April 20 - Norwegian Releases

The Norwegian Elvis Files team updated the release calendar for their previously announced releases. 

Earlier this month we received the great news that Erik Lorentzen, the man behind The Elvis Files, had been declared cancer-free after a protracted battle with the disease. Erik's health issue meant several books were delayed. 

Now that he is back on deck, he has announced the following books for publication (including two new titles for 2027 publication):

• May 2026: the 'Elvis Portraits - Vol. III the 60s' book.
• May 2026: the 'Elvis Portraits - Vol. IV the 60s' book.

Due later in 2026:

• the 'Clambake '67' book/vinyl combo with two vinyl albums, stereo music, housed in separate gatefold sleeves with a 300+ page book containing hundreds of unseen pictures, according to the press release.
• the 'Elvis Gold Rush - Golden Records Vol. 1 to 4' consisting of four vinyl albums, housed in separate gatefold sleeves with an additional 150+ page book titled 'Elvis: Prodigy of RCA Records' featuring many unseen photos.

New to the release schedule are the two 400-page books 'Elvis Presley: The Army Years Vol. 1 and 2', which are due in 2027.

(Source: Elvis Files / Elvis Information Network)

Elvis Day By Day 2025 - Exclusive Hardcover Edition

The annual Poplar Tunes Exclusive Hardcover edition of the 2025 'Elvis Day By Day - The year In Review' released two months ago. And now you can add the book to your collection with a 20% discount!

If you order the book between April 20st and 22nd from >>> Blurb with the code "BOOKBUY20" you have a great deal!

For the first time available as a double volume edition, this 558 pages set contains are all the worldwide chart listings and circa 10 bonus interviews and reviews that didn't fit into the paperback edition as that reached it max. with 480 pages.

Description: Born in a shotgun shack in East Tupelo, Mississippi, in 1935, Elvis Presley achieved legendary status. He transformed the industry with his unique sound and style, leaving a legacy that still resonates on his 90th birthday year. 

 

A remarkable aspect of Elvis is that his posthumous legacy, like his life, continues to produce news, day by day. His legacy is still debated and celebrated every day by millions of fans around the world. So here, in recognition of 90 years of Elvis, is a day by day yearbook featuring all the significant releases and events from the continuing saga of the King of Rock and Roll. No other artist could justify such a retrospective each year, but Elvis does!

 

This detailed timeline traces everything Elvis Presley from 2025: all the new books on a wide variety of subjects, the "EPIC" movie releases on DVD and Blu-ray and of course the music on CD and multicolored vinyl. Added to that are over 75 in-depth reviews, articles and interviews on the main releases, showing you what you missed, and helping you to distinguish what you should or shouldn't add to your collection. All that and much, much more in the ultimate tribute in the 90th anniversary of the King Rock and Roll!

 

If you thought you'd seen it all, just browse through these 558 full-color pages! The King Still Lives Today, this book proves it!

 

The foreword was kindly written by Roy Turner, Executive Director of the Elvis Presley Birthplace, where Elvis' legacy began on January 8th 1935, 90 years ago in 2025.

The Exclusive 2-volume hardcover edition is available from the >>> Poplar Tunes webshop and the >>> Blurb webshop.

Here is a new preview trailer of the 2025 Elvis Presley yearbook. 

April 19 - Congratulations

Estelle Brown, the last living member of Elvis' female backing group the Sweet Inspirations, turned 83 today, congratulations! 

In 1967, The Sweets contributed as a backing choir to Van Morrison's hit 'Brown Eyed Girl'. Later that same year, the group produced their first own recordings with Atlantic Records. In 1968, two further LPs followed, as well as their collaboration on Jimi Hendrix's 'Electric Ladyland' and Dusty Springfield's 'Dusty in Memphis'. During the subsequent period, they were the backing vocalists for Elvis Presley and appeared in the documentary film 'Elvis – That's the Way It Is' among others. 

(Source: UEPS)

April 18 - Record Store Day 2026

It is Record Store Day 2026, and two new Elvis Presley LP-sets have been released; a liquid vinyl edition of the 'Blue Hawaii' soundtrack and a triple LP-set focusing on 1961 titled '1961: King of the Whole Wild World'

Publicity stated: For the first time, 'Blue Hawaii' is released as a spectacular Liquid-Filled Vinyl, split half/half: on one side, a deep blue liquid evoking the waters of Hawaii; on the other, fine sand recalling its legendary beaches. 

This unique edition enhances the world of Elvis Presley and, as always, is complemented by an exclusive text and studio session material, offering fans a truly immersive journey into the album and its creation. The album was also released as a "vinyl-replica" CD.

