August 22 - October 1956

Visual Elvis Presley biographer Paul Belard continued his ongoing graphic biography series with a new 230-page volume, this time covering the last three weeks of October 1956. 

Description: In October 1956, Elvis went back to Dallas, Houston, Waco and San Antonio where he gave six shows that drew record crowds.

He returned to Memphis for a few days after his Texas tour. There, he got into a brawl with gas station attendants and, under the eyes of everybody in America, went to court the next day where the trial cleared him of all wrongdoing. 

Then he flew to New York for his second appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show, a sweet revenge since this was the man who said earlier he would never book Elvis on his program.

Elvis ended the month shooting a new ending for 'Love Me Tender' and frolicking with Hollywood star Natalie Wood in his home town.

The book is available from >>> Amazon. For a signed edition you can contact Paul Belard by email at >>> pbelard@hotmail.com.

(Source: Paul Belard)

August 21 - Rock and Cinema and Guitar Players

Due for release from Hoepli Publishing is the 304-page Italian book 'Rock & Cinema - 70 Anni Di Colonne Sonore, Film Concerto, Documentari, Biopic' by Franco Dassisti and Daniele Follero.

Publicity stated: 'Rock & Cinema' explores -from Elvis Presley's rock and roll to the present day -the fruitful encounters between music and cinema that have given rise to works that have become milestones of contemporary culture. 

Much has been written about the mutual influence between rock and the big screen, but little attention has been paid to the impact that certain films and their soundtracks have had on the world of music and the artists involved. Numerous films have become true symbols for entire movements or subcultures. Film has represented a natural stepping stone for many rock stars, also providing a valuable opportunity for underground bands to experiment with new expressive languages. 

This book's primary objective is to examine the relationship between rock and cinema from a new perspective: that of music. A journey through the history of rock on the big screen, in a passionate project crafted with meticulous attention to detail.

Happy Birthday

Elvis' former guitar player and bandleader James Burton celebrated his 86th birthday, congratulations!

(Source: Amazon)

August 20 - More Music on Vinyl and CD

A month ahead of the release, the French RDM-Edition record label added the audio-previews of their upcoming CD and 10-inch vinyl editions of the 'King Creole' soundtrack. Audio engineer Anthony Stuchbury posted previews of the artwork for the set. 

Description: While the recent 4 CD box 'Presley - The Essential '50's Masters' has received positive reviews, it were the 'King Creole' recordings that received particular praise. The soundtrack from Elvis's fourth film has been one of the fans' favorites for many years. 

Consequently, requests for a vinyl version featuring the new stereo mixes from the 'Presley' box set began to circulate. We wanted to offer fans who had already purchased the 'Presley' box set a totally "new" listening experience, and that's why the songs are presented here exactly as they are heard in the film, with the Movie Versions of  'Turtles, Berries and Gumbo - King Creole Instrumental - Crawfish', 'Steadfast, Loyal and True', 'Lover Doll', 'New Orleans' and 'King Creole'. All other songs are newly created Stereo Record Masters.

This vinyl is available in a Limited Edition of 200 copies. A CD version is also available in digisleeve, with 5 additional tracks and a slightly different cover from the vinyl.

Go to the RDM-Edition webshop for the >>> vinyl edition or for the >>> CD edition. On the record label's website you can also listen to previews of all the songs. 

Tracks vinyl: 1. Turtles, Berries and Gumbo - King Creole instrumental - Crawfish (movie version) / 2. Steadfast, Loyal and True (movie version) / 3. Lover Doll (movie version) / 4. Trouble / 5. Dixieland Rock / 6. Young Dreams / 7. New Orleans (movie version) / 8. Hard Headed Woman / 9. King Creole (movie version) / 10. Don't Ask Me Why / 11. As Long as I Have You

Additional tracks on the CD: 12. Crawfish /13. Steadfast, Loyal and True / 14. Lover Doll / 15. New Orleans /16. King Creole.

Christmas Single

The Official Elvis Presley Fan Club UK, in an exclusive collaboration with GRM, announced the release of the Christmas 45rpm single 'The Wonderful World of Christmas' / 'If I Get Home On Christmas Day'.

This Limited edition 45 comes in Festive Red Vinyl with custom made sleeve faithfully reproducing the look of the 1971 LP release 'The Wonderful World Of Christmas' in design. This will make a great gift for the Elvis fan in your life, available for >>> pre-order now.

More Music on Vinyl

The Music on Vinyl record label announced the second batch of their 15 titles re-issue program which "will surely make any Elvis fans’ heart skip a beat" according to the press release. The new titles are 'From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee', 'That’s The Way It Is' and 'Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite', these titles have October 3, 2025 as the street-date. 

