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

From Rock to Gospel: Elvis Presley’s Soulful “Somebody Bigger Than You and I”

From Rock to Gospel: Elvis Presley's Soulful "Somebody Bigger Than You and I"
by
  • Riley is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, known for her engaging storytelling and insightful coverage of the genre.
  • Before joining Country Thang Daily, Riley developed her expertise at Billboard and People magazine, focusing on feature stories and music reviews.
  • Riley has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Belmont University, with a minor in Cultural Studies.

In 1967, Elvis Presley poured his heart out in the most heartwarming rendition of the hit gospel song “Somebody Bigger Than You and I” as part of his album, How Great Thou Art. 

The hit gospel song was initially released in 1951 by a country band called Ink Spots. Because of its profound spiritual meaning that many Christian listeners can connect to, the song instantly became one of the gospel standards of country music today. 

Known artists like Mahalia Jackson, Whitney Houston, Marion Williams, Elvis Presley, and many more have released their versions of the song. Among the most notable covers were Elvis Presley’s rendition for his album, How Great Thou Art. 

Although Presley was widely known as the King of Rock and Roll, he was quite open in admitting that his favorite music to sing was indeed gospel songs. Growing up in a religious family, he had always been that church boy everyone loved in the neighborhood. 

The fact that his first public performance occurred inside his mother’s church in Tupelo may be one of the reasons why gospel songs always had a special place in Presley’s heart. 

Elvis Presley’s Heart-Warming Rendition

With over 100 gospel songs released, “Somebody Bigger Than You and I” can be considered one of Elvis Presley’s greatest hits. 

He had this distinctive voice and aura that is unique to many. His soft yet deep voice complemented the message that gospel songs want to convey. Considering he is quite a musical genius, Presley can also incorporate different instrument sounds to make the song even more enjoyable to hear. 

In this particular cover, Presley showcased his meticulousness in his craft. Compared to the original, which sounds jazzier, his version is on a lower tune that quite compliments his distinctive baritone voice, making the whole performance alluring and warm to hear. 

If you are looking for an old country gospel song to play on your next bible group study, check out Elvis Presley’s heart-warming rendition of “Somebody Bigger Than You and I” below. 

Latest Stories

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 ...

Morgan Wallen’s “Love Somebody” Tackles Real Romance with a Fresh Sound

Morgan Wallen’s “Love Somebody” Tackles Real Romance with a Fresh Sound

Morgan Wallen’s new single, “Love Somebody,” has arrived, and it’s not just another love song—it’s an honest look at the complicated, often bumpy road to finding real connection. After years ...

Morgan Wallen Sets New Records Outshining Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift

Morgan Wallen Sets New Records Outshining Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift

Morgan Wallen’s career continues to reach impressive heights with his latest achievement. This historic milestone solidifies his place among country music’s most celebrated figures. His new single, “Love Somebody,” has ...

Jelly Roll Gets Emotional Sharing a First Look at His Expansive 500-Acre Dream Property

Jelly Roll Gets Emotional Sharing a First Look at His Expansive 500-Acre Dream Property

Country music star Jelly Roll recently shared an emotional video on social media, revealing his purchase of a sprawling 500-acre plot of land. The video, filled with raw emotion and ...