November 30 - Charts November 2024 - Week 4

Elvis still hasn't returned to the main Billboard Album chart this week, but won a few places on the other charts. 

Elvis did make a return to the charts in Greece!

 

Official U.K. charts:

• Official Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' lost just 5 spot, dropping from No. 50 to No. 55. 
• Official Streaming Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped 3 places, from No. 35 to No. 38. 
• Official Music Video chart: 'Elvis The King of Rock and Roll' returned once more to the video chart, at No. 46 this week. Marking it's 427th week on the chart.

Irish IRMA charts: (to be updated on IRMA site this week)

• Official Irish Album chart: 'ELV1S 30#1 Hits' won 5 places, climbing to No. 77. 

Billboard charts:   

• Billboard Top Country Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' lost 3 spots and dropped from No. 37 to No. 40.   
• Billboard Top Rock & Alternative Albums chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' won another 3 places and climbed to No. 40. 
• Top Holiday Album chart: 'The Classic Christmas Album' dropped 1 place to No. 17. 

US Book Charts: 

Extra charts from the U.S. this week, for the Lisa Marie Presley biography. On the New York Times 'Combined Print and E-Book Nonfiction' bestsellers lists, 'From Here To The Great Unknown' dropped off the Top 15 from last week's listing at No. 10. On the nonfiction hardcover bestsellers list the memoir dropped 5 spots from No. 8 to No. 13. On the Audiobook bestsellers list for November, the book is still listed at No. 2.

The book fell from No. 14 to No. 22 on the Publisher's Weekly Top 10 Non Fiction Hardcover list.

Greek IPFi Charts

On the IPFI Album Chart the 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' compilation made a return appearance at No. 42.

(Source: Billboard / Official Chart Company / IRMA / UK Mix Forum/ IPFI / Amazon / NY Times / Publisher's Weekly / Entertainment Weekly) 

November 29 - Elvis 1956 - 1973 - 2024

Music On Vinyl announced the January 24, 2025 release of a Collector's Edition of the ‘Elvis 1956’ album on 180 gram audiophile blue colored vinyl. The vinyl comes housed in printed inner sleeves and with a 4-page booklet and is limited to 2,000 copies.

Publicity stated: Elvis 56 - originally released in 1996 - is a compilation of studio master recordings made by Elvis Presley in 1956. The sessions on this LP took place at RCA studios in Nashville and New York, as well as at Radio Recorders in Hollywood.

 

Comprising the most complete and essential overview of The King's first year at RCA, Elvis 56 is the definitive rock 'n' roll album, including "Heartbreak Hotel," "Blue Suede Shoes," "Hound Dog" and "Rip It Up. Album also includes an insert with rare photos and complete recording data.

Elvis 56 Collectors Edition is available as a limited edition of 2000 individually numbered copies on blue coloured vinyl.

Tracks: 1. Heartbreak Hotel 2. My Baby Left Me 3. Blue Suede Shoes 4. So Glad You’re Mine 5. Tutti Frutti 6. One-Sided Love Affair 7. Love Me 8. Anyplace is Paradise 9. Paralyzed 10. Ready Teddy 11. Too Much 12. Hound Dog 13. Any Way You Want Me (That’s How I Will Be) 14. Don’t Be Cruel 15. Lawdy, Miss Clawdy 16. Shake, Rattle and Roll (Alternate Take 8) 17. I Want You, I Need You, I Love You 18. Rip It Up 19. Heartbreak Hotel (Alternate Take 5) 20. I Got a Woman 21. I Was the One 22. Money Honey.

New Christmas with Elvis Presley

The New Entertainment record label released the double colored vinyl LP 'New Christmas with Elvis Presley - Christmas Classics and Greatest Hits'. 

Publicity stated: Celebrate the holidays with the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley, in this special limited edition color vinyl release, 'New Christmas with Elvis Presley'. 

This gatefold vinyl collection combines both Christmas classics and Elvis’s greatest hits, perfect for any vinyl enthusiast, Christmas music lover, or Elvis fan. Enjoy timeless Christmas songs like 'Santa Claus Is Back In Town' and 'White Christmas,' alongside Rock ‘n’ Roll hits like 'Jailhouse Rock' and 'Hound Dog'. Pressed on festive colored vinyl, this album is a stunning addition to any holiday music vinyl collection or Elvis Presley memorabilia.

