Welcome to the "Elvis Information Network", home to the best news, reviews, interviews, Elvis photos & in-depth articles about the King of Rock & Roll, Elvis Aaron Presley...
'Elvis: Day By Day 2024' Book Review: From author Kees Mouwen the latest in his 'Elvis Day By Day' series of 'The Year In Review'.
Packed into a colourful 480 pages is all the relevant news of what happened in the Elvis world these past twelve months . 'Elvis Day By Day 2024' features all the news, including a complete overview of all new music, available on CD and on vinyl. Additionally, it covers all the worthwhile books and magazines, all the movies and TV specials released on DVD, Blu-ray, and streaming services. Plus “everything else Elvis” that mattered, while skipping the nonsense.
ELVIS is still impacting the world we live in. His legacy is truly stunning. To appreciate Elvis’ lasting impact we actually need an “Annual” summary where we can take it all in - and this is what ‘Elvis Day By Day 2024’ provides.
Over the 480 pages there is so much to discuss, lots to debate and always stunning images. Plus some delicious negative reviews.. EIN's Piers Beagley checks out this new 'Elvis Annual' and finds that there is plenty to read and lots for collectors to discuss
(Book Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'Elvis News Report Feb 2025': Elvis super-fan Emiel Maier presents all the recent news including...... Baz Luhrmann hints that his new Elvis movie gets a
release this year, Christmas at Graceland book, A number of Elvis books
with a 2025 release date, the Parkes Elvis Festival in Australia, The
British public chose their favourite Elvis song! and much much more...
Lisa Marie Birthday: February 1st 2025 would have been Lisa Marie's 57th birthday.
Her tragic death on January 12, 2023 robbed her of an well-deserved old-age surrounded by her loving children.
Priscilla posted this message yesterday in remembrance ... 'You are always on my mind' -mom ❤️"
Graceland's official Instagram account also posted a comment on Saturday in honour of Lisa Marie. "Happy Birthday, Lisa Marie Presley. Today, we are remembering and celebrating your life. 💗"
Lisa Marie's memoir 'From Here to the Great Unknown'tells her incredible life-story and is
well-worth reading, especially via Audio-Book where you can hear her
truly emotional recorded words.
(News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
'April Fools Day' New Import CD: The publicity notes... This year marks the 50th anniv of Elvis' last regular studio sessions for his album "Today," and Infinity Records celebrate this occasion with two incredible shows from April 1st, 1975 —one of Elvis's most fun-filled performances!
We've expertly mixed the dinner show to deliver stunning stereo matrix sound quality! By combining the soundboard and audience recording this show has never sounded better!
But that's not all! To complete this package, we’re including the AUDIENCE recorded closing show freshly remastered. Elvis himself acknowledges that he couldn't have too much fun during the earlier dinner show, so he cranks up the fun for the last show of the season! He sings the theme song to "The Mickey Mouse Club" after receiving Mickey Mouse ears and of course, Elvis delivers unforgettable performances of classic hits like "Burning Love," "My Boy", "It's Midnight," "Steamroller Blues".. EIN Note: The Dinner show was released on the FTD 'ELVIS - Las Vegas 1975', the very average Audience recorded Midnight show on the bootleg 'Rocking with the King April's Fool Day.' See 'All The CD News 2025' for tracklists and details
(News, Source;IR/ElvisInfoNet)
News from earlier last week ...
Actress Jan Shepard has died: Jan Shepard, who co-stared in both ‘King Creole’, 'Paradise, Hawaiian Style' along with multiple TV shows such as Rawhide and The Virginian has died aged 96.
Shepard died of pneumonia January 17 at St. Joseph Medical Center, Burbank.
Shepard portrayed Mimi, the sister of Danny Fisher, in King Creole, as well as the wife of Elvis' business partner Danny Kohana (James Shigeta) in Paradise, Hawaiian Style.
In interviews Shepard recalled, “The first time, I found Elvis to be just the cutest kid around, a big teddy bear, a lot of fun that was before the army. But by Paradise, Hawaiian Style he’d come back from the service and he had changed. He had a lot of bodyguards around him. On King Creole we got along so great because we worked alone the two of us the whole first week of the shoot. He was a brilliant actor because he didn't need any advice, he automatically knew what to do. I came to work one day and I found a pair of earrings he put there for me that cost about ten cents - that he had liberated from the set. I have a marvelous picture where we are waiting to perform and we were just sitting down at the dining room table. I joked with him that he was "the last of the big spenders".It made him laugh so hard and they snapped this picture of the two of us. It's a fabulous picture of him, my favourite. Elvis would play music on his guitar and he would ask me what I wanted to hear. Elvis loved 'Danny Boy'.
By 1965 Elvis was tired of it all, it as always the same movie, he hated it."
In a later interview with Joe Krein Shepard pointedly noted,"All Col Parker wanted was the money and he was stealing money from Elvis and so was RCA. I mean, they were just Elvis. He was getting 50% of Elvis and he didn't want to do anything that would take him to Japan. Elvis wanted to go to Japan. They adored him overseas. Colonel Parker always said no.
You know, I think that when his mom died, that was just a terrible blow and that if she had lived Elvis would still be alive today."
Born Josephine Angela Sorbello in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, Jan Shepard moved to Los Angeles in 1949 and joined a theater group and then trained at the Pasadena Playhouse.
Shepard made her onscreen debut on a 1952 episode of Fireside Theater and was soon being booked on shows including Waterfront, Public Defender and The Loretta Young Show.
In 1954 Shepard appeared in her first TV Western and that followed with The Lone Ranger, Rawhide, Gunsmoke, The Virginian and The High Chaparral.
It was her friend Dolores Hart who got her the role in King Creole by recommending her to Hal Wallis. (News, Source;Various/ElvisInfoNet)
JoCathy Brownlee, Elvis Girlfriend has died: JoCathy Brownlee Elkington, well-loved part of the Elvis community, sadly died last Friday Jan 24. She dated Elvis from August 1975 for several months after they met at a World Football League game in Memphis on August 2, 1975. She was working part-time as a hostess in the press box for the Memphis Southmen Grizzlies. The night they met Elvis was with Linda Thompson but she knew Linda as they had both attended Memphis State University. The following week her friend Barbara Klein called to tell me that Elvis wanted to give me $100 for being so nice to him in the press box - and that Elvis wanted her phone number so that he could call and ask her out!
JoCathy explains, "Sure enough, Elvis called me, asked me if I would like to come to Graceland, meet Lisa and then go to the Crosstown Theatre and watch movies. That was our first date, and, after we left the theatre, we went back to Graceland. Once we returned, he surprised me with a brand new Pontiac Grand Prix. He said to me, “Honey, I hope this one’s ok… it was the best I could do at 4 o’clock in the morning!”
We dated on and off until the end of October 1975 and the only time that we were apart was right after he had to cut his Las Vegas Summer Season short in late August and was admitted to Baptist Hospital in Memphis. Once he was released from the hospital, we were together until the end of October.
Elvis was such a generous person. If he weren’t giving me a car, jewelry, money to buy clothes etc., he would give me things
that belonged to him. Between Elvis’ bedroom and bathroom there was a little closet where he kept various books, albums, items that were sent to him by fans etc. Elvis walked into the little closet one evening when we were having a discussion about religion and brought out an album of his along with his praying hands and several other items.
I asked him if he ever listened to his own records, and he told me that he rarely did!"
JoCathy Brownlee was a well-loved part of the Elvis community and will be truly missed.
You can check out more of JoCathy's story in Guralnick's 'Careless Love' and Alanna Nash's 'Baby Let's Play House'.
Go here to Memorial Park Funeral Memories to add your condolences. (News, Source;JCB/EPFansOfNashville)
EIN Exclusives and News from earlier in January ...
Baz Luhrmann Explains more about his new Elvis Documentary: With heightened interest about Luhrmann's future Elvis documentary the director revealed some secrets from outside Graceland and US Deadline also asked him some questions...
Luhrmann was back at Graceland telling all, "I am thrilled to be back in Graceland and to be able to say that it's true, it is very very true.. I can't even begin to tell you what we have found during the making of 'ELVIS', in terms of never before seen concert footage.. and our sleeves are rolled up, we're working hard and we want to make something absolutely unprecedented and special with this material. So it's time, as we like to say, to TCB."
