(Source: Elvis Movie On Facebook)
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
February 28 - Costume Awards
Monday, February 27, 2023
February 26 - Golden Reel Award
No Screen Actors Guild Award
Austin Butler was nominated for “Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role" award at the 29th Annual Screen Actors Guild Award for his portrayal of Elvis in Baz Luhrmann’s “ELVIS.” Unfortunately he did not win the award.
Due for re-release on April 25, 2023 from Sandpiper Pictures is the Blu-ray edition of the 'Kid Galahad' movie.
Synopsis: An early vehicle for Elvis' acting talents. Walter Gulick (Presley) is a garage mechanic who is inadvertently drawn into the world of professional boxing. He has to free himself from the clutches of a gambler (Gig Young) who is attempting to manipulate him. Songs include 'I Got Lucky' and 'King of the Whole Wide World'.
(Source: Elvis Movie on Facebook / Elvis Club Berlin)
February 27 - Powerful Quotes
Synopsis: American singer and actor Elvis Presley was one of the most influential cultural icons of the 20th century. He is widely known by his first name Elvis and is often called the “King of Rock and Roll” or simply “the King”.
How will this book help you? Through this book, we will explore the greatest life lessons and secrets to Elvis Presley. Reading a quote or two everyday will motivate you achieve your goals. However, motivation is worthless without consistency. Therefore, put consistent action to achieve success. I hope this book will help you towards your journey.
(Source: Amazon)
Sunday, February 26, 2023
Catch Up with Everything Elvis Presley from 2022
The last months of 2022 saw many interesting releases, like the digital edition of 'Elvis On Tour', FTD's 'From Louisiana and Memphis' 4-CD set, Reel Track's 'Blowin' In The Wind' CD, Lorenzen's 'Prodigy of SUN Records', the MRS LP 'Las Vegas International Presents Elvis – Now 1971’ 2-LP, the Millbranch Music import CD / DVD set 'Tampa Wave' and much more.
All these releases are featured and reviewed in 'Elvis Day By Day 2022 - The Year In Review'. Get your copy, and catch up with the latest releases to see which ones to add to your collection or which ones to skip.
New stock available from www.PoplarTunes.com, various local fan clubs and Amazon around the world!
Saturday, February 25, 2023
February 25 - Charts February 2023 - Week 4
The weekly global Elvis Presley chart update. All of Elvis' albums dropped off the charts with only the 'ELVIS 30 #1 Hits' compilation, the 'ELVIS' movie soundtrack and 'From Elvis In Nashville' hanging on.
U.S. Billboard charts:
- Billboard Top 200 Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #11 to #121.
- Billboard Soundtrack Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack' dropped from #10 to #12.
- Billboard Top Country Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack' climbed from #15 to #14.
- Billboard Top Rock and Alternative Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #18 to #24.
- Billboard Top Rock Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #13 to #19.
Official U.K. charts:
- Official Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #32 to #28.
- Official Album Download chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' is a re-entry at #81.
- Official Streaming Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #26 to #23.
- Official Soundtrack Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack remained steady at #7.
- Official Country Compilations Chart Top 20: 'From Elvis In Nashville' climbed from #18 to #16.
- Official Christian and Gospel Album chart: 'Where No One Stands Alone' dropped from #12 to #14.
- Official Film chart: 'ELVIS' dropped from #8 to #10.
- Official Video Chart Top 100: 'ELVIS' climbed from #8 to #3.
- Official DVD chart: 'ELVIS' climbed from #8 to #3.
- Official Film chart: 'ELVIS' climbed from #10 to #4.
- Official Blu-ray chart: 'ELVIS' climbed from #14 to #11.
- Official Films On Disc chart: 'ELVIS' climbed from #5 to #3.
- Official Music DVD chart: 'Elvis The Searcher' climbed from #31 to #25.
- Official Music DVD chart: 'The Elvis Collection' re-entry at #39.
- Official Music DVD chart: 'The King of Rock and Roll' is a re-entry at #44.
- Official Irish Album Top 100 chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #39 to #44.
- Official Irish Compilation Album Top 100 chart: 'ELVIS' soundtrack dropped from #26 to #27.
- Official Irish Video chart: 'ELVIS' dropped from #3 to #5.
(Source: Official Chart Company / UK Mix Forum / Billboard / IRMA)
Friday, February 24, 2023
February 24 - Elvis news Report Video
Now available is the March 2023 Elvis Presley News Report with a wrap-up of the news from February 2023: Agent Elvis, Lisa Marie Presley's last will, the BAFTA Awards and much more.
