[Dixielandjazz] Capitalism at its finest

[John Farrell]

Okay, so this is about Elvis Presley but it has very real ramifications on
our beloved OKOM.

It has been reported on another list I belong to that some of the original
Elvis Presley tapes recorded by Sun Records are being chopped up into 2-inch
lengths and sold to his adoring fans for huge sums. One list member sent a
message to the present copyright owners (Master Tape Collection) protesting
about the destruction of this historical material (hey - like it or not you
gotta admit that much!), their reply is a model of bullshit to which we
should all aspire :

"While we are unable to respond your emails individually expressing your
very thoughtful sentiments concerning the slicing of an original source
master tape recording from the 1954-55 Elvis Sun Sessions they have been
passed on to the owners of the tapes, Master Tape Collection.
        The discovery of this tape and the verification process has gone on
for more than a decade during which time Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE),
RCA/BMG, Sam Phillips and Sun Studios in Memphis, The Smithsonian Institute
and several historians there, The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Foundation,
and numerous other public and private concerns have been told of this tapes
existence. At no time has anyone suggested the tape not be cut and sold to
the public, nor has any expressed interest in acquiring the tape to own,
display or museum it.
        MTC are collectors of memorabilia, meant to be bought and sold.
These tapes were bought in a salvage sale and it is important to point out
that, while my clients have acquired this tape they do not have ownership of
its content. They never sought out or represented themselves to be the
keepers of the Elvis legacy as that responsibility and decision lies with
Elvis estate and its licensing arm EPE.
        Thank you for taking the time to register your concern.
        Master Tape Collection
        www.elvismastertape.com <http://www.elvismastertape.com/"

It could happen to us .   .   .   .

John Farrell
http://homepages.tesco.net/~stridepiano/midifiles.htm