May 12 - Delayed

The Follow That Dream collectors label have announced that the upcoming release of 'Girl Happy' Special Vinyl Edition' has been delayed due to "production issues." This is the second delay for this album.

This delay also affects the 2025 re-issues of 'Elvis: The Last Tours Vol. 1' and 'The Blue Hawaii Sessions'.

The release date for all three titles has now been bumped to June 2025. The 'Elvis ’57: The Final Fifties Tours' deluxe book will be published first.

The 'Girl Happy' 2-LP set can be pre-ordered from the >>> Elvis Matters webshop here.

The 'Elvis ’57: The Final Fifties Tours' book can be pre-ordered from the >>> Elvis Matters webshop here. 

(FTD / Elvis Information Network)

Review From Florida to Hawaii

Following RCA’s ‘Summer Vacation Special’ marketing, the French RDM-Edition released the Spring compilation 'From Florida To Hawaii' featuring music from the upbeat ‘Follow That Dream’ and ‘Girls! Girls! Girls!’ soundtrack albums. Is it a good teaser for Summer 2025?

 

Piers Beagley of the >>> Elvis Information Network, and Elvis Day By Day’s Kees Mouwen got together from Australia and The Netherlands, to discuss what makes this 2025 remaster of these two soundtracks worth buying. 
 
Piers: There is an explanation as to why so many of Elvis’ movie soundtracks lacked real production values.
 
The easiest way to produce film soundtracks with the early sixties 3-track tape recorders was to record the musicians on the left channel, Elvis’ vocal center channel, and backing vocals on the right channel. For the film studios there was always the orchestra, as well as “crowd interactions” to be overdubbed to create the final cinema soundtrack so it was much easier for Paramount (or MGM) to fade down the musicians, or the backing vocals as required if they were isolated on three separate channels. 
 
However to cut a properly balanced RCA stereo soundtrack LP it would make more sense to spread the various musicians across the whole stereo spectrum. Elvis’ wonderful Nashville 1960 stereo recordings by Bill Porter for the ‘Elvis Is Back’ sessions demonstrated how well Elvis’ music could be produced for stereo release. There were even some stereo 45 RPMs released at the time. 
 
So for Elvis’ movie productions it would have been far better to record on one 3-track tape recorder with isolated musicians for Paramount production, and on a second three-track tape recorder for a properly mixed stereo RCA release.
 
However this was not the case for Elvis' movie soundtracks where Col Parker saved money by making the movie studios pay for the recording sessions. It would only be afterwards that MGM or Paramount would then hand-over their soundtrack tapes to RCA to be finalized for album release. 
 
This is also why so many of Elvis’ soundtrack session tapes have been lost since they were owned by the studios not by RCA. Adding to our woes, the tapes would often be lesser generation taped copies that were handed over to RCA making them sound even worse. 
 
Of course to create a quality RCA Master, Parker would have had to pay extra for Bill Porter to be present at the soundtrack sessions plus an extra tape-recorder and also double the magnetic tape. Cheapo Parker would never do that, for him it was always profit over quality. Thus we are left with all too many terribly mixed Elvis soundtrack releases.  The recent FTD ‘Girl Happy Sessions’ demonstrated what a terrible job MGM did in recording Elvis’ soundtrack session.
 
On this RDM-Edition release Anthony Stuchbury has thankfully done his best to rectify Paramount’s poor production job on Elvis’ ‘Girls, Girls, Girls’ session.
 
Design
 

The picture for the cover is well chosen, it shows Elvis looking very relaxed and happy in his denim jeans while the delightfully colorful CD shows Elvis wondering if his dream of being a dramatic actor has already slipped away!
 
The liner notes by David Parker set the musical context for the songs and the versions that were released, and why they have been upgraded for this CD. 
 
Context
 
Elvis’ incredible workload at the time is explained: "Keep a-moving, move along" the opening lines to the title song of the Mirisch Company feature 'Follow That Dream' could easily have been Elvis Presley's mantra back in the early sixties. When Elvis started work on the film in July 1961, just 15 months had passed since his highly anticipated discharge from the U.S. Army back in March 1960, and during that time, he had already completed two Paramount musicals and two dramatic features for 20th Century Fox, released two soundtrack albums, two studio collections, his first long playing gospel title, and a host of smash hit single sides.
 
The Colonel's blueprint for Elvis' post army career had seen him make the seamless transition from “Rock and Roll rebel” to “all round family entertainer.” There is also a nod to the fact that while Elvis’ soundtracks initially did well in the charts (‘Girls, Girls, Girls’ out-sold ‘Pot Luck’) three movies a year was actually a lamentable plan.
 
“Hindsight tells us that the constant reliance on this tried and tested formula would ultimately lead to diminishing returns, whilst Elvis’ status as one of Rock and Roll’s prime movers would be all but lost until the filming of the NBC TV Special in 1968.”
 
 
Content Follow That Dream
 
Kees: In the past year, we have had various releases claiming to contain either the “original” ‘Follow That Dream’ Stereo Masters or newly created “True Living Stereo Mixes.” The first were quickly exposed as fake, the latter sounded great, but to these ears, have now been surpassed in audio presentation by the new Mono II Stereo mixes on this silver disc.

Although the MRS label vinyl/CD ‘Follow That Dream’ EP rightfully received a positive review, this new outing of the soundtrack music matches the authentic (Mono) sound we know from the available Stereo Outtakes. The songs simply sound more natural compared to the MRS edition. 
 
Piers: In the case of the ‘Follow That Dream’ Bill Porter July 1961 Nashville session the problem is that the well-recorded stereo ‘Masters’ were cut out of the session tapes and lost. For these tracks Anthony Stuchbury has cleverly matched the musicians’ placement to the original ‘Follow That Dream’ session tapes. I particularly enjoyed hearing Bob Moore’s defined bouncy double-bass lines and Hank Garland’s guitar work in this stereo mix.
 
For me when comparing the MRS and RDM versions I think the bristling clear percussion of the MRS version reminds me of my sixties 45rpms whereas the RDM version is subtler, sounding more similar to an original album release.  
 
Kees: Stuchbury has also managed to create a clear separation between the drum kit in the middle and the other instruments on the left, which allows the Jordanaires on the right to shine beautifully. Listen to ‘Sound Advice’ and ‘I Don’t Wanna Be Tied’ and you will hear the guitar on the right instead of the middle, where they should be, and as they are on this new CD.
 
Content Girls! Girls! Girls!
 
Piers: The original FTD classic soundtrack release back in 2007 actually disappointed me a little because there were so few lost outtakes found and the masters were still the same rather flat stereo-mix. Musicians left, Elvis center, backing-vocals right. Like many I had been hoping for better sounding ‘Return To Sender’, ‘Girls! Girls! Girls!’ and ‘Because Of Love’ outtakes.
 
But while RDM-Edition record label have no outtakes of these songs on offer, there is a real joy in at last hearing this album in stunning 2025 remastered stereo.
 

Although the material supplied was very movie-orientated the musicians including Barney Kessel and Tiny Timbrell on guitar, Ray Siegel on bass plus Hal Blaine on percussion were star Hollywood performers who, on the original release, were all mixed down onto the one audio channel. Not forgetting the other musicians Scotty Moore, D.J. Fontana, Bernie Mattinson, Dudley Brooks and Boots Randolph.
 
Kees: ‘Girls! Girls! Girls!’ was originally released in both Mono and Stereo. Many of the releases we have come to accept as “original”, were actually shaped by the technical limitations or creative decisions of the time. These choices were made by the artist, the producer, or the engineer, all aiming for a specific sound. 
 
Updating the mix for 2025 Stuchbury has used his skills and the craftsmanship familiar from his previous 50’s work. The rhythm section is now placed behind Elvis, resulting in a balanced and immersive audio presentation in which the drums serve as the foundation for the other instruments supporting the vocals.
 
Piers: And what joy it is as ‘Girls! Girls! Girls!’ is an immediate blast. Hal Blaine’s tight percussion kicks off in the center while the dual guitars of Barney Kessel and Tiny Timbrell are nice and clear on the left channel. Listen to the middle-break with Blaine’s tight cymbals driving Boots Randolph’s sax solo (right) and lovely clear Ray Siegel bass and guitars. This section was always rather flat on the album whereas now Hal Blaine’s snare riff really flashes.
 
And this is the case with most of the album. By separating out the rhythm section to fill the center along with Elvis’ lead vocal it opens up the left and right channels for the other musicians who were previously blended together.
 
‘I Don’t Wanna Be Tied’ similarly has a better hard-focused rhythm section and the mix also elevates Dudley Brooks’ lovely rolling piano (right channel) and there’s some fabulous tic-tac guitar groove going on that I had never noticed before (check at 0:45). While I always considered this song a typical “movie faux-rocker” there’s more going on from the musicians than I had originally thought.
 
Another joy of hearing these new “Stereo” mixes is when they allow you to spot mistakes you’ve never noticed before. Here when the band stops (at 1:48) for the “blues ending”, you can now easily hear Dudley Brooks accidentally keep going for a couple of notes! This was obviously not bad enough to warrant another take but it’s these little discoveries that make these newly updated remasters so enjoyable.
 
‘Where Do You Come From’ sounds beautiful with Elvis’ vocal neatly focused (as if he is singing in your ear) plus delightful Ray Siegel bass-work.
 
‘I Don’t Want To’ was previously a rather muddy mix whereas here (guitars left, piano right, rhythm center middle) all the players are no longer hidden. The percussion, acoustic guitar and piano, which were all lost in the original mix, are now clear.
 
‘We’ll Be Together’ this was a fascinating Spanish-influenced track that was added to the soundtrack after ‘Mama’ (also composed by Charles O'Curran / Dudley Brooks) was not considered strong enough for release. It was recorded in May 1962, two months after the main session. The backing-vocals by The Amigos were oddly placed left channel on the original version whereas now they are right-channel with the dueling flamenco guitars sounding brilliant. Elvis sings in Spanish on the chorus and rather well too! I for one would have been happy if they had dumped the rather routine ‘World’s Fair’ movie that followed and gone straight to ‘Fun In Acapulco.’ 
 
The old-fashioned ‘A Boy Like Me’ benefits from the clarity of the percussion (celeste, chimes and bongos) and power of Elvis’ vocal but it was always soundtrack-filler. ‘
 
‘Earth Boy’ required for the “Chinese” section of the movie sounds very odd 62 years later when we hear Elvis singing a bad Chin-glish lyric. This stereo mix however gives you a chance to enjoy the walking-bass and odd oriental percussion.
 
Kees: You are right that in today's world composers wouldn't write lyrics as heard on 'Earth Boy' and ... and let's be honest, while possibly acceptable in 1962 they sound ridiculous now. And even in a movie about Elvis as fisherman, what is it with him singing songs about shrimps all in his movies?!?
 
