The Stamps Quartet – Backup Vocalist for
Elvis Presley – 1971 – 1977
 

The legendary, world-famous Stamps Quartet, of Nashville, Tennessee, were backup vocalists for the “world’s greatest entertainer”, Elvis Presley, during the height of his success.  February 1971 until August 1977, during his untimely death.

Elvis, who has been a longtime personal friend of the Stamps Quartet, actually hand-picked the Stamps to be a part of his live shows and recordings.   The Stamps Quartet has received Grammy and Dove Awards for “Best Gospel Group” and “Best Gospel Albums.”  They are members of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.  According to music historians,  the
legendary Stamps Quartet is the “most recognized and awarded” Gospel group in history.  They are the oldest, professional Gospel quartet in the history of America still singing today.

In addition to the Stamps Quartet’s many accomplishments,  they were the first professional quartet to sing world-wide on Elvis Presley’s famous, “Aloha From Hawaii” concert and video, televised and beamed live via satellite, to over one “billion” people, making it one of the most watched live television special events of all time, surpassing the “moon landing” of 1969.  The Stamps were featured singing Elvis’ favorite Gospel song, Sweet Sweet Spirit.

Back stage each night,   Elvis requested the Stamps Quartet to sing “Sweet Sweet Spirit”  prior to going on stage.
Sweet Sweet Spirit brought special peace to Elvis.  During the nightly shows,  Elvis stopped and bowed his head and introduced the Stamps to the audience and asked them to remain silent while the Stamps sang.   The Stamps Quartet were loved by Elvis and many fans.  The fans looked forward to the Stamps Quartet as the “opening act” singing thirty minutes of live Gospel music before Elvis came on stage.

After each show,  the Stamps Quartet were summoned to Elvis’ hotel suite to sing a private concert for  many of Elvis’ special guests, such as Jack Lord, Charlton Heston,  Art Linkletter, Tom Jones, and other guests.

The Stamps Quartet were featured on the Golden-Globe Award winning American musical documentary motion picture,
“Elvis On Tour” released by MGM in 1972.  They have been featured on various videos:  Elvis – He Touched Me video,
The Presley’s video,     NBC Dateline News Special, Crook and Chase, Grand Old Opry,  Nashville Symphony Orchestra, Backstage at the Opry,  Nashville Now,  Tammy Wynette Television Special,   television specials on CBS, NBC, TNN, TBN, PBS.

August 16, 1977,  the day Elvis Presley died,  Elvis was at Graceland and sources say he listened intently to a new demo recording of the Stamps Quartet’s latest recording project.   That same recording still remains visible today on the record turntable at Elvis Presley’s home at Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee.

The fact that the Stamps Quartet were willing to tour with Elvis Presley showed a rare adventurous streak.  The Stamps Quartet have not only been “trendsetters” in the Gospel music arena,  their distinctive Gospel sound that has become their trademark, “has often been imitated but never duplicated.”   Ed Enoch, owner – manager – lead vocalist,  sets high standards for The Stamps Quartet ,  whether they are singing nationally or internationally in a huge arena or on television, the Stamps Quartet feel just as comfortable singing in a small country church.

During Ed Enoch’s years as lead vocalist in the Stamps Quartet,  Elvis Presley introduced him nightly to sold-out audiences: “Ladies and gentlemen,  please make welcome, my friend,  Mr. Ed Enoch, the best and most powerful lead singer in the world.”

Enoch’s proficiency in singing the music of Elvis Presley,  has resulted in a long professional friendship with the management of Graceland / EPE, Inc., and SEG Events, Beverly Hills, California.

August 2003,  Ed Enoch was granted the official Trademark of ownership for the historical Stamps Quartet name from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Washington, D.C.   Ed Enoch knew his journey would continue on,  and has it ever.

The Stamps Quartet perform more than solely religious material.  They are in demand throughout the Secular and
Country/Western field.   Although their specialty is Gospel music,  they are prolific in singing the music of Elvis Presley.

January, 2013,  the Stamps Quartet recorded backup vocals for “Country Music Superstar”  Alan Jackson’s latest Gospel recording,  Precious Memories Volume II.  (Congratulations to Alan Jackson for winning the 2014 Billboard Music Award on May 18, 2014,  for the best Christian album,  Precious Memories Volume II. )

The Stamps Quartet have toured and recorded with many Country Music Legends:
Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette,  Willie Nelson, Jerry Lee Lewis, Conway Twitty,  Jerry Reed,  Ronnie Milsap,  B.J. Thomas, Ferlin Husky,  Ronnie McDowell.  Blue Grass Artist, Ricky Skaggs.  Pop Artists,  Leslie Ughams and Neil Sedaka  Soul Artist: Rev. “Big Al” Green.