Hello Bob, after all these years we've been friends and all the help you have giving me I'm still learning. Say Hi to Carol and Johnny and keep the shows going.
I can recall going to a Thrifty Drug & Discount Store where I was living in 1977-78 and seeing nothing BUT Pickwick-Camden records, including the whole Elvis Pickwick line-up. I bought “Double Dynamite” there in September of 1977, which was actually my very first Elvis record that I ever purchased. This was the birth of what became a HUGE Elvis collection that I have amassed!
Nice pic of the Lets be Friends Gold Vinyl . RCA Pressing plant in Vernon pressed the Pickwicks after Elvis 1977 . Ernie Ruggiere (RCA) pressed the colored Pickwicks along with the variations of Moody Blue and a few other Releases & Pic discs .Couldn't press enough Elvis the late part of 1977 to satify the Public demand .
I purchased the exact same necklace you are wearing/highlighting at the end of this video at one of Elvis' last concerts in 1977. I purchased this necklace over 46 years ago at the Elvis Concert 06/23/1977, held at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Des Moines Iowa, along with all the other items for sale at the concert that evening. You stated these necklaces never made it to the concerts in 1977 to be sold, but they did make it to the Des Moines concert and were sold that evening. I really enjoy all your videos and all the information that you and your guests share with us in the Elvis kingdom. I have been collecting Elvis records and memorabilia for over 50 years and have always been interested in the history of any/all of these items. Keep up the great work you are doing....it is very appreciated!!!
Thanks for that information about the necklace. I was told what I said about the necklace's origin from Al Dvorin, who was in charge of all the concert souvenirs, and his son Howard. I even saw the dated receipts for the order from Al's personal intineraries. Interestly, another collector recently told me that HE also had the same necklace but was unsure where it came from. I do have a question...by any chance, do you still have the necklace and if not do you know if the chain was gold or silver?
The “Greenback” Christmas albums were sold exclusively at the Las Vegas Hilton in late 1976 while Elvis was performing there, according to what I was told several years back. “Separate Ways” is seemingly the most common RCA Camden cover where Pickwick records are found inside, but I believe that your reasoning is correct that perhaps there were many of the Camden covers were “left over” or sent to the Pickwick distribution center for use in packaging the Pickwick records. Great show as always, Robert!
Mahalo…the only Pickwick I purchased. I bought it because of the Aloha songs. I have a sealed Camden Almost in Love. I should open it now. I opened it and it was a Pickwick in a Camden cover so I’ve purchased 2 Pickwicks now. All my Camdens were purchased at a Woolworth store here in Canada.
Great show. Great info as always. I do have the Christmas album with the green back cover. These albums where only sold at Elvis last Las Vegas concerts in 1976.
Nice to see you looking well a nd thanks for the great show. I quite like the Camden albums but don't own any pickwicks, don't see them to often in the uk. Luv the show.
Interesting show. I think your theory about RCA giving Pickwick the unused Camden album sleeves is correct. I know it’s pretty common to find Pickwick vinyl in the Camden sleeves. I have a copy of I Got Lucky which has the Camden front cover and on the back cover in the lower right corner it has the Product of Pickwick markings like all the later Pickwick copies of this album had. It’s possible that Pickwick received album slicks which is how the hybrid album I have came into existence. Probably not very rare but unique.
Interesting that RCA took back control of the licensed songs after August 1977. I'm fairly sure that the Mahalo LP wasn't available until 1978 here in England, so to hear that it came out earlier in the USA explains the licensing issue. Most of the budget releases here were on Camden or RCA International through Woolworth's, so the Pickwick Label records were quite unusual to own. The Elvis in Japan You Tube channel did actually compare sound quality and if memory serves, the Pickwick releases held up very well. Enjoyable show thank you, would love to hear about your concert experiences, (I believe you mentioned Chicago?).
Thanks Paul, it's interesting that RCA only reclaimed the rights to the Camden releases and not the deleted album's back catalogue in 1977. I guess they didn't know what to do with the Aloha tracks so they licensed those to Pickwick, with the remainder of the Mahalo LP being sourced from material previously deleted by RCA. Although Robert references the 5 Aloha tracks as being unreleased, I believe 'Blue Hawaii' had in fact been previously issued as a part of the Legendary Performer series? @paulgwyn7836
Hi Robert, i like you were around when these came out and I saw them every where here in Canada and said not for me. The box set in your hands is crazy expensive and I wish they had a scaled down version of the sound recordings in a box set.