Side A: Blue Hawaii - Almost Always True - Aloha Oe - No More - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Rock-A-Hula Baby - Moonlight Swim / Bonus Songs: Can’t Help Falling In Love (Movie Version, Take 23) - Rock-A-Hula Baby (Take 3).

Side B: Ku-U-I-Po - Ito Eats - Slicin’ Sand - Hawaiian Sunset - Beach Boy Blues - Island Of Love - Hawaiian Wedding Song / Bonus Songs: Beach Boy Blues (Movie Version, Take 3) - Steppin’ Out Of Line (Movie Version).

Also released was the triple LP set '1961: King of the Whole Wild World'. 

Publicity stated: Direct follow-up to 'Elvis 1960: Everybody’s Got the Fever', '1961: King of the Whole Wild World' explores a pivotal year in which Elvis Presley sharpens his craft and fully asserts his creative power. Essential tracks such as 'Can’t Help Falling in Love', 'His Latest Flame' and 'Rock-A-Hula Baby' are all here. 

This triple LP, made up exclusively of 1961 recordings, gives pride of place to the studio sessions, capturing Elvis free, intense, spontaneous, and more than ever the master of his musical world.

This set comes on blue and yellow splatter, marble and cloudy effects colored vinyl as well as on three CDs.  

LP 1 - Side A: I’m Comin’ Home (Take 3) - Gently (Take 3) - In Your Arms (Take 1) - Give Me The Right (Take 2) - I Feel So Bad (Take 1) - It’s A Sin (Take 2) - I Want You With Me (Take 1) - There’s Always Me (Take 4) - Starting Today (Take 2) - Sentimental Me (Take 1)

Side B: Judy (Take 4) - Put The Blame On Me (Take 5, Master) - Hawaiian Sunset (Take 2) - Aloha Oe (Section 2, Take 6) - Ku-U-I-Po (Take 7) - No More (Take 7) - Slicin’ Sand (Take 4) - Blue Hawaii (Take 3) - Ito Eats (Take 2) - Hawaiian Wedding Song (Take 1) - Island Of Love (Take 8) - Steppin’ Out Of Line (Movie Version, Take 8)

LP 2 - Side C: Always True (Take 3) - Moonlight Swim (Take 4) - Can’t Help Falling In Love (Movie Version, Take 26) - Beach Boy Blues (Movie Version, Take 3) - Rock-A-Hula Baby (Take 3) - Kiss Me Quick (Take 4) - That’s Someone You Never Forget (Take 5) - I’m Yours (Take 5) - His Latest Flame (Take 12) - Little Sister (Take 9) - Angel (Take 2)

Side D: Follow That Dream (Take 3) - What A Wonderful Life (Take 1) - I’m Not The Marrying Kind (Take 6) - A Whistling Tune (Take 3) - Sound Advice (Take 1) - On Top Of Old Smokey (Movie) - For The Millionth And The Last Time (Take 7) - Good Luck Charm (Take 1) - Anything That’s Part Of You (Take 9) - I Met Her Today (Take 16) - Night Rider (Take 2) - King Of The Whole Wide World (Version 2, Take 3)

LP 3 - Side E: Riding The Rainbow (Take 7) - A Whistling Tune (Take 2) - Home Is Where The Heart Is (Take 14) - I Got Lucky (Version 1, Take 6) - This Is Living (Take 2)

March 25 1961 - Bloch Arena, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii: Heartbreak Hotel - All Shook Up - A Fool Such As I - I Got A Woman - Love Me - Introductions - Such A Night

Side F: March 25 1961 - Bloch Arena, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii: Reconsider Baby - I Need Your Love Tonight - That’s All Right - Don’t Be Cruel - One Night - Are You Lonesome Tonight? - It’s Now Or Never - Swing Down, Sweet Chariot - Hound Dog

The liquid vinyl edition of 'Blue Hawaii' is available from >>> Bennies Fifties.

The '1961 - King of the Whole Wide World' LP is available from >>> Bennies Fifties.

Happy Birthday

Elvis' former TCB Band piano player Glenn D. Hardin celebrates his 87th birthday. Congratulations!

(Source: RSD)

April 18 - Charts April 2026 - Week 3

Great news from the United Kingdom, Elvis is back at the No. 1 spot!

The 'ELV1S 30 No. 1 Hits' album couldn't hang on to last week's win and lost 12 places, falling to No. 69. The album also lost 14 spot on the Chart Update chart, landing at No. 74. It lost another seven spots on the Streaming Album chart, dropping from No. 57 to No. 64. 

