Elvis Gospel

Elvis' favourite birthday present?

2012-01-07T13:22:00.000-08:00

Elvis is seen here wearing the lions head Jaycees pendant, giving his acceptance speech for this award. He received the notice of this award the day after is 36th birthday- a wonderful belated birthday surprise!

Thanks to David English and David Troedson of "Elvis Australia" www.elvis.com.au for this report of the event:

On January 16, 1971 Elvis attended a day of functions culminating in an evening awards banquet where he and nine others accepted the honour of being named 'one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Nation ' by the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce (The Jaycees).

Elvis was nervous about his acceptance speech. He was touched, excited and deeply proud. After a two-thousand-dollar-a-plate dinner and a speech byfuture President George H.W. Bush, Elvis gives his address, in which he quotes a favorite Roy Hamilton R&B tune, 'Without A Song':

'When I was a child, ladies and gentlemen, I was a dreamer. I read comic books, and I was the hero of the comic book.

I saw movies, and I was the hero in the movie. So every dream I ever dreamed has come true a hundred times. These gentlemen over there, these are the type who care, are dedicated. You realize if it's not possible that they might be building the Kingdom, it's not far-fetched from reality. I learned very early in life that: ‘Without a song, the day would never end; without a song, a man ain't got a friend; without a song, the road would never bend, without a song', So I keep singing a song. Goodnight. Thank you'.

This national honour has been given each year since the late 1930's and recognizes young men who have made great achievements in their field of endeavour, illustrating the opportunities available in the free enterprise system. It also applauds humanitarianism and community service. Scientists, inventors, performers, film makers, politicians bound for the Presidency, and men of greatness in all fields, have been selected for this award over the years, including John F . Kennedy, Robert F . Kennedy, Orson Welles, Howard Hughes.

Click link to see a great video of this event: Elvis Jaycees acceptance speech

Have a great celebration of Elvis77th Birthday, not forgetting to thank the Lord for the life of this wonderful man, Elvis Aaron Presley

Christmas Greetings

2011-12-20T11:06:00.000-08:00

Elvis would have loved this!

As we know he did not like being called the king and often responded that there is only one King and he is Jesus Christ.

From us all at Elvis Gospel we wish you a wonderful, joyful peaceful Christmas celebration, remembering that Jesus is the reason for the season!

A Wonderful Opportunity to Purchase a Very Special Book!

2011-12-02T00:10:00.001-08:00

We are aware that many followers of “ElvisGospel” already have seen and bought Prayersof Elvis, though there are many who haven’t.

With the gift giving season on its way andthe increasing interest in the Gospel aspect of Elvis, we are pleased to offeryou the opportunity to bless your Elvis fan friends. Also Fan Clubs may want to purchase in bulk tosell on to their members. We only have afew hundred remaining and are not planning on another reprint, so this is anopportunity not to be missed!

For more information on the book click onthe link below:

(Please ignore the payment methods andprices on the above website page as these are now slightly different and we arenot yet au fait with updating our main web site!)

http://www.elvisgospel.com/linksbook.htm

We would expect UK and European orders tobe with you in 10 days and USA in 2 weeks.

Prices include postage

Number of books	UK	Western Europe	USA
1-9	£2.30 each	£3.50 each	$7 each
Pack of 10	£20	£25	$50
Pack of 20	£35	£40

For other places and quantities pleasecontact info@elvisgospel.com

We can only accept sterling cheques orpostal orders made out to Elvis Gospel, or you can pay by PayPal.

Email info@elvisgospel.comwith your order and we will send you a PayPal invoice if that is your preferredmethod of payment. Or send your orderwith cheque or postal order to

Elvis Gospel, Shalom, 10 Primrose Lane, Wolverhampton, WV10 8RS, UK

Ilook forward to hearing from you! God bless you – Madeleine Wilson

Elvis in the Cathedral

2011-03-21T02:35:00.001-07:00

The photos show:

Top: Imperials singing with the Morriston Orpheus Choir in Coventry Cathedral - the famous tapestry in the background.

