Late August 2004
- Tributes, tunes and tourist money-spinner
By Kirsti Adair
(Daily Post, August 31, 2004)
MORE than 300,000 music lovers from all over the world packed Liverpool city centre this weekend as hundreds of bands paid tribute to The Beatles. ... This year's festival featured bands from as far away as Japan and Brazil. It celebrated the Sounds of Memphis to tie in with the 50th anniversary of Elvis Presley's first record, That's All Right. ...
- $23 Million ARAMARK Plant Brings 350 Jobs to Former Site of International Amphitheatre
(PR Newswire, August 31, 2004)
Mayor Richard M. Daley joined community leaders and company officials today in opening ARAMARK Uniform and Career Apparel's $23 million state-of-the-art laundry facility at 4200 S. Halsted St. on the site of the former International Amphitheatre. The 125,000-square-foot plant, ARAMARK's largest in the United States, employs approximately 350 people. ... The International Amphitheatre was built in 1934 as a showcase for the nearby Union Stock Yards. It hosted the annual International Livestock Exposition and was the scene of five national political conventions, as well as concerts by entertainers including Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and The Beatles. ...
- Invasion of wrinkly rockers
By PETER HOLMES
(news.com.au, August 29, 2004)
ROCK fans will have some tough choices this summer as a string of big name "wrinkle rock" performers strut their stuff on Australian stages. Acts on tour include The Eagles, Neil Diamond, Rod Stewart, Natalie Cole, Elvis Costello, Elvis Presley's TCB Band, George Benson, The Stranglers, and Tom Jones who will team up with John Farnham. Veteran music promoter Michael Chugg has warned that the entertainment dollar would run out well before the end of summer and that it could be a financial "bloodbath" for promoters. ...
- Velvet Elvis to rock house this evening
By Craig Astwood
(azcentral.com, August 28, 2004)
Members of Chalmers Green, Haggis and Ghetto Cowgirl have joined forces with a former Gin Blossom to form a rock outfit called Velvet Elvis. ...
- Rogers, 'larger-than-life kind of guy' - A Life Remembered
By PAUL CRAIG
(Arizona Republic, August 27, 2004)
Family members say Bruce Rogers was a James Dean-like figure before there was James Dean. Unfortunately, Rogers, of Roseburg, wouldn't have cared for that comparison. He wasn't much for television, celebrity and especially rock 'n' roll. Rogers went against the norm in a lot of ways and combined his wily sense of humor with a stubborn stance.
Luckily, no one compared him to Elvis Presley. "He just couldn't believe that people would listen to that guy," said Sam Rogers, his son. ... It wasn't until last May that cancer finally got the best of him. He died from the disease May 18 at 76 years old. ... He called rock music "rat-a-tat-tat" or "bubblegum." The main catalysts were, not necessarily in order, Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley and Elvis Presley impersonators. "He thought rock 'n' roll destroyed the music world," Sam Rogers said. ...
- Bike jackets, Mexican art at museum
By Ernest McIntyre
(Arizona Republic, August 27, 2004)
The Phoenix Art Museum's collections have been growing since it was founded in 1959. Featured exhibits: ... Tour the leathery exhibition of motorcycle jackets currently on view. Thanks to Marlon Brando's jacketed appearance in the movie The Wild One, the body-protecting uniform of bikers has gone high fashion. Chanel's Karl Lagerfeld has a couture version on display; Graceland sent over one that belonged to Elvis; and there's even a custom creation that belonged to Cher. ...
- Treglias entertain Gadabouts
(Herald-Star, August 28, 2004)
Richard Treglia and his son provided entertainment at the Gadabouts August meeting held at Lenora's Cafe and Pub with 92 in attendance.
Treglia sang Dean Martin and Elvis Presley songs. ...
- Business honors family's golden anniversary
By Lee Bonorden
(Austin Daily Herald, August 28, 2004)
How big was the Trimble Cycle Center golden anniversary last Saturday? Answer: Elvis was there. ...
- Ticket sales down for Elvis Presley Festival: 2005 may be last for Tupelo event
(Hattiesburg American / Associated Press, August 27, 2004)
Ticket sales were disappointing this year and 2005 could be the last year for the Elvis Presley Festival, organizers say. The Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association has reported a loss of $5,465 for the 2004 festival held in June. This is the second consecutive year the event has lost money, organizers said during a meeting with local officials earlier this week. In 2003, the festival lost $2,642. "We can break even or make a little money, but we can't keep losing money," said Jim High, assistant director of Main Street. Officials with the Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau say they cut total contributions to the festival from $100,000 in 2003 to $50,000 in 2004.
