August 31 - Goodbye Elvis

Last night, August 31st was the final performance of Cirque-du-Soliel's brilliant Viva ELVIS show at the Aria Casino in Las Vegas. The show will be replaced in November by an updated and modified version of Zarakana (which had its premiere at Radio City in New York). 

Robert Diamond from the influential Theatre website BroadwayWorld.com noted, "To say that I'm shocked the show is closing would be an understatement.
There's nothing like a great Cirque experience that makes us all look upon the stage with childlike wonder at the feats of the human body, the artistry and the magic. What made Viva ELVIS special, and akin to their Beatles Love show is that it also layered in the music and the great story of the one-of-a-kind American icon. There never will be another like Elvis Presley, and there likely will never be a Cirque experience quite like Viva ELVIS either, so here's hoping that the show winds up touring or landing elsewhere. Out here - we were all shook up."

(Source: Elvis Information Network)

August 30 - A Bright Flaming Concert Book

Released in Italy is the book "Elvis in Concert 1945/1977" from long time Elvis Presley Club of Italy’s President, Sebastiano Cecere. 

From the press release:
This astonishing book (800 pages) collates all worldwide available information regarding Elvis’ live activities since his childhood experiences (when he use to visit Tupelo’s own radio station) to his very last gig in Indianapolis in 1977. Never before (worldwide) has such amount of information been collected in one single book (usually ‘in concert’ books only deal with the Seventies), with unreleased information never available before, regarding his very first appearances and concerts. Here you will find for the first time ever, the whole story of Elvis and the Hugh Jarrett Singers, including the only available professional picture of the group with Elvis himself (took backstage and never published before). The book is in Italian but you won’t need to speak and read Italian to be able to enjoy the “heart” of this labor of love. For each concert you will find all available details, including cities, venues, audience, gross receipt, play lists (many of them unreleased), musicians (for the very first time the most accurate Imperials line up, discussed directly with group leader Joe Moscheo), press review and discographies (official, FTD and independent labels) and all available album/CD release information, both official and unofficial.
Do you know who James “Mississippi Slim” Ausborn was, and which influence he had in Elvis childhood musical culture and skill development? Do you know what does it say the Morse code at the beginning of the “Aloha from Hawaii” concert? Do you want to know all the details of the 1957 tours? Did you know that when Jean Marc Gargiulo (president of “Treat Me Nice – Les Amis D’Elvis” fan club) met Elvis in 1969 in Las Vegas, Elvis himself was so worried about Jean Marc’s financial commitment to fly in USA (back then it was not so common…) that he asked him if he needed some money? Do you know that beside normal 45 and 33 rpm record releases, in the seventies there has also been a live extended play record release?

Bright Light City

The third release on the new Convair import label brings us a rare recording of a great live performance Elvis did at the Las Vegas International Hotel on August 12, 1969 (Dinner Show). Recorded by a fan in the audience this release is for the collectors. Accompanied by a 20 page booklet telling interesting facts about Elvis´ return to live performances after almost nine years in words and pictures. This release is limited to 300 copies.

Tracklisting: 
Orchestra Intro - Opening Vamp / Blue Suede Shoes - I Got A Woman - All Shook Up - Love Me Tender - Jailhouse Rock / Don´t Be Cruel - Heartbreak Hotel - Hound Dog - Memories - Mystery Train / Tiger Man - Monologue - Baby What You Want Me to Do - Runaway - Are You Lonesome Tonight - Yesterday / Hey Jude - Band Introductions - In The Ghetto - Suspicious Minds - What´D I Say - Can´t Help Falling In Love
Bonus:
Ronnie Tutt spricht über seine Zeit (1969) mit Elvis als dessen Drummer

Flaming Star

Volume 71 0f the Norwegian Flaming Star fan-club magazine comes with a free CD with recordings from 1960 and 1961. 

Tracklisting:
1. Flaming Star – 2:29 (Sid Wayne / Sherman Edwards) 2. Summer Kisses, Winter Tears – 2:20 (Fred Wise / Ben Weisman / Jack Lloyd) 3. Wild in the Country – 1:55 (Hugo Peretti / Luigi Creatore / George Weiss) 4. Lonely Man – 2:46 (Bennie Benjamin / Sol Marcus) 5. I Slipped, I Stumbled, I Fell – 1:37 (Fred Wise / Ben Weisman) 6. Surrender – 1:53 (Doc Pomus / Mort Shuman) 7. (Marie’s the Name) His Latest Flame – 2:09 (Doc Pomus / Mort Shuman) 8. Little Sister – 2:33 (Doc Pomus / Mort Shuman)

A New Movie


BiteSize Entertainment options Elvis Presley project. The film will be called Growing Up Graceland based on David E Stanley and Dr David Gruder’s book Conversations With The King: Journals Of A Young Apprentice.
The movie will follow Stanley's 17-year relationship with Presley, who happened to be his stepbrother and mentor. Stanley moved to Graceland when he was just four years old, and grew up to be a personal aide to The King. The film is also said to have a spiritual slant, as it delves into the big questions that Elvis was asking before he passed away in 1977.
Most of the films about Elvis made after his death have been small made-for-TV projects, so it will be interesting to see if BiteSize can create something a bit more high profile to tell this story.

900

This post marks the 900th post on this blog; only 100 to go for post #1000.

(Source: FECC / Flaming Star)

August 28 - A Blues Journey Shared

Elvis Presley's former hairdresser and friend will release a DVD entitled "Elvis And Larry - A Journey Shared" in September 2012. 