Middle: Close up of above

Bottom: Madeleine Wilson with the Imperials at the after show party

On Saturday 19th March we attended a magnificent event in Coventry Cathedral in England, entitled "Elvis in the Cathedral". It was a celebration of Elvis' music, especially the gospel music. The music makers were, The Morriston Orpheus (Welsh Male Voice) Choir, soloist Jenson Bloomer and The Elvis Imperials gospel group whose members are Joe Moscheo, Terry Blackwood, Darrell Toney and Royce Taylor. Joe and Terry, were members of the Imperials who sang with Elvis on stage, Royce was a former tenor with the Stamps and Darrell is a "new boy". The photo shows The Morrison Orpheus Choir singing with Elvis Imperials. You may notice that the Cathedral looks rather modern, with the unusual tapestry of Jesus Christ behind the singers. That is because it is. On the night of 14 November 1940, the city of Coventry was devastated by bombs dropped by the Luftwaffe. The Cathedral burned with the city, having been hit by several incendiary devices. The decision to rebuild the cathedral was taken the morning after its destruction. Rebuilding would not be an act of defiance, but rather a sign of faith, trust and hope for the future of the world. It was the vision of the Provost at the time, Dick Howard, which led the people of Coventry away from feelings of bitterness and hatred. This has led to the cathedral's Ministry of Peace and Reconciliation, which has provided spiritual and practical support, in areas of conflict throughout the world. Shortly after the destruction, the cathedral stonemason, Jock Forbes, noticed that two of the charred medieval roof timbers had fallen in the shape of a cross. He set them up in the ruins where they were later placed on an altar of rubble with the moving words 'Father Forgive' inscribed on the Sanctuary wall. Another cross was fashioned from three medieval nails by local priest, the Reverend Arthur Wales. The Cross of Nails has become the symbol of Coventry's ministry of reconciliation. The ruins remain hallowed ground and together the two create one living Cathedral. Elvis would have been amazed to see a concert in his honour was held in such a place. The Holy Spirit was certainly present . Many of the audience were visibly moved by the singing, and it wasn't only the ladies!

At the after show party we had the opportunity to catch up with Joe Moscheo and Terry Blackwood whom we already knew and to meet that two new members of the group. They are such wonderful Christian men, who love the Lord and enjoy singing to His glory in the hope that others will come into that life-saving relationship with Jesus.

Our thanks to David Wade of Arena Travel and Carol Pugh of Elvis in Wales for being instrumental in putting together this wonderful event. We hope that there will be more to come!

Birthday Remembrances

2011-01-07T10:57:00.001-08:00

Photos taken at the last year's 75th Birthday Celebration at Graceland, showing Joe Moscheo and Terry Blackwood of Elvis' Imperials with the birthday cake and a lovely photo of Riley and Benjamin, Lisa's two older children who also attended the celebration. Definitely a family likeness!

However you celebrate Elvis' birthday, we hope that you will rejoice and give thanks for him and continue to enjoy the lovely music, especially of course the gospel music.

Christmas Greetings

2010-12-21T12:10:00.000-08:00

This photo shows happier days for Elvis when his mother was still alive.

How things might have been different had she lived.

However tragic Elvis' personal life turned out to be, we give thanks for him and his music.

It is well known that he loved Christmas as it was "family time" and he recorded several Christmas carols. Elvis had a wide musical taste and one wonders how much he knew of European classical composers, for example, if he knew Handel's Messiah, and what he would have thought of this event featured on You Tube:

Christmas Food Court Flash Mob, Hallelujah Chorus - Must See!

Click on the link and enjoy!

We hope that you will have a wonderful Christmas celebration and a peaceful and prosperous 2011.

Remember, Jesus is the Reason for the Season!

2010-08-05T10:38:00.000-07:00

Why?

by Madeleine Wilson

As the years go by, this is a question which is increasingly being asked. It is a question which Elvis himself asked many times. Why did God give him such a wonderful voice and so much success? Why was he loved and admired by so many people? Others are now asking why is Elvis still so successful and one may say, even more popular today, with many more people becoming fans and being deeply moved by his music? Why is Elvis known worldwide? Someone once said that there are three names which are recognised all over the world. They are Jesus, Elvis and Coca Cola.

There were two comments I recently read in a well-known Elvis magazine, which I feel, reflect the thoughts of many people. One was from Bill Burk, the editor of the magazine and a friend of Elvis. “How deeply Elvis touched so many millions of lives during his lifetime; and continues to do so has never ceased to amaze me. And it crosses political, financial and social boundaries”. The other is in the form of a question, from Kathy Braquet a fan from Texas who wrote: “What is it about this one man that keeps thousands of fans coming back (to Memphis) year after year from all over the world……..It’s obviously his God given talent/voice, his sensuous gorgeous looks, his deep spirituality and his kindness to others. But it goes much further than all of that. It’s something that blows my mind and I can’t seem to put my finger on.”

Since I became an Elvis fan in 1995, I have also been amazed and continue to be so by the phenomenon that Elvis is. After researching into his life, particularly the influence of the gospel in his life, I have discovered many things and have come to the following conclusion, which you may like to consider.

