The new Elvis presley Video News report is available. Looking back on the month of July 2024 Emiel Maier's report covers the latest news, auction results, the reason why Graceland's archive is so huge, the search for fans who witnessed Elvis's last show and so much more news items!
Of special interest is the coverage of the new 'Elvis, Hero of the Comic Books'.
If you enjoyed the preview, the 'Elvis, hero of the Comic Books' is available online:
Buy the paperback edition from >>> Amazon U.S.(associate link).
Vintage Rock published the Elvis special magazien 'Elvis The Early Years'.
Publicity for the magazine stated: We pay tribute to the King's Imperial Phase, when America was first seduced by the raw charisma of Elvis Aaron Presley. We delve into his back catalogue to examine his iconic first two albums, and we run down his 20 best tracks from the 50s.
We also have features on Elvis’ parents, Vernon and Gladys, plus The Jordanaires, Sun boss Sam Phillips, the Louisiana Hayride, the Million Dollar Quartet, the King’s army years, the Jailhouse Rock film and much, much more!
The Elvis Information Network noted: while 'Elvis The Early Years' does feature some articles repeated from Anthem publishing's previous 2018 'The Elvis Years Vol.1' it is not the same magazine and the majority of the articles are new.
Here are the details of the previously announced volume 2 in the ZYX record label 'The Rock and Roll Years', which is due for release August 16, 2024.
Publicity stated: It was not for nothing that he was called the King of Rock and Roll. With his incomparable voice, his energetic style and his charismatic charisma, Elvis Presley remains one of the most successful singers of all time.
The Rock'n Roll Years Vol. 2 offers a wonderful overview of the early rock'n'roll hits that made Elvis an icon and brings the magic of this unique era straight into your living room. A must-have for every fan.
Tracks: I Love You Because - Blue Moon - Just Because - I'll Never Let You Go Little Darlin' - Tryin' To Get To You - I Got A Woman - Money Honey - I'm Counting On You - I Was The One - My Baby Left Me - So Glad You're Mine - I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Cry Over You - Lawdy Miss Clawdy - Shake Rattle And Roll - I Want You I Need You I Love You.
Volume 307 of the Dutch It's Elvis Time fan club magazine is due soon. This edition features two reviews by Rogier van Luyken and me on the recent Mono II Stereo releases 'From Elvis at SUN' (LP) and 'Rock and Roll No. 2' (CD).
Besides the latest news and reviews, the magazine features articles on Elvis in Florida and in Toledo, Elvis in Mono, an interview with Linda Gail Lewis and a lot more.
For more information on the magazine and fan club visit the >>> It's Elvis Time fan club website.
Elvis' Golden Records
Due for release from the Not Now Music record label on September 2, 2024 is the gold colored EP LP 'Elvis' Golden Records'.
Publicity stated: In the galaxy of popular music, Elvis Presley can lay claim to his very own constellation. It is not just the global record sales he has accumulated, or the No.1 hits from all over the world - nor even the songs made familiar by the 30-plus films he made…
It is simply that it is now impossible to imagine the world of music without Elvis Presley. Nearly fifty years on from that untimely death, the enduring legacy of Elvis leaves no doubt as to who still reigns as The King… Enjoy 19 of his greatest and most loved hit songs
Side A: 1. Hound Dog 2. Loving You 3. All Shook Up 4. Heartbreak Hotel 5. Jailhouse Rock 6. Love Me 7. Too Much 8. Don't Be Cruel 9. That's When Your Heartaches Begin.
Side B: 1. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear 2. Love Me Tender 3. Treat Me Nice 4. Anyway You Want Me (That's How I Will Be) 5. I Want You, I Need You, I Love You 6. My Baby Left Me 7. I Was The One 8. That's All Right 9. Blue Suede Shoes.
The Occult Elvis
Destiny Books announced the April 8, 2025 release of the 288-page book 'The Occult Elvis: The Mystical and Magical Life of the King' by Miguel Conner.
Publicity stated: Elvis Presley, the most successful solo artist in history and an emblematic cultural figure of the Western world, has been widely perceived as a conservative Southerner. However, the truth about the man has been missed.
Writer and researcher Miguel Conner reveals how Elvis was a profound mystic, occultist, and shaman. Beginning with the unusual circumstances of his birth, including his stillborn twin brother Jesse.
Conner traces the diverse thread of mysticism that runs through Elvis Presley’s life, drawing on firsthand accounts from the people closest to him, including his wife, Priscilla, friends and family, the Memphis Mafia, and his spiritual advisors. He reveals how Elvis was a student of seminal nineteenth- and twentieth-century occultists, including H. P. Blavatsky, Manly P. Hall, G. I. Gurdjieff, and P. D. Ouspensky, as well as a devotee of Indian yogi Paramahansa Yogananda.
