December 30 - For LP Fans Only

Due for release from the Friday Music label on March 6, 2019 is a 60th Anniversary red vinyl re-issue of the classic "For LP Fans Only".

Side A: That's All Right - Lawdy, Miss Clawdy - Mystery Train - Playing For Keeps - Poor Boy
Side B: My Baby Left Me - I Was The One - Shake, Rattle And Roll - I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone - You're A Heartbreaker

Cassettes Sales

The Top Selling Cassette Albums of 2018 in the US for the tracking period Dec. 29, 2017 through Jan. 3, 2019.

1 Soundtrack, Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol. 1 24,000
2 Soundtrack, Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2: Awesome Mix Vol. 2 19,000
3 Twenty One Pilots, Trench 7,000
4 Soundtrack, Stranger Things: Music From the Netflix Original Series 5,000
5 Britney Spears, …Baby One More Time 4,000
6 Soundtrack, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Mix, Vol. 1 3,000
7 Guns N' Roses, Appetite for Destruction 3,000
8 Metallica, The $5.98 EP: Garage Days Re-Revisited 3,000
9 Elvis Presley, Where No One Stands Alone 2,000
10 Wu-Tang Clan, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) 2,000


Titles listed with the same sales total are not tied, as their exact sales are rounded to the nearest thousand.

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / Friday Music / Nielsen Music)

December 29 - Having Fun With Vinyl

Just released is “Having Fun With ELVIS On Stage”, a deluxe box-set with three ten inch vinyl records, a CD plus a hand numbered certificate. The CD is called "Live From the Hilton, January 31, 1974 DS". 

This boxset is a very limited edition of only 100 sets made worldwide. Another 100 box-sets are also available without the records, for those who already own the albums. This means that you will get the deluxe boxset with bonus CD and the hand numbered certificate.

Graceland 2019 Elvis Birthday Celebration

The 2019 Elvis Birthday Celebration kicks off in just 7 days - January 5-8 at Graceland - and the festivities include the Elvis Birthday Proclamation Ceremony, Elvis Birthday Brunch, Elvis Birthday Bash, "Viva Las Vegas" sing-along and more. Our special guests include Charlotte Stewart, who starred in "Speedway" with Elvis. 

Among the highlights of the 2019 celebration: a series of events featuring Presley's close friend Jerry Schilling. As part of an exclusive package offer, Schilling will attend a cocktail party and private movie screening with fans, host a "show & tell" event and more. Two other main events of the four-day celebration are the annual Birthday. Proclamation and "The Auction at Graceland" both are scheduled for Tuesday, January 8.

"The Auction at Graceland" will begin at 12:30 p.m. CT at Graceland's Guest House Theater. Among the priciest items up for bid is "Dr Nicks" gold and diamond "TCB" necklace which is expected to sell for between $60,000 and $80,000. Fans who cannot make it to Memphis can watch the Elvis Birthday Proclamation Ceremony live on EPE's Livestream page.

(Source: e-mail / Graceland / Elvis Information Network)

December 28 - The Original US EP Collection

Due for release on January 25, 2019 from the Reel to Reel label is volume 5 in the "The Original US EP Collection".

Elvis Presley: Volume 2 (EP) (US) RCA EPA-993
Side A: So Glad You're Mine - Old Shep
Side B:Ready Teddy - Anyplace Is Paradise

Strictly Elvis (EP) (US) RCA EPA-994
Side A: Long Tall Sally - First In Line
Side B: How Do You Think I Feel - How's The World Treating You


B.P.I. Award

The "Elvis: The Searcher" documentary DVD was certified with B.P.I. Gold Video Award on December 28, 2018 for selling over 25.000 copies (streams plus digital downloads plus physical sales) of this documentary DVD in the United Kingdom.

More Elvis Re-issues on Vinyl

The State of Art label re-issued the “The Million Dollar Quartet” session once more on vinyl. 

The Friday Music label re-issued the “Girls! Girls! Girls!” Soundtrack album, with two bonus tracks, on vinyl. The Waxtime label re-issued several titles on vinyl. The 20 track “Mystery Train: Sun Studio Recordings”, Elvis Presley’s second album “Elvis” and “Jailhouse Rock” soundtrack, both with 4 bonus tracks. Also released were “His Hand in Mine” and “Something for Everybody”, both with 2 bonus tracks. 

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / Juno / Amazon)

December 27 - Blue Hawaii Promo

Here is the preview of the Limited Edition "Blue Hawaii" blue colored vinyl re-issue from the Wax-Time label which is due June 14, 2019. 

Side A: Blue Hawaii - Almost Always True - Aloha Oe - No More - Can´t Help Falling In Love - Rock-A-Hula Baby - Moonlight Swim
Side B: KU-U-I-Po - Ito Eats - Slicin' Sand - Hawaiian Sunset - Beach Boy Blues - Island Of Love - Hawaiian Wedding Song - Bonus Song: Steppin´ Out Of Line (Movie Version).

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / Grooves Inc.)

December 26 - Fan Club CD

Here is the EPE Fan Club CD that EPE sends out as their annual Christmas Card to the official Elvis Presley fan-clubs. This year the CD contains "Merry Christmas Baby", "Blue Christmas" and "It Won't Seem Like Christmas". 

