(Source: YouTube)
Thursday, June 12, 2025
June 12 - The Art of Creation
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
June 11 - Elvis U.K. 3
The third and final volume in the 'Elvis UK Series - Compact - The Ultimate Guide to Elvis Presley British CD 1983 - 2005' of this major series of books (comprising three soft-backed print volumes), will be published and available to buy very soon and continues the story from where the already successful and widely acclaimed Volumes 1 and 2 left off.
As with previous volumes, apart from minor changes to the layout, revised cover artwork, and a new introduction and conclusion, the print copy edition contains exactly the same content as the digital flip book version. Nothing major has been added; nothing omitted.
Finally, this highly acclaimed 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 relevant, with vinyl versions. And while focused on UK releases, there is a huge amount of overlap with other territories – especially Europe and the USA - which makes it of major interest to Elvis collectors throughout the world.
Please note that volumes 1 and 2 are almost sold out.
Priced at £50 (in UK includes p&p costs) this book will only be available to buy via our website www.ElvisUKBooks.co.uk.
(Source: Elvis Information Network Elvis UK Books)
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
June 10 - Follow Those New Releases
Following the release of the ‘Elvis ’57: The Final Fifties Tours’ book, the Follow That Dream record label released the delayed 'Girl Happy’ double LP and the 'Harum Scarum Sessions' triple CD-set.
As always, the set is packaged in a beautifully designed 8-inch digipack with a booklet containing the backstory on the sessions, recording information and rare photos, memorabilia and documents from the sessions.
Tracks CD 1 - Remixed Masters: Harem Holiday - My Desert Serenade - Go East, Young Man - Mirage - Kismet - Shake That Tambourine - Hey Little Girl - Golden Coins - So Close, Yet So Far (From Paradise) - Animal Instinct - Wisdom Of The Ages.
Outtakes: Shake That Tambourine (Take 2001 - 2008) - Shake That Tambourine (Take 2009 - 2011) - Shake That Tambourine (Take 2012 - 2017) - Shake That Tambourine (Take 2018 - 2019) - Shake That Tambourine (Take 2020 - 2024) - Shake That Tambourine (Take 2025) - Shake That Tambourine (Take 2026 - 2027)
CD 2 - Outtakes: Shake That Tambourine (Take 2028 - 2032) - Shake That Tambourine (Take 2033) - Shake That Tambourine (Take 2034 - 2040) - Shake That Tambourine (Take 2041) - Shake That Tambourine (Splice Of Take 2041 And 2027 / Master) - So Close, Yet So Far (From Paradise) (Take 2042) - So Close, Yet So Far (From Paradise) (Take 2043 - 2044) - So Close, Yet So Far (From Paradise) (Take 2045) - So Close, Yet So Far (From Paradise) (Splice Of Take 2044 And 2045 / Master) - My Desert Serenade (Take 2046 - 2048) - My Desert Serenade (Take 2049 - 2051) - My Desert Serenade (Take 2052) - My Desert Serenade (Take 2053) - My Desert Serenade (Take 2054 - 2055) - My Desert Serenade (Take 2056 - 2057 / Master) - Wisdom Of The Ages (Take 2058 - 2059) - Wisdom Of The Ages (Take 2060) - Wisdom Of The Ages (Take 2061) - Wisdom Of The Ages (Take 2062 / Master) - Kismet (Take 2063 - 64) - Kismet (Take 2065 - 2067 / Master) - Hey Little Girl (Take 2068 - 2069) - Hey Little Girl (Take 2070) - Hey Little Girl (Take 2071 - 2072 / Master) - Golden Coins (Take 2073 - 2076) - Golden Coins (Take 2077 - 2078) - Golden Coins (Take 2079 - 2080).
CD 3 - Outtakes: Golden Coins (Take 2081 - 2082) - Golden Coins (Take 2083) - Golden Coins (Take 2084 - 2088) - Golden Coins (Splice Of Take 2088 And 2083 / Master) - Animal Instinct (Take 2089 - 2091) - Animal Instinct (Take 2092) - Animal Instinct (Take 2093) - Animal Instinct (Take 2094 / Master) - Harem Holiday (Take 2095 - 2096) - Harem Holiday (Vocal Replacement Of 2096 / Unedited Master) - Go East, Young Man (Track: Take 2097 - 2098) - Go East, Young Man (Track: Take 2099) - Go East, Young Man (Vocal Overdub To Take 2099 / Master) - Mirage (Track: Take 2100 - 2104) - Mirage (Vocal Overdub To 2104 / Master).
