mid June, 2006
- John Belushi, Chris Farley, and Me
By Tony Figueroa
(blogcritics.org June 15 2006)
There are three things that I always talk about at Story Salon: Television, Death, and Defiance, Ohio. This story is about death, but not just any death - celebrity death. People leave this world and enter immortality.
There was Elvis. I had become a fan of fifties rock and roll thanks to the TV show Happy Days and Hit Radio 11 KRLA. I did have trouble accepting the 40-year-old overweight Elvis; to me, Elvis was Jailhouse Rock. But no one was more distraught over Elvis's death than my Dad. Understand that my dad was not a fan of Rock and Roll. He dismissed it all as noise. He is conservative and ex-military but he got to know Elvis when he was in the Army and stationed in Memphis. My dad was in charge of drafting Elvis. My Dad knew Elvis as a kid who had bitten off more than he chew.
There was John Lennon. I was too young to appreciate "The Beatles" when they were together, but as a teenager, thanks again in part to Hit Radio 11 KRLA, I did gain a great deal of appreciation for who they were and what they were about. I even hoped they would reunite some day. After all, Lorne Michaels did offer them a check for $3,000.00, made out to "The Beatles" if they appeared on Saturday Night Live.
I want to add Freddie Prinze to the mix of immortals because, as a Puerto Rican kid who wanted to become a comedian, he meant a lot to me as well as to a lot of other people. Sadly he didn't achieve the same immortality. If you asked a "twenty-something" if they know who Elvis Presley and John Lennon were, they would know, even though Elvis Presley and John Lennon died before they were even born. If I ask them if they know who Freddie Prinze was, they'll say, "He the guy in that sitcom, the one that follows George Lopez. He married Buffy and did those Scooby Doo movies with her."
These first three examples of celebrity death caused me to be saddened, but not devastated. The next example was different. ... That night it was announced on CNN that John Belushi died of a mixture of heroin and cocaine, commonly known as a speedball. I felt horrible. I had just defended the guy. I couldn't understand why this happened. I knew he'd done drugs; they all did drugs. ... A few years later I heard on the radio that Chris Farley died. This guy was my age and we both idolized John Belushi, but he got to live my dream of studying at Second City in Chicago, then being on SNL. He had it all. I knew it was drugs before it was announced. ...
- Elvis Tops Forbes' List of Dead Celebs
By SANDY COHEN
(Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune / AP June 15 2006)
Even in the afterlife, some celebrities remain big-time moneymakers. Elvis Presley, Albert Einstein, Kurt Cobain, Andy Warhol and Marilyn Monroe continue to earn enviable incomes from the grave, according to Forbes magazine. ...
- Elvis tops Forbes' list of dead celebs
By SANDY COHEN
(Yahoo! News / AP June 15 2006)
Even in the afterlife, some celebrities remain big-time moneymakers. Elvis Presley, Albert Einstein, Kurt Cobain, Andy Warhol and Marilyn Monroe continue to earn enviable incomes from the grave, according to Forbes magazine. Presley, who died in 1977, raked in an estimated $52 million last year. Cobain, who committed suicide in 1994, generated about $50 million. Most of that came when his widow, Courtney Love, sold 25 percent of Nirvana's song catalog in April. Einstein, who has been dead for more than 50 years, took in about $20 million in 2005, Forbes estimates. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem controls the famed thinker's estate and collects $5 million a year from the use of his images. The university also earns royalties from Disney's line of Baby Einstein toys and videos, Forbes reports, which generated $400 million in sales last year. Warhol died in 1987. Still, he earned $16 million last year through the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, which owns his estate. Monroe, who died in 1962, generated $8 million in 2005.
