Welcome to the "Elvis Information Network", home to the best news, reviews, interviews, Elvis photos & in-depth articles about the King of Rock & Roll, Elvis Aaron Presley...
. 'By the time Elvis stepped into the spotlight his audience was well
primed. The auditorium became a nightmare of piercing shrieks and
screams front 18,000 young throats.
Then he began to sing. But his performance was more a pantomime. He could only be heard in snatches when he wasn't contorting his body or face. Screams and shrieks poured in waves from all sides of the huge auditorium and increased in direct proportion to the intensity of his gyrations which closely resemble those of a burlesque dancer.
I was in the very midst of a kind of emotional violence I'd never witnessed before and couldn't understand or assess... Is this mass hysteria harmful to adolescents?
Three experts suspect it is....
'ELVIS PRESLEY In CONCERT' Baz Luhrmann movie:'ELVIS' director Baz Luhrmann has posted more info about the new Elvis movie that he has been working on. (click for high-res)
He wrote about his recent Sony Showcase launch..
.. What an experience last night at the Sony Music Vision Content Showcase! Starting with a wonderful sneak of the Barbra Streisand project by Frank Marshall and a dazzling Lisa documentary by Sue Kim.
But of course, the one and only ELVIS closing out the show to rapturous applause!! 'EPiC' rocked the house - I thought I’d
share with you all what I said last night…
During the making of ELVIS, we went on a search for rumored unseen footage from the iconic 1970s concert films Elvis: That’s The Way It Is and Elvis on Tour. My initial thought was that we may be able to restore the unused footage (if we could find it) and use it in our Elvis feature, starring Austin Butler. I had researchers go into the Warners Bros. film vaults buried in underground salt mines and, to the astonishment of all, we uncovered 68 boxes of film negative, as well as unseen 8mm footage. It has taken two years to restore the footage to a quality that it has never been projected at previously, while the team had to meticulously claw back sound from the many, unconventional sources that were also unearthed.
One of the great finds has been unheard recordings of Elvis talking about his life and his music. It was this that gave the inspiration for EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, which is not specifically a documentary, nor a concert film: Elvis takes the audience through the journey of his life, weaving never-before-seen footage with iconic performances that have never been presented in this way, from the 1970 Vegas show, on tour in 1972 and even precious moments of the 1957 “gold jacket” performance in Hawaii.
Most importantly, Elvis will sing and tell you about his life in first person, through both classic and contemporary musical prisms.”
No release date has been suggested as yet (News, Source;Baz/EIN)
Elvis Week, New Guests added: EPE have announced more special guests for Elvis Week 2025. Ann Moses - editor of Tiger Beat Magazine from 1965 – 1972. She sat on the stage for Elvis’ Comeback Special. She was on set for Change of Habit and attended Elvis’ Vegas opening show on July 31, 1969, and photographed his performance at the midnight show on August 1, 1969. She was interviewed on camera and appeared in the 1970 documentary Elvis: That’s The Way It Is. Ann is the author of the book Meow! My Groovy Life with Tiger Beat’s Teen Idols – and will be a guest at Elvis: An Author’s Perspective on August 13. Sandy Kawelo - dancer in Elvis’ 1966 film Paradise, Hawaiian Style. During the filming of the movie, she met Elvis’ close friend Jerry Schilling. Sandy and Jerry were married from 1967 to 1973, during which they spent a lot of time at Graceland, and with the Presley family. Sandy will share stories at Conversations on Elvis on August 15. Carol Connors - lead vocalist of the pop vocal trio The Teddy Bears who had the #1 hit "To Know Him Is to Love Him." She went on to become a successful songwriter, including co-writing the Oscar-nominated theme “Gonna Fly Now” for the film Rocky. She dated Elvis in 1964 and describes Elvis as her first boyfriend and first love. Her memoir is entitled Elvis, Rocky & Me. Carol will be a guest at Elvis: An Author’s Perspective on August 13. Linda Stone - joining her husband Charles Stone at the Conversations on the Colonel on August 14 to discuss personally knowing Elvis and Col Parker.
They will join Linda Thompson, Jerry Schilling, Tony Orlando, Larry Gatlin, Brenda Lee, Larry Strickland, Jim Murray and Terry Blackwood and others.
Special "Graceland" 10" Vinyl: A limited-edition 10” from Graceland Vinyl Collection. Announced back in March, this exclusive release features Elvis’ post-Army hits, “Stuck on You”/ “Fame and Fortune,” commemorating the 65th anniversary of his incredible return to the spotlight after serving two years in the U.S. Army.
In March 1960, Elvis made a triumphant return to the music scene after serving two years in the U.S. Army. On March 23rd, he released his first post Army single; “Stuck on You” (A-side) and “Fame and Fortune” (B-side).
Shortly after, he filmed the “Welcome Home Elvis” episode of “The Frank Sinatra Timex Special,” his first television appearance since his return. Broadcast in May on ABC, Elvis performed both songs and sang a duet with Sinatra on “Love Me Tender / Witchcraft”.
“Stuck on You” soared to number one, while “Fame and Fortune” peaked at number 17, confirming Elvis fans had not forgotten him during his time away. 10" Vinyl / RCA Legacy - Priced at $29.98 & shipping Release Date: OUT NOW June 2025 / Limited Edition
This is the second Graceland Collectors Vinyl series.
Go here to Graceland Shop to order now (News, Source;EPE/EIN)
'When was Elvis Presley's First Recording REALLY made?' Atomic Wax Ep1: From super-fan John Heath a new YouTube series Atomic Wax.
In this fascinating episode he looks at the evidence surrounding the recording of Elvis' first personal demo for the Memphis Recording Service, My Happiness, and explode most of the popular theories about when it was recorded, and try to use context clues to discover the REAL recording date. What we find is surprising!
The video runs 1 hour but the clues to the date of Elvis' personal recording of 'My Happiness' are cleverly exposed.
'Elvis Presley - Rock 'N' Roll' Italian 7'' Vinyl: From the french V.P.I. record label a public domain re-release of the classic Italian 45 rpm record 'Rock 'n' Roll' EP. Released in 1957 it is prized collector's item for Elvis Presley fans.
Its highly original cover shows Elvis with a basset hound wearing a top hat, an image taken from his television appearance on The Steve Allen Show. This record brings together four rock 'n' roll classics, and is one of the first Italian Elvis publications.
Highly sought after for its unique visuals and limited edition, a copy in near-mint condition can fetch several hundred euros at auction.
In a choice of coloured vinyl.
Go here to Pre-Order now €15 / US$18
Out August 2025 (News, Source;MyHappiness/EIN)
'Rockin' With Elvis' Belgium 7" Vinyl: From the french V.P.I. record label a public domain re-release of the Belgium 45 rpm record 'Rockin' With Elvis: Vol1' EP. The Belgian 45 rpm record Rockin' With Elvis (RCA 75.524), released in 1956, is a rare and sought-after piece among collectors. Its color cover shows Elvis surrounded by his musicians: Scotty Moore, Bill Black, and DJ Fontana.
The EP featured Side A
1. Tutti Frutti
2. Blue Suede Shoes
Side B
1. Hound Dog
2. Don't Be Cruel
In 2010 a copy in excellent condition sold for over $1,200 at auction.
In a choice of coloured vinyl.
Go here to Pre-Order now €15 / US$18
Out August 2025 (News, Source;MyHappiness/EIN)
Friday 30 May 2025
'ELVIS PRESLEY In CONCERT' New Baz Luhrmann movie:'ELVIS' director Baz Luhrmann has revealed the name of the Elvis documentary project that he has been working on.
Luhrmann posted on Instagram..
.."I’ve teased it just a little and you’ve definitely seen the hints - now it’s time to say it out loud... #EPiC “ELVIS PRESLEY in CONCERT: see and hear him tell his story like never before”
Later today, I’ll be discussing all things EPiC at the Sony Music Vision content showcase and don’t worry!
