Friday, August 16, 2019

August 16 - It Keeps Right On A Hurtin’

Whether you think of Elvis Presley as the young, energetic singer with the dynamic good looks and gyrating hips that shook the music world in the 1950s or the more mature Elvis with the long sideburns and sequined jumpsuits who performed in Las Vegas, his career spanned decades. Music fans around the world were devastated by the news of his death on August 16th, 1977.

42 years, gone too soon, 42 years, gone too long ...

And yet, more than four decades later, the man with the voice and style that changed popular music forever, remains the King of Rock and Roll. How has he remained so deeply ingrained in our hearts, minds, and culture, so many years after his passing? 


42 years gone, but paradoxically, 42 years where he has been with us ever more visible and all encompassingly than when he lived.


Today Elvis is bigger and more entrenched in popular culture and conscience than back in 1977, when his legendary status was acknowledged but barely understood by the world at large. Today Elvis' iconic status and continued relevance is universally acknowledged. It's not just Elvis fans commemorating this 42nd anniversary, not just the native English speaking countries of the world. Today the whole world joins us in remembering Elvis Presley, universally acknowledging him as the King. From the USA, UK, East and Western Europe, South America, to Thailand, Japan and down to Australia, the media coverage is pan global and prolific. Today, the world commemorates and celebrates the living legend that is Elvis Presley.

'He's probably the most important star of all time', notes acclaimed journalist and author, Alanna Nash. 'And I'm not the first person to say that. You can't argue with the fact that he not only changed, but directed the course of both popular music and popular culture of the '50's'

The young man from Tupelo, Mississippi burst onto the national scene in 1956 with a style all his own. He moved and danced like no one else before him.


Millions around the world still buy his music and hundreds of thousands visit Graceland every year to see where he lived, died, and remains buried today.


Elvis Presley fans carrying lit candles in the Tennessee night are visiting the rock ‘n’ roll icon’s grave at Graceland during the annual vigil commemorating his death 42 years ago. The vigil is the week’s cornerstone event, with silent mourners filing slowly past his resting place and the graves of his parents and grandmother in the Meditation Garden at his former home, Graceland. The vigil started Thursday night and runs throughout the night into Friday.


The 2019 Candlelight Vigil was organized by the Elvis Country Fan Club. The 41st. Annual Candlelight Service, commemorating the 42nd. Anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death, had the theme "It Keeps Right On A Hurtin’”. They included these words in the service; 


“People around the world are present with us tonight, in person, in spirit and via all the media outlets to honor the many unsurpassed achievements of Elvis Presley. This candle is lit for those people that are not able to be here in person, we acknowledge their presence with the lighting of this candle”.

It has been 42 years since Elvis has walked this earth. As it was only 42 short years that Elvis accomplished more than any other entertainer. And it keeps right on a hurtin’ every minute of the day ... for every year and for every year to come.


When we see your picture, hear your magnificent voice, and a walk in your footsteps, our hearts break down and we cry a million tears. It just keeps right on hurtin’ since you’re gone.


Yes, Elvis it does keep right on hurtin’ and it always will, since you're gone. We miss you more than words can express”.


Lisa Marie shared this message with the Elvis fans at the vigil;


"I am sorry that I am not able to be there with you this year. By now you will have read that it is not possible for us to do so. Please know that our hearts and spirits as they are with you regardless. I have said many times before that there's nowhere else I'd rather be and no one else I would rather be with at this time than with you. Thank you for your continued love and support. Most sincerely Lisa Marie, Riley, Ben, Harper and Finley" 


Agent King


An adult animated series starring a fictional Elvis Presley is coming to Netflix, the streaming platform announced on Friday. Netflix is partnering with Priscilla Presley and John Eddie to create Agent King, an “adult action comedy series” that positions the King as a secret government agent, moonlighting as a spy while still touring the country as a musician.



“Elvis Presley trades in his white jumpsuit for a jet pack when he is covertly inducted into a secret government spy program to help battle the dark forces that threaten the country he loves — all while holding down his day job as the King of Rock and Roll,” reads the synopsis.

Priscilla Presley stated, “From the time Elvis was a young boy he always dreamed of being the superhero fighting crime and saving the world! Agent King lets him do just that. My co-creator John Eddie and I are so excited to be working with Netflix and Sony Animation on this amazing project and getting the chance to show the world an Elvis they haven’t seen before.”


Mike Arnold, who wrote several episodes of the animated spy comedy Archer, will serve as showrunner. Presley and Eddie are credited as co-creators and executive producers. Jerry Schilling, a noted member of Elvis’s entourage, has been hired as a consultant on the project, and menswear designer John Varvatos will create the animated Elvis’s wardrobe for the entire show.


