November 14, 201014 yr Author 50 years ago: Now or Never :cheer: http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/elvis1959/INON.jpg November 14th 1960, exactly 50 years ago today: Elvis' latest single "It's Now or Never" sells 780,000 copies in its first week in the UK, making it the fastest-selling single in British History. From Wikipedia: Single by Elvis Presley, A-side It's Now or Never, B-side A Mess of Blues, Released July 5, 1960, Format Vinyl single, Recorded April 3, 1960, Genre Pop, Length 3:15, Label RCA Records, Writer(s) Wally Gold, Aaron Schroeder "It's Now or Never" is a popular song recorded by Elvis Presley in 1960. The melody of the song is borrowed from the Italian standard, "'O Sole Mio", but the inspiration for it came from the song, "There's No Tomorrow", recorded by U.S. singer, Tony Martin, in 1949. In the late 1950s, while stationed in Germany with the U.S. Army, Presley heard Martin's recording and put to tape a private version of the song. Upon his discharge, Presley requested that new lyrics be written especially for him, a job that was undertaken by the songwriting duo of Aaron Schroeder and Wally Gold, with a demo by David Hill. In 1960, "It's Now or Never" was a number-one record in the U.S. and the UK, where it spent nine weeks at the top, and numerous other countries, selling in excess of 25 million copies worldwide, his biggest international single ever. Its UK release was delayed for some time because of rights issues, allowing the song to build up massive advance orders and to enter the UK Singles Chart at number one, a very rare occurrence at the time. "It's Now or Never" peaked at number seven on the R&B charts. Barry White heard this song in 1960 when he was in jail for stealing tires. The song had such an impact on White, that it convinced him to pursue a career in music. A live version featuring "O Sole Mio" is available on the 1977 live album Elvis in Concert. "O Sole Mio" is sung by tenor Sherrill Nielson. In early 2005, the song was re-released along with the other Presley singles in the UK, and again reached number one on the UK Singles Chart. The song also appears in the TV mini-series Elvis. Published: November 14th 2010 09:36 AM. Source: ElvisMatters / Published by: ElvisMatters
November 16, 201014 yr Author Elvis Earns Two New Multi-Platinum Records :dance: Thirty-three years after his passing, Elvis Presley continues to earn multi-gold and platinum certifications from the Recording Industry of America (RIAA). * "It's Christmas Time" received multi-platinum certification (3X) on October 11, 2010 * "How Great Thou Art" received multi-platinum certification (3X) on October 13, 2010 This now brings Elvis' total tally of gold albums in the U.S. to 84. He has 46 platinum albums, and 24 multi-platinum albums. According to the RIAA, Elvis' current tally of total album sales in the U.S. is 123.5 million. Published: November 15th 2010 09:24 AM. Source: RIAA / Published by: ElvisMatters
November 19, 201014 yr Author Graceland Teams up with US Red Cross for Holiday Celebration: Graceland will officially begin the holiday season by “flipping the switch” for the annual lighting celebration TONIGHT on Friday, November 19, with the traditional lights and decorations on the 13.8 acre mansion property. The extensive display includes hundreds of blue lights along the driveway, a life-size Nativity scene, Santa and his sleigh and much more originally displayed at Graceland by Elvis and the Presley family. The event this year will also support the American Red Cross, with the Bloodmobile on site as part of an awareness campaign to encourage the public to donate blood during the holidays. (News, Source;EPE) Can't wait to see Graceland all lit up for Christmas. It's magical :cheer:
November 20, 201014 yr I have that "It's Now Or Never" 45 with picture sleeve. It's one of my favs so far......Best picture too. He looks so happy. :yahoo:
November 20, 201014 yr Author I have that "It's Now Or Never" 45 with picture sleeve. It's one of my favs so far......Best picture too. He looks so happy. :yahoo: He sure does - think the photo was taken at the press conference after he got back from Germany, if my memory serves me well B) Thought I'd post the link to Graceland Cam so we can check out the Christmas lights and decorations :cheer: http://www.elvis.com/graceland/graceland_cam.aspx
