How religious was Elvis Presley?

Thomas Melin of the Elvis Today blog posted a transcript (part one and two) of an interview he did with Per-Erik “Pete” Hallin, a Swedish musician who played with the King in 1973 and 1974. One of the questions that Elvis Today asks is, "How religious was Elvis, in your opinion?" Here is Per-Erik's answer:

It's a very difficult question. And I tend to generally hesitate to say how religious a person is, that I know or have known, whoever it might be. But I can say with certainty that he had faith in God, no doubt, and that these songs corresponded to a very deep longing that he had. But I also believe that he longed for making it even more consumate in some way, and more fully than it was. In some way, he was imprisoned in his own success. It was not easy being Elvis, so to speak.

Elvis Today also asked, "What relationship did Elvis have to gospel music?" Per-Erik's response:

I think I can say without hesitation that gospel was simply the type of music he liked the most. And I think that if anyone of those who knew him well, and perhaps better than I did, would sit next to me, they would nod and agree and say, “yes that's the way it was.” And it has been said many times and I myself have experienced it.

Does success prevent people from being fully religious? Don't know. Per-Erik implies it. Maybe it's all the distractions, the possibilities. It might be easier to give your life to God if your life doesn't offer too many choices. Anyway, here is Per-Erik grooving on the piano and singing:

Elvis Presley woke up astronauts. Which song was most popular among space travelers?

Did you know that NASA uses music to wake up astronauts on space missions? So says NASA's history division in this report (pdf). It lists various space missions and the music played on each. Here are a few songs of many not coming from the King of Rock n' Roll:

• Beethoven‟s 6th Symphony
• Going Back to Houston
• My Favorite Things
• Come Fly With Me

Of course, Elvis Presley is well-represented. Which songs? A bunch:

• Burning Love
• Hound Dog
• Are You Lonesome Tonight?
• Return to Sender
• Please Release Me
• Devil In Disguise
• Stuck On You

By my tally, "Hound Dog" is the Elvis song that astronauts awoke to the most.

Update: I later came across an old post on Elvis Today that is about this very topic. The blog confirms my conclusion about "Hound Dog."

The blog afyccim reviews the album 'From Elvis in Memphis'

The blog afyccim reviews Elvis Presley's album "From Elvis in Memphis." Above is a performance of "In the Ghetto," which the reviewer said was the "highlight" of the collection.

 Some portions of the review:

1. "Rolling Stone magazine ranked it #190 on the “500 Greatest Albums of all Time” list."
2. " I love these songs so much because I’ve loved this style of music for as long as I can remember, and it connects me to my dad. Music is at its most powerful and most enjoyable when we have an emotional connection to it"
3. "I really don’t think there are any weak songs on this album. Every track is unique and masterfully arranged, and managed to hold my attention, which is a feat in itself!"
4. "The absolute highlight for me is the album’s chilling closer ‘In the Ghetto’ which always gives me goosebumps. Released as a single, this became Elvis’s biggest hit since 1965. I liked this album more with each listen and I think it has something for everyone."

Norah Jones says Elvis Presley inspires her; sings 'Lonesome Tonight'

Norah Jones says Elvis inspires. She sings it in the video above.

Elvis Presley sighting in New Mexico; fans can submit photos for mosaic of king of rock n' roll

Above, a video about spotting the king of rock n' roll in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Is he an example of the true Elvis Presley spirit? Or the king himself? 

In other Elvis Presley news, an organization called Fan Mosaics is asking fans of Elvis Presley to submit their photos in order to make a mosaic of the king of rock n' roll. More info is at fanmosaics.com/Elvis.