July 30 - A Desert Serenade From Fiat

The Touchdown Productions import label announced the release of their new CD 'Desert Serenade'. It contains the former unreleased Midnight Show from August 16, 1972 in Las Vegas. The source for this release is of very good quality according to the press-release. 



Jailhouse Fiat


 Fiat has announced its U.S. advertising campaign for the reborn 500, strangely electing to ignore its most well-known brand-associated phrase here and instead opting for the tagline “Simply More.” The commercial features Jailhouse Rock, made famous by Elvis Presley in 1957, the same year FIAT debuted the original 500 to the world.



"Simply More" defines the FIAT 500 as everything you need and nothing you don't. It represents the notion that the simple things in life are treasures, alongside the thought that the richness and fullness of a life well-lived is defined by one's view of self expression. The commercial features "Jailhouse Rock," made famous by Elvis Presley in 1957, the same year FIAT debuted the original 500 to the world.

Track listing Desert Serenade:


[01] Also Sprach Zarathustra
[02] See See Rider 
[03] Johnny B. Goode 
[04] Proud Mary 
[05] Until It's Time For You To Go 
[06] You Don't Have To Say You Love Me 
[07] You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling 
[08] Polk Salad Annie 
[09] Elvis Welcomes The Audience 
[10] What Now My Love Love 
[11] Fever 
[12] Love Me 
[13] Blue Suede Shoes 
[14] Heartbreak Hotel 
[15] All Shook Up
[16] Love Me Tender 
[17] Little Sister / Get Back 
[18] Hound Dog 
[19] I'll Remember You 
[20] Suspicious Minds 
[21] Band Introductions 
[22] My Way 
[23]A Big Hunk O' Love 
[24] American Trilogy 
[25] Can't Help Falling In Love / Closing Vamp

Bonus tracks


[26] You Gave Me A Mountain 
[27] Mystery Train / Tiger Man 
[28] For The Good Times


Tracks 1-25 recorded August 16, 1972 Midnight Show
Tracks 26-27 recorded August 28, 1972
Track 28 recorded September 1, 1972 Dinner Show


(Source: ElvisNews / ElvisMatters)

July 29 - Historical Marker For ... Venus Productions

The Lansky Bros. store will receive a historical marker in front of the original Lansky Bros. location at 126 Beale Street. The marker will tell the Lansky Bros. story and their connection with Elvis. The unveiling ceremony takes place during Elvis Week 2011 on Sunday August 14th at noon (12 'o clock). Bernard Lansky may attend the unveiling, but that is not yet confirmed.


Leaving Jackson On Fire

Released by the Venus Productions import label is their third  book / CD set 'Leaving Jackson On Fire' featuring the soundboard recording of June 9, 1975 evening from Jackson, MS in great sound quality. This show was already released 15 years ago under the title 'Cut 'Em Down To Size'. No doubts several fans missed it back then but it was well worth the wait as this new packaging is superbly presented.


(Source: ElvisMatters / email)

July 28 - Charts

The CD 'Afternoon In The Garden' re-entered the Billboard 200 this week - at #177 - with 3,087 copies sold. The latest Soundscan figure for Elvis 'Afternoon In The Garden' is over 306.000 units. As of (late) October last year, the album had scanned a total of 194,552 units.


To date, the album has spent 20 weeks on the Catalogue chart and 14 weeks on the Billboard 200. 'An Afternoon In The Garden' is - with quite a margin - the best-selling Elvis album in 2011. Its chart performance and sales are - actually - better than the all the "new" Sony mainstream Elvis releases from the past ~3 years (including 'Viva Elvis' and  'Elvis 75').


Here is a short summary of how the album has performed on the US charts, since its - quite unexpected - appearance earlier this spring:


Billboard 20 / Catalogue chart


02/12 : #166 | #20 
02/19 : #137 | #16
02/26 : # ---
03/05 : # ---
03/12 : # --- | #37
03/19 : #172 | #28
03/26 : # --- | #34 
04/02 : # --- | #35 
04/09 : # --- | #50
04/16 : # ---
04/23 : #123 | #12
04/30 : #85 | #8
05/07 : #89 | #8
05/14 : #88 | #9
05/21 : #98 | #13
05/28 : #114 | #13
06/04 : #131 | #15
06/11 : #150 | #22
06/18 : #154 | #21
06/25 : #194 | #32
07/02 : # ---
07/09 : # ---
07/16 : # ---
07/23 : # --- | #43
07/30 : # --- | #41
08/06 : #177 | #26 


Swedish Chart


The CD 'The Essential Elvis Presley' re-entered the Swedish album chart at # 22.



