‘Joy’ in heaven when one sinner repents

On how all kinds of music can have an effect

I DON’T suppose there’s any more we can say about Elvis Presley that’s not already been said.

He was famous in life and even more so in death as this week will be the 45th anniversary of his passing. Amazingly, he still has a world following and what’s even more remarkable is that his fan base is increasingly made up of those who were not even born at the time of his death.

Since his death on August 16, 1977 there have been conspiracy theories from sightings of him boarding a plane on the day he died to the most bizarre yet, that he was an ‘extra’ in the film Home Alone standing in the queue in the airport scene where the mum is desperately trying to get a flight home. Was it Elvis? I think not!

Graceland, his home where he was laid to rest, sees increasing visitors from all over the world.

Among those who have visited were the President of Japan who was an avid fan to Princes William and Harry who, while on a visit to Memphis, insisted on visiting and taking in the tour.

There’s no doubt that Elvis’s music, dynamism and personality captivated a generation and sparked the beginnings of what was to be a momentous change in musical culture which has lasted to this very day.

Musical historians believe it all started when Elvis first experienced Gospel music in a downtown church in Memphis which was the ‘spark’ that ignited the fire and the rest is history.

Then again Gospel and all kinds of music can have that effect. A song on the radio can take us back to our childhood and youth within moments.

Many a married couple have ‘their song’.

Cwm Rhondda and Calon Lân sung before an international at the Principality stadium have many hardened rugby fans in tears of pride and expectation.

Elvis, so we are told often relaxed by singing and playing those lovely ballads of faith, expressing the love of Jesus and the peace and promise of heaven.

After all the Bible says that there is ‘joy’ in heaven when one sinner repents. If that’s not a reason for songs for joy and even greater celebration I don’t know what is!