From the website:
This powerful DVD was filmed at Elvis and Priscilla's Honeymoon House in Palm Springs, California. Larry Geller takes you on a journey into the heart and soul of Elvis in their most intimate conversations. No matter how much you may already know of Elvis, you will come away feeling that you know him far better for having experienced... “Elvis and Larry: A Journey Shared.”

Larry Geller was much more than Elvis Presley’s personal hairstylist.  He was one of his closest and most trusted friends - in many ways his spiritual mentor.  What Larry shares of Elvis here may shock some people.  It will certainly surprise you.  Because what you will discover is an essential Elvis that was so personal, he never publicly let it out in words, only through his music.  Yet the purity and authenticity of the experiences Larry brings to light will absolutely convince you that you have at last met the real Elvis.
Larry will take you into Elvis’ private rooms at Graceland and his other homes, in hotel suites, backstage and in his plane “Lisa Marie.”  He will reveal to you the heart and soul of Elvis in their most intimate conversations. No matter how much you may already know of Elvis, you will come away feeling that you know him far better for having experienced “Elvis and Larry: A Journey Shared.”

Elvis Sings The Blues

The bootleg re-issue of the "Elvis Sings The Blues" was released in a limited edition digipack of 500 copies. 

Chart Down Under

The New Zealand edition of "I Am An Elvis Fan" climbed from last week's new entry at #10 to #7 this week. 

In Italy the "ELV1S 30 #1 Hits" entered the Album chart at #68. 

(Source: Elvis And Larry / Elvis Info / The King's World)

August 26 - Amore Elvis Gold

The Audionics import label released the double CD "Autumn Gold" containing the complete South Bend, Indiana show from October 1st, 1974.

From the pressrelease:
Audionics will release new 2-CD set in early August: "Autumn Gold." It will include the complete South Bend, Indiana show from October 1st, 1974 and a generous chunk of the famous August 16, 1974 RCA Hollywood rehearsal in a totally different sound - binaural stereo, as it was originally recorded.
The South Bend date was originally issued in 2003 by Follow That Dream, but "Killing Me Softly With His Song" and some stage dialogue were omitted, and the closing vamp was clipped.
Though Elvis’ personal problems were affecting some of his shows around this time, he seemed to be in fine fettle in South Bend. Overall, this show presents a solid and pleasing performance by Elvis, and though it has been released before, we can now enjoy a more complete and -- most importantly - sonically superior recording of this concert!
The August 16, 1974 rehearsal surfaced on bootleg compact disc in 1995, then officially fourteen years later on Follow That Dream. For the first time, Audionics presents these songs as originally recorded, in binaural stereo; and the sound is better than ever before. Unfortunately, the entire tape is unavailable, but all the essential performances are here. It is a real pleasure to listen tracks like "Softly As I Leave You" and "Twelfth Of Never" in binaural form.
"Autumn Gold" is presented in a great-looking 2-disc digipak with a 20-page  booklet filled with photographs taken that night in South Bend and at additional live shows and candids from March, August and October 1974.
All these recordings have been carefully engineered to be presented in the best possible sound.

Tracklisting:
CD 1 / Tuesday, October 1, 1974: University of Notre Dame, Evening Show
01. C. C. Rider - 02. I Got A Woman / Amen - 03. Love Me - 04. It's Midnight - 05. Big Boss Man - 06. Fever - 07. Love Me Tender - 08. Hound Dog - 09. Heartbreak Hotel - 10. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - 11. Bridge Over Troubled Water - 12. Introduction of vocalists, musicians - 13. Guitar Solo (James Burton) - 14. Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) - 15. Bass Solo (Duke Bardwell) - 16. Introduction of orchestra - 17. Orchestra Solo (Joe Guercio Orchestra) - 18. Lawdy Miss Clawdy - 19. All Shook Up - 20. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - 21. Killing Me Softly with His Song (Voice) - 22. Let Me Be There (with reprise) - 23. It's Now Or Never - 24. You Gave Me A Mountain - 25. Johnny B. Goode - 26. Hawaiian Wedding Song - 27. Steamroller Blues - 28. Can't Help Falling In Love - 29. Closing Vamp, Announcements (Al Dvorin).

CD 2 / Friday, August 16, 1974: RCA Hollywood
01. Promised Land - 02. Down In The Alley - 03. It's Midnight - 04. Your Love's Been A Long Time Coming - 05. Good Time Charlie's Got The Blues - 06. Softly As I Leave You - 07. I'm Leavin' - 08. Proud Mary - 09. If You Talk In Your Sleep - 10. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) #2 - 11. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) #3 - 12. Twelfth Of Never - 13. Faded Love - 14. Just Pretend.

Amore, Elvis!

The Straight Arrow importlabel released the double CD-set "Amore Elvis" in their Special Products series. The set contains the Saturday, March 29, 1975 Dinner and Midnight Shows as recorded from the audience at the Las Vegas Hilton, Las Vegas, NV

From the pressrelease:
Straight Arrow is continuing their collector's series of 2 shows from one evening, released in a single package. This time the producers have chosen two excellent performances from Saturday, March 29, 1975 at the Las Vegas Hilton.
Elvis returned to Nevada in very good form when compared to his final shows of 1974. He included several cuts from soon-to-be-released "TODAY" album rather than some of his  usual oldies.  Presley's shows were shorter than his previous Vegas visit in August and September because he kept banter to a minimum.
On this collection there are worthy performances of "And I Love You So", "It's Midnight", "Big Boss Man", "Burning Love" and the powerful "My Boy".  There are also some rarities, like a one-liner of "Rip It Up", "Tiger Man" not performed as a medley with "Mystery Train," and "Hawaiian Wedding Song" sung exclusively by Sherrill Nielsen.
As fans have come to expect, the tapes are of very good quality, sourced from early generation copies of original cassettes recorded by the same fan. The double digipak contains liner notes and is filled with photos from the March-April 1975 engagement. As usual, these recordings have been carefully engineered to be presented in the best possible sound.

