February 28 - At Cazzie's House

The Touchdown import label announced the release the CD "At Cazzie's House", containing a show recorded in Ann Arbor on April 24, 1977.  "Feel the excitement of the audibly enthusiastic audience while you're listening to an excellent sounding and complete audience recording", is what the producers say. The CD has a release-date set for the end of March.



Portuguese Tunes

The "Love Me Tender" duet with Aurea re-entered the Top Ringtones Chart of Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa at #26. The song already spent 4 weeks on this list.



Elvis Presley, Reluctant Rebel His Life and Our Times

Written by authors Glen Jeansonne, David Luhrssen and Dan Sokolovic, 'Elvis Presley, Reluctant Rebel His Life and Our Times' probes both the man and his influence, delving deeply into the personality of its protagonist, his needs and motivations, and the social and musical forces that shaped his career.
Elvis's musical talents and liabilities are explored, as are his records, films, and live performances and his relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, whom he allowed to manipulate him as a money-making machine. 

Elvis By Those Who Knew Him Best


Virgin Books re-issued the 1995 book "Elvis Up Close - In The Words of Those Who Knew Him Best" by Rose Clayton / Dick Heard with the new title "Elvis By Those Who Knew Him Best". 


(Source: ElvisNews / Elvis Information Network)

February 27 - Mag In The Mail

The Belgian / Dutch ElvisMatters fan-club sent out over 2,000 magazines to their members and subscribers;  the last one with this size as volume 33 will come in a bigger format.


(Source: ElvisMatters)

February 26 - A. Schwab Up for Sale

A. Schwab Up for Sale


It's been a historic landmark on Beale Street for more than 130 years, but now the A. Schwab building is up for sale. Schwab is the oldest existing business on Beale and has been open for the last 135 years. The Family doesn't think it will be taken down, but expects that it will be renovated to a bar. 


Elvis The Man And His Music March 2011

Another excellent edition. There's an interview with the songwriter Johnny Christopher, a review of the 1977 box set (from an understandably saddened reviewer) and more:



* The Final Curtain – Full review of the controversial bootleg box-set
* Johnny Christopher Interview
* Hawaii ’61 Revisited – Rock Around The Bloch!
* Brought To Light – The ’70s Uncovered
* Readers’ Letters
* CD & Book Reviews


Elvis Presley – The Anthology


The Not Now budget label announced the release of the the five disc CD-set "Elvis Presley – The Anthology" containing the five albums "Elvis Presley" (1956), "Elvis" (1956), "King Creole" (1958), "Elvis Is Back!" (1960) and "G. I. Blues" (1960). 


(Source: FECC / EP Gesellschaft / ElvisMatters / The King's World)

February 25 - Hip-Shakin Exhibit Now Open

EPE announced the opening of a new exhibit. Experience the power of Elvis Presley's impact on the media in the Elvis! His Groundbreaking, Hip-Shaking, Newsmaking Story, now open in the Sincerely Elvis museum. This exhibit explores how Elvis' music and physicality pushed the boundaries of free expression at a time when America was experiencing deep generational shifts.


The exhibit is one of three new exhibits debuting at Graceland this year. Last week, The Roots of Elvis Exhibit opened as part of the Graceland VIP tour. Sponsored by the Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau, this exhibit tells the story of Elvis' early years and the influences that shaped him as a person and music legend. In January, the Elvis in 1956 Interactive Timeline was unveiled in the Graceland Trophy Building. It celebrates the year Elvis Presley catapulted from anonymity to superstardom with his first RCA single and national hit, "Heartbreak Hotel," his first album, "Elvis Presley," his first movie, "Love Me Tender," and his first television appearances.

The #1 Elvis Article From Shop Elvis

Not the "Viva Elvis - The Album" or ELV1S 30#1 Hits" compilations or anything that features Elvis Presley, the singer, entertainer, showman or anything else that made him the worlds greatest ever entertainer is the top sellinng item in EPE's Shop Elvis.

The #1 best selling item on Shop Elvis, and has been the top selling item for the past few months is  The jumpsuit Elvis Potato Head and according to the latest Graceland Beat Podcast, the folks at EPE are proud of the fact! Long live the King of the pre-school toys.


Movie Hits


The 3CD compilation "Movie Hits" was released on the Not Now budget label. 


Elvis Presley


The Dutch Disky label released the 20 songs compilation simply entitled "Elvis Presley". 