- THE MAGIC OF ELVIS' MUSIC IS BACK!!! (The Story Continues...)
(PR Web, August 26, 2004)
Elvis Fans from accross the Globe are ecstatic about Elvis' "Hit Making Team" teaming up with singer John Krondes to make new music. Kismet summons Presley music entourage and fans alike to historical new music project!
Los Angeles/New York (FSA News) - Yes it's true! Many Elvis fans the world over are ecstatic about Elvis' "Hit Making Team" reuniting and teaming up with singer John Krondes to make new music. The Jordanaires, the TCB Band, the Sweet Inspirations, Elvis' writers, engineers, producers and other noted musicians and arrangers are back in action, creating historical "original" new music in the studios of Nashville, New York, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. ... John Krondes and the Jordanaires are receiving great acclaim and radio play on their first single, "The End". It's available at amazon.com and other music vendors. ...
- Obituary: Isidro Lopez, Legendary populariser of Tejano music
By Garth Cartwright
(The Guardian, August 25, 2004)
The singer and bandleader Isidro Lopez, who has died aged 75, was a legendary figure in the Mexican-American community. He helped pioneer the genre known as Tejano music, his contributions making him the local equivalent of Elvis Presley in rock'n'roll and Bill Monroe in bluegrass. Tejano is Spanish for Texan, and some Mexican-Americans describe themselves as Tejanos. The music Lopez played was described as Tejano because of his ability to mix traditional Mexican music with elements of pop, rock and country. ...
- The wonder of Elvis, the ex-Belfast postman
By Gail Walker
(Belfast Telegraph, August 25, 2004)
He's rated as one of the best in the world - and there are 35,000 of them. No matter how much Jim Brown tries to dress down in jeans and sweatshirt, his hair is an instant giveaway. Jet black with a high front quiff, set off by substantial sideburns, this is undeniably the Elvis look. Or the Uncle Andy look.
But it's also an occupational hazard for Brown, who has spent the past seven years impersonating The King. Since he was plucked from obscurity, signed up and sent out on the road, the 36-year-old Belfast man has become one of the best-rated 'Elvises' in the world - and, for the record, there are about 35,000 of them. Indeed his story is so remarkable that Hollywood has expressed an interest in turning it into a film. The title? Viva West Belfast. ...
- Man behind Elvis catchphrase dies
(The Australian, August 24, 2004)
THE Elvis Presley concert announcer who made famous the phrase "Elvis has left the building" has died of injuries from a car accident in the US. Al Dvorin was 81. Todd Morgan, a spokesman at the Presley home in Graceland, said he had no information about the accident except that Mr Dvorin was in a car with longtime Elvis photographer, Ed Bonja. Mr Dvorin had earlier appeared at the Trump 29 Casino in Coachella, California, with "American Trilogy", a concert by Elvis impersonator Paul Casey that included conversations with Mr Dvorin and other Presley friends.
The phrase that Mr Dvorin made his signature was first uttered by other announcers early in Presley's career. It was intended to disperse audiences who lingered at performance venues hoping for an Elvis encore. ... Mr Dvorin's version was captured on many official recordings of live performances ...
- Loyal fan amasses Elvis Presley items
By Shari Sanger
(The Record Herald, August 23, 2004)
Bobbi Turner loves Elvis Presley to pieces. Almost 1,000 of them to be exact. That's how many items are in the Tomstown resident's collection of Elvis memorabilia, which she started in 1970 at the age of 4 when she saw Elvis movies on TV and got her first album for Christmas. Turner has idolized the 'King of Rock 'n' Roll' since that time, watching his movies on television and imitating his dance moves. ... Turner returned home last Monday from her second trip to Graceland, Elvis' home in Memphis, Tenn. Her first trip there was with her husband, Gary, last July. But this visit to Graceland, she said, was different. It was during Elvis Week, which is held each August to commemorate his death, Aug. 16, 1977. The area, as usual, was filled with impersonators and everyone was wearing their Elvis garb, but it also featured a candlelight vigil. An estimated 8,000 people turned out for the event. ...
