Top 10 Elvis Gospel Songs You Need to Hear Now
Elvis Presley is known as the King of Rock and Roll, but his love for gospel music was just as strong. Despite his success in the secular music industry, Elvis never forgot his roots in gospel music and continued to record and perform it throughout his career. In fact, many fans believe that some of his greatest and most powerful performances were in the realm of gospel music. In this blog post, we will take a look at the top 10 Elvis gospel songs that you need to hear now.
The Best Elvis Gospel Songs
Elvis Presley’s love for gospel music began at a young age. Growing up in Tupelo, Mississippi, he would often attend local church services and sing along with the congregation. His mother, Gladys, was a devout Christian and instilled a deep faith in him. It was no surprise then, that when he became a famous musician, he chose to record and perform gospel music alongside his rock and roll hits.
A Look into Elvis’ Early Gospel Music
One of the earliest recordings of Elvis singing gospel music was during the Sun Records sessions in 1954. He recorded a cover of the Southern gospel hymn “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” and it was met with positive reviews. This led to his first official gospel album, ‘His Hand in Mine’, being released in 1960. The album featured a mix of traditional gospel songs and newly written ones, showcasing Elvis’ vocal range and musical abilities.
From there, Elvis went on to record several gospel albums throughout his career, including ‘How Great Thou Art’, which won him his first Grammy award in 1967. He also performed gospel songs during his live concerts, bringing his fans to tears with his heartfelt renditions. Let’s take a closer look at ten of his most beloved gospel songs.
Top 10 Elvis Gospel Songs
| No. | Song Title | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | How Great Thou Art | How Great Thou Art |
| 2 | Amazing Grace | He Touched Me |
| 3 | In the Garden | His Hand in Mine |
| 4 | He Touched Me | He Touched Me |
| 5 | Crying in the Chapel | How Great Thou Art |
| 6 | You’ll Never Walk Alone | Peace in the Valley |
| 7 | Swing Down Sweet Chariot | How Great Thou Art |
| 8 | Joshua Fit the Battle | His Hand in Mine |
| 9 | Where Could I Go But to the Lord | How Great Thou Art |
| 10 | Peace in the Valley | Peace in the Valley |
Ultimate Collection of Elvis’ Gospel Music
Elvis Presley’s gospel music has touched the hearts of millions of people around the world. His rich and powerful voice, combined with his genuine love for the genre, make his gospel songs timeless classics. In this section, we will take a deeper dive into some of his most beloved gospel hits.
‘How Great Thou Art’
Released in 1967, ‘How Great Thou Art’ was Elvis’ second gospel album and one of his most critically acclaimed works. The title track, a powerful version of the classic hymn, showcases Elvis’ vocal range and ability to evoke emotion in his audience. It also won him a Grammy award for Best Sacred Performance.
Aside from the title track, the album featured other gospel favorites such as “Crying in the Chapel” and “Where Could I Go But to the Lord”. These songs, along with the rest of the album, cemented Elvis’ place as a respected gospel artist in the music industry.
‘He Touched Me’
Released in 1972, ‘He Touched Me’ was Elvis’ third and final gospel album during his lifetime. It featured a mix of traditional and contemporary gospel songs, showcasing his versatility as an artist. The title track, “He Touched Me”, is a powerful and emotional song that speaks of God’s love and grace. It won him a Grammy award for Best Inspirational Performance.
Other notable tracks from the album include “Amazing Grace” and “Reach Out to Jesus”, both of which are still popular among fans today. This album further solidified Elvis’ reputation as one of the greatest gospel singers of all time.
‘His Hand in Mine’
‘His Hand in Mine’ was Elvis’ first official gospel album released in 1960. It featured a mix of traditional gospel songs and new ones written specifically for him. The album showcases Elvis’ vocal ability and heartfelt delivery in songs like “In the Garden” and “Joshua Fit the Battle”.
