early June 2008
- He Wrote the Songs: Songwriter Sid Tepper wrote 45 songs for Elvis, and hundreds more for other artists
By Ben Torter
(miamisunpost.com, June 12, 2008)
Sid Tepper: Unless you¹re talking about Irving Berlin or Rodgers and Hammerstein, songwriters generally don't have household names. Take Sid Tepper, who wrote more than 300 songs recorded by some of the greatest artists of all time, including 45 hits for Elvis Presley. Only the most obsessive fans have ever heard of the guy. Now, he's getting some of his due.
The town of Surfside recognized Tepper, a resident there from 1970 until 2004, for his extraordinary songwriting career on Tuesday evening and proclaimed June 25 - his 90th birthday - Sid Tepper Day. Town officials also plan to create Surfside¹s version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and award Tepper a star.
"Maybe in the downtown business district along the sidewalk, or in the new community center," said Vice Mayor Marc Imberman. Nobel Prize-winning author Isaac Bashevis Singer, author Syd Hoff and Channel 7 anchor Belkys Nerey could also have their names inscribed on the sidewalk. Miami Beach Commissioner Ed Tobin also showed up at the meeting Tuesday to make a declaration of his own: The Miami Beach City Commission designated June 11 as Sid Tepper Day.
... The competition was fierce, but the duo¹s earlier successes eventually caught the attention of Elvis Presley's people. After that, the two were in for the ride of their lives. "You knew when you wrote a song for an Elvis Presley movie it was guaranteed to sell a million copies," Tepper said. In January 2002, record company BMG International released a compilation of 52 songs that Tepper wrote and Elvis sang. The double CD, Elvis Sings Sid Tepper & Roy Bennett, quickly became a collector's item with only 250,000 printed.
... That same month, Lisa Marie Presley and the staff of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc., recognized him for his contributions to Elvis' career at a ceremony in Memphis. Tears welled in the corners of his eyes last week as Tepper sang along with his CD player. "I used to be a wannabe singer, so sometimes I'd do the demos we sent to Elvis," Tepper said.
He sounded like a professional, snapping his fingers and singing along in perfect tempo and harmony to such classics as "Lonesome Cowboy," "New Orleans," "G.I. Blues," "Hawaiian Sunset," "Song of the Shrimp" and "Just for Old Time Sake," a ballad he said Elvis loved even though it never became a big hit.
Tepper smiled, reminiscing about Elvis unbelievable singing ability that ran the gamut from blues to ballads. Something many people don't know, Tepper said, is that Elvis couldn't read music or play an instrument. But he didn't need to. [Not true - Elvis played piano and organ, also some guitar - Ed.]
"We'd send him the demo and he'd listen to it twice and be ready to go like he'd sung it his whole life," Tepper said. "My favorite singer was Frank Sinatra, but he wasn't nearly as multifaceted as Elvis." Sinatra was difficult to work with - a professional stickler, Tepper recalled.
- Return of the King
By WES HELBLING
(Bastrop Daily Enterprise, June 12, 2008, first published May 31, 2008)
In February 1955, Elvis Presley was a relative newcomer to the popular music scene who burned up stages at West Monroe High School and Bastrop's own South Side Elementary School. Fifty-three years later, the King of Rock is set to return to northeastern Louisiana in the person of Shea Arender, professional Elvis tribute artist who grew up in the area.
Arender will perform his Elvis tribute June 7 at the historic Fiske Theatre in Oak Grove, accompanied by special guest Gerald Lewis, cousin of Jerry Lee Lewis. A portion of the proceeds from this "Legendary Night of Music" will benefit the 5th District American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
So how does one become a successful Elvis tribute artist? Arender broke into it at the age of 12 when he performed on the Commodore Cruise Line of New Orleans. "Elvis was always a big inspiration to me," said Arender. "His movies and music were clean fun for a child growing up in the '80s. Elvis had his own style that intrigued me from the very first sound, when my mother brought me Elvis' Golden Records at the age of seven."
