25 years ago today on June 12th 1989, Graceland officially opened the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum at Elvis Presley's Graceland.


From Elvis.com:
"Elvis loved cars and the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum displays some of his favorites. Stroll down a tree-lined street to see over 33 vehicles owned by Elvis. Highlights include his famous Pink Cadillac, Harley-Davidson motorcycles, Stutz Blackhawks, a 1975 Dino Ferrari, a 1956 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible, the red MG from Blue Hawaii and much more. Also, see some of Elvis’ favorite motorized toys, including a go-cart, dune buggy, motorized three-wheelers and a pedal car. Some newer additions to the Elvis Presley Car Museum include his two Rolls Royce sedans, 6-door Mercedes Benz limousine used by Elvis during the filming of "Elvis On Tour" and Elvis' John Deere 4010 tractor that he used on at his Circle G Ranch and at Graceland. "

Elvis Presley's lead TCB Band Guitarist, James Burton, is currently recovering from having surgery. 

James, had complained about neck pain, and doctors advised him to have surgery. The result of the surgery is even better than expected. James calls is "a miracle". He's healing now, but will be touring again very soon. 

If you have the chance, be sure to attend the James Burton Guitar Festival in Shreveport, LA, this August!


http://www.james-burton.net

http://www.james-burton.net/the-2014-james-burton-international-guitar-festival/


source: Elvis Matters

Elvis Presley Enterprises’ plans for a $70 million development for a 450-room hotel were unanimously approved at a meeting held June 12th by the Memphis-Shelby County Land Use Control Planning Board. 

The development called Guesthouse at Graceland, would be just north of Graceland on Elvis Presley Boulevard on the same side of the street as Graceland mansion. 

Memphis officials hope the hotel could stimulate more business development along Elvis Presley Boulevard.

City Council member Harold Collins said "the hotel would provide much-needed economic investment in the community while complementing major upgrades to Elvis Presley Boulevard, the primary artery in Whitehaven."

“I want to rise and say this particular project will generate up to $70 million in the inner city,” Collins said. “Very seldom does the inner city get an opportunity where a private developer will invest that kind of money in the community.”

The 450-room hotel, which will include meeting spaces and a restaurant and bar, would be the biggest hotel in Memphis outside the Downtown area, including the Hilton in East Memphis and Hotel Memphis on Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Parkway Village. 

The hotel plan will still need approval from the council, but that appears to be a lock.

Collins said the hotel project comes as welcome news to most Whitehaven residents and stakeholders, who, for years, have yearned for investments on Elvis Presley Boulevard.

Collins – who was instrumental in securing the $43 million in local, state and federal funding for streetscape improvements on Elvis Presley Boulevard between Brooks Road and Shelby Drive – said "the hotel would allow for more tourists to stay in Whitehaven and support businesses in the area."

The approval of the hotel plans happened after New York-based Authentic Brands Group LLC in November completed its purchase of a majority of Elvis Presley Enterprises from CORE Media Group, which had acquired a majority stake in Elvis Presley Enterprises from CKX Inc.

The new hotel appears to be part of a broader effort by Authentic Brands to invest in Graceland. Authentic Brands officials have spoken in broad terms about Graceland upgrades but have revealed few details.

The first sign of new life in the development plan occurred in March, when Elvis Presley Enterprises filed a $670,000 permit application with the city-county Office of Construction Code Enforcement to build a new “studio building” also on land north of the mansion. The permit is for property at 3674 Elvis Presley Blvd., which had been a car lot in the past and was bought by EPE in 2006 in anticipation of the CKX expansion.



sources: 
Commercial Appeal
Memphis Daily News

The book is titled:
 "100 Things to Do in Memphis Before You Die." 

There are the obvious destinations such as Graceland and Sun Studio, but many of the places included in the book are off the beaten path and unique. The book is basically a curated list of things to do in the city that includes both obvious choices and lesser-known attractions for tourists and local residents alike.

Crespo was born in Florida and has lived in Memphis for a few years now. Some of the things she most loves about the Bluff City are its galleries and gardens, traveling to area farms and checking out live music.

She wrote “100 Things to Do in Memphis Before You Die” basically in the month of March and filed it April 1, with the goal of getting ahead of the summer travel season, and she’s already gotten orders from as far away as the East Coast and France.

“My goal in creating the list was to not ignore the biggies, especially as this is being used as a resource for people coming from elsewhere,” she said. “So the biggies – Graceland, the Gibson tour, things like that – all need to be in there. I wrote it with the idea of it being a balance, because I also wanted to make sure the obvious was balanced out with the lesser known."

“It’s obviously a travel guide, but I wrote it very much for Memphians, as well,” she said. “Sometimes you move out of the core of the city and you just don’t really engage with the city the way that you used to, or things get busy. So the book is very much for that visitor who’s coming from overseas or another state just as much as it is for locals to help rekindle their love affair with the city or help them rediscover maybe those things."

Her personal favorites include landmarks like St. Blues and the Center for Southern Folklore – places where area residents might feel, she says, that they don’t need to visit because they think they may know everything about those places already.

“There are a lot of places like that in Memphis where it’s good to go to and play tourist in your own town,” she says. “Memphis really needs its cheerleaders, and this book is sort of a love letter to the city.”

"100 Things to Do in Memphis Before You Die" is 160 pages and was published by Reedy Press. 

Further information about Samantha Crespo and her book, "100 Things to Do in Memphis Before You Die" can be found at samanthacrespo.com. 



sources: wreg.com and memphisdailynews.com

By Andrew Dansby
June 10, 2014


Mark James, a Houston native, will be inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame, Thursday, June 11th, 2014. 

Although he had a few successful regional singles here in Houston in the 1960s, he made his mark as a songwriter, starting with Hooked on a Feeling, which was covered by BJ Thomas. 

James is best known for writing "Suspicious Minds", one of Elvis Presley's best-known songs, and he also won a Grammy for writing "Always on My Mind", popularized by Willie Nelson. 


Mark James, a Houston native, is a giant. The youthful 73-year-old with a spring in his step and an admirable head of hair is traveling to New York to be inducted Thursday into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

When in 2000 the song-writing organization BMI compiled its list of the best 100 songs of the 20th century, three of them were written by James: "Hooked on a Feeling," "Always on My Mind" and his best-known composition, "Suspicious Minds," a seminal song for arguably the most iconic pop-music performer of the 20th century, one that Rolling Stone included in its 500 greatest songs of all time.

