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...
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 of drug use 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. -
'Porthcawl Elvis festival' 2024: Described as 'the largest festival of its kind in the world' the Welsh Porthcawl Elvis festival wrapped up the three days of excitement today, Sunday.
Marking its 20th anniversary this year, the Porthcawl Elvis Festival has kept the town rocking since its 2004 launch.
Just 500 came the first year but people Can't Help Falling In Love with the event and this year around 40 thousand fans attended the celebration.
The streets were filled with people dressed up in rhinestones and wigs, sunglasses and jumpsuits. Some costumes were works of art and the "Elvis" took over the town, even heading to the beach.
While there is no EPE official ETA contest it still holds the Porthcawl Best Performer contest.
The annual Elvis festival in Porthcawl is a highlight for lots of UK fans, with thousands attending the event each year. According to some media it has become the largest Elvis Festival in the world, bringing £6 million to the local economy. Graceland would have loved to have seen 40,000 fans at Elvis Week 2024. EIN Note: This is more of a Welsh fun-in-the-sun seaside-celebration as there are a lot of white-lycra-old-men-in-bad-wigs than a "serious" Elvis themed event, but 40,000 fans is still pretty impressive.
Go here to Wales-On-line if you want to see more. (News, Source;AJ/ElvisInfoNet)
Friday 27 September 2024
'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...
'Destination Louisville June 1974' Update: Out now the latest book by Jon Daly and Arjan Deelen, 'Destination Louisville June 26, 1974'.
The book is a 92-page hardback book containing over 100 previously unpublished colour photos taken by Ramonda Brady from the front row at Elvis’ Louisville concert on June 26th 1974.
Includes contributions from bass player Duke Bardwell plus contemporary ‘behind the scenes’ paperwork and extracts from interviews with Ron Tutt and Charlie Hodge, as well as Ramonda’s own memories of the show and her meetings with Elvis.
Comes with a bonus 7″ vinyl 45 featuring two restored home recordings ‘Let Me Be The One’ / ‘Spanish Eyes’
Priced at £55 / €65 / US$74 & postage.
Check your local dealer or check 'EP Blvd Pawn-Shop'
"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."
Lisa Marie Book Promo-video: Elvis' grand-daughter Riley Keough has posted a very short video on Facebook to promote Lisa Marie's new memoir 'From Here to the Great Unknown' which goes on sale Oct. 8
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.”
'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.
For the first time ever, Elvis’ Christmas Album is remastered and mixed into true living stereo.
With this release, a new standard is set, to probably the best ever sound separation achievement that has ever been done, delivering fascinating results.
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. - (click for high-res)
New book 'Destination Louisville June 1974': Out soon the latest book by Jon Daly and Arjan Deelen, 'Destination Louisville June 26, 1974'.
Featuring around 100 never before seen photos shot from the first row of Elvis' June 26, 1974 show.
Includes a contribution from 1974 TCB bassist Duke Bardwell plus recollections from the fan who took these front-row photos.
Graceland's 2024 Holiday Lighting Weekend: The 2024 Graceland Christmas Season kicks-off November 21-23 with the annual Holiday Lighting Weekend featuring live concerts and more.
- November 21 6pm: Join Elvis’ close friend Jerry Schilling at the annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony, officially starting the holiday season at Graceland.
- November 22: 'Rockin’ Memphis Christmas concert' featuring holiday and rockabilly hits inspired by Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley.
- November 23: Dean Z will take the stage with his high-energy Ultimate Elvis Christmas show featuring the best of Elvis’ hits and Christmas classics.
Additional weekend festivities include a
Christmas Candlelit Concert at Graceland’s Chapel in the Woods plus Archives Show and Tell featuring artifacts from Graceland’s new Christmas book.
Plus Jerry Schilling will be a special guest joining the new 'Presley for a Day' tours! (US$6000 for group of up to 4)
Go here to Graceland for all the details (News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
Australia Parkes 'ELVIS Festival' 2025: The world's biggest Elvis Birthday festival, Australia Parkes 'ELVIS Festival' 2025 tickets are on-sale.
The 2025 Parkes Elvis Festival will be held from 8-12 January 2025. Now in its 32nd year, the Festival continues to grow this year with Easy Come, Easy Go as its theme.
The King-sized program is filled with hundreds of Elvis and Easy Come, Easy Go inspired events, including much-loved festival favourites such as the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition, Northparkes Mines Street Parade, Renewal of Vows Ceremony, Miss Priscilla Dinner, free Cooke Park Main Stage and Memphis Stage Entertainment and the Elvis Gospel Service.
2025 Feature artists include Cote Deonath, Emilio Santoro (2024 Ultimate ETA Champion), and Riley Jenkins
'Nashville Elvis Festival 2025': Also recently announced the 9th Annual Nashville Elvis Festival will be back from March 13-16, 2025.
The four day event will feature the Nashville Ultimate Elvis event including special guests and the top Elvis Tribute Artists from all over the world!
Larry Strickland from The Stamps has been announced as the special guest.
Award-winning ETAs include Emilio Santoro (2024), Cote Deonath (2023), Dean Z and Ben Thompson.
The event will be hosted by Tom Brown.
'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)
Golden Years 97 Elvis Special; Calling all Elvis fans, Matt Shepherd's back with a Golden Elvis Special! He chats to the man behind the Elvis Mono II Stereo releases, Anthony Stuchbury and as a WORLD EXCLUSIVE, he features three tracks from the brand new 'Golden Elvis!' cd which is out 29 September.
There's also a Triple Treat from Eddie Cochran, mini chart countdowns and much more! The great days are back again!
Go here to MixCloud for the joy of 'Hound Dog', 'Jailhouse Rock', and 'Wear My Ring Around Your Neck' in STEREO. Great stuff.
PS Elvis' guitar back-slap is centred as it should be. Congrats to Mr Stuchbury.
(News, Source;MS/ElvisInfoNet)
'On The Road with Riley Keough' Book Tour: Riley Keough's book tour has now expanded to include five US Dates - plus one in London, UK.