Arender was also inspired by Anita Wood Brewer, who seriously dated Elvis for several years and later married NFL personality Johnny Brewer. "Anita Wood Brewer was the mother of my sister in law," said Arender. "When I was growing up, she told me a story that she recalled when Elvis was leaving for the Army. She was right there crying with his mom and dad when he left. "Elvis picked out a song for her when he was over in Germany in 1958-60, and it was the song 'Soldier Boy.' That song meant more to Anita than any song he recorded because it was directed to her. From time to time when I see her, I sing it for her and she just smiles at me."
Arender has a degree in international business and is also educated in music theory, vocalization, song writing and Classical forms. "I do a little international business import and export, but I mainly perform all year. If I'm not on the road as the King, I'm writing and recording my own material. I often play rhythm guitar at my concerts, and I play around on drums." Arender has taken his love for music all over the world. He has found there are Elvis fans in such diverse places as Italy, Brazil and Puerto Rico. Everywhere he goes, the audiences are all shook up.
"I sing Elvis songs as is, and even if the audience can't speak English very well, they still seem to shout out his song lyrics. Elvis appeals internationally because unlike America, they still put Elvis stuff in the mainstream media. For example, even though he's dead, he had his 21st number one hit in England last year."
Arender said his favorite Elvis era to perform is that of the King's televised 1968 Comeback Special. "That show originally was seen by more than 75 million people when it aired. But I perform more of the 1970s Vegas-style stuff because most people relate to it more. "My costumes are original replicas of Elvis's suits. Elvis is perceived to be this big, tall person. But our sizes are almost the same, according to what B&K Enterprises (Costume Co.) told me the last time I made an order."
Arender notes a distinction between being an Elvis impersonator and a tribute artist: He is the latter. "I won a grand championship in Miami in 2002, but I no longer compete as an impersonator," said Arender. "I'm actually a tribute artist, meaning that my show is Elvis influenced, not Elvis copied. My versions of songs may vary in form from his."
Arender has recorded an Elvis tribute album, "American Trilogy," and plans to do shows in Branson, Atlantic City and Las Vegas after his concert here.
"Oak Grove is a neat, historical town and I have a few family roots in it. So I got with Commander Tommy Shoemaker, director of the Northeast Louisiana War Veterans Home, about the concert. He loved the idea. So a portion of this money will help fund some of their activities, not to mention the concert is free for an organized group from District 5, including towns like Tallulah, Delhi, Rayville, Oak Grove and parts of Monroe.
"We were wanting some gospel music at the show because Oak Grove is a very Christian-focused community. So Gerald Lewis is a blessing to have with us. He will handle the gospel part of the show and play piano like crazy for you."
Asked why he thinks the legacy of Elvis continues to endure, Arender offered the following reflection.
"Elvis is the biggest selling artist of all time. He is the only artist in the history of music to chart hits in every country worldwide. His sound was so diverse, as he recorded in country, rock, jazz, blues, Dixieland and gospel.
"With Elvis there was something for everybody. And he also broke down racial barriers. He was loved by people of all races -- and all ages. Even children are fascinated by his costumes and his stage presence. "God has blessed our tribute," said Arender. "We have met some wonderful people on our journey."
To learn more about Shea Arender, visit his Web site at sheaaselvis.com. "A Legendary Night of Music" will begin at 7 p.m. June 7 at the Fiske Theatre in Oak Grove. Tickets are $10 apiece and may be purchased by calling 318.341.1697 or by e-mail at madisonparish911@bellsouth.net.
- Elvis 4 disc box set to be released
By Music-News.com
(undercover.com.au, June 11, 2008)
August 2008 will be a red letter month for fans of Elvis Presley. Amazingly it will be 40 years since the King of Rock 'n' Roll took to the stage in what became a milestone in televised musical performances and a career highlight, the infamous '68 Comeback Special. To honour this very special occasion, Sony BMG Music Entertainment will release the 'Complete '68 Comeback Special' 4 CD box set, featuring the whole story from the rehearsals to the finished show, out-takes and rarely-heard gems, packaged in both deluxe and standard versions.
