Introduction

Elvis Presley, the undisputed King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, left an indelible mark on the music industry with his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence. One of his lesser-known yet profoundly moving songs, “I Believe,” showcases the depth of his vocal prowess and emotional resonance. In this article, we delve into the captivating story behind the creation of this timeless anthem and explore the enduring legacy of the legendary Elvis Presley.

Did You Know?

“I Believe” was recorded by Elvis Presley on January 12, 1957, at Radio Recorders in Hollywood, California. Originally written by Ervin Drake, Irvin Graham, Jimmy Shirl, and Al Stillman, the song became a part of Presley’s gospel-themed repertoire. Released as the B-side to his hit single “Peace in the Valley,” “I Believe” didn’t achieve the commercial success of some of his other chart-toppers but remains a cherished gem in the King’s vast discography.

Elvis Presley, born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi, rose to fame in the mid-1950s with his distinctive fusion of country, blues, and rock music. His impact on popular culture is immeasurable, and he is often regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century.

Video

Lyrics: I Believe 

I believe for every drop of rain that falls
A flower grows
I believe that somewhere in the darkest night
A candle glows
I believe for everyone who goes astray, someone will come
To show the way
I believe, I believe

I believe above a storm the smallest prayer
Can still be heard
I believe that someone in the great somewhere
Hears every word

Everytime I hear a new born baby cry,
Or touch a leaf or see the sky
Then I know why, I believe

Everytime I hear a new born baby cry,
Or touch a leaf or see the sky
Then I know why, I believe

You Missed

MINNIE PEARL WALKED ONSTAGE AT THE GRAND OLE OPRY FOR 50 YEARS WITH A $1.98 PRICE TAG ON HER HAT — AND THEN ONE NIGHT, SHE JUST COULDN’T ANYMORE. Here’s something most people don’t think about with Minnie Pearl. That price tag hanging off her straw hat? It wasn’t random. Sarah Cannon — that was her real name — created it as a joke about a country girl too proud of her new hat to take the tag off. And audiences loved it so much that it became the most recognizable prop in country music history. For over fifty years, that tag meant Minnie was here, and everything was going to be fun. So imagine what it felt like when she couldn’t put the hat on anymore. In June 1991, Sarah had a massive stroke. She was 79. And just like that, the woman who hadn’t missed an Opry show in decades was gone from the stage. But here’s what gets me. She didn’t die in 1991. She lived another five years after that stroke, mostly out of the public eye, unable to perform, unable to be “Minnie” the way she’d always been. Her husband Henry Cannon took care of her at their Nashville home. Friends visited, but they said it was hard. The woman who made millions of people laugh couldn’t get through a full conversation some days. Roy Acuff, her old friend from the Opry, kept her dressing room exactly the way she left it. Nobody used it. The hat sat there. She passed on March 4, 1996. And what most people remember is the comedy. The “HOW-DEEE” catchphrase. The big goofy grin. What they don’t remember is that Sarah Cannon was also a serious fundraiser for cancer research. Centennial Medical Center in Nashville named their cancer center after her — not after Minnie, after Sarah. She raised millions and rarely talked about it publicly. There’s a story about the very last time Sarah tried to put on the hat at home, months after the stroke, and what her husband said to her in that moment — it’s the kind of detail that makes you see fifty years of comedy completely differently. Roy Acuff kept Minnie Pearl’s dressing room untouched for years after she left — was that loyalty to a friend, or was he holding a door open for someone he knew was never coming back?