February 18 - Elvis at 42 : Still Dazzles Fans in Indianapolis

Out now is this Ultra Limited Edition LP and CD (or bonus photo) "Elvis at 42".

Publicity stated: This Matrix recording (a mix made out of a soundboard and an audience recording) of Elvis' April 24, 1977 performance will make you feel like you are right there in the audience, this new mix gives you a whole new listening experience.

This very Limited Edition is available in green or clear vinyl, and only 100 copies are available. A bonus a CD or a bonus photo is included. Get it while you can!

Recorded live at the Crisler Arena, Ann Arbor, Michigan - April 24 1977

Side A:
01. Love Me **
02. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) **
03. You Gave Me A Mountain **
04. Tryin’ To Get To You **
05. O Sole Mio (Sherrill Nielsen solo) - It’s Now Or Never (including false start) **
06. Blue Hawaii (part) - Little Sister ***
07. Teddy Bear - Don’t Be Cruel ***
08. Help Me ***

Side B:
01. My Way **
02. Polk Salad Annie **
03. Hurt (with reprise) **
04. Hound Dog **
05. Unchained Melody ***
06. Little Darlin’ ***
07. Can’t Help Falling In Love **
08. Closing Vamp - Elvis Has Left The Building *
* audience source
** matrix soundboard / audience
*** matrix multitrack / audience

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. Tryin’ To Get To You **
08. O Sole Mio (Sherrill Nielsen solo) **
09. It's Now Or Never (including false start) **
10. Blue Hawaii (part) ***
11. Little Sister ***
12. Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel ***
13. Help Me ***
14. My Way **
15. Polk Salad Annie **
16. Band Introductions *
17. Early Mornin' Rain *
18. What'd I Say *
19. Johnny B. Goode *
20. Ronnie Tutt solo *
21. Jerry Scheff solo *
22. Tony Brown solo *
23. Bobby Ogdin solo *
24. School Days *
25. Hurt (with reprise) **
26. Hound Dog **
27. Unchained Melody ***
28. Little Darlin` ***
29. Can't Help Falling In Love **
30. Closing Vamp **/*
31. Elvis has left the building / announcements *
Bonus:
32. Bridge Over Troubled Water (April 29 1977)

The Final Bow

Also released as a double LP / CD set is the historic farewell from the King 'The Final Bow'.

Publicity stated: Experience the emotion, the electricity, and the unforgettable magic of Elvis Presley’s final live performance, captured forever in a stunning very Limited Edition double LP and double CD deluxe collector’s edition.

This extraordinary release preserves the last time the King of Rock and Roll stepped onto the stage, delivering the passion, power, and vulnerability that defined a legend. This original Mono recording is pressed on high-quality vinyl and mastered for LP and CD.

This beautifully crafted set lets you relive that historic night exactly as it happened, raw, real, and unforgettable.

Th Deluxe 4-disc set Includes:

2 LPs featuring the complete final concert performance

2 CDs featuring the complete final concert performance and the opening act

3 exclusive bonus photographs, beautifully printed collector’s keepsakes capturing rare, intimate moments from Elvis’ final performance.

This limited collector’s edition box set is an essential addition for devoted fans and serious music collectors. Own a piece of music history. Relive the final bow. This high-quality set is available in either yellow or orange vinyl and is limited to 150 copies. Additionally, a mixed vinyl version (100 copies) is available.