Original 1965 Stereo Album Masters: Harem Holiday - My Desert Serenade - Go East, Young Man - Mirage - Kismet - Shake That Tambourine - Hey Little Girl - Golden Coins - So Close, Yet So Far (From Paradise) - Animal Instinct - Wisdom Of The Ages.
Regarding the tracklisting, the Elvis Information Network noted: This sessions set includes 30 previously unreleased Outtakes of 'Shake That Tambourine', 6 new outtakes of 'My Desert Serenade', 4 new (previously available on bootleg) of 'Wisdom Of The Ages', 4 new (previously available on bootleg) 'Kismet', 1 of 'Hey Little Girl', 12 unreleased 'Golden Coins' Outtakes and one of 'Animal Instinct'. The vast majority of these Outtakes are, of course, False Starts.
Additionally, the set contains the backing tracks for 'Go East, Young Man' and 'Mirage'.
The new set is available for pre-order from the >>> ElvisMatters webshop.
Description 'Girl Happy' LP:
This unique companion edition is based on the original UK release and features the red dot RCA Victor label. The double album includes original soundtrack masters, studio outtakes, extended versions and bonus track outtakes of 'You'll Be Gone'.
Bonus Song: You’ll Be Gone (Take 1)
Side B: Do The Clam (Take 5 - Vocal Overdub Take 2) - Spring Fever (Take 21) - Do Not Disturb (Take 28) - The Meanest Girl In Town (Take 6) - The Meanest Girl In Town (Take 7 - 9) - Girl Happy (Take 4) - Startin' Tonight (Unedited Version)
Site D: Girl Happy - Spring Fever (Take 22 - 23) - Spring Fever (Take 24) - Startin’ Tonight (Take 3 - Vocal Overdub Take 4) - Puppet On A String (Take 8 - 10) - The Meanest Girl In Town (Take 12 - 13) - Wolf Call (Spliced Master - Vocal Overdub Take 5)
Bonus Song: You’ll Be Gone (Take 4 - Alternate Master)
The 'Girl Happy' 2-LP set can be pre-ordered from the >>> Elvis Matters webshop here.
Released earlier this week by the FTD label is the 'Elvis ’57: The Final Fifties Tours' book can be pre-ordered from the >>> Elvis Matters webshop here.
Growing Up At Graceland
The concept of the movie 'Growing Up At Graceland' based on the lives of Elvis' three step-brothers has been kicking around since 2012. This week however David Stanley has posted this photo and said that he has been "very busy" and that the movie should be coming out next year.
After much consideration and much prayer Billy and I have decided to pull all our resources and memories together to do a major motion picture project. The true and untold story of Billy, Ricky, and David Stanley."
The MRS record label released the vinyl and CD editions of the ‘Down in the Alley’ set. 10 days ahead of the street date.
Publicity stated: 'Las Vegas - Down In The Alley 1974' features Elvis’ Opening Night show at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel on 19 August 1974.
At the start of his eleventh Vegas season, he performed an almost completely revamped setlist introduced and singing many unique songs, like ‘Good Time Charlie's Got The Blues’, ‘Promised Land’, ‘It’s Midnight’, ‘If You Talk In Your Sleep’, ‘If You Love Me (Let Me Know)’ and the title track ‘Down In The Alley’.
Also introduced were 'Softly As I Leave You’, ‘My Baby Left Me’ and ‘I'm Leavin'’. For the first time ever, the original Mono recording has been remastered and mixed into Stereo.
The accompanying booklet in the Deluxe Digibook CD-set features rare photographs and memorabilia from the event and also includes liner notes that set the scene. The vinyl edition, housed in a gatefold sleeve, will be available on black and on clear vinyl.
The vinyl and CD version contain the same tracks: Big Boss Man - Proud Mary - Down In The Alley - Good Time Charlie’s Got The Blues - Never Been To Spain - It’s Midnight - If You Talk In Your Sleep - I’m Leavin’ - Let Me Be There - Softly As I Leave You - If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - Love Me Tender - Polk Salad Annie - Band Introductions - Promised Land - Introduction Of Telly Savalas - My Baby Left Me - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Fever - Hound Dog - Can’t Help Falling in Love
(Source: Elvis Information Network /ElvisMatters / TCB Shop)
Monday, June 09, 2025
June 09 - Elvis Back at the "International"
Publicity stated: Originally built atop the International Hotel when it opened in 1969 this area was once the 'Elvis Presley Suite' where the King himself lived during his legendary Vegas residency.