From what I understand, several of the Pickwick LP's were remastered upon their release and actually sound quite a bit better than their Camden counterpart...
So thanks for the info on the new box set. I didn’t see a white sleeve with an extra cd . I went and opened the book and they placed the second cd right on top of the defective one that was slipped under the lip of the cd pocket. So thanks again and it was nice to know the history of the loathed Pickwick records.
Great video as always got those pickwick record too as a kid I could afford them the green pickwick back side of the Christmas album they where sold at the concerts
It's hilarious what some people want for Pickwick or Camden albums. I see "You'll Never Walk Alone" going for $40 in an antique store. I only have 'Mahalo from Elvis" on Pickwick. I had a few others, but parted with them years ago. I do have all of the original Camden albums and enjoy most of them. My copy of "Flaming Star" is the Singer Presents version.
If I'm not mistaken the FTD Fool cd was sent with a replacement cd because of a misprint. Maybe one other cd as well. Sometimes quality control isn't a priority although considering how much these things cost it should be. Great show sir! Keep up the good work.
The deal between RCA and US Pickwick was first reported on in September 1975 (Billboard 9/6/75 issue). In the article, it was reported that RCA wanted to push its new "bargain" series, better known as the "Pure Gold" series, which was introduced in March 1975. Speaking of the Camden albums, any plans on doing an installment on the Camden albums after Pickwick (such as the Pair reissues, the Special Music Company cassette releases and the RCA/Sony Camden CD releases)?
Bought a lot of Elvis Pickwick albums in the early 1980's from the record section of the local "Murphy's Mart" discount store for $1.00 each, new. Still have them, opened them at time of purchase to listen to them. Still have the Sutton Record Company green $1.00 price sticker on the outer shrink wrap. Guessing that was a budget cutout distributer Murphy's used.
Great show Robert. I have all the Pickwicks, they were inexpensive so what the heck. Although I haven't done an A/B comparison I have heard that sound quality on the Pickwick releases is better than on the original Camden pressings. I read that the Pickwick albums were remastered from the Camdens at a location that's just 5 minutes from my home in suburban NY. This MAY have occurred in 1977 as RCA was trying to meet the incredible demand after Elvis' death. Regarding The In Person set...I received the bad disc and NO replacement, I've been doing battle with customer service who refuse to believe it wasn't in the box. Believe me, I tore that box into little pieces looking for that darn thing. If I have to go the CEO I'm going to get that disc, so help me. Customer service has been horrible and stopped just short of calling me a liar. Looking forward to the livestream! TCB.
I have heard the same thing about the possible remastering done by Pickwick. Sorry to hear about the issues you’re having getting replacement disc. For what you paid they should have sent you a replacement no questions ask. Do they think you’re trying to scam them so you can sell a disc of already released material on eBay for $10?
They've made it very clear they don't believe me. Told me that had no discs to send and when I kept on them they said they mailed me one...2 weeks ago and no disc yet. I will be relentless, my next step is to send letters via UPS to select EPE executives and include the email chain which show a complete lack of respect by customer service.@@sentinel3504
Hi Robert, another great video. I know that you can pick them up for next to nothing! But that is the game, it’s the hunt for them still sealed. Witch l have quite a few. As l live in the U.K. Looking forward to episode 36 is that going to be with Johnny B? Until then stay safe. Ellie 🎼🎵🎶🕺🏻😃❤️👍⚡️
Great show as always. I purchase 3 or 4 sealed Camden Separate ways, over the years looking for the bonus photo. 2 of them had Pickwicks in them. My Christmas album has the holly leaves of it, so now I got to keep an eye out for the plain back. Also I always thought the green back version of the Christmas album was given out in Vegas.
Thanks for another informative video Robert. I have a few Pickwicks and happy to have the green coloured back cover of the Christmas album and I’d better check my Frankie and Johnny!! Thank you.
Hi Robert, happy New Year, hope it's a great one for you! Great video, enjoyed listening with my coffee! I didn't know a lot about Pickwick, but now I do!! ☕️ 👍😊
collection wise Elvis In Person 1972 the concert leads up to the Elvis On Tour movie boxset concerts, leading up to the Madison Square Garden concerts. and they released the Elvis at the Hilton 72 that leads to Now In Person '72 concerts, and i believe they released Elvis The Closing of 72' box set. SO if you get all those, i think it pretty much covers his 1972 tours.
