April 30 - Pop Icon

Here is the cover-art for the 200-book 'Elvis Presley: Pop Icons' by author Daniel Ichbiah with illustrations by  illustrated by twenty comic strip authors. The book will be released June 3, 2022.

Description: The story of Elvis Presley told through an illustrated biography by twenty comic book authors. 

This is the first book in the new 'Pop Icons' collection, dedicated to the biographies of the greatest icons of world pop culture. This first volume is dedicated to the King of Rock 'n' Roll who takes center stage with the release of a new great Hollywood film dedicated to the story of his life. 

For the first time, next to the texts, some of the best of European comics illustrators worked on a several themes related to the King's life:  his legendary footwork, the forbidden love with Priscilla, the movies, the triumphs, Las Vegas, and finally the fall of the myth. Elvis Presley like you've never seen him before, eternal, sovereign but so endearing.

Auction Results

During the The Gotta Have Rock & Roll Pop Culture Auction Spring 2022 auction many ElvisPresley items - including a lot of jewelry, clothing and records - were sold. Two highlights were: 

Harmony Stella Tenor guitar used in 'Frankie and Johnny' movie, which Elvis kept afterwards. Sold for US$24,000

Elvis owned and worn large 14kt Gold and Diamond Cross Pendant Necklace. sold for US$20,000.

The Rockhurst 'Rock & Roll, Entertainment, Sports and Americana' auction included more than 130 lots of Elvis Presley: personal clothing, his jewelry, autographs, personal effects and vintage concert memorabilia. Many items originating from Elvis' cousin Patsy Presley and former secretary Trude Forsher. 

Most items sold for prices in line with the pre-auction estimates. Some items were previously offered for sale, but didn't sell when first offered. 

Some of the highlights were: 

Elvis Presley Signed 1953 Humes High School Yearbook. Sold for US$ 5,750.
Elvis Presley Owned Shelby County Sherif Badge Keychain. Sold for US$$1,955.00.
Four Elvis Presley Signed Documents! in His Shelby County Sheriff’s Department “Special Deputy” Files. Sold for US$$11,500.
RIAA Gold Record Award for Elvis Presley's 1969 Single “Don't Cry Daddy” - Certified in 1970 sold for US$1,380 while a RIAA Gold Record Award for Elvis Presley 1963 LP Elvis' Golden Records Volume 3 - Certified in 1966 failed to sell.
Elvis Presley Owned 14K Gold over Sterling Silver Crucifix Ring. Sold for US$3,162.
Elvis Presley Owned Monogrammed “ELVIS” ID Bracelet. Sold for US$4,600.
Elvis Presley Owned Lightning Bolt Silver and Turquoise Ankh Necklace. Sold for US$6,900.

(Source: Amazon / Elvis My Happiness / Rockhurst)

April 30 - Charts April 2022 - Week 5: #1

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart update. The 'Elvis The Searcher' DVD makes a surprise re-entry at #1 on the Music DVD chart! 'Elvis Country' album also made a surprise return to the Official Country Compilations Album chart in the United Kingdom.

U.S. Billboard charts:

• Billboard Top Country Albums chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #22 to #21.
• Billboard Top Rock Albums chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #40 to #37.

Official U.K. charts:

• Official Album Top 100 chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #38 to #57. 
• Official Streaming Album Top 100 chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #32 to #38.
• Official Country Compilations Album chart: 'Elvis Country' re-entry at #4.
• Official Country Compilations Album chart: 'From Elvis In Nashville' remained steady at #19.
• Official Music DVD chart: 'Elvis The Searcher' re-entry at #1.
• Official Blu-ray chart: 'Elvis The Searcher' re-entry at #30.
• Official Video Chart: 'Elvis The Searcher' re-entry at #100.

(Source: Official Charts / UK Mix Forum)

April 29 - Elvis Presley: Último Trem Para Memphis

The Brazilian Belas-Letras will release a Portuguese edition of Peter Guralnick’s ‘Last Train to Memphis’ as ‘Elvis Presley: Último Trem Para Memphis‘ in Brazil on May 2, 2022.

Fans who pre-ordered the 640-page book also receive an Exclusive Kit that includes a paper Elvis you can assemble yourself.

Description: The most important biography on one of the greatest names in rock history of all time

The story that shows the man behind the myth. The world that Elvis Presley grew up in, the world that shaped him, and the world that he, almost without realizing it, shaped for himself.

Last Train to Memphis vividly recounts Elvis' youth. His childhood, his first successes, his film career, his particularly intimate relationship with his parents and also with girlfriends, colleagues, mentors and fans. All this narrated with all the grace and simplicity of everyday life, in a time of dreams and a music industry that had not yet defined itself, and based on hundreds of interviews and years of research.

His energy was fierce; the competitive spirit seemed to take over the shy, polite boy deep inside; every minute he was on stage was like an incendiary explosion.

Follow That Error

Due to an error in the production of the 'Elvis: Pine Bluff  to Madison '76' the 2-CD has been delayed. The FTD label informed dealers: 

Dear All

Due to a manufacturing fault, Pine Bluff is being delayed. Stock will notarrive until May 10. New order therefore will not ship until several days after that.

Apologies for the inconvenience, We will keep you posted.

Kind regards

Roger and Ernst

Priscilla Likes Baz

Priscilla Presley offered her thoughts on the upcoming film about late ex-husband Elvis Presley after attending a private screening.

Presley, 76, took to Facebook on Friday to share her praise for director Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, which premieres at Cannes Film Festival next month ahead of Warner Bros. releasing the movie theatrically on June 24. The Naked Gun actress said she saw the film with Elvis’ longtime friend Jerry Schilling and was particularly impressed by Austin Butler in the title role.

