Saturday, December 18, 2021

December 18 - Elvis 45 Sapphire Collection

Honoring the 45th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death on August 16, 2022, Graceland announced the release of the 'ELVIS 45: Sapphire Collection' with a US$600,00 price-tag.

Publicity stated: A must-have for any Elvis fan during this upcoming historic year! The collection offers tremendous Graceland value for fans and exclusive items for Elvis collectors! The' ELVIS 45: Sapphire Collection' includes an annual Graceland tour pass, limited-edition collectibles, an exclusive Elvis Week event, and more! 

The ELVIS 45: The Sapphire Collection is a truly unique offering, with only 500 being offered during this special time in history. The six Elvis 45 rpm records will be hand-numbered and authenticated with custom Sapphire Collection record jackets that will be only available via this offering. 

In addition, three of the records will be custom pressings, with a one-of-a-kind A/B side combination that is unavailable anywhere in the world! The collection also includes a swatch of Elvis’ personal wardrobe that was used as part of a 1971 bonus inside Elvis’ album Worldwide Gold Award Hits Vol. 2. The clothing swatches, enclosed in the original RCA Records envelopes, are currently housed inside the Graceland Archives, and will be pulled exclusively to be included as part of this anniversary collection.

All purchasers are invited to pick-up their 'ELVIS 45: Sapphire Collection' (carrying case, records, and other collectible items) during Elvis Week 2022 during an exclusive Conversations on Elvis event on August 16 open only to purchasers of this special collection. All purchasers who are unable to attend the event, will be able to opt to have their collections shipped to them following Elvis Week. 

The Graceland Annual Pass is digital and available for use starting January 1, 2022 – and throughout the duration of 2022.

The ELVIS 45: Sapphire Collection includes: 

  • 2022 Graceland Annual Tour Pass good for one Elvis Experience Tour per day January 1 – December 31, 2022 (valid from January 1, 2022).
  • Collectible ELVIS 45 Record Carrying Case
  • Six Elvis 45 RPM Records in Custom Collection Record Jackets, hand-numbered 1-500: 
    • Can’t Help Falling in Love / Rock-a-Hula Baby 45 RPM Record
    • Jailhouse Rock / Treat Me Nice 45 RPM Record 
    • Suspicious Minds / You'll Think of Me 45 RPM Record 
    • Memphis, Tennessee / That's All Right 45 RPM Record (custom pressing)
    • Blue Christmas / Merry Christmas Baby 45 RPM Record (custom pressing)
    • I'll Be Home for Christmas / Peace in the Valley 45 Record RPM (custom pressing)
  • Sapphire Blue 45 Adapter
  • Graceland 40th Anniversary Opening Day Poster, signed by EPE President and CEO Jack Soden, hand-numbered 1-500.
  • RCA Records Envelope featuring a Swatch of Elvis’ Personal Wardrobe; used in 1971 as a bonus inside Elvis’ album Worldwide Gold Award Hits Vol. 2; Direct from the Graceland Archives with a Certificate of Authenticity (swatches will vary by collections).
  • Exclusive Access to a Conversations on Elvis Event during Elvis Week 2022.

Please note: Full collection will not be available until August 16; but the Graceland Annual Pass can start being used January 1, 2022.


ELVIS 45' Record Giveaways

Graceland also announced 'Elvis 45' record giveaways. 

The publicity stated: Graceland will be giving out 1,000 special 'ELVIS 45 RPM Records' to visitors who tour Graceland on specific days in 2022.  

All records will feature an ELVIS 45 custom jacket and only be available by touring Graceland on these select dates. In addition, the record giveaways on September 24, November 17, and December 10 are custom-pressings with a one-of-a-kind A/B side combination that is unavailable anywhere in the world!

How to guarantee you will receive a record? All guests who purchase tickets at least 48 hours in advance, up to 1000 tickets, automatically qualify to receive a record when they visit, subject to availability. Remaining records will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis for walk-up ticket purchasers, subject to availability. 

