August 31 - Technicolor In Black & White

The French book / vinyl / CD 'Elvis Presley - Technicolor In Black & White' by Jean-Marie Pouzenc was released. 

The book documents the story of Elvis' movie career in France with special focus on the movies 'Blue Hawaii' and 'Fun In Acapulco'.

(Source: Elvis My Happiness)

August 30 - FTD Postponed

Follow That Dream Records informed fan clubs and dealers that the release of the book and CD set 'On The Road with Elvis' will be postponed until November 2020. The message: "This project is currently on hold until we resolve distribution". 

There was some uncertainty about the transport costs of the set from Australia for a few weeks, but that has now been cleared up. However, the current stock of the book is limited and there will be no reprint. 

(Source: UEPS / FECC)

August 29 - New 1956 Footage

On The man and His Music Facebook page new b/w silent footage of Elvis at the Fair Park Coliseum, Lubbock Texas on 10th April, 1956 was posted. This footage is to be included in a forthcoming documentary on record producer Norman Petty. 

Unfortunately the footage runs only for 5-7 seconds. Below the Elvis clip from the Nor-Va-Jak licensing with additional sound. 

(Source: FECC / Elvis The man and His Music / YouTube)

August 29 - Charts August 2020 - Week 4

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart updates. Elvis improved himself in the U.S., lost some spots in the U.K. and re-entered the Scottish charts. 

U.S. Billboard charts:

• Billboard Top 200 Album chart: ‘The Essential Elvis Presley’ climbed from #168 to #155. 
• Billboard Catalog Album chart: ‘The Essential Elvis Presley’ re-entry at #47.
• Billboard Top Christian Album chart: ‘Elvis: Ultimate Gospel’ climbed from #47 to #44. 
• Billboard Top Rock Album chart: ‘The Essential Elvis Presley’ climbed from #22 to #18. 
• Billboard Top Country Album chart: ‘The Essential Elvis Presley’ remained steady at #19.

Official U.K. charts:

• Official Album Top 100 chart: ‘The 50 Greatest Hits’ remained steady at #57.
• Official Streaming Album chart: ‘The 50 Greatest Hits’ dropped from #42 to #44.
• Official Music DVD chart: ‘The Elvis Collection’ re-entry at #32.
• Official Music DVD chart: ‘Elvis Lives - Live From Memphis’ dropped from #33 to #46.

Official Scottish chart:

• Official Scottish Album chart: ‘ELV1S 30 #1 Hits’ re-entry at #41.

(Source: UK Mix / Official Chart Company)

August 28 - Debut Vinyl

Due for release from RCA Records on November 13, 2020 is a vinyl re-issue Elvis Presley’s self-titled debut album 'Elvis Presley'. 

Description: This is the debut album of Elvis Presley, recorded in 1954, 1955 and 1956, the year that saw the beginning of the Elvis hype. The album spent ten weeks at #1 on the Billboard Top Pop Albums chart in 1956, the first Rock 'n Roll album ever to make it to the top of the charts. It also has the distinction of being the first million-selling Rock 'n' Roll album.

(Source: Fan Shop Poland)

August 27 - (Un)Sold

Rockhurst Auctions sold various interesting Elvis items in their ‘Big 50’ Elvis auction. 

Top seller was am Elvis Presley stage-worn 18K gold watch with 26 diamonds - gifted to J.D. Sumner - who also wore it on stage. This sold for US$195,500 with an original estimate of US$200,000 - US$300,000. Another Elvis owned 14K Gold Genève watch with heavy gold nugget - also giffed to J.D. Sumner - failed to sell. 

Other noteworthy results:

- Elvis owned gold-colored belt with large ornate buckle - gifted to his Aunt Delta Biggs - sold for US$12,650.

- Elvis’ heavily notated and underlined copy of Cheiros’ ‘Fate In the Making’ - gifted to his confidant and hairdresser Larry Gellar - sold for US$9,775.

Gold records and some of the jewlery and even rejected concept art mock-up for the LP ‘ELVIS’ - known as ‘The Fool Album’) was sold, but moth of the items from Elvis’ wardrobe remained unsold. In total 20 of the 50 items received no bids, did not meet the minimum or were withdrawn. 

- Elvis’ Shure Model "SM58" microphone, used in the film ‘Elvis: Thats the Way It Is’ failed to sell. The estimate was US$15,000 - US$25,000.

- Elvis’  childhood home from 1241 Kelly St. in East Tupleo, Mississippi remained unsold as it received one bid of US$40,000 while the estimate was $80,000 - $100,000.

- Elvis’ worn “Starlight Wranglers” western button down shirt - gifted to a friend at The Bon Air Club in Memphis at one of his earliest concerts - received a max bid of US$20,000 and did not meet the estimate of US$40,000 - US$50,000. 

(Source: Rockhurst Auctions)

August 26 - Cinema Retro

Elvis Presley is featured on the cover of the U.K. Cinema Retro magazine - volume 16, issue 47 2020 - with inside  the first installment of his two-part article examining Elvis’ dream of being a dramatic actor and what went wrong.

