Saturday, November 11, 2023

November 11 - I Want My Money Back

Australian researcher-author, 
Bob Hayden has published his latest book - a '60th Anniversary Edition' - about legendary promoter, Lee Gordon. Gordon was responsible for staging Elvis concerts in North America and Canada in 1957 during the first great peak in his popularity.

Publicity stated: In his latest book, Hayden provides a detailed narrative-visual account of numerous of "The Big Shows" that Gordon staged in Australia. There is a plethora of fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, and the death of Lee Gordon is also covered.

Printed on high quality gloss stock, the 200 visuals are impressive, particularly those in full colour (of which there are many!). The visuals include 'The Big Show' program and assorted magazine covers, other archival material such as ticket stubs and press reports, and rare stills of Frank Sinatra on stage (plus an account of Sinatra being greeted by 10,000 fans in Sydney and how hundreds broke through the barrier on the airport tarmac).

Also featured in the book are text and visuals for Johnnie Ray, Louis Armstrong, Harry Belafonte, Bill Haley, Crash Craddock, Chubby Checker, Sammy Davis Jr., Liberace, Diana Trask, Australia's leading rock and rollers, Col Joye and Johnny O'Keefe and many more!

Elvis features throughout the book, including the chapter, 'I Met the Colonel who Counts Elvis' Money' - a discussion of Gordon's failed attempt to bring Elvis "down under". 

(Source: Elvis Information Network)

November 11 - Charts November 2023 - Week 1

In the United Kingdom The Beatles took over the chart with their "new" song and old titles, but Elvis hangs on! 

In the United States most albums gain a few spots on the charts.

In Greece Elvis re-entered the IPFI album chart.

Other charts will be updated over the weekend when the updates are published on the various chart-websites.



Official U.K. charts:
  • Official Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #59 to #55. 
  • Official Streaming Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #40 to #46.
  • Official Film chart: 'ELVIS' climbed from #27 to #26. 
  • Official Movie Download chart: 'ELVIS' dropped from #21 to #37.
  • Official DVD chart: 'ELVIS' climbed from #41 to #36.
  • Official Blu-ray chart: 'ELVIS' climbed from #74 to #71.
  • Official Video Chart Top 100: 'ELVIS' climbed from #47 to #41. 
  • Official Films On Disc chart: 'ELVIS' climbed from #36 to #26.
  • Official Music Video chart: 'Elvis The King of Rock and Roll' makes a re-entry at #33.
Billboard charts:   
  • Billboard Top 200 Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #197 to  #199.
  • Billboard Top Country Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #27 to #26.
  • Billboard Top Rock and Alternative Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #47 to #46. 
  • Billboard Top Holiday Album chart: 'The Classic Christmas Album' remained steady at #12. 
Irish IRMA charts:
  • Official Irish Album chart: 'ELV1S 30#1 Hits' dropped from #78 to #79.
  • Official Irish Video chart: 'ELVIS' climbed from #23 to #18.  
Greek IPFI chart:
  • IPFI Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' makes a re-entry at #54.
(Source: Official Chart Company / IRMA / UK Mix Forum / IPFI)

Friday, November 10, 2023

November 10 - The Rocker Will Have To Go

The Star records import record label released three new titles; on DVD 'Elvis - He'll Have To Go' and on CD a new 'Spliced Takes' volume titled 'Johnny and Johnny'. Both titles are limited to 500 copies. 

Publicity stated: The Star team made an incredible new dvd featuring the Elvis in Concert footage in multiple angles!

For the first time ever present in widescreen. Not only multiple angles were used but also the concert is edited without too much talking and songs blend in faster. Due to this approach Elvis performances come out much stronger then on any other dvd containing this footage. Clever quick edits of the footage give a whole new feel to it and although Elvis was not at his best his voice was still incredible. Finally a "release worthy" version is out now!

It contains all the songs from the original 'Elvis in Concert' TV Special plus all tracks from side two of the album with the same name. Footage from the original special has been combined with outtakes and rare 8mm footage. As a bonus a very nice "just for fun" clip has been included.

