Brian Quinn

For information. Brian

'Touched By Love' is an outstanding movie. I have a VHS copy. The following says it all. Be warned it is a real weepie. Brian Touched By Love: The Extraordinary True Story of Elvis' Compassion for A Dieing Girl (Nigel Patterson, 2002) Many fans will remember the touching story of a pen-pal relationship Elvis had with a yopung girl, Karen, who was dieing from the effects of cerebral palsy. In this article EIN looks back at the story, in both its book and movie form. Since Elvis's death in August 1977 there have been numerous films and telemovies released about his life. They include Heartbreak Hotel, Elvis and the Colonel, The Woman Who Loved Elvis, Elvis and the Beauty Queen and Elvis (The Movie). Others, including screen versions of Lucy de Barbin's fanciful tale, Are You Lonesome Tonight?' and the definitive Elvis life story based on Peter Guralnick's two part Elvis biography ('Last Train to Memphis' and 'Careless Love') have been mooted but are yet to eventuate. Interestingly I can only think of three books about Elvis that have resulted in a film adaptation. Two of these are Elvis and Me (the mini-series based on Priscilla's memoir) and the awful Elvis Meets Nixon (based on Bud Krogh's book of the same name). The third Elvis related movie based on a book is Touched By Love, a screen adaptation of Lena Canada's memoir, To Elvis With Love. In many respects Touched By Love is the most important 'Elvis related' film ever made. Both the book and the movie detail the struggles brought on by cerebral palsy* and the great ability of Elvis to bring joy and happiness to people. To Elvis, With Love - The Book Paperback edition released by Scholastic Book Services, USA, 1978, 190 pages, Not illustrated, ISBN: 0590057790 The movie, Touched By Love, was based on the book To Elvis, With Love. Lena Canada's now very rare memoir tells the powerful, true story of Lena's friendship and love for Karen, the young girl crippled and dying from the effects of cerebral palsy. It is also the story of the power that Elvis holds for many people. In Karen's case the exchange of letters and gifts between Elvis and her bring incredible joy and happiness to the remainder of her greatly shortened life. The story takes place on the outskirts of Stockholm in Sweden where Lena Canada works as a nurse in what is called the 'Brown House': 'a charming, old-fashioned building, which, thanks to its size, gave an impression of majestic dignity.' The house had been carefully converted into a boarding school-hospital and was home to twenty physically handicapped children. It was while working in the Brown House that Lena formed a very special bond with the child only referred to by her Christian name, Karen. It was a bond that would bring great joy and sadness. The horrendous physical disability facing the children is vividly represented in the author's narrative. About Karen, Lena Canada wrote: 'She was a small child, and the spastic contractions of her skinny body made her appear grotesque and horrifying.' Despite its depressing parts, To Elvis, With Love is a story of hope and inspiration. From the first time Karen speaks to the incredible fun she and Lena have, this book will touch your heart. The effect of Elvis on both Karen and Lena's lives is strikingly told: 'Elvis regarded us from the record cover. His eyes seemed to see what was happening between Karen and me, and his eyes understood; they seemed to overflow with pity and compassion.' As with the film version, Elvis does not feature in the book until the story is well set. It also more adequately explains (than does the movie) how Elvis and Karen came to have a regular exchange of letters and gifts. Lena had come across the name of a Hollywood correspondent with close links to Elvis and contacted her with Karen's sad story. When the correspondence started, Elvis gave Karen a special address to write to, an address that by-passed his secretaries and came directly to him. While the Hollywood correspondent is not named it would not be unrealistic to surmise that it was either May Mann or Rona Barrett, both of whom had strong links with Elvis' camp in the late 1950's and throughout the 1960s. As the story progresses and Karen receives more and more letters and gifts from Elvis the viewer really begins to appreciate the incredible power Elvis has and it is uplifting to see its positive effect on a young, crippled girl missing things that the majority of us take for granted. Following Karen's death Lena Canada moved to California. It took her several years to overcome the pain and sense of loss she felt. While in California Lena would drive past Elvis's home on Perugia Way. On one occasion Elvis pulled up along side her at a set of traffic lights and smiled. Before Lena could say anything the lights had changed and Elvis disappeared into the distance on his large Harley-Davidson. Like the movie, To Elvis, With Love is difficult to locate today. Long out of print, second-hand bookstores are the best way of finding a copy. Online fans can obtain a copy through the second-hand bookstore network offered by Barnes & Noble at: www.bn.com. At the time of writing this article 13 copies were available through B&N (1 hardcover and 12 paperback). Touched By Love - The Movie Released: 1980. Directed by Gus Trikonis; Production Auditor: Lisa King. Produced by The Elvis Company Cast: Deborah Raffin: Lena Canada Diane Lane: Karen Also starring: Michael Learned, Clu Culagher, John Amos, Mary Wickes and Clive Shalom as