AACTA International Awards!
The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) announced the winners of the 12th AACTA International Awards. The International Awards celebrate and recognized the achievements in screen excellence, regardless of geography, across eleven categories. The 'ELVIS' biopic won two awards.
The 12th AACTA International Award winner for Best Lead Actor in Film is Austin Butler for Elvis.
The 12th AACTA International Award for Best Direction in Film goes to Baz Luhrmann for Elvis.
The nomination for 'AACTA International Award for Best Film' and Olivia's DeJonge's nomination for 'AACTA International Award for Best Supporting Actress' went to other movies.
The AACTA International Awards added a uniquely Australian voice to the international awards season alongside the Oscars, BAFTAs, Emmy’s and Golden Globes.
Elvis Presley Has Highest Physical Singles Sales of Any U.S. Artist
Nearly 46 years after his death, Elvis Presley’s music is still making an impact. In a study compiled by offline marketing company Oppizi comparing physical music sales among 10 of the biggest U.S. artists–Presley, Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Cher, Prince, Janet Jackson and Billy Joel, Presley came in at No. 1, with physical sales topping more than 320 million units. The research analyzes the most recent data from Chart Masters, which takes the top US music artists of all time and calculates the number physical single sales units sold.
The majority of those sales came from vinyl albums that totaled more than 212 million, with physical singles reaching more than 135 million. Presley was recently brought into the national spotlight with the 2022 Baz Luhrmann-directed biopic, Elvis, which starred Austin Butler in the title role.
Sinatra comes in second place, with his physical singles selling north of 95 million. Jackson is in third place with physical single sales reaching 79 million sales. Rounding out the top five are Madonna and Wonder, who’ve amassed 75 million and 65 million physical single sales, respectively.
Though Presley passed away in August 1977, a 2017 poll conducted by CBS News showed that 47 percent of respondents said they still consider themselves Presley fans. 55 percent of respondents over the age of 65 said they are Presley fans, with 43 percent of people aged 18-34 also marking themselves as fans of the late legend’s music.
(Source: Emiel Maier / AACTA / American Soungwriter)
Thursday, February 23, 2023
Review Elvis Still The Hero of the Comic Book
Dutch illustrator Gerrit de Jager drew inspiration from these words and his musical hero and put that onto paper in his second Elvis Presley comic and coloring book, ‘Elvis Still The Hero of the Comic Book’. Let's have a look at the illustrations he created and if Elvis' dreams have come true.
Design
The book comes as a 28-page black and white comic book with a glossy cover. In his drawings de Jong combines various single elements which, put together on one page, form a complete picture. His style is a matter of taste, but I like the way de Jong blended the old events with a modern design.
The book is also a coloring book, but I think most readers will leave it as-is. The colored back-side shows that the illustrations come more alive when colored, but that’s a choice each reader has to make for himself.
Content
On the 28 pages de Jong created are visual illustration from events or aspects from Elvis life, interpreted by the author. Besides the drawings, the author uses quotes or short texts to complete the picture.
But the best ones were when Gerrit shows his humorist side having fun with The Colonel advertising a “Truth Elixir” or Elvis holding the old man as a puppet on a string. It looks like this will remain a dream for our hero of the comic book. The tributes to the late Ger Rijff and Lisa Marie Presley, who passed away just recently, close the book. These are nice and touching tributes.
Conclusion
A fun release from Holland, the birth-ground of The Colonel. The comic book shows that the author knows his Elvis and he really likes his main character. This second book is his tribute to that man. It is recognizable for the fan, and the touch of humor brought a smile to my face.
This Limited Edition read and coloring book is available from the author through his >>> Facebook page.
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
Review Elvis Day By Day 2022 - 6
First, let’s get what’s unwelcome about this release out of the way! I’m beginning to accumulate years and every time a new copy of this book arrives, it’s a reminder another one has been added to the pile. I know, nothing I can do about it; still, at my age, it can’t be ignored.
He reviewed Elvis' records, concerts and even the 'Aloha' TV special. His photos were featured in magazines, TV shows and Rolling Stone magazine. Phil was lucky to be in the audience at thirty-two of Elvis' performances. Along with his main collaborator, Dave Wolven, Phil attended Elvis' seventies personal movie sessions at the Memphian.
But this forlorn feeling disappears as soon as the package is unwrapped. Here we have a hefty volume, well over 400 pages, the largest of all the books published so far in this series. The color cover is attractive with an Elvis semi crouching on the stage in one of those poses he favored in the seventies. He holds the mike in his right hand, the left with fingers curled as if he wanted to grasp and hold on to the meaning of the song he was performing. Great picture!