Tracklisting:
CD 1 / Saturday, March 29, 1975 Dinner Show:
01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen - 04. Love Me - 05. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - 06. And I Love You So - 07. Big Boss Man - 08. It's Midnight - 09. Burning Love / That's Amore (excerpt) - 10. Introduction of vocalists, musicians - 11. What'd I Say (James Burton) - 12. Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) - 13. Bass Solo (Duke Bardwell) - 14. Piano Solo (Glen D. Hardin) - 15. Electric Piano Solo (David Briggs) - 16. School Day - 17. My Boy (with break) - 18. I'll Remember You - 19. When It's My Time (J.D. Sumner & the Stamps) - 20. Let Me Be There (with reprise) - 21. Hawaiian Wedding Song (Sherrill Nielsen) - 22. Hound Dog - 23. Can't Help Falling In Love - 24. Closing Vamp.

CD 2 / Saturday, March 29, 1975 Midnight Show:
01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. Rip It Up (one-liner) - 04. I Got A Woman / Amen / Promised Land (one liner) - 05. Love Me - 06. If You Love Me (Let Me Know)  - 07. And I Love You So - 08. Big Boss Man (with false start) - 09. It's Midnight - 10. Burning Love - 11. Introduction of vocalists, musicians - 12. What'd I Say (James Burton) - 13. Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) - 14. Bass Solo (Duke Bardwell) - 15. Piano Solo (Glen D. Hardin) - 16. Electric Piano Solo (David Briggs) - 17. School Day - 18. Introduction of Billy Swan / I Can Help (one-liner) - 19. My Boy - 20. I'll Remember You - 21. My Heavenly Father Watches Over Me (Kathy Westmoreland) - 22. Let Me Be There (with reprise) - 23. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face - 24. Tiger Man - 25. Can't Help Falling In Love - 26. Closing Vamp / Announcements / Fan comments.


British Auction In September
 
The British Auction House 'Omega Auctions' will try to sell about 65 Elvis related items. The catalogue gets lots of media attention because of one particular item: Elvis' underpants from a 1977 concert. Further more, they'll hope to get about £25.000 for Elvis' 1957 bible. 


(Source: e-mail / ElvisMatters)

August 25 - Charts

The Australian release "Elvis By Request" debuted at #4 on ARIA Album chart in Australia. This is the equal highest chart position of any release since "ELV1S: 30 #1 Hits" (2002) 10 years ago. Three albums, "Elvis: 2nd To None" (2003), "Elvis: The King" (2007) and "The Romantic" (1994) reached No. 4 however not on debut. "From The Heart" peaked at No. 5 in 1992 and "Presley: All Time Greatest Hits" at No. 7 the previous year. "Elvis Presley: 50 Australian Top Ten Hits 1956-1977" debuted at No. 9 in January 2010. 

The "Elvis By Request" album contains the 40 favourite Elvis songs as voted for by his Australian fans. To debut at No. 4 is a most remarkable achievement particularly at this time of year. While the album has benefited from some very clever marketing from Sony Music (with more to come), all the promotion in the world won't sell a turkey, so clearly the concept has appealed as we expected it would. So with a great concept, title, cover art, fan picked track listing and the massive media coverage of the release on August 16 we have Elvis riding high on the charts once more.

The CD is available from >> Elvis Australia.

Charts Worldwide

• The New Zealand fan compilation "I Am An Elvis Fan" entered the Album Chart at #10.
• The "20 Original Albums - The Perfect Elvis Presley Collection" fell of the German Album chart after the new-entry at #42 this week. "I Am An Elvis Fan" didn't sell enough copies to enter the chart. 
• The French fan compilation "Elvis - RTL La Collection" entered the Belgian Album chart in the Wallonian part oft he country while the CD did't chart in France. 
• In Ireland the BMG budget compilation "The Real ... Elvis" dropped from #20 to #25 on the Album charts. 

U.S. Charts

The following albums appeared on the Billboard Current Physical Album Chart for w/e 1st September, 2012:

• 'I Am An Elvis Fan' selling some 2368 units. Total sales to date: 8,040 units.
• 'Elvis Uncovered' selling some 1915 units. Total sales to date: 17,152 units.
• The following album appeared on the Top Soundtrack Album Chart:
• 'Viva Las Vegas' selling some 948 units. Total sales to date: 32,505 units.

The following albums appeared on the Top Catalog Album Chart:

• 'Heart And Soul' selling some 1,854 units. Total sales to date: 577,829 units.
• 'Elvis: The Very Best Of Love' selling some 1,766 units. Total sales to date: 290,284 units.
• 'The Essential Elvis' selling some 1,535 units. Total sales to date: 462,367 units. As this is a 2CD album with playing time over 100 minutes, it counts for double sales under RIAA rules and therefore for their purposes has sold 924,734 units.
• 'An Afternoon In The Garden' selling some 1,500 units. Total sales to date: 485,391 units.

The following albums appeared on the Catalog Physical Album Chart:

• 'Elvis Country' (Compilation) selling some 1,212 units. Total sales to date: 125,460 units.
• 'Elvis Rock' selling some 979 units. Total sales to date: 178,734 units.
• 'Elvis Inspirational' selling some 971 units. Total sales to date: 99,302 units.