“This story is about Elvis and Colonel Parker’s relationship,” Presley posted. “It is a true story told brilliantly and creatively that only Baz, in his unique artistic way, could have delivered. Austin Butler, who played Elvis is outstanding. Halfway through the film Jerry and I looked at each other and said WOW!!! Bravo to him…he knew he had big shoes to fill. He was extremely nervous playing this part. I can only imagine.”

(Elvis Triunfal fan-club / Belas-Letras / FTD / Priscilla Presley)

April 28 - Kid Galahad Vinyl

The Follow That Dream re-issue of the 1962 'Kid Galahad' soundtrack EP has been released. This Limited Edition 2-LP contains all the original soundtrack masters and many excellent alternative outtakes according to the publicity.

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 (Take 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)

Happy Birthday!

Ann-Margret, one of Elvis' (and many fans) favorite co-stars, celebrated her 81st birthday. Congratulations!

Elvis News Report May 2022

Emiel Maier posted his monthly Elvis Presley video report. 

(Source: Facebook / Emiel Maier)

April 27 - The King Rocks

Elvis Presley is featured on the cover of the May 2022 edition of the Spanish This Is ROCK magazine. Inside the article '10 Moments of a King'. 

Synopsis: Elvis is alive. No matter where you look or listen, you will find his influence on any group or musical artist that you appreciate. To commemorate a King, we compiled ten of his most important moments.

(Source: Pascal Matteo / This Is Rock)

April 26 - A Comeback Biography

Plexus Publishing re-issued Jerry Hopkins' 'Elvis: A Biography' as a 416-page paperback. 

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

Telling the complete story of Presley's rise and fall, from his poverty-stricken childhood in Tupelo through his musical development and emergence as pop's first superstar to his decline and death, the book explores Presley's singular appeal, his far-reaching influence, and his extraordinary legacy. 

Featuring newly published first-hand interviews with people close to Elvis - including high school teachers, girlfriends, directors, agents, recording engineers, bodyguards, sidemen, karate instructors, medical professionals, and even his personal jeweler - Elvis presents a comprehensive and amazingly intimate look at this cultural icon.

Elvis '68 Comeback: The Story Behind the Special

Steve Binder re-issued his 192-page book 'Elvis '68 Comeback: The Story Behind the Special' with a new foreword by film director Baz Luhrmann.

Synopsis: A chronicle of the comeback performance that marked Elvis Presley’s return from the screen to the stage. 

Take a tour behind the scenes at the NBC television special that relaunched Elvis Presley’s career as a stage musician. Author Steve Binder - who directed the TV special - provides exclusive content that gives fans even more insight into the performance that many see as a high point in the King of Rock’s reign of American music. Elvis ’68 Comeback includes full-color photographs and detailed commentary on the show’s development and production, making this an excellent addition to the shelf of every Elvis fan. 

The book contains a foreword by noted film director Baz Luhrmann, whose film credits includes the 2022 Warner Brothers feature film, Elvis.

Tickle Me Blu-ray

The Australian based movie and film distributer Umbrella Entertainment announced the June 8, 2022 Blu-ray release of Elvis' 'Tickle Me' movie. It comes with 2.0 Mono DTS-HD MA audio, 16:9 aspect ratio and the original theatrical trailer as a bonus. 

Synopsis: You've seen Elvis, but you haven't seen Elvis in Tickle Me on High Definition Blu-ray!

Onetime rodeo standout Lonnie Beale (Elvis Presley) needs a job, so the slick playboy heads to a dude ranch that caters to wealthy women, owned by Vera Radford (Julie Adams). There, Lonnie meets the attractive Pam Meritt (Jocelyn Lane), they fall for each other, and Lonnie discovers Pam's connection to a treasure map that might lead to riches buried in a ghost town. But a misunderstanding involving Lonnie and Vera angers Pam, putting the treasure hunt and their relationship in jeopardy.

(Source: Amazon / Umbrella Entertainment)

April 25 - A Real Pleasant Midnight Performance

Two new import titles have been released; the Ampex record label released the CD 'Midnight In Las Vegas' and the BJ Records presented their second release 'A Real Pleasant Performance'.

Publicity stated: Ampex is back with a brand new unreleased performance, our follow up to 'You Know, My Bass Man Is Bound To Die’ here comes the second performance that day on the brand new ‘Midnight In Las Vegas’ featuring the Midnight Show on March 24th 1975. 

As everybody knows the concerts Elvis gave during his March/April season in las Vegas was a very strong one, there were no weak performances and every show was sold out with Elvis giving a committed performance while introducing some brand new material recorded earlier that month in the studio and wearing some stunning new two-piece outfits. This was a very different Elvis and the setlist reflected that, more often than not Elvis would only perform 2 or 3 of his classics during this season and he mostly relied on new material along with material introduced about a year earlier.

During this concert Elvis performs great versions of ‘Promised Land’ ‘Fairytale’ ‘It's Midnight’ ‘My Boy’ ‘I'll Remember You’ ‘Hawaiian Wedding Song’ and Interestingly David Briggs decided to play a different solo on this night playing an instrumental version of ‘T-R-O-U-B-L-E’ a song that wouldn't be added to the setlist until the following tour, we even have Elvis going ‘Say hey!’ during this short solo. 

Elvis also introduces the legendary disc jockey, actor and musician ‘Wolfman Jack’ which Elvis mentions that he's known him for a long time and that they'd been watching each other for years and that Jack had been hosting ‘The Midnight Special’ (which ran from 1973 to 1981). 

