Introduction:
Released in 1*960, I’m Gonna Walk Dem Golden Stairs stands out as a gospel song in the vast catalog of the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. This track, though not released as a single, showcased a different side of the iconic singer and became a part of his critically acclaimed gospel album, Elvis Presley Sings Gospel Favourites.
Presley’s gospel roots ran deep. Raised in a Pentecostal family in Tupelo, Mississippi, he was surrounded by southern gospel music throughout his childhood. These influences are evident in his early recordings, many of which featured him singing gospel standards with his family. Even after his meteoric rise to rock and roll stardom, Presley maintained a deep connection to his gospel roots.
Elvis Presley Sings Gospel Favourites was a full-length exploration of this side of Presley’s musical identity. Released in 1957, the album featured a collection of traditional hymns like “Peace In The Valley” and “How Great Thou Art,” alongside inspirational songs. The album was produced by Steve Sholes, a longtime collaborator with Presley at RCA Records. I’m Gonna Walk Dem Golden Stairs embodies the hopeful and uplifting themes that run throughout the album.
Elvis Presley Sings Gospel Favourites was a commercial and critical success. It reached number three on the Billboard Top Pop Albums chart, showcasing Presley’s enduring popularity and the enduring influence of gospel music in American culture. The album’s success paved the way for a series of gospel recordings by Presley throughout his career, demonstrating the genre’s significance to him and his desire to express his faith alongside his rock and roll persona.
I’m Gonna Walk Dem Golden Stairs may not be one of Presley’s most famous songs, but it holds a special place within his musical legacy. It serves as a powerful testament to the roots that shaped him and the gospel tradition that remained a constant throughout his life.