Focus ON: ETA Logan Ramey

August 26, 2024 Carolyn MacArthur

Introduction

If you read my recent post about Garry Wesley, “A Tribute to ETA Garry Wesley”, first of all, thank you. Secondly, you might remember my conversation with Garry when he asked if I knew a young ETA named Logan Ramey. Logan and I were already friends on FB, but I was interested in finding out more about this talented young ETA from Illinois whom Garry spoke about so highly.

Logan suggested I checked out his website, which I did; but then I found this great article written by Bill McLean for JWC Media in August 2024. Bill covered a lot of information in his article that I would have asked Logan if I were to interview him. In a few years, maybe I will do a full interview with Logan and then feature him in Spotlight ON. In the meantime, please enjoy this well written article and the photos that I selected from Logan’s FB page. Photographer Jenny Zannelli is credited with two great photos used in this blog and the rest are courtesy of Logan. Edits for this post are credited to Carolyn MacArthur for SIDEBURNS Magazine.

Wishing you continued success, Logan. Hoping you will come to Ontario, Canada, in the near future— maybe with Garry Wesley on his next tour. We would welcome you both with open arms. C.M.

VIVA Las Logan by Bill McLean

Logan Ramey was four years old when his father, Craig, introduced him to Johnny Cash songs.

But another music icon caught little Logan’s ear—and eye.

“Nobody looked cooler than Elvis Presley,” says Ramey.

Ramey turned 20 on July 23. It’s an evening in early August, inside Taylor’s on Toft, a cozy bar and grill in Antioch. In 90 minutes, the respectful Ramey—clad in a snazzy silver jacket and black pants, and sporting dyed, jet-black hair, eyeliner, and fake mutton chops that look like real sideburns—will start performing as an eerie-good Elvis tribute artist.

“It’s all mine,” he says of his magnificent mane, which isn’t quite arranged in a pompadour but still screams “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.”

The Beach Park resident, who grew up in the village of Winthrop Harbor, later notes he’s scheduled to entertain 51 more audiences (mostly in the Midwest) this year, including those attending a private event in Highwood in mid-September. Ramey has donned a white jumpsuit for the second of his show’s two acts at annual gigs held at Wilmette Theatre.

“I love performing there,” Ramey says of the 140-seat space on Central Avenue.

Ramey’s road to a career as a professional singer began 16 years ago, shortly after he moved on from Cash and gripped a hairbrush to serve as a pretend microphone during his mini-Elvis shows at home. He won an Elvis contest at a Winthrop Harbor Carnival well before he blew out candles on his fifth birthday and, at the age of 10, topped another field of competitors in Branson, Missouri.

“I learned all I could about Elvis, reading books about him, watching all 32 of his movies, and watching documentaries on him,” says Ramey, whose mother, Shelly, serves as stage assistant for Logan’s vigorous “Tribute to the King” shows. “I studied his look and the way he walked, in addition to his movements and mannerisms on stage. Elvis had so much charisma and commanded every room he entered.

“I’m living the dream, and I’m always looking to honor Elvis’ legacy better as I get older as a tribute artist. Singing Elvis songs brings joy to his loyal fans. The most rewarding part of the day or the night I perform is looking out at a crowd of people in the middle of a song and seeing smiles.”

Ramey’s sense of humor drew rounds of laughter from patrons several times at Taylor’s on Toft earlier this month. As a couple exited the establishment after about five songs, Ramey—in a spot-on Elvis voice—asked, “Hey, where are you going? I’m just getting started.” An International Elvis Tribute Artist Hall of Fame inductee in 2022, Ramey then faced his audience and muttered, “Must be Beatles fans.”

The bulk of that night’s Elvis Presley/ Logan Ramey fans stuck around for the rest of the show that would last nearly three hours.

Elvis Presley had a signature way of acknowledging his adoring fans’ applause after songs. His “Thank you very much” was more of a rapid Thankyouverymuch, and Ramey mimicked it perfectly after several tunes, including Ramey’s all-time favorite, I Just Can’t Help Believing.

Moments after concluding a song during which he danced ferociously while still managing to maintain his powerful singing voice, Ramey, breathing heavily and feigning a wince, admitted, “I’m getting too old to do that.”

More laughter ensued.

Startlingly, especially to anyone who has watched him interact smoothly and warmly with his audience, Ramey says he was “a loner” in high school. He attended Antioch Community High School for two years, Warren Township High School in Gurnee for six months, and then completed his Secondary Education online.

“I was so into researching Elvis and working on my Elvis tribute shows in high school, which meant little time for anything else,” says Ramey, who recently added a blue version to a jumpsuit collection that now numbers 11 and traveled to Tennessee to perform twice and compete in two more Elvis tribute contests. “Did you know Elvis was a humanitarian who donated money anonymously to organizations?”

Ramey also immersed himself in Elvis’ upbringing surrounded by Black musicians in Tupelo, Mississippi, and how it influenced Elvis’ trademark sound and ultimately the birth of rock and roll.

None other than Billy Stanley, one of Elvis’ stepbrothers, is a fervent Logan Ramey fan. Stanley’s moving reaction to a Ramey rendition of an Elvis song appears on Ramey’s website.

“When I heard (Logan) … now if I close my eyes, that’s Elvis,” Stanley begins. “It touched my heart. The only person I’ve ever heard sing like that was my brother, and (Logan) was real close—scary, that’s how close it was.”

For more information about Logan Ramey and his upcoming Tribute to the King shows, visit loganrameyeta.com.

Focus ON: ETA Luke Barhart

Introduction

Luke showing he has the ‘moves’ at the 2024 NFEF after-show. Photo Credit: C.M.

It was such a pleasure meeting ETA Luke Barnhart, an eighteen year old Elvis tribute artist from Athens, NY, who competed at the 2004 Niagara Falls Elvis Festival. 

While I missed seeing Luke in competition, I enjoyed his performance at the after-show party.  I also enjoyed chatting with Luke and his mom, and I encouraged him to send me his bio to introduce him to ETA fans and followers of SIDEBURNS Magazine. 

Luke Barnhart and his very proud mom at the 2024 NFEF. Photo credit: C.M. for SB Mag.

With a few instructions on what makes a good bio, Luke sent a great bio that explains how he first discovered Elvis Presley, his experiences so far in the ETA world, and how he feels about being an Elvis tribute artist. 

Please welcome and encourage ETA Luke Barnhart by liking, commenting and sharing his bio. 

Wishing you much success, Luke…your future as an ETA looks very bright!  Best wishes from editor and writer, Carolyn MacArthur, and the many wonderful ETA fans and followers of SB Mag.  Cheers!  C.M.