Join actor and producer Riley Keough (Daisy Jones & The Six) for a one-of-a-kind conversation as she pays tribute to her mother Lisa Marie’s incredible memory. Joined by a special guest, Keough will dive into a legendary tale of American royalty, family ties, the highs and lows of fame, love, grief, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and daughter.
Elvis Presley’s only child spent years recording countless hours of riveting, raw, and breathtakingly vulnerable tape for her memoir. After Lisa Marie's passing in 2023, her daughter Riley dedicated her time to fulfilling her mother’s wish to share her words and complete her unfinished work. In From Here To The Great Unknown, Lisa Marie and Riley’s voices join together to tell one breathtaking story.
Events include a signed copy of From Here To The Great Unknown published by Random House.
Book via Eventbrite. Tickets selling fast. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
(Spotlight/Opinion, Source: Rock and roll - an introduction)
Gene Doucette, Elvis Jumpsuit Designer has died: Gene Doucette, born 1948, was originally from Brooklyn but by 1972 was working in LA on Elvis' jumpsuit designs as the embroider along side the better known Bill Belew.
Later on when Bill Belew became too busy Doucette would provide designs for Elvis' new jumpsuits. Among his designs were the 'Dragon Suit', 'King of Spades' and 'Mexican Sundial' famous from the 1977 CBS TV special.
He died September 13, 2024 aged 76.
Lauren Ellis of the Australian ELVIS exhibition explains;
“During 1972 Gene Doucette was often left to devise new designs entirely from scratch. In addition to the jumpsuits Gene also decorated the accompanying belts and capes. The belts were manufactured by Winton Belts, who Gene describes as ‘the best in the business’.
Discussing the hugely eclectic range of themes and motifs which appear throughout the studded and embroidered suits he made for Elvis, Gene puts it simply: "I never grew up".
Elements of Native design and traditional First Nations clothing from across North America were sources of inspiration for Gene who has Iroquois ancestry on his mother's side. A personal favorite of Gene's is the dragon suit, which he says he designed combining Chinese and medieval images of dragons while Elvis' "Lava" suit is a masterful example of Doucette's ability of intensive embroidery and stone-work. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Lisa Marie Special Graceland Tours October 11-13: In celebration of the release of Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough’s new memoir 'From Here To The Great Unknown' Graceland is offering special tours on October 11-13 that highlight Lisa Marie’s life at Graceland.
Live tour guides throughout the mansion will share personal stories of Lisa Marie’s life growing up as Elvis Presley’s daughter at Graceland. In addition to the stories, guests can also view exclusive displays inside the mansion showcasing items from Lisa’s time spent at Graceland.
These tours are limited and will be available during this October weekend only.
Guests will have two tour options to select from:
Go here to EPE for booking details
(News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
Missouri woman Lisa Jeanine Findley indicted: A Missouri woman has been federally indicted after an alleged attempt to swindle the Graceland property from the Presley family, according to court documents.
Lisa Jeanine Findley, 53, was indicted in Shelby County, Tennessee, for alleged mail fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Findley claimed Lisa Marie Presley borrowed $3.8 million from her firm known as Naussany Investments and Private Lending LLC, which authorities say was a fake company.
Records allege Findley also claimed Presley pledged the Graceland estate as collateral without repaying the debt, resulting in a foreclosure.
Findley also stands accused of forging signatures for Lisa Marie Presley and a Florida public notary. The fraudulent loan papers date back to 2018, five years before Lisa Marie Presley's death in 2023, authorities allege.
US Attorney Kevin Ritz noted, “As a Memphian, I know that Graceland is a national treasure. This defendant allegedly used a brazen scheme to try to defraud the Presley family of their interest in this singularly important landmark. Of course, all homeowners deserve to have their property protected from fraud, and the Department of Justice will vigorously prosecute anyone who commits financial crimes or identity theft".
Findley pleaded not guilty to both charges and has a detention hearing scheduled for September 20. (News, Source;AP/ElvisInfoNet)
Saturday 14 September 2024
‘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)
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)
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)
Tuesday 10 September 2024
'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 but are still all influenced by the melting-pot that is Memphis.
Yet the feel of each session is still unique. 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? (CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'Golden Elvis!' Mono II Stereo 'Sound Samples' & Pre-Order: 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 September 29 2024 on the RDM label
Go here to RDM to pre-order only 15.00€ (with 40% discount now) and check out the great STEREO audio samples (News, Source;AS/ElvisInfoNet)
'Trouble' King Creole "new Sight & Sound": Sadly it seems SONY / RCA are not yet ready for ELVIS Mono > Stereo. This is a shame since The Beatles have had their albums remixed using 'DES' to sound even better than the originals, yet RCA want to leave Elvis' older recordings behind.
Elvis' 60's soundtracks with their terrible 'movie audio mixes' could benefit from a re-working in the same way that producer Giles Martin has improved The Beatles 60s recordings.
The SUN studio recordings on 'ELVIS MEMPHIS' would have been the perfect place to release
these old mono classics (which fans have already bought multiple times before) - in STEREO.
So Plug in your headphones.. celebrating ELVIS fifties in 'new Stereo' is this fabulous version of 'Trouble' from King Creole - now available on YouTube. (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
New MRS ‘Las Vegas – Closing Night 1973’ OUT NOW: UK Label 'MRS' have released their Deluxe CD plus Double-Vinyl 180-gram vinyl titled ‘Las Vegas – Closing Night 1973’.
This CD set contains the highlights of Elvis’ final two shows performed on the closing night of his Las Vegas engagement in early September 1973.
For the first time ever, the material from these shows is presented in stereo.
The accompanying booklet - which includes rare photographs and memorabilia dating from this engagement and features liner notes which set the scene for this, his ninth season, in Las Vegas.
This is the infamous night as shown in Baz Luhrmann's movie when Elvis said "To Hell with the Hilton Hotel" on stage and afterwards confront Col Parker telling him that he was fired!
Parker responded with, "You can't fire me, I quit".
