Unleashing Elvis Presley’s Sonic Vision: Priscilla Presley’s Unforgettable Role in Crafting ‘If I Can Dream’ Musical Masterpiece!
Music icon Elvis Presley’s love for orchestral music is highlighted through two albums, “If I Can Dream” and “The Wonder of You,” produced by his former wife, Priscilla Presley. Released years after the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s untimely demise, these albums offer a glimpse into his diverse musical taste and unfulfilled desires. Priscilla, who served as an executive producer, aimed to showcase Elvis in a way that he was never able to during his lifetime. These albums combine his iconic vocals with the grandeur of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Elvis Presley was known for his versatility in various music genres, including rock ‘n’ roll, pop, country, bossa nova, rockabilly, gospel, and rhythm and blues. But his love for music went beyond these genres. Priscilla revealed in a 2016 interview with the Los Angeles Times that Elvis had a deep appreciation for opera, as well as composers like Bach and Brahms. “His taste was so diverse,” she said, emphasizing his eclectic musical preferences.
Priscilla further explained that Elvis had aspirations to release orchestral music during his career, but external parties, such as his label and management, often hindered his artistic vision. She wanted to expose him in a way that he had never been before, fulfilling his desire to explore the world of orchestral music. Priscilla’s involvement as an executive producer allowed her to bring Elvis’ unfulfilled dreams to life.
The success of “If I Can Dream” surpassed expectations, selling over 1.5 million copies worldwide. This triumph prompted inquiries from fans, encouraging Priscilla and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to create a follow-up album. In 2016, they released “The Wonder of You,” continuing the collaboration that celebrated Elvis’ musical spirit.
Both albums garnered varied success on the charts. “If I Can Dream” reached No. 21 on the Billboard 200 chart, remaining in the charts for eight weeks. However, its orchestral version of the title track didn’t chart on the Billboard Hot 100. On the other hand, “The Wonder of You” achieved a more modest ranking, reaching No. 47 on the Billboard 200 and staying on the charts for two weeks. Similarly, the orchestral version of “The Wonder of You” failed to chart on the Billboard Hot 100.
Despite these chart positions, Priscilla believed that both albums truly captured Elvis’ musical spirit. His fans’ unwavering support and desire for more of his music motivated her to continue preserving his legacy. Priscilla felt a deep sense of responsibility in protecting Elvis’ reputation and ensuring that his fans could forever indulge in his timeless music.
In conclusion, Priscilla Presley’s role as the executive producer of Elvis Presley’s orchestral albums, “If I Can Dream” and “The Wonder of You,” allowed his unfulfilled dreams to become a reality. These albums showcase the breadth of Elvis’ musical capabilities, revealing his appreciation for genres such as opera and classical composers. While the albums achieved varying levels of commercial success, Priscilla’s dedication to preserving Elvis’ musical legacy made them a beloved addition to his discography.