Topper. Touched By Love, the film version of Lena Canada's book, is relatively slowly plotted but very engaging. It is the synergistic integration of the slow plotting with its subject matter that drives it forward and gives it such a great impact. This film is like a snowball rolling down a hill. It starts out small and slow but by the time it comes to rest it has gathered amazing speed and grown greatly in size and impact. There are many very emotionally charged and moving scenes in Touched By Love. The first major scene involving Elvis when Karen and Lena visit the local store and Karen's demeanour is literally uplifted when she sees Elvis's face on magazine covers and then several of his LP's on the shelf brings a smile to your face. Even more moving is a scene where Karen breaks free from the shackles of her physical and psychological despair and begins dancing in her wheelchair to Teddy Bear. Despite her love and admiration for Elvis there is an incredible inner tension for the crippled Karen: "He's so alive. I love him…I could never move like that". A highlight of the film is the backing musical score. In particular, it is an instrumental version of Love Me Tender that heightens the story very effectively in several important scenes. It is a poignant element as we see Karen waiting day after day for the first letter from Elvis with the pouring rain outside symbolising the depressing reality of her physical and emotional plight. That scene makes you feel for Karen and it is easy to actually become angry at Elvis for not having replied. Lena's plaintive words in anger and frustration heighten the impact: "Please let him answer!.…hot stuff, aren't you [Elvis]….you can't even send a goddam postcard". And when that first letter finally arrives Karen is totally overcome, suffering a seizure in her panicked, emotional excitement and requiring oxygen. Later she says to Lena: "You worry too much. I knew it would come." Another scene highlights Elvis's ability to touch people deep inside. Lena asks Karen: "What do you want for Christmas?" "Nothing", replies Karen, "I have everything I want." There are a number of involving sub-plots in the narrative. The relationship of the highly intelligent Topper with his best friend, the lifeless Louie who never moves or speaks, but with whom Topper conducts conversations for the both of them, tugs at your heartstrings, especially when Topper's parents come to take him home, thereby splitting up the previously inseparable pair. Of the six Elvis songs featured in Touched By Love only two are sung by Elvis (Love Me Tender and Reddy Teddy). The others (Don't Be Cruel; Teddy Bear; Hound Dog I Was The One and a second version of Love Me Tender) are very competently sung by a singer shown only in the credits as Alan. The acting in Touched By Love is first rate. The two leads are very strong, particularly Diane Lane**, whose portrayal (and transformation) of Karen from a lifeless body in her wheelchair to an animated and vibrant, talkative young girl is exceptional. It is one of those rare experiences that make you question and appreciate your own life. You will recognise many of the supporting cast: Michael Learned played Mrs Walton in' The Waltons', Clu Culagher appeared in several television programs, notably 'The Virginian, John Amos was a stand-out in the mini-series 'Roots' but is more well known as JJ's father in the television comedy, 'Good Times' and Mary Wickes was a regular supporting actor in many 1950s and 1960s movies and television shows. Touched By Love is an emotionally challenging journey. Its powerful themes of denial, obsession, sacrifice and struggle are cogently presented. As you experience Karen's various struggles with her disability, her looks and her strong feelings for a handsome singer she feels unworthy of, you are drawn in and you too experience her pain in wanting and needing to be loved. The penultimate scene is very touching. Karen's death is not unexpected but it occurs suddenly, wrenching one's emotions without any real warning. Leonard Maltin's 2003 Movie & Video Guide says of Touched By Love: 'Sentimental drama, based on nursing trainee Lena Canada's memoir, of cerebral palsy victim's pen-pal relationship with Elvis Presley. Fine performances by Lane and Raffin.' Touched By Love is a difficult movie to locate. It is rarely shown on television and the video release is long deleted. A DVD release or video re-issue can only be hoped for. If you are fortunate enough to see it, be prepared. It is an emotional roller-coaster of a ride, so have your tissues handy. Verdict: Touched By Love/To Elvis With Love is a generally little known or forgotten part of the Elvis story. It is an uplifting true story of love, hope and devotion and its important message is one of the most important parts of Elvis's legacy, one that deserves to be remembered forever. The end statement of the film says it all: 'To Elvis Presley for his compassion and ability to spread joy'. * Cerebral palsy is a medical condition. It is not a disease or illness. As a result of injury to the brain a person has problems with his/her motor control, problems walking, talking, eating and speaking. Cerebral palsy can be a congenital condition or caused in the womb or during birth due to a lack of oxygen getting to the brain. ** In recent years Diane Lane has become one of Hollywood's leading actresses. Her recent credits include 'Unfaithful', 'The Perfect Storm' and 'Under the Tuscan Sun'. You can visit her official web site at: www.dianelane.com

