Elvis Presley 'always turned to God whenever he needed help', says stepbrother

The stepbrother of Elvis Presley wants to tell the world how important Christianity was to the King of Rock n' Roll. 

Billy Stanley goes into detail about the superstar's Christian faith in his new book, The Faith of Elvis, coming out in October. 

In an interview with the Observer newspaper about his famous stepbrother, Stanley said the music legend used to pray to God before every concert because it helped settle his nerves.

He remembered the two praying together at bedtime when he was a child and Elvis reading him Bible stories. 

He also recalls Elvis singing gospel songs at home. 

When it came to praying before shows, Stanley said that Elvis "always turned to God whenever he needed help".

"I asked him once, 'Why do you say the prayer before [each show]?' He said: 'It kind of settles my nerves but also I want God to help bless this concert, so make it a good one,'" Stanley said. 

Stanley said he wants to shed more light on Presley's Christian faith so that people can see past the "glitz and glamour". 

"Elvis was so appreciative of what the Lord had given him. He thanked God every day and constantly sought God's guidance through prayer and reading the Bible," he said. 

The 16 August will mark the 45th anniversary of Elvis' death. He died at Graceland on 16 August 1977 when he was 42.

Stanley's mother was Davada 'Dee' Stanley, the second wife of Elvis' dad, Vernon Presley. 

News
Major UK supermarket clothing brands fall behind Primark in ethical fashion rankings
Major UK supermarket clothing brands fall behind Primark in ethical fashion rankings

BMS said that even the highest-rated companies have considerable room for improvement.

Fresh violence in Manipur leaves four dead as security is tightened
Fresh violence in Manipur leaves four dead as security is tightened

Security forces have stepped up operations in affected areas amid fears of further unrest.

Church of England faces ‘financial disaster’ without radical cuts, academics warn
Church of England faces ‘financial disaster’ without radical cuts, academics warn

A new report argues that dioceses have been strengthened at the expense of ordinary parishes.

Southwell Minster faces closure amid £20m funding crisis
Southwell Minster faces closure amid £20m funding crisis

Southwell Minster is seeking urgent financial support to keep its doors open after decades of underinvestment that has left it needing around £20m to safeguard its historic building and grounds.