January 31 - Hall Of Fame Guitarist Harold Bradley Died

Country Music Hall of Fame member Harold Bradley died peacefully in his sleep during the early morning hours of January 31, 2019. He worked with Elvis from 1962 to 1967 playing on sessions that produced Elvis number hits "She's Not You", "Devil in Disguise" plus classics other recordings such as "Long Lonely Highway", "I'll Remember You", "Guitar Man" and "Big Boss Man".

Bradley is the brother of one of Nashville's legendary record producers, Owen Bradley. In the early '50s, the brothers opened one of the first recording studios in the city. They formed the A-Team: a dozen session musicians who, while you may never have heard their names, helped build Nashville. These musicians thrived in the background, ready to play behind any star who came in with a new album to create. Harold Bradley is believed to be the most recorded instrumentalist in history. 

During the next 60+ years, Harold Bradley’s recording-session work included backing Elvis Presley, Brenda Lee, Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Clyde McPhatter, Ruth Brown, Carl Perkins, The Everly Brothers and several other members of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. 

In addition to his 2006 induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, Harold Bradley and other members of the “A Team” were made members of the Musicians Hall of Fame in 2007. He was honored with a Trustee Award at the Grammy Awards of 2010. He won the Recording Academy’s Superpicker Award every year between 1974 and 1979. The AFM gave him its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. 

On working with Elvis:

"When Elvis first walked in the studio, he had that magic about him. He had a positive air. He was easy to work with. Elvis never blamed the band if the song wouldn't come off. He'd just go to another song. The only bad thing about him was he liked to work at night and work all night long. Some of the guys couldn't stand that. The first session I did with him started at eight Sunday night and end eight Monday morning. He'd go eat breakfast and go to bed, and we'd go eat breakfast and go back and do more sessions and meet him the next night. It was exciting to work with Elvis. He was so nice during those times."

"My first session with Elvis, I tune up and I'm standing around. I hear all this commotion out in the alley. Well, I had finally gotten to where I could afford a new car and I had a Nash station wagon parked right behind the studio. I went out and opened the door, and there was a sea of kids out there. They wanted to see Elvis, and they were standing on my station wagon. I just closed the door, shook my head and I thought, 'I don't know how much money I'm going to make with this guy, but it's not going to be enough to pay for my car.' "

While Bradley was observing history firsthand in these recording sessions, he says he didn't realize it at first. In fact, he wasn't even keeping records.

(Source: NPR / Country Music Hall of Fame / Rolling Stone / Elvis Fans Nashville)

January 30 - US EP Guide

Due for release from the Reel to Reel label is volume 5 in the “Elvis US EP Collection” series. This 10 inch white vinyl maxi-single is due for release March 1, 2019. 

TV Guide 

The US TV Guide magazine for the week from February 4 to 17 featured Elvis Presley on the cover. The magazine covers the NBC’s Elvis All-Star Tribute, which honors the King’s 1968 special with performances by Jennifer Lopez, Blake Shelton and more. The issue includes an exclusive interview with Priscilla Presley and two incredible re-printed stories from the TV Guide Magazine archives: a 1956 story where Presley comments on his signature moves and being called “Elvis the Pelvis”; and a behind-the-scenes look into the famed ’68 special. This issue includes two different collectible covers.

(Source: TV Guide / FECC / Amazon / ElvisMatters)

January 28 - Huntsville Discovered

The VV import-label announced two new limited editions of their "First Time in Huntsville" release containing both May 31, 1975 performances as recorded from the audience in Huntsville, Alabama. Both variations are limited to 20 copies, each hand numbered and individually sealed.

The Ultimate Edition box-set contains a double blue and a green vinyl LP set, a cassette featuring the unreleased May 30, 1975 Opening Show as recorded from the audience in Huntsville, a large size pin, 30 x 30 cm art print and 12 inch sized glossy 44-page softcover book. This edition comes in a boxset with exclusive OBI. 

The Essential Edition box-set contains a standard double LP on black vinyl, an exclusive A4 sized art print on a forex panel, exclusive 20x24 cm sized card and T-Shirt (sizes: L and XL). This edition comes packed in an exclusive box with two different stickers.

Pop Discovered

The Bellevue label announced the release of the 3 LP set "Pop Discovered" with August 1, 2019 as the release-date. This set is a compilation of six artists from the early days of pop music with Elvis Presley on the cover of the set and featured as the first artist filling side A of the set. The other artists are Cliff Richard, Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly, The Everly Brothers and Connie Francis. 

In December 2018 the label released "Rock'n' Roll Discovered" which also featured Elvis as the opening act for the early Rock and Roll artists.

