July 31 - Kid Galahad Blu-ray

Here is the cover-aert for the blu-ray release of the Elvis Presley movie "Kid Galahad" by Twilight Time on August 15, 2027. This limited edition of 3,000 copies includes as special features the isolated music and effects track and the original theatrical trailer. 

Synopsis:
A musical version of a 1937 boxing picture, Kid Galahad (1962) stars Elvis Presley as a singing boxer managed by a cantankerous promoter (Gig Young) and guided by an amiable trainer (Charles Bronson). Joan Blackman provides the love interest, Lola Albright co-stars, and Edward Asner makes his screen début. The songs include the up-tempo 'I Got Lucky'.

Starring: Charles Bronson, Elvis Presley, Gig Young, Lola Albright, Joan Blackman, David Lewis, Robert Emhardt 
Directed By: Phil Karlson 
Composed By: Jeff Alexander
Language: English
Video: 1080p High Definition / 1.85:1
Audio: English 1.0 DTS-HD MA
Subtitles: English SDH
1962 / Color
95 minutes
Special Features: isolated music and effects track / original theatrical trailer

The Wonder Of You European Tours

Hot on the heels of the European tour this May, the reprise of "The Wonder Of You" tour is announced for June 2018.

Elvis will return to Europe to visit ten new cities, and to give music fans an opportunity that many have never had before: experiencing the biggest selling solo artist in history (having sold an astonishing one billion records worldwide) in a live concert experience. The 2018 tour will once again feature the most recognizable voice of all time with a full symphony orchestra live on stage performing the King of Rock and Roll’s most well-known rock ‘n roll songs and his tender, heart-wrenching ballads -- with a very special personal appearance by Priscilla Presley. 

Following the success of the two Sony Music Legacy Recordings orchestral albums "If I Can Dream" and "The Wonder Of You," and a sold out UK arena tour featuring Elvis Presley on the big screen backed by a full symphony orchestra in November 2016, a very successful European 10 date arena tour has just been completed this May. After rave reviews from fans and media alike, a new European tour has been announced for June 2018, exactly 50 years after Elvis’ iconic ’68 Comeback special. 

The show features archive recordings of the king’s voice, and new orchestral arrangements of some of his biggest hits, along with several surprises, in a variety of styles that Elvis embraced -- from rock to gospel to country and ballads -- to create an overwhelmingly encapsulating and enthralling experience.

"If I Can Dream" and "The Wonder of You: Elvis Presley with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra" were both produced by Nick Patrick and Don Reedman and executive produced by Priscilla Presley, Don Reedman and Elvis Presley Enterprises. Priscilla Presley, who is set to return on stage in person at the arena shows, said, "What an honor for me to be able to produce and present a live concert experience that evolved out of what has become a very prestigious and beloved album backed by a full and rich symphony orchestra.” Actress, producer, author and entrepreneur Priscilla Presley was instrumental in turning Graceland into a world-renowned attraction and Elvis Presley Enterprises into a highly successful entertainment, licensing and merchandising organization.  As an actress, Priscilla Presley is known for her memorable roles in "Dallas" and "The Naked Gun" movies.

Elvis: Live in Concert is produced by Elvis Presley Enterprises. The European concert tour is produced by GEA Live. 

Tour Dates Europe 2018:
June 1st – Sweden, Gothenborg Scandinavium
June 2nd – Sweden, Stockholm Ericsson Globe
June 3rd – Norway, Oslo Spektrum
June 4th – Denmark, Copenhagen Forum
June 6th - Hungary, Budapest, Papp László Sportarena 
June 7th - Poland, Krakow, Tauron Arena

June 8th - Czech Republic, Prague, O2 Arena

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / EPE)

July 30 - Greatest Re-issues

Sony Music will re-issue the "50 Greatest Hits" compilation on August 11, 2017.

(Source: Amazon)

July 29 - Cover Artist

Elvis Presley is featured on the cover of the August edition of the weekly US magazine “Closer” with a cover story entitled "Ann-Margret: My Life With Elvis", the Czech magazine "Fakta & Svédectiví" featuring an article entitled "SMRT - krále rock´n´rollu" and the Belgian 'Le Soir' weekly magazine with a special inside.
He is also featured on the UK 'Event' magazine with an article entitled "The Unseen Elvis".

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / Le Soir)

July 28 - Jukebox Magazine

Elvis Presley is featured on volume 368 of the French Jukebox magazine. Inside an article on the 40th. anniversary of his death. 

SUN 78s Replaced

Apparently all of the pressings of the recent vinyl SUN re-issue of the "Good Rockin' Tonight" the labels of the A and B side have been swopped meaning the "Good Rockin Tonight" side plays "I Don’t Care if the Sun Don’t Shine" and that side in turn plays "Good Rockin Tonight". 

The good news is that all replacements of the single black and clear will be sent to dealers next week as replacements. There will be no need to return any records so fans can keep the miss-pressed records and get still get their replacements. 

