This message has gone out to the many people who have, so far, E-mailed EPE at with questions/comments about the partnership / take over news. EPE wanted to share it with fans on their messageboards as well.
To those who simply wrote to us in response to things they've read or heard in the news media, but did not realize that they could or should check the NEWS section on Elvis.com for accurate and more complete information, please do read the press release as found via the link in the paragraph above. Information in the media is incomplete and much of it is inaccurate. Also, please read in News on our site the personal message Lisa Marie Presley asked us to post and circulate to all the Elvis fans. Here's a direct link to that: http://www.elvis.com/news/full_story.asp?id=739
Thank you very much to all who have responded to the wonderful news from EPE with such great enthusiasm and support. The same to all of you who have expressed upset or concern.
We will be posting more information on our site in the weeks and months ahead as there are more details to share about the new partnership. We also will be putting together a new "Frequently Asked Questions" feature to respond to many of the specific questions we are getting. If you check News on our site from time to time and/or sign up for our long-standing free e-newsletter service http://www.elvis.com/newsletters/ , you easily can keep up with what's going on with Graceland/EPE.
But, to clarify some of the primary initial confusion and allay some of the initial concern we are seeing in some of the messages thus far, please understand this:
- Lisa Presley did not sell Graceland Mansion and its original grounds, or her father's personal effects - meaning costumes, wardrobe, awards, furniture, cars, etc. She maintains 100% permanent, sole ownership of all of this. The new partnership is in the company Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. and its physical and intellectual properties. The new partnership is about growing the company and fueling the global Elvis phenomenon.
- All of the EPE management and staff will remain in place and we're all very excited about the new opportunities the new partnership brings. The recent news is sudden to you, but finding the right partner and making all this happen is something our management team and Lisa together have, for several years, quietly worked toward making happen. Everything about it is good. There is nothing to worry about, but everything to look forward to.
- Graceland is not closing. Heartbreak Hotel is not closing. Elvis Week and Elvis Birthday celebrations and the Official Elvis Collectors Club are not going away. There are no new sweeping changes in our policies or in our philosophical or historical commitments. EPE's commitment to, and communication with, the Elvis fans and fan clubs go on as always. All operations at EPE are business as usual, including our nonstop efforts to get better and better at what we're doing. The main difference for fans will be that, as the company and the global reach of all things Elvis grow, EPE will be able to do more and more for the fans and for new audiences and for the Elvis phenomenon overall. The new partnership means our dreams for the future have gotten bigger and that projects already on our dream list can happen faster. As always, as new projects are confirmed and can be announced, we'll share the details of each of them, project by project, as each comes along.
- The identity of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. is not changing. We will continue to be EPE, only now our company will be a wholly owned subsidiary of a new, publicly traded company called CKX, Inc. Lisa Presley will be a 15% owner in EPE and a significant stockholder in CKX, Inc. Information about a public offering of CKX stock is not yet available, but will be posted on Elvis.com whenever possible, sometime in the new year.
We hope all Elvis fans will join us in looking forward to a wonderful future for EPE, the Elvis fans and the legacy of Elvis Presley.
Our sincere thanks and best wishes,
The EPE Staff
EPE Response To Emails On The Partnership / Take Over
December 18, 2004 | Other Source:Emailgribz wrote on
December 18, 2004
That is great to hear. I think it's important that Graceland itself, and Elvis belongings stay with the family. In that way the new business partners can grow the Elvis' global image to new levels, and market to the growing global village who so desparately need Elvis now, more than ever...
Charles wrote on
December 18, 2004
I agree, but it always gives you the feeling of just trying to sell Elvis offto make a quick buck. With the explanation given let us hope the new partnership come up trumps and pushes ELVIS to the top where he belongs, no doubt we will still hear the same old stories of the druggie Elvis, but we loved him for his music and always will. Long Live King Elvis.
Jim Semple wrote on
December 18, 2004
I cant wait for the day Lisa Marie retires, sells out, packs it or whatever, she's a disgrace.
kozykitten wrote on
December 18, 2004
I think this is a NEW beginning for Elvis. I also think this had to be a hard thing for Lisa to decide to do. But she is a very savy business woman and will do a great job at this. I wish her many many years of success. Most of the people that are thinking negative thoughts are ones that are making money off of Elvis himself and fear they will be cut off do to more copyright issues. If those people weren't being selfish and thinking of only lining their pockets, they would see this is a good turn of events! Grow up people!