"I wanna try something new" was one of the highlights from last years Baz Luhrmann 'ELVIS' movie.
 It showed Austin Butler as Elvis, rehearsing in Vegas for his new show. Here you get to see "what could have been" since Star edited the audio from the soundtrack with actual footage of Elvis. Hope you like it. Also a nice official videoclip of 'That's All Right' and some bonustracks with rare footage are included. We almost forgot the title track 'He'll Have To Go' is a typical Star clip with lots and lots of rare footage of Elvis "through the years" 

Sadly after this final TV Special... He had to go, but.... "He will always be The King no matter what!".



Tracklisting I Wanna Try Something New: That’s All Right.

Main Program: He’ll Have To Go / Also Sprach Zarathustra / See See Rider / I Got A Woman - Amen / That’s All Right / Love Me / Jailhouse Rock / You Gave Me A Mountain / I Really Don’t Want To Know / Early Morning Rain / What’d I Say / Johnny B. Goode / If You Love Me Let Me Know / It’s Now Or Never / Unchained Melody / Hound Dog / Little Sister / Fairytale / Teddy Bear - Don’t Be Cruel / Hurt / Trying To Get To You / My Way / Can’t Help Falling in Love

Bonustracks: And I Love You So / Hawaiian Wedding Song / Bosom Of Abraham - You Better Run / Are You Lonesome Tonight?

Publicity for Johnny  and Johnny' stated
: CMT is back with another great new Spliced Takes soundtrack album!

Presented in a nice looking cardboard sleeve on factory pressed disc limited to 500 copies! This time they choose to rework tracks from two movies in which Elvis plays "Johnny". As always the tracks sound as if you never heard them before and clever edits make it sound fresh and new!

Some highlights are the "Solo" version of "Petunia, the gardeners daughter" which does not include Donna Douglas.  Same goes for "Look Out Broadway" although not the best songs Elvis recorded, they still sound pretty different than before. An hilarious "Shout it Out" with lots of things going wrong without stopping and lots of tracks have a much longer running time without being repetitive. "Everybody Come Aboard" has been spliced 7 times and has an alternate ending. Although two different soundtracks the cd plays really well in this order.

Tracks: Everybody Come Aboard (Spliced Take 2, 12, 13, 2, 8, 2, 8) - Harum Holiday ( Spliced Take 2, 1, 2) - Frankie And Johnny (Spliced Take 2, 3, 1, 5, 4, 1) - Please Dont Stop Loving Me (Spliced Take 4, 5, 3, 9) - Go East Young Man (Mono Version) - Animal Instinct (Spliced Take 1, 3, 4, 3, 1, 4) - Kismet (Spliced Take 1, 2, 5) - Shake That Tambourine (Spliced Take 15, 18, 19, 7, 20, 16, 14) - Chesay (Spliced Take 5, 4, 3 - Mono Version) - Golden Coins (Spliced Take 3, 4, 8) - Come Along (Alternate Lyrics Version) - Hey Little Girl (Spliced Take 1, 2, 2, 3) - Look Out Broadway (Solo Version) - My Desert Serenade (Spliced Take 2, 3, 7) - Petunia The Gardeners Daughter (Solo Version) - Mirage (Mono Version) - Shout It Out Mono (Spliced Take 2, 3, 4, 5, 1 (Mono Version) - So Close Yet So Far (Reversed Master) - Beginners Luck Take 2 (Long Version) - Wisdom Of The Ages (Spliced Take 4, 4, 4, 4, 5, 4, 4).


The Rocker Strikes Back

The Meant To Be Played (MTP) import record label released the CD 'Elvis - The Rocker Strikes Back'.
 
Publicity stated: MTP records really lives up to their name again by creating the final chapter in the 'Rocker' series after 27 years! The 'Rocker' (1984) and 'Return of the Rocker' (1986) albums are now accompanied by a new volume focussing on Elvis in the seventies.

