March 31 - Elvis Presley The Story Now

Due for release September 2022 through Diggers Factory in 'The Story' series is the book / LP 'Elvis Presley'. The 140 Gr. vinyl LP contains 18 oldies and the book is illustrated by Fred Beltran.

Description: They gave him countless surnames but the most eloquent was The King. In fact, he was the greatest phenomenon in recorded music history, which made Elvis Presley King of Kings! 

In the mid-fifties he catalyzed various trends and imposed Rock ’n’ Roll around the planet, turning habits upside down with his irresistible combination of originality, charm and freshness. He had enough talent to make any style his own, and took full advantage of it; his legacy and influence still go deep today, with a cult following of millions of admirers who worship his personality without tiring.

Side A:Heartbreak Hotel - Blue Suede Shoes - Tutti Frutti - Hound Dog - Don’t Be Cruel - Love Me Tender - (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear - Loving You - Jailhouse  Rock - Stuck On You

Side B: It’s Now Or Never - Are You Lonesome - Surrender - Little Sister - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Kiss Me Quick - Suspicion - Return To Sender

Elvis Now 1971

The latest edition of Vintage Rock magazine featured an advertisement for a new Memphis Recording Service 4-CD-set 'Las Vegas International Presents Elvis Now 1971'. 

Description: A Limited Edition 4-CD Deluxe-set containing a varied selection of live performances - mixed to true stereo - drawn from Elvis' engagement at the Las Vegas International Hotel during the early part of 1971. 

The accompanying booklet includes rare photographs, memorabilia and liner-notes to set the scene.  

Note: No official statement on this release has been issued by the Memphis Recording Service. 

The magazine also features the article 'Graceland: Through The Keyhole Of The King´s Iconic Home' and the article 'Baz Luhrmann's Elvis Movie Finally Ready For Release". 

And finally, magazine's website listed the 'SUN's Greatest 45's'. The label was built on 7-inch singles, and released more than its fair share of classics. Elvis Presley's 'That’s All Right' and 'Mystery Train' 45's made the list.

Other 'Greatest's 45's' were: 

• Sonny Burgess - We Wanna Boogie
• Johnny Cash - Ballad Of A Teenage Crush and I Walk The Line
• Billy Riley - Flyin’ Saucers Rock’n’ Roll
• Jerry Lee Lewis - Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On
• Rufus Thomas Jr - Bear Cat
• Roy Orbison - Ooby Dooby
• Carl Perkins - Blue Suede Shoes

5 Film Collection

Warner Home Video announced the May 19 2022 release of the '5 Film Collection' DVD set in Italy. It contains the movies 'Spinout', 'Viva Las Vegas', 'Jailhouse Rock', 'Girl Happy', 'Elvis: That's The Way It Is', 'Elvis On Tour' and 'This Is Elvis'

Now Dig The Colonel

The April 2022 edition of the Now Dig This magazine featured  the article 'Me & The Colonel' by Peter Guralnick.

(Source: Pacal Matteo / Diggers Factory / Elvis Club Berlin / Vintage Rock Magazine / Elvis Information Network)

March 30 - Elvis' German EPs Record Guide

The 'Elvis German EPs Record Guide', originally announced for 2021, is now scheduled for release in April / May 2022. The book was written by Horst and Heinz Zimmerman (unrelated). Horst Zimmermann died unexpectedly last year before the book was finished. Heinz Zimmermann completed the work.

Synopsis: The 596-page A4-sized book 'Elvis German EPs Record Guide' is not only a catalogue; besides images of the records, labels and all cover variations, it also contains background information and detailed notes on the sleeves. It also includes a section with all the U.S Army EP, single and LP variations. In total the book features 600 records.

(Source: Elvis Presley German RCA Vinyl Records on Facebook)

March 29 - Vinyl Discography From Eastern Europe

Just released is the second volume of the 'Vinyl Discography From Eastern Europe - Yugoslavia and Romania'. The book was originally set for a December 2021 release.

The 160-page hardcover book contains over 900 color and black and white images, background information on Rock And Roll Music in Eastern European countries and the Elvis releases in those countries, the complete vinyl discography from Yugoslavia and Romania (covers of the front and back sides, all label variations, promotional material and more). 

The book is available with a satin matte cover (like the 1st edition) or with a glossy cover, both versions include a 15 x 21 cm bonus photo. 

Also released is two-volume Special Edition of 'Vinyl Discography From Eastern Europe - Yugoslavia'. The first volume covers the 45 RPM Singles and Extended Play released while volume 2 covers the Long Play discography.

Both volumes contain around 500 color and black and white photos, all label and cover variations and information on the records on 160 pages. 

