Gordon Stoker passed away aged 88

Gordon Stoker of The Jordanaires died Wednesday. He was 88. His son, Alan, told The Associated Press that Stoker died at his home in Brentwood, Tenn., after a lengthy illness. Stoker, who was born in Gleason, Tenn., got his start playing the piano on WSM radio and its signature show, the Grand Ole Opry.

Alan Stoker said his father was just 15 when he started playing professionally. He joined the Jordanaires as a piano player, but then became tenor vocalist. The group was already well known for their gospel singing when Elvis recruited them to perform on his recording of 'Hound Dog', in 1956. They recorded and performed for years with Elvis, who was a huge gospel fan, Rumble said. In some of the early Elvis recordings, such as 'It's Now or Never', and 'Are You Lonesome Tonight?' their vocals really stood out, he said. The Jordanaires also performed with Patsy Cline on 'Crazy', with Jim Reeves on 'Four Walls', on George Jones' 1980 hit 'He Stopped Loving Her Today', and on Kenny Rogers' 'Lucille'. They were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001.

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Elvis Presley, The Jordanaires: Gordon Stoker, Neal Matthews, Hugh Jarrett and Hoyt Hawkins on piano.

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