Elvis Forever: The Best of Elvis Presley

A digital release from Sony is the 50 track compilation “Elvis Forever: The Best of Elvis Presley”. 

Hit Inspires Book

One of Elvis Presley's biggest hits is the latest song to be turned into a picture book, and part of an effort to introduce the King to a new generation.
Dial Books for Young Readers told The Associated Press on Wednesday that a book based on "Love Me Tender" is coming out Nov. 13. "Elvis Presley's Love Me Tender" will be illustrated by Stephanie Graegin and include an endnote by Presley's widow, Priscilla Presley.
Dial Books is calling the new release "a heartwarming ode" to the parent-child bond. Presley died 40 years ago this summer, and representatives for his estate are planning a merchandise program for infants and toddlers.

Other songs inspiring children's books in recent years include "This Land is Your Land," ''Imagine" and "Blowin' in the Wind."

Marian Cocke In Hospital

Elvis' nurse Marian Cocke, is currently in the hospital. She was admitted July 28. She is 91 years old. Please keep Marian in your prayers.

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / FECC /The Elvis Telegraph / EP Fans of Nashville)

July 27 - Rolling Stone Vinyl

Here is the cover for the German August edition of Rolling Sone magazine. The magazine holds a 30 page Elvis special entitled "Die Legende Lebt" (“The Legend Lives”) and comes with a vinyl SUN single and nine track tribute CD entitled “Rare Trax - All Shook Up”. 

Tracks single: Good Rockin´ Tonight - Blue Moon
Tracks CD: Suspicious Minds (Amanda Lear) - Heartbreak Hotel (Kirschbaum Weishoff Trio) - Viva Las Vegas (The Dead Kennedys) - Hound Dog (Buddy Lucas) - Blue Moon Revisited (Song For Elvis) (The Cowboy Junkies) - Are You Lonesome Tonight (Lisa Bassenge) - All Shook Up (The Space Lady) - Little Linda (Little Sister) (Ted Herold) - Love Me Tender (The Residents).

A Boy From Tupelo Has Been Released

The re-issue of the “A Boy From Tupelo” collector’s box has been released as a 3 CD set “A Boy from Tupelo: The Complete 1953-1955 Recordings”, and so has the vinyl album “A Boy from Tupelo: The Sun Masters”. 

He Touched Vinyl

Due for release September 22, 2017 from the Friday Music label is a vinyl re-issue of the “He Touched Me” album. This limited edition comes on 180 Gr. audiophile red colored translucent vinyl in a gatefold cover.

(Source: Rolling Stone Magazine / Amazon)

July 26 - Charts

Elvis Presley is listed with 3 albums in the US Billboard charts: 

• The album by Elvis With The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra 'The Wonder Of You' dropped from #2 to #4 on the Billboard Classical Album chart. 
• The 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' compilation climbed from #38 to #37 on the Billboard Country Album chart. 
• The 'Ultimate Gospel' compilation climbed from #29 to #28 on the Billboard Christian Album chart. 
• The 'He Touched Me – The Gospel Music Of Elvis Presley, Volumes 1 & 2' set dropped off the chart.

On the European charts Elvis Presley is listed in Scotland and Belgium:

• The 6-DVD-Box "The Elvis Collection" dropped from #36 to #41 on the Official UK Music DVD chart. 
• The 'The Real … Elvis' compilation climbed from #39 to #35 on the official Scottish Album chart. 
• The 'The Platinum Collection' climbed from #87 to #84 on the official Scottish Album chart. 
• The 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped off the Official Scottish Album chart.
• On the Belgian Mid-price Album chart the 'Top 40 Hits’ compilation climbed from #25 to #11.

On the Australian charts Elvis Presley is featured one time:

• The DVD "Elvis – The King Of Rock’n’Roll – 30 Hit Performances And More" climbed from #31 to #11 on the Australian Music DVD chart. 

(Source: Billboard / Official Charts / Ultrapop / The King's World)

July 25 - Auction Previews Elvis Loved

Due for release on DVD in France on September 9, 2017  is a Special Edition of the movie "Charro".

The Songs He Loved
Due from the Entertainment label on September 08, 2017 is the 3 CD set 'The Songs He Loved'. 

While Elvis was never known as a songwriter - despite the odd, rather dubious credit in that regard - he was perhaps the finest interpreter of popular song to have emerged during the rock age, and his choice of material was never less than commendable. These factors have conspired in the release of this fascinating 3 CD boxed set. Featuring original versions of numbers which The King took to the top of the chart, and including too tracks and artists that he was most influenced by when creating his unique style, this collection is both a valuable display of such material and a wholly enjoyable listening experience in its own right. 

Containing as bonus cuts songs written and performed in tribute to the musical giant that was Elvis Aaron Presley, this collection documents perfectly two sides of the great man's skill: his huge, sponge-like talent to learn from and be informed by the finest creators of music, alongside his seemingly effortless ability to influence others.

