The legacy of Elvis Presley lives on in Oxford in the most unlikely place – the pulpit of St Michael at the North Gate Church, Cornmarket Street.
This is in no small part due to the vicar, the Revd Anthony Buckley, who is a self-confessed superfan and has used themes in Elvis’ story in sermons and talks.
Anthony says his love of Elvis came after he learned of his death aged 14. Like so many, the news prompted him to discover his music and he’s been listening ever since.
He said: “Elvis is a very human character; his career had ups and downs and so did his life. His faith was very much part of who he was, whatever he was going through. He always sang Christian music when he warmed up for concerts and music awards were given for his faith-based songs, such as How Great Thou Art. Elvis is a wonderful reminder we do not have to be perfect to have faith, and to reach out in prayer.”
Anthony tells the story of one recording session in 1973 when Elvis was in a bad way; he was handed the song Help me and he recorded it in one take, falling to his knees while singing. “If it is ok for Elvis to ask for help, it’s ok for me.”
As one of the most famous musicians ever to have lived, Elvis’ fame is enduring and the name is still recognised by the young people Anthony addresses. Anthony often refers to Elvis’ lesser-known unconscious and conscious civil rights activism, and this influence can come as a surprise. Having found early success singing the music of his black neighbours, later in his career Elvis went on to record songs like If I Can Dream, In the Ghetto and Walk a Mile in my Shoes following the shooting of Martin Luther King in his home city of Memphis.
And, Elvis is still relevant today – everyone has their favourite song – Anthony’s is one of the classics… Can’t Help Falling in Love.
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