Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Annual Elvis Tribute Draws Fans From Near And Far

By Jerri Perry


The public could see an elvis tribute carried out in a variety of ways. Grandmothers who grew up listening to Heartbreak Hotel are turning their grandbabies into a third generation of Elvis fans. Women relate fond memories of attending his concerts. Memorabilia is still big business.

The King was primarily categorized as a rock star. The truth is, he did quite a bit of country songs and loved gospel music. In fact, he had Grammy Awards for his gospel recordings.

The first Grammy was awarded in 1967 for Best Sacred Performance. Then in 1972 he won a second Grammy for Best Inspirational Performance. He won another Grammy in 1974, for the Best Inspirational Song.

Long after his death, he was awarded a Grammy posthumously. This was in 1993 in commemoration of his double-sided hit recording of Hound Dog and Dont Be Cruel. Among his many accolades, perhaps the annual candlelight ceremony on the anniversary of his passing remains the most important.

Each carries a candle and waits in patient silence to file up the walk and stand at his grave in respect. This year on August 16th, they honored the 34th anniversary of his untimely death. He was only 42 years old. Fans from around the world travel to Memphis to honor the date of his death.

There are shows year around in which Presley is emulated. Memphis, Vegas and Branson Missouri are only three of the locations where they perform. The most talented are working to earn a living as Presley impersonators. Clubs, stage shows and private parties are clamoring to hire them. Tours go to cities all over the US.

A new show featuring one group and one single performer are launching a show called From Graceland to the Promised Land. The singer from Australia performs as a single act and the group performs Presleys great gospel hits. Audiences are eager to hear the history of his gospel hits as well as his rock music.

The impersonators, who prefer to be called tribute performers, compete in a variety of contests for a variety of titles. One is the prestigious Spirit of Elvis Award. The kings voice, his dance moves, which were once called indecent, and his looks are done to perfection by the best of the best.

There is an entire week of shows and festivities in Memphis honoring his memory that is held surrounding the date of his death. You can see the King on every street during this week. There are stage shows, contests and parties to celebrate. Crowds of men of all ages appear in white jumpsuits embellished with rhinestones.

There have been female Presley impersonators, child impersonators and imitators from Japan, Malaysia and all the European countries. Souvenirs fly off the shelves in the gift shops in Memphis and peanut butter and banana sandwiches are sold in every restaurant in town including the relatively new Heartbreak Hotel.

Elvis Lives is another of the elvis tribute shows that tour. They travel to perform around the world. In Europe there is a festival held to honor him. Fans flock to Graceland, his home in Memphis, every day of the year. His talent and popularity are unequaled and he will never be forgotten.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment