FTD World 1999-2025 - 2 Soft Cover Books Coming Out

[Johnny2523]

looks fantastic!!

It is...but does this mean FTD is winding down ?? "1999-2025" seems a bit too ominous.

The authors have nothing to do with FTD.

This is why im not sure if this is really interesting. If there even will be anything in there that we don't know. Rather then just information we do know spread over a whole lotta pages.

Am not a massive fan of the covers either..

But i do love david his videos.

[Bilbobaggins]

These books look nice. But to be honest, I have a (little) hope that FTD will make a book like this on their own. At the end of their ( and our) journey it would be great to have a definitive book covering all their releases, the stories behind them, the story of their search for the tapes in the vaults of RCA, their travels across the US in search of that one recording etc... Now that would be a way to end it all.

So... even if these little books look good... I will remain waiting and hoping.

[John]

looks fantastic!!

It is...but does this mean FTD is winding down ?? "1999-2025" seems a bit too ominous.

I doubt it. There's still a fair bit of material that hasn't been released.

Such as?

I'll leave you to scroll through. https://www.keithflynn.uk/index.html

Well that’s not particularly helpful of you - just a few examples would have done.
What do you think I am, your servant? Have you even considered that I might have other things to do?

But unless you know with 100% certainty that everything that is shown as unreleased is actually sitting on the shelves of FTD awaiting release, then we are no wiser. And with very few of those soundboards offering anything really new, there is a danger of a switch off from fans who feel they have enough soundboards of the same songs to last them a lifetime.

The question has to be that if FTD are sitting on so much unreleased stuff, why are they scaling back on releases - so far this year it has been just five and the only newly announced release for next month is a re-released vinyl with no mention of anything else.

[John]

These books look nice. But to be honest, I have a (little) hope that FTD will make a book like this on their own. At the end of their ( and our) journey it would be great to have a definitive book covering all their releases, the stories behind them, the story of their search for the tapes in the vaults of RCA, their travels across the US in search of that one recording etc... Now that would be a way to end it all.

So... even if these little books look good... I will remain waiting and hoping.

Like you, I'd like something at the end, once they've done with everything, but I suspect that may not be for a while yet.

[FanFrom'61]

looks fantastic!!

It is...but does this mean FTD is winding down ?? "1999-2025" seems a bit too ominous.

I doubt it. There's still a fair bit of material that hasn't been released.

Such as?

I'll leave you to scroll through. https://www.keithflynn.uk/index.html

Well that’s not particularly helpful of you - just a few examples would have done.
What do you think I am, your servant? Have you even considered that I might have other things to do?

But unless you know with 100% certainty that everything that is shown as unreleased is actually sitting on the shelves of FTD awaiting release, then we are no wiser. And with very few of those soundboards offering anything really new, there is a danger of a switch off from fans who feel they have enough soundboards of the same songs to last them a lifetime.

The question has to be that if FTD are sitting on so much unreleased stuff, why are they scaling back on releases - so far this year it has been just five and the only newly announced release for next month is a re-released vinyl with no mention of anything else.

Nobody was asking you to be a servant, but a few examples of what you know FTD defintely have that is unreleased would have been really helpful, not just for me, but for others too, but I guess that’s not your thing. I’m surprised that as you have other things to do, that you found time to respond - Perhaps when you do have a bit of spare time, you could work out how to do the quote/response thing.

[L Ray]

looks fantastic!!

It is...but does this mean FTD is winding down ?? "1999-2025" seems a bit too ominous.

I doubt it. There's still a fair bit of material that hasn't been released.

Such as?

Many many movie session box sets, for example. Paradise Hawaiian Style, Frankie and Johnny, Spinout and others.

[John]

looks fantastic!!

It is...but does this mean FTD is winding down ?? "1999-2025" seems a bit too ominous.

I doubt it. There's still a fair bit of material that hasn't been released.

Such as?

I'll leave you to scroll through. https://www.keithflynn.uk/index.html

Well that’s not particularly helpful of you - just a few examples would have done.
What do you think I am, your servant? Have you even considered that I might have other things to do?