Follow That Change

The Follow That Dream collectors label updated the title and cover-art for the upcoming 'Elvis: Madison '76 To Pine Bluff '76' double CD set. Putting the locations in the chronological order of the concert-dates from 'Elvis: Madison '76 To Pine Bluff' to 'Elvis: Pine Bluff to Madison '76'. 

(Source: Elvis Presley From Eastern Europe and Beyond on Facebook)

Review Elvis August 16 To 31, 1956 - Hollywood Bound

Elvis biographer Paul Belard added another volume to his visual biography series titled ‘Elvis - Hollywood Bound - August 16 To 31, 1956’, detailing the last two weeks of August, 1956. 

Design

 

The book is mainly a picture book. It follows Elvis day-by-day style through photographs. The design is the same as the previous volumes in this ongoing series. Added to the visual element are short explanatory texts for the photos, some memorabilia and snippets from newspapers and magazines. 

 

As the images are sourced from various sources, and Belard decided to add them all, there is quite some variation in the quality of the images. You can consider it the price of being as complete as possible. 

And let’s be honest, quality-wise it is almost impossible to beat the Follow That Dream books by Pål Granlund and David English on this period. 

This volume also contains quite a few colorized pictures. Some look good, and make the pictures look more lively on the black background, but it doesn't work on all photo's for me. Especially on classic pictures I know so well in black and white. On the cover it works great though, Elvis really stands out. 

 

Content

Many fans will own the two FTD titles or Erik Lorentzen's 'The Reno Brothers’ covering this period in time. They will experience a lot of overlap with Belard's book seeing Elvis on and behind the movie-set, recording studio and with fans. 

Continuing his day-by-day format, Belard fills in some open gaps on the Elvis Presley time-line, by adding images which did not appear in the before-mentioned titles. For example the many pictures taken in the Knickerbocker Hotel in Los Angeles. 

 

What I quite liked about the book were the observations by Belard on Elvis as the man he really was, and the opinions he still shared early in his career. Like the interview with Army Archerd, a columnist for Variety magazine. 

Presley took Mr. Archerd back to the music bungalow and sang 'Love Me Tender' for him. "When he finished,” wrote Archerd, “it seemed only normal to express our amazement. ‘People think all I can do is belt,’ he said. ‘I used to sing nothing but ballads before I went professional. He loved ballads, he declared, and was going to start introducing them more into his live act.”

 

The interview with renowned journalist Jules Archer for Writer's Digest, titled 'Stop Hounding Teenagers!', is one of the best articles written about Elvis according to Paul Belard as Archer puts an end to the “delinquency” issue attached to Elvis since his rise to fame.

“Elvis’ responses are intelligent and well-thought-out. His deep knowledge of music seeps through, particularly when he lists several old songs which were very suggestive, such as ’Body and Soul’, ‘Let’s Do It’, ‘Love for Sale’, ‘Why Not Take All Of Me?’, even adding: ‘The Sheik of Araby’.”

Towards the end of the interview, to the question, “Elvis, do you think that your popularity with teenagers could be harnessed to fight delinquency and to keep kids on the right path”, Elvis replies: “I’d be right proud to help any way I could to influence kids to do the right thing. If I can help any civic, charitable or religious drive by sending a special message, or posing for a special picture, I’ll be happy to do so. That goes for Protestants, Catholics, Jews - white or colored. We’re all God’s children, and I don’t care what a man’s color or religion is. If my influence can help people, especially teenagers, solve their problems, I hope they’ll let me help.”

 

At the time of this interview, Tupelo and Memphis and most of the South were still segregated. For Elvis to admit he did not care about a man’s color or religion took courage. For those who still think Elvis was a racist, this article is a must-read.

"Elvis surprised reporter, who expected a young delinquent".

 

In a follow-up article Archer even reiterated his impression of our man. He wrote: "As we conversed, I found him to be just an everyday boy from the Mississippi Delta. He was very polite and deferential to me as his elder, answering my questions with a bright “Yes, sir.” I learned that he didn’t drink or smoke, was bored by nightclubs and liked to relax by throwing baseballs at wooden milk bottles and winning teddy bears. Deeply religious, he was a home boy who frequently grew lonesome away from his parents. 

 

After dinner, an elderly maid came to remove the dishes. She broke into our conversation to tell Elvis how much her grandchildren enjoyed his singing and asked for his autograph. Instead of being annoyed by the interruption, Elvis smiled. With great warmth, he told her, “Ma’am, it’s very nice of you to say all those kind things about me, and I greatly appreciate it.” He autographed a napkin for her.

