Wednesday, April 30, 2025

April 30 - Golden Boy The Biography

Plexus announced the July 28, 2025 re-release of the 416-page paperback edition of Jerry Hopkins' 'Elvis The Biography'. 


Description: Elvis Presley is the biggest single entertainment personality in the history of American popular culture. Nearly thirty years after his death he remains the undisputed King of Rock n Roll. Known the world over by his first name alone, he is the foremost iconic figure in popular music. 

Featuring a wealth of firsthand interviews, Elvis: A Biography combines Jerry Hopkins two previous classic bestselling Elvis biographies with all-new material to give the definitive detailed account of Presley s fantastic life.

The book is available for pre-order at >>> Amazon (associate link).


Golden Boy e-Magazine

The German Golden Boy Elvis has sent out its digital quarterly magazine. 
The colorful, 60-page Spring 2025 edition features news, fresh articles on Priscilla's visits to Bad Nauheim and Vienna, as well as an old piece from the magazine's archive on "Following Elvis' Footsteps in Germany," including interviews with lucky individuals who had the chance to meet Elvis.

For more information on the magazine, visit the magazine's >>> Golden Boy Elvis website or contact the publisher >>> by email

(Source: Amazon / Golden Boy Elvis)

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

April 29 - The King Of The Rings

Elvis biographer Paul Belard published a second edition of his book 'Elvis  - The King of the Rings - Volume 1' which was unavailable for a while. This is a second edition, similar to the first edition except for the cover. 

The book is a great, visually colorful record of Elvis' love of glittery jewelry of the ring type. 

Description
: Elvis liked expensive things: cars, motorcycles, clothes, and jewelry. His jewels befitted a king. He wore sumptuous pendants hung on heavy gold chains; huge and lavish rings set with rubies, sapphires, lapis lazuli, and emeralds; bracelets of gold and precious gems. Like Elvis himself, they were at times dazzlingly tasteful and beautiful, and at other times flashy and ostentatious. Occasionally, he would design the jewels himself, such as the famous TCB - Taking Care of Business - pendant and ring.

He loved to give his possessions away to people close to him, as well as to complete strangers. The value of the item was of no concern to him. An expensive horseshoe ring was designed by Memphis jeweller Lowell Hays, specifically for Elvis to wear on stage during his televised Aloha from Hawaii performance in 1973. Elvis gave the ring away a few years later. It eventually sold at auction in 2017 for $204,800.

The book is available from >>> Amazon.


Happy Birthday

Elvis former 'Viva Las Vegas' co-star love Ann Margret turned 84 today, congratulations!


New Elvis Mix

Today A24 shared the trailer for their upcoming film The Smashing Machine, based on UFC fighter Mark Kerr, played by wrestling legend and long time Elvis fan Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. The trailer features a unique mix of Elvis' My Way', based on Elvis' 1971 studio version. 



White Roots

Following the release of ‘The Black Roots of Elvis’, the U.K.-based Jasmine record label announced the May 9, 2025 release of ‘The White Roots of Elvis’. 

Publicity stated
: Elvis’ original influences have been scrutinized and examined over the decades, and he was always quick to namecheck his main sources and inspirations. Let’s face it, had it not been for Presley, how many of us would have ever heard of Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup? At the outset of his career there were few suitable original songs being submitted by music publishers, so it was inevitable that he would reach back and revive old favorites.

This compilation presents thirty such examples, examining Elvis’ White music roots, featuring some of the most notable Country, Rock and Roll and Pop numbers that he recorded. Featured artists include Leon Payne, Bill Monroe, Dean Martin, Carl Perkins, Freddie Bell and The Bell Boys, Frankie Laine, Carl Mann, Eddy Arnold, Vern Stovall, Hank Snow, Ned Miller, Ray Peterson, George Jones, and more.

Tracks:
1. Jon and Sondra Steele - My Happiness
2. Leon Payne - I Love You Because
3. Bill Monroe - Blue Moon Of Kentucky
4. Jimmy Wakely - I'll Never Let You Go (Little Darlin')
5. Dean Martin - I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine
6. The Shelton Brothers - Just Because
7. Johnnie Lee Wills and His Boys - Milk Cow Blues Boogie
8. Carl Perkins - Blue Suede Shoes
9. Freddie Bell and The Bell Boys - Hound Dog
10. Jimmie Rodgers Snow - How Do You Think I Feel
11. Beaver Valley Sweethearts - How's The World Treating You
12. Wiley Walker and Gene Sullivan - When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again
13. Red Foley - Old Shep
14. Frankie Laine - I Believe
15. David Hill - I'm All Shook Up
16. Gene Autry - Have I Told You Lately That I Love You
17. Tony Martin - There's No Tomorrow
18. Charlie Blackwell - Girl Of My Best Friend
19. Al Jolson - Are You Lonesome Tonight
20. Thomas Wayne - Girl Next Door Went Awalking
21. Darrell Glenn - Crying In The Chapel
22. Carl Mann - I'm Comin' Home
23. Eddy Arnold - I'll Hold You In My Heart
24. Vern Stovall - Long Black Limousine
25. Hank Snow - I'm Movin' On
26. Ned Miller - From A Jack To A King
27. Eddy Arnold - After Loving You
28. Ray Peterson - The Wonder Of You
29. Eddy Arnold - I Really Don't Want To Know
30. George Jones - She Thinks I Still Care

Get 'The White Roots of Elvis' from >>> Amazon (associate link).
Get 'The Black Roots of Elvis' from >>> Amazon (associate link).

Released

The MRS record label released the LP versions - on 180 Gr. clear and black vinyl - of 'Live at the Houston Astrodome 1974', featuring newly created Stereo Mixes of Elvis' show in Houston. 

