December 31 - Chart Success

Elvis Presley will kick off the new year with some new chart highlights. The “It’s Christmas Time” album climbed to No. 25 in the main Billboard Top 200 Album chart for the week ending January 4, 2020, giving our man another Top 40 listing. On the Billboard Hot Single chart Elvis Presley scored another Top 40 hit too with “Blue Christmas” climbing to No. 40.

In Canada “The Classic Christmas Album” climbed from No. 37 to No. 19 and on the Canadian Singles chart “Blue Christmas” makes a re-entry at No. 29.

(Source: FECC)

Press release: New Book Elvis Day By Day - The Year in Review

Due for release early January 2020 is the book “Elvis Day By Day 2019 - The Year in Review” by Kees Mouwen.

2019 was a year of many celebrations. It marked the 50th anniversary of Elvis Presley's triumphant return to live performing and the release of two of his most iconic recordings, "Suspicious Minds" and “In The Ghetto”.

This was celebrated with several milestone releases like the "Elvis Live 1969" deluxe 11 CD box, a vinyl re-issue of "From Elvis in Memphis" and the sessions that for that album on the “American Sound 1969” 5 CD set, a Record Store Day 2-LP and the “Elvis Now In Person” book. 

2019 also marked the 60th anniversary of the release of the classic "A Date With Elvis" LP, his trip to Paris and much more. 

Sadly 2019 also marks the 42nd anniversary of his untimely death. Elvis Presley has (almost) been gone for longer than he was among us, but he left a permanent mark. His cultural impact may very well have been more visible and ‘alive’ during the last 42 years than when he was actually alive. And so is the Elvis-world today.

The almost 500 news-updates about Elvis Day By Day this year about the many new books, CDs, LPs, movie releases on DVD, Blu-ray and in movie theaters around the world, appearances on music and movie charts (and still topping some of those) and still playing sell-out arenas clearly show that Elvis Presley still matters today. Especially when younger generations discover his music through digital releases and Spotify and start to buy re-issues of his work on old fashioned vinyl.

Today’s Elvis news primarily finds its way to fans through on-line channels and in summarized form in newsletters and fan-club magazines. Based on the Elvis Day By Day news blog, and with additional and exclusive in-depth reviews by Nigel Patterson and Piers Beagley from the Elvis Information Network, the "Elvis Day By Day 2019 - The year in Review" book compiles a comprehensive and illustrated chronology of ‘everything Elvis from 2019’ in one physical reference book.

The full color book measures 20 x 25 cm, contains around 280 pages with more than 550 illustrations. The book will be available on-line as both a paperback and hardcover edition early January 2020.

The book was inspired by the great “Elvis Day By Day” book by Peter Guralnick and Ernst Jorgensen.

For more information or to order the book visit ElvisDayByDay.com or ElvisInfoNet.com or contact the author elvis @ xs4all.nl.

I want to close with a big 'Thanks You' to Nigel Patterson and Piers Beagley from the Elvis Information Network for allowing me to use their great articles for this project; together with all the news from the Elvis world they create the real 'Year in Review'!

December 30 - 85th Birthday Auction at Graceland

Collectors and Elvis fans from around the world will have the opportunity to own a piece of music history at the “Auction at Graceland.” Highlights of the rare Elvis Presley artifacts to be included in the upcoming auction were announced today along with registration information and catalog ordering details. The auction will be held during Elvis’ 85th birthday celebration at Graceland on Wednesday, January 8 at 11:00 a.m. CST/12:00 p.m. EST in the 464-seat state-of-the-art theater in The Guest House at Graceland, and online at GracelandAuctions.com.

The auction features artifacts from Elvis' personal and professional life including his golf cart, clothing, jewelry, autographs, concert memorabilia and Hollywood items  The 288 artifacts are 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. In addition to the artifacts, several “Graceland Experiences” will be auctioned with the proceeds benefitting the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation.

All artifacts have been thoroughly researched and certified by Graceland Authenticated and will be offered from third-party collectors. None of the items included in the auction 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. Every lot in this auction is accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Graceland Authenticated.

The official print catalog for the auction, featuring over 200 pages of full-color images and detailed descriptions for all auction items is available for order. This exclusive catalog offers an up-close look at these special pieces of Elvis history and is a collector’s item.

Select artifacts will be on display at the Elvis Presley’s Memphis exhibit complex at Graceland now through January 6th during opening hours and on January 7th in the Rock conference room at The Guest House at Graceland.

Among the 288 items to be included in the January 8 auction, notable items include:

• Elvis Presley Owned and Used Harley-Davidson Golf Cart - Emanating from Graceland! - Estimate: $60,000-$70,000
• Lamar Fike’s Gold and Diamond-Studded TCB Necklace Given to Him from Elvis Presley - Estimate $30,000-$50,000
• 1950s Elvis Presley Owned and Worn Alpaca Vest Gifted to Texas DJ and Dear Personal Friend Eddie Fadal - Emanating from the Fadal Family! - Estimate $10,000-$15,000
• 1971 Mathey-Tissot Custom-Made Watch with “ELVIS PRESLEY” on the Bezel - Gifted by Elvis to Memphis Mafia Member Lamar Fike to Commemorate Elvis’ “Ten Outstanding Young Men of America” Award - Estimate $10,000-$15,000
• Elvis Presley Owned 18kt Gold and Diamond Ring Gifted to Dear Friend Janelle McComb – 39 Diamonds - Estimate $10,000-$15,000
•  1956 RCA "Green Felt" Award to Colonel Tom Parker for Making Elvis Presley’s “I Want You, I Need You, I Love You” A Million Seller - One of the Earliest RCA Awards to Col. Parker - Estimate $8,000-$12,000
• 1970s Elvis Presley’s IC Costume Brown Paisley Shirt Gifted to Ed Hill - Former Mike Moon Collection - Estimate $8,000-$10,000
• 1954 Sun Records 209 Unplayed “File Copy” 45 Single of Elvis Presley’s “That’s All Right” - From Sun Records Promotions Manager Cecil Scaife - Estimate $5,000-$7,000
• 1957 Elvis Presley Enterprises Elvis Presley Doll in Rare Original Shipping Box - Estimate $5,000-$7,000
• Elvis Presley Owned and Worn Blue “Ron Postal” Turtleneck Sweater - Estimate $3,000-$5,000

