Ed Hill of the Former Stamps Quartet Celebrated A Birthday This Week!

Ed Hill formerly of J.D. Sumner and The Stamps Quartet celebrated a birthday this week. And Backinmemphis.com spoke exclusively with the lovely Shirley Sumner Enoch about Ed. Here’s what she told us,
“Ed Hill, who sang with the Stamps in the 1970’s and was the stage announcer for Elvis during the later touring years became a long standing member of J. D.Sumner and the Stamps Quartet. He was a valued part of our organization and I had the pleasure of working with him until the beginning of 1999, shortly after daddy passed. In J.D.’s book “The Life and Times of J. D. Sumner” he remarks that Ed Hill was the finest baritone singer anyone could want, and a prince of a fellow.” I don’t think I could have said it better myself. I will add though, Ed Hill is a fine Christian gentleman and like a fine wine, “ He only gets better with age”. It is an honor to call him my friend. Happy birthday Ed and I am sending best wishes and love from the Sumner family.” Shirley Sumner Enoch

Backinmemphis.com thanks Shirley for taking the time to talk about Ed with us.And we wish Ed a very happy Birthday and here’s to another great year! GOD bless you Ed! And here’s hoping all your wishes come true!

Your friends @ backinmemphis.com

More on Ed:

Ed Hill’s lifelong calling has been to spread the gospel through music. The son of a minister, Ed was born in St. Louis., Mo., and started singing at the early age of 15 with a group called “Humble Hearts.” A few years later, when Ed’s father became pastor of the First Baptist Church in Elizabethton, Tenn., it affected Ed’s life forever due to the fact that it was here Ed met his future wife, Sharon. They’ve been 51 years and have a wonderful family. Their son David and his wife Lisa have two sons, David and Drew; and their daughter Lisa has one son, named David, after her brother.

It was at this same Baptist church Ed became acquainted with Lewis Garrison, (a.k.a. “Big Lew”) who was the choir director serving with Ed’s dad. Ed incorporated Lew’s high tenor sound into a new group he was organizing called The Prophets Quartet. Little did they realize at the time that, together, they would become one of America’s most respected Gospel quartets. The Prophets changed personnel through the years and included Jay Berry, Duane Allen, Dean Brown, but the best-known group was made up of Big Lew, Roy McNeal, Dave Rodgers and Ed with Joe Moscheo on the piano. Ed and The Prophets were soon to become regulars on the Gospel Singing Caravan television series along with the LeFevres, the Blue Ridge Quartet and the Johnson Sisters.

After Ed retired The Prophets, he enjoyed a lengthy tenure with Hovie Lister and The Statesmen.

J.D. Sumner of the Stamps Quartet asked Ed to manage his talent agency and music companies, and in 1973 was asked to sing baritone temporarily until a pernanent voice could be acquired. “Temporarily” lengthened into five years of fulltime service with the Stamps Quartet and with the late Elvis Presley.

In 1980, Ed was instrumental in the fast rise to popularity of The Singing Americans and was able to give a “hand up” to many young gospel artists—including Mike LeFevre, Rick Strickland, Michael English and Ivan Parker.

In 1987, J.D. Sumner reorganized the Stamps Quartet from his existing Master’s V group, and J.D. again asked Ed to become a member of his group. According to J.D., Ed was “one of the best quartet men I ever worked with.”

Ed, along with The Stamps were permanent members of the Elvis Presley Show until Elvis’ death in 1977. The voice heard at the close of each Elvis performance . . . “Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has left the building. Thank you and good night!” . . . was none other than Ed himself.

Following with death of J.D. Sumner in 1998, the Stamps continued performing as Golden Covenant.

In April 2004, Ed underwent triple by-pass surgery following a routine physical. In March 2005, he was attacked by a mini-stroke. Now totally restored, Ed has received the healing that God has promised to His children. His doctors have given him a clean bill of health and say his is able to return to his music ministry.

Anyone who knows Ed Hill will testify to the fact that during the last 55-plus years of his musical career, his humility, his love of gospel music, his love for God and his love and concern toward God’s family are still apparent and vibrant as they were at the onset of his musical pursuits.

Whether singing at a small country church or as a backup singer for Elvis Presley, he has never changed. Ed still treats each person he meets as a friend and has one of the most beautiful baritone voices in the gospel music industry.

