March 10 - Elvis Rocks Auburn Into Ashes

Announced for release from EP Records in a new series entitled 'March 1974 Tour' is the longbox package 'March 1974 Tour - Volume 1: Elvis Rocks Auburn' containing an audiencerecording from March 5, 1974 (08.30 PM) as recorded at the University Memorial Coliseum in Auburn / Alabama. Volume 2, "Elvis Rocks Montgomery" was announced too. It contains a recording from March 6, 1974 (08.30 PM) from Montgomery, AL.


Tracklisting volume 1:
2001 Thema - See see Rider - I Got A Woman / Amen - Love Me - Trying To Get To You - Sweet Caroline - Teddy Bear / Don´t Be Cruel - Love Me Tender - Johnny B. Goode - Hound Dog - Fever - Polk Salad Annie - Why Me Lord? - Suspicious Minds - Band Introductions - I Can´t Stop Loving You - Help Me - An American Trilogy - Let Me Be There (+ Reprise) - Funny How Time Slips Away - Can´t Help Falling In Love / Closing Vamp!

Tracklisting volume 2: 
March 6 1974 (8:30 pm). Montgomery AL. Garrett Coliseum : 2001 Theme / C C Rider / I Got A Woman / – segued medley with – / Amen / Love Me / Tryin To Get To You / All Shook Up / Teddy Bear / – segued medley with – / Dont Be Cruel / Love Me Tender / Johnny B Goode / Hound Dog / Fever / Polk Salad Annie / Why Me Lord ? / Suspicious Minds / Band Introductions / I Cant Stop Loving You / Release Me / An American Trilogy / Let Me Be There (+ reprise) / Funny How Time Slips Away / Cant Help Falling In Love / Closing Vamp


Watching Dreams Turn Into Ashes


The Straight Arrow importrelease 'Watching Dreams Turn Into Ashes' was released. It contains both the Dinner and Midnight shows from September 2, 1972 as recorded from the audience.



Vegas Variety Volume 8


The Rainbow Record import release 'Vegas Variety Vol.8', containing an audience-recording of Elvis August 6, 1972 Midnight Show, was released. 

Such A Preview

The Memphis Recording Service release 'Such A Night In Pearl Harbor' will be released next week. Several fans received a previewcopy this weekend.

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / FECC)

March 09 - Big Apple Re-issued With A Smile

The Venus Productions import label released a new double CD digipak set entitled 'Operation Big Apple' featuring both MSG shows. This is a very limited Edition of this Special Day of June 1972. The flyer indicated the ''Unedited Masters'' series will continue soon with one title related to the year 1971 and another volume covering a larger period in time. The CD was 'Sold Out' within a couple of hours after the release.


More Unedited Masters


The flyer to promote this release also announced thwo more volumes in the 'Unedited Master' series; 'Nashville 1971' and 'Hollywood To Nashville 1972 - 1980'.


Just One More Smile

The new importlabel ‘Convair’ released the CD 'Just One More Smile' containing a rare recording of one of Elvis’ last live performances. Recorded by a fan in the audience this release is for the collectors. Accompanied by a 20 page booklet telling the story of Elvis’ last tour in words and pictures plus having two different concert reviews from this concert in Des Moines this is a nice collectors-package.

Tracklisting: 

Also Sprach Zarathustra / CC Rider / I Got A Woman / Amen / Love Me / If You Love Me (Let Me Know) / You Gave Me A Mountain / Jailhouse Rock / O Sole Mio / It’s Now Or Never / Little Sister / Teddy Bear / Don’t Be Cruel / Help Me / Danny Boy (Sherill Nielsen) / Walk With Me (Sherill Nielsen) / Blue Suede Shoes / Introductions / Early Morning Rain / What’d I Say / Johnny B. Goode / Band Solos / I Really Don’t Want To Know / More Band Solos / Hurt / Hound Dog / Elvis introduces his father and sound engineer / Can’t Help Falling In Love.

In The Shadow Of Kings



The autobiography 'In The Shadow Of Kings' by former Elvis backing vocalist Donnie Sumner was released. 


