July 31 - TTWII Previews

Here is a small preview for Erik Lorenzen’s ‘Elvis Festival’ volumes 4 and 5 and the 50th Anniversary book / CD set by David English and Pal Granlund on the Follow That Dream label. Both are due for release August 10, 2020. 

On the 'competition' Erik Lorenzen commented: "I know Pal Granlund and Ernst Jorgensen well. Pal has been a close friend since the early sixties, and I know he does what he does for the same reason as me, the passion he has for Elvis. Are we competitors? Yes! Are we friends? Yes! And I know how happy he is to be allowed to do what he loves most".

David English said "All the TTWII books and CDs have been manufactured. We will be visiting the Printers on Monday to check over the product before they are transported to the warehouse mid-week". This FTD release will be released as originally announced. 

Details Elvis That’s The Way It Is 50th Anniversary: Two books, 600 pages, 8 CDs containing exclusive photo’s and the complete rehearsal recordings. Many of which have never been previously officially released. This set comes housed in a slip-case too. 

Details Elvis Summer Festival: Two books, 800 pages containing more than exclusive 1,100 color and black and white photos you never have seen before in pristine quality. These two volumes come housed in a slipcase. These books are a collaboration between Erik Lorenzen and Jerry Luckenbach. 

For more previews and comments from Erik Lorenzen and fans on these two new releases visit >>> The Elvis Information Network website.

Bill Mack Died

Singer songwriter and DJ Bill Mack died. In his early days as a concert promoter he booked Elvis Presley for an appearance on August 22, 1955 in Wichita Falls, Texas with Scotty, Bill and this time DJ Fontana on drums, and for another show in Spudder Park. 

After the show on August 22, 1955 Elvis joined Bill Mack in a trip to the hospital to visit Bill’s newborn daughter. When they returned from the hospital, the battery in Elvis’ Cadillac was dead and he required a push from a local farmer to get back on the road. 

Sold!

The 1937 Ford Roadster Hot Rod that Elvis Presley drove in the movie ‘Loving You’ was sold for US$475,000 at Mecum Auctions. The original Estimate was between US$750.000 and US$1,000.000 while the car was sold only last year for US$150,000.

This 1929-1932 Ford Roadster hot rod is believed to be the first time a Model A body was fused to a 1932 Ford frame, and it’s the car that iconic singer Elvis Presley co-starred with in the 1957 film ‘Loving You’. 

The car is as impressive as its history is: with 239 CI Mercury flathead V-8 engine in an exposed bay, the three-speed roadster comes in black with red interior. It has central-control steering, custom dashboard and a windshield custom-fabricated from a Chrysler rear windscreen.


It featured heavily in Presley’s film, so The King got to drive it around for some time. Legend has it that he was so enamored with it that he repeatedly offered to buy it from Athan, but he got turned down every time. 

(Source: Elvis Information Network / Newsbreak / Graceland Auctions / Mecum)

July 30 - That's The Way It Is Back on the Big Screen

To celebrate 85 years of Elvis Presley and 50 years since the film’s original 1970 release, the King returns to cinemas on August 13, 2020 with Elvis: That’s The Way It Is – remastered - an unmissable event for fans around the world.  This screening was originally scheduled April 2020 but postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

On July 31, 1969, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Elvis Presley staged a triumphant return to the concert stage from which he had been absent for almost a decade. His series of concerts broke all box office records and completely reenergised the career of the King of Rock 'n' Roll.    

This feature-length documentary and concert film features performances including Love Me Tender, Blue Suede Shoes, Heartbreak Hotel and Suspicious Minds. Crossing the footlights, revealing the legendary singer as a man preparing for an emotional career comeback, the fans who travelled from all over the world for this history-making event.... and the electrifying live performance of the man who gave us rock 'n' roll.

For more information visit the >>> That's The Way It Is website. 

July 29 - More Stage Highlights

The Elvis Fan label announced the release of the volumes 4, 5 and 6 in their  ‘Stage Highlights and Rarities’ series. 

From the press release: 

The Elvis Concert Fan label is proud to come up with more highlights and rarities from Elvis live on stage from 1969 to 1977. On these album you will find a great collection of songs and moments recorded in Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe and on tour from the greatest entertainer of all time! All tracks are taken from the best possible sources - audience recordings and soundboard recordings. These compilations come with a booklet with photos and recording information.

Volume four features ‘Bosom Of Abraham / You Better Run’ from July 19, 1975, another partly spoken version of ‘What Now My Love’, a full version of the ‘2001 Theme’ in the middle of a concert, a long version of ‘Polk Salad Annie’, the first and last live version of ‘How Great Thou Art’, rare one liners and short versions like ‘Delilah’, ‘Everybody Loves Somebody’, ‘Until Then’ and many others. 

Volume five features 2 more versions of ‘Bosom Of Abraham / You Better Run’ (now from 1976 and 1977), four versions of ‘Happy Birthday’,  Elvis sings a complete version of ‘Can't Help Falling In Love’ right after ‘See See Rider’ and leaves the stage... a fantastic joke... he returns with ‘When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again’, ‘Trouble/Raised On Rock’, ‘Lady Madonna’ by David Briggs (you'll hear Elvis in the background), a fantastic Rock & Roll medley with ‘ Blue Suede Shoes / Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On / All Shook Up / Blue Suede Shoes / Don’t Be Cruel / Blue Suede Shoes’, rare one liners and short versions like ‘I Love (Little Baby Ducks)’, ‘Theme From Love Story’, ‘Ku-U-I-Po’ and many others. 

