early November, 2005
- Unconventional genius: Elvis, Coca-Cola, religion and tons of color are the hallmarks of Howard Finster's folk art
By MARK ST. JOHN ERICKSON
(dailypress.com, November 6 2005)
Visionary painters are a dime a dozen in the South, where heat, humidity and evangelical passion occasionally bear down so hard that even the blind have been known to report hallucinations. But every once in a while, some touched, self-taught talent shows so much real genius that regular folks actually have to stop and pay attention. Among this elevated clan of seers, none has commanded a brighter spotlight than the late Howard Finster. Eternal salvation was his lifelong aim. He spent most of his years trying to save souls with old-time gospel orations. But not until his 1976 conversation with a talking smudge of paint did he discover the artistic gifts that became his most powerful sermons. ... What makes these revival-meeting melodramas so original and unique, however, is the way in which Finster intertwined old-time Bible lessons with his own, often humorous grasp of life and contemporary culture. He admired Elvis, for example, and frequently incorporated the King's likeness in his work, especially after Presley's ghost appeared in an all too brief backyard vision - "Howard, I'm on a tight schedule," the singer reportedly said. ...
- Hospital where Presley died demolished
(Yahoo! News, November 6 2005)
Demolition experts detonated over 800 pounds (360 kilograms) of explosives, toppling a million-square-foot, 21-story Baptist Memorial Hospital where Elvis Presley died. Loudspeakers blared Presley's "All Shook Up," as some shed tears and others lounged on lawn chairs, sipping champagne mimosas and bloody Marys. On August 16, 1977, physicians pronounced rock and roll star Presley dead of heart failure at 42. The hospital was 99 years old Sunday, when it was blasted at 6:45 am, moments after sunrise. It took 20 seconds to collapse into rubble three stories high. ...
- Idol judge in mean mood
By GARRY WILLIAMS
(Herald Sun, November 6 2005)
TONIGHT'S theme on Australian Idol is Elvis Presley and, appropriately, the final four contestant's plea to the judges is "don't be cruel". Unfortunately, it is sure to fall on deaf ears, if Mark Holden's comments to the are anything to go by. Holden is particularly savage on Melbourne punk rocker Lee Harding, who will be singing Jailhouse Rock and Teddy Bear. ... The caustic judge has already had a run-in [with] Harding, who admitted he did not understand the overtly political content of the Green Day song Holiday when he covered it on the show. ... But the tough judge could not find fault with red-hot favourite Emily Williams, who will sing Can't Help Falling In Love and Blue Suede Shoes. "Emily is simply the best singer Idol has ever had," Holden says.
- Unconventional genius: Elvis, Coca-Cola, religion and tons of color are the hallmarks of Howard Finster's folk art
By MARK ST. JOHN ERICKSON
(Leaf-Chronicle, November 6 2005)
Visionary painters are a dime a dozen in the South, where heat, humidity and evangelical passion occasionally bear down so hard that even the blind have been known to report hallucinations. But every once in a while, some touched, self-taught talent shows so much real genius that regular folks actually have to stop and pay attention. Among this elevated clan of seers, none has commanded a brighter spotlight than the late Howard Finster. Eternal salvation was his lifelong aim. He spent most of his years trying to save souls with old-time gospel orations. But not until his 1976 conversation with a talking smudge of paint did he discover the artistic gifts that became his most powerful sermons. Over the 25 years that followed, the Georgia preacher produced nearly 50,000 works combining missionary zeal with a bold grasp of color and a charismatic sense of humor. Images of Elvis mixed easily with those of Washington in his mind's eye, blending high and low culture in a deft, entertaining attempt to lure and rescue sinners. So appealing were the resulting paintings and sculptures that - less than a decade after picking up his brush - Finster appeared on the front page of the Wall Street Journal as well as "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson. ...
- Ex-rock star LeFevre to preach at Faith Outreach
By ANN WALLACE
(Leaf-Chronicle, November 6 2005)
Mylon LeFevre's first song, "Without Him," was performed by Elvis Presley in the mid-'60s. Within a year, the 18-year-old had more than 100 artists recording his songs. He's a Grammy Award winner and the recipient of two Dove Awards. Today, LeFevre will preach and sing at Faith Outreach Church. He will deliver the pulpit message at the 9 and 11:30 a.m., as well as the 6 p.m. worship services. "Mylon is big in the Christian music world. He worked with the Beatles and Elvis. He created the band Atlanta Rhythm Section," said Fred Holly, minister of music at Faith Outreach. "This man should be in the Christian Hall of Fame." In fact, LeFevre recently was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. ...
