[INTRO: I am a die hard, card carrying Elvis fan and have been for as long as I can remember. There is so much about Elvis to love; his incredible singing voice, his generous spirit, his looks (the most gorgeous man ever), his movies (yes, his movies. They make me happy, so critics can just shush), his service in the army, his magical presence on stage, his transcendent charisma, and…I could go on and on. As a matter of fact, on my 50th post, I believe it was, I DID go on and on. I listed 50 things I love about Elvis. It wasn’t difficult. I am an author and I mention Elvis in almost every story I write. I named my son Presley. I was fortunate to see Elvis in concert three times. I have been to Graceland five times… See? I love Elvis. I have been blogging weekly for more than a year, but going forward, I will blog every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month. My life is insanely busy and I found myself missing weeks from time to time. This way, I’m more likely to be consistent. Hopefully, even if you are not an Elvis fan, you appreciate something about him and will find my posts interesting. Feel free to comment. Thank you so much for stopping by!]

Over the years, many significant events of Elvis’ life took place in March. Here are some of the most notable…

(This is just because March 23 was National Puppy Day and this picture is adorable!)

 March 23, 1956 – Elvis’ first album released through RCA (I have this album!)

March 25-27, 1956 – Elvis had his Hollywood screen test at Paramount Studios.

March 26, 1956 – Elvis signed with Colonel Parker 

March 25, 1957 Elvis finalized the purchase of Graceland for $102,500.

March 3, 1958 –  Paramount began location shooting in New Orleans on King Creole. It turned out that several of Elvis’ movies either began shooting or released in March, but since this was Elvis’ favorite, and it was his last before going into the Army, I thought I’d mention it.

March 24, 1958 – Elvis was inducted into the United States Army in Memphis. He could have chosen to avoid serving, or he could have served in an entertainment capacity, but he chose to serve his time just like the other guys and quickly earned the respect of his fellow soldiers.

March 5, 1960 — Elvis received his honorable discharge from the army at Fort Dix, New Jersey.

March 25, 1961 — Elvis performed a benefit show for the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial at Bloch Arena in Honolulu. It was his last live appearance until his return to the Las Vegas stage in 1969.

March 7, 1965 – Elvis quote: “When I complete a movie or a record session, I head for Graceland as fast as I can. I withdraw not from my fans, but from myself. After work, I just give out. I like to come back here to think and relax. I guess in that respect I have withdrawn, but here it’s quiet and I can reevaluate myself and see where I’m going.” — The Commercial-Appeal Mid-South Magazine.

March-April 1969 – Elvis made his last film (his 31st), Change of Habit. It was one of my favorites. It had a little more depth than many of his other movies. (Yes, that’s Mary Tyler-Moore, as a nun)

 

March 18, 2016 – Release of Elvis Deluxe 60 CD Boxed Set – OMG…how awesome is this??? I would LOVE to own this. Maybe some day… 

Description:

This 60th Anniversary 60-CD Deluxe Edition celebrates RCA Victor’s signing of Elvis Presley-The King of rock ‘n’ roll.

Features all of the albums Elvis recorded and RCA released in his lifetime: studio, soundtrack, and live. It also includes compilations released that featured unreleased songs or songs new to the LP format.

The Album Collection represents album sales in the U.S. of 135 million! Collectively, Elvis has RIAA certified sales of singles, EPs and albums equaling 25x multi-platinum, 52x platinum and 92x gold awards given for U.S. sales alone! Estimated worldwide sales are in excess of one billion!

Highlights include: Elvis’ iconic first two studio albums, Elvis Presley and Elvis released in 1956. All 17 of his film soundtrack LPs including Loving You, King Creole, G.I. Blues, Blue Hawaii and Roustabout. The legendary NBC-TV special Elvis; the 1969 American Sound sessions that spawned From Elvis In Memphis and Back In Memphis; and 1970s triumphs On Stage (1970), Elvis As Recorded Live At Madison Square Garden (1972) and Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite (1973).

Original album packaging has been painstakingly restored including gatefold/die cut sleeves, original RCA Victor inserts, stickers and more. CD labels replicate original side 1 labels.

The Album Collection also includes a 300-page deluxe fully illustrated hard cover book with complete insightful commentary, discography and recording session data. Elvis Presley-The Album Collection represents a level of artistic achievement unparalleled to this day. This unique and comprehensive collection provides testament to Elvis’ innate talent.

If you want to buy it for me, you can do so here: 😉 (It’s surprisingly less than $300!)  http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B019YQJRKO/elvis-gifts-20

Thank you for stopping by…Happy Friday! 

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EOLS Charity

Elvis was known for his giving heart and charitable work during his lifetime. Lisa Marie and Elvis Presley Enterprises have continued that tradition with their involvement in various charities. In 1984, The Elvis Charitable Foundation was formed. The EPCF created a scholarship fund for students majoring in the arts. The charity also contributes to one of Elvis’ favorite charities, Goodwill Homes, a Memphis facility that provides counseling and services for abused children and their families. The EPCF also assists numerous other charities, especially focusing on arts, education and children’s programs.

Learn more here, including how to donate:

http://www.graceland.com/epcf/

END OF LONELY STREET – Now Only 99 Cents!

On Elvis’ 80th birthday, I released a Vintage Romance short story set in 1957, and of course, my heroine is an Elvis fan. 🙂 As a tribute to Elvis’ generosity, and in order to assist with this worthy cause, 10% of my proceeds for End of Lonely Street will go to the EPCF.

All Toby Lawson wants is to go to college to become a teacher and to be free of her alcoholic mother and some painful memories. But when her mother nearly burns the house down, Toby must put her dreams on hold and return home to care for her. The only time she isn’t lonely and miserable is when she’s listening to her heartthrob, Elvis Presley. His music takes her away and helps her escape from everything wrong in her life.

Noah Rivers has always loved Toby, but no matter what he says, she can‘t get past the fact that her drunken mother once kissed him. He soon realizes the true problem lies in Toby’s belief she’s not good enough for him and in her fear she will be just like her mother.

What will it take to prove to her that she deserves to be happy, and that he would give anything to be the man to make her dreams come true?

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