Side A Pop Discovered - Elvis Presley: It's Now Or Never - Are You Lonesome Tonight - Return To Sender - Blue Moon - Love Me Tender - Wooden Heart - (Marie's The Name) His Latest Flame - Blue Hawaii

(Source: Various / Elvis Club Berlin / Juno)

January 27 - Elvis Live In Mexico

The "Elvis Live In Concert" show, hosted by Priscilla Presley, performed in Mexico City at the Auditorio Nacional. 

(Source: Twitter / Auditorio Nacional)

January 26 - Follow That Release

Two of the January 2019 Follow That Dream collector titles have been released; the vinyl re-issue of the "Kissing Cousins" soundtrack recordings and the double CD concert set ""St Paul To Wichita". The book "Through the Lens of Phillip Harrington" is delayed until the next batch of Follow That Dream releases.

(Source: FECC / Elvis Shop London)

January 25 - Weekend Vinyl Charts (Updated 02/02)

After the release of "Elvis in the 50's" the Not Now label announced the follow-up release "Elvis in the 60's". The 48 track red-colored vinyl 3 LP set, packed in a gatefold cover, is due March 1, 2019. 

Product description:
Hard to believe now, but when Elvis Presley was conscripted into the US Army in 1958, the King of Rock & Roll was convinced his career was over! Elvis was certain his teenage fans wouldn't wait for two whole years, and believed that his crown would be stolen by a singer he admired hugely - Roy Orbison. But, as we now know, Elvis returned to the real world in triumph in 1960, as this fascinating 3LP package drawn from his early 1960s recordings vividly demonstrates.

Colored Debut Vinyl

Released by the Wax Time label is a green colored audiophile vinyl re-issue of Elvis Presley’s debut album "Elvis Presley". This Limited Anniversary Edition comes with a gatefold sleeve with a poster. 

EPE Jack Soden CEO of The Year Award

Every year Inside Memphis Business magazine honours four CEOs who have proven to be exemplary in their fields, leading their companies to success on local, regional, national, and international stages. Inside Memphis Business is perennially proud of its CEO of the Year awards. It's a chance to highlight some of the best aspects of leaders, businesses, and the city. 

The 2019 CEO of the Year Awards Breakfast, presented by eBiz Solutions, was held on January 25th at the Memphis Botanic Garden. This year's award in the category '200-1,000 employees' was awarded to Jack Soden - Elvis Presley Enterprises. Jack Soden's accomplishment include "revitalizing Graceland into a must-see attraction for Memphians and tourists. 

They note: "The future of EPE is happening now. In 2013 Joel Weinshanker acquired an ownership interest in Graceland, took over management of Graceland operations and started the current expansion that Soden had been hoping to get done for years, including a first-rate 450-room hotel, a permanent "Elvis the Entertainer" exhibit, a soundstage, a proper visitor complex, exhibition space, a concert development deal, and other elements to keep Graceland vital. Much has been done or is happening, and not just to showcase all things Elvis. Soden is optimistic that attractions on a grand scale can bring blockbuster crowds to Memphis and Graceland. - And if Soden is optimistic about it, then you'd best pay attention."

Chart Update 

The weekly Elvis Presley charts from around the world:

US Billboard charts:

• US Billboard Album Top 200: “The Essential Elvis” compilation dropped off the chart from last week’s re-entry at #158.
• US Billboard Country Album chart: “The Essential Elvis” compilation dropped off the chart from last week’s re-entry at #15.
• US Billboard Rock Album chart: “The Essential Elvis” compilation dropped off the chart from last week’s re-entry at #28.
• US Billboard Top Christian Album chart: “Elvis: Ultimate Gospel” dropped from #12 to #14. 
• US Billboard Top Christian Album chart: “He Touched Me: The Gospel Music of Elvis Presley” dropped off the chart from last week’s re-entry at #43.
• US Billboard Country Catalogue Album chart: "Heart and Soul" is listed at #7. 
• US Billboard Country Catalogue Album chart: "Elvis: Ultimate Gospel" is listed at #6.  

Official UK charts:

• Official UK Streaming Album chart: “The 50 Greatest Hits” dropped from #73 to #87. 
• Official UK Christian and Gospel Album chart: "Where No One Stands Alone" dropped from #5 to #6.
• Official UK Music DVD chart: "Elvis The Searcher" dropped from #2 to #3.

IRMA Irish charts:

• On the Irish IRMA Music DVD chart "Elvis The Searcher" is back at #2.

Australian charts:

• Australian ARIA Music DVD chart: "The King Of Rock’n’Roll – 30 Hit Performances And More" dropped from #26 to #28.

(Source: Not Now Music / Amazon / Billboard / Official Chart Company / ARIA / EPE / Elvis Information Network)

January 24 - Elvis The Untold Story

The magazine “Elvis - The Untold Story” was released as a "Special 84th Birthday Edition" by the US Closer Weekly. It contains the chapters "The Elvis Only I Knew: Priscilla Tells All", "All-Access Tour Of Graceland", "The King's Private Treasures" and "Ultimate Guide To His 31 Movies".