 

That cinched it for me. Elvis was a nice kid, not at all a delinquent type. He truly was one of the nicest youths I’d ever met - certainly one of the most polite and most respectful. 

Still, I never did learn to like rock ’n’ roll!."

 

Conclusion

 

Besides the pictures, the articles above were the main attraction for me. As noted in the reviews of Pål Granlund and David English (>>> read 'Elvis Day By Day 2018 - The Year In Review') Elvis was still very approachable in 1956 - allowing photographers to take pictures while he was changing clothes - and he was still very open about his opinions and beliefs to reporters. 

 

Somehow this side of our man did not always make headlines. Perhaps it was just because he was considered a 'juvenile delinquent', and, based on that image, was portrayed as such. And maybe it also helped to sell some more records for this first "punker who scared many parents". 

Elvis was well aware of this, and before the interview for Writer's Digest he said: “Mr. Archer, I hope you’re not going to make up a lot of things I never said. A lot of other writers have done that to me, and I don’t think it’s fair.” 

 

In this book “Elvis speaks” and Paul Belard put the record straight!

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

March 28 - The Quest for an Oscar

A Sandy Beach published the 536-page book 'Elvis Presley: The Quest for an Oscar' by James Turiello. 

Synopsis: This is not just another book about Elvis, it is a book that finally gives Elvis the recognition and respect he most certainly deserves as an actor. 

It will take you on a journey through the good times, the bad times and the great times in a most unusual movie career. Elvis was much more than a music icon, his contributions to the movie industry were special. The Quest for an Oscar will convince you Elvis does deserve an Oscar for the 31 movies that he starred in, and the two Elvis documentaries that captured his unique live performances.

The Quest for an Oscar, also has chapters with tributes to famous forgotten movie stars and character actors that you will want to learn more about. A special Elvis movie section complete with full cast, credits and synopsis of all 33 movies and television appearances. Get ready, hold on, the ride is about to begin. In the end you will agree Elvis deserves an Oscar. Elvis was a movie star. It all began with Love Me Tender and culminating with Change of Habit.

(Source: Amazon)

March 26 - Charts March 2022 - Week 4

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart update. 'From Elvis in Nashville' makes a return on the U.K. American charts while two older titles return to the U.K. Music DVD chart.

Official U.S. Billboard charts:

• Billboard Top Country Albums chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #18 to #19.
• Billboard Top Rock Albums chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #36 to #35.

Official U.K. charts:

• Official Album Top 100 chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #59 to #63. 
• Official Streaming Album Top 100 chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #44 to #49. 
• Official Country Compilations Album chart: 'From Elvis In Nashville' re-entry #14.
• Official Christian and Gospel Album Top 20 chart: 'Lovin' Elvis' re-entry at #3.
• Official Music DVD chart: 'Elvis The Searcher' re-entry at #34. 
• Official Music DVD chart: 'Elvis The Complete Story' re-entry at #49. .

Official Scottish charts:

• Official Album Top 100 chart: 'Lovin' Elvis' re-entry at #54.

(Source: Official Chart Company / U.K. Mix Forum) 

March 25 - Priscilla Inducted Into Music Hall of Fame

Mavis Staples, Booker T. Jones, Priscilla Presley and other members of some of the world's most famous music families are among the notables who will be inducted this year into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame reports the Memphis Commercial Appeal.

The honorees are selected by a committee made up of local and national musicians, writers, educators and other music experts. “It is difficult, because there are literally hundreds of deserving Memphis musicians yet to be honored, with new musical candidates emerging annually," Doyle said.

"Some have more name recognition, Grammys or records sold, but the Hall prides itself for not being a popularity contest." In fact, teachers and disc jockeys are in the Hall, alongside legends of pop, rock, rockabilly, blues, soul, rhythm-and-blues, swing, jazz, country, hip-hop and opera

Among the eight 2022 inductees into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame is Priscilla Presley.

The committee noted: "Priscilla Presley: Priscilla Beaulieu moved to Memphis in 1963 and attended Immaculate Conception High School before marrying the King of Rock 'n Roll in 1966. In 1979, she was named executor of Graceland, and worked to ensure that the legacy of  her late husband would continue to be meaningful, and that Elvis' popularity would continue."

Also nominated for induction into the Memphis Hall of Fame is Ronnie Milsap: Moving to Memphis in the late 1960s, the North Carolina-born Milsap recorded here at Chips Moman's American Sound Studio before he relocated to Nashville and became a top country artist. Ronnie Milsap can be heard on piano on 'Kentucky Rain' and he provided (overdub) vocals on Elvis' 1969 hit 'Don't Cry Daddy'.

