May 29 - B.J. Thomas Died

B.J. Thomas, the Grammy Hall of Fame inductee and award-winning country singer died. He was 78.

His biggest hits were 'Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on my Head', 'Hooked on a Feeling' and 'I Just Can't Help Believin''. 

Elvis Presley covered the latter, recording a live version for his 'Elvis: That's The Way It Is' movie and album on August 11th 1970. It was released as a single in the U.K. in November 1971, peaking at No. 6. on the single chart. It reached No. 13 in Canada, No. 6 in South Africa, and No. 12 in Ireland.

Elvis Presley also covered B.J. Thomas' hit 'It's Only Love' in 1971 where it reached No. 51 on the Billboard Top 100. Rereleased in 1980 the song reached No. 3 on the U.K. Singles chart. 

(Source: Variety / Country Hang Daily)

May 29 - Charts May 2021 - Week 4

The global weekly Elvis Presley chart updates. Elvis dropped in the U.S. charts, climbed on the U.K. charts and hung on to the Greek charts. 

U.S. Billboard charts:

• Billboard Top Christian Album chart: 'Elvis: Ultimate Gospel' dropped from #43 to #48.
• Billboard Top Rock Albums chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #37 to #49.
• Billboard Top Country Albums chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #33 to #35. 

Official U.K. charts: 

• Official Album Top 100 chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' climbed from #72 to #62.
• Official Streaming Album Top 100 chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' climbed from #53 to #45.
• Official Country Compilations chart: 'From Elvis In Nashville' dropped from #7 to #8. 

Greek IFPI charts:

• Greek Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #35 to #32.
• Greek Album chart: 'Aloha From Hawaii' dropped from #71 to #74. 

(Source: UK Mix Forum / Official Chart Company)

May 28 - Elvis 1956, 1961, 1969, 1970 and 1972

Hot on the heels of the 'Portraits' book Erik Lorenzen announced the release of the book trilogy 'Elvis On Tour 1972 - 2022' celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 1972 concert movie. 

Erik Lorentzen - in collaboration with Jerry Luckenbach ('Elvis Summer Festival That's The Way It Is' Volumes 1 - 5) has been able to get his bands on hundreds of unseen and unpublished photos from the 1972 April, June and November tours. And according to the press release, 1,000 photographs are previously unreleased. 

The books, due summer 2021, come housed in a slipcase and should contain 1,200 pages with photos, paperwork, recording information (live / studio / masters / dubs and  overdubs) and memorabilia covering the concert-tours from April, June and November 1972.

 

- 3 Large 3kg (6.61 lbs) Hardcover Books

- In spilcase, 31cm x 26cm x 14cm (12.2" x 12.2" x 5.5")

- 1000 Copies only Limited Edition

- 1200 Pages (3 x 400)

- Bonus | a bag with 9 pristine quality photos for framing

- Release Expected July 2021

New (bootleg) CDs

Five new CDs were announced by the Paradise Road and Elvis One Record labels. On the first label ‘Elvis In Person September 1970’, Elvis In Person November 1970’ and ‘'Elvis sings Suspicious Minds' and on the latter label ‘'The Complete '56 Radio Recorders Sessions' and 'Summer '61'. 

All titles are limited to 500 copies each. From the press release:

Elvis In Person - Sept. 1970

This new CD from Paradise Road Records presents 'Elvis In Person - Sept. 1970'. Elvis live on tour in September 1970. This was Elvis’ first real tour in the seventies. After a day off from his third engagement in Las Vegas, Elvis began a series of eight concerts in five days. On this album you'll hear recordings from the shows in Phoenix (AZ), Miami (FL), Tampa (FL) and Mobile (AL). 

No professional recordings are known so we've used the best audience recordings. Elvis is at his best! Explosive! Pure stage power! Including songs like 'Heartbreak Hotel', 'In The Ghetto', 'Johnny B. Goode' and one-liners 'I Walk The Line' and 'By The Time I Get To Phoenix'. Contains the complete Miami, FL show from September 12, 1970 (8.30 PM). 

On this album you'll hear all the highlights from these great September tour shows! Comes with a nice booklet with photos and info.

12.09.1970 8:30pm Miami FL:

Opening Vamp - That’s All Right -  I Got A Woman / Amen - I Walk The Line (Excerpt) - Love Me Tender - I’ve Lost You - You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ - Polk Salad Annie - Band Introductions - Johnny B. Goode - Band Introductions - The Wonder Of You - Heartbreak Hotel - Blue Suede Shoes / Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On / All Shook Up / Blue Suede Shoes / Don’t Be Cruel / Blue Suede Shoes - Elvis Talks - Hound Dog - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Suspicious Minds - Funny How Time Slips Away - Elvis Talks - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

13.09.1970 8:30pm Tampa FL: Heartbreak Hotel

09.09.1970 8:30pm Phoenix AZ: By The Time I Get To Phoenix (Excerpt) - Sweet Caroline (Intro Only) - You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’

13.09.1970 8:30pm Tampa FL: In The Ghetto 2:55

14.09.1970 8:30pm Mobiel AL: I Walk The Line (Excerpt) - Johnny B. Goode 

 

Elvis In Person - Nov. 1970

Paradise Road Records presents 'Elvis In Person - Sept. 1970', a follow up to the September 1970 album.

Elvis live on tour in November 1970. After great reviews of the shows from the previous tour, Elvis and the Colonel set up another 8-show tour in 8 locations that weren’t part of the last tour. 

On this album you'll hear recordings from the shows in Portland (OR), Seattle (WA), Los Angeles (CA) and Oklahoma City (OK). No professional recordings are known so we've used the best audience recordings. Including songs like 'How Great Thou Art', 'Trying To Get To You', 'Blue Christmas' and one-liners 'I Walk The Line' and 'Blueberry Hill'. Also the super rare closing from the Los Angeles show with 'Can't Help Falling In Love / Closing Vamp / Polk Salad Annie / Can't Help Falling In Love / Closing Vamp'.

This CD contains the complete Portland, OR. show from November 11th 1970 (8.30 PM) in superb quality! On this album you'll hear all the highlights from these great November tour shows! Comes with a nice booklet with photos and info.

