December 30 - The King In Motion - Last Vegas

The Venus Records importlabel released the book / DVD package "The King In Motion - Last Vegas"; a 456 page book with 46 minutes footage from the December 3, 1976, 40 minutes footage from December 4, 1976 and 15 minutes footage from December 5, 1975 on DVD. 

(Source: Elvis Aktuel)

December 29 - The Memphis Mafia Experience

Due for release in 2014 is the DVD "The Elvis Experience: The Memphis Mafia Collection - Volume 1" by Dave Hebler. More information when available.

UK Charts

The compilation “The Nation's Favourite Elvis Songs” dropped to #14 on the UK Album chart. It sold 30,446 units last week giving it a grand total of 255,054 units. The CD is listed at #25 on the Official Top 40 Biggest Selling Artist Albums Of 2013 in the UK.

Australian Charts

The DVD "The King Of Rock ’N’ Roll" remained steady at #29 on the Australian Music DVD chart

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / FECC / The King's Wolrd)

December 28 - Suspicious Silver

The single “Suspicious Minds” was awarded a Silver Award by BPI for selling over 200,000 copies in the UK. 

The Audionics importlabel released the CD "Echoes Of Aloha" containing an audience-recording of the February 13, 1973 Dinner Show and part of the February 10, 1973 Dinner Show. Both recorded in the  Las Vegas Hilton.

(Source: FECC / BPI)

December 27 - The Life Of Elvis

Due for release by Whitman Pub Llc. is the book "The Live Of Elvis" by Frank Hyland. The pre-face of this book, due June 24, 2014, is written by Priscilla Presley.

US Charts

'It's Christmas Time' remains at 41 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart for w/e 4th January, 2014. It also rises from 6 to 5 on the Catalog Album Chart and rises from 13 to 12 on the Holiday Album Chart.

'The Classic Christmas Album' drops from 90 to 93 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart; remains at 16 on the Top Country Album Chart and drops from 71 to 78 on the Current Album Chart.

'Merry Christmas, Love Elvis' drops from 108 to 125 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart. It also drops from 20 to 23 on the Top Country Album Chart. It rises from 32 to 29 on the Holiday Album Chart and drops from 85 to 100 on the Current Album Chart.

'Blue Christmas' (Single) rises from 19 to 18 on the Holiday Digital Songs Chart; remains at 17 on the Holiday 100 Singles Chart and rises on the Holiday Airplay Chart from 17 to 16.

'Here Comes Santa Claus' drops from 42 to 51 on the Holiday 100 Singles Chart. 

'He Touched Me: The Gospel Music Of Elvis Presley (Vols. 1 and 2) drops from 18 to 19 on the Top Music Video Sales Chart. 

'Elvis Lives' rises from 22 to 21 on the Top Music Video Sales Chart.

Irish Charts

The compilation "The Real ... Elvis" dropped off the Irish Album chart after re-entering it last week. 

Preview King Of The Jungle

Here are a few previews of the upcoming "King Of The Jungle" book.

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / FECC / Brian Quinn)

 

December 25 - Merry Christmas!

I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I hope Santa found your Christmas list :-)

Best regards

Kees

December 24 - Little Mama For Christmas

Due for release on 45rpm vinyl for the first time are the tracks "Little Mama" and "I Forgot To Remember To Forget". Available in both black and pink vinyl limited editions of 250 copies of each.

Biggest Selling Christmas Album Of All Time

According to the latest data and certifications of the Recording Industry of America, Elvis' Christmas Album, recorded by Elvis Presley (who else?) has shipped at least 13 million copies since its original release in 1957. That makes it the biggest-selling Christmas album of all time. The album has been re-issued and repackaged several times, and continues to be a perennial holiday best-seller. 

It sold three million copies upon its original release in 1957 and has sold an additional ten million copies in the various forms it has been reissued in. It hit the number one spot on the Billboard charts in 1957 and remained there for four weeks. Released on October 15, 1957, it would be the first of two Christmas albums released by "The King." The second, Elvis Sings the Wonderful World of Christmas, wasn't released until the early 1970s. 

Eight of the songs on the album were Christmas songs, both classic and new, and four were Gospel songs (Gospel, not rock 'n' roll, was always Elvis' favorite musical form). 

Christmas was always Elvis' favorite holiday. The annual display of blue lights decorating Elvis' home Graceland was, and still is, a legendary Mecca for tourists and locals to behold. Nothing gave Elvis greater joy than giving out Christmas gifts to family and friends. So the Christmas album idea seemed a natural for "Elvis the Pelvis." 

Interestingly, the biggest controversy regarding the album came from one of America's most beloved composers. On the album, Elvis did a cover version of Irving Berlin's classic "White Christmas." At the time, "White Christmas" was the biggest-selling record of all time.

After hearing Elvis sing his song, Berlin called for the song, and the entire album, to be banned from radio airplay. He considered Elvis' "White Christmas" to be a "profane parody of his cherished Yuletide standard." He ordered his staff in New York to telephone radio stations across the U.S. and demand the song be removed from airplay. Many U.S. stations ignored Berlin's threats, but at least one American disc jockey was, indeed, fired for daring to play a song from the album. Canadian stations refused to play the album.

Ironically, Elvis actually had based his "White Christmas" version on the song as recorded by African-American Clyde McPhatter and his group The Drifters. McPhatter and The Drifters had released their own version of "White Christmas" a few years earlier, but it had caused no controversy whatsoever. This was mainly because the record was only played on black radio stations. The Drifters' "White Christmas" was not to be heard on mainstream radio stations for a couple of decades, although it had been a hit on the R&B singles chart in 1954 and '55. 

