Introduction:
“Crying in the Chapel” is a gospel song that holds a significant place in Elvis Presley’s illustrious career. Originally penned by Artie Glenn in 1953 for his son, Darrell Glenn, the song quickly gained popularity, leading to numerous cover versions by various artists. Elvis Presley recorded his rendition on October 31, 1960, during a session intended for his gospel album “His Hand in Mine.” Despite recording three takes, neither Elvis nor his backing vocal group, The Jordanaires, were satisfied with the results, leading to the decision to shelve the recordings at that time.
It wasn’t until April 6, 1965, that Elvis’s version of “Crying in the Chapel” was released as a single under RCA’s “Gold Standard Series.” The song’s release was met with remarkable success, becoming Elvis’s first million-seller since “Return to Sender” in 1962. It achieved a peak position of number three on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart and dominated the Easy Listening chart for an impressive seven weeks. In the United Kingdom, the song resonated deeply with audiences, spending two non-consecutive weeks at number one on the UK Singles Chart.
The genre of “Crying in the Chapel” is rooted in gospel, reflecting Elvis’s profound appreciation for spiritual music. His soulful and heartfelt delivery in this track showcases his versatility as an artist, seamlessly bridging the gap between secular and sacred music. The song’s minimalist arrangement, featuring subdued instrumentation and harmonious backing vocals, allows Elvis’s emotive voice to take center stage, conveying a sense of sincerity and devotion.
Following its success as a single, “Crying in the Chapel” was later included as a bonus track on Elvis’s 1967 gospel album, “How Great Thou Art.” This album further cemented his status as a versatile performer capable of delivering profound spiritual performances. “How Great Thou Art” earned Elvis a Grammy Award for Best Sacred Performance, highlighting his contributions to the gospel genre.
The achievements of “Crying in the Chapel” are noteworthy. In the United States, it marked a significant resurgence in Elvis’s chart performance during the mid-1960s, reaffirming his enduring appeal in the evolving music landscape. Internationally, the song’s success in the UK and other countries underscored Elvis’s global influence and the universal resonance of gospel music.
In summary, “Crying in the Chapel” stands as a testament to Elvis Presley’s deep-rooted connection to gospel music and his ability to convey profound emotion through his performances. Its release in 1965 not only revitalized his presence on the charts but also contributed to the broader appreciation of gospel music within popular culture.