The record giveaways are:

  • Saturday, February 12: Can’t Help Falling in Love / Rock-a-Hula Baby
  • Saturday, April 9: Jailhouse Rock / Treat Me Nice
  • Saturday, May 7: Suspicious Minds / You’ll Think of Me
  • Saturday, September 24: Memphis, Tennessee / That’s All Right (custom-pressing)
  • Thursday, November 17: Blue Christmas / Merry Christmas Baby (custom-pressing)
  • Saturday, December 10: I’ll Be Home for Christmas / Peace in the Valley (custom-pressing)

(Source: Graceland)


December 18 - Charts December 2021 - Week 3

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart updates. Elvis' Christmas recordings remain strong sellers this time of the year, charting all around the globe. In the slipstream, his gospel and greatest hits compilations make re-appearances on the charts too. 


U.S. Billboard charts:

  • Billboard Top 200 Album chart: 'The Classic Christmas Album' climbed from #79 to #78. 
  • Billboard Global 200 chart: 'Blue Christmas' climbed from #160 to #124.
  • Billboard Catalog Album chart: 'The Classic Christmas Album' climbed from #27 to #26. 
  • Billboard Top Country Albums: The Classic Christmas Album climbed from #15 to #13. 
  • Billboard Top Country Albums: ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' re-entry at #40.
  • Billboard Country Streaming Songs chart 'Blue Christmas' climbed from #15 to #10. 
  • Billboard Top Rock Albums chart: 'The Classic Christmas Album' climbed from#8 to #7. 
  • Billboard Rock Digital Song Sales chart: 'Blue Christmas' climbed from #25 to #12
  • Billboard Top Christian Albums chart: 'Elvis: Ultimate Gospel' re-entry #50.
  • Billboard Holiday 100 chart: 'Blue Christmas' remained steady at #41. 
  • Billboard Holiday 100 chart: 'Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)' dropped from #75 to #82.
  • Billboard Holiday Airplay chart: 'Blue Christmas' dropped from #36 to #38. 
  • Billboard Holiday Digital Song Sales: 'Blue Christmas' dclimbed from #48 to #44. 
  • Billboard Top Holiday Albums chart: 'The Classic Christmas Album' dropped from #19 to #20.
  • Billboard Holiday Streaming Songs chart: 'Blue Christmas' remained steady at #46.
  • Billboard Classical Album chart: 'Elvis Christmas with the RPO' climbed from #25 to #18.
  • Billboard Artist Top 100 chart: Elvis climbed from #55 to #52.


Canadian charts

  • Billboard Canadian Album chart: 'The Classic Christmas Album' re-entry #48.


Official U.K. charts:

  • Official Streaming Album chart:'The 50 Greatest Hits' remained steady at #81.
  • Official Americana Album chart: 'Elvis: Back in Nashville' dropped from #6 to #7.
  • Official Country Compilations Album chart: 'From Elvis in Nashville' dropped from #8 to #9.
  • Official Singles Audio Streams chart: ' Blue Christmas' re-entry at #78.


Official IRMA Irish charts:

  • IRMA Music DVD Top 5: 'The Elvis Collection' re-entry #4.

Dutch charts:
  • Dutch Album Top 100 chart 'Elvis' Christmas Album' re-entry at #86.


(Source: Billboard / U.K. Mix Forum / Official Chart Company)

Friday, December 17, 2021

December 17 - Bossa Nova Baby

The French Elvis My Happiness fan-club released the Christmas promo CD 'Bossa Nova Baby' which customers get for free when ordering over €50,00 in the shop.

(Elvis My Happiness) 

Thursday, December 16, 2021

December 16 - Eastern European FTD Blues

The Follow that Dream label informed dealers that the shipping of the December 2021 released was delayed - "due to circumstances beyond our control" - and that 'The Making of Jailhouse Rock' and the FTD re-issue of 'Raised On Rock' may not reach dealers in time for Christmas distribution. 

The label was advised that the orders should be completed and ready for shipping tomorrow. 