Better news from the Album Sales Top 100, the 'EPiC' soundtrack returned into the Top 100 at No. 95. Thanks to the physical copies sold this week, the soundtrack also returned to the Physical Sales chart at No. 91.

But the best news comes from the Soundtrack Album chart where the 'EPiC' soundtrack retuned to the No. 1 spot again!

To be updated over the weekend: The 'The Complete Story' video dropped off the Music video Top 50 chart, to be replaced by the re-entry at No. 35 of 'The King of Rick and Roll' while 'Elvis The Searcher,' dropped from No. 39 to No. 40. 

On the Movie Download chart 'EPiC' debuted at lucky No. 13 and at No. 14 on the Film chart. 

U.S. Billboard charts

The 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' compilation won one spot on Billboard's Country Album chart, climbing to No. 35.  

Belgian charts

The 'EPiC' soundtrack exited the Belgian UltraTop Top 200 Album chart in the Flanders part of the country from last week's listing at No. 183. 

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

April 16 - Elvis' American Spirit

Opening Memorial Day Weekend, Graceland will debut a new limited-time display, The American Spirit of Elvis Presley, offering visitors a deeper look at Elvis’ connection to his country.

Located at Elvis’ Racquetball Court and included with the Graceland Mansion tour, the display brings together a curated selection of artifacts that reflect defining moments from Elvis’ life and career.

Guests will see the giant American flag used during Elvis’ 1974 concerts at the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis, displayed alongside the iconic “Memphis Jumpsuit” worn during those performances. Also featured are items from Elvis’ impromptu meeting with President Richard Nixon in December 1970, along with pieces connected to his 1961 Pearl Harbor benefit concert, including his gold lamé jacket and the commemorative plaque honoring the USS Arizona.

Together, these artifacts highlight moments where Elvis’ impact extended beyond the stage, reflecting his connection to his country through music, service, and cultural influence. Learn More and Plan Your Visit

Visiting Memorial Day Weekend? Go Deeper with Private Presley Tours

For a limited time, guests visiting May 22–25 can experience Private Presley Tours, offering a more personal, in-depth journey through Graceland Mansion.

With live guides throughout the home, these tours share deeper stories from Elvis’ time in the U.S. Army and how Graceland played a role in that chapter of his life, adding new perspective to your visit.

(Graceland)

And the winner is ...

The lucky winner of the joint Elvis Day By Day and Elvis Information Network 'Elvis in Concert' quiz is .... Jeffrey Whitney, congratulations! One of the only 10 copies of the 'Elvis in Concert' double LP album on blue colored vinyl will soon be on its way to you! The prize was kindly provided by the Gravel Road record label. 

The answer to the question "which previous Gravel Road Music release has the same title as a popular TV series?" we were looking for was "Love American Style".

Thank you to everyone who entered the quiz. 

If you didn't win, be assured, your favorite Elvis dealer can probably provide you with a copy on clear colored vinyl. As we noted in our recent GRM interview, this Deluxe release is "Elvis' real Rapid City performance without the added fan comments or overdubs, in the correct sequence and in the best sound possible - and with a stunning design".

If you can't wait, you can order the clear vinyl edition from the >>> Bennies Fifties web-shop. For more details on this great looking and sounding album, read the >>> interview with the producer of the set.

April 15 - Chris Giles Died

Elvis dealer and collector Chris Giles has passed away.

Best known for his London Elvis Shop, Chris played a far greater role in the Elvis world than many realised. Behind the scenes, he was a valuable resource for Elvis' official record labels — supplying RCA, Sony, and the Follow That Dream collectors label with the material they needed to produce unique releases. His expertise also extended to labels such as the French VPI, for whom he provided scans for their ongoing series of reproduction singles, and to publishers like Erik Lorentzen's KJ Consulting, who used his archive for their books and magazines.

(Source: Adam Greenaway / Elvis Presley Collectors Group on Facebook)

April 14 - Liquid Release From Nashville

Just released is a black colored liquid vinyl edition of Elvis' debut album. This release is limited to 75 copies. 

Side A: Blue Suede Shoes / I Got a Sweetie (I Got a Woman) / I’m Counting on You / I’m Left, You’re Right, She’s Gone / That’s All Right / Money Honey.

Side B: Mystery Train / I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Cry (Over You) / Tryin’ to Get to You / One Sided Love Affair / Lawdy, Miss Clawdy / Shake, Rattle and Roll.

