Elvis Presley was not only the King of Rock and Roll, but also a man of deep faith and generosity. His Christian beliefs influenced his music, films, relationships and legacy. But how many people know that he had a stepbrother who witnessed his faith in action firsthand? In this article, we will explore how Billy Stanley became related to Elvis and what he learned from living with him at Graceland.
Contents
Billy Stanley’s Origin Story
Billy Stanley was born in Yokohama, Japan in 1953. His father was in the service, so he traveled around the world with his family. He had two younger brothers, David and Ricky, who were born in Alabama and Virginia respectively. When Billy was seven years old, his parents divorced and his mother Dee married Vernon Presley, Elvis’ father.
The Stanley brothers moved to Graceland in 1960 and were welcomed by Elvis, who embraced his new roles as big brother, spiritual mentor, protector and playmate. According to Billy, Elvis introduced them to bedtime prayers on their first night together and began to read the Bible with them regularly. He also shared his experiences of filming movies, offered dating advice and even doled out gentle discipline when needed.
Elvis Presley’s Faith and Generosity
Billy Stanley witnessed Elvis’ faith and generosity throughout their 17 years together. He recalled that Elvis loved his fans and wanted to share God’s abundant love with them through his gospel music. He also said that Elvis was a proud patriot who respected the flag and the country. He described Elvis as a man driven by his faith in God who thought it was better to give than to receive.
Billy also revealed that Elvis struggled with addiction and his notorious playboy image, but never lost his faith in Jesus and heaven. He said that Elvis spoke of God’s forgiveness before his death in 1977 and that he believed he would see him again in the afterlife.
The Faith of Elvis: A Story Only A Brother Can Tell
Billy Stanley has written a new book titled “The Faith of Elvis: A Story Only A Brother Can Tell” with author Kent Sanders. The book is set to release on October 4, 2022 and is available for pre-order here. The book shares the untold story of the iconic singer’s Christian faith, its influence on his music, films, relationships and legacy.
Billy said that he wrote the book not only to share the message that Elvis gave to him, but also to reveal the true story of a great man. He said that he wanted people to see the man he grew up with off-stage, a man dedicated to sharing the love of Jesus with each of us.
“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,” Billy said.
“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.”
Conclusion
Elvis Presley was more than just a legendary singer and entertainer. He was also a man of deep faith and generosity who influenced many people with his message of love and hope. His stepbrother Billy Stanley was one of those people who witnessed his faith in action firsthand. In his new book “The Faith of Elvis: A Story Only A Brother Can Tell”, Billy shares the untold story of how he became related to Elvis and what he learned from living with him at Graceland.