November 20, 201014 yr He sure does - think the photo was taken at the press conference after he got back from Germany, if my memory serves me well B) Thought I'd post the link to Graceland Cam so we can check out the Christmas lights and decorations :cheer: http://www.elvis.com/graceland/graceland_cam.aspx Thanks for the link :cheer:
November 22, 201014 yr The Complete Elvis Presley Masters: 30 CD Limited Edition Box Set The Complete Elvis Presley Masters, a 30 CD limited edition box set is now officially announced. As we first told you in September 2008, the set will include every Elvis Presley master recording released during his lifetime, presented in chronological order for the first time (711 original masters) plus an extra 103 rarities. Ernst Jorgensen will reveal the full details of this project in Memphis on Aug 14 during 'Conversations on Elvis'. Limited edition first-run of only 1,000 copies. 30 CDs featuring 711 original master recordings and 103 rarities. 240-page hardcover book with complete discography produced exclusively for this collection All housed in a limited edition display case Elvis CD News, Elvis News July 28, 2010 Wonder how much that is going to cost B) We have got ours. Its absolutly wonderful. Well worth the money :dance: :yahoo: :cheer:
December 12, 201014 yr Author Some sad news to report :( Sherrill/Sean Nielsen Passed Away Word comes that the truly lifting voice of Sherrill (Shaun) Nielsen has passed away. The news comes from Donnie Sumner, nephew of famed J.D. Sumner, that Sherrill (Shaun) Nielsen died at about 11:00 A.M. Friday. For Elvis fans, or those who enjoy gospel music, the name of Nielsen is one that can bring a smile from a memory of a song or note that sent shivers up your spine. Nielsen was that good. This message was sent to us by Donnie Sumner, long time member of the vocal group Voice: ""I regret to inform you that MY FRIEND Sherrill (Shaun) Nielsen passed away Friday morning at about 11:00 A.M. Sherrill fought a good fight and has now received his new body. I will miss MY FRIEND. Remember Brenda in your prayers. I haven't heard about the funeral arrangements yet, but Sherrill and Brenda have a home in Cullman AL and I assume the memorial service will be in Cullman I'll let all of my friends know as soon as I am informed. God bless you all, Your friend Donnie Sumner." From Sherrill's website: In 1961, because of Dad Speer’s health problems, the Singing Speer Family asked Sherrill to join their group. Sherrill, at that time, was singing with the Songfellows Quartet from Los Angeles, CA. Sherrill was excited at the prospect of singing with the legendary Singing Speer Family, a group that were members of the Nazarene Church in Montgomery, AL, where Sherrill and his grandparents attended when he was just a small boy.Little did Sherrill know that this was the stepping stone to his legendary career (some 50 plus years). While he was with the Singing Speer Family, Jake Hess approached Sherrill about singing tenor for a group that he was planning to organize. In 1963, Sherrill became a member of the legendary Jake Hess and the Imperials Quartet. He traveled with the Imperials until the spring of 1966 where he returned to California and the Songfellows. In 1967, he joined the Plainsmen Quartet in Baton Rouge, LA. In 1970, Sherrill moved to Atlanta, GA to join the Hovie Lister and the sensational Statesmen Quartet.In 1973, Sherrill took a new direction by moving to Nashville, TN to organize a gospel group that opened the show for Elvis Presley. Elvis’ love for Sherrill’s tenor voice and gospel music led him to claim the group as his own and Elvis named the group VOICE (after a name he saw on the cover of a religious periodical). According to Felton Jarvis, Elvis’ producer, Sherrill was Elvis’ favorite singer. In 1977, Elvis and Sherrill’s duet, “Softly As I Leave You” was nominated for a Grammy as duet of the year. Sherrill stayed with Elvis until Elvis’ death in 1977.In 1983, the Masters V was looking for a “master tenor voice” to replace Rozie Rozell,. who had suffered astoke. They immediately contacted Sherrill and he performed with this legendary group which consisted at that time of Jake Hess, James Blackwood, J. D. Sumner and Hovie Lister. He left the Masters V for a short time and returned for a second stint with jack Toney, Ed Hill, J. D. Sumner and Hovie Lister. For the past 12 years, Sherrill has been performing gospel music in churches and schools in the beautiful Country of Denmark and other parts of Europe. Denmark is the homeland of his grandfather, C. R. Nielsen, who raised him. Papa Nielsen wasSherrill’s hero. One of the most exciting experiences of Sherrill’s life