Ed’s Christian life is exemplified at home with his loved ones and enjoys the reputation of being one of the most respected family men in the gospel music industry.

Edwin L. Hill, known around the world as “Ed Hill,” continues to follow God’s call upon his life and would love to share his song and his faith with you and your constituency.

GOD bless Ed today and we pray his wishes come true.

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Tim McGraw's Connection To The Presley's

On a recent edition of Who Do You Think You Are? on NBC, Country singer Tim Mcgraw traces his roots on his father’s side of the family. Tim is the son of Major League Baseball player Tug McGraw who played for the Mets and the Phillies. Tim did not find out until the age of 11 that Tug was his dad. Tug denied it until Tim turned 18….how convenient. But Tim and his dad created a relationship once Tim was of age and Tug was not obligated by law to support him. A big thumbs up to Tim’s Mom and stepdad for filling that void while Tug was an absent father. A child’s love for their parent is unbreakable. His dad died in 2004. So Tim was curious about his family history. In the show. Tim finds out one of his ancestors from Germany traveled to the UK and then to the USA and became a real estate giant who even hosted and inspired former president George Washington as a young man.
Tim then finds out that while his ancestors were traveling over to the USA, they traveled with another music legend’s ancestors by the name of Preslar – the ancestors of Elvis Presley!
When Tim returns home and tells his uncle ( brother to MLB player Tug McGraw) his uncle tells him, Tug was such a huge fan of Elvis that he once bought a car only because it was playing Elvis music. He says Tug loved Graceland! And the show ends with Tim and his Uncle quite proud that his family and the Presley family might have been jamming on the way over to the greatest country in the world, the USA! Now that is too cool! Next we need to see Lisa Marie Presley on Who Do You Think You Are?on NBC!

Tim McGraw’s Connection To The Presley’s

http://www.hulu.com/embed/NdE-SzanUl-f9cOmI2FPuQ

On a recent edition of Who Do You Think You Are? on NBC, Country singer Tim Mcgraw traces his roots on his father’s side of the family. Tim is the son of Major League Baseball player Tug McGraw who played for the Mets and the Phillies. Tim did not find out until the age of 11 that Tug was his dad. Tug denied it until Tim turned 18….how convenient. But Tim and his dad created a relationship once Tim was of age and Tug was not obligated by law to support him. A big thumbs up to Tim’s Mom and stepdad for filling that void while Tug was an absent father. A child’s love for their parent is unbreakable. His dad died in 2004. So Tim was curious about his family history. In the show. Tim finds out one of his ancestors from Germany traveled to the UK and then to the USA and became a real estate giant who even hosted and inspired former president George Washington as a young man.
Tim then finds out that while his ancestors were traveling over to the USA, they traveled with another music legend’s ancestors by the name of Preslar – the ancestors of Elvis Presley!
When Tim returns home and tells his uncle ( brother to MLB player Tug McGraw) his uncle tells him, Tug was such a huge fan of Elvis that he once bought a car only because it was playing Elvis music. He says Tug loved Graceland! And the show ends with Tim and his Uncle quite proud that his family and the Presley family might have been jamming on the way over to the greatest country in the world, the USA! Now that is too cool! Next we need to see Lisa Marie Presley on Who Do You Think You Are?on NBC!

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Elvis Presley The King of Rock & Roll Was Superstitious – So Says His Beloved Wife Priscilla

AARP Magazine Article – Click to enlarge



In the most recent AARP magazine ( for our most seasoned fellow Americans) there was an interview with Elvis’ widow, Priscilla Presley. David Hochman, the journalist ended the interview by asking Priscilla if there was anything we don’t know about Elvis. And after a long pause, Priscilla said, ” He would never put a hat on a bed, he thought it was bad luck. And I have never said that to anyone.”
Superstitions are big in my family. Like don’t put new shoes on a table, don’t pick up a penny on tails or open an umbrella indoors. So I’m glad to hear I’m in good company with the king of Rock & Roll who was, as Stevie Wonder sings……Very Superstitious

Elvis Presley The King of Rock & Roll Was Superstitious – So Says His Beloved Wife Priscilla