(Source: Memphis Commercial Appeal / Elvis Information Network)

March 24 - Time To Dare Again

The SR import label released new variations of their ‘Time To Dare’ set, featuring the September 02, 1974 show on two CDs, the August 22, 1974, Dinner Show on CD-R and footage of the August 19, 1974 Opening Night show on DVD-R as a bonus.

The various editions come in box-sets containing a selection of stickers, deluxe LP sized digipack, fold-out photo-folio, LP-sized booklet (two variations), cassette with the August 19, 1974 Opening Night show (two variations), certificate, 60 x 60 poster, photo-cards, hooded sweatshirt with printed logo and more. 

CD 1: 2001 Theme - C, C Rider - Dialogue - I Got A Woman / Amen - Until It's Time For You To Go - If You Love Me Let Me Know - It's Midnight - Big Boss Man - You Gave Me A Mountain - Dialogue - Softly As I Leave You - Hound Dog - American Trilogy - It's Now Or Never

CD 2: Band Introductions - I Can't Live Without you ( By Voice ) - Bringing It Back ( By Voice ) - Aubrey ( By Voice ) - Celebrety introductions - It's Now Or Never - Let Me Be There - If You Talk In Your Sleep - Dialogue - Hawaiian Wedding Song - Dialogue - Can't Help Falling In Love

(Source: Pascal Matteo)

March 23 - Elvis in the Metaverse?

On March 24, 2022 Elvis Presley Enterprises organizes a 45-minutes on-line event for fans on Facebook who want to "learn about NFTs with the official Elvis NFT and Metaverse project". 

Description: As one of our valued Elvis fans you’re invited to our first preview of the Elvis On-Chain project. Be one of the first to hear about the Elvis On-Chain NFT and Metaverse project, brought to you by the Elvis Presley Estate and blockchain studio Run It Wild.

Learn about the brave new world of NFTs and how we’re bringing Elvis to the Metaverse with EPE and Web3 experts, as we give an important announcement, share the ways you can get involved, and capture your feedback.

Register here >>>: https://meet.zoho.com.au/AsJH2Wzn7j

Elvis on the Metaverse >>> https://elvis.onchainvault.io

Note: Wikepedia describes "Metaverse" as: A metaverse is a network of 3D virtual worlds focused on social connection. In futurism and science fiction, it is often described as a hypothetical iteration of the Internet as a single, universal virtual world that is facilitated by the use of virtual and augmented reality headsets.

Glen Glenn Died

Orin Glenn Troutman (born October 24, 1934), known professionally as Glen Glenn, is an American rockabilly singer, whose career began in the early 1950s and continues to this day.

His music started around 1953 and his first professional appearances came shortly thereafter, though he didn't become a recording artist until 1957.

Glenn met Elvis Presley on April 4, 1956 at the Arena in San Diego, California.

Just the night before Elvis appeared on the Milton Berle Show on the deck of the U.S.S. Hancock. Elvis had performed his last Louisiana Hayride Show only four days before and 'Heartbreak Hotel' wouldn't hit number one until the end of the month on April 28th.

After the show they thought that the chance of meeting Elvis was extremely slim. Glen and his friends made it through the crowd to the guard who remembered them and let them back. 

Once backstage Glen and Gary saw Fred Maddox talking with Bill Black. Elvis was unable to leave as fans surrounded the building. After freshening up, Elvis entered the hallway. 'He was nervous and quite shy, but after a while he warmed up' Glen said. Glen spoke to Elvis about other singers they'd both worked with like Jim and Maxine Brown.

'If it hadn't been for Fred Maddox's friendship with Bill Black, I'd never have met Elvis' Glen states. Glen became very friendly with Bill Black who came over to hang out and stayed at Glen's when he was in town. 

Bill invited Glen to drop by the Knickerbocker Hotel in Hollywood. On February 7, 1957 Glen and Gary dropped by to see Bill, Scotty Moore and DJ. Fontana They phoned from Bill's room to see if Elvis was in his room and luckily he was. The photo of Elvis and Glen sitting on the floor was taken that day. 

Glen said 'We were sitting around talking and Elvis played some acetates from Loving You'. Elvis had just seen Glen singing on the TV Show 'Cal's Corral' and thanked him for singing his song 'Baby Let's Play House' (which is still Glen's favorite Elvis song). After Elvis went in the army Glen never saw Elvis again.

When asked about Elvis 'Glen Glenn' noted, "Elvis was such a nice guy. For me being a nobody in those days, a young little rockabilly that nobody in the world knew, Elvis treated me good. And I've had other entertainers that weren't anything like Elvis that didn't - but Elvis treated you just like a normal person.