Focus ON: ETA Luke Barnhart

My first Elvis experience was at the age of 5 years old.  When I was a child, I was always dancing around the house.  One of the first artists I discovered was Michael Jackson through my mother.  I was always singing and dancing to his music, and the moonwalk was practically my first steps as a kid!

Photo Credit: Eva Brand.

Then one day, my grandmother took me to a senior home because she saw an ad for an ''Elvis Impersonator."  My grandmother loved Elvis and she knew I loved music, so she took me.  The story goes that I had a little guitar with me, so ''Elvis" brought me up on stage to perform with him.  When we arrived home, my grandmother showed me "Jailhouse Rock'' and I was instantly drawn to the King of Rock and Roll--his clothes, moves, and charisma--everything about him!  From then on, I knew I wanted to perform.  Since the time I attended my first ETA show and watching my first Elvis performance with my grandmother, I've been a huge Elvis fan. 

I started my journey as an Elvis tribute artist about a year ago. My first festival experience was at the 2022 Empire State Tribute Festival where I met the wonderful Dean Z.  When Dean asked me if I was a tribute artist, I answered, “No, but I want to be.”  Dean gave me so much encouragement and told me to go for it!  So I took his words to heart and did my homework on the performances and tonality of Elvis.  I was always drawn to the 50s, so I practiced Elvis’s songs from that decade.  The following year I made the finals at the 2023 Empire State Tribute Festival in the Non-Pro Division.  In April 2024, I participated in the 2024 Niagara Falls Elvis Festival in Ontario, Canada.  At the 2024 Empire State Tribute Festival, I placed 2nd in the Non-Professional Division.  

From the moment I first appeared on stage in 2023, I have LOVED paying tribute to Elvis Presley.  The next festival where I will be competing is Images of The King during Elvis Week 2024.

Photo Credit: Eva Brand.

I love being an ETA because I have had so many cool opportunities and have met so many new, awesome, like-minded people.  It always feels so amazing taking people back in time to see what it might have been like to see Elvis Presley.  I do it to honour the memory of Elvis Presley, and that's what keeps me going every day.  I love the music and the man so much, words really cannot describe it.  If you are an Elvis fan, you know that feeling.  

I'd like to thank my parents for supporting me every step of the way, my grandmother, for introducing me to Elvis which led to me being on stage, my amazing friends, and Dean Z for giving me the encouragement to not be afraid and to just go for it, and most importantly Elvis Presley, the greatest there ever was and ever will be.  Thank you for the music and the memories. Your legacy will live on forever, and I will try my best to honour that legacy. 

Edits by Carolyn MacArthur. Photos credited to Eva Brand and Carolyn MacArthur.

Focus ON: ETA Jessi Mallory

Introduction

It is with great pleasure that I introduce singer, musician, and ETA, Jessi Mallory, from Bangor, Maine, to SIDEBURNS Magazine followers. Thank you, Jessi, for sending your bio and photos to post. Wishing you continued success with your music and ETA career. Best regards, Carolyn MacArthur.

Bio

ETA Jessi Mallory. Photo provided by J. Mallory.

Jessi Mallory has been an Elvis Presley fan since the age of four.  Jessi fell in love with the man and his music.  Jessi spent countless hours listening to Elvis, singing along, and not only learning his movements, but soaking in his charisma and heart.  It's evident that Jessi watched every live concert, every movie, and every TV show he had ever done. 

At age eight, Jessi asked for a guitar for a birthday present. "Mystery Train" was the first song Jessi learned to play.  Jessi's first time performing was at a high school talent show as a senior.  The classmates went wild, having had no idea that Jessi could play guitar or sing. 

Jessi began a solo career of original music and was quite successful building a name and a following; however, there was always a pull to Elvis, and after having cancer, Jessi decided pay tribute to him.  Jessi has performed in Elvis Tribute contests, and a following of fans builds at each and every show.  Jessi has been in Elvis related books, on websites, Elvis Radio, on TV, and has made a film debut as Elvis in a film. ​

Jessi's vocals are incredibly close to Elvis's, and the looks are even closer. Jessi puts on a great show for all audiences, young and old, with a great sense of humor keeping the show fun and interesting. ​ Jessi performs all three decades of Elvis—the 50s, 60s, and 70s, making a versatile performance and crowd pleasing show.  Jessi also puts great time and care into the outfits, making sure they are as close as possible to Elvis's originals. Jessi has been fortunate enough to meet and work with some of Elvis's friends, family, and band members. ​ When Jessi Mallory steps up to the microphone, you can sense a deep connection with the idol that brings audiences into that experience.

Photo Album

Richard Wolfe, Dan Barrella, Jessi Mallory, Frank Cross, Bryson Fuller, Brent Freeman, John Cigan, Pam Pettit and Sue Harris at the 2015 Flaming Star Festival in Mississauga. Photo Credit: Ethel Howse.

Edits by Carolyn MacArthur, Editor, SIDEBURNS Magazine.

Focus ON: Chris Collins

I wish to extend a warm welcome to Chris (Franklin) Collins to SIDEBURNS Magazine and thank him for sending along his bio for posting. Everyone at SB Mag wishes you much success with your ETA career, Chris. Best regards, Carolyn MacArthur.

Bio

ETA Chris Collins. Photo Credit: Jenny Paige.

Chris Franklin was born in Anderson, South Carolina, on April 10th, 1996. He has been a music lover since birth. He picked up the iconic voice from his late maternal grandfather, who would sing throughout the little boy’s childhood. From then on, Christopher was always singing, and he hasn’t stopped since!

His love for Elvis began at a young age at a shop in the Anderson County Jockey Lot, where he and his dad would spend many Saturdays. The little shop, which has a permanent setup, is called Tony’s Place and sells memorabilia from the 50s and 60s. Chris had to stop there at least once on every trip. From there, his interest snowballed. Always an entertainer in his mind, Chris afelt he was going to do big things. The loss of his mother at the young age of 11 only inspired him.

Chris’s first loves were acting, and an unlikely interest —professional wrestling. Chris has had some involvement with both. Being in the entertainment business, he felt a catchy name would do the trick, so ‘Chris Collins’ was born. One of the earliest projects he worked on in the wide world of entertainment was a short film that he was invited to be in by his friends, gaining the starring role. He’s also been involved in professional wrestling, as a referee for most of 2016, along with competing in several matches.

