff musician and created the memorable guitar lick for “Susie-Q” by Dale Hawkins. Burton soon graduated to Ricky Nelson’s band, where he crafted influential rockabilly licks and solos on more than 40 hits.
As an in-demand studio picker, he played on records for artists ranging from Merle Haggard to the Beach Boys. He then led Country Music Hall of Fame member Elvis Presley’s TCB band from 1969–1977, followed by long stints backing John Denver, Emmylou Harris and others in bands and on records.
Elvis Costello and Emmylou Harris were also in attendance, with James Burton noting, "What a surprise. They’re all my heroes, all these guys I work with. And I want to thank God for giving me a small part of being with these people. I'm so honoured; I love them all." (News, Source;NP/ElvisInfoNet)
Riley Keough Australian Harper's Bazaar: The november issue of Australian fashion magazine Harper's Bazaar features Riley Keough on the cover.
She happens to be married to Australian Ben Smith-Petersen, they met while shooting George Miller’s 'Mad Max: Fury Road'.
The lengthy article includes...
... An actor and award-winning filmmaker, Riley Keough has forged her own path beyond the shadow of her legendary grandfather. Now she has turned her hand to literature, bringing to life the memoir of her late mother, Lisa Marie Presley.
But it’s as much Keough’s memoir as it is Lisa Marie’s, with the former injecting observations and recollections after every section told by her mother. One of the world’s bestselling solo artists of all time, with worldwide record sales estimated to exceed one billion Elvis Presley is a pop-culture immortal. Even Lisa Marie concedes she could feel dwarfed by his charisma. “I felt my father could change the weather. He was a god to me. A chosen human being,” she writes, while not shying away from exposing his feet of clay. “From here to the great unknown” is a lyric from Presley’s 1967 hit ‘Where No One Stands Alone’, which was re-released in 2018 as a re-imagined duet between Presley and Lisa Marie.
Keough explains, “It was such a beautiful duet between the two of them and I think it just meant a lot to her. A lot of my family have passed away and I think ‘the great unknown’, for me, is like a nice way to think about the afterlife or whatever that process is. It just kind of felt right.
The reason she wanted to write a book was so that someone
could read it and relate, or feel less alone in the world, and experience what they’ve gone through. I hope that people can relate to the humanity within the story. It’s a story about family and addiction and love and loss and all of these things that are very normal human experiences — set in a world that is, you know, unique.”
Elvis had long since left the building when Danielle Riley Keough was born on May 29, 1989, but Presley loomed larger than life over her story from the get-go. Not long after her birth, pacifier in mouth, Keough appeared on the cover of People magazine with Lisa Marie.
The headline read: “Elvis’s first grandchild. HERE SHE IS!”
Keough’s childhood — which she describes in the book as “perfect, amazing” — was spent in various locales, including Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch (during Lisa Marie’s two-year marriage to Jackson), and a house on two hectares in Hidden Hills, LA. Holidays were spent at another property Lisa Marie owned in Hawaii, a friend’s castle in Scotland and on Nicolas Cage’s yacht, during what Keough describes in the book as Lisa Marie’s “hurricane of a marriage” to the American actor that lasted all of 108 days. Graceland was only ever visited for special occasions, like Thanksgiving. “We would go after the tour and spend time in the house or eat dinner there. That was really important to my mom to have it feel like our family home, even though it was a museum.”
Astonishingly, perhaps, given her musical pedigree, Keough (who describes the ’70s as “aesthetically superior to every era, to me”) had to learn how to sing for her role in Daisy Jones. “I never really sang before Daisy Jones, it’s true. My husband plays guitar for fun, nothing serious, but I would sing with him when he would sing songs. If opportunities arise where someone wants me to sing, I’ll sing, but I don’t think I could write music. I’m not a songwriter. Maybe had I started singing when I was young, maybe I would feel differently. But at this stage, it’s just sort of like a hobby.”
Smith-Petersen isn’t the only Australian in Keough’s circle of intimates. There’s also her business partner, Gina Gammell, with whom she founded the Felix Culpa production company in 2017, and fellow model-turned-actor Abbey Lee Kershaw, whom she counts as a close friend.
“It’s really crazy, my everyday life is primarily Australians. I definitely say Australian words sometimes. My whole brain is in Australian,” quips Keough.
“It’s my dream to live in Australia. I certainly could end up in Australia.”
See Harper's Bazaar website, check your local newsagents (News, Source;JM/ElvisInfoNet)
Wednesday 23 October 2024
'ELVIS EVOLUTION' Ticket sale starts Friday: 'Elvis Evolution' is the brand new experience from Layered Reality the UK's leading immersive specialists, celebrating the life of Elvis Presley. Combining cutting-edge technology, heart-pounding music, live musicians and mind-blowing multimedia, letting you relive the King's iconic moments. Elvis Evolution will open in London in May 2025, at Immerse LDN at Excel London
'Elvis Evolution' is a life-affirming 110-minute journey which lets you walk in the shoes of an icon, taking you through his life story and seminal performances. Prepare to be transported back to the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll as Elvis Evolution immerses you in the sights and sounds that defined a generation. You will witness some of Elvis’s most iconic performances in a way never seen before, using brand new treatments and cutting-edge technology to digitally enhance some of the most breathtaking performances of all time.
With state-of-the-art technology, stunning sensory effects and digitally remastered tracks, this show is designed to do more than just entertain – it’s here to make you shake, rattle, and roll. You’ll find yourself stepping into Elvis’ world, from his very first
performances to access the intimate moments that made him a legend; giving you exclusive glimpses behind the scenes at never seen before moments in Elvis’ history.
The show peaks with a concert experience that will recreate the seismic impact of seeing Elvis live for a whole new generation of fans, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.
There are also extra Pre and Post show experiences. -
See ELVIS EVOLUTION for Presale Information. (News, Source;ElvisE/ElvisInfoNet)
'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)
'The NZ Christmas EPs Vol 1 & 2' New Vinyl: From an unknown label some neat EPs for vinyl collectors.
The publicity states...
Although in small amounts, New Zealand did their own exclusive cover on the 1957 Christmas Album and for approx 4 years in a row used the same cover.
They never released a Christmas EP until the mid 60's, when all they did was copy the USA sleeves!!! Why on earth did they not release them using their original sleeve?
Well, here is what could have been, using just the eight Christmas songs in pristine sound and TRUE mono.
Vol 1 is on red vinyl and Vol 2 on green vinyl.
Check with your local Elvis dealers
See'All The CD News 2024'for full details (News, Source;EShopLondon/ElvisInfoNet)
Tuesday 22 October 2024
Riley Keough Talks Elvis on ABC Australia; Australian's ABC network last night included a Riley Keough interview on their 7.30 report.
The interview highlights included.. "I think that she (Lisa Marie) just felt a desire to connect with people and share her life experiences, because she'd been through so much. And I think she kind of thought, what's the point of going through all of these things, like addiction and loss and, you know, very human things, falling in love and having children, if you can't share your story and help other people feel less alone in the world?"
Listening to her mother's voice on tapes after her passing was a surreal experience. "It was incredibly emotional because it was the first time I'd heard her voice since she'd passed away. I think when your loved ones pass away, typically you have some videos or maybe voicemails or a couple things left over, but to have like, 16 tapes of your parent who's passed away, telling their entire life story was really beautiful and also felt daunting to listen to when I first heard the tapes."
Lisa Marie's adoration of her father Elvis is a key theme in her memoir. "She was a daddy's girl. She felt incredibly loved by him and protected by him and just adored him, and he adored her and they had a really incredible bond, he was like her whole world, and I think she was his as well."
While she never met him, Keough says she feels an emotional connection to Elvis....
"He's just like my grandfather to me. And my mother's father who passed away, and my relationship with him was, is, very personal.
I'm aware that it's a different situation, and he's everywhere, and I'm reminded of him often, but the emotional connection is personal."