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin)

January 23 - How Elvis Reinvented The Las Vegas

Here is the cover-art for the upcoming book "Elvis In Vegas - How The King Of Rock 'n' Roll Reinvented The Las Vegas Show" by Richard Zoglin which is due from Simon & Schuster June 2019. 

From the publisher:
"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 an alternate 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, and mediocre pop songs that no longer made the charts. 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."

(Source: Simone And Schuster / Elvis Club Berlin)

January 21 - Maxine Brown Died

Maxine Brown Russell, a member of the groundbreaking trio the Browns with siblings Jim Ed and Bonnie Brown, died Monday in hospice care in Little Rock, Arkansas, from complications of kidney and heart disease. Maxine was 87 years old. 

A songwriter and singer, Russell and her siblings launched their careers on the “Louisiana Hayride” in the 1950s and had a several chart-topping songs in the ’50s and ’60s, including “The Three Bells,” ″The Old Lamplighter,” ″Scarlet Ribbons,” and “Send Me the Pillow You Dream On.” The trio toured with Elvis Presley and, like Presley, would sign to RCA Records in 1955. 

(Source: Billboard / Rolling Stone)

January 19 - First In Line

The MxF import-label announced the release of "First In Line" featuring both the Dinner and Midnight show performed Elvis-Presley on February 01, 1974 at the Las Vegas NV, Hilton Hotel. Both the previously unreleased shows are taken directly from a first generation tape according to the press-release.

From the press-release:

After the deserved rest of 5 months, Elvis is back in Las Vegas Hilton. A new contract has been signed by Elvis, he wants to perform twice a year, but only two weeks at a time rather than the previous four. Starting from January 12th Elvis starts the rehearsal of his 10th Las Vegas Season, on Saturday 26th He opened the season dressed in a white jumpsuit in good spirit and in good shape too. The repertoire was reduced compared to the previous season to 15/20 songs with three new additions: "Help Me", "Spanish Eyes" and the popular "Let Me Be There". The choice of songs in the different shows varied little, in particular in the two shows here presented the only variation is the song "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" that replaces the now classic "Let Me Be There" in the Midnight Show.

Speaking about the two unreleased shows, they are very similar, the track list is minimized and the shows are practically identical, but we are talking about of two concerts of very good quality and well performed with the audience very pleased by the shows. Elvis is bringing back the rocker "Polk Salad Annie" and his performing of the classic "Trying To get To You" never sounded better, searching the best song is very hard because all the songs are very well performed, but for sure Elvis’ joy while performing the popular "Let Me Be There" is undeniable, often singing also the reprise.

The sound is very good for ambient recordings, we have on our hands the original mono tapes of extremely good quality enabling us to carry out a simple re-mastering work, concentrating on the reduction of noise, hiss, and clicks, but we always give priority to the integrity of the original recording, trying to achieve a clearer sound in spite of the background noise. The result is a pretty dynamic tape with a great definition of the background music and you definitely can live the atmosphere of an Elvis’ concert in the seventies. This new release will be housed in a deluxe long digipack, containing 8 pages of a foldout booklet that in one side opening gives life to a great poster, while the backside is full of backstage photos of the season with classic memorabilia and newspaper clippings plus a high glossy paper bonus art card of 25x13 cm of size.

To have a special collector’s item, the 400 copies will be presented with four different hand-numbered sleeve variations with additional content and posters. 

CD 1 Las Vegas NV. Hilton Hotel February 01, 1974 DS:
01. 2001 Theme 02. See See Rider 03. I Got A Woman/Amen 04. Love Me 05. Trying To Get To You 06. Sweet Caroline 07. Love Me Tender 08. Rock Medley 09. Fever 10. Polk Salad Annie 11. Killing Me Softly (Voice) 12. Spanish Eyes 13. Why Me Lord? ( Stamps) 14. Suspicious Minds 15. Band Introduction 16. I Can’t Stop Loving You 17. Help Me 18. An American Trilogy 19. Let Me Be There ( with reprise) 20. Can’t Help Falling Love 21. Closing Vamp

CD 2 Las Vegas NV. Hilton Hotel February 01, 1974 MS:
01. 2001 Theme 02. See See Rider 03. I Got A Woman/Amen 04. Love Me 05. Trying To Get To You 06. Sweet Caroline 07. Love Me Tender 08. Rock Medley 09. Fever 10. Polk Salad Annie 11. Intro 12. Killing Me Softly (Voice) 13. Spanish Eyes 14. Why Me Lord? ( Stamps) 15. Suspicious Minds 16. Band Introduction 17. I Can’t Stop Loving You 18. Help Me 19. An American Trilogy 20. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face 21. Can’t Help Falling Love 22. Closing Vamp

(Source: FECC)

January 18 - Reggie Young Passed Away

Less than a week before the 50th anniversary of his most iconic recording "Suspicious Minds" being waxed at the American Sound Studio with producer Chips Moman, Reggie Young passed away. 

