Elvis Unlimited
ISSUE NUMBER 54, 2012
Elvis Gold, Platinum and Diamond 2011
Planned new Elvis movies
Complete overview over Elvis awards
All the info so far
The history of Circle G Ranch
We redecorated our Elvis museum
See what it looks like now in 2012
See what it looks like!
New Cd’s!
All the latest news!
Competition: Who is Scandinavia’s best Elvis?
A CLOSER LOOK AT
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GRACELAND RANDERS VEJ 3 8960 RANDERS SØ DENMARK
E D I TOR I A L
TEL. +45 8642 9696 FAX +45 8642 8484
PUBLISHER Henrik Knudsen
henrik@gracelandranders.dk EDITOR Rikke Friis
marketing@graceland randers.dk QUESTIONS ETC:
info@gracelandranders.dk ART DIRECTOR Kenneth Dokkeberg
mrnetcon@yahoo.no ELVIS UNLIMITED DENMARK Graceland Randers Vej 3 8960 Randers SØ, Denmark Tel. +45 8642 9696 E-mail: info@gracelandranders.dk Web. www.elvisunlimited.com OPENING HOURS: All days of the week 10 AM-6 PM (The Diner 11 AM-9 PM) ELVIS UNLIMITED NORWAY Per Nordby Grefsenkollveien 21, 10D, 0490 Oslo, Norway Tel: +47 22155280 E-mail: pernordby@online.no
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HI ALL! It’s hard to believe it’s already been a year since Graceland Randers – the newest and most talked about tourist attraction in Denmark – opened its doors! Who could have predicted such a happy, wonderful and successful year, filled with sweet memories? This has been a year of dreams for all of us here at Graceland Randers! We are grateful for all the support and commitment that you have given us, but also for the great ideas you give us – this helps us develop and become a better attraction for you, and a much more fun-filled workplace for us, so THANK YOU! Needless to say, we continue to promote Elvis and Graceland Randers nationwide, but we also do it internationally. Some of our newest activities involve Sweden and Norway. Elvis is still very big in Scandinavia and the frenzy just seems to be growing! We love it! In this issue, we take a look at Elvis’ received Gold, Platinum & Diamond awards in 2011 and as a follow-up on the article in the last issue about the new Elvis On Tour Exhibit at Graceland in Memphis, we take a look at the tour and some of the reviews from back then. This is just some of the goodies in this issue. I hope you’ll enjoy it! TCB - always Rikke © Elvis Unlimited. All articles and design in the EU magazine are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the editor. The views of EU contributors are not necessarily those of the editor.
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LISA MARIE DIGS UP SOUTHERN ROOTS ON HER NEW ALBUM Lisa Marie Presley pays homage to her southern heritage in her new album “Storm and Grace” released in May after a five-year hiatus from the music industry. The singer’s third album “Storm and Grace”, harks back to Presley’s southern roots, and was produced by Grammy-winning country producer T Bone Burnett - he calls Presley “a southern American folk music artist of great value.” Presley, who found herself in a “considerably disheartened and un-inspired state creatively,” wrote the album over an eight-month period in England, working with artists such as Richard Hawley from Brit band Pulp and Fran Healy of the group Travis. The album was released on May 15th. ELVIS’ “HONEYMOON HIDEAWAY” Neighbors all shook up over parties at Elvis’ Honeymoon Hideaway. It is one of the most famous houses in the rich celebrity history of Palm Springs: the Elvis and Priscilla Presley “Honeymoon Hideaway,” where the King and his bride spent 4
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their wedding night and the days after, 45 years ago this spring. But the house has been no honeymoon for some neighbors today, who are meeting with city officials about the property becoming a loud commercial enterprise, with concerts, tours, parties and traffic that the upscale Vista Las Palmas neighborhood is unaccustomed to. Elvis had leased the house, on Ladera Circle, in 1966 for one year at a cost of $21,000 at the urging of his manager, Col. Tom Parker, who owned a home around the corner. Other celebrities in the neighborhood, included Marilyn Monroe, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford and Trini Lopez (still a resident). The house was the personal home of Robert and Helene Alexander, whose family built midcentury homes here in the desert that have become so iconic that they’re now known simply as “Alexanders.” This particular house was featured in Look Magazine as 1962’s “House of Tomorrow.” Elvis, who was 32, had planned to marry his 21-year-old bride, Priscilla Beaulieu, in the house on May 1st, 1967. But gossip columnist Rona Barrett lived nearby, and she got wind of the wedding. So Elvis and Priscilla snuck out the back door of the house and escaped on Frank Sinatra’s jet
to be married in Las Vegas. That night, the newlyweds flew back to Palm Springs for their honeymoon. Such celebrity history draws the crowds today, and the home is marketed as a retro party palace that can accommodate up to 180 people, for events like “Elvis & Chocolate” party on Valentine’s Day. But it’s all too much for neighbors who came here for the peace and serenity of Palm Springs. Those neighbors want stricter control, saying the city should only issue party permits on a per-event basis, and the city has agreed. But the home’s owners have appealed, and would like a more open-ended “event permit” to do all the parties and tours they like without having to apply each time. The outcome of a meeting about the future of the house, will determine whether the neighbors get their peace and quiet back, or whether they have to live with what some view as a Heartbreak Hotel.
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH, FEBRUARY 2012 Employee of the month for February 2012 was Camilla Hammer Frederiksen
from the kitchen. She is independant, smiling and works hard - and this praise is not even enough!
THE ‘MEMPHIS MAFIA’ CLUBHOUSE On March 19th, 1957 Elvis Presley put a down payment on one of the most famous houses in America — Graceland. The home was to be the family home for Elvis and his parents and grandparents. But it was also the clubhouse of the ‘Memphis Mafia,’ the people who were always around the rising star. Several girlfriends also sailed through the Tennessee home, as well as wife Priscilla Presley. The home is now owned by Elvis’ daughter, Lisa Marie, and is a tourist attraction.
THE CIRCLE G RANCH FOR SALE The ranch where Elvis spent many happy hours shortly after his marriage, as an expectant father and entertainer approaching a crossroads in his career, is literally rotting away by the roadside. The property is currently on the market for $3.9 million. Elvis fans around the world are uniting and are determined to do their utmost to conserve and protect this very significant piece of Elvis’ history and a vitally important piece of his story. The campaign’s presence as a pressure group is constantly growing
within the Elvis world and beyond; our profile is attracting interest from all around the globe. Our meeting in Memphis on September 9th, 2011 was featured on TV channels and was repeated at different times and on different days and attended by representatives from the USA, UK, Germany and Sweden and followed on the Internet by fans from Australia, South Africa and many other countries. We have received some wonderful messages of support and encouragement from those who knew and loved Elvis, including Joe Esposito (Friend & Member of the Memphis Mafia), Linda Thomson (long term girlfriend), Larry Geller (Friend, Spiritual Advisor & Hairdresser), to name just a few. In a recent survey 100% of thousands of fans agreed that it is important to save the ranch and that it is a significant piece of Elvis history. We are doing our utmost to find an individual or group of people who share our dream and have the funding to buy the ranch and with the help and support of fans from all over the world, will rescue, renovate and restore the ranch to how Elvis knew and loved it. We hope that the ranch could not only become another must see site for Elvis fans visiting Memphis (and many visit already despite the ranch’s poor condition), but would become a valued and much used facility for the local community. As a Non-Profit Organisation the Circle G Foundation is fundraising in a safe, secure and organised way as well as engaging with the local community. We are anxious to open channels of discussion with the Horn Lake City Council in an effort to create a feasible plan which will see our goals realised in a way
that will benefit all concerned. And we are delighted to announce that we have a meeting scheduled with the Mayor of Horn Lake in August 2012, which will also be attended by a representative from Senator Thad Cochran’s office. We have some exciting plans for Elvis Week (August 2012) too – this year is the 35th anniversary of Elvis’ passing and thousands of fans will be in Memphis to celebrate his life and legacy. Check out our website www.circlegfoundation.co.uk for all the latest news.
LISA MARIE ABOUT HER SON IN LAW Lisa Marie Presley “Strangles” Daughter’s Fiance, Alex Pettyfer. Lisa Marie Presley is slamming a new story in the National Enquirer claiming she vehemently disapproves of Alex Pettyfer, the hunky British actor now engaged to her daughter, Riley Keough. “There is no truth to the latest National Enquirer completely made up story that Lisa doesn’t like Alex Pettyfer, quite the contrary,” Presley’s rep tells Us Weekly in a statement. In fact, both Keough, 22, and her Magic Mike co-star Pettyfer, 21, were in attendance at Lisa Marie’s listening party for Presley’s album, Storm and Grace, at the Village Recording Studio in Los Angeles. The 44-year-old singer and Pettyfer even posed for a jokey photo at the event, in which she pretended to strangle her daughter’s beau.
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ELVIS IN MUSIC HISTORY ON APRIL 2ND April 2nd, 1957 Elvis Presley played two concerts at Toronto’s Maple Leaf Gardens. They were two of only four shows Elvis ever performed outside the U.S. - the others being the same year in Ottawa and Vancouver. April 2nd, 1960 the National Association of Recording Merchandisers in the U.S. presented its first awards. The top selling artists were Elvis Presley and Connie Francis. FANS LET THEIR HAIR DOWN FOR ELVIS HAIRCUT DAY FORT SMITH Elvis lives - at least in the minds and hearts of the 1,000 or so people who trickled in and out of Elvis Haircut Day. The remainder of the event was dedicated to Elvis and 1950s-era activities. Some people in the crowd came dressed in 1950s style clothing just for the fun of it. The event, now in its fourth year, continues to grow. The 1,000 in attendance doubled last year’s 400 at Elvis Haircut Day. Jimmy Don Peterson, a barber and retired Fort Smith school teacher, prepped his clippers and supplies as 21 people lined up ready for a free haircut in the barbershop where Elvis sat for James B. Peterson, Jimmy’s father, for the same experience in 1958. Outside, people on stage gave it their 6
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best shot during an Elvis karaoke contest. Some did the king justice; others, not so much, but all had a good time regardless of ability. Prices were a Sun Records mouse pad, Elvis lunch box and a Graceland DVD.