Luhrmann also explained to Deadline, “There has always been talk amongst Elvis’ fans, both longtime fans and newer fans brought in by our film Elvis, of missing reels and never-before-seen concert footage.
"During the making of ELVIS, from very early on in my process I had the privilege to access the studio’s vaults deep in the salt mines of Kansas, where troves of old film negatives are stored. We were astonished by the sheer volume of unused footage from Elvis: That’s the Way It Is, the film of Elvis’ legendary 1970 Summer Festival in Las Vegas, all shot on anamorphic 35mm, and also from Elvis’s road concert film from two years later, 'Elvis On Tour'.
“Equally exciting was that we found not only material that has never been seen in this quality but also rare behind-the-scenes audio that had been feared lost, especially some fascinating recordings of Elvis telling stories from his own life in his own words.”
“We’re still very much in the middle of creating this work, but there has been so much talk and such enthusiasm for this
that I felt now it was time to share what has been happening with it. I can’t say much more about it, except that I wouldn’t call it a documentary, or a concert film; our aim here is to make something new in the Elvis canon.
My creative team at Bazmark is being led by my longtime editor, Jonathan Redmond, and we’ve partnered with the terrific teams at Authentic Studios and Sony Music Vision, with great support from Warner Bros., to bring something to the screen that befits the magnitude of Elvis as a performer but also offers deeper revelations of his humanity and inner life.”
'Bazmark' / Authentic Studios are producing the documentary.
The film will be distributed by Sony Music Vision, in partnership with SONY Legacy Recordings.
See Official Baz Luhrmann Insta announcement here (News, Source;Deadline/BazL/EIN)
Director Baz Luhrmann confirms his new Elvis Documentary: As reported by EIN at Elvis Week 2024 EPE's Joel Weinshanker confirmed that, "Baz Lurhmann is working on his Elvis documentary.There will be one new Elvis movie between now and 2027 possibly two."
Today ELVIS director Baz Luhrmann also confirmed... .. (check insta here) .."I’m really thrilled that I am finally able to announce that we have all been working hard and collaborating on unearthing and showcasing a treasure trove of unseen footage, sound and other materials to create something special for the big and small screen - TCB!"
The trailer states.. After 10 years away from the stage Elvis made his triumphant return in Las Vegas. For over 50 years there have been rumors of lost footage.. During the production of Baz Luhrmann's Elvis it was found... "
Great news for Elvis fans,
More info when we get it (News, Source;BazInsta/ElvisInfoNet)
David Lynch Director and Elvis Fan dead at 78: Director-writer David Lynch who radicalised American film with a dark, surrealistic artistic vision in films like 'Blue Velvet', 'Mulholland Drive', 'Twin Peaks' and 'Wild At Heart' died 15 January 2025, he was 78.
Lynch had an immaculate sense of how to use well-known songs in his movies. He was a master manipulator constantly deploying major hits into unexpected corners of his films, recontextualizing classics by everyone from Elvis Presley to Blue Velvet's Roy Orbison. Whether he was borrowing from the pop world or creating something of his own, his approach to music resulted in moments that were sometimes spine-chilling and always surprising.
Lynch stated, “I’ve loved music always, and my music fire was lit by Elvis Presley, really, and all that was happening back then.”
David Lynch was a true Elvis fan, his movie 'Wild At Heart' which featured Nicolas Cage doing his best Elvis impersonation as Sailor Ripley on the run with Laura Dern's Lula Fortune. Nicolas Cage would of course later go on to marry Lisa Marie! In the film Nicolas Cage would sing a stunning rendition of Elvis' "Love Me".
Later in the movie Cage then sings 'Love Me Tender' to Lula.
During rehearsals Lynch discussed Elvis and Marilyn Monroe with Cage and Dern. He also bought a copy of Elvis' Golden Records and suggested to Cage that he should sing two songs, 'Love Me' and 'Love Me Tender'. Cage recorded them himself so that he could lip-synch to them on the set. Cage asked Lynch if he could wear a snakeskin jacket in the film and Lynch incorporated it into his script.
In an interview with Spin magazine Lynch explained..
... Hearing Rockabilly music as a kid was like being hit with a truck filled with happiness. So many musicians when they saw Elvis for the first time, they just slammed their head with their fist and just sad, “Damn! This is it!” And it was just suddenly so obvious. It wasn’t there, and then it was there. And it had this unbelievable power, and it just screamed out. It was unbelievably beautiful. I just felt this thrill, this love of the sound. It was like grabbing onto an electric wire.
- Fifties music held a happiness for sure, but you know Elvis also sings 'Heartbreak Hotel' and there’s a kind of sweet sadness, and that dream thing that could go either way. The ’50s dream, like the Fleetwoods 'Come Softly to Me' was real popular. And all the great ones there, they caught this thing. In every decade the music paints the mood. So if you listen to what was popular in the ’50s, from ’56 on, maybe, and it’s a summer night and you’re listening to this or you’re slow-dancing in a basement with a girl, you can go back to that time.
RIP David Lynch 20 Jan 1946 - 15 January 2025.
(News, Source;Various/ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis Last Tours Vol.2' In-depth FTD Review: FTD's 3-CD 5”digipak 'Elvis: The Last Tours Volume 2' features recordings from six Elvis performances in March 1977, Norman OK March 25 & 26 , Abilene Tx March 27, Austin Tx March 28 and Alexandria LA March 29 & 30.
By 1977 Elvis was running on low, his set-list had become stagnant and fans were lucky to hear Elvis perform any rare song in his predictable set-list.
Elvis was not in good health, had been rowing with girlfriend Ginger Alden and the last four dates of this second tour of 1977 had to be cancelled.
So one has to ask how much do you enjoy Elvis’ performances in 1977? Five of these soundboards have never been released before and it is Elvis’ Abilene concert that is the real highlight.
Of course, if you are a collector who appreciates Elvis in 1977 then this set might be perfect for your collection. Elvis soundboard super-collector Geoffrey McDonnell along with EIN's Piers Beagley explore this new six concert pack in-depth to see what fans might discover.. (FTD Reviews; Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
New 2025 Graceland Exhibits: As well as announcing the brand new '90 for 90' exhibit that features 90 curated stories told through special items from the 1.5 million artifacts housed at the Graceland Archives. (see news below). EPE have also announced some other 2025 specials.
Throughout 2025 Graceland will unveil additional new exhibits and refresh some existing spaces to enhance the visitor experience, including: - Elvis: Dressed to Rock will get an update in early March. Featuring over 100 pieces of stage wear, this fan favorite exhibit will be refreshed with new jumpsuits, outfits, and accessories.
- 'Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii Experience' opens in early April.
Visitors will enjoy a new experience that will surround them with captivating visuals, sounds and artifacts from the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s historic 1973 performance.
- Graceland in Redopens in August. In 1974, Elvis transformed Graceland to its red era. This eclectic design, with striking French Provencal decor, will be recreated and include the original furniture during this era.
- 'The Colonel' also opens in August. The exhibit will delve into the larger-than-life figure who played a crucial role in Elvis’ career.
In addition, Graceland’s newly renovated Elvis in Hollywood section at the Museum, which already offers photo op movie set vignettes from Elvis’ movie career – including a café, prison setting, and western saloon, will intro more photo ops in 2025, including a beach, a carnival, and a garage. (News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
'The Essential 50's Masters' Mono>Stereo box-set In-depth Review: From the RDM label 'Presley : The Essential 50's Masters - Mono II Stereo', featuring 109 tracks from The King with a new STEREO mix!
This 4 CD box-set brings together the essential tracks of the 50s. Tracks from Elvis' albums, but also soundtracks from his films, including some rarities such as versions used for the films and different from the versions released on album. The box-set is limited edition with 8-page booklet and slipcase.
Producer Anthony Stuchbury noted, "When producing these 1950s mono to stereo masters, I tried to make the mixes consistent with how they would have been mixed at the time, had they been originally recorded in stereo. I hope these four discs will take you on a journey through Elvis's 1950s era and that you will enjoy the transformation of audio and mixes." EIN's Piers Beagley celebrated Elvis' birthday by playing this glorious look at Elvis' in the 50s - over 4 1/2 hours - and checked out what delights fans can discover. What a great way to spend The King's Birthday - VIVA ELVIS! (CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Graceland new "90 for 90" Exhibit: A new Graceland exhibition has opened for Elvis' Birthday. The new '90 for 90' Exhibit features 90 curated stories told through items specially selected from the over 1.5 million artifacts housed at the Graceland Archives at Elvis’ iconic home in Memphis.
