July 31 - New Book, CD and DVD Deal

A new DVD entitled "Elvis Lives On" is due August 12, 2019. The DVD documents the story of Elvis Presley's life and how his legacy lives on. It includes Elvis Presley's performances of "Blue Suede Shoes" and "Heartbreak Hotel".

Lisa Marie Book Deal

Lisa Marie Presley is inking a blockbuster book deal to reveal “shocking” details about her ex Michael Jackson and a new perspective on her father, Elvis Presley. A source said that the Lisa Marie book is such a bombshell, she has sold it to Gallery Books for between $3 million and $4 million.

The tome “promises shocking revelations about Michael Jackson and a completely new understanding of Elvis,” a source added. Lisa Marie, now 51, was married to the King of Pop from 1994 to 1996. Her new book is one of a number of high-profile projects on Elvis: A Baz Luhrmann-directed biopic on the King of Rock ’n’ Roll will shoot next year. There is no official confirmation from Gallery books yet.

Elvis 1969 Box Released

The first copies of the upcoming "Elvis Live 1969" box have found their way to lucky fans almost two weeks before the official release-date according to a posting on the FECC forum.

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / New York Times / FECC)

July 30 - FTD American Sound '69 Update

On the Elvis The Man & His Music website a short update from the Follow That Dream label regarding their upcoming "American Sound '69" 5 CD set was posted:

FTD have revised the original wording to the press release they first put out about the "American Sound '69" set. The most important parts read: "Although originally intended as a Sony download release only, FTD agreed to release a limited physical edition after requests from many of you. As this was put together somewhat hastily, clarification is needed regarding the content. The digital set was never intended to be the ‘complete’ sessions. Therefore it does not include sub-standard, inconsequential and fragmented material that has surfaced illegally on bootleg over the years. It features all the recordings deemed essential by the producers. We will only be manufacturing to satisfy initial orders.

(Source: FECC / Elvis The man and his Music)

July 29 - Graceland Auction

The August 13, 2019 Graceland authenticated auction will feature artifacts from Elvis’ personal and professional life including his 14k large diamond stage ring gifted to JD Sumner in 1974 and the historic Elvis, Gladys and Vernon presley signed agreement giving Colonel Tom Parker a portion of Elvis’ publishing rights 

A highlight during Elvis Week 2019 is The Auction at Graceland when collectors, fans and pop culture enthusiasts from around the world will raise their paddles to bid in hopes of going home with a piece of Elvis history. The auction will include over 400 artifacts from across the spectrum of collecting, including items owned by Elvis, gifted by Elvis, signed by Elvis, used by Elvis and created to promote the king and his career. Every lot in this auction has been thoroughly researched and certified by Graceland Authenticated, the authority in Elvis and pop culture authentication. For more about The Auction at Graceland, visit GracelandAuctions.com.

Online bidding is now open for the auction, which will be held on Tuesday, August 13 at 12:00 p.m. EDT/11:00 a.m. CDT in the theater at The Guest House at Graceland, and online at  www.gracelandauctions.com.  Every artifact is authenticated by Graceland Authenticated, LLC.  All the items in the auction will be offered from third-party collectors and none of the items will come from the treasured Graceland Archives. The mansion and all artifacts in the Graceland Archives continue to be owned by Lisa Marie Presley and are not for sale. 

Auction highlights include (dollar amounts are estimates):

• 1970s Elvis Presley’s 14k Large Diamond Stage Ring Gifted to JD Sumner in 1974 - Former Mike Moon Collection - $40-50,000
• Incredible Elvis Presley Pictorial Poster for September 2, 1957, Concert at Portland’s Multnomah Stadium - $30-50,000
• Elvis Presley Owned Custom Black Three-Piece Tuxedo Made for His 1969 Film "The Trouble with Girls" - Former Mike Moon Collection - $25-30,000
• Elvis Presley, Vernon Presley and Gladys Presley Signed November 21, 1955, Agreement Giving Colonel Tom Parker a Portion of Elvis’ Publishing Rights - $10-20,000
• Impressive 22.18 ct Opal and Diamond Ring that Elvis Presley Gifted to Linda Thompson - $10-15,000
• 1970 Elvis Presley’s U.S. FDA Drug Abuse Control Badge Gifted to Sonny West - Former Mike Moon Collection - $10-15,000
• Elvis Presley Signed Guitar – Signed in Concert -  $8-12,000
• 1970s Elvis Presley’s IC Costume Brown Patterned Shirt Gifted to Ed Hill - Former Mike Moon Collection - $8-10,000
• Immaculate 1954 Sun Records 209 Unplayed 45 RPM 7-Inch Single of Elvis Presley's “That's All Right” and “Blue Moon of Kentucky” - Memphis Pressing - $8-10,000
• 1973 Elvis Presley’s Stage Worn Scarf from “Aloha from Hawaii” Afternoon Concert Rehearsal Scarf with Heavy Makeup and Original Concert Ticket Stub - $6-8,000
• 1960 RCA Award to Colonel Tom Parker for Making the Sales of Elvis Presley’s Extended Play Album "King Creole, Volume 1" “One of the Greatest Achievements in the History of the Record Industry” - $5-10,000
• Elvis Presley Signed 1974 Realtor Agreement to Sell His Monovale Drive Beverly Hills Home - $4-6,000
• Black Kaftan Robe Gifted by Elvis Presley to Larry Gellar’s Wife Celeste - $4-6,000
• RIAA Gold Record Award for Elvis Presley’s 1973 Soundtrack LP "Aloha from Hawaii" – Certified in 1973 - White Linen Matte Style - $3-5,000
• Elvis Presley, Nick Adams and Natalie Wood Signed Check - $3-5,000
• Elvis Presley Double Signed and Inscribed "Loving You" Soundtrack Album with Photo of Fan With Elvis and Newspaper Clippings Describing the Meeting - $3-5,000
• 1956 Elvis Presley Signed “Love Me Tender” EP – Likely Signed While Playing Football in a Memphis Park -  $3-5,000
• Set of Five Color Vinyl Test Pressings of Elvis Presley Single “Moody Blue”/"She Thinks I Still Care” - Made by Ernie Ruggieri, RCA VP of Manufacturing - $3-5,000
• Elvis Presley Wardrobe Shirt from 1969 Film "Charro" - $8-10,000
• 1967 Elvis Presley’s Graceland Saddle Made by Mike McGregor - $20-30,000