Guests can soak in panoramic views of the city skyline, a nod to the famed Skyroom Lounge (later known as the Crown Room) that once drew the global "who's who" for its exclusive amenities and unparalleled views of Las Vegas.
See Westgate website for more info.
(Source: Westgate / Google / Elvis Information Network)
Saturday, June 07, 2025
June 07 - Physical Work In Progress
The interactive tribute to Elvis Presley is being built in Immerse LDN, on the banks of the river Thames.
The (postponed) opening is scheduled for 19 July 2025, but the works are currently still in an early stage. Preparatory works are still in full swing in various parts of the building, so it is still exciting whether the deadline will be met.
Elvis '57 Out
The Follow That Dream collector's label released the book 'Elvis ’57: The Final Fifties Tours'.
But while he pursued his dream of becoming a Hollywood actor, the military draft threatened to shatter it along with his wildly successful Rock and Roll career. Elvis couldn’t resist the excitement he found performing on stage before swarms of shrieking teenage girls, and in that final year before he entered the U.S. Army, he went back on the road for three short tours.
Alan Hanson takes us for a rollicking ride through eighteen major cities in the United States and Canada. Elvis wore his famed gold lame suit and thirteen girls fainted in an effort to reach him. In Vancouver, British Columbia, thousands left their seats and rushed the stage, forcing him to abruptly end the show.
Drawing on first-hand accounts from the disc-jockeys on the front lines of Elvis’s exploding career and fans who attended the ’57 concerts, Hanson sweeps you back to the years that forever changed the King of Rock and Roll.
Alan Hanson turned to writing after thirty years as a public high school history teacher. He and his wife, Christine have two daughters, Katie and Beth, and live in Spokane, Washington. 'Elvis ’57: The Final Fifties Tours' was Hanson’s first book, he's also the co-author of 'Elvis: The Movies', which was published 8 years ago and he blogs on his >>> Elvis History blog.
Note from Alan Hanson: The text of the new edition is the same as the original 2007 edition, with only a few errors corrected. The big difference is that the reprint includes many more photographs from Pal Granlund's collection, increasing the number from 19 to over 300 pictures.
The book is available from the >>> Elvis Matters webshop.
(Source: ElvisMatters / Official UK Fanclub)
June 07 - Charts June 2025 - Week 1 - Updated
Elvis' presence on the U.K. charts stalled this week. The 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' compilation gained four places at the start of the month and climbed to No. 59 on the Official Album chart. while he lost seven spots on the Streaming Album chart, landing at No. 53 this week.
The 'Elvis at the Movies' DVD, which re-entered the Music Video chart at No. 50 last week was replaced by the Elvis - The King of Rock and Roll', which re-entered the chart at No. 33.
Movie charts
The movie 'Lilo & Stitch' - with a touch of Elvis in the story and music used - was the best Memorial Day opening weekend in the U.S. in box office history earning US$146 million.
(Source: Billboard / Official Chart Company / UK Mix Forum)
Friday, June 06, 2025
June 06 - From Young ‘Un Sound To The House Of David
The set is is limited to 300 copies.
CD 1: Produced during 1980 at the Young ‘Un Sound studios in Nashville Tennessee for the 1981 release ‘Guitar Man’.
