June 30 - Elvis Sings ... On The Charts

The new Sony Legacy compilation "Elvis Sings... " entered the Album chart in New Zealand at #25 this week. 

(Source: The King's World)

June 26 - Elvis In Hollywood

Available in the "Bootleg Series" from the Label One is the CD "Elvis In Hollywood". This CD contains 10 complete mono masters and outtakes for the movie " Girls! Girls! Girls!" as released in 1962. Besides the music this CD contains movie radio trailers and promo’s plus as a bonus some instrumental tracks. This CD comes with a 12 pages booklet with photos and recording information.

Tracks:
Complete Masters & Alternate Takes (Part 1):
Where Do You Come From (Master Take With Count In) - Mexico (Dubbed Film Version) - The Bullfighter Was A Lady (Take 9) - I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here (Take 10) - El Toro (Take 2)

Original "Girls! Girls! Girls!" Mono Masters:
I Don’t Want To - We’re Comin’ In Loaded - Thanks To The Rolling Sea - Where Do You Come From - Girls! Girls! Girls! - Return To Sender - Because Of Love - The Walls Have Ears - Song Of The Shrimp - A Boy Like Me, A Girl Like You - Earth Boy - I Don’t Wanna Be Tied - We’ll Be Together

Complete Masters & Alternate Takes (Part 2):
If You Think I Don’t Need You (Take 9) - Earth Boy (Undubbed Film Version) - Plantation Rock (Take 17 + Vocal Repair) - If You Think I Don’t Need You (Take 10) - Blackstar (Composite Master take 13 &  Insert #1 Take 5)

Movie radio Trailers And Promo’s:
Double Trouble - Live A Little, Love A Little - Charro! (Audio Featurette) - Charro! (#1) - Charro! (#2) - Charro! (#3) - Charro! (#4) - Charro! (#5) - The Trouble With Girls (#1) - The Trouble With Girls (#2)

Bonus Songs:
Guadalajara (Backing Group And Choir) - Marguerita (Instrumental Take 6) - Shoppin’ Around (Instrumental Take 2 And 3) - Shoppin’ Around (Instrumental Take 4) - Plantation Rock (Instrumental)

Elvis As Recorded Live In Lake Tahoe, Nevada

The Elvis Concert Fan import release “Elvis As Recorded Live In Lake Tahoe, Nevada”, containing a soundboard recording of the May 23, 1974 Dinner Show was released. This concert was first released on "...And The King For Dessert" in 1998. 

Sold!
 
Elvis Presley's favorite performance costume, the peacock jumpsuit, sold for $300,000 Thursday, making it the most expensive piece of Elvis memorabilia sold at auction. The pre-sale estimate was $275,000 to $325,000. The white outfit with a plunging V-neck and high collar features a blue-and-gold peacock design hand-embroidered on the front and back and along the pant legs.

It is cinched at the waist by a wide belt decorated in gold medallions in a design resembling the eye of a peacock feather. The auctioneer described the seller as "a big Elvis collector" and declined to say who bought it.

Presley paid $10,000 to have the outfit made by Los Angeles designer Bill Belew, who created all of the King's stage wardrobe between 1968-1977. It captured the rock 'n' roll legend's fascination with peacocks as a good luck symbol and the auction house said it was among his favorite Belew designs. Elvis first wore the costume at the Forum in Los Angeles on May 11, 1974, and later for the cover of his album Promised Land. 

The previous record for an Elvis collectible is $295,000 for his 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II.

(Source: Music Of Elvis Presley / Elvis On CD / Elvis Matters)

June 25 - New Duets

Two new duets are in the works. On the FECC forum a posting was made quoting Cliff Richard during a recent free concert in New York saying he got approval to record "Blue Suede Shoes" with Elvis for his next album "The Fabulous Rock n Roll Songbook Volume 2". 

Barbra Streisand's upcoming all-star duets album is nearing completion, according to one of its producers. The set includes pairings with Lionel Richie, Billy Joel, John Mayer, Michael Buble, John Legend, Blake Shelton, Andrea Bocelli and Josh Groban, as well as a virtual duet with the late Elvis Presley.  Neither Columbia Records nor Streisand's reps responded to requests from Billboard for more details about the project. 

Collecting Elvis

Volume 65 in the German "Elvis Sammlung" was released by De' Agostini and EPE. This set contains the magazine, memorabilia reproductions and a mini-poster for the single "Ain’t That Loving You Baby".

(Source: FECC / Billboard / Elvis Sammlung)

June 24 - Graceland Insiders

Elvis Presley Enterprises announced changes to the Official Elvis Insiders program. 

From the Graceland website:
We are excited to announce some upcoming changes to the Official Elvis Insiders affinity program. 

Starting July 1, the name of the club will be transitioning from the Official Elvis Insiders to the Official Graceland Insiders. As Insiders, you will continue to receive all the great benefits that you have in the past, including discounts at ShopElvis.com, Graceland, Heartbreak Hotel and more – PLUS new discounts and benefits that will be announced soon. 

Above you will see the new Official Graceland Insiders logo and membership card that will begin shipping out to renewing members in July. You will receive your new membership card and pin once you renew your membership – but your Official Elvis Insiders membership card will continue to be valid through the expiration date listed on the back. 

