Preparations for Elvis’s 75th birthday underway

(AFP PHOTO)

If Elvis were still alive, he would turn 75 years old on January 8, 2010. So the party plans are starting with several events planned to commemorate the date, including a CD package, special concerts at Graceland in Memphis, and a Cirque du Soleil tribute show.

The Elvis Presley Birthday Celebration 2010, January 7-10, 2010, happens in Graceland and other venues throughout Memphis, Tennessee.

Sony Legacy will release a four-disc box set, Elvis 75-Good Rockin' Tonight, on December 8. The collection of 100 songs from the King of Rock'n'Roll's repertoire, spans genres from rhythm and blues and rock to country, pop and gospel.

With hits from "Hound Dog" and "Burnin' Love," songs from his movies, tracks from his platinum albums, and concert performances, and "A Little Less Conversation" (JXL Radio Remix Edit). The retrospective package also includes a booklet with rare photographs and a definitive essay.

A single disc edition of Elvis 75, featuring key tracks from the box set, will be released on January 5, 2010.

In addition, Cirque du Soleil, the Canadian entertainment company, will premiere a new show, Viva Elvis, in December at the Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, located in the MGM Mirage's CityCenter complex. It's described as an abstract biography of Presley.

The choreographer, Vincent Paterson, who has worked with Madonna, collaborated with the troupe to combine their unique contemporary circus style into a stunning visual event with Elvis music. They previously did a Beatles tribute show called Love.

One of Forbes magazine's top five post-mortem earners, Elvis's estate earned $55 million this past year.

website: www.elvis.com

RC