top of page

ELVIS AARON PRESLEY

Publicity picture for Elvis' thirteenth film Fun In Acapulco, Paramount 1963.

1935-1977
...........................

May 21st 2023 10inch promo record ELVIS Prodigy of SUN Records.

At the end of December 2022 we announced that we will raffle 10 promo LPs among everyone who pre-ordered the fantastic reference book ELVIS: Prodigy of SUN Records 1935-1955. The second five names are now known.

 

Congratulations to all on this album which I can guarantee will become a collector's item.

 

A big thank you to everyone who has placed an order for this fantastic box-set.

Larry Anderson ─ USA, Bob Dalziel ─ Canada, Heather Mozart ─ USA, Pascal Matteo ─ Canada and Sheila Roth ─ USA.

Robert Burton ─ UK, Robert Deibel ─ USA, Vince Fozzo ─ AUS, Karen McKitton ─ UK and Christine Prütz from Germany.

Cheers . . .

ELVIS Prodigy of SUN Records - logo with names.png

Nine-hundred and 44 pages of reading, viewing & listening pleasure

This 9-pounder is the best printed early Elvis travelogue since ever! And I say that with some pride to it . . . Robert and Erik worked hard on this 2-book volume. The printing is absolutely beautiful, the box cover is stunning and all photos in the book are just jaw-dropping and in excellent quality ─ It'll knock your socks off! (except for one fake, sorry). The ready-to-frame photos are a must to see, colors are right and close to the originals. 

 

After many years of research and gathering facts of the first 20 years of Elvis' life, this is the pinnacle of any other release, ever. A beautiful tell-it-all-book that should not be missing in your collection.

vinyl is due for the first week of June 2023!

Cover 1935-1954.
Cover 1955.
PayPal ButtonPayPal Button
click-here.png

ELVIS: Prodigy of SUN Records. Use the BUY NOW button and order your copy today! DHL requires your telephone number, don't forget to mention this. It will cause serious delays in the processing.

Flyer Sept. 2022

Many hours of research through digital libraries emerged new facts and interesting anecdotes from Elvis' early life and career dated ‘35 till ‘55. From Old Saltillo Rd., to the magic of SUN recording studios, the first Louisiana Hayride appearances and everything in between. This book is filled with a string of never-before-seen photos dated from 1935 till 1955. BUT WAIT, that’s not all ─ a 10 inch vinyl bonus LP with ten songs also comes with this release!! The early Elvis SUN recordings in the best possible sound. The world's first atomic powered singer mixed blues, pop and hillbilly/country to create an electrifying new music that was called Rock ‘n Roll and changed the influence of music in the world forever. Also 9 glossy early SUN promotional photos – suitable for framing - you’ll find with your order presented in a printed paper sleeve.

 

A collection of stories: many of Elvis' early childhood friends sharing their memories in these two books. Elvis' time in primary and secondary school is extensively discussed as well as his first loves (not only girls) and his roots for Gospel music. Tupeloans share their stories about their childhood friend who became the future King. A collection of jaw-dropping photos and, of course, the near to  complete story from Elvis' birth until his big break in 1955.

 

An unmissable reference book for all fans.

10" album cover

LP Sleeve SUNburst complete March, 20-2023.png
PayPal ButtonPayPal Button
click-here.png

ELVIS: Prodigy of SUN Records. Use the BUY NOW button and order your copy today! DHL requires your telephone number, don't forget to mention this. It will cause serious delays in the processing.

What can you expect of this release?

Volume 2 ELVIS: Prodigy of SUN Records
Volume 1 ELVIS: Prodigy of SUN Records

a 10-inch album with 10 songs in the best possible sound quality and many hours of reading pleasure . . .

 

Lorentzen has already delivered big projects in recent years but I can assure you that this release is the icing on his cake. No expense has been spared to make this travelogue a success. For you of course, the fans.

The complete overview in word and image from Elvis’ birth until he [Elvis] signed for RCA. Over 900 pages packed with unique material and documentation interspersed with beautiful photos.

Hundreds of hours of research gives an overall picture of the boy who eventually became a 'king.' Many new and/or higher/better quality photos have been purchased and distributed through these two issues. You will be amazed at the mass of information that has come to light through newspaper articles, through those who befriended Elvis over the years and much more . . .

This project is not a photo book but a "day-by-day" travelogue.

ELVIS: Prodigy of SUN Records Flyer Tupelo Mississippi.
ELVIS: Prodigy of SUN Records Flyer Lauderdale Courts.
ELVIS: Prodigy of SUN Records Flyer 1955
ELVIS: Prodigy of SUN Records Flyer 1955
click-here.png
PayPal ButtonPayPal Button

ELVIS: Prodigy of SUN Records. Use the BUY NOW button and order your copy today! 

