February 28 - Released

The French RDM Edition re-issues of "Roustabout (L'Homme à tout faire) - Bande Originale du Film” and “Kissin' Cousins (Salut, les cousins) - Bande Originale du Film" have been released.

Tracks Roustabout (L'Homme à tout faire) - Bande Originale du Film:
Roustabout 2. Little Egypt 3. Poison Ivy League 4. Hard Knocks 5. It's a Wonderful World 6. Big Love, Big Heartache 7. One Track Heart 8. It's Carnival Time 9. Carny Town 10. There's a Brand New Day on the Horizon 11. Wheels on My Heels 12. Roustabout (mono) 13. Little Egypt (mono) 14. Poison Ivy League (mono) 15. Hard Knocks (mono) 16. It's a Wonderful World (mono) 17. Big Love, Big Heartache (mono) 18. One Track Heart (mono) 19. It's Carnival Time (mono)


Tracks Kissin' Cousins (Salut, les cousins) - Bande Originale du Film:
1. Kissin' Cousins (Number 2) (Giant - Baum - Kaye - ) 2. Smokey Mountain Boy (Rosenblatt - Millrose - ) 3. There's Gold in the Mountains (Giant - Baum - Kaye - ) 4. One Boy, Two Little Girls (Giant - Baum - Kaye - ) 5. Catchin' On Fast (Giant - Baum - Kaye - ) 6. Tender Feeling (Giant - Baum - Kaye - ) 7. Anyone (Could Fall in Love with You) (Benjamin - Marcus - De Jesus - ) 8. Barefoot Ballad (Fuller - Morris - ) 9. Once Is Enough (Tepper - Bennett - ) 10. Kissin' Cousins (Wise - Starr - ) 11. Echoes of Love (Roberts - McMains - ) 12. (It's a) Long Lonely Highway (Pomus - Shuman - ) 13. It Hurts Me (Byers - Daniels - ) 14. Kissin' Cousins (Number 2) (mono) 15. Smokey Mountain Boy (mono) 16. There's Gold in the Mountains (mono) 17. One Boy, Two Little Girls (mono) 18. Catchin' On Fast (mono) 19. Tender Feeling (mono) 20. Anyone (Could Fall in Love with You) (mono)

(Source: Elvis Aktuell)

February 27 - Kissed By ...

Elvis Presley is part of a new Coca Cola campaign "Kissed By" marking the 100th anniversary of the Coca-Cola bottle. 

"Kissed By" is one of many elements of the global marketing campaign marking the 100th anniversary of the Coca-Cola bottle. It features Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley and Ray Charles being "kissed by" the iconic bottle. The idea? That anyone can be "kissed by" Coca-Cola by simply taking a sip from the iconic glass bottle. The classic images featured in the campaign touch on both the inspirational role the Coca-Cola bottle has played in film, music and social history, and its power to bring people bother.

Inspired by a quote by artist Andy Warhol, "Kissed By" celebrates the specialness of Coca-Cola and the iconic bottle. Coca-Cola connects us across generations and across the globe through the simple act of drinking an icy cold Coca-Cola from the iconic glass bottle, a symbol of refreshment and uplift.

A picture of Elvis Presley between takes at RCA Victor’s Studio 1 in New York in 1956 is used. Elvis Presley laughs as he drinks a Coca-Cola. At the session, Presley and his band recorded both ‘Hound Dog’ and ‘Don’t be Cruel’. 

Like Coca-Cola, Marilyn, Elvis and Ray became pop culture icons because of their ability to create happiness for people by way of presence and sensory experience. They're enduringly cool – global stars and street artists alike continue to look to them for inspiration – and they are global, transcending geographical borders. 

Import Released

The import-releases “The Essential Undubbed Masters” and “Good 'n' Country” were released. The first one contains “the most essential undubbed recordings, all edited to full versions, without the studio banter of false starts” according to the press-release. The second title is “a sublime late 60’s and 70’s country album, full of rare versions, live recordings and outtakes, all tracks are unreleased in this form” according to the press-release. 

US Charts

The "Heart And Soul" compilation drops from #14 to #18 on the Billboard Country Catalog Album Chart for the week ending March 7, 2015. Elvis Presley has no other entries on the Billboard Charts.

European Charts

The CD "Elvis 80" dropped from #84 to #90 on the German Album charts. 
On the Australian Album charts "Elvis 80" dropped from #39 to #56 this week. 

The 6 DVD set "The Elvis Collection" climbed from $34 to $41 on the Music Video chart. 

Australian Charts

The DVD "Elvis – The King Of Rock’n’Roll – 30 Hit Performances And More" climbed from #37 to #22 on the Australian Music Video chart. 

(Source: Coca Cola / FECC / Brian Quinn / The King's World / Elvis On CD)

February 26 - Elvis Today Recordings

Continuing the popular Sony/RCA/Legacy releases, the next album in the series of the Kings lifetime album releases is to be Today. The original album's 10 tracks are included and as a bonus on disc one will be the original undubbed session recordings.

The second disc will feature a composite Concert which will be made up of live recordings which Elvis performed in May and June 1975. This was first issued by RCA Records under the title 'Live In Dallas' on the 8 LP box set, Elvis Aron Presley. (The Silver Box).

Elvis Presley Oficially Back In Las Vegas

Elvis Presley’s Graceland and Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino announced today that they will bring the authentic Elvis Presley back to Las Vegas for the first time in 40 years. “Graceland Presents ELVIS: The Exhibition - The Show - The Experience” will include an expansive, new permanent exhibition featuring hundreds of artifacts never before displayed outside of Graceland, and live entertainment shows that celebrate the life and legacy of Elvis Presley. Graceland Holdings LLC Managing Partner Joel Weinshanker and Westgate Resorts CEO David Siegel together made the historic announcement that Elvis will be back in the building, and unveiled specific details of the upcoming exhibition and entertainment, which are scheduled to debut April 23, 2015. The press conference took place on the 46th anniversary of Elvis’ first press event at the construction site of the same venue, then known as the International Hotel, where Elvis performed over 600 record-breaking, sold-out shows.