When Elvis Presley released it in 1969 he hadn't had a No. 1 single in seven years. "Suspicious Minds" buoyed Elvis through his jumpsuit-clad last decade; it was his final No. 1. A year before Presley made it a hit, the song flopped for James, who wanted to become a big-time recording artist himself.

"I still think I could've been a successful performer," James said. "I knew what a hit sounded like. The timing didn't work out - timing always had to be just so to make it in that business. But I think I could've done it."

He recalls a winding line of women in a Las Vegas hotel hallway trying to gain access to an after-concert party for Presley, and how the TV in one room was famously fractured by a bullet hole. "But I'm also lucky it turned out the way it did," James said. "It's a good thing that I can just walk down the street. There's a lot that comes with the kind of success he had. It ate Elvis up. So I count myself lucky."

Sure enough, James can wind his way to a table at a Beverly Hills restaurant and nobody knows he wrote some of the best and best-known songs of the 20th century.



Mark James was born in 1960 because Houston club owners struggled to pronounce Francis Zambon, the name he was given 20 years earlier.

His father was Italian, a contractor who also played mandolin. His mother was a schoolteacher who brought him to her class from when he was 3.

James grew up near the University of Houston and later in nearby Glenbrook Valley. His first instrument was violin. 

By 1959 James had traded violin for guitar. He was performing and recording around town, starting with a self-produced single, "Jive Note," which sold well along the Gulf Coast. Soon after Francis Zambon became Mark James.

"I was just sitting in the car, and it came to me like a hit song," James said. "I wanted something real simple. Something like Ray Charles."

He put together the Mark James Trio. Two songs - "Running Back" and "She's Gone Away" - were regional hits. But James' momentum halted in the mid-'60s: Upon his return to Houston from Vietnam, his career was cold.

He took a job in Memphis with Lincoln "Chips" Moman, a legendary behind-the-scenes writer, producer and guitarist who helped shape the sound of American soul music in the South.

"Mark called me and told me if I came to Memphis he thought they could get a hit on me," BJ Thomas said. "I remembered him from Houston. I was aware of him and respected him as a musician. But he had me in mind for something. He really got everything rolling."

BJ Thomas' take on James' "Hooked on a Feeling," which climbed to No. 5.

Thomas calls James a remarkable writer. "He's so good at telling stories in a concise way," he said. "I think a lot of his songs; they still stand up all these years later."



James' biggest song almost didn't happen.

"Suspicious Minds" was rooted in James' own life. He was married at the time, as was Karen James (then Karen Taylor), who had been his childhood sweetheart. "Hooked on a Feeling" was about the possibility of rekindling their relationship, James said. If it was the optimistic side of their reuniting, "Suspicious Minds" was its darker by-product.

Presley brought a soulfulness to the song, his deep voice breaking with studied anguish.


James continues to write songs. He also studied film scoring, which opened opportunities for him in Los Angeles. He splits his time between Los Angeles, New York, Memphis and Nashville, all music-industry hubs.

"I try to keep a guitar or a piano nearby," he said. "For me, I just never know when inspiration is going to come."


James' songs will outlive their author. They still bubble up on the radio. Sometimes they cycle back through pop culture. "Guardians of the Galaxy" is a forthcoming summer blockbuster. Halfway through the film's trailer the familiar "ooga-chaka" emerges. An indestructible love song written nearly 50 years ago once again finds its way into the future.


source: http://www.houstonchronicle.com

Musical journey through Memphis

Posted by Angela Gary in Features
Tuesday, June 3. 2014

Visitors to Memphis, Tenn., can walk in the footsteps of the legendary Elvis Presley by visiting his beloved home, Graceland, and the studio where he got his start in the business, Sun Studios.

Elvis Presley died 37 years ago, but his home remains a destination for thousands of people every year. Graceland is a national historic landmark and the 14-acre site includes the mansion, the graves of Elvis and his parents, a museum, automobile collection and Elvis’ airplanes. Since 1982, 19 million visitors have toured the home. It was even a stop for Prince William and Prince Harry on a recent visit to Memphis.

The audio tape that is offered for your self-guided tour through the home is wonderful. As you walk through the home, you hear information about the rooms, mementoes and displays that you pass by. Presley’s daughter, Lisa Marie, offers narration of her time in the home, which is especially touching. The home has remained unchanged since Elvis’ death and a walk through the home is like stepping back in time when shag carpet and pastel décor were in style. 

A new exhibit on “60 Years of Elvis” is offered and it includes clothing, telegrams, a Grammy award, organ and other personal items from Elvis. Visitors are able to explore the major moments in Elvis’ life. 

The tour ends at the gravesites for Elvis and his parents, as well as other family members. It’s a very peaceful, tranquil spot and visitors are quiet as they walk by the graves. 

Be sure to allow plenty of time to explore Graceland and the entire complex. For more information, go to www.graceland.com.



SUN STUDIOS
Elvis fans have heard of Sun Studios, where in 1954, Elvis recorded “That’s All Right Mama” and it’s another stop on a visit to Memphis. Sam Phillips established Sun Studios and launched the careers of Elvis, as well as Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, B.B. King and many others. 
It’s a very unique experience to be able to stand in the spot where Elvis made his music magic. A microphone used by Elvis is still in the museum and visitors can stand behind it for a photo. For more information, go to www.sunstudio.com.

STAX MUSEUM
Another stop for music lovers should be the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, where photographs and mementoes from the famous Stax Sound are located. Stax Records was called Soulsville USA for the sounds of Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Otis Redding and others who recorded here. For more information, go to www.staxmuseum.com.

BEALE STREET
Music fans will also love exploring Beale Street while visiting Memphis. Just wander along the famous street and you will find a number of places to stop and listen to blues, rock, country, soul and all kinds of music. As the sun goes down, the neon lights of the businesses begin to glow and the crowd grows. It’s soon bustling and filled with energy and excitement. 

MARCH OF THE DUCKS
While you are in Memphis, make sure to stop by the Peabody Hotel at 11 a.m. or 5 p.m. when a tradition takes place each day. Since 1932, the March of the Ducks has been featured. The ducks march to and from the grand lobby fountain to the tune of June Phillip Sousa’s “King Cotton March.” The ducks head up to the duck palace on the rooftop of the hotel, which visitors can also check out. It has a great view of the city. The duck master, Anthony Petrina, does a great job and has lots of information about the history of the March of the Ducks and the grand hotel. For more information, go to www.peabodymemphis.com.


