The King's daughter is preparing to make her debut. Lisa Marie Presley, son of Elvis and daughter of Priscilla, is busy working with hit-maker Glen Ballard on her first record. Ballard, who produced Alanis Morissette's last two albums, reports that Presley's pop album, which may include some help from all-star contributors, should be ready by mid-summer. It will be released on Ballard's own Java Records, in cooperation with Capitol. "It's pretty remarkable stuff," Ballard insists.

Ever since the producer surprised the industry more than a year ago by announcing he had signed Presley to a record contract, there has been much speculation about what Lisa Marie's music would sound like. Thereclusive thirty-one-year-old has never before sung in public.

For now, Ballard's not going to shed much light on the musical mystery that surrounds the former Mrs. Michael Jackson. "The music is not what people would expect. It's funky, there are some heavy rhythmic elements. There are all kinds of influences in there; I just can't quite name it. She's an excellent singer, with a completely distinctive style, a unique blend of a lot of different styles." Ballard does suggest Presley's songs "will be acceptable to pop, hot AC and alternative radio."

Presley has been co-writing songs with Ballard, who reports that the Smashing Pumpkins' Billy Corgan, as well as Seal, have expressed interest in writing with Presley.

And just how might record buyers react to more music from the Presley family? "There'd definitely be a curiosity factor," says John Grandoni, vice president of purchasing for National Record Mart, which owns more than 100 record shops across the country. "There would be tremendous amount of press and public awareness. Every entertainment show in America would cover it." For the most part, though, the VP insists Presley will face the same harsh reality every other new act faces when releasing a record: "Whether people will buy it depends on the quality of the music."

ERIC BOEHLERT
(April 12, 1999)