April 28 - William Campbell Dies At 84

William Campbell, a veteran actor who had memorable roles in the television series "Star Trek," was in Elvis Presley's first film and in the 1950s was married to President Kennedy paramour Judith Campbell Exner, has died. He was 84.


Campbell died Thursday of natural causes at the Motion Picture & Television Fund's hospital in Woodland Hills, said fund spokeswoman Jennifer Fagen. He was a busy film and television actor in the 1950s and '60s, making his film debut in 1950's "The Breaking Point" and singing with Presley in 1956's "Love Me Tender."


(Source: ElvisMatters)

April 27 - A Czech "ThankYouVeryMuch" For Hero

Budapest's city council has approved a plan to name a small park after Elvis Presley in commemoration of The King's support for Hungary's anti-Soviet revolution of 1956. 


Budapest mayor Istvan Tarlos said Wednesday that a plot near the Margaret Bridge will be called Elvis Presley Park to honor the singer's "sincere sympathy" toward the short-lived uprising.


On Jan. 6, 1957, during his last appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show," Elvis sang a gospel standard, "Peace in the Valley," which Sullivan said reflected the singer's concern for Hungarians' plight after the uprising. Sullivan said Elvis wanted people to make donations to be sent to Hungary.


The site in Buda, separated from Pest by the Danube River, was chosen in voting held last month on the city website. 


Rock And roll Hero


Also from the Czech Republic is a 15 by 21 cm cardboard edition of the Sony Music budget compilation "Elvis: Rock 'n' Roll Hero".


(Source: Elvis On CD / ElvisNews)

April 26 - $6.6 Million For An Old Shack

A Tupelo tourism attraction which attracts over 75,000 visitors each year is about to receive a large face-lift. City leaders held a ground breaking at the place where Elvis Presley was born as it will soon expand 10,000 plus square-feet.


Project plans estimate to cost about $6.6 million including a theater, reception hall, walking trail, and other displays.


Two and a half million dollars for this upgrade comes from the Mississippi Legislature, a wise investment according to some of our tourism experts.


"For every dollar we spend in advertising and marketing in the state of Mississippi we get about seven dollars returned on that one dollar," says Neal McCoy, Director of the Tupelo Convention and Visitor's Bureau. "So this is a good sound investment we think will attract visitors."


"We're the number one tourist attraction for the State of Mississippi. The state tourism people realize that and they're not afraid to put money into a project like this," believes Executive Director of the Elvis Presley Memorial, Dick Guyton.


Records show in 2010, the birthplace brought visitors in from all 50 states as well as 50 foreign countries.


Elvis Gold

The U.K. based Gold radio station published the Top 300 songs of all time. Elvis Presley makes his presence felt with 28 classics in the Top 300.


The King's highest song is 'Suspicious Minds' at #2 with a further 10 sitting in the Top 50. The #1 spot was taken by 'Bohemian Rhapsody' by Queen. Here is a complete run-down of Elvis' songs and places on the Top 300 chart.

002 – Suspicious Minds
006 – An American Trilogy
007 – The Wonder Of You
008 – Always On My Mind
011 – Can’t Help Falling In Love
014 – Jailhouse Rock
016 – In The Ghetto
030 – Heartbreak Hotel
032 – Burning Love
046 – Don’t Be Cruel
048 – Suspicion
055 – It’s Now Or Never
068 – I Just Can’t Help Believing
070 – All Shook Up
083 – If I Can Dream
084 – Devil In Disguise
107 – His Latest Flame
109 – Wooden Heart
110 – Love Me Tender
128 – Return To Sender
139 – Moody Blue
143 – Girl Of My Best Friend
172 – A Fool Such As I
188 – Teddy Bear
194 – Way Down
204 – Hound Dog
270 – Don’t
296 – Are You Lonesome Tonight


(Source: Elvis Unlimited / Brian Quinn Elvis Express)

April 25 - Elvis Unlimited #47

Elvis Unlimited Magazine #47 was finishend and sent out to the subscribers of the Danish magazine.