To start planning your trip, go to www.tnvacation.com or www.memphistravel.com.


source: http://www.banksnewstoday.com

The Circle G Ranch, the former ranch of Elvis Presley, located on highway 301 and Goodman Road in Horn Lake, Mississippi, has been saved from further dilapidation. The property has been purchased by a group of Destin, Florida, investors. 

 The group of investors is led by Mississippi native, Davage "Buddy" Runnels Jr., the founder and owner of Real Estate International, Inc. (REI).  REI, based in Destin, Florida, is a commercial and residential development group established over 47 years ago.

Kennedy Funding Financial of Englewood Cliffs, N.J. announced Wednesday it had closed a loan for $2.3 million for the purchase of the ranch.  A news release announcing the loan stated the price of the property as $3.65 million. The loan is a three-year, interest-only loan secured by a first lien on the property.

 The 231 acre tract, of which 163 acres is well known for once being owned by Elvis Presley and his wife, Priscilla. Elvis and Priscilla, spent some of their May 1967 Honeymoon at the ranch. Priscilla has spoken about being a wife to Elvis while cooking breakfast at the Circle G Ranch. The property is rich in historical features including the Honeymoon Cottage shared by Elvis and Priscilla, the stable where Elvis kept his horses, a 14 acre lake and a prominent 55 foot cross. 


The ranch is about 10-15 minutes miles from Graceland. 

Elvis bought the ranch for $300,000 and used it as a getaway spot from his public life.  Elvis purchased horses, riding gear, farm equipment, pick up trucks, and mobile homes for his friends to be with him at the Circle G. The "G" in Circle G is for Elvis' mother, Gladys. Elvis sold the property in 1972.

Kevin Wolfer, president and CEO of Kennedy Funding Financial stated in the news release, "The new owner will have a number of options for preserving and making the best possible use of this extraordinary property."


Specific plans for the restoration of the property will be announced in the future.  For more information, visit www.circlegranch.com.


About Real Estate International, Inc. (REI)
Real Estate International, Inc. ("REI") is a full service real estate brokerage founded over 47 years ago by Davage "Buddy" Runnels, Jr. in Destin, Florida. Runnels, along with his real estate and development team, played an integral role in the establishment of the Destin area as one of the most desirable destination vacation spots by developing commercial, residential and over 11 condo projects with 2,000 units in the southeast.  In addition to condo and commercial development, Runnels developed Kelly Plantation, an exclusive 900 acre master planned community along the shores of Choctawhatchee Bay in Destin, Florida.  Kelly Plantation is home to a championship golf course designed by Fred Couples. The recent acquisition of Circle G Ranch, 231 acres in Horn Lake, Mississippi, previously owned by Elvis Presley, is represented by REI. For more information on REI go to www.reiinc.net.


sources: PR News Wire & Desoto Times

June 4, 2014
Dennis Turner - WREG

HORN LAKE, Miss. — Elvis Presley once owned the property at Goodman Road and highway 301, and honeymooned in May 1967 with his wife Priscilla there.

It’s been the subject of speculation by developers for years, but now it’s been sold and everybody is waiting to hear about the future plans for this land.

Several years ago, developers announced big plans for a couple of different projects here, but none ever happened.

Horn Lake’s Mayor says the property always had potential.

”It’s just been a diamond in the rough,” said Mayor Allen Latimer.

But late Tuesday, he learned the McLemore family sold the more than 200 acres to investors led by Mississippian Devage "Buddy" Runnels Junior.

For now, the new owners aren’t saying anything about their plan for the property. But Horn Lake leaders say whatever it is represents a vital part of Horn Lake’s future.

Runnels’ company Real Estate International is known for its planned communities in the Destin area. Horn Lake leaders hope they see something similar.

”It will attract people from all over the world. It will hopefully be a upscale development and give people jobs and provide a tax base,” said Latimer.

People who live nearby say they’re glad to finally see some change in the property.

The developers have a website and say they plan to make an announcement about the property’s future soon.


circlegranch.com


source: WREG

Elvis Presley's Graceland Mansion, officially opened for public tours 32 years ago, on June 7, 1982. 

3,024 Graceland tour tickets were sold on that first day, June 7, 1982. 

On the opening day Elvis Aunt, Delta Presley Biggs and Jack Soden, CEO of Elvis Presley Enterprises, cut the ribbon to officially open Graceland to the public. There were tour guides in each room equipped with knowledge of Graceland Mansion. The Kitchen was not added to the Graceland tour until 1993. During the tours Aunt Delta, continued to live at Graceland with her dog Edmond, until her death in 1993. 

"I realized as it was going on that there really wasn't any money that could support Graceland or any of the people that worked for Elvis that were still there," said Priscilla Presley. "I had a decision to make to somehow save Graceland."

"We had no idea whether 30 people were coming, or 300, or 3,000 that first day, Fortunately, it was the latter," said Jack Soden, CEO of Elvis Presley Enterprises, who helped Priscilla Presley with her plan.

To augment the $500,000 investment, Graceland pre-sold tickets, generating enough money to buy uniforms for the tour guides. The first month was such a success that they made back the half-million dollars in about 38 days, Soden said. 

Elvis purchased Graceland in March of 1957 for around $100,00 dollars. Graceland is a large white-columned mansion and 13.8-acre estate. It was built in 1939 by Dr. Thomas Moore and his wife Ruth Brown Moore. The mansion is constructed of limestone and consists of twenty-three rooms, including eight bedrooms and bathrooms. Graceland is located at 3764 Elvis Presley Boulevard. 

Graceland welcomes over 600,000 visitors each year, is one of the five most visited home tours in the United States, and is the most famous home in America after The White House. 

On November 7, 1991, Graceland was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, and declared a National Historic Landmark on March 27, 2006.


sources: Elvis.com
Wikipedia.com
http://bigstory.ap.org

Following an extensive reconstruction period scheduled to begin next year, the famed Coco Palms Resort on the island of Kauai will reopen under the Hyatt Hotels brand in early 2017.

Coco Palms Resort, was the main filming location for Elvis Presley's 1961 film, "Blue Hawaii." Coco Palms, opened its doors to guests on January 25th, 1953. Numerous celebrities have vacationed at Coco Palms. 

Unfortunately, the Coco Palms has been closed since being hit by Hurricane Iniki in September of 1992. The hotel and property grounds are in serious dilapidated condition. 

