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Conan's "Serious Jibber Jabber" Series Features Elvis Historian Peter Guralnick

5/31/2013

 
Conan's "Serious Jibber Jabber" Series Features Elvis Historian Peter Guralnick
May 31, 2013

Elvis fans can watch a new video (above) featuring acclaimed music historian and Elvis expert Peter Guralnick with Elvis fan Conan O'Brian. Guralnick joins Conan on the "Serious Jibber-Jabber" series to discuss Elvis, Sam Cooke, Sun Records and more.

Guralnick's books include the prize-winning two-volume biography of Elvis Presley, "Last Train to Memphis" and "Careless Love." As one of America's leading cultural historians, Peter Guralnick has been called a "National Resource" by critic Nat Hentoff. He is currently working on a biography of Sam Phillips and co-produced the documentary "Sam Phillips: The Man Who Invented Rock ‘n’ Roll," as well as writing the scripts for the Grammy-winning documentary "Sam Cooke/Legend" and Martin Scorsese’s blues documentary "Feel Like Going Home."

Watch the entire interview with Elvis historian Peter Guralnick and Conan by visiting TeamCoco.com. 


source: Elvis.com

Expedia's Trip Styler Features Memphis and Elvis Presley's Graceland

5/31/2013

 
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Expedia's Trip Styler Features Memphis and Elvis Presley's Graceland
May 31, 2013

Travel site Expedia recently featured Memphis as a place where music lovers can feel "the rhythm of rock 'n' roll." Expedia's Trip Styler blogger Trish Friesen shares her experience, calling the city "a place that changed the future of the United States - even the world - with a tenacious tune."

"Memphis makes you feel. It’s impossible to walk down the historic streets, chit-chat with locals or visit its famed music venues without sensing something," writes Friesen. "Elvis’ pad housed a 'je ne sais quois' that kept me enthralled." 

Among many stops during her visit, she stopped in for some tasty Memphis barbecue and visits the legendary Sun Studio. She then shares in detail her experience inside the king's home and tours the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, wrapping up her musical journey with a little local flavor on the famous Beale Street. 

Read Expedia's Trip Styler review about Graceland and Memphis by visiting Expedia.com. Ready to plan your own rock 'n' roll pilgrimage to Graceland? Check out great savings with our specials and packages featured on Elvis.com.


source: Elvis.com

Elvis collection by Ashley Williams

5/31/2013

 
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There was, as usual an abundance of creativity at Fashion East, designer, Ashley Williams who, with only a graduate collection under her belt, already boasts a large fan base.

Williams' collection stole the show. Inspired by Americana and the Rock 'n' Roll sound of the late Fifties and early Sixties, her opening look was a silk shift dress printed with the face of Elvis from neck to knee, followed by teddy bear faux-fur jackets, skirts and accessories.

It was all about The King, though, with a silk top featuring a giant love-heart inscribed with 'My Heart Belongs to Elvis Presley' and a certified nod from showgoer Mollie King of The Saturdays, who told me after the show that Williams was her favorite of the lot.


article source: http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk -- Nick Barron for the Ashley Williams collection. Photos: Vladimir Potop

Be a contestant on the Elvis Quiz Show! 

5/31/2013

 
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Are you planning a trip to Memphis to visit Elvis Presley's Graceland and would like to play the Elvis Quiz Show while you're there...here's all you have to do!!

Think you know Elvis? Come to Memphis and compete for Elvis collectible prizes live from Graceland. You can also study and improve your Elvis IQ every hour -- right from home -- as the Elvis DJs take you to the original School of Rock.

Email argo@elvis.com to be a contestant.


source: Elvis Radio Facebook Fanpage

Possible album cover of Elvis at Stax boxset

5/31/2013

 
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Let's hope that the art department of Sony is a bit more creative than this. But according to the Day By Day Elvis Blog, this is the official cover of the upcoming Stax set.

A retail price is still not available, but the release date is set for "August 2013".

Here is the track-listing:

Disc 1: The R&B and Country Sessions - The Outtakes: 17 tracks.

Disc 2: Part 1 - The Pop Sessions - The Outtakes: 10 tracks.

Disc 2: Part 2 - The July 1973 Masters: four single sides and six album tracks.

