Date:         Thu, 29 Jan 2004 13:28:23 -0500
Reply-To:     Association for Recorded Sound Discussion List
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Sender:       Association for Recorded Sound Discussion List
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From:         "Watsky, Lance" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject:      Elvis: a response from Master Tape (sort of)
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        A colleague from AMIA decided to anonymously send a letter of revulsion to Master Tape regarding this Elvis matter, informing them of the shock and derisive amusement with which the archival community has greeted their absurdly greedy endeavor.
        Today he received the form response from [log in to unmask], quoted below:
        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/>
	
        Lance Watsky
        Preservation & Media Specialist
        The Georgia Archives
        5800 Jonesboro Road
        Morrow, GA 30260
        678-364-3764 (phone)
        678-364-3860 (fax)
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        www.GeorgiaArchives.org