While Elvis' music pervasively surrounded everyone in America, Keough says her mother took years to play Elvis's music in front of her children. "Elvis' music was present in that it was always on the radio or in places I was walking into … but as far as her playing his music, she didn't really play his music until later in her life. I vividly remember the first time she turned on his music was in the car with my sisters. I would have been in my early 20s and she put on the radio and said, 'This is your grandfather singing.'
Prior to that, her relationship with his music was a very personal thing. And I think she would listen to it alone. And sometimes when she was drinking at the end of the night, she would listen to it and feel emotional." "Graceland is a special place and I do still feel the special energy in the house but visiting Graceland now is bittersweet. It used to be a place filled with joy and fun but now it's difficult since my mother and my brother are both buried there. So it's definitely an emotional experience, but I try to still have joyful moments with my family there and keep that alive because I think that's important".
Lisa Marie's son Ben Keough died by suicide in 2020 at the age of 27. Keough said her mother couldn't cope with the loss of Ben. "I felt that she wasn't able to really recover from losing him and
being here without him. I've grown up with addiction around me a lot and strong-willed people. And one thing I know is that you can't, you know, force people to have a different fate than they're going to have."
The interviewer Sarah Ferguson signed off "Nice to spend some Monday with Elvis Presley"
Go here to ABC iView to check out the show. (News, Source;ABC/ElvisInfoNet)
Golden Years "From Elvis at Christmas" Special: BBC's Matt Shepherd is back with another Elvis Special!
... Feeling festive yet? You soon will be as we feature tracks from the brand new album - "From Elvis at Christmas". It features three classic 50's festive tracks from the King, remastered and mixed into true living stereo!
Out last Friday 18 October from the UK MRS label on CD, plus there's also a vinyl edition.
Matt also brings you tracks from The Eagles, Fats Domino and many more! The great days are back again! GREAT news as the show is already Number One in three of Mixcloud’s global charts! It’s at the top of the 1950’s, the 1960’s and Doo Wop charts!
There’s clearly a lot of love for Elvis and the new MRS release.
Go here to MixCloud for the joy of Santa Claus Is Back In Town, Blue Christmas and Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me) in LIVING STEREO. Great stuff. (News, Source;MS/ElvisInfoNet)
Sunday 20 October 2024
'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)
'Elvis & Priscilla' New Vinyl Bootleg: Released just days after the Lisa Marie memoir which contains appalling stories about Priscilla, this is surely either a joke or in terribly bad taste. Several track selections were obviously about Elvis' other girlfriends and not about Priscilla. The tacky publicity notes.... A three vinyl set serves as a melodic memoir, chronicling the romantic escapades of Elvis and Priscilla.
From the enchanting notes that marked the beginning of their love story to the melancholic tunes encapsulating the dissolution of their marriage, this collection captures the depth and breadth of emotions experienced by the iconic couple - all presented in rare and alternative versions of the love songs.
See'All The CD News 2024'for full details (News, Source;NP/ElvisInfoNet)
‘The Complete Follow That Dream Sessions’ Bootleg CD: One we missed from 2 months ago, from Miracle Surface label. The publicity promised… For the first time. The entire session for Follow That Dream in real stereo. Taken from a lost tape, now including the masters in real stereo.
Everything is a very nice sound quality that is also not heard on other releases because we could work with a DAT transfer.
Very limited available.
Includes 'A Whistling Tune' plus On Top Of Old Smokey (film version)
“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)
Wednesday 16 October 2024 - - - Elvis Presley Day - - -
Elvis Presley Day in Shreveport: On October 16th 1954, seventy years ago, Elvis Presley made his debut on the Louisiana Hayride at the Municipal Auditorium in Shreveport.
After a lackluster performance at the Grand Ole Opry two weeks earlier, Sam Phillips booked Elvis for a show with their biggest competitor, The Louisiana Hayride.
The 19-year-old Elvis opened the show with "That's All Right" before leading into "Blue Moon of Kentucky."
It was Hayride MC Frank Page who introduced Elvis who was standing against the painted backdrop with a Lucky Strikes' banner.
Elvis wore a pink jacket, black shirt, red bow-tie, white pants with two-tone shoes.
Frank Page told the audience,"Just a few weeks ago a young man from Memphis, Tennessee, recorded a song on the Sun label and, in just a matter of weeks, that record has sky-rocketed right up the charts.
It's really doing well all over the country. He is only nineteen years old. He has a new, distinctive style. Elvis Presley. Let's give him a nice hand."
Elvis would explain, "'I'm all geared up. I'd just like to say how happy we are to be here. It's a real honor for us to get a chance to appear on the Louisiana Hayride. We're gonna do a song for ya we got out on Sun Records. ..
It goes something like this."
And with his stunning 'That's All Right' the Louisiana Hayride scored the world's future superstar..
To honor the anniversary, Mayor Tom Arceneaux today October 16, 2024 as Elvis Presley Day in Shreveport. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'Ooh Las Vegas' 73 New Import: From the reliable Millbranch Music a neat CD / DVD combo containing unreleased “Soundbooth” Audio and Video. The publicity states.. In unbelievable, simply stunning quality an early 1973 CD / DVD in a deluxe 2-panel Digi-Pack.
We are delighted to be able to present a completely new concert, February 11th, 1973 - Midnight Show!
Recorded by UK Super-Fan Rex Martin, taken from the original cassette tape - presents an absolutely complete show in stunning “Soundbooth” quality.
Starting with music from Joe Guercio's Orchestra, Rex Martin is already running his recording devices.
Then there is the complete show until the very end, when you hear the announcer talk about the Souvenir stand in the lobby. It doesn't get much better!
The DVD presents more than 90 minutes of Video material,
most of all you will get…… unreleased Video!
See extremely rare footage in stunning quality with Elvis appearing in his Blue Pinwheel suit! And so much more!
Quality wise this DVD easily represents the best picture quality of any Las Vegas 8mm footage.
See'All The CD News 2024'for tracklisting & full details (News, Source;NP/ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis On Record Volume 2 - 1966 -1981' New Book: Paul Alner's new hardcover book ''Elvis On Record Volume 2 - 1966 -1981' is OUT NOW.
"The Definitive Guide To UK Record Releases Volume 2" is 692-pages (100 more than Vol.1) in full colour featuring every known variation of every record issued in the UK during that period.
It is a LIMITED EDIITION with only 175 numbered copies available.
Utilising press promotions,reviews,and charts the volume builds a unique overview of the period.
'Oprah - The Presleys' TV Special rates well in Australia: Oprah Winfrey's visit to Graceland and interview with Riley Keough was a major TV ratings winner for Australia's 10 Network.
Originally screening last Wednesday it ranked in the top 20 programs and thanks to an "encore" performance on Saturday, the special had a reach exceeding 1 million viewers, making it one the top non-news/current affairs programs for the week, including out-rating the popular Socceroos vs China football game.
(News, Source:OzTam;TV Tonight/EIN)
CAVEAT EMPTOR!! - and here they come... the "quickie" books about "From Here to the Great Unknown": It has been less than a week since Lisa and Riley's book was released and already there at least seven "quickie", likely AI generated books about "the book", for sale on Amazon sites.
One example includes the wonderful misspelling "Elvis Preslay"
and if 'Mia Goodman' is a genuine author she needs to correct the AI generated weirdness..
For amusement try reading these excerpts from the book "Elvis Preslay's Legacy: The Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough Story" .. sure sounds like a robot talking.. "New to anyone's sight, even modern was gospel, blues, country, and rhythm and blues all merged into what would later be labeled rock 'n' roll as he rose to fame in the 1950s.
He also rebooted popular music ad eternam. Capabilities transcend from Pop to Gospel to mean Elvis could reach to a wide variability of audiences. His presence cropped up even in film and fashion."
"Lisa Marie Presley was born in 1968 as the only child of Elvis Presley and his wife, Priscilla-to obviously be mired into a public limelight." (News, Source:Amazon/ElvisInfoNet)
'Kissin' Cousins 60th Anniv Edition' Import CD: Infinity Records are proud to present a limited 2-CD edition of the "Kissin' Cousins" soundtrack to celebrate the incredible talent involved.
