Elvis Tribute Artist Eddie O'Rourke presents A Tribute to The King

"Elvis" with friends from Brooklyn

On a recent Royal Caribbean cruise to Bermuda, I had yet another opportunity to meet and greet a large number of Elvis fans.

From the moment we left port in Bayonne New Jersey the ship quickly became an intimate floating community of people from diverse locations. I had many conversations and posed for lots of photos with a multitude of Elvis enthusiasts. I occasionally found myself educating fans on the subtle differences between an Elvis Tribute Artist, as opposed to impersonators, imitators and look-alikes. Even for the staff, representing

"Elvis" with Mina from China

sixty eight international flags, it would appear that the “King” remains popular in their respective countries. As I toured the streets of Hamilton, Bermuda, out of costume, I was greeted with scores of familiar Elvis references such as; It’s the King and Elvis is in the building! It must be the sideburns ’cause when I stopped for lunch at a local English Pub…the manager quickly made her way to my table to learn where I was performing.  As an Elvis Tribute Artist, it’s not always easy living up to the myth, but it’s always a kick to represent

Sinya from Bulgaria

“The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll” …whether here, at home, or outside the USA.

On Sunday, November 8th “The Pointe”, 2 Chapel Avenue, Port Liberte’, Jersey City, will present New Jersey Elvis Tribute Artist Eddie O’Rourke.  The popular entertainer will make his third  appearance, for the 2009 season, at the  elegant nitery. For this performance O’Rourke will sport a copy of The King’s white, beaded, fringed outfit worn by Elvis during many of his 1970 concerts. The suit is best remembered as one of the costumes featured in the MGM movie “Elvis, That’s The Way It Is.” Back-up for Eddie’s concert will be provided by DJ Express. There is no cover charge, but reservations are suggested. Call: 201 985-9854. Show time is 6:00 PM and cameras are welcomed.

“The Memphis Mafia“  was the nickname for a group of  relatives, friends and associates whose main purpose was to keep Elvis occupied. Several filled actual working positions in the “King’s” life. Some of the jobs included: bodyguard, tour managing, scheduling and costume maintenance. The members were paid a modest base salary, but received extravagant perks such as , cars, houses and bonuses. Over the years the personnel in The Memphis Mafia changed somewhat, but there was always the core members who spent a great deal of time with Elvis.

The original members, starting in 1954, were Junior and Gene Smith…Gladys Presley’s nephews. They, along with Elvis’ high school buddy Red West and later Billy Smith (youngest cousin), accompanied Presley everywhere. Later, after Elvis’ time in the Army, came  George Klein (high school friend – became a popular disc jockey in Memphis), Joe Esposito (tour manager & right-hand man) Marty Lacker (shared duties with Esposito), Sonny West (bodyguard), Charlie Hodge (sang harmony and played guitar on tour), Lamar Fike (misc. responsibilities). The next wave added Elvis’ step brothers Rick, Billy and David Stanley (varying tour jobs), Jerry Schilling (now Daughter Lisa Marie’s manager), Larry Geller (hairdresser), Sam Thompson (girlfriend Linda Thompson’s brother – security force),Dave Hebler and Dick Grob (additional security) and assorted other add-on members.

The term “Memphis Mafia” came from a member of the press in 1960. After seeing Elvis and his crew emerge from limos, dressed in black mohair suits and sporting sunglasses, a fan was heard to ask, “Who are they, The Mafia?” The reporter used a slightly altered rendition of the term for his story.

My career as an Elvis Tribute Artist has put me in the company of many past members of  The Memphis Mafia. A good many items from my collection of  Elvis-owned items came directly from them. A list of those articles includes: sets of curtains from Elvis’ Circle G Ranch in Mississippi and Hillcrest home in Beverly Hills. Also curtains from Elvis’ bedroom in his Father, Vernon’s home in Memphis, Some of The King’s  personal stationery, a dress owned and worn by Priscilla Presley, a flight plan and registration for Elvis’ private jet “The Lisa Marie”, large sections of fence from his ranch and Graceland,  silver and crystal dining items and so much more.