In the note Priscilla and Lisa Marie thanks fans and look back at the HBO "Elvis The Searcher" documentary and the "Where No One Stands Alone" and of course the  "Medal of Freedom" which Elvis posthumously received from President Trump. 

Click on the image to read the text.

(Elvis Matters / Elvis On CD)

December 25 - Christmas! (Updated 28/12)

It's Christmas! 

May your world be filled with warmth, good cheer and some Elvis music this Holiday season.

Charts

The Christmas chart update for Elvis Presley around the world. As always several of Elvis' Christmas compilations have charted over the last month worldwide, some are already dropping.

The US Billboard for the week ending December 29, 2018:

• On the US Billboard Album Top 200 chart the "It's Christmas Time" album climbed from #51 to #50.
• On the US Billboard Album Sales chart the "It's Christmas Time" album dropped from #56 to #61.
• On the US Billboard Catalogue Album chart the "It's Christmas Time" album, dropped from #15 to #16.
• On the US Billboard Country Album chart the "It's Christmas Time" album climbed from #4 to #3.
• On the US Billboard Country Album chart the “The Essential Elvis Presley” makes a re-entry at #26.
• On the US Billboard Country Album chart the “The Classic Christmas Album” dropped from #30 to #39.
• On the US Billboard Rock Album chart the “The Essential Elvis Presley” makes a re-entry at #46.
• On the US Holiday Album chart the “It’s Christmas Time” album remains steady at #16.
• On the US Billboard Christian Album chart the “Elvis: Ultimate Gospel” climbed from #26 to #24.
• On the US Billboard Holiday Song chart “Blue Christmas” dropped from #16 to #20.
• On the US Billboard Holiday Song chart “Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)” climbed from #66 to #64. 
• On the US Billboard Artist chart Elvis Presley climbed from #33 to #31.
• On the US Billboard Country Album chart the "It's Christmas Time" album dropped from #32 to #3.
• On the US Billboard Country Album chart the "The Classic Christmas Album" remained steady at #6.
• On the US Billboard Country Album chart the "Merry Christmas, Love Elvis" album dropped from #12 to #15.
• On the US Billboard Country Album chart the "Elvis: Ultimate Gospel" album is a re-entry at #24.

Canadian charts:

• On the Canadian Album Top 100 the "The Classic Christmas Album" dropped from #51 to #57. 

UK, Irish and Scottish Charts:

• On the Official UK Singles chart the “Blue Christmas” song is a re-entry at #63. 
• The “Elvis: The Searcher” remained steady at #1 on the Official UK Music DVD chart.
• The 6-DVD-Box “The Elvis Collection” climbed from #22 to #19 on the Official UK Music DVD chart. 
• On the Irish IRMA Album chart the “ELV1S 30 #1 Hits” compilation is a re-entry at #91.
• On the Irish IRMA Album chart the “The Real ... Elvis" dropped off the Album chart.
• On the Irish IRMA Music DVD Chart The Searcher climbs back from #3 to #2.
• On the Irish IRMA  Singles chart the “Blue Christmas” song dropped from #63 to #96. 
• On the Official Scottish Album chart the “Christmas Peace” compilation dropped from #72 to #95.

Australian Charts

• On the Australian ARIA Music DVD chart the DVD “Elvis – The King Of Rock’n’Roll – 30 Hit Performances And More“ dropped from #21 to #37. 
• The “Elvis Christmas With The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra“ album climbed from #23 to #22 on the Australian ARIA Album chart. 

Belgian Charts (Wallonia)

• On the Belgian Ultratop Mid-price Album chart the “Top 40 Elvis - His Ultimate Top 40 Collection” climbed from #35 to #33.
• On the Belgian Ultratop Back-catalogue Singles chart the “Blue Christmas” song is a re-entry at #26.  

(Source: FECC / Billboard / Elvis Information Netwrk / Martin / The King's World)

December 24 - French Jukebox

The January 2019 French Jukebox magazine features an 32 page Elvis article and poster. The article is a reprint of "Elvis Mensuel", a magazine that was compiled in 1966 by the Belgium UEPS fan-club. 

(Source: UEPS / Jukebox Magazine)

December 23 - Elvis In Vegas

Due for release from Simon and Schusser on July 23, 2019 is the 320 pages book “Elvis in Vegas: How the King of Rock 'n' Roll Reinvented the Las Vegas Show”. 

Description:
The story of how Las Vegas saved Elvis and Elvis saved Las Vegas in the greatest musical comeback of all time.

The conventional wisdom is that Las Vegas is what destroyed Elvis Presley: launching him on a downward spiral of drugs, boredom, erratic stage behavior, and eventually his fatal overdose. But in Elvis in Vegas, Richard Zoglin takes a revisionist view, arguing that Vegas is where the King of Rock and Roll resurrected his career, reinvented himself as a performer, and created the most exciting show in Vegas history.

