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Further demonstrating that the Christian music market not only continues to  explode and expand, but has become a lucrative goldmine for eager label executives to exploit, RCA Records and the Provident Music Distribution Group have re-released and marketed Elvis Presley's gospel albums directly to the Christian music consumer. Whatever their motives, the premise of introducing Elvis Presley's gospel works to another generation is not entirely without merit.   

Elvis Presley is, of course, the declared King; the legendary singer who broke cultural and musical barriers to single handedly popularize a little thing called Rock and Roll. The musical landscape has never been the same since...but that's ancient Rock and Roll history. What is less well known is that Presley was a devoted, personal fan of gospel music. In fact, the only Grammy he ever won was for his gospel recordings. Accordingly, a three part CD series compiling his gospel works is now being made available not only to diehard fans who can't get enough of all things Elvis, but to a whole new fanbase. It would be a senseless, unsound strategy if it were not for the fact that these gospel albums deserve the attention. 

It's hard to conceive that there is a music listening soul on this planet that hasn't heard at least one Elvis Presley recording. His deep, warbling voice had a signature swagger(not just his hips) that has oft been repeated by look-a-likes and copycat crooners for decades. On Nearer My God to Thee, one of the three recently released discs in the Gospel Series, Presley sings again in the style that made him instantly recognizable. From the opening strains of the first track, "Amazing Grace," there is no doubt whatsoever that you are listening to the one and only Elvis Presley. Nevertheless, this Elvis Presley isn't singing about jail houses, blue suede shoes, or hound dogs. Instead, he lends his vocal talent to over a dozen souped up hymns and old gospel favorites. The particular style of these selections flirts with black gospel, but for the most part sits most  comfortably in the southern gospel style. Presley leads the earnest backing choirs through a variety of heartfelt, and carefully arranged numbers, including classics like "Stand By Me," "Only Believe," and "Put Your Hand in the Hand." Among the most powerful selections is Presley's laid-back coupling of "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" with "Nearer My God to Thee." A few songs, such as "There Is No God But God" and "Run On" even steer closer to Presley's rock and roll style, than flat out gospel renderings. Thanks also to today's remastering technology, the album sounds like it was recorded yesterday, not half a century ago, even if Elvis left the building a long time ago. 

Regardless of the range of styles, the album's overall message remains universally united. This is among the most pure "Christian" albums you will ever here: devout, direct, and dedicated to giving praise to the God of all creation and the Lord the Savior of all humankind. With this material, even Marilyn Manson could sound converted. To his credit, Presley delivers these songs with the sort of earnest devotedness you'd expect from the faithful. Even better, the careful attention to the arrangements and performance makes this collection of hymns more attractive and accessible than most of what passes for worship music today. 

There is something beautifully, if not ironically, fitting about the King of  Rock and Roll giving praise to the King of Kings. Consider what the music industry might look like today if more contemporary pop stars were bold enough to focus their talents on such noble and praiseworthy ventures. Instead of just the obligatory mixed-bag Christmas albums, we might have something to sing about and along with all year round. Regardless, few if any of these imaginary efforts would likely equal the power of Presley's groundbreaking piece of work or put as much of a smile on your face. 
 
 

Steven S. Baldwin 4/28/2001