October 08 - From Here to the Great Unknown

The book 'From Here to the Great Unknown - A Memoir' by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough, has been released and climbed to No. 1 on Amazon's best-seller list. 

Description: Born to an American myth and raised in the wilds of Graceland, Lisa Marie Presley was never truly understood, until now. Before her death in 2023, she’d been working on a raw, riveting, one-of-a-kind memoir for years, recording countless hours of breathtakingly vulnerable tape, which has finally been put on the page by her daughter, Riley Keough.

Keough listened to many hours of tape recordings her mother had recorded for the book. “She listened as Lisa Marie told story after story about the unconditional love she felt from her father, about being upstairs at Graceland, just the two of them, a sanctuary from the chaos of her life,” according to Random House.

The 304-page book also will address “Lisa Marie’s complicated relationship with her mother Priscilla” and about growing up in the public spotlight including her marriages to Michael Jackson and Nicolas Cage. Presley also talked about “the shattering loss of her son, Riley’s brother Benjamin Keough, to suicide.”

Note: The U.K. version of the book omitted the part about the sexual abuse of Lisa Marie Presley by Michael Edwards. 

Keough said in a statement, “Few people had the opportunity to know who my mom really was, other than being Elvis’s daughter. I was lucky to have had that opportunity and working on preparing her autobiography for publication has been a privilege, albeit a bittersweet one. I’m so excited to share my mom now, at her most vulnerable and most honest, and in doing so, I do hope that readers come to love my mom as much as I did.”

Also set for release on that date is an audiobook edition including what Random House says are “never-before-heard recollections in Lisa Marie’s own voice.

Random House indicated that Keough “carried a guilt” that the memoir had not been finished at the time of Presley’s death and feared the world “would never know the loving, joyful, and caring woman that she knew and grieved”.

About the authors: Lisa Marie Presley was a singer and songwriter who was born in Memphis and raised at Graceland as the only child of Elvis and Priscilla Presley. She released three studio albums throughout her music career, 'To Whom It May Concern', 'Now What', and 'Storm & Grace', the first of which was certified gold. Lisa Marie passed away in January 2023.

Riley Keough is an Emmy, Golden Globe, and Independent Spirit Award-nominated actress. She is known for her work in 'Daisy Jones & the Six', 'Zola', and more. She also co-directed 'War Pony' (2022), which won the Caméra d’Or for best first feature at Cannes, and cofounded the production company Felix Culpa with Gina Gammell. She is the eldest daughter of Lisa Marie Presley and sole trustee of Graceland.

The book will also be published in translation in 8 additional languages, including: Spanish by Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial, German by Penguin Verlag, Portuguese (Brazil) by Rocco, Dutch by Spectrum Life, Finnish by Johnny Kniga, French by JC Lattes, Polish by Marginesy, and Estonian by Tanapaev. Other languages to follow.

The audiobook edition is narrated by Riley Keough and celebrated actor, Julia Roberts with several audio pieces from the cassette-tapes that were recorded by Lisa Marie Presley and used by Riley Keough to finish the book.

When you purchase the new Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough memoir through Elvis Presley's Graceland for an exclusive signed lithograph by Riley. 

Elvis author Alana Nash posted on Facebook "I found Lisa and Riley's book profoundly moving. Still, lots of things go unsaid, including Lisa’s difficult split from Scientology, her contentious custody battle with Lockwood (ongoing at Lisa’s death), and Priscilla’s audacious lawsuit against her granddaughter for control of Lisa’s estate. Tellingly, there are no pictures of Priscilla in the book.

I loved little glimpses into her relationship with Elvis, too, like this one, which got cut from my piece for length: "He once smacked her hand (“I felt like my life was over”), and later, she awoke from sleep to find him standing next to her bed. “He was holding a puppet, a basset hound, making it mouth the words while he sang ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ to me.” When he was done singing, my dad hugged me and said he was sorry.” 