Opening Vamp - That’s All Right - I Got A Woman / Amen - Monologue / I Walk The Line (Excerpt) / Tiger Man (Excerpt) - Love Me Tender - You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me - Sweet Caroline - You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ - Polk Salad Annie - Instrumental Intermezzo - Band Introductions - Johnny B. Goode - Band Introductions - How Great Thou Art - The Wonder Of You - Heartbreak Hotel (With 2 False Starts And ‘How Great Thou Art’ Excerpt) - Blue Suede Shoes - Hound Dog - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Suspicious Minds - Funny How Time Slips Away - Can’t Help Falling In Love

14.11.1970 8:30pm Los Angeles CA: Closing Vamp - One Night - Love Me - Trying To Get To You - I Was The One (Excerpt)

12.11.1970 8:30pm Seattle WA: How Great Thou Art (With Reprise) 3:04

16.11.1970 8:30pm Oklahoma City OK: I Walk The Line (Excerpt) - Monologue /  Blueberry Hill (Excerpt) / Bridge Over Troubled Water (Intro) - Blue Christmas - Bridge Over Troubled Water 

14.11.1970 8:30pm Los Angeles CA: Can’t Help Falling In Love / Closing  Vamp / Polk Salad Annie / Can’t Help Falling In Love / Closing Vamp

Elvis sings Suspicious Minds

Paradise Road Records presents Elvis live in 1969. 'Elvis sings Suspicious Minds' brings you back to the International Hotel in August 1969. Many shows were officially released (August 3, August 21 to August 26). Recordings from all other shows are officially unreleased. Thanks to some fan recordings we can hear more from this Vegas season. 

You can hear Elvis sing rarities (for this season) like ‘Loving You’, ‘Love Me’, song excerpts of ‘Blue Hawaii’ and ‘Such A Night’, and highlights like great versions from ‘In The Ghetto’, ‘Suspicious Minds’ and ‘What’d I Say’. Elvis even splits his pants during the August 12, midnight show. 

All Shook Up (12.08.1969 DS) - I Got A Woman (08.08.1969 MS) - Runaway (06.08.1969 DS) - Hound Dog (12.08.1969 DS) - Elvis Splits His Pants (12.08.1969 DS) - Memories (12.08.1969 DS) - Blue Hawaii (Excerpt) / Baby What You Want Me To Do (06.08.1969 DS) - Are You Lonesome Tonight? (12.08.1969 DS) - Heartbreak Hotel (16.08.1969 MS) - It’s Now Or Never (28.08.1969 DS) - Loving You (28.08.1969 DS) - One Night (28.08.1969 DS) - Love Me (28.08.1969 DS) - Such A Night (Excerpt) / Jailhouse Rock / Don’t Be Cruel (16.08.1969 MS) - Love Me Tender (12.08.1969 DS) - Suspicious Minds (08.08.1969 MS) - Mystery Train / Tiger Man (12.08.1969 DS) - In The Ghetto (12.08.1969 DS) - My Babe (16.08.1969 MS) - Yesterday / Hey Jude (08.08.1969 MS) - What´d I Say (12.08.1969 DS)

The Complete '56 Radio Recorders Sessions

Elvis One presents 'The Complete '56 Radio Recorders Sessions' on CD. A lot of these sessions are lost. For this release we wanted a different approach. The first 13 tracks are the original single and album masters with the original fade-outs. 

The same masters can be heard in the masters and outtakes section but now slightly longer taken from the master tape. When you compare the ending of the original album master of ‘Long Tall Sally’ with the ‘rough ending’ master you will notice the difference. The ending of take 18 of ‘Playing For Keeps’ and insert take 2 of ‘Too Much’ were used for the spliced masters of these songs. We have chosen to release these recordings separately. You can hear all known masters and outtakes from Elvis at Radio Recorders in 1956 on this album.

Original Single & Album Masters:

Playing For Keeps - Love Me - How Do You Think I Feel - How’s The World Treating You - When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again - Long Tall Sally - Old Shep - Paralyzed - Too Much - Anyplace Is Paradise - Ready Teddy - First In Line - Rip It Up

Masters & Outtakes:

Old Shep (Take 5) - Playing For Keeps (Ending Take 18) - Too Much (Insert Take 2) - Too Much (Take 12) - Long Tall Sally (Master Take 4) - How Do You Think I Feel (Master Take 7) - Love Me (Master Take 9) - How’s The World Treating You (Master Take 7) - When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again (Master Take 10) - Paralyzed (Master / Composite Of Take 12 & Insert Take 5) - Anyplace Is Paradise (Master Take 12) - First In Line (Master Take 27) - Ready Teddy (Master Take 12) - Old Shep (Master Take 1) - Rip It Up (Take 10) - Rip It Up (Take 11 - 13) - Rip It Up (Take 14) - Rip It Up (Take 15) - Rip It Up (Take 16) - Rip It Up (Take 17) - Rip It Up (Take 18) - Rip It Up (Master Take 19).

Summer '61

Elvis One presents 'Summer '61'. This album is a celebration of the 60th anniversary of the June and July 1961 sessions at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee. Including masters and outtakes from the ‘Follow That Dream’ soundtrack, the ‘Pot Luck with Elvis’ album and the double-sided hit single ‘(Marie’s The Name) His Latest Flame’ backed with ‘Little Sister’. 

In only 3 days (June 25th - 26th and July 2nd) Elvis recorded 11 songs with great success in the charts. Besides ‘His Latest Flame’ three more songs were released on single. Including many alternate takes in great sound that are still unreleased by Elvis' record company and 5 Mono single masters!

This is a limited special edition with artwork from the Japanese 'Follow That Dream' movie poster. Enjoy this celebration, enjoy the Summer of '61.

