COPYRIGHT LINDAHOODSIGMONTRUTHCONTD.COM MAY, 2009 – 2024 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS COPYRIGHT COVERS ALL OF MY ORIGINAL MATERIAL CONTAINED ON EVERY PAGE OF THIS WEBSITE.
Please visit my YouTube channel:
Linda Hood Sigmon ‘s YouTube Channel
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MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 2024
I have wonderful news to share at last! Jesse called me tonight and we had an excellent visit. He is doing fairly well though he does have to have some stones removed this week (either kidney or gallbladder). So let’s keep him in our thoughts as he goes through this procedure.
As you all know it has been right at 2 months since he and I have spoken directly. He got a new phone and has taken some time to set it up and get it to function correctly. Also, our phone number was changed due to our getting a new service provider and Jesse misplaced our new number. I was hearing from him through our go-between and my best friend…but that was not as good as hearing his voice myself. But, we are all set now.
Jesse has been through a very rough time since we last spoke…he said he has been through Hell and I do know and understand that. My heart has been with him every single day.
Thank all of my visitors for being so patient while we were waiting to hear from Jesse in his own voice.
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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2024
I want to remind everyone that today is the last day for posting messages to Jesse on our dedicated page for that purpose. I will be closing that option down at 5:00 PM this afternoon. The final batch of messages will be printed out this evening and mailed out to Jesse in my weekly package tomorrow.
You have all been so wonderful in your posted messages to him. I truly appreciate everyone’s participation in showing Jesse how much he is still loved all these years after his retirement.
Thank you all so sincerely,
Linda
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The 20 best leg-quivering, lip-snarling events at the Parkes Elvis Festival
From renewing your vows in front of Elvis to look-a-like competitions and then some of the best tribute acts this side of Memphis (whichever way that is), the 2024 Parkes Elvis Festival has just about something for everyone.
The festival brings thousands of people to Parkes and through the Central West, and is one of the best and most unique events on the calendar.
From January 10 to January 14, the region will come alive to celebrate Elvis Presley and all things Rock ‘n’ Roll in what is the festival’s 31st year.
There’ll be hundreds of Elvis, Jailhouse Rock and Rock ‘n’ Roll themed events across five days.
Here are the details:
Theme for 2024
This year’s theme is an Elvis classic:
Get along to Parkes and be sure to wrap yourself in everything Elvis’ musical drama, Jailhouse Rock.
In the 1957 classic, The King of rock ‘n’ roll plays Vince Everett and is serving a one-year jail sentence for manslaughter.
While in the big house, his cellmate, a former country singer, introduces him to the record business.
As the movie goes, Everett takes to it so well that he decides to become a singer when he gets out.
However, he is quickly disillusioned by the record business. Then, with the help of a new friend, he decides to form his own label, and soon becomes an overnight sensation.
Jailhouse Rock is Elvis’ third film that captures early Elvis in all his leg-quivering, nostril-flaring, lip-snarling teen idol glory.
What will the weather do?
Being in January, and in Parkes, you can expect it to be very hot as you ????
The mercury is tipped to hit 30 degrees each day, and will peak at 34 degrees on the final two days of the festival, January 13 and 14.
There is some rain on the radar as well. The wettest day looks to be day one. Weatherzone.com is forecasting around 5mm to fall, with a chance of rain each day of the festival.
What’s on
The 2024 festival has events running across five days from January 10 through to January 14.
DAY ONE: Wednesday, January 10
1 Elvis Wall of Fame Unveiling
Australian surf rock band The Atlantics will be inducted at the 2024 Parkes Elvis Festival. The Atlantics are an Australian surf band founded in 1961.
2 Absolute beginnings Rock ‘n’ Roll partner dance for adults
Details: Holy Family School Hall (enter via Albert St) from 10am to 11am.
Sharee Wilson has danced professionally in music theatre, a teacher of dance for over 30 years, originally a classical ballet teacher, transitioned to include teaching LA style Salsa, Urban Bachata, Rock n roll, Lindy Hop (Swing dance).
3 Feature concert series starring Taylor Rodriguez and Cote Deonath; The Ultimate Elvis Jukebox Request Show.
Details: Parkes Leagues Club, 8pm to 11pm.
There are feature concerts scattered at a number of venues right across Parkes over the five days, but why not hook into it all on day one.
Get into the Elvis spirit with the early rockabilly days to the iconic Vegas years, this jukebox-style concert will have you dancing in your blue suede shoes and swaying to the unforgettable tunes.