In high school, Chris found a love for all things 50s: fashion, cars, lingo, music, and The King. His first Elvis CD was “ELVIS: 30 No. 1 Hits”. Chris has always had a knack for mimicking voices, and one day, while listening to the CD with his best friend, Luke, he tried his hand at the King. Chris began studying Elvis from that point, 3 years ago. Though it has been a slow start, playing events from car shows and nursing homes, to birthday parties and Talent Shows at Lander University, there is not a single aspect of performing as an ETA that Chris doesn’t love. From live rehearsals on Elvis Fan Groups on Facebook, to the elaborate outfits, right down to the business side of things, it’s all been highly enjoyable for the 24 year old Elvis tribute artist.

Chris’s dream in the ETA world is to one day become an Ultimate Elvis — just like his inspiration, Dean Z; but above all, his goal is to just have fun with it. Chris pays tribute to all three eras of Elvis’s life with his show “The King Continues”. With a wide variety of tracks, costumes, his own PA system, and his unique voice and dance moves, he’s sure to get the room grooving.

You can find more about Chris on Facebook page “Chris Collins Entertainment”.

Videos

For more videos, click here.

Edits by Carolyn MacArthur, Editor, SIDEBURNS Magazine.

Focus ON: Connor Russo

Introduction

SIDEBURNS Magazine editor, Carolyn MacArthur, poses with ETA Connor Russo. Photo Credit: Louis Young.

ETA fans have enjoyed watching the talented Connor Russo grow as a performer since he first stepped on the stage at the Collingwood Elvis Festival at the tender of age 3. Connor has won numerous titles since that first appearance; and he has headlined along side of some of the biggest names in the ETA world.

In 2017, Lori-Anne and I met Connor and his family for the first time at the Flaming Star Festival in Mississauga. The young teen was friendly, focused, respectful and courteous. He answered questions with a maturity beyond his years. After seeing Connor compete and perform in 2018 and 2019, we both agreed that whatever Connor chooses to do in life, his dedication and personality will stand him in good stead.

In celebration Connor’s 16th birthday on August 9th, I have the pleasure of posting his interview. I wish to thank Connor for his well-thought-out answers, and Connor’s mom, Stacy, for providing photos and links to the videos that highlight Connor’s ETA journey.

On behalf of everyone at SIDEBURNS Magazine, “Happy birthday, Connor! We wish you much success with your ETA career, your academic studies, and all future endeavours.” Best regards, C.M.

Interview

Q.  How did you first learn about Elvis Presley? 

A.  To be honest, I don't remember.  I only know what my family has told me.  When I was one, my parents got a karaoke machine for Christmas and it came with 20 different discs.  One of them was Elvis.  Soon after they played them, they noticed I was trying to say something but they couldn't figure out what it was.  Several weeks later, family friends were over and they said, "I think he's trying to say 'Blue Shoes’."  Those were my first words.  I heard that, ran over to the karaoke machine and my parents figured it out.  My parents were Elvis fans, so after that, they started playing videos of Elvis's '68 Comeback Special and Aloha from Hawaii concerts.  Every day, I would put on my black suit that I got for a wedding when I was a ring bearer - I thought it was just like Elvis's Comeback leathers - and I put on concerts in the living room.  Some kids love trains or super heroes.  I loved Elvis.

Q.  What do you remember about your first performance as Elvis?

A.  I attended the Collingwood Elvis Festival for the first time when I was two years old.  Because I insisted on wearing that black suit everywhere for two years - to the grocery store, to see Santa - my parents had a friend make me a tiny powder blue suit for Christmas when I was three.  I wore it to Collingwood that summer and insisted that my dad get me on stage during the Friday street party to sing ‘Baby What Do You Want Me to Do’.  I didn't have a backing track, so my dad played guitar for me. 

The next day, we went over to the Pizza Hut because Collingwood used to have a Saturday afternoon venue tour and the ETAs would play at different restaurants.  All of the Youth ETAs would always perform at the Pizza Hut and it was packed.  I had my dad convince the host there to let me get up and perform a few songs and I was a lot more comfortable, adding in a lot more of my moves

Q.  When and where did you enter your first competition? 

A.  Collingwood was the first competition I entered.  I was five years old.  My parents had no idea where to get me a backing track, so Rosemarie at Collingwood put us in touch with Marcus Wells who sent me a '50s track of ‘Blue Suede Shoes’.  So, my first competition was the preliminary round at the Gaiety Theatre and I did a '50s version of ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ in my jumpsuit.  We were at the beginning of a very large learning curve. 

Q.   What do you recall as being the best part and the worst part of your first competition?

A.  I don't remember it at all to be honest.  I do remember my second competition which was the following year at Collingwood.  I was six and I performed ‘Walk a Mile in My Shoes’ in the Grand Finals.  We chose that song because I was going through speech therapy and the 'W' was one of the sounds I couldn't, make so my parents had me practicing it without my realizing it.  I remember the excitement of being backstage and then performing on that huge stage in front of thousands of people.  That was the first competition that I won.

Q.  What instruments do you play?   Who taught you how to play these instruments? 

A.  I have been playing guitar for the past seven years and taking lessons from a professional jazz musician.  I have also been playing drums and taking lessons for the past ten years.  I had the opportunity to play both guitar and drums in a scripted gospel show with Dean Z and Justin Shandor at the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival and that was a lot of fun.      

Q.  Have you taken other lessons that you feel have helped your Elvis tribute?

A.  I've also done some vocal lessons, but not a lot.  That's something I plan to step up going forward.

Q.  Would you like to share your thoughts on home schooling?  What do you think are the advantageous?  Are there any disadvantages?

A.  Homeschooling was great for my sister and me.  We were able to work throughout the morning and have time every afternoon for the things we loved to do.  For me that was practice guitar, drums and my Elvis.  Also, it gave me a lot of time for private hockey skills training.  We were involved with a number of homeschool groups, so we had regular field trips with friends; but most of my socialization always revolved around hockey.  I've done really well since I started high school two years ago, but I've only done that to get into the university program I'm interested in. 

Q.  In addition to school and your Elvis tribute, what other interests do you have?

Connor Russo wins 2018 Collingwood Elvis Festival Youth Division. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe for SIDEBURNS Magazine.

A.  Hockey.  Hockey and music are it for me.  For most of the year, I'm on the ice 5-6 days a week.  I play high level competitive hockey and I would love to play college hockey - that's something I'm seriously considering.  Also, I've wanted to get into hockey management for as long as I can remember.  I have a YouTube hockey talk show channel - Connor's Corner - in which I talk about all things hockey.  I've also been doing volunteer work with the Mississauga Steelheads, an OHL team just outside of Toronto.

Q.  How have the first two years in high school been for you?  Is it what you expected?

A.  Ok.  I'm doing well and I've met friends for sure; but all my best friends are through hockey.   It took me a couple of weeks to get used to the high school schedule but after that it's been pretty smooth. 