Bruce Jackson Memorial Service in Sydney
 
There was a Bruce Jackson Memorial Service at the Sydney Opera House Friday, February 25, EIN contributor Geoffrey McDonnell was there and conveyed the emotion of the event.

Bruce Jackson - "Bruce the Goose" as Elvis called him - was one of the legends of the live sound business in both Australia and worldwide - he worked for Elvis for six years.

Bruce Jackson initial start was creating one of the largest audio businesses in Australia before moving to the USA and becoming the Sound Engineer for Elvis Presley. He started to work for Elvis in 1971 when he was only in his early twenties continuing through to Elvis’ final concert.

Towards the very end of Elvis’ last ever concert on June 26th 1977, Elvis thanked Bruce personally, 'I would like to thank my sound engineer Bruce Jackson from Australia'…

The Bruce Jackson Memorial Service was a 90 minute memorial service. It was extremely moving and when heavy weights like Roy Claire made speeches you just knew the significance of the man!

Bruce Springsteen made a nice video presentation and so did 'U2' and I remember particularly the excellent speech by his nephew, daughters & Opera House sound man as being phenomenal.

The memorial featured a string orchestra classical piece heard via a Bruce Jackson installed sound system the sound was superb. Of course the Bruce "Elvis Birthday greetings" from June 3rd 1976 were heard too.

(Source: EPE / Elvis-Express / The King's World / EP Gesellschaft / Elvis Information Network)

February 24 - A Burst Of Fire At The Bay

The Czech Memory Records import label announced it's return with the release of two titles. Both CDs will contain previously unreleased recordings. "Burst Of Fire" contains an audience recording of the August 25th, 1973 Dinner show as recorded live in the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel Showroom. Lisa Marie was in the audience and Elvis sings "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" for her.  


The second disc announced is "Elvis At Bay" containing an audience recording of the performance  from September 3rd, 1976 as recorded live in St. Petersburg, FL, at the Bayfront Center,. This recording was taken directly from the original tape obtained from the person who recorded the show. His own memories of the show are presented inside the booklet. 


2011 Elvis Week Schedule & Ticket Sale Dates Announced

EPE announced the first Elvis Week 2011 updates. Get ready to rock 'n' roll! Tickets for the 2011 Elvis Week celebration in Memphis go on sale soon, and the schedule of events has just been posted on the brand new 2011 Elvis Week website.

Elvis Insiders will be the first in line for tickets during a pre-sale on Tuesday, March 1, at 8:30 a.m. CST. Tickets for the general public will go on sale on Tuesday, March 8, at 8:30 a.m. CST. See more information about purchasing tickets and ticket packages.

Links and passwords necessary to take part in the Elvis Insiders pre-sale will be posted on the Elvis Insiders News section closer to the pre-sale date. You must be a Basic or Plus Elvis Insider member to be part of the pre-sale. Not an Elvis Insider? Join today to make sure your seats are among the best in the house at all the events.

Special guests at this year's celebration will include D.J. Fontana, Elvis' Imperials, Joe Guercio, Al Wertheimer, John Wilkinson, and many more. See a schedule of Elvis Week events! 


(Source: FECC / EPE)

February 22 - Elvis And Gabbana

The exclusive fashion brand 'Dolce & Gabbana' just released their summer colletion online. A couple of shirts are interesting for Elvis-fans because of their Elvis themed prints. It is going to be very cool to wear Elvis on your shirts this summer! The price of these clothes are - as any branded fashion - rather expensive with a price of €110 for one shirt. 






(Source: ElvisMatters)

February 21 - Gospels Live In Vegas

The Follow That Dream collectors label released the "Live in Las Vegas" 5 inch digi-pack featuring the complete concert from Elvis’ opening Vegas season in 1969; August 26, 1969. Ann Moses was a correspondent for the infamous NME and Tiger Beat publications during this magic time and she had the good fortune to meet Elvis and report on the shows. Her unique photos from this season are featured in the package, some published for the first time. The booklet also includes a unique essay written by Ann.

Also released was the vinyl re-issue of the classic "How Great Thou Art" album as a limited edition 180 gram 2-LP set. The vinyl edition features all the original masters plus many outtakes. Also included is "Beyond The Reef" (overdubbed version) that was recorded informally at these sessions. 



Download the New Elvis Mobile App for Free

We're excited to announce the launch of the new Elvis Mobile 2.0 app that's now available to download for FREE! Elvis Mobile 2.0 is an iPhone application (app) available to iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch users via the iTunes App Store.

