ELVIS PRESLEY - HIS HAND IN MINE (1960)One often forgets that Presley was steeped in Religious music and it's ironic that for all the media controversey that accompanied his career, he was a deeply Spiritual artist. "His Hand In Mine" was the first of a number of Gospel albums that Elvis recorded during his career, and of these, this is often regarded as his best. He would say that all of his music came from Gospel, citing the fact that he knew every Gospel song that had ever been written. Postumously, Presley was inducted to the Gospel Music Hall Of Fame in 2001, 24 years after his death. Also worth noting, is how prolific Elvis was at this point in his career. "His Hand In Mine", was one of three original recordings from 1960. Some Presley fans argue that he saved his best vocal performances for his Gospel albums, and there is without doubt substance to the argument. His smooth baritone is perfectly sweet, and even Elvis detractors have to admit that whatever the quality of his material, he still had a fine voice. Every song on this album is delivered with great passion, starkly produced and arranged, and superbly backed by The Jordanaires. O.K, so there is no hip shaking swingers, and ofcourse this isn't the music that made him famous, but for a different take on the Presley phenomenum, "His Hand In Mine" is well worth a listen.
Comments (4)