Latest news with #ElvisPresley
BBC News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
'Music gave me my voice back after having a stroke'
The power of music has been credited by a stroke victim for allowing him to recover the use of his Perkins, from Grove in Oxfordshire, was left unable to communicate after falling ill in April former carpenter could not speak due to a condition called aphasia - often caused by brain damage as a result of strokes - that can also impact people's ability to read, write or understand rediscovered his voice through the songs of Elvis Presley, Mr Perkins is now highlighting the positive impact music and singing can have for others like him as part of Stroke Awareness Month. "I was working in Wantage, and [a customer] said to me 'do you want a cup of tea?' and I said 'yes, OK'," the 68-year-old told the BBC."She gave me the cup and I put it down, and next I know I fell straight - I went down."That was the end of me." Mr Perkins said he does not remember anything more until he woke up in hospital three days later unable to speak. He felt like he did not know anything and would have to re-learn basic life skills. "I was a carpenter all my life and now, all of a sudden, I've got to start like a little baby," he said. "I could do talking [in my head] but it wouldn't come out of myself," he said the "terrible" situation left him feeling "useless" and asking "why me?".It was during his time in hospital that Mr Parker's partner, Miriam Doyle, began playing music for said: "He's always loved music of any sort, and so I thought I'd play him music in the background." Two weeks after the stroke and now back at home, Ms Doyle said she spotted Mr Perkins listening to music on an "looked up and saw him mumbling away" to Elvis classic Can't Help Falling in Love. It was the first time Mr Perkins had audibly communicated since the stroke."For both of us there were goosebumps and tears," she said of the Perkins is now able to speak, having had to relearn the alphabet, and attends singing groups with other stroke victims."People really don't know to do some singing, and all of a sudden you start to come into yourself," he said."I still struggle with my speech, but singing has given me the confidence to keep trying."Ms Doyle said she was "immensely proud" of how her partner had "reinvented himself after his stroke"."He'd always been a very shy and unassuming person, but now he's putting himself out there to try and help others and to raise awareness," she added. You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Australian filmmaker Baz Luhrmann announces exciting new Elvis Presley project - after his biopic was nominated for eight Oscars
Australian filmmaker Baz Luhrmann has announced an exciting new Elvis Presley project, three years after the release of his celebrated movie about the King of Rock. The Oscar-nominated director, 62, shared a post to social media on Friday revealing he would soon be screening a new Elvis Presley documentary, featuring never-before-seen footage of the late singer. 'During the making of ELVIS, we went on a search for rumoured unseen footage from the iconic 1970s concert films That's The Way It Is and Elvis on Tour,' Baz wrote. 'I had researchers go into the Warners Bros. film vaults buried in underground salt mines and, to the astonishment of all, we uncovered 68 boxes of film negative, as well as unseen 8mm footage.' Baz added he had spent two years putting the footage together and would soon be releasing it for fans. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'One of the great finds has been unheard recordings of Elvis talking about his life and his music. It was this that gave the inspiration for EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, which is not specifically a documentary, nor a concert film,' he wrote. 'As the journey of creating this film continues, I seriously can't wait to share it with you all!' The movie is set to be released later this year. His musical biopic of Elvis Presley grossed a massive US$288million (AU$449m) globally. Elvis became Australia's second biggest film opening ever when it was released in June 2022 - beaten only by The Great Gatsby, which was also directed by Baz. At the time, Hugh Jackman said newcomer Austin Butler 'crushes it' in his role as Elvis Presley. Butler's performance as the King of Rock 'n' Roll has already catapulted him to global fame. He was previously known for his small role opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Hugh concluded his review of Elvis by saying: 'I highly, highly recommend you all go out to see it.' It was nominated in eight Oscar categories at the 2023 Academy Awards, although did not win any. Baz's movies are highly regarded for blending a modern style with older music and aesthetics. It comes after the Gold Coast 'shack' Luhrmann and wife Catherine Martin rented while they were making Elvis sold for $5.72million. The couple have been living increasingly 'separate lives' in recent years, with the costume designer living in the Miami area home while the director worked in New York. Baz and Catherine have been married for 27 years and recently saw their own children Lilly, 20, and William, 18, move out of home. He rose to fame as the director of the Australian box office hit Strictly Ballroom in 1992. The filmmaker followed it up with more hits including Romeo + Juliet (1996) with Leonardo DiCaprio, Moulin Rouge! (2001) and Australia (2008) both with Nicole Kidman and The Great Gatsby (2013), which also featured DiCaprio.