During a career of invention and re-invention the '68 Comeback Special is THE pivotal performance of Elvis' career. He was back from the movie career that had kept him away from the live arena throughout most of the 60's and what's more he looked and sounded amazing. This 4 disc box set will feature over 103 songs including 'That's All Right', 'Heartbreak Hotel', 'One Night', 'Love Me' and 'Are You Lonesome Tonight?', all recorded at NBC's Burbank Studios for a TV special which captured the 'Guitar Man' at his captivating best. ...
- Gospel concert brings end to Tupelo Elvis Presley Festival
By JEFF CLARK / Monroe Journal
(Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, June 9, 2008)
Although he may be remembered as the "King of Rock 'n' Roll," Tupelo native Elvis Presley was passionate about southern gospel music, and organizers make sure that love is a part of the yearly festival.
The Tupelo Elvis Presley Festival concluded Sunday with a gospel concert in memory of its native son and his love for sacred music. A large crowd filled the First United Methodist Church Sanctuary on Sunday afternoon to enjoy the sounds of The Foyer Boyz, The Landmarks and the Stamps Quartet.
The event was sponsored by Renasant Bank of Tupelo.
After a set by Tupelo's Foyer Boyz and The Landmarks of New Albany, the Stamps Quartet entertained the crowd. Originally formed in 1924, the Stamps Quartet was the last gospel band to record with Presley before his death. The quartet, led by J.D. Sumner, recorded and toured with Presley from 1971 until 1977. Ed Enoch is the only member of the group left with ties to Presley. "We didn't come here to make Elvis a martyr, we are here because Elvis loved the Lord," Enoch said. "I miss Elvis. It seems like many of my friends are gone nowadays, but I'm going to keep on singing until the Lord calls me home."
The group sang many of Presley's personal favorites, Enoch said, as well as gospel songs like "He Touched Me," which Presley recorded. "We were at Graceland one night and it was very cold and we went and started singing and we must have sang 'He Touched Me' about 20 times," Enoch said.
"We started singing with Elvis in 1971, and we are honored to have been a part of this celebration in Tupelo. It was a great thing for us to have done," Enoch said.
According to festival Director Debbie Brangenberg, Sunday's concert was a special event for Presely¹s fans. "This was a great event and a wonderful way to close out the weekend," Brangenberg said. "The close friendship between Elvis and Ed Enoch, who was one of Elvis' favorite singers, played a major roll in the concert. Ed shared stories and anecdotes about Elvis and it was a truly special occasion for Elvis fans." Brangenberg stated the gospel concert would continue to be part of the festival in 2009.
- Pair of parades, pets included, mark Elvis Fest
By JEFF CLARK / Monroe Journal
(Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, June 8, 2008)
Clear skies and warm weather proved to be ideal conditions for the Tupelo Elvis Presley Festival Parade Saturday morning. The third annual event began at Church Street School and ended on Main Street in front of the Fairpark complex. The event's organizer, Neal McCoy, said the parade was well-attended. "We are very happy with this year's parade," McCoy said. "We had approximately 25 entries and there was a good crowd on Main Street. All of the Elvis impersonators rode in the parade in different classic cars and we had several floats and marchers. We are pleased with the turnout."
Also on Saturday, the seventh annual pet parade barked its way along North Spring Street.
..."The parade is sponsored by Sunshine Mills and the proceeds go to the Tupelo-Lee Humane Society. ...The humane society does a great job, and Pet parade winners
- Would-be sexy show about a schlocky time
By Jonathon Storm
(Philadelphia Inquirer, June 5, 2008)
"If I wind up broke, well, I'll always remember that I had me a swinging time." - Elvis Presley ...
- Swedish authorities pull plug on female Elvis
By Lester Haines
(Yahoo! News UK / Technology News, June 5, 2008)
A Stockholm couple is battling the tax authorities for the right to call their five-month-old daughter Elvis, The Local reports. The girl's mum, Linda, explained: "We talked about lots of names and then Elvis popped up. We thought it was a name that was both pretty and gender-neutral. We're not Elvis Presley fans at all."
The powers that be are having none of it, though. They declared: "It is the National Tax Board's view that Elvis is a first name of a masculine type and as such may, in light of standard practice, be considered clearly inappropriate as a first name for a woman."