April 24 - You'll Never Walk Alone

The Straight Arrow import label announced the release of the CD " You'll Never Walk Alone" containing Elvis' famous July 19th, 1975 8:30 pm show from Uniondale, NY.



Czech Elvis

From April 24th to May 8th Czech fans could visit an Elvis Presley exhibition; but according to commends most iems shown were fake. 



From the Straight Arrow press-release:


17 years ago, the Claudia label released this show in slightly incomplete form, using an unknown generation tape copy of the original recording. Straight Arrow managed to obtain the original (mono) tape directly from person who recorded it. No edits - and in the best possible sound! The title-song in particular sounds stunning: a truly goosebump-inducing performance in the best soundquality possible!


As most of die-hard fans know, Elvis' July 1975 tour was one of his best. No need to go into big details. His evening Uniondale concert was of the highest quality - a rockin' setlist, rare songs, great mood and brilliant vocal work.


As you've come to expect from Straight Arrow, this original recording was completely restored in a studio and the sound was enhanced for the best possible listening pleasure.


The CD package is completed with a standard 16-page booklet, including a collection of photos from the Uniondale 8:30 pm show and a critically written but positive review by Nick Cohn.


"You'll Never Walk Alone" will be released in early May, 2011. Don't miss your chance to obtain the ultimate release of one of the coolest Elvis shows ever. And as the front cover show, on stage, Elvis was never walking alone!


Tracks:


01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen - 04. Big Boss Man - 05. Love Me - 06. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - 07. Love Me Tender - 08. All Shook Up - 09. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - 10. Hound Dog - 11. The Wonder Of You - 12. Polk Salad Annie - 13. Introductions by Elvis of Singers, Musicians - 14. Johnny B. Goode (James Burton) - 15. Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) - 16. Bass Solo (Jerry Scheff) - 17. Piano Solo (Glen D. Hardin) - 18. School Day (Joe Guercio Orchestra) - 19. T.R.O.U.B.L.E. - 20. Why Me Lord (funny version) - 21. How Great Thou Art (with reprise) - 22. Let Me Be There (with reprise) - 23. You'll Never Walk Alone (Elvis at piano, the only live version) - 24. Funny How Time Slips Away (with reprise) - 25. Little Darlin' - 26. I'm Leavin' (one to last version) - 27. Can't Help Falling In Love - 28. Closing Vamp / Announcements.


Approximate running time: 73:01


(Source: Flaming Star / FECC / UEPS)

April 23 - Elvis On Tour - November 1971

On eBay a new book entitled "Elvis On Tour - November 1971" appearded. According to the seller it was published earlier this year and limited to just 150 copies. The 150 pages book contains over 200 amateur and professional photographs (many never before published) of Elvis on stage, official tour documents, diary extracts and interviews with fans who attended the shows, this is the definitive story of what is considered Elvis' greatest tour. 


"With countless other images of rare ads, ticket stubs, seating charts and memorabilia, plus fascinating stories from the fans who were there (including the most detailed story of Elvis' concert in Kansas City that has ever been published) this is a must have book for the concert aficionado" according to the information from the seller.


(Source: FECC / eBay)

April 22 - Full Of Rhythm And Blues And Budget Compilations

The Brookville import label announced the release of the blues compilation "Elvis- Full Off Rhythm And Blues" containing a superb collection of 25 of Elvis' finest rhythm and blues recordings (according to the press-release). 


Film Hits


Sony Music announced the rerelease of the "Elvis At The Movies" 40 track compilation. The CD had May 3 as the release-date. 


Don't Be Cruel



The Austrian MCP Import Label announced the release of the CD "Don’t Be Cruel“ with 20 fifties recordings. 


Billboard



Here are the Billboard Chart positions for w/e 30th April, 2011

Top 200 Albums - 'An Afternoon In The Garden' jumps to #85 from #123
Catalog Albums - 'An Afternoon In The Garden' jumps to #8 from #12
Christian Albums - 'An Evening Prayer' drops one place from #30 to #31. 