'From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee' was recorded at the King’s home studio and turned out to be the penultimate studio recording before tragically passing away way too early, in 1977. 

This title will be available as a Music on Vinyl webshop Exclusive Edition on purple and red marbled vinyl, and as a standard edition on orange colored vinyl.

Just a few months after the release of 'That’s The Way It Is'. Elvis would start his long-standing gig at The International Hotel, marking the start of his much-mythologized Vegas period and cementing his 1968 comeback. This title will be available as a Music on Vinyl webshop exclusive edition on red and silver marbled vinyl, and as a standard edition on red colored vinyl.

Finishing off this trio is maybe his most ambitious record: the 4-LP legacy edition of 'Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite'. The concert recording is featured on the first two discs and the two additional records contain a newly mixed version of the dress rehearsals for the show plus five unreleased bonus tracks. 

To top it off, a 24-page booklet with liner notes and photos is included. This title will be available as a Music On Vinyl webshop Exclusive Edition on blue, white and black marbled vinyl, and as a standard edition on yellow colored vinyl.

Of course, we’ve arranged for attractive bundle discounts for the most serious collectors so make sure to head over the webstore to pre-order your copies.

Both editions of each title are available for >>> pre-order now.

Three King's Bridge

In honor of three "kings" with Mid-South history, the new I-55 bridge over the Mississippi River will be known as "Kings' Crossing," the Tennessee and Arkansas Departments of Transportation announced in

The bridge, which will span the river between Memphis and West Memphis will be named after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., B.B. King and Elvis Presley, commonly known as the King of Rock and Roll.

“Kings’ Crossing is more than just a piece of infrastructure; it is a symbol of our collective history, heritage, and the enduring spirit of unity that defines this region,” Commissioner Will Reid said in the release. “Naming this bridge in honor of these gentlemen pays tribute to their extraordinary legacies – individuals who transcended barriers, fostered cultural exchange, and used their talents to build bridges between people.”

Construction is expected to start in fiscal year 2026, according to the statement.

(Source: Anthony Stuchbury / RDM-Edition / Official Elvis Fanclub UK / Music on Vinyl / Commercial Appeal)

August 19 - Love Me Tender In Dayton

The Audio Vaults record label announced the September 26, 2025 release of the CD 'Love Me Tender In Dayton: Live 1974'. 

Description: Rare and collectable recordings - digitally remastered. Classic recordings from 1974 recorded in Dayton, Ohio at the October 6th 1974, Evening Show, and two bonus songs from the Afternoon Show. The album includes Elvis Classics like 'Love Me Tender', 'Hound Dog', 'The Wonder of You', 'Heartbreak Hotel' and 'Can't Help Falling In Love'. 

Tracks: 1. See See Rider / 2. I Got A Woman - Amen / Love Me / If You Love Me (Let Me Know) / Fever / Big Boss Man / Love Me Tender / Hound Dog / The Wonder Of You / Blue Suede Shoes / Band Introductions / Lawdy Miss Clawdy / Band Introductions / All Shook Up / Teddy Bear - Don't Be Cruel / Heartbreak Hotel / Why Me, Lord / That's All Right / Blue Christmas / Let Me Be There / Hawaiian Wedding Song / Johnny B. Goode / Can't Help Falling In Love / Closing Vamp.

Bonus Tracks Afternoon Show Promised Land / You Gave Me A Mountain.

Note: This show was previously released on the bootleg CDs 'Breathing Out Fire' (Madison, 2000), 'A Day In Dayton' (Gravel Road Music, 2009) and 'Dayton Reloaded' (Boxcar 2009).

Elvis Radio

This month we're Remembering Elvis with some mini specials. This time it's into the 1960s with some album tracks and a  huge 60s Elvis classic. There's also songs from musicians who worked with Elvis and became hitmakers in their own right. Come with us back to the 1960s - on the link below. Tune in at Matt Shepherd >>> Golden years on Soundcloud.

(Source: Pascal Matteo / Juno / Rough Trade)

August 18 - Postponed Again

The release of the 'Portraits - The Sixties' volumes 1 and 2 as well as the vinyl / book combo 'Clambake' has been pushed back further to September 2025 by Erik Lorentzen's Elvis Files team. 

Publicity stated: The 'Portraits books cover Elvis in the sixties from 1960 to 1964 and from 1965 to 1969. On 400 laminated pages this book presents the most personal portraits of the most photographed and photogenic person in the world, Elvis Presley. 

'Clambake' offers a complete overview of this film in a 350-page book, with the Stereo soundtrack on two gatefold albums, a 45 RPM single and and 8 lobby cards.