Vegas Fan wrote on
December 18, 2004
Oh yes! It has to be very hard to decide to make $100 million dollars by selling something that you had handed to you! Lisa Marie is no more a savy business woman than I am. Pricilla and the board that was put together in the beginning to advise her are primarily responsible for what we now have as Elvis' fans. The greatest majority of Elvis' fans have never tried and never will try to "line their pockets" and I find your comment to be highly insulting, Dora. I have never seen a "partnership" like this end up doing anything good for the business that is taken over, and there are many examples that everyone knows about these days. And as far as "growing up" is concerned, it's called being realistic and knowing how businesses operate from the inside and not believing in a fairy tale.
EinVegas wrote on
December 19, 2004
I'm sure my posting is not going to be like many...but here are some things to consider. EPE has not done a very great job about getting Elvis things in the gift shops to sell. I go to Graceland several times a year and I would say of all the shops..Memories of Elvis, Blvd Souvenirs, and Loose Ends are the best. These are not owned by EPE. EPE has become stale in what they market Elvis. Anyone sick of the Alfred Wertheimer calendar yet? I want Ed Bonja to do another calendar! Lisa sold the footage rights to EPE as well. Maybe we will get the DVD release of Elvis In Concert from 1977. I'm sure these are just some things that will improve with the new company. New photos on shirts, new DVD releases..etc. By getting new people working on this I'm sure there will be many great things to come out that EPE would have never done. Can it get any worse then dog accessories that EPE has already licensed?
Jim Semple wrote on
December 19, 2004
Quote 'Most of the people that are thinking negative thoughts are ones that are making money off of Elvis himself'. Errr thats a good one. As far as I can tell, I've had no royalty cheques come in for the past 32 years, but perhaps they got lost in the post ! Why can't people take off their Elvis rose tinted glasses ?!?
Rob Nelson wrote on
December 19, 2004
The discussion posted here is very emotional and interesting as usual. Yes, indeed, many of us who are familiar with the politics of a corporate merger know all too well of the post-merger symptoms. Many of my former colleagues and their families in the city I currently reside have expressed their thoughts. We can all relate to this issue on different levels. The following may seem niave and perhaps I may be guilty of "wearing those rose colored glasses" referred to in one of the posts: the image and trademarks et al of Graceland and the legacy of Elvis Presley (albeit on the surface) will not change tremendously. Now, on the other hand, one wonders what influence the new partnership will bring internally. May I state that the Elvis fans are the "insurance" that perhaps the creative juices of EPE will flow in new directions. After all, we number in the tens of thousands and I cannot imagine another effective democratic model such as the very one ElvisNews and Elvis fans support. I only wish more people in my country would present their opinions to the politician on election day in the fashion that Elvis fans present their opinions to EPE. Well, here's to the future: hoping 2005 will be a better one for all. Thanks.
CEP wrote on
December 19, 2004
Why are some Elvis fans so blind,spiteful and just plain stupid? his is a intelligent and overdue move by EPE to expand the commercial potential of the company and the global reach of Elvis. he Elvis graves,personal effects, raceland are in a seperate subsidiary which are protected. t is an extremely common strategy in business and actually shows that Lisa and EPE cares a lot for Elvis and have a positive longterm plan. It would have been very worrying if EPE had not made a move like this at some point. As for Lisa, some of the comments here are again very ignorant and spiteful - What other deceased stars child has done more than Lisa Marie to protect an image and continue the empire? Why should Lisa Marie bother doing anything? - Most stars children don't do anything at all - especially if narrow minded, short sighted Elvis fans keep criticising and giving her a complete lack of respect. If you are not smart enough to understand what is going on at EPE and why this is a great piece of news then keep quiet rather than spreading stupid rumours and untruths. How can anyone criticise what EPE has achieved over the last 5 years- it has been a remarkable story and hey if you don't agree then please don't take advantage of anything they have done - don't buy the albums, don't buy the DVDs, don't go to Elvis, the Concert,don't visit Graceland etc
Shaky wrote on
December 19, 2004
I'm trying desperately to be positive about this, I do, however have a nasty feeling the dollar will out weigh the respect.
