Lightning in a bottle = Elvis Presley

Like many of the “baby boomers”, talk about an oxymoron because I feel anything other than babyish man age is a …., Elvis Presley made new records – toured throughout the United States – had movies that first ran in theatres and then on TV (yes we had THREE total TV stations growing up and everyone of them cut off at 11pm – those were the days) – and his music played on radio stations.

Inasmuch as I have a great knowledge, and affinity, for Elvis Presley the person (disclaimer – as much as you can learn from studying something for 6 decades with an emphasis on first had sources) Elvis was “lightning in a bottle” onstage.

Man he didn’t sound like nobody. He didn’t move like anybody. He didn’t walk like anybody. He didn’t look like anybody. He didn’t sing like anybody. He wasn’t raised like anybody. He was Elvis and he was wholly unique.

Throughout Elvis’ school years he went to dances/proms but never danced. He told his dates “I don’t like to dance and/or I can’t dance”. Since he was Elvis, even then,  I think he could have said anything and the dance/prom would have been thrilling/enjoyable for his dates. And yet onstage he moved with passion. With rhythm With grace, With melody. He moved and his voice sounded as good if not better live than his recordings. Another rare charistic.

This day is Elvis’ 81st birthday. My prayers go out to Lisa Marie, Graceland, Marty Lacker, Billy Smith, Red West, Sonny West, Sandie Kaye Stevens, Sandi Pichon, Joe Esposito, Jerry Schilling, and all of his loved ones and relatives for they shared their lives with Elvis as well as hopes and dreams. They, as did their families, rode the waves of Elvis’ greatest successes – his setbacks – his mood swings – his fears, etc. There is a true sacrifice, on many levels that last a lifetime, even when it comes to Elvis Presley.

My prayers go out to the loved ones, friends of, relatives of, those who knew Elvis and have (sadly) passed away. Out of respect we have honored them by name on our site http://www.ElvisCollector.info but their contribution to Elvis’ life, and that of his fans, is as alive today as it was when Elvis breathed upon this earth.

If you want to know about Elvis you can watch many of his candid interviews, concerts, TV appearances, etc. One of my favorites is Elvis That’s The Way It Is followed by Elvis’ 1968 Singer TV Special entitled “Elvis”.

If you want to learn about the complicated and multi talented man I highly recommend seeking out, and supporting, these people: Marty Lacker, Billy Smith, Red West, Sonny West, Sandi Pichon, Sandie Kaye Stevens, Joe Esposito, Jerry Schilling, and the author of several exemplary books about Elvis by Alanna Nash. There are also some great Elvis Presley websites, many are listed on our site http://www.ElvisCollector.info under the “links” page, and include Phil Arnold at http://www.Elvisblog.net and Russ Howe who knew Elvis personally and has been apart of many successful endeavors about Elvis.

As I end this post I am thankful to everyone who takes the time to visit this blog and our affiliated sites as well as our Officially recognized by Graceland Elvis Presley Fan Club of Elvis Collector Worldwide Fan Club.

As much as I know about Elvis it is nothing compared to the multi-talented and diametrical strong presence named Elvis Presley onstage and off. But I have enjoyed his music since I was a child and I share my insights herein.

 

Take care and may God bless you.

Jeff Schrembs

http://www.ElvisCollector.info

http://www.ElvisColectorWorldwide.freeforums.org

 

Happy 81st birthday Elvis Presley

On January 8, 2016 it will have been 81 years since Elvis Presley was born.

For all the lives he bettered. For all of those he cared for. For all of the great entertainment (i.e. tv, in concert, movies, records, cd’s, dvd’s, downloads, etc.) he created. For all of those he loved. For the millions upon millions of fans. For all of those he worked with. For those, and more, we say “thank you” as well as acknowledge (what would have been) Elvis’ 81st birthday.

Elvis was, point blank, the greatest entertainer who ever lived.

Take care and may God bless you all.

Jeff Schrembs

http://www.ElvisCollector.info

http://www.ElvisCollectorWorldwide.freeforums.org

 

Elvis Presley and technology

RARE Elvis Presley clothing 1956 tag styled by Rich Mart   Elvis Presley & technology

 

 

 

Elvis Presley was wholly unique. He was always on the cutting edge of fashion, music, art, décor, and technology.

 

Here are just a few examples of the technology Elvis enjoyed:

 

Car phone(s) installed in his cars including limos. This was extremely rare even for the richest of Americans at the time.

 

First remote control TV then called a “clicker”.

 

Elvis owned the largest TV screens along with the state of the art audio systems for his cars and homes.