Controversy aside, one listens to this delightful album nowadays and wonders, "Why all the fuss?" Elvis is so obviously sincere in his Gospel renditions of "There'll Be) Peace in the Valley (For Me)," "Take My Hand, Precious Lord," and "I Believe," one can only wonder about anyone questioning the album and the singer's religious sincerity. Elvis does his versions of two Christmas carols, "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and "Silent Night" in similarly fervent renditions. 

Okay, there are two great early original Elvis Christmas "rockers" i.e. "Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me)" and "Santa Claus is Back In Town," but give me a break, he was Elvis, for Pete's sake!  

We look back now, and listen, to this 1957 version of Elvis Presley. Who could ever imagine the life he would lead in the next twenty years? This slim, fresh-looking, swivel-hipped maverick who delighted the kids and scared the pants off their parents was in the early stages of, quite possibly, the single most successful career in the history of music and all of show business. 

Yes, we all know now, to our great sadness, the "The King" would eventually end up sad and alone, a victim of drugs, overeating, obesity, bad management, and, in spite of his unparalleled success, a vast feeling of un-achievement. 

Elvis' Christmas Album is a reminder of that innocent kid who, just a few decades ago, stirred up all that wrath from all those grown-ups and ignited all that sexual passion from all those girls and made every youth in the world realize, perhaps for the very first time, "Hey! It's fun to be young! It's fun being a teenager!" 

Good old Elvis. I always loved the guy. Wherever he is, I hope he has a Merry Christmas this year. It would be great if these people who bring so much pleasure to so many people derived as much pleasure from life themselves. But as we all know, that hardly ever happens.

Collecting Elvis

Volume 52 in the German Elvis Sammlung was released by De'Agostini / EPE. This volume contains a magazine, memorabilia reproductions and a mini-Poster for the classic "Jailhouse Rock".

(Source: Neatorama / Elvis Australia / Elvis Sammlung)

December 23 - Ted Richmond Died

Movieproducer Ted Richmond, who produced Elvis Presley's "It Happened At The World's Fair" died  in Paris at the age of 103. The movie "Papillon" with Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman was his best known production. 

(Source: The King's World)

December 22 - Charts

The compilation "The Nations Favourite Elvis Songs" dropped out of the UK Album Top 10 as the King sits in at this weeks #11. The set sold another 46,830 units this week, which gives Elvis a total of 225,054 units sold to date and now puts Elvis, well and truly on this  way to Platinum status (300,000). Sales are expected to increase after Boxing Day with the re-screening of the ITV Elvis special at 4:30pm which is peak time family viewing for Boxing Day.

The duet single "O Come All Ye Faithful" by Susan Boyle and Elvis dropped from #48 last week to #87 this week on the Official UK Singles chart. While the Elvis compilation album has been a huge success, the duet single seems to be a total flop.

Australian Chart

Down Under the DVD "The King Of Rock ’N’ Roll" climbed from #31  to #29 on the Australian Music DVD chart.

Irish Charts

The CD "The Real... Elvis" re-entered the Irish Album chart at #69 this week. 

(Source: Irma \ Aria \ The King's World \ Elvis And His Music)

December 21 - Books And Previews

The limited edition book “Elvis Caught On Camera - The 50's Candits” (750 copies) was released by New Frontier Publishing. It covers Elvis Presley’s rise from the early fifties until his draft into the Army and is packed in a slipcase box. The pre-face is written by Ray Walker.

Gravel Road Redone

The Gravel Road Music importlabel send out an update on their upcoming "1969" box-set.

"Our upcoming release of the ELVIS 1969 Box Set and bonus Photo Folio requires several parties to be involved for the finest possible production. Unfortunately, the first prints we received were simply below our standards, so we are choosing to scrap them and start again.


For that reason the ELVIS 1969 Box Set will be out during the first week of 2014. As always with Gravelroad Music, the fans will get nothing but the best when it comes to Elvis. Stay tuned!"

The Elvis Movies


This is the cover of the book “Elvis The Movies” by James L. Neibaur which is due April 16 2014 from Rowman & Littlefield P”abolishers.

Julian Myers Died

Julian Myers, the veteran publicist who worked with Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, John Wayne and others for 20th Century Fox, has died. He was 95.

His son Eric confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that Myers died Saturday morning of congestive heart failure in Marina del Rey, Calif. He also said that a memorial is planned for early next year. While at Fox from 1948-61, Myers worked with a slew of top stars. Along with Monroe, Presley and Wayne, they included Betty Grable, Deborah Kerr, Jayne Mansfield, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Shelley Winters, Claudette Colbert, Patricia Neal, Bette Davis, Ava Gardner, Joanne Woodward, Shirley Temple, Leslie Caron, Ethel Merman, Mitzi Gaynor, Shirley Jones, Rita Moreno, Katharine Hepburn, Jane Russell, Shirley MacLaine, Dorothy Dandridge and Joan Collins.

Elvis Presley Something For The Girls book video preview


Here is a preview of the January 2014 Follow That Dream / Flaming Star book -release “Elvis Presley Something For The Girls”. 

(Source: UEPS / Elvis Club Berlin / YouTube / Elvis Telegraph / Hollywood Reporter)

December 20 - Barbara Klein Died

Barbara Klein Bauer is now free from pain and suffering. Barbara passed away yesterday from cancer in Memphis. 

Elvis Presley was best man at her wedding with longtime friend George Klein. 

Charts

The latest ups and downs of Elvis albums on the U.S. Billboard Charts for the week ending December 28, 2013.  