The first-ever permanent Graceland exhibition outside of Memphis will encompass over 28,000 square feet and include hundreds of artifacts from the Presley family’s treasured Graceland Archives, showcasing the man, the performer and the music that revolutionized popular culture around the world. Visitors will experience an unprecedented journey through Elvis’ life and career, beginning with his early days in Tupelo, Miss., through his first recording session in Memphis, rise to fame, Hollywood career, life at Graceland, the Las Vegas years and more. Graceland-produced videos will immerse guests in the experience, concluding with a 26-minute retrospective film featuring Elvis’ greatest performances. 

Some of the rare artifacts include Elvis’ high school yearbooks, his first Gold Album, his 1957 Harley Davidson motorcycle, a 1962 Lincoln Continental, 1971 Stutz Blackhawk, jewelry and iconic stage wear from Elvis’ live performances, including the first outfit worn on stage for his first concert at the International Hotel in 1969. Select artifacts will be rotated regularly with artifacts in the Graceland Archives, to keep the exhibit constantly evolving and fresh. The exhibition will be open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and tickets are priced at $22 plus taxes and fees, and available for purchase now.

The newly renamed and renovated Elvis Presley International Showroom will present Elvis-themed live shows for limited engagement runs on the very stage where Elvis performed for millions of guests during his record-breaking, seven-year stint from 1969 through 1976. The debut show will be “The Elvis Experience,” a large-scale production replicating one of Elvis’ legendary Las Vegas shows, starring actor Martin Fontaine and featuring 24 musicians and eight choir members portraying the original musicians and artists on stage with Elvis. The Elvis Experience is scheduled to open with the exhibition on April 23 and perform Tuesdays through Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now and start at $49 plus taxes and fees. After this limited engagement, the property will feature other limited-run, Graceland-produced live shows in the Elvis Presley International Showroom.

Another exciting feature will be the new, “Elvis Presley’s Graceland Wedding Chapel” which will be the first-ever wedding chapel in Las Vegas to be operated by Elvis Presley Enterprises. Additional information on the chapel and special packages will be announced in March. The chapel is also scheduled to open on April 23.

The grand opening of the exhibition, live show and wedding chapel will be marked with a star-studded celebration, with Priscilla Presley joining the roster of VIPs and celebrities on the red carpet. Tickets for the exclusive opening celebration and opening weekend are on sale now.

“Elvis is synonymous with Las Vegas and this property, so we are tremendously excited to have this new attraction and live show here to entertain Las Vegas visitors,” said David Siegel, CEO of Westgate Resorts. “It is a true honor to join forces with Elvis Presley’s Graceland to bring Elvis to the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. We are thrilled to have Elvis back in the building.” 

“After a 40 year absence, it’s time for the authentic Elvis Presley to return to Las Vegas,” stated Joel Weinshanker, Managing Partner of Graceland Holdings LLC. “Elvis redefined live entertainment in Las Vegas, so there’s no better location for this new venture than the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, the very site where more people saw Elvis perform live than anywhere else in the world,” Weinshanker said. “The extensive exhibition, live shows and wedding chapel will together create an unprecedented Elvis experience for visitors.”

Elvis - The New Recordings

The CD "Elvis - The New Recordings" containing 26 songs with new instrumental overdubs by Larry Jordan (VoiceMasters) has been released. 

Tracks:
So Glad You´re Mine - She´s Not You - Good Luck Charm - Fame And Fortune - Reconsider Baby - Stuck On You - I Gotta Know - The Girl Of My Best Friend - Just Tell Her Im Said Hello - Fever - Island Of Love - Wild In The Country - Can´t Help Falling In Love - Judy - I Will Be Home Again - Soldier Boy - Love Me Tender - Anything That´s Part Of You - Starting Today - Home Is Where The Heart Is - Gently - Something Blue - It´s A Sin - Just For Old Time´s Sake - Mansion Over The Hilltop - In My Way

(Source: Elvis And His Music / Elvis The Man And His Music Magazine / EPE)

February 25 - Cover-art

Here are the cover-art for Wax Time vinyl re-issue of the “King Creole” soundtrack and the Xtra CD release “Elvis Presley Hymnbook” which are respectively due for release on and March 16, and April 27, 2015.


Tracks Hymnbook:
Peace In The Valley - It Is No Secret (What God Can Do)  - I Believe  - Take My Hand, Precious Lord -  His Hand In Mine - (I'm) Gonna Walk Dem Golden Stairs - In My Father's House - Milky White Way - Known Only To Him - I Believe In The Man In The Sky - Joshua Fit The Battle - He Knows Just What I Need - Swing Down Sweet Chariot - Mansion Over The Hilltop - If We Never Meet Again - Working On The Building.

(Source: Amazon)

February 23 - Follow That Samsung Road To Stardom

The Korean electronic company Samsung used Elvis Presley's song "Follow That Dream" in a new commercial entitled "Movie Magic" for their Galaxy product line. Elvis Presley only makes a very small "cameo" in the clip. The commercial ran during the Academy Award 2015 broadcast on TV.

80 Jahre Elvis Presley

Due for release from the German VZ-Handelsgesellschaft mbH on February 24, 2015 in the series “Biografien Grosser Stars” is the DVD “80 Jahre Elvis Presley”. This is a re-issue of the 2001 documentary DVD “The King Of Rock And Roll”.

Enquirer Tribute

The Enquier released an 80th Anniversary commemorative magazine on Elvis Presley entitled "The Road To Stardom". The 80 page magazine contains over 100 rare photos of Elvis Presley's early years according to the description. 

Bobby Emmons Passed Away

In a series of tweets, B.J. Thomas announced on his official Twitter that Bobby Emmons has passed away. Emmons was the renowned organist for the Memphis Boys (Bobby Wood plays piano). 

"RIP Bobby Emmons. One of the truly great musicians and a beautiful man. American Studio Group. Love to Dot and the family." BJ 

"If this was an industry that recognized the truly great studio artists, there would be sadness in every musician's heart tonight, at the passing of Bobby Emmons. One of the Greats. Goodbye my friend, and thank you." BJ 

(Source: FECC / Amazon)

February 22 - Shaking Them Up

The SR import-label announced their forthcoming release entitled "Shaking Them Up". This CD features feature the unreleased afternoon show from Jacksonville April 16, 1972.

