December 31 - Top 2000

Elvis Presley was listed various times in the Belgian Top 1000 'Hits Of All Time' chart and the Dutch Top 2000 Chart. 


Belgium

832: My Boy
708: Devil In Desguise
623: Suspicion
559: Crying In The Chapel
508: Wooden Heart
418: His Latest Flame
358: Can't Help Falling In Love
342: Burning Love
299: One Night
260: Love Me Tender
223: Kiss Me Quick
187: Are You Lonesome Tonight (lach-versie)
144: Jailhouse Rock
134: In The Ghetto
119: The Wonder Of You
73: It's Now Or Never
49: Always On My Mind
36: Suspicious Minds

The Netherlands:

120:  Suspicious minds
245:  In the ghetto
459:  Always on my mind
603:  My boy
640:  Jailhouse rock
645:  I just can't help believin'
845:  Can't help falling in love with you
999:  Love me tender
1037: Are you lonesome tonight
1081: American trilogy
1123: Burning love
1409: It's now or never
1439: Heartbreak hotel
1499: (You're the) Devil in disguise
1566: A little less conversation
1583: Wooden heart
1679: One night
1950: Don't be cruel


(Source: ElvisMatters / Radio 2)

December 30 - John Is Home

Excellent news from Springfield, Missouri where doctors have agreed to release John Wilkinson from the hospital. After almost 2 weeks in the hospital with pains in his stumach, John is finally home again, where he can celebrate New Year's Eve with his wife Terry and their two four-legged children. 



250 Golden Hits


The Promosound (Major Babies) budget label released the 10 CD box '250 Golden Hits' by Elvis Presley and friends.


(Source: ElvisMatters / Amazon)

December 29 - Before Darkness Falls Over The Charts

The Straight Arrow import label announced the release of the double CD 'Before Darkness Falls' containing the Dinner and Midnight show from August 26, 1973.


From the press-release:

Elvis' 1973 "Summer Festival" was his ninth month-long stand in Las Vegas since July-August 1969. Reviews noted his excess weight and half-hearted performances. But, despite bad press, health issues and a 1967 marriage that would soon end in divorce, Presley slowly warmed to his always-thrilled fans.


The songs here, from his Sunday shows on August 26th, 1973, are a good example of this warmth. At both shows Elvis welcomed the presence of Lisa, his beloved daughter, then just five and-a-half years old. Obviously, she provided additional inspiration for her dad. In fact, there are several rare highlights, including "A Big Hunk O' Love," "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," "Release Me" and "How Great Thou Art." And for fans of legendary bass player Emory Gordy, Jr., these would be among the last dates he would ever do with Presley.
Both the Dinner and Midnight sets are taken from a 24-bit digital transfer of the first-generation copy of a privately-recorded 120-minute cassette. The sound was painstakingly restored for your listening pleasure.
The August 26th, 1973 Dinner show is previously unissued, while the Midnight show was released in substandard mono by Memory Records in 2002 ("Caught In The Act"). Straight Arrow presents both shows in superb, "two-mike live ambience" stereo sound.
Like its predecessors from Straight Arrow Special Products mini series, this new release will be presented in a beautiful digipack with all the necessary information as well as a collection of photos taken during the September 1st, 1973 dinner show.



CD 1 – August 26, 1973 Dinner Show
01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra – 02. C. C. Rider – 03. I Got A Woman / Amen – 04. Love Me – 05. Steamroller Blues – 06. You Gave Me A Mountain – 07. Blue Suede Shoes – 08. Medley: Long Tall Sally / Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On / Your Mama Don’t Dance / Flip, Flop And Fly / Jailhouse Rock / Hound Dog – 09. Love Me Tender – 10. Fever – 11. Bridge Over Troubled Water – 12. Suspicious Minds – 13. Introduction of Vocalists, Musicians – 14. Introduction of daughter Lisa – 15. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel – 16. I Can’t Stop Loving You – 17. An American Trilogy – 18. A Big Hunk O’ Love – 19. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face – 20. Can’t Help Falling In Love – 21. Closing Vamp / Announcements.


CD 2 – August 26, 1973 Midnight Show
01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra – 02. C. C. Rider – 03. I Got A Woman / Amen – 04. Love Me – 05. Steamroller Blues – 06. You Gave Me A Mountain – 07. Blue Suede Shoes – 08. Medley: Long Tall Sally / Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On / Your Mama Don’t Dance / Flip, Flop And Fly / Jailhouse Rock / Hound Dog – 09. Love Me Tender – 10. Fever – 11. What Now My Love – 12. Suspicious Minds – 13. Introduction of Vocalists, Musicians – 14. Release Me – 15. An American Trilogy – 16. Introduction of daughter Lisa – 17. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel – 18. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face – 19. Johnny B. Goode – 20. How Great Thou Art (with reprise) – 21. Can’t Help Falling In Love – 22. Closing Vamp / Announcements.


Latest Billboard Charts


The Billboard charts for the week ending January 7, 2012.

