The Follow That Dream record label released the 'Guitar Man Sessions' box-set and the 'Celluloid Sell-out Vol.2 - 1960 - 1961' book.
Publicity stated: As part of its ongoing sessions series, FTD is pleased to announce the release of Elvis Presley - Guitar Ma - The '67/68 Sessions' 5-CD-set, It features the RCA label sessions at RCA Studio B in Nashville. September 1967 highlights include the title track along with 'Hi Heel Sneakers', 'Big Boss Man' and 'You Don’t Know Me'. January 1968 spawned 'Too Much Monkey Business' and 'U.S. Male'.
The 24-page booklet features rare photos, session data, memorabilia and global chart and release information.
Following on from the highly successful Vol. 1, this edition of 'Celluloid Sell-out - Worldwide Elvis Presley Movie Memorabelia 1960 - 1961' features 438 pages with over 2,000 images. It’s packed with movie posters, lobby cards, press books, and much more.
Also includes extensive information on memorabilia and how the movies from 1960 and 1961 were promoted around the world. Two CD’s feature alternate soundtrack recordings from 'G.I. Blues', 'Flaming Star', 'Blue Hawaii' and 'Wild In The Country'.
If you order the set from the Memphis Mansion you get a 'Guitar Man' poster with the sessions box-set and signed Scotty More picture with the 'Celluloid Sell-out' book.
Also re-issued are the 'Kid Galahad' and 'Fun In Acapulco' sessions sets.
Elvis Presley graces the cover of the July 2024 edition of the Now Dig This magazine. Inside not an article on the 70th anniversary of 'That's All Right (Mama)', but an in-depth look at Elvis' Trying To Get To You' and more rock and roll themed articles.
Golden Download
The Golden Boy Elvis shared the digital bonus edition for their magazine. This summer edition contains the latest news and (background) articles on news books by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough, Helmut Radermacher presents the book "Rockin' Around Europe 1958" in detail and we are giving away Mathias Dorn's novel: "Three Days, Three Nights".
New CDs like the 'Memphis' box-set, Donald Trump as an Elvis fan and from the archives 115 years of Colonel Parker, the multi-part series published here for the first time as one coherent story.
For more information on the fan-club and magazines, please visit the >>> Golden Boy Elvis website.
Fox Chapel Publishing released the 128-page magazine / paperback 'Story of Elvis: The Rise and Fall of the Undisputed King of Rock 'n' Roll'.
Story of Elvis
Publicity for the visual history paperback stated: Take an intimate and fascinating look into the life of Elvis Aaron Presley, the undisputed King of Rock 'n' Roll! Learn what his life was like growing up in poverty in Tupelo, MS, about his childhood as told by his father, Vernon, his rise to fame in the music world by his mid-twenties when the world lay at his feet, his military career, and sizable film career, and the pressures that led to his self-destructive behavior and early death.
You'll also learn all the ups and downs in Elvis's life including intimate details about his relationship with his parents, his wife--Pricilla, the Memphis Mafia, and array of girlfriends with photos to match. Many of the photos were originally seen in LIFE magazine, but there are private family photos as well.
Also included are fascinating explanations of Elvis's state of mind while recording each album, behind-the-scene photos, the track list, how each album was received by fans and critics, and the effect it had on his career.
(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / Golden Boy Elvis / Volker Christensen)
Shirley Dieu announced the August 15, 2024 release of a Limited Edition 10th Anniversary Edition of her book 'Memphis Mafia Princess'. The book has been sold out for years. Shirley Dieu was the late Joe Esposito’s partner for nearly five years, and became an integral part of Elvis’ inner sanctum during that time. After their relation ended they remained good friends, both living in the same housing estate. Joe wrote the foreword to the original book.
Publicity stated: The story is the same with a couple of in-depth stories that I had only touched upon before. A few more pictures that missed the first issue, and a "Preface" was added as well. The cover is an updated version of the first Memphis Mafia Princess. I hope that you will enjoy it.
The Limited Tenth Anniversary Edition is the hard-cover and will be available for preorders the first week in August and will be available for sale in Memphis on the 15th of August.
Elvis is featured on the cover of the German edition of the Rolling Stone magazine (August 2024). The main theme of this edition is '70 Years of Pop'.
Publicity stated: In 1954, the triumph of Rock 'n' Roll began with 'Rock Around The Clock' by Bill Haley and The Comets and Elvis Presley released his first single.
It was the year in which the pop era began. We tell the story using seven icons - including Madonna, Tupac and the iPod.
The 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' compilation recorded its 250th week on the Official U.K. Album charts. He re-entered the Top 10 of the Music DVD charts!
Not so good news from the U.S, where the 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' compilation dropped off the Billboard's main Top 200 Album, and Top Rock and Alternative Album charts.
Official U.K. charts:
Official Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #61 to #60 in its 250th week on the chart.
Official Streaming Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #52 to #50.
Official Music Video chart: 'Elvis The Searcher' re-entered the chart at #6 in its 282nd week on the chart.
Official DVD chart: 'ELVIS' re-entered the chart at #92 after dropping off the chart last week.
Irish IRMA charts:
Official Irish Album chart: 'ELV1S 30#1 Hits' dropped from #91 to #94.
Official Irish Video chart: 'Elvis' dropped off the chart.
Official Irish Video chart: 'Priscilla' made a re-entry at #43.
Billboard charts:
Billboard Top 200 Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped off the chart from last week's #182 spot.
Billboard Top Country Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #34 to #38.
