Here’s the latest from the crossroads of faith, media & culture: 08/03/22

New York Times bestselling author Billy Stanley, along with Kent Sanders, delivers a unique tribute to his stepbrother in his upcoming book The Faith of Elvis:  A Story Only A Brother Can Tell (Thomas Nelson). Set to release on October 4th, Stanley shares the largely untold story of the iconic singer’s Christian faith, as well as its deep influence on his music, films, relationships, commitment to his family and fans, and his love for the Gospel.

In the book, Stanley gives his first-hand accounts of Elvis’ life including his abiding belief in Jesus and heaven which has received relatively little media attention until now. Though the King of Rock and Roll struggled with addiction and with his notorious playboy image, Stanley contends that the true Elvis was deeply committed to ensuring his family and his fans knew the the One he viewed as the True King.

Stanley says “This book is not just my attempt to share the message Elvis gave to me…I also want to reveal the true story of a great man. Behind the glitz and glamour, beyond the movies and millions of records sold, is a man driven by his faith in God. I didn’t know him as a fan, a Hollywood producer or the countless number of people who wanted a piece of him. I knew him as a brother. I want you to see the man who gave so much of himself—almost too much. A man who thought it was better to give than to receive.”

As the book recounts, when seven-year-old Stanley and his two younger brothers moved to Graceland in 1960, Elvis eagerly welcomed them and embraced his new roles as big brother, spiritual mentor, protector, and playmate. On their first night together, Elvis introduced his brothers to bedtime prayers as he thanked God for his new siblings. Soon after, he began to read The Bible with them and he continued both practices for the next 17 years.

Stanley also recalls bringing Elvis’ Bible along while helping out as part of Elvis’ road crew for several years and witnessing his growing number of adoring fans. Elvis loved his fans in return, which is why he was drawn to Gospel music–it allowed him to share with them God’s abundant love.

Adds Stanley: “Everyone is familiar with Elvis on-stage, but this book will give you an opportunity to get to know the man I grew up with off-stage, a man dedicated to sharing the love of Jesus with each of us.  This is a story of faith, hope, and love. It is a story only a brother can tell.”

John W. Kennedy is a writer, producer and media development consultant specializing in television and movie projects that uphold positive timeless values, including trust in God.