I’m sitting here working on homework and listening to Elvis. More listening than working.
It’s amazing sometimes, when I really stop and think about it.
I’m listening to a recording (“An American Trilogy” from The Alternate Aloha) made over 36 years ago—before I was born—in Hawaii—a place I’ve never been—by a man I’ve never met—who has been dead for nearly as long as I’ve been alive.
Yet, the song, the music, still touches me.
Artist John Berkey, 1932-2008
StarWars.com reported yesterday that artist John Berkey passed away on April 29. He was 75. Berkey painted the cover of the 1976 novelization of Star Wars, an image that continued to appear on early editions of the book. Berkey also painted a poster depicting a dogfight over the Death Star, used as an insert in the original Star Wars soundtrack LP.
The StarWars.com article includes a link to a gallery of ten Berkey Star Wars images. You can also find pictures of Berkey’s work in 2005’s The Star Wars Poster Book by Stephen J. Sansweet and Peter Vilmur. Though known for his science fiction and Star Wars art, Berkey was reportedly not a science fiction fan and never saw Star Wars.
For a 1992 US Postal Servicing stamp voting campaign, Berkey also painted “Elvis Stamp B” (above), which depicted Elvis Presley as he appeared in his historic 1973 Aloha From Hawaii TV special (right). Berkey’s image lost to Mark Stutzman’s “Elvis Stamp A,” which depicted Elvis in 1956, his first year of national fame. Stutzman’s 1950s Elvis image became an official US stamp the following year, while Berkey’s 1970s Elvis image was never issued.
I voted for Berkey’s Elvis stamp back in 1992 and never knew about his Star Wars connection until reading The Star Wars Poster Book a couple of years ago. Though, again, I had no idea who the artist was back then, I actually had several posters of Berkey’s science fiction and fantasy imagery hanging in my bedroom when I was growing up. He was a real talent and will be missed.
Elvis: That’s The Way It Is (FTD Classic Album Series) available this week
Follow That Dream (FTD) records, BMG’s Elvis Presley collectors label, is scheduled to release a 2-CD set of Elvis: That’s The Way It Is this week to the US as part of its “Classic Album Series.”
This 2008 edition of the 1970 album includes all of the original tracks, plus numerous alternate takes, a 20-page booklet, and other extras. The new Elvis: That’s The Way It Is CD set was first released in Europe last month.
Check out Thomas’ review, over at his Elvis Today blog, and Lex’s review, over at ElvisNews.com. To obtain FTD CDs, visit ShopElvis.com. Most FTD CDs are much more interesting than the mainstream “greatest hits”-style Elvis CDs you’ll find at your local store.
Twilight Zone graphic novels on the way for 50th anniversary
It is hard to believe that 2009 will mark the 50th anniversary of the television debut of Rod Serling’s The Twilight Zone. Next to the original Star Trek, The Twilight Zone is my favorite TV series. I grew up watching both of them, and still watch them now (yet another indication that, in fact, I never did grow up).
Publishers Weekly announced earlier this month that Walker & Co. will release a series of graphic novels based on Twilight Zone‘s original scripts, in conjunction with Rod Serling’s estate. There will be at least eight graphic novels in all. Look for the first to hit US stores in October.
I was 23 when I wrote this item back in 1999. This is part of a series of archival Elvis writings — informal pieces originally written for family, friends, other purposes, or just me. They reflect how I was engaging with Elvis’ music in the years between The Elvis Beat and my blog writing.
I was 23 when I wrote this item back in 1998. This is part of a series of archival Elvis writings — informal pieces originally written for family, friends, other purposes, or just me. They reflect how I was engaging with Elvis’ music in the years between The Elvis Beat and my blog writing.
Here are some notes on several of the songs:
Stranger In The Crowd / I’ve Lost You / How The Web Was Woven / Just Pretend
I don’t really have anything to say about these songs except that I LOVE them! All of them are from the 1970 album That’s The Way It Is – which is his best, in my opinion.
