June 30th, 2006 was a very special day at Elvis Presley's Graceland!
USA President George W. Bush and Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi were given a private tour of Graceland from Priscilla and Lisa Marie Presley.
 'Elvis and Sinatra' new Fake Duet
Hooly Dooly there's some weird stuff going around these days! While the "Elvis Duets" album is still being considered by SONY, the dodgy 'One Trybal' label is working with Public Domain material to create an album of fake duets. And to be honest, it's a stinker! From the album 'Impossible Duets: Frank Sinatra and Friends' the 'Are You Lonesome Tonight' duet is one of the worst. Other artists such as Chet Baker, Julie London and Doris Day fair better but it's a very strange concept overall. It sure ain't 'Love Me Tender /Witchcraft'! Go HERE to have a listen. - Poor Elvis source: Elvis Information Network  "One Day, Two Legends" new Elvis/Beatles Documentary
If you could meet Elvis Presley, it would happen like this, according to Joe Esposito, Elvis' CO-best man and road manager of 17 years. "He'd walk right up to you, shake your hand and say, 'Hi, I'm Elvis Presley,' like you'd never heard of him. That's just how he was,'" said Joe Esposito. Joe, who lives in Las Vegas, stayed with his brother while shooting interviews for a documentary, 'One Day, Two Legends' that is being produced via a shared Joe Esposito company, JRE Entertainment. Producer Tom Jikomes of Gurnee is filming the documentary, which tells the story of the day the Beatles met Elvis. He's been working on it for three years, and it is transforming into a story about the kinship Elvis and Joe shared. Jikomes hopes the film will be released to cable television by Aug. 27, the day the Beatles and Elvis met nearly 50 years ago. The Elvis Joe knew – not the legend who even The Beatles were nervous to meet, but his best friend – was a kind-hearted person who wanted to be good to everyone, and didn't want anyone to think he was somehow special. Joe was scheduled tomorrow July 1 to continue production with LouiseHarrison, Beatle George Harrison's sister. Tom Jikomes was born on the exact day the two legends met. As a huge Elvis fan, it was a dream come true for him to meet Joe when working on another project 10 years ago. When Jikomes discovered that Joe had not only planned the meeting, but drove The Beatles to meet Elvis at his Los Angeles home, he was amazed that no one had thought to explore the subject before. No photos, videos or audio exists of the meeting, so Joe is one of the few people who can tell the story. Go HERE for the full interview and link to the new documentary. source: Elvis Information Network Subscribe to the Elvis YouTube Channel and Watch "If I Can Dream" Performance
June 28, 2013 As we continue to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Elvis recording the "'68 Comeback Special," we introduce for the first time one of Elvis' most powerful performances and one that was dear to his heart. Elvis fans can now watch video of Elvis' performing "If I Can Dream" by subscribing to the Elvis YouTube Channel. Fans can also view photos of this legendary performance by downloading the Elvis mobile app or see exclusive "'68 Special" items by visiting ShopElvis.com. On June 30, 1968, Elvis appeared alone wearing a simple white two-piece suit with the backdrop of red lights that spelled ELVIS and performed the final segment of the 1968 NBC television special. He sang "If I Can Dream," a song written based on Elvis' own thoughts about the turbulent times of the '60s. Written by the show's musical director W. Earl Brown, in response to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy, “If I Can Dream” describes a world full of hope and free of doubt, pain, and fear. This powerful and passionate performance became one of the most brilliant moments of his singing career. Want to continue the celebration? Upload your photo to the the "Official Elvis '68 Comeback" Fan Mosaic or view rare "'68 Special" videos now added to Elvis' Vine and Instagram. source: Elvis.com 
45 years ago today, Elvis began recording his legendary '68 Comeback Special! His manager Colonel Tom Parker had wanted the show to be simply Elvis singing Christmas carols but 26-year-old director Steve Binder had more ambitious ideas. Binder noted that Elvis and his fellow musicians would unwind by jamming and playing old blues numbers and, despite Elvis's nervousness about recording live, he convinced Elvis that recording an 'unplugged' session would be the most memorable part of the show. The 'Comeback Special' revitalised his career.
source: Elvis Matters 
From Priscilla's Twitter account cilla_presley:
"Backstage after Robert Plants amazing concert at the Shrine Auditorium last night. He still has it!" 