Volume six features ’Polk Salad Annie / I John / Polk Salad Annie’, the last live version of ‘T.R.O.U.B.L.E.’ and ‘Unchained Melody’, a blues intro to ‘Hound Dog’, Elvis sings one line of ‘When The Saints Go Marching In’ instead of beginning with the regular ‘C.C. Rider’ at the beginning of the show, and you'll hear Elvis singing a great version of ‘Release Me’ after he stops the intro of ‘Can't Help Falling In Love’, plus rare one liners and short versions like ‘The Easy Part’s Over’, ‘Young Love’, ‘So High’ and many others. 

Tracks volume 4: 
1 Along Came Jones (excerpt) / Hound Dog 3:31 8/19/70, dinner show / Las Vegas, Nevada 2 Young And Beautiful 1:08 9/5/76, closing show / Lake Tahoe, Nevada 3 Until Then 1:06 12/11/76, midnight show / Las Vegas, Nevada 4 Also Sprach Zarathustra / See See Rider (with break) 4:47 6/21/77, 8:30 PM / Rapid City, South Dakota 5 Where No One Stands Alone / Unchained Melody (Elvis at the piano) 6:16 2/16/77, 8:30 PM / Montgomery, Alabama 6 How Great Thou Art (last live version) 3:34 6/19/77, 8:30 PM / Omaha, Nebraska 7 Heartbreak Hotel (with false start) 1:39 8/28/73, dinner show / Las Vegas, Nevada 8 An American Trilogy (with reprise) 6:39 2/22/73, dinner show / Las Vegas, Nevada 9 Bosom Of Abraham / You Better Run 2:31 7/19/75, 2:30 PM / Uniondale, New York 10 Introduction of Lisa Marie Presley / Elvis talks / The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (special version for Lisa) 5:06 08/29/73, dinner show / Las Vegas, Nevada 11 Sweet Caroline 3:06 12/5/76, 9:00 PM / Las Vegas, Nevada 12 What Now My Love (partly spoken version) 3:13 7/3/73, 8:30 PM / Atlanta, Georgia 13 Elvis talks about his birthstone (the black diamond) 1:26 12/12/76, closing show / Las Vegas, Nevada 14 All Shook Up (2 false starts only) / Blue Suede Shoes / Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On 1:38 8/21/70, midnight show / Las Vegas, Nevada 15 Early Morning Rain 2:55 12/2/75, opening show / Las Vegas, Nevada 16 Burning Love (with reprise) 3:31 5/1/76, midnight show / Lake Tahoe, Nevada 17 Elvis talks ‘let’s do our intro’ / 2001 Theme / Something 5:04 1/30/71, dinner show / Las Vegas, Nevada 18 Polk Salad Annie (long version) 6:33 2/23/70, closing show / Las Vegas, Nevada 19 Wooden Heart 1:17 7/24/75, 8:30 PM / Ashville, North Carolina 20 How Great Thou Art (first live version) 2:46 11/11/70, 8:30 PM / Portland, Oregon 21 Early Morning Rain (sung by John Wilkinson) 0:52 5/29/77, 8:30 PM / Baltimore, Maryland 22 Along Came Jones (excerpt) / Crying Time 0:51 8/21/70, midnight show / Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Short versions, one-liners and more: 23 Introduction of actor Jack Lord / Hawaii 5-0 Theme 0:25 2/12/73, dinner show / Las Vegas, Nevada 24 Delilah 0:08 5/1/76, midnight show / Lake Tahoe, Nevada 25 I’ll Take You Home Again Kathleen 0:11 2/22/73, dinner show / Las Vegas, Nevada 26 Toreador Song (from Carmen) 0:29 8/11/70, dinner show / Las Vegas, Nevada 27 Everybody Loves Somebody 0:16 2/23/70, closing show / Las Vegas, Nevada 28 ‘I’m Running For President’ 0:15 3/20/76, 8:30 PM / Charlotte, North Carolina 29 Jingle Bells 1:32 4/1/75, closing show / Las Vegas, Nevada 30 By The Time I Get To Phoenix 0:13 9/9/70, 8:30 PM / Phoenix, Arizona.