Elvis Unleashed


Elvis Presley returns to big screens across the globe this fall with the new music special, "Elvis Unleashed," featuring previously unseen footage on movie theater screens of Elvis as he filmed the iconic "68 Comeback Special." The two-day cinema event, which includes outtakes and performances that reveal a new side of the King, will air in cinemas on October 7, with an encore screening on October 10.

Each screening will include a new 30-minute segment with Los Angeles Times lead music writer Randy Lewis in conversation with actor Dennis Quaid, rising pop/country artist Jade Jackson and the esteemed director and producer of the "68 Elvis Comeback Special," Steve Binder, to discuss Elvis's life and legacy. Quaid and Jackson are set to perform some Elvis classics, while Randy Lewis discusses the behind-the-scenes interactions that Binder had with Elvis and his manager Colonel Parker, as well as celebrating the King.


This brand-new content is produced by Spencer Proffer, CEO of Meteor 17, and Dave Harding, in association with Authentic Brands Group.


Fathom Events will present "Elvis Unleashed" in more than 800 U.S. movie theaters on Monday, October 7, and Thursday, October 10 at 7:00 p.m. local time (both dates), through Fathom's Digital Broadcast Network (DBN).  International cinema locations and ticket-on-sale dates will be announced at a later date.


"This cinema event showcases Elvis as both a legendary performer and a charming, charismatic presence behind the scenes," said Meteor 17 CEO Spencer Proffer. "With my partners at Fathom Events, we are excited to bring together his many fans in theaters across the world to celebrate his lasting impact with never-before-seen moments and performances."


The "'Elvis '68 Comeback Special" was a major milestone in Elvis Presley's storied career, marking his first live television performance in seven years and pioneering the "unplugged" performance style with an acoustic set. "Elvis Unleashed" captures the spontaneous moments and stories behind the legendary special, and sheds new light on Elvis as a cultural icon. 


"We are thrilled to share this wonderful tribute to Elvis with his fans around the world," Fathom Events CEO Ray Nutt said. "This special not only provides a behind-the-curtain look at Elvis's most memorable live performance, it also explores his impact on today's music culture and performers."


Graceland Legends Introduction


The TCB Band and The Blue Moon Boys were the first to be inaugurated into the Graceland Legends. 


Established in 2019, Graceland Legends recognizes and honors noteworthy musicians who have come together to create, excite and inspire, leaving an everlasting legacy on pop culture and music that will endure forever. Accepting the awards for the Blue Moon Boys were Scotty Moore’s grandson, Bill Black's daughter and D.J. Fontana’s wife.


Master Kang Rhee Died

The Kang Rhee Institute and Pasaryu Martial Arts Association posted on their Facebook page the passing of founder and Master of PaSaRyu, Grandmaster Kang Rhee has died. “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of the Founder and Master of PaSaRyu, Grandmaster Kang Rhee.”


Kang Rhee taught Elvis Presley martial arts and the singer went on to become a black-belt himself at the Kang Rhee Institute in the 1970s.

Elvis Presley’ interest in the martial arts began when he was an Army private stationed in Germany after he was drafted. He returned from the Army a certified black belt and continued his training in the U.S. During his concerts he often used karate skills, many of his 1970s stage poses were based on karate stances.

Elvis trained from 1970-1974 under Master Kang Rhee in Memphis, TN. He said Master Rhee had a good reputation and had come highly recommended by Ed Parker, his former instructor, of California. During the four year period under Master Rhee, Elvis, like all the other students, selected an animal title by which to be addressed in the training area. After first choosing Mr. Panther, that name was later changed to 'Mr. Tiger' because of existing political implications associated with the name 'Panther' at that time.

Elvis trained with the other students in a regular training session. Classroom discipline was so strict that Elvis was allowed the same freedom of training as the ordinary students without the usual press from adoring fans. Elvis was awarded 7th Degree Black Belt in 1973 by Master Rhee and on occasion had the opportunity, himself, to test and promote students of lower rank. He received his 8th Degree San Black Belt certificate from Master Rhee September 1976. 



Kang Rhee taught karate to countless Mid-South youngsters and adults, including martial arts champion Bill “Superfoot” Wallace. Kang Rhee held karate tournaments benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital from 1970 to 1993.

Funeral services for Grand Master Rhee will be held on Friday, August 23rd at 7:30 pm at Korean Baptist Church of Memphis in Collierville, located at 9650 E. Shelby Drive.

For EP Collectors


Due from the E.P. Collectors import label are two new CDs; “Green Peppers, Onions and Catfish” containing the July 20, 1975 Evening Show performance as recorded live at The Norfolk Scope Arena, VA, and “Softly As I Leave You” containing the August 23, 1974 Dinner Show performance as recorded live at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel. The E.P. Collectors label only produces live concerts recorded by fans from the audience.

