From The Clash to The Beatles to Elvis Presley, Fleetwood Mac to jazz essentials, Esquire magazine has rated the ten Best Box Sets to give for Christmas in 2013. 

If you have music lovers on your shopping list, a box set is a great way to cross them off. While the top-rating Box-Set is noted as 'The Herbie Hancock complete Columbia Album Collection', Elvis' Deluxe STAX box-set gets a good recommendation

"Elvis Presley, Elvis at STAX" 
Elvis wasn't all jumpsuits, giant shades, and sideburns in the '70s. In fact, he made some of the best, and most overlooked, music of his career.

"I've heard all the stories, and I'd be lying if I didn't say Elvis had a wild side," James Burton, the guitarist and musical director of Elvis Presley's 1970s-era TCB band told me recently. "But when we were in the studio he worked hard and he expected the band to work just as hard."

If Elvis at STAX is any indication, Burton isn't lying. The last major studio sessions of Presley's career, from July and December 1973, Elvis at STAX features Presley in fine form, his voice rich, full and mature, and his band tight and precise from years in Vegas and on the road with The King.

After years of releases of varying quality from the Presley archives, Elvis at STAX comes on the heels of last year's fantastic Prince from Another Planet box, documenting Presley's 1973 Madison Square Garden concerts, and is another worthy addition to Elvis' recorded legacy.


source: http://www.elvisinfonet.com 

Thanks to a small gift store that sells second-hand items in Hernando Beach, a Pennsylvania man was reunited with a family heirloom and the mystery of a beautiful woman in a photograph with Elvis Presley was finally solved.

Sandra Marie Pedraza, a Tampa woman who became the Latin American Fiesta Queen of 1956, is featured in the photo with Presley who was in Tampa that year for a concert at Fort Homer Hesterly Armony.

Teresa Quiñonez, who owns All Most Nu, purchased the photos solved the mystery.

"Sandra Marie Pedraza was a student at Jefferson High School, in Tampa, where she was crowned Homecoming queen and was later crowned Latin American Queen 1956." 

The woman then met Elvis and got this unique photo taken. The Latin American Pageant was founded in 1927 and was considered one of the most prestigious crowns in the Tampa Bay area.

Pedraza had lunch with Presley at The Colonnade Restaurant in Tampa when he was in town for a concert, according to the article, which says Pedraza died of heart problems in 1998.

Pedraza's son, Christopher David English, was happy to learn that the photos still existed. "The photos that I have are reproductions," English said. "You found the originals in the store." He had given up looking for the lost photos of his mother.

Of meeting Presley, English's mother told him the King of Rock 'n' Roll was "very handsome" but she didn't fall for him because she was in love with her high school sweetheart. "They are very special family moments," English said. "These pictures are of great significance for my family. A kind of treasure."


Go here to the HernandoToday newspaper if you want the full story


source: http://hernandotoday.com and htttp://www.elvisinfonet. com

Charles Esten's "The Lights Of Graceland" Now Available on iTunes
December 19, 2013

Elvis fans can now purchase the new song written and performed by ABC's Nashville star Charles "Chip" Esten during the 2013 Lighting Ceremony at Elvis Presley's Graceland. All proceeds will benefit the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation. Fans can download "The Lights of Graceland" by visiting the iTunes store. 

Inspired by his own love of the king, Esten performed "The Lights of Graceland" on Friday, November 22, as thousands of Elvis fans tuned in world-wide via LiveStream and hundreds gathered in the Graceland Plaza for the annual lighting ceremony. After being asked to flip the switch, Chip stated this was a dream come true and felt it was only necessary to honor the king with a special song. 

Esten currently plays the lead role of Deacon Claybourne in the Emmy-nominated show "Nashville." During the first season, Esten performed at the Grand Ole Opry and the historic Ryman auditorium. He sings on the Season One Vol. 1 soundtrack, which has sold over 1.5 million tracks to date.


Fans can follow Elvis Presley's Graceland on LiveStream for more live events from Graceland or check out our new pages dedicated to the king's home by visiting Elvis Presley's Graceland on Facebook and @VisitGraceland on Twitter.


source: http://www.elvis.com

December 21, 1970 Elvis Presley met U.S. President Richard Nixon. 

Elvis went to the White House to volunteer his services to U.S. President Richard Nixon on fighting the nation's drug problems. Memphis Mafia members Jerry Schilling and Sonny West accompanied Elvis. Elvis gave President Nixon a chrome-plated Colt .45 and Elvis was given a Narcotics Bureau badge.

Barbara Klein has passed away after a very strong and courageous battle with cancer. Barbara Little Klein Bauer passed away Friday, December 20th 2013 in Memphis, Tennessee. 

