The Roadie Who Remembered Elvis Handing Him A Devotional With The Words, “This Saved Me Once.”

April 8, 2025

The soft hum of excitement filled the backstage area as the sun began to set behind the towering lights of the concert stage. I was just a roadie, a small cog in the massive machine of Elvis Presley’s touring crew, but on this night, I felt like I was part of something monumental. The air was thick with the scent of sweat, popcorn, and the electrifying anticipation of thousands of fans gathering outside to hear the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Among the chaos, I was busy double-checking the equipment, but my mind drifted to a particular moment from months ago that still lingered in my heart.

One afternoon in a dimly lit dressing room, Elvis had pulled me aside. He was tired that day, his face showing the toll of constant touring, but his eyes sparkled with a warmth that made you feel like the most important person in the room. As I adjusted his microphone, he suddenly reached into his jacket and handed me a small, worn devotional book. The cover was faded, and I could tell he had held it often. “This saved me once,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. At that moment, I understood that the struggles of fame weighed heavily on him, and this little book was more than just words; it was his lifeline.

In the weeks that followed, I often found myself turning to that book during the quiet moments of our tour. Elvis’s words carved into my heart a deeper understanding of resilience. He knew the highs and lows of life—how easily one could be swept away by the overwhelming tide of fame or be crushed by the weight of expectations. Each page offered a nugget of hope, and slowly, the book became my own source of strength as I grappled with my role in this whirlwind life. I saw the way Elvis poured his soul into every performance, each note charged with emotional energy, and I began to understand that music was his salvation, just as the devotional had been.

On the night of the concert, as Elvis took the stage, the crowd erupted, and I felt the magic of his presence enveloping us all. He sang with such passion, pouring his emotions into the songs that had captured hearts around the world. I watched as he transformed, each chord strumming the air like an electric bolt. In that moment, I knew that the struggles he faced, the doubts and fears, were not barriers but stepping stones toward the greatness he achieved. Music was not just his career; it was what kept him alive and fighting in a world that could be so harsh.

As he finished the show and the thunderous applause echoed throughout the arena, I made my way backstage, where he stood, soaking in the love of the crowd. Elvis turned to me with a weary but genuine smile, the same smile that had lit up the world countless times. I held up the devotional, and he nodded knowingly. We shared an unspoken bond, one that transcended words. That little book had reminded him to hold on to his purpose, to use his music as a force for good in a world filled with chaos.

Years later, as I reflected on that time, I realized that the lessons I learned from Elvis and that simple devotional shaped my own journey. It taught me that resilience isn’t just about overcoming struggles; it’s about finding your voice and using it to uplift others. Elvis Presley may have been the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, but he was also a man who faced his demons and shared his light. And in doing so, he inspired not only fans but also the roadies who stood in the shadows, fueling the fire that ignited the hearts of millions.