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...
'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.
Elvis nurse Marian Cocke has died aged 98: Marian Cocke was Elvis' nurse from 1975-1977. Marian began taking care of Elvis in January 1975 while he was a patient at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis. She continued to take care of Elvis during his hospitalizations and also during the nights at Graceland.
Elvis gave Marian a TLC necklace, a mink coat and 1976 Pontiac Grand Prix. Marian is the author of the book, “I Called Him Babe”
Marian was very well respected and loved in the Elvis world. Marian enjoyed meeting Elvis fans and sharing her memories.
For many years during Elvis Week Marian hosted an Elvis Memorial Dinner at the Peabody Hotel which raised money for various charities.
Marian Cocke will be greatly missed and always remembered.
She passed away yesterday morning, she was 98 years old.
This sad news was posted by Elvis Presley fans of Nashville Marian Justice Cocke July 28, 1926 - March 5, 2025 RIP (News, Source;EPfansofNashville)
'Elvis June 1975' New FTD OUT NOW: The new March 2025 FTD release 4CD digi-set 'Elvis June 1975' featuring concerts from June 2, 5, 7 and 8 1975 has arrived at local European dealers.
It features mono soundboards of Mobile A/S June 2, Houston E/S June 5, Shreveport A/S June 7, and Jackson A/S June 8 1975.
From this tour FTD have already released Huntsville May 31 & June 1, Dallas June 6, Shreveport June 7 E/S, Jackson June 9 (+ 2 June 8 Bonus tracks) and of course Memphis June 10.
FTD's 2012 release of a previously unheard soundboard 'Another Saturday Night' from Shreveport June 7, 1975 was the real delight.
Disappointingly all the performances on this new FTD set have been out on bootleg before.
EIN previously reviewed this tour's concerts as, "This mid-1975 period was a positive return for Elvis and found him looking and sounding healthy and happy". Previous bootleg releases of these shows all in good sound quality..
- Mobile A/S June 2 - 'Movin' Mobile' Madison
- Houston E/S June 5 'Howdy Houston' A Lone Star
- Shreveport E/S June 7, 'The Creeping Crud Express' Audionics
- Jackson A/S June 8, 'Fly... Trouble' Madison
Go here to 'Elvis FTD / SONY News 2025' for full tracklist and more - Ask your Elvis dealer if it is in stock yet. (News, Source;FTD/ElvisInfoNet)
"Elvis In Minnesota" New book: A new book Elvis In Minnesota by Robert Foley has been published.
The book covers Elvis' shows from 5 Nov 1971 to 30 April 77.
It includes lots of information about the shows, with concert reviews, photos memorabilia and comments.
EIN's Geoffrey McDonnell reviewed his copy noting...
.. "It is a similar style to a thorough and detailed Kieran Davis book.
Plenty of photos I had not seen before, especially about 13 photos from Elvis' Duluth 16th Oct 1976 show.
Due to the small print run - a limited edition - it is expensive but it is a nice hard-backed book, mostly in full colour and it's a keeper."
US$125 plus shipping. To order email bobselvisbooks@gmail.com
Go here to YouTube to see a detailed review by 'The King’s Court'
(News, Source;GeoffMcD/ EIN)
Sunday 2 March 2025
'Elvis UK Compact Vol. 2' Coming Soon:'Elvis UK Compact Volume 2' is the second volume of this major series of books (comprising three soft-backed print volumes) will be published and available to buy in early March, continuing the story from where the already successful and widely acclaimed Volume 1 left off. Volume 2 opens with CD 170 and concludes with CD 422. Please note that 'Compact Vol. 1' is almost sold out.
As with Volume 1, apart from minor changes to the layout and revised cover artwork, the print copy edition will contain exactly the same content as the downloadable, digital flip book version (entitled Elvis UK3 The Ultimate Guide To Elvis Presley’s British CD Releases 1983-2005), first issued in early 2021. Nothing has been added; nothing omitted.
This trilogy of books represents the first major attempt by anyone to chronicle in exhaustive and painstaking detail the rise of Elvis’s compact disc releases from 1983 onwards – cross-referenced, where relevant, with vinyl versions. And while focused on UK releases, there is a huge amount of overlap with other territories – especially Europe - which makes it of major interest to Elvis collectors throughout the world.
Fans' response has been extremely positive including....
‘ … a truly comprehensive and definitive work … the scope of the coverage and detail included making it a magisterial work of reference. I would not have thought that either UK1 or UK2 could be equalled, but this is a stupendous achievement and you are both to be congratulated … I am sure that every serious Elvis disciple will consider it essential to obtain their copy" - Les
& see EIN review of 'ELVIS UK - Compact Vol 1'. Please note: on buying the three volumes, each buyer will receive a complimentary copy of the 23-track CD entitled Beyond The Legend, completely free of charge. (More details to follow soon. Watch this space!)
Priced at £50 (in UK includes p&p costs) this book will only be available to buy via our website, www.elvisukbooks.co.uk Overseas customers incur p&p costs. (News, Source;GM/ElvisUK)
'From Florida To Hawaii' New RDM CD: After his very successful 1950's Stereo box-set Anthony Stuchbury is back with a new RDM 'Mono II Stereo' release 'From Florida To Hawaii'
This will featured the 'Follow That Dream' mono masters in Stereo that will match the session Stereo outakes
Plus the 'Girls!, Girls!, Girls!' album remixed to give a more authentic and immersive stereo listening experience.
In the original RCA mix all the instruments were left channel, Elvis middle and only The Jordanaires right channel.