 

First VCR that Sony ever offered in the United States. There are stories that Elvis was offered the first unit and he soon mastered it and it became one of his favorite entertainment devices.

 

Wide screen projector located in the Jungle Room at Graceland.

 

3 TVs on wall aligned on a wall where he would watch all 3 football games at the same time. This room was located at Graceland and the genesis was the same type of setup as did the (then current) President of the United States.

 

Elvis loved music and had, among other things, record players – juke boxes – stereo systems – and had several portable transistor radios with earbuds.

 

He owned one of the first digital watches though he preferred the classic watches of quality and owned many.

 

Instant photographs. Elvis bought, and took, hundreds if not thousands of Polaroid pictures and owned numerous cameras.

 

Home movies. Elvis owned many top of the line video cameras and used them to capture everything from birthdays to his engagement to Priscilla to horseback riding to special moments with Lisa Marie.

 

Elvis owned one of the first residential closed circuit camera security system at Graceland where he could access it from his bedroom and in the kitchen area.

 

Jeff Schrembs – 2015 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

www.ElvisCollector.info

www.ElvisCollectorWorldwide.freeforums.org

Elvis Collector Worldwide Fan Club officially recognized by Graceland

Thanksgiving wishes & few Elvis’ receipes

1968 Elvis standing by tree unique look blue shirt black pants colorized  On behalf of our blogs, websites, forums, fan clubs, etc. we want to wish you a happy and blessed Thanksgiving.

We came across this interesting article concerning a few of the favorite foods/recipes Elvis enjoyed.

http://www.rd.com/food/recipes-cooking/8-recipes-to-remember-elvis-presley/

Take care and may God bless you and yours…always.

Jeff Schrembs (published with the expressed permission of Mr. Schrembs)

http://www.ElvisCollector.info

http://www.ElvisCollectorWorldwide.freeforums.org

Elvis Collector Worldwide Fan Club (an official Elvis Presley fan club of Graceland)

Wishing Elvis’ Memphis Mafia, & family, a great Labor Day

* posted with permission of Jeff Schrembs

WM 970s n pajamas on3wheeler Graceland

On behalf of this blog, and a few of our Elvis Presley websites being http://www.ElvisCollector.info & http://www.ElvisCollectorWorldwide.freeforums.org, we wanted to wish each member, and their family/loved ones, of Elvis Presley’s Memphis Mafia a great labor day weekend.

We will always have respect, admiration, and appreciation to; Marty Lacker, Red West, Sonny West, Billy Smith, Joe Esposito, Jerry Schilling and (who passed away but will never be forgotten) Lamar Fike. 

To those who are unfamiliar with these men, individually or collectively, we encourage you to seek out, support, etc. the; books, articles, interviews, youtube videos, etc.. Each one was a true friend, some for decades, of Elvis Presley and shared his; life, hopes, dreams, ups and downs, etc.. Elvis trusted these men as they were firsthand witness to the life of Elvis Presley onstage and off.

They are integral assets to the life, onstage and off, of Elvis Presley. They sacrificed relationships, time, etc. in order to assist Elvis both as co-workers and as friends. 

If you haven’t already, and want to learn more facts/context about Elvis, we encourage you to read the books authored by Alanna Nash, Sandi Pichon, Betty Harper, and Sandie Stevens. 

Take care and may God bless you.

 

Elvis week @ Graceland August 2014 info

Schedule of Events

Elvis Week is a celebration of the music, movies and life of Elvis Presley. Join us at Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis for a full week of special events that offer something for everyone to enjoy. Also, don’t miss out on new events such as Elvis A Cappella and be sure to get your tickets to Conversations on Elvis which will feature special guest Priscilla Presley this year.


FRIDAY, AUGUST 8

Hard Rock Last Chance Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest – Round 1

Doors open at 8:30 p.m. Show at 9:00 p.m. Hard Rock Cafe, Beale Street. See some of the best Elvis tribute artists in the world compete in the “Last Chance” event for the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest! Visit Hardrock.com/Memphis for ticket information updates.