Aside from gospel hymns, the album also included a cover of the spiritual song “Swing Down Sweet Chariot” and an original composition, “His Hand in Mine”. Overall, this album set the foundation for Elvis’ future success in the gospel genre.
Gospel Gems: A Tribute to Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley’s impact on the music industry cannot be overstated. His influence extends beyond rock and roll and into gospel music, where he continues to inspire artists to this day. In this section, we will take a look at some of the tributes and covers of Elvis’ gospel songs by other artists.
Johnny Cash’s Cover of “Peace in the Valley”
Johnny Cash, another legendary musician known for his country and gospel hits, covered Elvis’ “Peace in the Valley” in 1956. The song was originally recorded by Elvis for his first gospel album, but Cash’s version became more popular, reaching number 1 on the Billboard Country Singles chart. Cash’s deep, soulful voice adds a different dimension to the song, making it a standout in his discography.
Whitney Houston’s Rendition of “How Great Thou Art”
Whitney Houston, known for her powerhouse vocals and soulful performances, recorded a version of Elvis’ “How Great Thou Art” for her album ‘The Preacher’s Wife’ in 1996. Although the song was originally written as a gospel hymn, Houston’s cover combined elements of both gospel and pop music, making it a unique and memorable rendition. It went on to win a Grammy award for Best Female RB Vocal Performance.
Dolly Parton’s Cover of “In the Garden”
Country music legend Dolly Parton covered Elvis’ “In the Garden” in 2003 for her album ‘For God and Country’. The song is a beautiful tribute to Elvis, with Parton’s soft and angelic voice adding a new dimension to the classic hymn. Her version pays homage to Elvis while also showcasing her own musical style, making it a fan favorite among both Elvis and Dolly fans.
Elvis Presley’s Gospel Legacy
Elvis Presley’s love for gospel music never wavered, even during the height of his popularity in the secular music industry. His passion and talent for singing gospel songs have left a lasting impact, not only on his fans but also on the music industry as a whole. In this section, we will take a closer look at his gospel legacy and how it continues to inspire others today.
A Legacy of Inspiring Faith
Elvis’ gospel music has touched the hearts and souls of millions of people worldwide. His powerful and emotive delivery of lyrics filled with faith and hope have inspired many to turn to God and find solace in their beliefs. Even years after his passing, his gospel songs continue to be a source of comfort and inspiration for fans of all ages.
A Testament to His Faith
Elvis’ faith in God was evident throughout his life, both in his personal and professional endeavors. He would often record and perform gospel music during times of personal struggle or when he needed to reconnect with his beliefs. It was also not uncommon for him to share Bible verses and stories with his friends and fans, showing the depth of his faith.
An Inspiration to Other Artists
Elvis Presley’s impact on gospel music goes beyond just his own recordings and performances. Many artists have been inspired by his love for gospel music and have recorded their own versions of his songs. Some have even attributed their own success in the music industry to Elvis’ influence and legacy.
Heavenly Harmonies: The Gospel Side of Elvis
One of the defining aspects of Elvis’ gospel music is his ability to harmonize with other singers. In this section, we will take a closer look at some of the most iconic duets and collaborations that Elvis had with other gospel artists.
Elvis and The Imperials Quartet
The Imperials Quartet was a popular gospel group in the 1960s and 1970s and often performed with Elvis during his live concerts. Their tight harmonies and powerful vocals complemented Elvis’ voice, making for unforgettable performances. Some of their notable collaborations include “Joshua Fit the Battle” and “Bosom of Abraham”.
Elvis and J.D. Sumner The Stamps Quartet
J.D. Sumner The Stamps Quartet were another popular gospel group that frequently performed with Elvis. They provided backing vocals for many of his gospel songs and added a rich depth to his performances. Their collaboration on “How Great Thou Art” won them a Grammy award for Best Inspirational Performance.
Elvis and The Jordanaires
The Jordanaires were a vocal quartet that often backed Elvis on his recordings and live performances. They were known for their tight harmonies and were a perfect match for Elvis’ powerful voice. Together, they recorded several gospel songs, including “Amazing Grace” and “Peace in the Valley”.