(Source: Granceland)

December 28 - Charts December Week 4 (Updated December 31)

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart update. In the U.S. Elvis Presley scored another Top 40 Album on the US Billboard Top 200 Album chart with “It’s Christmas Time” at #39. In the U.K. his Christmas recordings help him score 4 albums on the streaming album chart. In the U.K., Sweden, Switzerland, New Zealand and the Netherlands Elvis entered the single Top 100 with "Blue Christmas".

Thanks Martin for all the chart addition this year!

US Billboard charts:

• US Billboard Top 200 chart: “It’s Christmas Time” climbed from #47 to #39. 
• US Billboard Top 200 chart: “The Essential Elvis Presley” climbed from #196 to #192.
• US Billboard Top Album Sales chart: “It's Christmas Time” dropped from #34 to #37. 
• US Billboard Top Album Sales chart: “The Classic Christmas Album” dropped from #39 to #57. 
• US Billboard Top Catalog Album chart: “It's Christmas Time” climbed from #17 to #16.
• US Billboard Catalog Album Sales chart: “It's Christmas Time” dropped from #13 to #16. 
• US Billboard Catalog Album Sales chart: “The Classic Christmas Album” dropped from #15 to #29. 
• US Billboard Hot Recurrents chart: “Blue Christmas” climbed from #17 to 37. 
• US Billboard Holiday 100 chart: “Blue Christmas” climbed from #22 to #19.
• US billboard Holiday 100 chart: “Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)” climbed from #80 to #79.
• US Billboard Holiday Album Sales chart: “It’s Christmas Time” remained steady #6. 
• US Billboard Holiday Album Sales chart: “The Classic Christmas Album” dropped from #8 to #14.
• US Billboard Holiday Streaming Songs chart: “Blue Christmas” climbed from #23 to #21.
• US Billboard Holiday Airplay Songs chart: “Blue Christmas” climbed from #26 to #24.
• US Billboard Holiday Digital Song Sales chart: “Blue Christmas” dropped from #27 to #30.
• US Billboard Top Christian Album chart:”Elvis: Ultimate Gospel” climbed from #34 to #29.
• US billboard Christian Album Sales chart: “Where No One Stands Alone” climbed from #26 to #22.
• US Billboard Top Rock Album chart: “The Essential Elvis Presley” dropped from #31 to #37.
• US Billboard Top Rock Album chart: “The Classic Christmas Album” dropped from #36 to #41.
• US Billboard Rock Digital Song Sales chart: “ Blue Christmas” dropped from #11 to #14.
• US Billboard Top Country Album chart:”It’s Christmas Time” remained steady at #6.
• US Billboard Top Country Album chart:”The Essential Elvis Presley” dropped from #21 to #23.
• US Billboard Top Country Album chart:”The Classic Christmas Album” dropped from #23 to #24.
• US Billboard Country Catalog Album chart: ”It's Christmas Time” remained steady at #1
• US Billboard Country Catalog Album chart: ”The Classic Christmas Album” dropped from #2 to #4.
• US Billboard Country Catalog Album chart: ”The Essential Elvis Presley” climbed from #17 to #11.
• US Billboard Country Catalog Album chart: ”Merry Christmas... Love, Elvis” climbed from #14 to #12.
• US Billboard Country Streaming Songs: “Blue Christmas” climbed from #7 to #6. 
• US Billboard Country Streaming Songs: “Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)” re-entry at #25. 
• US Billboard Artist Top 100: Elvis Presley dropped from #28 to #31.

Canadian charts

• Canadian Album chart: “The Classic Christmas Album” climbed from #43 to #37. 

Official UK charts

• Official UK Single Top 100 chart: “Blue Christmas” re-entry at #68.
• Official UK Audio Streaming Chart Top 100 chart: “Blue Christmas” re-entryat #51.
• Official UK Album chart: “Christmas with Elvis and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra” re-entry at #98.
• Official UK Streaming Album chart: “The 50 Greatest Hits” climbed from #88 to #69.
• Official UK Streaming Album chart: “Christmas with Elvis and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra” re-entry at #77.
• Official UK Streaming Album chart: “If Every Day Was Like Christmas” re-entry at #85.
• Official UK Streaming Album chart: “Elvis Christmas Album”” re-entry at #88.
• Official UK Music DVD Chart: “Elvis The Searcher” climbed from #33 to #19.
• Official UK Music DVD Chart: “The Elvis Collection” climbed from #23 to #22.
• Official UK Music DVD Chart: “Elvis Lives - Live From Memphis” climbed from #46 to #36.
• Official UK Gospel and Christian Album chart: “Where No One Stands Alone” re-entry #19

Dutch Charts

• Dutch Single Top 100: “Blue Christmas” re-entry #45.

Swedish charts:

• Swedish Single Top 100 chart: “Blue Christmas” climbed from #100 to #51.

New Zealand charts

• New Zealand Single Top 40: “Blue Christmas” new entry at #40.

Swiss Charts:

• Swiss Singles Top 100 chart: “Blue Christmas” re-entry #46.

Official Australian Charts

• Australian ARIA Music DVD chart: “'68 Comeback Special (50th Anniversary Edition)” climbed from #11 to #6. 
• Australian Catalog Album chart: “Christmas with Elvis and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra” climbed from #17 to #10. 

