Elvis At 90 at the Elvis Presley Birthplace

In 1934, Vernon Presley borrowed US$180 for materials to build a small frame house in East Tupelo. Vernon’s father Jessie and Vester, his brother, helped with building the little shotgun house. It was in this humble two-room home lit by a single light bulb in each room that Elvis Aron Presley was born on January 8, 1935. 

Aged 20 Elvis transformed the music industry with his unique sound and style. He would record some of the defining songs of the 1950s Rock and Roll era, including All Shook Up, Heartbreak Hotel, Blue Suede Shoes and many more. He smooched his way through the sixties with his movies, re-define Rock and Roll in 1968 with his Comeback TV Special before becoming one of the hardest working men in show business, taking his music across the U.S and worldwide via Satellite until he died in 1977. 

And the rest is history, 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. During his life, and many years after his legacy was documented in yearbooks. A tradition started in 1961 by Albert Hand, continued by Todd Slaughter until 1985 and revived by Kees Mouwen in 2020 who has since then covered the years 2017 until 2025. 

2025 marked the the date of what could have - and perhaps should have - been Elvis' 90th birthday. Unfortunately this wan't meant to be as Elvis left us on August 16, 1977. So here, in recognition of 90 years of Elvis, is a the 'Elvis Day By Day 2025' yearbook, featuring all the significant releases and events from the continuing saga of the King of Rock and Roll. 

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. With this picture of Roy on the porch of Elvis' birth house, the story of Elvis' 90th Anniversary year is full circle. And as the author of the book, it makes me proud to see my book at the exact place where it all started so long ago!

 

About the book

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 480 full-color pages! The King Still Lives Today, this book proves it!

Visit the birthplace

Roy Turner kindly invites you all to visit Elvis Presley's birthplace. Or as he says on his website: "I rise every morning excited to meet the fans, talk about Elvis, and join our wonderful staff in making a visit to the Birthplace the experience of a lifetime." And as he stated in the foreword of the 2025 Elvis yearbook: "Forty-eight years after his passing he is still able to Shake, Rattle and Roll the hearts of the world."

The 129,000 visitors of the Elvis Presley Birthplace can't be wrong! 

For more information on the Elvis Presley Birthplace, or to book your visit, go the the >>> Birthplace website. For more information on the 'Elvis Day By Day' Yearbook series visit the >>> Poplar Tunes website.

March 21 - Charts march 2026 - Week 3

  

The 'EPiC: Elvis Presley In Concert' soundtrack has peaked, and exited most charts this week. 

The 'ELV1S 30 No. 1 Hits' album climbed one spot on the Official Album Top 100 chart, from No. 57 to No. 56. It lost two spots on the Streaming chart, falling to No. 55. On the Chart Update chart it gained another three spots and rose to 42 this week.

The 'EPiC' Soundtrack album bounced back on the Album Sales chart, climbing from No. 72 to No. 64. On the Album Download chart the soundtrack lost another ten places and landed at No. 32. The '50 Greatest Hits' compilation almost exited the  chart this week, falling from No. 52 to No. 99. The 'ELV1S 30 No. 1 Hits' wasn't able to hang on another week on the Download chart and dropped off the list from last week's re-entry at No. 93. 

On the physical album chart, the 'EPiC' soundtrack recovered and regained 17 spots from last week's drop, closing the chart week at No. 72. 

The soundtrack album remained steady at No. 2 on Soundtrack Album chart. The 2022 'ELVIS' soundtrack album fell off the Top 50 Soundtrack Album chart from last week's listing at No. 48.  

On the Singles Download and Sales charts 'Burning Love' exited the chart after last week's re-entry at No. 73 and No. 78 respectively.

The 'From Elvis In Nashville' album couldn't maintain last week's sales level and exited the Country Compilation chart after last week's re-entry at No. 16.

To be updated over the weekend: The 'The Complete Story' lost five places and dropped to No. 35 on the Music video chart this week. The 'Elvis The Searcher' documentary exited the chart after last week's re-entry at No. 26, it was replaced by 'The Kong of Rock and Roll' compilation DVD that re-entered the chart once more at No. 33 this week.

Scottish charts

The 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' album re-entered the Album Top 100 chart at No. 90. 

Irish charts

The 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' album exited the Album Top 100 chart from last week's No. 95 spot. 

U.S. Billboard charts

The 'EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert' soundtrack exited Billboard's Top Album Sales and Soundtrack charts from No's 35 and 13 respectively. The 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' compilation lost five spots and dropped to No. 40 on Billboards Country Album chart. 

Worldwide charts

The 'EPiC' soundtrack exited the the Australian ARIA Album chart from last week's listing at No. 47. 

The 'EPiC' soundtrack dropped from No. 43 to No. 90 on the Belgian UltraTop Top 200 Album chart in the Flanders part of the country. It exited the chart in the Wallonian part of the country from last week's listing at No. 83. 