He argues that Elvis was well-versed in esoteric practices including sex magic, meditation, astrology, and numerology and had a deep familiarity with Kabbalah, Gnosticism, Theosophy, and Eastern traditions. Conner also reveals how Elvis was a natural healer, telekinetic, psychic, and astral traveler who had significant mystical experiences and UFO encounters.
Looking at the conspiratorial and paranormal aspects of Elvis’s life, the author explores the “Elvis visitations” that have occurred since Presley’s ostensible death and the general high weirdness of Elvis’s life. As Conner convincingly argues, Elvis was not just a one-of-a-kind rock-and-roller. He was the greatest magician America ever produced and a key player in transforming Western culture forever.
According to an update on the the United Elvis Presley website Glen D. Hardin, who was supposed to perform together at the Elvis Festival weekend in Bad Nauheim from August 16 to 18 2024, has canceled his trip due to health problems.
No further news is available, but according to Terry Mike Jeffrey, Glen D. Hardin is not doing well at all.
Get well soon Glenn!
Update: July 22: Jerry Scheff will take Glenn's place on stage for the Elvis weekend in Germany.
Sandy Posey Died
According to an update from Elvis Memories Belgium fan club, singer, and two time Grammy Award nominee, Sandy Posey died.
In addition to her own career she sang backup for Elvis in the studio for the 'How Great Thou Art' sessions and the overdub sessions for the 'From Memphis To Vegas - From Vegas To Memphis' album. Posey also sang live with Elvis in August 1969, and in February 1970.
She can be heard on songs such as, 'Kentucky Rain', 'In the Ghetto', 'Suspicious Minds', 'Mama Liked the Roses', 'How Great Thou Art', 'Amazing Grace', 'Let It Be Me', 'Polk Salad Annie', 'Proud Mary', 'The Wonder of You' and 'Walk a Mile in My Shoes'.
The picture shows Sandy Posey with Donna Rhoades, Vernon Presley, Felton Jarvis and Mary Holladay.
Raropiu
The July / August edition (#124) of the Italian Raropiu magazine features Elvis on the cover and 8 pages with various articles inside.
Graceland questions authenticity of Elvis memorabilia sold by auction house with ties to Priscilla Presley
When Graceland boss Joel Weinshanker discovered that an auction house was planning to sell one of Elvis’ old jackets, he was immediately suspicious.
The black grommet jacket was a one-of-a-kind item worn by Elvis in 1972, Weinshanker, managing partner of Elvis Presley Enterprises, said. But the thing was, that very jacket was hanging up in Graceland’s private collection.
“We know there was only one made, and guess what? We have it in our archives,” Weinshanker said in an interview at Elvis’ former home in Memphis, where NBC News was shown the black jacket and the receipt for its purchase.
GWS Auctions, the California company behind the 2023 auction of the jacket, has made a name for itself by selling Elvis memorabilia. Its owner, Brigitte Kruse, formed a relationship with Elvis' ex-wife, Priscilla Presley, and has even acted as her power of attorney.
But the jacket was not an anomaly, according to Weinshanker, who oversees the largest collection of Elvis memorabilia. Graceland is raising concerns about other items GWS Auctions has put up for auction — including a private jet and several pieces of jewelry.
Some of the items were offered with a letter from Priscilla vouching for their authenticity, even though Elvis would have possessed them when they were no longer together.
Kruse’s relationship with Priscilla, 79, has since imploded.
Kruse filed a lawsuit last fall accusing Priscilla of cutting her out of lucrative deals after she came to Priscilla’s financial rescue. On Thursday, Priscilla filed a countersuit, accusing Kruse and three associates of conning her out of $1 million in a financial elder abuse scheme.
In a lengthy interview that took place before Priscilla filed her lawsuit, Kruse declined to go into detail on their falling out. But she defended her auction sales, saying she “100%” stood by her Elvis items, and she questioned why Weinshanker would go to the media rather than raise issues with her directly.
“Graceland has my phone number,” Kruse said at her home in Windermere, Florida. “I’m a phone call away.”
Priscilla’s lawyers did not respond to a request for an interview or an email with detailed questions. Weinshanker said he did speak to Kruse about his concerns and he shared a text message exchange with NBC News that appeared to support the claim.
The questions over some of Kruse’s Elvis items reflect the murky world of celebrity memorabilia. Fakes and forgeries flood the market, experts say, making it difficult for even the most experienced buyers to know what is genuine and what isn’t.
In the Elvis world, there are a handful of elite collectors who are sought out by potential buyers looking for assurances that a particular item is authentic. The problem, these collectors say, is that there are dishonest people with Elvis ties providing bogus items to auction houses.
Adding to the sometimes shady nature of the industry, some auction houses have a reputation for driving up bids on their own items and announcing phony sales to attract attention.
“It’s a dirty business,” said Stephen Shutts, an Elvis historian and collector. “Unfortunately, there are a lot of bad guys out there.”