Disc 3: The December 1973 Masters: seven single sides and 11 album tracks.

ELVIS AT STAX: DELUXE EDITION by Elvis Presley

(RCA/Legacy 88883 72418 2)


source: ElvisDaybyDay Blog and Elvis Matters

Congratulations William Bryan!! 

5/31/2013

 
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Serious Elvis Presley fan and Chicago filmmaker, William Bryan has met his goal of $12,000 to make his film about Elvis' senior year in high school before  becoming known as the world famous Entertainer, Elvis Presley.

The film "Nobody" will possibly be shot in June 2013 on location at Elvis' former Memphis High School, Humes High School.


Plot Outline:
He wasn't the football star, he didn't have a girlfriend, and he was a quiet student...he was a nobody. So how did this seemingly average Humes High senior become a legend?
The story of 'Nobody' features the tender relationship between an 18-year-old Elvis and his mother, his devoted teacher, and the talent show that changed everything. It's an intimate portrait of a young dreamer, before fame and fandom.


Congratulations!!!

Click on the link to learn more about "Nobody":
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sideburnedcinema/nobody-2

"Nobody" film links:
Official "Nobody" film website: http://www.nobodyshortfilm.com
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nobodyshortfilm
Twitter account: https://twitter.com/nobodyshortfilm


source: kickstarter.com/nobody2
photo source: Elvis Presley Enterprises

100th issue of 'Elvis - The Man & His Music

5/30/2013

 
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100th issue of 'Elvis - The Man & His Music

Ever since the first edition appeared in December 1988, the magazine has attracted a worldwide readership of Elvis fans whose interest is first and foremost The King's musical legacy. During the intervening 25 years the magazine has presented more than its fair share of exclusives: previously unpublished photos, fact-filled articles and in-depth interviews with Presley associates being top of the agenda.

Issue 100 is a bit special - a 60-page bumper edition packed with exclusive content spanning virtually every aspect of Elvis' career and legacy. 

These include: 
- Elvis And The Racquetball Racket  -  For the first time ever, a detailed account of Presley Center Courts, the ill-fated business venture that cost Elvis dearly. 
- Let's Go Back And Touch The Past  - A look back at some of the essential releases of the last 25 years. 
- Carol Montgomery Interview - The former backing singer recalls working with The King. 
- Elvis On Super 8  - The golden age of home cinema. 
- David English Interview - Behind-the-scenes stories from the author of 'Welcome Home Elvis', 'From Memphis To Hollywood' and 'Summer Of '61'. 
-  The Dirty Dozen  - 12 of the worst Elvis cover versions....plus extensive CD, DVD and book reviews, readers' letters, news 'n' views and a whole lot more!

Says Editor and founder of the magazine, Trevor Cajiao: "We've pulled out all the stops to make this 100th issue really special. There's something for everybody here and, thanks to our great team of knowledgable writers and contributors, it's the perfect way to celebrate this publishing landmark. Enjoy The King's legacy. Enjoy 'Elvis - The Man & His Music'. Let's have a party!"

To Order your copy GO HERE


source: Elvis Information Network

Nashville Municipal Auditorium

5/30/2013

 
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Elvis Presley Fans of Nashville President recently visited the Historical Nashville Municipal Auditorium where Elvis performed on July 1, 1973. Elvis wore the Snowflake jumpsuit at his 3pm show & the Blue Rain jumpsuit at the 8:30pm show where around 10,000 people attended!! 

Caroline captured the photo above on Sunday, May 19th before her sisters high school graduation. From the minute Caroline walked inside she could imagine all the fans back in 1973 in their Elvis t-shirts with their posters, and pants spelling out Elvis down the leg. It felt great to be inside!

