When beginning a column about Elvis Tribute Artists, it is imperative for me to begin with the whole picture... The why's, and what's that bring like-minded entertainers to the forefront of this skeptical limited music industry- called "Tributes".
In my quest to bring Elvis to this generation and enlighten others of this musical icon, I found my path through the Elvis Tribute Artist, affectionately known as ETA.
It is not an uncommon occurrence in this day to read your local newspaper and see that "Elvis" is performing at one of the local venues. In fact it is not only common, but is almost expected in some areas. Many of these venues will hold hundreds of people, and will become engorged by nightfall with screaming unruly over-zealous women. Whilst the women are lavishly giving and receiving attention, the partner they came with, will usually sit back politely, allowing for this moment of reminisce. Occasionally, the women or men, will get out of hand, and find themselves heading towards the back door in an old fashioned manner! During the course of the performance, the final expectation of the entertainer is having had the opportunity to take their audience on a frenzied roller coaster ride down memory lane- often gathering a few new comers along the way. Leading the audience into the time when Elvis Presley became the king of Rock n' Roll is their intention, and without a doubt, most of the ETA's do so without hesitation.
This new dimension of entertainer goes back to even before the untimely death of Elvis Presley, for even as Elvis was standing on stage, you could find the odd impersonator singing his songs in smoky pubs and venues around the globe. With the demand of Elvis so high, many of these men made extremely large amounts of money, impersonating someone still very much alive! They were few, many being quite ridiculous, complete with body guards, and the mentality of "make believe", but the crowds still filled the room often with standing room only Although over the years the crowds have remained consistent, the money isn't as quite as good as it was, simply because there are so many of these specialized entertainers in this era. The long-term forecast is an unbelievable 25,000 ETA's by the year 2005!
Today, the Elvis Tribute Artists, are no longer called "Impersonators", these fellows have cleaned up the old image of Elvis Impersonators. This new breed of entertainer is doing a sincere and beautiful tribute to the man that made music rock the world. No, they are not trying to be Elvis; their only desire is to evoke the memories of this poor southern boy-turned King. A dedicated religious man who lived his life thrilling people of all ages, and giving himself to each and every one of us.
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