But unless you know with 100% certainty that everything that is shown as unreleased is actually sitting on the shelves of FTD awaiting release, then we are no wiser. And with very few of those soundboards offering anything really new, there is a danger of a switch off from fans who feel they have enough soundboards of the same songs to last them a lifetime.

The question has to be that if FTD are sitting on so much unreleased stuff, why are they scaling back on releases - so far this year it has been just five and the only newly announced release for next month is a re-released vinyl with no mention of anything else.

Nobody was asking you to be a servant, but a few examples of what you know FTD defintely have that is unreleased would have been really helpful, not just for me, but for others too, but I guess that’s not your thing. I’m surprised that as you have other things to do, that you found time to respond - Perhaps when you do have a bit of spare time, you could work out how to do the quote/response thing.

Oh yes, I can see your type. How about you look at your behaviour, consider that someone stopped for a few seconds to respond to show you where to look. How about you realise that the quote/response thing works in more ways than one. Having used these forums and even run them for near on thirty years, I know how to use them.

How about you go and have a look at that link and tell us what you find? How about now that you've been led to the water, you drink it?

You're welcome.

[FanFrom'61]

looks fantastic!!

It is...but does this mean FTD is winding down ?? "1999-2025" seems a bit too ominous.

I doubt it. There's still a fair bit of material that hasn't been released.

Such as?

Many many movie session box sets, for example. Paradise Hawaiian Style, Frankie and Johnny, Spinout and others.

Yes indeed, and although there are a few sessions we have not got, I don’t think Sony or FTD have complete sessions for all of the soundtracks. From memory, the three you mention are fine, but things like Girls Girls Girls, Roustabout, Kissin Cousins, Double Trouble, Speedway and Live a Little are not complete so doubtful we would ever get anything within the sessions series that we have not got via the Classic Album series.

[FanFrom'61]

looks fantastic!!

It is...but does this mean FTD is winding down ?? "1999-2025" seems a bit too ominous.

I doubt it. There's still a fair bit of material that hasn't been released.

Such as?

I'll leave you to scroll through. https://www.keithflynn.uk/index.html

Well that’s not particularly helpful of you - just a few examples would have done.
What do you think I am, your servant? Have you even considered that I might have other things to do?

But unless you know with 100% certainty that everything that is shown as unreleased is actually sitting on the shelves of FTD awaiting release, then we are no wiser. And with very few of those soundboards offering anything really new, there is a danger of a switch off from fans who feel they have enough soundboards of the same songs to last them a lifetime.

The question has to be that if FTD are sitting on so much unreleased stuff, why are they scaling back on releases - so far this year it has been just five and the only newly announced release for next month is a re-released vinyl with no mention of anything else.

Nobody was asking you to be a servant, but a few examples of what you know FTD defintely have that is unreleased would have been really helpful, not just for me, but for others too, but I guess that’s not your thing. I’m surprised that as you have other things to do, that you found time to respond - Perhaps when you do have a bit of spare time, you could work out how to do the quote/response thing.

Oh yes, I can see your type. How about you look at your behaviour, consider that someone stopped for a few seconds to respond to show you where to look. How about you realise that the quote/response thing works in more ways than one. Having used these forums and even run them for near on thirty years, I know how to use them.

How about you go and have a look at that link and tell us what you find? How about now that you've been led to the water, you drink it?

You're welcome.

Oh I was aware of the site but as I wrote, the site does not tell the full story and saying that a show or shows were recorded on a soundboard etc does not let us know if FTD actually have the recordings either, hence the original question posed when you wrote that there’s a fair bit of material to release. And are we meant to be impressed that you actually stopped for a few seconds to provide a link to a site that whilst extremely informative in one way, tells us very little about what FTD own and what could be released.

As for the quote/response thing, I would suggest you do not know how to use them as your response in red actually looks like I wrote the comment.

But hey ho, never mind. I’d hate to take up any more seconds of your time, so no need to respond. I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend.