Little Sister - Kiss Me Quick (Take 2) - (Marie’s The Name) His Latest Flame (Take 3) - I’m Yours (Stereo Single Master) - I’m Yours (Take 3 + Work Part 1 - Ending, Take 1 & 2) - Kiss Me Quick (Take 3) - That’s Someone You Never Forget - Little Sister (Take 6) - (Marie’s The Name) His Latest Flame (Take 7 & 9) - (Marie’s The Name) His Latest Flame (Take 6) - A Whistling Tune (Take 1) - Angel (EP Mono Master) - Sound Advice (Take 2 - 5) - I’m Not The Marrying Kind (Take 1 & 5) - Follow That Dream (Take 5) - Follow That Dream (EP Mono Master) - What A Wonderful Life (EP Mono Master) - I’m Not The Marrying Kind (Take 7) - I’m Not The Marrying Kind (EP Mono Master) - Little Sister (Take 10 & 11) - Kiss Me Quick (Take 5 & 6) - Kiss Me Quick (Take 7) - Kiss Me Quick (Take 8 & 9) - Kiss Me Quick (Take 10) - Kiss Me Quick (Take 11) - That’s Someone You Never Forget (Take 2, 3, 4 & 6) - (Marie’s The Name) His Latest Flame (Mono Single Masters) - Little Sister (Mono Single Masters) - Kiss Me Quick (Mono Single Masters) - I’m Yours (Mono Single Masters) - That’s Someone You Never Forget (Mono Single Masters).

Silver Award

Elvis Presley was awarded his 6th U.K. B.P.I. Award this year. The British Phonographic Industry certified the single 'An American Trilogy' 'Silver' for selling over 60,000 copies (streams plus digital downloads plus physical sales) since its (re)release on November 11, 2004. 

(Source: FECC / ElvisMatters)

May 27 - Vinyl and Treasures From The King and Queen

Memphis Recording Service delivered the LP 'Las Vegas International Presents Elvis - The First Engagements 1969 - 1970' to the first dealers. 

This limited edition album comes on clear and on black vinyl and focuses on Elvis' first two engagements at the Las Vegas Hilton in August 1969 and January to February 1970.

Return To The Queen City of The South

The Audionics import-release 'Return To The Queen City of The South' was released. 

This 3-CD digi-pack contains audience recordings of the March 20th 1976 Evening Show performance and the February 20th 1977 Evening Show performance and various bonus tracks taped in February - June 1977, all recorded in Charlotte. 

Magazines

Elvis Presley is featured on the cover of the Dutch Troskompas TV Guide with inside an article on his films entitled '31 Film in 14 Jaar: Elvis Presley - Op Het Witte Doek' ('31 Films in 14 Year: Elvis Presley - On The White Screen').

Volume 51 of the Vintage Rock Magazine features the 4-page article 'A Star Was Born' on the 50th anniversary of the opening the Elvis' Birth-house inTupelo. 

On Stage

Music On Vinyl released 'Elvis On Stage' as a limited edition of 2,500 copies on red vinyl earlier this year. On July 9th 2021 the label will re-issue that set on 180 Gr. black vinyl.

In Person 

The Follow That Dream collectors label released a second print of the Classic Album editions of 'In Person At The International Hotel, Las Vegas'  (2008), a third pressing of 'Elvis Country' (2008) and a second pressing of 'Promised Land' (2011). Design and content is the same as the first print. 

Auction Results

The Rockhurst 'Rock & Roll, Entertainment, Sports and Americana' auction from May 27th 2021 featured around 100 Elvis Presley items. 

The highest selling item was  one of the earliest made "TCB" Grand Prix Sunglasses" that once belonged to Elvis. with an estimate between US$15,000 - US$20,000 the glasses sold for US$$126,500. 

"Elvis wanted a personalized version of the aviator sunglasses and asked Dennis Roberts. Dennis Roberts made various prototypes and a few TCB lgoo designs . This pair was one of the first made for Elvis. The glasses were still too heavy when wearing it for a longer period, and it left red spots on the nose. This pair was given to me." - Lamar Fike.

The runner-up was an Elvis owned and worn “TCB” gold and diamond ring with an open design that was never seen before.  It sold for US$43,125, just below the max of the estimate of US$45,000. 

A lot of jewelry and gold record awards (for 'Suspicious Minds', 'Aloha From Hawaii' and 'I Can't Help Falling In Love' ) sold, but concert recordings, clothes, a 1970 Martin D-18 Guitar given by Elvis to Charlie Hodge and also his childhood home from 1241 Kelly St. in East Tupleo, Mississippi (completely taken down) did not sell. 

(Source: ElvisMatters / Memphis Mansion / Facebook / Elvis Club Berlin / Elvis On CD / Rockhurst)

May 26 - Lisa Marie Presley Officially Divorced From Michael Lockwood

Lisa Marie Presley is a single woman once again. After five long years and a brutal divorce court battle, Lisa Marie Presley and Michael Lockwood’s divorce is now official.

Page Six confirms that Presley and Lockwood were granted a dissolution of marriage on Wednesday, May 26, 2021. Even though Lisa and Michael’s marriage is finally over, Lisa is not quite finished with her battle with Lockwood. The biggest fight is yet to come for Presley. She and Lockwood continue their nasty custody battle over the former couple’s twin daughters Harper and Finley.

The Elvis Thread Shop

The Thread Shop, Sony Music Entertainment's merchandising division, and Authentic Brands Group (ABG), a brand development, marketing and entertainment company, have partnered to offer a variety of Elvis Presley products and merchandise, including newly-designed apparel, on the Amazon Elvis Presley store.

In 2013, ABG purchased the majority stake in Elvis Presley Enterprises, which includes the artist's estate, image/name/likeness rights, and music publishing assets in addition to the world's foremost collection of Elvis' music, photos, movies, television appearances and performance specials.

The Amazon Elvis store offers fans a wide variety of merchandise including apparel, accessories, toys, books, movies, music (streaming and physical product) and more. The Thread Shop has created an exclusive line of Elvis apparel for the store with newly-designed pieces including t-shirts, tank tops, V-necks, raglan sleeves, crew sweats, hoodies and more.

>>> Visit the Thread Shop on Amazon.

(Source: Hollywood News Daily)

May 24 - Elvis Encore Performance VII

Joseph Tunzi announced the release of the book 'Elvis Encore Performance VII: An Evening In Blue (June 17, 1972)'. More information when available. 

Elvis Is Back

The Glamourama Record label announced the release of 'Elvis Is Back' on LP with the 2 bonus tracks 'Stuck On You' and 'I Gotta Know' on a orange colored 7-inch single. The release-date is set for June 25th 2021. 

Unlocked: Memoirs of Elvis's First Girlfriend

New in the Graceland Store is the 171-page hardback book 'Unlocked: Memoirs of Elvis's First Girlfriend' by Dixie Locke Emmons and Kirsti Emmons Jones. Dixie Locke is regarded as Elvis's first girlfriend, in this memoir she recollects her experiences with Elvis over time.  