The Music on Vinyl re-issue of 'Elvis Now' exited the Flanders Album Top 200 charts after last week's (re-)entry at No. 186. 

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

March 20 - Liquid Elvis

The French V.P.I. record label re-issued Elvis' debut album as a green colored liquid vinyl LP. The label returned to the original U.K. version of this classic album, titled 'Rock and Roll', as first released in October 1956 on the HMV record label. 

Publicity stated: Following the success of 'Something for Everybody', this reissue follows a clear timeline: the 70th anniversary of Rock 'n' Roll, one of the records that established Elvis Presley as a central figure in global pop culture. 

The album captures a moment when everything was still being defined, as Rock and Roll evolved from a fringe phenomenon into a universal language. It features the singles 'Blue Suede Shoes', 'I Got a Woman', 'I'll Never Let You Go (Little Darlin')', 'I Love You Because', 'Just Because' and 'Money Honey'. 

The design replicates the original U.K. cover design and reinstates the rare version featuring the 'His Master's Voice' logo, which has long been missing from standard reissues. This one-time hand numbered reissue is limited to 600 copies worldwide.

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.

Easy Come, Easy Go 

The AustralianVia Vision started shipping their Blu-ray version of the 1967 musical comedy 'Easy Come, Easy Go' to their customers. This debut of the movie on the high definition format had April 15, 2026 as the street date.

Description: Lieutenant Ted Jackson, a Navy frogman, is about to end his tour of duty. But on his last dive, he discovers a sunken ship. Once he finds out there are silver coins hidden in the wreck, he sees a fortune in his future. Now he and his old boss find themselves diving headfirst into the treasure-hunting business.

Chuck Norris Died

Martial artist, author and action star Chuck Norris died, he was 86. He met Elvis who asked him to teach karate to Priscilla. 

Priscilla posted on Facebook: "I’m so sad to hear that my Karate instructor and friend Chuck Norris has passed away. He will be forever missed."

For the 40th anniversary of Elvis' death Chuck Norris shared some memories on meeting Elvis and teaching Priscilla martial arts in Southern California.

Like myself, it appears Elvis was introduced to the world of self defense while in the military. He would study many styles under many different ethnic instructors throughout his life. In 1959 he started as a student under German Juerge Seydel (a Shokotan sensei), then was mentored under Japanese Teugio Murakami (a Shokotan master), Korean Kang Rhee (Sa-Ryu TaeKwon Do Grandmaster), Americans Hank Slemansky (a Chito Ryu stylist) and Ed Parker (the founder of American Kenpo - who would remain his lifelong teacher) and Filipino Dan Inosanto (later Bruce Lee's student), under whom Elvis would eventually earn his black belt.

Over the next decade and a half, Elvis was awarded advancing black belt degrees, and in time was granted an honorary 7th degree black belt. He even opened his own martial arts school back in Memphis, 'The Tennessee Karate Institute', where Bill Wallace was the chief instructor.

Elvis' love for martial arts permeated his career in music and movies, where he'd often demonstrate his self-defense moves. I'll never forget seeing him perform in Las Vegas (which I'll detail in a moment), where he kicked, punched, postured and even did the splits holding his guitar in hand!

Several of his films demonstrate the influence of karate in his life, including 'G.I. Blues', 'Wild in the Country', 'Blue Hawaii', 'Kid Galahad', 'Follow that Dream', 'Double Trouble', 'Harum Scarum' and 'Flaming Star'.

While they were still married, Priscilla called me to say she wanted to study karate with me. We had been introduced by Ed Parker at a tournament. I asked her why she didn't study with Ed, to which she replied, "Ed can't teach me because he is Elvis' private trainer as well as his personal bodyguard." So I agreed and taught her at my Sherman Oaks martial arts studio.

Priscilla came to her private lesson wearing a GI (a martial arts training uniform). She worked hard, and I soon discovered she was serious about her training. We would start her lessons with stretching exercises to loosen and warm up the muscles. She was quick to learn some basic kicks. Priscilla had studied ballet, which gave her an edge over many students, because she was already limber and able to execute high kicks with ease. Within a month she was able to kick anywhere I directed with force and precision.

When we started free-style sparring (a free exchange of blows, blocks and counterattacks until a cleanly executed assault to a vital point is made), I tried to put a boxer's head-guard on her. Although most students welcomed the face protection, Priscilla scorned it. I remember her responding as she rejected the offer to wear it, "I won't have one of these on in the streets." Once she even insisted on going out in the alley behind the studio to work out with the high-heeled shoes, because she said that was what she usually wore.

Priscilla has many of the qualities I value in a person. She is open and has a positive attitude toward life. She was a great reflection in yesteryear of what we see today - women training and competing with equal diligence and fortitude to men. From her training onward, I've expected top results from both my male and female students. In fact, in my World Combat League, women are among the fiercest competitors.