Barbara was the former wife of Elvis' friend George Klein. They married December 5, 1970 inside Elvis' Las Vegas Hilton Hotel suite, and Elvis was George's Best Man. She also worked at Dr. Nick's office at The Medical Group. In recent years Barbara had appeared at several Elvis events in Memphis where she met fans. She always enjoyed talking with Elvis fans and would gladly pose for photos. Barbara was a definitely a sweetheart! 

Elvis Presley Fans of Nashville is sorry to hear Barbara has passed away, but we know she is now free of the pain, and suffering caused by cancer. Cancer has taken away a truly beautiful, classy, and very kind lady. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Barbara's family, and friends. 

Elvis Presley Boulevard Project On Time & Budget
December 16, 2013

MEMPHIS, TN  - On time and on budget. According to Memphis city councilman Harold Collins, the $43 million renovation of Elvis Presley Boulevard is going as planned.

It may be hard to tell, but the beautification of Elvis Presley Boulevard in Whitehaven continues.

If you drive up and down the street, you won't see construction workers or construction equipment, but Memphis city councilman Harold Collins said don't let that fool you.

"Work going on now with MLGW removing utility wires and poles," Collins said. "To make the street more of a clean atmosphere."

In March, workers started repaving the intersection of Elvis Presley and Brooks. Now it's on to phase two.

"You’ll see new infrastructure put in with curbs and gutters," Collins said. "Expect to see wider sidewalks, trees, and grass being planted to separate businesses from the sidewalk area."

Collins says that work begins in April of next year. 

Collins says because of the makeover of the area...several businesses have expressed interest in relocating to Elvis Presley Boulevard. He wouldn't say what businesses.

The entire project is expected to be finished in late 2015 or early 2016.


source: http://www.commercialappeal.com/ The Memphis Commercial Appeal

David Thibault, a 16 year old boy from Canada sounds remarkably like a young 1950's Elvis Presley. The video has gone viral worldwide, and Elvis fans are amazed at the very close vocal similarity between Elvis Presley and David Thibault! You will probably catch yourself playing the video clip a few times with your mind blown each time at David's amazing, and shocking vocal ability. 

In the video clip above via Youtube David sings Elvis' classic Christmas song Blue Christmas. The video from a Quebec radio station has been played over 6 million times since its release last week! 

Elvis inspires people around the globe to sing his songs; from various walks of life, and thousands perform tributes in his honor as Elvis Tribute Artists. But there will always be only one Elvis Presley, and he passed away August 16, 1977. Many will pay tribute, but the true Elvis Presley will never be replaced! Elvis will forever live on in our hearts and minds with his extraordinary legacy. 

Athens guitar maker to restore Elvis' collection
By ANDRE GALLANT
 Sunday, December 15, 2013

Elvis’ 1956 Gibson J200 is one of the world’s most iconic guitars, played by Presley in films such as “King Creole.” 

If Bob Dylan’s Newport Folk Festival sunburst Fender Stratocaster sold for nearly $1 million recently, Athens guitar maker Scott Baxendale thinks Presley’s almost-60-year-old acoustic could fetch 10 times that amount.

If so, the J200 will be the most expensive guitar Baxendale has ever handled as he’s been charged with rehabbing the entire Elvis guitar collection housed at Graceland.

“I’m Elvis’ posthumous guitar tech,” Baxendale said.

Baxendale will begin traveling in February to Memphis, Tenn., the first of many periodic trips to repair, restore and document the King’s collection of guitars, which Baxendale estimates number less than 25.

Most of the maintenance is general, he said. He’ll be setting up a workstation in a warehouse on the Graceland property, keeping the treasures close to home.

“I’d hate to be responsible for transporting Elvis’ guitars,” he said.

A musician close to the Presley family chose Baxendale for the job, Michael Lockwood, married to Presley’s only daughter Lisa Marie since 2006. Michael Lockwood, found out about Baxendale’s conversions of antique 1940s Harmony guitars for Nashville musicians, including former Athenians Lera Lynn. 

Baxendale said Lockwood researched him and found out about his experience maintaining the Roy Acuff guitar collection. Lockwood reached out to Baxendale about Elvis’ collection and the rest is restoring history.

Some of the guitars, Baxendale said, aren’t on premises at the moment, including one that’s on loan to a museum in Liverpool. Waiting for them to return will stretch out the process.


source: http://onlineathens.com

The Circle G Foundation

Where The King Became A Cowboy ©


An International Non-Profit Organisation

www.circlegfoundation.co.uk


Hello, My name is Lesley Pilling, I’m the Founder & Director of The Circle G Foundation. Hopefully you’ll have heard of us and our efforts to secure the future of Elvis’ Circle G Ranch.