SEG Events will bring the big screen show, Elvis Presley In Concert to the USA, Canada and Asia in the spring of 2012. The European tour will begin in the fall of 2011. Thanks to www.elvisunlimited.com for the information. GREAT news, especially for Canadian and Asian fans, which for some of them will be their first experience of these shows. Brian

The following has appeared on the www.amazon.com website: Presley Elvis-Elvis Christmas Format: DVD No customer reviews yet. Be the first. List Price:$12.98Price:$8.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details You Save:$3.99 (31%) Special Offers AvailablePre-order Price Guarantee. Learn more. o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o This title will be released on October 12, 2010. Pre-order now! Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Gift-wrap available. I can only speculate that the DVD will be along the lines of the following, perhaps with views of Graceland at Xmas time: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=585rlZ7opqc...feature=related Brian

Please go to the following URL: http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2010/aug/2...tv-getty-images Brian :D

Just found this on Robin Leach's Twitter Blog: After dining at Todd English P.U.B., the contestants were guests of Cirque du Soleil for a performance of Viva Elvis at MGM CityCenter’s Aria. The dancers and acrobats of Viva Elvis are performing on Monday’s (23rd) telecast at 9 p.m. ET. For photographs please go to the following URL: http://www.vegasdeluxe.com/blogs/luxe-life...circus-circus-/ More good publicity for 'Viva Elvis'. Brian

Please go to the following URL to give your opinions on Elvis: http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/blogs...ed#post_comment Brian :D

Thanks Tilly, Another fine article. There was never anyone like him before and no-one since. Truly 'sui generis'. Brian

The following has got to be one of the new singles from the 'Viva Elvis' album - it could be a No.1 in the UK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vimcoD5JAGE I sure hope it is. Brian

Please go to the following URL: http://www.pollstar.com/blogs/news/archive.../16/736234.aspx Brian

Elvis Presley: Ten of Our Favorite Performances This Week Marks 33rd Anniversary of the King's Death August 16, 2010; Written by CMT.com Staff Elvis PresleyMonday (Aug. 16) marks the 33rd anniversary of Elvis Presley's death, and his popularity continues to grow as his music is discovered by those who weren't yet born in 1977. Die-hard Elvis fans take his music and legacy seriously and recoil with anger when the uninitiated -- or the uninformed -- dismiss his entire career by pointing to his final years when he was overweight and his concerts were often subpar. If you've never spent much time with his music, you owe it to yourself to get one of many compilations of his hits. (God knows, RCA has sliced, diced and reissued his catalog more times than we can count.) From there, listen to Elvis at Sun, a collection of his earliest work at Memphis-based Sun Records. And then maybe check out the audio and video for the TV special that became known as the '68 Comeback Special. The truth is that Presley's career cannot be adequately summed up in 10 songs, so we didn't even try. Instead, CMT.com staff members Chet Flippo, Chris Parton, Stephanie Pendergrass, Whitney Self and Calvin Gilbert each picked two songs among their favorites as they reflected on his career. Decisions changed several times while determining which titles to include and which to omit -- another indication that this is in no way a definitive list. Interestingly enough, Presley wasn't the first to record most of the songs we selected, yet he made them his own. Maybe that's why he remains one of the greatest singers who ever lived. "Always on My Mind" -- Elvis' recording of "Always on My Mind" is one of the few songs with the power to always make me stop whatever I am doing or thinking and pay full attention to the performance. It's one of the few instances of the true majesty a pop performance can impart. Willie Nelson's version of "Always" is commanding; Elvis' "Always" totally rules. It was written by a trio of Southern songwriters -- Mark James, Wayne Carson Thompson and Johnny Christopher. (James also wrote "Suspicious Minds" and "Moody Blue" for Elvis.) Even though it became a huge hit, it was first released as the "B" side of a single. The "A" side was "Separate Ways." More than 300 other artists have since recorded "Always on My Mind," from the Pet Shop Boys to B.B. King. Elvis' version was played at the 2006 World Cup football match, and an alternate studio take was included on the 1997 boxed set, Platinum: A Life in Music. -- CF "Are You Lonesome Tonight" -- Generally speaking, I've never been a huge fan of recitations, although this one seems as though we're eavesdropping on an intimate conversation. The song was written in the 1920s and had already been recorded several times before Presley and producers Steve Sholes and Chet Atkins covered it in 1960 during a two-day session that also yielded his version of "It's Now or Never." It's an excellent showcase for the subtle side of his incredible vocal skills, and the recording still induces chills when he reaches the final tag to sing, "Is your heart filled with pain/Shall I come back again?" -- CG "Good Rockin' Tonight" -- Can you say "euphemism"? His Sun recordings were not nearly as polite as the ones he'd later make, and his version of this Roy Brown R&B song sheds some light on why parents were concerned about the advent of rock 'n' roll during the mid-'50s. In the first place, he's inviting the object of his affections to meet him behind the barn. And then he proclaims, "I'm gonna hold my baby as tight as I can/Tonight she'll know I'm a mighty, mighty man." Good rockin' tonight, indeed. -- CG "Hound Dog" -- "You ain't never caught a rabbit and you ain't no friend of mine." I used to sing this song as a little girl before I had even heard Presley's recording. It's slightly less than two minutes of pure energy. In fact, when he went to record his future No. 1 hit, he reportedly insisted on 31 takes until he had it just to his liking. During a 1970 concert at the International Hotel in Las Vegas, Presley told the audience a story of how while trying to think of a gentle, sweet song to serenade to a certain lady, he "got up real close to her" in "a real tender, touching moment" said, "Baby ... " He then belted out, "You ain't nothin' but a hound dog" and proceeded to sing the entire tune to the audience's delight. With those hip gyrations, his signature smile and sense of humor, it's not exactly tender -- but it sure is sexy. -- WS "Love Me Tender" -- Rrrawwrrr! This song will make any woman weak in the knees. I used to have a poster hanging above my bed featuring a sequence of four black-and-white photos of Elvis playfully kissing a woman in a stairwell. I saw it one day while I was perusing an old record store in Nashville and had to have what is now referred to as The Kiss. Above the top it reads, "Love Me Tender." Several women have come forward to say they are indeed the mystery lady in the photographs. However, the woman has never been officially identified. No wonder this love song is among those featured in Rolling Stones' "500 Greatest Songs of All Time." Each time I hear this seductive masterpiece, I think of these photos and pretend that woman is me. -- WS "Now and Then There's (A Fool Such as I)" -- "Now and Then" we all play the fool for someone, don't we? And the King was no different. Backed by the Jordanaires, Presley can't seem to let go after having his heart broken as he promises to foolishly love for the rest of his life. Not only did he put a rock 'n' roll twist on Hank Snow's original, but without fail his version of this classic will leave you unsuccessfully trying to mimic the incredible bass voice of Ray Walker. -- SP "One Night" -- When I first heard Elvis' "One Night" as a child, I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "One night with you/Is all I'm now praying for." You can't say that on a record! Especially in the 1950s. Even as a kid, I had heard that the original title of the song was "One Night (Of Sin)," and that was enough to intrigue me and my friends. Smiley Lewis' original R&B hit of "One Night (Of Sin)" was far raunchier than Elvis' cleaned-up version of the Dave Bartholomew/Pearl King song. Elvis and his team rewrote the lyrics to whiten it up, but it still remained a very suggestive and tempting song for the times. Keith Richards once told me that Scotty Moore's authoritative guitar playing on Elvis' recording of "One Night" -- especially the definitive final notes -- was a huge influence on him. -- CF "Suspicious Minds" -- With a storyline about being trapped in a relationship that's going bad, but still too good to quit, this is Elvis' soulful peak for me. I dare anyone to resist singing along with "because I love you too much baby," and you can really hear him dig in deep during the slowed-down bridge section. Besides being listed on tons of "greatest songs" lists, it helped relaunch his career after the '68 Comeback Special and introduced the world to the new, reenergized Elvis -- and his sideburns. -- CP "That's All Right" -- This was the first single Elvis ever released, way back in 1954, and while it didn't go to the top of the charts, its legacy lives on as one of the most loved rockabilly songs ever. I just love how after so long, you can still play it anywhere and watch the smiles grow. You'd have to fight not to feel the spirit of early rock 'n' roll -- or imagine him swivel and shake and drive the girls wild -- and that still makes it an irresistible dance tune. It's easy now to forget how remarkable Elvis' cool factor was back then, but looking back on this song, it seems inevitable that everyone would want to be him or be with him. -- CP "The Wonder of You" -- What could be more romantic than Presley's heartfelt declaration of love in "The Wonder of You"? "And when you smile the world is brighter/You touch my hand and I'm a king/Your kiss to me is worth a fortune/Your love for me is everything." The song was recorded in the late '50s by Ray Peterson, but no one comes close to conveying emotion and perfectly portraying characters in their songs like Presley. And that's the wonder of Elvis. -- SP Brian B)