Following its closure after Iniki’s devastating toll, the hotel continued to attract visitors happy to pay for a tour of the damaged property and enjoy a look at the bungalow where Elvis stayed, or pass a few moments near the famous lagoon location of the “Blue Hawaii” wedding scene, which has remained a popular wedding venue for couples even in recent years. 

Chad Waters and Tyler Green, are the local investors who had the dream and plans of rebuilding, Coco Palms. The builders to fulfill the dream are Craig Kawakami Builders. Once rebuilding starts, "Construction on the 363-room hotel, according to Coco Palms Hui, LLC and Hyatt officials, is slated to begin in early 2015." The resort’s redevelopment plan, according to Hyatt officials, will preserve the original footprint of the property and signature lagoon but require the rebuilding of about 331 guest rooms, 32 bungalows, multiple restaurants, lounges and swimming pools. Coco Palms will be rebuilt with the existing square footage, under the guidance of what is allowed by the Iniki Ordinance. The three main buildings will be stripped down to their concrete structure. All wooden buildings will be rebuilt just the way they were before the hurricane. 

“Our endeavor to revitalize the grounds and rebuild, all while preserving the soul of the iconic resort, is an ambitious project,” Coco Palms Hui, LLC Principal Tyler Greene said in a statement released Wednesday. “Hyatt is the perfect leader to steer a thoughtful, honorable and rejuvenated guest experience at The Coco Palms Resort.”

“The iconic Coco Palms resort embodied hospitality with a commitment to the Hawaiian culture,” Kauai Visitors Bureau Executive Director Sue Kanoho wrote in an email. “We are excited to hear the Hyatt will be responsible for the brand of the new Coco Palms Resort and look forward to the return of the popular resort for all to enjoy.” 

When completed, the Coco Palms Resort will become the second hotel on Kauai to hold the Hyatt brand name. The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa in Poipu, which opened in 1991, was the first hotel on the island to be operated by the global hospitality company.

“We look forward to welcoming a new generation of visitors to The Coco Palms Resort along with our owners Coco Palms Hui, LLC., all the while recognizing and honoring the spirit and history of the resort,” said Jordan Meisner, senior vice president of operations for Hyatt. 


sources:
http://www.kitv.com
http://thegardenisland.com
http://www.travelweekly.com
 http://www.cpexecutive.com

Sun Studio has a NEW and extraordinary display. 

 On display at Sun Studio is a replica of Dewey Phillips' studio at WHBQ Radio, where he hosted his nightly "Red, Hot & Blue" radio show from 9 till Midnight. 

The tiles on the wall, the turntables, the audio board and microphone are from the original WHBQ studio on the mezzanine floor of the Chisca Hotel in downtown Memphis. The Chisca Hotel is currently under a $24 million dollar restoration. 

It was in this studio that Sun Records founder Sam Phillips walked in one evening in July, 1954 and handed Dewey an acetate pressing of Elvis Presley's "That's Alright Mama" to introduce on the air.


Caroline Pratt, President of Elvis Presley Fans of Nashville, had the pleasure of seeing the display back in the month of April. 

"The replica display exhibit of Dewey Phillips' WHBQ Radio Studio, is very nice and well put together. I am glad to see Dewey's studio at Sun Studio, as it wouldn't make sense to be on exhibit anywhere else. You can definitely see the replica as a great fitting representation of Dewey's studio. Thankfully, these Dewey Phillips' WHBQ artifacts have been saved and preserved from the Chisca Hotel. Its wonderful!" 


Sun Studio tour tickets are $12. 


sources: Elvis Presley Fans of Nashvile - Fan Club President, Caroline Pratt, Elvis Historian and operator of Mike's Memphis Tours - Mike Freeman, and Elvis Matters

Elvis Presley Enterprises voluntarily dismissed its civil lawsuit against the Beretta gun company on May 29, 2014. 

Written in the court document closing the case is a one-sentence explanation: “Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc gives notice that it dismisses this action with prejudice because the dispute giving rise to the filing of a civil action has been settled.”

No word yet how the case was settled.

Guns.com reached out to the estate’s attorney, but no word yet how the case was settled.

The estate filed the lawsuit against Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta S.pA. in April 2014, claiming that the Italian gun company used the Elvis Presley’s likeness to promote new shotguns in an advertising campaign.

The ads launched late 2012 and shows what appears to be Elvis wearing his rhinestone-studded jumpsuit, a shooting vest and ear protection while wielding dual finger guns, and is accompanied by the caption, “The new legend in clay shooting … Highest-level performance to shoot like a star.” Additionally, at press events Beretta had Elvis impersonators appear, perform and greet gun enthusiasts, and in some cases the company had the impersonators pose with weapons.


source: Guns.com

Tupelo city officials have received two bids for a project to build a pathway from downtown Tupelo to the birthplace of Elvis Presley. The bids will next be reviewed by the Major Thoroughfare Committee, the City Council and the Mississippi Department of Transportation.

The bids were by Century Construction for $12.3 million and Key LLC for $11.5 million.

Presley's former home in Tupelo is one of the main points of interest on the Elvis Presley Birthplace Trail.

Officials are hoping for a decision by July. The project includes construction of overlay, roadway and bridge widening, curb, sidewalk, striping along 9,341 feet and traffic signalization from Green Street in downtown Tupelo to the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum.



source: http://www.clarionledger.com

Howard Blank, a well-known local Vancouver collector is attracting international attention by auctioning off some big treasures. 

The collection of will be auctioned off June 7th and 8th. The auction will take place at Able Auctions. The address is 1055 Vernon Drive, Vancouver, BC.

One of the bigger pieces in the auction is fit for a King: the King of Rock and Roll. Filmed just over the border in Seattle, "It Happened At the World's Fair"  included a scene with Elvis riding in a Rickshaw. 

It's in amazing condition. We've got pictures of Elvis sitting in it. It's really a beautiful piece and one of a kind of course.


source: http://www.news1130.com

Bruno Mars and his crew recently  toured Elvis Presley's Graceland. Bruno also toured Sun Studio and ate a meal at Ching's Hot Wings.

Bruno is a fan of Elvis. As a child he often performed a tribute to Elvis, complete with a jumpsuit. Video footage can be seen on Youtube. 

Bruno performed Friday, June 6th, 2014 at The Fedex Forum. 

Documentary on Elvis' Polk Theater Performance Planned
THE LEDGER
Published: Saturday, June 7, 2014

The Polk Theatre will host an open house July 15 in connection with a planned documentary about Elvis Presley's concerts at the theater in 1956.