We intend to create a unique visitor experience to celebrate and honour another side of Elvis – a man of faith, compassion and generosity and to continue his charitable and humanitarian legacy right there on the Circle G.

It's really important that as many of Elvis’ devoted fans as possible around the world are involved and play a part in what's going to be a once in life time experience – and that's why I am contacting you as President of your fan club today!

We want YOUR members to be included in everything that happens AND have a voice in it too!

Find out more about our vision for the ranch and visit our websitewww.circlegfoundation.co.uk - you’ll find lots more fascinating facts there – it’s well worth a look and we update news and information on a regular basis.

We have some really exciting things happening…….


The Fans' Favourite Elvis Song

We're currently running a poll where fans can vote for their favourite Elvis song.  We're accepting votes via our website and as part of the very special birthday celebrations we have planned, results will be announced on January 8th 2014.

Check out our website for all the details…..

www.circlegfoundation.co.uk


Get your own Circle G Reindeer.

We also have a fun Holiday competition - get ready and saddle up to join in!

We’re currently running our Christmas ‘Round Up A Reindeer’ competition.  Every week for the next two weeks there will be a question hidden on one of the pages of our website.  Just send us the answer and you could win one of our super cute and cuddly Circle G Foundation Reindeer. Three reindeer will find new homes each week – why not give it a try.


We have something very special planned for Birthday week 2014….. more details coming soon so please keep taking a look at our website where you’ll find all the info as it's released...

Finally...

If you have any questions, comments, suggestions or ideas then we want to hear from you and your members!


Let’s show the world that Elvis Presley has the best fans!

Let’s do something wonderful to honour Elvis!

Let’s return Elvis’ spirit to the Circle G – and in doing so help others just as he would have done!


Sincerely,

Lesley Pilling

Founder and Director of  The Circle G Foundation

Save 20% Storewide at ShopElvis on Decemeber 16 - 24 Hour Sale Only
December 16, 2013

The savings just keep rolling in from ShopElvis.com! Elvis fans can take advantage of several offers over the next few days just in time to wrap up your Christmas shopping! 

Check the following great deals: 

24-Hour Sale on December 16, ends at 11:59 AM EST: 

• 20% off Store-wide at ShopElvis.com
• 15% off Follow That Dream CDs
• The following items are not eligible for the sale: pre-order items, drop-ship items, bundles or combos, guitars, Elvis Week banners, Elvis Insider memberships, gift certificates or shipping fees.

Fans can also check out the 2013 Elvis Holiday Guide! Not what you are looking for? Visit ShopElvis.com to see the latest in Elvis apparel, home decor, DVDs, CDs and much more!


source: http://www.elvis.com

Elvis Presley Fans of Nashville would like to take a moment to remember Elvis' dear friend, Charlie Hodge on what would have been his December 14th Birthday. 

Charlie would have celebrated his 79th Birthday. He was born in Decatur, Alabama on December 14, 1934. 

Charlie and Elvis formed a very close friendship while serving in the army. Charlie sang in concert with Elvis, and was his right hand man on stage while handing Elvis his scarfs. Charlie also did other duties as a member of the Memphis Mafia, and throughout the years he lived at Graceland. 

Charles Franklin Hodge
(December 14, 1934 - March 3, 2006)

We miss you Charlie! 

Although the full Kaua'i council must give final approval next week, it's basically a done deal as council supporters are in the overwhelming majority. They have five of the seven votes. 

Chad Waters and Tyler Green, are the local investors who hope to rebuild Coco Palms. The builders are Craig Kawakami Builders. Once rebuilding starts, Waters said it will take between 12 to 24 months to deliver a hotel close to what it was like before the hurricane. The 396-room 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 it was.

Coco Palms is a famous Hawaiian resort located at 4-1345 Kuhio Highway. Coco Palms is where Elvis Presley's filmed several scenes for his 1961 film Blue Hawaii. Coco Palms Resort is located in Wailuā, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi, and it opened its doors to guests on January 25th, 1953. Numerous celebrities have vacationed at Coco Palms. The Coco Palms has been closed since being hit by Hurricane Iniki in 1992.

sources: Larry Rivera, Bob Jasper, Rick Wahlgren, the Coco Palms Resort- Kauai Facebook group page, and the Garden Island Online News.

New Owners Plan Major Updates for Elvis' Graceland

JAMES DOWD - Scripps Howard News Service  
December 13, 2013

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Presley Enterprises' new owners are promising a bold new direction for branding and marketing the Memphis icon.

Major upgrades to the property surrounding the late entertainer's Graceland mansion will include expanding Elvis Presley's Heartbreak Hotel and boosting the number of Elvis artifacts available for public viewing.

