Elvis Presley, It Never Ends

There is no question that Elvis Presley affected music and entertainment in a way that no other entertainer has ever done. It is amazing to imagine that now the same number of years he lived has become the number of years beyond his life and he is still drawing multitudes of followers to shows that present only his image in video remembrance. Yes, people still pay premium prices to purchase tickets to see "The King of Rock'n'Roll" in a video image on a screen as if it were the very man/entertainer, himself. I can not imagine any other entertainer from the past having this kind of drawing power.

Some say Sinatra, some say Michael Jackson, some may believe Garth Brooks has captured the world like Elvis, but history alone bears it out. Perhaps the true second string are, "The Beatles" who certainly changed Rock'n'Roll in a very powerful way, opening the floodgate of British Invasion of groups and singers who had status in American music simply by being British.

There is no question this music shifted Rock'n'Roll. The Vogues, that I've been affiliated for nearly 30 years were also influenced by this new approach to popular music. With a blend of new Rock'n'roll to the sweet harmony of vocal music in the past, the Vogues created a blend of both as demonstrated by Five O'Clock World and You're the One. Then, take that lush harmony vocal from the past and created full orchestrations of, "You Are My Special Angel, and Turn Around, Look at Me." All of this melted together with great thought provoking titles like: "Till and Magic Town."

But even at this high level of influence, the Vogues, Michael Jackson, Sinatra, Perry Como, or even Pat Boone can not rival in the least the aura of an Elvis Presley.

So, this amazing door has opened to me to recall the Gospel Music roots that influenced the life of Elvis Presley, the King of Rock'n'Roll. The music that constantly drew him back to the roots of his own life. The Gospel Music that He loved so much that he wanted to relive it in the all night Penthouse gatherings with his friends.

I'm told by those who were there the many long, and often nights where the other singers desired to be in their own rooms. asleep, that Elvis desire to capture his childhood peace of Gosple Music memories and message were the sum total of the music Elvis truly enjoyed to the core. Perhaps the great songs of Suspicious Minds, Hound Dog, Heartbreak Hotel, In the Ghetto, and more filled his coffers with money and success but the gospel of his youth was the thing that gave him a grounding point to anchor.

Some Christians have pondered his fate. Some speculate his final rest. God is the only one who knows where Elvis is living eternally.

For me, it all boils down to this fact: Elvis loved and respected Gospel Music. Because he did, his many fans accept it as a style they love. It is my mandate to take that music Elvis loved and share it again, now in a way that the message it contains will spring forth in a fresh understanding and have a wonderful, positive, life changing effect on the many fans around the world. 

Yes, I want to Entertain and Inspire.

Royce

Putting the Shoes of the Gospel of Peace to the Pavement

Hello, this is Royce Taylor. I have been privileged to travel the world and sing. I have been equally privileged to meet and make friends with hundreds of people in the USA, Canada, Europe, Scandinavia, and the UK. When I see the 5000 plus names in my Facebook following, I can honestly say, i have met in person, most of these wonderful friends. If you are reading this, please know that I truly appreciate you and thank you for being included in what is yet to come.

Why do I say what is yet to come? Because my life is not about the past. The past is merely the path and foundation for what is to come. My past has been an education, preparing me for what is next. Each opportunity is a building block to address what is ahead. Even now, after more than 52 years of singing and 68 years of life, I feel like the best is yet to come. God isn't finished with me until He calls me home.

I never dreamed that I'd be reinventing myself at age 67, but that is exactly what happened when after nearly 9 years of affiliation, the Elvis' Imperials made the decision to release me from my position. I did not see it coming, so needless to say, it was a complete surprise. But God is never surprised because He does not sleep or slumber. God never wakes in the morning and says,"Wow! I didn't see that coming!" No, He is completely aware of everything before it happens and has already made a way where there seems to be no way.  My friend, this is my story but it is not only unique to me, it is your story too, if you will listen to the voice of God direct you in the path He has created for you.

So what is, "Putting the Shoes of the Gospel of Peace to the Pavement?"
it is about revealing the promises of God in the Bible for all to benefit. Accepting Jesus, the Christ, the Messiah, the Redeemer, the Savior, the Deliverer ... all these things is to accept that God sent his Son, Yeshua, Joshua, Jesus, Gesu, Jesu, to this Earth as a man ... the very essence of GOD Almighty, Creator, to be the "Word made flesh to live with us."  The prophet Isaiah wrote, "His name shall be Emmanuel, which is interpreted as GOD with us, or God living among us as family.

This Messiah is described as being the ultimate savior, deliverer. The Prophetic view of Messiah is not merely a worldly political leader but the King of kings. It's description is so immense and complete that the mere human mind can not comprehend it. Why? Because we view all things in terms of humanity. Humans fail, period. Humans are fallible, vulnerable, and can not always fulfill the promises made. But this Messiah, this King of kings, this LORD of lords, this MASTER and Son of Almight GOD is able to do all and do it exceedingly, abundantly, above what we can ask or even comprehend.YES, this is the GOD who by His very words spoke the universe into existence and by His very words speak into YOUR existence.

