September 08 - Christmas at Graceland

The Magic of Vinyl / Power Station Music record label released of the vinyl / book concept album 'Christmas at Graceland' by Elvis and Friends. This Collector's Edition LP / book package is limited to 1,111 copies.

Description: It is Christmas Eve, and Elvis Presley is at home in Graceland. The house is brightly lit, snow rests on the Cadillac outside, and what begins as a private evening gradually becomes a musical legend. Old friends, unexpected guests and the great voices of American music fill the rooms: Rock and Roll, crooner swing, blues and timeless Christmas classics come together in a warm, nostalgic concept album with genuine gift appeal. 

The release comes as a special half-half edition and is ideal for Christmas displays, vinyl lovers, Elvis fans and everyone looking for more than just another standard holiday collection. 

An emotional cover, a strong tracklist and the included Graceland Christmas story make this record a truly special seasonal item for the Christmas market: atmospheric, elegant and instantly understandable. American Christmas nostalgia, told through songs, and made for vinyl. 

The carefully curated song selection makes the record not only a strong seasonal release, but also an attractive concept album in its own right.

The set is available from >>> Amazon.

Tracks: 

1 Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me) - Elvis Presley

2 Run Rudolph Run - Chuck Berry

3 Jingle Bell Rock - Bobby Helms

4 Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee

5 Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane) - Elvis Presley

6 (There's No Place Like) Home For The Holidays - Perry Como

7 Santa Baby - Eartha Kitt

8 Jingle Bells - Frank Sinatra

9 Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! - Dean Martin

10 Blue Christmas - Elvis Presley

11 I'll Be Home For Christmas - Elvis Presley

12 Little Drummer Boy - Johnny Cash

13 Please Come Home For Christmas - Charles Brown

14 Winter Wonderland - Louis Armstrong

15 Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Connie Francis

16 Only The Lonely - Roy Orbison

17 The Christmas Song - Nat King Cole

18 Silent Night - Elvis Presley

(Source: Pascal Matteo / PSM Music)

September 07 - Album By Album

Motorbooks announced the August 17, 2027 release of the the book 'Elvis: Album by Album' by the Seattle-based author Gillian G. Gaar. 

Description: Discover the complete story behind every original Elvis Presley album, from the recordings that launched rock ’n’ roll to the performances that cemented the King’s legend.

Whether you’re a lifelong Elvis fan, a record collector, or simply curious about one of popular music’s most influential artists, Elvis: Album by Album takes you on a fascinating journey through every original US album released during Elvis’s lifetime.

Written by acclaimed Elvis historian Gillian G. Gaar, this richly illustrated volume explores 57 original Presley albums, placing each release in its historical context while revealing the stories behind the music. You’ll learn how the albums were recorded, who played on them, how they performed on the charts, and why they continue to resonate decades after their release.

Vividly illustrated with more than 250 photographs from studio, stage, and film set, as well as album artwork, this comprehensive volume explores:

• Every original Elvis Presley album, from Elvis Presley (1956) through Moody Blue (1977)
• The stories behind landmark recordings such as From Elvis in Memphis, Elvis Is Back!, Blue Hawaii, and Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite
• The origins of beloved songs, including “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Hound Dog,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” “In the Ghetto,” and “Suspicious Minds”
• How Elvis evolved as an artist across rock ’n’ roll, gospel, country, pop, soundtrack recordings, and live performance

Spec boxes offer the finer details of the recordings, such as release dates, track listings, and recording personnel, while lengthier sidebars delve more deeply into Elvis’s film career, comeback years, Las Vegas era, and enduring cultural influence.

Published to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Elvis’s passing, this authoritative volume allows you to experience his remarkable artistic evolution one album at a time, from the explosive energy of his earliest recordings to the mature performances of his final years.

If you want to understand not just who Elvis Presley was, but how his music changed across two decades of unprecedented success, 'Elvis Presley: Album by Album' is the essential guide to one of the greatest recording careers in popular music history.

The Kindle version of the book is available for pre-order from >>> Amazon  ut a physical edition is in the planning.

Gillian Gaar has written several acclaimed books including "Return of the King: Elvis Presley's Great Comeback", "Elvis the Legend: The Authorised Book from the Graceland Archives", and "Elvis Presley Treasures: The Story of the King of Rock 'n' Roll Told Through His Personal Mementos. 

New Portraits Volumes (Updated)

KJ Consulting announced the November 2026 release of two new volumes in the 'Portraits' series: 'Portraits Volume 5: The 70's - 1970 - 1972' and 'Portraits Volume 6: The 70's - 1973 - 1977', both by Erik Lorentzen and Robert van Beek. 

Publicity stated: Spread over 2024 - 2026 we offer you 5 books, themed 1953 - 1977 with a 60's double feature and the 70's double feature. These from the seventies are the last from an era of 'Elvis Portraits'.

 

Erik's collection of photos is so immense that he can build a bridge from Norway to another continent and he's showing off with this edition. We simply compiled the best of the best photos and re-evaluated those that weren't good enough to make sure that you, the fan and collector, don't get disappointed with images that already floating around the internet  - page after page - we offer you the most intense portraits of Elvis in the best quality you've ever seen.

 

400 pages each printed on beautiful laminated paper that will do the images right to the man, presented in a hard cover book with the most personal portraits of the most photographed and photogenic person in the world, Elvis Presley (many unseen too).

 

His appearance, his charming approach, his gorgeous looks, he can play the photographer's lens with his personality and gorgeous looks as you will discover going through the pages, there is not one bad picture shown here or in the other volume. Elvis is the most recognizable person in the world, even more so today, 49 years after his untimely death. Young and old of every generation will recognize something of themselves in that man who once had a dream being a young boy, a truck driver, an electrician. Elvis made all of his dreams come true from the age of nineteen, he was privileged with his looks and worked hard on his image to improve. A millionaire at 21, a sex symbol at the same age too. A movie star, an extraordinary personality and a living legend.

 

Elvis touched many lives and these books contains all facets of that time that we remember him by. For every reader there is a memory of a particular photo printed in each book. He touched me and so he did touched you, in one way or another!

The 'Clambake - Behind the Scenes' book and vinyl combo appears to have been pushed back to October, despite earlier announcements that the set was "at the printer". The 'A Date With Elvis & For LP Fans Only - Double Features' limited edition vinyl albums were pushed back to November according to the Elvis Files website, while the 'Elvis Gold Rush - Golden Records Vol.1 to 4' four LP / book combo still has "2026 / 2027" as the street date. The two volumes of 'Elvis Presley The Army Years' are still due in "2027". 

(Source: Amazon / The Elvis Files / Nigel Patterson)

September 05 - Mississippi Live

The Panther Record import record label announced the release of the double LP 'Mississippi Live - September 5, 1976' as a Limited Edition 50th Anniversary Deluxe Foldout Edition of 200 copies on clear and on black vinyl. 

Publicity stated: It was 50 years ago, late August 1976, Elvis Presley embarked on his seventh tour of the year (counting the Lake Tahoe residency in May). Unfortunately, he kicked off the tour with some highly questionable performances, most notably the show on August 28 in Houston, Texas. However, the quality improved slightly over the following days. 

Looking back now, it is truly astonishing that Elvis delivered such a magnificent performance in Jackson, Mississippi, on September 5, 1976. The show was captured as a soundboard recording that impressed in terms of audio quality, so much so that Joan Deary considered releasing it along with other highlights from 1976 as part of the now famous ''A Golden Celebration'' boxset (though that never happened). 

It would take more than 30 years for the recording to finally reach fans' CD players, yet little attention was paid to properly mastering the original tape. Panther Records has happily stepped in to handle this task, releasing this wonderful show as a high-quality double LP in a Deluxe foldout sleeve to mark the 50th anniversary of the concert. What can fans expect? A noticeably broader, clearer soundstage and a far more enjoyable listening experience. It makes it much more fun to enjoy the dynamic opening, featuring a top-notch rendition of 'See See Rider' (complete with a slightly different guitar solo from James Burton). 

Elvis’s enthusiasm and joy in performing come across even more vividly on vinyl than it did on CD. The show from September 5, 1976 is virtually flawless and culminates in a powerful version of the gospel song 'How Great Thou Art', in which Elvis once again proves himself a true vocal virtuoso. Side D of the double LP-set also holds a few bonus tracks with highlights from the later part of the tour. 

Side A: Also Sprach Zarathustra / See See Rider / I Got A Woman - Amen / Love Me / Fairytale / You Gave Me A Mountain/

Side B: All Shook Up / 2. Teddy Bear - Don't Be Cruel / And I Love You So / Jailhouse Rock / America The Beautiful (with reprise) / Introductions - Early Morning Rain / What'd I Say / Johnny B. Goode / Drum Solo (by Ronnie Tutt)

Side C: The Blues (Bass Solo by Jerry Scheff) / Battle of New Orleans (Bass solo by Jerry Scheff) / Piano solo (by Tony Brown) / Electric keyboard solo (by David Briggs) / Love Letters - Introductions Continued / Hurt / Hound Dog / Danny Boy (by Sherrill Nielsen) / That's All Right / Blue Christmas - Jingle Bells (instrumental)

Side D: How Great Thou Art / Can't Help Falling In Love / Closing Vamp / Polk Salad Annie (September 6, 1976 - Afternoon Show) / One Night (September 8, 1976) / Why Me Lord (September 8, 1976) / Mystery Train - Tiger Man (September 8, 1976).

Elvis Sold Out - Book 1

The Brazilian fan club O Mundo De Elvis has published the book Portugese 'Elvis Sold Out - Book 1' by Waldenir Cecon.

The publicity announcement stated: With great pride, we announce the release of the book 'Elvis Sold Out – Book 1'. More than 14 years after the publication of the  first edition back in 2012, a great deal of new information has come to light, and hundreds of new CD releases featuring shows from Elvis' tours have been issued. So the time has come the give Brazilian and Portuguese-speaking fans a fully updated edition of one of our best-selling books.

'Elvis Sold Out - Book 1' comes with 498 pages and, besides data on every show Elvis performed on tour between 1970 and 1974 - such as the setlist sung at each show, audience numbers, the jumpsuit worn, and newspaper reviews from the time - it features more than 200 photos and over 170 CD covers containing shows from that period.

'Elvis Sold Out – Book 1' is a complete guide, already released in Brazil, covering Elvis's tours between 1970 and 1974. At the end of the year, 'Elvis Sold Out - Book 2' will be released, covering the tours from 1975 – 1977, bringing the total to more than 1,000 pages packed with information.

The book can be purchased in two versions: a color edition on glossy coated paper, or a black-and-white version on polén paper (a yellowish-toned paper).

(Source: email / Waldenir Cecon)

September 04 - Rockin' At The Movies

The New Continent record label released the LP 'Elvis At The Movies' as a limited Edition on red colored vinyl containing a selection of hits from his first movies.

Tracks side A: (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear - Loving You - Got A Lot O´ Livin` To Do - Mean Woman Blues - King Creole - Hard Headed Woman - Love Me Tender - Wooden Heart - Tonight Is So Right For Love - G. I. Blues - Blue Suede Shoes.

Side B - Blue Hawaii - Can't Help Falling In Love - Rock-A-Hula Baby - Follow That Dream - What A Wonderful Life - King Of The Whole Wide World - Flaming Star: - Wild In The Country - Girls! Girls! Girls! - Return To Sender - Jailhouse Rock.

Rockin' EP's

The French V.P.I. record label re-issued the Danish and the German EP's titled 'Rockin' Presley'.

Description Danish EP: With its exclusive sleeve - unique to the Danish pressing - 'Rockin' Presley' is one of Elvis Presley's most sought-after European 45s. Released in the late 1950s, it also stands out for having a tracklist that differs from other editions of the era, making it a must-have for collectors.

This reissue honors the spirit of the now-rare original and is available on gold, silver, black, white and pink colored vinyl, each color limited to 200 copies. 