This release comes in a single digipack which contains some stunning photos from this season and you don't want to miss this release.

Also Sprach Zarathustra - See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Love Me - If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - And I Love You So - Big Boss Man - It's Midnight - Promised Land - Fairytale - Introductions / What'd I Say - Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) - Bass Solo (Duke Bardwell) - Piano Solo (Glen D. Hardin) - T-R-O-U-B-L-E (Short Instrumental By David Briggs) - School Day - Introduction Of ''Wolfman Jack'' - My Boy - I'll Remember You - My Heavenly Father (Kathy Westmoreland) - Let Me Be There (With False Start And Reprise) - Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - Hound Dog - Hawaiian Wedding Song - Dialogue - Can't Help Falling In Love / Closing Vamp

After the success of our first title BJ Records is proud to present their second release ‘A Real Pleasant Performance’. We've decided to bring you a stunning 2 CD package containing two concerts newly mixed into matrix stereo sound. 

The concerts presented here were recorded on February 13 in West Palm Beach and February 14 1977 in St. Petersburgh and while these shows have been released previously from the soundboard tapes they deserved a brand new make-over and have never sounded better, we've gone back and mixed the two shows from scratch and took it to a new level by mixing in the audience recordings from these shows giving the two shows new depth and wider sound detail and showing clear improvements to an otherwise standard soundboard.

Listen to great performances of ‘It's Now Or Never’ the great crowd interaction during ‘Fever’ a stunning ‘My Way’ and touching ‘And I Love You So’ and not to forget the two versions of ‘Blueberry Hill’ among other highlights.

Taking things a a little further there's also bonus performances included from the rest of the tour which we gave the the same mixing treatment and we have great versions of ‘Trying To Get To You’ ‘Release Me’ ‘Unchained Melody’ ‘How Great Thou Art’ and the one and only live performance of ‘Where No One Stands Alone’. We're sure you'll be pleasantly Surprised at the sound and this deserves to be in everyone's collection.

This release is presented in a digipak containing some fantastic brand new photos from West Palm Beach along with photos from other dates on this tour. 

Disc 1 - February 13, 1977

Little Sister (Incomplete) - You Gave Me A Mountain - Blue Suede Shoes - O Sole Mio / It's Now Or Never - My Way - All Shook Up - Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - And I Love You So - Fever - Blueberry Hill (Tony Brown On Piano) - Hurt - Hound Dog - Danny Boy (Sherril Nielsen) - Walk With Me (Sherril Nielsen) - Jailhouse Rock - Can't Help Falling In Love / Closing Vamp

Bonus Songs: Polk Salad Annie (16.02.1977) - Where No One Stands Alone (16.02.1977) - Unchained Melody (16.02.1977) - Trying To Get To You (18.02.1977) - Release Me (18.02.1977)

Disc 2

f You Love Me (Let Me Know) (Incomplete) - You Gave Me A Mountain - O Sole Mio / It's Now Or Never - All Shook Up - Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - And I Love You So - Fever - My Way - Blueberry Hill (Elvis On Piano) - Love Letters - School Day - Hurt - Hound Dog - Can't Help Falling In Love / Closing Vamp

Bonus Songs:Fairytale (February 20, 1977) - How Great Thou Art (February 20, 1977) - Reconsider Baby (February 21, 1977) - Moody Blue (February 21, 1977) - Why Me Lord (February 21, 1977).

HD From Hawaii

The Polish Fan Music Shop listed a special Anniversary 2-LP re-issue of the 'Blue Hawaii' soundtrack LP on 180 Gr. colored vinyl from the Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab label. It has January 7, 2024 as the release date. No other information available.

Side 1:  Blue Hawaii / Almost Always True / Aloha Oe / No More / Can't Help Fallin' In Love / Rock-A-Hula Baby / Midnight Swim.

Side 2: Ku-U-I-Po / Ito Eats / Slicin' Sand / Hawaiian Sunset / Beach Boy Blues / Island Of Love / Hawaiian Wedding Song.

(Source: FECC / Fan Shop Poland)

April 23 - Record Store Day

April 23rd marks Record Store Day 2022. The French V.P.I. / LMLR record label released the 3-LP box 'Les Disques En Or D'Elvis' ('Elvis' Golden Records') on marble gold, translucent red and blue colored vinyl and 'Blondes, Brunes Et Rousses' ('It Happened At The World's Fair') on red and yellow marble splattered vinyl. Both titles are limited to 1,500 copies. 

Publicity stated: 'Les Disques En Or D'Elvis' comes in a lavish deluxe cardboard boxset, the 3 volumes of the Elvis’ Golden Records collection with alternative takes, a 12-page booklet and a memorabilia poster.

This 'Public Domain' compilation feautures Elvis' classic hits from ,Heartbreak Hotel', 'Hound Dog' through to 'Little Sister', 'Good Luck Charm' and 'Anything That's Part Of You'.

The original Soundtrack of the early 60's Movie 'It Happened At The World's Fair' ('Blondes, Brunes & Rousses' in French) is a fantastic album made up of alternative takes that for the most part have never been released on vinyl. This Deluxe edition includes a 16-page booklet.

Tracks 'Les Disques En Or D'Elvis':

Side A: Hound Dog (Take 31, Master) - Loving You (Take 16) - All Shook Up (Take 10, Master) - Heartbreak Hotel (Take 6) - Jailhouse Rock (Take 4) - Love Me (Take 9, Master) - Too Much (Take 2 - 12, Master)

Side B: Don't Be Cruel (Take 28, Master) - That’s When Your Heartaches Begin (Take 6) - Teddy Bear (Take 13, Master) - Love Me Tender (Take 2, Master) - Treat Me Nice (Take 15) - Anyway You Want Me (Take 12, Master) - I Want You, I Need You, I Love You (Take 15) - Love Me Tender (Version Finale Film)

Side C: I Need Your Love Tonight (Take 15) - Don't (Take 7, Master) - Wear My Ring Around Your Neck (Take 22, Non Doublée) - My Wish Came True (Take 28, Master) - I Got Stung (Take 20) - One Night (Take 10, Master) - A Big Hunk O' Love (Take 20)

Side D: I Beg Of You (Take 11) - A Fool Such As I (Take 8) - Doncha Think It's Time (Take 47) - It's Now Or Never (Take 1) - Stuck On You (Take 1) - Fame And Fortune (Take 2) - I Gotta Know (Take 2, Master)

Side E: Surrender (Take 6) - I Feel So Bad (Take 1) - Are You Lonesome Tonight (Take 2) - His Latest Flame (Take 4) - Little Sister (Take 6) - Good Luck Charm (Take 1) - Anything That's Part Of You (Take 5)

Side F: She's Not You (Take 2) - A Mess Of Blues (Take 1) - Lonely Man (Take 3) - Ain’t That Loving You Baby (Take 11) - Just Tell Her Jim Said Hello (Take 1) - Wooden Heart (Take 1) - Can’t Help Falling In Love (Take 13)

Tracks 'Blondes, Brunes Et Rousses':

Side A: Beyond the Bend (Take 3) - Relax (Take 7) - Take Me To The Fair (Take 7) - They Remind Me Too Much Of You (Take 7) - One Broken Heart For Sale (Take 1, Version Film) - I’m Falling In Love Tonight (Take 6) - Cotton Candy Land (Take 4)

Side B: A World Of Our Own (Take 1, Master) - How Would You Like To Be (Take 2) - Happy Ending (Take 5) - They Remind Me Too Much Of You (Take 1) - One Broken Heart For Sale (Take 5, Master) - How Would You Like To Be (Version Film) - Happy Ending (Version Film)

(Source: Record Store Day)

April 23 - Charts April 2022 - Week 4

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart update. Elvis climbed up the charts in the United Kingdom, and slipped a few spots on the U.S. Billboard charts. 

U.S. Billboard charts:

• Billboard Top Country Albums chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #20 to #22.
• Billboard Top Rock Albums chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #37 to #40.

Official U.K. charts:

• Official Album Top 100 chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #52 to #38. 
• Official Streaming Album Top 100 chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #40 to #32.
• Official Country Compilations Album chart: 'From Elvis In Nashville' remained steady at #19.
• Official Christian and Gospel Album chart: 'Lovin' Elvis' dropped from #4 to #6.

(Source: Official Charts / UK Mix Forum)

April 20 - Meant To Be Released

The CMT import label released the CD 'Elvis 28+ Essential Sixties Splices Vol. 4'. This release is limited to 500 copies.

Publicity stated: Volume four in this series is something special, since it also has three tracks from 1964. Elvis was 28 years old when he recorded all the other tracks. 

 

This CD features amazing new splices, created for your listening pleasure. Highlights include a five minute plus version of ‘Bossa Nova Baby’, an new version of ‘If You Think I Don't Need You’ which was spliced eight times, a beautiful remade version of ‘Love Me Tonight’ which sounds a lot different without The Jordanaires and a nice version of ‘Ask Me’ which uses both the 1963 and 1964 versions. As always, most songs have been extended using different takes. 

 

Tracks: Fun in Acapulco (Alternate Master - Remade) - Bossa Nova Baby (Spliced Take 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7) - Devil In Disguise (Alternate Master) - Please Don’t Drag That String Around  (Spliced Take 1, 1, 3, 5) - Long Lonely Highway - Witchcraft (Spliced Take 2, 1, 2) - Finders Keepers, Losers Weepers (Spliced Take 2, 3, 1, 1) - Western Union (Spliced Take 1, 2, 3, 4) - Slowly But Surely (Spliced Take 1, 3, 4, 1, 3) - Blue River (Spliced Take 1, Fs, 2, 2) - Echoes Of Love (Spliced Take) - Never Ending (Spliced Take ) - What Now, What Next, Where To (Alternate Master) - Love Me Tonight (2, 4, 5, 5) - Viva Las Vegas (Alternate Master) - C’mon Everybody (Spliced Take 6, 7) - If You Think I Don’t Need You (Spliced Take 9, 8, 10, 12, 2, 12, 7, 2) - Do The Vega (Spliced Take 5, 4, 2, 2, 2, 4) - I Need Somebody To Lean On (Spliced Take 17, 19) - Kissin’ Cousins (#2 - Spliced Take 1, 2) - Catchin’ On Fast (Alternate Master) - Anyone (Alternate Master) - Kissin’ Cousins (Reversed Master) - Memphis Tennessee (Alternate Master) - Ask Me (Spliced Take  3, 4 [1963], 3 [1964]) - It Hurts Me (Spliced Take 3, 4)

In A private Moment Vol. 2

 

The Meant To Be Played import-label released ‘In A private Moment Vol. 2’. 

 

Publicity stated: MTP is back with another Follow That Dream follow up, This one just had to be done since a lot of private recordings surfaced lately.

As always, the tracks have been re-edited for your listening pleasure, most of the talking and background-noise has been deleted. Some splices were done to create new complete tracks.