Dixie Locke Emmons was 15 years old when she spotted Elvis Presley at the First Assembly of God in Memphis. At 19, the future King of Rock had a start in his career thanks to a recent recording with Sun Records, but that didn't stop him from pursuing love.

"Dixie's heartwarming book is a must read for not only Elvis fans but for those who are curious about his early life before fame.  Her story is captivating in that you feel like you are living it with her." (Priscilla Presley).

(Source: JAT Publishing / Phoenix Elvis Forum / In-Akustik / Amazon / Graceland)

May 23 - Review King of the Rings - Opening The King's Treasury

Paul Belard has released the latest instalment in his ongoing Elvis day-by-day biography series, visually (and narratively) documenting Elvis Presley's life and times. Unlike previous volumes, this book doesn’t cover a specific period of time, it covers a “shiny” part of our man's life, his love for big and glittery jewelry, specifically rings.

Reviewed by Kees Mouwen and Nigel Patterson from the >>> Elvis Information Network.

  

This book only shows a fraction of the rings Elvis possessed throughout his life, and as the author correctly states: “Only God knows how many passed through his fingers”. And he knew what he liked, made sketches and designs, with the iconic ‘TCB’ and TLC’ chains as well-known examples. 

Elvis was the first to start many aspects of being a "pop-star" and he certainly set the standard for big flashy jewelry. In the seventies jeweler Lowell Hays sometimes joined Elvis on tour.   

Design

Belard found his format and stuck to it, so we get an almost A4-sized 250-page paperback that fits in nicely with the other volumes in this series.  

  

The design for the cover is simple but effective and it nicely fits the theme, showing “a bit of bling”. The base-color for the book pages is black and this helps to show the radiance of the jewelry which is presented in many full-page pictures with additional background information. The quality is very good, as crisp as can be without using expensive gloss paper.

Content

This book is the first of a two-volume set covering Elvis' love for rings and what happened to them. In the detailed introduction (Preface), Belard discusses the possible reasons why Elvis gave away so much - be it cars, houses, guitars, jewelry - to family, friends, colleagues, and total strangers. 

One of the options Belard suggests comes from David Brooks, a journalist and columnist for the New York Times who wrote about the difference between "happiness" and "joy". He wrote: “Happiness comes from accomplishments, joy comes from offering gifts. Happiness fades, we get used to the things that used to make us happy. Joy doesn’t fade. To live with joy is to live with wonder, gratitude and hope.”

Looking at Elvis’ life and his interest in spirituality, this line of thinking makes sense.

The book opens with Elvis’ High School Ring and this first item illustrates what makes this an interesting book. Not only does the author explain the fascinating background of Elvis buying the ring, but also how over the years it travelled from Elvis to his entourage to a collector, before ending up on the FBI’s Most Wanted Stolen Items list after a burglary. 

Over a hundred rings are covered in this book, most information sourced from auctions where Elvis’ jewelry showed up in the public domain. Next to the pictures of the jewelry, Belard added pictures of Elvis wearing the rings and official paperwork (letters/certificates of authenticity). It is also interesting to read how some of the items increased and some of the items decreased in value over the years.

The background information also includes various media articles about Elvis’ love of jewelry, an article by Lowell Hays on the making of the TCB Ring, and a newspaper advertisement where one lucky fan could win a $30,000 ring owned by Elvis.

A four-page spread devoted to a Tourmaline and Diamond Ring elicits mixed feelings. The cluster of multi-colored stones is very busy but certainly well-matched one of Elvis’ more colorful outfits. 

Belard’s background information about the ring is detailed including an explanation of what tourmaline is: Tourmaline is a crystalline boron silicate mineral compounded with elements such as aluminium, iron, magnesium, sodium, lithium, or potassium. Tourmaline is classified as a semi-precious stone and the gemstone comes in a wide variety of colours. According to the Madras  Tamil Lexicon  the name comes from the Sinhalese word “thoramalli” or “tora-molli”, which is applied to a group of gemstones found in Sri Lanka….

Browsing through the pages it is hard to select the most appealing items. Some, like the classic horse-shoe and TCB rings are obvious choices, while other items offer nice designs and are a good illustration of what type of rings Elvis liked at different times in his life. And some - like the Lion, Ram's and Panther Head rings or his big Black Star Sapphire ring - may be considered extravagant and ostentatious. Others, like two very unusual Gold and Diamond rings (p136 and pages 146-47) are in their own way, quite impressive, while a Gold, Diamond and Garnet “Swami” ring is arguably, unattractive. Admittedly, this is a matter of individual taste. What one person considers ugly may be beautiful to another.  

  

The amount of bling on show is jaw dropping! While the rings are shown up close (sans being worn), there are also numerous images of Elvis wearing the rings.

Since the book will be a reference for many fans, an index - although it would be difficult to name each ring - would be a nice addition to the second part of this two-volume set.

Conclusion

Elvis' sumptuous pendants, heavy gold chains, huge and lavish rings set with rubies, sapphires, lapis lazuli, and emeralds, bracelets of gold or precious gems belong together in the eyes of many fans. 

  

Since "Only God knows" how many rings passed through his hands, it is great that the author decided to compile this compendium documenting "The King's Jewels" and telling their story. By the way, Paul Belard also plans to release additional books about Elvis’ watches, pendants and bracelets, and other baubles.

Paul Belard should be complimented on his research to (un)cover yet another aspect of the Elvis world by opening up one part of "The King's Treasury" for fans. This book will be a visually pleasing and interesting read for many fans.

Comment on this review, contact >>> Nigel Patterson by mail.

The book is available on Amazon or directly from Belard at pbelard@hotmail.com

Paul Belard already announced a volume 2 of 'King of the Rings' and he is making plans for books on Elvis' other jewlery like his bracelets, necklases, watches etcetera)

For those interested, Joe Krein of Elvis Express Radio did a video about the book:

May 22 - Elvis November 1956

Paul Belard announced the release of a new installment in his visual biography series entitled 'Elvis November 1956'. The release date for this 214 -page book was set for June 2021. 

Synopsis: That month was an interesting one for Elvis. Not only was his first film, Love Me Tender, released in cinemas, but Elvis enjoyed a 10 day holiday in Las Vegas (where he attended Liberace’s show and visited him backstage), went riding on his Harley Davidson with Natalie Wood and friend Nick Adams, attended a charity football event in Memphis, and went on a four-day tour performing shows to enthusiastic crowds in Toledo, Ohio; Cleveland; Troy, Ohio; and Louisville, Kentucky. 