(Source: Paul Belard / FECC/ Facebook)

Monday, April 28, 2025

Review Piger Piger Piger LP

The Memphis Mansion seems to be on a roll when it comes to new vinyl titles with the Danish upgraded re-issue of the ‘Girls! Girls! Girls!’ soundtrack, renamed to ‘Piger! Piger! Piger!’ and the LPs ‘Jailhouse Rock’ and ‘Elvis - The Rocker Revisited’ lined up for release.
 

The album received overhauls from the Danish “Grafisk Design” department and an U.K.-based audio-engineer, time to give it a spin and see if the label remained true to the original, and if it is worth upgrading your collection.
 
Design 

Søren Karstensen, the label’s designer, took all the design-element of the original soundtrack album and created an authentic looking reproduction with a modern twist, translating all text-elements and replacing the pictures with matching alternatives. He has a good eye for detail as the pictures on the back are similar, but not the same. 

What’s not the same as the original RCA design is the modern label on the pink with red splattered vinyl. But for a novelty release from the Danish “reproduction” of Elvis’ Graceland Mansion, this design fits the bill.

For the collectors, there are 300 copies available on the pink colored vinyl, and 100 copies on yellow colored vinyl. 
 
Content
 
The ‘Girls! Girls! Girls!’ tracks were originally released in both Mono and Stereo, prompting the question of whether a new stereo mix was truly necessary. Purists may answer that question with a firm “no,” believing that Elvis’ original work should remain as it was first presented.

However, there is reason to view this differently. Many of the choices we have come to accept as “-original” were shaped by the technical limitations or creative decisions of the time. These choices were made by the artist, the producer, or the engineer, all aiming for a specific sound. Thus, stereo mixing is not merely a matter of fun; it is a craft. More importantly, it is an artistic choice and has always formed part of the musical “original artwork.”

Consider, for example, Sam Phillips using a second tape recorder in 1954 to create a “bigger sound” on recordings from his small studio, or RCA adding extra reverb to those same tracks after acquiring Elvis’s contract. Or, indeed, the unusual placement of musical elements in the ‘Girls! Girls! Girls!’ soundtrack where all the instruments sit fully on the left with the Jordanaires standing on the right, and Elvis centered in the center.
 
An original mix can be technically sound or consistent with the way music presentation was thought about in 1962, when stereo systems were becoming more common in American homes. Yet, some listeners might feel that there remains room for additional refinement.

The difference today is that music producers can use digital and A.I.-driven tools instead of using a second tape recorder to create that desired and refined sound. Using Stereo versions as a source for the digital extraction also helps the technique as it is easier to separate the elements.
 
For this release, Stuchbury has done exactly that. Using both a “good ear” and the craftsmanship familiar from his previous work, he has created a new listening experience. The rhythm section is now placed behind Elvis, resulting in a balanced and immersive audio presentation in which the drums serve as the foundation for the other instruments supporting the vocals.

In some cases, Stuchbury diverged from his own set-up to create a balanced sound, for example on ‘Return To Sender,’ where Boots Randolph’s saxophone can now be heard on the left. Moving that instrument to the middle or right side would have left the left channel uncomfortably empty. This is the kind of nuanced decision-making involved in creating a pleasant and well-balanced listening experience. While some of this is certainly subjective, I for one, will probably add these new immersive versions to my summer playlist.

The newly created Stereo versions of the 13 soundtrack songs on this LP were also released as part of the ‘From Florida to Hawaii’ CD by the French RDM-Edition record label (which also includes the ‘Follow That Dream’ soundtrack EP). So you can chose if you want your upgraded music playing from pink with red splattered vinyl, or from a shiny picture disc CD. 
 
There is one difference regarding the content, the aforementioned CD includes a previously unavailable version of ‘Dainty Little Moonbeams’, for the first time with female harmony vocals included. 
 
Conclusion
 
This is a fun summer release with an extra. The concept of creating a more colorful presentation within the stereo spectrum is an audible improvement. The “extra” may very well be the next step in presenting Elvis’ music in a new - and for the purists among us, alternative - way. We have moved from Mono to Stereo to Stereo Remixing with A.I. and craftsmanship can breathing new life into Elvis’ music. The question now is: what will the next step be? 
 
The next step regarding new Stereo releases are the Mono II Stereo mixes for the ‘Jailhouse Rock’ soundtrack and ‘Elvis The Rocker Revisited’ LPs. 

A Danish Course

Here is a little Danish course for beginners:
Piger! Piger! Piger! (Girls! Girls! Girls!)
Jeg Vil Ikke Være Bundet (I Don't Wanna Be Tied)
Hvor Kommer Du Fra (Where Do You Come From)
Det Vil Jeg Ikke (I Don't Want To)
Vil Skal Være Sammen (We'll Be Together)
En Dreng Som Mig, En Pige Som Dig (A Boy Like Me, A Girl Like You)
Drengen På Jorden (Earth Boy)
Retur Til Afsender (Return To Sender)
På Grund Af Kærligheden (Because Of Love)
Takket Være Det Bølgende Hav (Thanks To The Rolling Sea)
Rejens Sang (Song Of The Shrimp)
Væggene Har Ører (The Walls Have Ears)
Vi Kommer Med Lasten Fuld (We're Coming In Loaded)

Available

You can order the album from the >>> Memphis Mansion webshop.

April 28 - Elvis ’57: The Final Fifties Tours

The Follow That Dream collector's label announced the release of the book 'Elvis ’57: The Final Fifties Tours'.

