Tag: Priscilla Presley

Elvis Presley With the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra: “If I Can Dream”

Presley Orchestra

An upcoming album — called If I Can Dream — repackages some classic Elvis Presley recordings into new versions backed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Priscilla Presley is the executive producer of the album, explaining in Rolling Stone that the new release likely is an album that Elvis would have wanted to make. The first single is a re-working of the classic “If I Can Dream” from his “1968 Comeback Special.”

We have heard some reworkings of Elvis recordings in recent years with some success like “A Little Less Conversation,” which became a 2002 hit as a remix by Junkie XL. So it is not too surprising to see some other attempts along those lines. The original “If I Can Dream” already featured some orchestra instruments, so it is not too far of a leap to add a little more. So the song does not sound radically different, merely building on what was already there so you can imagine Elvis reworking his catalog with new recordings along these lines. Check it out.

The new album will feature both beloved classics and lesser-known songs. So alongside songs like “Love Me Tender,” “American Trilogy,” and “Burning Love,” we will hear reworkings of “Steamroller Blues,” “Anything That’s Part of You,” and “And the Grass Won’t Pay No Mind.” There is also a duet with Michael Bublé on “Fever.”

Priscilla explains that the album’s goal is to keep Elvis current by staying true to his voice. She is already thinking about songs for a second volume. Of course, she knew Elvis and I did not, but listening to “If I Can Dream,” it seems like a tasteful way to keep the King relevant in the new century. If I Can Dream: Elvis Presley With the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will hit stores on October 30.

What do you think of the plans for the album: consistent with Elvis’s work or just a money grab? Leave your two cents in the comments.

  • Did Elvis Perform “If I Can Dream” Facing a Christmas Stage As In Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis” Move?
  • Elvis Presley’s Movie Debut: “Love Me Tender”
  • Elvis Goes Into the Army: March 25, 1958
  • Anniv. of Civil War’s Start: Elvis’s American Trilogy
  • Chuck Jackson Was There Before Elvis: “Any Day Now”
  • Lisa Marie Presley and Elvis: “I Love You Because”

    • a (Some related Chimesfreedom posts.)

    Elvis Goes Into the Army: March 25, 1958

    At the age of 23, Elvis Presley went into the U.S. Army in March 25, thus suspending his promising career that had already altered the music landscape.

    elvis

    On December 20, 1957, Elvis was drafted while he was celebrating Christmas at Graceland, and three months later on March 25,  the 23-year-old Elvis went into the U.S. Army. During his time in the Army, Presley served as a member of two armor battalions, first completing basic and advanced training with Company A, 2d Medium Tank Battalion, 37th Armor, stationed at Fort Hood, Texas until September 1958.

    Starting in October 1958, Presley served in Germany until March 2, 1960, as a member of the 1st Medium Tank Battalion, 32d Armor. It was during this time in Germany that he met the young teenager Priscilla Beaulieu, who would become his wife. Elvis left active duty on March 5, 1960 and received his discharge from the Army Reserve on March 23, 1964.

    This newsreel has the story of the induction.

    There were some downsides to these Army years. It was during this period that Elvis began abusing prescription drugs, a practice that would later lead to his death. As Elvis went into the Army, many wondered how his absence would affect his career.

    When Presley returned from the Army, he showed he could still generate pop hits like “It’s Now or Never.” Additionally, he would return to making movies, but he was an adult and further away from his teenage rebel rock and roll years.

    Although Presley would still make great music after his army years, the music scene had changed during the short time he was gone. In addition to the loss of Elvis during those years, Chuck Berry fell into trouble with the law, Little Richard joined the ministry, Jerry Lee Lewis lost his popularity when he married his young cousin, and Ritchie Valens, the Big Bopper, and Buddy Holly died in a plane crash in Iowa in early 1959.

    While the survivors of those years would resurrect their careers to varying degrees, American music was never again like it was before the date in 1958 when Elvis went into the U.S. Army..

    Do you remember when Elvis went into the Army? Leave your two cents in the comments.

  • Elvis Presley With the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra: “If I Can Dream”
  • The Impromptu Million Dollar Quartet
  • The End of Maryland’s Death Penalty and “Green, Green Grass of Home”
  • Although the Oscars Passed Over “Little Richard: I Am Everything,” You Shouldn’t
  • Esquerita, the Man Buried in an Unmarked Grave Who Inspired Little Richard and Rock and Roll
  • Chuck Jackson Was There Before Elvis: “Any Day Now”

    • (Some related Chimesfreedom posts.)