Monday, July 28, 2025

Review Elvis 1958 - April - August

Author-researcher, Paul Bélard, has released his sixth and seventh book for 2025, and with nearly 10 other books at advanced stages, we can be sure that we'll see some more "day-by-day" photo-books in the months to come.

His last two titles take us back to April - August 1958, a period which was pivotal in both Elvis' career and personal life.

Design

I won't say much about the cover-art as I made those. Inside these two 200-page paperbacks, Bélard follows his well-known photo-journal format.

In an interview with the Elvis Information Network he stated: "Some of the pictures in this book are not of top quality. They were not taken by professional photographers. They are, however, important documents about Elvis in the Army and the author believes that rarity wins over quality."

Content

Bélard also said: "It's a thrill every time I discover an Elvis picture that I had never seen before, even if the quality isn't perfect … There are so many pictures taken of the man that in some cases, there are photos for every day of a month … Through my books I want fans to be able to follow Elvis day by day, sometimes hour by hour."

And that is exactly what we get. Bélard seems to be a shadow following Elvis' every footstep, documenting them with photographs and relevant contextual documents and articles from that timeframe and more recent ones, completing the picture and adding a sense of being there.


Book 1 - April - May

The book follows Elvis just after his induction into the U.S. Army which took him from his beloved Graceland and parents to Fort Chaffee in Arkansas for early processing. Then he is transferred to Fort Hood in Texas, where he is assigned to the Second Armored Division, General Patton's former "Hells on Wheels" outfit as a light truck driver in a tank crew. From that point on, Elvis would be "just another soldier," said an Army spokeswoman, and back to driving a "truck".

You would expect that once the gates of Fort Chaffee and Fort Hood had closed, there would be less photographs taken, but Bélard proves us wrong. He managed to unearth hundreds of images to present us an almost day-by-day overview of Elvis' first weeks in the service of Uncle Sam.

Being "just another soldier", we see Elvis as one of the boys, sitting in the grass, wearing a gasmask, on the pistol and rifle range and more. It is impressive to see how Bélard managed to identify Elvis on some of these images.

The "good luck" telegram from "Admiral Parker" shows the old carny had some humor and the Teen magazine asks the question Elvis probably asked himself "will the Army change Elvis?"

Included are some more recent articles on people who were there during Elvis' early Army days. 

For example the memories of Ted Russ who in 1958, trained Army recruit Elvis Presley for two days, and he has the photos to prove it, including a favorite one of himself with Presley. "When we show that photo to friends, my wife always tells everyone that I am the good-looking one," he said. 

"Elvis was a good trainee and well-liked by his Army peers," Russ said, "Presley took his celebrity status in stride. He realized that learning how to use a gas mask was serious business and went through exactly the same training as all other recruits. He asked no favors or for any special treatment."

At the same time, the business continued. On April 1st, RCA shipped 'Wear My Ring Around Your Neck'. The single did not sell as much as the ad in Billboard predicted. Side A reached number 3 on the charts and side B number 21.

It is a well-known fact that many friendships are struck while serving your country in the Army, and Elvis is no exception, in the Army he met Rex Mansfield, but also Charlie Hodge, and their common interest was the foundation of a friendship that would last until the day Elvis died.


Hodge remembered: "I never was stationed with Elvis. I was in 15th. Cavalry there. And when I found out where he was, I went over and renewed my acquaintance. I said, "I'm Charlie Hodge. I was the lead singer with the Foggy River Boys". And he said, "Hey, man, I used to watch you every Saturday night on TV, you know".

And I think our friendship was a natural friendship, because when we met there at Fort Hood and got on the ship going to Europe, we knew the same people in the gospel field. We knew the same people in the country field. We knew the same gospel songs. We were singing songs together on the way to Germany."

Looking at the many pictures of everyone from the G.I. to the general wanting to have his picture taken with Elvis, I wonder if Elvis had time to do any basic training … But an article from the Brownsville Herald, confirms he did on May 31, 1958.


