The choir sings the first soulful notes of 'How Great Thou Art,' and then next thing you know the king of rock and roll is singing the classic hymn. Elvis Presley may or may not be dead, but he's still releasing CDs. He is my Everything, along with Nearer my God to Thee are the first in a series of five volumes featuring over 56 rare Presley gospel recordings. The king of rock and roll is also the king of the hymnal. Despite Presley's enormous popularity, the only Grammy's he ever received were for his gospel recordings and live performances.
He is my Everything starts off with a heavy dose of slower classics, powered by a piano and backed up with a choir. As the CD gets moving the songs pick up with a number of energizing southern gospel tunes, including 'Joshua Fit the Battle,' 'Swing Down Sweet Chariot,' and 'I'm Gonna Walk Dem Golden Stairs.' The numbers are full of gospel harmonies and sound like a slightly revved up version of the Gaither Vocal Band.
Fans of Presley will find a treasure of gospel tunes, and those who were born a generation or two too late will discover an impressive collection of church music by the none other than the king of rock and roll. But it is most definitely a gospel record--even when Presley spices things up it's still dripping with a southern rock sound.
The only odd thing is when you pause to consider this massive collection of gospel recordings compared to Presley's lifestyle with his share of women, money, and drugs. Apparently Presley had his moments of clarity--followed by moments of un-clarity. But regardless of Presley's questionable spiritual life, this is a collection of inspiring gospel tunes recorded when Presley must have seen the light.