Makers of the documentary invite anyone with direct or indirect memories of Presley's performances on Aug. 6, 1956, to attend the gathering. The filmmakers are seeking interview subjects for the project.

The free event begins at 6 p.m. at the Polk Theatre, 121 S. Florida Ave. in Lakeland.


source: The Ledger

In a recent Washington Times article rockabilly guitarist Sonny Burgess told the story of seeing Elvis perform live for the first time. 

The Newport, Louisiana, native worked with legendary artists such as Elvis, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison and Conway Twitty, among many others. While Burgess' career spans 50 years, playing for millions of fans with hundreds of musicians and bands, one artist stands out the most.

The nightclub in Jackson County was filled with anticipation. Even a seasoned musician like Sonny Burgess knew the vibe in the club was different that night.

"Elvis Presley stepped onto the stage. The band started to play. His hips began to move. He sang 'Good Rockin' Tonight' and before he was done, the crowd was whirled into a frenzy. Boy, Elvis was different, as soon as he walked into the building you could feel his energy. He had the looks, the songs and the charisma. Whatever a star has, he had it - more than anyone else."

Burgess and his bandmates formed the Moonlighters, and they opened for Elvis at least four times. The band expanded and became The Pacers in 1955. At the behest of Elvis, the group went to Memphis and recorded several songs, including "Red Headed Woman," for famed producer Sam Phillips.

Through the years Burgess has been inducted into numerous musical hall of fames and played in venues all over the world. The Pacers re-formed and play together often. 

Burgess still plays to large crowds to this day. He recently returned from a gig in Las Vegas and will play at a number of festivals and events this summer, he said.

In the fall he’ll return to Europe, he said. "I love to play," he said. "I’m going to do it until I can’t."


source: Washington Times

Washington Post Reflects on Elvis' Photo Featured in "American Cool" Exhibit
JUNE 10, 2014

Elvis is "American Cool" and the National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C. has an entire gallery featuring Americans who embody the "cool" factor. In a recent article on WashingtonPost.com, freelance writer Ann Greer sits down with the museum's Elvis expert and talks about the king as the "all-American."

The photo featured in the National Portrait Gallery exhibit is of Elvis performing in 1957 at the now-infamous Tupelo fairgrounds - the same place where at 10 years old he won a youth talent show and $5.00 in fair ride tickets. Elvis expert and Memphis native E. Warren Perry Jr. describes the shot "as a moment of magic." 

"Elvis had the ability to be playful and seductive at the same time, bringing out the primal side of those around him," states Perry. "Elvis elicited devotion from fans across generations and musical styles because he was all-American."

The "American Cool" exhibit is currently on display at the National Portrait Gallery, in Washington, D.C. until September 7, 2014. Included in the exhibit are the likes of jazz musicians such as Miles Davis and Billie Holiday, actors such as James Dean and Johnny Depp, and singers like the king.

Learn more about the new "American Cool" exhibit by visiting NPG.si.edu. Want to learn all there is to know about the king? Plan the ultimate rock 'n' roll pilgrimage to Elvis Presley's Graceland and enjoy great savings on package deals. 


source: Graceland

The 1927 Bristol Sessions Revisited with New Museum and Recording Contest Announced
JUNE 10, 2014

The rise of country music throughout the 1920s had a monumental effect on Elvis. His mix of rhythm and blues, along with the traditional country sound, led to birth of rock 'n' roll and changed music forever. Tourism and music industry representatives gathered today for a special press conference to officially announce the August 2 grand opening of The Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol, TN/VA and the creation of “Orthophonic Joy: The 1927 Bristol Sessions Revisited.” It was further announced that a national search is underway for a new band to perform the last track on the “Orthophonic Joy” recording project, produced by multi-Grammy Award-winner Carl Jackson.
    
Famed Opry host Eddie Stubbs emceed the event with special remarks and musical performances by country music celebrity Marty Stuart, as well as The Church Sisters, The Shotgun Rubies, The Chuck Wagon Gang and Carl Jackson. Commissioner Susan Whitaker, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and Chris Canfield, Virginia Tourism Corporation, also brought remarks. The event was fittingly held at The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Pictured above is Elvis along with Minnie Pearl and historic WOPI radio announcer Ernie Ford in Bristol, TN. Elvis would often listen to the music coming out of Bristol, TN and later incorporated this into his own style. This Smithsonian Institution-affiliated Birthplace of Country Music Museum is dedicated to preserve the legacy of the 1927 Bristol Sessions and their lasting influence on American popular music. 

Johnny Cash referred to the famous Sessions as “The single most important event in the history of country music.” Also known as the “Big Bang of Country Music,” the legendary recordings by Ralph Peer took country music to a new level and produced pioneers of the genre and major influences on Elvis, such as Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family. 

Set to be released in October, “Orthophonic Joy: The 1927 Bristol Sessions Revisited,” features entertainment legend Dolly Parton, as well as country music stars Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Marty Stuart, Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers and Ashley Monroe. The recording project includes 16 of the original songs from the Bristol Sessions.

The idea to recreate the Bristol Sessions had been discussed within the Birthplace of Country Music organization for years, but the serendipitous connection between board member John Rainero, veteran songwriter Rusty Morrell and producer Carl Jackson helped bring “Orthophonic Joy: The 1927 Bristol Sessions Revisited” to life. 

“My dear friend Rusty Morrell approached me with the idea to produce a project honoring the original 1927 Bristol Sessions,” Jackson said. “He was very aware and fond of a couple of other multi-artist ‘tribute’ projects I had produced and felt I was the guy who could bring his vision to life. In my opinion, the importance of those ’27 recordings cannot be overstated, and I am truly honored that Rusty asked me to shine a new and loving light on some of those classic works.”

In the spirit of Ralph Peer, Jackson and the Birthplace of Country Music organization is launching a nationwide search for a new artist to record the final track on the album. Emerging and independent artists may submit one of the following selected Bristol Sessions songs: “The Storms Are On the Ocean,” “Darling Cora,” “Bury Me Under the Weeping Willow,” or “I Am Bound For The Promised Land.” Deadline to receive submissions is July 10. Four artists will be selected for Jackson and a panel of judges to review. For a complete list of contest rules, visit BirthplaceofCountryMusic.org.

