'If I Can Dream" at inauguration [Archive]

ehollier

01-07-2009, 08:07 AM

".......There is only one Elvis, and you don't have to do much to keep him front and center," said Sillerman, who said President-elect Barack Obama's inaugural committee has contacted CKX to ask about using the Elvis song "If I Can Dream" as part of an inaugural event. "I am a big supporter of President Obama. If they want to use it, we absolutely will make it available to them. Forty years after Elvis' '68 special, we see that he's being thought of as part of a new beginning......"

By Michael Lollar, Memphis Commercial Appeal
Mercredi, Janvier 7, 2009

ehollier

01-07-2009, 08:08 AM

There must be lights burning brighter somewhere
Got to be birds flying higher in a sky more blue
If I can dream of a better land
Where all my brothers walk hand in hand
Tell me why, oh why, oh why can't my dream come true

There must be peace and understanding sometime
Strong winds of promise that will blow away
All the doubt and fear
If I can dream of a warmer sun
Where hope keeps shining on everyone
Tell me why, oh why, oh why wont that sun appear

Were lost in a cloud
With too much rain
Were trapped in a world
That's troubled with pain
But as long as a man
Has the strength to dream
He can redeem his soul and fly

Deep in my heart there's a trembling question
Still I am sure that the answer gonna come somehow
Out there in the dark, there's a beckoning candle
And while I can think, while I can talk
While I can stand, while I can walk
While I can dream, please let my dream
Come true, right now
Let it come true right now
Oh yeah

Donut

01-07-2009, 08:10 AM

:supriced: That would be nice. I hope they do it (y)

ehollier

01-07-2009, 08:22 AM

:supriced: That would be nice. I hope they do it (y)

Tell me, are you and Teddy planning on attending????? :P :P :P

Donut

01-07-2009, 08:29 AM

Tell me, are you and Teddy planning on attending????? :P :P :P

Why don't you ask him yourself? I don't plan Teddy's life, you know...
But no, I'm not going.

IM4Elvis

01-07-2009, 08:36 AM

WOW! What an honor...What a song!!!

Diane

01-07-2009, 09:03 AM

I think this is wonderful!!!! I hope they do it....we'll have our eyes glued to the television on the 20th.

Diane

Albert

01-07-2009, 09:05 AM

O man.... that would be the ultimate height for 2009.... Elvis being part of a new era. The symbolism is all there.... I'll keep my fingers crossed

Lonniebealestreet

01-07-2009, 09:08 AM

That will be fantastic.

ehollier

01-07-2009, 09:11 AM

And who says The King is dead and forgotten about? Elvis would have never imagined his good fortunes this long after his death.

Jumpsuit Junkie

01-07-2009, 09:42 AM

It's nice to know that the symbolism of 'If I can Dream' still resonates so many decades after it's original release. What makes this so potent a symbol is that Barack Obama is the first black President and that his campaigners and Obama himself have chosen this song to represent their vision/struggle and opportunities.

What I also like about this choice (if true) is that racial divides are broken down. It has been suggested in the past that Elvis was racist, this goes some way to acknowledging that this just isn't the case.

GraceeD1970

01-07-2009, 10:12 AM

The words would be so fitting and beautiful.

kathy parkinson

01-07-2009, 10:18 AM

If this happens, and i hope it does, every Elvis fan worldwide should be proud for him, way to go Elvis.

Merry

01-07-2009, 02:42 PM

It's nice to know that the symbolism of 'If I can Dream' still resonates so many decades after it's original release. What makes this so potent a symbol is that Barack Obama is the first black President and that his campaigners and Obama himself have chosen this song to represent their vision/struggle and opportunities.

What I also like about this choice (if true) is that racial divides are broken down.

Hey Matt!!! LOL

We agree! hehe ............lol!!!!!!!!!!!

(Plus so many other points, that apply to this wonderful news).

:hug:

Kimmi :D:lmfao::lmfao::lmfao:

KPM

01-07-2009, 02:51 PM

O man.... that would be the ultimate height for 2009.... Elvis being part of a new era. The symbolism is all there.... I'll keep my fingers crossed
Thats my feelings exactly.

ehollier

01-07-2009, 02:54 PM

molokai123

01-07-2009, 02:56 PM

(y):king:(y):lol:

Merry

01-07-2009, 02:57 PM

O man.... that would be the ultimate height for 2009.... Elvis being part of a new era. The symbolism is all there.... I'll keep my fingers crossed

Me too!

I can't wait to hear breaking news, as this develops!

"Wow", my new speechless word! lol

Diane

01-07-2009, 02:59 PM

I just read that Arthea Franklin (go girl!!) was the musical guest. I wonder if she will sing this song? Otherwise, we'll hear Elvis' song via the The United States Marine Band and The San Francisco Boys Chorus and the San Francisco Girls Chorus.