Surviving members of The Memphis Mafia show up at Elvis Conventions  at home, in the USA, and abroad. They have authored many books that give us a glimpse of life on the road and behind the music gates of Graceland with one of the most legendary performers of the Twentieth Century.

My association with Hofner Guitars began while I was touring with RCA’s Norman Luboff Choir. The group produced many popular recordings in the fifties, sixties and seventies. Norman scored music for a number of motion pictures including: James Dean’s “Giant”, “Island In The Sun” and “The Miracle.” And provided background arrangements for a number of pop vocalists like Harry Belefonte, Doris Day and Rosemary Clooney.

I was very young and new to the music scene and things like endorsement contracts. It was around this time that I became friends with Les Paul, the “father of the electric guitar.” So, when the Hofner people approached me about promoting their instruments, I asked Les for his advice. Back in the early fifties, Les Paul had negotiated one of the greatest endorsement deals of all time with Gibson Guitars. He also counseled Chet Atkins when the Gretsch folks flirted with him for an endorsement. I visited with Les Paul at his studio/home in Mahwah, New Jersey and kicked around several ideas over a few beers. Les leaned back in his seat and offered…”If you can’t get the money you want…get as many guitars, amps, sets of strings…whatever they’re willing to offer. And limit the length of the endorsement, so they have to renegotiate in a few years.” Armed with my new found info, I went back to Hofner’s American distributor, Sorkin Music in Long Island, New York. We settled on a cash amount plus a truck-load of guitars, “Premier Amps”, cartons of Hofner Guitar Strings and accessories. I would use the various instruments on stage while performing with the luboff Choir. In addition, while on tour, I would contact local Hofner dealers and set up in-store demonstrations. Norman and I sat for a bunch of publicity shots out in Hollywood and were featured in catalogues and posters worldwide, along with “Beatle” Paul McCartney and other personalities of the day. As part of the deal, I even managed a customized guitar for Norman’s son Peter. Needless to say, it was Paul McCartney playing that violin shaped bass, that put Hofner Guitars on the map here in the USA. Paul was their prime endorser, but I was very happy with my deal.

There’s even an Elvis connection to the Hofner association. Presley was stationed in Germany while in the Army and brought back a few European guitars, including a “Framus”…a competitor of Hofner. Elvis, no doubt, got to play a variety of German guitars in his time. As an ode to his stint in Bad Nauheim, Germany, I still use some of those Hofner Guitars in my Elvis Tribute Show

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Christmas has always been my favorite time of year. I can recall when I was a child how I hated when the decorations came down. I vowed I would make the holiday season last, once I was in control.

Welcome to my home "Gracenote"...all dressed up for Christmas.

Elvis was also into the Christmas Season. At “Graceland” the decorations were up for Thanksgiving and were kept in place until Elvis’ birthday, January 8th.

The entrance hall; dining room on the left, living and music rooms to the right.

For his first Christmas at Graceland, Elvis had a local Memphis, sign maker construct a huge Santa and eight reindeer with a message that read: “MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, ELVIS.”            A copy of that display is still placed on the front lawn, as part of the mansion’s holiday decorations. The original Santa and reindeer are tucked away for safe keeping. Also, the driveway, from the music gates to the main house, continues to be outlined in blue lights every Christmas

View from the dining room, past the entrance hall to the living and music rooms. Elvis tree of white and red in the center.

These days at my home, “Gracenote”, the decorations start going up right after Halloween and remain in place until the end of January. I mostly decorate with trees of various sizes and each one has a theme. My favorite tree has a very traditional look, decorated with collectible glass ornaments…a number of which date back to my childhood.

The "Circle E Ranch " room and the tree decorated with old glass ornaments.

Flanking the archway to the living room are two white trees; one decorated in blue, highlighted with a tiny pair of blue suede shoes in honor of Carl Perkins. The other in red has an Elvis theme

There’s a tree in the living     room that’s royal blue and gold…the colors for all the formal rooms at Graceland. In the dining room are three trees; a tiny one with Lenox ornaments, a mid-size that has a Victorian look, and the largest tree containing ornaments collected from my travels on the road.

