late October, 2005
- When Elvis rocked Brooklyn: PREVIEW: Rock 'n' Roll Reunion Concert
By John Soeder
(Plain Dealer, October 20 2005)
What: The Comets, the Four Lads, Priscilla Wright and Walt Sanders and the Cadillac Band perform to commemorate the 50th anniversary of a historic Elvis Presley gig.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday. Where: Brooklyn High School Auditorium, 9200 Biddulph Ave., Brooklyn. Tickets: $20-$50. Call 216-485-8164.
Also: Can't get enough Elvis? More options: The Memphis Drive-In Theater, 10543 Memphis Ave., Brooklyn, presents a performance by Elvis impersonator Justin Grillo and a screening of "Viva Las Vegas" at 7:30 p.m. Friday. Admission is $1. The Brooklyn High School Show Choir and Jazz Combo give a free concert at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, 1 Key Plaza, Cleveland. Admission to the entire museum is free Sunday for Brooklyn residents.
When Elvis Presley performed Oct. 20, 1955, at Brooklyn High School, he was relatively unknown. A half-century later, we've almost come full circle. Oh, sure, students at the school today are at least vaguely familiar with the King of Rock 'n' Roll. But they're not exactly all shook up about him. "I've heard some of his songs," said Brooklyn senior Brittney Bond, 17, a hip-hop fan whose tastes run more toward rapper Bow Wow. "It's not bad," Bond said of Presley's music. "It's just not my style." Twelfth-grader Joe Mass, 17, offered this reality check: "My grandma is really into Elvis." Well, head's up, Granny: To mark the 50th anniversary of Presley's appearance in Brooklyn's then-brand-new auditorium off Biddulph Avenue, the school is holding a concert there Saturday. The show features co-headliners who were on the bill with Presley in 1955, including Priscilla Wright, the Four Lads and Bill Haley's band, the Comets. Elvis impersonator Walt Sanders and the Cadillac Band will perform, too. Pat Boone also was part of the original package. He can't make it to the reunion gig because of other commitments. Reserved these days mostly for orientation meetings and an annual spring musical - "Footloose" was the last production - the 1,055-seat school auditorium hasn't changed much over the years. The wood at the rear of the stage was replaced recently, although the boards up front are the same ones trod by a certain up-and-comer from Tupelo, Miss., by way of Memphis.
Presley was 20 at the time, a hunka hunka burning ambition with a slick DA haircut. He sang "That's All Right," "Blue Moon of Kentucky," "Good Rockin' Tonight," "Mystery Train" and "I Forgot to Remember to Forget," accompanied by Scotty Moore on guitar and Bill Black on bass. 50 years ago, Elvis came into the building. Moore, 73, doesn't remember many specifics. But those were happy days for Presley and his sidemen. ...
- Elvis Gets the G.I. Blues
By MICHAEL ANSALDO
(Rolling Stone, October 20 2005)
Elvis' induction into the Army was a sucker punch for the first generation of rock & roll fans. The King was twenty-four years old and at the peak of his success when he was drafted in December 1957 (he would get a deferment until March 1958 so he could complete the filming of King Creole), and he was justifiably concerned that his stint in the military would ruin his career, as the public saw him transform from a pompadoured rocker to a crew-cut G.I. But what Presley and his fans viewed as a potential tragedy, his manager Colonel Tom Parker saw as a PR opportunity. He reasoned Elvis' service as a proud, patriotic young man would be a boon to his public image. With plenty of recorded material in the can, releases were paced to keep Presley in the public eye for the duration of his Army stint. Parker's ploy worked: with his popularity as strong as ever, Presley was discharged two years later to resume his reign as the King of Rock & Roll.
- Cup (that Elvis drank from) runneth over, and N.C. man is lapping it up
By Gary Pettus
(Clarion-Ledger, October 20 2005)
One or two guys have offered Wade Jones $100,000 for the cup made of plastic and, possibly, Elvis Presley's DNA. But, Jones admits, "they were probably cranks." But just what is the value of a cup from which Elvis drank -- just six months before his death? A 20th century chalice touched by the lips of the King. A Styrofoam version of the Holy Grail. "I'm really not a weirdo," says Jones, 41, of Charlotte, N.C. "If you had something you've kept since you were 14, like four-leaf clovers, you wouldn't throw them away, would you? Mine just happens to be an Elvis cup."
It's true. For decades, in an old shoebox, I kept a Butterfinger candy bar I bought in 1969. If that worldly confection had been sanctified by the taste buds of the King, I might do what Jones is doing with his cup: Go on tour.