The fabulous ‘Return To Sender’ remix had been posted on YouTube so we knew how good this would sound. Fans can thank God for Elvis mono singles as the stereo album mix was appallingly weak with all the musicians mixed to the left channel. Now the centered rhythm section really drives the song with a really tight Hal Blaine percussion and a deep Ray Siegel bass. Boots Randolph’s sax is left channel with subtle Tiny Timbrell guitar on the right channel. It all sounds so smooth and with the required stereo punch.
 
Kees: It’s notable that in some cases Stuchbury diverged from the general mix to create a more balanced sound, for instance on ‘Return To Sender’ where Boots Randolph’s saxophone can now be heard on the left. Moving that instrument to the middle or right side would have left the left channel uncomfortably empty. This is the kind of nuanced decision-making involved in creating a pleasant and well-balanced listening experience. While some of this is certainly subjective, I for one, think these mixes really work. 
 
‘Because Of Love’ remix benefits from the delightful driving bass-line while Elvis’ vocal is so clear, soaring above as the Jordanaires harmonies. U.K. rocker Billy Fury spent a day on the set of Girls! Girls! Girls! and sneakily decided to record his own version of ‘Because of Love’ which would become a Top 20 UK single before Elvis’ album was even released! 
 

While not strong enough for a classic Elvis ‘A-Side’ ‘Because Of Love’, with its Latino feel, was far better than the usual soundtrack filler. Composer Ruth Batchelor also supplied Elvis with ‘King of the Whole Wide World’, ‘Thanks to the Rolling Sea’ and ‘Where Do You Come From?’.
 
With the soundtrack already having a Latino and Chinese inspiration ‘Thanks to the Rolling Sea’ then added the Sea-Shanty ambiance. A lesser album-filler, this version really benefits from the boosted centered percussion and clear guitars.
 
‘Song Of The Shrimp’ while often flagged as one of Elvis’ worst soundtrack songs, on this RDM release with the calypso vibe nicely emphasized with the bongos, clap-sticks and marimba no longer compressed onto the one left channel, it is actually quite fun.
 
‘The Walls Have Ears’ was previously released with all the instruments compressed onto the left channel, but sounds much better now with centered percussion, very fine Spanish guitar work and clicking castanets. Take 12 was the Master and even with the trite lyrics Elvis sounds far more involved than you would imagine... “So come on baby... Don’t fight tonight, just dim the lights.”
 
‘We’re Coming In Loaded’ building up from the delightful boat-engine bass-riff this lightweight song has a surprisingly fine gospel feel. Written by the great Otis Blackwell / Winfield Scott it’s a shame that it runs only 90 seconds. Elvis sounds committed and with the percussion and tambourine nicely centered and funky guitar left channel, this new mix has an ever better groove emphasizing the Jordanaires call and response. A delight.
 
Kees: I rarely hear anything strange on these new mixes but here the instruments sound louder when the backing vocals join in. On checking the original version I realized that this change in volume was also present. Still, I wouldn't have minded a small correction on this new mix as it doesn’t sound quite right.
 
 
The last ‘bonus track’ is a previously unreleased recording of the Dainty Little Moonbeams End Title. This version includes a female harmony not heard before. It runs 2.20 compared to the FTD alternate release of 1.57 and includes two extra choruses that were edited out of the final cut. A lovely bonus for collectors.  
 
Kees: Listen to it closely and you will hear tape splices - present in the original source provided by Keith Flynn - which were actually used in the film.   
 
Conclusion
 
Once again RDM have released a real collectable and fun summer compilation featuring remixes of two previously dull soundtrack releases in a new updated Stereo audio mix.
 
The concept of creating a more colorful presentation within the stereo spectrum is more than an audible improvement. This may very well be the next step in presenting Elvis’ music in a new – and for the purists among us, alternative – way.
 
RCA have similarly been doing recent “remixes” with the Nashville sessions and MEMPHIS box-sets that go back to how Elvis recorded them in the studio. However on this release Anthony Stuchbury has kept to the original recordings as they were released back in the day, and purely opened up the dull mono/Paramount mixes to create new STEREO versions that really sparkle. We have moved from Mono to Stereo to Stereo Remixing, with A.I. and craftsmanship breathing new life into Elvis’ music.
 
We can see why this set was quickly Sold Out and immediately re-printed as it is an audible delight and includes the dynamic mixes that Cheapo Parker, or RCA , should have no doubt paid for in the first place.  

    
The CD is available from the >>> Bennies Fifties webshop. Go >>> here to RDM to order only 16.20€ (with 40% off) and check the STEREO audio samples.

May 10 - Charts May 2025 - Week 2 (Updated)

At the start of the new month Elvis dropped on the main album U.K. charts, but debuts on the Independent album chart. He is still not back on the U.S. Billboard charts.

The 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' compilation recovered from last week's loss and climbed 3 places to No. 62. on the Official Album chart. On the Streaming Album chart the album won 1 spot and climbed to No. 54.

The 'Elvis at the Houston Astrodome' album dropped off the Independent Album chart after last week's debut at No. 50.

The 'Elvis at the Movies' DVD-set re-entered the Music DVD chart at No. 34, replacing 'Elvis - The King of Rock and Roll' DVD which fell off the chart again after last week's reentry at No. 34. 

(Source: Billboard / Official Chart Company / UK Mix Forum) 

May 10 - Lonely Blue Boy From Italy

The Satnin Music record label released the CD 'Lonely Blue Boy' as a "Bennies Fifties Exclusive".  