An amazing tracklist with lots of rare tracks is being edited without pauses and it really rocks! Be sure to pre order this release which will, without a doubt, be played! This release is limited to 500 copies. 

Tracks: C. C. Rider (18.02.1970 MS) - Release Me (18.02.1970 MS) - Sweet Caroline (16.02.1970 DS) - Proud Mary (10.06.1972 AS) - Cindy Cindy (Edited Master With Brass Overdubs) - Talk About The Good Times (Unedited Master With Vocal Overdubs) - Way Down (Unedited Master) - Promised Land (Take 1) - Johnny B. Goode (30.03.1972 - Spliced) - Polk Salad Annie (31.03.1972) - Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On (Unedited Overdubbed Master - Rough Mix) - Fools Rush In (Unedited Master) - Put Your Hand In The Hand (Take 1) - T-R-O-U-B-L-E (Original Session Mix) - Tiger Man (Jam) - Susan When She Tried - Moody Blue (Unedited Master With Brass / Strings Overdubs) - Burning Love (Unedited Master With Band Overdubs) - For The Heart - Raised On Rock (Rough Mix).

Bonus Song: Fire Down Below (Instrumental).

The Beatles Beat Elvis

The Beatles now boast the longest time span between an artist’s first and last Number 1 single. The Beatles’ first Number 1 single was From Me to You in May 1963, 60 years and 6 months ago. They overtake Elvis Presley, with 47 years and 6 months between All Shook Up (1957) and a reissue of It’s Now or Never (2005).

From the Archives

Published in the Discovered From the Archives series is the 41-page paperback 'Elvis Presley Biography: The Exclusive Story Discovered From the Archives'.

Description
: Discover the Untold Mysteries of the King of Rock 'n' Roll in "Elvis Presley Biography: The Exclusive Story Discovered From the Archives"!

Delve into the enigmatic life of Elvis Presley, the legendary icon who redefined the music industry and captured the hearts of millions.

This meticulously crafted biography, revealed from long-lost archives, unveils the private struggles, musical triumphs, and the enduring legacy of a cultural phenomenon.

From the early days in Tupelo to the dazzling heights of Graceland, this exclusive narrative offers an intimate portrait of the man behind the music.

Get ready to journey through the untold stories, the captivating rise to fame, and the mysteries that surrounded Elvis's extraordinary life.

(Source: Star Records / Pascal Matteo / Amazon)

Wednesday, November 08, 2023

November 08 - More Biographies

Austine James published the 64-page biography 'Biography of Elvis Presley: The Unforgettable Journey Of The King'.

Synopsis: Step into the world of the King of Rock and Roll with this captivating biography of Elvis Presley. Discover the untold stories, personal struggles, and extraordinary talent of the legendary icon. 

Gain insight into the life of a music legend and be inspired by his journey to stardom. 

Experience the magic of Elvis Presley's legacy. Benefits of buying the book:
- Gain a deeper understanding of Elvis Presley's life and career
- Uncover rare insights and personal anecdotes
- Connect with the timeless music and legacy of the King of Rock and Roll

Don't miss out on this exclusive look into the life of a music legend. Immerse yourself in the world of Elvis Presley.

(Source: Amazon Italy)

Monday, November 06, 2023

November 06 - The Big Book Elvis Quiz

Due for release from Redshank Books on December 01, 2023 is the 66-page paperback 'The Big Elvis Quiz Volume One' by Matt Shepherd.

Synopsis
: '
The Big Elvis Quiz Volume One', from the author of 'Elvis Presley: Stories Behind the Songs', offers a variety of questions to test the knowledge of new and casual fans, as well as lifelong followers of The King. 

The quiz begins with questions from Elvis’ childhood and also tests the reader’s knowledge on Elvis’ parents, The King’s early recordings, Colonel Parker, Graceland as well as the big hits and early movies. 

Author Matt Shepherd says: “I hope this will provide fans with a quiz over the festive period about their favourite idol, the one and only Elvis. I had great fun putting the various quizzes together and I discovered things I didn’t know about Elvis. I hope this quiz book will also double up as a fact-finding mission for those wanting to learn more about one of the world’s greatest ever performers.” 