It's called The Guaranteed to Blow Your Mind Tour, after the lyrics from a James Taylor tune Elvis covered. ... Because "the cup can't do a lot," as Jones says, he's taking along an Elvis impersonator. ...
- THE MOST FAMOUS DIVAS TO APPEAR IN RUBBER GLOVES: Three singers, all outstanding in their own fields, are coming together to explore the role of modern women through songs about dating, marriage, love, loss, kitchen equipment and make-up
(aylesburytoday.co.uk, October 19 2005)
Barb Jungr, Claire Martin and Mari Wilson, the most glamourous divas ever to appear in rubber gloves, will be appearing in Girl Talk at Aylesbury Civic Centre on Wednesday October 26. The idea for the show originated back in 1998 when the three girls met up at a jazz concert. Since then, Girl Talk has played sell-out seasons at theatres in the UK over a six year period. Last year the BBC recorded an hour long special of Girl Talk in concert and this year the show is being further developed for both radio and TV. Internationally acclaimed singer, performer and writer Barb Jungr was born in Rochdale and grew up in Stockport. After moving to London she became part of the early alternative cabaret circuit, working extensively with Julian Clary and supporting Alexei Sayle on tour. Barb went solo in the 1990s and in 2000 released Chanson, centred around a series of new English translations of classic French chansons. Since then she has recorded albums of songs by Bob Dylan and Elvis Presley. ...
- Story it took Tony thirty years to tell
(Tottenham, Wood Green and Edmonton Journal, October 19 2005)
AFTER a string of successful novels, Tony Parsons has finally penned the one story he's been dying to tell since he was a fledgling music critic. Stories We Could Tell is a semi-autobiographical tale of sex, drugs and rock'n'roll, set on the summer night in the 70s when Elvis died.
"It's essentially a novel about friendship," he explains. "I really wanted to write about young people, about your early twenties when you just want to be accepted, because everybody goes through it all. It's just part of being young, not having a clue about where your life is going to end up and who you're going to love," the 51-year-old Islington writer smiles, adding that he needed a bit of distance - the best part of 30 years - before he could write it. ...
- Signature Wines on Inc. 500 List of Fastest Growing Private Companies: Custom Labels, Wine Clubs and Elvis Fuel Growth of Innovative Wine Firm
(Yahoo! Finance / BUSINESS WIRE, October 19 2005)
Corks popped today at Signature Wines on news that the firm has been named to Inc. Magazine's 2005 Inc. 500 list of America's fastest growing private companies. The Hayward, California-based wine seller vaulted on to the coveted list through an innovative mix of internet-based custom private label solutions, wine club services and the Graceland Cellars(R) brand of Elvis Presley(R) wines. "We're thrilled to be named one of America's fastest growing companies," said Signature Wines CEO Scott Cahill. "As premium wine continues to grow in popularity, we expect that our innovative approach to wine sourcing, marketing, and distribution will keep us on the list for years to come." ... Signature Wines, in partnership with Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE), bottles Elvis Presley's Graceland Cellars Jailhouse Red Merlot, The King Cabernet Sauvignon, Blue Suede Chardonnay and Blue Christmas Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. Signature Wines has established retail distribution in over 40 states and earlier this year Wine Business Monthly magazine named Graceland® Cellars one of the top 10 hottest small wine brands of the year. ...
- Plaques for Elvis, other notables
By Doug Moe
(Valdosta Daily Times, October 19 2005)
I WAS pleased to see that the Madison Sesquicentennial Commission has announced plans for a series of historical markers to be placed in various locations around the city. ... I started thinking about it again this past summer when WMMM/FM 105.5 morning personality Kitty Dunn started a drive to get a plaque up at the spot on East Washington Avenue where in 1977 Elvis Presley broke up a late-night fight at a gas station. Elvis was in town for a concert, and when his limo stopped at a light at the corner of East Wash and Stoughton Road, the King hopped out and played peacemaker. Dunn's suggestion about Elvis reminded me of being in San Francisco many years ago and seeing a plaque on Burritt Street commemorating the approximate spot where Sam Spade's partner was murdered by their no-good client in "The Maltese Falcon." Of course, that bit with Spade's partner never actually happened. And is the Elvis episode, good a story as it is, really worth a plaque from the Madison Sesquicentennial Commission? ... We need to decide whether the plaques should recognize people, events, or both.
Inevitably, I suppose, the plaques are going to honor the great men and women of Madison's past, and their great deeds. But I know some people - regular readers of this space among them - who would like to see a kind of sub-category of markers for people and events who, while perhaps not great, were memorable in a uniquely Madison way. A plaque for Elvis on East Wash would fall into this category. ...
