#elvis studio recordings

[hooked-on-elvis]

I am currently listening to "ELVIS: THE HOME RECORDINGS" (a collection of Elvis Presley's home recordings from the 1950s and 1960s) and I find incredible hearing him singing songs in that unprompted way, just having fun with friends and family, and then listen to the professional version he recorded years later.

Those are some of Elvis' personal favorites songs, folks. 🩷🥹 Here's some of them:

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"HANDS OFF" (or "KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF OF IT") Home recording: Fall 1960, at Monovale Drive, Hollywood (one of Elvis' homes). Studio recording: Elvis recorded this song again during a jam session at Nashville RCA's studio B in June 5th, 1970. The song was recorded in a version in conjunction with "Got My Mojo Working". The track was first release on the LP "Love Letters From Elvis" (1971).

2. "INDESCRIBABLY BLUE" Home recording: February 1966 at Rocca Place, Hollywood (another of Elvis' homes). Studio recording: Elvis recorded this song professionally, not long after, in June 10, 1966. It was first released by RCA Records as a single on January 10, 1967, backed with "Fools Fall in Love". It was releases in a LP as part of the "Elvis' Gold Records Volume 4" (January, 1968).

3. "AFTER LOVING YOU" Home recording: Recorded around 1966. Can you listen to Elvis' voice here being pretty much the same in the 1969 version? His voice by 1966 was already so improved. It's weird how they kept Elvis from singing what he really wanted to sing in order to keep the soundtrack albums going on. I'm not complaining, per say, because I don't actually hate the soundtrack songs of his movies, but we know Elvis himself was pretty beaten having to record what he called "silly songs" over the ones he truly loved, like this one (as we can see by the way he sings the song wholeheartedly).

Studio recording: During the American Sound Studio's legendary recording session under Chips Moman production, Elvis recorded this song professionally in 18th Feb, 1969, in Memphis, Tennessee.

My personal favorite. ♥ My absolute favorite Elvis album is "From Elvis In Memphis", no doubt. Hearing the home recording version of "After Loving You" is just priceless to me.

4. "WHAT NOW MY LOVE"

Home recording: Recorded sometime around 1966 too. Again, Elvis literally was kept from singing many great songs for a long time because of his Hollywood movie contracts, not to speak about the RCA deals causing the songwriters disputes over rights and proper payment. Long story short, the songwriters did not want to give up 25% of the rights to the compositions to Hill and Range Publishings and the other Presley publishing companies that published his recording materials. So Elvis ended up with some (crappy) less powerful songs to record for many, many years. Some of the songs he truly wanted to record thanks Heaven were brought to day light. Elvis had a great taste in music. (I just wonder how many more amazing songs recorded by his powerful voice we would have today if it wasn't for the tricky record deals he was under.)

Live version:  On January 14, 1973, Elvis Presley performed the song before a live audience of 1 billion people, as part of his satellite show, "Aloha from Hawaii", which was beamed to 43 countries via INTELSAT. Elvis' live rendition of the song is just breathtaking. You listen and see him performing it live and you just stop breathing. The song was first released on the live album "Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite" (February, 1973).

[almondcroissantsandink]

Baby, I'm standing at the great abyss of love and...and I'm teeterin'!

[oddphotos362]

[brianmccormicksmash52321]

Happy 70th anniversary to Elvis Presley’s recording of That’s All Right!

[vintagepresley]

The littlest things about him just make me giggle. Him just randomly singing, “I Want You, I Need You, I Love You.”

[seduccionarte]

"Cuarteto del Millón de Dólares" (Million Dollar Quartet). Así se llamaron las grabaciones que se hicieron el 4 de diciembre de 1956, en Sun Record Studios de Memphis, Tennessee.

Las grabaciones fueron en jam session entre Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, y Johnny Cash.

[jhoneybees]

Feelin' in my body

Here's a little blurb for you lovelies! Something to make up for the long wait on the requests❤️

Characters: Late 70s!Elvis X reader

Warnings/triggers: a little sexual but it's all pretty fluffy

Tags: @atleastpleasetelephone @theelvisprincess @i-r-i-n-a-a @hooked-on-elvis @polksaladava @thelonelyheart

_____________________________________________

“Baby?” Elvis calls out, turning his head to look into every room as he walks down the hallway, upstairs. He quietly steps down into the foyer, wanting to see if you're in the kitchen.

“Honey?” Lifting his sunglasses up to rest on top of his head as he looks around the room.

“Where is that girl?” He thinks to himself then as he walks past the stairs going down in the jungle room, he stops in his tracks hearing something familiar.

He cautiously takes one step at a time downstairs, frowning in curiosity when he realises the noise is music with a faint sound of someone singing under it.

He sighs and as he goes halfway down, enough to see who's in the room. His eyebrows soften and his lips curl into a crooked grin seeing you dancing around the jungle room, holding his microphone singing along to ‘I got a feelin' in my body'

“I got a feeling in my body, this will be our lucky day!” You sing, jamming around on the plush green carpet. Swinging your hips from side to side as the music plays.

Elvis breathes out a quiet chuckle, resting his hand on the bannister. Shaking his head in disbelief.

He finds it funny that you're singing and dancing to his music, he thought you'd be sick of it by now because of how many times you heard it in the studio while recording it but he's been proved wrong.

“Funny lil girl.” He tsks, grinning widely at how your hair bounces around and the little dress you're wearing is slowly riding up your thighs. Just about giving him the tiniest view of your white panties.

“Won’t you lift your eyes up, children, lift ‘em to the sky, heaven stands before you, gates are open wide, shelter for the weary, comfort the weak, we'll leave the devil's evil, sweatin’ on the stre-” You sing but suddenly you feel a pair of hands on your shoulders making you scream.

“Jus’ me, darlin'!” Elvis laughs loudly, pulling you against him when you realise. “What's my baby doin' in ‘ere?”