These artifacts include rare, personal pieces that capture moments in Elvis’ life that were out of the spotlight.
Highlights of the exhibit include some items never displayed before: - Family Photo ca. 1938
This is the earliest known photo of the Presley family and is cataloged as inventory no. 1 in the Graceland Archives Collection database. This is the original black and white photo found inside the family’s steamer trunk.
The exact date of the picture is unknown, but Elvis appears to be two or three years old. This photo captures an early moment in the life of this young family.
Poem “Why God Made Little Girls” from Elvis' bedroom Upstairs at Graceland
Elvis had this poem on a bookshelf in his bedroom. The poem summarized what having a daughter meant to him. This poem is referenced in the memoir,“From Here to the Great Unknown” by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough.
Also featured are 'Groundbreaking Paddle Rackets for Presley Center Court','Original film reel of The Frank Sinatra Timex Show: Welcome Home Elvis Special' from Col Parker’s Collection.
“Master Elvis Presley” Engraved Nunchuck and 'Road Case of Stage Scarves from 1977'.
On August 16, 1977, the Lisa Marie airplane was fueled up, ready to take Elvis’ entourage on the next leg of the tour, with a show scheduled for August 17 in Portland, Maine. This road case of stage scarves was on the plane, but due to Elvis’ death early the morning of August 16, they went into storage and were never used.
The scarves hang in the road case, just as they were on August 16, 1977.
This yearlong exhibit will run through Dec 2025 and can be toured as part of the Elvis Presley’s Memphis..
Wednesday 8 January 2025 - - - - HAPPY 90th BIRTHDAY ELVIS ! - - - -
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELVIS
EIN wishes Elvis all the best, where ever he is, celebrating his BIG 90th Birthday.
Sixty-three years ago today in 1962 Elvis celebrated his 27th birthday at the Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas - (photo right).
Elvis was there with Memphis girlfriend Bonnie Bunkley as well as Joe Esposito & friends. Elvis also met up with one of his favourite songwriters Don Robertson.
President Nigel Patterson of the Elvis Information Network Fan Club (Australia's oldest Elvis fan club) was also there to present Elvis with a special Birthday cake.
Ginger Alden posted on Facebook yesterday:
"It's so hard to think Elvis would be ninety!! I was truly blessed to have been at his side and able to share his 42nd birthday with him in Palm Springs in 1977. Never forgotten, always loved and so deeply missed. With very special memories of a unique and beautiful soul and our time together Happy Heavenly Birthday wishes to Elvis!!!!
(News, Source;Facebook/EIN)
Elvis 90th Birthday Success On US Charts: Forbes reports, just in time for Elvis' birthday, that Elvis' success on the US charts is more than just rock'n'roll.
Elvis Presley is widely regarded as one of the most successful rock musicians of all time. While he didn’t invent the genre, he is still seen as one of its pioneers to this day, as he helped popularize it in America, and then the rest of the world.
The late superstar is often found on Billboard’s rock charts, if anywhere. He can sometimes make space on some general lists as well, especially around the holidays when his catalog surges.
That’s the case this first week of January 2025, though his name also appears on tallies dedicated to several other styles as well. Presley claims a hit album on five different charts that focus only on one genre.
Not bad for someone who is 90 years old this very week!
Elvis' current success underlines not only the star’s continued popularity across America, but also how his work can be classified under different labels- including both work he released during his lifetime and afterward.
Of course, Presley performs best on the rock rosters.
'The Classic Christmas Album' reaches No. 1 for the first time on the Top Rock Albums list this week, earning him another posthumous chart-topper.
He nearly repeats that success on the Top Rock & Alternative Albums chart, where the holiday collection returns to its all-time high of No. 2.
On the Top Country Albums chart The Classic Christmas Album is also a new peak of No. 4.
Presley might not rise as high on the Top Country Albums list as he does on the rock rankings, but he earns twice as many appearances with The Essential Elvis Presley up from No 41 to No. 37 on the same tally giving him a pair of simultaneous top 40 titles. Elvis: Ultimate Gospel reappears on the Top Christian Albums chart this week at No. 43.
Presley manages to find space on one more albums-focused roster in the US, and it’s one that even fans may be most surprised to learn he’s present on. Elvis Christmas With The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra keeps at No. 20 on the Classical Albums tally, after previously also topping that chart. (News, Source;Forbes/ElvisInfoNet)
Spotlight "Elvis Presley: Sun's Newest Star":Printed in the US 'Cowboy Songs' June 1955 issue this was the first national magazine article about Elvis.
The magazine was dedicated to "Hillbilly - Western Songs" and "Favorite Folktunes", country musicians Webb Pierce, Ferlin Husky and The Davis Sisters were all noted on the font cover - along with "Elvis Presley - A Dream Come True".
The article noted that, 'Elvis Presley 'Sun’s Newest Star' at 19 is already enjoying the first reality of life’s dream: to sing for people and hear the spontaneous applause that means he’s made a hit!'
It is interesting that despite the magazines focus on folktunes / country songs the article praises Elvis for his "authentic treatment of Rhythm and Blues songs".
The first in an EIN series looking at early, original magazine articles about Elvis Presley. Go here to discover more..
(EIN Spotlight by Piers Beagley / Paul Gansky)
'The Lisa Marie - The King's Flying Graceland' New Book: If you enjoyed Carlos Varrenti's previous book ''The Airplanes & The King' then you are sure to enjoy his new book about Elvis' personal jet The Lisa Marie.
Due out 17 April 2025, 'The Lisa Marie - The King's Flying Graceland' is 600 pages all about Elvis' favourite plane.
It includes all the stories, interviews with the Pilots and stewardesses plus plenty of great photos.
It also tells the story of what happened to it after Elvis' death before it was brought back to Graceland.
EIN's Nigel Patterson and Elvis DayByDay's Kees Mouwen are thanked in the credits. (News, Source;CarlosV/NP/EIN)
Magazine Review -'Remembering Elvis... The King at 90': LIFE magazine commemorates Elvis' upcoming 90th birthday.
It is described as: “Celebrate the King of Rock 'n' Roll with this keepsake biography of Elvis Presley, lavishly illustrated with dozens of historic photos, including many from the archives of LIFE magazine.
“A detailed timeline traces Elvis's life from when he received his first guitar to his glory days filled with recording, acting, and gyrating for shrieking fans, to his great '68 comeback, and right up to his untimely death in 1977.
“Intimate photojournalism combines with insightful text to reveal Elvis behind the scenes: at Graceland and on the road, with Priscilla and Lisa Marie, in front of the cameras, and on the stage.
Explore the days of "Heartbreak Hotel," "Don't Be Cruel," "Blue Suede Shoes," "Jailhouse Rock," "Love Me Tender," "Blue Christmas" and so many other unforgettable hits.
BBC's 'Your Ultimate Elvis Song vote': For New Year's Day BBC Radio 2, Vernon Kay played the UK's favourite 40 Elvis Presley songs as determined by the Your Ultimate Elvis Song vote.
More than a hundred thousand votes were cast.
The show marks the 90th anniversary of Elvis's birth and there were 90 songs in all to vote from - each of the songs have appeared on a single or an EP that reached the Top 20 of the Official UK Singles chart.
As well as counting down to Your Ultimate Elvis Song, Vern hears memories of The King and his music taken from celebrity interviews in the BBC archive, and from listeners who contacted him while the vote was running.
In the show, Priscilla featured saying:“Hello everyone this is Priscilla Presley, and I want to thank you. To everyone who has voted and shown this outpouring of love ahead of such a special anniversary, it's wonderful knowing just how much Elvis’ music means to you all and that he lives on through the beautiful memories that remind you of him and his amazing career, and I send you all my love.
To pick out one track from his vast catalogue is such a big decision. But between you, that's what you’ve done. So let's play Your Ultimate Elvis Song.”
There is no real surprise that the Top five songs were .. Suspicious Minds, In The Ghetto, If I Can Dream, Always On My Mind and Can't Help Falling In Love.