Side A: Hound Dog - Don't Be Cruel

Side B: When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again - Paralyzed

Description German EP: The German 45 RPM EP 'Rockin’ Presley' (EPA 9500), released in 1956, is one of Elvis Presley’s most iconic European EPs. With its understated, elegant cover and four essential classics 'Hound Dog', 'Don’t Be Cruel', 'I Want You, I Need You, I Love You' and 'Heartbreak Hotel', it has become a sought-after item for collectors. 

Side A: Hound Dog - Don't Be Cruel

Side B: I Want You, I Need You, I Love You - Heartbreak Hotel

This reissue is available on black silver, red, pink and creme colored vinyl, each color limited to 200 copies. 

September 02 - I Found My Thrill In Vegas and NY

The Panther Records import record label announced the release of the double CD 'I Found My Thrill In Vegas'.

Publicity stated: The autumn of 1973 was a difficult time for Elvis. Health issues, likely exacerbated by his divorce from Priscilla, which was particularly painful for him, played a role in this. It is all the more remarkable, then, that he delivered such fantastic recording sessions at Memphis’s Stax Studio in December 1973.

This positive momentum continued during his Las Vegas residency in January and February 1974. Elvis’ shows during this period were characterized by high spirits and a genuine enthusiasm for performing. 

While there was somewhat less interaction with the audience between songs, this did not detract from the overall great quality of the concerts. Two truly outstanding performances took place on February 7, the Dinner and Midnight Shows. 

Although the dinner show appeared on CD seventeen years ago, the midnight show has never before been released on CD. We are therefore offering a previously unreleased show on this new double-CD set. As always with Panther Records, the recordings have been remastered using state-of-the-art technology and feature excellent, clear audience-sourced audio. 

Disc 1 – Dinner Show: See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Love Me - Trying To Get To You - Sweet Caroline - Love Me Tender - Johnny B. Goode - Hound Dog - Fever - Polk Salad Annie - Killing Me Softly (The Voice) - Spanish Eyes - Why Me Lord* - Suspicious Minds** - Band Introductions - Blueberry Hill / I Can’t Stop Loving You - Help Me - An American Trilogy - Let Me Be There (With Reprise) - Can’t Help Falling In Love (*Taken from February 8th, 1974 M.S. / **Spliced with February 8th, 1974 M.S.)

 
Disc 2 – Midnight Show: Also Sprach Zarathustra* - See See Rider** - I Got A Woman / Amen - Love Me - Trying To Get To You - Sweet Caroline - Love Me Tender - Johnny B. Goode - Hound Dog - Fever - Polk Salad Annie - Killing Me Softly (The Voice) - Spanish Eyes** - Why Me Lord** - Suspicious Minds - Introductions - I Can’t Stop Loving You - Help Me - An American Trilogy - Let Me Be There - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

New York City First Night

The VV import record label announced the late September 2026 release of the vinyl set 'New York City First Night'.

Publicity stated: 'New York City First Night' is an ambitious project that highlights Elvis' legendary performance at Madison Square Garden. This new VV Records set features the complete concert of the first night, June 09, 1972 8,30 PM show.

This double vinyl set features a high-quality ambient recording that was previously released on CD. It is now available in vinyl and has been remastered from the original source with a very good sound. The set will be packaged in a glossy gatefold, and as a bonus, we have included a special collector's card. This is a must-have for any fan!

The VV label is thrilled to be part of this significant event, showcasing Elvis at the peak of his performance. The June 1972 tour marked a high point in Elvis' career, with the first show exemplifying this pinnacle. Despite experiencing some natural nervousness, the performances at Madison Square Garden became a highlight of his career. The opening night on June 9, 1972, was particularly memorable, as he delivered intense and powerful sets featuring a diverse selection of songs that reflected the repertoire from his previous tour.
 
June 1972: Elvis finally at centre of world with four sold-out shows. RCA planned to record the opening for an LP release, but due to technical reasons, they recorded both shows of the second day. Here’s your opportunity to experience an incredible sound on opening night. The ambient recording captures the live atmosphere of the show, allowing listeners to relive the experience as if they were truly present.

This previously unreleased-on-vinyl concert is presented at 45 RPM. The RPM allows for finer groove detail and improved fidelity, particularly in capturing nuances and high-frequency content. This makes 45 RPM records ideal for audiophile-grade recordings where clarity and dynamic range are prioritized.

This new VV Special Product will be housed in a deluxe 300-gram sleeve that includes the double 150-gram vinyl plus a Bonus 30x30 cm special collector card.  
 
To create a special collector’s item, the 360 copies will be presented with three different hand numbered vinyl color variations. 

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

(Source: Elvis Shop London / Pascal Matteo)

September 01 - Irish Songs of the Heart

The Danish Memphis Mansion announced the late September 2026 release of the vinyl 45 RPM single 'Irish Songs of the Heart'. It features newly created Mono II Stereo mixes of  'Danny Boy' and 'I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen' by Anthony Stuchbury on green colored vinyl. The single is limited to 200 copies. 

(Source: Memphis Mansion)

August 27 - Christmas Single

The Official U.K. Elvis Presley Fan Club announced the October 2026 release of their festive vinyl single 'If Every Day Was Like Christmas' coupled with 'Silent Night'. 

Publicity stated: Whether you’re adding to your own Elvis collection or looking for the perfect Christmas gift for an Elvis fan, this gorgeous green vinyl is a real festive must-have and a Fan Club limited edition.

Don’t leave it until Christmas… get yours while stocks are available and make sure there’s a little Elvis under the tree this year!

Roy Turner Temporarily Stepping Back

Executive Director of the Elvis Presley Birthplace, Roy Turner, is taking some time away from the Birthplace to focus on his health and recovery. We wish him a speedy recovery!

The Birthplace posted online: We’ve had so many people checking in and asking about our Executive Director, Roy Turner, and we want you to know how much that means to all of us. Roy is taking some time away from the Birthplace to focus on his health and recovery, and we hope you’ll continue to keep him in your prayers.

Here at the Birthplace, it’s business as usual. Our doors are open, our events and programs are moving forward, and our team is taking good care of the place Roy loves so much.

