Elvis Presley, the undisputed “King of Rock’n’Roll,” remains an icon sixty years after his first single, “That’s All Right (Mama),” shook the world. While famous for his electrifying performances, swiveling hips, and chart-topping secular hits, a deeper, often overlooked aspect of his life was his profound religious faith. This faith wasn’t just a private matter; it deeply influenced his music, culminating in powerful gospel recordings, including the iconic Song How Great Thou Art Elvis Presley performed, which earned him significant recognition. Despite a life marked by public adoration and private struggles, including addiction and womanizing, Elvis’s spirituality was a constant, anchoring force.
Elvis Presley smiling in a classic portrait
The King’s Spiritual Roots
Elvis Aaron Presley’s connection to faith began early, shaped significantly by the Pentecostal church services he attended during his childhood in the American South. The passionate music and fervent atmosphere of these services left an indelible mark. This religious grounding wasn’t separate from his musical development; it was integral to it. Friends and collaborators consistently noted the depth of his spirituality. Ray Walker of The Jordanaires, the quartet that frequently backed Elvis, remarked, “He was a deeply spiritual man; he was more spiritual than anyone around him.” This sentiment counters the often one-dimensional portrayal of Elvis, revealing a man grappling with faith amidst global fame. Hours before his death, close friend Rick Stanley reportedly heard Elvis reciting a prayer of repentance: ‘Dear Lord, please show me a way. I’m tired and confused and I need your help.’
Elvis Presley praying backstage, highlighting his spiritual side
Gospel Music: A Lifelong Passion
While Elvis revolutionized popular music with rock’n’roll, blending blues, country, and rhythm and blues, the influence of gospel music was ever-present. Beyond influencing his secular sound, Elvis actively recorded and performed gospel songs throughout his entire career. Jerry Schilling, a member of Elvis’s inner circle known as the “Memphis Mafia,” shared that Elvis often found solace away from the pressures of Graceland by playing gospel songs and old spirituals on the piano for hours. His recorded gospel work resonated deeply with audiences, producing hits like “Peace in the Valley” and “Run On” in the 1950s and 60s, followed by powerful renditions of “I Got Confidence” and “Amazing Grace” in the 70s.
The Grammy-Winning “How Great Thou Art”
Among his most celebrated religious recordings is the Song How Great Thou Art Elvis Presley delivered with characteristic passion. This powerful hymn became a cornerstone of his gospel repertoire and earned him his very first Grammy Award in 1967 for Best Sacred Performance. It was a significant achievement, validating a side of his artistry often overshadowed by his rock’n’roll fame. Elvis would go on to win two more Grammy Awards, both for his gospel recordings – He Touched Me (Best Inspirational Performance, 1972) and a live version of “How Great Thou Art” (Best Inspirational Performance, 1974). His deep connection to this genre was undeniable; he once proudly stated, ‘I know practically every religious song that’s ever been written’.
Faith Beyond the Music
Elvis’s faith extended far beyond the recording studio. Friends attested to his deep knowledge of the Bible, claiming he knew it better than many ministers. During challenging times and periods of self-doubt, he reportedly turned to the Scriptures for comfort and guidance. It’s said that when away, he would often leave his Bible open to Corinthians 13, St. Paul’s famous passage on love. Prayer was also a fundamental part of his routine. He insisted on praying with his band before every concert. Particularly during his 1970s shows, he would sometimes share inspirational thoughts or read Bible passages with his audience. This faith also manifested in acts of kindness and charity, offering support to friends in need and giving generously to various causes. Jason Freeman of the Legendary Sun Studio in Memphis observed, ‘He wasn’t faking it, and people can tell that… He was very spiritual, and that attracted a lot of people to him.’
Close-up of Elvis Presley in prayer, reflecting his deep faith
Reconciling Faith and Fame
By the mid-1960s, Elvis reportedly felt he had two primary life goals: creating music that brought joy to people and fulfilling a higher purpose or service for God. He later suggested this higher purpose involved sharing the truth of Christianity and the peace it brought him with his fans. Charles R. Wilson of the University of Mississippi noted, ‘His religious faith told him “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so”… so his faith gave him much inspiration’. Ironically, a form of Elvis-centric devotion (sometimes dubbed “Elvism” or “Presleyanity”) emerged among some fans, with Graceland becoming a pilgrimage site. Vernon Chadwick described this phenomenon: ‘Fan clubs are churches, impersonators are priests… Graceland and Memphis are the holy land’.
Stained glass window depicting Elvis Presley at the Hard Rock Cafe
However, this quasi-religious reverence was likely far from what Elvis himself intended. Gospel singer J.D. Sumner, a friend of Elvis, recounted an incident during a Las Vegas concert. A woman approached the stage with a crown on a velvet pillow, telling Elvis, “It’s for you, you’re the king.” Elvis gently took her hand and replied in his Southern drawl, ‘No, honey, I’m not the king. Christ is the king. I’m just a singer’.
Conclusion
Elvis Presley’s legacy is multifaceted. He was the King of Rock’n’Roll, a global superstar whose influence remains undeniable. Yet, interwoven with the fame and the documented struggles was a deep, persistent faith rooted in his Southern upbringing. This faith found its most profound public expression through his gospel music, particularly in the stirring renditions of hymns like the song How Great Thou Art Elvis Presley made famous, earning him multiple Grammy Awards. Despite the temptations and pressures of his unique life, Elvis Presley consistently pointed towards a higher power, reminding us that even cultural kings can maintain a sense of spiritual humility. His journey underscores the complex relationship between immense fame, personal flaws, and enduring faith.