The following appeared on the Billboard Seasonal Album Chart:

• 'Elvis Christmas' selling some 30 units. Total sales to date: 599,703 units.
• 'Elvis Christmas Duets' selling some 29 units. Total sales to date: 490,291 units.

(Source: FECC / Elvis Australia / Elvis Information Network / The King's World)

August 24 - Unedited Releases

The new volume in the "Unedited Masters" series sub-titled "Hollywood To Nashville 1972-1980" was released by the Venus import label. According to their flyer this is the best of that series with several "firsts" such as the overdubbed version of "It's A Matter Of Time" taken directly from studio tape instead of a scratchy acetate, an X-rated ending of "the first take" of "Fool", first release of the 1980 re-recording of "For Ol' Times Sake" which is one of their best re-recording but still unreleased to this day. 


This Is ... Elvis Presley – The Greatest Hits

Die 2012 re-issue of the 2002 compilation "Elvis 30 #1 Hits" in the "This Is ..." series. 


(Source: e-mail / Elvis Today)

August 23 - Intelligent Collector

The Summer/Fall 2012 magazine of 'Intelligent Collector' puts the focus on 'collecting Elvis'. In a 20 page long article, some of America's top collectors - Rich Consola, Chris Davidson and Robert Alaniz among them - talk about 'intelligent collecting'. Also, a list of some top items is included, from jewelry to contracts and from memorabilia to guitars. 

This is Elvis Presley
 
This is Elvis Presley Vol.1 is part of the 2012 Anniversary tribute, created by Newbury Press for Elvis fans that would like to learn more about their hero Elvis Presley. 

Taking three years to create, the tribute series audiobook encompasses areas of Elvis' life that have been rarely explored or written about. Carefully researched, and verified by Elvis' right hand man and road manager Diamond Joe Esposito, the information contained in the set will meet the approval of most discerning fans. This Tribute comes in a box set consisting of 6 Compact Discs that include stories on:

Testimonials:
Testimonials - King Creole and the 10th floor of the Beverly Wilshire Hotel - U.S. Army Induction and the “Threeteens” - Joe Esposito, Kissin' Cousins and the President's Daughter - Drug Enforcement Badge - "Without A Song" - Billboard reacts to "Heartbreak Hotel" - Eddie Bond and the Hi Hat Club - The Radiator Shop that Sam Bought - Grenada, Elvis and the Stamp - Comeback Special Sitting at Elvis’ Feet - A $ 2.5 million Hawaiian Special and a Satellite - The Phoenix Jumpsuits, Ashes and Rebirth - The Jerry Weintraub Scarf Situation - The Benefit and the $108,860 Check - Elvis, the “Louisiana Colonel” - The Story about Elvis’ Black Belts - Saints, Singers and Saint Jude - The House on Hillcrest Road - Mrs. Oleta Grimes and “Old Shep” - The Godfather of Soul and the King's Use of Capes - Roy Orbison Seeing Elvis on Stage - Vegas and the King - Martin Scorcese and the Elvis on Tour Movie - The Tour Production and The Air Force Arrives - Elvis' '73 Lincoln Continental - Homecoming Deception - The Graceland Mansion - Elvis and the Robert Vesco Plane - Milton Berle and the Pan Letters - The "Hound Dog" Show - The Elvis Continentals  

(Source: ElvisMatters)

August 22 - Elvis Sings The Christmas Blues

The original 1980 album 'Elvis Sings The Blues' was re-issued on CD by an yet unknown import label in a limited edition digipack of 500 copies. This re-issue contains the original 15 tracks and several bonus tracks. 

Tracklisting:
When It Rains, It Really Pours - New Orleans (Electronic Reprocessed Stereo) - It Feels So Right - A Mess Of Blues (Mono Master) - Like A Baby - Reconsider Baby - I Feel So Bad (Mono Master) - Give Me The Right - Beach Boy Blues - Big Boss Man - Stranger In My Own Home Town - Power Of My Love - My Babe - Got My Mojo Working - Steamroller Blues

Bonus Songs:
I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone (Slow Version) - Lawdy Miss Clawdy (Take 1) - Ain't That Loving You Baby (Take 1) - Down In The Alley (Take 6) - Tiger Man (Live, 2nd Sitdown Show, "NBC Special" 1968 ) - Trying To Get To You (Live, 2nd Sitdown Show, "NBC Special" 1968) - After Loving You (Take 3) - Baby What You Want Me To Do (22.08.1969 M/S) - My Baby Left Me (20.03.1974 - Memphis Tennessee) - Shake A Hand (Original Session Mix) - Good Time Charlie's Got The Blues (Unedited Undubbed Master)

The Classic Christmas Album(s)

Due for release on October 02, 2012 from Sony in their Legacy Series is the CD 'The Classic Christmas Album'.

Tracklisting:
I'll Be Home For Christmas - Blue Christmas - Winter Wonderland - The First Noel - The Wonderful World Of Christmas - Holly Leaves And Christmas Trees - O Come, All Ye Faithful - Merry Christmas Baby - I'll Be Home On Christmas Day - If Every Day Was Like Christmas - White Christmas - Silent Night - Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane) - O Little Town Of Bethlehem - Santa Claus Is Back In Town - Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me) - Blue Christmas


The Cargo budget label announced the rerelease of their "Songs For Christmas" (1 CD) and "Christmas Gift" (3 CD) compliations. Both are due October 19, 2012. 