(Source: UK Mix / Billboard / Official Chart Company / Dutchcharts / Swedish Charts / Swiss Charts / New Zealand Charts / Martin :-))

December 27 - EPE Christmas Greetings

This is the 'Christmas card' that EPE sends out to fan-club presidents each year. The card is a CD, not available anywhere, with a personal Christmas message from the Presley family, looking back on 2019. 

This year's CD, "Elvis sings The Wonderful World of Christmas" includes the songs "If I get home on Christmas Day", "Holly Leaves and Christmas Trees" and "The Wonderful World of Christmas".

Platinum and Silver B.P.I. Awards

The “The Essential Elvis Presley” was awarded a Silver B.P.I. award in the U.K. for selling over 60,000 copies since September 27, 2010. The single “Suspicious Minds” was awarded a Platinum B.P.I. award for selling over 600,000 copies since November 14, 2004. Sales include streams, digital downloads and physical sales. 

Elvis Rings purchased by Kim Kardashian for Christmas

Kim Kardashian revealed on her Instagram story she had purchased a set of gold rings that once belonged to Elvis for her brother Rob Kardashian. “I'm obsessed with auctions and my brother is the biggest Elvis Presley fan so I got him two of Elvis' rings for Christmas,“ she said. Kardashian included pictures of the gold jewelry she gifted to Rob.

It appears Kim bought the items from Julian's auctions which also sold other priceless Elvis memorabilia. According to its website, it has "The car was delivered to Elvis on September 9, 1971, at his Monavale Street home in Beverly Hills. At the time, the Stutz Blackhawk featured the best audio system money could buy."

Also, it featured, "Elvis’ black and white Penguin suit" worn in Las Vegas - (Estimate: $60,000-$80,000), and also included Elvis’ first live performance worn stage shirt from 1954 (Estimate: $25,000-$35,000

(Source: FECC / EPE)

December 26 - Sleepy LaBeef Died

Sleepy LaBeef, a legendary rock and country musician and Rock And Roll Hall of Fame inductee, passed away at the age of 84. He rose to fame in the late fifties and sixties and shared several bills with Elvis Presley performing on the Louisiana Hayride in the early days of his career. 

One night when Elvis broke some of the strings of his guitar he used Sleepy LaBeef’s guitar, scratching and defacing it during the performance as a ‘thank you’. 
According to LaBeef, the south was an important spot for Presley in his early days.
“Those guys would drive down from Memphis or Shreveport if they played the Hayride and play the Jamboree, then catch Magnolia Gardens, and maybe a gig at the Pleasure Pier in Galveston or something in Beaumont,” LaBeef explains. “They were getting $300 a night, and back then a motel room was $7, coffee was a nickel, beers were 25 cents, a plate lunch was 45 cents, gas was 18 cents a gallon. So if they caught three or four gigs, they could go home with three or four hundred dollars each. That was good money for musicians then. And that was one thing musicians knew – Houston had money.”

Appeals court backs dismissal of Graceland lawsuit against city, county, Grizzlies

The Tennessee Court of Appeals has upheld dismissal of a 2018 lawsuit against the City of Memphis, Shelby County government and the Memphis Grizzlies by Elvis Presley Enterprises over Graceland’s plans to build a 6,200-seat arena on its Whitehaven campus.
The Thursday, Dec. 26, ruling upholds a 2018 decision by Chancellor Jim Kyle.

“We are not surprised by the Tennessee Court of Appeal ruling dismissing the lawsuit filed by Elvis Presley Enterprises,” city chief legal officer Bruce McMullen said in a written statement.  “The City remains hopeful that EPE and the Grizzlies can work out an agreement acceptable to all involved.”

(Source:  Daily Memphian / Google / Various)

Merry Christmas!

I wish all the readers of Elvis Day By Day a very merry Christmas! Enjoy these days with family and friends (and a little Elvis music on the background of course!)

December 23 - Knockout Releases

The E.P. Collector import releases “Knoxville Knockout” featuring the previously unreleased April 8, 1972 Evening Show performance as recorded from the audience at the UOT Stokely Arena in Knoxville, Tennessee, and “Love My Teddy Bear Tender” containing the September 3, 1971 Dinner Show performance as recorded from the audience at the Las Vergas, Hilton Hotel, have been released. Both albums come in a digi-pack.

(Source: Elvis on CD)

December 21 - Re-issues

Re-issued in the Sony "Gold Greatest Hits" series is the 2009 Elvis Presley compilation. The tin box contains a 3-CD jewel-case with an 8-page booklet. 

CD 1 - Rock:
Don't Be Cruel - Hound Dog - Blue Suede Shoes - Heartbreak Hotel - Jailhouse Rock - A Big Hunk O' Love - Hard Headed Woman - I Need Your Love Tonight - Too Much - All Shook Up - Got A Lot O' Lovin' To Do - Party - Mean Woman Blues - Dixieland Rock

CD 2 - Movies:
Loving You - King Creol - G. I. Blues - Flaming Star - Blue Hawai - Follow That Dream - Girls! Girls! Girls! - Fun In Acapulco - Viva Las Vegas - Kissin' Cousins - Girl Happy - Frankie And Johnny - Double Trouble - Clambake

CD 3 - Love:

Love Me Tender - It's Now Or Never - Are You Lonesome Tonight - Don't - Can't Help Falling In Love - Love Letters - I Want You, I Need You, I Love You - That's When Your Heartaches Begin - True Love - Young And Beautiful - Doin' The Best I Can - Something Blue - Just Pretend - It's Impossible

Re-issued by Walmart is their (exclusive) “Ultimate Christmas” compilation. It comes in a slim double jewel case featuring the albums "Christmas Duets" and parts of "If Every Day Was Like Christmas". 

