Not many people realize, nor has it been highly publicized, that during Elvis “high school years” (at Humes High School in Memphis) Gospel Music was at the very “core” of everyday life. Interestingly, Gospel Music was also spreading throughout the United States and the “pop culture” was showing (well deserved) respect towards Gospel Music.
One of Elvis’ favourite Gospel Acts was the Blackwood Brothers who, during the 1950’s, were the most popular radio quartet in the nation. Elvis has listened to them on WMPS radio that played, twice daily, the Blackwood Brothers and showcased their talents to a “receptive audience”.
The Blackwood Brothers created their own record label as well as started having live concerts at the Ellis Auditorium. In June 1954 the Blackwood Brothers got to take their music to a national TV audience when they appeared on the hit CBS show “Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts” resulting in immediate National attention…and critical acclaim.
In response, Memphis Major Frank Tobey issued a proclamation designating the date as “Blackwood Brothers Quartet Day” for all they had done to bring attention, and musical respect, to Memphis. Sadly, just two weeks later two members of the quartet were killed in a plane crash. Over 5000 fans attended the funeral service which was held at Ellis Auditorium.
Elvis never went into detail about how the untimely death, of the two Blackwood Brothers, had affected him but it would not be a “stretch” to concur that this was (yet another) example of how very “fleeting” live was. Only three days after the funeral the, shy – young – increasingly handsome, 19 year old Elvis Presley went into Sun Studios to make his first recordings.
When Elvis’ beloved Mother died, Gladys Love Presley in August of 1958, Elvis chartered a plane for the Blackwood Brothers so they could sing her favourite song….Precious Memories”. Elvis later recalled that “it was the saddest day of his life” but that he was “thankful” for everything that the Blackwood Brothers had done because “Momma would have loved it”.
As a “factual footnote” during this time Elvis was offered a chance (after holding an audition) to join a Gospel Group called “The Songfellows” that was formed by Jim Hamill and Cecil Blackwood (who was a nephew of James Blackwood). However, Jim Hamill recalled (years later) that “after much awkwardness” the group had actually “turned down” Elvis. He went on to say that Elvis “could not really harmonize” and that was the reason Elvis was not offered a chance to join the group. In fairness, between the “Songfellows” and “Grand Old Opry” Elvis wasn’t given much “appreciation” for his (ever increasingly unique and talented)…singing style.
During Elvis’ time at Sun Records, towards the end of 1956, it was common for Elvis to sing/jam with (what was later to be known as the “Million Dollar Quartet”) Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins. Among the many Gospel Songs they all knew were classics like “Just A Little Walk With Jesus.”
Nor it was any wonder that when Elvis’ mother died in August 1958, he chartered a plane to fly the Blackwood’s in so they could sing “Precious Memories” her favourite song. Another Gospel Group, among Elvis’ favourites, were the “Jordanaires”. Elvis had previously met the Jordanaires, earlier in his career, and told them that “if I ever get big I will use you on my recordings”. True to his word In July of 1956 they sang backup and were “inspirational” in producing several hits such as “Don’t Be Cruel.”
A “dispute” soon evolved, between the Jordanaires and Colonel Parker (Elvis was unaware of the details unfortunately), because they were not given credit on the first editions of the records. Since they had been under contract, with RCA and Capital, since 1949 they “compromised” and reached an agreement to continue to sing with Elvis (footnote: THANK YOU Jordanaires for all you have done you are wonderful men and talented Artists). Hence, the Jordanaires would be Elvis’ regular back-up group over the next fifteen years.
Elvis had an immense, and diverse, record collection. If Elvis liked a song he would play it “over and over” until the grooves were so worn that he frequently had to buy another one. In response to this, what would now be labelled as “ADHD” but was in fact an example of Elvis’ musical ear and desire to transfer the sound into his soul, Elvis instructed everyone to “buy more than one…just in case”. It was a “rule” that he adhered to for the remainder of his life.
During Elvis’ infamous appearances on the “Ed Sullivan Show”, the third and final show in January 1957, he sang Peace In The Valley. Contrary to popular “belief” this was NOT an effort to “appease” the “negative comments” coming from the “parents of teenagers throughout America” but, in fact, was an example of Elvis’ love for Gospel Music and his desire to sing it every chance he got.
Immediately after the show DJ’s were flooded with requests for “Peace In The Valley”. RCA rushed the song into production and thus created Elvis first all-gospel album (entitled Peace In The Valley) which was recorded in Hollywood. The album was an immediate success and included “Take My Hand Precious Lord,” “It’s No Secret (What God Can Do),” and “I Believe.” “Peace In The Valley” was a million seller and became the best-selling gospel (extended play album) of all time.
In 1960, after his discharge from the Army – honourable discharge, Elvis had another opportunity to do another Gospel album, called “His Hand In Mine. “ This album was recorded in Nashville, cumulating in a “late night” session, prior to Halloween.
This session included Elvis’ friend, and partner in the “Elvis Sun Sound”, Scotty Moore along with legendary (guitarist who was a Jazz affectionate) Hank Garland, Also, Bob Moore (on bass) and D.J.Fontana (drums) where there as was “relief drummer” Buddy Harman and pianist Floyd Cramer. The Jordanaires were on hand, with additional back-up vocalists Millie Kirkham and Elvis “Army buddy”…Charlie Hodge. The album His Hand In Mine became another “Million Seller” and Elvis received, a much deserved, Gold Record. Elvis recording of “Crying In The Chapel” encouraged Elvis and Colonel Parker with the blessing of RCA, to plan another Gospel Album.
In May 1966 Elvis returned to Nashville, after several years of the “Elvis Formula Movies” and deteriorating quality of soundtrack songs, and began another “late night recording session”. This remarkable session eventually became 18 songs, many were Gospel but not all, and 12 went onto the “new LP” entitled “How Great Thou Art”.
“How Great Thou Art” album was released in March 1967 and it gave Elvis his FIRST Grammy award in the category of “Best Sacred Performance”. Elvis appreciated this award and it further inspired him to record Gospel Songs throughout the sessions in the 1960’s including “We Call On Him” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone” which were released in 1967.
In 1968 Elvis achieved another “level” of success by his critically acclaimed, and beloved, “Comeback Special” which was the highest rated TV show that year.
In 1972 Elvis began planning his third Gospel Album and was nominated for “Best Inspirational Performance” for the “He Touched Me” album.
Throughout his life Elvis loved Gospel Music. Fortunately for us fans we can see several examples of Elvis love for Gospel Music in the (excellent) documentary entitled “Elvis On Tour”.
It has been said that the last song anyone ever heard Elvis sing, that fateful morning of August 16, 1977, was a Gospel Song that Elvis sang while (briefly) playing the piano. Other people have said that it was “Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain” but whether it was a Gospel Song, or not, Gospel Music was in Elvis’ heart – his soul – and he left a “Gospel Music Legacy” that is…second to none.