Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Listeners Find Peace in Elvis Presley’s Song “Peace in the Valley”

Elvis Presley - Peace in the Valley
by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

The “King of Rock and Roll,” Elvis Presley, released a religious song called “Peace in the Valley” in 1957. However, the words of the masterpiece were not written by the legend himself. The exquisitely crafted song was originally written by Thomas A. Dorsey and was initially intended for Mahalia Jackson.

The song is about clinging to hope while things are tough. And the Bible serves as a testament to this optimism. Those who are feeling down will find immense comfort in “Peace in the Valley,” and those who have a religious bent will have their convictions reinforced.

It is generally known that Memphis, Tennessee, where Elvis Presley was born and raised, was a major American hub for gospel music in the 1950s. As a result, he was really exposed to gospel music while growing up. Perhaps for that reason, he chose to create a cover for the well-known song “Peace in the Valley.” And his Rendition served as a catalyst for a crucial historical context.

As a tribute to the 250,000 refugees fleeing Hungary, Presley played the song at his third and last appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. Following the event, the families in Vienna and London shared a total of US$49.5 million of the show’s earnings. Which clearly demonstrates Elvis’s genuine compassion for those in need.

Aside from the fact that the song was capable of helping several people, it also peaked at no 3 on the Billboard EP list, no 3 on the album chart, and no 39 on the singles chart, all of which were short-lived. Despite this, the song was still considered to be one of Elvis Presley’s greatest songs. 

Eddie Clendening, who played Elvis Presley, also sang “Peace in the Valley” in the Broadway musical Million Dollar Quartet, which debuted in New York in April 2010. 

So, if you’re looking for a piece of peaceful music to encourage and empower you to overcome life’s obstacles, therefore, Elvis Presley’s “Peace in the Valley” is a must-listen. Click here to listen to it right now.

Latest Stories

Lukas Nelson Honors His Dad with a Heartfelt "Always On My Mind" Cover

Lukas Nelson Honors His Dad with a Heartfelt “Always On My Mind” Cover

In 2013, Lukas Nelson proved that talent truly runs in the family when he delivered a moving rendition of his father Willie Nelson’s classic hit, “Always On My Mind.” Performed ...

Alan Jackson and George Strait's "Murder on Music Row" Honors True Country

Alan Jackson and George Strait’s “Murder on Music Row” Honors True Country

When George Strait and Alan Jackson came together to perform “Murder on Music Row,” it wasn’t just another duet—it was a moment that sent ripples through country music history. These ...

Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, and Keith Urban Unite for "He Stopped Loving Her Today"

Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, and Keith Urban Unite for “He Stopped Loving Her Today”

In October 2010, the Country Music Hall of Fame became the setting for a moment of country music magic. Three legendary artists—Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, and Keith Urban—joined forces for ...

8-Year-Old Annafaith Wows with Cover of Willie Nelson's "Always on My Mind"

8-Year-Old Annafaith Wows with Cover of Willie Nelson’s “Always on My Mind”

Willie Nelson’s “Always on My Mind” is one of those rare songs that seems to transcend time, weaving its way into the hearts of listeners for decades. Covering such an ...

Garth Brooks' Daughter Allie Colleen Scores Her First Top-40 Country Hit

Garth Brooks’ Daughter Allie Colleen Scores Her First Top-40 Country Hit

In 2021, Allie Colleen, the youngest daughter of country legend Garth Brooks, proved that musical talent runs in the family. With her single “Ain’t the Only Hell (My Momma Raised),” ...

Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton's "Does He Love You" Is the Collaboration We've Been Waiting For

Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton’s “Does He Love You” Is the Collaboration We’ve Been Waiting For

When Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton team up, it feels like the stars have aligned over Nashville. These two queens of country music, with careers that have shaped the genre ...

Ben Haggard's "As Haggard as They Come" Honors His Father While Defining His Own Path

Ben Haggard’s “As Haggard as They Come” Honors His Father While Defining His Own Path

In 2019, Ben Haggard delivered a performance at the Grand Ole Opry that felt like a love letter to his roots and a bold step toward his future. His song, ...

Mo Pitney's "Borrowed Angel" Is a Love Letter to Traditional Country

Mo Pitney’s “Borrowed Angel” Is a Love Letter to Traditional Country

In a time when country-pop dominates the charts, Mo Pitney stands out as a refreshing reminder of what makes traditional country music timeless. In an episode of Country Road TV ...

Hannah Kay Honors Loretta Lynn in Powerful "Coal Miner's Daughter" Performance

Hannah Kay Honors Loretta Lynn in Powerful “Coal Miner’s Daughter” Performance

In a world where country music continually evolves, some voices remind us of its timeless roots. In 2019, then-18-year-old Texas singer Hannah Kay did just that with her moving rendition ...

Zach Top’s Journey from Farm Life in WA to Breakout Country Music Star

Zach Top’s Journey from Farm Life in WA to Breakout Country Music Star

Zach Top didn’t just stumble into country music fame; he built his way there from the ground up, starting on a modest farm in Sunnyside, Washington. Far removed from Nashville’s ...