Elvis’s 1969 opening night in Vegas was his first time back on a live stage in more than eight years. His career had gone sour—bad movies, mediocre pop songs that no longer made the charts—and he’d been dismissed by most critics as over the hill. But in Vegas he played the biggest showroom in the biggest hotel in the city, drawing more people for his four-week engagement than any other show in Vegas history. His performance got rave reviews, “Suspicious Minds” gave him his first number-one hit in seven years, and Elvis became Vegas’s biggest star. Over the next seven years, he performed more than 800 shows there, and sold out every one.

Las Vegas was changed too. The intimate night-club-style shows of the Rat Pack, who made Vegas the nation’s premier live-entertainment center in the 1950s and ‘60s, catered largely to well-heeled older gamblers. Elvis brought a new kind of experience: an over-the-top, rock-concert-like extravaganza. He set a new bar for Vegas performers, with the biggest salary, the biggest musical production, and the biggest promotion campaign the city had ever seen. In doing so, he opened the door to a new generation of pop/rock performers, and brought a new audience to Vegas—a mass audience from Middle America that Vegas depends on for its success to this day.

A classic comeback tale set against the backdrop of Las Vegas’s golden age, Richard Zoglin’s Elvis in Vegas is a feel-good story for the ages.

(Source: Amazon)

December 22 - Loving You and More (Updated 25/12)

Due for release from the Hoo Doo label on February 21, 2019 is the CD "Rock ‘N’ Roll No. 2". It contains the original UK releases "Rock ‘N’ Roll No. 2" and "Loving You". This Release comes in a digi-pack and is limited to 500 copies.

Product Description:
This essential CD edition contains two of Elvis Presley’s finest long plays (both issued on the RCA label) from the beginning of his career: his sensational second album, No. 2 (also known as Elvis, as well as Rock ‘N’ Roll No. 2), and the follow-up, "Loving You", which contains the soundtrack to the King’s homonymous debut color film. 

These two LPs helped define the exact nature of early rock and roll and include such hits as “Ready Teddy,” “Paralyzed,” “Rip It Up,” and “Teddy Bear,” among others. Both LPs have been remastered and packaged together in this very special collector’s edition, which also contains 6 bonus tracks from the same period and presents an alternate cover sleeve (that was used for the first pressing of Elvis’ 2nd album in the UK by the label His Master’s Voice). This is as rebellious, engaging and rousing as early rock & roll can sound. Great 

Tracks
  1. Rip It Up
  2. Love Me
  3. When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again
  4. Long Tall Sally
  5. First In Line
  6. Paralyzed
  7. So Glad You're Mine
  8. Old Shep
  9. Ready Teddy
  10. Anyplace Is Paradise
  11. How's The World Treating You
  12. How Do You Think I Feel
  13. Mean Woman Blues
  14. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear
  15. Loving You
  16. Got A Lot O' Livin' To Do
  17. Lonesome Cowboy
  18. Hot Dog
  19. Party
  20. Blueberry Hill - True Love
  21. Don't Leave Me Now
  22. Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?
  23. I Need You So
  24. Love Me Tender
  25. I Want You, I Need You, I Love You
  26. Hound Dog
  27. Don't Be Cruel
  28. I Want To Be Free
  29. Shake, Rattle And Roll

Chart update

Weekly chart update:

US Billboard Chart:

• On the US Billboard Country Catalogue chart the "It's Christmas Time" album remained steady at #2. 
• On the US Billboard Country Catalogue chart the "The Classic Christmas Album" dropped from #5 to #6.
• On the US Billboard Country Catalogue chart the "Merry Christmas, Love Elvis"" album climbed from #15 to #12.
• On the US Billboard Country Catalogue chart the "Elvis: Ultimate Christmas"" album dropped from #13 to #17. 
• On the Billboard Album Top 200 chart "It's Christmas Time" dropped from #45 to #51.
• On the Billboard Album Sales chart "It's Christmas Time" dropped from #39 to  #56.
• On the Billboard Album Sales chart "Classic Christmas Album" dropped from #75 to  #77.
• On the Billboard Artist Top 100 chart Elvis dropped from #26 to #33.
• The "Elvis Ultimate Gospel" is a new entry at #26 on the US Billboard Christian Album chart.
• On the US Billboard Holiday Album chart "It's Christmas Time" dropped from #13 to #16. 
• On the US Billboard Holiday Song chart the song "Blue Christmas" is listed at #16 while Here Comes Santa Claus" is listed at #66.

UK, Ireland and Scotland:

• On the Official Irish Album Chart the "The Real ... Elvis" is a re-entry at #94.
• On the Official Irish Music DVD chart "Elvis The Searcher" dropped from #2 to #3.
• On the Official Scottish Album chart the "Christmas Peace" compilation climbed from #81 to #72.
• The “Elvis The Searcher” DVD remained #1 on the Official UK Music DVD chart.
• The “Elvis The Searcher” soundtrack album climbed from #53 to #52 on the Official UK Soundtrack Album chart.
• The “Elvis The Collection” is listed at #19 on the Official UK Music DVD chart. 
• The “Where No One Stands Alone” album dropped from #1 to #2 on the Official UK Gospel and Christian Music chart.

Canadian Charts

• On the Canadian Album Top 100 the "The Classic Christmas Album" is listed at #51. 

