Early May 2002
- Bobbed Britannica says a little bit about a lot
By ART GOLAB
(Chicago Sun-Times, May 13, 2002)
Elvis is in it, but Civil War photographer Matthew Brady isn't in the new Britannica Concise Encyclopedia, most of which is drawn from the 32-volume Encyclopaedia Britannica. Boiling down the 70,000-plus articles in the larger work into the 28,000 entries in its little brother took a staff of Chicago editors and writers two years. ... Another tough task was choosing which of the 25,000 personalities from the 32-volume set would make the cut in the one-volume edition. So out went the lesser popes and minor philosophers. Despite the paring, the Concise Encyclopedia still adds up to 2,000 pages. The move is part of the once-struggling Chicago publishing company's effort to expand beyond its famous multivolume encyclopedia. "We're trying to take all the information we've got and turn it into as many different kinds of products as possible," Britannica spokesman Tom Panelas said.
- Bruce Campbell Is 'Charmed' Into Doing a Favor
By Kate O'Hare
(Zap2It, May 13, 2002)
In Hollywood, it's good to have friends. Bruce Campbell can currently be seen on the big screen in "Spider-Man," directed by his longtime friend Sam Raimi, with whom Campbell worked on the "Evil Dead" trilogy of movies. ... He also can be seen in a couple of upcoming films, "Serving Sara," with Matthew Perry and Elizabeth Hurley, due out in August, and the low-budget "Bubba Ho-Tep." "I play Elvis Presley at 68 years old in an East Texas rest home," says Campbell about "Bubba." "There's me and Ossie Davis in that movie. It's a redemptive Elvis story. He saves the rest home from a mummy that sucks the souls out of the old people."
- Tennessee: Memphis awash in events fit for the King
By Audra D.S. Burch
(Seattle Times, May 12, 2002)
It won't be long now, the townsfolk say, before Elvis returns, thousandsfold. Teenage Elvis. Middle-aged Elvis. Short-haired and shaggy Elvis. Svelte and sloppy Elvis. White, black, Asian Elvis (they love him in Japan). Elvis with the kitschy Hawaiian shirts. Elvis in the trademark sequined bell-bottomed jumpsuits. It won't be long now before every Elvis imaginable will descend upon, make a pilgrimage to, vacation at, this Southern city to celebrate the life of a hip-swiveling country boy with a penchant for fried-peanut-butter-and-banana sandwiches and music with universal appeal. T
The enduring fascination with Elvis Presley the rocker, the movie star and the man peaks with Elvis Presley Week, (Aug. 10-18), an annual celebration of his life and his inextricable link to Memphis, where he first made music. It's been a quarter-century since Elvis' last day on Earth (from a technical standpoint, of course), 25 years - longer than his entire entertainment career. Because so much of pop culture is measured in numbers, this is a big deal, the time that Elvis fans worldwide will mark the big two-five, making the trek here if for no other reason than to say, "I was in Memphis on the 25th anniversary." Predictions range from 50,000 to 100,000 (depending on which Elvis expert you talk to).
Events include: happening along Beale Street; gospel choirs performing his greatest religious songs at a three-seating brunch at Elvis Presley's Memphis Restaurant downtown; fashion shows; more parties; even more impersonators; fan-club presidents' convention; serious discussions for Elvis academics, about the King, his career and legacy; a candlelight vigil; tours of Graceland. Other places to visit are Sun Studios, the Rock 'N Soul Museum, Isaac Hayes' new restaurant, Tupelo, and Circle G Ranch.
- FBI veteran taking charge in troubled capital office
By Sam Stanton
(Sacramento Bee, May 12, 2002)
The one time FBI agent Mike Mason thought he'd have to shoot somebody, he was squared off with a suicidal Elvis impersonator brandishing a gun in a Sears parking lot. "I was prepared to do what I had to do," Mason said, "but all I was thinking at the time was, 'Don't make me do this.' " Elvis gave up without a shot.
- In 1956, Elvis played twin shows in Twin Cities: Two for the show
By Kevin Frazzini
(Star Tribune, May 12, 2002)
Elvis Presley was anything but cruel to his fans in the Twin Cities. On this day in 1956, he played two shows, one in the afternoon at the St. Paul Auditorium and one in the evening at the Minneapolis Auditorium. Presley posed for pictures and talked to reporters before the St. Paul show. "He didn't look nearly so tortured or pouty as he does in most published photographs," wrote Minneapolis Morning Tribune columnist Will Jones. Teenage girls made up most of Presley's St. Paul audience. The King "vibrated his hips so much, and the 3,000 customers squealed so insistently at the vibrations, it was impossible to hear him sing," Jones wrote. "None of the smitten seemed to care."