- Fashion File: Jessica Simpson, Alba, Ashanti Bring Rock-Star Flair To Blue Jeans
By Dana Meltzer
(mtvasia.com June 15 2006)
Ever since the days when Elvis Presley first decided to shake, rattle and roll wearing Levi's jeans, distressed denim has been a status symbol for stylish rock stars. It's no wonder, then, that today's designers are naming jean lines after their star-studded clientele. "We're inspired by so many different artists," said Andrea Bernholtz, president of Rock & Republic, whose styles have been worn by Jessica Simpson, Ashanti, Joaquin Phoenix and Mandy Moore. "I won't say names but we've had a lot of icons ask, 'Please, when are you going to name a pair of jeans after me?' "
... If you're still not sure how to rock your look, just trust your instincts - remember, even the King didn't have a Hollywood stylist. "People who wear denim have always been synonymous with rebels," Bernholtz said. "They were rock stars because they forged their own path." ...
- The president, the prime minister and the king
(Yahoo! News / Reuters June 14 2006)
President George W. Bush and Japan's Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, a huge Elvis Presley fan, will visit Graceland Mansion on June 30 to pay homage to the king of rock and roll. Presley moved into the 13-acre estate in Memphis, Tennessee, in the 1950s and died there in 1977, aged 42. Graceland draws Elvis fans from all over the world and ranks officially as a U.S. historic landmark.
Koizumi, 64, and Presley were both born on January 8. Elvis fan websites say the Japanese leader is an enthusiastic member of his country's Elvis Presley fan club and even sang along to an Elvis number played at a banquet during a visit to Australia last year. Koizumi is due to leave office in September and his U.S. visit for talks with Bush at the White House on June 29 is likely to be his last as prime minister.
Bush often talks about his warm friendship with Koizumi and uses it as an example of how relationships between countries can change over time. The United States and Japan fought each other during World War Two.
- The Reliable Source
By Amy Argetsinger and Roxanne Roberts
(Washington Post June 14 2006)
Bill Clinton was supposedly the biggest presidential Elvis Presley fan ever -- the Secret Service even code-named him "Elvis." But did he ever undertake a diplomatic mission to Graceland? No, sir! Instead, George W. Bush will become the first sitting president to visit the King's Memphis home when he and Laura escort Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi there June 30. The White House yesterday announced the plans for the awesomest road trip ever (except that they'll probably fly), slated for a day after the two heads of state and close pals meet in Washington. A little less conversation, a little more action . . .
The trip had to have been Koizumi's idea. The 64-year-old PM is well known as the most serious Elvis disciple of today's world leaders. He shares a birthday (Jan. 8) with the rock icon, and his brother once ran the Presley fan club's Yokohama chapter. In 1987, he was one of the key players in erecting a bronze statue of Presley in Tokyo. He's sung Elvis tunes poolside at Bush's Crawford ranch and dazzled Condi Rice with his knowledge of Elvis trivia at a G8 dinner. And in 2001, he released a 25-song compilation CD called "Junichiro Koizumi Presents: My Favorite Elvis Songs." It was sold only in Japan, and all proceeds went to charity.
Surely he had made the grand Memphis pilgrimage before? "This is his first time visiting Graceland as prime minister," a Japanese Embassy spokesman said. "I cannot confirm that he hasn't been there before." Jack Soden, CEO of Elvis Presley Enterprises, said the only precedent for such a visit is when Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter stopped by, several years after he left office. "We're very excited," he said. "It will be another very fun day at Graceland." ...
- Bush to take No. 1 Elvis fan on tour of Graceland
By Oren Dorell
(USA TODAY June 13 2006)
Looking for that special gift for Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's last official visit to the United States, President Bush decided to invite the self-described Elvis "maniac" on a guided tour through Graceland. Koizumi will get to visit the home and final resting place of the King on June 30, a day after he and Bush discuss human rights and the U.S.-Japan alliance, the Japanese Embassy said. Thousands of Japanese tourists visit Graceland each year. But this will be the first visit by any sitting president or world leader, said Jack Soden, chief executive of Elvis Presley Enterprises, which manages the estate.