With this official and all new app, you can take the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll with you everywhere you go. The Elvis Mobile 2.0 app delivers Elvis Presley essentials right to the palm of your hand featuring news, weekly photo updates, videos, Graceland Beat podcasts and more. Plus, see what’s going on at Elvis’ home in Memphis, Tennessee with two Live-cam shots of the Graceland mansion. Find out more about the brand new app!

Visit the Elvis Mobile page on iTunes to download the new app for free! If you had the old Elvis Mobile app on your iPhone, you will want to download our new one as the old app will no longer be available.


(Source: ElvisMatters / EPE)

February 20 - The Elvis Today Blog Book

Thomas Melin, owner of the Elvis-Today blog published the cover of his first book entitled "The Elvis Today Blog" containing the 271 post from his blog. The book should be finished in March.


(Source: http://elvistoday.blogspot.com)

February 19 - Rave Review

Fifty years since its release, Rolling Stone magazine is raving over the upcoming re-release "Elvis Is Back: Legacy Edition." The magazine gives the album a whopping 4.5 stars, saying... "it might be the the king's greatest noncompilation LP: wildy varied material, revelatory singing, impeccable stereo sound.. . ." 

Elvis Presley began recording "Elvis Is Back!" in Nashville on March 20th, 1960 after returning from his two-year stint in the military. A half-century later, "Elvis Is Back" is now coupled with 1961’s "Something For Everybody."

Along with one dozen hit single sides recorded and charted over roughly the same period of time, the deluxe "Elvis Is Back: Legacy Edition" will be available at all physical and digital retail outlets starting March 8, 2011.

(Source: Elvis Info Net / Rolling Stone)

February 18 - Budget

The cargo Records budget label announced the release of the 3CD-set "Elvis Sings Songs from His Movies" with March 11 as the release-date and the single disc "Gospel Time" compilation with March 18th as the release-date. 

The Music For Pleasure budget label announced the "Love Songs" 3CD compilation. which is due March 17th.

Swedish Chart

The CD 'The Essential Elvis Presley' re-entered the Swedish album chart at # 36.

(Source: The King's World)

February 17 - Last Train Back From Tahoe

From Tahoe To Vegas


The SR import label announced the release of a long-box with 2 CDs containing 3 unreleased shows from July/ August 1971.


Elvis Is Back Delayed


Once again a new Elvis release is delayed and this time it's  the 2 disc legacy edition of 'Elvis Is Back'. The new edition brings "Elvis Is Back" together 
with "Something For Everybody" and also features 12 bonus songs which made up some of Elvis' biggest hit singles of the period.


'Elvis Is Back (Legacy Edition)' was scheduled for a February 28th release but is now delayed until March 8th when it will be released as both physical and digital formats.


Roots Of Elvis Opened


EPE announce their new exhibit 'Roots Of Elvis' is now open. The exhibit tells the story of Elvis' early years and the influences that shaped him as a person and music legend. Fans wanting to see this new exhibit will have to splash out for the 
VIP tour for the privilege. 'The Roots Of Elvis' is sponsored by the Tupelo Convention & Visitors Bureau.


Promotion Started


EPE started a new promotional campaign in and around Memphis. 


Last Train To Memphis Movie


However, there is good news that 'Young Guns' writer John Fusco has been hired to tell the story of the King. Fusco is adapting the critically acclaimed book written by Peter Guralnick, 'Last Train to Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley'.  The story will focus on Elvis’s formative years up until he entered the Army in 1958.


Fox has been trying to pull together a movie based on the book  for more than a decade. But now things look like they are coming together as Steve Bing is producing the film now for Fox 2000.


Press release SR Records



Available from the middle March, From Tahoe to Vegas (SR Records) with focus on Elvis’ July&August 1971.

This import comes in deluxe long digipack , double CD pack is the  second SR release  dedicated onto July Tahoe engagement.

As SR attitude we present Elvis at the peak of his possibility and without doubt the Lake Tahoe July 1971 season presents Him at the top, of his possibility but in the same time with a sort of continuity in  the next month in Vegas He still able to delivery solid shows although shorter overall to the end of the Season.

Here are presented three unreleased complete shows in a very good audio quality coming from early generation tapes. Here you have the possibility to listed officially the second show from Tahoe 71 ever in the best audio quality ever…we work on the tape to give you to the possibility to listen with pleasure one of the best show ever of Elvis in the seventy.