• 'An Afternoon In The Garden' drops from #167 to #170 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart
• 'It's Christmas Time' drops from #72 to #105 on the Top 200 Albums Chart, drops from #11 to #16 on the Catalog Albums Chart and remains at #16 on the Holiday Albums Chart.
• 'Elvis Christmas' drops from #94 to #114 on the Top 200 Albums Chart and rises from #18 to #22 on the Catalog Albums Chart. It also rises from #25 to #21 on the Holiday Albums Chart.
• 'Blue Christmas' rises from #19 to #17 on the Holiday Songs Chart and rises from #28 to #21 on the Holiday Airplay Chart.
• 'Elvis: The Great Performances' is at #36 on the Top 40 Video Chart.

The Dutch 'Christmas Duets' CD containing the 'Blue Christmas' duet by Elvis Presley and Guus Meeuwis dropped two places on the Dutch Combined Album chart from #8 to #10. 


JAT Press-release


JAT Publishing announced a roadmap for 2012 and 2013:


As we embark on our 24th year at JAT Publishing, we would like to thank so many of you for your continued support. It’s true when people say Elvis Presley fans are the greatest fans in the world. Last year was one of our busiest years ever, with a combination of CDs, DVDs, books and special projects released under the JAT umbrella. This year we look ahead to another big year, marking the 35th anniversary of the King’s passing.


In early 2012, we plan to release “Elvis 69: Featuring the Film ‘Change of Habit,” containing a wealth of never-before-seen photos. Stay tuned as a trailer for this book will debut online soon! Four other projects filled with unpublished photographs exclusive to JAT will follow, including “Elvis - Atlanta in Black and White,” documenting Elvis’ 1973 and 1975 concert performances at Atlanta’s Omni Coliseum, and a special 24th anniversary production on what is arguably 
Elvis Presley’s finest film, “Elvis Presley - King Creole.” In this title -- a hardback edition with over 250 photos -- we tackle the mystery surrounding the missing “King Creole” tapes. Available at the low retail price of $19.95, “King Creole” is on track for a spring release.


In 2013, fans can expect the definitive Elvis recording sessions book, “Elvis Sessions IV, The Recorded Music of Elvis Aron Presley 1953-1977,” with new photos, facts and information exclusive to JAT Publishing and not found on websites or in previous editions.


(Source: FECC / Flaming Star / The King's World)

December 28 - Le Jour Où Elvis à Chanté à Down Under

The French Elvis My Happiness fan club announced a pre-premiere of Jean-Marie Pouzenc book 'Le Jour Où Elvis A Chanté à Paris' which will be released with a limited edition promotional CD. It contains interviews with the author by George Lang, an interview with Elvis in Paris (June 1959) and a live version of 'The Impossible Dream' from November 14 1971, Tuscaloosa.



Elvis On Tour In Australia


To coincide with Elvis' huge Birthday celebrations in Australia, Adam Nicholson presents, ‘Images of the King’, a 150-piece exhibition of rare & original photographs taken by Elvis Presley’s official photographer and tour manager Ed Bonja. This will be in Australia early 2012 at the Gold Coast, Parkes, Albany and Sydney.
Ed Bonja will be there to share the stories behind the images and every fan will be able to buy copies of original Elvis reprints Ed has personally signed.



(Source: Elvis My Happiness / Elvis Information Network)

December 25 - #1 At Christmas In Canada

On the Canadian ITunes Daily Top 100 Jazz Songs for 25 December, 2011 Elvis Presley is listed at #1 with his version of 'Blue Christmas'. He is also listed at #4, #6 and #9 in the Top 10 and  #13, #15 and #33. The song is #2 on the Greek iTunes Top 100 Unknown Songs chart whitch it topped on 14 December, 2011.



John Wilkinson Is Doing Much Better


Good news from Springfield, Missouri where John Wilkinson is doing much better. John was taken to the hospital last week after complaining about stomach pain. But on X-mas Day doctors told him that everything is under control, and that he probably will be home before the end of the year, so he can celebrate New Year's Eve in the comfort of his own home.


Legacy Of The Year?


The German section of Sony's Legacy club voted 'Young Man With The Big Beat' as the "Legacy Album of the Year 2011". The turnout was not particularly strong though (you had to register) which let to only 99 accounted votes for the complete Legacy catalogue. Elvis Presley collected 22 votes. 



(source: Music Chart / ElvisMatters / The Elvis Presley Gesellschaft)

Merry Christmas!

I want to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy new year, Day By Day! And for those who don't speak English I wish you a ...
Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année
God jul och gott nytt år
¡Feliz Navidad y próspero año nuevo!
Buon Natale e felice anno nuovo
聖誕快樂 新年快樂 [圣诞快乐 新年快乐]
Veselé vánoce a šťastný nový rok
Glædelig jul og godt nytår
Mele Kalikimaka me ka Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou
メリークリスマス
С Рождеством Христовым

December 24 - A Holy Rocking Christmas Wonderland Anthology

The Wonderland Records import label released the four disc set 'Elvis - A Holy Rocking Christmas' containing master and alternate recordings of Elvis Presley's Christmas material on three CDs and one DVD. 
The label also released the 4 CD box 'Tigerman An Alternate Anthology Vol 5-8'; also containing three CD's and one DVD. Both releases are limited to 500 copies.