ELVIS 35 2012

In a couple of weeks, we will be marking the 34th Anniversary of Elvis' death and already the plans are underway for various projects which will be used to tie in with the big event for 2012 "ELVIS PR35LEY", 35 years since Elvis' passing. Some details are:

• Sony Music have a brand new special music release planned, as yet unannounced.
• Warner Bros plan to re-release some Elvis movies in a new box
• Zippo, Mattel, The Bradford Exchange and many other licensees are getting ready to start production on their products for the Anniversary tie-in.
• Licensed merchandise featuring the 2012 artwork will begin to appear at retail outlets around Thanksgiving 2011 with a limited number of items available during Elvis Week 2011.

(Source: FECC / ElvisMatters)

July 27 - Discover American Diners

Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc. has licensed the EAD International Group for the project. The restaurants, called "Elvis American Diners," will feature décor inspired by the King of Rock 'n' Roll. Possible locations include Albania, Macedonia, Serbia, Georgia, Lithuania, Latvia, Ukraine, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, Czech Republic, Romania, Greece, Turkey and Russia.


"Elvis American Diner" is a unique restaurant franchise concept. The artwork, food selections and music will present an American dining experience. Two “Elvis American Diner” restaurants are currently in operation in Georgia. The first is in the National Philharmonic Building on Tbilisi’s Main Avenue and the second is in Tbilisi’s new amusement park. A third is currently under development in that city.

Discovering Elvis


Newbury Press will release a new book by Joe Esposito entitled 'Discovering Elvis'.


From the press-release: 

A long time coming. A tour through Elvis’ life told by the one man who really knew him…Joe Esposito
We all sat in the audience but have you ever been onstage with the greatest performer of all time?Have you ever been backstage or at Graceland with him? Discovering Elvis gives you an unprecedented look at the myth, the superhero and human being. It’s taken over 30 years to assemble some of the facts that are contained in Discovering Elvis. Elvis as you never saw him.



Henrik Knutsen Nominated For Randers Citizen of the Year


Henrik Knudsen, the man behind the Danish Elvis Unlimited fan club that opened their 'Graceland Randers' mansion earlier this year, has been honored with being nominated for Randers Citizen of the year 2011. He's nominated alongside author Lissi F. Scheel-Thomsen and music- & theater manager Mikael Quist Rørsted, Værket.


The criteria for a nomination is: "A person who through his work has contributed to creating positive publicity and who has initiated development of Randers both within the city as well as outside." Just recently the Danish museum welcomed their 20,000th visitor.



(Source: EPE / Newbury Press / Elvis Unlimited)

Order G.I. Blues - The Alternate Album

From the Memphis Recording Service comes a special 'Alternate Edition' of the 'G.I. Blues' album. The digi-pack features the best alternative versions of all the songs from the classic 1960 Paramount movie soundtrack and includes for the first time, cuts from the movie.

Juli 26 - Official Releases Demolished

The Cannon Media budget label announced the release of the double CD set "The Signature Series" on August 1, 2011. 

The Hoodoo Records budget label announced the release of the 2 albums 'A Date With Elvis' and 'Elvis is Back!' on one single disc on September 12, 2011. 

Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum To Be Demolished

 

Auburn University officials say they want to eventually demolish the Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum to make room for more parking on the campus. The coliseum has hosted Elvis Presley, the Rolling Stones, Elton John and other legendary artists, but the new Auburn Arena has led to plans to raze the old coliseum.

Elvis performed on March 5th 1974 before a packed house of 13,239 people. He wore the Orange Target suit. Elvis was the first act to ever sellout the then 7-year old arena.

(Source: Amazon / ElvisMatters)

July 25 - On The Cover Down Under

Elvis Presley is featured on the cover of the Australian 'Austar' TV-guide magazine. The pay-TV station hosts an 'unmissable' Elvis movie marathon according to the cover. 


Alternate Blues


Despite the August 8th. 2011 release-date the "Alternate G.I. Blues" album from the UK based Memphis Recording Service was released.