The Big Elvis Quiz Volume One features 250 questions. It is the first of a two-volume quiz book, which tackles questions on Elvis’ early life, first recordings, big hits from the 1950s, TV appearances and his earliest and some say best movies. 

The book ends in 1962 with two additional mixed quizzes tackling other highlights from Elvis’ career.

Elvis and Me

Renaissance Literary & Talent published the 2023 245-page paperback edition of 'Elvis and Me' by Priscilla Beaulieu Presley and Sandra Harmon. 

According to Amazon UK this is the official author approved trade paperback of the original book with a new author's note and some new photos not contained in the original edition of the book as published by Berkley.

Synopsis
: The #1 New York Times bestselling memoir back in print in a large quality paperback edition to coincide with the release of the major motion pictured, PRISCILLA, directed by Sofia Coppola and lauded at the 2023 Venice Film Festival. This book reveals her intimate relationship with Elvis Presley, which started when Priscilla was just 14 years old and living in Germany with her parents.

Elvis, the reigning King of Rock 'n' Roll, continues to be worshipped by millions of fans worldwide despite the many years that have passed since his tragic death. His legacy has remained strong but very few people over the years have carried the memory of the man behind the name as well or as devotedly as Priscilla Presley. In this revelatory book, Priscilla Presley delves into their unique love story and she takes the reader behind the scenes of their first meeting, marriage, affairs, the birth of their daughter, Lisa Marie, and their amicable divorce. Their strong bond remained for the rest of his life and Priscilla continues to support Elvis long after his sudden death.

Elvis and Me gives fans an inside look at the rock ’n’ roll legend from the perspective of the woman who loved him.


Elvis Now In Print 1972

The new book / CD / vinyl box 'Elvis Now In Person 1972' by Flaming Star and Follow That Dream is being prepared to be shipped to FTD Distribution, which in turn will send it to all retailers around the world.

(Source: Matt Shepherd / Flaming Star)






 

(Amazon Associate Link)

Sunday, November 05, 2023

November 04 - Charts November 2023 - Week 1 (Updated)

Again some positive chart news this week. Elvis' releases remained steady on the charts in the United States,  United Kingdom and Ireland, lossing and gaining a few spots. 

Billboard added the Holiday charts again, so there will be some festive chart-updates in weeks to come.

Other charts will be updated over the weekend when the updates are published on the various chart-websites.



Official U.K. charts:
  • Official Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #56 to #59. 
  • Official Streaming Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #47 to #40.
  • Official Country Compilation chart: 'From Elvis In Nashville' climbed from #17 to #12. 
  • Official Film chart: 'ELVIS' dropped from #26 to #27. 
  • Official Movie Download chart: 'ELVIS' makes a re-entry at #22 (not updated this week.
  • Official DVD chart: 'ELVIS' climbed rom #44 to #41.
  • Official Blu-ray chart: 'ELVIS' makes a re-entry at #74.
  • Official Video Chart Top 100: 'ELVIS' climbed from #57 to #47. 
  • Official Films On Disc chart: 'ELVIS' climbed from #44 to #36.
Billboard charts:   
  • Billboard Top 200 Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #200 to #197.
  • Billboard Top Country Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #28 to #27.
  • Billboard Top Rock and Alternative Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #49 to #47. 
  • Billboard Top Holiday Album chart: 'The Classic Christmas Album' climbed from #13 to #12. 
  • Billboard Top Holiday Album chart: 'Elvis Christmas album' makes a re-entry at #42. 
Irish IRMA charts:
  • Official Irish Album chart: 'ELV1S 30#1 Hits' climbed from #84 to #78.  
  • Official Irish Video chart: 'ELVIS' climbed from #26 to #23.  
(Source: Official Chart Company / IRMA / UK Mix Forum)

Saturday, November 04, 2023

November 04 - Red Hawaii

The Danish Memphis Mansion record label released another edition of their re-issue of the 'Blue Hawaii' soundtrack on red colored vinyl. 

