January 30 - Houston Astrodome Vinyl

The VV import label announced the release of ‘Houston Astrodome Sunday March 03, 1974’, a Special Deluxe LP / CD set as a follow-up to follow up to the ‘Houston, I’m Back Again’ set(s). The release is set for early February 2021.

From the press release: To be released soon by the from the VV-label is the vinyl debut of the Houston March 3rd 1974 concert performance (a soundboard-recording) with an unreleased ambiance recording of the March 2nd 1974 show as recorded  at the Oral Roberts University, Tulsa OK. as a bonus. 

The VV-label tries to present Elvis at his best, and without a doubt this double set does just that. After shedding some extra weight our man is ready to embark on his first tour of 1974. 

March 1974 started with two great shows in Tulsa before Elvis departed to Houston for two shows in the Astrodome where he beat his own audience record from 1970. The Houston show is usual as there is a large distance to cover by Elvis and his band towards his adoring crowd and there is no place for orchestra. On this set this show debuts, completely remastered, on vinyl. 

At the same time we are glad to include an unreleased ambiance recording of the previous day in Tulsa. The sound is decent, and if you want to experience the atmosphere of an Elvis concert in 2021, this is the right tape. We can guarantee that Elvis was greeted with incredible enthusiasm. 

Although Elvis is no longer the rocker he was in 1970, this tour presents Elvis still at the top of his abilities. He still looked great in his impressive jumpsuits and delivered good shows with great versions of his classic hits, new repertoire like ‘Help Me’ and the show-stoppers ‘American Trilogy’ and ‘How Great Thou Art’.

The set comes on 180 Gr. vinyl, housed in a gatefold sleeve holding the bonus CD and a 30 x 30 cm double sided art-card. The set is limited to 400 copies in 4 variations, all with exclusive bonus content: 130 copies on black vinyl, 100 copies on red vinyl, 100 copies on blue vinyl and a limited edition box set - 70 copies - with exclusive content. 

Tracks LP March 3rd, 1974 08.00 PM Show:

Side A:  See See Rider  / I Got  A Woman - Amen / Love Me / Trying To Get To You / All Shook Up / Love Me Tender / Johnny B. Goode / Hound Dog / Fever / Polk Salad Annie / Why Me Lord?

Side B:  Suspicious Minds / Band Introduction / I Can’t Stop Loving You / Help Me / How Great Thou Art (with reprise) / Let Me Be There (with reprise) / Funny How Time Slips Away / Dialogue / Can’t Help Falling In Love / Closing Vamp

Bonus CD - Complete Unreleased Ambience Recording March 2nd 1974 08.00 PM Show:

CC Rider / I Got A Woman - Amen / Love Me / Trying To Get To You / Sweet Caroline / Love Me Tender / You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling /  Johnny B Goode / Hound Dog / Fever / Polk Salad Annie / Why Me Lord ? / My Baby Left Me / Suspicious Minds / Band Introductions / I Can’t Stop Loving You / Help Me / An American Trilogy / Let Me Be There / Funny How Time Slips Away / Can’t Help Falling In Love (missing). 

(Source: FECC)

January 30 - Charts January 2021 - Week 4

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart update. This week, only the standard compilation we've seen on the chart for the past year(s).

A nice exception in the U.K. where the 'From Elvis In Nashville' album listed in the Top 3 of a niche U.K. country album chart. 

 

U.S. Billboard charts:

• Billboard Top 200 chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' reentry #154.
• Billboard Top Christian Album chart: 'Elvis: Ultimate Gospel' climbed from #41 to #38.
• Billboard Top Rock Album chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' re-entry #26.
• Billboard Top Country Album chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' re-entry #15.

Official U.K. chart:

• Official Album chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' climbed from #63 to #59.
• Official Album chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' climbed from #48 to #49. 
• Official Country Compilation Album chart: 'From Elvis In Nashville' remained steady #3.
• Official Music DVD chart: 'Elvis At The Movies' new entry #24.
• Official Music DVD chart: 'The Elvis Collection' climbed from #42 to #41.

(Source: Official Chart Company / UK Mix Forum)

January 29 - The His Hand In Mine Sessions (and More)

The Follow That Dream collector's label announced the release of 'The His Hand In Mine Sessions' 3-CD-set. With February / March 2021 as the release-date. 

After the release of the double "His Hand In Mine" in 2006 there is now a 3-CD with numerous unreleased takes. During this gospel session the song 'Surrender' was also canned. These takes are also included in the triple release. 65 master and takes in total! 

This 8 inch deluxe 3-CD package features a 28-page booklet with an insightful essay, recording data, memorabilia and rare photos.

CD 1 - The Original Album:

His Hand In Mine - I’m Gonna Walk Dem Golden Stairs - In My Father’s House (Are Many Mansions) - Milky White Way - Known Only To Him - I Believe In The Man In The Sky - Joshua Fit The Battle - He Knows Just What I Need - Swing Down Sweet Chariot - Mansion Over The Hilltop - If We Never Meet Again - Working On The Building

The Original Singles Sides: Crying In The Chapel - Surrender

CD 2 - The October 1960 Sessions:

Milky White Way (Take 1 - 3) - Milky White Way (Take 4 - 5) - Milky White Way (Take 6 - 7/M) - His Hand In Mine (Take 1) - His Hand In Mine (Take 2 - 4) - His Hand In Mine (Take 5) - His Hand In Mine (Splice Of Take 5 & 4/M) - I Believe In The Man In The Sky (Take 1) - I Believe In The Man In The Sky (Take 2 - 3) - I Believe In The Man In The Sky (Take 4/M) - He Knows Just What I Need (Take 1) - He Knows Just What I Need (Take 2 - 4) - He Knows Just What I Need (Take 5 - 7) - He Knows Just What I Need (Take 8) - He Knows Just What I Need (Take 9) - He Knows Just What I Need (Take 10/M) - Surrender (Take 1) - Surrender (Take 2) - Surrender (Take 3 - 4/M) - Surrender (Take 5 - 6) - Surrender (Take 7) - Surrender (Take 8 - 9) - Surrender (work part for Take 4, Take 1 - 7)