After one of her private lessons, Priscilla invited Bob Wall (my karate studio partner) and me to Las Vegas to watch Elvis perform at the Hilton Hotel. We gladly accepted the invitation. This would be the first time I met Elvis in person. I'll never forget sitting in the front booth with Priscilla at that dinner show and being captivated by his charisma and showmanship.

Afterwards Elvis invited us up to his suite, where we talked until 4:00 in the morning. At first I thought, "What are we going to talk about?" I knew nothing about music, but I knew I could talk about martial arts all night long! And we did! I was impressed with his self defense insight and devotion. Even after two shows earlier that evening, Elvis stayed to the early morning hours shooting the breeze with us. That was a special night for all of us, which I'll never forget.

Elvis was a real nice, down-to-earth guy, who made you feel in a few hours like you had known him forever. I still enjoy his music and films. I wasn't always a big fan of his morality, but then I wasn't always a big fan of mine.

I hope, despite his struggles near the end, that Elvis too made peace with God, believing those gospel truths as well as he belted them out as a singer. God's amazing grace is still all sufficient, able to forgive us all of all we've done wrong, even those king-sized vices. When we ask Him to do so, as Elvis sang, we too can sing, 'O happy day, when Jesus washed my sins away.'

Despite some personal objections to his lifestyle, no one can doubt Elvis' musical and theatrical genius, creativity and magnetism as a performer. And as far as his martial arts abilities, he truly was pretty impressive, flexible and tough. He may not have been a Bruce Lee, me or other notables in the field of professional competition, but then again have you ever heard about any of our singing careers?

Logo Elvis Week 2026

Here is the logo for the Elvis Week 2026 celebrations of Elvis' life and legacy. Elvis week 2026 will run from August 8 - 16 2026, details are to be announced by Graceland. 

For updates visit the >>> Elvis Week pages on Graceland's website.

(Source: Culture Factory / Via Vision / WorldNetDaily / Elvis Australia / Graceland)

March 19 - It's Elvis Time In Las Vegas

The International import record label released the double LP 'Live In Las Vegas 1969'. 

Publicity stated: For the first time ever, this legendary 1969 Las Vegas performance by Elvis Presley is finally available on vinyl, and it’s nothing short of explosive. Captured during the Midnight Show on August 21, 1969, this is Elvis at his most electrifying: raw, powerful, and fully in command. Fresh from his triumphant return to live performance, he delivers a show that defines why he is - and always will be - The King.

 

This 2-LP Special Limited Edition has been newly remixed from the original multitrack concert tapes, delivering a rich, dynamic sound that brings you closer to the stage than ever before. This is Elvis in 1969, unleashed, unfiltered, and unforgettable.

Pressed on 180-gram heavyweight vinyl (including a stunning purple vinyl edition besides black), this is a must-have centerpiece for any serious Elvis collection. As a bonus, the complete show is also included on CD – giving you the best of both worlds.

 

Side 1: Blue Suede Shoes / I Got A Woman / All Shook Up / Love Me Tender / Jailhouse Rock - Don’t Be Cruel / Heartbreak Hotel.

 

Side 2: Monologue / Hound Dog / Memories / Mystery Train - Tiger Man / Monologue.

 

Side 3: Monologue / Baby, What You Want Me To Do / Runaway / Are You Lonesome Tonight? / Yesterday - Hey Jude.

 

Side 4: Introductions / Happy Birthday to James Burton / In The Ghetto / Suspicious Minds / What’d I Say / Can’t Help Falling In Love.

It's Elvis Time

The Dutch It's Elvis Time will soon sent out the March 2026 edition of their self-titled magazine to their members. Erwin Lammerts, designer of the magazine wrote: Once again, a beautiful issue featuring captivating stories and reviews. Including how Elvis rose from poverty to wealth and presented himself as a benefactor. 

Also, a wonderful interview from 1978 (a year after Elvis’ death) with Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis’ manager, and a beautiful look at 1970, viewed by many as the best year of Elvis’ career.

And as the icing on the cake, an article about the 1973 deal, the year Elvis sold his entire music catalog to record label RCA. This and much more will soon be on members’ doorsteps.

Want to become a member of It's Elvis Time? You can! Click >>> here to apply for membership.

(Source: Various / It's Elvis Time)

March 17 - The Freedom of Chains For Vinyl

Alan R. Tranter published 'The Freedom of My Chains: The Recordings of Elvis Presley 1968 - 1977'

Description: Between 1968 and 1977, Elvis Presley recorded some of the most urgent, defiant, tender and puzzling performances of his career. This was the era of reinvention and resistance, of artistic rebirth and gradual retreat. From the raw electricity of the television “comeback” to the orchestral sweep of the concert years, from the creative blaze of Memphis to the twilight recordings in the Jungle Room, the story is neither simple triumph nor easy decline.

The Freedom of My Chains examines every master recording from these final nine years with clarity and candour. Each session is placed in context, each song weighed on its own merits, each triumph celebrated and each misstep considered without sentimentality. Producers, songwriters, studios and circumstances all play their part in a narrative that is as much about control and compromise as it is about voice.

