June 30 - An Alternate Black Diamond

 Just out is a re-release of 'Black Diamond' featuring an audience recording of Elvis’ last Las Vegas show on December 12th 1976.  The 2xCD set comes in a digipack longbox.


Tracklisting:


CD-1: 2001 Theme / CC Rider / I Got A Woman - Amen / Love Me / My Way (with false start) / Fairytale / You Gave Me A Mountain / Elvis Talks With The Audience / Jailhouse Rock / Little Sister / O Solo Mio - It’s Now Or Never / Trying To Get To You / Happy Bbirthday Charlie Hodge / Blue Christmas / Softly As I Leave You / Are You Lonesome Tonight (Laughing With The Audience) / That’s All Right / Bridge Over Troubled Water.


CD-2: Band Introductions / Early Morning Rain / What’d I Say / Johnny B. Goode / Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) / Fender Bass Solo (Jerry Scheff) / Piano Solo (Tony Brown) / Electric Piano Solo (David Briggs) / Love Letters / Band Introductions/ School Days / Hurt / Such A Night / Sweet Caroline / Can’t Help Falling In Love / Closing Vamp.

The Alternate Promised Land

Just announced is a new gatefold digipack import release of the 'Promised Land' album, simply entitled 'The Alternate Promised Land'.

Mr. Dynamite Released By Special Request

JAT Productions has just released the book 'Elvis By Special Request '71 At 40' and CD package 'Elvis In The Beginning - Mr. Dynamite' package. The set contains an 1955 interview to promote Elvis’ performance in Texarkana, Arkansas, at the Arkansas Municipal Auditorium and comes with a reproduction of the the first 100% Elvis tour book, 'Mr. Dynamite' that  accompanied Elvis on his concert stops..


(Source: Essential Elvis / FECC)  

June 29 - Original Golden Records

Original Album Series


On the PLAY website the details and cover of the new Sony Music 5 CD release 'Original Album Classics' were published. The set, due August 1, 2011, contains the complete "Golden Records" series; starting with volume 1, first released in 1958 and subsequent titles released in 1959, 1963, 1968 and 1985. This is the second Sony box set in the 'Original Album Series'. 

Wild Tiger Released

The MxF import label released the second volume of “Wild Tiger At The Hilton'' featuring the unreleased Vegas September 01, 1974 Midnight Show.


(Source: Play / ElvisNews)

June 28 - The Very Best of Elvis Presley Love Songs

Time Life Love Songs


Time Life will release the CD "Love Songs" containing 15 ballads by Elvis Presley; the price is US$ 29.99. The CD is also part of the 10 and 18 CD series 'The Teen Years' which is hosted by Paul Anka. 


James Burton - Nashville Cat

Renowned guitarist James Burton will be saluted on Saturday, July 23, as part of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum's popular series Nashville Cats: A Celebration of Music City Musicians. 


Hosted by Bill Lloyd, the program will include a brief performance and an in-depth, one-on-one interview illustrated with vintage recordings, photos and film clips from the Museum's Frist Library and Archive.


Setlist: The Very Best Of Elvis Presley Live

The details for the new Sony Legacy live budget series "Setlist: The Very Best Of ... Live" was published. The track-listing was featured on the Billboard site:

- That's All Right [Live August 13, 1970 at The International Hotel, Las Vegas]
- Blue Suede Shoes [Live August 22, 1969 at The International Hotel, Las Vegas]
- All Shook Up [Live August 22, 1969 at The International Hotel, Las Vegas]
- Love Me Tender [Live August 22, 1969 at The International Hotel, Las Vegas]
- Jailhouse Rock / Don't Be Cruel [?]
- Heartbreak Hotel [Live August 22, 1969 at The International Hotel, Las Vegas]
- Hound Dog [Live August 22, 1969 at The International Hotel, Las Vegas, Las Vegas]
- Are You Lonesome Tonight? [Live August 22, 1969 at The International Hotel, Las Vegas]
- The Wonder Of You [Live August 13, 1970 at The International Hotel, Las Vegas]
- An American Trilogy [Live January 17, 1973 at Honolulu International Center]
- Burning Love [Live January 17, 1973 at Honolulu International Center]
- In the Ghetto [Live August 22, 1969 at The International Hotel, Las Vegas]
- Suspicious Minds [Live August 22, 1969 at The International Hotel, Las Vegas]
- Can't Help Falling In Love [Live August 22, 1969 at The International Hotel, Las Vegas].