(Source: Too Much Monkey Business Forum / ElvisMatters)

Remember Elvis Presley

This is the true story of the King as told by those who lived and toured with him. 

Intimate interviews with the musicians who worked with Elvis, including DJ Fontana, Scotty Moore, The Jordanaires and The Stamps Quartet, shed new light on the creative process behind the hits and what went on in the studio. 

The true back stage story is told by Presley tour veterans such as tour manager Joe Esposito, musical director and conductor Joe Guercio and bodyguard Sam Thompson. 

Loanne Parker, widow of Colonel Tom Parker reveals the depth of feeling between The King and The Colonel. 

The fourth DVD features the independent interactive Elvis Presley quiz. Use your DVD remote control to choose the correct answer to a range of over 1000 multiple choice questions on the King and his music ranging from newcomer level to super fan level.

July 24 - Nomination Touts Fort Chaffee History

While Elvis Presley's haircut will undoubtedly continue to get top billing, other aspects of Fort Chaffee's military history are also being recognized in efforts to secure a National Register designation for Fort Chaffee.


A nomination will be made Wednesday to the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program's Review Committee to have the Camp Chaffee Tank Destroyer Battalion Historic District. If approved, the nomination will be forwarded to be considered for placement on the National Register of Historic Places.
Ivy Owen, executive director of the Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority, said the nomination grew from a suggestion by preservation officials after a 2010 bid to have the Fort Chaffee Barbershop Museum placed on the register.
The idea has dovetailed with the designation of a historic area as part of the Chaffee Crossing Redevelopment Plan. Opened to the public in 2008, the Barbershop Museum memorializes the location of the first military haircut of rock'n'roll icon Elvis Presley. Owen said altogether Presley spent two days at the base upon his 1958 induction into the Army. It features a restoration of the site of the historic haircut - including a barber chair - and other Elvis memorabilia. An annual re-enactment of the haircut on its March 25 anniversary is attracting a growing number of fans.


Owen said the National Register designation is only part of work that has been going on toward development of the district as an attraction. A nonprofit entity, the Camp Chaffee Historic Preservation Organization, has incorporated with the intent of raising funds for the renovation of certain buildings in the district. Owen said he was told chances for the designation would be better if the nomination were expanded to include the area of World War II-era barracks and buildings of the former military base that surrounds the museum. The National Register nomination seeks to recognize the district under its local significance criterion. 


(Source: South West Times)

Buy Elvis Presley - 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 interview, recorded in Memphis Tennessee is one of the earliest known Elvis Presley interviews. 
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.

July 23 - Paralyzed Preview From Kennedy Veterans Hospital

The Japanese Elvis World site created a small clip for the sound preview of 'Paralyzed' as recorded live from the Lousiana Hayride December 15th 1956. The complete concert will be released on the ‘Young Man With the Big Beat’ box set which is due September 2011. 


Elvis At Kennedy Veterans Hospital


Also put on-line in Japan is footage of Elvis Presley at Kennedy Veterans Hospital from january 1957. It's just a few minutes and unfortunately there's no sound. It seems as if he's doing an interview (a microphone can be seen) and when he leaves the building, he stops for autographs.


Elvis: The Great Performances


The last footage is for the upcoming re-issue of the two-disc "Elvis: The Great Performances" DVD set features classic footage mined from TV shows and specials, films and home movies. It will be available everywhere on August 2, 2011.

Gotta have rock and roll auction results



The "Gotta Have Rock And Roll" auction had 30 items owned by Elvis Presley. 
While not all of the lots sold, 17 of them did, and for a total of $946,227.00. These were the results of the items that did sell:

• Lot #02: 1950's Owned and Worn Lansky Bros. Outfit  = $25,725.00
• Lot #03: Stage Worn Mohair Suit and Boots With Scarf = $36,772.00
• Lot #04: Owned and Worn IC Costume Shirt and Pants With Belt = $10,631.00
• Lot #08: 1969 Handwritten International Hotel Set List = $5,849.00
• Lot #10: "It Happened at the World's Fair" Blazer & Slacks = 3,000.00
• Lot #11: Owned & Worn Diamond and Opal Ring = $10,365.00
• Lot #12: 1950s Owned & Worn Lansky Bros. Outfit = $13,798.00
• Lot #13: 14kt Gold Crucifix Gifted to Homer Gilleland = $10,292.00
• Lot #16: 1970's Worn "EP" Monogrammed Purple Terry Towelling Robe = $5,445.00
• Lot #17: Army Shirt Worn in Germany = $5,069.00
• Lot #18: 1956 Allen County Special Deputy Badge = $2,636.00
• Lot #19: Worn "Jailhouse Rock" MGM Sportop Shirt = $3,146.00
• Lot #20: Owned and Worn Turquoise Cuff Bracelet = $6,134.00
• Lot #21: Owned and Worn IC Costume Blue Shirt = $8,983.00
• Lot #22: 1973 "Super Fly" Hat Given to Jack Lord = 2,000.00
• Lot #25: Signed and Inscribed Original RCA Promotion = $1,655.00
• Lot #30: Tom Diskin Signed Letter To Elvis Presley On Col. Parker Wagon Stationery = $795

Original Album Classics


Despite an August release date, the 5 CD set 'Original Album Classics' was released this week. 


It contains the 5 'Golden Records' compilations which were originally released between 1958 and 1984.


(Source: Elvis World Japan / ElvisMatters / EPE / FECC / The King's World)



  

Experience The Best Of Elvis Presley Live

For all of the music fans out there who know that you haven't truly experienced an artist until you ve experienced them live. That's why Sony created the Setlist Series. With this CD you can enjoy Elvis live on stage as recorded between 1969 (Las Vegas) and 1973 (Aloha From Hawaii).

July 22 - One For The Money, Two For The Honor

An Elvis Presley fanatic is set to cash in on his obsession with The King of Rock after placing never-before seen footage of 'The King' up for sale to the tune of £10,000!



Most everybody knows this quote: "The police filmed a show one time in Florida because of the P.G.A, Y.M.C.A., or somebody. They thought that I was...something. They said, `Man, he`s got to be crazy`. So they, the police, came out and filmed the show. I couldn`t move. I had to stand still. The only thing I could move was my little finger like that. `You ain`t nothing but a hound dog crying all the time`, y`know, for the whole show."...

And now that actual footage is for sale. Bills Ellis, 67, from Rhyl, North Wales paid the modest sum of £2.50 in today's monetary terms for the showreel containing the historical footage, purchasing the unique souvenir alongside some of his favourite Elvis records in 1961. The footage is believed to have been captured by the Chicago police department who were investigating complaints about Elvis' lewd movements on stage.


'The film shows Elvis from the waist up and it looks like he's singing Baby, Let's Play House. 'It is silent and was obviously taken by an amateur some distance from the stage.


Note - There seems little doubt that this film will be the standard Chicago "Gold Lame suit" film that the UK Elvis fan club sold to Elvis fans in the 1960s - as Mr Ellis reports. Filmed in Chicago in 1957, it is not rare Elvis footage at all.

New Worries over Sonny West Health

Sandi Pichon sent EIN this disturbing update today about Sonny West's health today. He has taken a turn for the worse.

I wish I had more encouraging news to tell you... Sonny has serious blood loss to which there seems to be no explanation. He is being moved tomorrow to an after-care/rehab center for two weeks.  I don't understand how they can move him when there is no diagnosis or treatment for the blood loss. Judy missed seeing the doctor two days in a row. She was at the hospital last night but Sonny slept the entire time she was there. 

Due to their dire financial situation, Judy is going to sell some very personal items. She is offering two champagne glasses which Elvis and Priscilla gave them as a wedding gift.  Judy is also considering selling the bible that Elvis and Priscilla gave her, which she carried in her wedding. It is inscribed by Priscilla.  I hope she doesn't have to sell that, but she is getting financially desperate.  

I ask that you continue to pray for a healing for Sonny. Thank you so much.

Sandi.

Elvis Honored

What an honor! The Association of 3rd Armored Division Veterans visited Graceland yesterday, Friday July 22, to present a plaque commemorating Elvis Presley's service in the U.S. Army from 1958-1960. Paul Allen Smith commented: "We at the Association of 3d Armored Division Veterans are very proud to have presented this Honorary Membership Plaque to the late Sgt. Elvis Presley. He was an outstanding soldier who served his country proudly."