August Graceland Auction

Graceland Auctions will once more host a robust auction event during this very special 40th anniversary Elvis Week. 

The auction includes a wide and diverse range of artifacts from an extraordinary stage-worn jumpsuit along with more concert and personally-owned and worn clothing to jewelry, advertising materials, awards and movie memorabilia. 

This is their largest and most all-encompassing auction yet, with something for every budget and every collector. 

Auction highlights include:

1. Elvis Presley Owned and Stage-Worn Sleeveless Jumpsuit and Jacket Made by I.C. Costume Co. - From the 1999 Graceland Archives Auction (C36A), Estimate $200,000-250,000
2. Elvis Presley Owned and Worn Gold and Diamond Ram’s Head Necklace, Estimate $100,000-150,000
3. 1973 Elvis Presley Stage Worn Cape with Tiger Skin Pattern on the Interior, Estimate $70,000-100,000
4. Elvis Presley Owned and Worn Brown Velvet Jacket, Pants and Cape Ensemble Made by I.C. Costume Co. – From the 1999 Graceland Archives Auction (C44A), Estimate $70,000-80,000
5. November 6, 1954, Louisiana Hayride Contract Signed by Elvis Presley, Gladys Presley and Vernon Presley as well as Scotty Moore and Bill Black,  Estimate $30,000-50,000
6. Elvis Presley’s TCB Necklace Taken off His Neck and Gifted to His Personal Hairdresser Larry Geller, Estimate $30,000-50,000
7. The Bible Used by Rex Humbard to Officiate Elvis Presley’s Funeral and the Handwritten Notes Dictated by J.D. Sumner Outlining Elvis’ Funeral Service,  Estimate $30,000-40,000
8. March 26, 1956, Elvis Presley Signed Contract Solidifying Colonel Parker as His Exclusive Management - One of the Most Famous Contracts in All of Popular Culture!  Estimate $30,000-35,000
9. Elvis Presley Owned and Worn Gold and Diamond Guitar Ring with “EP” Initials Gifted to Charlie Hodge, Estimate $20,000-30,000
10. Historic January 25, 1956, Elvis Presley First Signed Document as an Adult - Certifying Earlier Agreements with Colonel Parker,  Estimate $20,000-25,000
11. Elvis Presley Owned and Worn Red “Elephant Corduroy” Suit Made by I.C. Costume Co., Estimate $60,000-70,000
12. Additional highlights include artifacts from the Estate of Scotty Moore and from the Trude Forsher Archive.

Strictly Elvis Previews

Piers Beagly from the Elvis Information Network website did an interview with Keith Alverson who's pictures of Elvis Presley will be published in the upcoming book "Strictly Elvis : 1973-1974-1975". A cooperation by the photographer and Erik Lorentzen and part one of a two volumes set. Here are a few previews for the book from the interview, which can can read >>> here while watching some more previews.

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / Elvis Information Network / Amazon)

July 24 - The Legend Lives (in Germany)

Due for release from the German Igloo Books GmbH. on November 1, 2017 is the 304 page book 'Elvis: Die Legende Lebt' ('Elvis: The Legend Lives').

Mystery Train

Due for release from Wax Time records on September 15, 2017 is the vinyl compilation 'Mystery Train: Sun Studio Recordings'. 

Side A: Mystery Train - That's All Right (Mama) - Blue Moon Of Kentucky - Good Rockin' Tonight - I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine - Milkcow Blues Boogie - You're A Heartbreaker - Baby Let's Play House - I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone - I Forgot To Remember To Forget

Side B: I Love You Because - Blue Moon - I'll Never Let You Go (Little Darlin') - Just Because - Trying To Get To You - Harbor Lights - Tomorrow Night - I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone (Slow Version) - When It Rains, It Really Pours - My Happiness (Demo)

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin)

July 23 - Elvis' First Music Agency Contract Sold

American singer Elvis Presley's first music agency contract, signed by 'the King of Rock and Roll' in 1956, has been sold for 37,000 pounds at an auction in the UK. "There was significant interest in the auction from buyers all over the world especially from the US and UK both online and bidders on the phone," Aldridge said.

A pair of mint-green pyjamas, that Presley wore during his stay at the Baptist Memorial Hospital in the US in 1977, was also auctioned and fetched 8,000 pounds."He spent a week there recovering from exhaustion and they were left at his father's home," said Andrew Aldridge from the Henry Aldridge and Son in Devizes, an auction house in the UK. After Elvis died in August 1977, aged 42, the pyjamas went on display at the world famous Elvis-A-Rama museum for many years.

"The prices achieved reflect the continuing interest in the King of Rock and Roll," he said.

(Source: BBC)

July 22 - Riding The Rainbow

The UK based Rockwell Music label released 'Riding The Rainbow - 1961 (Part III)'. It is a twelve track compilation, released on 180g 'electric blue vinyl' in a limited edition of 150 copies.  

