August 30 - I Gotta Know

The U.K. based Rockwell Record announced the (re-)release of another vinyl picture disc entitled "I Gotta Know". It contains recordings from the sixties, available in the public domain. The set is limited to 1000 copies.

Tracks:
Side 1: Fever - Like A Baby - I Will Be Home Again - The Thrill Of Your Love - Dirty Dirty Feeling - The Girl Of My Best Friend.

Side 2: I Gotta Know - Girl Next Door Went A Walking - Are You Lonesome Tonight? Reconsider Baby - Such A Night - Its Now Or Never.

(Source: Rockwell Records) 

August 29 - On Tour

A new double CD set, "1975 On Tour" was announced by the Elvis Concert Fan import-label. It contains all 3 available soundboard recordings from april 1975. The concerts were remastered and include the Opening Show from tour number 12.  As a bonus recordings from 2 shows in Lake Charles (May 4, 1975) and the tour Closing Show (May 7, 1975) were added. The set includes a 12 page booklet with photos and recording information. 

Tracks: CD 1 - Tour Opening Show (Macon, GA. April 24, 1975) (Tape One)
01. Elvis Talks 02. Love Me 03. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) 04. You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me 05. Big Boss Man 06. It’s Midnight 07. Promised Land 08. Fairytale 09. Burning Love 10. Band introductions 11. What I’d Say (James Burton) 12. Drum Solo (RonnieTutt 13. Bass Solo (Jerry Scheff) 14. Piano Solo (Glen Hardin) 15. School Days (Joe Guercio Orchestra) 16. My Way 17. T-R-O-U-B-L-E 18. I’ll Remember You (first part only)

Lakeland, FL. April 28 1975 
19. When It’s My Time (J.D. Sumner & The Stamps) 20. Burning Love 21. Band introductions 22. Guitar Solo (James Burton) 23. Drum Solo (RonnieTutt 24. Bass Solo (Jerry Scheff) 25. Piano Solo (Glen Hardin) 26. School Days (Joe Guercio Orchestra) 27. My Boy 28. Help Me Make It Through The Night 29. Let Me Be There 30. An American Trilogy 31. Hawaiian Wedding Song 32. Hound Dog 33. Can’t Help Falling In Love 34. Closing Vamp

CD 2 - Jacksonville Fl. April 25 1975 
01. Elvis Talks 02. Love Me 03. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) 04. You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me 05. Big Boss Man 06. It’s Midnight 07. Burning Love 08. Band introductions 09. What I’d Say (James Burton) 10. Drum Solo (RonnieTutt) 11. Bass Solo (Jerry Scheff) 12. Piano Solo (Glen Hardin) 13. School Days (Joe Guercio Orchestra) 14. My Way 15. T-R-O-U-B-L-E 16. I’ll Remember You 17. Let Me Be There 18. An American Trilogy 19. Funny How Time Slips Away

Tour Opening Show -  Macon, GA. April 24 1975 (Tape Two)
20. I’ll Remember You (second part only) 21. Let Me Be There 22. An American Trilogy 23. Can’t Help Falling In Love 24. Closing Vamp 

Bonus tracks: 
Lake Charles, LA, May 4 1975, afternoon show 25. Help Me 
Lake Charles, LA, May 4 1975, evening show 26. Steamroller Blues 27. Why Me Lord?
Tour Closing Show - Murfreesboro, TN. May 7 1975
28. The Wonder Of You 29. Elvis Talks 30. Little Darlin’

Charts

• The compilation "Heart & Soul" climbed from #115 to #112. On the Top Catalog Charts the CD dropped from #112 to #115.
• The new "Elvis – That’s The Way It Is" released still have not managed to secure a spot on the charts in Elvis Presley's home country. On the Belgian chart the box is listed at #81. 
• The compilation "The Real... Elvis" remained steady at #69 this week. 
• The DVD "The King Of Rock ’n’ Roll" climbed from #39 to #33 on the Australian Music DVD chart. 

(Source: FECC / The King's World)

August 28 - La Collection

Here are the details for the French limit edition vinyl box “La Collection 10 Vinyles 25cm De Couleur” which is due from V.P.I. Records, Inc. on September 1, 2014. 

It contains: Rock and Roll Elvis Presley  -  Jailhouse Rock - Noel Avec Elvis - Elvis Presley - King Creole  - La Retour D‘ Elvis -  Loving You - Elvis Presley with The Jordanaires und Little Sister. Each record contains the original art work, and different alternative takes and live versions. 

Re:Lived

The new Elvis Presley remix album "Re:Lived" by the Italian DJ Spankox has been released. The producer states that "it is an innovative and forward-thinking album that includes fantastic new modern versions of a selection of Elvis Presley's hits that preserve the original artistry and enhance it with better and fuller instrumentation". 

All the songs feature Elvis' original voice, restored and enhanced using the most advanced technology for an amazing listening experience. The track list of Relive includes, among the others, new versions of We're Coming In Loaded, Suspicion, Tutti Frutti and Shake Rattle And Roll.

It also includes ten additional bonus tracks from some of the best previous releases, for a total playing time of 53 minutes.

Budget Playlist

Sony Music will re-release a budget edition of the CD collection: "Playlist: The Very Best of Elvis".


Tracks: 1. Jailhouse Rock - 2. Don't Be Cruel - 3. Lawdy, Miss Clawdy - 4. Don't - 5. I Need Your Love Tonight - 6. It's Now Or Never - 7. (Marie's The Name) His Latest Flame - 8. Surrender - 9. Suspicion - 10. Guitar Man - 11. In The Ghetto - 12. You Don't Have To Say You Love Me - 13. Burning Love - 14. I'm Leavin'

Guitar Magazine


The German Guitar magazine features an article on the Birth of Rock And Roll and what followed next. 

