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Elvis On Tour

"He stood there at the end, his arms stretched out, the great gold cloak giving him wings - a champion, the only one in his class"

Elvis On Tour Critic

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NEWS Alert.

A welcoming friend to many Elvis fans visiting Memphis, owner of the Gary Pepper house on Dolan Dr. , Phyllis Presley Collas, passed away on May 9th 2008 of colon cancer. As a mark of respect, and in celebration of her life and fanship of Elvis Presley, I find the following fitting . . . May she Rest In Peace.  

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1968 Forty Years On: The Continuing Dream . . . Image (c) EPE/Text (c) EOL

1968 was a milestone in the career of Elvis Presley. Not only did it remind the increasing scepticism of the then tested fans that Elvis Presley still had his music capabilities of the earlier 50's, it broke his moulding from the mundane motion picture castings marking his return to live performances, at a time when his career appeared to be at a stalemate. Forty years on, its success needing no further detail, history is still being made. May 2nd 2008, Red Cow Hotel, Dublin, another special was in the making. Although lacking his presence, Elvis was still making history. Through the hard efforts of John Kavanagh, president of the Elvis Social Club, it proudly presented, Elvis - If I Can Dream, a celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the NBC 1968 Special. A weekend guaranteeing paramount entertainment...

Having attended many charity functions organised by this club, this weekend was to benefit Cine Magic, an organisation concentrating on film festivals for young people. . . With past experiences of organised events, I knew it could only be entertaining.

The weekend kicked off at 6.15pm with a cocktail reception with special attendance of two very special guest from the States. Former Jordanaire Mr Ray Walker, who was with Elvis from the beginning, and Mr Jerry Schilling, close friend and confident of Elvis Presley, whom regularly acted as his personal security. What better way to kick off the long bank holiday weekend to arrive on a welcoming sun soaked evening at the hotel, be handed a thirst drenching cocktail and follow through to the bar and be standing next to the great Mr Walker... Was this real? A reality pinch being highly appropriate. While coming to terms with that, Jerry Schilling could be seen in the background mingling with other patrons, this was just too much... With an informal meet and greet session I seized the opportunity to get photographed with our American guests. Ray, a true character! On introducing myself I was greeted with such a welcoming smile. While posing with him for a photograph, which we thought did not take, he then offered a second chance to retake. As we did this, a fellow acquaintance stepped in to frame. As I did want it with just Ray, he immediately released this and offered another chance of posing! A true gentleman. While others posed with him, I recall an unsuspecting individual received a startling kick up the rear end by Ray as he blocked the cameras lense.

Then it was time to greet Jerry Schilling. He was eager to inquire on each individuals name as they took their photographs. Such interest in individual fans being overwhelming. These guys were just so down to earth it was no wonder that they had remained close associates of Elvis, the fun times must have been just that!

The doors to the main function room opened sharply at 7pm where our seats were then taken. With regular DJ, Elvis tracks rocked the function room as the excitement intensified on learning of the imminent reappearance of Jerry and Ray for a questions and answers session. At 8 o clock, they appeared. With the room lit up with rupsious applause following their introduction. One women put her hand out to shake Ray Walker's hand, to which he kindly accepted, In true entertaining style, as he lifted her hand to kiss it, he decided to kiss his own us in hysterics. As the questions were invited, interviewers were requested to stand up and introduce themselves. Immediately Ray standing to introduce himself as Ray Walker from Memphis, and his question being "What were we all doing there?"

As the questions flowed, while I wanting to ask so much, time restricted one per person. I asking "If Elvis expressed an interest in Ireland or wanted to visit it?" Jerry replying that he did want so much to visit his fans around the world in recognition of them and coming to Europe and the far East. However, circumstances with the Colonel prevailed. Other interesting questions and tales revealed so much interesting facts. One inquiry on the Nixon meeting. Jerry Schilling recalling receiving a call from Elvis as he travelled in flight advising him of his trip to the White House. Wanting Jerry to meet him there and after booking in to a hotel under an alias, they visited the states mansion. Jerry's recollection of Elvis excitement as they approached the Oval Office door and Elvis mockingly pushing him first through it to meet the president. His initial surprise at it actually being Oval as it appears more angled in all photos.