• 'It's Christmas Time' remains at  41 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart for w/e 28th December, 2013. It also rises from 7 to 6 on the Catalog Album Chart and remains at 13 on the Holiday Album Chart.
• 'The Classic Christmas Album' rises from 125 to 90 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart and rises from 19 to 16 on the Top Country Album Chart. It also rises from 96 to 71 on the Current Album Chart.
• 'Merry Christmas, Love Elvis' drops from 101 to 108 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart. It also drops from 13 to 20 on the Top Country Album Chart. It remains at 32 on the Holiday Album Chart and drops from 79 to 85 on the Current Album Chart.
• 'Blue Christmas' (Single) rises from 20 to 19 on the Holiday Digital Songs Chart; remains at 17 on the Holiday 100 Singles Chart and rises on the Holiday Airplay Chart from 19 to 17.
• 'Here Comes Santa Claus' rises from 49 to 42 on the Holiday 100 Singles Chart. 
• 'He Touched Me: The Gospel Music Of Elvis Presley (Vols. 1 and 2) Re-Enters the Top Music Video sales Chart at 18.
• 'Elvis Lives' Re-Enters the Top Music Video Sales Chart at 22.

(Source: Elvis Matters / Brian Quinn)

December 16 - Octagon Shaped Yellow Vinyl

The Art Of Music label will release the SUN singles on a limited octagon shaped yellow vinyl disc on March 3, 2014. 

Tracks:
1. That's Alright, 2. Blue Moon Of Kentucky, 3. I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine, 4. Good Rockin' Tonight, 5. Milkcow Blues, 6. You're A Heartbreaker, 7. I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone, 8. Baby Let's Play House, 9. Mystery Train, 10. I Forgot To Remember To Forget

Country Legend Ray Price Dead at 87

Ray Price, one of country music's most beloved voices, died at home Monday afternoon at the age of 87, his family said through a spokesman. Price had been hospitalized in Texas recently, and had been fighting a battle against pancreatic cancer since late last year. On Thursday (Dec. 12), the singer entered hospice care, leaving a message to fans: "I am at peace. I love Jesus. I'm going to be just fine. Don't worry about me. I'll see you again one day." To Elvis fans, he's best known for his songs 'For The Good Times', 'Release Me' and 'Make The World Go Away'.

(Source: Amazon / ElvisMatters)

December 15 - UK And Australian Charts

The compilation ”The Nation's Favourite Elvis Songs” dropped one spot from #9 to #10 on the Official UK Album Chart with 37,542 units sold. 

The duet single "O Come All Ye Faithful” by Susan Boyle and Elvis Presley is a new entry at the bottom of the Official UK Singles chart at #48 this week selling some 6,244 units - the vast majority of which were CD's. In the Scottish Charts it was a new entry at 27.

The DVD "The King Of Rock ’N’ Roll" dropped from #26 to #31 on the Australian Music DVD chart in its 140th week on the chart.

(The Official UK Charts Company / Aria Charts)

December 14 - Record Player Sells For US$7.200

A record player that once belonged to Elvis Presley has sold for double its estimated price at the UK auction in Cornwall. The singer gave the record player as a wedding gift to Ellen Marschhauser in Germany in 1959, where he was stationed during his Army service. She and husband Jim Jenkins retired to Cornwall, where she died in 2010.

The Perpetuum Ebner Musical 5v Luxus was expected to fetch £2,000, but sold for £4,400 US$7.200 to an overseas bidder at Penzance Auction House.
Proprietor David Lay said he had never come across anything that had created so much interest. Mr Jenkins said the record player had also been a "thank you" from Elvis to his wife for doing some translation work for the singer's father, Vernon. He said he and his wife had used the record player at parties, but it had been put away in the loft when the needle broke. As well as playing records on it, it is believed that Elvis also used the player as an amplifier for his guitar.

(Source: ElvisMatters)

December 12 - Charts For The Girls

FTD is proud to announce to be distributing "Flaming Star's" new book on Elvis’ second movie "Loving You: Something For The Girls" by Pål Granlund and David English. 

From the press-release:
Pål Granlund and his people have produced an unbelievably beautiful book filled to the brim with classic and previously unreleased photos from the making of "Loving You". The text provides us useful information, and the design is simply breathtaking. 528 pages total. Size is 24,5 x 31,5 cm. The book follows the format of the Frame By Frame books, but different to those books, this package includes a CD (nothing previously unreleased). Expected to be released end of January 2014.

Tracks "Something For The Girls":
1. Mean Woman Blues (Claude DeMetrius)
2. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear (Kal Mann/Bernie Lowe)
3. Loving You (Jerry Leiber/Mike Stoller)
4. Got A Lot O' Livin' To Do (Aaron Schroeder/Ben Weisman)
5. Lonesome Cowboy (Sid Tepper/Roy C. Bennett)
6. Hot Dog (Jerry Leiber/Mike Stoller)
7. Party (Jessie Mae Robinson)
8. Blueberry Hill (Al Lewis/Larry Stock/Vincent Rose)
9. True Love (Cole Porter)
10. Don't Leave Me Now (Aaron Schroeder/Ben Weisman)
11. Have I Told You Lately That I Love You (Scott Wiseman)
12. I Need You So (Ivory Joe Hunter)
13. All Shook Up (Otis Blackwell/Elvis Presley)
14. That's When Your Heartaches Begin (William Raskin/George Brown/Fred Fisher)
15. I Beg Of You (Rosemarie McCoy/Kelly Owens)
16. One Night (Dave Bartholomew/Pearl King)
17. When It Rains, It Really Pours (William Emerson)
18. Is It So Strange (Faron Young)
19. Tell Me Why (Titus Turner)
20. Loving You (Main movie version) (Jerry Leiber/Mike Stoller)
21. Party (alternate movie master) (Jessie Mae Robinson)
22. Got A Lot O' Livin' To Do (Main movie version) (Aaron Schroeder/Ben Weisman)
23. Loving You (Farm movie Version) (Jerry Leiber/Mike Stoller)
24. Mean Woman Blues (Claude DeMetrius)
25. Got A Lot O' Livin' To Do (Finale movie version) (Aaron Schroeder/Ben Weisman)
26. Loving You (End movie version) (Jerry Leiber/Mike Stoller)