I hope you read wrong and that we will hear Elvis singing If I Can Dream. It's not an exclusively Elvis song so if someone else sings it or it's done by a band, why would Obama need Sillerman's permission to do it?

Diane

ehollier

01-07-2009, 03:04 PM

I hope you read wrong and that we will hear Elvis singing If I Can Dream. It's not an exclusively Elvis song so if someone else sings it or it's done by a band, why would Obama need Sillerman's permission to do it?

Diane

EPE probably owns the rights to the lyrics, would be my guess. Maybe someone else can better answer that.

Jungleroom76

01-07-2009, 03:17 PM

It certainly would expose Elvis' music to a whole new generation of fans for sure!!! (y)

It's definitely a good thing!!! :D

TCB!
Mike

Dudcowboy_1

01-07-2009, 03:41 PM

Oh wow! Kinda Ironic...when I performed with Kellie Pickler on Capital Hill It was great honor to represent Elvis and his music. I had great honor sing that song on Capital hill. I'm in tears that we will get to hear If I Can Dream from the man! On that historical day.

Love to all,
Tim

ad schijven

01-07-2009, 03:57 PM

Good publicity for Elvis, but also for Barak Obama.......reminds me of the Clinton days.

Diane

01-07-2009, 04:00 PM

Me too....the GOOD days!(y)

Diane

ad schijven

01-07-2009, 04:16 PM

Me too....the GOOD days!(y)

Diane

That`s right.....Bill was a true Elvis fan and he didn`t keep it a secret.(y)

beau stewart

01-07-2009, 04:19 PM

That Is To Cool !!!!!!!!!!! One Man One Dream And Keeps Going On(y):!:

Tcb

mozzarella

01-07-2009, 04:19 PM

That`s right.....Bill was a true Elvis fan and he didn`t keep it a secret.(y)

There might be Bill Clinton's hand in it from the background...

WHITETIGERMAN

01-07-2009, 04:29 PM

That would be sweet and emotional for me.Number cause it's my favorite song by Elvis and I requested that at the graveside part of my furnal service that it be played.

wild4elvis1962

01-07-2009, 04:34 PM

Graceland...epe...own The Rights To Most Of Elvis Music And Have All Say So On The Use Of Such.

wild4elvis1962

01-07-2009, 04:35 PM

If Used,i Hope They Use The Original Elvis Version....if Perfromed By Any Other, I Hope They Do The Song Justice And Make Us And Elvis Proud.

dannyboy1

01-07-2009, 04:38 PM

My personal opinion is that Elvis himself wouldn't make public comments on political issues and kept his voting preferences to himself. I always wince when I see one side or the other manipulating Elvis' image or legacy to make him support their political position.

But when one of your postings mentioned Aretha Franklin, I had the crazy thought of how unique and special yet another duet of this song would be - Elvis and Aretha. Very powerful and symbolic.

jeanelvisgirl

01-07-2009, 04:54 PM

Great news...hope it's our boy singing it!

KPM

01-07-2009, 04:57 PM

I just read that Arthea Franklin (go girl!!) was the musical guest. I wonder if she will sing this song? Otherwise, we'll hear Elvis' song via the The United States Marine Band and The San Francisco Boys Chorus and the San Francisco Girls Chorus.

Perhaps they will just use the existing footage from the special on big screen-or perhaps just the recording will somehow be incorporated into the event. A guess.

Unique Dog

01-07-2009, 05:21 PM

KPM

01-07-2009, 05:27 PM

Great song but I`m not fond of Obama and his "I`ll give you a 3 letter word--J-O-B-S" VP choice. I have to admit, the thought of this song being used slightly disgusts me. I heard that one of the Inaugural Balls will be decorated in purple lush carpeting. Sounds more like something out of a 1970s pimp/disco movie than a Presidential event.

BTW, if you haven`t heard....Lisa Marie will be attending.
Well its a song of hope-and I'm sure most Americans are hoping that Americas problems in the new year with a new President will get better and not worse. So regardless of who is president-we should all continue to hope for better times. This song fits the bill.

Unique Dog

01-07-2009, 05:32 PM

KPM

01-07-2009, 05:40 PM

I`ve always loved the song. I have no issue with the song itself. I hope for our country`s sake, that Obama does a good job. I have doubts and I think he`s a snake in the grass but, I will pray for him as I have done with past presidents.
Thats for sure-he is in the toughest position since WW2 of any president coming into office-an almost unprecedented economic meltdown in the last year, and a war on 2 fronts. He will need everyones prayers and willingness to work for solutions to massive problems. "If I Can Dream" is the perfect song for nearly impossible times.