Sweden

• On the Swedish Single Top 100 chart the song “Blue Christmas” dropped from 59 to #60.

Belgium:

• On the Belgian (Wallonia) Mid-price Album chart the "Top 40 Elvis - His Ultimate Top 40 Collection" dropped form #30 to #50. 

Australia:

• On the Australian ARIA Album Chart the "Elvis Christmas with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra" climbed from #35 to #23. 
• The "The King of Rock and Roll" remains steady at #21 on the Music DVD chart.

(Source: Amazon / ARIA / Martin)

December 21 - The Complete Private Recordings (Updated (31/12)

Due for release from the UK based Memphis Recording Service March 2019 on CD and vinyl is "Elvis: Made in Germany - The Complete Private Recordings”. These recordings will be “cleaned, repaired and restored”. More information than available. 

Gold BPI Award

The 2005 single-release of "Can't Help Falling In Love" was certified with a Gold Award by the Brittish BPI for selling over 400.000 copies since Since it's release (streams plus digital downloads plus physical sales.

Elvis Presley’s Graceland Named Best Holiday Historic Home Tour 

Elvis Presley’s Graceland was voted #1 “Best Holiday Historic Home Tour” in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, it was announced today by 10Best.com. Graceland was voted into the top spot by the general public and readers of USA Today’s popular 10Best online travel site, who were asked to cast their online ballot for their favorite historic home holiday tour from a pool of 20 nationwide attractions nominated by a panel of travel writers and photographers. 


This marks an impressive fifth USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Award win for Elvis Presley’s legendary home, which was previously voted the world’s “Best Tennessee Attraction” and “Best Musical Attraction” in 2018, “Best Historic Southern Attraction” in 2015, and the #1 “Iconic American Attraction” in 2013 by USA Today 10Best readers.

(Source: FECC / Memphis Recording Service / Graceland)

December 20 - Christmas Sessions

Another release from the ElvisOne label; "Elvis Christmas Sessions". 

From the press-release:
During these sessions Elvis recorded all 8 Christmas songs from his 1957 'Elvis Christmas Album' plus 'Treat Me Nice', 'My Wish Came True' and 'Don't'.  To make this release complete we've included 9 rare versions official released through the years! Including a booklet with photos and recording information.

September 5 1957 Session: Treat Me Nice (With Count-In) - Blue Christmas

September 6 1957 Session: My Wish Came True (With Count-In) - White Christmas (With Count-In) - Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane) - Silent Night - Don’t (With Count-In)

September 7 1957 Session: Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem - Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me) - Santa Claus Is Back In Town - I’ll Be Home For Christmas

Bonus Songs - Rare Released Versions: White Christmas (Repaired Master) - Blue Christmas (Reprocessed Stereo Version) - Silent Night (Without Piano Intro) - I’ll Be Home For Christmas - White Christmas (With Count-In) - Blue Christmas - Silent Night - I’ll Be Home For Christmas (From Elvis’ Special Christmas Radio Program, 03.12.1967) - Special Message From Elvis / Silent Night (Album Version).

Elvis Christmas Re-issue

Wax Love presents a reissue of Elvis Presley's "Elvis' Christmas Album", originally released in 1958. Since its original release, this classic Christmas album from Elvis Presley has sold more than 15 million copies. His third full length album, Elvis' Christmas Album was recorded in Hollywood, and includes the Lieber and Stoller classic "Santa Claus Is Back In Town", as well as several gospel songs and Christmas standards. A perfect gift for this holiday season.

(Source: Music of Elvis Presley / Amazon)

December 19 - New Surround Collection

Due for release from Media In Vision on January 20, 2019 is a new experimental release entitled "Elvis Presley - New Surround Collection" which comes as a High Definition Music Card. 

This new format is available through Amazon and comes with a disclaimer: Experimental releases of major artists featuring on this page produced for market research and development only and not pretending to be a finished product, All rights are assured in proposed limitations.

Have you heard about the new format that will replace the music CD and revolutionize the music industry as you know it? Let us introduce to you the new High Definition Music Card. If you love music, then you have a lot of sources to choose from today. But, if you really love music, you re probably not satisfied with the sound quality of what you are listening to. You re frustration is comparable to a viewer watching a movie in IMAX and 3-D at the local theater, and then seeing the same recording on their Smartphone... wow, what a difference. 

See, the High Definition Music Card is based on an advanced technology that places each sound in a unique 3-D location in space. Well, now you can get that 3-D type of experience in music by using The High Definition Music Card. Developed by Alexander Goldberg Jero, winner of prestigious Surround Music Awards, 

The High Definition Music Card is a new USB format device for delivering music content that features the latest advances in surround sound reproduction that compares with no other format in the world. In addition to recording music, the High Definition Music Card can also include Hi-def photos, bios, release information, support software, and additional links for a complete 360 degree sensual experience. The High Definition Music Card is versatile and can be used in blu-ray players, laptops, home theater systems, stereos, headphones, and more. 