Publicity stated
: In 1957, Elvis Aron Presley was still a one man phenomenon with six titles on the charts, one movie to his credit, and two movies soon to follow. 

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.

'Elvis ’57' recalls that magical year when the King played to audiences a quarter of a million people strong, and controversy and pandemonium accompanied him wherever he went.

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.

The book comes with an exclusive Compact 33 vinyl EP containing the tracks: 'That’s When Your Heartaches Begin', 'Tell Me Why', 'Peace In The Valley' and 'I Believe'.

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 HansonThe 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

The danish Memphis Mansion offers a bonus package when you order through their >>> webshop.

(Source: Memphis Mansion / Alan Hanson)

Saturday, April 26, 2025

April 27 - Charts April 2025 - Week 4

At the end of the month Elvis managed to turn the tide, finding his way up the Official U.K. charts.

The 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' compilation bounced back from No. 70 to No. 57 on the Official Album chart, and from No. 59 to No. 50 on the Streaming Album chart.

On the Music Video chart 'Elvis The Searcher' made a re-entry at No. 19, 'Aloha from Hawaii' a re-entry at No. 43 and the 'Elvis at the Movies' box-set a re-entry at No. 48.

(Source: Billboard / Official Chart Company / UK Mix Forum) 

Friday, April 25, 2025

April 25 - May Video and CD News Report

The Dutch ElvisOne import record label released four new CDs in their ongoing ‘Bootleg’ series; ‘Summer Festival 1969 – 1973’, ‘Summer Festival 1974’ and ‘Rarities’ volume 1 and 2. 

Publicity for ‘Summer Festival 1969 - 1973 / 1974’ stated: 1974, two new albums! A sequel to our "Winter In Vegas" releases from last year. This is a great collection of in total 92 tracks with many highlights. Only 10 tracks were released by Elvis' record company. All tracks presented in the best possible sound quality (with respect to how the original recording was recorded). Most of these recordings are soundboard recordings with very good sound! 

Besides many fantastic live versions like the very first live version of 'My Way' and 'What Now My Love', or the spontaneous version of 'Sweet Inspiration'. ‘Summer In Vegas 1969 - 1973 also includes 3 radio spots, an interview, announcements after the shows, and rehearsal excerpts. 

‘Summer In Vegas 1974’ is a compilation of two soundboard recordings in the style of (for example) the ‘Elvis In Concert’ album from 1977. The best of two shows without all the endless monologues between the songs. The complete shows with these recordings have been released. While the songs were often surprisingly different than usual (and good), the endless monologues detracted from this. That's why we released it this way. 

It has become a surprising album that is wonderful to listen to and lets Elvis live in August 1974 shine! We’ve only used recordings that are not available through the wonderful FTD Collectors label. 

On the second CD we have made room for the monologues, band introductions and a very special Happy Birthday to Kathy Westmoreland. This is a perfect addition to the official releases! 

‘Summer In Vegas 1969 - 1973’ CD 1: 01. I Just Can’t Help Believin’ 08/10/70, backstage 02. All Shook Up 08/03/69, ds 03. Memories 08/03/69, DS 04. Baby What You Want Me To Do 08/03/69, DS 05. Are You Lonesome Tonight? 08/03/69, DS 06. Blue Suede Shoes 08/14/70, MS 07. Heartbreak Hotel 08/19/70, DS 08. Polk Salad Annie 08/19/70, DS 09. Elvis Talks 08/19/70, DS 10. What Now My Love (1st live version) 08/04/72, OS 11. My Way (1st live version) 08/04/72, OS 12. My Babe 08/04/72, OS 13. Also Sprach Zarathustra 08/12/72, ds 14. See See Rider 08/12/72, ds 15. Proud Mary 08/12/72, DS 16. Until It’s Time For You To Go 08/12/72, DS 17. You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me 08/12/72, DS 18. You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ 08/12/72, ds 19. Polk Salad Annie 08/12/72, DS 20. Trouble 08/31/73, DS 21. Medley: Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On / Mama Don’t Dance / Flip, Flop and Fly / Hound Dog 08/31/73, ds 22. Love Me Tender 08/31/73, ds 23. Fever (with long intro) 08/31/73, ds 24. Elvis Talks 08/31/73, ds 25. Bridge Over Troubled Water 08/31/73, DS 26. A Big Hunk O’ Love 08/04/72, OS 27. Mystery Train 08/04/72, OS 

‘Summer In Vegas 1969 - 1973’ CD 2: 01. Never Been To Spain 08/04/72, OS 02. Little Sister / Get Back 08/04/72, OS 03. One Night 08/04/72, OS 04. Elvis receiving gold records 08/04/72 05. My Boy 09/02/73, MS 06. I Can’t Stop Loving You 09/02/73, MS 07. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face 09/02/73, MS 08. Mystery Train / Tiger Man 09/02/73, MS 09. Elvis Talks 09/02/73, MS 10. A Big Hunk O’ Love 09/02/73, MS 11. Release Me 09/02/73, MS 12. What Now My Love 09/02/73, MS 13. Can’t Help Falling In Love 09/02/73, MS 14. Closing Vamp 09/02/73, MS 15. Announcements 09/03/72, 3am 16. Help Me Make It Through The Night 08/10/73, MS 17. Something 08/23/73, ds 18. Radio Promo #1 19. Sweet Inspiration 08/20/70, MS 20. Memphis Tennessee 08/11/71, ds 21. Trying To Get To You 08/11/71, ds 22. Tony Prince interview 09/04/72 23. Radio Promo #2 24. Radio Promo #3 BONUS TRACKS 25. Rehearsal excerpt 08/04/70 26. Announcement 09/01/73, MS.