In the first pages, there is a detailed table of contents that is a real help in navigating the ocean of information overflowing from this book.
The foreword is heartbreaking. It was written by Phil Gelormine who since sadly passed away in early February. Phil was a freelance photojournalist who worked on Billboard magazine.
When Elvis died, he began publishing the magazine Elvis World which ran for quite a few years. I subscribed to it and it was always a pleasure to read it. This foreword is a timely, albeit sorrowful, reminder of how great a fan Phil was.
What follows is a seemingly endless list of events that happened in the Elvis world in 2022. Of course, the highlight was the release of the Baz Luhrmann's No. 1 award winning 'ELVIS' biopic and soundtrack. Its worldwide success was an immensely gratifying pleasure for us Elvis fans. A ten-page review does justice to this film which is destined to become a classic. Since the movie is in a way narrated by Tom Parker, Alanna Nash who wrote a book about Elvis’ manager updated it to coincide with the release of the movie. She was interviewed by Kees and Nigel Patterson of the Elvis information Network. It is an exhaustive and informative piece to which I had the privilege of being invited to add my two cents!
Of course, every book, every vinyl, every CD released in 2022 is reviewed by Kees and others, often with original material. As an example, to support the release of the Volume 2 about Polish records released between 1966 and 1977 by Polish author Mariusz Ogielo, Kees and Nigel Patterson interviewed the author. It is a fascinating look at the way Elvis was ostracized in that country under the communist regime and the clever extremes the Polish fans went to to obtain his records. I was delighted to learn that Elvis has a star on the Avenue of Stars in Krakow.
The presentation is very well thought out. The text is laid out on two or three columns, making the read stress-free on the eyes. The pictures are sharp and easily blend with the writings on pages of different colors. I have published a series of books myself; I must say with a hint of envy that Kees’ books are a lot more attractive than mine.
It is a reference book that does not need to be read in one sitting. One can pick a subject, randomly or intentionally. Kees’ books are ones that one will go back to regularly, if only to be reminded that Elvis’ legacy is not moribund. Their pages are proof that indeed it is alive and well. Elvis often said he was afraid that he would be forgotten. “They’re not going to remember me; I’ve never done anything lasting.” He may have left the stage in mid-song, but little did he know that his legend is forever encased in stone like King Arthur’s Excalibur sword.
Thank you for the kind words Paul, nice to read how you connected the various elements in the book as a whole.
For more information on the book and previews please visit >>> Poplar Tunes webshop. The book is also available through >>> Amazon.
February 21 - Elvis Still The Hero Of Vinyl
The Blue Day record label released 'The Elvis Tapes - Early Interviews with the King' on 180 Gr. clear vinyl and 'Hayride Shows Live 1955' as a Limited Edition on 180 Gr. green colored vinyl.
Details 'The Elvis Tapes': Clear vinyl reissue of this 1977 LP featuring a recording of a press conference given by Elvis prior to his performance at the Empire Stadium, Vancouver in 1957. Also includes an interview with CKOY Radio's Mac Lipson from April of that year.
Side A: 1. Vancouver Canada August 31st 1957 Part 1 (Total side length: 11:30 minutes).
Side B: 2. Vancouver Canada August 31st 1957 Part 2 / 3. Ckoy Radio Mac Lipson Interviews (Total side length – 18:10 minutes).
Details 'Hayride Shows Live 1955': Louisiana Hayride was a radio show broadcast from the Shreveport Municipal Memorial Auditorium in Shreveport, Louisiana. During its heyday from 1948 to 1960 ‘Hayride’ helped to launch the careers of some of the greatest names in American country and western music.
Then on October 16th of 1954, Elvis Presley made his debut. Presley’s performance of his debut release, ‘That’s All Right’, brought a weak response from the country-loving audience, but Presley was signed to a one-year contract for more appearances. Elvis worked the Hayride audience week by week until he finally won them over, but there was to be a catch... the demand for more of Presley’s new kind of rockabilly music resulted in a sharp decline in the popularity of the Hayride, a strictly country music venue. Times were changing...
These recordings capture the formative years of The King of Rock ‘N’ Roll and feature many of his soon-to-be classic numbers.