Track Listing Elvis - A Holy Rocking Christmas:   
Disc 1 
Elvis Christmas Message / I'll be home for Christmas - White Christmas - Here Comes Santa Claus - Santa Claus Is Back In Town - Peace In The Valley - Blue Christmas - Santa Bring My Baby Back To Me - O Little Town Of Bethlehem - Silent Night - Known Only To Hirn - If Everyday Was Like Christmas - In The Garden - Somebody Bigger Than You And 1 - Where No One Stands Alone - Mama Liked The Roses - O Come, All Ye Faithful - The First Noel - An Evening Prayer - On A Snowy Christmas Night - Winter Wonderland - A Thing Called Love - The Wonderful World Of Christmas - lt Won't Seem Like Christmas Without You - I'll Be Horne On Christmas Day (master) - Holly Leaves And Christmas Trees - If I Get Horne On Christmas Day - Merry Christmas Baby - Silver Bells - I'll Be Home On Christmas Day (take 10, remake)


Disc 2
Blue Christmas (live, 1968) - Somebody Bigger Than You And 1 (take 11) - lt Wont Seem Like Christmas (take 6) - Silver Beils (take 1) - O Holy Nightl / The First Noel (remix) - A Thing Called Love (take 1) - I'll Be Home On Christmas Day (take 3) - Merry Christmas Baby (unedited complete master) - If That Isn't Love - Santa Claus 1s Back In Town (live, 1968) - Where No One Stands Alone (spliced take) - Life - If Everyday Was Like Christmas (takes 1,2) - Holly Leaves And Christmas Trees (take 4) - The Wonderful World Of Christmas (unedited master) - If 1 Get Home On Christmas Day (take 1) - We Call On Hirn (take 5) - Listen To The Bell (informal recording) - Blue Christmas (live. 1975) - Reach Out To Jesus (uncut undubbed) - How Great Thou Art (take 4) - I'll Be Horne On Christmas Day (take 9. remake)


Disc 3
Mama Liked The Roses (undubbed master take 10) - O Come ,AH Ye Faithful (extended version) - Merry Christmas Baby (overdubbed version) - Holly Leaves And Christmas Trees (take 8) - Known Only To Him (spliced take) - I'll Be Home On Christmas Day (take 2, remake) - On A Snowy Christmas Night (remix) - lt Won't Seem Like Christmas (take 3) - Silver Beils (remix, take 2) - You'll Never Walk Alone (take 2) - Stand By Me (take 10) - Somebody Bigger Than You And 1 (take 15) - I'll Be Home On Christmas Day (take 4) - Blue Christmas (live, 1977) - Auld Lang Syne (live, 1976) - The Elvis Christmas Medley - If Everyday Was Like Christmas (demo, sung by Red West) - Silent Night (sung by Lisa- Marie) - The Wonderful World Of Christmas (vocal overdub) - Jingle Bells / White Christmas (informal SUN recording, 1956) - Blue Christmas (rehearsal)


DVD
If Everyday Was Like Christmas - Winter Wonderland - Here Comes Santa Claus - Mama Liked The Roses - Peace in The Valley - My Favourite Christmas Song / Welcome To My World - On A Snowy Christmas Night - I, John - Put Your Hand In The Hand - Santa Bring My Baby Back - Be Home For Christmas - Holly Leaves And Christmas Trees - Gospel Medley - How Great Thou Art (live 1977) - Blue Christmas (live 1977) - You'll Never Walk Alone - White Christmas - Oh Happy Day - Santa Claus Is Back In Town - Auld Lang Syne


Tracklisting Tigerman An Alternate Anthology Vol 5-8:

CD 1:
Fame And Fortune (Alternate Take) - That’s Someone You Never Forget (Take 2, 3, 4, 6) - Kiss Me Quick (Take 8 & 9) - Baby If You Give Me All Your Love (Undubbed Master) - Wonderful World (Undubbed Master) - Edge Of Rality (Undubbed Master) - Almost In Love (Vocal Ovberdub) - Long Black Limousine (Alternate Mix) - Hey Jude (Undubbed Extended Version) - My Little Friend (Unfinished Master) - Inherit The Wind (Alternate Mix) - I’ll Be There (Echo Master Version) - True Love Travels On A Gravel Road (Take 10 & 11) - Sweet Caroline (Undubbed Master) - I Was Born About Ten Thousand Years Ago (Unedited Undubbed Master) - Put Your Hand In The Hand (Undubbed Unedited Master) - A Big Hunk O’ Love - Where Do I Go From Here (Undubbed Unedited Master) - Fool (Undubbed Unedited Master) - Ku-U-I-Po (14.01.1973 - Take 1) - Blue Hawaii (14.01.1973 - Take 10) - Ku-U-I-Po (14.01.1973 - Take 2) - Loving Arms (Undubbed Master) - T-R-O-U-B-L-E (Live 1975) - Why Me, Lord? (Live 1970) - Memory Revival (Instrumental)