[John]

looks fantastic!!

It is...but does this mean FTD is winding down ?? "1999-2025" seems a bit too ominous.

I doubt it. There's still a fair bit of material that hasn't been released.

Such as?

I'll leave you to scroll through. https://www.keithflynn.uk/index.html

Well that’s not particularly helpful of you - just a few examples would have done.
What do you think I am, your servant? Have you even considered that I might have other things to do?

But unless you know with 100% certainty that everything that is shown as unreleased is actually sitting on the shelves of FTD awaiting release, then we are no wiser. And with very few of those soundboards offering anything really new, there is a danger of a switch off from fans who feel they have enough soundboards of the same songs to last them a lifetime.

The question has to be that if FTD are sitting on so much unreleased stuff, why are they scaling back on releases - so far this year it has been just five and the only newly announced release for next month is a re-released vinyl with no mention of anything else.

Nobody was asking you to be a servant, but a few examples of what you know FTD defintely have that is unreleased would have been really helpful, not just for me, but for others too, but I guess that’s not your thing. I’m surprised that as you have other things to do, that you found time to respond - Perhaps when you do have a bit of spare time, you could work out how to do the quote/response thing.

Oh yes, I can see your type. How about you look at your behaviour, consider that someone stopped for a few seconds to respond to show you where to look. How about you realise that the quote/response thing works in more ways than one. Having used these forums and even run them for near on thirty years, I know how to use them.

How about you go and have a look at that link and tell us what you find? How about now that you've been led to the water, you drink it?

You're welcome.

Oh I was aware of the site but as I wrote, the site does not tell the full story and saying that a show or shows were recorded on a soundboard etc does not let us know if FTD actually have the recordings either, hence the original question posed when you wrote that there’s a fair bit of material to release. And are we meant to be impressed that you actually stopped for a few seconds to provide a link to a site that whilst extremely informative in one way, tells us very little about what FTD own and what could be released.

As for the quote/response thing, I would suggest you do not know how to use them as your response in red actually looks like I wrote the comment.

But hey ho, never mind. I’d hate to take up any more seconds of your time, so no need to respond. I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Gosh, you're one self entitled individual.

You'll often see someone responding in a different colour to show that they're responding to that one sentence, so maybe you're learnt something.

Your original question was

but does this mean FTD is winding down ?? "1999-2025" seems a bit too ominous.

At that point had anyone made any mention of soundboards? No. Is that where your main focus is? I haven't a clue with regard to soundboards. I have no interest in them. However, I'd say there's still a lot to come as far as studio recordings are concerned.

No, you are not meant to be impressed that I actually stopped by etc etc.

Are we meant to be impressed by your sarcastic attitude and your rudeness?

Anyway, good luck with your search for information.

[John]

looks fantastic!!

It is...but does this mean FTD is winding down ?? "1999-2025" seems a bit too ominous.

I doubt it. There's still a fair bit of material that hasn't been released.

Such as?

Many many movie session box sets, for example. Paradise Hawaiian Style, Frankie and Johnny, Spinout and others.

I wouldn't be surprised to see the F&J sessions and PHS in the not too distant future.

[L Ray]

looks fantastic!!

It is...but does this mean FTD is winding down ?? "1999-2025" seems a bit too ominous.

I doubt it. There's still a fair bit of material that hasn't been released.

Such as?

Many many movie session box sets, for example. Paradise Hawaiian Style, Frankie and Johnny, Spinout and others.

I wouldn't be surprised to see the F&J sessions and PHS in the not too distant future.

Absolutely. The last two were excellent, Girl Happy and Harum Scarum!! Like stated we have to be happy with great sounding classic albums, Girls Girls Girls and some others because they don’t have the sessions. But there are those that they do have. I bet we will see a sound improved F&J soon!!

[FanFrom'61]

looks fantastic!!

It is...but does this mean FTD is winding down ?? "1999-2025" seems a bit too ominous.

I doubt it. There's still a fair bit of material that hasn't been released.

Such as?

