Gordon Stoker, former lead tenor of the Jordanaires, the longtime Elvis backing gospel quartet, has died at the age of 88. He passed at his home in Brentwood, Tennessee, after a lengthy illness, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The harmonizing foursome backed up the King on many of his best known hits—including "Don't Be Cruel," "All Shook Up," "Jailhouse Rock," "Can't Help Falling in Love," "It's Now or Never," "Are You Lonesome Tonight" and "Teddy Bear"—remaining with him in studio and on stage until 1968.
The band quit playing with Presley after he began performing two shows a night in Vegas. The group, a favorite of the King's, are listed on all album sleeves on which they appeared, an unusual accomplishment for a backing act in those days.
Stoker was born in 1924 in Gleason, Tennessee. The Jordanaires were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001.
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