At the time mahalo from elvis was very important in the elvis world because it had for the first time the elvis aloha from hawaii rehearsal songs on side one...In the u.k. it was released on camden under the name Elvis The King with all the same songs.
It’s too bad there are not any soundboards from that June tour. I would love to hear those Chicago shows or really any of the shows from that tour. Heck most shows from 72 would be worth a listen. I’m guessing that if any exist, none are in official hands. If they do have them, like the On Tour material , they are 20 years too late in releasing them. If any are in private hands I think the value is probably only decreasing as the hardcore fans who want to hear everything grow older. Not sure there will be the same number of younger fans as interested in those unheard soundboards when there already is large number of concerts in top sound quality that they already have access to,
The mahalo album should be reissued with a new album cover with an aloha from Hawaii after concert picture from recording the bonus songs and on gold or blue vinyl ?
Hello Bob, after all these years we've been friends and all the help you have giving me I'm still learning. Say Hi to Carol and Johnny and keep the shows going.
Hello Dennis, glad to hear from you!!
I can recall going to a Thrifty Drug & Discount Store where I was living in 1977-78 and seeing nothing BUT Pickwick-Camden records, including the whole Elvis Pickwick line-up. I bought “Double Dynamite” there in September of 1977, which was actually my very first Elvis record that I ever purchased. This was the birth of what became a HUGE Elvis collection that I have amassed!
Nice pic of the Lets be Friends Gold Vinyl . RCA Pressing plant in Vernon pressed the Pickwicks after Elvis 1977 . Ernie Ruggiere (RCA) pressed the colored Pickwicks along with the variations of Moody Blue and a few other Releases & Pic discs .Couldn't press enough Elvis the late part of 1977 to satify the Public demand .
Thanks for the additional info, Ian. I remember Ruggiere but forgot he did the Pickwicks too.
When I was a kid Pickwick was what I or my parents let me spend.
I purchased the exact same necklace you are wearing/highlighting at the end of this video at one of Elvis' last concerts in 1977. I purchased this necklace over 46 years ago at the Elvis Concert 06/23/1977, held at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Des Moines Iowa, along with all the other items for sale at the concert that evening. You stated these necklaces never made it to the concerts in 1977 to be sold, but they did make it to the Des Moines concert and were sold that evening. I really enjoy all your videos and all the information that you and your guests share with us in the Elvis kingdom. I have been collecting Elvis records and memorabilia for over 50 years and have always been interested in the history of any/all of these items. Keep up the great work you are doing....it is very appreciated!!!
Thanks for that information about the necklace. I was told what I said about the necklace's origin from Al Dvorin, who was in charge of all the concert souvenirs, and his son Howard. I even saw the dated receipts for the order from Al's personal intineraries. Interestly, another collector recently told me that HE also had the same necklace but was unsure where it came from. I do have a question...by any chance, do you still have the necklace and if not do you know if the chain was gold or silver?
The “Greenback” Christmas albums were sold exclusively at the Las Vegas Hilton in late 1976 while Elvis was performing there, according to what I was told several years back. “Separate Ways” is seemingly the most common RCA Camden cover where Pickwick records are found inside, but I believe that your reasoning is correct that perhaps there were many of the Camden covers were “left over” or sent to the Pickwick distribution center for use in packaging the Pickwick records. Great show as always, Robert!
I bought Pickwick "I got lucky " at a hardware store, and it still has. 99c sticker on it lol tyvm Robert ⚡️⚡️
Any Elvis release is a special album, in my opinion.
Hi Robert! Thank you for the show. Great one, as always! Say whatever you want, but I love the PICKWICKs! Some of the covers are really cool!
Mahalo…the only Pickwick I purchased. I bought it because of the Aloha songs. I have a sealed Camden Almost in Love. I should open it now. I opened it and it was a Pickwick in a Camden cover so I’ve purchased 2 Pickwicks now. All my Camdens were purchased at a Woolworth store here in Canada.
Great show. Great info as always. I do have the Christmas album with the green back cover. These albums where only sold at Elvis last Las Vegas concerts in
1976.
@paulgwyn7836
I got this Christmas album from A guy who bought it at these Las Vegas shows in December 1976. He told me they where only sold there.
I’ve heard that also.
Nice to see you looking well a nd thanks for the great show. I quite like the Camden albums but don't own any pickwicks, don't see them to often in the uk.
Luv the show.
