October 31 - Out in Nashville

The Meant To Be Played import compilations “The Nashville Marathon Vol. 2” and “Out In Hollywood Volume Three” have been released. Both compilations follow the format of the original Follow That Dream releases; a compilation of (interesting) alternative takes. 

According to the press-release the “Out In Hollywood Volume Three” album contains unreleased tracks like “Poor Boy” which is an alternate master and “Stay Away” which has the harmonica intro followed by the master take, the sound is much better than the actual movie version. 
The "The Nashville Marathon Vol. 2 " includes “some nice surprises and edits” such as the extended version of “Lady Madonna” which rocks like never before and the new "Don't Think Twice It's All Right" edit of take 2 recorded on May 17th 1971.

The Top-Earning Dead Celebrities of 2019

Forbes listed their annual “Top Earning Dead Celebrities” list again. The annual list of the top-earning dead celebrities measures pretax income from October 1, 2018 through October 1, 2019. Forbes compiles the numbers with the help of data from Nielsen Music, IMDBPro and interviews with industry insiders. Fees for agents, managers and lawyers are not deducted.

The Top 5 of 2019:
#1: Michael Jackson: $60 million
#2: Elvis Presley: $39 million
#3: Charles Schulz: $38 million
#4: Arnold Palmer: $30 million
#5: Bob Marley: $20 million

(Source: Elvis on CD / Forbes)

October 26 - Milestones

Due for release from the Documents (Membran) label on November 22, 2019 is the 10 CD-set "Milestones of a Legend". This set features 17 original albums and 31 bonus tracks. 

(Source: Amazon)

October 25 - Charts October Week 4

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart update. The "The Essential Elvis Presley" seems to be the main selling Elvis Presley compilation in the United States. 

The US Billboard charts:

• US Billboard Top 200 Album chart: “The Essential Elvis Presley” dropped from #136 to #139.
• US Billboard Catalog Album Sales chart: “The Essential Elvis Presley” climbed from #47 to #40.
• US Billboard Catalog Album chart: “The Essential Elvis Presley” dropped from #36 to #37.
• US Billboard Top Christian Album chart: “Elvis: Ultimate Gospel” climbed from #39 to #36.
• US Billboard Christian Album Sales chart: “Where No One Stands Alone” climbed from #42 to #19.
• US Billboard Top Rock Album chart: “The Essential Elvis Presley” climbed from #25 to #23.
• US Billboard Top Country Albums chart: “The Essential Elvis Presley” dropped from #15 to #17. 
• US Billboard Country Album Sales chart: “The Best Of The '68 Comeback Special” re-entry at #46.
• US Billboard Country Catalog Album chart: “The Essential Elvis Presley” climbed from #6 to #3. 
• US Billboard Country Catalog Album chart: “Elvis: Ultimate Gospel” climbed from #19 to #7.
• US Billboard Top Holiday Album chart: “The Classical Christmas Album” dropped from #8 to #9.
• US Billboard Top Holiday Album chart: “It’s Christmas Time” climbed from #50 to #33.
• US Billboard Top Holiday Album chart: “Merry Christmas, … Love Elvis” dropped from #34 to #35.
• US Billboard Top Holiday Album chart: “Christmas with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra” re-entry #36.
• US Billboard Holiday Albums Sales chart: “It’s Christmas Time” climbed from #27 to #12.
• US Billboard Holiday Albums Sales chart: “Merry Christmas … Love Elvis” dropped from #15 to #17.
• US Billboard Holiday Albums Sales chart: “Christmas with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra” re-entry #20.
• US Billboard Holiday Digital Song Sales: “Blue Christmas” climbed from #35 to #25.

Official UK charts:

• Official UK Streaming Album chart: “The 50 Greatest Hits” dropped from #80 to #94.
• Official UK Gospel and Christian Albums chart: "Where No One Stands Alone" dropped from #17 to #20. 
• Official UK Music DVD chart: “Elvis The Searcher” remained steady at #7.

Official Irish charts

• Official Irish IRMA Music DVD chart: Elvis The Searcher” dropped from #2 to #4.

Australian charts:

• Australian ARIA Music DVD chart: “'68 Comeback Special (50th Anniversary Edition)” climbed from #31 to #8.

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

October 25 - Baz Finds his Priscilla, Woody his Elvis

Baz Luhrmann found his Priscilla for his upcoming Elvis movie. Australian actress Olivia DeJonge will play the role of Elvis Presley's ex-wife. She joins Austin Butler in the role of Elvis and and Tom Hanks playing Colonel Tom Parker.

Actor Woody Harrelson has always said that he is a big fan of Elvis, and now he gets the chance to play his idol in the new movie "Zombieland: Double Tap".

New Vinyl

The DOL label re-issued their 2013 editions of the “Fun In Acapulco” and “Chicas!, Chicas! Chicas!” Soundtrack albums on HQ Virgin Vinyl.


The Memphis Recording Service released “From Hollywood To Nashville - The Essential 1957-58 Studio Masters” on black (600 copies, available through Amazon) and white vinyl (400 copies).

(Source: Deadline / Elvis Information Network / Amazon)

October 24 - Elvis: Seen/Unseen Concerts Rescheduled

EPE announced that due to circumstances beyond anyone’s control, the "Elvis: Seen/Unseen" shows originally scheduled on East Coast for Oct. 30 through Nov. 2 have been postponed. The new dates are as follows:

January 30, 2020 Montclair, NJ – The Wellmont Theater
January 31, 2020 Atlantic City, NJ – The Borgata
February 1, 2020 Westbury, NY – NYCB Theatre at Westbury

All tickets previously purchased for the original date will be honored for the rescheduled date. If you are unable to attend the rescheduled date a refund will be available at the original point of purchase.