Awickedreigndrop

01-08-2009, 12:03 AM

Aw, that's going to be nice. I hope it goes through and they can use it!

utmom2008

01-08-2009, 10:09 AM

Tell me, are you and Teddy planning on attending????? :P :P :P

My son is going....if that matters.:P:P:D(y)

midnight

01-08-2009, 12:08 PM

My son is going....if that matters.:P:P:D(y)

I wonder will we see him on TV Rosanne? It would not surprise me!(y)

shelley.m.

01-08-2009, 09:59 PM

O man.... that would be the ultimate height for 2009.... Elvis being part of a new era. The symbolism is all there.... I'll keep my fingers crossed

Well said,Albert.I'll keep my fingers crossed as well.

WHITETIGERMAN

01-08-2009, 10:07 PM

Well said,Albert.I'll keep my fingers crossed as well.

Let's all keep our fingers crossed and that Elvis and ourselves as fans don't get screwed

Wendy56

01-10-2009, 12:03 AM

If I Can Dream is a song that fits so well in the wishes of peace... not only for USA but for the whole world. (y)

rams

01-10-2009, 05:55 AM

:hmm:I remember back several years ago they played John Lennons "Imagine" prior to the opening of a United Nations Councils' meet. I always thought they should of played Elvis' "If I can Dream" too. My guess though that to use Elvis at Obamas inaugural will be seen by the entire earth at once which would be far more than anyone heard at that UN event anyway. When people want to be noticed they always reach for Elvis Presley !!!!!(y)

rams

artfromtex

01-20-2009, 11:29 AM

so did this go down?

KPM

01-20-2009, 11:37 AM

so did this go down?

I did not hear it at the actual inauguration-perhaps it is to be used at one of the Inaugural Balls tonight in some way.
There was also a 2 hour event over the weekend at the Lincoln Memorial and many artists performed-but did not see the whole event so I am not sure if it was used.

Brian

01-20-2009, 11:49 AM

.
There was also a 2 hour event over the weekend at the Lincoln Memorial and many artists performed-but did not see the whole event so I am not sure if it was used.

it wasn't used there either

Vegas King

01-20-2009, 11:54 AM

I like little black fellow.It would be great if he do it,but I don't care if he doesn't do it.
Elvis will remain #1

Miss Clawdy

01-20-2009, 12:03 PM

I was persuaded that they would use it after Obama's speech, I think it would have fit perfectly.
Maybe they couldn't find the right person to perform it....;)

epmoodyblue

01-20-2009, 12:30 PM

it didint happen..no if i can dream:doh:...inauguration was a flop(n) usual boring ceremony

Diane

01-20-2009, 05:45 PM

I was thinking it would be heard at the Inauguration Ball with the rest of the entertainers. We're taping that so hopefully it will be.

Diane

Awickedreigndrop

01-20-2009, 08:55 PM

I was waiting for it. Then I had a lot of errands to run and was afraid that I missed it. I guess I didn't.

Cliff

01-21-2009, 02:03 AM

Maybe they couldn't find the right person to perform it....

They couldn't. He died in '77.

WHITETIGERMAN

01-21-2009, 05:14 AM

They couldn't. He died in '77.

Tell me about it........no one else could sing that song for sure.

Miss Clawdy

01-21-2009, 05:51 AM

Maybe they couldn't find the right person to perform it....

They couldn't. He died in '77.

I assume they possibly knew that before they asked EPE for permission to use an Elvis song :hmm:;).
I think the whole story was a hoax.

TotallyInsane

01-21-2009, 06:07 AM

They couldn't. He died in '77.

(y)(y)(y)(y)(y)(y)

memphisflash

01-21-2009, 08:09 AM

Miss Clawdy

01-21-2009, 08:38 AM

It wasn't a hoax. Robert FX Sillerman was quoted as saying that Obama's people requested to use it but something must have blocked it, say, the record company since they own the rights to the song. Maybe Obama's people thought that EPE owned the rights and went to them instead of the actual owner and that might have upset RCA to where they said no or either requested a hefty fee from the White House to use it.

Then again, maybe it was used at one of the 10 balls thrown or in the 100-piece parade. Just because we didn't hear it doesn't mean it wasn't used in some way.

Ok, I missed the Sillerman quote. But it's hard to believe RCA or whoever missed such a chance :blink:. This would have almost been like Aloha...a woldwide seen performance ;).

county4737

01-21-2009, 08:46 AM

It wasn't a hoax. Robert FX Sillerman was quoted as saying that Obama's people requested to use it but something must have blocked it, say, the record company since they own the rights to the song. Maybe Obama's people thought that EPE owned the rights and went to them instead of the actual owner and that might have upset RCA to where they said no or either requested a hefty fee from the White House to use it.