4 Elvis trivia @ The Railway Hotel
Details: The Railway Hotel, from 6pm to 8.30pm
5 Elvis at the trots
Details: Parkes Showground Paceway, 6pm to 10pm
DAY TWO: Thursday, January 11
6 Beginners Swing Dance Partner workshop for adults
Details: Holy Family School Hall (enter via Albert St) with Sharee Wilson, 1.45 pm – 2.45pm.
7 NSW Trainlink Elvis Express arrival
Details: Parkes Railway Station, 3pm to 4pm.
This is a festival experience not to be missed. Join the crowds at Parkes Railway Station to give a warm festival welcome to those on board.
8 Feature concert starring Taylor Rodriguez Elvis No.1s
Details: Parkes Leagues Club, 8pm to 10.30pm.
Taylor hails from Lynchburg, Virginia and is one of the best Elvis impersonators anywhere in the world. Do yourself a favour and check him out in the flesh.
DAY THREE: Friday, January 12
9 Elvis Central
A visit to Parkes Elvis Festival would not be complete without a piece of memorabilia from the official festival merchandise outlet.
Whether this is the first time you’ve been to the festival, or the 31st, Elvis Central has something for everyone – Elvii, Rock n rollers, young and old. It runs from 9am to 6pm.
10 Ultimate Elvis triibute artist contest – heats
Details: Parkes Leagues Club, 10am to 12pm.
This is a must see. If you’re off to Parkes, then chances are you’re keen to see the best Elvis acts on show.
11 Kiwi Elvis
Details: Coachman Hotel Motel, 12pm to 3pm
12 The Vegas Legends – Elvis, Cher, Tina and Tom tribute
Details: Parkes Bowling and Sports Club, 1.30pm to 3.30pm
Ever been to Vegas? Don’t bother, head to the day three of the festival and immerse yourself in all things showtime at Caesars Palace with this show paying tribute to some of the best acts anywhere in the world.
DAY FOUR: Saturday, January 13
12 Northparkes Mines Street Parade
Details: Festival Boulevard, 10am to 11.30am
One of the must see events anywhere across the region. This is a parade to rival all parades.
13 Johnny Lee Memphis – 2023 UETA winner
Details: Cooke Park Main Stage, 12pm to 12.30pm
Johnny is one of the best Elvis tribute artists around, and won last year’s Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest qualifier in Parkes, which took him to Memphis for a second time to compete for the World championship finals in which Johnny placed in the top 10.
14 Junior Look-a-like competitions
Details: Cooke Park Main Stage, 12.30pm to 1pm
Does your little one look a little like the King? This could be for you.
15 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artists – Finals
Details: Parkes Leagues Club, 1pm to 3pm
DAY FIVE: Sunday, January 14
16 Elvis Gospel Service
Details: Cooke Park Main Stage, 9am to 10.30am.
Taylor Rodriguez Megan Woods Mark Andrew Dean Vegas Gavin Chatelier James Whalan
17 Festival markets
Details: Cooke Park, 9am to 4pm
Market Stalls are back for 2024. Check out the wide array of merchandise, including memorabilia, rock’n’roll wear, food and beverage stalls and gifts.
18 Renewal of vows ceremony
Details: Generocity Church, with Dean Vegas, 11.30am to 12.30pm.
This has to be the most Vegas-Elvis activity on the agenda. Get around it.
19 The McDonald’s Busking competition finals
Details: Cooke Park Main Stage, 1pm to 1.30pm.
No doubt, over the course of the five days, you’ll see and hear plenty of Elvis acts and songs. Get a glimpse at the best of the best here.
20 Festival Finale, hosted by John Elvis Collins
Details: Parkes Leagues Club, 7.30pm to 9.30pm
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SENT TO JESSE THROUGH THIS POINT ON
THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2024
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 7, 2024
As we all know, tomorrow is Elvis’/Jesse’s birthday and we will all be thinking of him. For all of us who cannot be in Memphis for the celebration, we can all view it on the Internet as linked below. I sure do plan on watching…it is always so enjoyable.
Starts Tomorrow at 9:20 AM
2024 Elvis Birthday Proclamation
2024 Elvis Birthday Proclamation
Mon, Jan 8 from 9:20 – 10:00am EST Arts & Entertainment
Join us as we celebrate the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s birthday live from Graceland Mansion’s north lawn with a ceremony featuring a birthday cake cutting and a proclamation of Elvis Presley Day by Memphis and Shelby County officials.
Watch the ceremony online for free via Graceland’s Livestream page HERE.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESSE!!!!