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Kruse GWS Auctions Putting on the Ritz with Hollywood Memorabilia Auction
Beverly Hills, CA May 30, 2025 --( )-- Kruse GWS Auctions is 'Putting on the Ritz' With Upcoming Hollywood Memorabilia Auction featuring Steve McQueen's Mini Trail Motorcycle, Ashton Kutcher's Sunnyvale Robe, Nicolas Cage's Boots, Michael Jackson's 1970 Honda Z50 Mini Trail Motorcycle, Elvis Presley's 1971 Honda Z50 Mini Trail Motorcycle & Over 300 More Lots of Hollywood Artifacts and Celebrity Owned Items. Kruse GWS Auctions to showcase a select grouping of Hollywood memorabilia at its latest upcoming auction that will feature celebrity items including, Steve McQueen's 1969 Honda Z50 Mini Trail Motorcycle, Elvis Presley's 1971 Honda Z50 Mini Trail Motorcycle and The King of Pop 'Michael Jackson's' 1970 Honda Z50 Mini Trail Motorcycle. Also, up for grabs, for participating bidders are Sandra Bullock's 3-piece costume from the movie, 'Speed 2,' and Ashton Kutcher's Sunnyvale Robe from 'The Butterfly Effect'. Whether you are a seasoned bidder or beginner, winning bidders will not be disappointed as these assets will only become more valuable over time, truly a collector's dream, featuring an array of notable items. The auction begins promptly at 8am EST online on June 7, 2025, however, bidders are encouraged to place pre-bids starting as early as May 24, 2025. This is a not-to-be-missed celebrity item driven auction with many distinguished collector's items available from the Hollywood movie and musical archives. In addition, participants can browse all of the Lots available that contain fine jewelry and royal artifacts. Actor, Steve McQueen best known for his roles in, 'The Magnificent Seven,' 'Bullitt,' 'Thomas Crown Affair' and 'The Great Escape' to name a few of many, is also known for his love of dirt-bikes and motorcycles, this is a rare and unique opportunity to own a piece of the Actor's life and love of off-roading and bike riding. While Michael Jackson will forever be known as the 'King of Pop' he was also a collector of art, and a big fan of motorcycles, and that's what makes his 1970 Honda Z50 Mini Trail Motorcycle so special, as Michael was photographed sitting on this one, now restored to its original state of perfection, take the 'Thriller' ride of your life on this bike. Finally, it is no wonder that 'The King of Rock N' Roll,' Elvis Presley also had a love for motorcycles and once owned this 1971 Honda Z50 Mini Trail Motorcycle and was spotted riding it. With these three iconic motorcycles up for grabs, it will be an arduous task not to just bid on all three to keep the rare finds as a bundle, but capturing the winning bid on any of them will surely enhance the portfolio of any true collector. Each motorcycle is tagged with a trail of preservation, providence, certifications, and proven authenticity, which further confirms the value of each bike to be in the hundreds of thousands. The anticipated bids are sure to insight a bidding war for potential buyers. In addition, this auction includes Nicolas Cage's 'Castor Troy' Black Leather Cuban Heel Boots, from the movie Face/Off (1997) - Step into the role of one of action cinema's most unforgettable villains with this pair of black leather Cuban heel boots, worn by Nicolas Cage as the flamboyant and dangerous Castor Troy in John Woo's 1997 action-thriller Face/Off. Sandra Bullock's 3-Piece suit worn in the movie 'Speed 2' and Michelle Pfeiffer's suit worn in 'One Find Day' are also up for the taking. With all the artifacts that were previously mentioned, there are still over three hundred Lots ranging from movie stills, jewelry, clothing and shoes from Janet Jackson, Liv Tyler, Martin Lawrence, and many, many more. This auction promises a thrilling experience with Kruse GWS's trusted interface and online platform. About Kruse GWS Auctions: Kruse GWS Inc. is a world-record breaking auction house specializing in Entertainment Memorabilia, Fine Jewelry, Master Timepieces, Royal Artifacts, Real Estate, Luxury Automobiles, Whiskey/Spirits, NFTs, and NFT appraisals. Founder Dame Brigitte Kruse is the first auctioneer to be knighted by a Royal Family, the first female auctioneer to set a Guinness World Record and is a member of the Forbes Los Angeles Business Council. The auction house continues to be featured in the world-wide press. Brigitte Kruse built the world's first NFT marketplace with a live auction feature. The globally respected auction house has been featured around the world for sales of such notable items as Elvis Presley's personal jet, Marilyn Monroe's famous black dress, Marlon Brando's historic Rolex watch, Italian Renaissance philosopher Machiavelli's estate in Florence, Italy, and the 14th century celadon bowl owned by the last Empress of Vietnam. For more information, please visit . For interviews, quotes, mentions or articles please contact Gibson Public Relations at (323) 799-6266. Contact Information: Gibson Public Relations Gail Gibson 1-323-799-6266 Contact via Email [email protected] Read the full story here: Kruse GWS Auctions Putting on the Ritz with Hollywood Memorabilia Auction Press Release Distributed by
