December 30 - European Charts Down Under

The Official UK Charts for December 30, 2016:

• The “The Wonder Of You” album remained steady at #3 on the Official UK Album chart selling 35,915 copies this week and 458,266 copies in total.
• The “If I Can Dream” album is listed at #45 on the Official UK Album chart. 
• The “The Platinum Collection” os listed at #94 on the Official UK Album chart.
• The “The Wonder Of You” album is the #5 best selling album in the UK for 2016. 
• The “If I Can Dream” album is the #22 best selling album in the UK for 2016. 

Other Elvis Entries on the UK Charts - 30th December, 2016

• The song “Blue Christmas” is a new entry at #75 on the Singles Chart. 
• 'The Wonder Of You' drops from 2 to 3 on the Physical Album Chart; drops from 40 to 48 on the Album Download Chart; remains at 3 on the Album Sales Chart; rises from 4 to 3 on the Official Record Store Chart and drops from 6 to 29 on the Vinyl Album Chart
• 'If I Can Dream' rises from 32 to 30 on the Physical Album Chart and drops from 33 to 43 on the Album Sales Chart
• 'Elvis: 30 No.1 Hits' is a re-entry at 82 on the Album Download Chart
• 'The Platinum Collection' drops from 68 to 69 on the Physical Album Chart; drops from 9 to 10 on the Indie Album Chart and drops from 77 to 86 on the Album Sales Chart
• 'The Elvis Collection' DVD rises from 13 to 10 on the Music Video Chart

Scottish Charts

• 'The Wonder Of You' remains at #3 on the Scottish Album Chart
• 'If I Can Dream' drops from #35 to #43 on the Scottish Album Chart
• 'Elvis: 30 No.1 Hits' rises from #97 to #83 on the Scottish Album Chart

European Charts

• The “The Wonder Of You” album climbed from #28 to #27 on the Belgian Album chart.
• The “The Wonder Of You / If I Can Dream” double album climbed from #58 to #49 on the Belgian Album chart.
• The “The Wonder Of You” album climbed from #36 to #34 on the German Album chart.
• The “The Wonder Of You” album dropped from #7 to #10 on the Irish Album chart.
• The “The Wonder Of You” album dropped from #33 to #46 on the Swiss Album chart.

Charts Down Under

• The "The Wonder Of You" album dropped from #12 to #17 on the Australian Album chart. 
• The DVD "The King Of Rock ’n’ Roll" dropped from #24 to #39 on the Australian Music DVD chart. 
• The "The Wonder Of You" album dropped from #12 to #15 on the New Zealand Album chart. 

(Source: FECC / A Chart / The King's World)

December 29 - 12 AM Magazine Release

The import-release “12:00am” has been released by the new Ragdoll import-label. This debut release contains the previously unreleased Midnight Show performance as recorded from the audience on August 27, 1974 at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas. 

Classic Interviews

Elvis Presley is featured in the Special Edition of NME magazine featuring classic interviews of the sixties.

(Elvis on CD / Elvis Travl Service)

December 28 - A Japanese Love Fling With The King

The Straight Arrow import-release “A Vegas Fling With The King”, containing both the Dinner and Midnight shows from February 12, 1973, as recorded from the audience at the Hilton Hotel, Las Vegas, NV., has been released. 

From Japan With Love, Vol. 2: Make The World Go Away

The E.P. Collector import-label CD “From Japan With Love, Vol. 2: Make The World Go Away” has been released. This CD contains an audience recording of the previously unreleased August 8, 1973 Midnight Show performance as recorded at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas.

Las vegas Streef Renamed



With the demise of the Riviera Hotel the street with the same name has now been changed to Elvis Presley Boulevard.  

The street continues to the Las Vegas Westgate Hotel which was formerly the Las Vegas Hilton and International Hotel the home to over 800 sold out concerts that Elvis performed from 1969 to 1976.

Billboard Charts

The Billboard Charts for the week ending January 7, 2017:

• 'It's Christmas Time' drops from 81 to 85 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart; drops from 47 to 53 on the Top Album Sales Chart selling 12,435 last week; remains at 6 on the Catalog Albums Chart and rises from 17 to 12 on the Holiday Albums Chart
• 'The Classic Christmas Album' drops from 92 to 94 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart; is 143 on the Top Album Sales Chart selling 6,542 last week; drops from 25 to 28 on the Catalog Albums Chart; drops from 4 to 5 on the Country Catalog Albums Chart and rises from 38 to 31 on the Holiday Albums Chart.
• 'Merry Christmas, Love Elvis' drops from 167 to 192 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart; is 109 on the Top Album Sales Chart selling 6,711 last week; drops from 18 to 25 on the Catalog Albums Chart; rises from 33 to 30 on the Holiday Albums Chart and drops from 3 to 4 on the Country Catalog Albums Chart
• 'Elvis - Ultimate Christmas' drops from 42 to 50 on the Catalog Albums Chart; rises from 8 to 7 on the Country Catalog Albums Chart and is a re-entry at 50 on the Holiday Albums Chart 'Ultimate Elvis' drops from 138 to 161 on the Top Album Sales Chart selling 5,074 last week.
• 'Elvis - Ultimate Gospel' rises from 15 to 9 on the Country Catalog Albums Chart and is 183 on the Top Album Sales Chart selling 4,385 last week
• 'The Wonder Of You' drops from 29 to 38 on the Top Rock Albums Chart and drops from 6 to 7 on the Classical Albums Chart 
• 'If I Can Dream' is a re-entry at 17 on the Classical Albums Chart
• 'Elvis: 30 No.1 Hits' is a re-entry at 13 on the Country Catalog Albums Chart 
• 'Heart and Soul' is a re-entry at 17 on the Country Catalog Albums Chart
• 'Blue Christmas (single) drops from 15 to 16 on the Holiday 100 Chart; drops from 18 to 21 on the Holiday Digital Song Sales Chart; drops from 11 to 12 on the Holiday Streaming Chart; rises from 27 to 24 on the Holiday Airplay Chart; rises from 18 to 14 on the Rock Digital Song Sales Chart and is a re-entry at 19 on the Hot 100 Recurrent Chart
• 'Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)(single) drops from 36 to 38 on the Holiday 100 Chart and rises from 26 to 23 on the Holiday Streaming Songs Chart
• 'He Touched Me The Gospel Music Of Elvis Presley' (Vols.1 and 2) drops from 4 to 5 on the Music Video Sales Chart 
• Elvis Presley rises from 23 to 20 on the Artist 100 Chart. 

(Source: Brian Quinn on FECC)

December 25 - Just Pretend

Here is the "Just Pretend" duet by Helene Fischer and Elvis Presley as recorded for the Helene Fischer Show 2016.


(Source: FECC / YouTube)

December 24 - Merry Christmas To All!

December 23 - European Charts

The 'The Wonder Of You' album climbed to #3 on the Official UK Album chart for the week ending December 23, 2016 with 73,461 copies sold. Other Elvis Entries on the UK Charts:

• 'The Wonder Of You' rises from 4 to 2 on the Physical Album Chart; drops from 32 to 40 on the Album Download Chart; rises from 4 to 3 on the Album Sales Chart; remains at 4 on the Official Record Store Chart and remains at 6 on the Vinyl Album Chart
• 'If I Can Dream' from 34 to 32 on the Physical Album Chart and rises from 35 to 33 on the Album Sales Chart
• 'The Platinum Collection' rises from 75 to 68 on the Physical Album Chart; rises from 11 to 9 on the Indie Album Chart and rises from 81 to 77 on the Album Sales Chart
• 'The Elvis Collection' drops from 10 to 13 on the Music Video Chart
• 'The Wonder Of You' rises from 4 to 3 on the Scottish Album Chart
• 'If I Can Dream' drops from 34 to 35 on the Scottish Album Chart
• 'The Platinum Collection' drops from 82 to 84 on the Scottish Album Chart-
• 'Elvis: 30 No.1 Hits' is a re-entry at 97 on the Scottish Album Chart

European Charts

• The "The Wonder Of You" album dropped from #4 to #7 on the Irish Album chart. 
• The "The Wonder Of You" album dropped from #22 to #36 on the German Album chart. 
• The "The Wonder Of You" album climbed from #22 to #12 on the Austrian Album chart. 
• The "The Wonder Of You" album climbed from #40 to #33 on the Swiss Album chart. 
• The "The Wonder Of You" album climbed from #31 to #27 on the Belgian Album chart. 
• The "The Wonder Of You / If I Can Dream" double album climbed from #71 to #58 on the Belgian Album chart. 
• The "The Wonder Of You" album dropped off the Spanish Album chart after lat week's re-entry at #92. 

Charts down Under

• The "The Wonder Of You" album climbed from #12 to #13 on the Australian Album chart. 
• The "The Wonder Of You" is listed at #15 on the New Zealand Album chart. 
• The "The Wonder Of You" album is listed at #33 on thr new Zealand Year-end Album chart. 

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

December 22 - Mighty Fine Delay

The CD "Elvis - Heart And Soul ... And Some Mighty Fine Rock ´n´ Roll: From Japan With Love Volume 1" has been released by the E.P. Collector's label. It contains the August 8, 1972 8.30 pm show as recorded from the audience at the Las Vegas Hilton. 

The World Of FTD Delayed

Despite publisher Erik Lorentzen's promise of a release before Christmas, the new 'The World Of FTD' publication has been delayed due to an unfortunate error at the printers. Rather than publish the books with a print mistake Erik Lorentzen is making sure that the fault is corrected before being sent out. He apologises to fans but knows the decision is the right one for collectors. 

The book was authored and designed by Keith Flynn with input from a large number of other Elvis specialists including EIN's Piers Beagley, EM&HM's Trevor Cajiao, Geoffrey McDonnell, Gordon Minto and many others. It is 1,200 pages, hardbound three book set, chronicling every release by FTD.The book also features 100's of high-quality photos from the collection Erik Lorentzen.