- Young Cordova runner a competitor
(Commercial Appeal, August 22, 2004)
The race including some fast-moving Elviis lookalikes, a platoon of chanting soldiers, several stroller-pushing parents and a few thousand recreational runners. It was the 22nd annual Elvis Presley 5K Fun Run benefiting United Cerebral Palsy. The event's diverse participants ranged from spectacularly athletic to some spectacularly Elvis runners wearing jumpsuits, capes, sunglasses and sideburns. ...
- A gala in Vernon and Gladys style: Home puts the royal 'E' in East Memphis
By Bonnie Brantley
(Commercial Appeal, August 22, 2004)
When Elvis Presley's former East Memphis home at 1034 Audubon Drive became available in 1998, Cindy Hazen and husband Mike Freeman were ecstatic. "We immediately bought it. We wanted to preserve an important part of history," said Hazen. "And the house has never been updated." The public had a chance to tour the home last weekend at the fifth annual Audubon Drive Pool Party.
According to Mike Freeman, who was leading the tours, the Presleys bought the house in March 1956 and sold it one year later. "But it was during these 13 months that Elvis became famous," said Freeman. Original flooring, walls, lighting fixtures, and mirrors make the house seem like it's still 1956. Not only that, but Freeman and Hazen have matched furniture, appliances, and wallpaper from old photos of the Presleys taken in the house. ... Most of the pictures came from books and fans. "Fans have been really supportive in helping us preserve the house," said Hazen, wearing a dress from the 1950s that she called her Gladys attire.
After touring the house, guests had a chance to swim, eat barbecue and watch Memphis Bop Club members dance. There was also a performance by Elvis impersonator Jamie Aaron Kelley. Special guests included Elvis's karate training partner Wayne Carman; karate trainer Al Holcomb; former girlfriend Sherry Williams; former Graceland neighbor Sara Erwin and former Graceland employee Patsy Anderson. There were also authors of books about Elvis on hand to sign copies.
About 200 people attended, said Hazen. "Quite a few local, but also people from all over the world," she said. ... >As for the former Presley home, Freeman and Hazen said, "We want to stay as long as we can. Besides it being Elvis's home, it's a wonderful area and we have great neighbors."
- VFW post pays own tribute to Elvis in name
By June Robertson
(Commercial Appeal, August 22, 2004)
During last year's Elvis Tribute Week, Ted Harris, a singer/songwriter from Georgia and a lifelong Elvis fan (he remembers watching the '68 comeback special on television even though he was only 3 years old), thought he would like to do something different to honor Memphis's most famous resident.
A Marine Corps and Navy veteran with 22 years of service, Harris is proud that Elvis Presley served in the armed forces and is impressed with the way he conducted himself during the two years he spent in the Army, refusing all special treatment offered to him.
"He just wanted to be one of the guys, a regular soldier and I don't think that at the time his service was as appreciated as it should have been, nor has it really been acknowledged since," said Harris. "When Elvis passed away, I understand there was a military honor guard standing by his coffin at the visitation but he should have had a full veteran's funeral service, he earned it."
As Whitehaven VFW Post 4935 junior vice commander, Harris received no opposition when he decided to pitch the idea to the almost 300 members to rename the post the Elvis Presley Whitehaven Memorial 4935. The result was a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1 p.m. on Aug. 7 attended by Elvis's first drummer, the legendary D.J. Fontana. Harris's own newly formed band, The EP Express, gave a show at 3 to continue the daylong dedication. The 10-member band of seasoned and talented musicians includes Harris's wife, Cathy, who is a veteran of 21 years. Harris hopes to bring in new and younger veterans as members, and the public is also welcome.
"Elvis Presley was a great patriot who gave unselfishly to his country and the world," said Harris. "This is giving him a little bit back, we are proud to do this for him." Planned as a further tribute, Harris wants the members of Post 4935 to present Lisa Marie Presley and Graceland with an American flag on March 24, the anniversary of Elvis's induction into the Army.
- Billboard salutes Elvis Presley's 50th anniversary
By Linda Lam
(Billboard, August 22, 2004)
The Billboard Information Group salutes Elvis Presley and the 50th anniversary of rock'n'roll, with a special report in the Billboard September 18th issue. The issue is available on newsstands September 10th when the content also will also be posted on www.billboard.com. Fans can also purchase the Elvis Presley special issue online at www.orderbillboard.com, or order by phone (800)745-8922 (in the U.S.), (815) 734-1244 (International).