ELVIS IN MUSIC HISTORY ON APRIL 3RD On April 3rd, 1956 Elvis Presley made the first of two appearances on “The Milton Berle Show.” He sang “Heartbreak Hotel” and two other songs. He earned $5,000. On April 3rd, 1960 Elvis Presley recorded the songs “It’s Now Or Never” and “Are You Lonesome Tonight” in Nashville.
DANISH TV INTERVIEWED GLEN D. & JOE GUERCIO The Danish television network, TV2 Ostjylland, interviewed Glen D. Hardin and Joe Guercio when they visited Graceland Randers in April. MUSEUM REDECORATED AND WITH NEW ARTIFACTS The Elvis Museum at Graceland Randers has been redecorated and new artifacts added.
JACOB BINZER, D-A-D, CAME BY Jacob Binzer, guitarist in Danish rock band D-A-D, stopped by Graceland Randers on his way to the band’s concert in Aalborg in April. Thank you for visitting. THE ELVIS STATUE IS IN PLACE The Elvis statue was placed on April 12th and is now ready to greet you all on your walk from the parking lot to the front of the Graceland Randers building.
CONGRATULATIONS TO LUCINKA & STIG
CONGRATULATIONS on your wedding day, Lucinka & Stig, who were married on Graceland Randers’ inauguration day.
ELVIS IN MUSIC HISTORY ON APRIL 17TH April 17th, 1975 Elvis Presley bought a Convair 880 Jet formally owned by Delta Airlines for $250,000, which he
re-christened Lisa Marie. Elvis spent a further $600,000 refurbishing the jet to include personal quarters, a meeting area and a dance floor.
ELVIS FESTIVAL EUROPEAN ELVIS SUMMER FESTIVAL 2012 Base Nautique, FONTET 33190, South West France Friday 14th September 16.00 – Sunday 16th September 22.00 100% ELVIS! NO IMPERSONATORS, JUMPSUITS, WIGS or costumes of any kind allowed THE PRICE: 60 Euros per person for the weekend The Venue: ‘Base Nautique’ Park in the pretty and quaint village of FONTET situated alongside the picturesque canal of the famous Garonne River, approximately 70 kilometres East of Bordeaux in South West France. The venue includes a swimming lake, toilets & showers plus clubhouse with covered area. FONTET is accessible: BY AIR: Bordeaux & Bergerac Airports (45mins) BY RAIL: Marmande, Libourne (station before Bordeaux for easier access) or Bordeaux Station BY ROAD: Paris – Chartres – Tours - Angouleme –Bordeaux -La Reole – Fontet. (Base Nautique de Fontet 33190) NOTE: Due to the situation of the canal, basin and swimming lake the venue is not suitable for children. A fantastic fun-filled weekend of LIVE ELVIS MUSIC is on offer to all Elvis Presley Fans throughout Europe, Ireland, UK and the rest of the world with fabulous groups playing your favourite Elvis Presley numbers from Country & Western
to Rock & Roll, R & B to Gospel. Also featuring Ricky Norton presenting his fantastic ‘Like Elvis in Las Vegas’ show. Coming direct from his performance in August at Graceland, where he was personally invited by EPE to perform during Elvis Week for this years very special 35th Anniversary. As well as live music, there will be 100% Elvis Discos and a selection of videos which will run throughout the weekend, plus a favourite Elvis Movie that will be shown at midnight on Saturday. Also special guests who knew Elvis and will give an insight into his fascinating life. These special guests will be available to meet & greet fans, sign autographs and answer questions. American Classic Cars of the fifties & sixties. We are inviting owners to take part in exhibiting their fabulous Classic Cars of the Elvis era at our event. Further details can be found online at: www.elvismyhappiness.com.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GLEN D. HARDIN, APRIL 18TH Graceland Randers wish you Happy Birthday, Glen D. Hardin ELVIS AND LORETTA LYNN Loretta Lynn pronounces, that she wishes she had gotten a chance to record with Elvis. “I wish we had got together because we knew of each other and we talked on the phone, but we never got together, and I wish we had have”. In her new advertise for the Loretta
Lynn Ranch, she wears a t-shirt with a picture of Elvis Presley.
ORIGINAL MOVIE POSTERS FOR SALE Two nicely framed and even ORIGNAL movie posters are now for sale in our shop at Graceland Randers. It is not possible to send them so they are for pick-up only. It is the original ”Charro” poster and the original ”Speedway” poster. GRACELAND RANDERS ACTIVITY BOOK Something for the kids, 18 pages of great fun is now for sale at Graceland Randers and in the Web-shop. PRISCILLA PRESLEY GODMOTHER Priscilla Presley, Named the Godmother of the Great American Steamboat Company’s American Queen. The Great American Steamboat Company named Priscilla Presley as the godmother of the steamboat American Queen. Presley will name her in a christening ceremony at the revitalized Beale Street Landed on Friday - April 27th. Highlights of the festivities included performances by local musicians, a bottle of champagne crashing against the stern and the sounds of the American Queen Calliope as she steams off up the Mississippi River. The Great American Steamboat Company also entered into an exclusive partnership with Elvis Presley Enterprises to present the first Elvis Cruise on the American Queen from Memphis to New Orleans W W W. E LV I S U N L I M I T E D . C O M
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this December, as well as signature Graceland experiences for guests. A daughter of an Air Force officer, Priscilla Presley attended high school in Germany, where she met her future husband, Elvis Presley. In 1979 she became co-executor of the Presley Estate growing it into an organization consisting of the Graceland Mansion. Presley is also an ambassador of the Dream Foundation, helping to fulfill the dreams of adults battling terminal illnesses. The organization is the only one of its kind working with adults as well as helping to create lasting memories for their family and friends. Priscilla has also joined Hollywood celebrities in the fight against the overmedication of children. She is an advocate for Citizen’s Commission on Human Rights and a percentage of all purchases on PriscillaPresley.com are donated to support these two worthy charities.
PRISCILLA CHRISTENS RIVERBOAT Priscilla Presley smashed a champagne bottle against a steamboat when christening the American Queen as it resumed voyages along the Mississippi River. The refurbished steamboat will be offering river cruises up and down the Mississippi and its tributaries. “Just floating down the river brings back a lot of nostalgia for the heartland,” said Presley, n’ roll icon Elvis Presley, who lived in Memphis 8
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before his death in 1977. The American Queen is the largest steamboat in the world, carrying 436 passengers. The 418-foot-long vessel is taking tourists on longdistance trips on the Mississippi for the first time since 2008, when its previous owner ceased operations. The christening took place just before the boat left its home port of Memphis on a seven-day river cruise to Cincinnati. The boat was purchased in August and has been refurbished and recommissioned by Great American Steamboat Company. Presley thanked the boat’s owners for naming her godmother of the boat. “She’ll be bringing fun to families and friends from all over the world,” she said, adding that the American Queen represents a city her husband loved. She also praised the company for creating more than 170 jobs with the relaunching of the cruises. The cruises are expected to have an $89 million impact on the area economy, with travelers spending on flights and hotel rooms before and after trips, and during shore excursions. The boat will be traveling along the Mississippi and its tributaries to cities such as Vicksburg, Miss., Louisville, Ky., St. Louis, New Orleans and Pittsburgh. Riverboats on the Mississippi represent a storied chapter in American history and folklore, harking back to the 19th century and the writings of Mark Twain.
NEW LEGACY PROTECTORS We are proud to announce Joe Guercio og Glen D. Hardin as new Graceland Randers Legacy Protectors.
SPECIAL EXHIBITION - ELVIS PAINTING Friday April 27th the artist school Bifrost opened a special exhibition at Graceland Randers. There are exhibited 12 Elvis paintings in size 80x60 cm. The opening of the exhibition began at 1 pm. The exhibition is in the museum at Graceland Randers until May 28th. The price for the exhibition is a entre ticket to the museum. Bifrost is aN art school for mentally disapled in Randers. The art school has existed since 1995 where they had 10 students. Now they have 20 students after having an expansion. The art school’s 5 teachers do all have an pedagogical and artistic background and do also work with their own artistic expressions in their spare time. On Bifrost you get the opportunity to engage in an artistic environment, where the students develop their abillities, immerse themselves and find new ways to express themselves. The students from Bifrost have besides Denmark exhibited in Japan, Ireland, Germany, Scotland, Hungary, France, Belgium and Finland. 18 MILLION VISITORS AT GRACELAND IN MEMPHIS Priscilla Presley states that in a month or two Graceland in Memphis will reach no less than 18 million visitors in total! JOHN BRAAD - OCTOBER 9TH AT GRACELAND RANDERS Where have I lost my golden ring? Is my back getting any better? Shall I make another choose in my career?
Is my marriage worth fighting for? This is the kind of questions John Braad from Bjerringbro answers every week in one of the most read letterboxes in Denmark in the weekly magazine “Hjemmet”. And he answers the question only knowing the name and seeing a picture of the questioner. John is in fact a psychic. He lives of his talents and has private clients who he helps at his home in Bjerringbro. He also have lecture tours. But he has also for many years let his skills be to others benefits. “I don’t call myself a clairvoyant, I call myself for John Braad because I don’t deal with previous lives or other things like that. I am more down-to-earth and deal with the human’s everyday. But what is it that John Braad, husband and father, can do for completely strangers? Well, he can see what has happened to them, how their recent situation is and what will happen to them.