This Christmas vinyl set captures the soulful voice of Elvis, offering the best of his holiday tracks and rock ‘n’ roll classics for the ultimate listening experience. The combination of festive music and Elvis’ iconic hits makes this an essential piece for collectors of classic Rock ‘n’ Roll vinyl, holiday records, and limited edition vinyl releases. 

Perfect for gifting during the holiday season, this Elvis Presley Christmas vinyl brings joy to any gathering and is sure to be a conversation starter for Christmas vinyl collectors and Elvis Presley fans alike.

Tracklist Side One: 

Santa Claus Is Back In Town (2:26)

White Christmas (2:26)

Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane) (1:58)

I'll Be Home for Christmas (1:56)

Blue Christmas (2:10)

Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me) (1:55)

Side Two

Oh Little Town of Bethlehem (2:39)

Silent Night (2:27)

(There’ll Be) Peace In the Valley (For Me) (3:24)

I Believe (2:07)

Take My Hand, Precious Lord (3:20)

It Is No Secret (What God Can Do) (3:54)

Side Three

Can’t Help Falling In Love (2:58)

Heartbreak Hotel (2:08)

Jailhouse Rock (2:31)

Hound Dog (2:14)

Treat Me Nice (2:14)

(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear (1:51)

Too Much (2:31)

Are You Lonesome Tonight (3:10)

Side Four

Love Me Tender (2:45)

Blue Suede Shoes (2:00)

All Shook Up (1:59)

Don’t Be Cruel (2:03)

Surrender (1:56)

I Want You, I Need You, I Love You (2:05)

Love Me (2:46)

It’s Now Or Never (O Sole Mio) (3:16)

Billions For Elvis

Earlier this week Elvis Presley crossed the 8,000,000,000 streams mark on Spotify and today, the song 'Can't Help Falling In Love' topped the 1,000,000,000 streams mark. 

The Top 5: 

1 Can't Help Falling in Love - 1,003,643,236

2 Jailhouse Rock - 562,367,895

3 Suspicious Minds - 512,950,740

4 Burning Love - 396,608,121

5 Blue Christmas  - 393,653,259

Elvis Presley News Report

Here is the monthly Elvis Presley News Report of December 2024. This edition covers details concerning the Elvis Evolution show in London, the new Follow That Dream collector’s label releases, Elvis’ 2024 earnings, Elvis’ catalogue in combination with the new A.I. mixing technology, James Burton's induction in the Country Music Hall of Fame and much more. 

Keeping The Show Alive

The SR import record label released a Super Deluxe Edition of their vinyl / CD combo package 'Keeping The Show Alive', featuring the January 27, 1973 Midnight Show performance, as recorded at the Las Vegas Hilton. 

Publicity for this set stated: The Super Deluxe Edition Limited Edition holds six sets of five gatefolds each containing: a forex panel, a 60 x 60 cm poster and certificate. Also included are the LP, in 5 different colors vinyl, 3 bonus CDs containing previously unreleased  ambiance recordings of the February 5, 1973 Midnight Show (Las Vegas), the April 29, 1973 Show (Seattle) and the June 23, 1973 08:00 PM Show (Uniondale NY). 

Further included is a bonus DVD-R containing footage with overdubbed soundboard audio from the almost complete February 1973 Vegas Show (Las Vegas). All the copies are sealed and handnumbered.

The label also released a very Limited Edition Test pressing, two sets of five gatefolds each.

Each gatefold includes a forex panel, a 60 x 60 cm poster, a certificate and of course the vinyl test pressing.

Each gatefold is hand numbered, personalized on the spine, with colored text matching the color of the vinyl inside, and comes with an OBI. 

(Source: Juno / Emiel Maier / Pacal Matteo)

November 28 - Elvis UK - Compact Memorabilia

British authors John Townson and Gordon Minto published ‘Elvis UK - Compact Volume 1 The Ultimate Guide To Elvis Presley’s British CD Releases 1983-2005‘. This is the first volume of a new physical soft-back trilogy on Elvis Presley’s U.K. CD discography. 

