The Summer/Fall 2012 magazine of 'Intelligent Collector' puts the focus on 'collecting Elvis'. In a 20 page long article, some of America's top collectors - Rich Consola, Chris Davidson and Robert Alaniz among them - talk about 'intelligent collecting'. Also, a list of some top items is included, from jewelry to contracts and from memorabilia to guitars.
This is Elvis Presley
This is Elvis Presley Vol.1 is part of the 2012 Anniversary tribute, created by Newbury Press for Elvis fans that would like to learn more about their hero Elvis Presley.
Taking three years to create, the tribute series audiobook encompasses areas of Elvis' life that have been rarely explored or written about. Carefully researched, and verified by Elvis' right hand man and road manager Diamond Joe Esposito, the information contained in the set will meet the approval of most discerning fans. This Tribute comes in a box set consisting of 6 Compact Discs that include stories on:
Testimonials:
Testimonials - King Creole and the 10th floor of the Beverly Wilshire Hotel - U.S. Army Induction and the “Threeteens” - Joe Esposito, Kissin' Cousins and the President's Daughter - Drug Enforcement Badge - "Without A Song" - Billboard reacts to "Heartbreak Hotel" - Eddie Bond and the Hi Hat Club - The Radiator Shop that Sam Bought - Grenada, Elvis and the Stamp - Comeback Special Sitting at Elvis’ Feet - A $ 2.5 million Hawaiian Special and a Satellite - The Phoenix Jumpsuits, Ashes and Rebirth - The Jerry Weintraub Scarf Situation - The Benefit and the $108,860 Check - Elvis, the “Louisiana Colonel” - The Story about Elvis’ Black Belts - Saints, Singers and Saint Jude - The House on Hillcrest Road - Mrs. Oleta Grimes and “Old Shep” - The Godfather of Soul and the King's Use of Capes - Roy Orbison Seeing Elvis on Stage - Vegas and the King - Martin Scorcese and the Elvis on Tour Movie - The Tour Production and The Air Force Arrives - Elvis' '73 Lincoln Continental - Homecoming Deception - The Graceland Mansion - Elvis and the Robert Vesco Plane - Milton Berle and the Pan Letters - The "Hound Dog" Show - The Elvis Continentals
(Source: ElvisMatters)
The original 1980 album 'Elvis Sings The Blues' was re-issued on CD by an yet unknown import label in a limited edition digipack of 500 copies. This re-issue contains the original 15 tracks and several bonus tracks.
Tracklisting:
When It Rains, It Really Pours - New Orleans (Electronic Reprocessed Stereo) - It Feels So Right - A Mess Of Blues (Mono Master) - Like A Baby - Reconsider Baby - I Feel So Bad (Mono Master) - Give Me The Right - Beach Boy Blues - Big Boss Man - Stranger In My Own Home Town - Power Of My Love - My Babe - Got My Mojo Working - Steamroller Blues
Bonus Songs:
I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone (Slow Version) - Lawdy Miss Clawdy (Take 1) - Ain't That Loving You Baby (Take 1) - Down In The Alley (Take 6) - Tiger Man (Live, 2nd Sitdown Show, "NBC Special" 1968 ) - Trying To Get To You (Live, 2nd Sitdown Show, "NBC Special" 1968) - After Loving You (Take 3) - Baby What You Want Me To Do (22.08.1969 M/S) - My Baby Left Me (20.03.1974 - Memphis Tennessee) - Shake A Hand (Original Session Mix) - Good Time Charlie's Got The Blues (Unedited Undubbed Master)
The Classic Christmas Album(s)
Due for release on October 02, 2012 from Sony in their Legacy Series is the CD 'The Classic Christmas Album'.
Tracklisting:
I'll Be Home For Christmas - Blue Christmas - Winter Wonderland - The First Noel - The Wonderful World Of Christmas - Holly Leaves And Christmas Trees - O Come, All Ye Faithful - Merry Christmas Baby - I'll Be Home On Christmas Day - If Every Day Was Like Christmas - White Christmas - Silent Night - Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane) - O Little Town Of Bethlehem - Santa Claus Is Back In Town - Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me) - Blue Christmas
The Cargo budget label announced the rerelease of their "Songs For Christmas" (1 CD) and "Christmas Gift" (3 CD) compliations. Both are due October 19, 2012.