Elvis in Bronze

The public works department of the German city of Bad Nauheim has started work on the USA Bridge in preparation for the unveiling of a new statue of Elvis Presley. This bridge became famous because it was used during a photo shoot that Elvis did when he was stationed in Germany 60 years ago.

(Source: Phoenix Forum / Cinema Retro / Elvis Information Network / Elvis in Bronze) 

August 25 - That's A Session You'll Never Forget

The Dutch Elvis One label announced the release of the CDs 'That's Someone You'll Never Forget' and 'The Complete 1956 Nashville Sessions'.

From the press release: 
'That's Someone You'll Never Forget' features twenty-five tracks from the early '60s! Including complete masters as recorded in the studio with studio banter and even some false starts and alternate takes. All in very good sound! As a special bonus there's a rare and strange interview from the '60s with the Colonel by the Canadian disc jockey, Red Robinson. It includes a booklet with photos and recording information, and limited to just 500 copies worldwide.

There’s Always Me (Take 3LFS & Master Take 10) - Good Luck Charm (Master Take 4) - I’m Coming Home (Take 6FS + FS & Master Take 7) - (Such An) Easy Question (Master Take 5) - I Want You With Me (Tryout & Master Take 3) - I Met Her Today (Take 2FS + LFS & 3FS) - It’s A Sin (Take 3FS & Master Take 4) - I Feel So Bad (Master Take 2) - Judy (Master Take 8) - Gonna Get Back Home Somehow (Master Take 7FS + Comp) - Just For Old Time Sake (Master Take 5) - Gently (Master Take 5FS + Comp) - Put The Blame On Me (Take 3FS - 4FS & Master Take 5)  - That’s Someone You Never Forget (Take 2FS - 3FS - 4 FS + LFS & 6FS + FS) - Sentimental Me (Master Take 2 FS + Comp) - I Feel That I’ve Known You Forever (Master Take 5) - Something Blue (Master Take 7) - Starting Today (Master Take 3FS & Comp) - I Met Her Today (Take 7) - Suspicion (Take 4LFS) -  Anything That’s Part Of You (Take 6FS + FS - 7FS & 8FS + Comp) - For The Millionth And The Last Time (Take 6) - Love Me Tonight (Take 7FS & Count-In Take 8) - I Feel That I’ve Known You Forever (Take 2) - Red Robinson Calls The Colonel

The Complete 1956 Nashville Sessions contains - as the title says - the complete Nashville sessions from 1956 on one CD. It includes all the masters, all known outtakes, two interviews and three radio commercials from 1956 (including a RCA Victor 'Music / Elvis' radio commercial, previously unreleased on CD)

A total of forty tracks, all in the best possible sound quality and of course, there's a great booklet with photos and recording information from this session. A limited edition from Elvis One.

The Masters: I Got A Woman - Heartbreak Hotel - Money Honey - I’m Counting On You - I Was The One - I Want You, I Need You, I Love You

The Outtakes: I Got A Woman (Incomplete Unknown Take Number) - I Got A Woman (Unknown Take Number) - Heartbreak Hotel (Incomplete Take 4) - Heartbreak Hotel (Take 5) - Heartbreak Hotel (Take 6) - Money Honey (Fragments) - Money Honey (Incomplete Take 10) - I’m Counting On You (Take 1 / Dry Reverb Tape) - I’m Counting On You (Take 1) - I’m Counting On You (Incomplete Take 2 / Dry Reverb Tape) - I’m Counting On You (Incomplete Unknown Take Number) - I’m Counting On You (Take 13) - I’m Counting On You (Incomplete Take 14) - I Was The One (Take 1) - I Was The One (Take 2a / False Start) - I Was The One (Take 2b) - I Was The One (Take 3a / False Start) - I Was The One (Incomplete Take 3b) - I Was The One (Take 7a) - I Was The One (Incomplete Unknown Take) - I Want You, I Need You, I Love You (Take 1 / Announcement) - I Want You, I Need You, I Love You (Take 3) - I Want You, I Need You, I Love You (Take 4) - I Want You, I Need You, I Love You (Take 5 / Fragment) - I Want You, I Need You, I Love You (Take 13) - I Want You, I Need You, I Love You (Incomplete Take 14) - I Want You, I Need You, I Love You (Take 15) - I Want You, I Need You, I Love You (Take 16) - I Want You, I Need You, I Love You (Take 17)

1956 Radio Spots:
Victrola Radio (Ad 1) - Victrola Radio (Ad 2) - RCA Victor “Music” Radio ad / Including Elvis

Interviews:
April 9, 1956 2:59 - April 15, 1956 5:13

(Source: FECC)

August 24 - From Memphis to Miami to ...

The Danish Memphis Mansion announced the release of the EP ‘From Memphis to Miami’ halfway September. This EP is limited to 300 copies and contains the recently found  interview Elvis Presley did with Morris McLemore on March 22, 1960 at the Fontainebleau Hotel, Miami Beach, FL. where he just arrived to prepare for the Frank Sinatra Welcome Home Elvis TV Special and songs performed on the show.

Side A: Interview / It’s Nice To Go Travelin’ / Stuck on You.
Side B: Fame and Fortune - Witchcraft - Witchcraft (Reprise).

The EP is available for >>> pre-order.

