Elvis Presley's Stepbrother Writes about His Brother's Faith

Billy Stanley along with Ken Sanders, delivers a powerful and unique tribute to his stepbrother in his upcoming book, "The Faith of Elvis:  A Story Only A Brother Can Tell." Set to release on Oct. 4 via Thomas Nelson, Stanley shares the untold story of the iconic singer's Christian faith--its deep influence on his music, films, relationships, commitment to his family and fans, and his love for the Gospel. Preorder here.

In "The Faith of Elvis," Stanley gives his first-hand accounts of Elvis' life and abiding belief in Jesus and heaven, which has been kept from public view until now. Though the King of Rock and Roll struggled with addiction and with his notorious playboy image, Stanley reveals that the true Elvis was deeply committed to ensuring his family and his fans knew the true King, Jesus Christ.

"This book is not just my attempt to share the message Elvis gave to me," says Stanley. "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, embracing 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 helping as part of Elvis' road crew for several years, bringing Elvis' Bible along, 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 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." 

"You haven't met the real Elvis if you haven't read 'The Faith of Elvis.' Billy Stanley shows us a side of The King we've never seen before-an older brother, mentor, and follower of Jesus. Prepare to be blown away by a whole new glimpse into one of the greatest performers of all time."

• Mike Huckabee, Former Arkansas Governor & host of the Huckabee show

"Billy Stanley's 'The Faith of Elvis' gives you an inside look at an Elvis that few really knew and all can learn from.  It is a story that only a brother can share that reveals Elvis' love for God and his savior Jesus Christ.  Billy delivers a beautiful true account of his life with Elvis filled with passion and hope that captures the true essence of Elvis' life and his love for God and his fans."

• David E. Stanley, Stepbrother to Elvis Presley, Author and Producer

 "To know Elvis the star and the icon is a thrill and to learn of Elvis the man and the brother is pure joy. A further glimpse into his powerful spiritual side takes it up another notch still. Billy Stanley's 'The Faith of Elvis' gives us that firsthand personal perspective. Just as music and love are to be shared, faith and commitment to God through Jesus Christ is a part of Elvis Presley he willingly imparted through his life and actions. Who better to describe this side of the man, than the brother who lived alongside him for seventeen years. While Elvis' passion comes through, so does Billy's. I wholeheartedly recommend this worthwhile read. It's a must for those who seek to know the essence behind the glitter."

• Janet Bostic, Administrator of Elvis: A Celebration of the Man and His Music Fanclub & Head writer TCB Radio Network

"Everyone needs a mentor and someone to guide us when our faith is young. What a joy to know that Elvis understood the value of investing in the faith of those he loved."

• John Stange, host of the popular "Chapter-A-Day Audio Bible" podcast and author of Dwell On These Things

 

 

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