Tracks 1-12 from the album Loving You LPM 1515, released July 01, 1957

The process of researching, compiling and writing any book – be it a novel, short story or work of non-fiction – is much more difficult and time-consuming than most people would imagine, as I know only too well from first-hand experience. The task can, almost literally, take over your life. But when that work centres around one of the most written-about artists of the twentieth century – in this case, Elvis Presley – then the task is made even more challenging, especially if you are revisiting old ground. The pressure to offer something new and original for the fans is extremely high. Of course, not all those who produce works about Elvis use this ethic as their guiding principle, settling instead for rehashing material and thus exploiting the fans in a variety of ways. Personally though, I find this approach unsettling and unseemly – not to say unfair. And without pointing the finger at anyone in particular, I think we all know who these people are. Fortunately, in recent years there has been a renewed vigour and sense of purpose about some of the new books appearing, many of which break new ground in a genuinely innovative and exciting way, fleshing out the Elvis story in unprecedented detail. I’m happy to say that this work – Something For The Girls – falls neatly into that category. Let me tell you why.

Unless you’re a complete recluse (or a Cliff Richard fan!) then you hardly need reminding that the film Loving You wasn’t Elvis’ first venture into movie-making. That honour went to the Twentieth Century Fox film Love Me Tender – a western set during the period immediately after the American Civil War – and by common consent a most unusual vehicle for the movie debut of a young rock ‘n’ roll singer. But Loving You (as the film became known) was altogether more appropriate, especially as its story-line – embodying an almost traditional ‘rags-to-riches’ theme – was based quite heavily on Mary Agnes Thompson’s short story ‘A Call From Mitch Miller’, which although written several years before, first appeared in print in the June 1956 edition of Good Housekeeping magazine (reprinted here in this book for your interest). Entirely coincidentally, it implied and reflected some of Elvis’ own experiences in his rise to national fame. Unsurprisingly then, when it was released, it found favour amongst the fandom (in contrast to his first movie which had actually distressed fans, as his character had died at the end) – because fans could see that there was a bit of Deke in Elvis and vice-versa, of course. And that generally held affection for the movie has not diminished at all over the years. It is still held in extremely high esteem, and I would respectfully suggest that this book will simply enhance that feeling.

In sharp contrast to some of his films from the mid-sixties, many of which were rattled off with little regard for quality or artistic credibility, the production schedule for Loving You spanned two months from January to March 1957 (a mere year since he had emerged onto the pop scene in such a blaze of publicity – much of it highly critical, damning and damaging). Co-authors, Pal Granlund and David English, are especially pleased to able to show – for the first time ever – the recently-found day-by-day production schedule which has been presented here in considerable detail for your interest and enjoyment. It makes for fascinating reading, especially when you match it up against the photographic evidence. And needless to say, what is very clear is that throughout that period Elvis worked very hard either on the film set, or in one of the two recording studios where he cut the soundtrack along with other material, with little opportunity for down-time.

Meanwhile, producer Hal Wallis (who had arranged a screen-test as early as March 1956 and, recognising this young man’s potential, had quickly signed him up to a film deal), and director Hal Kanter had done their homework – as you will see as you browse through the photos and various pieces of fascinating documentation provided in the book. They set out and succeeded in harnessing Elvis’ obvious talents (which extended way beyond his musical ability) and to produce a film of worth. Unique among directors who worked with Elvis, Kanter met and visited him, his family and friends, at his Memphis home prior to the film being made, but even more significantly watched him perform and deliver a stunning show on his final appearance on the Louisiana Hayride in December 1956. His experience of seeing Elvis first-hand – which is detailed in the text of this book – helped shape his presentation of the young star in Loving You. And although it was a fictional and, at times, melodramatic tale, a number of aspects of it rang true to those who watched it. As it must have done to Elvis, too. He wouldn’t have missed the obvious semi-autobiographical allusions, either, though it would be wrong and misleading to overstate this.

But to return to the earlier comments I made about the difficulties surrounding researching and writing a book. By the time you read this book it will probably have taken almost two years from its inception to publication. The co-authors started the process in early 2012 when they met in London to discuss possible future joint projects. One of the topics discussed was Pal’s wish to do a comprehensive book on Loving You (as he had done with Jailhouse Rock and King Creole) but unfortunately at that time he didn’t have enough photographic material to warrant a new book or progress the project. Coincidentally though, David, in his research for the Welcome Home Elvis and Memphis To Hollywood books, had discovered a new source of previously unpublished information at Paramount in the USA – specifically documentation relating to filming details. This implied that there may also have been photographic material available too. Accordingly, they arranged to travel to the USA in the summer of 2012 and began their research in earnest.

The initial results were not particularly encouraging but, undeterred, very soon after this they uncovered the sort of things they had been hoping to find – lots of previously unseen publicity photographs along with accompanying documentation – both of which made the project much more likely. But the mother-lode was struck in the spring of 2013 when, on another trip to the USA, David was able to unearth a further 100 previously unseen images which confirmed that the book was a viable proposition. And as you will see from its contents the book offers not only fascinating details about the production of the film but some simply stunning photographs – most of which tell their own story.

In conclusion, I suppose what remained absolutely thrilling for me as I proofread and edited the text was the opportunity to read new background information about a film I have loved for so many years and to savour the great photographs – taken by stills photographers Bud Fraker and Mal Bulloch – which accompany the text. But it is also humbling to consider the amount of sheer hard work and ferreting out of information that has gone on behind-the-scenes in order for us all to experience that. We owe the guys who have produced such fine work a huge vote of thanks for their efforts. Would anyone like to second that.

Gordon Minto – October 2013.