Tracks volume 5: 
1 Happy Birthday to James Burton 0:25 8/20/75, midnight show / Las Vegas, Nevada 2 I Got A Woman / Ave Marie (excerpt) 2:19 8/20/70, dinner show / Las Vegas, Nevada 3 All Shook Up / Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel 3:13 12/7/76, midnight show / Las Vegas, Nevada 4 O Solo Mio 0:41 12/13/75, midnight show / Las Vegas, Nevada 5 Blueberry Hill / Lawdy Miss Clawdy (Elvis at the piano) 2:34 2/23/70, closing show / Las Vegas, Nevada 6 Only Believe 2:45 1/27/71, midnight show / Las Vegas, Nevada 7 Bridge Over Troubled Water sung on Suspicious Minds tune 1:23 9/3/73, closing show / Las Vegas, Nevada 8 You Better Run 2:02 12/7/76, midnight show / Las Vegas, Nevada 9 Bosom Of Abraham 1:01 12/7/76, midnight show / Las Vegas, Nevada 10 Fairytale 2:59 8/20/75, dinner show / Las Vegas, Nevada 11 Rags To Riches 2:06 12/31/76, 9:30 PM / New Year’s Eve / Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 12 Also Sprach Zarathustra / See See Rider / Can’t Help Falling In Love / Closing Vamp / When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again 9:25 12/10/75, dinner show / Las Vegas, Nevada 13 Trouble / Raised On Rock 4:57 8/6/73, opening show / Las Vegas, Nevada 14 Crying In The Chapel 1:39 5/6/76, dinner show / Lake Tahoe, Nevada 15 Lady Madonna (featuring David Briggs) 1:01 5/1/76, midnight show / Lake Tahoe, Nevada 16 Amen / I Got A Woman / You Don’t Know Me / I Got A Woman 4:04 8/14/70, midnight show / Las Vegas, Nevada 17 You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ (last live version) 4:18 12/2/75, opening show / Las Vegas, Nevada 18 Medley: Blue Suede Shoes / Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On / All Shook Up / Blue Suede Shoes / Don’t Be Cruel / Blue Suede Shoes 2:10 9/12/70, 8:30 PM / Miami, Florida 19 Hurt (with second rendition and reprise) 5:31 5/2/76, dinner show / Lake Tahoe, Nevada 20 Big Boss Man 2:41 6/1/77, 8:30 PM / Macon, Georgia 21 Theme From Love Story (excerpt) / One Night 2:18 5/7/76, midnight show / Lake Tahoe, Nevada 22 Bosom Of Abraham / You Better Run 1:52 3/29/77, 8:30 PM / Alexandria, Louisiana 23 Johnny B. Goode 1:43 8/21/70, dinner show / Las Vegas, Nevada 24 Happy Birthday to James Burton 0:19 8/21/70, dinner show / Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Short versions, one-liners and more: 25 I Love (Little Baby Ducks) 0:10 5/7/75, 8:30 PM / Murfreesboro, Tennessee 26 ‘A Little Bit of’ Love Me Tender 0:18 9/3/73, closing show / Las Vegas, Nevada 27 Happy Birthday to Bruce Jackson 0:50 6/3/76, 8:30 PM / Fort Worth, Texas 28 Ku-U-I-Po 0:11 5/7/76, midnight show / Lake Tahoe, Nevada 29 (The) Mickey Mouse (Club) March 0:32 5/9/76, closing show / Lake Tahoe, Nevada 30 Happy Birthday To Y’all 2:02 5/9/76, closing show / Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

Tracks volume 6: 
1 A Blues intro to ‘Hound Dog’ 0:40 8/12/71, midnight show / Las Vegas, Nevada 2 Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On / Blueberry Hill 0:45 8/14/70, midnight show / Las Vegas, Nevada 3 Elvis talks / Jambalaya 1:01 5/4/75 / Lake Charles, Louisiana 4 Snowbird 2:55 1/29/71, dinner show / Las Vegas, Nevada 5 Moody Blue (intro only) 1:31 2/20/77, 8:30 PM / Charlotte, North Carolina 6 Moody Blue 3:48 2/21/77, 8:30 PM / Charlotte, North Carolina 7 Return To Sender 1:53 8/1/76, 2:30 PM / Hampton Roads, Virginia 8 Until It’s Time For You To Go 2:32 8/20/75, dinner show / Las Vegas, Nevada 9 Can’t Help Falling In Love (intro) / Release Me / Can’t Help Falling In Love 4:36 8/24/70, midnight show / Las Vegas, Nevada 10 I Really Don’t Want To Know (with 2 false starts / first live version) 2:18 5/30/77, 8:30 PM / Jacksonville, Florida 11 Unchained Melody (last live version) 3:48 6/25/77, 8.30 PM / Cincinnati, Ohio 12 Spanish Eyes (excerpt) /Tiger Man 2:16 8/24/70, midnight show / Las Vegas, Nevada 13 Shake A Hand 3:07 7/23/75, 8:30 PM / Ashville, North Carolina 14 Blue Suede Shoes 1:12 12/11/76, dinner show / Las Vegas, Nevada 15 Love Me (funny long version) 3:24 8/18/75, opening show / Las Vegas, Nevada 16 T.R.O.U.B.L.E (last live version) 3:38 8/20/75, midnight show / Las Vegas, Nevada 17 Also Sprach Zarathustra / When The Saints Go Marching In (excerpt) / C C Rider 4:11 5/1/76, midnight show / Lake Tahoe, Nevada 18 Polk Salad Annie / I John / Polk Salad Annie 3:42 9/3/71, midnight show / Las Vegas, Nevada 19 Walk That Lonesome Road (sung by J.D. Sumner and The Stamps) 3:39 8/25/72, dinner show / Las Vegas, Nevada 20 Loving You 0:59 5/6/76, dinner show / Lake Tahoe, Nevada 21 Memphis, Tennessee 1:58 7/22/75, 8:30 PM / Ashville, North Carolina 22 Funny How Time Slips Away (sung by Sherrill Nielsen) 3:07 5/9/76, closing show / Lake Tahoe, Nevada 23 Shake A Hand 3:35 7/24/75, 8:30 PM / Ashville, North Carolina 24 Return To Sender 1:44 7/24/75, 8:30 PM / Ashville, North Carolina 25 Happy Birthday, Elvis 1:25 12/30/76, 8:30 PM / Atlanta, Georgia.

Short versions, one-liners and more: 26 Guadalajara 0:14 9/3/73, closing show / Las Vegas, Nevada 27 I’ll Be There 0:07 3/22/75, midnight show / Las Vegas, Nevada 28 Welcome To My World 0:22 12/13/75, midnight show / Las Vegas, Nevada 29 Young Love 0:35 5/8/76, dinner show / Lake Tahoe, Nevada 30 Introduction of Neil Diamond / Holly Holy 0:44 8/21/70, dinner show / Las Vegas, Nevada 31 Wooden Heart 0:44 12/31/75, 8:30 PM / New Year’s Eve / Pontiac, Michigan 32 Introduction of Charley Pride / The Easy Part’s Over 0:28 9/06/71, closing show / Las Vegas, Nevada 33 Introduction of Charley Pride / Kaw-Liga 0:34 8/10/71, midnight show / Las Vegas, Nevada 34 So High 0:11 8/20/71, midnight show / Las Vegas, Nevada 35 Rip It Up 0:28 4/30/77, 8:30 PM / St Paul, Minnesota.