This is not a book about myth. It is about work. About choices. About a man still capable of greatness, sometimes soaring, sometimes faltering, always compelling.

For anyone who wants to listen more closely, and hear the story in the grooves ...

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

Heading Down To Sunset Boulevard

The ReelTrax import record label released a vinyl version of their 'Heading Down To Sunset Boulevard' album.

Publicity stated: This time we are focused 100% on Elvis' legendary rehearsal for the “Summer Festival” engagement in 1974. Yes, it has been released before, but ... You won ́t believe your ears when you hear the sound quality on the new ReelTrax release! It is more than likely that you will enjoy listening to it more than ever before!

The August 16th, 1974 rehearsal, presented here has been carefully and newly mixed. Previous editions suffered from a problem where the music dropped to a very low volume whenever Elvis began singing. Using the latest state-of-the-art studio technology, we have worked to create a much more balanced recording that does justice to both the musicianship and Elvis’ performance. Each song has been carefully mixed for the best presentation.

The rehearsal has also been speed-corrected, as earlier releases ran far too slow. This important correction changes the whole rehearsal in the sense of that it does not sound any longer like a tired Elvis at work, and the band having gone to waste as soon as Elvis starts singing.

The LP is available on black and on clear vinyl, 200 copes per color and can be pre-ordered from the >>> Bennies Fifties webshop.

Side A: 01. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) – Version 1 / 02. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) – Version 2 / 03. Promised Land – Version 1 / 04. Promised Land – Version 2

05. Down In The Alley – Version 1 06. Down In The Alley – Version 2 07. It's Midnight – Version 1.

Side B: 01. It's Midnight – Version 2 / 02. Your Love's Been A Long Time Coming / 03. Good Time Charlie's Got The Blues / 04. Softly, As I Leave You – Version 1 / 05. Softly, As I Leave You – Version 2 / 06. I'm Leavin’.

Side C: 01. I ́m Leavin ́ (Reprise) / 02. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face / 

03. Proud Mary / 04. If You Talk In Your Sleep / 05. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) – Version 3.

Side D: 01. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) – Version 4 / 02. The Twelfth Of Never / 

03. Faded Love / 04. Just Pretend / 05. The Twelfth Of Never (David Briggs overdub).

(Source: Amazon / Bennies Fifties)

Interview with Gravel Road on Elvis In Concert

The Gravel Road Music record label has been operating for 20 years, releasing many very collectable releases along the way, including 'You Know It Don't Have To Be Strictly Country', 'The Return Of A Prodigy'(recently re-released on vinyl), 'Plugged In and Geared Up', 'Good To Be Back' and last year the Deluxe box-set 'Elvis: August 1969 By Invitation Only'. 

Last year they announced the release of a vinyl version of their presentation of 'Elvis In Concert'. Many fans of Elvis in concert have been waiting for this LP set. It was originally set for release in October 2025, but it was delayed. 

Because the LP is finally due around March 20, 2026 we thought this was a good moment to catch up with the man behind the record and the label. Kees Mouwen and Nigel Patterson (Elvis Information Network) asked the questions. 

Kees: Nice to catch up again, it has been a while since we last talked. I had hoped to talk to you in October last year, for the release of the LP version of 'A Study of Elvis In Concert'. What happened over the past six months?
 
Gravel Road: Hello guys, nice to catch up again! Yes, we expected it too. We had serious unexpected difficulties with the quality of the pressing, it didn't meet the audio quality we had in mind. 
 
Normally one or sometimes a second test pressing should be enough, but somehow each time new issues occurred, so we weren't happy with the result and ended up doing three different masters before we had it right, and no less than five different test pressings! For today's standards, five test pressings is really unheard of! 

Because we didn't get the sound right, we decided with the last cut to do a lacquer mastering instead of the direct metal mastering. Lacquer masters are known for a warm, analogue sound and a more prominent low-end signal compared to direct metal mastering which sounds a little brighter. We've been called crazy by others, but listening to the end result proves it was the right decision. All this caused the largest part of the delays.
 

The ‘Elvis in Concert’ badges also proved to be more difficult than we expected, they turned into a serious time-consuming headache. We wanted these backstage ‘Elvis in Concert’ badges to be an almost exact reproduction of the original ones, in color, material and size. Well, let me tell you, that is difficult, we seriously underestimated this. 

The material used for this has changed over time, like many things, but it had to be the same look and feel. Perhaps it would have been easier to track down the original and include those!

The second problem was the ink. The modern ink is different due to health regulations, which means that the original colors can no longer be obtained, and a 100% match wasn't always possible. So we had to find the closest approximation, sometimes it was spot on, but sometimes it was difficult to determine the exact color as the originals varied too as they aged over time and colors faded. So, a simple bonus item changed into a serious challenge! But these were the rules we had set for ourselves. 
 

