Saturday, July 31, 2010
July 31 - I Want To Entertain People
The cover for the book "I Want To Entertain People" by John Micklos Jr. became available. This 160 pages book has a September 2010 releasedate from Enslow Publishers.
Friday, July 30, 2010
July 30 - Commercial Appeal
Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc. and Memphis award-winning newspaper, The Commercial Appeal, released the book "Elvis Presley's Memphis". Both entities have opened their significant archives and discovered photographs, documents and news stories that share Memphis through the eyes of the King of Rock n Roll. This 160 pages hard-bound, full color, collector s book, published by Pediment Publishing, contains photos, reproductions of articles and more.
Heartbreak Hotel
The Power Station budget label released a 2CD budget compilation.
The Power Station budget label released a 2CD budget compilation.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
July 29 - EPE Pulled The Plug And Gets Award
EPE have pulled the plug on the promotional clip for the Boxcar import release "Elvis 77 - The Final Curtain'". The clip now shows the text "This link is a legal download and contains no material owned by EPE". When the set will be released it should include the best-quality master tapes of Elvis' 1977 CBS TV recordings ever released plus exclusive never-before-released concert recordings.
Johnny B Gone
As soon that the fan world learned that ‘Johny B Goode’ was replaced by ‘Don’t Be Cruel’ on the opening credits of ‘Elvis On Tour’, hundreds of reactions where written on various message boards. Lots of fans are blaming Warner or EPE (who don’t even own the On Tour footage) for not doing a good job on this release. ElvisMatters contacted Tom Lucas, VP Marketing manager of Warner USA, and asked for an explanation. The moment Warner decided to release a restored version for ‘Elvis On Tour’, they contacted all the composers and publishers for the songs that are included in the movie. In case of ‘Johny B Goode’, they never received any reaction from composer Chuck Burry or his publisher. Warner tried to contact them for a very long time, but never received any reply or contract. It is not the case that Warner did not want to pay enough money to include the song, they simply did not receive an offer to pay for it. Warner had two options left: forget the whole project and put it back in the vault, or release it with another intro.
Award For Marty Lacker & Carl Perkins
It was announced today that among the honorees to receive a Beale Street Blues Note, the equivalent of a Hollywood Walk Of Fame Star, is former Memphis Music Industry leader, Marty Lacker.
Lacker started his entertainment career in radio in 1957 and a few years later his former high schoolmate, Elvis Presley, asked Marty to work for him. Marty was with and close to Elvis for 20 years and served as his right hand man for a number of years as well as being his Co-Best Man at his wedding.
However, it was not really his association with Elvis that has brought this honor to him but his years after leaving Presley's payroll to become a vital part of the Memphis and National Music Industry. In 1967 Lacker started Pepper Records at which time he discovered Rita Coolidge and produced her first couple of hits for her. While at Pepper he also produced some young R&B groups with the help and songs of his close friends Isaac Hayes and David Porter.
Shortly after, Lacker was solely responsible for Elvis to return to Memphis to record for the first time in 14 years when Lacker convinced Elvis to record with Chips Moman and his American Studios Rhythm section resulting in "Suspicious Minds" and "In The Ghetto' as well as other hits. It was a few months after that Moman asked Lacker to run American Studios for him which he did for a couple of years before opening his own company Mempro Inc.
Lacker also co-founded the Memphis Chapter Of NARAS (Grammys), as well as founded the original Memphis & Shelby County Music Commission,(1972) and was it's first Chairman. He also was Chairman of Memphis Music,Inc., the official organization of the entire Memphis Music Industry.
It is for those accomplishments and others that Lacker was named today, July 29, 2010 as one of the honorees to have his name embedded on a Blues Note in the sidewalk of world famous Beale Street in Memphis.
During the week when we remember the heyday of rockabilly and the early days of rock & roll, legendary performer Carl Perkins will receive a note in the Beale Street Brass Note Walk of Fame. From "Blue Suede Shoes" to collaborations with various Beatles, Perkins’ career illustrated the can do spirit of his West Tennessee roots. He also performed with the Million Dollar Quartet at Sun Studio, which included Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash.
Awards For Elvis
EPE announced that during Conversations on Elvis, Session Two on Saturday, August 14 at 1:00 p.m., representatives from Sony will make a special RIAA Presentation.
(Source EPG, ElvisMatters, Elvis Unlimited)
Johnny B Gone
As soon that the fan world learned that ‘Johny B Goode’ was replaced by ‘Don’t Be Cruel’ on the opening credits of ‘Elvis On Tour’, hundreds of reactions where written on various message boards. Lots of fans are blaming Warner or EPE (who don’t even own the On Tour footage) for not doing a good job on this release. ElvisMatters contacted Tom Lucas, VP Marketing manager of Warner USA, and asked for an explanation. The moment Warner decided to release a restored version for ‘Elvis On Tour’, they contacted all the composers and publishers for the songs that are included in the movie. In case of ‘Johny B Goode’, they never received any reaction from composer Chuck Burry or his publisher. Warner tried to contact them for a very long time, but never received any reply or contract. It is not the case that Warner did not want to pay enough money to include the song, they simply did not receive an offer to pay for it. Warner had two options left: forget the whole project and put it back in the vault, or release it with another intro.
Award For Marty Lacker & Carl Perkins
It was announced today that among the honorees to receive a Beale Street Blues Note, the equivalent of a Hollywood Walk Of Fame Star, is former Memphis Music Industry leader, Marty Lacker.
Lacker started his entertainment career in radio in 1957 and a few years later his former high schoolmate, Elvis Presley, asked Marty to work for him. Marty was with and close to Elvis for 20 years and served as his right hand man for a number of years as well as being his Co-Best Man at his wedding.
However, it was not really his association with Elvis that has brought this honor to him but his years after leaving Presley's payroll to become a vital part of the Memphis and National Music Industry. In 1967 Lacker started Pepper Records at which time he discovered Rita Coolidge and produced her first couple of hits for her. While at Pepper he also produced some young R&B groups with the help and songs of his close friends Isaac Hayes and David Porter.