ELVIS: Prodigy of SUN Records flyer.

comes with 9 reproduction SUN promotional cards

SUN promotional photos paper sleeve ELVIS: Prodigy of SUN Records
November 30, 1976. Anaheim, CA.  Photographed by Elaine Christan

November 30, 1976. Anaheim, CA. Photographed by Elaine Christan.

...AND THEN THERE WAS ELVIS

 

Due for the first week of June 2023 ─ the long awaited release written by Elaine Christan (Coons) from the diary of her mother Virginia Coons is in print as of today (May 27), next week to the bindery and then released.

A superfan's personal adventure.

 

Virginia Coons was a super-SUPER-fan. Her interest started with Elvis’ breakthrough in the mid-fities and continued to her very last day. She has met Elvis multiple times and was the direct link between America and England (Europe). She maintained contacts and ensured that the latest releases of LPs and 45s found their way overseas. She not only had contact with Elvis but with everyone close to him including Priscilla, Col. Parker's office and RCA. There are so many fun-to-read stories its incredible.

 

Virginia has hundreds of memories now curated by her daughter ─ Elaine Christan ─ in a 400 page hardback book. Many personal stories summarized in a beautiful book with many high resolution photos, personal candids etc . . . made available by MEGA collector Erik Lorentzen. Erik's photo collection is known worldwide and sky high.

 

Elaine translated her mother's journey into writing, so many beautiful stories brought together in one book. Anyone who reads The Elvis Files magazine will be familiar the way Virginia remembered Elvis and penned her memories.

Virginia Coons - AND THEN THERE WAS ELVIS
Virginia Coons - AND THEN THERE WAS ELVIS
Virginia Coons - AND THEN THERE WAS ELVIS
AND THEN THERE WAS ELVIS
AND THEN THERE WAS ELVIS
AND THEN THERE WAS ELVIS
click-here.png
PayPal ButtonPayPal Button

...AND THEN THERE WAS ELVIS: Use the BUY NOW button and order your copy today! 

Virginia Coons - AND THEN THERE WAS ELVIS. The Elvis Files
Louisiana Hayride, Shreveport Louisiana. Saturday, November 15, 1954.

On the brink of becoming an artistic phenomenon:

Elvis Presley

On July 5, 1954, Elvis Presley, chock full of nerves and not exactly sure of what would transpire, ventured inside Sun Studio for his first official recording session with producer Sam Phillips, guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black.

After trying various songs with middling results, Phillips was ready to end the session, but Presley serendipitously began playing Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup’s “That’s All Right” on his acoustic guitar, fusing the bluesy number into a heretofore unexplored musical genre that ultimately became rock ’n’ roll.

  Some people tap their feet . . ,

           Some people snap their fingers . . ,

                    and some people sway back and forth . . .

 I JUST SORTA DO 'EM ALL TOGETHER, I GUESS.

The Elvis Files logo

magazines and books by Erik Lorentzen

Subscribe to our widely acclaimed magazine

─ 4 issues €64 ─ delivered to your doorstep. 

YES, world-wide!

80264-triangle-ranged-weapon-icons-compu
The Elvis Files magazine issue 40

Renew your subscription today. Send €64 to sales@elvisfiles.no ─ starting with issue 40 (2023) ─ via PayPal or credit card for 4 magazines or use the friendly SUBSCRIBE AND PAY HERE . . . button above or the BUY NOW button below. Be up-to-date with the best photos and in-depth stories. The Elvis Files© is by far the best magazine ever since 2012, hailed by many fans and collectors around the world. We ship from Norway over the Northern Atlantic to Mozambique criss-cross Arabia to Russia and every country in between ─ for FREE.

PayPal ButtonPayPal Button
80264-triangle-ranged-weapon-icons-compu
Paradise Hawaiian Style with Julie Parrish, Suzanna Leigh, Marianna Hill, bottom Linda Wong

Paradise Hawaiian Style promo photo with Julie Parrish, Suzanna Leigh, Marianna Hill, bottom Linda Wong and Irene Tsu.

ELVIS through the years

CBS Eye logo ad December 1951.jpg

Elvis Gyrates on The Ed Sullivan Show

Experienced showmen such as Ed Sullivan weren't sure the world was ready for such wild moves as the slick Elvis Presley was offering, but when Elvis proved too popular not to book, Sullivan scheduled him. Elvis made his first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show on September 9, 1956.

Ed Sullivan dress rehearsal September 9,
Ed Sullivan

GETTING BOOKED

Elvis Presley had already appeared on other national television shows (such as on Stage Show, The Milton Berle Show, and on the popular The Steve Allen Show) when Ed Sullivan booked Elvis for three shows. Elvis' pelvic gyrations during his appearances on these other shows had caused much discussion and concern about the suitability of airing such provocative and sensual movements on television.

Although at first Ed Sullivan said he would never want Elvis on his show, Sullivan changed his mind when The Steve Allen Show with Elvis as a guest had about twice as many viewers as Sullivan's show that night (they were competing for the same audience since they were in the same time slot).

