Early December 2004
- THE KING IS DEAD! LONG LIVE THE KING!
By Bruce Fessier
(nme.com December 14, 2004)
ELVIS PRESLEY is set to posthumously take over the UK charts next year as all of his previous 18 Number One singles will be re-released over four months to mark his 70th birthday.
The first track, 'All Shook Up',will appear on January 3, five days before what would have been The King's 70th birthday. But it isn't eligible for chart entry as it is a limited edition release. However, Presley's second Number One 'Jailhouse Rock' will be released on the same day and Sony BMG are hoping it will head a charge up the charts. All releases will released as a CD and on 10'' vinyl, all packaged with original artwork.
"This will be the first time one artist will release this number of chart singles consecutively in such a short space of time, potentially having 17 hit singles in four months", said label Marketing Director Darren Henderson.
"It will make UK singles chart history and is a phenomenal testament to the staying power of Elvis Presley."
The label are hoping to set a world record for the most consecutive hit singles for any artist in one year. There is also an added incentive for would-be buyers. Just seven of the 17 eligible tracks have to chart in the Top 20 for Elvis to overtake Cliff Richard as the artist with the highest number of Top 20 entries in British chart history. Elvis currently has 60 to Cliff's 66.
- Desert nightclub rocker Craig Eaton dies at 51
By Bruce Fessier
(The Desert Sun December 14, 2004)
Craig Eaton's Elvis Presley-like snarl and Jerry Lee Lewis-type piano playing made him one of the Coachella Valley's most popular nightclub performers. But friends remember him first as a great human being. ...
- 1073rd will be home for Christmas
By S. Michael Manley
(The Daily News December 14, 2004)
Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and Elvis Presley all have sung "I'll Be Home for Christmas." The 200-plus members of the Greenville-based Michigan National Guard 1073rd Maintenance Company now are doing the same. Families officially learned Monday the troops will be coming home for 10 days during the holidays, provided they first pass certification for duty in Iraq. ... Retired Sgt. Buck Rush of Greenville said this is just the boost the troops will need before heading overseas for a 12-month stint in Fallujah, Iraq. ...
- How dead celebs gained a livelihood
By Peter Carlson
(Seattle Times / Washington Post December 12, 2004)
Lawyers are frequently mocked - and with good reason - as shysters, sophists and pettifoggers. So it is refreshing indeed to read Los Angeles magazine's celebration of two lawyers who worked tirelessly to win justice for an exploited minority group. The lawyers are Roger Richman and Mark Roesler. The exploited group is dead celebrities.
Until Richman and Roesler began their crusade of scorched-earth litigation, dead celebrities had no rights at all. Any sleazy huckster could use any dead celeb's picture to sell any kind of cheesy crapola - and many sleazy hustlers did just that. They sold Marilyn Monroe toilet paper and James Dean condoms and cans allegedly filled with Elvis Presley's sweat, labeled "May His Perspiration Be Your Inspiration."
It was tacky. It was tasteless. And, worst of all, it wasn't making a nickel for the celebrities' heirs - or their lawyers. Richman and Roesler thought this an outrage, an injustice and, incidentally, a potential source of big bucks. And so - as Tamar Brott tells the story in a hilarious article - they battled to make life better for dead celebrities. ...
- Elvis phenomenon hasn't left the building yet
By HEARNE CHRISTOPHER JR.
(Kansas City Star December 12, 2004)
All Elvis, all of the time. That's still the mantra in Memphis, Tenn., at Graceland, worldwide headquarters of all things Elvis. It's also where former Kansas Citian Jack Soden continues his 20-year-plus stewardship of the King of Rock 'n' Roll's modern-day legacy. "Everything's just going great," Soden reports. Starting with the all-Elvis music channel on Sirius satellite radio network. "They initiated the conversation about an all-Elvis channel, and we loved the idea," Soden says. "It started July 7. They built a broadcast studio at the visitor center for Graceland, and there's a live DJ in there 24 hours a day." It's a nice schmooze for tourists and is commercial-free for Sirius subscribers, Soden notes.
