late August, 2006
- Elvis's Caddy, Nick Berry's E-Type
(www.carkeys.co.uk August 28, 2006)
You don't often hear of ex-Elvis Presley Cadillacs coming up for sale at a UK auction, but that's what's going to happen in Derbyshire on September 12/13. The H&H sale in Buxton will feature a 1960 Cadillac Coupé DeVille which is believed to have covered just 76,099 miles since it was built. It's painted in white with a salmon pink roof, and the interior is upholstered in white and pink trim. Classy. Items of memorabilia relating to the car's most famous owner are also being included in the sale. Estimated sale price is between £15,000 and £18,000.
You can decide for yourself how close soap star Nick Berry comes to Elvis in the celebrity food chain - we're just here to write about the cars. The same H&H Buxton event also features an ex-Berry maroon 1973 Jaguar E-Type V12 2+2 Coupé with tan interior and a reported mileage of 75,609 miles.
- Less TV: Addition through subtraction
By JERRY MCGOVERN
(Press Republican August 27, 2006)
Fifty years ago, Elvis Presley appeared on television and everyone watched him. When he was on the Ed Sullivan show, 80 percent of the viewing audience saw Elvis. No television event will ever get the numbers the kid from Tupelo, Miss., got as he brought rock and roll to America. It's not just because there is no more Elvis, it's because there are so many more televisions and television channels.
Associated Press writer Woody Bair notes "In those days, few homes had more than one television set ... so teenagers watched the show with their parents, making the Elvis event a family experience. For a while, whatever else television was doing, it was uniting families and the country. Everyone bought a television to watch the few programs that everyone else was watching. Kids watched Milton Berle with their parents, and parents watched Davy Crockett with their kids Television brought millions to Washington, D.C., one day in August, 1963, to see people protest for civil rights and jobs. And we heard Rev. Martin Luther King's dream for the United States. ... All in all, kids spend about 900 hours in school and 1,000 hours alone in front of a TV each year. Only 1 in 12 parents require children to do their homework before they watch TV. ... The King was once very controversial, and his music threatened traditional America on more than one front. His blurring of the lines between black and white music hastened the arrival of the civil rights movement. And what he did with his hips - some people saw that as the beginning of a sexual revolution. That's why many adults wanted him to just stand there and sing like Bing Crosby or Frank Sinatra. ... There's a value in a conversation about taste, even if it turns into an argument. ...
- Daily buzz: NEW BOOK PROFILES MISSISSIPPIANS
By Mary Ann Cruz
(Clarion-Ledger August 27, 2006)
A new full-color coffee table book, Proud To Call Mississippi Home, features profiles of 40 Mississippians such as William Faulkner, B.B. King, Elvis Presley and former Gov. William Winter. The book is $39.95 and available at most local bookstores. It was sponsored by Mississippi PRIDE Committee, which represents business and civic leaders across the state.
- Livermore Opera Turns Up the Volume
By Mary Ann Cruz
(Red Orbit / Oakland Tribune August 27, 2006)
WHAT DOES rock music possibly have in common with opera? That Elvis Presley's "Now or Never" hit takes its melody from the operatic number "O Sole Mio?" Actually, no. Thanks to hanging out a few nights with the folks at the Livermore Valley Opera, I've discovered that "O Sole Mio" is a 19th century Neapolitan song and isn't found in any opera at all.
But that's a story for another time. Here's what I'm getting at: Besides notable classical influences on rock music and several works that have been labeled rock operas like "Tommy,""Jesus Christ Superstar," and "Rent," the two seemingly incongruous music styles converged, in spirit anyway, when local rock musicians performed a benefit for the Livermore Valley Opera last Sunday at Cedar Mountain Winery. ...