Pianist Bobby Wood, bassist Mike Leech, bassist-producer Tommy Cogbill, drummer Gene Chrisman, Elvis Presley, organist Bobby Emmons, guitarist Reggie Young, American Sound engineer and harmonica player Ed Kollis, and songwriter Dan Penn pose together on January 13, 1969, inside the funky American Sound Studio during the historic sessions that yielded Presley’s “In the Ghetto,” “Suspicious Minds,” “Don’t Cry, Daddy,” and “Kentucky Rain.”

Maybe it's apropos that Memphis Boys guitarist Reggie Young's daughter-in-law Frances Young announced his death late this evening on Facebook. Photos taken over the past year showed that Reggie's health was slipping. He lived to see his 82nd birthday last December 12. 

The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum on Facebook has also released a statement along with Chris Janson of "Buy Me a Boat" bro-country fame and the Wrecking Crew's Louie Shelton (there will be many others over the coming days). Memphis Boys Bobby Wood (piano) and Gene Chrisman (drums) survive him. 

Frances Young: My family is saddened to announce the passing of Reggie Young, my friend and former father-in-law as well as my children’s beloved Grandpops. Everyone knew Reggie whether they realized it or not. He was the most recorded guitarist in music history and held the record for many years for playing on more #1 songs than any other musician. 'Drift Away’s' signature riff was his calling card, but my favorite song of his when I was a girl was Elvis’ 'In the Ghetto. The guitar mesmerized me while the lyrics told their haunting tale. Little did I know how special the man playing those notes would be in my life. Reggie was my friend, my family, and a father-figure who showed me how gentle and caring a dad could be. May you know joy and peace beyond the Veil, Reggie. Loved ya always, no matter what."

Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum Founder Joe Chambers remembers Reggie Young. It’s hard to know where to start. I don’t really even know how long I’ve known Reggie personally. Musically, for me was the American Studio Recordings probably spun on radio stations WCLS and WDAK AM in Columbus Georgia back in the ’60s and ’70s before moving to Nashville. So many iconic guitar riffs that were and are burned in all of our musical soundtracks. Most of you know already about Reggie so I won’t go deep into his career but for those of you who don’t know, Reggie was the studio guitarist in the band at American Studio in Memphis known as The 827 Thomas Street Band. B.J Thomas, Dusty Springfield, The Box Tops, Neil Diamond and Elvis, to name a few got most of, if not all, of their biggest records with this group at this studio. Later when some of the band moved to Nashville they became known as the “Memphis Boys” continuing their magic in the studio. 

After moving to Nashville, Reggie’s intro to “Drift Away” alone would be enough for most musicians to hang their professional hat on for a lifetime not to mention Reggie’s drawer full of other incredible riffs or just being a member of the Highwaymen band or being on Eric Clapton’s list of favorite guitarists. Like so many other great musicians who have passed, Reggie is still with us every time we hear his guitar on the radio which is, thankfully, all the time. Reggie and Jenny were as perfect a couple as I’ve ever seen and they both deserved each other. Reggie was among the first group of musicians inducted into The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum as a member of The Memphis Boys in 2007. I’ve said it before, and I’m sure I’ll say it again, the most talented musicians I’ve ever met are usually also the nicest and Reggie was positively both of those.

Made in Germany - The Complete Private Recordings

The details for the upcomming Memphis Recording Service release "Made in Germany - The Complete Private Recordings".

From the press-release:

Memphis Recording Service will release a 4CD/152-page book entitled "Made in Germany - The Complete Private Recordings" on 8 March 2019. 

The CD set contains more than 3 hours of all the private recordings Elvis made while off duty in Germany when he was serving as a soldier in the US army during the 1958 -1960 period and,includes rare tracks from a recently discovered tape comprising over an hour of unheard personal recordings. 

Although the original tapes were damaged with noise, hiss and distortion, for the first time ever, all of Elvis’ recordings made in Germany, have now all been painstakingly cleaned, repaired, and restored, using the most sophisticated technology.  This means that, finally, these truly historical recordings now provide for a complete and enjoyable listening experience. Over the coming weeks, prior to the release date, MRS will be releasing previews of our high restoration techniques through the various collectors forums and channels, providing audio comparisons with all the previous poorly mastered versions - including those included on the recent FTD release which contains some of the tracks also contained in this set. 