You breathe out relieved and start to giggle, sliding your hand up onto his chest giving it a little rub. “Dancing.”

“Dancing?”

“Mhm.”

“Mmm… I was enjoying your dancin’.”

You smile with another giggle, a little louder this time. “Yeah?”

“Mhm, would like ta see ya again.” He responds, giving your ass a small squeeze and light pat.

“Sit down then…the song ain't over.”

He hums, grabbing your chin to bring you into a gentle, playful kiss before going over to sit on the animal fur covered couch. Chuckling and rolling his eyes when you take your dress off, leaving you in just your matching white bra and panties that have little pink bows in the center.

“What's this?” He asks, holding his hand out for you to take, allowing you to climb onto his lap. Still holding his microphone.

“Wanna give ya a lap dance.”

“Why’s that?” He asks, smiling like a teenage boy.

“cause I got a feelin' in my body.”

[sissylittlefeather]

Kinktober Day 18: Dirty Talk

Burnin' Love

Warnings: 18+ Minors DNI, dirty talk, mentions of sex

Word Count: ~1.2k

Kinktober Masterlist

You walk into the studio sound booth at exactly 12:26am. Elvis has been there working on this song since about 4 in the afternoon and he's still not pleased with it. You haven't been a producer for long, and they usually only call you in when they're desperate to go home. That's how you end up here, in the studio, with Elvis Presley at nearly 1am. His band is exhausted. Their parts are perfect. It's his vocals that he isn't happy with yet. The song is complicated and he won't rest until it's just right. 

“Alright, goddamnit, let's go again.” He says into the mic, ready to run it through again. His voice has an edge to it like he's irritated to still be working on the same song. You were nervous enough to be called in, much less to be called in to work with him, but you also know that his musicians are exhausted and you might be reaching a point of diminishing returns. You take a deep breath and try to ignore how good he looks, dark hair a little messy, lips shining with where he keeps running his tongue over them. Clearing your throat, you speak softly into the mic. 

“Uh, Mr. Presley, maybe we should let the musicians go and you just try your tracks a few more times.” He looks up at the booth suddenly. Who the hell was that?!

“Honey, who are you?”

“I'm the producer, sir. They called me in to cover the night-”

“My name is Elvis. You don't need to call me sir.” He smiles up at the booth with his eyes sparkling behind his sunglasses. Your voice catches his attention and then when he sees you in the booth with your headphones on, he's ready to keep recording all night long. His irritation disappears with the curvature of your lips and the way your skirt hugs your thighs. 

“Oh, okay, Elvis. Maybe we should let them go?” He smirks a little and then shrugs. 

“Fine with me, honey. Y'all heard her. Clear out.” The musicians sigh gratefully and begin to pack up. “What's your name, doll?”

“Y/n. I think we only need a couple more takes.” You try to ignore his burning gaze and fiddle with something in the booth. 

“Oh, I don't know, honey. These lyrics are really throwing me for a loop. Might need your help.” You lift your head quickly and meet his eyes. Even behind his glasses, they're piercing and you can see as he looks up and down your body. He breathes out a laugh as he notices a blush rising in your cheeks. 

“Of course, sir- I mean Elvis. Whatever you need.” You stumble over the consonants and try to keep it together, but you can already feel yourself getting wet. He knows the effect he's having and thoroughly enjoys watching you drop into a chair as your knees go weak. 

“Whatever I need?” He gives you a devilish smile, adjusting the headphones on his ears and you whimper, glad he can only hear you when you have the mic turned on in the recording booth. 

Once everyone has gone and it's just you and him, you get the track ready to play for him to sing with, actively ignoring your arousal as it dampens your panties. 

“Okay, Mr. Presley-”

“Elvis.” He smiles and you almost faint. 

“Elvis, I'm going to play the track and you just do your vocal part.”

“Yes, ma'am.” Your hand shakes, but you press play and let the track run. He starts to sing and then stops, his fingertips on the headphones and a slight frown on his face while you pause the track. 

“What's the next line, doll?”

“Girl, girl, girl, girl, you gonna set me on fire.” He smirks. 

“Set what on fire?” You blink a couple times before you can answer. He licks his lips again, imagining how warm your body would be against him. Finally, you get it out. 

“Set me on fire.” 

“Am I setting you on fire, honey?” 

“I-um-I-what?” You stutter and stammer into the mic and he chuckles. 

“Can you sing the line for me?” He gives you a cheeky little grin and you start to suspect he's being difficult on purpose. But you're not about to let on that you've figured this out, so you sing the line. 

“Girl, girl, girl, girl you gonna set me on fire.” He was right, your sweet little voice is almost as pretty as you are. 

“Mmm honey, I've half a mind to get you in here singing backup for me.” Your cheeks turn pink again. 

“Oh, um, thank you. Shall we continue?” He nods. 

“Of course.” You push play and he keeps singing until he gets a few more lines done. “What's the line?”

“Burning, burning, burning and nothing can cool me.” He wraps his hand around the mic and pulls it in close to him.  

“Oh, honey, I think you could cool me just right, what do you think?” His voice in the microphone is smooth and sexy in your headphones and you feel your center drip even more. 

“Huh?”

“Nothin' baby.” He goes back to singing and you make it through the next set of lyrics before he stops you again. 

“Next line?”

“It's coming closer, the flames are now licking my body.” He chuckles again. 

“Licking what?”

“Licking my body.” You answer, trying to stay as professional as possible. A lopsided grin spreads across his face and he decides to kick it up a notch. 

“You want me to lick your body, honey?” You sit in stunned silence and stare at him. You're so turned on you can barely breathe. “I can think of a few places on your body I'd like to lick.” 

“Like where?” It comes tumbling out of you breathlessly before you can stop it. He wets his lips with his tongue. 