Tracks like 'Return To Sender' always sounded very week in the original stereo mix. This has at last been rectified.
With the rhythm section blasting the track along from the centre, everything sounds so much better.
This will be the STEREO version that fans will play from now on...
'Elvis Evolution' First Look: The London tourist site 'Visit London' posted some of the first inside images of what the 'Elvis Evolution' experience is going to look like.
Standard tickets are £75, VIP tickets are £180. Fans should note that May, June and July tickets are already sold out!
The images shared by Layered Reality, the immersive entertainment company behind Elvis Evolution provide a glimpse into what we can expect to see.
The first shows 'Backstage at NBC Studios' while the second recreates Elvis' 1968 Comeback Special dressing room.
Layered Reality has also used AI to breathe new life into 60-year-old home footage, recreating previously unseen moments in the life of the music icon.
Highlights
1. Journey through Elvis' story
Journey through Elvis' story, from humble beginnings in Tupelo to his meteoric rise to superstardom.
2. Experience the iconic ‘68 COMEBACK show
The experience centres on Elvis' iconic '68 special performance that captures the drama and triumph of what is described by many as the ‘greatest rock performance of all time’.
3. First-of-its-kind experience
A first-of-its kind immersive experience that combines live theatre, multi-sensory technology and generative AI to bring the musical icon to life in an authentic tribute.
4. Heart Pounding Music
One of the biggest selling solo artists of all time created a sound that changed the world.
This experience explores the music made him, the music he made and how that music shaped everything that followed.
5. Immerse yourself in his world
Experience exclusive glimpses behind the scenes, at never seen before moments in Elvis’ history. This walkthrough immersive experience has some seated scenes and features three themed bars, including a 1960s diner with themed cocktails and food and an interval ‘Blue Hawaii’ bar.
You’ll finish your experience in the ‘All Shook Up’ After Party bar, sponsored by Memphis Tourism, where the celebration of the man and the music continues.
Go here to Elvis Evolution to purchase tickets and for more info (News, Source;Layered Reality/ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis: The Man & His Music' #147: EIN's favourite Elvis music magazine 'Elvis: The Man & His Music' March 2025 issue is out now.
Articles include..
- The Making Of King Creole review
- Elvis And The 1973 Voice Demos
- Lawton, Oklahoma, June 23rd 1955
- The Movies – A British View Part 3
- Fifty Years Ago, Today
- Moments In Time – November 14th 1971
- CD & Book reviews
'Clambake' Box-set: The Elvis Files have posted that their new 'Clambake' Box-set should be out for Easter 2025.
The Clambake Box will include....
- Hardcover book with 400 pages featuring about 700 rare and unpublished pictures in pristine quality from original slides and negatives.
- Two STEREO Gatefold albums - 'Original Soundtrack' and 'The Outtakes'.
- Single 'You Don't Know Me / A House That Has Everything'
- 8 Lobby Cards and 1 Poster
Buy at Elvis Files for €220 / US$230 includes world-wide shipping
Or in the UK £165 & postage at Elvis Shop London or Elvis-4-Sale (News, Source;ElvisFiles)
News from earlier last week ...
"Elvis October 1958 Vol.2" & "Elvis November 1958" New Books: Two new Elvis "day-by-day" photo-journal releases from prolific author, Paul Belard, "Elvis October 1958 Vol. 2" and "Elvis November 1958" are already out. -
Both are 222 pages and were published on February 26.
'Elvis October 1958, Vol.2'
When all his soldier’s duties were completed, Elvis got a three-day leave and joined his father, his grandmother, Red West and Lamar Fike at the Ritters Park Hotel in Bad Homburg.
Being Elvis, he started to date as soon as he arrived in Germany. This time, it was Margit Buergin, a typist. They saw each other for a few months.
At the end of the month, Elvis and his dependents left this hotel for a health spa located in Bad Nauheim, the Hotel Grunewald. Amazon UK - - Amazon USA
'Elvis November 1958'
The second month of Elvis in Germany was spent at the U. S. Army Training Area in Grafenwohr, Bavaria, in winter maneuvers.
Grafenwöhr is a town in the district Neustadt, in the region of the Upper Palatinate in eastern Bavaria, Germany.
Effective on November 27, 1958, Elvis was promoted to Private First Class. This rank was symbolized by one chevron on each sleeve. ---
Amazon UK - - Amazon USA
Check the amazon links to order & for more details -
(News, Source: PB; Amazon)
'Elvis News Report March 2025': Elvis super-fan Emiel Maier presents all the recent news including...... Tickets Elvis Evolution A.I. show in London sell like hot cakes!, New FTD collector’s box with shows from 1975, A replica of the Graceland Gates installed in Australia, Elvis art made from parts of The Colonel’s office, Inside the ‘Follow That Dream’ movie courtroom in Florida.. ELTON JOHN and much much more...
New Kindle novel - 'Last Bridge to Memphis' (Jim Condelles): Due for publication on March 3, this book is described as: ... "Elvis may be chewed up, spit out, and stepped on, but he sure ain't dead. Ten years after illness and scandal dragged his life into the dirt, he's searching for meaning in a world that's all but forgotten him. "Enter TV reporter Tom Cirone, a young man on the run from a tragic past and navigating a dangerous love affair. When he stumbles onto a deadly police cover-up, his relentless reporting puts a target on his back. But as the threats close in, a reluctant ally steps out of the shadows: Elvis Presley—alive, middle-aged, and on a mission of his own. "The pair find themselves shaking, rattling, and rolling down a path of blackmail and betrayal. Soon, they're caught in a trap— a deadly game of cat and mouse— and they may not walk out alive."
