May 10 - Anne E. Nixon Died

Todd Slaughter shared the sad news that Anne E. Nixon died. R.I.P.

"It is with great sadness, and deep regret, that I have to tell you that "everyone's Elvis friend" Anne E. Nixon died in hospital in the early hours of this morning. 

Anne has been a good friend to the fan club and was a researcher for radio, TV, publications and myself for six decades. She scripted the first guided tour of Memphis for the fan club in 1972, which is still used today. We send our thanks for her kindness, love and support to us all over the years, and our thoughts go to her family at this very difficult time. 

Anne was a private lady and would not want a visible outpouring of grief. Remember Anne in your quiet moments. 

Todd Slaughter."

Anne chronicled many '60s and '70s fan experiences, from movies to concerts to personal encounters. She is also well known for her articles about Elvis’ triumphant shows in Las Vegas, based on the 40 live performances she attended in Vegas between 1972 and 1976. She contributed to the Official U.K. Elvis Presley fan club magazine, Elvis Monthly, Elvis The Man and his Music and Now Dig This. 

Nixon (co-)wrote books like 'Elvis 10 Years After' and 'The Elvis Archives' (both with Todd Slaughter), 'King of the Hilton' (with Richard Harvey) and contributed to the Follow That Dream releases '3000 South Paradise Road' and 'Destination USA'. 

You can read an interview with Anne E. Nixon on the >>> Elvis Information Network.

The Sonic Swagger of Elvis Presley

McFarland published Gary Parker's 322-page book 'The Sonic Swagger of Elvis Presley - A Critical History of the Early Recordings'. 

The book description: Elvis Presley's clever manipulation of his numerous interests remains one of the music world's great marvels. His synthesis of country, rhythm and blues and gospel resulted in an inventive mixture of hair-raising rock & roll and balladry. 

This book focuses on the music of Presley's groundbreaking early years and includes a comprehensive analysis of every Presley recording session from the 1950s. Chapters show how Presley, with one foot in delta mud and the other in a country hoedown, teamed with Scotty Moore and Bill Black to fuse two distinctly American musical forms - country and blues - to form what would come to be known as "rockabilly." 

Also detailed is Presley's influence on music and how his contributions are still celebrated today.

(Source: Todd Slaughter / Trevor Cajiao / Robert Frieser / Elvis Information Network)