The Handwritten List Of 10 Reasons He Loved Gospel More Than Anything.

April 8, 2025

Elvis Presley sat on the edge of his bed, a pen in hand and a blank piece of paper in front of him. The bright lights of Las Vegas glittered outside his window, but inside, his heart was filled with a sense of purpose that went beyond fame and fortune. He wanted to write down the reasons he loved gospel music more than anything else in the world. As he began to scribble, memories flooded his mind — the soulful melodies that had shaped his youth, the comforting words that spoke to his struggles, and the vibrant energy that filled the church pews on Sundays.

His first reason was simple yet powerful: gospel music was his foundation. Growing up in Tupelo, Mississippi, Elvis spent countless Sundays in church with his family. The sounds of the choir blended with the clapping of hands and the joyous singing of the congregation. It was in those moments that he found a connection to something greater than himself. The music nurtured his spirit and instilled in him values of hope and resilience. He remembered how, during tough times in his life, the very same gospel songs offered him strength, reminding him that he was never alone.

The second reason spilled from his heart: the authenticity of gospel. Unlike the flashy performances that filled the concert halls, gospel was raw and real. It was a reflection of true life—the struggles, the triumphs, the raw emotions. Elvis knew that when he sang a gospel song, he wasn’t just performing; he was sharing a piece of his soul. Every note resonated with honesty, allowing him to connect with his audience on a deeper level. It was this genuine expression that made him feel alive, that pushed him to pour his emotions into every performance.

As he wrote down the third reason, he thought about the way gospel had influenced his entire musical career. Despite his fame as the King of Rock and Roll, it was the gospel songs that often brought him the most joy. They were the backbone of his albums, showing a side of him that fans loved and admired. Songs like “How Great Thou Art” and “Peace in the Valley” showcased his vocal range and passion. Each gospel performance was a reminder to Elvis of why he had fallen in love with music in the first place—a love that transcended genres and touched the hearts of many.

The fourth reason took him back to the joy of collaboration. He thought of the many legendary gospel singers he had admired—Mahalia Jackson, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and The Blackwood Brothers. Singing alongside these incredible artists filled him with a sense of belonging. It was like being part of a family that shared the same mission: to uplift others through the power of song. In those moments, Elvis felt the magic of music come alive, an energy that ignited his spirit and inspired him to create.

As he finished his list, he looked at the ten reasons he loved gospel music laid out before him. Each reason was a testament to a part of his identity. Despite the glitz of Hollywood and the pressures of fame, he knew that gospel music grounded him. It reminded him of his roots, his faith, and his mission to spread love and joy through the universal language of music. With each performance, he felt a renewed purpose, convincing himself that even as the King of Rock, he would always carry the heart of a gospel singer within him. As he tucked the handwritten list away, he smiled, knowing that his love for gospel music would continue to guide him through life’s ups and downs.