I’ll be trying to swipe a few frames to share with you all on the feed."
EIN Notes: While a lot of his clips look quite familiar to Elvis fans, there is no doubt that 'EPiC' will be something very special. -
Look here on Insta for a quick video tease (News, Source;BL/ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis News Report June 2025': Elvis super-fan Emiel Maier presents all the recent news including...... The latest concerning the Baz Luhrmann Elvis concert footage film, Moving images show
Elvis on October 29, 1956, FTD book Elvis '57: The Final Fifties Tours,
Deaths of David Briggs, Joan O’Brien & Will Hutchins, Explaining the future of the ELVIS NEWS channel and so much more..
'ELVIS: Live At Houston Astrodome 1974' MRS CD Review: The new MRS single-CD deluxe-set contains Elvis’ major performance at one of the USA's biggest venues, The Astrodome, and for the first time ever presented in STEREO.
The Houston show is a truly important performance since there was no room for the usual orchestra and so it was just Elvis, the TCB band and backing-vocalists.
This made the concert completely unique with Elvis not only having to be truly focussed – there were no kiss-the-girls interruptions – and the whole team had to produce a powerful sound, big enough to impress the distant crowd in the massive stadium.
Of all the performances that MRS have released in STEREO this Houston concert is one of the most impressive, demonstrating the power of Elvis and the band in concert that had been previously hidden in the earlier lesser quality mono releases. EIN's Piers Beagley provides an in-depth review of this recent MRS release (CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Check out this amazing 'Why Me Lord' audio sample >
Remember that it came from a mono cassette!
Updated edition of Alanna Nash and Alan Fortas's "Elvis - From Memphis to Hollywood" for late 2025: Danish author Stig Ulrichsen announced the Fall 2025 release of an updated version of Alanna Nash and Alan Fortas' book 'Elvis - From Memphis to Hollywood', which was originally released in 1992 and republished in 2008 (see cover image).
The 1992 edition listed only Alan Fortas as author, but it was later revealed it had been co-written by acclaimed Elvis author, Alanna Nash (Elvis Aaron Presley: Revelations from the Memphis Mafia; The Colonel: The Extraordinary Story of Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis Presley; Baby, Let's Play House: Elvis Presley and the Women Who Loved Him).
Ulrichsen posted on Facebook: I am extremely happy and proud to share that I have just signed a publishing contract with my good friend, award-winning author and journalist Alanna Nash and Miles Fortas - son of Alan Fortas, who was a good friend of Elvis Presley and worked closely with him for 12 years.
In the fall of 2025, our new and updated version will be published by my publisher Nunatak, originally written by Alanna and based on Alan Fortas' own experiences.
The original edition is almost impossible to find today and it is priced at around US$130, if you are lucky. Therefore, it is a great honor to bring this great story back to Elvis fans all over the world.
Look forward to an exciting reissue filled with photos, updated stories and a love for music history that only a few like Alanna can convey.
Alanna has received numerous awards for her work and is one of the most respected writers in the field of music journalism, so it is a special honor to work with her on this reissue. More information coming soon - stay tuned! (Source: ElvisDaybyDay; EIN)
Ginger Alden 2025 Interview: Recently posted on YouTube a lengthy 'An Official Evening With Ginger Alden' interview in Eureka Springs.
Ginger Alden talks about the her nine months with Elvis and answers questions from the audience.
She talks about Elvis' love of books
The first night she met Elvis
Going on tour
Lisa Marie and going to Liberty Land
The engagement
The Leo Sayer story (not true)
and much more
Hacked Elvis Sites Update: Two weeks ago several Elvis websites and forums were hacked and taken off-line. The ElvisCities server hosted sites like FECC, the Phoenix Forum, Keith Flynn's Elvis Pages, the Elvis Photo Shoot Sessions and perhaps most importantly The Elvis Shop London. (EIN has been contacted multiple time about the London shop). According to Elvis Day By Day the server was "hacked and cracked" beyond repair. Now 20 years of Elvis discussions, photos and research appear to be gone.
Jordan Ritchie, who provided the hosting services via ElvisCities has stated "On May 16, 2025 I was alerted my servers had gone down. When they came back up it was clear. A single SQL file on a cluster of servers that once held thousands of files said, "Thank you for all the business" It breaks my heart for the people who trusted me to keep their sites safe."
As EIN noted earlier Keith Flynn's Elvis Pages are available at his new website here - while the owners of the other affected sites have announced that they will return with new websites in the near future. The coming weeks we'll see which site will return, and which content is lost.
EIN was hacked for three months back in late 2023 and it was truly exasperating! (Source: ElvisDaybyDay; EIN)
'King Creole 10” vinyl from RDM': The first Elvis vinyl release from the RDM label.
The King Creole ‘mono to stereo’ movie soundtrack remixed and sequenced to better represent the movie itself in 10” vinyl from producer Anthony Stuchbury.
Also included are the movie versions of five songs which haven’t officially been available elsewhere.
Although the King Creole album was released in their 'Essential 50's Masters' set, this new release contains previously unreleased material.
Produced in collaboration with David Parker and RDM-Edition, it is RDM’s very first Elvis vinyl release!
Stuchbury notes, "It’s been a very rough ride to get this release to this point, but let me give major credit to David Parker for his outstanding patience and artwork creation.
Just look at it, in fact you did, before you even read this, and it really caught your eye, didn’t it?"
"The fans asked for this, and we listened. Now you know what ‘we’ do for an encore."
Side One
1 Turtles, Berries and Gumbo - King Creole instrumental - Crawfish - Movie Version, 2 Steadfast, Loyal and True - Undubbed Movie Edit, 3 Lover Doll - Movie Version,
4 Trouble, 5 Dixieland Rock Side Two
1 Young Dreams, 2 New Orleans - Movie Version, 3 Hard Headed Woman, 4 King Creole - Movie Version, 5 Don't Ask Me Why, 6 As Long As I Have You
Out in July, more info when we get it.
(News, Source;AS/ElvisInfoNet)
New Kindle releases: EIN suspects these new Kindle books are a case of "caveat emptor" ("buyer beware").
'The Dark Side Of Elvis' hilariously features a fake photo of Elvis on the front cover 'Elvis Presley: A Life of Music, Fame, and Immortality' described as "an unforgettable journey through the life of Elvis" is all of 55 pages. 'Priscilla: Beyond Graceland' with a fake Priscilla on the cover, is described as "an unforgettable biography" yet is only 43 pages. 'The Life of Lisa Marie Presley', another Rhea Allwood book, is all of 49 pages. The cover photo is not Lisa Marie and the book starts by noting that Lisa Marie was 'only 4 years old when her parents divorced'. She wasn't, she was 5 1/2 years old. (News, Source;Amazon/NP/ElvisInfoNet)
For more Book News and to see these delightful book covers in detail - see EIN's 'Elvis Book News 2025'
'The Harum Scarum Sessions' New FTD Deluxe Set: FTD continues their series of "complete sessions" and is pleased to announce the release of 'Elvis: The Harum Scarum Sessions' - the 60th anniversary edition! Newly mixed and mastered by Sebastian Jeansson and Vic Anesini, the masters and outtakes now offer far superior audio to the original 1965 soundtrack album.
For purists the original LP masters are also featured on Disc 3. - (click image for high-res)
EIN Note:
This sessions set includes 30 previously unreleased outtakes of 'Shake That Tambourine' (lucky us!), 6 new outtakes of 'My Desert Serenade',
4 new (for FTD) of 'Wisdom Of The Ages', 4 new (for FTD) 'Kismet', 1 of 'Hey Little Girl', 12 unreleased 'Golden Coins' outtakes, 1 of 'Animal Instinct' - plus backing tracks for 'Go East, Young Man' and 'Mirage'. The vast majority of these are, of course, False Starts. However for fans that enjoy the crazy exoticness of Harum Sacrum this will be great fun.
Go to 'Elvis FTD / SONY News 2025' for full details and tracklisting - Out Next Month! (News, Source;FTD/ElvisInfoNet)
Actress Joan O’Brien Has Died: 'It Happened at the World’s Fair' actress Joan O’Brien has died. She was 89.
She is also famous for sharing a submarine with Cary Grant in 1959's Operation Petticoat.
An MGM contract player O’Brien also appeared alongside John Wayne in The Alamo (1960) and The Comancheros (1961) and starred in four films released in 1962: It’s Only Money, Six Black Horses, We Joined the Navy and Samar. She passed away on May 5.
In 1963's 'It Happened at the World’s Fair' she portrayed a nurse who attends to Elvis' Mike Edwards , ends up having dinner at the top of the Space Needle and then falling in love.
Joan Marie O’Brien was born on Valentine’s Day in 1936 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She and her family moved to California, and at age 15 she became a regular performer on 'Hometown Jamboree' TV show.
O’Brien also had a 4-year stint as a singer on CBS’ The Bob Crosby Show.
In 1964 she acted in 'Get Yourself a College Girl' which also featured other Elvis co-stars Mary Ann Mobley and
Nancy Sinatra, as well as UK groups The Dave Clark Five and The Animals.
O’Brien’s also appeared in multiple TV shows including Cheyenne, Wagon Train, The Virginian and Perry Mason.
O’Brien had several brief marriages including one to Elvis' guitarist Billy Strange.
Go here to watch Elvis and Joan O'Brien celebrate their 'Happy Ending'. (News, Source;Various/ElvisInfoNet)
'Talking Elvis': When an aging artiste has a new concert tour or new album to promote, it is astounding that it is their old stories about knowing ELVIS that gets them the media attention that they so desire.
And the craziest Elvis story the better. Leo Sayer and Tommy Steele have told two absolute crackers, both totally untrue yet repeated over and over in the UK tabloids.
We balance those with a lovely reminiscence from Pat Boone who still vividly remembers meeting his opening act Elvis Presley, “the scared young kid” back in 1955 and also talks of this lasting friendship and times spent together...
Meeting ELVIS made an impression on everyone from the poorest fan to the world’s biggest superstars. Even the briefest meeting or chance encounter with Elvis created some lovely memories as well as some fascinating stories.
These smaller encounters often get lost or forgotten and sadly there are fewer and fewer people still alive who had personal encounters with our hero. Go here to EIN's 'Taking ELVIS' (Interviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
EIN Thanks our UK friend Paul Clarkson for this Talking Elvis suggestion
Elvis Historic Marker now fenced off: Graceland has surprised fans by erecting a fence around the 'Elvis Aaron Presley' historic marker outside the Graceland gates.
While this is understandably to stop vandalism it looks very cheap and tacky and surely could have been achieved with a more sympathetic design.
The 'Elvis Aaron Presley' marker '4E 77' was put there by the Shelby Council Tennessee Historical Commission.
It states... "Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, on January 8, 1935, the son of Vernon and Gladys Presley. He moved to Memphis in 1948. Soon after signing a contract with Sun Records in 1954 he achieved tremendous popularity. His musical and acting career in records, movies, television, and concerts made him one of the most successful and outstanding entertainers in the world. He died on August 16, 1977, and is buried here at his Memphis home, Graceland."
(News, Source;SanjaM/EIN)
Glenn D Hardin Interview: Recently published on YouTube by 'WF Celebrities Entertainment Channel' a 52 minute interview with TCB pianist Glenn D Hardin.
He talks about working with Dean Martin, Emmylou Harris along with stories of Elvis.
Interestingly he says that it was Tom Diskin who first called Glenn D asking him to join the TCB band.
He talks of bonding with Elvis over both being originally poor country boys.
He discusses his arrangements and being on tour.
It's lucky that these interviews are being done now, before it gets too late.
'Elvis: From Florida To Hawaii' RDM Stereo Remaster In-depth CD review: From the RDM label 'From Florida To Hawaii' features the 'Follow That Dream' masters in Stereo remade to match the session Stereo outakes.
Plus the 'Girls!, Girls!, Girls!' album remixed at last to give a more authentic and immersive stereo listening experience.
In the original stereo RCA album tracks like 'Return To Sender' always sounded very week in the original stereo mix. This has at last been rectified.
There is an explanation as to why so many of Elvis’ movie soundtracks lacked real production values (and Col Parker is to blame!).
But with the rhythm section blasting the track along from the centre, everything now sounds so much better.
This will surely be the STEREO version that fans will play from now on... EIN's Piers Beagley and Elvis Day By Day’s Kees Mouwen get together to discuss in-depth why this new 60's "Stereo" movie release is a major achievement..
(CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork;EDayByDay)
The book supposedly... Draws on first-hand accounts from Elvis’ wife, Priscilla, his friends and family, the Memphis Mafia, and his spiritual advisors.
- Looks at key teachers who influenced him, including Yogananda, H. P. Blavatsky, and Manly P. Hall
- Examines Elvis’s efforts as a natural healer, the significance of his UFO encounters, and his telekinetic, psychic, and astral traveling abilities..
Elvis Presley was the most successful solo artist in history and an emblematic cultural figure of the Western world, however the truth about the man has been missed....
EIN’s Nigel Patterson entered the secretive realms of an arcane world to discover its relationship and importance to Elvis. It was a surprising journey!
V V - - Other EIN ELVIS treats continue below - - V V
'New Elvis Footage Found From 1956': Fox 5 archives have recently discovered some previously unseen Elvis footage from 1956.
FOX 5 New York found the footage in their archives whilst working on a story about Elvis Presley’s 90th birthday.
The rare, candid footage from 1956 shows Elvis recording a new ending for his first film, "Love Me Tender," in New York City on Oct. 29, 1956 - as well as footage of him signing autographs for fans. The footage will now be showcased at Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis. (News, Source;Graceland /Gansky)
The publicity notes... Elvis died on August 16th, 1977, at the age of just 42, in his Graceland mansion. His death marked something significant in the collective mind, like the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, or Martin Luther King.
Conspiracy theories took off about the circumstances surrounding his death: Was Elvis murdered by the mob? Was his death faked? Did Elvis commit suicide? Is he still alive? This book sheds new light on many of these questions, while also celebrating his music and legacy.
'Elvis ’57: The Final Fifties Tours' New FTD Book:'Elvis ’57: The Final Fifties Tours' is a new 500-page FTD book release. It comes with a compact 33rpm EP.
The book features over 300 photos many rare and unpublished.
...In 1957, Elvis Aron Presley was still a one man phenomenon with six titles on the charts, one movie to his credit, and two movies soon to follow. But while he pursued his dream of becoming a Hollywood actor, the military draft threatened to shatter it along with his wildly successful rock ‘n’ roll career. Elvis couldn’t resist the excitement he found performing on stage before swarms of shrieking teenage girls, and in that final year before he entered the U.S. Army, he went back on the road for three short tours.
(Click for high-res image)
'Elvis ’57' recalls that magical year when the King played to audiences a quarter of a million people strong, and controversy and pandemonium accompanied him wherever he went.
Alan Hanson takes us for a rollicking ride through eighteen major cities in the United States and Canada. Elvis wore his famed gold lame suit and thirteen girls fainted in an effort to reach him. In Vancouver, British Columbia, thousands left their seats and rushed the stage, forcing him to abruptly end the show. Drawing on first-hand accounts from the disc-jockeys on the front lines of Elvis’s exploding career and fans who attended the ’57 concerts, Hanson sweeps you back to the years that forever changed the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Note that the text of this new edition is the same as the original paperback edition, with only a few errors corrected. The big difference is the 100s of photos from Pal Granlund's collection many rare and unpublished.
EIN Note; Hanson's original paperback 'Elvis ’57: The Final Fifties Tours' was sensational (see EIN review)
He has also published the very enjoyable 'Elvis: The Movies' via 'The Elvis Files'.
