Gospel singer who performed with Elvis dies

[December 13, 2010]  ATLANTA, Ga. (AP) -- Sherrill "Shaun" Nielsen, a gospel singer who performed with Elvis Presley, has died at age 68.

Nielsen's publicist, Aaron Crisler, says Nielsen died Friday of lung cancer.

Nielsen sang with Elvis on the Grammy-nominated song "Softly as I Leave You" and performed with a number of gospel groups over his career including the Singing Speer Family and Voice.

Nielsen is survived by his wife Brenda Hall Nielsen. His funeral is scheduled for Thursday in Cullman, Ala.

[Associated Press]

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