You can personally see inside in the near future when the Musicians Hall of Fame Museum opens for tours. On exhibit they will have a blue electric guitar which Elvis played in his film "Girl Happy", and  they have the walls & vocal booth from American Sound studio. Betty Harper will also have an Elvis art exhibit!


source: news article and photo is copyright (c) Caroline Pratt, all rights reserved. For use online permission is granted with proper credit to "Caroline Pratt - Elvis Presley Fans of Nashville"

Rubberneckin' Podcast Talks Sir Paul McCartney, Jailhouse Rock Giveaway and More

5/30/2013

 
Rubberneckin' Podcast Talks Sir Paul McCartney, Jailhouse Rock Giveaway and More
May 30, 2013

Download Episode #125 of the Rubberneckin' Podcast where Elvis Presley Enterprises' Steven Gibbs and Amanda Pannell talk about all of the exciting events taking place here at Graceland and around the world. The Rubberneckin' team first looks at history in the making with a recent visit fromSir Paul McCartney and they talk about the gift he left behind for Elvis and how he helped the Graceland Archives Department with one of Elvis' guitars. Also, don't miss your chance to win thisPrecious Moments Elvis Figurine and tune for free to SiriusXM's Elvis Radio until June 3! Fans can get a sneak peak at a big announcement for Elvis Week 2013 and learn more about the Buy More, Save More ShopElvis Sale where fans can save up to 20% off Elvis products. This week's shout out features a new video posted on Conan's Serious Jibber Jabbers series. Also, we wrap up this week's show with Elvis sightings featuring Jamie Chung from the "Hangover II" and Al Wertheimer's new exhibit that just opened in Texas. 

Visit the Rubberneckin' Podcast page to listen to the new podcast and subscribe to future podcasts. If downloading new podcasts from iTunes, please allow 48 hours from the day of release for the podcast to show up.



source: Elvis.com

Save Up to 20% During the Buy More, Save More Sale at ShopElvis

5/30/2013

 
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Save Up to 20% During the Buy More, Save More Sale at ShopElvis
May 30, 2013

Elvis fans can save store-wide at ShopElvis with the Buy More, Save More Sale this weekend! Stock up on your favorite Elvis apparel, accessories, home decor and more! 

Elvis fans can take advantage of these great savings: 
  • Buy 1 item, Save 5%,
  • Buy 2 items, Save 10%
  • Buy 3 items, Save 15%
  • Buy 4 items, Save 20%

*The following items are not eligible for this offer: Follow That Dream releases, Elvis Insider Memberships, drop-ship items, collectible guitars, or gift certificates.


The Buy More, Save More prices are valid in the U.S. store through June 2, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Not what you are looking for? Check out more Elvis goodies by visiting ShopElvis.com. Also, sign up for the ShopElvis email alerts to get first dibbs on future sales and promotions!



source: Elvis.com

Tupelo Fairpark Elvis Statue - phase two

5/30/2013

 
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The Tupelo Elvis Fan Club is pleased to announce phase two of the Fairpark Elvis Statue brick program.

The circle of love around the Elvis statue has been filled.

New 4x8 bricks will be laid between the two flower beds at the back of the statue as shown in the photo. There is still room for several of the 8x8 and 12X12 bricks up near the base of the statue.

Follow this link to purchase a brick!

Paul McCartney Tours Graceland Archives and Tunes Elvis' 1956 Gibson Guitar

5/29/2013

 
May 28, 2013

On Sunday, May 26, 2013, Sir Paul McCartney made the rock 'n' roll pilgrimage to Graceland where he left behind his personal guitar pick stating, "So Elvis could play his guitar in heaven." See photo spotlight! 

During his tour, he was offered a rare glimpse inside the Graceland Archives. To maintain the integrity of Elvis' instruments, the archive staff has them tuned regularly. So who better to tune Elvis' guitar than the song-writing legend. McCartney briefly played Elvis’ 1956 Gibson J200 guitar while humming the famous Elvis tune "Loving You."

Also in true Elvis fashion, when other musicians and friends would visit the king at Graceland, the visit would almost always end in the Music Room around the piano. McCartney's visit was no different as he played Elvis' Story and Clark piano inside the Graceland mansion. Something both Elvis and Paul have in common is that neither of them read sheet music, they simply play by ear. 

On August 27, 1965, the Beatles visited with Elvis for several hours at his home in California and had an informal jam session. Both McCartney and fellow Beatle John Lennon often cited Elvis as an influence, covering many of his songs. Elvis also frequently covered McCartney's songs including classics such as "Yesterday" and "Hey Jude."

This was McCartney's first time visiting Graceland and the second time to tour in Memphis in 20 years. McCartney was in Memphis to play a concert at the FedExForum as part of his "Out There" Tour. 


source: Elvis.com

Happy Birthday Riley Keough! 

5/29/2013

 
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Elvis Presley Fans of Nashville would like to wish Riley Keough a very Happy Birthday! 

Riley is Elvis Presley's 24 year old Grandaughter, the Daughter of Lisa Marie Presley, and Musician Danny Keough. 

Happy Birthday Riley!! 

Please support "Nobody" - future Elvis film by William Bryan

5/28/2013

 
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A serious Elvis Presley fan and filmmaker by the name of William Bryan from Chicago, would like to make a short film about Elvis Presley's senior year of high school. The film is titled "Nobody" and the film would be about Elvis before he became known as the world famous entertainer, Elvis Presley.

Bryan, has started a fundraiser on the website kickstarter.com to raise the $12,000 dollars required to film, and produce the short film.
Elvis Presley Enterprises has been extremely supportive, and Elvis fans from all around the world have supported William Bryan in his dream. The film "Nobody" would be shot in June 2013 on location at Elvis' former Memphis High School, Humes High School.


Plot Outline:
He wasn't the football star, he didn't have a girlfriend, and he was a quiet student...he was a nobody. So how did this seemingly average Humes High senior become a legend?
The story of 'Nobody' features the tender relationship between an 18-year-old Elvis and his mother, his devoted teacher, and the talent show that changed everything. It's an intimate portrait of a young dreamer, before fame and fandom.


The deadline to help support William Bryan, and his film "Nobody" is Saturday, June 1st 2013 - at 6:29pm EDT.


Click on the link to learn more about "Nobody" and how you can support the film:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sideburnedcinema/nobody-2


"Nobody" film links:
Official "Nobody" film website: http://www.nobodyshortfilm.com
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nobodyshortfilm
Twitter account: https://twitter.com/nobodyshortfilm



source: kickstarter.com/nobody2
photo source: Elvis Presley Enterprises

Paul McCartney Visits Elvis' Home, Leaves Guitar Pick Behind

5/27/2013

 
05/27/13
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Paul McCartney made his first visit to the one-time home of the King of Rock `N' Roll and left a gift behind.

According to the official Twitter account of the former Beatle, McCartney dropped a personal guitar pick on Elvis Presley's grave and said it was "so Elvis can play in heaven."

The lifelong Elvis fan toured Graceland, the Memphis mansion, on Sunday.

He was in Memphis to play a show on the North American leg of his "Out There" tour.

The show at FedExForum marked McCartney's first visit to the city in two decades.


source: huffingtonpost.com

Lisa Marie Presley tweets about possible sale of EPE

5/26/2013

 
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Elvis Presley's Daughter, Lisa Marie Presley has publicly made a tweet on the social media website Twitter regarding the possible sale of Elvis Presley Enterprises.

The Twitter tweet from Lisa comes after Core Media Group has considered selling EPE. Core Media Group is the current owner of the global likeness and image of Elvis Presley, and the operations of Elvis Presley Enterprises.

@LisaPresley via Twitter:
"Graceland and ALL of its artifacts have always been mine. Media is confused. Nothing is 4 sale and if it were, I would get it."


Graceland Mansion is NOT for sell as it is owned by Lisa, and Lisa also owns 15% of Elvis Presley Enterprises, along with ALL her Fathers personal artifacts.


source: Lisa Marie Presley Twitter account
https://twitter.com/LisaPresley

Paul McCartney visits Graceland

5/26/2013

 
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Paul McCartney, the world famous English musician, singer, songwriter, and former member of The Beatles visited Elvis Presley's Graceland this weekend. The Beatles met Elvis on the night of August 27, 1965 at Elvis' 565 Perugia Way home located in Los Angeles, California.

At Graceland McCartney was of course given the private celebrity tour of Graceland Mansion, and he visited the secret well guarded Graceland Archives Department building with Archival Director, Angie Marchese. You can see the photo above of Paul McCartney holding one of Elvis' guitars, in addition to a photo of McCartney visiting Elvis' grave.

We are not sure if McCartney actually visited on Saturday, May 25th or on Sunday, the 26th.