Even if I were not interested in Elvis, and if I had not met and interviewed Lisa, I would find much of this book unforgettable. I know it will stick with me for a long, long time."

You can pre-order the book from >>> Amazon (Associate link).

Best Sellers Rank in Amazon Books as of 11.31 am ET, October 11, 2024

# 1 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

# 1 in Love & Loss

# 1 and #2 in Memoirs (Books)

# 1 #2 and and #3 in Actor & Entertainer Biographies

October 07 - Cissy Houston Died

Acclaimed gospel singer and two-time Grammy winner Cissy Houston died. She was 91.

Houston, born Emily Drinkard and the mother of the late Whitney Houston, was in the well-known vocal group, the Sweet Inspirations. With the Sweets and solo, she sang backup for artists like Otis Redding, Lou Rawls, The Drifters, Dionne Warwick, Van Morrison, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Chaka Khan, Dusty Springfield, Beyoncé, Paul Simon, Roberta Flack, Aretha Franklin and many others. 

Elvis Presley invited the quartet to sing backup during his now-legendary series of Las Vegas concerts. It was during Cissy Houston' s soprano obbligato on 'Are You Lonesome Tonight?' that Elvis started laughing at the mid night show on August 26, 1969. Elvis changed the lyrics to be funny, and then cannot keep a straight face the rest of the song. He seems to be somewhat amused by the soprano performance by Cissy Houston's who sings her part perfectly. This performance was released on the Elvis Aron Presley 8-LP box set in 1980, and as a single.

After those shows, Houston said, "we would jam with him for an hour, singing gospel. He really loved it, had a feel for it and was tickled to have four 'church sisters' backing him up." 

As a token of his gratitude, Presley (whom Houston's husband affectionately called Elvis Pretzel) presented Houston with a bracelet engraved on the outside with her real name and on the inside with his pet name for her: "Squirrelly". 

Cissy Houston contributed to the "Where No One Stands Alone" album.

(Source: NY Times / LA Times / Facebook)

Review Golden Elvis

In October 2023 RDM-Edition released the first album in their ‘Mono II Stereo’ CD series, and now, a year later we hold the 4th CD in our hands. Being fans from the first moment, we looked forward to this coupling of the first two volumes Elvis’ classic Golden Albums. 

 
By Rogier van Luyken and Kees Mouwen
 
Design
 

With a title like this, the attractive design is spot on, it doesn’t get more “golden” than this. Designer David Parker hid elements from all of ‘Elvis’ Golden Records’ LPs throughout the design. For us (knowledgeable) fans the task is to spot them. 

He also wrote the liner-notes which amply cover the history of the albums featured on this compilation, providing the context behind these songs. In line with the title of the album, the CD isn’t a replica vinyl CD, but a gold plated CD, a nice detail. 
 
Content
 
The history of ‘Elvis’ Golden Records’ is well known - if only because volume 1 is considered to be the first ‘Greatest Hits Album’ to be released - and volume 2 because of its iconic cover. In a review for AllMusic, Bruce Eder commented on volume 1: “Each of the 14 songs had earned a Gold record award for a million sales, a record unequaled at that time by anyone else in Rock and Roll ... Elvis' Golden Records does give a bite-sized glimpse of where Elvis had come from and where he was going (for better or worse) musically on the eve of heading into the Army.” If this would have been Presley’s musical legacy, it would have been legendary! Fortunately we know he was to become even more successful returning to music and movies 1960.
 
The main reason to buy this album is of course the new Stereo mixes by Anthony Stuchbury, created from the original Mono versions. Stereo versions of these albums have been released on CD before (1984), using the “electronically reprocessed stereo” sound, but even RCA retracted these and replaced them in the original monophonic versions as the simulated Stereo versions simply weren’t good enough. 