- The Memorialist: Elvis Presley's Statue of Jesus & Gladys Presley's Cross Go Well Together
By Burton Fletcher
(Valdosta Daily Times, October 19 2005)
A while back, I wrote an article on Elvis Presley's grave and the strengths and weaknesses in the memorial's design. At that time, I referenced the consolidation of his mother's cross and the statue of Jesus, both made from marble, which was given to Elvis one Christmas by his friends. Together, the two look great.
"IHS" Does Not Mean "In His Service"
The cross that was originally at Gladys Presley's grave before its relocation to Graceland, has "IHS" at the top of the cross. If you ask most folks what this means they will tell you it stands for "In His Service." In fact, this statement is incorrect. "IHS" is an abbreviation for the Greek word, IHSOYS, meaning "Jesus." Since most folks in the United States do not read Greek, I discourage the use of "IHS," as Greek is not our national language and it is often misinterpreted. "Jesus" would serve much better, I think.
Gladys Presley's Prominent Cross and Elvis' Statute of Jesus Fit Well Together
Gladys' cross is made from beautiful high-quality marble. I presume her son bought this expensive memorial gift for his mother. Initially, both Gladys and her son Elvis were buried in Forest Hill Cemetery in Memphis. Vernon had their graves relocated to Graceland for security purposes. Afterwards, his father and paternal grandmother were buried in Graceland as well. The statue appears to have three bases, a bottom base with two sub-bases. The bottom base has interesting lines. The sub-base that sits on the base with the family name "Presley," has a reverse "OG" or reverse "S" with scroll work on each end, with a possible wash on the bottom base. This is a nice accent in itself. The angels on each end give a nice balance.
Originally, the cross was Gladys Presley's memorial statue at Forest Hill Cemetery. It would have shown the angels looking up at the cross. Elvis' friends gave him the marble carving of Jesus one Christmas, and the Presley family chose to display the statue of Jesus with the Cross at Graceland. The Cross with the statute of Jesus, with the two angels looking upward in deference and obedient posture is quite beautiful. Together, this was the most attractive part of the Presley Memorial.
Analysis of Birth & Death Dates Provides Clues
Gladys Love Smith Presley (b. Apr. 25, 1912, d. Aug. 14, 1958) was the wife of Vernon Elvis Presley (b. Apr. 10, 1916, d. June 26, 1979). Gladys and Vernon were the parents of Elvis Aaron Presley (b. Jan. 8, 1935, d. Aug. 16, 1977) and Jessie Caron Presley (d. Jan. 8, 1935) Elvis¹ twin brother, who was stillborn. When you look at graves, you have an opportunity to analyze such things as the ages and the relationships of the individuals. With a family history, there are more clues than the ages of the family and the birth and death order. Gladys was 3 years 11 months 15 days older than her husband Vernon. Gladys was only 46 years 3 months 19 days at the time of her passing. Vernon lived a longer life, dying at 63 years 2 months 16 days. Vernon outlived his son, Elvis, by 1 year 10 months 10 days. Both died on a Tuesday. Perhaps the passing of Elvis influenced Vernon¹s death.
As you view Elvis' grave, his father Vernon is buried to the right of Elvis, and Vernon's mother, Elvis' paternal grandmother, Minnie Mae Presley (b. June 17, 1890, d. May 8, 1980) is buried on the left side. Minnie Mae Presley outlived both her son Vernon and her grandson, Elvis. Her ledger indicates that she had five children, two boys and three girls.
Elvis Was Only 23 When His Mother Passed Away
Elvis was a young 23 years 7 months 6 days at the time of his mother's passing. The impact of losing his mother during Elvis' early 20s must have had a very hard impact on this young man from Tupelo, Mississippi. It is noteworthy that Elvis died two days after the 21st anniversary of his mother's passing. Elvis was only 42 years 7 months 8 days at the time of his own passing. He died too young!
- Beatles' inventiveness, uniqueness was genius: THEIR LAST FOUR YEARS TOGETHER, THEY EVOLVED RATHER THAN SETTLING FOR THE STATUS QUO
By Martin Lewis
(Courier Post Online, October 19 2005)
Martin Lewis has been involved in Beatles projects since 1967, when he compiled the discography for the group's official bio. He was a consultant on the Beatles' Anthology and Live at the BBC, and he produced the A Hard Day's Night DVD.