AARP Magazine Article – Click to enlarge



In the most recent AARP magazine ( for our most seasoned fellow Americans) there was an interview with Elvis’ widow, Priscilla Presley. David Hochman, the journalist ended the interview by asking Priscilla if there was anything we don’t know about Elvis. And after a long pause, Priscilla said, ” He would never put a hat on a bed, he thought it was bad luck. And I have never said that to anyone.”
Superstitions are big in my family. Like don’t put new shoes on a table, don’t pick up a penny on tails or open an umbrella indoors. So I’m glad to hear I’m in good company with the king of Rock & Roll who was, as Stevie Wonder sings……Very Superstitious

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Elvis.com Fan Club Newsletter

Tickets On Sale for “Elvis R8cks” Concerts in Europe

The Belgian and Dutch Elvis fan club ‘ElvisMatters’ is celebrating its 8th anniversary with a special live concert titled “Elvis R8cks.” The production will feature members of the TCB Band, a symphonic orchestra, and the Dutch singer Bouke. The “Elvis R8cks” show is coming to Belgium on May 20, 2011 and Holland on May 21, 2011.

Read More Here

Download the new Elvis Mobile App for Free

We’re excited to announce the launch of the new Elvis Mobile 2.0 app that’s now available to download for FREE! Elvis Mobile 2.0 is an iPhone application (app) available to iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch users via the iTunes App Store. download app

Roots of Elvis Exhibit Now Open
The Roots of Elvis Exhibit is now open! The exhibit, which is part of the Graceland VIP tour, tells the story of Elvis’ early years and the influences that shaped him as a person and music legend. It is one of three new exhibits debuting at Graceland in 2011.

Read More here

Elvis Music Featured in Japanese TV Commercial
Boys will be boys! That’s the message behind a new Japanese TV commercial featuring the remix version of Elvis Presley’s smash hit “A Little Less Conversation.” The 30-second ad, from Atlanta-based The Coca-Cola Company Inc., is for its Georgia brand canned coffee.

See Commercial Here

Elvis Week 2011 Schedule Announced!

Elvis Week 2011 Schedule of Events
Below is the schedule of events for Elvis Week 2011. All events, details, guests and performers listed below are subject to change.

Ticket Information:
A ticket pre-sale for Elvis Insiders will start on Tuesday, March 1, at 8:30 a.m. CST.
Tickets for the general public will go on sale on Tuesday, March 8, at 8:30 a.m. CST.
For specific information on how to purchase tickets, package information or for groups, visit the Elvis Week Tickets page.

Note to Elvis Insiders:
Links and passwords necessary to take part in the Elvis Insiders pre-sale will be posted on the Elvis Insiders News section closer to the pre-sale date. You must be a Basic or Plus Elvis Insider member to be part of the pre-sale. Not an Elvis Insider? Join today to make sure your seats are among the best in the house at all the events. http://www.elvisinsiders.com

Elvis Week 2011 Schedule of Events
August 10 – August 16, 2011

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10

Club Elvis
8:00 p.m. – 12:00 Midnight. Elvis Presley Automobile Museum, Graceland Plaza. Come hang out and enjoy a private party with your fellow Elvis fans. A disc jockey spins Elvis records for your listening and dancing pleasure. Cash bar featuring adult beverages (ID’s checked) and soft drinks. Outdoor smoking area designated – no smoking inside. A wristband ticket allows you to come and go from Club Elvis as often as you like during the evening. Tickets are $25.00 and will be available through Graceland Reservations after the on-sale dates listed above.

Midnight Southern Breakfast
11:59 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. Chrome Grille Restaurant, Graceland Plaza. Following Club Elvis, fans are invited next door to the Chrome Grille Restaurant for a midnight southern breakfast. Tickets to this event are extremely limited so be sure to order in advance. Tickets are $15.00 and will be available through Graceland Reservations after the on-sale dates listed above.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11

Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Meet ‘n’ Greet
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Memphis Hard Rock Cafe on Beale Street. Private event reserved for those who purchase the VIP ticket package for the 2011 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. Find out about the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest VIP Package. 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 for access to the event and to receive your collectible event badge/lanyard.

Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Semifinals – Round One
3:00 p.m. The Orpheum, 203 South Main Street, Memphis. New for 2011, see the best tribute artists from around the world compete in Round One of the semifinals. During Round One, all semifinalists will sing one song on stage in front of a panel of judges. The 15 Elvis tribute artists with the highest scores following the performances will move on to the Semifinals – Round Two later that evening. See a list of contestants and find out more about the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. Tickets to Round One are $10.00 and ARE NOT included in the two-day Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Ticket Package. This event is general admission with no assigned seating. Tickets for this event will be available through Ticketmaster after the on-sale dates listed above.

Memphis Meetup Meet N Greet
Dinner event
Thursday August 11th 5PM
Location TBD

This event is by the Memphis Meetup group. It is a chance for Memphis fans to get acquainted with fans visiting from all over the states and the world.

Do not have a location for this event. It will depend on where the EPE events are held. I will pick a venue that is close and convenient for those that wish to attend the EPE events before and after the Meet N Greet.

Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Semifinals – Round Two
7:00 p.m. The Orpheum, 203 South Main Street, Memphis. See the top 15 tribute artists from Round One of the contest as they as they compete in round two of the 2011 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 Friday, August 12. The top 10 Elvis tribute artists moving on to the Final Round of the competition on August 12 will be announced at the end of the competition. See a list of contestants and find out more about the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. Two-day tickets are $139.00 and $69.00 (includes Semifinals – Round Two and Final Round only). 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 11. A ticket to just the Semifinals – Round Two on the evening of August 11 is also available for $25.00. Tickets for this event will be available through Ticketmaster after the on-sale dates listed above. 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 for access to the Meet ‘n’ Greet event the morning of August 11 and to receive your collectible event badge/lanyard.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 12

Elvis Presley Fan Club Presidents’ Event
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Fogelman Executive Conference Center, 330 Innovation Drive, Memphis. Elvis fans are invited to celebrate the work of Elvis Presley fan clubs during this special event. In addition to celebrating and recognizing the work of fan clubs, the event will feature a program of EPE company updates and special announcements, including the latest from EPE media, marketing, licensing, merchandise, archives and more. In honor of the 55th anniversary of 1956, the special guest for the event will be D.J. Fontana. D.J. began his career as a staff drummer in 1953 on the Louisiana Hayride and met Elvis in 1954 while working there. D.J., along with Scotty and Bill, formed Elvis’ original band. D.J. was there for many of the groundbreaking moments of 1956 and will share his memories from that year. Official Elvis Presley Fan Club presidents will receive an invitation and registration form via mail to reserve their tickets for the event. Tickets for fan club members and the general public are $12.00 and will be available through Graceland Reservations after the on-sale dates listed above.

Graceland Trivia Tour
5:00 p.m. Event starts at the 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 versions of the trivia tour will be available. Prizes for both adult and junior versions to be announced. Tickets for adults are $31.00; children 7-12 are $15.00; children 7 and under are free. Tickets will be available through Graceland Reservations after the on-sale dates listed above.

Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Final
7:00 p.m. The Orpheum, 203 South Main Street, Memphis. Enjoy a phenomenal show with the top 10 Elvis tribute artists from the previous night’s semifinal rounds as they 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 2011 is named. Find out more about the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. Two-day tickets are $139.00 and $69.00 (includes Semifinals – Round Two and Final Round only). The $139.00 ticket also includes VIP seating plus access to the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Meet ‘n’ Greet at the Hard Rock Cafe on August 11. A ticket to just the Final is also available for $49.00. Tickets for this event will be available through Ticketmaster after the on-sale dates listed above. 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 for access to the Meet ‘n’ Greet event the morning of August 11 and to receive your collectible event badge/lanyard.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13

“Sam Phillips: The Man Who Invented Rock ‘n’ Roll” Documentary Screening
Hosted by Peter Guralnick and Knox Phillips
10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The Orpheum, 203 South Main Street, Memphis. This special event will feature a screening of the film “Sam Phillips: The Man Who Invented Rock ‘n’ Roll,” with Peter Guralnick and Knox Phillips speaking after the presentation. The film, written and co-produced by Guralnick, tells the story of the founder of Sun Records, who discovered and recorded some of the greatest artists of American music in the 1950s, including Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash, among others. The film features rare performance footage and interviews with Howlin’ Wolf, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Ike Turner, Charlie Rich, among others. Following the film, enjoy commentary by Peter Guralnick and Knox Phillips, Sam’s son, as they talk about Sam and share memories. Tickets to this event are $10.00 and will be available through Ticketmaster after the on-sale dates listed above. Seating for this event is general admission.