But now, 40 years later, we get these albums again, but as newly created Stereo Mixes. And this time around, they sound as they should! As on previous releases by this producer, these mixes were not created using “Digitally Extracted Stereo” techniques to create stamps of each element and placing the instruments and backing vocalists to the right of left speaker and Elvis in the middle to create a stereo effect. No these mixes were created using various tools - and a set of “golden ears” as the producer stated in an interview, not wanting to give his secrets away - mixing of all the vocals and instruments in their proper place, consistent with the original Masters recorded at the sessions, to present an authentic analogue stereo sound. 
 
This is where these mixes differ from most new stereo mixes. On some songs you hear that Stuchbury managed to add real depth to the listening experience, that is something else than creating a stereo effect. As we all know, some of the original mixed-down Mono versions lacked some brightness that you can now hear in these new versions. And of course the producer made some ‘producer’s choices’ when he thought that would benefit the presentation of the song, but this has been the standard ever since Sam Philips added his slap-back effect relaying his recordings through an extra tape-recorder to make his songs sound fuller. 

 
The audio on this disc sounds very fresh as it has been cleaned where possible, without losing the original elements. Listening to other mixes - and with respect to those producers, as it is always hard to use new technology on old and classic recordings without having access to the original tapes, which weren’t always released without faults - we don’t hear any artifacts, echo’s or reverb as on other newly created mixes. 
 
Some examples of the above is the mix of 'Any Way You Want Me' which does not sound as spatial as some of the other songs on this set all elements more or less mixed together behind Elvis. This is because the original version of this song was recorded / released too loud and a little distorted, so there was no perfect master available. And what about that squeaky sound in the background of ‘Don’t’ which the producer left in. That is DJ Fontana’s  foot-pedal, which could have used some WD-40 oil. 
 
But enough on the mastering and mixing of these classics, we buy these new mixes to enjoy Elvis of course. Here are some of the observations we made while listening to this compilation of compilation albums:
 
There is some overlap on some on songs with previous ‘Mono II Stereo’ releases such as ‘Hound Dog’, ‘Don’t Be Cruel’, ‘Too Much’, ‘Love Me’ and others. So far, we presume that these are the same masters used for the previous releases that are also used for this new release. However, they do fit in the concept of this album of course: a great collection of songs that doesn’t want to make you skip any of the titles and just play it straight all the way through. And listening to these songs presented like this, there is plenty to explore.

There are some glorious ‘Mono II Stereo’ songs on this new release and they are no less than a true work of art by Anthony. Although released before, ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ is guaranteed goosebumps as Elvis’ voice shines so wonderfully; it is as if he’s standing next to you in the room. 

Among the new material presented here, some stand out among the others. ‘Loving You’ sounds nothing short of amazing (warm, rich and Elvis’ voice sounds out of this world), ‘Treat Me Nice’ is a highlight, it's like you never heard before and could have been recorded yesterday. ‘That’s When Your Heartaches Begins’ really benefits from Anthony’s craftsmanship and he lifted the master to a whole new level. The same goes for ‘I Beg Of You’ and ‘Doncha’ Think It’s Time’, these are now our to go to versions from now on! 

A couple of songs do not match the outstanding ones as just summed up. Besides the afore mentioned ‘Anyway You Want Me’ there is also ‘A Fool Such As I’ that seems a bit lower in volume compared to other tracks and lacks a bit of bass / warmth. Same goes for ‘I Got Stung’. All in all Anthony delivers another work of art and let’s a whole lotta songs shine like never before. 

An importsant note, to enjoy this release in the best possible way we advise you to play it on a loud volume though a good stereo-set in your living room, not on a computer or through (small) headphones. Elvis in the fifties doesn’t get much better.

Conclusion
 
It is amazing what technology can do, but that couldn’t happen without the care and observant detail for where everything should go on the final master. Our compliments to Anthony Stuchbury and David Parker for the presentation of the audio and package, and to the RDM-Edition for releasing this album like this. It can easily compete with the (mono) releases on Elvis’ official record label, which strangely still hasn’t embarked on a Mono to Stereo release. But hey, who are we kidding, this album actually blows the originals out of the water as this ‘Golden Elvis’ really shines. 
 