Collecting Elvis
Volume 17 in the German 'Elvis Sammlung' was released. This edition contains the movie 'Change Of Habit', memorabelia reproductions, a magazine and a small poster from the 'king Creole' movie
(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / Amazon)
The book 'Elvis Presley - Rock & Roll´s King' by Stephanie Watsonwith September 02, 2012 as the release-date.
Rehearsals
At the SONY/FTD presentation held during Elvis Week,
Ernst spoke about how he hunted for the rehearsal tape which he recently released on the FTD label entitled ‘From Hawaii To Las Vegas'‘.
Don Lance owned the tape and he worked at the Hilton during this time and when he heard Elvis and his band rehearsing, so he left his tape recorder running on a table and would go
back for it a little later on.
After Elvis' death in 1977, he remembered the tape and would eventually offer all his tapes to RCA and Joan Deary in the 1980s but for some unknown reason they were not interested. So what about those "tapes".....well at this presentation, Ernst did confirm that there is at least two more unreleased Elvis rehearsals which will see a release on FTD very soon.
The King of Rock 'N' Roll: The Complete 50'S Masters
Sony announced the re-release of the "The King Of Rock And Roll - The Complete 50's Masters" in a budget package this October.
(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / FECC)
The book 'Once Upon A Time: Elvis And Anita' by Jonnita Brewer Barrett, Anita’s daughter, was released.
Synopsis:
The year was 1957. Elvis Presley was on top of the world. Just twenty-two at the time, he was not just the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll but a handsome prince who had his choice of all the fair maidens in the land, and yet, like a true fairy tale, he fell in love with Anita Wood, a rising musical talent with the looks of a beauty queen. Anita put her own career aside to be with Elvis, her first love and his steady girlfriend for the next five years.
Once Upon A Time: Elvis And Anita is a heartfelt memoir of Anita’s life with Elvis from 1957 through 1962. Written by Jonnita Brewer Barrett, Anita’s daughter, the book takes readers back to a magical time that many believe was among the best years of Elvis’ life: His career was taking off, he had just purchased Graceland (where Anita lived with Elvis for most of their time together), and life seemed incredibly good. Through her daughter, Anita recaptures the joy and excitement of two young people in love. She shares many key moments that bonded her with Elvis’ family, including the shocking news that he had been drafted by the Army in 1958, and the devastation he felt later that year by the sudden death of his beloved mother, Gladys. ONCE UPON A TIME traces Anita’s own journey in show business which included appearances with such entertainment legends as Jack Paar, Buddy Hackett, Andy Williams and Dick Van Dyke. But it also revisits some of the most painful memories of Anita’s life, from the lengths that Elvis’ manager took to shield their relationship from the public, to the heartache and betrayal that made her realize that the fairy tale had to end.
Memphis Elvis Week Auction Results
A library card bearing the signature of a 13-year-old Elvis Presley was sold at auction for $7500, doubling estimates. The autograph is believed to be the earliest signature of the King of Rock and Roll. The auctioneers did not expect much from the library card signed to borrow a copy of "The Courageous Heart: A Life of Andrew Jackson for Young Readers" from Humes High School in Memphis in 1948.
The card was discovered during a library inventory in the book about US President Andrew Jackson, one of the founders of the Democratic Party. The book was sold at auction along with the autograph.
A pair of iconic Elvis Presley sunglasses was the top lot Tuesday at the Ultimate Elvis auction presented to an international crowd of collectors at The Peabody hotel. The 1974 pair of "Tiger Man" sunglasses brought $22,500, including 25 percent buyers premium, and was among personal items that were popular with bidders at the sale, presented by Dallas-based Heritage Auctions. A dark dress jacket made by Sy Devore from the 1960s brought $12,500, and a gray trench coat from Lansky Brothers of Memphis, $12,188.
Fans chattered in a dozen languages before the opening lot — Presley's 1956 signed William Morris contract — sold for $10,625 at 1 p.m.