Highlights will be displayed at Elvis Presley’s Memphis from July 26 - August 10 and at The Guest House at Graceland on August 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Rock conference room. 

(Source: Graceland)

July 27 - EP Re-issues: Loving Christmas

Due for release from the Reel to Reel label on October 25, 2019 is a 10 inch vinyl re-issue of Elvis Presley’s “Loving You” EP.  Due from the same label on November 29, 2019 is a re-issue of Elvis Presley’s “Christmas” EP. The "Christmas" EP comes on black and red vinyl while "Loving You" comes as a picture disc and white vinyl.

Tracks "Loving You" EP:
1.Loving You
2.Party
3.(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear
4.True Love
5.Lonesome Cowboy
6.Hot Dog
7.Mean Woman Blues

8.Got A Lot O' Livin' To Do!

Tracks "Christmas" EP:
1.Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me)
2.Blue Christmas
3.Santa Claus Is Back In Town
4.I'll Be Home For Christmas
5.White Christmas
6.Here Comes Santa Claus 9 Right Down Santa Claus Lane)
7.O Little Town Of Bethlehem
8.Silent Night

(Source: Amazon / Fan)

July 25 - Chart Updates (Updated July 29)

The weekly Elvis Presley global chart update. In the United States "The Essential Elvis Presley" compilation dropped off the charts, all other titles dropped a few spots while in Europe and Down Under Elvis is climbing on most charts.

US Billboard charts:

• US Billboard Country Album chart: “The Best Of The '68 Comeback Special (Soundtrack)” dropped from #33 to #43.
• US Billboard Top Country Album chart: “The Essential Elvis Presley” dropped off the chart from last week's #36 spot. 
• US Billboard Country Catalog Album chart: “Heart and Soul” dropped from #18 to #22.
• US Billboard Country Catalog Album chart: “The Essential Elvis Presley” dropped off the chart from last week's #24 spot.
• US Billboard Top Christian Album chart: “Elvis: Ultimate Gospel” dropped from #37 to #38.
• US Billboard Christian Album chart: “Where No One Stands Alone” dropped from #24 to #32. 

Official UK charts:

• Official UK Album chart: "The 50 Greatest Hits" is a re-entry at 97.
• Official UK Streaming Album chart: “The 50 Greatest Hits” climbed from #77 to #75.
• Official UK Gospel and Christian Album chart: "Where No One Stands Alone" remained steady at #16.
• Official UK Music DVD chart: "Elvis - The Searcher" climbed from #21 to #15. 
• Official UK Music DVD chart: "Elvis Lives - Live From Memphis" dropped from #31 to #38.

Official Scottish charts:

• Official Scottish Album chart: “Elvis at the Movies - 60 Essential Recordings” dropped from #68 to #84.

Official Irish charts:

• Irish IRMA Music DVD chart: “Elvis - The  Searcher” is a re-entry at #3.

Australian ARIA charts:

• Australian ARIA Music DVD chart: "'68 Comeback Special (50th Anniversary Edition)" climbed from #8 to #5.

.(Source: UK Mix / Billboard / Official Chart Company / ARIA / IRMA)

July 24 - Re-issue Cover Art

Here is the cover art for the upcoming 3 CD set “Elvis At The Movies -  Film Soundtrack Collection” which is due from New Continent label on September 06, 2019 . The set features the soundtracks for “Loving You”, King Creole”, Love me Tender”, Jailhouse Rock”, G.I. Blues”, “Blue Hawaii” (including some bonus tracks), “Girls! Girls! Girls`!”, “Follow That Dream” and “Kid Galahad”. 

CD 1 - "Loving You":
Mean Woman Blues - (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear - Loving You - Got A Lot O' Living' To Do - Lonesome Cowboy - Hot Dog - Party - Blueberry Hill - True Love - Don't Leave Me Now - I Need You

"King Creole": King Creole - Have I Told You Lately That I Love You - As Long As I Have You - Hard Headed Woman - Trouble - Dixieland Rock - Don't Ask Me Why - Lover Doll - Crawfish - Young Dreams - Steadfast, Loyal And True - New Orleans

"Love Me Tender": Love Me Tender - Let Me - Poor Boy - We're Gonna Move

"Jailhouse Rock": Jailhouse Rock - Young And Beautiful - I Want To Be Free - Don't Leave Me Now - (You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care

CD 2 - "G. I. Blues": Tonight Is So Right For Love - What's She Really Like - Frankfort Special - Wooden Heart - G. I. Blues - Pocketful Of Rainbows - Shoppin' Around - Big Boots - Didja' Ever - Blue Suede Shoes - Doin' The Best I Can