(Source: Amazon / Time Life / FECC / Elvis Unlimited)

June 27 - Fitted By The King

The You Gotta Have Rock And Roll auctionhouse announced a new 'Rock And Roll' auction, starting July 13th. Amongst the items on offer are the 1950's owned and worn Lansky Bros. outfit that Elvis can be seen wearing during his first photo session for RCA Victor and on the back cover of his first album release (Est $30-40,000). Some other items are:

- Black Stage Worn Mohair Suit and Boots With Scarf. Worn by Elvis during his first season at the International Hotel in August 1969 (Est $20-30,000).

- Elvis' hand written set list for the second show in his opening season of performances at the International Hotel, Las Vegas, in August 1969 (Est $8-9,000)

- Owned and Worn IC Costume Blue Shirt. Inside label reads "IC Costume Co." & comes with the original IC Costume Co.  wooden hanger. Includes photographs of Elvis wearing this shirt and a letter from Alan Fortas. (Est $5-10,000).


Auction Results


Juliens Auctions held it's 'Music Icons' auction last weekend, containing 48 Elvis related items. The top 3 sold items are:


- Gibson acoustic guitar: $20,480
- "TCB" necklace: $17,920
- Handwritten setlist 6,080


(Source: Elvis Express / ElvisMatters)

June 25 - Alternate G.I.

The Memphis Recording Service will release a new CD on August 8th in the UK entitled "G.I. Blues - The Alternate Album Version". 


The album features 26 outtakes and movie versions, 19 of the outtakes were previously released for the first time officially with the release of the Memphis Recording Service 4 CD set "The Cafe Europa Sessions" and the remaining 7 tracks are all previously unreleased movie versions


Jim Curtin Died

One of the biggest Elvis collectors ever, Jim Curtin, passed away. Jim gave Elvis a black Gibson with EP in the neck and Elvis gave him a jumpsuit to thank him. At the highlight of his collection, Curtin got 3 jumpsuits, memorabilia and thousands of pictures and vinyl.
The largest part of the collection was sold at different auctions in the past years. Jim also released 7 Elvis books, among them was 'Unseen Elvis'.


Elvis Re: Volution


The fourth remix album 'Elvis - Re: Volution' by the Italian DJ Spankox was released on CD. 


Track-listing G.I. Blues - The Alternate Album Version:


The Alternative Album:
01. Tonight Is So Right For Love (Take 9)
02. Whats She Really Like (Take 13)
03. Frankfort Special (Take 8)
04. Wooden Heart (Take 4)
05. G.I. Blues (Master)
06. Pocketful Of Rainbows (Take 8)
07. Shoppin Around (Take 10)
08. Big Boots (Fast Version; Take 5)
09. Didja Ever (Master)
10. Blue Suede Shoes (Take 1)
11. Doin The Best I Can (Master)


More Outtakes:
12. Tonight's All Right For Love (Master)
13. Pocketful Of Rainbows (Take 7)
14. Shoppin Around (Version 2; Take 2)
15. Frankfort Special (Fast Version; Take 7)
16. Tonight Is So Right For Love (Take 4)
17. Whats She Really Like (Take 11)
18. Big Boots (Slow Version; Take 6)
19. Tonights All Right For Love (Take 1)


Movie Versions:
20. Frankfort Special (Movie Version)
21. Shoppin Around (Movie Version)
22. Tonight Is So Right For Love (Movie Version)
23. Wooden Heart (Movie Version)
24. Pocketful Of Rainbows (Movie Version)
25. Big Boots (Movie Version)
26. Didja Ever (Movie Version)


 (Source: Elvis-Express / ElvisNews / ElvisMatters)

June 24 - Elvis, Marilyn And Sonny

Elvis And Marilyn


20th Century Fox coupled Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe with the release of the double DVD set 'Love Me Tender & Seven Year Itch' in their 'Great Movie Moments' series. The set is  due on July 5, 2011.