And yes, we do realize that these are alternative mixes, not replacing the originals, but it simply offers a great new listening experience, matching today’s stereo audio standards, but without losing the original analogue Elvis sound. 

Go to the >>> RDM-Edition website to listen or pre-order the CD for just 15,00 Euro!

October 06 - Keeping The Show Alive

The SR import record label released the vinyl / CD combo package 'Keeping The Show Alive', featuring the January 27, 1973 Midnight Show performance, as recorded at the Las Vegas Hilton. 

Publicity stated: This new set comes in 5 different Limited Edition variations of 120 copies each. All variations have the same cover design, but different bonus items like the color vinyl - black, blue, green, pink or red - a 30 x 30 cm art-card, a "thank you" card, two different stickers and a bonus CD.

LP - January 27, 1973 Midnight Show:

Side A:  See See Rider - I Got A Woman - Until It’s Time For You To Go - You Don’t Have To Say To Love Me - Steamroller Blues - You Gave Me a Mountain - Fever - Love Me - Blue Suede Shoes - Love Me Tender

Side B: Johnny B. Good - Hound Dog - What Now My Love - Suspicious Minds - Introductions - I’ll Remember You - I Can’t Stop Loving You - An American Trilogy - Burning Love - Can’t Help Falling Love

CD - February 5, 1973 Midnight Show:

See See Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Until It’s Time For You To Go - You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me - Steamroller Blues - You Gave A Mountain - Fever - Love Me - Blue Suede Shoes - Love Me Tender - Johnny B. Good - Hound Dog - What Now My Love - How Great Thou Art - Suspicious Minds - Introductions - I Can’t Stop Loving You - An American Trilogy - Can’t Help Falling In Love.

Sunday Elvis

Elvis graced the cover of the Sunday Times magazine with 'Elvis, Priscilla, Lisa Marie and the battle for Graceland' as the cover story. 

After the star left the building in 1977 and with the money running out, his ex-wife made the controversial decision to turn his mansion into the tourist behemoth it is today.

Who Magazine

Riley Keough and here mother Lisa Marie Presley are featured on the cover of the Australian Who magazine. The tabloid-like cover hints at new secrets to be revealed in Lisa Marie's biography.

The promotion of the book, which is due October 8th has started. You can pre-order the book by clicking on the cover in the right menu. 

(Source: Pascal Matteo / Facebook)

October 05 - Charts October 2024 - Week 1 (Updated)

Another slow week for Elvis in the U.S. with Elvis' releases pretty much at the same positions as last week, in Greece Elvis' lost more than just a few places unfortunately. 

Official U.K. charts:

• Official Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped 2 spots, from No. 52 to No. 54. 
• Official Streaming Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' slided from No 38 to No. 44.
• Official Physical Singles chart: 'Welcome Home Elvis' makes a dropped from No. 80 to No. 83. 
• Official Independent Album chart: 'Las Vegas - Closing Night 1973' debuted at No. 40 last week, but didn't manage to hang on a second week.
• Official Music Video chart: 'The King of Rock and Roll' made a re-entry at No. 30.

Irish IRMA charts: 

• Official Irish Album chart: 'ELV1S 30#1 Hits' dropped 5 places, from No. 76 to No. 81. 

Billboard charts:   

• Billboard Top 200 Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' remained steady at No. 183.  
• Billboard Top Country Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' won 1 spot, climbing to No. 33. 
• Billboard Top Rock & Alternative Albums chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' lost 2 places, dropping to No. 45. 

Greek charts:

• Greek IPFI Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from No. 26 to No. 45.

(Source: Billboard / Official Chart Company / IRMA / UK Mix Forum/ IPFI / Janne Hokkanen)

October 05 - The Memphis Goldmine

The Fall 2024 edition  of the U.S. Goldmine record collector magazine features the article 'Elvis The Memphis Sessions' by Gillian G. Gaar on how recording in Memphis influenced Elvis Presley's career. 

(Source: Pascal Matteo)

October 04 - The Rock and Roll Years 3

The German ZYX record label released volume 3 in their 'Elvis - The Rock and Roll Years' budget CD series. 

