The movie “Elvis” has ignited interest in the King of Rock and Roll’s music once again. The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards.
During his lifetime, Elvis Presley released three gospel albums. Since his death in 1977, countless compilations and related gospel material have been released. That is not bad considering he was called the King of Rock and Roll.
On that note, why not take a look at the music Elvis liked the most, and that would be gospel.
“His Hand in Mine” - 1960 - If you want your gospel music coming at you fast, here it is. Only one song on this 12-track album is over three minutes long. The first song is the title track and it comes in at 3:12. From there it is a blast of gospel from Elvis and that voice of his.
“How Great Thou Art” - 1967 - Elvis won the first of his three Grammy Awards with this masterpiece. He won for Best Sacred Performance. Keep in mind that this was released before his comeback special in 1968, and performing live again. It features 13-tracks including “Crying in the Chapel,” “Where Do I Go But to the Lord” and “Where No One Stands Alone.” Oh, and “How Great Thou Art,” of course.
“He Touched Me” - 1972 - Elvis was firmly touring again when this album was released. This album is fused with a contemporary sound. Included are some songs he would jam with his background singers after shows, as warm-ups, etc. Songs such as “Bosom of Abraham” and “I, John” rock right on here. He won his second Grammy Award for Best Inspirational Performance. In all, there are 13 songs on the album.
When Elvis went back on the concert circuit, the song “How Great Thou Art” was prominently featured in his shows. It was the live performance where he won his third and final Grammy Award. Yes, it was for his live performance of “How Great Thou Art.”
That version was not what was on the earlier album. It was so much more.
After the success of his 1968 TV special, which featured the inspirational “If I Can Dream,” Elvis sought out songs that he wanted to sing. Many times that led to heartfelt ballads and religious music.
“If I Can Dream” was written for Elvis to perform on the 1968 Comeback Special. It was a message song about the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy. He never performed it again. That song drove Elvis to dig deeper.
You can start with the three gospel albums Elvis released during his career. That can serve as the appetizer into his music. That journey includes versions of “My Way,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water” to “An American Trilogy.”
So, welcome new Elvis fans and hop on board the journey of discovery. His music is much more than is often presented. It is a way of life. It progressed as he aged, and grew deeper. In the end, as the Baz Lurhmann “Elvis” movie shows, you will realize he sang with all his soul.
