March 01 - The Way Down Icon

The new autobiography "Way Down: Playing Bass with Elvis, Dylan, The Doors & More" by Elvis Presley's former bassplayer Jerry Scheff were released. The book was released on the U.S. on March 1st. and will be released in other countries around March 20th.


From the press-release:
A stalwart presence behind some of the greatest names of popular music, Scheff has also played with Roy Orbison, Elvis Costello, the Association, Neil Diamond, Johnny Mathis, the Everly Brothers, John Denver, and Nancy Sinatra, to name just a few. Scheff provides a behind-the-scenes perspective, from having worked sleeves rolled up, side by side, with the great artists in their factories. The book opens with the TCB band's learning of the King's death while en route to a tour date, a pivotal moment for him, the rest of the band, and the world at large. He then proceeds on a nonlinear journey that mirrors the process of true life-reflection, from his roots in San Francisco to his touring all over the world. This is a tale of man who has truly grown a career from a genuine love of music and of his instrument, proving how following that gift can bring a person to places beyond his wildest dreams. It is an exciting inside view of the evolution and craft and work of making rock and roll-a must-have for true music craftsmen and music junkies in general.


Graceland Launches ICON 


The yearlong 35th anniversary commemoration of the life and legacy of Elvis Presley continues in Memphis with the third and largest exhibit launching at Graceland in 2012. Check out the photo gallery from the "ICON: The Influence of Elvis Presley Presented by Fender" Exhibit which will be open March 1, 2012 through February 2013.

Curated by the Graceland archives team in partnership with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, this groundbreaking exhibit features 75 artifacts on loan from the famed Cleveland museum, along with items from the collections of many of today’s biggest names in music who have been influenced by the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. The exhibit celebrates Elvis’ status as a music pioneer and icon that paved the way for many of today’s artists and celebrities. Items on display in this exhibit include Bono’s “MacPhisto” suit from U2’s Zooropa performances, Bob Dylan’s leather jacket that appears on the album cover "Real Live,” James Brown’s jumpsuit and vest worn in concert in the 1970s, along with artifacts from Elton John, Trisha Yearwood, Joan Jett, Wanda Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, The Beatles, Katy Perry and many others. 
Grammy award-winning artist Amy Grant, a well-known Elvis fan, gladly accepted the invitation to display her personal copy of lyrics for “Heartbreak Hotel,” handwritten for her by the songwriter, Mae Axton. “The ink is fading on the page, but the special memory of spending time with one of the great writers who gave Elvis a song to sing never will,” said Grant when asked about being included in the unique exhibit.



Import Top 40 February 2012


There was no movement in the top 5 this month.
1 (1) American Crown Jewels (1996)
2 (2) A Greensboro Revolution! (2008)
3 (3) From Sunset Blvd to Paradise Rd (1996)
4 (4) Finding The Way Home (1999)
5 (5) A Hot Winter Night In Dallas (1998)

FTD Top 40 February 2012


It was muscial chairs time in the top 5 last month. The recent  Promised Land already made it into the top 10. The current top 5:
1 (1) Elvis Is Back! (2005)
2 (2) The Jungle Room Sessions (2000)
3 (4) That's The Way It Is (2008)
4 (5) Good Times (2009)
5 (3) Elvis Country (I'm 10,000 Years Old) (2008)

Canadian Dentist Buys Elvis' Crown


A dentist in central Alberta, Canada, has shelled out nearly $10,000 to buy a dental crown made for rock legend Elvis Presley. Michael Zuk already owns a $31,000 tooth out of the mouth of Beatles icon John Lennon. The Presley crown came to him through an auction in the United Kingdom and had previously belonged to Memphis dentist Henry Weiss.
The crown is set in a model made from a mould of Presley's mouth. It comes with a letter describing an emergency trip Weiss's son had to make to Las Vegas with a crown in 1971, because Presley had broken one. "Most of us didn't know that he had a capped front tooth. He had a smile that made women go crazy — just goes to show that some of these celebs have their weaknesses", Zuk said.


(Source: Various / EPE / ElvisNews / Google)