Back in 2015 'The Elvis Files' also published the 416-page 'A Touch Of Gold Lame' which included hundreds of stunning photos from Elvis' 1957 concerts.
Not forgetting Paul Sweeney's fabulous 'One Night In Toronto'
It will be interesting to see how the books compare. (News, Source;FTD/ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis: June 75' In-depth FTD Review: A new 4CD digi-set 'Elvis June 1975' featuring soundboards of four shows
from Mobile A/S June 2, Houston E/S June 5, Shreveport A/S June 7 and
Jackson A/S June 8 1975.
Disappointingly for collectors all the performances on this new FTD set have been out on bootleg before. However, with the barrel almost bare, there has to be plenty to enjoy in these mid-75 performances.
After all, After all, "This mid-1975 period was a positive return for Elvis. Elvis' good mood throughout is truly infectious and along with his well-sung and committed performances they all go to making these concerts worth listening to."
At the Houston Evening Show Elvis was buzzing with energy, while at the Jackson Afternoon Show the flies were buzzing Elvis! There is plenty of fun to hear and it was always a very fine set-list. Elvis soundboard super-collector Geoffrey McDonnell along with EIN's Piers Beagley explore this new set.... (FTD Reviews; Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
... 'The most controversial performer in show business today is husky,
long-haired, hip-swinging, rock 'n' roll singer Elvis Presley. ... and he
can afford to smile at the controversy the mere mention of his name
arouses. To date such controversy has meant a million gross within his
first show biz year as well as a comfortable seven-year Hollywood film
contract.
Hal Wallis, who signed Martin and Lewis to their first Hollywood contract, is the astute producer who is willing to gamble on having the right answer to the question: "Elvis Presley - Hollywood Hot Shot or Flop?"
Elvis pianist David Briggs has died: David Briggs who played keyboards on multiple Elvis sessions as well as touring with the TCB Band, died yesterday morning, he was 82.
David Briggs (left in the photo along with his friend Norbert Putman) was born in Alabama and was playing keyboards on sessions by the time he was 14. Briggs plus other future Elvis musicians Jerry Carrigan and Norbert Putnam would be part of The Muscle Shoals band at Rick Hall's Fame Studio. Briggs was 18 when he played piano on Arthur Alexander massive hit ‘You Better Move On.’
He later moved to Nashville working as a session musician and would play on hit records by artists including Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, Kris Kristofferson and many more. He later co-founded 'Quadrafonic Studio' with Norbert Putnam and would later open his own studio 'House of David'.
Briggs started working with Elvis in 1966 when he stood in for a delayed Floyd Cramer at Elvis' 'How Great Though Art' sessions.
Elvis asked Briggs to play piano on his recording of 'Love Letters' and after impressing Elvis he then continued playing keyboards on the rest of the session.
David Briggs would play a key part in Elvis' 'Nashville Marathon' 1970 sessions and it is his piano playing you hear on Elvis' classic studio versions of Bridge Over Troubled Water, I Really Don't Want To Know, Mary In The Morning, Just Pretend, Rags To Riches and so many more.
He would also play on Elvis 1971 Nashville sessions - it is his lovely blues piano work you hear on the classic 'Merry Christmas Baby' - and would return for the 1973 Stax sessions, again 'Promised Land' is his piano lead. He would also play on Elvis final 'Jungle Room' sessions.
On New Year's Eve 1975 at Pontiac Stadium, David Briggs would join with the TCB Band and in 1976, after Glen Hardin left, he joined the band full-time touring with Elvis. It was on Elvis' second 1976 tour in April that David Briggs' 'Love Letters' would first be included in the band solos.
Briggs would leave the TCB Band after the February 1977 tour when Elvis discovered that he was having a relationship with Linda Thompson. The relationship between David Briggs and Linda Thompson would last three years, although they still remained close friends. Linda credits him with starting her career as a composer.
David Briggs' work with Elvis sessions would continue after 1977 when in 1982 he produced the remix Sessions for 'The Elvis Medley'. The single would chart at #51 UK and #71 in Billboard Top 100.
Briggs also produced the "overdub" sessions for RCA's 'I Was The One' album where the original musicians, Scotty Moore, DJ, Jordanaires etc reworked Elvis' 50's classics into a more contemporary stereo sound. It did not chart.
David Briggs said of Elvis, "Elvis was so charismatic. He was a very magnetic guy. I have never met an entertainer that was that exciting or inspiring. I was always a fan of his. I have worked with a lot of big stars but I never had one that I have enjoyed working with that much as Elvis."
Briggs was inducted into the 'Alabama Music Hall of Fame' in 1999 and the 'Musicians Hall of Fame' in 2019.
Linda Thompson posted on Instagram ... We lost a great talent and a wonderful friend this morning. David Briggs was responsible for my becoming a songwriter. Many years ago he read some of my poetry and insisted that I was a lyricist. He composed music around some of my lyrics and the first cut I ever had was this beautiful song recorded by Kenny Rogers - written by David and me. I owe so much of my success to him. I was able to speak those reaffirming words to him last night in our conversation while he was in hospice.
For those of you who may not know, David was Elvis‘s keyboard player for many years and that’s how I met him. What a blessing it was to be able to reminisce about our good times together and our lasting friendship before he passed away only a few hours after we spoke. Our last words to each other were “I love you.” If you have someone you’ve been meaning to reach out to, do it now, please. You never know how much it might mean to them… And to yourself. God bless your soul, and rest in peace, David…❤️🌹🎶🙏🏻
The book description explains...
.. This biography delves into the remarkable life of Elvis, exploring his family background, music career, films, and enduring legacy. Includes QR-Codes for an immersive reading experience.
The author has transformed this biography into an interactive experience like never before. By integrating QR codes throughout the book, readers can instantly access videos and other multimedia content on their mobile devices. This innovative approach makes the biography not just informative but also engaging, immersive, and dynamic, bringing Elvis's story to life in a whole new way.
EIN’s Nigel Patterson spent a leisurely Sunday immersing himself in Lee Jackson’s account of the Elvis Presley story. .. Read Nigel’s review...
'The Girl Happy Sessions' Box-Set FTD In-Depth Review:'The Girl Happy Sessions' is the 13th FTD “complete sessions” release.
This 3-CD set contains all the masters and available session outtakes. Highlights include unedited full-length masters and also the rare vocal re-record of 'I Feel That I’ve Known You Forever' especially made for the motion picture 'Tickle Me'.
This set includes previously unreleased takes of 'Puppet On A String', 'The Meanest Girl In Town', 'Girl Happy' (multiple long 'False starts'), 'Cross My Heart And Hope to Die' (multiple long 'False starts'), 16 new outtakes of 'Spring Fever' - and all 36 takes of 'Do Not Disturb' (only 6 outtakes have been released so far!).
So there is a lot of previously unreleased studio session eavesdropping in this release, in fact over 80 new outtakes.
The package also includes a comprehensive 24 page booklet.
The Lisa Marie – The King’s Flying Graceland (Carlos Varrenti): The latest book from aviation expert and longtime Elvis fan, Carlos Varrenti, is now available from Amazon stores.
The author commented on his new book: “In the world of music, few names resonate as profoundly as Elvis Presley's. While "The King of Rock 'n' Roll" is celebrated for his legendary music and iconic performances, there exists another dimension to his life that has long captivated me: his enduring romance with the skies.
“In my previous editions of "The Airplanes & The King," I embarked on a journey to explore Elvis's remarkable aviation adventures. I delved into the aircraft he chartered, purchased, and occasionally flew, providing a glimpse into his fearless exploration of the world of flight. Yet, with each passing edition, I couldn't help but feel that there was a significant piece of the puzzle left unexamined as deserved—the centerpiece of Elvis's aeronautical legacy: The Lisa Marie.”