Side A: Heartbreak Hotel - Long Tall Sally - I Was The One - Money Honey - I Got A Woman - Blue Suede Shows - Hound Dog
Side B: Interviews: 1965 In Arkansas - Baby Let’s Play House - Maybellene - That’s Alright Mama - Blue Moon Of Kentucky - There’s Good Rockin’ Tonight - I Got A Woman (Alternative Version) - Tweedlee Dee.
Elvis Still The Hero of the Comic Book
Dutch illustrator Gerrit de Jong published his second Elvis Presley comic / coloring book 'Elvis Still The Hero of the Comic Book'.
This Limited Edition read and coloring book is available from the author through his >>> Facebook page.
(Source: Gerrit de Jager / Pascal Matteo)
Monday, February 20, 2023
February 20 - In The Ghetto
Publicity stated: Straight Arrow is very pleased to bring you, as a first for the label, concert from January / February 1971 season: The Las Vegas February 19, 1971 Midnight Show.
This concert was previously released 13 years ago in very bad sound quality on the “Setting The Season” double CD.
Straight Arrow was fortunate enough to obtain recently recovered 1st generation copy of the original reel to reel audience-recorded tape of this show, coming from collection of British fan Rex Martin. This historic concert was never before available in good sound quality - until now! Every second was enhanced to achieve the optimal listening experience. The sound was remastered to the correct speed. If you have enjoyed our previous 1971 CDs, we believe that you will love this one as well.
Presented in the usual Straight Arrow fashion with the top notch digipak including the photos of Elvis in Las Vegas 1971 and local press reviews, this new release is another beauty that you must not miss! The Straight Arrow team is always looking for new, unreleased audience-taped shows and for better quality versions of the previously released recordings. If you have such unique tapes, even damaged or broken, do not hesitate to contact us through your local dealer!
Tracks: 1. Rex Martin comment - 02. Opening Vamp / That's All Right - 03. I Got A Woman - 04. Can't Help Falling In Love - 05. Sweet Caroline - 06. You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' - 07. Polk Salad Annie - 08. Johnny B. Goode - 09. Something - 10. How Great Thou Art - 11. Mystery Train / Tiger Man - 12. Love Me - 13. Don't Be Cruel - 14. Bridge Over Troubled Water - 15. Blue Suede Shoes - 16. Heartbreak Hotel - 17. Little Sister / Get Back - 18. It's Now Or Never - 19. Hound Dog - 20. Suspicious Minds - 21. Introductions of singers, musicians, orchestra - 22. Lawdy Miss Clawdy - 23. Help Me Make It Through The Night - 24. There Goes My Everything - 25. Just Pretend - 26. In The Ghetto - 27. Also Sprach Zarathustra - 28. Snowbird - 29. The Impossible Dream - 30. Closing Vamp.
All tracks recorded live from audience on February 19th, 1971 Midnight Show.
Sunday, February 19, 2023
February 19 - Bafta Wins
Austin Butler choked up as he collected the Best Actor award at the BAFTAs tonight. He thanked a string of people involved in the film including director Baz Luhrmann before going on to thank his own family and the Presley family. The Elvis star teared up as he said he hoped he made all the Presleys proud with his portrayal as he collected the award.
His win comes just a few weeks after the tragic passing of Lisa Marie Presley, who Austin had grown close to alongside the whole family during his time portraying The King in the hit movie.
Speaking at the ceremony, he said: "I want to thank my family. You are my everything and last thing, I want to thank the Presley family. I can't thank you guys enough for the love, thanks for sharing with me who Elvis truly was.
"I hope I made you proud. This means the world to me. Thank you so much".
Austin had previously admitted it had been a rollercoaster lately as he received multiple accolades and nominations for his portrayal, amid Lisa Marie's tragic death. He explained it was "lots of peaks and deep valleys of sorrow."
"It definitely has filled me with a lot of appreciation for every moment that I got to spend with her. And just how lucky I was to get the type of experiences that I had with her - very private moments and that sort of thing - that I’ll just cherish for the rest of my life."
The nominations in the categories 'Cinematography', 'Sound', 'Production Design' and 'Best Film' were lost.
(Bafta / BBC / The Mirror)
Review Last Vegas International Presents - Opening Night 1972
This show was originally released by the 2001 import-label in 1997 as ‘Opening Night’ and the Follow that Dream collectors label gave us a few tracks as bonus performances on the ‘American Trilogy’ CD. And now the MRS record-label presents the show once more, but remixed to stereo.
Let’s take a listen to Elvis kicking off 1972 in Vegas!
Design
The label sticks to its format with another striking design. Imposing a picture of Elvis trying on his Red Pinwheel suit (aka ‘Burning Love suit’) in his suite over a picture of the hotel’s stage really works, whatever the purist may say. A compliment to designer Kev Reape.