Ray shared his 1960's recording session with Elvis where Elvis requested suggestions for some songs to record. Ray immediate suggestion of How Great Thou Art. While Elvis had not heard the song, on listening to the lyrics once, they set about recording it. After first take, they had it right. The moving recording imminent in that well known session. Another question was their views of the CBS 1977 Special. Ray advising that he had not seen Elvis for approximately four years previous... He recalled on seeing his arrival at the stage door stepping out of the limousine, he emotionally recalled his disbelief at how he had appeared. His nerves showing as he reaches scratching his eye with his little finger. In full recognition of Elvis' constant appreciation of his fans, Ray advised of Elvis' unselfishness in wanting to perform in that unhealthy state, wanting the fans who came to see him perform. Today it just would not happen. Ray sharing the views of myself in stating that Elvis' recording of How Great Thou Art in that special being his optimum performance of the song throughout his career. While the band had not rehearsed it, as he introduced it, they were equally surprised by his reprise in which he hit his vocal note higher then ever! His voice never failing him. Jerry however, shared a different opinion. He recalled seeing the special and at time while departed from Elvis managing the Beach Boys, decided to ring the Colonel outlining his anger of the Colonel's pressuring of Elvis in shows. The Colonel comparing them both as managers...

While I could have listened all night, Ray and Jerry then became available for an autographing session and another photo opportunity.

We were then treated to Kevin Doyle and the reappearance of Ray Walker for his performing with Kevin's thirteen piece orchestra. With Ray leading orchestration to How Great Thou, I watched thinking, if Elvis was still alive, coupled with the TCB Band, he would be still performing and sounding great! As the evening rapped up, Ray continued many outstanding performances including treats of Bridge Over Troubled Water, An American Trilogy and a number of solo tracks including Danny Boy. We even had a taste of his ministerial work as he directed us to participate in a gospel melody without music or instruments. The nights end could not escape where the DJ finished off the last half hour. It was certainly a night to remember.

Saturday night and Sunday night followed suit with more fantastic entertainment.

As an Elvis fan for the past thirteen years, I have been privileged to meet many Elvis associates, to include Charlie Hodge, Red West, Jerry Scheff, Glen Hardin, and Ronnie Tutt to name a few, this was another privilege. To meet two more was another highlight in my portfolio. The weekend was most certainly affording in the celebration of the anniversaries passing, forty years on. The organisation and entertainment a credit to its organiser. When Elvis set out the initial preparations in June 1968 for a then uncertain critical reception, forty years on to be still celebrated globally is acclamation to his musical talent. As the fans continue to emerge in new generations daily, its fair to conclude that the 1968 Comeback Special did just that... If he could have dreamt . .


 

 

A Shining Star, Still Shining Bright . . .
 

The famous American celebrity photographer Ron Galella, known for his 'historic' pictures of Marlon Brando (Ron Galello lost 5 teeth at his first encounter with the actor), Liz Taylor, Robert Redford, Jackie O and Bruce Springsteen, has published his 'Best Off' in 'GUP Magazine' (Guide to Unique Photography). Galella, one of the firs paparazzi in Hollywood, also managed to snap Elvis in 1975. This picture is the highlight of Ron's "Best Off", and is simply titled 'The King'.
 
Article courtessey of ElvisMatters, edited by ElvisOnLine

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Elvis did enjoy Easter too!!! 

 
This particular shot was taken over 31 years ago, on February 20th in Charlotte.
Image: EM

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A smile that still lights the world... 

In over thirty years since the capturing of this photograph, this smile continues to light up the lives of many still today . . . the energy captivated in this image . . . imagine it as it was live . . .    

Image courtessey: ElvisMatters

In Reflection . . .

I recently posted this youtube item. On reviewing it I cannot but consider an irony. Elvis Presley, the greatest entertainer in the world, NO Stranger In The Crowd, was just that . . . With the company of the world right to the end and now today, he was the loneliest person in the world in that bathroom on that faithful day . . . I welcome your comments . . .

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Elvis Presley, 2008 and beyond...

At 21.30 GMT March 14th 2008, Elvis On Line has received a record 1094 visitors this month. A total of 6874 since going live. Elvis Presley is very much alive and his continued success evident... He would be proud... 

 

 

ELVIS ON LINE WANTS TO KNOW WHAT IS YOUR ELVIS GEM?

We all have something to treasure in our collection, something that is by far more treasured than other items... EOL would like to ask what is yours for a future Elvis Fan Collection feature... Email Us.

 

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Why Elvis Presley Is The Number 1 Entertainer Of All Time...

First Name:  Frank
Last Name:  Byrne
Country:  Dublin
Answer:  Elvis is the number one entertainer of all time because of the happyness he brings to people through his music he gave so much of himself to his fans and 30 odd years later he is still the king.