(Source: Graceland / EPE)

October 22 - Elvis Is Back Sessions

The Follow That Dream label announced the release of “The Elvis is Back Sessions” and the 3-CD / book set “Viva Las Vegas”, both with November 18 as the release-date. Ernst Jørgensen also confirmed the expanded deluxe FTD release of “The Blue Hawaii Sessions” is already being worked on. He also noted that the label does not like to announce future releases anymore since this only makes bootleggers rush in to bang-out poorer quality copy-cat product. "We are normally working on a handful of these projects simultaneously" he added.

Details “Viva Las Vegas”: David English and Pal Granlund bring the ultimate background story into how the fabulous musical starring Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret was created. This hard back 400-page book gives a fascinating insight from script to screen.

Details “The Elvis is Back Sessions”: To celebrate its 60th Anniversary year, FTD is pleased to announce the release of “The Elvis is Back Sessions”. Hailed by many as Elvis’ finest recordings. For the first time, here are all the songs as recorded in sequence. Included are all the RCA outtakes and masters. The release includes a deluxe 28-page booklet and sound carrier adorned with, beautiful portraits, rare photos, insightful essay, recording data and classic memorabilia. 

CD 1 - The Original Album:
Make Me Know It - Fever - The Girl Of My Best Friend - I Will Be Home Again - Dirty, Dirty Feeling - Thrill Of Your Love - Soldier Boy - Such A Night - It Feels So Right - Girl Next Door Went A-Walking - Like A Baby - Reconsider Baby

The Original Single Sides:
Stuck On You - Fame And Fortune - It’s Now Or Never - A Mess Of Blues - Are You Lonesome Tonight? - I Gotta Know

CD 2 - The March Sessions:
Make Me Know It (Take 1) - Make Me Know It (Take 2) - Make Me Know It (Take 3) - Make Me Know It (Take 4 - 8) - Make Me Know It (Take 9 - 11) - Make Me Know It (Take 12 & 14) - Make Me Know It (Take 15 - 16) - Make Me Know It (Take 17 - 18) - Make Me Know It (Take 19 - Master) - Soldier Boy (Take 1) - Soldier Boy (Take 2 - 7) - Soldier Boy (Take 8 - 10) - Soldier Boy (Take 11) - Soldier Boy (Take 12, 14 & 15 - Master) - Stuck On You (Take 1) - Stuck On You (Take 2) - Stuck On You (Take 3 - Master) - Fame And Fortune (Take 1) - Fame And Fortune (Take 2) - Fame And Fortune (Take 3 - 5) - Fame And Fortune (Take 6 - 7) - Fame And Fortune (Take 8)

CD 3 - The March Sessions (Continued):
Fame And Fortune (Take 9) - Fame And Fortune (Take 10 - 11) - Fame And Fortune (Take 12 & 14) - Fame And Fortune (Take 15) - Fame And Fortune (Splice Of Take 15 & 14 - Master) - A Mess Of Blues (Take 1) - A Mess Of Blues (Take 2 - 3) - A Mess Of Blues (Take 4) - A Mess Of Blues (Take 5 - Master) - It Feels So Right (Take 1) - It Feels So Right (Take 2) - It Feels So Right (Take 3) - It Feels So Right (Take 4 & 5 - Master)

The April Sessions:
Fever (Take 1) - Fever (Take 2 - 3) - Fever (Take 4 - Master) - Like A Baby (Take 1 - 2) - Like A Baby (Take 3 - 4) - Like A Baby (Take 5 & 6 - Master) - It’s Now Or Never (Take 1) - It’s Now Or Never (Take 2) - It’s Now Or Never (Take 3 - 4)

CD 4 - The April Sessions (Continued):
It’s Now Or Never (Splice Of Take 4 & 2 - Undubbed Master) - The Girl Of My Best Friend (Take 1 - 3) - The Girl Of My Best Friend (Take 4 - 6) - The Girl Of My Best Friend (Take 7 - 9) - The Girl Of My Best Friend (Take 10 - Master) - Dirty, Dirty Feeling (Take 1) - Dirty, Dirty Feeling (Take 2 - 3) - Dirty, Dirty Feeling (Take 4) - Dirty, Dirty Feeling (Splice Of Take 4 And Guitar Solo From Take 1 - Master) - Thrill Of Your Love (Take 1) - Thrill Of Your Love (Take 2 & 3 - Master) - I Gotta Know (Take 1 & 2 - Master) - Such A Night (Take 1) - Such A Night (Take 2 - 4) - Such A Night (Take 5 - Master) - Are You Lonesome Tonight? (Take 1 - 2) - Are You Lonesome Tonight? (Take 3 - 4) - Are You Lonesome Tonight? (Take 5) - Are You Lonesome Tonight? (Workpart Take 1) - Are You Lonesome Tonight? (Workpart Take 2) - Are You Lonesome Tonight? (Splice Of Take 5 & Workpart Take 2) - Girl Next Door Went A’ Walking (Take 1 - 3) - Girl Next Door Went A’ Walking (Take 4 - Master) - I Will Be Home Again (Take 4 - Master) - Reconsider Baby (Take 2- Master).

Nashville Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum Inductions

The 2019 inductees to the Nashville Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum were honored with a concert on October 22, 2019 at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. This year’s inductees are:

Some of the musicians honored played  with Elvis Presley in the studio and in stage like the Original Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section (David Briggs, Norbert Putnam and the late Jerry Carrigan and Reggie Young). 
The late guitar player Owen Bradley is this year’s Musicians Hall of Fame Producer.

"It's great that the Musicians Hall of Fame gives credit to the people that maybe are listed on the records, but people kind of glance over that. It's really great to give them that recognition in a public format," Joe Bonamassa said.

Elvis Unleashed Again

Elvis Presley returned to the big screens across the globe for a second screening-date of "Elvis Unleashed" featuring previously unseen footage on movie theater screens of Elvis as he filmed the iconic "68 Comeback Special."

