Peace In The Valley – Elvis Presley

Introduction:

“Peace in the Valley” is one of Elvis Presley’s iconic gospel recordings, showcasing his deep connection to spiritual music. Written in 1937 by Thomas A. Dorsey, a pioneer of gospel music, the song was originally performed by Mahalia Jackson and later popularized by the Golden Gate Quartet. Elvis recorded his version on January 12, 1957, during a session at Radio Recorders in Hollywood. It was included in the EP Peace in the Valley, released later that year, which became the first gospel record by a mainstream artist to achieve significant commercial success​.

Elvis’s rendition was groundbreaking for gospel music’s visibility in popular culture. His powerful, emotive delivery brought the song to audiences who might not have been familiar with traditional gospel music. This recording also highlighted his deep-rooted love for gospel, which was a constant throughout his career. “Peace in the Valley” was part of his performance on The Ed Sullivan Show in January 1957, where he dedicated it to the people of Hungary, then facing political turmoil​.

The track remains a testament to Elvis’s versatility and reverence for spiritual themes, marking a significant moment in blending sacred music with mainstream appeal. It continues to resonate as one of his most cherished gospel recordings, demonstrating his ability to convey profound emotional depth through his music.

Video:

Lyrics:

“(There’ll Be) Peace In The Valley”