Elvis vs Michael

The History of Gospel Music

At churches all across the United States, Gospel Choirs have spread Joy and inspiration for Hundreds of years. Each Sunday people are clapping hands and dancing to the sound of Gospel lyrics, but why? What is it about the Gospel Song lyrics that moves people to such levels of ecstasy? Is it the words? Is it the surrounding? And where does it all come from?

Although the the church and worship are over 2000 years old, we can only trace Gospel music to the 18th century. Gospel Song Lyrics are very repetitive. Many believe this comes from the slave times when blacks were not able to read, this allowed them also to take part in the worship. The worship services also played a big role in reinforcing the slavery indoctrination, as the sermons were often taken from St. Paul which talked about: good servants, loving, obeying and trusting ones master. The hymns of the white master became the backdrop for the music of the enslaved Africans which later they used in worship meetings.

The Beginnings

The person who many consider to be the father of Gospel Music, Thomas A. Dorsey (1899-1993) was fittingly the son of a Baptist minister, and played with the most famous blues singers of all time-specifically, Bessie Smith (1894-1937) and Ma Rainey (1886-1939). Ironically his fist love was Blues and Ragtime. After two nevervous breakdowns in 1928, He decided to take a break from the music business and that is where he began to change his direction to religious composing. 1932 Dorsey organized one of the fist Gospel Choirs in Chicago at the Pilgrim Baptist Church. It was here that Dorsey began to write religious music, although he did abandon his style of bright or gaudy lyrics, the rhythmic style of jazz and his love of the blues flavor stayed. But not everyone was overjoyed with the new style of the gospel music, some of the old guard conservatives labeled it the devils music and shunned it. But, he stayed true to his music and lived long enough to write over 800 songs and hear his musics ascend from the first row pews to the choir stand, where it previously had been banned. To insure this, Dorsey founded The National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses in 1932, an organization still in existence today.

A 1994 Score magazine article titled The Father of Gospel Music quoted Dorsey as saying, When I realized how hard some folks were fighting the gospel idea, I was determined to carry the banner.

Carry it he did. I borrowed five dollars and sent out 500 copies of my song, If You See My Savior, to churches throughout the country. It was three years before I got a single order. I felt like going back to the blues.

Many Famous Singers have their roots in Gospel Music

Once Gospel music was defined as religious, but gospel has moved to the mainstream and has its mark on all other types of music and popular culture. The list of singers who got their start in music from singing in the choir is way to long to even begin to write down in this small space but just to get an idea of what legends started out with the gospel song lyrics before moving on to other genres of music are Superstars in pop and soul such as Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston or Mary J. Blidge. Also Country stars like Tennessee-Ernie-Williams and Glen Camble and yes even the king himself Elvis Presley started with gospel music.

The Most Famous Gospel Choir

Probably the most famous Gospel choir is the Harlem Gospel Choir It was founded in 1986 and has spent the better part of the last 25 years touring the country raising money for children charities and spreading the love of gospel music to millions of people. Allen Baily was the founder and he got the idea while attending a celebration to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, JR. At the Cotton Club in Harlem.The Choir includes some of the best singers and musians from black churches in Harlem and the Greater New York area. The choirs main goal is to create a better understanding of the African-American culture & the inspirational music called Gospel as it relates to the Black Church. But, certainly the music is for everyone. If you see a concert in your area its always a good recommendation to attend this gospel celebration of singing and dancing!.

Todays Gospel Music

Gospel Music has branched out in so many directions over the years. Now Christian rock is the new age of music and the singers are listed weekly on the bill board gospel charts. There is a GMA (Gospel Music association) it has become a multi million dollar business as well. But no mater how the sound changes over the years, the roots will always be from heart and soul of the black American slaves that started this wonderful sound.

