Spliced Releases
The two import releases “Spliced Takes - T-R-O-U-B-L-E” and “Spliced Takes - Snowboard” have been released by the CMT import label. Both releases contain newly edited versions of well known songs by the producers from the STAR label. Joe Esposito Has Died, Aged 78
Joe Esposito died this morning after a year of declining health. It was confirmed:
"Thank you all for the messages. It is true that our father passed away this morning. Hopefully he is with his wife Martha and Elvis now looking at all of these messages of love. More info for donations etc to come. He truely loved all of his fans and lived to keep Elvis' memory alive. Thank you all for your love and support."
From EPE / Graceland:
Elvis met Joe in 1958 when they were drafted into the Army. They met in Germany and became close friends, and before leaving the service, Elvis asked Joe to work for him. Their friendship lasted for almost 20 years.
“On behalf of Lisa and the entire Presley family, we are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our friend, Joe Esposito," Priscilla Presley said. "Joe loved Elvis and their close friendship lasted a lifetime. Our hearts go out to Joe's family and friends at this time.” “All of us at Graceland wish to express our deepest sympathy on the passing of Joe Esposito, Elvis Presley's legendary road manager and one of his dearest friends," said Jack Soden, CEO of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. "We know that Elvis fans all over the world join us today as we remember and honor Joe, and send our condolences to his family."
Joe Esposito's Biography From Wikipedia:
Joe Esposito (January 22, 1938 – November 23, 2016) was a veteran author and publisher, who along with his long-time business partner Daniel Lombardy, have several best selling books to their credit.
Esposito is best known for his association with Elvis Presley (see Memphis Mafia). He first met Presley while serving in the military in 1958. They both went through basic training at Fort Hood, Texas, but did not meet face to face until a year later when they were both stationed in West Germany, where they quickly became lifelong friends.
Esposito became Elvis's road manager and bodyguard beginning in 1960. Esposito served as co-best man, with Marty Lacker at Elvis's wedding while Esposito's wife, Joan, served as the matron of honor. After Elvis' death in 1977 Esposito went to work for Jerry Weintraub becoming the road manager for greats including Michael Jackson, The Bee Gees, Karen Carpenter and John Denver.
Esposito, Col. Tom Parker and Jerry Schilling served as principal consultants in the movie "This Is Elvis".
Esposito has 3 children, Debbie (born 1962) and Cindy (born 1966) from his first marriage to Joan (Roberts) and Anthony (born 1985) from his second marriage to Martha Gallub. Martha Gallub Esposito died on March 19, 2012, after a long fight with cancer.
(Source: Twitter / Elvis On CD / FECC / Wikipedia)