“I bet you've got a pretty little spot between your thighs that I'd love to get my tongue into.” You moan softly into the microphone and he adjusts himself to make his erection less uncomfortable. 

“Mr. Presley…” You whisper airily. 

“Elvis. I'd love to get these sideburns on your thighs, baby.” You whimper again and he doubles down. “Put my tongue in that pretty pussy.” 

You're so hot and bothered at this point that you can't even remember what you're supposed to be doing. He pulls the mic to his lips and keeps going. 

“You wanna cum in my mouth, baby?”

“Yes…” You hear yourself whisper as you grind against the chair for friction. 

“Let me put this big cock inside you? You want that, honey?” He starts to stroke himself over his pants and you bite your lip and whine. 

“Yeah…” You rub your thighs together and watch as he grins and continues to palm his dick over his pants. 

“Well, are you comin’ to me or am I comin’ in there?”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Taglist:

@ccab @atleastpleasetelephone @deltafalax @msamarican @angschrof @lustnhim @jhoneybees @polksaladava @searchingforgravity @librababe99 @hooked-on-elvis @theelvisprincess @makethemorning @your-nanas-house @peaceloveelvis @mrspresley69

[heart-of-ep]

• Elvis: A Stranger in His Own Hometown •

I recently ordered the Memphis boxset that came out this past summer and had a minute to look through the booklet inside, and wow, I was not expecting to find myself tearing up over a passage at the end of it. So, of course, I had a moment where I spiraled over the cultural impact of Elvis, as I often do after reading stuff like this. I'm very curious to hear yall's thoughts cause I've never really thought too much about this topic, and I find it super interesting. ♡

Elvis on February 3rd, 1976, getting his photo taken for his Memphis Police Reserve Captain ID.

To begin this discussion, here is the passage in question that tugged at my heart:

"At Graceland, the upstairs was Elvis's private domain. The curtains were kept closed, foil covered the windows and blocked out the sun. Access was limited, and as the coterie of friends, girlfriends, and hangers-on slowly diminished, fewer sought entry. There was no thrum of the streets, no Shake Rag or Beale, no winds of change. His bedroom door was kept closed, the air conditioning was always very cool, and he read oversized spiritual tomes, looking for a way out, looking for a way in.

His bedroom was isolated, less a room in a house and more a chamber in space. Tupelo was a million miles away, Vegas and Hollywood were further, and though Memphis was just outside the door, its inspiration available and attainable, no new air could seep in. He was an expatriate in his own hometown.

Memphis giveth, and Memphis taketh away, and the city had given Elvis more than he could ever have imagined asking for, more than he ever wanted, and then like the ocean before a tsunami wave, it had withdrawn. Or he'd withdrawn from it. The fullness was bare, the loud laughter now spare, the warmth artificial from electric blankets. Words turned to sounds but not the joyful scatting of childhood, more a mumble, a murmur, a confusion that he could neither understand nor express.

When asked what he missed about Memphis, a 25-year-old Elvis on his way home from the army said, "Everything. I mean that everything." Late in life, and too fully ensconced there to be comfortable, he might have replied with words the same.

Elvis died at Graceland, upstairs, a man alone, less than a year after the last wail from the jungle room."

Robert Gordon, Memphis, 2024

The Memphis boxset focuses on all of Elvis's recordings that took place in Memphis, TN from his start in Sun Studios back in 1954, all the way up to his final recording session that took place in the den (now famously the Jungle Room) of Graceland. The set features 111 tracks and offers up a beautiful selection of songs that showcase the progression of Elvis' artistic style over the years.

This particular passage by Robert Gordon sits at the very end of the booklet included in the boxset, endcapping the famous Junge Room sessions with an introspective look at Elvis' relationship with Memphis and how that influenced his music. But why did this passage stand out to me so much? Why did it tug so hard at my heart?

"Memphis giveth, and Memphis taketh away."

Such a simple sentence, and yet it speaks volumes for the landscape of how Elvis and Memphis are intrinsically tied together, both then and now.

While Memphis had famous musicians before and after Elvis' rise to fame, none quite reached the level of stardom that Elvis achieved, and unlike many stars of then and now, Elvis was proud of his hometown, holding a natural love and affection for the city that served as an escape from the Presley's poverty in Tupelo. Memphis wasn't just any city for the Presley family, it was a second chance. It was an opportunity for them to create something better for themselves. And for a young Elvis of thirteen years old, it offered hope. Elvis was constantly striving for something bigger, something better, for both him and his family, and Memphis offered that in spades.

Elvis was immediately enamored with Memphis, and soon after their arrival, the music of Memphis would take hold of Elvis. While in Tupelo, Elvis was already familiar with a variety of music styles, such as country and gospel, but in Memphis, there was a music for every sort of flavor, and no doubt Elvis listened avidly. Whether it be by turning on Daddy-O-Dewey, Dewey Phillips at WHBQ, or turning the dial to WDIA, an all black programming station that played many local artists such as B.B. King and Rufus Thomas. Even on Sunday nights, Elvis would be able to listen to a sermon from Reverend W. Herbet Brewster, appealing to the inherently spiritual side of Elvis' nature.

Elvis listened to it all, and in time, it helped to mold him into the artist he would become in just a few short years. Elvis was constantly inspired by everything around him, and it all came together, allowing him to develop a level of self-confidence that hadn't previously existed in the young boy. As his love for music continued to expand, his image evolved with it.

"It seemed as if he was determined to make a statement, he was intent upon setting himself apart, without ever raising his voice or changing from the polite, well-mannered boy that he knew he would always be. By his dress, his hair, his demeanor, though, he was making a ringing declaration of independence. More and more to his fellow schoolmates he was a “squirrel,” a misfit, a freak, as he would later describe himself, but not a freak to himself. Photographs show an increasing self-confidence, an increasingly studied self-image, even as he was being increasingly rejected by others."

