THIS IS THE SET WHERE I COULD FIND THE LORD'S PRAYER

I'm in agreement with E. Lambeth's Spotlight review. I was born in 1960 and I was lucky enough to have a mother who absolutely loved the BIG E. Mom never owned or played any of his Gospel music, except for the handful of Hymns from his wonderful CHRISTMAS ALBUM. (That record was the family favorite.) Recently I've been rediscovering the roots of my upbringing in music and buying a lot of Elvis Box Sets, movies, and Live DVD's. I love E'S Gospel hit CRYING IN THE CHAPEL and I wanted some of his Gospel recordings. I made the mistake of purchasing the single CD, ELVIS ULTIMATE GOSPEL. By the end of the first listen I knew I had made a tremendous error. It was such a gorgeous experience I was overcome with AWE. I wanted more. I needed more. Brothers and Sisters, I had sinned. I was coveting. Friends, do yourself a favor, commit a sin and buy this Box Set. You're gonna need it too. If you have to, cut back on the tithes for a month. Jesus will forgive and understand that it's necessary for your soul. The first 2 discs contain mostly the great production values of his best Gospel Hymns and a few Live ones, while the 3rd disc contains some alternate takes and many acoustic impromptu jams that remind me of E's '68 COMEBACK SPECIAL. Brothers and Sisters, I'm here to testify, this is raw, in-the-spirit, kicking-up-a-noise-for-the-Lord Gospel.

I just finished reading THE LAST TRAIN TO MEMPHIS and I'm in the middle of reading CARELESS LOVE. Elvis' first love was Gospel. He sang in church as a boy, admired the best Gospel groups of his day, and played Gospel music all the time in his home at Graceland. When Elvis recorded in the studio, it was always about the feeling at the session. Sometimes for a ballad he'd lower the lights in the studio for mood. Sometimes he did 30 takes and ended up on the floor in a cold sweat before he was happy with a song. But, listening to Elvis sing Hymns, it's quite obvious to me that his love for God and Man was so deep, that THIS WAS THE MUSIC HE WAS BORN TO SING. And Thank God for us he did. Nothing else in Elvis' catalog even comes close to the magic of his gift for Gospel. IF YOU DON'T OWN HIS GOSPEL RECORDINGS, YOU DON'T KNOW ELVIS.

(SOME UNUSUAL TRIVIA ABOUT ELVIS: After the Bible, Elvis' search for spiritual truth brought him to read and study many books on Eastern, Hindu, and Buddhist philosophy. For many years, Elvis visited with his Master who was a Yoga Mystic. Elvis understood that all faiths, not just Christianity, were a path to a higher power. Now, that's a Man of God. Very progressive thinking for a man that many people considered to be an uneducated hillbilly. At one time, Elvis thought of giving up his career and becoming a monk. I can't imagine a world without Elvis Presley. Can you? But, Elvis was made to realize that the gift of his voice was God's reason for his existence and the only way to serve and repay God's kindness to him was to sing and make people happy. That makes me happy and I admire Elvis even more as a Man of Faith. Although, it made me sad about the way he and the Colonel treated his first spiritual mentor, Larry Geller. But, Elvis was just a man and lived such an unusual existence with his entourage that it's forgivable. Read CARELESS LOVE for the whole story.)

Too bad Elvis never toured and filmed a complete Travelling Salvation Show Gospel Revival. That would have been something. Maybe when we all make it to Heaven, Elvis will greet us at the Pearly Gates with a fully robed Gospel Choir and some kicking Jesus music. That's my idea of Heaven, baby. HALLELUJAH!!!

ENJOY.

This three-disk collection of Elvis' complete gospel recordings is priceless to me. I have played it through many times and experience new delights each time. I just finished another play-through and decided I must add my applause along with the other fine reviews. Each disk stands on its own merits as does each individual selection.

Disk One probably is my favorite, because it showcases Elvis' extraordinary voice. I am so awed by his range and how he makes each selection his very own with such deep sincerity and intimacy. Also, the back-up musicians are just right - not too intrusive upon Elvis' voice. HIS HAND IN MINE, IN MY FATHER'S HOUSE, KNOWN ONLY TO HIM, HE KNOWS JUST WHAT I NEED, IF WE NEVER MEET AGAIN, WE CALL ON HIM, YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE, and WHO AM I are just a very few of the beautiful songs which leave me so blessed. He was known for his very special renditions of CRYING IN THE CHAPEL and HOW GREAT THOU ART, which was a favorite during stage performances and for which he was awarded a Grammy in 1974. LIFE, which I had never heard before, is unforgettable.

Disk Two has many special selections like ONLY BELIEVE, HE TOUCHED ME, HE IS MY EVERYTHING, and an extra-special live version (1974) of HELP ME. I feel the back-up musicians became too predominate on some tracts which detracted from Elvis himself. His is the voice I prefer to hear unhindered. On the other hand there are some with Elvis improvising alone. There is also some quartet improvising - memorable is TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS/NEARER MY GOD TO THEE. The disk is a valuable part of the set and surely special.

The beginning of Disk Three requires and is well-worth undivided attention. Elvis joined in with Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis in the Sun Studios for some impromptu gospel improvising. This was dubbed the "Million Dollar Quartet" session and took place December 4, 1956 in Nashville. Johnny Cash was also present. Obviously Elvis was already well-versed and accomplished in gospel music. It is wonderful to have these lighter moments preserved, when Elvis was still the charming boy-next-door and in the early stages of his phenomenal rise to stardom. There are more recordings of the beautiful inspirational music Elvis gave us throughout his career. Included also is the gospel medley from his '68 COMEBACK SPECIAL, a memorable live version of HOW GREAT THOU ART from June 1977 (he passed away in August 1977), which proves Elvis could still belt out a song in his last days, and finally PEACE IN THE VALLEY from his Ed Sullivan appearance in January 1957, which has special significance to us older fans.

The booklet enclosed with the album gives background and a nice overview of why Elvis loved to sing gospel for personal inspiration and enjoyment as well as make recordings. I just wish Elvis had drawn on the power of God to help him overcome his personal weaknesses. He might still be singing live, but I am thankful for what he left us. If you are a gospel music fan and even if not, Elvis can touch your heart as few others can. This collection is priceless!!