CD 2:
Return To Sender (Master Take Longer Fade-Out) - A Boy Like Me, A Girl Like You (Take 3) - You Don't Know Me (Take 12 & 13) - All I Needed Was The Rain (Vocal Overdub) - Stay Away (Ttake 9) - I'm Movin' On (Alternate Unfinished Master) - Rubberneckin' (Alternate Mix) - It Keeps Right On A Hurtin' (Undubbed Master) - Only The Strong Survive (Alternate Mix) - Twenty Days And Twenty Nights (Acetate Recording / Undubbed Master) - Stranger In The Crowd (Undubbed Master) - You Don't Have To Say You Love Me (Undubbed Master / Unreleased) - Life (Original Single Version) - I Really Don't Want To Know (Alternate Mix) - Padre (Unfinished Master) - He Touched Me (Acetate Recording / Undubbed Master) - An Evening Prayer (Acetate Recording / Undubbed Master) - Burning Love (Undubbed Mmaster) - Always On My Mind (Overdubbed Version For "This Is Elvis") - Welcome To My World (Recorded Live, Alternate Mix) - Three Corn Patches (Undubbed Master) - Raised On Rock (Undubbed Master) - For Ol' Time Sake (Undubbed Master) - Little Sister (Recorded Live At The E/S, 13.12.1975) - She Thinks I Still Care (Undubbed Master) - I'll Never Fall In Love Again (Undubbed Master) - Rock My Soul / You Better Run (Recorded Live On Tour)


CD 3:
Blueberry Hill (Take 1 & 4) - Have I Told You Lately That I Love You (Take 14) - King Of The Whole Wide World (Take 7 & 8) - Mama (Extended Master) - She's A Machine (Undubbed Master) - If I Can Dream (Vocal Overdub, False Start Take 1 - Soundtrack Session Take 4) - Don't Cry Daddy (Alternate Mix) - My Little Friend (Master) - After Loving You (Alternate Mix) - Without Love (Alternate Mix) - Change Of Habit (Undubbed Master) - Let Us Pray (Alternate Master) - What'd I Say (Live Version) - That's All Right (Live Version) - Snowbird (Undubbed Master) - Blue Suede Shoes (Live Version) - I'm Leavin' (Unedited Undubbed Master) - He Is My Everything (Unedited Undubbed Master) - There Is No God But God (Unedited Undubbed Master) - The First Time Ever Is Saw Your Face - What Now My Love (Live, Original Mix) - I Got A Thing About You Baby (From "This Is Elvis") - Promised Land (Take 5) - Fever (Live Version - 30.08.1974) - If You Love Me (Let Me Know) (02.06.1975) - Portrait Of My Love (informal Recording)


CD 4:
Blueberry Hill (Take 8) - King Of The Whole Wide World (Uncut Master - Take 4) - I’m Falling In Love Tonight (Take 6) - So Close Yet So Far (Take 4) - Easy Come Easy Go (Unedited Master - Take 9) - Suppose (Long Version Master - Take 1) - Let Yourself Go (Master - Take 5) - Edge Of Reality (Master - Take 8) - Little Less Conversation (Master - Take 16) - Almost In Love (Single Version) - Gentle On My Mind (Differend Mix) - True Love Travels On A Gravel Road (Differend Mix) - Kentucky Rain (Differend Mix) - Cindy Cindy (Undubbed Master) - The Fool (Undubbed Master) - The Sound Of Your Cry (Extended Version) - It’s Your Baby You Rock It (Undubbed Master) - How The Web Was Woven (Undubbed Master) - Don’t Cry Daddy (Rehearsal X Rated) - Until It’s Time For You To Go (Undubbed Master) - We Can Make The Morning (Undubbed Master) - Burning love (Rehearsal) - You Dont Have To Say You Love Me (On Stage) - America The Beautiful (On Stage - Mixed Master) - Return To Sender (On Stage) - Unchained Melody (On Stage)



(Source: Bootlegpedia / Elvis On CD)

December 23 - Video Chart Succes

Despite the failure of the UK 'Blue Christmas' single campaign (with apparently less than 400 downloads!) the duet version with Martina Mc Bride once again topped the UK Christmas Music Video chart, beating Coldplay, Wham and Live Aid 20. The music video website, MUZU.TV, has unveiled the UK’s Top 10 most watched Christmas music videos: 
1 Elvis Presley & Martina McBride - Blue Christmas
2 Coldplay - Christmas Lights
3 The Pogues Featuring Kirsty MacColl - Fairytale Of New York
4 Justin Bieber - Mistletoe
5 WHAM! - Last Christmas
6 Bob Dylan - Must Be Santa
7 The Darkness – Christmas Time (Don’t Let The Bells End)
8 Band Aid 20 - Do They Know It’s Christmas?
9 Peter Kay (Geraldine McQueen) - Once Upon A Christmas Song
10 Band Aid - Do They Know It’s Christmas? 



Hospital Christmas for John Wilkinson
 
Not so good news from John Wilkinson. John has been in the hospital for a couple days, with a obstruction in his bowls which is something that can happen any time. He was to come home today, but on doctor's advice he needs to stay at the hospital and will not be home for Christmas. 



Elvis Four-Movie Collection Vol. 2


Paramount Home Video announced the release of the four movie box 'Elvis Four-Movie Collection Vol. 2' containing the classics 'Blue Hawaii', 'Easy Come, Easy Go', King Creole' and 'Paradise, Hawaiian Style'. The release date is March 6, 2012.



Elvis Music Catalogue with Deep Emotion Publishing


Deep Emotions Publishing, a joint-venture with Universal Music Publishing has announced that it will administer the impressive Elvis Presley music catalogue in India and SAARC countries with effect form 1 January 2012.
The Presley catalogue includes over a thousand songs that have been recorded by the Rock 'n' Roll King, Peggy Lee, Nat King Cole and other legendary entertainers.