Lee Dawson Died

Lana Dawson shared the news that Lee Dawson, host of the Elvis Express Radio show, suddenly died. He was 48. R.I.P. Lee thank you for the enthusiastic way you promoted Elvis on your show.

(Source: Memphis Mansion / Anthony Stuchbury)

August 22 - New Oldies Video

The September 2020 edition of the U.K. Oldies magazine features an article on Elvis Presley ‘King of the Army’ marking the 60th anniversary of his army discharge and return to recording music. 

The new Elvis Presley Preservation Society shared a new video of an interview Elvis Presley did with Morris McLemore on March 22, 1960 at the Fontainebleau Hotel, Miami Beach, FL. where he just arrived to prepare for the Frank Sinatra Welcome Home Elvis TV Special. 

(Source: Too Much Monkey Business / Oldies / Elvis Presley Preservation Society)

August 22 - Charts August 2020 - Week 3

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart updates. A little less changes than one might expect during Elvis Week. 

U.S. Billboard charts:

• Billboard Album Top 200 chart: ‘The Essential Elvis Presley’ climbed from #171 to #168. 
• Billboard Top Christian Album chart: ‘Elvis: Ultimate Gospel’ dropped from #40 to #47.
• Billboard Top Country Album chart: ‘The Essential Elvis Presley’ climbed from #21 to #19. 
• Billboard Top Rock Album chart: ‘The Essential Elvis Presley’ climbed from #26 to #21. 

Official U.K. charts:

• Official U.K. Album Top 100 chart: ’The 50 Greatest Hits’ dropped from #56 to #57.  
• Official U.K. Streaming Album chart: ’The 50 Greatest Hits’ climbed from #44 to #42.
• Official U.K. Music DVD chart: ‘Elvis The Searcher’ dropped from #22 to #41.
• Official U.K. Music DVD chart: ‘Elvis Lives - Live From Memphis’ re-entry at #33.

(Source: UK Mix / Official Chart Company)

August 21 - James Birthday

Elvis Presley's legendary guitar player James Burton celebrated his 81st birthday, congratulations!

Shipped!

Volumes 4 and 5 in Erik Lorentzen’s ‘Summer Festival’ has been shipped.

(Source: Memphis Mansion)

August 20 - Unboxing TTWII

On the Danish Memphis Mansion Facebook page you can watch the unboxing of the Follow That Dream ‘That’s The Way It Is’ double book / 8 CD set, the 2021 calendar and the ‘Elvis, Obersten Og Mig’ book on Ed Bonja. 

Watch the unboxing on the >>> Memphis Mansion Facebook page.

Here is another unboxing video:

August 19 - Elvis Week 2021

Elvis Presley Enterprises / Graceland sent out a save-the-date for Elvis Week 2021. You cab mark your calendar from August 11 - 17 2021. More information will be announced in early 2021!

(Source: Graceland)

August 18 - Elvis Presley, Thoughts, Stories and Quotes on #1

The 29-page book ‘Elvis Presley, Thoughts, Stories and Quotes’ by Del Boy was released. 

Elvis #1!

UK cinemas are finally back in business – and so is event cinema specialist Trafalgar Releasing. After the relaxing of coronavirus restrictions, the 50th anniversary, one-night-only release of 'Elvis: That’s The Way It Is' shot to the No.1 spot at the UK box office.

In Australia the movie was the highest per-cinema take of any film this week.

On the U.K. release:

The re-released classic 1970 documentary/concert film debuted in 260 UK cinemas on Thursday (August 13), taking over UK£94,000 in box office takings, making it No.1 for the day. According to Trafalgar, that also makes it the UK’s biggest popular music concert release of 2020.

“We are pleased to see one of the world’s most successful recording artists return to No.1 with 'Elvis: That's The Way It Is', 50 years after its initial release,” said Marc Allenby, CEO of Trafalgar Releasing. “The attendance numbers show the continued appetite from fans to come together and celebrate the musicians they love, demonstrating further opportunities for music to thrive in cinemas.”

The movie also played in over 200 cinemas internationally, and pulled in the highest per-cinema average take of any film in Australia.


Directed by Denis Saunders, and filmed mainly in Las Vegas, 'That’s The Way It Is' followed Presley as he made his return to live music, following the similarly legendary '’68 Comeback Special' concert/TV show that rebooted his career. It includes performances of many of Elvis’ biggest songs, including 'Love Me Tender', 'Blue Suede Shoes', 'Heartbreak Hotel' and 'Suspicious Minds'.

Due to the success more screenings have been announced.

(Source: Amazon / Music Week)

August 17 - Behind The Scene: Elvis Presley's Life Story

The 28-page book ‘Behind The Scene: Elvis Presley's Life Story’ by Vato Print Books was released. 

(Source: Amazon)

August 16 - Gone Too Long

Gone too soon, gone too long. It has been 43 years, since Elvis Presley left us, but he is 'Always On My Mind', Day By Day.

James Burton remembered Elvis on Facebook:

It’s so hard to believe it’s been 43 years today since we buried my friend, Elvis.

What a heart-wrenching three days we had that August in 1977. I’ll never forget flying out of L.A to Las Vegas that morning of the 16th, then we headed out from Vegas to our first show in Maine when we got word to turn around. 
None of us knew why.