"Blue Hawaii": Blue Hawaii - Almost Always True - Aloha Oe - No More - Can't Help Falling In Love - Rock-A-Hula Baby - Moonlight Swim - Ku-U-I-Po - Ito Eats - Slicin' Sand - Hawaiian Sunset - Beach Boy Blues - Island Of Love - Hawaiian Wedding Song

Bonus Songs: Steppin' Out Of Line - Flaming Star - Summer Kisses Winter Tears - Wild In The Country - I Slipped, I Stumbled, I Fell

CD 3 - "Girls! Girls! Girls!": Girls! Girls! Girls! - I Don't Wanna Be Tied - Where Do You Come From - I Don't Want To - We'll Be Together - A Boy Like Me, A Girl Like You - Earth Boy - Return To Sender - Because Of Love - Thanks To The Rolling Sea - Song Of The Shrimp - The Walls Have Ears - We're Comin' in Loaded

"Follow That Dream": Follow That Dream - Angel - What A Wonderful Life - I'm Not The Marrying Kind

"Kid Galahad": King Of The Whole - This Is Living - Riding The Rainbow - Home Is Where The Heart Is - I Got Lucky - A Whistling Tune

Rockin’ Presley

The bonus green vinyl EP that comes with the re-issue of Elvis Presley’s self titled debut album by the Glamourama label, due August 30, 2019, is a re-issue of the French “Rockin’ Presley” EP. 

Side A: Hound Dog - Don't Be Cruel
Side B: I Want You, I Need You, I Love You - Heartbreak Hotel

(Source: BOL / Amazon)

July 22 - Another EP Collection

Due for release from the Reel To Reel label on September 06, 2019 is volume 6 in the “EP Collection" series. This title comes on both black and clear 10 inch white vinyl and are limited to 500 copies. 

Tracks: (There Will Be) Peace In The Valley (For Me) / It Is No Secret (What God Can Do) / I Believe / Take My Hand, Precious Lord / I Need You So / Have I Told You Lately That I Love You / Blueberry Hill / Is It So Strange.

(Source: Fan)

July 21 - The King Is Back

This weekend the Las Vegas Review news-paper featured Elvis Presley on the cover celebrating his triumphant comeback to Sin City. Inside a two-page article with a time-line, quotes and a top 50 facts. 

Read the article on the newspaper's website.

I Do A Lot O 'Things ... But I Can not Fly!

Two months after its original announcement, the Touchdown import-label released the CD "I Do A Lot O 'Things ... But I Can not Fly!" featuring the previously unreleased August 20, 1971 Dinner Show performance. After the opening block of the show, our champion responded to the excitement of the upper levels of the hall by saying, "I do a lot of things ... but I can not fly to you!" The CD contains an almost complete audience recording of the concert. 

This release is wrongly dated as Dinner Show, it features the Midnight Show performance. 

(Source: Las Vegas Review / Elvis Matters / Elvis on CD)

July 20 - Weekend Charts (Updated July 23)

The weekly Elvis Presley global chart update. On most chart the results improve slightly. Only in Ireland Elvis Presley dropped off the chart, but that is only a Top 5. 

US Billboard charts:

• US Billboard Top Country Album chart: “The Essential Elvis Presley” climbed from #37 to #36. 
• US Billboard Top Country Album chart: “The Best Of The '68 Comeback Special” soundtrack climbed from #35 to #33.
• US Billboard Country Catalog Album chart: “Heart and Soul” climbed from #22 to #18.
• US Billboard Country Catalog Album chart: “The Essential Elvis Presley” climbed from #25 to #24.
• US Billboard Top Christian Album chart: “Elvis: Ultimate Gospel” dropped from #34 to #37.
• US Billboard Christian Album Sales chart: “Where No One Stands Alone” climbed from #29 to #24.

Official UK charts:

• Official UK Streaming Album charts: “The 50 Greatest Hits” climbed from #82 to #77.
• Official UK Christian and Gospel Album chart: "Where No One Stands Alone" dropped from #13 to #16.
• Official UK Music DVD chart: “Elvis - The Searcher” dropped from #16 to #21.
• Official UK Music DVD chart: “Elvis Lives - Live from Memphis” remained steady at #31.

Official Scottish charts:

• Official Scottish Album chart: “Elvis at the Movies - 60 Essential Recordings” climbed from #78 to #68.

Irish IRMA charts:

• Irish IRMA Music DVD chart: “Elvis - The Searcher” dropped off the chart from last week’s #3 spot. 

Australian ARIA charts:

• Australian ARIA Music DVD chart: "'68 Comeback Special (50th Anniversary Edition)" dropped from #7 to #8.

(Source: UK Mix / Billboard / IRMA / Official Chart Company / ARIA)

July 19 - Elvis Sessions and Concert Releases

The Victrola 3 CD 3 panel digipack import-release "Elvis Sessions From Clambake" has been released. This follow-up to the label's "Avventura In Oriente" contains recordings from sessions in February - March and September - October 1967 at  RCA Studio B, Nashville, Tennessee.

The Straight Arrow import-releases “Elvis - Kentucky Rain” containing the previously unreleased February 22, 1970 Midnight show and “Like A Greek God” containing the partially unreleased August 4, 1970 Midnight show performances have been released. Both albums are audience-recordings.