Charts

The charts for the week for the week ending December 21, 2013:

• 'It's Christmas Time' rises from 86 to 41 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart for w/e 21st December, 2013. It also rises from 13 to 7 on the Catalog Album Chart and rises from 19 to 13 on the Holiday Album Chart. 
• 'Merry Christmas, Love Elvis' rises from 142 to 101 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart. It also rises from 22 to 13 on the Top Country Album Chart. It also drops from 30 to 32 on the Holiday Album Chart.
• 'The Classic Christmas Album' rises from 175 to 125 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart and rises from 26 to 19 on the Top Country Album Chart. 
• 'Blue Christmas (Single) rises from 22 to 20 on the Holiday Digital Songs Chart; drops from 16 to 17 on the Holiday 100 Singles Chart and remains on the Holiday Airplay Chart at 19.
• 'Here Comes Santa Claus' rises from 61 to 49 on the Holiday 100 Singles Chart. 

Living From Day To Day: Chasing A Dream

The Straight Arrow import label released the double CD "Living From Day To Day: Chasing A Dream (From 'Booth Tapes - Volume 1)" containing both the  Dinner- and Midnight Show as recorded on February 22, 1973.

Elvis Presley - Christmas With Elvis

The Documents label released the CD "Golden Boy: All 146 Originals From The King (1954 - 1960) + 20 Rare Elvis-Tribute Songs", "Don't Be Cruel" and "Christmas With Elvis".

Tracks:
Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me) - Blue Christmas - Santa Claus Is Back In Town - I'll Be Home For Christmas - (There'll Be) Peace In The Valley (For Me) - It Is No Secret (What God Can Do) - I Believe - Take My Hand, Precious Lord - White Christmas - Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane) - O Little Town Of Bethlehem - Silent Night
Bonus Songs:
I Want Elvis For Christmas - I Want To Spend Christmas With Elvis (Marlene Paul)

The Many Faces Of Elvis Presley

The Documents label re-issued "The Many Faces Of Elvis"

CD 1:
That's All Right, Mama - Heartbreak Hotel - Don't Be Cruel - Hound Dog - Shake, Rattle And Roll - Love Me Tender - Tutti Frutti - Party - First In Line - How Do You Think I Feel - How's The World Treating You - (There'll Be) Peace In The Valley (For Me) - It Is No Secret (What God Can Do) - I Believe - Take My Hand, Precious Lord - I Need You So - Have I Told You Lately That I Love You - Blueberry Hill - Is It So Strange - Loving You

CD 2:
(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear - True Love - Lonesome Cowboy - Hot Dog - Mean Woman Blues - Got A Lot O' Livin' To Do! - Jailhouse Rock - Young And Beautiful - I Want To Be Free - Don't Leave Me Now - (You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care - Treat Me Nice - That's When Your Heartaches Begin - All Shook Up - Too Much - Playing For Keeps - Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me) - Blue Christmas - Santa Claus Is Back In Town - I'll Be Home For Christmas

(Source: Brian Quinn / ElvisMatters / ElvisNews / Elvis Club Berlin)

December 11 - That's The Way You Collect Christmas CDs

The people from EPE, Lisa Marie and Priscilla Presley sent out their yearly season's greatings CD. This year the CD contains three tracks: "It Won't Seem Like Christmas", "Silver Bells"and "Santa, Bring My Baby Back (To Me)". 

Collecting Elvis

Volume 51 in the German Elvis Sammlung collectors series was released by De'Agostini in cooperation with EPE. This volume comes without a DVD but with a magazine, memorabilia reproductions and a mini-poster of an "Happy Birthday" poster.

That's the Way It Is

The classic "That's The Way It Is" is due for another re-release on vinyl on January 28, 2014. 

Ginger On The Cover 

Ginger Alden, Elvis Presley's fiancée when he died in 1977, has revealed the cover for her upcoming memoir, 'Elvis & Ginger: Elvis Presley's Fiancée and Last Love Finally Tells Her Story'. Alden's title will not only narrate her relationship with the King in Graceland -- from when they first met to when he passed away -- but also "set the record straight" about their bond, and rescue the musician from the rumors and tabloid attention in which she found herself surrounded just before and after his death.

She will also share details about his exploration of Eastern religions, his perception of fame and his intimate moments with loved ones.

To cover the book that aims to humanize the legend and her love with him, the model and actress chose a photo of the couple in a wintry white setting, with Alden in a fur coat and Presley in a black jacket and purple scarf, holding his signature sunglasses.

(Source: De'Agostini / Amazon / Elvis Express)

December 10 - O Come, All Ye Faithful CDs

The new duet between Susan Boyle and Elvis Prelsy of "O Come, All Ye Faithful" has been released on CD. The image shows the promotional and commercial CDs. 

Budget

The Play 247 budget label (Major Babies) has announced 5 new re-issues for December 13, 2013: "Golden Greats" (Elvis’ Golden Records/ Elvis’ Gold Records - Vol. 2) (2CD), "Elvis the Collection" (3CD), "Elvis Is Back" (Elvis Is Back/ His Hand In Mine) (2CD), "The Ultimate Collection" (3CD) and "Original Masters Collection" (4CD). 

(Elvis And His Music / Elvis Aktuell)

December 09 - Elvis Presley Intime CD Series

The French Editions Contre-Dires released the 215 page book / 16 track CD release "Elvis Presley Intime: L'icône Perdue". 

Elvis Presley The 1950’s Box Set Series

In the US Walmart re-issued the RCA / Legacy 3 CD box "The Music Of Elvis Presley The 1950's" with the new title "Elvis Presley The 1950’s Box Set Series". 

It was released October 22, 2013. The original release from 2009 was a book sized cardboard box, this release seems to be in a regular CD box with 48 tracks.