Side One: Follow That Dream / Angel / What a Wonderful Life / I'm Not the Marrying Kind / Good Luck Charm / Anything That's Part Of You /  Night Rider

Side Two: Riding the Rainbow /  Home Is Where the Heart Is / A Whistling Tune / I Got Lucky / This Is Living / King Of The Whole Wide World

(Source: Rockwell Music)

July 21 - Remembering Elvis Once Again

LIFE magazine re-issued their 'Remembering Elvis Presley: The King Lives On' magazine once more.  

Synopsis:
Celebrate the King of Rock ’n’ Roll with this keepsake biography of Elvis Presley, lavishly illustrated with dozens of historic photos, including many from the archives of Life magazine. A detailed timeline traces Elvis’s life from when he received his first guitar to his glory days filled with recording, acting and gyrating for shrieking fans, to his great ’68 comeback comeback, and right up to his untimely death in 1977. Intimate photojournalism combines with insightful text to reveal Elvis behind the scenes . . . at Graceland and on the road, with Priscilla and Lisa Marie, in front of the cameras, and on the stage. Explore the days of “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Love Me Tender,” “Blue Christmas” and so many other unforgettable hits.

Charts

Elvis is listed with four titles in the latest US Billboard charts. 

• The 'The Wonder Of You' album climbed from #5 to #2 on the Billboard Classical Album chart.
• The 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' compilation re-entered the Billboard Country Album chart at #38.
• The double album 'He Touched Me – The Billboard Gospel Music Of Elvis Presley, Volumes 1 & 2' re-entered the Billboard Christian Album chart at #28.
• The 'Ultimate Gospel' compilation dropped from #22 to #29 on the Christian Album chart. 
• The 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits’ dropped off the Official UK Album chart after a re-entry last week at #91
• The 6 DVD set "The Elvis Collection" remained steady at #36 on the Official UK Music DVD chart. 
• The 'The Real … Elvis’ is a re-entry on the Official Scottish Album chart at #39.
• The 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits’ climbed from #88 to #86 on the Official Scottish Album chart.
• The 'The Platinum Collection’ 3 CD compilation is a re-entry at #87 on the Official Scottish Album chart.
• The 'Top 40 Elvis – His Ultimate Top 40 Collection' compilation re-entered the Belgian Mid-price chart at #25. 
• The DVD"Elvis – The King Of Rock’n’Roll – 30 Hit Performances And More" dropped from #30 to #31 on the Australian Music DVD chart. 

(Source: LIFE / Various Chars)

July 20 - Elvis's British Roots

The August issue of the English 'The Oldie' magazine has a front cover cartoon of Elvis Presley. Inside is a 2-page spread ('King of Britain'), intelligently and sympathetically written by Andrew M. Brown, with a picture of Elvis at Prestwick, Scotland.

From the publisher:
"It’s hard to believe that nearly forty years have passed since it fell to Reginald Bosanquet – at the very end of News at Ten on 16th August 1977 – to announce to the British people that there were unconfirmed reports Elvis Presley had died.

There was a commercial break and then, in an ITN newsflash, Reggie confirmed the awful news. Back then, all the newsreaders carefully spaced out the words ‘rock – and – roll’. Elvis probably only visited Britain for two hours, when stopping off for refuelling at Prestwick USAF base in 1960.

But he always had a peculiar affinity with the British, and he himself was more British than you might realise.  Along with those powerful genetic and cultural influences most people know about – the Red Indian ancestry, the black music that shaped him – the great bulk of Elvis’s heritage, like that of most white..."

(Source: Steve Morse on FECC / The Oldie)

July 19 - Elvis Presley´s First Music Contract For Sale

Music fans can buy a “piece of rock and roll history” when Elvis Presley’s first music agency contract is sold at auction, where it is expected to fetch up to £30,000. Elvis signed the contract, with the William Morris Agency, in New York on January 31 1956. He also initialed a rider authorizing certain people to act on his behalf, except for “fairs, one-nighters and engagements” handled by his manager, Colonel Tom Parker. The contract will go on sale at Henry Aldridge and Son in Devizes, Wiltshire, on Saturday, where it is expected to fetch between £25,000 and £30,000.

Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge said: “The contract represents the genesis for Elvis collectors. It helped take Elvis´s career to a new level and was a factor in him becoming the global phenomenon we know today. “This contact is quite literally a piece of rock and roll history.” The contract is signed by Elvis, then aged 21, in three places – two full signatures and one set of the initials EP – as well as a William Morris Agency representative. Elvis and the representative also initialed the rider. 

On the day before the signing, Elvis recorded his version of Blue Suede Shoes at RCA Studio 1 in New York. The contract is sold with copies of two photographs taken at the signing. The relationship between the agency and Elvis continued throughout his career.

