Elvis Presley - 'Swing Down, Sweet Chariot' (1968/69) [HD]

This scene is special in a way since it presents Elvis on stage accompanied by real musicians. Only very few of his movie performances featured real musicians. In fact the last one to do so was "Viva Las Vegas" five years earlier. And you'd have to go back seven years more to see him perform with Scotty Moore, Bill Black, DJ Fontana and The Jordanaires in 1957's "Loving You" and "Jailhouse Rock" respectively. In "Trouble With Girls" it's The Mellomen who act as "The Bible Singers", a part of the travelling Chautaqua troupe managed by Elvis-character Walter Hale. Elvis actually recorded a few times with the Mellomen during the 1960ies.

Apart from featuring real musicians this scene also has an almost documentary touch to it. Back in the 50ies before Elvis went to Sam Phillips' Memphis Recording Service "to make a record for my own use", as he told the audience in 1969, his dream was to join a Gospel Quartet. That's why he auditioned as bass [sic!] singer - and was rejected. The rest is history.

So, in a way this scene presents Elvis as the musician as which he probably saw himself before anything else: As singer among other singers, his voice interconnected with others. And what a great performance of a gospel classic, first recorded by him for his 1961 gospel album "His Hand in Mine" this is!

[jaynedavies]

Should release this clip again and let the millenniums see what a great singer sounds like.

[belindamehlman]

Critics gave him a hard time about his movies. We didn't care we LOVED this man.
Most talented ever.

[lynnbainton]

That man was born with rhythm flowing through his veins! 💖

[dbonyadi]

He puts a big grin on your face. Incredible talent, looks, soul. He puts his whole body into it.

[EECO]

You can see Elvis's love of gospel in this number. I've got a feeling he just kept going when the director tried to cut.

[mcwilson]

Elvis is the greatest entertainer ever… He is rocking in Heaven!

[LeonAllanDavis]

Imagine; the only Grammy Elvis ever won was for his album of Gospel songs. I'm sure he's making God smile at this very moment.

[LCox-dtfy]

And that’s why we still listen to him today.

[jamellfoster]

Elvis truly had an amazing voice. He actually died 2 years before I was born but my Mom and uncle introduced me to him as a kid and I have been listening to him probably 35 years now...

[Chickadee]

He was a beautiful looking man and his hair was stunning. Elvis Presley Gone too soon.

[leandrofilier]

Wonderful to see Elvis singing gospel songs

[RSTI]

This guy was the entire package.
Looks, talent, swager, and humble guy.
Never be another like him..

[dakotawilliams]

Elvis sings this song with a musical group The Mellowmen. The deep, bass voice heard vocalizing is Thurl Ravenscroft, and the original voice of Tony the Tiger, the singer behind “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Ginch.” He was also the voice of Kirby the vacuum in “The Brave Little Toaster” and did a bunch of other voices for Disney. You can see him in the far right in shots of Elvis and the Bible group on stage.

[htlong]

ELVIS Presley was and still is the greatest entertainer, superb movie actor, brilliant stage performer of all time. Nobody does it better then him. Two Thumbs Ups! 😍😀☺️

[Apacheviking]

Elvis had gospel music 🎶 flowing thru the blood in his veins straight into his kind loving heart.

[pjk]

As Quentin Tarrantino wrote for “True Romance” “a man can think Elvis is beautiful and not be gay”. He was a masterpiece!!!

[dianehayse]

Love this, NOBODY can sing it like Elvis. Love you Elvis. Miss you being around.

[onlycagatayulusoy]

I believe this is the happiest that I saw him on screen since Viva Las Vegas. You can clearly see that this is the music he LOVED to do. So much passion and soul in this. 1:38 is especially endearing.

[janecummins]

Elvis Presley was extremely handsome. His hair was fabulous!

[Chickadee]

A very stunning man and his voice was delectable!