Billboard Top Rock and Alternative Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped off the chart.
Forbes noted:
The people can’t get enough of Elvis Presley. The King has been dead for coming up on half a century, but his music remains hugely popular. His name appears on charts all around the world regularly, and, bit-by-bit, some of his most successful songs and albums continue to reach notable milestones.
Presley’s 'ELV1S 30#1 Hits' makes it to a new, very special number this frame. The compilation has now lived on the U.K. albums tally for 250 weeks.
'ELV1S 30#1 Hits' marks the singer’s first title to hit 250 frames on the list of the most-consumed albums and EPs in the country. It has ranked as his longest-running win for some time now, and it keeps helping the legend reach landmarks he’s never seen before–even posthumously.
This time around, 'ELV1S 30#1 Hits' lifts one space. The set improves from No. 61 to No. 60 as it hits 250 weeks on the competitive tally.
'ELV1S 30#1 Hits' is counted among Presley’s 13 No. 1 albums in the U.K. The collection debuted atop the weekly ranking and spent its first two periods on top. Since then, it’s spent a total of a dozen turns inside the top 10 and hundreds more somewhere on the 100-spot roster.
Only one other release by Presley has managed triple-digit weeks on the U.K. albums chart. The '50 Greatest Hits' reached the ranking two years before 'ELV1S 30#1 Hits' dropped in 2002. That set–another collection of his most beloved songs–has now lived on the roster for 150 turns.
The '50 Greatest Hits' nearly helped a late Presley reconquer the U.K. albums tally. The compilation opened at No. 12 before quickly working its way into the top 10 in the earliest days of the new millennium. It didn’t reach its peak of No. 2 for more than 17 years, as it returned to the list in the runner-up space in 2017.
(Source: Official Charts / U.K. Mix / Billboard / IRMA / Forbes)
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 inside look at the new 'Elvis, Hero of the Comic Books' with many previews.
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).
The Belgian ElvisMatters fan-club published volume 85 of their 'ELVIS' fan-club magazine. For the Gold-members the club added a bonus CD with tracks linked to the content of the magazine.
The CD 'Elvis 85' focusses on the 70th Anniversary of 'That's All Right'.
Tracks: That's All Right (Arthur Crudup) / Thats All Right / That's All Right (Paul McCartney, with studio chatter) / That's All Right (live, Louisiana Hayride Shreveport - October 16, 1954) / That's All Right (live, Rapid City - June 21, 1977) / Sam Phillips talks about Elvis Presley / Don't Be Cruel (Bill Black's Combo) / Mystery Train (Scotty Moore - Guitar Solo) / That's All Right (WHBQ Red Hot & Blue 1954) / My Happiness (acetate)* / That's All Right (by Bouke) / Harbor Lights.
* Before the song, an unknown instrumental intro is inserted for 23 seconds.
For more information visit the fan-club's >>> website.
SUN Records Sings Elvis Presley
SUN records released the LP 'SUN Records Sings Elvis Presley' on clear smoke colored vinyl.
Publicity stated: Elvis Presley was undoubtedly Sun Records' biggest star, burning brightly during his tenure at the label from 1953 to 1955. 2024 marks the 70th anniversary of the release of Elvis' first single, "That's All Right," on Sun Records.
This collection is Elvis as interpreted by his Sun contemporaries like Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, and Roy Orbison, sharing their versions of songs Elvis made famous. Special additions include alternate versions of tracks from Johnny Cash, Sleepy LaBeef, and more.
(Source: Emiel Maier / ElvisMatters / Elvis On CD)
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.
The Enigma and Influence of Elvis Presley
Jaime A. Jane published the book 'The King of Rock and Roll: The Enigma and Influence of Elvis Presley' ((131 pages, July 24).
Synopsis: Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, readers will gain a deeper understanding of Elvis’s enduring legacy and why he remains a symbol of American culture ... It explores his groundbreaking blend of country, blues, and gospel, his iconic performances, and his profound influence on music and culture.
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
Update July 26: GWS Auctions refute Authenticity Claims: Following on from the GWS Elvis auction authenticity disputeGWS Auctions has responded to the Weinshanker / EPE allegations that memorabilia belonging to Elvis was inauthentic.
They state that - Priscilla Presley was "very clear" about their authenticity. They also allege that EPE / Graceland "authenticate certain lots for a fee"
GWS has been unfairly maligned, and its reputation harmed, while Brigitte Kruse "categorically denies any elder financial abuse" of Priscilla, 79, and "those allegations do not involve GWS."
The statement then explained that GWS received "letters of recollection" from Elvis' ex-wife regarding certain items from the Col. Tom Parker Collection, which "provided additional support and provenance, and GWS believed that they were of historical value to collectors."
"Ms. Presley's name was associated with the Col. Parker collection and because she was there in real time.
Additionally, Ms. Presley's name was inscribed on one of the pieces and she maintained a close relationship with Col. Parker up until the time of his passing, Ms. Presley's recollections about these pieces were very clear.
While experts can legitimately form different opinions regarding the authenticity of any item in any asset class, GWS stands behind everything that it sells, and categorically denies trafficking in fake or inauthentic items attributed to Elvis Presley."
Priscilla Presley has not responded to the allegations.
(Source: UEPS / NBC News / Elvis Memories Belgium / Elvis Club Berlin / Elvis Information Network)
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.
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!
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.
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' remained steady at #61.
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.
Official Physical Singles chart: 'Welcome Home Elvis' climbed from #88 to #39.
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.
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.
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)