Tracks on the CD: Danny (Acetate, With Count-In) - Turtles, Berries And Gumbo (Full Version, Blanche Thomas On “Turtles”) - King Creole (Main Title - Instrumental With Orchestra) - Crawfish (Elvis & Kitty White - Full Version Without Fadeout /Alternative Mix) - Hard Headed Woman (Slate / Take 10 - Master) - Trouble (Slate / Take 5 - Master) - New Orleans (Slate / Take 5 - Master) - King Creole (Slate / Take 18 - First Version) - Dixieland Rock (Slate / Take 14 - Master) - King Creole (Slate / Take 13 - Revised Version) - Lover Doll (Take 7 - Undubbed / Unedited Master) - As Long As I Have You (Take 10 - Master) - Young Dreams (Take 8 - Master) - Don’t Ask Me Why (Take 12 - Master) - Steadfast Loyal And True (Slate / Take 16)

Bonus Songs: Danny (Demo) - Lonely Blue Boy (Conway Twitty) - Danny (Saint Louis) - Teenage Radio Spot

The CD is available exclusively from the >>> Bennies Fifties webshop.

Italian Update

Marco Durzu updated the English and Italian editions of his book 'Elvis Presley Songs' to version 1.5. 

The book presents an alphabetically ordered list of 998 songs associated with Elvis Presley. Songs he recorded, performed, or rehearsed between 1944 and 1977.

In addition to confirmed recordings, the list features songs rumored to have been rehearsed or recorded by Elvis, as well as those intended for his August 1977 tour. It also includes performances by members of his band and backing vocalists, such as Kathy Westmoreland, Sherrill Nielsen, The Stamps Quartet, and Voice, at concerts and rehearsals from 1968 to 1977.

(Source: Jaap Melessen / Elvis Information Network

May 09 - The Eternal Flame at 10550 Rocca Place

The Petticoat Records import record label released the Limited Edition LP 'As Recorded at 10550 Rocca Place, Bel Air California'.

Publicity stated: Petticoat Records is back! This time with a fantastic vinyl album full of Home- recordings recorded early 1966 at his rented mansion in California.

This high-quality album features 20 of these homerecordings. The complete available recordings are available on the Bonus CD . The most renowned recording made at Rocca Place is undoubtedly 'Suppose'. Elvis and Charlie Hodge's home recording served as the foundation for the bonus track released on the 'Speedway' album in 1968.

This is the ultimate fly on the wall experience. It’s a pleasure to listen to Elvis having fun with his friends at his newly rented home in Bel Air California. Most tracks debut on this Deluxe Vinyl Edition.

This album comes on high quality 180 Gr. clear and purple colored virgin vinyl, and as always, housed in a stunning full-color sleeve suitable for framing! Of course a Bonus CD featuring all tracks is included.

Side A - All tracks recorded early 1966, featuring: Elvis Presley, Red West, Charlie Hodge & friends

01. After Loving You / 02. Show Me Thy Ways, O’ Lord / 03. Tumbling Tumbleweeds / 04. San Antonio Rose / 05. Tennessee Waltz / 06. Tennessee Waltz #2 / 07. I’ve Been Blue / 08. Mary Lou Brown / 09. Blue Hawaii / 10. Oh How I Love Jesus / To Me, It’s So Wonderful / 11. Write To Me From Naples

Side B: 01. My Heart Cries For You / 02. Dark Moon / 03. Indescribably Blue / 04. What Now My Love #2 / 05. 500 Hundred Miles / 06. 500 Hundred Miles #2 / 07. Blowin’ In The Wind #2 / 08. Suppose #1 / 09. Suppose #2

CD -  All tracks recorded early 1966, featuring: Elvis Presley. Red West, Charlie Hodge and others:

01. After Loving You / 02. All My Love, All My Life (excerpt) - If I Loved You / 03. Show Me Thy Ways, O’ Lord / 04. Tumbling Tumbleweeds / 05. Hide Thou Me / 06, Hide Thou Me #2 / 07. It’s No Fun Being Lonely / 08. San Antonio Rose / 09. Tennessee Waltz / 10. Tennessee Waltz #2 / 11. I’ve Been Blue / 12. Mary Lou Brown / 13. Blue Hawaii / 14. Moonlight Sonata / 15. Oh How I Love Jesus - To Me, It’s So Wonderful / 16. Oh How I Love Jesus - To Me, It’s So Wonderful #2 / 17. I, John

Recorded on another occasion in 1966, featuring: Elvis Presley, Red West and Charlie Hodge:

18. Write To Me From Naples / 19. My Heart Cries For You / 20. Dark Moon / 21. Dark Moon #2 / 

Recorded on  another occasion in 1966, featuring: Elvis Presley and various friends:

22. Indescribably Blue / 23. Fools Rush In / 24. It’s A Sin To Tell A Lie / 25. What Now My Love / 

26. What Now My Love #2 / 27. 500 Hundred Miles / 28. 500 Hundred Miles #2 / 29. Blowin’ In The Wind #1 / 30. Blowin’ In The Wind #2 / 31. Suppose #1 / 32. Suppose #2

Bonus song: 33. My Heart Cries For You (original complete version). 

Eternal Flame

An unknown import record label released the Limited Edition 2-LP / CD package 'Eternal Flame'. 

Publicity stated: Out now is the double LP set called 'Eternal Flame'. It features the October 20, 1976 performance, as recorded at the Notre Dame University Athlectic and Convention Center in South Bend Indiana. Carefully remastered for maximum listening pleasure. This recording is of exceptionally high quality. 