Below are the the Top 20 voted songs, after that it gets more intriguing - Check out the show to discover more. (News, Source;BBC/ElvisInfoNet)
1 Suspicious Minds
2 In The Ghetto
3 If I Can Dream
4 Always On My Mind
5 Can't Help Falling In Love
6 The Wonder Of You
7 An American Trilogy
8 Burning Love
9 I Just Can't Help Believin'
10 Jailhouse Rock
11 Love Me Tender
12 A Little Less Conversation (Elvis vs JXL)
13 Are You Lonesome Tonight?
14 Viva Las Vegas
15 Hound Dog
16 Return To Sender
17 (You're The) Devil In Disguise
18 Wooden Heart
19 Heartbreak Hotel
20 (Marie's The Name) His Latest Flame
‘ELVIS: On Tour 1974: California’ & VINYL ‘Live In Los Angeles 1974’ New MRS releases: The UK Label ‘Memphis Recording Service’ (MRS) will release a 3CD set ‘ON TOUR 1974: CALIFORNIA’ together with a Double LP vinyl set titled ‘LIVE IN LOS ANGELES 1974’.
Both scheduled for release in February 2025.
The Deluxe 3CD set 'ELVIS: On Tour 1974: California’ contains a range of live performances from Elvis’ five-day tour of California in May 1974, during which he performed in front of 60,000 fans, including an attendance by the legendary British rock band, Led Zeppelin, whom he met afterwards.
The pack includes 66 live tracks plus Bonus Tracks the ‘Home Recordings’ of 'Spanish Eyes' and 'Let Me Be The One'. For the first time ever, the material from these shows is presented in STEREO.
The accompanying booklet includes general background notes as well as presenting rare photographs and memorabilia dating from this short tour.
The 3CD set includes Elvis' performances from May 11 Inglewood Forum, May 12 afternoon
Fresno and May 13 San Bernardino.
click for high res
The 2LP VINYL version ‘Live In Los Angeles 1974’ is a limited edition set and will be available in both Black and Clear vinyl.
The special double-vinyl compilation includes Elvis' May 11 1974 Inglewood Forum show together with highlights of his May 10 San Bernardino show.
It also includes Elvis' unique 'You Can Have Her' as well as the two home-recordings.
Please note, the clear vinyl is ONLY available from exclusive Elvis dealers and fan clubs and NOT to the mainstream public stores.
V V - - Other EIN ELVIS treats continue below - - V V
MRS CAMDEN ‘Made in Germany – Private Recordings’ Review: From the budget MRS Camden label this CD features personal recordings
taken from a recently discovered tape made by Elvis while stationed with
the US army in Germany in January 1959.
What is so fascinating about this period is that, although The Colonel stopped Elvis recording anything professionally in Germany, Elvis was still bursting with music. Elvis was jamming at home on multiple songs that he would later record professionally for RCA. These original jams on songs such as ‘His Hand In Mine’, ‘Like A Baby’, ’I'll Take You Home Again Kathleen’, ‘I Will Be True’, ‘Danny Boy’, ‘The Fool’ even an attempt at ‘Are You Lonesome Tonight’ plus ‘There’s No Tomorrow’ are totally enthralling.
Historians always talk about Elvis vast knowledge of every musical genre and here is proof of his influences.
A lot of fans, including myself, would truly appreciate a “Best Of” these home-recordings and just in time for Christmas 2024 the budget label ‘MRS Camden’ have done exactly that. EIN's Piers Beagley checks out this new budget release just in time for Christmas.... - Buy it TODAY for Christmas! (CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
17 Dec - New FTD Releases OUT NOW: The three new FTD releases, 'The Making Of King Creole','The Girl Happy Sessions', 'The Last Tours Vol.2' along with 'California Holiday' LP are at European Elvis dealers today.
'The Girl Happy Sessions'
continuues the FTD series of "complete sessions". A 3-CD set this contains all the masters and available session outtakes. Highlights include unedited masters and the rare vocal re-record of 'I Feel That I’ve Known You Forever' especially made for the motion picture 'Tickle Me'.
Mixed by Vic Anesini and mastered by Jan Eliasson.
This set includes previously unreleased takes of 'Puppet On A String', 'The Meanest Girl In Town', 'Girl Happy' (multiple long 'False starts'), 'Cross My Heart And Hope to Die' (multiple long 'False starts'), 16 new outtakes of 'Spring Fever' - and all 36 takes of 'Do Not Disturb' (only 6 outtakes have been released so far!).
There is a lot of previously unreleased studio session in this release.
'Elvis: The Last Tours Vol. 2'.
As part of its ongoing live on tour series, FTD announced the release of “Elvis: The Last Tours Volume 2”.
Released as a 3-CD 5” digipak, this set features great shows from March 1977. Elvis' 'Tour 26'.
The concerts were not recorded in their entirety, but all songs recorded by the engineer are included.
Recorded in mono.
The six concerts included are Norman, March 25 & 26, Abilene, March 27, Austin 28, Alexandria, March 29 & 30
From this tour FTD has previously released 'Amarillo '77' from March 24. FTD released six of the best tracks from this set on their 'Spring Tours 77' compilation- 'That’s All Right', 'Are You Lonesome Tonight, 'Blue Christmas' - from Norman, March 26. 'Trying To Get To You', 'Lawdy Miss Clawdy' from Abilene, March 27 and 'Fever' from Alexandria, March 30.
'Elvis: The Making Of King Creole'
A neat follow-up volume to 2021 'The Making Of Jailhouse Rock', 'Elvis: The Making Of King Creole' by David English and Pål Granlund.
In a slipcase, the brand new hardback FTD Deluxe book contains 380-pages with many newly discovered photographs, details on deleted scenes, pages from the script, the shooting schedule, memos, contracts, as well as memories from the cast and crew.
Also includes:
Six film frames taken from the original 35mm reels of the movie King Creole.
Exclusive to this set - a special collector's 10" vinyl with picture sleeve, recreating the original Japanese King Creole album.
It includes two CDs in gatefold sleeve.
CD 1: King Creole movie soundtrack recordings plus newly discovered acetate recordings.
CD 2: 1958 RCA studio recordings, demos and radio spots.
See 'FTD / SONY CD News 2024'for details (News, Source;FTD/ElvisInfoNet)
'The Mono to Stereo Interview with Anthony Stuchbury':The new STEREO Elvis box-set 'PRESLEY The Essential '50's Masters' from producer Anthony Stuchbury will be released by the french RDM label next week.
The question of whether Elvis' mono fifties classic recordings should be re-released in "new stereo" is hotly debated among hard-core collectors and this box-set includes all of Elvis' 50's mono masters in STEREO!
So this week is the perfect time to talk to the man behind the mixing desk, for the backstory behind this recent development of mixing Elvis’ original Mono recordings into STEREO.
Tony talks about working with RDM, Memphis Mansion, Ernst Jorgensen, the FTD label ... and much much more.. EIN's Piers Beagley and Elvis Day By Day's Kees Mouwen combined forces to ask "Mono II Stereo" producer Anthony Stuchbury some tricky questions. (Interview, Source;Elvis Day By Day/ElvisInfoNetwork)
'From ELVIS At Christmas' MRS 'STEREO' Album Review: The cover of Elvis' original 1957 Christmas album was truly disappointing as it always looked like RCA wanted to keep Elvis’ image as small as possible. Elvis’ 1971 Christmas album was an even worse design.
For their new album 'From ELVIS At Christmas' the MRS label have finally created a cover worthy of Elvis - and it is a stunner.
Elvis albums are all about the tactile feel and this vinyl features a super-impressive snow-glitter colour. It even sparkles as it spins...
And the real treat here is that MRS present Elvis’ Christmas album in gorgeous STEREO - and “boy mah-boy” does it sound superb.
From the very first seconds of ‘Santa Claus Is Back In Town’ when The Jordanaires sing “Christmas, Christmas” on the right channel, Dudley Brooks piano kicks in left and then DJ Fontana’s drums burst on the centre channel with Elvis singing, “Wellllllll, it’s Christmas time pretty baby and the snow is falling on the ground...” you know this is going to be a sensational ride. Join EIN's Piers Beagley as he spins glorious vinyl and digs deep.. (Vinyl/CD Reviews; Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
More praise for 'Elvis Hero of the Comic Books':Written by EIN’s Nigel Patterson (with “over and above” help from Elvis Day By Day’s, Kees Mouwen) the first in-depth record of Elvis in comic books, graphic novels and cartoons, was published earlier this year.