Publicity stated: This trilogy of books represents the first major attempt by anyone to chronicle in exhaustive and painstaking detail the rise of Elvis’s compact disc releases from 1983 onwards – cross-referenced where appropriate with vinyl versions. And while particularly focused on the UK, there is a huge amount of overlap with other territories which makes it of major interest to Elvis collectors throughout the world. 

 
When first published in digital form, the reviews were outstanding. Here are just a few of the comments received:  ‘I have never seen such a detailed book’ (Bernard Roughton), ‘an amazing piece of work’, (Andy Pendl), ‘an incredible amount of detail’ (Carlos Filgueires), ‘one helluva reference book’ (Bill Bruce), ‘the amount of information is mind-blowing’ (Tony Galvin), ‘absolutely brilliant!’ (Mal Walsh), ‘oozes class, an absolute stunner!’ (Mike Reddy).

Volume 1 of this three-volume, soft-backed set (each volume published in turn over a period of several months – thus spreading the cost) is now available to order for UK£50 per book (which includes p&p costs for U.K. buyers). Please visit the author’s webshop at >>> Elvis UK Books. 

Apart from minor changes to the layout, the print copy editions contain exactly the same content as the downloadable, digital flip book version (entitled ‘Elvis UK3 The Ultimate Guide To Elvis Presley’s British CD Releases 1983-2005’), first issued in early 2021. Nothing has been added; nothing omitted.

This will be a limited press run. The second and third volumes of this trilogy will be available in the early part of 2025 as separate releases to ease the cost burden for collectors. 

 
On buying the three volumes, each buyer will be sent a complimentary copy of the 23-track CD entitled ‘Beyond The Legend’, completely free of charge. 

Gold!

The single 'Can't Help Falling In Love' was awarded a Gold Certification by the BVMI for selling over 300,000 copies (physical and streams).

This marks the second certification for Elvis Presley in 2024, the previous award was for the single 'Jailhouse Rock' earlier this month.

Elvis Presley Memorabilia

Lyndell Morris shared the details of the upcoming book 'Elvis Presley Memorabilia: From Private Collections Around The World' he is writing with Stephen M. Shutts. 

Publicity stated: This limited edition collector book will feature several hundred artifacts, including personal items, pre-fame memorabilia, rare merchandise, ephemera and gifted items from Elvis Presley, that cannot be viewed at Graceland or in public museums. 

Elvis, the most recognizable personality in the world, was extremely generous during his lifetime, and as well his name and image generated mass quantities of unique memorabilia that found its way to every corner of the globe. 

'Elvis Presley Memorabilia' will showcase several hundred artifacts attributed to Elvis' iconic career that have never been viewed by the public. Learn how certain items once owned by Elvis made their way into the hands of fans worldwide. What makes Elvis memorabilia sought after, collectible and rare? Edutain yourself with the purchase of this extremely limited edition book. Only 250 collectible copies will be offered to the Elvis collector community. 

Details:

- Authors autographed, large, hardback, full color book in a protective case.

- Included will be unique token artifacts only offered with the limited production of this book.

- One free artifact authentication submission via Elvis Artifacts Authentication Services.

The book should be available Spring 2025.

More Lost Elvis Songwriter Demos

The German Bear Family record label announced the January 2025 release of 'Randy Starr: Presley Style - Lost Elvis Songwriter Demos Vol. 2'.

Publicity stated: Randy Starr, born in 1930, celebrated his greatest successes as a songwriter with a total of 12 compositions personally selected by Elvis Presley, which became part of the soundtracks of Elvis movies. 

To give Elvis an accurate picture of the songs, Randy Starr produced highly professional recordings in top studios in New York between 1963 and 1968 with hand-picked musicians and often himself as the singer. 

In addition to songs that were written and produced for Elvis movie soundtracks, this CD provides song selections that were suggested to Elvis for recording studio albums in the seventies. 

Bear Family has released 66 of these recordings on two CD albums, 12 of which were recorded by Elvis. This CD contains 31 songs. Once again, Bear Family's focus is on high sound quality. Thus, we have employed an experienced sound engineer to master the original sources. The result is an outstanding sound!

