All the way from Memphis
We’re a long way from Sam Phillips, who 30 years ago cut an acetate disc of a young truck driver’s unique singing voice. Today’s technology makes it possible for anyone to duet with Elvis Presley – sorta. Sony BMG has a website called Sing With the King that lets people sing Martina McBride’s part from “Blue Christmas” on the Elvis Presley Christmas Duets album.
Fans call the given phone number and enter an access code, then sing their little hearts out into the mouthpiece. The resultant recording can be previewed and then either emailed to friends or consigned to the virtual cutting room floor. If all else fails, the email can be of the song’s album version instead. Whichever gets sent, the email includes a link to buy the music and to sign up for future news blasts. (Thanks to Ian Hunter for the song lyric.)