A fifth-generation auctioneer, Kruse launched GWS Auctions in 2007. Ten years later, the business received a flood of publicity when she auctioned off Elvis’ “lost jet.” The red 1962 Lockheed Jetstar was described as “personally owned” by The King and “custom designed” to his specifications. “I was kind of deemed the Elvis auctioneer because I sold his private jet,” Kruse said in a 2020 interview, “and it’s kind of just been an upward trajectory since then.”
The sale was not without controversy, however. In the days beforehand, news stories popped up quoting a previous owner of the aircraft, Roy McKay of New Mexico, who said he was the one who redesigned its interior.
GWS Auctions stood by its account, and the sale went forward. The jet sold for $430,000.
Seven years later, McKay still finds the whole thing amusing. He had no idea the aircraft had a potential Elvis connection when he bought it in 1980. He said he redesigned the all-gray interior with a red and gold color scheme that was “more my style.”
“I did the seats, the couches, the carpet — basically everything,” he told NBC News. He said he had no idea where the story of Elvis being behind the redesign came from. “The guys that were talking about that then, they can’t really say Elvis did all of that - because I did,” McKay said.
Kruse and Priscilla met in 2021. In her suit, Priscilla said they were introduced by a mutual connection who said Kruse wanted to discuss her business selling Elvis memorabilia.
In the summer of 2022, Priscilla Presley did media interviews promoting a GWS auction featuring jewelry from the collection of Elvis’ longtime manager, Colonel Tom Parker.
Some of the items up for sale were said to be gifted by The King himself, including diamond-encrusted rings, watches and cufflinks. In the days before the auction, Priscilla did media interviews explaining why she was endorsing it.
“I want fans and people who love Elvis to know it is authentic,” Presley told Reuters. “There’s so much product out there that is not authentic at all and that worries me.”
At Graceland, Weinshanker and other staffers grew concerned about Priscilla’s involvement and the fact that the auction house was offering items with letters signed by her.
Graceland staff raised concerns about the authenticity of several of the items in part because they had no receipts showing the initial purchases. Thanks to Elvis’ aversion to cash and his father Vernon’s meticulous record-keeping, the operators of Graceland say they have an extraordinary window into his purchases and day-to-day activities.
“Because he had some trouble with the law early on in his adult life, he kept everything, every receipt,” Weinshanker said of Vernon Presley. “You come to us and say what did [Elvis] do on this day in 1962? We pretty much know what he did just by how he spent money.”
Weinshanker and other Elvis experts were especially concerned with Priscilla providing letters for items purchased outside of the years she and Elvis were together, as she might not know whether or not the items were genuine. The pair got married in 1967 and divorced in 1972.
A gold pendant would have come into the legendary rocker’s possession and been gifted to Parker, the manager, before Priscilla entered Elvis' life, according to Graceland, and a pair of gold “Aloha From Hawaii” snowman cufflinks would have been purchased for Parker at a time when he and Priscilla were separated. Graceland said it has no receipts for the items.
“If they hadn’t talked for months and months and months in person, how does she know what Elvis did and didn’t do?” Weinshanker said.
Kruse acknowledged that Graceland has access to extensive records but said it’s ridiculous to think that everything that came into Elvis’ possession would have been documented.
“We weren’t there. None of us were there,” Kruse said. “So how can they without a doubt, unequivocally say, ‘We have everything?’ It’s an impossibility.” And on the subject of Priscilla vouching for items like the gold pendant and snowman cufflinks, Kruse said: “If her personal recollections aren’t worth anything, then whose are?”
In early 2023, Elvis’ “lost jet” came up for auction again through another company, Mecum Auctions. The plane was no longer described as having been redesigned by Elvis. But the listing did say it was one of three planes owned by Elvis and the aircraft were “needed to transport the singer” to events around the country.
“Elvis kept several pilots on retainer that were ready to fly him to adoring fans at a moment’s notice,” read the listing.
But Elvis never flew on the plane, according to Graceland citing flight logs, and it’s even a stretch to say that he owned it.
The plane was purchased via power of attorney by Vernon Presley on Dec. 22, 1976. According to documents provided by Graceland and reviewed by NBC News, Elvis gave up all rights to an airline leasing company upon purchase and it was sold just a few months later.
If Graceland believed the plane was a significant part of Elvis’ past, “we would own it,” Weinshanker said.
Mecum Auctions did not respond to a request for comment.
Priscilla attended the Mecum auction in Kissimmee, Florida, and gave a brief speech just before bidding got underway. “He loved planes and this was one of them,” she said. The winning bidder was YouTube star James Webb, who bought the plane for $260,000. In an interview with NBC News, Webb said that despite Priscilla’s presence at the auction and the way it was advertised online, he did not feel like he was duped.
Weinshanker said he doesn’t think Priscilla intentionally tried to deceive potential buyers. “I believe that she lacked the capacity to make those decisions,” he said.
According to Kruse’s lawsuit, Priscilla was in dire financial straits by August 2022. To help her get out of debt, they created several companies to “exploit new income streams” and “monetize various aspects of Priscilla’s life,” the suit says.