The illustrated and extensive booklet contains detailed liner notes by British Elvis expert and collector Trevor Simpson, based on interviews he conducted with Randy Starr shortly before his death. Read all about a song proposed for the movie 'Girl Happy' and sung in the movie not by Elvis but by Nita Talbot and Shelley Fabares.

Bear Family Records dedicates the Randy Starr CDs to this extraordinary man and expert.

Tracks: Carry Town (Malcolm Dodds) - Roustabout (Malcolm Dodds) - The Road To Anywhere (Malcolm Dodds) - Girl Happy (Malcolm Dodds) - (The) Valley Of Loneliness (Randy Starr) - Frankie And Johnnie (Randy Starr) - You Want What I Want (Malcolm Dodds) - I Could Never Fall In Love (Randy Starr) - You Can't Hate Me For That (Kenny Karen & Jean Fox) - (I Was) Born To Be Free (Malcolm Dodds) - Goodnight Lovers (Kenny Karen) - Could I Fall In Love (Malcolm Dodds) - Old MacDonald (Kenny Karen) - Who Needs Money? (Kenny Karen & Randy Starr) - All It Takes (Kenny Karen) - Runaway Child (Kenny Karen) - If You Stopped Loving Me (Kenny Karen) - Speedway (Kenny Karen) - Hard-Drivin' Man (Randy Starr) - Feelin' Fine (Kenny Karen) - Somethin' Special (Kenny Karen) - (A) Step In The Right Direction (Malcolm Dodds) - Charro! (Kenny Karen - 2nd Version) - Change Of Habbit (Kenny Karen) - People In Love (Kenny Karen) - Singin' The Same Old Song (Kenny Karen) - Love Is The Name Of The Game (Kenny Karen) - There Is Only One You (Sheherazade) (Kenny Karen) - I Still Hear Cathy Crying (Bernie Knee) - When The Cheering Stops (Bernie Knee) - I've Got News For You (Mimi Roman).

(Source: Gordon Minto / Bear Family)

November 27 - Elvis On Stage (Updated)

Due for release on November 29, 2024 from the Italian publisher Arcana is the book 'Elvis On Stage - From the Comeback Special of '68 to the last concert of '77' by Francesco Bertelli.

Publicity stated: 'Elvis On Stage' is a journey into the music of Elvis Presley starting from his great return to the scene in 1968. It is here that the artist who more than any other in the second half of the 1950s had revolutionized the world of music and society with rock'n'roll, decided to get back into the game, overturning every expectation that certified him as a "finished" artist. 

The King was back and he would never stop: a constant artistic evolution, both in the recording studio and live on stage, the return to the scene in Las Vegas in 1969, the continuous musical and stylistic experimentation that in the 1970s would not only take him to the top of the charts again, but would also change and structure his live shows. 

The consecration in 1972, with the fabulous jumpsuits that entered the collective imagination, and then the apotheosis of Aloha from Hawaii in 1973. Between ups and downs, the journey continues with the constant search for something new, such as the legendary sessions at Stax at the end of 1973 and 1974 (a year almost entirely spent on tour) of the meeting with Led Zeppelin backstage and a fundamental show in the month of August that will change everything, for better or for worse, until the last years and months of the King, still and always in search of stimuli.

Cowboys & Indians

Elvis Presley is featured on the January 2025 edition of the U.S. Cowboys & Indians magazine. 

Publicity stated: Experience the captivating stories of the American West with Cowboys & Indians January 2025 edition. This annual magazine publication features exciting articles on western lifestyle, history, and culture. 

With a focus on Elvis Presley's connection to the West in the article 'The King at 90: His Horses, Western Films and Timeless Tunes' this issue is a must-read for fans of the King of Rock and Roll.

Meine Stars von Damals

In the end-of-year issue of the magazine 'Meine Stars von Damals', not only is Elvis on the cover, but there is also the story "Elvis Presley - Each of his songs was a greeting to love".