Whether you are a music distributor, artist, or just want the best sound quality, you need the High Definition Music Card. Alexander Golberg Jero, the brilliant mind behind many jaw-dropping compositions and the innovator of this extraordinary new product, reports the first steps of High Definition Music Card development. This card utilizes the USB technology that we use everyday as well as his in-depth knowledge of surround sound technology to transform how people listen to music wherever they are. 
The past 6 months have been busy for the development of this project. As a result of the support of Amazon, the High Definition Music Card had working prototypes up on their website. This allowed for the testing of this technology on the consumer market to help improve the product before bringing it to market. There was also a marketing campaign that was launched to create awareness for this product, informing them of the important features of this product. Because of these efforts, connections were established with key content providers including major record labels for the future releases of some of the top music artists. Due to these developments, shares of MediaInVision PLC were made available with a significant amount of interest established for the future investors. Future steps in place include creating a graphic user interface for Blu-ray players and further increasing the marketing efforts.

Tracks:
1. Elvis Presley - Saved
2. Elvis Presley - He Is My Everything
3. Elvis Presley - I've Got Confidence
4. Elvis Presley - So High
5. Elvis Presley - Bosom of Abraham
6. Elvis Presley - Let It Be Me
7. Elvis Presley - The Wonder of You
8. Elvis Presley - T-R-O-U-B-L-E
9. Elvis Presley - An American Trilogy
10. Elvis Presley - I Got a Feelin' in My Body
11. Elvis Presley - Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel

Limited Addition High Definition Music Card Experimental Release Featuring:
1. 11.1 DTS-X Object Surround Mixes, 7.1 and 5.1 Configuration Comparable.
2. Stereo FLAC 24bit 192Khz Resolution
3. Biography Videos
4. Stage Images
5. Playback Software for Surround Sound Files for Mac and PC.
6. Support Links and Services
7. Public Folder --Editorial

Additional information:
Alexander Golberg Jero releasing High Definition Music Card technology rights to Major Records Labels: Alexander Goldberg Jero is a name that has become synonymous with innovation in the music industry. He has spent much of his time focusing on how he can transform classical music that people have grown to love into a magical experience that they ll never forget. 

Innovation is his main focus, always looking for new ways to shake up and improve the way the music industry does things. Taking what he has learned from perfecting the technique of surround sound music, he has been an instrumental force behind the brand new High Definition Music Card. 

This new technology promises to change the way that we listen to music, when you re home or on the go. Jero understands the music is an ever-changing industry that needs to keep up with the evolving technology. His new offering, the High Definition Music Card is exactly the change that music lovers need. Digital media is a popular trend right now and that does not seem to be going away. One reason for this is because it offers such a higher quality of music especially when compared to cassettes or CDs. 

The High Definition Music Card is the next big thing, taking advantage of the USB industry that is anticipated to get a $2.5 billion growth for MediaInVisionPLC over the next 10 years. The High Definition Music Card can not only hold a vast amount of music on it, it allows music lovers to listen to a music quality that will blow them away. The High Definition Music Card offers playability on a wide range of devices including laptops, desktops, and Blu-Ray players. The surround quality music that comes from this product offers listeners a completely immersive experience that transforms the way they appreciate music. This makes music affordable and much easier to enjoy wherever you are. 

This is a product that will change everything about the music experience, allowing you to enjoy music wherever you are as if you were at a concert. Since its inception, a lot of progress has been made in bringing the High Definition Music Card to market. There have been excellent results in integrating High Definition Music Card technology as well as testing an adaptation of this technology on the consumer market. Thanks to the amazing support of Amazon, working prototypes were placed on product pages. This allowed the team at MediaInVision to receive necessary feedback in order to improve the product for the future. An extensive marketing campaign was conducted with the purpose of raising customer awareness of this product. The marketing efforts were also used to make everyone aware of the features of the product so they can see just why they need the High Definition Music Card in their lives. 

Major Record Labels will benefit from releasing and distributing music titles from existing catalogues on High Definition Music Card on the global market as well as to promote new and upcoming artists utilizing this groundbreaking High Definition Music Technology.

MediaInVision PLC will be providing music and content preparation for High Definition Music Card releases as well as to assist in future business development and marketing of this format. Currently the marketing efforts and research in place by MediaInVision PLC to ensure success of these new releases. 

The music industry has seen its challenges over the years, but through innovation and creativity on the part of businesses, there has been a recent surge. Understanding that people want affordable and convenient ways to listen to their favorite music (or discover new music). This is why streaming music appeals to a majority of people. Offering services like MediaInVision is one way to tap into this ever-growing and changing industry of digital music. 

(Source: Amazon)

December 18 - Elvis Audio Books

Released by Icon Audio Arts are the audio-book “From Tupelo to Eternity - The Elvis Presley Interviews” and “Elvis Aaron Presley: The King Revealed - The Lost Interviews” by author and narrator Geoffrey Giuliano. Released November 29, 2018 is the audiobook “Lost & Alone: Elvis Presley in His Own Words”. 

Description:
In these dynamic, hard-hitting audiobooks, music biographer Giuliano examines the turbulent life and times of Elvis Presley. With an in-depth, insightful narration by the author, as well as rare archival, unheard interviews - here is the perfect collection celebrating the king of rock for every dedicated fan, music historian, the media, as well as all school, library, institutional, and university collections. An ultra-rare, exciting audio biography!   

