BackinMemphis

Though her father remains the reigning king of rock and roll, Lisa Marie Presley hasn’t forgotten her Southern folk roots. “Nothing was planned or contrived in any way and out of it came a very organic record that was always inside of me,” Presley says of Storm and Grace, her first album in 7 years. “It’s this bluesy-folksy record I’m incredibly proud to have made.” Produced by 12-time Grammy winner T-Bone Burnett, the Americana-tinged Storm and Grace marks a departure from the hard rock sound of Presley’s previous albums, To Whom it May Concern (2003) and Now What (2005). Lisa Marie Presley wrapped up a ten date tour this past month with a show at Carnegie Hall in New York City, and performed to packed houses in Nashville, New Jersey, and Ontario, Canada. And though certain topics were off limits — such as ex-husbands (Michael Jackson, Nicholas Cage) and religion (media reports suggest Presley is no longer a member of the Church of Scientology) — Presley was forthcoming ab...

Bernard Lansky, who along with his brother Guy founded the world famous clothier Lansky Brothers, has passed away. Samuel Lansky bought the now legendary shop for his two sons, Bernard and Guy, at 126 Beale Street in the late forties. Originally a store which sold leftover Army supplies from World War II, Bernard took advantage of the elevating Beale Street music scene and looked to provide clothing for the typical characters of Beale who wanted to dress dapper. After a few years of business, Lansky Bros. already had an impressive list of customers, including Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, Duke Ellington, and B.B. King. Their most famous customer was Elvis Presley who became a loyal shopper when he was just a teenager. Lansky's still operates a store inside the Peabody Hotel. His family says Bernard Lansky died peacefully at his home early this morning. He was 85 years old. A public funeral service will be held at Baron Hirsch Synagogue at 11:00 a.m. on Friday. Our though...

Thank You Tenn & Miss! Elvis Presley's birth state & home state vote Romney! Let's hope America realizes we can not survive four more years Elvis Presley himself was a republican! So his two states did him proud! I've never had my heart broken. I've always been the heartbreaker but tonight my country broke my heart!

Louis D. Nunley Sr. (1931 - 2012) Louis D. Nunley, Sr., a 60-year veteran of the music industry in Nashville, member of The Anita Kerr Quartet and The Jordanaires, and an architect, along with many other talented colleagues, of "The Nashville Sound", died October 26, 2012. He was preceded in death by his parents Ada Alberta Eaker and Alvin Nunley, Sr., sister, Verna Nunley McKee, and brother, Alvin Nunley, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary Ann Fluty Nunley, sons Louis D. Nunley, Jr, and Lee Thanning Nunley, sister, Jean Nunley Dennison, and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces & great-nephews. Louis was born October 15, 1931, in Sikeston, Missouri, and was raised in Anderson, Indiana. In 1948, he moved to Nashville to attend David Lipscomb University, where he made his first commercial recordings in 1949, and was graduated in 1952, with a major in Mathematics. In the early years of the recording industry in Nashville, there were two active vocal gr...

Louis Nunley was the baritone singer of the legendary Jordanaires from 1999–present. Nunley passed away yesterday at 5:30 PM. Ray Walker says funeral arrangements have not yet been announced. Our condolences go out to the Nunley family as well as The surviving Jordanaires.

 Thank You BB for the music!

Music legend Jerry Lee Lewis is mourning the loss of his bass player, who was murdered early Sunday morning in Southeast Memphis. B.B. Cunningham was shot to death while working as a security guard at the Cherry Crest Apartments. Lewis’ longtime manager, J.W. Whitten , says Lewis is devastated and says he lost a friend and companion in the music industry. Cunningham began playing for The Jerry Lee Lewis Band in 1997. Cunningham, who was also a singer and keyboardist, began his music career performing on his fathers record label, ‘Cover Records,’ in Memphis. He found fame in 1967 when he wrote and recorded the hit song, ‘Let It All Hang Out,’ with the Hombres . Jon Hornyak , the executive director of The Recording Academy in Memphis , played in bands with Cunningham and spent time with him in the studio. He says it’s hard for the music community to see a beloved figure go out that way, “Part of it is musicians get older and there are not enough gigs to make a living just a...