(Source: DailyMail)

July 18 - Red West Died

Red West, the longtime confidante and bodyguard of Elvis Presley, died Tuesday night after suffering an aortic aneurysm at Baptist Hospital. He was 81.

Robert Gene West was born in Memphis, Tennessee to Lois and Newton Thomas West. An excellent athlete and former U.S. Marine, West played football for his high school and junior college (Jones County Junior College) teams and was a boxer in the Golden Gloves championships.

Red West was one of Elvis' closest friends. He first met Elvis in High School and went on to work for Elvis as a bodyguard until 1976. Elvis and Red West became close friends when Red volunteered to help drive Elvis, Scotty Moore, Bill Black and DJ Fontana around the southern US states for their early tours of 1955-1956.

He contributed to several songs written by Elvis Presley in 1961 and 1962. He received help from Elvis Presley in writing two songs in the early 1960s, which were collaborations: "You'll Be Gone" and "That's Someone You Never Forget." "You'll Be Gone" was also co-written with Charlie Hodge, and appeared on the Girl Happy soundtrack album and as a 45 single in 1965. The single reached number 35 on the Canadian singles chart in 1965.

"That's Someone You Never Forget" was the final track on the 1962 album Pot Luck and was released as a 45 B side single in 1967 and was featured on the Artist of the Century compilation. Red also co-wrote "If You Think I Don't Need You" with Joey Cooper for the motion picture Viva Las Vegas. He teamed up with Joey Cooper again on "I'm A Fool", which Ricky Nelson recorded. "I'm A Fool" later became a hit for Dino, Desi and Billy, the partnership of Dean-Paul "Dino" Martin, Desi Arnaz Jr., and William "Billy" Hinsche.

Red West also co wrote the song "Separate Ways" for Elvis in 1972. The song was the title of an Elvis album released on RCA's budget album line, Camden, in Jan. 1973. The song "Separate Ways" was the B side release of the single "Always on My Mind" in November 1972. The single reached #20 on Billboard's Hot 100. It reached #16 on the Country Music Billboard chart. Again, largely due to the success of "Always On My Mind". Both songs struck a sad, melancholy tone thought to largely depict Elvis' mood and outlook following the recent separation of him and his eventual ex-wife Priscilla.

In 1976, West was involved in a series of heavy-handed incidents in Las Vegas with aggressive fans that got out of hand, drawing criticism by the media. More than that, West was becoming more vocal about Presley's drug problem and how he needed help. As a result, West, his cousin Sonny West, and a third bodyguard named David Hebler were fired by Elvis's father, Vernon Presley, who hated most of, if not all, the members of his son's entourage.

Red West was fired by Presley and subsequently helped write the book Elvis: What Happened, which was published weeks before Presley's death. The book, according to West in the book, was an attempt to help Presley, but believed by some to be an attempt to retaliate and earn an income after being fired.

This is what The Commercial Appeal (Memphis) ran on his passing:

Red West, the longtime and sometimes critical confidante and bodyguard of Elvis Presley who became a successful film and television actor after the singer's death, died Tuesday night after suffering an aortic aneurysm at Baptist Hospital. He was 81.

Born in Bolivar, Tennessee, the athletic Robert Gene "Red" West befriended Elvis at Humes High School, where the 6-foot-2 redhead protected the smaller pre-fame Elvis from bullies on at least a couple of occasions, according to Presley lore. He worked for Elvis for some 20 years, occasionally taking small roles in such films as “Flaming Star” and writing or co-writing such memorable Elvis songs as the 1972 hit "Separate Ways," the holiday favorite "If Every Day Was Like Christmas" and the 1975 masterpiece of infidelity, "If You Talk in Your Sleep," recorded at Stax.

West also composed or contributed to songs recorded by other artists, including Ricky Nelson, Pat Boone and Johnny Rivers. 

An ex-Marine, Golden Gloves boxer, karate instructor and genuine tough-guy-with-a-heart-of-gold (at least in his later years), West said it was his protective streak that motivated him to co-write "Elvis: What Happened?," a tell-all best-seller published only two weeks before Elvis' death on Aug. 16, 1977, that documented the singer’s drug dependency and unhealthy lifestyle,. West and his co-authors, fellow “Memphis Mafia” members and Elvis bodyguards Sonny West (a cousin) and David Hebler, assisted by Steve Dunleavy, a journalist, said the book was an attempt to encourage Elvis to give up his dangerous ways, but some outraged fans said the memoir was written out of spite, since the three men only a year earlier had been fired from Elvis’ employ by Elvis’ father, Vernon Presley.

As Elvis' friend, driver and bodyguard, West was among Presley's closest associates during the singer's meteoric rise, Army tour of duty, Hollywood stardom, late 1960s so-called comeback and 1970s decline. West's father, Newton West, died the same day as Elvis' mother, Gladys Presley, which only strengthened the men's bond. When Elvis was in the Army, West traveled to Germany to be nearer the singer, at Presley's request.