SATURDAY, AUGUST 9

Hound Dog Tour: A Musical City Tour Celebrating Elvis by Backbeat Tours

2:30 p.m. Tour departs from Backbeat Tours window at BB King’s Blues Club, located at 143 Beale Street. Join Backbeat Tours for an Elvis tribute tour with a twist! As unique as the man himself, the Hound Dog Tour takes a one-of-a-kind approach to sharing Elvis’ legacy in a high-energy concert and sightseeing tour all rolled into one. Hear all your favorite Elvis hits performed live on Memphis’ only music bus while seeing where he grew up, where he went to school, where he worked, and where he dreamed, as well as sites important to his early career. This special 2 hour tour also includes an optional visit inside the Presley family apartment at Lauderdale Courts – second only to Graceland, the Memphis home where Elvis lived in the longest. Meticulously restored to its 1950s appearance, a visit to Apartment 328 of the Courts is like taking a step back in time, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the lives of Vernon, Gladys, and young Elvis. (If you choose to visit Lauderdale Courts, the tour will last approximately 3 hours). The tour includes exciting sites such as Sun Studio, Elvis’ Audubon Drive home, Humes High School, the Overton Park Shell (the amphitheater where he performed his first big show in 1954), Lansky Bros. clothing store, the Memphian Theater and the Chisca Hotel (home of the WHBQ radio station). The Hound Dog Tour has become an Elvis Week tradition, with many passengers returning year after year. Come celebrate the man behind the legend: whether you’re a longtime fan or a new admirer, we guarantee fun for all! The price of the 2 hour tour is $28/adults, $26/seniors and $16/child (7-12 years). The price of the 3 hour tour that includes Lauderdale Courts is $47/adults, $45/seniors and $32/child (7-12 years). Elvis Insiders receive a 10% discount. Tickets may be purchased online at BackBeatTours.com, or by calling Zerve at 800-979-3370 or Backbeat Tours at 901-527-9415.

Elvis Night at the Ballpark with Memphis Redbirds

6:05 p.m. AutoZone Park, 200 Union Ave., downtown Memphis. Come out and enjoy a night of fun at the ballpark as the Memphis Redbirds take on New Orleans Zephyrs. The game will feature Elvis entertainment throughout the night along with fireworks set to Elvis music. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit MemphisRedbirds.com.

Hard Rock Last Chance Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest – Round 2

Doors open at 8:30 p.m. Show at 9:00 p.m. Hard Rock Cafe, Beale Street. See some of the best Elvis tribute artists in the world compete in the “Last Chance” event for the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest! Visit Hardrock.com/Memphis for ticket information updates.


SUNDAY, AUGUST 10

Hound Dog Tour: A Musical City Tour Celebrating Elvis by Backbeat Tours

2:30 p.m. Tour departs from Backbeat Tours window at BB King’s Blues Club, located at 143 Beale Street. Join Backbeat Tours for an Elvis tribute tour with a twist! As unique as the man himself, the Hound Dog Tour takes a one-of-a-kind approach to sharing Elvis’ legacy in a high-energy concert and sightseeing tour all rolled into one. Hear all your favorite Elvis hits performed live on Memphis’ only music bus while seeing where he grew up, where he went to school, where he worked, and where he dreamed, as well as sites important to his early career. This special 2 hour tour also includes an optional visit inside the Presley family apartment at Lauderdale Courts – second only to Graceland, the Memphis home where Elvis lived in the longest. Meticulously restored to its 1950s appearance, a visit to Apartment 328 of the Courts is like taking a step back in time, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the lives of Vernon, Gladys, and young Elvis. (If you choose to visit Lauderdale Courts, the tour will last approximately 3 hours). The tour includes exciting sites such as Sun Studio, Elvis’ Audubon Drive home, Humes High School, the Overton Park Shell (the amphitheater where he performed his first big show in 1954), Lansky Bros. clothing store, the Memphian Theater and the Chisca Hotel (home of the WHBQ radio station). The Hound Dog Tour has become an Elvis Week tradition, with many passengers returning year after year. Come celebrate the man behind the legend: whether you’re a longtime fan or a new admirer, we guarantee fun for all! The price of the 2 hour tour is $28/adults, $26/seniors and $16/child (7-12 years). The price of the 3 hour tour that includes Lauderdale Courts is $47/adults, $45/seniors and $32/child (7-12 years). Elvis Insiders receive a 10% discount. Tickets may be purchased online at BackBeatTours.com, or by calling Zerve at 800-979-3370 or Backbeat Tours at 901-527-9415.

George Klein’s Elvis Mafia Reunion

5:00 p.m. Alfred’s, 197 Beale Street. George Klein hosts a reunion of people who were close to Elvis. Lifelong friends and associates will reminisce, share stories and answer questions. Event is $45.00 and includes dinner and the show. All proceeds go to Make-a-Wish and the EP Charity Dinner. Reservations are accepted by calling Alfred’s at (901) 525-3711.  

Hard Rock Last Chance Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest – Round 3

Doors open at 8:30 p.m. Show at 9:00 p.m. Hard Rock Cafe, Beale Street. See some of the best Elvis tribute artists in the world compete in the “Last Chance” event for the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest! The winner of round 3 will compete in the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Semifinal Round on August 12. Visit Hardrock.com/Memphis for ticket information updates.  