The house was built in 1870 and this is the original staircase. The Carl Perkins tree, complete with "Blue Suede Shoes", is at the right.

As a nod to Elvis and Graceland Mansion, the exterior of  “Gracenote” is bathed in blue spotlights from Thanksgiving until Elvis’ birthday.

A large tree in the dining room contains ornaments I've collected while on the road

Back inside, I have a few additional themes in mind….I JUST MIGHT BE ADDING A FEW MORE TREES!

Here, in the living room, with the blue & gold tree...I've traded my Elvis jumpsuit for Santa attire. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL from EDDIE O'ROURKE's "GRACENOTE"...the real "GRACELAND" replica!

GRACENOTE...Very early morning, the snow storm of December '09

FOR MORE PHOTOS AND INFORMATION ABOUT EDDIE O’ROURKE’s GRACENOTE, GO TO THE DECEMBER ‘08 ARCHIVE ON THIS BLOG

I don’t consider myself an Elvis impersonator, lookalike or imitator.  However, the fact that I choose to have real sideburns has often pigeon-holed me with one of those labels.

Years ago I made the decision not to use a wig and fake burns for my Elvis Tribute Shows. With few exceptions, they just never look natural. And, an ivy league haircut with paste-on sideburns just makes a guy look like someone dressed for a Halloween party. The thought of looking like a parody goes against everything I try to achieve in my Elvis Show. My tribute has always been done with sincerity and respect for the image. All my costumes are carefully maintained, I’m meticulous about the jewelry and guitars I use, and I’m fortunate to be blessed with a slim physique

Eddie O'Rourke as Elvis..."sideburns" and all !

Off stage, I’ve always liked stylish clothes. The combination of the burns and clothes pretty much have me in costume, even when I’m not. Whether it’s my home-base in New Jersey, Manhattan, Philadelphia, Memphis, Texas or just about everywhere… I, along with my family and friends, have grown accustomed to the stares and remarks when I’m out in public. I don’t think I look like Elvis, but folks continually make the connection. I suppose I should be flattered that the illusion exists in so many peoples eyes. It certainly helps to make my performance more convincing.

It has always been my belief that having an “Elvis Attitude” is as important as physically looking or sounding like “The King.” The right attitude can go a long way toward a good performance. It’s a tool used by the best actors. I’ve had people tell me I carry myself like Elvis. It’s not something I’m conscious of doing. If it’s true, it’s natural….like the sideburns. For the audience to buy into the illusion, they have to believe what they see. In most of my shows, I’m up close and personal with the crowd. The less “fake” they observe in my appearance…the easier it is for them to accept what they see as real. If the day comes when I feel I can no longer represent the image faithfully…that’s the day this Elvis Tribute Artist will shave off the sideburns and hang up the jumpsuit. Till then…THE “ELVIS-BURNS” STAY!

Elvis Tribute Artist, Eddie O'Rourke does the "red carpet" in Tribeca

Earlier in the year this Elvis Tribute Artist was invited to The Tribeca Film Festival. Founded in 2002, by actor Robert DeNiro and Craig Hatkoff  just after 9-11. The festival was conceived to foster the revitalization of the downtown area of Manhattan and to promote New York City as a major mecca for film making.

At a private screening I saw the premier of the hilarious dark-comedy “Serious Moonlight”,starring Meg Ryan and Timothy Hutton.  The film was directed by actor/director Cheryl Hines and screenplay by the late Adrienne Shelly who also wrote, co-starred in, and directed the critically acclaimed 2007 hit “Waitress.” A big thumbs-up for Shelly’s final entry. Her tragic passing is such a loss to those of us who appreciate superb writing. I’ll be looking forward to hitting The Tribeca Film Festival once again in the Spring of 2010. See…I do occasionally get to do something in addition to my Elvis Tribute Show!

Another fantastic audience!

Eddie O'Rourke as Elvis is a "hunka burnin' love" at his Sept., '09 "Concert In The Park"

Saturday, September 20th was yet another New Jersey gig. An Elvis Tribute Concert at the Dr. David G. Morris Park in Bayonne. The facility is adjacent to an historic 19th century firehouse which has been  turned into a museum. I got to take some photos, dressed in a rendition of Elvis’ “Burnin’ Love” jumpsuit, with some pretty old fire fighting gear. One of my favorite antiques on display was a horse drawn, water coach from 1840.