The Insiders official website will transition from ElvisInsiders.com to GracelandInsiders.com on July 1. The website will continue to be the same member website that you are familiar with and your login information will not change. The site will continue to feature your chat room, message board, webcam, exclusive artifacts, videos and more. 

Tracklisting Legacy-Edition "That’s The Way It Is"

Finally available the track listing for the 2 CD Legacy Edition of the "That’s The Way It Is" which is due August 1, 2014. It contains the original album, the singles, bonus tracks and the previously unreleased August 12th. Dinner Show recording. It comes with a 24 pages book in a digi-pack.


Tracks:
CD 1: The original album: 1. I Just Can’t Help Believin’, 2. Twenty Days And Twenty Nights, 3. How The Web Was Woven, 4. Patch It Up, 5. Mary In The Morning, 6. You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me, 7. You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’, 8. I’ve Lost You, 9. Just Pretend, 10. Stranger In The Crowd, 11. The Next Step Is Love, 12. Bridge Over Troubled Water, The original singles: 13. I’ve Lost You (single version), 14. The Next Step Is Love (single version), 15. You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me (single version), 16. Patch It Up (single version), The outtakes: 17. How The Web Was Woven (take 1), 18. I’ve Lost You (take 1), 19. You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me (take 2), 20. Patch It Up (take 1), 21. Bridge Over Troubled Water (take 1)
CD 2: August 12 – Dinner Show: 1. That’s All Right *, 2. I Got A Woman *, 3. Hound Dog *, 4. Heartbreak Hotel *, 5. Love Me Tender *, 6. I’ve Lost You *, 7. I Just Can’t Help Believin’ *, 8. Patch It Up, 9. Twenty Days And Twenty Nights, 10. You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ *, 11. Polk Salad Annie *, 12. Introductions *, 13. Blue Suede Shoes *, 14. You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me,15. Bridge Over Troubled Water, 16. Suspicious Minds *, 17. Can’t Help Falling In Love *
 * Previously unreleased.

Released

The Friday Music re-issue of "Elvis Gold Records - Volume 5" was released. 

Elvis - Return Of Vegas

The Follow That Dream titles "Elvis - Return Of Vegas" containing a soundboard-recording of the August 3, 1969 Dinner Show and the "Elvis Presley - Memphis To Nashville ´61" book / CD combination are available. 

The latter is a cooperation with the Norwegian Flaming Star and EPE on Elvis Presley's performances at "Ellis Auditorium" from February 1961 and on the CD the "Something For Everybody" with mono versions of the original tracks and as a bonus the March 25, 1961 press-conference and a recording of Elvis becoming an Honorary Colonel on March 8, 1961.

(Source: EPE / Elvis World Japan / Elvis Memories)

June 23 - December in June

The only known available soundboard recording from Elvis’ last Vegas season, originally released on " Run On"  in 1997, will be re-issued with the new title " December 07 1976". 

From the press-release:
Now newly remastered and for the first time available in the right speed! Please note: This show was first released on the cd "Run On" in 1997. Although this is a soundboard recording, the sound quality is not very good. Whilst the sound quality is disappointing for a soundboard, the unusual circumstances of this show make it worthwhile to listen to. Now you can hear this show for the first time on cd in remastered sound and in the right speed! Including: "You Better Run" and "Bosom Of Abraham" Plus 8 great bonus tracks! Including 8 pages booklet with photos and recording information.

Tracks: 
01. See See Rider 02. Elvis talks 03. I Got A Woman / Amen 04. Elvis talks 05. Love Me 06. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) 07. You Gave Me A Mountain 08. O Solo Mio / It’s Now Or Never 09. Blue Christmas 10. That’s All Right 11. Are You Lonesome Tonight 12. Softly, As I Leave You 13. Elvis talks 14. Fever 15. Medley: All Shook Up / Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel 16. Band introductions 17. Early Morning Rain 18. What’d I Say 19. Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) 20. Bass Solo (Jerry Scheff) 21. Piano Solo (Tony Brown) 22. Electric Piano Solo (David Briggs) 23. Love Letters 24. School Days 25. Hurt 26. Hound Dog 27. Hawaiian Wedding Song 28. You Better Run 29. Bosom Of Abraham 30. Elvis talks 31. Can’t Help Falling In Love 32. Closing Vamp 33. Christmas Souvenir Announcement

Bonus tracks (Audience Recordings):
34. Such A Night (12-12-76, closing show) 35. Rip It Up (12-11-76, dinner show) 36. One Night (12-03-76, dinner show) 37. Blue Suede Shoes (12-11-76, dinner show) 38. Elvis talks about his birthstone (12-12-76, closing show) 39. Happy Birthday to Charlie Hodge (12-12-76, closing show) 40. Until Then (12-11-76, midnight show) 41. What Now My Love (12-04-76, dinner show)

Follow That Dream 

This is the cover-art for the Screen Archives Blu-Ray release of the 1962 movie "Follow That Dream" which is due August 08, 2014 in the US. This release is limited to 3000 copies.

(Source: FECC / Elvis Club Berlin)

June 22 - Released!

The Influence Collection release "How Do You Think I Feel? Volume 1" containing 58 tracks by Elvis and the original performances of his hits has been postponed to July 11, 2024.  

The 2009 Rattle & R release "Elvis - Classic Billboard Hits" has been re-issued once more. 