West, Elvis and others would frequently spar at the old Tennessee Karate Institute in Midtown, co-owned by West. "He was a tough son of a gun," said former kickboxing world champion Bill "Superfoot" Wallace, one of the studio's co-owners.

Prior to being fired, West and some of Presley's other bodyguards had received criticism for what the reference book "Elvis: His Life from A to Z" describes as "heavyhanded tactics" involving "too much physical persuasion," in an attempt "to keep the weirdos away from Elvis." West always defended his work for Elvis, while Vernon Presley said the firings were an attempt to cut Presley's expenses. 

Post-Elvis, West became a full-time actor, earning a regular role opposite star Robert Conrad in the late 1970s series “Black Sheep Squadron" (originally titled "Baa Baa Black Sheep"), about a squadron of World War II fighter pilots.

West's most famous role was in the 1989 Patrick Swayze cult classic “Road House,” but major critical acclaim eluded him until late in life, when he landed his first top billing and the first lead role of his career in the acclaimed independent drama “Goodbye Solo” (2008), which critic Roger Ebert labeled "a masterwork" and The New York Times called "a near perfect film."

“It took me 59 years to be an overnight success,” West told The Commercial Appeal, in a 2009 interview timed to the local release of the movie, in which he portrayed a taciturn old-timer contemplating suicide.

“I started out in this business as a stuntman, and it’s taken its toll on me,” West added. “I’ve had knee replacements, and I’ve got big calcium deposits in my neck from falling on my head so many times. So this is just in time.”

Eastwood never called, but others did. West appeared in such movies as Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Rainmaker” and Ira Sachs’ “Forty Shades of Blues,” both shot in Memphis, as well as Robert Altman’s made-in-Mississippi “Cookie’s Fortune,” Oliver Stone’s “Natural Born Killers,” Bahrani’s “At Any Price” (with Dennis Quaid), the horror sequel “I Still Know What You Did Last Summer” and the true-sports story, “Glory Road.”

On TV, he could be found in episodes of “Mannix,” “The Six Million Dollar Man,” "Magnum P.I.” and  “The A-Team.” A 2015 appearance in the series “Nashville” was his final credit.

In a 2011 episode of "Memphis Beat," a TNT crime series set but not shot in Memphis, West played a cancer-stricken inmate serving time for the murder of the father of the series' star, an Elvis-impersonating police detective played by Jason Lee.

Red West and his wife, acting coach Pat West, had celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary on July 1. A Messick graduate who met her husband while she was working as a secretary for Elvis, Pat West said Red had complained of pains Sunday afternoon and was taken to Baptist Hospital. Early in the evening, he died after suffering what she described as an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

“From the very start, we had a bond that was just unusual,” Pat West said of her husband. “He was just a straight shooter.”

Pat West said she and her husband usually skipped "Elvis Week," but they had been planning to participate in some activities organized this year by friend and longtime Elvis associate George Klein. "We wanted to go this year, this special year," she said, referring to the 40th anniversary of Presley's death.

According to most sources (including Wikipedia and the Internet Movie Database), Red West was born on Nov. 20, 1936, which would make him 80 at the time of his death. But Pat West said his actual birthday was March 8, 1936.

In addition to his wife, West is survived by two sons, actor John Boyd West, of Tampa, Florida, and Brent West, of Memphis; a brother, Harold West of Olive Branch; and six grandchildren. Memorial Park Funeral Home will handle services.

Charts

• The DVD 'Elvis – The King Of Rock’n’Roll – 30 Hit Performances And More' dropped from #10 to #30 on the Australian Music DVD chart. 
• The 6-DVD-Box 'The Elvis Collection' climbed from #45 to #36 on the Official UK Music DVD chart. 
• 
  

You Ain’t Nothing But a BrewDog

Scottish craft brewery BrewDog has lost a trade mark dispute concerning their grapefruit infused IPA named ‘Elvis Juice’. UK IPO held that the registered trade mark rights of the Elvis Presley estate have been infringed by drawing a link between the star and the alcoholic beverage. As a result, the registration of the ‘Brewdog Elvis Juice’ and ‘Elvis Juice’ marks has been refused and the company may be forced to find a new name for their product.

This decision comes after two of the BrewDog’s founders went to great lengths in order to prove the name in question is not exclusive to the late King of Rock and Roll, by legally changing their forenames to Elvis. It is now clear that this move did not bring about the desired outcome, but it brought attention to a wide-spread issue – wrongful association between two undertakings, where one of them enjoys good reputation, and the other is perceived as taking unfair advantage of such reputation.

The reasoning behind the UK IPO’s decision to rule in favour of the Presley estate was based on the combination of two factors described in the Section 5 of the Trade Marks Act 1994. Firstly, the ‘Elvis’ (trade mark registered by the estate), ‘BrewDog Elvis Juice’ and ‘Elvis Juice’ marks were found to be highly similar. Secondly, although the goods in question are not identical or similar to the goods the estate produces or licences the production of, the reputation of the ‘Elvis’ mark was held to be strong enough to outweigh this. Moreover, UK IPO was of the opinion that the consumers may believe the ‘Elvis Juice’ beverage has been endorsed by the Presley estate, resulting in wrongful association.