If promotional EPE projects will increase, I wonder just how better informed the general public would have been on the unsurpassed 68 & aloha sets, or did LMP and Pris make sure the cream of the catalogue was out before this move!?!
I do hope the NEW EPE will give us:
1) An FTD DVD deluxe set of the 1977 TV Recordings (Not General Public though!)
2) Co-operation and influence on MGM's deluxe edition of the On Tour Material (Well over-due).
3) The New Gladiators project finally realised giving Elvis press attention in areas not pursued before.
4) The Home Movies captured by Priscilla and Joe given a real Family Album type DVD release WITH Elvis Soundtrack.
5) ANY of the rumoured footage 1969/70
Dream on people !?!
p.sloway wrote on
December 19, 2004
I think this can only be a good thing for e.p.e. and will help to keep his memory alive for many more years. long live the king.
hillbillycatlover wrote on
December 19, 2004
Very astute move on the Presley ladies' part. Now you know Priscilla is watching every little detail, so don't think Lisa is making all the decisions! While Elvis did not marry the right woman compatability-wise, he sure did marry the right one to handle his estate. No one can dispute how Cilla turned around his financial debts to the point where he has become the number one financial earner of famous people no longer living! Come on, everybody, this will be another smart move, and most importantly, will open the market up in the UK, Europe, and Japan, where he has so many wonderful fans.
As for the 1977 video, EPE already said the reason they did not want to market it was to respect Elvis' own wishes. He collapsed on his bed after the show and said, "Now my fans have seen me at my worst." He was distraught about his looks and his performance. He knew he was dying. He told others he was dying. We all know now that he needed that colon operation and went to doctors to have it done, but no doctor would do it since it was experimental in those days, and they would not risk it on someone of his stature. This surgery is now routine. Besides, there are plenty copies of the 1977 concert floating around. I taped it myself when it was broadcast. Not something I watch, believe me. I prefer watching the Comeback Special DVD with the joy and passion and sheer love of his music you can see ooze out of him every second. He was thrilled with the raves he got from that; this was Elvis at his very best. This is what we should be talking up, not whining about not having his very worst show broadcast for all the world to see. Then see all the obese impersonators come out of the woodwork even more... we don't want that. Put a lid on it, folks, please!
Dan The Man wrote on
December 19, 2004
I can't see why some people are so negative about this. I'm sure this will take Elvis to a higher level, and Lisa is still the sole owner of his stuff and Graceland, the only estate he really loved.
Jim Semple wrote on
December 19, 2004
Hillbillycatlover - Your Quote ''No one can dispute how Cilla turned around his financial debts to the point where he has become the number one financial earner of famous people no longer living'' Then why is the estate 25 million dollars in debt?
James69 wrote on
December 19, 2004
Jim Semple, I for one cannot understand why the Estate making 40 Million a year, can be 25 Million in debt? Really strange. But I also give kudos to Cilla for builduing such an empire, I mean in 1982 the estate was done to it's last $500,000 and she had the guts to open the house to the public, even though most people thought she was crazy. At the end of the day however, why does Lisa & Cilla need to sell off the Estate? Just to wipe out the debt?
Crawfish wrote on
December 19, 2004
I sincerely HOPE that the future will be as bright for fans as has been stated; but I have an awful feeling that we will eventually see Elvis face on the loo roll that LMP always insisted would never happen. It will be interesting to return to Graceland in 6 months time when people have had a chance to get their feet under the table - can you imagine, they must all be desperate to try and make their own personal stamp. I hope they remember that Elvis was a person, who we all loved and continue to love, and that he is not a Barbie doll that can be sold under the name of Mattell or Disney! If it happens then we must speak out immediately!
data wrote on
December 19, 2004
I don't need the 1977 video's i have them but i hate them, just as Elvis must have done. This was the ultimate act of greed from col. Parker and i am sure it was a bad blow for Elvis.A manager that makes his star do a concert tour and has a TV program made of it when he knows how bad the condition of Elvis was is not a manager but a grave -digger. It also gave Elvis a bad image and a lot of younsters believe Elvis was only that, when we all know he was so much more. He was also the (brain) behind a lot of compilations and the man who kept Elvis from good material to record. I am sorry and i know a lot of you disagree on this( and i respect your views on this) but to me some of the recordings Elvis made afther 1973 sound boring.I can understand why he was not keen to make another record. Now i repeat there are good songs but listen and you can not ignore it, he simply had to make a new album but his heart was not in it. I can only hope we get good things that are a real promotion for Elvis in the years to come. Good compilations that enjoy a long life on the charts and a lot of promotion. And for the fans great releases on the FTD label but with respect for the budget of the majority.