Sonny West In Hospital
 
Sonny West, co-author of the August 1977 gossip book "Elvis What Happened?!" and persona non grata at most Elvis events, took a fall off his daughter's porch. The circumstances are not clear, but apparently the man broke 3 ribs and also has some cuts, abrasions and bruises. He is in the hospital.



Update from Sandy Pichon (June 26):

When we arrived we were distressed to see him. His color was gray, he had many cuts and abrasions and bruises and his hands, feet and legs were very swollen. His spleen was lacerated and his heart was not functioning normally. He is on oxygen and was in a lot of pain. The dr ordered a CT scan and afterward came in to speak with us. Sonny had blood clots in his lungs (pulmonary emboli) and in his legs. It was urgent that a Vena Cava Filter be put in place to prevent more clots from entering his lungs or his heart. We prayed with him, consent forms were signed and he was taken down. The procedure was performed immediately and his color began to improve. We were able to talk with him more until he asked for more pain meds. He is not out of the woods yet. The dr is unable to put him on blood thinner due to the spleen as a spleen bleed could be fatal, as could the clots. There is a possibility the spleen will have to be removed if it doesn't heal properly. The dr said that the fall actually saved his life as they believe the clots were there before the fall and had he not been brought to the hospital he would have died. Sonny asked me to thank you for your prayers and that you continue to lift him up until he is completely healed. He is anxious to get back to work on his movie Fame and Fortune. He is too sick to receive visitors or take phone calls (please) at this time, but if you would like to send a card to Sonny, you can send it to me at P O Box 161052, Memphis TN 38186. I plan to go back to Nashville soon as I promised Judy I would certainly be there for them when they need me. This is a very difficult time and I ask that you all please continue your prayers. I will update you as his condition progresses.



Greatest Rock Concert Poster of All Time

Andrew Hawley an avid vintage rock concert poster collector believes the greatest rock concert poster was printed by Hatch Show Print for the 1956 Elvis Presley tour. He bought the only know existing original of the Elvis Jacksonville, Florida concert poster from Jordanaires member - Gordon Stoker.

How Hawley acquired the Jacksonville Elvis concert poster started when Gordon Stoker, the tenor and manager for the renowned singing group Jordanaires, noticed the Elvis concert poster nailed to a tree when driving to a rehearsal before the Jacksonville show in 1956. Stoker saw that the name of his vocal group was misspelt with two "o’s" instead of one. He stopped the car and took the poster from the tree. He folded it and placed it under his car seat. Twenty-one years later the poster resurfaced. Hawley got wind that one of the Jordanaires had a 1956 Elvis concert poster. He contacted Ray Walker a Jordanaire member who mentioned that Stoker had it. After much effort to meet Gordon Stoker, Hawley met him in Nashville at a recording studio and acquired the poster.

According to Hawley, "The Hatch Show Print Elvis Presley concert posters for 1956 tour are the greatest rock poster of all time. The big red block lettering on white background is stunning on this large 22 by 28 inch concert poster. It is striking because of its size, use of bold bright colors, and images on a white background. The gigantic image of Elvis on the poster is called "the tonsil shot". Many people claim they took this picture of Elvis. It was taken in Tampa, Florida in the summer of 1955."

Hawley continues, "Hatch printed the concert posters in Nashville, Tennessee and shipped them to Jacksonville and other venues by Greyhound Bus. Elvis did a string of shows in Florida in August of 1956 and posters looked exactly alike, but different venue information was printed on the tour blanks depending on where he was playing." 

  (Source: Best Buy / ElvisMatters / ElvisNews)

June 23 - June 2011 FTD Releases

The June 2011 releases; 'Stage Rehearsal', a CD collection of stage rehearsals - including several new songs - from 1970, 1972 and 1973 recorded at the International Hotel, Las Vegas, 'Amarillo '77', a 1977 soundboard CD recording from Civic Center, Amarillo and 'The Pot Luck Sessions', a limited edition 2-disc 12" vinyl set - have been released through the Follow That Dream collector's label.