We stopped to refuel in Colorado to head back to Las Vegas when we heard the news that Elvis had passed.

My first question was, “Is this a joke?”

Unfortunately….it wasn’t.

My wife Louise and I immediately met up in Memphis to go to Graceland to check on Elvis’ Dad, Vernon. As you can imagine, he was just heart broken.

On August 18th, they held a private service for Elvis’ family and close friends.
We could hardly talk to each other, we were in so much shock. So many people that loved him showed up.

James Brown spent hours in there with Elvis, as did so many others. Louise and I sat there with Vernon and did our best to comfort him. We loved that man.

Thousands of fans lined the streets of Memphis on the day of the funeral to say goodbye to the king. Thousands! We had never seen anything like it, man.
Royalty had never seen anything like it.

We were honored to ride in the third or fourth white limo in the procession that day and were amazed at all the love people showed and how people came together in such a short amount of time to honor him from all over hthe world.
Elvis constantly gave to those around him and that was such an inspiration.

Yes, he was a legend….but Elvis was also my friend. 

His talent, style, sense of humor and ‘in the middle of the night’ phone calls just to talk. 

He is dearly missed, and I know he’s in Heaven singing and playing with my Son, Jeffrey… and I’m looking forward to seeing them both again someday and we’ll all jam together.

We want to thank the fan clubs and websites, Priscilla, Lisa Marie, Jack Soden, Graceland, the EPE family and Joel Weinshanker for all of the hard work in keeping Elvis’ legacy alive and we love the fans and friends who loved Elvis as much as we do.

Make each day count and love one another!

GOD BLESS YOU!

James

August 15 - Snowflakes and Bootlegs in August

The U.S. based Target announced the exclusive release of 'The Classic Christmas Album' on clear snowflake vinyl. This re-issue of the 2012 compulation follows last years Walmart exclusive re-issue and features old and new classics like 'I'll Be Home For Christmas' with Carrie Underwood and 'Blue Christmas' with Martina McBride and others. The release date is October 30, 2020.

Side A: I'll Be Home For Christmas - Blue Christmas - Winter Wonderland - The First Noel - The Wonderful World Of Christmas - Holly Leaves and Christmas Trees - O Come, All Ye Faithful - Merry Christmas Baby

Side B: I'll Be Home On Christmas Day - If Every Day Was Like Christmas - White Christmas - Silent Night - Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane) - O Little Town Of Bethlehem - Santa Claus Is Back In Town - Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me)

Sony Legacy will release a standard vinyl edition on October 2nd 2020. 

Elvis At 42 Still Dazzles Fans In Toledo

Two 'matrix recordings' featuring the April 23, 1977 and April 24, 1977 shows have been released as 'Toledo: Saturday Night' and 'Elvis at 42: Still Dazzles Fans'. 

Note: the content of these two CDs appears to be 'taken' from the For ElvisCD Collectors forum where they were uploaded by member Elvisalisellers who remixed these tracks. 

From the press release: Let's first explain the phenomenon "Matrix Recording". A Matrix recording mix is a cunning mix of soundboard/multitrack recordings with audience recordings. Sometimes soundboard recordings can sound dull. The main reason for this is that the sound engineer probably wanted to catch one particular aspect of the performance. This can be the singing voice of the artist, or one of the instruments. These soundboard recordings can miss a of of the ambiance that the spectators were experiencing. 

An audience recording mostly never sounds dull but the quality of the singing voice of the artist is obviously of lesser sound quality. But mixing these two creates a whole new magic. Now you can enjoy the shows as if you were there! 

Tracks Toledo: Saturday Night, April 23 1977, University of Toledo, Centennial Hall, Toledo, Ohio (unreleased matrix recording)

Also Sprach Zarathustra - See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Love Me - If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - You Gave Me A Mountain (Including False Start) - Jailhouse Rock - O Sole Mio (Sherrill Nielsen) - It's Now Or Never - Little Sister - Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - And I Love You So - Fever - Polk Salad Annie - My Way - Band Introductions - Early Morning Rain - What'd I Say - Johnny B. Goode - Ronnie Tutt Solo - Jerry Scheff Solo - Tony Brown Solo - Bobby Ogdin Solo - Introductions - School Days - Hurt - Hound Dog - Can't Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp - Closing Announcement - Audience

Bonus Song: My Way (From Stereo Source)

Tracks Elvis at 42: Still Dazzles Fans. April 24, 1977, Crisler Arena, Ann Arbor, Michigan (unreleased matrix recording).

Also Sprach Zarathustra - See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Love Me - If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - You Gave Me A Mountain - Tryin’ To Get To You - O Sole Mio (Sherrill Nielsen) - It's Now Or Never (Including False Start) - Blue Hawaii (Part) - Little Sister - Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - Help Me - My Way - Polk Salad Annie - Band Introductions - Early Morning Rain - What'd I Say - Johnny B. Goode - Ronnie Tutt Solo - Jerry Scheff Solo - Tony Brown Solo - Bobby Ogdin Solo - School Days - Hurt (With Reprise) - Hound Dog - Unchained Melody - Little Darlin` - Can't Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp - Elvis Has Left The Building / Announcements

Bonus Song: Bridge Over Troubled Water (29.04.1977 - Duluth, Minnesota)

The Soundboard Series

The Petticoat import label announced the release of 'The Soundboard Series Volume 1' in a clear and a gold colored edition.

