Elvis and COGOP

[INLOVE]

Just reading on line an interview with a friend of Elvis' who traveled with him. A question was asked about Elvis attending church. He said they went one time to a Church of God of Prophecy. Elvis sat in the balconey but no one was listening to the minister, they were all staring at him. So, he didn't go back, because he didn't want that to happen again. You never know what you'll find on google.

[MacUser]

He was apparently taught HOW to play the Guitar from a COGOP minister!?
http://www.chickasawjournal.com/article ... /obit1.txt

Rev. Frank W. Smith
He has received much recognition as he is known as “the man that taught Elvis Presley how to play the guitar”, as he was the pastor of East Tupelo Assembly of God church where the family of Vernon and Gladys Presley were members. He also taught Elvis the song “Old Shep” which he went on to record, and he is recognized in many books, documentaries, films and monuments for his relations with Elvis.

...pastored his first church in 1947 at the East Tupelo Assembly of God Church, and went on to pastor fourteen churches with the Church of God of Prophecy until his retirement in the early 1990’s

[wsmitty]

Didn't he also have an aunt or something that attended the COGOP? It seems like I remember hearing rumors to that affect.

[dolfan]

Makes me think of my wife's conversation with Paul Thorn. We went to see him at Decatur's Riverfest thing (same night as Alabama lost to Georgia). My wife talked to him after the show, conversation went something like this: She told him she grew up in COGOP. He said, "Me, too!". She said, "I know, that's why I told you. I get your songs." He looked at her and said, "Yeah, there's a lot in there that most people don't get unless they've been there. Let me guess. You ain't in it no more." They smiled that smile of people who know something but don't want to say anymore.

BTW, if you're around Florence, AL on 1/4/08, he'll be performing live at the Sam Phillips Music Festival ("Phillipsfest").