First Name:  Lawrence
Last Name:  Lefort
Country:  Singapore
Answer:  Elvis certainly is the #1 entertainer of all time because of his voice and the way he sings a song. His is the most recognisable and gifted voice on this planet. He is a good actor. His movies are still wonderful to watch what with his good looks and stylish clothes and no one can perform as well on stage like him. He truly is the King of the whole wide world.

First Name:  Mary
Last Name:  Stonebraker
Country:  USA
Answer:  I feel it was Elvis Presleys spiritual energy that has made him the greatest entertainer of our life time and for infinity.

First Name:  John
Last Name:  Newman
Country:  New Zealand
Answer: 
Elvis is the Number One entertainer of all time because he has a one in a million voice. Also
he is very giving and a sincere person.  He has been the person I have looked up to for over 45 years.

First Name:  june
Last Name:  osborne
Country:  ireland
Why Elvis Rocks :  he was the best he is the best and he allways will be the best.

First Name:  Sammy
Last Name:  Fee
Country:  Australia
Answer:  I believe Elvis Presley is the number 1 entertainer of all time because he appeals to so many people as he sings all genres of music he has the style and his sense of humour is outstanding. Also he is still as popular today as he was 30 years ago when he died not many performers can boast that.

First Name:  michelle
Last Name:  rivers
Country:  england
Why Elvis Rocks : 
There is only one Elvis. And I feel blessed for being chosen to be a fan.He lives in our hearts always. Elvis you will remain the king of rock forever. 

First Name:  dana
Last Name:  roberts
Country:  usa
Why Elvis Rocks :  because he,s elvis

First Name:  Geraldine
Last Name:  McGraynor
Country:  Ireland
Answer:  Elvis is the number one entertainer of all time, simply because he is the King of Rock n' Roll, his songs have a story to tell and he sings like no other, he is the best, Love you Elvis. There is only one Elvis.

First Name:  annette
Last Name:  rafferty
Country:  scotland
Why Elvis Rocks :  cos he THE KING. 

First Name:  Karen
Last Name:  Ironside
Country: Canada
Why Elvis Rocks :  hes the 1 and only. THE KING

First Name:  ANTHONY
Last Name:  FARRELLY
Country:  IRELAND
Answer: 
ELVIS PRESLEY IS THE NUMBER 1# ENTERTAINER, BECAUSE HE HAD
A GREAT VOICE, HE WAS VERY CHARASMATIC,A GENUINE LIKABLE PERSON,AND HE PUT SO MUCH ENERGY IN TO HIS STAGE SHOWS,THAT'S WHY HE MADE SUCH AN IMPACT ON THE WORLD HE EARNED THE TITLE, THE KING OF ROCK & ROLL. GOD BLESS YOU ELVIS.

First Name:  Linda
Last Name:  Moore
Country:  Ireland
Answer:  Elvis you are the number one entertainer of all time because,you gave us 'fever', left us 'all shook up'&'paralysed' But we'll always be 'stuck on you' because you're 'always on my mind' and we 'can't help falling in love' with you. But that's the 'wonder of you' Elvis the king! the Number One entertainer of all time.

First Name:  Elizabeth
Last Name:  Mest
Country:  USA
Why Elvis Rocks : 
Because he is The King Of Rock N Roll and nothing can come close to him. I will Always Love Elvis Aaron Presley forever.

First Name:  Dawn
Last Name:  Horenstein
Comments:  I would Loved to do the Candle service but I don't make a lot of money,cause I work part time,MY dream was to see Graceland, Isaw pictures of the sevice so great I want go do that share my Love for Elvis with everyone!

First Name:  Jenny
Country (By SMS): Ireland 
Comments: Elvis is the number one of all time. 

First Name:  kyle
Last Name:  grayken
Country:  uk
Why Elvis Rocks:  elvis started everything.he stil leads the way. no one comes close to him.this is elvis world we just live in it. life long fan..22 years

First Name:  don
Last Name:  cooper
Country:  u.s.a.
Why Elvis Rocks :  to this day there has been no other entertainer like elvis. yes, there have been huge names like frank sinatra, elton john, michael jackson and garth brooks but none of these have reached elvis' realm of popularity and showmanship. jackson was the closest to an elvis of my generation but that popularity was due to his most popular album "thriller". that popularity lasted up until the "bad" album came out and then fizzled. elvis' popularity as a performer and singer has lasted now for over 50 years.