“The 1927 Bristol Sessions have often been honored for their impact on the world’s music,” said Leah Ross, executive director, Birthplace of Country Music. “With the opening of the Museum, the release of ‘Orthophonic Joy,’ and the nationwide search for new talent, BCM and the team of irreplaceable partners who are part of these endeavors are ensuring the legacy of the 1927 Bristol Sessions lives on for generations to come.”

Today’s event was hosted by the Birthplace of Country Music, Bristol TN/VA Convention and Visitors Bureau, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and Virginia Tourism Corporation. For more information on the Birthplace of Country Music, visit BirthplaceofCountryMusic.org.


source: Graceland

FTD is pleased to announce its new June 2014 releases.

'The Return To Vegas' - This is the official release of the soundboard recording that Joan Deary planned as a double album release back in the late seventies. It’s the earliest known professional recording from Elvis’ 1969 engagement in Las Vegas. The original tape box has "opening night" written on the back, but that’s not the real date. Some experts believe it’s from August 3, but we have no information what so ever to suggest a certain date. 

However, the arrangements seem to suggest that this show is definitely several days earlier than the shows RCA recorded from August 20 and onwards. Why Joan Deary edited and mastered this for release is another mystery, since she of course had all the shows RCA recorded on 8-track tape with audio in substantially better quality. 

This release comes in a 7" digi-pack with a 12-pages booklet,featuring great photos from the collections of Steve Barile & Jim Patino, and a foreword by Ken Sharp. 

Tracklist
1. Blue Suede Shoes
2. I Got A Woman
3. All Shook Up
4. Love Me Tender
5. Jailhouse Rock / Don't Be Cruel
6. Heartbreak
Hotel
7. Hound Dog
8. Memories
9. Mystery Train / Tiger Man
 10. Monologue
11. Baby, What You Want Me To Do
12. Are You Lonesome Tonight?
13. Yesterday / Hey Jude
14. Introductions
15. In The Ghetto
16. Suspicious Minds
17. What’d I Say
18. Can’t Help Falling In Love. 


'Memphis To Nashville '61' FTD Book/CD: FTD Books and Flaming Star, in association with EPE, will release a new book – "Memphis To Nashville ’61" – in late June. 

This will give a comprehensive account of the two Memphis charity shows that Elvis performed at the Ellis Auditorium on a cold day in February 1961. The book includes accounts of that day and the events leading up to it. It features accounts from Elvis’ musicians, friends and fans, magazine- and newspaper articles from the time, and many rare and newly-discovered photographs. The collection of over 100 unpublished photographs, most of them in black and white, have been collected from many different sources; some are from original negatives whilst others are from original prints. 

Also included in the book is a section on Elvis’ visit to Nashville on March 8, 1961, less than two weeks after the benefit shows of February 25, to receive an honorary colonelship from the Governor of Tennessee, Buford Ellington. Furthermore, the final part of the volume includes information and details relating to the recording sessions held on March 12 and 13, 1961 that provided most of the tracks for the classic LP, "Something For Everybody". As an added bonus, the book comes with a CD containing the mono version of "Something For Everybody" plus recordings of Elvis’ press conference, held at the Hotel Claridge in Memphis on February 25, 1961, and of the presentation of honours at the Tennessee State Capitol just 11 days later.

The 'Memphis To Nashville '61' Book includes a bonus CD. 

Both "The Return To Vegas" and "Nashville To Memphis '61" will be shipped last week of June.


source: Elvis Information Network

Elvis' 1970 Album & Concert Documentary "Elvis: That's The Way It Is" Presented Together for the First Time Ever in a Deluxe Box Set
JUNE 04, 2014

In 1970, Elvis Presley fans were thrilled by the arrival of two cultural milestones: one an album, the other a full-length concert/documentary and each of them called "Elvis: That’s The Way It Is." Since then, aficionados of Elvis have been clamoring for a package that included both the album and the film. The new deluxe edition combination set is now available for pre-order on Amazon.com. 

On Tuesday, August 5, 2014, Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, will release "Elvis: That’s The Way It Is" (Deluxe Edition), the most ambitious Elvis Presley restoration package ever created, bringing together - for the first time ever - the album, the theatrical and home video versions of the film, six full-length concerts (featuring previously unreleased performances), rehearsal highlights and other rare recordings in one astounding and essential package. The result of an historic partnership between Sony Music and Warner Brothers Home Video, the deluxe set combines the video and audio assets of "Elvis: That’s The Way It Is" with unique and previously unreleased material. 

In addition, Elvis fans can see the world premiere of "Elvis: That's The Way It Is - Special Screening" on August 16 at the historic Memphis Orpheum Theatre. Fans in town for Elvis Week 2014 will be treated not only to the newly-remastered film, but also some outtakes that have never-before-been-seen on the big screen. Fans will be treated to a special performance by Elvis’ Imperials members Joe Moscheo and Terry Blackwood, along with Darrell Toney and Lynn Royce Taylor. Tickets for this event are available through Ticketmaster.com, by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000, at any Ticketmaster outlet or at the Orpheum box office.

The highly-collectible 8CD/2DVD box set, "Elvis: That’s The Way It Is" (Deluxe Edition), marks the first time the 1970 documentary and album have been available in a single package, with bonuses including unreleased material, remixed and remastered audio and a new 80-page book detailing the entire event with facts, songwriter and musician interviews, and photos in a deluxe 8CD/2DVD box set. A 2-CD Legacy Edition of "Elvis: That's The Way It Is" will also be available. 

Originally released on RCA Records in November 1970, "Elvis: That's The Way It Is" combined eight studio tracks, recorded in Nashville, and four live concert performances recorded in Las Vegas during Presley's 1970 "Summer Festival" season at The International Hotel in Las Vegas to create what the All Music Guide has called "…one of his best…" and "essential listening for Elvis fans, both die-hard and casual."  Though never considered a soundtrack album, Elvis: That's The Way It Is was initially released to accompany the first theatrical run of "Elvis: That's The Way It Is," a 1970 documentary feature, directed by Denis Sanders, which combined on-stage, off-stage and behind-the-scenes footage in Presley's first non-dramatic film since his 1956 Hollywood movie debut. In the documentary, Sanders captured and illuminated a pivotal moment in Elvis' transformation from teen idol to consummate showman, Memphis meets Vegas via Hollywood, the King's return to full concert performances after years of film stardom. Elvis Presley had made a dramatic comeback two years prior to these shows in a transcendent NBC-TV special, which aired in December 1968. The International Hotel, then-newly-built and the largest live venue in Las Vegas, booked Presley for an unprecedented 57 show run in July 1969, a four-week-long residency that would raise the bar and set the standard for superstar entertainment in Vegas and beyond. 