Author: Ken Jones
The History of Gospel Music

1950s Music - Elvis and Sinatra

The music made for the new albums market in the 1950s was altogether different from that produced for the singles market. As far as the record companies were concerned, singles were predominantly for teenagers and children. They also catered to the tastes of less well-off adults; black music and country music were both predominantly released on singles. The album charts during the 1950s represented the tastes of the more wealthy section of the British and American public. This was partly based on simple economics - albums cost more than two dollars to buy, singles under a dollar - but it was a legacy of earlier decades, in which longer classical works had needed to be released as "albums". As a result, the 1950s albums chart overwhelmingly reflected the tastes of older, more conservative record buyers.
Even a cursory glance at the best-selling albums of the 1950s confirms - with the striking exceptions of Elvis Presley and Miles Davis - that this is not a list of musical innovators. Instead, it points to the fact that the top-selling music of a period is not always what is best remembered by posterity or discussed by critics. The popular image we now have of the 1950s - rock 'n' roll, jazz and James Dean - actually represents aspects of the culture that at the time were the exceptions. If you want to know why James Dean became a rebel without a cause, you just need to look at the album charts. The reason why rock 'n' roll was such a sensation becomes plain: it's because Mum and Dad were busy listening to Mantovani, Johnny Mathis, Ray Conniff and Tennessee Ernie Ford.
Another perennial favourite of 1950s album buyers were the soundtracks to stage and movie musicals. The stage musical may have been coming towards the end of its golden age in the 1950s, but you would never have thought so at the time. The popularity of the musical reflected in the decades best-selling albums, with the Broadway production of My Fair Lady and the movie version of Oklahoma! both appearing in the Top 10.
The 1950s album charts, then, were not the sound of teenage rebellion - they were the sound of middle Britain and America kicking back after the trauma of World War II and enjoying a new era of prosperity. The 1950s did see a number of revolutionary developments that would transform the record industry and popular culture forever: the new sounds of rock 'n' roll were starting to emerge into the mainstream and the technological advances of the era began to reveal what recorded music was capable of. But this was also a time when most album buyers prized the familiar over the radical. Rock 'n' roll may have ruled the singles charts, but for most listeners it was the enchanting show scores, the pop standards and the easy-listening favourites that truly defined the sound of the decade.

1950s Music - Elvis and Sinatra and Their Ability to Provide That Essential "Lift" to Our Spirits

Author: Ken Jones

Elvis Presley biography

A lot of people may not associate Elvis Presley with gospel music, but he wrote over 50 gospel songs. There have been many documentaries made regarding Elvis Presley's love of gospel music. He started out in music by singing at a tiny church in Memphis. Also, he is a member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

He Touched Me: The Gospel Music of Elvis Presley Volumes 1 and 2 feature over 30 of Elvis' gospel recordings. It also contains stories from some of the people that knew him best. He was heavily influenced by two of the top southern gospel music quartets, "The Blackwood Brothers" and "The Statesmen." Also, Presley had a lifelong bond with gospel legend J.D. Sumner.

Presley once said, "Since I was two years old, all I knew was gospel music. That music became such a part of my life it was as natural as dancing. A way to escape from the problems. And my way of release." As a kid, Presley's favorite singer was southern gospel singer Jake Hess. He is also said to be one of Presley's greatest influences to his unique style.

There was entire book written about the gospel music of Elvis. It is titled "The Gospel Side of Elvis," and was written by Joe Moscheo. This is a really nice book written from a great perspective. Moscheo played piano in some songs for Elvis' recordings in the studio. He also sang at Presley's funeral, giving this book a unique and interesting perspective. There have been many other books and documentaries released analyzing Elvis' gospel music career.

Although once he became famous, record executives imposed their will on him and he began writing hits like "Jailhouse Rock" and "Hound Dog," Elvis never lost his love for the southern gospel music that he was raised on. Songs like "Jailhouse Rock" and Hound Dog" raised him to the status of musical icon, but gospel music was his first love.

Elvis was especially found of black gospel music. Another huge influence on Presley's music was Sister Rosetta Tharpe. As a boy Elvis would rush home every day after school just to listen to her and other black gospel singers on a special show that featured it on the radio. Tharpe and Presley had something in common in that they both controversially blended styles of music. Presley blended country music with rhythm and blues, while Tharpe mixed black spirituals with big band jazz.

At many of his concerts Elvis would use gospel groups as his backup singers. These gospel groups would travel with him while he was on tour. Elvis would use gospel music to relax. It was also very common to see him listening to it to prepare for a show.

