Archive for January, 2009
MY WARDROBE OF JUMPSUITS
by eddie on Jan.09, 2009, under E
Always an important aspect of any Elvis Show representing his career in the late ‘ 60s and ’70s are the costumes. During the concert years, Elvis’ performing attire became increasingly elaborate. A wide variety of looks from quite plain to stud and jewel encrusted. Building a wardrobe of stagewear for the “Vegas” era can be a costly undertaking. In addition to the jumpsuits there’s a list of required accessories; eyeglasses, jewelry, boots, concert belts and guitars. IT HAS NEVER BEEN MY AMBITION TO DUPLICATE EVERY COSTUME ELVIS EVER WORE! Yes, I do own a few exact copies. Some outfits even made by the folks who dressed “The King”. If you’re performing “The ‘68 Comeback Show”, you ought to have the “Black Leather” look. If you’re doing the “Aloha from Hawaii Concert”, you should be wearing the “American Eagle” jumpsuit. However, if it’s a generic Elvis Tribute, I believe along with choosing the list of songs, it’s OK to take some liberty with the look of the costume. For an Elvis Tribute Artist or Impersonator…clothes may not make the man, but they certainly help! The trick for me is KEEPING THE LOOK WHILE NOT GETTING LOST IN THE CROWD OF OTHER ELVIS ENTERTAINERS.
THE ELVIS CONTESTS
by eddie on Jan.04, 2009, under E
Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest
I am often asked if I ever compete in any of the Elvis impersonator or tribute artist contests. Well, let me say first that what I’m about to write is not meant to denegrate the guys who are class performers and choose to enter in competition. It’s also nice to see, after all these years, the Presley Estate acknowledging Elvis Tribute Artists and Impersonators with “THE ULTIMATE ELVIS CONTEST” every August in Memphis. It would appear that Elvis Presley Enterprises has finally realized what a wonderful marketing tool a professional Elvis Tribute Artist/Impersonator can be.
In all the years that I’ve performed my Tribute Show, I’ve never entered one contest or taken part in any sort of competition. I suppose the primary reason is that I already had an established music career long before I ever did my first tribute. At an early age, I played guitar with rocker, Jerry Lee Lewis and country/blues artist, Charlie Rich. I also toured the United States with RCA’s Norman Luboff Choir. I took part in a national ad campaign for Hofner Guitars along with Paul McCartney and other personalities of the period. Once I began my Elvis Tribute, I was too busy “BEING” a performer to take the time to compete. The respect of all the people I’ve worked with over the years has been enough validation for me.