This Deluxe double LP is packed in a gorgeous gatefold cover and is available in yellow and orange 180 Gr. vinyl. The additional bonus CD features the same concert. 

Side A: 01. Also Sprach Zarathustra / 02. See See Rider / 03. I Got A Woman - Amen / 04. Love Me / 05. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) / 06. You Gave Me A Mountain / 07. Jailhouse Rock

Side B: 01. Help Me / 02. All Shook Up / 03. Teddy Bear - Don't Be Cruel / 04. And I Love You So / 

05. Fever / 06. Steamroller Blues / 07. Band Introductions / 08. Early Mornin’ Rain - John Wilkinson introduction / 09. What'd I Say - James Burton introduction / 10. Johnny B. Goode / 11. Ronnie Tutt Drum Solo.

Side C: 01. Jerry Scheff Bass Solo / 02. Tony Brown Piano Solo / 03. Love Letters - David Briggs introduction / 04. School Day - Joe Guercio introduction / 05. Hurt (with reprise) / 06. Hound Dog / 07. Funny How Time Slips Away / 08. Little Darlin’ / 09. Can't Help Falling In Love / 10. Closing Vamp

11. Elvis Has Left The Building - Announcements

Side D - Bonus Tracks - November 25, 1976 - University of Oregon McArthur Court, Eugene, Oregon:

01. It’s Now Or Never

02. America

03. Mystery Train / Tiger Man

November 27, 1976 - University of Oregon McArthur Court, Eugene, Oregon:

04. Love Me Tender

05. Steamroller Blues

November 30, 1976 - Convention Center, Anaheim, California:

06. Bridge Over Troubled Water

07. Polk Salad Annie

CD: 01. Also Sprach Zarathustra / 02. See See Rider / 03. I Got A Woman / Amen / 04. Love Me / 05. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) / 06. You Gave Me A Mountain / 07. Jailhouse Rock / 08. Help Me / 09. All Shook Up / 10. Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel / 11. And I Love You So / 12. Fever / 13. Steamroller Blues / 14. Band Introductions / 15. Early Mornin’ Rain / John Wilkinson introduction / 16. What'd I Say / James Burton introduction / 17. Johnny B. Goode / 18. Ronnie Tutt Drum Solo / 19. Jerry Scheff Bass Solo / 20. Tony Brown Piano Solo / 21. Love Letters / David Briggs introduction / 22. School Day / Joe Guercio introduction / 23. Hurt (with reprise) / 24. Hound Dog / 25. Funny How Time Slips Away / 26. Little Darlin’ / 27. Can't Help Falling In Love / 28. Closing Vamp / 29. Elvis Has Left The Building / announcements.

Bonus November 25, 1976 - University of Oregon McArthur Court, Eugene, Oregon: 30. It’s Now Or Never / 31. America / 32. Mystery Train / Tiger Man / November 27, 1976 - University of Oregon McArthur Court, Eugene, Oregon: 33. Love Me Tender / 34. Steamroller Blues / November 30, 1976 - Convention Center, Anaheim, California 35. Bridge Over Troubled Water / 36. Polk Salad Annie.

Platinum

The 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' was certified 8 x Platinum in the United Kingdom by the British Phonographic Industry for selling over 4,8 million copies (streams plus digital downloads plus physical sales) since its release on September 23, 2002. 

(Source: Pascal Matteo / Phoenix Elvis Forum / B.P.I.)

May 08 - Summer Festival - Reflections of '71

The Stage Recordings import record label released volume 4 in their 'Summer Festival: Reflections of '71', containing three Audience recorded live shows from August 1971.

Publicity stated: Volume 3 of the 'Summer Festival' series featured 3 rockin' shows from his Summer Festival season in Las Vegas, August 1971.  This follow up contains 3 more rockin' shows from the very same season. 

This set contains many highlights like Perry Como’s ‘It’s Impossible’ and Simon and Garfunkel’s ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ to beautiful renditions of songs like ‘I'm Leavin’, ‘Proud Mary’ and ‘Suspicious Minds’. Neil Diamond's 'Sweet Caroline' became an almost steady on the setlist during this August season, but did not return on the setlist in 1972. 

Especially knowing no soundboard recordings have yet surfaced, these audience recorded shows are all we are able to enjoy.  A total of 3 shows are included in this set.  All recordings have been painstakingly remastered and repaired.

August 23, 1971 Dinner Show - Las Vegas Hilton Las Vegas, Nevada:

01. Also Sprach Zarathustra

02. That’s All Right

03. Proud Mary

04. I Got A Woman/Amen

05. Sweet Caroline

06. Polk Salad Annie

07. Johnny B. Goode

08. It’s Impossible

09. Love Me

10. Blue Suede Shoes - Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On

11. Heartbreak Hotel

12. Teddy Bear/Don’t Be Cruel

13. Talking About The Steve Allen Show

14. Hound Dog

15. Love Me Tender

16. Suspicious Minds

17. Band Introductions (incomplete)

18. I’m Leavin’

19. Lawdy Miss Clawdy

20. Can’t Help Falling In Love

21. Closing Vamp

August 23, 1971 - Midnight Show - Las Vegas Hilton Las Vegas, Nevada

01. That’s All Right

02. I Got A Woman/Amen

03. Proud Mary

04. Sweet Caroline

05. Polk Salad Annie

06. Johnny B. Goode

07. It’s Impossible

08. Love Me

09. Blue Suede Shoes - Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On

10. Heartbreak Hotel

11. Teddy Bear/Don’t Be Cruel

12. Talking About Ed Sullivan

13. Hound Dog

14. Love Me Tender

15. Bridge Over Troubled Water

16. Band Introductions

17. I’m Leavin’

18. Suspicious Minds

19. Introductions 

20. Lawdy Miss Clawdy

21. Can’t Help Falling In Love

August 24, 1971 Dinner Show - Las Vegas Hilton Las Vegas, Nevada

01. Also Sprach Zarathustra

02. That’s All Right

03. Proud Mary

04. Sweet Caroline

05. Polk Salad Annie

06. Intermezzo

07. Johnny B. Goode

08. It’s Impossible

09. Love Me

10. Blue Suede Shoes / Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On

11. Heartbreak Hotel

12. Teddy Bear/Don’t Be Cruel

13. Talking About Ed Sullivan

14. Hound Dog

15. Love Me Tender

16. I’m Leavin’

17. Suspicious Minds

18. Band Introductions

19. Mystery Train/Tiger Man

20. Can’t Help Falling In Love

21. Closing Vamp

Hits In Red from Germany

The Magic on Vinyl record label will re-issue their 'Hits In Red' compilation LP on 180 Gr. red colored vinyl and their 'G.I. In Germany' compilation on marble colored vinyl. 

Tracks 'Elvis In Red': Jailhouse Rock / Hard Headed Woman / Hound Dog / Don't Be Cruel / (Now and Then There's) A Fool Such As I / Stuck On You / Return To Sender / (Marie's The Name) His Latest Flame / Good Luck Charm / Can't Help Falling In Love / It's Now Or Never / One Night / Are You Lonesome Tonight / Don't / Heartbreak Hotel / Love Me Tender / Surrender / She's Not You.

Tracks 'G.I. in Germany': Arrival In Friedberg Germany / Wooden Heart / Frankfort Special / Tonight Is So Right For Love / Blue Suede Shoes / Jailhouse Rock / Tutti Frutti / A Big Hunk O' Love / Don't / She's Not You / Good Luck Charm / G.I. Blues / My Wish Came True / Fool Such As I / No More (La Paloma) / I Need Your Love Tonight / What's She Really Like / Return To Sender / Stuck On You / Surrender / Spanish Eyes (Bonus track). 

Charlotte Coliseum

The Homespun record label will release the CD 'Charlotte Coliseum' on June 6, 2025. 

Description: Step back into the spotlight of Elvis Presley's legendary final tour with this rare and electrifying live performance from the Charlotte Coliseum. Recorded on February 21st, 1977, this show captures The King of Rock and Roll in one of his most passionate and vocally compelling appearances of the year.

Despite the toll of the late '70s, Elvis delivered a performance filled with raw emotion, vocal power, and heartfelt moments. From early rock classics and heartfelt ballads to soaring gospel numbers, this setlist is a masterclass in musical range and stage presence. Highlights include the stirring 'My Way', the bluesy swagger of 'Reconsider Baby', and the intimate 'Unchained Melody', performed from the piano. 

The audio was remastered from the original WBXT-FM broadcast.

Note: the reference to the WBXT broadcast is fake, trying to use a legal loophole in EU copyright legislation to release the concert recording "legally", as there never was a broadcast of this concert. 

Bubba Ho-Tep

The Waxwork Records is thrilled to announce the May 23, 2025 release of the Original Motion Picture soundtrack of 'Bubba Ho-Tep' as a Deluxe Album on Egyptian Sand and Silver swirl colored vinyl. The soundtrack comes housed in a heavyweight gatefold packaging, with new artwork by J.J. Harrison, and a with Matte Satin Coating 11 x 11 inch art print insert.

'Bubba Ho-Tep' is a 2002 American Comedy Horror film written, co-produced, and directed by Don Coscarelli (Phantasm). It stars Bruce Campbell (Evil Dead 1 & 2, Army of Darkness) as Sebastian Haff, a man residing in a nursing home who claims to be the real Elvis Presley. The film also stars Ossie Davis as Jack, a black man who claims to be John F. Kennedy.

While the novella of the same name by Joe R. Lansdale and the film revolve around an ancient Egyptian mummy terrorizing a retirement home, Bubba Ho-Tep also deals with the deeper theme of aging, identity, mortality, and existentialism. The film also features a cameo by Reggie Bannister from Coscarelli's Phantasm series.

(Source: Pascal Matteo / Juno)

May 06 - From Elvis in Memphis: La Ultima Gran Evasión de Elvis

Efe Eme will publish the 170-page Spanish book 'From Elvis in Memphis: La Ultima Gran Evasión de Elvis' ('From Elvis in Memphis: The Last Great Escape of Elvis') on May 14, 2025. 

Description: No matter how much time passes, Elvis remains the King, no doubt about it! However, his career had ups and downs. In this book, Eduardo Izquierdo, an expert and scholar of Elvis’s life and work, delves into the details surrounding the creation and recording of the legendary ‘From Elvis in Memphis’. This is the album. with which, in 1969, after years of declining popularity, he returned to the forefront, delivering a masterpiece considered one of the peaks of his artistic maturity.
 
This was an Elvis who was confident, making decisions, showcasing his talent, and eager to reclaim his throne. He expressed his unconditional love for music and songs through an album that remains timeless. Eduardo Izquierdo meticulously analyzes every aspect, sketching a portrait of the figures who surrounded Elvis during the recording, from the essential producer Chips Moman, who played a key role in helping him feel free and creative, to Priscilla, his wife, as well as the friends who helped him navigate difficult choices. And, of course, the cunning Colonel Parker and his looming shadow.
 