From the press release: Until now Petticoat Records mainly released studio highlights on high quality vinyl. Now Petticoat Records presents a fantastic collection of live performances.

This first volume features some of the best live performances in Elvis' career. Many of these tracks were only performed live very few times and are making their vinyl debut! A must have and a great spinner for sure! Available in Gold or Clear vinyl.
Side A: Johnny B. Goode (04.09.1972 DS) - A Big Hunk O’Love (09.04.1972 ES) - Polk Salad Annie (09.04.1972 ES) - Something (23.02.1971 CS) - Blueberry Hill (13.02.1977) - Kentucky Rain (16.02.1970 MS) - My Baby Left Me (28.01.1974) - If You Love Me (Let Me Know) (26.04.1977 - Undubbed) - Promised Land (28.03.1975 MS)

Side B: Memories (23.08.1969 MS) - This Is The Story (26.08.1969 MS) - U. S. Male / I Was The One (11.08.1970 MS / 12.08.1970 MS) - True Love Travels On A Gravel Road (26.01.1970) - Proud Mary (10.04.1972) - Suspicious Minds (14.04.1972) - Burning Love (06.06.1975) - Unchained Melody (16.02.1977)

CD: Johnny B. Goode (04.09.1972 DS) - A Big Hunk O’Love (09.04.1972 ES) - Polk Salad Annie (09.04.1972 ES) - Something (23.02.1971 CS) - Blueberry Hill (13.02.1977) - Kentucky Rain (16.02.1970 MS) - My Baby Left Me (28.01.1974) - If You Love Me (Let Me Know) (26.04.1977 - Undubbed) - Promised Land (28.03.1975 MS) - Memories (23.08.1969 MS) - This Is The Story (26.08.1969 MS) - U. S. Male / I Was The One (11.08.1970 MS / 12.08.1970 MS) - True Love Travels On A Gravel Road (26.01.1970) - Proud Mary (10.04.1972) - Suspicious Minds (14.04.1972) - Burning Love (06.06.1975) - Unchained Melody (16.02.1977)

Work In Progress: The Companion Album

As a companion to the 'Work In Progress' 2-CD released earlier this year, a double LP / 45 RPM / CD set has been announced on purple and on white vinyl. 
From the press release: In 1980 Felton Jarvis, Elvis' record producer for the last decade came to the remarkable idea to freshen up some of Elvis' recordings. The idea was to add totally new backing tracks to Elvis' voice. This resulted in the 1981 record release of "Guitar Man".

You hate it or you love it is probably the right thing to say about the album. Felton was convinced Elvis would have loved it. The original album contained 10 songs. But Felton worked on a bunch of other songs to see if they would suit the project.

This special LP / CD and 45 RPM set contains many of those unreleased versions that never made it to the record. Also included are some unreleased unfinished versions of tracks that did make it to the final 'Guitar Man' album.

The title track "Guitar Man" written and first performed by Jerry Reed was obviously one of the tracks that had to end up on the album. Jerry Reed was part of the original recording by Elvis in 1967 and now Jerry Reed was back in the studio with Felton Jarvis to work on the new title track for the 1981 re-release. Besides the guitar work he also recorded a "duet" version of the song. This version never made it to the album, but it probably should have. Felton finished this track most likely for his own pleasure or for Jerry Reed and it is one of the many highlights of this set. This is just an example of one of the many surprises you will find on this amazing set. And all in a wonderful sound quality.

This wonderful 2-LP set is packed with unreleased tracks like: Blue eyes crying in the rain, The fool, Susan when she tried, Help me, Funny how time slips away and many many more. Felton Jarvis sadly passed away early January 1981 even before the album came out.

This amazing 2-LP set is accompanied by a CD with the best tracks from the sessions and a wonderful 45rpm containing 'Hey Jude' and 'Susan When She Tried'. Available in a very limited edition in purple or white vinyl.
LP - Side A: Hey Jude - For Ol’ Times Sake - Only The Strong Survive - Blue Suede Shoes - In The Ghetto  - Susan When She Tried - Shake A Hand - That’s What You Get For Loving Me

Side B: Funny How Time Slips Away - Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain - Bitter They Are, Harder They Fall - I’ll Hold You In My Heart - Help Me - I’ll Be There - The Fool - Burning Love

Side C: If You Talk In Your Sleep - Long Black Limousine - Kentucky Rain - For Ol’ Times Sake (With Tony Joe White) - Help Me (With The Gatlin Brothers) - Guitar Man (With Jerry Reed) - Hey Jude (Different Mix No Echo) - She Thinks I Still Care (No Backing Vocals)

Side D: She Thinks I Still Care (With Backing Vocals) - Guitar Man - Too Much Monkey Business - Lovin' Arms - You Asked Me To - In The Ghetto (No Backing Vocals) - I'm Movin' On - If You Talk In Your Sleep - Susan Whe She Tried (Unedited - Dry Vocals)