(Source: Amazon / Elvis For The Good Times)

June 21 - Weekend Charts

Elvis Presley's debut single "That’s All Right" will be re-issued on July 28, 2014 by the U.K. based Not Now Music budget label to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the single's release. The flip-side contains "Blue Moon Of Kentucky". 

Weekend Charts

The CD "Bossa Nova Baby" fell off the Belgian Album charts after just one week (#199). 

The DVD "The king Of Rock And Roll" fell off the Australian Music DVD chart.

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

June 20 - Final Countdown To Midnight

The Backdraft importlabel announced their new release, "The Final Countdown To Midnight". This 2xCD / DVD / book release entitled Final Countdown To Midnight follows from Backdraft’s first offering Rebooked At The International. The book contains 100 pages of rare pictures from Elvis’ show in Pittsburgh December 31, 1976. The DVD contains never before seen footage from the same show, and finally the 2CDs included contains the full concert.

From the press-release:
This release, "Final Countdown To Midnight", follows from Backdraft’s first offering, "Rebooked at the International". It contains a hardback book with over 100 pages of many rare and unpublished photos, all taken from original slides with detailed information including eyewitness text, facts and more!

Incorporated with the book is a 2CD set offering for the first time ever, the complete show of the Pittsburgh 1976 New Years Eve concert re-mastered from a newly acquired source, now running well over 92 mins that is guaranteed to please the listener as Elvis rings in the new year of 1977, his final countdown. The sound will attest to the best near soundboard quality ever!


The DVD premieres to the world, newly discovered footage and has been edited from over 2 hours and 20 mins allowing us to present this near complete show running at 85 mins in multiple-angle format. Some of the footage transferred in High Definition is positively stunning! The rich and vibrant colors will provide a truly stunning viewing experience. This Pittsburgh experience package has been a mammoth task to complete to finally bring the ultimate experience of what was the greatest show on earth, to the fans.

(Source: FECC / Elvis And Hs Music)

June 19 - Cover Girls

Joe Tunzi's JAT Publishing has a few releases lined up for release; a DVD, a picture book and of course the "Sessions IV" book. The "Elvis '72 Bright Summer Nights" appears o have a new cover looking at the flyer. 

Loving You Girls

Due for release on July 14, 2014 from the Hoodoo Records budget label is the CD "Girls! Girls! Girls! + Loving You" containing the two albums and five additional bonustracks. 

(Source: JAT Publishing / Amazon

June 18 - Gold

Released by Rdm Edition in France is the CD "Elvis' Golden Records - Volume 3" containing all the tracks in both mono and stereo versions. 

Tracks:
It's Now Or Never - Stuck On You - Fame And Fortune - I Gotta Know - Surrender - I Feel So Bad - Are You Lonesome Tonight? - (Marie's The Name) His Latest Flame - Little Sister - Good Luck Charm - Anything That's Part Of You - She's Not You

(Source: Amazon)

June 17 - Casey Kasem Died

Casey Kasem has died at the age of 82. The legendary radio star and voice actor had been suffering from Parkinson's and passed away on Sunday. "Early this Father’s Day morning, our dad Casey Kasem passed away surrounded by family and friends." Kerri Kasem wrote. 

Kasem, whose first name was Kemal, was best known to a generation of fans as the host of American Top 40, which he hosted for a total of 24 years, from 1970-88, and again from 1998-2004, when Ryan Seacrest took his place. To Elvis fans, he's best know for his booming voice on the documentary "Elvis: The Echo Will Never Die." --"There are some entertaining excerpts from actual Presley interviews, and numerous talking heads (B.B. King, friends and members of the "Memphis Mafia," and Sammy Davis Jr.) weigh in. But for the most part, they have little of significance to impart - actress Ursula Andress, who appeared in Fun in Acapulco with Elvis, reports that he was "a very good-looking man"." the voice-over was however excellent! 

(Source: Elvis Information Network)

June 14 - For Mono Rockers Only

A new CD entitled “Elvis Presley - For Mono Fans Only” is due from the One label in their “Bootleg Series”. The first four tracks of this album are recordings made during Elvis' time off duty whilst in the Army. The "G.I. Blues" masters are the original mono masters as released in 1960, including "Tonight's All Right For Love".

From the press-release:
Also you can hear almost 40 minutes private home recordings recorded in Waco Texas, May 1958. This recording was edited on the release "Off Duty with Private Presley", now you can hear the complete unedited recording! As a special bonus we've included 6 radio spots and a movie trailer for the movie "G.I. Blues".

Tracks:
Master Recordings (Mono) - Juni 1958:
I Need Your Love Tonight - A Big Hunk O' Love - (Now And Then There's) A Fool Such As I - I Got Stung

Master Recordings (Mono) - April 1960:
Didja' Ever - Doin' The Best I Can - G. I. Blues - Tonight Is So Right For Love - What's She Really Like - Blue Suede Shoes - Wooden Heart - Shoppin' Around - Pocketful Of Rainbows - Frankfort Special - Tonight's All Right For Love - Big Boots

Private Home Recording (Unedited) - May 1958:
Sail Along Silvery Moon / I Understand Just How I Feel - Happy, Happy Birthday Baby - Dialogue - I Can't Help It - Dialogue - Who's Sorry Now - Who's Sorry Now - Happy, Happy Birthday Baby - Happy, Happy Birthday Baby - Happy, Happy Birthday Baby - Happy, Happy Birthday Baby - Happy, Happy Birthday Baby - Happy, Happy Birthday Baby - Happy, Happy Birthday Baby - Dialogue - Tumblin' Tumbleweeds / Blue Moon / Don't You Know I Love You - Tomorrow Night - Tomorrow Night - Little Darlin' - Monologue - Just A Closer Walk With Thee

Bonus Songs:
"G. I. Blues"-Radio Spots & Movie Trailer

The Rocker Strikes Again - Elvis Presley's Greatest Rock and Roll 

Released by an unknown label is the CD “The Rocker Strikes Again - Elvis Presley's Greatest Rock and Roll”. 