- Tupelo tourism group approves funds for Elvis museum
(WREG.com August 23, 2006)
The Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau in Mississippi has approved a 50-thousand dollar request to fund renovations at the Elvis Presley Museum. The agency had denied the request on two occasions earlier this summer because members of the Elvis Presley Memorial Foundation had refused to turn over some financial reports. The foundation has since provided the information. Renovations are expected to begin this fall on a multimedia exhibit focusing mostly on Elvis as a boy. Presley, who died in 1977, was born and grew up in Tupelo before his family moved to Memphis when he was 13.
- A summer spent soaring with legal eagles: Students learn about intricacies of justice system
By Shelley Murphy
(Boston Globe August 23, 2006)
Dressed in a gray pinstriped suit, Mavrick Afonso had the poise of a seasoned criminal defense lawyer yesterday as he argued in federal court in Boston that his client didn't murder rock legend Elvis Presley. ``Elvis killed Elvis," said Afonso, during opening arguments in a two-hour trial, complete with aggressive cross-examination by a team of purported lawyers and a parade of seemingly earnest witnesses.
Of course, it wasn't a real trial, given that Elvis died decades ago. And Afonso, an 18-year-old senior at Charlestown High School, isn't a real lawyer. However, the mock trial gave a group of Boston high school students a chance to demonstrate their legal skills after spending the summer shadowing federal judges to learn the justice system from the inside out. ...
- Graceland(R) Cellars Gives Away a Trip for Two to Graceland, TN
Source: Graceland Cellars
(Financial News - Yahoo! Finance / BUSINESS WIRE August 23, 2006)
Wine Enthusiasts & Elvis(R) Fans Get a Chance to Live Like the King of Rock 'n' Roll(TM)
Elvis took a walk down Lonely Street to get to Heartbreak Hotel, but thanks to Graceland Cellars, producer of award-winning California wines featuring classic Elvis Presley imagery, consumers will have a chance to fly there when they enter the "Win a Trip for Two to Elvis Presley's Graceland Sweepstakes."
"Graceland Cellars' wines provide a unique way for people to enjoy great wine and Elvis memorabilia," said Scott Cahill, CEO of Signature Wines, producer of Graceland Cellars wines. "This sweepstakes takes what we do to the next level, giving two lucky people the exciting opportunity to stay at Heartbreak Hotel, get an up-close look into the fascinating world of Elvis Presley, and see firsthand how he became the most celebrated entertainer in the world."
The contest, which runs August -- December 2006, has a grand prize package of roundtrip airfare for two, four days/three nights accommodations at the Heartbreak Hotel, a tour of Graceland, tickets to various Memphis attractions, and a car rental. An additional five lucky winners will be selected to receive two Graceland Cellars fan jackets and an Elvis Presley commemorative corkscrew.
Located across the street from the Graceland mansion, Heartbreak Hotel is a boutique hotel that takes its cues from the legendary hospitality and personal style for which Elvis was known. With Elvis-inspired decor, a heart-shaped pool, and 24-hour-a-day Elvis movies, the one-of-a-kind hotel brings guests about as close as they can get to living like the King of Rock 'n' Roll.
"Everyone should have the opportunity to visit Graceland and stay at the Heartbreak Hotel at least once in their lifetime," said Cahill. "What better place to enjoy a glass of Graceland Cellars wine and toast one of America's greatest Rock 'n' Roll legends?"
To enter this exciting sweepstakes, consumers can fill out and mail entry forms found on special Graceland Cellars displays located in the wine aisle at participating retail stores. For specific contest rules and details, and for additional entry options, visit www.gracelandcellars.com/sweepstakes. All entries must be postmarked by December 31, 2006. No purchase necessary. Must be 21 years of age or older to enter.
