Art Kleiner CBS Elvis Mini Series Lady Luck Music

Jonathan Rhys-Meyers is playing the lead role beside Camryn Manheim as Gladys and Robert Patrick as Vernon Presley. Further there are Rose McGowan as Ann Margret, Randy Quaid as Colonel Tom Parker and ETA Art Kleiner as Floyd Cramer during ““Don’t Be Cruel.” Executive producer of the series is Howard Braunstein, directed by James Sadwith.

“Elvis” will air Sunday May 8th (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) and Wednesday, May 11 (8:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT). Keeping an eye on CBS programs and websites is the best way for first hand updates and details on not miss this latest hit in the Elvis world! Here are some info links:

http://www.elvis.com.au/presley/news/cbs_starts_filming_elvis_mini_series.shtml
http://www.elvis.com.au/presley/news/cbs_elvis_miniseries.shtml

After learning about the proposed new series, but missing the deadline for auditioning in LA, I thought that they may need an authentic looking limousine for the series. I sent the information about my 1966 Cadillac limousine to the people in charge of the stage sets and cars used in this series. Out of several possible cars they chose to use my limousine even though it was 3000 miles away at the time.

Beside supplying the limousine, I was assigned to act in scenes as security guard and “on stage” with “Elvis” (Jonathan) as his piano player during “Don’t Be Cruel.”

After my arrival for the initial set in New Orleans, the KingXPress Cadillac limousine was filmed whisking Elvis away from the MGM studio (a transformed New Orleans convention center). Other scenes followed to be filmed the following week. It went: background, rolling, action…….

The project was an interesting and exciting experience for me to say the least . Watching Jonathan’s excellent acting and performing in the various scenes was awesome and sometimes gave me the chills.

I’ve never experienced Elvis live but by playing parts in this movie I could really experience some of the feelings those who have seen Elvis in person have known. WOW!! The experience has deepened my respect for what an amazingly talented man Elvis was. I invite every Elvis fan to watch this series. As it did for me, I’m sure it will bring an “Elvis experience” to many a fan as well.

After the filming I drove the limousine to Memphis. Driving this baby feels like sitting on a cloud--awesome!

Like it was in New Orleans, the car was well received in Memphis and it instantly became a favored photo object for fans who noticed it cruising down Elvis Presley Boulevard or parked around Graceland, the Rock ’n ’Roll Café across the street from Graceland, and Sun Studios.

I did a “micro show” at the R ’n’ R Café, and later we went down town to check out what’s new on Beale Street in all the music venues (mostly blues and jazz). While visiting Graceland, I noticed about three different documentary movies with sequences where Elvis’ limousines could be seen. It really looked like the one I have. That inspired me to possibly leave the car at the Graceland car museum for the fans to see this year and fly back home. At the Graceland corporate office, there was an interest in the idea but arrangements couldn’t be made to make room for such a big car in the few days I was there…… So then I headed west on Interstate 40, having the usual reactions from passing cars: from smiles, waving to taking pictures, taking notes of my website information mounted to the back of the limo. My favorite incident was a police officer, somewhere along the road , writing a ticket to some unlucky soul but then spontaneously giving me a thumbs up when he saw me pass by!

When people took pictures while passing, I usually grabbed the microphone of my “onboard” karaoke system for a perfect pose! Talk about promotion on the move! On I went to Las Vegas……

Visiting the ETA’s currently signed up with Elvis-O-Rama museum, we chatted a bit while taking photos with the Limo.

Soon I’d have to head on West; work had started to line up back home.

Anyone interested can check out the Elvis Limousine online at: www.kingXPress.com or www.soundofelvis.com

I’m planning again this year to bring the Limo to B.C. during the spectacular 2005 Penticton Elvis Festival. ETA’s may contact me at art@soundofelvis.com or call (360) 220-7739 if they desire authentic transportation to the various venues there or during their own shows throughout the year. Hourly or daily fees apply. Reduced rates for ETA’s over 70 (lol).

Anything is available, from a 30-minute “Elvis Cruise” around town for $50... to a honeymoon trip to Vegas... to selling this ultimate ETA “sled” to interested entertainers or film producers (price of $25 000 US includes URL/website). A group of ETA’s may partner to purchase this exclusive business opportunity!

This limo is the ultimate “Elvis Experience” for ETA’’s and fans alike, with Elvis movies/shows or the official “Graceland Tour” DVD playing onboard. Or how about enjoying a world class “surround sound Elvisgram” sung by ETA Art Kleiner while you sink your teeth into a delicious banana peanut butter sandwich!

Elvis Clubs: How about sponsoring an Elvis limo trip for your presidents/ VIPs?

PS: Here are some of my favorite links:
Favorite Canadian ETA/friend: www.elviselite.com
Favorite US ETA/friend: www.dannyvernon.com
Professional ETA back up tracks: www.musicmaestro.com
Favorite ETA/ vocalist: Doug Church: www.voiceofelvis.com
Anything Elvis at: www.elvis.com