- Local song writer talks with ex-Elvis drummer
By MARY RAINWATER
([Texas] Palestine Herald-Press, November 5 2005)
When you answer the phone, you never know who will be on the other end. That was what happened to local columnist Owen Perry when he received a call Monday morning from a musician he used to work venues with in the early 1950s. Now known for being Elvis Presley's drummer, D.J. Fontana at one time played venues such as the Officer's Club at Barksdale Air Force Base with Perry. "I recognized his talent even back then," Perry recalled. The surprise phone call came out of a conversation Perry had recently with Alterra Sterling House activity director Debbie Wesson. After entertaining with vocals and his guitar at Alterra, Elvis fan Wesson asked longtime musician and songwriter Perry if he ever worked with Fontana. After mentioning that he had, Wesson asked if he had stayed in touch. Perry said he hadn't, but would love to if he could find a way to get in touch with him. Wesson offered to try to look him up on the Internet, and managed to leave Perry's contact information with Fontana's booking manager, who passed the information to the drummer. ...
- Local song writer talks with ex-Elvis drummer
By MARY RAINWATER
([Texas] Palestine Herald-Press, November 5 2005)
When you answer the phone, you never know who will be on the other end. That was what happened to local columnist Owen Perry when he received a call Monday morning from a musician he used to work venues with in the early 1950s. Now known for being Elvis Presley's drummer, D.J. Fontana at one time played venues such as the Officer's Club at Barksdale Air Force Base with Perry. "I recognized his talent even back then," Perry recalled. The surprise phone call came out of a conversation Perry had recently with Alterra Sterling House activity director Debbie Wesson. After entertaining with vocals and his guitar at Alterra, Elvis fan Wesson asked longtime musician and songwriter Perry if he ever worked with Fontana. After mentioning that he had, Wesson asked if he had stayed in touch. Perry said he hadn't, but would love to if he could find a way to get in touch with him. Wesson offered to try to look him up on the Internet, and managed to leave Perry's contact information with Fontana's booking manager, who passed the information to the drummer. ...
- The Queen of Rock N' Roll: Wanda Jackson Remembers Her 50's Fling With Elvis the King
By Mark Williams
(The Bulletin, November 3 2005)
In a time when rockabilly hadn't quite yet morphed into rock n' roll and men with ducktails and guitars were actually regarded as a threat to civilization, Wanda Jackson was perhaps an even greater danger. She was the female equivalent -- not of Elvis Presley, with whom Wanda had a notorious fling when she was barely out of her teens -- but of the bad boys on the outer fringes of the Elvis storm, guys like Eddie Cochran and Gene Vincent: real rock n' roll renegades with nothing to lose. Wanda was part of that rough gang -- a bad girl at the end of a bad road. She had the sneer, the attitude and the rattling snarl in her voice; she was sexy, all chest and leather fringes, lurid red lips and big bad black hair; she played guitar the way the bad boys did and had hits with songs about rough men and tougher women -- "Mean, Mean Man" and "Hard Headed Woman" -- at a time when women were not supposed to be tough. ... At age 67, Jackson knows that even if the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has failed to recognize her, her place in American music is secure. "I've been recording for 51 years and touring for 50; 12 months every year, and I never did stop," says Jackson, who churned out a slew of gospel albums in the 1970's and 80's after becoming a Christian. In her heyday, however, Wanda Jackson churned out rockabilly hits, recorded 18 songs in German and an English-language hit, "Fujiyama Mama," that made her a star in Japan. It all started for Jackson when her father, a country music fan, hung a guitar around her neck and told her to holler; believe it or not, she was spotted by Elvis Presley, who "took me under his wing and taught me a thing or three."
Presley also gave her a ring, which Jackson still proudly flaunts, although she has been married to her manager, Wendell Goodman, since 1961 -- long before a good portion of her current fanbase was even born. ... Jackson's next CD release will feature her interpretations of classic songs associated with her ex-beau Elvis Presley and is due out on the King's birthday, January 8.
