Ah, yes, Elvis impersonators. Those lively men (women and even children) dressed up in bejeweled white bell-bottomed suits and capes with the puffed dark hair and sideburns who continue to believe and entertain. They are everywhere and they come in all shapes, sizes and colors. They are probably most common in Las Vegas but these days, it's not surprising to find an Elvis impersonator in Greece, Mexico, England or even Japan.
The King and I - I wanna be Elvis
It didn't take long before Elvis' style was copied by Elvis wanna-bes. The King was still alive when impersonators began to appear. However, it was after his death in 1977 when Elvis impersonators multiplied and became part of mainstream entertainment. At the time, there were only about 170 Elvis impersonators. Today, there are tens of thousands. The notable comedian Andy Kaufman, in his early years, was one of the first professional entertainers to include impersonating Elvis in his act.
Becoming and being Elvis means different things for different people. There are Elvis impersonators who are mainly look-alikes and dress-alikes, while there are others who talk and sing like Elvis for entertainment. Still there are others who combine the two talents to become professionals. And then, there are those who 'live Elvis' as in dressing up and living their lives as they imagined the spiritual Elvis would.
Have you seen Elvis?
There are different Elvis looks that can be emulated but probably the most popular look that impersonators use is the 50s and 70s Elvis. However, it is the image of Elvis wearing the white suit, scarf and cape that endures and is easily the most recognizable.
Being Elvis
If you want to be Elvis, there are two ways to do it. One, do as Nike says and just do it and two, make it a process. There are several books about Elvis impersonators that not only document this phenomenon but also provide some valuable insight into the minds of other Elvis's. Some of these include: 'I Am Elvis: A Guide to Elvis Impersonators', 'Impersonating Elvis', 'The Elvis Impersonation Kit' and 'Be Elvis!'
Elvis impersonators in the 21st century
Today, Elvis impersonating is not only a business, it is an industry. There are registries that list Elvis impersonators who do it professionally and there is even an Elvis Information Network or EIN, aside from the tributes sponsored by the Elvis Presley Enterprises.
Around the world and especially in the United States, there are festivals, contests and events specifically for Elvis impersonators. Some of the most popular include the 'Elvis Extravaganza' in Las Vegas, 'Elvis Invasion' in Florida, and the Elvis impersonator convention in Blackpool, England.
