Elvis And Gospel Songs
For the Acoustic

An American Trilogy was originally composed by Mickey Newbury using three songs from the 19th century including Dixie, The Battle Hymn Of The Republic and All My Trials.

The song appeared on his Aloha From Hawaii album and peaked at #8 in the UK and #31 in the US. 

This number is a powerful and iconic song that he recorded in 1972. It is a medley of three traditional American folk songs arranged by Mickey Newbury: "Dixie," "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," and "All My Trials."

Elvis Presley first performed "An American Trilogy" during his highly acclaimed engagement at the International Hotel in Las Vegas in 1972. The song quickly became a fan favorite and a staple in his live performances. It was subsequently included on his album "Aloha from Hawaii Via Satellite," which was a live recording of his historic satellite broadcast concert in 1973, further solidifying its status as one of his signature songs.

Angel was recorded by Elvis in 1975. The song was written by songwriter and guitarist John D. Loudermilk and was originally recorded by him in 1961. The Elvis Presley version was recorded at the Stax Studios in Memphis, Tennessee, and features a gospel choir on backing vocals.

"Angel" was released on the album "Promised Land" in 1975 and was also released as a single. The song has a slow tempo and features Presley's signature smooth vocals. The lyrics describe a man who is grateful for the love of his angel, who has saved him from a life of loneliness and despair.

Although "Angel" was not a major hit for Elvis Presley, it remains a popular song among his fans and has been covered by other artists over the years. In addition to the original version on "Promised Land," "Angel" has also been included on several compilation albums of Elvis Presley's music.

Danny Boy is a traditional Irish ballad, and Elvis recorded his rendition of it during his recording sessions on June 10, 1976.
Elvis' rendition of "Danny Boy" was included in his album "From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee," which was released in May 1976.

"Danny Boy" is a heartfelt and emotional ballad, and Elvis' version features his signature vocal style. His rendition captures the song's sentiment and showcases his vocal depth.

Elvis' recording of "Danny Boy" was part of a series of sessions in the Jungle Room of Graceland, his home in Memphis. These sessions produced tracks for his final studio albums.

While not as well-known as some of his major hits, Elvis' rendition of "Danny Boy" remains a poignant part of his later discography and showcases his ability to convey emotions through his singing.

The rhythm here is mainly just downstrokes but you could also play a down down up and repeat pattern. I'm playing with a capo on the 3rd fret to match the same key as Elvis. For chords in this one you'll need an A, Amaj7, A7, D, Dm, Gbm. B7, Bm and an E. There are a few instances where you'll hear the A chord being played with an Ab in the bass as well.

There is no picking section in this version from Elvis.

If the Lord Wasn't Walking By My Side is a gospel song written by Henry Slaughter and recorded by Elvis in 1960. The track was included on his gospel album "His Hand in Mine," which was released in 1960.

"If the Lord Wasn't Walking By My Side" is a heartfelt and uplifting song that showcases Elvis's passion for gospel music. It reflects themes of faith, reliance on God, and the belief in divine guidance. Elvis's rendition of the song highlights his soulful vocals and his ability to convey deep spirituality through his music.

The album "His Hand in Mine" features a collection of gospel songs and remains one of Elvis's most successful and critically acclaimed gospel releases. "If the Lord Wasn't Walking By My Side" has become a beloved track among Elvis fans and continues to be appreciated for its inspirational message.

Joshua Fought the Battle Of Jericho is an adaptation of the traditional spiritual song "Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho." Elvis recorded his version of the song in 1960 for his gospel album titled "His Hand in Mine."

"Joshua Fit the Battle" showcases Elvis's passion for gospel music and his ability to infuse his own style into traditional songs. The track features energetic vocals, backed by a lively choir and instrumentation.

The album "His Hand in Mine" is a collection of gospel songs, and "Joshua Fit the Battle" is one of the standout tracks on the record. The song has a powerful and uplifting message, drawing inspiration from the biblical story of Joshua leading the Israelites in the battle of Jericho.

The Green Green Grass of Home was originally written by Claude "Curly" Putman Jr. and first recorded by country singer Johnny Darrell in 1965.

Elvis Presley's rendition of "The Green Green Grass of Home" was recorded in February 1967 during sessions for his album "How Great Thou Art," but it wasn't initially included on that album. Instead, it was released as a single in November 1967 with "Kentucky Rain" on the B-side.

While Elvis's version of the song was not as commercially successful as some of his other recordings, it remains a notable entry in his discography. It showcases his versatile vocal abilities and interpretation of a country ballad.

The Promised Land was originally written and recorded by Chuck Berry in 1964, but Elvis covered the song and included it on his album titled "Promised Land," released in 1975.

Elvis's version of "Promised Land" is a rock and roll rendition of the song with his distinctive vocals and energetic style. It became a popular track among Elvis fans and remains a notable entry in his discography.

It's worth noting that "Promised Land" was also released as a single by Elvis in 1974, a year before the album of the same name. The song received positive reviews and achieved moderate success on the charts.

Where Did They Go, Lord was written by Dallas Frazier and Arthur Leo "Doodle" Owens. Elvis's version of the song was included on his album titled "He Touched Me," released in 1972.

"Where Did They Go, Lord?" is a poignant and reflective song that explores themes of loss, longing, and the passage of time. Elvis's heartfelt vocals convey the emotions embedded within the lyrics. The song has a gospel-inspired sound, reflecting the overall style of the "He Touched Me" album, which features a mix of gospel and inspirational tracks.

"He Touched Me" is one of Elvis's gospel albums and received critical acclaim upon its release. "Where Did They Go, Lord?" stands as one of the standout tracks on the album, showcasing Elvis's ability to convey deep emotions through his music.

You Gave Me a Mountain was written by Marty Robbins and was first released by Robbins in 1969. Elvis later covered the song and included it on his live album titled "Elvis Recorded Live on Stage in Memphis," released in 1974.

Elvis's version of "You Gave Me a Mountain" is a powerful and emotionally charged performance. The song reflects on personal struggles and the strength to overcome challenges. With his signature vocal delivery, Elvis captures the depth and intensity of the lyrics.

"Elvis Recorded Live on Stage in Memphis" features recordings from his live concert at the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis on March 20, 1974. "You Gave Me a Mountain" is one of the standout tracks on the album, showcasing Elvis's ability to captivate audiences with his heartfelt performances.