Pre-publication review:
.. "From debut author, Jim Condelles, comes a tale of 'what ifs.' Last Bridge to Memphis explores something we've all wondered ... what if Elvis never really died, and he walks among us, an ordinary man? Set in 1980s Memphis, this deeply satisfying thriller sends us careening into a discovery sprinkled with stardust. You won't be able to put this one down!" -- USA Today bestselling author Beth Albright
French language book - 'Le King et le Prophète' (Heloise Guay de bellisen): This French language softcover release has been announced for April 2.
The title translates as "The King and the Prophet".
Described as...
... The life of Elvis Presley is told by his stillborn brother, evoking the rock star's beginnings, his relationship with Priscilla, his career and his excesses.
It was a life also marked by the reading of Khalil Gibran's essay, The Prophet.
Elvis, who owned dozens of copies, commented on certain passages, leaving notes in the margins that are integrated into the story.
Following in the footsteps of this unique encounter between music and literature, Héloïse Guay de Bellissen has written a novel with a lively and captivating style, mixing spirituality and rock-and-roll. According to the original point of view of Elvis' twin brother, stillborn at birth, it is an unprecedented portrait of the King who thrilled America and the world.
EIN Exclusives and News from earlier in February ...
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.'
Annett Wolf 'Elvis In Concert' co-producer has died: Annett Wolf was the segment producer for the CBS 'Elvis In Concert' TV special.
She was was born in Copenhagen in 1936 and became a director, producer and writer who would end up filming and producing the "non-concert" footage in the 'Elvis In Concert' TV special.
Because of her role Wolf became the last person to professionally film Elvis alive which was for the segment at the Indianapolis Airport on June 26 1977 where he meets Todd Slaughter.
Annett Wolf sadly passed away last week, aged 88.
In her early years Wolf worked on Danish Radio & TV specials including in-depth profiles of actors such as Charles Chaplin, Jack Lemmon, Jerry Lewis, Peter Sellers, Peter Ustinov and also Alfred Hitchcock.
After her move to Hollywood she would set-up her own production company 'Mc Curry-Wolf enterprises', and produce "behind the scenes" documentaries for more than 50 films including, 'Jaws 2', '48 Hrs', 'Star Trek the Motion Picture' and 'Missing'.
She also was co-Founder and President of LA's 'Women in Film International'.
Please watch this fascinating CTV interview with Annett Wolf from 2017 (News, Source;FECC/CTV/ElvisInfoNet)
'Elvis: Dressed to Rock' 15 new Jumpsuits on Display: Graceland has unveiled a refreshed Elvis: Dressed to Rock exhibit, showcasing 15 newly-displayed jumpsuits making their debut after more than two years off display at Graceland while traveling the world as part of Direct from Graceland exhibition series.
This marks the first major update since the popular exhibit opened in 2022.
To complement the new additions, the existing jumpsuits in the exhibit have been also rotated.
Highlights include:
- White & Black Cossack Suits from Elvis’ first Las Vegas engagement at the International Hotel in 1969.
- Rope Collar Suit featured on the cover of Elvis’ On Stage album. - Blue Brocade Suit worn in Las Vegas in February 1970. - Webbed Fringe Suit worn only once at the LA Forum on November 14, 1970.
- Black Butterfly Suit from 1972 which Elvis famously wore during a spontaneous photo session in his hotel suite.
- Additional jumpsuits include Amber Stone Suit, Pontiac Suit, Arabian Suit, Black Conquistador Suit, Dragon Suit, Embordered Flame Suit, Green & Red Dude Suits, and Orange Target Suit.
Go here to Graceland website for more details (News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
The Bulletproof Souls (Jon Neville): Due for release next week, this 324-page hardcover novel from Grosvenor House Publishing, is predicated on the King of Rock and Roll.
The book description:
.. 3rd March 1960 - A plane carrying Elvis Presley lands at a snowy Scottish airport. An orchestrated meeting with the King of Rock and Roll is to set off a catastrophic chain of events.
14th February 1985 -A serial killer stalks the streets of Nottingham. Local band, The Bulletproof Souls have just played their biggest ever gig. Yet tragedy is waiting outside for them.
15th February 2022 - A mutilated body is found on a rain lashed Nottingham street. Right outside the music venue that played host to the ill-fated concert from thirty seven years ago. One of The Bulletproof Souls has been viciously murdered.
DCI Gideon Fox is struggling to put the jigsaw together. Are the events almost four decades apart connected? Can he solve it quickly, so he can deal with putting a certain Serbian crime lord behind bars?
He's got two hopes... and one of them's Bob.
You can check it our here via AMAZON UK (News, Source: Amazon Australia/NP/EIN)
Elvis Lives On In Parkes Australia With Iconic Gates Of Graceland Attraction: Parkes Shire Council is proud to announce the completion of the Gates of Graceland, a unique year-round tourist attraction. This project, funded through the NSW Government’s Regional Tourism Activation Fund, is set to become a major drawcard for visitors and Elvis fans alike, further cementing Parkes’ reputation as the Elvis capital of Australia.
Located at the Henry Parkes Centre, the Gates of Graceland, featuring intricate steelwork and brick gateposts, are a replica of the iconic gates of Elvis Presley’s US home.
Parkes Elvis Festival draws over 25,000 Elvis fans annually to their birthday celebration. That's way more fans than actually attend Elvis' birthday celebration in Memphis!
It was April 1957 when Elvis had the original Gates Of Graceland installed to help give him and his family some privacy. At the time his mother Gladys and his father were both living in the mansion.