Kruse was also named a co-trustee of Priscilla’s trust and was granted powers of attorney. But after setting up a company to capitalize on Priscilla’s name and likeness, Kruse found out that Priscilla had already sold the rights to another firm, according to the breach of contract lawsuit.
The suit, which seeks at least $50,000 in damages, portrayed Priscilla as a fading celebrity facing financial ruin due in part to her diminishing fame.
“Priscilla has largely relied on her celebrity to meet her ongoing financial obligations, and to maintain her desired cost of living because historically she has lived outside of her means,” the suit said. “By the 2020’s, Priscilla’s celebrity was a mere shadow of what it once was, and her earning potential was only a fraction of what it previously was.”
Priscilla’s lawyers have asked a judge to dismiss the suit, citing lack of jurisdiction. A decision is pending.
In the suit she filed this week, Priscilla alleges that Kruse and her associates duped her into believing they would help solve her financial problems “while their real goal was to drain her of every last penny she had.” They directed all of the revenue from Priscilla’s business ventures into accounts they controlled and also withdrew $40,000 from a bank account belonging to Priscilla’s son for “no legitimate reason,” the suit says.
“The fact that the plaintiff in this case is internationally recognized actress, author, and cultural icon, Priscilla Presley, demonstrates both how effective the Defendants’ plan was (and needed to be), and how anyone can be a victim of elder abuse and fraud,” the suit says. Kruse’s legal team couldn’t comment because they had yet to receive the suit, her publicist said.
In the interview with NBC News, Kruse downplayed her falling out with Priscilla. “I always wish the best for Priscilla and her entire family,” Kruse said. “It’s a business dispute. They happen.”
“What I would love to see, more than anything, is everybody kind of working together,” she added. “I don’t want to do anything to hurt the fans or Elvis’ legacy.”
This article was originally written by By Chloe Melas and Rich Schapiro and published on >>> NBCNews.com
(Source: UEPS / NBC News / Elvis Memories Belgium / Elvis Club Berlin)
One of the most productive authors in the Elvis world, visual biographer Paul Bélard, recently published his second book of the year; ‘Elvis The King of Bling’.
With this book he puts the record straight on where some of the newer artist tried to claim a position, that obviously belongs to the King.
Design
The 220-page full color book, sized 8.5 by 11 inches, follows the design of previous titles from this author. And since this is primarily a picture book, showing the bling of the King, size matters.
The design is very easy on the eye, with a strong focus on the graphic element, allowing the picture of the jewelry speak for itself, supported by pictures of Presley wearing the items. The latter adds to the credibility of the featured “bling”.
Using glossy paper would have made the gold, diamonds and other bling shine even more, but that would also have made this book more expensive, especially with the prices of paper and printing going up year after year. The quality of the images varies, due to being obtained from various on-line sources, but this does not take the shine away from the content.
Content
Talking about content, it is impressive, you could say that Bélard opened another Elvis Presley treasure as chest of you look at all that gold, diamonds and other typical seventies material.
On the backflap the author refers to an article in the NY Times magazine in which the author argued that the story of hip-hop could be told “through the stunning and surreal evolution of the jewelry the artists wear.” And while the author of the article is correct, he forgot to mention that there was one artist who showed the way and who got away with wearing very flamboyant jewelry, accessories, golden guns and even a Gold Lame suit to top it off!
This book is the proof of that. As Paul Bélardd stated: "If it is true that the term “bling” entered the vocabulary at the turn of the 2000s, Elvis was the “blinger” par excellence before the word came into use."
Some of the observations I made while reading it. First off, it is all a matter of taste, some pieces are simple and beautiful by design or in the craftsmanship it took to create them. Just take a look at the 1972 Peacock necklace which Elvis gifted to Linda Thompson. Others are plain ugly like the silver and turquoise gun belt buckle. But I’ll leave the final judgement to you as a reader.
Several items have become iconic like the TCB and TLC pendants, the Neo-Nautic sunglasses, the Ramshorn or Lion's Head and Lion's Claws (wearing those while accepting his Jaycee award and visiting President Nixon in the Oval Office), the Maltese Cross, the Tree of Life pendants and of course the 1969 Las Vegas Attendance belt. Next to the obvious expensive materials, Elvis' love for materials like Indian turquoise is presented too.
All of these items are connected to Elvis, and have become part of his legacy. It takes a big name to get away with jewelry like this. But our man could, as he demonstrated with so much humor during his Madison Square Garden press conference in 1972 showing off his Attendance Belt.
Some items tell the story of his life and career, as they were gifts and mementos to and from girlfriends, lovers, friends, family, record company and personal managers and yes, even total strangers. The author of the NY Times magazine was right, you can a story, based on the gold, silver and diamonds.
Several expressive items illustrate the style of the period, especially the items from the seventies using silver and turquoise material, others reflect his pride as an American (using the Star Strangled banneer design in diamonds).
