Country Artist / Songwriter Jillian Cardarelli releases 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, Elvis Presley’s background vocalist of the The Stamps Quartet. WSM Radio’s Coffee, Country & Cody premiered the single on Wednesday’s show.
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) where fans gather from all over the world at Graceland in Memphis, TN to remember the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
“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. He was such a talent, a philanthropist and he truly embodied the American dream. 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 Elvis fans will relate to this song.”
Cardarelli asked Larry Strickland, Elvis Presley’s background vocalist of the The Stamps Quartet, 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.”
This is Cardarelli’s fourth single release of 2023 as big things are on the horizon for this talented young lady. The Massachusetts native is blazing her own path with stunning vocals, captivating songwriting and “girl next door” qualities.
Her singles “Could’ve Been Boy” and “Country Side,” have debuted to rave reviews and landed on a variety of playlists. In addition, her previous singles “What’s It Gonna Take,” “Dropped” and “If You Had a Heart” from her 2021 EP – all garnered support from Apple Music, Spotify and Pandora. Her inspirational single “Strong” featuring Charles Esten was named one of 2020’s Most Powerful Songs by American Songwriter. “I Never Do This,” was named Best New Country Song by Rolling Stone in October 2019.