Geoffrey Giuliano is the author of 32 biographies on the Beatles and other iconic rock groups of the 1960s. He is also a screenwriter, the voice on more than 500 popular audiobooks, and an actor in 25 films.  Series producer Avalon Giuliano based in New York. Produced by Alex Franchi in Milan. Edited and mixed by Macc Kay in Bangkok. ICON intern Eden Garret Giuliano. Music by AudioNautix.

December 17 - Graceland Auction 2019

On January 8, 2019 there will be another Graceland Auction. The items included in this auction - mainly from third party collectors - at Graceland have been authenticated by Graceland Authenticated, LLC. 

Categories concert memorabilia, movie memorabilia, E.P.E. Merchandise, Colonel Parker memorabilia, pistols and rifles, autographs, jewelry, posters, instruments, clothing, documents-ephemera, furniture and decorative objects, awards, photos, records, military memorabilia and charity auction experiences. 

For the first time, a portion of the auction will benefit the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation organization. EPCF was formed by Graceland/Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. in 1984 to continue Elvis’ own tradition of generosity and community service, and to honor his memory. All of the EPCF’s funds are used for charitable donations — nothing is deducted for staffing or other operating costs. 

The foundation has assisted numerous charities over the years and has a longstanding relationship with the College of Communications and Fine Arts at the University of Memphis where the Elvis Presley Endowed Scholarship Fund was created. 

Also, dear to Elvis’ heart, the foundation has supported outstanding Memphis-based charitable organizations, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the National Civil Rights Museum. The foundation receives a portion of its overall income from Graceland/Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. A meaningful amount of the EPCF’s funding also comes from donations made by Elvis fan clubs and individual Elvis fans and admirers from around the world.

Highlights in the auction include:

• Dr. Nick TCB Diamond and Gold Necklace Gifted from Elvis Presley $60-80,000
• March 17, 1957 Sale Contract for Elvis Presley to Purchase Graceland – Signed by Elvis, Vernon Presley and Gladys Presley $50-100,000
• 1956 Elvis Presley Owned and Worn Custom Made Red Velvet Shirt - Likely Worn on Stage for the Evening Show at His Famous September 1956 Concert in Tupelo, Mississippi $30-50,000
• Elvis Presley Owned and Stage Worn Gold and Diamond Ring Gifted to Vernon Presley After a Concert $25-35,000
• Incredibly Rare February 6, 1955, Elvis Presley Concert Poster for a Show in Memphis, Tennessee - One of the Earliest Known Elvis Concert Posters $20-30,000
• Elvis Presley Owned Custom Black Three-Piece Tuxedo Made for His 1969 Film The Trouble with Girls - Former Mike Moon Collection $15-25,000
• Elvis Presley Owned “Rolls Royce” 18kt Gold Belt Buckle Gifted to His Aunt Delta Biggs $15-20,000
• Elvis Presley Owned and Stage Used ElectroVoice Microphone with Incredible Provenance from His Concert Sound Engineer Bill Porter $15-20,000
• Elvis Presley Owned Mathey-Tissot Watch with “ELVIS PRESLEY” on the Bezel – From the Batch Purchased Prior to the Ten Outstanding Young Men Award Ceremony $10-15,000
• 1960 RCA Award to Colonel Tom Parker for Making Elvis Presley’s “It’s Now Or Never” A Million Seller $10-15,000
• Elvis Presley Owned Bible Given to Him By Gary Pepper, Later Gifted to Elvis’ Aunt Nash $10-15,000

Details at: Graceland Auctions. 

(Source: Graceland Auctions / UEPS)

December 15 - Richmond Update

The Victrola import label shared an update on their "Elvis - April 10 1972, Richmond" double CD release which should be out in a few days. 

The Victrola label is also planning more releases in 2019, including 180grams vinyl versions of the Greensboro and Richmond concerts, packed in  gatefold sleeves with a large booklet filled with many rare pix and several interesting CDs too.

From the press-release: 

Victrola label is proud to present Elvis’ powerhouse concert in Richmond Coliseum on April 10th 1972.

Welcome to another spectacular ‘Elvis On Tour’ release, brought to you by the Victrola label. Our recent ‘Greensboro, April 14, ‘72’ release was very well received, despite some reviewers failing to point out the fact that we presented a genuine, recently prepared, unreleased mix of the show as well as unreleased bits and pieces of the rehearsals on disc two.

The April 10, 1972 Richmond, VA concert was released several times by various labels. Only two releases stands out: original 1995 Vicky label CD ‘Carry Me Back To Old Virginia’ - first ever release of this show in mono (incomplete) and 2008 Madison label CD ‘Red Hot In Richmond’ - first release in original 1972 narrow stereo (complete).

Richmond concert was never available in professionally remixed quality - until now! For the first time, these are actual multi-track master recordings that have been used as a source for this show.

In 2013, Richmond show was remixed in renewed studio, using original 8- and 16-track tapes for an audiovisual project which was never finished and new mix was stored back in the vaults of the record company. Victrola label obtained original 2013 remix together with Greensboro show and decided to release it due to its absolutely stunning sound quality. Richmond show never sounded better!

