Monday, March 18, 2024

March 18 - James Burton Inducted Hall of Fame

James Burton will be introduced into the Class of 2024 of the Country Music Hall of Fame in the category "Recording and/or Touring Musician" during the Medallion Ceremony in October 2024. 

The announcement stated: Few guitarists have made a more sustained impression on country music - and popular music - than James Burton, who blended blues and country for a signature sound. 

By age fifteen, he was a Louisiana Hayride staff musician and created the memorable guitar lick for “Susie-Q” by Dale Hawkins. At seventeen, Burton graduated to Ricky Nelson’s band, where he crafted influential rockabilly licks and solos on more than forty hits. As an in-demand studio picker, he played on records for artists ranging from Merle Haggard to the Beach Boys. He then led Elvis Presley’s band (1969–1977), followed by long stints backing Emmylou Harris, John Denver, and others in bands and on records.

 A Hall of Fame member inducts the member-elect by presenting the inductee with a commemorative medallion to be worn each time the membership gathers.

Bronze plaques bearing the inductees’ likenesses are unveiled for the first time during the ceremony before hanging permanently in the Museum’s Rotunda. Each inductee gives an acceptance speech. The remarks are always heartfelt, sometimes funny, and often emotional as the new members of the Hall of Fame reflect on their journeys to country music’s highest honor. The ceremony ends with everyone singing “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.”

Completing the class of 2024 are John Anderson, who will be inducted in the category "Veterans Era Artist" and Toby Keith who will be inducted in the category "Modern Era Artist".


Imports Released

Released in the ElvisOne 'Bootleg Series' are the double CD '70... 72... 73... Fragments - The Rehearsal Tapes' and the single CDs 'Legendary Elvis' and 'Fun In Acapulco - The Alternate Album'. 

From the same producers, but released on their alternate Paradise Road Records label is the the CD 'Elvis - 1970 - At The Astrodome'. 


Elvis Exhibit at Arches London Bridge Extends Through September 2024

Graceland announced the extended stay of the Elvis exhibit in London. 

Publicity stated: Elvis fans from all over the world have flocked to London to view the impressive and extensive retrospective Direct from Graceland: Elvis, which explores the king's life and legacy through a kaleidoscopic collection of personal treasures. Decades after his tragic death, Elvis Presley still touches people's lives worldwide. Fans say his enduring popularity is down to his authenticity on stage and this exhibition is just that - completely authentic.

Graceland and the exhibition’s promoter, Kilimanjaro Live, are thrilled to announce the initial 10-week run is now being extended through the height of summer to September 1 at Arches London Bridge, allowing fans from the UK and around the globe to immerse themselves in the life of Elvis Presley.

From the gates of Graceland, the most significant collection of the King of Rock 'n' Roll to ever leave Memphis is here for the summer, including Elvis Presley’s instruments, stage outfits, and personal belongings. Graceland Archives has assembled a powerful narrative that explores Elvis’ meteoric career, larger-than-life persona, influential sense of style, life at Graceland, and lesser-known aspects of his early years, hobbies, and personal life.

Angie Marchese, Vice President of Archives and Exhibits for Elvis Presley Enterprises says, “The overwhelming response to this exhibition is a true testament to Elvis’ enduring legacy. Curating this exhibit that resonates with so many is such an honor and a privilege. As archivists, we are storytellers, and each artifact featured in this exhibition captures a moment in time and has a unique story to tell.” 

Alongside this extension, several new artefacts are making their way directly from Graceland for the remaining run of the exhibition. These artefacts include Elvis Presley’s Gibson J200 leather guitar cover. This cover adorned one of his favorite guitars and was visible on stage throughout Elvis’ rise to fame in the 50s.

Synonymous with the king, the exhibition will also include Elvis Presley’s famous TCB aviator sunglasses, which will be included in the wildly popular White Glove Experience. 

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of his 1974 Grammy win, the Grammy Award and nomination plaque will be showcased as part of the exhibition's final run. On March 20, 1974, Elvis recorded How Great Thou Art live on stage at the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis. That recording went on to win Elvis his last Grammy in the category of Best Inspirational Performance. 

Elvis Presley’s fashion and eclectic style has created a part of his legacy. Additional inclusions to this exhibition are the red vest worn on set while filming his 1968 Comeback Special and his dazzling diamond and ruby ring worn on stage and featured in his concert documentary Elvis On Tour. 

(Source: Country Music Hall of Fame / Elvis Club Berlin / Elvis Shop London / Graceland)

Saturday, March 16, 2024

March 16 - Follow That Release

The Follow That Dream collectors label have advised dealers that it is now hoped that all 3 releases - 'The Blue Hawaii Sessions' and 'Stateline Nevada' CD-sets and the gold sparkle vinyl re-issue of the FTD 'Moody Blue' LP - are set for shipping around March 25, 2024. Every effort is being made by manufacturing to accelerate delivery of the vinyl.

When you pre-order the 'Moody Blue' LP from the Memphis Mansion webshop, the first 300 customers get a free bonus vinyl featuring a a rare and previously unreleased radio promo for the original album from July 21st 1977.

Go to the >>> Memphis Mansion webshop for your pre-order.  

(Source: Facebook)

March 16 - Charts March 2024 - Week 3

In the United States Elvis' recordings dropped a few spots on the Billboard charts. 

In the United Kingdom his records gained a few spots. 