Also presented here are examples of Elvis' personal interest in the "higher powers". We see Elvis wearing Christian symbols like a Cross, but also a Chai and a Star of David. He once jokingly said that he "didn't want to miss getting into heaven on a technically".
Elvis was a big spender, and shared his wealth with (too) many people if you look at the number of Elvis jewelry available. The author wrote about Elvis' motivation to share his riches in previous books.
Looking and the number of items that hit the auction block - a main source of information for the author - it amazes me that those who received gift like this from Elvis don't seem to be attached to them, as they were sold, even when Elvis was still around or shortly after his passing. Also interestingly, prices vary over the years, going both up and down. "Elvis Gold" isn't a secure investment.
Conclusion
The book is another relevant addition to the ever-growing Elvis Presley library. Together with the previous books on Elvis' bling, this is a good reference of what was made, and what it out there somewhere. Including a book on Elvis watches, this is the 4th book from Bélard on Elvis’ “bling”, and I’m sure there is more to follow.
And, looking at the content presented in this book, Bélard is right, Elvis is the original King of the Bling, you hold the proof in your hands when you read this book.
The book is available from Amazon sites, if you want a signed copy - making it more valuable :-) - you can contact the author by mail.
Copies of 'The King of Bling' can be ordered directly from the author Paul Bélard at pbelard@hotmail.com or from >>> Amazon U.S. or an Amazon outlet near you.
Listen to an interview Paul Belard did with the Two Blokes chatting Radio Show on Jy 20, 2024.
The 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' compilation remained steady on the Official U.K. charts, but could not hang on the big jump the album made on the Main Billboard Top 200 Album chart last week.
Official U.K. charts:
Official Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #61 to #63.
Official Streaming Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #56 to #52.
Official Independent Album chart: 'Las Vegas On Stage 1973' dropped off the chart after entering the chart at #42 last week.
Official DVD chart: 'ELVIS' dropped off the chart after last week's re-entry at #89.
Official DVD chart: 'Priscilla' dropped off the chart after last week's re-entry at #96.
It has officially been 10 years since streaming was incorporated into the Official UK Singles Chart for the first time, and the Official Albums Chart first began accepting audio streams in March 2015, with video streams counting from January 2023. Since then streaming has changed modern music consumption forever.
To mark the anniversary, the Official Chart company listed the 100 Most Streamed Albums of the past 10 years. Elvis Presley is listed at No. 23 with 'If I Can Dream', and at No. 91 with 'The Wonder of You', both in cooperation with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Note: it is strange that the 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' compilation is not listed as it has been a steady seller the past few years, mainly based on digital streams of Elvis' biggest hits.
Irish IRMA charts:
Official Irish Album chart: 'ELV1S 30#1 Hits' climbed from #94 to #91.
Official Irish Video chart: 'Elvis' made a re-entry at #30.
Official Irish Video chart: 'Priscilla' made a re-entry at #40.
Billboard charts:
Billboard Top 200 Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #170 to #182.
Billboard Top Country Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #35 to #34.
Billboard Top Rock and Alternative Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #47 to #45.
(Source: Official Charts / U.K. Mix / Billboard / IRMA)
RCA / Legacy shared the third preview for the upcoming 'Memphis' multi CD and 2-LP sets: the undubbed version of 'Danny Boy' in a new mix by Matt Ross-Spang. He previously worked on this song for the 'Way Down - In The Jungle Room' album.
Publicity stated: In honor of this anniversary, RCA/Legacy have released a never-before-heard mix of "Danny Boy," a poignant track from Elvis' 1976 Jungle Room sessions. The new mix, crafted by four-time GRAMMY-winning engineer Matt Ross-Spang, strips away the overdubs, providing an intimate experience akin to standing next to Elvis as he performed. Ross-Spang, a Memphis native with credits including John Prine, Al Green, Margo Price, and Jason Isbell, shared his emotional journey in remixing the track:
"It was very emotional for me to mix 'Danny Boy' and I think it’s evident in Elvis’ performance that it was for him too," says Ross-Spang. "David Briggs, one of Elvis’ pianists on the session, made it clear to me that it was a very important song to Elvis. I think it’s one of his most impassioned vocal performances. My neck hairs were standing up the whole time!"
Grammy and Emmy-winning music historian Robert Gordon, who also hails from Memphis, provides insightful commentary in the collection's liner notes. Reflecting on "Danny Boy," Gordon writes:
"'Danny Boy' is personal. It’s Elvis' father’s favorite song, and one that has survived across generations and continents. A song about love across distances and realms, Elvis imbues it with some of the dark compassion he put into 'Long Black Limousine' seven years earlier."
This 5-CD collection of Elvis’ songs over the years features 111 tracks, 88 of which are newly mixed versions of the select recordings, pure and without overdubs. More information on this 111-track set when available.
Rolling Stone published the Top 100 Best Album Covers ever.