I think I have finally solved the problem regarding the new RIAA DVD Certifications. Having watched the Video of the actual presentation, the Sony Executive (or whoever he was) presented the award for 'Aloha from Hawaii' (De-Luxe Edition) simply as a 'Multiplatinum Award', not specifying what should have been announced as 4X Multi-Platinum. Similarly, the award for the 68 Comeback Special (Special Edition) was again announced as Multi-Platinum without specifying what should have been 2X Multi-Platinum. Brian

NEW RIAA CERTIFICATIONS: DVDs: Aloha From Hawaii (deluxe edition) - 2x Platinum 68' Comeback Special (special edition) - 2x Platinum Re. the above - I have just checked the RIAA Searchable Database and it shows: Elvis 68' Comeback Special - De-luxe Edition was awarded 2X MP on 29th July, 2004 and 4X MP on 1st July, 2009. Aloha From Hawaii Special De-Luxe Edition was awarded 3X MP on 1st July, 2009. Something is seriously wrong here. I have informed EPE. Brian

NEW RIAA CERTIFICATIONS: DVDs: Aloha From Hawaii (deluxe edition) - 2x Platinum 68' Comeback Special (special edition) - 2x Platinum Albums: 50 Greatest Love Songs [2CD] - GOLD Essential Elvis [2CD] - GOLD Blue Christmas - Platinum (here's the presentation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-8khMTbwng) An extremely disappointing result from SONY. Only 1.5 million extra album sales. An insult to Elvis' memory. If this is the best they can do then I would prefer to wait for a major upgrade with at least 10 or 20 million extra sales. The problem is getting SONY to see the BIG picture. This is where EPE and when it straightens itself out, CKX, should bring pressure to bear through the auspices of Ernst Jorgensen. The current tally for Elvis' album Certifications in the U.S.A. are 84 GOLD; 46 Platinum and 24 Multi-Platinum. It must be remembered that the RIAA Awards are based on the amount of albums 'shipped' and not 'sold'. What SONY need to do is take a look at those albums which are near first certification or multiple certification and re-release them (where possible). Obviously with some albums e.g. Reader's Digest etc. this cannot be done. However, with such albums as 'Elvis' Christmas Album' (1970 version - well over 9 million sold (Soundscan)) it could easily do this and be reasonably confident that further copies would sell every Christmas. A few hundred thousand extra copies 'shipped' would get Elvis his first 'Diamond Award' for sales of 10 million copies of an album. And this is just one example. There are many more. By doing this Elvis could easily overtake Garth Brooks tally - who being a shrewd businessman himself with a Degree in Business Studies - has helped market his own successsful product with only 15 albums. Of course, the overlying problem for all artists and labels now is the diminishing market in the U.S.A. for records. This may be a major factor in preventing SONY from undertaking such an imaginative approach. We live in hope, Brian

The DVD's will NOT now be in the newspaper but can be obtained by Token at selected record retail outlets. For information. Brian

Free classic Elvis DVD film collection for every reader! Simply buy the Daily Mail on Saturday August 14 to pick up the first DVD in our amazing seven part series of classic Elvis films. Buy the Daily Mail on Saturday August 14 to claim your free Elvis DVD! The first of our Elvis DVDs is the classic, GI BLUES. The year was 1960. A payola scandal shocks the music world. Movie fans are introduced to glorious Smell-O-Vision and the 50-star flag is adopted. In G.I. Blues, Elvis adopts an on-screen persona he knows well in real life–a singin’ G.I. in West Germany. Eager to open a stateside nightclub after his hitch in khakis, he takes part in a wager to raise the dough he needs. The bet: he can melt the iceberg heart of a willowy dancer (Juliet Prowse). But all bets may be off when real love intervenes… This fantastic seven part series of classic Elvis films will delight Elvis fans everywhere. So don't forget to buy the Daily Mail and The Mail on Sunday every day from Saturday August 14 to get your seven part series of classic Elvis DVDs. How To Claim A Voucher will be printed in the Daily Mail and The Mail on Sunday every day from Saturday August 14 right up to Friday August 20. Simply cut out the Voucher printed each day and take it to your nearest Tesco, WHSmith or Eason store* and you will be given that day's DVD. Or you can collect SEVEN differently dated tokens and send them to an address we will publish later, with a cheque for £6.99, and we will send you the entire collection of seven DVDs to you by post. The first token will be printed in the paper on Saturday Augsut 14, 2010. We will also give you the chance to apply for a fabulous presentation case to keep your DVDs safe next week, watch out for more information. *Excludes airport and outlet centre stores. Not available in ROI. Brian :D

