Introduction:
“If the Lord Wasn’t Walking by My Side” is a gospel song written by Henry Slaughter and popularized by Elvis Presley. Elvis recorded the track on May 27, 1966, at RCA’s Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee. The song was subsequently included in his gospel album “How Great Thou Art,” which was released on February 27, 1967.
The album “How Great Thou Art” marked Elvis’s return to gospel music, a genre deeply rooted in his upbringing and musical foundation. This collection featured a mix of traditional hymns and contemporary gospel songs, showcasing Elvis’s versatility and profound connection to spiritual music. The inclusion of “If the Lord Wasn’t Walking by My Side” added an upbeat, rhythmic dimension to the album, contrasting with its more solemn tracks.
Musically, the song is characterized by its energetic tempo and call-and-response structure between Elvis and the backing vocalists, which included renowned groups like The Jordanaires and The Imperials. This dynamic interplay, combined with Elvis’s passionate delivery, imbues the track with a sense of joy and gratitude, reflecting the lyrics’ theme of reliance on divine guidance.
Upon its release, “How Great Thou Art” received critical acclaim and commercial success. The album peaked at number 18 on the Billboard 200 chart and reached number seven on the Top Country Albums chart. In 1967, it earned Elvis his first Grammy Award for Best Sacred Performance, underscoring his impactful contribution to gospel music.
While “If the Lord Wasn’t Walking by My Side” was not released as a standalone single, it contributed to the overall success and enduring legacy of the “How Great Thou Art” album. The song exemplifies Elvis Presley’s deep-rooted passion for gospel music and his ability to convey profound spiritual messages through his powerful and emotive performances.