CD: Hey Jude - For Ol’ Times Sake - Only The Strong Survive - Blue Suede Shoes - In The Ghetto - Susan When She Tried - Shake A Hand - That’s What You Get For Loving Me - Funny How Time Slips Away - Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain - Bitter They Are, Harder They Fall - I’ll Hold You In My Heart - Help Me - I’ll Be There - The Fool - Burning Love - If You Talk In Your Sleep - Kentucky Rain - Long Black Limousine - Guitar Man (With Jerry Reed) - Help Me (With The Gatlin Brothers) - For Ol’ Times Sake (With Tony Joe White) - Lovin' Arms - You Asked Me To

45rpm: A: Help Me / B: Susan When She Tried

Candlelight Vigil 2020

Every year, Presley devotees carry candles as they walk past his grave at the house where he died on Aug. 16, 1977. 

Despite the social distancing the longstanding tradition could not be stopped. Instead of the regular thousands of Elvis fans usually gathered to honor the life and legacy of Elvis at the annual Graceland Candlelight Vigil the terrible Covid 19 pandemic just 720 fans attend the candlelight vigil marking the anniversary of his death in Memphis, Tennessee.

(Source: Target / FECC)

August 14 - Charts August 2020 - Week 3

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart updates. 

U.S. Billboard chart updates:

• Billboard Top 200 Album chart: ‘The Essential Elvis Presley’ climbed from #175 to #171. 
• Billboard Top Christian Album chart: ‘Elvis: Ultimate Gospel’ climbed from #49 to #40. 
• Billboard Top Country Album chart: ‘The Essential Elvis Presley’ remained steady at #21.
• Billboard Top Rock Album chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' dripped from #21 to #26. 

Official U.K. charts:

• Official U.K. Album chart: ‘The 50 Greatest Hits’ climbed from #65 to #56. 
• Official U.K. Streaming Album chart: ‘The 50 Greatest Hits’ climbed from #48 to #44. 
• Official U.K. Music DVD chart: 'The Elvis Collection' re-entry at #42.
• Official U.K. Music DVD chart: ‘Elvis The Searcher’ climbed from #29 to #22.
• Official U.K. Music DVD chart: ‘Elvis Lives - Live From Memphis’ dropped off the chart after last week's re-entry at #16.

Official Scottish Album charts:

• Official Scottish Album Top 100 chart: ‘ELV1S 30 #1 Hits’ dropped from #63 to #92.

(Source: UK Mix / Official Chart Company)

August 14 - Elvis: From Italy to Australia

The Follow That Dream Collector's label will release a limited edition Gary Jackson's book, 'Bruce Jackson: On the Road with Elvis' in the fall with a set of 3 CDs, including an accompanying audio documentary, plus a soundboard recording of the Sioux Falls concert on October 18, 1976, and - for the first time ever - a soundboard from Bruce's own collection from the concert in Atlanta on December 30, 1976.

Bruce was Elvis' sound engineer at the concerts from '71 to '77, and was even awarded a gold TCB by Elvis. He died in Death Valley in a tragic plane crash in 2011.

This beautiful book was released by Gary earlier in 2018 but was too expensive for many fans due to the high cost and shipping from Australia.

CD 1 - The Audio Documentary Hosted And Produced By Burce Jackson:
Intro (January) - She Thinks I Still Care - Let Me Be There (March) - Plane Trouble (April) - Gambling With The Colonel-Visa (Tahoe) - Danny Boy (May) - Happy Birthday Bruce - Pink Panther - Bruce Gets His TCB - The Tour Diary - July - Bruce Called On Stage (August) - October - Way Down - Plane Sound System - Bridge Over Troubled Water (November) - December - Blue Suede Shoes - Mystery Train / Tiger Man (December Tour) - Reconsider Baby - Big Boss Man - Closing Credits

CD 2 - 18.10.1976 - Sioux Falls, South Dakota: Also Sprach Zarathustra - See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Love Me - Fairytale - Jailhouse Rock - You Gave Me A Mountain - All Shook Up -Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - And I Love You So - Fever - Steamroller Blues - America - Band Introduction - Early Morning Rain - What´d I Say / Johnny B. Goode - Hurt - Hound Dog - Blue Christmas - My Heavenly Father (Kathy Westmoreland) - Can't Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

CD 3 - 30.12.1976 - Atlanta GA: See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen (Elvsi Talks)  - Big Boss Man - Love Me - Fairytale - Happy Birthday - You Gave Me A Mountain - O Sole Mio (Sherril Nielsen) - It's Now Or Never - Jailhouse Rock - Such A Night - Reconsider Baby - Are You Lonesome Tonight? - That's All Right - My Way - Polk Salad Annie - Band Introductions - Early Morning Rain - What'd I Say - Johnny B. Goode - Love Letters - School Days  - Hurt  - Hound Dog - Unchained Melody - Can't Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

Il Delinquente Del Rock

The classic 'Jailhouse Rock' will be re-issued on DVD in Italy as 'Il Delinquente Del Rock' with September 7th. As the release date. This edition comes on the European PAL format with an English, Italian and Spanish audiotrack. 