We are happy and proud of the result we hope you can enjoy too, in spite of the limitation Of the audience recording you can listen in a very balanced form  all the instruments and Elvis super powerful voice.

The show is fantastic and the track listing is very interesting  with a lot of rare songs as MY BABE, I JUST CAN’T Help Believing and Help ME MAKE THROUGH THE NIGHT and with the unusual conclusion with Bridge over troubled water..

The Other Two Shows coming form August 26 and 27 midnight Show in spite Elvis’ starting to feel the tire from both of the season.

They  are still solid with a superb audio, overall in the August 27 He sound terrific full of vocal energy with a tape with a full sharp sound that give justice to the listener. No surprises on the track list but all the songs are delivered with energy and solid enthusiasm.

All tracks were digitally restored for your best possible listening pleasure; the sound quality is incredibly good considering the early period.

We are proud to give life to a unique view with almost 120 minutes of great music with Elvis at his best. Again We are happy to give you the possibility to listen for the second time a show from Like Tahoe 71.

For the Third time for this label, the double CD will come in a deluxe LONG six panel DIGIPACK, containing a collection of live RARE photographs of both  the Seasons.

Don’t miss it.



Sony Australia have re-released the Viva Elvis album

Sony Australia have re-released the Viva Elvis album with the double CD 'international' version. The second disc on this edition includes the original versions of the songs featured on the first disc.


(Source: ElvisNews / ElvisMatters / Elvis Express)

February 16 - Graceland Shipped

Graceland Shipped


The German Elvis Presley Gesellschaft sent out volume #197 to their members. 


Lamar Fike's Funeral Update


The following is the latest information concerning Lamar Fike's burial. A Memorial Service for "Lamar Rielly Fike" will be conducted at 11:00 hours on Saturday morning, 26 Feb 2011, at the Littlepage Funeral Home in Mart, Texas. Additional information is listed below:




1.) 11:00 AM in "The Chapel Room", an Indoor Service will be held for Lamar Rielly Fike.


2.) 12:15 AM at the "Gravesite", final words and the Interment of his Ashes.
3.) A Private "Celebration/Wake" for Lamar Rielly Fike for family and friends will be held after the service.


4.) Littlepage Funeral Home, 711 E Texas Avenue, Mart, Texas 76664. telephone 254-876-2511.




Love 'Em Tender: Glee Officially Bigger Than Elvis

The King is dead. And he's ceded his throne to those pop princes and princesses of Glee. The castmembers of the hit Fox series have just made music history —having already toppled the likes of The Beatles and Michael Jackson, the New Directions just passed Elvis Presley and now own the record of most songs ever on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The Glee crew's cover tunes have accounted for 113 entries on the Hot 100 since the show began releasing singles a year and a half ago (though it should be noted that fewer than one-fourth remained on the charts longer than a week). With the six tracks that debuted this week, Lea Michele, Cory Monteith and company can now genuinely say they're bigger than Presley, whose record had stood at 108 songs.

Somebody better cue "Heartbreak Hotel," 'cause we're sure Elvis fans are seriously sad right about now.

Coke Celebrates Men In Japanese Coffee Ad

Atlanta-based The Coca-Cola Company Inc. this week launched an aggressive new ad campaign in Japan for its “Georgia” brand canned coffee in an effort to attract younger male customers and add pep to flat sales, The Wall Street Journal reports. The new slogan “Sorry, I am a Man,” is meant to convey with humor, coolness, and a little sweetness, that “boys can be boys.” A television ad shows attractive Japanese men drinking coffee in a can and being, well, men. They are shown in the boxing ring, on skateboards, wind sailing and nervously catching the eye of a pretty girl. The ad is accompanied by a cool-injecting song, Elvis Presley’s “A Little Less Conversation.”



(Source: EPG / FECC / e-online / Atlanta Business Chronicle)

February 15 - Touchdown!

The Touchdown import label double CD "The Tenth Of Never" was released. The CD features an audience recording of the December 10, 1976 show and comes with a 16 page booklet with rare pictures.

February 14 - Valentine With Joe

Especially for Valentine’s Day Joe Tunzi listed his top 10 Elvis Love songs on The Comet website.


Don’t have a date this Valentine’s Day? Then spend it with the King! For a hunk of burning love, Elvis historian and author Joseph Tunzi lists his top ten favorite Elvis love songs to mark the holiday.


10. “Love Letters” (Victor Young, Edward Heyman) Recorded May 26, 1966 at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Elvis sings this song with smoothness and ease. He would record another version in June,1970.