Official Elvis Insiders Event – Rollin’ on the River
2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Boarding from 2:00 p.m. – 2:25 p.m. Must be on boat by 2:25 p.m.) Memphis Queen III Riverboat, 45 S. Riverside Drive, Memphis. Basic and Plus Elvis Insiders are invited to go rollin’ on the Mississippi River for the Elvis Week 2011 event. Enjoy light hors d’oeuvres, dancing, Elvis music and fun with friends and fellow members as you cruise the Mississippi River enjoying the beautiful Memphis skyline aboard the Memphis Queen III Riverboat. Boarding for the boat begins at 2:00 p.m. Guests must be aboard by 2:25 p.m. Boat leaves shore promptly at 2:30 p.m. Tickets for this event are VERY limited and we are expecting a sell-out. Because tickets are limited, Basic and Plus Elvis Insiders will only be able to purchase one additional guest ticket to event. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets are $49.00 and will be available through Graceland Reservations after the on-sale dates listed above. Please note: This is a casual event aboard a working Mississippi Riverboat so please dress accordingly. Parking for the event is limited and is located on a steep incline along the Mississippi River. Additional transportation options may be offered closer to the event. Be watching Elvis.com for details. Also, the Memphis Queen III Riverboat is handicapped-friendly. There is access to board the Memphis Queen III Riverboat for those in wheelchairs, however access is limited to the first floor of the boat only as there are no elevators. The first floor will have music, food and offer the same great view.

Elvis Presley LIVE – The King in Concert
8:00 p.m. The Orpheum, 203 South Main Street, Memphis. Elvis started a rock ‘n’ roll revolution in 1956 and now, 55 years later, something new will shake up Elvis Week 2011! “Elvis Presley Live: The King in Concert” is an exciting multi-media music event that puts a hot studio session band and back up vocalists on stage in Memphis as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll is projected, larger than life, on state-of-the-art LED screens. Hosted by Joe Guercio, Elvis’ musical conductor and close friend for many years, this is a rare opportunity to experience an Elvis concert in Memphis, the city known around the world as the Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll. This is a virtual Elvis Presley concert – with Elvis singing lead vocals – presented exactly like one of his classic live performances at the Las Vegas Hilton showroom. All the sound, other than Elvis’ signature vocals, have been pulled out of his best concert performances in the epic film “Elvis: That’s the Way It Is.” All musical accompaniments in this concert are performed live except for Elvis’ voice. The contemporary staging and overall production help create the illusion that Elvis is on stage. Also making a special appearance during this evening will be Elvis’ Imperials, singing a few of Elvis’ favorite gospel numbers. Saturday, August 13th is truly a night with the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll that you’ll want to experience in Memphis with your friends, family and fans from around the world during Elvis Week 2011. Tickets to the event are $89.00 and $45.00. The $89.00 VIP ticket includes VIP seating plus access to an Elvis Presley LIVE Post-Party and collectible event lanyard/badge. Tickets for this event will be available through Ticketmaster after the on-sale dates listed above. Please note: If you purchase the $89.00 VIP ticket for this event, you MUST show your ticket at the door of the Elvis Presley Post-Party for access to the event and your collectible event badge/lanyard. The post-party will be from 11:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. Location for post-party to be announced soon.

Elvis Presley LIVE Post-Event Party
11:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. Location to be announced soon. Private event reserved for those who purchased VIP packages for the Elvis Presley LIVE concert. If you purchased the $89.00 VIP ticket for this event, you MUST show your ticket at the door of the Elvis Presley Post-Party for access to the event and your collectible event badge/lanyard.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 14
Southern Gospel Singin’ with Elvis’ Imperials
9:00 a.m. Graceland Entertainment Pavilion (north of airplane exhibit). Enjoy a celebration of the gospel music Elvis loved with some of the singers who performed as part of Elvis’ Imperials. Joe Moscheo and Terry Blackwood, who both performed with Elvis on stage, along with group members Royce Taylor and Darrell Toney, will perform many of the hits Elvis loved. In addition, also performing will be gospel group Soul City from First Assembly of God, Memphis, which was Elvis’ home church for many years. Soul City members are Corey Riggs, Ben Kirk, Bob Geabhart and David Wootton. This is an outdoor event and seating is very limited. Tickets are $30.00 and will be available through Graceland Reservations after the on-sale dates listed above.