If you’d like to send Roy a card or a note of encouragement, please send it to:

Roy Turner

Elvis Presley Birthplace

P.O. Box 1339

Tupelo, MS 38802

Roy Turner wrote the foreword for 'Elvis Day By Day 2025'. 

(Source: Official U.K. Elvis Presley Fan Club / Elvis Presley Birthplace)

August 25 - New Rockwell Vinyl

The U.K. based Rockwell record label re-issued three titles with a new design: 'All Shook Up' on yellow colored vinyl, 'Tender Love - 16 Tender Love Songs' on pewter vinyl and 'Any Way You Want Me' on black vinyl. These albums were originally released in 2011, 2010 and 2016 respectively.

'All Shook Up' features part 1 of Elvis Presley in 1957. Tracks side A: All Shook Up / I BelieveThat's When Your Heartaches Begin / (There'll Be) Peace In The Valley / Take My Hand, Precious Lord / Mean Woman Blues / Got A Lot O' Livin' To Do!

Side Two: (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Lonesome Cowboy / It Is No Secret (What God Can Do) / Have I Told You Lately That I Love You / Blueberry Hill / Is It So Strange / Hot Dog / Party.

'Any Way You Want Me' featuring more of The King’s studio recordings from 1956. Tracks side A: I’m Counting On You / Trying To Get To You / Blue Suede Shoes / One-Sided Love Affair / My Baby Left Me / So Glad You’re Mine.

Side B: Lawdy, Miss Clawdy / Shake, Rattle And Roll / I Want You, I Need You, I Love You / Hound Dog / Don’t Be Cruel / Any Way You Want Me (That’s How It Will Be) / Love Me Tender / We’re Gonna Move.

'Tender Love' has "a gentle pace and relaxing compilation of some of Elvis’s greatest love songs" according to the publicity.  

Tracks side A: Young Dreams / True Love / Playing For Keeps / Have I Told You Lately That I Love You / My Wish Came True / Let Me / Trying To Get To You / Love Me Tender

Side B: I’m Counting On You / Any Way You Want Me  (That’s How I Will Be) / First In Line / I Want You, I Need You, I Love You / Loving You / Young And Beautiful / As Long As I Have You / Wear My Ring Around Your Neck.

The albums are available from the >>> Rockwell webshop. 

Dolly Parton Died

Country music legend, singer, actress, business woman, philanthropist and Hall of Famer Dolly Parton died, she was 80. 

With a distinguished career that lasted decades, Parton is the best-selling female country music artist of all time, having sold more than 160 million albums worldwide since 1967.

Parton released a slew of hits, including 'I Will Always Love You' which Elvis wanted to record. Dolly Parton said "no" when the Colonel demanded half of the publishing rights. "I said, ‘I’m sorry, but I can’t give you the publishing.’ I wanted to hear Elvis sing it, and it broke my heart, I cried all night," Parton said, “but I had to keep that copyright in my pocket. You have to take care of your business.”

Nevertheless, Elvis had a powerful connection to Parton’s song. She told BBC Radio, "Elvis loved the song. In fact, I talked to Priscilla not very long ago. She said to me, ‘You know, Elvis sang that song to me when we walked down the courthouse steps when we got divorced. He was singing to me ‘I Will Always Love You.’"

More than four decades after Elvis’ death, Parton paid tribute to him and this moment in musical history with a song on her album 'Rockstar' with the song 'I Dreamed About Elvis'. 

Graceland posted: Everyone is a Dolly fan.  Our hearts go out to Dolly’s family, friends and fans.

This copy of Dolly Parton’s 1970 album “A Real Live Dolly” was part of Elvis’ personal record collection at Graceland.

Priscilla posted on social media her sadness at the passing of Dolly Parton.

She noted, "Her music touched all of us, but it was Dolly's warmth, humor and enormous heart that made her truly one of a kind"

Priscilla then repeated the story about Elvis singing 'I will always love you' to her as they left the courthouse after their 1973 divorce. 

Note: Of course Elvis could have said those words - but one day someone must explain to Priscilla (Dolly Parton) that the song was first released on March 18, 1974 while Elvis' courthouse divorce settlement was on October 9, 1973. 

(Source: Rockwell Records / People / Biography / Elvis Information Network)

August 21 - Christmas Peace for James Burton

Due for release on October 23, 2026 is a vinyl edition of the 2003 track 'Christmas Peace' compilation. 

Publicity stated: Few voices have ever made Christmas feel as warm, or faith as deeply personal, as Elvis Presley's. This 2-LP collection brings together his most treasured holiday classics and timeless gospel recordings, a gift-worthy set that belongs in every fan's collection and sounds just as beautiful on Christmas morning as it does year-round.

Side A: Blue Christmas / Here Comes Santa Claus / White Christmas / Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me) / I’ll Be Home For Christmas / Santa Claus Is Back In Town / If Every Day Was Like Christmas / On A Snowy Christmas Night / Winter Wonderland.

Side B: The Wonderful World Of Christmas / It Won't Seem Like Christmas (Without You) / I'll Be Home On Christmas Day / If I Get Home On Christmas Day / Holly Leaves And Christmas Trees / Merry Christmas Baby / Silver Bells.

Side C: O Little Town Of Bethlehem / Silent Night / (There'll Be) Peace In The Valley (For Me) / I Believe / It Is No Secret (What God Can Do) / O Come, All Ye Faithful / The First Noel / His Hand In Mine.

Side D: In My Father’s House / Known Only To Him / Mansion Over The Hilltop / Crying In The Chapel / How Great Thou Art / In The Garden / Somebody Bigger Than You And I / Amazing Grace / He Touched Me.

The LP is available for pre-order from >>> Amazon.

Note: The compilation was originally released as a single CD in 2003 and as Deluxe double CD release in 2004. The LP features 33 of the 40 tracks of the double CD, omitting 'Where No One Stands Alone', 'Without Him', 'We Call On Him', 'Only Believe', 'An Evening Prayer', 'He Is My Everything' and 'If That Isn't Love'. 