Elvis Presley’s Inspirational Gospel Songs
Elvis’ love for gospel music was evident in every song he recorded or performed. In this section, we will take a closer look at some of his most inspirational gospel songs and what makes them stand out.
“How Great Thou Art”
“How Great Thou Art” is arguably one of Elvis’ most iconic gospel songs. Originally written by Stuart K. Hine, Elvis’ cover of the hymn is full of emotion and showcases his vocal range and ability to evoke feelings of spirituality in his audience. It remains one of his most beloved gospel songs to this day.
“Amazing Grace”
“Amazing Grace” is another classic gospel hymn that Elvis recorded during his lifetime. The song speaks of God’s grace and mercy, and Elvis’ soulful rendition brings these words to life. It has become a staple in many church services and continues to inspire listeners with its powerful message.
“In the Garden”
“In the Garden” is a heartfelt song that tells the story of Jesus’ resurrection. Elvis’ version is full of emotion and captures the essence of the lyrics perfectly. It’s a beautiful reminder of the hope and faith that comes from believing in God’s promise.
The King of Gospel: Elvis Presley’s Top Tracks
With so many incredible gospel songs to choose from, it can be challenging to pick just a few as the best. However, in this section, we will highlight five of Elvis’ top tracks that have stood the test of time and continue to inspire people today.
“How Great Thou Art”
As previously mentioned, “How Great Thou Art” is one of Elvis’ most celebrated gospel songs. Its powerful lyrics and soul-stirring melody make it a standout track in his discography.
“Amazing Grace”
“Amazing Grace” is another timeless classic that has become synonymous with Elvis Presley. His version of the hymn is full of passion and showcases his vocal abilities, making it a fan favorite for many decades.
“In the Garden”
“In the Garden” is another standout track from Elvis’ gospel music collection. Its heartfelt lyrics and emotional delivery by Elvis continue to move listeners and inspire faith in God.
“He Touched Me”
“He Touched Me” is a song that speaks of God’s love and grace. Elvis’ beautiful rendition of the song earned him a Grammy award and remains a beloved gospel hit among fans.
“Peace in the Valley”
“Peace in the Valley” is a song that brings comfort and hope to those who listen. Its message of finding peace in God’s love is a testament to Elvis’ faith and continues to resonate with people today.
Elvis Presley’s Timeless Gospel Classics
Elvis Presley’s gospel music has stood the test of time and remains as popular today as it was when first released. In this section, we will take a closer look at some of his timeless gospel classics and why they continue to be loved by fans around the world.
“You’ll Never Walk Alone”
“You’ll Never Walk Alone” was originally written for the Broadway musical ‘Carousel’ but has since been covered by countless artists, including Elvis. His version of the song, with its uplifting message of hope and strength, has become an anthem of sorts for those facing tough times.
“Crying in the Chapel”
“Crying in the Chapel” was one of Elvis’ earliest gospel recordings and remains one of his most beloved tracks. Its emotional lyrics and Elvis’ heartfelt delivery make it a stand out in his repertoire.
“Where Could I Go But to the Lord”
“Where Could I Go But to the Lord” is another song that showcases Elvis’ powerful vocals and ability to bring emotion to his performances. It speaks of finding solace and guidance in God, a message that continues to resonate with listeners today.
Conclusion
Elvis Presley’s love for gospel music has left an indelible mark on the music industry. His powerful and emotive performances continue to inspire people of all ages and faiths, making him one of the greatest gospel singers of all time. The top 10 songs mentioned in this blog post are just a small sample of his incredible body of work, which includes numerous other gospel hits.
Whether you are a longtime fan of Elvis or new to his music, these gospel songs are a must-listen for anyone looking to be uplifted and inspired. So sit back, relax, and let the King of Rock and Roll serenade you with his heavenly harmonies.
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