Now the real problem occurred, the printer had a newer material that looked more like plastic folio and lacked gloss. What should we do now? Everything had already been announced, and we didn't want to disappoint anyone. With great difficulty, the printer managed to obtain the original material, and it was printed... the digital printing didn't work out. CMYK couldn’t get the colors right. 
 
Please note, we're now already in December now. But we decided to do whatever it took to get everything right, again, quality takes time and there are no short cuts here. We quickly needed an old-school printer who knows the material and could also do PMS screen printing and mixing color by eye … we did and we just received the end-result this month! 
 
And wow! seeing them all together was really awesome. By the time fans hold the end-result in their hands, they will realize this wasn't an overnight release. Treasure it, we won't repeat this part! 
 
Nigel: Good to have that out of the way, let's dive deeper into this new set, what is the reason to do this release?
 

Gravel Road: We wanted to do it already together with our 'A Study of Elvis Presley in Concert' book, but we weren't sure back then. The release of our 1969 VIP box set made us realize, that there should be an album version of 'A Study of Elvis Presley in Concert'. It just had to be. And requests from various sides made it even more obvious. 
 
Since our book is still in high demand at the moment, it was wise to do it now. We've created a beautiful, vintage vinyl edition to complete the 1977 in concert set. The two backstage badges from us added a touch of the 1977 sentiment.
 
Nigel: What makes this version different from the original version most fans have in their collection?
 
Gravel Road: It is the soundtrack from our book without the fan comments, the sequence of the songs is now in correct order of the Rapid City performance. 
 

We basically did what many fans were hoping for over the years, release it without the comments and with the songs in the right order as they appeared in the show, in the best sound possible. The 'Elvis In Concert' album from 1977 was a soundtrack cut to one LP and a second LP that contained a compilation of songs taken from two different shows not used in the TV Special.
 
Kees: According to the general perspective, Elvis had become a caricature of himself in 1977, but fans keep buying releases from this era, apparently FTD's 'The Last Tours' series does very well, the label had to do a quick reprint of Volume 1 immediately. What do you think about Elvis fans' fascination with his rather sad final year?
 
Gravel Road: As you said, his final year is charged with Elvis's death. Personally, whenever I hear or read about 1977, I always think of Elvis consciously or unconsciously, so I suspect there's also some kind of emotional connection. It's personal, of course, but it somehow connects all the fans. Because you love Elvis, you defend it more than usual. 
 
On the other side, whatever you think of Elvis, his voice was better than ever as if it only kept improving. When the time would have been in his favor, he would have come back in (better) shape eventually. It must have been hard for Elvis, since he was always aware of his appearance and now, he had less control.
 

Nigel: Talking about Elvis's last concerts, his final performance is being released by the Petticoat label on vinyl, and the Follow That Dream Collectors label will release a cleaned and restored version on CD. What is your opinion on those releases?
 
Gravel Road: When we made the book, the idea was to help fans and non-fans to understand Elvis' situation and the negative approach by the media at the time. We are very happy that 1977 is now getting the attention it deserves. Elvis was really good in 1977, maybe not as active as in previous years, but he certainly made up for it with great vocal performances, and as I said, if given the time, he would have had the rest in order again. Yes its great they do this.
 

We know there are soundboards of the last two shows but until then we should be very happy, they are giving us these releases. That a label like Petticoat releases it on vinyl is nice, I don't expect that FTD would release an audience recording on vinyl, it doesn't fit their policy.
 
Kees: Why not wait until the 50th anniversary of this concert, or do you want to beat the competition?
 
Gravel Road: We have no competitive urge, we just wanted to tell a story about the CBS TV Special and set the record straight, hoping some writers will glean information from it to portray 1977 in a more nuanced way, especially with the bullshit sold online by YouTubers to gain more followers. 
 
Elvis has been in the wrong light more than enough times. Since he can't put it into words, it's up to fans and researchers to present the correct facts. Elvis deserves to be recognized for his great legacy and maybe even more importantly for the great person he was. Once you get to know Elvis, you discover how special he was.
 
Nigel: What did you learn from studying these last concerts, and what should fans pay attention to when they listen to Elvis during his last shows? And what do these recordings reveal about Elvis' voice and stage presence in the final months of his life?
 
Gravel Road: If you are in the position to listen to other concerts from previous years, you hear steady progress of his voice, anybody in the music field, even if they don't like Elvis' music says that his voice was impressive. Besides talent, only hard work, rehearsing and the drive to keep improving yourself will take you to that level as a performer. Many well-known singers recognized his exceptional talent. Placido Domingo once stated that Elvis' voice was the one he wished he had, and Andrea Bocelli admired Elvis' extraordinary talent.
 

Kees: How does this 1977 concert performance compare to the (audio) presentation of Elvis live in concert in the 'EPiC' movie?
 
Gravel Road: I think the 1977 concert is a completely different outing of Elvis at his vocal peak. You could say that 'EPiC' shows Elvis’ continuing drive to develop himself. It is more of a continuation of greatness.
 