(Source: Elvis Shop London)

July 28 - Happy 87th Birthday

Marian Cocke, Elvis' Nurse from 1975 to 1977 celebrated her 87th birthday, congrats!

July 27 - Elvis Interactive

Graceland has announced it will be adding ten new interactive experiences to the Elvis Presley’s Memphis Complex as of August 8, 2020. These state-of-the-art activities invite guests to become the King or Queen of their social media with dozens of interactive, shareable moments that allow them to get closer to Elvis than ever before via virtual and augmented reality technology. Designed to inspire, entertain and inform guests, all experiences are included in the Graceland ticket price, and most allow visitors to create customized photos and videos of themselves with Elvis to download free of charge.

Experiences include:

• Eras of Elvis Game asks guests to answer a series of questions that will result in meeting 50s, 60s or 70s Elvis via augmented reality technology for a downloadable photo.
• “Elvis Yourself” Virtual Dress-Up Experience allows fans to be virtually dressed in one of Elvis’ iconic costumes and have their photo taken.
• Elvis Album Cover Photo Booth virtually places guests onto an album cover of their choice with Elvis resulting in a downloadable photo.
• Elvis Movie Match Game asks guests to answer a series of questions that will result in meeting one of Elvis’ big screen characters via augmented reality for a downloadable photo.
• Interactive LED Dance Floor Quiz invites visitors to test their Elvis IQ by answering questions on an illuminated dance floor.
• Elvis’ Interactive Golf Cart Ride offers guests a virtual tour of the Graceland grounds in a custom-designed golf cart simulator with 360-degree video technology.
• “Can’t Help Falling in Love” AR Serenade virtually transports guests onto the set of Blue Hawaii and allows them to be serenaded by the king! The video will be downloadable and sharable.
• Elvis Movie Posters Photo Booth virtually places guests in one of Elvis’ movie posters and delivers another unique and sharable photo.
• “Memories” AR Serenade allows guests to take a virtual seat on stage next to Elvis at the ’68 Comeback Special as he performs this song resulting in a downloadable video.
• Elvis: Front Row offers visitors a taste of what it was like to see Elvis perform live in this immersive concert experience that combines elements of live footage, stage lighting and surround sound.

Built in 2017 across the street from Graceland Mansion, Elvis Presley’s Memphis is a 200,000 square foot entertainment and exhibit complex that is home to the largest collection of Elvis memorabilia in the world. There are ten separate exhibits featuring thousands of artifacts from Elvis’ life and career. The crown jewel is the Elvis the Entertainer exhibit showcasing Elvis’ gold and platinum records, his stunning jumpsuits, movie memorabilia and more. Many of the new Instagrammable experiences will located in this area.

“I’ve always wanted to dress like Elvis, but never quite found the courage,” said Joel Weinshanker, Graceland Holdings Managing Partner. “I plan to be first in line for these socially shareable attractions.”

(Source: Graceland)

July 26 - Les Français Chantent les Films d’Elvis

The French Elvis My Happiness fan club announced the release of the 25-track promo ‘Les Français Chantent les Films d’Elvis’. This promo will be given away during a book signing by Jean-Marie Pouzenc for his new book ‘Elvis Technicolor in black and white’ September 5, 2020 in Paris, France. 

Delayed

The 'From Elvis In Nashville' 4-CD and 2-LP release from Sony appears to have been postponed. The set had August 7th as the release date but Sony has not yet released any details and on-line stores now list November 11th 2020 as the release date. 

(Source: Elvis My Happiness / Elvis Fan Shop / FECC)

July 25 - Blu-ray's from Spain

Released on Blu-ray and DVD in Spain are the movies ‘Frankie Y Johnny’ (‘Frankie and Johnny’) and ‘Cambalache’ (‘Clambake’). These movies come with English and Spanish audio and without subtitles.

(Source: Amazon / Elvis Club Berlin)

July 25 - Charts July 2020 - Week 4

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart update. Running up to Elvis Week 2020 Elvis drops slightly on the U.S. and U.K. charts. 

U.S. Billboard charts

• Billboard Album Top 200 chart: ‘The Essential Elvis Presley’ dropped from #165 to #167.
• Billboard Top Christian Album chart: ‘ Elvis: Ultimate Gospel’ dropped from #35 to #42.
• Billboard Top Rock Album chart: ‘The Essential Elvis Presley’ dropped from #19 to #21.
• Billboard Top Country Album chart: ‘The Essential Elvis Presley’ climbed from #22 to #20. 

Official U.K. charts:

• Official U.K. Album Top 100 chart: ‘The 50 Greatest Hits’ dropped from #68 to #73.
• Official U.K. Streaming Album Top 100 chart: ‘The 50 Greatest Hits’ dropped from #53 to #55.

(Source: UK Mix / Official Chart Company)

      

July 24 - U.K. Platinum

The 2001 '50 Greatest Hits' compilation was awarded a triple Platinum award in the United Kingdom by the B.P.I. for the sales of over 900,000 copies (streams plus digital downloads plus physical sales). 

(Source: FECC / BPI)

July 22 - Remembering Ben Keough

Priscilla Presley shared an update on the death of her grandson on social media. It is nearly two weeks since Ben was found dead at the LA home of his mother, Lisa Marie Presley

"These are some of the darkest days of my family's life. The shock of losing Ben has been devastating. Trying to put all the pieces together of all the possible whys has penetrated my soul.