Many many movie session box sets, for example. Paradise Hawaiian Style, Frankie and Johnny, Spinout and others.

I wouldn't be surprised to see the F&J sessions and PHS in the not too distant future.

Absolutely. The last two were excellent, Girl Happy and Harum Scarum!! Like stated we have to be happy with great sounding classic albums, Girls Girls Girls and some others because they don’t have the sessions. But there are those that they do have. I bet we will see a sound improved F&J soon!!

Looking forward into next year, I reckon Frankie & Johnny and then Paradise will be the last two individual soundtracks that will get the Sessions treatment in 2026, and no doubt, the vinyl equivalents would follow after. And whilst talking about vinyl, it would appear that FTD will re-release a few more of the early vinyl releases that are in demand.

After that, we move into a somewhat murky territory as to how FTD will deal with everything remaining from the Hollywood sessions and more to the point whether they will deal with them at all under the Sessions series. They might do compilations of a couple of soundtracks like Spinout/Easy Come Easy Go at the end of 2026 and Clambake/Stay Away Joe early 2027, although they could combine those four into one release if it does not mean too many CDs in one release, although maybe 5 CDs would cover those four movies.

That would leave Live A Little, Trouble with Girls, Change of Habit and Charro if they have the outtakes for Charro, but almost like a The Last Movies sessions for 2027. But I guess it all depends on how deep they want to go with the sessions series that covers those last few movies.

And we should not forget they haven’t done G I Blues or Flaming Star and there’s not enough material in Flaming Star to warrant an 8" box with a couple of CDs so that would have to be coupled with something, so perhaps Follow That Dream. And G I Blues might have been seen as a bit of a problem as we have already had two volumes from that movie under the Classic Album series - it does seem strange that they have not tackled G I Blues by now. But…. Well more on that a bit later, but another question is whether they will visit the Stax sessions - I don’t see how they can ignore them.

And that takes me to the FTD book/CD releases, and the G I Blues ‘but’. As FTD have visited the Paramount vaults for King Creole and Blue Hawaii, they might have a Making of G I Blues combo set already lined up that would include the sessions. I’ve also heard that they are working on another Elvis Celluloid Sell-out and that the report is that this would encompass Elvis’ five final movies as opposed to a follow in from the previous release which would have been 1962-63.

Soundboards is anyone’s guess, but along with one or two soundboards from whatever years they feel need doing, I definitely think we will see a Volume 4 of the Last Tours, and if FTD are looking at calling it a day at the end of 2027, I would like book/cd combo set that covers the CBS special Elvis in Concert that not only includes the two complete shows that were recorded in multi track, and possibly the original Elvis in Concert album too, but a recording of the very final concert in Indianapolis, even if it is a cleaned up audience recording. And I certainly do not see how they can hide behind the argument that such a release is not worthy because of Elvis’ health problems etc, as they haven’t held back on The Last Tours, so no excuse now.

There’s no doubt about it that if the end of 2027 is the final curtain for FTD, then that sounds like a lot of releases for the next 26 months, and is probably not completely exhaustive, but a few years back, FTD were averaging 12 releases every 12 months, so certainly achievable. I’m just trying to figure out why in the last year, they have scaled right back as so far this year, we have only seen 5 new releases with the re-issue of Good Times making it 6 and nothing further has been announced to go with it yet.

And if we do get day another twenty or so releases between now and the end of 2027, would that be enough for a Volume 3 of FTD World (subtitled 2026-2027).

[TCB-FAN]

Update from David......

[Mike Windgren]

Hi there!! .

Sorry, not for me...

Regarding the remaining sessions sets, why FTD has not released Flaming Star or Follow That Dream yet, is beyond me...., They could easily release them on it´s own or together, specially Flaming Star sessions, plenty of unreleased outakes! . Bye for now .

[Sweet-Angeline]

Hi there!! .

Sorry, not for me...

Regarding the remaining sessions sets, why FTD has not released Flaming Star or Follow That Dream yet, is beyond me...., They could easily release them on it´s own or together, specially Flaming Star sessions, plenty of unreleased outakes! . Bye for now .