"There are several unbelievable things about Elvis, but the most incredible is his staying power in a world where meteoric careers fade like shooting stars,” Newsweek wrote of his incredible new approach to live performance at the time, while Rolling Stonelauded Elvis as “supernatural--his own resurrection.”  

Early in 1970, Elvis returned to Vegas for a second engagement at the International, with RCA recording songs for the then forthcoming "On Stage, February 1970." Elvis was on a roll and making big plans - including a feature film - surrounding what would be his third Las Vegas engagement, scheduled for the summer of 1970. On June 4, 1970, Elvis arrived at RCA's Studio B in Nashville, where producer Felton Jarvis had assembled a hot new session band featuring Elvis' on-stage guitar legend James Burton. Five nights of recording generated material for no less than three future albums and four singles, including "Elvis: That's The Way It Is" and the essential "Elvis Country" album. On July 14, rehearsals for the movie and live shows commenced at the MGM lot in Culver City, California. The Hollywood cameras rolled for five different rehearsals prior to the opening night on August 10, including augmentation run-throughs with the singers and the orchestra at the hotel. Unquestionably, Elvis was keen to broaden his repertoire for the film, as more than 60 songs were attempted during the period, far more than the usual average of 20 to 25 that would normally be chosen. Over the four nights filmed by MGM, Elvis and his band worked tirelessly, trying out a broad variety of musical styles, emphasizing his desire to share the wide range of music he loved with his audience. Director Denis Sanders captured the end result magnificently, providing fans throughout the world with their first glimpse of the new contemporary Elvis performing at the peak of his vocal prowess both in rehearsal and on the stage.

"Elvis: That's The Way It Is" (Deluxe Edition) centers on the six complete shows recorded and partially filmed by MGM. Two of the shows are released for the first time in their entirety; two more have only been available through the mail-order Elvis fan-club network. The original RCA album is expanded with the four single sides from the period, and a selection of “fly-on-the-wall” outtakes from the June Nashville sessions that produced the majority of tracks for the album. Completing the audio section, a separate disc of insightful rehearsal highlights, featuring unusual song selections showcases both the hard work and the playful atmosphere that governed Elvis’ relationship with his musicians.   

The original "Elvis: That's The Way It Is" includes fiery renditions of “You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me,” previously a hit for Dusty Springfield; “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin',” made famous by The Righteous Brothers, and a show-stopping rendition of Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” The original album and singles will fill Disc One of the new edition with six CDs worth of concert performances and one of rehearsal takes from the Summer of '70 International Hotel residency. "Elvis: That's The Way It Is" (Deluxe Edition) puts the original RCA album and the 1970 MGM documentary feature together in a single package for the first time. It includes both the original theatrical DVD version (1970) and the re-edited and extended DVD version from 2000. 


CD 1
The Original Album

1. I Just Can’t Help Believin’
2. Twenty Days And Twenty Nights
3. How The Web Was Woven
4. Patch It Up
5. Mary In The Morning
6. You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me
7. You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’
8. I’ve Lost You
9. Just Pretend
10. Stranger In The Crowd
11. The Next Step Is Love
12. Bridge Over Troubled Water

The Original Singles

13. I’ve Lost You (single version)
14. The Next Step Is Love (single version)
15. You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me (single version)
16. Patch It Up (single version)

The Outtakes

17. How The Web Was Woven (take 1)
18. I’ve Lost You (take 1)
19. You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me (take 2)
20. Patch It Up (take 1)
21. Bridge Over Troubled Water (take 1)

CD 2
August 10 – Opening Night

1. That's All Right 
2. Medley: Mystery Train/Tiger Man
3. I Can't Stop Loving You
4. Love Me Tender
5. The Next Step Is Love
6. Words
7. I Just Can't Help Believin’
8. Something
9. Sweet Caroline
10. You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'
11. You Don't Have To Say You Love Me
12. Polk Salad Annie
13. Introductions
14. I've Lost You
15. Bridge Over Troubled Water
16. Patch It Up
17. Can't Help Falling In Love

CD 3
August 11 – Dinner Show

1. That's All Right
2. I Got A Woman *
3. Hound Dog
4. Heartbreak Hotel
5. Love Me Tender *
6. I've Lost You
7. I Just Can't Help Believin’
8. Something
9. I Can't Stop Loving You *
10. Sweet Caroline *
11. You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' 
12. Polk Salad Annie *
13. Introductions *
14. Bridge Over Troubled Water
15. Suspicious Minds *
16. Can't Help Falling In Love *

CD 4
August 11 – Midnight Show

1. That's All Right
2. I Got A Woman
3. Hound Dog
4. Love Me Tender
5. There Goes My Everything 
6. Just Pretend 
7. I Just Can't Help Believin’
8. Something
9. Men With Broken Hearts
10. Walk A Mile In My Shoes
11. You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’
12. Polk Salad Annie
13. One Night
14. Don’t Be Cruel
15. Love Me
16. Instrumental Vamp
17. Heartbreak Hotel
18. Introductions
19. Bridge Over Troubled Water
20. Suspicious Minds
21. Can't Help Falling In Love

CD 5
August 12 – Dinner Show

1. That's All Right *
2. I Got A Woman *
3. Hound Dog *
4. Heartbreak Hotel *
5. Love Me Tender *
6. I've Lost You *
7. I Just Can't Help Believin’ *
8. Patch It Up 
9. Twenty Days And Twenty Nights
10. You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' *
11. Polk Salad Annie *
12. Introductions *
13. Blue Suede Shoes *
14. You Don't Have To Say You Love Me
15. Bridge Over Troubled Water
16. Suspicious Minds *
17. Can't Help Falling In Love *


CD 6
August 12 – Midnight Show

1. That's All Right
2. Medley: Mystery Train/Tiger Man
3. Hound Dog
4. Love Me Tender
5. Just Pretend
6. Walk A Mile In My Shoes
7. There Goes My Everything
8. Words
9. Sweet Caroline 
10. You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'
11. Polk Salad Annie 
12. Introductions
13. Heartbreak Hotel 
14. One Night 
15. Blue Suede Shoes 
16. All Shook Up
17. Medley: Little Sister/Get Back 
18. I Was The One
19. Love Me
20. Are You Lonesome Tonight?
21. Bridge Over Troubled Water
22. Suspicious Minds 
23. Can't Help Falling In Love 