The Parkes gates will become the newly revitalised Wall of Fame, displaying honorary plaques of Australian music greats accompanied by the Parkes Elvis Festival Walk of Fame, where winners of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest are celebrated with Hollywood-style stars along the pathway.
Lisa Moon, Tourism and Visitor Services Coordinator at Parkes Shire Council, highlighted the significance of the attraction for visitors to the region, “The Gates of Graceland will be a standout feature for tourists, providing a unique and immersive experience that perfectly complements the story and spirit of the Parkes Elvis Festival.”
The project features a stunning mural of Graceland, created by travelling artist Anton Pulvirenti who shared details into his creative process.
“I researched different pictures of Graceland online and made up the composition from these influences. I’ve always liked Elvis and listened to Lisa Marie’s autobiography while painting this,” Mr. Pulvirenti said.
The Gates of Graceland project was a collaborative effort between local businesses, and fabricator Bob Moon from G & B Welding, who worked from a photograph of the original gates to carefully replicate every detail.
Mr Moon described the project as a standout opportunity.
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the NSW Government is pleased to have supported the attraction which will not only be a drawcard for the iconic festival, but for year-round visitors to Parkes.
“We know the Parkes Elvis festival celebrates The King like no other event in the world, now these iconic gates have brought a little taste of his famous Memphis mansion right here to regional NSW.
I’m looking forward to seeing visitors grab their cameras and snap a selfie or two as they shake rattle and roll to the sounds of the festival.” (News, Source:parkes.nsw.gov.au/EIN)
‘Live At The Houston Astrodome 1974' New MRS CD & VINYL: The UK Label ‘Memphis Recording Service’ (MRS) will release a CD Deluxe and an 180 gram LP titled ‘Live At The Houston Astrodome 1974’ in April 2025.
Near the start of his extensive tour on 3rd March 1974, Elvis made a major appearance at one of the country’s biggest venues, The Astrodome in Houston Texas, entertaining well in excess of 88,000 fans that day.
The CD contains Elvis’ performance from the occasion and, for the first time ever, this recording is 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.
Playing on a stage in the middle of the huge Astrodome and without any orchestra back-up this would have been a challenging concert but luckily Elvis was full of energy and both he and the band worked hard to compensate for there being no orchestra.
The recording is totally unique, demonstrating that in 1974 Elvis could still play with just his core musicians to create that 'Presley Magic' for that massive Texas crowd.
And in "STEREO" fans can better investigate and discover that special 'Presley Magic'.
The booklet includes rare photographs and memorabilia from the event which set the scene for this historic performance.
(click for high-res)
The LP version 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 to the mainstream public stores.
James Burton, Happy & Healthy: Good news for James Burton fans, after this week's recent health scare where he needed some heart scans, the legendary guitarist has been declared fit and healthy. "all the tests came back showing that his heart is good, so thank God for that."
James, now 85, is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Rockabilly Hall of Fame, Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum - and in 2024 was also inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
V V - - Other EIN ELVIS treats continue below - - V V
MRS CAMDEN ‘Made in Germany – Private Recordings’ Review: From the budget MRS Camden label this CD features personal recordings taken from a recently discovered tape made by Elvis while stationed with the US army in Germany in January 1959.
What is so fascinating about this period is that, although The Colonel stopped Elvis recording anything professionally in Germany, Elvis was still bursting with music. Elvis was jamming at home on multiple songs that he would later record professionally for RCA. These original jams on songs such as ‘His Hand In Mine’, ‘Like A Baby’, ’I'll Take You Home Again Kathleen’, ‘I Will Be True’, ‘Danny Boy’, ‘The Fool’ even an attempt at ‘Are You Lonesome Tonight’ plus ‘There’s No Tomorrow’ are totally enthralling.
Historians always talk about Elvis vast knowledge of every musical genre and here is proof of his influences.
A lot of fans, including myself, would truly appreciate a “Best Of” these home-recordings and just in time for Christmas 2024 the budget label ‘MRS Camden’ have done exactly that. EIN's Piers Beagley checks out this new budget release just in time for Christmas.... - Buy it TODAY for Christmas! (CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
'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.
Elton John Talks Elvis: This week on CBS' The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, Elton John appeared and in the later part of his interview talked about meeting Elvis...
At the end of the interview Stephen Colbert tried out his 'Q&A' game to discover some interesting alternate facts about Elton John.
The first few were basic questions, favorite sandwich, the first concert he attended etc before more intruiging ones including whether Elton had ever asked someone for an autograph, to which Elton replied affirmatively and that it was ELVIS!
Colbert teased, "Now hold on a second here, did you get it?
Elton John, "Yep"
Colbert, "More importantly, do you still have it?"
Elton John, "Yep!" and then explained, "It's on a tour program. I went to go see him in Washington, D.C., so I have his autograph."
Colbert, "Does it say 'To Elton....?"
Elton John, "No. He was not well at the time, and he was very shaky signing.... I was just so incredibly impressed to be in the same room as him, so I value it very much."
In previous interviews Elton John has also spoken about the effect Elvis had on his life.. "Elvis Presley changed everyone's life. Without him there'd be no
Beatles, there'd be no Hendrix, there'd be no Dylan, he was the man that changed music - without question. Elvis was the most influential musician in Rock'n'roll, without him groups would never have picked up guitars. I know he drew his influences from gospel and blues, country music and black soul music whatever, but he was the king and he was the one that started it all.
