Introduction
Elvis Presley, renowned as the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” held gospel music close to his heart throughout his career. His deep-rooted connection to gospel began in his youth, singing hymns at the First Assembly of God church in Memphis.
Presley recorded three gospel albums that showcased his spiritual devotion and musical versatility. The first, “His Hand in Mine” (1960), featured traditional spirituals like “Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho.”
His second gospel album, “How Great Thou Art” (1967), earned him his first Grammy Award for Best Sacred Performance. The title track, a rendition of the classic hymn, highlighted his powerful vocals and deep faith. In 1972, Presley released “He Touched Me,” which included contemporary gospel songs and earned him another Grammy for Best Inspirational Performance.
Beyond his studio recordings, Presley’s live performances often featured gospel segments, reflecting his genuine passion for the genre. Notably, his rendition of “Peace in the Valley” during his third appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1957 introduced gospel music to a broader audience.
Presley’s gospel recordings have been compiled into various collections, such as “Amazing Grace: His Greatest Sacred Performances” (1994), which includes tracks from his three gospel albums and other inspirational songs.