"People who come to Memphis for Elvis Week in August of 2014 will be very surprised at the material things that have been done," said Joel Weinshanker, founder of National Entertainment Collectibles Association of Hillside, N.J.

Weinshanker, who sketched out the changes in an interview Thursday, himself was part of the deal announced in November to shift control of the Elvis Presley business rights away from Los Angeles-based CORE Media Group.

In that deal, Authentic Brands Group of New York and Weinshanker acquired 85 percent of Elvis Presley Intellectual Property Assets from CORE. Lisa Marie Presley continues to own the 15 percent share she held before the November transaction.

Lisa Marie Presley also maintains 100 percent ownership of Graceland, the mansion in the city's Whitehaven district, and the artifacts inside. Graceland ranks among Tennessee's leading attractions, drawing more than 500,000 tourists annually.

The new management team plans to take steps to ensure that visitors stay longer on the site.

"There needs to be a better reason to come to Graceland and stay longer and that means nicer places to stay and more interesting things to see," Weinshanker said.

Additional areas of the Graceland compound may be opened up for tours. Nearly 80 acres are available for further development. And an additional site showcasing the King's memorabilia is being considered on the premises.

Details about the expansion proposed for the 128-room hotel were not available Thursday.

Weinshanker was in Memphis on Thursday meeting with local architects to map out the Graceland plans. He said the Graceland-area upgrade plans have been in the pipeline for more than a year and funding is now being allocated to move the project forward.

"There's been a substantial amount of behind-the-scenes work done in the last few weeks since the deal to acquire Elvis Presley Enterprises was finalized, but we'd been contemplating what to do for months before that," Weinshanker said. "We're looking to add more things to see and more things to do indoors and give people more reasons to come here more often."

Jack Soden, the longtime chief executive officer of Elvis Presley Enterprises, will continue in his leadership role at the company. He welcomed the energy being generated by new owners.

"We've been through different periods in the last seven or eight years with various iterations of promises to build this or that, but challenges have caused most of that not to be done," Soden said. "What has us so excited now is that there is a long-term vision in place and not just a plan for quick fixes here and there. It's a real message about looking into the future and making things better."

Soden said more details about the new plans will be unveiled in the coming weeks. Branding efforts are being developed to broaden the Elvis industry around the globe and across social networking platforms.

Weinshanker will oversee the Memphis operation while Authentic Brands Group handles the global licensing and merchandising of the Elvis image.

Amid all the changes, one thing will remain the same.

"Elvis is Memphis and Memphis is Elvis. This is the mother ship and the center for all Elvis operations and that won't move from here, ever," Weinshanker said. "Elvis may have lived a few months a year in Las Vegas while he was performing or stayed in California a little while, but he always came back to his home. That was Memphis then and that's where we're going to stay."


(Contact James Dowd, a reporter for The Commercial Appeal in Memphis, at dowd@commercialappeal.com.)


source: http://www.therepublic.com

A record player that once belonged to Elvis Presley has sold for double its estimated price at the UK auction in Cornwall.

 The record player sold for $7,200! 

The singer gave the record player as a wedding gift to Ellen Marschhauser in Germany in 1959, where he was stationed during his Army service. She and husband Jim Jenkins retired to Cornwall, where she died in 2010.

The Perpetuum Ebner Musical 5v Luxus was expected to fetch £2,000, but sold for £4,400 US$7.200 to an overseas bidder at Penzance Auction House. Proprietor David Lay said he had never come across anything that had created so much interest.

Mr Jenkins said the record player had also been a "thank you" from Elvis to his wife for doing some translation work for the singer's father, Vernon. He said he and his wife had used the record player at parties, but it had been put away in the loft when the needle broke.

As well as playing records on it, it is believed that Elvis also used the player as an amplifier for his guitar.


source: http://www.elvisinfonet.com - Elvis Information Network

New Video & Podcast: Elvis Presley's Graceland Opens Expanded '68 Special Exhibit
December 12, 2013 

In celebration of the 45th anniversary, Elvis Presley's Graceland is excited to open the newly expanded "'68 Special" Exhibit! The new exhibit features original artifacts from this legendary televised event that took place on December 3, 1968, on NBC. The expanded exhibit features an interactive video experience, never-displayed-before pages of the script with Elvis’ handwritten notes and his outfit from the club production scene, including the jacket worn during his visit with President Richard Nixon in 1970. 