(Source: Grazi Elvis / Elvis Club Berlin / Facebook / Cowboy & Indians)

November 24 - Previews By Invitation Only

The Gravel Road import record label published more previews for the upcoming 'Elvis By Invitation Only' book / Blu-ray / DVD / CD set and the Deluxe 'Elvis Pre-Opening Night VIP' box-set containing the vinyl version of the August 3, 1969 Opening Show performance and a lot of memorabilia reproductions.

Apparently the set is being assembled for shipping to the dealers so hopefully out soon. 

The set is available for pre-order from the >>> Bennies Fifties webshop.

(Source: Elvis Information Network)

November 23 - The Elvis Connection

The German Bear Family record label announced the release of a 4th volume in their 'The Elvis Presley Connection (Roots And Covers Of Elvis Presley)' CD series. 

Publicity stated: This new volume in the series contains original recordings and cover versions of well-known songs that Elvis Presley recorded between 1967 and 1969.

The full color booklet contains rare photos, memorabilia and liner notes by Helmut Radermacher. On the CD you'll hear songs performed by Vince Chu from Singapore, Tommy Tucker, Jimmy Reed, LaVern Baker, Rufus Thomas, Percy Mayfield, Jerry Butler, Chuck Jackson, Don Gibson, Jerry Reed, Bobby Bare, Vern Stovall, Bob Luman, Fred Mick and The Kingsmen, Charlie Rich, Jimmy 'Orion' Ellis as well as Neil Diamond, Bobby Darin, Mark James, Ray Charles and Andy Williams.

The CD is available from >>> Amazon (associate link).

New Footage

Up for sale on at the current Gotta Have Rock and Roll auction is a tape from 1971 with unreleased and unseen home video footage of Elvis, Priscilla and Lisa Marie Presley on Christmas day, shot inside Graceland. The reel is roughly 3 minutes long and comes from the Mike Stone Collection.

Description: Five extraordinary elements make this film extremely rare. Elvis, Priscilla, and Lisa Marie are in Graceland on Christmas morning. This is the last time Elvis, Priscilla and Lisa were together on Christmas day. Regarding the film's content, Elvis attempts to put a new sandal on Lisa’s foot. We see the Christmas tree, and a few people are gathered to watch Elvis. Lisa is also taking her new tricycle through the house on a test ride.

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / Gotta Have Rock and Roll)

November 23 - Charts November - Week 3

Elvis still hasn't returned to the main Billboard Album chart this week, but won a few places on the other charts. 

 

Official U.K. charts:

• Official Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' lost just 1 spot, dropping from No. 49 to No. 50. 
• Official Streaming Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' improved itself by winning 4 places, climbing to No. 35. 

Irish IRMA charts: 

• Official Irish Album chart: 'ELV1S 30#1 Hits' won 5 places, climbing to No. 77. 

Billboard charts:   

• Billboard Top Country Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' lost 1 spot and dropped to No. 37.    
• Billboard Top Rock & Alternative Albums chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' gained 5 places and climbed to No. 43. 
• Top Holiday Album chart: 'The Classic Christmas Album' climbed 2 spots and dropped to No. 16. 

US Book Charts: 

Extra charts from the U.S. this week, for the Lisa Marie Presley biography. On the New York Times 'Combined Print and E-Book Nonfiction' bestsellers lists, 'From Here To The Great Unknown' lost another spot and dropped to No. 10. On the nonfiction hardcover bestsellers list the memoir dropped 2 spots to No. 8. On the Audiobook bestsellers list for November, the book is still listed at No. 2.

The book fell from No. 11 to No. 14 on the Publisher's Weekly Top 10 Non Fiction Hardcover list.

With over 20 million sold copies this album remains the best selling Christmas album and of the best selling albums of all time! This is just fantastic! Thanks to Bert Peters!

(Source: Billboard / Official Chart Company / IRMA / UK Mix Forum/ IPFI / Amazon / NY Times / Publisher's Weekly / Entertainment Weekly) 

Review Hero of the Comic Books

Author Bill Shute reviewed the 'Elvis, Hero of the Comic Books' book for the November 2024 edition of Ugly Things' magazine. Fortunately the "ugly mag"  contains "great reviews" :-). Here is what Shute wrote about the book:

Elvis Presley was a devoted reader of comic books as a child, and when he gave a speech in early 1971 accepting an Outstanding Young Man award from the Jaycees, he began his speech with the lines, “When I was a child, ladies and gentlemen, I was a dreamer. I read comic books, and I was the hero of the comic book.” 