Then again, maybe it was used at one of the 10 balls thrown or in the 100-piece parade. Just because we didn't hear it doesn't mean it wasn't used in some way.

Robert gave the news with many days of anticipation (7 of January 2009) and that is an error trying an official ceremony.

Unique Dog

01-21-2009, 10:21 AM

Thank God it was NOT used! I think Elvis would not have been happy if his song was used.

Diane

01-21-2009, 10:39 AM

Thank God it was NOT used! I think Elvis would not have been happy if his song was used.

I disagree. I think Elvis would have been very proud to have been made a part of this inauguration.

Diane

Miss Clawdy

01-21-2009, 10:44 AM

Thank God it was NOT used! I think Elvis would not have been happy if his song was used.

I agree with Diane, I think Elvis would have been very proud to be part of such a great moment in history (y)!

Miss Clawdy

01-21-2009, 10:45 AM

Robert gave the news with many days of anticipation (7 of January 2009) and that is an error trying an official ceremony.

Could you please explain that a bit better?

KPM

01-21-2009, 12:27 PM

It wasn't a hoax. Robert FX Sillerman was quoted as saying that Obama's people requested to use it but something must have blocked it, say, the record company since they own the rights to the song. Maybe Obama's people thought that EPE owned the rights and went to them instead of the actual owner and that might have upset RCA to where they said no or either requested a hefty fee from the White House to use it.

Then again, maybe it was used at one of the 10 balls thrown or in the 100-piece parade. Just because we didn't hear it doesn't mean it wasn't used in some way.
Well surely Sillerman and his people knew who had the rights to the song-it was used on American Idol with the Celine Dion that was not a problem? Surely the Obama people would have got info from Sillerman or his people on how and where to proceed to get the song.

Polk-Salad-Annie

01-21-2009, 01:16 PM

Thank God it was NOT used! I think Elvis would not have been happy if his song was used.

I wish that they used this song.
I agree with Miss Clawdy and Diane.
Elvis would have been very proud.

Elvis_Lady_1984

01-21-2009, 02:10 PM

Thank God it was NOT used! I think Elvis would not have been happy if his song was used.

I don't think he would have been upset. He sang this song on comeback special with such feeling and emotion, why not use it..but i agree they'd have a hard time finding a voice like Elvis' to do it justice, better left to the professional here, the KING.:D I have always heard that he did the song in lew of Martin Luther King's Assassination. He was a great man!(y)

Unique Dog

01-21-2009, 09:33 PM

I disagree. I think Elvis would have been very proud to have been made a part of this inauguration.

Diane

Elvis was a smart man and wise entertainer. He never revealed his political opinions to the public--never let the public know which side of the fence he was on-- and it`s unfair to do so now that he`s gone and can not speak for himself.

utmom2008

01-21-2009, 09:57 PM

utmom2008

01-21-2009, 09:58 PM

Well surely Sillerman and his people knew who had the rights to the song-it was used on American Idol with the Celine Dion that was not a problem? Surely the Obama people would have got info from Sillerman or his people on how and where to proceed to get the song.

If Obama's people couldn't figure out who to go to in regards to using a song...........then we are ALL in trouble.:lmfao::lmfao:

RS277

01-21-2009, 10:27 PM

Very glad it was not used.

KPM

01-22-2009, 11:58 AM

Elvis was a smart man and wise entertainer. He never revealed his political opinions to the public--never let the public know which side of the fence he was on-- and it`s unfair to do so now that he`s gone and can not speak for himself.
I see it a little differently.
Isn't it universal to want hope, peace,-understanding? We all want those things regardless of party -Republican, Democrat, Independent etc.....we Americans want hope for peace and understanding. (although its a long hard road to hoe)
I don't think allowing a song of hope to be used in conjunction with the inaugural of "any president" is actually making a political statement of philosophy.
When Bush took office I wished nothing but the best for him, and if he had wanted to use this song in any way it would have been fine by me. I think we should hope any president does well, regardless of party. (why would anyone not wish a new president success-when they fail we suffer)

Diane

01-22-2009, 01:03 PM

I see it a little differently.
Isn't it universal to want hope, peace,-understanding? We all want those things regardless of party -Republican, Democrat, Independent etc.....we Americans want hope for peace and understanding. (although its a long hard road to hoe)
I don't think allowing a song of hope to be used in conjunction with the inaugural of "any president" is actually making a political statement of philosophy.
When Bush took office I wished nothing but the best for him, and if he had wanted to use this song in any way it would have been fine by me. I think we should hope any president does well, regardless of party. (why would anyone not wish a new president success-when they fail we suffer)

Isn't this in line with what Obama has been saying all along? (y)(y)(y)

Diane