Often overlooked, the music features members of the "Nashville A-Team," along with long-time contributors to Elvis's sound, including Scotty Moore, D.J. Fontana, and the sensational Boots Randolph.
These discs contain rare, previously unreleased RCA masters in both stereo and mono, making them a must-hear for fans! Don’t miss the stunning "Anyone (Could Fall in Love With You)" and the lively "Smoky Mountain Boy," among other highlights. We've included a selection of movie outtakes featuring rare and unreleased movie masters sourced from acetate and "track" recordings intended for Elvis's vocal overdubs. EIN Note: Exactly what "previously unreleased RCA masters" they are referring to we do not know.
This appears to be the FTD 'Roustabout' release with off-the-dvd movie versions added.
Check your FTD 'Roustabout' classic album before purchasing..
Go to'All The CD News 2024'for tracklisting & details (News, Source;NP/ElvisInfoNet)
Saturday 12 October 2024
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)
Allan Blye, 'Comeback Special' Emmy-Winning Writer dead at 87: Allan Blye was an Emmy-winning comedy writer for The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour and along with co-writer Chris Beard wrote Elvis' '68 Comeback Special'.
Blye died Friday October 4 at his home in Palm Desert, California.
Born July 19 1937 in Winnipeg, Blye went from being a child soloist in his synagogue’s choir to becoming a featured singer on variety radio shows all across Canada.
In his early 20s he caught Fred Rogers’ attention and went on to originate the role of Captain Blye on 'Mister Rogers' from 1961-65.
In 1968, Tom and Dick Smothers convinced then Blye to move to LA to write and produce their new show, CBS’ The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.
It was there that he worked alongside young comedians such as Steve Martin, Bob Einstein and Rob Reine.
Blye also helped earn the show an Emmy for best writing in a variety comedy television series in 1969.
Blye went on to write and produce numerous other shows, including The Ray Stevens Show, The Andy Williams Show,
The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour, but is best remembered for co-writing Elvis’ 1968 Comeback Special.
Allan Blye joined Elvis Week twice to share his stories at Elvis Week 2018 and again in 2023. (Photo: Allan Blye with EIN's Mandy Squair in 2018. - Please see EIN's spotlight on Elvis Week 2018)
Blye told the story of how just before they went into the show's production, late on a Friday night at home he was shocked to find Elvis knocking at his door. Elvis had escaped from his usual entourage of friends and driven to Blye's house on a motorcycle.
As he explained, Elvis talked into the night about his nerves over the TV show and they shared some scotch and cigars. Elvis even picked up the Blye's son's small guitar and sang a few songs to Blye and his wife.
He said, "Elvis was such a respectful guy - always courteous - and seemed genuinely astounded by his success. Elvis was a truly humble and an absolutely terrific person. There was not an ounce of arrogance about him. He was hard working and had a terrific sense of humour, especially about himself.
Elvis was absolutely unique. Until I got to work with him I didn't realize that he was as remarkable and talented as he really was". (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
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.
'38th Annual Houston Livestock Welcomes The King' New Import: Out now on vinyl is '38th Annual Houston Livestock Welcomes The King To The Rodeo' on LP plus bonus CD.
As recorded live on stage on March 1, 1970 7PM show
Experience the magic as Elvis delivers an unforgettable, electrifying performance in one of the most iconic concerts. Feel the energy, hear the hits, and witness history in the making at the biggest show in Texas.
Remastered AUDIENCE recording to achieve the best sound for this unique show that marked the closing of Elvis’ performances at the Houston Astrodome in 1970. EIN Note: Recently released in 2022 on 'Elvis At The Astrodome' the audience recording still sounded pretty terrible.
Perhaps that is why this release is limited to 125 copies.
Check the audio quality with your dealer before purchasing. Caveat Emptor.
Go to'All The CD News 2024'for tracklisting & details (News, Source;NP/ElvisInfoNet)
'Keeping The Show Alive' New Import: From SR Records, 'Keeping The Show Alive' focuses on Elvis’ January & February 1973 Vegas season, featuring January 27th, 1973 MS, previously unreleased on vinyl including as bonus CD the unreleased show from February 05, 1973, MS.
This set is out now - it was promoted back in early June 2024! SR Records are even more delayed that the FTD label!
The January show was previously released on CD (EIN Note: FTD 'From Vegas to Tahoe') but this is the first time on vinyl format with an incredibly superior sound. The vinyl will be accompanied by a CD with an unreleased show from the same season just a week later. A Must-have!
The two shows are great and now consist of a solid collection of great-quality songs well-performed.
Priced around £60 / US$75 & postage.
Go to'All The CD News 2024'for tracklisting & details (News, Source;NP/ElvisInfoNet)
Thursday 10 October 2024
'From Here to the Great Unknown' Number 1 Best-seller!: Following on from its release on October 8, 'From Here to the Great Unknown' has now climbed to #1 on 'Amazon's Best Seller' list.
The media reviews have all been very positive.. Variety notes,, , “From Here to the Great Unknown” is engrossing from start to finish. The fact that it remains that constantly absorbing maybe comes against some odds, since the emotional trajectory of Lisa Marie’s life is never much in doubt… not when she writes, “The sadness started at 9 when he (Elvis) died, and it never left.” But of course the book benefits from delivering the goods on a myriad of subjects any reader with a modicum of interest in celebrity has naturally wanted to know more about, from Elvis’ temperament to how Lisa Marie got along with Priscilla Presley (spoiler: rarely well) to her marriage to Michael Jackson, which merits a book unto itself.
Lisa Marie may rarely have felt satisfied in her life, but as a last act, she satisfies our curiosity, in a torrent of unexpected candor."
EIN will post our review as soon as we receive our copies down-under. (News, Source/NP/ElvisInfoNet)
Cissy Houston, gospel singer, dead aged 91: Cissy Houston, two-time Grammy-winner gospel artist who sang with Aretha Franklin, Elvis and many others has died at 91.
Cissy Houston was also the mother of Whitney Houston.
She died last Monday in her New Jersey home while surrounded by her family.
Cissy Houston was born Emily Drinkard in Newark, the youngest of eight children of a factory worker and a housewife. She was just 5 when she and three siblings founded the Drinkard Singers, a gospel group that lasted 30 years.
A church performer from an early age, Houston was part of a family gospel act before breaking through in popular music in the 1960s as a member of the prominent backing group The Sweet Inspirations with Doris Troy and her niece Dee Dee Warwick.
The group sang backup for a variety of soul singers including Otis Redding, Dionne Warwick, Lou Rawls and The Drifters.
Houston's many credits included Aretha Franklin’s “Think” and ”A Natural Woman", Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl” and Dusty Springfield’s “Son of a Preacher Man.” The Sweet Inspirations with Cissy Houston joined Elvis at his 1969 Las Vegas comeback with Houston fondly remembering singing gospel during rehearsal breaks. “At the end of our engagement with Elvis, he gave me a
bracelet inscribed with my name on the outside. On the inside of the bracelet he had inscribed his nickname for me: Squirrelly.”
It is Cissy Houston's soprano you hear on the infamous 1969 ‘Are You Lonesome Tonight? - Laughing Version’ (see 'All Shook Up'Midnight show Aug 26, 1969 review)
The Sweet Inspirations had their own top 20 Billboard single with “Sweet Inspiration” recorded at American Sound Memphis studios.
Cissy Houston's last recording session with The Sweet Inspirations (left in the photo) was in October 1969 when she decided to pursue a solo career.
Her final recording session with the group turned into their biggest R&B hit “(Gotta Find) A Brand New Lover” a composition by the production team of Gamble & Huff, who appeared on the group’s fifth album, “Sweet Sweet Soul.”
