The new work is set for release on October 4, Americansongwriter reports
Previously Stanley wrote the best-selling book, Elvis, My Brother. His new work is written with author Ken Sanders.
The new book shares the previously untold story of the iconic singer’s Christian faith, its influence on his music, films, and relationships, as well as on his family.
Billy Stanley, Elvis Presley's stepbrother, 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.
“This book is not just my attempt to share the message Elvis gave to me. 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” .
When seven-year-old Billy 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 seventeen years.
“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.”
During Billy and his brothers' teenage years, Elvis shared his experiences of filming movies (including stories about the leading ladies who acted beside him), offered dating advice, and even doled out gentle discipline after two of the brothers once used a blue light to pull over cars in hopes of picking up women. Billy was particularly drawn to the times he bonded with his big brother through car racing, the wind on their faces as they sped through God's creation in Elvis' Ferrari, Pantera, or pink Cadillac.
Billy joined Elvis on tour for several years, helping as part of his road crew, bringing Elvis's 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.
In The Faith of Elvis, Billy gives his first-hand accounts of Elvis's 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, Billy reveals that the true Elvis was deeply committed to ensuring his family and his fans knew the true King, Jesus Christ,
