The Gospel According To Elvis

Picture this scene: Elvis Presley, probably no more than eight or ten years old, sits in the pews of the Assembly of God Church on a hot summer night in Tupelo. The windows of the church are open, and the women are working those cardboard funeral home fans for all they're worth. Elvis is squirming in his seat with excitement, because he has come, with his mom and dad, to a gospel singing by a real quartet, and he can hardly wait for the show to start. He has heard this quartet sing on the radio, and he can hardly believe he's about to see them in person.

The quartet takes the stage. Elvis drinks in the sight of them. Their hair is perfectly combed and the white handkerchiefs in the breast pockets of their coats look as clean and crisp as a brand new dollar bill. The piano player sits down and launches into a lively intro, his left hand loping up and down in octaves and his right hand banging out the chords. Elvis quickly recognizes the tune: "Jesus, Hold My Hand." The four singers are animated, smiling and gesturing to the crowd. Elvis feels as if they're singing every word just for him.

To young Elvis, these performers were heroes... In his young imagination, he could see himself standing onstage in a crisp, tailored suit, singing the songs he knew so well, entertaining people and living the life of a professional gospel singer. It was the first dream of his life, and one he never fully left.

Click here to read more about Elvis Presley's Gospel music background.