Upload Your Photo for the "Official Elvis '68 Comeback" Fan Mosaic
June 27, 2013 Celebrating the 45th anniversary of Elvis' "'68 Comeback Special," Fan Mosaics and Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. are giving Elvis fans another opportunity to make Elvis history by participating in the "Official Elvis '68 Comeback" Fan Mosaic. Fans can have their photos included for free by uploading their photo at FanMosaics.com/Elvis68. NEW - Fans can also upload their photo through their mobile device! Featuring the iconic image of Elvis dressed in his legendary leather suit, this officially licensed 24 x 30 Fan Mosaic collector's print will be built entirely from fan-submitted photos. This limited-edition print will appear black and white from a far, but up-close will be compiled of full-color fan photos. Fans can begin uploading their photos today and continue through July 28. Come back to FanMosaics.com/Elvis68 on August 1 and enter your e-mail address in the search tool to see where you fall into the big picture! The "Official Elvis '68 Comeback" Fan Mosaic will also be unveiled in a wall-size mural at Graceland on August 10 - to help kick off Elvis Week 2013. Don't miss your chance to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the "'68 Comeback Special" and be a part of Elvis history! Upload your photo for free by visiting FanMosaics.com/Elvis68. Want to preorder your copy? Make sure to click the 'Buy Now" button to reserve your print today! source: Elvis.com Rubberneckin' Podcast Talks New Fan Mosaic, Elvis Week Tickets and New Videos on Vine
June 27, 2013 Download Episode #129 of the Rubberneckin' Podcast where Elvis Presley Enterprises' Steven Gibbs and Amanda Pannell talk about all of the exciting Elvis events happening around the world! Kicking off the celebration of the 45th anniversary of Elvis' "'68 Comeback Special," fans hear how Fan Mosaics will be creating a 24" x 30" collector's print of Elvis dressed in his legendary leather suit. Fans will be able to upload their photos today through July 28 to be part of this limited-edition print. They also talk about the limited number of tickets left for Elvis Week 2013 as Main Stage All-Access Passes and Aloha VIP tickets are now sold out. Lastly, fans hear about how they can view new videos of the king via Vine and Instagram. Don't forget to answer our weekly Elvis trivia question via Twitter! All you will need to do is download this week's podcast, listen for the trivia question and be the first to retweet our podcast tweet with the correct answer. You never know - you just might get an Elvis goodie in the mail. 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 
Elvis Week Main Stage All-Access Pass and Aloha VIP Tickets Now Sold Out - Other Tickets Selling Fast
June 26, 2013 (Updated) The Elvis Week Main Stage All-Access Passes and VIP tickets for the Aloha from Hawaii Enhanced Screening are now sold out and other VIP tickets are going fast, including only two (2) VIP tickets remaining for the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. Tickets for general seating for all Elvis Week events is still available. Elvis Week 2013 will feature a great line-up including first-time guests such as Elvis’ co-star Mother Dolores Hart and country legend Ronnie Milsap. Enjoy dances, concert, music and much more all in Memphis on August 10 - 17. For more on Elvis Week events, visit our schedule page. The 2013 Ultimate ETA Contest will feature 29 Elvis tribute artists, the largest number of contestants competing in the contest’s history. The Ultimate ETA Contest VIP ticket includes front of the house seating at both rounds of the competition, plus access to the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Meet ‘n’ Greet on August 14. General tickets still remain for the Aloha from Hawaii Enhanced Screening. Fans can celebrate entertainment history at the Orpheum on August 16 with a special enhanced screening of Elvis’ landmark 1973 television event. The re-mastered video is featured in high-definition and edited to create a special experience for Elvis fans. Included will be rarely-seen footage and audio that, when combined with the stage footage, will remind you why they call him the king! Get your tickets today because these VIP tickets will go fast! Tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com, by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000, at any Ticketmaster outlet or at the Orpheum Box Office. You can learn more about the complete schedule of events, specials guests and more by visiting ElvisWeek.com. source: Elvis.com 
Upcoming Contest for Elvis Insiders Basic & Plus Members