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You may watch this event again by clicking the above “WATCH AGAIN”.
You may also watch it again by following the below:
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2024
60 Years After Its Release, Elvis Presley’s ‘Blue Christmas’ Is Still Hitting New Highs On The Charts
UNSPECIFIED – JANUARY 01: Photo of Elvis PRESLEY; Posed studio portrait of Elvis Presley (Photo by … [+]
Just when it seems like Elvis Presley can’t get any bigger, he manages something special that proves there’s still room for his catalog to grow. The singer-songwriter is still accomplishing big things on the Billboard charts, even decades after his passing.
“Blue Christmas” remains one of the most successful holiday songs in America, and certainly in Presley’s catalog. As of this week, the single is up to a new high point on two Billboard charts, nearly 60 years after it was first released.
The sad holiday tune climbs to No. 18 on the Hot 100 this week. Last frame, the cut was down at No. 25 on the ranking of the most-consumed songs in the U.S. That’s one rung away from its previously-set high point of No. 24, but now it has a new best showing.
“Blue Christmas” is experiencing a similar surge on the Streaming Songs chart. Presley’s smash lifts from No. 19 to No. 17, a new best performance for the familiar track. That No. 19 held as its top placement for just a week.
Presley’s smash is doing well on quite a few tallies, but it only reaches a new peak on the two aforementioned lists. “Blue Christmas” is steady at No. 1 on the Rock Streaming Songs chart. It’s also a non-mover at No. 4 on the Country Streaming Songs ranking. Billboard has classified the single as both rock and country, so it fits on the two different genre-specific lists.
“Blue Christmas” was first released in 1964 as a single. The track–which was a cover, as Presley didn’t originate it–has become a signature song from the legendary musician. As streaming continues to dominate the music industry, it is one of many decades-old cuts that rises higher and higher every holiday season, thanks to its convenient availability.
FORBES BUSINESS HOLLYWOOD & ENTERTAINMENT
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Wednesday, January 10, 2024
My good friend Dennis F. Miller mailed the below photo to me. I love this beautiful photo of Elvis that is one that I have never seen.
My heartfelt thanks to Dennis who is so kind and generous.
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My sweet Tom came across the below image that we both like. This is a lesson that I have had to learn the hard way during my years of trying to share the wonderful news that Elvis is alive as Jesse.
I am sorry that I don’t know the name of the creator to give them credit.
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As I have written before Joel Gilbert wrote emails to me a couple of years ago complaining because I had included the songs from the Elvis Found Alive CD in my YouTube videos and on my websites. So, I took them down as I felt I had no choice since the CD was copyrighted to his company. I shared his emails with Jesse who said that Gilbert was lying. This is all old news and I only bring it up as I want to reiterate that he sold the CD as being “by Elvis Presley” as shown in the below image. Jesse told me that he recorded those songs so you decide who you want to believe. You may listen to all of these songs by clicking on the link in the sidebar to your right which will take you to their channel on YouTube.
It is now shown as being by various others and is listed as “REMIXES“.
FOOTNOTE: When I first created this post last night, the above statement was true about the “various others” and the “REMIXES“. However, now at noon on Thursday, 1/11/2024, it shows the below listing. Don’t ask me…I just report the facts. Ha, ha!
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=elvis+found+alive+cd
I do want to re-emphasize that in the accompanying DVD, it is NOT Jesse sitting in the chair…but it is Jesse’s voice in the video and he was reading a script…these facts are from Elvis’s/Jesse’s handwritten letter to me.
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024
Once more there is an eBay listing of the album “THE KILLER, THE KING ” about which I have posted many times on my websites and also on my YouTube channel. This album is a very treasured part of my Elvis collection. The price on this listing is very fair and I want to share it here for anyone who may be looking for this album.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/166543842736?
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My friend Chris McC. sent me the below image of the paid receipt for Elvis’ very first visit to Sun Records (then Memphis Recording Service) in 1954. As Chris wrote, “When it all started…..“
I thank Chris so much for sharing this with us all.
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SENT TO JESSE THROUGH THIS POINT
ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2024
A number of my friends have written to make me aware of the below new development in the exploitation of Elvis. I don’t care for this concept myself…but I am certain it will be a hit with many fans. I would much rather watch a video of Elvis, the real person, than the copy.
My good longtime friend, Chris S, shared this particular article with me. Chris and I agree in our opinion of this new concept of Elvis.