The unfortunate nipper's mother has vowed to battle on and to "continue calling her daughter Elvis whatever the eventual outcome" of an appeal. The Local notes that another Swedish couple, who last year locked horns with the tax authority over their daughter's proposed name, eventually prevailed and will now have to answer to young Metallica when she's old enough to realise just how daft her mum and dad are.
Regular readers will, of course, know that silly name syndrome is not restricted to Sweden. We last year noted the case of NZ sprog "4Real", and the Belgian authorities' clampdown on "Megane". In Venezuela, meanwhile, inventive parents are doubtless awaiting the outcome of a proposed bill aimed at protecting young 'uns from "names that expose them to ridicule, are extravagant or difficult to pronounce". A trawl of the country's electoral rolls revealed titles such as Edigaith, Hersony, Nohemar, Mileidy and Leomar, as well as two Supermen.
- 'New' Elvis Presley single released
(United Press International, June 3, 2008)
Elvis Presley's song "Baby Let's Play House," remixed by Italy's D.J. Spankox, was released digitally as a new single Tuesday. A special limited-edition CD single of the remix will also be available exclusively at Graceland in Memphis and online at shopelvis.com. This is the third Elvis Presley remix to be commercially released by SONY BMG in cooperation with Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc. following the hits "A Little Less Conversation" in 2002 and "Rubberneckin'" in 2003.
"Anytime Elvis' master recordings are altered, we take a special interest to make sure the new sound is the right sound. Elvis was a pioneer who broke the mold and a barrier with his music, this remix does just that with a fresh approach to an Elvis classic," Jack Soden, CEO of Elvis Presley Enterprises, said in a statement.
Presley originally recorded "Baby Let's Play House" in April of 1955 at Sun Studio in Memphis. "I fell in love with this song, mostly because of Elvis' superior voice and the song's title, not really thinking about the true meaning behind the lyrics, but rather how the title 'Baby Let's Play House' relates to the music genre I play as DJ, house music," Spankox added.
- Chicago singer-guitarist gave rock 'n' roll its beat in the '50s
By GREG KOT
(freep.com / CHICAGO TRIBUNE, June 3, 2008)
Bo Diddley, who died Monday at age 79 in Florida, was as essential to the creation of rock 'n' roll as Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley and Little Richard, though he seldom got the credit or the accolades that were showered on his better-known peers. ... He was a hardscrabble visionary from the streets of Chicago's South Side who had to fight for everything he got. He created rock 'n' roll's essential rhythm, pioneered an approach to electric guitar playing that was at least a decade ahead of its time, and developed a vocal style and stage persona that influenced everyone from Elvis to Chuck D. ...
- Elvis Presley backup singer dies at 78 in Atlanta
(USA Today / Associated Press, June 2, 2008)
... one of Elvis Presley's backup singers has died in Atlanta. Hugh Jarrett was 78. ... Jarrett had lived in the Atlanta area since the 1960s after a music career in Los Angeles and Nashville, Tennessee. From 1954-58 he provided vocal backing to Presley as bass singer in The Jordanaires. He also sang on Presley's first tour after his military service ended in 1960. ... He also appeared in several Presley movies.
- 'I wish I'd been a bad girl'
(Guardian, June 2, 2008)
She was the gogo-booted sex bomb who lit up a whole era. On the 10th anniversary of her father's death, Nancy Sinatra talks sex, men and marriage with John Patterson. ... For a while, she was a ubiquitous presence in a cultural scene that now seems to have toppled straight out of an Austin Powers movie. She sang the theme song for You Only Live Twice. She co-starred in Speedway with Elvis Presley, whom she'd nervously picked up from the airport when he arrived back in Hollywood from the army, en route to a Frank Sinatra TV special ("I was like every girl my age - head over heels in love!"). ...
- Postcard from Tennessee
By Marjie Lambert
(Miami Herald, June 1, 2008)
I was introduced to rock 'n' roll by the Beatles, and like most youth, believed that nothing of importance could have happened before my own moment of discovery. So it was years before I came to appreciate Elvis Presley as a pioneer. And it wasn't until 1994 that I came to Graceland to pay my respects.