It is co-owned by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc and the families of the late, great publishing giants, Jean and Julian Aberbach. The timeless hits in the catalogue include "All Shook Up," "Love Me Tender," "A Little Less Conversation," "Jailhouse Rock," "Return to Sender," and "Can't Help Falling in Love," among many others that are among the most sought-after for commercials, television shows, movie trailers and soundtracks around the world.
Deep Emotions managing director Achille Forle said, "Over the last 15 years, against all odds, Deep Emotions has focused exclusively on music publishing. This focus, together with the accuracy and transparency of our reporting, has won for us the trust of owners of some of the greatest music repertoire on earth. The addition of the Elvis Presley catalogue is a crowning moment for the company, the greatest Christmas gift any music publisher could wish for.


We are thankful to Elvis Presley Enterprises and to our partner Imagem for entrusting us the task to ensure that the songs of "The King" continue to reverberate in hearts and with brands across South Asia."
Recently Imagem Music USA and Elvis Presley Music/Gladys Music announced a worldwide music publishing deal for representation of the Elvis Presley catalogue. Deep Emotions Publishing represents Imagem Music in India.
In a joint statement, Imagem Music Group CEO André de Raaff and Imagem Music USA president Richard Stumpf said, "Elvis Presley defines Rock 'n' Roll, and his songs are loved all over the world. We are thrilled and honored to represent such a legendary body of work on a global basis, where we will ensure the songs are promoted and managed in a manner suitable for the King."


(Source: ElvisMatters \ Amazon)

December 22 - New Book Charts From D'Agostini

The Billboard charts for the week ending December 31, 2011:

• 'An Afternoon In The Garden' rises from #188 to #167 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart for w/e 31st December, 2011. 
• 'It's Christmas Time' drops from #60 to #72 on the Top 200 Album Chart, drops from #8 to #11 on the Catalog Album Chart and drops from 13 to 16 on the Holiday Album Chart. 
• 'Elvis Christmas' drops from #68 to #94 on the Top 200 Album Chart and rises from #12 to #18 on the Catalog Album Chart. It also drops from #18 to #25 on the Holiday Album Chart.
• 'Blue Christmas' drops from #18 to #19 on the Holiday Songs Chart.

Elvis got three of its albums inside the BB200. It also charted albums in both the BBCCh *Billboard catalog chart), and in the BBSCh (BB Seasonal Chart), from which the following totals can be obtained. 

Soundscan sales this week (albums sold, toal sales, chartposition):

- It's Christmas Time 17,744 (1,368,120 #72 BB200)

- Elvis' Christmas 14,388 (584,049 / #94 BB200)

- An Afternoon In The Garden 7,696 (396,824 / #167 BB200)

- Christmas Duets  6, 111 (#482,557 / #76 BBCCh

- Best Of Love 5,076 #205,844 #105 BBCh

- Blue Christmas 3,749 (740,341 / #143 BBCh) 

- Elvis Country 3,723 (#74,283 / #150 BBCCh)

- An Evening Prayer 3,542 (122,675 / #156 BBCCh) 

- Elvis Rock #3,285 (132,072 /170 BBCCh) 

- Home For The Holidays 1,936 (190,086 / 180 BBSaCh) 

This week these ten albums sold 67,250 copies. 

New Book In The Works


Great news for all die hard fans who are interested in learning more about the 'forgotten' years of the King's life. Dale Franklin (Examiner) is currently writing a book and doing a documentary that traces the history of Memphis Blues and and the birth of Rockabilly and tells the unknown story of Elvis Presley prior to 1954. No release date is set yet.

New Elvis Magazine / DVD Sets From DeAgostini

The global Italian publishing "DeAgostini", which specializes in collecting magazines with inserts and Elvis Presley Enterprises announced that they will issue a new series of Magazine/DVD-sets. Each issue consists of a 28-page booklet Elvis, a DVD supplement with an Elvis movie and reproductions of Elvis memorabilia from the archives of EPE in Memphis. Available is also a collection box for each issue. In Germany, the series will commence on January 18, 2012 with a new volume from available from newsagents each two weeks.

Elvis The King



Hard to read for most people outside Finland... but with a little help of my friends I could figure out that the Christmas issue (4/2011) contains part 4 of 1001 Elvis stories, an article on the connection between the Everlies and Elvis, part 4 of a closer look on 1963, the first part of an interview with Jerry Schilling and much more.


Golden Boy Elvis

This colorful magazine from Germany (4/2011) continues with Elvis' pedigree, has an in depth look on He Touched Me and continues with the series Songs A-Z, rumours about songs and looks forward to 2012. Of course all regulars are present too.



(Source: FECC / Elvis Matters / The King's World / ElvisNews)

December 21 - Elvis Goes Brazil

Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. announced today that it has partnered with 2Share Entertainment to present a major exhibition in South America, curated by archivists from Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis, Tenn. The Elvis Experience will begin in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on September 18, 2012. In addition to the exhibit, there will be a performance of “Elvis Presley in Concert,” the astounding production that reunites former Elvis band mates live on stage with a state-of-the-art, video-projected Elvis. 