Looking at the current legal framework and the legendary status of Elvis Presley’s name, this outcome is hardly surprising. However, BrewDog managed to pull a rabbit out of the hat by turning this seemingly hopeless situation into a great publicity stunt. The brewery gained a significant amount of attention from the media, their products were promoted, and the Presley estate’s reputation may end up suffering due to its participation in this David versus Goliath fight. The question thus remains: Who is the real winner here?

(Source: Essential Elvis / FECC / WikiPedia / The Commercial Appeal / The King's World / Lexology)

July 17 - Elvis Texas Tornado

Due soon from the Rock And Roll Majesty import-label is the 4 CD longbox 'Elvis Texas Tornado' containing four soundboard concert performances recorded in Texas. This will be in a very limited editon of only 400 copies. 

Concert 1: 
June 15, 1974 afternoon show as recorded at the Tarant County Convention Center, Fort Worth, Texas.
previously released as "The Man In White" by the Lonestar label in 2002.
Concert 2: 
June 2, 1976 show as recorded at the Grand Hall Civic Center at El Paso, Texas.
previously released as "El Goes El Paso" by Audionics in 2004.
Concert 3: 
June 3, 1976 show as recorded at the Tarant County Convention Center, Fort Worth, Texas.
previously released as "Holding Down The Fort" by the Madison label in 2006. If that's the case, i'm curious if the pre-show is also released here.
Concert 4: 
July 3, 1976 show as recorded at the Tarant County Convention Center, Fort Worth, Texas. 
previously released on FTD Rockin' Across Texas.

That’s All Right

The Rat Packs Records label released the CD and vinyl album “That’s All Right”. 

Side A: That´s All Right - Mystery Train - Heartbreak Hotel - Blue Suede Shoes - Hound Dog - Don´t Be Cruel - All Shook Up


Side B: (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear - Jailhouse Rock - Trouble - It´s Now Or Never - Little Sister - Return To Sender

(Source: e-mail / Elvis Club Berlin)

July 16 - Greensboro '77

The Ragdoll importlabel announced the release of the CD 'Elvis - Greensboro '77' containing a previously unreleased audience-recording of the April 21, 1977 Evening Show performance as recorded from the audience at the Coliseum in Greensboro. It comes with an eight page booklet with rare photos from the actual concert. 

The show has previously been released on CD-R 'Getting Down In Greensboro' and  'Adios Greensboro'.

Tracks: Also Sprach Zarathustra - See See Rider - I Got A Woman - Love Me - If You Love me Let Me Know - You Gave Me A Mountain - Jailhouse Rock - O Sole Mio - It's Now Or Never - Little Sister - Teddy Bear - Don't Be Cruel - And I Love You So - Fever - My Way - Introductions - Early Mornin' Rain - What'd I Say - Johnny B Goode - Introductions (Incomplete) - Hurt (With Reprise) - Hound Dog - Funny How Time Slips Away - How Great Thou Art - Little Darlin' - Can't Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

(Source: FECC)

July 14 - 40 Years On

Here is the cover-art for the 'Elvis Presley - 40 Years On' double budget CD release from the SM Originals label which is due August 11, 2017. 

CD 1: Return To Sender - She's Not You - Good Luck Charm - Rock A Hula Baby - Can't Help Falling In Love - Little Sister - (Marie's The Name Of) His Latest Flame - Wild In The Country - I Feel So Bad - Lonely Man - Surrender - Wooden Heart - Are You Lonesome Tonight? - A Mess Of Blues - It's Now Or Never - Stuck On You - A Big Hunk Of Love - I Need Your Love Tonight - A Fool Such As I - Suspicion - Hard Headed Woman - Wear My Ring Around Your Neck - I Beg Of You - Don't - Flaming Star - I Got Stung - Trouble - One Night - Such A Night - Follow That Dream

CD 2: Heartbreak Hotel - Blue Suede Shoes - I Want You, I Need You, I Love You - My Baby Left Me - Hound Dog - Don't Be Cruel - Blue Moon - I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine - Love Me Tender - Anyway That You Want Me - Mystery Train - Love Me - Rip It Up - Too Much - All Shook Up - (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear - G. I. Blues - Paralyzed - Kiss Me Quick - Party - Got A Lot O' Livin' To Do - Loving You - Trying To Get To You - Lawdy, Miss Clawdy - I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone - King Creole - Jailhouse Rock - Treat Me Nice - The Girl Of My Best Friend - Fever

(Source: Amazon)

July 13 - Moody Blue

The CMT / STAR import cooperation 'Spliced Takes - Nashville Revisited' has been released in the 'Spliced Takes' series. 