(Source: Elvis Files)

Announcement: Elvis Day by Day 2017

To celebrate the 48^th anniversary of Elvis’ death, but also his lasting legacy, Poplar Tunes Publishing will release 'Elvis Day By Day 2017 - The Year In Review' later this year. This new volume in the Elvis Presley yearbook series returns to the 40th anniversary year of Elvis' untimely death, preserving his enduring legacy.

 

"It's rare when an artist's talent can touch an entire generation of people. It's even rarer when that same influence affects several generations. Elvis made an imprint on the world of pop music unequaled by any other single performer." When Dick Clark spoke these words, he couldn't have imagined they would still ring true so many years later.

 

A Landmark Anniversary Year

 

The year 2017 marked four decades since Elvis’ death. Yet his music still topped charts worldwide and earned new Gold and Platinum awards. Together with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, he toured Europe, Australia and the United States, selling out every major venue. "Elvis never left the building".

 

That anniversary year brought countless book, movie and music releases, perhaps too many for fans to easily distinguish what's truly worthwhile. This comprehensive yearbook proves invaluable.

 

All The Book, Movie and Music Releases

 

Fans enjoyed countless re-issues of Elvis’ original recordings alongside bold re-interpretations. New musical backing, newly mixed 'Spliced Takes' and Mono to Stereo conversions gave fresh life to classic material and sparked discussion among collectors.

 

The many CD and vinyl releases from 2017 spanned his entire career, from early Sun Records material on 'A Boy From Tupelo' to the 40th Anniversary Edition of 'Moody Blue'. And many of Elvis’ movies were re-issued on DVD or upgraded for Blu-ray presentation.

 

Publishers released books covering virtually every facet of Elvis’ life. Music-focused titles ranged from individual songs to complete annotated overviews of his recordings. Film enthusiasts found new books about his movies and documentaries exploring his screen career.

 

Concert fans received detailed documentation about his tours, including illustrated looks at his famous Canada (1957) and Madison Square Garden (1972) performances. Other titles explored Elvis’ work with his TCB band, Graceland mansion, horses, iconic jumpsuits, and early merchandise and many more parts of his legacy.

 

Authors examined his impact on fans and culture, his relationship with racism and spirituality, and locations he visited from Germany to Hawaii. Some publishers even produced books about Elvis quilts!

 

This book catalogues them all with in-depth reviews of the relevant titles.

 

Major Events and Exhibitions

 

Beyond publications, 2017 brought significant events deserving documentation. 'Elvis Presley's Memphis' opened as an impressive forty-five million dollar museum complex in Memphis. London's O2 Arena hosted a major exhibition celebrating his legacy. These and other milestone moments receive detailed coverage in the day-by-day chronicle.

 

Remembering Those We Lost

 

The year brought the loss of many people connected to Elvis’ story. Co-stars Mary Tyler Moore and Suzanna Leigh passed away, along with Memphis Mafia friends Marty Lacker, Sonny West, and Red West.

 

We lost two original rockers who influenced Elvis: Chuck Berry and Fats Domino. We also said goodbye to Memphis Boys bass player Mike Leech, radio reporter Red Robinson, and television writers Chris Bearde and Alan Weiss.

 

What This Book Offers

 

This yearbook preserves detailed information about every important Elvis publication from 2017. Every release gets listed, and approximately 40 in-depth reviews by Elvis writers, experts and fans add thoughtful insights to the chronological documentation. All from a 2017 perspective.

 

The book comes with a friendly warning: while browsing these pages, you may discover not only what you missed, but also what you want to add to your collection! The expert reviews guide you toward essential additions while steering you away from disappointing releases.

 

The comprehensive preservation ensures that 2017's significant developments in Elvis’ continuing legacy remain accessible to future fans and researchers, especially relevant in a digital world where information is here today, but gone tomorrow.

 

If you've ever wondered exactly what happened in the Elvis world during a specific year, this day-by-day chronicle provides complete answers. Whether you're discovering what you missed or planning your next collection addition, this essential guide demonstrates that Elvis' legacy burns brighter than ever. A must-have chronicle for serious Elvis fans and collectors.

The book will be released as a paperback and as a Deluxe hardback edition. Both will available for pre-order on the >>> Poplar Tunes webshop and relevant dealers soon.

August 16 - Charts August week (Updated)

In the United states Elvis finally registered enough sales to return to the charts! Elvis' European chart success with ‘Sunset Boulevard’ appears to have been primarily a “one week only” event.

Following last week’s debut on various U.K. Charts, the 'Sunset Boulevard' 5-CD-set fell off the main Album Top 100 made its chart debut at No. 67. The set lost no less than 76 places on the Sales chart, falling to No. 81. On the Physical Album chart the compilation fell from No. 5 to No. 77. 

