Album Description Revised with 2 significant tracks and artwork not previously included. When Elvis was growing up, the Presley family attended the First Assembly Of God church in Tupelo and subsequently in Memphis. Elvis's music was greatly influenced by attending these churches, but reglious music came to Elvis in many shapes and forms. Religious songs were often part of the repertoire for country stars on the Grand Ol' Opry - a syndicated radio Nashville broadcast that the Presley's almost always tuned into on Saturdays. As a teen, Elvis and his friends would sneak into churches in the black neighborhoods to catch the lively music of a different musical heritage. The welcoming congregation and uplifting sound opened up Elvis's understanding of the multiple facets of reglious music. ULTIMATE GOSPEL provides testament to Elvis's musical excellence and acknowledges the priceless contribution of the talented songwriters, musicians and producers involved.
Customer Reviews:
Elvis gospel with JordaniaresDecember 28, 2008 L. Wolfe(ohio) It was great..Elvis can really sing gospel..would recommend it for anyone who loves gospel..Elvis puts his whole heart and feelings into the songs. .had old tape and it was used so much it wore out..had to get new one...
gospel music at its bestNovember 2, 2008 Sonja K. Searle(Texas) Elvis has a voice like none other. Listening to him is a pleasure. Putting Elvis and gospel music together is a natural fit. The album is exactly what I wanted.
A Major DisappointmentNovember 1, 2008 T. doran(atlanta, ga United States) 1 out of 2 found this review helpful
This CD is a major disappointment. I was expecting the Elvis of his early years, my favorite period. These cuts are so heavily orchestrated with an overwhelming backup group that you can barely hear Elvis over the noise. Everything is very down tempo with thick, cloying and syrupy harmonies. Some are so draggy you almost go to sleep, wondering if the album is playing at the wrong speed. Imagine the Ray Coniff Singers doing Hound Dog, or the Mormon Tabernacle Choir on Jail House Rock, on a 45 played at 33 1/3. It verges on elevator music. I'm learning that an artist as prolific as Elvis did a lot of stinkers in his career. This CD could be called Elvis' Biggest Duds.
Elvis gospelOctober 1, 2008 D. Kuykendall(Georgia) 0 out of 1 found this review helpful
No one can sing more beautiful gospel music than Elvis Presley and this CD is a perfect example of that. It brings tears to your eyes. He puts a whole lot of feeling into all the songs. The songs are my all time favorite gospel songs.
Great, soul-warming CDSeptember 13, 2008 I. Hye(New Jersey) Overall, this CD is a very nice balance between young and old Elvis. (In my opinion, sometimes certain periods of Elvis material can sound very shmaltzy and barring the first track and another, this collection seems to be low on grand, drippy tunes.) It was also nice to be able to preview the tracks for this collection.