(Source: Daily Mail / Elvis Information Network)

Pre-order Fashion For The King

The book 'Fashion For A King' is an impressive document of all the outfits Elvis performed in through his career from 1968 and onwards. It all started with the 'Black Leather Suit' in 1968, and ended with the 'Mexican Sundial Suit' in 1977.
The 500 page book is full of fantastic, previously unreleased, rare and classic photos, all linked together in the linernotes. The book includes two great soundboard CDs. The first concert was recorded July 1, 1974, at Auditorium Arena, Omaha, Nebraska. The second disc contains a recording of the December 14, 1975 performance as recorded at the Las Vegas Hilton.

July 21 - More Elvis Files

Volume 4 in 'The Elvis Files' biography series was announced. "Expect everything! 'Cause that's what you're gonna get" according to the update. Volume 4, focusses on the years 1965 to 1968, containing more than 1450 pictures on 560 pages, is due on August 16th. 2011.


Previews


Click on the image for complete views.


(Source: Elvis Unlimited / Essential Elvis / Elvis Information Network)

Pre-order The Elvis Files Volume 4

Volume 4 in 'The Elvis Files' biography series is available for pre-order. This volume focusses on the years 1965 to 1968 with more than 1450 pictures on 560 pages. "Expect everything! 'Cause that's what you're gonna get".

July 20 - That's The Way Vinyl Is

The Dutch Music On Vinyl label announced the re-release of 'That's The Way It Is' on vinyl in Europe. The album is due August 15, 2011.


30 #1 Girls


The upcoming re-issue of the 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' compilation appears to be 'A Girls Nigh In' edition according to the image on Amazon.


Import Releases


The import releases 'Having Fun In Orlando', 'Stumpin' Madison' and 'Trouble In Saginaw' from the Groove Masters import label were released. 



Elvis Exhibit Coming to the Musical Instrument Museum


Elvis will be in the building this summer at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, Arizona! On August 6, an Elvis Presley exhibit in the museum’s newly renovated Artist Gallery will open to the public. Guests will get to experience the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll through a collection of personal items, clothing, and musical instruments.


One highlight of the exhibit will be the iconic Martin D28 acoustic guitar that Elvis played during his 1977 tours, including his last concert on June 26 in Indianapolis, Indiana. In addition to displaying it, the museum was chosen to restore the guitar to the condition in which Elvis last played it. Check out a photo gallery of the restoration work!


The new Elvis exhibit will feature a collection of items on loan from Graceland. These items will tell the story of Elvis through three main periods of the king’s career:


• The early rock ’n’ roll years, culminating with his stint in the Army (1956–1960)
• Elvis' Hollywood years (1960–1968)
• His triumphant return to live performance (1968–1977) 


The Elvis exhibit will be featured in MIM’s popular Artist Gallery, which celebrates the world’s most revered music legends by exhibiting iconic instruments such as the piano John Lennon used on his "Imagine" album and Eric Clapton’s “Brownie” Stratocaster guitar played on the song “Layla.”

(Source: Amazon / Elvis On CD / EPE)

July 19 - Follow That Fashion Dream

The FTD team announced a list of new releases that are coming out soon. In the first week of August, we can expect the book 'Fashion for a King'. For the first team, FTD confirms officialy the news of this special book. 'Fashion For A King' - 512 pages book incl. 2 CD’s

The book 'Fashion For A King' is a Pål Granlund / Flaming Star production, written by Tommy Edvardsen and Atle Larsen. The book is an impressive document of all the outfits Elvis performed in through his career from 1968 and onwards. The book is full of fantastic, previously unreleased, rare and classic photos, all linked together by Edvardsen and Larsen’s text. Included are 2 great soundboard CDs.


Late september the FTD label will release us '48 Hours To Memphis' (the March 18, 1974, Richmond concert), “He Touched Me' (in the Classic Album series) and 'Elvis Sings Guitar Man' on vinyl. 


The last 2011 FTD releases are planned for November, but these titles are not known at this time.

Details on the book 'Fashion For A King' from the authors

Elvis Presley made a special fashion of his famous and spectacular stage outfits, sometimes referred to as ”jumpsuits”. In every country there is an “Elvis impersonator” well dressed up in a copy of one of Elvis Presley’s outfits. The name “Elvis” is heard of in every corner of the world, and nearly everybody have heard about the dynamic performer dressed in a typical “seventies suit” with rhinestones and embroideries in different patterns. But what many people don’t know, is that these suits have their own name and their own story to tell. Not many people know how these outfits came to be characteristics for Elvis on stage, and their development during the years. It all started with the “Black Leather Suit” in 1968, and ended with the “Mexican Sundial Suit” in 1977.

