Gospel singer Joe Moscheo of The Imperials dies at 78
Gospel Music Hall of Famer and music executive Joe Moscheo — who sang with Elvis Presley as a member of gospel group The Imperials — died Monday, January 11, 2016 at age 78.
Mr. Moscheo had been battling a degenerative neurological disease for several years and had been hospitalized after emergency surgery Dec. 30.
Mr. Moscheo's career with The Imperials began in 1964 as a singer, keyboard player and arranger. The group first worked with Presley in the recording studio on several sessions in the mid-'60s. In 1969, Presley invited them to be his backup vocal group at his residency in Las Vegas. That gig lasted until 1971, and their association with "The King" forever changed Mr. Moscheo and his bandmates' careers.
"There's only about 50 of us that ever had the opportunity to perform with him onstage," Mr. Moscheo told The Tennessean in 2007. "It's an honor and such a memory that is uniquely (mine). It certainly has changed my life; I am grateful for it."
His career had many more notable chapters after his time with Presley and The Imperials. In 1978 he joined BMI and served as vice president of special projects, staying with the company for 16 years. His career also included time as president/board member of the Gospel Music Association, the Board of Governors for the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and the W.O. Smith/Nashville Community Music School.
Mr. Moscheo was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2007 and had previously been inducted as a member of The Imperials.
In 1998, Mr. Moscheo toured with "Elvis The Concert," which combined live musicians with video of Presley. He also wrote the book "The Gospel Side of Elvis," drawing on his time with the rock legend.
"I think (Presley) is the greatest gospel singer who ever lived because of the work he left behind. His Grammys are only for gospel," he told The Tennessean in 2007. "I think he would have been a gospel singer at age 72. Rock 'n' roll would have probably passed him by, but he would still be singing 'How Great Thou Art.' "
Funeral arrangements have not been announced. In lieu of flowers, Mr. Moscheo's family requests that donations be made to the Music Health Alliance, the Opry Trust Fund, MusiCares and the Gospel Music Association Trust.