You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’
This has always been one of my favorite songs, and it took a while for Elvis’ version to grow on me. Now that it has, though, I think it’s the best version I’ve ever heard.
Always On My Mind
Probably my second-favorite Elvis song. This was a musical apology of sorts to Priscilla after their separation. Willie Nelson recorded a popular version in the 80s.
You Don’t Know Me
I first heard this song in the Bill Murray movie Groundhog Day, performed by Ray Charles. At the time, I thought it sounded like something Elvis would have recorded and I wished that he had. Hah, well my wish came true! A couple years later, I discovered this song by Elvis on a boxed set. Ray Charles probably did a better job, because Elvis recorded this in an “off” year. However, I like Elvis’ better anyway, because…well, it’s Elvis! This is probably the saddest song I’ve ever heard.
Can’t Help Falling In Love
I consider this, and not “Love Me Tender,” to be Elvis’ greatest love song. This particular version is an alternate take, shorter than the original release. I like it better for some reason, though. Elvis closed most of his concerts from 1969-77 with this song, as a message to his fans.
Promised Land
Elvis’ version of this Chuck Berry song was recently featured in the movie Men In Black.
Are You Laughing Tonight?
In this live version of “Are You Lonesome Tonight?,” Elvis ad-libs a new line, which supposedly inspires an audience member on the first row to remove his toupee and spin it on his finger – causing Elvis’ initial laughter. Whatever the initial cause, his contagious laughter likely continues because the background singers and band keep performing the song as if nothing is happening. Someone once said the world would be a much happier place if everyone listened to this song each morning. I agree with that.
Separate Ways
This is a companion piece to “Always On My Mind.” Note the verse which refers to Lisa Marie.
You’ll Never Walk Alone
This is an alternate take of this classic song. Elvis is on the piano, which was apparently his favorite instrument – not the guitar.
If I Can Dream
This is a tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr., who was assassinated in Elvis’ hometown of Memphis on April 4, 1968, and Robert F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in Los Angeles a couple months later. It closed Elvis’ ‘68 television special. My favorite song.
I was 22 when I wrote this review back in 1997 for The Elvis Beat #16, which turned out to be the final issue of my official Elvis Presley Fan Club newsletter. Though I did not formally dissolve the club until 2000, it went on hiatus after I released this issue. A couple of months later, on August 21, 1997, I started my first website – Star Trek: The Film Frontier, devoted to the first six Trek movies. I added a blog element to The Film Frontier in 2006 and, before I knew it, I was writing about Elvis again. In many ways, I have gone full circle for this path eventually led to The Mystery Train.
“We’re here to entertain you and to make you happy. So, just enjoy yourself, and leave the driving to us,” said Elvis to an adoring crowd in Rapid City, South Dakota on June 21, 1977. Elvis had been doing just that for over 20 years – entertaining his fans and making them happy.
What was to be Elvis’ last concert tour began on June 17, 1977, in Springfield, Missouri. The tour was a short one compared to many of his others, with concerts in ten cities in ten days.
The following day, the tour moved to Kansas City. The June 19 appearance in Omaha, Nebraska was taped for a CBS television special set to air that fall. Only three songs were used from the Omaha performance in the Elvis In Concert special, which was broadcast posthumously.
“If you think I’m nervous,” Elvis said quietly on stage, “you’re right.”
Many fans were interviewed on camera for Elvis In Concert, which is not officially available on video. Perhaps the most genuine in his responses was a young black man who said:
I give Elvis a lot of credit for bringing blues into rock and country. He’s the first guy to ever do that, and I admire him for it. He has a lot of courage. He’s my number one singer of all time. I hope to name my kid after him someday. . . .
I just love the guy. I know that sounds kinda weird, but I just love the guy, and I wish him many years of success. . . .
I have about four of his gospel albums, and my favorite is How Great Thou Art. It makes you feel good when he sings it. It brings tears to your eyes.
The next day, Elvis performed in Lincoln, Nebraska. CBS also taped his concert in Rapid City on June 21. It was from this performance that most of the songs in the Elvis In Concert special were drawn.