Also nice to see how much difference it makes seeing Elvis fitting the Royal Blue Fireworks suit in his suite, with his feet sunk deep into the deep pile carpet on the floor, and how that same suit lights up on stage.
Content
The Memphis Recording Service presents a complete concert with the ‘2001-theme’ and part of ‘See See Rider’ spliced in from another concert as the original tape was incomplete. For us collectors this splice wouldn't have been a must, but for the general market it's certainly better to present a complete concert.
It was great to listen to this performance once more as it had been a while since I last played the 2001 bootleg. The concert is very entertaining with Elvis and the band all geared up for a new year and a new season.
Elvis replaced ‘That’s All Right’ with ‘See See Rider’ for the opening and 'You Gave Me A Mountain', 'Never Been To Spain', 'A Big Hunk O'Love' and 'An American Trilogy' to an already strong and entertaining the set-list.
Some of the highlights are ‘Proud Mary’, just listen to the “yeah!” from stage as the song really gets going, and Elvis pushing the band “take it on up”.
Other highlights were ‘Polk Salad Annie’ with a rockin’ Jerry Scheff on bass, more audible thanks to the new mix. ‘A Big Hunk O’Love’ sounds great and you hear Elvis enjoys singing his old hit again. More so than the other “oldies but goodies” as he calls them. Just listen to him calling out “Jerry Lee” for piano and James Burton on guitar to play their parts.
Some great audience interaction can be heard during ‘Hound Dog’. When Elvis sets up his finale, a fan from the audience jumps in and finishing the song for our man by shouting “You ain’t no friend of mine” exactly at the right spot. A great ending that doesn’t ruin the performance, as Elvis handles it perfectly. Great to listen to the Vegas crowd so involved.
Vocally the highlights are a heartfelt ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ and a great ‘American Trilogy’, making its live debut. Just like on ‘Mountain’ Elvis performs this new song more carefully than in later years. Elvis really tried to do a good opening show, and you hear it. Elvis isn't very talkative, concentrates on his singing. Perhaps it helped that some celebs and friends like Sammy Davis Jr. (who he mentions during the show) are present.
Audio
Besides the show itself, which has fallen into the European public domain making it eligible for a public release, the other selling point is the newly created stereo mix. And I must say this show does not disappoint.
The show has a “big venue” sound thanks to some additional reverb, Elvis takes center-stage and is up-front in the mix and the bass, piano and guitar are emphasized when needed.
Yes, some occasional distortion can be heard on the loud parts and if you listen in detail there still is some hiss present but that is really nit-picking, as that is part of the source-tape which was not made with a release in mind.
There is a difference audible depending the equipment or headset you use. The mix sounded fresh on Apple AirPods, but listening through a Beats headset, which emphasizes the lower sound-spectrum (bass) the mix was less clear and sounded too heavy for my liking. So depending your equipment, some tweaking of the equalizer may be in order (as with any release).
Conclusion
Elvis was in great shape, physically and vocally, took his main occupation - sing for a live audience - serious again with a revamped set-list and a tight and solid performance. The mix is good, you can play it loud, the show is good, you should play it loud!
The CD edition of this show was released January 2023, the LP - available on clear and on black vinyl - is due March 2023.
Saturday, February 18, 2023
February 18 - ADG Cinematic Imagery Award
"We are incredibly thrilled to honor Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin with the 2023 ADG Cinematic Imagery Award. Since their first collaboration, the extraordinarily creative and impactful pairing of these groundbreaking filmmakers has continued to dazzle audiences, stretch the imagination, and push the cinematic boundaries while also remaining excitingly contemporary," said Coates.
The ADG's Cinematic Imagery Award is given to those whose body of work in the film and television industry has richly enhanced the visual aspects of the viewer's experience. Previous recipients include Jane Campion, Ryan Murphy, Chuck Lorre, Steven Spielberg, Christopher Nolan, Martin Scorsese, John Lasseter, George Lucas and Clint Eastwood.
(Source: Art Directors Guild)
February 18 - Charts February 2023 - Week 3
On the Billboard charts 'The Essential Elvis Presley' disapeared again while the 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' replaces it. This happens every now and then on the U.K. and U.S. charts.
U.S. Billboard charts:
- Billboard Top 200 Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' is a re-entry at #111.
- Billboard Catalog Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' is a re-entry at #41.
- Billboard Soundtrack Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack' dropped from #9 to #10.