Summer In Vegas 1974 CD 1: 01. It’s Midnight 09/02, CS 02. Big Boss Man 08/30, MS 03. Fever (with long intro) 08/30, MS 04. Elvis talks 08/30, MS 05. Softly As I Leave You 08/30, MS 06. It’s Now Or Never 09/02, CS 07. Suspicious Minds 08/30, MS 08. Love Me 08/30, MS 09. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) 09/02, CS 10. You Gave Me A Mountain 09/02, CS 11. Hound Dog 09/02, CS 12. I Got A Woman / Amen 09/02, CS 13. Until It’s Time For You To Go 09/02, CS 14. Elvis talks 08/30, MS 15. If You Talk In Your Sleep 08/30, MS 16. Help Me 08/30, MS 17. Let Me Be There 08/30, MS 18. Elvis talks 08/30, MS 19. How Great Thou Art 08/30, MS 20. Hawaiian Wedding Song 08/30, MS 21. An American Trilogy 08/30, MS BONUS TRACKS 22. Hawaiian Wedding Song 09/02, CS 23. Can’t Help Falling In Love 09/02, CS 24. Elvis Talks 09/02, CS 25. I Couldn’t Live Without You (sung by Voice) 09/02, CS 

Summer In Vegas 1974 CD 2: 01. Intro / See See Rider 08/30, MS 02. Band Introductions 09/02, CS 03. James Burton solo 09/02, CS 04. Ronnie Tutt solo 09/02, CS 05. Duke Bardwell solo 09/02, CS 06. Glenn D Hardin solo 09/02, CS 07. Elvis introduces Ed Parker 09/02, CS 08. Elvis introduces John O’ Grady and talks about Paternity Suit 09/02, CS 09. Drugs dialogue 09/02, CS 10. Elvis introduces his sound engineer Bill Porter, his father and Colonel Parker 09/02, CS 11. Jewelry dialogue 09/02, CS 12. About ‘You Gave Me A Mountain’ / Elvis introduces Priscilla, Lisa Marie and his girlfriend Sheila Ryan / Elvis talking about his divorce 09/02, CS 13. Elvis talks about Judy Spreckels 09/02, CS 14. Happy Birthday to Kathy Westmoreland 08/23, MS.

Rarities Volume 1: 01. That’s All Right (Live, 10/06/74, Evening Show) 1:36 02. Banana (Sung By Liliane Montevecchi) 2:35 03. Banana (Bow Music For Ending) 0:11 04. Muskrat Ramble (Movie Version Transfer) 1:07 05. It’s Midnight (Rehearsal) 4:02 06. Ghost Riders In The Sky (Rehearsal, 2 Lines) 0:21 07. Trying To Get To You (Live, 03/16/74, Afternoon Show) 2:28 08. All Shook Up (Live, 03/16/74, Afternoon Show) 1:00 09. Steamroller Blues (Live, 03/16/74, Afternoon Show) 2:59 10. Killing Me Softly (Live, Sung By Sherrill Nielsen, 01/26/74, Opening Show) 3:30 11. Spanish Eyes (Live, Sung By Elvis And Sherrill Nielsen, 01/26/74, Opening Show) 3:53 12. Hank Snow All Star Jamboree Commercial (1955) 1:07 13. Heartbreak Hotel (Live, 08/06/56) 1:55 14. Interview By Ron Ross (11/22/56) 2:46 15. Introducing Elvis (Live, 11/22/56) 2:31 16. Heartbreak Hotel (Live, 11/22/56) 3:27 17. Long Tall Sally (Live, 11/22/56) 2:04 18. Don’t Be Cruel (Live, 11/22/56 - Part Only) 1:44 19. Interview By Nashville Tennessean Reporter (04/19/60) 0:39 20. Follow That Dream Radio Spot (#1) 0:49 21. Follow That Dream Radio Spot (#2) 0:18 22. Follow That Dream Radio Spot (#3) 0:19 23. Rock-A-Hula Baby (Demo For ‘Blue Hawaii’) 1:51 24. Moon Burn (Demo For ‘Blue Hawaii’) 1:59 BONUS TRACKS 25. Don’t Close Your Door (By Vernon Presley / Overdubbed) 2:34 26. A Message To Elvis’ Fans And My Friends (By Vester Presley) 2:58 27. Red Robinson Presents ‘12 Years Of Elvis’ 5:39 28. Don’t Close Your Door (By Vernon Presley / Complete) 4:46 29. Hank Snow All Star Jamboree Commercial (Complete) 2:16.