About Graceland Cellars
Graceland Cellars' traditionally crafted award-winning wines bring Elvis Presley® images, which commemorate memorable eras, together with premium quality wine, proving that good wine can also be fun. Launched as a tribute to the King of Rock 'n' Roll®, Graceland Cellars' wines are firmly planted in California innovative winemaking. The vineyards are located throughout California, primarily along the picturesque central coast. A sunny climate rich with cooling breezes provides ideal conditions for flavor development. Careful handling with limited oak cooperage results in fruit-forward, flavorful wines -- perfect for pairing any day. Elvis® wines have won several distinguished awards including: 2006 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (Gold & Silver) and 2005 International Eastern Wine Competition (Silver). Graceland Cellars has also been named one of the year's "Top 10 Hottest Small Winery Brands," by Wine Business Monthly Magazine.
About Signature Wines
Founded in 1998, Signature Wines is a leading provider of partner branded, award-winning wines including Elvis Presley® wines by Graceland® Cellars, Ducks Unlimited, University Alumni Associations, and our own nationally distributed brand, Blackridge Canyon. In addition, the company also developed and supports the highly successful Sunset Magazine Wine Club and the recently launched Better Homes & Gardens Wine Club. Signature Wines has also developed a technology platform that enables corporations, hospitality venues and consumers to easily develop their own custom-labeled wines. In 2005, Signature Wines made the list on Inc. Magazine's annual ranking of the 500 fastest growing private companies in the country. For more information about Signature Wines visit www.signaturewines.com.
About Elvis Presley® Enterprises
Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. is based in Memphis, with additional offices in Los Angeles. In addition to Graceland and its related attractions in Memphis, including the Heartbreak Hotel, EPE is aggressively involved in a worldwide licensing program, merchandising, music publishing, and television, film, video and Internet projects. For more information on EPE and Graceland, visit Elvis.com. EPE is a subsidiary of CKX, Inc., a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ National Market System (NMS) under the ticker symbol CKXE.
Contact:
for Graceland Cellars
Susan Olson, 707-255-7667
solson@balzac.com
- World's best Elvis
(Western People August 23, 2006)
IT is believed that there are in excess of 85,000 Elvis Impersonators in the world today! Top Elvis wannabes from all over travel to America to compete in the "Elvis Idol" competition, for the title "The World's Finest Elvis Impersonator".
In June of this year an Irishman named Liam Murphy won the competition, beating off competitors from around the globe. Now Liam and his band of top Irish musicians and singers are bringing an all-new Elvis show around Ireland.
Not only is Liam's voice identical to Elvis, his show is just as exhilarating and action packed. The two-hour spectacle features most of Elvis' big hits and also Elvis songs that most impersonators would not dare attempt, like 'Bridge Over Troubled Water', 'Proud Mary' and 'You've Lost that Lovin' Feeling'. At 36 Liam is one of the few Elvis performers that captures 'The King' in his prime. Every shake, rattle, and roll has the audience screaming for more, particularly when he arrives out after the interval wearing the black leather '68 Comback Special' suit, and mingles with the screaming crowd. All Liam's costumes are hand made by the same company that made Elvis Presley's threads, and are exact replica, as is the pink paisley Fender guitar. Liam Murphy plays Elvis at the TF Royal Theatre, Castlebar, this Friday, 25 August.
- The Elvis Jeweler - Lowell Hays: Jewelry Collecting Site
By Susan Dorling
(bellaonline.com August 22, 2006)
Once upon a time, there was a poor country boy who grew up to be King. For more than three decades, but for a brief fateful interlude, he reigned supreme. Everywhere he traveled, crowds thronged around him, worshipped him. There had never been anyone quite like him before. It was a different world then, but even now, nearly three decades after his untimely death, thousands gather to mourn him still. Every year, on the anniversary of his death, August 16, 1977, they come to the palace to honor him, to celebrate the life of the King whose magic touched them.
From the time he was a shy young boy growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, Elvis Presley was crazy about music. He went on to become the King of Rock and Roll. His unique style, lack of affectation, and monumental talent won him instant fame, and fortune followed. By the time Elvis was known as the King, he had bought his palace and named it Graceland, and began collecting all the beautiful things money can buy. By the time he was the paramount performer in Las Vegas, his passion for big luxurious cars and motorcycles, dramatic bejewlled clothing, and gemstone jewelry was legendary. His penchant for sharing his good fortune was legendary, too!