It’s thus fitting that he would eventually be depicted in many comic books, and later in graphic novels, either as himself or as a fictionalized fantasy-Elvis. This fascinating and well-illustrated volume docments those depictions of Presley in “sequential art” from 1955-2024.

It also includes a section on Elvis’s favorite comic book when he was a child, Captain Marvel Jr., and explains how it continued to influence him later in life (for instance, the lightning bolt found on his TCB logo). In addition, the Agent Elvis TV animated series is discussed because although it is not a comic book or graphic novel, its visual style is very much rooted in that world.

Otherwise, the book begins with a methodical rundown of appearances in comic books, such as Betty and Veronica being Elvis fans and mentioning him (and seeing his pic on their bedroom walls) in various Archie-related comics, to parody characters based on Elvis in Cracked or in Charlton’s teen-culture oriented Go-Go . Later entries include the popular crossover series of Army of Darkness/Bubba Ho-Tep and Elvis-like characters who appeared in comics such as Starman and Pinky and The Brain. It was also nice to be reminded of the “Early Elvis” piece by Harvey Pekar (drawn by Gary Dumm) from the legendary American Splendor.

There are also many international comic appearances, and an entire section is devoted to The King’s appearances in adult comics. In the last few decades, there have been a number of graphic biographies of Presley, and those are covered too. Finally, a section is devoted to the Dutch cartoonist and seminal Elvis collector / writer / fan Ger Rijff, one of the most important international champions of Elvis in the days before Ernst Mikael Jorgensen and Follow That Dream Records, the all-Elvis collectors label. Rijff created hundreds if not thousands of cartoon sketches of The King in his various publications and in fan magazines (and in his personal correspondence) over the years, and it’s good to see him remembered here.

As most all of the publications covered are expensive collectors items nowadays, you’ll be happy to know that there are excellent and good-sized color scans of all the covers and of sample inner pages.

I wasn’t expecting a book on this subject, but I’m very glad that it’s out. You can get a satisfying vicarious experience by reading about these comics and graphic novels without actually owning them, and they tend to be so entertaining that even a casual Elvis fan would want to keep the book handy. Considering how many color images there are in the book, the price is reasonable too. 

This review was originally published in Ugly Things magazine # 67. For more information on the magazine, visit >>> Ugly Things. 

The hardback (8 x 10 inches) edition is available from the >>> Blurb webshop and the softcover edition is available on Amazon sites like >>> Amazon U.S. and >>> Amazon Germany (associate links).

Australian based fans interested in a “signed copy” of the softcover can contact me at: smorgasboard777@gmail.com for a “special price” offer. 

November 22 - New Memorabilia Book

Lyndell Morris of the Elvis Artifacts Authentication Services posted a teaser on Facebook, announced the announcement of a new book on Elvis Presley memorabilia. 

Morris posted: Friends, we are on the road, and out of the office today, but we wanted to share an update. You will want to stay tuned next week, for our official announcement, on our upcoming Elvis Presley memorabilia book. We’ll be revealing the title, cover, info, pre-order date, pricing, and perks for holiday pre-ordering. It’s going to be very exciting, and we cannot wait to share it with you!

More information when available.

East Trigg Baptist Church Burned Down

The historic East Trigg Baptist Church, where a young Elvis Presley often found inspiration, was completely destroyed by fire last Friday night.

The East Trigg Baptist Church was not just any church. This was a place where Elvis Presley could often be found in his younger years. He came here to listen to the renowned choir led by the legendary Reverend Dr. William Herbert Brewster. The choir’s gospel music and powerful performances had a profound effect on Elvis’ musical development, something that was even highlighted in the 2022 hit Elvis.

Reverend Brewster, an influential figure in Memphis, wrote most of the songs the choir sang. His work, both as a composer and as a prominent leader in the civil rights movement, left a lasting mark on the city and its musical history. The combination of Brewster’s compositions and the choir’s impressive performances inspired Elvis and played a role in the development of his own unique style, in which gospel always played an important role.