CD 3 - The October 1960 Sessions (Continued):

Mansion Over The Hilltop (Take 1) - Mansion Over The Hilltop (Take 2 - 3/M) - In My Father’s House (Are Many Mansions) (Take 1 - 6) - In My Father’s House (Are Many Mansions) ) (Take 7) - In My Father’s House (Are Many Mansions) (Take 8) - In My Father’s House (Are Many Mansions) (Work Part, Take 1) - In My Father’s House (Are Many Mansions) (Splice Of Take 8 & Work Part Take 1/M) - Joshua Fit The Battle (Take 1) - Joshua Fit The Battle (Take 2) - Joshua Fit The Battle (Take 3) - Joshua Fit The Battle (Take 4/M) - Swing Down Sweet Chariot (Take 1) - Swing Down Sweet Chariot (Take 2 - 3) - Swing Down Sweet Chariot (Take 4/M) - I’m Gonna Walk Dem Golden Stairs (Take 1/M) - I’m Gonna Walk Dem Golden Stairs (Take 2 - 3) - I’m Gonna Walk Dem Golden Stairs (Take 4) - I’m Gonna Walk Dem Golden Stairs (Take 5) - If We Never Meet Again (Take 1/M) - Known Only To Him (Take 1 - 2) - Known Only To Him (Take 3 - 4) - Known Only To Him (Take 5/M) - Crying In The Chapel (Take 1) - Crying In The Chapel (Take 2 - 3/M) - Working On The Building (Take 1) - Working On The Building (Take 2) - Working On The Building (Take 3 - 4) - Working On The Building (Take 5/M)

The label also announced that do a limited re-print of the 'American Sound 1969' 5-CD-set along with several other Classic Album titles. 

Elvis' pivotal Year of 1969 celebrated with Elvis: American Sound 1969 featuring over 90 tracks of rare and unreleased material from Elvis' 1969 legendary American Sound Studio sessions, including 'In The Ghetto' and 'Suspicious Minds'. FTD also advises that they will only be manufacturing to satisfy initial orders.

The label also announced that a number of other tittles that will be re-pressed, these albums will be available at the end of March 2021:

• FTD 65 Raised On Rock
• FTD 073 Love Letters From Elvis
• FTD 075 Elvis Country
• FTDD 77 Elvis In Person
• FTD 088 Elvis Now
• FTD 105 Promised Land
• FTD 106 The Wonderful World of Christmas
• FTD 141 Elvis (NBC -TV)
• FTD 152 The Last Movies

Postponed

Warner Bros.’ biographical drama about the life and times of Elvis Presley was  postponed from November 5th 2021 to June 3rd 2022.

The movie was pushed back because it’s still in production in Australia. Sources say the film has another five weeks of material to shoot so it wouldn’t have been completed in time for its original release date. It started to film last March, but had to shut down production because Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson tested positive for coronavirus. Hanks and Wilson were the first Hollywood celebrities to go public with their diagnosis and have since recovered.

Colored Vinyl

Sony Legacy re-issued Elvis Presley's 1956 debut album, 'Elvis Presley' on white colored vinyl. 

The DOL / Vinylogy label announced the re-release of Elvis Presley's second album, simply title 'Elvis', on 180 Gr. orange colored vinyl. The LP should be available February 2021.

Gold Record Award

The British Phonographic Industry (B.P.I.) awarded Elvis Presley a Gold Record Award for the 'That's The Way It Is' Album' - Legacy Edition, released August 4th 2014 - for selling over 100,000 copies (streams plus digital downloads plus physical sales).

Sold

Sun Records - the storied Memphis label that helped midwife the birth of rock 'n' roll - has been sold to New York-based music company, Primary Wave. The sale, first reported by The New York Times, includes the entire Sun Records catalog - everything but Elvis - as well as the Sun Records logo and branding, sells for US$30 Million. Then deal includes the works of legendary Rock and Roll stars Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins.

The Sun label, founded by visionary producer Sam Phillips in 1952, first sold in 1969 to Nashville music entrepreneur Shelby Singleton. After purchasing the company from Phillips, Singleton formed the Sun Entertainment Corporation, which controlled the Sun music and logo for the next 52 years (though the Phillips family would continue to maintain a small interest in the company).

Singleton died in 2009, but this week his brother, John A. Singleton, confirmed that the Sun holdings had sold — for an undisclosed price, though estimated to be around $30 million — to Primary Wave, continuing the recent trend of high-profile music asset sales.

(Source: UEPS / Deadline / Variety/ Amazon / Elvis Presley Gesellshaft / Phoenix Elvis Forum / Commercial Appeal)

January 27 - Elvis Day By Day 2020 Released!

The book 'Elvis Day By Day 2020 - The Year in Review' has been released! This is the second volume in the 'Day By Day' Elvis yearbook series. 

The book was compiled and written by Kees Mouwen with additional contributions by Nigel Patterson and Piers Beagley - from the Elvis Information Network - and other fans from around the world.

The foreword was written by renowned Elvis Presley author Alanna Nash.  

We compiled all the Elvis Presley news from all over the world (wide web) and added 50 in-depth reviews, articles and interviews, covering both the important as well as more odd-ball releases of the year, in one complete and fully illustrated reference-book. 