Cissy Houston became an in-demand session singer and recorded more than 600 songs in her career. Her vocals can be heard on tracks alongside a wide range of artists including Chaka Khan, Donny Hathaway, Jimi Hendrix, Luther Vandross, Beyoncé, Paul Simon, Roberta Flack and Whitney Houston.
Cissy Houston said that she had discouraged her daughter Whitney from show business, but they were joined in music for much of Whitney’s life, from church to stage performances to TV, film and the recording studio.
Her daughter-in-law Pat Houston has posted.. "Our family feels “blessed and grateful" that God allowed Cissy to spend so many years with us.
We are touched by your generous support, and your outpouring of love during our profound time of grief.
We respectfully request our privacy during this difficult time.” (News, Source;various/ElvisInfoNet)
'The Definitive Vinyl Artwork of Elvis Presley, Vol. 2: The Back Covers': Joseph Tunzi has announced his upcoming book, a follow-up to The Definitive Vinyl Artwork of Elvis Presley 1956-1977.
This new volume takes you on a journey of those same albums, focusing this time, on BACK COVER artwork.
Also included, are some alternate back covers that were never used and much more!
Note the book has been announced with a price tag of US$195.00 (including s&h)
Elvis feature article in 'Yours Retro' magazine: The September issue of the UK magazine, Yours RETRO, features the cover story 'Elvis and the Colonel' "We explore the evidence to get to the truth of his relationship with Elvis" where Nick Smuthwaite's analyses various sources about the pair's relationship).
The current issue also includes a surprising piece of trivia: Did you know? Elvis Presley's management showed an interest in The King playing the role of aspiring hustler Joe Buck in Midnight Cowboy.
"If you could clean this up and add a few songs it would be a great vehicle for Elvis," an executive told a surprised director, John Schlesinger, in a memo.
The next issue (due out on October 24) will feature the article, The King and his Princess (what kind of dad was Elvis to Lisa Marie?).
The world is a crazy place: While From Here to the Great Unknown is enjoying very strong sales (ranking the #1 best selling book on Amazon), it is only at #17 on the Amazon Best-Selling Kindle chart.
Bizarrely, the pictured book - an Elvis Biography - is #1 on three Amazon Kindle sub-charts: Rock Music; Popular Music; and Pop Culture Music.
The book is no-doubt AI generated and only contains 48 pages (a major hint as to its lack of content and analysis).
The book includes a fake photo on the front cover, plus historical rubbish and lies such as.. "Elvis was born to Gladys and Vernon Presley, who were young and struggling to make ends meet. The family lived in a modest two-room house, which they shared with Elvis's twin brother, Jesse Garon, who was still an infant.
The loss had a profound impact on his parents and shaped the family dynamic.
Elvis grew up in Tupelo and experienced the hardships of poverty." (News, Source:Amazon/ElvisInfoNet)
Baz Luhrmann new film 'Joan of Arc': Sadly no update on Baz Luhrmann's new 'ELVIS' project but the news that he is working on an epic feature about French hero Joan of Arc as his new film.
At this year's Elvis Week Joel Weinshanker confirmed that "Baz Lurhman is working on his Elvis documentary" and that "There will be one new Elvis movie between now and 2027 - possibly two".
Warner Bros, who worked with Luhrmann on 'ELVIS', confirmed his new film will be called 'Jehanne d’Arc' and has been described as “the ultimate teenage girl coming of age story, set in the Hundred Years’ War”.
Joan of Arc is a historical figure who lived from 1412 to 1431. Under what she claimed was divine guidance, the teenage Joan became a military leader and was instrumental in the siege of Orleans.
She eventually fell into English custody and was declared a heretic and burned at the stake at the age of 19. Today, Joan of Arc is a patron saint of France and was canonised by the
Catholic church in 1920.
Casting for Luhrmann’s new film started last month.
Baz Luhrmann is one of Australia’s best filmmakers having worked on high-budgeted movies including ELVIS, Australia, The Great Gatsby and Moulin Rouge as well as earlier works Strictly Ballroom and Romeo + Juliet.
Luhrmann had been set to make an adaptation of Russian novel The Master and Margarita but dropped out earlier this year.
With the film only in early pre-production it could easily be 12 months before the 'Jehanne d’Arc' is finished. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Wednesday 9 October 2024
'From Here to the Great Unknown' (Lisa Marie Presley & Riley Keough): After its release yesterday on October 8, the book has climbed to #2 on Amazon's best selling list (four of the top 6 were children's books, the other listing the latest release by political reporter, Bob Woodward: "War"). It was #1 on several other Amazon lists including Memoirs; Actor & Entertainment Biographies; Rock Music; Rock Music Biographies; Grief and Loss; Relationships, and #3 on Audible books.
Note: the audiobook is narrated by Riley Keough and celebrated actor, Julia Roberts (with several audio pieces by Lisa Marie).
Quick takeaways from the video reviews are:
- the book can be fully read in 4-5 hours
- parts of Lisa's story are heartbreaking
- the book is at times traumatic, at times dramatic, at times funny
- Lisa's account of her dreams is powerful
- Lisa confirms the Michael Edwards incident and there is an explosive twist (this will anger many fans)
- Lisa's account is honest and raw
- the special bond both Lisa and Riley had with Ben
- Lisa and Priscilla's fractured relationship and reconciliation
- Lisa and spirituality (including haunted houses; premonitions)
- the one member of the Memphis Mafia who wouldn't let Lisa get away with things
- the use of different fonts identifies which parts are Lisa's words and Riley's words (News, Source: Amazon; EPPreservationSociety/Elvis Lass/ElvisInfoNet)
EIN will post our review as soon as we receive our copies downunder. The Australian Audiobook is for some reason not released until this Friday.
The "Oprah Winfrey - The Presleys" TV special Discussion: Danny Smith aka Memphis Mafia Kid (son of Elvis' cousin, Billy and wife Jo) has released his latest video report commenting on the Oprah special.
Billy Smith's son Danny was just 14 years old when Elvis died and he used to spend plenty of time with Lisa Marie riding the golf-carts and playing in Graceland's grounds.
His comments about the Oprah interview include..
.. I thought it was a fantastic interview and I felt that with Riley.. I could feel her heart and that brought back feelings of what she's feeling through her life and conversations with her mother.
When Lisa was a child and and we hung out at Graceland, Lisa was crazy about her daddy and you know she loved Graceland and we had one of the most fantastic most unique lives that is humanly possible.
But with that too, and all the great and wonderful times it goes show you.. be careful of what you wish for, be careful what you want to be or what you ask for.
Lisa wasn't perfect either and, you know, she struggled..
struggled hard with it, she was only 9 years-old you can't imagine it.. with her daddy and the whole change of life and it being totally ripped away, you know she never got over (the loss of) her daddy..."
Riley Keough talks to the BBC: The BBC has posted an interesting article about Lisa Marie's new memoir.
Yesterday the BBC met up with Keough to discuss From Here to the Great Unknown, a life story filled with trauma, addiction, loss and grief.
Some salient points from the article..
Keough explained.. "It made me emotional that she was sharing it with the world because it was a story that she felt very protective of."
In the memoir Lisa Marie details the toll that her legendary dad's death - when she was just nine - took on her. For the first time she describes waking up on the afternoon that he died in August 1977 and sensing something was wrong, before running into her father's room across the hallway and seeing him face down on the bathroom floor.
His body was then displayed in an open casket at Graceland for two days. After the crowds left, Lisa Marie would go and “touch his face and hold his hand, to talk to him". "There have been nights as an adult when I would just get drunk and listen to his music and sit there and cry. The grief still comes. It’s still just there."
It is an event that Keough believes her mother never fully processed.
She told the BBC that she felt angry at her famous grandfather as a child because she associated his songs with seeing her mother in pain, even so many years after his death.
While there are also memories of tender, private moments at Graceland, tragedy is a constant theme in the story.