He means more to me than any singer. He's done

more for music to me than any performer. Hank Williams was my favorite country singer, but Elvis...  there is nobody like him. What do you call it, charisma or something, Elvis had something that the impersonators just don't have. Everything Elvis does is Elvis, he doesn't copy nobody.. There's only one Elvis Presley."

(Source: EPE / Wikipedia / Elvis Information Network / Various)

March 22 - Preview Celluloid Sell-Out!

Here are a few preview pages for the upcoming Follow That Dream book ‘Elvis: Celluloid Sell-Out!’ by Bob Pakes containing movie posters, lobby cards, press- books, publicity stills, programs, standees, heralds and much more from Elvis' movies ‘Love Me Tender’, ‘Loving You’, ‘Jailhouse Rock’ and ‘King Creole’. 

In total over two thousand images of Worldwide Elvis Presley movie memorabilia from 1956-1958 on 448 pages. 

Bob Pakes previously published the great 400-page book ‘The EPE Catalog’ containing over 1,450 images of 1956 Elvis Presley merchandise including many weird and wonderful products. 

(Source: Chris Giles on Facebook)

March 20 - Prodigy Of SUN Records

Due for release this summer from Erik Lorentzen and Robert van Beek is the 800-page book set 'Elvis Presley - Prodigy of SUN Records'. 

Synopsis: An 800-page two boo formatted as an illustrated day-by-day travelogue and date book chronicling Elvis' early career and life through newspaper clippings, memorabilia and many unique and rare photos in superb quality. The set comes with a 10-inch LP containing 12 SUN tracks in the best possible quality.

Click on the flyer for more information, more info to follow.

(Source: Elvis Files)

March 19 - On Stage, Again

Due for rerelease from Elvis On CD on April 29, 2022 is the Legacy Edition of 'On Stage'. 

The deluxe 2-CD package, originally released in 2010, couples remastered versions of the 1969 album, Elvis In Person, plus 6 bonus tracks, along with 1970’s On Stage, with an additional 4 bonus tracks.

(Sounds / Music on CD)

March 19 - Charts March 2022 - Week 3

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart update. Elvis is dropping fast now, only two titles left on the charts in two countries. 

Official U.S. Billboard charts:

• Top Country Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' remained steady at #18. 
• Top Rock  Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #36 to #38.

Official U.K. charts:

• Official Album Top 100 chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #54 to #59. 
• Official Streaming Album Top 100 chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #39 to #44. 
• Official American Album Top 40: 'Elvis: Back In Nashville' dropped from #36 to #39. 
• Official Music DVD chart: 'The King of Rock and Roll' re-entry at #47.

(Source: Official Chart Company / UK Mix Forum)

March 18 - G.I. Blues Exhibition

The Not Now record label announced the re-release of the LP 'G.I. Blues' with new cover-art, the vinyl for this re-issue is yellow. 

The backside of the LP noted "2021" as the release date, but the LP is not yet available. 

Side A: Tonight Is So Right For Love -  What's She Really Like - Frankfort Special - Wooden Heart - G. I. Blues

Side B: Pocketful Of Rainbows - Shoppin' Around - Big Boots - Didja' Ever - Blue Suede Shoes - Doin' The Best I Can.

Elvis Exhibition Down Under

Priscilla Presley says sharing the Elvis: Direct from Graceland exhibition with an Australian audience in Bendigo is a “dream come true”, while revealing it made her teary.

She travelled to Bendigo to open Elvis: Direct from Graceland at The Bendigo Art Gallery. The exhibition features around 300 authentic artifacts owned by Elvis Presley, including military uniforms, his 1976 Red Harley Davidson and an amazing array of his famous jumpsuits.

The director of the Bendigo Art Gallery, Jessica Bridgfoot, knew she needed “something big” to bring back the crowds after Victoria endured one of the world’s longest lockdowns.

Brainstorming started during lockdown in 2020 no one could think of a bigger name than Elvis Presley. And after two years of planning, Elvis’ former wife Priscilla Presley, also chairwoman of Elvis Presley Enterprises which runs Graceland, was in Australia to launch the new exhibition "Elvis: Direct from Graceland" which runs from March 19 2022 to July 17, 2022.

“We had a wishlist of exhibitions we would love to do, particularly around celebrity fashion and style, when the pandemic hit we knew we would need something big to bring us out the other end,” Bridgfoot tells AFR Weekend. “We know there’s a huge Elvis fan base in Australia, obviously the Parkes festival and there’s a bit of a cult following, and we have had success before with these celebrity-focussed exhibitions.”