Each day I wake up I pray it will get better. Then, I think of my daughter and the pain she is going through as she was a doting mother. Ben's father, Danny, who is completely lost, as Ben was his only son. Riley, so loving and so close to him; Harper and Finley, who absolutely adored Ben. Navarone, who struggles deeply with loss and death.- "Rest In Peace Ben, you were loved."

His sister actress Riley Keough previously shared a heartfelt tribute:

"Mornings are the hardest. I forget you're gone. I can't cry because of the fear that I will never stop. A pain that's new to me. You. There are no words for you. Angel is the closest I could think of. Pure light. Baby brother. Best friend. Wild man. Intellectual. Witness to my life. Twin soul. Protector. Too sensitive for this harsh world.

I hope you give me strength to endure the giant hole you've left in my heart. I hope you give me the strength to eat. I hope you're cradled in love. I hope you feel my love. I hope you feel god. You are god. I can't believe you've left me. Not you sweet Ben, Ben. Anyone but you. I guess this is true heartbreak. I hope we meet again."

(Source: Priscilla Presley / Riley Keough)

July 18 - Elvis - The First 21 Years

Gwandanaland Comics, an independent publisher that  reprints classic comics from the 1940's and 50's, will re-issue the 1956 retrospective 'Elvis - The First 21 Years - A 1956 retrospective on the early life and rise to fame of Elvis Presley - the King of Rock & Roll!' as a 70-page paperback on August 4, 2020.

This magazine was the first ever magazine 

dedicated totally to Elvis. First published in 1956, with 64 pages, more than 100 B&W photographs.

Synopsis: Elvis' rise to the top was fast, furious, and fascinating. Within a few years of his name first being heard on the radios of America, Elvis was known through the country and he was the talk of every town. This 1956 retrospective of his rise and stardom features Elvis Presley at home, on the road and on stage. It's not only the story of a young man, but a history of stardon in 1950s America. With over 100 photos not seen in decades, this is a nostalgic ride that Elvis fans will not want to miss!

(Source: Amazon Italy)

July 18 - Charts July - Week 3

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart update. This week little movement on the U.S. and U.K. charts. 

U.S. Billboard charts:

• Billboard Album Top 200 chart: ‘The Essential Elvis Presley’ climbed from #174 to #163. 
• Billboard Top Christian Album chart: ‘Elvis: Ultimate Gospel’ dropped from #34 to #35. 
• Billboard Top Country Album chart: ‘Elvis: Ultimate Gospel’ dropped from #21 to #22. 
• Billboard Top Rock Album chart: ‘The Essential Elvis Presley’ climbed from #24 to #19. 

Official U.K. charts:

• Official Album chart: ‘The 50 Greatest Hits’ climbed from #75 to #68.
• Official Streaming Album chart: ‘The 50 Greatest Hits’ climbed from from #55 to #53.
• Official Music DVD chart: ‘ Elvis The Searcher’ climbed from #50 to #27.
• Official Music DVD chart: ‘Elvis Lives - Live From Memphis’ re-entry #41.

(Source: UK Mix / Official Chart Company)

July 15 - Elvis Week 2020

Graceland. / EPE announced an update on Elvis Week 2020:

Thank you for your tremendous patience as we navigate Elvis Week planning during these unprecedented times. It was our hope that we could safely host a full and robust Elvis Week, with minor changes to the planned schedule. But, as the COVID pandemic continues to evolve and health officials learn more about high-risk activities, we must evolve with them. There is no greater priority than the health and safety of our guests and employees.

Given the current circumstances surrounding the health crisis, as well as within the Elvis/Graceland Family, we have decided to significantly modify Elvis Week, eliminating any potential high-risk activity, including live performances, live appearances, group parties or meals, autograph signings and meet & greets.

Our modified Elvis Week 2020 schedule, and first-ever Virtual Elvis Week option, will allow fans to participate in Elvis Week and celebrate the life and legacy of Elvis Presley in the way they deem most appropriate for themselves.

The new schedule for the modified Elvis Week 2020 at Graceland will be announced soon, but those planning on attending will enjoy a series of daily screening events between August 8-16 that fully comply with recommended government protocols. Attendance will be capped to meet or exceed social distancing and max capacity guidelines. All programming will be pre-recorded and a blend of new panels featuring those who knew Elvis, new interviews with Elvis tribute artists, new content pieces from the Graceland Archives, and specially edited concert shows that look back on Best Of Elvis Weeks past, including the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, concerts featuring Elvis’ bandmates and backup singers, and Elvis films on the big screen. The Candlelight Vigil on August 15 will be more limited than in past years, and will require free advanced reservations, but the longstanding tradition will carry on with a socially distanced fan procession to Meditation Garden.

If you are unable to join us in Memphis this year, we are excited to announce our first-ever Virtual Elvis Week! We invite everyone around the world to enjoy the fun and camaraderie of Elvis Week in this closed Facebook group which will feature a mix of past Elvis Week concerts and panels, new interviews with bandmates, co-stars and friends, new behind-the-scenes Graceland content, a look back at previous Candlelight Vigils, Elvis tribute artists, and of course a live stream view of our 2020 Candlelight Vigil (the live stream will also be available, as always, on Graceland.com, free of charge). 

From those who have never been, to those who come every year: here is your chance to celebrate Elvis and your shared fanship together. Tickets for Virtual Elvis Week are $39.00 and will be available to purchase soon! 

(Source: Graceland)

July 15 - A Wholo Lotta Lovin' Going On

The Star import-label announced the release of the DVD ‘And I Love You So’ featuring an almost complete show from March 17, 1976. This DVD is limited to 500 copies. 