Other charts will be updated over the weekend when the updates are published on the various chart-websites.







Official U.K. charts:
  • Official Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #57 to #52.
  • Official Streaming Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' climbed from #48 to #41.

Irish IRMA charts: (to be updated)
  • Official Irish Album chart: 'ELV1S 30#1 Hits' climbed from #83 to #78.
  • Official Irish Video chart: 'ELVIS' dropped from #22 to #25. 

Billboard charts:
   
  • Billboard Top 200 Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #179 to #184. 
  • Billboard Top Country Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' dropped from #28 to #29. 
  • Billboard Top Rock and Alternative Album chart: 'ELV1S 30 #1 Hits' remained steady at #43.

(Source: Official Charts / U.K. Mix / Billboard/ IRMA) 

Friday, March 15, 2024

Review Le Cavalier Du Noel

The French V.P.I. record label re-issued two more classic EP’s on colored vinyl: ‘Noel Avec Elvis’ and ‘Le Cavalier Du Crépuscule’ from the movie ‘Love Me Tender’. Let’s give them a spin.  

 

Design

 

The covers of the Extended Plays are true reproductions of the originals, up to the RCA logo and absence of references to the V.P.I. record label itself. The labels on the discs – available on black, transparent, red, yellow, orange and blue-green colored vinyl, each color limited to 200 copies each – have an original look, but differ from the originals. The design of the Christmas EP almost mimics the first ‘Elvis Golden Hits’ LP, but with a Holiday twist, until now I never noticed that. 

 

Le Cavalier Du Crépuscule

 

‘Le Cavalier Du Crépuscule’ was originally released in 1956 in France, with various re-issues in the fifties and sixties and now even into the 21st. century. The French EP contains the same 4 songs as its American counterpart. 

 

The four songs were recorded at Fox Stage One in Hollywood, at three sessions on August 24, September 4, and October 1, 1956. The title song was released as a single in the U.S. on September 14, 1956, and went to No. 1 on the singles chart. The EP version entered both the album and singles charts with sales of over 600,000 copies. 

 

With ‘Love me Tender’, the title song from his first movie, Elvis probably hit bull’s eye with the ladies young and old, making a cross-over to the parents of the kids who until then were the ones buying his records. Adding the country themed songs, he may have lured in their husbands in too. 


I must say, playing this song from an old-school 45 RPM single does add something to the experience of Elvis’ music. 

 

Noel Avec Elvis

 

The second single in this batch is the Christmas EP ‘Noel Avec Elvis’. This EP was first released in 1961 with several re-releases into the sixties. And here I am, playing a new colorful version in March 2024, sixty years later. A classic indeed! 

 

The timing of the release of this 45 RPM may be a bit off in March, but to my surprise I enjoyed playing these seasonal songs this time of the year. Perhaps that is just proof of the quality of the recordings made by Elvis. 

 

Listen to his interpretation of ‘White Christmas’, sorry Irving Berlin, you were so wrong trying to have the song, and the entire album, banned from radio airplay! Or Elvis singing of hope and faith on ‘I Believe’, still sounding powerful and relevant today! And of course ‘Blue Christmas’, with Millie Kirkham lending her signature soprano vocals to this classic.


I’m sure I’ll give this Extended Play at the end of the year.

 

Conclusion

 

Again, two fun novelty records from France, fun to add to the collection as a colorful alternative for the originals.  


The singles >>> 'Le Cavalier Du Crépuscule' and >>> 'Noël Avec Elvis' are available from the Culture Factory website.

March 15 - Elvis Week Logo

Here is the Elvis Week 2024 logo. 

A while ago Graceland / EPE posted: Elvis Week 2024 will be the biggest and best Elvis Week yet! We look forward to welcoming fans from around the world to Memphis as they make the ultimate pilgrimage to be with us during this annual celebration of the life and legacy of Elvis Presley. 

The Elvis Week 2024 schedule and ticket on-sale dates will be announced in 2024. Stay tuned!


Graceland also announced that Vocal Group The Jordanaires willl be be Inducted to Graceland Legends During Elvis Week.

Rooted in gospel but famed as one of the busiest pop and country vocal back-up groups in the business, The Jordanaires worked with Elvis in the recording studio from 1956 to 1970. Between 1956 and 1961, they joined him for his live concerts, his historic television guest appearances, and in some films. Members during the group’s years with Elvis were: Gordon Stoker, Neal Matthews, Hoyt Hawkins, Hugh Jarrett, and Ray Walker.

Graceland Legends is designed to honor and recognize the musicians and musical groups who were an integral part of Elvis Presley’s legendary career. In addition to being recognized in a ceremony at Graceland, the honorees will also be added to the Graceland Legends exhibit at Graceland.

Past Graceland Legends inductees including James Burton, Ronnie Tutt, Glen Hardin, Jerry Scheff, Scotty Moore, Bill Black, DJ Fontana, David Briggs, Norbert Putnam and Charlie McCoy. The induction of The Jordanaires will mark the first induction of members of one of Elvis’ backing vocal groups.

The induction ceremony and recognition will be in August at Graceland during Elvis Week 2024. More details about the presentation of the awards to be announced later. 

Graceland is delighted to share this announcement of this special award on March 16, as we celebrate the 90th birthday of one of the group’s members, Ray Walker. We look forward to recognizing their contribution to Elvis musical legacy with fans from around the world.

(Source: Facebook / Graceland)