Elvis Blues

The Not Now Music record label announced the 2022 released of the 14-track Blues compilation LP 'Elvis Blues'. 

Tracks Side A: A Mess of Blues / Mystery Train / Trouble / Reconsider Baby / I Feel So bad / Crawfish / Mean Woman Blues.

Side B: Heartbreak Hotel / Like A Baby / My Baby Left Me / Fever / Blueberry Hill / Milcow Blues Boogie / It Feels So Right.


More Delay

Publication of the second volume of Piotr Soczynski's Eastern Europe Elvis vinyl trilogy has been delayed. Soczynski hopes to release 'Elvis Vinyl Discography from Eastern Europe Yugoslavia and Romania' February 2022. 

(Source: FTD / Facebook From Elvis Vinyl Lovers Only / Elvis Information Network)

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

December 15 - Baby Blue Christmas

The Danish Memphis Mansion released a baby blue colored edition of their 'Santa Bring My Baby Back To Me' Christmas LP. 

Available at the >> Memphis Mansion webshop.

(Source: Dorthe Back Richter Larsen)

Monday, December 13, 2021

December 13 - Holiday Classics

Graceland / Elvis Presley Enterprises sent out their yearly Fan Club President's Christmas card wishing everyone 'a warm wishes for a safe and happy holiday season'. 

This year's CD is titled 'Holiday Classics' and features the songs 'If Every Day Was Like Christmas', The First Noel', and 'Silent Night'.

(Source: Facebook Your Favourite ELVIS CD, LP, DVD & Book Group)

Saturday, December 11, 2021

December 11 - Charts December 2021 - Week 2 (Updated December 15)

The weekly global Elvis Presley chart updates. Perhaps Elvis Presley's title should be "The King of Christmas" as his holiday recordings proved to be steady sellers, an not just in the United States. 


U.S. Billboard charts:

  • Billboard Top 200 Album chart: 'Classic Christmas Album' climbed from #159 to #79. 
  • Billboard Global 200 Song chart: 'Blue Christmas' re-entry at #160. 
  • Billboard Catalog Albums chart: 'The Classic Christmas Album' re-entry at #27.
  • Billboard Top Rock Albums chart: 'The Classic Christmas Album' climbed from#25 to #8. 
  • Billboard Top Country Albums: 'The Classic Christmas Album' climbed from #19 to #15. 
  • Billboard Country Streaming Songs chart: 'Blue Christmas' makes re-entry #15
  • Billboard Rock Digital Song Sales chart: 'Blue Christmas' re-entry #25.
  • Billboard Holiday 100 chart: 'Blue Christmas' dropped from #35 to #41. 
  • Billboard Holiday 100 chart: 'Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)' dropped from #67 to #75.
  • Billboard Holiday Airplay chart: 'Blue Christmas' dropped from #34 to #36. 
  • Billboard Holiday Digital Song Sales: 'Blue Christmas' dropped from #47 to #48.  
  • Billboard Top Holiday Albums chart: 'The Classic Christmas Album' dropped from #19 to #18.
  • Billboard Holiday Streaming Songs chart: 'Blue Christmas' remained steady at #46.
  • Billboard Top Classical Album chart: 'Christmas witht he Royal Philharmonic Orchestra' re-entry at #25.

Official U.K. charts:

  • Official Streaming Album chart:'The 50 Greatest Hits' dropped from #67 to #81.
  • Official Americana Album chart: 'Elvis: Back in Nashville' climbed from #9 to #6.
  • Official Country Compilations Album chart: 'From Elvis in Nashville' dropped from #6 to #8.

Canadian Billboard charts:

  • Billboard Canadian Albums chart: 'White Christmas' re-entry at #57.
Swedish charts: 
  • Swedish Album Top 60 chart: 'Elvis' Christmas Album' climbed from #53 to #43.
Spanish charts:
  • Spanish Vinyl Top 100 chart: 'Elvis: Back In Nashville' climbed from #90 to #87.
Croatian charts
  • Croatian Top Lista Album Top 40 chart: 'Elvis' Christmas Album' is a new entry at #17. 

(Source: Billboard / UK Mix Forum / Official Chart Company / Swedish charts / Top Lista)


Friday, December 10, 2021

December 10 - Elvis Sold Out! 1968 Through 1971

The SR / VV and MxF import label(s) released two new limited vinyl / CD / DVD box-sets titled ‘Through 1970‘ and ‘Elvis Special 1971’. Like previous releases from these labels, the sets come in different variations. 

From the press release: ‘Through 1970’ presents Elvis at the top of his abilities. Meet our man during Closing Night February 23, 1970 as recorded in Las Vegas. Presented as a double picture-disc LP, housed in a new gate-fold sleeve (made in two variations). 

Added to this are the CD ‘Patch It Up’, featuring the best studio session of the seventies - taken from acetate sources - and a CD containing an ambience recording of a concert recorded September 1970 in Tampa. Both CDs come in a digi-pack, the first with a bonus poster, the second with a bonus card. 

Also added to this set are stickers, an exclusive 20 x 30 cm wooden panel with an Elvis print in two variations, and a certificate.  This set is limited to 12 copies in total. 

The ‘Elvis Special 1971’ focusses on 1971. It comes housed in a 21 x 21 cm digi-pack holding the original ‘Country Hero” EP containing four tracks from February 1971, the CD ‘Trying To Get To Memphis’ containing the August 16, 1971 performance and a DVD-R focusing on Elvis‘ November 1971 tour with material from Dallas and Kansas City. 

To top it off, this set contains an exclusive forex panel in two variations and a certificate. This set is limited to 20 copies in total.


Paradise Road (Re)Releases

The Paradise Road Records import label announced the release of three new CDs: CD re-issues of their LPs ‘Elvis 68/69 Sessions’ and ‘February, 1970 - On Stage - The Alternate Recordings’ and the new title ‘Closing Night - International Hotel - September 7, 1970’.

From the press release: Paradise Road Records presents by special request, the CD edition of the ultra-rare ‘Elvis 68/69 Sessions’ LP which “sold out” within a few minutes after its initial announcement. 

The CD edition contains the tracks from the original LP plus more outtakes from 1969 and a 20+ minutes band rehearsal 'Come Out, Come Out (wherever You are)' a bonus tracks. 

All in great sound quality, and with the original vinyl artwork.

June 1968: Musicians Warming Up - Trouble / Guitar Man (Take 2 & 3) - Let Yourself Go (Section 2, Take 3) - Let Yourself Go (Section 2, Take 4) - Guitar Man (Section 1 Escape, Take 3 & 4) - Guitar Man (Section 1 Escape, Take 6 - 8) - It Hurts Me (Section 4 Escape, Take 3) - Saved (Take 6)

March 7, 1968: A Little Less Conversation - If I Can Dream

January / February 1969: True Love Travels On A Gravel Road (Take 3) - Power Of My Love (Rehearsal + Take 2) - Only The Strong Survive (Rehearsal + Take 2 & 3) - From A Jack To A King (Take 4) - Only The Strong Survive (Take 6) - Wearin’ That Loved On Look (Take 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 & 11)

Bonus Songs - January / February 1969: Only The Strong Survive (Take 4 & 5) - Only The Strong Survive (Take 7) - Only The Strong Survive (Take 9) - Do You Know Who I Am? (Take 2) - If I’m A Fool For Loving You (Take 4 & 5) - Long Black Limousine (Take 4) - Come Out, Come Out (Wherever You Are) - 20 Minutes Band Rehearsal


Details ‘February, 1970 - On Stage - The Alternate Recordings’: Also re-issued on CD by popular demand is ‘February, 1970 - On Stage - The Alternate Recordings’, which also sold out immediately  after its initial release.  The CD edition contains the original vinyl tracks with additional great and rare live recordings! The first 6 selections taken from the original soundboard tape, all other tracks taken directly from fan audience recordings.

All performances have been remastered and the original LP art-work was used for this CD.