AI Elvis to make virtual reality comeback in London show
Reporting by Paul Sandle; Editing by Alexander Smith
https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/ai-elvis
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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2024
The below is not a brand new article…it first was published back in the summer of 2022. I have not been able to access the Elvis channel yet because of our inability to stream anything. We may be approaching getting that corrected and it made me think to share this article with others like myself who have so far been missing out on this special Elvis option.
Elvis Presley 24-Hour Free Streaming Channel Goes Live
The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll is getting a hunk, a hunk of streaming love.
The Elvis Presley Channel is now available on platforms in the U.S. representing 100 million-plus devices, offering a continuous, linear free stream of Elvis concerts, documentaries, specials and movies as well as other lifestyle and entertainment programming. The channel is operated by Cinedigm, which launched it in partnership with Elvis Presley Enterprises and Authentic Brands Group.
“It’s about honoring Elvis and the brand, and doing it in a big way,” said Erick Opeka, Cinedigm’s chief strategy officer and president. “Elvis Presley is an iconic performer whose global appeal transcends across generations and a diverse range of fans.
The Elvis Channel features two 12-hour blocks (aka “wheels”) of content. Cinedigm will regularly refresh the programming on the channel, with upwards of 175 hours of Elvis and Elvis-adjacent material expected to be featured each month.
Programming on the channel will include films and specials such as “Singer Presents…Elvis” (aka “The ’68 Comeback Special”),” “Elvis Aloha From Hawaii,” and both the broadcast and unedited versions of TV movie “Elvis by the Presleys.”
Themed programming blocks include Elvis’s Favorites, Friends of Elvis, Elvis-Inspired Reality and Lifestyle Programming, African American Artists That Inspired Elvis, and 50’s Rock N’ Roll Rebel Movies. The channel also is stocked with some of Presley’s favorite TV shows and films including “The Beverly Hillbillies,” John Wayne movies such as “Angel and the Badman,” “Blue Steel” and “Riders of Destiny,” and movies starring Bruce Lee — who was a fan of Elvis, and vice versa — like “Warrior’s Journey” and “The Man, The Myth.”
Originally, Cinedigm was eyeing an early 2022 launch for the Elvis Presley Channel. But the company decided to time the rollout for the release of Warner Bros.’ “Elvis,” directed by Baz Luhrmann and starring Tom Hanks and Austin Butler, which opened nationwide on Friday, June 24, according to Cinedigm chairman and CEO Chris McGurk.
The development of the Elvis Presley Channel stemmed out of Cinedigm’s 2020 launch of the Bob Ross Channel, stocked with endless reruns of his cult-favorite public television series “The Joy of Painting.” “After the extraordinary success of Bob Ross, a lightbulb went off in our head and we had our radar up for similar opportunities,” McGurk said.
The Elvis Presley Channel free, ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channel is now available in the U.S. on LG Channels, Amazon Freevee (formerly IMDb TV), Vizio’s WatchFree+, Comcast’s Xumo, Plex, Allen Media Group’s Local Now and Dish Network’s Sling TV. Additionally, the Xfinity What to Watch channel on Xumo will feature a curated collection of films and documentaries from the Elvis Channel during primetime starting the weekend of July 2, and continuing weekly throughout the rest of July.
For now, the Elvis Presley Channel is not on three of the most popular free-streaming services: the Roku Channel, Paramount’s Pluto TV, and Tubi. Opeka said “We have conversations brewing with everybody” in the space and that Cinedigm expects the channel to be “fully distributed” in due course.
In addition to Luhrmann’s “Elvis,” this year Graceland will commemorate the 45th anniversary of Elvis’s death with Elvis Week 2022 from Aug. 9-17 in Memphis and Sony Music plans to release two Elvis albums later this year.
The renewed interest in Elvis Presley made it easy for Cinedigm to move forward on the channel, Opeka said, noting that internet searches for the artist are the highest they have been in a decade.
“The Elvis fandom is incredibly passionate, and when it comes to serving enthusiastic fan bases, no one does it better than Cinedigm,” said Matt Abruzzo, senior director of brand management for entertainment at ABG, which owns Elvis Presley Enterprises.
With the Elvis Presley Channel, Cinedigm expands its portfolio of free and subscription-based streaming channels focused on fandoms, including as AsianCrush, Bloody Disgusting, Screambox, Comedy Dynamics, CONtv, Dove Channel, Docurama, El Rey Network, Fandor and the Country Network.