...which is why I keep the import CD: Keep Following That Dream, released in 2000 by the "Kwimper" label.

[JoeyCoco]

Whilst we have no idea when FTD will close their doors, myself like many others suspect that the end of 2027 will be the time that Sony & Ernst call it a day. Why 2027? Well it would kind of tie in with the 50th Anniversary of Elvis’ death and their final release could even be something to do with the CBS Elvis in Concert by way of a book/CD set courtesy of David English and Pål Granlund. Also, 2027 would seem to tie in with when Ernst’ contract with Sony runs out. Of course this is nothing but speculation, but if not 2027, and the label is already barrel scraping, it is difficult to imagine it going beyond 2028.

There’s no doubt about it that if the end of 2027 is the final curtain for FTD

So let me get this straight: we have absolutely no confirmed information, no statement from Sony, none from Ernst, and zero official hint that FTD is ending… but somehow we’ve now progressed from “pure speculation” to being “convinced” it’ll all wrap up neatly in late 2027?

The idea that FTD will stop exactly when the 50th anniversary of Elvis’ passing arrives sounds poetic, sure. But business decisions are rarely made for symbolic symmetry, and Sony isn’t known for pulling the plug on profitable niche projects just because the calendar looks aesthetically satisfying.

As for the assumption about Ernst’s contract expiring, unless someone has a copy sitting on their coffee table next to the FTD vinyl collection, that point remains firmly in the land of we’re guessing because it sounds dramatic.

And yes — fewer releases this year could mean many things: scheduling, logistics, licensing, health, planning, or — the most shocking possibility — they’re simply pacing themselves instead of emptying the vault overnight.

So until Sony, Ernst, or FTD themselves say “That’s all, folks,” the claim that the label will definitely end in 2027 remains exactly what it started as: speculation wearing confidence as a costume.

In other words:

We don’t know anything… but let’s behave as if we do.

[FanFrom'61]

Whilst we have no idea when FTD will close their doors, myself like many others suspect that the end of 2027 will be the time that Sony & Ernst call it a day. Why 2027? Well it would kind of tie in with the 50th Anniversary of Elvis’ death and their final release could even be something to do with the CBS Elvis in Concert by way of a book/CD set courtesy of David English and Pål Granlund. Also, 2027 would seem to tie in with when Ernst’ contract with Sony runs out. Of course this is nothing but speculation, but if not 2027, and the label is already barrel scraping, it is difficult to imagine it going beyond 2028.

There’s no doubt about it that if the end of 2027 is the final curtain for FTD

So let me get this straight: we have absolutely no confirmed information, no statement from Sony, none from Ernst, and zero official hint that FTD is ending… but somehow we’ve now progressed from “pure speculation” to being “convinced” it’ll all wrap up neatly in late 2027?

The idea that FTD will stop exactly when the 50th anniversary of Elvis’ passing arrives sounds poetic, sure. But business decisions are rarely made for symbolic symmetry, and Sony isn’t known for pulling the plug on profitable niche projects just because the calendar looks aesthetically satisfying.

As for the assumption about Ernst’s contract expiring, unless someone has a copy sitting on their coffee table next to the FTD vinyl collection, that point remains firmly in the land of we’re guessing because it sounds dramatic.

And yes — fewer releases this year could mean many things: scheduling, logistics, licensing, health, planning, or — the most shocking possibility — they’re simply pacing themselves instead of emptying the vault overnight.

So until Sony, Ernst, or FTD themselves say “That’s all, folks,” the claim that the label will definitely end in 2027 remains exactly what it started as: speculation wearing confidence as a costume.

In other words:

We don’t know anything… but let’s behave as if we do.

All the various comments written in a variety of places by various fans have all been written with a lot of ’if’ statements/comments so how does that suddenly translate into being ‘convinced’ or ‘definitely’ that the label will end in 2027. Even if someone has written that they are ‘convinced’, that in itself does not make it absolute.