Soundboard: Polk Salad Annie (16.02.1970 MS) - Buzzing Bees And Bacon (Monologue - 19.02.1970 DS) - I Can’t Stop Loving You (19.02.1970 DS) - Don’t Cry Daddy (19.02.1970 DS) - Walk A Mile In My Shoes (19.02.1970 DS) - Let It Be Me (19.02.1970 DS)

Audience Recording: See See Rider (05.02.DS) - Kentucky Rain (03.02.1970 DS) - In The Ghetto (05.02.1970 DS) - Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel (05.02.1970 DS) - Let It Be Me (03.02.1970 DS) - Introduction Of Roy Orbison (22.02.1970 MS) - When The Swallows Come Back To Capistrano (One Line - 05.02.1970 DS) - Suspicious Minds (20.02.1970 MS) - Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel (03.02.1970 DS)


Details: Closing Night - International Hotel - September 7, 1970: This album contains the Closing Show September 7, 1970 as recorded in Las Vegas. This show contains a lot of fun moments and some nice rarities and many false starts like the 'Blue Suede Shoes / Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On / Blue Suede Shoes' medley and Bob Dylan impersonations! 

As a bonus this album contains tracks from the September 4, 1970 show, including the one-liners 'La Bamba' and 'My Way' and also a short version of 'Crying Time'. These are great and rare audience recordings! The CD also contains some backstage recordings from August 10, 1970 which were recorded, and partly used in, the movie 'Elvis: That's The Way It Is'.

All performances have been remastered and are presented in the best possible sound.

 07.09.1970 CS:

Orchestra Intro - Opening Vamp - That’s All Right - I Got A Woman / Amen / I Got A Woman - Monologue / I Walk The Line (Excerpt) - Love Me Tender (False Start Only) - I’ve Lost You - I Just Can’t Help Believin’ - You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling - Polk Salad Annie - Band Introductions / Bob Dylan Impersonations - Celebrity Introductions - Manager And Relatives Introductions - Heartbreak Hotel (4 False Starts Only) - Blue Suede Shoes / Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On / Blue Suede Shoes - Introductions Of Sound Engineer And Light Man - All Shook Up (With False Start) - Hound Dog (With 2 False Starts) - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Can’t Help Falling In Love (With 2 False Starts) - Closing Vamp

Bonus Songs - 04.09.1970 MS: Monologue / La Bamba - Introduction Of Paul Anka / My Way - Crying Time

Backstage - 10.08.1970: Reading Telegrams (5.1) - Reading Telegrams (6.3) - Rehearsing ‘I Just Can’t Help Believin’ (8.8) - After Show Party


Sold Out! Out

The Pyramid import label isn't sold out yet, the label released volume 11 in their 'Sold Out!' series. 

Publicity stated: 'Sold Out – volume 11' is on its way, and it’s a killer! Filled to the brim with fantastic Elvis 8mm footage!

Relive the magic of The King in concert with this incredible 3 hour collection of rare and unreleased private footage, now available for the first time.

Lovingly restored from HQ transfers… And bound to become a true collectors item.


Not Sold Out!

Bidding closed for some interesting Elvis Presley items in the Gotta have Rock and Roll 'The Rock and Roll Pop Culture' auction that ran from December 1 - 10, 2021. 

The first highlights was the Sun Records’ studio piano - the iconic “Million Dollar Quartet Piano”. A vintage 1949 Wurlitzer spinet with serial number 387912 that was played by a stellar rock and roll list of “who’s who” including Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ike Turner, Phineas Newborn, Jr., Charlie Rich and many more. The piano has a rock and roll jukebox list of credits and is featured on many of Memphis’ 1950’s Sun Records classics. 

The estimate was US$800,000 - US$1,000,000, but the item did not receive one bid.

Elvis played the piano on the “Million Dollar Quartet Session” in December of 1956 with Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins – with Elvis playing piano on a majority of the 46 songs including, “Love Me Tender”, “Don’t Be Cruel” and “Paralyzed.” Jerry Lee Lewis played it on 5 of the Million Dollar Quartet songs including “End of the Road” and “Crazy Arms”. The 1956 session was released by Sony BMG in 1990 – “The Million Dollar Quartet” – with 46 songs. This is the only piano played by both Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis. Jerry Lee Lewis also played it on his biggest hits, “Great Balls of Fire”, “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On”, and all of the songs he recorded at Sun Records. 