Follow That Dream

You can get the June Follow That Dream release from Shop ElvisMatters, the cheapest place on the web: 

1. Buy Stage Rehearsals

2. Buy Live In Amarillo

3. Buy Pot Luck (vinyl edition))

Aircraft Restored


Airmen at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey are restoring a historic aircraft once used by Elvis Presley. 
For decades, the C-118 Liftmaster stood on display near the passenger terminal at the military installation. In October 2009, the deteriorating aircraft was towed to a maintenance hangar so Airmen could restore it to its former glory. 
After serving a tour in Germany, Army Sgt. Elvis Presley returned to the United States aboard the aircraft, amid much fanfare, 51 years ago. It's a piece of history that many service members can appreciate.
"I'm from Memphis," says Airman 1st Class Marco Andrade. "Everything there is about Elvis." 



Elvis on 'historic Joepie cover'
 
The weekly magazine 'Joepie' celebrates its 2,000th edition today. Joepie is a Belgian (Flemish) music magazine that is read by hundreds of thousands teenagers. In the seventies, Elvis was featured on the cover almost every week. The editor's choice of the Most Historic Cover Ever as published in Joepie #2,000, is this one, with Elvis on it.



Apollo Global Completes Acquisition CKx

An affiliate of private equity firm Apollo Global Management has completed the roughly $510 million acquisition of American Idol owner CKx Inc., the companies said early Wednesday.

CKx is the owner of American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance producer 19 Entertainment and also owns the rights to the likeness and names of Elvis Presley and Muhammad Ali. After failed acquisition attempts by others in recent years, Apollo made a cash tender offer of $5.50 per share for CKx and a follow-up offer, which expired earlier this week.



Why ELVIS Left The Building - Revealing Seven Lost Years

The 2006 book 'Why ELVIS Left The Building - Revealing Seven Lost Years' by
by Heart Lanier Shapre (as narrated by James Samuel Denson) was re-issued.  The original title was 'Elvis Through My Eyes.


(Source: Elvis Australia / Elvis Express / ElvisMatters / Hollywood Reporter / Elvis InformationNetwork)

June 22 - Polls, Lists And Nominations

Elvis 3rd In NME Poll


Michael Jackson has beaten Queen's Freddie Mercury in NME's poll of the Greatest Singers Of All Time. Elvis Presley came in at #3. Michael Jackson got an average score of 9.02 out of 10, while Mercury's was 8.39. The poll, which took place on NME.com saw 10 million votes being cast, 4000 Facebook comments and, initially, saw Mercury at the top spot until Jackson went to #1.


Elvis Presley took the Number Three position with an average of 7.17 out of 10. 

The NME comment: 
3. Elvis Presley. He had the hip shakes and pelvis thrusts to make girls scream and the smoldering vocals to make girls weep. The King Of Rock ‘N’ Roll, indeed.


Belgian List


Elvis Presley was listed two times in the 'Belgian Top 60 of the Sixties' at #7 with 'Suspicious Minds' and at #18 with 'Are You Lonesome Tonight'. The Belgian signeer Adamo is listen at #1 with 'Sans Toi Ma Mie'.



Summer Movie Lists

Summer is here and "Extra", Warner Bros online magazine, remembers some of the hottest beach movies. And Elvis is second on the list with the 1960
Paramount Pictures movie, "Blue Hawaii", in which Elvis plays Chad Gates who leaves the Army and returns to Hawaii to become a tour guide. Other beach movies on the list include "Jaws", "Cast Away", "Beaches" and others.



Elvis - Live At The International
 
From the same publishers that brought 'Elvis On Tour - November 1971' (in stock now), we can soon expect the follow-up release 'Elvis - Live At The International'.