While it is very well-known that Elvis did listen to gospel music and even made gospel songs, many do not fully understand the extent of the impact that gospel music made on Elvis' career. The impact the gospel had on him was not just limited to music. It has often been said that most of the literature Elvis carried was religous-based and that he never went on tour without the Bible. Few understand the important of faith in the life of Elvis Presley.

Theresea Hughes is creator and dedicated fan, providing quality Elvis Presley biography information, pictures and articles for your entertainment. Download the free autobiography book version of "Elvis Presley Forever". Visit http://www.elvis-presley-forever.com

Author: Ken Jones
Elvis Presley biography, Elvis Presley Gospel Music, Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley Lyrics

During his short career Elvis Presley overcame many barriers in music especially because he performed gospel music at his shows.He was influenced greatly, in the town of Tupelo Mississippi where he was born and raised, by songs of inspiration and gospel music in his church including rhythm and blues. Elvis Presley Lyrics & Gospel SongsDuring Elvis early days of performing live and on shows like Ed Sullivan it was not of the norm to sing gospel songs especially if you were a rock & roll artist.There was little doubt that he truly enjoy gospel music as the songs of inspiration poured out of his heart and soul with each and every note. Peoples lives were changed around the world by hearing his gospel music sang with such devotion and inspiration.Many Elvis gospel songs and albums were recorded during his career of which you'll find all words the these songs at Elvis Presley lyrics. Surprisingly as many songs as he recorded during his career the only Grammies he won were his gospel songs.Elvis was granted his first Grammy for his beautiful version of the classic "How Great Thou Art" in 1967."How Great Thou Art" yet again grabbed another Grammy in 1974 nominated this time for a live version he recorded and got a nomination for the best inspirational performance.Additional Grammy nominations were also received for "He Touched Me" and "You'll Never Walk Alone".Additional top sellers for Elvis gospel songs are "Amazing Grace", "Take My Hand" and "He Touched Me" to mention a few. During his lifetime he was often referred to by his showgoers as "The King" however remaining humble to the very end Elvis would reply "There is only one King and that is our lord Jesus Christ!"This very day one thing remains very clear. Elvis Presley's popularity continues to flourish. as the legacy of his music shines bright forever in our lives, our hearts and our souls.Go here to find Elvis lyrics online.

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Elvis Presley Lyrics - Elvis Song Lyrics & Gospel Songs

Elvis Presley memorobilia

Elvis Presley memorobilia is one of the most popular collectibles in the history of the United States and througout the world. People collect anything that has Elvis on it.

One of the most popular things that people collect are photogogarpahs or prints. Everywhere Elvis went there were flashing lights from cameras, so there is an endless amount of photographs available to be collected.

The best place to purchase photos of Elvis is at elvisphotos.com. This is the official Elvis Presley stock photography gallery. Also, elvisphotos.com is the only place where you can find photographs from the archives of Elvis Presley Enterprises. Featured are hundreds of black and white photos, as well as color photos. The photographs span throughout his entire career, including early years, TV appearances, and concert action shots. These photos are available for licensing for advertising photography, corporate image, and editorial purposes.

There are certain areas of Elvis' home, Graceland, that have always been private. The 2nd floor has always been kept completely private. It has been secluded from all tours, television cameras, and photographs. This is the last thing about Elvis that has not been revealed. This is the portion of the home where Elvis spent most of his time. The upstairs portion of Graceland is a great mystery that mystifies all Elvis fans.

Many people wonder, "why can't we go upstairs at Graceland?" It has been locked up since 1977. All of Graceland's employees are unable to go upstairs, even the ones with the longest tenure. The only people that are allowed to go up there are Priscilla, Lisa Marie, and the curator of Graceland. While touring Graceland, everyone walks right past the stairs that lead to the mystery area. There is a guard standing by at the bottom of the stairs at all times, as well as at the top of the stairs. No one has ever made it past this security.

Actor Nicholas Cage was able to get upstairs at Graceland, by marrying Lisa Marie Presley. He even got to go into Elvis' bedroom and sit at the King's "Throne." This is the position Elvis was in at the time of his death. Cage was the only celebrity to make it upstairs at Graceland. Many celebrities have been turned down, even President Clinton.

