TAKING CARE OF “SERIOUS” BUSINESS
by eddie on Jan.31, 2010, under E
The serious business of doing an Elvis Tribute.
I’m well aware of the jokes made about Elvis Impersonators and many are well deserving of the ill remarks. It’s unfortunate, but the media does little to dispel the negative image. More often than not, TV and printed articles take great fancy in depicting the absolute worst and comical of the genre. In an effort to avoid the stigma connected with the title, a growing number of the more professional Elvis Artists choose to call themselves anything but an “Impersonator.” There are hundreds of Elvis performers doing quality, respectful tribute shows. The fact that Elvis Presley Enterprises has embraced the concept with an official “Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest” is proof of that. Most Presley fans are very accepting of the Elvis Tribute Artist and make for an enthusiastic audience. I also find the less avid fans appreciating the nostalgia of these shows. The whole “Elvis Thing” seems to transcend the age barrier as well. My classic car events attract young and old alike and, post performance, I wind up doing photos with fans of every age.
Photos with the fans are an important part of every show.
Elvis had his personal demons…WE ALL DO! However, he was the consummate entertainer and his talent was gigantic. For this reason his aura looms larger than life and I proudly pay homage to that talent.