The screening includes a new 30-minute segment with Los Angeles Times lead music writer Randy Lewis in conversation with actor Dennis Quaid, rising pop/country artist Jade Jackson and the esteemed director and producer of the 68 Elvis Comeback Special, Steve Binder, to discuss Elvis's life and legacy. Randy Lewis discusses the behind-the-scenes interactions that Binder had with Elvis and his manager Colonel Parker, as well as celebrating the King.

Softly, As I Leave You Green Peppers, Onions And Catfish

 The E.P. Collector label release two titles “Green Peppers, Onions And Catfish” containing previously unreleased, but a poor sounding, recording of the July 20, 1975 Evening Show performance as recorded from the audience at Norfolk, Virginia. The label also released “Softly, As I Leave You” containing an audience recording of the August 23, 1974 Dinner Show performance. Both albums come housed in 3-panel digi-packs. 

(Source: FECC / Elvis Information Network / UEPS / Nashville Music Hall of Fame)

October 21 - See You Again Huntsville

The VV import-label announced yet another edition of their “See You Soon Huntsville” title. This time an “incredible limited super deluxe edition” of 36 copies that comes in two variations. Of 18 copies each. 

From the press-release: 
The box set contains four soundboard recordings of Elvis Presley’s 1975 performances in Huntsville, including the Opening Show. The set contains a double LP on black vinyl, OBI, tote bag, certificate, documentary DVD, double sided poster, magnet and one of four random added art-cards, all housed in a box-set.

Dancin' Hits

The Elemental Records label released the CD "Dancin' Hits". This compilation album comes  housed in a digital-pack with additional bonus tracks. It was released as a 20-track vinyl compilation on October 14, 2019. 

Friday Night Lights

The Straight Arrow import CD “Friday Night Lights” containing audience recordings of both the Dinner and Midnight Show performances in Las Vegas has been released. 

From the press-release: The Las Vegas, February 20th, 1970 Dinner show was previously released by the "SR" label in 2015 from an inferior, degraded copying and basically unlistenable source. The show was incomplete with cuts and running way too slow). Now you have a chance to listen to this fantastic concert in the best possible quality, for the first time. The Las Vegas, February 20th, 1970 Midnight show is previously unreleased and it was never available in good quality and in complete form - until now! It is one of greatest Elvis shows ever with “Polk Salad Annie” and “Suspicious Minds” being reprised!

(Various / Amazon / Elvis On CD)

October 19 - Charts October Week 3

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart update. Billboard notes: The Essential Elvis Presley, this album seems to have taken over for now as the canonical Elvis hits collection. It has been on the Catalog and BB200 charts earlier this year, but returns to Catalog Sales for the first time since spending a solitary week at #8 back in 2013.

US Billboard charts:

• US Billboard Top 200 Album chart: “The Essential Elvis Presley” climbed from #139 to #136.
• US Billboard Catalog Album Sales chart: “The Essential Elvis Presley” re-entry at #47.
• US Billboard Catalog Album chart: “The Essential Elvis Presley” climbed from #38 to #36.
• US Billboard Christian Album chart: “Elvis: Ultimate Gospel” remained steady at #39.
• US Billboard Christian Album Sales chart: “Where No One Stands Alone” dropped from #14 to #42.
• US Billboard Top Rock Album chart: “The Essential Elvis Presley” remained steady at #25.
• US Billboard Top Country Albums chart: “The Essential Elvis Presley”climbed from #18 to #15.
• US Country Catalog Album chart: “The Essential Elvis Presley” climbed from #21 to #6.
• US Country Catalog Album chart: “Elvis: Ultimate Gospel” re-entry at #19.

The Holiday charts we’re activated:

• US Billboard Top Holiday Album chart: “The Classical Christmas Album” re-entry ##8.
• US Billboard Top Holiday Album chart: “Merry Christmas, … Love Elvis” re-entry #34.
• US Billboard Top Holiday Album chart: “It’s Christmas Time” re-entry #50
• US Billboard Holiday Albums Sales chart: “ The Classic Christmas Album” re-entry #3. 
• US Billboard Holiday Albums Sales chart: “Merry Christmas … Love Elvis” re-entry at #15.
• US Billboard Holiday Albums Sales chart: “It’s Christmas Time” re-entry #27.
• US Billboard Holiday Digital Song Sales: “Blue Christmas” re-entry at #35.

Official UK charts:

• Official UK Streaming Album chart: “The 50 Greatest Hits” climbed from #85 to #80.
• Official UK Gospel and Christian Albums chart: "Where No One Stands Alone" re-entry at #17.
• Official UK Music DVD chart: "Elvis The Searcher" climbed from #8 to #7
• Official UK Music DVD chart: "Elvis Lives - Live From Memphis" dropped off the chart last week's #30 spot.

Official Irish charts:

• Official Irish IRMA Music DVD chart: “Elvis The Searcher” climbed from #4 to #2. 

Australian ARIA charts

• Australian ARIA Music DVD chart: "'68 Comeback Special (50th Anniversary Edition)" dropped from #8 to #31.

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

October 17 - Hollywood Marathon

On eBay two new import-releases from the MTP import-label appeared; “The Nashville Marathon Vol. 2” and “Out In Hollywood volume 3”.

From the press-release: The MTP is back with some amazing new releases. We all remember the "good old days" when FTD released their first releases like
"The Jungle Room Sessions", "Fame and Fortune" and "Out in Hollywood".

Those CDs were in our players for weeks, due to all the unreleased stuff, great sound quality and last but not least the fact there were a lot of complete outtakes never heard before. After a while, although the releases were still fantastic, we got more and more cds with lots of outtakes from the same songs, great for collecting, but listening pleasure was a bit less fun ... The label continues their series with two releases which will be in your player for weeks, and are again "Meant to be Played".

Details “Nashville Marathon Vol. 2”: 
This time we get the 1971 sessions in the same treatment as the first volume, some hard to find tracks and outtakes are included as well as some nice surprises and edits such as the extended version of "Lady Madonna" which rocks like never before. Another highlight is the new "Don't Think Twice It's Allright" edit of take 2 recorded on May 17th. Presented in deluxe digi-pack.