The show, originally named “Elvis” but now commonly referred to as the "'68 Comeback Special," the show was directed and produced by Steve Binder. The “’68 Special” opened with Elvis singing a hot new version of the gutsy "Trouble," from his 1958 film “King Creole.” This segued into “Guitar Man,” which became the underlying theme of the show. Elvis was then reunited with two of his original '50s band members, guitarist Scotty Moore and drummer D.J. Fontana for an informal jam session - considered the first of its kind. The show ended with the iconic performance of “If I Can Dream.” The song, written by the show's musical director W. Earl Brown, was 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. 

After hearing "If I Can Dream" for the first time, Elvis said, “I’m never going to sing another song I don’t believe in. I’m never going to make another picture I don’t believe in.” Elvis had just wrapped up his movie contract in Hollywood and was eager to return to the stage. By this time, it had been more than seven years since Elvis had appeared in front of a live audience. The special was watched by 42 percent of the viewing audience, making it the number one show for the season and giving NBC its biggest ratings victory of the year. The special received rave reviews from the critics and Elvis was indeed back on top. 


Special Rubberneckin' Podcast dedicated to the "'68 Special" Exhibit.

Episode #151 
In this special edition of the Rubberneckin' podcast, Elvis Presley Enterprises Alicia Dean and Kevin Kern feature an exclusive interview about the opening of the recently expanded "'68 Special" Exhibit. Graceland's Archives Director Angie Marchese joins the Rubberneckin' duo and shares details on the work that went into making the expanded exhibit possible, plus how it gives Elvis fans an entirely new experience. Learn all about the brand new wall-sized video on display and the new '68 Special artifacts now featured. Also, hear first-hand from our Elvis experts on why this legendary live performance meant so much to Elvis both personally and professionally. Fans can hear interviews with Elvis while recording the '68 Special and live excerpts from the NBC production, including the first-ever jam session featuring the king and several of his former band members. As we wrap up this special edition of the Rubberneckin' podcast, Marchese talks about why this exhibit will always remain at Elvis Presley's Graceland and offers a sneak peak at the new VIP exhibit coming in February.


source: http://www.elvis.com

Gravel Road Music will release a 3CD box soon, with 1969 as subject, this is their press-release:

This release is intended to be a flawless release with the best sounding Elvis of 1969.

We started by going back to the basic recordings of the American sound studio; the edited repaired master tracks without the dubbing done later in Nashville.

Elvis himself wasn’t all that thrilled with some of the overdubs. 
It’s been said that he was very happy with the sound on the acetates that he took home with him, but less so with the final masters.

Elvis heard the dubbed masters at a very late stage and very little could be done.

As an artist, you can’t always be in complete control of your output, and clearly especially when your name is Elvis Presley.

These original master tracks were the result of the joint vision of producer Chips Moman, the musicians and Elvis.

The two most famous songs from these sessions are without a doubt “Suspicious Minds” and “In The Ghetto”. In fact, they may well be the best-known recordings of his entire career. Just ask anyone to name two Elvis songs…

On disc 2 you will find the multi-track live recording of the August 24, 1969 Midnight Show. Thanks to existing tape legends, paperwork and research and the fantastic unprocessed soundboard recording of the same show, we were able to piece this show together as it was originally recorded. We double-checked and compared the whole show second for second with an audience recording of the show that we had recently acquired. There are only three songs borrowed from the dinner show: “I Can’t Stop Loving You”, “Runaway” and “ What’d I Say”, which are 98% identical to the midnight show versions. We used the career dialogue from the August 24, 1969 dinner show. We don’t have this in multi-track quality and therefore we decided to include a third disc with the original raw unrepaired soundboard. As extra bonus, we used a very rare tape of a rehearsal from January 1969 at the American Sound Studios, where we can even hear a glimpse of Roy Hamilton singing!

The combination package “Elvis In Person & Back in Memphis” was the basic concept, but we wanted more. During the first days of the comeback in Las Vegas in 1969, special RCA presentation box sets were given away. These box sets are very rare and expensive to get hold of. This was the perfect 1969 package idea for this release.


INCLUDED ARE:

- A 28 page full color /b&w photo folio with 28 photos of Elvis in the style of 1969 including rare or unpublished photos.
- A 32 page full color booklet with original articles, 
- An interview with Elvis from 1969, co-workers and musicians about recording at the American Sound Studios and performing in Las Vegas. 
- Over 60+ photos of Elvis on stage (many from the same show), various are rare or unpublished 
- 15 incredible photos of The American Sound Studio with Elvis, again some are rare or unpublished!!
- Previously unreleased versions.
- A rare studio rehearsal of January 1969.
- The unaltered raw audio of the August 24, 1969 M/S soundboard.
- The reproduction slipcase of the famous 1969 presentation box set.
- All recordings in excellent sound quality. 