- Billboard Top Country Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack' is a re-entry at #15.
- Billboard Top Rock and Alternative Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' is a re-entry at #18.
- Billboard Top Rock Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' is a re-entry at #13.
Official U.K. charts:
- Official Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #27 to #32.
- Official Compilation Albums chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack dropped from #90 to #93.
- Official Album Sales chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #94 to #97.
- Official Streaming Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #23 to #26.
- Official Soundtrack Album chart: 'ELVIS' Soundtrack remained steady at #7.
- Official Country Compilations Chart Top 20: 'From Elvis In Nashville' dropped from #17 to #18.
- Official Christian and Gospel Album chart: 'Where No One Stands Alone' remained steady at #12.
- Official Film chart: 'ELVIS' dropped from #5 to #8.
- Official Video Chart Top 100: 'ELVIS' dropped from #2 to #8.
- Official DVD chart: 'ELVIS' dropped from #2 to #8.
- Official Blu-ray chart: 'ELVIS' dropped from #6 to #14.
- Official Films On Disc chart: 'ELVIS' dropped from #2 to #5.
- Official Music DVD chart: 'Elvis The Searcher' climbed from #40 to #31.
- Official Irish Album Top 100 chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #31 to #39.
- Official Irish Compilation Album Top 100 chart: 'ELVIS' soundtrack dropped from #22 to #26.
- Official Irish Music DVD chart: 'ELVIS' dropped from #2 to #3.
(Source: Official Chart Company / UK Mix Forum / Billboard)
Friday, February 17, 2023
February 17 - Vinyl, Vinyl and More Vinyl (Updated)
Description: 'King Creole' was the fourth of Elvis Presley’s Hollywood movies, released in June 1958. Loosely based on Harold Robbins’ novel A Stone For Danny Fisher, about a struggling young Boxer. Producer Hal Wallis decided it would make a perfect vehicle for Elvis Presley, and so the lead character became a Singer instead of a boxer, and the whole project was promptly transformed into a musical.
It’s one of the best of the Presley soundtracks opening with the title track King Creole penned by Leiber & Stoller, followed by R&B number Crawfish, and the contrasting Rock’n’Roll track Dixieland Rock which is reminiscent of Jailhouse Rock. Sadly, it was to be the last truly dramatic role Elvis was ever given, and Presley himself would always cite King Creole as his personal favorite out of all the films he made.
Side A: 1. King Creole / 2. As Long As I Have You / 3. Hard Headed Woman / 4. Trouble / 5. Dixieland Rock
Side B: 1. Don’t Ask Me Why / 2. Lover Doll / 3. Crawfish / 4. Young Dreams / 5. Steadfast, Loyal And True / 6. New Orleans.
'Blue Hawaii' was the usual Elvis mix of exotic locations, beautiful girls and lots of songs. The soundtrack of 'Blue Hawaii' did not disappoint - the sleeve boasting “14 Great Songs”. The title track was a perfect introduction, while the Hawaiian setting meant that space was found for the atmospheric 'Hawaiian Sunset' and 'Island Of Love (Kauai)'. Room was also found for two other island-related songs - 'Aloha Oe' and 'Hawaiian Wedding Song', both of which had been hits for Bing Crosby back in the 1930s.
But where 'Blue Hawaii' really scored for fans was the inclusion of the boisterous 'Rock-A-Hula Baby' and a song which would go on to become one of the singer’s best-loved ballads, 'Can’t Help Falling In Love'. Based in part on an 18th Century French melody, for many years this became Elvis’ in-concert finale.
Side A: 1. Blue Hawaii / 2. Almost Always True / 3. Aloha Oe / 4. No More / 5. Can’t Help Falling In Love / 6. Rock-A-Hula Baby / 7. Moonlight Swim.
Side B: 1. Ku-u-i-po (Hawaiian Sweetheart) / 2. Ito Eats / 3. Slicin’ Sand / 4 Hawaiian Sunset / 5. Beach Boys Blue / 6. Island Of Love (Kauai) / 7. Hawaiian Wedding Song.
Stella Stevens Died
Stella Stevens, a Memphis kid who became a celebrated Hollywood sex symbol and successful comedic and dramatic actress, died after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. She was 84.
The Golden Globe winning actress, and former Playboy model, starred opposite Elvis in the 1962 movie 'Girls! Girls! Girls!' in which she played the role of Robin Gantner.
She only agreed to do the film because she was promised a Montgomery Clift movie if she did it. According to Stevens, it was a miserable six days of filming due to director Norman Taurog’s temper.
