NEXT GENERATION KINGS…Elvis Tribute Artists on display!
by eddie on Jul.01, 2011, under E
July 1st, 2011 marked the release date for the new hardcover book NEXT GENERATION KINGS by Joseph Clough and Teresa Winston. Based on the popularity of their first book ALL THE KING’S MEN they are quickly making a name for themselves in the Elvis World. Their creations are helping to lift the status of the multitudes of professional Elvis Tribute Artists around the world. More and more the industry finds many Elvis performers preferring the title Elvis Tribute Artist (ETA ) as opposed to Impersonator. ETAs take great pride in letting you know they are paying tribute to and not attempting to impersonate “the greatest entertainer of the 20th Century. “To the average person the distinction between “impersonator” and “tribute artist” might seem scant, but it’s as different as day and night for the professionals. NEXT GENERATION KINGS introduces the public to the young, up-and-coming ETAs; honors those performers that have blazed the path for many years in the book’s Hall of Fame; and, pays respect to the fallen Elvis Entertainers in the Valley of the Kings section.
The turning point for the change in attitude toward ETAs can be traced back several years ago when Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE) finally sanctioned and sponsored the first Ultimate Elvis Competition. The finals for the contest take place every August, during Elvis Week, in the King’s hometown Memphis, TN. Granted, there are some die-hard fans of the King who feel the Tribute Artists detract from the attention Elvis alone deserves. Fact is, the majority of fans welcome the opportunity to take part in live shows that celebrate the life and times for the King of Rock n’ Roll! In all the years since Elvis’ passing, the ETAs have been keeping his flame burning brightly and current through their live performances. The Ultimate Elvis Contest is one of the most popular events in Memphis during Tribute Week. Authors, Clough and Winston were savvy enough to recognize this new acceptance of the Elvis Tribute Artists and through their beautifully crafted books are lifting the profession to new heights.
A third book about ETAs is on the drawing board. The Clough Group, which includes co-authors: Joseph Clough, Teresa Winston, Kirk Francois and Eddie O’Rourke are planning THE BROTHERHOOD of ELVIS, a book that will detail the comradeship within the ETA family. It is scheduled for release in July of 2012 and a book signing in August of 2012 during Elvis Week in Memphis.
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>>>> NEXT GENERATION KINGS ”ETA HALL of FAME” EDDIE O’ROURKE <<<<
“I am extremely grateful for my inclusion in Next Generation Kings’ “Hall of Fame.” The honor is doubled by the
fact that I have never taken part in an ETA competition. Long before my Elvis Tribute life, I had a wide and varied career in the music business. That early introduction to the business relied on earning a living entertaining rather than competing. And so, to receive this recognition along with those who regularly compete is very special to me.”- Eddie O’Rourke