From the press-release:
In The Shadow Of  Kings' is the exciting autobiography of Donnie Sumner. The story-line is divided into thirty-seven chapters with each chapter written as a self-contained story! Having spent eight years with the legendary J.D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet, one year as a part of Nashville's Grand Ole Opry and six years as a constant companion and stage musician with Elvis Presley, Donnie has had an exciting life. Donnie shares his early childhood, his separation from his biological parents and his resulting childhood journeys as the son of a Pentecostal Preacher. The Donnie Sumner Story is one of intrigue, excitement, inspiration and encouragement. Many controversial questions surround the life of Elvis Presley. As a close confidante to Elvis, Donnie shares his answers to such questions as: "Was Elvis A Christian?" and "Did Elvis Do Drugs?" Having fallen prey to drug addiction himself, Donnie came to the end of his rope and in 1976 experienced a traumatic and life changing moment. Travel the long and twisted road of Donnie's career along with him as he unfolds the stops along his journey. Now traveling nation-wide as a minister and Christian music artist, Donnie proudly proclaims that in Jesus there is a “new life” - Join Donnie as he recalls his memories spanning over five decades of musical performance.

Essential 60's Re-issues


The 'From Nashville to Memphis - The Essential 60's Masters' five CD-set was re-issued by Sony in Germany in the booklet format. 


(Source: FECC / Elvis Club Berlin)

March 08 - Preview Files

Erik Lorentzen and Pal Granlund shared a preview of volume 5 of their 'Elvis Files' series, with a focus on 1969 - 1970, which is due later this year. The release schedule: 
The Elvis Files Vol. 1,1953-1956, (December 2012)
The Elvis Files Vol. 2,1957-1959, (November 2010)
The Elvis Files Vol. 3,1960-1964, (April 2010)
The Elvis Files Vol. 4,1965-1968, (December 2011)
The Elvis Files Vol. 5,1969-1970, (April 2012)
The Elvis Files Vol. 6,1971-1973, (April 2013)
The Elvis Files Vol. 7,1974-1977, (December 2013)



Viva ELVIS Sings Farewell On August 18
 
The King is leaving the building, and instead of the blue suede shoes of “Viva Elvis” at Aria, Vegas DeLuxe bids a warm welcome to “Zarkana.” The new Cirque du Soleil show premieres at Aria on Nov. 8, and Elvis will sing his rock and roll farewell Aug. 18 for an audience of invited guests. “Zarkana” is a modern rock opera already seen by more than 1 million people.


Charts



Billboard have released this weeks stats and chart positions: 'An Afternoon In The Garden' drops out of the Billboard Top 200 Album Charts (w/e 17th March, 2012) selling some 3,135 copies. Total sales to date: 441,329 copies. The following titles also appeared on the Catalog Album Charts:

• 'Elvis: Best Of Love' selling some 2,989 copies. Total sales to date: 243,709 copies.
• 'Elvis: 30 No.1 Hits' (Digital Sales Only) selling some 2,040 copies. Total digital sales to date: 132,251 copies.
• 'Elvis Country' (Compilation) selling some 1,935 copies. Total sales to date: 97,473 copies.
• 'Elvis Rock' (Compilation) selling some 1,899 copies. Total sales to date: 153,629 copies.
• 'Elvis Gospel/ An Evening Prayer' (Compilation) selling some 1,766 copies. Total sales to date: 142,531 copies.
• 'Elvis Inspirational' (Compilation) selling some 1,500 copies. Total sales to date: 74,739 copies.
• 'Elvis Christmas' selling some 15 copies. Total sales to date: 599,387 copies.
• 'It's Christmas Time' selling some 10 copies. Total sales to date: 1,385,243.

New Statue

The Tupelo Elvis Fan Club announced that they partnered with the Tupelo Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) to help bring the dream of honoring Elvis with a life-size statue to fruition. CVB has committed $50,000 to the project. The Tupelo Elvis Fan Club has committed to raise the remaining $25,000 to bring the statue of this beautiful image of Elvis to the Fairpark District in August 2012. The statue is modeled after the iconic Roger Marshutz photograph lovingly referred to by fans the world over as, “The Hands”. The statue will be located in relation to other things in the Fairpark District. The statue will be life-size and mounted on a four foot platform so fans may walk up to the statue and outstretch their hands as in the Marshutz photograph.