From The Press-release:

The full story of Elvis' time at the International Hotel from August 1969 to September 1971. This book contains 150 pages describing in meticulous detail exactly what it was like to see Elvis at the International. Taken from the diaries of super fan Peggy Elzea, the chapters describe meeting Elvis backstage, the shows, the hotel, the staff, the food, even the call girls. There are sections of tape transcripts, jumpsuit descriptions, photographs of memorabilia, the hotel's advertising campaign, the list goes on. If you ever wanted to know how Elvis chipped his tooth on stage in 1971 even that is in here. With over 100,000 words, there will never be a better chance to read about Elvis' first five engagements in Vegas as seen through the eyes of a fan who was there. Peggy Elzea wrote her memories down forty years ago and so they are as honest and fresh as if it all just happened yesterday. 

A Fool Such As I

The Promosound budget label released the CD 'A Fool Such As I' containing 30 tracks from the fifties.



Suspicious Minds Songwriter Nominated

Mark James has been nominated for induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame for “Suspicious Minds” by Elvis Presley.

The other nominated songwriters are: John Bettis (“Slow Hand” by Conway Twitty); Robert Byrne (“Two Dozen Roses” by Shenandoah); J.J. Cale (Eric Clapton’s “Cocaine”); Jan Crutchfield (“Statue of a Fool” by Jack Greene); Dan Penn (“The Dark End of the Street” by James Carr); Gretchen Peters (“Independence Day” by Martina McBride); Thom Schuyler (“16th Avenue” by Lacy J. Dalton); Allen Shamblin (“The House That Built Me” by Miranda Lambert); and John Scott Sherrill (“Would You Go With Me” by Josh Turner).

Two songwriters from the nominees above will be inducted into the Hall at a Renaissance Hotel dinner on October 16, 2011. 


(Source: NME / ElvisMatters / Elvis Express / Elvis Unlimited)


   

June 21 - Error Released

A yet unknown import label released the CD 'Elvis As Recorded Live in Madison, MI' containing a   soundboard recording from June 24, 1977. The CD comes with a 12 pages booklet with a newspaper review and many photos. The producers messed up the data, the concert took place in Madison, Wisconsin.

Follow That Dream

Don't forget your June Follow That Dream releases! Pre-order your new Follow That Dream releases from Shop ElvisMatters, the cheapest place on the web: 

1. >> Stage Rehearsals

2. >> Live In Amarillo

3. >> Pot Luck (vinyl edition)

June 20 - Essential Fifties And Seventies

The Groove Masters import label announced the release of the 'The Essential '77 Soundboard Collection' containing three volumes. 


From the press-release:


Groove masters wants to take a lead by offering you the best available sound quality to date of these recordings by mastering the groove! 


Warning: If you’re used to average sound, Please,  first sit down before push play. 

Having Fun In Florida - Volume 1


This Orlando soundboard was recorded on February 15th, 1977. Clearly, it was a good night. There’s a ‘joie de vivre’ in Elvis’ performance that was generally lacking in that final year. Particularly impressive are his astounding renditions of ‘Hurt’ and ‘My Way’. A heartwarming performance – captured in a vibrant and exciting live sound. Running time: 78:22.


01. Love Me ; 02. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) ; 03. You Gave Me A Mountain ; 04. O Sole Mio / It's Now Or Never (with break, medley) ; 05. All Shook Up ; 06. Teddy Bear/ Don't Be Cruel (medley) ; 07. Help Me ; 08. Big Boss Man ; 09. My Way (with false start and reprise) ; 10. Band Introductions (incomplete) ; 11. Hurt (with reprise) ; 12. Hound Dog ; 13. Can't Help Falling In Love ; 14. Closing Vamp 


Bonus performances: 


15. Release Me ; 16. Trying To Get To You ; 17. Fairytale ; 18. My Way ; 19. Moody Blue (attempt only) ; 20. How Great Thou Art ; 21. Blue Christmas ; 22. My Way (with spoken part) ;23. That's All Right, Mama ; 24. Bosom Of Abraham / You Better Run (medley) ; 25. And I Love You So ; 26. Fever ; 27. Hurt ; 28. Blueberry Hill ; 29. Love Letters 


Tracks 01-14 recorded in Orlando, FL, February 15, 1977. Tracks 15, 16 recorded in Columbia, SC, February 18, 1977. Tracks 17-20 recorded in Charlotte, NC, February 20, 1977. Track 21 recorded in Norman, OK, March 26, 1977. Tracks 22, 23 recorded in Abilene, TX, March 27, 1977. Track 24 recorded in Alexandria, VA, March 29, 1977. Tracks 25-27 recorded in Alexandria, VA, March 30, 1977. Tracks 28, 29 recorded in St. Petersburg, FL, February 14, 1977. 