It is hard to think of a bigger cultural icon to channel a comeback than Elvis. His legendary 1968 Comeback Television Special relaunched his career and showcased his musical prowess, after his controversial manager, Colonel Tom Parker, steered him toward a line of low-quality films. Elvis’ all-black outfit from that performance is one of the 300 authentic artefacts on show at the exhibition which opens on Saturday having come direct from Graceland.

The suit he wore to sing 'If I Can Dream', the heartfelt finale to his ’68 Comeback Special, his first performance in almost a decade, after he tired of the Hollywood grind and moved to reignite his passion for live music.

Amazingly, it was the first time Priscilla had seen Elvis perform live. She saw him in a new light in that moment, and in the Las Vegas shows that followed. “I became a fan,” she says. “I could not believe what I was seeing and it was like, ‘Oh my god’. This is what I loved about him ... it just was a beautiful sight – how he performed, how he moved, how comfortable he felt."

“I was very, very proud of him. That was him. That was what he loved more than anything.”

And, in a little side room off the exhibition, a pile of books selected from Elvis’ bookshelf. Among them, Robert Kennedy’s profound analysis of the issues confronting 1960s America, To Seek a Newer World. And The Warren Report, the detailed official investigation into the assassination of JFK.

The comeback theme also resonates strongly with Priscilla Presley, who took charge of Presley’s estate which was on the verge of bankruptcy when Elvis passed away at the age of 42 from a combination of a heart condition and a reaction to prescription drugs. “One of the attorneys came up to me and said we are going to have to sell it,” Presley says at the launch of the exhibition on Friday. She is, at times, emotional. “Those were fighting words to me and forced me to roll up my sleeves because I said, we will never sell Graceland.”

Graceland has become the second most visited historic home after the White House and has had more than 23 million visitors, with Elvis enjoying another renaissance thanks to an upcoming Baz Luhrmann biopic. It is the latest in a long line of movies and documentaries about The King.

Graceland manager Angie Marchese says Luhrmann spent months at Graceland immersing himself in the singer’s life. Presley says that most of all, Elvis wanted to be remembered and urged people to look beyond the caricature. “There’s one recent book which makes fun of his jumpsuits, calling them Liberace suits,” she says. “I got a bit angry because this person didn’t know Elvis and why he had those suits, he wanted to please his audience, he wanted to give them something to take home.”

The exhibition includes Elvis’ wedding tuxedo and Priscilla’s wedding dress, his daughter Lisa Marie’s baby clothes, two costumes from his ’68 Comeback Special and a bright red convertible 1960 MG from the movie Blue Hawaii, which Elvis owned.

“There were a few things that we knew we wanted to secure if we were going to do the exhibition,” Bridgfoot says. “One of them was Priscilla’s wedding dress. We knew Australian fans would really want to see that and Elvis’ wedding tuxedo suit, so they were on the non-negotiable list, the Aloha from Hawaii suit and of course we wanted to make sure we had a really substantial array of jumpsuits.”

Amid the hundreds of items, small and large, unassuming and diamante-studded in the new Elvis exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery, a handful stopped Priscilla Presley in her tracks on her pre-opening private tour, sparking deep memories and emotions.

A set of bongos. A wedding dress. A crisp white suit. And an old, well-thumbed copy of The Prophet, a book of prose poems by Kahlil Gibran.

The bongos were her first Christmas present to Elvis: it was 1959 and 14-year-old Priscilla Beaulieu, the daughter of an air force captain, was falling in love with the 24-year-old singer, already a star, who had been drafted into the army and based in Germany.

She had scoured Wiesbaden for a present for the man who seemed to have everything he wanted, and settled on the $45 bongos (her father paid for them). “Bongos! Just what I always wanted,” Elvis said when he opened the present.

Italian Book

Diarkos  published the 456-page Italian book ‘Io, Elvis - La Parabola Immortale Di 'The King’ (I, Elvis - The Immortal Story Of 'The King'). The book details Elvis career and his lasting impact on the world around him . Accompanied by a solid bibliography, it contains rankings of rare and unobtainable records, lists of songs described through anecdotes and more.

(Source: Pascal Matteo / Elvis Club Berlin / Australian Financial Review / Sidney Morning Telegraph)

March 17 - Sold Out Vol. 14

The Pyradmid import label announced the release of volume 14 in their 'Sold Out!' concert footage DVD series. The DVD should be available next week.