Shortly after, Lacker was solely responsible for Elvis to return to Memphis to record for the first time in 14 years when Lacker convinced Elvis to record with Chips Moman and his American Studios Rhythm section resulting in "Suspicious Minds" and "In The Ghetto' as well as other hits. It was a few months after that Moman asked Lacker to run American Studios for him which he did for a couple of years before opening his own company Mempro Inc.
Lacker also co-founded the Memphis Chapter Of NARAS (Grammys), as well as founded the original Memphis & Shelby County Music Commission,(1972) and was it's first Chairman. He also was Chairman of Memphis Music,Inc., the official organization of the entire Memphis Music Industry.
It is for those accomplishments and others that Lacker was named today, July 29, 2010 as one of the honorees to have his name embedded on a Blues Note in the sidewalk of world famous Beale Street in Memphis.
During the week when we remember the heyday of rockabilly and the early days of rock & roll, legendary performer Carl Perkins will receive a note in the Beale Street Brass Note Walk of Fame. From "Blue Suede Shoes" to collaborations with various Beatles, Perkins’ career illustrated the can do spirit of his West Tennessee roots. He also performed with the Million Dollar Quartet at Sun Studio, which included Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash.
Awards For Elvis
EPE announced that during Conversations on Elvis, Session Two on Saturday, August 14 at 1:00 p.m., representatives from Sony will make a special RIAA Presentation.
(Source EPG, ElvisMatters, Elvis Unlimited)
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
July 28 - The Essence Of Energy
The Rainbow Records import label announced the release of the CD "The Essence Of Energy" featuring an audience-recording of the complete performance of Thursday, November 12, 1970 at the Coliseum in Seattle, Washington.
The press-release:
The “typical” Elvis Presley of 1970 is hard to describe. Two long engagements in Las Vegas + additional rehearsal were part of his exhausting schedule that year. With Elvis' desire to go not only back to live performing but to go back on tour, manager Colonel Parker organized a short 8 show tour as a try out.
A new situation for the entourage was there - new equipment had to be tested and Jerry Weintraub and Management 3 were hired to organize and support the ELVIS PRESLEY Show. The demand for Presley was there plus the fabulous marketing of Colonel Parker guaranteed eight sold out shows! But not everything was perfectly organized in the beginning and to avoid the risk to have problems on a big tour, Parker decided to do another small tour in November 1970. In Seattle, where Elvis shot a motion picture 8 years earlier, the Coliseum hosted the King of Rock 'n' Roll on November 12, 1970.
It sure was surprising to some readers of next days issue of “Seattle Daily News” when female reporter Janine Gressel wrote “Presley´s show no blockbuster”. But what did she see and hear and what especially did she criticize? Maybe she was disappointed because the show was pretty short. Maybe she was disappointed that Elvis did not do his “blockbuster” song “Suspicious Minds”? Or maybe she was unhappy with the fact, that Colonel Parker charged the press like regular fans that want to attend the show?
Well, judge yourself. On this new release you will hear everything from the very first seconds of the “Opening Vamp” to the very last moments of the “Closing Vamp”.
The sound on this cd is really good, especially for an audience recording of the (very) early 70´s! Imagine the poor equipment in these days….. .
By the way: The producers did not remaster the show from the first Import CD release of this concert (The Thrill Goes On - originally released in 1994). They got a new source where even “Funny How Time Slips Away” is complete! Needless to say that the booklet has a lot of pictures and information on its 20 pages (including two full newspaper articles with comments about the show).
Tracklisting
1. Opening Vamp
2. That's All Right, Mama
3. I Got A Woman / Amen
4. Love Me Tender (with false start)
5. You Don't Have To Say You Love Me
6. Sweet Caroline
7. You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'
8. Polk Salad Annie
9. Band Introductions
10. Johnny B. Goode
11. Band Introductions (continued)
12. How Great Thou Art (with false start and reprise)
13. The Wonder Of You
14. Heartbreak Hotel
15. Blue Suede Shoes
16. Hound Dog
17. Funny How Time Slips Away
18. Can't Help Falling In Love
19. Closing Vamp
The press-release:
A new situation for the entourage was there - new equipment had to be tested and Jerry Weintraub and Management 3 were hired to organize and support the ELVIS PRESLEY Show. The demand for Presley was there plus the fabulous marketing of Colonel Parker guaranteed eight sold out shows! But not everything was perfectly organized in the beginning and to avoid the risk to have problems on a big tour, Parker decided to do another small tour in November 1970. In Seattle, where Elvis shot a motion picture 8 years earlier, the Coliseum hosted the King of Rock 'n' Roll on November 12, 1970.
It sure was surprising to some readers of next days issue of “Seattle Daily News” when female reporter Janine Gressel wrote “Presley´s show no blockbuster”. But what did she see and hear and what especially did she criticize? Maybe she was disappointed because the show was pretty short. Maybe she was disappointed that Elvis did not do his “blockbuster” song “Suspicious Minds”? Or maybe she was unhappy with the fact, that Colonel Parker charged the press like regular fans that want to attend the show?
Well, judge yourself. On this new release you will hear everything from the very first seconds of the “Opening Vamp” to the very last moments of the “Closing Vamp”.
The sound on this cd is really good, especially for an audience recording of the (very) early 70´s! Imagine the poor equipment in these days….. .
By the way: The producers did not remaster the show from the first Import CD release of this concert (The Thrill Goes On - originally released in 1994). They got a new source where even “Funny How Time Slips Away” is complete! Needless to say that the booklet has a lot of pictures and information on its 20 pages (including two full newspaper articles with comments about the show).