Guitar Man / What I'd Say (KWA5 8566) - After Loving You (KWA5 8571) - Too Much Monkey Business (KWA5 8556) - Just Call Me Lonesome (KWA5 8553) - Lovin' Arms (KWA5 8591) - You Asked Me To (KWA5 8558) - Clean Up Your Own Backyard (KWA5 8572) - She Thinks I Still Care (KWA5 8564) - Faded Love (KWA5 8562) - I'm Movin' On (KWA5 8557)
Work In Progress: Guitar Man / What I'd Say (KWA5 8566) - Too Much Monkey Business (KWA5 8236) - Lovin' Arms (KWA5 8247) - You Asked Me To (KWA5 8249) - She Thinks I Still Care (KWA5 8564 - No Backing Vocals) - She Thinks I Still Care (KWA5 8564 - With Original Backing Vocals) - I'm Movin' On (KWA5 8246)
Duets Created By Felton Jarvis: Guitar Man / What I'd Say (KWA5 8566 - With Jerry Reed Mix #1) - Help Me (KWA5 8555 - With "The Gatlin Brothers") - For Ol' Times Sake (KWA5 8238 - With Tony Joe White)
Teaser For Second Disc: That's What You Get For Loving Me (KWA5 8250 - Vocal Raised) - Hey Jude (KWA5 8237 - Unedited) - Guitar Man / What I'd Say (KWA5 8566 - With Jerry Reed Mix #2)
Work Parts: She Thinks I Still Care (KWA5 8259 - Work Part)
CD 2 - Masters (Not Used For The "Guitar Man’ Album"): Hey Jude (KWA5 8237) - For Ol' Times Sake (KWA5 8238) - Only The Strong Survive (KWA 8240) - Blue Suede Shoes (KWA5 8242) - In The Ghetto (KWA5 8243) - Susan When She Tried (KWA5 8245) - Shake A Hand (KWA5 8248) - That's What You Get For Loving Me (KWA5 8250) - Funny How Time Slips Away (KWA5 8251) - Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain (KWA5 8252) - Bitter They Are, Harder They Fall (KWA5 8253) - I'll Hold You In My Heart (KWA5 8554) - Help Me (KWA5 8555) - I'll Be There (KWA5 8559) - The Fool (KWA5 8560) - Burning Love (KWA5 8563) - If You Talk In Your Sleep (KWA5 8565) - Kentucky Rain (KWA5 8567) - Long Black Limousine (KWA5 8573)
Work In Progress: Hey Jude (KWA5 8237 - No Echo, Different Mix) - In The Ghetto (KWA5 8243 - No Backing Vocals) - Susan When She Tried (KWA5 8245 - Different Mix) - If You Talk In Your Sleep (KWA5 8565) - Susan When She Tried (KWA5 8245 - Unedited, Dry Vocals) - Kentucky Rain (KWA5 8567 - No Echo, Different Mix)
Overdubs by: David Briggs, Ray Edenton, Richard Shook, Terry McMillan, Larrie Londin, Mike Leech, Dale Sellers, Chip Young, Tony Joe White, Carl Perkins, Larry Byrom, Jerry Carrigan, Jerry Reed, Billy Puett, Sonny Garrish. Backing vocals: Larry, Rudy and Steve Gatlin (Gatlin Brothers), Lea Jane Berinati, James Cason, Jackie Cusic, Bruce Dees and Jerry Stembridge (Chip Young), producer: Felton Jarvis, engineer: Chip Young and Stan Dacus
CD 3 - Contains various overdubs & edits produced for the 1981 Warner Brothers movie ‘This Is Elvis’ Tracks produced in January & February of 1981 in various studios in Hollywood, California.
Shake, Rattle And Roll / Flip, Flop And Fly (28.01.1956 "Stage Show" - LPA5 5807) - Heartbreak Hotel (17.03.1956 "Dorsey Brothers Stage Show" - LPA5 5808) - Hound Dog (05.06.1956 "The Milton Berle Show" - LPA5 5809) - Excerpt From ‘Hy Gardner Calling’ Interview (01.07.1956 - LPA5 5810) - Merry Christmas Baby (Edited / Shortened Version - LPA5 5811) - Mean Woman Blues (Movie Version - LPA5 5812) - Don't Be Cruel (06.01.1957 "The Ed Sullivan Show" - LPA5 5813) - Excerpt From "Army Swearing In" (24.03.1958 - LPA5 5814) - Excerpt From "DeParture For Germany " Press Conference) - Excerpt From "Home From Germany" Press Conference (07.03.1960 - LPA5 5815) - Too Much Monkey Business (Edited / Shortened Version - LPA5 5816) - I've Got A Thing About You Baby (Edited / Shortened Version) - Blue Suede Shoes ("Elvis" NBC TV Special - LPA5 5817) - Viva Las Vegas (Edited Version - Short Fade Out) - Suspicious Minds (1981 Edit Of 14.01.1973 "Aloha From Hawaii" - LPA5 5818) - Excerpt From Elvis' Speech At The JC's Award (16.01.1971 - LPA5 5819) - Promised Land (Edited / Shortened Version) - Excerpt From Madison Square Garden Press Conference (09.06.1972 - LPA5 5820) - Always On My Mind (30.03.1972 "Elvis On Tour" - LPA5 5821) - An American Trilogy (09.04.1972 "Elvis On Tour" - (LPA5 5822) - Memories (Edited / Shortened Version)
Producer: Joan Deary & Danny Gould, engineer: Dick Bogert. Overdubs by: Reggie Young, Dennis Linde, Larrie London, Bob Ray, David Briggs, Mary Holladay. Scotty Moore, Dale Sellers, D.J. Fontana, Emory Gordy, Tony Brown and The Jordanaires
CD 4 - The original ‘I Was The One’ album. These tracks were produced on June 21 22 of 1982 at the ‘House Of David’ Studio which is the Studio of David Briggs.