Dock Britt is charged with one count of first degree murder and one count of attempted murder for the death of 70-year-old musician B.B. Cunningham.Detectives said they found the bodies of Cunningham and 16-year-old Henry White in the courtyard of the Cherry Crest Apartments. According to police, Britt was one of two men who shot at a female security guard at an apartment complex near Cherry Road and Kimball Avenue.They say Britt ran across the street and in to the Cherry Gate apartment complex.Los Hombres lead singer and Jerry Lee Lewis band member B.B. Cunningham , who was also working as a security guard at the time, went after the two shooters. Britt with his grandmother  Police said they are still awaiting the results to determine which bullet killed the teen.  Britt's mother denies her son killed anyone. She would not do a full interview with Action News 5. "I'm already going through enough. And I'd appreciate if you guys just back off. I can tell...

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (FOX13) - Satirically penned by Memphis songwriter and producer B.B. Cunningham , 1967's "Let It All Hang Out" not only rhythmically noted the pleasures of regaling in your favorite vices can often bring, it served as a personal anthem for a man who lived life to its fullest as a musician, songwriter and producer. Family, admirers and long time friends, such as legendary, Memphis disc jockey, George Klein, who often called on Cunningham's talents during the 40 years of his annually hosted Charity Christmas Concert, reflected on a man whose shooting death Sunday morning in Southeast Memphis left more than a musical void. "I you called him, you'd say, Hey, we got a charity affair here B.B..Could you get the Hombres together and bring it one more time? He said, sure. There was no check my calendar," recalls Klein. Memphis Police announced the arrest on Monday of Dock Cedric Britt , accused of shooting Cunningham and woundin...

Dock Britt has been arrested and charged with First Degree Murder.On Sunday, October 14, 2012 at approximately 2:12 a.m., officers received a Shooting call to 1460 Cherry Road.Upon arriving on the scene, officers located two victims that had suffered from an apparent gunshot wound. Victim#1, 70-year-old Blake Cunningham and 16-year-old Henry White were both pronounced deceased on the scene. The preliminary investigation revealed that Cunningham was working in a nearby apartment complex as a uniformed security guard when two unknown suspects fired shots at a second security guard which was also working at the nearby apartment complex. After the shots were fired, Cunningham pursued the suspects across the street into the rear of the Cherry Crest Apartments. Additional shots were heard moments later by the second security guard. After checking the area, both Cunningham and White were found dead lying in the courtyard. The second suspect, which fled the scene after the shoo...

Memphis Police have arrested a suspect in a double shooting in East Memphis that left a well-known Memphis musician and a 16-year-old dead. 22-year-old Dock Britt was arrested late Sunday night and charged with First Degree Murder and Attempted First Degree Murder. Right now, he's only facing murder charges for B.B. Cunningham's death. He is not charged with the murder of the 16-year-old. The shooting happened early Sunday morning at the Cherrycrest Apartments on Cherry Rd. near Kimball Ave. "The whole area was taped off. I don't know what was going on," said resident Irran Davis. Investigators say 70-year-old Memphis musician B.B. Cunningham was working as a security guard when he came out to the courtyard to help after he heard gun shots sound off. BIM: We have been informed that Dock has been released for quite some time. I have been in touch with some who know him and from their comments to me, he seems to be a nice person and loved by h...

WMC-TV – Memphis police are looking for clues in what led to a shooting that left two people dead. One of the victims was a teenager, another well known Memphis musician. The shooting happened at the Cherry Crest Apartments in East Memphis. Resident Judy Baladez told our crew they heard lots of shots. "I just like kind of stayed down in my bed and laid quiet and still because I didn't know if more shooting was going to continue," said Baladez. "Like, very loud, like they were very close by they didn't sound like they were being shot in the air. They sounded close by like they were being shot at somebody," she added. A 70-year-old security guard and 16-year-old male were killed in the gunfire. You can still see places where there were pools of blood. Crime Scene tape illustrates the spot where the men were shot. What investigators want to know is: what happened? While our crews were on the scene, a woman carrying a torn piece of crime sc...

BB & Keith Richards Memphis musician B.B. Cunningham , 70, a member of Jerry Lee Lewis' band, was shot in Southeast Memphis early Sunday morning, family members confirm. "I can't believe that that's the way he went out because of ... because of some teenager that wanted to rob a store," says his granddaughter Maria Cunningham . Memphis police say they are investigating the shooting deaths of a 16-year-old male and a 70-year-old male security guard at the complex; MPD says they have not positively identified the victims at this time. Officers responded to the call at approximately 2:12 a.m. at the Cherrycrest Apartments where they found the bodies in the courtyard of the complex. MPD says both victims suffered apparent gunshot wounds. "It was devastating at first but the more we think about it, the more reality kind of hits us and it hurts. It hurts a lot," says Maria. "He was a legend. He really was. Memphis lost a really great ...

