Four former songwriters — Dallas Frazier, Jerry Chesnut, Mac Davis and Billy Swan — for Elvis Presley gathered at the Ford Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville on August 11 to share some of their stories of the King and some of his most memorable tracks.
200 fans assembled to hear stories like those of Frazier, whose song "He Is My Everything" was recorded by Elvis in 1970:
"Elvis was a spiritual man. He always leaned toward gospel. He loved gospel quartets and had half of them working for him."
Chesnut spoke on how, at the time, Elvis' rock influence seemed jarring to many country traditionalists:
"Elvis was just out of reach and another ball game. For a long time, I didn't know who Ray Charles was. When Elvis Costello cut some of my songs, I thought he was an Elvis imitator."
Elvis week, which celebrates the 35th anniversary of the King's death, is expected to draw 75,000.
by RTT Staff Writer
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