My Baby Left Me - (You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care - Little Sister - Don't - Wear My Ring Around Your Neck - Paralyzed - Baby Let's Play House - I Was The One - Rip It Up - Young And Beautiful - Ready Teddy - The Elvis Medley (Short DJ Promo Version) - The Elvis Medley (Long Version)
Producer: David Briggs and Tony Brown, Engineer: Gene Echelberger
CD 5 - Interview With Producer Felton Jarvis about the ‘Guitar Man’ album.
This recording is taken from a rare promotional LP to promote the 1981 Guitar Man album. Radio stations’ own Disc Jockeys could ask questions and the answer was pre-recorded on this record. This is a very efficient way of promoting a product. Painfully, this also came in handy since Felton Jarvis died before the album was released.
Note: all has been previously released, the content of CD 1 and 2 is sourced from MP3 files of these recordings.
Rock 'n' Roll King
The IDS budget record label re-issued their 2025 'Rock 'n' Roll King - Live 1974 / 1976' LP as a Limited Edition on blue colored vinyl. A version on clear vinyl was released January 2025.
Side A - 1974: All Shook Up - Why Me Lord - Love Me Tender - Hound Dog - Fever - Suspicious Minds - I Cant Stop Loving You - Bridge Over Troubled Water.
Side B - 1976: C. C. Rider - Can't Help Falling In Love - Teddy Bear - Don't Be Cruel - Big Boss Man - You Gave Me A Mountain - Trying To Get To You - Hurt - Steamroller Blues.
(Source: various / iMusic)
Thursday, June 05, 2025
June 05 - Graceland Record Collection
Graceland also announced the release of a new Christmas single, the title has not been unveiled yet.
Audio engineer Anthony Stuchbury announced, also on behalf of graphic designer David Parker, that the RDM-Edition record label will also release a CD edition of the 'King Creole Mono II Stereo' 10-inch soundtrack LP with bonus tracks.
Turtles, Berries And Gumbo / King Creole Instrumental / Crawfish (Movie Version) - Steadfast, Loyal And True (Undubbed Movie Edit) - Lover Doll (Movie Version) - Trouble - Dixieland Rock - Young Dreams - New Orleans (Movie Version) - Hard Headed Woman - King Creole (Movie Version) - Don't Ask Me Why - As Long As I Have You - Crawfish (Record Master) - Steadfast Loyal And True (Record Master) - Lover Doll (Record Master) - New Orleans (Record Master) - King Creole (Record Master).
The CD us available for pre-order from the >>> Bennies Fifties webshop.
The Definitive Vinyl Artwork of Elvis Presley, Vol. 2
Joseph Tunzi's book 'The Definitive Vinyl Artwork of Elvis Presley, Vol. 2: The Back Covers' should have been released. The book was originally scheduled to be releases in February this year.
This new volume takes you on a journey of those same albums, focusing this time, on back cover artwork. Also featured on the 200-plus pages are over 800 rare photos, including the original photos (not altered), documents, letters, rejected artwork which contains some fascinating covers not used or modified by RCA and much more!
Note: The back covers were included in the first volume, for 45 singles only.
The book is available from >>> Amazon (associate link).
(Source: Graceland / Pascal Matteo / Anthony Stuchbury / Bear Family)
Wednesday, June 04, 2025
June 04 - Number 1 SUN Hits
The album featuring 23 hits from the fifties and early sixties SUN record announced the July that toped the charts.
SUN CD
SUN records announced the July 18, 2025 release of the CD version of their 2024 LP 'Sun Records Sings Elvis Presley' which featured Elvis on the cover and various artists performing his hits on the vinyl disc.
(Source: iMusic)
Monday, June 02, 2025
June 02 - Additions to the Elvis Week Line-up
Carol Conners: Connors is a singer songwriter. She was the lead vocalist of the pop vocal trio The Teddy Bears who had the #1 hit "To Know Him Is to Love Him." She went on to become a successful songwriter, including co-writing the Oscar-nominated theme “Gonna Fly Now” for the film Rocky. She dated Elvis in 1964 and describes Elvis as her first boyfriend and first love. Her memoir is entitled Elvis, Rocky & Me. Carol will be a guest at Elvis: An Author’s Perspective on August 13.
Ann Moses: Moses was editor of “Tiger Beat Magazine” from 1965 – 1972. She sat on the stage for Elvis’ ‘68 Comeback Special. She observed filming for Change of Habit and attended Elvis’ opening show at the International Hotel on July 31, 1969, and photographed his performance at the midnight show on August 1, 1969. She was interviewed on camera and appeared in the 1970 documentary Elvis: That’s The Way It Is. Ann is the author of the book Meow! My Groovy Life with Tiger Beat’s Teen Idols – and will be a guest at Elvis: An Author’s Perspective on August 13.
Sandy Kawelo: Kawelo was a dancer in Elvis’ 1966 film Paradise, Hawaiian Style. During the filming of the movie, she met Elvis’ close friend Jerry Schilling. Sandy and Jerry were married from 1967 to 1973, during which they spent a lot of time at Graceland, and with the Presley family. Sandy will share stories at Conversations on Elvis on August 15.
For the complete program visit the >>> Official Graceland website.
Saturday, May 31, 2025
Review - Del Webb Presents Elvis Presley
Design
The designer follows the format of previous Millbranch LPs, particularly with typography, but this edition stands out due to its retained background elements, creating a lighter, more natural aesthetic compared to previous, darker designs. And that picture, what a great smile! How did RCA never use it for a cover?
The set was intended to include printed inner sleeves, but that plan fell through. Instead, the label compensated with two LP-sized prints with pictures from the Lake Tahoe engagement. A nice gesture, though the cover photo itself would have made a great choice for one of them because - as the Petticoat import record label would say about their artwork - it is “suitable for framing”. Inside the gatefold, we find some more photographs and Tahoe memorabilia.
The LP is available in traditional 140g black vinyl and translucent blue-colored vinyl, I opted for the latter. Ever since ‘Moody Blue’, an Elvis album on blue vinyl carries a special charm.
Audio
For this reissue, the label returned to its original tape copy and crafted a new Stereo presentation of the concert. And it works! The speed corrected mix breathes new life into the once-flat soundboard recordings. Elvis sound more active at the correct speed. The tambourine stands out more prominently than before, though Elvis’ vocals could have been pushed forward slightly. On ballads, he takes center stage, but when the band and orchestra join in, his voice sometimes gets absorbed into the overall mix.
Certain limitations of the original recording remain, for example, the finale of ‘You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me’ and ‘It’s Now or Never’ sound a bit sharp to these ears. However, JD Sumner’s signature “dive bomb” routine was surprisingly captured without distortion. This new edition brings a deeper sound, perhaps even too much at times, listen to the echo on the “well, well, well’s” before ‘I Got A Woman’, and you'll hear the pronounced effect. But compared to previous soundboards, this version delivers more richness and atmosphere.
Fortunately, there is plenty audience interaction audible to preserve the live concert experience. A particularly fun exchange occurs when a young girl calls out to Elvis, she’s on a mission for her mother to get a scarf, and she succeeds. Before launching into ‘You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me’, Elvis playfully responds, “I’ll get you later, mother.”
Content
During this third Tahoe stint, Elvis appeared to be in good spirits, perhaps the change of scenery from Vegas felt refreshing. May 23 also happened to be Linda Thompson’s birthday, which may have added to his festive mood.
Still, he didn’t go all-out during the dinner show, saving ‘Blue Spanish Eyes’ for the Midnight Show, possibly for Linda herself. Some fan reports say Elvis sung more concentrated, with his eyes closed during these Dinner Shows, and saved the more expressive performances for the Midnight performances.
This recording isn’t complete. ‘Also Sprach Zarathustra’ is missing, and ‘See See Rider,’ ‘Let Me Be There’, and ‘Funny How Time Slips Away’ are incomplete. Nothing to be done about that. The setlist itself reflects a standard show for the era, adjusted slightly for a Tahoe crowd, making “easy to digest” over a steak dinner … ? Without ‘Johnny B. Goode’, ‘Steamroller Blues’, and ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’, the show loses some of its swagger. These classics were swapped out for more polished pop numbers, such as ‘You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me’. On the plus side, he added ‘Big Boss Man’ and ‘Help Me’, the latter performed alongside Sherill Nielsen and Voice.