The set dropped off the Album Sales, the Physical album, the Download and Vinyl album charts. 

The 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' album dropped four spots on the main album chart and fell to No. 64. On the Chart update chart the album dropped six places, falling to No. 48. On the nation's Streaming chart, the latter compilation climbed one places to No. 53. 

The 'Elvis - The King of Rock and Roll' DVD dropped from No. 29 to No. 40. 

On the Scottish Album chart, 'Sunset Boulevard' fell from No. 5 to No. 70.

On te U.S. Billboard charts, the ‘Sunset Boulevard’ debuted at No. 33 on the Top current album sales chart at no. 33 this week, but it did not enter the main Billboard 200 Album chart. 

The ‘Sunset boulevard’ album also disappeared from the Austrian, the belgian, the Dutch Album and Vinyl Top 33, the French, the German, the Irish and the Spanish and the Swiss charts. 

The 'Sunset Boulevard' 5-CD and 2-LP sets are

 available from >>> Amazon (associate link) on CD and vinyl. 

(Source: Billboard / Official Chart Company / UK Mix Forum / German charts / Dutch charts / UltraTop)

August 15 - New Graceland and Import Vinyl (Updated)

Shop Graceland announced the November 7, 2025 release of their third 10-inch single, 'Blue Christmas'. 

This limited-edition 10-inch pairs two holiday classics from Elvis’ legendary 1957 Christmas sessions: 'Blue Christmas' and 'Santa Claus Is Back in Town' on blue colored vinyl.

Description: In 1957, Elvis Presley recorded these two songs during the landmark sessions that produced Elvis’ Christmas Album.

“Blue Christmas” is one of Elvis’ most iconic and enduring holiday songs. Written by Billy Hayes and Jay W. Johnson and first recorded in 1948, the song became iconic when Elvis gave it his signature sound, complete with Millie Kirkham’s ghostly “woo-wee-woo” backing and The Jordanaires’ classic harmonies. 

Though released on the 1957 album, “Blue Christmas” wasn’t issued as a commercial single until 1964, where it quickly became a hit. Its performance in the 1968 “Comeback Special” is the only known video footage of Elvis singing a Christmas song.

The flip side “Santa Claus is Back in Town” is a bluesy holiday track written for Elvis by legendary songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. The song delivered a new kind of Christmas spirit – one that was cool, rebellious, and unmistakably Elvis.
Together, these two tracks capture the spirit of a 1957 Christmas – a year that gave us Elvis’ first holiday album, his first Christmas at Graceland, and a musical legacy that still echoes every December.

"Blue Christmas/Santa Claus is Back In Town" is the third release in the limited-edition 10" collector's vinyl series exclusively available from Graceland.  the first in the series, a 70th-anniversary celebration of Elvis' breakout hit "That's All Right" completely sold-out during pre-order, the second release, which commemorates the 65th anniversary of Elvis' triumphant return to the spotlight after two years of service in the U.S. Army is still available.

Graceland Legends

Graceland inducted The Imperials into their  Graceland Hall of Fame or Graceland Legends. 

Terry Blackwood posted on Facebook: It was such an honor to be included in that group of singers who backed Elvis so my years ago.

Elvis Updates from Graceland

Elvis Presley Enterprises managing partner Joel Weinshanker delivered some news during this year's "Conversations on Elvis" event at Graceland. The take-a-ways are: 

Weinshanker reconfirmed the September 6, 2025 premiere of the 'EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert'  documentary at the Toronto International Film Festival. He couldn't contain his excitement about the material, saying: "I can't even think of a superlative to use for this grouping, the entire film, that is now digitized." 

Even Baz Luhrmann sent a playful video message from a scoring session, joking: "I am not caught in a trap. I'm here recording music for an epic [documentary] where Elvis sings and tells his story like never before."

The documentary was financed by Sony Music in partnership with EPE, and the team is committed to a proper theatrical release. As Weinshanker put it: "It needs to be seen in theaters." They're aiming for a release around Elvis's birthday in January 2026, with streaming availability and "an extended version on physical media, likely a Blu-ray" to follow.

We were able to get the footage out of the salt mines. Jerry Schilling happened to be an editor on the film - and to me, the best, most accurate, straightforward Elvis point of view is Jerry Schilling. We went to the editing banks in Burbank for Warner Brothers, and I took Jerry with me. We looked through the footage and our minds were blown.

He emphasized that beyond the film itself, there are "hundreds of hours that exist beyond that. It's a real treasure trove that's going to help [Graceland] as an institution know more and understand more about Elvis." 