Tracks: Devil in Disguise - Alternate Master - Please Don't Drag That String Around - Spliced take 3,4,5,5  - Gold in the Mountains - Spliced overdubbed master - Like A Baby - Alternate Master - Soldier Boy - Spliced take 2,7 - Thrill of Your Love - Spliced take fs,2,1,3,1 - I Got Stung - Spliced take 18,20 - She's Not You - Spliced take 3/WP 5 (overdub) - Put the Blame on Me - Spliced take fs,fs,fs,2  - Dirty, Dirty Feeling - Alternate Master - Kiss Me Quick - Spliced take 5,6 - Western Union - Spliced take 2,3,1,2 - His Latest Flame - Spliced take 10,12 - By and By - Spliced take 1,3,4 - Joshua Fit the Battle - Spliced take 3,2 - I Believe in the Man in the Sky - Spliced take 3,4,1 - Big Boss Man - Spliced take 5,9 - It Ain't No Big Thing - Spliced take 1,2,6 - Just Pretend - Spliced take 1,2 - Stranger in the Crowd - Spliced Rehearsal - Cindy Cindy 1,2,1,1 - Heart of Rome - Spliced take 3/ workpart 1 - I'll Never Know - Alternate "Overdubbed" Master - It Hurts Me - Spliced take 3,4,5 - I John - Spliced take 1,1,2 - Padre - Spliced take 8,11 (undubbed) - Amazing Grace - Spliced take 1,2 - In The Garden - Spliced Take 2,3 - Early Morning Rain - Alternate Master - Until It's Time For You To Go - Spliced take  7,8

Moody Blue Anniversary

Sony Music will release the original vinyl RCA album 'Moody Blue' as an 40th anniversary limited edition in clear blue 180 gram vinyl on September 1, 2017.

Description:
Moody Blue was Elvis’ final studio album released by RCA Records the month before his death in August 1977. The album was a mixture of live and studio work, and included the four tracks from his final studio recording sessions in October 1976 and two tracks left over from the previous Graceland session in February 1976. "Moody Blue" was a previously published hit song recorded at the earlier Graceland session and held over for this album. Also recorded at the February session was "It's Easy For You"" written by Tim Rice & Andrew Lloyd Webber. Two other track on the album were composed by John Rostill the English bassist and composer, recruited by the Shadows to replace Brian Locking "Way Down" became a hit after Elvis’ death less than one month after this album's publication. The album was certified Gold and Platinum on September 12, 1977 and 2x Platinum on March 27, 1992 by the RIAA.

Side A 1.Unchained Melody – Live (Alex North and Hy Zaret) 2:36; 2.If You Love Me - Live (Let Me Know) (John Rostill) 3:02; 3.Little Darlin' – Live (Maurice Williams) 1:55; 4.He'll Have to Go (Joe Allison, Audrey Allison) 4:35; 5.Let Me Be There (John Rostill) 3:38 
Side B 1.Way Down (Layng Martine, Jr.) 2:41; 2.Pledging My Love (Don Robey, Ferdinand Washington) 2:50; 3.Moody Blue (Mark James) 2:53; 4.She Thinks I Still Care (Dickey Lee Lipscomb) 3:54; 5.It's Easy for You (Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tim Rice) 3:30

Platinum Goes Gold

The 2012 compilation 'The Platinum Collection' from the Not Now Music label was certified 'Gold’ by the UK BPI on July 7, 2017. The set received a Silver Certification December 9, 2016.

The UK record label first released 'Elvis - The Platinum Collection' back in 2012 and it  has been available as a 3CD set and a 3LP collectors edition in white vinyl, both containing 75 classic recordings between 1954 and 1962. The album even had it's own vinyl 45rpm single featuring 'That's All Right & Blue Moon of Kentucky', and the album even made the UK music charts reaching #71 on the Pop album charts and #17 on the UK Indie album chart.

(Source: Elvis Telegraph / Elvis Express / FECC)

July 12 - Import Chart Releases

The 'Country Memories' import-release has been released. It is a 'reproduction' of the original 1978 compilation with alternated takes and comes in a six panbel digi-pack. 

Charts

• The 'ELV1S - 30 #1 Hits’ re-entered the Official UK Album chart at #91
• The 'The Platinum Collection’ compilation dropped off the Official UK Album chart.
• The 6-DVD-Box 'The Elvis Collection’ dropped from #9 to #19 on the Official UK Music DVD chart. 
• The 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits’ is a re-entry at #88 on the Official Scottish Album chart.
• The DVD 'Elvis – The King Of Rock’n’Roll – 30 Hit Performances And More’ climbed from #30 to #10 on the Official Australian Music chart. 
• The 'Ultimate Gospel’ compilation remained steady at #11 on the Billboard Christian Album chart. 
• The 'The Wonder Of You’ album remained steady at #5 on the Billboard Classical Album chart.  

(Source: Elvis Aktuell / Elvis The Man And His Music / FECC / Official Charts)