This Elvis Tribute was sponsored by The Gary LaPelusa Association. Gary is a New Jersey politician. DJ Express provided my background music and sound support. The concert, just under an hour, ran the gamut of Elvis hits from the Fifties through the Seventies. The show attracted a mixed audience of kids to seniors and I caught every age group singing along at various points. After remaining for photos, as I was getting ready to leave, a sweet little girl named Madison, approached me with her grandfather. She had already taken a photo with me earlier, but wanted to shake my hand before going home. You know…it’s the magic of Elvis. IT’S GOOD TO PLAY THE KING!!

Bringin' it on home for the final "Elvis Summer Festival '09"

Eddie O'Rourke's "Blue Suede" finish for his "Elvis Summer Festival", Sept., '09

On Thursday, September 17th, I played the final concert for my “Elvis Summer Festival” here in New Jersey. The programs have been presented as a feature of the Bayonne Town Center Classic Car Shows, since the beginning of the new millennium

A cool September evening, no rain ( which this Elvis Tribute Artist has had a good deal of this Summer) and a very responsive audience was the setting for the last concert for my ‘09 Elvis Summer Festival. Despite a minor mishap with my guitar strap giving out at the beginning of my opening number,  the show got off to a strong start with “That’s Alright Mama”, followed by “Release Me” and “Sweet Caroline.” Later, midway in the show, I did a well received rendition of “It’s Over” followed by “Return To Sender.” Near the closing of the concert came another Elvis classic, “If I Can Dream” and “Proud Mary” just before the traditional outro tune “Can’t Help Falling In Love.” A final concert scarf for a waiting female and that was it for my New Jersey “Elvis Festival 2009.”

My unending thanks to Mary Divock, Executive Director for The Town Center and Megan Januska, Executive Assistant for their support and sponsorship of my Elvis Summer shows. Also thanks for making  me feel so special. They are the ones without whom these Summer events would never happen. The Car Shows are but a part of the programs they are responsible for throughout the entire year. What they accomplish is no small feat. My gratitude also to The Big Apple Restaurant in Bayonne, NJ for sponsoring my “Aloha from Hawaii” concert in August. Finally, a big THANK YOU to all my New Jersey friends and fans who show up, in all kinds of weather, for these outdoor events. THERE WOULD BE LITTLE REASON FOR MY SHOWING UP WITHOUT THEIR LOYALTY…AND I DO SO LOVE MY WORK AS AN ELVIS TRIBUTE ARTIST!!

After a 42 year run, The Philadelphia Spectrum will close it’s doors forever at the end of the ‘09 season.

Completed in 1967, seating about 18,000, it became part of The South Philadelphia Sports Complex. The structure will close following a four evening concert with Pearl Jam on October 27, 28, 3o and 31, 2009. Thereafter, the arena will be razed to make way for a planned hotel for the complex.

Popular music concerts have been staged at The Spectrum since its opening. Renowned for excellent acoustics, the venue has presented the likes of The Doors, The Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Aerosmith, Pink Floyd, Queen, Guns ‘n’ Roses, Kiss, Phil Collins and Phish. On May 28, 1977, Elvis Presley performed a live concert at The Spectrum arena. Elvis hit the stage dressed in his white, prehistoric bird suit and, despite mic feedback, charged through his opening number See See Rider. A business called King Features Syndicate produced bootleg  copies of Elvis’ concert that night. It would prove to be one of Elvis’ final appearances.

The Spectrum “Theater” was an additional venue for acts not big enough to fill the arena. A stage was placed in the center of the arena, and the second half of the Spectrum, behind the stage, was curtained-off to create the “theater.” Acts that performed in that setting include: Frank Zappa, Diamond Dog, Natty Dread, Kaya, Bruce Springsteen, Peter Gabriel and Howard Jones.

And so, like so many other lost Elvis haunts, we bid farewell to yet another piece of Elvis Presley history!