We hope you’ll agree we did our best to respect and honour the original artistic ideas from 1969.

DISC ONE In Memphis Undubbed Repaired Masters

01. Wearin' That Loved On Look 02. Only The Strong Survive 03. I'll Hold You In My Heart 04. Long Black Limousine 05. It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin' 06. I'm Movin' On 07. Power Of My Love 08. Gentle On My Mind 09. After Loving You 10. True Love Travels On A Gravel Road 11. Any Day Now 12. In The Ghetto 13. Inherit The Wind 14. This Is The Story 15. Stranger In My Own Home Town 16. A Little Bit Of Green 17. And The Grass Won't Pay No Mind 18. Do You Know Who I Am? 19. From A Jack To A King 20. The Fair's Moving On 21. You'll Think Of Me 22. Without Love (There Is Nothing) 23. Suspicious Minds.

Tracks 1-12 were in fully dubbed versions released on “From Elvis In Memphis”. These were the only songs besides the single “Suspicious Minds” intended for release of the magnificent studio recordings at the American Sound Studios.

The tremendous enthusiasm provoked using the remaining recordings as well. It was proven right - it sold multi platinum.

Tracks 13 -22 were fully dubbed versions released on “Back In Memphis” which was also released as a double release with Elvis In Person as, “From Memphis to Vegas - From Vegas to Memphis”. Track 23 was released as single and not added to either of the two studio albums. An extended live version was released on “Elvis In Person”. Note: This disc includes some previously unreleased versions.

DISC TWO In Person Live “On Stage” Multi -Track

01. Opening 02. Blue Suede Shoes 03. I Got A Woman 04. All Shook Up 05. Love Me Tender 06. Medley : Jailhouse Rock – Don’t Be Cruel 07. Heartbreak Hotel 08. Hound Dog 09. I Can’t Stop Loving You* 10. Johnny B. Goode 11. Monologue* (Life Story) 12. Baby What You Want Me To Do 13. Runaway* 14. Are You Lonesome Tonight ? 15. Words 16. Yesterday (with “Hey Jude” Ending) 17. Band Introductions 18. In The Ghetto 19. Suspicious Minds 20. What’d I Say* 21. Can’t Help Falling In Love / Outro

Disc two contains the multi track live recording of August 24, 1969 Midnight Show. The Multi track recording has been repaired with segments of the August 24, 1969 Dinner Show. Tracks marked with * are taken from the Dinner Show.

DISC THREE Raw Audio Unedited Soundboard & Studio Rehearsal

01. Opening 02. Blue Suede Shoes 03. I Got A Woman 04. All Shook Up 05. Love Me Tender 06. Medley : Jailhouse Rock – Don’t Be Cruel 07. Heartbreak Hotel 08. Hound Dog 09. I Can’t Stop Loving You 10. Johnny B. Goode 11. Monologue (Life Story) 12. Baby What You Want Me To Do 13. Runaway 14. Are You Lonesome Tonight ? 15. Words 16. Yesterday (with “Hey Jude” Ending) 17. Band Introductions 18. In The Ghetto 19. Suspicious Minds (Partially).

Bonus track (20+ minutes) 20. Band Rehearsal and a first attempt of “Come Out, Come Out (Wherever you are)” at American Sound studios (Roy Hamilton can be heard here) January, 1969.

Disc three contains the raw unprocessed soundboard recording of the August 24, 1969 M/S, without effects. A significantly different August 24, Midnight Show when compared to the fragmented release over the years of the multi track recording. Edited due to improper language use or running times. Also segments of this show were used to repair or enhance other 1969 and 1970 multi track recordings. This is the real deal, uncut, raw and finally, no tons of reverb as on previous releases of this remarkable show.


source: http://www.elvisnews.com and http://www.elvisdaybyday.com

Lisa Marie Presley, Priscilla Presley, and Elvis Presley Enterprises have released their yearly Elvis Christmas CD. The CD is exclusively given to all Elvis Fan Club President's with an officially registered fan club  through Elvis Presley Enterprises.

The CD contains three classic Christmas songs  by Elvis. A very nice note from Lisa and Priscilla is also  included. The Christmas CD's are highly desired and collectible. 

The tracks on the 2013 Christmas CD are: "It Won't Seem Like Christmas", "Silver Bells", and "Santa, Bring My Baby Back (To Me)."

FTD (the Follow That Dream) CD and book series is proud to announce FLAMING STAR’s new book on Elvis’ second movie LOVING YOU: SOMETHING FOR THE GIRLS by Pål Granlund and David English.

