If this song doesn’t reach your soul, perhaps you don’t have one!
Elvis Presley’s “So High,” recorded on May 26, 1966, at RCA Studio B in Nashville, stands out as a significant track from his gospel sessions. This song was featured on his album How Great Thou Art, released in February 1967. The album marked a notable achievement in Elvis’s career, earning him the Grammy Award for Best Sacred Performance in 1968, a testament to his deep connection with gospel music and his exceptional talent in this genre.
“So High” is an arrangement of a traditional gospel song that expresses the boundless and immeasurable nature of God’s presence. The lyrics speak to the theme of divine omnipresence, capturing the awe and reverence that believers feel towards the divine. The song’s upbeat tempo and spirited delivery showcase Elvis’s ability to infuse traditional gospel music with his distinctive style, making it resonate with a wider audience.
The recording sessions for How Great Thou Art took place over several days in May 1966. During these sessions, Elvis recorded several other notable gospel tracks, including “Run On,” “Stand By Me,” and “Where No One Stands Alone.” Each track reflects Elvis’s deep-rooted passion for gospel music, offering a glimpse into his spiritual and musical depth. The album was well-received by critics, with Billboard praising it as a profound reflection of Elvis’s singing style and emotional delivery.
Elvis’s commitment to gospel music was a significant aspect of his career, offering a contrast to his rock and roll persona. His gospel recordings, including “So High,” reveal a different facet of his musical talent, characterized by a deep sense of devotion and sincerity. Despite being known primarily for his work in rock and roll, Elvis’s gospel sessions highlighted his versatility and his ability to convey profound spiritual messages through his music.
The release of How Great Thou Art was both commercially and critically successful. The album reached number 18 on the Billboard 200 and number seven on the Top Country Albums chart, underscoring its popularity and impact. The success of the album was further reinforced by Elvis’s live performances of gospel songs, which became a staple of his concerts. These performances demonstrated his ability to connect with audiences through his spiritual and heartfelt interpretations.
Elvis Presley’s career, spanning from his explosive debut in the mid-1950s to his untimely death in 1977, was marked by an extensive array of music genres, including rock, pop, country, and gospel. He remains one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 500 million records sold globally. His influence on music and popular culture is profound, and his gospel recordings, including “So High,” continue to be celebrated for their emotional depth and sincerity.
Elvis’s foray into gospel music came at a time when his career was heavily focused on movies and soundtracks. The How Great Thou Art album represented a return to his musical roots and a reaffirmation of his commitment to gospel music. The album’s success demonstrated the enduring appeal of Elvis’s gospel performances and his ability to inspire and uplift audiences through his music.
In summary, Elvis Presley’s “So High” is a standout track from his 1967 album How Great Thou Art. The song’s spirited arrangement and Elvis’s powerful delivery showcase his deep connection to gospel music. The album’s success and Elvis’s live performances of gospel songs highlight his versatility and enduring impact on the genre. His gospel recordings remain a cherished part of his legacy, reflecting his profound musical talent and spiritual depth.