Tracklisting
1. Opening Vamp
2. That's All Right, Mama
3. I Got A Woman / Amen
4. Love Me Tender (with false start)
5. You Don't Have To Say You Love Me
6. Sweet Caroline
7. You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'
8. Polk Salad Annie
9. Band Introductions
10. Johnny B. Goode
11. Band Introductions (continued)
12. How Great Thou Art (with false start and reprise)
13. The Wonder Of You
14. Heartbreak Hotel
15. Blue Suede Shoes
16. Hound Dog
17. Funny How Time Slips Away
18. Can't Help Falling In Love
19. Closing Vamp
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
July 27 - Elvis Masters Forever
Sony Music US announced the release of the "The Complete Elvis Presley Masters"; a 30 CD limited edition box set - 1000 copies in the first run - with a 240 pages book packed in a limited edition display case.
The set includes every Elvis Presley master recording released during his lifetime, presented in chronological order for the first time (711 original masters) plus an extra 103 rarities. Ernst Jorgensen will reveal the full details of this project in Memphis on August 14 during 'Conversations on Elvis'.
Elvis On Tour
2011 Calendar
The official Elvis Calender for 2011 was announced.
(Source: Sony Music, BBC, Elvis Unlimited, JAT Publishing)
Elvis On Tour
Jat Publishing published the photo book, "Elvis On Tour" to coincide with the Elvis On Tour DVD and Blu-ray releases. This hardback edition contains over 130 pages and feature over 250 photographs, color and black & white.
Sorrise e Canzoni TV: Gold Records, Vol. 2
Volume 5 in the Italian magazine 'Sorrise e Canzoni TV' (by Mondadori) digi-book series "Il Re Del Rock And Roll" was released; "Gold Records, Vol. 2". This CD was only available for one week.
Elvis Forever - BBC tribute to Elvis in London's Hyde Park Announced
BBC Radio 2 Presents "Elvis Forever" A Celebration of the Music of Elvis Presley, hosted by Chris Evans.
The 75th birthday of Elvis Presley will be celebrated this summer as part of BBC Radio 2’s commitment to offering a scorching summer of stellar live music performances.
In the year that the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll would have turned 75, Radio 2 will bring together some of the biggest names in pop and rock music to perform his best loved and most popular songs as part of Elvis Forever, a concert to be held in London’s Hyde Park on Sunday 12 September 2010, hosted by Radio 2 breakfast show presenter Chris Evans.
Radio 2 Breakfast Show host Chris Evans says:
“As the Radio 2 audience knows, I am a huge Elvis fan and it’s an honour to host such a celebration of the enduring appeal of his music.”
The proceedings will be led by Chris plus other guest presenters who are all great fans of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, culminating in a spectacular firework finale.
Lewis Carnie, Head of Programming for Radio 2, says: “Elvis’s music has an enduring appeal to Radio 2 listeners of all ages, so I’m thrilled that our friends at Graceland in Memphis are working with us on this event. What better way to pay tribute to the Elvis’ incredible legacy than to bring together the stars of today to perform his greatest and best loved hits".
Sorrise e Canzoni TV: Gold Records, Vol. 2
Volume 5 in the Italian magazine 'Sorrise e Canzoni TV' (by Mondadori) digi-book series "Il Re Del Rock And Roll" was released; "Gold Records, Vol. 2". This CD was only available for one week.
Elvis Forever - BBC tribute to Elvis in London's Hyde Park Announced
BBC Radio 2 Presents "Elvis Forever" A Celebration of the Music of Elvis Presley, hosted by Chris Evans.The 75th birthday of Elvis Presley will be celebrated this summer as part of BBC Radio 2’s commitment to offering a scorching summer of stellar live music performances.
In the year that the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll would have turned 75, Radio 2 will bring together some of the biggest names in pop and rock music to perform his best loved and most popular songs as part of Elvis Forever, a concert to be held in London’s Hyde Park on Sunday 12 September 2010, hosted by Radio 2 breakfast show presenter Chris Evans.
Radio 2 Breakfast Show host Chris Evans says:
“As the Radio 2 audience knows, I am a huge Elvis fan and it’s an honour to host such a celebration of the enduring appeal of his music.”
The proceedings will be led by Chris plus other guest presenters who are all great fans of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, culminating in a spectacular firework finale.
Lewis Carnie, Head of Programming for Radio 2, says: “Elvis’s music has an enduring appeal to Radio 2 listeners of all ages, so I’m thrilled that our friends at Graceland in Memphis are working with us on this event. What better way to pay tribute to the Elvis’ incredible legacy than to bring together the stars of today to perform his greatest and best loved hits".
2011 Calendar
The official Elvis Calender for 2011 was announced.
(Source: Sony Music, BBC, Elvis Unlimited, JAT Publishing)
Monday, July 26, 2010
July 26 - Viva Elvis Cover & Press-release
Legacy Recordings released a press-release on the "Viva Elvis!" CD.
Legacy Recordings, in cooperation with Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. and Viva ELVIS by Cirque du Soleil at ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, proudly announces the release of Viva ELVIS - The Album, a 21st century celebration of Elvis and his music, featuring the voice of the King in a whole new context. Viva ELVIS - The Album will be available everywhere this November.
The undisputed King of Rock 'n' Roll, Elvis Presley remains one of the most iconic and powerful forces in popular culture. "Before Elvis," said John Lennon, "there was nothing."
After Elvis, the world looked and sounded different. With a swivel of his hips and the power of his voice, Elvis broke down barriers and shattered the status quo, revolutionizing the worlds of music, film and fashion while signaling a seismic shift in gender, class, race, and generational relationships.
The Elvis revolution continues with Viva ELVIS - The Album.
The postmodern studio masterwork invokes the spirit and essence of Elvis from a contemporary perspective while furthering the revolutionary impulses of Elvis' sound. Viva ELVIS - The Album re-imagines the king's own vocal performances in a broad variety of new musical settings. This new sound echoes Elvis' own versatility and ability to master all music genres, from Delta blues to rockabilly, from raw soul to gospel, from Southern folk to Vegas pop, while incorporating elements of garage rock, punk, urban and hip-hop.