Elvis 35th Anniversary Concert on DVD

The Eternal Flame importlabel released the "Elvis 35th Anniversary Concert" on DVD. In commemoration of the 35th Anniversary of Elvis' passing, this special concert took place at the FedEx Forum in Elvis' hometown Memphis, Tennessee on August 16th, 2012. 

Auction Results

Julien's 'Icons of Rock n' Roll 2013' auction this past weekend showed that Elvis Presley still has the power to attract big buyers with Elvis' Blue Suede Shoes selling for $76,800. 

The size 10 brogues were the only pair of blue suede shoes that Elvis ever owned. They were ordered for him in 1956 after he had a hit with the Carl Perkins song Blue Suede Shoes. Elvis wore the blue suede shoes so much that the soles of them have circular wear caused from his gyrating dance moves that caused the females in his audiences to scream and swoon.

Presley owned the shoes for four years, and then he gave them as a gift to his roadie and the best man at his wedding, Joe Esposito. This was in 1960 after Elvis returned from having served in the US Army.

Accompanied by a letter from Nudie's Rodeo Tailors requesting Elvis' sizes. This is the only known pair of Elvis' personally owned blue suede shoes.
Lot closed - Winning bid:$76,800

Other high earning sales were... 

1972 Elvis Presley White Cadillac Fleetwood Limousine 
Elvis' 70th anniversary white Cadillac Fleetwood 75 series limousine was purchased in the early 1970s. The interior is a combination of black vinyl with cloth including the extra jump seat in the rear for Elvis’ Memphis Mafia to sit. In addition to the rear jump seat is a full bar with a brass plaque that reads "Custom made for Elvis Presley 70th anniversary edition." The 472 C.I. engine produces 375 horsepower. Elvis gifted this vehicle to his uncle Vester in October 1975. Winning bid:$96,000

Elvis Presley 'Elvis Is Back' Album Cover Worn Jacket
A tan corduroy jacket worn by Elvis Presley on the cover of his 1960 album Elvis Is Back ! The jacket has a Paramount Studios costume label that is hand numbered "F10216" and typed "E. Presley." Maker label reads "The Browser/ Trade Mark Reg./ by/ Sunset House/ of California." Additionally stamped on interior "Paramount Wardrobe." Button closure with tab closure at neck. Winning bid:$28,800

Black Satin 'Comeback Special' Shirt 
A custom-made black satin shirt worn by Elvis Presley, mounted and framed. Includes a separate framed CD cover of Memories : The '68 Comeback Special showing Presley wearing the shirt. - Winning bid:$20,480

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / Elvis And His Music / Elvis Information Network)

December 07 - Elvis Dropped! (And Climbed Down Under)

The CDs "The Real... Elvis" and "The Nation’s Favourite Elvis Songs" both dropped off the Irish Album charts. 

In the UK "The Nation’s Favourite Elvis Songs" dropped from #7 to #9 on the Album chart with 9355 units sold.

Down Under in Australia the DVD "Elvis: The King Of Rock 'N' Roll" climbed from #28 to #26 on thew Music DVD chart.

(Source: The King's World / FECC / Aria)

December 06 - Elvis Released!

Earlier than expected the Sony compilation "Milestones" was released. 

Tracks:
Heartbreak Hotel - Don't Be Cruel - Hound Dog - Jailhouse Rock - Blue Suede Shoes (Remastered) - All Shook Up - (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear - That's All Right (New Sound Remastered) - Too Much - Love Me Tender - Are You Lonesome Tonight? (Laughing) - Can't Help Falling In Love - Fever (Essential Elvis Version) - Surrender - Return To Sender - Suspicious Minds - The Wonder Of You - A Little Less Conversation (JXL Radio Edit Remix)

Home Movies - Volume 2, The Sixties

The Roar Productions import DVD "Home Movies - Volume 2, The Sixties" was released. This is the second volume in a series of three containing home-movies of Elvis on holiday in the sun and snow, with fans, Tom Jones and more. 

(Source: Elvis On CD / Elvis Aktuell)

December 05 - The Elvis Movies

Due for release on April 16, 2014 from Rowman And Littlefield publishing is the 288 page book "The Elvis Movies" by James L. Neibaur.

From the publisher:
"Elvis Presley's stature as the “King of Rock ‘n Roll” will never be challenged. Between his first single in 1956—the number one smash “Heartbreak Hotel”—and his death in 1977, Elvis amassed more than 100 hits on the music charts, a success that has never been equaled. But Presley’s dominance on the music chart was paralleled by the singer’s motion picture career. Between 1956 and 1969, Elvis appeared in more than thirty films, further cementing his place as one of the most popular entertainers of the 20th century. While there have been countless books that explore the real Elvis tucked beneath layers of showbiz mythology, often such volumes dismiss his motion picture career as insignificant or overlook entirely his on screen work.

In The Elvis Movies, James L. Neibaur looks at the 31 features that Presley made, from Love Me Tender in 1956 to Change of Habit in 1969. Most of these were star vehicles tailor-made for his image. As Neibaur points out, Elvis had a real interest in being a good actor, but his initial promise was soon thwarted by anti-creative decisions that sold a packaged version of the singer. Despite lapsing into a predictable formula of lightweight musicals, Elvis Presley's star power ensured that the films became box office successes. One by one, Neibaur examines each film, providing information about their production and offering assessments about their values as films in general as well as their place in the Presley canon. Additional details include behind the scenes personnel, costars, DVD availability, and hit songs featured in each film.

An entertaining and informative look at an often underrated aspect of the singer’s career, The Elvis Movies offers readers insights into each of these films. This volume will be a welcome resource to fans of the singer who want to know more about the King and his successful ventures on the big screen."

3 Classic Albums

Due on February 24, 2014 from the Art Of Music label are an 3 LP vinyl set entitled "3 Classic Albums" and a Sun Singles set.