Reviews have been glowing since day one, the latest including a four-page text and image overview in It’s Elvis Time magazine (Netherlands) and a detailed review in the cult rock & roll magazine, Ugly Things (based in California).
'Elvis Last Tours Vol.1' In-depth FTD Review: FTD's 4-CD 5”digipak 'Elvis: The Last Tours Volume 1' features recordings from seven Elvis performances in February 1977, West Palm Beach (Feb 13), St. Petersburg (Feb 14), Montgomery (Feb 16), Columbia (18), Johnson City (19) and Charlotte (20/21).
By 1977 Elvis was running on low, his set-list had become stagnant and
fans were lucky to hear Elvis perform any rare song in
his predictable set-list.
Elvis did not look healthy at the start of this tour but his weight and voice definitely improved as the tour progressed.
So one has to ask how much do you enjoy Elvis’ performances in 1977?
There were certainly a few highlights but overall most of these concerts sound all too similar.
Of course if you are a collector who appreciates Elvis in 1977 then this set might be perfect for your collection. Elvis soundboard super-collector Geoffrey McDonnell along with EIN's Piers Beagley explore this new seven concert pack in-depth to see what fans might discover.. (FTD Reviews; Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'Elvis UK – Compact Vol.1 'The Ultimate Guide To British CD Releases 1983-2005' BOOK OUT NOW:Volume 1 of the three-volume, soft-backed set 'Ultimate Guide To Elvis Presley’s British CD Releases' (each volume published in turn over a period of several months – thus spreading the cost) is OUT NOW. Priced at £50 per book (which includes p&p costs for UK buyers) directly available from www.elvisukbooks.
Apart from minor changes to the layout, the print copy editions will contain exactly the same content as the downloadable, digital flip book version (entitled'Elvis UK3 The Ultimate Guide To Elvis Presley’s British CD Releases 1983-2005'), first issued in early 2021.
This trilogy of books represents the first major attempt by anyone to chronicle in exhaustive and painstaking detail the rise of Elvis’s compact disc releases from 1983 onwards – cross-referenced where appropriate with vinyl versions. And while particularly focused on the UK, there is a huge amount of overlap with other territories which makes it of major interest to Elvis collectors throughout the world. UK books say that those who want a copy in time for Christmas really should order quickly. This is likely to be a limited press run.
The second and third volumes will be available in the early part of 2025, though released separately to ease the cost burden for collectors.
EIN is delighted that this massive volume is now being published as a 3-volume physical book. (News, Source;ElvisUkBooks/EIN)
Each album is introduced by a generously sized image of its cover followed by thoughtful analysis of the record's content, and its context in the Elvis Presley story. There is also a coloured rectangular box neatly detailing key release information and track listing.
Fans will no doubt be impressed with the breadth of the thoughtful views expressed by each contributor and there is plenty in the magazine to stimulate debate.
It is unfortunate that well-written periodicals aren't afforded the same level of attention to detail as some other Elvis publications.
EIN’s Nigel Patterson spent a rainy afternoon reliving what Elvis’ eclectic album catalogue offered, the good, the bad, and the mediocre.
Stephen took time out of his busy schedule to discuss the book, what to look for when buying an Elvis signature, and bogus signatures.
His interview also covers issues including Paul Lichter’s collection of “alleged” Elvis signatures and Gary Lindberg’s controversial 2018 book, Letters from Elvis.
'Elvis Evolution' New Tickets & 'Super VIP Package': The new London 'Elvis Evolution' experience has added new booking dates - opening up tickets for August & September.
The 110 minute event can be booked for "Multiple shows per day for 180 people per performance.
All ticket holders get to access to the ‘All Shook Up’ afterparty.
A night for lifelong fans and newcomers alike, Elvis Evolution lets you experience Elvis, like never before".
There is a 'If I Can Dream' Super VIP Package costing £300 / US$390 which includes...
- Dedicated VIP seating within the '68 Special
- A drink in the pre-show diner, the interval Tiki bar and at the 'All Shook Up' After Party
- Souvenir photo with Elvis
- Complimentary cloakroom
- VIP collectible ticket
- Elvis Evolution Programme
- Exclusive, mid-show Champagne Experience
- Commemorative Elvis Evolution glass
- Dedicated VIP seating at the 'All Shook Up' After Party Bar
- Limited edition Elvis Evolution poster.
Standard tickets are £75 and you see the same 110 minute event. - EIN wonders what would Elvis think?
Go here toElvis Evolution for ticket bookings (News, Source;EE/ElvisInfoNet)
'From Here to the Great Unknown’ Book Review: After all the publicity and hype Lisa Marie's revealing memoir has recently been published. There is no doubt that being part of a famous family certainly does not guarantee a happy life.
As Keough explains, “The early parts of the book are mostly my mother's voice, in the tapes she speaks at length about her Graceland childhood, the death of her father, the dreadful aftermath, her relationship with her mother, her difficult teen years. She’s frank and funny about my father, Danny Keough. She talks openly about her relationship with Michael Jackson. She’s painfully candid about later drug addiction and the perils of fame…
If you have ever wondered how Lisa Marie coped with life post-Elvis or noticed those old tabloid news reports saying that she had once again “gone off the rails” or spotted the tension between her and Priscilla, the answers and much, much, more are in this stunning memoir...
While Elvis died when Lisa Marie was only 9 years old there is still plenty new to discover from this intriguing book.. EIN's Piers Beagley checks out this powerful memoir, wonders why the Australian book has been edited - and discovers the delights of the Audio-Book..
(Book Reviews: Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
‘Golden Elvis!' Mono II Stereo CD review: In the fifties when Scotty, Bill and D.J were in RCA studios with Elvis they were of course playing in “stereo”. It was RCA’s engineers who mixed the multiple microphone feeds down to MONO.
In this 4-year period Elvis changed the very world we live in with his unprecedented success and it was his almighty RCA 45 rpms that rocked the world.
'Elvis’ first two Golden Records LPs encapsulated this stunning creativity and the two albums are neatly combined here in Anthony Stuchbury’s new RDM release ‘Golden Elvis!’ Mono to Stereo.
And it is a sensational compilation.
From the almighty blast of ‘Hound Dog’, via ‘Jailhouse Rock’, ‘Too Much’, I Need Your Love Tonight’, through to ‘Doncha’ Think It’s Time’ Elvis in the fifties doesn’t get much better.
Note: In a neat coincidence, the above GOLDEN RECORDS! Mono > Stereo review was completed before yesterday's announcement from Ernst Jorgensen that RCA were also looking into releasing Elvis' MONO recordings in stereo sometime in the future! (See story below)
STEREO Sun-Sessions from SONY/RCA?; Rolling Stone this week featured an interview with RCA's Ernst Jorgensen who confirmed that they were looking at releasing Elvis' MONO recordings in STEREO using AI Digitally Extracted Stereo.
EIN has been suggesting this for years often to be slammed by the 'old-school' who said it would never be done officially!
In the interview Jorgensen confirmed..
.. Jorgensen recently asked Emile de la Rey, who worked on the sound for Peter Jackson’s Get Back documentary, to do a test remix of “Good Rockin’ Tonight” using Jackson’s proprietary AI technology. The results, “a perfect separation of instruments” along with the removal of tape hiss, were far superior to any more widely available methods, so Jorgensen is waiting for access to that level of technology.
Once he’s got it Ernst says, “I’d like to do everything from the Fifties. Because even the Sun recordings,
they are very simple. There’s an acoustic and electric and a slap bass. But when you open that up, it’s still like a new revelation. It’s not like it becomes thin and you think, ‘Oh, is that all there is?'”
Jorgensen has been in charge of Presley reissues from the groundbreaking 1992 collection 'The Complete 50s Masters' to the just-released box set MEMPHIS. And when the technology’s ready, Jorgensen is hoping for an ambitious, AI-fueled reworking of Presley’s 1950s masterpieces, starting with his epochal recordings at Sun Studios between 1954 and 1956.