(Source: Amazon / Elvis Australia / Elvis Club Berlin / Elvis And His Music)

August 27 - What A Release

The 4 CD import set "Such A Night : The Definitive Live Rarities Collection" has been released. 

Barbra And Elvis

The first sample of the new "Love Me Tender" duet between Elvis Presley and Barbra Streisand is available. The song is featured on the album "Partners," out on September 16th, 2014.




Hard Ball
 
OKC Partnership is playing hard ball. After EPE has tried to obtain a better, more affordable lease agreement and asked OKC to remove the two airplanes they own from the Graceland grounds, the Memphis based company has offered both planes for sale. Here is the add for the Lisa Marie. It does seem that it is actually for sale, this time:

ACCEPTING SERIOUS OFFERS FOR PURCHASE OPTION, AS A PACKAGE OF TWO AIRCRAFT PREVIOUSLY OWNED BY ELVIS PRESLEY - LISA MARIE AIRCRAFT:

On April 17, 1975 Elvis bought a Convair 880 Jet, recently taken out of service by Delta Airlines, for the then-substantial sum of $250,000. After refurbishing, the total exceeded $600,000. 

The plane was in a hangar at Meacham Field in Fort Worth, and for months Elvis took great pleasure in flying friends out to check on progress as the interior of the plane was refurbished to his very specific design requirements (he bought another plane to make those trips - a smaller Lockheed JetStar). Elvis wanted a seating area, a conference room, and a private bedroom on the plane (with space for an in-flight reading library). He picked fabrics, decided on color schemes, chose the on-board audio-visual system, and even Ok'd the gold fixtures in the bathrooms (he counted heavily on some aesthetic input from Pricilla too).

Elvis was especially excited about the fact that the same design team had previously customized AIFROCE ONE. The craft slowly came together as an airworthy mix of modem function and Graceland elegance.

Close in size to a 707, the Lisa Marie was customized with plush sleeping quarters, a penthouse bedroom with a custom-made queen size bed, an executive bathroom with gold faucets and a gold washbasin, a videotape system linked to four TVs and a stereo system with fifty-two speakers, and a conference room finished in teak.

It could hold a maximum of 29 people, but usually there would be about eight or 10. When the final paint job was applied to the exterior, there was a prominent 'TCB' logo on the tail.

April 17, Elvis buys an ex Delta Airlines Convair 880 Jet for $250,000.

November 10, The Lisa Marie is delivered to Memphis late in the evening, joining the Jetstar

Above, The Lisa Marie, the newest craft in Elvis Presley's small air fleet, at Memphis International Airport on November 12, 1975, getting final touches before being put to use. Beside it is the JetStar.

November 27, Ron Strauss takes Elvis on his first real flight in The Lisa Marie, traveling Las Vegas.

August 7, Arrangements are made for Linda Thompson and her friend, Jeannie LeMay, to fly with Elvis' chow, Getlow to Boston, so that the dog can receive treatment for a kidney ailment.

When the dog is too ill to travel on to the West Boylston veterinary hospital where it is scheduled to be treated, the whole party remains at the Ritz for two days before continuing.

December 25, In the evening Elvis takes everyone up in The Lisa Marie.

Elwood David was the Captain and pilot of The Lisa Marie. Accompanying him in the cockpit was another pilot, Ron Strauss and a flight engineer, Jim Manny. Milo High was the pilot of Elvis' 'Hound Dog II' JetStar plane.

After Elvis' death, Captain Elwood David flew to California to pick up Elvis' ex-wife Pricilla Presley, Lisa Marie and the actor George Hamilton, a long-time friend of Elvis. He flew them back to California after the funeral, and, in what would be his last flight on the Lisa Marie, returned the plane to Memphis.

Elvis' father, Vernon, sold the plane in 1978 and it changed hands a couple of times. When Graceland opened up to the public in 1982, EPE worked with the owners to try and bring the plane home to Memphis. In 1984, the Lisa Marie was returned to Graceland. Both aircraft have remained as one of the most popular attractions ever since.

PURCHASE OPTION OF A PACKAGE INCLUDING BOTH PLANES AVAILABLE TO EXTREMELY QUALIFIED BUYERS ONLY, FOR DELIVERY IN MEMPHIS, TENN. AFTER LATE APRIL, 2015.

But according to a tweet by Lisa Marie, the airplanes at Graceland are not for sale...


(Source: Elvis Australia / FECC / iSpot / ElvisMatters / Controller)

August 26 - King Of The Hilton

Anne E. Nixon, contributor to several Elvis Presley books, penned down here memories of the 40 Elvis Presley shows in the Las Vegas Hilton she visited between 1972 to 1976. 

Together with Richard Harvey she wrote a 300 page book in A5 sized book entitled "King Of The Hilton - Memories of Elvis Presley's Las Vegas" containing anecdotes, detailed records of the actual shows, musicians, Jump Suites, set lists, over 100 illustrations and more. The book is a limited, individually numbered edition and will be released October 2014 in the UK.

Inside this handsome book you’ll find:

*Complete first hand reports of every show of the final Vegas season in December ‘76.
*The famous 1974 ‘Desert Storm’ closing show as seen from a front booth.
*Over 100 illustrations including Hilton artefacts.
*The '74 monologues.
*Cancelled! The 1975 season.
*In-depth appendix of songs, suits and show times.
*Closing Night '73 'Monkey' show, exactly what happened on-stage .


Elvis Lives! (in a hologram)

Elvis is back in the building, sort of. Authentic Brands Group, which manages Elvis’ estate, and digital production company Pulse Evolution will bring the King back to life as a hologram. The companies plan to have Elvis shake, rattle and roll in live shows, commercials and movies.