The death of Lisa Marie's son, Benjamin Keough, who took his own life in 2020 at the age of 27, led to such intense grief that his body was kept in the family home on dry ice for two months before finally being buried. "Ben was the love of mom's life and they shared a very deep soul bond", Keough writes about her brother.
She told the BBC that having more time with his body helped her mother to "get her thoughts together". "I think that it's pretty common in the way that we handle death in the Western world, to [keep it] very quick and there's not really a grieving process."
Lisa Marie's health went downhill following her son's death and burial.
Keough writes in the book that she believed her mother was going to ultimately die of a broken heart.
Lisa Marie relationship with Michael Jackson is also discussed... It was her second marriage, having divorced Keough's father Danny.
But the couple often fought over Jackson's suspected drug use, Lisa Marie wrote. He became secretive and "awful", and disappeared for days - behaviours that she recognised from her father.
Keough said: "It was very passionate and kind of just went up in flames. I know they both cared for each other very deeply, and there were a lot of things at play."
The book however doesn't fully tackle the reported rifts between Lisa Marie and her mother Priscilla, but it is clear they had a difficult relationship.
However, Keough told the BBC she hopes readers will come away with an ability to relate to "very human things that happen, like addiction and grief and love and mothers and daughters and family". "I'm aware that there's a lot of tragedy in the book, but I think that all of us had a really wonderfully joyful, colourful, funny, crazy life as well. I'm just grateful to be here."
Go here to the full BBC article (News, Source;BBC/NP/EIN)
Monday 7 October 2024
Riley Keough reflects on Lisa Marie listening to Elvis' Music: The CBS special 'Oprah Special: The Presleys - Elvis, Lisa Marie and Riley' will be broadcast tomorrow 8pm in the US.
Another promo clip features Riley Keough talking about how as a young girl she would watch her mom grieve the loss of Elvis. "Her grief was very.... I don't think she knew how to process it.
It was a very private thing for her. She would listen to his music alone, if she was drunk, and cry.
I would walk in her room and she had loud-speakers and she would be sitting on the floor crying and she'd listen to her dad's music."
The full episode is on CBS Tuesday, Oct 8 at 8pm and will also be streamed on Paramount+.
Lisa Marie's memoir 'From Here to the Great Unknown' is also published tomorrow. (News, Source;Oprah/EIN)
Australian fans please note 'An Oprah Special: The Presleys' will be shown Wednesday evening 8:40pm - 9:40pm on local Channel TEN -
Check your Australian TV guide for details
Stunning Riley Keough: Elvis' granddaughter Riley Keough is an actress, director, producer, singer, model and also the sole owner of Graceland. Her career and energy is truly stunning.
Last Tuesday she also delivered an epic performance at the Chanel 2025 Ready-to-Wear show at the Grand Palais in Paris.
Keough, who is an ambassador for Chanel, sang Prince's 'When Dove Cry' while suspended in a huge birdcage.
She explained that before her appearance in 'Daisy Jones and the Six' she did not even consider herself a singer. Even now she sates, “It was something that was meant to be joyful and fun. I felt inspired by this sort of, like, French nonchalance.
Once I was up there, it was okay. Clipping myself on I got a little nervous because I wanted to do it in time. Other than that, it was honestly just very fun. I think that doing creative work is cathartic for artists. It’s cathartic to make; it’s cathartic to watch it. Hopefully, anyway!”
Go here to YouTube to watch the whole performance.
With someone as energetic and smart as Riley Keough in charge of Elvis' legacy we can be assured all will be OK. (News, Source;Elle/ElvisInfoNet)
Saturday 5 October 2024
'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)
'The Presleys – Elvis, Lisa Marie And Riley' Preview: Here is the first glimpse at CBS’ An Oprah Special: The Presleys – Elvis, Lisa Marie And Riley'.
The 1 hour special, which airs Tuesday Oct 8, 2024, at 8pm ET/PT, sees Oprah Winfrey sit down with Riley Keough, Elvis' granddaughter and Lisa Marie’s daughter.
The interview marks Riley Keough’s first in-depth interview since her mother died unexpectedly in 2023.
Winfrey traveled to Elvis' Graceland mansion for the intimate conversation, and two teaser clips have been posted.
In the first clip, Keough revealed how she came up with the name of her memoir, From Here to the Great Unknown.
Keough notes, “It’s a funny thing because this is a song that she duetted with Elvis. And she didn’t want to at first. And she was convinced to sing the song and for one I think it’s a beautiful duet between the two of them. And secondly when I was trying to figure out what the book was about for me.”
I think having two family members who have passed away, a lot of that time and grief has been spent wondering about where they are.
And I think that the perspective I choose to have is that they are onto a sort of new adventure: The Great Unknown.”
In the second clip, Winfrey and Keough went through some of Elvis’ most iconic keepsakes, including his bible
from 1957 which the TV megastar called “precious.”
Keough also pulled out her late mom’s golf cart key from growing up at the mansion, humorously sharing she “crashed a few of them.”
She presented Elvis’ “Black Box,” a large lock box with which he’d travel everywhere and contains his “most personal things” adding, “Nothing has been touched.”
The pair opened up the box and Oprah was stunned by the belongings, which included Elvis’ American Express card. The box also contained a comb with Elvis’ famous dyed-black locks still on it. Keough joked the follicles could be sold for “a lot.”
The special will feature more never-published family photos and home videos as well as selections of Lisa Marie’s audio recordings. Check out the promo trailers -
See YouTube Trailer 1 ---
See YouTube Trailer 2 (News, Source;JM/ElvisInfoNet)
“Guitar” Greg Gaskins has died: Greg Gaskins was the guitarist for the Sweet Inspirations band and performed at Elvis' concerts. Elvis even presented him with a 'TCB'.
Drummer Jerome 'Stump' Monroe posted the sad news yesterday, "It’s with great sadness that I have to report the passing of my lifelong friend “Guitar” Greg Gaskins. He was a friend for well over six decades.
He got me into the Sweet Inspirations band. He was one of my dearest friends. I’ll always miss him."
Greg Gaskins was born in Washington DC, and started playing guitar at six years old. He played guitar on the Chitlin' Circuit working with artists such as Billy Stewart, The Manhattans and Dionne Warwick, he later joined The Sweet Inspirations band.
Working with the Sweet Inspirations as the support act he toured for five years with Elvis.
Greg Gaskins explained, "I had the pleasure of touring and traveling with Elvis Presley, the king of rock and roll.
For around five years in Las Vegas, I was right there. Hawaii, Aloha live from Hawaii I was right there. Madison Square Garden, when I told you I played every place in New York, yeah I was there with Elvis Oh my god, Elvis was the kindest man. I even have this TCB necklace that Elvis gave to me.
He actually put it around my neck, anybody who wears one of them, that means you're part of the Elvis Presley's family.
'TCB', Taking Care of business!"
See- EIN's exclusive interview with 'Stump' Monroe (News, Source;SM/ElvisInfoNet)
Story of Elvis - The Rise and Fall of the Undisputed King of Rock 'n' Roll (Dan Peel): This 138 page "paperback" release (arguably more a magazine than book) was recently added to Amazon sites with a publication date of October 16 (EIN suspects it is a reissue from the publisher, Fox Chapel).
Sample pages appear below.
The publication is described as:
"Take an intimate and fascinating look into the life of Elvis Aaron Presley, the undisputed King of Rock 'n' Roll! Learn what his life was like growing up in poverty in Tupelo, MS, about his childhood as told by his father, Vernon, his rise to fame in the music world by his mid-twenties when the world lay at his feet, his military career, and sizable film career, and the pressures that led to his self-destructive behavior and early death.
"You'll also learn all the ups and downs in Elvis's life including intimate details about his relationship with his parents, his wife Priscilla, the Memphis Mafia, and array of girlfriends with photos to match.