- Looking for Elvis ...
(Post South, May 11, 2002)
As we approach the 25th anniversary of the death of Elvis Presley, POST/SOUTH wants to know some of the best memories of "The King of Rock-n-Roll". In particular, we're looking for those who remember Presley's 1955 performance at The Casino, an old Plaquemine nightclub. We also want to hear from those who make treks to Graceland, members of the various fan clubs, people who may have attended his funeral, and those who have collections of Elvis memorabilia. Those with stories or memorabilia on "The King" can share their stories in one of several ways: by mailing them to Elvis Story, C/O POST/SOUTH, P.O. Box 589, Plaquemine, La., 70765-05689; faxing them to 687-1814 or by e-mail at psnews@eatel.net.
- Arsenal presented with Premiership trophy
(ITV, May 11, 2002)
Arsenal have been presented with the [British] Premiership trophy at a packed Highbury as Thierry Henry's brace against Everton was enough to give him the top flight's Golden Boot Award. ... The Arsenal players, led by Adams, with Fredrik Ljungberg sporting an Elvis wig, took part in a lap of honour.
- Playhouse rocks with Birdie memories
By ANITA DONOVAN
(Bucks County Courier Times, May 9, 2002)
When swivel-hipped rock star Elvis Presley interrupted his career in 1958 to serve in the U.S. Army for two years, America's teen-agers sank into despondency, especially the female contingent. For writer Michael Stewart, composer Charles Strouse and lyricist Lee Adams, it was a perfect opportunity to concoct a musical comedy that played off the rock 'n' roll phenomenon and the older generation's apprehensive reaction to it. Thus "Bye Bye Birdie" was born in 1960, with direction and choreography by Gower Champion, and won four Tony awards. After transformation in 1963 into a film with Dick Van Dyke, Janet Leigh and Ann-Margret, it has become a staple of regional, school and community theaters. ... "Bye Bye Birdie" is a perfect show for the Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, where the lively singing and dancing troupe is only marginally older than the majority of the show's cast. ... "Bye Bye Birdie" continues through Sunday at the Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope. Performances are tonight through Saturday at 8 p.m. with matinees at 11 a.m. today, 4 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.
- Steve Martin play to be film (3rd item)
(CNN / Reuters, May 9, 2002)
Ryan Phillippe, Kevin Kline, Steve Martin and Juliette Binoche will co-star in "Picasso at the Lapin Agile," a feature based on Martin's play of the same title, Variety reports. The independently financed picture will begin shooting next February with Fred Schepisi ("The Last Orders") directing from his own adaptation. Winner of the 1996 New York Outer Critics' Circle Awards for best play and best playwright, "Picasso" is a comedy set in a bar in 1904 Paris. Twenty-somethings Pablo Picasso and Albert Einstein, both on the verge of greatness, argue about life, art, science and lust. Rupturing the space/time continuum, young Elvis joins them and the three experience the magic of forever altering the future.
- The cult of Elvis
By Peter Robinson
(Canberra Times, May 9, 2002, Times Out section, p. 1-3)
Elvis has transcended rock stardom - and become a near deity. ... Somewhere in Canberra, probably dominating a living room, stands a two-metre resin cast statue of Elvis preserved in his youthful beauty. ... Readers seeking guidance or merely wanting to discover the true nature of Elvis have two immediate choices. First, enrol in the "Elvis Presley as a 20th Century Phenomenon" with the University of the Third Age. Second, attend Elvis at the Canberra Theatre next Sunday where Elvis's buddy, Joe Esposito, will answer any questions while Mick Gerace gyrates his pelvis and sings in the Elvisian way to the accompaniment of a 16-piece band. ... In Esposito's view, Elvis "couldn't handle the fame. He was naive [and] not street smart. He'd been protected by his mother. We all tried to help him. He didn't like losing challenges. He didn't like growing old ... he never talked about his problems. But he'd help you with your problems."
- Elvis Presley Songwriter Otis Blackwell Returned To Sender By Heart Attack
(Allstar, May 8, 2002)
An apparent heart attack on Monday (May 6) claimed the life of Otis Blackwell, the legendary songwriter whose songs and style shaped the sound of Elvis Presley. Blackwell not only wrote "Don't Be Cruel," "Return to Sender," "All Shook Up," and "One Broken Heart for Sale" for Presley, but the singer also closely copied Blackwell's singing on the demos.
