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Elvis Presley’s last concert was in 1977, but there are still many Elvis impersonators today due to the availability of costumes, props, and music tapes. Elvis’ iconic status and easy-to-duplicate vocal range also contribute to the popularity of impersonators. Annual pilgrimages to Graceland also inspire new generations of impersonators.
The real Elvis Presley gave his last public concert at the Market Square Arena in Indianapolis, Indiana on June 26, 1977. There is a chance one of thousands of Elvis impersonators will be performing within a hundred mile radius of your current location on Friday evening. If you’ve been eager to hear an over-the-top version of “American Trilogy” performed by a man in overalls with a jet-black Pompadour, sheepskin sideburns, and oversized aviator sunglasses, here’s your golden chance.
So why are there so many Elvis impersonators working around the world today? Simply put, there is still a significant amount of money to be made in the King’s service, and worse could be done than paying impressionistic homage to someone who brought much happiness to millions of fans while still alive and in good health. Any sincere Elvis impersonator, regardless of his vocal talent, is generally well received by his audience, many of whom still have fond memories of the real Elvis Presley.
One reason there are so many Elvis impersonators is the availability of costumes, props and music tapes to support the effort. Elvis’ appearance has changed dramatically over the years, but many imitators focus solely on his later years, when he performed almost exclusively in Las Vegas and in public arenas. An Elvis stage costume would consist of a heavily sequined white jumpsuit with an exaggerated collar and neckline that opened up to the midriff. This type of costume can easily be duplicated on a shoestring budget, as long as you can find a basic 1970s-style white jumpsuit.
Other props for a proper Elvis impersonation include oversized aviator sunglasses augmented with sequins and a jet-black Pompadour wig.
Natural growth or the application of thick mutton chop sideburns complete the Elvis look. It’s not unusual to see older Elvis impersonators grow their own distinctive sideburns and adopt Elvis’ Pompadour hairstyle in real life as well.
Another reason there are so many Elvis impersonators is his iconic status. While a male singer with a strong baritone voice could very likely impersonate other artists such as Tom Jones or Engelbert Humperdinck, those other artists don’t have the same impressive musical catalog and personal charisma as Elvis Presley. Audiences of appreciative fans may return time and again to one venue to hear a quality Elvis impersonator, while other music legends’ impersonators are often relegated to the occasional novelty show and old time concert.
Many Elvis impersonators also find his vocal range quite easy to duplicate, especially in an exaggerated exaggeration of his persona on the next stage. Punctuating performances with the occasional Presleyianism such as a drawling “Thank you, thank you very much” between songs can go a long way in establishing the role of the true Elvis impersonator. Professional backing tapes can also provide the proper mood for an Elvis-inspired performance.
Annual fan pilgrimages to Elvis Presley’s Graceland estate in Memphis, Tennessee have undoubtedly inspired several generations of Elvis impersonators. Presley’s personal life may have been troubled, but his public image as a poor Southern boy who became the King of Rock and Roll still resonates with fans. It should come as no surprise to see some of those fans contributing their vocal talents as Elvis impersonators to perpetuate his music in live performances after his untimely passing.