Collecting Elvis

Volume 17 in the German 'Elvis Sammlung' was released. This edition contains the movie 'Change Of Habit', memorabelia reproductions, a magazine and a small poster from the 'king Creole' movie

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / Amazon)

August 21 - Rock And Roll Rehearsal King

The book 'Elvis Presley - Rock & Roll´s King' by Stephanie Watsonwith September 02, 2012 as the release-date. 

Rehearsals


At the SONY/FTD presentation held during Elvis Week,
Ernst spoke about how he hunted for the rehearsal tape which he recently released on the FTD  label entitled ‘From Hawaii To Las Vegas'‘. 

Don Lance owned the tape and he worked at the Hilton during this time and when he heard Elvis and his band rehearsing, so he left his tape recorder running on a table and would go 
back for it a little later on. 

After Elvis' death in 1977, he remembered the tape and would eventually offer all his tapes  to RCA and Joan Deary in the 1980s but for some unknown reason they were not interested. So what about those "tapes".....well at this presentation, Ernst did confirm that there is at least two more unreleased Elvis rehearsals which will see a release on FTD very soon.


The King of Rock 'N' Roll: The Complete 50'S Masters

Sony announced the re-release of the "The King Of Rock And Roll - The Complete 50's Masters" in a budget package this October.


(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / FECC)

August 19 - Once Upon An Auction

The book 'Once Upon A Time: Elvis And Anita' by Jonnita Brewer Barrett, Anita’s daughter, was released.

Synopsis:
The year was 1957. Elvis Presley was on top of the world. Just twenty-two at the time, he was not just the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll but a handsome prince who had his choice of all the fair maidens in the land, and yet, like a true fairy tale, he fell in love with Anita Wood, a rising musical talent with the looks of a beauty queen. Anita put her own career aside to be with Elvis, her first love and his steady girlfriend for the next five years. 

Once Upon A Time: Elvis And Anita is a heartfelt memoir of Anita’s life with Elvis from 1957 through 1962. Written by Jonnita Brewer Barrett, Anita’s daughter, the book takes readers back to a magical time that many believe was among the best years of Elvis’ life: His career was taking off, he had just purchased Graceland (where Anita lived with Elvis for most of their time together), and life seemed incredibly good. Through her daughter, Anita recaptures the joy and excitement of two young people in love. She shares many key moments that bonded her with Elvis’ family, including the shocking news that he had been drafted by the Army in 1958, and the devastation he felt later that year by the sudden death of his beloved mother, Gladys. ONCE UPON A TIME traces Anita’s own journey in show business which included appearances with such entertainment legends as Jack Paar, Buddy Hackett, Andy Williams and Dick Van Dyke. But it also revisits some of the most painful memories of Anita’s life, from the lengths that Elvis’ manager took to shield their relationship from the public, to the heartache and betrayal that made her realize that the fairy tale had to end.

Memphis Elvis Week Auction Results

A library card bearing the signature of a 13-year-old Elvis Presley was sold at auction for $7500, doubling estimates. The autograph is believed to be the earliest signature of the King of Rock and Roll. The auctioneers did not expect much from the library card signed to borrow a copy of "The Courageous Heart: A Life of Andrew Jackson for Young Readers" from Humes High School in Memphis in 1948. 
The card was discovered during a library inventory in the book about US President Andrew Jackson, one of the founders of the Democratic Party. The book was sold at auction along with the autograph.

A pair of iconic Elvis Presley sunglasses was the top lot Tuesday at the Ultimate Elvis auction presented to an international crowd of collectors at The Peabody hotel. The 1974 pair of "Tiger Man" sunglasses brought $22,500, including 25 percent buyers premium, and was among personal items that were popular with bidders at the sale, presented by Dallas-based Heritage Auctions. A dark dress jacket made by Sy Devore from the 1960s brought $12,500, and a gray trench coat from Lansky Brothers of Memphis, $12,188.

Fans chattered in a dozen languages before the opening lot — Presley's 1956 signed William Morris contract — sold for $10,625 at 1 p.m. 
Over the next five hours, the live-streamed auction accepted offers from bidders on the floor, phone, and Internet for over 300 lots intimately connected with the King.

Consignment director Garry Shrum, Heritage's music specialist, said before the sale: "There is such a huge fan base for Elvis now, not just older people, but younger generations; you can look around and see them here.
"We're offering a little piece of rock and roll history — guitars connected with Elvis, personal clothing, movie costumes, jewelry that he wore on stage. And then you've got signed contracts and documents as well as merchandise made for fans during his lifetime."
Fans vied to own big chunky pieces of gold and silver jewelry that Elvis often wore and then gave away to friends and fellow musicians. A gold and diamond watch presented to Elvis by Col. Tom Parker sold for $16,250. A 1970s diamond cluster ring and a "Taking Care of Business" necklace with diamonds brought $12,500 each.
Another high price was realized for a standing 6-foot-high advertising figure from "Love Me Tender" (1956), which soared past a $1,250 starting bid to bring $20,000. A Giannini Craviola acoustic guitar, 1973, brought $18,125.
Other items included a 1975 signed check, which sold for $4,375; and a sealed copy of the Speedway (1968) mono LP record, $3,000. Someone paid $4,375 for Presley's 1975 karate ID card.
"Elvis remains one of the most popular and durable figures in American Pop Culture," Margaret Barrett, Director of Entertainment & Music Memorabilia at Heritage Auctions, told Art Daily. "This auction, our second event totally dedicated to Elvis, is a celebration of his amazing life and legacy." 