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 April 16th afternoon show, a rare show from a the first tour of the 1972, known well from the Elvis on Tour documentary... Elvis' love of singing is clear in this tape and we are glad to give you the opportunity to listen to it. 

After the emotionally breakdown of Vegas winter season where personal problems have blended with music and subsequent depression, Elvis starts the first of the three tours of the year with the will to give his best. The April tour 19 concerts in 15 days will be filmed from the MGM documentary Elvis in Tour and still present Elvis’ at the top of his possibility, the repertoire of the tour is an extension of the Vegas February season with the only inclusion of For The good times and Burning in love coming for his recording March sessions . The man looks pale in front the cameras and no in his best looking although in terrific shape, however in no way is possible to compare him with previous November 1971 tour.

Talking about the show , the show is solid and rough no too long considering a tour concert, we have 53 minutes only, but Elvis worked hard performing 18 songs, including his new single “An American Trilogy.” together his classic best repertoire of Vegas.. Talking of highlight of the show, we can agree with the Florida-Times review, the physical performance of Suspicious minds is surely the best moment of the show.

This recording come from an early generation copy of the master tape, the sound quality is very good considering the early Tour. The sound was restored in matter to remove the background noise and preserving Elvis’ voice and trying to achieve best possible results. We have spent hours in the studio over the digital restoration of the sound, to give you the chance to hear it with pleasure.

This new CD will come with the classic of deluxe Digipack four panels, containing a collection of live photographs from the actual show. The running-time of the CD is 53.00 minutes.

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.Heartbreak Hotel 12.Hound Dog 13.How Great Thou Art 14.I Can’t Stop Loving You 15.Suspicious Minds 16.Band Introductions 17.For The Good Times 18.An American Trilogy 19.Funny How Time Slips Away 20.Can’t Help Falling In Love21.Closing Vamp 

February 21 - Elvis Drinks Coca Cola?

Although officially not announced, ElvisMatters just got confirmation that Elvis Presley Enterprises and Cocal Cola have entered a new advertisement agreement. Keypicture in the campaign is the well known Alfred Wertheimer shot, with Elvis carrying a bottle of Coke. The jacket gets white and red stripes to emphasize the brand's colors.

(Source: ElvisMatters)

February 20 - 50,000,000 Golden Records

The HooDoo budgetlabel will re-issue the "Elvis' Golden Records" and "50.000.000 Elvis Fans Can't Be Wrong" on one disc with six additional bonus tracks. The CD is due March 16, 2015. 

Tracks:
A Big Hunk O' Love, My Wish Came True, (Now And Then There's) A Fool Such As I, I Need Your Love Tonight, Don't, I Beg Of You, Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me), Party, Paralyzed, One Night, I Got Stung, King Creole. Wear My Ring Around Your Neck, Doncha' Think It's Time.

Elvis Dans Viva Las Vegas

The CD "Elvis Dans Viva Las Vegas" was released by the French RDM Edition in their "Bande Originale Du Film" series. It features the soundtrack for the 1964 "Viva Las Vegas" soundtrack.

Elvis, Vegas Rhythm Revisited


The Gravel Road Music import label has finally released the 2nd volume in their "Directly from soundboard recording"-series; "Elvis, Vegas Rhythm Revisited". This contains a Deluxe 110 pages book with a CD featuring a soundboard recording of the Dinner show in Las Vegas on February 3rd, 1973. There is also included a Multi Media DVD in full format 2 extra shows (February 2nd, Midnight Show and February 3rd, 1973 Midnight Show) and 45 Minutes 8 mm footage of the January/ February Vegas Season.

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

February 19 - Hotel Grunewald Sold

The Hotel Grunewald in the German city Bad Nauheim has been sold. Elvis Presley and his entourage rented several rooms (Elvis #10) for a period of 4 months starting October 1959, while stationed in Germany. They were kindly requested to leave. Which they did, and the Elvis Group moved to a house in the Guthestrasse, half a mile further.

The landlady, Mrs. Issberner-Haldane, is 91 and retired with friends in Bayern (Germany). Last December, she sold the property to an architect bureau, but both the money paid for the hotel or the future plans, are unknown. 

Charts

• The CD "Elvis 80" dropped from #62 to #84 on the German Album chart. The set dropped off the Swiss Album chart from last week's listing at #77. On the Austrian Album chart the CD is listed at #39, dropping 12 places formalist week's listing at #27.
• The "Heart And Soul" compilation remains at #14 on the Billboard Country Catalogue Album Charts for the week ending February 28, 2015. Elvis Presley has no other entries on the Billboard Charts.
• The "The Real... Elvis" dropped off the Italian Album chart from last week's  listing at #85. 
• The "The Essential Elvis Presley" dropped off the Dutch Mid-price Album chart from last week's listing at #24.
• The Warner Home Video 6 DVD set “The Elvis Collection” dropped from #28 to #43 on the Official UK Music DVD chart. 
• The “Love Songs” budget compilation dropped from #41 to #59 on the Scottish Album chart.
• The DVD “Elvis: The King Of Rock 'N' Roll” is a re-entry at #37 on the Australian Music Video DVD chart. 

New CD

Due for release from the Xtra label is the CD “Elvis Presley Hymnbook”.

New Vinyl

Due for release from the Not Now label on March 16, 2015 is the vinyl release “The Sun Singles Collection”.

Tracks Side A:
1. That's All Right 2. Good Rockin' Tonight 3. Milkcow Blues Boogie 4. I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone 5. Mystery Train 6. I Love You Because 7. Just Because

Side B:
8. Blue Moon Of Kentucky 9. I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine 10. You're A Heartbreaker 11. Baby, Let's Play House 12. I Forgot To Remember To Forget 13. That's When Your Heartaches Begin 14. The Truth About Me (Teen Parade Interview).

Reinventing Elvis 

A team of digital artists have been challenged by technology company Samsung to use their Galaxy Note 4 phones to come up with images of how famous stars would look if photographed present day. Here is a selection of their results with how the stars looked in their heyday.