(Source: EPG / The King's World)


Track-listing Full Of Blues



That's All Right - Live, October 16, 1954
So Glad You're Mine - master
Lawdy, Miss Clawdy - take 5
Baby, Let's Play House - Live, February 4, 1956
Don't Leave Me Now - take 13
Ain't That Loving You Baby - take 1
A Mess of Blues - take 3
Like A Baby - spliced take *
Give Me the Right - take 2
I Feel So Bad - take 1
Beach Boy Blues - take 3
Little Sister - take 6
Tomorrow Night - 1965 overdub (correct speed)
Hard Luck - master
Down in the Alley - take 1
City By Night - take 10
Big Boss Man - take 2
When it Rains It Really Pours - rehearsal, June 24, 1968 (edit) *
Tiger Man - Rehearsal, June 25, 1968 (edit) *
One Night - Live, February 23, 1970 (Elvis on Electric Guitar)
Stranger in My Own Home Town - Rehearsal, July 24, 1970
My Baby left Me -rehearsal july 29, 1970 (edit) *
Steamroller Blues - Live, January 12, 1973 (alternate mix)
Good Time Charlie's Got the Blues - take 6
Reconsider Baby - Live, February 21, 1977

April 21 - A Guitarman In L.A.

The Follow That Dream collectors label released the two new FTD titles “Guitar Man” and “Elvis Presley Live in LA”. "Elvis Sings Guitar Man" contains 49 songs, all recorded in Nashville between May 1966 and September 1967 while "Elvis Presley Live in L.A." contains the original soundboard recordings taken from the May 11th, 1974 performance at The Forum in Inglewood, California.


An Afternoon In The Garden

This week the album climbs up the chart for the week ending April 30th. On the "Top 200", the album climbs to #85 from #123. Elvis also climbs to #8 from #12 on the "Catalog Albums Chart" While on the "Christian Albums Chart", Elvis' 'An Evening Prayer' drops one place from #30 to #31.

(Source: ElvisMatters / FECC / Elvis On CD)

April 20 - Tender Coloured Love

Rockwell Records released two new editions of their 2010 love song compilation, "Tender Love". The new releases come in colours "clear" and "cupid colour mix" vinyl and are both have limited print runs of 150 worldwide. The first release of this title back in October 2010 was a "pewter" coloured vinyl edition which was also limited to just 150 copies. However, this particular edition was  deleted by Rockwell.


(Source: Elvis Express)

April 19 - Elvis Pr35ley King Of Hawaii

Matinee Majesty Out Now


Straight Arrow just released a new CD called "Matinee Majesty" featuring a stereo audience-recording of Elvis' June 26th, 1976 afternoon show as recorded in  Providence, RI.  


Elvis King of Hawaii


Book author Erik Lorentzen released the cover of his new book "Elvis King Of Hawaii". If all goes well, the book should be ready by mid-May.



Elvis Pr35ley


Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. has unveiled the artwork  that will be used throughout 2012 on merchandise and advertising, and in conjunction with events that will commemorate the 35th annual celebration of the legacy of Elvis Presley.


The artwork, which was developed by Memphis firm Red Deluxe, features a variety of Elvis silhouettes in bight, contemporary colors along with the type, “ELVIS PR35LEY.” The 35th Anniversary Year of Elvis will kick off in Memphis, Tennessee during Elvis' birthday celebration held Thursday, January 5 - Sunday, January 8, 2012. 


(Source: EPE / ElvisMatters / FECC)

April 18 - Essential Recordings

The Primo budget label re-issued 'The Essential Recordings' featuring recordings from the 'Million Dollar Session' and other essential tracks from the fab four present at the session on December 4th, 1956.

April 16 - Elvis '69

JAT Publishing announced the release of the book "Elvis '69" which covers the whole of 1969 including the Universal Picture "Change Of Habit".


Follow That Week


New FTDs being released next week: The highly anticipated FTD release of 'Guitar Man' plus the CD only 'Live In LA' will be released next week.