At the time of its unfolding, the Beatles story seemed like one glorious continuum. But viewed with 40 years of hindsight -- three distinct acts in their improbable journey into mankind's heart are apparent. From the fabled Saturday afternoon in July 1957 (when the teenage Lennon and McCartney first met and became instant musical blood brothers) to December 1961 was Act I. These were years of evolution from rock 'n' roll admirers and copyists to nascent self-contained pop group.
... 'Never meet your heroes'
One of the keys to understanding this immaculate third act lies in a meeting in August 1965 in the improbable setting of Bel-Air. It was the denouement of a nine-year love affair. From March 1956, when the 15-year-old John Lennon first laid his ears and eyes on Elvis Presley, he wanted to be him. He wanted to be that swaggering, rebellious rock 'n' roll star. He gathered fellow travelers Paul McCartney (in 1957), George Harrison (1958) and Ringo Starr (1962), who all shared that passion.
Together they synthesized much more than just Elvis. They absorbed rock 'n' roll, rhythm 'n' blues, soul, folk, country, rockabilly, jazz, swing, pop, calypso, blues, dance-band crooning, English music hall, vaudeville -- and myriad other shards from the musical universe. But at its heart lay Lennon's passion to be like Elvis. Until the fateful day he met him. "Never meet your heroes," as the adage goes, "they can only disappoint you." So it was to be. For when Lennon finally met Elvis, he discovered the tragically empty facade that Presley had become.
The physical obesity had not yet manifested -- but the sterile, vacant cadaver living in ivory- tower isolation and divorced from musical invention, devoid of any intellectual curiosity and apparently content to be the pawn of a greedy manager -- was in Lennon's eyes as corrupt spiritually as Elvis' body became 10 years later. And Lennon resolved that he would not emulate his former idol. There was now something that Lennon wanted even more than his 1956 wish to be like Elvis. He wanted to be not like Elvis. He didn't wish to stagnate creatively. What happened over the next four years was unprecedented in popular music. Until then, musical performers did not "progress" creatively. They got better at doing essentially the same thing: sang better, played better, wrote better. ...
- Students create altars to dead
By JENNIFER LLOYD, Victoria Advocate
(Star Telegram / AP Wire, October 18 2005)
The Spanish students at the Victoria College sat at their desks discussing skulls, the afterlife and even a few tasty treats. But they're not focused on Halloween. Instead they're absorbed in creating altars to celebrate El Dia de Los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead. Area students in middle schools, high schools and college have taken to creating altars in reverence of loved ones or famous figures who have passed on. The Day of the Dead is a popular celebration in Mexico that was created through a combination of traditions held by the indigenous peoples and those of the Europeans, such as All Souls' Day, according to Raphael Venegas, a Spanish instructor at Victoria College who began encouraging his students to create altars 12 years ago. ... Rachel Norwood, a student of Venegas' elementary Spanish class, is helping her group create an altar to Elvis that will be displayed at the mall. ... Norwood said she chose to honor Elvis because her grandmother is an Elvis fanatic and had a lot of Elvis memorabilia she could borrow, such as pictures, dolls, and a big Elvis area rug. ...
- The ultimate bachelor pad: A trip to Graceland offers a look at the birth of cool
By Matt Katz
(Courier Post Online, October 18 2005)
I finally made my pilgrimage to Graceland. And I finally get it. The Memphis home of Elvis Presley means different things to different people. Some go for the music -- which blended country, blues and gospel into rock 'n roll. Some go for the man -- so popular that there are those who still refuse to beileve he's dead. and still others, like myself, go to find out how to be cool. ... But now, after I've been to Graceland -- the birthplace of cool -- I know what the word really means. Elvis created a timeless model of cool for the modern man -- particularly the single, looking-to-get-girls modern man. ...
- Return to sender: 1 Elvis shirt
By MELISSA SANCHEZ, Knight Ridder Newspapers
(Fort Wayne News-Sentinel / KRT Wire, October 17 2005)
Someone has a cheatin' heart. One of Elvis Presley's old silk shirts was stolen from the State Fair of Texas, and owner Bud Glass isn't happy. "Whoever took it will be caught," he said last week. "Nobody could ever resell it without getting busted." ...
- ELVIS HIT MAN DIES
(dailyrecord.co.uk, October 17 2005)
SONGWRITER Baker Knight, whose hits included Elvis Presley's The Wonder Of You, has died at the age of 72. Knight wrote hits that were recorded by stars including Presley, Ricky Nelson, Paul McCartney, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. He died of natural causes at his home in Birmingham, Alabama, his daughter announced at the weekend.
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