If all Elvis sounds a bit much, consider this.
"I look to the analogy of cable TV," Soden says. "I'm sure there are people who have 150 channels but only watch one, but most people flip around. And for listeners who want a little bit of Elvis, it's always there. Elvis is the only one who has his own channel. XM has Frank and friends, but that includes his friends."
There's even redemption for those burned out on the likes of "Hound Dog" and "Blue Suede Shoes." "You know, Elvis recorded 750 songs, and there aren't many artists who would have a catalog to support an entire station," Soden says. "But let's face it, some of Elvis' standards pop up on other channels. But with the Elvis channel, they get this real mix. Needless to say Elvis was compelled to record a number of songs in the movies he wasn't thrilled about. But then look at the huge, worldwide hit we had two years ago with 'A Little Less Conversation.'"
As for skeptics of the Big E ...
"We opened Graceland in 1982, and ever since then someone's been predicting the impending demise of the Elvis phenomenon," Soden says. "And I always say, anyone waiting for the Elvis Presley phenomenon to run out has a long wait ahead of them." ...
- Fans gather to give thanks for life of Elvis
By June Robertson
(Whitehaven Appeal December 12, 2004)
Whitehaven residents Ramona Carey and daughter Maile hosted a celebration of thanksgiving for the life of Elvis Presley at the former home of the late singer's father, Vernon Presley, in Whitehaven this Thanksgiving holiday. Carey, a lifelong Elvis fan, named Maile after the female lead character, played by Joan Blackman, in the movie "Blue Hawaii" and is the caretaker of the Whitehaven property owned by California artist, Diana Magrann.
Magrann allows fans to hold meetings at the residence and has filled the rooms with her lifelike portraits of Elvis, some of which are available for purchase.
Originally purchased by Presley in 1964, the property at 1266 Dolan features an extension built to accommodate wife Dee and stepsons David, Billy and Ricky Stanley. The property was attached to Graceland for many years, separated only by a five-foot-high fence. A back gate made it easy for Vernon Presley to go to work in his office behind Graceland Mansion, and was also used as a convenient exit for Elvis when he wanted to slip out unnoticed. The property was sold by the elder Presley in 1978 and he spent his remaining years at Graceland.
In attendance at the Thanksgiving celebration were neighbors Bud and Mary Stonebraker, Mitzi Pruitt, Joe Cady, Bonnie Hill, Sue and Terry Lindgren, Jean Bolden, Joanne Forzani and David Lindgren. Special guest singer/songwriter Jesse Lee Denson played his Elvis Tribute album that consists of 10 original songs and performed, his most famous religious song "The Miracle of the Rosary" that was recorded by Elvis in 1972.
- QUAID LANDS COLONEL TOM ROLE
(contactmusic.com December 12, 2004)
Actor RANDY QUAID is to play ELVIS PRESLEY's mentor COLONEL TOM PARKER in a new TV miniseries about the King of Rock 'n' Roll. Quaid is the first name to sign up for the project, which will star a newcomer in the lead role. Bosses at American TV network CBS launched a nationwide search for an Elvis lookalike, who could pull off playing Presley, two months ago (SEP 04).
- Shakur lives on in his record sales
By John Jurgensen
(azcentral.com / The Hartford Courant, December 11, 2004)
Despite lingering rumors to the contrary, it's safe to say that Tupac Shakur is dead. So why does he keep putting out records? The rapper's latest posthumous release, "Loyal to the Game," shows up in stores next week in time for the holidays. It's the seventh 2Pac record (not including greatest-hits and remix collections) to emerge since he was shot down in Las Vegas eight years ago. The punch line about Shakur's output in death can be explained by his prolificacy [sic] in life. The man who helped canonize the West Coast gangsta sound committed loads of unreleased material to tape before his unsolved murder. The demand for those songs is understandable. When Shakur was gunned down -- at the age of 25 -- he was one of America's most famous musicians.