Happy Birthday

Elvis' former lead guitar player James Burton celebrated his 87th birthday, congratulations!

(Source: Graceland / James Burton)

August 19 - Blue Hawaii - And Many More New Releases

The new Silver Screen Legacy record label released the the LP 'Blue Hawaii - 65th Anniversary Edition' on splattered vinyl as a Bennies Fifties Exclusive.

This LP is available for pre-order from >>> Bennies Fifties. Today the price is still the 32,99 Euro pre-order price, tomorrow the price will be the normal price of 39,99 Euro.  

Description: Celebrating 65 years of the legendary 1961 Blue Hawaii sessions, The Fifties Store announces a brand new deluxe collector’s edition dedicated to one of Elvis Presley’s most beloved soundtrack recordings.

This exclusive release features a carefully selected collection of outstanding outtakes and alternate takes from the original Radio Recorders Studio B sessions, capturing Elvis at the height of his early sixties recording career.

Special care has been taken with both sound and presentation. The recordings for this release were carefully mastered by Petrushka for the best possible listening experience. They are not copied from previously released CDs, but sourced from collector material and prepared with warmth, clarity and depth in mind. The result is a sound quality that stands proudly alongside respected earlier releases.

Pressed on spectacular splatter vinyl and limited to only 200 copies worldwide, this edition was created especially for serious Elvis collectors and lovers of high quality vinyl productions.

The deluxe presentation includes beautifully designed full colour printed inner sleeves featuring rare photographs made from original negatives, together with extensive liner notes exploring the cultural phenomenon of Hawaii in America during the late fifties and early sixties, the legendary recording sessions themselves and Elvis’ unique connection with the islands.

Inspired by the classic RCA Living Stereo era, the artwork combines vintage atmosphere with modern collector quality, making this release feel like a lost premium Presley album from the golden age of vinyl.

Features:

• Strictly limited to 200 copies

• Exclusive splatter vinyl pressing

• Deluxe printed inner sleeves

• Rare photographs from original negatives

• Extensive liner notes

• Carefully selected outtakes and alternate takes

• Newly mastered audio prepared from collector sources

More than sixty five years after the original sessions, Blue Hawaii continues to capture the romance, atmosphere and musical magic that made Elvis Presley the soundtrack of an American dream. Carefully selected from the original 1961 recording sessions at Radio Recorders Studio B, Hollywood.

Tracklisting side A: Steppin’ Out Of Line (Unedited Movie Version, Spliced Takes 8 and 19) / Almost Always True (Take 5) / Beach Boy Blues (Take 3, Movie Version) / No More (Take 11) / Hawaiian Sunset (Take 7) / Ku-U-I-Po (Take 1) / Island Of Love (Take 8).

Side B: Rock A Hula Baby (Take 3) / Ito Eats (Take 5) / Moonlight Swim (Take 2) / Can’t Help Falling In Love (Take 16, Movie Version) / Hawaiian Wedding Song (Take 1) / Aloha Oe (Section 2, Take 3).

More Vinyl

Three new LPs were announced: ‘From a Jack to a King’ on the Petticoat import record label, ‘For The Asking - The Alternate Lost Album’ and ‘The European Side of Elvis - The Alternate Album’ on the Victory import record label. All albums come on colored vinyl with either a bonus CD or photo. 

 

Publicity for ‘‘From a Jack to a King’ stated: Petticoat Records returns with another carefully selected release for the serious Elvis Presley collector.

Known for presenting rare, alternate and previously overlooked Elvis recordings on high-quality vinyl, Petticoat Records has built a distinctive reputation among collectors for combining fascinating archival material with beautifully produced, limited-edition vinyl releases. Previous Petticoat editions have explored everything from studio outtakes and alternate mixes to live performances and recordings that made their vinyl debut.

This latest release continues that tradition with 14 outstanding rare and alternate country recordings, offering a fascinating opportunity to hear Elvis in a different light. Carefully selected for their rarity and collector appeal, these performances provide an essential addition to any serious Elvis Presley collection.

The album is presented as a deluxe LP plus bonus CD edition, allowing collectors to enjoy the material in both classic vinyl format and on CD. As with previous Petticoat releases, the album is housed in a stunning full-colour sleeve, beautifully presented and suitable for framing.

Deluxe Collector’s Edition: 

• 14 rare and alternate country recordings

• Bonus CD included

• 180-gram virgin vinyl

• Available on YELLOW or CLEAR vinyl

• Stunning full-colour collector's sleeve

• Limited edition

Petticoat Records has always been about giving collectors something beyond the ordinary, and this release is no exception. Don't miss this latest Petticoat Records edition. Add it to your collection and keep your Petticoat Records series complete!

 

Tracklisting Side A: Green, Green Grass Of Home (Take 1) / Kentucky Rain (Take 3) / Snowbird (Take 2) / Release Me (Recorded Live, February 18, 1977) / Pieces Of My Life (Take 1) / Your Cheatin’ Heart (Take 9, Alternate Master) / He’ll Have To Go (Undubbed Master).

Side B: Fairytale (Take 2) / I Really Don’t Want To Know (Take 2) / From A Jack To A King (Undubbed Master) / Gentle On My Mind (Vocal Repair Version) / Just Call Me Lonesome (Take 6) / Help Me Make It Through The Night (Take 10) / Faded Love (Take 3, Alternate Master). 

 

The CD has the same content. 

Publicity for ‘For The Asking’ stated: In 1963, Elvis Presley was at a fascinating turning point in his career. Following the success of ‘Pot Luck’, Elvis returned to RCA’s famous Studio B in Nashville in May 1963 to record what was intended to become his next major studio album.

Over two days, Elvis recorded a remarkable collection of songs, including ‘Devil In Disguise’, ‘Please Don’t Drag That String Around’, ‘Long Lonely Highway,’ ‘Witchcraft’, ‘Echoes Of Love’, ‘Finders Keepers, Losers Weepers’ and ‘Never Ending’. ‘Devil In Disguise’ was the hit single from the 14 masters that were created during the sessions. But then something extraordinary happened. the planned album was shelved.