In an 1994 interview Stevens said that Elvis was very pleasant to work with. Although they were both from Memphis, they didn't relate to each other much and Stella only worked on the film for a few days.
When speaking to Roger Ebert in 1968, Stella remarked that Elvis was a nice guy, although she apparently asked him why he does "this crap". To which Elvis replied, "don't knock its success". Which she subsequently admitted was true, given how difficult it is to get anywhere in the movies.
Cowboys and Indians Movie Awards
The boldly stylish 'ELVIS' biopic dominated the voting by readers of the Cowboys and Indians magazine. They cast their their ballots for a tribute to The King. 'ELVIS', director Baz Luhrmann’s stylistically audacious biopic about legendary entertainer Elvis Presley, scored multiple-category wins for Best Picture, Best Director (Luhrmann), Best Actor (Austin Butler as Presley), Best Supporting Actor (Tom Hanks as Col. Tom Parker, Presley’s manipulative manager), and Best Screenplay (Luhrmann, Sam Bromell, Craig Pearce, and Jeremy Doner).
Good to see that Tom Hank's work and contribution to the success of this movie was recognized too.
Platinum Single Award
The British Phonographic Industries awarded Elvis Presley his second 2023 B.P.I. Award. A Platinum Single Award for the 'In The Ghetto' (re-released November 17, 2004) for selling over 600,000 copies since 17/11/2004 (streams plus digital downloads plus physical sales).
(Source: Pascal Matteo / Not Now Music / BPI / Phoenix Elvis Forum / Cowboys and Indians Magazine)
Thursday, February 16, 2023
February 16 - Record Store Day Rehearsals
Publicity stated: Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, is gearing up for one of their biggest line-ups in years for Record Store Day (April 22, 2023).
Back Covers Book
Elvis expert Trevor Simpson has written the liner notes telling the whole story of these demo recordings for Elvis. Rare picture documents and illustrations round out the extensive booklet. For fans of Elvis' music and the friends of P.J. Proby an equally exciting and welcome album!
After almost 23 years the original Elvis Presley News site, www.ElvisNews.com closed down.
From Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees to legends of rock, reggae and hip-hop, this year’s selection of titles (all available exclusively at RSD participating independent record stores) offers something for everyone - a testament to the power of music on vinyl and the joy of adding new LPs to your collection. For more information and to find a store near you visit here.
Record Store Day was conceived in 2007 at a gathering of independent record store owners and employees as a regular celebration of the unique culture surrounding nearly 1400 independently owned record stores in the U.S. and thousands of similar stores around the world. With vinyl sales roaring back after decades of enthusiasm among a small faithful, Record Store Day heads into its 16th year with participating stores and celebrations on six continents.
Legacy’s Record Store Day exclusives include: 'Elvis Presley, Burning Love: The RCA Rehearsals' (2 x 12 inch Vinyl): The RCA Rehearsals compiles the best of the rehearsal recordings around Elvis’ April 1972 US tour, all taken from the new Elvis On Tour collection. The 2LP set features rare and unreleased versions of “Burning Love”, “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Jailhouse Rock,” along with some of Elvis’ favorite cover songs, gospel songs and more.
Side A: 1. Burning Love take 3 * / 2. For The Good Times take 5 * / 3. Always On My Mind take 3 / 4. Separate Ways take 2 / 5. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.
Side B: 1. See See Rider take 2 / 2. Proud Mary take 2 / 3. Never Been To Spain take 2 / 4. Until It’s Time For Me To Go / 5. Polk Salad Annie / 6. All Shook Up / 7. Heartbreak Hotel.
Side C: 1. Help Me Make It Through The Night / 2. Young And Beautiful / 3. Lawdy, Miss Clawdy / 4. Release Me (And Let Me Love Again) / 5. A Big Hunk O’Love take 2 / 6. Funny How Time Slips Away / 7. Can’t Help Falling In Love.
Side D: 1. I, John / 2. Bosom Of Abraham / 3. You Better Run / 4. Lead Me, Guide Me / 5. Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus/Nearer My God To Thee / 6. How Great Thou Art *
* previously unreleased.
Joseph Tunzi announced the release of 'The Definitive Vinyl Artwork of Elvis Presley Vol. 2 - The Back Covers'.
Description: 'The Definitive Vinyl Artwork of Elvis Presley Vol. 2 - The Back Covers' is a follow up to 'The Definitive Vinyl Artwork', which focused on all front cover artwork and photographs that were part of 45 RPM singles, extended play and long play albums. This new volume takes you on a journey of those same albums, focusing this time, on the back cover artwork. Also included, are some alternate back covers that were never used and much more!