Just because we haven’t had any proper confirmation from Sony or FTD or Ernst at this moment in time is meaningless. FTD don’t even give proper dates for their releases that have a 2 month lead time, so even if a decision has already been made, they are hardly likely to make such an announcement with a two year lead time.

It was reported a year or so ago when Ernst made an appearance at a fan club meeting that he had renewed his contract for three more years. If that’s what Ernst said, why would there be a need to dispute it or have a copy of the agreement.

Whilst some do envisage 2027 and the 50th anniversary as being a possible timeframe for the label to call it a day, I have not seen anyone write that it would cease on the actual anniversary, but rather the end of 2027, after all, FTD have never worked to exact dates.

[JoeyCoco]

Whilst we have no idea when FTD will close their doors, myself like many others suspect that the end of 2027 will be the time that Sony & Ernst call it a day. Why 2027? Well it would kind of tie in with the 50th Anniversary of Elvis’ death and their final release could even be something to do with the CBS Elvis in Concert by way of a book/CD set courtesy of David English and Pål Granlund. Also, 2027 would seem to tie in with when Ernst’ contract with Sony runs out. Of course this is nothing but speculation, but if not 2027, and the label is already barrel scraping, it is difficult to imagine it going beyond 2028.

There’s no doubt about it that if the end of 2027 is the final curtain for FTD

So let me get this straight: we have absolutely no confirmed information, no statement from Sony, none from Ernst, and zero official hint that FTD is ending… but somehow we’ve now progressed from “pure speculation” to being “convinced” it’ll all wrap up neatly in late 2027?

The idea that FTD will stop exactly when the 50th anniversary of Elvis’ passing arrives sounds poetic, sure. But business decisions are rarely made for symbolic symmetry, and Sony isn’t known for pulling the plug on profitable niche projects just because the calendar looks aesthetically satisfying.

As for the assumption about Ernst’s contract expiring, unless someone has a copy sitting on their coffee table next to the FTD vinyl collection, that point remains firmly in the land of we’re guessing because it sounds dramatic.

And yes — fewer releases this year could mean many things: scheduling, logistics, licensing, health, planning, or — the most shocking possibility — they’re simply pacing themselves instead of emptying the vault overnight.

So until Sony, Ernst, or FTD themselves say “That’s all, folks,” the claim that the label will definitely end in 2027 remains exactly what it started as: speculation wearing confidence as a costume.

In other words:

We don’t know anything… but let’s behave as if we do.

so how does that suddenly translate into being ‘convinced’ or ‘definitely’ that the label will end in 2027.

Because you said it yourself:

Whilst we have no idea when FTD will close their doors, myself like many others suspect that the end of 2027 Of course this is nothing but speculation

There’s no doubt about it that if the end of 2027 is the final curtain for FTD

All the various comments written in a variety of places by various fans have all been written with a lot of ’if’ statements/comments so how does that suddenly translate into being ‘convinced’ or ‘definitely’ that the label will end in 2027. Even if someone has written that they are ‘convinced’, that in itself does not make it absolute.

Just because we haven’t had any proper confirmation from Sony or FTD or Ernst at this moment in time is meaningless. FTD don’t even give proper dates for their releases that have a 2 month lead time, so even if a decision has already been made, they are hardly likely to make such an announcement with a two year lead time.

It was reported a year or so ago when Ernst made an appearance at a fan club meeting that he had renewed his contract for three more years. If that’s what Ernst said, why would there be a need to dispute it or have a copy of the agreement.

Whilst some do envisage 2027 and the 50th anniversary as being a possible timeframe for the label to call it a day, I have not seen anyone write that it would cease on the actual anniversary, but rather the end of 2027, after all, FTD have never worked to exact dates.