The Hawaiian saying "Ula i ke kai" translates as "Red by the Sea" and was traditionally used for the Hawaiian ali'i royalty, and thus fitting for the King of Rock and Roll according to the hype-sticker on the cover. This new red edition is limited to 100 copies.

Tracks: Blue Hawaii / Almost Always True / Aloha Oe / No More / Can’t Help Falling In Love / Rock A Hula Baby / Moonlight Swim / Ku-u-i-Po / Ito Eats / Slicin’ Sand / Hawaiian Sunset / Stepping Out Of Line / Beach Boy Blue / Island Of Love / Hawaiian Wedding Song.
 
(Source: Facebook)

Friday, November 03, 2023

November 03 - A Stereo Christmas Quiz

The Select-O-Hits record label re-issued the 2022 CD 'Elvis' 1957 'Christmas Album' featuring Elvis' Christmas classics in stereo. 

Tracks: Santa Claus Is Back In Town - White Christmas - Here Comes Santa Claus - I'll Be Home For Christmas - Blue Christmas - Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me) - Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem - Silent Night - (There'll Be) Peace In The Valley (For Me) - I Believe - Take My Hand, Precious Lord - It Is No Secret (What God Can Do).


Note: this is not the first time Elvis' Christmas album has been released in stereo.



More Treasures

Due for rerelease from Weldon Owen on August 6, 2024 is the 224-page hardback 'Elvis Presley Treasures: The Story of the King of Rock 'n' Roll Told Through His Personal Mementos' by Gillian Gaar. 

Recently Gaar contributed to the Steve Binder documentary 'Reinventing Elvis'.

Publicity stated: An intimate look at one of the greatest icons of the twentieth century, the King of Rock 'n' Roll, through 100 personal and iconic objects from the archives of Elvis’s beloved home, Graceland—a never-before-seen collection, until now.

For the first time, fans will see Elvis’s remarkable life through his treasured personal items, as well as the items that marked iconic milestones in his life,

These treasures and so much more paint a picture of one of the greatest performers of our time.

The book is an intimate look at the life and times of Elvis Presley, through personal pieces that were collected by Elvis and insightfully annotated by music journalist, Gillian Gaar.

Many items featured in Elvis Presley Treasures have been supplied by Graceland’s private archives and have never been seen in print.

From the gold suit of Elvis's early career, the black leather wristband from the ‘68 Comeback Special and his iconic caped jumpsuit worn at the Aloha from Hawaii performance, to his private plane the Lisa Marie and his pink Cadillac, Elvis’s most iconic and memorable pieces are on display in this book.

Created in collaboration with the Elvis Presley estate and Graceland, fans of Elvis will get an exclusive look into the life of one of America’s most iconic figures.

Priscilla Movie Released

The 'Priscilla' opened in theaters on November 3, 2023 via A24. The movie premiered at Venice Film Festival in early September. 

Following in the wake of several events after Hamas’ attack on Israel, the red carpet at the Los Angeles of premiere of A24’s 'Priscilla' has been canceled. Director Sofia Coppola, stars Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi, as well as Priscilla Presley herself were scheduled to walk. The film has a SAG-AFTRA interim agreement so the actors are permitted to promote the film.

Not everyone is happy with the movie, apparently Lisa Marie Presley contacted the director. According to Variety she expressed het shock and horror over the depiction of her father in the script for Sofia Coppola’s film 'Priscilla'. She asked Coppola to reconsider her vision for the character and to spare her family public embarrassment. 

Presley’s messages called the script “shockingly vengeful and contemptuous,” and contained pleas to Oscar-winning director Coppola to refrain from straining her fragile relationship with her mother – the film’s subject, Priscilla Presley – as well as bringing scrutiny on Elvis’ living grandchildren as they continue to grieve the loss of Lisa Marie Presley’s son, Benjamin Keough, who died in 2020.  ... My father only comes across as a predator and manipulative. As his daughter, I don’t read this and see any of my father in this character. I don’t read this and see my mother’s perspective of my father. I read this and see your shockingly vengeful and contemptuous perspective and I don’t understand why?”