Q.  What type of response do you get from your peers at high school when they learn that you are an ETA?

A.  They think it's cool; but honestly, I don't think they really get it.  The guys and the families on my hockey teams have always known that I do it and they've always been supportive.  With hockey, if they respect what you do on the ice and see you as a leader, they will respect anything that you do.  A number of my friends and their families come out to see me at Toronto area shows and are at first shocked and then love it. 

Q.  Have you, or would you, perform as an ETA in your high school’s talent show? 

A.  Not really.  I don't spend any time at school once the bell rings.  I have too many other things to do.  If my friends want to see me perform, I have them come out to one of my shows with the band to get the full effect.

Connor Russo in a photo by photographer Lori-Anne Crewe.

Q.  Have any students shared with you that they are Elvis fans?

A.  Not really.  Anyone my age that I know who are Elvis fans, for the most part, have come to know Elvis through me and my performances.  There are a number of teachers though who are Elvis fans and want to come out to a show.

Q.  Other than Elvis Presley, what type of music, singers or bands do you enjoy?

A.  I'm not really a fan of any of today's music.  I am a big fan of classic rock - I love Led Zeppelin and lately, I've been listening and playing a lot of The Band.  I like singer / songwriters like Jim Croce. 

Q.  High school goes by very quickly.  Do you have an idea of what you would like to do after high school? 

A.  I plan to go into a Sports Management program at university.  I've already been doing volunteer work to help me build relationships in the business of hockey that can help me set up an internship and eventually a good job prospect coming out of university.  As I mentioned, I would like to play college hockey as well.

Q.  Will you continue your ETA career into adulthood?

A.  That is my plan.  I love to perform and that is something that I will do as long as I can do it well.  The ETA world has been great to me and my family and has become family to us.  We have made many of our best friends through Elvis.   The festivals are the best parts of my year.

Connor Russo wows the audience with his performance at the 2018 Collingwood Elvis Festival. Photo Credit: Louis Young.

Q.  What is the best part about being an ETA?

A.  The people.  I love to perform but when it comes down to it, it is all about the people.  The ETAs I've met over the years have become incredible friends to me.  When I was younger, they were mentors, but now that I'm older, they have become my friends.  So many incredibly talented and interesting people from all over the world.  Then there are the ETA families who have become my extended families.  And the fans are incredible too - so loyal and supportive.  You will not find greater people outside of the Elvis World.

Q.  What awards have you won?  Is there an award that you would like to win in the future?

A.  I've been fortunate enough to win 14 youth competitions at the Collingwood, Lake George, Flaming Star, Tweed and Toronto festivals.  Is there an award that I would like to win in the future - I think we would all have the same answer to that question.

Q.  If you won a title that included a large cash prize, what would you do with the money?

A.  I don't know.  It really would depend on where I'm at in my life.  To be honest, I've never really thought a lot about the cash prize - for me, it would really be a lot more about the title.

Q.  What is your favourite Elvis song to perform?

A.  At the moment, ‘Shake, Rattle & Roll’.  I am mainly performing 50s and '68 these days, although I did perform Concert Years when I was younger. 

Connor Russo on stage performing for the 25th Anniversary of the the Collingwood Festival, 2019. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe.

Q.  What advice would you offer other young people who are considering becoming ETAs?

A.  I would definitely recommend that a younger person who is considering becoming ETAs watch and study Elvis rather than watching and studying other ETAs.  I would also recommend that they attend ETA shows and festivals and get to know some of the ETAs - they are a really supportive group.  There are a number of older ETAs who acted as mentors to me and really pointed me in the right direction.  It is a long learning process - you can't learn it all at once; but it is a tonne of fun. 

Q.  Whom would you like to thank for supporting you in your ETA career?

A.  First I would have to thank my parents.  They have always been incredibly supportive and encouraging.  If I wanted and was going to do this, then they wanted me to be able to do the best that I could.  Zach Peddie, now an adult ETA, has also been incredibly supportive.  He would always give me a pep talk before I went on stage and then appear backstage after my performance to tell me how well I did.  Bruno Nesci has also been very good to me.  He has given me a lot of guidance over the years and more recently has included me in a number of shows.  I would also want to say a huge thank you to Dean Z for always making time for me over the years.  The first time I met Dean, he spent half an hour with me privately at Blue Mountain in Collingwood, just talking to me, and he'll never know how much that meant to me.  In recent years, I've been fortunate to be included in a number of shows with Ultimates and other gifted performers and they have always treated me like I belong on stage with them.  They never talked down to me because I was younger.  That also has had a huge impact on me.  Lastly, I would have to thank each and every person who has followed me over the years at the various competitions and shows.  Elvis fans are incredible people.

A shining star: Connor Russo. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe.

Q.  When you have time to relax, what is your favourite pastime?

A.  Without question, hockey is my favourite pastime - playing it, watching it, studying the business of it and talking about it!  When I'm not doing something involving hockey, I'm usually playing guitar or drums.  Also, I like to watch sports, particularly pro cycling, Formula 1, pro wrestling and pro football.

Q.   What qualities do you admire most in your fellow ETAs? 

A.  I admire the way that the majority of ETAs interact with their fans.  For the most part, they are extremely accessible to the people who come to support them and see their shows.  They have great relationships with their fans and I am sure that is why Elvis fans are so loyal to their favourite ETAs. 

I also admire the relationship that my fellow ETAs have with each other.  I have found my fellow ETAs very easy to work with.  In shows or competitions, I have found myself in groups that included kids from the age of five up to men the age of 60 and everyone is always included.  We all love Elvis and pay tribute to him in our own ways.

connorrusso.com / Facebook - Connor Russo As Elvis / Instagram - @connorrussoaselvis

Photo Album

Connor Russo from Ages 6 to 15. Photo Credits: Stacey Russo, Louis Young, and Lori-Anne Crewe.

Additional Videos

Shake, Rattle & Roll - Collingwood - age 11 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9jnDNP8zZ4

Big Hunk O' Love - Collingwood - age 11 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrxPik4PCkU

Documentary - Connor - age 12 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kUZa4HPExU

'68 Medley - NFEF - age 14 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WjDXiSmMwM

Heartbreak Hotel - Connor - age 15 - https://connorrusso.com/in-video/

Focus On: Emilio Santoro

Taking the World by Storm

On December 23, 2017, in response to my request for his bio, ETA Emilio Santoro, who was 14 years old at the time, sent the following:

ETA Emilio Santoro. Photo Credit: Karen Marshall.