Now, listen carefully to His promises and let them guide you through the mountains and valleys of your life, Let these promises sustain you when the fierce storms come and scare you to the limits. When it appears that you are backed into a corner that you can not escape without your life being extinguished .... KNOW that God has made a way where there seems to be no way to get you out of there... These are not my musings, these are not my fantasy, these are the truth that sets people free from the boundaries of life. God has NO LIMITS, nothing can contain Him. He holds the universe in His hand. He holds YOU in His hand. He is speaking to you. He only asks that you listen. Be still and know that HE is God. Be still and hear that quiet, small voice, calling your name, seeking to direct your steps. He wants to give you life, and have that life be abundantly above all that we can ask or think.

Believe it, receive it, trust it.
Questions? drop me a note. It is my purpose in life to Entertain and Inspire.

New Decade ... New opportunity.

2020 VISION:

I have not posted a blog update on this spot in nearly 10 years. Shame on me! As I look back across those 10 years it's a whirlwind of activity. From the Toney Brothers in 2005-09 then in 2010 joining Elvis' Imperials and thrust back into the Elvis Presley world. In 2013 being invited back to the Vogues as the tenor vocalist. Also, touring with the GloryWay Quartet as the tenor singer in a southern gospel quartet, Imagine if you will, juggling all three of these groups at the same time? Yes, it was God who orchestrated this across several years making it fit together with only minor conflict of scheduling, These multiple streams of expression gave me access to people, places, and opportunities that are beyond my imagination. YES... God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, ABOVE all that we ask or think.

The end of 2018 saw the Imperials choose to replace me with a  younger man but God was not surprised by this decision and had already prepared a way. This is what 2019 was all about; to reveal the way that was prepared in advance for Royce Taylor .... read on.

Here is an encouraging word for 2020: “Those who trust in the Lord will prosper.” (Proverbs 28:25)  I believe this because I am living proof that God cares about smallest details of life. 

2019 began with the reality that I was no longer with Elvis’ Imperials. The many years, miles (Km), and friends around the world confirmed this as merely a transition to something new. My Christian faith is anchored in the promises of God found in the Bible. These are for all who simply trust them. Promises such as: God will never leave you. God is able to make a way where a road does not exist. God can turn something meant for evil into good. These are only three examples of the many promises that can change your life. I know this from personal experience. 

January was spent telling everyone about the changes.  It was time for a new vision for a new show. During the six years following my Dad’s passing, I lived  much of my time in Ohio caring for my 91 year old mother. On 14 February, Carol Taylor,  joined my Dad, Raymond,  in Happy Valentine’s Day reunion.  

The next several months were spent crafting the new Elvis Gospel show and continuing major events with The Vogues and Gospel concerts with GloryWay and Renewal. In May, I made a journey to Germany to walk the “Martin Luther” story. Wonderful adventures in Leipzig, Wittenberg, Dresden, Schneeberg, and other places that marked the origins of the Reformation and this pivotal time in history.

By August, what began as a suggestion from David Wade for the U.K. Elvis festival had now become a show for the world and birthed the “Turn Around, Look at Me” CD.  The official premiere was Sunday, 15 September at Elvis Festival 2019 in Vauxhall Park, Great Yarmouth. Many of the fans and friends had never heard me as a solo performer and I am so grateful for the wonderful, positive feedback; “We laughed, we cried, we were entertained, we were inspired.” Mission accomplished. Thank you, David and Carol, for allowing me to present it for the first time. 

After the UK, I made my second trip of the year to more wonderful places in Europe to discuss future  opportunities to share this show again. Dresden, Goerlitz, and a very cool place that allowed me to drive (yes, I have a Europe driving license) from Germany, to Poland, and Czechia all in about 10 minutes time. I have pictures! 

October was the West Virginia Gospel Music Convention, and Vogues shows including Las Vegas where I spent my birthday. Then in November I made a wonderful business/pleasure journey back to Europe to meet with Freddy Cadel in the Netherlands. Like many, Freddy chooses to share the music without a jumpsuit. We will present a series of concerts in tribute to Elvis Presley and I will feature the “Gospel Music and Elvis Presley” show. 

While in Europe, I made a lovely trip to Prague, Czechia to check off another box on my list of places to see. What a fantastic, historic, beautiful city. The rich history, architecture, the world famous Astronomical Clock. Also in the center of the city is the monument to another influence that fueled the birth of the Reformation, martyr Jan Hus. Here are a few photos.

It was a very busy December with the Vogues in New York City and on to Laughlin, NV for 5 days at the Riverside Resort where Don Laughlin attended our Friday show. “Google” the Don Laughlin success story: he took an 8 room abandoned motel in the southern point of Nevada, and turned it into the bustling city that now bears his name.  Then back to Ohio for a lovely Christmas with my sons and precious families. 

The 2020 VISION is more great shows around the world. The Gospel Music and Elvis Presley show is available now. Please consider promoting this concert event to your fan club or Elvis event. I am asking for promoters, fan club presidents, event planners, and even some churches to contact me about this show. Facebook, WhatsApp, email, website, and my office number 00-1-615-873-0482. Let’s talk about dates and times. Together we can Entertain and Inspire.

The 2020 VISION: “Those who trust in the LORD will prosper.”  YOU are one of  those. DO NOT fall for the notion that God is too busy minding the Universe to concern himself with your tiny life. God is the Universe and you are one of the important details. I am anticipating more amazing stories to share this time next year and will be eager to hear your marvelous stories, too.