Check with your local Elvis dealer or via Amazon UK
See 'All The CD News 2024' for the tracklist and more (News, Source;MRS)
Friday 6 September 2024
“Elvis Presley Bootleg Discography S - Z - OTHERS” New Book: Elvis author Marco Durzu has now published the second part of his Bootleg series, his sixth book “Elvis Presley Bootleg Discography S - Z - OTHERS”
Available via Apple Book Store, Google Play and on Amazon Kindle (And in PRINT - Softcover of Hardcover).
This book is dedicated to and wants to honor the music of ELVIS PRESLEY.
This book is dedicated to Elvis Presley Bootleg Discography (alphabet letters from S to Z + Others).
Releases from record companies alternative to the main official ones and their catalogs relating to their audio musical offering of Elvis Presley's music.
It is the sequel to my previous Elvis' books entitled “Elvis Presley Concerts and Rehearsals from 1944 to 1977” (2023), “Elvis Presley Songs”(2024), “Elvis Presley songs”, “Elvis Presley Bootleg Discography A - R” (2024) and “Elvis Presley Bootleg Discography A - R” (2024).
I have added a chapter dedicated to each Elvis Presley's bootleg discography label for a total of 84 labels and 613 titles.
At the end of the book there is a Guide to listening to ANALOG/DIGITAL MUSIC, which illustrates the fundamental theoretical concepts for listening to it, the digital formats used (WAVE, FLAC, DSD, DXD) in their most updated forms in order to listen to the music with the highest possible quality.
In the end I want to thank, with my heart and soul, Elvis Presley, for the unique talent he was able to express through his music, which gives me and many other people and will always give pure joy and happiness.
Here are some links to check out the new book. Amazon Softcover / Amazon Hardcover /
Apple Books / Google Play / Amazon Kindle / Google Books (News, Source;Marco/ElvisInfoNet)
Elvis 14K Diamond Ring no sale at GWS Auction: GWS auctions have been in the press recently when it was reported that EPE's Joel Weinshanker was concerned about Priscilla’s involvement with GWS and the fact that the auction house was offering items with letters signed by her.
Weinshanker and other Elvis experts were especially concerned with Priscilla providing letters for items purchased outside of the years she and Elvis were together, as she might not know whether or not the items were genuine.
Last week a diamond and gold ring owned by Elvis Presley didn’t find a buyer in Kruse GWS Auctions’ Artifacts of Hollywood and Music auction.
The starting bid was $7500 with an estimate of up to $65,000.
Brigitte Kruse founder of GWS Auctions noted, “These items have undergone the most stringent, meticulous process to determine authenticity and provenance.
Out of thousands of items submitted and rigorously inspected this is one of the finest collections we’ve been able to bring together.”
Elvis' 14k gold ring featured 1.3 cts diamonds with an ornate ram's head motif representing Elvis' astrological sign, the Capricorn.
Elvis was known to study various topics such as astrology, numerology, and metaphysical fields making this piece particularly personal.
He gifted the ring to his friend and backup singer Shaun
Nielsen after Nielsen commented that he liked it.
“The fact that these celebrities were with us for such a short amount of time adds to the value of their keepsakes,” Kruse said. -
Go here to GWS to find out more. (News, Source;GWS/ElvisInfoNet)
Billy Strange (A Little Less Conversation) Publishing Rights: The independent music company Reservoir Media has acquired the publishing rights to the catalog of the late songwriter and guitarist Billy Strange.
While the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, Reservoir said the acquisition includes some of Strange’s most well-known compositions, such as Elvis Presley’s hits A Little Less Conversation, Memories, Clean Up Your Own Back Yard, Charro and Nothingville
Born in 1930 in Long Beach, California, Strange died in February 2012 at the age of 81.
Strange started his career as a session guitarist in the 1950s. He quickly established himself as a guitarist, songwriter, and arranger. Strange became closely associated with Elvis contributing to several of big hits including A Little Less Conversation, which originally featured in Elvis film Live a Little, Love a Little.
The track gained renewed popularity when Junkie XL remixed the song in 2002, as A Little Less Conversation – JXL Radio Edit Remix, which topped
the charts in nine countries, including a four-week run at #1 in the UK.
Billy Strange was the original Musical Director of the "68 Comeback Special" but was replaced by Billy Goldenburg.
Beyond his work with Presley, Strange’s catalog also includes hits such as The Champs, Chubby Checker and contributions to film soundtracks, The Trouble with Girls (1969), TV shows The Munsters (1964), Batman (1966), and Have Gun – Will Travel (1957).
As a guitarist, Strange played with legendary acts such as the Beach Boys, Nancy Sinatra, Willie Nelson, Randy Newman, and Nat King Cole.
Reservoir’s continued investment in iconic catalogs has contributed to its strong financial performance. In the first quarter of fiscal 2025, the company reported an 8% year-over-year increase in revenue to $34.3 million. (News, Source;AP/ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis live in Las Vegas - Season 8' New Import Boxset: Paradise Road presents 'Elvis live in Las Vegas - Season 8' a new 6 CD set consisting of 3 double CDs with six shows from this season in remastered sound, including the opening show.
You’ll get the first 3 shows from this season + the midnight show from January 28 + the February 9 dinner and midnight show.
Featuring great live versions of ‘Sweet Caroline’, ‘All Shook Up’, ‘I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry’, ‘What Now My Love’ and many others!
- A very nice live collection of 1973 audience recordings -
- This is a super limited edition of only 350 sets! - EIN Note: ALL Previously released...
as .. 'Back On The Mainland' in very poor audio quality
'Long Tall Sally' in good Audience quality
Jan 27 1973 MS show on FTD 'From Vegas to Tahoe'!
'Under The Midnight Sun' - OK Audience quality
'Top Acts in Vegas Vol.7' - OK Audience quality
'In Fine Form' - average Audience quality
In any case why not buy the recent MRS 'On Stage Feb 73' set with similar concerts in great audio quality
Go to 'All CD News 2024' for more details (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis - From RCA To Stax' CD Import: The publicity says.. The vinyl release 'From RCA To Stax' that was released in June of this year is now available on CD.
Like the vinyl release this cd featuring recordings from RCA's Studio B in Nashville and the Stax Studio in Memphis. A very nice 70's compilation with many outtakes!