Tracks: Don’t Be Cruel / Any Way You Want Me (That’s How I Will Be) / We’re Gonna Move / Poor Boy / Let Me / Love Me / How Do You Think I Feel / How’s the World Treating You / When My Blue Moon Turns to Gold Again / Long Tall Sally / Old Shep /Anyplace Is Paradise / Ready Teddy / First in Line / Rip It Up.

Preview Oprah Special

You can pre-order the book by clicking on the cover in the right menu. 

Platinum Collection

The Not Now Music record label re-issued their 2011 3-LP-set 'Platinum Collection' as a Limited Edition on silver colored vinyl, housed in a gatefold sleeve. 

Publicity stated: Featured on this triple LP-set are some of the vital and most important music ever committed to vinyl. It covers the first seven recording years of Elvis Aaron Presley, years which saw him progress from teenage Memphis truck driver earning US$35 a week to a multi-millionaire performer with the music and movie worlds squarely at his size 11 feet. Enjoy this portrait of the King at his imperious best, young, slick and ready to rock.

Allan Blye Died

Allan Blye, Emmy Award winning television comedy writer and producer, died. He was 87.

Together with Chris Bearde he wrote and developed the format for the 'Singer Presents … Elvis', better known as the acclaimed 1968 'Comeback Special'.

Steve Binder, the show’s producer, said it was Mr. Blye’s idea to have dozens of men, who resembled Presley in shadow, stand behind him on risers and imitate him on his opening number, 'Trouble/Guitar Man'.

In the book 'Return Of The King' by Gillian G. Gaar he remembered the story: "On a Saturday night, Allan was surprised to hear his doorbell ring around 9 pm and even more surprised to open the door and find Elvis standing on his doorstep. 'What are you doing?' Allan exclaimed. 'I came to see you,' Elvis replied, grinning.  'And where is everybody?' Allan asked. 'There's nobody here,' said Elvis.  'It's just me.'.... Allan says, 'And my wife was beside herself!'  

Allan quickly rounded up his neighbors to come over. 'They thought perhaps maybe I had a burglar in my house,' he says.  'And they walked in the kitchen and there's Elvis Presley... And I got my little half-sized guitar out and he sat and played and we just had a fun evening. We stayed up pretty late and then we had to get him home. I knew Joe would be in a panic if he realized he was gone."

In this interview for the Television Academy website he shares more memories:

He shared more memories during Elvis Week 2023:

(ZYX records / Graceland / Elvis Information Network / The Gates of Graceland / YouTube)

October 03 - The Back Covers and More

Joseph Tunzi announced the release of the book 'The Definitive Vinyl Artwork of Elvis Presley, Vol. 2: The Back Covers' in February 2025, and now we have the updated cover art.

Publicity stated: This is a follow up to The Definitive Vinyl Artwork, which focused on all front cover artwork and photographs that were part of 45 RPM singles, extended play and long play albums.

This new volume takes you on a journey of those same albums, focusing this time, on back cover  artwork. Also featured on the 200-plus pages are over 800 rare photos, including the original photos (not altered), documents, letters, rejected artwork which contains some fascinating covers not used or modified by RCA and much more! 

Note: The back covers were included in the first volume, for 45 singles only. The price-tag for the book is US$195.00 (including S&H).

Elvis On Record 2

Paul Alner has finished his work on volume 2 of 'Elvis On Record'. The 692-page hardcover book (100 pages more than volume 1), is currently at the printers and should be ready to ship on Friday 18th October.

Gregarious Gaskins Died

Jerome Stump Monroe posted that Gregarious Gaskins died: "It’s with great sadness that I have to report the passing of my lifelong friend “Guitar” Greg Gaskins. 

He was a friend for well over six decades. He got me into the Sweet Inspirations band. He was one of my dearest friends. I’ll always miss him."