A 1954 Sun Records contract signed by Elvis Presley and Sam Philips. The estimate was US$100,000 - US$150,000, but the contract sold for US$52,000. 

This is the Elvis Presley and Sam Phillips signed November 15, 1954 Sun Records recording contract - Elvis' third oldest recording contract with Sun Records. The contract has been beautifully signed by both in black ink. This Memphis Federation of Musicians contract between Elvis Presley and Sun Record Company, Inc. is for his recording of "Good Rockin' Tonight" and "Milkcow Blues Boogie". The contract, which has been part of Sam Phillips personal collection since the day it was signed, also has resided at the venerable Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for 35 years. Very good condition. Comes with a letter of authenticity from Sam Phillips. a James Spence Authentication (JSA) letter of authenticity, and a Gotta Have Rock & Roll Certificate of Authenticity.

The first RCA Records contract. Dated November 21, 1955, Elvis has signed the contract in blue ballpoint pen. Also signed by his parents Vernon and his mother (signing "Mrs. Vernon Presley"), in blue ballpoint pen. A two-sided original contract, Elvis and his parents have also initialed the front in blue ballpoint. 

The estimate was US$150,000 - US$20,000, it sold for US$10,000. 

Less than half of the items listed like original SUN singles, acetates Gold Record Awards, jewelry, memorabilia, pictures and clothing received bids and were sold, most of the time the price remained close to the minimum estimate. 

(Source Pascal Matteo on Facebook / FECC / Gotta Have Rock and Roll)

Thursday, December 09, 2021

December 09 - Sheetmusic Book

Elvis researcher-author-expert, Bob Hayden has published a revised edition of his book on Australian Elvis sheet music. 

The bibliographic source, 'Elvis in Print: The Definitive Reference and Price Guide', said of the release: 

"Neatly designed and visually appealing compendium of more than 230 covers of Elvis sheet music, sheet music books, and small sheet music books, published in Australia. Also includes various artists sheet music featuring Elvis. Presented in alphabetical (rather than chronological) order." 

Printed on high quality gloss paper stock. The revised edition (late 2021) included an additional 25+ covers for promo and sample sheet music releases. 

For more information/to order, Bob can be contacted at: elvis2594@gmail.com.


Colored Fan Vinyl

Today's release from the Memphis Mansion is the gold and black splattered LP 'By The Fans For The Fans', celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Elvis news fan club. The LP comes on black and gold colored vinyl, with a selection of early classics compiled by the fan club's members. 

Side A: Ready Teddy / Dont Be Cruel / Lawdy Miss Clawdy / Wear My Ring Around Your Neck / One Night / Jailhouse Rock.

Side B: All Shook Up / Treat Me Nice / I Need Your Love Tonight / Young And Beautiful / Paralyzed / Love Me Tender.

The LP can be pre-ordered from the >>> Memphis Mansion shop.  

(Source: Elvis Information Network / Memphis Mansion)



Wednesday, December 08, 2021

December 08 - The Elvis And Bill Black Story

Another update from Denmark, the new 'Don't Be Cruel, Elvis - The Bill Black Story' by biographer Paul F. Belard has been delivered at the Memphis Mansion and should find its way to fans soon. 

Available from the Memphis Mansion >>> webshop.

Did you know Paul Belard also wrote the foreword for 'Elvis Day By Day 2018'? You can get it through the Poplar Tunes >>> webshop.

The Elvis Story

Also released is volume 3 in "The Elvis Story' series. This third installment, released by an unknown label, features chapter 9 to 12: 'Elvis Meets The Beatles / Marriage', 'Changes', 'King of the Strip' and 'Good Times, bad Times'. 

(Source: Memphis Mansion / Facebook)