The 550-page hardback is filled with fascinating information, photos, flight plans, Lisa Marie plane technical details, Lisa Marie airplane memorabilia, and stories by those who flew the plane ("Anyone for a sandwich?") and those who flew on it with Elvis.
The author, whose university degree is in Aeronautical Engineering, previously released the acclaimed book, 'Elvis Presley The Airplanes & The King'. -- Read EIN’s recent interview with Carlos Varrenti (News, Source: Carlos Varrenti; EIN)
MRS 'Down In the Alley' Opening Night 1974' CD & Vinyl: UK Label ‘Memphis Recording Service’ (MRS) will release ‘Las Vegas – ‘Down In The Alley’ Opening Night 1974’ as a CD Deluxe and 2LP Gatefold sleeve in both black and clear vinyl titled.
Release date early June 2025.
This CD features Elvis’ opening night show at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel on 19 August 1974 at the start of his eleventh season, during which he performed an almost completely revamped set-list.
At no other 1970's concert did Elvis perform so many unique songs such as ‘Down In The Alley’, ‘Good Time Charlie's Got The Blues’ and debuts of ‘Promised Land’, ‘It’s Midnight’ plus ‘If You Talk In Your Sleep’ and ‘If You Love Me (Let Me Know)’. ‘Softly As I Leave You’, ‘My Baby Left Me’ and ‘I'm Leavin'’ were also performed. It was an astounding Opening Night.
For the first time ever, the original recording has been newly remastered and mixed into STEREO.
The accompanying booklet features rare photographs and memorabilia from the event and also includes liner notes that set the scene.
(click for high-res)
The LP version will be available in both Black and Clear vinyl. The 2LP sets and will be available in both Black and Clear vinyl.
Please note, the clear vinyl is ONLY available from exclusive Elvis dealers and fan clubs and NOT thru mainstream public stores.
EIN NOTE: Fans have been hoping for a new high-quality audio remaster of this unique show, and we have no doubt that MRS will deliver.
'Elvis Book News' New EIN feature: Elvis Presley's influence and legacy has touched every kind of publication and media platform since he became the world's most successful entertainer of all-time back in the 1950s.
This year would have been Elvis' 90th birthday and thanks to RCA / SONY / FTD / MRS, along with the bootleg labels, nearly every minute of music that Elvis ever recorded has now been released. In this century Elvis Presley has now become even more of a pivotal role as part of our socio-cultural fabric... his impact / influence is greater than just his music.
Nowadays fans find more literature about Elvis and his legacy being published than 'new' music.
EIN's “Elvis Book News” will focus on book reviews, news and also the eclectic nature of Elvis' influence across all forms of literature.
Check out our new “Elvis Book News”- more updates coming soon. (Elvis Book News, Source:ElvisInformationNetwork)
'Talking Elvis': EIN's other new feature 'Talking Elvis' is also updated today with new reminiscences from Freddie Mercury, Larry Geller, Mark James and orchestra conductor Bobby Morris.
Meeting ELVIS made an impression on everyone from the poorest fan to the world’s biggest superstars. Even the briefest meeting or chance encounter with Elvis created some lovely memories as well as some fascinating stories.
These smaller encounters often get lost or forgotten and sadly there are fewer and fewer people still alive who had personal encounters with our hero. So EIN has gathered together multiple stories to help us understand and know more. 'Talking Elvis' features reminiscences from people including Elton John, Paul McCartney, Robert Plant, Paul Simon, Cliff Richard, Cher, Linda Thompson, Suzi Quatro, Riley Keough, Ernst Jorgensen, PJ Harvey, Will Hutchins, Dolly Parton, Nick Cave, Billy Smith, Ann-Margret, Barbara Stanwyck, Engelbert Humperdinck, Sam Thompson, Priscilla and many more... Go here to EIN's 'Taking ELVIS' (Interviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'Elvis Evolution' Postponed!: After the masses of publicity and months of anticipation EIN is shocked to see the announcement on their official FB page that "Elvis Evolution is Postponed" only 4 weeks before opening date of May 10.
.. Dear Elvis fans, we are so deeply sorry to have to move the opening date of Elvis Evolution. This is due to unforeseen delays caused by an outside vendor going into administration. By adjusting the opening date of the experience to 18 July 2025, we will ensure we deliver the world class experience that Elvis' legacy deserves.
We've spent the past few weeks mobilising a team across the globe to finalise this highly specialised work. Please know that this decision has not been taken lightly, and we are doing everything we can to minimise the disruption and, most of all, ensure we deliver a show fit for the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Your tickets are still valid and you can select a new date and time by visiting: https://elvisevolution.seetickets.com/CustomerService
We really do sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused... EIN NOTE: It appears that while tickets can be exchanged anyone who bought flights, train tickets, plus hotels, accommodation will have to get refunds for themselves. As the event was supposed to launch next month May 10 2025 we suspect that a lot of dedicated Elvis fans will be badly out of pocket. EIN is waiting for updates.. (News, Source;EE/EIN)
This is a fascinating interview covering many issues from Carlos’ interest in aviation, the “Lisa Marie” story pre-Elvis, and how the flight crew pranked Elvis before his first flight, to how EPE brought the “Lisa Marie” back home to its proper home at Graceland (the logistical arrangements make for absorbing reading), and what will surprise many readers, piloting the “Lisa Marie” in flight simulation games.
'Elvis Week 2025': The Memphis Commercial Appeal has posted an Elvis Week update, they note..
Graceland will host Elvis Week from August 8-16, 2025, marking the 48th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death.
The traditional centerpiece of Elvis Week is the annual Candlelight Vigil, set for Aug 15 at Graceland’s front gate. Other highlights of the programming include:
- Aug. 8-10: 2025 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest
- Aug. 13: 'A Night in Elvis’ Hollywood', celebrating his film career with co-stars and live music
- Aug. 14: 'Elvis Music Salute', featuring artists who shared the stage and studio with Elvis
- Aug. 15: 'Conversations on Elvis', intimate stories from Presley’s friends and colleagues.
- Aug. 16: 'Elvis: Live on Stage' a big-screen Elvis experience with a live band.
Among the celebrities set to appear are hitmaking pop singer Tony Orlando, country music star and songwriter Larry Gatlin, Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer Brenda Lee, and Nashville session legend Charlie McCoy. Peter Guralnick, author of 'Last Train to Memphis' and the forthcoming 'The Colonel and The King' will be there.
Elvis film co-stars Pat Priest (“Easy Come, Easy Go”), Marlyn Mason (“The Trouble with Girls”), and Robin and Gavin Koon (“Follow that Dream”) will also appear.
Elvis Week perennials including Jerry Schilling, Linda Thompson, the Stamps' veteran Larry Strickland, Elvis’ Imperials Terry Blackwood and Jim Murray, plus Estelle Brown of the Sweet Inspirations will also appear.
Elvis always wanted his concerts priced so that they were affordable for all his fans, so one wonders what Elvis would make of...
The 'Jerry Schilling Graceland Mansion Q&A Experience'An after-hours experience with special guest Jerry Schilling
And ‘Linda Thompson Graceland Mansion Q&A Experience’An after-hours experience with special guest Linda Thompson
Admittedly for only small groups of ten - but costing US$1250 per person!
Additional Elvis Week 2025 events include:
- Aug. 12: Fan Celebration
- Aug. 13: Elvis: An Author’s Perspective (panel discussion with Linda Thompson)
- Aug. 16: Brunch and a Movie
- Aug. 16: Inspired by Elvis
Go here toEPE for tickets and more into (News, Source;CommAppeal/EIN)
- EIN reveals the clues fans should have spotted.
- That Jerry Schilling does not have any Social Media presence
- That EIN advised both Facebook and EPE leading to the removal of the offending page.
Go here as Nigel Patterson reveals the full story.
Thanks to EIN many unsuspecting fans were saved from the scam - which had already cost some enthusiasts between US$120 and US$180 and possibly their credit card details .