The church, built around 1904 and boarded up and closed for years, caught fire around 8 p.m. Friday night. Fire crews finally got the fire under control around 10 p.m. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the damage is irreparable.

(Source: Lyndell Morris / ElvisMatters / Facebook)

Press Release: Elvis Day by Day 2024 - The Year in Review

The book you’ve been waiting for all year long, 'Elvis Day by Day 2024 - The Year in Review', will be released in January 2025. 

“In 1954, Elvis came crashing through the doors of popular music, and he hasn’t stopped rocking since.”

This new Elvis yearbook is the proof of that! Packed into a colorful 450 pages is all the relevant news of what happened in the Elvis world, it is a complete overview, guide, and reference book of Elvis from all corners of the world in 2024.

 
It features all the news, including a complete overview of the “new”: 

• Music, in Mono and Stereo, on CD and vinyl at 33, 45, and even 78 RPM.
• Books and magazines.
• Movies and TV specials as released on DVD, Blu-ray, and streaming services.
• PLUS “Everything else Elvis” that mattered, skipping the nonsense. 

Highlights include:

• The true story about Dewey Phillips playing the ‘That’s All Right’ acetate on WHBQ in July 1954.
• The scam to “steal” Graceland.
• All the Sony, Follow That Dream, and bootleg releases, including the major deluxe box sets, books, and more.
• Over 70 in-depth reviews, articles by well-known Elvis experts, and interviews with key people in the Elvis world.
• The Mono to Stereo releases of Elvis’ SUN recordings, greatest hits, soundtracks, and live recordings.
• An in-depth look at Lisa Marie Presley’s memoir as completed by her daughter Riley Keough.
• All the stunning colored and “liquid” vinyl releases.
• A complete chart and awards overview (a new addition this year!)
• And, of course, some of the oddball Elvis releases that make collecting fun!

From the “young man with the big beat,” it is a small step to Elvis’ former drummer, Jerome “Stump” Monroe, who provided the beat behind the King as part of the Elvis Presley Show in the seventies and wrote the foreword for this year’s edition. Seventy years after the release of Elvis’ debut single, “the beat goes on,” and that’s all right!
 
Praise for earlier volumes in the Elvis Day by Day series:
 
This annual “Bible for Elvis fans” provides essential reading for every Elvis fan and a valuable keepsake for years to come. And don’t just take our word for it, this is what fans are saying:
 

“I thought I knew what was happening in the Elvis world, but I found so much news that I completely missed!”

 

“If you consider yourself a serious fan, you ought to have these books.”

“These are books that won’t gather dust on your shelf—you’ll find yourself consulting them all the time. Unmissable!”

 

“Fascinating, interesting, enlightening! Need I say more?”

 

“My only criticism is that it has left me with a massive shopping list, and I have the 2024 edition at the top of that list already!”

 

As Colonel Parker would say, there is “something for everyone” or perhaps we should say, “too much for any fan.” Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just starting your journey into the King’s world, this yearbook is the definitive guide to everything Elvis.

The 'Elvis Day by Day 2024 - The Year in Review' yearbook is available for pre-order now at >>> www.PoplarTunes.com. Shipping is planned for January 2025. 

And while you're there, check the volumes on 2018 to 2023 to complete your collection! The books are also available from >>> Amazon (associate link).

November 21 - Preview of Presley in King Creole

Designer David Parker shared a little preview of the forthcoming 'PRESLEY - The Essential 50's Masters' 4-CD release from RDM Edition. The four discs will be housed in a good old fashioned fat box jewel case along with a gloss card slip case. 

The eight page booklet features newly written liner notes by Parker, and of course the set showcases 109 Mono II Stereo tracks newly mixed by Anthony Stuchbury. 

The release date is to be announced. 

King Creole Preview

David English shared a preview of the upcoming 'The Making Of King Creole' box-set which is due from the Follow That Dream collector's label. 

The German Bear Family shop has December 6th as the release date for this box-set, and the the other Follow That Dream releases: 'The Girl Happy Sessions' and 'The Lost Tours Vol. 2'. There was no date available on the 'California Holiday' LP, which, based on the last information available, is still scheduled for late December. 