The magazine wrote: The album is the best invention of the past century, hands down, but the music isn’t the whole story. The album cover has been a cultural obsession as long as albums have. Ever since 12-inch vinyl records took off in the 1950s, packaged in cardboard sleeves, musicians have been fascinated by the art that goes on those covers, and so have fans.
What makes an album cover a classic? Sometimes it’s a portrait of the artist — think of the Beatles crossing the street, or Carole King in Laurel Canyon with her cat. Others go for iconic, semi-abstract images, like Led Zeppelin, Miles Davis, or My Bloody Valentine.
Many of these covers come from legendary photographers, designers, and artists, like Andy Warhol, Annie Leibovitz, Storm Thorgerson, Raymond Pettibon, and Peter Saville. Some have cosmic symbolism for fans to decode; others go for star power. But they’re all classic images that have become a crucial part of music history. And they all show why there’s no end to the world’s long-running love affair with albums.
At No. 33 we see the only Elvis' album, and the magazine wrote about it: Elvis never looked more flamboyantly Elvis than he does on his 1959 hits collection,'50,000,000 Elvis Fans Can’t Be Wrong'. The King struts in his gold lamé suit, surrounded by duplicate images of himself, the center of his own glittery solar system.
Colonel Parker commissioned the suit from legendary Hollywood tailor Nudie Cohn. Elvis wore the full gold tuxedo onstage only three times — he never liked the pants, which constricted his wiggling. By the time the record came out, he was in the Army and the suit was in storage. But this became his most iconic album cover, as well as his most parodied, copied by everyone from the Fall (50,000 Fall Fans Can’t Be Wrong) to Bon Jovi (100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can’t Be Wrong) to Phil Ochs (“50 Phil Ochs Fans Can’t Be Wrong”). The suit is now on display at Graceland.
Surprisingly, at No. 8 the magazine listed The Clash’s 1980 double album, 'London Calling', which honored Rock and Roll’s sacred mission while blowing up some of its central myths. Its cover was an advertisement for that paradoxical power.
The script on the cover was a faithful homage to Elvis Presley’s 1956 RCA debut LP. “When the Elvis record came out, rock & roll was pretty dangerous,” Simonon told Rolling Stone years later. “And I supposed when we brought out our record, it was dangerous stuff, too.”
Topping the list is Joy Division's ‘Unknown Pleasures’ (1979).
The Lockheed 1329 JetStar plane, which Elvis purchased in 1976, sat in a dilapidated state at the Roswell International Air Center in New Mexico for nearly four decades, returned home, or at least what's left of it.
YouTubber James Webb bought the plane at auction for US$234,000 and converted it into a camper, equipped with modern conveniences, including a comfortable living area, kitchen and sleeping area.
The camper was in Memphis this week, and open to the public, "allowing visitors to take a look at the new luxurious interior while experiencing the nostalgia of Elvis' original plane".
Many Elvis fans will feel a certain pain and sadness at seeing this transformation, as the aircraft has not been preserved in its original condition (even though Elvis only bought the plane, but never set a foot in it). The conversion into a camper means that part of the authentic Elvis legacy has been lost.
(Source: RCA / Legacy / Rolling Stone / UEPS / ElvisMatters)
The Elvis Files websites updated the 2024 - 2025 release schedule. According to the updated list speed corrected stereo double LP editions of the 1974 Mid-South Coliseum and 1974 Murfreesboro concerts are due in September or later this year. In 2025 a full stereo double LP edition of the '68 Comeback Special should be due.
Due from the GM Edition record label September 2024 are vinyl re-issues of Elvis' self title 'Elvis Presley' debut album on green colored vinyl and 'Blue Hawaii' on blue colored vinyl.
The CMT import-label released the LP 'King Creole' featuring the soundtrack album in "Real Stereo"l.
It was originally slated for release January 2021, but retracted shortly after the announcement.
Side 1: King Creole / Crawfish / As Long As I Have You / Hard Headed Woman / Trouble / Dixieland Rock / Don’t Ask Me Why / Lover Doll / Young Dreams / Steadfast, Loyal And True / New Orleans.
Side 2: Berries, Gumbo - Crawfish (Film Version) / Lover Doll (undubbed) / Dixieland Rock (Film Version) / As Long As I Have You (Take 4) / Steadfast, Loyal And True (Slow Version) / Turtles, Berries, Gumbo (Master) / Muskat Ramble / Main Title / Radio Spot.
The LP can be ordered by from Miracle Surface by >>> email.
Celluloid Sell-out
According to Elvis Shop London the Follow That Dream record label informed dealers that they have sold out the new 'Celluloid Sell-out Volume 2' book and that dealers will not get the whole amount of what they ordered.
The past 5 years I wrote 6 'Elvis Day By Day - The Year In Review' yearbooks. The reactions from fans prove that Elvis' legacy is just as it is relevant 46 years later.