I was four years old when my mum, who is a huge Elvis fan, was watching videos of Elvis on the anniversary of his death.  I wanted to watch him all the time after that.  I got a little Elvis jumpsuit and my auntie then made me a gold lame suit and I continued to study Elvis at every opportunity.  I have been performing just over a year and love everything about it—from performing live on stage in front of Elvis fans, to meeting other ETAs and being a part of the massive Elvis family around the world.  I won best European novice in Birmingham in January, 2017, and then went on to win the Gold Lame Jacket for best 50s Elvis at the Porthcawl Elvis festival in September, 2017. This is what I want to do and I will keep practicing to pay the best tribute to Elvis that I can. 

A lot has happened over the past three years, as seen in the following updated and edited version of Emilio’s bio that appears on his website:

Elvis Tribute Artist and Entertainer

Emilio Santoro, 17, hails from Weston-super-Mare in North Somerset, UK, and has been rising through the ETA ranks for a few years now having broken through at just 14 years of age.

He has picked up accolades, awards and fans along the way across the UK; and in 2019, he made his long awaited USA debut in Elvis's home town of Memphis during Elvis week. Whilst there, he performed at The Graceland Complex and also co-headlined in a very special show entitled 'Timeless' where several young artists from across the world offered their tribute to Elvis.

Emilio’s Elvis week experience culminated with entry into the 'Images of the King' World Championship Non Pro division where he overcame stiff opposition from all across the globe and triumphed to become Europe's youngest ever World Title winner—and this was just the beginning.

Following Memphis, Emilio entered the 2019 Porthcawl contest and walked away as Grand Champion in September.  He then completed the ‘Hat Trick’ in Blackpool at the ‘Return to Memphis’ contest in early November.  It seems 2019 was Emilio’s breakthrough year!   Everyone is very excited to see what the future holds on both sides of the Atlantic for this very talented, young ETA.

In 2020, Emilio headlined again at the Harbor Lights Elvis Festival in the UK; and if all goes well, he will be competing and performing again during Elvis week in Memphis.

In 2021, Emilio will be headlining at several events in the UK as well as festivals in Virginia and Georgia, USA. In November, 2021, he will headline on the 'Timeless' Bahamas Cruise.  Emilio looks forward to seeing you at one of his shows and thanks you for visiting his official website: www.emiliosantoro.com

Pictured in this photo by Mark Shuttleworth are (l to r) ETAs Billy Collins, Tommy Holland, Emilio Santoro, Taylor Rodriguez (Ultimate 2019), and Riley Jenkins at the 2020 Harbour Lights Festival, UK.

Emilio, who is now a college student, certainly has a very bright future as an ETA. We wish him continued success with his ETA career and school studies. It is our hope that someday soon we will see him perform and compete in one of our local festivals. Best wishes from fans everywhere and followers of SIDEBURNS Magazine. Carolyn MacArthur, Editor.

Slide Show

Featuring photos by Carole Robson, Eva Brand, Bill Blundell and Mark Shuttleworth.

Videos

Focus ON: Will Humbarger

Introduction

I invite you all to enjoy the photos and bio of Queen Valley, Arizona, ETA, Will Humbarger. Thank you to Joyce Allen for initially contacting me about Will and thank you to Laurel Kay for sending Will’s bio and photos. From everyone at SIDEBURNS Magazine, congratulations on your success thus far, Will. We wish you the very best as you continue to follow your ETA dream. Carolyn MacArthur, Editor.

I'm just a man living the dream.

Photo Credit: Carol Park.

Growing up while Elvis was still alive, Will Humbarger was captivated by the way Elvis’s music felt to him and also by the way he saw it made others feel.  Will, who became a fan at a very young age, recalls a time when he was four or five and his mom walked in on him and found him dancing to an Elvis song in front of the mirror—a scene that made them both laugh.

Will’s parents also loved Elvis’s music.  It was a fun and common bond that they shared as a family.  When his parents passed, he buried each of them to Elvis’s music; and now the songs they loved bring memories of them back to him, especially when he performs as an ETA.

Will eventually began watching ETAs perform, going to see them each year at the Michigan Elvis Festival and wanting to be one himself. His wife, Janice, saw this and encouraged him to pursue his dream.  Together they made his first jumpsuit in 2008. 

Will began performing for free at local bars to get the feeling of it all.  He wanted to understand the pulse of the audience, no matter how small, and to see them feel the same magic in Elvis’s music as he did.  He needed to learn how to bring that feeling and energy to them.

Photo Credit: Allen Cathcart.

A lot of this learning came through his fellow ETAs.  Respecting their craft, and listening and learning from them, was a tremendous help as he grew; and he also enjoyed the camaraderie between the ETA family and the fans.

As an ETA, Will says that one of the first things you fundamentally know as you step on stage is that you are honoring and respecting Elvis.  All the passion you feel inside of you for Elvis’s music becomes personified in your performance and you can feel it from the audience as they watch and listen to you portray him.

Will is currently a part-time ETA and works full-time in the flooring industry with a goal of becoming a full-time ETA – something he is working very hard towards.   With a goal to take things further and continue to improve, Will is taking voice lessons, studying Elvis more adamantly, and working to absorb himself into the best representation of Elvis’s heart and soul on stage as he possibly can.

Continuing on his ETA journey, Will has placed in the Final Top 10 in seventeen different competitions with eight of those leading to the Final Top 5, including:  5th place in the 2020 Winterhaven Expo in California, 4th place in the 2019 EP Expo in Shawnee Oklahoma, and 5th place in the 2019 EP Expo.

Photo Credit: Karla Vann.

Will performs for audiences at small shows, individual celebrations, and large concert events of all sizes.  One of the best parts of Will’s shows is the interaction with the fans.  Although each show is different, Will puts in the same effort to entertain, whether it’s for five people, five thousand people, or for an online audience. His goal is always to represent Elvis the best way he can. 

After every performance or competition, it is wonderful to visit with fans of Elvis who share the enthusiasm for his music.  Recently at an Eagle’s Club event, there was a fan with Alzheimer’s who sang and danced happily to each song.  After the show, her daughter told Will that it was the most coherent she had seen her mom in years.  Elvis’s music has such an effect on people all over and of all ages.  It truly is one of the most rewarding parts of being an ETA.

There is a lot more to come on his ETA journey, and Will is enjoying every part of the progress.  He especially wants to thank all of his fans who make his tribute to Elvis so worthwhile.

Photo Credit: Allen Cathcart.

Videos

Focus ON: Rudy Elvis

Introducing: Rudy Elvis from Canvas, WV

Rudy began singing along with Elvis’s records at a young age.  As a teenager, he would mimic the moves of Elvis and imagine he was in concert. Elvis has been the strongest influence in Rudy’s vocal style.  One of the greatest experiences in Rudy’s life was getting to see Elvis in concert in Charleston, West Virginia in July 1975.

