Elvis Gets An Orchestral Makeover

To mark 30 years since Elvis Presley’s death, an orchestral album of some of the legend’s greatest tracks will be released.

‘Symphonic Elvis’ features the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and is conducted by Italian Ettore Stratta. The orchestra was first formed in 1968 when Elvis himself used it to perform his tracks with live.

The album also features some guest slots from Elvis’ former band, including guitarists (and Elvis’s first manager) Scotty Moore and Reggie Young, pianist Bobby Wood, bassist Mike Leech, saxophonist Boots Randolph, and harmonica legend Charlie McCoy.

Amongst the orchestral renditions are ‘Heartbreak Hotel’, ‘Are You Lonesome Tonight?’, ‘Love Me Tender’ and ‘That’s Alright.’

The album is released through Warner Classics and Jazz on August 20.