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

Elvis Presley’s “Take My Hand, Precious Lord”: A Song of Many 

Take My Hand, Precious Lord - Elvis Presley
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.

Although the great Elvis Presley is often thought to have recorded the original version of the song “Take My Hand, Precious Lord,” this is actually not the case. Thomas A. Dorsey, a Christian preacher who had a significant impact on the evolution of early blues and gospel music in the 20th century, composed the song.

In the song, the singer begs the Lord to make his life more joyful. This just demonstrates how much we depend on God for daily survival. The song emphasized that we should have more faith in God at those moments when we may not fully comprehend what He is doing.

The Selah Jubilee Singers released their recorded audio on the first-ever known date of the song’s debut in 1938. The song was also famously recorded by Mahalia Jackson in 1956 and by Elvis Presley in 1957 on his album Elvis Christmas Album. The song became one of Elvis Presley’s songs that have been loved by many. 

People who hear his version of the song will experience the precise sentiment the music is trying to express. Because of this, many people still listen to his rendition today.

As a result of that, the Christian Music Hall of Fame inducted “Take My Hand, Precious Lord” in 2007. Even the Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment for the Arts also put it on their list of Songs of the Century. 

And for a slight tidbit, “Take My Hand, Precious Lord” was also Martin Luther King Jr.’s favorite song. And since many other individuals likewise do, there is no doubt about that.

So if you need a reminder that God is always here for us to guide and lead us our way, then Elvis Presley’s “Take My Hand, Precious Lord” is the ideal song for you to listen to. You may listen to it now by clicking here.

Latest Stories

How Alan Jackson's "Remember When" Became a Tribute to Love and Lifelong Memories

How Alan Jackson’s “Remember When” Became a Tribute to Love and Lifelong Memories

A few songs capture the essence of love, time, and life’s shared moments, such as Alan Jackson’s “Remember When.” Released in 2003, the song became an instant country classic, known ...

Eight-Year-Old Shines in Adorable Cover of "When You Say Nothing At All"

Eight-Year-Old Shines in Adorable Cover of “When You Say Nothing At All”

Country music has a special way of bringing people together, and sometimes, it’s the youngest voices that remind us just how powerful a song can be. Eight-year-old Alex Malone has ...

Three-Year-Old's Heartfelt Cover of "Angels Among Us" Melts Hearts Everywhere

Three-Year-Old’s Heartfelt Cover of “Angels Among Us” Melts Hearts Everywhere

Country music has a way of reaching across generations, connecting listeners of all ages through the power of its stories and melodies. But when a three-year-old child takes on a ...

How The Judds' Debut Album 'Why Not Me' Transformed Country Music Forever

How The Judds’ Debut Album ‘Why Not Me’ Transformed Country Music Forever

In the mid-1980s, country music was ripe for a fresh sound, and The Judds delivered just that when they released their debut album, Why Not Me, on October 15, 1984. ...

How the CMA, CMT, and ACM Awards Differ in Country Music's Biggest Celebrations

How the CMA, CMT, and ACM Awards Differ in Country Music’s Biggest Celebrations

Every year, three major award shows take the stage to celebrate the heart and soul of country music: the CMA Awards, ACM Awards, and CMT Music Awards. These nights are ...

The Story and Meaning Behind Jelly Roll’s Heartfelt Song “I Am Not Okay”

The Story and Meaning Behind Jelly Roll’s Heartfelt Song “I Am Not Okay”

Jelly Roll’s “I Am Not Okay” delivers a deeply personal message at a time when many people are quietly struggling with their mental health. Released in June 2024, the song ...

The Surprising Inspiration Behind Toby Keith's Hit "Should've Been a Cowboy"

The Surprising Inspiration Behind Toby Keith’s Hit “Should’ve Been a Cowboy”

One night in Dodge City, Kansas, Toby Keith found himself standing in a hotel bathroom, scribbling down lyrics in the dim light. It wasn’t exactly a scene you’d imagine for ...

Is "Harper Valley PTA" Based on Real Life? The Truth Behind Jeannie C. Riley's Hit

Is “Harper Valley PTA” Based on Real Life? The Truth Behind Jeannie C. Riley’s Hit

Jeannie C. Riley’s 1968 smash hit, “Harper Valley PTA,” has stood the test of time, captivating listeners with its bold lyrics about standing up to hypocrisy. The song tells the ...

67-Year-Old Jeannie C. Riley Sings "Harper Valley PTA" Like It's 1968

67-Year-Old Jeannie C. Riley Sings “Harper Valley PTA” Like It’s 1968

Jeannie C. Riley, a trailblazer in country music, continues to showcase her legendary talent decades after making history. In 2012, during a New Year’s Eve celebration, Riley reunited with Nashville ...

Who Is Amber Cochran Gilbert? Meet the Woman Behind Brantley Gilbert's Greatest Love Story

Who Is Amber Cochran Gilbert? Meet the Woman Behind Brantley Gilbert’s Greatest Love Story

October 11, 2024, was not a typical night for country star Brantley Gilbert. A backstage emergency pulled him off as he performed at Cadence Bank Arena in Tupelo, Mississippi. His ...