Additional For German fans on the sale of Hotel Grunewald

"Mit der Sanierung denkmalgeschützter Gebäude hat das Bad Nauheimer Architekturbüro Möller weitreichende Erfahrungen gesammelt, bald widmet sich die Firma einem besonders sensiblen Projekt – dem Hotel Grunewald. Ende der 50er Jahre residierte Superstar Elviis Presley dort vier Monate lang.

Das Gebäude in der Terrassenstraße 10, errichtet in der Gründerzeit, gilt nicht nur als stadtbildprägend, sondern hat auch einen besonderen kulturhistorischen Wert, ist seine Historie doch untrennbar mit dem Aufenthalt von Elvis Presley in der Kurstadt verbunden. Weil der Superstar dort in den Jahren 1958/59 vier Monate lebte und sein Zimmer Nummer 10 im Originalzustand der damaligen Zeit erhalten ist, hat sich das »Grunewald« zu einer Art Pilgerstätte für die Fans entwickelt.

Die Möllers wissen um die Geschichte des ehemaligen Hotels, das seit Herbst 2011 leersteht. Die ehemalige Eigentümerin Rita Issberner-Haldane ist inzwischen 91 Jahre alt und lebt längst bei Bekannten in Villingen-Schwenningen. Wie Architekt Alfred Möller im Gespräch mit der WZ bestätigt, hat er die Villa zusammen mit seinem Sohn und Juniorchef Christian bereits im Dezember erworben. Wie aus dem Bekanntenkreis von Rita Issberner-Haldane zu erfahren war, wird die frühere Hotel-Betreiberin wohl nicht mehr nach Bad Nauheim zurückkehren: »Sie war im Herbst mehrfach in der Kurstadt, hat mit dem Kapitel aber abgeschlossen.« Weil das Gebäude nur Kosten verursache, aber keine Einnahmen generiere, habe sich der Betreuer der 91-Jährigen zum Verkauf entschlossen.

Vater und Sohn Möller wollen das »Grunewald« umfassend und in enger Abstimmung mit dem Denkmalschutz renovieren. Laut Alfred Möller ist die Bausubstanz gut erhalten. Schäden am Dach seien rechtzeitig behoben worden, eindringende Feuchtigkeit habe keine größeren Spuren hinterlassen. Trotzdem: Heizung, Dach, Fenster, Sanitäranlagen – alles muss erneuert werden. Hinzu kommt die Wärmedämmung, die bei diesem Gründerzeit-Haus mit Renaissance-Stilelementen nur von innen realisiert werden kann. Die ungepflegten Bäume seien kürzlich gefällt worden, weil ihre Wurzeln das Mauerwerk angegriffen hätten. »Die Nachbarn waren damit nicht glücklich, es musste aber sein«, sagt der Seniorchef.

Wie bei anderen Projekten in Bad Nauheim wollen die Möllers auch in der Terrassenstraße vermieten und nicht verkaufen. Was genau entsteht, ist noch nicht klar. »Im Moment lautet die Überschrift ›Wohnen»«, betont Alfred Möller. Die Villa samt Anbau sei nicht allzu groß, auf jeder der drei Etagen könnten ein bis zwei hochwertige Wohnungen entstehen. Die Familie möchte Eigentümer bleiben, um das Gebäude nach eigenen Vorstellungen und eng angelehnt an die ursprüngliche Architektur restaurieren und erhalten zu können, erläutert Christian Möller. Zeitdruck herrsche nicht, 2015 oder 2016 soll mit den Arbeiten begonnen werden.

Was mit dem Elvis-Zimmer unter dem Dach geschehen soll, ist ebenfalls nicht entschieden. »Elvis-Fans haben uns diesbezüglich bereits angesprochen. Wir sind für alle guten Ideen offen«, sagt Alfred Möller. Bürgermeister Armin Häuser geht von einem »sensiblen Umgang mit dem kulturellen Erbe« aus. Weil schon länger Verkaufsgerüchte kursierten, sei auch die Stadtverwaltung angesprochen und zum Erwerb aufgefordert worden. Das sei aus finanziellen Gründen aber nicht machbar, sagt Häuser."

(Source: Elvis Memories / Helmut Radermacher / Amazon / Telegraph / FECC / Wetterauer Zeitung / Brian Quinn / The King's World)

February 16 - New Releases

Due for release on-vinyl from the Russian DOL-label is the classic “Elvis’ Golden Records”  . The album will be produced by Juno Records on 180g Vinyl.

Tracks:
Hound Dog - Loving You - All Shook Up - Heartbreak Hotel - Jailhouse Rock - Love Me - Too Much - Don't Be Cruel - That's When Your Heartaches Begin - (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear - Love Me Tender - Treat Me Nice - Any Way You Want Me (That's How I Will Be) - I Want You, I Need You, I Love You

Released

The Wax Time vinyl re-issue of “Pot Luck” has been released. This edition comes with 2 additional bonus tracks.  The Hoo Doo budget label released the compilation “The Number One Hits: 1956 - 1962”. 

Tracks:
01. Heartbreak Hotel 02. I Want You, I Need You, I love You 03. Don't be cruel 04. Hound Dog 05. Love Me Tender 06. I Forgot to Remember to Forget 07. Too Much 08. All Shook Up 09. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear 10. Jailhouse Rock 11. Don't 12. Hard Headed Woman 13. One Night 14. ( Now and Then There's) A Fool Such As I 15. A Big Hunk of Love 16. Stuck On You 17. It's Now or Never 18. Are You Lonesome Tonight? 19. Wooden Heart 20. Surrender 21. (Marie's the Name) His Lastest Flame 22. Can't Help Falling in Love 23. Good Luck Charm 24. She's Not You 25. Return to Sender.

The Straight Arrow import double CD release, called "Loose As A Goose", featuring the August 19th, 1970 Las Vegas dinner and midnight shows has been released. These recordings were first released in 1998 ("Double Dynamite" set) .

Not Released Yet

Due for release on March 9 2015 from the Wax-time label is a vinyl re-issue of the “King Creole” soundtrack. 