(Source: FECC / Elvis Information Network)

August 17 - Elvis Promotion!

David Troedson from the Elvis Australia website posted an update on the promotion of the latest Elvis Presley release from Sony Music Down Under. The CD is available from >> Elvis Australia.

As we told you last week there would be a huge unprecedented promotion for the 'Elvis By Request' The Australian Edition CD. With the release of the album containing the 40 favourite Elvis songs as voted for by 5000 of his Australian fans, Sony Music Australia came up with a very clever and unique way to attract attention and to the release and at the same time to promote Elvis Presley in general. When every song has been remastered, remixed and reissued to mark each Elvis Presley anniversary over the past three decades, it requires a hefty flex of marketing muscle to move more records. So 35 years after the death of the King of rock 'n' roll, it seemed a good idea to introduce one icon to another, a Sydney Harbour Bridge top Elvis tribute as covered by the Channel Seven 'Sunrise' program from 7:30am to 9am with live crosses to the reporter and assembled fans on the bridge every half hour where the album was mentioned, and promoted, then this was followed by more via the 'Morning Show' from 9am to 11:30am on the same channel. The major newspapers, The 'Sydney Morning Herald', 'The Daily Telegraph', [Sydney] 'The Herald Sun' [Melbourne], www.news.com.au all covered the event, as did TV's 'Sky News' and others. And since orders from major retails have all been increased, everyone is asking for this CD.


Some will find aspects not to their liking, as we do, however I must tell you, knowing the plan, Elvis Australia was on board encouraging Sony from day one, from the moment we were told of the concept, because we could see the ingenuity of it, and the publicity it would generate. I can tell you first hand it is not easy getting the media to cover an Elvis CD release these days with my efforts to [successfully] have newspapers review and/or make mention of the Elvis Presley: 50 Australia Top Ten Hits 1956-1977 release in January 2010.


Now Sony have surpassed that by an unprecedented margin, with the 'Sunrise' morning show being a very high rating program. As fans we all love to see Elvis riding high on the charts, and we should see this in the weeks ahead. To re-ignite sales leading into the Christmas period Sony have organized, controversially to many, a tour of Australia east cost by an Elvis impersonator in November. From Sony's perspective, they are selling tickets, they will sell, and Sony will make a profit, all the while promoting in the media, Elvis By Request Concerts, the idea is fans in the audience can ask for anyone of 30 of the 40 songs to be sung, By Request, everyone can make their own judgment here but the aim is to get the album back up in the charts leading into Christmas, and those important ant potentially huge sales. Just the fact an album is in the charts is publicity, so it is win-win. In video, listen for, 'we don't want any Elvis' to leave the bridge' at the end!!!

Legacy From Another Planet

The re-release of both Madison Square Garden performances entitled 'Prince From Another Planet' will be available as a double CD / DVD package and as a double CD in the 'Legacy' series.


Irish Chart

In Ireland the BMG budget compilation "The Real ... Elvis" entered the albumchart at #25. 

German Chart

The 20 disc set 'The Perfect Elvis Presley Collection' entered the German Album charts at #42 this week.

(Source: Elvis Australia / Elvis Info / Amazon)

August 16 - The King Is Dead, Or Is He ...?

As the world commemorates the 35th anniversary of the King's passing, it appears he may return to the building. Here's a startling article from the Commercial Appeal.

First Tupac, now the King: Company to produce 'virtual' Elvis Presley.

If seeing is believing, "The King" of rock and roll is returning to the building. Digital Domain Media Group has signed an agreement with CORE Media Group, the parent company of Elvis Presley Enterprises, to develop and produce a series of "virtual" Elvis likenesses for projects, including appearances in shows, film and TV productions.

"This is a new and exciting way to bring the magic and music of Elvis Presley to life. This will become an exciting and fresh way for his lifelong fans to experience Elvis all over again," said Jack Soden, Elvis Presley Enterprises president and CEO. "Elvis still does resonate. Young people discover Elvis every day, experience his voice, charisma and story. "Digital Domain is the best at what they do, and technology is moving very quickly."

This agreement follows a computer-generated likeness of the late rapper Tupac Shakur that wowed audiences at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 15. The video went "viral," pulling in more than 8 million hits on YouTube, as rumors spread that Shakur came out of hiding and made his comeback performance.
The realistic likeness of Shakur reuniting with rapper Snoop Dogg at Coachella was created by Digital Domain "based on techniques developed for the Academy Award-winning computer-generated likeness of Brad Pitt in 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,' Jeff Bridges in 'TRON: Legacy,' Kevin Bacon in 'X-Men: First Class,' and more," according to Digital Domain's website.

Elvis' sound developed a renewed fan base about five years ago when his remixed songs found new ears. " 'A Little Less Conversation' created a new wave of fans," Soden said. "It's not that he was forgotten but that definitely brought him forward in a new demographic." The companies have begun work on the Elvis holograms, but no announcement has been made about when and where audiences can see the first virtual performances. "Elvis is the most iconic, most recognized performer on the planet, and we are thrilled to have been chosen to bring new performances and original shows where fans can have their own, new experiences of Elvis," John Textor, Digital Domain Media Group chairman and CEO, said in a press release. "In addition to being a dream project on the creative side, this agreement enables us to participate in the success of any number of potential virtual Elvis appearances."

CORE Media, which owns the rights to Elvis' likeness, recently restructured itself after another of its properties, "American Idol," saw a ratings drop last season. The company also recently teased upcoming Elvis projects, including a revamp of Graceland. Elvis' likeness has already graced the stage, appearing on "American Idol" in 2007. Celine Dion, in a duet with the computerized King, sang the 1968 hit, "If I Can Dream."

