------------------------------- EPE

  Elvis Week News

Sunday, August 11
   Elvis Week Kicks Off With Beale St. Parade

MEMPHIS, TENN. -- Elvis Week 25 kicked off here at 7:30 last night with a parade on Beale Street that featured floats, hound dogs, Army tanks, the local police and fire departments, a marching band, and such legendary associates of Elvis as Jerry Schilling and Sam Philips.

The Memphis Police estimated that a crowd of between 18,000 and 20,000 lined the parade route, up Beale Street to Elvis Presley's Memphis restaurant. Dubbed "The Elvis Presley 25th Anniversary Celebration of Life Parade," it culminated in a display of fireworks.

Tennessee governor Don Sundquist was grand marshal for the parade, which paid tribute to Elvis with floats that represented his music, his films, his Army service and his patriotism.

Tanks and howitzers courtesy of the Army National Guard, a Disney "Blue Hawaii"-themed Lilo and Stitch float, a "Jailhouse Rock" float, a Gibson Guitar factory float, the Memphis Harley Owners Group, over 25 hound dogs escorted by their owners, funny cars and vintage cars, the Memphis Grizzly Girls, and more were among the parade participants.

Sun Records founder Sam Phillips, Elvis guitarist Scotty Moore, and other friends of the King such as Jerry Schilling, George Klein and former Shelby County Mayor Bill Morris were honorary parade marshals.

Bringing up the end of the procession was the new Mobile Graceland traveling exhibit sponsored by Harrah's and FYE. Mobile Graceland will officially open to the public today at Graceland Plaza.

At the end of the parade route, outside EPM, a giant video screen broadcast clips of live Elvis performances from the 50s, 60s and 70s, as well as the Nike World Cup commercial and the video for his new hit single, the remix of "A Little Less Conversation." The parade gave way to a lively street party with Beale Street's clubs offering an array of entertainment in an homage to Elvis.

EPM hosted a special VIP party for the parade participants and all those who helped put together Elvis Week 25.

Today's Elvis Week 25 events include the Gospel Brunch With the Jordanaires at EPM; the unveiling of Mobile Graceland; Elvis Fan Appreciation Night at AutoZone Park in downtown Memphis, where the local AAA baseball team, the Redbirds, will challenge the Nashville Sounds; and the annual Elvis Rocks the World International Dance Party at the Peabody Hotel. Also, the JumboTron moves to Graceland, where as many as 75,000 fans from all over the world are expected this week.

Monday, August 12
   The Jordanaires Sell Out EPM on Day 2 of EW25

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE, Monday, August 12, 2002
The Jordanaires, the award-winning quartet that sang background vocals for Elvis on such songs as "All Shook Up," "Little Sister" and "How Great Thou Art," sold out three seatings for the Gospel Brunch at Elvis Presley's Memphis restaurant on Sunday, as Elvis Week 25 continued with its second day.

Recalling memories of working with Elvis and singing their trademark four-part harmonies, the Jordanaires performed with Elvis tribute artist Terry Mike Jeffrey to standing room only crowds in three separate shows.

Millie Kirkham, a noted soprano who sang with Elvis on such hits as "Blue Christmas" and "Surrender," made a surprise appearance in the final two performances, joining the quartet and Jeffrey onstage to sing a few pop tunes in between such Elvis gospel favorites as "Peace in the Valley" and "Milky White Way."


EPM estimated that a total of 750 fans attended the three performances.

Later, some 1,100 fans gathered in the Grand Ballroom of the Peabody Hotel for the Elvis Rocks the World International Dance Party, also featuring Terry Mike Jeffrey and his band. Sponsored by Elvis Presley Enterprieses and the Elvis Presley Fan Club of Great Britain, the annual dance drew fans from as far away as New Zealand, including members of an entourage calling themselves "1,000 Fans From Europe." A D.J. spun Elvis records in between the band's sets.

Also yesterday, the Memphis Redbirds, the local AAA affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, met the Nashville Sounds at AutoZone Park here for Elvis Fan Appreciation Night, combining America's favorite sport with America's favorite entertainer. The first 2,500 fans received a special edition commemorative baseball featuring Elvis and the Graceland logo. In total, 6,035 baseball and Elvis fans attended the game, which saw the Redbirds fall to the Sounds 2-1.