There will be a bricked area circling the statue. Bricks may be purchased and the donor's name and message will be engraved into the brick. Together, we can all make this a reality. Bricks, plaques and benches range are all available to put your name on.

(Source: Elvis Information network / ElvisMatters / Elvis Express)

March 07 - Elvis Forever On FTD CD's?

In the latest issue of 'Elvis The Man & His Music' editor Trevor Cajiao catches up for a long and interesting interview with Ernst Jorgensen. In it Ernst answers questions about the new FTD releases 'Promised Land' and 'Wonderful World Of Christmas' (why the true undubbed 'Merry Christmas Baby' was not included), the odd idea behind the splicing of 'Stage Rehearsal', Legacy releases, FTD books (the fiasco of 'Fashion For A King' "I think the book is important but the mistakes are very annoying") as well as a long discussion on Public Domain releases and the MRS label.
Bad News is the decline in sales for FTD and all CD releases. Ernst says "There is a steady decline on sales of all product, but that's happening in the record business generally. To some extent it's also the same with FTD - no more so on 5" than on 7" - at least only marginally. In the beginning we couldn't see that PD releases and bootlegs affected the sales of our product, but we certainly can now. There is a LOT of product available to the fans, and obviously almost everybody is struggling to keep up. We sell less than half of what we did a few years ago".
On how long FTD will be able to keep releasing live concert soundboards - "A shot from the hip - two to three years? Ask me again then." Good News is Ernst's comments on future releases. 

• On the 1969 Memphis sessions outtakes "of course the material will be made available at some point"
• On Classic Albums - "We will release all the original albums in the 'Classic Albums' format, if we have something to include that makes it worthwhile."
• He also notes that "Elvis In Concert" is in FTD's release plan, although not anywhere in the near future.
• On the Legacy Series - "They sell very well in America - on a completely different level than FTD. The decision on how many more and how much longer is entirely up to the Legacy people. Roger and I just come up with proposals."

Elvis Forever - The Complete Collection

The original 'Elvis Forever' compilation album series will be re-issued on CD through an yet unknown import label in a limited edition of 500 copies. The volumes 3 and 4 were released , the others volumes will be released in April / May 2012. The first two volumes come with a free storage-box for the entire set.

From the press-release:

Released in 1974 the double album 'Elvis Forever' (volume 1) is probably the best-selling Elvis compilation album of all-time (at least in Europe). In Germany 1.000.000 copies were sold within a year of its release, in Finland it became the biggest selling 'greatest hits' album ever, in Belgium it sold more than 270.000 copies and in Holland it was one of the very few Elvis albums that went straight to number 1 on the charts ( in 1974 ). By the end of the 1970's the original 'Forever' album had sold more copies than UK's '40 Greatest', without even being released in the UK or US (more than 5 million copies).

After the huge success of 'Forever volume 1', RCA decided in the 1980's to release 4 more volumes in the 'Forever' series. Although they sold well, they never became the huge success of the first volume.

'Elvis Forever Vol.1' was released on CD by RCA as a double CD album and as a single cd album (with 30 tracks instead of the original 32). Volume 2 was also released, in 2 different versions, but both editions contained only 31 tracks and not 32. The CD version of Elvis Forever Vol. 2 with the original album cover (released in Holland) is almost unfindable these days, and the CD version promoting the 'Elvis Eau De Toilette' (only released in Germany with a totally different cover) is also a rarity.

All the other volumes in the 'Forever' series are unreleased on CD - Until now! We are very proud to announce the complete collection of original 'Elvis Forever' albums on fabric silver pressed cds (Not CDRs). Housed in stunning 3 panel digipacks with original album artwork, each 'Forever' volume contains 2 discs with the 32 original album tracks plus a bonus disc with rare and hard to find recordings (some tracks are even unreleased on official CD releases). With a total of 50 rare bonus tracks, this collection of 5 double-albums has a total of 210 tracks! A massive and ultimate Elvis collection!!

But there's more. When you buy Elvis Forever Volumes 3 and 4, you'll receive a free stunning cardboard storage box, so when you have collected the complete series you can storage them all in one beautiful box! So start your amazing 'Elvis Forever' collection today!