McCartney is currently in Memphis for a concert performance at The Fedex Forum.


photo source: Paul McCartney Facebook Fanpage

Shared by Graceland via Facebook

5/26/2013

 
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The King's Ransom Museum - NEW Las Vegas home

5/26/2013

 
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The world famous Elvis Presley Museum, the King's Ransom has a new place in Las Vegas to call home. The collection will open sometime in the near future at 128 Fremont Street inside the Binion's Gambling Hall & former Hotel in downtown Las Vegas. 

The King’s Ransom Museum, is an exhibit of Elvis artifacts and personal treasures made possible by Elvis memorabilia collectors Bud Glass and Russ Howe. 

The King’s Ransom Museum provides an opportunity for fans to have a rare glimpse into the life and career of, Elvis Presley. Showcasing pieces from both Elvis’ personal life and his acting and singing careers, The King’s Ransom Museum is truly unlike any other exhibit. Items include: Elvis’ 1977 Lincoln Continental, stage and film wardrobe, personal clothing items, jewelry, guns, badges and a variety of Elvis’ law enforcement objects, personal artifacts from his Graceland home including the Bible that was on his nightstand when he passed away and many more items encompassing Elvis’ life and career from the 1950’s through the 1970’s. 

A message from Bud and Russ:
"Coming soon world class Elvis exhibit and museum! See a large collection of Elvis artifacts, have your photo taken with Elvis last car. Relax in the Elvis lounge with behind the scenes movies, and performances by Elvis Tribute Artists, and browse our unique gift shop!"

While visiting the wonderful King's Ransom Museum, unfortunately you cannot check into a guest room for the night. Binion's is now only a Casino, as their guests rooms have been closed to travelers since December 14, 2009. But do not let that stop you from enjoying the King's Ransom, dinning, and of course gambling at Binion's!


source: vegasnews.com, thekingsransom.com, and facebook.com/The-Kings-Ransom
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Elvis at 21 delves into the puzzling nature of sex appeal, charisma, and intimacy

5/26/2013

 
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FORT WORTH — Before he was The King, Elvis Presley was a shy-but-charismatic young man who couldn't have known what curious life lay in store. The photography exhibition Elvis at 21, which opens at Fort Worth Museum of Science and History on May 25, presents an intimate window into the ineffability of fame, shot on the cusp of the young musician's international superstardom during the formative days of his enduring mythos.

A traveling exhibition curated and presented by the Smithsonian and the Govinda Gallery,Elvis at 21 makes its final North American stop in Fort Worth. It will run through September 2 before heading to Australia. All photographs were taken by Alfred Wertheimer, a freelance photojournalist hired by RCA Victor to shoot promotional images of the newly-signed recording artist. The assignment was straightforward enough, but rather than snapping a few stilted, glossy shots, Wertheimer instead captured moments of silent reflection, stolen kisses, and the artist's transition into the Dionysian persona who evoked uncontrollable sobs with a mere touch, sneer, or posture.

In the exhibition's placards, the Wertheimer continually referred to Presley's accessibility as key for the candid nature of the shots. (Once manager "Colonel" Tom Parker was in the picture, however, he restricted contact when Presley's star began to rise.) Wertheimer suggests that Presley's appeal came from the fact that his personality naturally "permitted closeness." Though he was -- according to the exhibition -- often shy and at times reserved in person, Presley was, too, a master of intimacy; he was able to foster a perceived emotional connection with those around him and, especially, his audiences.

As a number of photos show, Presley could instill a sense of trust and familiarity within moments of meeting people -- particularly women. A series of photos catch him in an otherwise private stairwell with his "girl for the day." One shot even catches him and the unnamed woman placidly touching tongues.

Rather than capturing the "decisive moment where everything falls into place," part of exhibition explained that Wertheimer was "more interested in the moments just before or after [it]."

As such, the exhibition features moments of mundane and banal beauty: a shirtless Presley chatting with his mother at home in Memphis; a brooding, dark-eyed Presley listening to his manager; the future "King" traipsing through an overgrown field to ask for directions. In moments of solitude and rest, Presley's face seems soft, his posture almost feminine. But, he photographed so well that one wonders if he were ever not mooning dreamily. How much of a "star persona" must be crafted intentionally from what exists organically? And, what is it that makes certain people seem "special" even in moments of dull lassitude?