The 600 news-updates on everything that happened in the Elvis world this year clearly show that Elvis Presley still matters today! 

The full color book measures 20 x 25 cm / 8 x 10 inch and contains 312 pages with more than 550 illustrations.

Description 'A Yearbook About Him'

2020 is a year none of us will forget. The Covid-19 pandemic affected almost all aspects of our lives. At the same time, we tried to adapt to a new normal in which "social distancing can't be wrong", with Elvis Presley as a good distraction.   

2020 brought us several great Elvis releases on CD and vinyl (lots of it!), many new books, movie releases on DVD, Blu-ray and in cinemas around the world. We had to say good-bye to friends from the Elvis world and there was the Covid-19 pandemic, which had a huge impact on the Elvis world too.  

2020 also marked several anniversaries. We celebrated the 85th anniversary year with a virtual Elvis Week. Sixty years ago Elvis Presley appeared on Frank Sinatra’s 'Welcome Home Elvis’ TV-show, released the classic ‘Elvis Is Back’ album and his first gospel LP 'His Hand In Mine'. 

This year also marked the 50th anniversary of Elvis’ On Stage season and album, breaking his own attendance records, the sold out Houston Astrodome concerts and Elvis’ legendary visit to President Nixon at the White House. 

But above all, 2020 marked the 50th anniversary of the legendary Nashville Marathon recording sessions and the release of the movie 'Elvis: That's The Way It Is'. 

Everything Elvis Presley from 2020 is captured in this comprehensive, day-by-day yearbook. Fully illustrated, with new in-depth reviews, articles and interviews on the main - and odd-ball - releases of the year. The good, the bad, the funny and the sad, and even the news and reviews you may have missed. All packed in one comprehensive book to revisit 2020 as it happened.

For previews, visit the >>> 'Elvis Day By Day 2020' page. 

Available at:

The book is available for European fans at the >>> Memphis Mansion online shop.

If you want an autographed copy, contact Kees Mouwen at >>> by e-mail.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the Brexit shipping from Europe is expensive. So for a for Elvis fans outside Europe, the book is available through your local Amazon shop. 

Click here for >>> Amazon.com.

Click here for >>> Amazon.co.uk.

If you want to keep your series complete, the 'Elvis Day By Day 2019' book is available >>> here. 

The book comes in two editions, just like the 2019 edition, a paperback version and a hardback. The latter, a bit more expensive as it is made print-on-demand', comes with 24 bonus pages holding 8 additional reviews. 

Hardcover edition available >>> here.

The publishing platform currently has a 30% discount and free shipping. Use the code IHEART30.

https://www.blurb.com/b/10561490-elvis-day-by-day-2020

Praise for Elvis Day By Day 2019 - The Year In Review

In January 2020 I released the first volume of 'Elvis Day By Day - The Year in Review'. The reactions were positive and several readers described the book as a 2.0 version of the annual Elvis Specials that were published from 1963 to 1985. 

"This is an informative and easy to read book for fans and collectors, only when you read it you know what you missed. It should have been done years ago."  

"I definitely recommend this book. It offers an excellent overview of everything Elvis has done in 2019."

"It’s brilliant, nothing sure of absolutely brilliant … Get it if you can, you will not be disappointed."

 "It is extremely well laid out - in full colour, easily accessible and fully illustrated."

"There is nothing like this book, very original, and stands up to the best books out there of Elvis 10/10." 

"What an amazing book this is! … I do try to keep up with all things Elvis but was pleasantly surprised to read something new to me on nearly every page! … Of course almost all of this can be found if you want to search the internet, however the book puts it all together in a much more accessible way." 

January 26 - Elvis On Speedway

Released in the 'Warner Archives' series by Warner Bros. was the DVD 'Speedway' starring Elvis opposite Nancy Sinatra. 

Elvis On ... Red Vinyl

The Music On Vinyl label announced the release of the 1970 classic 'On Stage' album on 180 Gr. audiophile transparent red vinyl, housed in a printed sleeve and with an additional bonus poster. This release is limited to 2500 copies.

Description: 'On Stage' is a live album by legendary American singer Elvis Presley. Recorded in Las Vegas in 1969-1970, the album was a follow-up to From Memphis to Vegas/From Vegas to Memphis. The album features the worldwide number one single “The Wonder of You”, written by Baker Knight and originally recorded by Vince Edwards.

Letters of Colonel Tom Parker

Another confirmation that music writer and Elvis author Peter Guralnick is working on a new book around the “letters” of Colonel Tom Parker. In an interview with Jim Patterson (for chapter16.org) Peter Guralnick said: I’ve started now on a project that initially I wanted to start 20 years ago, which was a collection of Colonel Parker’s letters, which I would select and annotate and introduce. That’s actually becoming a reality.

This will give us a completely different picture of Colonel Parker than most people have, because the letters are so eloquent, so witty, also so smart and so to-the-point that they’re just fascinating.

I learnt when I told both Sam Phillips and Col Parker the title of the first volume of my biography of Elvis, “Last Train to Memphis,” Sam got hugely indignant. “So what are you talking about? The last train? There’s going to be lots

more trains. This isn’t the last train. You know, the future is looking bright ahead.”

At the time Col Parker said to me, “What are you talking about? We took trains and buses... You know, money doesn’t grow on trees.” So I thought, okay, that’s it. No more revelations along those lines.

The Best Things To Come Out Of America

In a U.K. poll among 2,000 Brits on the best things that came out of America Netflix scored the #1 spot in these Covid-19 times. Elvis Presley was listed at #9, beating NASA, Marten Luther King, Star Wars, Harley Davidson and many other big names and brands. 