When I first saw him I was a little boy in a barber shop in Pinner Green (a suburb of outer London) and I looked at an old LIFE magazine and there was a picture of him and I thought he was from Mars or something. And then that weekend my mum came home with his single 'Heartbreak Hotel' and that changed my life - I'd never heard anything like that before in my whole life.
It completely changed the way I listened to music forever. It was just so primal.. I'd never been around music like that, music that was so powerful. I'd certainly never heard an electric guitar played like that. The echo on the record! Wow!
When I put the two together it was astonishing. Elvis looked amazing and sounded amazing and it changed everything for me. It was Rock'n'roll! It was what I wanted to be.
I saw him in Las Vegas and he was fantastic at the Hilton but the only time I ever met him was very briefly before he went on stage in Washington DC the year before he died and it was very sad. But even though it was very sad, even though he only went through the motions and he was not really there at that concert, in the end there was still flashes of brilliance. He was hugely overweight but emotionally when he sung a couple of lines he was still magical - and you don't lose that magic no matter how f**ked up you are. If you're brilliant, snatches of that brilliance will still come through.
What happened to him - and you forget that he died very early, he was only 42 for-Christ's-sake, only 42 - it is one of the great tragedies. He was surrounded by a manager who just closeted him and ripped him off and he never had enough people around to help him, I don't think anybody was there to say to him, "Hey Elvis, you can't do that, you mustn't do that."
In her recent Memoir, Lisa Marie talked about meeting Elton John....
... Aunt Delta knew how much I loved Elton John. One Christmas she got me some of his records. My dad watched me open the gift, said "That's nice," and went off through the swinging doors that led from the dining room into the kitchen. I found out later that in the kitchen he said to Aunt Delta, "Why did you get her those records? Who the hell is this son-of-a-bitch that she's wanting to hear?"
"She likes him," said Delta.
Soon after, before one of his shows, my dad met Elton backstage. He needed to meet this person whose records I was listening to. Elton and I have giggled about it ever since...
I finally met Elton a year later, for my ninth birthday. My mother arranged for me to go to his house. He showed me his clothes, his closet, his boots. He was very sweet. We had tea."
(News, Source;Colbert/ElvisInfoNet) - EIN thanks Elvis author Kieran Davis for the word-up
'Elvis June 1975' New FTD box-set: FTD have announced the March 2025 release of a 4CD digi-set 'Elvis June 1975' featuring concerts from June 2, 5, 7 and 8 1975.
It features mono soundboards of shows from Mobile A/S June 2, Houston E/S June 5, Shreveport A/S June 7, and Jackson A/S June 8 1975.
From this tour FTD have already released Huntsville May 31 & June 1, Dallas June 6, Shreveport June 7 E/S, Jackson June 9 (+ 2 June 8 Bonus tracks) and of course Memphis June 10.
FTD's 2012 release of a previously unheard soundboard 'Another Saturday Night' from Shreveport June 7, 1975 was the real delight.
Disappointingly all the performances on this new FTD set have been out on bootleg before.
EIN previously reviewed this tour's concerts as, "This mid-1975 period was a positive return for Elvis and found him looking and sounding healthy and happy. Being a popular period perhaps the set-list is a little familiar and FTD collectors will no doubt have heard a few similar 1975 shows before. However 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."
Previous bootleg releases of these shows all in good sound quality..
- Mobile A/S June 2 - 'Movin' Mobile' Madison
- Houston E/S June 5 'Howdy Houston' A Lone Star
- Shreveport E/S June 7, 'The Creeping Crud Express' Audionics
- Jackson A/S June 8, 'Fly... Trouble' Madison
Go here to 'Elvis FTD / SONY News 2025' for full tracklist info and more (News, Source;FTD/ElvisInfoNet)
‘ELVIS: On Tour 1974: California’ & VINYL ‘Live In Los Angeles 1974’ OUT NOW: The UK Label ‘Memphis Recording Service’ (MRS) have released their new 3CD set ‘ON TOUR 1974: CALIFORNIA’ together with a Double LP vinyl set titled ‘LIVE IN LOS ANGELES 1974’.
The Deluxe 3CD set 'ELVIS: On Tour 1974: California’ contains a range of live 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 material from these shows is presented in stereo.
The accompanying booklet includes general background notes as well as presenting rare photographs and memorabilia...
The 3CD set includes Elvis' performances from May 11 Inglewood Forum, May 12 afternoon show Fresno and also May 13 San Bernardino.
click for high res
Also OUT NOW - the 2LP VINYL version ‘Live In Los Angeles 1974’ is a limited edition set and available in both Black and Clear vinyl.
The special double-vinyl compilation includes Elvis' May 11 1974 Inglewood Forum show together with highlights of his May 10 San Bernardino show.
It also includes Elvis' unique 'You Can Have Her' as well as the two home-recordings.
Please note, the clear vinyl is ONLY available from exclusive Elvis dealers and fan clubs and NOT to the mainstream public stores.
'Elvis: Day By Day 2024' Book Review: From author Kees Mouwen the latest in his 'Elvis Day By Day' series of 'The Year In Review'.
Packed into a colourful 480 pages is all the relevant news of what happened in the Elvis world these past twelve months . 'Elvis Day By Day 2024' features all the news, including a complete overview of all new music, available on CD and on vinyl. Additionally, it covers all the worthwhile books and magazines, all the movies and TV specials released on DVD, Blu-ray, and streaming services. Plus “everything else Elvis” that mattered, while skipping the nonsense.
ELVIS is still impacting the world we live in. His legacy is truly stunning. To appreciate Elvis’ lasting impact we actually need an “Annual” summary where we can take it all in - and this is what ‘Elvis Day By Day 2024’ provides.