However interesting Presley's "down" moments may be, they are shrewdly juxtaposed with shots of Presley on stage: His jerking, wild, unusual movements; his curling sneer and knowing smile; his sweat and falling hair. In an exhibition placard, Wertheimer suggested that this "falling apart" on stage is one key to his overwhelming appeal. It was a communal catharsis. His exertion and expression left him as wrecked and exhausted as his adoring fans whose cheeks were streamed with mascara and tears.

Counterintuitively, these too are intimate, "private" moments wherein the artist and vast audience seem to converge. This "closeness" that Wertheimer captures illuminates not only a significant, theoretical theme running through the puzzling idea of celebrity, but also a important component of photography as an art form: The allure is in the intimacy.

Elvis at 21: Photographs by Alfred Wertheimer runs through September 2, 2013 at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History with more than a dozen special lectures, conversations, presentations, and events.



source: pegasusnews.com

The Elvis Presley Family Supports Potential Sale Of CORE Media’s Majority Estate Stake

5/26/2013

 
The Elvis Presley Family Supports Potential Sale Of CORE Media’s Majority Estate Stake

By NELLIE ANDREEVA
May 23, 2013 

As we reported earlier this week citing the Financial Times, CORE Media Group is exploring a sale of Elvis Presley
Enterprises. 

There had been no official comment on the potential sale until now.

Deadline has obtained exclusively a statement from the Presley family about the development:
“Our family enjoys a strong working relationship with CORE and is supportive of their process,” the statement says. “ 

Lisa [Marie Presley] will maintain her interest in EPE and ownership of Graceland Mansion and looks forward to whatever opportunities enable the best long-term interests of the family.” Lisa Marie Presley owns 15% of EPE, which manages the assets of the Elvis Presley estate, including the 100-acre property in Memphis, Tennessee. CORE’s predecessor, CKX, bought the other 85% in 2005. 

CORE is not dead set to sale and may retain the properties if it is not satisfied with offers.


source: deadline.com

Happy Birthday Priscilla! 

5/24/2013

 
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Elvis Presley Fans of Nashville, would like to wish Priscilla Presley a very Happy Birthday!! 

Rolex Pays Homage to Elvis and His Rolex King Midas

5/24/2013

 
Rolex Pays Homage to Elvis and His Rolex King Midas
May 24, 2013

For the past 100 years, men and women who do extraordinary things, have relied on Rolex as their timepiece of choice. Rolex has always been a symbol of achievement and who better to honor than the King of Rock 'n' Roll! Elvis fans can now watch a new video posted by Rolex (above) which looks at the history of Elvis' Rolex King Midas.  

Elvis wore the Limited-Edition Rolex King Midas which can be seen in several iconic photos and videos. The rare watch was given to Elvis as a token of appreciation for playing six days of sold-out concerts in 1970 at the Houston Astrodome Livestock Show & Rodeo. The back is in engraved and reads: "To Elvis Presley From The Houston Livestock Show Officers 1970."

See more photos of Elvis and his Rolex King Midas, plus learn more about Rolex's salute to the icons who changed the face of the world by visiting Rolex.com. 


source: Elvis.com

Flaming Star Actor dies at age 87 

5/24/2013

 
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Flaming Star Actor dies at age 87 

Actor Steve Forrest has died at the age of 87 in Thousand Oaks, California, near Los Angeles. 

In the 1960's Forrest, acted in "Flaming Star," he played alongside Elvis Presley and Barbara Eden. Forrest, who was best known for a leading role on the short-lived 1970s television drama "S.W.A.T.", died peacefully on May 18the 2013, his family said in a statement. No cause of death was given. 


source: Elvis Matters

Steve Forrest Obituary 
 Steve Forrest, who has died aged 87, was a product of the Hollywood studio system, then at its tail end in the 1950s. Although MGM had the handsome, rugged 6ft 3in actor under contract for five years, from 1952 to 1957, they gave him few chances to shine. It was only when he left the studio that Forrest got bigger and better parts in feature films – one of his best performances was as the white brother of Elvis Presley, who plays the son of a Native American mother and a Texas rancher father, in Don Siegel's excellent western Flaming Star (1960) – and he was able to start a long and busy career on television.

In fact, it was on the small screen that Forrest would build his fame, notably in S.W.A.T. (1975-76), a cop series set in Los Angeles, the acronym referring to the police department's special weapons and tactics team. It ran for 37 episodes, with Forrest as a stern, level-headed Lieutenant Dan "Hondo" Harrelson, who would cry out "Let's roll" as he climbed into a van to go on another mission to catch villains.