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The VERY complicated Hadid family: As Gigi and Bella's secret half-sister is revealed, how the models are linked to Hollywood royalty, including Kylie Jenner and Elvis Presley
Bella and Gigi Hadid have revealed their stunning secret half-sister Aydan Nix in an exclusive statement to the Daily Mail - but it's far from being the only surprising family connections the models have. Both sisters, along with their brother Anwar, share unlikely links to some of Hollywood's most glitzy A-listers across the ages; from Elvis to Kylie Jenner. At the heart of their plethora of showbiz webs is ex-step father and award-winning composer David Foster, who has been dubbed 'Patient Zero of the Kardashian phenomenon' by his own daughter, thanks to his five famous marriages, according to Vanity Fair. The producer, as well as being wed to Yolanda Hadid for seven years, has also been married to Caitlyn Jenner 's ex Linda Thompson, who enjoyed a four year romance with 'The King of Rock' Presley in the 70s. Further red strings emerge when it emerges that Robert Kardashian - Kris Jenner 's ex and the father of her children - too was linked to the musical legend as he dated his wife Priscilla after his sister-in-law was linked to the star's road manager Joe Esposito. The most recent familial surprise comes from the Hadids themselves, as Gigi, 30, and Bella, 28, confirmed they have a secret sibling who has become part of their inner circle after meeting for the first time less than two years ago. The 23-year-old graduated from the Parsons School of Design in Manhattan earlier this month and was born after her mother became pregnant after a brief romance with Mohamed Hadid, the models' multi-millionaire real estate developer father. Aydan and her mother's link to the superstar family have been kept under wraps for almost two decades, until now. The sisters on Thursday said that they have 'cherished this unexpected and beautiful addition to our family'. The Daily Mail understands that Mohamed, now 76, maintains a relationship with Aydan in private but has never acknowledged her publicly. The young graduate, who grew up in Orlando, Florida, studied Fine and Studio Arts at Parsons and connected with the sisters when she was studying abroad in Paris last year. Since then, she has been photographed with them on multiple occasions. They have been spotted on nights out in New York and during bikini-clad trips to the beach. Family members told the the Daily Mail that the newfound sisters have kept in contact and were 'becoming closer'. David, as well as being wed to Yolanda Hadid for six years, has also been married to Caitlyn Jenner 's ex Linda Thompson, who enjoyed a four year romance with 'The King of Rock' Presley in the 70s. They follow each other on social media and appear on each others' Instagram stories. Aydan's relationship with Bella and Gigi is far from her only Hollywood link, with the Hadids invisibly tethered to many A-listers via their mother's second marriage. Yolanda, 61 - who was married to Mohamed from 1994 to 2000, with the couple having Gigi, Bella and Anwar together - went on to have a relationship with music industry legend David Foster and the pair wed in 2011. They later announced in 2015 that they were divorcing, and the process was finalized two years later. The Canadian record producer, 75, has worked with countless stars including George Harrison, Rod Stewart, Dolly Parton, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin and Celine Dion. He served as a stepfather to all three of Yolanda's kids. Since the split, the families appear to have maintained fairly congenial relationships. David, who had previously been married to B.J. Cook, 82, Rebecca Dyer, 73, and Linda Thompson, 75, later got engaged to actress Katharine McPhee, 41, in 2018 and tied the knot with her the following year. In February 2021, they welcomed their first child together, a son, Rennie, now four. He became the six of David's children, including his oldest daughter Allison Jones, 54, who was born when David was 20 and was initially adopted by another couple, though she later reconnected with him and took on a major role at the David Foster Foundation. His other daughters include Amy S. Foster, 51; Sara Foster, 43; Erin Foster, 40; and Jordan Foster, 37. During an appearance on Watch What Happens Live, Erin previously spoke about how Gigi had kept up a relationship with her former step-siblings. 'Gigi actually just DMed me last night saying she was starting to watch the show,' she said, referring to her hit Netflix rom-com Nobody Wants This. 