GET THE NEWS
EVEN FASTER! SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER AND GET INFORMATION FASTER! YOU CAN SIGN UP ON OUR WEBSITE WWW.ELVISUNLIMITED.COM/FRONTPAGE/ NEWSLETTER OR BY SENDING AN EMAIL (WITH YOUR NAME AND EMAIL ADDRESS) TO MARKETING@GRACELANDRANDERS.DK
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1972 was a busy year for The King of Rock n’ roll. ”Elvis On Tour” was a follow-up to the 1970 release ”Elvis: That’s the Way It Is” – another musical documentary. ”Elvis On Tour” followed Elvis as he embarked on a 15-city tour of the United States in April 1972. ”Elvis On Tour” was the only Presley film not accompanied by an official soundtrack release, either in the form of a full album or a single. The film also contains vintage footage of Elvis’ 1956 Ed Sullivan Show appearances and it also includes rare portions of a forty-minute interview that Elvis gave about his life and career before the filming began. ”Elvis On Tour”
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won the 1972 Golden Globe Award for Best Documentary, making it the only Elvis film to win an award of any kind. It was the thirty-third and final motion picture to star Elvis Presley before his death in 1977. Although Elvis was offered numerous films over the following few years, he did not make another in his lifetime. In April MGM filmed Elvis in a Hollywood recording studio, and they filmed him on and off stage during his 15-city concert tour. The Elvis charisma was very apparent even though it was clear that he was not well. He was pale, bloated and bathed
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Songs featured in ”Elvis On Tour”: Johnny B. Goode, Also Sprach Zarathustra/ performed by The Joe Guercio Orchestra, See See Rider, Polk Salad Annie, Separate Ways, Always On My Mind, Proud Mary, Never Been To Spain, Burning Love, For The Good Times, Lighthouse, Lead Me, Guide Me, Bosom Of Abraham, Love Me Tender, I, John, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Funny How Time Slips Away, An American Trilogy, I Got A Woman/Amen, A Big Hunk O’ Love, You Gave Me a Mountain, Sweet Sweet Spirit - performed by J.D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet, Lawdy Miss Clawdy, Can’t Help Falling in Love, Closing Vamp - performed by The Joe Guercio Orchestra - Memories.
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v certainly strong. The style of body movement was quick and charged with sexual energy, however planned and choreographed it may have been. Presley seemed to be enjoying himself, as if he was happy still to be able to turn on a large audience. His modesty was a fuel for the fan adulation. If he looked in the direction of some fans they screamed, and Presley would look down, shaking his head, as if to wonder how the old response was still there. “I live my life in dreams of yesterday,” he sang without apparent irony. April 6th, Detroit: The concert started with a warning to parents who were concerned about their teenage daughters overreacting to a Tupelo, Miss. singer named Elvis Presley. “If you are troubled by all this you needn’t be; they will get over it soon. Someday they will
in an almost tragic aura. There is a moment when the camera lingers on his face through a limo window where you get the sense of a man trapped in a cage he’s built for himself. Below you find reviews from some of his concerts on the April tour. Sit back and enjoy the show. April 5th, Buffalo: The first tour of 1972 started in Buffalo on Wednesday April 5th at Memorial Auditorium. The tour saw the debut of two songs. The first was the newly recorded ”For The Good Times” and the other was the 12
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massive 1972-hit ”Burning Love” which tore the house down at every show it was performed. Most of the newspaper reviews from that time mentioned, that Elvis wowed the audiences not only with his singing abilities but also with his showmanship. Some papers also mentioned, that for a performer with a reputation for being somewhat extrovert, Presley seemed remarkably shy, or at least he was reluctant to exploit his appeal, which is
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all yawn at once when Elvis comes bleating out of the loudspeakers”. 18.216 people - the largest audience ever to witness a concert at the 44 year-old arena, and the tickets went on sale for $10 a piece. Elvis was at the time 37 years old. The ladies sat impatiently through a vocal group and a comedian who kicked off the show. When intermission was announced they screamed. The final countdown was on. A vision appeared bounding on the stage with a white sequined jumpsuit cut to the navel, a red scarf wrapped loosely around the neck and a flowing cape: ”ELLLVVIIIS”…. The first song was drowned out by the penetrating cries that must have surpassed the volume of the Sreaming Meemies of World War I. The decibel count increased to staggering proportions when the singer flinched his hip. When he stood with his legs apart and tapping a foot to the pounding rhythm, the screams became shrieks. When he dropped to his knees to sing to a lady in the first row, an entire section of floor seats almost toppled. For the most part, however, Presley was relatively calm. His bumps and grinds were performed as if he were mocking a 1950’s rock star. He often smiled at their peaks of frenzy as if to say, “We’re not really taking each other seriously are we”. “My husband is gonna kill me,” a middle-aged lady told a security guard after the show. “But could I please have that waterglass from up on the stage? Elvis touched it and I wanna show it to my kids” The highlight was a medley of his early hits including “All Shook up,” “Don’t Be Cruel” and “Hound Dog”. During “Teddy Bear,” someone threw a teddy bear on stage.
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April 8th, Knoxville: The 1972 concert brand Elvis still resembled the 1950’s Elvis who made teenage girls scream and swoon. Girls screamed and swooned at his concert in Knoxville, but the girls mostly were
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continuous gyrations of earlier years had changed now to occasional jerks, resembling karate movements more than efforts to dislocate the pelvis. Dressed in a spectacular white suit and cape lined in black, Elvis sang,
«IF HE LOOKED IN THE DIRECTION OF SOME FANS THEY SCREAMED, AND PRESLEY WOULD LOOK DOWN, SHAKING HIS HEAD, AS IF TO WONDER HOW THE OLD RESPONSE WAS STILL THERE.» those approaching or already past 30 who were reliving their adolescence for at least a few memorable minutes. Elvis made a good show, but the
swaggered, posed and performed continuously for over an hour. The matinee performance was delayed for about 30 minutes because of the
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continuing difficulties experienced with the sound system at Stokely. Elvis apologized for the sound problems several times. He opened the show by quipping “Sorry I’m late, but I was building a sound system.” The concert opened with a trio of pink velvet-clad. The Sweet Inspirations warmed up the audience with hot songs ‘n dance numbers. And then, to a musical introduction which sounded a lot like a Biblical movie theme, came Elvis, surrounded by a mob of bodyguards and the wild flashing of lights and flashbulbs, and screams. Security was tighter for Elvis during his visit in Knoxville than for any presidents, kings or other officials who had visited Knoxville in recent years. April 12th, Indianapolis: He came, he sang, he conquered. With the silver studs and jewels, and a matching cape. Fans from all over Indiana and several surrounding states attended the concert, which was a sell-out. And never let it be said that Presley fans aren’t the most dedicated, avid and loyal around! Everywhere you looked were Elvis buttons, pennants, posters and other expressions of idolatry displayed by everyone from children to older adults. Elvis strutted, shook and grunted 14
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in a rising crescendo perfectly attuned to the mood of the crowd – and what a well-watched crowd it was. There were 12 policemen lined across the front of the stage. Bodyguards, plain clothes policemen, other security officers and Elvis’ personnel huddled in various parts of a glittering almost blinding, building illuminated by hundreds of flickering flashbulbs. Elvis opened with “C.C. Rider,” followed by a string of past hits that included “Rolling over the River,” “Lord, You Gave Me A Mountain,” “Polk Salad Annie,” “All Shook Up,” “Let Me Be Your Teddy Bear,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” A white scarf, which was neatly tucked into his V-necked suit at the beginning of the show, was dangling precariously by the fifth song, as planned. “Take if off!” yelled a female voice from the mezzanine. “Take it off?” retorted Presley, “why, you fool!”. “It’s getting hot in here,” he said. A screaming woman replied, “Take it off,” and Elvis tossed a scarf into a scrambling crowd of women. April 14th, Greensboro: The Elvis Presley show, which was sold out, was presented at the Coliseum. The concert began with the ominous strains of ‘Also Sprach Zarathustra’ and then rocks into a very good ‘See See Rider’. Elvis then sheds his guitar, says “good evening” and rolls into a solid ‘Proud Mary’. Next the excellent performance on three strong ballads in a row: ‘Never Been To Spain’, ‘You Gave Me A Mountain’, and ‘Until It’s Time For You To Go’. As Elvis sheds his cape, Jerry Sheff begins the intro for ‘Polk Salad Annie’ and this was a very good effort here as Elvis says “I’m gonna lay here and look at the ceiling for a while”.
After catching his breath, he launches into a string of early hits highlighted by a superb ‘Big Hunk O Love’. ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ was a standout tune and was followed by a kickin’ ‘Suspicious Minds’. James Burton played some great licks for this tune and Elvis ends it with a lot of karate action as evidenced by Ronnie
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Tutt’s drumming. A fairly standard ‘Love Me Tender’ was next and this led to the group introductions. ‘For The Good Times’ was another solid performance and then Elvis delivers a superb ‘An American Trilogy’. A lot of people remember the political climate in America at the time and it wasn’t pretty, but Elvis always struck a patriotic chord with this tune. The
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highlight of the evening was the first live performance of ‘Burning Love’. The band was really up for this and Elvis also delivered a great vocal. April 15th, Macon: It happened! Elvis Presley arrived in Macon at 2:30 a.m. Presley was escorted into Macon virtually unnoticed by members of the Macon Police Department and taken to his suite on the 16th floor of the Hilton hotel, where he was sleeping while guarded by four policemen. People screamed and shouted when Presley entered the building in the afternoon, and also during his performance from the eight feet high, 60 feet wide stage. But absent was the mass hysteria, which accompanied Presley concerts a decade ago. It wasn’t until his final numbers that girls tried to reach the stage and Presley. From the foot of the stage girls tossed scarves, half slips, and
A N N I V E R S A RY
walked around the stage and shook hands with those sitting directly behind the band and those who were daring enough to run to the stage before encountering the guards. Cameras smuggled inside however, were abundant in the coliseum, and flash bulbs sparkled during the entire performance. April 16th, Jacksonville: He was glimmering figure; wisps of his greaseless shag hair brushed the collar of his white, silver and stone-studded, caped jumpsuit. For every tenth second passed, an enormous crew of cricket sounds accompanied the firefly actles of a thousand instamatics. This would go on for the entire show: the temporary blindness Elvis must have experienced never razed him. He was accommodating for the photographers; posing in a split, he said,
«HIS FAMOUS HIPS MOVEMENTS SOMEWHAT MORE RESERVED THAN YEARS AGO, CAME LATER. DURING ONE NUMBER HE PERFORMED WHAT APPEARED TO BE A KARATE EXHIBITION ON THE FRONT OF THE STAGE.» pocketbooks up to Elvis, who calmly touched them back to their owners. His first number was “See See Rider,” which he launched into after carefully placing one foot behind the other and grabbing the microphone. His famous hips movements somewhat more reserved than years ago, came later. During one number he performed what appeared to be a karate exhibition on the front of the stage. Presley sang all of his old favorites including “Hound Dog,” “All Shook Up,” “Teddy Bear,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Suspicious Minds,” and others. When he sang “Love Me Tender” he
“I hope this suit don’t tear apart.” His left thigh did most of his dance work, pumping to find the beat and seemingly in control of the full orchestra, band and singing group that gave a wide throne to the Elvis leadership. “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and “Suspicious Minds” were highlights. His extremely physical presentation was alive in each song and the audience reaction never subsided. Those movements that once were considered bizarre were slight in comparison to the many performers who have followed and increased the original Elvis idea of onstage exercise.