Elvis became King Of Concerts in the late sixties and seventies – and the stage outfits became an important part of his shows.

In this encyclopaedia of more that 500 pages we will present you to a full documentary of all Elvis’ suits from his famous Comeback Special in 1968, his return to live performances in Las Vegas in 1969 and his many tours and TV Specials through the 1970’s. You will have the background story of each and every suit, when Elvis used them for the first and the last time - and their whereabouts today. We will also give you the background story of the very skilled designers who made these famous outfits.

Elvis often mixed suits and belts as he pleased. Here you will be presented to them all.

This book is the result of hundreds of working hours with research and “digging” through enormous amounts of documentation. After doing a long article series in the Norwegian “Flaming Star” Fan Club Magazine, our publisher, Pål Granlund asked if we were interested in making a book of the published material. Pål Granlund is one of a few Norwegians who have had the honour of meeting The King in person in Las Vegas and on tour. We have worked closely with Pål in this project, and as a result of this, we can now present - for the first time - a book with a fully documented story and pictures of Elvis Presley’s stage outfits. This book is not meant only for the hardcore “jumpsuit”-fan, but also as an encyclopedia for fans all over the world to learn more about these great, original stage-outfits.

Never has a book been more complete on this issue, and you will see rare photos and photos you have never seen before. The background of the suits and the stories of those who created and designed them are presented for you. Elvis became an icon in these outfits. We are very proud of this project and the opportunity to give you an idea of how these suits became the typical trademark of Elvis’ legacy as a live performer. 

We hope you will have a pleasant reading…

Best regards

Tommy Edvardsen & Atle Larsen


Disc 1: Recorded July 1, 1974, at Auditorium Arena, Omaha, Nebraska.

See See Rider

I Got A Woman / Amen

Love Me

Trying To Get To You

All Shook Up

Love Me Tender

Hound Dog

Fever

Polk Salad Annie

Why Me Lord

Suspicious Minds

Introductions

I Can't Stop Loving You

Help Me

You Don't Have To Say You Love Me

Bridge Over Troubled Water

Let Me Be There

Funny How Time Slips Away

Big Boss Man

Can't Help Fallling In Love

Steamroller Blues

Track 21 recorded July 2, 1974, at Salt Palace, Salt Lake City, Utah

Disc 2: Recorded December 14, 1975, at the Las Vegas Hilton

See See Rider

I Got A Woman / Amen

Love Me

Trying To Get To You

And I Love You So

All Shook Up

(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel

Hound Dog

Until It's Time For You To Go

You Gave Me A Mountain

Polk Salad Annie

Introductions (incomplete)

Just Pretend

How Great Thou Art

Burning Love

Softly As I Leave You

America

Little Sister

Heartbreak Hotel

O Sole Mio / It's Now Or Never

Can't Help Falling In Love

Volume 3


The Magic (Fenn Music) budget label released the 25 track compilation 'Volume 3' containing a selection of Elvis' early recordings.


(Source: Follow That Dream / Flaming Star / Amazon)

Pre-order The Young Man With The Big Beat

Until 1956, the teenagers of suburban America, and the rest of the world, had to endure ditties by Rosemary Clooney and Perry Como but everything was about to be tossed upside down. On January 28 on a cold night in New York, Elvis took America by storm as he appeared on CBS-TV's Stage Show.

Elvis Presley's unique sound and style literally blew everything before it away while this change in musical history resonated around the world and while liberating millions of young adolescent teenagers. 

The pure spontaneity of these seminal recordings shows through even today; "Heartbreak Hotel", Don't Be Cruel", "Hound Dog", "Blue Suede Shoes" and "My Baby Left Me" are some of the greatest rock 'n' roll records ever made. The 'Young Man With The Big Beat' box is testament to the phenomenon and cultural icon that is Elvis Presley. 

• 2 CD's of original digitally remastered RCA master recordings.
• 1 CD of live performances including an unreleased concert. 
• 1 CD fly-on-the-wall experience of an Elvis recording session
• 1 CD of revealing and rare spoken word recordings including interviews and advertisements. 