'The kids don't get divorced, just the parents do.' Gigi has also welcomed a daughter, Khai, with fellow A-lister Zayn Malik in 2020. It is through David's past marriage to singer Linda that he bridges the Hadids to the Jenners, as she was married to Caitlyn Jenner from 1981 to 1985, with the couple sharing sons Brandon and Brody. Caitlyn went on to wed Kris Jenner, 69 - the Kardashian's matriarch - and the pair were married for more than two decades. They had daughters Kylie, 27, and Kendall, 29 - who are both now known to be pals with the Hadid sisters. Kris, who had Kourtney, 46, Kim, 44, Khloe, 40, and Rob, 38, with her late ex-husband and Hollywood lawyer Robert also links the Hadids to the Kardashian by proxy. And both Linda and Robert offer a bizarre Old Hollywood bridge for the family - as they dated both Elvis and Priscilla Presley respectively. Speaking to CNN in 2002, Linda opened up about the challenges of dating such a big star - and admitted she still thought of him decades on. 'You know, it's over 25 years since his passing. He had a tremendous impact on my life, my perception of life, my perception of love and what romance and marriage and family should be, could be,' she revealed. 'So, yes, I think of him even in subliminal terms sometimes. He influences my music and lyrics, as do all the people that I have loved in my life, from my mom and dad to other people that I have loved.' Elsewhere, some reports have even claimed that Robert and Priscilla nearly got married.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Follow in the steps of Elvis Presley and Taylor Swift on a road trip through Memphis and Nashville
My journey begins with a fried peanut butter-banana sandwich and 'Burning Love'. The sandwich, served beside golden sweet potato pancakes and strips of crisp bacon at The Arcade, Memphis' oldest restaurant, was Elvis Presley's favourite order here. I sit at his booth, drink multiple cups of black coffee, and soak in the sound of his voice, as smooth as butter, with that distinctive vibrato that made millions of fans go weak in the knees. I am on a music trail through the gracious American South, travelling by road from Memphis to Nashville, to discover how soul music and the blues had an impact on rock and roll, country music, and contemporary pop. Many of America's most influential musicians performed and cut albums here. If you think this is just the music your parents listen to, remember that Justin Beiber, was born in Memphis, and Taylor Swift grew up, and was discovered in Nashville. Stax Museum for American Soul, Memphis Let me start by admitting I knew very little about American Soul. Fortunately the Stax Museum, which stands on the site where the influential Stax recording studios ran is a great place to learn about the 'Memphis sound,' shaped by race, religion, and the Mississippi river. This music, a lot of which was created at Stax, went on to influence the world through the creation of the blues, soul, and rock and roll, and took Stax recording from a tiny recording studio in 1957 to a multi-million dollar organisation. Performers here included Oris Redding, The Staple Sisters, and Aretha Franklin. Raw and authentic, the vocals are emotion set to rhythm, jazz, and gospel. I walk through exhibits that include vintage recording equipment, Tina Turner's bright yellow sequinned dress and Isaac Hayes' gold-plated, peacock blue 1972 Superfly Cadillac El Dorado. As an exhibit at the museum puts it: 'Soul music is a groove. And a groove that makes you move... Soul stirs your insides and shakes your outsides.' In the evening we walk down scenic Beale Street, the neon lit 'home of the blues'. Perched on bar stools at Itta Bena, we mop up bowls of steamy cajun shrimp with fluffy sweet cornbread as a pianist and saxophonist fill the room with that signature Memphis sound. Sun Studio Johnny Cash stood here. I pause and look at a X marked into the linoleum floor, along with a group of tourists who inspect it reverentially. BB King passed through these doors. Also Ike Turner, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and that young man who famously came in to cut a record for his mother: Elvis Presley. As we walk through the compact studio, bustling with tourists, a guide explains why this space is considered the birthplace of rock and roll. In the 50s, the founder Sam Phillips, offered recording services for professionals and amateurs, drawing an 18-year-old Elvis among other greats. Despite the vintage equipment, or perhaps because of it, this is still a working studio, and artistes come in at night to cut albums once the tourists go home. They are all seeking inspiration, and that signature Sun Sound, authentic and just a bit raw, a world away from the airbrushed images and slickly engineered music of today. (Vocal recordings for three hours start at $600) Weave carefully between the guitars and vintage piano, to grab a photo op with the historic, studio-original Shure 55-series microphone, used by all the greats. For a minute at least, you will be a part of history. Graceland, Memphis I did not expect Graceland to be so moving. The sprawling estate hosts about six lakh visitors a year, and from the looks of it, they are all ardent fans. And if my mother, an Elvis Presley loyalist, is anything to go by, they are all singing 'Hound Dog' in their heads as they explore the 