The label also announced a ‘Spliced Take’ release entitled ‘A Whole Lotta Power Going On’. This cooperation with the CMT import-label is a new double CD installment in their ‘Power’ series marking the 50th anniversary of the June / September recordings Elvis Presley did in Nashville. This comes housed in a deluxe double digi-pack.

From the press release:

After the good old days when we had lots of ‘TTWII’ and ‘On Tour’ outtakes we did not get anything new for a long time. This will change now! Star has managed to get their hands on some incredible unreleased quality video footage. 

Star delivers an almost complete show from 1976 with a running time of 56 minutes, including 17 complete performances. No skips and bumps so you can enjoy the man as you should! Other video releases containing amateur footage usually are out of synch, running too slow or too fast or suffer from bad editing. 

Most of the footage with matching audio has been taken from March 17, 1976 during his performance in Johnson City, backed up with additional footage from other shows from the same tour.

This ‘Opening Night’ show for 1976 shows Elvis in a very good mood and shape and with a lot of interaction with the audience. You are with them during this great show! Due to the fact that not everything has been filmed, clever edits are used to keep the show going without annoying breaks and even some extra songs were used to make it work even better. A good example of this has to be the March 22 version (St. Louis)  of ‘Let Me Be There’ which has some amazing close ups!

But there's more! We get the very first live version of ‘Hurt' a rocking ‘Polk Salad Annie’ and ‘Burning Love’ and a rare live version of the title track ‘And I Love You So’ where Elvis stops for a while since he isn’t happy with the bands performance.

Next to the complete songs we also get all the band solos, hear Larry Londin for the first time during an Elvis show, see James Burton making an encore by Elvis' request, enjoy the Joe Guercio Orchestra doing a fine ‘Hail Hail Rock and Roll’ . Yes it is all there and you can enjoy it soon!

As a bonus some rare tracks from the CBS tapes have been included.

Tracks:
Recorded Live On Stage 1976: Also Sprach Zarathustra / See See Rider / I Got A Woman - Amen / Love Me / You Gave Me A Mountain / Trying To Get To You / All Shook Up / Let Me Be There / Teddy Bear - Don’t Be Cruel / Until It’s Time For You To Go / Hurt / Polk Salad Annie / Introductions / And I Love You So / Hawaiian Wedding Song / Burning Love / Heartbreak Hotel / Can’t Help Falling In Love / Closing Riff

Special bonus tracks:
Recorded Live On Stage 1977: If You Love Me (Let Me Know) / It’s Now Or Never / Fairytale / Little Sister / Early Morning Rain / And I Love You So




A Whole Lotta Power Going On

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Elvis June / September recordings in Nashville, where other labels only re-re (re) release the same over and over CMT continues their ‘Power’ series with this third instalment, after last year's ‘Ghetto Power’ and the first release ‘Stax Power’ this release had to be done and might be the best one yet!

Again the editing on this album makes all songs blend in so you will get the feeling as if you are in the actual session, with lots of rare snippets and surprises. All tracks from the Nashville 1970 Sessions have been included in this 2 CD set, with clever spliced takes for a whole new experience.

Lots of works went into this and a lot of the tracks sound so different, you almost think it is all brand new! Because the producers wanted something really new, and wanted to start rocking from scratch they decided not to present the tracks in chronological order (like on the previous volumes).

Just listen to the incredible new spliced version of ‘Patch It Up’ (10!! Splices) extended versions of ‘There Goes My Everything’ and ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ and clever edits of undubbed tracks with final masters like ‘Little Cabin on the Hill’ and ‘Heart of Rome’. 

1970 has to be one of the best years for Elvis, you can hear it, you can see it. Although we do agree with the expression never to judge a book (CD or DVD) by its cover, this one sure has "A Whole Lotta Power Going On!"

CD 1: Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin On - Extended Master / I Washed My Hands In Muddy Water - Complete Master, Overdubbed / Cindy, Cindy - Spliced Take 2,1,3,3 / Got My Mojo Working/Keep Your Hands Off Of It - Unedited Overdubbed Master / A Hundred Years From Now - Spliced Take 2,1,2 / Faded Love - Country Version / The Fool - Take 1,2,1 / I Was Born About 10.000 Years Ago - Complete Unedited Take 1 / Little Cabin Home On The Hill - Spliced Take 1,2 / Stranger In The Crowd- Take 7,9 / Patch It Up - Spliced Take 2,2,2,3,4,7,1,1,1,9 / Faded Love - Complete Master - Country Version / It's Your Baby, You Rock It - Fs, Take 3 / Tomorrow Never Comes - Spliced Take 3,1,2  / It Ain't No Big Thing - Spliced Take 3,4,6,2 / Heart Of Rome - Fs, Spliced Take 2,3, Wp Take 1 / When I'm Over You - Spliced Master
Life - Fs, Spliced Take 17,1,2 / Only Believe - Spliced Take 1,3, Rehearsal.

CD 2: Twenty Days And Twenty Nights - Spliced Take 2,2,3,3 / I've Lost You - Take 6 (Edited) / You Don't Have To Say You Love Me - Take 1,2, Rehearsal / Mary In The Morning - Spliced Take 1,2,4 / Bridge Over Troubled Water - Spliced Take 1,5 / Make The World Go Away - Spliced Take 1,2 / The Next Step Is Love - False Start, Take 6 / How The Web Was Woven - Fs/Take 1 * / I Really Don't Want To Know - Take 1 (Undubbed) * / There Goes My Everything - Take 1 (Extended) / The Sound Of Your Cry - Spliced Take 2,3 (Edited) * / Just Pretend - Spliced Take 1,2 / Sylvia - Spliced Take 4,3,9 * / If I Were You - Spliced Take 1,3,5,2 / I'll Never Know - Spliced Take 1,3 / Love Letters - Spliced Take 3,1 / Rags To Riches - Spliced Rehearsal, Take 1 / Where Did They Go Lord? - Spliced Take 2,3 / This Is Our Dance - Spliced Take 6,8,8,11 * / Snowbird -  Alternate Master * / Funny How Time Slips Away - Unedited Master *.