(Source: Elvis on CD)

July 18 - Darlene Tompkins Died

Actress Darlene Tompkins passed away at the age of 78. Earlier this year she suffered a stroke which caused a serious fall, bruising and bleeding on the brain. She was taken off life support and passed away shortly after at 5:04 PM in Las Vegas. 

Her first acting role was in Beyond the Time Barrier (1960). She then co-starred opposite Elvis Presley as Patsy Simon, one of the teenage girls, in “Blue Hawaii” (1961). In 1963 she had a role in 'My Six Loves' with Debbie Reynolds and also has a small part again with Elvis in 'Fun In Acapulco'.

Welcome To South Bend

Almost three months after the first announcement and two months later than originally planned, the new Elvis live CD "Welcome To South Bend, Indiana" was released by the Verve import label. The album features a full-length soundboard recording of the King's touring concert of 12,000 fans at the Notre Dame University Athletic & Convocation Center in South Bend, Indiana on October 20, 1976. This concert was first released in 2002 on the Lone Star import CD "Eternal Flame" and has since then seen two more CD releases.  

(Source: Google / Elvis on CD)

July 15 - Follow That Dream 20th Anniversary

The Follow That Dream collectors label announced the release of the 5 CD set “Elvis - American Sound 1969” to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the label. This set, part of the labels new "Sessions" series", comes with a 28 page booklet. 

Besides this set the label also announced the release of the double LP “Elvis Sings Memphis Tennessee”, a limited edition release containing alternative versions of songs from the “The Lost Album” sessions in May 1963 and January 1964. The LP is mastered at Abbey Road Studios. Both titles are due at the end of August 2019.

Details "Elvis - American Sound 1969":

The collection features over 90 tracks of rare and unreleased material from Elvis’ 1969 American Sound Studio sessions – which resulted in his "From Elvis In Memphis" record later that year. 

“Suspicious Minds” celebrates its 50th Anniversary on August 26th, 2019 . Elvis Presley's pivotal year of 1969 celebrated with Elvis: American Sound 1969 featuring all known and previously unreleased outtakes from the legendary American Sound Sessions, Including “In The Ghetto” and “Suspicious Minds”. 

The album ranks among Elvis’ most universally beloved records, spawning the iconic hit “In The Ghetto.” 

The other singles from 1969 include “Don’t Cry Daddy,” “Suspicious Minds,” and “Mama Liked The Roses,” each of which went on to sell over one million copies. “Suspicious Minds” became Elvis’ 18th and final single to top the Billboard 100 – a prime example of his late career renaissance. "American Sound 1969" includes alternate versions of each of these classics and more.

Tracks “Elvis - American Sound 1969”: 

CD 1: Long Black Limousine (Take 1, 2, 3 & 5) - Long Black Limousine (Take 6) - Long Black Limousine (Take 7, 8 & 9) - Long Black Limousine (Take 9) - This Is The Story (Take 1 & 2) - Wearin' That Loved On Look (Take 1, 2, 3 & 5) - Wearin' That Loved On Look (Take 10) - Wearin' That Loved On Look (Take 12, 13 & 14) - Wearin' That Loved On Look (Take 15) - You'll Think of Me (Take 1 - 6) - You'll Think Of Me (Take 7) - You'll Think Of Me (Take 8) - You'll Think Of Me (Take 11 & 14) - You'll Think Of Me (Take 16) - You'll Think Of Me (Take 19, 20 & 22) - You'll Think Of Me (Take 23)

CD 2: I'm Movin' On (Take 1 - 2) - I'm Movin' On (Take 2) - A Little Bit Of Green (Rehearsal) - A Little Bit Of Green (Take 1) - A Little Bit Of Green (Take 2 - 3) - Gentle On My Mind (With Track Replacement Overdubs And Master Vocal) - Don't Cry Daddy (Take 3) - Poor Man's Gold (Take 12) - Inherit The Wind (Take 1 - Rehearsal - Take 4) - Mama Liked The Roses (Master Track With Alternate Vocal Overdub) - Mama Liked The Roses (Master Track With Master Vocal Overdub) - My Little Friend (Master Track With Master Vocal Overdub) - In The Ghetto (Take 1) - In The Ghetto (Take 2 - 3) - In The Ghetto (Take 4) - In The Ghetto (Take 5 - 10) - In The Ghetto (Take 11) - In The Ghetto (Take 13) - In The Ghetto (Take 19) - In The Ghetto (Take 20) - In The Ghetto (Take 22)

CD 3: Rubberneckin' (Take 1 - 2) - Hey Jude (Take 1) - Hey Jude (Take 3, 5, 6 & 7) - From A Jack To King (Take 1 - 3) - From A Jack To King (Take 4 - 5) - Without Love (There Is Nothing) (Take 1) - Without Love (There Is Nothing) (Take 2 - 4) - Without Love (There Is Nothing) (Take 5) - I'll Hold You In My Heart (Till I Can Hold You In My Arms) (Take 1) - I'll Be There (Take 1 - 3) - I'll Be There (Take 4 - 6) - Suspicious Minds (Take 1 - 5) - Suspicious Minds (Take 6) - Suspicious Minds (Take 7) - Suspicious Minds (Take 8)