The Top 3: 

1. Netflix

2. Disney

3. Coca Cola

4. McDonald’s

5. Apple

6. KFC

7. Barack Obama

8. Hollywood movies

9. Elvis Presley

10. NASA

(Source: Amazon / Music On Vinyl / Elvis Information Network / The Scottish Sun)

January 24 - Flexi Dragon King

The first issue of the forthcoming quarterly Elvis Unlimited magazine from the Memphis Mansion comes with a flexi-disc featuring the movie version of 'King Creole'. 

Night of the Dragon

The Straight Arrow import-label released the 'Night of the Dragon' double CD featuring the August 28th 1974 Dinner and Midnight Show performances as recorded from the audience at the Las Vegas Hilton. 

The audio used for this release comes from recently discovered new sources that have not been in circulation before, housed in a deluxe 4-panel double digi-pack featuring a collection of images taken on stage during Elvis' 1974 Las Vegas Summer season.

CD1 – Wednesday, August 28, 1974 Dinner Show:

01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen - 04. Love Me - 05. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - 06. It's Midnight - 07. Big Boss Man - 08. Fever - 09. Love Me Tender - 10. All Shook Up - 11. I'm Leavin' - 12. Softly As I Leave You (with Sherrill Nielsen) - 13. Hound Dog - 14. An American Trilogy - 15. Introductions of singers, musicians, orchestra - 16. If You Talk In Your Sleep - 17. Help Me - 18. My Boy - 19. How Great Thou Art  - 20. Let Me Be There (with reprise) - 21. Hawaiian Wedding Song - 22. Can't Help Falling In Love - 23. Closing Vamp.

Bonus tracks (recorded from soundboard, August 28th, 1974 D/S):

24. Help Me - 25. My Boy - 26. How Great Thou Art.

CD2 – Wednesday, August 28, 1974 Midnight Show:

01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. I Got A Woman / Amen - 04. Love Me - 05. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - 06. It's Midnight - 07. Big Boss Man - 08. Fever - 09. Love Me Tender - 10. All Shook Up - 11. I'm Leavin' - 12. Softly As I Leave You (with Sherrill Nielsen) - 13. Hound Dog - 14. An American Trilogy - 15. Introductions of singers, musicians, orchestra - 16. Introduction of Tom Jones - 17. If You Talk In Your Sleep - 18. Why Me, Lord? - 19. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - 20. How Great Thou Art - 21. Let Me Be There (with reprise) - 22. Hawaiian Wedding Song - 23. Monologue - 24. Can't Help Falling In Love - 25. Closing Vamp.

(Source: Anthony Stuchbury / FECC)

January 23 - Charts January 2021 - Week 3 (Update 26/01)

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart update. Christmas is definitive over, the usual albums retain their chart positions. 

In the U.S. the 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' compilation gets a 'Wandering Start' label - reserved for long-absent albums returning to the charts - for returning to the Billboard Top 200 chart for the first time since 2019.

In the U.K. the 'From Elvis In Nashville' release is still listed in the Top 3 of the Country Compilations chart.

Official U.S. Billboard charts:

• Billboard Top 200 Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' re-entry 190.
• Billboard Top Christian Album chart: 'Elvis: Ultimate Gospel' dropped from #36 to #41.
• Billboard Top Rock Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' re-entry 31.
• Billboard Top Country Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' re-entry 20.

Official U.K. charts:

• Official Album Top 100 chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' dropped from #55 to #63. 
• Official Album Top 100 chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' dropped from #47 to #49.
• Official Country Compilations chart: 'From Elvis In Nashville' remained steady #3.
• Official Music DVD chart: 'The Elvis Collection' climbed from 46 to #42.

(Source: Official Chart Company / UK Mix Forum)

January 22 - Don't Be Cruel

Henrik Knudsen is working on a new book about Elvis' former bass-player Bill Black. 

After leaving' Elvis' band he had a career of his own with the Bill Black Combo. The working title for this project is 'Don't Be Cruel - The Story of Bill Black'. Bill Black's brother, Johnny Black, contributes to the project, which will be released by the Memphis Mansion. Cover shown is a mock-up.

(Source: Henrik Knudsen)

January 21 - More Classic Albums

The Avid Rock 'n' Roll budget label released the third installment in their 'Elvis Presley - Four Classic Albums Plus' series. This volume contains tracks from the LPs and EPS 'Rock 'n' Roll', 'Elvis Presley', 'Good Rockin' Tonight', Loving You', 'Elvis' Golden Records' and 'Elvis' Golden Records - Volume 2'.  

Top 10 Best Elvis Albums

The German branch of Rolling Stone magazine listed their Top 10 Best Elvis albums

01. Elvis Presley (1956)

02. Elvis (1956)

03. Loving You (1957)

04. King Creole (1958)

05. Elvis Is Back! (1960)

06. Pot Luck (1962)

07. Comeback Special (1968)

08. From Elvis In Memphis (1969)

09. Back in Memphis (1970)

10. Elvis Country (1971)

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin \ Amazon / Rolling Stone)

January 19 - Girl Happy with Warner Archives

Released in the 'Warner Archives' series was the DVD 'Girl Happy' starring Elvis as club singer Rusty Wells opposite one of his favorite leading ladies, Shelley Fabares. 

(Amazon)

January 18 - Jimmie Rodgers Died

Early Rock 'n' Roll and Country Music star Jimmie Rodgers died. He was 87. 

Rodgers scored a #1 pop hit with 'Honeycomb'. He wrote the song 'It's Over' in 1966. Elvis Presley recorded a live version for his 'Aloha from Hawaii' concert.

(Source: Best Classic Bands)

January 17 - Elvis Graphic Biography

Graphic artist Jan Rodenrijs (a.k.a. Jarod Art) published the 64-page graphic biography 'The Story Of Elvis - Through The Eyes Of Jarod Art'. 

