Elvis Presley – Miracle Of The Rosary

Introduction:

Ah, Elvis Presley. The King. A name synonymous with rock and roll, swaggering hips, and electrifying stage presence. But there’s another side to Elvis, a side that often gets overshadowed by the sheer force of his early career. This side is one of deep faith and gospel influence, a facet beautifully captured in his 1972 recording, Miracle of the Rosary.

Released on the album Elvis Now, this track stands out amidst a collection of more standard Elvis fare. Recorded a year prior, in May 1971, Miracle of the Rosary throws a fascinating curveball. Here, the King sheds his rock and roll persona and embraces a heartfelt, soulful delivery of a song steeped in religious devotion.

Now, it’s important to remember the context. By the early 1970s, Elvis’ career had undergone a significant shift. The electrifying performances of the 50s had given way to a focus on live shows in Las Vegas and Hollywood films. Gospel music, a cornerstone of his upbringing in Tupelo, Mississippi, had always simmered beneath the surface, but with Miracle of the Rosary, it bubbled to the forefront.

The song itself is a fascinating anomaly. Unlike many of Elvis’ gospel recordings, the composer isn’t a big name in the genre. Instead, the credit goes to Lee Denson, a childhood friend of Elvis whose father was a Pentecostal minister. This personal connection adds a layer of sincerity to the performance. It’s not just a song; it’s a testament to Elvis’ deeply held beliefs.

Miracle of the Rosary is a ballad, a stark contrast to the high-octane rock and roll that made him famous. The instrumentation is simple and direct, featuring a gentle piano and a restrained backing band. The spotlight is firmly on Elvis’ voice, which delivers the lyrics with a quiet conviction. There’s no theatrics here, no attempts to steal the show. It’s a man pouring his heart out in a prayerful song.

The lyrics themselves are straightforward, a direct address to the Virgin Mary. They speak of her power as a mediator, a figure who can intercede with Jesus and offer hope to the world. The song’s title, Miracle of the Rosary, becomes a central theme, a symbol of faith and the power of prayer.

Miracle of the Rosary didn’t achieve the chart success of Elvis’ earlier hits. It wasn’t a number one, nor did it become a cultural phenomenon. But within the vast tapestry of Elvis’ music, it holds a unique and important place. It’s a testament to his personal faith, a window into a side of the King that’s often overlooked. It’s a song that speaks to the power of belief, a quiet and introspective moment in a career defined by flamboyant brilliance. So, when you press play on Miracle of the Rosary, prepare to experience a different kind of Elvis. Prepare to be surprised, perhaps even moved, by the depth of his faith and the sincerity of his performance.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Miracle Of The Rosary”