In ‘From Elvis in Memphis: The Last Great Escape of Elvis’, Eduardo Izquierdo, with a delightful conversational style and deep knowledge of the facts, demonstrates that this album was not just the King’s break from his immediate past, it also featured the immortal ‘In the Ghetto’. 
 
Taking a song-by-song approach and exploring every detail, he immerses the reader in the nocturnal recording sessions and the countless anecdotes that accompanied its creation, including his immediate residencies in Las Vegas. Most importantly, Izquierdo confirms that this is the work that brought him back to the highest place, the place that always belonged to him and that he should never have left.

New Footage

Graceland was recently contacted by FOX 5 NY about footage that was discovered in their archives during their work on a story about Elvis Presley’s 90th birthday. The rare, candid footage from 1956 shows Elvis recording a new ending for his first film, 'Love Me Tender', in New York City on Oct. 29, 1956 - as well as footage of him signing autographs for fans. 

The footage will now be showcased in the Hollywood section of Elvis: The Entertainer Career Museum at Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis.

Fox News posted: "Deep within the FOX archives, likely unnoticed for decades, a rare candid clip of Elvis Presley emerged when FOX 5’s managing editor was on the hunt for video to commemorate the King on what would be his 90th birthday. The unique two-minute video shows Elvis recording a new ending for his first film, "Love Me Tender," in New York City on Oct. 29, 1956.

Elvis is seen interacting with the director and fans outside Junco Studios, an old carriage house on East 69th Street, a behind-the-scenes moment previously unknown to Graceland's archives. @visitgraceland now plans to display the footage to help tell Elvis's story to the throngs who continue to visit his former home."

Go >>> here to watch it it on Instagram.

(Source: Nigel Patterson / Amazon / Graceland)

May 03 - Charts May 2025 - Week 1 (Updated)

At the start of the new month Elvis dropped on the main album U.K. charts, but debuts on the Independent album chart. He is still not back on the U.S. Billboard charts.

The 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' compilation dropped from No. 57 to No. 65 on the Official Album chart, and from No. 50 to No. 55 on the Streaming Album chart.

The 'Elvis at the Houston Astrodome' album debuted on the Independent Album chart at No. 50.

One week after their re-entry on the Music Video chart, 'Elvis The Searcher', 'Aloha from Hawaii' and the 'Elvis at the Movies' box-set, fell off the chart from respectively No. 19, No. 43 and No. 48. These three titles were replaced by 'Elvis The King of Rock and Roll' which made a re-entry at No. 34.

(Source: Billboard / Official Chart Company / UK Mix Forum) 

Review - The Lisa Marie - The King's Flying Graceland

In his foreword for this book, Steve Barile wrote that he could not imagine a 400-page book on Elvis and (his) airplanes when he heard that Carlos Varrenti was working on his 'The Airplanes and The King' book. 

Following that thought, I assumed it would be impossible to do an even bigger book on just one of the King’s planes, but here I hold a 550-page hardcover book on Elvis’ "Flying Graceland".

This is the fourth book by Varrenti on Elvis and aviation. Let’s see what it has to offer compared to the other ones.

Design

The book is an 8.25 by 11-inch hardcover, prominently featuring an attractive drawing of the Lisa Marie mid-air on the cover. While most fans know the plane as being on display at Graceland or from the many candids of Elvis boarding it, this is the kind of image that shows the plane doing what it was made for, flying through the skies.

The book has a strong modern design with big fonts for easy reading and many relevant illustrations of the plane, paperwork, memorabilia, and more. Being as complete as possible, the author included a wide selection of photographs, many candids taken by bystanders. Therefore, a few are shown in low resolution, but for “historical accuracy.”

The author has a pleasant writing style, which makes it easy for the reader to absorb the large amount of information. The good alternation of text and illustrations contributes to this.

At 550 pages, it really is a big book, and it was only limited to that number of pages as Amazon doesn’t allow for a higher page count. The concept I proofread was 650 pages!

Content

As an aeronautical engineer and longtime Elvis Presley fan, Varrenti is probably the best-qualified author to write this book, combining his passion and knowledge. The upside is that this is the best-researched biography on the Lisa Marie; the downside is that this is the best-researched biography on a Convair 880 jet plane, the only aircraft of this type left in the world that is preserved properly. Both observations are a compliment, but they do impact the book as the amount of information can be overwhelming for part of the reader group.

The book has a long lead-in, going back to the birth of the plane and Delta Airlines, the original owner of the jet. It was interesting to read that a 1958 advertisement for the jet declared these sleek aircraft to be “Fit for a King.”

Elvis enters the story on page 50 when he first boards a Delta Convair 880 plane shortly after filming 'Wild in the Country'. Varrenti even found footage of that first encounter. 

Another 25 pages later, the book shifts to the Elvis years of Delta’s N8809E Convair 880, which he purchased after Delta retired it following 40,200 flight hours.

In his previous books, the author covered Elvis’ complex relationship with aviation, but over the years, he overcame his fears, and on April 17, 1975, he made the bold “rock star” move to acquire his own 100-person, four-engined plane as found by Joe Esposito and Lamar Fike at a Boeing deposit for the right price. 

When they phoned Elvis to inform him of their find of an interesting plane that met his requirements and price the singer replied: “Tell the agent I’ll take it.” Esposito answered “Elvis, don’t you think you should see it first?” to which Elvis responded: “I know what a large four engine jet looks like. Have him take some pictures and sent them to you. Give him daddy’s phone number so he’ll make arrangements for the financing”

And US$1,050,000 later, US$250,000 for the plane and another US$800,000 customizing it to his wishes, the 1960 Convair 880 was really “fit for a King!” Happy as a kid in a toy store, he said, “Do you believe anything this pretty can actually fly?” nicknaming it his “Flying Graceland.”