Tracks: Early Morning Rain - Take 1,11 / Put Your Hand In The Hand - Take 1 / Fools Rush In - Take 6 / Are You Lonesome Tonight (Excerpt) / It's Only Love - Spliced Take 2,7,8 / I'm Leavin' - Spliced Take 2,3 / I Shall Be Released - Informal Jam / Don't Think Twice It's Allright - May 17 Edit / For Lovin' Me - Take 2,11 / Help Me Make It Through The Night - Spliced Take 2,14,15 / Seeing Is Believing - Take 10 / A Thing Called Love - Spliced Take 7,7,3 / We Can Make The Morning - Unedited Overdubbed Master / Love Me, Love The Life I Lead - Take 5,6 / Padre - Take 11 / Lady Madonna - Extended Jam / Bosom Of Abraham - Take 5 / You Better Run (Excerpt) / I John - Take 1 / Bosom Of Abraham Take 7 / Reach Out To Jesus - False Starts, Take 9 / I Will Be True - Take 2 / It's Still Here - Spliced Take 2,3 / I’ll Take You Home Again Kathleen -Master Overdubbed / My Way - Spliced Take 1,3

Details “Elvis Out In Hollywood”: 
Another collection of 22 great songs, most are hard to find, or released on cds where you get so many takes of the same song, you probably only have heard them once, or more likely... never. Also included are some cool unreleased tracks like "Poor Boy" which is an alternate master and "Stay Away" which has the harmonica intro followed by the master take, the sound is much better than the actual movie version. Hard to find outtakes and new edits, presented in a deluxe digi-pack edition.  

Tracks: Poor Boy - Spliced Take 1 (Remake), 3 / I Want To Be Free - Take 10 (Prison Version) / Loving You - Take 16 (End Version) / Cross My Heart And Hope To Die - Take 8 / This Is Living - Take 8 / Hard Knocks - Take 4 / Easy Come, Easy Go - Take 10 / Vino, Dinero Y Amor - Take 4 / Drums Of The Islands - Take 2 (AOV) / Anyone - Take 2 / Summer Kisses, Winter Tears - Take 16 / Shoppin' Around - Take 14 (Finale Version) / The Bullfighter Was A Lady - Take 14 / Kissin' Cousins #2 - Take 4 / Night Life - Take 11 / Take Me To The Fair - Take 7 / A Dogs Life - Take 7 (EOV) / Almost In Love - Take 6 / Wisdom Of The Ages - Take 2 / Stay, Away - Alternate Master / Let's Forget About The Stars - Rough Mix / Let Us Pray - Vocal Only.

(Source: eBay)

October 16 - Follow That Collector

The Follow That Dream collector releases "Elvis: American Sound 1969" 5 CD set and the "Memphis, Tennessee" double LP have been released. The 5 CD set was already available as a digital download. 

To celebrate FTD’s 20th Anniversary, the label is pleased to announce the release of “American Sound 1969”. “Suspicious Minds” celebrates its 50th Anniversary on August 26th, 2019 Elvis’ 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”. This 5-CD set that’s part of FTD’s new ‘Sessions’ series, includes a 28-page booklet with rare photos and memorabilia. 

The "Memphis, Tennessee" LP contains great alternative versions of songs from The Lost Album sessions in May 1963 and January 1964. Mastered at Abbey Road Studios, the album is released on 180-gram vinyl. 

Anniversary

Due for release from the Documents label on November 11, 2019 is the ten CD set "Anniversary". No other information available yet. 

Elvis Presley Lives On

Released today is the DVD "Elvis Presley Lives On - An Unauthorized Tribute". 

(FECC / Memphis Mansion / Amazon / Elvis Club Berlin)

October 15 - Elvis Presley Rock Box

Laser Media announced the release of the 3 CD set “Elvis Presley Rock Box” on November 29, 2019.

CD 1: See See Rider - When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again - I Got A Women / Amen - Love Me - Trying To Get To You - All Shook Up - Love Me Tender - Hound Dog - Fever - Polk Salad Annie - Why Me, Lord? - Suspicious Minds - Introductions - I Can't Stop Loving You - Help Me - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Let Me Be There

CD 2: Zarathustra - C. C. Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Love Me - You Gave Me A Mountain - Trying To Get To You - All Shook Up - Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - Until It's Time For You To Go - Hurt - Polk Salad Annie

CD 3: Band Introductions - And I Love You So - How Great Thou Art - Love Me Tender - Let Me Be There - America The Beautiful - Heartbreak Hotel - Hound Dog - Hawaiian Wedding Song - Mystery Train / Tiger Man - Can't Help Falling In Love.

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / Amazon)

October 12 - Charts October Week 2 (Updated October 14)

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart update:

US Billboard charts:

• US Billboard Album Top 200: “The Essential Elvis Presley” climbed from #147 to #139. 
• US Billboard Catalog Album chart: "The Essential Elvis Presley" climbed from #41 to #38.
• US Billboard Top Country Albums: “The Essential Elvis Presley” climbed from #19 to #18. 
• US Billboard Country Album Sales chart: “The Best of the ’68 Comeback Special” dropped from #39 to #49. 
• US Billboard Country Catalog Albums chart: The Essential Elvis Presley” dropped from #19 to #21. 
• US Billboard Rock Albums chart: “The Essential Elvis Presley” dropped from #22 to #25. 
• US Billboard Top Christian Album chart: ”Elvis: Ultimate Gospel” dropped from #35 to #39. 
• US Billboard Christian Album Sales chart: “Where No One Stands Alone” dropped from #11 to #14.

Official UK charts:

• Official UK Streaming Album chart: "The 50 Greatest Hits" dropped from #80 to #85.
• Official UK Music DVD chart: "Elvis The Searcher" dropped from #4 to #8.
• Official UK Music DVD chart: "Elvis Lives - Live From Memphis" climbed from #38 to #30.