- Names that should be taken with a pinch of salt
(Huddersfield Daily Examiner, November 2 2005)
HAND-cooked crisp manufacturer Real Crisps is looking for ordinary people with celebrity names. The company wants to feature them in an advertising campaign. Anyone who shares their name with someone famous from the past or present could qualify. The idea is to find Robbie Williams working in a garage in Deighton or Elvis Presley alive and well and keeping chickens in Slaithwaite. It would, of course, be too much to hope for to find Abi Titmus behind the counter of an off-licence in Newsome and downright unfortunate if Tony Blair was the landlord of a pub in Denby Dale. But it could be fun.
Lots of people have celebrity names. I went to school with Tony Curtis and I work with Susan Hampshire. ... To be considered for the advertising campaign contact Real Crisps by e-mail at or by post at Real Names at Real Crisps, (NRPR) 3rd Floor, 12 New Burlington Street, London W1S 3BF.
But I would also be interested in hearing if you have a celebrity name. ... Do we have a plumber called Fred Astaire, a bus driver named Damon Hill. Or even an accountant called Gordon Brown?
- News of the Weird: The poor dears (6th item)
By Chuck Shepherd
(Star Tribune, November 2 2005)
In August, convicted child murderer Mark Allen Harris was awarded $50,000 by a jury in his lawsuit against Kanawha County, W.Va., jail officials after he fell out of the back of a van transporting prisoners, breaking bones in his face and knocking out some teeth. Also in August, in Albuquerque, N.M., a filthy and disheveled John Hyde, 48, being arraigned in the murders of four people, including two policemen, complained to the judge about police behavior, "Your honor ... I have been put in a red jump suit like Elvis Presley ... My hair looks ridiculous ... I was not allowed to groom myself."
- Regency-Superior to Auction the Jim 'E' Curtin - Elvis Empire Collection
Source: Regency-Superior
(Yahoo! Business / PRNewswire, November 2 2005)
Regency-Superior, a leading auctioneer of fine collectibles, is offering one of the largest, privately held collections of Elvis Presley memorabilia ever to hit the market. The auction is being held January 7-8 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. This is the personal collection of Jim 'E' Curtin III, a lifelong Elvis fan -- but, not just any fan. Mr. Curtin has been the foremost Elvis impersonator for many years performing live before thousands nationwide. Additionally, he has authored numerous books on The King, and recorded several music CD's -- all the while amassing personal items related to this 20th Century pop culture icon -- a phenomenal accomplishment for someone who genuinely idolized the legend.
Mr. Curtin's collection is extraordinary for its content and rarity, as well as its massive quantity. There are thousands of original SUN and RCA record albums (both American and foreign labels, some autographed by Elvis) over 100 promotional records, an extensive sheet music collection, thousands of magazines, thousands of postcards and advertising posters, and hundreds of pieces of Elvis memorabilia produced by Elvis Presley Enterprises.
From Elvis' concerts, there are original ticket stubs, programs, backstage passes, worn scarves, guitar picks, belts, buckles -- highlighted by three stage-worn jumpsuits and costumes. These elaborately, designed suits are well documented and coveted by the most avid collectors. One such suit is the nail- mirrored, white jumpsuit Elvis wore in concert at the Houston Astrodome on March 3, 1974 before a record-setting 88,000 fans. This suit was personally presented to Jim Curtin on March 31, 1975 by Elvis backstage in Las Vegas.
Viewing of all Elvis memorabilia is available during the week of the auction from January 3rd through January 8th. Online bidding with full color photographs will be available on the web beginning December 7th at http://www.RegencySuperior.com, and will include estimates and up-to-date opening bids. Additionally, collectors will be able to bid via 'eBay Live' during the sale. The cost of the catalog is $29, and may be ordered by contacting Regency- Superior at 229 N. Euclid Avenue, St. Louis MO 63108, or by calling toll-free at (800) 782-0066, or by visiting their website at http://www.RegencySuperior.com. The cost of the catalog is refundable towards any purchase made at the sale.
- Newtown Neurotics in London
By Dave Gin Goblin
(Skiddle, November 2 2005)
All those years spent in the underground laboratory trying to perfect the working time machine seem to have been for nought. I mean, who needs a time machine these days... judging by some of the gigs I've seen lately I think time has started going backwards. Last few months have seen The Stooges, The Undertones, Chocolate Watch Band and Elvis Presley (okay, that last one is a lie... possibly... that guy in the chip shop DID look... oh never mind). But one band I REALLY thought I'd never see returned and delivered one of the best gigs I've been to in ages. Yup, the Newtown Neurotics! ...