Elvis Week continues today with RCA's presentation of Gold and Platinum records that Elvis has earned since 1999, the official unveiling of Mobile Graceland, the new traveling exhibit of Elvis memorabilia; the Elvis Fan Forum with EPE; and the 4th Annual Elvis Presley Memorial Dinner Charity Event, including an auction of Elvis collectibles.

Tuesday, August 13
   RCA Congratulates Elvis on 100 Million Albums Sold

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE, Monday, August 12, 2002 - RCA, Elvis' record label, today commemorated the approaching 25th anniversary of his death with the presentation of a special plaque acknowledging that his cumulative album sales have now reached 100 million units.

Bob Jamison, president and CEO of RCA Records, made the announcement to an estimated crowd of 1,000 fans gathered on the Graceland lawn.

The milestone signifies that Elvis is well on his way to being officially designated as the world's best-selling recording artist of all time. However, as Hilary Rosen, chairman and CEO of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) noted in remarks, despite anecdotal data suggesting he may already hold the title, the official designation has so far eluded Elvis. Because of scattershot sales data from Elvis' early career, the "true volume and scope of his sales have not been reflected," Rosen said. "[The RIAA] will continue to work closely with RCA to make sure 'The King' gets his due."

RCA also presented Graceland with seven new certified Gold albums, including "Heart and Soul," "The Rock 'n' Roll Era," "It's Christmas Time," "Platinum: A Life in Music," "The Legend Lives On," "The Complete Sun Sessions," and "This Is Elvis," plus two new Platinum records - "It's Christmas Time" and "If Every Day Were Like Christmas."

Elvis was further recognized with seven multi-Platinum certifications, for "The King of Rock 'n' Roll: The Complete 50s Masters" and "50 years - 50 Hits," each with 2 million sold; "Elvis in Concert," "The Number One Hits" and "Blue Hawaii," each with 3 million sold; "Aloha From Hawaii," with 5 million sold; and "Elvis' Christmas Album," with 7 million sold.

Immediately following the RCA ceremony, Jack Soden, president and CEO of Elvis Presley Enterprises, cut the ribbon gracing the entrance of Mobile Graceland, the new traveling exhibit that will bring a taste of Graceland to 31 cities across the country. Soden used the same pair of gold scissors that were used in 1982 to cut the ribbon at the official opening of Graceland to the public.

Mobile Graceland, which will be parked in Graceland Plaza for the remainder of Elvis Week 2002 before departing for 22 Harrah's casinos and 21 FYE (For Your Entertainment) stores nationwide, is a museum-quality exhibit of authentic Elvis memorabilia rarely seen outside the walls of Graceland. Housed in a 53-foot-long black and gold 18-wheel semi, the collection includes the black suit Elvis wore to meet President Richard M. Nixon, the gold Everlast boxing gloves autographed to Elvis from Muhammed Ali, and a 16-carat diamond TCB ring worn by Elvis, and more.

Harrah's and FYE are co-sponsors of the exhibit along with EPE. Harrah's Entertainment Inc. chairman and CEO Phil Satre and FYE vice president of marketing and advertising Mark Hogan also participated in the unveiling.

Later, some 300 fans attended the EPE Fan Forum at the Peabody Hotel in downtown Memphis. An annual Elvis Week event, the Fan Forum offered Elvis Week 2002 attendees an update on upcoming EPE projects.

Capping off the third day of Elvis Week 25 was the 14th Annual Elvis Presley Memorial Dinner Charity Event hosted by Marian Cocke, Elvis' private nurse in the 1970s. Preceded by an auction of Elvis collectibles, the event raised money for numerous local non-profit organizations, including the Elvis Presley Trauma Center, Presley Place, The Memphis Humane Society, the Memphis Cancer Center and others.

An EPE spokesman estimated that 30,000 fans have already streamed into Memphis for Elvis Week 25, and a total of 75,000 fans are expected to arrive in time for Thursday night's annual Candlelight Vigil.

Elvis Week 2002 continues on Tuesday with the Elvis Week Fashion Show at the Peabody Hotel, starting at 1:00 p.m.; Andy Childs and Elvis Disco at Elvis Presley's Memphis restaurant, at 8:30 p.m.; and Elvis Fan Night at Libertyland, the amusement park that Elvis often enjoyed renting out for private parties, at 9:00 p.m.

