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 VegasDespite 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)