Since digital Elvis will involve 11,500 moving parts, Authentic Brands Group CEO Jamie Salter said he won’t be available for projects until spring 2015 or live performances until fall 2015. But, Salter hinted that the King has a commercial deal with a Fortune 500 company. He’s also is in talks for four-night-a-week residencies in Las Vegas and Macau, and may even do special performances with a hologram Michael Jackson in the later location.

“We want you to go to the show and say, ‘Wow, oh my God! I saw Elvis 30, 40 years ago, and this is exactly the same thing,’” Salter said.

This isn’t the first time deceased musicians have been brought back using holograms. Tupac reappeared in 2012 at Coachella, and more recently, Michael Jackson hit the stage at the Billboard Music Awards in May thanks to Pulse Evolution’s technology. (Like Adweek, Billboard is owned by affiliates of Guggenheim Partners.)

Any hologram deals will have to go through the family’s final approval before being inked, but both Pricilla and Lisa Marie are completely behind using the technology, according to Salter. They’ve supported posthumous performances in the past, including when Lisa Marie sang a duet of Daddy Don’t Cry with Elvis in 1997 that used the original vocals and a video featuring her and her father.
Consultant David Deal said performances generate the most money for musicians today, and a hologram in the repertoire may significantly increase revenue for the deceased. It’s the perfect way to capture the stage charisma these artists were known for and to connect with a visual generation. “I think the only thing that needs to be in place is that the names have to be strong brands with a strong global following,” he said.

Gartner’s Andrew Frank added there’s tons of money in celebrity endorsements, considering that advertising budgets are on the rise. As the hologram technology gets better, he expects that we’ll see these digital counterparts directly interacting with people, including having them sing a personalized song or talk to a consumer on behalf of a brand.

The technology may even open doors for the living, argued Forrester senior analyst Anthony Mullen. Artists could virtually perform in multiple places simultaneously, solving a distribution problem similar to how MP3's have spread music faster than CDs and vinyl records.

Then again, musicians may want to read their contracts more carefully, he pointed out. This could mean the music industry may begin to negotiate for after-death digital image ownership while the artist is still breathing. “People talk about musicians selling their souls to the devil when they sign a deal with the record label. This could be a posthumous issue if today’s musicians agree to it,” Mullen said.

Mullen is also concerned that these singer spokespeople will be made to talk about products they never tried or endorse politicians they never would have voted for, while Frank is worried about fans accepting posthumous declarations of support. “We’re pushing the envelope for how much synthetic personality people are willing to go for,” Frank admitted.

(Source: Elvis Aktuell / FECC / Authentic Brands Group)

August 24 Sweet Hall Of Fame

The Sweet Inspirations were inducted into the "The Rhythm And Blues Hall Of Fame And Museum". During this ceremony former member Cissy Houston received the "The 2014 Rhythm & Blues Music Humanitarian Award".

The Presentation of the official R&B hall of fame gold record to Estelle Brown of the Sweet Inspirations was on Monday September 1, 2014. This Gold Record authentifies the induction of the Sweets to the R&B Hall of Fame. Very well deserved! The Family of Myrna Smith was presented with hers too. Next stop is the Family of Sylvia Shemwell. 

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / ElvisMatters)

August 23 - Living The Pain

The SR import-label announced a new CD set; "Living The Pain". It features a the unreleased show from Las Vegas February 21, 1972. It comes in a new kind of deluxe long digi-pack four panels, containing a collection of live and candid photographs from early 1972 according to the press-release. The running-time of the set is 49,00 minutes. 

From the press-release:
As everybody knows SR concentrates it's work on early 70's live period of Elvis' activity, trying to produce always unreleased shows with Elvis at the top of his possibilities. With the new release, we are proud to present the complete show from February 21th midnight show,a rare show from a Vegas winter season always poor of official and unofficial releases.. Elvis' love of singing is clear in this tape and we are glad to give you the opportunity to listen to it.

The midnight show from February 21th, as presented on this CD, represents just one of the best shows of the season, If we look closely at the first Vegas act of 1972 we can see that Elvis concentrates on the music to produce great shows. The in-between song chat and banter have gone and each number is delivered promptly without even a pause for applause. The 'NEW' songs introduced do reflect the mood of the man and for sure the rocking days are over but the rendition of the early seventies repertoire is solid and sung with great ability.

Talking of these new additions we see some great songs, representative of his life from this stage on. Naturally we are referring to songs such as 'You Gave Me A Mountain' which has an autobiographical theme of a man who no singing the pain, but living it and 'An American Trilogy' which demonstrates his personal beliefs and patriotic views. Elvis also worked hard to promote his new single 'Until It's Time For You To Go.' Here are also included rare performance of Help Me Make It Through The Night together the classic Bridge Over Troubled Water..

This recording come from an early generation copy of the master tape, the sound quality is very good considering the early season. The sound was restored in a studio to achieve best possible results. We have spent hours in the studio over the digital restoration of the sound, to achieve the best possible results and to give you the chance to hear it with pleasure.

Tracks: 
01. 2001 Theme 02. See See Rider 03. Proud Mary 04. Never Been To Spain 05. You Gave Me A Mountain 06. Until It’s Time For You To Go 07. Polk Salad Annie 08. Love Me 09. All Shook Up 10. Teddy Bear/ Don’t Be Cruel 11. Hound Dog 12. A Big Hunk Of Love 13. Help Me Make It Through The Night 14. Bridge Over Troubled Water 15. Suspicious Minds 16. Band Introductions 17. An American Trilogy 18. Can’t Help Falling In Love.

(Source: FECC)

August 22 - Weekend Charts

The "Heart And Soul" compilation climbed from #123 to #112 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart for the week ending August 30, 2014. The compilation also climbed on the Catalogue Album chart from #17 to #15.