From the press-release:
Do you remember? Back in the 1980’s two fantastic rock and roll compilation albums were releases by RCA: “Rocker” (1985) and  “Return Of The Rocker” (1986). The albums were a huge success and a follow up, a third volume was already planned, including a full track listing but....for unknown reasons it was never released by RCA.

Now, 28 years after volume two here  is the final edition in this series: "The Rocker Strikes Again!" As with volumes 1 and 2 a stunning shot of Elvis on the motorbike is on the front cover. A beautiful 4 page full colour booklet housed in a plain white jewelcase, volume 3 contains 22 of the greatest rock and roll tracks released between 1964 – 1976. Masters, undubbed masters, live recordings and alternate takes… it’s all here for the perfect rock and roll album! So finally you have the change to complete your Rocker collection. Limited Edition only!

Tracks:
Memphis, Tennessee - Little Egypt - C’mon Everybody - Long Legged Girl (With The Short Dress On) (Take 6) - Too Much Monkey Business - U. S. Male (Take 11) - A Little Less Conversation (Album Version) - Trouble / Guitar Man (Live, 27.06.1968) - See See Rider (Live, 18.02.1970) - Johnny B. Goode (Live, 24.08.1969) - My Babe (Live, 25.08.1969) - Cindy Cindy (Undubbed Master) - Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On - Proud Mary (Live, 10.06.1972) - A Big Hunk O’ Love (Live, 16.02.1972) - Burning Love (Take 4) - My Baby Left Me (Live, 20.03.1974) - Promised Land - T-R-O-U-B-L-E (Original Session Mix) - For The Heart (Undubbed Master) - Way Down (Take 2)

Peacock For Sale

"A Rock & Roll History: Presley to Punk" is the title of the June 24th Sotheby's Auction. Among the wonderful items are fifties posters, handwritten letters, movie clothing and even the King's very own Peacock Jumpsuit, worn on several shows and used on the cover of the "Promised Land" album. The jumpsuit is estimated at 200,000 - 300,000 $US.

(Source: Elvis Information Network / Elvis On CD / ElvisMatters) 

June 13 - Elvis In France

Philippe Margotin, author of the book "Chronique D´ Elvis Presley" re-issued this title with the simple title "Elvis Presley" through Chronique Dargaud Editions. 

(Source: Various)

June 12 - Weekend Charts Released

The DVD "Elvis On Tour" returns to the No.1 position on the Billboard Top Music Videos Chart for the week ending June 21, 2014 selling some 3,000 units. It first topped this chart exactly one year ago this week.

The CD "The Real... Elvis" dropped out of the Italian Album chart.

The Sony legacy release "Bossa Nova Baby – The Ultimate Elvis Party Album" entered the Belgian Ultra Top Album charts at #199. 

The DVD "The King Of Rock And Roll" climbed from #40 to #37 on the Australian Music Video chart.

Elvis Sings ...

The Sony Legacy compilation "Elvis Sings ...", containing cover of well known songs by Elvis, was released. 

Tracks:
Promised Land - What'd I Say - Early Mornin' Rain - You've Lost That Loving Feeling - My Babe - Don't Think Twice, It's All Right - Got My Mojo Working / Keep Your Hands Off Of It - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Help Me Make It Through The Night - Gentle On MyMind - Funny How Time Slips Away - Sweet Caroline - You Don't Have To Say You Love Me - Proud Mary - I Got A Woman - Words - Something - You Don't Know Me - I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry - Danny Boy - My Way - Tomorrow Is A LongTime - Only The Strong Survive.

A Man At The Top

Out now is the fifth VV label import-release "A Man At The Top!" featuring the complete live soundboard recording on August 10th 1970 Las Vegas opening show on double vinyl and DVD. 

(Source: Brian Quinn / The King's World / FECC)

June 11 - The Life Of Mark And Gladys

Among people who make their living writing songs, Mark James, a Houston native, is a giant. He is traveling to New York to be inducted Thursday into the Songwriters Hall of Fame - finally! When in 2000 the song-writing organization BMI compiled its list of the best 100 songs of the 20th century, three of them were written by James: "Hooked on a Feeling," "Always on My Mind" and his best-known composition, "Suspicious Minds," a seminal song for arguably the most iconic pop-music performer of the 20th century, one that Rolling Stone included in its 500 greatest songs of all time.

The Life Of Elvis

Due for release from Whitman Publishing on October 28, 2014 is the book "The Life Of Elvis" by Frank Hyland. The preface is by Priscilla Presley.

From the publisher:
In "The Life of Elvis", author Frank Hyland traces the rise of Elvis Presley from his poor upbringing in Tupelo, Mississippi, to his burst onto the national scene in 1956, to his television and motion picture triumphs, to his electrifying return to the stage in 1968, to his passing in 1977.