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April 17th, Little Rock: That magic moment came. Surrounded by cops, Elvis sprang up the steps to the platform, past his excellent chorus, past the 20 piece orchestra, to a thunderous ovation marched smartly back and forth along the front of the stage giving everyone a good look at his red suit with gold, white cape and white scarf and large belt buckle. Then he started to sing. No little speeches. No jokes. No platitudes. Just Elvis and his songs. The guitar he picked up on stage got in the way. He threw it to the floor. “I didn’t meant to break my guitar,” he said. Elvis tried a little whimsy. Recalling his first appearance on the Ed Sullivan show, when the cameras avoided his gyrating hips, he introduced the famous hit as his message song of the evening. And he played it coy starting out low and gentle. And then halfway through breaking out into that almost gutteral screaming baritone “You ain’t nothing but a houn’ dog...” “I Can’t Help Falling In Love With You,” Elvis sang. Hardly a soul moved until he was done. Once more, now again caped, he kneeled, arms holding the cape out like a red butterfly’s wing facing each side of the Coliseum in turn. Then he strode off stage. Only then did the crowd clutching their souvenir Elvis posters ($2), their Elvis picture book ($2), their Elvis buttons and Elvis autographed portrait, convent to move. With everything, they’ve gotten their money’s worth. April 18th, San Antonio: In addition to the Arena’s 10.000 regular seats, the fire department had allowed almost 1.000 extra seats to be brought in. Elvis’ hair was modishly long. His
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style was a bit more subdued. But his ability to relate to an audience was unchanged. Elvis Presley the entertainer, who made the pelvis a national cliché in the 1950s, brought his music to San Antonio that Tuesday night. Dressed in a white sequined jumpsuit with a redlined cape, Presley performed for more than an hour before a crowd of 11.000. He began with “C. C. Rider” a rock-and-roll classic made popular by Chuck Berry in the mid-50s and a leg wiggle. The sound hadn’t changed and Elvis was at his best, if not better than ever in his entertainment career. Later came a medley of old time Presley hits. Then Presley threw a red scarf that he had used to mop his brow, into the audience. After singing several additional songs and flinging two more scarves into the audience, Presley finished with a subdued “Can’t Help Falling in Love with You.” Highlights of the performance were Presley’s renditions of “Proud Mary,” “Polk Salad Annie,” and the countrywestern “For the Good Times.” April 19th, Albuquerque: Inside Tingley Coliseum, 11.847 people waited with great expectation. They were young and old, superbly dressed and shabbily dressed. But all were interested in one man. Camera flash bulbs popped from every part of the coliseum, creating the effect of a wild, psychedelic strobe light. Elvis picked up a golden guitar and immediately went into a flashy rendition of “C.C. Rider” before the applause died down. He wore a white, military-type suit with a baby blue cape. His shirt was open from the collar to his waist. “It’s been a long time since I was in Albuquerque. And it’s
fantastic to be back. I hope y’all enjoy the show.” Elvis said. His songs ranged from fast-moving rhythm and blues music to church hymns. His old songs received the biggest rounds of applause. Teenagers screamed. Young people applauded. And older people sat back and enjoyed it all. Suddenly there was a blare of trumpets and Elvis dropped the microphone and ran off the stage. Elvis didn’t stop running until he reached a side-exit where a chauffeured limousine waited with the door open and the motor running. It whisked him off to his private plane on which he would fly home. Elvis had left the building – More than $1 million richer than he was two weeks before this 15-day, 15-city tour.
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T H E
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O F
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THE HISTORY OF
CIRCLE G RANCH BY LESLEY PILLING, FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF THE CIRCLE G FOUNDATION
THE FIRST mention of the property appears in local documents way back in 1897, at that time there is no mention of buildings but the property consisted of 320 acres of land. Between 1897 and 1967, when Elvis purchased the ranch, it had 11 different owners. At the moment we are unsure who actually built the ranch house but Sue Mack our US Team Leader (who has done this amazing research) believes that it may well have been built by Mrs Anna C Cox, who owned the property from 1938 to 1958. Mrs Cox’s family sold 160 acres to Jack Adams in 1963. Elvis’ involvement with the ranch began early in 1967 when whilst out on a trip to the country to buy more
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horses for his growing stable, he came across the ranch, then named ‘Twinkletown Farm”. We are told that it was the sight of the large white cross that caught his attention and Elvis purchased the property on the spot from Jack Adams for $437,000 USD.
Elvis wanted to name the ranch The Circle G but when he tried to register it under that name it was discovered that another ranch already existed using that name – the ranch was in fact registered under the name “The Flying Circle G Ranch”. In the coming days and weeks Elvis purchased several mobile homes so that his friends could stay on the ranch with him. He also bought several vehicles, agricultural equipment and a small herd of cattle. Once the 3m fence was erected around the property Elvis and his friends and family began to enjoy their new ‘country retreat’.
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After Elvis’ marriage to Priscilla on 1st May 1967 they spent a few days in Palm Springs and then they returned home to the ranch for several days. Ever since then the ranch house has been known as Elvis’ honeymoon cottage. Elvis enjoyed the seclusion of the ranch and the wide-open spaces. They held barbeques, fooled around on the farming equipment and spent many hours ‘riding the range’.
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international non-profit organization – formed to help resurrect and restore Elvis’ beloved Circle G Ranch. You can find more information at www.circlegfoundation.co.uk. You can support the foundation by buying their merchandise at Graceland Randers: Circle G Foundation Pin $8 Circle G Foundation Sticker $5
In 1969 and under pressure to curb his spending, Elvis agreed to sell the ranch. On May 20th 1969 the Mississippi Gun club became the new owners. In 1971/72 they defaulted on the loan and the property returned to the State who returned it to Elvis in May 1972. Elvis ownership of the ranch came to an end on December 1st 1972 when it was sold to the Boyle Development Company. (Using research and information by Sue Mack and Thomas Machinitzki) The Circle G Foundation – an W W W. E LV I S U N L I M I T E D . C O M
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Redecoration of the Elvis museum
Since we recently had a 1 year anniversary of our museum we decided to have it redecorated a little bit. New items has arrived and others now has a more prominent place. Here is a little taste of it:
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W W W. E LV I S U N L I M I T E D . C O M
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ALL THE LATEST CD RELEASES! The CD descriptions have been written by the labels themselves and should only be viewed as descriptions, not reviews from our part. The intention behind the CD News section is just to let you know what’s being released. We aim to give you all releases, we can find and are aware of. musicians - 20. Introduction of celebrities Bob Dover, Gunther Gebel-Williams, Shirley MacLaine, Marty Allen, Pat Henry, Tom Jones, Leslie Uggams and the 5th Dimension 21. My Way - 22. A Big Hunk O’ Love - 23. You Gave Me A Mountain - 24. Mystery Train / Tiger Man - 25. Can’t Help Falling In Love - 26. Closing Vamp / Announcements. CD 2 / Sunday, September 3, 1972, Midnight Show: 01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. Johnny B. Goode - 04. Until It’s Time For You To Go - 05. You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me - 06. Polk Salad Annie - 07. Instrumental intermezzo / Elvis talks - 08. What Now My Love - 09. Fever - 10. Love Me - 11. Blue Suede Shoes - 12. Heartbreak Hotel - 13. All Shook Up - 14. Love Me Tender - 15. Hound Dog - 16. I’ll Remember
LABOR DAY MADNESS COMING SOON IS THE LATEST MUST-OWN RELEASE FROM THE CELEBRATED STRAIGHT ARROW LABEL: Two fantastic Nevada summer performances by the King: The Saturday, September 2, 1972 Special 3AM Show and The Sunday, September 3, 1972 Midnight Show. Both were recorded by the same super-fan, and The Sunday tape is previously unreleased. You will find the set in a deluxe digi-pack, with photos taken from the 1972 “Summer Festival.” As usual, the recordings are excellent quality, sourced from firstgeneration 1981 cassette copies of the original mono tapes. Sit down, relax, put on a pair of comfortable headphones, and be transported back to a crazy Labor-Dayweekend at the Hilton, where Elvis was rocking fans and celebrities. Elvis looked great and he sang even better! Tracks: 01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. Johnny B. Goode - 04. Until It’s Time For You To Go - 05. You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me - 06. Polk Salad Annie - 07. Instrumental intermezzo / Elvis talks - 08. What Now My Love - 09. Fever - 10. Love Me - 11. Blue Suede Shoes - 12. Heartbreak Hotel - 13. All ShookUp - 14. Love Me Tender - 15. Hound Dog - 16. I’ll Remember You - 17. Walk That Lonesome Road (J. D. Sumner and the Stamps) - 18. Suspicious Minds - 19. Introduction of vocalists,
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You - 17. Walk That Lonesome Road (J. D. Sumner and the Stamps) - 18. Suspicious Minds - 19. Introduction of vocalists, musicians - 20. My Way - 21. A Big Hunk O’ Love - 22. You Gave Me A Mountain - 23. Mystery Train / Tiger Man - 24. Can’t Help Falling In Love - 25. Closing Vamp.