This book features private family photos in addition to many originally seen in LIFE magazine, plus fascinating explanations of Elvis's state of mind while recording each album, behind-the-scene photos, the track list, how each album was received by fans and critics, and the effect it had on his career." (News, Source: Amazon/NP/EIN)
'Li’l Elvis and the Truckstoppers' the stage musical: In the late 1990s, the Australian Children’s Television Foundation in Australia produced a two season animated series, 'Li’l Elvis Jones And the Truckstoppers' (in one sense a precursor to Bluey). The series was accompanied by a series of books based on season episodes. The plot to Li’l Elvis Jones was...
‘The story follows a group of children and their adventures in outback Australia.
The title character of the show, Li'l Elvis, is a ten-year-old boy with the weight of the world on his shoulders. He has a gift for music, a talent for trouble, and a desire for only one thing: to find out who he really is and be a normal kid again. The opening sequence and music reveal that he was thrown out of a gold Cadillac in a guitar case, hinting that he is the illegitimate child of Elvis Presley. He is raised by foster parents, truck-stop proprietors Grace and Len, who are fervent fans of Presley. As Li'l Elvis is musically talented at both singing and playing the guitar, Grace is convinced he is Presley's son.
‘Li'l Elvis and his two friends, Lionel Dexter and Janet Rig, form the band "The Truckstoppers", and the show follows their adventures in the outback town of Li’l Memphis (formerly Wanapoo). Lionel is an Indigenous Australian boy who plays the didgeridoo and has a penchant for exclaiming "deadly", while Janet is a beret-wearing Asian Australian girl who plays the drums standing up, similar to The Velvet Underground's drummer, Maureen Tucker.
'The Truckstoppers' recurring enemy is the businessman W.C. Moore (based on Col Tom Parker), who wants to become their manager to exploit them commercially, turning Little Memphis into a tourist attraction.’
Li’l Elvis Jones and the Truckstoppers is now being revived, as a stage musical. TV Tonight and Aussie Theatre report:
... Another Aussie Kids TV classic is taking to the stage as a live stage musical.Li’l Elvis and the Truckstoppers, which screened as 26 episodes on ABC from 1997 – 1998, will open at the Brisbane Powerhouse in January.
First developed in the 1990’s as a joint venture between ACTF and Viskatoons, it featured a voice cast of Stig Wemyss, Nick Giannopoulos, Michael Veitch, Marg
Downey, Kylie Belling, Lynda Gibson, Tom E Lewis, Wendy Stapleton and even a young Rove McManus.
The stage production will be directed by Madison Thew Keyworth, who was director / choreographer for productions including Disenchanted, The Wizard of Oz and Mamma Mia. (News, Source: TV Tonight; Aussie Theatre/EIN)
Elvis author reaches sales milestone and donates to charity: Paul Farmer, pictured holding his sci-fi novel, Three Days To Save A Legend, has fulfilled his pledge to a local charity after selling all 300 copies of his Elvis related book that he had "locally printed".
Paul, who lives in Cyprus, pledged to contribute £1 per book to Heartbeat NCCT (North Cyprus Cancer Charity Trust). Three Days To Save A Legend is the story of time-traveler, Nick, who lands in Memphis three days before Elvis "dies". Can he save the King and change history?
The summary of reviews of the book on Amazon is: ‘Customers find the book captivating, enjoyable, and amusing. They describe the storyline as unusual, slightly bonkers, and fast-moving. Readers also find the humor excellent, witty, and funny in parts.’
Reader Chris C. said: Thoroughly enjoyed this and the concept of “what if”, an easy read and very enjoyable, ideal holiday reading. (News, Source: Paul Farmer; Amazon)
Wednesday 2 October 2024
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)
'Golden Elvis!' Mono II Stereo OUT NOW: From the RDM label ''Golden Elvis!' the new Mono > Stereo release from producer Anthony Stuchbury.
Combining Elvis' two "Golden Records" compilation albums that were released in the fifties. 24 Golden Smashes all in Stereo
Tracklisting..
Hound Dog, Loving You, All Shook Up, Heartbreak Hotel, Jailhouse Rock, Love Me, Too Much, Don't Be Cruel, That's When Your Heartaches Begin, Teddy Bear, Love Me Tender, Treat Me Nice, Anyway You Want Me (That's How I Will Be), I Want You, I Need You, I Love You.
I Need Your Love Tonight, Don't, Wear My Ring Around Your Neck, My Wish Came True, I Got Stung, One Night, A Big Hunk O' Love, I Beg Of You, A Fool Such As I, Doncha' Think It's Time.
Out NOW on the RDM label
Elvis' Golden Records series has proven to be very popular with long-time fans and also the general public over the years, with the first two volumes perfectly summing-up Elvis' stunning first chart-success.
24 hits were compiled on the two original albums, creating an excellent showcase for Elvis' rock 'n' roll years. However, while this period would remain associated with the rockers that climbed to the top of the charts, Elvis' versatility was already noticeable in his ballads and country songs.
With these two Golden albums presented here in stereo for the first time, Elvis' fabulous 50s hits are ready to be rediscovered and reinvestigated.
Go here to RDM to order only 15.00€ (with 40% discount now) and check out the great STEREO audio samples (News, Source;RDM/ElvisInfoNet)
New Book 'Riding A Rainbow: The Recordings of Elvis Presley 1960 - 1968': Alan Tranter, author of one of the best releases of 2022, has published this new book.
The 268 page softcover (also available in Kindle format) is described on Amazon sites as:
“Following on from Shake, Ratttle & Blue Moon: The Formative Recordings of Elvis Presley 1953 -1960, this volume picks up following the recording of Elvis Is Back, just as Elvis, under the guidance of his manager, falls into a routine of light musical comedies, when artistry and invention fell mostly by the wayside.
This is a chronicle of how Elvis journeyed from the triumph of his first post-Army album to a point when he took back his identity, laying the foundations for what would be forever regarded as his Comeback in 1968.”
New book from Brazil 'Jumpsuits….Os Macacões de Elvis': Prolific Brazilian author, Waldenir Cecon, has released his latest book - title loosely translated as Jumpsuits – The Jumpsuits of Elvis (Complete).
It features 138 pages, has an attractive cover and all jumpsuits are pictured in full color.
The text is in “Portuguese” and the promotion includes: “Elvis Presley stood out in the field of music with his undisputed talent. Even those who have never heard an Elvis song can certainly identify the singer by two of his peculiarities: his sideburns and his turtleneck jumpsuits. If you're a fan of the king, this book [celebrates] the jumpsuits. There were more than 80 models of jumpsuits worn by Elvis between 1969 and 1977. All of them are portrayed here, with photos and data of when they were used and curiosities...”
The book is an updated edition of the author’s earlier volume on Elvis’ jumpsuits. In this regard, the promotion also states:
“If you happened to buy volume 1 published some time ago, this book is a complete version on the subject. It includes the material from volume 1 and the rest unpublished, with a new design and updates...”
Kris Kristofferson has Died: Award-winning country singer and actor Kris Kristofferson has died aged 88.
A representative said he passed away "peacefully" at his home in Hawaii on Saturday, surrounded by family.
The statement described Kristofferson as "a peacenik, a revolutionary, an actor, a superstar, a sex symbol, and a family man."
The multi-award winner was known for his songwriting, notably credited for Me and Bobby McGee, and Help Me Make It Through the Night, among others. He also acted in the hit movie 'A Star Is Born' where Elvis had also been in discussions for the same role.
Elvis recorded his compositions 'Help Me Make It Through The Night', 'For The Good Times' and 'Why Me Lord'.
Kris Kristofferson told Ken Sharp,"I was an Elvis fan growing up. Elvis was a force of nature. He was the first white guy who could sing black songs and sing them right. I think it just blew everybody away. It's a particular kind of soul. Nobody would have dared to sing a Little Richard song like Elvis had and try to get the spirit of Little Richard in there. But Elvis could and he did. The frst time I heard Elvis' music was when I was in college.