"Viva ELVIS is a tantalizing musical experience," said Adam Block, Senior Vice President/General Manager, Legacy Recordings. "It's so creative and so contemporary, it effortlessly places Elvis in a current context that appeals to fans of all ages and all kinds of music. There's a freshness, a newness to these songs that grabs you and shakes you and ultimately testifies to the remarkable artist Elvis remains to this very day."
"What would the songs of Elvis be like if he were doing them for the first time today?" asks the album's producer and arranger Erich van Tourneau, Musical Director and Arranger for Viva ELVIS by Cirque du Soleil. "We set out to evoke the soul and spirit of Elvis Presley while building a bridge between his music and future generations of fans."
When working on the music for Viva ELVIS, van Tourneau -- aided by Hugo Bombardier, Assistant Producer and Assistant Arranger on Viva ELVIS - The Album -- spent more than 3,000 hours reviewing countless albums, films, concert recordings, interviews and home recordings of Elvis. More than 17,000 samples of Elvis' songs – the raw material for the show – were made during the process.
Working with tens of thousands of samples of Elvis' voice, van Tourneau and Bombardier often wove several sequences and sounds into the same songs, sometimes changing details such as the key and tempo. In creating Viva ELVIS - The Album, van Tourneau was looking to accentuate and boost the emotional charge of the songs with the incorporation of ragga, punk or hip-hop elements into classic recordings. In all cases, however, the goal was to respect and understand the essence of the original recordings.
In celebration of all eras of Elvis' musical genius, Viva ELVIS - The Album includes songs from Elvis' rise to fame in the '50s, his movie soundtracks, his triumphant return to the stage in the "'68 Special," and his ground-breaking appearances in Las Vegas. "Burning Love," "Suspicious Minds," "Blue Suede Shoes" and "It's Now or Never" are among the songs that have been re-imagined and transformed for Viva ELVIS - The Album.
The first opportunity to hear a sample from this ground-breaking album will take place during Elvis Week in Memphis on Saturday, August 14, during the event "Conversations on Elvis."
Viva ELVIS by Cirque du Soleil, a harmonious fusion of dance, acrobatics and live music, opened earlier this year in a specially designed 1,800 seat theater at ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. A tribute to the life and music of Elvis Presley, Viva ELVIS focuses on the essential humanity of the one superstar whose name will forever be linked with the history of Las Vegas: Elvis Presley. Significant moments in his life – intimate, playful and grandiose – blend with timeless songs that remain as relevant today as when they first hit the top of the charts.
Viva ELVIS - The Album is a 21st century venue for rock's first and biggest superstar. The King's Music Lives!
The CD is available for pre-order.
Viva ELVIS- The Album
Five new expo’s announced in Graceland promo clip
In a 9-minute long promo clip for Graceland plans for 2011 and 2012 were announced by EPE. Visitors can expect five new expo’s:
‘Roots Of Elvis’ (2011)
This expo will focus on Elvis youth and the places he grew up. This expo is part of the VIP experience.
‘Elvis in the News’ (2011)
A look at the thousands of TV and News reports that are made about Elvis.
‘Elvis en Lisa Marie’ (2012)
The relation between father and daughter is illustrated in detail.
This expo is part of the VIP experience.
‘Elvis Icons’ (2012)
Dozens of artist are inspired by Elvis. This expo is about all those artists that are talking about this inspiration.
‘Elvis On Tour’ (2012)
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the concert documentary ‘Elvis On Tour’, a new expo will be dedicated to this movie.
(Source: ElvisMatters / FECC)
Legacy Recordings Celebrates Elvis' 75th Birthday Year with a New Studio Work Inspired by Viva ELVIS by Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas
The undisputed King of Rock 'n' Roll, Elvis Presley remains one of the most iconic and powerful forces in popular culture. "Before Elvis," said John Lennon, "there was nothing."
After Elvis, the world looked and sounded different. With a swivel of his hips and the power of his voice, Elvis broke down barriers and shattered the status quo, revolutionizing the worlds of music, film and fashion while signaling a seismic shift in gender, class, race, and generational relationships.
The Elvis revolution continues with Viva ELVIS - The Album.
The postmodern studio masterwork invokes the spirit and essence of Elvis from a contemporary perspective while furthering the revolutionary impulses of Elvis' sound. Viva ELVIS - The Album re-imagines the king's own vocal performances in a broad variety of new musical settings. This new sound echoes Elvis' own versatility and ability to master all music genres, from Delta blues to rockabilly, from raw soul to gospel, from Southern folk to Vegas pop, while incorporating elements of garage rock, punk, urban and hip-hop.
"Viva ELVIS is a tantalizing musical experience," said Adam Block, Senior Vice President/General Manager, Legacy Recordings. "It's so creative and so contemporary, it effortlessly places Elvis in a current context that appeals to fans of all ages and all kinds of music. There's a freshness, a newness to these songs that grabs you and shakes you and ultimately testifies to the remarkable artist Elvis remains to this very day."
"What would the songs of Elvis be like if he were doing them for the first time today?" asks the album's producer and arranger Erich van Tourneau, Musical Director and Arranger for Viva ELVIS by Cirque du Soleil. "We set out to evoke the soul and spirit of Elvis Presley while building a bridge between his music and future generations of fans."
When working on the music for Viva ELVIS, van Tourneau -- aided by Hugo Bombardier, Assistant Producer and Assistant Arranger on Viva ELVIS - The Album -- spent more than 3,000 hours reviewing countless albums, films, concert recordings, interviews and home recordings of Elvis. More than 17,000 samples of Elvis' songs – the raw material for the show – were made during the process.
Working with tens of thousands of samples of Elvis' voice, van Tourneau and Bombardier often wove several sequences and sounds into the same songs, sometimes changing details such as the key and tempo. In creating Viva ELVIS - The Album, van Tourneau was looking to accentuate and boost the emotional charge of the songs with the incorporation of ragga, punk or hip-hop elements into classic recordings. In all cases, however, the goal was to respect and understand the essence of the original recordings.