June 26, 2013 On Friday, June 28, by 10:00 a.m. CST, we'll be posting instructions on how to enter in the Elvis Insiders CONTEST section, which is only accessible to Insiders Basic and Plus members. Five lucky winners will have a chance to win the "Elvis Presley: The King of Rock 'n' Roll" Fathead wall decal. The life-size wall decal includes the iconic image of Elvis wearing his white "American Eagle" jumpsuit during the "Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite Concert." Fans will also receive additional decals of more photos, Elvis silhouettes and memorable symbols like Elvis’ signature and the gates of Graceland. These Elvis Fathead wall graphics are high-definition images of the king, made of tough high-grade vinyl that's tear and fade resistant, plus they are safe for adding and removing from walls. Want to see more Elvis Fathead designs? See the entire Elvis Presley collection by visiting Fathead.com/Elvis-Presley. Also, don't forget to create your own :20 video tribute to the king and enter to win the Elvis Fathead design of your choice by liking Fathead's Facebook page! Not an Elvis Insider? Find out how to join! Get exclusive access to rare photos, video, and artifacts at Graceland. Also, you can be featured in our Fan Spotlight on Elvis.com and enter great contests like this one! source: Elvis.com 
36 years ago tonight, on Sunday, June 26th 1977 Elvis Presley performed his very last concert at The Market Square Arena located in Indianapolis, Indiana. The show was held at 8:30p.m. and a crowd of 18,000 Elvis fans attended the show. Elvis wore the Mexican Sundial Jumpsuit. 
Setlist: 01. Also sprach zarathustra 02. See see rider 03. I got a woman / Amen 04. Love me 05. Fairytale 06. You gave me a mountain 07. Jailhouse rock 08. O sole mio (sung by Sherrill Nielsen) / It´s now or never 09. Little sister 10. Teddy bear / Don´t be cruel 11. Please release me 12. I can´t stop loving you 13. Bridge over troubled water 14. Introductions 15. Early morning rain 16. What´d I say 17. Johnny B Goode 18. Introductions continued 19. I really don´t want to know 20. Introductions concluded 21. Hurt 22. Hound dog 23. Special thanks by Elvis 24. Can´t help falling in love with you 25. Closing vamp 'We'll meet you again, God bless, adios' ......... Elvis Presley Today Market Square Arena is gone and the former site is now a parking lot. Thankfully a marker was placed by Elvis fans Paul & Kay Lipps. 
Elvis Presley's Father, Vernon Elvis Presley passed away on this date; June 26th, 1979. 34 years ago today in Memphis at the Baptist Memorial Hospital. At the time of his passing from heart failure, he was 63 years old. Vernon is buried between Elvis and Gladys at Graceland in the Meditation Garden. 
Fan Mosaics and Elvis Presley Enterprises Partner to Create More Official Elvis Photo Mosaics6/25/2013
Fan Mosaics and Elvis Presley Enterprises Partner to Create More Official Elvis Photo Mosaics
(PRWEB) June 24, 2013 Tens of thousands of Elvis Presley fans have jumped at the chance to submit photos for inclusion in the past two official Elvis Fan Mosaics. To give fans even more opportunities to be part of Elvis history, Fan Mosaics and Elvis Presley Enterprises have signed a two-year agreement to create several more official Elvis photo mosaics. “We knew that Elvis Presley fans were among the most dedicated and active in the world, but we never expected the level of participation we received in our first two Elvis Fan Mosaics,” says Rob Hixenbaugh, Fan Mosaics’ director of fan & brand development. “They’re simply the best fans in the world, and we’re thrilled to have more chances to work with them.” For each new Fan Mosaic, fans will upload photos of themselves through the Fan Mosaic website (http://www.fanmosaics.com), using either their computer or a mobile device. Fan Mosaics then uses these individual photos as the building blocks to re-create a larger image of the King himself. The past two projects have celebrated the 35th anniversary of Elvis’ life and legacy and the 40th anniversary of his “Aloha from Hawaii” concert broadcast. The next Elvis Fan Mosaic, launching at the end of June, will commemorate the 45th anniversary of the Elvis ’68 Comeback Special. Watch for an announcement later this month to find out what makes this project so spectacular. All of the Elvis Fan Mosaics are turned into murals that hang in Graceland—a unique way for fans to claim their spot in this iconic location. The mosaics are also available for purchase as high-quality 24"x30" prints. “We at Fan Mosaics couldn’t be more excited about our continued collaboration with Elvis Presley Enterprises and Elvis’ fans,” Hixenbaugh says. “We’re honored to be trusted with his memory and are committed to delivering projects worthy of this international legend.” About Fan Mosaics Northfield, Ohio-based Fan Mosaics, LLC, is the bridge that connects fans and stars. The company’s officially licensed celebrity photo mosaics—composed entirely of fan-submitted images—are a unique and lasting outlet for fans’ enthusiasm and loyalty. Entertainers in all industries choose Fan Mosaics to thank fans for their dedication, and charities partner with Fan Mosaics to raise funds for their worthwhile causes. Visit http://www.fanmosaics.com to view completed and current projects and to learn more about the Fan Mosaics creation process. About Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc., is based in Memphis, with additional offices in Los Angeles. In addition to Graceland and its related attractions in Memphis, including the Heartbreak Hotel, EPE is aggressively involved in a worldwide licensing program, merchandising, music publishing, and television, film, video and Internet projects. For more information on EPE and Graceland, visit elvis.com. source: digitaljournal.com  Sun Studio at 706 Union Avenue in Memphis. Visiting Sun Studio – a shrine in the religion of rock'n'roll
By Greg Trelease June 23, 2013 If rock’n’roll was a religion, Memphis would be its Holy Land and Sun Studio one of its most revered shrines. On any given day of the week, baby boomer tourists and music fans alike visit Sun Studio to stand in the same spot that Elvis Presley recorded his very first song back in 1953. They come to be in the actual place where Jerry Lee Lewis started a “Whole Lotta Shakin Going On.” It was here where Carl Perkins tried on his “Blue Suede Shoes” and where Johnny Cash first proved he could “Walk the Line.” In 1950, Sam Phillips opened what he first called The Memphis Recording Service with a mission to record “anything, anywhere, anytime.” His passion was to record the rhythm and blues music he heard on nearby Beale Street being performed by black musicians who had little chance of getting their music on record elsewhere. It was on Beale Street, Memphis’s entertainment section and the hub of the South’s black community, where the sounds of blues and country were blending together to make a new sound. Phillips wanted to capture the excitement of this new music and make it available to those outside of Memphis and to the world. “I knew this music wasn’t going to be available, in a pure sense, forever,” Phillips said. His studio’s goal was to capture that pure raw energy on record and share it with the world. And that he did. Radio stations across the South in the early 1950s played mostly country music and Grand Ole Opry broadcasts. A few stations such as Nashville’s WLAC and Memphis’s WDIA aired black music, often called “race music” at the time. Yet these stations opened up “the blues” to a new larger audience – white teenagers who secretly tuned in to avoid the complaints of their parents. The demand for this new music increased despite the racial barriers preventing many of the black artists from performing live or having their music played on the radio. Phillips had an idea. If he could just find a white Southern boy who could sing like a black man – he just might be able to break down social barriers and get this music heard. “I don’t sound like nobody” the 18-year-old high school graduate stated firmly when asked at the studio who he sang like. The young man grew up listening to Beale Street blues musicians as well as the music of his parents on the Grand Ole Opry radio shows. He had just paid $4 to record a birthday song for his mom and had the high hopes of being invited back to the studio for more recordings. A year later, he was invited back – this time with a band. On his return to the studio, Phillips wasn’t impressed with what he heard until break time. As the band started packing up, the boy started singing an older blues tune called “That’s All Right, Mama.” Phillips immediately ran into the studio shouting, “What’s that?” Here was the sound and the person Phillips had been looking for. He had found his ambassador of the blues in a 19-year-old white Southern boy named Elvis Presley. Phillips quickly pressed Elvis’s version of the song to vinyl, and in two days it aired on WDIA’s Red Hot and Blue show for the first time. Fourteen times that night, as a matter of fact. The reaction to the song had teenagers across the South calling in and requesting repeated broadcasts. The sound of Elvis on the airwaves of WDIA in 1954 was a call to arms across the South. Guitarist Carl Perkins, piano player Jerry