Rarities Volume 2: 01. Radio Spot For Elvis At Madison Square Garden, New York 0:34 02. Sweet Caroline (Live, 01/26/74, Opening Show) 2:34 03. Heartbreak Hotel (Live, 10/06/74, Afternoon Show) 1:35 04. Ghost Riders In The Sky (Rehearsal, 07/15/70) 2:33 05. Sylvia (Rehearsal, 07/15/70) 0:43 06. Lawdy Miss Clawdy (Live, 10/06/74, Evening Show) 2:36 07. Fever (Live, 01/26/74, Opening Show) 2:25 08. Big Boss Man (Live, 10/06/74, Afternoon Show) 2:35 09. Elvis Arrives In St. Louis (06/28/73) 0:16 10. Five Hundred Miles (Home Recording / Overdubbed) 2:58 11. Blowin’ In The Wind (Home Recording / Overdubbed) 2:55 12. Fools Rush In (Home Recording / Overdubbed) 1:54 13. Tiger Man (Live, 8/11/73, Midnight Show) 1:08 14. Elvis At Kennedy Veterans Hospital (01/04/57) 0:38 15. It’s Very Nice To Go Traveling (Live, 03/26/60) 3:59 16. Fame And Fortune (Live, 03/26/60) 2:23 17. Stuck On You (Live, 03/26/60) 2:29 18. Introduction (Live, 03/26/60) 1:02 19. Witchcraft / Love Me Tender (Live, 03/26/60) 2:17 20. Farewell To Elvis (Live, 03/26/60) 0:19 21. Follow That Dream Radio Spot (#1) 0:50 22. Follow That Dream Radio Spot (#2) 0:25 23. Follow That Dream Radio Spot (#3) 0:14 24. Follow That Dream Radio Spot (#4) 0:07 25. Interview (01/11/58) 1:05 26. Slicin’ Sand (Demo For ‘Blue Hawaii’) 2:00 27. Playing With Fire (Demo For ‘Blue Hawaii’) 1:57 BONUS TRACKS 28. Girls! Girls! Girls! / Fun In Acapulco Radio Spot 0:57 29. Girls! Girls! Girls! / Fun In Acapulco Radio Spot 0:27 30. Elvis’ Grandfather Jesse D Presley Interview (07/09/58) 3:01 31. The Billy Goat Song (By Jesse D Presley) 2:31 32. Who’s That Kickin’ My Dog Around (By Jesse D Presley) 1:57 33. Lew Irwin Interview (06/08/56) 6:56.


News Report

Emiel Maier posted the May 2025 Elvis Video News Report on YouTube. This edition looks back on the main news from April 2025 and covers reports on the postponed premiere of the Elvis hologram show in London, Wink Martindale's death, but also the loss of songwriters and performers Troy Seals and Johnny Tillotson. 

Besides that it touches upon  the missed opportunities for singles success in the 1960s, book, vinyl and all the other relevant news. highlights. 


(Source: Emiel Maier / Elvis shop London)


Wednesday, April 23, 2025

April 23 - Elvis Un Fenomeno Mondiale

NovAntico has published the fourth volume in its series on Elvis in Italy, titled 'Elvis Presley - Un Fenomeno Mondiale Nelle Cronache Italiane 1970 - 1974' ('Elvis Presley - A Worldwide Phenomenon in Italian Chronicles 1970 - 1974').

This illustrated 184-page paperback, written by Luca Castellino and Ernesto Zucconi, explores Elvis's presence and impact in the Italian media through quotes from original articles in Italian newspapers and magazines from 1970 to 1974.

(Source: Nigel Patterson)

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

April 22 - Debut, Second Print and Farewell

The French RDM-Edition record label announced that due to popular demand, and exceptional sales, the label will do a second print-run of their latest Elvis release titled ‘From Florida To Hawaii’. The CD sold out in the first week of release.

Listen to previews or buy the CD at the >>> RDM Edition webshop and the >>> Bennies Fifties webshop.






David Briggs Died 

Elvis' former piano and keyboard player David Briggs died. He had been fighting cancer for a while.

In May 1966, he was given the opportunity of recording on sessions for Elvis' 'How Great Thou Art' album when Floyd Kramer was running late. Briggs continued to record and tour with Presley until February 1977.

David Briggs standing on the far left.

Briggs would leave the TCB Band after the February 1977 tour when Elvis discovered that he was having a relationship with Linda Thompson. The relationship between David Briggs and Linda Thompson would last three years, although they still remained close friends. Linda credits him with starting her career as a composer.

David Briggs' work with Elvis sessions would continue after 1977 when in 1982 he produced the remix Sessions for 'The Elvis Medley'. The single would chart at #51 UK and #71 in Billboard Top 100.

There are only a few distinct session players in Nashville who can legitimately claim to be part of the cast of “Nashville Cats” who were in high demand for decades to perform on country albums, along with albums from across the American music spectrum. There are even fewer session players who can claim they were also part of the original Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. Piano and keyboard player, songwriter, producer, studio owner, and performer David Briggs was one of those rare unicorns.

He was inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in 1999, and the Musicians Hall of Fame as part of the original Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section in 2019.

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum posted: David Briggs could play keyboards in any style. For more than four decades, his deft touch graced countless country, R&B, rock, and pop recordings. He was eighteen years old when he played piano on Arthur Alexander’s epochal Muscle Shoals hit ‘You Better Move On.’ 

Recruited to Nashville by producer Owen Bradley, Briggs immediately became a studio fixture, enhancing records by Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, and many more. 

He further shaped Music City in co-founding Quadrafonic Studio and opening his own House of David studio. He was a man of music through and through. Kyle Young, CEO

Linda Thompson posted on Instagram: We lost a great talent and a wonderful friend this morning. David Briggs was responsible for my becoming a songwriter. Many years ago he read some of my poetry and insisted that I was a lyricist. He composed music around some of my lyrics and the first cut I ever had was this beautiful song recorded by Kenny Rogers - written by David and me. I owe so much of my success to him. I was able to speak those reaffirming words to him last night in our conversation while he was in hospice. 

For those of you who may not know, David was Elvis‘s keyboard player for many years and that’s how I met him. What a blessing it was to be able to reminisce about our good times together and our lasting friendship before he passed away only a few hours after we spoke. Our last words to each other were “I love you.” If you have someone you’ve been meaning to reach out to, do it now, please. You never know how much it might mean to them… And to yourself. 

God bless your soul, and rest in peace, David


Return To Paradise

ViaVision announced the July 16, 2025 debut release of 'Paradise Hawaiian Style', housed in a slipcase.

Publicity stated: Elvis Presley returns to Hawaii for the last time in the musical extravaganza 'Paradise, Hawaiian Style', also starring iconic Hammer horror favorite Suzanna Leigh and Die Hard’s James Shigeta. 

