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

 Wikimedia Commons

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
Why Jesus is the true meaning of Christmas
Why Jesus is the true meaning of Christmas

Have we settled for the wrapping paper and missed the gift?

Victorian 'tin tabernacle' added to Historic England's protected list
Victorian 'tin tabernacle' added to Historic England's protected list

The 'tin tabernacle' was built in 1885 for people who lived far away from the main parish church.

Suspended Christian nurse's hearing postponed at last minute
Suspended Christian nurse's hearing postponed at last minute

The hearing was postponed due to "unforeseen circumstances".

Zelensky meets Pope Leo XIV amid peace talks
Zelensky meets Pope Leo XIV amid peace talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has met Pope Leo XIV at his residence in Castel Gandolfo to discuss the ongoing conflict with Russia.