"Elvis: 50 Years of Rock 'n'Roll" reports on the enduring impact of the king of rock'n'roll, 50 years after the recording of his first hit, "That's All Right," at Sun Studios in Memphis in 1954. Earlier this year, the Recording Industry Assn. of America confirmed that Presley is the best-selling solo artist in U.S. history.
The Billboard report is scheduled to feature:
- An introductory essay on Presley's ongoing cultural significance, written by veteran music journalist Wayne Robins.
- A comprehensive overview of the campaign by Presley's record company to introduce his music to a new generation through hit albums such as "Elvis: 30 #1 Hits" and the recent release of expanded DVD versions of "Elvis: '68 Comeback Special" and" Elvis, Aloha From Hawaii."
- An exclusive Q&A interview with Jack Soden, president of Elvis Presley Enterprises, on keeping Presley's legacy alive -- including news of the upcoming TV and book project, tentatively titled "Presley By The Presleys."
- A look back at that Sun Studios recording session in July 1954 which help launch rock'n'roll, with comments from Presley's guitarist, Scotty Moore.
- An exclusive recap of every No. 1 single Presley recorded on the Billboard charts.
"At the heart of it all," says Jack Soden, "is always the power of the music."
VNU is a global information and media company with leading market positions and recognized brands in marketing information (ACNielsen), media measurement and information (Nielsen Media Research), business information (Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, Computing, Intermediair) and directory publishing (Golden Pages).
- Hits keep on coming for Schilling, Red Sox: Bats back up ace in 10-1 win
By Jeff Horrigan
(Boston Herald, August 21, 2004)
CHICAGO - On Elvis Night at U.S. Cellular Field, Curt Schilling proved to be The King. On an evening meant to honor the man with 52 No. 1 hits, Schilling dredged up memories of Dexy's Midnight Runners, Chumbawumba and Right Said Fred because he allowed only three forgettable hits in seven dominant innings to lead the Red Sox to a convincing 10-1 victory over the White Sox. With dozens of faux Elvi of all ages, shapes and forms roaming the stands and entertaining between innings to commemorate the 27th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death (actually Aug. 16, 1977), Schilling (15-6) showed just when the heartaches begin by toying with the White Sox en route to his 11th win in his last 14 decisions. He struck out six batters and allowed only one runner to advance past first base in seven scoreless frames. ...
- The wonder of Elvis
By Noel McAdam
(Belfast Telegraph, August 20, 2004)
A group of Elvis fans gathered in Comber this week to mark 27 years since the King's passing. Less memorial service than party, the event, in Noel Spence's private cinema, featured the recently re-edited concert movie That's the Way It Is, as well as raising money for charity.
The revelation that Elvis has now spent more time in the record charts than on earth only serves to underline the cultural icon he has become. It's a strategy continually underpinned by his record company, who handle Presley much better in death than in life. Their now cleverly-themed annual marketing campaigns have Elvis making more comebacks than Frank Sinatra.
Thus the wonders of technology in lively re-mixes of Presley tracks best known to fans - A Little Less Conversation and Rubberneckin' - have shown there is still life even if the King is dead. A few weeks back, for example, he was back in the Top Five because of the 40th anniversary of his first single That's Alright Mama - which never even charted in the first place. And there are plans for a massive Elvisthon next year, 70 years after his birth.
For fans, the ultimate 'comeback' has just been issued on DVD; the raw, complete and unedited footage from Presley's 1968 television show, actually called the 'Comeback Special'. Containing more than three hours of previously unseen material, it shows a patient, consummate, natural performer who gave it his all when he could be bothered to care enough.
Presley has never been seen as a perfectionist - one gospel album, His Hand In Mine, was recorded in a single night - but now we know different. There's a record label, called Follow That Dream, after one of his middling mid-60s movies and hits, which is not exactly official and not exactly bootleg either. Its growing catalogue of excellent releases shows the extent of Presley's involvement as his own producer and how he had only himself to rely on a lot of the time.
Elvis nostalgia show, The Elvis Spectacular, starring Jim Brown, recreates the Las Vegas lounge shows at the Waterfront Hall next Friday, August 27. Tickets £17.50, & 9033 4455.
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