Elvis’ upbringing in the “Bible Belt” in the 1930s and ‘40s, where attending church two or three times a week was normal, ensured that he had a great love for God, a good knowledge of the Scriptures and that he knew how to pray. When they moved to Memphis, his parents made sure that they had a good church to belong to, and having met their pastor Rev Rex Dyson, I am convinced that his passionate preaching had a great effect on the young teenage Elvis. When they moved to The Assemblies of God Church, Elvis would continue to get good teaching, but was perhaps not so involved. After Elvis started travelling and became famous, he no longer had time to attend church regularly, and in any case was concerned that his presence caused a stir and took the focus off God. He got his preaching from the television evangelists, and his praise took the form of many hours of singing gospel songs, before, after and in between the shows, with his backing singers such as The Imperials and JD Sumner and the Stamps. At one stage in the ‘70s he even had his own gospel group, “Voice”, whom he employed to sing gospel whenever he required, which often was late at night and into the early hours of the morning.

It is clear that Elvis had many Godly characteristics: beauty, kindness, a sweet nature, a sense of humour, generosity and an interest in and a desire to help people. His lifestyle, however, did not always reflect the holiness of the awesome God whom he served. There were many forces in his life attempting to lead him away from God, and I am amazed that he kept his sweet nature till the end, even in the face of the most vicious attacks. It certainly is a case of “amazing grace”.

Having been brought up as a Christian, Elvis knew that he was on earth not only to live a good life and to help people but that the Lord had a specific purpose for his life. He endeavoured throughout his life to discover that purpose.

It was his desire to be a full time gospel singer. At the time of his death he had already discussed in detail and planned a full gospel concert. I believe also that he was called to be an evangelist, that is, not only to sing of God’s goodness and love and to give hope, but also, to bring people to a point of recognition of the need of redemption which comes only through Jesus Christ.

So, if this was God’s plan for Elvis’ life, what went wrong? I would maintain that nothing went wrong, in the sense that God’s purposes for Elvis’ life are still being worked out. It is true, that if Elvis had made a strong and determined effort to break free, he could still be alive travelling the world, singing, preaching and leading many people into the Kingdom of God. As it was, Elvis was caught in a trap. I believe the Lord knew that Elvis would not be able to get out of this trap, so in His mercy he took him from this scene of time and I believe Elvis now sees Jesus face to face and is having a ball singing gospel forever, as the song says ”we’ve no less days to sing God’s praise than when we first began.”

Perhaps Elvis is a type of Samson. Samson was an anointed man of God, who served God well, by destroying God’s enemies with his exceptional strength, but because of his moral weakness, he lost his strength, was captured and was reduced to being mocked in front of his enemies. Through his death, however he destroyed more of God’s enemies (did more for God) than when he was alive. (Samson’s story can be found in the Bible in Judges 13 –16.)

Perhaps it will be that through his tragic death, which has captured the imaginations of millions and helped to continue the “mystery” of Elvis, Elvis will have reached more people with the gospel than when he was alive. There are many stories of people who came to accept the gospel of Jesus Christ when Elvis was alive, as a result of attending a concert, or listening to recordings of him singing the gospel songs. Since Elvis’ death, more people have become Christians, listening to the gospel songs or even while standing by the graveside at Graceland.
So that is why I have come to the conclusion that what it is about this man, is the Holy Spirit. Elvis' lifestyle was not exemplary in holiness, but Elvis was given a gift to communicate the Gospel and the gifts of God cannot be revoked, therefore the charisma of that gift was very attractive whether or not he used it fully. People are still attracted to and hungry for the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and the presence of love, which was so evident in his life.

Why Elvis was and is still so famous and loved is I believe, because God’s plan for Elvis’ life was that hundreds of thousands of people would hear the gospel through him and be saved. Although Elvis is dead, God is not, and by His Holy Spirit, still reaches out to us to let us know that He loves us passionately and does not desire for any of us to perish.

Most fans are horrified by the people who “worship” Elvis in an open physical way. These “worshippers” bow down and kneel before statues of him and look to him to answer their prayers. Elvis consumes almost every aspect of their lives. Most people inherently know that this is wrong and yet one wonders how many “ordinary” fans do in fact worship Elvis without really realising it. I was recently speaking to an “ordinary” Elvis fan who is very happily married and living a very normal life. When I asked, “How would you feel if for some reason you would never be able to listen to Elvis singing again; for example if you went deaf, or all of Elvis’ recordings disappeared from the face of the earth?” His reply was, “It would be the end of the world. There would be no more reason to live without Elvis. Elvis is everything to me.”