Interesting show. I think your theory about RCA giving Pickwick the unused Camden album sleeves is correct. I know it’s pretty common to find Pickwick vinyl in the Camden sleeves. I have a copy of I Got Lucky which has the Camden front cover and on the back cover in the lower right corner it has the Product of Pickwick markings like all the later Pickwick copies of this album had. It’s possible that Pickwick received album slicks which is how the hybrid album I have came into existence. Probably not very rare but unique.
Interesting that RCA took back control of the licensed songs after August 1977. I'm fairly sure that the Mahalo LP wasn't available until 1978 here in England, so to hear that it came out earlier in the USA explains the licensing issue. Most of the budget releases here were on Camden or RCA International through Woolworth's, so the Pickwick Label records were quite unusual to own. The Elvis in Japan You Tube channel did actually compare sound quality and if memory serves, the Pickwick releases held up very well. Enjoyable show thank you, would love to hear about your concert experiences, (I believe you mentioned Chicago?).
Yes. I saw Elvis all three times in Chicago. 1972, 76, and 77. Maybe I'll talk about that when I do my livestream. Thanks for watching.
Thanks Paul, it's interesting that RCA only reclaimed the rights to the Camden releases and not the deleted album's back catalogue in 1977. I guess they didn't know what to do with the Aloha tracks so they licensed those to Pickwick, with the remainder of the Mahalo LP being sourced from material previously deleted by RCA. Although Robert references the 5 Aloha tracks as being unreleased, I believe 'Blue Hawaii' had in fact been previously issued as a part of the Legendary Performer series? @paulgwyn7836
@paulgwyn7836 - the internet, where else? 😉
@paulgwyn7836 Thank you Paul
@@1962Jivatone - "Blue Hawaii" was released on Legendary Performer Vol. 2. I stand corrected.
Fantastic video Robert! 👍🏻
Hi Robert, i like you were around when these came out and I saw them every where here in Canada and said not for me. The box set in your hands is crazy expensive and I wish they had a scaled down version of the sound recordings in a box set.
Robert. This was very informative. Thanks for giving us your time. I really appreciate all of the insight.
Hi Robert thanks❤.Daniel.
Another great show Robert. I'm looking forward to the livestream!
Thanks for showing a picture of Klines's in Blue Island; on the cirner of Vermont and Western.
Yeah. I actually bought many records there in the 70's.
From what I understand, several of the Pickwick LP's were remastered upon their release and actually sound quite a bit better than their Camden counterpart...
Thank you Robert for another cool video. Thank you!.
Hi Robert, Thank's a lot for a very informative Video. Greetings from Germany, stay healthy !
So thanks for the info on the new box set. I didn’t see a white sleeve with an extra cd . I went and opened the book and they placed the second cd right on top of the defective one that was slipped under the lip of the cd pocket. So thanks again and it was nice to know the history of the loathed Pickwick records.
Hi Robert, excellent informative video again thank you
Great video as always got those pickwick record too as a kid I could afford them the green pickwick back side of the Christmas album they where sold at the concerts
It's hilarious what some people want for Pickwick or Camden albums. I see "You'll Never Walk Alone" going for $40 in an antique store. I only have 'Mahalo from Elvis" on Pickwick. I had a few others, but parted with them years ago. I do have all of the original Camden albums and enjoy most of them. My copy of "Flaming Star" is the Singer Presents version.
Good show thanks for posting take care bud 😊
If I'm not mistaken the FTD Fool cd was sent with a replacement cd because of a misprint. Maybe one other cd as well. Sometimes quality control isn't a priority although considering how much these things cost it should be. Great show sir! Keep up the good work.
The deal between RCA and US Pickwick was first reported on in September 1975 (Billboard 9/6/75 issue). In the article, it was reported that RCA wanted to push its new "bargain" series, better known as the "Pure Gold" series, which was introduced in March 1975.
Speaking of the Camden albums, any plans on doing an installment on the Camden albums after Pickwick (such as the Pair reissues, the Special Music Company cassette releases and the RCA/Sony Camden CD releases)?
Great idea! Thanks.
Bought a lot of Elvis Pickwick albums in the early 1980's from the record section of the local "Murphy's Mart" discount store for $1.00 each, new. Still have them, opened them at time of purchase to listen to them. Still have the Sutton Record Company green $1.00 price sticker on the outer shrink wrap. Guessing that was a budget cutout distributer Murphy's used.