CD 4: Stranger In My Own Home Town (Jam) - Medley: It's My Way / This Time / I Can't Stop Loving You (Jam) - True Love Travels On A Gravel Road (Take 2) - True Love Travels On A Gravel Road (Take 4) - True Love Travels On A Gravel Road (Take 5) - True Love Travels On A Gravel Road (Take 6 - 7) - True Love Travels On A Gravel Road (Take 11) - And The Grass Won't Pay No Mind (Take 1, 3 & 5) - And The Grass Won't Pay No Mind (Take 6 - Master Track With Live Vocal) - And The Grass Won't Pay No Mind (Take 6 - Master Track With Overdubbed Vocal) - Power Of My Love (Take 1) - Power Of My Love (Take 2 & 3) - Power of My Love (Take 6) - Power Of My Love (Take 7) - After Loving You (Take 2) - After Loving You (Take 3) - After Loving You (Take 4) - Do You Know Who I Am? (Take 1 & 3) - Do You Know Who I Am? (Take 4) - Do You Know Who I Am? (Take 5) - Do You Know Who I Am? (Take 7)

CD 5: Kentucky Rain (Take 1 - 3) - Kentucky Rain (Take 5 - 7) - Kentucky Rain (Take 8) - Kentucky Rain (Take 9) - Kentucky Rain (Take 10) - Only The Strong Survive (Take 1) - Only The Strong Survive (Take 8, 11 & 12) - Only The Strong Survive (Take 17, 21 & 22) - Only The Strong Survive (Take 29) - It Keeps Right On A Hurtin' (Take 1 & 2) - Any Day Now (Take 1 & 2) - Any Day Now (Take 3 & 4) - Any Day Now (Take 5 & 6) - If I'm A Fool (For Loving You) (Take 1, 2 & 3) - If I'm A Fool (For Loving You) (Take 6, 7, 8 & 9) - The Fair's Moving On (Track Master With Vocal Overdub) - Who Am I? (Track Master With Vocal Overdub).

It contains the following unreleased tracks:

• Long Black Limousine – takes 1,2,3 and 5 4:41 Previously unreleased 
• Wearin' That Loved On Look – takes 1,2,3 and 5 2:19 Takes 1, 2 and 5. Previously unreleased Take 3
• You’ll Think Of Me – takes 11 and 14 6:01 Take 11. Previously unreleased Take 14
• You’ll Think Of Me – takes 19,20 and 22 4:04 Previously unreleased 
• In The Ghetto – takes 5-10 6:52 Previously unreleased 

Tracks “Elvis Sings Memphis Tennessee”:

Side A: Memphis, Tennessee (Rejected Master) - Ask Me (Rejected Master) - Echoes Of Love (Take 1) - Please Donít Drag That String Around (Take 1) - (You’re The) Devil In Disguise (Take 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 Master) - What Now, What Next, Where To (Master) - Never Ending (Take 1)

Side B: (It’s A) Long Lonely Highway (Master) - Witchcraft (Take 1) - Finders Keepers, Losers Weepers (Take 1) - Love Me Tonight (Take 1) - Memphis, Tennessee (Take 1 - 12.01.1964) - Ask Me (Take 1, 2 - 12.01.1964) - Western Union (Take 1) - Please Don't Drag That String Around (Take 2)

Side C: Slowly But Surely (Take 1) - Never Ending (Take 2, 3 Master) - (You're The) Devil In Disguise (Take 3) - Please Don't Drag That String Around (Take 3, 4, 5) - Witchcraft (Take 2) - Ask Me (Take 5, 6 - Alternate Rejected Master)

Side D: Blue River (Take 1, 2) - Memphis, Tennessee (Take 2, 3, 5 - 12.01.1964) - It Hurts Me (Take 2, 3, 4, 5 Master - 12.01.1964) - Finders Keepers, Losers Weepers (Take 2, 3) - Love Me Tonight (Take 2, 3, 4) - Slowly But Surely (Take 2, 3, 4)

Recorded: May 26 & 27, 1963 And *January 12, 1964 At Rca Victor Studio, Nashville.

Austin Butler to Play Elvis

Director Baz Luhrmann has found his Elvis. He has set Austin Butler to play the starmaking role of Elvis Presley in the untitled drama that covers the seminal legend’s growth from dirt poor singer to global icon, seen through the prism of his complex relationship over two decades with manager Colonel Tom Parker. Latter role will be played by Tom Hanks and Warner Bros will distribute worldwide.

The film will shoot early next year in Queensland, Australia, with Warner Bros Pictures distributing worldwide. The film will trace Presley’s elevation to a level of stardom and celebrity matched only by The Beatles, set against an evolving cultural landscape and loss of innocence in America.

(Source: FECC / Follow That Dream / Deadline)

July 13 - Ger Rijff Has Left The Building

Elvis Presley fan, expert, author and (bootleg) producer Ger "Tall-Hair" Rijff has died. He was 67. Ger Rijff made his mark on the Elvis World by producing more than twenty books on Elvis Presley, featuring many unearthed photo's that are totally cool to this day.

Ger Rijff's son Jamie's posted a message on his fathers Facebook page that Ger Rijff has "left the building".

Dear friends,

My father has passed away last saturday. An absolute unexpected tragedy. He is known for his knowledge, creativity and kindness (and justly grumpyness on his Rijffster page). He was and will be my best buddy, I can’t describe how much he will be missed. Dad has taught me some of the most important things in life: a great taste in music and the importance of freedom.

Please show some respect to Ger and me, do NOT send any Gifs with sparkles or Elvis angels (or any of these crappy things Dad hated). He might come and haunt you if you do so! Ha, love you Dad, go and get ‘em.

“When the broken-hearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, Let it Be” - The Fab Four (whom where as good as the King).