In celebration of all eras of Elvis' musical genius, Viva ELVIS - The Album includes songs from Elvis' rise to fame in the '50s, his movie soundtracks, his triumphant return to the stage in the "'68 Special," and his ground-breaking appearances in Las Vegas. "Burning Love," "Suspicious Minds," "Blue Suede Shoes" and "It's Now or Never" are among the songs that have been re-imagined and transformed for Viva ELVIS - The Album.
The first opportunity to hear a sample from this ground-breaking album will take place during Elvis Week in Memphis on Saturday, August 14, during the event "Conversations on Elvis."
Viva ELVIS by Cirque du Soleil, a harmonious fusion of dance, acrobatics and live music, opened earlier this year in a specially designed 1,800 seat theater at ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. A tribute to the life and music of Elvis Presley, Viva ELVIS focuses on the essential humanity of the one superstar whose name will forever be linked with the history of Las Vegas: Elvis Presley. Significant moments in his life – intimate, playful and grandiose – blend with timeless songs that remain as relevant today as when they first hit the top of the charts.
Viva ELVIS - The Album is a 21st century venue for rock's first and biggest superstar. The King's Music Lives!
The CD is available for pre-order.
Viva ELVIS- The Album
Five new expo’s announced in Graceland promo clip
In a 9-minute long promo clip for Graceland plans for 2011 and 2012 were announced by EPE. Visitors can expect five new expo’s:
This expo will focus on Elvis youth and the places he grew up. This expo is part of the VIP experience.
‘Elvis in the News’ (2011)
A look at the thousands of TV and News reports that are made about Elvis.
‘Elvis en Lisa Marie’ (2012)
The relation between father and daughter is illustrated in detail.
This expo is part of the VIP experience.
‘Elvis Icons’ (2012)
Dozens of artist are inspired by Elvis. This expo is about all those artists that are talking about this inspiration.
‘Elvis On Tour’ (2012)
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the concert documentary ‘Elvis On Tour’, a new expo will be dedicated to this movie.
(Source: ElvisMatters / FECC)
Sunday, July 25, 2010
July 25 - Australian Charts
The "ELV1S 30 #1 Hits" compilation jumped 11 places - from #28 to #17 - on the Australian Catalogue Album chart .
(Source: Aria Charts)
Saturday, July 24, 2010
July 24 - Remixers Give Me An 1977 Fever
Italian remixer and producer Spankox did a remix using Elvis Presley's "Fever"; this time he also added an additional rap to the track. The song was released on his Everness label and available through iTunes.Boxcar, Elvis '77: The Final Curtain
The Boxcar import label released a trailer for their "Elvis '77 - The Final Curtain" release. No details are available officially, but the set should contain multiple CDs and DVDs and a deluxe photobook (30cm x 23cm in size and 3.2 kilos, around 7Llbs) in weight! The BoxCar label stated that there is "No Further Information For The Time Being Due To Matters Of Security".
Release Date Early October 2010.
(Source: iTunes, Elvis Australia, FECC)
The Boxcar import label released a trailer for their "Elvis '77 - The Final Curtain" release. No details are available officially, but the set should contain multiple CDs and DVDs and a deluxe photobook (30cm x 23cm in size and 3.2 kilos, around 7Llbs) in weight! The BoxCar label stated that there is "No Further Information For The Time Being Due To Matters Of Security". Release Date Early October 2010.
(Source: iTunes, Elvis Australia, FECC)
Friday, July 23, 2010
July 23 - We Remember Elvis Auctions
Joseph Tunzi from JAT Publishinh announced the follow-up to the "Viva Las Vegas" release; "Speedway".
We Remember Elvis
The book "We Remember Elvis" was released through the owners of Elvis Presley Birthplace. It is written by Guy Harris, official historian Tupelo, and Sybil Presley, works as a guide in the birth house, and compiles four stories of people who knew the Presleys. The book is only available in the store of the Tupelo birth house.
Auction house Heritage published the complete catalogue for the upcoming Elvis auction during Elvis week held in the Memphis Peabody Hotel. The total auction contains 270 lots, ranging from souvenirs at reasonable estimated prices to very expensive personal belongings.
Two items are valued at $150,000. The first one is the contract that was made to set the cooperation between The Colonel and Elvis, the second one is a 4-page handwritten letter from Elvis to his girlfriend Anita Wood when he was in the army. The catalogue also lists a white grand piano that once stood in Graceland.
This instrument was offered various times during large auctions in the past, but has never been sold (minimum bid is $500,000).
Alleged Elvis Embalming Tools Taken Out Of Auction
An array of surgical and other instruments allegedly used in the 1977 embalming of Elvis Presley was withdrawn Thursday from a planned auction after Memphis Funeral Home objected to the auction of property taken without the funeral home's consent.
Funeral home president E.C. Daves said the instruments were taken by an embalmer who kept them for more than 30 years before offering them for sale through Leslie Hindman Auctioneers in Chicago.
The auction was scheduled August 12 and the Elvis items were in two lots valued by the auction house at $8,000 and $6,000.
Daves said the authenticity of the items still is in question. He said the retired embalmer, in his 80s, claimed to have taken the items after Presley's embalming the night of August 16, 1977. But Daves said another employee told him that those instruments had been sterilized and were used again. "There's no way to tell whether (the auction items) are authentic," he said.
Daves said the authenticity of the items still is in question. He said the retired embalmer, in his 80s, claimed to have taken the items after Presley's embalming the night of August 16, 1977. But Daves said another employee told him that those instruments had been sterilized and were used again. "There's no way to tell whether (the auction items) are authentic," he said.
Daves said the retired embalmer and his son, who handled negotiations with the auction house, agreed to withdraw the items. He said the funeral home plans no legal reprisals if the items are returned. Auction house owner Leslie Hindman was less final. In an e-mail, she said, "We are in discussions with all parties."