This cd release contains some bonus tracks like the unedited overdubbed master of 'Patch it Up' and the rare unrepaired master - take 8 of 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'. EIN Note: Nothing that hasn't previously been released..
Unedited overdubbed 'Patch it Up' was on 'Nashville 1971 (Venus)'
Unrepaired master of 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' was on the excellent 'You Know, It Don't Have To Be Strictly Country Vol. 1'
Padre (Take 10) on 'The Joan Deary Tapes Vol. 2'
'Stranger In The Crowd (Rehearsal / Take 7) taken from 'Unedited Masters Life (Venus).. etc. Go to 'All CD News 2024' for more details (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Monday 2 September 2024
'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)
'Golden Elvis!' Mono II Stereo: From the RDM label ''Golden Elvis!' the new Mono > Stereo from producer Anthony Stuchbury the release date now confirmed 29 September 2024. The CD will be released in a special "gold" finish. It's just a little extra, real golden Elvis!
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.
Check out some audio samples viaNew YouTube Trailer (News, Source;AS/ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis: The Man & His Music' #145: EIN's favourite Elvis music magazine 'Elvis: The Man & His Music' September 2024 issue is out now.
Articles include..
Dispelling More Myths – Deconstructing ‘The Hillbilly Cat’
The Movies – A British View Part 1
The Night I Saw Elvis
The Elvis ‘Break-In’ Discs Part 1
“Not A Comet”
CD & Book Reviews
'From Elvis At Christmas' New MRS release: UK Label ‘Memphis Recording Service’ (MRS) will release a CD Deluxe and a Christmas special LP, in Crystal Clear 180g Vinyl with "white splatter & glitter" titled 'From Elvis At Christmas' on October 18, 2024.
For the first time ever, Elvis’ Christmas Album is remastered and mixed into true living stereo.
With this release, a new standard is set, to probably the best ever sound separation achievement in history, that has ever been done, delivering fascinating results.
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.
EIN particularly likes the stunning cover design ..
(click for high-res)
CD Deluxe tracklist
1. Santa Claus Is Back In Town
2. White Christmas
3. Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)
4. I’ll Be Home for Christmas
5. Blue Christmas
6. Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me)
7. (There’ll Be) Peace In the Valley (For Me)
8. O’ Little Town of Bethlehem
9. Silent Night
10. I Believe
11. Take My Hand, Precious Lord
12. It Is No Secret (What God Can Do)
MRS special 'From Elvis at Christmas' VINYL..
LP TRACKLIST SIDE A
01. Santa Claus Is Back In Town
02. White Christmas
03. Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)
04. I’ll Be Home for Christmas
05. Blue Christmas
06. Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me)
SIDE B
01. (There’ll Be) Peace In the Valley (For Me)
02. O’ Little Town of Bethlehem
03. Silent Night
04. I Believe
05. Take My Hand, Precious Lord
06. It Is No Secret (What God Can Do)
EIN will confirm when it is available for pre-order on Amazon UK. (News, Source;MRS/ElvisInfonet)
Elvis Week Auction Results: The Rockhurst"Auction on Elvis Presley BLVD" happened during Elvis Week. A lot of items went for well over their expected price. An Elvis signed torn piece of paper to Janelle McComb giving her 'permission to do a story' was expected to reach $2000 yet sold for $3,450. Other Auction highlights were...
- 1968 Elvis Screen-Worn Racing Jumpsuit from Speedway
Elvis can be seen wearing the offered "Hinchman" brand racing jumpsuit in several scenes in the film. Sold for US$28,750 - Elvis Owned and worn $20 Saint-Gaudens Gold Coin Necklace.
Elvis gave the necklace to his bodyguard Dave Hebler as a thank you gift for bringing Lisa Marie home from L.A. for Christmas.
Helber noted, "Elvis had asked another member, but they developed a sudden case of the flu. I offered to go, and he took the necklace off and put it on me in front of the guys to show them that respect was one of the most important things to him."
Est: $15000 -SOLD for $18,400
- 1959 Elvis Presley 5-TIMES Signed Lido Nightclub Menu from His Army Trip to Paris. The most astonishing Elvis Presley signed pieces we have ever offered. This Lido nightclub program was signed by Elvis FIVE TIMES during an evening in the club. Est $4000 - $6000 - SOLD for $17,250
- Elvis Owned and Played 1968 Hagstrom Viking V-1 Electric Guitar Purchased for Concert Use - Given to Charlie Hodge
The offered Hagstrom guitar was bought for on-stage use but was then used in homes in CA and at Graceland. SOLD for $17,250
(News, Source;Rockhurst/ElvisInfoNet)
... New Elvis bootlegs catch up .... sadly nothing that hasn't been previously released
‘Off Duty From Texas To Bad Nauheim’: From Petticoat Records this deluxe box set contains several fantastic goodies. Including a 180 gram green coloured vinyl record featuring 19 unique recordings made in Waco Texas (shortly before Elvis went into the army) AND at his residence in Bad Nauheim, Germany during his army duty.
This box set is available in two editions.
Very limited editions.
1 x 180 gram green coloured vinyl & CD.
1 x bonus 25x25cm foto & bonus poster EIN Note: Nothing that hasn't previously been released. In 2019
MRS released the stunning'Made In Germany' double-vinyl with 24-page gatefold booklet, well-worth trying to track down..
Go to 'All CD News 2024' for more details (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'Hawaiian Delights' 3CD set: From unknown bootleg label State Recordings a 3cd set featuring all three of Elvis' performances at the Honolulu International Center Honolulu Hawaii in 1972.
These three AUDIENCE recorded shows may not be the best audience recorded shows ever issued on cd but they certainly are among the most important ones.
These shows were recorded just about 8 weeks before his famous Aloha From Hawaii performances at the same venue.
2 of these shows debut on silver disc!
All three shows are remastered from scratch.
Get this limited edition 3cd set while you can.
EIN Note: Previously released on bootlegs 'Live In Honolulu', 'Honolulu Delight' and 'Live At The H.I.C' none in particularly good audience recorded audio quality.
