The Gospel Side of Elvis

by Joe Moscheo, Priscilla Beaulieu Presley (Foreword)

Gospel music was a significant part of not only who Elvis became as a man, but as an artist as well. As Elvis mania continues to consume generation after generation throughout the world, fans still crave new insights into the person of Elvis Presley. This book takes a look at his roots and the role of gospel in his foundational years, as well as the comfort, solace, and strength it offered him in the years of his meteoric rise in popularity. With the addition of "150 Little Known facts about Elvis" and eight unique appendices not included in the original hardcover book, this paperback edition THE GOSPEL SIDE OF ELVIS reveals much about the Elvis so many have yet to discover and is sure to become a collector's treasure.

Genres: Biography, Music, Nonfiction, Spirituality, History

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an Elvis fan I really enjoyed this book and it touched on a side of Elvis that I always wanted to know more about. Plus I wanted that insight to come from someone that was there and that I would trust. This book is all that. It's comforting and sad all at the same time.

[Millie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely Tribute to Elvis

Joe Moscheo’s book, The Gospel Side of Elvis is a lovely tribute to Elvis and his love of gospel music. This is a great companion book for Elvis fans who enjoy and find inspiration listening to his gospel recordings. The narrative has a bittersweet quality to it as the author explores the vulnerability and loneliness experienced by the iconic performer. The book does end on a positive tone as Elvis’ legacy and lasting appeal continues to live on.

[Krista Ashe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a fan of both Elvis and gospel music, and I even have many Elvis gospel songs on my iPod.

What really stood out to me was what a tower of faith Elvis really was. Although he traveled the world and became a larger than life figure, he really was true to his roots, especially the religious roots instilled in him by his beloved mother, Gladys. Whether he was warming up before a show, in the recording studio, on the set, Elvis sang gospel music. He also integrated it into most of his shows, and his only 3 Grammy's were won for Gospel Recordings.

Great stories of how Moscheo would go up to Elvis's suite after a show to partake in all night gospel singings. I found this debunked a lot of the myths that Elvis was always womanizing after the show. Instead, he was inviting up different groups to sing with him. One night he invited Mama Cass Elliot of the Mamas and Papas, and she had a wonderful experience singing Amazing Grace.

A quick, but good read for any fan of Elvis and gospel music!

[Tami Raper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book about Elvis

I chose to read this book as I'm a great fan of E!vis. Anything about Elvis I buy and read. I love this book that Joe wrote about all the backup singers and about all of their Gospel singing. I would highly recommend this book to anyone. It was a hard to put the book down as it was a story that was so well written. I love this book!

[Manda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an absolutely beautiful, well written book that brings back so many memories. My mom loves Elvis and saw just about every Movie he was in. Thank You so much. I cried through some parts as he sure did shed a positive light in somany peoples lives.

I received as a giveaway and am so grateful.

[Toshihiro · Rating 4 out of 5]

This may be my first book on Elvis, even though I have several CDs and saw most of his movie. I love his gospel and this book shows how he loves gospel. It describes Elvis and his back singers who are mostly gospel singers. The book will be a good record on how gospel were popular in 50's. Interesting.

[Sarah Kowalewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story of just how much the gospel played part in Elvis’ life from beginning to end. You truly learn more about just how important the gospel was to Elvis and how it influenced him each and every day

[Joseph Dubey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well... it's about time someone writes a book about the good side of Elvis. A very enjoyable read.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a good and well written book that presents the good side of a beautiful man. I just can't justify the hypocrite that was Elvis.

[Bonie Schrupp · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's about Elvis' love of God and Gospel music. A side of Elvis more people would appreciate by reading this book.

[Alex Bonham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book but expected more
Half of the book is appendix

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐½

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short book. The writing was good and the stories told were very interesting. I've always enjoyed Elvis' music and this book offered excellent insight into his relationship with gospel music, the genre he loved most throughout his entire life. I've hunted down a few of his gospel CDs since starting the book. I can see why Elvis loved these songs.

[Dianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read concerning the gospel world rather than the rock-and-roll world that Elvis was a part of. This is one of the more positive accounts of Elvis' life out there. Nice behind-the-scene stories and accounts of several of the top gospel groups from the 60's and the 70's.

[Deborah Bobo]

This fairly brief biography of Elvis Presley emphasizes his love of Gospel music and his deep seeded faith. Moscheo tells many personal stories of his experiences with the King and Elvis’ life is shown in a light not often depicted by others. Interesting read for both Elvis and Gospel fans.

[Eunys · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book tells the story of Elvis' love of gospel music very nicely.

[Sue Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

excellent book for anyone that enjoys Elvis. it does not dish dirt but honestly tells about this side of the Mann who loved gospel and was influenced by it.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brief, pleasant memoir about working w/ Elvis during his early 'Vegas' years ('69-'71) and his love of gospel music.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many books about Elvis, but have never heard about this side of Elvis. I knew he sang in church before becoming famous, but even a non-Elvis fan should read this book. It is excellent.