ELVIS TRIBUTE ARTIST OR IMPERSONATOR?
by eddie on Aug.11, 2008, under E
August 10, 2008
I am often asked to explain the difference between the two. If you
posed the question to a dozen Elvis Tribute Artists/Impersonators, you would probably get a dozen different variations on the theme. All I can offer is my
personal take on the subject. For myself, I prefer the title of Tribute
Artist. I pay tribute to the man and his music. When I’m on stage my
goal is to present myself with a general Elvis style. Yes, I wear
the jumpsuit, but my voice is MY voice. If people feel I have an
Elvis quality when I sing…I’m pleased. I don’t attempt to sing a
song with every inflection the King used at a particular concert . I
don’t present a song exactly the same way twice. Even Elvis played
with the lyrics and melody.
An Impersonator is someone who attempts to be a carbon copy. Exact
vocals with exact moves and facial expressions. It is unfortunate,
but there are far too many guys with little or no talent attempting
to be exact copies. They’re the ones who give the rest of us a bad
name and all too often the press refers to them as “IMPERSONATORS.”
I’ve always tried to project a natural Elvis appearance in my
shows. Real sideburns not paste-ons. I don’t wear stage makeup to
enhance the look and I’ve never worn those ridiculous wigs with the
exaggerated pompadours. I DON’T IMPERSONATE ELVIS, I PAY TRIBUTE! My
appearance, moves and singing are meant to be similar….not an
exact copy! In the final analysis, no matter where you perform; Philadelphia to Phoenix, Memphis to Moscow… call yourself whatever you
please. But, perform with quality and respect.