Check sound samples before buying.
Go to 'All CD News 2024' for more details (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'The 1973 Sound-Booth Collection and more Vol.2' box-set:The publicity notes.. This comprehensive deluxe 6 CD set contains so-called sound booth recordings recorded during 4 live performances at the Las Vegas Hilton in 1973. Sound booth recordings are recordings made with one microphone (mono) or two microphones (stereo) placed directly on stage. All shows are painstakingly remastered, in glorious ‘stereo’ sound.
Also included is the January 25 1973 stage rehearsal at corrected speed and it never sounded better then on this set.
As a bonus the complete homerecording made in November 1973 at the house of Sam Thompson in Memphis Tennessee is present too.
The included bonus disc set contains 24 rare studio tracks recorded in 1973.
This disc includes rough mix masters, unedited masters and some superb alternate recordings & rehearsals. Get this ultimate deluxe edition while it's available.. . EIN note.. August 20, 1973 MS - Released by FTD! 'Elvis: Las Vegas 1973'
August 31, 1973 DS - Straight Arrow 'Elvis Rocks The Hilton'
September 2, 1973 3AM - Released by FTD! 'Elvis: Las Vegas 1973'
September 2, 1973 MS - Straight Arrow 'Elvis Rocks The Hilton'
January 25, 1973 rehearsal - MRS 'ELVIS: On Stage February 1973' EIN Note: Nothing that fans wouldn't own and most released officially!
Go to 'All CD News 2024' for more details (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'An Evening In Dayton' 1974 VINYL: Out now is the double lp set called "An Evening In Dayton".
It features the October 6 1974 evening performance at the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio. Plus some wonderful bonus tracks.
This deluxe double lp is packed in a gorgeous gatefold cover and is available in red or blue or clear vinyl and includes a bonus cd.
For vinyl collectors, available in RED / BLUE & CLEAR vinyl.
'The King Creole Sessions' LP + CD: From the Cajun label, an upgraded release of "The King Creole Session - There's a Man In New Orleans".
The material has been upgraded and remastered for a superior vinyl and CD pack release and is presented together in shrinkwrapping.
The set is available in both red and yellow vinyl in a strictly limited release of only 125 copies of each color.
EIN Note: For vinyl collectors, this set features the usual material
'Elvis News Report September 2024': Elvis super-fan Emiel Maier presents all the recent news including......News about the upcoming Netflix documentary, Graceland and auction house
are directly opposite each other, Graceland's plans for the period
2024-2027, Forest Hill Mausoleum reopened, Missouri woman charged with
trying to steal Graceland from Presley family and much much more...
Elvis Week 2024 Concerts: A quick wrap-up of what EPE presented as the main 'Elvis Week 2024' concerts.
The Elvis 'Back In Memphis' concert on August 13 featured a focus on live material taken from the new 'Elvis MEMPHIS' box-set. It was hosted by Andy Childs alongside Terry Mike Jeffrey and Patrick Dunn who has a fantastic and powerful voice.
It first showcased Elvis' SUN sessions using only a four-piece band, kicking off with 'Mystery Train' and after 3 more Sun classics ended with 'That's All Right', there were no special guests.
Bringing on more musicians, the horn section and Backing-Vocalists next there was a 35 minute look at the 1969 'American Sound' sessions.
It kicked off with a rather fine and extended 'Rubberneckin' sung by Andy Childs. (Did no one tell them this song was left off the new MEMPHIS set? They also performed 'And The Grass Won't Pay No Mind' also NOT on the new release!).
Special guests included Donna Rhodes Morris (backing vocalist on the original 1969 sessions) and fabulous Memphis Boys drummer Gene Chrisman joined the band for the three final songs, In The Ghetto, Kentucky Rain and Suspicious Minds.
Gene Chrisman, looking very much like The Rolling Stones' Charlie Watts!
The fabulous STAX composer and producer David Porter then came on to discuss the importance of STAX and Elvis' sessions at the studio. He explained how he already knew Elvis since both he and his buddy Isaac Hayes had been previously asked by Elvis to perform at a nightclub for Elvis' private parties.
He also reminded everybody that Chips Moman had in fact worked at STAX before moving to create 'American Sound' studio.
Special guest Norbert Putnam came on to play bass and also explain that Elvis' sessions were the easiest he had ever worked on. Then five STAX session songs followed
Promised Land was particularly funky with Norbert on bass followed by an extremely good 'Feeling In My Body' with Norbert obviously really enjoying playing it.
Special guest Glen D Hardin then arrived. He needed a helping hand to get on stage but he was in fine form, laughing a lot and playing extremely well. There was no sign of any health issue that had been rumoured.
After a special bonus of 'My Boy' they then moved on to the Graceland sessions.
Glen Hardin stayed for 'Hurt' followed by 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' for which they brought back Norbert Putnam (he played bass on the original Nashville session) so it was a treat seeing them both working together. (photo right) 'For The Heart' and 'Moody Blue' followed before the great Stamps bass singer Larry Strickland came on to do his very best "JD" impression for the big finale of 'Way Down'.
It was a very enjoyable concert even if all too few TCB Band members were present.
The August 16 Main concert was 'Elvis: Return to Vegas' with Elvis on the big video screen above the stage - all taken from TTWII.
The "genuine" Elvis musicians this time were Larry Strickland with Terry Blackwood & Jim Murray (of the Imperials) plus Donna Rhodes Morris who along with her daughter providing the female (Sweets) backing-vocals.
It was, as you can imagine, a fairly straight forward run-through of the TTWII 'Big Screen' concert.
Jerry Shilling came on first to introduce the show.
It was also a positive to have various pauses in the show where Elvis' musicians who are no longer with us were presented via old interviews where the talked about working with Elvis.
These clips included Joe Guercio, The Sweet Inspirations as well as Imperials Armond Morales and Joe Moscheo.
Elvis's 1969 monologue was also used so that he could explain how he loved live performing after "I got stuck in a rut in Hollywood"
The show started with 'That's All Right', 'I Got A Woman', 'Hound Dog' and ended with 'Polk Salad Annie', 'Bridge Over Troubled Water', 'Suspicious Minds' and of course 'Can't Help Falling In Love.'