Everything in Elvis' bedroom is said to have been left the way it was when he died. None of the items have been touched, not even the underwear or socks. There are still toiletries in the bathroom, such as cologne, toothpaste, medication, hair dye, and deodorant.

There are pictures of the upstairs of Graceland at linkydinky.com/graceland. It is not known for sure whether these pictures are real or not, but the site claims that they are the only real pictures of the 2nd floor of Graceland in circulation.

From the most common Elvis pictures, to the most rare, there are thousands and thousands of pictures. Trying to obtain every Elvis picture ever made would be almost an impossible task. My advice is to just find a few favorites and buy them. Hang them on your wall to enjoy. Long live the King.

Author: Ken Jones
Elvis Presley Picture

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Shadows danced on the faces of Elvis Presley fans as they carried candles and walked silently by his grave during a Sunday night vigil at Graceland, marking the 33rd anniversary of the American icon's death.
Thousands of Elvis admirers from around the world flocked to Graceland to attend the annual candlelight vigil and procession, which runs into the morning hours. Presley died at age 42 at his Graceland mansion on Aug. 16, 1977. Memorials started the following year.
Elvis ballads like "If I Can Dream" and "Fools Rush In" played as participants solemnly filed in through the gates. Flowers and photos lined the entrance to the grave site, which also is the resting place of Presley's father Vernon, his mother Gladys and grandmother Minnie Mae. Some people wiped tears from their faces as they walked past.
Thomas Hollis, 52, said he thought of his wife, who passed away in May from cancer. It's his sixth Elvis vigil, but the first without his wife. Sunday was the couple's 13th wedding anniversary.
Hollis' granddaughter carried a candle for his wife.
"This vigil is kind of like for Elvis, and kind of like for her, too," said Hollis, of Louisville, Ky. "It's rough this year ... I've been through down times myself for a while, but I listen to his music and it keeps me going."
The night-time procession is the highlight of a weeklong series of fan-club meetings, film showings and Elvis tribute artist contests. Elvis purchased the 13-acre Graceland property in 1957 for a song — just a bit more than $100,000.
As night fell, fans took residence on Elvis Presley Boulevard, setting up folding chairs in the street after police closed the thoroughfare to traffic. Children wrote messages in purple, yellow and green chalk reading "We Miss Elvis" and "Elvis Lives 2010."
Wim Postmus arrived last week from the town of Maarssen in the Netherlands. He came three years ago for the 30th anniversary vigil but gave up after spending many hours in line without even making it inside the walls.
The 47-year-old Postmus, who said Elvis' music helps him get happy when he's depressed, made the trip despite losing his job in financial administration earlier this year.
"It doesn't matter," he said. "I saved for it."
Shelley Somerville flew from Australia with her husband for their honeymoon. Hours before the procession, she held an umbrella to shield herself from the sun. It's the third candlelight vigil for Somerville, who said she likes Elvis' gospel music the most.
"Elvis has touched a lot of hearts, and there's something spiritual about him," said Somerville, a 31 year-old administrative assistant. "There's a calming feeling around him."
Before the procession, fans from as far as Japan and England browsed Graceland's sprawling souvenir shopping center and gathered under a large tent across the street from the mansion to listen to performers belt out Elvis tunes.
Dozens of multi-colored but empty chairs lined the walls of Graceland on Sunday afternoon, their early-arriving owners seeking refuge from 100-degree temperatures at water stations.
The week's festivities included conversations with writers, photographers and close friends of Elvis, including Joe Esposito, part of the Elvis entourage nicknamed the "Memphis mafia."
Paul Fivelson came from Chicago to meet a buddy he met at the vigil three years ago. Wearing shorts and a black Elvis Week T-shirt, Fivelson said he likes to be near the front of the line to meet interesting people as they walk by the famous stone wall, which has personal messages from fans written on it.
Fivelson, 58, said he takes pride in being "a die-hard Elvis loyalist" who listens to the American icon's music every day. His granddaughter's name is Presley.
"I miss him, I loved him," said Fivelson, a substitute teacher. "To be part of the Elvis experience and the aura of the whole thing, just means everything in the world to me."