This book collects Elvis Presley artworks from Jarod Art. The book tells the story of Elvis's career from beginning to the end through a chronological presentation of the artworks with additional illustrated essays.

(Source: Elvis Telegraph / Jarod Art)

January 16 - Welcome Home Elvis Deluxe Box

The Danish Memphis Mansion announced the release of the Deluxe Box Set 'Welcome Home Elvis!' featuring the complete show as recorded on March 26th 1960 and aired on television on May 12th 1960.

The box contains two twelve inch LPs, one 10 inch LP, a booklet, poster and more. The release is planned for February 2021.

From the press release: For the first time ever, you will hear the show in a completely magical sound quality!  If you want to give yourself a blast of a new Elvis experience, you shouldn’t hesitate to buy this release!

Tracks: It’s Nice To Go Trav’ling (Opening ensemble) / Frank’s Time Machine (Frank Sinatra and Joey Bishop) / Witchcraft (performed by Frank Sinatra) / Come On Bess (performed by Sammy Davis Jr.) / Oriental Wedding Celebration (Leona Irwin and the Tommy Hansen Dancers) / Gone With Wind (performed by Frank Sinatra) / Uh Oh-The Nutty Squirrels (The Tommy Hansen Dancers) / Sammy Recalls the Oscars (Sammy Davis Jr.) / Shall We Dance (Sammy Davis Jr. and Peter Lawford) / Fame and Fortune (Elvis Presley) / Stuck on You (Elvis Presley) / Love Me Tender - Witchcraft Duet (performed by Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley) / Love Me Tender - Witchcraft reprise (performed by Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley) / Love Makes You Feel So Young (performed by Frank and Nancy Sinatra) / Let’s Dance (Nancy Sinatra) / Goodbye (Frank Sinatra).

You can pre-order the box at the  >>> Memphis Mansion webshop. 

The label announced the release of a new 60-page magazine 'Elvis Unlimited' which will be published four times per year, starting Spring 2021. The magazine is in English, written by authors from around the world. 

You can buy / subscribe to the magazine at the  >>> Memphis Mansion webshop. 

January 16 - Charts January 2021 - Week 3 (Updated 18/01)

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart update. With Christmas gone we're back to the regular three top selling Elvis Presley compilations with the 'From Elvis Nashville' compilation as a recent addition holding on the Country compilation chart in the U.K. 

U.S. Billboard charts:

• Billboard Top 200 Album chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' climbed from #179 to #156.
• Billboard Top Christian Album chart: 'Elvis: Ultimate Gospel' climbed from #38 to #36. 
• Billboard Top Rock Album chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' remained steady at #29.
• Billboard Top Country Album chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' climbed from #19 to #11.

Official U.K. charts:

• Official Album Top 100 chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' climbed from #60 to #55. 
• Official Streaming Album Top 100 chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' dropped from #45 to #47.
• Official Country Compilations Top 20 chart: 'From Elvis In Nashville' remained steady at #3. 
• Official Music DVD chart: 'The Elvis Collection' re-entry #46.

(Source: Official Chart Company / Billboard)

January 15 - King Stereo

The Good Music label released the CD 'Elvis King Creole and More', featuring newly created stereo versions of original mono releases, created using the Digitally Extracted Stereo (DES) technology. In addition to the 11 songs from 'King Creole', this CD contains 9 bonus tracks.

From the press release: Elvis always thought that the movie 'King Creole' was his best movie performance, and many critics agree! But in 1958, the songs for the film were recorded only in mono. With the release of the new CD 'Elvis King Creole and More', engineers have used new, state-of-the-art audio technology to transform these monaural recordings into lifelike stereo for the first time!

You can now hear more detail in the original performances - musical elements you never noticed before. Elvis sounds fantastic, his voice rich and clear... as if he just recorded these numbers today! 

(Source: Good Music / German Elvis Presley Gesellschaft)

January 14 – Elvis Rocks The Garden

The Straight Arrow import-label announced the release of the 3-CD set ‘Elvis Rocks The Garden’ featuring the June 9th and June 10th Evening Shows and the June 11th Afternoon Show. 

From the press release: 

In 2012 we have released the great June 9th Madison Square Garden NYC concert (CD ‘Left a Good Job in the City’). This CD has been hopelessly sold out for many years. For this release we have restored this recording again from scratch.

In 2020 we obtained two quality tapes, containing the June 10th Evening, and the June 11th Afternoon show. We decided to release all three shows in one deluxe package.

We are fully aware that the June 10th Evening Show was released officially by RCA, using professional multi-track tapes. We found an alternative an excellent sounding audience-recording, made using a reel-to-reel tape deck. These recordings have not been in circulation yet! The incredible audience reaction to every song will blow you away!

The June 11th Afternoon show was released in 2010 from an inferior source. For this show we found an excellent sounding audience-recording, recorded by the same person. This source only misses the three songs. To complete the show, we used a secondary source, which is off slightly less quality. 

If you enjoyed our ‘Left a Good Job in the City’, we believe that you will love this one as well. 

The CDs are housed in a digi-pack and including photos from the three NYC shows and the Daily News press review.

Tracks: CD 1 – Friday, June 9, 1972 Evening Show:

01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. That's All Right - 03. Proud Mary - 04. Never Been To Spain - 05. Until It's Time For You To Go - 06. You Don't Have To Say You Love Me - 07. You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' - 08. Polk Salad Annie - 09. Love Me - 10. All Shook Up - 11. Heartbreak Hotel - 12. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - 13. Love Me Tender - 14. Blue Suede Shoes - 15. Hound Dog - 16. Bridge Over Troubled Water - 17. Suspicious Minds - 18. Introductions of singers, musicians, orchestra - 19. For The Good Times - 20. An American Trilogy - 21. Funny How Time Slips Away - 22. Can't Help Falling In Love - 23. Closing Vamp / Announcements.