Forrest was born in Huntsville, Texas, the youngest of 13 children of a Baptist minister. One of his brothers, 15 years his senior, was the more famous Dana Andrews, who was to become a leading man in films during the 1940s and 50s. It was through this older brother that Forrest got his first taste of the movie business when, aged 18, he had a bit part as a young sailor in Crash Dive (1943), which starred Andrews and Tyrone Power.

After serving as a sergeant in the army during the second world war, Forrest moved to Los Angeles to study at UCLA. He graduated in 1950 with a bachelor's degree in theatre arts and became a stagehand at La Jolla Playhouse, gradually getting roles. He resumed his postwar movie career with a small role in another of Andrews's pictures, Sealed Cargo (1951). 

But the following year, Forrest was able to distance himself from Andrews when he landed the MGM contract. At first he only had small parts, such as playing the actor in Lana Turner's screen test in The Bad and the Beautiful (1952). He was glimpsed as a soldier in Battle Circus (1953), starring Humphrey Bogart and June Allyson, and played an army recruit under tough training sergeant Richard Widmark in Take the High Ground! (1953).

His first real parts came when he was loaned out to Warner Bros for two pictures. In So Big (1953), based on a sprawling novel by Edna Ferber, Forrest plays long-suffering Jane Wyman's selfish son, for which he won a Golden Globe for most promising male newcomer. He was hardly able to fulfil his promise in the role of a scientist suspected of being a serial killer in Phantom of the Rue Morgue (1954), a feeble adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe.

Back at MGM, Forrest was given more substantial roles than previously. In Prisoner of War (1954), a simplistic "Red Scare" movie, Forrest was one of a group of brave American PoWs, including Ronald Reagan, being subjected to torture and brainwashing in a North Korean camp. When a brutal Soviet officer asks Forrest where his family lives, he replies: "In Hollywood with my brothers Clark Gable and Spencer Tracy and my sisters Esther Williams and Janey Powell."

Much better was Rogue Cop (1954), in which a poker-faced Forrest plays a policeman who is honest, unlike his detective brother played by Robert Taylor in the title role. Forrest was finally given rare top billing as a young man studying for the priesthood in Bedevilled (1955), a quasi-religious thriller, and as the writer hero in Mexico in The Living Idol (1957), a risible synthesis of exotic romance and mysticism. According to the New York Times, "a pretty young man named Steve Forrest plays the reporter chap. He is purely ornamental until he goes into a bare-handed battle with a jaguar."

Freed from his MGM contract, Forrest portrayed a New York reporter falling for a rural Doris Day in It Happened to Jane (1959), and in Heller in Pink Tights (1960) he played a gunfighter who wins blonde dancer Sophia Loren in a poker game, but loses her to Anthony Quinn. The latter role gave the often stolid Forrest an opportunity to show more ebullience.

In the meantime, he had established a parallel career on television, appearing notably in westerns such as Bonanza, Death Valley Days, The Virginian and Rawhide. In 1965, he and his family moved to London, where he starred in 30 episodes of the ATV series The Baron. Forrest was rugged and charming in the title role, the nickname given to John Mannering, a Texas-born, London-based antique dealer who is really a secret agent.

On the big screen, Forrest would have a key role as the lawyer boyfriend of Joan Crawford (Faye Dunaway) in Mommie Dearest (1981), a rather trashy melodrama in which he looked plainly uncomfortable, nor was he in his element as a heavy in the unfunny spoof Spies Like Us (1985).

He then returned to television, notably with 15 episodes of Dallas in 1986, playing Wes Parmalee, an impostor pretending to be Jock Ewing, and in several episodes of Murder She Wrote.

He is survived by his wife, Christine, and sons, Michael, Forrest and Stephen.

• Steve Forrest (William Forrest Andrews), actor, born 29 September 1925; died 18 May 2013.

Happy Birthday Linda Thompson!

5/23/2013

 
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May 23rd is the Birthday of Linda Thompson. 

Elvis and Linda dated from July 1972 until November 1976. 

HAPPY BiRTHDAY, LiNDA!! 

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