I was driving across California and I stopped at some truck stop and I heard this thing on the radio and I said, 'Who's that?' And the waitress said, 'Oh God, that's Elvis', like I was the stupidest thing goin'.. But it was Elvis' first record and I haven't been the same since then. It's one of the highlights for me to have had Elvis cut my songs. When I was first dreaming of becoming a songwriter I never would have dreamed that Elvis would sing one of my songs but three of them and with so much soul. I feel a lot of gratitude for that."
Born in Brownsville, Texas, on 22 June 1936, Kristofferson became a leading figure in country music.
He was assigned by the military to teach literature but in 1965 he visited Nashville, and within two weeks had resigned from his army post and moved to the country music hub to pursue his music career.
He won three Grammys for best country song, Help Me Make It Through the Night in 1972, and two separate duets with Rita Coolidge (1974, 1976), to whom he was married in the 1970s.
In 1971 Kristofferson debuted as an actor, going on to win a Golden Globe in A Star Is Born (1976) opposite Barbra Streisand.
He became a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and received multiple lifetime achievement honours, including from The Recording Academy, the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
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.'"
'From Elvis At Christmas' MRS Pre-Order: UK Label ‘Memphis Recording Service’ (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 have now provided a photo of their unique VINYL pressing showing the clear vinyl with "white xmas splatter and silver glitter". (click for high-res)
For the first time ever, Elvis’ Christmas Album is remastered and mixed into true living stereo.
With this release, a new standard is set.
EIN has heard some audio samples and they are very impressive.
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. -
'Elvis News Report October 2024': Elvis super-fan Emiel Maier presents all the recent news including...... Release of Lisa Marie's memoir, New releases by FTD, the passing of Gene Doucette, new SUN liquid vinyl announcement, Elvis trivia & viewer contributions to "Elvis Is Everywhere'! and much much more...
EIN Exclusives and News from earlier in September ...
"Elvis came to my parent-teacher conference!" From Here to the Great Unknown' Excerpt: The new edition of US 'People' magazine features Lisa Marie on the cover and includes an extract from her new book.
Lisa Marie writes...
.. Going to Elvis' shows was my favorite thing in the world.
I was so proud of him. He would take me by the hand and bring me out onstage, then get walked to wherever his place was on the stage, and I would be taken from him and brought to wherever I was going to be sitting in the audience. Usually with Elvis' father Vernon. The electricity of those shows. There’s nothing I’ve felt that’s been even close to that feeling, ever. Electrifying is such a generic word, but it really is what it felt like. I loved watching him perform. I had certain songs that I liked — “Hurt,” and “How Great Thou Art.” I would ask him to sing those songs for me and he would always say yes.
I did not, however, like having the limelight shone on me or being asked to stand up in front of everybody. In Vegas, during his residency, he introduced Vernon, then looked toward me and I remember thinking, Oh God oh God please don’t. “Lisa, stand up!”
It’s not that I wasn’t proud or that I didn’t love him. I just liked the limelight on him, loved it on him. It was not something that came to me inherently. I absolutely abhorred it.
But in other less public ways, I loved basking in his fame with him.
In Los Angeles I went to school at John Thomas Dye, up in the hills of Bel Air. I still sometimes drive by it just to remember the day my dad came to a parent-teacher conference. I knew he was coming, and I couldn’t wait. I could feel the teachers’ nervousness and excitement, too. My little student friends were so excited that I got even more excited — everybody was just running around crazy.
Then my dad showed up. Elvis got out of the car and he had on a respectable outfit — black pants and some kind of blouse — but he was also wearing a big, majestic belt with buckles and jewels and chains, as well as sunglasses.
He was smoking a cigar. I met him at the car, and I walked up the walkway with him, and I just remember that feeling of walking next to him, holding his hand."
'The Presleys – Elvis, Lisa Marie And Riley' an Oprah Special: CBS presents An Oprah Special: The Presleys – Elvis, Lisa Marie And Riley to be Broadcast Tuesday, Oct 8.
An exclusive primetime special featuring Oprah Winfrey as she sits down with Elvis' granddaughter Riley Keough for an intimate conversation about her life, her mother Lisa Marie’s life, and her famous family.
In the special, Oprah Winfrey travels to the historic Graceland Mansion in Memphis, Tenn., to sit down with Riley, Elvis’s first-born grandchild, in her first in-depth interview since her mother died unexpectedly in 2023.
Before her death, Lisa Marie recorded hours of stories from her remarkable, one-of-a-kind life, for a memoir, From Here to the Great Unknown, which Riley finished co-writing and will be on sale Oct. 8.
In this first exclusive interview about the book, Riley shares what the writing process was like and stories and remembrances of her mother. Also featured are never-before-seen family photos and home videos, as well as selections of Lisa Marie’s personal audio recordings, including memories of her father, about whom Lisa Marie begins the book by writing: “I felt my father could change the weather. He was a god to me. A chosen human being.” Riley, herself an Emmy-
nominated actress and director, opens up to Oprah about the extreme highs, lows and pressures of being a Presley, and the deep, profound relationship she had with her mother. 'The Presleys – Elvis, Lisa Marie And Riley' will broadcast Tuesday Oct. 8 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network and stream on Paramount+
Go here to Graceland for more details (News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
(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)
‘Made In Germany – Private Recordings’ MRS Budget Release: UK label MRS are releasing ‘Made In Germany – Private Recordings’ on its alternate budget label, MRS CAMDEN on 22 November 2024.
This is a ‘best of’ one CD version compiled from the original 3CD version of ‘The Complete Private Recordings’ MRS deluxe Book / CD combo originally released in 2019.
The CD features personal recordings taken from a recently discovered tape made by Elvis while stationed with the US army in Germany in January 1959. They also include early renditions of songs Elvis would record formally years later. Release comes with a small booklet.
EIN Note: Checking out the tracklist this really is a neat “Best Of” taken from Elvis’ German Elvis private recordings. See our original review here.
New "Elvis Files" VINYL! From Elvis Files new label 'The TCB Tapes' two double-albums in separate gatefold sleeves from four concerts in 1974 in never-before-heard original STEREO - not only stereo but also the rpm is excellently correct. "Soon to be released".
- 'Elvis Live In concert at Mid-South Coliseum Memphis Tn March 16 & 17'.
Double album housed in two separate gatefold sleeves. Approximately 1 hour of listening pleasure until the very last second when the needle goes to its rest position you are in awe with the sound. On top of these albums is an extra bonus 45rpm single.
click for high-res
- Live in concert at MTSU Mufreesboro Tn'. Another two concerts from 1974 'Elvis live in concert at MTSU Mufreesboro Tn March 14 & 19' also a double album housed in two separate gatefold sleeves and a single exactly as above.
Both are released in two different vinyl colours.
..There will be more 'The TCB Tapes' vinyl in 2025 from us including "Singer Presents ELVIS ─ '68 Comeback Special in FULL STEREO 4 LP albums". --- From the team of Erik Lorentzen & Robert van Beek.
See Elvis Files for more details
see 'All The CD News 2024' for more details of both coloured sets. (News, Source;ElvisFiles/EIN)
ELVIS ‘SUN 210’ LIQUID VINYL 70th Anniv Special: Due to the success of the first unique Liquid-Vinyl release of Elvis’ historic first single release Sun 209 ‘That’s All Right’/ ‘Blue Moon of Kentucky’, the follow-up SUN 210 'Good Rockin' Tonight / I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine' will get its own release on Liquid Vinyl - out this month.
This special liquid vinyl version of Sun 210 10” playing at 78rpm is restricted to 125 copies worldwide. They contain a 2-colour liquid, nicely matching those notable SUN colors, that moves inside the vinyl.
Each of these unique vinyls are handmade and take an hour to produce each one. They also have the original etched numbers included with the appropriate song sides and are by far the most remarkable SUN replica made.
EIN NOTE: Check with your Elvis dealer if you want a copy as the first single was Sold-Out on pre-orders alone!