Over the 480 pages there is so much to discuss, lots to debate and always stunning images. Plus some delicious negative reviews.. EIN's Piers Beagley checks out this new 'Elvis Annual' and finds that there is plenty to read and lots for collectors to discuss
(Book Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Baz Luhrmann Explains more about his new Elvis Documentary: With heightened interest about Luhrmann's future Elvis documentary the director revealed some secrets from outside Graceland and US Deadline also asked him some questions...
Luhrmann was back at Graceland telling all, "I am thrilled to be back in Graceland and to be able to say that it's true, it is very very true.. I can't even begin to tell you what we have found during the making of 'ELVIS', in terms of never before seen concert footage.. and our sleeves are rolled up, we're working hard and we want to make something absolutely unprecedented and special with this material. So it's time, as we like to say, to TCB."
Luhrmann also explained to Deadline, “There has always been talk amongst Elvis’ fans, both longtime fans and newer fans brought in by our film Elvis, of missing reels and never-before-seen concert footage.
"During the making of ELVIS, from very early on in my process I had the privilege to access the studio’s vaults deep in the salt mines of Kansas, where troves of old film negatives are stored. We were astonished by the sheer volume of unused footage from Elvis: That’s the Way It Is, the film of Elvis’ legendary 1970 Summer Festival in Las Vegas, all shot on anamorphic 35mm, and also from Elvis’s road concert film from two years later, 'Elvis On Tour'.
“Equally exciting was that we found not only material that has never been seen in this quality but also rare behind-the-scenes audio that had been feared lost, especially some fascinating recordings of Elvis telling stories from his own life in his own words.”
“We’re still very much in the middle of creating this work, but there has been so much talk and such enthusiasm for this
that I felt now it was time to share what has been happening with it. I can’t say much more about it, except that I wouldn’t call it a documentary, or a concert film; our aim here is to make something new in the Elvis canon.
My creative team at Bazmark is being led by my longtime editor, Jonathan Redmond, and we’ve partnered with the terrific teams at Authentic Studios and Sony Music Vision, with great support from Warner Bros., to bring something to the screen that befits the magnitude of Elvis as a performer but also offers deeper revelations of his humanity and inner life.”
'Bazmark' / Authentic Studios are producing the documentary.
The film will be distributed by Sony Music Vision, in partnership with SONY Legacy Recordings.
See Official Baz Luhrmann Insta announcement here (News, Source;Deadline/BazL/EIN)
Director Baz Luhrmann confirms his new Elvis Documentary: As reported by EIN at Elvis Week 2024 EPE's Joel Weinshanker confirmed that, "Baz Lurhmann is working on his Elvis documentary.There will be one new Elvis movie between now and 2027 possibly two."
Today ELVIS director Baz Luhrmann also confirmed... .. (check insta here) .."I’m really thrilled that I am finally able to announce that we have all been working hard and collaborating on unearthing and showcasing a treasure trove of unseen footage, sound and other materials to create something special for the big and small screen - TCB!"
The trailer states.. After 10 years away from the stage Elvis made his triumphant return in Las Vegas. For over 50 years there have been rumors of lost footage.. During the production of Baz Luhrmann's Elvis it was found... "
Great news for Elvis fans,
More info when we get it (News, Source;BazInsta/ElvisInfoNet)
'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 Essential 50's Masters' Mono>Stereo box-set In-depth Review: From the RDM label 'Presley : The Essential 50's Masters - Mono II Stereo', featuring 109 tracks from The King with a new STEREO mix!
This 4 CD box-set brings together the essential tracks of the 50s. Tracks from Elvis' albums, but also soundtracks from his films, including some rarities such as versions used for the films and different from the versions released on album. The box-set is limited edition with 8-page booklet and slipcase.
Producer Anthony Stuchbury noted, "When producing these 1950s mono to stereo masters, I tried to make the mixes consistent with how they would have been mixed at the time, had they been originally recorded in stereo. I hope these four discs will take you on a journey through Elvis's 1950s era and that you will enjoy the transformation of audio and mixes." EIN's Piers Beagley celebrated Elvis' birthday by playing this glorious look at Elvis' in the 50s - over 4 1/2 hours - and checked out what delights fans can discover. What a great way to spend The King's Birthday - VIVA ELVIS! (CD Reviews, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Spotlight "Elvis Presley: Sun's Newest Star":Printed in the US 'Cowboy Songs' June 1955 issue this was the first national magazine article about Elvis.
The magazine was dedicated to "Hillbilly - Western Songs" and "Favorite Folktunes", country musicians Webb Pierce, Ferlin Husky and The Davis Sisters were all noted on the font cover - along with "Elvis Presley - A Dream Come True".
The article noted that, 'Elvis Presley 'Sun’s Newest Star' at 19 is already enjoying the first reality of life’s dream: to sing for people and hear the spontaneous applause that means he’s made a hit!'
It is interesting that despite the magazines focus on folktunes / country songs the article praises Elvis for his "authentic treatment of Rhythm and Blues songs".
The first in an EIN series looking at early, original magazine articles about Elvis Presley. Go here to discover more..
(EIN Spotlight by Piers Beagley / Paul Gansky)
MRS CAMDEN ‘Made in Germany – Private Recordings’ Review: From the budget MRS Camden label this CD features personal recordings
taken from a recently discovered tape made by Elvis while stationed with
the US army in Germany in January 1959.