As Elvis’s movie career accelerated, the demands for soundtrack albums began to dominate RCA’s release schedule. Instead of issuing a brand-new Elvis studio album, the company increasingly relied on movie soundtracks, greatest-hits collections and singles. The recordings from the Nashville sessions were gradually broken up, with individual songs appearing as single B-sides or as bonus selections on soundtrack albums.

The result was an album that existed in the recording vaults, but never appeared as an official Elvis album during his lifetime. For Elvis fans, this makes ‘For The Asking’ something truly special: a glimpse of the studio album that might have been. 

At last, decades after the original recordings were made, the collection was assembled and released in 1990 in Europe, under the title ‘For The Asking - The Lost Album’, with the American release following in 1991 as ‘The Lost Album’. Featuring Elvis in the Nashville studio during one of the most intriguing periods of his 1960s career, For The Asking brings together a collection of recordings that were never given the opportunity to stand together as an album when they were new.

The European version of this album came out in 1990 and has one of the nicest album covers in the Elvis catalogue. This album is highly sought after by collectors and is becoming increasingly difficult to find. Victory Records proudly presents an alternate album edition featuring 15 rare and hard-to-find recordings, offering collectors a unique opportunity to discover an album that, in our opinion, should have been available many decades ago.

Carefully selected for their rarity and quality, these recordings make this a truly fascinating release for every serious collector. Available as a strictly limited edition on Red or Blue vinyl, this special release also includes a bonus CD

 

Tracks side A: Long Lonely Highway (Take 1 / Single Master) / Western Union (Take 3) / 

Witchcraft (Take 2) / Love Me Tonight (Take 5) / What Now, What Next, Where To (Original 2- Track Stereo Mix) / Please Don’t Drag That String Around (Take 5) / Blue River (Takes 1 And 2) / Never Ending (Take 1).

Side B: (You’re The) Devil In Disguise (Take 3) / Finders Keepers Losers Weepers (Take 1) / Echoes Of Love (Takes 2 And 3) / Slowly But Surely (Take 1) / It Hurts Me (Take 1) / Memphis Tennessee (Take 5) / Ask Me (Take 7).

The CD holds the same tracks.

Publicity for ‘The European Side Of Elvis’ stated: Discover a side of Elvis Presley you may never have heard quite this way before. Every song on ‘The European Side of Elvis - The Alternate Album’ has a connection to Europe. Some were written by European songwriters. Others feature European words, phrases or expressions woven into the lyrics. And some reveal an intriguing musical connection, English-language adaptations of songs originally recorded or written in Italian.

Together, these songs tell a fascinating story of the relationship between Elvis Presley and European music and culture, a connection that can be heard not only in the melodies, but in the words, the writers and the origins behind the songs. From rock ’n’ roll to romance, from Italy to the wider European continent, The European Side of Elvis uncovers the international influences hidden within the music of The King. Different songs, different stories, one unmistakable voice.

This ‘Alternate Album’ version is limited to only 100 copies per color. Each album contains a bonus CD or bonus photo, and is Available in Red or Orange vinyl.

Side A: It’s Now Or Never (Undubbed Master) / Surrender (Spliced Take 7) / You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me (Take 2) / Ask Me (Rejected 1963 Master) / Santa Lucia (Vocal Overdub Take 3) / Tonight’s All Right For Love (Take 1) / My Way (Live 04-05-77) / What Now My Love (Live 01-14-73) / I Love Only One Girl (Take 1) / Almost Always True (Take 6).

Side B: Wooden Heart (Take 4) / Tonight Is So Right For Love (Take 7).

Side B Bonus Songs: Yesterday (Live, February 1970) / It’s Easy For You (Take 1) / My Boy (Take 2) / Wonderful World (Take 15) / The Last Farewell (Take 2) / Heart Of Rome (Different Mix).

The CD holds the same tracks.

New Follow That Dream Collector Label Releases

The Follow that Dream Collector’s label announced no less than four new book, CD and vinyl sets: the ‘Paradise, Hawaiian Style’ double LP, the ‘The Frankie And Johnny Sessions’ triple CD set, the 'Elvis: Memphis In March ‘74’ triple CD set and the book / 2-CD combo 'Celluloid Sell-Out 1968-1969'. The titles are due for release September 21, 2026.

Publicity for ‘Paradise, Hawaiian Style’ stated: FTD Vinyl is pleased to announce the release of ‘Paradise, Hawaiian Style’. This edition contains a selection of original soundtrack Masters and Studio Outtakes. It may have taken 60 years, but finally the cover features an appropriate portrait photo from the production itself as opposed to 'Fun In Acapulco!'.

Side A: Paradise, Hawaiian Style - This Is My Heaven - Stop Where You Are - A Dog’s Life (Take 5, 6) - House Of SAnd (Master With Movie Intro) - Datin’ (Take 5, 9) - Sand Castles:

Side B: Drums Of The Islands - Scratch My Back (Then I’ll Scratch Yours) - Stop Where You Are (Take 1) - A Dog’s Life (Take 8) - Queenie Wahine’s Papaya (Take 4) - This Is My Heaven (Take 1 - 3) - Paradise, Hawaiian Style (Take 1)

Side C: A Dog’s Life (Take 7) - Datin’ (Take 11, 12) - Drums Of The Islands (Take 1) - Sand Castles (Electric Guitar Version Take 4 - 6) - Queenie Wahine’s Papaya - House Of Sand (Take 2, 3) - Scratch My Back (Then I’ll Scratch Yours) (Take 1)

Side D: Paradise, Hawaiian Style (Take 2, 3) - Paradise, Hawaiian Style (Take 4) - Datin’ (Take 13, 14) - Stop Where You Are (Take 2, 3) - This Is My Heaven (Take 4) - Drums Of The Islands (Take 4, 5) - Sand Castles (A Capella).

Designer Jimmy Carpenter wrote about his work for this cover: This is my gatefold sleeve design and label art for the Sony Music/FTD 2-LP set soundtrack companion to Elvis' 1966 'Paradise, Hawaiian Style' album. This FTD limited edition is based on the design style of the original UK release, and features the Red Dot RCA Victor label. FTD is Sony Music's 'Follow That Dream' custom Elvis label. 