Like all kings, Elvis had his own personal jeweler. Lowell Hays became The Elvis Jeweler in 1972. For five years he traveled with Elvis, shared the good times and a warm friendship, and turned Elvis' visions into reality with a dazzling array of stunning rings, pendants, bracelets, and pins. What Elvis fan can forget the TCB Ring Elvis wore so proudly (there was only the one Elvis wore until long after he passed away when Mr. Hays began producing duplicates of this gorgeous piece), the TCB Necklaces, TLC Necklaces, American Flag Pin, Tube Bracelet, and the spectacular Diamond Engagement Ring he bestowed upon his young fiance, Ginger Alden, in the final days of his life - these are just a few of the many incredible jewelry pieces created by Lowell Hays for Elvis. In addition to being Elvis' jeweler, for years right up until February 2006, Mr. Hays was also one of the premiere jewelers in Memphis, his lavish showroom brimful of the finest jewelry.
After being in the jewelry business for so many years, Mr. Hays has closed his store to focus exclusively on the Elvis collection which he now crafts in his home studio. This exceptional Elvis jewelry collection is available at his elegant new online shop, The Elvis Jeweler at www.elvisjeweler.com. The website showcases Elvis jewelry created using the original molds, now available to you in a variety of beautiful versions, authenticity guaranteed. They are really awesome pieces and it's clear why Elvis chose Lowell Hays to be his jeweler. You will also find great photos and entertaining stories about Elvis - stories about his generosity, his extravagance, his love for his fans, and his love of fine jewelry. Truly a treat for every Elvis fan, and anyone else who appreciates beautiful jewelry, we highly recommend this site.
We are so impressed with this outstanding collection of Elvis jewelry that we've added a special section of the Jewelry Collecting site dedicated to collecting this timeless jewelry, entitled 'Elvis Jewelry'. Check it out often as we will be announcing new pieces as Mr. Hays introduces them. Elvis was by far the most famous jewelry collector ever and 'Elvis Jewelry' will feature an ongoing series of articles in the coming months showcasing individual pieces of Elvis' magnificent jewelry collection, and other entertaining stories about Elvis and his love of jewelry.
Since closing his showroom, Lowell Hays has been helping his sons build houses. He really enjoys working outdoors and being with his family. Mr. Hays is a charming man, and I thoroughly enjoyed our chat. We talked about him growing up in the jewelry business, and how much he enjoyed his career as a jeweler. In our interview he shares some wonderful stories about Elvis with us, and you can read many more at Elvis Jeweler.com.
- Elvis lives - all over the place
By Ian Briggs
(Yorkshire Post August 22, 2006)
WHERE better to launch a concept allowing people to discover images of Elvis Presley than the home of the king of rock and roll?
Roy Webber, the man behind Leeds-based design company Art Factory, visited Memphis, Tennessee, to see the collection unveiled during Elvis Week - the event which allows fans to pay homage to the performer. The company's venture allows people to look at a collection of digitally manipulated Elvis images and have one digitally printed onto anything from canvas to wallpaper to form a striking image on a piece of furniture such as a lampshade or even a table top.
Mr Webber agreed a deal with the musician's estate, Elvis Presley Enterprises at Graceland, and the owners of his official website to use the collection of around 100 images. "It was incredibly well received," said Mr Webber, of the recent launch during Elvis Week. "We've reinvented Elvis for a new generation. We've taken images that already exist of Elvis and have appeared hundreds of times, put them into a computer and created new contemporary art." The images, available in four different colours, are also available through a dvd gift pack, with each order being processed within 14 days.