CD 1:
If Every Day Was Like Christmas - Santa Claus Is Back In Town - White Christmas - Blue Christmas - I'll Be Home For Christmas - Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me) - Here Comes Santa Claus - Silver Bells - O Little Town Of Bethlehem - Merry Christmas Baby - The Wonderful World Of Christmas - O Come All Ye Faithful - Holly Leaves And Christmas Trees - On A Snowy Christmas Night - I'll Be Home On Christmas Day - It Won't Seem Like Christmas (Without You) - Christmas Message From Elvis / Silent Night

CD 2:

Blue Christmas (With Martina McBride) - I'll Be Home For Christmas (With Carrie Underwood) - Here Comes Santa Claus (With LeAnn Rimes) - Santa Claus Is Back In Town (With Wyonna Judd) - Silent Night (With Sara Evans) - White Christmas (With Amy Grant) - Merry Christmas Baby (With Gretchen Wilson) - O Little Town Of Bethlehem (With Karen Fairchild And Kimberly Sclapman) - Silver Bells (With Anne Murray) - O Come All Ye Faithful (With Olivia Newton John) - The First Noel (2008) - If I Get Home On Christmas Day (2008) - Winter Wonderland (2008)

(Source: Elvis On CD)

December 21 - Charts December Week 3

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart update. In the week before Christmas Elvis is still the King of Christmas, especially in the United States. 

US Billboard charts

• US Billboard Top 200 Album chart: “It's Christmas Time: climbed from #49 to #47.
• US Billboard Top 200 Album chart: “The Essential Elvis Presley” re-entry #196.
• US Billboard Top Album Sales chart: “It's Christmas Time” climbed from #36 to #34.
• US Billboard Top Album Sales chart: “The Classic Christmas Album” climbed from #47 to #39.
• US Billboard Catalog Album chart: “It's Christmas Time” dropped from #16 to #17.
• US Billboard Catalog Album Sales chart: “It's Christmas Time” climbed from #16 to #13.
• US Billboard Catalog Album Sales chart: “The Classic Christmas Album” climbed from #20 to #15.
• US Billboard Hot 100 Recurrents chart: “Blue Christmas” dropped from #13 to #19.
• US Billboard Top Album sales chart: “It's Christmas Time”climbed from #36 to #34.
• US Billboard Top Album sales chart: “The Classic Christmas Album” climbed from #47 to #39.
• US Billboard Catalog Album chart: “It’s Christmas Time” dropped from #16 to #17.
• US Billboard Holiday 100 chart: “Blue Christmas” dropped from #18 to #22.
• US Billboard Holiday 100 chart: “Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)” remained steady at #80.
• US Billboard Top Holiday Album chart: “It’s Christmas Time” dropped from #14 to #16.
• US Billboard Top Holiday Album chart: “The Classic Christmas Album” dropped from #39 to #40.
• US Billboard Holiday Album Sales chart: “It's Christmas Time” remained steady at #6.
• US Billboard Holiday Album Sales chart: “The Classic Christmas Album” climbed from 9 to 8.
• US Billboard Holiday Streaming Songs chart: “Blue Christmas” dropped from #22 to #23.
• US Billboard Holiday Airplay chart: “Blue Christmas” climbed from #26 to #27.
• US Billboard Holiday Digital Song Sales chart: “Blue Christmas” dropped from #23 to #27. 
• US Billboard Christian Album chart: “Elvis: Ultimate Gospel” dropped from #31 to #34.
• US Billboard Christian Album Sales chart: “Where No One Stands Alone” dropped from #16 to #26. 
• US Billboard Top Country Albums chart: “It's Christmas Time” remained steady at #6.
• US Billboard Top Country Albums chart: “The Essential Elvis Presley” climbed from #22 to #21.
• US Billboard Top Country Albums chart: “The Classic Christmas Album” remained steady #23.
• US Billboard Country Album Sales chart: “Elvis: International Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada August 26, 1969” re-entry #46.
• US Billboard Country Catalog Album chart: “It's Christmas Time” remains #1
• US Billboard Country Catalog Album chart: “The Classic Christmas Album” remains #2. 
• US Billboard Country Catalog Album chart: “Merry Christmas... Love, Elvis” remains #14
• US Billboard Country Catalog Album chart: “The Essential Elvis Presley” dropped from #11 to #17. 
• US Billboard Country Streaming Songs chart: “Blue Christmas” remains steady #7.
• US Billboard Top Rock Album chart: “The Essential Elvis Presley” climbed from #36 to #31.
• US Billboard Top Rock Album chart: “The Classic Christmas Album” climbed from #36 to #45.
• US Billboard Rock Digital Song Sales: “Blue Christmas” remains steady #11.
• US Billboard Artist Top 100: Elvis Presley dropped from #27 to #28.

Canadian charts:

• Canadian Album chart: “The Classic Christmas Album” climbed from #54 to #43.

Official UK charts

• Official UK Streaming Album chart: “The 50 Greatest Hits” climbed from #91 to #88. 
• Official UK Physical Album chart: “Christmas with Elvis and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra” dropped from #93 to #98. 
• Official UK Music DVD chart: “The Elvis Collection” dropped from #20 to #23. 
• Official UK Music DVD chart: “Elvis The Searcher” climbed from #37 to #33. 
• Official UK Music DVD chart: “Elvis Lives - Live From Memphis” re-entry #46.

Official Scottish charts

• Official Scottish Album chart:”Christmas with Elvis and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra” dropped from #86 to #87. 

Swedish charts:

• Swedish Single Top 100 chart: “Blue Christmas” new-entry at #100.