The 152-page hardback book contains rare unpublished photographs and documents, complemented by a comprehensive text provided by Gordon Minto, which discusses each of Elvis’ RCA studio (non-film) recording sessions held during 1957-58, before focusing on the private recordings he made in Germany. The bonus CD included features the essential RCA studio masters from the 1957-’58 period (also lovingly restored and remastered by MRS) and includes - together for the first time - studio banter as well as the count-ins on ‘All Shook Up’, ‘Don’t Leave Me Now’ and ‘White Christmas’.

The Made in Germany CD set is available for preorder from your local Elvis dealer now. Also, watch out for the announcement in the coming weeks for the Limited Edition 180-gram 2LP/24-page gatefold version, containing the best of the home recordings Elvis made in Germany!

CD1 - September 1958 Interviews:
Press Interview (Brooklyn Army Terminal) - Elvis Presley Newsreel Interview (1958) - Pat Hernon Interviews Elvis In the U.S.S. Randall

Guitar Reel 1:
I'm Beginning to Forget You - I Can't Help It (End Only) / Mona Lisa - I Can't Help It / Guitar - Danny Boy / Danny Boy (Incomplete) - Loving You - Guitar / I'm Beginning To Forget You - Dialogue / I'm Beginning To Forget You - Dialogue / Santa Claus Is Back In Town / Dialogue / Loving You / Dialogue - Dialogue / Loving You (One Line) / Dialogue - I'm Beginning To Forget You (Reprise) - I'm Beginning To Forget You (Elvis Reprise)

CD 2 - Guitar Reel 2:
He Knows Just What I Need/Working On The Building - He Knows Just What I Need (LFS x2) - He Knows Just What I Need (Complete 1) - He Knows Just What I Need (Complete 2) - He Knows Just What I Need (Rehearsing / LFS x2) - He Knows Just What I Need (Complete 3) - He Knows Just What I Need (LFS / Rehearsal) - He Knows Just What I Need (FS / Complete) - Cool Water - Like A Baby - His Hand in Mine (Complete / Ending) - Young Love (Red West Singing) - Her Hand in Mine - Return To Me / Her Hand In Mine (Rehearsing Ending) - Her Hand In Mine (Complete 2) - Her Hand in Mine (Complete 3 / Cut) - Just A Closer Walk With Thee / If I Didn't Care / Are You Sincere - Are You Lonesome Tonight? / Once Upon A Time - Stand By Me (Damaged Sections) - Just A Closer Walk With Thee / Take My Hand, Precious Lord - Oh Lonesome Me

CD 3 - Piano Reel:
I Asked The Lord - Apron Strings - Soldier Boy / Such A Night (One Line) / Soldier Boy - I Asked The Lord (Reprise) - Piano / Earth Angel - I'll Take You Home Again Kathleen (Fast) - Que Sera / Hound Dog / Piano / At The Hop - I'll Take You Home Again Kathleen (Slow) - Apron Strings (Reprise) - It's Been So Long Darling - Earth Angel (Intro) / I Will Be True - There's No Tomorrow - I'll Take You Home Again Kathleen (Slow 2) / Que Sera / Hound Dog - I Asked The Lord (Reprise 2) - I'll Take You Home Again Kathleen (Fast Reprise) - Apron Strings (Reprise 2) - The Titles Will Tell - At The Hop / Give Me My Oil Lamp / Que Sera / Hound Dog / Piano - Send Me Some Lovin' - The Fool (Take 1) - The Fool (Take 2FS, 3FS, 4)

CD 4 - Bonus Disc - The Essential RCA Studio Masters 1957:
All Shook Up (With Studio Chat & Count In) - (There'll Be) Peace In The Valley (For Me) - That's When Your Heartaches Begin - I Believe - Take My Hand Precious Lord - It Is No Secret (What God Can Do) - Blueberry Hill - Have I Told You Lately That I Love You - Is It So Strange - Don't Leave Me Now (With Studio Chat & Count In) - I Beg Of You - One Night (With You) - True Love - I Need You So - Blue Christmas - My Wish Came True - White Christmas (With Studio Chat & Count In) - Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane) - Silent Night - Don't - Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem - Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me) - Santa Claus Is Back In Town - I'll Be Home for Christmas

The Essential RCA Studio Masters 1958:
Doncha' Think It's Time (Single Master) - Wear My Ring Around Your Neck - I Need Your Love Tonight - A Big Hunk O' Love - (Now And Then There's) A Fool Such As I - I Got Stung - Doncha' Think It's Time (LP Master) - Wear My Ring Around Your Neck (Undubbed Version).

Golden Vinyl

Released by the Forced Exposure Records label is a vinyl re-issue of the classic “Elvis' Golden Records” album. 