Book 2 - June, July August

His basic training completed on Saturday May 31st, Elvis returned to Memphis on Sunday, June 1st, for a two-week leave. Swarms of teen-age devotees had made elaborate plans to welcome him home on his first visit home since his induction into the Army.




A day later, he already did his first photoshoot, one of the shots would be used for the 'A Date with Elvis' LP. Great to see so many images from this shoot. 

They also took several pictures with his father and mother. Not knowing it yet, these images probably became very special to him. The pictures of him, walking in front of his Graceland Mansion, not wearing his Army fatigue are great, he really had it made, and life seems good.

Funny to read the newspaper article on the "awards" he brought home, no Gold Record Awards, but medals designating that he had qualified as an expert with the carbine and as a sharpshooter with a pistol.

It was back to work a week later, with recording sessions on June 10th and 11th with classics like 'I Need Your Love Tonight', ' 'A Big Hunk o' Love', 'Ain't That Loving Baby', 'I Got Stung', and 'A Fool Such As I'. Being on leave, I do wonder why he wore his uniform in the studio.

Back in Texas he is visited by Disc Jockey Don Roscoe Joseph III, professionally known as Rocky Frisco and Rocky Curtiss. He as an American musician, best known as the longtime pianist for J. J. Cale, and for his role in the development of the music style known as the Tulsa Sound. 

In July 1958 he embarked on a 500 mile bicycle trip to interview Elvis and to promote his radio station KOME in Tulsa at the same time. Elvis autographed Rocky's bicycle fender and a listener in Tulsa later won it in a radio contest. It has always made me wonder why this picture of Elvis holding the autographed bicycle fender was turned into an oil painting, that still hangs at the bottom left of the stairs when you enter Graceland …

Elvis' rise to fame had an impact on everyone around him, especially his mother. She once said: "I'm the most miserable woman in the world… I'm guarded... I can't buy my own groceries... I can't see my neighbors." In the book we read that in July, Gladys became very depressed and fell ill, so much so that in early August, she returned to Graceland where her doctor immediately had her transferred to the Methodist Hospital in Memphis. With her condition worsening, Elvis obtained an emergency leave.

A few days later she died, and knowing how attached Elvis was to his mother, his life would never be the same again. I felt sorry for him watching the images of him mourning with his father, and the funeral of Gladys. 

But life goes on, and a few days later he was back on the base and it looks like nothing had changed for his fellow Army men, still wanting to take a picture with him.

Conclusion

Book by book Bélard is visualizing the Elvis Presley timeline. These two books mark an important period in Elvis' life, having to step down from his throne as the King of Rock and Roll to serve his country but more importantly because of the loss of his mother, one of the pillars of his life. With all the photographs Bélard takes us through this period, almost day-by-day, providing additional insights, literally.

Buy the book

The 'Elvis 1958 - April - May' book is available from >>> Amazon, and so is the 'Elvis 1958 June - July - August' book here >>> Amazon (associate links).

For a signed edition you can contact Paul Belard by email at >>> pbelard@hotmail.com

Saturday, July 26, 2025

July 26 - Charts July 2025 - Week 4

Even getting close to Elvis Week 2025, Elvis didn't register enough sales to make an appearance on the U.S. Billboard charts. 

The 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' album lost 10 places on the Official U.K. Album chart this week, and fell to No. 82. On the nation's Streaming chart, the compilation dropped four places to No. 67. 

The 'Elvis at the Movies' DVD-set dropped over 15 spots and fell off the Music Video chart after last week's jump to No. 36.

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

Friday, July 25, 2025

July 25 - August News Report

The Elvis Presley Video News report of August 2025 is available again. 

It wraps up all the news from July 2025 and covers subjects like the "Holographic" Elvis show in London, Elvis in Minnesota, the Circle G Foundation, Elvis and Connie Francis, Johnny Cash’s present to Elvis and much more.



Bill Morris Died

Former Shelby County Mayor and Sheriff Bill Morris died. He was 92. Morris was the county's longest-serving mayor. He served as the sheriff of Shelby County from 1964 to 1970, and as the mayor from 1978 to 1994.   
Morris was the sheriff when Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated outside the Lorraine Motel. in 1968. He was the one who read James Earl Ray his rights after he was arrested for the shooting.  