Christmas Season

Graceland kicked off the Christmas season with the traditional lighting of Elvis Presley Boulevard and the Mansion. This annual event, which drew fans from around the world, took on a special significance this year with the presence of Jerry Schilling, a lifelong friend and confidant of Elvis Presley.

The small ceremony, held in a temperature of just 45 degrees, began with heartwarming speeches. Jack Soden, CEO of Elvis Presley Enterprises, welcomed the crowd and emphasized the importance of Christmas to Elvis and his family. "Christmas was a magical time for Elvis," Soden said. "His love of the holidays and sharing joy with others continues to inspire everyone here today."

Jerry Schilling, who had been friends with Elvis since he was a teenager, took the stage as the guest of honor and shared personal stories about how Elvis celebrated Christmas. "Elvis loved this season. He always made it special, not only for himself, but especially for those around him," Schilling said. His words were met with great applause from the crowd, who had gathered to celebrate the spirit of the holiday season and the legacy of the King of Rock and Roll.

The highlight of the evening was the lighting of the thousands of lights that adorn the estate. The Christmas tree on the grounds was illuminated in bright colors as classic Elvis holiday songs such as 'Blue Christmas' blared over the speakers. With Jerry Schilling’s flip of the switch, Graceland was transformed into a glittering winter wonderland, a tradition that dates back to Elvis’ own Christmas celebrations.

The ceremony not only marked the beginning of the holiday season, but also the continued connection between Graceland and its fans. “Elvis would be proud of how his legacy lives on,” Schilling added.

(Source: David Parker / David English / Bear Family / ElvisMatters / Graceland)

November 20 - Baby Let's Play With Liquid Vinyl

Available for pre-order is a 10-inch 78 RPM 'Liquid Vinyl' re-issue of the Elvis' SUN 217 single 'Baby Let's Play House / I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone'. This 70th Anniversary Edition is limited to 125 copies worldwide.

Sun single 223, containing 'I Forgot to Remember to Forget / Mystery Train' is due for release in January 2025. 

(Source: Pascal Matteo / Elvis Shop London)

November 19 - Elvis On Record Volume 3

Author Paul Alner announced that there will be a third installment in his 'Elvis On Record' U.K. discography book series. 

He posted: "With volume 2 having been received so well I can announce that there will be a volume 3. However it will not be released until late 2027 in order that the 70th anniversary of Elvis signing for RCA and the 50th Anniversary of his passing can be incorporated."

Delayed

The Follow That Dream collectors label informed dealers that the 'California Holiday' double LP set is delayed until the end of December due to a manufacturing delay.

On the positive side, this does give you extra time to order the LP-set from the >>> from the Memphis Mansion and pick-up a free bonus 45 RPM.

Elvis 86

Here is the 'Elvis 86' CD that Gold Members of the Belgian ElvisMatters fan-club receive with their copy of the fan-club's quarterly magazine. The CD contains 12 selections, linked to the content of the magazine. 

Tracks: Heartbreak Hotel (Milton Berle Show, April 3, 1956 / Ready Teddy (Ed Sullivan Show, October 18, 1956) / Hound Dog (Ed Sullivan Show, October 18, 1956) / Don't Touch The Hair (by Mick Stenders) / Welcome To My World (January 14, 1973 Hawaii) * / I Need Somebody To Lean On / Until It's Time For You To Go (February 2, 1973 MS) / Sweet Caroline (February 2, 1973 MS) / Suspicious Minds (February 2, 1973 MS) / Can't Help Falling In Love (February 2, 1973 MS) / Blue Suede Shoes (August 21, 1969 MS) / Memories (August 21, 1969 MS) / In The Ghetto (August 21, 1969 MS) * Wrongly listed as June 21, 1977 - Rapid City.

Spanish Memoirs

A Spanish version of Lisa Marie Presley's memoir was released as 'Lisa Marie Presley. Desde Aquí a Lo Desconocido' by Plaza & Janes Editores, S.A.

(Source: Paul Alner / Elvis My Happiness / Elvis On CD / Amazon)