Great show Robert. I have all the Pickwicks, they were inexpensive so what the heck. Although I haven't done an A/B comparison I have heard that sound quality on the Pickwick releases is better than on the original Camden pressings. I read that the Pickwick albums were remastered from the Camdens at a location that's just 5 minutes from my home in suburban NY. This MAY have occurred in 1977 as RCA was trying to meet the incredible demand after Elvis' death. Regarding The In Person set...I received the bad disc and NO replacement, I've been doing battle with customer service who refuse to believe it wasn't in the box. Believe me, I tore that box into little pieces looking for that darn thing. If I have to go the CEO I'm going to get that disc, so help me. Customer service has been horrible and stopped just short of calling me a liar. Looking forward to the livestream! TCB.
I have heard the same thing about the possible remastering done by Pickwick. Sorry to hear about the issues you’re having getting replacement disc. For what you paid they should have sent you a replacement no questions ask. Do they think you’re trying to scam them so you can sell a disc of already released material on eBay for $10?
Man, that sucks! Keep at it. On another note, I'm glad you're happy with books you won on Ebay Thanks!
I sure am - thanks Robert. @@collectingtheking
They've made it very clear they don't believe me. Told me that had no discs to send and when I kept on them they said they mailed me one...2 weeks ago and no disc yet. I will be relentless, my next step is to send letters via UPS to select EPE executives and include the email chain which show a complete lack of respect by customer service.@@sentinel3504
Hi Robert, another great video. I know that you can pick them up for next to nothing! But that is the game, it’s the hunt for them still sealed. Witch l have quite a few. As l live in the U.K.
Looking forward to episode 36 is that going to be with Johnny B? Until then stay safe.
Ellie 🎼🎵🎶🕺🏻😃❤️👍⚡️
Great show as always. I purchase 3 or 4 sealed Camden Separate ways, over the years looking for the bonus photo. 2 of them had Pickwicks in them. My Christmas album has the holly leaves of it, so now I got to keep an eye out for the plain back. Also I always thought the green back version of the Christmas album was given out in Vegas.
Thanks for another informative video Robert. I have a few Pickwicks and happy to have the green coloured back cover of the Christmas album and I’d better check my Frankie and Johnny!! Thank you.
Good idea. 👍
Just something else to put in the closet. Very interesting information
Hi Robert, happy New Year, hope it's a great one for you! Great video, enjoyed listening with my coffee! I didn't know a lot about Pickwick, but now I do!! ☕️ 👍😊
Coffee with the King! 😉
@collectingtheking 😄 Yes indeed! (btw... how awesome to own 'Let's Be Friends' on yellow vinyl, to match that cover!!) 😲😲 💛 Thanks, Robert. 👍
@paulgwyn7836 Thanks, Paul! 👍🤗
collection wise
Elvis In Person 1972 the concert leads up to the Elvis On Tour movie boxset concerts, leading up to the Madison Square Garden concerts. and they released the Elvis at the Hilton 72 that leads to Now In Person '72 concerts, and i believe they released Elvis The Closing of 72' box set. SO if you get all those, i think it pretty much covers his 1972 tours.
At the time mahalo from elvis was very important in the elvis world because it had for the first time the elvis aloha from hawaii rehearsal songs on side one...In the u.k. it was released on camden under the name Elvis The King with all the same songs.
Interesting!
The corrected disc went out with all the EOT box sets from the dealers...
Based on another viewer's post, it did not. Maybe the dealers who had the disc, but apparently some did get sent out without it.
RCA didn't sell the rights to Pickwick, they leased the masters. The lease expired in 1979
SUPER ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Afternoon show in Chicago, eh?
It’s too bad there are not any soundboards from that June tour. I would love to hear those Chicago shows or really any of the shows from that tour. Heck most shows from 72 would be worth a listen. I’m guessing that if any exist, none are in official hands. If they do have them, like the On Tour material , they are 20 years too late in releasing them. If any are in private hands I think the value is probably only decreasing as the hardcore fans who want to hear everything grow older. Not sure there will be the same number of younger fans as interested in those unheard soundboards when there already is large number of concerts in top sound quality that they already have access to,
The mahalo album should be reissued with a new album cover with an aloha from Hawaii after concert picture from recording the bonus songs and on gold or blue vinyl ?
American Can Corporatiin was located in Blue Island I believe.
The Pickwick albums actually, sound better than the Camden albums!!! 😊
Hi Bob, you never talk about EPS, why?
Actually, I did do a show on EPs. Episode 23.
But you didnt explain WHY they aren't desirable. Is the fidelity poor?
Pickwick albums were just slapped together … crap !!! The sound on them were horrible !!!!!