First Name:  Bjorn
Last Name:  Ekberg
Country:  Sweden
Why Elvis Rocks :  He has rocked me since 1957

First Name:  jonathan
Last Name:  nickoll
Country:  uk
Why Elvis Rocks :  Elvis is/was an eternal source of inspiration; a self taught man who trusted his instincts and let his innate genius flow-the KING!!!! 

First Name:  Patrick
Last Name:  O'Donnell
Country:  australia
Why Elvis Rocks :  since '56 wished he continued to rock instead of 70's country and surupy ballads and same again song concerts . what a waste in the end .


First Name:  sean
Last Name:  wynne
Country:  england
Why Elvis Rocks :  he a kool icon

First Name:  Pete
Last Name:  Ferguson
Country:  England
Answer:  Elvis can not be 5
Elvis can not be 4
Elvis can not be 3
Elvis can not be 2
So he Has to be Number ONE!

First Name:  shay
Last Name:  blythe
Country:  ireland
Answer:  Cause there can only be one!

First Name:  josephine
Last Name:  blythe
Country:  ireland
Answer:  Because he is the KING

First Name:  mary
Last Name:  crowe
Country:  ireland
Answer:  He is the greatest

First Name:  Alice
Last Name:  crowe
Country:  ireland
Answer: 
He is the KING

First Name:  Bjorn
Last Name:  Ekberg
Country:  Sweden
Why Elvis Rocks :  He is still th roll model for many new artist


First Name:  Salil
Last Name:  Musale
Country:  India
Why Elvis Rocks :  cos he was so perfect...like god made him with his own hands....he was,is and will always be Number 1...no one will ever come close to him...elvis is the ocean and the rest are a mere drop in it

First Name:  Colm
Last Name:  Kelly
Country:  Ireland
Why Elvis Rocks :  Because hes the best

First Name:  Don
Last Name:  Cooper
Country (Optional):  u.s.a.
Why Elvis Rocks :  Elvis is the whole and complete package. He could sing, dance, act etc. He was also nice and dangerous at the same time. He loved teddy bears but also loved Harleys. I could go on forever. That's why Elvis rocks.

First Name:  noel
Last Name:  kenny
Country:  ireland
Why Elvis Rocks :  elvis music lives on while others are forgotten

First Name:  Fred
Last Name:  Wolfe
Country:  USA
Why Elvis Rocks :  there is only one who did it all...

First Name:  ALLY
Last Name:  ROSE
Country:  Scotland
Why Elvis Rocks :  Simply the Best

First Name:  Christine
Last Name:  Bamford
Country:  Australia
Why Elvis Rocks :  He rocks as he is the onlt person who is still as popular dead as he is alive and in some way even more popular today then in his whole career.
He is always No.1 to me

First Name:  Warren
Last Name:  Deane
Country:  Dublin ireland
Why Elvis Rocks :  Elvis Presley ROCKS because he is ELVIS PRESLEY. His music cannot be surpassed. The music industry needs his music for samples and covers. Though none are better than THE KING himself. Warren Dixieland Deane

First Name:  Herbert
Last Name:  Hoeppner
Country:  Germany
Why Elvis Rocks :  Elvis Is Elvis. Thats it!

First Name:  noel
Last Name:  kenny
Country:  ireland
Comments:  i havent got a fav song but love [how great thou art] and [in the ghetto] my ? is has any elvis fans got a fav song


 

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What is your opinion of Elvis Tribute Artists?
 They are excellent and a credit to the continued preservation of Elvis' legacy.
 I dislike Elvis Tribute Artists and think that they do nothing, if not tarnish, his legacy.


What is your favourite Elvis movie?
  Love Me Tender (1956)
 Loving You (1957)
 Jailhouse Rock (1957)
 King Creole (1958)
 GI Blues (1960)
 Flaming Star (1960)
 Wild In The Country (1961)
 Blue Hawaii (1961)
 Follow That Dream (1962)
 Kid Galahad (1962)
 Girls! Girls! Girls! (1962)
 It Happened At The World's Fair (1963)
 Fun In Acapulco (1963)
 Kissin' Cousins (1964)
 Viva Las Vegas (1964)
 Roustabout (1964)
 Girl Happy (1965)
 Tickle Me (1965)
 Harum Scarum (1965)
 Frankie And Johnny (1966)
 Paradise Hawaiian Style (1966)
 Spinout (1966)
 Easy Come, Easy Go (1967)
 Double Trouble (1967)
 Clambake (1967)
 Stay Away joe (1968)
 Speedway (1968)
 Live A Little, Love A Little (1968)
 Charro! (1968)
 The Trouble With Girls (1969)
 Change Of Habit (1969)