Introduction
Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, might surprise some with his rendition of the gospel standard “Milky White Way.” This song, however, reflects Presley’s deep roots in southern gospel music.
The original “Milky White Way” dates back to the 1940s, written by Lander Coleman of the Coleman Brothers gospel quartet. The song gained national recognition in 1947 when The CBS Trumpeteers released a million-selling hit version. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of heaven, using the Milky Way galaxy as a metaphor for its pearly gates and everlasting light. Themes of longing for peace and the promise of eternal life resonate throughout the song.
Presley’s personal connection to gospel music is undeniable. Raised in a Pentecostal family in Tupelo, Mississippi, he was surrounded by religious music from a young age. Before his meteoric rise to rock and roll stardom, Presley aspired to be a gospel singer himself. Even during his peak rock and roll years, he continued to record gospel music, finding solace and inspiration in its spiritual message.
Presley’s recording of “Milky White Way” took place in 1960 at RCA’s Studio B in Nashville. This session marked a return to his gospel roots, following the loss of his mother just three years prior. The resulting track, released on the album “His Hand in Mine,” showcased Presley’s powerful vocals alongside the soulful harmonies of the Jordanaires quartet.
While not one of Presley’s commercially driven hits, “Milky White Way” offers a glimpse into the heart of a young man deeply connected to his faith. It’s a song that transcends genre, a testament to the enduring power of gospel music and its influence on the King himself.