Sunday, May 15, 2022

May 15 - Digitale Updates from Lisa Marie and Gordon Minto

For the first time in a long while Lisa Marie Presley posted a message on Facebook. 

"Hello everyone,

I haven’t posted in quite some time because there really isn’t much to say, as I am and will forever be mourning the loss of my son. Navigating through this hideous grief that absolutely destroyed and shattered my heart and my soul into almost nothing has swallowed me whole.

Not much else aside from my other 3 children gets my time and attention anymore.

However, that being said, I do want to take a moment to let you know that I have seen Baz Luhrmann's movie “Elvis” twice now, and let me tell you that it is nothing short of spectacular.

Absolutely exquisite.

Austin Butler channeled and embodied my father’s heart and soul beautifully.

In my humble opinion, his performance is unprecedented and finally done accurately and respectfully.

(If he doesn’t get an Oscar for this, I will eat my own foot, haha.) 

You can feel and witness Baz’s pure love, care, and respect for my father throughout this beautiful film, and it is finally something that myself and my children and their children can be proud of forever.

What moved me to tears as well was watching Riley and Harper, and Finley afterwards, all 3 visibly overwhelmed in the best way possible way, and so filled with pride about their grandfather and his legacy in a way that I have not previously experienced.

It breaks my heart that my son isn’t here to see it. He would have absolutely loved it as well.

I can’t tell you enough how much I love this film and I hope you love it too.  

Everyone involved poured their hearts and souls into it, which is evidenced in their performances.

Baz, your utter genius combined with your love and respect for my father and this project is just so beautiful and so inspiring. I know I'm being repetitive, but I don’t care, Thank you for setting the record straight in such a deeply profound and artistic way.

Love you ~LMP"



Elvis UK – Cover Story 

John Townson and Gordon Minto published 'The Ultimate Guide To Elvis Presley’s EP and LP Sleeves 1956-77' ad a downloadable digital flip book. 

Publicity stated: This newly written 286-page, fully comprehensive book, provides the ultimate guide to Elvis’s EP and LP album sleeves released in the UK between 1956-1977. 

The extensively illustrated full colour book adds to, complements - and extends considerably - the information originally included in our original book Elvis U.K.

The book is arranged in sections and addresses a wide range of topics including back cover photographs, printing companies, sleeve notes, etc. There are extended sections including front cover, fact files, and For U.K. Fans Only, an in-depth study of those albums that originated in the U.K., or were only ever available in the United Kingdom. 

And as readers have come to expect from Elvis U.K. publications, there is a wealth of background information incorporated into the text. 

Why a digital flip book? A flip book provides a highly intuitive search facility allowing the reader to access whatever they are looking for quickly and easily. Besides that, there are no postage costs, it will not deteriorate, it can be held on multiple devices and the pages can be printed off, if required. 

'Elvis U.K. - Cover Story' costs just GBP15 and can be ordered via the author's  website at www.elvisukbooks.co.uk.


Destined To Fly

Sally Hoedel, author of the book 'Destined To Die Young' announced the release of her second book, titled 'Destined to Fly'. 

She posted on Facebook: I have some exciting news to share today. My second book, Destined to Fly: The Story of Pilot Ron Strauss – From Iowa to Elvis, has been submitted to the printer! As a writer, it’s a day of celebration that the work is complete and can soon be shared. As a friend, it’s a privilege to tell Ron’s life story, as I know it will inspire all of you as much as it has me. 

Stories of a simple childhood in rural Iowa, twelve years of service in the United States Air Force during Vietnam, a hijacking as an airline pilot and flying Elvis Presley from tour to tour are all captured in this book. Ron’s story is one of bravery, patriotism, hard work, perseverance, love, family and flying.  

The journey of this book began one year ago. I spent a week interviewing Ron at his home in Florida. It was clear from day one that there was a story there worth telling and it went far beyond his two years co-piloting the Lisa Marie. The months that followed included research and interviews, all with the full support of his family and friends. The most daunting day was sharing the first draft with Ron himself. Thankfully, he liked it. 

For Elvis fans, this book offers new information not only about the airplane itself, but also provides a glimpse of Elvis Presley as a boss. A professional relationship was maintained with the crew of the Lisa Marie that was vastly different from others around him. Destined to Fly will also become a resource for fans as it features incredible documentation, including never-before-seen photographs and a complete flight log detailing Elvis’ tour and travel schedule aboard the Lisa Marie.

More details will be shared over the weeks ahead. TCB!! 

(A worldwide paper shortage has extended printing time frames. Watch for postings and information on availability and preorder opportunities coming soon.)

(Source: Lisa Marie Presley / Gordon Minto Sally A. Hoedel)