(Spotlight, Source:EIN; Facebook)
'ELVIS: On Tour 1974 California' MRS CD Review: The new MRS 3CD Deluxe-set contains three performances from Elvis’ five-day tour of California in May 1974,
during which he performed in front of 60,000 fans, including an
attendance by the legendary British rock band, Led Zeppelin, whom he met
afterwards.
The pack includes 66 live tracks plus Bonus Tracks the ‘Home Recordings’ of 'Spanish Eyes' and 'Let Me Be The One'.
For the first time ever the shows are presented in stereo and with the tape speed correct.
The accompanying booklet includes rare photographs and memorabilia dating from this short tour.
The 3CD set includes Elvis' performances from May 11 Inglewood Forum L.A, May 12 afternoon show Fresno and also May 13 San Bernardino.
The speed correction and new stereo mix breathes new life into the shows and the result is very impressive indeed, capturing Elvis still performing with a real energy.
Book Review - 'Marion Keisker: The Woman Who First Recorded Elvis Presley':Paul Belard's latest book is a detailed account of Marion Keisker's life and her key role in the Elvis story. "That woman was the one who had faith she was the one that pushed me... Marion did it for me" - Elvis Presley 1971 .. Marion was Sam Phillips' assistant when he established the Memphis Recording Service, and later Sun Records.
She is best remembered as the first person to record Elvis in July 1953, then encouraging Sam Phillips (numerous times) to record him "commercially", therefore playing a pivotal role in Elvis' ascent towards the pinnacle of his career.
Throughout interviews given, Marion discloses the workings of Sun Records, the sessions, Elvis' moods during those first days of his career. There is a trove of little known or unknown anecdotes many fans will delight in.
This book is a fitting and well-deserved tribute to Marion Keisker.'
'Elvis UK3' is an outstanding reference e-book, there is however a keen section of Elvis collectors who prefer to own physical books as opposed to digital versions.
While the original 1,400 page book was too large to print as a single volume, the author’s idea of splitting it into three volumes is a very clever idea.
Leafing through these 478 printed pages of 'Compact Volume 1' gave us another reason to dig deep into Elvis’ CD legacy and enjoying the fascination of some stunning Elvis releases.
'Elvis Last Tours Vol.2' In-depth FTD Review: FTD's 3-CD 5”digipak 'Elvis: The Last Tours Volume 2' features recordings from six Elvis performances in March 1977, Norman OK March 25 & 26 , Abilene Tx March 27, Austin Tx March 28 and Alexandria LA March 29 & 30.
By 1977 Elvis was running on low, his set-list had become stagnant and fans were lucky to hear Elvis perform any rare song in his predictable set-list.
Elvis was not in good health, had been rowing with girlfriend Ginger Alden and the last four dates of this second tour of 1977 had to be cancelled.
So one has to ask how much do you enjoy Elvis’ performances in 1977? Five of these soundboards have never been released before and it is Elvis’ Abilene concert that is the real highlight.
Of course, if you are a collector who appreciates Elvis in 1977 then this set might be perfect for your collection. Elvis soundboard super-collector Geoffrey McDonnell along with EIN's Piers Beagley explore this new six concert pack in-depth to see what fans might discover.. (FTD Reviews; Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'The Mono to Stereo Interview with Anthony Stuchbury':The new STEREO Elvis box-set 'PRESLEY The Essential '50's Masters' from producer Anthony Stuchbury will be released by the french RDM label next week.
The question of whether Elvis' mono fifties classic recordings should be re-released in "new stereo" is hotly debated among hard-core collectors and this box-set includes all of Elvis' 50's mono masters in STEREO!
So this week is the perfect time to talk to the man behind the mixing desk, for the backstory behind this recent development of mixing Elvis’ original Mono recordings into STEREO.
Tony talks about working with RDM, Memphis Mansion, Ernst Jorgensen, the FTD label ... and much much more.. EIN's Piers Beagley and Elvis Day By Day's Kees Mouwen combined forces to ask "Mono II Stereo" producer Anthony Stuchbury some tricky questions. (Interview, Source;Elvis Day By Day/ElvisInfoNetwork)
More praise for 'Elvis Hero of the Comic Books':Written by EIN’s Nigel Patterson (with “over and above” help from Elvis Day By Day’s, Kees Mouwen) the first in-depth record of Elvis in comic books, graphic novels and cartoons, was published earlier this year.
Reviews have been glowing since day one, the latest including a four-page text and image overview in It’s Elvis Time magazine (Netherlands) and a detailed review in the cult rock & roll magazine, Ugly Things (based in California).
'From Here to the Great Unknown’ Book Review: After all the publicity and hype Lisa Marie's revealing memoir has recently been published. There is no doubt that being part of a famous family certainly does not guarantee a happy life.
As Keough explains, “The early parts of the book are mostly my mother's voice, in the tapes she speaks at length about her Graceland childhood, the death of her father, the dreadful aftermath, her relationship with her mother, her difficult teen years. She’s frank and funny about my father, Danny Keough. She talks openly about her relationship with Michael Jackson. She’s painfully candid about later drug addiction and the perils of fame…
If you have ever wondered how Lisa Marie coped with life post-Elvis or noticed those old tabloid news reports saying that she had once again “gone off the rails” or spotted the tension between her and Priscilla, the answers and much, much, more are in this stunning memoir...
While Elvis died when Lisa Marie was only 9 years old there is still plenty new to discover from this intriguing book.. EIN's Piers Beagley checks out this powerful memoir, wonders why the Australian book has been edited - and discovers the delights of the Audio-Book..
(Book Reviews: Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
(Spotlight/Opinion, Source: Rock and roll - an introduction)
UPDATED 'ELVIS / MEMPHIS' In-depth Review: The SONY RCA 'ELVIS / MEMPHIS' 2024 5-CD box-set was released last month.
The publicity promised.. "MEMPHIS is a comprehensive collection that takes listeners through the many recordings Elvis had done while in Memphis - from his songs at SUN Records, to his American Studio and Stax sessions, through to his 1974 hometown show and finally, his last recordings in Graceland.
This 5-CD collection of Elvis’ songs over the years features 111 tracks, 88 of which are newly mixed versions of the select recordings, pure and without overdubs."
The five CDs each focus on SUN Records, American Studios, Stax Studios, LIVE Mid-South Coliseum Memphis and Graceland. Elvis fans have of course bought these tracks multiple times before and FTD have even released most of the "Undubbed masters".
However with 'ELVIS / MEMPHIS' engineer Matt Ross-Spang remixing these crucial recordings, often creating something unique and new for 2024 and there is much to enjoy.
In fact listening to this set is like a five-course 'MEMPHIS degustation' since every individual recording session has a different flavour and vibe. . Go here as EIN's Piers Beagley provides a 5,500 word review checking out every track to reveal what new excitements fans might discover..
You can also 'Have Your Say' - what did you like or dislike about this new release? NOW UPDATED with Readers comments. (CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
(Book Review) Elvis, Hero of the Comic Books (Nigel Patterson): Respected Elvis author and reviewer, Gordon Minto, recently put on his reviewer’s cap to take on what he rightly describes as “a strange landscape” of how Elvis is portrayed in comic books (aka sequential art), a subject, which until now, has not been well covered or understood.
The book in question, Elvis, Hero of the Comic Books, was written by EIN’s Nigel Patterson and sublimely designed by Elvis Day By Day’s, Kees Mouwen.
The book includes stunning artwork from a number of releases and an eclectic variety of Elvis related comic book ephemera. Elvis, Hero of the Comic Books features more than 600 images!
Read Gordon’s detailed review to discover why he found the book to be “refreshingly different, extremely eye-catching, well-researched and well-written, while offering a new slant on things”.