Daves said the funeral home is awaiting word from the Elvis Presley estate on its preferences. The items could be donated to a funeral history museum in Houston. "Or we could destroy them," Daves said. "We're not going to do anything until the Presley estate agrees with it." A Graceland spokesman declined to comment.
A Graceland spokesman declined to comment.
“It’s a disgrace. His everlasting memory should be of his singing, not the gruesome and grubby items used to clean up his corpse,” The Daily Star quoted Elvis’ fan Stewart Dalrymple as saying.
(Source: ElvisMatters, ElvisUnlimited, Daily Star, JAT Publishing)
“It’s a disgrace. His everlasting memory should be of his singing, not the gruesome and grubby items used to clean up his corpse,” The Daily Star quoted Elvis’ fan Stewart Dalrymple as saying.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
July 22 - You Don't Have To Say You Love Me
The Straight Arrow import label announced the follow up to their "Faded Love" release; entitled "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me". This release, with an August 2010 releasedate, contains a two microphone recording of the February 21, 1973 Dinner Show.
Larry Geller visited Myrna Smith yesterday in the nursing home where she is recovering from a stroke and receiving here kidney dialisys. Message from larry: I just spent some visiting with Myrna Smith of the Sweet Inspirations. Most of you know she's not well. She seemed to gain strength from knowing how much Elvis' fans love her and how many prayers are being said for her.
Sony Music Germany, together with the German based Elvis Presley Gesellschaft fan club put the a beta edition on-line of their Official Elvis Presley Forum at www.Elvis.De.
(Source: ElvisNews, ElvisUnlimited, Elvis Presley Gesellschaft)
Larry Geller visited Myrna Smith yesterday in the nursing home where she is recovering from a stroke and receiving here kidney dialisys. Message from larry: I just spent some visiting with Myrna Smith of the Sweet Inspirations. Most of you know she's not well. She seemed to gain strength from knowing how much Elvis' fans love her and how many prayers are being said for her.
Sony Music Germany, together with the German based Elvis Presley Gesellschaft fan club put the a beta edition on-line of their Official Elvis Presley Forum at www.Elvis.De.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
July 21 - Benefit Concert For Myrna Smith At Elvis Week
Elvis Unlimited announced that their Back In Memphis concert will be a benefit concert for Myrna Smith of The Sweet Inspirations.
She has suffered a stroke and is on dialysis. She will need long term care. Myrna has many medical bills and many more medical expenses are ahead due to severity of her condition.
Elvis The Album
Released on the Multicom City budget label was the 2CD "The Album". But who is featured on the cover?
(Source: Elvis unlimited / Amazon France)
Elvis The Album
Released on the Multicom City budget label was the 2CD "The Album". But who is featured on the cover?
(Source: Elvis unlimited / Amazon France)
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
July 20 - It Escaped!
Although the official release date was set for August 3rd. the first copies of the Blu-Ray / DVD edition of "On Tour" escaped from the warehouse.
According to fans who have already got a copy of the new DVD, the sensational opening video sequence where Elvis sings 'Johnny B. Goode' has been retained but the song 'Johnny B. Goode' has been removed and replaced with 'Teddy Bear'/'Don't Be Cruel' due to copyright problems. The same 'Teddy Bear'/'Don't Be Cruel' is heard later in the movie.
Sorrise e Canzoni TV: That's The Way It Is
Volume 4 in the Italian magazine 'Sorrise e Canzoni TV' (by Mondadori) digi-book series "Il Re Del Rock And Roll" was released; "That's The Way It Is". This CD was only available for one week.
(Source: FECC / ElvisUnlimited / ebay)
According to fans who have already got a copy of the new DVD, the sensational opening video sequence where Elvis sings 'Johnny B. Goode' has been retained but the song 'Johnny B. Goode' has been removed and replaced with 'Teddy Bear'/'Don't Be Cruel' due to copyright problems. The same 'Teddy Bear'/'Don't Be Cruel' is heard later in the movie.
Sorrise e Canzoni TV: That's The Way It Is
Volume 4 in the Italian magazine 'Sorrise e Canzoni TV' (by Mondadori) digi-book series "Il Re Del Rock And Roll" was released; "That's The Way It Is". This CD was only available for one week.
(Source: FECC / ElvisUnlimited / ebay)
Monday, July 19, 2010
July 19 - Blue Hawaii #4
WGAL news reports on the Top Five Beach Movies of all time; 'Blue Hawaii" was voted the #4 Top Beach Movie. Over the decades, beaches have been a favourite Hollywood setting for everything from coming-of-age flicks to stunning documentaries and summer romances -- from innocent Annette Funicello films to the far, far steamier. If you can't get to a sandy shore this summer, let the movies take you there. Here are five of the best beach movies ever:
1. Y Tu Mama Tambien
2. The Endless Summer
3. Gidget
4. Blue Hawaii
5. Castaway
It notes of Blue Hawaii: Elvis Presley is remembered for dreamy love songs and establishment-rattling rock-and-roll. But he was also a Hollywood beach stud, appearing in the likes of "Girls Girls Girls" (1962), "Paradise Hawaiian Style" (1966) and "Clambake" (1967).
"Blue Hawaii" was the first of his beach-bod-bearing roles and was perhaps the biggest commercial success of his film career. Sure, the story is kind of lame -- Presley's Chad returns from the Army and rebels against his father, refusing to go to work at dad's [eye roll here] ... pineapple business.
But the musical comedy is a time capsule of a simpler era, brilliantly lit by sunny nostalgia, and it amounts to a cheesy but fun bit of film. It also has some beautiful beach scenery for its time and includes 14 songs that helped make the soundtrack a Billboard chart topper, including "Can't Help Falling In Love." Angela Lansbury co-stars in an over-the-top role as Elvis' mother.
Summer In Japan
The Elvis Presley Society Of Japan released the summer edition of their fan club magazine.
