November 07 - Album By Album Test Pressings

The VV import record label released a 'Test Pressing Edition' of their 'New York City First Night' vinyl set.

The publicity stated: 'New York City First Night' is an ambitious project that highlights Elvis’s legendary performance at Madison Square Garden. This new VV Records set features the complete concert of the first night, the June 9, 1972, 8:30 PM show.

Each vinyl album is different, showcasing variations in color derived from the three original shades. We received 10 test pressings from the factory and decided to create something truly unique. Each set comes with a poster sleeve that measures 180 x 62 cm centimeter. This impressive poster has been folded to accommodate the two vinyl records and a glossy, heavy paper art card included in the set. 

Additionally, each package includes a 300-gram OBI strip featuring information and details about the transition colors of the included vinyl records. The albums comes in a protected plastic sleeve and sealed with an exclusive hand-numbered sticker.”

LP 1 - Side A: 2001 Theme - That’s All Right - Proud Mary - Never Been To Spain - Until It’s Time For You To Go - You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me.

Side B: You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling - Polk Salad Annie - Love Me - All Shook Up - Heartbreak Hotel - Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel.

LP 2 - Side C: Love Me Tender - Blue Suede Shoes - Hound Dog - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Suspicious Minds.

Side D: For The Good Times - An American Trilogy - Funny How Time Slips Away - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp.

ELVIS Magazine #93 

It took a little longer than planned, but volume 93 of the Belgian / Dutch 'Elvis' magazine has been published by the ElvisMatters fanclub. 

This edition’s cover of the Dutch magazine features Elvis in a stunning shot from his concert years with a detailed article on the suit featured in this edition. 

Other articles are devoted to Dolly Parton and Elvis, exploring the common ground between two true icons of American music history, and of course the remarkable story behind 'I Will Always Love You', Elvis and Fran Sinatra, introducing lesser known members of the TCB Band: Larry Muhoberac, David Briggs and Shane Keister. 

The magazine also features an extensive interview with author Sally A. Hoedel, in which she talks about Elvis’ generosity and her latest book, 'Destined to Give' and an article on tracing Elvis' footsteps in Nashville.

And the writers take you to 706 Union Avenue in Memphis. At the famous address where Elvis recorded his first records, there is far more to discover than just the story of Sun Studio.

Gold members of the club received an additional CD, with tracks related to the articles in the magazine. I know what I will be reading and listening to this weekend!

Tracks: Baby Let's Play House / Rocket 88 (Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats) / Stuck On You (Timex Special - March 26, 1960) / Stuck On You (take 1) / Indescribably Blue (home recording 1966) / I'll Remember You (take 1) / Love Me, Love The Life I Lead (take 5, 6) / In My Way (take 2) / Who Are You (Who Am I?) / 

Inherit The Wind (August 26, 1969 DS) / She Thinks I Still Care (take 2) / Coat Of Many Colors (Dolly Parton, live) / I Will Always Love You (Dolly Parton) / Miracle Of The Rosary (take 1) / Put Your Hand In The Hand (rehearsal and take 1).

This issue arrived later than originally planned. Of course, that doesn’t change the number of magazines fans will receive in 2026. For more information or the magazine or becoming a member, please visit the >>> ElvisMatters website. 

Helluva Ride

Red West's 384-page memoir 'Helluva Ride - Red West: His Remarkable Life Before, During and After Elvis and The Memphis Mafia' by Red and Pat West with Jon W. Sparks) has been published as a paperback and hardback editions. 

Description: Nobody had a friendship with Elvis Presley like Red West. The relationship between Red and Elvis was born in respect, cultivated through experience, and rocked and rolled through all the ups and downs that true friends go through over the decades. They worked together and played together; they fought together and fought each other; they laughed about the wild, unbelievable world they lived in.

Elvis changed Red's life. Red tried to save Elvis's life. It started in high school when Red took care of some bullies who targeted the kid who brought his guitar to school. So, when barely known Elvis started touring the South, he invited Red to come along. Red was a pal, a roadie, and quite naturally a keeper of the peace, even if the peace got a little rough around the edges.

From rowdy taverns in the early days to a stint in Germany to the wild times in Hollywood to the top hotels in Las Vegas, Red was there. And the last thing he ever did for Elvis - even though it got him fired - was the act of a friend protecting a friend.

Red received acclaim for his work as an actor in film and television. He also wrote dozens of tunes, many recorded by Elvis, Ricky Nelson, Pat Boone, Johnny Rivers, and Dusty Springfield, among others.

The book is available from >>> Amazon.

Elvis - The Legend

Here is the cover-art for the upcoming book 'Elvis - The Legend: The Authorized Book from the Official Graceland Archive' by Gillian Gaar. 

Description: Elvis passed away in 1977 but his spirit lives on. Drawing from the Elvis Presley Estate's thousands of photographs from all eras of Elvis' career, this book features rare memorabilia and insights into The King's life. Housed in an elegant hardback slipcase this beautiful book comes complete with four removable, framable artwork prints taken from the Graceland Archive.

Telling the personal story of Elvis and his relationships with those near and dear to him, Elvis - The Legend contains more than 150 colour and black and white photographs from the official Graceland Archives, accompanied by insightful text by an Elvis expert.

To take you closer than ever before to the King, 30 items of rare memorabilia are carefully reproduced on the page, including personal letters, receipts, telegrams, publicity material and other fascinating items which provide new insight and unprecedented access into the life of a legend.

The book is due for release in August 2027, but you can already pre-order it from >>> Amazon.

(Source: Pascal Matteo / Elvis Presley Collectors Group on Facebook / Amazon)