Australian ARIA charts:

• Australian ARIA Catalog Album chart: “Christmas with Elvis and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra” climbed from #27 to #17.
• Australian ARIA Music DVD chart: “'68 Comeback Special (50th Anniversary Edition)” climbed from #16 to #11. 

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

December 18 - French Promo

The French Elvis My Happiness released a promo single for customers who buy over 50 Euro in the shop. 

The promotional single is a reproduction of a 1963 EP that contained both tracks from the "It Happened at the World's Fair" soundtrack album as studio recordings. The fan club followed the movie and studio theme and added alternate takes, a demo, the original version of "Memphis Tennessee" by its original author, Chuck Berry and five French covers.

45 RPM: One Broken Heart For Sale - Relax - Devil In Disguise - Please Don’t Drag That String Around

Les Autres Titres De L’Album: Beyond The Bend - Take Me To The Fair - They Remind Me Too Much Of You - I’m Falling In Love Tonight - Cotton Candy Land -  A World Of Our Town - How Would You Like To Be - Happy Ending

Best Of Sessions Du 26 & 27 Mai 1963: Love Me Tonight - Echoes Of Love - Witchcraft - Memphis Tennessee - (It’s A) Long Lonely Highway - Ask Me - Slowly But Surely

Les Alternatives: One Broken Heart For Sale (Take 1, Version Film) - They Remind Me Too Much Of You (Take 1) - Devil In Disguise (Take 3) - Witchcraft (Take 2) - Memphis Tennessee (Take 1)

Chuck Berry: Memphis Tennessee
Démo: Devil In Disguise (Bill Giant)

Les Adaptations Françaises: Cœur Brisé À Prendre (One Broken Heart For Sale - Henri Salvador) - Relax (Robert Cartier) - Tu N’As Rien De Tout Ca (Devil In Disguise - Johnny Hallyday) - Mon Cœur Est Brisé (Witchcraft - Bob Asklöf) - Memphis Tennessee (Danyel Gérard)

Graceland opened a new exhibit on Elvis and his love of football

When Elvis Presley wasn't on stage performing for thousands of screaming fans, he was trading in his microphone and jumpsuits for a football and pair of cleats. Graceland guests can get an up-close look at one of the King’s favorite pastimes in the new “X’s and O’s: Elvis and His Love of Football” exhibit.

Elvis’ love for one of America's greatest games went far beyond watching the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers – his two favorite teams – in the Mansion's TV room. 

He carried a football with him just about anywhere, and pickup games on the Graceland grounds or a nearby park weren't an uncommon occurrence. Even though these were games with friends, Elvis took touch football very seriously. He even went as far as developing playbooks for his teams.

Former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning visited the Graceland Archives and even the Super Bowl champ was blown away by the king’s play-calling and attention to detail when it came to formations and assignments. 

Graceland’s newest exhibit also features autographed memorabilia given to Elvis by NFL Hall of Famer “Broadway” Joe Namath, memorabilia from the Memphis Southmen, Memphis’ WFL team and a replica Vince Lombardi Super Bowl Trophy for fans to snap pictures with. Fans can also get a glimpse of Elvis’s very own 1959 “Most Valuable Player” award from his touch football league in Bad Nauheim, Germany.

(Source: Elvis My Happiness / Elvis Club Berlin / Graceland)

December 17 - Elvis, Forgotten and Prohibited in Technicolor

The French My Happiness fan club, in cooperation with LMLR, announced the release of the book “Elvis, Technicolor in Black & White” by Jean-Marie Pouzenc on Elvis Presley’s movies “Blue Hawaii” and “Fun In Acapulco”. The book tells the story of Elvis Presley’s film career in France and contains over 600 - unpublished - black and white photos from the Paramount archives, documents, posters, press clippings, advertisements and reproductions of photo-novels. Only a few photos have been published before in other works of Jean-Marie Pouzenc. The book is set for release Spring 2020 and comes with a CD and vinyl album

The French Elvis My Happiness also announced the release of two LP’s “Elvis Interdit” and “L’album Oublié!“ for Record Store Day 2020 on April 18, 2020. 

Details “Elvis Interdit” (“Elvis Prohibited”) 

When originally released in France the movie “Jailhouse Rock” was banned, the media presented him as the devil. When released again seven years later it featured a photo of Elvis from the film “It Happened At The World’s Fair” on the movie poster. 
The limited edition double LP features master and alternate takes from the movies “Loving You”, “Jailhouse Rock” and “King Creole”, including a superb vocal solo on “Baby I Don’t Care” according to the press-release.

Details “L’album Oublié!“ (“The Forgotten Album”)

Released with the re-issue of the French “Rock And Roll Volumes 1 to 5” EPs is “The Forgotten Album”.  While Elvis Presley’s debut album topped the charts in the U.S. the French still favorited the 45 RPM format. That “Forgotten Album” will be released April 18, 2020 as a limited edition with an additional booklet featuring liner notes, photos and documents. 

The edition of this new album, unfortunately abandoned at the time, fills this void, accompanied by an explanatory booklet with photos and documents. It will also be released for the next Record Store Day which will take place on Saturday April 18, 2020. 


(Source: Elvis My Happiness)

December 16 - Mariah Carey Surpasses Elvis Presley

Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" is No. 1 in the United States, 25 years after its original release. With her 19th US No. 1 single Mariah Carey surpasses Elvis Presley as the solo artist with the most chart toppers. Elvis Presley has 18 No. 1 hits. Only The Beatles have more, with 20.

(Source: Billboard / Official UK Chart Company)

December 14 - Elvis 42 Years Before & After

A new import release entitled "Elvis 42 Years Before & After" has been announced. 

From the press release: Elvis achieved many musical highs, however his career didn’t end at age 42 in 1977. The first disc of this double CD set brings you all the most important recordings and hits from his lifetime. From Elvis’ 1954 debut on the Sun label through to the "Elvis In Concert" 1977 CBS TV special.

