The Catholic Defender: Elvis Presley, Miracle of the Rosary
Updated: 2 hours ago
"Miracle of the Rosary" is a rare and unique gospel song recorded by Elvis Presley on May 15, 1971, at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee. The track was officially released on February 20, 1972, as part of his studio album Elvis Now.
What makes this recording particularly noteworthy is that it stands as the only song in Elvis Presley's vast catalog that explicitly references Catholic devotion
The song was not written by Elvis, but by Lee Denson, an early rockabilly pioneer and childhood friend. Denson's father ran the Poplar Street Mission in Memphis, Denson is also noted as the person who first taught a 13-year-old Elvis how to play the guitar.
Denson penned the song in 1960 as an English adaptation of the "Ave Maria". Because of its distinct Catholic themes, publishers initially showed little interest. Denson eventually pitched it to Elvis at his Bel-Air home while Elvis was filming a movie. Knowing Elvis’s profound love for gospel music, Denson hoped he would record it. Elvis quietly held onto the song for over a decade before finally recording it in 1971.
Despite the song's strong Catholic themes, both Elvis Presley and the songwriter, Lee Denson, were raised in the Protestant tradition.
"Oh Blessed Mother, we pray to Thee
Thanks for the miracle of Your Rosary
Only You can hold back Your Holy Son's hand
Long enough for the whole world to understand
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with Thee
Blessed are Thou among women
And blessed is the fruit of Thy womb, Jesus
Oh Holy Mary, dear Mother of God
Please pray for us sinners
Now and at the hour of our death
And give thanks once again
For the miracle of Your Rosary "
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