As usual, Paul Belard captures all of these through a combination of great color and b&w images and interesting archival material, much of which is rare. 

Copies of the book can be ordered directly from the author pbelard@hotmail.com and will be available from Amazon.

His Hand In Mine

Friday Music will re-issue 'His Hand In Mine' on 180 Gr. white and platinum swirl audiophile vinyl, housed in a gatefold cover and a poster. The release date is August 13 2021. 

Side A: 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

Side B: 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

Army of the Dead

The new 'The Army of the Dead', set in Las Vegas, features the Elvis songs 'Suspicious Minds' and 'Night Life' and a cover of his Vegas theme song 'Viva Las Vegas' by Richard Cheese and Allison Crowe. 

(Source: Paul Belard / Screerant / FECC / Amazon)

May 22 - Charts May 2021 - Week 3

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart update. The 'International Presents: Elvis Presley The First Engagements' dropped off the U.K. and Scottish charts after debuting last week, but in Greece 'Aloha From Hawaii' entered the chart.

U.S. Billboard charts

• Billboard Top Gospel Album chart: 'Elvis: Ultimate Gospel' dropped from #432 to #43. 
• Billboard Top Rock Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 # Hits' climbed from #42 to #37. 
• Billboard Top Country Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 # Hits' climbed from #34 to #33. 

Official U.K. charts: 

• Official Album charts: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' dropped from #70 to #72.
• Official Streaming Album charts: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' dropped from #70 to #72. 
• Official Country Compilation chart: 'From Elvis In Nashville' climbed from #8 to #7. 

Greek IFPI charts:

• Greek Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #36 to #35.
• Greek Album chart: 'Aloha From Hawaii' new entry #71. 

(Source: UK Mix Forum / Official Chart Company)

May 20 - Elvis Back In Atlanta

The New BJ Records import label released their first CD 'Elvis Is Back In Atlanta!'. This CD features a so-called Matrix-mix, combining the audience recording and the soundboard in one new mix giving back some warmth and depth to a show that deserves it, according to the press release.

The producers added "We hope you enjoy the results as countless hours have been put into this to get it just right", but forgot to mention that these mixes were taken from the FECC forum.

Elvis Week Update

Elvis Week 2021 will mark the 44th anniversary of Elvis’ passing and with many COVID-19 restrictions lifted, Graceland is preparing for a huge gathering of thousands of Elvis fans and friends following last year’s primarily virtual event. Taking place August 11-17, Elvis Week is an annual, multi-day gathering celebrating Elvis’ life and legacy. It has become a pop-culture phenomenon and an annual pilgrimage for music lovers from around the world.

Elvis Presley’s Graceland has just announced that Priscilla Presley will make a special appearance during Elvis Week 2021 at Elvis In Concert on August 16 and Conversations On Elvis on August 17 at the Graceland Soundstage, in addition to attending the exclusive, first-time ever cocktail party on Graceland’s Back Lawn for Elvis Week Platinum Package Holders on August 17.

(Source: Facebook / Graceland)

May 19 - It Happened on Blu-ray

Warner Bros. announced the release of 'It Happened at the World's Fair' in their Warner Archive Blu-ray Collection. The release date was set for June 22, 2021. 

Synopsis: Mike and Danny fly a crop duster, but because of Danny's gambling debts, a local sheriff seizes it. Trying to earn money, they hitch-hike to the World's Fair in Seattle. While Danny tries to earn money playing poker, Mike takes care of a small girl, Sue-Lin, whose Uncle Walter has disappeared. Being a ladies' man, he also finds the time to court a young nurse, Diane.

(Source: FECC / Blu-ray)

May 15 - Splattered Stereo Powerhouse SUN Tracks

Released in France is a splattered grey vinyl LP featuring Elvis' self-titled debut album. This edition is limited to 1,111 copies. 

Sun "Stereo" Sessions 

Released today by the Good Music label was another installment in the "Elvis Reborn" series entitled 'The Sun Sessions In Stereo' featuring newly created stereo mixes from original mono-recordings utilizing the Digitally Extracted Stereo technology. 

From the press release: Elvis's early Sun recordings are well known to fans, but you've never heard them like this before. They sound more alive and detailed, and you will discover elements of the original performances you never heard before! It becomes a brand new listening experience. 

Bonus live recordings are the clearest they've ever been. This is a superb fete of first-class engineering that adds a whole new dimension to Elvis Presley's recorded legacy. Relive the historic early days of Elvis at Sun as well as demos and live performances as he introduced rock 'n' roll to the masses. 

The raw energy Presley expressed - his native talent, creative spirit, his synthesis of R&B, Gospel and country - captured the imagination of America and charted his meteoric rise to being the world's most enduring and iconic artist. 

Now you can step inside Sam Phillips' studio in the formative early days and feel like you are there in person as The King was born! 22 great songs you will re-discover in stereo! 

Studio B - Extended Play Collection

Due for release from the Gold Standard Series label is the 'Studio B - Extended Play Collection' featuring 5 45 RPM singles on red or blue CD and one CD, housed in a box. 

From the press release: This remarkable boxset contains 5 gorgeous "Extended Plays" each containing 4 alternate versions of early 60's Elvis classics. All tracks are recorded at RCA Studio B, Nashville, Tennessee.

Most of the tracks are either hard to find or never issued on a 45. Remarkable is how many great first takes Elvis recorded in the early 60's. Some are featured here on this limited edition boxset. Available in blue or red vinyl. All tracks are also available on the included bonus CD.