was the opportunity to sing in the church where his grandfather was baptized on the night that would have been his 100th birthday. Living in Denmark, with bicycle paths and a much slower pace afforded him the serenity and inspiration to pen the words andmusic to approximately 40 songs. In 1966, Shaun’s first meeting with Elvis as a backup singer on his gospel album “How Great Thou Art”, led to their friendship and an eventual contract drawn up by Elvis himself. This contract stated that Shaun and the group VOICE would open his shows, sing back up on his records and write songs for his publishing company.Shaun is recognized by millions as the singer on Elvis’ recording of “Softly As I Leave You” on which Elvis does a recitation behind Shaun’s vocal. First released in 1978, this single rose to number 6 in the nation and was nominated for a Grammy Award. Shaun’s vocal of “O Sole Mio” as the introduction to “It’s Now or Never” is featured on Elvis’ last album titled “In Concert”.As a young developing singer, Shaun learned by singing along with the recordings of the Irish tenor JohnMcCormick, Roy Orbison, Mario Lanza, Hank Williams and Elvis. When these diverse influences delivered with his soul as a gospel singer touch you, they privilege a moving and unforgettable excursion through the gamut of your emotions. Upon reviewing an album recorded by Shaun, Elvis’ record producer Felton Jarvis wrote: “Shaun was Elvis’ favorite singer”. Elvis brought such happiness to so many of us with his music, Shaun brought such happiness to Elvis with his music. Shaun, an undisputed legend in gospel music, is the only person to be inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame as a member of 3 different groups: The Speer Family, The Imperials and the Statesmen. Shaun’s first international recognition as a solo artist came with a song titled “Lights of L.A., which charted in Billboards’ country chart. Sherrill, then and now: In 1963, Sherrill met the lovely and talented Brenda Hall. His first love and the love of his life while singing in Harrisburg, PA. They married and moved to Atlanta, GA. Then onto Nashville, TN and Ontario, CA. In 1967, they went their separate ways because of the many hardships brought on by the music business. In 1965, they had a beautiful baby girl, SherRee’ Elicia who was killed by a drunk driver in 1985. In April 2004, Brenda’s Secretary, JoAnn Garza found Sherrill on the Internet. Sherrill flew from Denmark, Europe to Houston, TX and the two love birds were reunited and were married on June 28, 2004 (some 40 years later). In July 2005, Brenda retired from her Architectural/Engineering position in Houston, TX and the two recently moved to Cullman, AL. Source: ElvisMatters / Updated: Dec 11, 2010
December 14, 201014 yr We have got ours. Its absolutly wonderful. Well worth the money :dance: :yahoo: :cheer: You lucky girl!! :)
December 14, 201014 yr Some sad news to report :( Sherrill/Sean Nielsen Passed Away Word comes that the truly lifting voice of Sherrill (Shaun) Nielsen has passed away. The news comes from Donnie Sumner, nephew of famed J.D. Sumner, that Sherrill (Shaun) Nielsen died at about 11:00 A.M. Friday. For Elvis fans, or those who enjoy gospel music, the name of Nielsen is one that can bring a smile from a memory of a song or note that sent shivers up your spine. Nielsen was that good. This message was sent to us by Donnie Sumner, long time member of the vocal group Voice: ""I regret to inform you that MY FRIEND Sherrill (Shaun) Nielsen passed away Friday morning at about 11:00 A.M. Sherrill fought a good fight and has now received his new body. I will miss MY FRIEND. Remember Brenda in your prayers. I haven't heard about the funeral arrangements yet, but Sherrill and Brenda have a home in Cullman AL and I assume the memorial service will be in Cullman I'll let all of my friends know as soon as I am informed. God bless you all, Your friend Donnie Sumner." From Sherrill's website: In 1961, because of Dad Speer’s health problems, the Singing Speer Family asked Sherrill to join their group. Sherrill, at that time, was singing with the Songfellows Quartet from Los Angeles, CA. Sherrill was excited at the prospect of singing with the legendary Singing Speer Family, a group that were members of the Nazarene Church in Montgomery, AL, where Sherrill and his grandparents attended when he was just a small boy.Little did Sherrill know that this was the stepping stone to his legendary career (some 50 plus years). While he was with the Singing Speer