Charts

'It's Christmas Time' drops from 53 to 86 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart for w/e 14th December, 2013. It also drops from 7 to 13 on the Catalog Album Chart and drops from 14 to 19 on the Holiday Album Chart. 

• 'Merry Christmas, Love Elvis' drops from 134 to 142 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart. It also drops from 21 to 22 on the Top Country Album Chart. It further drops from 114 to 115 on the Current Album Chart and drops from 29 to 30 on the Holiday Album Chart.
• 'The Classic Christmas Album' rises from 188 to 175 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart and rises from 143 to 137 on the Current Album Chart.
• 'Blue Christmas (Single) rises from 35 to 22 on the Holiday Digital Songs Chart; re-enters the Holiday 100 Singles Chart at 16 and re-enters the Holiday Airplay Chart at 19.
• 'Here Comes Santa Claus' re-enters the Holiday 100 Singles Chart at 60.
• 'He Touched Me' - The Gospel Music Of Elvis Presley (Vols. 1 & 2) drops from 13 to 21 on the Top Video Sales Chart.
• 'Elvis Lives' drops from 20 to 24 on the Top Video Sales Chart.

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / Brian Quinn / FECC)

December 04 - Vegas In Motion

Here are the details on next book / DVD release from the Venus import label entitled "The King In Motion - Last Vegas". 

The 456 page 17x24 sized book comes with a DVD containing concert recordings from December 3, 4 1976 and December 5, 1975 running for respectively 46, 40 and 15 minutes. The label added a DVD cover, as a bonus, so each customer can decide by themselves if they will want to keep the DVD inside the book or with his other DVD's. Click on the images for the details.

Vote For The King

Huge billboards in Belgium show Elvis asking his fans to "Vote for Me". The campaign by the Belgian national radio broadcasting company VRT aims at oldies and music lovers, and hopes to trigger them to vote for their favourite artist, for the yearly Top One Thousand of Oldies. 


(Source: FECC / ElvisMatters / UEPS)

December 03 - Going Back To 1969

The new TNT Records importlabel announced their first CD release "Going Back To Houston" containing two performances from June 4 and 5, 1975 as recorded in Houston.

From the press-release:

Welcome to the first CD release by TNT Records. With a little help from our friends at “Audionics” - probably THE premium label when it comes to rare recordings in best possible sound - we decided to “dive deep” into one of the most well-known concert tours Elvis ever did. Much has been written about “Tour Number 14” (May 30 – June 10, 1975) so we don't want to bother you too much with even “more” information. 

On this brandnew double-cd set (Release Date: December 10, 2013) you are going to hear both concerts Elvis did right in the middle of the tour. Concerts number 9 and 10 took place in Houston, Texas. Although the reporters from the local papers “Houston Chronicle” (Dale Adamson) and “The Houston Post” (Bob Claypool) were not too happy with the way Elvis presented himself (you will see their original newspaper articles pictured in the 16-page booklet that comes with the cd) the excited crowd at the Hofheinz Pavilion in Houston still loved Elvis as they did since the 1950's. 

“Audionics” helped us to make a significant improvement in the sound of the two soundboard recordings. If you have missed the show´s first releases from more than 10 years ago or if you want to owe them in better sound than before plus exactly the way they were recorded (without the standard “2001 Theme / See See Rider” opening) you should not miss this great new double cd! Ask your local dealer for it, he should have it right in time before Christmas for you!

Tracks:
CD1 – Houston, June 4, 1975
01. Amen / I Got A Woman (incomplete) 02. Love Me 03. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) 04. Love Me Tender 05. All Shook Up 06. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel 07. Hound Dog 08. The Eyes Of Texas (one liner) 09. The Wonder Of You 10. Burning Love 11. Band Introductions 12. Johnny B. Goode 13. Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) 14. Bass Solo (Blues - Jerry Scheff) 15. Piano Solo (Glen D. Hardin) 16. School Day 17. T.R.O.U.B.L.E. 18. Why Me Lord 19. How Great Thou Art (with reprise) 20. Let Me Be There 21. An American Trilogy 22. Funny How Time Slips Away (with reprise) 23. Little Darlin' (with reprise) 24. Mystery Train / Tiger Man 25. Can't Help Falling In Love 26. Closing Vamp

CD2 – Houston, June 5, 1975
01. Amen / I Got A Woman (incomplete) 02. Love Me 03. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) 04. Love Me Tender 05. All Shook Up 06. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel 07. Hound Dog 08. The Wonder Of You (with false start) 09. Burning Love 10. Band Introductions 11. Johnny B. Goode 12. Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) 13. Bass Solo (Blues - Jerry Scheff) 14. Piano Solo (Glen D. Hardin) 15. School Day 16. T.R.O.U.B.L.E. 17. Trying To Get To You 18. How Great Thou Art (with reprise) 19. Let Me Be There 20. You Gave Me A Mountain 21. An American Trilogy 22. Little Darlin' (with reprise) 23. Mystery Train / Tiger Man 24. Funny How Time Slips Away 25. Can't Help Falling In Love 26. Closing Vamp.

Elvis 69

Gravel Road Music will release a 3CD box soon, with 1969 as subject.

From the press-release:
This release is intended to be a flawless release with the best sounding Elvis of 1969. We started by going back to the basic recordings of the American sound studio; the edited repaired master tracks without the dubbing done later in Nashville.

Elvis himself wasn’t all that thrilled with some of the overdubs. It’s been said that he was very happy with the sound on the acetates that he took home with him, but less so with the final masters. Elvis heard the dubbed masters at a very late stage and very little could be done. 

As an artist, you can’t always be in complete control of your output, and clearly especially when your name is Elvis Presley. These original master tracks were the result of the joint vision of producer Chips Moman, the musicians and Elvis.