Extended Play Number One:

A1    Fever - Take 1

A2    Working On The Building - Take 1

B1    In My Father's House

B2     Joshua Fit The Battle - Take 1

Extended Pay Number Two:

A1    Dirty Dirty Feeling - Take 4

A2    Thrill Of Your Love - Take 1

B1    Like A Baby - Take 1

B2    Milky White Way - Take 5

Extended Pay Number Three:

A1    Gently - Take 3

A2    I'm Coming Home - Take 3

B1    Kiss Me Quick - Take 1

B2    Fountain Of Love - Take 2

Extended Pay Number Four:

A1    I Want You With Me - Take 1

A2     Judy - Take 4

B1    Something Blue - Take 6

B2    Just For Old Time Sake - Take 1

Extended Pay Number Five:

A1    Echoes Of Love - Take 3

A2    Finders Keepers, Losers Weepers - Take 1

B1    Western Union - Take 1

B2    Memphis Tennessee - Take 1

Tracks CD: Fever (Take 1) - Working On The Building (Take 1) - In My Father's House - Joshua Fit The Battle (Take 1) - Dirty Dirty Feeling (Take 4) - Thrill Of Your Love (Take 1) - Like A Baby (Take 1) - Milky White Way (Take 5) - Gently (Take 3) - I'm Coming Home (Take 3) - Kiss Me Quick (Take 1) - Fountain Of Love (Take 2) - I Want You With Me (Take 1) - Judy (Take 4) - Something Blue (Take 6) - Just For Old Time Sake (Take 1) - Echoes Of Love (Take 3) - Finders Keepers, Losers Weepers (Take 1) - Western Union (Take 1) - Memphis Tennessee (Take 1)

A Powerhouse Performance CDs

The newly founded Now Entertainment import label released 9 limited edition CDs featuring 9 shows from the August 1970 Summer Festival. This collection is limited to 150 copies.

Good Evening, I’m Johnny Cash

You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’

I Just Can’t Help Believin’

Memphis Tennessee

Sweet Inspirations

Sweet Caroline

Cryin’ Time

Tiger Man

When The Snow Is On The Roses

From the press release: These fantastic powerhouse performances are recorded on stage in August 1970 at the Showroom of the International Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The first shows from this August engagement were shot by MGM for the legendary “That’s The Way It Is” motion picture, and recorded by the record company for the release of the soundtrack. The recordings featured here were recorded right after the MGM & RCA crew had left. 

Elvis is in a good mood and seems to be very relaxed. This is Elvis at his best. Raw, rebellious and at the peak of his powers. Enjoy these powerhouse performances!

All shows are remastered and speed corrected where necessary. These are without doubt the best sources for these recordings. All shows are presented in deluxe digipacks and are available in a very limited edition.

CD 1 - 14.08.1970 MS:

That’s All Right - Amen - I Got A Woman - You Don’t Know Me - I Got A Woman (Reprise) - Mystery Train / Tiger Man - Folsom Prison Blues - I Walk The Line - Monologue - Love Me Tender - Monologue - Johnny B Goode - Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On / Blueberry Hill - The Wonder Of You - You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ - Polk Salad Annie - Introductions - Oh Happy Day - All Shook Up - Blue Suede Shoes - One Night - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Suspicious Minds - Can’t Help Falling In Love

From The MGM Camera Recordings:

Polk Salad Annie - All Shook Up (Part Only) - Blue Suede Shoes - One Night

Bonus Songs: Opening Vamp / That’s All Right (Incomplete) - Love Me Tender (Incomplete) - Suspicious Minds (Incomplete) - Can’t Help Falling In Love (Incomplete)

CD 2 19.08.1970 DS:

Orchestra Intro - Opening Vamp - Tiger Man - I Got A Woman (False Start) - I Got A Woman / Ave Maria (Excerpt) - Monologue - Love Me Tender (False Start Only) - I've Lost You - You Don't Have To Say You Love Me - You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' - Polk Salad Annie - Introductions - The Wonder Of You - Heartbreak Hotel (Including False Starts) - One Night - Blue Suede Shoes / Along Came Jones (Excerpt) - Hound Dog (Including False Starts) - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Suspicious Minds - Can't Help Falling In Love

CD 3 - 19.08.1970 MS:

Orchestra Intro - Opening Vamp - That's All Right - I Got A Woman - Tiger Man - Monologue  - Love Me Tender - Instrumental Intermezzo (#1) - I've Lost You - I Just Can't Help Believin' - You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' - Polk Salad Annie - Instrumental Intermezzo - Introductions - Johnny B. Goode (James Burton Intro) - Introductions Continues - The Wonder Of You - Heartbreak Hotel - One Night - All Shook Up - Blue Suede Shoes - Hound Dog (Including False Starts) - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Suspicious Minds - Can't Help Falling In Love  - Closing Vamp

CD 4 - 20.08.1970 DS:

Opening Vamp - That's All Right - I Got A Woman / Ave Maria (Excerpt) - Tiger Man - Monologue - Love Me Tender (With False Start) - I've Lost You - I Just Can't Help Believin' - You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' - Polk Salad Annie - Introductions - Johnny B. Goode (James Burton Introduction) - Introductions - The Wonder Of You - Heartbreak Hotel - Memphis Tennessee (One Verse) - One Night - Blue Suede Shoes - Hound Dog (Including False Starts) - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Suspicious Minds - Can't Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp / Announcements

CD 5 - 20.08.1970 MS:

Orchestra Intro / Opening Vamp - That's All Right  - I Got A Woman / Ave Maria (Excerpt)  - Tiger Man - Monologue - Love Me Tender (Including False Start)  - I've Lost You - Sweet Caroline - You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' - Polk Salad Annie - Introductions (The Sweet Inspirations) - Sweet Inspiration - Introductions - Johnny B. Goode (Introduction Of James Burton - Introductions - The Wonder Of You - Heartbreak Hotel - Blue Suede Shoes - Hound Dog (Including False Starts) - More (Part Only) - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Suspicious Minds (Laughing Version) - Can't Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

CD 6 - 21.08.1970 DS:

Opening Vamp - That's All Right - I Got A Woman - Tiger Man - Monologue - Love Me Tender (With False Start) - I Just Can't Help Believin' - Sweet Caroline - You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' - Polk Salad Annie - Introductions - Johnny B. Goode (James Burton Introduction) - Happy Birthday To James Burton - Introductions - Introduction Of Neil Diamond / Holly Holy (Excerpt) - Introduction Of Elvis' Grandmother Minnie Mae - The Wonder Of You - Heartbreak Hotel (With 2 False Starts) - One Night - All Shook Up (False Start Only) / Blue Suede Shoes (With False Start) - Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On - Hound Dog (Including False Starts) - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Suspicious Minds  - Can't Help Falling In Love (21.08.1970 MS) - Closing Vamp (21.08.1970 MS)

CD 7 - 21.08.1970 MS:

Opening Vamp - That's All Right - I Got A Woman / Ave Maria (Excerpt)  - Tiger Man - Monologue - Love Me Tender (With False Start) - I've Lost You - Cryin' Time (With False Start) - I Just Can't Help Believin' - You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' (With False Start) - Polk Salad Annie - Introductions - Johnny B. Goode (James Burton Introduction) - Introductions - The Wonder Of You  / Along Came Jones (Excerpt) - Heartbreak Hotel (With 2 False Starts) - One Night - All Shook Up (2 False Starts Only) / Blue Suede Shoes - Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On - Hound Dog - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Suspicious Minds - Can't Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp 

CD 8 - 23.08.1970 DS:

That’s All Right - I Got A Woman / Ave Maria - Monologue - Tiger Man  - Monologue - Love Me Tender - I’ve Lost You - I Just Can’t Help Believin’ - Elvis Dedicating The Show To Marie Parker - You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ - Polk Salad Annie - Band Introductions - Johnny B. Goode (James Burton Introduction) - Further Introductions - The Wonder Of You - Heartbreak Hotel - One Night - All Shook Up (False Starts) - Blue Suede Shoes / Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On - Goofin' Around With Hound Dog ~ Tape Damage ~ Hound Dog - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Suspicious Minds - Can’t Help Falling In Love

CD 9 - 24.08.1970 MS:

Orchestra Intro - Opening Vamp / That’s All Right - I Got A Woman / Ave Maria ~ Tape Damage ~ Spanish Eyes - Tiger Man - I Just Can’t Help Believin’ - You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ - Polk Salad Annie - Band Introductions - Johnny B. Goode (James Burton Introduction) - Introduction Of Celebreties - When The Snow Is On The Roses - Ed Ames Introduction - The Wonder Of You - Heartbreak Hotel - One Night - All Shook Up - Blue Suede Shoes / Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On - Goofin’ Around With Hound Dog - Hound Dog - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Suspicious Minds - Release Me - Can’t Help Falling In Love

A Powerhouse Performance

The new Now Entertainment import-label released of the vinyl / CD sets ‘Elvis August 1970: A Powerhouse Performance’.

From the press release: Out now from the on the newly found Now Entertainment label is this beautiful ultra Limited Edition box-set containing 4 powerhouse performances on vinyl and on CD.

The first shows from this August engagement were shot by MGM for the legendary ‘That’s The Way It Is’ motion picture, and recorded by the record company for the release of the soundtrack.

The recordings featured here were recorded right after the MGM and RCA crew had left. This boxset contains the following shows: 

• August 14, 1970 midnight show
• August 19, 1970 dinner show
• August 19, 1970 midnight show
• August 20, 1970 dinner show

All is presented in a high quality boxset and the records are housed in high quality record sleeves. This set is available in beautiful orange or white 180 Gr. virgin vinyl. All shows are remastered and speed corrected and never sounded better than now. This collection is limited to 150 copies.

LP 1 - Side A - 14.08.1970 MS:

That’s All Right - Amen - I Got A Woman - You Don’t Know Me - I Got A Woman (Reprise) - Mystery Train / Tiger Man - Folsom Prison Blues - I Walk The Line - Johnny B Goode - Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On / Blueberry Hill - The Wonder Of You - You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’

Side B: Polk Salad Annie - Introductions - Oh Happy Day - All Shook Up - Blue Suede Shoes - One Night - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Suspicious Minds - Can’t Help Falling In Love

LP 2 - Side A - 19.08.1970 DS:

Orchestra Intro - Opening Vamp - Tiger Man - I Got A Woman (False Start) - I Got A Woman / Ave Maria (Excerpt) - Monologue - Love Me Tender (False Start Only) - I've Lost You - You Don't Have To Say You Love Me - You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' - Polk Salad Annie

Side B: The Wonder Of You - Heartbreak Hotel (Including False Starts) - One Night - Blue Suede Shoes / Along Came Jones (Excerpt) - Hound Dog (Including False Starts) - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Suspicious Minds - Can't Help Falling In Love

LP 3 - Side A - 19.08.1970 MS:

Orchestra Intro - Opening Vamp - That's All Right - I Got A Woman - Tiger Man - I've Lost You - I Just Can't Help Believin' - You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' - Polk Salad Annie

Side B: Johnny B. Goode (James Burton Intro) - Introductions - The Wonder Of You - Heartbreak Hotel - One Night - All Shook Up - Blue Suede Shoes - Hound Dog (Including False Starts) - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Suspicious Minds - Can't Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

LP 4 - Side A - 20.08.1970 DS:

Opening Vamp - That's All Right - I Got A Woman / Ave Maria (Excerpt) - Tiger Man - Love Me Tender (With False Start) - I've Lost You - I Just Can't Help Believin' - You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'

Side B: Polk Salad Annie - Johnny B. Goode (James Burton Introduction) - The Wonder Of You - Heartbreak Hotel - Memphis Tennessee - One Night - Blue Suede Shoes - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Suspicious Minds - Can't Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp / Announcements

CD 1 - 14.08.1970 MS:

That’s All Right - Amen - I Got A Woman - You Don’t Know Me - I Got A Woman (Reprise) - Mystery Train / Tiger Man - Folsom Prison Blues - I Walk The Line - Monologue - Love Me Tender - Monologue - Johnny B Goode - Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On / Blueberry Hill - The Wonder Of You - You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ - Polk Salad Annie - Introductions - Oh Happy Day - All Shook Up - Blue Suede Shoes - One Night - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Suspicious Minds - Can’t Help Falling In Love

From The MGM Camera Recordings:

Polk Salad Annie - All Shook Up (Part Only) - Blue Suede Shoes - One Night

Bonus Songs:

Opening Vamp - That’s All Right (Incomplete) - Love Me Tender (Incomplete) - Suspicious Minds (Incomplete) - Can’t Help Falling In Love (Incomplete)

CD 2 - 19.08.1970 DS:

Orchestra Intro - Opening Vamp - Tiger Man - I Got A Woman (False Start) - I Got A Woman / Ave Maria (Excerpt) - Monologue - Love Me Tender (False Start Only) - I've Lost You - You Don't Have To Say You Love Me - You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' - Polk Salad Annie - Introductions - The Wonder Of You - Heartbreak Hotel (Including False Starts) - One Night - Blue Suede Shoes  / Along Came Jones (Excerpt) - Hound Dog (Including False Starts) - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Suspicious Minds - Can't Help Falling In Love