And last but not least, a personal wish, some great remixes lots of promotion and a good video clip and a lot of Elvis in the charts so young people can enjoy Elvis and by doing so also buy his older records and get a clear picture of the man who started it all.
Viva wrote on
December 19, 2004
Earth calling Elvis fans... come in Elvis fans... CEP- before you call us stupid, please learn how to spell Graceland. The rest of the "this is wonderful news" brigade, epe has acheived a very small amount considering the resources and material they have to work with. If they had done a half decent job Elvis would have had at least one Billboard Hot 100 No.1. And one UK No1 in 25 years is shameful. Lisa Marie has done bugger all to promote Elvis, except when she had her own album out and then, suddenly, she was prepared to shout from the roof tops about how great her dad was. The '77 show? On Tour special edition? New Gladiators? forget it- it won't happen. The new company wants to make big money and that means sticking Elvis' face on Diet drinks and Hound Dog being used in dog food commercials. The sad fact is folks, this is a business deal. Businesses, especially big businesses only care about money, they couldn't care less about whether you have the '77 tv special. What they will want to know is "can we make at least $1,000,000 out of this? No? Well let's do another compilation of love songs then" Sorry folks wake up and smell the coffee, they will exploit Elvis name and legacy, destroy it in the process and then move on to the next project.By the way Jim Semple gets my vote. Before anyone says it, I am not negative - just realistic.
Vegas Fan wrote on
December 20, 2004
To Viva and Jim S. It's hard to be stupid and negative when you're RIGHT! Tell it folks, tell it.
JerryNodak wrote on
December 20, 2004
Chill out, people! Step back, take a deep breath and get a grip on reality. The sky's not falling. The Huns aren't at the gate. Graceland will remain open. The tours will continue. (Though the prices might increase). The merchandise will continue to flow. Only the majority owner has changed. Elvis has been big business since '56 and that continues to this day. And will continue long after I, and probably everyone reading this are dead and gone. Long live the "King".
memphisflash wrote on
December 20, 2004
We can only hope she has done this for the right reasons, if there are any! The thing that worries me is, if she is prepared to do this, is it only a matter of time before she sells up completely? Elvis is a bit like the universe, so many people want a piece of him, he's getting stretched and stretched to the point one day the whole thing is going to implode.
CEP wrote on
December 20, 2004
My goodness, conspiracy theorists unite ! Jim S and Viva, please relax and kick your shoes off, you guys get so stressed and suspicious it is remarkable - Elvis is about joy and happiness - be happy that people are trying their best and be happy with all the good things that have happened over the last 10 years at EPE - they surely outweigh the actions that did n't quite work. If you get so bitter and angry over every little thing that LMP or PP or EPE does maybe you should just stop reading about them and stop logging onto Elvisnews and the like. Enjoy the Elvis adventure, encourage things,be reasonable - you really are depressing the rest of us - please
suzie wrote on
December 20, 2004
Thank you for getting all the info to us... I do pray that LisaMarie has done the right move as far as her Dad & His legacy is concerned. And I pray that WE fans are remembered as a main supporter of Elvis, his music, his generosity, his artistry in all the fields of His career. For 50 years, I have loved his voice & musical talent & He believed in God & I hope this move by LisaMarie will continue to inforce his legacy & memory for gerations to come. I just wish we fans had that personal touch back at Gracelands Fan relations dept. that we had with Patsy Andersen, 22 years. She kept Elvis legacy a top priority. God bless Lisa Marie & her endeavors & best wishes for the new "owner" of EPE & Elvis future.
gbalaban wrote on
December 20, 2004
I am also hoping for the best, and I am beginning to think positively on the whole transaction. We have to realize that it is Elvis' great fans that will continue to keep his name alive. If in 50-100 years that all ends, well at least we will all be in heaven listening to the original product once again.