(Source: Elvis Aktuell / Amazon)

February 17 - Elvis Still #1 In The UK

Elvis Presley is still the "Most Successful Chart Act" in the United Kingdom in 2015. The Official Charts Company has published its "Most Successful UK Chart Acts" as of 19th February, 2015. The result is calculated by the amount of weeks on the chart for both Singles and Albums combined. One point is gained for each week an album/or single appears in the Top 75. The numbers are quite staggering knowing that Elvis has not recorded any new studio material since 1976!

The top 10: 
1. Elvis Presley – 2636 weeks (1302 weeks for singles) (1334 weeks for albums)
2. Cliff Richard – 2033 weeks (1177 weeks singles) (856 weeks for albums)
3. Michael Jackson–1906 weeks (686 weeks singles) (1220 weeks albums)
4. The Beatles – 1832 (461 weeks for singles) (1371 weeks for albums)
5. Queen – 1823 weeks (439 weeks singles) (1384 weeks for albums)
6. Madonna – 1822 (736 weeks for singles) (1086 weeks for albums)
7. Elton John – 1670 weeks (649 weeks singles) (1021 weeks albums)
8. Rod Stewart – 1590 weeks (476 weeks singles) (1114 weeks albums)
9. U2 – 1445 weeks (363 weeks for singles) (1082 weeks for albums)
10. David Bowie – 1419 weeks (459 weeks singles) (960 weeks albums)

Elvis Presley UK Chart Singles:

• 21 No.1’s
• 76 Top 10’s
• 140 Top 40’s
• 165 Top 75’s
• 80 weeks at No.1
• 386 weeks in Top 10
• 1062 weeks in Top 40
• 1302 weeks in Top 75

Elvis Presley UK Chart Albums:

• 11 No.1’s
• 49 Top 10’s
• 92 Top 40’s
• 118 Top 75’s
• 63 weeks at No.1
• 523 weeks in Top 10
• 1004 weeks in Top 40
• 1334 weeks in Top 75

(Source: Elvis Information Network / Official UK Chart Company)

February 14 - The Essential Undubbed Country

Two new import-releases have been announced; “The Essential Undubbed Masters” and “Good ’N’ Country"

From the press-release The Essential Undubbed Masters:
For the first time the most essential undubbed recordings. All edited to full versions, without the studio banter of false starts. All tracks are unreleased in this form. The pure high class Elvis sound!

Tracks The Essential Undubbed Masters:
Suspicious Minds / Don’t Cry Daddy / It Keep Right On A Hurtin’ / In The Ghetto / I Really Don’t Want To Know / When I’m Over You / I Washed My Hands In Muddy Water / The Fool / I’ll Take You Home Again Kathleen / For The Good Times / Separate Ways / Burning Love / Always On My Mind / Find Out What’s Happening / Loving Arms / Good Time Charlie’s Got The Blues / If You Talk In Your Sleep / Promised Land / Way Down / Moody Blue

From the press-release Good ’N’ Country:
A sublime late 60’s and 70’s country album, full of rare versions, live recordings and outtakes. All tracks are unreleased in this form. If you ever decide to buy an elvis country compilation album, this the one for you. It comes as a digi-pack  with rare full-color pictures.

Tracks Good ’N’ Country:
I Was Born About 10.000 Years Ago (Unedited Master) / It Ain’t No Big Thing (Take 6) / Faded Love (Brass And Strings Overdub Master) / Make The World Go Away (Take 3) / Snowbird (Harmony Vocal Overdub) / Pieces Of My Life (Alternate Mix) / The Fool (Undubbed Master) / Welcome To My World (Recorded Live, Differend Mix) / Until It’s Time For You To Go (Take 6) / Early Morning Rain (Take 11) / Little Cabin On The Hill (Unedited Master) / Green Green Grass Of Home (Take 3) / There’s A Honky Tonk Angel (Take 1) / Susan When She Tried (Take 2) / If I’m A Fool For Loving You (Take 3) / If You Love Me Let Me Know (Rough Undubbed Live Master) / Talk About The Good Times (Take 3) / I’ll Be There (Take 6, Improved Sound) / It’s A Matter Of Time (Brass And Strings Overdub Master) / For The Good Times (Undubbed Alternate Master).

The Hidden Elvis Chevy
 

Legend has it that Elvis Presley wanted to be an undercover agent. Turns out, he may have been a good one. Three-time NASCAR championship winning crew chief Ray Evernham recently visited Graceland to shoot a segment for his Velocity show AmeriCarna about the last car Elvis drove before he died, a 1973 Stutz Blackhawk III. While he was there, the Graceland folks told him the vehicle he really wanted to see was tucked away in a warehouse out back. There, under a sheet, was a rusty old 1948 Chevrolet Panel Van that they say Elvis used to use to sneak out of Graceland when he wanted to avoid his fans and the press.

Apparently, the King used to put on a baseball cap and a jacket and slip out via a rear driveway when he wanted to go to the movies or shopping, and no one was ever the wiser. One time the truck even broke down on the side of the road and several members of the Graceland staff passed by with no idea that it was the boss that was stranded.


The Chevy has been hidden from public view since Elvis died, and is just the way he left it. Along with his famous 1955 pink Cadillac, it’s purportedly been in Graceland’s collection the longest. 

(Source: FECC /  Elvis Matters)

February 13 - Soundtrack Music, Memories And Charts

The Go Entertain budget-release "Elvis Presley - Original Recordings" was awarded a Silver Award for the sales of 60,000 copies in the UK by the BPI. This set was originally released September 22, 2008.

Memories

Due for release from Entertainment One on May 19 205 is "Elvis Presley: Music & Memories". 

Synopsis:
This Illustrated Limited Edition hardback book together with four DVD s provides an insight into the unique journey of one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century Elvis Presley. Follow the authoritative text charting the career of the man they call the King of Rock and Roll . We follow Presley from his carefree beginnings at Sun records to global superstardom. In addition the book features rare interviews with the legendary Elvis guitarist Scotty Moore, Drummer DJ Fontana and many more!

US Charts

• "Heart And Soul" rises from #20 to #14 on the Billboard Country Catalog Album Chart for the week ending February 21, 2015.
• "He Touched Me: The Gospel Music Of Elvis Presley (Vols. 1 and 2)" is a re-entry at 8 on the Music Video Sales Chart.