(Source: Various / Elvis Information Network)

December 21 - Billboard Charts

The Billboard charts for the week ending December 31, 2016:

'It's Christmas Time' drops from 63 to 81 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart; drops from 39 to 47 on the Top Album Sales Chart selling some 11,440 last week; remains at 6 on the Catalog Albums Chart and drops from 15 to 17 on the Holiday Albums Chart 

'The Classic Christmas Album' drops from 90 to 92 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart; is 102 on the Top Album Sales Chart selling some 5,742 last week; rises from 29 to 25 on the Catalog Albums Chart; rises from 6 to 4 on the Country Catalog Albums Chart and rises from 45 to 38 on the Holiday Albums Chart. 

'Merry Christmas, Love Elvis' drops from 133 to 167 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart; drops from 72 to 85 on the Top Albums Sales Chart selling some 6,507 last week; drops from 15 to 18 on the Catalog Albums Chart; drops from 31 to 33 on the Holiday Albums Chart and rises from 4 to 3 on the Country Catalog Albums Chart

'Elvis - Ultimate Christmas' drops from 38 to 42 on the Catalog Albums Chart and rises from 10 to 8 on the Country Catalog Albums Chart

'Ultimate Elvis' is 138 on the Top Album Sales Chart selling some 4,580 last week.

'Elvis: He Touched Me' is 186 on the Top Album Sales Chart selling some 3501 last week.

'Elvis - Ultimate Gospel' rises from 22 to 15 on the Country Catalog Albums Chart

'The Wonder Of You' drops from 25 to 29 on the Top Rock Albums Chart and drops from 5 to 6 on the Classical Albums Chart

'Blue Christmas (single) remains at 15 on the Holiday 100 Chart; rises from 21 to 18 on the Holiday Digital Song Sales Chart; remains at 11 on the Holiday Streaming Chart; drops from 26 to 27 on the Holiday Airplay Chart and rises from 21 to 18 on the Rock Digital Song Sales Chart

'Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)(single) remains at 36 on the Holiday 100 Chart 

'He Touched Me The Gospel Music Of Elvis Presley' (Vols.1 and 2) is a re-entry at 4 on the Music Video Sales Chart

'Elvis In Concert' with the RPCO at the 02 Arena (London) on 23rd November, 2016 is rated 27 on the Current Boxscore Chart with a sell-out at 13,256 in attendance grossing $741,575 (£602,162). Price range from $249.21 (£201.33) to $49.84 (£40.26). Promoted by Kennedy Street/3A Entertainment.

Elvis Presley rises from 27 to 23 on the Artist 100 Chart.

Kobalt New Deal for Elvis Music Catalogue

The power of Elvis' music will hopefully be strengthened through a new deal with Kobalt. The Kobalt Music Group is an independent rights management and publishing company who's artists include Prince, Paul McCartney, and Bob Dylan and own around 20% of total worldwide share in music publishing.
Kobalt will administer and provide publishing services for a vast majority of the Elvis Presley catalogue of more than 1,000 songs through a new administrative agreement with Authentic Brands Group (ABG) and EPE.
The arrangement is effective from Jan. 1, 2017 and includes some of the most desired tracks for film and TV trailers, soundtracks, and commercials.

Jamie Salter, chairman and CEO of ABG, added: “We are thrilled to partner with Kobalt to ensure that Elvis’ legacy as the King of Rock and Roll lives on forever. We are dedicated to preserving Elvis’ tremendous body of work and we are confident that Kobalt is committed to that same goal.” Music from the Elvis catalogue was synchronized in recent feature films Bad Santa 2, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and “Love Me Tender” is the soundtrack for Ralph Lauren’s current fragrance campaign.

Elvis' music is bound to ring out loud next year. The 40th anniversary of the rock 'n' roll icon's death will fall on Aug. 16, 2017.

Elvis Presley Elvis

Sony Music Switzerland announced the release of the double CD "Elvis" with March 27, 2017 as the release-date. 

(Source: Brian Quinn on FECC / Associated Press / Elvis Information Network / Amazon)

December 20 - One Night in Toronto

A new book, entitled “Elvis In Person - One Night in Toronto April 2, 1957”, is due to be released in April 2017 in the “Gold Standard Series” from the Elvis Files Team. There are over 300 photos from before, during and after the two shows from the John Sebert Collection at Library and Archives Canada. 

(Source: FECC)

December 19 - Rockin' Santa CD

Due for release from the Big 3 label on January 27, 2017 in the "The Absolutely Esential 3 CD Collection" series is the 3 CD set "Rockin´ Elvis". 