Elvis author Pål Granlund stated at the introduction of the 2023 edition: “It’s a great book, I can tell you, I have them all”.
Guylain Jean from France wrote: "The 2023 Bible for Elvis fans!!! 2023!"
From a 5-star review on Amazon on the 2022 edition: The fifth volume of this magnificent series. I am impressed with the thoroughness and detail of this book. A titanic job. Thanks to the author of this book.
Elvis left us over 45 years ago and it's amazing what we can still find out about him. This book is a bit of a bible or testament devoted to everything that came out only during the year 2022. In fact, I don't just recommend this book, but the whole series of books. These are essential books. Many thanks to the author and I am already looking forward to his next publication.
All 6 volume are currently on sale on Amazon, go to >>> Amazon to pick up your copy or complete your collection! And while you're shopping for yearbooks, you may want to take a look at the new 'Elvis, Hero of the Comic Books' book which I designed.
Writer, poet and reviewer Bill Shute said: This series is the definitive print edition of every significant release and event in the Elvis world on a daily basis for the year in question. Highly recommended.
Reader Richard van Slingerland said about the 2023 edition of 'Elvis Day by Day': "If you consider yourself a serious fan, you ought to have these books". And Marc-Antoine Comtois wrapped it up nicely: "Fascinating, interesting, enlightening! Need I say more?".
Audio engineer Anthony Stuchbury from the U.K. wrote: If there was just one word I could use to describe this, it would be 'encyclopedic', because that exactly what it is!
Piers Beagley from the Elvis Information Network posted: 'Elvis Day By Day 2023' is a massive book: 480 pages, 1.7kg and it looks great. I opened it for a quick look-through and it was over an hour later that my girlfriend had to ask me, "What are you looking at?" (I guess I was ignoring my gardening chores!)
The fact that Kees can be bothered to put together such an amazing index for such a timely book is very impressive. and I had forgotten that so much stuff had come out this past 12 months (good, and very bad).
Six titles are available, covering "everything Elvis Presley" from 2018 until 2023. All the news and dozens of reviews by Elvis experts, authors and fans. For reviews of the books, just click on the year you need in the topmenu of this blog, or visit the review page on my >>> Poplar Tunes shop.
Up next in the 'Mono II Stereo' series is the CD 'Golden Elvis' featuring 24 newly created Stereo Mixes by Anthony Stuchbury.
The CD, featuring songs from Elvis' Golden Records volumes 1 and 2 will be released by the French RDM Edition record label September 2024.
Tracks: Hound Dog, Loving You, All Shook Up, Heartbreak Hotel, Jailhouse Rock, Love Me, Too Much, Don't Be Cruel, That's When Your Heartaches Begin, Teddy Bear, Love Me Tender, Treat Me Nice, Anyway You Want Me (That's How I Will Be), I Want You, I Need You, I Love You, I Need Your Love Tonight, Don't, Wear My Ring Around Your Neck, My Wish Came True, I Got Stung, One Night, A Big Hunk O' Love, I Beg Of You, A Fool Such As I, Doncha' Think It's Time.
Brazilian author Waldenir Cecon announced the release of the new Portuguese book 'Elvis 1956' and an updated edition of his 'Jumpsuits' book.
Publicity for 'Elvis 1956' stated: The year 1956 is certainly the most important year in Elvis' career. With a new record company and a new manager he rose to musical stardom. This book covers this magnificent year in 260 photos, accompanied by short texts.
Publicity for 'Jumpsuits' stated: The first volume 1 of 'Jumpsuits' was previously released as a large format book, but since the published discontinued that format, we decided to combine volumes 1 and 2 in a new updated edition, seizing the opportunity to create a new design and cover.
Elvis Presley stood out in the field of music with his undisputed talent. Even those who have never heard an Elvis song, can identify the singer by his high-neck jumpsuits. He wore over 80 jumpsuits between 1969 and 1977. They are all presented in this book, with photos and and additional information on each suit.
Gunner Died
Actor James B. Sikking died. He was 90. Sikking played the role of gunner opposite Elvis Presley in the 1969 Western 'Charro'.
James had a long acting career but was best known for his roles in Hill Street Blues and Dodge Howser M.D.
In an interview with Jean-Paul Einhard for the Cinema, Movie, Theater website he said on working with Elvis:
How was the filming with Elvis Presley and the Director Charles Marquis Warren?
Elvis was a very kind guy. Always polite to everyone.
But he was hounded by his fans who would show up at 6:00 AM on our way to a remote location out in the middle of the Superstition Mountains... in the middle of nowhere just to see his car or catch a glimpse of him.
Warren was a good director. He was a very well regarded western director in those days. Rather legendary actually so it was a real boost to my career to work with him. Westerns were an avenue and a genre that expanded your repertoire.
What did you like in your character about Gunner in 'Charro' and when you read the script?
Gunner was a pretty typical western bad guy. It’s always fun and challenging to play those characters and find some unique quality and personality.
