ALTHOUGH Elvis Presley's love of gospel music is well known, many might not be aware of the depth of his faith.
Here we take a look at what religion Elvis followed and what he said about it.
What religion did Elvis Presley follow?
The king of rock 'n' roll followed Christianity and his relationship with God began early.
He and his family attended the east Tupelo, Mississippi, First Assembly of God Church.
He was baptized twice as a child — once in Tupelo, and once again by a Oneness Pentecostal pastor in Memphis as a teen.
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Many believe that the church is where Elvis got his love for music and performing.
According to biographers, he used to get up and sing on his own.
It's also where here he met one of his first girlfriends, Dixie Lock.
What did Elvis say about his religion?
From many accounts, it's clear that Elvis was deeply religious.
In 1956, when he was 21 years old, Elvis responded to fans to discuss his religion.
He called the section "My True Religion" before writing about an article he had read about himself.
The article said: "'Presley got his start by singing in a church choir, but fame has made him forget all about religion.'"
In the response, Elvis confessed: "No, I don't go to church regular anymore, if that's what they mean by religious.
"Being on the road all the time, and travelling every minute I'm not working, I can't ever be sure when I'll have a Sunday free to myself. (sic) I wish I could, just like I wish I could be with my folks more often, but I can't.
"So if they mean just going to church regularly makes you religious, then I guess I don't fit up to what they want."
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He then assured his fans that he was a believer. He said: "But I want you to know this. I believe in God, I believe in Him with all my heart."
What hymns did Elvis Presley sing?
Gospel music was the beginning for Elvis.
He recorded gospel albums and added a few of his favourite hymns into his rock 'n' roll concerts.
His personal favourite song was called, Known Only To Him.
This song was so close to his heart that it was performed at his beloved mother's funeral.
His top 10 most popular hymns include:
- His Hand In Mine
- I Believe In The Man In The Sky
- Working On The Building
- “In My Father’s House”
- Take My Hand, Precious Lord
- If the Lord Wasn’t Walking by My Side
- Swing Down Sweet Chariot
- Amazing Grace
- How Great Thou Art
- Crying in the Chapel