Elvis takes to the skies over the island paradise of Kauai. He’s a partner in a helicopter charter service. Romance, naturally, is in the air for the King… but his business may be grounded. A threatened suspension of his pilot’s license means he may have to kiss his assets goodbye.

Directed by Michael D. Moore – the prolific second unit director behind many blockbuster hits including 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid', 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' and 'Cool Runnings'.

Special Feature: Theatrical Trailer.

Note: Special features and artwork are subject to change. 

(Source: Anthony Stuchbury / RDM Edition / Steve Hoffman Forum / Elvis Information Network / Saving Country Music)

Monday, April 21, 2025

April 21 - Will Hutchins Died

Actor Will Hutchins died. He was 94.

Hutchins appeared in two Elvis films, as Tracy Richards in '
Spinout' (1966) and as Tom Wilson in 'Clambake' (1967) in which he lip-synced the “Who Needs Money?” duet with Elvis.

(Source: Elvis Information Network)

Saturday, April 19, 2025

April 19 - Charts April 2025 - Week 3

Elvis Presley's presence on the charts is still limited to the United Kingdom alone, and unfortunately sales are dropping. 

On the Official Album chart, the 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' selection lost another nine places and dropped from No. 61 to No. 70. On the nation's Streaming Album chart the compilation lost six places and fell from No. 53 to No. 59.

(Source: Billboard / Official Chart Company / UK Mix Forum) 

April 19 - Las Vegas on a Budget

The Memphis Recording Service re-issued their 2021 set 'Las Vegas International Presents Elvis - The First Engagements 1969-70', spread over the two CDs 'Las Vegas - August 1969' and 'Las Vegas - January Thru February 1970’ on their MRS Camden budget label. 

The 1969 CD features the August 3, 1969 performance, the 1970 double CD contains the January 26, 1970 Opening Show, the February 23, 1970 Closing Show, and as a bonus 4 performances from the February 19, 1970 Dinner Show. 




All shows have come as newly created stereo mixes, housed in digi-sleeves with a bonus booklet. 







Released

The Infinity import record label released two new double CD sets: 'The Pope is Coming' and 'Burning In San Bernardino', both with live performances from 1972.

'The Pope Is Coming' features the brand-new and previously unreleased evening show Elvis performed in Chicago on June 17, 1972. 
 
The second 2-CD set features two of Elvis's finest shows from November 1972 at the Swing Auditorium. This was Elvis preparing for his worldwide satellite show with the shows a couple days later in Hawaii to serve as Elvis' debut to the world according to the press release.

(Source: Facebook)

Friday, April 18, 2025

April 18 - Platinum French Cartoon Rocker

The French Diggers Factory record label re-issued the 44-page hardcover Elvis comic 'Jean-William Thoury Presente Elvis Presley - BD Rock Par Fred Beltran'. This re-issue comes with a 24-track single CD edition featuring classic hits.

This set was previously released in 2016 as a comic book biography with 2 CDs and on vinyl in 2022.

Description
: He has been given countless nicknames, the most eloquent of which is the King. Elvis Presley, the greatest phenomenon in the history of recorded music, is the King of Kings!
 
In the mid-1950s, catalyzing various trends, he imposed Rick and Roll on the planet, overturning everything in his path with irresistible originality, charm and freshness. His talent allowed him to tackle all styles, he does not hold back. His influence remains profound and his character is the object of a cult that never runs out of steam.

Tracks: That’s All Right Mama / Heartbreak Hotel / Blue Suede Shoes / Tutti Frutti / My Baby Left Me  / Hound Dog  / Don’t Be Cruel / Love Me Tender / So Glad You Are Mine / All Shook Up / Jailhouse Rock / Baby I Don’t Care / Doncha’ Think it’s Time / King Creole / Trouble / Fever / Stuck on You / Such A Night / It’s Now or Never / Are you Lonesome  / Tonight Is So Right For Love / Little Sister / Night Rider / Return To Sender.


More Platinum

The British Phonographic industries certified the single 'If I Can Dream' Platinum for selling over 600,000 copies (streams plus digital downloads plus physical sales) since its re-release on November 15, 2004.




(Source: Diggers Factory / Cultura / BPI / Phoenix Elvis Forum)

Thursday, April 17, 2025

April 17 - The Lisa Marie - The King's Flying Graceland

Exactly Fifty years to the date that Elvis bought his Convair 880 jet airliner, Elvis author and aeronautical engineer Carlos Varrenti published his 4th book on Elvis and his airplanes, titled 'The Lisa Marie - The King's Flying Graceland'.

Publicity stated
: In the world of music, few names resonate as profoundly as Elvis Presley's. While the King of Rock 'n' Roll is celebrated for his legendary music and iconic performances, there exists another dimension to his life that has long captivated me: his enduring romance with the skies.

In my previous books on 'The Airplanes and The King', I embarked on a journey to explore Elvis' remarkable aviation adventures. I delved into the aircraft he chartered, purchased, and occasionally flew, providing a glimpse into his fearless exploration of the world of flight. Yet, with each passing edition, I couldn't help but feel that there was a significant piece of the puzzle left unexamined as deserved, the centerpiece of Elvis's aeronautical legacy: The Lisa Marie. 

This book is the biography of 'The King's Flying Graceland' and contains "everything there is to know about this aircraft and how the King used this plane from 1975 to 1977" according to Carlos Varrenti. Also included in the richly illustrated book, is the history of the 1960 Convair 880 before Elvis bought it, its time at Delta Airlines, when the plane crisscrossed the U.S. countless times, and everything else that happened to the plane after Elvis died and before it found its definitive landing-place at Graceland in 1984.