Could it be that many fans in their attitude to Elvis are worshipping, not Elvis, but an “unknown God”. They see in Elvis something desirable, but cannot quite define what it is. Perhaps it is similar to the situation that the Athenians were in when the apostle Paul found their altar inscribed “TO AN UNKNOWN GOD”. Paul said to them, “ Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you. "The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 'For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.' Therefore since we are God's offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone--an image made by man's design and skill. In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed (Jesus). He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead." (Acts 27:23-31)

These words are as true and relevant today as they were when they were first written.

So next time you listen to Elvis singing gospel, remember that he was a servant of God bringing a message of hope to you. And it does indeed “go further than that”. God is still alive, only a prayer away, waiting for our response to his ultimate gift. For He so loved everyone in the world, that He gave his only son Jesus that all who believe in him may not perish but have eternal life. It is, as Kathy says, “something that blows our minds” and may perhaps elicit that “trembling” question, “what must I do to be saved?”

___________________________

Perhaps if he were still alive, Elvis would say something like this to us:

“You can just say about all that Gospel stuff Return To Sender because I've Got A Lot of Livin' to do. You can also say that religion is just a kind of Good Luck Charm - only a bit of superstition to make you feel better when you get All Shook Up once in a while, or regret paying the heavy price for One Night Of Sin. Some however are afraid that they're too bad and that it is too late for A Fool Such As I and that they have missed their chance of finding God Some fear they've Lost That Lovin' Feeling for the things of God they once had, and that's that. But I Believe that God gives us another chance. You may feel deep down about God, that You're Always On My Mind and when the chips are down and I'm left to my thoughts, I Just Can't Help Believin', but beware, It's Funny How Time Slips Away... I tell you Doncha Think it's Time? to Reconsider Baby. Are You Lonesome Tonight? Is there an emptiness in your heart? If you feel stirred and moved and would really like to know the Lord for real, perhaps for you It's Now Or Never. When you think of Jesus dying on the cross you may not understand all about it, but If That Isn’t Love, nothing is. Many before you have said Where Could I Go But To The Lord? It is easy to begin that relationship with Jesus, even a simple prayer sincerely said is how you can Put Your Hand In The Hand (Of the Man From Galilee). All I can say is that when anyone is willing to Reach Out To Jesus they will know in their heart He Touched Me, and then they will want to sing for all to hear How Great Thou Art. Only Believe and there will be everlasting Life and Peace In The Valley for you.”

(Many thanks to Revd Peter Kay for this clever and thougth provoking composition)

Easter Greetings from Elvis

2010-04-01T08:41:00.000-07:00

This is a copy of an Easter card sent to one of our Elvis Gospel Fan Club members. It was posted in Memphis on 20th March 1964. We add our greetings to you and hope and pray that in the midst of all the chocolate eggs and Easter bunnies, we do not forget the real meaning of Easter; that Jesus died so that each one of us might be forgiven, and He rose from the dead so that we can enjoy eternal life with Him. Hallelujah!

God bless you!

with love from us all at Elvis Gospel,

Madeleine Wilson

75th Birthday Celebration

2010-01-08T07:05:00.000-08:00

Elvis is seen here celebrating one of his birthdays, with Dolores Hart, one of his film co stars, (now a Mother Superior at a Convent in Bethlehem, Connecticut) lighting his cigar. Who knows, if Elvis were still alive, what he would be doing.

Very much the same most probably - singing his heart out (mostly gospel) and wowing audiences. One of Elvis' friends, singer Tom Jones,age 73, is still doing that.

As we remember Elvis, the King of Rock and Roll, on his birthday, we give grateful thanks to another person whose birthday we have just celebrated, Jesus Christ, the King of Kings. We say thank you Lord for the life of Elvis and the gifts of his wonderful voice and generous and loving nature. May the music he made and the memory of him , by the power of your Holy Spirit, cause many to acknowledge and give thanks and praise to their creator.

Christmas Greetings - Here Is Love

2009-12-23T05:34:00.000-08:00

The photo is of the snow covered Nativity Scene on the front lawn of Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee, taken in 2002. Elvis would have this put in place every year for passers by to see, as a reminder of what Christmas is all about; the birth of Jesus, when love came down to earth.

Perhaps another name for Christmas could be “Here is Love” the title of a lovely hymn I have just discovered, which puts Christmas into perspective

Here Is Love

Here is love wide as the ocean

Loving kindness as a flood

When the Prince of Life, our ransom

Shed for us His precious blood

Who His love will not remember?