CD 1: Heartbreak Hotel - Hound Dog - Don't Be Cruel - That's All Right - Blue Moon Of Kentucky - Good Rockin' Tonight - Milkcow Blues Boogie - I'm Left You're Right She's Gone - Baby Let's Play House - Mystery Train - Blue Suede Shoes - I Got A Woman - One Sided Love Affair - Just Because - Tutti Frutti - Tryin' To Get To You - I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Cry (Over You) - Money Honey - I Want You I Need You I Love You - Shake Rattle And Roll.

CD 2: Jailhouse Rock - All Shook Up - Teddy Bear - Now And Then There's ( A Fool Such As I) - My Baby Left Me - Lawdy Miss Clawdy - Rip It Up - Love Me - When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again - Long Tall Sally - Paralyzed - So Glad You're Mine - Ready Teddy - Too Much - Mean Woman Blues - Got A Lot Of Livin' To Do - Hot Dog - (Let's Have A) Party - Wear My Ring Around Your Neck - Hard Headed Woman.

CD 3: Return To Sender - Good Luck Charm - (Marie's The Name) His Latest Flame - Treat Me Nice - (You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care - King Creole - One Night - Trouble - I Got Stung - I Beg Of You - I Need Your Love Tonight - A Big Hunk O' Love - Stuck On You - The Girl Of My Best Friend - Dirty, Dirty Feeling - Such A Night - It Feels So Right - Reconsider Baby - A Mess Of Blues - Little Sister.

EPE Christmas Greetings CD

Here is the 2016 Christmas Greeting CD that EPE sends out to to registered fan clubs. It contains 3 tracks; “Santa Claus is Back in Town”, “Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane” and “Santa Bring My Baby Back To Me”. The 20th CD in the series with a Christmas message from "The Presley Family". 

(Source: Amazon / Elvis Club Berlin / Elvis 2001 on FECC)

December 17 - Australian Gold

The "The Wonder Of You" CD sold over 35,000 copies in Australia and qualified for a Gold certification. The CD does drop from #10 to #13 on the Australian Album chart this week. 

(Source: FECC)

December 16 - Conny For Christmas

Active Distribution Ltd (Concetta Record) released a the single “Love Me Tender / Heartbreak Hotel” as two duets between Elvis Presley and Connie Francis. 

Side A: Love Me Tender (Connie Francis And Elvis Presley)
Side B: Heartbreak Hotel (Connie Francis And Elvis Presley)

Elvis Presley Noel

The French VPI label released the vinyl / CD EP “Noel” in their “Signature Series”. This release is limited to 500 copies. 

Side A: Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me) - Blue Christmas
Side B: Santa Claus Is Back In Town - I´ll Be Home For Christmas

Charts

Top 10 UK Album Charts for the week ending December 16, 2016
The "The Wonder of You" CD remains steady at #4 on the Official UK Album chart selling 60,979 copies this week. The 348,890 copies sold to dat make it eligible for a Platinum BPI Award. Other UK charts:

• The "If I Can Dream" CD climbed from #47 to #36 on the Official UK Album chart.
• The "Platinum Collection" set is listed at #89, climbing from #95.
• 'The Wonder Of You' remains at 4 on the Physical Album Chart; rises from 55 to 32 on the Album Download Chart; remains at 4 on the Album Sales Chart; drops from 2 to 4 on the Official Record Store Chart and drops from 1 to 6 on the Vinyl Album Chart
• 'If I Can Dream' rises from 42 to 34 on the Physical Album Chart and rises from 46 to 35 on the Album Sales Chart
• 'The Platinum Collection' rises from 84 to 75 on the Physical Album Chart; rises from 14 to 11 on the Indie Album Chart and rises from 89 to 81 on the Album Sales Chart
• 'The Elvis Collection' drops from 9 to 10 on the Music Video Chart

Scottish Charts

• The "The Wonder of You" CD remains steady at #4 on the Official Scottish Album chart. 
• The "If I Can Dream" CD climbed from #46 to #34 on the Official Scottish Album chart.
• The "Platinum Collection" set is a re-entry at #82 on the Official Scottish Album chart.

Canadian Charts

• The “White Christmas” compilation is listed at #47 on the Canadian Album chart.

European Charts

• The “The Wonder Of You” CD climbed from #6 to #4 on the Irish Album charts. 
• The “The Wonder Of You” CD climbed from #32 to #22 on the German Album charts.
• The “The Wonder Of You” CD climbed from #26 to #22 on the Austrian Album charts.
• The “The Wonder Of You” CD dropped from #33 to #40 on the Swiss Album charts.
• The “The Wonder Of You” CD climbed from #35 to #31 on the Belgian Album charts.
• The “The Wonder Of You / If I Can Dream” 2CD dropped from #60 to #71 on the Belgian Album charts.
• The “ELV1S 30 #1 Hits” re-entered the Belgian Mid-price Album charts at #50.
• The “The Wonder Of You” CD re-entered the Spanish Album chart at #92.

Charts Down Under

• The "The Wonder Of You" CD dropped from #10 to #13 on the Australian Album chart this week. 
• The DVD "Elvis – The King Of Rock’n’Roll – 30 Hit Performances And More" DVD dropped off the Australian Music DVD chart after it's re-entry at #36 last week. 
• The "The Wonder Of You" CD climbed from #13 to #11 on the New Zealand Album chart this week. 