 

The bonus tracks will are a real treat as they have been remastered. Now you can hear the tracks which Elvis “overdubbed” by humming along, in a much better sound! This CD is Meant To Be Played, where others are just for collecting.

 

Tracks: Happy, Happy Birthday Baby - I Can’t Help It - Just A Closer Walk With Thee - Santa Claus is Back in Town -  I’m Beginning To Forget You (Spliced) - Danny Boy(Spliced) - Send Me Some Lovin’ - The Fool(Spliced) - Are You Lonesome Tonight? - Cool Water (Edit) - Apron Strings (Edit) - Earth Angel - If I Didn’t Care / Are You Sincere - Return To Me (Edit) - Soldier Boy - Her Hand in Mine (Edit) - Like A Baby (Edit) - I’ll Take You Home Again Kathleen (Slow / Fast) - Oh Lonesome Me - He Knows Just What I Need - Stand By Me (Edit) - You’ll Never Walk Alone - Sweet Leilani - Spanish Eyes (Edit) - I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry

Bonus Songs:

Don’t You Know I Love You (Remade) - Little Darlin’ (Remade) - Happy, Happy Birthday Baby (Remade)

Vegas Single

The first single to promote the upcoming 'Elvis' biopic has been announced. Doja Cat released the single 'Vegas', her interpretation of the classic 'Hound Dog'.

The single features samples of the original version of 'Hound Dog' by Big Mama Thornton. 

(Source: FECC / Elvis Club Berlin / Doja Cat)

April 19 - La Legacy

Warner Bros. Entertainment France announced the May 4, 2022 re-release of the 8-DVD set 'Elvis La Collection'.  The set contains English and Italian audio and subtitles in seven European and Arabic subtitles.

The movies on this set: 'Speedway', 'Viva Las Vegas', 'It Happened at the World's Fair', 'Harum Scarum', 'Double Trouble', 'The Trouble with Girls', 'Jailhouse Rock' and 'Spinout'.

The Legacy Continues

It appears that another Legacy Edition of an Elvis Presley classic is due for re-release from the Music on CD record label. On Amazon the Legacy Edition of Elvis' self-titled debut album appeared, with June 03, 2022 as the release-date.

Description: In the beginning, there was a new singer with an unusual name, Elvis Presley, who beat out the rhythm on an acoustic guitar, a nimble fingered lead guitarist, Scotty Moore, a down to earth drummer, DJ Fontana and a mischievous bass player Bill Black and together they made music that changed popular culture. 

Opening with “Blue Suede Shoes”, the album starts with a power house performance that was to characterize most of the albums that followed. His second album, ‘Elvis’, is an ever stronger collection than the first record. Some of Elvis's best recordings are on this record, including the pleading "Love Me," the gorgeous "First In Line." 

Several legendary singles have been added as bonus tracks, including "Hound Dog" and "Love Me Tender." 

Tracks CD 1: 1. Blue Suede Shoes 2. I’m Counting On You 3. I Got A Woman 4. One-Sided Love Affair 5. I Love You Because 6. Just Because 7. Tutti Frutti 8. Trying To Get To You 9. I’m Gonna Sit Down And Cry (Over You) 10. I’ll Never Let You Go (Little Darlin’) 11. Blue Moon 12. Money Honey The Hit Singles 13. Heartbreak Hotel 14. I Was The One 15. My Baby Left Me 16. Lawdy, Miss Clawdy 17. Shake, Rattle And Roll.

Tracks CD 2: 1. Rip It Up 2. Love Me 3. When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again 4. Long Tall Sally 5. First In Line 6. Paralyzed 7. So Glad You’re Mine 8. Old Shep 9. Ready Teddy 10. Anyplace Is Paradise 11. How’s The World Treating You 12. How Do You Think I Feel The Hit Singles 13. I Want You, I Need You, I Love You 14. Hound Dog 15. Don’t Be Cruel 16. Any Way You Want Me (That’s How It Will Be) 17. Too Much 18. Playing For Keeps 19. Love Me Tender.

Happy Birthday

Estelle Brown, the only surviving original member of the Sweet Inspirations, celebrated her 79th birthday. Congratulations Estelle!

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / Amazon)

April 18 - Elvis: Dressed to Rock

Graceland announced a the new exhibit 'Elvis: Dressed to Rock' exhibit which will open at the Elvis: The Entertainer Career Museum at Elvis Presley's Memphis on Saturday, May 7. 

Publicity stated: Elvis: Dressed to Rock will be an in-depth exhibit exploring Elvis' on-stage style from 1969-1977. Featuring over 100 pieces of stagewear, including jumpsuits, capes, belts, jewelry, original designer sketches, and more, visitors will be enamored by floor-to-ceiling displays of fashion pieces that defined the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s style in a newly reimagined Elvis: The Entertainer Museum experience.

(Source: Graceland)

April 16 - Radio Recorders On Stage

The new Radio Recorders import record label announced the release of four new CDs; 'The G.I. Blues Recording Sessions', 'The Blue Hawaii Recording Sessions', 'Elvis Rockin' The Early Sixties', ''Tickle Me'.

Publicity stated: 'The G.I. Blues Recording Sessions': In April 1960 Elvis stepped into the Radio recorders™ studio in Hollywood, California to record the  soundtrack for his latest movie G.I. Blues. The sessions resulted in some fan favorites like “Wooden Heart”, “Tonight’s All Right For Love” and “Shoppin’ Around”. Radio recorders™ brings you a fully packed CD containing 28 swinging tracks from the sessions. All recordings are carefully restored and remastered. They never sounded better, it’s like you are right there in the studio.

Tracklisting: G.I. Blues (EO - Take 4 & Composite Master) - Tonight’s All Right For Love (R1O - Take 1) - Big Boots (Slow Tempo - MO - Take 2 & 3) - What’s She Really Like (GO - Take 13) - Frankfort Special (Medium Tempo - HO-X - Take 7 & 8) - Tonight’s All Right For Love (R10 - Take 11 & 12) - Pocketful Of Rainbows (NO - Take 9) - Wooden Heart (QO - Take 2 & 4 - Stereo Master) - Big Boots (Fast Tempo - M1O) - Take 3) - Shoppin’ Around (BO - Take 6 & 10) - Didja’ Ever (CO - Take 2 - 1960 LP Stereo Master) - Tonight Is So Right For Love (FO - Take 4) - Doin’ The Best (DO - Take 5 & 13 - Stereo Master) - Shoppin’ Around (BO-X - Take 2) - Frankfort Special (Fast Tempo - HO - Take 6 & 7) - Blue Suede Shoes (PO - Take 1 - Stereo Master) - Big Boots (Solo - MO-X - Take 6 & Take 1 Insert - M2O-X) - G. I. Blues (EO - Take 3 & Pickup Take 9) - Tonight’s All Right For Love (R1O - Take 8) - What’s She Really Like (GO - Take 5) - Pocketful Of Rainbows (NO - Take 12) - Frankfort Special (Medium Tempo - HO-X - Take 10 (Stereo Master)) - Tonight’s All Right For Love (Extended - 1960 Master) - Big Boots (Fast Tempo - M1O - Take 5) - Shoppin’ Around (BO-X - Take 3, 6 & 7) - What’s She Really Like (GO - Take 18 & 19) - Frankfort Special (Fast Tempo - HO - Take 8) - Tonight Is So Right For Love (FO - Take 9)

Details: 'The Blue Hawaii Recording Sessions': In March 1961 Elvis returned to the now legendary Radio recorders™ studio to record an iconic soundtrack for his new Paramount Pictures soundtrack 'Blue Hawaii'. 

In between 'G.I. Blues' and 'Blue Hawaii' Elvis recorded the soundtrack for 'Flaming Star' and the highly acclaimed gospel album 'His Hand In Mine'. 

Elvis was about to record some signature songs which would follow him through the rest of his career. 'Can’t Help Falling In Love' became the closing theme during his entire live career. 'Ku-U-I-Po', 'Blue Hawaii' and 'Hawaiian Wedding Song' were even used in his legendary 'Aloha From Hawaii' special. These tracks were recorded after the show was finished and it was inserted in the program. 'Hawaiian Wedding Song' song would also find its way to the setlist during his 1974-1977 live shows.

All recordings on this disc have been carefully restored and remastered. They never sounded better, it’s like you are right there in the studio.

Tracklisting: Blue Hawaii (FO - Take 7 - Mono Master) - Almost Always True (MO - Take 1 & 8 - Mono Master) - Beach Boy Blues (Stereo Movie Master) - No More (DO - Take 3, 5, & 9) - Rock-A-Hula Baby (TO - Take 4 & 5 - Mono Master) - Ku-U-I-Po (CO - Take 8 & 9 - Mono Master) - Slicin’ Sand (EO - Take 10) - Aloha Oe (Stereo Master) - Hawaiian Sunset (AO - Stereo Master) - Can’t Help Falling In Love (RO - Stereo Movie Master) - Steppin’ Out Of Line (LO - Take 1, 2, 3  - Movie Version - Take 17 - Mono Master / Record Version) - Island Of Love (KO - Take 3, 5, 10, 11, 12 & 13 - Mono Master) - Ito Eats (HO - Tag For Movie Take 1 + GO Take 3, 7, 8 & 9 (Mono Master) - Slicin' Sand (EO - Take 17) - Can’t Help Falling In Love (RO - Take 4 & 5) - Beach Boy Blues (SO - Take 1 & 2 - Mono Master / Record Version) - Aloha Oe (BO - Take 4 & Take 3 - Section 2) - Moonlight Swim (NO - Stereo Master) - Hawaiian Wedding Song (JO - Take 2 - Mono Master) - Slicin’ Sand (EO - Take 18 & 19  - Mono Master) - Can’t Help Falling In Love (RO - Take 9 - Movie Version) - Aloha-Oe (BO - Take 2 - Section 2)

Bonus Songs: Can’t Help Falling In Love (RO - Movie Version Take 1 – 8) - Can’t Help Falling In Love (RO - Movie Version Take 10 - 12) - Can’t Help Falling In Love (RO - Movie Version  - Take 18 & Record Version 27, 28 & 29 - Stereo Master)

Details 'Elvis Rockin' The Early Sixties': Maybe difficult to believe now, but when Elvis Presley returned from the Army in March 1960 he wasn’t too sure how his career would turn out after such a long absence. New stars arose like Ricky Nelson and Fabian. 

Needless to say now is that Elvis wouldn’t have to worry too much. Right after his dispatch from the army, he would already appear prime time on the Timex special with Frank Sinatra. This disc features 20 early sixties tracks which make you wanna swing and swirl. Fantastic "rockin" tracks in a restored and remastered sound quality. They never sounded better, it’s like you are right there in the studio.