Greg accompanied Elvis and the Sweet Inspirations until 1974 where he acted as director of the Sweet Inspirations band and as opening conductor of the Presley Orchestra under the direction of Joe Guercio. He also had a cameo in the 'Elvis On Tour' movie.

Reflecting on his time with Elvis in a 2017 interview with Jay Vivian Gaskins said: "Elvis let you know that he cared about you, that he noticed you. He made you feel good. No other entertainment stars ever took the same effort Elvis did, to be honest. They didn't. He took that extra step. 
 
Elvis took good care of us, man, I swear to God. Bonuses at the end of tours, also (on top of the regular paycheck). I mean nobody treats musicians and the people that were with him the way Elvis did. Nobody." (From 'Reflections on Race, Myna and Desert Storm' by Darrin Lee Memmer).

Follow That Dream

The Miracle Surface import record label released the CD 'Follow That Dream' featuring original stereo versions of the movie's soundtrack master and alternate takes. Click on the image to enlarge.

The CD comes as a golden CD and can be pre-ordered by mail from >>> Miracle Surface. 

(Source: JAT Publishing / Jerome Stump Monroe / Miracle Surface)

October 02 - Riding A Rainbow

Alan Tranter, author of one of the best releases of 2022, has published this a new 268-page book titled 'Riding A Rainbow - The Recordings of Elvis Presley 1960 - 1968'.

Publicity stated: Following on from 'Shake, Rattle & Blue Moon: The Formative Recordings of Elvis Presley 1953 -1960', this volume picks up following the recording of 'Elvis Is Back', just as Elvis, under the guidance of his manager, falls into a routine of light musical comedies, when artistry and invention fell mostly by the wayside. This is a chronicle of how Elvis journeyed from the triumph of his first post-Army album to a point when he took back his identity, laying the foundations for what would be forever regarded as his Comeback in 1968.

You can order the book from >>> Amazon (associate link)

Yours Elvis Presley

The book 'Yours Elvis Presley: The Definitive Collection of Elvis Presley Autographs Volume 1' by Stephen M. Shutts was released.

Publicity stated: An in-depth look at approximately 100 plus authentic autographs from Elvis Presley, inclusive of approximately 75 never before published photos of Elvis from 1955 to 1976. From Stephen's personal collection and from selected respected peers in the Elvis collector community. 

This hardback, collector's edition book serves a two-fold purpose. One, it provides never before told stories about Elvis, by the fans who met him and obtained a coveted autograph in person. Secondly, it presents itself as a study guide on Elvis autographs in order to avoid secretarial and forged signatures when collecting.

Enjoy reading previously untold, heartfelt stories about Elvis and the places he frequented or was spotted at, stories from adoring fans who spent a cherished moment in time with him and left with the ultimate souvenir... an autograph.

The author posted: Friends, the wait is finally over, and the limited edition, first of its kind book, solely dedicated to autographs, and the handwriting of Elvis Presley, with never before saying photos, and untold stories is shipping now!!! The first 400 limited editions will contain an authentic piece of memorabilia directly related to Elvis Presley, along with a study guide of Elvis Presley‘s handwriting, all from world, renowned leading Elvis Presley handwriting expert, and historian, Stephen M. Shutts. World wide shipping is available. 

(Source: Nigel Patterson Facebook)

October 01 - New Footage, Same Old Delays

New footage  of Elvis' visit to the Kennedy Veterans Hospital on January 4, 1957 has surfaced. 

From the 'Elvis Day By Day' book by Jorgensen and Guralnick: Elvis drives his Cadillac Eldorado to the Kennedy Veterans Hospital in Memphis for a pre-induction physical that will determine his draft status. He is accompanied by Cliff Gleaves and Dottie Harmony. Later in the day, Dottie flies back to Los Angeles and Elvis takes the train to New York City for his third Ed Sullivan appearance.

FTD's Delayed

The Follow That Dream collectors label informed dealers that the LP 'California Holiday' has been delayed. The LP should be available from late October or early November.

(Source: FECC / Facebook / UEPS)