MONDAY, AUGUST 11

Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Showcase

1:00 p.m. Elvis Week Main Stage, Graceland. Watch as some of the semifinalists for the 2014 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest showcase their talents as they prepare for the ultimate contest. Elvis tribute artists who will perform during this event to be announced at a later time, but all will be 2014 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest semifinalists. This event will be hosted by Ultimate Contest host Joey Sulipeck. Individual tickets are $20 or purchase the Elvis Week Main Stage All-Access Pass. Tickets for this event are available through Graceland Reservations by calling 800-238-2000 or 901-332-3322 or online here.

 

Kids/Youth Karaoke

1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Graceland Crossing. Children will receive prizes for participating in our karaoke event. Ages for karaoke are 17 and under. Free.

Jailhouse Rock Movie and Dance Party

7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Elvis Week Main Stage, Graceland. Put on your dancing shoes and break out your black & white stripes for a night filled with Elvis fun and excitement. Kick-off the evening with a screening and sing-a-long of Elvis’ “Jailhouse Rock” – sponsored by Warner Bros. Then, after the movie is over, continue to dance the night away with Elvis Radio’s DJ Argo as he plays some of your favorite Elvis music. Ticket price includes both movie screening and dance party that follows. Individual tickets are $30 or purchase the Elvis Week Main Stage All-Access Pass. Tickets for this event are available through Graceland Reservations by calling 800-238-2000 or 901-332-3322 or online here.
*Looking to get “Jailhouse Rock” and other great Elvis movies on DVD? Visit ShopElvis.com for a great selection of Elvis DVDs from Warner Bros. 


TUESDAY, AUGUST 12

Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Meet ‘n’ Greet

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. Hard Rock Cafe, Beale Street. Private event reserved for those who have purchased VIP tickets for the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. This event is now sold out.

Elvis Presley Memorial Trauma Center Elvis Week Fan Reception

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. Elvis Presley Memorial Trauma Center, 877 Jefferson Avenue. Celebrate at the Annual Elvis Presley Fans Reception at the Elvis Presley Memorial Trauma Center in Memphis. Speakers to be announced. Light refreshments will be served and tours of the trauma center will be conducted. Included in the tour is a stop by the Elvis Presley Memorial Trauma Center donor wall, where hundreds of plaques recognize donors who have supported the trauma center named in honor of the King of Rock ‘n Roll. Enter the Regional Medical Center at the main entrance. Greeters will then direct you to the reception.

Graceland Trivia Tour

5:00 p.m. Event starts at Graceland Ticket Office. Guests are invited to tour Graceland Mansion and the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum while simultaneously answering trivia questions to which answers can be found on the Graceland tour. Adult and junior version of the trivia tour will be available. Prizes will be awarded for both adult and junior versions. Tickets are $34 adult; $15 children 7-12; kids 6 and under are free.Tickets for this event are available through Graceland Reservations by calling 800-238-2000 or 901-332-3322 or online here.

Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Semifinal Round

7:00 p.m. Orpheum Theatre, downtown Memphis. Hosted by Joey Sulipeck, see more than 20 of the best tribute artists in the world compete in the Semifinal Round of the 2014 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. Enjoy hours of Elvis music and entertainment as these winners compete for their chance to advance to the Final Round on Thursday, August 14. The top 10 Elvis tribute artists moving on to the Final Round of the competition will be announced at the end of the Semifinal Round. Backing band for the semifinalists will be the Change of Habit Tribute Band. Two-day tickets are $139.00 and $69.00 (includes Semifinal on 8/12 and Final Round on 8/14) and can be purchased by clicking here. *The $139.00 VIP ticket also includes VIP seating plus access to the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Meet ‘n’ Greet at the Hard Rock Cafe on August 12. The $139 VIP ticket is now sold out, however $69 two-day tickets are still available. A one-day ticket to the Semifinal Round only is also available for $25. Tickets for this event are available through Ticketmaster.com, by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000, at any Ticketmaster outlet or at the Orpheum box office.
*Please note: If you purchase the $139.00 VIP ticket for this event, you MUST show your ticket at the door of the Hard Rock Cafe on the morning of August 12 for access to the Meet ‘n’ Greet event. 


WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13

Elvis Presley Fan Club Presidents’ Event

9:00 a.m. Elvis Week Main Stage, Graceland. Fans are invited to celebrate Elvis Presley fan clubs during this special event that focuses on the hard work of fan clubs around the world. The event will also feature two guest speaker segments this year, both hosted by Elvis Radio DJ Argo. Guest speaker segments will feature: Jimmy Snow, son of the country music legend Hank Snow who prior to becoming an evangelist in 1958 was in show business – where he recorded on RCA for 7 years and worked closely with Elvis, with whom he became good friends; and Linda Deutsch, who has been with The Associated Press for almost 50 years, but started her writing career off at the age of 12 when she launched an Elvis Presley Fan Club and published a fan newspaper that went to 300 members around the world. Fan club presidents will get an invite and registration form directly from EPE to attend the event for free. Individual tickets are $15 or purchase the Elvis Week Main Stage All-Access Pass. Tickets for this event are available through Graceland Reservations by calling 800-238-2000 or 901-332-3322 or online here.

American Studio Historic Marker Unveiling

2:00 p.m. 831 Thomas Street, Memphis (in front of Family Dollar Store at the corner of Thomas St. and Chelsea Ave., the former site of American Studios). Sponsored by the Shelby County Historical Commission, an historic marker will be unveiled at the former site of American Studios. Special guests will be in attendance. American Studios is where over 120 hit records, including Elvis’ “Suspicious Minds,” “In the Ghetto,” “Don’t Cry Daddy”, and “Kentucky Rain,” were recorded. Free to the public. For more information, call (901) 604-5002.

The Memphis Boys Salute

8:00 p.m. Elvis Week Main Stage, Graceland. Enjoy an incredible concert event featuring The Memphis Boys with special guests Terry Mike Jeffrey and Scat Springs. The Memphis Boys were the legendary house band at the American Sound Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, between 1967 until it’s closing in 1972. The Memphis Boys include Bobby Wood, Bobby Emmons, Gene Chrisman, Mike Leech, Reggie Young, and Tommy Cogbill. Inductees into the Musicians Hall of Fame, The Memphis Boys have played a large part in American music culture for the past forty years as the sound behind over 120 hit singles including Elvis’ “Suspicious Minds, “In the Ghetto”, and “Kentucky Rain”; Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline”; Dusty Springfield’s “Son of a Preacher Man”; and many, many, more. This special concert event will feature them performing some of their Elvis hits, as well as songs from the many other stars they have performed behind for the past forty years. Individual tickets are $40 or purchase the Elvis Week Main Stage All-Access Pass. Tickets for this event are available through Graceland Reservations by calling 800-238-2000 or 901-332-3322 or online here.


THURSDAY, AUGUST 14

Official Insiders Event

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Elvis Week Main Stage, Graceland. Hosted by Tom Brown, Vice President of Original Productions for Turner Classic Movies (TCM), this year’s Official Insiders Event will feature special segments that highlight various parts of Elvis’ life and career. Attendees will enjoy sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes looks, rarely-seen videos, feature segments filmed just for the event, special guests and much more. It will be a special “inside” look at both Elvis and his home, Graceland. Special guest segments to include: The Memphis Boys’ members Bobby Wood, Gene Chrisman and Reggie Young; a segment with representatives from Sony and Warner Bros. talking about “Elvis: That’s The Way It Is; Elvis artist and fellow Insider Joe Petruccio; Elvis’ jeweler Lowell Hays; and authors of the new Follow That Dream book “Elvis Presley: Memphis To Nashville ’61” Pål Granlund and David English. Individual tickets are $30 or purchase the Elvis Week Main Stage All-Access Pass. Tickets for this event are available through Graceland Reservations by calling 800-238-2000 or 901-332-3322 or online here.

Elvis A Cappella: A Tribute to the King – Show 1

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Elvis Week Main Stage, Graceland. Join us for an all-new event at the Elvis Week Main Stage this year as Elvis goes a cappella. This exciting 60-minute Elvis show will feature some of the country’s top a cappella groups – Kentucky’s Acoustikats, Florida State University’s All-Night Yahtzee, The James Madison University BluesTones, the Vanderbilt Melodores, and Memphis’ own Briarcrest OneVoice. Listen as they harmonize, beat box and dance to some of Elvis’ greatest hits – and some fan favorites as well. An all-new Elvis Week event not to be missed. Individual tickets are $10 or purchase the Elvis Week Main Stage All-Access Pass. Tickets for this event are available through Graceland Reservations by calling 800-238-2000 or 901-332-3322 or online here.

Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Final Round

7:00 p.m. Orpheum Theatre, downtown Memphis. Hosted by Joey Sulipeck, enjoy a phenomenal show as the top 10 Elvis tribute artists from the August 14 Semifinal Round compete for the title. The excitement will build throughout the night as the group is narrowed down from ten to five before the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist of 2014 is named. The show will also feature a performance by 2013 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist winner Dean Z. Backing band for the semifinalists will be the Change of Habit Tribute Band. 2014 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest winner will receive $20,000 cash, contract to perform with Legends in Concert, a 2014 Ultimate ETA Contest belt designed by B&K Enterprises and more. Two-day tickets are $139.00 and $69.00 (includes Semifinal and Final Round) and can be purchased by clicking here. *The $139.00 VIP ticket also includes VIP seating plus access to the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Meet ‘n’ Greet at the Hard Rock Cafe on August 14. The $139 VIP ticket is now sold out, however $69 two-day tickets are still available. A one-day ticket to the Final Round only is also available for $49. Tickets for this event are available through Ticketmaster.com, by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000, at any Ticketmaster outlet or at the Orpheum box office.
*Please note: If you purchase the $139.00 VIP ticket for this event, you MUST show your ticket at the door of the Hard Rock Cafe on the morning of August 14 for access to the Meet ‘n’ Greet event.


FRIDAY, AUGUST 15

Elvis A Cappella: A Tribute to the King – Show 2

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Elvis Week Main Stage, Graceland. Join us for an all-new event at the Elvis Week Main Stage this year as Elvis goes a cappella. This exciting 60-minute Elvis show will feature some of the country’s top a cappella groups – Kentucky’s Acoustikats, Florida State University’s All-Night Yahtzee, The James Madison University BluesTones, the Vanderbilt Melodores, and Memphis’ own Briarcrest OneVoice. Listen as they harmonize, beat box and dance to some of Elvis’ greatest hits – and some fan favorites as well. An all-new Elvis Week event not to be missed. *Individual tickets are $10 or purchase the Elvis Week Main Stage All-Access Pass.Tickets for this event are available through Graceland Reservations by calling 800-238-2000 or 901-332-3322 or online here.
*Please note this will be a different show than the one performed on August 14.

Conversations on Elvis

1:00 p.m. Elvis Week Main Stage, Graceland. Hosted by Tom Brown, Vice President of Original Productions for Turner Classic Movies (TCM), this event lets fans hear from those who worked closest with the king – from friends, colleagues, co-stars, musicians and more. This year’s event will feature someone fans will want a front row seat to hear from as Priscilla Presley sits down with host Tom Brown. Additional confirmed guests include: Cynthia Pepper, Elvis co-star in “Kissin’ Cousins,” Elvis’ Imperials Terry Blackwood and Joe Moscheo, who were in “Elvis: That’s The Way It Is.” Individual tickets are $25 or purchase the Elvis Week Main Stage All-Access Pass. Tickets for this event are available through Graceland Reservations by calling 800-238-2000 or 901-332-3322 or online here.

Memorial Mass for the Repose of the Soul of Elvis Presley

3:00 p.m. 1425 E. Shelby Drive, Memphis, TN 38116. The Mass will be held at St. Paul Catholic Church on August 15, 2013, at 3:00 p.m. and music beginning at 2:00 pm. For more information, please contact St. Paul Catholic Church at StPaulMemphis.org or (901) 346-2380.

Elvis A Cappella: A Tribute to the King – Show 1

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Elvis Week Main Stage, Graceland. Join us for an all-new event at the Elvis Week Main Stage this year as Elvis goes a cappella. This exciting 60-minute Elvis show will feature some of the country’s top a cappella groups – Kentucky’s Acoustikats, Florida State University’s All-Night Yahtzee, The James Madison University BluesTones, the Vanderbilt Melodores, and Memphis’ own Briarcrest OneVoice. Listen as they harmonize, beat box and dance to some of Elvis’ greatest hits – and some fan favorites as well. An all-new Elvis Week event not to be missed. *Individual tickets are $10 or purchase the Elvis Week Main Stage All-Access Pass. Tickets for this event are available through Graceland Reservations by calling 800-238-2000 or 901-332-3322 or online here.
*Please note this will be the same show as the one performed on August 14.

Candlelight Vigil

8:30 p.m. Gates of Graceland. After an opening ceremony at the gates of Graceland, fans are invited to walk up the driveway to Elvis’ gravesite and back down carrying a candle in quiet remembrance. Free admission. No tickets or reservations. Gates remain open until all who wish to participate in the procession have done so, which typically takes until the early morning hours of August 16, the anniversary date of Elvis’ passing. Free secured parking at the Graceland visitor center complex after 6:00 p.m.


SATURDAY, AUGUST 16

Elvis Presley 5K Run Benefiting Livitup, Inc.