A first of its kind exhibition outside the United States, “The Elvis Experience” includes over five hundred rare artifacts, documents and photos, many of which have never left the vaults or exhibit areas of Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis.
Among the items that will be shipped from Graceland are Elvis’ red MG automobile asfeatured in his classic film “Blue Hawaii,” a gold plated rotary dial telephone from Elvis upstairs bedroom, and his signature white suit featured in the closing number of his 1968 television special now referred to as “The ’68 Special.” One of the most recognizable items traveling from Memphis to Brazil is one of the American Eagle jumpsuits Elvis used for the 1973 “Aloha from Hawaii” television special, the world’s first LIVE televised satellite concert.


“Elvis has always maintained a broad international appeal and it is no surprise that there are thousands of fans across South America and Brazil who continue to embrace his rich legacy,” commented Priscilla Presley, former wife of the late music icon. “Lisa and I are happy to be able to share some of these special items that mean so much to us, as they did to Elvis, and loan them for public display in a country where Elvis is so well-loved.”


In addition to the exhibition, South American fans will also be able to experience the closest they will ever come to a LIVE Elvis concert with the announcement that “Elvis Presley in Concert” will take place in Sao Paulo on October 2, 2012. Concert-goers will see some of Elvis' finest performances projected on a large video screen, accompanied live on stage by a cast of singers and musicians who worked with him, a full orchestra, and additional singers and musicians.
“For the next nine months, our team at 2Share Entertainment will be working passionately to build out all the aspects of this first-of-its-kind exhibition. We are also preparing to welcome Elvis’ former backup singers and band mates to South America,” said Rafael Reisman, President of 2Share Entertainment. “We anticipate this special loan of rare artifacts from Graceland and the performance of “Elvis Presley in Concert” will draw thousands of people from many countries around the world so we are making sure everyone has a unique experience in Brazil."


There are currently many Elvis Presley fan clubs in South America and Graceland has seen a steady increase in visitors from the country in the last several years. Currently, on Elvis’ Facebook page, South America ranks third in the number of international fans, just behind the United Kingdom and Mexico.
"This unique and rare loan of artifacts from our collection at Graceland, in addition to the staging of this concert experience, is going to be a fantastic addition to the 35th anniversary celebration throughout 2012,” said Jack Soden, CEO and President of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. “We know there are a significant number of Elvis fans in South America and this allows us to share Elvis’ rich life and legacy with them during this very special year.”


Additional details about other artifacts traveling to Brazil, exhibition location, length of exhibition, and admission prices will be announced in the days surrounding Elvis Presley’s birthday celebration on January 8. Visit Elvis.com for updates on the announcement surrounding this exciting Elvis exhibition in Brazil.


More Elvis In Vegas


Despite very critical reviews by fans, claiming the book did not contain the 'hyped' unpublished pictures, the 'Elvis In Vegas' book by Paul Lichter has been on the Elvis Presley Best Sellers List in the USA on Amazon since its publication date on November 9, reaching a high of #1. This week it has fluctuated between the #2 and #5 positions. Strong interest has seen the first US printing of 40,000 quickly becoming ‘sold out’ and the second printing of 30,000 copies is now shipping. In May 2012 the first European printing of 30,000 will be released (this being the reason for the delay in the book's availability outside America).  As Paul Lichter says, “This proves that 100,000 Elvis fans can't be wrong”.



Memphis Horns to receive Grammy


They have graced hundreds of recordings, colored hits for artists including Elvis Presley and U2 and helped shape the sound of Stax Records. Now, the Memphis Horns are being recognized with a Grammy. The Grammys' Recording Academy announced Wednesday that the Memphis Horns -- trumpeter Wayne Jackson and saxophonist Andrew Love -- will be among the recipients of its annual Lifetime Achievement Award in February. 
The Memphis Horns will receive the honor Feb 11 at the Grammy Special Merit Award ceremonies in Los Angeles. They will also be recognized during the Grammy telecast the following evening.
The Mid-South natives came to prominence in the 1960s for their work as part of the house band at Stax Records. Their signature arrangements and style would help distinguish the songs of Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Eddie Floyd, Isaac Hayes as well as also working on Elvis' Memphis sessions among others.
Wayne Jackson says, "This honor is beyond my wildest dreams."



(Source: EPE / Elvis Information Network)

December 20 - New historical Marker For Elvis In Memphis

A historical marker is being erected at the site of the old Goodwin Institute Building (demolished in 1973) in Memphis, Tennessee to commemorate the site of the KWEM Radio Station Saturday Night Jamboree, the location of the first major public appearance by Elvis Presley before signing with Sun Records a year later. The details of the Elvis performance in the 900 seat arena were unknown to the public before being revealed by Larry Manuel, Rockabilly star and son of KWEM's Joe Manuel who launched the Jamboree in early 1953. Not only did the young Elvis make his first major appearance there, other unknown artists including Johnny Cash, Reggie Young, Barbara Pittman, Lloyd Arnold, Charlie Feathers, and Eddie Bond were regulars on the show. The KWEM Radio Station was located in West Memphis, Arkansas, just across the Mississippi River from Memphis and broadcast many of the shows.
The Jamboree was a family oriented country music show that ran from February of 1953 to December of 1954 and was broadcast on KWEM Radio, one of only 7 radio stations in Memphis at the time. The format was much like that of the Grand Ole Opry but the Jamboree, fronted by popular Memphis radio personality, Joe Manuel, allowed and encouraged amateur country music singers and musicians to take the stage and perform for packed houses every Saturday night. Elvis Presley's first official "public appearance" and probably first radio broadcast (as an adult) happened at the Jamboree just months before making his historic recording of " That's Alright Mama " at fabled Sun Records.


