Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, and relocated to Memphis, Tennessee, with his family when he was 13 years old. His music career began there in 1954, recording at Sun Records with producer Sam Phillips, who wanted to bring the sound of African American music to a wider audience. Accompanied by guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black, Presley was a pioneer of rockabilly, an uptempo, backbeat-driven fusion of country music and rhythm and blues. In 1955, drummer D. J. Fontana joined to complete the lineup of Presley's classic quartet and RCA Victor acquired his contract in a deal arranged by Colonel Tom Parker, who would manage the singer for more than two decades. Presley's first RCA single, "Heartbreak Hotel", was released in January 1956 and became a number one hit in the United States. With a series of successful network television appearances and chart-topping records, he became the leading figure of the newly popular sound of rock and roll. His energized interpretations of songs and sexually provocative performance style, combined with a singularly potent mix of influences across color lines during a transformative era in race relations, made him enormously popular—and controversial.
In November 1956, Presley made his film debut in Love Me Tender. Drafted into military service in 1958, Presley relaunched his recording career two years later with some of his most commercially successful work. He held few concerts however, and guided by Parker, proceeded to devote much of the 1960s to making Hollywood movies and soundtrack albums, most of them critically derided. In 1968, following a seven-year break from live performances, he returned to the stage in the acclaimed television comeback special Elvis, which led to an extended Las Vegas concert residency and a string of highly profitable tours. In 1973, Presley gave the first concert by a solo artist to be broadcast around the world, Aloha from Hawaii. Years of prescription drug abuse severely compromised his health, and he died suddenly in 1977 at his Graceland estate, just 42 years of age.
Presley is one of the most celebrated and influential musicians of the 20th century. Commercially successful in many genres, including pop, country, blues, and gospel, he is the best-selling solo artist in the history of recorded music. He won three competitive Grammys, received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at age 36, and has been inducted into multiple music halls of fame.
Silent Night
Elvis Presley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All is calm, all is bright
'Round yon virgin mother and child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace
Silent night, holy night
Glorious strains from Heaven afar
Heavenly Hosts sing Alleluia
Christ the Savior is born
Christ the Savior is born
In this traditional Christmas carol, Elvis Presley sings a moving tribute to the birth of Jesus Christ. The first verse of the song creates an image of peace and tranquility, with the whole world quiet and calm. The next line of the verse describes a holy family - the virgin Mary and her infant child. There is an ethereal quality to the song that really captures the spirit of the season. The second verse introduces a new element - the appearance of angels who sing and cause the shepherds to tremble with awe. The repetition of the phrase "Silent night, holy night" emphasizes the sacredness of the moment.
Throughout the song, Elvis's powerful vocals create a sense of reverence for the subject matter. There is something truly timeless about this song. The lyrics, coupled with Elvis's emotional delivery, make this a truly beautiful rendition of one of the most beloved Christmas carols of all time. It's a reminder to us all, regardless of our religious beliefs, of the importance of love, hope, and peace.
Line by Line Meaning
Silent night, holy night
Peaceful evening, sacred night
All is calm, all is bright
Everything is tranquil and splendid
'Round yon virgin mother and child
Around the young mother and newborn baby
Holy infant so tender and mild
The divine baby is gentle and meek
Sleep in heavenly peace
Rest peacefully in heaven
Sleep in heavenly peace
Rest peacefully in heaven
Silent night, holy night
Peaceful evening, sacred night
Shepherds quake at the sight
The sight terrifies the shepherds
Glorious strains from Heaven afar
Wondrous sounds from the distant heaven
Heavenly Hosts sing Alleluia
Angelic beings sing praises to God
Christ the Savior is born
Jesus, the Redeemer is born
Christ the Savior is born
Jesus, the Redeemer is born
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: John Darnall, Franz Xaver Gruber, Joseph Mohr
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Wildlife - 🐘🦁
This is beautiful. Thank you for showing the nativity scene, because this is the meaning of Christmas, the birth of Christ, and Elvis knew that. 🕯🙏🤗
LaVina Cordelia
Amen!
Carolyn Roberts
JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON, ELVIS KNEW THAT.
Virgínia Sabrina Lima
Maravilhoso para ra sempre
ademar gagli
Sua voz é tão suave que acalma nossa alma. Elvis Presley, este nome viverá eternamente
Wildlife - 🐘🦁
" I ain't no saint, but I've tried never to do anything that would hurt my family or offend God!" ELVIS PRESLEY
Sandra Veneno Sechi
Elvis maravilhoso, ele amava o natal, que música linda, e fica mais linda na voz desse amado, eterno Rei do Rock, lindooooo ❤️❤️🇧🇷🇧🇷
Kathleen J. Nebel
Elvis is Christmas for me… No one compares to him!! 🎄🙏🏻☃️❄️⛄️
Linda Welsh
Only Elvis can sing Silent Night and you feel the passion. I miss you ❤️
Tracey Hughes
Millions off us miss The Best The king Himself Elvis Presley He's Best There Is Best There was An Best There Ever will Be millions off people Have TRYED To Take off Elvis Presley But Not one member off The published could Ever Take The king 👑 off There Is only one king An That king Himself Is Elvis Presley God Bless you king Millions off us will Always An Forever miss You Because I sure Do I Love You Elvis Presley see you one Day on The Rainbow 🌈 Bridge Your singing with The Angles Now xxxxxx 💙💙💙💙💙💙💙😥😥😥🌈🌹🌹🌟🌟🌟