But by dying young and famous, he joined a much more exclusive club. Like Elvis, Marilyn, Jimi and John, Shakur became one of those celebrities whose career continues to flourish and even diversify in death. In 2002, Shakur entered Forbes' list of top-earning deceased celebrities at No. 10. His rank dwindled slightly on the latest list, published in October, but he still came in with a respectable $5 million in 2004, edging out Frank Sinatra at No. 20.
... Could it be possible that the dead rapper owes part of this posthumous glory to Elvis Presley? When the King died in 1977, there wasn't much room on the market for late icons. Death was still a career killer. Within a few years, however, the Elvis estate (directed by his ex-wife, Priscilla) began to strategically cash in on his legacy. By promoting and licensing Elvis' image and work -- while fiercely defending it from infringement -- Elvis Presley Enterprises (as the business entity is known today) can still haul in $40 million a year. Elvis consistently tops the Forbes chart. One of the people who helped gild the King's retirement from life was Mark Roesler. In 1981, he became the licensing agent for the Elvis Presley Estate and went on to shape the industry with his own company. As head of CMG Worldwide, he manages the market presence of some of the biggest stars in the business -- many of whom are deceased, including Princess Diana, Malcolm X, Babe Ruth and Buddy Holly.
"In the early '80s, if you were dead and gone, you were kind of forgotten. There wasn't the real interest in nostalgia that you see today," Roesler says. He helped the heirs of such celebrities to lay claim in court to their famous legacies, which Roesler handles as product and person. "The reality of it is that these personalities have become brands. A James Dean, a Marilyn, an Elvis, they've become brands today in a way that's not much different than a Ralph Lauren," Roesler says. By jealously guarding and burnishing such brands, Roesler and his staff have brokered deals to license Marilyn's image to a winemaker and even a high-end diamond collection. Humphrey Bogart can be seen in magazines and on billboards endorsing a line of furniture.
So why not Johnny Cash cologne? Or Lana Turner lingerie? "I think there's only a handful (of dead celebrities) that have really a significant amount of power to generate sales," said Charles Riotto, president of the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers' Association. "But having said that, not everyone has to be Elvis to have a decent revenue stream." It may seem like a macabre business equation, but the stars that exit this world prematurely leave the most robust brands. ...
- It will be Elvis Vs. Elvis in a rock 'n roll rumble
By Susan Morse
(seacoastonline.com, December 10, 2004)
Elvis - both of him - has entered the building. There are hundreds of Elvis impersonators in the world. At the All Stars Sports Bar in Seabrook on Saturday night, it will come down to just two: the 1960s crooner Elvis, Ralph Brown of Seabrook; and 1970s Las Vegas Elvis, William "Elvis" Bishop of North Hampton. The men will compete "American Idol" style for the "Undisputed Title of The Kingš," and for a lavish Elvis-style belt that started the whole affair rolling. ...
- Chris Isaak - "Christmas": Originally released: 2004, Warner Music Group
By Lynne Margolis
(Rolling Stone, dated November 29, found December 10, 2004)
Chris Isaak will be eternally indebted to Frank, Dino and those other Rat Pack types who created lounge music, bachelor-pad keys and highballs in hand. And sometimes he sounds like the very reincarnation of Elvis Presley. So when he decided to do a Christmas album, Isaak cherry-picked from their repertoires, including "Blue Christmas," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "Let It Snow." ...
- Christmas Peace - Elvis Presley (BMG)*****
(Western Mail, December 10, 2004)
Elvis Presley's catalogue of Christmas albums is second to none. Unlike many other singers, his interpretations of traditional festive hymns like Silent Night and the First Noel never felt like a novelty compromise but a seasonal continuation of his immense repertoire.