9. “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me” (Vicki Wickham, Simon Napier-Bell, Pino Donaggio, Vito Pallavicini) Recorded June 6, 1970 at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Elvis covers the Dusty Springfield hit with an arrangement that is without a doubt one of his best. Elvis gives a strong vocal performance on this version that hit #11 on the Billboard Hot 100/b> and peaked at #10 on Cashbox magazine’s Hot 100 chart.


8. “I’ll Hold You in My Heart (Till I Can Hold You in My Arms)” (Tommy Dilback, Hal Horton, Eddy Arnold) Elvis sang this masterful track in just one take January 22,1969 at American Sound in Memphis.


7. “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” (Roy Turk, Lou Handman) Notably recorded by jazz singer Al Jolson, Colonel Parker and his wife thought this song would be ideal for Elvis. Following their advice, Elvis recorded “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” on April 4, 1960, with a perfect vocal performance. It stayed six weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.


6. “Young and Beautiful” (Abner Silver, Aaron Schroeder) Recorded April 30, 1957 at Radio Recorders in Hollywood for the movie “Jailhouse Rock,” this is a tender love song with beautiful words and music by Silver and Schroeder.


5. “It’s Now or Never”(Aaron Schroeder, Wally Gold) Adapted from the Enrico Caruso operatic “O Sole Mio,” Elvis put his own spin on the song and it became one of his biggest hits ever. He delivers a tender but powerful vocal performance. “It’s Now or Never,” recorded April 3, 1960 at RCA Studio B, stayed five weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.


4. “Blue Moon” (Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart) Recorded in 1954 at Sun Studio in Memphis, Elvis sings this track with a darkness and loneliness that echoes throughout—a must-listen for every music fan.


3. “Always On My Mind” (Wayne Carson, Mark James, Johnny Christopher) Recorded March 29, 1972 in Hollywood, this is the B side of the single, “Separate Ways.” A top 25 hit on the Billboard singles chart, this song would become a classic. It features a great arrangement by pianist Glen D. Hardin, and Elvis truly feels the emotional content of the song.


2. “My Happiness” (Betty Peterson, Borney Bergantine) Recorded in 1953 at Memphis Recording Service (Sun Studio), “My Happiness” is the first song Elvis ever recorded. The story goes that an 18-year-old Elvis stepped into Sun Studio to record a two-sided acetate as a gift to his mother on her birthday. No one knows for sure but no one can deny the pure and natural sound that the world would come to know and love. Side two of the acetate is “That’s When Your Heartaches Begin,” another gem.


1. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” (Hugo Peretti,, Luigi Creatore, George Weiss) Recorded March 23, 1961 at Radio Recorders in Hollywood for the film “Blue Hawaii,” Elvis did many takes to perfect this number. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” is not just a notable “Elvis love song” but belongs on a list of the world’s greatest love songs. Elvis would use this song to close out most of his live shows from 1969 to 1977.


Happy Valentine’s Day!
JAT


(Source: The Comet)

February 12 - Soundboards

The new Nedmac import label released the CD "Elvis - The Soundboard Greatest". This single disc digi-pack set contains soundboardrecordings from 1969 - 1977, previously released on both official and unofficial releases.


Moody Blue - February 21, 1977 
Johnny B Goode - February 5, 1973 
Lawdy, Miss Clawdy - March 27, 1977 
It's Now Or Never - February 20, 1977 
Aubrey - September 2, 1974 (Elvis recites the words) 
Polk Salad Annie - April 27, 1977 
Trouble - May 31, 1975 
Bridge Over Troubled Water - September 3, 1973 
You've Lost That Lovin'Feelin' - January 27, 1974 
Blueberry Hill/I Can't Stop Loving You (medley) - February 1974 (various shows) 
Reconsider Baby - February 21, 1977 
Early Mornin' Rain - December 29, 1976 (complete version) 
Release Me - January 28, 1971 
Wooden Heart - December 13, 1975 
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face - August 21, 1974 
Help Me Make it Through the Night - December 13, 1975 
True Love Travels On A Gravel Road - January 27, 1970 
My Way - March 27, 1977 (includes rare spoken part) 
I Got A Woman - August, 1969 
It's Midnight - September 2, 1974 
Sweet Caroline - January 29, 1973 
It's Over - April 10, 1972 
Memories - August, 1969



New Fairgrounds Plan Would Demolish Coliseum
 

Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr. has outlined a $185 million plan for redevelopment of the Mid-South Fairgrounds. The plan, which is still tentative, would demolish the Mid-South Coliseum, unused for the last four years because its seating and other features don’t comply with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Lipscomb estimated renovation of the coliseum would cost $30 million versus $26 million for a new facility. The plan envisions a new, much smaller 5,000-seat multi-use sports facility elsewhere on the property. The old site of the Libertyland amusement park would keep much of its green space and trees to become Liberty Park.