Family, Jake Hess approached Sherrill about singing tenor for a group that he was planning to organize. In 1963, Sherrill became a member of the legendary Jake Hess and the Imperials Quartet. He traveled with the Imperials until the spring of 1966 where he returned to California and the Songfellows. In 1967, he joined the Plainsmen Quartet in Baton Rouge, LA. In 1970, Sherrill moved to Atlanta, GA to join the Hovie Lister and the sensational Statesmen Quartet.In 1973, Sherrill took a new direction by moving to Nashville, TN to organize a gospel group that opened the show for Elvis Presley. Elvis’ love for Sherrill’s tenor voice and gospel music led him to claim the group as his own and Elvis named the group VOICE (after a name he saw on the cover of a religious periodical). According to Felton Jarvis, Elvis’ producer, Sherrill was Elvis’ favorite singer. In 1977, Elvis and Sherrill’s duet, “Softly As I Leave You” was nominated for a Grammy as duet of the year. Sherrill stayed with Elvis until Elvis’ death in 1977.In 1983, the Masters V was looking for a “master tenor voice” to replace Rozie Rozell,. who had suffered astoke. They immediately contacted Sherrill and he performed with this legendary group which consisted at that time of Jake Hess, James Blackwood, J. D. Sumner and Hovie Lister. He left the Masters V for a short time and returned for a second stint with jack Toney, Ed Hill, J. D. Sumner and Hovie Lister. For the past 12 years, Sherrill has been performing gospel music in churches and schools in the beautiful Country of Denmark and other parts of Europe. Denmark is the homeland of his grandfather, C. R. Nielsen, who raised him. Papa Nielsen wasSherrill’s hero. One of the most exciting experiences of Sherrill’s life was the opportunity to sing in the church where his grandfather was baptized on the night that would have been his 100th birthday. Living in Denmark, with bicycle paths and a much slower pace afforded him the serenity and inspiration to pen the words andmusic to approximately 40 songs. In 1966, Shaun’s first meeting with Elvis as a backup singer on his gospel album “How Great Thou Art”, led to their friendship and an eventual contract drawn up by Elvis himself. This contract stated that Shaun and the group VOICE would open his shows, sing back up on his records and write songs for his publishing company.Shaun is recognized by millions as the singer on Elvis’ recording of “Softly As I Leave You” on which Elvis does a recitation behind Shaun’s vocal. First released in 1978, this single rose to number 6 in the nation and was nominated for a Grammy Award. Shaun’s vocal of “O Sole Mio” as the introduction to “It’s Now or Never” is featured on Elvis’ last album titled “In Concert”.As a young developing singer, Shaun learned by singing along with the recordings of the Irish tenor JohnMcCormick, Roy Orbison, Mario Lanza, Hank Williams and Elvis. When these diverse influences delivered with his soul as a gospel singer touch you, they privilege a moving and unforgettable excursion through the gamut of your emotions. Upon reviewing an album recorded by Shaun, Elvis’ record producer Felton Jarvis wrote: “Shaun was Elvis’ favorite singer”. Elvis brought such happiness to so many of us with his music, Shaun brought such happiness to Elvis with his music. Shaun, an undisputed legend in gospel music, is the only person to be inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame as a member of 3 different groups: The Speer Family, The Imperials and the Statesmen. Shaun’s first international recognition as a solo artist came with a song titled “Lights of L.A., which charted in Billboards’ country chart. Sherrill, then and now: In 1963, Sherrill met the lovely and talented Brenda Hall. His first love and the love of his life while singing in Harrisburg, PA. They married and moved to Atlanta, GA. Then onto Nashville, TN and Ontario, CA. In 1967, they went their separate ways because of the many hardships brought on by the music business. In 1965, they had a beautiful baby girl, SherRee’ Elicia who was killed by a drunk driver in 1985. In April 2004, Brenda’s Secretary, JoAnn Garza found Sherrill on the Internet. Sherrill flew from Denmark, Europe to Houston, TX and the two love birds were reunited and were married on June 28, 2004 (some 40 years later). In July 2005, Brenda retired from her Architectural/Engineering position in Houston, TX and the two recently moved to Cullman, AL. Source: ElvisMatters / Updated: Dec 11, 2010 Sad news indeed :( Loved his voice!!