The “The Real … Elvis” re-entered the Italian Album charts at #69. 

The “Elvis – That’s The Way It Is” set climbed from #81 to #69 on the Belgian Album chart. The set dropped off the German and Swiss Album charts. The "Elvis -That’s The Way It Is" set entered the Belgian Ultrapop Album charts at #90 this week. The set fell off the German Album chart.

The DVD "King Of Rock ’n’ Roll" re-entered the Australian Music DVD chart once more at #39.

Final Countdown To The Release-date


The second edition of the "The Final Countdown To Midnight" have been released as a single CD and a DVD. 

New Releases

Two new compilations are due from SMBE Records on September 09, 2014; "60's: Elvis Presley" and "70's: Elvis Presley". Also due from Mischief Music on October 13, 2019 is a 3CD set entitled "Elvis Presley". More details when available. 

The King In Motion

The latest release from the Venus import-label "Wahoo From Omaha - The King In Motion Volume 2" has been released. This release is a 305 page book with pictures from1974. As a bonus the label added a CD and DVD. 

Inside The Graceland Guesthouse

Elvis Presley Enterprises posted a video with a preview of the guest room of the new Graceland guesthouse. 

(Source: Various / EPE / The king's world / Amazon)

August 21 - Famous Last Words

The publicity is ramping up for Ginger Alden's soon to be released book. Recent publicity features an article on Elvis' final words. "I'm going to the bathroom to read". Those were the words Elvis Presley said to his fiancee, Ginger Alden, early in the morning of August 16, 1977, at his Memphis mansion, Graceland. They were the last words he ever spoke.

The king of rock'n'roll couldn't sleep and didn't want to disturb his beauty queen lover. "OK, but don't fall asleep," she responded before closing her eyes again, leaving his reading light on. Hours later, at 2pm, she woke and noticed Presley hadn't returned to bed. She knocked on the bathroom door, calling his name, and then opened it. "That's when I saw him there."

In her upcoming memoir, Ginger and Elvis, due out in a Berkley hardcover edition on September 2, Alden recounts the details of her short-lived romance with Presley. In it, she reveals how she found the singer slumped over on the bathroom floor. When she bent down to touch him, his skin was cold.
"I slapped him a few times and it was like he breathed once when I turned his head," she said.

Alden tried opening an eye. "It was just blood-red, but I couldn't move him. I didn't want to think he was dead. God wouldn't want to take him so soon." She pressed the intercom that rang in the kitchen and called for help.Despite rapid first aid from Presley's old army mate, Joe Esposito, the 42-year-old died from an overdose of medications. The beauty queen caught Presley's eye at a fairground. She was 20 at the time - and as many years younger than him. He is (supposed to have) proposed to her on January 26, 1977, in his bathroom, the very place he later died.

Elvis – That’s The Way It Is

The blu-ray edition of "Elvis - That's The Way It Is" was released in Germany. 

(Source: Elvis Information Network)

August 20 - Collecting Elvis Cars

Volume 69 in the German "Elvis Sammlung"  was released by De'Agostini in cooperation with EPE. This volume contains the usual magazine, memorabilia reproductions and a mini-poster for "Elvis Golden Records Vol. 4".

Dollars for Elvis’ Rolls-Royce

$396,000 was paid for Elvis Presley's 1963 Rolls-Royce Phantom V during Bonhams auction. The past 20 years the car, loaded with 1963 gadgets, was part of a private collection. 

(Source: Elvis Memories / The King's World)

August 17 - Adios Lincoln And Rattling Plates, Aces 'n' Eights

The “Heineken” single “Bossa Nova Baby (Viva Elvis Remix)” was released as a vinyl single by Music on Vinyl (Cargo Records).

Elvis The New Leader in Las Vegas

The Essential Elvis book "Elvis - The New Leader in Las Vegas" was released. This 144 page book is dedicated to Elvis Presley in 1969 and is limited to 1000 copies.  

Rattling Import Releases

The Straight Arrow import-label announced two new releases: "Adios Lincoln" and "Rattling Plates, Aces 'n' Eights" (the fifth volume in the "booth tapes" series).

From the press-release - Adios Lincoln: 

Monday, June 20, 1977,8:30 pm, Lincoln, NE, Pershing Municipal Auditorium. Most of Elvis’ musicians prefer not to talk about Elvis’ final tours, but whenever they do, they usually agree that final tour was one that should have never been undertaken. It was simply one tour too many. At this stage it was impossible to hide the fact that Elvis was in serious problems. 

In any case, the Lincoln concert is one of the finest shows from that last tour. Elvis sounds much better than in Omaha the day before. Surprises include a well-sung ‘Help Me’ and arguably the best ever version of ‘Unchained Melody’, which for the first and only time was performed before the band introductions. Interestingly, and completely unknown until now, is that Elvis asks J.D. Sumner and the Stamps to perform 'Walk That Lonesome Road' during the band intros, which is very unusual for the time frame. 

The June 20, 1977 show was first issued on CD in 2004 ("Elvis Rocks Lincoln"). This sloppy edition was taken from an incomplete source, missing 17 minutes. For the first time Straight Arrow offer this concert complete. Using two independent original audience recored tapes, Straight Arrow's sound engineer was able to restore all 73 minutes of Lincoln concert. 

This new CD edition is limited to 500 copies. Do not miss one of the best shows from Elvis Presley final tour!