But the producers helped remedy this somewhat by including two bonus tracks, ‘Steamroller Blues’ and ‘How Great Thou Art’, from May 19th.
Conclusion
This reissue of Elvis’ May 23, 1974 Dinner Show performance is an upgrade in both design and audio, offering a richer listening experience than its CD predecessors. Yet at its core, the concert remains what it is, a standard show performed during dinner service. Elvis may not be rattling the cutlery, but he’s keeping the audience entertained.
The LP is available from the >>> Bennies Fifties webshop.
May 31 - Charts May 2025 - Week 5 (Updated)
Elvis' presence on the U.K. charts stalled this week. The 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' compilation dropped another spot on the Official Album chart, landing at No. 63 this week, but the album won four sports on the nation's streaming album chart, closing the week at No. 46.
The 'Elvis at the Movies' DVD re-entered the Music Video chart once more, at No. 50 this time.
(Source: Billboard / Official Chart Company / UK Mix Forum)
Friday, May 30, 2025
May 30 - EPiC (Updated)
Movie director Baz Luhrmann had teased Elvis fans with the working title 'EPiC', 'Elvis Presley in Concert' , but now he has confirmed that this will be the title for the upcoming concert movie.
As the journey of creating this film continues, I seriously can’t wait to share it with you all!"
Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis Project Announced At Sony Event
Baz Luhrmann revealed footage from his upcoming project EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert during the Sony Music Vision on May 29th. Combing through countless never-before-seen performances, unheard interview recordings and restored rarities, the acclaimed filmmaker has been developing the feature documentary alongside his longtime Academy Award-nominated editor, Jonathan Redmond, since production on his 2022 hit film Elvis. Woven together with Luhrmann’s uniquely electric style, EPiC offers audiences Elvis singing and telling his own story as we’ve never seen or heard him before.
When speaking about the film, Luhrmann said, “During the making of ELVIS, we went on a search for rumored unseen footage from the iconic 1970s concert films 'Elvis: That’s The Way It Is' and 'Elvis on Tour'. My initial thought was that we may be able to restore the unused footage (if we could find it) and use it in our Elvis feature, starring Austin Butler.
I had researchers go into the Warners Bros. film vaults buried in underground salt mines and, to the astonishment of all, we uncovered 68 boxes of film negative, as well as unseen 8mm footage. It has taken two years to restore the footage to a quality that it has never been projected at previously, while the team had to meticulously claw back sound from the many, unconventional sources that were also unearthed.
One of the great finds has been unheard recordings of Elvis talking about his life and his music. It was this that gave the inspiration for 'EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert', which is not specifically a documentary, nor a concert film: Elvis takes the audience through the journey of his life, weaving never-before-seen footage with iconic performances that have never been presented in this way, from the 1970 Vegas show, on tour in 1972 and even precious moments of the 1957 “gold jacket” performance in Hawaii. Most importantly, Elvis will sing and tell you about his life in first person, through both classic and contemporary musical prisms.”
Go to Baz Luhrmann's >>> Instagram page for a new clip.
Gold aus Heißer Kehle
The German Fernsehjuwelen re-issued Elvis' classic movie 'Loving You' as 'Gold aus Heißer Kehle'. Description: Deke Rivers loves Rock 'n' Roll and, in his free time, travels around the country with his band. When press agent Glenda meets him, she recognizes Deke's potential and signs him for Tex Warner's band. The singer soon becomes a favorite among American teenagers. Glenda begins to take an interest in Deke, just like Susan, who sings in Tex's band ...
As a bonus this DVD features a double sided cover and a digital booklet (available on-line).
The DVD is available from >>> Amazon Germany (associate link).
Elvis Video News Report
Emiel Maier posted the June 2025 Elvis Presley Video news report, capturing the main news from May 2025 and more: the latest concerning the Elvis concert footage film, footage of Elvis on October 29, 1956, FTD news, people we lost, the future of his channel and more.
(Source: Baz Luhrmann / Amazon / Emile Maier)
Thursday, May 29, 2025
May 29 - Elvis Sites Hack Update
This hack, apparently by someone from within the Elvis community, reveals that the Elvis Presley community we know and enjoy, also has a dark side ...