(Source: Amazon / Elvis Club Berlin / Official Charts / FECC / Brian Quinn / The King's World)

December 15 - Welcome Back Audio-tape

56 years after its initial broadcast, and 41 years after ABC is said to have discarded the original master videotape, a high-quality source of the soundtrack for the Frank Sinatra-hosted 1960 Timex special has finally been located.

The special, officially titled "It's Nice to Go Traveling", was Sinatra's last for the network, and was conceived as a vehicle to welcome home Elvis Presley, who was returning from Germany, after his separation from the service. Reviews of the show were generally positive, and the highlight of the program was the once-in-a-lifetime pairing of the The Chairman of the Board and The King, as they performed a duet of each other's hits-- "Love Me Tender" and "Witchcraft."

Time, however was not so kind to the program-- prior to the wiping of the master tape, at least two different kinescopes were made; one of which demonstrated severe flagging problems across the top of the image, as a result of a mis-calibrated video playback machine. Over time, the negatives for those kinescope films also appeared to have been lost, and so for the past 40 years, the only surviving record of the broadcast has been a few very low-quality dupes of those films, many of which appear to have seen better days. It's debatable as to whether the audio or the video has suffered worse over the years.

While many of the video issues can be solved with a professional transfer of a print of the "good" kinescope, and the application of LiveFeed Video Imaging, the indifferent quality of the surviving audio has been a sticking point. And having now heard one, I can confidently state that this program is vastly helped by having a high-fidelity soundtrack source, which allows everyone to experience the nuances of each singer's vocalizations and Nelson Riddle's marvelous arrangements.

There was no soundtrack recording released at the time the program was broadcast, and indeed, the idea of coordinating a deal that included Col. Tom Parker, Frank Sinatra's Hobart Productions, Capitol Records and RCA Records seems mind-boggling. The upshot however, is that there have been no professional sources from which to extract a decent soundtrack to accompany a restored image.

However, the discovery of over 45 minutes of the program's soundtrack on a double-sided 12" acetate have now made a full restoration of the program possible. In addition to the video program itself, the soundtrack find also adds two new song masters to both Elvis' discography (his live-in-the-studio performance of "Fame & Fortune" and "Stuck on You") and Frank's holdings (his solo versions of "Witchcraft" and "Gone With the Wind") as well as the historic duet between the two singing legends. 

Elvis - Die Legende

The German biography book “Elvis - Die Legende” is due for release on June 26, 2017 from the publisher Hannibal.

The Auction at Graceland

Online Bidding Now Open For “The Auction at Graceland,” to be Held During Elvis Birthday Celebration. The January 7th Graceland-Authenticated Auction Will Feature Artifacts From Elvis’ Personal And Professional Life.

During the Elvis Presley Birthday celebration at Graceland,  collectors, fans and pop culture enthusiasts from around the world will raise their paddles to bid in hopes of going home with a piece of Elvis history at the Graceland-Authenticated “The Auction at Graceland,” in The Guest House at Graceland resort hotel theater and online at GracelandAuctions.com. The auction will feature array of artifacts from both Elvis’ theatrical and musical careers as well as personal tokens and gifts.

Online bidding is now open for the auction, which will be held Saturday, January 7 at 3:00 p.m. EST/2:00 p.m. CST in the new theater in The Guest House at Graceland, and online at GracelandAuctions.com. 

Every artifact is authenticated by Graceland Authenticated, LLC.  All of the items in the auction will be offered from third-party collectors and none of the items will come from the treasured Graceland Archives. The mansion and all artifacts in the Graceland Archives continue to be owned by Lisa Marie Presley and are not for sale. 

Auction highlights include:

• Elvis Presley Owned Gold and Diamond Lion Head Ring Gifted to Charlie Hodge, Estimate $10,000-$15,000. 
• Elvis Presley Owned 1911 $2 1/2 Indian Head Gold Coin Ring Gifted to Charlie Hodge, Estimate $10,000-$15,000.
• 1970s Elvis Presley Union 76 Gas Gold Card, Estimate $5,000-$7,000 
• 1962 Elvis Presley Film-Worn Boxing Gloves from “Kid Galahad," Estimate $5,000-$10,000
• 1962 Kid Galahad Sweater Worn by Elvis Presley Co-Star Joan Blackman, Estimate $5,000-$7,000
• Elvis Presley Owned and Used Colt “Police Positive Special” .32 Caliber Pistol Gifted to Bodyguard Richard Grob, Estimate $4,000-$6,000
• Elvis Presley Blue Suede Jacket, Estimate $4,000-$6,000
• Elvis Presley White Button-Down Shirt with Blue Circles Pattern, Estimate $3000-$5000
• 1971 Elvis Presley 4th Degree Black Belt Card with Letter from Ed Parker and Elvis’ Kenpo Karate Handbook, Estimate $3000-$4000 

Many of the auction lots can be viewed at the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum at Graceland in Memphis December 19 through January 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CST. Highlights will also be displayed on January 6-7 in the Rock conference room of The Guest House at Graceland.