“If you haven’t guessed by now, you’re on television,” Elvis said with a characteristic grin to the audience. “Don’t let the lights and cameras throw you, and try not to throw the lights and cameras if you can help it.”
Elvis In Concert was Elvis’ first television special in four years after the blockbuster Elvis: Aloha From Hawaii. The contrast in his appearance between the two shows is striking.
“He was obviously way overweight,” said Elvis’ friend Joe Esposito a few years after the singer’s death. “Despite his age, only 42, we knew he was in bad health. It was rough for him, but Elvis accepted his appearance, and so did his fans.”
Although he did look ill, that special Elvis smile was still there. The love and magic was still there. He was Elvis. Through all the ups and downs, the fans always loved him and still do.
With CBS’s taping complete for the special, the concert tour continued through Sioux Falls, Des Moines, Madison, and Cincinnati over the next several days.
The Market Square Arena in Indianapolis hosted Elvis on June 26 for the last stop of the tour. The concert would prove to be his last before dying six weeks later at his home, Graceland.
For the last performance of his life, Elvis sang:
Joe Esposito said it best, “Just six weeks before his death, he still poured his heart out. To the end, Elvis’ greatest gift – his incredible voice – never failed him.”
When all is said and done, after all the books have been written, and when all the tales have been spun, the only question that will be important is, “What did Elvis do?”
He made people happy.
That was his life.
Note: Years later, portions of the above circulated in bootleg promotional material without permission. It is reproduced here in its original context.
I was 22 when I wrote this review back in 1997 for The Elvis Beat #16, which turned out to be the final issue of my official Elvis Presley Fan Club newsletter.
An Afternoon In The Garden (RCA), recorded by Elvis Presley, June 10, 1972, Madison Square Garden (New York). Released: March 1997 (CD).
It’s hard to go wrong when buying an Elvis concert album. The power of Elvis’ stage performances remains unmatched to this day, as demonstrated by An Afternoon In The Garden, a new album from RCA that was recorded live in 1972.
RCA recorded Elvis’ afternoon and evening concerts at Madison Square Garden on June 10 of that year. The evening performance was released only a week after the actual event on the album As Recorded At Madison Square Garden. Although a few tracks have been released from the afternoon show in various compilations over the years, this is the first time the complete concert has been available.
There are not many surprises here, since the song selection and feel of the performance is very similar to the evening show. They were recorded the same day, after all. The most unique track is “Until It’s Time For You To Go,” which has never been released in a live version to my knowledge.
An Afternoon In The Garden is an exciting album that transports listeners to a front row seat to hear Elvis in concert. The roar of the crowd is nearly a constant presence, heightening the drama. Overall, I think RCA made the right choice going with the evening concert back in 1972, but I wish I could hear it in a similar sound quality as the afternoon concert on this album.
RCA cannot be praised enough for their work over the last seven years. An Afternoon In The Garden is evidence of their continuing dedication to giving Elvis fans what they want. Elvis performed over a thousand concerts in the last decade of his career, quite a few of which were recorded. Hopefully this album is only the beginning of a string of new live releases.
Until then, sit back, relax, and enjoy an afternoon at the Garden with Elvis.
Songs:
All tracks previously unreleased except *
Rating: 8.5 out of 10
I was 22 when I wrote this article back in 1997 for The Elvis Beat #16, which turned out to be the final issue of my official Elvis Presley Fan Club newsletter.
MGM is re-releasing 18 Elvis videos on July 8 in “The Elvis Commemorative Collection.” All of the videos are digitally remastered and include their original theatrical preview trailers. Jailhouse Rock, Viva Las Vegas, Elvis: That’s The Way It Is, Elvis On Tour, and Elvis: The Lost Performances are among the titles.
Unfortunately, despite the effort to digitally remaster the films, the videos will only be available in the standard “pan & scan” format rather than widescreen/letterbox. Over one-third of the theatrical picture is lost when movies are adapted for viewing on television sets unless the widescreen format is used.
The Mystery Train 