CD 2 – Saturday, June 10, 1972 Evening Show:

01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. That's All Right - 03. Proud Mary - 04. Never Been To Spain - 05. You Don't Have To Say You Love Me - 06. You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' - 07. Polk Salad Annie - 08. Love Me - 09. All Shook Up - 10. Heartbreak Hotel - 11. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - 12. Love Me Tender - 13. The Impossible Dream - 14. Introductions of singers, musicians, orchestra - 15. Hound Dog - 16. Suspicious Minds - 17. For The Good Times - 18. An American Trilogy - 19. Funny How Time Slips Away - 20. I Can't Stop Loving You - 22. Can't Help Falling In Love - 23. Closing Vamp.

CD 3 – Sunday, June 11, 1972 Afternoon Show:

01. Opening Vamp / That's All Right - 02. Proud Mary - 03. Never Been To Spain - 04. Until It's Time For You To Go - 05. You Don't Have To Say You Love Me (with false start) - 06. You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' - 07. Polk Salad Annie - 08. Love Me - 09. All Shook Up - 10. Heartbreak Hotel - 11. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - 12. Love Me Tender - 13. Blue Suede Shoes - 14. Hound Dog - 15. I'll Remember You - 16. Suspicious Minds - 17. Introductions of singers, musicians, orchestra - 18. For The Good Times - 19. An American Trilogy - 20. Funny How Time Slips Away - 21. Can't Help Falling In Love - 22. Closing Vamp.

Graceland Virtual Live Tours

EPE announced that, for the first time ever, they would offer a limited number of Graceland Virtual Live Tours providing guests a VIP experience with an in-depth look into Elvis’ life. 

The two-hour guided tour, hosted by EPE's archivist Angie Marchese, offers a behind the ropes look at the Mansion, a tour of the Lisa Marie jet and a walk through Elvis Presley’s Memphis exhibit and entertainment complex, where guests will see various artifacts, including Elvis’ cars, jumpsuits, gold records and movie memorabilia.

(Source: Various / Graceland)

January 13 - Elvis June 1956

Due for release from Linden Press later this month is the paper-back book 'Elvis 1956 - July 5 to July 31' by Paul Belard. The book covers Elvis in Memphis, Biloxi and New Orleans.

Synopsis:

Two years to the day after recording “That’s All Right”, Elvis took his first vacation. It was well deserved after months of incessant grueling tours, several appearances on television, and the memorable show he gave in Memphis on July 4. 

 

The first few days were spent in Memphis, although he went to Tupelo on July 7th.  

On the 9th, with Red West, Gene and Junior Smith and Arthur Hootton, Elvis left for Biloxi to visit June Juanico whom he had met in Memphis where her mother, May, worked for a while with Gladys. Elvis and June spent the days together. Soon, the rumor that they were engaged spread like wildfire, so much so that they had to go to New Orleans to quell it. 

 

Elvis invited his parents to visit. They arrived on the 13th. The next day, he took them deep sea fishing. The following Monday, Elvis, his parents and June spent the day in New Orleans. Soon after, Elvis’ parents returned to Memphis. On the 20th, Elvis headed for Memphis. The following day, he traded his yellow Cadillac for a Lavender Lincoln Premiere. 

 

During these days, the photographer Lloyd Shearer came to Memphis and took a slew of pictures of Elvis at his hairdresser, in the streets of Memphis, in his hotel room and at Audubon Drive. 

 

At the end of the month, Elvis returned to Biloxi for a few more days. 

You can pre-order the book from the author >>> here. 

(Source: Elvis Presley Gesellschaft / Paul Belard)

January 11 - Argentinian Elvis Quiz Book

Released in Mr Peggy Allport's 'Trivia Quiz Book' series is the 56-page quiz-book 'Life and Times of The King Cool Elvis Presley'. "Written to keep you entertained while challenging you to some tough trivia questions on Elvis Presley and fun to challenge friends and family to see who can get the higher score" according to the description.

Elvis @ Argentina 3

Carlos R. Ares mentioned the release of 'Elvis @ Argentina 1971/1977' in an interview with The Elvis Information Network. The book should be due no sooner than 2022.

>>> Read the interview on the Elvis Information Network website.

(Source: Amazon / Elvis Information Network)

January 10 - Return to Vendor

Lisa Marie Presley has sold her manor house in East Sussex for ca. US$4,500,000 (UK£3.35 million). 

She bought Coes Hall in Rotherfield in 2010. When she split from her husband in 2016, she put it up for sale but despite its indoor pool and 50 acres of land, a buyer proved hard to find. 

(Source: UK Daily Mail)

January 09 - Silver Screen Portraits

Erik Lorenzen's KJ Consulting announced the release of the book 'Elvis Portraits - 1935 A Life In Photos 1977' by Erik Lorenzen and Erik van Beek.

The Elvis Files website also mentions a summer 2021 release with a little teaser: "An absolute stunning 2-book project is on hand, 50's fans watch out! A long awaited sequel to ...". 

From the press release for 'Elvis Portraits': Erik squeezed every last drop out of his hard drive, consulted his online comrades and conjures up a beautiful book from his sky-high digital photo collection. 

Here you will see more than 500 beautiful publicity photos spread over approximately 400 pages, taken from 1953 to 1977. The best photo material from the greatest and most famous photographers such as: Alfred Wertheimer, William Speer, Sean Shaver, Virgil Apger aso. Elvis up-close and personal.