Do you have any anecdotes about Elvis?
After cast party, Elvis told me that he wanted to be an actor not just a singer. I told him play the costume and the environment. If it’s dirty, you pay it dirty. Be what you are.
Elvis sang at the cast party. His agent tried to stop him but Elvis wanted to do it for them. Very professional, always on time and knew his lines.
On location they had wagons for each actor, Elvis took his name off his because the fans were everywhere.
Elvis became very close to myself and Victor French and would often turn to us for guidance.
Elvis, La légende
The French publisher L'Imprevu will publish Gillian Gaar's 192-page book 'Elvis, La légende' on October 31, 2024.
Publicity stated: This beautiful reference book, produced and illustrated from official archives from Graceland, is a testimony as rare as it is precious.
From his childhood in Mississippi to the end of his life in Memphis, we discover the different chapters of the short and intense existence of a man who marked the history of rock, like that of America and the world. entire.
Behind the devastating smile, the singular and melodious voice, it is not easy to say who Elvis was, there are so many facets of the “King”. Those who crossed his path continue to cherish their memories, which they recount here. Some people knew him as a member of their family; others remember the shy child who brought his guitar to school; many have benefited from his generosity.
“Shy and persistent” were the words most often used to describe Elvis Presley. It was in the early 1950s that his legendary patience was rewarded when, after hours of rehearsal, he suddenly felt a new freedom and without warning began "That's All Right, Mama". Guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black then followed suit. From then on, Rock and Roll will never be the same!
Elvis e Eu
Brazilian publisher Rocco announced the July 26, 2024 re-issue of Priscilla Presley's 288-page memoir 'Elvis e Eu'.
Publicity stated: Priscilla Beaulieu was Elvis Presley's wife between 1967 and 1973. After the divorce, she began studying theater and, after the star's death in 1977, she worked in cinema and television. She starred in the series 'Dallas' for five years and in the hit comedy 'Get Out, the Cops Are Coming!'. She also produced the acclaimed film 'Priscilla', based on the memories recounted in this book, directed by Sofia Coppola and released in 2023.
Sandra Harmon, co-writer of the original 'Elvis and Me' book, was an Emmy-winning film producer and writer. Known for her work on 'Cos' (1976) and 'The Show Can't Stop' (1979), she also wrote scripts for television programs. She passed away in 2018.
From Tupelo to the World: The Story of Elvis Presley
Maria .T. John published the 84-page book 'From Tupelo to the World: The Story of Elvis Presley: A Captivating Journey Into the Rise of a Rock and Roll Icon'.
Synopsis: The name evokes shaking hips, electrifying concerts, and a rebellion that ignited a generation. But beyond the iconic image lies a story far richer, a journey that transformed a shy teenager from Mississippi into the King of Rock and Roll.
This captivating biography delves deep into Elvis's life, exploring:
The Birth of Rock and Roll: Witness the raw energy that collided when Elvis's soulful vocals met the pulsating rhythms of blues and gospel, forever changing the face of music.
Cultural Divide: Experience the firestorm ignited by Elvis's suggestive moves and youthful rebellion, challenging the social norms of the 1950s.
Hollywood Stardom and Beyond: Go behind the scenes of Elvis's foray into film, following his rise to a global phenomenon and his artistic evolution.
The Vegas Residency: Immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of Elvis's legendary Las Vegas shows, where he redefined the live music experience.
A Legacy Beyond Music: Discover how Elvis shattered racial barriers, influenced countless artists, and became a symbol of a generation's fight for self-expression.
From Tupelo to the World is more than just a biography; it's a captivating exploration of music, culture, and a man who dared to be different. It's a story that will make you feel the raw energy of rock and roll, witness the cultural revolution he ignited, and understand the enduring legacy of the King.
Note: A.I. generated book.
Elvis For Curious Kids
Zenith Cade published the 84 children's book 'Elvis Presley Biography For Curious Kids: King of Rock 'n' Roll' in the Inspiring Stories For Curious Minds series.
Synopsis: In this short and captivating biography, young readers will discover the incredible life of the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. Through engaging storytelling and relatable language, this book is perfect for curious kids ages 8-12 who are ready to expand their vocabulary and prepare for advanced reading.
As they journey through the pages, readers will learn about Elvis's humble beginnings in Tupelo, Mississippi, and his rise to fame as one of the most iconic musicians in history. But this book is more than just a retelling of Elvis's life, it's also an educational tool that will help young readers develop important skills and values.
Note: A.I. generated book.
Vintage Rock
Volume 70 of the Vintage Rock" magazine features an article about Dewey Phillips ("The Red-Hot DJ Who Gave The World Elvis") and a report on the European Elvis Festival ("Paying Tribute To The King - German-Style").
(Source: Clube De Autores / Amazon Brazil / Amazon France / Vintage Rock / Elvis Club Berlin / FECC / Cinema, Movie, Theatre / vintage Rock)
