Elvis Presley

INCLUDES FREE MP3 ALBUM DOWNLOAD

PLUS 2 BONUS TRACKS

This quintessential vinyl release features Elvis’ first gospel album, which is also one of his most celebrated spiritual sessions: His Hand in Mine (originally released by RCA Victor in November 1960). On October 30th, after driving down to Nashville’s Studio B, Elvis would record fourteen songs in one all night session. Among other hits, the date would produce two number one singles: “Surrender” and “Crying in the Chapel. ”Presley’s voice matured after spending time in the army and the gospel songs provided a perfect setting for him to harmonize with The Jordanaires along with Millie Kirkham. Most critics agree that Elvis’ gospel recordings contain his best musical performances, and the album His Hand in Mine clearly demonstrates his commitment to the genre. It was recorded only 18 months after his astounding Elvis Is Back! sessions, and in between he had already completed the two movies G.I Blues and Flaming Star and was about to start on Wild in the Country.

Elvis was in superlative form on His Hand in Mine, and the gospel harmonies are sublime throughout. He’s fantastic serving as the lead voice in a group vocal – years of advice from the best had paid off – and he shows off his excellent high-tenor singing in a range of situations; tender on “Known Only to Him,” and playful on “I Believe in the Man in the Sky.” As on all recordings inspired by the musical enthusiasm of his youth, Elvis sings here with breathtaking passion and dexterity.

PERSONNEL:

ELVIS PRESLEY, lead vocals and guitar, plus:

Scotty Moore, Hank Garland (guitar),
Charlie Hodge (guitar and backing vocals on “His Hand in Mine”, “I Believe in the Man in the Sky” and “He Knows Just What I Need”),
Bob Moore (bass), D.J. Fontana or Buddy Harman (drums), Floyd Cramer (piano),
Boots Randolph (saxophone), The Jordanaires, Millie Kirkham (backing vocals).

Recorded at RCA Studio B, Nashville, Tennessee, October 30 & 31, 1960.
With the exception of “When the Saints Go Marching In”:
Elvis Presley (lead vocals and piano), Red West and Arthur Hooten (backing vocals).
Recorded at Elvis’ House, Audobon.

SIDE 1

1 HIS HAND IN MINE
2 I’M GONNA WALK DEM GOLDEN STAIRS
3 IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE
4 MILKY WHITE WAY
5 KNOWN ONLY TO HIM
6 I BELIEVE IN THE MAN IN THE SKY
7 CRYING IN THE CHAPEL*

SIDE 2

1 JOSHUA FIT THE BATTLE
2 HE KNOWS JUST WHAT I NEED
3 SWING DOWN SWEET CHARIOT
4 MANSION OVER THE HILLTOP
5 IF WE NEVER MEET AGAIN
6 WORKING ON THE BUILDING
7 WHEN THE SAINTS GO MARCHING IN (Demo)*

*BONUS TRACKS