Carpenter also noted: Someone on social media has created an edited version of this album art, showing my rear cover design altered with only two sides and with a song from "Blue Hawaii" added. This is obviously a troublemaker with nothing better to do with their time than to try to cause confusion and mayhem. Rest assured, this is the official package shot created by me for FTD.)

Publicity for 'The Frankie And Johnny Sessions' stated: As part of its successful 'Sessions' series, FTD is pleased to announce the release of 'The Frankie And Johnny Sessions - the 60th Anniversary Edition' newly mixed and mastered by Sebastian Jeansson and Vic Anesini, the Masters and Outtakes now offer superior audio to the original 1966 soundtrack album. The 24-page booklet contains many rare photos, memorabilia, movie trivia, recording data and insightful essay.

Disc 1 - Album Masters: Frankie And Johnny - Come Along - Petunia, The Gardener’s Daughter - Chesay - What Every Woman Lives For - Look Out, Broadway - Beginner’s Luck - Down By The Riverside And When The Saints Go Marching In - Shout It Out - Hard Luck - Please Don’t Stop Loving Me - Everybody Come Aboard                                              

 

Outtakes - May 12 - 13, 1965 Sessions: Come Along (Track, Take 6/M) - Beginner’s Luck (Track, Take 5/M) - Down By The Riverside And When The Saints Go Marching In (Track, Take 7/M)

 

May 13 - 14, 1965 Sessions: Come Along (Vocal Overdub Take 1 To Track 6/M) - Beginner’s Luck (Vocal Overdub Take 2 To Track 5/M) - Down By The Riverside And When The Saints Go Marching In (Vocal Overdub Take 4 To Track 7/M) - Please Don’t Stop Loving Me (Take 1 - 3) - Please Don’t Stop Loving Me (Take 4 - 7) - Please Don’t Stop Loving Me (Take 8 - 9) - Please Don’t Stop Loving Me (Take 10) - Please Don’t Stop Loving Me (Take 11 - 16) - Please Don’t Stop Loving Me (Take 17) - Please Don’t Stop Loving Me (Take 18) - Please Don’t Stop Loving Me (Take 19/M)

Disc 2 - Sessions: Shout It Out (Take 1) - Shout It Out (Take 2 - 6) - Shout It Out (Take 7/M) - Frankie And Johnny (Movie Version, Part 1, Track Take 1) - Frankie And Johnny (Movie Version, Part 1, Track Take 2 - 3/M) - Frankie And Johnny (Movie Version, Part 2, Track Take 1/M) - Frankie And Johnny (Movie Version, Part 3, Track Take 1) - Frankie And Johnny (Movie Version, Part 3, Track Take 2/M) - Frankie And Johnny (Movie Version, Part 4, Tracks Take 1 - 2) - Frankie And Johnny (Movie Version, Part 4, Track Take 3/M) - Frankie And Johnny (Movie Version, Part 5, Track Take 1) - Frankie And Johnny (Movie Version, Part 5, Track Take 2/M) - Frankie And Johnny (Movie Version, Part 6, Track Take 1/M & Wild Piano Take 1/M) - Frankie And Johnny (Movie Version, Part 7, Track Take 1 - 2) - Frankie And Johnny (Movie Version, Part 7, Track Take 3 - 4/M)

 

May 14 - 15, 1965 Sessions (Tracks 17 to 20 And 22 To 23 Recorded the night before): Frankie And Johnny (Movie Version, Vocal Overdub From Acetate Source) - What Every Woman Lives For (Track, Take 1) - What Every Woman Lives For (Track, Take 2) - What Every Woman Lives For (Track, Take 3 - 5) - What Every Woman Lives For (Track, Take 6/M) - What Every Woman Lives For (Vocal Overdub Take 8 To Track, Take 6/M) - Hard Luck (Track, Take 1) - Hard Luck (Track, Take 2 - 5 & Ending Tag Take 1 - 2) - Petunia, The Gardener’s Daughter (Take 1) - Petunia, The Gardener’s Daughter (Take 2) - Petunia, The Gardener’s Daughter (Take 3)

 

Disc 3 - May 14 - 15,  1965 Sessions: Petunia, The Gardener’s Daughter (Take 4) - Petunia, The Gardener’s Daughter (Insert, Take 1 - 3) - Petunia, The Gardener’s Daughter (Take 5) - Petunia, The Gardener’s Daughter (Take 6/M) - Look Out, Broadway (Take 1 - 5) - Look Out, Broadway (Take 6 - 8) - Look Out, Broadway (Take 9) - Look Out, Broadway (Take 10 - 12/M) - Everybody Come Aboard (Take 1 - 2A) - Everybody Come Aboard (Take 2B - 4) - Everybody Come Aboard (Take 5 - 10) - Everybody Come Aboard (Take 11 - 13) - Everybody Come Aboard (Take 14 - 15/M) - Everybody Come Aboard (Take 16) - Chesay (Take 1) - Chesay (Take 2 - 4) - Chesay (Take 5 - 6) - Chesay (Take 7/M) - Frankie And Johnny (Record Version, Take 1) - Frankie And Johnny (Record Version, Take 2 - 4) - Frankie And Johnny (Record Version, Take 5 - 6M)

 

May 19,1965 Session - Elvis Vocal Overdub Session At The Samuel Goldwyn Studio: Hard Luck (Vocal Overdub Take 3 To Composite Track Take 5 And End Ending Takes 2 and 1/M) 3:00.

The Elvis Information Network noted: In a similar fashion to 'Paradise Hawaiian Style', Elvis failed to turn up on the first day of the session ("he threw a temper tantrum") and five tracks 'Come Along', 'Beginners Luck', 'Down By The Riverside / When The Saints Go Marchin' In', 'What Every Woman Lives For' and 'Hard Luck' are Vocal Overdubs. 