Nice article by Alan K. Stout - Music Columnist at The Weekender. Remember 'The King' with music Wednesday August 11, 2010 | 04:20 PM If Elvis Presley were alive today, he would be 75 years old. And though he would certainly be in his golden years, there is a chance that he still might be giving concerts, and that his golden voice - the best rock music has ever heard - would still be booming through arenas. Perhaps he would still even be recording new music, which people like Sinatra did well into their seventies. In fact, Sinatra celebrated his 75th year with a national tour. It was 33 years ago this week, however, that the undisputed King of Rock 'n' Roll left the building at the tender age of 42. And he is, without a doubt, missed just as much today as he was on the hot August afternoon when we first learned of his passing. A lot of rock-music writers like to use the word "derivative"' when they talk about music. Sometimes they use it as a compliment, sometimes as an insult. All it really means is that an artist has been influenced by another. Everything in pop music - everything - is a Presley derivative. I've written columns in the past on the anniversary of Elvis' death, where I've shared my thoughts on Presley's importance to the history of rock music and his unparalleled significance in pop culture. Today, I'm sharing some of those same thoughts once again. And that's because everything you read about pop music in our paper or magazine is reflective of Presley. The club listings. The concert listings. The album reviews and the interviews with the local bands and the big stars. It all goes back to Presley. It all goes back to the poor kid from Mississippi who came out of nowhere and, in 1956, helped kick open the door to a new and exciting sound. It all goes back to the man whose early recordings such as "That's All Right,'' "Mystery Train'' and "Lawdy Miss Clawdy'' remain classics, and whose big '50s hits such as "Heartbreak Hotel,'' "Don't Be Cruel'' and "Jailhouse Rock'' set the table for the musical explosion known as rock 'n' roll. It all goes back to the guy whose early '60s songs such as "His Latest Flame,'' "Little Sister'' and "Are You Lonesome Tonight'' sound just as great today as they ever did, and the man whose voice was better than it ever was on his later recordings such as "Kentucky Rain'' and "Always On My Mind.'' It all goes back to the man whose remarkable covers of "Bridge Over Troubled Water'' and "You've Lost That Loving Feeling'' seem to surpass the quality of the originals, and the man who, just weeks before his death, was still nailing challenging songs such as "Unchained Melody'' and "My Way'' in concert. Elvis' health, due to his own vices, failed him. His voice never did. This week, on the anniversary of his death, remember the good things about Elvis. Forget about the tacky wall murals, lamps and porcelain plates and rumors of "sightings.'' Forget about the unwarranted mockery sometimes aimed at him by people without half his talent or character. Remember the man who, even after his burst of fame, still referred to people as "ma'am'' and "sir,'' and who even won over an initially hesitant and skeptical Ed Sullivan with his kindness and humility. Remember the man who, at the height of career, went off to Germany to serve his country in the Army. Remember the man who, while there, asked for no special treatment and quickly befriended the men in his unit. Remember the man who loved to share his wealth - a man who would buy friends and even strangers automobiles, and who, if you admired a piece of jewelry he was wearing, would often take it off and give it to you. Remember the man who was always quick to give credit to the unheard-of black artists from whom he borrowed much of his early sound. Remember the man who, with his remarkable "'68 Comeback Special,'' actually laid the groundwork for MTV's popular "Unplugged'' series. If you're out on the town this week, ask your favorite band to play a little Presley. The good ones - the ones that know a little about the linkage of rock 'n' roll - will be happy to. Artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Robert Plant and Billy Joel have all covered Presley's songs. Plant, according to one story, was actually able to meet Elvis and sing a few bars of "Love Me'' with The King. In 1975, Bruce Springsteen, a star himself at the time, tried to scale the gates of Graceland hoping to meet his idol. KISS, on Aug. 16, 1977 - the day Elvis died - dedicated "Rock and Roll All Nite" to The King. The members of U2, in the rock documentary "Rattle and Hum,'' are shown visiting Presley's grave at Graceland. It is one of the most poignant scenes in the film. And in 1997, on the 20th anniversary of Elvis' death, The Badlees, playing right here in Wilkes-Barre, offered a soulful cover of "Suspicious Minds.'' If you're a fan of rock 'n' roll, take just a minute or two today to show him some of the same respect. Call your favorite radio station and request one of his songs, play one on the jukebox at your favorite hangout or just hum one of his tunes in your head. Elvis Presley should still be here at age 75. And though he left us long ago, he is still with us in many ways. He is with us in pop radio, rock concerts and magazines, MTV and VH1 and so many things we encounter in everyday life. He is with us, now and forever, in music. Brian