The idea that FTD will shut down in 2027 because it happens to be the 50th anniversary of Elvis’ passing makes for a dramatic headline, but it doesn’t stand on anything resembling factual ground. FTD occasionally released products (off the top of my head ''TTWII - 50th Anniversary Collector's Edition/2020'', maybe the only one) according to symbolic dates, themed endings, or anniversary-based deadlines — so assuming they’ll suddenly adopt a ceremonial calendar now feels more like wishful storytelling than logic. If anniversaries dictated the label’s direction, it would’ve closed in 2009, 2019, or any other neatly marketed number along the way.

The fact remains: no official communication exists, from Sony, from Ernst Jørgensen, or from FTD, suggesting that 2027 marks an endpoint — and speculation doesn’t transform into truth simply because it’s repeated with increasing confidence.

And if the argument hinges on Ernst’s contract, even that doesn’t suggest finality. Contracts get renewed. Roles evolve. People hand over responsibilities. FTD is not Ernst’s personal diary — it’s a functioning archival imprint under Sony. If Ernst ever steps back — whether for retirement, preference, or practicality — there is nothing preventing Sony from appointing someone else to continue the work. Acting as if the entire label evaporates the moment Ernst stops attending production meetings assumes Sony is incapable of hiring or training a successor. History shows that companies don’t stop existing because one individual retires — especially when an ongoing revenue stream and passionate niche market are in place.

Finally, pointing out that “no confirmation exists yet” and simultaneously treating the conclusion as inevitable is contradictory reasoning. FTD doesn’t even announce release dates with precision, let alone multi-year strategic plans — so expecting a public statement about shutting down years in advance ignores how the label has always operated.

Until Sony or FTD says otherwise, the only accurate position is simple:

There is no evidence the label ends in 2027 — only speculation dressed up as certainty.

[FanFrom'61]

Whilst we have no idea when FTD will close their doors, myself like many others suspect that the end of 2027 will be the time that Sony & Ernst call it a day. Why 2027? Well it would kind of tie in with the 50th Anniversary of Elvis’ death and their final release could even be something to do with the CBS Elvis in Concert by way of a book/CD set courtesy of David English and Pål Granlund. Also, 2027 would seem to tie in with when Ernst’ contract with Sony runs out. Of course this is nothing but speculation, but if not 2027, and the label is already barrel scraping, it is difficult to imagine it going beyond 2028.

There’s no doubt about it that if the end of 2027 is the final curtain for FTD

So let me get this straight: we have absolutely no confirmed information, no statement from Sony, none from Ernst, and zero official hint that FTD is ending… but somehow we’ve now progressed from “pure speculation” to being “convinced” it’ll all wrap up neatly in late 2027?

The idea that FTD will stop exactly when the 50th anniversary of Elvis’ passing arrives sounds poetic, sure. But business decisions are rarely made for symbolic symmetry, and Sony isn’t known for pulling the plug on profitable niche projects just because the calendar looks aesthetically satisfying.

As for the assumption about Ernst’s contract expiring, unless someone has a copy sitting on their coffee table next to the FTD vinyl collection, that point remains firmly in the land of we’re guessing because it sounds dramatic.

And yes — fewer releases this year could mean many things: scheduling, logistics, licensing, health, planning, or — the most shocking possibility — they’re simply pacing themselves instead of emptying the vault overnight.

So until Sony, Ernst, or FTD themselves say “That’s all, folks,” the claim that the label will definitely end in 2027 remains exactly what it started as: speculation wearing confidence as a costume.

In other words:

We don’t know anything… but let’s behave as if we do.

so how does that suddenly translate into being ‘convinced’ or ‘definitely’ that the label will end in 2027.

Because you said it yourself:

Whilst we have no idea when FTD will close their doors, myself like many others suspect that the end of 2027 Of course this is nothing but speculation

There’s no doubt about it that if the end of 2027 is the final curtain for FTD

All the various comments written in a variety of places by various fans have all been written with a lot of ’if’ statements/comments so how does that suddenly translate into being ‘convinced’ or ‘definitely’ that the label will end in 2027. Even if someone has written that they are ‘convinced’, that in itself does not make it absolute.

Just because we haven’t had any proper confirmation from Sony or FTD or Ernst at this moment in time is meaningless. FTD don’t even give proper dates for their releases that have a 2 month lead time, so even if a decision has already been made, they are hardly likely to make such an announcement with a two year lead time.

