BackinMemphis

Time to Turn Page to a Better Year 2011 was another year where what had once glittered wasn’t always what was of value. Recessions have a way of ripping away veneers that look more substantial and less tentative than we hope they are. What is clear for the year ahead is that it is up to us collectively to make our destiny. Perhaps what we do deliberately will be tempered considerably by the weight of other factors beyond our control. But not all of the elements that determine success or failure and the ground between them are out of our reach. 2012 will be the year a specific plan to consolidate Shelby County’s two public school systems takes shape. Our civic disposition to look at what others have done has been satisfied. With that, we hope the consolidation planning commission will fashion a school system that has as its goal a single public school system that strives to be better for the parents of all children in what are now two school systems. By better we mean in mea

Oh! You Pretty Things' David Bowie + Elvis Presley Birthday Bash, to be held at (Le) Poisson Rouge on Sunday January 15. The show will feature the Oh! You Pretty Things orchestra along with Michael T and the Vanities performing larger-than-life arrangements of hit songs from their catalogue. Formika and Queen V will emcee the event, which will also feature performances from Lady Circus, Hickry Hawkins, Corey Tut, Rob Roth, Saphin and many more, along with burlesque by The Flying Fox and Brewster. Eddie Clendening who originated the role of Elvis in the Broadway production of Million Dollar Quartet and now plays the role Off-Broadway at New World Stages will also participate in the show.

We brought you this story yesterday about the Mackenzie family who were robbed outside Graceland on Christmas Day. The family is in Memphis while their 13 year old son, Dustyn is being treated at St. Jude Children's Hospital for leukemia. Shannon MacKenzie said her son gave Memphis police a description of the man, who has not been identified. "He said after he took my purse, he turned around and started laughing about it," MacKenzie said. She said she was not sure which aspect of the incident was more painful. Even more discouraging, MacKenzie said officials at Graceland have not been very helpful to her. "They've been hateful," MacKenzie said. "They said they didn't want this kind of publicity and did not file an internal report like they were supposed to." MacKenzie said Graceland officials provided video surveillance to authorities in Memphis, but said the footage was poor. She said after the incident, she and her family have swo

Imelda and Bono tear it up as audience dances recession away Sunday December 18 2011 Looking like an Old Testament preacher on a festive jolly, Guggi was sitting next to me on Friday night at The 02 in Dublin. The artist smiled quixotically at me when I told him what was about to happen next was the worst-kept secret in Ireland. Then, seconds later, Guggi's best friend, a messianic fella by the name of Bono, joined headliner Imelda May and her band onstage for an audacious version of Desire by his band U2 (the rumour that Larry Mullen was to play drums proved unfounded). The 12,000 crowd went mental. Harry Crosbie, who owns the venue, had told me earlier in the bar that tonight "we would be witnessing a magical piece of rock 'n' roll history -- it was 23 years ago that U2 filmed music for the movie Desire in this building". When Bono and Imelda did another duet together -- a suitably festive and out-of-kilter version of Phil Spector's Christmas:

Watch Actor Robert Blake, Part 1 on PBS. See more from Tavis Smiley. If you missed this on PBS, check out parts 1 & 2. It's must see tv! Blake needs a reality show! In part 1 of an exclusive two-part conversation, the Emmy-winning actor talks about the ghosts that haunt the living when they “get old,” the days he spent in jail before his acquittal on murder charges and the plan he believes God has for his life. Robert Blake began his acting career at age 5 in MGM's Our Gang series and went on to appear as a powerful adult performer in leading and character roles. Following his breakthrough role as real-life multiple murderer Perry Smith in the film adaptation of In Cold Blood, he reached stardom with his Emmy-winning three-season star turn on the popular TV cop series Baretta. He also played the title character in the TV miniseries Hoffa and won another Emmy for his performance in the TV biopic Judgment Day: The John List Story. In recent years, Blake has maintained

Donna Douglas & Elvis Presley DONNA DOUGLAS is best known to Elvis fans as Elvis' co-star in Frankie And Johnny . But she also had another memorable role known to most Americans as Elly May Clampett on the "The Beverly Hillbillies ." Douglas and toymaker Mattel Inc . and CBS Consumer Products Inc. have settled their legal battle. Donna Douglas & Mattel's Elly May Barbie They settled a lawsuit claiming the companies didn't get Donna’s approval to use her name and likeness for a Barbie doll as The ENQUIRER previously reported. Douglas shone as the critter-loving tomboy sexpot for nine seasons of the CBS TV sitcom about a backwoods family that strikes oil and moves to Beverly Hills. U.S. District Court in Baton Rouge said in a one-sentence order that a settlement had been reached. Details of court settlements typically are kept private. The ENQUIRER had reported Douglas' lawsuit sought a minimum payback of  $75,000. Earlier, both

