How Great Thou Art, Elvis' second gospel album, had very different conceptions of gospel music on its two sides. The first side, including the title track and "In the Garden," was very high church, with hymnal readings and quietly burbling organ accompaniment. The second side was a far more exciting proposition, with an alternately rocking or swinging piano, some breakneck tempos, and the type of performances more apt to be heard at the gospel singing meetings held in Memphis during Elvis' early years than at church (or, at least, most churches). Fans who prefer either Elvis the crooner or Elvis the rocker will, likewise, have different feelings about each side. On the first, Elvis is full-throated and sincere; on the second, it's easy to picture him cracking a smile as he leads the quartet on "So High" and "By and By." ~ John Bush, All Music Guide
As a young girl, Elvis was my idol. as a christain women I still love his music but in a calm way. He was a great singer. I was counseling at camp when I heard of his passing. For me I will leave the ? of where he went to the Lord. None of us can really make that call. All I know the Lord gave me a burden to prayer for his soul 3-4 years prior to his passing. We serve a God of chances and God will show mercy on who He wants to. Elvis was a good guy just got caught up in the worldly as we all can
I just LOVE Elvis and this album. I did like him in the movies too. He seemed 'tall, dark, and handsome' plus he could sing!!! I think folks underestimate his love for the Lord. I think Elvis just constantly fought the battle of listening to God vs. listening to Satan, just like many of us do. It wasn't until the last 10 years or so with the advent of cd's that I've been able to start a true Elvis collection. Somewhere I heard once that Elvis was a true conoisuer, ?spelling?, of music. And that