Besides his political career, Bill Morris was also a close friend of Elvis Presley for many years. In 1964, he appointed Elvis "Special Deputy Sheriff" of Shelby County, an honorary title Presley proudly wore. They both shared a passion for uniforms, badges, and public service. 

He nominated Elvis for the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Nation Award that was presented by the United States Junior Chamber and was present at the ceremony.  Elvis was given this Award at the Ceremony in Memphis on 16th January 1971 – the only Award Elvis ever accepted in person. As a token of their friendship, Elvis gave Bill and his wife, Ann, a "TCB" and "Tender Love and Care" necklace. 

Morris noted, “Elvis and I both grew up in the same post-Depression years in north Mississippi. About the same time, we migrated to Memphis. His parents knew my parents before either of us were born. And then, of course, I went into the Army after his graduation. By the time I came back, two, three years later, he had already done big things in the music industry. And then I got to know him from then on. By then I became sheriff. 

He stayed here in Memphis as often as he could. We gave him Sheriff’s Department protection, our service, and we got to become close friends. We then found out we both came from the same place. And so it was a natural thing for us to become good friends.” Morris said when he began bonding with Presley in his 20s, the charismatic singer relished his time in his beloved Memphis, far away from Hollywood or even being on the road."

Morris and his wife Ann were frequent guests at Graceland, and their friendship was described as genuine and close. In interviews, Morris always spoke warmly of Elvis, describing him as loyal, protective, and dedicated. 
 
His friendship with Elvis was also mentioned in his autobiography, Bill Morris: A Legendary Life, which tells his remarkable life story. The book offers insight not only into the highs and lows of his career but also into his personal connection with the King of Rock 'n' Roll.

One of Morris’ favorite memories of Presley was the practical jokes he played on Graceland, the refuge he would call home until his death. "Elvis was youthful and playful. We would shoot roman candles at each other and use garbage can lids to defend ourselves. Elvis was also very generous, when he made his first money he gave US$50,000 to the city to distribute to charity. He wrote checks to St. Jude early on and lot of them. I asked that the trauma center at The Med be named in his honor, because I thought it reflected another side of Elvis beyond his talents as a performer.

“I can’t believe even to this day, the power of Elvis Presley’s name is unbelievable worldwide. That says a lot about his music, his personality and the person he was.”

(Source: Emiel Maier / ElvisMatters / Elvis Information Network)

Thursday, July 24, 2025

July 24 - No. 1 Reissue

The Number One Essentials budget record label announced the October 24, 2025  re-issue of Elvis debut album. 

The album features the original tracklisting with eight bonus tracks.

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

July 22 - Sun Shines On No. 3

Memphis' Sun Studio is one of the top three attractions in the United States, according to Tripadvisor's recent Traveler's Choice awards.

The travel site ranked the famed studio after the Empire State Building and ahead of Central Park. The ranking is based on travelers' reviews and awarded to locations that received "a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period," according to the site.

Referred to as the "Birthplace of Rock N' Roll," the studio was the recording site for several legends of music history, including B.B. King, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. It was also the site of the "Million Dollar Quartet," a recording of a jam session including Carl Perkins, Presley, Lewis and Cash.

The studio served as the base of operations for Sun Records label head Sam Phillips, who played an instrumental role in launching the careers of several early rock artists.

(Source: Commerical Appeal / ElvisMatters)

Monday, July 21, 2025

July 21 - EPIC Announcement

Filmmaker Baz Luhrmann announced that his movie 'EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert' will have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival’s 50th edition (TIFF) in September 2025. 

The poster states: "Elvis sings and tells his story like never before". The 50th Toronto International Film Festival will run September 4–14, 2025. 