Elvis - The Official Collector's Edition


Volume 5 in the "Elvis - The Official Collector's Edition" series was released by De Agostini in Germany. This time the set consists of a 28-page magazine, the DVD "Double Trouble" and memorabilia reproductions.


(Source: Elvis Information network / Elvis The Man And His Music)

March 06 - For God And Delay

3764 BLVD. Publising announced that the release of "Elvis: Hawaii, For God And Country" will be delayed until April, as they have uncovered even more rare material. According to the press-release the label wants to make sure that their release is as complete as possible. 'As a newcomer, we know one may only make a good first impression once. We will keep you updated on our progress'.


(Source: 3764 BLVD. Publising / Elvis Info)

March 04 - The Best Of Elvis Presley Re-issued On Blu-ray

A new release spotted on Amazon is 'The Best of Elvis Presley  - Alexander Jero Custom Audiophile Presentation' with the additional subtitle '[7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio Disc] [Blu-ray Audio 3.0 Market Development Project]'. This title will be released on December 21, 2012.


Product Details:

• Format: HiFi Sound, Surround Sound
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: G (General Audience)
• Studio: Warner Music / Surround Records International / SONY
• DVD Release Date: December 21, 2012
• Run Time: 142 minutes

ELV1S 30 Re-issues

The 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' compilation will be re-issued in the 'Krone Edition' series on March 16, 2012. 

(Source: Amazon)

March 03 - Fake(d)

Last January 1a replica of a never released single was announced. It appeared to have all the details right. But when the red vinyl single "Like A Baby/Make Me Know It" arrived the RCA Nipper Logo was replaced by the Dutch It's Elvis Time fan-club logo. When the Elvis Information Network asked Ernst Jorgensen his thoughts on the copyright issue - but he said that this should be followed up with SONY directly. SONY told them that the single was a fake. 


(Source: Elvis Information Network / Elvis Express)

March 02 - Marketing Elvis In 2012

Scott Williams the VP of Marketing and Media for Elvis Presley Enterprises visited the Public Relations Society of America-Memphis chapter to talk about the PR strategies at EPE. It runs a long 37 minutes and he shared some interesting thoughts:
- "The Elvis Brand"
- What EPE puts financial investment in (Nissan commercial)
- Modern Family TV show

- Fan studies and marketing

- Social Networking

- The EPE website and Facebook

Stellar In Atlanta

The Touchdown Records import release 'Stellar In Atlanta', containing and audience-recording of the June 30, 1973 - Evening Show as recorded at the Omni Coliseum in Atlanta, Georgia was released. 

Late Night In LA

The Verve Records import release 'Late Night In LA' containing a soundboard-recording of the May 11 - 1974, Evening Show as recorded at the Inglewood Forum in Los Angeles was released. 

Blue Owl in Greensboro

The new Inferno import label released the CD "Blue Owl In Greensboro"; a re-release of the legendary Greensboro show recorded for elvis presleys April tour for the smash 1972 documentary "Elvis on tour" with additional bonus tracks from March 1972 Rehearsing for his april tour.

Latest Billboard Album Charts And Sales


This week,'An Afternoon In The Garden' rises from 183 to 179 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Charts (w/e 10th March, 2012) selling some 3205 copies. Total sales to date: 438,194 copies. The following also appeared on the Catalog Album Charts:
'Elvis: Best Of Love' selling some 2893 copies. Total sales to date: 240,720 copies.
'Elvis Rock' (Compilation) selling some 1877 copies. Total sales to date: 151,730 copies.
'Elvis Country' (Compilation) selling some 1779 copies. Total sales to date: 95,538 copies.
'Elvis Gospel/ An Evening Prayer' (Compilation) selling some 1766 copies. Total sales to date: 142,531 copies.
'Elvis Inspirational' (Compilation) selling some 1562 copies. Total sales to date: 73,239 copies.
'Elvis: 30 No.1 Hits' (Digital Sales Only) selling some 637 copies. Total digital sales to date: 130,211 copies.





(Source: Elvis Information Network / Brian Quinn / Elvis On CD)

March 01 - The Way Down Icon

The new autobiography "Way Down: Playing Bass with Elvis, Dylan, The Doors & More" by Elvis Presley's former bassplayer Jerry Scheff were released. The book was released on the U.S. on March 1st. and will be released in other countries around March 20th.


