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)