Lisa Marie, dad sing duet to create refuge
The enormity of Elvis Presley’s fame and his staying power as a force in 21st century music came as no surprise to daughter Lisa Marie Presley.
“It’s like music is going backward because it was good back then,” says Presley, who is stepping back in time tonight with a duet — with Elvis — of his 1969 recording “In The Ghetto.”
Lisa Marie recorded an earlier duet, “Don’t Cry Daddy,” for the 20th anniversary of Elvis’ death in 1997, but that song was not released commercially. “In the Ghetto” will be released as a single after its debut at FedExForum in a sold-out concert featuring Elvis on video accompanied by original band members and backup singers.
Presley said proceeds will go to a New Orleans version of Memphis’ Presley Place, the housing complex designed as a temporary refuge to give homeless families a chance to get on their feet again.
Elvis and his family got their own start in public housing in Memphis before moving to the suburbs, then to Graceland. Graceland was, at first, a walled refuge from the crush of fame and, now, a shrine.
Presley’s rise to fame was not just a classic rags-to-riches story, but a continuing saga that many believe has turned him into the biggest celebrity of all time. It is a story that Lisa Marie said is part of a disappearing tradition.
“What do our youth today even know? We’re not a culture that cultivates tradition. Some people may think Madonna started music,” she says.
“I think that honestly we have no morals or integrity anymore. The more you screw up and make mistakes in public the more you’re a celebrity. I think things are so crazy now that anyone can appreciate how it used to be.”
For her dad, that meant being rewarded for hard work and talent. “It was the real deal then. He worked hard. He was somebody who was hungry. He broke molds and worked to get what he got.”
Part of the equation was an indecipherable element of starpower or charisma that Lisa Marie felt, but didn’t understand. “American Idol” judge Simon Cowell said no one has come along with “even 50 percent” of Elvis’ charisma.
Lisa Marie said she used to sit in the kitchen at Graceland and know when her dad was coming down the steps because of a “presence” he radiated. She could tell whether he was at home when she drove through the front gates of Graceland because she felt that presence.
Knowing about and living with that charisma didn’t help her understand it. “I don’t think he understood it either. I don’t know whether he even knew what it was, but I think it was probably too much for him to handle. I have never met anybody like that — ever.”
Her former husband, Michael Jackson, also was known as charismatic at the height of his “Thriller” fame. “I don’t think he understood it either,” says Lisa Marie.
For Elvis, that charisma now is something that thousands of imitators try to capture through the growing impersonator phenomenon. This year Elvis Presley Enterprises began its own sanctioned contest, the Ultimate Elvis Contest, with 24 of the best tribute artists competing before a panel of judges.
“I understand it and that imitation is a form of flattery,” says Lisa Marie. “I’ve never really seen one perform. I think that would be very awkward. I love that they’re out there. I’m all for them, but it would be really weird for me.”
Her duet of “In The Ghetto” will be available for download through iTunes. As a metaphor for “people in need,” the ghetto in this instance is post-Katrina New Orleans. Presley said she made a whirlwind visit there Sunday.
“I came up with the idea three weeks ago,” she says. She enlisted Hollywood producer David Foster, found her father’s original tracks of the song and planned the duet as a charitable event for the 30th anniversary concert.
Presley said plans for the New Orleans version of Presley Place are still in the works. It would likely be through an existing charitable effort in the way that the Memphis version was organized through MIFA (the Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association).
– Michael Lollar: 529-2793
Still amazing after all these decades. Funny too regarding Simon Crowell’s comments–for once, he’s being too nice: no one has even a sliver of E.P.’s charisma. Today’s “artists” are pitiful. Jokes on an oblivious public.