(Book Review, Source: Gordon Minto;ElvisInfoNet)
"That's All Right" 70 Anniversary Spotlight: Seventy years ago today Elvis Presley would walk into 706 Union Avenue and by the end of the evening his recording of 'That's All Right' would change the course of music history.
Elvis author Tony Plews' 'Walk A Lonely Street' is a unique book that tells the tale of Elvis Presley’s rise to fame and presented as a series of consecutive short stories, it offers a new perspective on Presley’s musical and cultural achievements.
Every Elvis biography has, of course, described the recording of “That's All Right” but none have really captured that special day in such a cool, inspiring, involving and natural way.
In 'Walk A Lonely Street' it’s as if Tony Plews was actually there watching... On this 70th anniversary every Elvis fan should read this fabulous spotlight about 'That's All Right'.
(Spotlight, Source;TonyPlews/EIN)
'Elvis: Stateline SAHARA '74' FTD In-Depth Review:'ELVIS: Stateline Sahara 1974 Lake Tahoe' released as a 3-CD 5” digi-pak
features three previously unreleased performances from Elvis' third
Lake Tahoe season -
May 19 (Evening show), May 20 (Midnight show) and May 25 (Midnight show).
Just two weeks before this Lake Tahoe season Elvis had been playing to audiences of over 18 thousand at the Los Angeles Forum, so it is understandable if Elvis sounds a little more on ‘cruise-control’ but being less O-T-T is also a positive in that they sound more intimate.
'ELVIS: At 3am Sahara Tahoe 1973' MRS CD Review: This Deluxe 2CD set features two shows from Elvis’ May 1973 engagement at The Sahara Tahoe in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Included is a rare 3am charity performance as well as the midnight show from the previous night. Both shows for the first time are presented in stereo.
The accompanying booklet includes memorabilia and rare photos along with liner notes that set the scene.
Despite having to perform three concerts in the one evening, Elvis was feeling inspired and although it was 3am he still treated the ‘Mother’s Day’ benefit more like a Closing Night performance. Elvis was in extremely jovial spirits, teasing the band and adding some crazy lyrics. He also added unique live versions of ‘My Way’, ‘Faded Love’, ‘Funny How Time Slips Away’ and a rare ‘It’s Over’.
With the cassette hiss removed, the musicians and backing-vocals in stereo and Elvis’ vocal raised to the correct level, this MRS release sounds just like an RCA recorded multi-track and is the best representation of the “real Elvis” live in 1973 that fans could hope for. Go here as EIN's Piers Beagley checks out a sensational STEREO Elvis double-pack. (CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Book Review 'The King and The Jester': Elvis author Paul Belard's new "special interest" book all about Elvis and manager Col Parker is out now.
The cover notes, "As this uncultured philistine said of himself, "I did not know what to make of Elvis, or his music. I did not care, but I saw the reaction of the audience says and it was enough for me".Parker promptly realised that Elvis was his own ticket to wealth."
Belard's new 260 page book's twenty three chapters include, 'The Hank Snow Affair', 'The Snowman', 'The Lost Years', 'The Narcissist', 'World Wide Tour', 'What Could Have Been' and 'Exposing The Con Man'.
The author makes his disdain for Parker known from the outset and he does not hold back about what he sees as one of, if not the biggest, travesties and examples of unscrupulous mismanagement, in show business history!
The book is a very strong read and one that is very much a counterpoint to the recently published "rose colored glasses" account, 'Elvis and the Colonel: An Insider's Look At The Most Legendary Partnership In Show Business', by Parker employee Greg McDonald and Marshall Terrill.
Some fans have suggested that Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 ELVIS drama made Parker out to be too much of a cartoon villain but after reading this book the movie looks even more truthful than fans might have believed. ... Go here and read EIN's detailed review by glimmer twins Nigel Patterson and Piers Beagley (Book Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'Elvis in Print: A Comprehensive Annotated and Illustrated Bibliography 1955-2023 Volume 1' UPDATE: This comprehensive new book was due to be published this month but has been delayed due to editing issues and the discovery of more than 70 new titles and/or editions. A revised publication date for the nearly 500-page book will be announced soon. (non-final cover image pictured)
Compiled and written by EIN's Nigel Patterson, the four volumes of Elvis in Print: A Comprehensive Annotated & Illustrated Bibliography 1955-2023 will comprise around 2,000 pages, with listings for more than 4,000 books and around 2,000 images.
Volume 1 is the first of two detailing English language, “non-fiction” releases. It contains close to 500 pages, listings for more than 800+ titles, book covers for more than 500 listings, and interesting Sidebar articles discussing controversial releases and issues in the massive Elvis book catalog.
Sections in Elvis in Print Volume 1 include:
Academic Releases, Biographies, Compendiums: Catalogs, Discographies, Chart Histories, Interviews... Conspiracy Theories, Elvis and the Colonel, Elvis and the Law, Elvis as Art and Elvis as Religion (including Psychic Experiences and Spirituality)...
The 'Listings' include original releases, subsequent re-issues , (including digital editions) and a book synopsis. 'Elvis in Print' will be published in hardcover, softcover, and Kindle formats. It will be available from Amazon stores (the hardcover edition will only be available in those countries where Amazon offers this format).
EIN will publish more information soon. (News, Source;NP/EIN)
(Film Review) Priscilla – film by Sofia Coppola: While Baz Luhrmann’s major hit film in 2022, Elvis, was a colorful narrative and frenetic musical explosion, in 2023, Sofia Coppola’s, Priscilla, is more subdued, but still a colorfully hued and musically expressive story.
Coppola is an acclaimed filmmaker and director. Thematically, her films explore themes of identity, isolation, and the complexities of human relationships, and these underscore, Priscilla.
EIN’s Nigel Patterson recently watched the film that has divided the Elvis world.
Now updated with EIN READER comments...
We have had plenty of general negative feedback but also some lengthy and rather interesting discussions on the film.. EIN is also interested in hearing YOUR comments on the movie. (Film Review, Source:ElvisInformationNetwork)
UPDATED- CD Review 'The Joan Deary Tapes Vol1' - and has Ernst won the war?’: Two years ago EIN posted an article suggesting that the Elvis bootleg era was over, that FTD and Ernst Jorgensen had truly won the war.
So it was a surprise to many that a new bootleg label ‘Joan Deary Inc’ suddenly popped up two months ago promising a very similar series of releases to the Madison ‘A Legendary Performer’ set.
They promised "Unique content... with never issued before outtakes. Some very different mixes among other glorious sounding tracks. Every track comes in great sound quality and has been remastered for optimal listening pleasure..."
EIN was suspicious from the start - to be honest I saw no need to purchase this CD - but several EIN readers wanted to know more before they put down their hard earned cash. Go here as EIN's Piers Beagley investigates to see if there is life in this new series of Elvis bootleg releases... Please read this before ordering we've done the work so that you don't have to! Now UPDATED with YOUR comments (CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Don't miss out on one of EIN's most-viewed and controversial interviews of all-time - Mike Stone tells all.
EIN Interview with Mike Stone: Mike Stone has had a long and successful career in athletics, in the entertainment business, as an author, sports instructor, bodyguard and personal fitness trainer.
Mike Stone was also a key figure in the emotional roller-coaster that described Elvis and Priscilla Presley's lives in the seventies. In this exclusive EIN interview Priscilla's ex-partner, karate champion and author talks about his amazing life, including... - Meeting Elvis and Priscilla
- Hawaii, Elvis and Karate
- Being Phil Spector's bodyguard
- Sitting next to John Lennon recording
- Priscilla and karate
- Fans blaming him for Elvis' marriage split-up
- Elvis putting a "Hit" out on him
- Finding peace in the Philippines
- His new autobiography
Don't forget that EIN's Elvis Facebook page regularly features fabulous RARE newly discovered photos of Elvis. This month EIN celebrates our 45,000 members! - including several of Elvis' own friends and colleagues So Elvis fans don't miss out on these rare and exciting photographs.