Through her representative, Coppola shared with Variety her response to Lisa Marie, in which said, “I hope that when you see the final film you will feel differently, and understand I’m taking great care in honoring your mother, while also presenting your father with sensitivity and complexity.” 

The messages were sent four months before Presley suffered fatal cardiac arrest in January. 

Ginger Alden posted on Facebook: "There has been a lot talked about recently in the Elvis World and I am looking forward to speaking in the United Kingdom next year!  I understand in the U.K. during a few shows not long ago, a bit of false information was inappropriately tossed out in regard to Elvis and my relationship by someone not around us. Elvis and I loved each other dearly and were looking forward to our marriage and children. 

Also, the Elvis I loved and came to know was not a pedophile control freak, but a deeply loving and generous man with an enormous heart who did so much for so many and that is what he certainly deserves to be remembered  for🌹"

This week Elvis' girlfriend Mindi Miller added her thoughts. Mindi Miller was an actress when she first met Elvis in early 1975 they bonded over their common interests and so Elvis then asked her to go on tour with him..

.. I have been asked by several people to make a public statement regarding if Elvis was really so controlling, and if he was truly a pedophile. My answer unequivocally is NO on both subjects. Elvis was never controlling to me, but like any of us, he had certain rules that he lived by which we all should. He was the kindest, sweetest, and most gentle man that I have ever had the pleasure to know. Most men do like being with younger women for their own reasons, and I am not here to argue that point. But he was in absolutely no way a pedophile, and I am really sick and tired of reading all these outrageous lies about him.
I have always, and will continue to my death and beyond to defend this man.  
The people who talk about him in a disparaging light, are

not people that truly love Elvis and many of them did not know him, and some speak in retaliation of the way they feel perhaps that they were treated. That is their own personal problem and that is in their own mind.  That is not who this man was.  
Please stop blindly believing everything you hear and read in books or social media or TV interviews and the like. Go to other people that were with Elvis and who knew him intimately and please don’t believe just one persons narrative. 

Birthday Celebration

Graceland posted the first information and logo for the 2024 birthday celebrations. 

From Graceland: Celebrate Elvis Presley’s birthday at Graceland in Memphis with four days of live music, special tours, conversations, bus tours and more. Join us on January 5-8 for a birthday celebration fit for a king!

In addition, fans are invited to the north lawn of Graceland Mansion on January 8, Elvis' Birthday, at 8:30 am CST, for the official Birthday Proclamation Ceremony featuring EPE officials, a birthday cake cutting, and an official proclamation of Elvis Presley Day. 

Can’t be in Memphis? Watch the ceremony online for free via Graceland's Livestream page.

More information at the >>> Graceland website.

Elvis Sunglasses

EPE announced a new cooperation with the French Renauld Sunglasses company. 

Publicity stated: After 62 years, the Elvis by Renauld Sunglasses are making a return. First adorned by Elvis in 1961 on the set of 'Follow that Dream', these iconic shades are now available in three limited edition models, each with two lens styles: the chrome-finished 'Tupelo', the luxurious 24-carat gold plated 'Vegas', and the 'Memphis', which uniquely incorporates an authentic piece of Elvis memorabilia within its lens.

(Source: Amazon / Graceland / Elle / Elvis information Network)






(Paid associate link)

Thursday, November 02, 2023

November 02 - Exclusive Billboard Burial Nomination (Updated)

The soundtrack album for the 2022 'ELVIS' movie was nominated for a Billboard Music Top Soundtrack award, the awards will be handed out to the winners on November 19, 2023.
 
Other nominated soundtrack albums are 'Barbie The Album', 'The Black Panther', Into The Spider Verse' and 'Top Gun Maverick'. 





The Exclusive Biography of Elvis Presley

Released in the 'Grand History' series is the 66-page paperback 'The Exclusive Biography of Elvis Presley'. 