Jordan Richie, who provided the hosting services for these websites and forums through his ElvisCities stated "On May 16, 2025 I was alerted my servers had gone down. When they came back up it was clear. A single SQL file on a cluster of servers that once held thousands of files said, "Thank you for all the business." It breaks my heart for the people who trusted me to keep their sites safe.
30 years of good and bad times hosting will be something I'll never forget. Or regret. As for me, adios and have a good time. Wherever it may be. TCB!
I'll be looking forward! Not back."
One day we'll probably learn more about the details, as Elvis said: "Truth is like the sun. You can shut it out for a time, but it ain't goin' away."
The positive news is that Keith Flynn's Elvis pages are available again at >>> www.KeithFlynn.uk - with all the original content - and some of the owners behind the other affected sites have announced that they will return with new websites in the near future. The coming weeks we'll see which site will return, and which content is lost.
I want to thank Jordan Richie for keeping the Elvis world connected for over 20 years! Thanks to his work in the background, we fans had access to invaluable information on Elvis' recordings, photoshoots, audio and video, and more. Besides that provided a place where we could discuss and talk about our favorite musician, and buy his music, keeping his legacy alive. Thank You, Jordan, Thank You Very Much!
Congratulations
Riley Keough, Elvis' grand daughter and chairwoman of Elvis Presley Enterprises, turned 35 today, congratulations!
Rock and Roll Vinyl
Hot on the heels of the release of the Japanese 10-inch 'Love me Tender' LP, the French V.P.I. record label announced the August 28, 2025 release of two classic EPs: the Belgian 'Rockin' with Elvis' and the Italian 'Rock 'n' Roll'.
In 2010, a copy in excellent condition sold for over US$1,200 at auction. It will be available on transparent, grey, white, magenta and blue colored vinyl.
Side A: Tutti Frutti / Blue Suede Shoes
Side B: Hound Dog / Don’t Be Cruel
The Italian 45 RPM record 'Rock ‘n’ Roll', released in 1957, is highly sought after by collectors. Its quirky cover features Elvis with a top-hat-wearing basset hound, taken from his appearance on the Steve Allen Show.
Featuring four rock classics, this record is one of Elvis’s earliest Italian releases. Its unique artwork and rarity make it a prized item, often valued at several hundred euros. It will be available on yellow, white, transparent, red and blue colored vinyl.
Side A: One-Sided Love Affair /Money Honey
Side B: Shake, Rattle and Roll / Lawdy, Miss Clawdy
All EPs are limited to 200 copies per color.
(Source: Jordan Richie / Riley Keough, Elvis My Happiness)
Monday, May 26, 2025
May 28 - Atomic Powered Notebook
Publicity for the first one-hour show stated: In this episode of Atomic Wax, we look at the evidence surrounding the recording of Elvis Presley's first personal demo for the Memphis Recording Service, 'My Happiness', explode most of the popular theories about when it was recorded, and try to use context clues to discover the REAL recording date. What we find is surprising!
Also, be sure to keep an eye on the EAP Society channel for an upcoming follow up video where Jamie Kelley and I discuss what happened to the 'My Happiness' acetate after Elvis walked out of the studio with it - it's a story with a lot of mystery!
(Source: John Heath)
Sunday, May 25, 2025
May 25 - Elvis - From Memphis to Hollywood to Update
Danish author Stig Ulrichsen announced the Fall 2025 release of a third, updated version of Alanna Nash and Alan Fortas' book 'Elvis - From Memphis to Hollywood', which was originally released in 1992 and republished in 2008.
In the fall of 2025, our new and updated version of the long-awaited book "Elvis - From Memphis to Hollywood" will be published by my publisher Nunatak, originally written by Alanna and based on Alan Fortas' own experiences.
The original edition is almost impossible to reproduce today - and it is priced at around US$130, if you are lucky. Therefore, it is a great honor to bring this great story back to Elvis fans all over the world.
Look forward to an exciting reissue filled with photos, updated stories and a love for music history that only a few like Alanna can convey.
Alanna has received numerous awards for her work, including the CMA Media Achievement Award, Belmont Book Award, and the Charlie Lamb Award for Excellence in Country Music Journalism. She is one of the most respected writers in the field of music journalism, so it is a special honor to work with her on this reissue. More information coming soon - stay tuned!
(Source: Anthony Stuchbury)