Conversations on Elvis
1:00 p.m. The Orpheum, 203 South Main Street, Memphis. Conversations on Elvis features special guests that knew, worked with and spent time with Elvis, sharing their favorite memories and stories. The event will be hosted by Tom Brown, Vice President of Original Productions for Turner Classic Movies (TCM). Confirmed special guests are: Al Wertheimer, who took an assignment in the spring of 1956 as a one-day freelance photographer to take publicity photos of a young, up-and-coming singer named Elvis Presley; and John Wilkinson, who played rhythm guitar as part of the TCB Band starting in 1969 through 1977; and Joe Guercio, Elvis’ musical director and conductor for his performances from 1970 – 1977. Tickets are $20.00 and will be available through Ticketmaster after the on-sale dates listed above. Seating for this event is general admission.

On Stage at Graceland with Terry Mike Jeffrey
7:00 p.m. Graceland Entertainment Pavilion (north of airplane exhibit). Join us for a celebration of Elvis music during a special evening concert at Graceland. The show will feature Elvis fan favorite Terry Mike Jeffrey performing some of his favorite Elvis tunes. Opening the show will be Jamie Aaron Kelley along with Brad Birkedahl performing Elvis’ hits in their own unique style. From the ‘50s and ’68 Special to the concert years, many of your Elvis favorites will be performed. This will be an outdoor event and tickets will be extremely limited. Tickets are $30.00 and will be available through Graceland Reservations after the on-sale dates listed above.

MONDAY, AUGUST 15

On Stage at Graceland with Andy Childs
9:00 a.m. Graceland Entertainment Pavilion (north of airplane exhibit). Enjoy live entertainment at Graceland to kick off a special day at Graceland. On Stage at Graceland on August 15 will feature Memphis musician Andy Childs performing his favorite Elvis songs. Opening for Andy will be country music entertainers and IMASTAR recording artists Lori Andersen and Gavin Kelly performing their favorite Elvis hits followed by Victor Trevino, Jr. who will take the stage to perform some of Elvis’ classic ‘50s songs. This will be an outdoor event and tickets will be extremely limited. Tickets are $30.00 and will be available through Graceland Reservations after the on-sale dates listed above.

Candlelight Vigil
8:30 p.m. Gates of Graceland Mansion. After an opening ceremony at the gates of the Graceland Mansion property, 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.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16
Events to be determined.

MULTIPLE DATE EVENTS

Last Chance Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest at the Memphis Hard Rock Café
Dates/times to be determined. Memphis Hard Rock Cafe, 315 Beale Street, Memphis. Elvis tribute artists will have the chance to compete for one final spot in the Semifinals – Round One of the 2011 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. More information coming soon.

Morning and Evening Walk-ups for 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 10-16. Morning walk-ups may not be available on August 16 due to Candlelight Vigil. Elvis Week evening walk-ups will be 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. on August 10-14 and on August 16. Evening walk-ups will not be available on August 15 due to the Candlelight Vigil.

Elvis Week Entertainment Tent at Graceland Crossing
August 10-16. 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.

Youth Karaoke
Dates and times to be determined. Elvis Week Entertainment Tent, Graceland Crossing. Children and youth ages 2 to 17 are invited to perform karaoke Elvis songs. Free admission to perform and to be in the audience.

Children’s Activities
Dates and times to be determined. Graceland Ticket Pavilion. Craft activities for children ages 2 to 12. Free.

Elvis BINGO
Dates and times to be determined. Dining Area, Elvis Presley’s Heartbreak Hotel. Bingo will be limited to 80 people, and all admitted to the dining room must have a ticket which can be picked up in the hotel lobby 30 minutes prior to each game (one per person and no children under 12 admitted).

Lea Michele Beats Out Elvis With Glee

TMZ was the first to break the news to Glee star Lea Michele that the show had beat out Elvis on the Billboard charts. How this even seems possible, I don’t know.