Please note: The back covers were included in the first volume, for 45 singles only.
Presley Style - Lost Elvis Songwriter Demos 1961-1963
Not an Elvis release, but probably interesting for fans who want to understand how songs Elvis recorded evolved from the original demo to the final versions we know.
Due for release from Bear Family records on April 26, 2023 is the CD 'P.J. Proby: Presley Style - Lost Elvis Songwriter Demos 1961-1963'. The single disc release contains 21 tracks and comes housed in a digi-pack with 36-page booklet.
Publicity stated: Bear Family Records are delighted to announce this collection of 21 tracks featuring previously unissued demonstration recordings for Elvis pitched to him by songwriters, all sung by P.J. Proby and released by special arrangement with P.J. and Trevor Simpson.
The Elvis management insisted that all songs presented to him had to be professionally recorded with band or orchestra accompaniment on acetate and submitted for his consideration via his publishers. The voice of P.J. Proby totally fitted the bill!
Still active as a performer today, Texas born Proby sang these demos for Elvis between 1961 and ’63 before permanently residing in the UK where he had several major hits. We have digitally restored and mastered the original sources for this CD release with the utmost care and to our satisfaction.
Many of these songs were pitched for specific scenes in Elvis movies and were written accordingly after the songwriters studied the Hollywood script. On this collection, you can hear not only the successful songs chosen by Elvis, but also others which, although highly credible songs, were beaten by the finally recorded version.
P.J. said, “I had a couple of the demos in my possession and had been looking for more, as I had recorded so many. When they came with all the ones they had found and offered them back to me, I said, ‘Wonderful! Wonderful!’. I cherish them as a fond memory of songwriters Ben Weisman and Ruth Batchelor and the days we recorded the demos because we were so close. I want to share them with the world, as they are such an important piece of history”.
The release includes a 36-page booklet featuring rare Elvis and PJ memorabilia and an in-depth look at all the songs and where they fitted into the specific movies.
These tracks have been ‘lost’ for around 60 years, and this historic and nostalgic release will appeal to fans of both P.J. and Elvis and fills a gap for collectors in the history of the music.
The Last Post: The End of an Era
The last post on ElvisNews: After more than 25 years Elvis-related activity on the internet, we're done with it. What was a much enjoyed hobby became a burden the last year. So we say well meant ‘thank you for all the support over the years’ and hope you'll find your 'news' elsewhere!
We'll keep this site alive for reference the coming years and below are some suggestions to stay up to date!
As one of the co-founders in August 1999 and editor until December 2009, I can only comply with the header of the last post on ElvisNews: "Thankyouverymuch!" Lex and Loes, I wish you well (and hopefully a hobby that's less of a burden :-).
50 Genuinely Horrible Albums by Brilliant Artists
Rolling Stone magazine listed a 'Top 50 of the Genuinely Horrible Albums by Brilliant Artists'. Among the many celebrated masterpieces that Bob Dylan, Elvis, John Lennon, Carole King, Elton John, Madonna, Prince etc. have given the world, they have also turned in works so monumentally putrid that nothing short of “a touch of madness” can explain their existence. These are the epic duds that diehard fans would like to pretend never happened.
Elvis Presley is listed at No. 8 with the 'Fun In Acapulco' soundtrack album. The magazine noted:
"In 1963, Meet the Beatles, The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, and the first couple of Rolling Stones singles came out. Elvis Presley, meanwhile, was down in Acapulco filming yet another movie, 'Fun in Acapulco'. In this one, Elvis plays a lifeguard (who sings, of course) caught in a rivalry with a fellow lifeguard. By the low standards of Elvis movies, it’s semi-watchable. It was also a hit. The quickie soundtrack is another story.
At a time when Elvis needed to up his game to compete with a new generation of rock stars, he was singing “The Bullfighter Was a Lady,” “(There’s) No Room to Rhumba in a Sports Car,” and “You Can’t Say No in Acapulco.” It’s very tough to find a low point of Presley’s recording career since there were so many of them, but many true Elvis aficionados point to this album, and with good reason."
Listed at No. 1 is Kanye West with his 2018 album 'Ye'. Go >>> here for the complete article.
(Source: Pascal Matteo / Robert Frieser / RSD / Elvis Club Berlin / JAT Publishing / ElvisNews / Rolling Stone / Bear Family / Phoenix Elvis Forum)