Rick Stanley, Elvis' stepbrother, brings his testimony to Piper's Opera House

Never has there been a more charismatic man who enthralled the world with his music, movies and lifestyle than Elvis Presley.

Living life in the fast lane right along with Elvis was his stepbrother Rick Stanley. Stanley, like Elvis, had a drug addiction and was considered among the Memphis, Tenn., and Los Angeles police departments as a hopeless case. But after Elvis' death in 1977, Stanley said, he accepted Jesus Christ into his life.

"I was churched growing up," Stanley said. "But I was pretty much turned off by it all simply because of what other people said, what I call 'redneck philosophies.'

"They said sex and drugs and rock'n'roll were bad. That's not the issue. All these cultural things are not important. The only important thing is Christ. The issue is God loves you no matter who you are or what you've done."

Stanley will tell his story of faith and what life was like with Elvis at 6:30 p.m. Sunday at Piper's Opera House in Virginia City. It is in partnership with the Nevada Baptist Convention and Comstock Community Church.

"Rick has a unique story," said Glenn Rogers, director of evangelism and prayer with the Nevada Baptist Convention.

"Growing up in Graceland, living with Elvis, Rick's a really interesting guy and a longtime friend and associate.

"He has a fantastic story to share with real insider content."

Stanley said even 30 years after the death of Elvis, his stepbrother is still a popular topic of conversation.

"I'm amazed everybody still wants to know about my brother," Stanley said. "He was more like a dad to me, he was 20 years older.

"But what Elvis went through with his addictions, I did too. And I went through rehab. But the important thing, the hero of my story, is a girl I met in school who never gave up, never forced Christianity at me, just prayed for me a lot. I'm the lucky one."

The hero Stanley talks of is his wife of 30 years, Robyn. They live in Niceville, Fla., and have two daughters; Brittany, 25, and Bethany, 18.

"God turned my life around in October 1977," he said. "If somebody would have approached me 40 years ago, I'm 54, and told me I'd probably turn out to be a minister, I would have said, 'What are you smoking?'"

Stanley said Elvis was a very spiritual person, always reading his Bible.

"That was probably the most understated thing about him. He was an intensely spiritual man."

• Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.

IF YOU GO

WHO: Rick Stanley, stepbrother of Elvis Presley, who wrote a book with Michael K. Haynes, "The Touch of Two Kings, growing up at Graceland - a true story."

WHAT: Guest speaker of Comstock Community Church and Nevada Baptist Convention

WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Sunday

WHERE: Piper's Opera House, one block west of C Street, Virginia City

COST: Free

CALL: 847-0694 or 847-0433