From the press-release:

Our first new release is titled "Green peppers, Onions And Catfish”. Now, while some of Elvis import labels are just repackaging and re-releasing old stuff, E. P. Collector label is coming with another surprise! The Norfolk, July 20th, 1975 8:30pm show is previously unreleased and it was never before available in complete form and in solid quality! There is an old CDR in circuit of absolutely horrible sound and moreover, it's missing the last couple of songs. Now is a good time to throw this one into garbage can and grab the ultimate version!  

As almost every fan knows, Elvis' July ’75 tour is rated as one of the best Elvis tours ever. The shows were longer and the playlists variable. Vocally, Elvis was in TOP shape. Two dynamic, rocking shows in Norfolk are no exception. Yes there was the (in) famous so called “catfish” incident - but, as usual, the whole story was exaggerated. Among the highlights there are „The Wonder Of You,” „Polk Salad Annie,” „ T-R-O-U-B-L-E,” „How Great Thou Art,” and „It’s Now Or Never.”  One song stands out - one of the very last performances of Chuck Berry’s great „Promised Land.”  

This concert is taken from a recently found first generation copy of an original audience recorded cassette tape, recorded by a well known American fan. You may ask your supplier for samples. 
This CD is packaged in a nicely designed digipack with collection of images taken by Len Leech in Norfolk, VA, 1975 E/S. It’s our first 1975 release and we hope to bring you more!


Tracklist:  01. Also Sprach Zarathustra (2001 Theme) - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. medley: I Got A Woman / Amen - 04. "Catfish incident" - 05. Love Me - 06. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - 07. Love Me Tender - 08. All Shook Up - 09. medley: Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - 10. Hound Dog - 11. The Wonder Of You - 12. Polk Salad Annie - 13. Band Introductions - 14. Johnny B. Goode (James Burton) - 15. Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) - 16. Bass Solo (Blues - Jerry Scheff) - 17. Piano Solo (Glen D. Hardin) - 18. School Day - 19. T-R-O-U-B-L-E - 20. Why Me Lord? - 21. How Great Thou Art (with reprise) - 22. Let Me Be There - 23. Funny How Time Slips Away (with reprise) - 24. Little Darlin' - 25. medley: Mystery Train / Tiger Man - 26. It's Now Or Never - 27. Promised Land - 28. Can't Help Falling In Love - 29. Closing Vamp.

Our second new CD is titled "Softly As I Leave You”. The Las Vegas, August 23rd, 1974 Dinner show is previously unreleased. This concert is taken from an early generation copy of an original audience recorded cassette tape which was never in circulation! Sound is excellent for an off - line source.  Unfortunately, the last 3 songs were not recorded. Instead of using a very poor sounding secondary source of the same show (missing the last song "Can't Help Falling In Love," anyway), we have decided to add same songs from the August 23rd, 1974 Midnight show tape which is of similar quality as the August 23rd, 1974 Dinner show. As usual, you may ask your supplier for samples. 
The playlist is rather typical for August ’74 shows. Among the concert highlights, there are „It's Midnight,“ ”I'm Leavin',” of course ”Softly, As I Leave You”, a great version of “You Gave Me A Mountain” and a funky ”If You Talk In Your Sleep.” 

This CD is packaged in a nicely designed digipack with a collection of great images taken during the August/September 1974 concerts.  If you've enjoyed our previous August 1974 release called “A Song for Sheila” then you are sure to enjoy our forthcoming one even more! 

Tracklist:  01. Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. medley: I Got A Woman / Amen - 04. Love Me - 05. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - 06. It's Midnight - 07. Big Boss Man - 08. Fever - 09. Love Me Tender - 10. All Shook Up - 11. The Wonder Of You - 12. I'm Leavin' - 13. Softly, As I Leave You - 14. Hound Dog - 15. You Gave Me A Mountain (with reprise) - 16. Polk Salad Annie - 17. Band Introductions - 18. If You Talk In Your Sleep - 19. Why Me Lord - 20. medley: Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - 21. Hawaiian Wedding Song - 22. Let Me Be There (with reprise) - 23. Elvis' monologue about rings - 24. Can't Help Falling In Love - 25. Closing Vamp. Tracks 21.-25. taken from August 23rd, 1974 Midnight show.


Silver Sales Award

The 2005 re-issue of the "Hound Dog" single was awarded a Silver Sales Award in the U.K. by the B.P.I. for selling over 200.000 copies sold since 14/11/2004 (streams plus digital downloads plus physical sales) 

Elvis Primo

Elvis Presley is featured on the cover of the Belgian Prima TV magazine with a story on his relation with Ginger Alden. Was he about to marry or dump her? 


(Source: FECC / Elvis Information Network / Washington Post / Forbes / The Kang Rhee Institute and Pasaryu Martial Arts Association / WMC Action News 5 / UEPS / Primo / Mark Cunliffe / Ronnie Tutt)