8:00 a.m. The Elvis Presley 5K Run starts and finishes at the Gates of Graceland. After the race, join Livitup, Inc. across from the mansion at Elvis Presley Park on Craft Road for a party under the tent. There will be food, music and fun! For more information, please call Kelly Burrow at 901-316-0377, email kburrow@livitupinc.org or visit elvispresleyrunandwalk.com.

George Klein’s Elvis Memorial Service

12:00 Noon. Main Theatre Building, University of Memphis. Free admission. Annual event hosted by George Klein, longtime friend of Elvis. Speakers will include friends and family of Elvis and celebrity guests. For more information, contact the U of M Department of Communication at (901) 678-2565.

Elvis A Cappella: A Tribute to the King – Show 2

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Elvis Week Main Stage, Graceland. Join us for an all-new event at the Elvis Week Main Stage this year as Elvis goes a cappella. This exciting 60-minute Elvis show will feature some of the country’s top a cappella groups – Kentucky’s Acoustikats, Florida State University’s All-Night Yahtzee, The James Madison University BluesTones, the Vanderbilt Melodores, and Memphis’ own Briarcrest OneVoice. Listen as they harmonize, beat box and dance to some of Elvis’ greatest hits – and some fan favorites as well. An all-new Elvis Week event not to be missed. *Individual tickets are $10 or purchase the Elvis Week Main Stage All-Access Pass. Tickets for this event are available through Graceland Reservations by calling 800-238-2000 or 901-332-3322 or online here.
*Please note this will be the same show performed as the one performed on August 14 at 10:00 a.m.

Elvis: That’s The Way It Is VIP Reception

5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Elvis Week Main Stage, Graceland. Private event reserved for those who have purchased VIP tickets for the Elvis: That’s The Way It Is – Special Edition Exclusive Screening. 
Elvis Week Main Stage All-Access pass does not allow entrance into this event.

Elvis: That’s The Way It Is – Special Edition Exclusive Screening

8:00 p.m. Orpheum Theatre, downtown Memphis. Join us at the historic Orpheum Theatre in downtown Memphis for the world premiere screening of Warner Bros.’ newly-remastered “Elvis: That’s The Way It Is – Special Edition.” This fan-favorite concert documentary film, re-edited and remixed for its acclaimed release in 2000, will debut on Blu-ray for the first time on August 12. Fans in town for Elvis Week will be treated not only to the newly-remastered film, but also some outtakes that have never-before-been-seen on the big screen. Fans will be treated to a special performance by Elvis’ Imperials members Joe Moscheoand Terry Blackwood, along with Darrell Toney and Lynn Royce Taylor. This will be a special farewell performance by Joe Moscheo who recently retired from the group. Fans can also view “Elvis: That’s The Way It Is” related artifacts on display in the lobby direct from the Graceland Archives. This event will be hosted by Tom Brown, Vice President of Original Productions for Turner Classic Movies (TCM). Tickets are $89 (VIP) and $35. *The $89 VIP ticket includes front of the house seating, a special VIP reception at the Elvis Week Main Stage at Graceland prior to the event plus round-trip motor coach transportation to the Orpheum for the event. Tickets for this event are available through Ticketmaster.com, by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000, at any Ticketmaster outlet or at the Orpheum box office.
*The VIP reception will be held at the Elvis Week Main Stage. Guests will enjoy complimentary light appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages before boarding motor coach transportation to the Orpheum. For access to the VIP reception at Graceland, you must show VIP ticket at door of Elvis Week Main Stage.


SUNDAY, AUGUST 17

Elvis Gospel Celebration

9:00 a.m. Elvis Week Main Stage, Graceland. Join us for a special close out to Elvis Week with a Sunday morning Elvis Gospel Celebration. The event will feature a acoustic gospel set by Terry Mike Jeffrey plus performances by Terry Blackwood and The Imperials. Individual tickets are $25 or purchase the Elvis Week Main Stage All-Access Pass. Tickets for this event are available through Graceland Reservations by calling 800-238-2000 or 901-332-3322 or online here.


MULTIPLE DAY EVENTS

Free Entertainment Tent at Graceland Crossing

August 9-17. Continuous presentation of Elvis music performed live by various singers and bands, plus other activities. A schedule for the Elvis Week entertainment tent will be available at the Elvis Week information table upon arrival in Memphis. 

Morning and Evening Walk Ups to Meditation Garden

Daily throughout the year, there is a special period of time for free admission walk up visits to the Meditation Garden at Graceland. Elvis Week morning walk ups will be from 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. on August 9-17. Morning walk-ups may not be available on August 16 due to the Candlelight Vigil. Elvis Week evening walk ups will be from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. on August 9-14 and August 16-17. Evening walk-ups will not be available the night of August 15 due to the Candlelight Vigil.