(Source: EPGold / ElvisMatters)

February 11 - Here's Elvis On Billboard

The album "An Afternoon In The Garden" climbed from #166  to "137 on the Top 200 Album Charts and from #20 to #16 on the Catalog Album Charts. 


New Releases

The Mischief budget label announced the release of the "The Sun 7" Box", limited edition five disc vinyl set. The release-date is March 4, 2011. 

The Disky (K-tel International Switzerland) announced the release of the budget CD "Here's Elvis Presley" with February 25, 2011.

Warner Strategic Marketing announced the release of the budget compilation "Formidable". The set is due May 9, 2011. 

The Check-out budget label announced the release of the 40 track compilation "40 Original Recordings" on March 2. 

(Source: ElvisMatters / Amazon)

February 10 - Spankox Talks Back

Official Statement from Spankox Regarding his EPE Court Finding: 


First of all I'd like to say that I never infringed anything. On the contrary, I've been doing quite a lot for Elvis Presley and his Estate. For those who don't know, EPE and Sony Music have been selling since 2008 my Elvis Presley remixed songs and they largely benefited by the fact that I've brought Elvis back to the top of the International record sales charts, introducing Elvis Presley to a whole new generation and to millions of new fans worldwide. Also the promotional value of my work for Elvis Presley and Graceland has been huge. My "Re:Versions" album was in 2008 the first official Elvis Presley remix album in history. It was praised by the original Presley's producers like Mike Stoller and band mates like DJ Fontana and I was called by EPE to Graceland to present my work to thousands of Elvis fans. When last summer this Claim was notified to me I was already working on the new remix of "Fever" and on the forthcoming Elvis Presley "Re:Volution" album, so it felt like a friend had stabbed me in the back.


Having said this, I'm not accepting this ruling and I'm already working to ask the Court to discharge it because I think it is not correct. In primis Field Fisher Waterhouse (EPE's lawyers) didn't follow the compulsory pre-action protocol. They filed the Claim out of nowhere, without even trying to contact me with one single letter, accusing me of infringing EPE's copyright when they instead knew that I didn't infringe anything. They also chose the wrong jurisdiction (it should be Italy, where I'm based, not UK) and asked to the Court to set the hearing in London exactly in the days when, as I wrote them, I couldn't have attended it because I was busy for shows in Italy. In Italy this would not be acceptable and I'm surprised that this can happen in the UK. I'm also surprised that the judge didn't consider all this nor my lawful request (supported by evidence) of rejecting the jurisdiction because I live in Italy, not in the UK, and the fact that I have valid agreements in place with EPE, which were completely ignored.


Anyway I think the biggest problem to solve now remains to Elvis Presley Enterprises and their lawyers Field Fisher Waterhouse. In fact I was suspecting that behind this Claim there was something else: my relationship with EPE had been fantastic so I couldn't explain this sudden Claim. So I investigated and I found out that they were working on a remix album entitled "Viva Elvis", that I think was largely inspired by my "Re:Versions"; it also included some of the same songs that I remixed and were included in "Re:Versions" and "Re:Mixes". Later I found that they had been infringing my own intellectual property and copyright using without any authorization my own original slogan "Elvis as you've never heard him before", created by me and used since 2008 for the promotion and sale of my Elvis Presley "Re:Versions" album (the first historical official Elvis Presley's remix album, also released by Sony in the UK), for the promotion and sale of their "Viva Elvis" album in the UK and worldwide. This has been obviously causing a big damage to me and also amounts to passing off. I'm now waiting to hear back from EPE's lawyers to know if they prefer to set this matter amicably or not.

February 9 - Back To 1973

Steve Rino and Bob Rush announced the release of the new book "Elvis June 73 Tour". The release-date is March 2011. 



EPE signs with Celebrities Entertainment in Europe

Possibly connected to the illegal distribution clampdown and also the Public Domain laws in Europe, EPE have signed a 3 year deal with a German agent Celebrities Entertainment to manage Elvis licensing rights for all of Europe, including UK.