(Source: FECC / Home Theater Forum / EPE)

December 14 - US Charts

The Billboard charts for the week ending December 24, 2016:

'It's Christmas Time' rises from 77 to 63 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart selling 11,602 last week; rises from 47 to 39 on the Top Album Sales Chart; rises from 7 to 6 on the Catalog Albums Chart and rises from 19 to 15 on the Holiday Albums Chart 

'The Classic Christmas Album' rises from 100 to 90 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart selling some 5,422 last week; rises from 36 to 29 on the Catalog Albums Chart; rises from 10 to 6 on the Country Catalog Albums Chart; is a re-entry at 45 on the Holiday Albums Chart and is a re-entry at 98 on the Top Album Sales Chart

'Merry Christmas, Love Elvis' rises from 158 to 133 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart selling some 6,980 last week; rises from 79 to 72 on the Top Albums Sales Chart; remains at 15 on the Catalog Albums Chart; rises from 34 to 31 on the Holiday Albums Chart and drops from 3 to 4 on the Country Catalog Albums Chart

'Elvis - Ultimate Christmas' drops from 37 to 38 on the Catalog Albums Chart and rises from 11 to 10 on the Country Catalog Albums Chart

'Elvis - Ultimate Gospel' is a re-entry at 22 on the Country Catalog Albums Chart

'The Wonder Of You' rises from 33 to 25 on the Top Rock Albums Chart and remains at 5 on the Classical Albums Chart

'If I Can Dream' drops from 21 to 25 on the Classical Albums Chart

'Blue Christmas (single) remains at 15 on the Holiday 100 Chart; rises from 25 to 21 on the Holiday Digital Song Sales Chart; rises from 15 to 11 on the Holiday Streaming Chart; rises from 28 to 26 on the Holiday Airplay Chart and is a re-entry at 21 on the Rock Digital Song Sales Chart

'Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)(single) rises from 38 to 36 on the Holiday 100 Chart and remains at 25 on the Holiday Streaming Chart

Elvis Presley drops from 21 to 27 on the Artist 100 Chart.

(Source: FECC / Brian Quinn)

December 13 - Spirit of Jackson Released

The Follow That Dream collectors label released the December 2016 CD; a 2 CD set entitled “Spirit of Jackson MS.” containing the September 5, 1976 Dinner Show performance and the July 9, 1975 Dinner Show performance, both recorded at the State Fair Coliseum, Jackson, Mississippi.

Elvis To Be Inducted Into Mississippi Hall of Fame

Soon people might be saying they spotted Elvis in Mississippi. The state’s Department of Archives and History choosing Presley as one of five people being named to the Mississippi Hall of Fame.

Presley born in Tupelo, qualifying him for his Mississippi roots. The Hall of Fame can only choose five inductees every five years. The other honorees: Evelyn Gandy, the first woman elected lieutenant governor of the state, transplant surgeon Dr. James Hardy, former state Representative Aaron Henry, a civil-rights activist and Ida B. Wells, a journalist and women’s rights advocate.

Gold Award

PRS chairman Guy Fletcher has been awarded a Gold Disc for his songwriting work on the new Elvis Presley and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra album "The Wonder of You".

Fletcher (centre) and long-term writing partner Doug Flett (right) received the accolades for their song Just Pretend, at a surprise party at PRS for Music’s central London office late last week.

The Wonder of You: Elvis Presley with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra was released on 21 October, going straight in at number one on the UK Albums Chart. It has since been riding high for seven weeks, with sales now in excess of 100,000 – hence the Gold Disc. The album was recorded at Abbey Road Studios by producers Don Reedman (left) and Nick Patrick.

It features Elvis’ original performances of rock, gospel and country ballads, augmented with lush new arrangements from the famous orchestra.

The song "Just Pretend" features twice on the set, with award-winning German artist Helene Fischer singing alongside Elvis’ original take for a reworking of the song.

Fletcher: ‘I was aware that the album had achieved considerable sales but I had absolutely no idea it merited a Gold Disc. Any writer would be thrilled, as I was. It was such a lovely surprise.’ 

(Source: FECC / Fox News / PRS For Music)

December 12 - Burger King

Burger King Germany put Elvis Presley on the cover of their magazine this month. Inside an article on “The Wonder of You”.

Concert Promoter Tom Moffatt Died

Tom Moffatt, 85, known for producing legendary shows in Hawaii – notably Elvis Presley’s famed satellite telecast from the island state – died at his Hawaiian home. He was 85.

Moffatt was originally known as a radio personality broadcasting “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” in the 1950s before trying his hand at concert promotion, eventually bringing everyone from The Beach Boys to The Rolling Stones to Led Zeppelin to Bruno Mars to the islands, and putting together a massive collection of memorabilia in the process.