Who can cease to sing His praise?

He can never be forgotten

Throughout Heaven’s eternal days
~~

On the mount of crucifixion

Fountains opened deep and wide

Through the floodgates of God’s mercy

Flowed a vast and gracious tide

Grace and love like mighty rivers

Poured incessant from above

And Heaven’s peace and perfect justice

Kissed a guilty world in love

Written by William Rees (1802– 1883)

May you experience the wonderful love of the Lord Jesus, now and always

God bless you

Madeleine Wilson and the team at Elvis Gospel

Christmas Greetings

2008-12-22T12:26:00.001-08:00

The photo above shows Elvis Gospel Fan Club's Vice President, Peter Wilson in front of the Christmas lights in Graceland's backyard 2001.

One of the great messages of Christmas is

Peace on Earth

We are thrilled that a Christian Elvis Tribute Artist, Billy Nashad, is performing in Manger Square in Bethlehem, Israel over the Christmas holidays. This is what Billy says ‘‘Elvis wanted to perform in Bethlehem after an Arab Sheik told him that he could help bring peace to the area."

“Not many people know about this meeting but the concert was one of the things Elvis was determined to arrange. Sadly, he died before he could carry out his wish."

‘‘Now I feel that by doing these concerts I am fulfilling his dream."

We pray for great success with these shows, that they will indeed bring peace to that part of the earth. We look forward to a good report!

We pray for peace on earth this Christmas time and that all who read this will have a wonderful, joyful time, celebrating the birthday of Jesus, who is the light of the world and the lover of your soul.

God bless you

Peter and Madeleine Wilson

Remembering Elvis

2008-08-15T03:58:00.000-07:00

How Sweet The Sound

As we remember the passing of Elvis and give thanks for his life and music, we can only wonder at the greatness and creativity of God and the importance of music in our lives.
This video, "The Black Notes Only of Amazing Grace" is awesome, and I guess had Elvis been able to experience it, we would have seen on his face an expression of wonderment and even seen tears in his eyes.

If you have not seen and heard this piece, we encourage you to click on the link below, sit back, turn up your volume and experience something wonderful and moving. Enjoy!

http://pjcockrell.wordpress.com/2007/11/22/amazing-grace-just-the-black-notes

Easter Greetings

2008-03-20T02:30:00.000-07:00

Jesus is Risen - Hallelujah!

Have you ever wondered why some Christian crosses have Jesus on them and some are empty?
This reminds me that the Easter story is basically in two parts. The first is when Jesus the Son of God is crucified, (executed like a common criminal), as a sacrifice, so that we might be forgiven and showing Jesus on the cross is a reminder of this. The second is when Jesus rises from the dead so that we might have everlasting life. The empty cross signifies this. That is why I especially like this statue of Jesus in the Meditation Garden at Graceland, shown above. (It was initially the headstone of Elvis' mother, Gladys grave in Forest Hills Cemetery in Memphis). The statue shows Jesus very much alive with open arms welcoming us, but in the background is the cross to remind us of what He did for us.

May you rejoice this Easter time as you remember the wonderful everlasting life which Jesus won for you.
God bless you.

Valentine Greeting

2008-02-13T12:07:00.001-08:00

This cross came into the present owners possession simply through a private sale from another collector. The cross has been authenticated by both David Stanley and Lamar Fike who both clearly remembering Elvis wearing the item.

Elvis's very own 'partner' cross was displayed in public for the very first time, on Valentine's Day 2004 at the Fingerprints of Elvis at Albert Dock, Liverpool. It was loaned to the Exhibition (now closed) by an anonymous collector who insured the piece for £1million.

When Elvis and Priscilla finally broke up they each kept their cross: a love token, which Elvis had designed and made to symbolise his everlasting love for her. It also accentuated his strong spiritual side. The cross was perhaps the closest material item to Elvis' heart one of just two crosses he had made for Priscilla and himself. Even after their break-up Elvis always treasured his cross and kept it close by his side.

The yellow gold cross, created in a baroque type style, is designed to hang from a chain. The cross has a delicate swirling pattern gathered around a simple crucifix held at its centre by a delicate, golden ball.

Enjoy your Valentine's Day, remembering that you are loved, always.

Report of Imperials Concert in Brighton

2007-12-08T04:46:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Andrew Hearn and his team from Essential Elvis (http://www.essentialelvis.com/) for organising such a great event at the old Market Hall in Hove near Brighton UK.