Eleven-year-old Dustyn Ates and his family were visiting Graceland when a Grinch stole their Christmas joy. Photo courtesy Shannon MacKenzie. FAST FACTS: 13-year-old Dustyn Ates was just diagnosed with leukemia.  After getting out of intensive care, he wanted to visit Graceland.  A man stole a purse out of the family car while Dustyn and his brother were in the back seat. (Memphis, TN 12/26/11) A family whose 13-year-old son is undergoing treatment for leukemia was robbed outside Graceland on Christmas Day. Dustyn Ates was diagnosed with leukemia on Dec. 15 and flown from his home near Shreveport, LA, to Memphis, to be treated at St. Jude. “We thought he had the stomach flu. Had no idea. He was the picture of health. And the next thing you know, it was a whirlwind. We were all just here,” said Shannon MacKenzie, his mother. Since being released from intensive care, the family decided to leave the hospital and do something in Memphis. “He said, ‘Mom, I just want to

Dolores Hart & Elvis Presley In the little town of Bethlehem, a cloistered nun whose luminous blue eyes entranced Elvis Presley in his first on-screen, 1957 movie kiss is praying for a Christmas miracle. Dolores Hart, 73, who walked away from Hollywood stardom in 1963 to become a nun in rural Bethlehem, Conn., now finds herself back in the spotlight. But this time, it’s all about serving the King of Kings, not smooching the King of Rock and Roll. The former brass factory that houses Mother Dolores and about 40 other nuns who are cloistered at the Abbey of Regina Laudis needs millions of dollars in renovations to meet fire and safety codes, add an elevator and make handicap-accessibility upgrades. Now the historically self-supporting nuns have launched a fund-raiser for the $4 million renovation project. “This work may not be in my lifetime that it’s finished, but we’re sure trying,” Mother Dolores said of the upgrades. They hope to break ground in January.  They’re

    Features photographs from Elvis and Priscilla's wedding, many unpublished. The First EVER Elvis & Priscilla calendar celebrating the 45th Anniversary of their wedding. The photos were hand picked by Priscilla Presley herself. Email if interested.

Elvis fans from across the globe are in for a rare treat as rare photographs and negatives of Elvis Presley's appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show are now available for online bidding via Proxibid ( www.proxibid.com ), the world's largest real auction marketplace. Bidding for these items is available until Wednesday, December 21 at 4:00 p.m. Mountain, with the last lot closing at 4:01 p.m. Mountain. This court-ordered auction features two lots available for online bidding. Lot one is a set of photography negatives, and lot two includes a total of 37 photographs -- 20 framed, 13 non-framed and four rolled-up posters. "Elvis fans will not want to miss their chance to bid on Proxibid for these photos and negatives," said Christine Dickensheet of Dickensheet & Associates. "The items available in this auction are extremely rare and will likely not be available on the open market any time soon and they are only available on Proxibid. We encourage all fans to log

 The Alfred F. Rosenheim mansion goes up for sale after the first of the year. Best known as the place where the hit FX show "American Horror Story" is filmed -- was last listed at $10 million in January. It's been off the market since August to allow for filming of the show. The price has been reduced to 4.5 million. The home, protected under the Mills Act as a historic landmark, has Tiffany stained-glass windows and light fixtures, and museum-quality Tiffany glass doors. It still has six original fireplaces with Batchelder tiles and lots of other original details. Ballroom converted into a recording studio The three-story main house has a grand ballroom that was once a chapel and is currently being used as a recording studio. Architect Rosenheim designed the 15,000-square-foot home in 1902 as his personal residence. Also among his credits: the famous Doheny Mansion. American Horror Story airs on FX, Wednesday nights 10 PM EST. It's The BEST new sho

VIDOR, Texas -- Singer Billie Jo Spears, whose performance of "Blanket on the Ground" went No. 1 on the country charts in 1975, has died at age 73. A funeral home spokesman confirmed her death Wednesday evening. Carl Willis of R.S. Farmer Funeral Home in Silsbee had no details. The Orange Leader newspaper in Texas reported that she died Wednesday morning at her home in Vidor (VYE'dur), 85 miles northeast of Houston. No cause of death was stated. The Beaumont native was voted most promising female vocalist by the Academy of Country Music in 1976. Her other hits included "Mr. Walker, It's All Over" in 1969; "What I've Got in Mind" in 1976; "Misty Blue" in 1976; and "If You Want Me" in 1977.