In 2012, Rudy was asked to perform as Elvis in a benefit for children at the Moose Lodge in Beckley, WV.  He took advantage of that opportunity and purchased a jumpsuit, accessories and transformed himself into Elvis.  It was that night, Rudy Elvis was born. 

Since that time, Rudy Elvis has performed in over 140 concerts at fairs, festivals, clubs, lodges, family reunions, class reunions, birthday parties, anniversary parties and numerous personal appearances as the King.  Rudy sings over 300 of Elvis’s recordings, which consists of hits from the 50s, 60s, and 70s.  A Rudy Elvis Show will take you back in time with Rudy capturing the voice, moves, facts and complete aura of Elvis. 

Most recently, Rudy participated in Reflections of the King 2018 in Westfield, New York.  He won multi-awards, to include the People’s Choice Award and Fourth Place in the competition. 

Videos

Slide Show

Thank you to Rudy Elvis for the photos used in this post. Edits by Carolyn MacArthur for SB Mag.

Focus ON: ETA John Carpenter

Introduction

ETA John Carpenter behind Centre Stage at the 2018 Collingwood Elvis Festival. Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur.

I first saw ETA John Carpenter (Jean-Philippe Carpentier) when he competed at the Collingwood Elvis Festival in 2018.  In our conversations before and after his performances, John was exceedingly pleasant, and I looked forward to hearing more about the career of the handsome and talented young ETA from Quebec. 

On the last day of the 2018 Collingwood Elvis Festival, photographer Lori-Anne Crewe, fan Dot Farr, and I had a chance meeting with John on Hurontario Street in downtown Collingwood.  Looking relaxed and unfazed by the rigors of competition, and feeling very happy with his first Collingwood experience, John engaged us in delightful conversation.  A striking figure on stage, John shared with us that when ordered his jumpsuit from B&K Enterprises, he was told that he has the same measurements as Elvis—right down to his shoe size.  Pointing at himself and his shoes, John’s animated and amusing delivery had us all laughing along with him.  We also learned that he had made a new friend in ETA Matt Cage, whom he pointed out has a similar build to him, and like most Canadians, enjoys ice hockey as much as he does.  (Photos in grid below are credited to Lori-Anne Crewe.)

ETA John Carpenter behind Centre Stage. Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur, Collingwood 2019.

John competed in the 2019 Collingwood Elvis Festival, and once again wowed everyone with his energetic performance and his winning personality.  Prior to his appearances in Ontario, John had been performing and competing in Quebec.  Since 2017, John also travelled to the USA to perform and compete in ETA events. 

I wish John continued success with his ETA career and thank him for sending his bio to be posted.  Lori-Anne, Dot, and I hope to meet John once again in the not too distant future for another chat.  Best regards, Carolyn MacArthur.

ETA John Carpenter at the 2018 Collingwood Elvis Festival. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe for SIDEBURNS Magazine.

Bio

ETA John Carpenter in a photo taken by his dad.

John Carpenter has been passionate about Elvis since the age of four.  Following his visit to Quebec to see actor/singer Martin Fontaine in the live show, the “Elvis Story”, he said to his father, “Dad that's what I want to do later.” Since that declaration, he has not stopped learning the gestures and the songs of Elvis.  John has won several titles since becoming an ETA:  three time winner of the 1st public prize at the Quebec Elvis Convention; winner of the Provincial Elvis Tribute competition in Levis in the spring of 2017.  In June 2017, he finished 4th at the prestigious Lake George Elvis Festival in the Professional Early Years category.  Subsequently, he went on to win the grand prize at the St-Eustache competition, and finally won first prize from the judges at the Quebec Elvis Convention.  In May 2018, John won the honor of first place at the Elvis tribute competition in St-Georges de Beauce.  John’s list of other awards and honours includes:  second place at the Last Chance Competition in Memphis in 2018; a finalist in New York, 2019; a two time finalist in the 2017 and 2018 Lake George Elvis Festival; and winner the TJ Jackson Spirit of Elvis award at the 2019 Tweed Elvis Festival in Ontario.

Video

Focus ON: ETA Garry Wesley, The Early Years

Introduction

You might be thinking, if you’ve seen one Elvis impersonator, you’ve seen them all; but Wisconsin native Garry Wesley’s Elvis tribute show has been described as “closer than the closest you will ever experience”.

ETA Garry Wesley. Photo is from his Facebook collection.

Being a tribute artist is sort of like a double-edged sword.  It’s as much revered as it is criticized, as some see a problem with covering songs and making money from a favorite artist.

But for Wesley, it’s all about honoring “The King”.

“It’s not as bad as it was back then,” Wesley said.  “Elvis fans were really critical.  It was still so fresh, Elvis being gone.  They didn’t want anybody replacing Elvis.  And that’s not what it was about.  It was about keeping the music alive, and keeping his image and legacy alive.  Basically, we are promoters of Elvis Presley — like ambassadors of Elvis Presley.”

“There’s a lot of songs that people don’t remember, or some do remember, but they don’t get played a lot,” Wesley said.  “We have a variety of songs and we’ll make sure that everybody hears something that they’re going to like.”

ETA Garry Wesley. Photo Credit: Garry Wesley.

What sets Wesley apart, according to him, is his ongoing attention to detail and accurate vocalization.  For Wesley, it’s practice, practice, practice.

“It’s an ongoing thing,” Wesley said.  “Basically, you’re acting out a role on stage.  So, you always want to try to do your best at acting out that person.  When I first started, there were only 50 of us who were professional Elvis tribute artists.  Today, there’s probably only 150 professional Elvis tribute artists.”

The information contained in the introduction above is credited to Kelley Simms, USA Today Network – Wisconsin.  Kelley interviewed ETA Garry Wesley prior to his November 4th, 2017 concert at the Stefanie H. Weill Center for the Performing Arts, and what I have posted above are my edited excerpts from her article posted on October 25th, 2017, in the Sheboygan Press.

What follows represents more than eight hours of a phone interview that I conducted over two days with Garry Wesley. Even with that much time, we only covered a small segment of Garry’s lengthy career; and we didn’t even get to the story of how he met Elvis at a stoplight!  Hopefully sometime in the future and there will be a Focus ON: Garry Wesley, The Middle Years and Garry Wesley, The Later Years. For now, please enjoy Focus ON:  ETA Garry Wesley, The Early Years.  Cheers! C.M.

ETA Garry Wesley in 2010. Photo Credit: Cesar Antonio Lemus Castro.