Now with over thousands of great photos, News and with more added every day – including YouTube footage.
Elvis LIVE Aug 23, 1969 Album Review + Elvis Concert Review 1969: ..."The atmosphere throughout the entire hotel was nail-bitingly electric! It is difficult for me to describe and paint a true portrait of attending in person this unique occasion - Elvis' Return to Splendor LIVE in 1969 - but I'll try my best. I want, and hope, you will understand the excitement of what has to be the pinnacle of Elvis' career to date!" Joan Gansky was lucky because not only was she in the audience for Elvis' TV musical renaissance of the '68 NBC Special but she also saw Elvis at his most dynamic - first at his August 22nd 1969 Midnight Show and then the following night at his August 23rd Dinner Show. Joan Gansky has written this insightful and emotional article for EIN in 2019, fifty years later, looking back at this special event from 1969 as well as providing her review of the new RCA vinyl album of the August 23rd Dinner Show. One of EIN's most important articles we have ever published- Go here for Joan and Paul Gansky's incredible articles and exclusive photos
(Review/Spotlight, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'What was Elvis searching for?' EIN Spotlight: The question is raised – but never answered – in the title of HBO’s recent absorbing, imperfect documentary 'Elvis Presley: The Searcher'.
At the start it seems clear what the teenage Elvis was searching for – an escape from the oblivion of poverty in the American South. Yet his quest was cultural as well as financial.
Later Elvis read obsessively, seeking out such books as The Impersonal Life, Joseph Brenner’s guide to self-discovery and Kahil Gibran’s book of fables, The Prophet. In his copy of Gibran’s tome, Elvis jotted down the line: “A singer can sing his songs but he must have an ear to receive the song”.
So what exactly was Elvis searching for? In this fascinating EIN Spotlight respected author Paul Simpson takes a close look at this all important question which, for some reason, was basically ignored in the recent HBO documentary..
Mindi Miller Interview with EIN: Mindi Miller was a working actress when she met Elvis in early 1975. She was interested in karate (she performed all her own movie stunts), exploring spirituality and the Bible and so they had a lot in common. Mindi Miller and Elvis bonded over their common interests and soon afterwards he asked her to go on tour with him in April 1975.
She stayed friends with Elvis through the years - along with members of the 'Memphis Mafia' - and attended his funeral.
EIN's Sanja Meegin recently caught up with Mindi Miller to talk about her close friendship with Elvis over the years.
In this fascinating interview she discusses. . . - Her first night with Elvis
- How Elvis persuaded her to cancel her overseas movie & modelling plans
- Their mutual interest in Karate
- Graceland and meeting Lisa Marie
- Attending Elvis' funeral . . . and much much more... Go here for EIN's Sanja Meegin and her intimate and detailed discussion with the delightful Mindi Miller - Now with Reader Feedback.
'Marty Lacker: A Life Well-Lived' & Elvis at American Studio's Interview: It was with immense sadness that last month EIN had to report on the death of our great friend - and a true friend to Elvis - Marty Lacker. We will miss him dearly. Marty is well-known as one of the key members of the Memphis Mafia and also co-Best Man at Elvis' wedding. He was known for both his honesty and being forthright with his opinions. He was the only member of the Memphis Mafia who still watched and commented on recent Elvis News. He had no issue with holding people to account (especially ones who would inflate their importance within Elvis' legacy) and would regularly ask EIN to add his comments or to correct any inaccuracy. Elvis fans often ask about Marty Lacker's background, how he came to meet Elvis, as well as his involvement in the music industry outside of working for The King.
As a prelude to Ken Sharp's fascinating interview with Marty Lacker and a discussion about Elvis' famous American Studio' Memphis sessions, EIN presents "Marty Lacker: a life well-lived" in which Marty tells of his life in the music industry, his friendship with Elvis along with his dislike of the over-controlling Col Parker. Go here to learn all you need to know about Marty Lacker as well as Elvis outstanding Memphis American Sound sessions in 1969. (Spotlight; Source,KenSharp/ElvisInformationNetwork)
'The World of FTD' In-Depth Review: The new deluxe book 'The World Of FTD' has been received by some lucky fans and Elvis collector Mike Lodge has provided EIN with a very detailed review - of well over 3 thousand words! The book was authored and designed by Keith Flynn with input from a large number of other Elvis specialists including EIN's Piers Beagley, EM&HM's Trevor Cajiao, Geoffrey McDonnell, Gordon Minto and many others. It is 1,200 pages, hardbound three book set, chronicling every release by FTD.The book also features 100s of high-quality photos from the collection Erik Lorentzen
KJ Consulting are proud to publish this Box Set which weighs 8 kilos.
Paul Dowling EIN Interview Part Three: Paul Dowling is without doubt one of the major names in the Elvis World. He started collecting and selling Elvis vinyl over 40 years ago and has one of the world's largest Elvis Presley record collections. He started his "WorldWide Elvis" shop back in the seventies, way before the internet, where fans could get hold of rare Elvis records and memorabilia.
With such a fascination with Elvis, Dowling not only became a big name in the early years of Elvis bootlegs but later became friends with Ernst Jorgensen and helped RCA with various official releases.
In the final part of our fascinating interview Paul Dowling discusses .... - Dodging the FBI agents that were sent after him
- Unreleased Elvis material that still hasn’t come out
- Why does Ernst Jorgensen doubt this claims
- His BMG project 'For The First Time Ever' - what happened
- The true story of obtaining the Million Dollar Quartet tape
- His thoughts on Paul Lichter, Sean Saver, Sherif Hanna, Rex Martin
- Spending time with Alan Fortas
- Jim Curtin, newly added story
'Ultimate Elvis' New Electronic Edition: Announced by Elvis sessions expert Keith Flynn for publication November 1 is the brand new concept of the 1750 page super-deluxe Elvis sessions book 'Ultimate Elvis' Electronic Edition.
This incredible three volume book will now be available as an e-book on an i-pad or android tablet. - Created in HTML5
Fully updated e-books will open in any web browser on any operating system, so no need for separate downloads for different operating systems. - Life-Like 'Flipping' Pages
Flip through pages as if you are reading an actual book, but also being able to zoom-in to view smaller images and captions.
- View as Double or Single pages
View as double pages on a computer or laptop etc, and single pages when viewing in portrait on an i-pad or Android tablet. - Fully Navigational Table Of Contents
Jump back and forth to the sections of the books you want to read, instead of flipping through numerous pages to find what you want. PRICED AT - all 3 Volumes for £60 = US$93
On sale from November 1st 2015. Try Before You Buy -
Download free zip-file containing 27 pages from Volume 1, before you decide to buy the complete set. -
NOTE - These books are MASSIVE so you will need approximately 1GB of spare disc space for these three volumes, -
Click HERE to Keith Flynn's 'Ultimate Elvis' Electronic Edition to try.
Go HERE to EIN's independent review of 'Ultimate Elvis' (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
Did Elvis Record 'Tiger Man' At Sun?: A question that has puzzled Elvis fans through the years is whether he actually recorded the song ‘Tiger Man’ during his years at SUN studios.
The basic question is why did Elvis refer to 'Tiger man' several times in concert as “The second song that I ever recorded, not too many people heard it”?
And if Elvis DID record it, then why hasn’t any reference to it at SUN or proof of its existence been found?
Elvis would first perform ‘Tiger Man’ in concert at his first 1969 Las Vegas International season and would continue playing it through the years – usually in a medley with Mystery Train - until his last performance at Saginaw on May 3 1977. He would sing it over 150 times on stage! The thought that there might be an acetate or undiscovered tape of Elvis at SUN singing ‘Tiger Man’ is a mouth-watering concept - but is it an unlikely fantasy or strong possibility?
Go here to our detailed 'TIGER MAN' spotlight as EIN's Piers Beagley puts in the hard yards to check the facts from the fantasy . (Spotlight; Source;ElvisInfoNetwork)
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