Thursday, August 15
   Today Show Broadcast, Conversations on Elvis Draw Fans on Day 5 of Elvis Week

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE, August 14, 2002 - Following a live broadcast of the Today Show from the front lawn of Graceland mansion here on Wednesday, over 600 Elvis Week 2002 attendees packed into the Grand Ballroom of the Peabody Hotel to hear personal stories and reminiscences about Elvis from his former staff, friends and movie co-stars.


Moderated by Patsy Andersen, manager of fan relations for Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE), the Conversations on Elvis panel included Sam Thompson and Dick Grob, members of Elvis' security detail at the time of his death; Patti Parry, a close friend of Elvis' who is familiar to fans as "the only female Mafia member"; country western singer and friend T.G. Shepherd; movie co-stars Julie Parish from "Paradise Hawaiian Style" and Joan Blackman, from "Blue Hawaii" and "Kid Galahad"; and Elvis' high school girlfriend, Dixie Locke-Emmons.

Unannounced guest Charlie Hodge, a longtime friend of Elvis' and revered by fans, surprised the crowd when he showed up midway the panel. After the Q&A session with fans, the panelists signed autographs.

Earlier on Wednesday, Katie Couric, co-host of NBC's morning show, and Al Roker, the weatherman, broadcast their segments of the Today Show from inside and around the grounds of Graceland mansion, airing segments that examined Elvis' cultural legacy, the private figure behind the public entertainer, and fans' continued admiration of the man and his music 25 years after his death.

Also on Wednesday, the recently formed Elvis Collector's Club convened for its inaugural meeting. About 300 of the 3,000 members that have joined so far gathered to meet each other face-to-face (many have already been conversing via the Collector's Club message board on Elvis.com) and get updates on new exclusive items and rare collectibles that the club will be making available.

Upcoming items that EPE will offer to Collector's Club members may include authentic Elvis memorabilia from the Col. Tom Parker Collection, said Scott Williams, EPE Marketing. This collection contains personal photographs, personal and business documents, and original promotional and merchandising materials that Col. Parker amassed over Elvis' 23-year career.

Wednesday night wrapped with a special performance, dubbed "Jamming With the TCB Band," at Elvis Presley's Memphis restaurant. The band - James Burton on guitar, Jerry Scheff on bass, Glenn Hardin on piano and Ronnie Tutt on drums - toured with Elvis from 1969 until his death in 1977. They continue to tour today with the live Elvis: The 25th Anniversary Concert event that launched at Elvis Week in 1997 and has since toured worldwide.

The TCB Band, which also performed live on The Today Show Wednesday morning, played two sold-out shows at EPM, drawing over 500 fans. Elvis' backup singers The Sweet Inspirations joined the band on stage for two songs during the second set, and Joan Blackman, co-star of "Blue Hawaii," sang "Can't Help Falling in Love."

The TCB Band will also perform Friday night, August 16, when Elvis in Concert returns to Memphis for an all-new show.

Earlier at Elvis Week 2002, on Tuesday, August 13, EPE unveiled several new fashion lines available exclusively from Graceland, including a line of casual wear for men, women and children by Reyn Spooner and fashions inspired by Elvis' tastes from Lansky Bros., the clothier that Elvis worked with early in his career. The clothes made their runway debut at the Elvis Week 2002 Fashion Show, sponsored by retailer Lanksy Brothers, Pop Tunes Record Shop and Sun Studio. About 1,000 Elvis Week 2002 attendees packed into the Grand Ballroom of the Peabody Hotel to see the show.

Tuesday night, EPE sponsored Elvis Fan Night at Libertyland. As Elvis would do on a regular basis when he was in Memphis, EPE rented out the park for a private engagement. Fans turned out at the amusement park to ride Elvis' favorite rides, the Pippin (a roller coaster) and the Dodger Cars (a bumper car attraction).

On Thursday night, Graceland will host the annual Candlelight Vigil, which each year pays homage to Elvis and remembers his untimely loss. Elvis: The 25th Anniversary Concert featuring the TCB band, The Sweet Inspirations, the Jordanaires, Boots Randolph and others who performed with Elvis during his career, is on Friday night, August 16, at 8:00 p.m. at The Pyramid.

Friday, August 16
   Despite Rain, Candlelight Vigil Draws Largest Crowd Ever on Day 6 of Elvis Week

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE, Thursday, August 15, 2002 - The skies opened up and the rain poured down, but it couldn't dampen the spirits of the more than 30,000 fans who gathered in front of Graceland mansion here tonight for the annual Candlelight Vigil to remember Elvis on the eve of the 25th anniversary of his death.

