January 6 , 1957
Ed Sullivan introduction is longer than usual. He says, Now Ladies and Gentlemen, as you probably know, after he leaves here tonight with Colonel Parker, who has done such a magnificent job as his manager, Elvis Presley goes out to Hollywood to do his new Paramount picture, 'Running Wild' for Hal Wallis. While he's out there he's going to do a big Hungarian Relief Show. But because he feels so keenly.... this young man feels so keenly, about Hungarian relief, he urges all of us throughout the country to remember that immediate aid is needed. So, long before his benefit show is put on, he wants to remind you to send in your cheques to your various churches, Red Cross etc. Now he's going to sing a song er.. he feels that this is sort of in the mood that he'd like to create: 'Peace in the Valley'. Here is Elvis Presley!' This time it is a song Elvis has not yet even recorded. Sure, he did a version of it on the Million Dollar session, but that didn't really count then. No-one knew about it. But it marks a major musical departure for him,though later we learn that gospel and religious songs are, in fact, his preferred choice of music. Also, according to Gordon Stoker, He wanted to sing "Peace in the Valley" for his mother, as it was a favourite of hers'. But when he appears on screen, dressed in a light flecked jacket and a black shirt, Elvis stands in front of the Jordanaires who form a semi-circle behind him. This confirms the opinion that Elvis wanted the guys in close, not only to harmonise, but because he felt much more secure with them there. In the background the quiet strains of the guitar opening can be heard. The mood is distinctly sombre now and an earnest Elvis sings a pleasing version of the song, though it comprises only one verse and one chorus. It is all done tastefully to the sedate accompaniment of guitar, bass and drums. The quiet side of The King of Rock 'n Roll. Proving another point. This is the most eloquent answer he could give his detractors. He salutes the audience and bows. (In fact, six days later, while out in Hollywood to film 'Loving You', Elvis records this song and two others, 'I Believe' and 'Take My Hand, Precious Lord'. A fourth religious track, 'It Is No Secret' is cut the following week and the four tracks issued on an EP as Elvis's first religious set). But there's more yet to come. Ed walks on and offers Elvis his hand, placing his left arm around his shoulder preparing to speak again.