The Rise of Elvis Presley: Last Train to Memphis (by Peter Guralnick)

There's no denying the influence that Memphis played on Elvis' life, but what did Elvis do for Memphis?

While Elvis had homes in other places, such as Beverly Hills and Palm Springs out in California, he always returned to Memphis. His home was always there. When asked in 1960 if Elvis had plans to sell Graceland, he said no. Graceland was his home, Memphis was his home. He always came back.

Not only that, but throughout the years, Elvis constantly found ways to give back to Memphis through his charitable donations. Beginning in 1961, Elvis made it a yearly tradition during the holidays to donate to 50 different local charities throughout Memphis, donating around $100,000 every year. One of his favorite charities to support was St Jude's Hospital for children, where in 1964, he gifted them a boat, which he purchased for $55,000. The boat would be auctioned off and sold soon after, raising the charity an impressive $75,000. On February 25th, 1961, Elvis Presley Day would be declared by both the Mayor of Memphis and the Govener of Tennessee and on that day, Elvis would perform two shows at the Ellis Auditorium for a Memphis Charity Show where $51,612 would be raised and distributed among twenty-six charities. On December 1st, 1967, he would donate $10,500 to the Memphis Jewish Community Center Building Fund and paid a $2,500 installment on that day.

These are just a handful of instances in which Elvis strived to give back to the community, and many of his charitable donations went unpublished. Elvis gave from the heart, and he truly only wanted what was best for Memphis, the city he called home.

Charitable donations aside, Elvis always returned to Memphis, not just to his home Graceland, but to record and make music. Elvis' music journey began the minute he walked through the doors of Sun Studios on 706 Union Ave, Memphis, TN during the summer of 1953 when Elvis was only eighteen years old. He would return one year later to record with the studio yet again, this time shocking the world with the debut of his first single: 'That's All Right Mama'. Elvis would stay with Sun Studios until November 20th, 1955, when he would officially sign with RCA Records.

Elvis wouldn't return to Memphis to record until January 13th, 1969 after hearing about American Sound Studios from his friend Marty Lacker. Elvis would take a trip down to the funky studio located on 2272 Deadrick Avenue to record several hit singles at American Sound, including 'Suspicious Minds' and 'In the Ghetto' alongside two full length albums which would proudly be titled: 'From Elvis in Memphis' and 'Back in Memphis'. These recording sessions were a much needed return to form for Elvis after several years of monotony while being stuck making picture after picture out in Hollywood. Life and soul seemed to be injected back into Elvis' music, and once again, he seemed to be inspired by the city he knew and loved.

A few more years would pass before Elvis came back to Memphis again to record, this time in an effort to give Elvis a closer to home option as he was disinterested in returning to Nashville or Los Angeles. This would come in the form of STAX Records, located on 926 E McLemore Ave, Memphis, TN. STAX was home to many famous recording artists, including Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Carla Thomas, and the electric duo of Sam and Dave. Elvis would first visit the studio July 20th, 1973 for his first recording session there. He would then return a few months later to cut another selection of songs beginning on December 10th, 1973. Three albums would be produced from these sessions: 'Raised on Rock', 'Good Times', and 'Promised Land'.

Fast forward two years, and Elvis' last recording session ever would take place right in the comfort of his own home at Graceland. RCA was struggling to get Elvis back into the studio, so in turn, they brought the studio to Elvis. These sessions would begin on February 2nd, 1976 in the den of Graceland with an RCA recording van parked out back. The songs recorded during this time were an obvious reflection of Elvis' emotional state at the time, his selection focusing on slower, almost bitter sweet style ballads that compliment the deep tombra of his voice. He would cut several hit singles, including 'Hurt' and 'For the Heart', and would produce two albums to be released over the next year: 'From Elvis Presley Boulevard Memphis TN' and 'Moody Blue' respectively.

Despite Elvis' label RCA Records not having a studio in Memphis, Elvis always found himself returning to his hometown to record. Something about Memphis drew him back while places like Nashville and Los Angeles failed to strike that same creative cord. It's almost poetic in a way. The first place Elvis ever recorded was in Memphis, and the last place he would ever record would also be in Memphis. His career would begin and end in the city he called home.

With Elvis and Memphis so closely tied together, one might expect the city to love and cherish the Presley name in a similar way to Elvis' birthplace of Tupelo, MS. But unfortunately, that's not the case. In Memphis, Elvis is nothing more than merchandise. A commodity, a tourist attraction, and in some cases nothing more than a joke. But why? Why has Elvis become a stranger in his own hometown? Why is it that the man who gave his all to the city he loved while he was alive, and a man who continues to give through the charities founded in his memory, so often overlooked and underappreciated by the city he adored?

Simply put, the majority of people visit Memphis because of Elvis. While Memphis has so much important history and cultural influence, many never discover that until entering the Elvis world. This was my personal experience and the experience of many other friends of mine.

To put it into perspective, over 600,000 people visit Graceland annually, generating an estimated $150 million dollars in revenue for the city of Memphis. Not only does Graceland as an enterprise profit, but small businesses, hotels, and larger chain establishments all profit from the visitors brought in because of Graceland. The Elvis Presley estate is also the most visited home in America (not counting the White House) and serves as a museum and the final resting place of Elvis and his family. In 2023, the Memphis economy increased by 6% from the previous year, growing by $6 billion dollars. It can be assumed that the release and popularity of Elvis (2022) being released played a part in that increase, bringing in even more tourists now that younger fans have become interested in the King of Rock 'n' Roll.

So, what's the point? For many, especially local Memphians, the image of Elvis Presley has usurped the man who lived and breathed the same air as them years prior. Graceland was no longer just a home, it was now an attraction. And while Graceland supports the community through the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation (EPCF) in various different ways, there is a large cavern that sits between Elvis and the people of Memphis.