Other unknown artists appearing at the Jamboree included future Sun Recording artists Johnny Cash and Barbara Pittman. Also appearing were other unknown artists including Bud Deckleman, Johnny and Dorsey Burnette, Reggie Young, Tommy Smith, Harmonica Frank Floyd, Lloyd Arnold, Kenneth Herman, Eddie Bond, John Hughey, Marcus Van Story, and many others. The Jamboree, according to the Bob Trimmers of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame, may be the first location where a new music that would become known as Rockabilly was performed.
The Jamboree was so successful that it was extended to Friday Night for auditions to perform in one of the Saturday Night shows. Veta Arnold, niece of Lloyd Arnold, whose band was featured each week, recalls seeing Elvis for the first time standing in the shadows wearing a shockingly "Pink" sportscoat. The Jamboree was forced to close in November of 1954 when the Goodwin Institute decided to renovate the facility, but not before the fabulous history of a new music was created.


The historical marker will be erected in early 2012 at a ceremony with many of the notables of early Rockabilly and Memphis music in attendance. More information may be obtained by contacting the State of Tennessee Historical Commission. 


(Source: ElvisMatters / The Examiner)

December 19 - If You Don't Come Back To San Francisco

The import releases 'San Francisco Bay Blues' (Audionics label) containing a recording Elvis Presley's San Francisco November 28th, 1976 show and 'If You Don't Come Back' (Raised2rock label) containing a selection of uncut and different mixes of songs 'carefully selected to retain the Stax sound'.



Rock Sex-N-Roll

The latest book from JAT Productions will be shipping soon according to an update on the FECC site. The update showed a different cover-image.

(Source: Elvis On CD / FECC)

 

December 18 - Fail?

After an impressive start to the 'Blue Christmas' Campaign (storming into the Amazon downloads Chart at #3 and showing up in the Top 40 of the HMV Chart), early reports of the official UK Music Charts show that 'Blue Christmas' will  fail to even  scrape into the Top 200, let alone a new Top 10.


It's a huge disappointment to the OEPFC of GB run campaign and E.E.R.s Brian Quinn shares his thoughts, "After perusing many music websites it appears that we all have a lot to learn about today's music charts. For a start, many of the Xmas Singles were already on the i-Tunes Chart in November. Further, the week the 'Blue Christmas' Campaign was launched was the peak purchasing week for Christmas singles which were all on sale for around 59p. Of course we only had one day before the charts were compiled for that week. After that, prices were raised by the retailers to just under a pound for most. Next time around, the campaign will have to be Project Managed. Of course, there were no hard copies on sale in the Supermarkets/Record Shops etc., and any future Campaign will, I suspect, have to have the backing of SONY(UK) if we are to stand a hope of a Top 30 entry."

How many downloads did "Blue Christmas" get since the 10th? There are actually no numbers released for those songs that did not make the top 200. However, we do know  that Johnny Cash's 'Hurt' sold 4,175 downloads, and that song is at 70. Which suggests that the Elvis number is less that 1,000. According to one source the actual download total in the UK was 317 ...


Dutch Chart Success


The 'Christmas Duetts' CD on which Dutch artists couple with 'Oldies' climbed from #20 to #8 on the Combined Album Chart. It contains the first male Elvis duet, Guus Meeuwis singing 'Blue Christmas' with Elvis Presley.

(Source: Elvis Express / Dutch Charts)

December 16 - Platinum For A 1971 Rock & Roll Artist

The RIAA website updated Elvis Presley' Platinum and Gold Awards; both 'Elvis' (LPM 1254, 1956) and 'Elvis Presley' (LPM 1382, 1956 Short Form Album) were certified 'Platinum' back-dated per August 10, 2011. 

- August 10, 2011 - "Elvis" - Release Date Oct. 1, 1956 - Platinum

- August 10, 2011 - "Elvis Presley" (short form album) - Release Date September 1, 1956 - Platinum

Elvis In Person 1971

Released today is the new CD 'Elvis In Person 1971' containing a very good audience recording of the Dinner Show from August 23,1971, Las Vegas. The set comes in a digi-pack. 

Tracklisting:

2001 Theme That's All Right Proud Mary I Got A Woman / Amen / I Got A Woman Sweet Caroline Polk Salad Annie Johnny B. Goode It's Impossible Love Me Blue Suede Shoes / Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On Heartbreak Hotel Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel Hound Dog Love Me Tender Suspicious Minds Band Introduction I'm Leavin' Lawdy Miss Clawdy Can't Help Falling In Love

Twentieth Century Rock & Roll Artists

The Promo Sound Ltd (Bogner Records) announced the re-release of an Elvis Presley CD in their 'Twentieth Century Rock & Roll Artists' series. The CD is due January 2, 2012. 

Vinyl Friday

The Friday Music budget label announced the release of a vinyl release entitled 'Elvis'. 

(Source: FECC / Amazon)

December 15 - Grammy Heritage In L.A.

The new Verve import label announced the release of the CD 'Late Night In LA' containing 'a much improved version of Elvis show from May 11, 1974' according to the press-release. This concert was previously released on the official Follow That Dream collector's label.