But I will tell you in the future, Riley will be a big part of it, that there is an opportunity with technology the way it is. We're getting to a place where there is an opportunity for an Elvis hologram show, a concert performance, utilizing the best technology.

Even to the point where if someone says, "We love you Elvis," the Elvis would actually look towards them and say, "Thank you very much" and actually have that cognitive ability. It's incredible.

More importantly, even than the film, is the knowledge that we're going to gain and the things that we don't know about what Elvis did during a certain period of time. There's a Gretsch guitar that we didn't know he actually performed with during that time - it's in the footage, now we know it is.

This may not bode well for some other auctioneers in the Elvis universe because it may dispel even more myths and rumors. But for us, we're always looking for the truth. This really is a treasure trove of what's going to help us as an institution understand more, see more.

You're going to see a lot of celebrities, and for the first time, because a lot of them aren't here anymore, they may speak to what Elvis meant to them. You're going to see people backstage - there are elements in here that you can't even imagine that are just so amazingly cool and so important.

Hologram Show and Tour on the Horizon

Elvis fans have another reason to get excited - an Elvis hologram concert experience is getting closer to reality! Weinshanker revealed that EPE is making significant progress on what he described as "an Elvis hologram show, a concert performance, utilizing the best technology." When asked about the timeline, he said: "It's getting close."

The project aims to honor Elvis's innovative spirit, with Weinshanker noting that Elvis "was a first adapter. He wanted all the [latest] technology, he wanted all these things." He believes that when fans finally see the hologram show, they'll "know that Elvis was the greatest performer of the 20th century."

But I will tell you in the future, Riley will be a big part of it, that there is an opportunity with technology the way it is. We're getting to a place where there is an opportunity for an Elvis hologram show, a concert performance, utilizing the best technology.

He noted that there is a "God-Like essence" to the real Elvis that is impossible to truly recreate. God did something special that day - "There is only one Elvis" 

Even to the point where if someone says, "We love you Elvis," the Elvis would actually look towards them and say, "Thank you very much" and actually have that cognitive ability. It's incredible.

A new tour of Elvis with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is being worked on for 2027. This will use the newly found footage, it will be a "next Generation" special.

He did discuss 'Elvis Evolution' and how he was involved with them for the "last six months" to make the show the "very best it could be". He acknowledged that their initial 'AI / Hologram' marketing was wrong. - He has not seen the final version of the show. However EPE is bringing the 'Elvis Evolution' third-act, the '68 Special section', to Graceland.

Big Plans for the 50th Anniversary

Perhaps most intriguingly, all these projects are part of what Weinshanker called a larger "march towards 2027" - the 50th anniversary of Elvis's passing. He promised that fans will see significant changes at Graceland, saying: "It's a lot of work, but going into '27, you're going to see a lot of new things at Graceland. You're going to see that we're really going to represent for the 50th anniversary, and we're going to make Elvis proud."

The event took place during Elvis Week at Graceland on August 15th, as part of the "Conversations on Elvis" series where Weinshanker delivered what host Tom Brown described as his annual "State of Elvis" address.

With a groundbreaking documentary, innovative hologram technology, and major plans for 2027, it's an incredibly exciting time to be an Elvis fan. The King's legacy continues to find new ways to captivate audiences nearly five decades after his passing!

Vigil

Priscilla Presley did not attend this year's annual Candlelight Vigil at Graceland, but she honored the memory of her late former husband, Elvis Presley, on social media.

"After all these years, I still smile when I think of the little moments we shared. The world remembers your fame, but I remember your love & kindness at home," Priscilla posted on Instagram, accompanied by a photo of Elvis and her. "Even after we had our problems we still maintained an undeniable connection."

The vigil started in the evening of August 15th and extended into the wee hours of August 16th.

Import Vinyl

Three new vinyl import titles have been released: the 2-LP / CD set ‘I Just Can’t Help Believin’ - An Afternoon In Culver City’, the LP / CD combo ‘The Best Of Seventyone’ and  the ‘Elvis Summer Festival’ LP.

Publicity for ‘I Just Can’t Help Believin’ - An Afternoon In Culver City’ on the Golden Globe import record label stated: Available now is this fantastic 2 LP and CD collection featuring the July 29, 1970, rehearsal held at the MGM Studio in Culver City, Los Angeles, California. 

MGM filmed the rehearsal to be used in the 'That's The Way It Is' movie, which followed Elvis both on and off stage during the summer of 1970. In numerous aspects, this rehearsal is extraordinary. Elvis was in a great mood, and the selection of songs is rather distinctive. Songs such as ‘I Was The One,’ ‘Baby Let’s Play House,’ and ‘A Fool Such As I’ are just a few of the numerous rare tracks performed in this rehearsal. These songs were completely absent from the live performances filmed for the motion picture ‘That’s The Way It Is’. 