Favourites like Blue Christmas and Merry Christmas Baby are filled with his bluesy, rock'n'roll character while I'll Be Home On Christmas Day and It Won't Seem Like Christmas (Without You) are yearning with lonesome melancholy and reflection. His voice is as emotive and comforting as ever and the string-laden arrangements smoother than Bailey's with ice. So if you're sick of the office party cheese and need something with more substance and distinction this 20-track collection of The King's finest Christmas recordings is a good place to turn. We may not get a white Christmas this year but Elvis will always ensure we get a good dose of blues. Every home should have a copy. ...
- Local man taking Elvis act to Vegas
By Jonathan Willis
(Franklin County Times, December 9, 2004)
It has been 50 years since a greased hair, hip-swaying rock-n-roll musician from nearby Tupelo, Miss., took the world by storm. Since his first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1954, the legend of Elvis Presley has continued to grow, even well after his death. Everywhere you look there is some reminder of his music. For one local man, that is a life's work. Kevin Adams, of Russellville, has traveled across the country performing as an Elvis Presley impressionist and will soon be moving to Las Vegas, Nev., to carry on his career. Adams has performed for countless local groups and has received reviews of praise from critics across the country. ...
- Beatles records, other music memorabilia for grabs at Toronto auction
(Yahoo! News / CP, December 8, 2004)
An upcoming auction will give Beatles enthusiasts the chance to get a small piece of the Fab Four's empire. Ten early 45 RPM record albums, including a rare copy of Love Me Do with a red and silver Parlophone label, are among the auction items going on the block Dec. 15 in Toronto. Some of the items are being sold by local collector Greg Godovitz, a one-time rocker with the 70's groups Fludd and Goddo. The auction will feature about 100 music memorabilia items such as autographed artwork from the Rolling Stones' Sticky Fingers album and Randy Bachman's first guitar.
As well, an Elvis Presley collector is selling six Mexican full-colour movie lobby cards from 1957, a handwritten letter to a fan and 1956 sheet music for Love Me Tender. ... items can be viewed at www.empireauctions.com.
- Conroe memories
By: C. Crane
(Courier / Houston Community Newspapers Online, December 8, 2004)
In the summer of 1955 Elvis Presley came to town. I remember because I was in Hunt Texas at summer camp. When That's All Right Little Mama had been released in 1954, I had a small, portable 45rpm record player. I played the record for a year - continuously. Well, almost. When I returned to Conroe and saw Barbara Dampier's picture of her, with Elvis Presley, I cried. Elvis changed America, thus changed Conroe. The performance of Elvis Presley at Conroe High's football stadium made that location legendary. And I had missed it. The same summer Elvis came to town, Rigby Owen, Sr. asked me to write a column for the Conroe Courier. ...
- Jim Eagles: Latest travel books
(New Zealand Herald, December 8, 2004)
Himalaya
By Michael Palin
Allen & Unwin, $59.99
If you could choose anyone you wish as a companion on a world trip, who would you opt for? When rental car operator Holiday Autos asked 1000 travellers that question, Michael Palin was the top choice, ahead of Jesus Christ and Elvis Presley.
That's hardly a surprise. In the 15 years since the former Python set off in the footsteps of Phileas Fogg to go around the world in 80 days his self-deprecating demeanour, gentle humour, enthusiasm and obvious friendliness has gained a vast international following for his documentaries and books. ...
- Microphone used by Elvis during Hayride days up on eBay
By Tim Greening
(CNN / Reuters, December 7, 2004)
On Friday, the "e" in eBay stands for "Elvis." A microphone used by KWKH radio for its legendary Louisiana Hayride program -- which is largely credited with launching Elvis Presley to stardom -- will be put up for bid that day in a live auction at the Beverly Hills, Calif., auction house Profiles in History, which specializes in movie, TV and music memorabilia. Bidders around the world can participate in the auction, which starts at 3 p.m. CST, online via eBay, the Internet's largest auction site. The starting bid is $10,000, a bargain compared to the $500,000 that West Monroe Elvis impersonator Gene Shaw hoped to fetch on eBay for a mic supposedly used by Presley during the Hayride days. ...