The music as used in 'EPiC' is tailored to fit the way the footage is cut, which benefits the movie greatly. 
 
Elvis' music is way too good and not really in need of a modern twist. Like 'In The Ghetto', I see young listeners being surprised when hearing it for the first time and being impressed and loving it, so why change it. But for the movie it works .
 
Kees: Is there a moment from this 1977 concert that stands out to you personally?
 
Gravel Road: That would be 'How Great Thou Art' because he really lifts the song to the next level! It is so extremely powerful, in our opinion it is the best rendition he did on stage. I also enjoy 'I Really Don't Want To Know' because he is really into the performance, so controlled balancing the words, wow, this is real craftmanship!
 
Nigel: Gravel Road is known for the quality audio of their releases. What can you tell us about the source for this new outing?
 
Gravel Road: If you enjoyed the audio enclosed with the book, you should be pleased with the vinyl, only difference is, it is now mastered and cut for vinyl old school, so it has that vinyl presentation many fans love so much. 
 
Nigel: How was the audio mixed and mastered, and what challenges came with working from live concert recordings?
 
Gravel Road: The two different shows have different settings and audio ratios, so we had to match them and get them at the same audio level. After that, we had to make the transitions sound as natural as possible. By transferring and mastering the sound like we did, we brought out more details that were hidden in the recording, we also brought out more of the surroundings and corrected flaws that were previously covered by the overdubs. This greatly added to the overall live atmosphere of the concert.
 
Kees: Were there any overdubs or studio enhancements added, or was the goal to keep it purely as-is from the performances? In other words, did you include the overdubs?
 
Gravel Road: The original overdubs are audio repairs, just to fix the weak parts of the original recording. The music performance itself was great but during the recording some was not good audible in the mix. So they needed attention and with the possibilities of today we can do it even better, audio solutions which were a compromise back then we are now able to solve. 
 
We didn't add extra compression, reverb or other effects, we believe this is - as close as we could get - to the real deal.
 

Kees: Looking back, do you feel - the new presentation of - the album represents Elvis fairly as an artist at that stage of his career?

Gravel Road: Absolutely this is a very good and worthy presentation. If you want to show a non-fan about Elvis in 1977, use this and you convert them. It's the power of Elvis, just let the music do the "talking"!
 
Nigel: Is there material from that era that remains unreleased? We mostly have audience recordings from the last months of Elvis on tour in 1977, do you think it should ever come out from FTD?
 
Gravel Road: Most of it has been recorded and we know that some collectors own these unreleased soundboards. Once they become available to the general public, we could hear these concerts in better quality. But will they reveal anything new? I don't think so. But it wouldn't hurt to hear them, as audience recordings aren't everybody's cup-of-tea. I would like to hear them for sure!
 
We buy all the FTD releases, we're Elvis fans and love hearing something new of course. But the question we should ask ourselves is "do you play these concerts often?". And the honest answer is probably "no". We mostly play the original albums, those songs are selected for being the best renditions of the songs or performances. The 'In Concert' release is the 'go to' album for most fans when they want to listen to a concert from 1977. 
 
Kees: Besides the musical content, Gravel Road has become known for creating collector packages, what can fans look forward to this time? And will the price be affordable for the casual fan?
 

Gravel Road: As I said at the beginning, the backstage badges became serious items, when looking at photos of Elvis on tour, you'll notice them on jackets, briefcases, flight cases and so on. 

We originally started with the idea to add just two badges, but when the printer said it would not be very expensive to change colors we thought it would be cool to add them all. As these are so very recognizable, we decided to make them available apart from the LP. 
 
We always want to give the best and as much as possible, always considering feasibility and the unusual. If it's financially feasible, we'll do it. We also look at original items to see if they are rare or very expensive. This way, we make these items more accessible to casual fans. But many original items are still expensive and replicas are sometimes also expensive to realize when you want to do it as perfectly as possible. So that's always a consideration as you have to remember, you can't build a Ferrari with Fiat prices. That's why we do everything we can to make the impossible achievable. 

Like the backstage badges, originals cost between US$150-400, some reproductions online are offered for US$40 excluding shipping. That is expensive, but to obtain all 17 different ones in this high almost 1:1 quality for half of the price of an original sound like a good deal to us. We don't believe anybody else would does this on this level, you most likely get a normal sticker or it looks kind of like it.
 
Nigel: Sales of the import and "grey" market releases have fallen in the past decade. Even the Follow That Dream label has apparently experienced a general slide in sales. In response, labels including Gravel Road, have responded (evolved) to this decline with innovative products such as vinyl, test pressings, multi-media sets, and bonus extras. One trend is the release of very limited (e.g. 3 to 11 sets) multi-part editions, for instance, ‘Rockin' in Georgia’, at exorbitant prices. Is this trend likely a passing fad and is it good for how the bootleg market is viewed? 
 

