We had the pleasure to catch up with Country Artist / Songwriter Jillian Cardarelli who released her new single, “If I Could Talk to Elvis.” The single, written by Cardarelli and hit songwriters Alex Kline and Tina Parol, features Larry Strickland of The Stamps Quartet and Elvis Presley background vocalist.
Cardarelli will perform the single as she takes the stage this morning at 10:45am CST at Nashville’s premier sporting event, Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, on the iHeartCountry Stage.
The single is releasing just in time for Elvis Week August 9 – 17 in Memphis in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Elvis’ Aloha from Hawaii television special and the 55th Anniversary of Elvis’ ’68 Comeback.
When asked about her love for the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Cardarelli explained.
“I fell in love with Elvis at five-years-old when my dad played the Aloha from Hawaii Concert Special on VHS,” said Jillian Cardarelli. “I was six-years-old when I first visited Graceland and then went back, after begging my parents, on my 10th birthday. I’ve visited Graceland more times than I can count over the years. Elvis was such a huge influence in my life and he played a part in why I decided to pursue a music career. I’m not sure how you can miss someone you’ve never met, but I do. This song sums up everything I wish I could say to Elvis and I think his fans will relate to this song.”
Cardarelli asked Larry Strickland to join her on the song, which he quickly obliged.
“When I heard about the song, I was very intrigued because I actually did get to talk with Elvis… often,” said Larry Strickland. “I never really thought much about other folks’ desire to talk with him. Then I heard how good the song is and I was excited to sing with Jillian on it. Hopefully every Elvis fan across the world will love this song.”
We enjoyed catching up with Jillian Cardarelli and we hope you do too. Check it out…
CN: Your new single “If I Could Talk to Elvis” featuring Larry Strickland pays homage to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. If you could talk to Elvis, is there something in particular you’d like to say or ask?
JC: I would make sure he knows how much of an impact his music made on people, even after being gone for so long, he is still such an icon. Elvis truly embodied the American Dream. I would tell him we all love him and thank him for the music and the legacy he left behind.
CN: Larry Strickland sang background vocals for Elvis Presley and worked with him for many years. What was it like working with Larry on this single? Did he describe his experiences with Elvis? Anything you can share?
JC: Larry is a dear friend and I was so honored that he sang on this song with me. It was so special to have him sing on this, especially because he was someone who actually did get to talk to Elvis. Larry sang on all of the jungle room sessions and the Moody Blue record. He said it was amazing getting to record in the jungle room. What I would give to be a fly on the wall during those sessions!
CN: It’s Elvis Week coming up (August 9-16) and we understand you love Memphis. What are a few of your favorite “haunts” in Memphis – maybe a hidden gem that only locals know about?
JC: The Rendezvous is my absolute favorite spot for barbecue. I love popping into the Peabody Hotel and visiting Lansky where Elvis used to shop as well.
CN: What’s something you and Elvis have in common? Any shared hobbies?
JC: Besides music, I’m a black belt in karate just as Elvis was! Karate was a big passion of his.
CN: What’s your favorite Elvis song?
JC: Too hard to choose just one! I love “The Wonder of You,” “Little Sister,” and “All Shook Up” among many others!
CN: Favorite Elvis movie?
JC: King Creole
CN: What are you most looking forward to during the remainder of 2023? New music, tour, etc?
JC: I’ll be in the studio this fall recording some new stuff, so I’m excited to get in there and share new music with everyone.
“If I Could Talk to Elvis” is available now on Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, Amazon Music and anywhere you stream music. The music video for the single is slated to release in mid-August and will be available on CMT and her YouTube Channel.
For more information and upcoming tour dates, visit www.jilliancardarelli.com.