Lisa, you sure are a chip off the ole block as some would put it….I know your dad is smiling down on you….for what you are doing for others. God Bless You Lisa!
dear Lisa,
to watch your dad and hear his voice i know he was truly blessed from the Lord and i know people said something about him when he passed and they would show video of somethings he would say that did not sound nice but i really believe that he was a man that really loved the Lord and wanted that for him family. so no matter where you are in your life to be able to see him again and i really believe that he gave his heart to the Lord and is singing with the angels and for any of us you and your mom also if we want to see him some day we need to give our hearts to the Lord and live for him. money and fame is not the most important thing because that is not going to keep any of us from hell. and your dad knew that i am praying that you and your children will get into a church and give your hearts and life to the Lord and see what a differnce he will make. i pray also for your mom i know she is a good lady
god bless someone that thought highly of your dad as a singer and person. his smile i bet lit up the room. i know it did on TV
God Bless and keep you
I was listening to Elvis while all my peers were into heavy metal and hard rock.August 16 will always be a hard day to get thrhough as I so loved the man’s talent and humanity. His music will always bring me joy and be a part of my life. I just wish that those who have tarnished and continue to mock his name would just go away. to those who cling to the notion that he is still alive I would say get a life, and grieve for a good man who deserves to rest in PEACE!!!!!!!!!
i would like to know where i can purchase the in the ghetto other than itunes
I thought the song was amazing. Lisa has her own sound that of course blends well with her father. Only parts of the video have been shown on TV, would like to know where and when we may see the full version?
Lisa thank you for helping keep your fathers memory alive and helping make this crazy world a little bit better.
Lisa singing with her father the song In the Ghetto was one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. Growing up with Elvis and I remember that song as one of most incredible songs ever…but she capped it….just amazing…
Hello Lisa. I saw good moring america. Picturing how you feel at the age of nine years old. Seeing him pass away in your dads house. I feel so bad. I know that he is looking down from heaven and making sure you are safe. I just wish that nothing happened to your dad. He is the nicest guy ever. I am 15 years old. I love listing to him and thinking about him. My grandma likes him too. I know that you miss him and i do too. But God called him home. When it is your turn, you will see your dad again and i hope to see him too. I know this is a hard but life goes on. I havent seen Elvis House but i will someday. I will even come the day that he was tooken to the hospital and passed away. I am so sorry that happened. I loved his voice and him. I hope everything goes well and hope that you will be okay. In the name of the lord Jesus christ streangthen you and keep you in his hands and your dads. God Bless you and your family.I will see you some day.
Love, Jaime
Colorado
My Elvis Aaron Presley rest in peace!!!!! I love you elvis
Please let me know where I can purchase In the Ghetto with Lisa, I hope it’s video and music. It’s great.
I think it is so awesome that lisa marie wanted to the video ,something she never got to do,now she has made her daddy proud.I cried when I seen them together,singing I had a lump in my throat.beautiful!! Tribute!!! Way to go Lisa
Dear Lisa, I hope we’ll be able to purchase the video of you singing with your dad. You are doing great things in his name. I love seeing his movies and listening to his music. I’ve been a great fan for 45 years and I can never get enough. I raised my daughters, and now my grandchildren on him and his music.
I remember when you were born. You were the apple of your daddy’s eye!! I cannot wait to hear you sing that duet with your dad. He would be so proud of you!! I have been a fan of your dads for almost 30 years. I sometimes do an impersonation of him. But only in a nice respectful manner. God bless you and yours. I know that this is a very painful time for you and your mom so my prayers are for you both. I don’t listen to all the stories put out about him. I know in my heart Elvis was a very kind hearted person who gave of himself in so many ways. He will always be remembered in a happy and sometimes silly way. He will always be the best performer I have ever had the honor and priviledge of hearing and seeing in concert. I miss him dearly. As you and your mom must do. Take care.
Lisa,
I couldn’t wait to hear your version of “In The Ghetto” with your father, wnd when I did, I loved it, but when I saw the video I was totally disappointed in how they put the guns in the baby’s crib and in their hands. I know that the song is about crime in the ghettos but to use a baby with a gun was in poor taste. When I heard that they were making a video of you and your father, I thought that it was going to be like the one that they made of Celine Dion and your father. That would have been much better. Your father was the “King of Rock & Roll” and always will be and it would be nice for you to follow in his footsteps, just don’t use babys and gun in the same video. Think about it! Thanks!