Also the latest CD release from Straight Arrow “Watching Your Dreams Into Ashes” is out now.
WILD TIGER IN CONCERT The MxF label will soon release the first volume of “Wild Tiger in Concert” featuring the Long Beach Show, November 14, 1972. The November tour represents the third tour of a busy year, Elvis in 1972 is still a rocking Elvis but without any doubt, it is the last year with Elvis still on top. His performance is superb, in spite some fatigue and maybe some worries about the imminent Hawaii TV satellite Show. Elvis is very energetic on stage, full of enthusiasm and he sings with power the classic repertoire of the 1972 including the incredible “Burning Love”. On stage you see an impressive figure in his Aztec
star blue jumpsuit and golden cape, his voice is great, the atmosphere enormous, the demand terrific when 28,000 lucky people attended the two shows at Long Beach. The show was previously released in a substandard quality using an unknown generation copy of the tape released by the Tiger label back in 1991. Here we present the show directly from a first generation copy of a privately recorded 60-minute cassette. The sound was painstakingly restored for your listening pleasure. The improvement is incredible and the sound quality amazing, considering it was taped from the audience. Elvis’ voice is loud and clear, the band sounds very powerful in very good balanced mix with some great James Burton’ guitar solos and the audience is never too intrusive. Like its predecessors, this new release will be presented in a beautiful four-panel digi-pack with a collection of photos taken during the actual show. As a bonus the first 500 copies will come with a poster, 24x12 cm. The excellent recording quality and the superb show, give ”Wild Tiger in Concert” the status of UNIQUE. Don’t miss it!! Tracks: 01. 2001 Theme 02. See See Rider 03. I Got A Woman / Amen 04. Until It’s Time For You To Go 05. You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me 06. Polk Salad Annie 07. Love Me 08. All Shook Up 09. Heartbreak Hotel 10. Blue Suede Shoes 11. One Night 12. Teddy Bear/Don’t Be Cruel 13. Hound Dog 14. Love Me Tender 15. Little Sister/Get Back 16. How Great Thou Art 17. Suspicious Minds 18. Introductions 19. Burning Love 20. Funny How Time Slips Aways 21. You Gave Me A Mountain 22. Fever 23. A Big Hunk Of Love 24. Can’t Help Falling In Love 25. Closing Vamp The CD runs about 56 min. Updated April 6, 2012
PAYIN’ THE DUES Two new CD’s from the Touchdown Label. The first one was already announced some time ago, ”Into The Light”, and the second release is “Payin’ The Dues In Tahoe”. This time the show is complete for the first time. On the previous one on the Rainbow Label the song “Let Me Be There” was missing and quality is much better now.
Tracks: Recorded on October 13, 1974 in Las Vegas at the midnight show ”Payin´ The Dues”. 01. Also Sprach Zarathustra (1.02) 02. See See Rider (3.05) 03. I Got A Woman/ Amen (6.31) 04. Greeting The Audience (0.38) 05. Love Me (1.27) 06. All Shook Up (0.59) 07. Teddy Bear/ Don‘t Be Cruel (2.03) 08. Heartbreak Hotel (1.56) 09. If You Love Me, Let Me Know (2.50) 10. Fever (3.09) 11. Big Boss Man (2.42) 12. It‘s Midnight (3.14) 13. Hound Dog (1.29) 14. Joking With The Audience (0.37) 15. Introductions Pt.1 (4.43) 16. Lawdy Miss Clawdy (1.50) 17. Introductions Pt.2 (4.43) 18. Why Me Lord (2.35) 19. I‘m Leavin‘ (3.08) 20. Johnny B. Goode (1.30) 21. Hawaiian Wedding Song (2.30) 22. Let Me Be There (3.16) 23. Can‘t Help Falling In Love (1.53) Updated April 8, 2012
”ELVIS: HAWAII, FOR GOD AND COUNTRY” NEW DELAY Editorial news update: Due to recent developments, new contacts and new collaborations established, we have had to revise our release plans. We want to bring you the definitive product on HAWAII ’61, and not just a quick money grabber as some might be tempted to do, hence our decision to delay our release for a few more weeks. Various top collectors have provided unique photos and other material for us, which we intend to share with you. Moreover, we will have some surprises about the show and the way it was recorded. Some of this information will blow your mind! The basic concept of our release, the CD with ticket, promo photo and the vinyl issue, will remain the same. However, the format of the book will be different, BIGGER, BETTER and MORE photos. Due to the large amount of new data about the show there will also be more text, and yes, more AUDIO. We want to do this right, and even though we are doing our best to meet our deadline, we believe that our main goal should be a good final product. That’s why “Elvis – Hawaii; for God and Country” will now be released this summer. We are all very excited about these recent developments and look forward to sharing all this with you. Thank you for your patience. W W W. E LV I S U N L I M I T E D . C O M
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ALL THE LATEST CD RELEASES !
”ELVIS IS BACK” REVISITED!
interview excerpt 0:46 Recorded March 1, 1960; Friedberg, Germany. 11. Such A Night (L. Chase) 3:00 Recorded April 3, 1960; RCA´s Studio B, Nashville, TN. 12. It Feels So Right (F. Wise/B. Weisman) 2:10 Recorded March 20, 1960; RCA´s Studio B, Nashville, TN. 13. Girl Next Door Went A´Walking (B. Rise/T. Wayne) 2:13 Recorded April 3, 1960; RCA´s Studio B, Nashville, TN. 14. Like A Baby (J. Stone) 2:39 Recorded April 3, 1960; RCA´s Studio B, Nashville, TN. 15. Reconsider Baby (L. Fulsom) 3:40 Recorded April 3, 1960; RCA´s Studio B, Nashville, TN. 16. „Home Recording“ interview excerpt 0:17 Recorded March 1, 1960; Friedberg, Germany. 17. Stuck On You (A. Schroeder/S. Leslie Mc Farland) 2:20
Out very soon is a stunning new audiophile version of the landmark album ”ELVIS IS BACK!” from 1960. Victrola reworked the masters and in several cases it was able to get the best audio this far. Listen and compare – the crystal clear and warm quality of these recordings will surprise even those who have the official versions of this album. Victrola is also the first to place these recordings in the context of Elvis’ career. You will hear early try-outs, home recordings, alternate takes, rehearsals and later live versions. Elvis clearly thought a lot of this album and returned to it again and again as a source of inspiration, a theme, which is explored in the fascinating liner notes. ”ELVIS IS BACK!” is presented in a sensational packaging (deluxe foldout full color digi-pack) with topnotch design, relevant photos (many of them rare) and a fascinating 20-page booklet.
Recorded March 20, 1960; RCA´s Studio B, Nashville, TN 18. Fame And Fortune (F. Wise/B. Weisman), take 1 2:24 Recorded March 20, 1960; RCA´s Studio B, Nashville, TN. 19. A Mess Of Blues (D. Pomus/M. Shuman) 2:41 Recorded March 20, 1960; RCA´s Studio B, Nashville, TN. 20. It´s Now Or Never (A. Schroeder/W. Gold) 3:16 Recorded April 3, 1960; RCA´s Studio B, Nashville, TN. 21. I Gotta Know (P. Evans/M. Williams) 2:17 Recorded April 3, 1960; RCA´s Studio B, Nashville, TN. 22. Are You Lonesome Tonight? (R. Turk/L. Handman) 3:08 Recorded April 3, 1960; RCA´s Studio B, Nashville, TN. 23. „European Tour“ interview excerpt 0:43 Recorded March 1, 1960; Friedberg, Germany TOTAL TIME 51:01
CD2: 01. Reconsider Baby (L. Fulsom) 2:44 Sun Studios Jam Session, December 12, 1956. 02. Reconsider Baby (L. Fulsom) 2:52 Recorded live in Charlotte, NC, February 21,
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CD1: 01. ”Elvis is Back!“ interview excerpt 0:40 Recorded
1977. 03. There´s No Tomorrow (Hoffman/Corday/Carr) 2:24
March 8, 1960; Graceland, Memphis, TN. 02. Make Me Know
Germany Home Recording, Summer 1959. 04. Soldier Boy
It (O. Blackwell) 2:00 Recorded March 20, 1960; RCA´s
(D. Jones/T. Williams Jr.) 1:44 Germany Home Recording,
Studio B, Nashville, TN. 03. Fever (J. Davenport/E. Cooley)
Summer 1959. 05. Apron Strings (Weiss/Schroeder) 2:33
3:33 Recorded April 3, 1960; RCA´s Studio B, Nashville, TN.
Germany Home Recording, Summer 1959. 06. The Titles
04. The Girl Of My Best Friend (B. Ross/S. Bobrick) 2:23
Will Tell (previously mislabeled as „Number Eight“) (C.
Recorded April 3, 1960; RCA´s Studio B, Nashville, TN. 05.
Underwood) 2:46 Germany Home Recording, Summer 1959.
”Future plans“ interview excerpt 0:34 Recorded March 1,
07. Stuck On You (A. Schroeder/S. Leslie Mc Farland) 2:24
1960; Friedberg, Germany. 06. I Will Be Home Again (Ben-
TV Recording for „The Frank Sinatra-Timex Show“March
jamin/Leveen/Singer) 2:34 Recorded April 3, 1960; RCA´s
20, 1960. 08. Fame And Fortune (F. Wise/B. Weisman) 2:26
Studio B, Nashville, TN. 07. Dirty, Dirty Feeling (J. Leiber/M.