- Love still rules in Las Vegas: More couples arriving to say 'I do'
(CNN / Reuters, December 7, 2004)
... Weddings in Las Vegas range from the drive-through variety, to $1,000 ceremonies aboard hot-air balloons and lavish affairs in upscale hotels. Lookalike Elvis Presleys conduct weddings. ...
- No 'Blue Christmas' at Lifeblood
(The Democrat, December 7, 2004)
Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE) is partnering with Lifeblood to ensure patients in our community hospitals don't have a "Blue Christmas" this holiday season. To encourage individuals to donate blood in December and help offset the typical blood shortage that occurs during winter months, EPE is providing T-shirts - featuring an Elvis holiday print by local artist Joe Petruccio - for all successful blood donors. Each year during the winter months, our community experiences a decrease in blood donations as individuals travel, focus on holiday activities or become ineligible to donate due to illnesses. At the same time, blood usage increases as scheduled surgeries, travel-related injuries and seasonal illnesses lead to patients depending on readily available blood.
"We believe very strongly in Lifeblood's role in this community and supporting their mission of achieving a stable community blood supply," said Jack Soden, Lifeblood Foundation Board Member and CEO of Elvis Presley Enterprises. "We hope this partnership will increase our blood supply and provide blood donors with a fun and unique experience." All donors who give the ultimate gift in December- the gift of life, will be able to enjoy the following, courtesy of Elvis Presley Enterprises and Lifeblood:
* A commemorative, limited edition Elvis T-shirt featuring the artwork of local artist, Joe Petruccio.
* Discounted admission to Graceland with proof of their blood donation.
* The opportunity to dedicate their donation to a loved one using a holiday tribute card.
Tate County's Lifeblood Center is located at 105 S. Front St., Senatobia. Hours are Mondays, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Tuesdays and Saturdays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information call, 560-0993.
- Book of Mormon Records
(kutv.com, December 6, 2004)
Paul Skousen's book of records isn't for everyone. It's for members of the Mormon church, and it isn't really about records. It's about the odds and ends of Utah's dominant culture. The Skousen Book of Mormon World Records and Other Amazing Firsts, Facts & Feats is now on shelves at L-D-S bookstores. The books lists the only the dinosaur, ``Torvosaurus tanneri,'' named after an apostle for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ... Who knew Elvis Presley spoke to an L-D-S seminary class? It's in the book. ...
- Elvis to make UK chart history
(soundgenerator.com, December 6, 2004)
January 8, 1935 - a date many call the true birth of rock n' roll. It was, in fact, the day Elvis Presley entered the world, and to commemorate the occasion, SonyBMG are set to make UK chart history with four months of consecutive hit single releases from the King, soundgenerator can report.
Starting January 3, the label will embark on one of the most ambitious single release schedules ever, with all of Elvis Presley's 18 UK #1 singles set to be re-released over 17 consecutive weeks, ending on 25th April, 2005.
"This is a first in the history of the British single," said SonyBMG Marketing Director, Darren Henderson. "Never before has one artist's contribution to popular music been celebrated in such a groundbreaking way. This will be the first time one artist will release this number of chart singles consecutively in such a short space of time, potentially having seventeen hit singles in 4 months!"
Each single will be available in a limited edition numbered CD and 10" vinyl format, beautifully packaged utilising the original U.S. and U.K. sleeve and label artwork.
"All Shook Up", Elvis' first UK number one, will start the ball rolling on January 3,
Along with setting a Guinness World Record for the artist who has released the most consecutive hit singles in a year, SonyBMG are also gunning for the record for the highest number of Top 20 UK single entries for any artist (currently Cliff Richard has 66 to Elvis' 60).
Soundgenerator are proud to be offering one lucky winner the chance to win each single release on CD and 7", delivered during each week of release. Alongside the 17 7" and CD singles, you'll also get a special box set packaging case. Check back with us later this week to enter, as we approach Christmas with a host of great prize giveaways.
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