... Koizumi is to step down in September. He will leave as Japan's longest-serving prime minister and, perhaps, the only leader of Japan to wear his graying hair in an Elvis-like mane. He and his brother, Masaya, have been members of the Elvis Presley fan club in Tokyo for more than 30 years, Soden said. Both Koizumi, 64, and Presley were born on Jan. 8. Presley, 42, died in 1977 but Koizumi has not forgotten him. Last year Koizumi crooned to Bush his favorite Elvis tune, I Want You, I Need You, I Love You at Bush's 59th birthday party at the G8 summit in Gleneagles, Scotland hosted by Queen Elizabeth II of Britain. During a 2003 meeting at Bush's ranch in Crawford, Texas, the two men were talking for several hours by the pool when Koizumi started singing an Elvis song. In 2001 a Japanese record label produced a charity CD called Junichiro Koizumi Presents My Favorite Elvis Songs. The cover shows a digitally altered image of Koizumi standing by Elvis in Graceland.
Soden said the idea for a visit started with the White House. Aides there were trying to think of a unique Elvis-related gift for Koizumi. It occurred to them that "the best Elvis gift" would be a visit to Memphis. "Of course there is always a king at Graceland," Soden said. "Elvis is in the garden."
By Kazuhiro Nogi, AFP/Getty Images
Bush chats with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi in Kyoto, Nov. 16, 2005.
Koizumi sang I Want You, I Need You, I Love You at Bush's 59th birthday party.
Employees of Japan's BMG Funhouse display its new CD of some of Elvis Presley's greatest hits
chosen by Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi in Tokyo.
- As U.S. troops leave Friedberg, residents 'are going to miss them'
By Robin Hoecker
(Stars and Stripes June 13 2006)
... To many who live near Friedberg and the U.S.-run Ray Barracks, the presence of American troops is just part of the town. Although the number of servicemembers has dwindled over the years, the final pullout of more than 2,000 American troops from Friedberg by 2008 will surely affect this small town of 30,000, both economically and socially. ... Some of the party pictures in Mackenrodt¹s albums showed guests dressed up as Elvis Presley. Friedberg has had a special relationship with "the King," ever since he was stationed at Ray Barracks from 1958-1960. To this day, people still lay flowers along the gate on the anniversary of his birthday, said Mackenrodt. ... Talking with people in town, few had anything bad to say about the soldiers. "I even married one," said Christa Jordis, now an English teacher at the Augustine High School. "So did my sister," said Erika Steinbaum, who worked as a nanny for a military family for seven years. However, some younger Germans are not so nostalgic. ... "It was good that they were here during World War II, but that was 60 years ago. I think Germany can stand on its own two feet." The city of Friedberg already has its eye on the nearly 200 acres of land that will be turned over to it once the Americans leave. ...
Gus Schuettler / S&S file photo
Pvt. Elvis Presley of 1st Medium Tank Battalion, 32nd Armor, 3rd Armored Division arrives at Ray Barracks in Friedberg in October, 1958, to begin his 18-month overseas tour.
- Sultry newcomer Murdza displays 'Untold' talent
By Nate Dow
(Boston Herald June 13 2006)
As a 3-year-old growing up in Medford, Jen Murdza was precocious enough to mimic Elvis Presley. She learned tunes from ŒŒAnnie² and loved flitting around the house crooning songs like ŒŒJennifer Juniper.² But few people outside the Murdza home knew the size of the talent inside the tiny girl. ...
- Il Triangolo si!
(Malta Star June 12 2006)
Human civilisation has definitely witnessed some pretty spectacular comebacks: Elvis Presley in 1968, Muhammad Ali in 1974, Chiara Siracusa in 2005. Not to mention the greatest comeback of them all, that of Jesus of Nazareth circa 33A.D. But no comeback has been more surprising than that of the humble Speedo, or 'triangle', as it is affectionately known in this part of the world. For years one of the most reviled items of clothing in a man's wardrobe, the triangle seems to be back with a vengeance. And about bloody time, too. As everyone knows, the advantages of wearing a triangle are many, but today I will only mention three. ...