Over the next five hours, the live-streamed auction accepted offers from bidders on the floor, phone, and Internet for over 300 lots intimately connected with the King.
Consignment director Garry Shrum, Heritage's music specialist, said before the sale: "There is such a huge fan base for Elvis now, not just older people, but younger generations; you can look around and see them here.
"We're offering a little piece of rock and roll history — guitars connected with Elvis, personal clothing, movie costumes, jewelry that he wore on stage. And then you've got signed contracts and documents as well as merchandise made for fans during his lifetime."
Fans vied to own big chunky pieces of gold and silver jewelry that Elvis often wore and then gave away to friends and fellow musicians. A gold and diamond watch presented to Elvis by Col. Tom Parker sold for $16,250. A 1970s diamond cluster ring and a "Taking Care of Business" necklace with diamonds brought $12,500 each.
Another high price was realized for a standing 6-foot-high advertising figure from "Love Me Tender" (1956), which soared past a $1,250 starting bid to bring $20,000. A Giannini Craviola acoustic guitar, 1973, brought $18,125.
Other items included a 1975 signed check, which sold for $4,375; and a sealed copy of the Speedway (1968) mono LP record, $3,000. Someone paid $4,375 for Presley's 1975 karate ID card.
"Elvis remains one of the most popular and durable figures in American Pop Culture," Margaret Barrett, Director of Entertainment & Music Memorabilia at Heritage Auctions, told Art Daily. "This auction, our second event totally dedicated to Elvis, is a celebration of his amazing life and legacy."
(Source: FECC / Elvis Information Network)
David Troedson from the Elvis Australia website posted an update on the promotion of the latest Elvis Presley release from Sony Music Down Under. The CD is available from >> Elvis Australia.
As we told you last week there would be a huge unprecedented promotion for the 'Elvis By Request' The Australian Edition CD. With the release of the album containing the 40 favourite Elvis songs as voted for by 5000 of his Australian fans, Sony Music Australia came up with a very clever and unique way to attract attention and to the release and at the same time to promote Elvis Presley in general. When every song has been remastered, remixed and reissued to mark each Elvis Presley anniversary over the past three decades, it requires a hefty flex of marketing muscle to move more records. So 35 years after the death of the King of rock 'n' roll, it seemed a good idea to introduce one icon to another, a Sydney Harbour Bridge top Elvis tribute as covered by the Channel Seven 'Sunrise' program from 7:30am to 9am with live crosses to the reporter and assembled fans on the bridge every half hour where the album was mentioned, and promoted, then this was followed by more via the 'Morning Show' from 9am to 11:30am on the same channel. The major newspapers, The 'Sydney Morning Herald', 'The Daily Telegraph', [Sydney] 'The Herald Sun' [Melbourne], www.news.com.au all covered the event, as did TV's 'Sky News' and others. And since orders from major retails have all been increased, everyone is asking for this CD.
Some will find aspects not to their liking, as we do, however I must tell you, knowing the plan, Elvis Australia was on board encouraging Sony from day one, from the moment we were told of the concept, because we could see the ingenuity of it, and the publicity it would generate. I can tell you first hand it is not easy getting the media to cover an Elvis CD release these days with my efforts to [successfully] have newspapers review and/or make mention of the Elvis Presley: 50 Australia Top Ten Hits 1956-1977 release in January 2010.
Now Sony have surpassed that by an unprecedented margin, with the 'Sunrise' morning show being a very high rating program. As fans we all love to see Elvis riding high on the charts, and we should see this in the weeks ahead. To re-ignite sales leading into the Christmas period Sony have organized, controversially to many, a tour of Australia east cost by an Elvis impersonator in November. From Sony's perspective, they are selling tickets, they will sell, and Sony will make a profit, all the while promoting in the media, Elvis By Request Concerts, the idea is fans in the audience can ask for anyone of 30 of the 40 songs to be sung, By Request, everyone can make their own judgment here but the aim is to get the album back up in the charts leading into Christmas, and those important ant potentially huge sales. Just the fact an album is in the charts is publicity, so it is win-win. In video, listen for, 'we don't want any Elvis' to leave the bridge' at the end!!!