- LONGORIA WANTED TO BE MARRIED BY ELVIS
(contactmusic.com, November 2 2005)
EVA LONGORIA missed out on her lifelong dream to be married by ELVIS PRESLEY when she tied the knot in Las Vegas, Nevada, because her ex-husband was vehemently against the idea. The DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES beauty, 30, and her GENERAL HOSPITAL co-star TYLER CHRISTOPHER eloped to Nevada's Sin City in January 2002, when the Latina beauty was 26, but split last year (04). Longoria says, "Yeah, I eloped to Las Vegas. Actually I wanted to get married by Elvis, but (Tyler) wouldn't have it. "I was definitely too young and not ready for it. It made me realise what a selfless act marriage really is, how you have to be constantly considering the other person, and I just wasn't prepared for that." Longoria is now in love with Belgian-born basketball star TONY PARKER, who she began dating in January (05).
- PRESLEY FANS FIGHT FOR LICENSE PLATE TRIBUTE
(contactmusic.com, November 2 2005)
Die-hard ELVIS PRESLEY fans in the rock 'n' roller's home state of Tennessee are calling on local motorists to order a new license plate tribute to The King in a bid to get it passed by law. Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc has proposed a vanity license plate featuring Presley and a guitar, but the state of Tennessee can't approve the request until orders reach 1,000 units. Only Tennessee residents can apply for the plate, which is being offered to raise funds for the Regional Medical Center in Memphis - the site of the Elvis Presley Memorial Trauma Center.
- Tributes can be the sincerest form of flattery
Edna Gundersen
(USA TODAY, November 1 2005)
This year's assortment of tribute albums leans strongly toward heavyweight rock veterans, particularly legends of the '60s. USA TODAY assesses the attributes and failings of nine, and, with the help of ICE magazine, previews more on the way. ... All Shook Up: A Reggae Tribute to the King ...
- Makybe Diva makes history
Reporter: Mary Gearin
(Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), November 1 2005)
At Flemington just after 3:00 pm today, a mare called Makybe Diva claimed a unique place in the pantheon of Australian sport. Never before has a horse won three Melbourne Cups, let alone three in a row and it will probably never happen again. ... This is Phar Lap the second. ... A legend was suddenly on the rise and in the tradition of Phar Lap and our Don she even got a song.
SONG (to Elvis Presley's 'Viva Las Vegas'): The greatest racehorse in history. Diva's the greatest. Diva's the greatest. ...
- Rain fails to scare off Halloween participants
ByMilton Babb
(Herald-Banner, November 1 2005)
It was a dark and rainy Halloween, but planners of Greenville's Halloween-on-the-Square event continued to "Follow that Dream" for the Elvis-themed event, and sure enough, the storm clouds subsided in time for another Main Street hit. "I thought for awhile we were going to be 'Crying in the Chapel,' but I was all shook up for nothing," said Main Street Manager Doyle Dick. ... Although there were costumes of every color, variety, shape and size, many visited "Heartbreak Hotel," by donning Elvis costumes to go along with the "Elvis in Greenville" theme. It was in October 1955 that the real Elvis Presley appeared at the Municipal Auditorium downtown. ...
- Lessons from dead celebrities
By Farraz Khan
(Daily Texan, November 1 2005)
Within the past year, 13 of the highest-earning dead luminaries, including Elvis Presley, Andy Warhol and Marilyn Monroe, raked in a collective $186 million through the sale of their names, work and imagery, according to Forbes Magazine. The income, which is funneled to their respective estates and big-business representation, remains fairly constant year in and year out, with Elvis generating approximately $45 million per year. Forbes Magazine aptly notes, however, that the usual 13 could face a run for their money with the recent expiration of such icons as Johnny Carson and Ray Charles.
The goal of Forbes' list is to display the fluctuation in the popularity of various deceased stars. Unfortunately, the list signifies something more pernicious than simply the prevalence of entertainment and iconography in our daily lives. This compilation of profitable coffin-dwellers attests to the increasing commercialization of society and of individual life. More and more, it seems as if nothing possesses any intrinsic value, as the lives and legacies of human beings are measured primarily in terms of their money-making capabilities.
Perhaps even more frightening is the observation that each individual in U.S. society contributes to this method of definition in conscious or unconscious ways. Ultimately, the list of the "Top-Earning Dead Celebrities" represents a small facet of the over-arching American theme of unrestricted consumption.
It is this theme that parallels a collective mindset in which materialism is paramount. ...
|