All of Elvis' five SUN singles will be getting a Liquid-Vinyl release eventually. (News, Source;EPLiquidVinyl/EIN)
'ELVIS UK 78rpm. The Ultimate Guide To Elvis Presley’s British 78s 1956-1960' OUT NOW:'ELVIS UK' John Townson / Gordon Minto's new 228-page book, the ULTIMATE guide to Elvis’ UK 78rpm releases between 1956-1960 is available now.
The new volume:
- Re-examines in scrupulous detail - and extends considerably - information relating to 78rpms included in our original book Elvis UK.
- This includes a history of both the HMV and RCA releases, and also provides a context for the 1950s pop scene
- Is extensively illustrated in full colour throughout, including a variety of images of Elvis himself
- Details the history of 78rpm releases in the UK generally, their popularity and importance as well as their subsequent fall from favour
- Features a wealth of background information, revealing exciting new details and industry information regarding this once popular medium
- Offers technical, but clear, details regarding manufacturing, tax and price codes, and the role of sheet music
- Discusses each 78rpm release individually, offering a detailed and forensic commentary on every release, while the extensive text is amply illustrated with scans of every known label and sleeve variation, relevant photographs, and scans of contemporaneous newspaper and magazine articles and adverts
- Incorporates historically significant events of the period throughout the narrative and cross-references with US releases where appropriate In short, as readers have come to expect from each of the previous Elvis UK publications, this book is written and designed to offer everything there is to know about Elvis 78rpm releases issued in the UK.
OUT NOW - go to www.elvisukbooks.co.uk - Priced at £30 (which includes p&p for UK buyers). (News, Source;GM/ElvisInfoNet)
'From Here to the Great Unknown': We are onlya few weeks from the publication of Lisa Marie Presley's
memoir and
Penguin-Random House is promoting the new book.
The publication date has now been moved to October 8, 2024.
They note...
... Born to an American myth and raised in the wilds of Graceland, Lisa Marie Presley tells her whole story for the first time in this raw, riveting, one-of-a-kind memoir faithfully completed by her daughter, Riley Keough.
In 2022, Lisa Marie Presley asked her daughter to help finally finish her long-gestating memoir.
A month later, Lisa Marie was dead, and the world would never know her story in her own words, never know the passionate, joyful, caring, and complicated woman that Riley loved and now grieved.
Riley got the tapes that her mother had recorded for the book, lay in her bed, and listened as Lisa Marie told story after story about smashing golf carts together in the yards of Graceland, about the unconditional love she felt from her father, about being upstairs, just the two of them. About getting dragged screaming out of the bathroom as she ran toward his body on the floor. About living in Los Angeles with her mother, getting sent to school after school, always kicked out, always in trouble. About her singular, lifelong relationship with Danny Keough, about being married to Michael Jackson, what they had in common. About motherhood. About deep addiction. About ever-present grief. Riley knew she had to fulfill her mother’s wish to reveal these memories, incandescent and painful, to the world.
"To make her mother known".
Profoundly moving and deeply revealing, From Here to the Great Unknown is a book like no other—the last words of the only child of an American icon.
EIN has spotted some great deals for the book including Amazon US offering the hard-cover at only $21.50 that's 33% discount. -
Amazon UK have a good deal as well - Check the links below (News, Source:RandomHouse/ElvisInfoNet)
New FTD Releases: FTD have announced two releases for next month, a four CD soundboard set from 1977 plus an alternate double-vinyl of "California Holiday" (Spinout)
- 'Elvis: The Last Tours Vol.1': As part of its ongoing live on tour series, FTD is pleased to announce the release of 'Elvis: The Last Tours Vol.1'
Released as a 4-CD 5” digipak, this set features 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)
Go to 'FTD / SONY News 2024' for full tracklists
- 'California Holiday': FTD Vinyl is pleased to announce the release of a special double-vinyl of Elvis’ 1966 soundtrack to 'California Holiday' aka 'Spinout'.
In October 1966 an MGM UK representative announced that California Holiday would have its world premiere in London, and that the original US title, Spinout, was changed because it was felt that would have more appeal to British and overseas audiences. Spinout was only used in the US and Canada.
This unique FTD limited edition is based on the original UK release and features the red dot RCA Victor label.
The double album includes the original soundtrack masters, studio outtakes and bonus tracks.
Mini-Review 'Mike Stone: My Time with Priscilla & Lisa Marie Presley': Mike Stone's interesting memoir is now available in softcover (224 pages) and Kindle (176 print pages) formats from Amazon sites.
The book (by Mike Stone with Blake Chavez) is easy to read and it is pleasing to finally have his account of what happened.
Stone's account of his relationship with Priscilla Presley is honest and how long they were involved before Priscilla told Elvis she wanted a divorce will surprise many readers, as will an account of a phone conversation he had with Elvis.
He is also candid about Elvis' Memphis Mafia.
Stone speaks highly of Lisa Marie (who was the same age as his daughter, Shelley) and details how he declined a sizeable offer from Random House to write a "tell all" book about his relationship with Priscilla, including their sex life.
The author is also honest about his own insecurities and weaknesses.
Non-Presley related chapters in the book are the author's early years, rise to prominence in the martial arts world, Stone's poetry, and an intriguing look at his PenSword Artworks.
There is a photo section featuring numerous images of the author, Priscilla and Lisa Marie, as well as Stone's good friend Engelbert Humperdinck (who also wrote the Foreword to the book), Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris.
The book is slimline and a reasonably quick read - it would have benefitted by more stories from the author's far from ordinary life.
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....
(Book Review): Los Conciertos de Elvis - Volume 1 - Las Vegas 1969 (Carlos Alises Parra): The latest book about Elvis’ triumphant return to live performing in Las Vegas in 1969 features Spanish text but as EIN’s review by Nigel Patterson attests, it features value-added material that will please ALL fans regardless of their Spanish language knowledge (and for those fluent in the Spanish language it appears to also have a strong narrative).
An unusual inclusion in the book is a QR code which provides access to interesting downloadable content and online viewing
"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.
'Elvis UK - Extended' In-Depth Book Review: UK specialists John Townson and Gordon Minto's new book 'ELVIS UK Extended - The Ultimate Guide to the Elvis Presley's EPs 1957 - 2001' follows on from their previous publications in the Elvis UK series.
The 500 page soft-cover book, extensively illustrated, details the history of Elvis' Extended Play releases, their popularity and subsequent fall from favour.
It includes a chronological list of all the EPs their multiple repressings and all are cross-referenced with its US counterpart and key differences discussed.
Based on 40+ years of research, and with contributions by insiders providing previously unknown perspectives and knowledge on the production, marketing, musical and other aspects of Elvis' UK EP releases.
But can there really be anything new of particular interest in a book about Elvis’ vinyl UK EP releases? Many of us believed they started with the ‘Love Me Tender’ EP and wrapped by 1967 with ‘Easy Come Easy Go’.
That’s only 20 or so EP releases and surely some like ‘Elvis Sails’ or ‘Elvis Sings Christmas Songs’ would only get one original print run and then be deleted.
We thought that this smaller UK vinyl theme would be done and dusted in under 100 pages – “mah boy, mah boy” were we wrong!
.. and the book will make you want to spin some vinyl! The incredible trio Nigel Patterson / Piers Beagley and Kees Mouwen (Elvis Day by Day) combine forces to check out the book. (Book Review, Source:EIN/ElvisDayByDay)
'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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Elvis Presley, Elvis and Graceland are trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises.
The Elvis Information Network has been running since 1986 and is an EPE officially recognised Elvis fan club.
EIN is a not-for-profit Elvis Fan Club website posting daily news and informative articles for Elvis Presley's legion of fans.
EIN tries to credit all news sources, as well as link to the original articles if excerpts are used.
If you believe we have used copyrighted material please contact us and we will remove it immediately.
EIN also has a local Australian national Elvis Fan Club for paid up members featuring quarterly newsletters along with free EIN members cds plus an annual EIN Elvis Mega Quiz with special prizes.
The printed newsletters have extra content, articles and reviews to this website along with the popular Elvis EIN Mega Quiz.
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