Varrenti found a wealth of information on the lead-up to the purchase, the customization of the plane - including some original sketches - paperwork on the plane’s registration, the media coverage of Elvis and his plane and of course Elvis using it "to go to work" or make fun trips. I saw many new (to these eyes) pictures. It doesn’t get much more complete than this.

It seems only natural for Elvis to own a plane like this. It suited his stature as an artist, and despite only using it for 19 months, it became an integral part of his legacy.

The main part of the book is the detailed and richly illustrated day-by-day overview of the approximately 209 flights aboard the Lisa Marie. Over 270 pages, we join Elvis crisscrossing the sky above America while on tour, on holiday, or simply to get a “Fool’s Gold Loaf,” as urban legends like that are covered too. You can follow Elvis on tour in the last part of this career.

There is some overlap with the previous books by the author, but since this is the complete biography of the jet, this information couldn’t be omitted. There is sone repetition in the images too, as many feature Elvis boarding his plane or descending the airplane stairs. 

As we’ve learned from his previous books, the author did his research, including every reference to Elvis and his plane- here focusing on the Lisa Marie, of course - from all available sources, including many quotes from Elvis’ entourage, livening up the documented history. 

We get all the flight details, including stops and miles flown, the destinations (mostly concerts, the Lisa Marie was also a means to go to work) almost all illustrated with pictures of Elvis boarding and disembarking the Lisa Marie, concerts, (press) coverage of the performances, paperwork, and more relevant pictures regarding each trip. There are many new details to discover on various aspects of Elvis' career and the Lisa Marie.

The remaining 170 pages cover, in much detail, the years after August 17, 1977, up to 2025. The pictures of the aircraft in Switzerland are nice to see and serve as a crude reminder that it (probably) was only thanks to the Colonel that Elvis didn’t visit Europe or other parts of the world, it was not that he lacked the means to set foot on other continents. 

The use of the plane for the 2023 Christmas Special, Riley Keough's first production as keeper of the legacy, illustrates that the Lisa Marie is more than a plane; it is part of Elvis’ heritage and continues to “fly” in the fans’ memory. The presence of the Lisa Marie in all the major flight simulators and the wide range of memorabilia presented in the last chapters of this book confirm this once more.

The book ends with a “to be continued,” so airplane enthusiasts may look forward to a book on the Hound Dog II somewhere down the line. 

Conclusion

The book covers the life of the Lisa Marie from birth up to today in great detail, covering every phase of its life - from its construction to retirement at Graceland and everything that happened in between - with meticulous detail and hundreds of relevant illustrations. So yes, it really is an illustrated biography in the true sense of the word.

Yes, there is a significant overlap with the previous books by this author on Elvis and his planes, but that doesn't change the conclusion that the book, with its additional details and illustrations, is a valuable addition to the broader depiction of the Elvis timeline, even if it is not directly about him.

The book is available from >>> Amazon (associate link).

May 01 - Elvis and Heli and Lino

The German Booy Verlag published a third, 296-page updated edition of the dual-language paperback 'Elvis und Heli'.  

Description: Heli von Westrem was more than just friends with Elvis Presley during his service as a G.I. in Germany. She gives us insight into her life at the time and no longer wants to passively watch the sometimes outrageous myths surrounding their relationship. 

Heli takes us back to her time with Elvis in Bad Nauheim, Friedberg, Frankfurt, and Paris. A supposed kidnapping of Elvis on the Johannisberg led to a flood of fan letters addressed to her, some of which are included in the book. Heli’s memories and these letters serve as a mirror of that era.

Elvis and Heli were in love in the late 1950s during his military service in Germany. Fame, love, rock 'n' roll, a longing for freedom, and the post-war era shape Heli von Westrem’s autobiography.

'Elvis and Heli' was supplemented in the third edition with a chapter about the press due to a recent incident with a journalist during Priscilla's visit to Bad Nauheim in March 2025. 

EPIC

Movie maker Baz Luhrmann was at the Met  Gala this week. He posted on Facebook: "Five days to Met, can’t forget the time we took over the carpet for 'ELVIS' - it was the beginning of a special Year! Speaking of EP…………EPiC (Elvis Presley in Concert) before the end of the year ⚡️⚡⚡"

Note: "EPIC" would make a great title for the new movie :-)

Lino Leggio Died

Italian Elvis fan and author Lino Leggio died. He was 80. 

In 1959, he traveled from Italy to Germany to personally deliver the musical score of the song 'Santa Lucia' to Elvis Presley. As a "thank you", Presley gifted Leggio his Ray-Ban sunglasses as a thank-you.

In 2011, Cierre Edizioni published his 116-page hardcover book, 'Lui Non È Qui' ('He Is Not Here'), in which Leggio details the wild and daring journey he and his best friend embarked on to meet their idol. 

Hitchhiking through Austria and West Germany, without proper documentation and with only a few Italian lire in their pockets, they faced snowstorms, hunger, cold, hardship, and hostility to fulfill their mission: delivering the musical score of Santa Lucia to their musical idol, Elvis Presley. Through their friendship, the two young men overcame every obstacle and succeeded in their mission.

(Source: Amazon / Baz Luhrmann / Elvis Friends Fan Club Italy)