Side A:

Also Sprach Zarathustra (Theme from 2001: A Space Oddysey) (Strauss) (1’40)

See See Rider (Trad. / Arr. Presley) (4’09)

I Got A Woman - Amen (Charles) (8’16)

Monologue (1’24)

Love Me (Leiber - Stoller) (2’47)

Side B:

Fairytale (A. and B. Pointer) (3’31)

You Gave Me A Mountain (Robbins) (3’49)

Jailhouse Rock (Leiber - Stoller) (2’37)

O Sole Mio / It’s Now Or Never (Schroeder - Gold) (4’47)

Little Sister (Pomus - Shuman) (1’56)

Teddy Bear - Don’t Be Cruel (Mann - Low) (2’26)

Side C:

Release Me (Miller - Yount) (3’39)

I Can’t Stop Loving You (Charles) (2’45)

Bridge Over Troubled Water (Simon) (4’58)

Band Introductions (3’37)

Early Mornin' Rain (John Wilkinson introduction) (Lightfoot) (1’58)

What’d I Say (James Burton introduction) (Charles) (0’57)

Johnny B. Goode (Berry) (1’01)

Side D:

Larry Londin drum solo (2’47)

Jerry Scheff bass solo (1’52)

Tony Brown piano solo (1’03)

I Really Don’t Wanna Know (Barnes - Robertson) (1’48)

Bobby Ogdin electric piano solo (1’18)

Introduction of Charlie Hodge & Joe Guercio (1’35)

Hurt (Crane - Jacobs) (2’32)

Hound Dog (Leiber - Stoller) (1’41)

Introductions of Vernon Presley / Ginger Alden and others plus the final goodbye (3’33)

Can’t Help Falling In Love (Peretti - Creatore - Weiss) (1’48)

Closing Vamp / Elvis Has Left The Building (0’30)

Tracks CD:

01. Also Sprach Zarathustra (Theme from 2001: A Space Oddysey) (Strauss) (1’40)

02. See See Rider (Trad. / Arr. Presley) (5’03)

03. I Got A Woman - Amen (Charles) (8’45)

04. Love Me (Leiber - Stoller) (2’56)

05. Fairytale (A. & B. Pointer) (3’19)

06. You Gave Me A Mountain (Robbins) (3’49)

07. Jailhouse Rock (Leiber - Stoller) (1’49)

08. O Sole Mio / It’s Now Or Never (Schroeder - Gold) (5’34)

09. Little Sister (Pomus - Shuman) (1’56)

10. Teddy Bear - Don’t Be Cruel (Mann - Low) (2’31)

11. Release Me (Miller - Yount) (3’33)

12. I Can’t Stop Loving You (Charles) (2’40)

13. Bridge Over Troubled Water (Simon) (5’00)

14. Band Introductions (3’33)

15. Early Mornin' Rain (John Wilkinson introduction) (Lightfoot) (2’00)

16. What’d I Say (James Burton introduction) (Charles) (0’57)

17. Johnny B. Goode (Berry) (0’57)

18. Larry Londin Drum Solo (2’44)

19. Jerry Scheff Bass Solo (1;51)

20. Tony Brown Piano Solo (1’03)

21. I Really Don’t Wanna Know (Barnes - Robertson) (1’47)

22. Bobby Ogdin Electric Clavinet Solo (1’18)

23. Joe Guercio Orchestra (1’34)

24. Hurt (Crane - Jacobs) (2’32)

25. Hound Dog (Leiber - Stoller) (1’41)

26. Introductions: Vernon Presley / Ginger Alden and others plus the final goodbye (3’32)

27. Can’t Help Falling In Love (Peretti - Creatore - Weiss) (1’48)

28. Closing Vamp (0’27)

(Source: Pascal Matteo)

Preview Elvis Day By Day 2025 Yearbook

Here is a preview video for the 'Elvis Day by Day 2025  - The Year In Review book, enjoy! And if you like what you see, visit the >>> PoplarTunes webshop.

February 17 - Green Colored Debut

Due for release in April 2026 is a green colored 10-inch vinyl edition of Elvis' debut album. 

Publicity stated: Released in 1956, Elvis Presley's debut album shook the world of popular music to its core. Blending Blues, Country and Gospel, his electrifying voice turned tracks like 'Blue Suede Shoes' and 'Heartbreak Hotel' into the launching pad of Rock and Roll, crowning its first global icon. 

All brought together in this limited edition 10-inch edition featuring the complete original album on 180 gram virgin vinyl.