This book also contains never-before-published photographs provided by Elvis Presley Enterprises and Graceland archives. There are photos of Elvis' childhood home, his parents and his high school days. There are also dozens of pictures covering his career, from the beginning in Memphis to his last performances on stage.

Included in a special section are images from Elvis' funeral and the mourning that took place across the United States, and a look at the vast memorabilia collection inside Graceland. No Elvis fan should be without this book about the king! Also included are special Elvis drinking glass coasters to use while you enjoy this.

Gladys, pregnant with Elvis

Elvis expert Mike Freeman recently made a very interesting discovery. Reeds Department Store - still owned by the same family who employed Gladys Presley in their clothing factory for a few years - have displayed this photo of their employees at a picnic in July 6, 1934, including Gladys Presley. In this picture, she is pregnant with Elvis and Jessie. As far as we know, it is the only picture of a pregnant Gladys in existance. Reeds is directly across the street from Tupelo Hardware. The Reeds placed a sign below her figure, but we enlarged the photo of Gladys a bit.

Collecting Elvis

Volume 64 in the German "Elvis Sammlung" was released by De'Agostini. This edition contains the usual magazine, memorabilia reproductions and a mini-poster for the "Tell me why / Blue River" single.

(Source: ElvisMatters / Elvis Club Berlin / Mike Freeman / Elvis Sammlung)

June 08 - Elvis Sings A Winning Streak

The Straight Arrow import 3 CD set "Elvis Presley - On A Winning Streak", containing audience recordings of the Dinner and midnight shows as recorded February 17 and 18 1973, was released. 

Elvis Sings

The Sony Legacy release "Elvis Sings", containing 23 covers by Elvis Presley, was released.

3.65 MILLION FOR ELVIS RANCH - 

The Desoto Times Tribune today 6report that the purchasers of the Circle G Ranch in Horn Lake, known as the honeymoon cottage of Elvis Presley, paid a sizable price for the property, much more than the original purchase price.   

Elvis paid $300,000 for the 240-acre ranch in 1967 which is located at the intersection of Goodman Road and Highway 301 and has been purchased by a group of investors led by Mississippi native Davage "Buddy" Runnels Jr., the founder and owner of Real Estate International, Inc. (REI), based in Destin, Fla., for the sum of $3.65 million.

Kennedy Funding Financial of Englewood Cliffs, N.J. announced Wednesday it had closed a loan for $2.3 million for the purchase of the ranch. A news release announcing the loan stated the price of the property as $3.65 million.

The buyers have yet to announced their specific plans for the ranch, but Kevin Wolfer, president and CEO of Kennedy Funding Financial stated in the news release, "The new owner will have a number of options for preserving and making the best possible use of this extraordinary property."

Wolfer said the ranch has "considerable up-side potential." "Much of its on-site facilities are in need of repair, and the intention is to implement those upgrades to preserve its historical significance and its adaptive reuse," he said. "Its location near Memphis makes it a natural for music-related cultural events, for example." The loan is a three-year, interest-only loan secured by a first lien on the property.

(Source: Elvis For The Good Times / The Elvis Express / Desoto Times)

June 07 - Around Midnight

Out now on the Verve label is the importrelease "Around Midnight". it contains Elvis Presley's' Las Vegas Midnight Show from August 21, 1974  in improved sound (according to the press-release).  The show was previously released on the Officials Follow That Dream collectors label "Nevada Nights". 

Charts

The CD "The Real... Elvis" climbed from #86 to #81 on the Italian Album chart. 

The DVD "The King Of Rock ’n’ Roll" dropped from #33 to #40 on the Australian Music DVD chart. 

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

June 06 - Love Me Tender

The Entertainment Products label have just released the 3CD budget collection "Love Me Tender".

(Source: Elvis And His Music)

June 05 - That's The Way It Is Complete Details

Sony Legacy announced officially announced the new set "Elvis: That's The Way It Is (Deluxe Edition)" which will be available on August 5, 2014.

The press-release:

SONY/RCA/Legacy Recordings Announce the Release of Monumental Definitive Edition of Elvis: That's The Way It Is (Deluxe Edition), the King’s 1970 Album & Concert Documentary, Presented Together for the First Time Ever in a Deluxe Box Set (8CD/2DVD).

That’s The Way It Is (Deluxe Edition) Includes Expanded Version of Original LP, Six Complete Shows from Elvis’ Electrifying Summer of ’70 Las Vegas Season, Rare and Insightful Rehearsals, the 1970 Theatrical Edit AND the 2001 Special Edition of “Elvis: That’s The Way It Is,” 80-Page Booklet featuring Rare Photographs, Memorabilia and Recording Data.

In 1970, Elvis Presley fans were thrilled by the arrival of two cultural milestones: one an album, the other a full-length concert/documentary and each of them called Elvis: That's The Way It Is. Since then, aficionados of Elvis have been clamoring for a package that included both the album and the film.

On Tuesday, August 5, 2014, Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, will release That's The Way It Is (Deluxe Edition), the most ambitious Elvis Presley restoration package ever created, bringing together-for the first time ever--the album, the theatrical and home video versions of the film, six full-length concerts (featuring previously unreleased performances), rehearsal highlights and other rare recordings in one astounding and essential package. The result of an historic partnership between Sony Music and Warner Brothers Home Video, the deluxe set combines the video and audio assets of Elvis: That's The Way It Is with unique and previously unreleased material.

