This is a story woven with destiny, illustrating how seemingly unrelated events converge, creating a personal connection to one of Elvis Presley’s beloved gospel songs, “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” This journey began subtly in 2009, unfolding over the years and touching various facets of my life as an Elvis enthusiast, a realization that only recently became clear as I connected the threads.
My story starts with my deep admiration for Jerry Schilling and the stunning artwork of Joe Petruccio. During Elvis Week in 2009, I first laid eyes on Petruccio’s beautiful painting depicting Elvis and Jerry Schilling. I discovered this piece at a store adjacent to where the Rock n Roll Cafe once stood in the old Graceland Crossing shopping center. Joe Petruccio was there, introducing this new painting, and as a big fan of Jerry, I was instantly captivated. While I adored the artwork, purchasing it was beyond my means at the time. Joe kindly permitted me to photograph it under the promise not to share it online, a promise I kept. I held onto that photo for eight years, gazing at it often, longing to own it. What’s remarkable is that I didn’t know the painting’s title or that it was called “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” despite the fact that the image it was based on appeared on the cover of Jerry Schilling’s memoir. This personal connection to the song “You’ll Never Walk Alone” by Elvis Presley was just beginning to manifest.
Joe Petruccio painting titled “You’ll Never Walk Alone” featuring Elvis Presley and Jerry Schilling
Eight years passed, leading up to the grand opening of the new Elvis Presley’s Memphis complex in March 2017. Reflecting on that day, I remember being there since 8 am, and by 6:30 pm, we still hadn’t fully explored the new museums, having only had a brief walk-through earlier. We began in the VIP lounge and exhibit area. I was thrilled to see my favorite Joe Petruccio painting displayed prominently on the wall – the one featuring Jerry Schilling and Elvis, personally autographed by Jerry. I had admired this painting since meeting Joe in 2009 when he first showed it at Graceland Crossing. Joe had indeed painted it from a photograph that Jerry used for his memoir cover. The very next day, I returned to the VIP Exhibit, located near the Elvis Fashion store, specifically to inquire about purchasing that Jerry and Elvis painting by Joe Petruccio. To my delight, it was for sale, albeit slightly exceeding my intended budget, but I bought it nonetheless. After desiring that painting for eight years, my excitement was immense. They arranged to ship it to me, as it was too large and valuable to risk transporting on the plane. This painting, fittingly titled “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” now hangs proudly on my wall, a daily source of joy. Joe mentioned it was the last one available in that edition – number 18 out of 25. Jerry Schilling, naturally, owns number 1, which is displayed in his home. The source photo, taken backstage in 1972 (the year of my birth), captured a quiet moment between Elvis and Jerry.
Original backstage photo of Elvis Presley and Jerry Schilling from 1972
Cover of Jerry Schilling’s memoir featuring a photo with Elvis Presley
Two years later, in January 2019, I created a few “Jerry’s Girls for EP” shirts for the 84th Elvis Birthday Celebration. One of these shirts featured the very photograph that inspired my “You’ll Never Walk Alone” painting. It was during this visit that I had the incredible opportunity to take a guided tour of Graceland led by Jerry Schilling himself. As we passed through the living room/music room, Jerry recounted a touching personal story: he walked in to find Elvis Presley singing You’ll Never Walk Alone alone at the piano. Elvis simply winked at him, and Jerry, understanding the moment, quietly left to allow Elvis his private time with one of his favorite songs. Eight months later, during the Candlelight Vigil around 1:45 am on August 16, 2019, I was walking back down the Graceland driveway from the Meditation Garden. At that precise moment, “You’ll Never Walk Alone” began playing. As I walked alone, tears welled up, and it was then that the profound connection solidified. There was clearly something significant linking me to that song, a bond tying together myself, Jerry, Elvis, and “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” There was a deeper meaning behind Jerry and Elvis’s friendship, my affection for Jerry, the painting’s title, and the song playing as I descended the iconic driveway in the early hours of that morning. For me, the significance of Elvis Presley singing You’ll Never Walk Alone feels like my personal connection to Elvis, primarily through Jerry Schilling.
Candlelight Vigil at Graceland driveway where “You’ll Never Walk Alone” played
Another two years passed, and in the spring of 2021, as the pandemic seemed to be easing, I decided to finally become a Founder at The Guest House at Graceland, which includes receiving a Founder’s Plaque. I needed to choose a few words for the plaque. While my name was a given, I struggled with what else to include. Then, it became undeniably clear – my story, my connection – “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” In May, I made my first trip back to Memphis and Graceland since January 2020. I proudly wore my “You’ll Never Walk Alone” Jerry’s Girls for EP shirt along the Founder’s Path leading to the Meditation Garden during a Morning Walk Up. Then, on the morning of July 4th, I saw my Founder’s plaque for the first time, newly installed with “You’ll Never Walk Alone” inscribed above my name. Just that week, thanks to a friend, I also ordered a “You’ll Never Walk Alone” candle holder from 1987, an item I plan to bring to this year’s Candlelight Vigil.
Founder’s Plaque at The Guest House at Graceland with “You’ll Never Walk Alone”
Vintage “You’ll Never Walk Alone” candle holder from 1987
Beyond these personal connections, the song has appeared in other areas of my life. U2 played a snippet of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” at the close of their song “Walk On” during their 360 tour in 2011, a tour where I attended all 16 US shows. Furthermore, in the months following Olivia Newton-John’s passing, I discovered that she had also recorded “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” I’ve been a fan of Olivia for as long as Elvis and U2, essentially my entire life. Thus, the song remarkably connects three of my greatest passions: Elvis, Olivia, and U2. More recently, in November 2023, I noticed Potsie singing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” in episode 9 of season 4 of Happy Days. This suggests the song may have resided in my subconscious even as a four-year-old, as I was a fan of Happy Days before discovering Olivia Newton-John and U2, and around the same time as Elvis. It’s truly astonishing how consistently this particular song has been a part of my life, although its profound significance wasn’t fully realized until I chose it for my Founder’s Plaque in 2021. Exploring a list of Presley songs reveals the breadth of his recordings, but few hold such a unique, recurring personal resonance as “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” arguably not one of his lesser known Elvis songs but one with a deeply personal story attached.
In conclusion, the story of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and Elvis Presley in my life is a compelling reminder of how music and personal relationships intertwine across time. From a beloved painting and a touching anecdote shared by Jerry Schilling at Graceland to its inscription on a lasting plaque, the song has served as a recurring motif, solidifying a unique connection to the legacy of Elvis Presley. It’s a personal testament to the enduring power of music and memory, proving that sometimes, everything does happen for a reason.