- Trenton - The Gospel Music of Elvis
(communitypress-online.com June 12 2006)
Elvis Presley is purported to have said, "I know practically every religious song that's been written." It was his Gospel Music, however, that earned him the coveted Grammy awards. Trenton High School auditorium will be ringing with many of the gospel songs of "The King" as sung by award-winning Elvis impersonator Mike "E" of the Hound Dogs. The Quinte Community Gospel choir, directed by Alice Haveman, will be singing backup as well presenting some of their own mass-choir gospel style music along with contemporary, traditional and non-traditional gospel music. Mike "E" has planned several toe-tapping, hand clapping, spirit-uplifting renditions of many of Elvis's gospel recordings. Elvis (the real one) warmed up for recording sessions with gospel songs, and when not on tour was often at his home piano knocking out his favourite hymns. Tickets for the Thursday, June 22, 8 p.m. concert are available at the door or by e-mail .
- Couric lost in 'television's egotistic stratosphere'
By Paul Wessling
(Quad City Times June 12 2006)
I have my answer. The question was what would CBS news do to their nightly report with Katie Couric. Her responses to questions raised by Lesley Stahl the other day ring with self-importance and an isolationist stand that only wealth brings. Her statement, I've done more hard-hitting interviews than any evening news" places her qualifications for the job so far into television's egotistic stratosphere that if we don't see her during the first week on-air with George Bush, Pope Benedict, Elvis Presley and Genghis Khan, how could we not be disappointed? And her stab at Ted Baxter was cheap. But it shows how she reveals her weaknesses by comparing a 1970s TV sit-com to reporting news, a job that matters and a job that comes with expectations. So I'll tune in to take a look at the pretty new set, graphics and the first of many hair-dos, but I'll stick with the BBC report on IPTV, The News Hour with Jim Lehrer and Charlie Rose. You get what you pay for.
- Painting the Band
By Anthony Stoeckert
(Bucks County TIMEOFF June 12 2006)
"Big Bang Blue" Works by Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones will be on view at Image Makers Art/Gallery of Stars in New Hope, Pa.
The Rolling Stones are touring Europe this summer, and one of its members is putting on a solo show in New Hope, Pa. Ronnie Wood won't be in town playing music, but his artwork will make an appearance at Image Makers Art/Gallery of Stars June 9 to July 31. Though Mr. Wood is known better for his work with a six string than a paint brush, art has been an important part of his life since his childhood in Middlesex, England. He attended Ealing College of Art in London, but success in bands such as The Faces and then The Rolling Stones sent him on a historically successful journey as a rock star. Of his passion for art, Mr. Wood once said, "At a very early age you either take a shine to something or you don't. For me, drawing was all I wanted to do, that and drumming." The drumming part may come as a surprise, but a look at Mr. Wood's art shows that it comes from experienced hands. He has rendered many rock stars past and present, including Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Marvin Gaye, Jim Morrison, former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash, and U2 guitarist The Edge. His drawing of guitar god Eric Clapton graced the cover of Clapton's career-retrospective CD boxed set Crossroads in 1988. ... But the subject he paints the most is The Rolling Stones. ...
- Perspective: Too old to die young: A generation that found meaning in rock 'n' roll now seeks guidance for aging gracefully in a culture of youth
By WILLIAM McKEEN
(St. Petersburg Times June 11 2006)
I hope I die before I get old - Pete Townshend, 1965
Well, Pete - old buddy old pal - you didn't make it. You're over 60, but you were barely 20 when you wrote that famous line in My Generation. And, dude, I'm not saying 60 is old. Not at all. Time is relative, as Dr. Einstein would say, and the older I get, the younger 60 (or 70 ... or 80) seems to me. It's all a state of mind, right? But back then, maybe 60 seemed old. With the invincible fury of youth, anyone over 30 was ancient. But from where we sit today, 30 is a whippersnapper and 40 is a punk. As those of us in the baby boom generation lurch toward our assumed retirement, it's interesting to ponder that those icons of our youth ... our rock 'n' roll stars ... are getting there just before us, maybe (once again) giving voice to our feelings, as they did back in the 1960s. Popular music is an industry built on youth - which is to say on sand - and so when a rock 'n' roll artist reaches a milestone, we all feel it, because we've marked our time by their lives.