Legacy From Another Planet
The re-release of both Madison Square Garden performances entitled 'Prince From Another Planet' will be available as a double CD / DVD package and as a double CD in the 'Legacy' series.
Irish Chart
In Ireland the BMG budget compilation "The Real ... Elvis" entered the albumchart at #25.
German Chart
The 20 disc set 'The Perfect Elvis Presley Collection' entered the German Album charts at #42 this week.
(Source: Elvis Australia / Elvis Info / Amazon)
As the world commemorates the 35th anniversary of the King's passing, it appears he may return to the building. Here's a startling article from the Commercial Appeal.
First Tupac, now the King: Company to produce 'virtual' Elvis Presley.
If seeing is believing, "The King" of rock and roll is returning to the building. Digital Domain Media Group has signed an agreement with CORE Media Group, the parent company of Elvis Presley Enterprises, to develop and produce a series of "virtual" Elvis likenesses for projects, including appearances in shows, film and TV productions.
"This is a new and exciting way to bring the magic and music of Elvis Presley to life. This will become an exciting and fresh way for his lifelong fans to experience Elvis all over again," said Jack Soden, Elvis Presley Enterprises president and CEO. "Elvis still does resonate. Young people discover Elvis every day, experience his voice, charisma and story. "Digital Domain is the best at what they do, and technology is moving very quickly."
This agreement follows a computer-generated likeness of the late rapper Tupac Shakur that wowed audiences at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 15. The video went "viral," pulling in more than 8 million hits on YouTube, as rumors spread that Shakur came out of hiding and made his comeback performance.
The realistic likeness of Shakur reuniting with rapper Snoop Dogg at Coachella was created by Digital Domain "based on techniques developed for the Academy Award-winning computer-generated likeness of Brad Pitt in 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,' Jeff Bridges in 'TRON: Legacy,' Kevin Bacon in 'X-Men: First Class,' and more," according to Digital Domain's website.
Elvis' sound developed a renewed fan base about five years ago when his remixed songs found new ears. " 'A Little Less Conversation' created a new wave of fans," Soden said. "It's not that he was forgotten but that definitely brought him forward in a new demographic." The companies have begun work on the Elvis holograms, but no announcement has been made about when and where audiences can see the first virtual performances. "Elvis is the most iconic, most recognized performer on the planet, and we are thrilled to have been chosen to bring new performances and original shows where fans can have their own, new experiences of Elvis," John Textor, Digital Domain Media Group chairman and CEO, said in a press release. "In addition to being a dream project on the creative side, this agreement enables us to participate in the success of any number of potential virtual Elvis appearances."
CORE Media, which owns the rights to Elvis' likeness, recently restructured itself after another of its properties, "American Idol," saw a ratings drop last season. The company also recently teased upcoming Elvis projects, including a revamp of Graceland. Elvis' likeness has already graced the stage, appearing on "American Idol" in 2007. Celine Dion, in a duet with the computerized King, sang the 1968 hit, "If I Can Dream."
Meanwhile In The Real World
An estimated 75,000 Elvis fans gathered at the gates of Graceland to celebrate the life and legacy of Elvis Presley on August 15. Fans were in for a surprise when, for the first time ever, Priscilla and Lisa Marie Presley came to the gates to greet guests for the Candlelight Vigil.
Fans began the day with Conversations on Elvis where they heard from the men behind the cameras that captured some of the most iconic photos of Elvis. Priscilla Presley joined the list of guest speakers and shared memories about her time spent with the king. Fans then put on their leis and enjoyed an afternoon of cupcakes, hula dancers, and live music. Once all of the excitement calmed down, thousands gathered at the gates of Graceland to honor the king's life, turning the 35th celebration into the largest Elvis Week in history.
Elvis fans around the globe celebrated the life and legacy of the music icon, humanitarian, and father with social media, live performances at the Elvis Week Main Stage, and the highly anticipated 35th Anniversary Concert at the FedExForum.