17,500 square foot mansion and its lush grounds, punctuated with horses. The interactive iPad tour, led by John Stamos (who you may remember as the hunky uncle in Full House) takes you through the luxurious, quirky home, bought by Elvis in 1957, when he was just 22-years-old. He had eccentric taste, and the money to indulge all whims, so the interiors are a beguiling kaleidoscope of stained glass, joyfully bright wallpaper and sequinned cushions. I am especially fascinated by his Jungle Room, an unapologetically kitschy fever dream of green shag carpets, heavy curtains, and ornately carved furniture. Beautiful photographs of Elvis, Priscilla, and their daughter Lisa Marie Presley adorn the walls. Though the tour includes a look at his flashy cars, including a pink 1955 Cadillac, and planes, the most memorable part is the meditation garden, where visitors stand in hushed silence at the graves. Lisa's is piled with teddy bears, dolls, and flowers. Ryman Auditorium, Nashville This is considered the mother church of country music, and it feels suitably hallowed. Home to the Grand Ole Opry between 1943 and 1974, a live country-music radio broadcast, the Ryman has hosted practically all the biggest country music stars: From Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash in the past, to Luke Combs, Keith Urban, and Miley Cyrus. The imposing building was first built to be a church, and opened as the Union Gospel Tabernaclein 1892. As a nod to its past, stained glass windows in blue and red let in tinted sunlight. There are also still lovingly maintained wooden pews that fill the cavenerous room, along with a hardwood floor that contributes to its great acoustics. Along the walls, there are display windows filled with spangled vests and cowboy boots from past performers, including Don McLeans's (Mumford and Sons) gold buttoned oxford shirt, Ringo Starr's (Beatles) black T-shirt, studded with a metal star and Taylor Swift's black sequin-encrusted dress. To learn more, and see some very cool cowboy boots, head to The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, located in downtown Nashville, which features 3,50,000 square feet of archival storage and a performance space. Also check out the National Museum of African American Music,which explores the impact African American composers have had on music, from jazz to hip hop. Tour Historic RCA Studio B, Nashville You may remember 'I will Always Love You' from Whitney Houston's The Bodyguard, but Studio B is where it was first sung by Dolly Parton in 1983. This was Elvis Presley's favourite place to record, and he launched 240 songs from here. Nicknamed the 'home of a thousand hits,' the recording console used for thousands of sessions still stands at the studio: you may have heard some of them, including Jim Reeve's 'He'll have to go' and Roy Orbinson's 'Only The Lonely'. This is where the Nashville sound, which gave a pop spin to country music was born, making the city an internationally influential recording centre. There is a hushed silence as the guests 'assemble into a choir' following directions of the energetic tour guide, so we fit into the studio. As we enter the room, dominated by a 1942 Steinway piano, reportedly loved by Elvis, she dims the lights and plays one of his most memorable songs, created here: 'Are you lonesome tonight.' Broadway and The Bluebird Cafe, Nashville In the mood to party, we hit the Honky Tonk Highway: lower Broadway, which is a heaving party of screaming guitars, neon lights, and tourists in cowboy hats. Most of the bars offer live music, and we follow the sound of a violin to find ourselves in Luke Bryan's 32 Bridge, where performers in faded jeans and shiny, fringed cowboy boots sing to a packed audience. Next door a singer in an embroidered vest and leather pants belts out the Eagles' 'Take It Easy', to an audience dominated by a raucous bachelor party, which takes over the dance floor flashing six packs and waving their broad rimmed hats. Meanwhile, a 'pedal tavern' party bike flashed past, unsteady with happily drunk tourists. Bluebird Cafe, a packed listening room, has a completely different vibe. Do not be fooled by its unassuming appearance, people wait for hours to get into this space, which has hosted significant songwriters and artistes including the late Kris Kristofferson, Garth Brooks and Keith Urban. Taylor Swift first performed here when she was 14, and was later also discovered at Bluebird Cafe. The cafe is packed, but intimate. Drew Holcomb is performing with Madeline Edwards, KS Rhoads and Josiah Leming, and they settle in a circle in the centre of the room — there is no stage here. As servers take down orders for beers, nachos and cheesecake with quick efficiency, the performers start singing in turn, between chatting with the responsive audience. Singing 'songs that come out of hard places,' as Drew puts it, they laugh, they cry, they talk about love and loss. It is an unexpectedly cathartic session of group therapy. The writer was in Memphis and Nashville on the invitation of Brand USA
