Love to Love You, Baby: ETA Gordie McNeil
Introduction
From “Reflection of the Collingwood Elvis Festival, 2018”: I have seen Gordie perform in shows this past year, but Collingwood is the first time I have seen him in competition. This year is his eighth year performing at the Festival. He recently finished first in the Senior Open division at the Rock and Roll Remembered competition in Oshawa. Gordie dedicated “Any Way You Want Me” to his wife, Lynn, who was celebrating her birthday. Congratulations on winning first place at the Oshawa competition, Gordie!
From “Recap and Photos of Saturday Night’s “Valentines with the Legends” Show”, posted February 18, 2018: ETA Gord McNeil sang early Elvis in his first set, and later performed songs from the '70s wearing a light blue jumpsuit. Gord, in his seventh year as an ETA, and third place winner at Collingwood, Non-Pro Division, interacted with the audience by giving out teddy bears and scarves and serenading his wife, Lynn, while dancing with her, and then fan, Tammy, which delighted the ladies.
Love is in the Air#28: ETA Gordie McNeil
ETA Gordie McNeil with Lynn at the 2028 Collingwood Elvis Festival. Photo Credit: C.M.
Featuring Gordie today has special meaning because he is the last ETA in a series of 28 posts (representing 28 days in February for Heart and Stroke month, 2 per day since Valentine’s Day, February 14th) on the topic of love. Also, tonight, Monday, February 28th, at 8 p.m. Gordie will be celebrating his 70th evening of podcasts that he, along with his wife, Lynn, has offered for free during some very trying months of the pandemic. With his wonderful renditions of Elvis songs covering all three decades, his friendly banter with viewers and amusing communication with Lynn, Gordie has brought so much joy to Elvis fans. With such kind and loving hearts, they both honour the memory of Elvis in the best possible way—giving unselfishly to others. From all of us, thank you, Gordie and Lynn. And thank you, Gordie, for answering questions on relationships that are important to you.
Q. Who are the important women in your life?
A. The most important women in my life are my mother who instilled in me the values to become who I am today, and of course my wife, Lynn, who has always been by my side and supported me for 47 years.
Q. What men have had a positive influence in your life and in what ways?
A. The two men who have had a very positive influence in my life are my father who taught me responsibility and encouraged me to pursue my passion for music. Elvis was also a positive influence in my life through his movies and music.
Q. What would you like to say to your ETA fans?
A. I would like to thank my ETA fans for supporting me from day one when I first stepped on stage as an ETA until now. Thank you also for helping me to keep "Elvis" alive.
ETA Gordie McNeil competing at the Collingwood Elvis Festival. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography for SB Magazine.
