9 JANUARY 2003
Lisa Marie Presley is to follow in her legendary father's footsteps in April by releasing her debut album.

She seems to have inherited her father's talent. too, if her performance at a recent Elvis tribute concert is anything to go by. The 34-year-old received rapturous applause after performing the song Nobody Noticed, which she wrote in memory of her dad.

The album will be quite unlike any of her father's many records, however. Producer Glen Ballard says the recording is more modern and diverse. "It's a pop record, but it also has elements of blues, funk, country, R&B, hip-hop - it's sort of the confluence of whatever modern-day Memphis is right now," he said. "It has a lot of influences… It sort of grew up in the soil from which she sprang."

Needless to say, the world's music press will be eagerly awaiting the release, so Lisa Marie won't get the chance to develop slowly like other artists. The Graceland heiress, who penned all the songs herself, could be forgiven for feeling a little nervous. In the past she has said the Presley name has been more of a burden than a blessing.

Asked whether she would cover any of her father's tracks, she said: "No. I think it would be disrespectful to his fans, like trying to cash in on his fame. I want to make it with my own talent, my own ability."