Elvis' 1968 Singer TV special entitled "Elvis" was an incredible program showcasing a healthy, fit, and happy Elvis. His voice was a little more horse. Stronger. Fuller. He mastered his craft and once again became the greatest entertainer on earth.
His four and a half octave range was evident. He moved and looked great. He had been waiting approximately 8 years, due to his movie contractual obligations starting in 1960 when he returned from his two year stint in the US Army, to be onstage before a live audience. Even after these almost five decades, and yes I watched the Singer TV special when it originally aired, it stands the test of time.
Whenever there are new modifications of the songs Elvis originally recorded, and released during his lifetime, my first reaction is "why"?
I have always believed in facts. In context. And if Elvis wanted his songs to sound a certain way that's the way it would be. Not only was he a great singer but he produced his own songs, arrangements, inflections, etc. This aspect of Elvis' music is not well known but, as an example, if you watch the 1970 documentary "Elvis That's The Way It Is" you will see Elvis in full control over his band. His male backup singers. His exceptional female backup singers being the Sweet Inspirations and the incomparable Millie Kirkhand who literally sang as an angel reaching tones, and sustaining them, wholly original. Hence, when it comes to Elvis' music if it was good enough for Elvis at the time it should be good enough now.
But, I understand that Priscilla, Lisa Marie, Jack Soden, Graceland, etc. want to put out products to new generations. For the seven years preceding Elvis (sadly) death there was a flood of cheap memorabilia putting Elvis' likeness on everything from cologne, to tawdry and factually incorrect books, and even baby bottles. I, and many other Elvis fans, were appreciative that his estate undertook steps to enforce their legal rights with an emphasis of quality and a stringent approval process controlled by Elvis' estate. The recent album "If I Can Dream Elvis with the Philharmonic Orchestra" contains the following songs (thanks Wikipedia):
After listening to this album, over and over, I prefer the original recordings but there is no question that enhancing/clarifying Elvis' voice lends itself to an enjoyable level. The same is true with his backup singers and is band. But, each and every musician involved in this project, especially the Philharmonia Orchestra, should be applauded as the arrangement and sounds are beautiful.
I have always LOVED Elvis singing If I Can Dream to end his 1968 Singer TV Special. When it originally aired it was the most watched TV show in all of 1968. Immediately after it aired Elvis' phones, all of them, rang for hours upon end. Everyone agreed that it was exceptional. Note - an eternal THANK YOU to Steve Binder for his work on this special.
Here is the video via YouTube of If I Can Dream (note - I do not like the split of Elvis singing in a white suit, as the TV Special ended with Elvis wearing, versus Elvis in black leather both showing Elvis singing If I Can Dream. I prefer Elvis in white as there are subtle changes in the way Elvis sings this song including a few changes in the words):
In summary I recommend this album, but prefer the original versions, and I hope Elvis fans will purchase this album and enjoy it as I have. KUDO's to everyone involved in this album/project.
A beautiful song sung by a master performer singing a song he loved which also had great meaning and every ounce of Elvis was poured into this song. It is one, if not the, of the greatest performances (of one song) of all time.
For further info about the 1968 Singer TV Special entitled Elvis please check out; www.Elvis.com, the series of Elvis books written by the talented Alanna Nash, documentaries of the Memphis Mafia and others talking about the 68 Special, interviews of Alanna Nash and Steve Binder, and www.ElvisCollector.info, Also I have written about the 68 Special which can be found via any search engine.
Take care and may God bless you.
His four and a half octave range was evident. He moved and looked great. He had been waiting approximately 8 years, due to his movie contractual obligations starting in 1960 when he returned from his two year stint in the US Army, to be onstage before a live audience. Even after these almost five decades, and yes I watched the Singer TV special when it originally aired, it stands the test of time.
Whenever there are new modifications of the songs Elvis originally recorded, and released during his lifetime, my first reaction is "why"?