EIN member Mandy Squair who was at the concert rightly noted, "It was at this concert where it stood out just how many of the original Elvis people are now gone, or are too old to join these performances".
While EIN does not get a positive vibe from Elvis Impersonator concerts and their large presence at "ELVIS WEEK", forty-seven years after Elvis' sad passing it is hard to know how EPE can keep up the momentum of live concerts which include 'real' Elvis acquaintances.
I am personally very glad that I got to witness the first ELVIS 1998 'Big Screen' world-tour with the stunning TCB Band.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Emilio Santoro wins 'Ultimate Elvis' 2024: Rather oddly, this year EPE did not send out a press release congratulating 2024's Ultimate ETA winner Emilio Santoro.
This is strange as for once he was actually rather good!
Emilio Santoro has previously won European and World Championships as Elvis and appeared on America's Got Talent.
Santoro comes from Weston-Super-Mare in England and became a feature Elvis at just 14 years of age.
EIN Exclusives and News from earlier in August ...
'From Here to the Great Unknown': We are only six 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)
'Elvis Presley - The Legend' (One World Media): Due out on Sep 2 is this "mp3 audio CD" or "cloud stored" book) from Blackstone Publishing.
The narration is by Stefan Rudnicki and Henry Stevens. It is unclear how long the listening time is.
The audio book is described as: "From the heart of Memphis, the city where legends are born, emerged the greatest of them all - adored by millions, devoted to his music, and unwavering in his love for his mother. This icon, both mysterious and unmistakable, rose to reign as the unstoppable King of Rock ‘n' Roll - Elvis Presley.
"In his early days, Elvis was seen as a quiet high school outcast. But when the spotlight finally found him, he unleashed a voice that awakened the world and set its pulse to the rhythm of Rock ‘n' Roll. Hear from Dixie Locke Emmons, Elvis' high school sweetheart, as she reveals unforgettable moments from his life before fame. Legendary figures like Dick Clark, Kenny Rogers, Ray Manzarek of The Doors, and Elvis' own drummer D.J. Fontana recount his television years, his controversial dance moves, and the raw, electrifying sound that defined an era.
"Lifelong friends Joe Esposito and Charlie Hodge, along with icons like Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers and Glen Campbell, paint a vivid picture of the King's world - from his love for girls and Cadillacs to the
sanctuary of Graceland. Discover how gospel music, his service in the U.S. Army, his marriage to the beautiful Priscilla Beaulieu, and his triumphant return to Las Vegas shaped Elvis into the legend he became. Dive deep into the story of the one and only Elvis Presley."
Available from audiobookstore.com (cloud stored) and Amazon (physical mp3 CD) sites. (News, Source: Amazon; Audiostore)
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.
'Fantasy Femmes of Sixties Cinema: Interviews with 20 Actresses from Biker, Beach, and Elvis Movies':Tom Lisanti is an award-winning film historian who specializes in 1960s-70s film and TV. His name is probably not known to many Elvis fans as he has never written a book solely about Elvis. However, his series of books about 1960s films, particularly those focusing on beach and drive-in movies, are filled with interviews and information about Elvis from numerous of his (female) co-stars. One of his books,Fantasy Femmes of Sixties Cinema: Interviews with 20 Actresses from Biker, Beach, and Elvis Movies, is being reissued in softcover (322 pages; illustrated - b&w) on August 30 (it was originally published in 2003). It is described as:
... "Elvis Presley musicals, beach romps, biker flicks, and alienated youth movies were some of the most popular types of drive-in films during the sixties. The actresses interviewed for this book (including Celeste Yarnall (cover image), Lana Wood, Linda Harrison, Pamela Tiffin, Deanna Lund, Diane McBain, Judy Pace, and Chris Noel) all made their mark in these genres. These fantastic femmes could be found either twisting on the shores of Malibu, careening down the highway on a chopper, being serenaded by Elvis, or taking on the establishment as
hip coeds. As cult figures, they contributed greatly to that period of filmmaking aimed at the teenage audience who frequented the drive-ins of America. They frolicked, screamed, and danced their way into B-movie history in such diverse films as Eve, Teenage Millionaire, The Girls on the Beach, Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine, Three in the Attic, Wild in the Streets, and Paradise, Hawaiian Style.
"This book is a celebration of the actresses' careers. They have for the most part been overlooked in other publications documenting the history of film. Fantasy Femmes addresses their film and television careers, focusing on their view of the above genres, their candid comments and anecdotes about their films, the people they worked with, and their feelings in general regarding their lives and the choices they made. The book is well illuminated and contains a complete list of film and television credits."
Other Tom Lisanti titles worth investigating for information about Elvis include Drive-In Dream Girls: A Galaxy of B-Movie Starlets of the Sixties (see separate post)and Talking Sixties: Drive-In Movies.
Most, if not all, of Tom Lisanti's books are available in hardcover, softcover and digital (Kindle) formats.
Fans of Elvis and 1960s pop-culture films will love Lisanti's books which can be found on many Amazon sites! (News, Source: Amazon; ElvisInfoNet)
'Celebrate Elvis' birthday at Graceland': Elvis Week 2024 is only just done & dusted and already EPE have started promoting Elvis' 90th Birthday Celebrations for 2025!
They have posted...
Celebrate Elvis Presley’s 90th birthday at Graceland in Memphis with four days of live music, movies, special tours, conversations and much more!
Join us on January 8-11 for a birthday celebration fit for a king!
In addition, fans are invited to the north lawn of Graceland Mansion on January 8, Elvis' Birthday, at 8:30 am CST, for the official Birthday Proclamation Ceremony featuring EPE officials, a birthday cake cutting, and an official proclamation of Elvis Presley Day.
Can’t be in Memphis? You can watch the ceremony online for free via Graceland's Livestream.
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)
Happy Birthday James Burton!: Today August 21, the legendary guitarist James Burton turns 85 years old.