Publicity stated: With this new ’Sold Out’, we’re going to have fun, because we are going to take you to the Las Vegas of the early 70s: the sights, the sounds, the extensive Elvis decorations at the Hilton… 

8mm film from Elvis’ Summer Festival 1973 is pretty rare, but we have managed to obtain good footage and are presenting it here. Dressed in his ‘Snowflake’ jumpsuit, his repertoire includes a ballsy ‘Steamroller Blues’. Also neat to see Emory Gordy on bass subbing for Jerry Scheff. 

There’s also great concert footage from 1974, and as always his interplay with the fans is a highlight. When a fan says she’s waited 20 years to get a kiss, he says, “Honey, you must have rusty lips by now!”. 

We’ve been asked numerous times to tackle the legendary Pittsburgh 1976 New Year’s Eve show. We obtained the films last year, and had a clean transfer done. All shot from the same angle by the same person. Often there’s beauty in respecting the history of things, which is essentially what we’ve done with this footage. So that’s what you’re getting here.

Pittsburgh just as it was filmed that special night so many years ago. Elvis was ready for this New Year’s Eve concert, and today it stands as one of his finest performances from the final years. 

There’s lots more: Abilene ’77 as filmed by Rex Martin (a fantastic transfer!); Tampa & Atlanta ’75 - fun footage with an animated Elvis; the Las Vegas opening show from August 1975 (Great show!); Binghamton ’77 and plenty more. 

There’s so much to enjoy: Elvis having fun with the audience, with the band, teasing Kathy Westmoreland with her ‘see-through blouse’, calling J.D. Sumner ‘Hovie Lister’…. Goosebump-inducing moments, like a gorgeous ‘My Boy’, the last version of ‘Suspicious Minds’, a sensational ‘How Great Thou Art’, a rare-for-1977 ‘Lawdy Miss Clawdy’, Elvis asking for the lights to be turned on and performing ‘Funny How Time Slips Away’ in one of the most unusual arenas that he played in the seventies (you must see this!).

All classic Elvis, and you’re getting almost three hours of that on this terrific new ‘Sold Out’ release. 

(Source: Pyramid)

March 16 - Australian 45's and Danish Book, CDs and Vinyl

Australian author-researcher, Bob Hayden, has  published his latest Elvis books 'Australian 45 RPM Extended Plays Vol. 1 and 2'.

Description: In full colour, the two volumes provide the front and back covers for all (variations) of Elvis’ Aussie 45RPM EP releases plus manufacturer’s details which help to differentiate between different releases of the same title. These books will appeal to collectors. 

The books have a softcover and the paper stock is high quality gloss. Volume 1 has 88 pages, volume 2 holds 92 pages. 

Elvis August 56, Hollywood Bound

Elvis biographer Paul Belard announced the upcoming release of his latest escape 'Elvis August 56, Hollywood Bound'.

The description: On August 16, Elvis flew to Los Angeles to star in his first movie. He was welcomed at the airport by a group of fans, some of whom carried banners inscribed “Elvis for President”. 

He stayed at the Knickerbocker Hotel. There, photographer Ed Braslaff took multiple pictures of Elvis in a variety clothing, or lack thereof, in his room and on the roof of the hotel. Most pictures were published in the book 'Elvis 1956 Reflections'. 

On the 24th, while on the set, Elvis recorded three of the songs that would appear in the film. Preliminary work began on the 25th. At that time, the film was still titled 'The Reno Brothers'. 

In late August, Debra Paget and Elvis were interviewed by Jules Archer. Archer was an American author of many books on U.S. history, political events, and personalities. The interview titled 'Stop Hounding Teenagers!' appeared in the magazine Writer’s Digest in November 1956. 

It is one of the best articles written about Elvis. Towards the end of the interview, to the question, “Elvis, do you think that your popularity with teenagers could be harnessed to fight delinquency and to keep kids on the right path”, Elvis replies: “I’d be right proud to help any way I could to influence kids to do the right thing. If I can help any civic, charitable or religious drive by sending a special message, or posing for a special picture, I’ll be happy to do so. That goes for Protestants, Catholics, Jews - white or colored. We’re all God’s children, and I don’t care what a man’s color or religion is. If my influence can help people, especially teenagers, solve their problems, I hope they’ll let me help.” 

At the time of this interview, Tupelo and Memphis and most of the South were still segregated. For Elvis to admit he did not care about a man’s color or religion took courage. For those who still think Elvis was a racist, this article is a must-read.

The book is available on Amazon and the author can be contacted at: pbelard@hotmail.com 

Follow That Dream April 2022 Releases

The Follow That Dream collectors label announced the April 2022 releases: the double CD ‘Elvis: Madison to Pine Bluff’, the double LP ‘Kid Galahad’ and the book / CD set ‘Celluloid Sell-Out!’ by Bob Pakes.