Within these pages, I invite you to embark on an immersive journey through the life of Elvis Presley, as seen through the prism of aviation and the extraordinary tale of his Convair 880.

The book is available from >>> Amazon (associate link). 
You can read an interview with Carlos Varrenti by Nigel Patterson on the >>> Elvis Information Network website. 

(Source: Carlos Varrenti / Amazon)

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

April 15 - Wink Martindale Died

Wink Martindale, a radio personality who became a television star Wink Martindale passes away. He was 91. R.I.P.

Wink Martindale spent 74 years in the radio and television business, starting his career at 17 as a DJ before making a name for himself at Memphis-based station WHBQ. Martindale was in the studio, although not working on-air that night, when the first Presley record 'That’s All Right' was played on WHBQ on July 8, 1954. Upon hearing the track, Martindale called Presley’s mother to see if he could come to his station for a chat. The conversation is thought to be instrumental in launching the career of a young Presley.

At his tenure with WHBQ, Martindale became the host of the TV show 'Top Ten Dance Party' where Elvis made an appearance on 16 June 1956. 
In 1959 he did a trans-Atlantic telephone interview with Presley, who was in the Army in Germany. Martindale’s second wife, Sandy, briefly dated Presley after meeting him on the set of 'G.I. Blues' in 1960.

The two stayed friends until Presley's death in 1977. Following Elvis' death Martindale aired a nationwide tribute radio special in his honor. 

Most recently, Wink appeared at Elvis' 2024 Elvis Birthday Celebration where he was honored with a Beale Street Note on the Beale Street Walk of Fame.

He also narrated the 12-chapter 'Elvis Story' which was released on vinyl - a collectable according some fans - and (bootleg) CD.

Priscilla posted: "We lost a dear friend ... Wink Martindale. I'm still in disbelief. I spoke to Sandy, his loving wife and longtime friend two days ago and she thought he was making progress, All of us who knew Wink have lost a great friend, My heart goes out to you Sandy"

Martindale remembered Elvis on Fox News: I met Elvis Presley on a hot July night in 1954. I was morning man at WHBQ Radio in the Chisca Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. I did the morning show called 'Clockwatchers'. At night from 9:00 to midnight, we had a wild DJ on the air who played black music for white kids in those days. They called it race music, rhythm and blues music. He had 65 to 70 percent of the audience.

Now, even though I worked mornings, I happened to be there this particular night showing some of my hometown buddies around the radio station. I heard this commotion coming out of the studio where Dewey Phillips was doing his show called 'Red, Hot and Blue'. I excused myself from my friends, and I walked into the studio. I discovered that Sam Phillips, founder of Sun Records, had walked in with an acetate - not a finished record - but an acetate of a recording he had made just two hours earlier by a truck driver for Crown Electric Company whose name was Elvis Presley.

He wanted DJ Dewey Phillips to test it on the air to see if he had anything. Dewey Phillips played it. The switchboard lit up. It was called 'That's All Right Mama'. It turned out to be his first hit. He played it seven times in a row. I was the one delegated by Sam Phillips to call Elvis' parents, who lived in low rent housing out in east Memphis called Lauderdale Courts. They were very poor. I got on the phone, and I called the Presley residence and Gladys, Mrs. Presley, answered the phone.



FN: Was Elvis' family aware of what was happening on the radio?

Wink Martindale: They were listening, of course, and they were very excited about the way the audience was reacting to 'That's All Right Mama', Elvis' first record. I said, 'Mrs. Presley, Dewey would like him to come down to the studio. He wants to interview him. Where is he?' She said, 'Well, he was so nervous about his record being played. He went to see a double-feature Western. You'll find him at Suzores Theatre on Decatur Street'.

They got in their truck, and they went over to the Suzores and walked up and down the dark aisles. There was Elvis sitting all by himself watching this Western movie. They whispered to him about the excitement being generated by 'That's All Right Mama'. He, of course, was excited. They came down to the station. Dewey put him on the air and interviewed him. It was his very first interview as a pro. I met him that night, and he remained my friend until the day he died.

FN: What surprised you the most about Elvis?

Wink Martindale: He was a giver. Very few people knew that he gave away literally millions and millions of dollars to charitable organizations not only in this country but all over the world.

He was a great giver. If he was your friend, he was your friend until the day you died. I mean he would always be your friend and do anything for you that you needed him to do. He was that kind of a person.


Vinyls Delayed

The 'Follow That Dream' 2-LP 'Girl Happy' has been delayed by at least 3 weeks due to production problems. The vinyl is now expected in May. This also effects the shipping of re-issues of 'The Last Tours' and 'The Blue Hawaii Sessions' sets.

The LP version of the MRS 'Elvis - Live at the Houston Astrodome 1974' release – on both black and transparent vinyl – has been delayed due to a delay in the production process at the supplier, this edition is now expected in May.


Pop Icon

Taylor Prescott published the 187-page book 'American Pop - Icons: Elvis'. 

Description: 'American Pop - Icons: Elvis' is the debut volume in the new 'Icons' spin-off of the bestselling 'American Pop' series, a bold cultural history that positions Elvis Presley as more than just the King of Rock and Roll. In this sharp, engaging analysis, Taylor Prescott traces how a shy boy from Tupelo became one of the most iconic figures in American life, redefining fame, race, sex, youth, and identity in the process.

Through rich storytelling and sharp cultural insight, Prescott examines Elvis as a brand, a mirror, and a catalyst for change. Perfect for fans of pop culture, music history, and anyone interested in how a single performer came to reflect the hopes, anxieties, and contradictions of twentieth-century America.