A highly-collectible 8CD/2DVD box set, That's The Way It Is (Deluxe Edition), marks the first time the 1970 documentary and album have been available in a single package, with bonuses including unreleased material, remixed and remastered audio and a new 80-page book detailing the entire event with facts, songwriter and musician interviews, and photos in a deluxe 8CD/2DVD box set. A 2CD Legacy Edition of Elvis: That's The Way It Is will also be available. 

Originally released on RCA Records in November 1970, Elvis: That's The Way It Is combined eight studio tracks, recorded in Nashville, and four live concert performances recorded in Las Vegas during Presley's 1970 "Summer Festival" season at The International Hotel in Las Vegas to create what the All Music Guide has called "...one of his best..." and "essential listening for Elvis fans, both die-hard and casual."

Though never considered a soundtrack album, Elvis: That's The Way It Is was initially released to accompany the first theatrical run of "Elvis: That's The Way It Is," a 1970 documentary feature, directed by Denis Sanders, which combined on-stage, off-stage and behind-the-scenes footage in Presley's first non-dramatic film since his 1956 Hollywood movie debut. In the documentary, Sanders captured and illuminated a pivotal moment in Elvis' transformation from teen idol to consummate showman, Memphis meets Vegas via Hollywood, the King's return to full concert performances after years of film stardom.

Elvis Presley had made a dramatic comeback two years prior to these shows in a transcendent NBC-TV special, which aired in December 1968. The International Hotel, then-newly-built and the largest live venue in Las Vegas, booked Presley for an unprecedented 57 show run in July 1969, a four-week-long residency that would raise the bar and set the standard for superstar entertainment in Vegas and beyond. "There are several unbelievable things about Elvis, but the most incredible is his staying power in a world where meteoric careers fade like shooting stars," Newsweek wrote of his incredible new approach to live performance at the time, while Rolling Stone lauded Elvis as "supernatural--his own resurrection."

Early in 1970, Elvis returned to Vegas for a second engagement at the International, with RCA recording songs for the then forthcoming On Stage, February 1970. Elvis was on a roll and making big plans--including a feature film--surrounding what would be his third Las Vegas engagement, scheduled for the summer of 1970.

On June 4, 1970, Elvis arrived at RCA's Studio B in Nashville, where producer Felton Jarvis had assembled a hot new session band featuring Elvis' on-stage guitar legend James Burton. Five nights of recording generated material for no less than three future albums and four singles, including Elvis: That's The Way It Is and the essential Elvis Country album.

On July 14, rehearsals for the movie and live shows commenced at the MGM lot in Culver City, California. The Hollywood cameras rolled for five different rehearsals prior to the opening night on August 10, including augmentation run-throughs with the singers and the orchestra at the hotel. Unquestionably, Elvis was keen to broaden his repertoire for the film, as more than 60 songs were attempted during the period, far more than the usual average of 20 to 25 that would normally be chosen. Over the four nights filmed by MGM, Elvis and his band worked tirelessly, trying out a broad variety of musical styles, emphasizing his desire to share the wide range of music he loved with his audience. Director Denis Sanders captured the end result magnificently, providing fans throughout the world with their first glimpse of the new contemporary Elvis performing at the peak of his vocal prowess both in rehearsal and on the stage.

That's The Way It Is (Deluxe Edition) centers on the six complete shows recorded and partially filmed by MGM. Two of the shows are released for the first time in their entirety; two more have only been available only through the mail-order Elvis fan-club network. The original RCA album is expanded with the four single sides from the period, and a selection of "fly-on-the-wall" outtakes from the June Nashville sessions that produced the majority of tracks for the album. Completing the audio section, a separate disc of insightful rehearsal highlights, featuring unusual song selections showcases both the hard work and the playful atmosphere that governed Elvis' relationship with his musicians. The original Elvis: That's The Way It Is includes fiery renditions of "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me," previously a hit for Dusty Springfield; "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin,'" made famous by The Righteous Brothers, and a show-stopping rendition of Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water." The original album and singles will fill Disc One of the new edition, with six CDs worth of concert performances and one of rehearsal takes from the Summer of '70 International Hotel residency. That's The Way It Is (Deluxe Edition) puts the original RCA album and the 1970 MGM documentary feature together in a single package for the first time. It includes both the original theatrical DVD version (1970) and the re-edited and extended DVD version from 2000.

Tracks Elvis: That's The Way It Is (Deluxe Edition):

CD 1 The Original Album:
I Just Can’t Help Believin’ - Twenty Days And Twenty Nights - How The Web Was Woven - Patch It Up - Mary In The Morning - You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me - You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ - I’ve Lost You - Just Pretend - Stranger In The Crowd - The Next Step Is Love - Bridge Over Troubled Water

The Original Singles:
I’ve Lost You (Single Version) - The Next Step Is Love (Single Version) - You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me (Single Version) - Patch It Up (Single version)

The Outtakes:
How The Web Was Woven (Take 1) - I’ve Lost You (Take 1) - You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me (take 2) - Patch It Up (take 1) - Bridge Over Troubled Water (Take 1) -