December 15, 201014 yr Author Elvis Most Downloaded Christmas Songs: A recent survey of the most downloaded Christmas tracks showed Elvis has three songs in the top ten. "Blue Christmas", "Santa Claus Is Back In Town" and "White Christmas" are all featured on the list. Top Downloaded Christmas Songs Globally: 1. Wham! 'Last Christmas' 2. Mariah Carey 'All I Want For Christmas Is You' 3. Bing Crosby 'White Christmas' 4. Band Aid 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' 5. John Lennon 'Happy Xmas (War Is Over)' 6. Elvis Presley 'Blue Christmas' 7. Chris Rea 'Driving Home For Christmas' 8. Elvis Presley 'Santa Claus Is Back In Town' 9. Elvis Presley 'White Christmas' 10. Jacky Cheung 'Everyday Is Christmas' (News, Source;ElvisInfoNet)
December 19, 201014 yr Author Graceland Trophy Room Is Getting A New Look! The entrance room inside the trophy building at the Graceland mansion is getting a new look! The room now features an interactive timeline celebrating 1956, the year Elvis Presley catapulted from anonymity to superstardom. The new display will be unveiled on January 8, 2011 during the Elvis Presley Birthday Celebration! Remarkably, 55 years ago, Elvis enjoyed his first RCA single and national hit, "Heartbreak Hotel," his first album, "Elvis Presley," his first movie, "Love Me Tender," and his first television appearances on The Dorsey Brothers' "Stage Show," "The Milton Berle Show," "The Steve Allen Show" and "Ed Sullivan." The new timeline highlights each of these achievements through exclusive photos, video clips, and other memorabilia! Elvis’ trophy building also houses an amazing collection of his gold and platinum records, as well as items from his movies, his charitable endeavors and more (News, Source;EPE) I love the Trophy Room. I've been so lucky to see it and, hopefully, one day I will see the new look B)
December 26, 201014 yr Very sad news :( Myrna Smith passed away. http://www.elvisnews.com/news.aspx/myrna-s...ssed-away/13060 R.I.P Myrna
December 28, 201014 yr Very sad news :( Myrna Smith passed away. http://www.elvisnews.com/news.aspx/myrna-s...ssed-away/13060 R.I.P Myrna Very sad news. :( R.I.P. Myrna :(
January 6, 201114 yr Author That is such sad news :( Here is a lovely article all about The Sweet Inspirations on the Australian Elvis site. The Sweet Inspirations : Elvis Presleys Backup Group 1969-1977 http://www.elvis.com.au/presley/the_sweet_inspirations.shtml
January 11, 201114 yr Photographer Al Wertheimer remembers Elvis as a young man :D http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/40976888#40976888 Greta
January 12, 201114 yr Author Photographer Al Wertheimer remembers Elvis as a young man :D http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/40976888#40976888 Greta Lovely :cheer: Thanks for the link Greta
January 12, 201114 yr Author Two new FTD February Releases & other news: FTD have announced two new releases, their first in 2011, out February 15. 1 - ‘White Knight In Vegas’ CD ‘White Knight In Vegas’ (artwork & title TBC) features a great complete concert from Elvis’ opening Vegas season in 1969. Elvis received critical acclaim for these shows and now this official release of the AUGUST 26, DINNER SHOW makes it available for fans around the world. Ann Moses was a correspondent for the infamous NME and TIGER BEAT publications during this magic time and she had the good fortune to meet Elvis and report on the shows. Her unique photos from this season are featured in the package, some published for the first time. The booklet also includes a unique essay written by Ann. ‘White Knight In Vegas’ will be issued as a 7" digipack featuring a 12- page booklet and is mastered by VIC ANESINI from the original multi track tapes. It is this great show that