He Touched Me - The Gospel Music of Elvis Presley

Featuring more than forty of Elvis' gospel songs, He Touched Me: The Gospel Music Of Elvis Presley explores his faith and the prominent role that gospel music played throughout his life as witnessed by those who knew him well. Anecdotes, by Gospel greats Ed Enoch (The Stamps), the late J. D. Sumner (The Stamps), Jake Hess (The Imperials), Myrna Smith (The Sweet Inspirations), Ray Walker (The Jordanaires) and many more, trace Elvis' Gospel roots and are skillfully interwoven with performances of Elvis singing Gospel music. Disc One includes: Crying In The Chapel, His Hand In Mine, Joshua Fit The Battle, So High, If We Never Meet Again, Milky White Way, Stand By Me, Somebody Bigger Than You And I, I Believe In The Man In The Sky, In The Garden, Mansion Over The Hilltop, Farther Along, Where No One Stands Alone, I'm Gonna Walk Dem Golden Stairs, Without Him, Working On The Building, You'll Never Walk Alone, Swing Down Sweet Chariot, Where Could I Go But To The Lord, In The Ghetto Disc Two includes: (There'll Be) Peace In The Valley (For Me), I Believe,Take My Hand, Precious Lord, It Is No Secret (What God Can Do), I, John, Bosom Of Abraham, You Better Run, Lead Me, Guide Me, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus / Nearer My God To Thee, He Touched Me, I've Got Confidence, Amazing Grace, A Thing Called Love, Put Your Hand In The Hand, Reach Out To Jesus, If That Isn't Love, Bridge Over Troubled Water, An American Trilogy, Why Me Lord, How Great Thou Art

Often overlooked in Elvis Presley's career is his love of the Southern gospel tradition, though he had hits with actual gospel tunes ("You'll Never Walk Alone") and some simply steeped in gospel sensibilities ("In the Ghetto"). He Touched Me: The Gospel Music of Elvis Presley features music and interviews with contemporaries talking of Elvis's determination to keep gospel part of his repertoire; once he angered Ed Sullivan by insisting on performing "Peace in the Valley" on his show despite Sullivan's instructions not to. There are many gems ("Where Could I Go," "How Great Thou Art") and some hunks of cheese ("Swing Down, Sweet Chariot" from The Trouble with Girls). This could have been a strong two-hour documentary, but unfortunately the producers padded it into three, meaning some clips make multiple appearances. --Anne Hurley