Elvis Week became a trending topic on several social media networks including Twitter, Google+, and Facebook. Fans around the world shared stories and gave tributes to the King of Rock 'n' Roll for his impact on music and pop culture. Here in Memphis, thousands of fans attended the 35th Anniversary Concert featuring some of Elvis’ finest concert performances projected on a large video screen, accompanied live on stage by a cast of singers and musicians who worked with him and members of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. Elvis fans also welcomed Elvis' daughter Lisa Marie Presley who gave the audience a special surprise in honor of her father duetting 'I Love You Because".
35th Anniversary Promo
At the 35th Anniversary Elvis Concert those fans that paid out a whopping $300 got premier seating along with a Collectible Anniversary Concert Badge/Lanyard. They also receive an exclusive "35th anniversary CD sample" which contains four songs spanning the 50's through to the 70's.
1. Don't Be Cruel
2. If I Can Dream
3. Suspicious Minds
4. That's All Right (Remastered from the upcoming MSG CD 'Prince From Another Planet')
Charts
'I Am An Elvis Fan' drops from 137 to 186 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Charts for w/e 25th August, 2012.
The King And His Re-issues
The 2-DVD 'The King And His Music' will be re-issued once more on October 2, 2012 according to Elvis Club Berlin. It in English with German, French, Spanish and Italian subtitles.
I'm A Turkish Elvisfan
Kamel Audio Kaset released the Turkish edition of the "I'm An Elvisfan".
All Shook Up / Jailhouse Rock / Don’t Be Cruel / Heartbreak Hotel / Viva Las Vegas / In The Ghetto / Suspicious Minds / Can't Help Falling In Love / Always On My Mind / Guitar Man / Kentucky Rain / Hound Dog / Love Me Tender / Are You Lonesome Tonight? / Its Now Or Never / You Don't Have To Say You Love Me / Surrender / You'll Never Walk Alone
Bonus Tracks:
My Way (Elvis live version) / I Can't Stop Loving You (Remastered) / Burning Love ( Live January 14, 1973 at Honolulu International Center)
(Source: Commercial Appeal / EPE / Elvis Club Berlin / Elvis Express / Elvis On CD)
Readers of the Belgian magazine Story are treated to a special 30 track compilation CD 'The Ultimate Elvis Presley Collection', released two years ago by Sony Music. The magazine itself, features an interview about the ElvisMatters fan-club.
Gold From Memphis
RIAA presented EPE with a lot of new Awards and upgrades of previous awards making Elvis Presley the higest selling artist in the U.S.
(Source: ElvisMatters / Paul Sweeney /FECC)
The Australian Elvis Presley fans compiled their own fan favourites album entitled 'Elvis By Request'. The CD is available from >> Elvis Australia.
The product description: Elvis By Request: The Australian Fan Edition is, as the title suggests a compilation of Elvis Presley’s most popular songs as voted for by his Australian fans. Between June 4 and July 13, 2012 Elvis fans were able to vote online for their favourite track from a selection of over 800 Elvis’ master recordings. Presented to you here are the top 40 songs over two CDs in order of popularity starting with a surprise in ‘An American Trilogy’ and ending in ‘Heartbreak Hotel’, Elvis’ legendary first smash hit. This collection takes you on a journey from Elvis’ first No. 1 hit in 1956 through the ‘60s’ to a superb performance of ‘My Way’ recorded in June 1977 and demonstrating Elvis’ lasting legacy, the version of ‘A Little Less Conversation’ presented here is the worldwide No. 1 smash hit from 2002, the ‘Elvis Vs JXL’ remix.