Certain songs were never played live by Elvis following his final public show in 1961 and some were never played live at all. Seven songs from this rehearsal were included in the original 1970 cinema version of ‘That’s The Way It Is.’ It is merely speculation as to why no additional performances were included in the ‘Special Edition 50th Anniversary Version’ released in 2020.

This very limited edition is now available on orange or on white colored vinyl, each including a bonus CD. 

Side A: 01. Don’t It Make You Wanna Go Home * / 02. Something / 03. Words / Don’t It Make You Wanna Go Home * / 04. I Just Can’t Help Believin’ / 05. Little Sister (False Start And Complete) - Get Back

Side B: 01 . I Washed My Hands In Muddy Water / 02. I Was The One / 03. Cattle Call / 04. Baby Let’s Play House / 05. Don’t / 06. Money Honey / Hard Headed Woman * / 07. (Now And Then There’s) A Fool Such As I / 08. Froggy Went A-Courtin’

Side C: 01. Such A Night (Edited For Listening Pleasure) / 02. It’s Now Or Never / Are You Horny Tonight? * / 03. What’d I Say / The Lord’s Prayer / 04. My Country Tis’ Of Thee (Edited For Listening Pleasure) / 05. Hava Nagilah ** / 06. My Baby Left Me

Side D: 01. You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me (With Reprise) / 02. Just Pretend * - Stranger In The Crowd – Ending / 

Bonus Material: 03. That’s All Right Mama (July 15, 1970) Slow Version **/*** / 04. Cotton Fields (July 15, 1970) ** / 05. Alla En El Rancho Grande (July 15 1970) ** / 06. How The Web Was Woven (July 15, 1970) Off Mic ** / 07. Mary In The Morning (August 7, 1970) Funny Version **

* One Liner / ** Mono Source / *** Contains Imperfections

CD: 01. Talking / Don’t It Make You Wanna Go Home * / 02. Something – Talking / 03. Words - Don’t It Make You Wanna Go Home * / 04. I Just Can’t Help Believin’ / 05. Little Sister (False Start And Complete) - Get Back / 06. Band Rehearsal - Rehearsing The Ending Of Get Back / 07 . I Washed My Hands In Muddy Water / 08. I Was The One / 09. Cattle Call / 10. Baby Let’s Play House / 11. Don’t / 12. Money Honey / Hard Headed Woman * / 13. (Now And Then There’s) Fool Such As I / 14. Froggy Went A-Courtin’ / Viva Las Vegas * / 15. Such A Night ** / 16. It’s Now Or Never / Are You Horny Tonight? * / 17. What’d I Say - The Lord’s Prayer / 18. My Country Tis’ Of Thee ** / 19. Hava Nagilah ** / 20. My Baby Left Me / 21. You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me (With Reprise) / 22. Just Pretend * - Stranger In The Crowd - Ending

Bonus: 23. Such A Night (edited for listening pleasure)

* one liner / ** contains imperfections

Publicity for ‘The Best Of Seventyone’ stated: Petticoat records is back! This time with a fantastic vinyl album full of selected tracks recorded in 1971. 

Elvis spent more than 10 days in the studio during this year. In 1971, 3 original albums were released. ‘Elvis Country’, ‘Love Letters’ and ‘The Wonderful World Of Christmas’. Only the latter featured songs recorded in 1971. Recordings for the first two albums were done in 1970. 

Most recordings made in 1971 ended up (besides on the Christmas Album) on the 1972 album release of 'Elvis Now' and 'He Touched Me' and on the 1973 album release of 'Elvis' (aka the 'Fool' album). 

This high-quality 180 grams virgin vinyl pressing is now available in orange or yellow vinyl. 

And as always housed in a stunning full color sleeve suitable for framing!  Don't miss out on this wonderful limited edition album. Of course, a bonus CD featuring all tracks is included.

Tracklisting side A: I'm Leavin' (Unedited Master) / Amazing Grace (Take 2) / Early Morning Rain (Take 11) / It's Still Here (Take 5) / (That's What You Get) For Lovin' Me / The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (Different Mix) / Bosom Of Abraham (Take 4) / Help Me Make It Through The Night (Take 7).

Side B: Don't Think Twice, It's All Right (Edit Version) / He Touched Me (Take 2) / Until It's Time For You To Go (Unedited Master) / Fools Rush In (Take 6) / An Evening Prayer (Take 8) / Put Your Hand In The Hand (Unedited Master) / I Will Be True ((Take 2) / It's Only Love (Unedited Master) / Reach Out To Jesus (Take 9). 

