Ashley Judd recalls Elvis Presley's magic in the recording studio
Synopsis
Ashley Judd's Instagram tribute to her step-father Larry Strickland's Graceland Legends induction doubles as a rare, intimate portrait of Elvis Presley in the studio — disciplined enough to nail 'Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain' in just two takes. With the 50th anniversary in 2027 on the horizon, her post is already sparking fan conversations about who should headline the commemoration.
Key Takeaways
Ashley Judd shared childhood memories of Elvis Presley on Instagram on Thursday, 21 August .
Her step-father Larry Strickland was inducted into the Hall of Graceland Legends after singing bass with Elvis for six years as part of the J.D.
Sumner and the Stamps gospel quartet.
Strickland recalled Elvis recording 'Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain' in just two takes in the Jungle Room at Graceland.
Judd harmonised on 'How Great Thou Art' with the Blackwood Brothers at the Graceland event.
Judd is seeking fan input on the Elvis 50th anniversary celebrations in 2027 , with calls for Ann-Margret already emerging.
Hollywood actress Ashley Judd has shared warm childhood memories of witnessing Elvis Presley perform and record, offering a rare personal window into the life of the music legend through the eyes of someone who grew up in his orbit.
A Family Connection to The King
The tribute came on Thursday when Judd took to Instagram to share a series of photographs and videos marking a milestone for her step-father, Larry Strickland, who was inducted into the Hall of Graceland Legends over the past weekend. Strickland sang bass with Elvis for six years as a member of the iconic J.D. Sumner and the Stamps gospel quartet.
'Elvis Presley was a feature of my childhood, given my Pop sang bass with him for 6 years,' Judd wrote in a lengthy caption. 'Congratulations, Pop, on being inducted as a Graceland Legend this past weekend. I am proud of you.'
Inside the Jungle Room Sessions
Judd recounted a visit to Graceland, where she and Strickland stood in the famous Jungle Room and listened to tracks from the two albums Strickland recorded alongside Presley. Her step-father's recollection painted a vivid picture of Elvis at work: 'I stood there, Elvis walked around and sang. Gosh, he was so prepared, he did 'Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain' in two takes,' Strickland reportedly recalled, with Judd noting he sang along quietly to himself as the memory resurfaced.
The anecdote underscores Presley's legendary studio discipline — a side of The King less frequently discussed compared to his electrifying stage presence.
On Stage at Graceland and Looking Ahead to 2027
Judd also revealed she was invited on stage by the Blackwood Brothers, another celebrated gospel quartet, to harmonise on 'How Great Thou Art' during the event's finale — a song closely associated with Presley himself. 'I am glad to be a part of the Elvis extended family,' she wrote.
Looking ahead, Judd opened the floor to fans about what they would like to see for the 50th anniversary celebrations in 2027. One fan, Vanessa from Texas, reportedly called for Ann-Margret, Presley's co-star and close friend, to be part of the commemorations. 'From your lips to the event organizers,' Judd responded.
Stories of Overalls and Elvis's Wit
In her Instagram Stories, Judd shared further anecdotes from Strickland, including the moment he first met Elvis wearing overalls — and Presley reportedly teasing him about it. She also revealed that an Elvis stage outfit once lived under her childhood bed, a detail that speaks to how deeply Presley's world was woven into her upbringing. 'I enjoy his stories, and hope you will enjoy them too,' she added.
As the 2027 anniversary approaches, moments like these — personal, unscripted, and rooted in lived experience — are likely to shape how a new generation connects with the enduring legacy of Elvis Presley.
Point of View
But the granular detail — two takes for a classic track, overalls at a first meeting, a stage costume under a child's bed. These are the textures that official biopics and anniversary documentaries rarely capture. As the 50th anniversary of Presley's death approaches in 2027, the Elvis estate and event organisers would do well to centre voices like Strickland's — people who were actually in the room — rather than lean solely on spectacle. Fan appetite, as Judd's comments section suggests, is already high and specific.
NationPress
21 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ashley Judd post about Elvis Presley?
Ashley Judd posted on Instagram to celebrate her step-father Larry Strickland's induction into the Hall of Graceland Legends. Strickland sang bass with Elvis Presley for six years as part of the J.D. Sumner and the Stamps gospel quartet, making Presley a regular presence in Judd's childhood.
Who is Larry Strickland and what is his connection to Elvis Presley?
Larry Strickland is Ashley Judd's step-father and a professional gospel singer who performed bass with Elvis Presley for six years as a member of the iconic J.D. Sumner and the Stamps quartet. He was recently inducted into the Hall of Graceland Legends.
What did Elvis Presley record in the Graceland Jungle Room?
According to Larry Strickland, Elvis recorded 'Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain' in the Jungle Room at Graceland, completing the track in just two takes. Strickland was present during the session and recalled Elvis walking around and singing while being remarkably well-prepared.
What are the Elvis Presley 50th anniversary plans for 2027?
No official programme has been announced yet for the 50th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death in 2027. Ashley Judd has invited fans to share their wishes, with one fan from Texas already calling for Ann-Margret to be part of the commemorations.
What is the Hall of Graceland Legends?
The Hall of Graceland Legends is an honour bestowed at Graceland, Elvis Presley's Memphis estate, recognising individuals who made a significant contribution to his life and career. Larry Strickland was inducted during the most recent weekend ceremony attended by Ashley Judd.