Graceland Mansion Tours

Available daily. Click here for tour details and pricing.

 

Meet ‘n’ Greet with Betty Harper

August 12 – August 15: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Heartbreak Hotel. Meet artist Betty Harper and see her latest Elvis artwork. Her more than 10,000 drawings of Elvis illustrate the personal side of Elvis. Free.

Meet ‘n’ Greet with Joe Petruccio

August 12 – August 15: 3:00 – 9:00 p.m. Everything Elvis, Graceland Crossing. Meet artist Joe Petruccio, view his new fine art pieces, and don’t miss out on exclusive merchandise featuring his artwork. 

Lowell Hays Trunk Show

August 11: 2:00 – 4:00 pm. August 12: 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. August 13: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. August 14: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. August 15: 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. August 16: 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Gallery Elvis, Graceland Plaza. Meet jeweler Lowell Hays, the creator of Elvis’ famous TCB ring. View both his fine and fashion jewelry lines featuring items made from the original molds of Elvis’ jewelry

Images of the King

August 10-16. Doc Franklin’s Original Images of the King Elvis Tribute Artist Contest and Showcase presents a great lineup for Elvis Week with showcases by Shawn Klush, Cody Slaughter, Ben Portsmouth and Dean Z. Elvis’ own Sweet Inspirations and many other talented performers will also be appearing. This year’s Elvis Tribute Artist Contest (not affiliated with EPE’s Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest) is open to any and all ETAs visiting Memphis during Elvis Week. For more information on Doc Franklin’s Original Images of the King Contest and Showcase, please visit ImagesoftheKing.com or call 1-888-406-5885.

All details, including guests, time, etc. are subject to change.

Elvis Presley and New Years Eve 1955-1976

Elvis Presley & New Year’s Eve:

1955 – Elvis worked on the Louisiana Hayride in Shreveport, Louisiana.

1956 – Elvis was scheduled to appear, on December 3, between 3:30-4:30 p.m. on Dewey Phillips’ Pop Shop which was Dewey Phillips’ new TV show in Memphis. Dewey Phillips was the first DJ to play an Elvis Presley record at the bequest of Sam Phillips of Sun Records.

1957 – Elvis spent New Year’s at Graceland dealing with the reality that he was being drafted into the US Army having received his draft notice just 11 days earlier.

1958 – Elvis was living at the Hotel Grunewald in Bad Nauheim.

1959 – It is believed that Elvis spent New Year’s Eve with Priscilla whom he had first met the previous September.

 

1960 – Elvis was in Hollywood filming Wild in the Country. Elvis flew home to Memphis a week before to be come for the holidays. He returned to Hollywood on January 2nd to resume filming.

1961 – Elvis was in Hollywood completing work on Kid Galahad as of December 20th. For some reason Elvis opted to spend the holidays in Las Vegas.

1962 – Elvis began having New Year’s Eve Parties which would continue throughout the 1960’s. While at Graceland Elvis, and friends, lit off fireworks and then Elvis hosted a party at Memphis’s “Manhattan Club” for over 200 lucky family, friends, and fans.

1963 – Elvis watched movies, with Priscilla who now was living full time in Memphis, at the Memphian Theater (which Elvis had rented out for the evening).

1964 – Elvis hosted a party at the Manhattan Club in Memphis.

1965 – Elvis hosted a party at the Manhattan Club in Memphis.

1966 – Elvis hosted a party at the Manhattan Club in Memphis.

1967 – Elvis hosted a party at the Thunderbird Lounge in Memphis.

1968 – Elvis hosted a party at the Thunderbird Lounge in Memphis.

1969 – Elvis hosted a party at TJ’s club in Memphis.

1970 – Elvis was in Washington DC getting a special tour of FBI headquarters and then flew home to host a party at TJ’s club in Memphis.

 

1971 – Elvis held a private party at Graceland.

1972 – Elvis relationship with Priscilla was failing and he was losing weight, and rehearsing, for his infamous 1973 Aloha from Hawaii concert/television broadcast.

1973 – Elvis spent a quiet time at Graceland.

1974 – Elvis was at Graceland dealing with health issues.  

1975 – Elvis appeared at the Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan before an estimated crowd of 60,000.  

1976 – This would (sadly) be Elvis’ last New Year’s Eve and he spent it onstage at the Civic Center Arena in Pittsburgh before an estimated crowd of 16,049. At midnight Elvis sang “Auld Lang Syne’.
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