Elvis bought the Memphis house in 1957 for $100,000 for him and his parents. He was 22. He died there 20 years later and is buried in the Meditation Garden, his grave marked by an eternal flame.
There's lots of rock 'n' roll history on display at Graceland: Elvis' guitar collection, his gold and platinum records, the gaudy jumpsuits and other costumes he wore on stage.
And even though parts of the house are off-limits, including Elvis' bedroom and Lisa Marie's nursery, it's a surprisingly intimate tour. It's a snapshot of Elvis' taste at a time when he could afford whatever decor he wanted -- and what he wanted included green shag carpet on the ceiling of one room, an elaborate starburst of chintz -- or was it calico? -- on the ceiling of another, a waterfall, ceramic monkeys, mirrored walls and a fur-covered bed.
The tour ends in the Meditation Garden. Year-round, fans leave flowers here, but in August, at the anniversary of his death, it becomes the focal point of the Elvis Week candlelight vigil.
I skipped the tours of Presley's auto collection and his two airplanes. I'd paid my respects to the rock 'n' roll Elvis and inadvertently to the decorator Elvis. I didn't need to check out the car-collector Elvis.
- Elvis Tribute Museum open at Bearcreek
(STAR PRESS, June 1, 2008)
The Elvis Extravaganza Tribute Museum will open its doors at Bearcreek Farms, 8339 E. Jay County Road 400-E, on Saturday, June 7, and remain in operation through October. Bearcreek's annual Elvis Weekend -- featuring music, a classic car show, food, vendors and an Elvis impersonator contest -- will also be held next weekend.
The museum is "an eclectic mix of items from clothing and jewelry to furniture, musical instruments and more," according to a press release. Included will be furniture from the Jungle Room at Graceland, Elvis Presley's mansion in Memphis, Tenn. An exhibit will also pay tribute to Bob McVay, an Elvis impersonator from East Central Indiana.
Next Saturday's impersonator contest begins at 3:30 p.m. ...
Information: Call (260) 997-6822 and go online to www.bearcreekfarms.com
- MTV Carpet: Nipple Slips, Childbirth, Diarrhea & Elvis
By Marc Malkin
(Yahoo! News / E! Online, June 1, 2008)
... Chris Brown makes a special stop because he's gotta talk to my pal Michael Yo from Yo on E! Brown reveals he wrote his girlfriend Rihanna's new song "Disturbia." Meanwhile, Brown tells me he'd love to star in a remake of an Elvis Presley flick. Huh? We know Brown performed "Jailhouse Rock" at Movies Rock in December, but... "You been asked to star in an Elvis flick?" I ask. "I can't do Elvis," he says with a laugh, "'cause I'm a little different color. But I could do my own version. I'd love to." ...
- Season revs up with Elvis, bikers: Lake George festival underway; Americade rolls in next week
By LINDSEY HOLLENBAUGH
(Times Union, June 1, 2008)
A warm breeze lapped the clean blue water of Lake George into soft waves against the wooden docks earlier this week. The sound was the only interruption to a quiet weekday morning here.
That didn't last for long. About 10,000 hip-shaking Elvis Presley fans rocked into town for Thursday's Elvis Festival opener and 50,000 roaring motorcycles will roll into town early next week for Americade. Though the unofficial start to the lake's summer season arrives with these events, the disruptions are nothing new to residents of this Adirondack town.
Summer resident Don Montana stops to watch two swans dip into the calm lake for their morning baths. Montana is enjoying the last few hours of quiet. "On one level it's fun," said Montana of the invasion of Elvis look-a-likes and chrome-plated two-wheelers. "And on another level we stay away, we don't go into the village when it gets busy." ... Souvenir shops line Canada Street pedaling Elvis night lights and motorcycle picture frames. ... Fans of the King come from all over the country this weekend when they'll watch more than 60 Elvis impersonators, purchase memorabilia and visit with old friends. By the time the weekend closes, the exhaust pipes of Americade will be filling Canada Street.
... To watch a video of tribute artists from the Lake George Elvis Festival, go to timesunion.com
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