The headliners for the event, which took place on November 17th, were the Imperials; four wonderful singers, Sherman Andrus, Terry Blackwood, Joe Moscheo (all of whom knew and sang with Elvis) and “new boy” Gus Gaches. There were also other treats to enjoy.

The photo shows - back (left to right): Terry Blackwood, Doug Flett and Guy Fletcher (Elvis’ songwriters), Joe Moscheo and front: Gus Gaches and Sherman Andrus

To start the event they had gathered together some rare film footage of Elvis, which was very interesting. The Imperials were then introduced and immediately launched into a real rocking southern gospel song This Train, which rather took the audience by surprise as it isn’t one which Elvis was known to sing publicly.

There was then a very interesting question and answer section with Terry, Joe and Sherman sharing their memories of Elvis. Although Gus was not a member of the Imperials when they sang with Elvis, he has taken part in the Elvis the Concert tour, so in one sense has sung with Elvis!

There were two surprise guests, Guy Fletcher and Doug Flett, British song writers who had enjoyed big success with names like Cliff Richard and The Hollies, among others. Guy is a past chairman of the British Academy of Composers & Songwriters and now heads up MCS Music. Guy and Doug enjoyed considerable attention from Elvis when they were contracted as songwriters to Carln. Doug recalled:
"The first of our songs, Wonderful World, was pitched via Freddie Bienstock," Guy said. "We had already had two versions out in the UK - by Hamilton Jones & the Happy Band, and Cliff Richard (whose version came third in 'A Song For Europe'). Elvis needed some lyric changes, which we did and the song went into his last MGM movie and on to the 'Flaming Star' album. After they got to know about Doug and me, Elvis's office called and asked for more songs. We supplied seven and Elvis recorded two of them - The Fair's Movin' On ('Memphis To Vegas' album) and the biggest one of all, Just Pretend ('Elvis - That's The Way It Is album). Just Pretend is used in current Elvis 'live' shows and has appeared on hundreds of compilation albums. We've also heard that it's Lisa Marie Presley's favourite song by her dad!" They were "delighted" by the Elvis’ treatment of their songs. Joe Guercio, musical director, did the arrangements and became a firm friend of the duo. His favourite is also Just Pretend

Shayne Driscoll who works with Essential Elvis as Events Manager is a singer in his own right and often performs at events. He said that he does not usually sing gospel songs, but had a favourite that he had quickly rehearsed with the Imperials. He was clearly honoured to be able to have them “backing” him and gave a wonderful performance of Where No One Stands Alone which was also very much appreciated by us all.

The final part of the show was the Imperials giving rousing performances of gospel songs including How Great Thou Art, Sweet, Sweet Spirit, He Touched Me and Oh Happy Day. Each member of the quartet has a wonderful voice and stage presence, and they are amazing, both as soloists and in harmony. It was especially great to see and hear Sherman Andrus really let rip on Oh Happy Day.

What I really love about gospel songs is that although they address such serious issues as life, death, and eternity, they are the good news about eternal love and always seem to touch a part of our being which responds to the hope and joy expressed in the songs.

A Terry Blackwood says, “We just love to share the good news of Jesus Christ.”

The audience certainly responded to the good news, as each song was given rapturous applause and lots of hootin’ and hollerin’.

Because of the relatively small venue, those who wanted to had the opportunity to meet and greet the guys and several of our fan club members who were present did so. Special thanks go to Elvis Gospel Fan Club member, Catherine Hingston from Leicester for providing us with the photo.

Joe Moscheo was signing copies of this book The Gospel Side of Elvis – a great book which includes some lovely personal stories about Joe’s times with Elvis. Available via http://www.amazon.com/ or http://www.amazon.co.uk/

The Imperials are planning on coming over to Europe for several dates in 2008, hopefully including UK. We’ll let you know when we know definite dates and venues.

Madeleine Wilson – Fan Club President

One Fan’s Report of Elvis Week 2007

2007-10-16T06:14:00.000-07:00

I recently interviewed one of our Fan Club members, Oliver Fosker from England, about his time at Elvis Week 2007. (See below). Thank you Oliver. Our grateful thanks also go to Oliver and others who kindly sent us their photos of our Floral Tribute (pictured right) which consists of a red Christian cross with writing in gold on three ribbons. The writing on the horizontal ribbons is: "LOVE NEVER FAILS" and THANK YOU LORD FOR THE LIFE OF ELVIS PRESLEY on one vertical ribbon and ELVIS GOSPEL FAN CLUB ENGLAND on the other vertical ribbon.