Lee Lewis and a young Johnny Cash soon made their way to Sun Studio after hearing Presley on the radio. With the success of his new artists, Phillips eventually opened a larger studio nearby as the original building lay quiet until the mid 1980s. The Memphis Recording Service and Sun Records building was reopened as “Sun Studio” in 1987 as a functioning record label as well as a tourist attraction. Musicians once again found themselves drawn to this famous three-room studio. U2, Bonnie Raitt, Ringo Starr and Brian Setzer are a few who have returned to these hallowed walls to capture “the Sun sound,” which inspired them many years earlier. Today, Sun still shines brightly in Memphis. Besides being a tourist attraction, Sun Studio is once again playing a role in bringing aspiring musicians to the public’s attention. PBS stations across the country broadcast “The Sun Studio Sessions,” a weekly TV show featuring new singers, songwriters and performers. Filmed in the same spot where rock ¤’n’ roll’s great pioneers once recorded, the show provides greater exposure to new up and coming artists – a goal not far off from Phillip’s original intentions more than 60 years ago. Sun Studio was designated a U.S. National Landmark and listed in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 2003. source: www.masslive.com/entertainment/.../visiting_sun_studio_a_shrine_i.html 
Elvis & his Daddy Vernon
Elvis Presley played to 17,140 people at his second to last concert on June 25, 1977 at the Riverfront Coliseum located in Cincinnati, Ohio. Setlist: Also Sprach Zarathustra See See Rider I've Got a Woman Amen Rip It Up Love Me If You Love Me You Gave Me a Mountain Jailhouse Rock O Sole Mio It's Now or Never Little Sister Teddy Bear Don't Be Cruel And I Love You So My Way Early Morning Rain What'd I Say Johnny B. Goode Unchained Melody Hound Dog Can't Help Falling in Love Closing Vamp Presley "Rite" Attracts 17140 Fans to Riverfront Coliseum
by Cliff Radel Cincinnati Enquirer June 26, 1977 "It was a rite. The doors opened at 7PM, 2 1/2 hours before showtime. This was an exceptionally early opening for a reserved-seat show. But there was plenty to do before the house lights went down for the first time. There were, as an unseen speaker told the rite's 17,140 celebrants "all the great Elvis super souvenirs" to be sold. Posters went for $5 and $3. Programs cost three bucks and depending on the hawker had 28, 25 or 14 "full-color pitchers of Elvis." A button with Elvis' visage on it required the expenditure of $2. Binoculars ("Have a front-row seat wherever you sit!") took $5 out of its purchaser's purse." "The people inside Riverfront Coliseum Saturday night were being offered "two brand-new super Elvis souvenirs. A necklace for five dollars and in limited supply tonight, a gold, belt buckle for $10." All this merchandising was in preparation for the appearance of a 42-year-old man from Tupelo, Miss., Elvis Presley. The vendors must have had a field day Saturday night. The sold-out crowd had to wait five minutes shy of two hours before they got their first glimpse of the man who has been dubbed "The King of Rock 'n' Roll."" 
Elvis Presley Enterprises Exhibits at Licensing Expo 2013 in Las Vegas
June 24, 2013 Last week, Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. traveled to the Licensing Expo 2013 to share new Elvis products from licensees around the world. Be sure to check out our new photo gallery and this week's photo spotlight of a special tasting party for Rock 'n' Roll Imports Elvis Tequila! Rock N Roll Tequila is packaged in a beautifully designed box covered with photos of Elvis and bottled in a unique guitar shaped bottle. It is available online at ZeeTequila.com and HitimeWine.net as well as numerous retail outlets and many bars and restaurants including select Applebee’s and Texas Roadhouse locations. Elvis was a pioneer in the licensing world from the first day he stepped on stage. EPE continues his legacy in the same manner today with quality merchandise. In 2013, EPE signed numerous high-profile licensees and worked closely with them to maximize the business through public relations and marketing activities. If you’d like to become a licensee, contact us today and let us explore together how we can develop mutually beneficial merchandising programs and image licenses. To learn more about how to become a licensee, call 901-332-3322 or 800-238-2000 or email us at Licensing@elvis.com. source: Elvis.com 
Millie with Elvis and the Jordanaires
Elvis Presley Fans of Nashville would like to take a moment to wish Elvis' high soprano of |
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