Gotta have Rock And Roll Elvis Items

Gotta Have Rock and Roll announced the ‘Rock and Roll pop Culture and Sports’ auction which will run from June 22 to June 31st. It features several interesting Elvis Presley items from the Eddie Hammer Elvis Presley Collection. The headliner is Elvis Presley’s historic 1942 Martin D-18 guitar which he owned between 1954 and 1956, is often referred to as his “Sun Sessions” guitar. Another interesting item are are Elvis Presley's custom "TCB" prescription sunglasses that were made for him to wear on stage at his historic June 11, 1972 concerts at Madison Square Garden.

Synopsis: 
Elvis Presley’s most important guitar ever to come to auction, this is his historic 1942 Martin D-18 guitar, Serial Number 80221, which he owned between 1954 and 1956, is often referred to as his “Sun Sessions” guitar. Elvis used this actual guitar extensively while recording at the iconic Sun Studios in Memphis, TN and while performing on stage during this period.  He can be seen playing the guitar in many, many photographs from this time, two of which are featured here. Elvis purchased the guitar at O.K. Houck’s Piano Store in Memphis, trading in his Martin 000-18. He decorated the body of the guitar with adhesive metal letters spelling out his name, "ELVIS". The letters "ELVI" remain with the "S" missing. The extensive wear visible on the guitar due to Elvis’ hard strumming is testament to its considerable use by Elvis. During this period Elvis recorded some of his most classic songs, songs that catapulted him into his meteoric rise to fame, including “That’s All Right (Mama)”, “Blue Moon of Kentucky”, “Good Rockin’ Tonight” and many more.

(Source: Various / FECC / Gotta hace Rock and Roll Auctions)

July 14 - Ed Hill Died

Gospel music lost another dear friend, Ed Hill passed away last night. Ed was a founding member of the Prophets Quartet. 

He joined JD Sumner And The Stamps Quartet in 1974, backing Elvis Presley, and    remained with the Stamps until 1979.

(Source: FECC / Blackwood Brothers Quartet / SGN Scoops Magazine)

July 13 - That's The Way It Is Tracks

The Follow That Dream label finally released the track listing and release date for 'Elvis - That's The Way It Is - 50 th Anniversary Collector's Edition' by David English and Pal Granlund. The set, August 10, 2020 covers the production of the 1970 rockumentary ''That's The Way It Is' in two books on the rehearsals and the shows and 8 CDs holding all rehearsals in a deluxe slipcase. 

Disc 1 - July 14, 1970
1. Words **                             
2. You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me *
3. Polk Salad Annie *
4. Bridge Over Troubled Water *
5. You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me *
6. The Next Step Is Love *
7. I’ve Lost You *
8. The Next Step Is Love

July 15, 1970 
9. Stagger Lee *
10. Got My Mojo Working *
11. I’ve Lost You *
12. Stranger In The Crowd *
13. The Next Step Is Love *
14. You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me *
15. Sweet Caroline *
16. Yesterday
17. Hey Jude *
18. I Can’t Stop Loving You
19. It’s Your Baby, You Rock It *
20. Cryin’ Time *

Disc 2 - July 15, 1970
1. Ghost Riders In The Sky
2. Runaway *
3. It’s Now Or Never *
4. Peter Gunn Theme
5. Love Me
6. One Night *
7. Alla En El Rancho Grande
8. That’s All Right *
9. Twenty Days And Twenty Nights *
10. That’s All Right
11. Twenty Days And Twenty Nights *
12. Instrumental *
13. Patch It Up *
14. Cotton Field
15. Sylvia *
16. Stranger In The Crowd *
17. How The Web Was Woven *
18. I’ll Take You Home Again Kathleen *

Disc 3 - July 24, 1970
1. That’s All Right
2. I Got A Woman
3. The Wonder Of You
4. I’ve Lost You
5. The Next Step Is Love *
6. Stranger In The Crowd *
7. You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ *
8. Something *
9. Don’t Cry Daddy *
10. Don’t Cry Daddy (faster version) *
11. You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me *
12. Polk Salad Annie *
13. Bridge Over Troubled Water *
14. I Can’t Stop Loving You
15. Just Pretend
16. Sweet Caroline *
17. Words *
18. Suspicious Minds *

Disc 4 - July 24, 1970
1. I Just Can’t Help Believin’ *
2. Tomorrow Never Comes *
3. Mary In The Morning
4. Twenty Days And Twenty Nights *
5. You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ *
6. I Just Can’t Help Believin’ *
7. Heart of Rome *
8. Memories *
9. Johnny B. Goode
10. Make The World Go Away *
11. Stranger In My Own Hometown
12. I Washed My Hands In Muddy Water

Disc 5 - July 29, 1970
1. Elvis Talking
2. Something *
3. Words
4. I Just Can’t Help Believin’
5. Little Sister/Get Back **
6. Get Back (ending) *
7. I Washed My Hands In Muddy Water
8. I Was The One
9. Cattle Call
10. Baby Let’s Play House
11. Don’t
12. Money Honey
13. A Fool Such As I
14. Froggy Went A-Courtin’
15. Such A Night
16. It’s Now Or Never
17. What’d I Say
18.  The Lords Prayer *
19. My Country ‘Tis Of Thee *
20. Hava Nagila *
21. My Baby Left Me *
22. You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me *
23. Stranger In The Crowd *
24. Ending talk *