TV Recording for „The Frank Sinatra-Timex Show“March
Stoller) 1:34 Recorded April 3, 1960; RCA´s Studio B, Nash-
20, 1960. 09. Such A Night (L. Chase) 2:37 Recorded live in
ville, TN. 08. Thrill Of Your Love (S. Kesler) 3:01 Recorded
Pearl Harbor, HI, March 25, 1961 10) Are You Lonesome
April 3, 1960; RCA´s Studio B, Nashville, TN. 09. Soldier Boy
Tonight? (R. Turk/L. Handman) 3:22 Recorded live in Pearl
(D. Jones/T. Williams Jr.) 3:06 Recorded March 20, 1960;
Harbor, HI, March 25, 1961 11) Reconsider Baby (L. Fulsom)
RCA´s Studio B, Nashville, TN. 10. „Feel for music material“
3:45 Recorded live in Pearl Harbor, HI, March 25, 1961 12)
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It´s Now Or Never (A. Schroeder/W. Gold) 2:56 Recorded live in Pearl Harbor, HI, March 25, 1961 13) Reconsider Baby (L. Fulsom) 3:15 Recorded live in Las Vegas, NV, August 23, 1969, Midnight show 14) Are You Lonesome Tonight? (R. Turk/L. Handman) 3:01 Recorded live in Las Vegas, NV, August 3, 1969
is delivering a decent show, being in good spirits. This concert has NOT been released yet on factory pressed CD. All you fans out there know what to expect from Elvis´ Rochester 76-performance - so if you are interested we advise you to get your copy as soon as you can.
15) It´s Now Or Never (A. Schroeder/W. Gold) 2:19 Recorded live in Las Vegas, NV, February 23, 1970, Closing show 16)
Tracks: 01. Also Sprach Zarathustra. 02. See See Rider. 03.
Such A Night (L. Chase) 1:44 Rehearsal for „That´s The Way It
I Got A Woman / Amen. 04. Love Me. 05. If You Love Me. (Let
Is“, July 29, 1970 17) Are You Lonesome Tonight? (R. Turk/L.
Me Know) 06. You Gave Me A Mountain. 07. All Shook Up.
Handman) 2:41 Recorded live in Hampton Roads, VA, April 9,
08. Teddy Bear / Don´t Be Cruel. 09. And I Love You So. 10.
1972 18) Fever (J. Davenport/E. Cooley) 3:38 Rehearsal for
Jailhouse Rock. 11. Fever. 12. America The Beautiful (with
7th Season in Las Vegas, NV July-August 1972 19) It´s Now Or
reprise). 13. Polk Salad Annie. 14. Band Introductions. 15.
Never (A. Schroeder/W. Gold) / Are You Horny Tonight (one
Early Morning Rain. 16. What I´d Say. 17. Johnny B. Goode.
line) 2:27 Rehearsal for „That´s The Way It Is“, July 29, 1970
18. Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt). 19. Bass Solo 1 (Blues - Jerry
20) Fever (J. Davenport/E. Cooley) 2:50 Recorded live in Las
Scheff). 20. Bass Solo 2 (The Battle Of New Orleans - Jerry
Vegas, NV, August 11, 1972, Dinner show 21) Are You Lonesome
Scheff). 21. Piano Solo (Tony Brown). 22. Electric Piano Solo
Tonight? (R. Turk/L. Handman) 2:57 Recorded live in Las
(David Briggs). 23. Love Letters. 24. School Day. 25. Hurt (with
Vegas, NV, August 19, 1975, Midnight show 22) Such A Night
reprise). 26. Hound Dog. 27. Funny How Time Slips Away. 28.
(L. Chase) 1:41 Recorded live in Las Vegas, NV, December 12,
Can´t Help Falling In Love. 29. Closing Vamp / Announcement.
1976, Closing show 23) Fever (J. Davenport/E. Cooley) 3:01
Update May 3, 2012
Recorded live in Toledo, OH, April 23, 1977 24) Reconsider Baby (L. Fulsom) 2:54 Recorded live in Pittsburgh, PA, December 31, 1976 25) Are You Lonesome Tonight? (R. Turk/L. Handman) 3:52 Recorded live in Charlotte, NC, February 21, 1977 26) O Sole Mio (E. di Capua/G. Capurro) / It´s Now Or Never (A. Schroeder/W. Gold) 3:42 Recorded live in Madison, WI, June 24, 1977 27) Fever (J. Davenport/E. Cooley) 1:05 Recorded live in Jackson, MS, June 8, 1975, Afternoon show TOTAL TIME 73:40 Update May 2. 2012
THE BICENTENNIAL KING VOL. 4 Introducing the fourth release on a label named MILLBRANCH MUSIC. Another complete performance by Elvis Presley in the year of 1976 out in May 2012, this will be a factory pressed CD limited to only 300 copies with an 8-page booklet containing lots of photos and an original 1976 Rochester, NY newspaper article with information regarding the Elvis concert at the Community War Memorial on July 26, 1976. The sound is very good for an audience recording and Elvis W W W. E LV I S U N L I M I T E D . C O M
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LISA MARIE PRESLEY
BY RIKKE FRIIS
I WON’T LIE. Lisa Marie’s former records have not been the ones most frequent on my CD-player or iTunes. When I first heard of this new – and then, coming – album from Lisa Marie, I didn’t think it would be for me. But as I had heard more and more about how this would be a very different album, I became intrigued. I didn’t exactly know in what way it was supposed to be “different”, so I was very open-minded, when I put the album on the first time and didn’t really know what to expect. I’ve had the album for a couple of days now and let me tell you what not to expect. Don’t expect an album filled with similar-sounding songs to her previous sound. And don’t expect a party-starter either. What you do get, however, is an album with a definite style, a recurrent feel, melodies and arrangements full of surprises and details, a deep and sultry voice, and beats and a rhythm that fit this voice perfectly. 26
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This new album has a really great feel. It speaks to me in a way that her previous music hasn’t. And this is also an album that grows with every listen. The lyrics speak bitterness, hopelessness and helplessness, but without really being gloomy and dark. The anger so apparent before seems to be gone. Instead you get a woman’s struggles while she goes through rough times. It’s as if you follow her journey through her struggles all the way through to the other side. Anyone going through hardship or who has come across to the other side would be able to relate to this album. The first song on the album is 1. Over Me The song has a great feel and an amazing beat. The chorus becomes more up-tempo and lighthearted, but without losing the cool rhythm. The lyrics tell the story about a lost love who has found someone new and better and how it hurts
to see that someone new doing a better job than you did yourself. I’ve seen that she likes to eat Whatever you make And how well she can bake that cake I wouldn’t bake What a breath of fresh air she is In my wake
“Over Me” is a really cool song and one of my favorites on the album. 2. You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet This was actually the very first song I heard from the album. It’s also the first single – I heard it a couple of times before the album was out. The first time I heard “You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet”, I liked it and didn’t like it at the same time, but I was fascinated by it and had to put it on again for a second listen. The second time I really liked it and since then it’s just been growing on me with every listen. There’s a great amount
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of self-knowledge in the lyrics and retaliation towards everyone who ever said anything bad about her. It’s almost as if there’s a slightly hidden threat all the way through the song. A kind of “don’t push me, or else…!”
5. So Long This song has a little more rock-feel to it, but still with the heavy southern roots style as the foundation. It’s a great song, but not one of my favorites on the album.
for herself and wonders why everything’s going wrong in her life – a place we’ve all been to some time or another.
You can think that I’m evil
Nothing’s more clear than goodbye
A backstabbing liar
And I’m off the rails
-----
Maybe in another life I was
You ain’t seen nothin’ yet
So long farewell, auf wiedersehen
a snake or vampire
That I’m a bit transgressive
Say nothing at all
And suppressive as well
If you’ve nothing nice to say
Somewhere along the line I must have been
You ain’t seen nothin’ yet
- Another personal favorite of mine on the album. 3. Weary This is a quieter song about letting someone go and forgiving each other. I love Lisa Marie’s almost whispering voice sometimes in this song.
6. Un-Break Another song with a rock-feel and a little more guitar in the front on this one. The lyrics show a different side to Lisa Marie compared to the other songs. She’s feeling sorry
7. Soften the Blows This one’s quiet and very beautiful. It’s all about the despair that everyone feels from time to time
I was your prescription then, But the bottle ran out ---Let’s forgive each other You can move on dear
4. Close to the Edge Another quiet and very evocative song about being helpless. About wanting to help a friend in need, but not knowing how. There there hey now, What’s that you’re talking about Your cup runneth over and out One too many cups around And you’re a mess, you want to confess ----You know it’s bad for you But you still want to do it anyway
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when the walls around you come tumbling down and the ground beneath your feet disappears. About having someone special there in those situations to make things easier for you.
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when you see things for what they are – you see yourself as others see you and you realize that you want to change for the better.
You blow me away
There was once a friend inside of me
This is as personal an album as I’ve ever come across. It’s a more mature album for Lisa Marie and it may well have a broader appeal than her previous sound. I think this is how she was meant to use her voice. This album belongs in any collection. It’s great to have in the background while reading, writing, cooking or talking over dinner. It’s also great to listen intently to for the great lyrics alone. It’s actually perfect to listen to in your car. If I had to put my finger on anything, I’d like her pronunciation to be a little clearer. – On the other hand, it just might be an important part of the sound and feel that I love so much about this album.