What is so fascinating about this period is that, although The Colonel stopped Elvis recording anything professionally in Germany, Elvis was still bursting with music. Elvis was jamming at home on multiple songs that he would later record professionally for RCA. These original jams on songs such as ‘His Hand In Mine’, ‘Like A Baby’, ’I'll Take You Home Again Kathleen’, ‘I Will Be True’, ‘Danny Boy’, ‘The Fool’ even an attempt at ‘Are You Lonesome Tonight’ plus ‘There’s No Tomorrow’ are totally enthralling.
Historians always talk about Elvis vast knowledge of every musical genre and here is proof of his influences.
A lot of fans, including myself, would truly appreciate a “Best Of” these home-recordings and just in time for Christmas 2024 the budget label ‘MRS Camden’ have done exactly that. EIN's Piers Beagley checks out this new budget release just in time for Christmas.... - Buy it TODAY for Christmas! (CD 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)
'From ELVIS At Christmas' MRS 'STEREO' Album Review: The cover of Elvis' original 1957 Christmas album was truly disappointing as it always looked like RCA wanted to keep Elvis’ image as small as possible. Elvis’ 1971 Christmas album was an even worse design.
For their new album 'From ELVIS At Christmas' the MRS label have finally created a cover worthy of Elvis - and it is a stunner.
Elvis albums are all about the tactile feel and this vinyl features a super-impressive snow-glitter colour. It even sparkles as it spins...
And the real treat here is that MRS present Elvis’ Christmas album in gorgeous STEREO - and “boy mah-boy” does it sound superb.
From the very first seconds of ‘Santa Claus Is Back In Town’ when The Jordanaires sing “Christmas, Christmas” on the right channel, Dudley Brooks piano kicks in left and then DJ Fontana’s drums burst on the centre channel with Elvis singing, “Wellllllll, it’s Christmas time pretty baby and the snow is falling on the ground...” you know this is going to be a sensational ride. Join EIN's Piers Beagley as he spins glorious vinyl and digs deep.. (Vinyl/CD Reviews; Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
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).
'Elvis Last Tours Vol.1' In-depth FTD Review: FTD's 4-CD 5”digipak 'Elvis: The Last Tours Volume 1' features recordings from seven Elvis performances in February 1977, West Palm Beach (Feb 13), St. Petersburg (Feb 14), Montgomery (Feb 16), Columbia (18), Johnson City (19) and Charlotte (20/21).
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 did not look healthy at the start of this tour but his weight and voice definitely improved as the tour progressed.
So one has to ask how much do you enjoy Elvis’ performances in 1977?
There were certainly a few highlights but overall most of these concerts sound all too similar.
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 seven concert pack in-depth to see what fans might discover.. (FTD Reviews; Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)
Each album is introduced by a generously sized image of its cover followed by thoughtful analysis of the record's content, and its context in the Elvis Presley story. There is also a coloured rectangular box neatly detailing key release information and track listing.
Fans will no doubt be impressed with the breadth of the thoughtful views expressed by each contributor and there is plenty in the magazine to stimulate debate.
It is unfortunate that well-written periodicals aren't afforded the same level of attention to detail as some other Elvis publications.
EIN’s Nigel Patterson spent a rainy afternoon reliving what Elvis’ eclectic album catalogue offered, the good, the bad, and the mediocre.
Stephen took time out of his busy schedule to discuss the book, what to look for when buying an Elvis signature, and bogus signatures.
His interview also covers issues including Paul Lichter’s collection of “alleged” Elvis signatures and Gary Lindberg’s controversial 2018 book, Letters from Elvis.
'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)
‘Golden Elvis!' Mono II Stereo CD review: In the fifties when Scotty, Bill and D.J were in RCA studios with Elvis they were of course playing in “stereo”. It was RCA’s engineers who mixed the multiple microphone feeds down to MONO.
In this 4-year period Elvis changed the very world we live in with his unprecedented success and it was his almighty RCA 45 rpms that rocked the world.
'Elvis’ first two Golden Records LPs encapsulated this stunning creativity and the two albums are neatly combined here in Anthony Stuchbury’s new RDM release ‘Golden Elvis!’ Mono to Stereo.
And it is a sensational compilation.
From the almighty blast of ‘Hound Dog’, via ‘Jailhouse Rock’, ‘Too Much’, I Need Your Love Tonight’, through to ‘Doncha’ Think It’s Time’ Elvis in the fifties doesn’t get much better.
Note: In a neat coincidence, the above GOLDEN RECORDS! Mono > Stereo review was completed before yesterday's announcement from Ernst Jorgensen that RCA were also looking into releasing Elvis' MONO recordings in stereo sometime in the future! (See story below)
STEREO Sun-Sessions from SONY/RCA?; Rolling Stone this week featured an interview with RCA's Ernst Jorgensen who confirmed that they were looking at releasing Elvis' MONO recordings in STEREO using AI Digitally Extracted Stereo.
EIN has been suggesting this for years often to be slammed by the 'old-school' who said it would never be done officially!
In the interview Jorgensen confirmed..
.. Jorgensen recently asked Emile de la Rey, who worked on the sound for Peter Jackson’s Get Back documentary, to do a test remix of “Good Rockin’ Tonight” using Jackson’s proprietary AI technology. The results, “a perfect separation of instruments” along with the removal of tape hiss, were far superior to any more widely available methods, so Jorgensen is waiting for access to that level of technology.
Once he’s got it Ernst says, “I’d like to do everything from the Fifties. Because even the Sun recordings,
they are very simple. There’s an acoustic and electric and a slap bass. But when you open that up, it’s still like a new revelation. It’s not like it becomes thin and you think, ‘Oh, is that all there is?'”