... Music is a great and mysterious motive force in human life, so it's no surprise that musicians have come to represent more than mere entertainment to those of us in the pampered and largely affluent postwar generation. Maybe we're selfish, thinking this is just a baby boom thing and that earlier generations didn't invest so much of themselves in their artists. To us, Bob Dylan, John Lennon and Joni Mitchell were people who spoke for us when we couldn't form the words. Unlike the musical icons of before - Rudy Vallee, Bing Crosby, even Elvis Presley - the Dylan/Lennon/Mitchell generation sang songs that they wrote. It was all very personal.
And so now, those of us who fall into the two-decade-wide window of baby boomer, are beginning to turn 60 this year. Those who provided the soundtrack of our youth are - mostly - no longer in the arena. Some are dead, some are retired, some are shunned by the marketplace that celebrates youth - the youth they used to have, the youth their lives and music used to embody. A few are still on the road, heading for another joint, playing new music or flogging their oldies. ... It's hard to age gracefully in a culture of youth. It's hard enough just to live. Even rock stars have a tough time of it. Townshend is a rock icon, but he's also a sexually confused recovering substance abuser who may or may not have issues with child pornography. (Life ain't pretty.) Chuck Berry, a founding father of rock 'n' roll, has been busted spending some of his rocking-chair years watching surreptitious videos of women in the restroom of his nightclub. James Brown, the hardest working man in show business, schooled such pupils as Mick Jagger and Michael Jackson in the art of entertainment, yet seems to have issues with firearms and speed limits. ...
- Grand Hotel not in grand plans for AJ: Decade-old vision of downtown area is nearing reality
By Lars Jacoby
(azcentral.com / Arizona Republic June 11 2006)
Apache Junction is about to embark on a major redevelopment of its downtown, including demolishing the 47-year-old Grand Hotel, which once hosted the likes of John Wayne and Elvis Presley. On Tuesday the City Council voted unanimously on the downtown implementation plan that puts the Crossroads Redevelopment Plan one step closer to reality. ...
- Royal relics come under the hammer
(Daily Telegraph June 11 2006)
A two-day auction of the late Princess Margaret's belongings begins at Christie's on Tuesday. The 900 or so pieces, which include jewellery, table-ware and portraits, are expected to raise £2 million. Admirers of rock "royalty" may be more interested in an X-ray of Elvis Presley's jaw and frontal skull currently being auctioned on eBay (closing day: Saturday).
- Most pageants have lost their luster
(The Southern Illinoisan June 11 2006)
The Miss America Pageant, Elvis movies and Billy Graham crusades were three staples of television viewing when I was growing up in Tennessee. Looking back, Bert Parks was a precursor to Regis Philbin, a marginally talented entertainer who became world famous for his corny jokes and slightly off-key singing voice. Since he was in prime time on Miss America, Parks was a household name, just like Regis during "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire." How times have changed. Miss America isn't what it used to be. Elvis' estate makes more money in death than he did with 141 gold, platinum or multi-platinum records. And Billy Graham has turned over much of his ministry to his son. I have no problem with Elvis' heirs making millions and Graham turning over his ministry. I like Priscilla and Lisa Marie Presley and love what they've done with Graceland in Memphis. I think Franklin Graham is a strong preacher, too, a chip off the old block. I do have a problem with what has happened to Miss America. ...
- Elvis Presley inspired Tom Jones to sing!
(Yahoo! News June 11 2006)
Tom Jones has revealed Elvis Presley inspired him to become a singer. The veteran star, who shot to fame in the 60s with his hit 'It's Not Unusual' says watching 'The King' as a youngster made him realise what it took to become a star. Tom, who is adored by legions of female fans, insists Elvis taught him that sex appeal was just as important as talent. "It was the first time I heard 'Heartbreak Hotel'. It gave me hope that I could become a famous performer, too," he was quoted by Femalefirst,as saying. knew I had the voice and the flair for it. Of course, Elvis and I became great friends," he added.
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