Collective Soul Felt Lisa Marie Presley’s Presence While Recording in Her Childhood Home

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I’m absolutely thrilled to share that Collective Soul has just released a captivating retrospective documentary, available on Blu-ray and video on demand. This film revolves around their 2024 album, “Here to Eternity,” which was meticulously crafted at Elvis Presley’s iconic Palm Springs residence towards the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023. Remarkably, during our stay there, we found ourselves in the midst of breaking news about Lisa Marie Presley’s passing in January 2023.

I recently got to chat with Will Turpin, bassist and co-founder of Collective Soul, about an upcoming event related to their documentary, “Give Me a Word: The Collective Soul Story,” scheduled for release in 2025. During our conversation, Turpin shared that the presence of Lisa Marie was strongly felt on that particular day.

‘It Never Rains In Palm Springs’

On January 12th, 2023, I found myself grappling with a profound sense of loss, as Lisa Marie Presley, the beloved daughter of the iconic Elvis Presley, departed at just 54 years old. Her death was due to complications from bariatric surgery, leaving behind four resilient children, including her daughter Riley Keough. Throughout my life, I’ve been a dedicated follower of Lisa Marie’s journey, from her birth to Elvis and Priscilla in 1968, up until the very end. The news of her passing came as an unexpected blow to me, and to countless other fans who shared this emotional connection with her.

In the iconic residence of Elvis, where Collective Soul were creating their latest album, they transformed Lisa Marie’s old bedroom into a control room for recording. On an unusual day, as Turpin recounted, it drizzled – something quite rare in California’s arid high desert. He described that very day as…

During January, we found ourselves smack in the middle of our recording session. Interestingly, Palm Springs isn’t known for heavy rainfall. However, that particular night, an unexpected downpour occurred, and for the first time, a leak sprang up right through what used to be her bedroom, where our sound engineering room was located.

On a dismal day in Palm Springs, it seemed as if the impending weather served as a premonition for the band. It wasn’t a foreboding omen per se, but rather a hint to the musicians that Lisa Marie’s spirit was palpable. Turpin reflected on the unexpected downpour, expressing that…

We’d transform Lisa Marie’s former bedroom into an engineering workspace. Interestingly, this tale didn’t find its way into the documentary, but during that time, a leak sprang up from the roof. Fortunately, it avoided our equipment, however, it rained heavily that night, and water seeped through her ceiling, specifically where her room used to be.

It turned out to be a joyful and heartwarming conclusion instead of a catastrophe for the band and their collaborators when making the record, which could have been the case had Lisa Marie’s spirit indeed been present. But if she was, it seems she found no issue with her old bedroom being transformed into a studio space.

Water And Recording Equipment Is A Bad Combo, But Again, Lisa Marie Was There With Them

When there’s talk of a leak in a control room, which Turpin mentioned had never been an issue in the bedroom before, could potentially lead to catastrophe given that water and electrical devices are not compatible. Yet, it seemed as though Lisa Marie’s protective influence was at play once more, as the costly equipment miraculously escaped damage, according to Turpin.

Moreover, it never interacted with any of our computers or equipment, suggesting a desire to avoid causing harm.

It didn’t affect any of our tech or gear, indicating that it wanted to do no harm.

Apart from being the child of a renowned musician, Lisa Marie Presley additionally tied the knot with two notable figures – singer Michael Jackson and music producer Michael Lockwood. Moreover, she independently produced three studio albums, which underscores her desire to maintain the high quality in every creative endeavor!

Recording In Elvis’ House Sounds Like Quite An Amazing Experience

The documentary reveals that the band was the first to record in Elvis Presley’s desert residence, apart from Presley himself. Remaining largely unchanged since its purchase, the house retains many items left behind by Presley more than four decades ago, leaving Turpin in awe. Not only did some vibrant red carpet remain and memorabilia reminiscent of Graceland in Memphis, but also an old security feature near the jacuzzi was still intact. Turpin recounts his amazement by saying, “…the house still bore traces of its past.

The Jacuzzi was covered with a transparent lid due to an early instance of paparazzi-like situations. Men, using a helicopter and long-range camera, managed to capture photos of Elvis Presley enjoying the Jacuzzi alongside USC cheerleaders.

It seems that Presley took steps to prevent such occurrences by covering the hot tub, as per Turpin’s account, and everything appeared intact.

Indeed, those transparent domes he placed atop the hot tub were still housing all the items inside.

Or, more casually:
Those clear caps he set on the Jacuzzi kept everything inside intact.

As a devoted cinephile, I can’t help but share an observation that might not resonate well with my dear Priscilla, whose captivating life story was recently brought to the big screen by none other than Sofia Coppola. Yet, given her connection to the legendary Elvis Presley, I can’t help but wonder if she’s accustomed to tales about her late husband socializing with cheerleaders?

Elvis Was Never A Direct Influence On Collective Soul, But He Is Still The King

When I inquired about Elvis’s effect on Collective Soul, Turpin clarified that, given their Georgian origin, it’s almost inevitable to have some indirect influence.

Sure thing!

As someone hailing from the Southern region, it’s undeniable that Elvis had a significant impact on our cultural landscape. However, when it comes to discussing music influences, we might not have explicitly pointed to Elvis as the source of inspiration.

Absolutely, when you’re involved in the world of rock and roll, Elvis Presley isn’t always a distant figure from your work. Though The King may not be a significant influence on contemporary bands, or even those from the ’90s, it doesn’t take long to find an echo of his impact in a band’s music, as Turpin describes regarding his bandmates Ed and Dean Roland.

In simpler terms, Mr. Roland primarily listened to music that wasn’t Christian, and Elvis was the only artist in that category he appreciated. When Ed and Dean were growing up, they were significantly impacted by this style of music.

It’s understandable that Elvis, who delved into gospel music as well, could be among the select rock stars welcomed by the Roland brothers’ religious father in their home. Although Elvis may not have had a direct impact on them, it’s clear that the influence of spiritual music, which he also embraced, can be seen in the music of Collective Soul.

Three Decades Later, It All Came Full Circle

In “Give Me a Word: The Collective Soul Story,” the narrative of the Roland brothers and their associate, Will Turpin, concludes after many years, and the music that once enthralled them during their youth significantly influenced their latest album in tangible ways. Although Elvis or Lisa Marie might not be audible in their tunes, the effect is undeniably present.

Be sure to watch for the band Collective Soul, who will soon embark on a tour playing popular tracks from the ’90s as well as music from their latest record. Fingers crossed that Lisa Marie Presley continues to look fondly upon them from above, appreciating all they have achieved.

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2025-07-09 01:09