Official Irish charts:

• Irish IRMA chart: "Elvis The Searcher" remained steady at #4.

Australian Charts

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

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

October 11 - Sam Bobrick Died

Sam Bobrick died in hospital last week after suffering a stroke. He pursued a short-lived career in song-writing - despite claiming he was tone deaf and didn't play any instruments - and co-wrote Elvis Presley's hit "The Girl of My Best Friend". He wrote more than 40 plays but was best known for creating the popular high school sitcom, which ran between 1989 to 1993. 

(BBC)

October 10 - Elvis' Mercedes Up For Auction

Elvis Presley's personal 1974 Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC and one of his last motorcycles will be sold at auction later this month, where they are predicted to sell for as much as $300,000 combined.

The SLC was Mercedes' Malaise-era personal luxury coupe, sold in the United States from the 1972 to the 1980 model years. The 450 SLCs featured 4.5-liter V-8s which, on account of their early emissions equipment, made a paltry 190 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque, which were barely enough to move these 3,625-pound behemoths when paired with their three-speed automatic transmissions. But still, it was a Mercedes, and that's why Elvis had to own one.

According to this 450 SLC's consignor Julien's Auctions, this gold Mercedes was regularly parked out back of Presley's Graceland estate. It was apparently the car he'd drive when he felt like going incognito—relative, of course, to his other cars, which included the likes of a BMW 507 and a stretched version of the already-gargantuan Lincoln Continental.

After Presley's premature passing in 1977 at the age of 42, this Mercedes reportedly passed into the hands of Presley's personal physician, the controversial Doctor George C. Nichopoulos. Known to many as just "Dr. Nick," many Elvis fans believe the doc played a role in the rocker's early demise due to his overprescription of powerful drugs, for which he lost his medical license in 1993. The ex-doctor eventually ran into money troubles and sold off much of his Presley memorabilia, presumably including this Mercedes, which has been in the custody of another owner since (if not before) Nichopoulos's passing in 2016.

Both this Mercedes and a Presley-owned 1976 Harley-Davidson will cross the auction block at the "Icons & Idols: Rock 'n' Roll" sale on Oct. 25 and 26, which will be held at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York. It may not be the world's nicest Mercedes, but it's certainly an interesting piece of American pop culture history—does this piece of Malaise metal have you All Shook Up?

Besides cars and a motor-cycle the auction also features dozens of items, many once owned by Elvis Presley, ranging from furniture, instruments, clothing, jewelry, an Ampex recording system circa 1960s that was part of American Sound Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, where Elvis Presley recorded several albums and finally a mold for Elvis Presley's eventual bronze tombstone that mold was actually used on his grave for about six weeks until the final bronze unit was completed. This was the
prototype for the final bronze one for the family to approve.


The items will be sold during Julien’s “Icons & Idols: Rock 'N' Roll Auction” on October 25th an 26th 2019 at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York. 

(Source: Julien's)

October 09 - Back in Living Stereo (Updated 10/11)

Here is the cover-art for the "Elvis Presley - Back In Living Stereo: The Essential 1960 - 62 Studio Masters" 6 CD / Book set. This set is a cooperation between the Memphis Recording Service and JAT Publishing and due for release November 22, 2019.

The 6 CDs contain over 150 remastered tracks of the Essential 1960- 1962 master recordings, rare alternate outtakes - including unreleased material - and the complete personal home recordings Elvis made during the 1960s all of which have now been cleaned, repaired, and restored, using the most sophisticated technology available. The book includes rare unpublished documents and photographs, supported by a comprehensive text discussing each of Elvis' RCA studio (non-film) recording sessions held during 1960-62.

Tracks:

CD 1 - The Essential 1960 Masters:
Make Me Know It - Soldier Boy - Stuck On You - Fame And Fortune - A Mess Of Blues - It Feels So Right - Fever - Like A Baby - It's Now Or Never - The Girl Of My Best Friend - Dirty Dirty Feeling - Thrill Of Your Love - I Gotta Know - Such A Night - Are You Lonesome Tonight? - The Girl Next Door Went A-Walking - I Will Be Home Again - Reconsider Baby (With Count-In) - Surrender (With Count-In) - Milky White Way - His Hand In Mine - I Believe In The Man In The Sky - He Knows Just What I Need - Mansion Over The Hilltop - In My Father's House - Joshua Fit The Battle - Swing Down Sweet Chariot - I'm Gonna Walk Dem Golden Stairs - If We Never Meet Again - Known Only To Him - Working On The Building

CD 2 - The Essential 1961 - 1962 Masters:
I'm Comin' Home - Gently - In Your Arms - Give Me The Right - I Feel So Bad - It's A Sin - I Want You With Me - There's Always Me - Starting Today - Sentimental Me - Judy - Put The Blame On Me - Kiss Me Quick - That's Someone You Never Forget - I'm Yours (Single Undubbed Master) - (Marie's The Name) His Latest Flame - Little Sister - Good Luck Charm - Anything That's Part Of You - Night Rider - Something Blue - Gonna Get Back Home Somehow - (Such An) Easy Question - Fountain Of Love - Just For Old Time Sake - I Feel That I've Known You Forever - Just Tell Her Jim Said Hello - Suspicion - She's Not You

Bonus Songs: Steppin' Out Of Line (With Count-In) - I'm Yours (LP Dubbed Master)