He assisted Elvis' manager, Colonel Tom Parker, in bringing every Elvis concert to the islands, from the King’s first concert after being discharged from the Army to “Elvis Live From Hawaii,” beamed from the Honolulu International Center (now Blaisdell Arena) in 1973.

(Source: Burger King Associated Press)

December 10 - Cancelled

This is the cover-art for the free Elvis Presley Christmas CD the readers of the UK Daily Mail could pick-up at Tesco. It is part of an "At Christmas" CD series.

Concerts Cancelled

While the UK part of the new Elvis and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra tour is getting rave reviews, New Zealand fans are dissapointed as their concerts have been "cancelled" for no obvious reason. The Australian section of the tour is not affected and additonal dates are soon to be announced. 

The excuse for the New Zealand concerts being cancelled is the rather dismissive, "Due to the show being in high demand and the popularity of it overseas, the producers have had to shorten the Australian tour." 

Tickets on sale now: 
The Australian & NZ Tour dates so far confirmed.
Friday 26 May 2017 – Perth Arena, Perth
Sunday 28 May 2017 – Adelaide Ent Centre, Adelaide
Thursday 1 June 2017 – Brisbane Ent Centre
Friday 2 June 2017 – ICC Theatre, Sydney
Saturday 10 June 2017 – New Show added Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne
Sunday 11 June 2017 – Derwent Ent Centre, Tasmania
Friday 7 July 2017 – CANCELLED, Christchurch
Sunday 9 July 2017 – CANCELLED, Auckland

Everybody Loves Elvis: Best Of The EP´s Collection

The My Generation Music label released the 3 CD set "Everybody Loves Elvis: Best Of The EP´s Collection". The MGM Music (H'ART) label will re-issue this set January 27, 2017. 

CD 1: Blue Suede Shoes - Tutti Frutti - I Got A Woman - Just Because - Heartbreak Hotel - I Was The One - Money Honey - I Forgot To Remember To Forget - Don't Be Cruel - I Want You, I Need You, I Love You - Hound Dog - My Baby Left Me - Any Way You Want Me - I'm Left Your'e Right She's Gone - I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine - Mystery Train - Shake, Rattle And Roll - I Love You Because - Blue Moon - Lawdy, Miss Clawdy - Love Me Tender - Let Me - Poor Boy - We're Gonna Move

CD 2: Loving You - Party - (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear - True Love - Lonesome Cowboy - Hot Dog - Mean Woman Blues - Got A Lot O' Livin' To Do - (There'll Be) Peace In The Valley (For Me) - It Is No Secret (What God Can Do) - I Believe - Take My Hand Precious Lord - Jailhouse Rock - Young And Beautiful - I Want To Be Free - Don't Leave Me Now - (You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care - King Creole - New Orleans - As Long As I Have You - Lover Doll - Trouble - Young Dreams - Crawfish - Dixieland Rock

CD 3: Old Shep - Any Place Is Paradise - Paralyzed - Is It So Strange - Hard Headed Woman - Good Rockin' Tonight - Don't - I Beg Of You - Wear My Ring Around Your Neck - Treat Me Nice - One Night - That's All Right - Too Much - All Shook Up - Don't Ask Me Why - Blue Moon Of Kentucky - Long Tall Sally - First In Line - How Do You Think I Feel - How's The World Treating You

(Source: Elvis Information Network / Elvis Club Berlin)

December 09 - Silver Award Video Preview

Here are the first previews of the videoclip for "The Wonder of You" featuring Kate Moss who channels The King Elvis Presley as she seduces the camera in new video. It is be the first original music video for an Elvis track produced in this decade. The video is shot in black and white and features Moss, 42, in four key Elvis looks which include the black leather suit made famous during his 1968 Comeback Special. 

Vaughan Arnell of Moxie Pictures came up with the idea after noticing some striking similarities between Moss's most famous fashion shoots and Elvis, and it was recorded at Abbey Road Studios. Kate and her glam squad descended on the Abbey Road studio last week to shoot the top secret video. 

The video begins with a close-up on a black leather jumpsuit, a custom-made piece created for Moss to reference the leather suit Presley made famous in his 1968 Comeback Special. The supermodel, clad in the leather jumpsuit, is seen singing at London’s famous Abbey Road Studios, where “The Wonder of You” was originally recorded. 

She then goes on to lounge on vintage sofas, and a piano, dressed in an embroidered shirt and fishnet tights. She’s also filmed wearing more high-glamour looks, such as a crystal-embellished white gown and a sequinned top with matching leather shorts.

The track was recorded to accompany the third song taken from the number one album The Wonder Of You: Elvis Presley With The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Talking about being involved in the promo, Kate said: 'I was so excited to be asked to be involved in this project, anything for Elvis.'




The Saint And The Sinner

Due for release from Big 3 on January 2017 is the 3 CD set "Elvis Presley - The Saint & The Sinner: The Absolutely Essential 3 CD Collection". 

