MusicCityNashville.net: Karissa Ella Revisits "Memphis" with a Young and Fresh Take on a Country Pop Classic

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Karissa Ella Revisits "Memphis" with a Young and Fresh Take on a Country Pop Classic

by Rich and Laura Lynch

Diehard fans of Elvis Presley will happily tell you of their journeys to the promised land with many devoted adherents making repeated treks to Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee. So, it's no wonder that a legendary country pop song that shares the city's name called "Maybe It Was Memphis" would be revisited often. The latest take on the chart-topping track comes from singer/songwriter Karissa Ella who adds a vibrant vigor to the hit made most famous by Pam Tillis.

Karissa Ella Revisits Memphis with a Young and Fresh Take on a Country Pop Classic

" 'Maybe It Was Memphis' is one of my favorite Pam Tillis songs and I am honored to cover it! I hope I made her proud and hope listeners enjoy my take on this classic song," says Karissa Ella who released the track as part of her ongoing Acoustic Sessions project.

One pair of ears who heard the track and approves is the song's original composer Michael Anderson who penned this one quickly in Nashville before making a big splash on rock radio in the late 80's with his powerful entry in the Apocalyptic Rock genre called "Sound Alarm".

"Sounds good to me," said Anderson upon first listen. "It's a bit different even though she says she is trying to be faithful to Pam Tillis' version. It has a young, pop feel to me that comes through even acoustically."

In choosing selections to cover for The Acoustic Sessions, Ella picked out pieces that have influenced her musically. These songs are the ones she grew up listening to and have inspired her to pursue a career in country music. Now getting back to her roots, she is working on more new music to be released later this year.

It's been a good year for "Maybe It Was Memphis" as it appeared on the Apple Music bestseller list following a live performance by Kelly Clarkson on her mid-day talk show. Now, it's back in the spotlight again with the Ella version. Plus, Michael Anderson himself recorded a new roots edition with his Music City based outfit Hard Redemption.

About Karissa Ella: Karissa Ella's youthful and soulful style is a breath of fresh air in today's world of country music, and she's been recognized for it by Radio Disney Country, CMT and countless media outlets. Inspired by the likes of Shania Twain, Gretchen Wilson, Garth Brooks and Carrie Underwood, her music, writing and live performances attract people of all ages. Armed with a Music Entertainment Degree from Belmont University and having been singing for crowds from the young age of 10 years old, Karissa is one of country music's rising stars! Karissa Ella currently resides in Nashville and performs at venues and private venues throughout the U.S, especially in Tenn., Wis. and Ohio. In June 2018, she completed her first EP, having co-wrote two of the three songs. Her second EP, Blossom, came out Summer 2019 with songs like "VACAY" featured by Parade.com and "Me and Luke" by Medium and Taste of Country. Expect more new music from Karissa in the coming year. For more information, visit karissaella.com.