Gravel Road: We believe the Elvis world is overloaded with all sorts of things, and that doesn't make it any easier for Elvis fans to choose the right items. Kees’ 'Day By Day' yearbooks illustrates that year over year. 

Gravel Road always did something extra, simply because it was fun. We started the books because we needed the space to tell a story and a nice, secure way to package everything as completely as possible. 

The vinyl has been on our wish list for some time. And because there was so much demand for it, we took a chance with the VIP box. Looking back, you can already see a modest attempt with our 3-pack set ‘ELVIS 1969’. We are fans and want to create what we can't get from other labels, and do it as well as possible. 
 

A good example are the backstage badges, instead of just two. We try to find and create them all, which is a lot of extra work; two badges would have been enough. This shows again that we are fans and a bit crazy. 
 
We haven't experienced a decline in interest since we offer reliable quality, limited editions, and no reprints to keep it collectible. The only thing we're guilty of is upgrading a release, and this has to be a real upgrade. We will release older titles on vinyl in the future and new material. But these will also remain limited to protect the collector. 
 
As you can see, we invest a lot of time in our products. We believe Elvis should always be presented with quality, not quantity. There was a lot of discussion about us adding the backstage badges to this set, the original badges are simply too rare and too expensive. In this way, these kind of items become in reach for those who love it.
 
Overall, physical sales of CDs, LPs etcetera are down, streaming is now the main source of income for companies, they don't lose money it just shifts into a different way. Although vinyl made a serious comeback, they are already talking about the comeback of the CD. Just look at the success of the 'EPiC' soundtrack. 
 
Creating three to eleven pressings of an item and then offering them for a very high price is taking advantage of the collector; and it is very easy to do. It only becomes interesting when there are many of one album or item and only one or two that are truly different; then it becomes special. 
 
For example, and some of you may know this already; with the 1969 box set, we created 25 custom numbered box sets for people who meant something to the project, we did this as a "thank you", they differ from the black and colored sets. These are transparent and have extra content with a gold printing on the box. Like that, you do a very limited edition for a good reason.
 
Kees: Reportedly, FTD, the official Elvis collectors label, was introduced to combat and eliminate the bootleg market. Some have suggested that two decades on, the Elvis bootleg world is dead. What is your response to this view?
 
Gravel Road: Sony and FTD have the market covered with their releases and that is good, we hear and see things we normally won't get and they make it available to us. Some material we will never hear simply because they don't have it or not the quality needed to release it. For the diehard fans it's a blessing that somebody else releases these audience recordings, it won't hurt them as the quantities are limited. And if the Follow That Dream label would find better quality they will release it anyway, the fans will want it because it is better. No loss either.
 
We are not in favor of releases with known material in all colors of the rainbow and other crazy ideas, although there are of course some nice ones in between the myriad of titles released "almost every week" so to speak. In the end we think, live and let live, enjoy it. 
 
We focus mainly on content believing the quality of it should do the work, but for some that's just what they like to collect, that's also great.
 

Nigel: And what do you think of the Memphis Recording Service, operating in the grey market between bootlegs and official releases in Europe? Is it serious competition for FTD or Sony? Do you think they should step in and release upgraded concerts on CD and vinyl?
 
Gravel Road: It would be a good move but expensive for FTD, keep in mind they have to answer to Sony about the sales and with an overflow of releases people get picky and it has to remain affordable.
 
You cannot compare the Memphis Recording Service with the Follow that Dream or Sony labels, as these are totally different in company structure. MRS has found their niche with their stereo offering and they have their fans. Many fans buy various releases of the same concert anyway. A Follow That Dream release probably stands next to the MRS outing of the same recording on many fans' shelf. 
 
Kees: Being an audio expert, what do you think of the newly created MRS Stereo mixes? 
 
Gravel Road: Some of the releases are very nice, they benefit from the approach. In the end it's a matter of personal taste and I think it is a good thing that fans can choose. 

Kees: Looking ahead, in your 1969 box-set there was an announcement for a vinyl version of the 1961 Hawaii Benefit Show, when can we expect that set?
 
Gravel Road: The 'Hawaii Benefit' release is intended for release this year. We didn't expect such a delay with the release of the vinyl version of 'A Study of Elvis Presley In Concert'. We think fans should enjoy a release not shelf it directly after the release date, by releasing titles one after another. We also don't want to give a date yet, since things can change as we experienced with our latest set. 
 
Kees: Next to the already announced Hawaiian set, are there other projects on the horizon you can share?
 
Gravel Road: The Hawaii project was a very old promise and we wanted to get it out and done. But a 1970 VIP box on the same level as our 1969 set with book would be a nice! Another project for the near future is a vinyl version of the Boston show. We are fans, we aim for quality, so we do need our time with something big like that.
 
Nigel: Thanks for catching up again, we look forward to hearing the end-result!
 
Gravel Road: My pleasure, until we meet again, adios.

Coming soon to the Elvis Information and Elvis Day By Day a chance to win a copy of this new GRM vinyl set.

