Priscilla insists this song showcases Elvis’ supreme talent.
“If I Can Dream” is a significant song in Elvis Presley’s discography, notably performed during his ’68 Comeback Special. The song holds a place in various Presley compilations, particularly those related to the ’68 Comeback Special and inspirational collections. Over the years, it has been remastered and included in different releases, reflecting its enduring appeal. The song has seen several cover versions by artists such as Barry Manilow, Michael Ball, and even the Italian band Måneskin, which performed it during the Eurovision Song Contest 2022, later including it in the soundtrack of the film “Elvis”.
The ’68 Comeback Special itself was a landmark event in Presley’s career, orchestrated by producer Steve Binder, who steered the show away from its original Christmas theme towards a more personal showcase of Elvis’s talents and passions.
This shift was partly influenced by the social and political climate of the time, including the impact of the assassinations of Senator Robert F. Kennedy and Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. These events motivated Presley to record “If I Can Dream” as a powerful closing number for the special, reflecting his feelings about the current social climate and his hopes for a better future.
The album “If I Can Dream: Elvis Presley with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra,” released in 2015, features archival vocal recordings of Presley accompanied by new orchestral arrangements by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. This album marked a significant achievement by entering the Billboard Classical Chart and achieving notable sales and chart positions worldwide. It includes a mix of Presley’s hits, such as “Burning Love,” “It’s Now or Never,” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” all given new life with lush orchestral backdrops.