As usual with Erik, these photos come out best when printed on high-quality glossy paper. An average book by Lorentzen weighs about 4 kilos and measures 25x30 cm. The photos are almost all printed full page, resulting in a beautiful photo book.

From the flyer up top you can see that the photos are not commonplace and that makes this book a valuable copy that you must have in your collection. NOW is the time to create space on you bookshelf for this mammoth photo book. Only the best high-quality photos deserve a place in this book.

Fabulous Elvis Presley Quotes About Life

Published by Dr. Hulk is the 28-page book 'Fabulous Elvis Presley Quotes About Life'.

Synopsis: Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977), also known simply as Elvis, was an American singer, musician and actor. He is regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century and is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King". 

His energized interpretations of songs and sexually provocative performance style, combined with a singularly potent mix of influences across color lines during a transformative era in race relations, led him to great success—and initial controversy.

Silver Screen Vinyl

The 6 CD-set 'Silver Screen Treasures Volume 2' was re-issued as a 3-LP / 5-CD-set on virgin red and virgin blue colored vinyl. Housed in a LP-sized box the se contains 3 LPs and 5 CDs, housed in card-board sleeves. Musically the set features mostly alternate, undubbed and binaural takes - some from acetates - of songs from all of Elvis' movie sessions from 1965 to 1969. 

(Source: The Elvis Files)

January 09 - Charts January 2021 - Week 2

The global Elvis Presley chart updates. The Holidays are over, the charts show that their data is always a little behind with several Christmas releases still present, and in Finland even making a new entry on the album chart. Elvis dropped from #35 to #85 on Billboard's Artist chart, illustrating the contribution of his Christmas catalog in the current sales.

U.S. Billboard charts:

• Billboard Top 200 album chart: 'The Classic Christmas Album' dropped from #28 to #66.
• Billboard Top 200 Album chart: 'The Essential Elvis Presley' climbed #187 to #179.
• Billboard Global 200 Singles chart: 'Blue Christmas' dropped from #36 to #82. 
• Billboard Global 200 Singles chart (excl. U.S.): 'Blue Christmas' dropped from #154 to #193.
• Billboard Top Album Sales chart: 'The Classic Christmas Album' dropped from #82 to #94. 
• Billboard Catalog Album chart: 'The Classic Christmas Album' dropped from #12 to #16. 
• Billboard Top Christian Album chart: 'Elvis: Ultimate Gospel' dropped from #18 to #38.
• Billboard Top Rock Albums chart: 'The Classic Christmas Album' dropped from #2 to #7.
• Billboard Top Rock Albums chart: 'Thew Essential Elvis Presley' climbed from #38 to #29.
• Billboard Top Country Albums chart: 'The Classic Christmas Album' dropped from #6 to #10.
• Billboard Top Country Albums chart: 'Thew Essential Elvis Presley' climbed from #20 to #19.
• Billboard Country Streaming Songs: 'Blue Christmas' dropped from #6 to #10.
• Billboard Artist chart: 'Elvis Presley' dropped from #35 to #85.

Canadian charts:

• Billboard Canadian Album chart: 'The Classic Christmas Album' dropped from #31 to #35.

Official U.K. charts:

• Official Album chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' dropped from #55 to #60.
• Official Streaming Album chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' dropped from #34 to #45.
• Official Country Compilations chart: 'From Elvis In Nashville' climbed from #4 to #3.

Official Finnish charts:

• Album chart: 'Elvis' Christmas Album' new entry #47.

Austrian charts:

• Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' re-entry #70.

Croatian charts:

• Album Top 40: 'Elvis' Christmas Album' re-entry #25.

(Source: Official Chart Company / Billboard / UK Mix / Martin)

January 08 - It's Nice To Go Trav'ling To France

Today marks - what would / could / should have been Elvis Presley's 86th Anniversary. Happy Birthday!

It's Nice To Go Trav'ling

The Danish Memphis Mansion label announced the release of the single 'It's Nice To Go Trav'ling' containing the opening theme and 'Fame and Fortune'. A follow-up to last year's 'From Memphis To Miami' EP.

Both tracks originate from Frank Sinatra's Timex Show which originally had the same title as the single. The audio has been remastered by Anthony Stuchbury from a newly found audio source, the cover-art was designed by Søren Karstensen.  

Available >>> at Memphis Mansion.

The label announced the release of 'The Danish Singles Collection Volume 3' on blue-colored vinyl. It contains remastered versions of the Danish single mixes. 

Tracks: A Mess of Blues / Girl of My Best Friend / It's Now Or Never / Make me Know It / Are You Lonesome Tonight / I Gotta Know / Wooden Heart / Tonight All Right For Love / I Feel So Bad / Wild In The Country / Little Sister / His Latest Flame / Rock-A-Hula Baby / Can't Help Falling In Love.

The label also released their 'Elvis at the Hayride' LP on cassette-tape.

Japanese Re-issues

The French VPI record label announced the release of the reproductions of the Japanese singles 'Don't Be Cruel' and 'Kiss Me Quick' on blood red, electric blue, glow in the dark, dark yellow and silver colored vinyl. The release-date is February 26.

Elvis On Tour – The Singles Collection

The ‘Elvis On Tour – The Singles Collection’ was released in a red and a blue vinyl edition, both with a bonus CD.

From the press release: When MGM’s Golden Globe winning movie ‘Elvis On Tour’ was released in 1972 the movie poster was stated “MGM presents a very different motion picture that captures all the excitement of Elvis Live!”. That catchphrase said it all.

Unfortunately, there never was a soundtrack album release for this movie, until now. This deluxe 45RPM box-set contains six beautiful 45’s, and a bonus CD containing some of the musical highlights from this movie. 