Tracks:
01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen - 04. Love Me - 05. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - 06. You Gave Me A Mountain - 07. Jailhouse Rock - 08. O Sole Mio (Sherrill Nielsen) / It's Now Or Never - 09. Love Me Tender - 10. Little Sister - 11. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - 12. Help Me - 13. Unchained Melody - 14. Introduction of vocalists, musicians - 15. Walk That Lonesome Road (J. D. Sumner and The Stamps) - 16. Introduction of vocalists, musicians continues - 17. Early Mornin' Rain - 18. What'd I Say - 19. Johnny B. Goode - 20. Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) - 21. Bass Solo (Blues, Jerry Scheff) - 22. Piano Solo (Tony Brown) - 23. I Really Don't Want To Know - 24. Electric Piano Solo (Bobby Ogden) - 25. Jazzing In Vegas (Joe Guercio Orchestra) - 26. Hurt - 27. Hound Dog - 28. Can't Help Falling In Love - 29. Closing Vamp / Announcements.

From the press-release - Rattling Plates, Aces'n'Eights (From "booth tapes" Vol. 5):

Friday, August 24, 1973 Dinner Show, Las Vegas Hilton, Las Vegas, NV. 

Liner notes: Imagine being a singer, and really putting your heart into a song. At the same time, your audience is having dinner, and some of them plainly don’t give a fuck about you or your singing. They are talking loudly, making noises with their plates, smoking one cigarette after another… Doesn’t sound very enticing, does it?

By 1973, it was clear that Elvis’ Las Vegas shows had a negative effect on the singer. But even at this stage, he was still impressive as a singer and a performer, and especially on those nights where he really turned on the power, there was nobody like him in Vegas -- or anywhere else, for that matter. 

The August 24th, 1973 dinner show is unreleased in any form and was sourced from an original, excellent sounding „booth“ tape. What is perhaps most surprising, is that Elvis was still quite focused three weeks into the engagement. In earlier years, the standard had sometimes slipped a bit in the third week, even as early as August ’70! Now he delivers a strong show, with ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’, ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’ and ‘Big Hunk O’ Love’ being the show highlights. ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ was not a regular during this season up to this point, but he delights the audience with a snappy version of his first million seller. And who knows, at this stage he may well have concluded that he’d found his own ‘Heartbreak Hotel’…

This show was rediscovered recently and we believe that you will agree with us that this is another great find. A real must - not just for the hardcore collector. Another quality Straight Arrow release!

Tracks:
01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen - 04. Love Me - 05. Steamroller Blues - 06. You Gave Me A Mountain - 07. Blue Suede Shoes - 08. Medley: Long Tall Sally / Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On / Your Mama Don't Dance / Flip Flop And Fly / Jailhouse Rock / Hound Dog - 09. Love Me Tender - 10. Fever - 11. Bridge Over Troubled Water - 12. Suspicious Minds - 13. Introductions of singers, musicians, orchestra - 14. Release Me - 15. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - 16. An American Trilogy - 17. A Big Hunk O'Love - 18. Heartbreak Hotel - 19. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face - 20. Can't Help Falling In Love - 21. Closing Vamp.

Michael A. Hoey Died

Michael A. Hoey, Elvis Screenwriter, Dies at 79. Michael Hoey spent his childhood years growing up in Hollywood before embarking on an accomplished career as film editor, script writer, producer and director. He died Sunday of cancer at his home in San Clemente, Calif aged 79. During his long and interesting career Michael worked on six Elvis films: Tickle Me; Double Trouble; Spinout; Speedway; Stay Away, Joe and Live A Little, Love A Little. Hoey wrote the screenplay for Elvis Presley films, "Stay Away, Joe" and "Live A Little, Love A Little," both released in 1968. 

He also worked with some of Hollywood's greatest studio bosses and celebrities from Walt Disney and Darryl Zanuck to Charlton Heston, John Wayne, Jane Wyman and director, John Ford. Hoey's memoir, 'Elvis, Sherlock & Me' is a fascinating account of Hollywood behind the scenes, the studios, the stars, television, and of course Elvis. He earned two Emmy Award nominations as a writer, producer, director and editor of the 1980s TV musical series, "Fame," and served as executive producer of the Creative Arts Emmy Awards.

The family plans a small memorial service, with his ashes scattered at sea.

(Source: FECC / For The Good Times / Elvis Information Network)

August 16 - Weekend Charts

The “That’s The Way It Is” set entered the German Album charts at #39, the Belgian Album chart at #69 and finally, in Switzerland, it entered the Album chart at #97. 

In Ireland the set dropped off the chart from #93 so did this release from the Official UK Album chart where it was a new entry at #75 last week. 

The CD “The Real... Elvis” dropped off the Italian chart.

(Source: The King's World)

August 15 -Groundbeaking

As Elvis Presley’s wife Priscilla put it, Elvis’s dreams are coming true. Thursday, Elvis Presley Enterprises broke ground on the new hotel coming to Graceland.

Developers say this project has been in the works for years, but the Memphis City Council only heard about it on May 1st. City officials say Elvis has everything to do with everything being worked out just in time for Elvis week.

Priscilla Presley told a huge crowd of his biggest fans, “We get to see his dream come true on this property.” Presley came to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Guest House at Graceland. “Elvis had plans for Graceland,” she said. “He had plans for the property, he wanted to do so much of it.”

WREG first told you about this project being presented to the city council on May 1st. Just more than three moths later, there are shovels in the ground. Councilman Harold Collins will tell you that’s because they were not asking for any money from the city.

“These are tax dollars, these are opportunities for other investors to come in. We have to convince them that this is the right thing to do,” Collins said. “It’s hard to say no to the king of rock ‘n roll.”

Collins says this is the first step in helping the Whitehaven area make a new name for itself. Turning around an area that’s recently taken a turn for the worse, but will always be know on as Elvis’s hometown.

Kevin Kane is president of the Memphis Convention and Visitors Center. He says Elvis is a huge money maker for the city.