European Charts

• On the German Album charts the CD “Elvis 80” dropped from #42 to #62. 
• The “Elvis 80” CD dropped from #60 to #77 on the Austrian Album charts. On the Swiss Album chart this CD dropped from #24 TO #27. 
• The “The Real … Elvis” dropped from #82 to #85 on the Italian Album chart. 
• The “The Essential Elvis Presley“ CD climbed from #49 to #24 on the Dutch Mid-price Album charts. 
• The Warner Bros. 6 DVD set “The Elvis Collection” dropped from #26 to #28.
• On the Scottish Album charts “Elvis Love Songs” dropped from #28 to #41.

Australian Charts

• The DVD “Elvis – The King Of Rock’n’Roll – 30 Hit Performances And More” fell off the Australian Music DVD chart after a re-entry at #39 last week.

Soundtracks

Due for release from RDM Edition on February 27, 2015 are the CD “Roustabout (L'Homme à tout faire) - Bande Originale du Film”, “Kissin' Cousins (Salut, les cousins) - Bande Originale du Film”.

Tracks Roustabout (L'Homme à tout faire) - Bande Originale du Film:
Roustabout 2. Little Egypt 3. Poison Ivy League 4. Hard Knocks 5. It's a Wonderful World 6. Big Love, Big Heartache 7. One Track Heart 8. It's Carnival Time 9. Carny Town 10. There's a Brand New Day on the Horizon 11. Wheels on My Heels 12. Roustabout (mono) 13. Little Egypt (mono) 14. Poison Ivy League (mono) 15. Hard Knocks (mono) 16. It's a Wonderful World (mono) 17. Big Love, Big Heartache (mono) 18. One Track Heart (mono) 19. It's Carnival Time (mono)


Tracks Kissin' Cousins (Salut, les cousins) - Bande Originale du Film:
1. Kissin' Cousins (Number 2) (Giant - Baum - Kaye - ) 2. Smokey Mountain Boy (Rosenblatt - Millrose - ) 3. There's Gold in the Mountains (Giant - Baum - Kaye - ) 4. One Boy, Two Little Girls (Giant - Baum - Kaye - ) 5. Catchin' On Fast (Giant - Baum - Kaye - ) 6. Tender Feeling (Giant - Baum - Kaye - ) 7. Anyone (Could Fall in Love with You) (Benjamin - Marcus - De Jesus - ) 8. Barefoot Ballad (Fuller - Morris - ) 9. Once Is Enough (Tepper - Bennett - ) 10. Kissin' Cousins (Wise - Starr - ) 11. Echoes of Love (Roberts - McMains - ) 12. (It's a) Long Lonely Highway (Pomus - Shuman - ) 13. It Hurts Me (Byers - Daniels - ) 14. Kissin' Cousins (Number 2) (mono) 15. Smokey Mountain Boy (mono) 16. There's Gold in the Mountains (mono) 17. One Boy, Two Little Girls (mono) 18. Catchin' On Fast (mono) 19. Tender Feeling (mono) 20. Anyone (Could Fall in Love with You) (mono)

All You Need Is - Presley Elvis

Due for release from the Wagram budget label on March 23 is the 3 CD set "All You Need Is - Presley Elvis". It contains tracks by Elvis Presley and other arists.

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

February 12 - Love Pink Vinyl

The Vee-Tone release "Love Me - The British HMV Singles '56-'57" will be released also be released as a limited edition of 500 copies on pink vinyl. It contains all 8 singles from between March ’56 to March ’57 in chronological order. 

Description:
"Love Me - The British HMV Singles ’56 - ’57  is a stunning 12” album bringing together in chronological order, all of Elvis’ electrifying and now highly collectible British HMV (His Masters Voice) singles released between March ’56 and March ’57. This special limited edition pink pressing of only 500 copies, comes in a 180g vinyl format. When Elvis signed his new recording contract in November 1955, taking him from Sun Records in Memphis, to national music giant RCA Victor, nobody could have predicted the influence he would have on the course of popular music worldwide. Elvis’ pioneering, early UK singles were released on EMIs, HMV label before being moved by British Decca over to RCA/RCA Victor in 1958. LOVE ME – The British HMV Singles ’56 - ’57, charts Elvis’ meteoric rise in Britain. Featuring recordings from Elvis’ Sun Records catalogue and the now legendary RCA ’56 sessions, 16 pure Rock ‘n’ Roll gems, pre-army Presley at his very best! 

SIDE A 
Heartbreak Hotel HMV 7M 385 (45) / Pop 182 (78) 
I Was The One HMV 7M 385 (45) / Pop 182 (78) 
Blue Suede Shoes HMV 7M 405 (45) / Pop 213 (78) 
Tutti Frutti HMV 7M 405 (45) / Pop 213 (78) 
I Want You, I Need You, I Love You HMV 7M 424 (45) / Pop 235 (78) 
My Baby Left Me HMV 7M 424 (45) / Pop 235 (78) 
Hound Dog HMV POP 249 
Don't Be Cruel HMV POP 249 

SIDE B 
Blue Moon HMV POP 272(45 & 78) 
I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine HMV POP 272 (45 & 78) 
Love Me Tender HMV POP 253 (45 & 78) 
Any Way You Want Me HMV POP 253 (45 & 78) 
Mystery Train HMV POP 295 (45 & 78) 
Love Me HMV POP 295 (45 & 78) 
Rip It Up HMV POP 305 (45 & 78) 
Baby, Let's Play House HMV POP 305 (45 & 78) 

(Source: Vee-Tone / The King's World)

February 11 - Elvis Files

Volume 7 in "The Elvis Files" biography series will (probably) be released August 2015 according to an update from Elvis Lorentzen. Especially the work on the pictures is still work in progress. 

(Source: Elvis Aktuell)

February 10 - Little Book Of Movie Soundtracks

Due for release from G2 Entertainment on June 6, 2015 is the book “Little Book of Elvis Presley: In the Movies” from by Timothy Knight. The book pays homage to the pop culture icon who burned up the screen without ever breaking a sweat according to the publisher. The book was first released in 2013 as part of a DVD set. 