Go here to RS for the full interview (News, Source;RS/ElvisInfoNet) - Please note that the photo is an EIN mock-up ;-)
Book Review - 'ELVIS UK 78 rpm': Recently published soft-cover 'ELVIS 78 r.p.m. The Ultimate Guide to Elvis Presley's British 78s 1956 - 1960' by John Townson and Gordon Minto is their latest forensic look into Elvis' UK releases, this time 228
pages dedicated to Elvis 78rpms, along with plenty of bonus chapters.
“78s” were the dominant record type for more than 50 years before disappearing circa 1960.
Today, they hold special significance for many who grew up with them. Given 78s were in their last few years of mass production when Elvis arrived on the scene, his 78s are much sought after by collectors and largely forgotten by the general fan. 'Elvis 78 rpms' includes a history of both the HMV and RCA releases but also provides a context for the 1950s pop scene.
It discusses each 78rpm release individually with scans of every release, plus relevant photographs plus magazine articles and adverts.
It also incorporates historically significant events of the period throughout and cross-references with US releases where appropriate.
There are also several picture covers, and interspersed within listing images and information are many “from the time” news clippings which add historical interest.
How exciting it must have been to be there as Elvis exploded onto the music scene! EIN’s Nigel Patterson and Piers Beagley spent several days delving into what the new flexi-cover, high-quality gloss paper release by Townson and Minto, has to offer.... (Book Reviews; Source;ElvisInfomationNetwork)
(Spotlight/Opinion, Source: Rock and roll - an introduction)
UPDATED 'ELVIS / MEMPHIS' In-depth Review: The SONY RCA 'ELVIS / MEMPHIS' 2024 5-CD box-set was released last month.
The publicity promised.. "MEMPHIS is a comprehensive collection that takes listeners through the many recordings Elvis had done while in Memphis - from his songs at SUN Records, to his American Studio and Stax sessions, through to his 1974 hometown show and finally, his last recordings in Graceland.
This 5-CD collection of Elvis’ songs over the years features 111 tracks, 88 of which are newly mixed versions of the select recordings, pure and without overdubs."
The five CDs each focus on SUN Records, American Studios, Stax Studios, LIVE Mid-South Coliseum Memphis and Graceland. Elvis fans have of course bought these tracks multiple times before and FTD have even released most of the "Undubbed masters".
However with 'ELVIS / MEMPHIS' engineer Matt Ross-Spang remixing these crucial recordings, often creating something unique and new for 2024 and there is much to enjoy.
In fact listening to this set is like a five-course 'MEMPHIS degustation' since every individual recording session has a different flavour and vibe. . Go here as EIN's Piers Beagley provides a 5,500 word review checking out every track to reveal what new excitements fans might discover..
You can also 'Have Your Say' - what did you like or dislike about this new release? NOW UPDATED with Readers comments. (CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
EPE Future Plans: For Elvis fans, the really interesting point was when Joel Weinshanker (majority owner of EPE) explained his future plans.
This included the following points
- EPE wants to bring back "the life" to Graceland of when Elvis lived there.
There has been too much sadness recently.
His idea is to only do new concepts that Elvis would do or approve of.
- EPE are going to be doing "something special"on the mansion grounds every few months. Some fans can participate in, some not.
- The new special tour 'Presley for a Day' will be unique and expensive, however a fair portion of the profits are going to charity & good things for the local community.
Part of this tour will be 'Moriah’s House' which was the stable and home for Lisa Marie’s horse. We’re starting with that house. Elvis’ legacy was Lisa. Elvis said, "The best thing I ever did in my life was have Lisa".
Now her daughter Riley has taken over and is extraordinary - and solely focused on what is best for Elvis’ legacy.
“Our Road to fifty” is the new plan as they head to the fiftieth anniversary. We have three years until 2027
- There will be three to four new buildings opened on the mansion property. EPE will be announcing these and they will be doing things that Elvis would have done.
Some of the things that Elvis designed himself.
- One could be a Recording Studio built on the property. This was something that Elvis not only always wanted, but he designed. In the archives there are architectural drawings for that. - There will be one new Elvis movie between now and 2027 - possibly two. - Baz Lurhman is working on his Elvis documentary.
There should also be a "streamer" show.
- There is the London ‘Elvis Evolution’ event where you’ll be able to go into virtual rooms that Elvis was in and interact with all of it.
- The whole thing is that in this world of such quick change, where movies and music are all so disposable, Elvis is one of the few things from 70 years ago that is still incredibly relevant.
Elvis was a revolutionary.
- So fans should “spread the gospel of Elvis”.
- Elvis always respected his neighbours even he might disagree with them. So please ignore the bad social media, respect your neighbours. Ask yourself, "What would Elvis do?"
-
So we are all going to keep going to Elevate Elvis’ legacy and keep thinking ‘What would Elvis want, what would Elvis do?’ EIN Note: photo shows Joel Weinshanker with Lisa Marie in 2018 (News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
(Book Review) Elvis, Hero of the Comic Books (Nigel Patterson): Respected Elvis author and reviewer, Gordon Minto, recently put on his reviewer’s cap to take on what he rightly describes as “a strange landscape” of how Elvis is portrayed in comic books (aka sequential art), a subject, which until now, has not been well covered or understood.
The book in question, Elvis, Hero of the Comic Books, was written by EIN’s Nigel Patterson and sublimely designed by Elvis Day By Day’s, Kees Mouwen.
The book includes stunning artwork from a number of releases and an eclectic variety of Elvis related comic book ephemera. Elvis, Hero of the Comic Books features more than 600 images!
Read Gordon’s detailed review to discover why he found the book to be “refreshingly different, extremely eye-catching, well-researched and well-written, while offering a new slant on things”.
(Book Review, Source: Gordon Minto;ElvisInfoNet)
"That's All Right" 70 Anniversary Spotlight: Seventy years ago today Elvis Presley would walk into 706 Union Avenue and by the end of the evening his recording of 'That's All Right' would change the course of music history.
Elvis author Tony Plews' 'Walk A Lonely Street' is a unique book that tells the tale of Elvis Presley’s rise to fame and presented as a series of consecutive short stories, it offers a new perspective on Presley’s musical and cultural achievements.
Every Elvis biography has, of course, described the recording of “That's All Right” but none have really captured that special day in such a cool, inspiring, involving and natural way.
In 'Walk A Lonely Street' it’s as if Tony Plews was actually there watching... On this 70th anniversary every Elvis fan should read this fabulous spotlight about 'That's All Right'.
(Spotlight, Source;TonyPlews/EIN)
'Las Vegas: On Stage Feb 1973' MRS CD Review: The new MRS 4CD Deluxe-set contains three performances recorded in February 1973, during Elvis’ eighth engagement in Las Vegas.
The Las Vegas shows took place weeks after the historic satellite TV show, Aloha From Hawaii, was filmed and broadcast on 14 January.
All shows are presented in stereo for the first time ever.
All shows are presented in stereo for the first time ever.
A bonus CD of remastered rehearsal tracks that were recorded the day before Opening night is also included.
The accompanying booklet includes rare photographs, memorabilia and liner notes which set the scene.
... This latest release from the Memphis Recording Service is an interesting one and manages to shed new light on the post-Aloha Elvis Las Vegas season that many fans have largely dismissed.
MRS 'Elvis: The Complete Movie Masters 1960-62' In-Depth Review: This 2024 MRS 'Elvis: The Complete Movie Masters 1960-62 - Plus Session Out-takes' 4CD/Book combo pays tribute to Elvis Presley’s complete master soundtrack recordings made for his movies between 1960-62.
As a bonus two CDs contain rare outtake tracks from these recording sessions and do include unreleased material.
The 140-page book focuses on each of the seven films and is accompanied by informative text, complemented by rare and previously unseen photographs and memorabilia.
In his first two years out of the army Elvis still looked terrific and the book includes a veritable pot-pourii of attractive images for readers to savor.
The set includes the STEREO masters from 'Follow That Dream' that have never been officially released on album, as well as other previously unreleased remastered stereo recordings.
Collectors will not only enjoy the images of Elvis in gorgeous close-up but also nearly five hours of great sixties soundtrack music.