James Burton is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Rockabilly Hall of Fame, Musicians Hall of Fame plus Country Music Hall of Fame.
He is ranked as one of the greatest guitarists of all time and has played with almost all the greats including Ricky Nelson, The Everly Brothers, Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, John Denver, Gram Parsons, Emmylou Harris, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Costello, Roy Orbison, Joni Mitchell, Hoyt Axton, and Vince Gill.
He also happened to be Elvis' "favourite guitarist".
Back in August 2003 EIN phoned the great man to have a chat and also wish him Happy Birthday. Read EIN's 'James Burton Interview' here
16 August 2024 - 47 years ago today the world lost the greatest entertainer of all time.
"Elvis was God-given, there’s no other explanation. A Messiah comes around every few thousand years, and Elvis was it this time.”- Little Richard “I remember Elvis as a young man hanging around the Sun Studios. Even then, I knew this kid had a tremendous talent. He was a dynamic young boy. His phraseology, his way of looking at a song, was as unique as Sinatra’s. I was a tremendous fan and had Elvis lived, there would have been no end to his inventiveness.” - B.B. King
“Nothing really affected me until I heard Elvis. If there hadn’t been an Elvis, there wouldn’t have been a Beatles”- John Lennon
"It was like Elvis came along and whispered some dream in everybody's ear, and somehow we all dreamed it." - Bruce Springsteen
"When I first heard Elvis' voice, I just knew that I wasn't going to work for anybody; and nobody was going to be my boss. Hearing him for the first time was like busting out of jail." - Bob Dylan
"Elvis Presley's death deprives our country of a part of itself. He was unique, irreplaceable." - President Jimmy Carter
“I would like to pay tribute to the greatest entertainer of all time, Mr. Elvis Presley. Elvis was Las Vegas. .. He really was the king.” - Celine Dion
"I've been an Elvis fan since I was a kid. If it hadn't been for Elvis, I don't know where popular music would be. He was the one that started it all off, and he was definitely the start of it for me." - Elton John
'MEMPHIS' Elvis Week Listening Q&A: In celebration of Elvis new release fans today attended an Elvis Week highlight the "MEMPHIS Q&A and Listening Party".
Together with Tom Brown were producer Ernst Jørgensen, author Robert Gordon plus recording engineer Matt Ross-Spang.
You can now watch this interesting discussion on YouTube HERE - where they give backgrounds on the newly mixed tracks - and discuss the story behind the new box set.
Starts at 15 minutes in. Runs 70 minutes
(News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
Upcoming Netflix documentary about Elvis: Netflix is set to release a new documentary on Elvis Presley.
It will be helmed by Jason Hehir, best known for 2020's The Last Dance, a co-production between ESPN and Netflix and more recently, Murder in Boston: Roots, Rampage, and Reckoning for HBO.
Hehir’s 'Little Room Films' is behind the new documentary, which was acquired by Peter Chernin’s The North Road Company late last year.
Production on the doco has been ongoing since early 2023. The yet-to-be-titled documentary will focus on the legendary singer and actor using an abundance of archival footage detailing the life and career of the artist, who ultimately passed away at the age of 42.
Jason Hehir recently discussed working on the new documentary on an NPR podcast called Attribution with Bob McKinnon.
Speaking briefly about the upcoming documentary, Hehir said, “I’ve been fascinated with that guy Elvis my whole life because I know there’s a human being underneath that two-dimensional facade we see culturally. It’s always been an interest of mine.” The hour-long interview discussed many of the projects he’s worked on in the past, concluding with an insight into why he’s chosen Elvis Presley. His ultimate aim is to peel back the layers of well-known figures to reveal the deeper, often unseen, aspects of their lives. This method suggests that the Elvis doco will likely offer a fresh perspective focusing on the man behind the myth.
This is likely to be the "Netflix Elvis documentary series" mentioned by Darlene Love earlier in March this year where she was asked by "Priscilla Presley to participate in an Elvis Netflix series that will air "in the coming months".
All should be confirmed soon (News, Source: Netflix/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)
'ELVIS: MEMPHIS' OUT NOW: The new 5CD box-set - along with the double-VINYL - of Elvis' hometown recordings is at ELVIS dealers now! Other stores should have it by August 9.
Over 111 tracks ‘MEMPHIS’ captures Presley from his earliest sessions at Sun Studio to his final recordings in Graceland’s Jungle Room.
Produced by Ernst Jørgensen with rare material and new liner notes by GRAMMY-winning music historian Robert Gordon, ‘MEMPHIS’ (released in 5CD, 2LP plus digital) gives fresh insight into the bond between Elvis and his eternal home.
With the exception of the Sun recordings, all tracks on ‘MEMPHIS’ were newly mixed by GRAMMY-winner Matt Ross-Spang at Southern Grooves Memphis, with overdubs stripped away - to reveal only what Elvis heard live in the studio.
With this intimacy, new revelations abound, through it all, the listener is standing next to Elvis - hearing exactly what he is hearing.
In 1960 when asked what he missed about his hometown on his way back from the army, a 25-year-old Elvis answered: “Everything. I mean that - everything.”
See 'Elvis FTD /SONY News 2024for details - out worldwide this friday August 9. (News, Source;SONY/ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis Presley: Guitar Man: The '67 / '68 Sessions' FTD OUT NOW: The 'Elvis Presley: Guitar Man The '67 / '68 Sessions' is also at Elvis Dealers - out now.
Released as a 5CD set it features two Elvis' RCA sessions at Studio B in Nashville.
September 1967 highlights include Guitar Man, Hi Heel Sneakers, Big Boss Man and You Don't Know Me.
The January 68 sessions highlights include Too Much Monkey Business and U.S. Male. It also included an extraordinary 30 takes of 'Goin' Home'.
The 24-page booklet features rare photos, sessions data, memorabilia and release information.
Delayed by a month, the new package has now been delivered to your local Elvis dealer. See 'Elvis FTD / SONY CD News' for a detailed look at the package and a list of what previously unreleased content it contains.
'Celluloid Sell-Out 1960-61' New FTD book OUT NOW:FTD has also delivered this new deluxe book by Bob Pakes to your local Elvis dealer.