- Queen still reign supreme
By KRISSY STORAR
(The Sun, May 8, 2002)
QUEEN'S epic No1 smash Bohemian Rhapsody was yesterday named the greatest ever single. The 1975 classic beat John Lennonšs Imagine into second in a poll to find the UK's favourite 100 tunes. The Beatles' Hey Jude was third. And the Fab Four had three other Top Ten entries - Penny Lane/Strawberry Fields Forever at No 7, Yesterday at No 9 and Let It Be at No10. Incredibly, the Spice Girls debut single Wannabe came in at No 8. The Top 100 was compiled by the Guinness World Records British Hit Singles Book from a poll of 31,000 pop fans. ... But the number of hits from old-timers like Elvis, the Stones and the Beach Boys prove parents and grandparents also voiced their opinions. The top 100 singles "of all time" voted for by pop fans are listed.
- Queen in Rhapsody over hit award
(CNN, May 8, 2002)
British rock band Queen's enduring hit "Bohemian Rhapsody" has been named the nation's favourite single of all time. The song beat John Lennon's "Imagine" to claim the top slot in a poll organised by the Guinness World Records British Hit Singles book. Queen guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor were presented with an award by British Hit Singles book editor David Roberts at London's Dominion Theatre on Wednesday. Half the top 10 is by Lennon and The Beatles, whose high entries are "Hey Jude," "Penny Lane/Strawberry Fields Forever," "Yesterday" and "Let It Be." American acts also feature, including three entries by Elvis Presley ("Suspicious Minds," at 14, "Heartbreak Hotel," 48, and "Jailhouse Rock," 94), two by Michael Jackson ("Billie Jean," 15, and "Thriller," 26), and The Eagles' "Hotel California," at 17.
- Hanging with Elvis, Amory Lovins and Maggie Thatcher
By Brent Gardner-Smith
(Aspen Times, May 7, 2002, p. 23)
Sometimes, when we scan a media database for mentions of Aspen [Colorado], we need to admit our ignorance and call out the local historians. Who knew, for example, that Elvis used to hang in Aspen? We found the following nugget in the Advertiser, an Australian newspaper that ran a story by Patrick McDonald on Sunday, May 4, (they are a day ahead) about the late Elvis Presley's friend and road manager, Joe Esposito. He met Elvis in 1959 and was there when Elvis died in 1977. The article notes that "Elvis was famous for giving away cars and handing out $100 notes to people on the street. His generosity extended to buying Esposito and his then-wife a Californian house. However, Esposito's favorite memories of Elvis were the quiet times spent with small groups on holidays in Hawaii or Aspen. 'I feel very honoured that I was able to do that with him because not many people spent time with him like that,' he says." OK, we want pictures of The King in Fat City. Whose got 'em?
- Fond look at Elvis, the friend and the legend
By Sean Cadd
(Belconnen Chronicle, May 7, 2002, p. 23)
From the moment Joe Esposito met Elvis Presley while serving in the United States Army in 1959, he knew he had found a friend for life. ... In his first visit to Australia, Esposito will discuss Elvis' life and legacy at the Canberra Theatre on Sunday, May 12, featuring alongside Mick Gerace and his 14-piece band. Widely considered the most credible and informed Elvis source, Esposito will answer questions from the audience regarding the good times and the bad, the music, women, and films, and those dark later days preceding Elvis' death. ... "From the inside looking out everyone around Elvis never realised the effect he had on people's lives. New Elvis fans emerge every day; there was something about him that will never happen again."
- Songwriter who penned Elvis hits dies at 70
(Nando Times / Associated Press, May 7, 2002)
Otis Blackwell, who wrote dozens of hit songs including "Don't Be Cruel" and "All Shook Up" for Elvis Presley, died Monday of a heart attack. He was 70. Blackwell wrote more than 1,000 songs that were recorded by performers suchas Ray Charles, Billy Joel, The Who James Taylor, Otis Redding, Peggy Lee and Jerry Lee Lewis. Some of Blackwell's other credits include "Great Balls of Fire" and "Breathless," both recorded by Lewis; "Handy Man" by Taylor; "Fever" by Lee; "Daddy Rolling Stone" by The Who; and "Return to Sender" and "All Shook Up," each recorded by Presley.