On the Elvis Information Network his legacy was summed up nicely:

Before the FTD label, before The Elvis Files, the MRS and Boxcar books there was Ger Rijff and Tutti Frutti productions. Ger "Tall-Hair" Rijff was one of the first classic Elvis super-collectors and publishers. He visited the RCA vaults along with a young Ernst Jorgensen and Roger Semon in the early 1990s and they all went on to publish stunning Elvis products.

Ger helped obsessive Elvis fans dreams come true via some truly magical and original books and music releases. Ger Rijff published the classic 'Long Lonely Highway' "A pictorial coverage of a rock-Odyssey through 1050's America", as well as other top-rated books such as 'Inside Jailhouse Rock', "Florida Close Up', '60 Million TV Viewers Can't Be Wrong', 'Inside King Creole' and 'The Hottest Thing That's Cool'. His legendary books and "Boot" productions helped push Ernst Jorgensen to create FTD as a quality publishing house.

Anyone who worked with him knew that Ger certainly had "his moments" but when he was on good form he was a scream! Ger was also one of the best artists and cartoonists around. Ger Rijff also helped work with Bob Pakes with setting-up the wonderful website 'Elvis: Echoes Of The Past'. 

Bob Pakes writes today, "Ger Rijff was the absolute leading expert on 50's dates and photos! No one even came close. And Ger was the first with his classic and specialized books. Before FTD and Lorentzen started publishing specialized books, Ger had done it all.
Same can be said with regard to the boot market: Ger's labels were the absolute best! I will always vividly remember waiting for the postman to bring me the latest boot with all new and extremely rare music, in the coolest designed covers! Ah, those were the days!
But those days are gone. Forever. Nowadays books are much less exciting when compared to Ger's titles. And the boots, even the best FTD releases, can simply not be compared to the stuff Ger put out in the glory days of Elvis boots!
Those days are gone. - And Ger is gone.

What this guy has achieved and what he is leaving behind ... well, no one comes close."

A message from him recently said, "Although Im really falling apart, and should be asleep now, I had to share the story with you guys. Rijff is everywhere ! : ) bye!" 

Paul Dowling remembers:

I'll never forget the first trade we had. I thought he was going to send me the "Love Me Tender" EP from France but when I received the package it was actually the still very rare "Love Me Tender" EP from Belgium! I was overjoyed as, at that time, maybe 1974, I had no idea it even existed.

But of course Gerry was a big help to my ex partner Sam Theaker (aka Vic Colonna) and me when we were making all of our bootleg LP's. He not only supplied us with the great 'From The Waste Up" insert drawing but he also designed the "Million Dollar Quartet" LP cover for us. Later on when the FBI was breathing down our necks and we were out of the bootleg industry I sent him the rehearsal tape from the "'68 TV Special" (which I had received from Jerry Hopkins) and he put it out on a great bootleg which I think was called "Play It Hot". I know we sent him the slide which he used for that LP.

Elvis author and specialist Gordon Minto worked with Ger Rijff on multiple projects over the years, he adds his condolences.:

"Ger was a legendary figure in the Elvis-world when I got to know him back in the 1980s, so it was particularly thrilling to meet with him and become friends, subsequently sharing some great times both in England and Holland. In the 1990s though, he invited me to write the text for his 60 Million Elvis TV Fans … book about Elvis’s appearances on the Ed Sullivan shows.   I also worked on Inside Jailhouse Rock - though for  reasons not relevant here,  Jim Hannaford received the main writing credit. I also did a number of sleeve notes for some of his ‘alternative’ CD releases! What was he like to work with?  Really good - I had almost complete freedom to write whatever I wanted. I felt we connected - he liked my writing and I loved his artwork and ability to find really stunning photographic material to share with dedicated fans.  In summary, he had great creative energy - producing some of the most wonderful Elvis product ever issued - most of which stands the test of time and remains relevant today.

He was one-of-a-kind, a maverick who was less interested in commercial success than producing high quality Elvis releases for fellow fans. If only more people adopted that principled approach nowadays … RIP my friend."

(Source: FECC / Jamie Rijff / Elvis Information Network / FECC / World Wide Elvis)

July 12 - New Fragrances, Releases and Charts (Update July 15)

The Authentic Brands Group, who owns the Elvis brand, has partnered with Bellevue Brands to launch a fragrance line inspired by Elvis Presley. "Elvis has an incredible ability to excite and captivate audiences," says a representative for Bellevue Brands. "We're thrilled to develop a new collection with ABG that embodies Elvis' undeniable charm and honors the legendary music and style that made him a household name."The collection includes:

• Legend for Him–a mix of musky notes of pink pepper, grapefruit zest, lavender Provence, wild sage and a base of oakmoss, amber, benzoin Siam and cedarwood. 
• Legend for Her–a blend of floral notes of hibiscus water, lavender buds, orange flower, rose and pink freesia with a base of warm amber, cottony musk and cedarwood.
• Forever for Him–a combination of spicy notes of black pepper, fresh aldehydes, sparkling yuzu and gin & tonic accord with a base of vetiver, amber, musk, incense and fir balsam.
• Forever for Her–a vibrant medley of mandarin, apple blossom, pink pepper and jasmine with fluffy musk, ebony woods and crystal amber base notes.

Elvis' brand continues to be leveraged for consumer products around the world. ABG partnered with a Better Choice Company to launch a line of CBD-infused dog treats inspired by the King's song "Hound Dog."

New Releases

The U.S. based Barnes and Noble released an exclusive translucent red vinyl edition of the “Good Times” album on their Barnes Noble Consign label. 