A copy of the GI Blues DVD will be given away free with this Saturday's (14th) Mail newspaper. The Mail is also giving away an Elvis film everyday next week. Films are... Blue Hawaii, Girls Girls Girls, Paradise Hawaiian Stlye, King Creole, Roustabout and Fun in Acapulco. Brian

Date: 10.08.2010 Category: Radio 2 BBC Radio 2 today announces that Priscilla Presley is set to appear at Elvis Forever, a concert celebrating the music of Elvis Presley, with Radio 2 Breakfast host Chris Evans, in London's Hyde Park on Sunday 12 September 2010. The initial wave of confirmed singing stars for the concert, all of whom are fans of Elvis, includes Craig David, Marti Pellow, Tony Hadley, Suzi Quatro, Scouting for Girls, Rick Astley, Imelda May, Nell Bryden and Fran Healy. The full line-up will be announced shortly. Priscilla Presley says: "I am delighted to be appearing at Elvis Forever which I know will be a memorable celebration of Elvis' life and career. "He has many fans throughout the UK and we are all looking forward to this celebration at Hyde Park in London. I know Elvis would have been very pleased." In the year that the King of Rock 'n' Roll would have turned 75, Radio 2 brings together a fantastic and varied line-up to perform Elvis' best loved and most popular songs. Marti Pellow, lead singer of Wet Wet Wet, is excited to be a part of this celebratory concert: "Elvis, like the city of Memphis, was and is a huge part of my reason for singing... he is a singer's singer and he is known as the King of Rock 'n' Roll. Well, that kinda says it all... if it's cool with Elvis then it's cool with me." Rock legend Suzi Quatro says: "I first saw Elvis on television when I was six years old, living in Detroit. From that moment on, I decided I would be just like him. It didn't occur to me that he was a guy! He definitely got me All Shook Up and I have loved him ever since. There is not, and never will be, anyone like him in this world again." Roy Stride, lead singer of Scouting for Girls, adds: "We are so excited to be part of Elvis Presley's 75th birthday celebrations, and feel very privileged to be asked to play Radio 2's Elvis Forever in Hyde Park. Elvis has always had a very special place in our hearts. We love him so much, we dedicated a song to him on our first album called Elvis Ain't Dead. We'll be playing our two favourite Elvis tunes, Hound Dog and Blue Suede Shoes. We Love Elvis!" Elvis Forever will be broadcast live on Radio 2, hosted by Chris Evans with a special appearance by Priscilla Presley, and culminating in a spectacular firework finale. Over the following week, listeners will also be able to hear highlights from the concert across the station's daytime shows. The Radio 2 website – bbc.co.uk/radio2 – will feature exclusive backstage footage and interviews from the event. Radio 2's Elvis Forever concert follows the smash success of last year's event, Thank You For The Music... A Celebration Of The Music Of Abba, which featured Kylie Minogue, Jamie Cullum, Lulu, Chaka Khan, The Feeling, and a host of other stars performing their own take on some of Abba's biggest hits, alongside original members Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus. Further highlights of Radio 2's summer of live music will include Paolo Nutini playing live in his hometown of Paisley this month and Scissor Sisters performing live from London for Radio 2 in concert later this year. Notes to Editors Event Information: Elvis Forever Sunday 12 September 2010 Hyde Park, London Gates open 5pm; entertainment on stage from 6.30pm Tickets cost £30.00 plus booking fees. For full ticketing information, go to www.bbc.co.uk/radio2. Brian