Tracklisting:
An American Trilogy (1972 Single Version, ??.02.1972) - If I Can Dream - Suspicious Minds - Always On My Mind - In The Ghetto - The Wonder Of You - Can't Help Falling In Love - I Miss You - Kentucky Rain - Memories - Jailhouse Rock - Love Me Tender - (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear - Wooden Heart - Don't Be Cruel - Edge Of Reality - Hawaiian Wedding Song - Just Pretend - Are You Lonesome Tonight? - Burning Love - My Way ("CBS TV Special" - 1977) - (You're the) Devil In Disguise - A Little Less Conversation (JXL Remix) - Amazing Grace - Don't Cry Daddy - You Gave Me A Mountain (??.02.1972) - (There'll Be) Peace In The Valley (For Me) - How Great Thou Art - Judy - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Return To Sender - A Mess Of Blues - All Shook Up - Viva Las Vegas - (Now And Then There's) A Fool Such As I - Promised Land - Blue Hawaii - Crying In The Chapel - It's Now Or Never - Heartbreak Hotel
Previous Top 10's from the voting in June 2012 were:
An American Trilogy / If I Can Dream / Suspicious Minds / Always on My Mind /
Can't Help Falling in Love / The Wonder of You / In the Ghetto / Love Me Tender / Memories / Kentucky Rain
An American Trilogy / In The Ghetto / Are you Lonesome Tonight? / Edge Of Reality / Always on my mind / Suspicious Minds / Love Me Tender / Can't Help Falling In Love / It's Now Or Never / Little Egypt
Oreo Elvis
The producers of the Oreo cookies honored Elvis Presley in their 'Daily Twist'.
The Collection Volume 1
Sony Music Germany released the four CD compilation 'The Collection Volume 1' with Reader's Digest earlier this year. The 4-CD-set comes with a 12 pages booklet with German liner notes plus a quality certificate.
Elvis Files Magazine
The first issue of 'The Elvis Files Magazine' is back from the printer and ready to be sent. Photographers in issue 1:20th Century Fox, Fotorama, Norway, MGM Studios, Virginia Coons, National General Studios, Madalyn Winston, Dorothy Briscoe, Paramount Studios & Memphis Press-Scimitar.
(Source: Music Store / Elvis On CD / The Elvis Telegraph / FECC)
A new import DVD was released 'Elvis 1969 - 1970'. The concept of the DVD is a day by day document on the years 1969 and 1970 through the use of of movies, home movies and news reels, all is supported by the reel voice and music of Elvis Presley. Starting with the winter holiday in 1968/1969 and ending with the very first real tour of the USA in years at the end of 1970; all that and in between is shown on this very nice DVD.
As a bonus we get a complete as possible concert from August 1970 – after the MGM crew has left Vegas. Clips shot from the audience, supported by audience recordings to give a complete as possible picture. It really does give you the feeling of what it was like to be there in the showroom, even if sometimes the footage appears a little dark.
The Elvis Files Volume 1
Erik Lorentzen distributed this poster as a preview of the first volume in his 'The Elvis' series. The Elvis Files 1953 - 1956 is volume 1 in the 7 part series and due out December 2012.
The Rebel And The King
The book 'The Rebel And The King' by Allyson Adams was released. Nick Adams’ daughter, Allyson Adams is responsible for the posthumous publishing of this book. As an editor and WaterDancer Press Publisher, she couldn’t let her father’s story go untold. In the book’s foreword she explains: “I have found my father’s story about Elvis to be the last glimpse of innocence before the end of an era. The Rebel & The King is straight from the horse’s mouth, as if Nick and Elvis are speaking from the grave. As soon as I read it, I knew I needed to share it with the world.”
Elvis Presley had just exploded on the American scene and was filming his first movie, Love Me Tender, when he introduced himself to Nick Adams on the backlot of 20th Century Fox. Nick was a struggling actor, part of the Rebel Without A Cause gang and showed Elvis the town, introducing him to Natalie Wood. Nick was infamous for writing about his famous friends and now the posthumous publication of Nick Adams’ raw, unedited manuscript, The Rebel & The King, details his close friendship and whirlwind eight days in Memphis with Elvis, during the famous singer’s Tupelo Homecoming the summer of 56. “I would rather live one day as a lion, than a thousand years as a lamb. A very great man once made that statement. And that was the first thing that came to my mind when I sat down to write this story about Elvis.” Nick Adams, 1956.
(Source: FECC / Elvis Express / Elvis Information Network)
The Summer/Fall 2012 magazine of 'Intelligent Collector' puts the focus on 'collecting Elvis'. In a 20 page long article, some of America's top collectors - Rich Consola, Chris Davidson and Robert Alaniz among them - talk about 'intelligent collecting'. Also, a list of some top items is included, from jewelry to contracts and from memorabilia to guitars. 