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.

Elvis Musical?

In the lead-up to the premiere of 'EPIC: Elvis Presley In Concert', director Baz Luhrmann had a little slip of the tongue and said that a major Elvis stage project iss in the works. Although he indicates he will not direct the final theatrical production himself, he clearly expresses his enthusiasm for the plans and the possibilities of bringing Elvis' story to life on stage. This seems to mark the next step.

(Source: FNAC / ElvisMatters)

February 16 - William "Bardahl" McDaniel Died

Elvis Presley’s friend William "Bardahl" McDaniel, has passed away.

William and Elvis first met in 1957 at the Rainbow Skating Rink in Memphis. Elvis gave him the name “Bardahl” while roller skating due to a shirt he was wearing when they first met. 

He was often invited by Elvis for a game of football and to watch movies at the Memphian Theatre. He is the author of the book, “Elvis the Lighter Side.” For years he was a featured speaker at George Klein’s Memphis Mafia Reunion during Elvis Week and George’s yearly Elvis memorial service at the University of Memphis. Bardahl, was a kind gentleman who always enjoyed sharing his memories and stories of Elvis. 

(Source: Elvis Presley fans of Nashville)

February 15 - Elvis Milton Berle Show

Graphic biographer Paul Belard published the 210-page book 'Elvis Milton Berle Show June 4 & 5, 1956'. 

Publicity stated: Elvis’ legendary rendition of “Hound Dog” delighted the fans. It still does. However, it enraged the critics. One described his exhibition as “tinged with the kind of animalism that should be confined to dives and bordellos.” Another explained with a suggestion of racism that Elvis “makes up for vocal shortcomings with the weirdest and plainly suggestive animation short of an aborigine’s mating dance.”

The reaction of the Catholic Church was predictable. In an article titled “Beware of Elvis Presley”, it wrote “If the agencies - TV and others - would stop handling such nauseating stuff, all the Presleys of our land would soon be swallowed up in the oblivion they deserve.”

The book is available from >>> Amazon (associate link). For a signed edition you can contact Paul Belard by email at >>> pbelard@hotmail.com

(Source: Amazon / Paul Belard)

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' has been released! 

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.

The results on various Amazon genre charts worldwide - from The Netherlands to Canada, the United States and Australia - illustrate the book's popularity!

 

February 14 - Promised Land

The SR import record label released another Deluxe Edition of their 'Promised Land' set. This run is limited to 10 unique copies, all with individual cover-art, two double-sided 31 x 31 cardboard panels, an exclusive vinyl-style CD, an 39 x 25 cm poster, a sticker and an obi.

(Source: Pascal Matteo)

February 14 - Charts February 2026 - Week 2

The Elvis Birthday celebrations are over, and it looks like this is reflected in the U.S. charts. In the U.K. the fans have been watching more Elvis this past week.

Official U.K. charts

The 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' bounced back from No. 83 to No. 81 on the Official U.K. Album Top 100, but lost the same number of places on the Chart Update chart, falling to No. 79 this week. 

It lost three places on the U.K. Streaming Album Top 100, dropping to No. 70. 

The 'The Complete Story' won back 17 places on the chart, and climbed from No. 38 to No. 21 this week. 

U.S. Billboard charts

The 'The Essential Elvis Presley' album dropped from NO. 39 to No. 40 on the Top Country Albums chart. 

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

February 13 - New FTD CD and Vinyl

The Follow that Dream collectors label announced the release of the 'Elvis: The Last Concert' triple CD set, and the 'Clambake' double LP.

Publicity stated: As part of its ongoing 'Live On Tour series', FTD has the pleasure of announcing the historic publication 'Elvis: The Last Concert'. 

Released as a 3-CD set in 5-inch digipack format, the release contains the first official release of Elvis Presley’s last live performance, recorded at Market Square Arena, Indianapolis, on 26. June 1977. 