Officially Released

Although a few copies had found their way to lucky fans, the French RDM-Edition now officially released the the 10-inch LP 'Elvis, Nashville '56' featuring updated Mono II Stereo' mixes for six Elvis classics from 1956. 

Publicity stated: A release celebrating 70 years since Elvis’ first RCA recording sessions. Containing both sides of Elvis’ very first RCA hit single, this collectors edition 10-inch 45rpm contains all the tracks recorded by Elvis Presley in Nashville during his pivotal breakout year of 1956. 

Newly remixed and remastered from Mono to Stereo by acclaimed producer Anthony Stuchbury you’ll now hear a more familiar stereo mix with backing vocals panned to the side enabling a listening experience like never before!

Tracks Rockin’ Side A: I Got A Woman / Heartbreak Hotel / Money Honey.

Romantic Side B: I’m Counting On You / I Was The One / I Want You, I Need You, I Love You.

The 10-inch album is available from the >>> Bennies Fifties webshop.

Joy Harmon Died

US actress Joy Harmon died, she was 87. She played an uncredited role (together with the also uncredited Raquel Welch) in the movie 'Roustabout'. 

Harmon was best known for a provocative short scene in the classic film 'Cool Hand Luke'.

(Source: Pascal Matteo / Anthony Stuchbury BBC)

April 13 - Vinyl and Book Previews

Here is a first look at the new 2-LP 'Clambake' soundtrack album as released by the Follow that Dream collectors label. 

The soundtrack for 'Clambake', first released in October 1967, perhaps did not constitute any significant improvement over its immediate predecessors, but the bonus tracks did so in turn. 

The tracks 'Guitar Man', 'Just Call Me Lonesome', 'Big Boss Man' and "You Don’t Know Me' – recorded during the Nashville sessions in September – were the undisputed highlights of the album, along with 'The Girl I Never Loved' and 'How Can You Lose What You Never Had'.

Based on the original British release, this unique, Limited FTD Edition is equipped with the classic Red Dot RCA Victor label. The double album features the original soundtrack masters, studio outtakes and bonus tracks.

Side A: Guitar Man (Take 12 Overdub - Unedited Version) - Clambake (Take 3B) - How Can You Lose What You Never Had (Take 3) - The Girl I Never Loved - Singing Tree (Take 4, 5 - Remake Version) - Big Boss Man (Take 1, 2) - Clambake (Reprise - Take 4)

Side B: You Don’t Know Me (Single Version) - Hey, Hey, Hey (Take 3, 5, 6) - Clambake (Take 1, 5) - A House That Has Everything (Take 4, 5, 6) - Guitar Man (Take 6 - 9)

Side C: Just Call Me Lonesome (Take 5, 6 - Alternate Master) - Singing Tree - How Can You Lose What You Never Had (Take 1, 2) - You Don’t Know Me (Movie Version) - Who Needs Money? - The Girl I Never Loved (Take 4, 5) - Confidence

Side D: A House That Has Everything - Hey, Hey, Hey - Clambake - You Don’t Know Me (Take 7, 10 - Movie Version) - Big Boss Man (Take 10, 11 - Master) - Guitar Man (Take 10) - Just Call Me Lonesome (Take 1 - Master).

The 'Clambake' double LP-set is available from >>> Shop ElvisMatters just like the 'Elvis: The Last Concert' 3-CD-set at >>> Shop ElvisMatters.

The Concert Folios: The Back Covers: 1955-1977

Joseph Tunzi's JAT Publishing announced the release of the 332-page hardback book  'The Concert Folios: The Back Covers: 1955-1977'. 

Description: This is a follow up to 'The Definitive Vinyl Artwork of Elvis Presley, Vol. 2', which will consist of all the concert folios issued during Elvis live performances from 1955 to 1977, including some of which where found in various Elvis albums in the 70s. 

At 232 pages, in full color (where possible), this book will feature all original photography, finally shown how the images actually looked, not the washed out appearance that was originally provided in the folios.

New Vinyl

The SR import record label released the double LP 'Burning at Both Ends' featuring Elvis' May 7, 1975 Closing Show as recorded at Murfreesboro, TN on sides A to C and various Studio and Live Version of 'Burning Love' on the last side. 

The label also released two more Limited Editions of their 'Promised Land' set with a selection of bonus items. Th LPs contain Studio and Live Recordings of 'Promised Land' and on the second disk Elvis' 08.30 PM performance as recorded at the Macon Coliseum, Macon, GA on April 24, 1975. 

(Source: Elvis Presley Collectors Group on Facebook / Pascal Matteo)