- Peace is at hand: The Nixon daughters, feuding over their father's library, finally patch things up
By Margaret Carlson
(CNN, May 6, 2002)
The closeness of Nixon sisters Tricia and Julie has been strained this spring, as a battle over how to spend a $19 million bequest from Nixon crony Bebe Rebozo turned into a nasty lawsuit pitting one sister against the other. The rift began in 1997 as Tricia and Julie argued over how the Richard Nixon presidential library should be run. ... Ah, the poor Richard Nixon library -- literally. Because the National Archives by court order still controls Nixon's papers, it is a stepchild among presidential libraries, the only one among the 12 that has to cobble together its $2 million operating budget each year (the others each get $5.5 million in federal funds annually). Although the Nixon library holds 200 seminars and ceremonies a year, Tricia's lawyer says it has become a "theme park," with its peddling of Nixon-and-Elvis T shirts and its use for proms, bar mitzvahs and weddings. "Impress your guests," one ad says, "by serving a state dinner prepared by a chef to five Presidents." A bride wanting that Rose Garden glow can Rent-A-Gazebo, the same one beneath which Tricia said, "I do," to Edward Cox, the New York lawyer who many think is behind Tricia's efforts.
- George Sidney, 'Mr. MGM' musical director, dead
(CNN, May 6, 2002)
George Sidney, who directed dozens of musicals when the genre was at its peak and presided over Hollywood's directors guild for 16 years, died Sunday at age 85. Sidney was a widely admired and influential director during his many years in show business. He directed a string of hits for MGM in the 1940s and 1950s, including "Ziegfeld Follies" (1946), "Annie Get Your Gun" (1950), "Show Boat" (1951) and "Kiss Me Kate" (1953). "He was Mr. MGM, he just plain was," said actor and longtime friend Robert Stack, 83. ... In the 1950s, Sidney left MGM to work as an independent producer for Columbia, directing "Pal Joey" with Frank Sinatra and Rita Hayworth; "Bye Bye Birdie" with Janet Leigh, Van Dyke and Ann-Margret; and "Viva Las Vegas" with Elvis Presley.
- Boxing: Count me out
By Bert Randolph Sugar
(Sunday Herald (Scotland), May 6, 2002)
Well-known sportswriter Bert Randolph Sugar has no desire to see the Mike Tyson-Lennox Lewis fight on June 8 in Memphis. He is boycotting the match because Mike Tyson has demeaned the sport by not upholding or adhering to its rules and regulations. "If I feel an urgent desire on that weekend of June 8 to visit the home of Elvis, I'll immediately decamp to Liverpool to visit the home of Elvis Costello rather than to Memphis to see Presley's Graceland. At least that way I won't have to put up with the antics of Tyson and his flying circus. Memphis can have 'em."
- Postcard from Tupelo
(ABC: The World Today, May 6, 2002)
Some people maintain to this day that an event on an August day 25 years ago did not occur - the man known simply as The King moved to another firmament. We are talking about the death of Elvis Presley. At Graceland in Memphis Tennesee, the Elvis industry is gearing up for some very hot August days as people come to wonder and pay respects on the 25th anniversary. But the real fans will be heading away out of town to Tupelo, a tiny dot on the map two hours drive from Memphis. A town that claims Elvis as its own.
- All shook up down in Memphis
By Andra Burch
(Sun-Herald, May 5, 2002, p. 22)
Elvis left the building 25 years ago, and all roads lead to Memphis this August to celebrate his life. Won't be long now, the townsfolk say, before Elvis returns, a thousandfold. ... It's been a quarter-century since Elvis died - longer than his entire entertainment career. Elvis fans worldwide will make the big two-five, making the trek if for no other reason than to say: "I was in Memphis on the 25th anniversary". And this year, the celebration is going to be even bigger than other years. ... [The many attractions are described] ... Soon the true Elvis fan will be able to round out the trip with a visit to his ranch in nearby Walls, Mississippi. Elvis bought the ranch in 1967 and named it The Circle G Ranch. It now features several fan attractions, including Priscilla Presley's honeymoon house, Elvis's barbecue pit and horse stables. The plan is to develop the ranch into a resort late this year for Elvis enthusiasts offering the ultimate Elvis experience: living with the King 24 hours a day.
