Published: January 07, 2009 08:48 pm      

Elvis Presley’s gospel music recalled on late singer’s birth date

PRINCETON — Although it has been more than 30 years since the death of Elvis Aaron Presley, memories of the king of rock and roll continue to touch the hearts of legions of fans and the general public as well. In an Oct. 27, 2008 article, “Forbes.com” reported that Presley continues to head the list of the publication’s annual earning list for deceased celebrities with “Peanuts” creator, Charles M. Shultz at second place and Marilyn Monroe in ninth.

Presley gained initial fame as a result of the treatment of his rock and roll songs and his ballads, but the singer had a great love of gospel music. Presley was known to invite the members of his back-up groups — the Jordanaires at first and later, J.D. Sumner & the Stamps — to his room for all-night gospel jam sessions immediately after they finished a concert that featured his popular music.

Stan Wikle of Princeton-based Gospel Music Promotions, said he had the honor of promoting a concert by Sumner and the Stamps Quartet, a short period of time prior to Sumner’s death on Nov. 16, 1998. The concert was at the Voice of Praise Worship Center in Brushfork.

“There have been several documentaries produced concerning Elvis Presley’s love of gospel music,” Wikle said. “Of course, J.D. and Elvis were very close, and their mutual love of gospel music made them even closer. That was really one of the joys of my career ... to promote a concert featuring J.D. Sumner and the Stamp Quartet.”

Wikle said that Sumner was no stranger to Princeton area performances, and noted that he performed at other venus in the region. Sumner was on a concert tour when he died at Myrtle Beach, S.C. Sumner and the Stamps toured with Elvis from November 1971 until Presley’s last concert on June 26, 1977. Presley died on Aug. 16, 1977.

“Elvis just had a special talent about getting the most out of any song that he did,” Don Whitt, well-known local country keyboard artist said. “I really liked his gospel music. That’s how he got his start in music ... singing in that little church in Memphis.”

Whitt said that Presley’s rendition of the Thomas A. Dorsey masterpieces, “Peace in the Valley” and “Precious Lord,” continues to be among the best gospel songs he has ever heard. “I really liked his gospel music,” Whitt said.

— Contact Bill Archer at barcher@bdtonline.com