IT WAS GREAT TO HEAR HER SING WITH HER FATHER. WE LOST OUR DAUGHTER THREE YEARS AGO SHE SANG VERY WELL. FOR THE GUNS ON THE VIDEO REALITY CHECK!
Would love to know the name of a song that Lisa Maria sings with her Father Elvis and where can I find the vedio at…Pamela Taylor Hamilton, Alabama
early this am @145am 91107 ophra had lisa marie on a she did an EXCELLENT rendition of in the ghetto accompanied w/the harlem choir very moving
lisa,thank you for a beautiful video with your Dad he was a beautiful person and I know he is so proud of you and the things you are doing to help others,your Dad will never be forgotten he will live in the hearts of his true fans.there will never be another to fill his shoes and I know he is singing in Gods chior can’t you hear that voice of his singing HOW GREAT THOU ARE.KEEP UP YHE GOOD WORK LISA YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB YOUR DAD WOULD BE PROUD
Wow i Cant Beleive the a SUPER STAR;such as ELVIS. I watch all of his movies,shows,etc. He was and still is a Man with convitions,and just a AWSOME person.To just watch elvis during his live shows is just the best. Its hard to put into words how to explain what the “KING” meant to the avg. joe. THANK YOU MR. PRESLEY…… PS the Video with lisa and elvis was BAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please redue the video, ITS NOT PRESLEY CALIPER….David J. Gudzak
I was at the concert when Lisa Marie sang In the Ghetto with her dad and it gave me chills. Lisa Marie even stated that she was not blessed with her dad voice range, but she has his gift of that cute curled lip. I wish would do a CD of Duets wtu Elvis. I would love to hear Dad don’t cry.
where can I purchase the duet of elvis and lia marie -IN THE GHETTO
After years of waiting i finally made it to Graceland. I am 33 and ever since i have use of memory i can remember saying i wanted to go to see The King !!It was everything i had hoped for and more. I felt as if he was still there ,smiling at these intruders in his home but that still love him. I am a huge Elvis fan. There will never be anyone like him. NOBODY can fill HIS SHOES.NOBODY!!! He was the best!!! The house was great the planes the cars etc. I cant wait for my second visit. Lisa if you read this keep up the good work and dont change your ways. Thank you for caring about other peoples needs. Not every celebrity does this. Your father was one of a kind. He gave without thinking of what he could get back. That is wonderful and though he made his mistakes (and we all know he did) that does not change the way we feel. I cant honestly tell you that nothing anyone can say to me will ever, ever , ever change my mind. He was a good soul . Just a little bit lost but a good soul. He had a kind heart and that is really all i need to know. I know he is watching his precious Lyza from heaven so girl, make daddy proud, you r doing great.
ELVIS IS STILL THE KING AND ALWAYS WILL BE.!!
FROM MIAMI FLORIDA, WE LOVE YOU ELVIS !!! YOU ARE ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS.
ELVIS ROCK ON AND LIVE ON !!
SINCERELY ,
ANGIE
I just cannot get enough of this mans music. Its like being on a cloud to hear him sing. He really was the king of Rock and Roll. Dont get me wrong, i love other groups like of course my all time favorite Aerosmith but that was totally different. Elvis was just, well , hmmm … Elvis. Nobody compared to him. HE WAS THE BEST AND ALWAYS WILL BE
lOVE YOU ELVIS FOR EVER AND EVER. HOPE YOU CAN BELT IT OUT UP IN HEAVEN. IM A LITTLE BIT JEALOUS OF THOSE ANGELS THAT GET TO HEAR YOUR CONCERTS ALL DAY LONG. OH WELL JUST SAVE ONE FOR ME BUDDY, ILL BE WAITING ,TRUST ME.
ELVIS IS THE KING
Lisa, I really want this video for xmas gifts. I have been so saddened with mistreatment of The people of New Oreleans. I am retired so funds are low. I prayed someone would pay attention to these people. They must feel so rejeted..Then you came and saw and I will support your efforts as best I can Love, Pat