This year marks the 40th anniversary of the death of the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. Tens of thousands of adoring fans gathered this summer at the Presley estate known as Graceland in Memphis Tennessee, remembering the man who is considered to be one of the greatest icons of the 20th century. Who was this man that continues to be loved by millions, most of whom never having the chance to see him perform live, let alone meet him in person?
Elvis Aaron Presley was born in a humble two room house in Tupelo Mississippi on January 8th, 1935. He had a twin brother who was stillborn at birth, so Elvis grew up an only child. His parents Vernon and Gladys moved the family to Memphis Tennessee in 1948, and in 1954 Sam Phillips of Sun Recording Studios discovered the budding 19 year old singer, recording "That's Alright Mama", which rocketed Elvis into instant success. In 1955 his recording contract was sold to RCA Victor, and by 1956 Elvis was firmly established as an international musical sensation. Over the years Elvis starred in 33 films, and his music garnered him 3 Grammy awards (including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at age 36). His American recordings earned him gold, platinum, and multi-platinum awards, and globally Elvis has sold over 1 billion records - more than any other musical recording artist in history! His blend of blues, country, and gospel helped define the birth of rock and roll as we know it, and his charm and charisma excited live audiences to a frenzy in sold out concerts around the world.
With all of Elvis's fame, fortune, and international success, one would think that he must have been the happiest man on earth, right? Unfortunately, those closest to Elvis have documented that this was not the case - especially after the divorce from his wife Priscilla in 1973. Joe Moscheo of The Imperials (a gospel quartet who sang back-up for Elvis) said that Elvis's marriage failure "was a blow from which he never recovered". No amount of riches on earth will every bring lasting joy or contentment, and broken relationships can prove devastating. Prescription drugs soon became an addiction for Elvis, and twice he overdosed on barbiturates - spending three days in a coma after one incident. The demanding touring schedule, deteriorating health, obesity, and personal depression compounded. Finally, on August 16th 1977, his girlfriend Ginger Alden discovered him in an unresponsive state on his bathroom floor. The King was dead at age 42.
The question is, where is Elvis Presley spending eternity? It is widely known that Elvis grew up in church, and he wanted to sing gospel music. All of his competitive Grammy awards were won for his gospel recordings. Even after he reached super stardom, following his concerts he would often retreat with his southern gospel back up singers back stage or in a hotel room to sing sacred Christian songs for hours. Rick Stanley is the step-brother of Elvis, and lived with him for a time in his Graceland mansion, even travelling with him on tour. Regarding Elvis's faith, he said this; "Elvis was very complex ... he had the ability to turn it on in concert ... actually, he was a very shy person. He had a great love of the Lord. His aunt was a preacher, and he paid for her church. He gave cars to strangers, and he visited St. Jude Children's Research Hospital during the holidays. He was the one constant person who would always ask me, 'Rick, are you staying close to the Lord?'" Just like many famous celebrities, Elvis made tremendous mistakes, and was troubled in his life. He missed out on many blessings that God was willing to give. Like all of us, our journey on this earth is a series of decisions that we make, some positive and others negative. However, John 3:16 makes this promise, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting Life." Did Elvis believe in Jesus Christ? Only God knows for sure, but I personally believe that he did; Elvis himself stated openly that only Christ is the King. I hope that when Elvis breathed his last, he was ushered into the presence of Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We will have to wait and see.