The statement: "We’re very proud to announce Bazmark’s latest production, with Authentic Studios and Sony Music Vision - Baz Luhrmann’s EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert - Elvis sings and tells his story like never before - has been officially selected for Toronto International Film Festival’s 50th edition. It’s cause for celebration a little less conversation and a little more ̶a̶̶c̶̶t̶̶i̶̶o̶̶n̶ party on the night."

(Source: Baz Luhrmann)

Sunday, July 20, 2025

July 20 - It's Elvis Time in Poland

The Dutch It's Elvis Time fanclub announced the publication of the Summer Edition of their self-titled magazine. 

Volume 311, currently at the printers, holds an extensive story about Elvis's death in August 1977 and the events that followed. Added to that is a wrap-up of the news, an interesting review of the  'Elvis June '75' CD-set and part 2 of 'Nashville Revisited 1970'. 

The magazine also investigates how some of Elvis' songs - rebellious, exciting, and sometimes even transgressive back in the day - would hold up with today's standards. 

For more information on the magazine and the fan-club, visit the >>> It's Elvis Time website.


Elvis Presley Street 

Elvis Presley was honored with his own street in the small town of Zawada (near Bochnia). This is the first "Elvis Presley street" in Poland. 

Together with the naming of the street, a statue of the singer by Michał Piechwas unveiled. 




Best Hits

The Japanese CS Records, a sublabel of Sony Legacy, re-issued the 'Best Hits' compilation CD on July 30, 2025. The 21-track compilation was re-issued in a jewel case comes with two 28 pages booklets with lyrics in Japanese and English and an Obi. 

Tracks: Hound Dog - Jailhouse Rock - Heartbreak Hotel - Love Me Tender - I Want You, I Need You, I Love You - That's All Right - Blue Suede Shoes - Don't Be Cruel - It's Now Or Never - G. I. Blues - Are You Lonesome Tonight? - Blue Hawaii - Can't Help Falling In Love - Always On My Mind - You Don't Have To Say You Love Me - Bridge Over Troubled Water (Undubbed Version) - Suspicious Minds - Burning Love - Funny How Time Slips Away - Unchained Melody (21.06.1977 Rapid City) - My Way (21.06.1977 Rapid City) - A Little Less Conversation (JXL Radio Edit)

(Source: It's Elvis Time / Elvis On CD)

Saturday, July 19, 2025

July 19 - Charts July 2025 - Week 3 (Updated)

Elvis' record sales and streams only registered enough sales to hit the charts in the United Kingdom this week. 

The 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' compilation won two places on the Official UK Album chart, climbing from No. 74 to No. 72, but lost three spots on the Streaming chart, falling to No. 63. 

This week the compilation notched up its 300th week on the Official Album chart.

The 'Elvis at the Movies' DVD-set gained nine places and climbed to No 36 on the Music Video chart. 

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

Friday, July 18, 2025

July 18 - Virtual Previews (Updated)

Sony Legacy released 'And I Love You So' Take 2 as another preview of the upcoming 'Sunset Boulevard' set. 

'Sunset Boulevard' is a comprehensive 5-CD collection spotlighting Elvis' recording sessions and rehearsals at RCA's historic Sunset Boulevard Studio. Spanning 1970 to 1975, it features Elvis recording for the first time with his legendary touring band, ultimately spawning the hits 'Burning Love', 'Always On My Mind' (1972) and 'T-R-O-U-B-L-E' (1975) from the 'TODAY' album. 

This special edition also includes 3 discs of rehearsals from 1970 and 1974 that capture both serious and light-hearted moments from Elvis in the studio. 'Sunset Boulevard' features 89 tracks, 34 of which are newly mixed versions, pure and without overdubs.


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




The Colonel and the Preview

Talking about previews, the Elvis Archival Preservation Society got their hands on an early copy of Peter Guralnick's 'The Colonel And The King' book, and Jamie Kelley and John Michael Heath shared their first impressions after reading it. 

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



The Countdown is Over

The Elvis Evolution immersive experience opened after a nearly 8 month delay. The  Layered Reality Elvis Presley immersive experience in London (UK) which would bring the global musical icon back through the power of AI, augmented reality, live theatre and multi-sensory effects in a celebration of his life and legacy. 