Tracklist CD: I'm Leavin' (Unedited Master) / Amazing Grace (Take 2) / Early Morning Rain (Take 11) / It's Still Here (Take 5) / (That's What You Get) For Lovin' Me / The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (Different Mix) / Bosom Of Abraham (Take 4) / Help Me Make It Through The Night (Take 7) / Don't Think Twice, It's All Right (Edit Version) / He Touched Me (Take 2) / Until It's Time For You To Go (Unedited Master) / Fools Rush In (Take 6) / An Evening Prayer (Take 8) / Put Your Hand In The Hand (Unedited Master) / I Will Be True ((Take 2) / It's Only Love (Unedited Master) / Reach Out To Jesus (Take 9). 

Details ‘Elvis Summer Festival’: Now available on clear or on yellow colored vinyl, by popular demand, is this ultra-limited edition LP ‘Elvis Summer Festival’ featuring 20 tracks, just right for the summer. Some feature a bonus CD and some will feature a sunny bonus photo (not both!). Both colors are limited to 100 copies.

This is the first release on the new Polkadot record label.

Tracklisting side A: Fountain Of Love (Take 6) / For The Millionth And The Last Time (Take 7) / Slicin' Sand (Take 10) / Sand Castles (Take 1) / Riding The Rainbow (Stereo Master) / I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here (Take 13) / Wonderful World (Take 6) / Night Rider (Take 5) / Island Of Love (Take 8) / Kiss Me Quick (Take 6)

Side B: Take Me To The Fair (Take 7) / No More (Take 9) / Home Is Where The Heart Is (Take 14) / You'll Be Gone (Take 4) / Mexico (Take 6) Where Do You Come From From ?(Take 13) / Rock-A-Hula Baby (Take 3) / Happy Ending (Take 9) / What A Wonderful Life (Take 6) / (Marie’s The Name Of) His Latest Flame (Take 3). 

Remembering Elvis Radio

To mark the month of Elvis' passing, Matt Shepherd brings you three Elvis mini specials. The first focusses on tracks Elvis recorded in the 50s. There's also music from Scotty Moore's album - 'The Guitar That Changed The World'. 

Go to >>> Soundcloud to enjoy the show. 

Also, look out for mini 60s and 70s Elvis Specials to come during August.

Watch the Vigil

Graceland invites you to join them in honoring Elvis Presley in a moment of touching remembrance with the annual Candlelight Vigil, the cornerstone event of Elvis Week. Tonight — August 15 at 8:30 PM (Central Time) held at the Gates of Graceland.

Fans will gather at the front gates and walk in a candlelit procession past Elvis’ gravesite in the Meditation Garden—a quiet, heartfelt journey that traditionally continues into the early hours of August 16.

For those unable to attend in person, we’re pleased to offer a >>> live stream of the opening ceremony and procession so you can be part of this celebration from anywhere.

Light a candle in your home, join us virtually, and let’s come together in remembrance of the king.

Once the event concludes a you can watch the Vigil though >>> this new link.

(Source: Pascal Matteo / Graceland / Terry Blackwood / Various)

August 14 - Christmas and Gospel Greats

The Not Now Record label announced the September 2025 re-release of the 2016 double CD 'Christmas and Gospel Greats'. The discs come housed in a six-panel digipack.

Description: So entrenched was the public perception of Elvis as a hell-raiser, that the announcement he was making a record of Christmas songs sent the world into a tailspin.Released in 1957, 'Elvis’ Christmas Album', showed that Elvis had created a template for all future Christmas recordings: no rock star had ever undertaken such a project and it was Elvis who paved the way… 

Over the years, Elvis would always warm-up in recording studios and before live performances, by singing his favourite Gospel songs. But it was not until 1960, with the release of the LP 'His Hand In Mine', that the wider world understood the full extent of their Rock and Roll idol’s fondness for inspirational music. Enjoy this superb 2CD set including 'Santa Claus Is Back In Town', 'If We Never Meet Again', 'Blue Christmas' and many more…

 

CD 1: Elvis’ Christmas Album: Santa Claus Is Back In Town / White Christmas / Here Comes Santa Claus / I’ll Be Home For Christmas / Blue Christmas / Santa Bring My Baby Back / Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem / Silent Night / (There’ll Be) Peace In The Valley / I Believe / Take My Hand, Precious Lord / It Is No Secret (What God Can Do)

CD 2: 'His Hand In Mine': His Hand In Mine / I’m Gonna Walk Dem Golden Stairs / In My Father’s House / Milky White Way / Known Only To Him / I Believe In The Man In The Sky / Joshua Fit The Battle / Jesus Knows What I Need / Swing Down Sweet Chariot / Mansion Over The Hilltop / If We Never Meet Again / Working On The Building.