Mary Ann Mobley and Gary Collins We are very sad to hear of the passing of Gary Collins . Most Elvis Presley fans will know him best for being married to Mary Ann Mobley ( who co-starred with EP in Harum Scarum ). But Collins was an actor himself. And best known to all of us for different highlights in his career. For me, it was Hour Magazine .   Mobley and Collins had separated in 2011 but reconciled and he had moved to Mississippi to be with Mary Ann earlier this year. The couple had 1 daughter together, Mary Clancy Collins . Gary also had two children with his first wife, Susan Peterson, Gary William and Melissa. Gary Collins passed away of natural causes about 1 a.m. on October 13, 2012, at Biloxi Regional Medical Center. Our deepest condolences go out to Ms. Mobley and family. You're in our thoughts and prayers.

Sixto Rodriguez @ the Iron Horse Music House in Northampton MA on Sept 2, 2012. Yes, I'm hooked! His voice is amazing and it's so refreshing to discover such a unique artist. Rodriguez Tour Dates

So when this story hit the news, I got so many phone calls telling me to put the evening news on! Everyone said YOUR dog would do the same! And as a proud dog momma, I agree:) When I travel on business, just as I am getting off the turnpike, my pooch is already at the window wagging his tail and waiting anxiously for me! If you have ever doubted the connection between dogs and their owners, this story has got to change your mind and touch your heart! Dog is GOD spelled backwards. They are a true gift to us!

TG Sheppard October 21, 2012 @ 8 PM EST LIVE from TG's home in Nashville! 10 dollars to view & interact for this unique 30 minute show! BUY Tickets Show Description: Join Country Music Legend, TG Sheppard , as he talks about his long time friendship with The King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley . TG will sing a few Elvis songs and allow *YOU* the fans to ask questions you have always wanted to know about Elvis but never had the opportunity to ask. This will be a live show from TG's home. *A portion of the proceeds will go to one of Elvis' favorite charities, St. Jude's Children's Hospital.* This show is 100 notes($10.00) The highest tipper will receive 2 Free passes to Elvis's Home - GRACELAND!!! (good only for 1 year after Oct. 21, 2012 travel to and from Graceland not included) other prizes include and Autographed CDs and 8x10s. You may leave a tip when you purchase your ticket or tip during the live show. USERS MUSIC HAVE GOOG...

Sixto Rodriguez rises from the record bin of history. Sixto Rodriguez is having his moment in the limelight. Finally. The 70-year-old singer-songwriter from Detroit has been touring regularly since the beginning of the year, playing festivals in North America and Europe. He recently took the stage as the opening act for Animal Collective. It’s a remarkable run for any musician. But when you consider Rodriguez hasn’t released any new music in more than four decades, the attention he’s now receiving feels downright miraculous. “This is beyond anything I would have imagined,” says Rodriguez, speaking from his home in Michigan. “It’s almost grotesque, a huge leap from here to way over there. Top o’ the world, Ma!” To be fair, that huge leap didn’t happen out of thin air. All of this chatter was stirred up by the release of Searching for Sugar Man, Swedish filmmaker Malik Bendjelloul’s documentary about the unusual trajectory of the septuagenarian musician’s career. A quick r...

Click here to listen Legends rarely disappear. But Sixto Rodriguez that did just that. A singer from 1960s and '70s Detroit, Rodriguez (whose surname is also his performing title), had some of the lyric quality of Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen, but a voice like James Taylor. Cold Fact, his debut album, layered his aching voice over Motown horns and strings. Though there was plenty of buildup, Cold Fact never became a hit in the United States. But bootlegged copies made the album — and the singer — a legend in a South Africa in ferment over apartheid. Then the short, sensational career of Rodriguez ended in spectacular fashion. Rumors of a grotesque death abounded; one even suggested the singer set himself alight onstage one night, burning to death before the crowd. A new documentary called Searching for Sugar Man explains what really happened. The film's director, Malik Bendjelloul, says the saga of Cold Fact was shrouded in mystery from the very start. "No one...