Taking place at Excel’s new Immerse LDN entertainment district, Elvis Evolution was marketed as a high- energy, high-tech homage that promised an unforgettable experience that would take visitors on a journey through Elvis’ rise to fame, from his humble beginnings in Tupelo to superstar musical icon. Visitors would witness major milestones in the singer’s extraordinary career, such as some of his most memorable performances.

The experience finale was Elvis’ iconic ’68 special performance that captures the drama and triumph of what is described by many as the ‘greatest rock performance of all time’.

Layered Reality stated that through a partnership with Elvis Presley Enterprises and Authentic Brands Group, the custodians of the Elvis Presley estate, the production team has been granted access to thousands of Elvis’s personal photos and hours of the star’s home-video archive, using state of the art technology to bring the musical icon to life.

Note: Layered Reality founder and CEO Andrew McGuinness stated in January 2024: "And the end of this experience is a real crescendo where you'll see a life-size Elvis in AI performing some of his biggest hits". But that unique experience was silently removed from the show after one of the partners went bankrupt. This was reflected in the first reviews.  

Audience members were told to expect a virtual Elvis similar to digital concerts staged by other heritage acts. On site, however, the experience relied on pre edited video projected onto a screen. No holographic figure appeared, and live musicians mimed to backing tracks, prompting disappointment and in some performances audible booing. The production spans multiple themed rooms where visitors move through Presley’s life story before ending in a 1960s style bar. Fans have vented frustration online, describing the event as overpriced and technically underwhelming, noting that many musical sequences could be found for free on public video platforms.

Press coverage has been divided. Some reviewers describe the show as slick but eye wateringly expensive, praising scenic detail yet warning that the high price is likely to deter many fans. Others rank the event among the year’s most disappointing immersive launches.

'Amber Peake reviews the 'Elvis Evolution' for >>> London WorldThe King of Rock and Roll did not enter the building'. 

London welcomed a new experience dedicated to the King of rock n’ roll this week as Elvis Evolution has officially opened its doors at the ExCeL’s waterfront in London, and it wasn’t quite what we were expecting. 

Sandwiched between the Friends and Squid Game experiences, the new Elvis Presley themed attraction promises to transport fans through key moments of his life and career.

The new experience centres around Elvis' iconic '68 special performance and all the backstage drama that led up to his now career defining show. 

Guests are transported back to the 60s as soon as they enter the venue as you start off in a retro themed diner where you can grab a burger or a milkshake before entering the experience. The attraction then begins ‘backstage at the NBC studios’ just hours before Elvis’ comeback show takes place. Greeted by studio staff you are chosen to be the live audience for the performance.

Elvis’ childhood friend Sam Bell soon bursts in as he asks to see ‘EP’ before the show starts. But after being rejected by studio staff, he then reminisces about growing up with Elvis in Tupelo and invites the audience to take a journey back to their carefree days as kids.

Guiding you aboard a train to Elvis’ hometown, Sam starts to describe Elvis' early life and his rise to fame. Although the whole scene felt a bit confusing as one minute you were immersed in a train ride with your seats simulating the jolty tracks and the next was a monologue from Sam about his life growing apart from Elvis.

While it was interesting to learn about their friendship, it felt like Elvis’ story ended up becoming a bit overshadowed by Sam’s by the end of the scene.

The experience has an interval of sorts based at the Blue Hawaii bar themed on Elvis’ classic 1961 movie before the second half starts as you’re guided through Elvis’ backstage NBC dressing room before taking a seat in the studio for his performance.

For the attraction Elvis’ dressing room has been meticulously recreated for fans to explore. But you don't have much time to look around as you are led into the NBC studio for the performance to begin.

Despite Elvis Evolution having initially been promoted as an AI hologram show similar to that of Abba Voyage - Elvis was not in the building for the final experience. Instead recordings of the final comeback special show were played on big screens while a live band appeared on stage.

The experience does have immersive elements like Elvis’ cologne being pumped throughout for fans to smell and the different sets to explore but the cherry on top would of course have been to see a hologram performance.