- Original Ike
(Radio National Breakfast, May 3, 2002 7:55am)
The world's most passionate Rock'n'Rollers should hit the Internet this weekend, to get their hands on what some experts believe is the first-ever rock song! Intriguingly, it's not a tune by Elvis Presley, Eddie Cochrane or even Jerry Lee Lewis. Apparently a 1951 recording by Ike Turner bears this distinction, a little-known classic, "Rocket 88". Mastronet, an on-line auction site based in Illinois, is selling the acetates of the recording. It suggests that buying this little piece of musical memorablia's a great way to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the birth of rock. But it's a celebration that probably won't come cheap.
- Eminem parodies bin Laden (5th item)
(CNN / Associated Press, May 3, 2002)
Eminem's latest video includes a scene where the rapper dresses up as Osama bin Laden. The video shows suspected terrorist bin Laden as an old-school hip-hop rapper who busts into MC Hammer-like dance moves. Eminem is also shown as an overweight Elvis sitting on a toilet and in bed with porn stars in the video for his new single "Without Me". MTV's Making the Video show premiered the video on Wednesday. Eminem's video also parodies several TV shows including Survivor and Sally Jessy Raphael.
- Take note -- music may help some kids learn
BY ANDREW HERRMANN
(Chicago Sun-Times, May 3, 2002)
Ever since Elvis -- or at least since Led Zeppelin -- parents have been pestering kids to stop listening to music while doing homework. Don't be cruel, moms and dads. Music may actually be helping the kids learn. In a survey of teens and tunes, USA Weekend magazine found that music continues to be an integral part of the lives of many young Americans. About 60,000 students responded, including about 900 from the Chicago area. About 79 percent of respondents said rock -- or, more specifically, rap or hip-hop -- is the soundtrack to their chores, 73 percent listen while on the computer, a third while eating at home, and 72 percent while doing their homework.
- [Interview with Joe Esposito]
(Prime Television, May 3, 2002, 8.50 am)
Joe Esposito, on tour in Australia, was interviewed about his association with Elvis. He talked about how they first met, their close relationship, and what it was like working for Elvis. Joe mentioned Elvis' warm smile, his generosity, and the wild times they had a as bunch of young men. It was Joe who arranged introductions to young ladies for Elvis and he was one of two bestmen at Elvis' wedding to Priscilla. They also talked briefly about Elvis' later problems.
- "Call for Pop Icons and Elvis Art"
(absolutearts.com, May 1, 2002)
Artists are invited to enter "Visions of Elvis, and other Pop Cultural Icons of the 50's, 60's and 70's", an international, all media, un-juried exhibition to take place July 26 through August 26, 2002, being sponsored by Gallery 218 / Walker's Point Artists Association, Inc., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. The exhibit is open to all professional artists throughout the world,18 years or older. The Deadline for delivery of work at the gallery is June 15, 2002. Any media may be entered. Video or film artists must provide their own viewing equipment. Entry Fee is US $35 for two pieces under 4x4ft. each additional piece is $10. Fee for work 4x4 ft.and larger is $35 with limit to one per show. All 2D work must be framed and wired for hanging. No clip frames or screw eyes. All 3D work must have their own black or white pedestal. Shipped works must be in sturdy, reusable cartons. Please use bubble wrap, not peanuts, plus a wooden or cardboard box. All shipping costs, including insurance, is the responsibility of the artist. "Elvis and other Pop Icons..." will open on "Gallery Night", July 26, 2002, 7-10pm, featuring a LIVE Elvis Performance by the LV James Show, along with a special guest performer, as well as a People's choice award. Visitors are encouraged to wear their Pop Icon inspired attire and populux foods will be served. A prospectus (required) is available at Gallery 218, 218 South 2nd Street, Milwaukee WI. 53204 or email info@gallery218.com, or print out an entry form from the website: www.gallery218.com/Elvis.
- 'American Bandstand' celebrates 50 years
(CNN, May 1, 2002)
American Bandstand's 50th ... A Celebration!" airs 8-10 p.m. Friday. Kiss is one of the bands performing on the special, which mixes numbers from an anniversary concert filmed in April with old clips. Others seen in concert include Michael Jackson, Cher, Alanis Morissette, Brandy, Stevie Wonder, Babyface and KC & The Sunshine Band. In another reminder of the musical diversity "Bandstand" offered, the finale has Little Richard leading an unlikely crew -- including Sheila E and Mick Fleetwood -- on the rock 'n' roll classic "Good Golly, Miss Molly." The show, which paid scale to all performers, missed out on just a handful of big names including the Beatles and Elvis Presley. "I'm not going to let you work for $155," Presley manager Col. Tom Parker told his client.
Go to Late April 2002
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