CD 3 - Selected Alternate Outtakes 1960 - 1961:
Make Me Know It (Take 2 LFS, 8) - Make Me Know It (Take 14, 16) - Soldier Boy (Take 11) - Fame And Fortune (Take 1 FS x 4 & Comp) - Fame And Fortune (Take 3 FS, 6 LFS, 7 FS & Comp) - Fame And Fortune (Take 8) - Fame And Fortune (Take 9 FS & Comp) - Fame And Fortune (Take 10 LFS, 11, 12 LFS) - Fame And Fortune (Take 14) - A Mess of Blues (Take 4 LFS) - He Knows Just What I Need (Take 9) - In My Father's House (Take 8) - In My Father's House (Workpart Take 1) - I Want You With Me (Tryout) - There's Always Me (Take 3 FS) - Put The Blame On Me (Take 3 FS, 4 FS) - Kiss Me Quick (Take 2) - Kiss Me Quick (Take 3) - Kiss Me Quick (Take 5 LFS, 6) - Kiss Me Quick (Take 7) - Kiss Me Quick (Take 8 LFS, 9) - Kiss Me Quick (Take 10) - Kiss Me Quick (Take 11) - I'm Yours (Take 5, Workparts Take 1, 2) - Little Sister (Take 10 LFS, 11 LFS) - For The Millionth And Last Time (Take 3 FS, 4, 5 FS & Comp) - For The Millionth And Last Time (Take 8, 9 FS,11 FS)

CD4 - Selected Alternate Outtakes 1961 - 1962:
(Marie's The Name) His Latest Flame (Take 7 FS,9 FS) - Anything That's Part Of You (Take 7 FS, 3) - I Met Her Today (Take 3 FS, 5 LFS, 6 FS & Comp) - I Met Her Today (Take 10 FS, 11 FS, 12 FS, 13) - I Met Her Today (Take 14, 15 FS) - I Met Her Today (Take 17 FS,19 FS, 20 LFS) - Gonna Get Back Home Somehow (Take 4) - Fountain Of Love (Take 1 FS, 2, 3 FS FS, 4 LFS) - Fountain Of Love (Take 5 FS, 6) - Fountain Of Love (Take 7 FS, 8 FS, 9) - Just Tell Her Jim Said Hello (Tryout) - Just Tell Her Jim Said Hello (Take 3) - Suspicion (Take 4 Splice With End Of Take 5) - She's Not You (Take 2 FS & Comp) - She's Not You (Workparts Take 1 - 3)

Bonus Alternate Songs 1966 - 1967: Come What May (Take 1 LFS) - Down In The Alley (Take 7, 8) - Stand By Me (Take 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) - Without Him (Take 4 FS, 7 FS) - Somebody Bigger Than You And I (Take 2, 4 - 10) - Somebody Bigger Than You And I (Workpart Ending Take 1 - 4) - Goin' Home (Take 3, 4, 5, 7, 10 - 14)

CD - 5 - The Complete 1960's Home Recordings:
You'll Never Walk Alone (Incomplete) - If I Loved You - The Lords Prayer / If I Loved You (Reprise) - I Wonder, I Wonder, I Wonder - An Evening Prayer (Incomplete) - Make Believe - She Wears My Ring - Sweet Leilani (#1) - Sweet Leilani (#2) - Sweet Leilani (#3) - Beyond The Reef (Incomplete) - When The Swallows Come Back To Capistrano - He - Hands Off - Lawdy, Miss Clawdy (Incomplete)

Bonus Songs - 1961: You're' Driving Me Crazy

CD 6 - The 1966 Home Recordings: 
After Loving You - If I Loved You - Show Me Thy Ways, O' Lorde - Tumbling Tumbleweeds - Hide Thou Me (Rock Of Ages) (#1) - Hide Thou Me (Rock Of Ages) (#2) - It's No Fun Being Lonely - San Antonio Rose - Tennessee Waltz (#1) - Tennessee Waltz (#2) - I've Been Blue - Mary Lou Brown - Moonlight Sonata - Blue Hawaii - Oh How I Love Jesus (#1, #2) - I, John (Incomplete) - Write To Me From Naples - My Heart Cries For You - Dark Moon (Take 1) - Dark Moon (Take 2) - Indescribably Blue - Fools Rush In (Stereo) - It's A Sin To Tell A Lie - What Now My Love (#1) - What Now My Love (#2) - Five Hundred Miles (#1) - Five Hundred Miles (#2) - Blowin' In The Wind (#1) - Blowin' In The Wind (#2) - Suppose (#1) - Suppose (#2)

Bonus Songs - 1956: When The Saints Go Marching In.

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / FECC)

October 08 - American Vinyl

Due for release from Sony Legacy on November 29, 2019 is the Black Friday Record Store Day release "American Sound Sessions 1969". This release is limited to 4000 copies worldwide. 

Description:
1969 was a pivotal year for Elvis Presley. Fresh from the success of the ’68 Comeback Special, a revitalized Elvis headed to American Sound Studios with producer Chips Moman and a crack group of local session musicians. From these sessions came From Elvis In Memphis, one of the most beloved LPs of his career, plus the seminal hits “Suspicious Minds” (his 18th and final No. 1 hit) and “In The Ghetto.” American Sound Sessions 1969, available for the first time on vinyl, features rare and unreleased outtakes from these legendary sessions.


Side A: Long Black Limousine (Take 6) - Wearin’ That Loved On Look (Take 12, 13 & 14) - You’ll Think Of Me (Take 16) - I’m Movin’ On (Take 2 – With Vocal Replacements And Steel Guitar Overdub) - A Little Bit Of Green (Take 1)

Side B: In The Ghetto (Take 1) - From A Jack To A King (Take 1 - 3) - Without Love (There Is Nothing) (Take 1) - I’ll Be There (Take 1 - 3) - Suspicious Minds (Take 8 - Undubbed Master)

Side C: Stranger In My Hometown (Jam - Undubbed) - It’s My Way / This Time / I Can’t Stop Loving You (Jam) - True Love Travels On A Gravel Road (Take 2) - Power Of My Love (Take 1) - After Loving You (Take 2)

Side D: Do You Know Who I Am? (Take 4) . Kentucky Rain (Take 8) - Only The Strong Survive (Take 29) - It Keeps Right On A Hurtin’ (Take 1 & 2) - Any Day Now (Take 1 & 2)

In the Valley of the Sun

JAT Publishing announced the book “Elvis Presley - In the Valley of the Sun” focussing on Elvis Presley’s concert at Veterans Memorial Coliseum, September 9th 1970 in Phoenix Arizona. This book, due in 2020, marks the 50th anniversary and should contain over 100 rare and unpublished photos from the show. Also included is a CD featuring the last interview with Chips Moman. 