Description
Ladies and gentlemen, Grand History is taking you back to the remarkable life and time of "Elvis Presley!" Step into the glittering jumpsuits, the swiveling hips, and the world of the one and only King of Rock 'n' Roll. This isn't just a biography; it's your pass to the most electrifying entertainer in music history!

Elvis Presley was more than a singer; he was a phenomenon. He could make your heart swoon with a ballad and then have you dancing in the aisles the next moment. And if you thought his music was the only thing that could get your heart pounding, wait until you read about his life! From humble beginnings in a "shotgun house" in Mississippi to becoming the King who conquered the world, Elvis's journey is a whirlwind of stardom, scandal, and success.

But here's the kicker - Elvis wasn't just an icon; he was a living, breathing testament to resilience and reinvention. He knew that life had a way of throwing curveballs at you, and he faced them all with a grin. So, if you're looking for inspiration, look no further than the King himself!

In this enchanting book, you'll learn:
  • Family Lineage and Musical Origins
  • Early Career - The Sun Recordings
  • Carving His Niche
  • Breaking Out to Stardom
  • Hollywood
  • Military Service
  • Later Years and Death
And much more

Now, I could tell you that this book is packed with fascinating stories, jaw-dropping anecdotes, and enough hip-shaking charisma to light up Las Vegas, but that would be an understatement. Elvis's life was like a backstage pass to the greatest show on Earth, and this biography is your golden ticket.

Therefore, if you're ready to laugh, cry, and be moved by the King's story, dive into 'Elvis Presley: The Exclusive Biography'. But be warned, this book might just have you crooning 'Love Me Tender' to every passerby. Get ready for a hunka hunka burnin' knowledge, baby! Thank ya, thank ya very much!

Burial Plans Approved by Judge

Priscilla can be buried in Graceland's Meditation Garden, "closest to Elvis Presley without moving any existing gravesite," the pact finalized by a Los Angeles judge states.

Priscilla Presley and Riley Keough’s settlement of Lisa Marie Presley’s estate now has formal court approval, averting what could have been a multimillion-dollar public legal battle.

The final un-redacted agreement, filed in Los Angeles County probate court and rubber-stamped by a judge this week, states Priscilla can be buried as close to Elvis as possible at Graceland and that her son, Navarone Garibaldi, can participate in the memorial ceremony.

“Riley agrees to allow Priscilla to be buried upon her death in the Meditation Garden of Graceland. The burial location will be at the location closest to Elvis Presley without moving any existing gravesite,” the settlement obtained by Rolling Stone reads.

The finalized pact further confirms Priscilla will receive a $1 million lump-sum payment “off the top” of Lisa Marie’s irrevocable trust funded by a $25 million life insurance policy.

Keough also agreed to pay Priscilla $100,000 a year for her services as a “special advisor” to the Promenade Trust, which holds the family’s shareholder interest in Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. The non-fiduciary role will last for 10 years or until her death, the paperwork states.

The settlement, originally reached in May though largely kept under wraps, says Keough “agrees to use her best efforts to ask Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc., or any successor therof, not to pursue litigation against Priscilla related to her name, image and likeness.”

Keough asked the court to sign off on the settlement so she could “have a court order she can deliver to third parties, such as the life insurance company, as appropriate, to clarify that she is the sole trustee.”

In reaching the agreement, “the parties wish to avoid the time and expense associated with litigation and wish to enter into this Settlement Agreement to settle all disputes as a family,” the paperwork states.

Keough’s lawyer wrote in the petition for court approval that the deal should “not be reviewed in a vacuum,” rather in the context of Priscilla’s lawsuit filed against the Promenade Trust earlier this year.

“In settling the claims pending in Priscilla’s petition, the parties are saving significant legal fees by avoiding litigation and they are likewise avoiding the spectacle of intra-family litigation that would have been inimical to Lisa’s wishes and not in the best interests of the family,” the lawyer, Justin Gold, wrote.