Tracks singles:

• Single 1: Johnny B. Goode – March 30, 1972 / Polk Salad Annie – April 9, 1972
• Single 2: Separate Ways  – March 30, 1972 / Proud Mary – April 18, 1972
• Single 3: Burning Love – April 18, 1972 / Never Been To Spain – April 18, 1972
• Single 4: Bridge Over Troubled Water – April 14, 1972 / Funny How Time Slips Away – April 14, 1972
• Single 5: An American Trilogy – April 14, 1972 / You Gave Me A Mountain – April 9, 1972
• Single 6: Suspicious Minds – April 18, 1972 / Lead Me, Guide Me – Bosom Of Abraham – March 31, 1972

Bonus CD: Johnny B. Goode – March 30, 1972 / Polk Salad Annie – April 9, 1972 / Separate Ways  – March 30, 1972 / Proud Mary – April 18, 1972 / Burning Love – April 18, 1972 / Never Been To Spain – April 18, 1972 / Bridge Over Troubled Water – April 14, 1972 / Funny How Time Slips Away – April 14, 1972 / An American Trilogy – April 14, 1972 / You Gave Me A Mountain – April 9, 1972 / Suspicious Minds – April 18, 1972 / Lead Me, Guide Me – Bosom Of Abraham – March 31, 1972. 

The Soundboard Series Volume Two

The Petticoat import-label released the LP / CD set ‘The Soundboard Series Volume Two' on gold and on clear vinyl. 

Petticoat Records mainly released studio highlights on high-quality vinyl. With this release the label presented a collection of live performances.  

From the press release: This second 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 on this disc.

Side A:  Johnny B. Goode (Sept. 4 1972DS)  / A Big Hunk O’Love (April 9, 1972ES) / Polk Salad Annie (April 9, 1972ES) / Something (Febr. 23, 1971CS)  / Blueberry Hill (Febr. 13, 1977) / Kentucky Rain (Febr. 16, 1970MS) / My Baby Left Me (Jan. 28, 1974) / If You Love Me (Let Me Know) (April 26, 1977 undubbed) / Promised Land (March 28, 1975MS)

Side B: Memories (Aug. 23, 1969MS) / This Is The Story (Aug. 26, 1969MS) / U.S. Male - I Was The One (Aug. 11, 1970MS/Aug. 12, 1970MS) / True Love Travels On A Gravel Road (Jan. 26, 1970) / Proud Mary (April 10, 1972) / Suspicious Minds (April 14, 1972) / Burning Love (June 6, 1975) / Unchained Melody (Febr. 16, 1977)

Romantic Rocker

The two 1982 compilations, ‘Romantic Elvis’ and ‘Rockin’ Elvis – The Sixties’ have been re-issued on CD. These titles, “hailed as being some of the best compiled Elvis albums of the 80’s” according to the press release, come as two digi-packs housed in one slipcase. 

Tracks ‘Romantic Elvis’: Doin’ The Best I Can / You Don’t Know Me / Anything That’s Part Of You / It Hurts Me / For The Millionth And The Last Time / Love Me Tonight / Ask Me / I Don’t Want To / A World Of Our Own / There’s Always Me / I Met Her Today / Indescribably Blue / All That I Am / A Boy Like Me, A Girl Like You / Starting Today / I’m Yours / Echoes Of Love / I Feel That I’ve Known You Forever / Something Blue / Mine.

Tracks Rockin’ Elvis: Make Me Know It / Devil In Disguise / Finders Keepers, Losers Weepers / One Broken Heart For Sale / I Want You With Me / Please Don’t Drag That String Around / Memphis Tennessee / Western Union / Witchcraft / Return To Sender / Long Lonely Highway / His Latest Flame / Such A Night / I Gotta Know / Little Sister / Shoppin’ Around / Judy / I’ll Be Back / U.S. Male / I’m Comin’ Home.

Posts from Elvis friends

Priscilla Presley posted:

It’s difficult to believe Elvis would be 86 today, January 8th. I think back and wonder...if he were here today, how would he celebrate in the year 2021. It’s not really hard as Elvis was somewhat...a creature of habit. I believe he would be celebrating exactly the same way. Having a small amount of his friends, family and his Memphis Mafia all gathered at Graceland. I can almost hear his laugh, see him joking around, and know he would be staying up into the early morning hours... ending at the piano singing gospel songs. Elvis, lost in the lyrics, as if no one was around. Then as the song comes to an end and with a slight smile, turns to his guest and nods with satisfaction as everyone applauds for more. Those are cherished moments embedded in my mind. 

Elvis was uncomfortable and a bit shy in receiving presents. Your presence was enough. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Elvis.

Linda Thompson posted:

There will forever be only one Elvis Presley… A true original. It’s difficult to imagine that he would have been 86 years old January 8! And though he has been gone from this world for many, many years, he still reigns as the king...the greatest entertainer ever to have lived. He still has millions of the most dedicated and loyal fans celebrating his memory around the world! It does not escape me that I am so very fortunate to have seen hundreds of his shows, and to have loved and been loved by the man. This clip of his performance is from the groundbreaking TV special, Aloha from Hawaii, and we had just started living together a few months before. Elvis was and will always be a profound influence on my life… Happy birthday, “Buntyn”wherever you are...💜🙏🏻🎵🕺⚡️

James Burton posted:

 Happy Birthday to the King of Rock-N-Roll and thank ya, thank ya very much to all the fans who still love him as much as I do.  TCB, Stay Safe and God Bless - JB.

Jerry Scheff:

Happy Birth Day E.P. (That's what I called him)  I played in your slipstream E.P. I would never have played like I played with anyone else. 

Heart to Heart.

(Source: Memphis Mansion / Anthony Stuchbury / FECC)