BackinMemphis

Actor who played James Dean in 2001 movie could write and direct the new project. James Franco is returning to Rebel Without a Cause. Franco, who won a Golden Globe for playing James Dean in a 2001 TV movie, has optioned film rights to a just-released biography of Sal Mineo, the enigmatic actor who shared memorable scenes with Dean in the 1955 classic. Mineo led a freewheeling lifestyle and became the youngest performer nominated for a best supporting actor Oscar (for Rebel) before being murdered at age 37. Franco optioned the property himself for his Rabbit Bandini shingle as a potential writing-and-directing vehicle. He currently does not plan to star but that could change. Sal Mineo: A Biography, by artist and photographer Michael Gregg Michaud, was published in November by Random House. It details Mineo’s rise to fame in such films as Rebel and 1960’s Exodus, his conflicted sexuality and friendships with Dean and Natalie Wood, as well as his 1976 death in West Hollywood after...

Aretha Franklin, the "Queen of Soul" has cancer. A close relative of Aretha Franklin Al Allen says that they are very concerned. At this time Franklin's family says she is doing "OK", but they are asking for the continued prayers and thoughts from the community. A report by The National Enquirer that Franklin has incurable pancreatic cancer. It is not confirmed the type of cancer that Franklin has. Last week she underwent surgery for a mystery illness. The surgery was deemed a success, but it came under mysterious circumstances. A few weeks ago Franklin canceled all concerts through May 2011 due to "medical reasons." This is a statement released by Franklin following her surgery last Thursday (December 2nd): The surgery was highly successful. God is still in control. I had superb doctors and nurses whom were blessed by all the prayers of the city and the country. God bless you all for your prayers! -- The Queen of Soul, Ms. Aretha Franklin ...

Felton Jarvis (Elvis’ producer) wrote, “Sherrill was Elvis’ favorite singer. Elvis brought such happiness to so many of us with his music. Sherrill brought such happiness to Elvis with his music. I have spent many, many hours sitting with Elvis at Graceland, on the road, and in recording studios, listening to Sherrill sing for him. I believe this to be some of his happiest times.” It’s not a secret that EP loved the voice of Sherrill Nielsen. During a Las Vegas show, Elvis introduced him as “the greatest tenor in gospel music.” In Elvis’ final years, Sherrill became an integral part of his music both on stage and in the recording studio. For instance, you can hear Sherrill singing harmony with Elvis on “Blue Spanish Eyes,” “Help Me” and the high falsetto ending on “Unchained Melody.” Sherrill is well known to fans for singing “O Solo Mio” as an intro to “It’s Now Or Never” during Elvis’ concerts, and for the unusual “Softly, As I Leave You,” where Sherrill sings and Elvis recites the...

backinmemphis.com has exclusively learned that as of now there is no handicapped seating for Elvis In Concert at Radio City Music Hall for the February 15th show early next year. Calls to Radio City have resulted in they say they will call the promoter and come back with an answer. When I hear more, I will update this news story. UPDATE: The handicapped seating issue has been resolved.

Rockabilly: The Twang Heard 'Round the World: The Illustrated History by Michael Dregni, Contribution by Greil Marcus ,Contribution by Peter Guralnick , Contribution by Luc Sante, Foreword by Sonny Burgess. This item will be available on May 15, 2011. Product Description It was the twang heard 'round the world: Rockabilly was born out of country, bluegrass, jazz, and the blues in the 1950s, becoming rock ’n’ roll and ruling the world. Here’s the story of Elvis Presley’s first Sun records that inspired all. And here’s Carl Perkins, Gene Vincent, Eddie Cochran, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, and many more rockabillies from the golden years of 1955–1959, in a book chock full of photos, collectible memorabilia, movie posters, rare records, fashion, and rebel lifestyle. Includes contributions from noted music journalists Greil Marcus, Peter Guralnick, Luc Sante, Robert Gordon, and more. The story continues today, with a rockabilly revival that began with stars, such ...

Elvis Presley Fan Club CD & Letter From Priscilla & Lisa Marie Yesterday in the mail came the Elvis Presley Fan Club CD and special note from Priscilla & Lisa Marie. I have added their message here for all the fans to see. It's an upbeat and appreciative message! No doubt, Priscilla wrote it herself! Dear Friends, This has been a great year to be a fan of Elvis Presley! The launch of Viva Elvisnby Cirque du Soleil, the new Elvis exhibit at The Newsuem in Wahington, the celebration of "Elvis On Tour", and the recent release of Viva Elvis - The Album have been just a few ways fans around the world have celebrated Elvis' life and legacy. 2011 is certain to be another amazing year. As you know, it is the 55th anniversary of Elvis' first RCA single, first album, first movie and first television appearances. From the new exhibits at Graceland and on Elvis.com to special movie and music releases, there will be many ways for you to celebrate this speci...