Presley, who died in 1977, won three Grammy Awards (and was nominated for 14) and sold more than 1 billion records worldwide. The King also starred in 33 films and made numerous TV appearances. Graceland, Elvis’s Memphis home, claims to be the second most-visited home in the U.S. after the White House, drawing over 600,000 visitors annually.
https://variety.com/2022/digital/news/elvis-presley
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I loved reading this quote of Lisa Marie:
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My dear long-time friend Lucilia created this composition proving that the bridge, cheeks, & chin areas of Elvis’s nose and face match that of Jesse’s. I came across this recently again and I enjoyed seeing it so I thought that my visitors would enjoy it also.
Again, my heartfelt thanks to Lucilia for her work in creating this and sharing it with me some years ago.
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We took this photo from the front of our property some years ago and it made me think of the quote of Elvis with which we are all familiar. Again, I have shared this before but it has been quite some time.
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SENT TO JESSE THROUGH THIS POINT
ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2024
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024
Another beautiful match…
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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2024
David Beckwith, Publicist and Gatekeeper of Graceland, Dies at 67
He represented the museum — along with Elvis Presley Enterprises — since it opened to the public in 1982.
BY MIKE BARNES
David Beckwith, the veteran publicist whose crowning achievement was his work representing Elvis Presley’s Graceland museum since it opened more than four decades ago, has died. He was 67.
Beckwith died Friday in Phoenix after his hip replacement surgery was followed by sepsis, fellow publicist Lynn Weiss announced.
When Presley’s home in Memphis, Tennessee, was first opened to the public in July 1982, Beckwith helped manage the 700-plus members of the media there for the opening news conference. He continued his work with Graceland and Elvis Presley Enterprises until his death.
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024
I would like to recommend to everyone a very interesting blog that features some very interesting and good Elvis articles from time to time.
Right now they have many rare and excellent Elvis photos displayed that are not seen in very many places.
This blog is owned by Jack and Dodie Dennis who do a wonderful job on their web blog. I have enjoyed their work for a long time.
By Popular Request: Rare Elvis Presley Photos, 1950s
“As president of the official Texas chapter of the Elvis Presley Graceland Fan Club in the 1970s, my friendships and connections to Elvis fans still span the globe to this day.”
Below is just one of the great Elvis photos that they have shared this month. Their current article from which this photo is taken will be very enjoyable to everyone I am certain.
Please visit their blog to view all of the great photos now on display.
“Often, we field requests from readers to post new articles and photos of the man whose recorded voice has been heard by more people than any other in human history.
Here are some of the most rare photos of Elvis from the 1950s.”
Below is the link to their blog:
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024
Just a tiny word of news to update on my situation.
First of all, I apologize to everyone who has written or called and not received a response from me. I have been going through a very rough time lately. Without boring with details, I will just say that my computer and Internet problems have just really beaten me down since we changed our Internet service provider back on December 8th. I have worked, literally, day and night trying to resolve these major issues…been on hours-long chat sessions, had a technician come to our home, and even replaced our modem, repeatedly uninstalled and re-installed programs and applications. To this very moment, nothing has improved or changed one whit. I have been up until 4 and 5 AM many nights struggling to fix this problem.
We have seriously considered buying a new computer, but don’t want to do that until these problems are resolved as it all started on the day that we changed service providers…which indicates that the problem is not our computer.
We had a death in our family which has certainly taken a toll on my emotions.
I have not been getting to speak with Jesse often for the last almost 3 months which certainly hasn’t helped my state of mind.
All in all, I feel like just sitting down in my rocking chair and giving in to old age, bad health, and feeling like the devil 👿 is out to get me.
Again, I apologize for my lack of interaction with everyone who has written or called.
One bit of news though, I have heard from our go-between so I do feel that things are normal with Jesse. My best friend M J called me last night to say that Jesse has been trying to call me but has been unable to get his call through. When we changed our Internet service provider, we were forced to change our phone number which we had for over 43 years. Even though I have given the new number to Jesse and our go-between, this may be contributing to our problem.
Welcome to another day in paradise. Ha, ha!!
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SENT TO JESSE THROUGH THIS POINT ON
THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2024
My very good friend Shawn K. sent the below photo to me and I love it. Hope all my visitors will enjoy it as well. I have never seen this photo before. My sincerest thanks to Shawn.
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MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 2024
I enjoyed reading the below explanation by Elvis of when he first knew he would be a singer. This is on the back of a trading card for sale on eBay.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/145122578150
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I feel that this quote by Elvis would be accurate regarding the new AI hologram of Elvis coming to venues this year. Who needs a fake hologram who may be speaking words that Elvis himself never said?
https://www.azquotes.com/quote/1240915
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