April 22 - The Elvis Archives Magazine

McClatchy Media Specials published the magazine titled 'The Elvis Archives Magazine : Elvis Live 2026'. 

Description: The magazine focuses on Elvis' music, Memphis, Aloha, and Vegas, among other topics. This magazine is a must-have for fans of Elvis and provides a comprehensive look at his life and music. With a publication year of 2026, readers can expect the latest insights and updates on the King of Rock 'n' Roll.

(Source: Pascal Matteo)

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:

• 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)

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! Forbes wrote: "Earlier this year, Elvis Presley proved to be a draw at the box office, just as he once was decades ago. Baz Luhrmann, who has spent years honoring the rock legend and working with the Presley estate, released a concert film/documentary hybrid titled Epic – an acronym that stands for Elvis Presley in Concert.

The film, which earned more than US$23 million globally, came with an accompanying soundtrack album, and that set, somewhat unsurprisingly, became a top performer. That’s not unusual for the King of Rock and Roll, even decades after his death, but it’s nonetheless noteworthy."

Elvis Presley’s '30 No. 1 Hits compilation continued its streak on the main U.K. Album chart, but the 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! Forbes wrote: "One legacy act replaces another atop the Official Soundtrack Albums chart this week. As Presley regains control over the specific list, he ousts Prince and The Revolution, who last time around dominated with Purple Rain."

'The King of Rock and Roll' DVD made a re-entry at No. 35 on the Music video Top 50 chart while 'Elvis The Searcher,' dropped from No. 39 to No. 40 and 'The Complete Story' video dropped from No. 34 to No. 45 on that chart. 

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

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.

Presley: A Testament 

Presley Publishing House published the 79-page book 'Presley: A Testament - Faith, Family and A Life Lived' by Donna Presley and Karen Barnes.

Description: This is not a traditional biography. 'Presley: A Testament - Faith, Family and A Life Lived' is a deeply personal reflection from within the Presley family. Through carefully selected images and thoughtful passages, Donna Presley offers a perspective that moves beyond the public image into family, faith, and lived experience. 

This is not a retelling of a well-known story, but a quiet and sincere reflection on legacy, memory, and truth.

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

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)