(Source: FECC / Facebook / Elvis Club Berlin / Memphis Recording Service)

January 17 - Release-dates

The Follow That Dream collectors label announced that it will split the release of the January 2019 titles in two batches. The CD "St. Paul to Wichita" and the LP "Kissin’ Cousins" will be available at the end of January while the "Through The Lens Of Phillip Harrington" book should be available at the end of February together with a yet to announced CD. 

The Memphis Recording Service box-set "Made in Germany - the Complete Private Recordings" was previously announced with no additional information. Amazon Germany has March 8, 2019 as the release-date for this 4 CD set. 

(Source: UEPS / Roger Semon / Amazon)

January 16 - All-Star Elvis Tribute Gets International Distributor

NBC’s upcoming Elvis Presley tribute special, which will see Ed Sheeran, Shawn Mendes and others pay tribute to the rock ‘n’ roll legend, will be taken out internationally by Alfred Haber Television.

The distributor has landed the rights to the one-off show, which goes out on the U.S. network on Feb. 17. The special celebrates the 50th anniversary of the 1968 NBC special that helped Presley climb back up to the top of the charts.

Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban, Josh Groban, Carrie Underwood and Blake Shelton will all be in the new show. The modern-day stars will perform Elvis classics including “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Hound Dog,” “All Shook Up” and “Blue Suede Shoes.”

There will also be outtakes from the 1960s special and interviews from those involved in that original broadcast. Veteran music producer Ken Ehrlich will produce the new show.

“We all know Elvis Presley as the king of Rock ‘n’ Roll, but it was his ’68 comeback special on NBC that truly secured his reign,” said Alfred Haber. “Now, 50 years later, the ‘Elvis All-Star Tribute’ is the fitting salute to the man, his music, and the night he reclaimed his crown.”

Alfred Haber handles international sales for a raft of U.S.-produced music shows and events, including the coverage of the Grammy Awards.

(Source: Variety)

January 15 - Chart Update, Elvis #1!

The weekly chart wrap-up for the upcoming week. The first charts available are  the US Billboard charts for the week ending January 19, 2019:

• US Billboard Album Top 200: “The Essential Elvis” re-entry at #158.
• US Billboard Country Album chart: “The Essential Elvis” re-entry at #15.
• US Billboard Rock Album chart: “The Essential Elvis” re-entry at #28.
• US Billboard Top Christian Album chart: “Elvis: Ultimate Gospel” remained steady at #12.
• US Billboard Top Christian Album chart: “He Touched Me: The Gospel Music of Elvis Presley” re-entry at #43.
• US Billboard Music DVD Sales Chart: "He Touched Me / The Gospel Music of Elvis Presley" is a re-entry at #1!

UK Charts:

• Official UK Music DVD chart: "Elvis The Searcher" remains steady at #2 in its 9th week in the Top 2.
• Official Christian and Gospel Albums Chart Top 20: "Where No One Stands Alone" dropped from #4 to #5.
• Official UK Streaming Streaming Music chart: “The 50 Greatest Hits” dropped from #71 to #73.

Australian Charts:

• Aria Music DVD chart: “Elvis The King of Rock and Roll” DVD climbed from #35 to #26.
• ARIA Album Top 50 chart: “The King” dropped off the chart afrom last week’s re-entry at #43.
• ARIA Album Top 50 chart: “ELV1S 30 #1 Hits” dropped off the chart after from last week’s re-entry at #48.

(Source: FECC / Billboard / Martin)

January 14 - Vinyl Now

Due for release from the Friday Music label on March 23, 2019 is the classic "Elvis Now" album. The album comes in two limited edition anniversary editions on 180 Gram audiophile translucent gold and red swirl vinyl and blue and black swirl vinyl. Both packed in a gatefold cover and poster. 

Side A: Help Me Make It Through The Night - Miracle Of The Rosary - Hey Jude - Put Your Hand In The Hand - Until It's Time For You To Go

Side B: Sylvia - We Can Make The Morning - Early Mornin' Rain - Fools Rush In - I Was Born About Ten Thousand Years Ago

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / Friday Music)

January 13 - Bumps Are Gone, But We Have The CD But He's Still King

The E.P. Collector import-label CD "Bumps Are Gone But He's Still King!" has been released. 

From the press-release:
The Hartford, July 28th, 1976 show is previously unreleased in complete audience recorded form. The Audionics label released parts of this show taken from soundboard source (CD 'Across The Country', 2005). Unfortunately, complete soundboard recording of this concert does not exist. The E.P. Collector label had the complete audience tape in very good sound quality in their vaults for many, many years and finally decided to release it. The July 28th, 1976 is longest and perhaps the best show from this particular tour. Among the concert highlights there are fantastic performances of 'Jailhouse Rock', 'America', 'Polk Salad Annie' and 'Hurt'. There is one special moment too, when Elvis sing 'Happy Birthday', to Kitty Kahane, daughter of Elvis friend, comedian Jackie Kahane.