This time a follow up to his earlier FTD book 'Celluloid Sell-Out 1956-1958'.
448 pages containing over 2000 images - featuring worldwide Elvis Presley movie memorabilia from 1960-1961. Packed with movie posters, lobby cards and more.
Also includes two cds of movie soundtrack outtakes (all previously released)
New MRS ‘Las Vegas – Closing Night 1973’: UK Label ‘Memphis Recording Service’ (MRS) will release a Deluxe CD plus a 2LP on 180-gram vinyl titled ‘Las Vegas – Closing Night 1973’ in September 2024.
This CD set contains the highlights of Elvis’ final two shows performed on the closing night of his Las Vegas engagement in early September 1973.
For the first time ever, the material from these shows is presented in stereo.
The accompanying booklet - which includes rare photographs and memorabilia dating from this engagement and features liner notes which set the scene for this, his ninth season, in Las Vegas.
This is the infamous night as shown in Baz Luhrmann's movie when Elvis said "To Hell with the Hilton Hotel" on stage and afterwards confront Col Parker telling him that he was fired!
Parker responded with, "You can't fire me, I quit".
It was a fascinating night.
A special thanks to those people are also credited.
Elvis was in a wild mood but in the closing show still performed 'Softly As I Leave You' for the very first time, a tremendous ‘How Great thou Art’ plus a fascinating and powerful ‘Mystery Train/Tiger Man’.
Super-fan Anne E Nixon described the concert as "There is one particular show that stands out in my memory, that combined many of Elvis' moods; an absolutely riveting show that anyone who saw it could never forget. From beginning to end it underlined the supreme showmanship that is Elvis Presley."
The VINYL double-album is Limited Edition and will be available in both Black and Clear vinyl. Please note, the clear vinyl is ONLY available from exclusive Elvis dealers and fan clubs and NOT to the mainstream public stores.
‘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
New ‘MRS CAMDEN’ Releases OUT NOW: UK Label ‘Memphis Recording Service’ (MRS) has re-released two packages via its alternate budget label ‘MRS CAMDEN’, at ELVIS dealers this week.
- The Complete 1950’s Studio Masters - 4CD/DIGI - The Complete RCA Studio Masters 1960-62 - Plus Session Out-Takes- 4CD/DIGI
1. 'The Complete 1950’s Studio Masters'
This 4CD set presented in a Camden digi-pack contains the complete master studio recordings of Elvis Presley from the 1950s.
It includes personal acetates, cut in 1953 and early 1954, all of his early Sun recordings from 1954-55, as well as every RCA studio master and movie studio soundtrack recording made between January 1956 and June 1958.
The set also contains bonus tracks of recordings made at radio stations, as well as alternate movie soundtrack recordings.
(Click for high-res cover image)
2. 'The Complete RCA Studio Masters 1960-62 - Plus Session Out-Takes'
This 4CD set (previously released as ‘Back in Living Stereo 1960-62’) pays tribute to the recordings Elvis made once he returned home from Germany in March 1960, after his stint as a soldier in the US army (1958-60).
These recordings were the first stereo recordings of Elvis issued to the public.
The CDs, presented in a Camden digi-pack, contain remastered tracks of all the 1960 - 1962 master recordings from RCA Studio’s in Nashville.
As a bonus, it includes 2 CDs containing rare material of studio session out-takes.
See 'All The Elvis CD News' for more details and all the tracklistings...
-- Both selling for around £19 / US$24
"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)
'Randy Starr, Presley Style: Lost Elvis Demos' CD Review: Between 1963 and 1968 Randy Starr wrote and produced around 70 songs and 35 of these demos can be found on this CD.
The extensive booklet contains detailed liner notes by British Elvis expert and collector Trevor Simpson, based on interviews he recently conducted with Randy Starr.
This CD features 35 professional demos, yet only six of these are songs that Elvis recorded, ‘Kissin’ Cousins’, ‘The Yellow Rose of Texas’, ‘Look Out Broadway’, ‘Datin'’, ‘Adam and Evil’ and ‘The Girl I Never Loved’.
Previous compilations showcasing Elvis’ other collaborators such as Leiber / Stoller or Tepper / Bennett all celebrated their success in getting their songs recorded by Elvis - whereas this intriguing compilation tells the differing story of supplying endless demos with most of them being rejected. And that provides some of the interest to this release. EIN's Piers Beagley wonders if you can discover anything new from these pile of demos
(CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'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)
NOW UPDATED (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 in Literature #3 – ''Elvis's Man Friday' by Gene Smith: Continuing EIN’s occasional series of interesting and (hopefully) thought-provoking Elvis excerpts (references/discussions) found in general literature. Elvis's Man Friday by Elvis' first-cousin Gene Smith is an often forgotten "insider" memoir.
Elvis and Gene were very close from a young age, and Gene later became a prominent member of Elvis' Memphis Mafia.
In his book, published in hardcover (with dust jacket) in 1994, Gene recounted his time with Elvis in linear fashion, in what was a very readable, entertaining and informative release.
In particular, the reader is informed about a number of unusual things and Elvis' idiosyncrasies.
EIN wonders how many readers knew that Elvis and Gene had (for a while) their own secret language?...
'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.....
'The Elvis RCA Camden Collection' EIN Spotlight:Most fans have had a love-hate relationship with Elvis' Camden collections. On one hand they are seen as an artistic misstep being released at a time when Elvis was back riding high on the charts saturating the market with a series of albums containing little-known songs. Yet on the other hand many younger fans used these budget collections as a way to enter the amazing world of Elvis’ vast back-catalogue.
The RCA Camdens featured the first release of an Elvis live recording, 19 previously unreleasedtracks and 58 tracks previously unreleased on an album. That is quite impressive even if Col Parker only had his increased revenue as the main goal.
Now updated with Readers' Feedback - Read this fascinating article and tell us YOUR THOUGHTSabout Elvis' Camden releases... EIN contributor Neil Colombari reveals all...
(Spotlight; Source;Neil Colombari/ElvisInfoNet)
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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