Incredible 80-Page color 12 x 12 book with 12-month day-by-day chronology, rare photos and memorabilia; including original RCA and Elvis Presley Enterprises artifacts and documents.

July 18 - Real Elvis From Greece

The Greek Realnews newspaper released a 3 CD-set entitled 'Elvis The King' under a special license from Sony Entertainment. 


The CD does not just contain material from the early years, hits like 'Suspicious Minds" and 'Moody Blue" are featured too.



EPE reaches out of court settlement with Bud Glass and Joseph Pirzada

In February 2011, 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 believed to be behind the release and distribution of the box set.

On July 5, 2011, EPE reached a settlement with Joseph Pirzada. Under the terms of the settlement, Mr. Pirzada is enjoined from releasing, offering for sale, advertising, importing, distributing or stocking any audiovisual footage owned by EPE, including the 1977 CBS Special, Aloha From Hawaii, and the '68 Comeback Special, any 8mm film footage featuring Elvis Presley performances, as well as any unauthorized Elvis Presley merchandise. As part of the settlement, EPE will receive significant cash payments and was granted a security interest in certain real estate owned by Mr. Pirzada.

In a separate matter, EPE reached a settlement with Bud Glass. Under the terms of the settlement, Mr. Glass was similarly enjoined from manufacturing, distributing or selling any copyrighted works owned by EPE as well as any unauthorized Elvis Presley merchandise. As part of the settlement, EPE also will receive significant cash payments and was granted a security interest in certain Elvis Presley memorabilia owned by Mr. Glass.

While satisfied with these settlements, EPE continues to review additional evidence and is considering taking further actions against other individuals responsible for the manufacture, sale, and release of this particular box set.

Elvis In New Heineken commercial
 
A new TV commercial for Heineken now airing in Ireland features music from the King of Rock 'n' Roll! Heineken fans and music lovers alike can get a sneak peek by ‘Shazaming’ the song from the ad, "Bossa Nova Baby," a classic Elvis movie tune included on "Viva ELVIS - The Album," when they hear the re-mix track played on the radio.

"Bossa Nova Baby" makes the perfect soundtrack for the ad, which highlights the benefit of taking control of your own destiny and putting yourself in the middle of the action, just as Elvis did during his amazing music, film and television career. The song comes from the companion studio album to Viva ELVIS by Cirque du Soleil.

Elvis fans in Ireland who Shazam the music from the ad on TV will also be added into a competition to win a trip to Graceland!



Sony Music Ireland and Heineken also promote the tracks as a digital single through iTunes. 

(Source: Real / EPE)

July 17 - Graphic Elvis

Liquid Comics, in cooperation with EPE, announced the release of the book ‘Graphic Elvis’ revealing Elvis Presley’s love of superheroes and comic books. For many, Elvis Presley was a true marvel. But what he really wanted to be was Captain Marvel.


The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s love of superheroes and comic books is explored in Graphic Elvis, a collaboration between Liquid Comics and Elvis Presley Enterprises. The illustrated book will feature examples of comics’ influence on Presley’s personal and professional lives, and it allows a new generation of artists to create works inspired by his music, his archives and his personal and public experiences.


“Comics influenced so much of his life and made him a larger-than-life hero to so many people. It’s paying homage to that on the 35th anniversary of his death (in 2012) and allowing today’s generation of artists to do the same to him,” says Sharad Devarajan, co-founder and CEO of Liquid Comics.


A 12-by-12-inch limited-edition version (2,500 copies, $195) will be available for the holiday season. A mass-market edition arrives in April, followed by an iPad edition tentatively scheduled for mid-2012.


Artists from all over the world have been commissioned for Graphic Elvis, from Japanese animé to Indian artists to famous comic illustrators such Paul Pope and Greg Horn. “It’s about a global icon being celebrated by global artists,” Devarajan says.

“It’s exciting to see people who are this talented take Elvis and do their own spin on him to create something new,” says Scott Williams, vice president of marketing for Elvis Presley Enterprises.


Many of Presley’s loves have been documented over the years — from his affinity for peanut-butter-and-banana sandwiches to his passion for karate and hip-shaking. Graphic Elvis is the first project to fully explore his penchant for comics, which Al Wertheimer and others captured in photos that will appear in the new book.



(Source: USA Today / FECC)