'Elvis: Stateline SAHARA '74' FTD In-Depth Review:'ELVIS: Stateline Sahara 1974 Lake Tahoe' released as a 3-CD 5” digi-pak
features three previously unreleased performances from Elvis' third
Lake Tahoe season -
May 19 (Evening show), May 20 (Midnight show) and May 25 (Midnight show).
Just two weeks before this Lake Tahoe season Elvis had been playing to audiences of over 18 thousand at the Los Angeles Forum, so it is understandable if Elvis sounds a little more on ‘cruise-control’ but being less O-T-T is also a positive in that they sound more intimate.
'The Blue Hawaii Sessions' Box-Set FTD In-Depth Review: Released last month, 'The Blue Hawaii Sessions' was the eleventh in FTD’s “complete sessions” packages. This is the audio-set that was released earlier as part of 'The Making Of Blue Hawaii'. The 8 inch deluxe 4-CD package includes the complete sessions "newly-mixed from the original 3-track tapes", a 24-page booklet with informative flashbacks from musicians, songwriters, session data, memorabilia and global chart information.
The set includes 50 'officially previously unreleased' session outtakes. However most of these have to be 'False-Starts'.
There is however over four hours of Polynesian influenced material to enjoy and lots of studio banter to eavesdrop on. The set also includes all twenty-nine takes of Elvis' classic chart-topper Can’t Help Falling In Love.
'ELVIS: At 3am Sahara Tahoe 1973' MRS CD Review: This Deluxe 2CD set features two shows from Elvis’ May 1973 engagement at The Sahara Tahoe in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Included is a rare 3am charity performance as well as the midnight show from the previous night. Both shows for the first time are presented in stereo.
The accompanying booklet includes memorabilia and rare photos along with liner notes that set the scene.
Despite having to perform three concerts in the one evening, Elvis was feeling inspired and although it was 3am he still treated the ‘Mother’s Day’ benefit more like a Closing Night performance. Elvis was in extremely jovial spirits, teasing the band and adding some crazy lyrics. He also added unique live versions of ‘My Way’, ‘Faded Love’, ‘Funny How Time Slips Away’ and a rare ‘It’s Over’.
With the cassette hiss removed, the musicians and backing-vocals in stereo and Elvis’ vocal raised to the correct level, this MRS release sounds just like an RCA recorded multi-track and is the best representation of the “real Elvis” live in 1973 that fans could hope for. Go here as EIN's Piers Beagley checks out a sensational STEREO Elvis double-pack. (CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Book Review 'The King and The Jester': Elvis author Paul Belard's new "special interest" book all about Elvis and manager Col Parker is out now.
The cover notes, "As this uncultured philistine said of himself, "I did not know what to make of Elvis, or his music. I did not care, but I saw the reaction of the audience says and it was enough for me".Parker promptly realised that Elvis was his own ticket to wealth."
Belard's new 260 page book's twenty three chapters include, 'The Hank Snow Affair', 'The Snowman', 'The Lost Years', 'The Narcissist', 'World Wide Tour', 'What Could Have Been' and 'Exposing The Con Man'.
The author makes his disdain for Parker known from the outset and he does not hold back about what he sees as one of, if not the biggest, travesties and examples of unscrupulous mismanagement, in show business history!
The book is a very strong read and one that is very much a counterpoint to the recently published "rose colored glasses" account, 'Elvis and the Colonel: An Insider's Look At The Most Legendary Partnership In Show Business', by Parker employee Greg McDonald and Marshall Terrill.
Some fans have suggested that Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 ELVIS drama made Parker out to be too much of a cartoon villain but after reading this book the movie looks even more truthful than fans might have believed. ... Go here and read EIN's detailed review by glimmer twins Nigel Patterson and Piers Beagley (Book Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'Elvis in Print: A Comprehensive Annotated and Illustrated Bibliography 1955-2023 Volume 1' UPDATE: This comprehensive new book was due to be published this month but has been delayed due to editing issues and the discovery of more than 70 new titles and/or editions. A revised publication date for the nearly 500-page book will be announced soon. (non-final cover image pictured)
Compiled and written by EIN's Nigel Patterson, the four volumes of Elvis in Print: A Comprehensive Annotated & Illustrated Bibliography 1955-2023 will comprise around 2,000 pages, with listings for more than 4,000 books and around 2,000 images.
Volume 1 is the first of two detailing English language, “non-fiction” releases. It contains close to 500 pages, listings for more than 800+ titles, book covers for more than 500 listings, and interesting Sidebar articles discussing controversial releases and issues in the massive Elvis book catalog.
Sections in Elvis in Print Volume 1 include:
Academic Releases, Biographies, Compendiums: Catalogs, Discographies, Chart Histories, Interviews... Conspiracy Theories, Elvis and the Colonel, Elvis and the Law, Elvis as Art and Elvis as Religion (including Psychic Experiences and Spirituality)...
The 'Listings' include original releases, subsequent re-issues , (including digital editions) and a book synopsis. 'Elvis in Print' will be published in hardcover, softcover, and Kindle formats. It will be available from Amazon stores (the hardcover edition will only be available in those countries where Amazon offers this format).
EIN will publish more information soon. (News, Source;NP/EIN)
(Film Review) Priscilla – film by Sofia Coppola: While Baz Luhrmann’s major hit film in 2022, Elvis, was a colorful narrative and frenetic musical explosion, in 2023, Sofia Coppola’s, Priscilla, is more subdued, but still a colorfully hued and musically expressive story.
Coppola is an acclaimed filmmaker and director. Thematically, her films explore themes of identity, isolation, and the complexities of human relationships, and these underscore, Priscilla.
EIN’s Nigel Patterson recently watched the film that has divided the Elvis world.
Now updated with EIN READER comments...
We have had plenty of general negative feedback but also some lengthy and rather interesting discussions on the film.. EIN is also interested in hearing YOUR comments on the movie. (Film Review, Source:ElvisInformationNetwork)
UPDATED- CD Review 'The Joan Deary Tapes Vol1' - and has Ernst won the war?’: Two years ago EIN posted an article suggesting that the Elvis bootleg era was over, that FTD and Ernst Jorgensen had truly won the war.
So it was a surprise to many that a new bootleg label ‘Joan Deary Inc’ suddenly popped up two months ago promising a very similar series of releases to the Madison ‘A Legendary Performer’ set.
They promised "Unique content... with never issued before outtakes. Some very different mixes among other glorious sounding tracks. Every track comes in great sound quality and has been remastered for optimal listening pleasure..."
EIN was suspicious from the start - to be honest I saw no need to purchase this CD - but several EIN readers wanted to know more before they put down their hard earned cash. Go here as EIN's Piers Beagley investigates to see if there is life in this new series of Elvis bootleg releases... Please read this before ordering we've done the work so that you don't have to! Now UPDATED with YOUR comments (CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'Elvis On Tour' Box-Set In-Depth Review:The January 2023 'Elvis On Tour' SONY release is a 6CD / 1 Blu-Ray box set comprised of the audio from four of the shows (and two rehearsals) that were part of Elvis’ 1972 North American tour.
Originally recorded for the Elvis On Tour concert film that was released later that year, the set features a total of 145 tracks, including 91 previously unreleased tracks, as well as the award-winning concert film on Blu-ray.
RCA/Legacy's Elvis On Tour box set is produced by Ernst Jørgensen and mixed by Grammy Award-winning Memphis-based producer Matt Ross-Spang.
Elvis' April 1972 concerts were magnificent, so hopefully this expensive 50th anniversary release including newly remastered concert performances captures the magnificence and excitement of the movie and Elvis' stunning shows.
After fifty years surely SONY/RCA will get it right.....
Don't miss out on one of EIN's most-viewed and controversial interviews of all-time - Mike Stone tells all.
EIN Interview with Mike Stone: Mike Stone has had a long and successful career in athletics, in the entertainment business, as an author, sports instructor, bodyguard and personal fitness trainer.
Mike Stone was also a key figure in the emotional roller-coaster that described Elvis and Priscilla Presley's lives in the seventies. In this exclusive EIN interview Priscilla's ex-partner, karate champion and author talks about his amazing life, including... - Meeting Elvis and Priscilla
- Hawaii, Elvis and Karate
- Being Phil Spector's bodyguard
- Sitting next to John Lennon recording
- Priscilla and karate
- Fans blaming him for Elvis' marriage split-up
- Elvis putting a "Hit" out on him
- Finding peace in the Philippines
- His new autobiography
Don't forget that EIN's Elvis Facebook page regularly features fabulous RARE newly discovered photos of Elvis. This month EIN celebrates our 45,000 members! - including several of Elvis' own friends and colleagues So Elvis fans don't miss out on these rare and exciting photographs.