Mr Webber, who has also secured the rights to use images of Marilyn Monroe, said: "It has been a lifelong dream of mine to work with Elvis Presley Enterprises and after a lot of research and hard work it has all come together and the products look fantastic. There is nothing else like it on the market right now plus we are offering images that are completely exclusive to us." Mr Webber added that he visited Nashville during his stay in the US to discuss using images of Johnny Cash, and said Art Factory was in discussions with Sony BMG about placing the gift dvds in the next Elvis Presley compilation CD. Further information is at www.elvisinteriors.com
- Bush's informality reflects his style
By NATASHA T. METZLER
(Yahoo! News / Associated Press August 22, 2006)
Stepping outside the boundaries of strict political and diplomatic protocol gets no more attention than when the president of the United States does it. And President Bush has been doing a lot of it recently. He called Canada's prime minister by his first name, massaged German Chancellor Angela Merkel's shoulders and played tour guide to Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi at Graceland, the Memphis home of Elvis Presley. ...
- Eau de silliness of it all
By Peter Leo
(Pittsburgh Post-Gazette August 22, 2006)
What do Danielle Steel, Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Jennifer Lopez (J. Lo to you) and Marilyn Manson have in common? The obvious answer is, they are all in a sentence that is a prime example of the most hackneyed way a journalist can start a story, and no need to thank me. But that's not the answer I'm looking for. (And let's remove from consideration the obvious fact that they are all women, although you can't always go by the name, Paris Hilton being a good example.) ... No, the answer I'm fishing for is, of course, that all these celebrities have a perfume fragrance named after them. But somebody always gets hurt. Where's the fragrance for Joe Pesci? Barry Bonds? Ruth Bader Ginsburg? Shrek? I want to reach out to the overlooked celebrities and say, "I know you're hurting. I know you smell like the rest of us. Just keep you chin down."
Fragrant history
As I recall (OK, as I read moments ago in an Associated Press story), Liz Taylor was among the first celebrities with her own perfume, in 1987, followed by Cher, Michael Jackson, Julio Iglesias, Linda Evans, Priscilla Presley, Catherine Deneuve, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Billy Dee Williams, Trisha Yearwood, Herb Alpert, Muhammad Ali, Sophia Loren, Dionne Warwick, Elvira and Joan Collins. You look at that list and you feel humbled. You say: "How could I possibly have a perfume named after me -- I've never had a well-publicized weight problem, undergone extensive plastic surgery, floated like a butterfly, lost my way to San Jose, had slumber parties with 11-year-olds, starred in a movie or TV show or, like so many of the fashion designers with their obsessions and their eternities, had a deep-seated sexual problem that involves jumping into a purple body stocking at odd hours."
You make a good point. But don't give up. Keep in mind that Elvis Presley, who many people believe is dead, introduced his fragrance posthumously in 1991. (If I'm not mistaken, it was a masculine blend of cheeseburger and Dr. Pepper.) ...
- Elvis Foundation ready to rock - with help
By EMILY LE COZ
(Daily Journal August 20, 2006)
Henry Dodge has a vision. The chair of the Elvis Presley Memorial Foundation wants to turn Tupelo's biggest tourist draw into a world-class attraction. He and the foundation board have plans to renovate the Elvis Presley Museum this year and slowly build on one of Mississippi's hottest tourist stops, the Tupelo-born singer's birthplace. But Dodge wants to do it quietly, under the radar, the way he runs his successful, private businesses - Savings Oil and the famous Dodge's Chicken Store chain. That's why he twice refused to show the foundation's financial statements to members of the Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau when asking them to help fund the museum renovation project. "I was concerned they wouldn't understand what we were doing to operate out there," Dodge said. "We have always operated with a low profile, because that's the smart thing to do." But, in this case, it's not the easy thing to do because the foundation isn't a private business. It's a public entity created as an unincorporated trust that "is essentially equivalent to a department of the city," said Daily Journal attorney Tom Wicker of Tupelo. As such, it is legally obligated to reveal its budget, balance sheet and other such information to anyone who requests it.
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