CD 7
August 13 – Dinner Show

1. That's All Right
2. I Got A Woman
3. Hound Dog
4. Love Me Tender
5. Don't Cry Daddy 
6. In The Ghetto 
7. I Just Can't Help Believin’
8. Stranger In The Crowd 
9. Make The World Go Away 
10. Sweet Caroline
11. You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'
12. Polk Salad Annie
13. Introductions
14. The Wonder Of You 
15. Heartbreak Hotel
16. Blue Suede Shoes
17. One Night
18. All Shook Up
19. Bridge Over Troubled Water
20. Suspicious Minds
21. Can’t Help Falling In Love

CD 8
The Rehearsals

1. Alla En Al Rancho Grande 
2. Ghost Riders In The Sky
3. Cotton Fields
4. Froggy Went A-Courtin’
5. Baby Let’s Play House
6. I Was The One
7. Money Honey
8. Don’t
9. (Now And Then There’s) A Fool Such As I
10. Such A Night
11. It’s Now Or Never
12. What'd I Say
13. Yesterday
14. Medley: Little Sister/Get Back
15. Don’t It Make You Wanna Go Home
16. I Washed My Hands In Muddy Water
17. Stranger In My Own Home Town
18. Farther Along
19. Santa Claus Is Back In Town
20. Oh Happy Day


* Previously unreleasedDVD 1
The first disc features the following highlights:

• 2001 Special Edition Restoration Featurette Patch It Up: The Restoration of "Elvis – That’s The Way It Is"
• Presley Career Highlights
• Director / Restorer Filmographies
• Theatrical Trailer

Scene Selections
1. Mystery Train/Tiger Man
2. In The Studio
3. That’s All Right
4. Little Sister/Get Back
5. Horseplay
6. Twenty Days And Twenty Nights
7. Las Vegas
8. Cattle Call; Chime Bells
9. Words; You Can’t Say That
10. Mary In The Morning
11. Countdown To Showtime
12. That’s All Right
13. I Got A Woman
14. Hound Dog
15. Heartbreak Hotel
16. Love Me Tender
17. I Can’t Stop Loving You
18. Just Pretend
19. The Wonder Of You
20. In The Ghetto
21. Patch It Up
22. You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’
23. Polk Salad Annie
24. One Night
25. Don’t Be Cruel
26. Blue Suede Shoes
27. All Shook Up
28. You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me
29. Suspicious Minds
30. Can’t Help Falling In Love

DVD 2
1970 Original Theatrical Version

Outtakes
Scene Selections

1. Credits
2. Good Morning, Hollywood Camera
3. Bonafide Fans Of Elvis
4. I Just Can’t Help Believin’
5. Elvis’ Summer Festival
6. You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ (rehearsal)
7. A Romantic Wedding
8. Opening Night Jitters
9. That’s All Right
10. I’ve Lost You
11. Patch It Up
12. When I First Started
13. Love Me Tender
14. You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’
15. Sweet Caroline
16. I Just Can’t Help Believin’
17. Presley Fans In Vegas
18. Elvis Impersonators
19. Bridge Over Troubled Water
20. Heartbreak Hotel
21. One Night
22. Blue Suede Shoes
23. All Shook Up
24. Polk Salad Annie
25. Audience Mingling
26. Suspicious Minds”
27. Can’t Help Falling In Love


source: Graceland

Graceland Podcast Talks"Elvis: That's The Way It Is" Deluxe Box Set and More
JUNE 06, 2014

Episode #21 - Friday, June 06, 2014

In this week's Graceland podcast, Elvis Presley Enterprises' Alicia Dean and Kevin Kern talk about all of the latest Elvis news here at Graceland and around the world. With only 63 day until Elvis Week 2014, there is so much to talk about including the newly announced guests that have been added to the schedule. Newly announced guests include Chips Moman (Elvis Insiders Event), The Memphis Boys - Bobby Woods, Gene Chrisman and Reggie Young (Elvis Insiders Event, Memphis Boys Salute), Lowell Hays (Elvis Insiders Event), Joe Petruccio (Elvis Insiders Event) and Linda Deutsch (Fan Club Presidents' Event). They also briefly speak about life-long Elvis fan, Bruno Mars, recent visit while in Memphis to perform a concert. Lastly you will hear about the Elvis: That's The Way It Is" Deluxe Box Set, which will be released on August 5, 2014. This project brings together the album, the theatrical and home video versions of the film, six full-length concerts (featuring previously unreleased performances), rehearsal highlights and other rare recordings in one astounding and essential package.


source: Graceland

Authors of New Follow That Dream Book Release To Appear at Elvis Week
JUNE 09, 2014

Authors of the new Follow That Dream book "Elvis Presley: Memphis To Nashville '61" will appear as special guests during the Official Elvis Insiders Event on August 14. We are excited to announce Pål Granlund (pictured above with Elvis) and David English will join other special guests during the annual Elvis Week event. Fans can purchase tickets to the Insiders event or the All-Access Pass to the Elvis Week Main Stage by clicking here.

The new FTD and Flaming Star book "Elvis Presley: Memphis To Nashville '61" gives a comprehensive account of two Memphis charity shows Elvis performed on a cold day in February of 1961. The book includes memories of musicians, friends of Elvis and fans, together with magazine and newspaper articles, including many rare and newly discovered photographs. This collection of over 100 unpublished photographs are derived from many different sources, some original negatives and some from original prints. Also included is Elvis' visit to Nashville a few weeks later in March of 1961, where he spoke at the state capitol building and was made an honorary Colonel. The final part of the book provides information and details relating to the recording sessions that formed the LP "Something For Everybody." The book will also include a CD containing The Claridge Hotel Press Conference, The Nashville State Capitol speeches and the mono version of the LP "Something For Everybody." This book is expected to be released in late June. Granlund and English will be available to sign autographs following the Elvis Insiders event and copies of the book will be available for sale. 

Other special guest included in the Official Elvis Insiders Event will be the Memphis Boys’ members Bobby Wood, Gene Chrisman and Reggie Young along with special guest American Studio Sound producer Chips Moman, representatives from Sony and Warner Bros. talking about “Elvis: That’s The Way It Is, Elvis artist and fellow Insider Joe Petruccio and Elvis’ jeweler Lowell Hays.

Check out the complete schedule of events, featured entertainment, Elvis Week partners and much more by visitingElvisWeek.com.


source: Graceland