Just heard the news that Priscilla will co-host the Hyde Park Concert with DJ Chris Evans. The line-up of stars performing includes: Scouting For Girls Imelda May The Magnets Fran Healey (from Travis) Craig David Tony Hadley Marti Pellow Nell Bryden Suzi Quatro Rick Astley More artists will be announced nearer the time of the Concert. Brian :D

I spoke to SONY (UK) today and made them aware of two major releases in November which would impact on the sales of 'Viva Elvis', one being by 'Take That' and the other by Michael Jackson. Apparently it is highly unlikely that the Jackson Album will coincide with the release of 'Viva Elvis' both being Sony artists. Should the Take That album clash with the 'Viva Elvis' release date' then Sony may change the release date from 8th November. Let's hope that the Take That album is released later in November to give 'Viva Elvis' a chance of a No.1. Brian

RIAA Presentation at Graceland During Conversations on Elvis, Session Two on Saturday, August 14 at 1:00 p.m., representatives from Sony will make a special RIAA Presentation. Brian

Elvis Forever - Tribute to Elvis in London's Hyde Park Announced 7/27/2010 BBC Radio 2 Presents "Elvis Forever" A Celebration of the Music of Elvis Presley Hosted by Chris Evans The 75th birthday of Elvis Presley will be celebrated this summer as part of BBC Radio 2’s commitment to offering a scorching summer of stellar live music performances. In the year that the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll would have turned 75, Radio 2 will bring together some of the biggest names in pop and rock music to perform his best loved and most popular songs as part of Elvis Forever, a concert to be held in London’s Hyde Park on Sunday 12 September 2010, hosted by Radio 2 breakfast show presenter Chris Evans. Radio 2 Breakfast Show host Chris Evans says: “As the Radio 2 audience knows, I am a huge Elvis fan and it’s an honour to host such a celebration of the enduring appeal of his music.” The proceedings will be led by Chris plus other guest presenters who are all great fans of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, culminating in a spectacular firework finale. The line-up of stars performing at Elvis Forever will be announced shortly. This thrilling exclusive concert will be broadcast live on Radio 2, and in the following week listeners will also be able to hear highlights across the station’s daytime shows. The BBC Radio 2 Website will feature exclusive backstage footage and interviews from the event. Lewis Carnie, Head of Programming for Radio 2, says: “Elvis’s music has an enduring appeal to Radio 2 listeners of all ages, so I’m thrilled that our friends at Graceland in Memphis are working with us on this event. What better way to pay tribute to the Elvis’ incredible legacy than to bring together the stars of today to perform his greatest and best loved hits. " Radio 2’s Elvis Forever concert follows the smash success of last year’s event, Thank You for the Music... A Celebration of the Music of Abba which featured Kylie Minogue, Jamie Cullum, Lulu, Chaka Khan and The Feeling, and a host of other stars performing their own take on some of Abba’s biggest hits, alongside original members Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus. Further highlights of Radio 2's summer of live music will include Paolo Nutini playing live in his hometown of Paisley in August and Scissor Sisters performing live from London for Radio 2 in Concert later this year. Gates open 5 pm; entertainment on stage from 6.30pm Buy Tickets for Forever Elvis: Tickets £30.00 (under-3s free) Buy tickets by phone: from See Tickets on 03700 100 200* (a transaction fee of £2.00, plus a booking fee of £1.35 per ticket applies) Special Offers Friends and Family Group Ticket: Buy seven tickets and get the eighth ticket free. *Calls cost up to 5p per minute (0844 numbers) and 4p per minute (0845 numbers) from a BT landline (plus a one-off connection charge of up to 8p). Charges from mobiles and other networks may be considerably higher. I will be going to this one. Should be a good night. Brian

