Elvis Presley – Crying in the Chapel

Introduction:

Ah, yes, Crying in the Chapel, a song forever etched in the annals of American music history, and one that Elvis Presley truly made his own. Released in 1965 on RCA’s Gold Standard Series, it stands as a testament to the King’s versatility and his ability to breathe new life into existing material.

Originally penned by father and son songwriting duo Artie Glenn and Darrell Glenn in 1953, the song charted modestly for Darrell. However, it remained a quiet gem waiting for the right voice to elevate it to iconic status. Enter Elvis Presley, a decade later.

By 1965, Elvis was already a household name, having revolutionized rock and roll in the 1950s. However, the musical landscape had shifted. The British Invasion, spearheaded by the Beatles, was in full swing, and Elvis’s brand of rock and roll was facing new competition. It was during this period that RCA, his record label, decided to revisit some older recordings. They saw potential in Crying in the Chapel, a ballad that showcased a different side of Elvis – a gentler, more soulful Elvis.

The production choices were deliberate. Gone were the driving rhythms and electric guitars that characterized his early rock and roll hits. Instead, a simple yet elegant arrangement took center stage. A lone piano sets the mood, its melancholic melody intertwining with the soft murmur of background vocals by the Jordanaires, Elvis’s longtime backing group. This creates a sense of intimacy, drawing the listener into the emotional heart of the song.

Elvis himself delivers a vocal performance that is pure magic. He sheds the swagger and exuberance associated with his rock persona and adopts a more vulnerable approach. His voice cracks with emotion in certain parts, particularly during the lines, “I’ve searched and I’ve searched, But I couldn’t find, No way on earth, To gain peace of mind.” Yet, there’s also a sense of hope that emerges as the song progresses, culminating in the celebratory, gospel-tinged outro.

Crying in the Chapel was a gamble for RCA, a strategic move to diversify Elvis’s sound and cater to a changing audience. The gamble paid off handsomely. The song became a massive hit, topping the charts in several countries and selling over a million copies. It was Elvis’s first million-seller since 1962 and his most successful single in a six-year span.

Crying in the Chapel stands as a landmark recording in Elvis’s career. It showcased his remarkable vocal range and his ability to adapt to evolving musical trends. It also cemented his status as a cultural icon, an artist who could captivate audiences with both electrifying rock and roll and heartfelt ballads. The song continues to resonate with listeners today, a testament to its timeless melody, Elvis’s powerful vocals, and the enduring human emotions it explores.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Crying In The Chapel”