JAT Publishing also announced the release of "The Definitive Vinyl Artwork Of Elvis Presley 1956 - 1977 (Revised And Expanded Limited Edition)" and "Elvis Sessions IV: The Recorded Music Of Elvis Aron Presley 1953 - 1977". More information when available.

(Source: FAN / Record Store Day / Elvis Club Berlin / JAT Publishing)

October 07 - Mele Mai Ka Lani Mai

Out now from the Venus import-label is the 3 CD set "Mele Mai Ka Lani Mai" containing  (unreleased) outtakes from the movie “Blue Hawaii”. As with all Venus releases all tracks are uncut and the sound is top notch!

Tracks CD 1: 01 - Hawaiian Sunset - tk1 complete - 02 - Hawaiian Sunset - tk2 complete - 03 - Hawaiian Sunset - tk3 complete - 04 - Hawaiian Sunset - Master tks4,7 - 05 - Aloha Oe - sect#2 tk1 complete - 06 - Aloha Oe - sect#2 tk2 complete - 07 - Aloha Oe - sect#2 tk3 complete - 08 - Aloha Oe - sect#2 tk4,6 complete - 09 - Aloha Oe - sect#2 Master tks5,7 - 10 - Ku-u-i-po - tk1 complete - 11 - Ku-u-i-po - tk2 LFS - 12 - Ku-u-i-po - tks4,5 LFS - 13 - Ku-u-i-po - tks6,7 LFS - 14 - Ku-u-i-po - tk8 LFS tk9 Master - 15 - Ku-u-i-po – Master - 16 - No More - tks1,2 - 17 - No More - tk3 lfs - 18 - No More - tk4 lfs - 19 - No More - tk5 lfs tk7 complete - 20 - No More - tk8 complete - 21 - No More - tk9 complete - 22 - No More - tk11 end of tk5 - 23 - No More – Master - 24 - Slicin’ Sand - tk unknown complete - 25 - Slicin’ Sand - tks 15,16 - 26 - Slicin’ Sand - tk17 complete - 27 - Slicin’ Sand - tk18 fs tk19 complete - 28 - Slicin’ Sand – Master - 29 - Blue Hawaii - tks1,2 fs - 30 - Blue Hawaii - tk3 - 31 - Blue Hawaii - tk4 fs - 32 - Blue Hawaii - tk5 fs - 33 - Blue Hawaii - tk6 lfs - 34 - Blue Hawaii - tk7 complete Master with count-in - 35 - Blue Hawaii - alternate tk3 - 36 - Blue Hawaii - Master

CD - 2: 01 - Ito Eats - tk1 fs tk2 lfs - 02 - Ito Eats - tks3,4 fs - 03 - Ito Eats - tk5 complete - 04 - Ito Eats - tks6,7,8 fs 9 Master - 05 - Ito Eats – Master - 06 - Ito Eats - tk1 complete tag for movie - 07 - Hawaiian Wedding Song - tk1 complete - 08 - Hawaiian Wedding Song - tk2 Master with count-in - 09 - Hawaiian Wedding Song – Master - 10 - Island Of Love - tks1,2,3,4 fs lfs - 11 - Island Of Love - tks5,6,7 fs tk8 complete - 12 - Island Of Love - tk9 lfs tks10,11,12 fs - 13 - Island Of Love - tk master - 14 - Island Of Love – master - 15 - Steppin’ Out Of Line - tks1,2,3,4,5 fs - 16 - Steppin’ Out Of Line - tks6,7 fs - 17 - Steppin’ Out Of Line - tks8 complete - 18 - Steppin’ Out Of Line - tks9,10,11 fs - 19 - Steppin’ Out Of Line - tks12,13,14 fs tk15 complete - 20 - Steppin’ Out Of Line - tks16 fs tk17 complete - 21 - Steppin’ Out Of Line - tk18 lfs tk19 complete - 22 - Steppin’ Out Of Line – master - 23 - Steppin’ Out Of Line - spliced tks8,19 movie version - 24 - Almost Always True - tk1 lfs tk2 fs tk3 - 25 - Almost Always True - tk4 lfs tk5 complete - 26 - Almost Always True - tk6 lfs tk7 lfs - 27 - Almost Always True - tk8 Master with count-in - 28 - Almost Always True - Master

CD - 3: 01 - Moonlight Swim - tk1 fs tk2 lfs - 02 - Moonlight Swim - tk3 complete - 03 - Moonlight Swim - tk4 alternate master - 04 - Aloha Oe - section#1 complete - 05 - Can’t Help Falling In Love - tks1,2,3,4 fs - 06 - Can’t Help Falling In Love - tk5 complete - 07 - Can’t Help Falling In Love - tks6,7,8 fs - 08 - Can’t Help Falling In Love - tk9 complete - 09 - Can’t Help Falling In Love - tks10,11,12 fs - 10 - Can’t Help Falling In Love - tk13 complete - 11 - Can’t Help Falling In Love - tks14,15 fs tk16 complete - 12 - Can’t Help Falling In Love - tks17,18,19,20,21,22 fs - 13 - Can’t Help Falling In Love - tk24 complete - 14 - Can’t Help Falling In Love - tk25 fs tk26 complete - 15 - Can’t Help Falling In Love - tk29 master with count-in - 16 - Can’t Help Falling In Love - tk23 movie version - 17 - Beach Boy Blues - tk1 fs tk2 complete - 18 - Beach Boy Blues - tk3 complete - 19 - Beach Boy Blues - record version - 20 - Beach Boy Blues - movie version - 21 - Rock-A-Hula Baby - tks1,2 fs - 22 - Rock-A-Hula Baby - tk3 complete - 23 - Rock-A-Hula Baby - tk4 fs tk5 complete - 24 - Rock-A-Hula Baby - tks1,2 fs - 25 - Rock-A-Hula Baby - tk3 complete.