The two most famous songs from these sessions are without a doubt “Suspicious Minds” and “In The Ghetto”. In fact, they may well be the best-known recordings of his entire career. Just ask anyone to name two Elvis songs…

On disc 2 you will find the multi-track live recording of the August 24, 1969 Midnight Show. Thanks to existing tape legends, paperwork and research and the fantastic unprocessed soundboard recording of the same show, we were able to piece this show together as it was originally recorded. We double-checked and compared the whole show second for second with an audience recording of the show that we had recently acquired. There are only three songs borrowed from the dinner show: “I Can’t Stop Loving You”, “Runaway” and “ What’d I Say”, which are 98% identical to the midnight show versions. We used the career dialogue from the August 24, 1969 dinner show. We don’t have this in multi-track quality and therefore we decided to include a third disc with the original raw unrepaired soundboard. As extra bonus, we used a very rare tape of a rehearsal from January 1969 at the American Sound Studios, where we can even hear a glimpse of Roy Hamilton singing! (Editor Note: it probably is Dan Penn).

The combination package “Elvis In Person & Back in Memphis” was the basic concept, but we wanted more. During the first days of the comeback in Las Vegas in 1969, special RCA presentation box sets were given away. These box sets are very rare and expensive to get hold of. This was the perfect 1969 package idea for this release. Included are:

• A 28 page full color /b&w photo folio with 28 photos of Elvis in the style of 1969 including rare or unpublished photos
• A 32 page full color booklet with original articles
• An interview with Elvis from 1969, co-workers and musicians about recording at the American Sound Studios and performing in Las Vegas 
• Over 60+ photos of Elvis on stage (many from the same show), various are rare or unpublished 
• 15 incredible photos of The American Sound Studio with Elvis, again some are rare or unpublished
• Previously unreleased versions
• A rare studio rehearsal of January 1969
• The unaltered raw audio of the August 24, 1969 M/S soundboard
• The reproduction slipcase of the famous 1969 presentation box set
• All recordings in excellent sound quality

We hope you’ll agree we did our best to respect and honour the original artistic ideas from 1969.

Disc 1: In Memphis Undubbed Repaired Masters

01. Wearin' That Loved On Look 02. Only The Strong Survive 03. I'll Hold You In My Heart 04. Long Black Limousine 05. It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin' 06. I'm Movin' On 07. Power Of My Love 08. Gentle On My Mind 09. After Loving You 10. True Love Travels On A Gravel Road 11. Any Day Now 12. In The Ghetto 13. Inherit The Wind 14. This Is The Story 15. Stranger In My Own Home Town 16. A Little Bit Of Green 17. And The Grass Won't Pay No Mind 18. Do You Know Who I Am? 19. From A Jack To A King 20. The Fair's Moving On 21. You'll Think Of Me 22. Without Love (There Is Nothing) 23. Suspicious Minds.

Tracks 1-12 were in fully dubbed versions released on “From Elvis In Memphis”. These were the only songs besides the single “Suspicious Minds” intended for release of the magnificent studio recordings at the American Sound Studios.
The tremendous enthusiasm provoked using the remaining recordings as well. It was proven right - it sold multi platinum.

Tracks 13 -22 were fully dubbed versions released on “Back In Memphis” which was also released as a double release with Elvis In Person as, “From Memphis to Vegas - From Vegas to Memphis”. Track 23 was released as single and not added to either of the two studio albums. An extended live version was released on “Elvis In Person”. Note: This disc includes some previously unreleased versions.

Disc 2: In Person Live “On Stage” Multi -Track

01. Opening 02. Blue Suede Shoes 03. I Got A Woman 04. All Shook Up 05. Love Me Tender 06. Medley : Jailhouse Rock – Don’t Be Cruel 07. Heartbreak Hotel 08. Hound Dog 09. I Can’t Stop Loving You* 10. Johnny B. Goode 11. Monologue* (Life Story) 12. Baby What You Want Me To Do 13. Runaway* 14. Are You Lonesome Tonight ? 15. Words 16. Yesterday (with “Hey Jude” Ending) 17. Band Introductions 18. In The Ghetto 19. Suspicious Minds 20. What’d I Say* 21. Can’t Help Falling In Love / Outro

Disc two contains the multi track live recording of August 24, 1969 Midnight Show. The Multi track recording has been repaired with segments of the August 24, 1969 Dinner Show. Tracks marked with * are taken from the Dinner Show.

Disc 3: Raw Audio Unedited Soundboard & Studio Rehearsal

01. Opening 02. Blue Suede Shoes 03. I Got A Woman 04. All Shook Up 05. Love Me Tender 06. Medley : Jailhouse Rock – Don’t Be Cruel 07. Heartbreak Hotel 08. Hound Dog 09. I Can’t Stop Loving You 10. Johnny B. Goode 11. Monologue (Life Story) 12. Baby What You Want Me To Do 13. Runaway 14. Are You Lonesome Tonight ? 15. Words 16. Yesterday (with “Hey Jude” Ending) 17. Band Introductions 18. In The Ghetto 19. Suspicious Minds (Partially).

Bonus track (20+ minutes) 20. Band Rehearsal and a first attempt of “Come Out, Come Out (Wherever you are)” at American Sound studios (Roy Hamilton can be heard here) January, 1969.

Disc three contains the raw unprocessed soundboard recording of the August 24, 1969 M/S, without effects. A significantly different August 24, Midnight Show when compared to the fragmented release over the years of the multi track recording. Edited due to improper language use or running times. Also segments of this show were used to repair or enhance other 1969 and 1970 multi track recordings. This is the real deal, uncut, raw and finally, no tons of reverb as on previous releases of this remarkable show.

(Source: FECC / Elvis Telegraph)