Trouble In Saginaw - Volume 2


On May 3rd, 1977, Elvis Presley performed in Saginaw, MI for the second time on this tour. This performance was also the final night of the tour. It’s clear that Elvis is exhausted, but nevertheless he does his best to give the crowd their money’s worth. He even opens with ‘That’s All Right Mama’ instead of the usual ‘C.C. Rider’. An above-par performance from a very troubled year for Elvis. Running time: 71:14 .


01. That's All Right ; 02. Trouble (part) ; 03. I Got A Woman / Amen (medley) ; 04. Love Me ; 05. Happy Birthday / Big Boss Man (intro only) ; 06. Hound Dog ; 07. Trying To Get To You ; 08. Jailhouse Rock ; 09. My Way ; 10. Little Sister ; 11. Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel (medley) ; 12. Help Me ; 13. O Solo Mio - It's Now Or Never ; 14. Love Me Tender ; 15. Why Me Lord (with false start) ; 16. Polk Salad Annie (with false start) ; 17. Mystery Train / Tiger Man (medley) ; 18. Can't Help Falling In Love (incomplete) 


Bonus performances: 


19. Polk Salad Annie ; 20. Big Boss Man ; 21. Bridge Over Troubled Water ; 22. My Way ; 23. Fairytale ; 24. My Way  


Tracks 01-18 recorded in Saginaw, MI, May 03, 1977. Track 19 recorded in Toledo, OH, April 23, 1977. Tracks 20, 21 recorded in Duluth, MN, April 29, 1977. Track 22 recorded in Chicago, IL, May 01, 1977. Tracks 23-24 recorded in Chicago, IL, May 02, 1977. 


Stumpin' Madison - Volume 3 


This soundboard tape was recorded near the end of Elvis’ final tour, in Madison, WI on June 24th, 1977.


His regular drummer Ronnie Tutt was replaced on this night by the Sweet Inspirations drummer, Jerome ‘Stump’ Monroe. And considering the fact that Jerome was asked to fill in during the soundcheck with no possibility to rehearse, he does a tremendous job: “Leave the driving to Stump!”. Running time: 78:06.


01. Opening Vamp / See See Rider ; 02. I Got A Woman / Amen (medley) ; 03. Love Me ; 04. If You Love (Let Me Know) ; 05. You Gave Me A Mountain ; 06. Jailhouse Rock (with false start) ; 07. O Sole Mio / It's Now Or Never (medley, with reprise) ; 08. One Night (with false start) ; 09. Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel (medley) ; 10. And I Love You So ; 11. Danny Boy (Shaun Nielsen) ; 12. Walk With Me (Shaun Nielsen) ; 13. Love Me Tender ; 14. Band Introductions ; 15. Early Morning Rain ; 16. What'd I Say ; 17. Johnny B. Goode ; 18. Drum Solo (Jerome "Stump" Monroe) ; 19. Bass Solo (Jerry Scheff) ; 20. Piano Solo (Tony Brown) ; 21. I Really Don't Want To Know ; 22. Electric Piano Solo (Bobby Ogden) ; 23. Orchestra Solo ; 24. Hound Dog ; 25. Introduction of Vernon Presley ; 26. Can't Help Falling In Love ; 27. Closing Theme / Announcer 


Bonus performances: 


28. Lawdy Miss Clawdy ; 29. Trying To Get To You ; 30. Reconsider Baby ; 31. Release Me; 32. Little Darlin' ; 33. Moody Blue  


Tracks 01-27 recorded in Madison, WI, June 24, 1977. Track 28 recorded in Abilene, TX, March 27, 1977. Tracks 29 & 32 recorded in Ann Arbor, MI, April 24, 1977. Tracks 30, 31 & 33 recorded in Charlotte, NC, Februray 21, 1977. 