(Source: JAT Publishing / FTD)

April 15 - An Afternoon At Graceland Randers

Despite the fact EPE threatened to take legal action, "Graceland Randers" opened it's doors yesterday. Attend the opening were Sonny West, Glen D. Hardin, Charles Stone and Rock 'N' Roll vixen, Suzy Quatro. 


 "Graceland Randers" is a replica of Elvis' famous Memphis home and is owned by Henrik Knudsen who is said to have spend over £2 million building the project. According to reports, Graceland Randers is almost identical to the original building, except it is twice the size and will offer a tourist facilities including a shop, restaurant and museum that will house nearly 6, 000 items including guitars and letters.


The building is almost identical to the original, although it is twice the size to house a shop, restaurant and museum.


Organisers hope the new attraction will lure 50,000 visitors a year. Meanwhile RandersTourism officials in Randers believe up to 125,000 Elvis fans could make the trip annually.The replica home is a business and contains an Elvis Museum and Elvis Shop. It is also has an American Diner, a Ballroom, a Mini Movie Theatre, Concert venue, Wedding Facility and a Souvenir Shop.


Elvis Presley Memorial Award



Elvis Presley's former back-up singer and member of the famous "Stamps Quartet" Bill Baize is the winner of the German "Elvis Presley Memorial Award 2010", created by the fan service "The King's World".

Bill Baize was chosen especially because of his close gospel connection to Elvis, who loved gospel music more than any other kind of music. The tenor had made outstanding contributions to Elvis' presentations of this beloved gospel music, and Elvis admired Baize's vocal abilities so much that he even let him sing solo numbers at his concerts from time to time. Until today Bill Baize supports efforts of fans all over the world to keep the memory of Elvis alive.

Bill Baize received the award last week from Sandra and Peter Beines of "The King's World" in Randers, Denmark after the grand opening of "Graceland Randers".

The "Elvis Presley Memorial Award" is the very first German award created to celebrate outstanding contributions of musicians, singers, songwriters and producers to the unique art of Elvis Presley. Its first
winner had been Elvis' piano player and arranger Glen D. Hardin.


An Afternoon In The Billboard Album Charts 


In the past weeks the album has re-entered and left the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart; this week it is back again this week re-entering at #123 with a star denoting greatest airplay and sales gain. It has also re-entered the Catalog Album Charts at #12 with a star.


(Elvis Express / Brian Quinn / The King's World)

April 14 - A Pocket Full Of Remixes

The Italian DJ Spanlox remixed another Elvis-tune, this time he "re:volutionezed" "A pocket Full Of Rainbows". 

April 13 - Drowned In Spanish Eyes

The Gravelroad Music import label re-issued Elvis Presley's performance from May 24, 1974 at the Sahara Tahoe Hotel (MS) as "Spanish Eyes By Request".  The concert was originally released in 1995 by Fort Baxter, this time the speed of the tape was corrected. At this show Elvis was heard taking a personal request for "Spanish Eyes," not something he did too often. Along with a booklet filled with Tahoe '74 facts, photos and detailed liner notes, there is also a reproduction of the rare May 1974 Sahara Tahoe reservation postcard with the color photo of Elvis on back, and another menu-sized, "Your Personal Invitation" card with the invite on the flip-side. 


Drowned In Sound


The new Omega Records import release "Drowned In Sound" containing a multitrack/soundboard recording of the August 24th, 1969 Midnight show as recorded live in Las Vegas, NV, at the Hilton Hotel Showroom was released. 

This concert has been released 16 years ago on DAE serie “Here I Go Again” with wrong showdate (August 23rd Dinner show). Last three tracks (Suspicious Minds, What´d I Say, Can´t Help Falling in Love) were taken from from August 3rd. The CD comes in digipack with a 12 page booklet containing a collection of August 1969 on and off stage photo's.