Pål Granlund and his people have produced an unbelievably beautiful book filled to the brim with classic and previously unreleased photos from the making of LOVING YOU. The text provides us useful information, and the design is simply breathtaking. 528 pages total. Size is 24,5 x 31,5 cm. The book follows the format of the FRAME BY FRAME books, but different to those books, this package includes a CD (nothing previously unreleased). 

Expected to be released end of January 2014.


source: http://www.elvismatters.com - Elvis Matters

CSUN fraternity has a surprising link to Elvis Presley
By Chandelor Armstrong
December 10th, 2013


Bob Howe (left) a professor of radio at Arkansas State College and TKE president Rick Husky pose with Elvis Presley after presenting him with “Man of the Year” award at Graceland. Courtesy of Elvis Presley Enterprises


It all began with a dream of initiating someone famous as an honorary member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) Fraternity at Arkansas State College in the fall of 1960.  Chapter president Rick Husky came up with the idea of presenting Elvis Presley with an award.  Due to Elvis’ generous charitable contributions, Husky thought of the idea to present a “Man of the Year Award.”

Elvis had just returned to Graceland in the fall of 1960 from Germany after being discharged from the army.  Husky contacted Elvis’ secretary after coming across her name in a fan magazine.  Little did he know, the rock icon would accept the award by inviting Husky and his fraternity brothers to Graceland to present the award and initiate him.  The funny thing is, they didn’t even have an award to present to Elvis because Husky had done this initially for the publicity.  Husky and his fraternity brothers pulled through in the end with a polished brass plaque.

When asked about why he thought Elvis accepted the invitation to become a brother, CSUN TKE president Cameron Aziz said,  ”Arkansas State was honoring Frater (fraternal brother) Elvis Presley with the Man of the Year Award for his contribution to charity.  TKE has a long history of charity work and Frater Elvis aligned well with our ideals.”

CSUN students not in TKE, like Ubaldo Guzman weren’t aware of Elvis’ ties to the fraternity.

“It doesn’t surprise me that he was in a fraternity.  Elvis was so famous during his time and such an iconic figure.  I’m sure that the fraternity benefited from having Elvis in the fraternity because I think it opened opportunities for the fraternity to expand and get more pledges,” Guzman said.

Alicia Dean, a representative with Elvis Presley Enterprises, spoke with the Daily Sundial about the day Elvis’ fraternity brothers arrived at Graceland to present the “Man of the Year” award.  She went on to say the one thing she learned about Elvis that she did not already know.


Daily Sundial- Although Elvis did not attend college, I’m curious as to why he accepted the invitation to become a TKE brother?

Alicia Dean- He felt it was an honor and something he never had the chance to do.

DS- Any stories that you can recall?

AD- They met at Graceland and the ceremony took place in the music room.  Afterwards he showed them his new Rolls Royce he had just purchased.

DS- How did Elvis balance the business and art aspect of being an entertainer?

AD- He remained true to himself and what he believed in.  He appreciated what other artists were doing.  He really was a fan of good music.

DS- Did Elvis have a preferred location where he liked to record?

AD- Not really he recorded when and where ever he was needed.

DS- There’s often an incredible energy that takes place when artists record in a studio.  I’m curious as to how you think Elvis took this energy and translated it out into his live performances?

AD- Elvis gave it his all no matter if he was in the recording studio, on stage or even just jamming with friends around a piano.  It was just in his nature.

DS- Over the years you have had conversations with many individuals who worked close with Elvis.  What is one thing you learned about Elvis that you did not already know?

AD- That he was just as normal as anyone else.  He loved his friends, family and fans and treated them all with great respect.  He was always looking out for others and willing to give at any moment.  It wasn’t about being Elvis, it was about being true to his beliefs and to himself.



source: http://sundial.csun.edu

The world famous Elvis Presley Museum, the King's Ransom is now offering FREE admission to tour the museum collection. The King's Ransom is located at 128 Fremont Street inside the Binion's Gambling Hall & former Hotel in downtown Las Vegas. 

*FREE Admission
*FREE 3 hour parking with validation
* Hours are 12 Noon to 10pm 7 days a week
*128 Fremont Street

The King's Ransom Museum, is an exhibition 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. 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.


source:  thekingsransom.com, and facebook.com/The-Kings-Ransom

Elvis Presley's Last Love Ginger Alden Reveals Memoir Cover 
12/11/2013 by Ashley Lee

"Elvis & Ginger" - The book, narrating her romance with the King, hits shelves August 2014.Ginger Alden, Elvis Presley's fiancée when he died in 1977, has revealed the cover for her upcoming memoir, Elvis & Ginger: Elvis Presley's Fiancée and Last Love Finally Tells Her Story.

Alden's title will not only narrate her relationship with the King in Graceland -- from when they first met to when he passed away -- but also "set the record straight" about their bond, and rescue the musician from the rumors and tabloid attention in which she found herself surrounded just before and after his death.