This show was restored with a great care with a focus on not changing the integrity of the original monaural recording. This CD is packaged in a nicely designed digipack with concert review and collection of images taken during Hartford concert on July 28, 1976.

(Source: Elvis On CD)

January 12 - Weekend Charts (Update 14/01)

The weekly Elvis chart wrap-up:

US Billboard Charts:

• US Billboard Hot 100 chart: “Blue Christmas” dropped off the chart from last week’s new entry at #40. 
• US Billboard Album Top 200: “It’s Christmas Time” dropped off the chart from last week’s #40 spot. 
• US Billboard Rock Album chart: “ELV1S 30 #1 Hits” is a re-entry at #43.
• US Billboard Top Country Album chart: “ELV1S 30 #1 Hits” is a re-entry at #23.
• US Billboard Top Christian Album chart: “Elvis: Ultimate Gospel” climbed from #15 to #12.
• US Billboard Holiday Album chart: “It’s Christmas Time” listed at dropped from #14 to #188. 
• US Billboard Holiday Song chart: “Blue Christmas” is listed at #16.
• US Billboard Country Catalog Albums: “Elvis: Ultimate Gospel” climbed from #13 to #12. 
• US Billboard Holiday Album Sales: “It's Christmas Time” dropped from #14 to #23. 
• US Billboard Holiday Album Sales: “The Classic Christmas Album” dropped from #23 to #34. 
• US Billboard Holiday Albums: “It's Christmas Time” dropped from #14 to #18.
• US Billboard Christian Album chart: "Where No One Stands Alone" climbed from #17 to #16.

Australian Charts:

• ARIA Album Top 50 chart: “The King” is a re-entry at #43.
• ARIA Album Top 50 chart: “ELV1S 30 #1 Hits” is a re-entry at #48.
• ARIA Music DVD Top 40 chart: “Elvis - The King of Rock and Roll” dropped from #24 to #35.

Official UK and Irish charts:

• Official UK Streaming Streaming Music chart: “The 50 Greatest Hits” dropped from #57 to #71.
• Official UK Christian and Gospel Album chart: "Where No One Stands Alone" dropped from #3 to #4.
• Official UK Christian and Gospel Album chart: "Lovin' Elvis" dropped off the chart from last week's #14 spot.
• Official UK Vinyl Top 40 chart: “ELV1S 30 #1 Hits” dropped off the chart from last week’s re-entry at #38.
• Official UK Music DVD chart: “Elvis The Searcher” remained steady at #2.
• Official UK Music DVD chart: “Elvis Live From Memphis” dropped off the chart from last week’s #47 spot.
• Official Irish Music DVD chart: "Elvis The Searcher" climbed from #3 to #2.

Dutch charts:

• Dutch Single Top 100: “Blue Christmas” dropped off the chart from last week’s re-entry at #40.

(Source: Billboard / The King’s World / Dutch Charts / Official Chart Company / Irma / FECC)

January 11 - Cheap Edition

Steve Binders recent "Comeback '68" book is due for  re-issued later this year.. It will be a smaller and cheaper edition. 

(Source: UEPS)

January 10 - January Follow That Dream Releases

The Follow That Dream collectors label announced their January 2019 releases; the double CD set "Elvis: St. Paul to Witchita - October 1974", a limited edition vinyl release of the “Kissin' Cousins" soundtrack and the book / CD set "Through The Lens Of Philip Harrington" containing a bonus CD featuring Elvis live at Robinson Memorial Auditorium, Little Rock, Arkansas, May 16, 1956. 

From the press-release:
The "Elvis: St. Paul to Witchita - October 1974" release is a five inch digipack containing two concert recordings taken from the original soundboard source. 

Disc 1 was recorded at Civic Center, St. Paul, Minnesota. October 2, 1974. Disc 2 was recorded at Henry Levitt Arena, Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas. October 7, 1974. The bonus songs recorded at Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Michigan. October 4, 1974. This 2-CD set features Elvis in excellent form from the fall tour of 1974. Elvis was in great form and using a variety of repertoire.