CD 3 - 19.08.1970 MS:

Orchestra Intro - Opening Vamp - That's All Right - I Got A Woman - Tiger Man - Monologue - Love Me Tender - Instrumental Intermezzo (#1) - I've Lost You - I Just Can't Help Believin' - You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' - Polk Salad Annie - Instrumental Intermezzo - Introductions - Johnny B. Goode (James Burton Intro) - Introductions Continues - The Wonder Of You - Heartbreak Hotel - One Night - All Shook Up - Blue Suede Shoes - Hound Dog (Including False Starts) - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Suspicious Minds - Can't Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

CD 4 - 20.08.1970 DS:

Opening Vamp - That's All Right - I Got A Woman / Ave Maria (Excerpt) - Tiger Man - Monologue - Love Me Tender (With False Start) - I've Lost You - I Just Can't Help Believin' - You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' - Polk Salad Annie - Introductions - Johnny B. Goode (James Burton Introduction) - Introductions - The Wonder Of You - Heartbreak Hotel - Memphis Tennessee (One Verse) - One Night - Blue Suede Shoes - Hound Dog (Including False Starts) - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Suspicious Minds - Can't Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp / Announcements

Note: all the shows mentioned on the CD and / or LP editions of 'A powerhouse Performance' are previously released audience-recordings, most of them recorded by Rick Rennie. The sound ranges from good to extremely good, with some ambient effect. 

(Source: FNAC / FECC / Amazon)

May 15 - Charts May 2021 - Week 2

The weekly Elvis Presley chart update. In the U.S. the 'Essential Elvis Presley' album was replaced with the 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' compilation while the Independently published album' The International Presents: Elvis Presley The First Engagements' entered the charts in the U.K. and Scotland. 

U.S. Billboard charts:

• Billboard Top Country Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' re-entry at #34.
• Billboard Top Rock Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' re-entry at #44.
• Billboard Top Christian Album chart: 'Elvis: Ultimate Gospel' climbed from #44 to #42.

Official U.K. charts:

• Official Album chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' dropped from #67 tp #70.
• Official Streaming Album chart: 'The 50 Greatest Hits' dropped from #52 tp #53.
• Official Physical Album chart: 'The International Presents: Elvis Presley The First Engagements' new entry #53.
• Official Album Sales chart: 'The International Presents: Elvis Presley The First Engagements' new entry #61.
• Official Indie Album Top 50 chart: 'The International Presents: Elvis Presley The First Engagements' new entry #19.
• Official Country Compilation chart: 'From Elvis In Nashville' dropped from #4 to #8.

Official Scottish chart:

• Official Scottish Album chart: The International Presents: Elvis Presley The First Engagements' new entry #52.

Greek IFPI charts:

• Greek Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' re-entry at #36. 

(Source: UK Mix / Official Chart Company / IFPI / Elvis Club Berlin)

  

May 14 - Released From The Fontainebleau

The Danish Memphis Mansion released the CD 'Elvis Presley - Recorded at the Fontainebleau'. This CD contains the entire “The Frank Sinatra Timex Show: Welcome Home Elvis” featuring – besides Elvis and Frank - Nancy Sinatra, Joey Bishop, Sammy Davis, Jr. & Peter Lawford, various interviews – plus more – in a fully restored and remastered audio quality.

Every efforts has been made to achieve the best possible sound, however, priority has been given to the historical content of the original acetate recordings and material.

We guarantee you that you’ve never heard the legendary Frank Sinatra television special like this before!

Tracks: It's Nice To Go A Travelling (Opening - Frank Sinatra, Nancy Sinatra, Joey Bishop, Sammy Davis Jr. & Elvis Presley) - Frank’s Time Machine (Frank Sinatra & Joey Bishop) - Witchcraft (Frank Sinatra) - There's A Boat That's Leavin' Soon For New York (Sammy Davis Jr.) - Japanese Wedding Celebration Dance Sequence (The Nelson Riddle Orchestra With Leona Irwin & The Tom Hansen Dancers) - Gone With The Wind (Frank Sinatra) - Uh! Oh! (The Nutty Squirrels - The Tom Hansen Dancers Sequence) - Recall The Oscars / All The Way (Impersonations - Sammy Davis Jr.) - Shall We Dance (Sammy Davis Jr & Peter Lawford) - Frank Sinatra Talks - Fame And Fortune (Elvis Presley) - StuckOnYou (Elvis Presley) - Love Me Tender / Witchcraft And Reprise (Frank Sinatra & Elvis Presley) - You Make Me Feel So Young / Let’s Dance (Frank Sinatra & Nancy Sinatra) - It's Nice To Go Travelling (Closing - Frank Sinatra).

(Source: Anthony Stuchbury / Memphis Mansion)

May 12 - The Re-birth of Rock and Roll

The hardback book 'Alfred Wertheimer. Elvis and the Birth of Rock and Roll' by Robert Santelli will be re-issued by Taschen GmbH early June 2021.

Synopsis: “Elvis who?” was photographer Alfred Wertheimer’s response when, in early 1956, an RCA Victor publicist asked him to photograph an up-and-coming crooner from Memphis. Little did Wertheimer know that this would be the job of his life: just 21 years old, Elvis Presley was - as we now know - about to become a legend.

Trailing Presley like a shadow, Wertheimer took nearly 3,000 photographs of Presley that year, creating a penetrating portrait of a man poised on the brink of superstardom. 

Extraordinary in its intimacy and unparalleled in its scope, Wertheimer's Elvis project immortalized a young man in the very process of making history.Elvis and the Birth of Rock and Roll collects Wertheimer’s most remarkable Elvis shots from that magical year, along with a selection of his historic 1958 pictures of the star being shipped off to an army base in Germany. 

Each chapter is illustrated with a poster by Hatch Show Print, one of the oldest letterpress print shops in America, which created many early Elvis posters in the 1950s. The text comes in English, French and German.

Elvis 2 Times

Andy Warhol's 1963 painting 'Elvis 2 Times' was auctioned by Sotheby for US$37 million, including buyers premium. The estimate for this silkscreen ink and silver paint on canvas artwork was US$20,000,000 - US$30,000,000. 

(Source: JPC / Art News)