“What people don’t realize is the heartbreak Hotel is the highest occupied hotel in the state of Tennessee,” he said. “Running close to 90 percent occupancy year round.”

Kane says this Guest House project is bigger and better, and will bring in much more money and tourists to the area.

“This is a multimillion dollar week for us like it is every single year,” he said. “Thank God for the King of rock ‘n roll”

The new hotel will mean the Heartbreak Hotel will soon be a thing of the past. When this 450-room, $70 million dollar hotel opens up next August, the one across the street will close down.

The hotel will provide up to 100 jobs, increase property values and attract new business along Elvis Presley Boulevard according to those behind it.

August 14 - His Hand On Coloured Vinyl

The classic "His Hand in Mine" will be re-issued once more on vinyl by WaxTime LP's on November 10, 2014. 

La Collection

Due for release from V.P.I. Records Inc. on September 1, 2014 is a limited edition 10 disc vinyl set entitled "La Collection". From the product description: "For the first time original French 10 inch EP's will be re-issued on 12 inch coloured vinyl with alternative covers and text. The set, limited to 1000 copies, contains 110 remastered tracks and comes in a presentation box." 

Charts

The "Heart And Soul" compilation rises from #131 to #123 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart for the week ending August 23, 2014.

Auction
 
The first-ever Auction At Graceland in the all-new Graceland Archives Studio was held tonight as fans and collectors from around the globe bid on 72 featured artifacts authenticated by the new Graceland Authenticated. Among the items in the auction were rare and unique artifacts from the collection of Greg Page, founding member of The Wiggles® and one of the world’s biggest and well-known Elvis Presley collectors. Page’s items included Elvis’ 1977 Cadillac Seville and Elvis’ copy of the original script for his first film, “Love Me Tender.” All of the items in the auction were from third-party collectors and none of the items included in the auction came from the treasured Graceland Archives.

“I’m thrilled that the auction was such a success. I never truly considered these my ‘things’ and while it was difficult to part with these treasured items, I’m pleased that so many of the artifacts found great homes with like-minded Elvis fans,” stated Page. “It’s been a pleasure working with the Graceland Authenticated team, who have set a new standard for pop culture auctions. I look forward to working with them in the future.” 

The items in the sale chronicled the many facets of Presley's life, from his stardom to his lifelong generosity to family, friends and strangers. Topping the charts was a Gold and Diamond Lion's Head Pendant, which brought $82,500 against an estimate of $25,000-$35,000. Elvis bought it in 1969 and wore to numerous events, including a meeting with President Richard Nixon at the White House. An opal and diamond ring that Elvis purchased in 1976 found a new home at $38,750.

The last Cadillac Elvis purchased for his personal use, a 1977 Cadillac Seville in two-tone maroon and silver was secured with a bid of $81,250.

An October 1958 Elvis signed 24-hour leave pass from his base in Germany, issued to Elvis so that he could spend time with his visiting father and grandmother just two months after his mother Gladys died, sold for $20,625.

There were several surprises in the sale. A bullet riddled paper shooting target shot at by Elvis and friends surprised everyone by selling for $27,500 against an estimate of $1,000-$1,500. A Graceland cast iron kitchen skillet from the late 1960's with a receipt signed by his mother went for an unexpected $4,750. And, Elvis' keys to his Palm Springs home where he and Priscilla spent their 1967 honeymoon brought $3,375.

All of the prices realized include a 25% buyer's premium. The next Elvis Graceland Authenticated Auction will take place in January 2015 and is accepting consignments now at auctioninfo@graceland.com. 

Top 5 Lots

1) Lot 39, Elvis Gold And a Diamond Lion's Head Pendant, $82,500
2) Lot 62, Elvis 1977 Cadillac Seville, $81,250
3) Lot 40, Elvis Opal And Diamond Ring, $38,750
4) Lot 23, Original 1939 Graceland Blueprints, $35,000
5) Lot 41, 1969 Las Vegas Show Agreement, $27,500

6) Lot 53, Elvis Bullet Ridden Shooting Target From Graceland Smokehouse, $27,500

(Source: Amazon / FECC / Brian Quinn / ElvisMatters)

August 13 - Elvis Guide

TV Guide released "Remembering Elvis", a new 98 page magazine. It measures 8 inches by 10.5 inches. 

Restoration Of Circle G Ranch Has Begun
 
Phase 1 of restoration has commenced at Circle G Ranch, formerly owned by Elvis Presley. Plans include the relocation and restoration of the historic Honeymoon Cottage to the interior of the property near the horse stables, which will also be restored. An arena will be created next to the stables for horse and pony rides, shows, and equine therapy, to help those with developmental challenges. Elvis’s barbecue pit will be recreated in its existing location, using the remaining original bricks. The 55-foot cross and the bridge across the 14-acre lake will be refurbished and repainted.

A dynamic water feature will be installed within the lake, as well as a stage for performances, located on the west side of the lake. A grassed terrace seating area will be available for approximately 500 guests to enjoy multimedia water, light and music shows in the natural environment. A parking area and walking paths will be established to access the attractions. The destination will be a paid attraction.


The investors, led by managing partner, Buddy Runnels Jr. of Real Estate International, Inc., are striving to preserve the features from Elvis’s ownership, and will nominate these elements to be in the National Register of Historic Places. Projected completion for Phase 1 is summer 2015.

American Studio Historic Marker Unveiling

Sponsored by the Shelby County Historical Commission, an historic marker will be unveiled at the former site of American Studios. Special guests will be in attendance. American Studios is where over 120 hit records, including Elvis' "Suspicious Minds," "In the Ghetto," "Don't Cry Daddy", and "Kentucky Rain," were recorded. 