Meanwhile In The Real World


An estimated 75,000 Elvis fans gathered at the gates of Graceland to celebrate the life and legacy of Elvis Presley on August 15. Fans were in for a surprise when, for the first time ever, Priscilla and Lisa Marie Presley came to the gates to greet guests for the Candlelight Vigil. 

Fans began the day with Conversations on Elvis where they heard from the men behind the cameras that captured some of the most iconic photos of Elvis. Priscilla Presley joined the list of guest speakers and shared memories about her time spent with the king. Fans then put on their leis and enjoyed an afternoon of cupcakes, hula dancers, and live music. Once all of the excitement calmed down, thousands gathered at the gates of Graceland to honor the king's life, turning the 35th celebration into the largest Elvis Week in history. 

Elvis fans around the globe celebrated the life and legacy of the music icon, humanitarian, and father with social media, live performances at the Elvis Week Main Stage, and the highly anticipated 35th Anniversary Concert at the FedExForum. 

Elvis Week became a trending topic on several social media networks including Twitter, Google+, and Facebook. Fans around the world shared stories and gave tributes to the King of Rock 'n' Roll for his impact on music and pop culture. Here in Memphis, thousands of fans attended the 35th Anniversary Concert featuring some of Elvis’ finest concert performances projected on a large video screen, accompanied live on stage by a cast of singers and musicians who worked with him and members of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. Elvis fans also welcomed Elvis' daughter Lisa Marie Presley who gave the audience a special surprise in honor of her father duetting 'I Love You Because". 

35th Anniversary Promo

At the 35th Anniversary Elvis Concert those fans that paid out a whopping $300 got premier seating along with a Collectible Anniversary Concert Badge/Lanyard. They also receive an exclusive "35th anniversary CD sample" which contains four songs spanning the 50's through to the 70's.
1. Don't Be Cruel
2. If I Can Dream
3. Suspicious Minds
4. That's All Right (Remastered from the upcoming MSG CD 'Prince From Another Planet')

Charts

'I Am An Elvis Fan' drops from 137 to 186 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Charts for w/e 25th August, 2012. 


The King And His Re-issues

The 2-DVD 'The King And His Music' will be re-issued once more on October 2, 2012 according to Elvis Club Berlin. It in English with German, French, Spanish and Italian subtitles.

I'm A Turkish Elvisfan


Kamel Audio Kaset released the Turkish edition of the "I'm An Elvisfan".

All Shook Up / Jailhouse Rock / Don’t Be Cruel / Heartbreak Hotel / Viva Las Vegas / In The Ghetto / Suspicious Minds / Can't Help Falling In Love / Always On My Mind / Guitar Man / Kentucky Rain / Hound Dog / Love Me Tender / Are You Lonesome Tonight? / Its Now Or Never / You Don't Have To Say You Love Me / Surrender / You'll Never Walk Alone
Bonus Tracks:
My Way (Elvis live version) / I Can't Stop Loving You (Remastered) / Burning Love ( Live January 14, 1973 at Honolulu International Center)


(Source: Commercial Appeal / EPE / Elvis Club Berlin / Elvis Express / Elvis On CD)

August 15 - Free Gold Records In Belgium

Readers of the Belgian magazine Story are treated to a special 30 track compilation CD 'The Ultimate Elvis Presley Collection', released two years ago by Sony Music. The magazine itself, features an interview about the ElvisMatters fan-club.

Gold From Memphis

RIAA presented EPE with a lot of new Awards and upgrades of previous awards making Elvis Presley the higest selling artist in the U.S.

(Source: ElvisMatters / Paul Sweeney /FECC)

August 14 - Tracklisting By With A Requested Twist

The Australian Elvis Presley fans compiled their own fan favourites album entitled 'Elvis By Request'. The CD is available from >> Elvis Australia.

The product description: Elvis By Request: The Australian Fan Edition is, as the title suggests a compilation of Elvis Presley’s most popular songs as voted for by his Australian fans. Between June 4 and July 13, 2012 Elvis fans were able to vote online for their favourite track from a selection of over 800 Elvis’ master recordings. Presented to you here are the top 40 songs over two CDs in order of popularity starting with a surprise in ‘An American Trilogy’ and ending in ‘Heartbreak Hotel’, Elvis’ legendary first smash hit. This collection takes you on a journey from Elvis’ first No. 1 hit in 1956 through the ‘60s’ to a superb performance of ‘My Way’ recorded in June 1977 and demonstrating Elvis’ lasting legacy, the version of ‘A Little Less Conversation’ presented here is the worldwide No. 1 smash hit from 2002, the ‘Elvis Vs JXL’ remix.