(Source: Amazon Italy / Elvis Club Berlin / FECC / FTD)

August 13 - Elvis Rocks The Cinema

The straight Arrow import-label announced the release of the 3-CD 'Elvis Rocks The Hilton'.

From the press release: Monday, August 20th 1973 Midnight, Friday, August 31st 1973 Dinner & Sunday, September 2nd 1973 Midnight shows. Between 2007 and 2016 Straight Arrow has released 20 of the so called sound booth recorded concerts. Starting with "Kicking and Rolling" in 2007, "Faded Love" and "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me" in 2010, we decided to create a miniseries called "From the booth tapes." From 2013 to 2016 we have released 9 volumes, and now the right time has arrived to introduce the volume 10. The August 20th 1973 Midnight show sound booth recording was first released by the legendary "Fort Baxter" label on "A Profile - The King On Stage Vol. 1" box set in 1995, since then it has been re-released several times but never from the original source and totally complete - until now! The pitch was incorrect on all previous individual releases of this show. 

The August 31st, Dinner and September 2nd 1973, Midnight shows were released (by our own sub-label called "Vegas Strip") in 2008 on "Getting Down The Business" & "High Spirit In Vegas" CDs. The sound of these CDs was speed-corrected by one of our colleagues back then, but unfortunately, the pitch was still not right. For our final release all 3 shows came directly from the RCA tape duplications chromdioxide compact cassettes. You can see the reproductions of individual cassettes on the CD artwork. Please note that the August 31st , Dinner show was mislabeled on the cassette as the August 30th Dinner show. All 3 shows were meticulously pitch-corrected by a professional musician. We were able to edit the missing parts of August 31st Dinner and September 2nd Midnight shows, using another source recorded by our dear friend from the UK.

These tapes were never in circulation and they are of an excellent quality. We have repaired the incomplete "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and "How Great Thou Art" from the August 31st, 1973 Dinner show to make it complete. As usual, this release is presented in a deluxe triple digipack with a collection of images taken on and off the stage during Elvis' 1973 Las Vegas Summer season. If you have enjoyed our previous "From the booth tapes" releases, we believe that you will love this one as well. Ask your local audio vendor for trials! The Straight Arrow team is always looking for new, unreleased audience-taped shows and for improved versions of already released recordings. If you have such tapes, even damaged or broken, do not hesitate to contact us through your local vendor. 

Tracklist: CD1 - Monday, August 20th 1973 Midnight Show 01. Orchestra Intro - 02. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 03. C. C. Rider - 04. I Got A Woman / Amen - 05. Love Me - 06. Steamroller Blues - 07. You Gave Me A Mountain - 08. Trouble - 09. Long Tall Sally / Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On / Your Mama Don't Dance / Flip Flop And Fly / Jailhouse Rock / Hound Dog - 10. Love Me Tender - 11. Fever - 12. What Now My Love - 13. Suspicious Minds - 14. Introductions of singers, musicians, orchestra - 15. Introduction of Bob Hope - 16. My Boy - 17. Release Me - 18. An American Trilogy - 19. Mystery Train /Tiger Man - 20. Help Me Make It Through The Night - 21. How Great Thou Art - 22. Can't Help Falling In Love - 23. Closing Vamp / Announcements. 

CD2 - Friday, August 31st 1973 Dinner Show 01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen - 04. Love Me - 05. Steamroller Blues - 06. You Gave Me A Mountain - 07. Trouble - 08. Long Tall Sally / Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On / Your Mama Don't Dance / Flip Flop And Fly /Hound Dog - 09. Love Me Tender - 10. Fever - 11. Bridge Over Troubled Water - 12. Suspicious Minds - 13. Introductions of singers, musicians, orchestra - 14. Introduction of Charlton Heston and Lisa Marie Presley - 15. My Boy - 16. I Can't Stop Loving You - 17. An American Trilogy - 18. A Big Hunk Of Love - 19. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face - 20. How Great Thou Art - 21. Can't Help Falling In Love - 22. Closing Vamp. 

CD3 - Sunday, September 2nd 1973 Midnight Show 01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen -04. Love Me - 05. Steamroller Blues - 06. You Gave Me A Mountain - 07. Trouble - 08. Long Tall Sally / Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On / Your Mama Don't Dance / Flip Flop And Fly / Hound Dog - 09. Love Me Tender - 10. Fever - 11. Bridge Over Troubled Water (with reprise) - 12. Suspicious Minds - 13. Introductions of singers, musicians, orchestra - 14. Introduction of Hugh O'Brian, Marty Allen & Vernon Presley - 15. My Boy - 16. I Can't Stop Loving You (with false start) - 17. An American Trilogy - 18. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face - 19. Mystery Train / Tiger Man - 20. How Great Thou Art (with reprise) - 21. Can't Help Falling In Love - 22. Closing Vamp.

Elvis In The Cinema

To celebrate 85 years of Elvis Presley and 50 years since the film’s original 1970 release, the King returns to cinemas – remastered - with 'Elvis: That’s The Way It Is', an unmissable event for fans around the world.  The event will mark the 50th anniv of the film’s original release by MGM. 

