We asked fans on our Elvis Rocks Facebook page to tell us which Elvis gospel song was the most special to them. Lots of you responded. Here are the most popular choices:
“How Great Thou Art” is one of the best-known of all Christian hymns, yet Elvis was able to make his rendition one of the most truly memorable performances of it. No wonder fans overwhelmingly voted this as their most favorite Elvis gospel song.
Elvis fan Lawrence Friend told us, “Every time my wife and I are out driving around and the song comes up on the Elvis Radio station I feel grateful for all that I have.” And reader Margaret Bridgeman reports, “I saw him in person three times, he sang How Great Thou Art every time and got a standing ovation. Love, love Elvis.”
Click here to listen to Elvis’s “How Great Thou Art”
The song “Peace in the Valley” first became associated with Elvis Presley when he performed it (with backing by the Jordanaires) on his last ever appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1957. It was also featured on Elvis’ Christmas Album released later that year.
Elvis bring real feeling to this song about the hope for a better life. According to fan Donna Gresham, “We played this song at my Mother’s funeral with him singing. This is what she had wrote down in her Funeral Request.”
Watch Elvis sing “Peace in the Valley” on The Ed Sullivan Show
Perhaps the most popular of all Christian songs, “Amazing Grace” is another tune that Elvis was able to perform with an amazing amount of soul. This song written by former slave-trader John Newton reminds us all that no one is so wretched that they cannot be saved by the grace of God.
Listen to Elvis Presley’s stunning rendition of “Amazing Grace”
Elvis Presley’s lovely recording of “Crying in the Chapel” hit number three on the music charts in 1965.
Originally a show tune from the Rogers and Hammerstein musical Carousel, “You’ll Never Walk Alone” appeared on Elvis Presley 1971 gospel compilation album on the same name.
Rounding out the top ten fan-favorite Elvis Presley gospel songs are:
6. He Touched Me
7. In The Garden
8. Take My Hand Precious Lord
9. Who Am I?
10. I Believe
If you don’t already own the complete collection of Elvis’s gospel tunes, then get the 3 CD set, Peace In The Valley – The Complete Gospel Recordings available from Amazon and Ebay.