CD 2 - 10.08.1970 O/S:
That’s All Right - Medley: Mystery Train / Tiger Man - I Can’t Stop Loving You - Love Me Tender - The Next Step Is Love - Words - I Just Can’t Help Believin’ - Something - Sweet Caroline - You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ - You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me - Polk Salad Annie - Introductions - I’ve Lost You - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Patch It Up - Can’t Help Falling In Love

CD 3 - 11.08.1970 D/S:
That’s All Right - I Got A Woman * - Hound Dog - Heartbreak Hotel - Love Me Tender * - I’ve Lost You - I Just Can’t Help Believin’ - Something - I Can’t Stop Loving You * - Sweet Caroline * - You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ - Polk Salad Annie * - Introductions * - Bridge Over Troubled Water” - Suspicious Minds * - Can’t Help Falling In Love *

CD 4 - 11.08.1970 M/S:
That’s All Right - I Got A Woman - Hound Dog - Love Me Tender - There Goes My Everything - Just Pretend - I Just Can’t Help Believin’ - Something - Men With Broken Hearts - Walk A Mile In My Shoes - You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ - Polk Salad Annie - One Night - Don’t Be Cruel -  Love Me - Instrumental Vamp - Heartbreak Hotel - Introductions - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Suspicious Minds - Can’t Help Falling In Love

CD 5 - 12.08.1970 D/S:
That’s All Right * - I Got A Woman * - Hound Dog * - Heartbreak Hotel * - Love Me Tender * - I’ve Lost You * - I Just Can’t Help Believin’ * - Patch It Up - Twenty Days And Twenty Nights - You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ * - Polk Salad Annie * - Introductions * - Blue Suede Shoes * - You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Suspicious Minds * - Can’t Help Falling In Love *

CD 6 - 12.08.1970 M/S:
That’s All Right - Medley: Mystery Train / Tiger Man - Hound Dog - Love Me Tender - Just Pretend - Walk A Mile In My Shoes - There Goes My Everything - Words - Sweet Caroline - You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ - Polk Salad Annie - Introductions - Heartbreak Hotel - One Night - Blue Suede Shoes - All Shook Up - Medley: Little Sister / Get Back - I Was The One - Love Me -  Are You Lonesome Tonight? - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Suspicious Minds - Can’t Help Falling In Love

CD 7 - 13.08.1970 D/S:
That’s All Right - I Got A Woman - Hound Dog - Love Me Tender - Don’t Cry Daddy - In The Ghetto - I Just Can’t Help Believin’ - Stranger In The Crowd - Make The World Go Away - Sweet Caroline - You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ - Polk Salad Annie - Introductions - The Wonder Of You -  Heartbreak Hotel - Blue Suede Shoes - One Night - All Shook Up - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Suspicious Minds - Can’t Help Falling In Love

CD 8 - The Rehearsals:
Alla En Al Rancho Grande - Ghost Riders In The Sky - Cotton Fields - Froggy Went A-Courtin’ - Baby Let’s Play House - I Was The One - Money Honey - Don’t - (Now And Then There’s) A Fool Such As I - Such A Night - It’s Now Or Never - What’d I Say - Yesterday - Medley: Little Sister / Get Back - Don’t It Make You Wanna Go Home - I Washed My Hands In Muddy Water - Stranger In My Own Home Town - Farther Along - Santa Claus Is Back In Town - Oh Happy Day

* Previously unreleased

(Source: Sony Legacy)

June 04 - TTWII Box Update

The US edition of the "Bossa Nova Baby - The Ultimate Party Album" contained a promotion for the upcoming "That's The Way It Is" box-set:

THAT`S THE WAY IT IS - DELUXE EDITION
This 8CD/2DVD boxed set focuses on the six complete shows recorded and partially filmed by MGM. All the concerts have been either mixed or remixed and mastered to establish a uniform sound. A separate disc of insightful rehearsal highlights showcases the hard work that governed Elvis` relationship with his musicians. Finally two DVDs, featuring the original theatrical released version (1970) and the subsequent re-edited extended version (2000) complete this truly memorable event in the career of Elvis Presley OUT SUMMER 2014.

(Source: FECC)

June 03 - Let it Rock At The Circle G Ranch

The Gravelroad Music importrelease "Elvis Let It Rock",containing the February 23, 1971 closing show, was released.

From Elvis In Memphis 

The albums "From Elvis In Memphis" and "Elvis - That´s The Way It Is" will be re-issued on vinyl on July 8, 2014 by Sony Music Canada.

Tracks From Elvis In Memphis:
Side A:
Wearin' That Loved On Look - Only The Strong Survive - I'll Hold You In My Heart (Till I Can Hold You In My Arms) - Long Black Limousine - It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin' - I'm Movin' On
Side B:
Power Of My Love . Gentle On My Mind - After Loving You - True Love Travels On A Gravel Road - Any Day Now - In The Ghetto

Tracks: Elvis - That's The Way It Is

Side A:
I Just Can't Help Believin' - Twenty Days and Twenty Nights - How The Web Was Woven - Patch It Up - Mary In the Morning - You Don't Have to Say You Love Me
Side B:

You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' - I've Lost You - Just Pretend - Stranger In The Crowd - The Next Step Is Love - Bridge Over Troubled Water

Circle G Ranch Sold

The Circle G Ranch in Horn Lake, Mississippi, has been purchased and is now officially under new ownership. The 231 acre tract, of which 163 acres is well known for once being owned by Elvis Presley and his wife, Priscilla, sits on the corner of Highway 301 and Goodman Road. The property is rich in historical features including the Honeymoon Cottage shared by Elvis and Priscilla, the stable where Elvis kept his horses, a 14 acre lake and a prominent 55 foot cross.