Bande Originale 

Due for release from RDM Edition on February 20, 2015 is the “Bande Originale Du Film: Viva Las Vegas (L'Amour En Quatrième Vitesse)”. 

Tracks:
If You Think I Don't Need You - I Need Somebody To Lean On - C'mon Everybody - Today, Tomorrow And Forever - What'd I Say - Viva Las Vegas - If You Think I Don't Need You (Mono) - I Need Somebody To Lean On (Mono) - C'mon Everybody (Mono) - Today, Tomorrow And Forever (Mono) - What'd I Say (Mono) - Viva Las Vegas (Mono).

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin)

February 07 - Follow That Blu Ray To Vegas

The 1962 United Artists movie "Follow That Dream" will be released on Blu-ray by Final Cut Entertainment in Europe March 23, 2015. 

Graceland Is Taking Its Show on the Road to Las Vegas
 
The new operators of Elvis Presley’s estate and brand took their show on the road for the first time with a nine-month exhibition of Presley artifacts at London’s O2 arena that began in December. Now Graceland, the longtime Presley home that opened to the public in Memphis in 1982, five years after the star's death, will establish a second permanent home in Las Vegas, where the singer had some of his greatest triumphs.

The plan will not be officially announced until later this month, but Joel Weinshanker, the managing partner of Graceland, said that the new Presley outpost — featuring an exhibition space and live performances — will be at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino on the site of the former International Hotel, where Presley played a record 58 consecutive sold-out shows in 1969. Presley would eventually play 837 performances in Las Vegas.

“We have everything from a 35-foot-high outdoor sign promoting Elvis’s show there to a Stutz car he had delivered to him when he first performed in Las Vegas in 1956,” Mr. Weinshanker said, adding that the live performances will be “Elvis-related but not Elvis impersonators.”

Las Vegas offers an opportunity to show off more of the million Graceland artifacts that often remain in storage, Mr. Weinshanker said, saying that the exhibit will not cannibalize audiences from Graceland but whet people’s appetites for a trip to Memphis. “Once you give someone a taste of this they’ll want more,” he said.

Mr. Weinshanker, who is also founder of the National Entertainment Collectibles Association, partnered in late 2013 with the Authentic Brands Group, which bought 85 percent of Elvis Presley Enterprises. Presley’s daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, owns the rest as well as Graceland and its artifacts. Mr. Weinshanker oversees Graceland and live events, while Authentic Brands Group manages licensing and intellectual property.

Kim Howe Died

The woman killed in a horror crash involving reality TV star Bruce Jenner was actress Kim Howe. She once appeared in a music video for "I Love Only One Girl" alongside Elvis Presley in the 1967 movie "Double Trouble". 

In her early 20s, Ms Howe is seen dressed as a traditional German frauline holding a stein of beer with her long blonde hair tied up in a bun. She features on screen a few moments into the song I Love Only One Girl, as Elvis walks down the steps of a bandstand and into a dancing crowd before walking up to her. The King takes her hand, they raise their glasses and then perform a short dance, during which time Ms Howe can be seen beaming at the music star. Elvis grabs a bouquet of flowers from a passing seller, hands them to Ms Howe, and then walks off while continuing the song.

(Source: Amazon / NY Times / ElvisMatters / Mail Online)

Februar 06 - Follow those Releases

The Follow That Dream collector's label announced it's new March 2015 releases. Product is expected ship week commencing March 1 for delivery by you by w/c March 8. "This Is Elvis" provides an extended and enhanced soundtrack to the legendary 1981 movie. FTD Books Presents a deluxe hardback book with 288 pages and 100 unpublished photographs. It includes a CD with newly-mastered audio from the show on March 25, 1961. "Elvis Now" – and Again features an alternative extended version of the original album. On 180gram vinyl and mastered at Abbey Road Studios, it includes mainly outtakes. NOTE: Hey Jude is omitted as it will feature on a forthcoming Elvis at American Sound vinyl release.

Details "This Is Elvis":

What accounted for his undeniable mystique? The answer is contained in a remarkable biography, written on film instead of the printed page –– This Is Elvis –– a David L. Wolper Production of an Andrew Solt/Malcolm Leo Film for Warner Bros. release. Written, directed and produced by Solt and Leo (best known for their television special Heroes OF Rock and Roll). The film follows innovations first introduced by producer Wolper, whose 650 films include the Emmy-winning Roots and the Oscar winning The Hellstrom Chronicle. With the unprecedented cooperation of those who best new Presley, the film combines rare, never-before-seen footage, privately owned kinescopes from TV’s early years, remarkable outtakes from Presley’s movies and accurate recreations of pivotal moments in his life. (Taken from the original publicity brochure).

Disc 1 - Original Album Side A:
(Marie’s The Name) His Latest Flame (Original Record master) - Moody Blue (Original Record Master) -  That’s All Right (Original Record Master) - Shake, Rattle And Roll / Flip, Flop And Fly (28.01.1956 “Stage Show”) - Heartbreak Hotel (17.03.1956. “Stage Show") - Hound Dog (05.06.1956. “The Milton Berle Show”) - Excerpt From “Hy Gardner Calling” (01.07.1956) - My Baby Left Me (Original Record Master)
Side B:
Merry Christmas Baby (Original Record Master - Edited / Shortened Version) - Mean Woman Blues (Movie Version) - Don’t Be Cruel (09.09.1956 “The Ed Sullivan Show”) - (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear (Original Record Master) - Jailhouse Rock (Original Record Master) - Excerpt From Army Swearing In (24.03.1958) - G. I. Blues (Original Record Master) - Excerpt From Departure For Germany Interview (22.09.1958) - Excerpt From Home From Germany Press Conference (07.03.1960)
Side C:
Too Much Monkey Business (Original Record Master - Edited / Shortened Version) - Love Me Tender (Original Record Master) - I’ve Got A Thing About You Baby (Original Record Master - Edited / Shortened Version) - I Need Your Love Tonight (Original Record Master) - Blue Suede Shoes (NBC TV Special) - Viva Las Vegas (Original Record Master) - Suspicious Minds (12.08.1970 M/S - Edited / Shortened Version) - Excerpt From Elvis’ Speech At The JC’s Award - 16.01.1971) - Promised Land (Original Record Master - Edited / Shortened Version)
Side D:
Excerpt From Madison Square Garden Press Conference (009.06.1972) - Always On My Mind (30.03.1972  "Elvis On Tour") - Are You Lonesome Tonight? (21.06.1977 "Elvis In Concert") - My Way (21.06.1977 "Elvis In Concert") - An American Trilogy (09.04.1972 "Elvis On Tour") - Memories (Original Record Master - Edited / Shortened Version)