CD 1: Heartbreak Hotel - Hound Dog - Don't Be Cruel - That's All Right - Blue Moon Of Kentucky - Good Rockin' Tonight - Milkcow Blues Boogie - I'm Left You're Right She's Gone - Baby Let's Play House - Mystery Train - Blue Suede Shoes - I Got A Woman - One Sided Love Affair - Just Because - Tutti Frutti - Tryin' To Get To You - I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Cry (Over You) - Money Honey - I Want You I Need You I Love You - Shake Rattle And Roll

CD: 2: Jailhouse Rock - All Shook Up - Teddy Bear - Now And Then There's (A Fool Such As I) - My Baby Left Me - Lawdy Miss Clawdy - Rip It Up - Love Me - When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again - Long Tall Sally - Paralyzed - So Glad You're Mine - Ready Teddy - Too Much - Mean Woman Blues - Got A Lot Of Livin' To Do - Hot Dog - (Let's Have A) Party - Wear My Ring Around Your Neck - Hard Headed Woman

CD 3: Return To Sender - Good Luck Charm - (Marie's The Name) His Latest Flame - Treat Me Nice - (You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care - King Creole - One Night - Trouble - I Got Stung - I Beg Of You - I Need Your Love Tonight - A Big Hunk O' Love - Stuck On You - The Girl Of My Best Friend - Dirty, Dirty Feeling - Such A Night - It Feels So Right - Reconsider Baby - A Mess Of Blues - Little Sister

Silver Award

The “The Platinum Collection” CD was awarded a Silver Certification by the BPI for selling 60,000 copies in the UK. 

Charts

The Official UK Charts for the week ending December 09, 2016:

• The CD “The Wonder of You” dropped from #3 to #4 on the Official UK Album Sales chart with 54,011 copies sold. 
• The CD “The Wonder of You” dropped from #3 to #4 on the Official UK Physical Album chart.
• The CD “The Wonder of You” dropped from #36 to #55 on the Official UK Album Download chart.
• The CD “The Wonder of You” climbed from #6 to #2 on the dropped from #36 to #55 on the Official UK Record Store Chart .
• The CD “If I Can Dream” climbed from #52 to #47 on the Official UK Physical Album chart.
• The CD “If I Can Dream” climbed from #48 to #42 on the Official UK Physical Album chart.
• The CD “If I Can Dream” climbed from #49 to #46 on the Official UK Album Sales chart.
• The CD “The Platinum Collection” dropped from #88 to #95 on the Official UK Album chart.
• The CD “The Platinum Collection” dropped from #74 to #84 on the Official UK Physical Album chart.
• The CD “The Platinum Collection” dropped from #11 to #14 on the Official UK Indie Album chart.
• The vinyl “The Wonder of You” is a new entry at #1 on the Official UK Vinyl Album chart.
• The CD “The Wonder of You” dropped from #36 to #55 on the Official UK Download Chart. 
• The "The Elvis Collection" DVD climbed from #23 to #9 on the Music Video Chart.

Scottish Chart

• The CD “The Wonder of You” dropped from #3 to #4 on the Scottish Album chart. 
• The CD “If I Can Dream” remained steady at #49 on the Scottish Album chart.

European Charts

• The CD “The Wonder of You” dropped from #6 to #10 on the Irish Album chart.
• The "The Wonder Of You" climbed from #40 to #32 on the German Album chart.
• The "The Wonder Of You" is listed at #26 on the Austrian Album chart. 
• The "The Wonder Of You" is listed at #33 on the Swiss Album chart. 
• The "The Wonder Of You" dropped from #33 to #35 on the Belgian Album chart.
• The "The Wonder Of You / If I Can Dream" double CD set climbed from #84 to #60 on the Belgian Album chart.

Chart Down Under

• The "The Wonder Of You" CD climbed from #11 to #10 on the Australian Album chart. 
• The DVD "Elvis – The King Of Rock ’n’ Roll – 30 Hit Performances And More" re-entered the Australian Music DVD chart at #36. 
• The "The Wonder Of You" CD dropped from #11 to #13 on the New Zealand Album chart. 

(Source: The Mail Online / ForexTV / Proper Music)

December 08 - Solid Gold

Due for release from the The Store for Music label on January 20, 2017 is the double CD "Solid Gold". 

Tracks ( (Tracks 1-22 - Live Concert):
Burning Love / Something / You Gave Me a Mountain / Steamroller Blues / My Way / Love Me / Johhny B Good / It`s Over / I`m So Lonesome I Could Cry / Blue Suede Shoes / I Can`t Stop Loving You / Hound Dog / What Now My Love / Fever / Welcome To My World / Suspicious Minds / Band Introductions / I`ll Remember You / Long Tall Sally - Whole Lotta Shakin Goin On / A Big Hunk O Love / Can`t Help Falling In Love / An American Trilogy.
I Don`t Care If The Sun Don`t Shine / I`m Right Your Left.

(Source: Amazon)