It's easy to speculate that this could also be influenced by the years of constant misinformation in regard to the influence that black music played on Elvis' style, and how despite there being more than enough evidence to prove otherwise, many still believe Elvis to be appropriating black culture and label him as racist. Misinformation can damage a reputation, and there's no doubt that this rampant spread of misinformation had an effect on Elvis' legacy in Memphis.

So, what's the conclusion?

"Memphis giveth, and Memphis taketh away."

Memphis gave Elvis more than he ever could have asked for, more than he ever could have possibly dreamed of. It gave him hope, it gave him inspiration, and it gave him a home. In turn, Elvis gave back to Memphis throughout his entire life and continues to do so today through his name and legacy that were left behind.

Elvis is a part of Memphis, just as Memphis is a part of him. The two are forever intertwined, but despite the two being so closely related, Elvis forever remains a stranger in his hometown. They drive down Elvis Presley Blvd, they pass that mansion on the hilltop where the light is always on, but they don't see a man who gave his all to the city he loved, they see tour buses and merchandise, a business now and a home no more.

The image remains, the man gone from the public eye, trapped in the upstairs room of Graceland, watching quietly as the cars pass by.

"I took a ride with my baby by my side

And the Elvis Presley Blvd. where all the faithful cried

And I saw that silent mansion and I knew that I was lost

They were selling plastic souvenirs of Elvis on the cross"

- Elvis Presley Blvd. (by Billy Joel)

I definitely let myself get carried away with this topic, but I find it extremely fascinating, and I think it's super important to understanding the cultural impact and the modern view of Elvis, not just as a whole throughout the world, but more so from his hometown where Elvis is expected to be loved and cherished.

Elvis is more than just a product to be sold, he's a man with a legacy that worth the recognition, and a life and heart worth remembering. ♡

Disclaimer: I could say a LOT more about EPE as a whole and their impact on Memphis and how they fail, in many ways, to show any real support to the community considering the sheer amount of money they make annually as a business. Unfortunately, I didn't want to make this post about EPE, cause honestly that's a whole subject of it's own, but I'd love to make a seperate post about that sometime as I do think it plays a major role in how Memphians view Elvis and how ultimately Elvis has been turned into nothing more than a piece of merchandise to be sold, rather than a human being that played a large role in American history and the culture of the 20th century.

I love Graceland and I love Elvis, but I do not love EPE as a business and have many, MANY issues with how they decide to run things. But that my friends, is a topic for another day. ⚡️

[hooked-on-elvis]

I love the album "From Elvis In Memphis" beyond words could say, so much so it was the first Elvis CD I bought to my collection (the LP is on my wishlist). Anyway, once I found out "Back In Memphis" is an extension of the first, I consider those two as only one in my rank of favorite Elvis albums. I really can't have a definite favorite between the two... all the songs are SO GOOOOOD! If you haven't listen to it yet, give yourself a gift this Christmas. ♥

"Back In Memphis" is the split-up of the double-album "From Vegas To Memphis/From Memphis To Vegas" released in October 1969. The second album on that set is the recorded live "Elvis In Person At The International Hotel." A year later, in October 1970, those albums were released in a new configuration, as individual LPs. The album "Back In Memphis" has songs saved from the American Sound Studios recording sessions (January and February 1969), after part of the material was released on the album "From Elvis In Memphis" in June 1969.

[pxnsneverland]

Heartbreak Hotel | austin!elvis x oc (part 4)

(gif source: austinbutlermischief)

plot summary: Angel Casteel is a small town girl who lucked into working as a costume designer at a film studio. Unfortunately, her confidence in herself wavers as she is assigned to work with Elvis on his latest motion picture. Overcome by his star power at first, she slowly starts to realize there is a man behind the fame, a man she understands. But as they grow closer, the world grows more turbulent, especially Elvis's world. Will this Angel be able to save Elvis from himself and the people around him? Or will getting mixed up in his word prove to be her downfall as well?

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7

pairings: austin!elvis x oc

word count: 2198

warnings/notes: N/A

Chapter 4: Behind the Music

After a few days, it seemed strange not going to see Elvis on set every morning. Angel found myself with an unusually large amount of free time. This newfound freedom, however, gave Angel the opportunity to dive back into her own passions which had been somewhat sidelined during the intense filming schedule. She spent hours in her small studio, her fingers dancing over textiles and sketches as she conjured up new designs. Between meetings and recordings for a Christmas album he didn’t even want to continue doing, Elvis sought refuge in Angel's studio. The space was serene and flooded with natural light, the walls draped with fabrics of all textures and colors. It was worlds away from the glittering harshness of the showbiz industry that continually tried to mold Elvis into something he was not. As Angel worked, Elvis would often sit quietly in a corner, strumming his guitar lightly, sometimes humming along to whatever tune floated into his mind.

One afternoon, as Elvis watched her sketching a new pattern, he broke the silence with an unexpected suggestion. “Angel, baby,” he started tentatively, “Once all the contracts are up and everything is resolved here, the Colonel is talkin’ about goin’ back to performin’. Movin’ to Las Vegas.”

Angel paused her sketching, her pencil hovering mid-air as she processed his words. The thought of Las Vegas—a city of bright lights and endless nights—seemed so far removed from the quiet intimacy of their current moments. She looked up at him, trying to read his expression. "Las Vegas, huh?" she said softly, laying down her pencil.

“Yeah, Las Vegas. It’s a good place to start up my music again, getting away from LA and leave ‘movie star Elvis’ behind.” He sounded like he was trying to convince himself it was a good move as well as her. “I want you to come with me.”

Angel felt her heart skip a beat at the invitation, the gravity of his words sinking in. She had only been in LA a short while herself, chasing something more than her old country town. She had thought getting a job at the production studio had been that ‘something more’. Until Elvis came into her life. Now, with Elvis’s proposal hanging in the air between them, a new chapter seemed to be beckoning. She hesitated for a moment, the threads of her previous life tugging at her heartstrings. “That’s a…big step, Elvis.”