Tomorrow join Elvis Presley fans around the world to celebrate 85 years of The King, with the digitally remastered Elvis: That's The Way It Is returning to the big screen from August 13 with an electrifying performance by the man who brought us Rock and Roll! 

"Mixes fascinating rehearsal footage with electrifying performances" (BBC Film Review).

Go Here to the TTWII website to book local cinema tickets and for all the details.

(Source: FECC / Elvis Information Network)

August 12 - Elvis The King on Vinyl

The Wagram / Indigo label announced the release of the 5-LP box 'Elvis Presley - The King' with September 18th. as the release date. It comes with a poster as a bonus.

LP 1 - Side A:
I Want You, I Need You, I Love You - Anyway You Want Me - Fame And Fortune - Are You Lonesome Tonight? - Anything That’s Part Of You - Surrender - That’s When Your Heartaches Begin - I Was The One

Side B:
It’s Now Or Never - His Latest Flame - There’s Always Me - Kiss Me Quick - Something Blue - Blueberry Hill - One Night - Don’t

LP 2 - Side A:
I Believe In The Man In The Sky - Silent Night - I Believe - He Knows Just I Need - His Hand In Mine - Oh Little Town Of Bethlem - I’m Gonna Walk Down Golden Stairs - Milky White Way - Take My Hand Precious Lord

Side B:
There’ll Be Peace In The Valley - Joshua Fit The Battle - Known To Him - It’s No Secret - In My Father’s House - Mansion Over The Hilltop - Working On The Building - Swing Down, Sweet Chariot

LP 3 - Side A:
Jailhouse Rock - Pocketfull Of Rainbows - Blue Hawaii - Trouble - Flaming Star - Follow That Dream - King Of The Whole Wide World - Return To Sender - Shoppin’ Around

Side B:
King Creole - Love Me Tender - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Crawfish - (You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care - Mean Woman Blues - Wild In The Country

LP 4 - Side A:
Blue Moon Of Kentucky - Trying To Get To You - When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again - I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Cry - Poor Boy - I Forgot To Remember To Forget - When It Rains, It Really Pours - I Don’t Care If The Sun Don’t Shine - Baby Let’s Play House

Side B:
Little Sister - We’re Gonna Move - Blue Moon - Harbor Lights - Mystery Train - Just For Old Time Sake - Milkow Blues Boogie - Old Shep

LP 5 - Side A:
Long Tall Sally - Ready Teddy - Blue Suede Shoes - Such A Night - Hound Dog - That’s All Right - I Got Stung - A Big Hunk O’ Love - All Shook Up - I Need Your Love Tonight

Side B:
Don’t Be Cruel - My Baby Left Me - Good Rockin’ Tonight - Rip It Up - Tutti Frutti - Money Honey - Heartbreak Hotel - Lawdy Miss Clawdy - Shake Rattle And Roll

(Source : Elvis Club Berlin)

August 11 - (Virtual) Elvis Week Kicks-Off

The first Virtual Elvis Week Kicked Off. EPE posted: We were so excited to officially kick-off Virtual Elvis Week on our Facebook group. Fans have been sharing stories, watching our Best of the Ultimate ETA Contest video, enjoying photos from past Elvis Weeks, and more! Facebook group is the best place to see everything that has been officially posted by Elvis Presley's Graceland, including official videos, best of moments, photo galleries, and more!

The >>> Virtual Elvis Week schedule is here to show when the pre-recorded showcase videos will go live on the Virtual Elvis Week Facebook group.

In addition to these pre-recorded videos, fans will enjoy Best Of Elvis Week videos, special guest shoutouts, and more throughout each day.

Please remember that the times on the schedule page are when the videos will be posted to the Virtual Elvis Week group page -  but that also the videos will be available to be viewed all week long at your leisure.

All content is pre-recorded from past Elvis Weeks Except some newly recorded interviews with Elvis friends and co-stars, the Live with Angie Marchese at Graceland on August 13; and the Candlelight Vigil Livestream.

Note: The actual 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. Currently all tickets for the 2020 Candlelight Vigil have now been reserved - but see EPE in case of cancellations.

Go here to EPE for full schedule of events - Tickets for Virtual Elvis Week. 

August 10 - Primo Elvis

Elvis Presley is featured on the cover of the Belgian Primo Magazine and TV Guide. Inside a 4-page article on the men - Bob Neal, Sam Phillips and Colonel Parker - that helped Elvis Presley becoming the first mega-star in popular music. 

Vintage Rock magazine features the Million Dollar Quarted on the cover celebrating 'the world's most important record label' SUN. 


The UK Weekly News features a 'goodbye to the greatest stars' from the magazine's history. 

50 Years That's The Way It Is

The Follow That Dream label officially released 'Elvis: That's The Way It Is - 50th Anniversary Edition' a double book / 8 CD set compiled by David English and Pal Granlund. The set sold-out on pre-orders alone. A second, limited print, is due September 2020. The set will be shipped to dealers next week. 

Also released officially by Erik Lorentzen are volumes 4 and 5 in 'The Summer Festival'. These two new volunes will ship next week. 

Both releases celebrate the release of the 50th anniversary of the release of this  movie. 


(Source: Primo / Elvis Matters)