(Source: Google)
1. Y Tu Mama Tambien
2. The Endless Summer
3. Gidget
4. Blue Hawaii
5. Castaway
It notes of Blue Hawaii: Elvis Presley is remembered for dreamy love songs and establishment-rattling rock-and-roll. But he was also a Hollywood beach stud, appearing in the likes of "Girls Girls Girls" (1962), "Paradise Hawaiian Style" (1966) and "Clambake" (1967).
But the musical comedy is a time capsule of a simpler era, brilliantly lit by sunny nostalgia, and it amounts to a cheesy but fun bit of film. It also has some beautiful beach scenery for its time and includes 14 songs that helped make the soundtrack a Billboard chart topper, including "Can't Help Falling In Love." Angela Lansbury co-stars in an over-the-top role as Elvis' mother.
The Elvis Presley Society Of Japan released the summer edition of their fan club magazine.
(Source: Google)
Sunday, July 18, 2010
July 18 - Australian Charts And On Tour Promotion
On the Australian Catalogue Album chart the "ELV1S 30 #1 Hits" compilation climbed from #30 to #28.
Poster "Thxphotog" posted this picture, snapped while driving by the Warner Bros Studios today, on the FECC forum. The letters making up "ELVIS" are all in a large sequins.
Poster "Thxphotog" posted this picture, snapped while driving by the Warner Bros Studios today, on the FECC forum. The letters making up "ELVIS" are all in a large sequins.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
July 17 - Viva ELVIS!
Amazon.com added "Viva ELVIS - The Album" to their on-line shop with October 12, 2010 as the release date. The product-information on the CD read:
"Viva ELVIS - The Album", is a 21st century celebration of Elvis and his music, featuring the voice of the king in a whole new context. The undisputed King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley, remains one of the most iconic and powerful forces in popular culture. "Before Elvis," said John Lennon, "there was nothing." After Elvis, the world looked and sounded different. With a swivel of his hips and the power of his voice, Elvis broke down barriers and shattered the status quo, revolutionizing the worlds of music, film and fashion, while signaling a seismic shift in gender, class, race, and generational relationships.
The Elvis revolution continues with "Viva ELVIS - The Album". This postmodern studio masterwork invokes the spirit and essence of Elvis from a contemporary perspective, while furthering the revolutionary impulses of Elvis' sound. Viva ELVIS - The Album re- imagines the king’s own vocal performances in a broad variety of new musical settings. This new sound echos Elvis' own versatility and ability to master all music genres, from Delta blues to rockabilly, from raw soul to gospel, from Southern folk to Vegas pop, while incorporating elements of garage rock, punk, urban and hip-hop.
The Elvis revolution continues with "Viva ELVIS - The Album". This postmodern studio masterwork invokes the spirit and essence of Elvis from a contemporary perspective, while furthering the revolutionary impulses of Elvis' sound. Viva ELVIS - The Album re- imagines the king’s own vocal performances in a broad variety of new musical settings. This new sound echos Elvis' own versatility and ability to master all music genres, from Delta blues to rockabilly, from raw soul to gospel, from Southern folk to Vegas pop, while incorporating elements of garage rock, punk, urban and hip-hop.
Friday, July 16, 2010
July 16 - The Way It Was In East Tupelo
The book "East Tupelo & Elvis, That's the Way It Was" by Wanda Powell Heagy was announced with a July / August 2010 releasedate. This hardback 357 pages book contains the history of East Tupelo where Elvis was born and how it progressed during his life living here. It also contains information about Elvis, his family, interviews, and over 150 photos and maps.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
July 15 - Elvis International Through the Gate
The Spring 2010 edition of the Elvis Insiders quarterly newsletter, Through the Gate, was put on-line online for Insiders in the Media section of the Elvis Insiders site. Readers get an in-depth look at Elvis' groundbreaking rock documentary, "Elvis on Tour," see what celebrities have recently visited Graceland and seen Viva ELVIS™ by Cirque du Soleil®, get the full Elvis Week 2010 schedule, see what's been happening on SIRIUS XM Elvis Radio, learn 20 random facts about Elvis you might not know and much more.
Garland Perry "Hank" Cochran Died
Garland Perry "Hank" Cochran passed away at the age of 74. Hank was an American country music singer and songwriter. Starting in the 1960s, Cochran has been a prolific songwriter in the genre, including major hits by Patsy Cline, Ray Price, Eddy Arnold and others. Cochran was also a recording artist between 1962 and 1980, charting seven times on the Billboard country charts, with his highest solo peak being the #20 "Sally Was a Good Old Girl." But to most Elvis fans he's best known as composer of the song "Make the World Go Away", which Elvis recorded in June 1970.
Garland Perry "Hank" Cochran Died
Garland Perry "Hank" Cochran passed away at the age of 74. Hank was an American country music singer and songwriter. Starting in the 1960s, Cochran has been a prolific songwriter in the genre, including major hits by Patsy Cline, Ray Price, Eddy Arnold and others. Cochran was also a recording artist between 1962 and 1980, charting seven times on the Billboard country charts, with his highest solo peak being the #20 "Sally Was a Good Old Girl." But to most Elvis fans he's best known as composer of the song "Make the World Go Away", which Elvis recorded in June 1970.
Elvis On Tour Blu-Ray & DVD Australian Release Date
Warner Australia have announced that they will release both Elvis On Tour on standard Blu-ray and (PAL format) DVD formats on September 29.
Elvis International Magazine July Edition Now Available
The "Elvis International" July 2010 issue was released. The quarterly magazine features in-depth articles, never-before-seen photos and more. The July issue includes:
- The King of Charts, Elvis on the Billboard Top 100
- Hotel New Frontier: Elvis Remembers It as a Blast
- American Idol Visits Graceland
- Cookin' with Elvis
- The Creation of the Jumpsuit
- And much more!