It's official! Howard Stern , The King of ALL Media is the new judge on America's Got Talent . The show has moved to New York City to accommodate their new king. So this month when Stern fans got an extra week of his radio show, they were delighted. And then Howard pulled this one out of his hat. A great surprise for the fans unless it takes more away from his radio show. In the later part of 2011, Stern's radio show on SiriusXM went down to mostly 3 days a week, a big let down to the fans. So we cross our fingers that this does not interfere with his radio show. Peirs Morgan has weighed in, saying, "Congrats to Howard Stern on landing my Americas Got Talent judging gig - he'll be outrageous, hilarious, dangerous & brilliant. Can't wait." It's interesting to see Howard back on NBC, the company that fired him so many years ago. Get ready America for the Wack Pack in the audience. Beetle Juice and Big Foot seated right behind Howard. H

So this week, in our mailbox, came the traditonal "Thank You" CD from Lisa Marie Presley, Priscilla Presley & EPE staff . As an official fan club, we have gotten this CD and letter every year, as do each and every official fan club in the world. And keep in mind, if you're not official, Priscilla Presley and/or Lisa Marie Presley will no way endorse you! So be sure to ask if you are in an official club when joining a club and giving money to said fan clubs. All official fan clubs can be cleared through Graceland by contacting fanrelations@elvis.com It's an absolute honor to receive this from both Lisa & Priscilla . And we treasure these CDs every year. And we want to acknowledge all the hard working fellow fan clubs around the world! Keep TCBing & Seasons Greetings! Now back to the letter, The letter reads: Dear Friends, 2011 was an amazing year to celebrate Elvis' legacy. From the 55th anniversary of his first RCA single, first album, f

How cute is Teddy Bear, the talking porcupine? He doesn't like to share but I swear he says, I like it! Too Cute! Just a reminder during your holiday shopping with alot of greedy miserable animals, that most of GOD's creatures are just sweet & kind! Teddy Bear is sure to put a smile on your face! Happy Holidays!

So a few weeks ago, Kid Rock recorded in the car museum at Graceland in Memphis, TN for PBS' American Masters series. Kid Rock will be featured in February, starting with a performance with the amazing Adele on February 3rd and then on Febraury 23rd, PBS airs Kid Rock's performance at  Graceland's car museum in Memphis, TN. Now rumor has it, Kid Rock also did an acoustic recording in the Jungle Room like John Cougar Mellencamp. Now that sounds exciting! Check your local listings for PBS' American Masters. And check back because we'll update this story!

Barbara Orbison, Widow of Rock Legend Roy Orbison, Dies of Pancreatic Cancer. Her Death Falls on 23rd Anniversary of Roy Orbison’s Death Los Angeles, CA -- December 6, 2011: Barbara Orbison, widow of Rock and Roll legend, Roy Orbison, passed away today after a courageous battle against pancreatic cancer. She was 60 years old. Barbara was diagnosed with the disease on April 20, 2011 at the Mayo Clinic. In May of 2011, she was admitted to USC Medical Center in Los Angeles under the supervision of Dr. Heinz-Josef Lenz, Associate Director of the USC/Norris Gastrointestinal Oncology Program. On May 13, Barbara underwent the Whipple surgical procedure, performed by Dr. Yuri Genyk. Following her surgery and chemotherapy, Barbara was optimistic about her recovery, but complications from the cancer ultimately resulted in a final re-admittance to USC Medical Center in mid-November. She died peacefully there today with her sons, Roy Kelton Orbison, Jr. (41) and Alexander Orbison (36) by her si

Goodbye Colonel Potter! M*A*S*H , That's how most Americans remember the Emmy Award winning actor who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 96. But Harry Morgan is probably best known to Elvis fans as Elvis Presley's co-star in the 1966 riverboat film, Frankie and Johnny . He played " Cully ", Elvis ' piano player, as seen in the clip above. The next clip includes a short interview with Harry talking about filming with Elvis and how pleasant he was to work with. In fact, he says, Elvis couldn't have been nicer. Harry died at his home in Brentwood, California after having pneumonia. He is survived by his second wife, Barbara , and four sons from both marriages: Chris, Charlie, Paul and Danny . Please keep the family in your prayers. The holiday season is the worst time to lose a loved one. Here's a clip of Harry Morgan in one of TV's most successful prime time shows, M*A*S*H . The 1983 Finale was THE most watched show in tv history w