Joe Guercio To Be Honored In Las Vegas Rock Reunion Hall Of Fame

Joe Guercio has enjoyed a prolific career, but he is probably best known and admired for his work with Elvis Presley. He was musical director and conductor for Elvis' concert shows from the summer of 1970 to the summer of 1977 when Elvis made his last concert appearance. Elvis was known for spontaneity and improvisation on stage and the cast had to be ready for anything. Guercio remembers "He'd just turn around and start a tune. The rhythm section knew him backwards and forwards, but when you're up there conducting a twenty-six-piece orchestra, what are you gonna do?" In describing that experience, Guercio once commented good-naturedly that conducting for Elvis was "like following a marble down concrete steps." This led to his being a target for a particular practical joker. Guercio later found his stage tux stuffed with marbles and a few hundred more rolling around in his dressing room.

Guercio was musical director for the International Hotel in Las Vegas when the work with Elvis began. Along with the obvious contributions he made to Elvis' shows, including many of the triumphs of Elvis' "concert era", it was Joe Guercio who created the now almost iconic six-note theme for Elvis' stage entrances and bows. It was also Guercio who suggested that Elvis' shows open with Theme from 2001 - A Space Odyssey (Also Sprach Zarathustra). The inspiration came when Guercio and his late first wife saw the now-classic science fiction movie in a theater, for when the music began Mrs. Guercio whispered to her husband "You'd think Elvis was about to enter."



Las Vegas Rock Reunion Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Concert
The event will be held at the Henderson Pavilion, May 1st, 2011.


(Source: EPG / ElvisNews / Back In Memphis)

April 12 - Downtown Rotterdam

Downtown Long Beach


The Touchdown import label announced the release of the CD "Downtown Long Beach" containing the concert from Long Beach from November 15, 1972.

From the press-release


Twenty years ago the concert from Long Beach an November 15, 1972 was released for the first time. Since then it seemed that it was almost forgotten. So it is about time for delivering a major upgrade of this truely fantastic concert to make it available in a much better quality. Enjoy Elvis at his very best and listen to him doing what no one else did better than the King of Rock'n Roll!

As you're used to it by now the CD will come with a great looking 16-page booklet!


The Concert Is Back


EPE announced that the "Elvis Presley in Concert" will return to Ahoy in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, on Wednesday, March 7, 2012.


Memories Of A Fan-club


The German Elvis Club Berlin released the spring edition of their magazine.




(Source: Email / EPE / Elvis Club Berlin)

April 10 - Elvis Weekly

RockStar Weekly Issue 3 - All Elvis Presley

This week's edition of the Canadian RockStar Weekly comes with a mini-magazine dedicated to Elvis Presley. The magazine talked with Erich Van Tourneau, producer of the Viva Elvis album and Cirque du Soliel music who takes the reader song-by-song through the Viva Elvis album. The magazine also takes a look at an Elvis timeline.


(Source: RockStar Weekly)

April 09 - Japanese Gold

The U.K. based IMC budget label announced the release of the 3 DVD box "Elvis - The DVD Gold Collection" containing the budget titles "The True Story of Elvis Presley", "Elvis - The Milton Berle Show Special" and "The Sinatra Show - Welcome Home Elvis Special". The set is due August 2011.


The King Of Japan


The Elvis Presley Society Of Japan published the spring 2011 edition of their "The Elvis" magazine. 

Stay Away Shirt

Another eye-catcher popped up on eBay; the white shirt worn by Elvis Presley in the 1968 movie "Stay Away Joe" and featured on many country compilations. 


(EP Gesellschaft / EP Society Of Japan / The King's World)  

April 08 - Drowned In Budget Sound

The new Omega Records import label announced its first release entitled "Drowned In Sound" containing a multitrack/soundboard recording of the August 24th, 1969 Midnight show as recorded live in Las Vegas, NV, at the Hilton Hotel Showroom.

This concert has been released 16 years ago on DAE serie “Here I Go Again” with wrong showdate (August 23rd Dinner show). Last three tracks (Suspicious Minds, What´d I Say, Can´t Help Falling in Love) were taken from from August 3rd. The label announced that this release will be complete except for “What´d I Say” (August 24th, Dinner show). The CD comes in digipack with a 12 page booklet containing a collection of August 1969 on and off stage photos.