Elvis watched her carefully, his eyes searching hers for any hint of what she might be thinking. “I know it’s big, darlin’. But I ain’t just talkin’ about Vegas. I’m talkin’ about us. You and me, takin’ on the world together. I can’t imagine bein’ anywhere without you.”

His words wrapped around her like a warm blanket. Angel took a deep breath. She set her pencil down fully and moved towards him, her hands reaching out to grasp his. “You really mean that?”

“Every word,” he affirmed earnestly, capturing her hands in his own and holding them tight.

Angel looked around the studio, at the creations that represented her dreams and aspirations. Could she really leave all this behind? Yet, looking back at Elvis, she realized that he *was* her dream now, inextricably woven into the fabric of her future. She smiled, the decision suddenly clear in her mind. "Alright, Elvis.”

Elvis exhaled a sigh of relief, his face breaking into a wide grin. “You won’t regret it, Angel. I promise you that.” He pulled her into his arms.

*************************************

Half of Angel’s apartment was already packed in preparation for her upcoming move to Las Vegas even if some of Elvis' description of it seemed much too excessive for her. The boxes piled high in the small living room, each labeled with meticulous care: 'Kitchen stuff', 'Sketchbooks', 'Fabric'. Angel moved among them, her heart a mixture of excitement and apprehension. As she folded another of her delicate designs into a box marked 'Studio', she paused, holding the fabric against her cheek. The texture was familiar, comforting. In that moment, the doorbell rang, pulling her from her reverie. She set the fabric down gently and walked over to open the door. Standing there, with a lopsided grin was Elvis. His eyes sparkled with that familiar mischievous glint as he saw the chaos of her half-packed apartment.

“What are you doing here?” Angel asked returning his grin.

“I was hopin’ to pull you away from all this packing.” He kissed her briefly on the lips. “I want you to come somewhere with me today.”

“Where?”

“It’s a surprise.” He motioned behind him and there was a car waiting with a driver.

Angel hesitated, glancing back at the mountain of boxes that still needed her attention. But the allure of an unexpected adventure with Elvis was too tempting to resist. With a playful sigh, she grabbed her purse and followed him out the door.

For the whole of the hour-long car trip, Angel pleaded with Elvis to reveal their destination. With a devilish grin on his face, he continued encouraging her to be patient. As the car continued driving up the mountain, past trees, plants, and the odd cactus, she eventually gave up asking. The road curved and twisted through the landscape, each turn revealing breathtaking vistas that Angel had only ever seen in photographs. The sun was just beginning to dip below the horizon, casting an orange glow over everything. The car finally slowed to a stop behind the Hollywood sign. Elvis got out first then opened the door for Angel extending his hand to assist her out the vehicle. She strolled to the 'O' and stared out the center onto the metropolis. It was stunning in appearance, enormous in size, and all encompassing.

Elvis stood beside her, his presence a comforting constant. He wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close as they both took in the expansive view. “I wanted to show you this,” he said softly, his voice tinged with emotion.

Angel turned to look at him, her eyes reflecting the last rays of the setting sun. “It’s beautiful, Elvis. But why here?”

He smiled. “I used to come here a lot when I first moved to Los Angeles. Things seem so simple and quiet up here.” He sat down in the crook of the 'O' and leaned back. He took her hand. “I’ve arranged a meetin’. Jerry told me about these guys he had met goin’ out one night. They’re called Binder and Bones. He kept sayin’ ‘You gotta meet these guys, E.P.! They’re the ones who put James Brown and the Rolling Stones on stage. You gotta meet ‘em’. When we were talkin’ in the trailer about me gettin’ back to myself and all…I thought it wouldn’t hurt to give ‘em a call.”

Angel sat beside him, her heart beating with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. The idea of Elvis reconnecting with his musical roots and stepping back onto the stage was thrilling, yet the uncertainty of it all weighed heavily on her. "Binder and Bones, huh?" she mused aloud, trying to sound more confident than she felt.

Elvis squeezed her hand gently, his gaze fixed on the sprawling city below. "Yeah, they're supposed to be real innovators in the music scene.”

Angel raised an eyebrow. “The Colonel doesn’t know about this, does he?”

A pack of cigarettes appeared from Elvis's pocket. With his lips, he drew one out and lit it. He exhaled the cigarette smoke. “No, he doesn’t. And I’d like to keep it that way for now. He’s got his own ideas about what my comeback should look like, but I need to do this my way.”

Angel nodded. “Well, I don’t have any objections. You know how I feel about that man.”

Elvis chuckled softly, the smoke curling up into the air between them. "I know, darlin'. That's why I'm doing this with you by my side. You understand me more than anybody else."

“Who knows what’s better for Elvis Presley than Elvis Presley, right?”

Elvis grinned, that familiar twinkle lighting up his eyes. “My angel…with you, I think I can finally get things right.” He drew her in and brushed their lips together.

They separated when they heard footsteps approaching. Jerry approached then along with two guys: Binder and Bones. It was clear that all three of them meant business. Angel withdrew her hand from Elvis's. His chest rose and fell as he looked out at the cityscape again.

The guys came to a complete halt. “Mr. Binder, Mr. Howe, this is Mr. Elvis Presley and Ms. Angel Casteel.”

Angel gave a friendly nod to each of them. Elvis pretended for a second that he didn't notice their presence. He looked immersed in what he was seeing. Then he spoke, “When I first came to Hollywood, I would come up here and sit for hours. Right over there…” From where he was seated, the Griffith Observatory was readily visible across the distance. “...that’s where they shot Rebel Without A Cause. Man, I used to dream of bein’ a great actor like Jimmy Dean. The sign was beautiful then.” He stopped to examine the rusty metal that was only visible from this vantage point. “And now…Feels as though lots of things are like that these days. Broke down, beat up. Rotten.”