 Set in 1964, American Horror Story: Asylum takes us into a Church-run haven for the criminally insane, ruled with an iron fist by Sister Jude (Jessica Lange), a nun with a troubled past. Inside this locked down facility, danger lurks around every corner. From Nazis and serial killers, to mutants and aliens, no one is safe inside these walls. Starring Jessica Lange as “Sister Jude”, Sarah Paulson as “Lana Winters”, James Cromwell as “Dr. Arthur Arden,” Evan Peters as “Kit Walker,” Lily Rabe as “Sister Mary Eunice,” Lizzie Brocheré as “Grace,” Zachary Quinto as “Dr. Oliver Thredson,” and Joseph Fiennes as “Monsignor Timothy Howard.” Guest stars for the miniseries will include Frances Conroy, Chloe Sevigny (HBO's Big Love), Adam Levine (of Maroon 5) and Mark Consuelos (Kelly Ripa's husband).                                                    ...

Half-Ton Killer? follows one of the most controversial and shocking murder mysteries in recent U.S. history. Mayra Rosales, one of the world's heaviest women, confessed to killing her nephew while baby-sitting. But the facts just didn't add up. In a Texas border town, along a major corridor known for drugs and human trafficking, Rosales was bedridden from obesity. She claimed that she accidentally crushed and killed her two year-old nephew. Immediately, the case took fire. The media wanted to bring her to justice, citizens demanded their tax dollars go elsewhere, and the judicial system scrambled for a solution. Her attorney, Sergio Valdez, questioned the confession. The boy’s injuries appeared to be no accident, and Rosales -- deathly ill from pneumonia and weighing 1,100 pounds -- required 10 men and an extra-large ambulance to even reach the hospital. An investigation into her family's suspicious behavior revealed a story far more sinister than anyone could...

A Detroit musician living in poverty didn't know that in South Africa, he was more popular than Elvis and the Beatles!

Zsa Zsa Gabor had no leg, and no clue. The bedridden Hollywood icon — whose right leg was amputated above the knee last year — was never told about the surgery, her husband, Prince Frederic von Anhalt, admits. “It took over a half a year” for Gabor, 95, to make the gruesome discovery on her own, the actress’ ninth husband told The Post at a fund-raiser for the Brent Shapiro Foundation in Los Angeles. “She found out about it when she told me to sit her up, and she saw it. She couldn’t feel it because [one] hand is paralyzed and [one] hand was too short to go on it . . . Finally, a half-year later she said, ‘There is something missing.’ ” That isn’t the only secret her husband of 26 years has kept. Von Anhalt — accused by his daughter-in-law Francesca Hilton of keeping the actress “increasingly isolated” — continued, “She doesn’t even know she gets food through the tube. It will only upset her. She was so glamorous always, and she is so vain.” He also admits of the death of her ...

Airs on ABC tomorrow @ 10 PM EST Legendary music icon Rayna Jaymes struggles to maintain her place in the spotlight while dealing with the ambitious rising pop vixen Juliette Barnes. From Executive Producer Callie Khouri (writer of Thelma & Louise) comes this contemporary drama about love, power, money, family, and music. Connie Britton starred in American Horror Story last year. The music is produced by T Bone Burnett who most recently produced Lisa Marie Presley's latest CD. "Nashville" stars Connie Britton as Rayna, Hayden Panettiere as Juliette, Powers Boothe as Lamar, Charles Esten as Deacon, Eric Close as Teddy, Clare Bowen as Scarlett, Jonathan Jackson as Avery, Sam Palladio as Gunnar and Robert Wisdom as Coleman. "Nashville" was written by Callie Khouri who is an executive producer along with R.J. Cutler and Steve Buchanan . The pilot for "Nashville" was directed by R.J. Cutler. The series is produced by Li...

Lance will be laid to rest in Hollywood on Saturday, September 22, 2012. Lance's family asked me to let fans know again how much they appreciate all the cards sent to Lance & to also let you know you can send cards to the family at the address below: LeGault Family P.O. Box 55814 Valencia, CA 91385 USA Lance's wife's name is Teresa, his daughters are Mary & Teresa, his sons are Marcus & Lance.  Some of you met Marcus when he accompanied his father to Memphis a few years ago for Elvis' birthday. The family has not set up a special charity for donations, but if anyone wants to do something in Lance's memory, his daughter Mary said the family would appreciate any charity you choose.