The traditional 9:00 p.m. start of the Candlelight Vigil was delayed by half an hour when a torrential downpour around 8:00 p.m. sent fans dashing for cover, popping open umbrellas and pulling on rain ponchos. But those who came to pay tribute to the legendary entertainer patiently waited out the weather. Once the rain slackened and then stopped, they relit their candles and took their places in front of Graceland's gates for the opening ceremony led by Todd Morgan, EPE director of media and creative development, and members of the Elvis Country Fan Club, based in Austin, Texas.

Following a brief memorial service in which fans joined hands to sing "If I Can Dream" and other Elvis songs, an honor guard consisting of the members of various Elvis fan clubs from around the world began the candlelight procession up Graceland's driveway to the Meditation Garden. Although it drizzled off and on throughout the evening, fans waited in line - many of them overnight - to pay their respects.

"Despite the rain, it was the largest crowd we've ever had for the Candlelight Vigil," Morgan said. "It was just another testament to the commitment we have from our fans."

The Candlelight Vigil was streamed live from Elvis.com to Internet users via AOL Broadband in a Vigilcast hosted by journalists Rod Starns and Joey Sulipeck. The archived Vigilcast is available to dial-up Internet users who have Windows Media Player or RealPlayer via a link at the Elvis.com homepage.

Earlier yesterday, David Bendeth, vice president of A&R for RCA Records and the engineer who mixed and remastered the tracks for the upcoming CD "Elvis 30 Number One Hits" previewed songs from the CD for a small group of journalists in a studio at the House of Blues in Memphis.

TCB Band guitarist James Burton sat in on the session, in which Bendeth explained the technology he employed to expand and enhance the sound quality of such songs as "Burnin' Love," "In the Ghetto," and "Suspicious Minds."

"The original tapes were great!" Bendeth said, but the mixing and mastering of the original recordings were not as high-quality as they could have been. "They often used third- and fourth-generation masters back then," he explained. "We were lucky enough to start fresh with the original tapes."

Burton said the tracks, set in 5.1 Surround Sound, brought out guitar licks that he always plays on Elvis' songs but had never been able to hear in the original recordings.

"I'm hearing parts of my playing that I've never heard before," Burton said. "In 'Burnin' Love,' for example, I play a little slide-up where the guitar is suspended, and I'd never heard that. I knew it was there because I always play it that way, but I couldn't hear it [in other recordings of the song]."

The "Elvis 30 Number One Hits CD" will be available on September 24, 2002. For more information, please visit www.elvisnumberones.com.

Elvis Week 2002 continues on Friday, August 16, with an open house from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Presley Place, the transitional housing complex funded through the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation. At 8:00 p.m. on Friday night, the Pyramid in downtown Memphis hosts Elvis: The 25th Anniversary Concert, the live show mixing videotaped Elvis concert performances with live music from his TCB Band, backup singers The Jordanaires and The Sweet Inspirations, and others who played and sang with Elvis during his 23-year career.

Approximately 75,000 fans have come to Memphis since last weekend to participate in Elvis Week 2002, EPE's Morgan said.

Saturday, August 17
   Elvis: The 25th Anniversary Concert Rocks a Crowd of 14,000 at the Pyramid Arena on Day 7 of Elvis
   Week 2002

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE, August 16, 2002 - From an all-new first act featuring concert footage from the 1950s, gospel songs and film performances to a special tribute by Lisa Marie Presley to the closing song, "Can't Help Falling in Love," Elvis: The 25th Anniversary Concert here tonight was a dynamic ending to this special day on which fans the world over commemorated the 25th anniversary of Elvis' death.


For fans who had seen Elvis perform during his lifetime and those who never had the opportunity, Elvis: The 25th Anniversary Concert proved one of the most exciting and memorable events of Elvis Week 2002, which has drawn 75,000 people to pay tribute to the man and his music.

Against a backdrop of the recognizable block letter spelling ELVIS in red lights, Priscilla Presley welcomed the crowd of 14,000 to the Pyramid arena, which was sold out - a rare occurrence for the cavernous performance space. "You're helping Elvis make history again," she told the audience. "I want to thank you for your loyalty and support for Elvis. You have given so much back to him."

