What the King of Rock Wrote About the King of Kings

Was the King of rock ‘n’ roll intrigued by the best-selling book of all time? That’s certainly the impression one might get when thumbing through the pages of the KJV Bible that once belonged to the famous rock star.

With Museum of the Bible’s newest YouVersion reading plan, Rockin’ Through the Psalms With the “King,” that’s exactly what fans of Elvis are invited to do for themselves. Readers of the seven-day plan will be able to read along with Elvis’ very own handwritten notes and underlined verses.

For example, below Psalm 11:1, Elvis wrote, “In the Lord I place my trust and He will guide me.”  Psalm 43:3 is underlined with a note at the top of the page reading, “Lord send me light to guide me.” Jotted at the bottom of page 670, in reference to Psalm 137:5-9, are the words, “Trust in the Lord, not man.”

It’s also apparent that Elvis looked to the Bible for inspiration for his music. Jotted below Psalm 81, Elvis wrote, “Sing the Lord Praises.” In reference to Psalm 149:3-6, it reads, “The highest graces of music flow from the feelings of the heart-soul.” Various other phrases and words are also underlined in Psalm 149 with the words, “Sing for the Glory of God,” written in Elvis’ handwriting at the end of the Book of Psalms.

“Celebrities don’t get much bigger than Elvis Presley,” said Steven Bickley, Museum of the Bible vice president of marketing. “He is a prime example of the unparalleled influence of this book. His life may have taken a few twists and turns along the way, but it’s clear, as evidenced by his own handwritten notes, that the Bible had a profound impact on him.”

Users can access Museum of the Bible’s Rockin’ Through the Psalms With the “King” YouVersion Bible Plan directly through the YouVersion Bible App on any smartphone, tablet or computer.

Photographs of the Elvis Presley Bible, which was on loan to Museum of the Bible in 2014, have been granted with permission of the owner.