Madeleine Wilson- President of Elvis Gospel Fan Club

What was the most memorable part of Elvis Week for you?
The 30th Anniversary Concert at the Fed Ex forum on August 16th.

Why?
The whole show was fantastic. I was six rows from the front in the VIP stand and the view was amazing. The whole placed just rocked ! The TCB Band were on top form as usual, The gospel groups were just phenomenal ! We had The Jordanaires (Gordon Stoker, Ray Walker, Louis Nunley, Curtis Young), The Imperials (Terry Blackwood, Joe Moscheo, Sherman Andrus, Gus Gaches), The Stamps (Bill Baize, Donnie Sumner, Ed Hill, Larry Strickland, Richard Sterban), The Sweet Inspirations (Myrna Smith, Estelle Brown, Portia Griffin) & Millie Kirkham. There was a guest appearance by Priscilla, and Lisa Marie sang the duet with her Daddy In the Ghetto, which featured a guest appearance by Bishop Al Green of the Full Gospel Tabernacle. The show comprised of everything from the early years until the 70's. It was a truly memorable night, I would even go as far as to say that it was a better show than the 25th Anniversary.

What other events did you attend ?
Candlelight Vigil - where my sister and I stood in line for six hours ! It took us 1 1/4 hours to get from the gates till when we passed the grave.

Movie & Music on the lawn (more of this to follow !)

Scotty Moore at the Peabody - One of the fan clubs organised a show with Scotty. He came out and gave us a conversation, An English group who he champions then played. A guest appearance by The Jordanaires occurred, and they sang a couple of songs. We had a small obituary for Boots Randolph, then Billy Swan and his band played. Scotty came out for the last two numbers and played Heartbreak Hotel.

The Midnight Concert - Same format as the Anniversary Concert above, but trying to recreate the atmosphere of the midnight concerts in Las Vegas. All the material was from TTWII-SE.

Were there many gospel events or events with gospel input?
Movie & Music on the lawn at Graceland was the only one I think I saw advertised, but I might be wrong.

Can you tell me something about that please?
EPE organised a big inflatable screen where we watched Elvis – That’s The Way It Is SE. But before that, we had a fantastic show by the gospel groups who sang with Elvis. The Imperials, The Stamps & The Sweets. They all did about 20 minutes of their own material and Elvis gospel material, then sang for about 10 minutes as a group. It was a truly remarkable evening with great music and a fantastic film.

Did you get to meet any of Elvis' family, friends, co stars, musicians?
I saw the above people, but didn’t get to talk to them as such. All that is, except Jerry Scheff, whom I met in Walgreens in downtown Memphis, buying Pepto-bizmal !!! Also saw Joe Esposito on his ‘phone in the Peabody’s Hotel lobby, George Klein presenting his radio show from the Plaza and James Burton being harassed by some fans in the Peabody! Being a VIP at the concert, The Band, Priscilla & Lisa all came up to the bar and said Hi to everyone and signed autographs.

Was there anything different about this particular Elvis week compared to others (apart from the heat!)?
There were a lot more people there this time. More impersonators, less British TV crews but a lot of the Americans ones. The heat never dropped below 101 degrees F all of the time we were in the States. There is a new exhibit of Elvis jumpsuits in one of the museums, The jumpsuits in the raquetball court have now been enclosed in cabinets, There is another new exhibit in one of the shops in the Graceland crossing plaza. The last shop right at the end now holds an exhibit about when Elvis met President Reagan. Some of the shops have changed also. There also seemed to be a lot more events than I can recollect from 5 years ago.

How often do you visit Memphis?
Elvis Week 2002, Birthday Week 2005 & Elvis Week 2007 are the times I have visited Memphis.

When do you plan to visit again?
I’d like to, but I don’t know when the next time will be. I’d like to go for the Birthday Week 2010, but we'll see.

Any thing else you would like to say about Elvis Week and why you go?
I go purely for the love of Elvis Presley. Getting to know people from all around the world is a great thing to do, and it’s all down to one man! I also don’t know of any other person, where 50,000 people, I would guess, took all night to file past the grave 30 years after that person died.

I also love the Southern hospitality you get there. Getting a "Hello Sir" from the shop staff every time you go in anywhere is a great feeling. You never get it in this country!!

I don’t know if its my age (don’t think so though only being 24 :o)). But I think I enjoyed the Birthday Week in January better then than Elvis Week, because there were less people there. Don’t get me wrong on that though, I had a fantastic time!! On the organised tour I was with, they took 1000 people.