As Priscilla exited the stage, the red block letters lifted up revealing video of Elvis from the '68 Comeback Special singing "Trouble/Guitar Man."

Building on the tradition of combining videotaped Elvis concert performances with live performances by the TCB Band and others who sang and played with him throughout his 23-year career, Elvis: The 25th Anniversary Concert featured new footage from Elvis' performances in the 1950s and 1960s. Among those were Elvis' early television appearances, such as his rendition of "Heartbreak Hotel" from the Dorsey Brothers' Stage Show, and some of his most popular movie performances, such as the title song and "C'mon Everybody" from the film "Viva Las Vegas." Another new addition was a grouping of Elvis' Grammy award-winning gospel songs, including "He Touched Me," "Peace in the Valley," and "How Great Thou Art."

Accompanying Elvis in the 1950s and gospel segments of the concert were D.J. Fontana, the drummer from Elvis' first band, The Blue Moon Boys, and the guitarist and stand-up bass player from the Memphis rockabilly band The Dempseys. Backup singers The Jordanaires, The Imperials and The Stamps, and renowned saxophonist Boots Randolph also joined the trio to perform along with Elvis. An orchestra featuring Randolph on sax and David Briggs on keyboards accompanied Elvis for his film performances.

The second act of the show began with Lisa Marie Presley taking the stage to a standing ovation. Marking what is clearly an emotional annual event for her, she said, "I don't know why I'm putting this additional pressure on myself, but here's a song I wrote for my father." She left the stage as a recording of the song began to play and her heartfelt lyrics displayed across the video screen.

Then, escorted by two policemen on motorcycles and members of Elvis' entourage -- including Jerry Schilling and Joe Esposito -- a black limousine emerged from one corner of the Pyramid and drove to the stage, leading up to Elvis' traditional 1970s concert opener, "C.C. Rider."

Featuring footage from the Aloha From Hawaii concert and other live performances from the 1970s, the second half of the concert returned to the familiar format first established at Elvis Week 1996, and later enhanced and refined for the Elvis Week 1997's 20th Anniversary concert. Since then, the Elvis in Concert event has continued to grow and change as it has toured all over the world.

Elvis' concert band from 1969 to 1977, the TCB Band (James Burton on guitar, Jerry Scheff on bass, Glen Hardin on piano and Ronnie Tutt on drums), took the stage for the second half, renewing the vitality of the 1970s concert performances. Joining them were The Sweet Inspirations, one of Elvis' regular back-up groups, as well as the groups from the show's first act. A new highlight of the show was the appearance of noted soprano Millie Kirkham, who sang with Elvis on such hits as "Blue Christmas" and "Surrender."

Elvis: The 25th Anniversary Concert ended with the poignant fan favorite "American Trilogy," giving way to Elvis' customary concert closer, "Can't Help Falling in Love."

Earlier today, Presley Place, the transitional housing complex funded through the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation, hosted a two-hour open house during which fans toured the two- and four-bedroom apartments available to homeless families.

As part of the Estival Communities program developed and run by the Metropolitan Interfaith Association (MIFA) of Memphis, Presley Place supports qualifying homesless families by providing them a clean and secure living space for up to nine months, rent-free. The program also offers residents child day care, job training and counseling, life skills classes, financial guidance and other resources to help them transition into independence and stability.

Presley Place staff guided guests through two units, each home to a single mother and her children. The units are modern, with a light and airy feel, and come furnished with items that residents can take with them when they move into their own homes, a staff member said. The complex has a total of 12 units, including two four-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom apartments.

Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis' daughter and chairman of Elvis Presley Enterprises, purchased and donated the land for Presley Place through the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation. The complex opened in July 2001, and in addition to support from the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation, it has also garnered donations from Elvis fans worldwide.

Adjacent to the housing complex is a day care center for pre-school aged children that also runs an after-school program for children in the first through sixth grades, a staff member said. Within the day care center is the Elvis Presley Music Room, stocked with a piano, guitar, trombone, saxophone, bongos and other instruments where children can explore and develop their musical talents.

 Elvis: The 25th Anniversary Concert

Priscilla Presley, the former wife of Elvis Presley, looks over at the newly unveiled cover of the Elvis Presley album of his 31 number one hit records, at the Elvis Presley 25th anniversary concert at the Pyramid in Memphis, Tennessee, August 16, 2002.

Elvis: The 25th Anniversary Concert Keith's Alverson Photo Gallery

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