Elvis Presley – His Hand In Mine

Elvis Presley, with the Jordanaires, sings hymns as a tribute to his Tupelo roots

Church music and hymns made up the first music that Elvis Presley ever heard. Church music was also the first music Elvis ever sang. It was as natural to him as nursery rhymes and Mother Goose are to other children.

What makes these songs so enjoyable? Why are they music to one's ears? Is it because of the simple yet unique melodies, the soft or rocking grooves, or the prayer wheel-like verses that are sung alternately by a soloist and chorus? Elvis fans might well be able to answer this question just by taking a quick look at the cover of this album. Other, more undiscerning lovers of black folk spirituality would say that this is a well-produced, professional album that can't be equalled.

Elvis lets his young, flexible voice swing sonorously here, lightly and airily there, all the while supported by a top-notch vocal backing group. The rich vocal harmonies are sung with true passion, and it is certainly no coincidence that one is reminded of the sound of the Golden Gate Quartet. In one moment the voices soar to celestial heights, in another they plunge down to a deep rumbling bass, not forget the soft and springy rhythm section. For John Bush, writing for AllMusic.com, "this LP isn't just one of Elvis' best LPs, it's one of the best (and best recorded) gospel sessions of all time."