Elvis Back In Living Stereo

Due for release November 22, 2019 from the UK based Memphis Recording Service is the 6 CD / 100 page book set "Elvis Back In Living Stereo - The Essential 1960-62 Masters Rare Outtakes and Home Recordings". 

(Source: FECC / Fan)

October 05 - That's The Way Competion Is

With two "That's The Way It Is" projects due for release, the "Elvis Summer Festival" book trilogy by Erik Lorentzen December 2019 and "Elvis That's The Way it Is", a book / 3 CD set by David English and Pal Granlund on the 50th Anniversary of the original documentary in 2020, there is some stiff competition. Producers of both releases published new promotional flyers and deals to gain buyer's interest. 

(Source: FECC /UEPS) 

October 05 - Charts October Week 1

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart update.

US Billboard charts:

• US Billboard Album Top 200: “The Essential Elvis Presley” dropped from #143 to #147.
• US Billboard Top Country Albums: “The Essential Elvis Presley” dropped from #15 to #19.
• US Billboard Country Album Sales chart: “The Best of the ’68 Comeback Special” dropped from #35 to #39.
• US Billboard Country Catalog Albums chart: The Essential Elvis Presley” dropped from #8 to #19. 
• US Billboard Rock Albums chart: “The Essential Elvis Presley” climbed from #27 to #24. 
• US Billboard Top Christian Album chart: ”Elvis: Ultimate Gospel” climbed from #39 to #35. 
• US Billboard Christian Album Sales chart: “Where No One Stands Alone” dropped from #37 to #11.

Official UK charts:

• Official UK Streaming Album chart: “The 50 Greatest Hits” climbed from #88 to #80.
• Official UK Music DVD chart: “Elvis The Searcher” remained steady at #4. 
• Official UK Music DVD chart: “Elvis Lives - Live From Memphis” climbed from #42 to #38.

Irish charts:

• Irish IRMA Music DVD chart: “Elvis The Searcher” dropped from #4 to #3. 

Australian charts

• Australian Music DVD chart: "'68 Comeback Special (50th Anniversary Edition)" remained steady at #7.

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

October 02 - Elvis Cancelled?

While there has been no official notification or explanation as yet, it appears that the new cinema special 'Elvis Unleashed' has been cancelled in several parts of the world. Due to "technical difficulties" is what Fathom Events gave as a reason to Elvis Matters. The film, featuring previously unseen footage of Elvis as he filmed the iconic "68 Comeback Special", has been removed from from the Graceland Newspage and the Phantom Events website. 

(Source: Elvis Information Network / Elvis Matters / Phantom Events)

October 01 - American Dancing Hits

The Hoo Doo Records LP release "Dancin' Hits" will also be released on CD with additional tracks as part of the labels "Collector Digi-pack" series on October 11, 2019. This album comes housed in a digi-pack.

Tracks: Jailhouse Rock - Hound Dog - I Don´t Wanna Be Tied - Make Me Know It - Don´t Be Cruel - Rip It Up - Just Because - Long Tall Sally - Ready Teddy - Girl Next Door Went A-Walking - Shake, Rattle And Roll - How Du Yo Think I Feel - My Baby Left Me - Mean Woman Blues - (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear - Got A Lot O´ Livin´ To Do - Party - Hot Dog - All Shook Up - King Creole - Hard Headed Woman - Trouble - Dirty, Dirty Feeling - I Need Your Love Tonight - A Big Hunk O´ Love - Such A Night - Blue Suede Shoes - Stuck On You - Girls! Girls! Girls! - We´re Comin` In Loaded - I Gotta Know - Wear My Ring Around Your Neck.

There’s No Tomorrow

By popular demand the SR import-label released a another limited run of 60 copies of their "There’s No Tomorrow" album containing the August 10, 1973 Midnight Show performance. As a bonus this set contains the August 8, 1973 Dinner Show performance on CD-R (previously released by the label 13 years ago) and a poster. This double CD set is housed in a  dig-pack and comes in three variations. 


Good Times

Due for release on the Music on Vinyl label on November 15, 2019 is a 45th Anniversary Edition re-issue of Elvis Presley’s 20th studio album “Good Times”. This edition is limited to 2500 individually numbered copies on transparent blue vinyl.

"Good Times" is the twentieth studio album by American singer and musician Elvis Presley. He recorded this ten-song album at the Stax studios in Memphis. His great voice is outstanding on both the rock & roll songs as when he's performing with a gospel choir. While his physical condition was going downwards, he is still singing like he used to do in the past. Guitar riffs by James Burton are present on the more country like tracks 'Take Good Care of Her', 'Lovin' Arms', 'Good Time Charlie's Got The Blues' and 'My Boy'. The versatility is shown when he is bringing the Spanish flavour on 'Spanish Eyes'. This is more than a solid outing from 'The King', a wonderful record. Available as a 45th anniversary edition.

Tracks: 
Side A: 1. Take Good Care Of Her 2. Loving Arms 3. I Got A Feelin’ In My Body 4. If That Isn't Love 5. She Wears My Ring. 

Side B: 1. I've Got A Thing About You Baby 2. My Boy 3. Spanish Eyes 4. Talk About The Good Times 5. Good Time Charlie's Got The Blues.

More New Vinyl

Due for release from the Vinyl Passion label on November 22, 2019 is the LP “Where The Heart Is”. The LP contains 22 ballads like "Love Me Tender”, "Home Is Where The Heart Is”, "Doin 'The Best I Can", "Young And Beautiful”, "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You", "Love Me”, "Don’t”,  "Can't Help Falling in Love” and “Are You Lonesome Tonight?”.

Due for release from RCA Records on December 6, 2019 is the LP "American Studio". The description is short: "2LP Highlights Black Friday". 

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / Fan / Amazon / Music on Vinyl)