Gold confirmed Priscilla also received a one-time payment of $50,000 when she resigned as co-trustee of Lisa Marie’s irrevocable trust in May, leaving Keough as sole trustee and the shares breaking down so Lisa Marie’s half-brother Navarone receives 1/9th of the life insurance trust and Keough along with her 15-year-old half-sisters Harper and Finley split the remaining 8/9ths.

“Riley and the Guardia Ad Litem (for her twin younger sisters) are informed and believe that the settlement is in the best interests of the Trust and the family and therefore should be approved by the court,” Gold’s petition continued. “Now that Riley is the sole trustee, the money will be safeguarded and invested in a manner consistent with the needs of the beneficiaries.”

Navarone and Priscilla entered an amendment to the settlement on October 26, 2023, stating that lawyer Martin Singer will serve as trustee of Navarone’s portion of the trust.
 
(Source: The Elvis News Examiner / Billboard / Amazon / Rolling Stone)

November 01 - Forbes Big Earners List

Forbes published their annual 'Highest-paid Dead Celebrities' list. Michael Jackson topped the list with US$115 million, Elvis Presley came in at #2 with # US$100 million and Ray Manzarek, keyboard-player of The Doors was listed at #3 after selling the rights of his music catalog for US$45 million.

Forbes wrote: "Being dead isn’t the gig it used to be. The 13 deceased musicians, authors and other A-listers on Forbes’ annual ranking of the highest-paid dead celebrities earned some $470 million during the past 12 months—a 70% decrease from the record-breaking $1.6 billion grossed in 2022."

And on Elvis the on-line magazine wrote: "Though Elvis left the building nearly 50 years ago, it’s still good to be the King. Graceland, Presley’s home in Memphis, Tennessee, saw some 600,000 visitors in the last 12 months and the estate has multiple sources of income, including tickets and merchandise. 

After the January death of Elvis’ only daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, from cardiac arrest, his ex-wife, Priscilla, and granddaughter Riley Keough entered into a contentious legal battle for control of the two estates. Keough, a 34-year-old actress who stars in Daisy Jones and the Six, ended up as the sole trustee of both."

Read the complete list on >>> Forbes.

Graceland Nominated

Graceland shared that Elvis Presley’s Graceland Mansion has been nominated for the USA Today’s 2023 Readers’ Choice award for the Best Holiday Historic Home Tour! 

Fans can vote for Graceland once a day now through November 29. 

Graceland requested the help of fans to gain enough votes. Click on this >>> link below to vote.

Sunny Vinyl

The Not Now Music record label announced the release of 'Elvis Presley - The Sun Singles Collection' on 180 Gr. yellow colored vinyl. 

Publicity stated: The story of Elvis Presley’s ‘discovery’ has passed into showbiz legend and his recordings at SUN Studios have gone down in history. Between 1953 and 1954 'That’s When Your Heartaches Begin', 'That’s All Right', 'Blue Moon Of Kentucky' and 'Milkcow Blues Boogie' were cut. 

By chance, two covers stood out; Arthur Crudup’s 'That’s All Right' and Bill Monroe’s 'Blue Moon Of Kentucky' which were adapted into high-energy mixes of Blues, Country and Rockabilly. The reactions in the Memphis area was enthusiastic and the Band continued to perform their weekly slot on the Louisiana Hayride Radio Show and bonus tracks from the Hayride Radio Show have been included on this LP. 

Side 1: That’s All Right / Good Rockin’ Tonight / Milkcow Blues Boogie / I’m Left, You’re Right, She’s Gone / Mystery Train / I Love You Because / Just Because.

Side 2: Blue Moon Of Kentucky / I Don’t Care If The Sun Don’t Shine / You’re A Heartbreaker / Baby, Let’s Play House / I Forgot To Remember To Forget / That’s When Your Heartaches Begin / The Truth About Me (Teen Parade Interview).

Suspicious Remix

A new remix of 'Suspicious Minds' by Lionel Fabert was used in the trailer for the 2024 movie 'Argylle' from film producer and director Matthew Vaughn. 

(Source: Forbes / Graceland)