Disc 6 - August 4, 1970
1. Talk *
2. I’ve Lost You *
3. The Next Is Love *
4. Words
5. Cattle Call / Yodel
6. Twenty Days and Twenty Nights
7. Farther Along
8. Something
9. Santa Claus Is Back In Town
10. Don’t Cry Daddy *
11. In The Ghetto *
12. You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me
13. Bridge Over Troubled Water **

Disc 7 - August 7, 1970
1.  You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ *
2.  You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me *
3. The Next Step Is Love *
4. Twenty Days And Twenty Nights *
5. Polk Salad Annie
06. Oh Happy Day
7. I’ve Lost You *
8. Mary In The Morning **
9. Sweet Caroline *
10. Words *
11. Patch It Up *

Disc 8 - August 10, 1970
1. You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me (version 1)
2. I Just Can’t Help Believin’
3. Something
4. Sweet Caroline
5. Polk Salad Annie
6. You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ (version 1)
7. I’ve Lost You
8. Bridge Over Troubled Water
9. Patch It Up
10. Can’t Help Falling In Love
11. You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me (version 2)
12. You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ (version 2)

* Unreleased
** Previously released Partially

(Source: FTD_

July 12 - Sad News Commercials

Elvis Presley's grandson Benjamin Keough has died, a representative for his mother, Lisa Marie Presley, said. He was 27. Rest In Peace. Keough died in Calabasas, California. Rumours say he committed suicide.

Not much is known about him other than the fact that he's got a super-famous family. He's the son of Lisa and musician Danny Keough -- and his sister is actress Riley Keough

Presley is "entirely heartbroken, inconsolable and beyond devastated, but trying to stay strong for her 11 year old twins and her oldest daughter Riley." 

Keough had a striking resemblance to his singer/actor grandfather. Priscilla Presley was his maternal grandmother.

Commercials


Three new Elvis Presley commercials. The first one is for the new FIAT Strada, the second is for Erik Lorenzen's new 'That's The Way It Is' books and finally, also for TTWII, a commercial from the Follow That Dream label for their upcoming 2 book / 8 CD set.

July 11 - Elvis A(nother) Biography

Plexus Publishing announced the re-release of Jerry Hopkin’s ‘Elvis: A Biography’ as a 416-page paperback with February 23, 2021 as the release date. 

Description:
Jerry Hopkins's 'Elvis: A Biography' was the first book on popular music to top the U.S. bestseller list, and its sequel was equally popular. Long out of print, both books, along with a wealth of exciting new interviews, are brought together in Elvis to form the most exhaustive account available of the King's life. 

Telling the complete story of Presley's rise and fall, from his poverty-stricken childhood in Tupelo through his musical development and emergence as pop's first superstar to his decline and death, the book explores Presley's singular appeal, his far-reaching influence, and his extraordinary legacy. Featuring newly published first-hand interviews with people close to Elvis - including high school teachers, girlfriends, directors, agents, recording engineers, bodyguards, sidemen, karate instructors, medical professionals, and even his personal jeweler - Elvis presents a comprehensive and amazingly intimate look at this cultural icon.

(Source: Amazon)

July 11 - Charts July 2020 - Week 2

The global Elvis Presley chart update. Elvis Presley remains steady on the U.S. charts while he gains a few spots in the U.K. and re-enters the Scottish chart. 

U.S. Billboard charts:

• Billboard Album Top 200 chart: “The Essential Elvis Presley’ dropped from #167 to #173.
• Billboard Top Christian Album chart: ‘Elvis: Ultimate Gospel’ remained steady at #34.
• Billboard Top Rock Album chart: ‘The Essential Elvis Presley’ remained steady at #24.
• Billboard Top Country Album chart: ‘The Essential Elvis Presley’ dropped from #19 to #21.

Official UK charts:

• Official UK Album chart: ‘The 50 Greatest Hits’ climbed from #84 to #75.
• Official UK Streaming Album chart: ‘The 50 Greatest Hits’ climbed from #61 to #55.
• Official UK Music DVD chart: ‘Elvis The Searcher’ dropped from #33 to #50.

Official Scottish charts:

• Official Scottish Album chart: ‘ELV1S 30 #1 Hits’ re-entry at #80.

Readers of the U.K. The Express newspaper voted for their favorite Elvis Presley studio album. The Top 5:

01.  From Elvis in Memphis

02.  Elvis Presley

03.  Elvis Is Back

04.  Elvis

05.  Elvis' Christmas Album

(Source: Official Chart Company / UK Mix / Elvis Express)

July 10 - October 1976

Due for release from the CBT-label is the 5-CD-set 'October '76'. This release is limited to 300 copies and contains 7 previously released shows, recorded between October 14th and October 20th 1976. The Sioux Falls and Madison shows are only previously released bonus songs.

The dates are:
October 14, Chicago, IL
October 15, Chicago, IL
October 16, Duluth, MN
October 17, Minneapolis, MN
October 18, Sioux Falls, SD
October 19, Madison, Wi
October 20, South Bend, IN 

Tickle Me LP

The Follow That Dream label released the limited edition 55th Anniversary 2-LP edition of 'Tickle Me'. It includes remastered stereo and mono mixes with alternate takes unuseed soundtrack submissions and original US Allied Artists Radio Spots.

(Source: FECC)