NEW YORK (AP) – A new CD scheduled for release in November will unite the music of Elvis Presley with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on songs like “Burning Love” and “Love Me Tender.”
The album, announced Wednesday, also features a duet with Michael Buble on “Fever” and appearances by the singers Il Volo and guitarist Duane Eddy. The orchestra adds its backing to original tracks recorded by Presley, who died in August 1977.
“This is right down the alley for Elvis,” said Priscilla Presley, the late singer’s former wife. “This is something he would have loved to do.”
Presley said the disc, “If I Can Dream: Elvis Presley with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra,” was conceived during discussions she had with producer Don Reedman while she was in London acting in a play two years ago. She admitted to initial skepticism, since her role with Elvis’ estate requires her to sift through a lot of lousy ideas for use of Presley’s name or music.
But it grew on her, and when Elvis’ former Las Vegas conductor approached her with a similar idea last year, she saw it as validation. The disc, recorded in London’s famed Abbey Road studio, is set to come out Nov. 6.