Disc 1: 1) See See Rider 2) I Got A Woman/Amen 3) Love Me 4) Blue Suede Shoes 5) Until It’s Time For You To Go 6) Big Boss Man 7) Fever 8) If You Love Me (Let Me Know) 9) Love Me Tender 10) Hound Dog 11) Introductions including: Lawdy, Miss Clawdy 12) All Shook Up 13) (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear/Don’t Be Cruel 14) The Wonder Of You 15) Why Me Lord 16) Heartbreak Hotel 17) Let Me Be There 18) Hawaiian Wedding Song 19) American Trilogy 20) Johnny B. Good 21) You Gave Me A Mountain
(Rest of show is missing on the source tape)

Disc 2: 1) See See Rider (late start) 2) I Got A Woman/Amen 3) Love Me 4) Blue Suede Shoes 5) The Wonder Of You 6) Big Boss Man 7) Fever 8) If You Love Me (Let Me Know) 9) Love Me Tender 10) Hound Dog 11) Introductions including: Lawdy, Miss Clawdy 12) All Shook Up 13) (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear/Don’t Be Cruel 14) Why Me Lord 15) Let Me Be There 16) When It’s My Time – performed by The Stamps 17) Johnny B. Goode 18) Heartbreak Hotel 19) Hawaiian Wedding Song 20) Polk Salad Annie 21) Can’t Help Falling In Love - 22) Closing Vamp
Bonus songs: 23) It’s Midnight 24) Steamroller Blues 25) Funny How Time Slips Away 

The FTD Vinyl sublabel is pleased to announce the release of a limited edition vinyl release of the “Kissin' Cousins" soundtrack. The album contains great alternative versions of songs from the film soundtrack sessions and related tracks. Mastered at Abbey Road Studios, the album is released in 180 gram format.

Side 1: 01 Kissin’ Cousins (Number 2) (unedited master) 02 Smokey Mountain Boy (track, take 1-intro & take 4/M) 03 Catchin’ On Fast (unedited master) 04 There’s Gold In The Mountains (track, takes 1-2) 05 Kissin’ Cousins (track, take 1) 07 One Boy Two Little Girls (master) 08 Pappy Won’t You Please Come Home (Dolores Edgin vocal, take 6/M)

Side 2: 01 Kissin’ Cousins (hillbilly vocal) 02 Anyone (Could Fall in Love with You) (v.o. take 2/alternate master) 03 Barefoot Ballad (instrumental) 04 There’s Gold In The Mountains (instrumental) 05 Smokey Mountain Boy (master) 06 Once Is Enough (master) 07 Tender Feeling (track, take 1) 08 Catchin’ On Fast (track, take 1 & ending take 2)

Side 3: 01 (It’s a) Long Lonely Highway (take 1) 02 Echoes Of Love (takes 9,8 alternate master) 03 Kissin’ Cousins (regular vocal) 04 It Hurts Me (take 1) 05 There’s Gold In The Mountains 06 Anyone (Could Fall in Love with You) (track, take 4) 07 Kissin’ Cousins (Number 2) (track, take 1)

Side 4: 01 It Hurts Me (master) 02 Kissin’ Cousins (master) 03 One Boy Two Little Girls (track, take 2) 04 Tender Feeling (master) 05 Once Is Enough (track, take 1) 06 Anyone (Could Fall in Love with You) (master) 07 Barefoot Ballad (track, take 2)

Following up from the excellent "Rebel with a Cause" and "The Wild One" is "Through The Lens Of Philip Harrington". It includes more than 350 photos. Over 150 unpublished from the original negatives of Phillip Harrington. The bonus CD features Elvis live at Robinson Memorial Auditorium, Little Rock, Arkansas, May 16, 1956. 

(Source: FTD / FECC) 

January 09 - Graceland Birthday Auction Results

With thousands of fans and pop culture enthusiasts in Memphis for the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s 84th birthday celebrations at Graceland, music fans and Elvis collectors in Memphis and on-line around the world participated in the Elvis birthday auction at Graceland, which brought in over $600,000 yesterday.

The auction was held at the The Guest House at Graceland with a portion of the auction benefiting the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation. The auction featured rare and unique artifacts expertly authenticated by Graceland Authenticated, including memorabilia from Elvis’ personal life, prized jewelry pieces and attire.

Highlights and sale prices included. For the full list of all items and final prices CLICK here to visit the EPE site. Some highlights:

• Elvis' custom made Red Velvet shirt likely worn on stage for the 1956 evening show of his famous Tupelo September 1956 show $37,500
• Dr. Nick TCB Diamond and Gold Necklace Gifted from Elvis Presley Final Price: $37,500 (right) 
• Elvis Gold and Diamond Ring that he wore on stage and then gave to his father Vernon - $30,000
• Elvis owned Diamond and Gold Ring given to J.D. Sumner - $22,500;
• Elvis’ Electro-Voice Microphone - $17,500
• Elvis’ Turquoise and Silver Ring - $11,875
• 1956 Love Me Tender theater lobby standee - $11,250
• Elvis’ Blue Winter Ski Jacket - $10,625
• A pair of 1955 colour slides of Elvis performing in Austin, Texas on the Louisiana Hayride Tour - $10,000
• The personal 2-Hour Private Tour of Graceland Archives" which was estimated for "$40,000 - $50,000" sold for only $6,250 with just one bid.

(Source: Graceland / Elvis Information Network)