Elvis Presley – Life

Now, Elvis wasn’t a stranger to gospel music. In fact, his roots were firmly planted in the sounds of the Pentecostal church he frequented as a child in Tupelo, Mississippi. Those soulful melodies and powerful testimonies undoubtedly left a lasting impression. But by 1966, Elvis was already a decade into his meteoric rise to superstardom. He’d conquered the charts with rock and roll anthems like “Hound Dog” and “Jailhouse Rock,” captivated audiences with his electrifying stage presence, and even starred in a string of successful Hollywood films. So, why a gospel song at this point in his career?

Well, for starters, you have to remember that Elvis never strayed too far from his gospel foundation. Even in his most rockin’ tunes, you could often hear echoes of that soulful delivery and spiritual yearning. “Life” allowed him to fully embrace that side of his musicality. The song was produced by the legendary RCA staff producer Felton Jarvis, a man who had worked with Elvis on numerous occasions and understood the depth of the artist’s musical soul. Jarvis surrounded Elvis with a group of top-notch gospel musicians, creating a powerful and authentic soundscape for the King to deliver his message.

And what a message it is. “Life” is a thoughtful and introspective piece. It’s not a foot-stomping, hallelujah-shouting gospel anthem. Instead, it’s a gentle contemplation on the human condition, the fleeting nature of life, and the importance of faith. Elvis sings about the impermanence of material possessions and the enduring strength of love and belief. His voice, stripped of its usual rock and roll swagger, takes on a sincere and vulnerable tone, conveying a depth of emotion that often went unnoticed beneath the glitz and glam of his rockstar persona.

“Life” wasn’t a chart-topping hit for Elvis, but its impact goes far beyond commercial success. It stands as a testament to the versatility of the King, showcasing his ability to not only captivate audiences with his rock and roll energy but also touch their hearts with his soulful gospel delivery. So, put aside any preconceived notions you might have about Elvis, and prepare to be surprised by the sincerity and musical depth of this often-overlooked gem.