Sheila Caan has lost her battle with Cancer, our thoughts and prayers go out to her family & friends. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal Sheila (Ryan) Caan dated Elvis Presley, went on to marry actor James Caan  with whom she has a son, Scott Caan, also an actor. Sheila & son Scott, you will be missed! Sheila fought a long battle with Cancer. And those of us who have parents who also fought the fight, know the pain. If you're a survivor or know a survivor, give them a hug today.....for Sheila! You can read an interview with Sheila at Here

After 12 years of being part of the EPE team, the time has unfortunately come for my family and I to venture out and do some other things. When I first arrived here at Graceland, I was (who isn’t?) an Elvis fan but had no idea what the word “fan” really meant. I will always be appreciative of those of you who were here back then and taught me the meaning of the word. Through the years, our numbers have grown as Elvis fans began using social networks to celebrate, discuss, share, and introduce others to Elvis’ legacy. From the Elvis Presley fan clubs to the Elvis Insiders and Facebook “fans,” it’s been an honor to get to be part of something so fun and exciting. While I will no longer be an official part of the incredible group of professionals who manage Graceland and make certain Elvis music and movies will be around for generations to come, I will now join all of you - Elvis fans who get to enjoy Elvis’ music, movies, cruises, special events, Elvis Radio and Graceland. We all h...

It is with great sadness that I must tell you Lance passed away the afternoon of Mon., Sept. 10. Lance's daughter, Mary, told me he passed very peacefully, his heart just gave up. The family will be making funeral arrangements on Wed. (9/12) & I will pass on information when I have it. Thank you so much to all who sent cards & notes to Lance. Mary said he did read them & they aways brought a smile to his face. Lance truly enjoyed being with fans & he appreciated their loyalty. Lance was a larger than life personality & he will be greatly missed. Source: Carol Drexler

Here's a video of Sylvia Shemwell of the Sweet Inspirations speaking at a past Elvis Week fan club presidents event in Memphis. We sure were lucky to meet all these great folks who knew and worked with Elvis. Thanks friends for sharing!

I don't know about you, but Elvis Week kicked our butts (and I'm not even home yet). It was jam packed with exciting events and so many friends to catch up with! I still feel like the walking dead!

James Burton will be on the Opry tonight with Lisa Marie Presley, Rascal Flatts & others! We'll post photos later!

Looking forward to seeing Lisa Marie Presley at the Grand Ole Opry tonight in Nashville!

To all my friends (new & old) thank you for all the great laughs and fun! You all made Elvis Week memorable for me! We had a blast! Travel home safe & get some rest! And please remember if any of your friends had a melt down or a grouchy Moment, it was a jam packed hectic week! Forgive & forget:) Thanks for the memories:)

In Memphis for Elvis Week? Be sure to make this one of your FIRST stops! August 11 - 15th @ Clarion Hotel on Brooks Rd. THE most incredible collections of original live concert photographs will be on display & available for sale! The photos are from the collections of well known Elvis photogs, Keith Alverson, George Hill, and Harold Newton. Avid photo junkies, be on advanced warning, new photographs available and exclusive Canvas as well! Keith Alverson & Derek Phillips will be hosting this photo exhibit poolside! The hotel has ample free parking & is just around the corner, a mile from Graceland! Be sure to let your friends know! See you all there:) Megan Murphy

Hello I'm Katherine Jackson. And there are rumors going around about me that I have been kidnapped and held against my will. I am here today to let everybody know that I am fine and I am here with my children and my children would never do a thing to me like that, holding me against my will, it's very stupid for people to think that. But anyway I am devastated that while I've been away, that my children, my grandchildren have been taken away from me, and I'm coming home to see about that also. So I spoke to my grandson, TJ, last night, that I left there to be in charge of my children and I never leave home without leaving them with instructions of who to stay there with them, the nanny and all of them and um someone had let go the cook, the nanny, and also the housekeepers I don't know who did that but they don't have that power and they shouldn't have done it. And now the people are saying they are there with nothing to eat, I am sure they have ...

Elvis collector & author James Hannaford has passed away at age 68. Jim is well known to Elvis fans who travel to Memphis & frequent the record shows. Hannaford was one of the largest Elvis dealers worldwide. Jim has also written several books including Inside Jailhouse Rock which he re-released with Joe Tunzi a few years ago. Our sources tell us, he had a stroke but never quite recovered. He was in bed, dropped his phone, reached to get it, fell out of bed and broke his hip. Jim then went into the hospital for surgery, he did not handle the surgery well. Jim passed away last night. Our condolences go out to Jim's family & friends. Elvis Week won't be the same without Jim. He will be dearly missed. Funeral services for Jim Hannaford will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 24, 2012, at the Marshall Funeral Home chapel with Rev. Aaron Wagner, pastor of the Zion Lutheran Church officiating. Interment will be in the Alva Municipal Cemetery under the direction of Ma...