From the press-release:
A stalwart presence behind some of the greatest names of popular music, Scheff has also played with Roy Orbison, Elvis Costello, the Association, Neil Diamond, Johnny Mathis, the Everly Brothers, John Denver, and Nancy Sinatra, to name just a few. Scheff provides a behind-the-scenes perspective, from having worked sleeves rolled up, side by side, with the great artists in their factories. The book opens with the TCB band's learning of the King's death while en route to a tour date, a pivotal moment for him, the rest of the band, and the world at large. He then proceeds on a nonlinear journey that mirrors the process of true life-reflection, from his roots in San Francisco to his touring all over the world. This is a tale of man who has truly grown a career from a genuine love of music and of his instrument, proving how following that gift can bring a person to places beyond his wildest dreams. It is an exciting inside view of the evolution and craft and work of making rock and roll-a must-have for true music craftsmen and music junkies in general.


Graceland Launches ICON 


The yearlong 35th anniversary commemoration of the life and legacy of Elvis Presley continues in Memphis with the third and largest exhibit launching at Graceland in 2012. Check out the photo gallery from the "ICON: The Influence of Elvis Presley Presented by Fender" Exhibit which will be open March 1, 2012 through February 2013.

Curated by the Graceland archives team in partnership with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, this groundbreaking exhibit features 75 artifacts on loan from the famed Cleveland museum, along with items from the collections of many of today’s biggest names in music who have been influenced by the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. The exhibit celebrates Elvis’ status as a music pioneer and icon that paved the way for many of today’s artists and celebrities. Items on display in this exhibit include Bono’s “MacPhisto” suit from U2’s Zooropa performances, Bob Dylan’s leather jacket that appears on the album cover "Real Live,” James Brown’s jumpsuit and vest worn in concert in the 1970s, along with artifacts from Elton John, Trisha Yearwood, Joan Jett, Wanda Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, The Beatles, Katy Perry and many others. 
Grammy award-winning artist Amy Grant, a well-known Elvis fan, gladly accepted the invitation to display her personal copy of lyrics for “Heartbreak Hotel,” handwritten for her by the songwriter, Mae Axton. “The ink is fading on the page, but the special memory of spending time with one of the great writers who gave Elvis a song to sing never will,” said Grant when asked about being included in the unique exhibit.



Import Top 40 February 2012


There was no movement in the top 5 this month.
1 (1) American Crown Jewels (1996)
2 (2) A Greensboro Revolution! (2008)
3 (3) From Sunset Blvd to Paradise Rd (1996)
4 (4) Finding The Way Home (1999)
5 (5) A Hot Winter Night In Dallas (1998)

FTD Top 40 February 2012


It was muscial chairs time in the top 5 last month. The recent  Promised Land already made it into the top 10. The current top 5:
1 (1) Elvis Is Back! (2005)
2 (2) The Jungle Room Sessions (2000)
3 (4) That's The Way It Is (2008)
4 (5) Good Times (2009)
5 (3) Elvis Country (I'm 10,000 Years Old) (2008)

Canadian Dentist Buys Elvis' Crown


A dentist in central Alberta, Canada, has shelled out nearly $10,000 to buy a dental crown made for rock legend Elvis Presley. Michael Zuk already owns a $31,000 tooth out of the mouth of Beatles icon John Lennon. The Presley crown came to him through an auction in the United Kingdom and had previously belonged to Memphis dentist Henry Weiss.
The crown is set in a model made from a mould of Presley's mouth. It comes with a letter describing an emergency trip Weiss's son had to make to Las Vegas with a crown in 1971, because Presley had broken one. "Most of us didn't know that he had a capped front tooth. He had a smile that made women go crazy — just goes to show that some of these celebs have their weaknesses", Zuk said.


(Source: Various / EPE / ElvisNews / Google)

February 29 - Kansas City Dallas 1971

 The CD / DVD package 'Kansas City Dallas 1971' from the SR Records import label was released. It contains an audience-recording of the November 13 - 1971 , 2:30 PM Show as recorded in Dallas in average sound. The first 500 customers  got an extra card with their purchase.


(Source: Elvis On CD)