She will also share details about his exploration of Eastern religions, his perception of fame and his intimate moments with loved ones.

To cover the book that aims to humanize the legend and her love with him, the model and actress chose a photo of the couple in a wintry white setting, with Alden in a fur coat and Presley in a black jacket and purple scarf, holding his signature sunglasses.

Elvis & Ginger: Elvis Presley's Fiancée and Last Love Finally Tells Her Story is currently slated for release on August 5th 2014 by Berkley Books, an imprint of Penguin Group.


source: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com - Ashley Lee, the Hollywood Reporter

From Elvis.com: 
"In celebration of the 45th anniversary, Elvis Presley's Graceland is excited to open the newly expanded "'68 Special" Exhibit! The new exhibit features original artifacts from this legendary televised event that took place on December 3, 1968, on NBC. The expanded exhibit features an interactive video experience, never-displayed-before pages of the script with Elvis’ handwritten notes and his outfit from the club production scene, including the jacket worn during his visit with President Richard Nixon in 1970. "

'It's Christmas Time' drops from 53 to 86 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart for w/e 14th December, 2013. It also drops from 7 to 13 on the Catalog Album Chart and drops from 14 to 19 on the Holiday Album Chart.

- 'Merry Christmas, Love Elvis' drops from 134 to 142 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart. It also drops from 21 to 22 on the Top Country Album Chart. It further drops from 114 to 115 on the Current Album Chart and drops from 29 to 30 on the Holiday Album Chart.

- 'The Classic Christmas Album' rises from 188 to 175 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart and rises from 143 to 137 on the Current Album Chart.

- 'Blue Christmas (Single) rises from 35 to 22 on the Holiday Digital Songs Chart; re-enters the Holiday 100 Singles Chart at 16 and re-enters the Holiday Airplay Chart at 19.

- 'Here Comes Santa Claus' re-enters the Holiday 100 Singles Chart at 60.

- 'He Touched Me' - The Gospel Music Of Elvis Presley (Vols. 1 & 2) drops from 13 to 21 on the Top Video Sales Chart.

- 'Elvis Lives' drops from 20 to 24 on the Top Video Sales Chart.


source: http://www.elvisinfonet.com - Elvis Information Network

Julien's 'Icons of Rock n' Roll 2013' auction this past weekend showed that Elvis Presley still has the power to attract big buyers with Elvis' Blue Suede Shoes selling for $76,800! 

The size 10 brogues were the only pair of blue suede shoes that Elvis ever owned. They were ordered for him in 1956 after he had a hit with the Carl Perkins song Blue Suede Shoes. Elvis wore the blue suede shoes so much that the soles of them have circular wear caused from his gyrating dance moves that caused the females in his audiences to scream and swoon.
Presley owned the shoes for four years, and then he gave them as a gift to his roadie and the best man at his wedding, Joe Esposito. This was in 1960 after Elvis returned from having served in the US Army.
Accompanied by a letter from Nudie's Rodeo Tailors requesting Elvis' sizes. This is the only known pair of Elvis' personally owned blue suede shoes. Lot closed - Winning bid: $76,800

Other high earning sales were... 
- 1972 Elvis Presley White Cadillac Fleetwood Limousine 
Elvis' 70th anniversary white Cadillac Fleetwood 75 series limousine was purchased in the early 1970s. The interior is a combination of black vinyl with cloth including the extra jump seat in the rear for Elvis’ Memphis Mafia to sit. In addition to the rear jump seat is a full bar with a brass plaque that reads "Custom made for Elvis Presley 70th anniversary edition." The 472 C.I. engine produces 375 horsepower. Elvis gifted this vehicle to his uncle Vester in October 1975.
- Winning bid: $96,000

- Elvis Presley 'Elvis Is Back' Album Cover Worn Jacket
A tan corduroy jacket worn by Elvis Presley on the cover of his 1960 album Elvis Is Back ! The jacket has a Paramount Studios costume label that is hand numbered "F10216" and typed "E. Presley." Maker label reads "The Browser/ Trade Mark Reg./ by/ Sunset House/ of California." Additionally stamped on interior "Paramount Wardrobe." Button closure with tab closure at neck. 
- Winning bid: $28,800

- Black Satin 'Comeback Special' Shirt 
A custom-made black satin shirt worn by Elvis Presley, mounted and framed. Includes a separate framed CD cover of Memories : The '68 Comeback Special showing Presley wearing the shirt. 
- Winning bid:$20,480


Go here to see all the Auction results at Juliens! 


source: http://www.elvisinfonet.com - Elvis Information Network