This is not just a biography. It's a deep dive into how Elvis’s image and sound transformed American culture. From the Pentecostal rhythms of his Mississippi childhood to the media frenzy of his television appearances, from his explosive impact on 1950s youth culture to his controversial place in the racial politics of rock and roll, 'American Pop Icons: Elvis' explores the man behind the myth—and the myth that shaped a nation.

(Source: Pascal Matteo / New York Times / Wikipedia / Elvis Australia / FECC / Reuters / UEPS / ElvisMatters / Amazon)

Monday, April 14, 2025

April 14 - Softly, As I Leave You: Life After Elvis - A Memoir

The title and release date of Priscilla Presley's follow-up her 'Elvis And Me' memoir were revealed. The new 336-page book, titled 'Softly, As I Leave You: Life After Elvis - A Memoir' will be released as both a paperback and (signed) hardcover edition on September 23, 2025 by Hachette Book Group / Grand Central Publishing. The book will also be available in other languages from different publishers.

Description: The long-awaited memoir by Priscilla Presley chronicling her difficult, inspiring journey beyond the walls of Graceland and behind the elegant image the world sees.
 
Priscilla Presley’s divorce from Elvis left his fans incredulous. How could she leave the man every woman wanted? From the outside, life in Elvis’s mansion looked glamorous and enviable, and in many respects, it was. But inside the mansion, her husband was constantly surrounded by a male entourage while at the gates, lines of beautiful women waited hopefully for an audience with the King. 

From the time she was seventeen years old, that life was all Priscilla had known. During her ten years with Elvis, it became painfully apparent that she had no idea who she was outside Elvis’s world. The only way to find herself was to leave that world and seek a new life of her own, because leaving was the only way to survive, for herself and for her daughter.

'Softly, As I Leave You', is the deeply personal story of what Priscilla lost and what she found when she walked away from the man she loved. Despite the legal separation, their love for one another transformed into a touching and tender dynamic that endured until Elvis’s untimely death four years later. 

Shattered by Elvis’s passing, she had to reinvent herself a second time as the single mother of a talented, often headstrong daughter who never really recovered from her father’s death. Priscilla’s dedication to motherhood was enriched by the birth of her second child, and she gradually found her footing as a businesswoman, actress, designer, and legislative advocate. She transformed Graceland into an international destination and helped guide the development of Elvis Presley Enterprises. 

But the unexpected, shattering loss of three immediate family members years later brought Priscilla to her knees. She shares her journey with a quiet dignity that will comfort and reassure anyone who has suffered – and survived – seemingly unbearable loss.

A passionate, compassionate, and inspiring story of finding your place in the world, 'Softly, As I Leave You', is a sweet Southern melody that will take the reader with Priscilla on her long road home.

About the Authors. Priscilla Beaulieu Presley is a businesswoman, author, designer, producer, and actress best known for her roles in the television drama Dallas and the Naked Gun movies. As the cofounder and former chairperson of Elvis Presley Enterprises, she is credited with turning Elvis Presley's mansion, Graceland, into the second most visited historic home in the United States. As a key architect of the Elvis Presley legacy, she has curated and produced albums, books, films, and concerts honoring the late music legend. She lives in Los Angeles near her son and grandchildren, where she continues her lifelong commitment to animal advocacy.

Mary Jane Ross is an award-winning college professor and writer, honored with the NAACP Image Award for Best Biography or Autobiography, with Ray Charles Robinson. Her collaborations span subjects as diverse as Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Piper Laurie, Mafia hitman Roy DeMeo, and Congressmember Nancy Mace. Softly, As I Leave You, with Priscilla Presley, marks her ninth memoir. Her body of work also includes poetry and an online grammar textbook for second-language students. She lives in her native Southern California.

The book is available for pre-order from >>> Amazon (associate link)

Note: the cover art shown are temporarily placeholders from the German Hannibal Verlag and the U.S. Premiere Collectibles websites.

Update April 18: Priscilla posted on Facebook: "I am excited to share with you that I have completed my new memoir, "Softly, As I Leave You," to be published this September. I have learned so much about love, grief, joy, and transformation in the years since I lost Elvis. I am finally ready to share my personal journey with you in the hope that it will help you on your own. Priscilla". 

She added the black and white cover, so that could very well be the definitive cover.


Gold Record

The 'Blue Christmas' duet between Kane Brown and Elvis Presley was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for selling over 500,000 physical and digital copies in the United States. The duet was released on October 27, 2023. 







From Florida To Hawaii Released

The French RDM-Edition record label released the CD  'From Florida to Hawaii' CD and features music from the 'Follow That Dream' and 'Girls Girls Girls' soundtrack albums.
 

The CD sold out on pre-orders.
Description
: Following the success of his 4-CD set 'The Essential 50's Masters - Mono II Stereo', Anthony Stuchbury is back with a new album: 'From Florida To Hawaii'. This new CD includes the EP 'Follow That Dream' in Mono II Stereo, as well as the album 'Girls! Girls! Girls!', which has been completely remixed to provide a more authentic and immersive stereo listening experience. 

In the original RCA mix, all the instruments were on the left channel, Elvis on the center channel, and the Jordanaires were alone on the right channel. Tracks like 'Return To Sender' always sounded weak in the original stereo mix. This problem has finally been corrected. With the rhythm section blasting the track in the center, everything sounds much better. This is the stereo version fans will listen to from now on... 

Listen to previews or buy the CD at the >>> RDM Edition webshop.




(Source: Grand Central Publishing / Amazon / RDM Edition)