When a bold man’s afraid to be bold
But lately I see there’s an enemy
And a fish finds the water too cold
I fight, I kick, I yell, I scream
Where does he go
----And I want to find in me
8. Storm of Nails The melody has a laid back ambience and a country base. It’s very much back to basics – in a good way. The lyrics speak of retaliation and of being prepared for a storm. About having had enough and striking back in self-defense. And on the forecast for today A storm of nails headed your way ----What is it now, oh don’t say better get The hammer out today
9. How Do You Fly this Plane? This is a beautiful and evocative song. It’s soulful and has lyrics that can mean many things. For me, it’s about the bigger questions in life. It reminds me of her father’s own search for answers to similar questions. Questions for which, we rarely find the answer. There should be an answer For all of this my friend All your doubts and questions Are so appropriate
10. Forgiving The almost banjo-like sound that starts the song off and keeps lying in the background all throughout the song gives it a cool, different sound. The lyrics address the desire to change. That moment 28
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that I can still believe And be forgiving Yes, I want to be like you Can you teach me how to be forgiving
11. Storm & Grace The final song on the album also has a country-feel to it. It’s about the beauty of a person and the fascination with someone, but also about moving too fast ahead despite being blown away. How this fascination is also scary.
Your storm and your grace My heart can’t seem to take it Your storm and your grace
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ELVIS CHAMPIONSHIP Max. 6 competitors per country (Denmark, Sweden, Norway) To sign up you have to send in a link to a YouTube-video, where you sing and perform Elvis, to: info@gracelandranders.dk Deadline for sign-up is August 1st. Participant fee is 250 DKK All profit from this competition goes to the Circle G Foundation - a organisation that tries to save the Circle G Ranch.
October 13th-14th on Graceland Randers W W W. E LV I S U N L I M I T E D . C O M
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GOLD, PLATINUM & DIAMOND IN 2011 By Ann Borup Mortensen
IN 2011 Elvis Presley received Gold/ Platinum for no less than 12 releases! Elvis received three awards on April 1st, two awards on August 10th, one award on September 9th and six awards on September 15th. This is a chronological presentation of the winning releases – Enjoy! 1. Title: He Touched Me: Gospel Songs Of Elvis Presley, V. 2 Release date: November 1, 1999 Certification date: April 1, 2011 Label: Spring House Type: Standard Award description: 2.00 x Multi Platinum Format: Video, longform Category: Solo 2. Title: He Touched Me: Gospel Songs Of Elvis Presley, V. 2 Release date: November 1, 1999
Certification date: April 1, 2011 Label: Spring House Type: Standard Award description: Platinum Format: Video, longform Category: Solo 3: Title: He Touched Me: Gospel Songs Of Elvis Presley, V. 2 Release date: March 15, 1998 Certification date: April 1, 2011 Label: Spring House Type: Standard Award description: Platinum Format: Video, longform Category: Solo He Touched Me: The Gospel Music of Elvis Presley features more than 30 of Elvis' gospel recordings and neverbefore-seen footage. This 3-hour collection, filled with personal stories by those
who knew him well, goes behind the scenes of Elvis' career. Discover how Elvis was influenced by two of southern gospel music's premier quartets: The Statesmen and the Blackwood Brothers. Examine Elvis' 30-year friendship with gospel singer J.D. Sumner. Learn of the controversy surrounding his performance of "Peace in the Valley" on the Ed Sullivan Show. You'll see Elvis in a new light as you witness how deeply he was touched by gospel music. 4: Title: Elvis Release date: October 1, 1956 Certification date: August 10, 2011 Label: RCA Type: Standard Award description: Platinum Format: Album Category: Solo Elvis is the second album by Elvis Presley, released on RCA Victor in
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mono, LPM 1382, in October 1956. Recording sessions took place on September 1st, September 2nd, and September 3rd at Radio Recorders in Hollywood, with one track leftover from the sessions for Presley's debut album at RCA recording studios on January 30th in New York. It spent four weeks at #1 on the Billboard Top Pop Albums chart that year.
5: Title: Elvis Presley Release date: March 23, 1956 Certification date: August 10, 2011 Label: RCA Type: Standard Award description: Platinum Format: Album Category: Solo Elvis Presley (released in the UK as Elvis Presley Rock n' Roll) is the debut studio album by Elvis Presley. It 32
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was released on RCA Victor, in mono, catalogue number LPM 1254, in March 1956. The recording sessions took place on January 10th and January 11th at RCA recording studios in Nashville, Tennessee, and on January 30th and January 31st at RCA studios in New York. Additional material originated from sessions at Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, on July 5th, August 19th and September 10th of 1954, and on July 11th, 1955. The album spent ten weeks at #1 on the Billboard Top Pop Albums chart in 1956, the first rock and roll album ever to make it to the top of the charts. It also has the distinction of being the first million-selling rock and roll album. In 2003, it was ranked number 55 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. Elvis Presley was also one of two Presley's albums accoladed in the reference book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die, the other being Elvis is Back! 6: Title: Elvis Christmas Album Release date: November 1, 1970 Certification date: September 9, 2011 Label: RCA Camden & Pickwick Type: Standard Award description: 10.00 x Multi Platinum (Diamond!) Format: Album Category: Solo Elvis' Christmas Album is the fourth album by Elvis Presley on RCA Victor Records, LOC 1035, a deluxe limited edition, released in October 1957, and recorded at Radio Recorders in Hollywood. It has been reissued in numerous different formats since
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its first release. It spent four weeks at #1 on the Billboard Top Pop Albums chart, and was the first of two Christmas-themed albums Presley would record, the other being Elvis Sings The Wonderful World of Christmas, released in the early 1970s. According to the latest certifications by the Recording Industry Association of America, Elvis' Christmas Album has shipped at least 10 million copies in the United States (three million copies of the original 1957 release on RCA Victor Records, plus ten million copies of a "budget" edition first released by RCA Camden in 1970 and then by Pickwick Records in 1975). It is the first Presley title to attain Diamond certification by the RIAA, and is also the best-selling Christmas/holiday album of all time in the United States.
7: Title: I Got Lucky Release date: January 1, 1971 Certification date: September 15, 2011 Label: RCA Type: Standard Award description: Platinum Format: Album Category: Solo I Got Lucky is a compilation album by Elvis Presley. The album, released in
WE HAVE MANY INTERESTING ACTIVITIES COMING UP AT GRACELAND RANDERS. PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR ON THE FOLLOWING DAYS: JUNE 2012 4: Fan Club meeting in Randers 7:00-9:00 PM For members of The Official Danish Elvis Presley Fan Club. 5: Danish Constitution Day & Fathers’ Day We’re open as usual 9: Fan Club meeting in Ballerup 12:00-4:00 PM For members of The Official Danish Elvis Presley Fan Club. 23-24: ww2yanks 10am - 6pm Association for World War 2 enthusiasts, who will camp and show their equipment, vehicles, tents and so on, which they collect from the American side of the second world war. Outdoor event, free admittance
JULY 2012 4: Fan Club meeting in Randers 7:00-9:00 PM For members of The Official Danish Elvis Presley Fan Club. JULY 4 EVENT More info to come... AUGUST 2011 4: Fan Club meeting in Ballerup 12:00-4:00 PM For members of The Official Danish Elvis Presley Fan Club. 10-11: Randers Week Elvis Memorial Exhibit, Randers Mall Friday 10am – Saturday 4pm 13-15: Elvis Memorial Days 2012 Intimate concert with Linda Gail Lewis (sister of Jerry Lee Lewis)
SEPTEMBER 2011 1: Fan Club meeting in Ballerup 12:00-4:00 PM For members of The Official Danish Elvis Presley Fan Club. 4: Fan Club meeting in Randers 7:00-9:00 PM For members of The Official Danish Elvis Presley Fan Club. 8-9: Open House More info to come... 22: Good Rockin’ Tonite 2012 Donny Edwards + Special Guests TBA (Tickets are now available at www. vaerket.dk * phone: +45 8913 5110)
OCTOBER 2011 6: Fan Club meeting in Ballerup 12:00-4:00 PM For members of The Official Danish Elvis Presley Fan Club. 9: John Braad Talk/Lecture More info to come... 10: Fan Club meeting in Randers 7:00-9:00 PM For members of The Official Danish Elvis Presley Fan Club. 13-14: Scandinavian Elvis Championship 2012 Charity Event More info to come... 31.: Halloween More info to come...
NOVEMBER 2011 2: Mike Andersen Duo Blues at it’s best! 8pm - Tickets: DKK 100 Graceland Randers Webshop 3: Fan Club meeting in Ballerup 12:00-4:00 PM For members of The Official Danish Elvis Presley Fan Club. 5: Fan Club meeting in Randers 7:00-9:00 PM For members of The Official Danish Elvis Presley Fan Club. 24-25: Christmas Parties ‘12 Entertainment: Elvis On My Mind Book your table through Highway 51 Diner Phone (+45) 8642 9696 (press 3 for Diner) 29: Thanksgiving More info to come...
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1971, is a follow-up to the "C'mon Everybody" album as it features the remaining tracks from the soundtrack EP's (previously unissued on LP) of the same four films from the first compilation plus one non-movie/non-LP track. 8: Title: Elvis Christmas Release date: October 3, 2006 Certification date: September 15, 2011 Label: RCA Type: Standard Award description: Gold Format: Album Category: Solo Elvis Christmas is a CD collection featuring all of the tracks from Presley's 1957 Elvis' Christmas Album and his 1971 Elvis Sings the Wonderful World of Christmas.
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10: Title: The Very Best Of Love Release date: January 1, 2001 Certification date: September 15, 2011 Label: RCA Type: Standard Award description: Gold Format: Album Category: Solo Elvis: The Very Best of Love, a special collector’s edition tin, featuring 12 of Elvis’ most cherished ballads. Recreate romantic moments and make new ones with songs like “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” “Love Me Tender,” “One Night” and many more and enjoy bonuses like 5 Elvis-inspired greeting cards, a 32-page biographical booklet and “Elvis Through the Years,” a pictorial DVD featuring hundreds of candid photos of the King.