That being said, it feels like the attraction is more directed to the new generation of Elvis fans who are perhaps not too familiar with his early life or rise to fame.

Online Elvis Evolution responded to a fan who was not happy with her "immersive experience": "The first announcement about the show was made back in January 2024, before tickets were on sale and while the creative direction was still evolving. As with many complex productions, our concept developed significantly from those early stages. While we explored various technologies, we ultimately chose not to replicate Elvis’ irreplaceable performances, and instead crafted an experience where the story leads the technology, not the other way around. We cannot wait for you to see it!"

A spokesperson for Elvis Evolution told Daily Star
in response to the mass backlash: “Elvis Evolution has been praised by Elvis fans and newcomers alike, but it’s not a traditional concert or hologram show. 
From the outset of development, we made a deliberate decision to explore the most powerful and authentic ways to tell Elvis’ story. This major scale production brings together a cast of 28 performers and over 300 skilled professionals across design, production, and visual effects. 

Elvis Evolution is a multisensory experience, where technology plays a powerful supporting role, but the show doesn’t attempt to recreate Elvis’ performances. Instead, it joyfully celebrates the ones he gave us. We’re incredibly proud of what’s been created, and of how it’s reconnecting people with Elvis in new and meaningful ways.”

A spokesperson for Layered Reality said to the BBC: "A small number of people have pointed out that they were expecting a hologram concert, due to the initial announcement made in January 2024. As with many complex productions that are two years in the making, the concept developed from those early stages, and this was made clear when tickets went on sale in October 2024.


"We ultimately took the creative decision not to mimic Elvis's performances. Those moments proved to be too iconic and irreplaceable. Instead, we use AI to upscale archive footage and in moments we know happened but where no footage existed, offering a new lens into his world."


On Sunday, some of the shows were cancelled for "security reasons" after an attendee was carried out by several security members during the interval. In a video posted on social media, an older man can be seen being lifted by security staff and taken out of the room after he had expressed his disappointment with the show he experienced and things got out of hand.

"The elderly gentleman then said ‘this is b*****ks' - at which point they turned all the lights up and got the security from the Excel to come in.

Shocking video shows the elderly man being carried out of the building by his arms and legs as onlookers pleaded with four burly guards to leave him alone.

Layered Reality told the BBC that the man "became verbally aggressive towards our staff and despite being politely asked to stop, the behaviour escalated, with the guest explicitly stating his intention to continue making threats towards our staff and performers."

Security removed him from the event after he refused to leave the venue.

"Staff had no choice but to carry him out so the show could continue but because of the uproar it became too heated and the mood wasn't right to continue the show," one attendee told the BBC.

Behind the scenes, twenty three performers have written to producers alleging that hourly rates began at UK£13.50 with unpredictable call times that made it impossible to accept other work. Rehearsals were reportedly cut short or cancelled at little notice while cast members were expected to keep weekdays clear in case they were summoned. The letter lists demands for a guaranteed weekly minimum, clearer scheduling, paid breaks, and travel reimbursement that align with Equity guidelines. Some performers say shifting technical specifications forced repeated re blocking and last minute costume alterations, adding pressure to an already tight schedule.  

Although several artists describe the atmosphere as toxic, others insist the working conditions match industry norms for large immersive productions. One actor says management increased minimum pay after initial complaints and maintained open lines of communication through dedicated welfare staff. 

For now, the King’s latest revival in London struggles to meet its royal billing, caught between the lofty expectations of a tech savvy audience and the practical challenges of bringing a digital legend to life on a conventional stage.

(Source: YouTube / Sony / EAP Society / Elvis Evolution / BBC / Daily Star / London World / Australian Theatre)

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Review Elvis UK Compact Volume 3

The third and final volume of the ‘Elvis UK Compact’ series by John Townson and Gordon Minto represents the culmination of what can only be described as the definitive encyclopedia of Elvis Presley's CD releases from 1983 to 2005. 

A trip that started in 2021 with the release of a digital flipbook and ended with the publication of the third volume of a 1,408-page trilogy five years later. 