Description: 
No one could have known it at the time, but Elvis Presley had only a handful of studio albums left ahead of him when Good Times showed up in the late winter of 1974. Recorded in the summer and fall of the previous year at Stax Studios in Memphis, this ten-song album caught the artist near his late-career peak -- he still had better, greater records left to do, but there's nothing here that mars the image or the legend. Whether trading in rock & roll or soul sounds or accompanied by a full-blown gospel choir on "If That Isn't Love," he's in great voice, and with the likes of James Burton and Norbert Putnam playing with him, it's hard to find any fault with Good Times, except perhaps its brevity. It wasn't necessarily what longtime fans or potential listeners among younger audiences were looking for, but the album has more than stood the test of time, even if it isn't his best work of this period.

Tracks: Take Good Care of Her \ Loving Arms  \ I Got a Feelin' in My Body \ If That Isn't Love \ She Wears My Ring \ I've Got a Thing About You Baby \ My Boy \ Spanish Eyes \ Talk About the Good Times.

Due for release from the Glamourama label on August 30, 2019 is a vinyl re-issue of Elvis Presley’s 1956 self titled debut album "Elvis Presley". The LP comes with an additional 7 inch bonus single on colored vinyl. 

Tracks LP: Blue Suede Shoes \ I'm Counting On You \ I Got A Woman \ One-Sided Love Affair \ I Love You Because \ Just Because \ Tutti Frutti \ Trying To Get To You \ I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Cry (Over You) \ I'll Never Let You Go (Little Darlin') \ Blue Moon \ Money Honey.

Tracks bonus single: Hound Dog \ Don't Be Cruel \ I Want You, I Need You, I Love You \ Heartbreak Hotel. 

Due for release from the New Continent label on August 30, 2019 is the 3 CD set “At The Movies (1956-62) Film Soundtrack Collection”

Due for release from the RCA Victor / Legacy label on September 30, 2019 is the 4 CD set “De Elvis 100”.

Charts

The weekly Elvis Presley chart update. With Elvis Week 2019 one month away Elvis Presley is hanging on to the charts with some titles climbing and some dropping (off) the charts. 

US Billboard charts:

• US Billboard Top Country Album chart: “The Essential Elvis Presley” dropped from #36 to #37. 
• US Billboard Country Album chart: “The Best Of The '68 Comeback Special (Soundtrack)” climbed from #42 to #35.
• US Billboard Country Catalog Album chart: “Heart and Soul” dropped from #17 to #22.
• US Billboard Country Catalog Album chart: “The Essential Elvis Presley” dropped from #23 to #25.
• US Billboard Country Catalog Album chart: “Elvis: Ultimate Gospel” dropped off the chart.
• US Billboard Top Christian Album chart: “Elvis: Ultimate Gospel” climbed from #35 to #34. 
• US Billboard Christian Album Sales chart: “Where No One Stands Alone” climbed from #45 to #29.

Official UK charts:

• Official UK Streaming Album chart: "The 50 Greatest Hits" remained steady at #82. 
• Official Christian and Gospel Album chart: "Where No One Stands Alone" dropped from #9 to #13.
• Official UK Music DVD chart: "Elvis - The Searcher" climbed from #18 to #16.
• Official UK Music DVD chart: "Elvis Lives - Live From Memphis" climbed from #47 to #31.

Official Scottish Album chart:

• Official Scottish Album chart: "Elvis at the Movies - 60 Essential Recordings" dropped from #73 to #78.

Irish IRMA charts:

• Official Irish IRMA Music DVD chart: “Elvis - The Searcher” dropped from #2 to #3.

Australian ARIA charts:

• Australian ARIA Music DVD chart: "'68 Comeback Special (50th Anniversary Edition)" dropped from #6 to #7. 

(Source: Licence Global / Elvis Club Berlin /  / Amazon / Fan / UK Mix / Billboard / Official Chart Company)

July 11 - Elvis' Piano Rocks in Tampa

Elvis Presley’s 24 karat gold plated leaf piano was unveiled at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tampa, Florida. James Burton admired the golden piano in the golden atrium from behind a golden rope held up by golden posts. It was an instrument fit for a king — an instrument fit for the King — and one he hadn’t seen this closely in, oh, who can remember, something like 40 years.

“Well, it’s gold,” Elvis Presley’s old guitarist said emphatically. “You know what? I think Elvis would be proud of the piano being here.”

Here, on Thursday morning, was the gleaming new atrium of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino’s ongoing $720 million expansion, the centerpiece of which was an opulent, one-of-a-kind hunka-hunka-burnin’ rock history: A 24-karat gold leaf piano owned by Presley himself.

Perched around the corner from Lady Gaga’s Super Bowl halftime costume and down the way from Carl Perkins’ blue suede shoes, the piano might be Hard Rock International’s glitziest memorabilia pickup this decade, and one they’ve been waiting years to display.

“This has been a piece that we’ve held back,” said Hard Rock chairman Jim Allen. “We were always waiting for the right place.” Tampa, it turns out, is that place.

Built in 1928, the W.W. Kimball grand was purchased by Elvis for his mother in 1955, shortly before Heartbreak Hotel hit No. 1. The singer’s wife Priscilla Presley had it gilded with gold leaf as a first anniversary gift in 1968. After his death, a collector purchased the piano for $2 million and loaned it to the Country Music Hall of Fame, where it sat on display for more than two decades.