The Interview

Q.  Where were you born and raised, and where do you now call home?

A.  I was born in Willard, Wisconsin.  I grew up on a farm and lived there until I was 18.  I now live in Necedah, WI.

Q.  Tell us five interesting things about your childhood.

Garry and Elaine Wesley in the early days. Photo Credit: Garry Wesley.

A.  I was raised in a family with three siblings and my mom and dad.  I am the youngest of four and have two sisters and an older brother.  My brother was 17 when I was born.  We raised cattle, mostly milking cows.  I had to get up at 5 am to make sure the cows were herded into stanchions (holding brackets) for milking.  What I liked best about living on our farm were the animals, the wildlife, Nipper my sister’s horse, and my crazy dog Skipper.  I rode Nipper bareback and several times he would take off in a gallop then stop suddenly, causing me to flip over his head.  After I got up and dusted myself off, Nipper would part his teeth and smile a big toothy grin.  I was a typical kid, with lot of friends who were also farm kids.  We talked about farming, rock bands, and music.  At age six, I already knew about Elvis.  My mom always liked Elvis since the time she saw him in the movie “Blue Hawaii”; but it wasn’t until my dad saw Elvis in the televised 1973 “Aloha from Hawaii” concert that he became a fan.  I still have a cassette tape recording of the “Aloha” concert that I watched with my dad.

ETA Garry Wesley made several appearances in Ontario churches on his two tours in 2019.

Q.  Describe your life as a teenager.  (Who were your friends?  What subjects did you like at school?  Did you belong to any clubs?  What did you do for fun?  What were your struggles?)

Garry before his show at East Plains United Church, Burlington, ON. Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur.

A.  I pretty well had the same friends in high school as in elementary school, but I also made new friends, like Tony, who came from the Catholic school to the same high school in Greenwood. It was a small high school, and the students, like me, were from farms in the area.  My favourite subjects were History and Science.  There also was a music class in grade school, and I wanted to play drums; but my parents said. “No!”   In high school I took auto mechanics because I liked machines of any kind.  I didn’t belong to any clubs in high school, but I was a Boy Scout up to Junior High. For fun, I did auto mechanics, took a class on agriculture, and hung out with friends.  We were bussed to the high school; but then at age 16, I got my driver’s licence.  I remember laughing as I said to the bus driver on my last day riding the bus, “You won’t see me again!”  But just after I got my very first car, a friend crashed my 1967 Impala into a church! What happened was:  my friends, Leon and Laverne and I went to a ball game.  Danny, who was from another town and had tagged along with us, begged to drive my car. “I have my licence and know how to drive,” Danny assured me. Too shy to say no, I let him drive.  Danny floored the pedal and drove my car right into the side of a church, and then he took off! I took the blame for the accident. I only had the car for three days, and did not have insurance.  My dad went to court with me and the Judge asked my dad what he wanted to do about the situation.  The judge said there were two choices:  He could issue a fine, or my dad could take away my licence.   My dad opted to take away my licence.  After what I said to the bus driver, it was so humiliating having to take the bus to high school again!

Q.  What did you do with your time after your high school years ended?

A.  As part of agriculture class, I needed to put in hours; so at age 16, I started working at a cheese factory a mile from my home part time. During the summer, I continued to work at the factory making cheese. After I graduated from high school, I worked part time in the fall at the cheese factory.  I wanted to get into the mechanic class at Tech College, but the wait was two years; so I took classes in welding and fabrication. 

Q.  What career path did you decide to take after high school?  (Did you continue your formal education? Where and why?  Did you starting working?  At what?  Why?)

Garry has been singing in churches since his youth. Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur.

A. I graduated from Tech College with one of the highest grades in the welding and fabrication class.  As soon as I graduated, one of instructors picked eight students from the class to assist in getting jobs.  Right after graduation, I worked at building and fabricating wood burning and coal stoves to heat house.  My cousin bought a stove from the company that I made and it was still in the house that he sold four years ago. 

Q.  Did you take any lessons related to the performing arts?  Please explain.

A.  I didn’t any lessons, but I sang in our church choir and sang with my dad at home.   I also sang to my girlfriends.

Q.  What music was most often heard in your home?

Garry’s wife, Elaine, joins Garry in his shows. In his Ontario tours, Elaine was splendid as Patsy Cline.

A.  My mother and father were big country music fans.  Dad played polkas, and was a fan of Frankie Yankovic, who was known as “America’s Polka King”.  Mom and dad went to see them in Willard, WI.  It was during a big snow storm, and not many people showed up. My uncle told Frankie that Dad played the accordion, so Frankie brought him on stage to play.  It was such a memorable night for my dad.  My sisters were Elvis, Beatles, Stones, and Neil Diamond fans. It wasn’t until years later that I found out later sisters loved Elvis.  My brother, Ed, also loved Elvis, and had a great collection of 45s.  When Ed left home to join the military, he gave me his Elvis collection.

Q.  Do you recall the circumstances when you first heard Elvis Presley music?

A.  I first heard Elvis when I was 6 years old.   When we were young, my parents would take us to Rock Dam sandy beach on Rock Lake.  There was a club called Barr’s Bar at the beach that had a jukebox.  I couldn’t see the numbers to select songs, so my sisters chose the songs.  When I heard “Jailhouse Rock” for the first time, I started dancing. 

Q.  What made you decide to embark on a career as an ETA?

A.  I never intended on becoming a singer.  It all happened totally by accident.  I moved to Milwaukee after the stove factory closed, just three months after I started working there.  My sister-in-law was working at a Kentucky Fried Chicken in Milwaukee, and said she could get me a job at KFC.  In Milwaukee, I worked three jobs:  I worked for an investment firm; I was a bartender; and I had my job at KFC.  I met a couple of guys who became friends.  We talked about music, went to Nick’s Nickabob on State Street to see Jerry Allen and the Rockin’ Robins who played all kinds of music.  For Halloween in 1980, with the encouragement of my two friends who dressed as the Blues Brothers, I dressed up as Elvis— my favourite entertainer. At a friend’s suggestion, I went to Mike’s Salon to have my long and light brown hair cut and dyed.  Mike, who had his own hair styled in a pompadour, showed me photos of Elvis, and asked, “Is this is what you want?”  “Yes!” I replied.  Mike dyed hair, my eye brows, and my eyelashes.  When he was done, and he spun me around to look in the mirror, I disbelievingly asked, “Who is that!”  When my friends saw me after my salon visit, they had to ask, “Garry?” to make sure it was me.  I went to see my sister Audrey for help with my make up; and for my Elvis costume I wore a black shirt, black pants and jacket, and a belt with a eagle buckle.  When we arrived at Nick’s that night, the bouncer said, “You guys are late for the show.  The band is waiting for you.”  Happy to save the $2 entrance fee that would buy us a couple rounds of beer, we entered.  Jerry, lead singer for the Rockin’ Robins, said to the audience, “Hey, we got Elvis in the audience!”  Unsure at first if he was talking to me, I headed to the stage shaking as I went.  Five minutes seemed like five hours, but I got through a medley of Elvis songs with the band. I must have done alright because Nick the owner asked if I had a band.  At the time, I didn’t, so Nick said to call him when I formed a band.  Later that evening, my friends and I went to two other clubs in our costumes and I got business cards and offers even without singing.  People were asking for autographs!  Some people who were at Nick’s Nickabob tell me they still remember that night 1980.  