Design 

 

No surprises in the design for this third volume in the ‘Elvis UK Compact’ trilogy. The pagination system is particularly clever, when combined with volumes 1 and 2, the three books create a seamless 1,408-page reference work that reads as one cohesive volume. 


Each section features full chronological and alphabetical listings for easy navigation and the 80-page song title index details the writers, the recording dates and shows which Outtake of a song can be found on which CD issued prior to the end of 2005. This attention to continuity shows the careful planning that went into the series' design. 

 

The book's format strikes an excellent balance between comprehensive reference material and readable narrative. Unlike dry academic texts, the authors sometimes like to share all  their research results, this volume maintains an engaging tone throughout, with the authors' personalities and enthusiasm shining through their meticulous research. 

 

Content 

 

What truly distinguishes the ‘Elvis UK Compact’ series from other discographies is the extraordinary level of detail provided for each release. The depth of the research and text may not be “everyone’s cup of tea”, but everything you can think of regarding U.K. CD releases is covered here. 

 

This third volume covers the last year of the 1983 to 2005 period for the CD releases, followed by CD-Singles, Various Artists, Promotional and CD-Recordable releases, a Song Index and Interview and Spoken Word releases. For me, as a fan who started to buy Elvis in the CD-era, this book is a trip down memory lane, more so than the books on vinyl, which for me are additions to the CD collection. 

 

Where the first two volumes were very much alike because they covered the “standard CDs”, this last volume is more of a mixed bag covering all other types of silver disc releases. The CD-Singles get the same coverage as the CDs. Take, for example, the coverage of Paul Oakenfold’s 2003 ‘Rubbernecking’ remix single. Rather than a simple listing with basic details, this single CD receives an entire page of analysis, context, and background information. This exemplifies the authors' commitment to providing not just facts, but understanding as complete as possible.

Seeing the complete overview, I discovered I have many of the CDs and only missed two CD-Singles. A good score, especially compared to the books on U.K. vinyl by these two gentlemen, showing too many items I’ll never own. Interesting to see were all the promotional and CD-recordable releases, they were “hot” in the late nineties and first years of this century. It illustrates how fast time goes by, the aforementioned remix single in 22 years old already, and I still remember when it came out. 


The only section of the book I wonder if it should have been included is the "various artists" compilations. Yes, Elvis is on there, but most of the discs aren't particularly interesting as they are themed compilations. 

There are exception of course, like the ‘Last Temptation of Elvis’ or the ‘The Very Best of Ann-Margret’ CDs which contained (at the time) unreleased material. Although we thought they did, but the authors demonstrate that wasn't actually the case, making this book useful for collectors. 

Besides that, these type of CDs are not Elvis releases in my opinion. And there simply are too many titles out there to be complete. I found the information on the licensing process very interesting, but would have left it at that. Overall it would have saved 140 pages. 

 

The book doesn't merely catalog releases; it tells the story behind each one. This contextual approach extends to various artist compilations where Elvis appeared, treating these releases with the same thoroughness as dedicated Elvis albums. The authors understand that completeness requires covering every aspect of Elvis’ CD presence, no matter how peripheral. 

 

Despite the "UK" designation in the title, the book's utility extends far beyond British shores. Many of the releases covered were distributed internationally, making this volume valuable for collectors worldwide. The authors acknowledge this broader appeal while maintaining their focus on the U.K. market, striking a balance that serves both local and international Elvis enthusiasts.

 

Being a collector, sometimes has its advantages, because if you bought all three volumes if this trilogy you get the exclusive ‘Beyond the Legend’ CD. The disc features tracks that charted in the United Kingdom, but weren't included on the original 1983 ‘Elvis the Legend’ CD-set, Making it a great complement to that historic release. A fun addition to this bible for CD collectors. 

Conclusion

 

John Townson and Gordon Minto created something genuinely special here, not just another discography, but the definitive guide to the Elvis’ 1983 - 2005 CD era. The book does include some information on post 2005 CD releases, but that is additional to a certain release within the time-frame of this book. 