(Source: EPE, Elvis Australia, ElvisMatters)
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
July 14 - Elvis 3D
The Belgian/ Dutch fan club ElvisMatters announced that their 30th magazine will be published wit an 3D cover; a new first for an Elvis magazine.
Monday, July 12, 2010
July 13 - Graceland, The Legend
The German based Elvis Presley Gesellschaft published volume 193 of their glossy fan club magazine; "G.I. Blues" is the main theme of this edition.
Elvis Presley: The Man. The Life. The Legend
The book "Elvis Presley: The Man. The Life. The Legend" by Pamela Clarke Keogh was re-issued as a paperback.
Il Re Del Rock And Roll: "Jailhouse Rock
Volume 3 in the Italian maga"Il Re Del Rock And Roll" was released; "Jailhouse Rock". This CD was only available for one week.
The book "Elvis Presley: The Man. The Life. The Legend" by Pamela Clarke Keogh was re-issued as a paperback.
Il Re Del Rock And Roll: "Jailhouse Rock
Volume 3 in the Italian maga"Il Re Del Rock And Roll" was released; "Jailhouse Rock". This CD was only available for one week.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
July 12 - Australian Chart
The "ELV1S 30#1 Hits" compilation dropped 8 spots on the Australian ARIA Catalogue Album chart.
Download Elvis Music Now
EPE announced the opening of the Elvis Presley Digital Music Store. Starting today Elvis fans around the US can now download their favorite Elvis songs and albums directly from Sony in high quality 320k MP3 files with excellent sound quality that can be used on any mp3 player.
To make it easier to find that exact song you are looking for, you can sort by title or release year or even break your search down by category of music. Every album on the site includes the cover from that album so it makes looking for and downloading Elvis music even more fun. Curious what others are downloading? You can check out the top ten most popular tracks and see how your favorites compare.
While the Elvis Presley Digital Music Store is only authorized to provide music downloads for consumers in the United States, fans in other countries should check their favorite digital service provider for music by Elvis Presley.
(Source: ARIA / EPE)
Download Elvis Music Now
EPE announced the opening of the Elvis Presley Digital Music Store. Starting today Elvis fans around the US can now download their favorite Elvis songs and albums directly from Sony in high quality 320k MP3 files with excellent sound quality that can be used on any mp3 player.
To make it easier to find that exact song you are looking for, you can sort by title or release year or even break your search down by category of music. Every album on the site includes the cover from that album so it makes looking for and downloading Elvis music even more fun. Curious what others are downloading? You can check out the top ten most popular tracks and see how your favorites compare.
(Source: ARIA / EPE)
July 11 - Good Times News
Ernst Jorgensen and Roger Semon, the FTD-team, mailed out a news flash with the official announcement of the upcoming releases. Last week, some of the new releases were already announced, prior to the official message from FTD. The releases that are planned at this stage are:
King Creole, The Music (book + CD, Aug 8 2010)
The accompanying CD consist of the masters and the well-known alternative masters (no unreleased session reels have been found). As always, the music has been re-mastered.
Good Times - The Outtakes (2 Vinyl, Aug 8 2010)Following on from the previous strictly Limited Edition series, FTD is pleased to announce the release of a special 2-disc 180-gram vinyl set of Good Times - The Outtakes. Supplied in a deluxe gatefold sleeve, it features the superb original draft artwork design that was superseded prior to release.
FTD will release the soundboard of the November 10, 1971 Boston Garden Show (previously released on bootleg) as this is the only available show from the early tours of the seventies. We believe that this is of such historical importance, that it should be available to everyone.This will be a 5” digipack with a photo booklet
Elvis - Fool (2CD 7" CD, Sep 14 2010)
On the same date, a 2-CD set of ELVIS (FOOL) in the Classic Album Series. This will feature a 7” digi-pack with an 8-page booklet.
General
In September FTD plan to release another soundboard. Early November will consist of a classic album and 2-LP Limited Edition vinyl Set. Titles have not been chosen yet but we’ll update as soon as decision is made.
Recently, we’ve had several frustrated e-mails from some customers about information getting out about our releases, prior to circulation of the official FTD announcement. Ideally, it shouldn’t be like that, but at the same time with so many people helping us in advance with our product origination, there is a good chance that word will spread before exact release plans can be chosen due to manufacturing and distribution issues. The nature of being involved in the ‘Elvis‘ industry dictates that the sharing of new information is a thrill to most people, so leaks will occur.
In an effort to improve the situation, we will try to announce our schedule further up front. The downside to this is that there will be times when unforeseen production problems cause releases to slip. So, in accordance with this, In September FTD plan to release another soundboard. Early November will consist of a classic album and 2-LP Limited Edition vinyl Set. Titles have not been chosen yet but we’ll update as soon as decision is made.
Side 1
Take Good Care of Her - rehearsal & take 1
Loving Arms - take 1 & rehearsal
I Got a Feelin' in My Body - take 1
If That Isn't Love - take 1
She Wears My Ring - take 8
I've Got a Thing about You, Baby - take 1
My Boy – take 1
Side 2
Talk about the Good Times - take 3
Spanish Eyes - takes 1, 2
Good Time Charlie's Got the Blues - takes 7, 8
I Got a Feelin' in My Body - take 4
I've Got a Thing about You, Baby - take 14
My Boy - take 2
Take Good Care of Her - take 4
Side 3
I've Got a Thing about You, Baby - takes 6, 8, 10, 11
Loving Arms - take 2
I Got a Feelin' in My Body - take 2
Good Time Charlie's Got the Blues - takes 1, 4, 6
Take Good Care of Her - takes 2, 3
Spanish Eyes - take 4 (undubbed master)
Side 4
Talk about the Good Times - takes 1, 2
Talk about the Good Times - take 4 (undubbed master)
She Wears My Rings - takes 1-7
I Got a Feelin' in My Body - take 7
My Boy - take 3 (undubbed master)
Good Time Charlie's Got the Blues - take 9 (unedited undubbed master)
If That Isn't Love - splice of takes 5 (LFS) & 7