(Source: eBay / FECC) / ElvisMatters / Circle G Ranch / Pal Granlund)

August 12 - Barbra Loves Elvis On Blu-Ray

As published before, Barbra Streisand is to duet with the late Elvis Presley on new album "Partners". The title of the duet was released today. Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, Barbra will team up with the King Of Rock And Roll for a rendition of “Love Me Tender”. 

Released

The import-release "Some Call It Folk" was released. The "folk" compilation comes in a 3 panel digi-pack. 

Warner Home Video released the 50th Anniversary Edition of "Viva Las Vegas" on blu-ray, packed in a Premium Digibook. 

Warner Home Video also re-issued "Elvis: That's the Way It Is" ‚as a two disc Special Edition Premium Digibook containing the original movie and 2001 Special Edition. In contrary to the 2007 2-DVD set, where the outtakes were presented in abysmal quality, but on this blu-ray, they will be pristine thanks to the find of a better tape. But the first reviews revealed that the out-takes were still in the " original bad" quality.

Twilight Time released the movie "Follow That Dream" on blu-ray in a limited edition of 3000 copies. This edition comes with two extra features: an isolated score track and the original theatrical trailer.

Primo

The Flemish magazine Primo has Elvis Presley on the cover of this week's edition. Inside an article with notable and fun facts about his films. Everything you (maybe) did not know about the most popular artist of all time ...

(Source: Daily Mail / Amazon / Twilight Time / Warner Bros.)

August 11 - With Friends Like This ...

The 'news magazine' Globe has Elvis on the cover and boosts about an interview with Joe Esposito. In it, Joe talks in detail about why the body was moved before the police investigation, and why all the medication suddenly disappeared. The "best friend" also comments on Elvis's financial situation: "he was broke". 

On Facebook, Marty Lacker posted this reply: 
"Joe Espositio as the King's Best Friend? He's gonna have to fight Klein and Schilling for that role. If Elvis had a Best Friend it was Billy Smith. The Best Friend claim by all three is self claimed, neither Elvis nor the rest of us thought so.

Such A Night

Due for release from the RedeMptioN import label is the 4 CD set "Such A Night - The Definitive Live Rarities Collection". It is packed in an 8 panel deluxe longbox.  

Tracks: 
Disc 1: The Soundboard Recordings:
01. Loving You 23-08-69, 02. Memories 23-08-69, 03. Baby What You want me to do 24-08-69, 04. Runaway 24-08-69, 05. Yesterday-Hey Jude 24-08-69, 06. My Babe 25-08-69, 07. Rubberneckin’ 26-08-69, 08. This Is The story 26-08-69, 09. True love travels on a gravel road 26-01-70, 10. Let it be me 15-02-70, 11. Walk a mile in my shoes 19-02-70, 12. Don’t cry daddy 23-02-70, 13. Kentucky rain 23-02-70, 14. Patch it up 10-08-70, 15. The next step is love 10-08-70, 16. Words 10-08-70, 17. Twenty days and twenty nights 12-08-70, 18. US Male / I was the one 12-08-70, 19. Stranger in the crowd 13-08-70, 20. Make the world go away 27-01-71, 21. Only believe 27-01-71, 22. There goes my everything 27-01-71, 23. The impossible dream 29-01-71, 24. Snowbird 29-01-71, 25. Something 23-02-71, 26. It’s impossible 16-02-72, 27. I’m so lonesome I could cry 12-01-73

Disc 2: The Soundboard Recordings:
01. Welcome to my world 14-01-73, 02. Faded love 13-05-73, 03. Adios me tender 03-09-73, 04. Bridge over suspicious minds 03-09-73, 05. Guadalajara / trouble 03-09-73, 06. The most beautiful girl in the world 27-01-74, 07. My baby left me 28-01-74, 08. The first time ever I saw your face 01-02-74, 09. Spanish eyes 24-05-74, 10. I apologize 27-05-74, 11. Turn around, look at me 28-06-74, 12. When my blue moon / Blue Christmas 29-06-74, 13. Down in the alley 19-08-74, 14. Good times Charlie’s got the blues 19-08-74, 15. If you talk in your sleep 21-08-74, 16. Take these chains from my heart 21-08-74, 17. Bringing it back 02-09-74, 18. Allright ok you win 29-09-74, 19. Green green grass of home 22-03-75, 20. I’ll be there / You’re the reason I’m living 22-03-75, 21. Promised land 30-03-75, 22. My boy 25-04-75, 23. Happy birthday 04-05-75, 24. Jambalaya 04-05-75, 25. The eyes of Texas are upon you 04-06-75, 26. Wooden heart 13-12-75, 27. Just pretend 13-12-75, 28. Danny boy 01-06-76, 29. Return to sender 01-08-76, 30. Blueberry hill 13-02-77, 31. Unchained melody 16-02-77, 32. Where no one stands alone 16-02-77, 33. Moody blue 21-02-77, 34. Reconsider baby 21-02-77, 35. Bosom of Abraham 29-03-77, 36. You better run 29-03-77, 37. Trouble 03-05-77, 38. I really don’t want to know 21-06-77