Critics, predictably, will point out that this can’t be true because ‘Lawdy Miss Clawdy’ is still incomplete and therefore Victorola can’t be having an original recording and mix of this show. Well, in fact we do have that. We also have the original ‘On Tour’ paperwork from the vaults.

Upon reading this paperwork it becomes clear that the ‘On Tour’ shows were recorded in both 16-track and 8-track. The reason behind recording it on both 16- and 8-track is probably due to the fact that it was a) not a regular concert recording but also the recording of a soundtrack for a movie and b) the 8-track could also be meant as a safety back-up, just in case something went wrong with the 16-track recording.

The official paperwork also reveals that almost half of the Richmond show is in the Sony vaults on 16-track tapes, the other half is on 8-track tapes. It makes one wonder if some of the original 16-track tapes are missing or are in the hands of collectors or are perhaps stored in the MGM vaults? The paperwork also proves that ‘Lawdy Miss Clawdy’ was not (!) recorded other than only a very small snippet of the beginning of the song. ‘Lawdy Miss Clawdy’ from the Richmond show is listed in the official paperwork as being ‘Film Company Number: 51’. The paperwork then reads:‘One (1) 8 track copy of original recording (overlaps and songs missing)’. Then there are handwritten notes, also from the vaults, of someone writing down about what is on the ‘On Tour’ tapes. The writer notes about ‘Lawdy Miss Clawdy’ of the Richmond show: ‘brief’. In other words: short / incomplete. So there you have it: some of the ‘On Tour’ recordings in the Sony vaults are incomplete and ‘Lawdy Miss Clawdy’ was not recorded in full and therefore missing from the tape. 
Obviously the ‘main course’ of our release is the spectacular sounding Richmond concert on disc one, with the incomplete ‘Lawdy Miss Clawdy’, but fortunately only the start of the song is missing.

We have added second disc with ‘an overview’ of ‘Elvis On Tour’, featuring songs recorded during the March 1972 studio rehearsal sessions in Hollywood, CA and live songs from April 9, 1972 Hampton Roads, VA evening show and April 18, 1972 San Antonio, TX in glorious stereo. We have included two great monaural tracks from the April 5th 1972, Buffalo rehearsal, too.

This disc starts with the (little bit naughty) March 30, 1972 take 2 rehearsal of ‘Burning Love’. This time in better sound then before. We all know that when Elvis starts changing lyrics and laughing, he is in a great mood. Through several interesting rehearsals we come to a collection of songs from above mentioned shows recorded for ‘On Tour’. All these tracks are taken from the original tapes and latest, unreleased, mixes from the vaults. Your special attention is requested for the great sound on the recordings of San Antonio, TX, April 18, 1972!

As a very pleasant and special feature, we have added 8 tracks recorded during Elvis concerts in Madison Square Garden on June 10, 1972. All these recordings come in a different mix, prepared back in 1972 by RCA in Japan. This mix is very rare and hardly ever heard. It features some instruments much more prominent in the mix such as the organ and Glen D. Hardin on piano and some errors (feedbacks) which were later repaired in studio. The sound is fantastic and we feel that the recording of ‘The Impossible Dream’ shines more than ever before.

We sincerely hope you will enjoy this second Victrola release, featuring material from ‘Elvis On Tour’ and recognize the fact that we are bringing you this material in the best quality possible.

All tracks were taken from original sources and digitally restored and remastered in renewed studio for your listening pleasure. CD1 all tracks are stereo. CD2 all tracks are stereo except for tracks 9 & 10.

''Elvis April 10, 1972 Richmond'' release is presented in a deluxe double digipak accompanied with a 16-page booklet. Most of photos used for this project were taken in Richmond, April 10, 1972. Front cover cool image was taken in El Paso, November 10, 1972. Additional photos from Hampton Roads, April 09, 1972, selected March/April 1972 candid shots and photos taken during Madison Square Garden performances in June 1972 have also been added

Tracklist CD1

01. Also Sprach Zarathustra
02. C. C. 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. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel
11. Heartbreak Hotel
12. Hound Dog 
13. Bridge Over Troubled Water
14. Love Me Tender                                                        
15. It's Over
16. Suspicious Minds
17. Band Introductions
18. For The Good Times
19. I Can't Stop Loving You                                                         
20. An American Trilogy                                              
21. Lawdy, Miss Clawdy (incomplete)
22. Carry Me Back To Old Virginia (one line) / Funny How Time Slips Away 
23. Can't Help Falling In Love                                                     
24. Closing Vamp 