Elvis removed his sunglasses and proceeded. “I really like what you guys did, putting James Brown and the Stones together.”

Binder responded right away. “We’re, uh…big fans of yours, too. It’s just that, Mr. Presley, we don’t usually—”

“Oh, Elvis.”

“Elvis, uh…” Binder continued, “Christmas specials aren’t really our thing.”

That made Elvis grin knowingly. “I know.” His grin, however, was short-lived and rapidly faded. “Tell me honestly, where do you boys think my career’s at right now?” 

Both Binder and Bones gazed at one other, their silence revealing their reluctance to speak. Bones answered, “Well, it’s…”

“It’s in the toilet, Elvis,” Binder said. He gave Angel a sidelong look. “Sorry for the terminology, ma’am.”

Angel gave a small smile, showing that she took no offense. She appreciated the honesty; it was something Elvis desperately needed if he was going to make a real comeback.

“My girl may look like a lady, but she’s tough.” Elvis laughed and gave Angel a knowing grin before returning to the conversation. “Oh Lord. I knew you were the right guys for this job. You know, back when I was starting out, some people wanted to put me in jail or even kill me, ‘cause of the way I was movin’.” He dismounted from his perch and began to stroll. He stopped when he reached a beam holding up one of the letters and rested against it. “So they cut my hair, put me in a uniform and they sent me away.” Once again, Elvis's mind was wandering off into the past. “That killed my mother. And ever since then…I’ve been lost.”

Angel approached Elvis and placed a protective arm over his forearm. “Elvis…”

He lowered his head and smiled at her. “I’m alright, darlin’.” Elvis turned to see Binder and Bones, who were still listening intently.  “When you’re lost, people take advantage. It wasn’t until an angel came into my life...that I realized how truly lost I was. I need you fellas to help me get back to who I really am.” His tone was pleading rather than assertive.

“And who are you, Elvis?” Binder inquired, peering upward through his oversized sunglasses.

“Well, he sure as hell ain’t someone who sings Christmas songs by a fireplace in a wool sweater,” Angel commented with her hands on her hips. Both Binder and Bones laughed nervously to themselves, then quickly resumed their serious businesslike demeanor.

“And what does the Colonel think?” Bones asked.

“I don’t give a damn what the Colonel thinks,” Elvis answered back.

That appeared to arouse both producers's attention as they exchanged happy glances. They agreed to film Elvis's special and confirmed it with a handshake.

“We’ll start drawing up plans,” Binder said, “Set designs and everything and we’ll run them by you. I promise you’re not going to regret this.”

“No matter if it works out or not, I don’t regret anythin’,' ' Elvis declared.

Jerry waved farewell as he led Binder and Bones back to their vehicle at the top of the hill. When everyone else was gone, Angel grabbed Elvis and threw her arms around his neck. He buried his face in her shoulder stroking calming circles all over her back. They held each other for what seemed like an eternity. Elvis took a step back to look her directly in the eye, but his hands remained planted firmly on her waist. “This is gonna be big, baby doll. I can feel it. Bigger than anythin’ anyone has ever done before.” He pulled strands of hair out of her face. “But no matter what happens, I ain’t gonna let nothin’ happen to you, understand?”

Angel chuckled a little. “What’s gonna happen to me?”

Elvis drew her in for a close kiss on the forehead and then lingered there. He took a long breath in. “Nothin’.”

Stay tuned for part 5!! Click HERE to view!

[undying-love]

Paul on the last time he saw John

Paul was answering fan questions on Reddit about 3 years ago, and somebody asked him when was really the last time he saw John. And It's odd to not remember the last time you saw your best friend before death.

For some reason, I always get the feeling that Paul doesn't want to admit he saw a lot more of John throughout the 70s than what the public thinks. One time an interviewer told him "You saw a lot more of John in the years leading up to his death than people assume, didn't you?" Paul didn't answer directly, and just replied, "I was very lucky we settled our differences". And in the interview with Sean a couple of years ago, Sean tells Paul "I’ve seen interviews with him around the time when he’s about to go and see you and he seems really genuinely happy that he’s about to see you. I think he says like, ‘Well actually I’m about to have a meeting with him, Paul, I’m on my way’, or something and he kind of jokes, but he sounds happy that he’s going to see you." Oddly, Paul does not even aknowledge what Sean says and starts talking about something else. His exact reply was, "I think so much of what he did just, obviously Imagine and Instant Karma is great and the nice thing was, when I listen to the records, I can imagine him in the studio and go, ‘Oh ok, I know what he’s done. He’s just said to the engineer, “Gimme some Elvis echo.. Bog echo.”

WTF Paul

[myfriendpokey]

RIP David Thomas

not the wendys guy, not the kid in the hall

i heard pere ubu's the modern dance as a teenager but what made me a "fan" was actually encountering some of thomas's critical writing, the liner notes to later album raygun suitcase which were quoted by greil marcus in a new foreward to his book mystery train, on elvis fans and the appeal of lives you'll never get to live. i wanted to know how they got there and what they did next.

something i always admired about both pere ubu and about thomas's solo work is the sense that failure, perversity and spite were always built into the project. the original version of pere ubu formed as a way to release a record as a weird artifact people would find in charity bins and be startled by, not know how to parse, and there's a sense the rest of their work is playing on the same feeling - inventing the career of an imaginary band, one which would unfold in mounting strangeness. One where the experimental cubist period would precede a peppy, paranoid 80s new wave pop period would precede grinding hard rock would precede odd studio collage, with digressions to soundtrack old scifi movies and put on an Ubu Roi musical. i think you get some sense of it from this tv performance - notice how he draws out the opening bit, sees it's playing too well with the crowd, abruptly switches gears, keeps going and making it more tangled until the laughter becomes nervous - and THEN starts the song.

some of my favourite pere ubu albums are the later ones like "lady from shanghai", part of a period where all the members would record parts seperately and have thomas stitch them together into new songs in studio to create odd, rickety take on "dance music". but i think my favourite records he did were the recordings with 2 pale boys. "surf's up" is my favourite album by them but the track "prepare for the end" is i think my favourite distillation of the line he was always walking between the goofy and the terrifyingly intense.