Now with over thousands of great photos, News and with more added every day – including YouTube footage.
Elvis LIVE Aug 23, 1969 Album Review + Elvis Concert Review 1969: ..."The atmosphere throughout the entire hotel was nail-bitingly electric! It is difficult for me to describe and paint a true portrait of attending in person this unique occasion - Elvis' Return to Splendor LIVE in 1969 - but I'll try my best. I want, and hope, you will understand the excitement of what has to be the pinnacle of Elvis' career to date!" Joan Gansky was lucky because not only was she in the audience for Elvis' TV musical renaissance of the '68 NBC Special but she also saw Elvis at his most dynamic - first at his August 22nd 1969 Midnight Show and then the following night at his August 23rd Dinner Show. Joan Gansky has written this insightful and emotional article for EIN in 2019, fifty years later, looking back at this special event from 1969 as well as providing her review of the new RCA vinyl album of the August 23rd Dinner Show. One of EIN's most important articles we have ever published- Go here for Joan and Paul Gansky's incredible articles and exclusive photos
(Review/Spotlight, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'What was Elvis searching for?' EIN Spotlight: The question is raised – but never answered – in the title of HBO’s recent absorbing, imperfect documentary 'Elvis Presley: The Searcher'.
At the start it seems clear what the teenage Elvis was searching for – an escape from the oblivion of poverty in the American South. Yet his quest was cultural as well as financial.
Later Elvis read obsessively, seeking out such books as The Impersonal Life, Joseph Brenner’s guide to self-discovery and Kahil Gibran’s book of fables, The Prophet. In his copy of Gibran’s tome, Elvis jotted down the line: “A singer can sing his songs but he must have an ear to receive the song”.
So what exactly was Elvis searching for? In this fascinating EIN Spotlight respected author Paul Simpson takes a close look at this all important question which, for some reason, was basically ignored in the recent HBO documentary..
Mindi Miller Interview with EIN: Mindi Miller was a working actress when she met Elvis in early 1975. She was interested in karate (she performed all her own movie stunts), exploring spirituality and the Bible and so they had a lot in common. Mindi Miller and Elvis bonded over their common interests and soon afterwards he asked her to go on tour with him in April 1975.
She stayed friends with Elvis through the years - along with members of the 'Memphis Mafia' - and attended his funeral.
EIN's Sanja Meegin recently caught up with Mindi Miller to talk about her close friendship with Elvis over the years.
In this fascinating interview she discusses. . . - Her first night with Elvis
- How Elvis persuaded her to cancel her overseas movie & modelling plans
- Their mutual interest in Karate
- Graceland and meeting Lisa Marie
- Attending Elvis' funeral . . . and much much more... Go here for EIN's Sanja Meegin and her intimate and detailed discussion with the delightful Mindi Miller - Now with Reader Feedback.
'Marty Lacker: A Life Well-Lived' & Elvis at American Studio's Interview: It was with immense sadness that last month EIN had to report on the death of our great friend - and a true friend to Elvis - Marty Lacker. We will miss him dearly. Marty is well-known as one of the key members of the Memphis Mafia and also co-Best Man at Elvis' wedding. He was known for both his honesty and being forthright with his opinions. He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia who still watched and commented on recent Elvis News. He had no issue with holding people to account (especially ones who would inflate their importance within Elvis' legacy) and would regularly ask EIN to add his comments or to correct any inaccuracy. Elvis fans often ask about Marty Lacker's background, how he came to meet Elvis, as well as his involvement in the music industry outside of working for The King.
As a prelude to Ken Sharp's fascinating interview with Marty Lacker and a discussion about Elvis' famous American Studio' Memphis sessions, EIN presents "Marty Lacker: a life well-lived" in which Marty tells of his life in the music industry, his friendship with Elvis along with his dislike of the over-controlling Col Parker. Go here to learn all you need to know about Marty Lacker as well as Elvis outstanding Memphis American Sound sessions in 1969. (Spotlight; Source,KenSharp/ElvisInformationNetwork)
'The World of FTD' In-Depth Review: The new deluxe book 'The World Of FTD' has been received by some lucky fans and Elvis collector Mike Lodge has provided EIN with a very detailed review - of well over 3 thousand words! The book was authored and designed by Keith Flynn with input from a large number of other Elvis specialists including EIN's Piers Beagley, EM&HM's Trevor Cajiao, Geoffrey McDonnell, Gordon Minto and many others. It is 1,200 pages, hardbound three book set, chronicling every release by FTD.The book also features 100s of high-quality photos from the collection Erik Lorentzen
KJ Consulting are proud to publish this Box Set which weighs 8 kilos.
Paul Dowling EIN Interview Part Three: Paul Dowling is without doubt one of the major names in the Elvis World. He started collecting and selling Elvis vinyl over 40 years ago and has one of the world's largest Elvis Presley record collections. He started his "WorldWide Elvis" shop back in the seventies, way before the internet, where fans could get hold of rare Elvis records and memorabilia.
With such a fascination with Elvis, Dowling not only became a big name in the early years of Elvis bootlegs but later became friends with Ernst Jorgensen and helped RCA with various official releases.
In the final part of our fascinating interview Paul Dowling discusses .... - Dodging the FBI agents that were sent after him
- Unreleased Elvis material that still hasn’t come out
- Why does Ernst Jorgensen doubt this claims
- His BMG project 'For The First Time Ever' - what happened
- The true story of obtaining the Million Dollar Quartet tape
- His thoughts on Paul Lichter, Sean Saver, Sherif Hanna, Rex Martin
- Spending time with Alan Fortas
- Jim Curtin, newly added story
'Ultimate Elvis' New Electronic Edition: Announced by Elvis sessions expert Keith Flynn for publication November 1 is the brand new concept of the 1750 page super-deluxe Elvis sessions book 'Ultimate Elvis' Electronic Edition.
This incredible three volume book will now be available as an e-book on an i-pad or android tablet. - Created in HTML5
Fully updated e-books will open in any web browser on any operating system, so no need for separate downloads for different operating systems. - Life-Like 'Flipping' Pages
Flip through pages as if you are reading an actual book, but also being able to zoom-in to view smaller images and captions.
- View as Double or Single pages
View as double pages on a computer or laptop etc, and single pages when viewing in portrait on an i-pad or Android tablet. - Fully Navigational Table Of Contents
Jump back and forth to the sections of the books you want to read, instead of flipping through numerous pages to find what you want. PRICED AT - all 3 Volumes for £60 = US$93
On sale from November 1st 2015. Try Before You Buy -
Download free zip-file containing 27 pages from Volume 1, before you decide to buy the complete set. -
NOTE - These books are MASSIVE so you will need approximately 1GB of spare disc space for these three volumes, -
Click HERE to Keith Flynn's 'Ultimate Elvis' Electronic Edition to try.
Go HERE to EIN's independent review of 'Ultimate Elvis' (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Did Elvis Record 'Tiger Man' At Sun?: A question that has puzzled Elvis fans through the years is whether he actually recorded the song ‘Tiger Man’ during his years at SUN studios.
The basic question is why did Elvis refer to 'Tiger man' several times in concert as “The second song that I ever recorded, not too many people heard it”?
And if Elvis DID record it, then why hasn’t any reference to it at SUN or proof of its existence been found?
Elvis would first perform ‘Tiger Man’ in concert at his first 1969 Las Vegas International season and would continue playing it through the years – usually in a medley with Mystery Train - until his last performance at Saginaw on May 3 1977. He would sing it over 150 times on stage! The thought that there might be an acetate or undiscovered tape of Elvis at SUN singing ‘Tiger Man’ is a mouth-watering concept - but is it an unlikely fantasy or strong possibility?
Go here to our detailed 'TIGER MAN' spotlight as EIN's Piers Beagley puts in the hard yards to check the facts from the fantasy . (Spotlight; Source;ElvisInfoNetwork)
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Happy Heavenly Birthday wishes to Elvis