Jorgensen has been in charge of Presley reissues from the groundbreaking 1992 collection 'The Complete 50s Masters' to the just-released box set MEMPHIS. And when the technology’s ready, Jorgensen is hoping for an ambitious, AI-fueled reworking of Presley’s 1950s masterpieces, starting with his epochal recordings at Sun Studios between 1954 and 1956.
Go here to RS for the full interview (News, Source;RS/ElvisInfoNet) - Please note that the photo is an EIN mock-up ;-)
(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)
EPE Future Plans: For Elvis fans, the really interesting point was when Joel Weinshanker (majority owner of EPE) explained his future plans.
This included the following points
- EPE wants to bring back "the life" to Graceland of when Elvis lived there.
There has been too much sadness recently.
His idea is to only do new concepts that Elvis would do or approve of.
- EPE are going to be doing "something special"on the mansion grounds every few months. Some fans can participate in, some not.
- The new special tour 'Presley for a Day' will be unique and expensive, however a fair portion of the profits are going to charity & good things for the local community.
Part of this tour will be 'Moriah’s House' which was the stable and home for Lisa Marie’s horse. We’re starting with that house. Elvis’ legacy was Lisa. Elvis said, "The best thing I ever did in my life was have Lisa".
Now her daughter Riley has taken over and is extraordinary - and solely focused on what is best for Elvis’ legacy.
“Our Road to fifty” is the new plan as they head to the fiftieth anniversary. We have three years until 2027
- There will be three to four new buildings opened on the mansion property. EPE will be announcing these and they will be doing things that Elvis would have done.
Some of the things that Elvis designed himself.
- One could be a Recording Studio built on the property. This was something that Elvis not only always wanted, but he designed. In the archives there are architectural drawings for that. - There will be one new Elvis movie between now and 2027 - possibly two. - Baz Lurhman is working on his Elvis documentary.
There should also be a "streamer" show.
- There is the London ‘Elvis Evolution’ event where you’ll be able to go into virtual rooms that Elvis was in and interact with all of it.
- The whole thing is that in this world of such quick change, where movies and music are all so disposable, Elvis is one of the few things from 70 years ago that is still incredibly relevant.
Elvis was a revolutionary.
- So fans should “spread the gospel of Elvis”.
- Elvis always respected his neighbours even he might disagree with them. So please ignore the bad social media, respect your neighbours. Ask yourself, "What would Elvis do?"
-
So we are all going to keep going to Elevate Elvis’ legacy and keep thinking ‘What would Elvis want, what would Elvis do?’ EIN Note: photo shows Joel Weinshanker with Lisa Marie in 2018 (News, Source;EPE/ElvisInfoNet)
(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)
'Las Vegas: On Stage Feb 1973' MRS CD Review: The new MRS 4CD Deluxe-set contains three performances recorded in February 1973, during Elvis’ eighth engagement in Las Vegas.
The Las Vegas shows took place weeks after the historic satellite TV show, Aloha From Hawaii, was filmed and broadcast on 14 January.
All shows are presented in stereo for the first time ever.
All shows are presented in stereo for the first time ever.
A bonus CD of remastered rehearsal tracks that were recorded the day before Opening night is also included.
The accompanying booklet includes rare photographs, memorabilia and liner notes which set the scene.
... This latest release from the Memphis Recording Service is an interesting one and manages to shed new light on the post-Aloha Elvis Las Vegas season that many fans have largely dismissed.
'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.
'The Blue Hawaii Sessions' Box-Set FTD In-Depth Review: Released last month, 'The Blue Hawaii Sessions' was the eleventh in FTD’s “complete sessions” packages. This is the audio-set that was released earlier as part of 'The Making Of Blue Hawaii'. The 8 inch deluxe 4-CD package includes the complete sessions "newly-mixed from the original 3-track tapes", a 24-page booklet with informative flashbacks from musicians, songwriters, session data, memorabilia and global chart information.
The set includes 50 'officially previously unreleased' session outtakes. However most of these have to be 'False-Starts'.
There is however over four hours of Polynesian influenced material to enjoy and lots of studio banter to eavesdrop on. The set also includes all twenty-nine takes of Elvis' classic chart-topper Can’t Help Falling In Love.
'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)
'Elvis On Tour' Box-Set In-Depth Review:The January 2023 'Elvis On Tour' SONY release is a 6CD / 1 Blu-Ray box set comprised of the audio from four of the shows (and two rehearsals) that were part of Elvis’ 1972 North American tour.
Originally recorded for the Elvis On Tour concert film that was released later that year, the set features a total of 145 tracks, including 91 previously unreleased tracks, as well as the award-winning concert film on Blu-ray.
RCA/Legacy's Elvis On Tour box set is produced by Ernst Jørgensen and mixed by Grammy Award-winning Memphis-based producer Matt Ross-Spang.
Elvis' April 1972 concerts were magnificent, so hopefully this expensive 50th anniversary release including newly remastered concert performances captures the magnificence and excitement of the movie and Elvis' stunning shows.
After fifty years surely SONY/RCA will get it right.....
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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EIN is a not-for-profit Elvis Fan Club website posting daily news and informative articles for Elvis Presley's legion of fans.
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If you believe we have used copyrighted material please contact us and we will remove it immediately.
EIN also has a local Australian national Elvis Fan Club for paid up members featuring quarterly newsletters along with free EIN members cds plus an annual EIN Elvis Mega Quiz with special prizes.
The printed newsletters have extra content, articles and reviews to this website along with the popular Elvis EIN Mega Quiz.
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