Tracklisting:
An American Trilogy (1972 Single Version, ??.02.1972) - If I Can Dream - Suspicious Minds - Always On My Mind - In The Ghetto - The Wonder Of You - Can't Help Falling In Love - I Miss You - Kentucky Rain - Memories - Jailhouse Rock - Love Me Tender - (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear - Wooden Heart - Don't Be Cruel - Edge Of Reality - Hawaiian Wedding Song - Just Pretend - Are You Lonesome Tonight? - Burning Love - My Way ("CBS TV Special" - 1977) - (You're the) Devil In Disguise - A Little Less Conversation (JXL Remix) - Amazing Grace - Don't Cry Daddy - You Gave Me A Mountain (??.02.1972) - (There'll Be) Peace In The Valley (For Me) - How Great Thou Art - Judy - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Return To Sender - A Mess Of Blues - All Shook Up - Viva Las Vegas - (Now And Then There's) A Fool Such As I - Promised Land - Blue Hawaii - Crying In The Chapel - It's Now Or Never - Heartbreak Hotel

Previous Top 10's from the voting in June 2012 were:
An American Trilogy / If I Can Dream / Suspicious Minds / Always on My Mind / 
Can't Help Falling in Love / The Wonder of You / In the Ghetto / Love Me Tender / Memories / Kentucky Rain
An American Trilogy / In The Ghetto / Are you Lonesome Tonight? / Edge Of Reality / Always on my mind / Suspicious Minds / Love Me Tender / Can't Help Falling In Love / It's Now Or Never / Little Egypt

Oreo Elvis

The producers of the Oreo cookies honored Elvis Presley in their 'Daily Twist'.

The Collection Volume 1

Sony Music Germany released the four CD compilation 'The Collection Volume 1' with Reader's Digest earlier this year. The 4-CD-set comes with a 12 pages booklet with German liner notes plus a quality certificate.  

Elvis Files Magazine

The first issue of 'The Elvis Files Magazine' is back from the printer and ready to be sent. Photographers in issue 1:20th Century Fox, Fotorama, Norway, MGM Studios, Virginia Coons, National General Studios, Madalyn Winston, Dorothy Briscoe, Paramount Studios & Memphis Press-Scimitar.

(Source: Music Store / Elvis On CD / The Elvis Telegraph / FECC)

August 13 - New Zealand Boys In 2012

The legendary 'Memphis Boys', who worked with Elvis Presley on the American Sound Studios recording in January/ and February 1969 (Suspicious Minds, Don't Cry Daddy, In The Ghetto and other hits)) received their Bronze Note award in Memphis.
I'm An Elvis Fan From New Zealand

According to a post on the FECC board, in New Zealand, it appears they ran a voting competition via radio to pick the 22 tracks on the NZ edition of 'I Am Elvis'. The final listing is:
1 Jailhouse Rock
2 Blue Suede Shoes
3 All Shook Up
4 Heartbreak Hotel
5 Return To Sender
6 (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear
7 Don’t Be Cruel
8 Love Me Tender
9 (You're The) Devil In Disguise
10 Suspicious Minds
11 In The Ghetto
12 Always On My Mind
13 Can't Help Falling In Love
14 Blue Hawaii
15 Are You Lonesome Tonight?
16 The Wonder Of You
17 Kentucky Rain
18 Don't Cry Daddy
19 Hawaiian Wedding Song (Live)
20 Crying In The Chapel
21 How Great Thou Art
22 An American Trilogy (Live)


The King 2012

The August 20, 2012 edition of GLOBE (Print Edition) gives readers an amazing retrospective on the most important and influential popular entertainer of all time, Elvis Presley.  But GLOBE doesn’t limit themselves to reminding us about how great Elvis was, they explore in detail how great he would continue to be had he lived. They also tried to picture Elvis in 2012.

La Collection RTL

The French version of the 'I Am An Elvisfan'  campaign, entitled 'La Collection RTL" was released. It is a 35 track double CD.

(Source: ElvisMatters / Elvis Information Network / FECC / The King's World)

August 12 - The Rebel And The King From 1970

A new import DVD was released 'Elvis 1969 - 1970'. The concept of the DVD is a day by day document on the years 1969 and 1970 through the use of of movies, home movies and news reels, all is supported by the reel voice and music of Elvis Presley. Starting with the winter holiday in 1968/1969 and ending with the very first real tour of the USA in years at the end of 1970; all that and in between is shown on this very nice DVD.
As a bonus we get a complete as possible concert from August 1970 –  after the MGM crew has left Vegas. Clips shot from the audience, supported by audience recordings to give a complete as possible picture. It really does give you the feeling of what it was like to be there in the showroom, even if sometimes the footage appears a little dark.

The Elvis Files Volume 1

Erik Lorentzen distributed this poster as a preview of the first volume in his 'The Elvis' series. The Elvis Files 1953 - 1956 is volume 1 in the 7 part series and due out December 2012. 

The Rebel And The King

The book 'The Rebel And The King' by Allyson Adams was released. Nick Adams’ daughter, Allyson Adams is responsible for the posthumous publishing of this book. As an editor and WaterDancer Press Publisher, she couldn’t let her father’s story go untold. In the book’s foreword she explains: “I have found my father’s story about Elvis to be the last glimpse of innocence before the end of an era. The Rebel & The King is straight from the horse’s mouth, as if Nick and Elvis are speaking from the grave. As soon as I read it, I knew I needed to share it with the world.” 

Elvis Presley had just exploded on the American scene and was filming his first movie, Love Me Tender, when he introduced himself to Nick Adams on the backlot of 20th Century Fox. Nick was a struggling actor, part of the Rebel Without A Cause gang and showed Elvis the town, introducing him to Natalie Wood. Nick was infamous for writing about his famous friends and now the posthumous publication of Nick Adams’ raw, unedited manuscript, The Rebel & The King, details his close friendship and whirlwind eight days in Memphis with Elvis, during the famous singer’s Tupelo Homecoming the summer of 56. “I would rather live one day as a lion, than a thousand years as a lamb. A very great man once made that statement.  And that was the first thing that came to my mind when I sat down to write this story about Elvis.”  Nick Adams, 1956.

(Source: FECC / Elvis Express / Elvis Information Network)