At the moment, there are over 20 licensees in Europe for Elvis, of which more than half are UK-based. Celebrities Entertainment will be looking to generally expand the product offering across Europe, with regions such as Benelux, Scandinavia, German speaking countries and Southern Europe being key priorities.
"We are very excited to be representing the Elvis Presley brand exclusively in all of Europe," commented Ulf Verspermann, MD of Celebrities Entertainment. "We look forward to working with the existing licensees, as well as expanding the licensee base with new partners in Europe."

Carol Butler, VP of international licensing at EPE, added: "The demand for Elvis product internationally continues to grow every year. With such high interest and activity, we've found it necessary to expand our international agents. We look forward to working with Celebrities Entertainment."


(Source: FECC / Elvis Information Network)

February 8 - That's The Way It Was

The Way It Was


The Godfather import label announced the release of the "famous" July 24, 1970 rehearsal on a digipak 2CD called "The Way It Was". The first complete pressing was done by the Fort Baxter import label in 1998 while the Gravel Road import label re-released the recording as a digipak 2CD ten years later.



Elvis.com Fan Clubs E-Newsletter

EPE informed fan-clubs on their new policy through a newsletter, as a fan-club you knwo how to act :-)

Tuesday, February 08, 2011

Recent Legal Actions

We want to make all Elvis Presley Fan Club Presidents aware of several legal actions that have taken place recently, and remind everyone of the steps to make sure all your Elvis-related activities are handled properly.

In addition to these actions, several more are currently underway and you will be hearing about them very soon. EPE will not tolerate infringement of our intellectual property rights, whether it's as part of the production, sale and distribution of bootleg merchandise, use in advertising, or in connection with the illegal distribution of bootleg DVDs and CDs.

As has been the case for many, many years, should you have a concert or event to raise money for charity, please contact fans@elvis.com for a fan club permission agreement.

Any fan club found to be holding a concert or event, or producing or selling unofficial bootleg merchandise of any kind, will receive a legal notification letting you know of the infringement.

Should that activity not cease and desist immediately, the fan club will be in violation of their fan club agreement. Their status as an official Elvis fan club will be revoked and the appropriate legal action will be taken against them.

Should you have any questions, please e-mail fans@elvis.com


(Source: FECC / EPGold)

February 7 - EPE Strikes While G.I. Elvis Is Back

EPE Takes Care Of Business

Elvis Presley Enterprises added this message to their website. It appears to be for "The Final Curtain" multi DVD/CD book bootleg set.

Elvis Presley Enterprises took swift action to stop the commercial sale and distribution of a DVD/CD set which included recordings and audiovisual footage of Elvis Presley concert performances. Working with a team of investigators across three continents, EPE was able to track down the individuals they believe to be behind the release and distribution of the box set.

As of today, EPE has begun action in the Chancery Division of the High Court, England and Wales, against Joseph Pirzada, the alleged source of the infringing materials in the box set. On an order from the High Court, on January 25, 2011, EPE lawyers and computer experts were authorized to search Mr. Prizada's home for evidence of the sale and distribution of the box set. The evidence uncovered led to the filing of a lawsuit against Mr. Prizada for copyright infringement.

On February 2, 2011, EPE also filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court, Northern District of Florida, against Bud Glass, an Elvis Presley memorabilia collector, for the alleged illegal sale and distribution of the box set in the United States.

EPE is currently reviewing the evidence and considering filing additional lawsuits against other individuals responsible for the manufacture, sale, and release of this particular box set as well as other bootleg recordings and merchandise.

CBS Special On Amazon


While EPE tried to stop the sale of this bootleg release the 30th anniversary special "CBS Special" was avaiable through the U.K. branch of Amazon.

G.I. Elvis Is Back


The U.K. based Hallmark budget label announced the release of the CD's "G.I. Blues" and "Elvis Is Back". The release-date is set for March 14, 2011.

(Source: Amazon / EPE)

February 6 - EPE vs. Spankox

Elvis Presley may or may not be dead, but his intellectual property portfolio goes marching on. Elvis Presley Enterprises v Carollo ("Spankox" - trading as Everness) is a decision of Sir William Blackburne, a retired judge of the High Court, England and Wales. Yesterday he was asked by EPE to give a summary judgment on a claim for trade mark infringement, passing off and breach of contract against Carollo, who was making and selling albums that carried its marks.

