Introduction
“Crying in the Chapel” is a gospel song that has touched the hearts of many listeners through its simple yet profound message of faith and redemption. Originally written by Artie Glenn in 1953 for his son, Darrell Glenn, the song was first recorded by Darrell with his father’s band, The Rhythm Riders. Despite initial rejections from several publishers, it was eventually released by Valley Publishers in May 1953, becoming a local hit and inspiring numerous covers by various artists.
Elvis Presley recorded his rendition of “Crying in the Chapel” in October 1960 during sessions for his gospel album, His Hand in Mine. However, this version remained unreleased for nearly five years due to dissatisfaction with the initial recordings. Finally, on April 6, 1965, it was issued as a special Easter single. The song stood out for its restrained, old-fashioned sound, contrasting with the more contemporary pop music of the time. Elvis’s heartfelt performance, accompanied by the Jordanaires’ backing vocals and Floyd Cramer’s piano, resonated deeply with audiences. The track achieved significant success, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the Easy Listening chart for seven consecutive weeks.
The lyrics of “Crying in the Chapel” depict a personal journey toward finding peace and contentment through faith. They emphasize the solace found in humble prayer and the transformative power of spiritual connection. Elvis’s interpretation of the song highlights his deep appreciation for gospel music, a genre he frequently turned to throughout his career to express his spirituality.
Elvis Presley’s “Crying in the Chapel” remains a testament to his versatility as an artist and his ability to convey profound emotion through music. The song continues to be celebrated for its timeless message and the sincerity of Elvis’s delivery.