After negotiating with Elvis' manager, Ed Sullivan paid Elvis the huge sum of $50,000 for appearing on three of his shows: September 9, 1956, October 28, 1956, and then on January 6, 1957.

Ed Sullivan - Ready Teddy - dress rehear
Elvis Presley during his second appearan
January 6, 1957 TV show.
ElviSullivan.jpg

SULLIVAN DIDN'T HOST AND ELVIS NOT ACTUALLY ON SET

For Elvis' first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show on Sunday night at 8 p.m. on September 9, 1956, Ed Sullivan himself was not able to host since he had recently been in a very serious car accident that left him in the hospital. In his place, Oscar-winning actor Charles Laughton hosted the show. Elvis was also not on location in New York for the show since he was in Los Angeles for the filming of Love Me Tender.

 

Laughton hosted from New York and then when it came time for Elvis' appearance, Laughton introduced him and then cut to the stage in Hollywood with Elvis.

TV Radio Mirror December 1956.-3.jpg
LMT publicity photoshoot by Frank Powoln
September 9, 1956. (2).jpg

ELVIS' PERFORMANCE

Elvis appeared on a stage with large, artistic guitars as decoration. Wearing a plaid jacket and holding his guitar, Elvis thanked Mr. Laughton and the audience and then said, "This is probably the greatest honor that I've ever had in my life. There's not much I can say except that hope it makes you feel good and we want to thank you from the bottom of our heart."

Elvis then sang, "Don't Be Cruel" with his four back-up singers (the Jordanaires) followed by "Love Me Tender," which was the not-yet-released title track from his new movie.

 

During this second set, Elvis sang "Ready Teddy" and then ended with a portion of "Hound Dog."

Throughout Elvis' entire performance, viewers could hear girls in the audience screaming ─ especially when Elvis did his special twitch or swung his hips or swiveled his legs. Elvis appeared to enjoy himself, frequently smiling or even laughing, which made him seem friendly, sweet, and hunky — depending on who was watching.

CENSORED

During Elvis' first performance on The Ed Sullivan Show, the cameras stayed mostly from the waist up during the first half of Elvis' appearance, but during the second time he appeared that night, the camera widened out and the TV audience was able to see Elvis' gyrations.

While many have felt that Elvis was censored by only showing him from the waist up on The Ed Sullivan Show, that really only happened during Elvis' third appearance, on January 6, 1957. For some still unknown reason (although there are a lot of rumors as to why), Sullivan allowed Elvis to only be shown from the waist up during that third and final show.

IT WAS A BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE

Elvis' appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show was a major success. Over 60 million people, both young and old, watched the show and many people believe it helped bridge the generation gap for Elvis' acceptance into the mainstream.

The ManThe Myth - The Legend

That's what www.theelvisfiles.com Is All About - Elvis Presley

The Nashville Tennessean, Wednesday Morning, Feb. 15, 1956.

Rock & Roll Set Adores Elvis Presley

It Happened Last Night.

By Earl Wilson

NEW YORK ─ “Teenagers,” 21-year-old Elvis Presley, of Memphis, Tennessee, exclaims, “I love ‘em!” “Sure,” the new idol of the Rock ‘n Roll set told me “they tear off my clothes, they scratch their initials on my cars, they phone my hotel all night. But they buy my records and they pay me to sing. I’m grateful and when they stop annoying me, I’ll start to worry.”

For the present at least, Elvis would seem  to have little to worry about. After an appearance two weeks ago on Jackie Gleason’s TV program “Stage Show,” with the Dorsey brothers, Elvis was quickly signed for another four weeks. Observers generally credited Gleason with a shrewd move.

If any singer could dent the popularity of the show’s competition, smooth, effortless Perry Como, it was probably Elvis. His fans ─ including a “few” older folks ─ have shelled out for over 100.000 of his latest record, “Heartbreak Hotel,” an almost incredible showing for a two week period. On one-night stands over a good part of the country, Elvis plays to very excited and well-packed-in throngs.

What does this kid Presley have? A couple of particularly cubey squares were asking. Well, he’s got a voice that’s very loud and full of feeling and when he sings, unlike Como, it is not effortless. Like Johnny Ray, to whom he has been compared, he writhes and contorts and suffers through a song, and the kids love it. In addition, he’s some showman. For instance. He wears his hair long, with sideburns yet.

Dorsey January 28, 1956..jpg
At CBS-TV Studio 50. Elvis Presley first performance on the Dorsey Brothers' 'Stage Show' program, New York, New York, January 28, 1956.

“I’ve got the money for a haircut.” Elvis assured me. “But this is good business. It’s important that I be conspicuous. His more enthusiastic admirers say he looks like a cross between Marlon Brando and the late James Dean. In a way, he does at that. Incidentally, he’s taking acting lessons.

Then, there’s his clothes. “I don’t think it’s right,” Elvis says, “for a fellow to dress loud. On the street that is. On stage, I want to stand out. The louder my clothes the better.” He favors