The property has been purchased by a group of investors led by Mississippi native, Davage "Buddy" Runnels Jr., the founder and owner of Real Estate International, Inc. (REI). REI, based in Destin, Florida, is a commercial and residential development group established over 47 years ago. Specific plans for the restoration of the property will be announced in the future.

(Source: Elvis On CD / Elvis Club Berlin / Elvis Matters)

June 01 - June Follow That Dream

News of the June 2014 Follow That Dream releases was spread. The collectors label will release “Return To Vegas” containing a soundboard featuring the dinner show believed to be from August 3, 1969 and the book “Memphis to Nashville ’61”, a book project in conjunction with Flaming Star. The latter comes with a bonus CD featuring the original mono version of Something for Everybody. Both “The Return To Vegas” and “Nashville To Memphis ’61” will be shipped last week of June.

The Return To Vegas
This is the official release of the soundboard recording that Joan Deary planned as a double album release back in the late seventies. It’s the earliest known professional recording from Elvis’ 1969 engagement in Las Vegas. The original tape box has “opening night” written on the back, but that’s not the real date. Some experts believe it’s from August 3, but we have no information what so ever to suggest a certain date. 

However, the arrangements seem to suggest that this show is definitely several days earlier than the shows RCA recorded from August 20 and onwards. Why Joan Deary edited and mastered this for release is another mystery, since she off course had all the shows RCA recorded on 8-track tape with audio in substantially better quality. This release comes in a 7” digi-pack with a 12-pages booklet, featuring great photos from the collections of Steve Barile & Jim Patino, and a foreword by Ken Sharp. 

Tracks “The Return To Vegas”: 
01 Blue Suede Shoes 2:20 02 I Got A Woman 3:20 03 All Shook Up 3:07 04 Love Me Tender 2:38 05 Jailhouse Rock / Don't Be Cruel 2:44 06 Heartbreak Hotel 2:22 07 Hound Dog 4:48 3:57 08 Memories 3:12 09 Mystery Train / Tiger Man 5:26 10 Monologue 3:59 11 Baby, What You Want Me To Do 3:04 12 Are You Lonesome Tonight? 3:15 13 Yesterday / Hey Jude 5:11 14 Introductions 4:39 15 In The Ghetto 4:14 16 Suspicious Minds 8:21 17 What’d I Say 4:30 18 Can’t Help Falling In Love 2:30

Memphis To Nashville ’61

FTD Books and Flaming Star, in association with EPE, will release a new book – “Memphis To Nashville ’61” – in late June. This will give a comprehensive account of the two Memphis charity shows that Elvis performed at the Ellis Auditorium on a cold day in February 1961. 

The book includes accounts of that day and the events leading up to it. It features accounts from Elvis’ musicians, friends and fans, magazine- and newspaper articles from the time, and many rare and newly-discovered photographs. The collection of over 100 unpublished photographs, most of them in black and white, have been collected from many different sources; some are from original negatives whilst others are from original prints. Also included in the book is a section on Elvis’ visit to Nashville on March 8, 1961, less than two weeks after the benefit shows of February 25, to receive an honorary colonelship from the Governor of Tennessee, Buford Ellington. Furthermore, the final part of the volume includes information and details relating to the recording sessions held on March 12 and 13, 1961 that provided most of the tracks for the classic LP, “Something For Everybody”. As an added bonus, the book comes with a CD containing the mono version of “Something For Everybody” plus recordings of Elvis’ press conference, held at the Hotel Claridge in Memphis on February 25, 1961, and of the presentation of honours at the Tennessee State Capitol just 11 days later. 


Tracks “Something For Everybody” (mono version) 
1) There's Always Me 2) Give Me The Right 3) It's A Sin 4) Sentimental Me 5) Starting Today 6) Gently 7) I'm Comin' Home 8) In Your Arms 9) Put The Blame On Me 10) Judy 11) I Want You With Me 12) I Slipped, I Stumbled, I Fell Bonus 13) Press Conference (March 25, 1961) 14) Elvis Is Made An Honorary Colonel (March 8 1961).

Love Me Tender

The FTD release "Love Me Tender" re-issue was re-issued in the "Classic Album" series and is shipping from dealers. 

Synopsis:
A double-CD set. Elvis first performed ‘Love Me Tender’ on the Ed Sullivan Show (September 9th) and pre-sales reached over 1 million before its release on September 28th. 

It features a 16-page booklet with great photos, movie trivia, memorabilia and full recording data.  The extra tracks are, 'We’re Gonna Move' Take 4 & 9. 'Poor Boy' Take 3 original 3 verse master. 'Poor Boy' remake, 'Poor Boy' extended verse, 'Let Me' vocal overdub take 3, 'Let Me'  vocal overdub take 4. Plus stereo masters of all four tracks and The Truth About Me Interview recorded on the set of Love Me Tender.

Disc 2 features the legendary live show from the Mississippi Alabama State Fair and Dairy Show held in Tupelo on September 26.

(Source: The Elvis Shop / FECC / Elvis Information Network)