Publicity stated: As part of its ongoing live on tour series, FTD is pleased to announce the release of ‘Elvis: Madison to Pine Bluff’. 

Released as a 2-CD 5-inch digi-pack, this set features two shows: Dane County Coliseum, Madison, Wisconsin October 19, 1976 - 8:30 P.M. / Pine Bluff Convention Center, Pine Bluff, Arkansas, September 8, 1976 - 8:30 P.M.

Disc 1 - Madison, Wisconsin October 19, 1976

Also Sprach Zarathustra - See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Love Me - If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - awaiian Wedding Song - Jailhouse Rock - All Shook Up - (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - And I Love You So - Fever - Steamroller Blues - America - Introductions - Early Mornin’ Rain - What’d I Say / Johnny B. Goode - Love Letters - School Days - Love Me Tender - Blue Suede Shoes - Hurt - Hound Dog - Blue Christmas - Funny How Time Slips Away - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

Disc 2 - Pine Bluff, Arkansas September 8, 1976

Amen - Love Me - Fairytale - All Shook Up - (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - And I Love You So - Jailhouse Rock - One Night - You Gave Me A Mountain - Fever  - America - Polk Salad Annie - Introductions (Incomplete) - Early Mornin’ Rain ­- What’d I Say /Johnny B. Goode - Love Letters - School Days - Hurt - Hound Dog - Funny How Time Slips Away - Why Me Lord - That’s All Right - My Heavenly Father (Sung By Kathy Westmoreland) - Mystery Train / Tiger Man

FTD is pleased to announce the release of the first official ‘Kid Galahad’ vinyl soundtrack album. It is hard to believe that it was 60 years ago that this movie first made its debut. ‘King Of The Whole Wide World’ sounds as fresh today as it did then. This 180 Gr. 2-LP limited edition contains all the original soundtrack masters and many excellent alternative outtakes.

Side A: King Of The Whole Wide World - This Is Living - Riding The Rainbow - Home Is Where The Heart Is - I Got Lucky - A Whistling Tune - King Of The Whole Wide World (takes 2 - 6)

Side B: This Is Living (Take 2) - King Of The Whole Wide World (Take 8) - Riding The Rainbow (Take 1) - I Got Lucky (Take 1) - King Of The Whole Wide World (Take 11) - Home Is Where The Heart Is (Take 10) - This Is Living (Take 4 - 8)

Side C: A Whistling Tune (Take 2) - King Of The Whole Wide World (Take 16 - 19) - Home Is Where The Heart Is (Take 13,14) - I Got Lucky (Take 6) - Riding The Rainbow (Take 2 - 4) .- King Of The Whole Wide World (Take 30, 31)

Side D: I Got Lucky (Remake - Take 1) - I Got Lucky (Remake - Take 2 / Unedited Master) - King Of The Whole Wide World (Remake - Take 1 - 3) - Home Is Where The Heart Is (Take 21 / Unedited Master) - Riding The Rainbow (Remake - Take 2 - 6) - King Of The Whole Wide World (Remake - Take 4 / Unedited Master)

FTD Books presents ‘Celluloid Sell-Out!’ 448 pages of Worldwide Elvis Presley movie memorabilia from 1956-1958. 

It’s packed with movie posters, lobby cards, press-books, publicity stills, programs, standees, heralds and much more! Plus 2 bonus CDs featuring the soundtracks from ‘Love Me Tender’, ‘Loving You’, ‘Jailhouse Rock’ and ‘King Creole’.

Elvis’ World Premiere at Cannes!

Great news that the Baz Luhrmann ELVIS biopic will have its World Premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.

Warner Bros is hyping up its upcoming film ELVIS with a premiere just as flashy as the man himself. The movie will premiere at the Cannes Film Festival a month before its theatrical release. While no specific date has been selected yet it will have to be between May 17 to May 28.

Luhrmann has previously opened the French Riviera Film festival with both Moulin Rouge! in 2001 and The Great Gatsby in 2013. Luhrmann’s first movie since The Great Gatsby, ELVIS explores the life and music of Elvis Presley, seen through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager. The story delves into the complex dynamic between Presley and Parker, from Presley’s rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and loss of innocence in America. 

Variety had predicted the film will play at Cannes along with 'Top Gun: Maverick', George Miller’s 'Three Thousand Years of Longing', David Cronenberg’s 'Crimes of the Future', Wes Anderson's 'Asteroid City' among others.

The Cannes Film Festival’s Official Selection will be unveiled at a press conference in Paris during the second or third week of April. - ELVIS is set to hit Cinemas on June 24.

(Source: Elvis Information Network / Follo That Dream / FECC)