Tracklist :

01. Blue Suede Shoes, 02. Elvis talks, 03. I Got A Woman, 04. All Shook Up, 05. Elvis talks, 06. Love Me Tender, 07. Elvis talks, 08. Jailhouse Rock / Don´t Be Cruel, 09. Heartbreak Hotel, 10. Elvis talks, 11. Hound Dog, 12. I Can´t Stop Loving You, 13. Johnny B.Goode, 14. Life Story (incl. one line of Hound Dog), 15. Baby What You Want Me To Do, 16. Runaway, 17. Are You Lonesome Tonight? 18. Words 19. Yesterday / Hey Jude, 20. Introductions, 21. In The Ghetto, 22. Suspicious Minds, 23. What´d I Say, 24.Can´t Help Falling In Love

Running time: 66:39



Elvis Presley - Tutti Frutti

The 16-track budget compilations 'Tutti Frutti', 'I Want To Be Free', 'His hand In Mine' were released by the Finnish VL-Musiikki.

(Source: FECC / eBay)

April 06 - Elvis Is Back, From Japan

Elvis Music Featured in Japanese Hyundai Commercial


Classic music from the King of Rock 'n' Roll meets a new class in automotive technology! That's the message behind a new commercial now airing in Japan for the Hyundai 5G Grandeur, a luxury sedan. The ad features Elvis Presley's 1956 hit song "Hound Dog" with vintage footage of excited fans. 


Elvis Is Back


 Sony Music Japan released the legacy edition of "Elvis Is Back". 

Elvis On The Milton Berle Tops List of 100 Influential Shows

In a new article, Adweek explored the 100 most influential TV shows and how they changed pop culture. At the top of the list is "The Milton Berle Show" followed by "The Ed Sullivan Show." Adweek used a photo of Elvis with Milton Berle to illustrate how these variety shows impacted modern media. Elvis appeared on "The Milton Berle Show" twice and on "The Ed Sullivan Show" three times. During Elvis' second appearance on "The Milton Berle Show" on June 5, 1956, his sensuous performance of "Hound Dog" disgusted the press and some adult viewers. Kids in the audience, however, loved it and the controversial performance only seemed to fuel Elvis' unstoppable popularity.

(Source: EPE / Elvis World Japan / ElvisMatters)

April 05 - Released

Cafe Europa : The Complete G.I. Blues Sessions 4 CD Deluxe Set Released


The U.K. based Memphis Recording Service released the "Cafe Europa : The Complete G.I. Blues Sessions" set. This 4 CD-Set/100 page book contains nearly 4 hours of Elvis' officially unreleased studio takes from the 'Café Europa' sessions, recorded for the movie ultimately titled G.I. Blues. 


The audio contained here includes the master recordings from the original soundtrack album 'G.I. Blues' plus, hours of alternate takes of all songs, with all the Elvis studio banter intact and, instilling new insight and live atmosphere into the complete making of this historic movie soundtrack.



The 100 pages book is filled with pages of unreleased photographs, memorabilia and goes behind the scenes, with full text and documentation and includes contributions from Ray Walker of the Jordanaires and a forward by Sid Tepper who co- wrote the songs 'Shoppin' Around' and 'G.I. Blues'.


Elvis June 1973 Tour


Steve Rino and Bob Rush released their book "Elvis June 1973 Tour". The book documents every single concert of the June 1973 tour, each one of the 17 concerts has been documented with newspapers clips, photos, edited and unedited audio and video available, memorabilia and memories of people who attended  the shows.


(Source: Elvis Australia / Various)

April 04 - Always In My Yoghurt

Elvis Music Featured in Greek TV Commercial
  
A new commercial for Greek dairy company FAGE features Elvis' 1972 recording of the 1972 hit song "Always On My Mind." The ad shows a variety of people doing kind and considerate things for others, but the bottom line is: buy our yoghurts...

Graceland 198


The German Elvis Presley Gesellschaf announced the release of volume 198 of their "Garaceland" magazine


(Source: EPE / EP Gesellschaft)