With a diversified background in sales, dance and modeling, it's not surprising that impersonating Elvis Presley came so naturally to Irv.
Irv has performed with "Legends in Concert," and traveled from Lebanon to Germany to Beirut to Las Vegas, Nevada.
Irv will be the featured artist in the soon to be released doctumentary, "Almost Elvis," by Blue Suede Suede Films.
I caught up with this, "Elvis Tribute Artist Extraordinaire" recently, for this exclusive Suite 101 interview.
June : Where are you originally from, and where do you call home now Irv ?
Irv : I was born in Fort Wayne, IN. I now live in Niles, MI which is about 8 miles from South Bend, IN, home of Notre Dame.
June : What songs did you perform in the Memphis '99 competition ?
Irv : "All Shook Up," "The Wonder of You," "Suspicious Minds," "Just Pretend," and I ended the set with "My Way."
June : Describe how it felt when they announced your name as the new, "National Champion of Worldwide Images of Elvis."
Irv : It was a great feeling, of course - the culmination of all the preparation and work. However, the negative side of winning that particular contest (or any other) is that some of the ones that don't win find it necessary to make comments in your presence and to your friends. I understand that everyone wants to win - but - that's not possible. If you have done your very best, you are a winner to yourself, the Elvis fans and the world.
June : What Elvis eras do you perform?
Irv : I do the '68 Comeback Special in the black leather, the early Vegas years (fringe jumpsuit), and the late Vegas years ( the jumpsuits with the big belts
June : Was there one particular moment in you life when you realized that you wanted to be an Elvis Impersonator ?
Irv : No, I honestly never even considered it. I was involved in another career and entered an Impersonator contest for fun. I was surprised to come in 5th place - I had no outfit, light brown hair, no sideburns - only the voice. I decided to develop my look
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