The organised tour also went to Tupelo for 3 days before we headed to Memphis. It was great there also. We had the tour of Tupelo, which included the school he attended, Tupelo Hardware, the sight of the fairgrounds and his house. As I was there a day before the contingent arrived, my sister and I went to the house when there was hardly anyone about.

The next day was the Elvis Day and there were 1000s of people there! They laid on entertainment for everyone, which included The Landmarks gospel quartet in the church opposite the house. A brilliant group whom I have seen before and this time I bought the CDs !!! There was also a rock & roll group in the sports hall behind the church, and to one side of the house, near the picnic benches were a Bluegrass band called String Theory.

I was in Heaven that day, Elvis Presley, Gospel music & a Bluegrass band !!!

Thank you so much Oliver for your time. You have certainly painted a wonderful atmospheric picture of Elvis Week for those of us who could not be there.

Gospel Song Story

2007-08-21T19:38:00.000-07:00

Gospel Song Story - The Lighthouse (Jesus is the Lighthouse)

There's a lighthouse on the hillside that overlooks life's sea.

When I'm tossed it sends out a light that I might see.

And the light that shines in darkness now will safely lead me home,

If it wasn't for the lighthouse, my ship would sail no more.

Chorus And I thank God for The Lighthouse, I owe my life to Him.

Jesus is The Lighthouse and from the rocks of sin,

He has shone the light around me, so that I might clearly see.

If it wasn't for The Lighthouse, Where would this ship be?

Everyone that lives around us, says tear that old lighthouse down,

The big ships don't sail this way anymore, ain't no use in it standing round.

But then my mind goes back to that stormy night, when just in time I saw the light

With the light from that old lighthouse, that stands there on the hill.

Repeat Chorus

The Scripture, which is the inspiration for this song is: Jesus said to the people, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't be stumbling through the darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." John 8:12 (NLT)

I don’t know if Elvis ever sang this on stage, but it is wonderful to watch him singing it in an impromptu session with the Stamps and others of his entourage. I think it is in a hotel lobby, in the film Elvis On Tour and also in Bill Gaither’s video He Touched Me – The Gospel Music of Elvis Presley. It is clear that Elvis really appreciates having seen the light and that Jesus is always there to protect him. We may ask why then did Elvis suffer so much? My belief is that sometimes we suffer because we live in a fallen world and are often victims of the evil which surrounds us, but also we can cause our own suffering by not staying under God’s protection. It is called sin. Elvis knew and loved the Lord and was grateful that the light of Jesus had often saved him from “many dangers toils and snares”. He was also aware that he sometimes strayed from the path of righteousness and stumbled, because of his own wrong choices. My prayer is that each one of us will always have our eyes open to see that wonderful light of Jesus, which not only warns us of danger, but also leads us into life everlasting where there is no darkness and the light is so brilliant and beautiful. Madeleine Wilson

Elvis Gospel Service in Truro Cathedral, England

2007-06-21T05:45:00.000-07:00

"Elvis Lives " at Truro Cathedral - fully booked and more!

Johnny Cowling, Elvis tribute artist, was back by popular demand at Truro Cathedral for another performance of Elvis Presley’s gospel music on Sunday 19th August 2007.
It was 30 years since Elvis’s death in August 1977, and the ‘Elvis Lives’ service celebrated the gospel music and inspiration that is Elvis Presley.

Johnny, who worships at St Merryn Parish Church, is a well known performer and entertainer on the pub and club circuit in Cornwall. He can trace his love for Elvis back to a very young age, “Elvis has always been an inspiration to me ever since I saw him on TV when I was 5 years old. I just wanted to be Elvis! As time went on I got more and more interested in his music and my first Elvis performance was at a Harvest Supper at St Merryn when I was eight!

Canon Perran Gay said, “It was tremendous fun last year and we got a tremendous amount of positive feedback from people who were there. It was a genuine spiritual experience, very uplifting and we’re expecting even more people this time around”. Well he was correct. The cathedral holds 900 people and applications for the free tickets were over 1200.

To watch a clip of Johnny perfoming at theservice this year visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVafGHWrlVU

(Photo shows Canon Perran Gay, Madeleine Wilson and Johnny Cowling outside Truro Cathedral.)

To obtain your free tickets to the Elvis Gospel service which will be held on Sunday 31st August 2008 please send a SAE to The Cathedral Office (Elvis 2008), 14 St Mary's Street, Truro TR1 2AF

Tickets will be distributed in July 2008

For further details Contact:
Colin Reid, Communications Officer, Truro Cathedral, 01872 276782
colin@trurocathedral.org.uk
http://www.trurocathedral.org.uk/