The second disc contains the stuff that has kept his name and legacy alive some 42 years after that fatal day in August 1977. From Felton Jarvis' 1980 Re-Recording session through to the 2018 "Where No One Stands Alone" duet with Lisa-Marie Presley.

It is a journey through new songs, remakes and remixes, a live recording from "Elvis The Concert World Tour" and finally duets with well-known artists and his daughter Lisa Marie Presley.

CD 1 - 42 Years Before:
That’s All Right - I Forgot To Remember, To Forget - Heartbreak Hotel - Shake Rattle And Roll (Stage Show 1956) - Blue Suede Shoes - Hound Dog - Don’t Be Cruel - Love Me Tender - All Shook Up - Jailhouse Rock - Santa Claus Is Back In Town - It’s Now Or Never - Can’t Help Falling In Love - His Latest Flame - Return To Sender - Devil In Disguise - Viva Las Vegas - How Great Thou Art - One Night (TV Special: Elvis 1968) - In The Ghetto - Suspicious Minds - Burning Love - Always On My Mind - American Trilogy (Madison Square Garden 1972) - Also Sprach Zarahustra / See See Rider (TV Special: Aloha From Hawaii) - Moody Blue - Unchained Melody (Live 1977) - My Way (TV Special: Elvis In Concert 1977)

CD 2 - 42 Years After:
Guitar Man (Re-Recording 1980) - Are You Lonesome Tonight? (Laughing Version Live 1969) - Jailhouse Rock / Teddy Bear / Hound Dog / Don't Be Cruel / Burning Love / Suspicious Minds (The Elvis Medley - 1982) - My Baby Left Me (From "I Was The One"-Album 1983) - The Twelfth Of Never (Unreleased - Overdubbed 1994) - Don’t Cry Daddy ("Duet" With Lisa-Marie Presley 1997) - The Wonder Of You (Elvis The Concert 1997) - A Little Less Conversation (JXL Remix) - Bridge Over Troubled Water (Elvis The Concert 2002) - Rubberneckin’ (Paul Oakenfold Remix) - In The Ghetto ("Duet" With Lisa-Marie Presley) - If I Can Dream ("Duet" With Celine Dion) - Blue Christmas ("Duet" With Martina McBride) - If I Get Home On Christmas Day (New Backing) - Burning Love (Viva Elvis Remix) - I Love You Because ("Duet" With Lisa-Marie Presley) -  Fever ("Duet" With Michael Bublé & With Royal Philharmonic Orchestra) - Blue Suede Shoes ("Duet" With Cliff Richard) - I've Got A Thing About You Baby (Royal Philharmonic Orchestra) - O Come All Ye Faithful (Royal Philharmonic Orchestra) - Where No One Stands Alone ("Duet" With Lisa-Marie Presley)

(Source: Elvis Information Network)

December 14 - Charts December Week 2

The global weekly Elvis Presley chart update. Elvis Presley rocks this Christmas on the Album, Rock, Country and Holiday charts. The Record Store Day “American Sound 1969” entered various charts. On the British Isles and Down Under the cooperation with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra helps Elvis on the chart.

Billboard charts:

• Billboard Top 200 chart: “It’s Christmas Time” re-entry #49. 
• Billboard Top Album Sales chart: “It’s Christmas Time” climbed from #60 to #36.
• Billboard Top Album Sales chart:  The Classic Christmas Album” climbed from #56 to #47.
• Billboard Top Current Album chart: “American Sound 1969” new entry #73.
• Billboard Catalog Album chart: “It’s Christmas Time”: re-entry #16.
• Billboard Catalog Albums chart: “It’s Christmas Time” climbed from #26 to #16.
• Billboard Catalog Albums chart: “The Classic Christmas Album” climbed from #23 to #20.
• Billboard Hot 100 Recurrents chart: “Blue Christmas” re-entry #13. 
• Billboard Tastemaker Album chart: American Sound ’69” new-entry #12.
• Billboard Holiday 100 chart: “Blue Christmas” remained steady at #18.
• Billboard Holiday 100 chart: “Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)” dropped from #66 to #80.
• Billboard Top Holiday Albums chart: “The Classic Christmas Album” climbed from #30 to #14.
• Billboard Top Holiday Albums chart: “It’s Christmas Time” dropped from #13 to #41.
• Billboard Holiday Album Sales chart: “It’s Christmas Time” climbed from #9 to #6.
• Billboard Holiday Album Sales chart: “The Classic Christmas Album” dropped from #7 to #9.
• Billboard Holiday Streaming Songs chart: “ Blue Christmas” climbed from #23 to 22. 
• Billboard Holiday Airplay chart: “Blue Christmas” dropped from #24 to #27.
• Billboard Holiday Digital Song Sales chart: “Blue Christmas” dropped from #18 to #23. 
• Billboard Top Christian Albums chart: “Elvis: Ultimate Gospel” climbed from #47 to #31.
• Billboard Christian Album Sales chart: “Where No One Stands Alone” climbed from #41 to #16.
• Billboard Top Country Albums chart: It’s Christmas Time” re-entry #6.
• Billboard Top Country Albums chart: “The Essential Elvis Presley” dropped from #19 to #22.
• Billboard Top Country Albums chart: “The Classic Christmas Album” dropped from #12 to #23. 
• Billboard Country Album Sales chart: “American Sound 1969” new entry #12.
• Billboard Country Catalog Album chart: “It’s Christmas Time” climbed from #2 to #1.
• Billboard Country Catalog Album chart: “The Classic Christmas Album” dropped from #1 to #2. 
• Billboard Country Catalog Album chart: “The Essential Elvis Presley” remained steady #11.
• Billboard Country Catalog Album chart: “Merry Christmas, Love Elvis” climbed from #16 to #14. 
• Billboard Country Streaming Songs chart: “Blue Christmas” climbed from #20 to #7.
• Billboard Top Rock Album chart: “The Essential Elvis Presley” dropped from #25 to #36.
• Billboard Top Rock Album chart: “The Classic Christmas Album” dropped from #12 to #45. 
• Billboard Rock Albums Sales chart: “American Sound 1969” new entry #19. 
• Billboard Rock Digital Song Sales chart: Blue Christmas” re-entry #11. 
• Billboard Top Holiday Albums chart: “It’s Christmas Time” climbed from #41 to #14.
• Billboard Top Holiday Albums chart: “The Classic Christmas Album” dropped from #14 to #39.
• Billboard Top Rock Album chart: “The Essential Elvis Presley” dropped from @25 to #36.
• Billboard Top Rock Album chart: “The Classic Christmas Album” dropped from #12 to #45. 
• Billboard Rock Album Sales chart: “American Sound 1969” new entry #19.
• Billboard Rock Digital Songs chart: “ Blue Christmas” re-entry #11. 
• Billboard Artist Top 100 chart: Elvis Presley climbed from #47 to #27.

On the Top Record Store Day Albums Independent Record Store chart the “American Sound 1969” LP is listed #13. 

Canadian charts:

• Canadian Album chart: “The Classic Christmas Album” climbed from #65 to #54.

Official UK charts:

• Official UK Album Sales chart: “Christmas with Elvis and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra” dropped from #91 to #93. 
• Official UK Streaming Album chart: “50 Greatest Hits” dropped from #69 to #91. 
• Official UK Physical Album chart: “Christmas with Elvis and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra” dropped from #89 to #93. 
• Official UK Christian and Gospel Album chart: ‘Where No One Stands Alone” climbed from #20 to #18.
• Official UK Record Store Day chart: “American Sound Studio” dropped off the chart from last weeks new-entry #25.
• Official UK Music DVD chart: “The Elvis Collection” dropped from #18 to #20.
• Official UK Music DVD chart: “Elvis The Searcher” dropped from #32 to #37.
• Official UK Music DVD chart: “Elvis Lives Live From Memphis” dropped off the chart from last week’s re-entry #50

Official Scottish charts

• Official Scottish Album chart: “Christmas with Elvis and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra” climbed from #93 to #86. 

Australian charts

• Australian ARIA Catalog Albums chart: “Christmas with Elvis Presley and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra” climbed from #40 to #27. 
• Australian Music DVD chart: “'68 Comeback Special (50th Anniversary Edition)” dropped from #10 to #16.

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

December 14 - Graceland Named Best Holiday Historic Home Tour

For the second year in a row, Elvis Presley’s Graceland was announced today by 10Best.com as the nation’s “Best Holiday Historic Home Tour” in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. 

Graceland was voted into the top spot by Elvis fans and readers of USA Today’s popular 10Best online travel site. Graceland was among 20 of the nation’s most historic homes nominated by a panel of travel writers and photographers during the annual Readers’ Choice contest, which also recognizes travel destinations, attractions, food and more. 

This year marks an impressive seventh USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Award win for Elvis Presley’s legendary home, which was also voted the 2019 “Best Tennessee Attraction and Iconic Landmark,” as well as  “Best Tennessee Attraction” and “Best Musical Attraction” in 2018, “Best Historic Southern Attraction” in 2015, and the #1 “Iconic American Attraction” in 2013 by USA Today 10Best readers.

Christmas is an especially magical time at Graceland, as the mansion is decorated for the holidays using Elvis' original Christmas lights and decorations. The extensive Christmas display at the king’s castle includes hundreds of blue lights along the driveway, a life-size Nativity scene, Santa and his sleigh, and much more, all originally displayed at Graceland by Elvis and the Presley family. The interiors of Graceland mansion feature the Presley family’s Christmas décor including Elvis’ traditional red velvet drapes as well as Presley family Christmas artifacts on display around several decorated trees throughout the home.

(Source: Graceland)

December 13 - First In Line For New Releases

The MfX import label announced the release of the “Ultimate Edition” box-set of their “First In Line Volume 2” title. This box, limited to 18 copies, contains two previously unreleased audience-recordings of the January 30, 1974 Midnight Show and the February 8, 1974 Dinner Show performances on vinyl and CD. 

The box comes in two variations on blue, green white and black vinyl with a personalized back-cover, an A4-sized poster and certificate, sticker, doorhanger (for undisturbed Elvis Presley listening pleasure) and a digipack holding the two CDs. 

Elvis 85 Released


Sony Music Germany released the 3-CD set “Elvis 85” in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The first edition of 15.000 copies comes as a “Bravo Edition” in a digi-pack with a 24 page booklet. 

From the press-release:
January 2020 would be the 85th birthday of the King Of Rock 'n' Roll. Now the first One-Artist BRAVO-Edition will be released in cooperation with the cult brand BRAVO and only in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

The elaborate 3CD set contains all the great hits and many rarities that make the product unique. The booklet partly contains photos and excerpts from the BRAVO archive. The former BRAVO editor-in-chief Alex Gernandt (special member of the German Elvis Presley Society, writes the preface and looks back on the unique career of Elvis Presley.

The official and authorized Elvis 85 product (Sony Music, RCA USA) is certainly one of the most extraordinary products and can be called a rarity even before its release. This title will therefore be sold out very quickly.

• The unique 3CD album for the 85th birthday of Elvis!
• 63 tracks, all hits and rarities as well as selected pearls like My Way and Hey Jude
• Official BRAVO Edition and first ONE Artist BRAVO ever!
• Limited first edition of 15k in an elaborate digipack.
• The best of all times for the German-speaking area!