It was reported a year or so ago when Ernst made an appearance at a fan club meeting that he had renewed his contract for three more years. If that’s what Ernst said, why would there be a need to dispute it or have a copy of the agreement.

Whilst some do envisage 2027 and the 50th anniversary as being a possible timeframe for the label to call it a day, I have not seen anyone write that it would cease on the actual anniversary, but rather the end of 2027, after all, FTD have never worked to exact dates.

The idea that FTD will shut down in 2027 because it happens to be the 50th anniversary of Elvis’ passing makes for a dramatic headline, but it doesn’t stand on anything resembling factual ground. FTD occasionally released products (off the top of my head ''TTWII - 50th Anniversary Collector's Edition/2020'', maybe the only one) according to symbolic dates, themed endings, or anniversary-based deadlines — so assuming they’ll suddenly adopt a ceremonial calendar now feels more like wishful storytelling than logic. If anniversaries dictated the label’s direction, it would’ve closed in 2009, 2019, or any other neatly marketed number along the way.

The fact remains: no official communication exists, from Sony, from Ernst Jørgensen, or from FTD, suggesting that 2027 marks an endpoint — and speculation doesn’t transform into truth simply because it’s repeated with increasing confidence.

And if the argument hinges on Ernst’s contract, even that doesn’t suggest finality. Contracts get renewed. Roles evolve. People hand over responsibilities. FTD is not Ernst’s personal diary — it’s a functioning archival imprint under Sony. If Ernst ever steps back — whether for retirement, preference, or practicality — there is nothing preventing Sony from appointing someone else to continue the work. Acting as if the entire label evaporates the moment Ernst stops attending production meetings assumes Sony is incapable of hiring or training a successor. History shows that companies don’t stop existing because one individual retires — especially when an ongoing revenue stream and passionate niche market are in place.

Finally, pointing out that “no confirmation exists yet” and simultaneously treating the conclusion as inevitable is contradictory reasoning. FTD doesn’t even announce release dates with precision, let alone multi-year strategic plans — so expecting a public statement about shutting down years in advance ignores how the label has always operated.

Until Sony or FTD says otherwise, the only accurate position is simple:

There is no evidence the label ends in 2027 — only speculation dressed up as certainty.

Are you for real. I said what myself? What inevitability would that be then. Where has anyone actually stated that the label will end by the end if 2027 with any certainty. Thoughts have been put forward as to why it might be a valid time based on various things but that is all.

You highlight various quotes such as

1) “ Whilst we have no idea when FTD will close their doors, myself like many others suspect that the end of 2027. Of course this is nothing but speculation. The use of the word “suspects” is just that. It provides an idea or impression of the existence, presence, or truth of (something happening ) without certain proof. And last sentence ends with the use of the wording ‘is nothing but speculation’. Doesn’t that kinda tie in with your thoughts.

2) There’s no doubt about it that if the end of 2027 is the final curtain for FTD…”. Why part quote something that is out of context. Did you not see the word ‘IF’ in that sentence. You do understand the meaning of that word don’t you? The inclusion of the word is used within a possible situation or condition. It is used when referring to the time of a future situation or condition that has uncertainty but is based in various scenarios.

You just wrote as part of your argument “ FTD doesn’t even announce release dates with precision, let alone multi-year strategic plans — so expecting a public statement about shutting down years in advance ignores how the label has always operated”.

Yes I know, I wrote that in my reply to you above as in “ FTD don’t even give proper dates for their releases that have a 2 month lead time, so even if a decision has already been made, they are hardly likely to make such an announcement with a two year lead time”.

There is absolutely nothing in what I wrote (or indeed what others wrote) that states FTD will defintely finish with certainty at the end of 2027, and off the back of that, I have absolutely no idea what you are attempting to prove. Or perhaps you are simply being argumentative for the sheer hell of it. Certainly not a good look for someone who only joined 4 days ago.