CD 2 - Expanded Home Video Tracks:
I Was The One (18.02.1956  "Stage Show") - Hound Dog (01.07.1956 "The Steve Allen Show") - Love Me Tender (End Title Version) - Trouble (Original Record Master) - Ready Teddy (09.09.1956 "The Ed Sullivan Show") - King Creole (Original Record Master) - As Long As I Have You (Original Record Master) - Frankfort Special (Original Record Master) - Stuck On You (26.03.1960 "The Frank Sinatra Timex Show”) - Witchcraft / Love Me Tender (Without Reprise - 26.03.1960 "The Frank Sinatra Timex Show" - Without Reprise) - Blue Hawaii (Original Record Master) - Rock-A-Hula Baby (Original Record Master) -  King Of The Whole Wide World (Original Record Master) - I Got Stung (Original Record Master) - Trouble / Guitar Man (Opening - Original Record Master - Edited / Shortened Version) - Let Yourself Go (NBC TV Special) - If I Can Dream (Original Record Master) - A Big Hunk O’ Love (14.01.1973 "Aloha From Hawaii") - Can’t Help Falling In Love (14.01.1973 - "Aloha From Hawaii") - Love Me (19.06.1977 "Elvis In Concert")

Details Rock Around The Bloch:

A deluxe hardback volume with 288 pages and over 100 unpublished photographs of Elvis written by David English and Pal Granlund. The CD contains a newly-remastered recording of Elvis’ performance at the Bloch Arena, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on March 25, 1961 and a newly-discovered recording of the complete press conference and awards ceremony held on March 25, 1961. 

Tracks CD: 
01: Introduction of Elvis/02: Heartbreak Hotel/03: All Shook Up/04: (Now And Then There's) A Fool Such As I/05: I Got A Woman/06: Love Me/07: Introductions/08: Such A Night/09: Reconsider Baby/10: I Need Your Love Tonight/11: That's All Right /12: Don't Be Cruel/13: One Night/14: Are You Lonesome Tonight?/15: It's Now Or Never/16: Swing Down Sweet Chariot 17: Hound Dog/18: Tom Moffatt interviews Colonel Parker and Elvis during the filming of G.I. Blues, June 21, 1960/19: Press conference and awards ceremony, complete and unreleased, March 25, 1961/20: Tom Moffatt interviews Elvis on the set of Blue Hawaii, April 1961

Details “Elvis Now … and Again”:

A limited edition vinyl 2-disc vinyl set:

Disc 1 - Side A 
01. Fools Rush In (Where Angels Fear To Tread) – take 6 (2:48) 02. Help Me Make It Through The Night – take 3 (3.07) 03. Miracle Of The Rosary – take 1 (1:54) 04. Early Mornin’ Rain – takes 1,2,9 (3:41) 05. Put Your Hand In The Hand – take 1 (3:15) (06. Until It’s Time For You To Go – take 5 (4:21)

Side B 
01, Sylvia – takes 3,4,9 (7.04) 02. We Can Make The Morning – master (3:55) 03. I Shall Be Released – informal recording (0.48) 04. It’s Only Love – takes 6,7 (3:02) 05. Love Me, Love The Life I Lead - takes 5,6 (3.45)

Disc 2 - Side C 
01. I’m Leavin’ – take 1 (4.07) 02. It’s Only Love – takes 8.9 (5:31) 03. (That’s What You Get) For Lovin’ Me – takes 9,10 (3.21) 04. Help Me Make It Through The Night – take 15 (2.44) 05. Fools Rush In (Where Angels Fear To Tread) – take 10 (3.08)

Side D 
01. Early Mornin’ Rain – take 11 (3:37) 02. I’m Leavin’ – takes 2,3 (3.48) 03. Lady Madonna (1:45) 04. Help Me Make It Through The Night – takes 8-10 (4.18) 05. Fools Rush In (Where Angels Fear To Tread) – takes 11,12,14 (5:06) 

(Source: Follow That Dream)

February 05 - Graceland Now And Then

Here is a yet unconfirmed first look of what the finished development around Graceland should look once all of the projects have been finished. Take a look at the before (top) and after (bottom) images and you can see how things are expected to look and should include the following.

The New Guest-House At Graceland will be located right next door to Elvis' Graceland Mansion. 

Replacing the 'Heartbreak Hotel' and camping grounds seems to be a bigger car parking area.

Where the planes are located now, there seems to be a building in their place, so is this a hanger style building to house and finally protect the Lisa Marie and Hound Dog 2.

And then there's the Entertainment Complex which will have all the shops plus additional area's to exhibit more of Elvis Presley's personal belongings.

Charts

• 'Heart And Soul' remains at number 20 on the Billboard Country Catalog Album Chart for w/e 14th February, 2015. 
• The 3-CD-Set “Elvis 80” dropped from #19 to #42 on the German Album charts. On the Austrian Album chart this set dropped from #13 to #24 and on the Swiss chart the CD dropped from #36 to #60. 
• “The Real … Elvis” dropped from #67 to #82.
• “The Essential “Elvis Presley” compilation re-entered the Dutch Mid-price Album charts at #49 this week. 
• The Sony DVD “Elvis – The King Of Rock’n’Roll – 30 Hit Performances And More“ re-entered the Australian Music Video Chart at #39.
• The Warner Home Video 6 DVD set “The Elvis Collection“ dropped from #22 to #26 on the UK Music Video Chart. 
• On the Scottish Album charts “Elvis Love Songs” climbed from #48 to #28.

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