The Real Elvis



The new SONY budget CD releases, "The Real Elvis" were released.

Available as either a 1 disc or a 3 disc edition and featuring 90 songs from the 50s & 60s, while the single disc has 30 selected from the 3 disc set. The 3 disc edition has 90 studio recordings and sales  for less than £4.00 a copy. 



The latest European release by Sony - The Real Elvis - Sing Disc version has several mistakes.

On CD #2. It lists “I’m Left , You’re Right She’s Gone as track #27. But the track on CD is "My Baby’s Gone"

On CD#3. The back cover list “I Believe” as track #2 but it plays “I Believe In The Man In The Sky”. And in addition track #11 is listed as “I Believe In The Man In The Sky” and it plays it as well. So “I Believe In The Man In The Sky” is twice in CD #3.

In addition, "Shake Rattle And Roll" on disc #1is an alternate take with the extra verse. But is not listed as an alternate. Also, "Summer Kisses Winter Tears" on disc #3 is the movie version, but is not listed as such.


(Source: FECC / Elvis Express)

June 19 - Father's Day Guitar

The Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix Arizona got a special delivery today, just in time for Father's Day! It's the last guitar that Elvis Presley ever played in concert. The 1975 "Martin D-28" acoustic guitar will be part of a new exhibit at the MIM that will showcase the king of rock and roll.


Alan diPerna says, "this instrument will be part of an Elvis Presley exhibit at the museum that opens August 6th but if you can't wait that long this Sunday Father's Day we wil be doing conservation work on the guitar.


The Elvis exhibit will be featured in the museum's artist gallery, which showcases instruments played by John Lennon, Eric Clapton and Carlos Santana.

Elvis Superstar Outtakes Volume 2

The details of the second volume 'Elvis Superstar Outtakes Volume 2' import CD release were announced. The second volume comes with reproduced artwork, an 8 page booklet with rarely seen pictures from the 50s and 70s in a limited edition of 500 copies. The content is the same as the original vinyl release with several additional bonus tracks. The total playing time is 67:20 minutes.

Tracklisting:

The Dorsey Shows (1st. show January 28, 1956):

01 Shake Rattle And Roll / Flip Flop And Fly
02 I Got a Woman Second Show feb 4, 1956:
03 Baby Lets Play House
04 Heartbreak Hotel Third Show, feb. 11, 1956:
05 Blue Suede Shoes
06 Heartbreak Hotel

Fourth Show, feb 18, 1956:

07 Tutti Frutti
08 I Was The One Fifth Show, march 17, 1956:
09 Blue Suede Shoes
10 Heartbreak Hotel

Sixth Show, march 24, 1956:

11 Money Honey
12 Heartbreak Hotel

Nashville Studio's June/September 1970

13 Rags To Riches
14 The Sound Of Your Cry

The Las Vegas Hilton 1972

15 An American Trilogy
16 Never Been To Spain
17 You Gave Me A Mountain
18 A Big Hunk O' Love
19 It's Impossible
20 The Impossible Dream
21 It's Over

Bonustracks:

Louisiana Hayride, August 20 , 1955:

22 Maybelline

Informal Rehearsals 1972/1973:

23 I've Got to Go
24 Portrait of My Love
25 I'm Leaving It Up To You

Asheville, July `24, 1975:

26 Pieces of My Life (only live version available)

Total playing time 67:20 minutes

Honorary Elvis

Budapest’s city council has named Elvis Presley an honorary citizen of the Hungarian capital in gratitude for his support of Hungary’s anti-Soviet revolution of 1956.

The titles was announced at a ceremony on June 19, the anniversary of the last Soviet troops pulling out of Hungary in 1991. 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 short-lived uprising. Sullivan said Elvis wanted people to make donations to be sent to Hungary.