Elvis Summer Festival Released

The “Elvis Summer Festival” book trilogy by Erik Lorentzen has been released. Volume one covers the "The MGM rehearsals", volume two "The Las Vegas Rehearsals" and volume three the "The concerts". This hardback set, packed in a special slip-case and will contain over 2000 unpublished photos and is a strictly limited edition of 1000 copies only.

(Source: e-mail / UEPS / ElvisMatters)

December 12 - Cradle of the Stars

Joey Kent, owner of thousands of photographs and recordings from the golden era of radio in Shreveport, the Louisiana Hayride, wrote a book on the history of the Louisiana Hayride entitled "Cradle of the Stars, KWKH & The Louisiana Hayride''. 

From the publisher: 

"This image-laden, entertaining chronology of the Louisiana Hayride radio and stage show is written by the historian and archivist for the venue.


The Hayride is credited with introducing the world to Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, George Jones, and so many others. The author's father ran the show in the 1970s and 1980s."

From the Shreveport Times:  

Radio and the Louisiana Hayride are in Kent's blood. His father, David, worked in the radio business and ran the Hayride, a country music show, from 1974 until 1987.

"It wasn't until after he died that (broadcaster) Frank (Page) came to me and wanted my help (on a book) that I realized I was holding what little KWKH had saved from their move from the Petroleum tower to Interstate 20 back in the late '70s,'' Joey Kent said.

"I started digging into it and Frank told me I think you're going to find that the story of KWKH is equally as fascinating, especially old man (Will) Henderson who started the station. I thought he was crazy. I started digging into it and he was right.''

When the Louisiana Hayride began few could envision what it would become and the amount of talent that would grace the stage. "My personal opinion is that it was the perfect storm in that KWKH, when they set out to do the Hayride, their only expectation was to mimic popular barn dance programming that was already in place,'' Joey Kent said.

Joey Kent's book has been a labor of love. But it has also been a work where he wants to inform readers. "I want people to know what the Louisiana Hayride was and the role it played, not only in country music history, but American roots music history. Rockabilly, for all intents and purposes, started on the Louisiana Hayride,'' he said. "There were other people doing other things. But the 30-something states the Hayride was broadcast to and on Armed Forces Radio around the world is what popularized it. I want to define that place.''

The Louisiana Hayride brought some of the biggest names in country music to Shreveport including Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Johnny Horton, Minnie Pearl, Carl Perkins, Charley Pride, Jim Reeves, Slim Whitman and Wells.

The biggest star of all was the King himself, Elvis Presley. Presley's popularity ultimately affected the Hayride in a way few could have expected. "When Elvis got there and the audience started turning teenage, the old timers, the bread and butter, stayed home,'' Joey Kent said.

Elvis Inside Released


The book tells the inside story of Elvis' legendary comeback (and much more), through the eyes of those who were there, including rarely heard names like producer Chips Moman and drummer Bob Lanning, but also more familiar ones like The TCB band, The Imperials and The Sweet Inspirations. 

It contains a fantastic collection of more than 300 rare photographs from the collections of various high-profile collectors, with a special focus on the concert years. Many of these showcase the grace and artistry of the greatest entertainer that ever lived. The detail and clarity of some of the photos will almost make you feel like you are there. This is a book that you will dip into time and again, and each time you will see new details. Revel in the excitement and promise of those early Vegas engagements, when Elvis was truly at the top of his game. 

The first 500 copies of the book come with a special CD containing 29 tracks, including rare recordings and some real surprises. As a special bonus we've included 'Hound Dog' and 'Heartbreak Hotel' (in a very poor sound and) supposed to be recorded at the 1956 'Texas State Fair', Cotton Bowl, Dallas, October 11, 1956 (previously unreleased). Also on this CD is a previously unreleased 'Love Me Tender' radiospot, the composite stereo master of 'Mama', an interview with 'Uncle Buck' (Ron Lipe) from March 29, 1957, a press conference interview from March 30, 1957 (previously unreleased on CD), the original USA cardboard disc version from 'The Truth About Me', the complete take 7 of 'Stop, Look and Listen', 'The Original Elvis Presley Medley' from 1981 (from a special DJ 12 inch disc - previously unreleased on CD), and many other recordings.

Including a booklet with photos and recording information.

01. Trouble / Guitar Man (takes 2 & 3) 3:39
02. U.S. Male (take 1) 1:59
03. Jam “The Prisoner’s Song” 1:10
04. Stay Away (take 1, slow version) 1:20
05. Stay Away (take 4, fast version) 2:01
06. A Little Less Conversation (binaural, master take 16) 2:20
07. Goin’ Home (take 19) 1:57
08. Wonderful World (binaural, master take 17) 2:37
(Guy Fletcher, Doug Flett) March 7
09. Edge Of Reality (binaural, master take 8) 3:56
10. Stay Away (guitar overdub, take 1) 2:16
11. Musicians Warming Up (instrumental) 1:37
12. Let Yourself Go (section 2, take 3) 1:16
13. Let Yourself Go (section 2, take 4) 1:18
14. Guitar Man (section 1 - Escape, takes 3 & 4) 1:32
15. Guitar Man (section 1 - Escape, takes 6, 7 & 8) 2:21
16. It Hurts Me (section 4 - Escape, take 3) 0:53
17. Stay Away (take 9) 2:20
18. Stay Away (take 10) 0:33
19. Stay Away (takes 12 & 13) 2:32
20. Stay Away (undubbed master, take 15) 2:35

Bonus tracks
21. Almost In Love (low key - track, take 4) 3:19
22. Almost In Love (high key - track, take 2) 3:16

23. A Little Less Conversation (dubdown to backing track) 2:20

(Source: Pelican Pub / Scott Ferrell Shreveport Times / Elvis Shop London)