“We did the first record not as a beginning, but as an ending,” Thomas said in 1993, in likely the most interesting words ever written for a record industry press release, in this case for the then-new Pere Ubu album Story of My Life. “We wanted to leave an artifact that someone would discover. We were done—we were about to move on to real life.” But it didn’t work out that way, he said: “We had the misfortune to have a dream and vision at an early age that was too powerful to shake in older life. If you’re young enough and if the vision is strong enough, you will never lose it—like the people who became Communists in the ’30s. They had no alternative but to continue…We saw what rock music should be and could be nothing less than that would ever do for us.”

stand by earth man

[jhoneybees]

Could you write a fic based on the picture of Elvis In 1976/1977 where he is laying on the floor on top of a girl wearing that bucket hat?

Of course! I wrote a little blurb because I couldn't quite find a solid idea so hopefully that's ok. Thank you for requesting!

The only lovers.

Characters: Late 70s!Elvis x reader

Warnings/triggers: I'd say there's nothing :)

Tags: @elvisalltheway101 @atleastpleasetelephone @i-r-i-n-a-a

_____________________________________________

God, how you and Elvis love each other.

The moment you and him laid eyes on one another during one of his Vegas shows back in 1972, you have been inseparable.

Touching each other, having funny nicknames for one another, kissing 24/7, calling on the phone whenever he’s out at the recording studio, constantly saying one’s name during every conversation.

You’re joined at the hip.

You can’t get enough of Elvis and Elvis can’t get enough of you. The way your bodies, minds and souls just mold so perfectly together, honestly make both of you know you’re meant for each other.

Every moment you would have just feels so right.

Especially that time where you two were just fooling around in the jungle room, laughing and tickling each other. The moment felt like you were the only people on earth, the only couple in the milky way...the only lovers in the whole universe.

“Elvis! Stop! Oh my god!” You laughed, hysterically. Blindly trying to grab his hands while you threw your head back.

He roared with laughter, tickling you even more.

“ELVIS!”

“Here comes the tickle monster!”

The pair of you giggled loudly, grabbing at each other back and forth.

As Elvis moved to get your armpit, you lost your balance and plunked yourself on the carpeted floor, squealing as Elvis followed after you.

Pinning your hands above your head and touching your sides with his free hand, you never wanted it to end.

“I’m gonna pee! Elvis!” You screamed, wiggling under him as he wheezed and grabbed the back of your thighs.

Reaching over to slap your ass cheekily and growling as he fell onto his forearms on either side of your head.

“Gonna pee?!” he grinned.

Then the two of you laughed, pulling each other into a passionate kiss. Staring into the other person’s eyes with these five words flowing from your mouths.

“God, how I love you.”

[vintageshanny]

Elvis Top Three - Memphis Songs

Wow, it’s been a loooong time since I posted one of these! I’ve really missed hearing what everyone loves about their favorite songs. With the release of the new Memphis box set tomorrow, I thought it would be a good time to bring this back and ask everyone – What are your top three songs that Elvis recorded in Memphis? As always, there are no wrong answers, this is all out of love. ❤️

Here are my top three (at least for this moment):

Trying to Get to You – I know I’ve mentioned this on other top three posts, but this is one of my favorite songs period. I could listen to any version of this and instantly be in a better mood. The studio version he recorded at Sun is so sweet – you can hear the youthful exuberance in his voice. I also love that he really enjoyed coming back to it throughout his career. A friend recently shared the audio clip below with me, where he says it’s one of his favorite songs he ever recorded.

https://youtu.be/JbCwmt1r-ak?si=ATKstS5Tyrd13TmK

Any Day Now – This is one I keep coming back to, and somehow it just keeps getting better every time I listen to it. His voice in this era, with that soulful rasp, makes me feel some kind of way. His whole delivery on this song is perfection.

https://youtu.be/w7C84m2taWs?si=-2vzMaKZFYCRi-y2

Danny Boy – This is one that was not on my radar too much in the past, but lately I’ve been obsessed with it. If anyone were to tell me he could no longer perform an amazing vocal in his later years, I would direct them to this song. The richness of his low tone, the ability to hit the higher notes, everything about this performance is just exquisite. His voice, coupled with the lyrics of the song, gives me chills. I like to think that all the love we give him is allowing him to rest so peacefully.

And I shall feel, tho' soft you tread above me

And then my grave will richer, sweeter be

For you will bend and tell me that you love me

And I shall rest in peace until you come to me.

I’ve used my old tag list from last time, but anyone please feel free to participate! ❤️

@whositmcwhatsit @be-my-ally @thatbanditqueen @ellie-24 @vintagepresley @lookingforrainbows @prompted-wordsmith @iloveelvis @argeriant18 @loving-elvis @alienelvisobsession @ab4eva @manebioniclegali @deke-rivers-1957 @rjmartin11 @elvisalltheway101 @devilsflowerr @missmaywemeetagain @cryingabtab @dreamingofep @animalloverthingsss @velvetelvis @everythingelvispresley @arrolyn1114 @claire-elvisgirl @vintage-leisure @blighted-star @queenncreole @basicpresleygirl @lllsaslll @elvissbabygirl @powerofelvis @ashtag6887 @sissylittlefeather @dkayfixates @peskybedtime @burnthheparaphilia @thetaoofzoe @mercsandmonsters @wildhorseinkansas @presleysweetheart @all-hookedup-on-elvis @i-r-i-n-a-a @pebbles403 @msamarican @ladelinee @jhoneybees @from-memphis-with-love @aliypop @theresalwaysep