The Gospel Side of Elvis is a look into the deeper side of Elvis through his gospel music. There was a
divine influence in Elvis’s life that drove him to sing. If you have ever listened to Elvis sing gospel there
is no denying that he had soul. He believed in the words of the song, "How Great Thou Art." Mosheo’s book
introduces the reader to this side of Elvis and what it meant to him.
Joe Moscheo was one of The Imperials, a gospel group that performed on stage with Elvis during his career. It
was through this experience that he wrote his story. Joe believes that Elvis had a calling to gospel music and
that this talent was never fully acknowledged. Over a thousand books have been written about Elvis, and I have
not read every one, but I found this one an honest recollection of a soulful Elvis.
Moscheo tells the story of how he began his relationship with Elvis. He received a phone call at their Music
Row office in Nashville asking if the group would be available for a three-month gig in Las Vegas. He tried to
be professional and asked what kind of an engagement that would be. Tom Diskin, Colonel Parker’s right-hand man,
said it would be for Elvis Presley. Well, Moscheo could hardly keep from jumping up and down, but kept a normal
tone of voice saying that he would have to talk to the boys and get back to him. He hung up trying to decide if
he had just dreamed the whole thing. That was the beginning of an unheard of opportunity, one Moscheo will never
forget.
There are copies of original documents and song lyrics included in the book that give the reader an insight
into the inner workings of the performer’s mind. He also talks about the shock of Elvis’s death and his personal
experience during that time with Priscilla. If you are an Elvis fan, this is a book you will treasure and, of
course, add to your collection. It definitely has soul.