Disc 3: The Audience Recordings
01. Kentucky rain 03-02-70, 02. Folsom prison blues – i walk the line 14-08-70, 03. Oh happy day 14-08-70, 04. You don’t know me 14-08-70, 05. Ave maria 19-08-70, 06. Memphis Tennessee 20-08-70, 07. More 20-08-70, 08. Sweet inspiration 20-08-70, 09. When the snow is on the roses 24-08-70, 10. San antonio rose 01-09-70, 11. I John 01-08-71, 12. I ain’t about to sing a song 12-08-71, 13. I need your loving everyday 14-08-71, 14. Rip it up 14-08-71, 15. His latest flame 03-09-71, 16. Faded love 15-02-73, 17. I’m so lonesome I could cry 15-02-73, 18. Memphis Tennessee 06-08-73, 19. Trouble – Raised on rock 06-08-73, 20. Tiger man (slow version) 11-08-73, 21. Crying time 12-08-73, 22. Trouble 12-08-73, 23. Amazing grace 14-08-73, 24. It’s a matter of time 25-08-73, 25. What a friend we have in jesus 28-08-73, 26. When my blue moon turns to gold again 09-02-74, 27. You can have her 11-05-74, 28. Roses are red 22-03-75, 29. Jingle bells 01-04-75, 30. Mickey Mouse march 01-04-75, 31. The great pretender 01-04-75, 32. You do something to me 01-04-75, 33. Ku-u-i-po 07-05-75, 34. Bossom of Abrahama you better run 19-07-75, 35. You’ll never walk alone 19-07-75, 36. Suzie Q 20-07-75, 37. Shake a hand 22-07-75, 38. Why me lord 22-07-75, 39. Turn around look at me 23-07-75, 40. Pieces of my life 24-07-75, 41. Return to sender 24-07-75, 42. Shake a hand 24-07-75, 43. Wooden heart 24-07-75, 44. Crying in the chapel 19-08-75, 45. Loving you 19-08-75

Disc 4: The Audience Recordings
01. Young and beautiful 19-08-75, 02. That’s all right – CC Rider 20-08-75, 03. When my blue moon turns to gold again 10-12-75, 04. Wooden heart 13-12-75, 05. Wooden heart (part only) 31-12-75, 06. Crying in the chapel 06-05-76, 07. Loving you 06-05-76, 08. Hawaiian Wedding Song 07-05-76, 09. Happy birthday 09-05-76, 10. Young and beautiful 09-05-76, 11. What now my love 04-12-76, 12. Such a night 12-12-76, 13. Auld lang syne 31-12-76, 14. Rags to riches 31-12-76, 15. Reconsider baby 31-12-76, 16. Rip it up 30-04-77, 17. I really don’t want to know 30-05-77, 18. I really don’t want to know 26-06-77 - 
The Stage Rehearsals:
19. Any day now 02-08-72, 20. Portrait of my love 03-08-72, 21. True love travels on a gravel road 03-08-72, 22. Faded love 04-08-72, 23. True love travels on a gravel road 04-08-72, 24. I’m so lonesome I could cry 25-01-73, 25. Welcome to my world 25-01-73, 26. I’m leavin it up to you 25-01-73, 27. Faded love 25-01-73, 28. Seperate ways #1 25-01-73, 29. Seperate ways #2 25-01-73
The Bonus Songs: 
30. Charlie Pride song 00-00-70, 31. When the swallow comes back 00-02-70, 32. We three 06-09-70, 33. Detroit city 11-09-70, 34. Wooden heart 03-09-71, 35. Faded love 01-07-73, 36. Faded love 07-08-73, 37. That’s amore 29-03-75, 38. Shake a hand 06-06-75, 39. Killing me softly 19-07-75, 40. Memphis Tennessee 22-07-75, 41. Auld lang syne 31-12-75

(Source: ElvisMatters / Globe / email)

August 09 - Graceland Guesthouse Experience

EPE have posted an aerial image of what the new Guest House at Graceland will look like. 

The resort-style Guest House is a $70 million project whose plans include not only a restaurant and sports lounge with the 450 rooms, but also a performance center. The plan is to start with a ceremonial groundbreaking during Elvis Week and a 12-month construction period. It would be the third-largest hotel in the city, and Soden said it has been on Graceland’s list since the mansion opened for tours in the early 1980s and he became CEO. The new hotel eventually will replace the Heartbreak Hotel on the west side of Elvis Presley Boulevard. The plaza directly across the boulevard from the mansion will also probably see some changes. Opening Fall of 2015!

Charts

• The “Heart And Soul” ‚compilation rises from #182 to #131 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart for the week ending August 16, 2014. It also rises from #39 to #21 on the Catalog Album Chart.
• The “The Real … Elvis”  dropped from #67 to #93 on the Italian Album Top 100. 
• The new “Elvis That’s The Way It Is” set entered the Irish Album charts at #93. 
• The 8 disc box-set of the "That's The Way It Is" entered the UK album chart at #75.

(Source: EPE / FECC / ElvisMatters / Elvis Information Network)

August 08 - Graceland Archive Experience

EPE announced the opening of the new Graceland Archives Experience. 

From the press-release:
Fans are in for a treat as we gear up for Elvis Week 2014! The brand new state-of-the-art Archive Studio is now open to the public and fans can get an up-close look at the life of Elvis Presley. Get your tickets!

The Graceland Archives Experience is a part of the most popular ticket package - the Graceland Platinum Tour or the VIP tour. Housed in the new Graceland Archives Studio, Graceland visitors will now get a rare peek inside the vault, allowing them to explore various aspects of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s life and career. Daily presentations will highlight unique artifacts not seen on the traditional tour. Utilizing wardrobe, photographs, documents, film clips and other rare artifacts, guests will experience a special presentation from a Graceland host. 

Guests joining us for Elvis Week will also be able to view several items (pictured above) featured in the first-ever Auction at Graceland inside the new studio. With over 72 items from third-party collectors, the auction will be held on August 14 with collectors from around the world participating onsite and online for this unprecedented event. 

Elvis Week

Elvis Week is a celebration of the music, movies and life of Elvis Presley started August 08, 2014. Join fans at Elvis Presley's Graceland in Memphis for a full week of special events that offer something for everyone to enjoy. The celebrations end August 17, 2014. For details download the app of visit www.elvisweek.com. 

(Source: EPE)