"Spankox" (Agostino Carollo) has previously released Elvis REMIX albums  endorsed by EPE. 


The background is that EPE (a US corporation) holds several Community trade marks relating to the great man's name.  Carollo, a former licensee of EPE's intellectual properties in respect of various items of Elvis memorabilia, asked permission to make a new Elvis Remix album which EPE refused.  Undeterred by this trifling setback, Carollo carried on making and selling the album in the UK. Reassuringly for his customers, the album and its artwork bore EPE's marks and signature hologram, acknowledging that they belonged to EPE.


EPE sued Carollo in England and Wales. Carollo wrote to the court to dispute its jurisdiction, also arguing that he had a valid contract with EPE to make and sell the album. EPE stood its ground, also stating that it had built up significant goodwill in its trade marks and logos to the extent that a substantial body of the public, upon seeing those marks and logos, would believe those goods or services to be those of EPE and its lawful licensees.


Sir William Blackburne had no difficulty in granting summary judgment in favour of EPE. While Carollo incorrectly disputed the court's jurisdiction - he also did not offer any proof of his entitlement to use EPE's intellectual property, so he was unlikely to emerge victorious from this little spat.

(Source: Elvis Unlimited)

February 5 - Double Down Under

Sony Australia announced that the Australian edition of the "Viva Elvis" CD would be a double CD set with both the remixed and original versions of the songs packed together. 



Rare RCA Promotional EP Sold

7x7" cardboard triple gatefold cover contains three record 45 rpm set on the "RCA Victor" label. In 1956, RCA marketed two different models of an "Elvis Presley" Victrola record player. Buyers of the $32.95 model were given the double EP SPD-22 while the bonus for buyers of the higher priced $47.95 model were given this even more rare and desirable EP SPD-23. This triple EP features songs from the first Elvis album (LPM-1254). 12 songs in total including such classics as "Blue Suede Shoes/Don't Be Cruel/Hound Dog." All have black label with horizontal silver line and dog on top. Cover features same Elvis image on front that appears on other LP and EP covers of the time, back cover is text bio. Slightest trace of aging but cover, inside and out, remains bright, clean and glossy. N.Mint. All three records are clean, glossy and N.Mint. A true Elvis rarity, especially in this high grade condition. As nice as they come. Very conservative opening based on book price. (L - $2000 to $5000). 

Winning Bid: $2,222.50.

(Source: Elvis Information Network / Elvis Unlimited / Hake's Auctions)

February 4 - Colorful Books On A Colorful Manager

More Books From Joe Tunzi

Joe Tunzi's JAT Publishing informed fans that he was working on five books;  Sessions IV, Elvis Presley By Special Request 71 at 40 (out soon), a new book on Elvis in 1956 and the Speedway book. That leaves one mystery book. Joe Tunzi added that the name of the lead character would be spelled correctly.


Elvis On Billboard

The concert "An Afternoon At The Garden" debuts at #166 on the Billboard Album Top 200 and at #20 on the Billboard Catalog Album chart for the week ending February 12. 

Colored King

The U.K. based Rockwell Record label released two colored vinyl disc; "All Shook Up" on mixed color vinyl and "I Was The One" pink mist color vinyl. Both limited to 150 copies. 

New Documentary On Colonel Parker

Former stage aid for Elvis Charles Stone is working on a new documentary about Colonel Tom Parker. It's not the first time that Charles Stone talks about the Colonel. In June 2009, we presented his book "My Years with Elvis and the Colonel". According to Elvis Unlimited actor Jeff Bridges and even Lisa Marie have promised their help.



Opal Auction

This opal and diamond ring with Australian Fire Opal was given by Elvis to his girlfriend, Ginger Alden, some time in 1976. It features 16 diamonds surrounding an opal in a bevelled setting. Elvis can be seen wearing the ring in this picture taken by Ed Bonja. You can try your luck on eBay.



Evis In Top 200

Dutch Radio 5 had a special yesterday, about their 200 most favorite songs of the sixties. Here are the results for Elvis:

182 Return To Sender
159 Good Luck Charm
150 Surrender
123 Wooden Heart
113 It's Now Or Never
91 Crying In The Chapel
79 Devil In Disguise
64 Suspicious Minds
41 Can't Help Falling In Love
20 In The Ghetto
2 Are You Lonesome Tonight
(#1 Yesterday by The Beatles) 


(Source: For Elvis CD Collectors / ElvisMatters / Elvis Unlimited / Elvis-Express)