He Sang Like a Prayer: The Night Elvis Gave His Soul to “How Great Thou Art” in Lake Tahoe

Deborah L. Jacobs

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Some voices do more than sing they lift people. That is what happened when Elvis Presley stood under the lights in Lake Tahoe in 1976 and sang “How Great Thou Art.” His voice filled the room like a prayer wrapped in thunder. Every word carried weight. You could feel that this song was not just part of the show, it was a piece of his soul.

As he sang, something deeper stirred. There was strength in his delivery, but also a quiet surrender. It felt like praise and reflection, all at once. He sang not to impress, but to honor. His voice rose, then softened, then rose again almost like a conversation between earth and heaven. Awe, reverence, and peace all lived inside that moment.

Elvis Presley – How Great Thou Art – Live Lake Tahoe, NV (May 1st, 1976)

People in the audience did not just applaud they held their breath. Some had tears in their eyes. It felt personal, as though Elvis was reminding them of something bigger than music. One listener later said, “He sang it like he had been waiting his whole life to say those words.” The performance stayed with them, not because it was grand, but because it was honest.

That kind of honesty showed up in a different way when he sang “And I Love You So.” It was no longer about heaven or faith it was about love; simple, tender love. The kind that needs no grand stage or bright lights. Just a voice, a heart and the right words.

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Elvis Presley – And I Love You So

Elvis let his softer side take the lead, there was warmth in his tone, a gentle strength in how he held each note. The orchestral backing added to the intimacy but it was his voice that carried the emotion. The lyrics spoke of devotion, and Elvis made them feel like they belonged to him. “And I love you so” felt less like a lyric and more like a confession whispered in the dark.

What these two songs show is the wide reach of Elvis Presley’s heart. He could stand tall in worship and then turn to speak gently about love. His voice never chased attention it carried truth. Whether in a chapel or a quiet room, he gave pieces of himself every time he sang. Follow Elvis Presley on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube the next song might be exactly what you need.

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