WATCH: Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Roy Orbison Tribute Elvis on the Johnny Cash Christmas Show in 1977

Elvis’s sudden death was earth-shattering, life-changing news in 1977. He left quite a hole in a lot of hearts. Over four decades later, he is still remembered. Even young kids still listen to his music.

In his Christmas special the year of Elvis’s death, Johnny Cash did a tribute to the King. Along with Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Roy Orbison, they performed “This Train Is Bound For Glory” to honor Elvis, who loved gospel music. These friends wanted to give Elvis a proper tribute on the first Christmas after his passing. One of The King’s beloved gospel songs was the perfect choice for this moment.

The video below is a great walk down memory lane! Jerry Lee Lewis is the only one of this group who is still with us today. Johnny kicks off the performance, telling the audience how he was a guest singer at an event where Elvis was the headlining star.

Watch the video below of these four legends sing this powerful gospel song for their departed friend Elvis Aaron Presley.

Elvis’s sudden death was a shock. It must have been a real punch in the gut to his friends, family, and colleagues in the music industry. Coming together in song at Christmas was a rather poignant way to remember and honor their friend. And we very much enjoyed watching it at home on our televisions.

I really miss Christmas specials like that one. Today’s entertainers are more about the flash. Back then it was about the talent, not the flash. This video is a good reminder of that. Classic TV was the best for that reason. It also was family friendly. Everyone could sit together and enjoy shows like this. It was centered around family entertainment.

Please share this if you enjoyed it and miss Elvis too!