‘Elvis UK Compact Volume 3’ represents the pinnacle of discographical research and presentation providing both a scholarly reference work and an entertaining read, a combination that's rare in this genre. The book doesn't just document Elvis’ CD releases, it puts the spotlight on each and every one of them. The authors' enthusiasm is infectious, making even the most technical details interesting to general readers while providing the depth that specialists require. 


In comparison, Paul Alner’s ‘Elvis on Record’ hardcover books are visually more attractive, thanks to the many bigger images, but lack the level of detail and background of the ‘Elvis UK books’. That isn't a bad thing, because each collector can chose the reference that suits him or her best. 

Volume 3 maintains the exceptional standards set by its predecessors while bringing this remarkable project to a satisfying conclusion. And with that conclusion, only one questions remains: will John and Gordon cover the years 2006 to 2025 as well?

 

Click here for the reviews of >>> volume 1 and >>> volume 2.



Order the book


The ‘Elvis UK Compact Volume 3’ is available from >>> www.elvisukbooks.co.uk webshop. The price is £50 (which for U.K customers includes p&p costs).


Irrespective of where you live in the world, everyone who has bought all three volumes will automatically receive a free CD comprising 23 tracks.

July 17 - Connie Francis Died

Connie Francis, who dominated the pop charts in the late 1950s and early ’60s with sobbing ballads like 'Who’s Sorry Now' and 'Don’t Break the Heart That Loves You' as well as up-tempo soft-rock tunes like 'Stupid Cupid' and 'Lipstick on Your Collar' has died. She was 87.

From 1958 until 1963 she was the third highest selling performer after Presley and The Beatles, with more than 25 hits. Her 1959 album 'Rock 'n' Roll Million Sellers' LP included the Elvis tracks 'Heartbreak Hotel' and 'Don't Be Cruel' while her Christmas album included both 'White Christmas' and 'I'll Be Home for Christmas'. In 1968 recorded a charming version of 'I'll Remember You'. Elvis owned several LPs and 45's in his personal record collection.

On meeting Elvis Francis said: "The first time I saw Elvis in person was shortly after his mother died. He was in the audience front row center at the Sahara in Las Vegas. Knowing that, I was just dying to meet him after the show.

I sang 'Mama' and he started to cry and left the showroom. That was it that night. The next day he sent me two dozen yellow roses with a note apologizing for leaving the show, but his mother had just died and that was the reason. He could not listen to 'Mama'.

Oh, one other thing about Elvis. He was always such a gentleman. I have to say that. With me and with everyone else I've known."

In 2016 she released a posthumous duet with Elvis on her own Concetta record label. The CD-Single featured duet versions of 'Love Me Tender' and 'Heartbreak Hotel'. It made the Top 30 in the United Kingdom on the 'Physical Singles chart.'

(Source: USA Today / NPR / NY Times / Variety / Elvis Information Network)







Wednesday, July 16, 2025

July 16 - Elvis Presley: The Concert Folios 1955 - 1977 (Updated)

Not yet announced by Joseph Tunzi's JAT Publishing, but mentioned in his last book 'The Definitive Vinyl Artwork of Elvis Presley, Vol. 2: The Back Covers' is his next release 'Elvis Presley: The Concert 
Folios 1955 - 1977'. 

The book covers 'the Ultimate Elvis Super Souvenirs' according to the advertisement. 

Sean did an interesting unboxing on the back covers book for his 'Sincerely Elvis' YouTube channel, click below to watch. 


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


Moviestar Retro

In Farbe und Bunt announced the July 28, 2025  publication of the 116-page German magazine 'Moviestar Retro'. 

Celebrating Elvis' 90th anniversary, the August / September 2025 issue features Elvis on the cover and inside an article on all of Elvis' movies. 

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



Elvis and Me 2025

Priscilla Presley's photographer Christopher Ameruoso shared a picture showing a new hardcover re-issue of the 'Elvis and Me' book. More information when available. 

(Source: Sincerely Elvis / Amazon)