I have always believed in facts. In context. And if Elvis wanted his songs to sound a certain way that's the way it would be. Not only was he a great singer but he produced his own songs, arrangements, inflections, etc. This aspect of Elvis' music is not well known but, as an example, if you watch the 1970 documentary "Elvis That's The Way It Is" you will see Elvis in full control over his band. His male backup singers. His exceptional female backup singers being the Sweet Inspirations and the incomparable Millie Kirkhand who literally sang as an angel reaching tones, and sustaining them, wholly original. Hence, when it comes to Elvis' music if it was good enough for Elvis at the time it should be good enough now.
But, I understand that Priscilla, Lisa Marie, Jack Soden, Graceland, etc. want to put out products to new generations. For the seven years preceding Elvis (sadly) death there was a flood of cheap memorabilia putting Elvis' likeness on everything from cologne, to tawdry and factually incorrect books, and even baby bottles. I, and many other Elvis fans, were appreciative that his estate undertook steps to enforce their legal rights with an emphasis of quality and a stringent approval process controlled by Elvis' estate. The recent album "If I Can Dream Elvis with the Philharmonic Orchestra" contains the following songs (thanks Wikipedia):
| 1. | "Burning Love" | Dennis Linde | 3:31 |
| 2. | "It's Now or Never" (featuring Il Volo) | Aaron Schroeder, Wally Gold | 3:18 |
| 3. | "Love Me Tender" | Vera Matson, Elvis Presley | 3:26 |
| 4. | "Fever" (featuring Michael Bublé) | Eddie Cooley, John Davenport | 4:26 |
| 5. | "Bridge over Troubled Water" | Paul Simon | 4:37 |
| 6. | "And the Grass Won't Pay No Mind" | Neil Diamond | 3:41 |
| 7. | "You've Lost That Loving Feeling" | Barry Mann, Phil Spector, Cynthia Weil | 4:00 |
| 8. | "There's Always Me" | Don Robertson | 2:21 |
| 9. | "Can't Help Falling in Love" | Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, George Weiss | 3:19 |
| 10. | "In the Ghetto" | Mac Davis | 3:13 |
| 11. | "How Great Thou Art" | Trad., arr. Robin Smith, Don Reedman, Nick Patrick | 3:08 |
| 12. | "Steamroller Blues" | James Taylor | 3:10 |
| 13. | "An American Trilogy" | Trad., arr. Mickey Newbury | 4:33 |
| 14. | "If I Can Dream" | Walter Earl Brown | 3:12 |
After listening to this album, over and over, I prefer the original recordings but there is no question that enhancing/clarifying Elvis' voice lends itself to an enjoyable level. The same is true with his backup singers and is band. But, each and every musician involved in this project, especially the Philharmonia Orchestra, should be applauded as the arrangement and sounds are beautiful.
I have always LOVED Elvis singing If I Can Dream to end his 1968 Singer TV Special. When it originally aired it was the most watched TV show in all of 1968. Immediately after it aired Elvis' phones, all of them, rang for hours upon end. Everyone agreed that it was exceptional. Note - an eternal THANK YOU to Steve Binder for his work on this special.
Here is the video via YouTube of If I Can Dream (note - I do not like the split of Elvis singing in a white suit, as the TV Special ended with Elvis wearing, versus Elvis in black leather both showing Elvis singing If I Can Dream. I prefer Elvis in white as there are subtle changes in the way Elvis sings this song including a few changes in the words):
In summary I recommend this album, but prefer the original versions, and I hope Elvis fans will purchase this album and enjoy it as I have. KUDO's to everyone involved in this album/project.
A beautiful song sung by a master performer singing a song he loved which also had great meaning and every ounce of Elvis was poured into this song. It is one, if not the, of the greatest performances (of one song) of all time.
For further info about the 1968 Singer TV Special entitled Elvis please check out; www.Elvis.com, the series of Elvis books written by the talented Alanna Nash, documentaries of the Memphis Mafia and others talking about the 68 Special, interviews of Alanna Nash and Steve Binder, and www.ElvisCollector.info, Also I have written about the 68 Special which can be found via any search engine.
Take care and may God bless you.
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