Elvis Presley, the undisputed King of Rock and Roll, held another genre close to his heart throughout his monumental career: gospel music. In a 1957 press conference, he declared spiritual music his “first love.” This deep connection wasn’t just personal; it translated into numerous recordings and significant acclaim, including multiple Grammy Awards. While his rock anthems defined an era, his gospel recordings showcased a different, deeply soulful side of his artistry. But among these powerful spiritual tracks, which stands out as Elvis’ most popular gospel song? Answering this question requires looking beyond personal favorites and examining commercial success, cultural impact, and critical recognition.
Elvis Presley and Gospel Music: A Lifelong Passion
From his early days, Elvis was immersed in the sounds of gospel music in Tupelo and Memphis. This influence permeated his musical style, even during the peak of his rock ‘n’ roll fame. His commitment to the genre was formally recognized with his first gospel release, the Peace in the Valley EP, in April 1957. This was followed by several dedicated gospel albums and singles throughout his career.
RCA released four full gospel LPs during Elvis’s lifetime: His Hand in Mine (1960), How Great Thou Art (1967), the budget compilation You’ll Never Walk Alone (1971), and He Touched Me (1972). Alongside these were the Peace in the Valley EP (1957) and various singles, starting with “Crying in the Chapel” in 1965. Even outside of dedicated gospel projects, spiritual songs like “Help Me” and “I Got a Feelin’ in My Body” appeared on his mainstream pop albums, and live versions of “How Great Thou Art” and “Why Me Lord?” featured on concert LPs. In total, around 60 official Presley gospel recordings were released during his lifetime, earning him all three of his competitive Grammy Awards.
Identifying the Contenders for “Most Popular”
Determining the single “most popular” gospel song by Elvis isn’t straightforward. “Popularity” can be measured in different ways: chart performance, sales figures, enduring recognition, or critical acclaim like awards. Several songs emerge as strong contenders based on these criteria.
“Crying in the Chapel”: The Commercial Blockbuster
Recorded during the marathon sessions for the His Hand in Mine album on October 30-31, 1960, “Crying in the Chapel” almost didn’t see the light of day. According to Jordanaire Gordon Stoker, Elvis wanted to record it late in the session when everyone was tired. Despite concerns about the ending, Elvis approved the take. However, due to publishing rights issues, Colonel Parker kept it off the initial album release.
Cover art for Elvis Presley’s 1960 gospel album ‘His Hand in Mine’
Five years later, in April 1965, RCA released the shelved recording as a single. It became an unexpected smash hit, soaring to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop chart. This remarkable chart success makes “Crying in the Chapel” arguably the most commercially successful gospel single Elvis ever released. Its beautiful, heartfelt rendition resonated widely with audiences, proving the crossover appeal of Presley’s spiritual music. Based purely on chart performance and sales impact during his lifetime, “Crying in the Chapel” has a strong claim to being Elvis’ most popular gospel song.
“How Great Thou Art”: The Award-Winning Anthem
While “Crying in the Chapel” conquered the pop charts, “How Great Thou Art” achieved monumental recognition within the music industry and became a signature piece for Elvis. Surprisingly, according to Gordon Stoker, Elvis wasn’t familiar with the hymn initially. After hearing the Jordanaires perform it, he decided to record it for his May 1966 Nashville sessions, which aimed to produce his second gospel album.
Album cover for Elvis Presley’s Grammy-winning 1967 gospel LP ‘How Great Thou Art’
With an arrangement by Neal Matthews, Elvis delivered a performance described by Ernst Jorgensen as full of “sincerity and dedication.” The slower tempo chosen by Elvis, compared to The Statesmen’s version he knew, “accentuated the spirituality of the material and allowed him to build the song into a powerful anthem.” Released as the title track for the 1967 LP, How Great Thou Art, the recording earned Elvis his first Grammy Award (Best Sacred Performance). Furthermore, a dynamic live recording of the song from his Elvis Recorded Live on Stage in Memphis album won him another Grammy in 1975 (Best Inspirational Performance). This dual Grammy recognition solidifies “How Great Thou Art” as Elvis’s most critically acclaimed gospel song and a perennial fan favorite, representing the pinnacle of his achievement in the genre.