New Release – Roy Orbison The Momument Singles Collection (1960-64)

                                                

JUST ANNOUNCED – ROY ORBISON: THE MONUMENT SINGLES COLLECTION (1960-64)CELEBRATE THE THE 75th BIRTHDAY YEAR OF ROCK & ROLL LEGEND ROY ORBISON WITH THE LONG-AWAITED MONO RELEASE OF ROY ORBISON: THE MONUMENT SINGLES COLLECTION (1960-64) ON TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2011.

“Monument Records – The House That Roy Built: The Big O’s Monument Singles Collection” Debuts First-Ever CD Release of Original Mono Mixes of All “A & B Sides” Cut For The Label, Plus a DVD of Nine Songs From “The Monument Concert 1965” Digitally Restored, Includes The Official Video For “Oh, Pretty Woman”

ROY ORBISON: THE MONUMENT SINGLES COLLECTION CD/DVD

Celebrating the 75th birthday year of Roy Orbison with the long-awaited release of Roy Orbison: The Monument Singles Collection.
A 2 CD/1 DVD set including all the A&B sides recorded by Roy Orbison for the groundbreaking Monument label during an electrifying peak from 1959-1966. Restored to pristine mono mixes for the first time since their original 7″ vinyl releases, Roy Orbison: The Monument Singles Collection presents The Big O’s core classic catalog the way it’s meant to sound.plus the first-ever DVD release of Orbison performing nine songs from “The Monument Concert 1965.”

Roy Orbison signed with the newly emerging independent label Monument Records in mid-1959. Orbison’s third single for the label, “Only The Lonely (Know How I Feel),” which announced to the world the true artistry of Roy Orbison. The song peaked at #2 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart and rocketed up to #1 on the UK charts.Orbison followed up the breakthrough with a pair of respectfully charting singles before knocking it out of the park with “Running Scared,” his first US #1. After that came an unbroken four-year string of Top 40 hits during which Roy Orbison became America ‘s top-selling recording artist and one of the world’s most celebrated entertainers.

Roy Orbison was one of the few established hit-makers from the late 1950s and early 1960s to not only hold his ground, but to actually increase his popularity in the wake of the British Invasion. He maintained his popularity through music which displayed an extraordinary variety of content, structure, tempo and rhythm and an authentic emotional connection that transcended mere craft, exemplified in his signature classic, “Oh Pretty Woman,” recorded on August 1st, 1964. Written by Orbison with his new writing partner Bill Dees, “Oh Pretty Woman” became Roy ‘s biggest hit and is one of the most immediately recognized and popular rock songs of all time. Released in August 1964 in the US and in September of that year in the UK , the song hit the #1 slot in virtually every country in the world where people had record players, selling some seven million copies that year.

Track Listing:

Disc One: The A-Sides
1. Uptown
2. Only The Lonely
3. Blue Angel
4. I’m Hurtin’
5. Running Scared
6. Lana
7. Crying
8. Let The Good Times Roll
9. Blue Bayou
10. Dream Baby
11. The Crowd
12. Working For The Man
13. In Dreams
14. Falling
15. It’s Over
16. Oh, Pretty Woman
17. Goodnight

Bonus Tracks:
18. Pretty Paper
19. (Say) You’re My Girl
20. Paper Boy

Disc Two: The B-Sides
1. Pretty One
2. Here Comes That Song Again
3. Today’s Teardrops
4. I Can’t Stop Loving You
5. Love Hurts
6. Summer Song
7. Candy Man
8. Mean Woman Blues
9. The Actress
10.Mama
11.Leah
12.Shahdaroba
13.Distant Drums
14.Indian Wedding
15.Yo Te Amo Maria
16.Only With You

Bonus Tracks:
17.Beautiful Dreamer
18.Sleepy Hollow
19.With The Bug

Roy Orbison – The Monument Singles Collection – DVD
1. Only the Lonely
2. Running Scared
3. Crying
4. What’d I Say
5. Dream Baby
6. Mean Woman Blues
7. It’s Over
8. Oh, Pretty Woman
9. Goodnight

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Ali and Presley: Exhibition of American Icons at the James A. Michener Art Museum

Muhammad Ali, c. 1970, Gordon Parks, courtesy of the Howard Greenberg Gallery, New York, N.Y.

DOYLESTOWN, PA.- Elvis is in the house and Ali is in the ring. Two of our nation’s most well-known icons—”the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll” and “the Greatest”—meet at the James A. Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, Pa., February 19 through May 15. Ali and Elvis: American Icons, features two photography exhibitions: the Smithsonian’s Elvis at 21 and art2art’s Muhammad Ali: The Making of an Icon. Elvis at 21 is sponsored nationally by HISTORY.

