Go to main content

It's Elvis Week On AOL

August 08, 2003 | Other
The following is adapted from an AOL press release:

John Mellencamp Rocks Graceland Only On AOL For Broadband. John Mellencamp's Landmark Performance for Sessions@AOL Full Set Kicks Off AOL's Elvis Week Participation Beginning August 11

AOL Music Celebrates Life and Music of Rock Pioneer Elvis Presley with Exclusive Features Including Vigilcast 2003, Classic Performances, Photos and More.

Nearly 26 years after Elvis Presley's untimely death, America Online, the world's leading interactive services company announces that John Mellencamp will perform a landmark Sessions@AOL Full Set at Elvis' home, Graceland. This AOL exclusive event marks the first time Sessions@AOL has been taped at such a historic location and the first time that an artist has performed at Graceland exclusively for an online audience. AOL for Broadband members will get a rare glimpse into the famed Jungle room to see Mellencamp perform tracks from his new album of traditional works, Trouble No More, as well as covers of House of the Rising Sunand Bob Dylan's Highway 61. Mellencamp also performs an inspired rendition of the Arthur Crudup-penned Elvis classic That's All Right (Mama). The Sessions@AOL Full Set will launch with the kick-off of a week of Elvis-related AOL exclusives that celebrate the life and music of rock 'n roll pioneer Elvis Presley.

Beginning Monday, August 11, at AOL Keyword: Elvis, AOL for Broadband members can stream Mellencamp's entire Sessions@AOL Full Set from start to finish, or check out each song individually on demand. AOL's narrowband members will also be able to access one song from the full set.

The set list consists of:

Stones in My Passway
Death Letter
To Washington
Highway 61
John the Revelator
That's All Right (Mama)
Teardrops Will Fall"
House of the Rising Sun

Said John Mellencamp about his appearance: "I'm both humble and proud to have been invited to perform at Graceland."

"This once in a lifetime opportunity to present John Mellencamp performing from Graceland for Sessions@AOL Full Set builds upon our full week of Elvis programming," stated Evan Harrison, general manager of AOL Music. "Mellencamp was influenced by Elvis and has become a legend in his own right. It's a thrill to offer AOL for Broadband members this exclusive look at this incredible artist from such an amazing and historic location."

"As a major Elvis fan, it's fitting that John be the first artist to perform for an online audience from Graceland. With over 50% of our Graceland visitors under the age of 35, he is the perfect fan to help introduce Elvis to new generations," stated Jennifer Burgess, Director of Marketing for EPE. "The Internet has dramatically changed the way fans experience music. As the leader in online music entertainment, AOL is the ideal partner to enable young, music savvy fans to discover more about Elvis and his continuing influence on contemporary artists."

For the second year running, AOL Music is the exclusive online destination for Elvis fans to take part in the annual candlelight vigil, commemorating the anniversary Elvis Presley's passing. As thousands converge upon Graceland to take part in the event, Vigilcast 2003 will be streamed live for all AOL members on Friday, August 15. The vigilcast will include celebrity interviews and behind-the-scenes coverage from Elvis Week.

In addition to the great features at AOL Keyword: Elvis, members can currently watch the video for the JXL remix of A Little Less Conversation as well other classic Elvis performances and see Elvis photos. Members can also go to Keyword: Radio, Radio@Netscape and Spinner to hear all of their favorite Elvis songs on the Elvis Rocks! station, located under the Classic Rock & Oldies category. In addition to all of the classics, fans can also hear the new Paul Oakenfold remix of the Elvis' 1969 hit Rubberneckin' on the station. The song recently made its world debut on AOL Music as a First Listen and garnered over 392,000 streams in 24 hours.

Sessions@AOL is an AOL-produced intimate performance and interview series which offers a unique look at the world's biggest stars and hottest newcomers. Over 150 artists have appeared on Sessions@AOL, including Paul McCartney, Christina Aguilera, Fleetwood Mac, Coldplay, Missy Elliott, Avril Lavigne, Faith Hill and Ludacris. Sessions@AOL are streamed more than one million times each week across the AOL Music network. In addition to its home on AOL Music, a special version of the program can be seen on the Fuse television network.
Source:EPE - Elvis Presley Enterprises