Buy the album

The album is available for pre-order from the >>> Bennies Fifties webshop.

Details for the 'Elvis in Concert' LP:

The original announcement stated: After the tremendous success of our first vinyl release, 'The Return of a Prodigy,' which we presented in our 'Elvis 1969' box set, we received many requests to "please, release 'A Study of Elvis Presley's 'In Concert' on vinyl." Since 'For God and Country' (Hawaii 1961) is still being worked on, and we've already completed the vinyl mastering for 'In Concert,' we are able to surprise you with this fantastic release and even have some really great extras: a large poster of the October 3, 1977, CBS announcement in color and two faithful reproductions of the backstage badges from the tours.

Gravel Road Music is very pleased to offer you the soundtrack of our book 'A Study of Elvis Presley's In Concert' on vinyl. These records are of the highest quality clear vinyl. Weighing 180 grams, the excellent finish features a very glossy surface. Everything is housed in a full color gatefold sleeve with extra printed inner sleeves and Japanese anti-static inner covers to protect the vinyl.

Our version is without the fan comments and with the addition of the previously missing, impressive 'Unchained Melody'. All done with the same technique as in 1977. Also, the set list has been re-arranged to have a correct set list of Omaha with some extra songs from Rapid City in the right spot. We strive for the best quality and affordability within those limits. We won't compromise on quality. That's our promise.

Since we're known to do something extra at times, we included a large poster of the October 3, 1977, CBS announcement in color. And, as if it wasn't special enough, we've made reproductions of all the backstage badges, like the ones you see the Memphis Mafia wearing on their jackets - "IN CONCERT ELVIS BUILDING PERSONNEL" - and even on Elvis' private briefcase. They are made of the same textile material and are 100% true to the originals.

We've tried to use all the known colors - 17 badges in total - of which two random colors are included in 'A Study of Elvis Presley's 'In Concert' LP set. We've made all the known 11 round sticker badges, as well as the six rectangular ones. 

Because they're so special, we're giving dealers the opportunity to offer them all separately or as a set. Note that these additional badges are not included in the LP set, just a cool extra if you want them). The colors in the LP sets are random. Ask your dealer for the complete set of 17 badges.

Note: If for any reason another color should surface, we will add it to the existing ones to keep the collection up to date. We think we have them all, but you'll never know.

Tracks Side A: 1. Also Sprach Zarathustra / 2. See See Rider / 3. I Got A Woman - Amen  / 4. That’s Allright / 5. Are You Lonesome Tonight? - Dialogue.

Side B: 1. Love Me / 2. Fairytale* / 3. Little Sister* / 4. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) / 5. You Gave Me A Mountain / 6. And I Love You So* / 7. Jailhouse Rock.

Side C: 1. How Great Thou Art* / 2. O Sole Mio - It’s Now Or Never / 3. Trying To Get To You / 4. Hawaiian Wedding Song / 5. Medley: (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear - Don’t Be Cruel* / 6. My Way

Side D: 1. Early Morning Rain / 2. What’d I Say / 3. Johnny B. Goode / 4. I Really Don’t Want To Know / 5. Elvis Introduces his father, Vernon Presley / 6. Hurt / 7. Hound Dog / 8. Unchained Melody / 9. Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Riff* / 10. Special Message from Vernon

All songs are from Rapid City, June 21st, 1977. Songs marked with* are from Omaha, June 19th, 1977. Tracks: 3, 5 t/m 9, 14, 16, 19, 20, 26 were overdubbed on August 29th, 1977.

March 16 - Ray Walker

Elvis former backing vocalist Ray Walker celebrates his 92nd birthday, congratulations!

Walker is the last man standing from the famous Jordanaires who were essential during the first part of Elvis career. 

Effetto Elvis

Effetto Elvis (Laure Limongi): Due for publication on April 9 is this new Italian language book. The title translates as "The Elvis Effect" and the book description on Amazon translates as:

"Elvis Presley is the mutant god, the icon of a world, ours, oscillating between the sublime and the disastrous. Unifying and polemical, provocative and candid, a paradox that has become our function, our unknown. 

"Here, in 80 pages—intense, edgy, and rhythmic like a rock song—is all Elvis, all the Elvises: the good Southern boy, the "angel face," "Presley with the velvet lips," "the white man with the black voice," the affectionate son, the sexual demon, Elvis the soldier, Elvis in love, Elvis dressed in gold sequins, Elvis in the black leather jacket, the fringed jacket, "the first atomic singer," the Hollywood hunk, the emperor of Graceland, and the chubby Las Vegas attraction—the legend, the mysteries. 

"Tracing the stages of his life like the stations of a myth, from his birth in Tupelo to his mysterious end in Graceland, The Elvis Effect tells the story of a man who embodies the ideal enunciated by Andy Warhol, that of complete reproducibility: a man who still lives today, after his death, through the thousands of lookalikes who imitate him at various periods of his life."

(Source: UEPS / Elvis Book Discussion Group)