The previously unreleased official outtakes mostly feature the musicians backing-tracks without Elvis singing. 21 of the sessions 62 'Outtakes' are backing-tracks only. Twelve of those are various versions of the title song!  

Sadly most session tapes of Elvis' vocal overdubs have been lost and FTD only have the master overdub. Hence 'Hard Luck' and 'What Every Woman Lives For' have multiple backing-tracks but only the one master Elvis overdub. The highlight of this release has to be the 13 unreleased takes of 'Please Don’t Stop Loving Me' which includes four complete versions. The 11 unreleased takes of 'Everybody Come Aboard' includes three complete versions. The vast majority of 'new' outtakes have been previously released on bootleg. 

Publicity for ‘Elvis: Memphis In March ‘74’ stated: As part of its ongoing live on tour series, FTD is pleased to announce the release of ‘Elvis: Memphis In March ‘74’. 

Released as a 3-CD 5-Inch digipack, this set features three hometown concert performances from the Mid-South Coliseum.  The concerts feature all of the songs that were recorded by the engineer during the March 1974 tour. Recorded in Mono.

Disc 1 - March 16 Show - Afternoon Show: Also Sprach Zarathustra - See See Rider - I Got A Woman /Amen - Love Me - Trying To Get To You - All Shook Up - Steamroller Blues - Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - Love Me Tender - Johnny B. Goode - Hound Dog - Fever - Polk Salad Annie - Why Me Lord - Suspicious Minds - Introductions - I Can’t Stop Loving You - Help Me - American Trilogy - Let Me Be There - Funny How Time Slips Away - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

 

Disc 2 - March 16 Show - Evening Show: Also Sprach Zarathustra - See See Rider - I Got A Woman /Amen - Love Me - Trying To Get To You - All Shook Up - Steamroller Blues - Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - Love Me Tender - Johnny B. Goode - Hound Dog 1:13Fever - Polk Salad Annie - Why Me Lord - Suspicious Minds - Introductions - I Can’t Stop Loving You - Help Me - American Trilogy - Let Me Be There - Funny How Time Slips Away - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

 

Disc 3 - March 17 Show - Afternoon Show: See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Love Me - Trying To Get To You - All Shook Up - Steamroller Blues - Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel - Love Me Tender - Johnny B. Goode - Hound Dog - Heartbreak Hotel - Fever - Polk Salad Annie - Why Me Lord - Suspicious Minds - Introductions - I Can’t Stop Loving You - Help Me - American Trilogy - Let Me Be There - Funny How Time Slips Away - Can’t Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp

Note: The March 17, 1974 is previously unreleased. 

Publicity for ‘Celluloid Sell-Out 1968-1969’ stated: FTD Books is pleased to announce the release of the Limited Edition book ‘Celluloid Sell Out 1968-1969’ by Bob Pakes.

 

With 448 pages and over 2000 images, it also includes worldwide movie memorabilia and two soundtrack CDs. This volume focusses on the years movies 1968 to 1969 and the movies 'Speedway', 'Stay Away, Joe', 'Live A Little, Love A Little', 'Charro', 'The Trouble With Girls' and 'Change Of Habit'. 

The book is loaded with movie posters, lobby cards, press-books, publicity stills, standees, heralds and much more!

CD 1: There Ain't Nothing Like A Song (With Nancy Sinatra) - Your Time Hasn´t Come Yet, Baby - Five Sleepy Heads - Who Are You? (Who Am I?) - Speedway - Suppose - Let Yourself Go - He's Your Uncle Not Your Dad - Stay Away - Stay Away, Joe - Dominic - All I Needed Was The Rain - Goin´ Home - Too Much Monkey Business - U. S. Male - Wonderful World - Edge Of Reality - A Little Less Conversation- Almost In Love.

CD 2: Change Of Habit - Rubberneckin' - Let's Be Friends - Have A Happy - Let Us Pray - Clean Up Your Own Backyard - Almost - Charro - Let's Forget About The Stars  - Let's Forget About The Stars (Rough Mix) - Charro (Rough Mix) - Clean Up Your Own Backyard (Undubbed Master) - Almost (Undubbed Master) - Swing Down Sweet Chariot (Movie Version) - Swing Down Sweet Chariot (Female Vocals and Brass Overdub) - Signs Of The Zodiac (With Marlyn Mason) - College Songs Medley: Far Above Cayuga's Waters (Featuring Elvis) / Boola Boola / Dartmouth's In Town Again - The Eyes Of Texas - On, Wisconsin / The Wiffenpoof Song (Featuring Elvis) / Fair Harvard / Notre Dame / Violet (Featuring Elvis) - Almost (Take 1, 2, 3) - Almost (Take 4, 6) - Almost (Take 10, 11) - Almost (Take 13) - Almost (Take 14, 15, 16) - Almost (Take 22, 23, 24, 25) - Almost (Take 27, 28) - Almost (Take 29) - Let Us Pray (Alternate Vocal Overdub) - Let Us Pray (Master Vocal Only).

Note: CD 2 is a copy of the 'The Last Movies' FTD compilation. 

Go to the ElvisMatters webshop to pre-order:

>>> the ‘Paradise, Hawaiian Style’ double LP.

>>> the ‘The Frankie And Johnny Sessions’ triple CD set.

>>> the 'Elvis: Memphis In March ‘74’ triple CD set.

>>> the 'Celluloid Sell-Out 1968-1969'.book / 2-CD-set.

Ryman Auditorium Named ACM Theater of the Year

Nashville hosted the 19th annual ACM Honors tonight at The Pinnacle, the Academy of Country Music's yearly celebration of Country Music.

The world-famous Ryman Auditorium was named 'ACM Theater of the Year'. During the presentation, the venue's storied history was celebrated, including a nod to Elvis Presley, one of the legends who once stepped on its stage.

Opened in 1892 as the Union Gospel Tabernacle church, the Ryman later became home to the Grand Ole Opry in 1943. It was there, on October 2, 1954, that a then-unknown 19-year-old Elvis made his only Opry appearance, enough to secure his place in the building's legendary history.

(Source: Bennies Fifties / FTD / ElvisMatters)