“Peace in the Valley”: The Groundbreaking EP
“(There’ll Be) Peace in the Valley (For Me)” holds a special place as the title track of Elvis’s very first gospel record, an EP released in April 1957. Recorded in Hollywood on January 13, 1957, just a week after he performed it on his final appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, the song marked a significant moment. While perhaps not as technically polished as his later gospel work, his earnest delivery connected with audiences.
Cover of Elvis Presley’s 1957 gospel EP ‘Peace in the Valley’
At a time when Elvis faced considerable public criticism for his rock ‘n’ roll persona, releasing “Peace in the Valley” showcased a different dimension of his character and musical roots. Its release helped to soften his image and demonstrated his genuine affection for spiritual music early in his national career. While perhaps not his highest charting or most awarded gospel track, its historical significance and role in introducing his gospel side to a mass audience make it immensely important and enduringly popular among fans.
Other Notable Gospel Hits
Beyond these primary contenders, several other Elvis gospel recordings achieved significant recognition and remain popular:
- “He Touched Me” (1972): The title track of his final gospel LP, recorded in May 1971. This powerful hymn was a signature song for The Imperials, who backed Elvis on his version. The He Touched Me album won Elvis his second Grammy Award (Best Inspirational Performance).
Cover of Elvis Presley’s 1972 gospel album ‘He Touched Me’, another Grammy winner
- “You’ll Never Walk Alone” (1968): Recorded during intense, late-night sessions in September 1967, this track showcases Elvis’s deep emotional connection to the material. Released as a single, it earned him a 1968 Grammy nomination for Best Sacred Performance.
- “His Hand in Mine” (1960): The title track from his first full gospel LP, showcasing the tight harmonies with the Jordanaires and Millie Kirkham, developed over just five takes in a single marathon session.
- “Run On” (1967): An energetic, up-tempo jubilee number from the How Great Thou Art sessions, featuring a large ensemble of musicians and singers creating a “joyful noise” that updated traditional gospel with a powerful, modern sound.
- “Joshua Fit the Battle” (1960): A favorite from the His Hand in Mine album, noted for its complex vocal arrangement and the seamless blend Elvis achieved with the Jordanaires on the up-tempo spiritual.
So, What is Elvis’ Most Popular Gospel Song?
Choosing a single “most popular” song remains challenging, as different tracks excelled in different areas.
If popularity is defined by mainstream chart success and commercial impact, “Crying in the Chapel” is the clear winner. Its surprising journey to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 demonstrates a widespread appeal that crossed genre boundaries.
However, if popularity includes critical acclaim, industry recognition, and status as a signature performance, “How Great Thou Art” stands tall. Winning two Grammy Awards (for studio and live versions) and serving as the title track for his most acclaimed gospel album gives it unparalleled prestige within his catalog.
“Peace in the Valley” holds undeniable historical importance as his first gospel hit, marking a crucial moment in his career. Ultimately, the answer may depend on the metric one prioritizes. “Crying in the Chapel” reached the most people via the pop charts, while “How Great Thou Art” garnered the highest accolades and perhaps best represents his passionate commitment to the genre.
Conclusion
Elvis Presley’s foray into gospel music was far more than a side project; it was a core part of his musical identity and legacy. From the early success of “Peace in the Valley” to the chart-topping surprise of “Crying in the Chapel” and the Grammy-winning power of “How Great Thou Art” and “He Touched Me,” his gospel recordings remain potent testaments to his vocal talent and spiritual depth. While pinpointing the single most popular song involves weighing different factors, there’s no doubt that Elvis Presley left an indelible mark on gospel music, creating beloved spiritual anthems that continue to inspire listeners today. His three Grammy wins—all for gospel recordings—underscore the profound impact and recognition he achieved in the genre he called his first love.