King Creole Book

Due for publication by Routledge in late December, is the 152-page book 'King Creole: The Disputed Territories of 1950s American Youth Culture' by Anthony Thomas McKenna, a Senior Lecturer in Film at Liverpool John Moores University. 

Description: The author argues that King Creole's release during the death throes of rock and roll in America helps to position it as an outlier among youth films of the time in three distinct ways.

First, the author demonstrates how the post-rock and roll release of the film allowed for a better harnessing of the star's 'Elvisness.' Second, the author conducts an extensive examination of the film's production records, which show how the film's portrait of youth alienation and delinquency pre-dated America's big screen fixation on these topics, making the film not wholly bound by concurrent youth conventions.

Third, the author challenges the dominant reading of the film as being about intergenerational conflict and asserts that it is about shared grief. This nuanced approach distinguishes King Creole from other 1950s youth-oriented films and explains its enduring critical acclaim despite commercial underperformance.

Rich on archival research and textual analysis King Creole: The Disputed Territories of 1950s American Youth Culture will interest both film studies scholars and students. Beyond film studies, this interdisciplinary text is valuable for scholars and students of popular music, American pop culture, celebrity studies, and social history."

(Source: Not Now Music / Pascal Matteo / Nigel Patterson)

August 13 - Linda's Sunset Listening Session

During a listening session at Graceland Jerry Schilling and Matt Ross-Spang shared background stories on the original recording sessions for the songs on the new 'Sunset Boulevard' set, as well as the creation of the new mixes. Unfortunately, neither Ernst Jorgensen nor Roger Semon was able to attent this year's listening event.

Sony Legacy Recordings released the 'Sunset Boulevard' 5-CD and 2-LP sets on August 1, 2025. Graceland released an exclusive colored vinyl variant.

Publicity stated: The thrilling 5-CD set packed with 89 tracks from Elvis’s iconic sessions and rehearsals at RCA’s Studio C in Hollywood is out now! 

Spanning 1970–1975, the Sunset Boulevard compilation marks the first time Elvis recorded with his legendary touring band, and includes 3 discs of raw, behind-the-scenes rehearsals that reveal both the intensity and playfulness of the King in the studio. The Double LP is a 'best of' selection from the CD-set. 

The set is available from >>> Amazon (associate link) on CD and vinyl. 

Conversations with Linda 

Thanks to 'Globetrotting with Trey' fans can now watch Tom Brown talking with Linda Thompson at Elvis Week 2025.

Linda talks about composing and publishing songs and she also tells a great story of suggesting both 'Welcome To My World' and also 'Fairytale' to Elvis. "I tried my best to love you, but now I'm walking out the door" She also talks about what living with Elvis 24/7 felt like and what she learnt."

New Lawsuits for Priscilla Presley

Elvis Presley's ex-wife is mired in litigation over her handling of her name, image and likeness rights.

In a lawsuit filed in California state court, Priscilla Presley is being sued by her former business partners Brigitte Kruse and Kevin Fialko, the heads of Priscilla Presley Partners, for fraud and breach of contract, they seeking at least US$50 million in damages. 

The lawsuit alleges that Presley falsely claimed ownership of her name, image, and likeness rights despite having secretly sold those rights decades ago, leaving her partners liable for massive damages when business deals went wrong. 

After Kruse and Fialko helped broker a US$2.4 million family trust settlement for Presley, she was apparently contacted by Keya Morgan (comic artist Stan Lee's former business manager). He claimed that he could get her name, image and likeness rights back from Elvis Presley Enterprises, which manages Elvis Presley’s intellectual property, leading to accusations of elder abuse against her original partners. 

Presley subsequently cut ties with Kruse and Fialko, began exploiting her rights independently through high-profile appearances and events without sharing proceeds, and allegedly stole funds from their company's bank accounts. 

The accusations state that Priscilla apparently exploited her own daughter's health crisis to gain control of the Elvis Presley Estate, allegedly yanking life support from Lisa Marie when her heart stopped, according to a new lawsuit. Priscilla strongly denies the claim.

Elvis' ex-wife is being sued by her former business partners, and in the $50 million lawsuit, they lay out serious allegations, even claiming "Priscilla pulled the plug within hours of Lisa being admitted" in January 2023 after suffering a cardiac arrest. 

The partners claim they invested millions to revitalize Presley's brand and helped secure deals including compensation from A24 Pictures for the 'Priscilla' movie, only to be betrayed once the money was secured.

(Source: Graceland / Elvis Information Network / Globetrotting with Trey / Various / TMZ)