In 2015, the Hard Rock purchased the piano at auction for a price they won’t disclose (auction records list it as $610,000), crowing via press release that it was the company’s 80,000th item of memorabilia, and Tampa was the favorite to get it.

Rather than chucking the piano into an existing corner or corridor, the company designed and built a lavish, museum-like atrium all around it.

The piano sits on a marble platform, ensconced by a pair of curved escalators, which at 22 feet, 6 inches are tied for the tallest in North America, say Hard Rock officials. To its left and right are a pair of vintage Gibsons, and another one Presley played on stage in the mid- ’70s. Overhead lords a palatial Art Deco chandelier, a downpour of golden glass and metal cascading from a bright, domed skylight.

(Source: Tampa Bay Times)

July 10 - Limo, Pick-up and Harley Davidson up for Auction

Elvis Presley fans can take to the road in his personal stretch limousine, on his last motorcycle or in a pickup truck if they have the money, an auction house announced Wednesday. Kruse GWS Auctions said the items will be part of its Artifacts of Hollywood auction on August 31, 2019.

Presley drove the white-on-white 1973 Lincoln Continental stretch many times around Memphis, Tennessee, Kruse said. It features an old-school TV and other amenities. There are photos showing “the King” driving the car he was in when he stopped at a car accident in Memphis in 1976.

The auction house said a 1976 Harley Davidson FLH 1200 Electra Glide motorcycle was the last motorcycle Presley ever purchased. He transported it from California to Memphis and sold it 90 days before he died in 1977 at age 42. The Harley has been on display at the Pioneer Auto Museum in Murdo, South Dakota, since the late 1980s. 

The third Presley vehicle is one of three GMC pickups that Presley purchased in 1967 for his Circle G Ranch in Mississippi. Two years later, his father, Vernon, sold them back to the same dealership, the auction house said. It has undergone a total restoration.

The unprecedented array of Presley collectibles also includes medical devices used by his nurse Tish Henley to monitor Elvis while he was on tour. The instruments include an ophthalmoscope, blood pressure cuff, thermometer, ear lavage, medical light, throat probe and stethoscope. 

On the more traditional side, the auction features Presley’s mother’s pearl necklace; a personally used leather and wool coat, a “TCB” necklace and a limited edition diamond version; an original 1956 “Heartbreak Hotel” press release and an 1956 press release about his debut album. 

(Source: New York Post)

July 05 - Yellow Vinyl at the Movies (Update July 08)

The Music on Vinyl label re-issued the classic 1972 “Elvis Now” album on yellow vinyl. 

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.

Elvis Presley - At the Movies

The Shellac Disc label announced the release of the LP "Elvis Presley - At the Movies" on July 12, 2019. The album contains tracks from the movies "Love Me Tender", "Loving You", "Jailhouse Rock", "King Creole" and "G.I. Blues".

Charts

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart-update. In the United States Elvis Presley is slipping on the U.S. charts after a few re-entries the last two weeks but he sneaks almost to the Top spot on the Irish Music DVD chart. 

US Billboard charts:

• US Billboard Album Top 200: “The Essential Elvis Presley” dropped off the chart from last week’s #148 spot. 
• US Billboard Top Rock Albums: “The Essential Elvis Presley” dropped off the charts from last week’s #30 spot.
• US Billboard Top Catalog Albums chart: “The Essential Elvis Presley” dropped off the chart from last week’s #39 spot.
• US Billboard Top Country Albums chart: The Essential Elvis Presley” dropped from #18 to #36.
• US Billboard Country Album Sales chart: “The Best Of The '68 Comeback Special” dropped from #34 to #42. 
• US Billboard Country Catalog Album chart: “Heart and Soul” climbed from #25 to #17. 
• US Billboard Country Catalog Album chart: “The Essential Elvis Presley” dropped from #13 to #23. 
• US Billboard Country Catalog Album chart: “Elvis: Ultimate Gospel” remained steady at #24. 
• US Billboard Top Christian Album chart: “Elvis: Ultimate Gospel” climbed from #36 to #35.
• US Billboard Christian Album Sales chart: “Where No One Stands Alone” re-entry at #45.
• US Billboard Soundtrack Album Sales chart: “The Best Of The '68 Comeback Special” dropped off the chart from last week’s re-entry at #25.

Official UK charts:

• Official UK Streaming Album chart: “The 50 Greatest Hits” dropped from #82 to #80.
• Official UK Gospel and Christian Album chart: "Where No One Stands Alone" remained steady at #9.
• Official UK Music DVD chart: "Elvis - The Searcher" climbed from #19 to #18.
• Official UK Music DVD chart: "Elvis Lives - Live From Memphis" re-entry at #47

Official Scottish charts:

• Official Scottish Album chart: “Elvis at the Movies - 60 Essential Recordings” dropped from #56 to #73.

Irish IRMA charts:

• Official Irish IRMA Music DVD chart: “Elvis - The Searcher” climbed from #3 to #2.

Australian ARIA charts:

• Australian ARIA Music DVD chart: "'68 Comeback Special (50th Anniversary Edition)" dropped from #4 to #6.

65 Years Ago

After a few failed attempts to record ballads, Elvis Presley, Scotty Moore and Bill Black take a break during an early recording session at SUN Studio in Memphis. Soon Elvis starts singing an Arthur Crudup song, “That’s All Right.” Bill and Scotty join in, and Sam Phillips rushes to capture it on tape ... and history was made. 

(Source: Amazon / Elvis Club Berlin / UK Mix / Billboard / Graceland / Official Chart Company / IRMA)