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Monthly Archive for July, 2008

All Shook Up With Elvis Collectibles? Know How Items Are Valued

(tags:elvis, elvis presley, collectibles, memorabilia, collections)
A History

Elvis Presley collectibles and memorabilia items are among the hottest retro or vintage novelties around today. Elvis collectibles trace back to the 1950’s when he was hitting the music charts with several number one singles. A certain Colonel Parker is said to be the one responsible for starting Elvis Presley Enterprises Incorporated, a company that has made a bonanza out of Elvis’ tremendous popularity.

Maintaining High Market Value

Well, cashing in on Elvis Presley’s celebrity status by putting his name and image on every conceivable object from mugs, clothing, board games, to dolls started a frenzy that to this day has kept on growing. Elvis collectibles are estimated to command a market that can easily be in excess of a billion dollars. And this market doesn’t even include Elvis’ albums.

As a general rule, the items that were originally produced in the 1950’s command the best prices on the collectibles market; and are considered to be profitable investments as their value increases over the passage of time. But apart from the age of the item, other aspects of the items are also considered in determining the market price. The following are the other factors taken into account in determining prices.

Condition

The condition of the Elvis collectible will play a crucial role in determining the item’s price. An item in mint condition, meaning the Elvis collectible is still in its original packaging and hasn’t been taken out, will generally command the highest price. While collectible items that are worn out will have a smaller market value and might even be worthless.

Authenticity

In a world where intellectual property is constantly being duplicated and pirated, only authentic Elvis collectibles, the ones made by licensed manufacturers, are even given consideration on the market, imitation articles are worthless.

Rarity

The rarity of an Elvis collectible greatly enhances its price. A rare item means it is hard to find and exotic. Avid collectors and investors usually clamor for such items depending on the quality, of course.

Origin

The origin of an Elvis collectible also plays a key role in dictating the price. For instance, as the market is continuously flooded with items made in China, items made in the US are considered more valuable and command much higher prices; after all, Elvis Presley was an American.

If you are just starting to buy Elvis collectibles, always remember the factors listed above to ensure that the value of your collection will appreciate over time.

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Elvis Impersonators and Other Wannabes

Ah, yes, Elvis impersonators. Those lively men (women and even children) dressed up in bejeweled white bell-bottomed suits and capes with the puffed dark hair and sideburns who continue to believe and entertain. They are everywhere and they come in all shapes, sizes and colors. They are probably most common in Las Vegas but these days, it’s not surprising to find an Elvis impersonator in Greece, Mexico, England or even Japan.

The King and I - I wanna be Elvis
It didn’t take long before Elvis’ style was copied by Elvis wanna-bes. The King was still alive when impersonators began to appear. However, it was after his death in 1977 when Elvis impersonators multiplied and became part of mainstream entertainment. At the time, there were only about 170 Elvis impersonators. Today, there are tens of thousands. The notable comedian Andy Kaufman, in his early years, was one of the first professional entertainers to include impersonating Elvis in his act.

Becoming and being Elvis means different things for different people. There are Elvis impersonators who are mainly look-alikes and dress-alikes, while there are others who talk and sing like Elvis for entertainment. Still there are others who combine the two talents to become professionals. And then, there are those who ‘live Elvis’ as in dressing up and living their lives as they imagined the spiritual Elvis would.

Have you seen Elvis?
There are different Elvis looks that can be emulated but probably the most popular look that impersonators use is the 50s and 70s Elvis. However, it is the image of Elvis wearing the white suit, scarf and cape that endures and is easily the most recognizable.

Being Elvis
If you want to be Elvis, there are two ways to do it. One, do as Nike says and just do it and two, make it a process. There are several books about Elvis impersonators that not only document this phenomenon but also provide some valuable insight into the minds of other Elvis’s. Some of these include: ‘I Am Elvis: A Guide to Elvis Impersonators’, ‘Impersonating Elvis’, ‘The Elvis Impersonation Kit’ and ‘Be Elvis!’

Elvis impersonators in the 21st century
Today, Elvis impersonating is not only a business, it is an industry. There are registries that list Elvis impersonators who do it professionally and there is even an Elvis Information Network or EIN, aside from the tributes sponsored by the Elvis Presley Enterprises.

Around the world and especially in the United States, there are festivals, contests and events specifically for Elvis impersonators. Some of the most popular include the ‘Elvis Extravaganza’ in Las Vegas, ‘Elvis Invasion’ in Florida, and the Elvis impersonator convention in Blackpool, England.

Elvis Lives On Through His Albums

Throughout his career, Elvis Presley recorded three self-titled albums.

1. Elvis Presley
This is the self-titled debut album from RCA records which was released in March 1956. It was recorded at the Sun Studio in Memphis. It was # 1 for ten weeks on the Billboard Top Pop Albums Chart in the mentioned year.

Presley made three appearances on the Dorsey Brothers show for publicity. RCA also wanted a copy of the album in the stores in order to capitalize on his exposure. The success of his first-ever hit single Heartbreak Hotel swiftly climbed the charts.

The tracks on the album are mostly country but there are selections that are rhythm and blues.

2. Elvis
This is the second album by Elvis Presley from RCA records which was released in October 1956. This time, it was recorded at Radito Recorders in Hollywood. It spent four weeks on top of the Billboard Top Pop Album Chart in the mentioned year.

Compared to when they were recording the first album, Presley and his band (Scotty Moore on guitar, Bill Black on Bass and DJ Fontana on Drums) had a looser time with this one. They had more freedom to mix their country and western influence as well as rhythm and blues on this album.

3. Elvis
This is the third and last album from the king. This is called The Fool album based from one of the songs on it. It was released in 1973 and the album has sold over a million copies all over the world.

For the avid Elvis Presley fans, here is a list of his singles that have reached # 1 on the Top 20 Pop Billboard Singles

Heartbreak Hotel (1956)
I Want You, I Need You, I Love You (1956)
Don’t Be Cruel (1956)
Hound Dog (1956)
Love Me Tender (1956)
Too Much (1957)
All Shook Up (1957)
Jailhouse Rock (1957)
Don’t (1957)
Hard Headed Woman (1958)
A Big Hunk Of Love (1959)
Stuck On You (1960)
Are You Lonesome Tonight (1960)
Surrender (1961)
Good Luck Charm (1962)
Suspicious Minds (1969)

Here is a list of his singles that have reached # 2 on the Top 20 Billboard Singles
Love Me (1957)
Wear My Ring Around Your Neck (1958)
Can’t Help Falling In Love (1961)
Return to Sender (1962)
Burning Love (1972)

Here is a list of his singles that have reached # 3 on the Top 20 Billboard Singles
You’re the Devil in Disguise (1963)
Crying in the Chapel (1965)
In the Ghetto (1969)