9: Title: Elvis Sings For Kids Release date: January 1, 1978 Certification date: September 15, 2011 Label: RCA Type: Standard Award description: Gold Format: Album Category: Solo This release presents ten basic Elvis numbers under the auspices of music for kids. Nothing here is inappropriate for young ears. Includes Presley's version of "Old MacDonald" (from the MGM picture Double Trouble), which is effective as a sing-along, and Loving You's "(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear," which is still a great song. But it's not likely that Elvis had kids in mind when he originally sang it. 34
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11: Title: Mahalo From Elvis Release date: January 1, 1978 Certification date: September 12, 2011 Label: RCA Type: Standard Award description: Gold Format: Album Category: Solo
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Mahalo From Elvis is a compilation album by Elvis Presley released posthumously in 1978. Side one consists of five previously unissued tracks Presley recorded in Honolulu on January 14, 1973 for inclusion in the U.S.-version of the live concert TV special Aloha from Hawaii (these tracks are not considered "live" recordings, however, as no audience was present). The recording of No More, however, was not used in the special. All songs on side two were previously issued recordings originating from various Presley movie soundtracks in the 1960s.
12: Title: Elvis In Person Release date: November 1, 1970 Certification date: September 15, 2011 Label: RCA Type: Standard Award description: Platinum Format: Album Category: Solo Elvis In Person is a Double CD FTD Special Edition in the FTD Classic Album Series and includes bonus songs recorded live in Las Vegas in August 1969 plus disc 2 is the complete show from August 22nd, 1969 (dinner show), mixed and mastered by Vic Anesini.
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be very interesting for Elvis fans when it comes to movies. Four movies, connected to Elvis in some way, are in production or on the drawing board. Since Elvis died in 1977 several TV movies, documentaries and TV series about the life of Elvis have been broadcast. He has also been a part of the storyline in a few feature films such as ”3000 Miles To Graceland” and ”Forrest Gump”, but these will be the first feature films about Elvis, not containing any kind of documentary parts. The four movies to come are on separate levels of the production phase, which is the reason that the amount of information about each movie varies. Below you will find an overview of the information available at this point:
Production Credits Director - Mike Newell Movie script - John Fusco Movie script - Jim Uhls, Tom Rickman Producer - Leonardo DiCaprio Producers - Steve Tisch, Gary Goodman, Barry Rosen, David Fanning, Jonathan Taplin, Steve Bing Co-Producer - Jerry Schilling Based on a book by - Peter Guralnick Study directors - Carla Hacken Tecnical adviser - Colonel Tom Parker Company Information Fox 2000 - Studio Steve Tisch Company – Production company Goodman/Rosen Productions – Production company Shangri-La Entertainment Production company Release date– TBA
Last Train To Memphis This movie is based on Peter Guralnick’s amazing and detailed book of the same name. The book – and soon the movie – deals with the early years of Elvis’ life from his birth in Tupelo in 1935 to the early military period. Many people think that this book is one of the best about Elvis, including myself, and I personally look forward to watching the finished movie. John Fusco (”Young Guns”) has rewritten the script for Fox 2000. The movie has been on its way for more than a decade and according to the information we have been able to dig up, the preliminary phase has been in close cooperation with Colonel Tom Parker as technical adviser and Jerry Schilling as co-producer. According to the New York Times, Leonardo DeCaprio is producing it, so the movie will no doubt catch some media attention. This will be an international cinema movie and I look forward to the publication of the cast.
John Fusco (movie script): His movies includes Crossroads, Young Guns, Young Guns II, Thunderheart, Hidalgo, and the Oscar-nominated Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron. Mike Newell (director): Among others his movies includes The Man in the Iron Mask, Dance with a Stranger, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Donnie Brasco, Mona Lisa Smile, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Leonardo DiCaprio (producer): Among others he has produced Red Riding Hood, The Aviator, The Assassination of Richard Nixon. His acting career counts: Titanic, The Beach, The Aviator, The Departed, Gangs of New York, Inception Jerry Schilling (co-producer): He was a part of ”The Memphis Mafia”. For a short period he was the manager of The Beach Boys and Lisa Marie Presley. He co-edited "Elvis On Tour" with Martin Scorsese.
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Elvis & Nixon Michael Benaroya (”Margin Call”) finances and produces this project, which portrays the legendary meeting between the former president Richard Nixon and Elvis Presley, which took place in the White House on December 21st, 1970. The movie is recorded in Shreveport, Louisiana and Los Angeles and stars Luke Wilson and Kevin Connolly among others. Luke Wilson plays Sonny West. The movie is an indie-production, so it will be shown in (some) American cinemas. But without a large production company behind it, it is still unknown whether or not the movie will be shown in European cinemas. It is not the first time that the famous meeting is being made into a movie. In 1997 a TV production by the name ”Elvis Meets Nixon” was broadcast – a so-called mockumentary (a feature film and documentary in one). This time it’s a feature film that’s going to try to capture the essence of this meeting. The leading character, Eric Bana, is an Australian actor whose previous roles include ”Black Hawk Down”, ”Hulk”, ”Troy”, ”Munich” and ”Star Trek”. Cast Elvis - Eric Bana Nixon - Danny Huston Sonny West - Luke Wilson Ronnie, limo driver - Kevin Connolly Joey Sagal, Hanala Sagal Production Credits Director - Cary Elwes Movie script - Cary Elwes Producer - Eric Bana Producer - Michael Benaroya Producer - Holly Wiersma Movie script - Joey Sagal, Hanala Sagal Movie script - Hanala Sagal Company Information
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Benaroya Pictures – Production company Pick Up Truck Pictures – Production company Release date – TBA
Michael Benaroya (producer): He has worked with actors such as Scarlett Johansson, Kevin Spacey, Bruce Willis and Natalie Portman. Luke Wilson (plays Sonny West): He has participated in Scream 2, Charlie's Angels, Rushmore, Legally Blonde Eric Bana (plays Elvis): He has participated in Black Hawk Down, Hulk, Troy, Munich, Star Trek Cary Elwes (director and movie script): Previous projects: Days of Thunder, Robin Hood: Men in Tights, New Year's Eve Fame & Fortune This movie is based on the 2007-book, ”Still Taking Care of Business” by Sonny West. The director John Scheinfeld (”The U.S. vs. John Lennon”) has stated, that he would like to find an unknown actor for the role as Elvis. In a previous interview John Scheinfeld has said about Elvis: ”What do you do, when your dreams have come true at the age of 20?”. His wish for the movie is to draw the Elvis-portrayals away from their usual sensationalistic and caricature-like versions and show Elvis as the complex, threedimensional human being that he was. Furthermore, he wants to emphasize Elvis’ remarkable achievements without making excuses for the man. The chief producer is Todd Slater who was also on the producer team for the movie “Ray” about the life of Ray Charles, starring Jamie Foxx. The movie won 42 awards, including 2 Oscars, and was nominated for another 40 awards. 38
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Synopsis: When Sonny West meets Elvis Presley his life changes forever. It is a huge opportunity for a poor southern boy and he rides along on the “Elviswave”. He parties with movie stars and musicians, has long weekends in Vegas, spends time with The Beatles and Nixon, and experiments with psychedelic highs. Sonny’s efforts to protect the life of the idol become more and more difficult, when Elvis is confronted with frustrations and disappointments because of his playing the same roles in the same mediocre movies, because of his no longer being the inspirational source in the music industry and because of his loosing the women he truly loves. Elvis looks for answers to his spiritual questions and is longing to contribute more to the world. When Elvis is in his 30s his use of prescribed drugs becomes an abuse. When Sonny tries everything he can to help Elvis back on track, he is fired with just 3 days’ severance pay. The choices Sonny make afterwards to help his beloved friend has consequences that still haunt Sonny to this day.
Todd Slater (producer): Previous productions: Todd was on the producer list in the movie ”Ray”.
The Identical The last movie is not about Elvis directly, but is centers around an Elvis imitator. According to The Hollywood Reporter ”The Identical” is an indie-production with a budget on $3 million. The surprising part about this project is that it focuses on Elvis’ love of Gospel music and his religious roots. The leading role is played by none other than Ryan Pelton, whom we had the pleasure of experiencing in Denmark in February this year on The Elvis Forever Tour with Kraig Parker and Charles Stone. At the time being we do not know much about the project and Ryan won’t talk! The movie is supposed to contain approved Elvis music, both covers and originals. Ryan says: ”It is very exiting and uplifting. I am humble to be involved in this project. It is going to be very special." Cast Elvis imitator – Ryan Pelton
Cast: TBA
Production Credits
Production Credits
Movie script – Howie Klausner
Director - John Scheinfeld
(”Space Cowboys”)
Movie script - Cindy Friedlander
Producer - Michael Benaroya
Producer - Todd Slater (“Ray”)
Company Information
Producer - Ricki Friedlander
City Of Peace – Production company
Producer - Cindy Friedlander
Release date – TBA
Movie script - Michael Schlau
TV or cinema – TBA
Movie script - Sonny West
Ryan Pelton (Elvis imitator/leading
Based on a book by – Sonny West
role): Ryan Pelton is an international,
Company Information
award-winning Elvis Tribute Artist
RLF Victor Productions Ltd. – Production company The Gersh Agency Release date – TBA, scheduled for 2012 John Scheinfeld (director): Previous work: ”The U.S. vs. John Lennon”
NOTE: After this article was written, there’s been a development: Eric Bana is not playing Elvis in the movie ”Elvis & Nixon” after all. Bana says: ”I was attached for a while, but I’m no longer attached to the project”
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AUGUST 13-15 2012
WE REMEMBER ELVIS WITH INTIMATE CONCERTS IN WORLD-CLASS! LINDA GAIL LEWIS (JERRY LEE LEWIS’ SISTER) W/ ANNIE MARIE DOLAN (CHOIR) AND MORTEN KJELDSEN (ACOUSTIC GUITAR)
CONCERT IS FREE WITH MUSEUM TICKET WWW.GRACELANDRANDERS.DK 40
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