Introduction:
“He Is My Everything” is a gospel song recorded by Elvis Presley, featured on his 1972 album “He Touched Me.” The song was written by Dallas Frazier, a renowned American country musician and songwriter. Originally, Frazier penned a secular version titled “There Goes My Everything,” which achieved significant success in the country music scene. Recognizing the song’s potential for a gospel adaptation, Frazier reworked it into “He Is My Everything,” infusing it with spiritual themes. Elvis Presley, known for his deep-rooted passion for gospel music, recorded this rendition on June 9, 1971, at RCA’s Studio B in Nashville. The album “He Touched Me” showcases Presley’s commitment to gospel music and earned him a Grammy Award for Best Inspirational Performance in 1972.
Dallas Frazier’s journey with “He Is My Everything” began with the original composition, “There Goes My Everything,” written in the mid-1960s. This song narrates the sorrow of a man witnessing the departure of his beloved, encapsulating themes of loss and heartache. In 1966, country artist Jack Greene recorded “There Goes My Everything,” and it soared to the top of the U.S. Country Music Chart, maintaining the number one position for seven consecutive weeks. The song’s profound impact was further solidified when it won “Single of the Year” and “Song of the Year” at the inaugural Country Music Association (CMA) Awards. The accompanying album also received the “Album of the Year” accolade, and Greene was honored as the “Male Vocalist of the Year.”
The transformation from “There Goes My Everything” to “He Is My Everything” is a testament to Frazier’s versatility as a songwriter. While the exact timeline of this adaptation remains unclear, it’s evident that Frazier drew inspiration from his original work to craft a song with a spiritual message. The earliest known recording of “He Is My Everything” was by Charlie Walker in September 1968, featured on his album of the same name. Walker’s rendition marked the song’s introduction to the gospel genre, setting the stage for future interpretations.
Elvis Presley’s affinity for gospel music was well-known, and his rendition of “He Is My Everything” reflects his deep spiritual convictions. The recording session on June 9, 1971, at RCA’s Studio B in Nashville, brought together a talented ensemble of musicians, including guitarists James Burton and Chip Young, bassist Norbert Putnam, drummers Jerry Carrigan and Kenneth Buttrey, pianist David Briggs, organist Charlie McCoy, and vocalists June Page, Millie Kirkham, Sonja Montgomery, and The Imperials. This collaboration resulted in a soulful and heartfelt performance that resonated with audiences.
“He Touched Me,” the album featuring “He Is My Everything,” was released on April 3, 1972. This album marked Presley’s third and final full-length gospel record, following “His Hand in Mine” (1960) and “How Great Thou Art” (1967). “He Touched Me” showcased a contemporary gospel sound, blending traditional hymns with modern arrangements. The album’s success was underscored by its reception at the Grammy Awards, where Presley received the award for Best Inspirational Performance. This recognition highlighted his profound impact on the gospel music genre and solidified his legacy as an artist who seamlessly bridged the worlds of secular and sacred music.
In summary, “He Is My Everything” stands as a significant piece in Elvis Presley’s gospel repertoire. Its evolution from a country ballad to a gospel hymn underscores the transformative power of music and its ability to convey diverse emotional landscapes. Through this song, both Dallas Frazier and Elvis Presley have left an indelible mark on the tapestry of American music, illustrating the enduring appeal of songs that speak to the human spirit.