From the Press-release:
The first release of this concert was released through the collectors label FTD in combination with a book about the concert. Annoyingly the speed ran obviously to slow and the pitch was also wrong. When it was released as a single CD there was hope that FTD worked on the show for the better, but once again nothing was done to correct the faults. So here you can hear the show for the first time at the correct speed and the correct pitch. Also we did everything to improve the overall soundquality and as a result you‘ll get to hear a soundboard that could have sounded this good in the first place.

Tracklisting:
01] Also Sprach Zarathustra - [02] See See Rider - [03] I Got A Woman/ Amen - [04] Love Me (with reprise) - [05] Trying To Get To You - [06] All Shook Up - [07] Teddy Bear/ Don‘t Be Cruel - [08] Love Me Tender - [09] Steamroller Blues - [10] Hound Dog - [11] Fever - [12] Polk Salad Annie - [13] Why Me Lord? - [14] Suspcicous Minds - [15] Band Introduction - [16] I Can‘t Stop Loving You - [17] Help Me - [18] An American Trilogy - [19] Let Me Be There (with reprise) - [20] Funny How Time Slips Away - [21] Big Boss Man* - [22] Can‘t Help Falling In Love*

The main part of the show was recorded on May 11, 1974 during the evening show in Los Angeles at the Inglewood Forum. Only the tracks marked with ‘*’ were recorded on May 10, 1974 during the evening show in San Bernadino.


Charts And Sales


The Billboard sales for the week ending December 24, 2011:

• The 'An Afternoon In The Garden' CD climbed from #189 to #188 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart
• 'It's Christmas Time' rises from #63 to #60 on the Top 200 Album Chart, rises from #11 to #8 on the Catalog Album Chart and rises from #19 to #13 on the Holiday Album Chart. 
• 'Elvis Christmas' rises from #86 to #68 on the Top 200 Album Chart and rises from #21 to #12 on the Catalog Album Chart. It also rises from #30 to #18 on the Holiday Album Chart.
• 'Elvis Christmas Duets' drops from #183 to #196 on the Top 200 Album Chart. 
• 'Blue Christmas' rises from #19 to #18 on the Holiday Songs Chart. 

This week Elvis Presley sold almost 63,000 albums. 

• It's Christmas Time: 17,054
• ELvis Christmas: 15.597
• Elvis: An Afternoon In The Garden: 6,133
• Christmas Duets: 5,895
• Elvis Presley - Inspirational: 3,942
• Blue Christmas: 3,841
• Elvis Country: 3,179
• Elvis Gospel / An Evening Prayer: 3,006
• Elvis Rock: 2,527
• Home For The Holidays: 1,695

New SoundScan Totals (Albums) :

• It's Christmas Time - 1 350 376
• Elvis' Christmas - 569 661
• An Afternoon In The Garden - 389 128
• Christmas Duets - 476 448
• Blue Christmas - 736 592
• Best Of Love (2007 re-issue) - 200 768 
• Elvis Inspirational Memories - 53 821 
• Elvis Country - 70 560
• An Evening Prayer - 119 134
• Elvis Rock - 128 787 
• Home For The Holidays - 188 155

New SoundScan Totals (Digital Tracks):

• Blue Christmas - 417 125 (10,344 purchased downloads this week)
• Here Comes Santa Claus - 73 832 (4,067 purchased downloads this week)

Elvis at the Movies

On Wednesday, January 4, 2012, at 8:00 p.m., the GRAMMY Museum will be presenting a special Elvis Week event called "Elvis at the Movies." As part of their first-ever Elvis Week, The GRAMMY Museum, which is located in Los Angeles, California, is offering their guests a special panel discussion focusing on the King of Rock 'n' Roll’s time spent in Hollywood. With this in-depth discussion, guests will hear more about the lesser-explored side of Elvis Presley’s career in acting. In addition, through a panel of his costars Mary Ann Mobley (Girl Happy and Harum Scarum) , Celeste Yarnell (Live A Little, Love A Little) and Jan Shepard (Paradise, Hawaiian Style), guests will get a unique view into the inner-workings of Elvis' courtesy of the people who acted alongside of him.  After the discussion, moderated by GRAMMY Museum Executive Director Bob Santelli, panelists will take audience questions.
Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and admission is free; but reservations are required. GRAMMY Museum members receive priority seating. To reserve your seats, please call 213.765.6800 or e-mail programs@grammymuseum.org.

Elvis - The American Music Heritage 1954-195


The French Fremeaux & Associes budget label announced the release of the 3CD-set 'Elvis - The American Music Heritage 1954-1958' with February 10, 2012 as the releasedate. 

(Source: FECC/ EPE / Amazon)

December 14 - A #1 Royal Preview

This is a preview of the upcoming 'King Creole' book in the new 'Frame By Frame' series by Erik Lorentzen and Pål Granlund. The book is due January 8, 2012.


#1



The 'Blue Christmas' download campaign in the U.K. may well have been a failure but in Greece, Elvis Presley topped the Greece ITunes Top 100 Unknown Songs Chart. The song is an Elvis song and the name Elvis Presley is credited as the singer, despite the weird guy on the cover-art. 

(Source: Flaming Star / Music Chart)