Budapest's municipal authorities named a small park — chosen by voting on the city website — after The King.


(Source: Elvis Matters / EP Gold / EPE / Google)

June 18 - Vegas Surprise

Overlook Press showed this cover for the 'Elvis in Vegas' book by Paul Lichter. JAT publishing, in cooperation with Paul Lichter, also announced a suprise release due later this year.


Product Description Elvis In Vegas:


If Elvis Presley had been a painter, his canvas would have been Las Vegas. From his first appearance there at the age of twenty-one, to his marriage to Priscilla in 1967 at the Aladdin Hotel, to the annual "Elvis Festivals" of the 1970s, Las Vegas witnessed the triumphs and tragedies of his life. With hundreds of never before-seen photographs of Elvis's Vegas years, this book is the key volume in any Elvis aficionado's collection. In addition to the 375 images published here for the first time, noted expert Paul Lichter has compiled setlists, news clippings, and interviews to fully tell the story of when the King came to Vegas.


Paul Lichter is considered the authority on all things Elvis. He has written twenty bestselling books on Elvis, which have sold millions of copies, making him the most read Elvis author in history. He has also attended over 850 of Elvis's concerts, and runs ElvisUnique.com, featuring Elvis rarities and collectibles.


"Fasten your seatbelt and hold on tight! Paul Lichter is taking you back to a magical time in Las Vegas when Elvis set up court and reigned as King. He may have toured the country, but when it came to live performances, Las Vegas was home to Elvis . . . The book in your hands is a virtual time capsule that will allow you to relive the excitement of Elvis on stage in Vegas." – Bud Glass, Elvis historian and co-owner of The King's Ransom Museum.


"This is the ultimate Elvis book dealing with Elvis' performances in Las Vegas. It is an Elvis Presley fan's paradise . . . a front-row ticket to anything and everything related to the King's Vegas years. The extensive ‘live' show chapter is easily worth the price alone. Paul Lichter has done it again." – Paul Dowling, producer of Elvis RCA Records and president of Worldwide Elvis.


Billboard Chart


The CD 'An Afternoon In The Garden' drops from #154 to #194 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart for week-ending 25th June, 2011.


(Source: Elvis Information Network / Overlook Press)

June 17 - Mr Dynamite's Poles House

Elvis fans are All Shook Up after a French artist built a life-size replica of Elvis Presley’s Graceland ... out of scaffold Poles in Poland.


The 1:1 scale Maison d’Elvis by Alexandre Perigot and erected in the city of Lublin is made entirely out of scaffolding - and is a faithful representation of the King’s Memphis mansion.


"People coming here can feel that they are inside the real home of Elvis. They can even see the bathroom where he died," said Perigot’s assistant Malogorzata Grygielewicz. The neoclassical Elvis house - part of a travelling exhibition - will open to the public later this month with a local choir singing Presley hits.


But a group of fans have started a Facebook page branding the project "tasteless" - and demanding it be scrapped.

Elvis Magazine


Released in Japan is this Elvis-themed magazine by Nonaka Tomoso.


Elvis In The Beginning - Mr. Dynamite


In 1955, to promote Elvis’ performance in Texarkana, Arkansas, at the Arkansas Municipal Auditorium, an interview was conducted by Elvis’ then manager, Bob Neal. It featured Elvis, Scotty Moore and Bill Black. This is one of the earliest known Elvis Presley interviews recorded, in Memphis, Tennessee. JAT Records, through a special arrangement with Memphis Flash Records, has obtained the original, vintage vinyl interview record and label, complete with a special two-sided Elvis Presley picture sleeve. 

In 1956, the year Elvis changed the world forever, Colonel Parker produced the first 100% Elvis tour book, that accompanied Elvis on his concert stops. This nostalgic photo book included stories and photos of Elvis rockin’, Elvis with his parents, and much more. 


Now, for the first time ever, with the purchase of the reproduced vintage vinyl interview record, you will receive a stunning reproduction of the legendary Elvis (Mr. Dynamite) tour book, absolutely free. 

(Source: Austian Times / Elvis World Japan / JAT Publishing)