Elvis at 21: Photographs by Alfred Wertheimer:
Freelance photojournalist Alfred Wertheimer was hired by RCA Victor in 1956 to shoot promotional images of recently signed 21-year-old recording artist Elvis Presley. Wertheimer’s instincts were to “tag along” with the artist after the assignment and the resulting images provide us with a look at Elvis before he exploded onto the scene and became one of the most exciting performers of his time.
Elvis at 21: Photographs by Alfred Wertheimer was developed collaboratively by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery and the Govinda Gallery. Elvis at 21 will travel to museums around the country through 2013.
Wertheimer had unparalleled access and documented Elvis on the road, backstage, in concert, in the recording studio and at home in Memphis, Tenn. “Colonel” Tom Parker, Elvis’ manager, restricted contact just a short time later. The photographs document a remarkable time when Elvis could sit alone at a drugstore lunch counter.
“Henri Cartier-Bresson was known for photographing the decisive moment, that moment when everything falls into place,” said Wertheimer. “But I was more interested in the moments just before or just after the decisive moment.”
Wertheimer was up close to capture a flirtatious encounter with a young woman backstage in Richmond, Va. He was in the New York City recording studio on the historic day Elvis recorded “Don’t Be Cruel” and “Hound Dog.” Both songs hit No. 1 on the charts, the first and only time a single record would achieve this distinction.
Wertheimer also joined Elvis after the recording session as he traveled home to Memphis by train. One image shows Elvis as just part of the crowd surrounding a lunch vendor on a train platform during a brief stop on the 27-hour trip. The anonymity he had during this stop was short-lived; the trip followed a busy few months when Elvis appeared on the television shows “Stage Show,” “The Milton Berle Show” and “The Steve Allen Show.” The photographs of a concert in Russwood Park on his return to Memphis show a young man who now had to have a police escort to get through the crowd of fans between his car and the stadium.
Muhammad Ali: The Making of an Icon chronicles the life and times of the now-iconic figure who was simultaneously the most beloved and most reviled man in boxing and who still engenders a strong emotional response from people almost 50 years after his initial rise to public prominence.
Cassius Clay entered into American public consciousness as a fun-loving, family- oriented, clean-living and patriotic young man. “From his early years as a fast-talking young boxer, to his courageous stance at the forefront of the anti-Vietnam War movement, to his most recent role as a respected spokesman for Parkinson’s disease, Muhammad Ali’s charismatic and often outrageous personality makes a profound impression on everyone he meets,” says Hava Gurevich, curator, Muhammad Ali: The Making of an Icon.
The exhibit, organized by art2art, provides a glimpse of rarely seen moments of his personal life as well as more famous episodes from his career. These images not only illustrate the enormous changes that he went through—from a patriotic Olympic champion to a draft-resisting member of the Nation of Islam to a figure of racial reconciliation—but also show that Ali’s gregarious, funny and likable personality remained intact even as a super-charged political atmosphere swirled around him.
Ali’s story is one of an American hero who has come full circle in the hearts and minds of people throughout the world, and features more than 50 photographs by such distinguished photographers as Annie Leibovitz, Gordon Parks and Art Shay that capture Ali’s positive public image. Although his braggadocio and vanity flouted conventional ideas about sportsmanship, the overall sense was that Ali was a “good kid” who valued family and community and was using boxing to earn a share of the American Dream.
Cassius Clay began boxing in 1954 after his bicycle was stolen in his hometown, Louisville. He wanted to learn the sport in order to beat up the culprit when he found him. Although he never figured out who took the bike, 10 years later Clay would be the heavyweight champion of the world.
The 1960s and 1970s were super-charged political times, and Ali became one of the most important symbols of his generation. Following his 1964 title win over Sonny Liston, he announced that he belonged to the Nation of Islam. In 1966, following his reclassification as draft-eligible for military service in Vietnam, he publicly opposed the war. As a result of his defiance, Ali was barred from boxing for three-and-a-half years and was convicted for draft evasion. By the time he reclaimed the championship in 1974, Ali was idolized by millions of people around the world.

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