CD2

01. Burning Love (take 2, rehearsal, Hollywood, CA, March 30, 1972)
02. For The Good Times (rehearsal, Hollywood, CA, March 31, 1972)
03. Heartbreak Hotel (rehearsal, Hollywood, CA, March 31, 1972)
04. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (rehearsal, Hollywood, CA, March 31, 1972)
05. Help Me Make It Through The Night (rehearsal, Hollywood, CA, March 31, 1972)
06. Young And Beautiful (rehearsal, Hollywood, CA, March 31, 1972)
07. Proud Mary (rehearsal, Hollywood, CA, March 31, 1972)
08. Never Been To Spain (rehearsal, Hollywood, CA, March 31, 1972)
09. Polk Salad Annie (rehearsal, Buffalo, NY, April 5, 1972)
10. I Can't Stop Loving You  (rehearsal, Buffalo, NY, April 5, 1972)
11. C. C. Rider (Hampton Roads, VA, April 9, 1972)
12. I Got A Woman - Amen  (Hampton Roads, VA, April 9, 1972)
13. You Gave Me A Mountain  (Hampton Roads, VA, April 9, 1972)
14. Polk Salad Annie  (Hampton Roads, VA, April 9, 1972)
15. A Big Hunk O Love  (Hampton Roads, VA, April 9, 1972)
16. Lawdy Miss Clawdy  (Hampton Roads, VA, April 9, 1972)
17. How Great Thou Art (San Antonio, TX, April 18, 1972)
18. An American Trilogy (San Antonio, TX, April 18, 1972)
19. Blue Suede Shoes (Madison Square Garden, New York, June 10, 1972, 2:30pm)
20. Reconsider Baby (Madison Square Garden, New York, June 10, 1972, 2:30pm)
21. I'll Remember You (Madison Square Garden, New York, June 10, 1972, 2:30pm)
22. That's All Right (Madison Square Garden, New York, June 10, 1972, 8:30pm)
23. You Don't Have To Say You Love Me (Madison Square Garden, New York, June 10, 1972, 8:30pm)
24. Hound Dog  (Madison Square Garden, New York, June 10, 1972, 8:30pm)
25. I Can't Stop Loving You (Madison Square Garden, New York, June 10, 1972, 8:30pm)
26. The Impossible Dream (Madison Square Garden, New York, June 10, 1972, 8:30pm)

Tracks 19-21 recorded at the afternoon show on June 10, 1972 at Madison Square Garden. These tracks are alternate mixes and different to what has been released before.

Track 22-26 recorded at the evening show on June 10 1972 at Madison Square Garden. These tracks contain unreleased multi-track original mixdown complete with errors (feedbacks) which were later repaired.

Jerry Chesnut

Songwriter Jerry Chesnut has died. A member of the Songwriters' Hall of Fame, the gifted songwriter died on Saturday (Dec. 15), at the age of 87, according to Nashville's WSMV-TV. His tune T-R-O-U-B-L-E was a classic that was covered by Travit Tritt and (gulp) Wayne Newton.
Elvis actually recorded some others that are quite good: It's Midnight; Love Coming Down; Never Again; and Woman Without Love. There is also the instrumental of "The Wonders You Perform" that is on the FTD version of "Raised On Rock" for which Elvis never recorded a vocal.

(Source: FECC / FECC)

December 14 - Silver Christmas

The single "Blue Christmas", which re-entered the Official UK Streaming Top 100 earlier this week, has been awarded a Silver Single Award by the British Phonographic Industry for selling over 200.000 copies sold, streams plus digital downloads plus physical sales, since it's (re)release on November 18, 2004.

(Source: FECC)

December 13 - Christmas On Tour

The VV import-label produced two new “Christmas” box-sets of their “Return of the Pelvis” and “First Time In Huntsville” release. 

Return of the Pelvis: This edition is a limited run of 20 copies, including 2 exclusive glossy stickers, personalized standard double LP on black vinyl, including a poster, CD, high quality t-shirt, exclusive mug and candle with “Elvis ‘69” logo all packed in an exclusive boxset. 

First Time In Huntsville: This edition is a limited edition run of 10 copies, including a special deluxe double vinyl set, original gatefold sleeve, high-quality t-shirt. 

On Tour October 1976 

Here is the cover-art for the Kieran Davis book “On Tour October 1976” which was released in an initial run of 100 copies. If there is sufficient interest another print run can be done according to the author. The next book to be published will be a companion to “On Tour October 1976” but will deviate from the usual format in that it is a pictorial work dedicated to just one show - the one in Champaign. This book, entitled "Champaign 1976", is due in the new year. 

Las Vegas '56 

The book "Las Vegas '56" by Norwegian writer Erik Lorentzen in his Gold Standard Series has been released. The book covers Elvis' very first gig in Las Vegas where he made his debut on April 23, 1956 at the Venus Room at the Frontier Hotel. 

Sandra Harmon Died

Sandra Harmon, the co-author with Priscilla Presley of the 1980s best-seller Elvis and Me and an Emmy-winning writer who worked on shows hosted by Dick Cavett and Bill Cosby, has died. She was 80.

Harmon died Dec. 13 at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx after a long battle with cancer, publicist Hannah Kampf announced.

Elvis and Me, the story of Elvis Presley and wife Priscilla Presley — whom the singer and movie star met when she was 14 — has sold more than 1 million copies in hard cover and 3 million in paperback since it was first published in September 1985.

It spent more than 50 weeks on The New York Times' best-seller list, and according to The Wall Street Journal, only nine other books sold more than it did in the 1980s.


ABC turned Elvis and Me into a four-hour miniseries that starred Dale Midkiff and Susan Walters and attracted huge ratings when it aired in February 1988.

(Source: FECC / UEPS /The Music of Elvis Presley / Elvis Club Berlin)