gave us the astounding ‘Suspicious Minds’ from the original ‘In Person’ album as well as the excellent ‘My Babe’ from the Silver ‘EAP’ box-set. The vast majority of this concert has never been released. Tracklist: 1 Blue Suede Shoes, 2 I Got A Woman, 3 All Shook Up, 4 Love Me Tender, 5 Jailhouse Rock / Don't Be Cruel, 6 Heartbreak Hotel, 7 Hound Dog, 8 Memories, 9 My Babe, 10 Mystery Train / Tiger Man, 11 Monologue, 12 Baby, What You Want Me To Do, 13 Runaway, 14 Inherit The Wind, 15 Yesterday / Hey Jude, 16 Introductions, 17 In The Ghetto, 18 Suspicious Minds, 19 Can’t Help Falling In Love. Recorded live on stage at The International Hotel, Las Vegas August 26, 1969. Dinner show. 2 – ‘How Great Thou Art’ Limited Edition Vinyl double-Album Following on from the great success of FTD’s previous vinyl editions, we are pleased to announce the release of ‘How Great Thou Art’ as a limited edition 180 gram 2-LP set. The vinyl edition features all the original masters plus many outtakes. Also included is ‘Beyond The Reef’ that was recorded informally at these sessions. This is the overdubbed version. Interestingly on this version the first album has extra tracks compared to the original release. Tracklist: Side 1: 1. How Great Thou Art (3:02), 2. In The Garden (3:11), 3. Somebody Bigger Than You And I (2:27), 4. Farther Along (4:06), 5. Stand By Me (2:29), 6. Without Him (2:30), 7. How Great Thou Art – takes 1 & 2 (3:30), Side 2: 1. So High (1:59), 2. Where Could I Go But To The Lord (3:38), 3. By And By (1:52), 4. If The Lord Wasn’t Walking By My Side (1:38), 5. Run On (2:23), 6. Where No One Stands Alone (2:44), 7. Crying In The Chapel (2:28), 8. Somebody Bigger Than You And I - takes 14 (fs), 15 & wp 5 Go here to EIN’s Elvis 2011 CD Releases page for FULL DETAILS & tracklists Other FTD News 3. ‘Elvis (Fool)’ Classic Album - All copies of the ‘Elvis (Fool)’ Classic set that ship from now on WILL feature the corrected CD. So we will not be sending the disc separately. 4. FTD BOOKS ‘Writing For The King’ and ‘Live In L.A. will be deleted when stocks are gone. 5. FTD VINYL - Please be advised that ‘Blue Hawaii’ and ‘Standing Room Only’ are sold out. ‘Jailhouse Rock’ is low on stock. (News, Source;ElvisMatters/ElvisInfoNet)
January 12, 201114 yr Author Trophy Room 1956 Timeline Exhibit Complete The entrance room inside the trophy building at the Graceland mansion has a new look! The room now features an interactive timeline celebrating 1956, the year Elvis Presley catapulted from anonymity to superstardom. The new display was unveiled during the 2011 Elvis Birthday Celebration. Remarkably, 55 years ago, Elvis enjoyed his first RCA single and national hit, "Heartbreak Hotel," his first album, "Elvis Presley," his first movie, "Love Me Tender," and his first television appearances on The Dorsey Brothers' "Stage Show," "The Milton Berle Show," "The Steve Allen Show" and "Ed Sullivan." The new timeline highlights each of these achievements through exclusive photos, video clips, and other memorabilia. There are two other new exhibits opening at Graceland in 2011! The Roots of Elvis Exhibit, which will be part of the Graceland VIP tour, will tell the story of Elvis' early years and the influences that shaped him as a person and music legend. It is set to open in January. Also, experience the power of Elvis' impact on the media in the Elvis in the News Exhibit in the Sincerely Elvis museum. This exhibit, which is scheduled to open in March, will explore how Elvis' music and physicality pushed the boundaries of free expression at a time when America was experiencing deep generational shifts. Source: Elvis.com / Updated: Jan 12, 2011 Another great reason to go back :yahoo:
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