With priority given to historical content, this amateur recording has been digitally enhanced to remedy its many audio shortcomings. Two more shows complement this 3-CD set: Arena, Sioux Falls, on the 18th. October 1976, and Omni Coliseum, Atlanta, on the 30th. December 1976. 

Note: The Indianapolis concert was remixed and remastered by Anthony Stuchbury. 

In an interview with Adam Greenway he stated: The release has been taken from an audience recording, but unlike a lot of cassette tape recording this is from a portable Reel 2 Reel recorder. Many versions have been released over the years, all with a different sound, different run speeds and other imperfections.

When Greenway asked Anthony what could we expect and will it sound much better than before, his reply: "Needless to say that Ernst is very happy with what I did, and that’s good enough for me. Yes, it’s an audience recording, but… it is the first official release of Elvis Presley's last live performance, recorded at Market Square Arena, Indianapolis, on 26th June 1977 and that fact isn’t lost on me. Ernst said ‘it’s the best it has ever been’, so what can I say?"

Stuchburry stated on the new Phoenix Elvis Forum: “That’s the trick, and there will be criticism I’m sure, it’s still an audience recording, but as with everything in life, you cannot please everyone.With an audience recording there are many aural distractions, you simply can’t correct everything to perfection.

At the end of the day you have to make it ‘the best it can be’ using restorative techniques to help preserve the feel and emotion of being there, in the crowd, with Elvis up there, live on stage. It’s subjective in that what you prefer to hear, but now there will at least be a choice.

Ultimately it wasn’t my decision to release it, but as it’s the first ‘official’ release of his final show the significance of the release isn’t lost on me. I’ll very happily take that.”

The October 18th and December 30th concerts from 1976 were previously released on the 'On The Road With Elvis' Bruce Jackson book / CD .

CD 1 June 26 1977 "Market Square Arena", Indianapolis, IN: Also Sprach Zarathustra - See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Love Me - Fairytale - You Gave Me A Mountain - Jailhouse Rock - O Sole Mio / It’s Now Or Never - Little Sister - Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - Release Me - I Can’t Stop Loving You - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Introductions Of Musicians - Early Morning Rain - What’d I Say - Johnny B. Goode - Drum Solo - Bass Solo - Piano Solo - I Really Don’t Want To Know - Electric Piano Solo - Orchestra Solo - Hurt - Hound Dog - Introductions Of Family, Staff & Friends - Cant’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp CD 2 - October 18 1976 "Arena", Sioux Falls, SD: Also Sprach Zarathustra - See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Love Me - Fairytale - Jailhouse Rock - You Gave Me A Mountain - All Shook Up - Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - And I Love You So - Fever - Steamroller Blues - America - Introductions - Early Morning Rain - What’d I Say / Johnny B. Goode - Hurt - Hound Dog - Blue Christmas - My Heavenly Father (Kathy Westmoreland) - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp CD 3 - October 30 1976 "Omni Coliseum", Atlanta, GA: See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Big Boss Man - Love Me - Fairytale - Happy Birthday - You Gave Me A Mountain - O Sole Mio (Shaun Nielsen) - It’s Now Or Never - Jailhouse Rock - Such A Night - Reconsider Baby - Are You Lonesome Tonight? - That’s All Right - My Way - Polk Salad Annie - Introductions - Early Morning Rain - What’d I Say - Johnny B Goode - Love Letters - School Day - Hurt - Hound Dog - Unchained Melody - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

Follow That Dream is pleased to announce the release of 'Clambake' in a Limited 2-LP Edition.

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)

(Source: Elvis News Denmark / Adam Greenway / Phoenix Forum)

February 12 - EPiC London Premiere

Baz Luhrmann announced he would attent the 18.00h. London premiere of 'EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert' at the BFI IMAX on the Southbank. Ernst Jorgensen was present too.

Watch the announcement on Baz Luhrmann's >>> Instagram page. You want to watch the One Show this Friday too.

(Baz Luhrmann)