Tracklisting:

Such A Night (Take 5) - Make Me Know It (Take 14) - Stuck On You (Take 3) - I Gotta Know (Take 2) - Dirty, Dirty Feeling (Take 4) - Shoppin’ Around (Take 2 / Remake) - Blue Suede Shoes (Take 1 / Remake) - I’m Coming Home (False Start & Take 7) - Judy (Take 8) - I Want You With Me (Take 2) - Little Sister (Take 12) - (Marie’s The Name) His Latest Flame (Take 8) - Gonna Get Back Home Somehow (Take 4 /Alternate Master) - One Broken Heart For Sale (Film Version) - Steppin’ Out Of Line (Take 17 / Mono) - King Of The Whole Wide World (Take 29) - Follow That Dream (Master / Mono) - In Your Arms (Take 2) - Girl Next Door Went A’ Walking (Take 4) - Swing Down Sweet Chariot (Take 4)

Details 'Tickle Me': In 1965 Elvis starred in the Allied Artists movie 'Tickle Me'. The picture saved the movie company from bankruptcy. Elvis did not record any new music for this movie. The Colonel decided to use already recorded material, which saved Elvis some days of studio work. Of course, all the tracks had to be administered by Elvis’ own publishing company. This would create more income once the movie was released.

This album features 31 great tracks related to this 1965 motion picture. This includes alternate takes, soundtrack versions and tracks that were suggested by the Colonel to be used in the movie but didn’t make it. All recordings on this disc have been carefully restored and remastered. They never sounded better, it’s like you are right there in the studio.

Tracklisting: (It’s A) Long Lonely Highway (Film Version) - It Feels So Right (Take 5) - 3. (Such An) Easy Question (Take 5) - Dirty, Dirty Feeling (Take 4) - Put The Blame On Me (Take 5) - I’m Yours (Spliced Master) - Night Rider (Take 3) - I Feel That I’ve Known You Forever (Take 5) - Slowly But Surely (Film Version)

Additional Soundtrack Versions: It Feels So Right - (Such An) Easy Question - Dirty, Dirty Feeling - Put The Blame On Me - I'm Yours - Night Rider - I Feel That I've Known You Forever (Version 1) - I Feel That I've Known You Forever (Version 2)

Tracks Suggested By Colonel Parker: Something Blue (Take 5 & 6) - Just For Old Time Sake (Take 5) - Make Me Know It (Take 14) - Gonna Get Back Home Somehow (Take 4 - Alternate Master) - There's Always Me (Take 10) - The Girl Of My Best Friend (Take 1, 7 & Take 10) - Fountain Of Love (Take 6) - That's Someone You Never Forget (Take 8) - In Your Arms (Take 2) - Give Me The Right (Take 4) - Starting Today (Take 3)

Bonus Songs: Dirty, Dirty Feeling (Spliced Master) - I'm Yours (Vocal Overdub # 1) - I Feel That I've Know You Forever (Take 2)

The new Stage Recordings import record label released the 5-CD-box ‘Summer Festival’. 

 

Publicity stated: Now available is this 5 CD set featuring 5 audience recorded live shows from August 1971.

 

For the first time the August 9,1970 Opening Show is released on CD. We have been able to locate an early generation original cassette tape of this show. It seems the recordings from the Opening Night that circulate in the fan circuit originate from the same tape.

 

Although the August 9th and 10th shows are not of the best quality, we realized these are must have recordings in every Elvis Presley live collection. Especially knowing no soundboard recordings have yet surfaced.

 

A total of 5 shows are included in this box set. All recordings have been painstakingly remastered and repaired.

 

Included in this box set are:

 

August 9, 1971 Opening Show

August 10, 1971 Dinner Show

August 11, 1971 Dinner Show

August 12, 1971 Midnight Show

August 14, 1971 Midnight Show 

Disc 01- August 9, 1971 Opening Show:

Also Sprach Zarathustra - That’s All Right - Proud Mary - Love Me Tender - You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me - You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ - Polk Salad Annie - Intermezzo - Johnny B. Goode - It’s Impossible - Love Me - Blue Suede Shoes / Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin On - Heartbreak Hotel - Teddy Bear (Incomplete) / Don’t Be Cruel - Hound Dog - Suspicious Minds - Introductions (Incomplete) - I’m Leavin’ - Lawdy Miss Clawdy - I Can’t Stop Loving You - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

Disc 02 - August 10, 1971 Dinner Show:

Also Sprach Zarathustra - That’s All Right - Proud Mary - Jailhouse Rock - You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me - You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ - Polk Salad Annie - Intermezzo - It’s Over - Love Me - Blue Suede Shoes / Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin On - Heartbreak Hotel - Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - Love Me Tender (Severe Tape Damage) - Intermezzo - A Touch Of Reconsider Baby - Hound Dog - Suspicious Minds - Introductions - Kaw Liga - I’m Leavin’ - Lawdy Miss Clawdy - Bridge Over Troubled Water (+ Reprise) - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

Disc 03 - August 11, 1971 Dinner Show:

Announcement / Also Sprach Zarathustra - That’s All Right - Proud Mary - You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me - Sweet Caroline - Polk Salad Annie - Intermezzo - Johnny B. Goode - It’s Impossible - Love Me - Blue Suede Shoes / Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin On - Heartbreak Hotel - Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - Intermezzo - Hound Dog - Memphis Tennessee - Tryin’ To Get To You - Suspicious Minds - Introductions - I’m Leavin’ - Lawdy Miss Clawdy - Impossible Dream - Bridge Over Troubled Water (+ Reprise) - Can’t Help Falling In Love

Disc 04 - August 12, 1971 Midnight Show:

Also Sprach Zarathustra - That’s All Right - Proud Mary - Jailhouse Rock - You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me - You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ - Polk Salad Annie - Intermezzo - Johnny B. Goode - It’s Over - Love Me - Blue Suede Shoes / Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin On - Heartbreak Hotel  - Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel (Incomplete) - Introduction Of Richard Egan - Love Me Tender (Incomplete) - Intermezzo / Hound Dog (False Starts) - Hound Dog - Suspicious Minds - Introductions - I’m Leavin’ - Lawdy Miss Clawdy - Bridge Over Troubled Water (+ Reprise) - Can’t Help Falling In Love

Disc 05 - August 14, 1971 Midight Show:

Also Sprach Zarathustra - That’s All Right - Proud Mary - You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me - You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ - Polk Salad Annie - Intermezzo - Johnny B. Goode - It’s Over (Tryout) - Love Me - Blue Suede Shoes / Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin On - Heartbreak Hotel - Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - Rip It Up (Few Lines Only) - Hound Dog - I Need Your Lovin’ Everyday - Suspicious Minds - Introductions - I’m Leavin’ - Lawdy Miss Clawdy - Bridge Over Troubled Water (+ Reprise) - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

Note: Don't believe the hype :-) 

 

(Source: FECC / Various)

April 16 - Charts April 2022 - Week 3

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart update. Elvis dropped off the Scottish Album chart, but re-entered the Irish Music DVD chart.

U.S. Billboard charts:

• Billboard Top Country Albums chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #18 to #20.
• Billboard Top Rock Albums chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #36 to #37.

Official U.K. charts:

• Official Album Top 100 chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #56 to #53. 
• Official Streaming Album Top 100 chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #46 to #40.
• Official Country Compilations Album chart: 'From Elvis In Nashville' re-entry at #19.
• Official Christian & Gospel Albums Chart: 'Lovin' Elvis' remained steady at #4.

Ifficial Irisch Irma charts:

• IRMA Music DVD chart: 'The Elvis Collection' re-entry at #5.

(Source: Official Charts / UK Mix Forum)

April 15 - Blue and White and 45 RPM Vinyl

The Music on Vinyl record label re-issued 'Elvis at STAX' as a 2-LP set on 180 Gr. blue colored Audiophile vinyl. The album comes housed in a deluxe heavyweight sleeve with leather laminate finish. 

Publicity stated: Riding high on the success of Aloha From Hawaii, Elvis did something remarkable. He decided that his next recording project would be on his home turf Memphis, Tennessee. The most desirable studio in town was the red-hot STAX - the launching pad of such greats as Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Sam & Dave and Isaac Hayes. 

In 1973, Elvis assembled the very best musicians in town - members of Booker T. and The MGs, The Memphis Boys and his own TCB band to create the ultimate band and he searched for fresh new material that would reflect his new path. Songs as 'I Got A Feelin’ In My Body' and 'Loving Arms' demonstrate an artist looking to broaden his palette and his reach.

 All of the Stax material has been collected on Elvis At Stax and tells the great story of Elvis’ new path. The album is available as a limited edition on solid blue coloured vinyl. 

Side A: 1. Promised Land 2. I’ve Got A Thing About You Baby 3. If You Talk In Your Sleep 4. Raised On Rock 5. Help Me 

Side B: 1. I Got A Feelin’ In My Body (Take 4) 2. For Ol’ Times Sake (Take 4) 3. Talk About The Good Times (Take 3) 4. Good Time Charlie’s Got The Blues (Take 8) 

Side C: 1. You Asked Me To (Take 3A) 2. Loving Arms (Take 2) 3. Your Love’s Been A Long Time Coming (Take 4) 4. Spanish Eyes (Take 2) 

Side D: 1. It’s Midnight (Take 7) 2. Find Out What’s Happening (Takes 8-7) 3. Three Corn Patches (Take 14) 4. My Boy (Take 1).

Elvis 45

Here is the cover-art for the Elvis 45 give-a-way singles, all limited to 1,000 copies:

May 07, 2022: 'Suspicious Minds / You'll Think of Me'.
September 01, 2022: 'Memphis, Tennessee / That’s All Right'.
November 17, 2022: 'Blue Christmas / Merry Christmas Baby'.
December 10, 2022: 'I’ll Be Home for Christmas / Peace in the Valley'.

Publicity stated: As part of our Elvis 45 celebration, Graceland will be giving away 1,000 special ELVIS 45 RPM records. 

How to guarantee you will receive a record? All guests who purchase tickets at least 48 hours in advance, up to 1000 tickets, automatically qualify to receive a record when they visit, subject to availability. Remaining records will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis for walk-up ticket purchasers, subject to availability. 

An Inspirational Life

Shalom Publishing released the 370-page book 'Elvis Presley, Gospel Singer: An Inspirational Life' by Madeleine Wilson.

Synopsis: Elvis was known as the “King of Rock and Roll”, but he was also a Gospel Singer. He received three Grammy awards for his recordings, all of which were for his gospel songs.

Elvis, “The King”, many times said publicly that there is only one King, and that is Jesus Christ. He not only acknowledged the Lord but also worshipped Him and prayed to Him, often.

This book looks at Elvis’ life, particularly his Christian faith and the inspiration that he has been, and still is, to so many people. There is no doubt that Elvis is an enigma, but hopefully this book clarifies a side of Elvis that is often neglected. I believe it is a ‘good read’ which will be a revelation to many and, I hope, a blessing to all. 

The Many Faces of Elvis

Set for release from the Music Brokers record label on June 17, 2022 is the white colored double LP 'The Many Faces of Elvis'. Although it features Elvis on the cover, this set only contains only six tracks that feature performances by Elvis himself or as part of the Blue Moon Boys or Million Dollar Quartet. 

The set was previously available in various CD variations.

(Source: Music On Vinyl / Music Fan Shop / Facebook)