VIVA ELVIS – THE ALBUM TO BE RELEASED NOVEMBER 2010 Legacy Recordings Celebrates Elvis’ 75th Birthday Year with a New Studio Work Inspired by Viva ELVIS by Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas * * * * * Legacy Recordings, in cooperation with Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. and Viva ELVIS by Cirque du Soleil at ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, proudly announces the release of Viva ELVIS - The Album, a 21st century celebration of Elvis and his music, featuring the voice of the King in a whole new context. Viva ELVIS - The Album will be available everywhere this November. For more information, please visit www.vivaelvis.com. The undisputed King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley remains one of the most iconic and powerful forces in popular culture. "Before Elvis," said John Lennon, "there was nothing." After Elvis, the world looked and sounded different. With a swivel of his hips and the power of his voice, Elvis broke down barriers and shattered the status quo, revolutionizing the worlds of music, film and fashion while signaling a seismic shift in gender, class, race, and generational relationships. The Elvis revolution continues with Viva ELVIS - The Album. The postmodern studio masterwork invokes the spirit and essence of Elvis from a contemporary perspective while furthering the revolutionary impulses of Elvis' sound. Viva ELVIS - The Album re-imagines the king’s own vocal performances in a broad variety of new musical settings. This new sound echoes Elvis' own versatility and ability to master all music genres, from Delta blues to rockabilly, from raw soul to gospel, from Southern folk to Vegas pop, while incorporating elements of garage rock, punk, urban and hip-hop. "Viva ELVIS is a tantalizing musical experience," said Adam Block, Senior Vice President/General Manager, Legacy Recordings. "It's so creative and so contemporary, it effortlessly places Elvis in a current context that appeals to fans of all ages and all kinds of music. There's a freshness, a newness to these songs that grabs you and shakes you and ultimately testifies to the remarkable artist Elvis remains to this very day." "What would the songs of Elvis be like if he were doing them for the first time today?," asks the album's producer and arranger Erich van Tourneau, Musical Director and Arranger for Viva ELVIS by Cirque du Soleil. "We set out to evoke the soul and spirit of Elvis Presley while building a bridge between his music and future generations of fans." When working on the music for Viva ELVIS, van Tourneau -- aided by Hugo Bombardier, Assistant Producer and Assistant Arranger on Viva ELVIS - The Album -- spent more than 3,000 hours reviewing countless albums, films, concert recordings, interviews and home recordings of Elvis. More than 17,000 samples of Elvis’ songs – the raw material for the show – were made during the process. Working with tens of thousands of samples of Elvis’ voice, van Tourneau and Bombardier often wove several sequences and sounds into the same songs, sometimes changing details such as the key and tempo. In creating Viva ELVIS - The Album, van Tourneau was looking to accentuate and boost the emotional charge of the songs with the incorporation of ragga, punk or hip-hop elements into classic recordings. In all cases, however, the goal was to respect and understand the essence of the original recordings. In celebration of all eras of Elvis' musical genius, Viva ELVIS - The Album includes songs from Elvis’ rise to fame in the ‘50s, his movie soundtracks, his triumphant return to the stage in the “’68 Special,” and his ground-breaking appearances in Las Vegas. "Burning Love," "Suspicious Minds," "Blue Suede Shoes" and "It's Now or Never" are among the songs that have been re-imagined and transformed for Viva ELVIS - The Album. The first opportunity to hear a sample from this ground-breaking album will take place during Elvis Week in Memphis on Saturday, August 14, during the event “Conversations on Elvis.” Viva ELVIS by Cirque du Soleil, a harmonious fusion of dance, acrobatics and live music, opened earlier this year in a specially designed 1,800 seat theater at ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. A tribute to the life and music of Elvis Presley, Viva ELVIS focuses on the essential humanity of the one superstar whose name will forever be linked with the history of Las Vegas: Elvis Presley. Significant moments in his life – intimate, playful and grandiose – blend with timeless songs that remain as relevant today as when they first hit the top of the charts. Viva ELVIS - The Album is a 21st century venue for rock's first and biggest superstar. The King's Music Lives! * * * * * 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 www.elvis.com. EPE is a subsidiary of CKX, Inc. (www.ckx.com), a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ Global Market® under the ticker symbol CKXE. About Cirque du Soleil From a group of 20 street performers at its beginnings in 1984, Cirque du Soleil is now a major international organization providing high-quality artistic entertainment. Since its founding, Cirque du Soleil has thrilled over 100 million spectators in close to 300 cities on five continents. In Las Vegas, Cirque du Soleil has a privileged partnership with MGM Resorts International to create and present unique and innovative productions. In addition to Viva ELVIS, these productions include Mystère™ at Treasure Island, “O™” at Bellagio, Zumanity™ the Sensual Side of Cirque du Soleil at New York-New York Hotel & Casino™, KÀ™ at MGM Grand, The Beatles™ LOVE™ and CRISS ANGEL Believe™ at Luxor. For more information, visit the Cirque du Soleil website at www.cirquedusoleil.com/lasvegas. About Legacy Recordings The multiple Grammy-winning Legacy Recordings, Sony Music Entertainment's catalog division, produces and maintains the world's foremost catalog of historic reissues, an unparalleled compendium of thousands of digitally re-mastered archival titles representing virtually every musical genre including popular, rock, jazz, blues, R&B, folk, country, gospel, Broadway musicals, movie soundtracks, ethnic, world music, classical, comedy and more. For further information contact: Tom Cording at Legacy Media Relations, 212.833.4448, Tom.Cording@sonymusic.com; ADDRESS TEARSHEETS TO: Tom Cording LEGACY / SONY MUSIC 550 Madison Ave., 17th Fl. New York, NY 10022-3211 VivaElvis.com Elvis.com LegacyRecordings.com Further to the above I am reliably informed that the UK release date will be 8th November. Brian

Please go to You Tube and look up 'Viva Elvis' - The Album Promo. Please note it is not an official promo but made by fans. Brian