Through someone my brother knew at the bar, I was introduced to Mike who had a recording studio.  It was a time before karaoke, but Mike was able to  erase Elvis’s voice so I could sing with an original recording.  I was constantly “wood shedding” (practicing) in those days, and even went to sleep listening to recordings of Elvis’s music.

Q.  Describe what you were feeling before, during, and after your first performance as an ETA.

A.  At the Vegas Club in Brookfield, WI, one of the clubs we visited on Halloween, they used taped music instead of a live band, so I was able to do an audition using one of the tracks Mike prepared.  The stage at the Vegas Club was like the “’68 Comeback”-- very intimidating with nowhere to run.  Mike, my, buddy looked after sound.  The shows started at 6 pm with the dinner crowd, and each of the four acts did three 20 minute sets.  At first I wore the black shirt, pants and jacket from Halloween; then a girl I was dating made a jumpsuit for me.  My friend, Linda, who ran theatres, had reels of Elvis.  Linda asked if I wanted to see the Elvis movies and concerts after hours at the theatre.  On a Wednesday night from 12 midnight until 10 the next morning, I watched a marathon of Elvis concerts and performances, and went back in the weeks following to see all of Elvis’s movies.  I used all I learned watching Elvis’s concerts and movies in my performances.  I was initially told that I had a gig once a month as a trial; but after first week, I asked to come back every weekend.  I ended up making more money performing as Elvis than I did at three part time jobs.  Since my gigs ended at 9 pm, I went to country club and watched the brother and sister act, the Spaldings, and their band. They used to ask me to get up to sing with their band.  I also occasionally sang with Jerry Allen, from Brooklyn, NY, and the Rockin’ Robins at Nick’s Nickabob.  I wanted to get used to singing with a band.  Six months after I started at the Vegas Club, the owner had a heart attack.  He left an envelope for me that contained money.  The owner’s kids insisted I take the money as a month’s notice.  Soon after, the kids closed club. 

ETA Garry Wesley in a photo by Cesar Antonip Lemus Castro, taken in 2010.

As I was putting a band together, I sang with other bands to keep my name out there.  I developed a band that did a mixture of music. I did Elvis for thirty minutes, but the band did other music for fifteen minutes.  It was a much different feel performing with a live band.  The expectation of those who saw the shows was that they were seeing a show featuring me as Elvis, and the band just played music.  My first band was together for six months, but two brothers in the band did not get along; so after the band disbanded, I created a different band.  Kerwin was the drummer, and I added a female singer, piano player, and two guitarists.  I asked if they could do different tributes, so my keyboard player was Jerry Lee Lewis, our singer was Olivia Newton John and Linda Ronstadt, our guitarist was Buddy Holly, and our bass guitarist was Richie Valens.  The band loved that they got to perform as their idols in a show of multiple tribute artists—long before “Legends in Concert”.   My second band lasted two years.  Our singer went to college; I had to fire keyboard player after he mouthed off at the manager; the guitar player’s wife wanted him to stay home more; and the  bass player moved out of town to LA, which left just the drummer, Kerwin, and me.  We performed together for five years until he went on to be an English teacher.  Before we parted ways, we put together five different bands.  We played in some big places, and did a lot of travelling.  I continued on with another group while Kerwin went to school:  GL Wesley and Days Gone By, GL Wesley and Memphis (then Memories), then back to Memphis Rockers.  I have had a band for over thirty years. My original keyboarder, guitarist, and drummer lasted fifteen years.  Several band members from different groups, such as Change of Habit, Fever and the Ambassadors, whom I knew from other shows, intertwined with my band. 

Q.  What was different about your 2003 performance at the Tribute to the King competition in Lula, MS, that led to your first place win?

A.  I won first place in the Tribute to the King completion in Lula, Mississippi, in 2003. I took home the highest payout for an Elvis Tribute contest--$50,000!  Judging was based on look, sound, and performance, and with only eight minutes on stage, I had to pick my songs wisely.  I chose “Suspicious Minds”, “Hurt”, and “Can’t Help Falling in Love”.  My goal was to recreate how Elvis did these songs and interact with the crowd.  Anyone could have won, but they chose me. 

So ends the first part of Garry’s interview—The Early Years. If you would like the story to continue, please let Garry know in the comments below. Thank you to all ETA fans and SIDEBURNS Magazine followers. You are the best!

I would like to thank Nigel Husing, Garry Wesley’s manager in Ontario, for helpful communication.

Focus ON: Actor, Singer, and ETA, Michael Paul Callahan

Introduction

If there were an award given for “Most Enthusiastic ETA”, Michael Paul Callahan would be at the top of the judges list.  With just four years of experience as an ETA, Michael has succeeded in making an indelible mark on the ETA world by his many appearances in multimedia, with his regular posts on Facebook, and by being selected as ETA of the Year for 2019.*

And it all began by happenchance.

Photo Credit: Cindy Bell Photograhy.

I have always been happiest singing along with Elvis’s music my entire life, but up until four years ago the only definition I knew for ‘ETA’ was estimated time of arrival. Four years ago this July, I made my first appearance as an ETA and didn’t even know I was.  I borrowed a friend’s fringe suit and boots and was part of a Christmas in July themed float for an Independence Day parade.  I was shocked at the response of people watching.  From ages 4 to 94, they waved and screamed, “Elvis.”  At the grandstand I sang “America the Beautiful” for the judges and crowd. People pulled me out of the parade to pose with their parents. Watching the joy in people’s faces seeing “Elvis” was a thrill I will never forget and why I continue to do this.  The popular saying, “giving is better than receiving”, is true.  The joy on their faces, their appreciation, and even making some folks’ final request come true to have “Elvis” sing to them, is the greatest reward.  Unless an ETA is extremely good, available, has the resources, and is able to book full-time, ETAs do not break even financially…that is the proof an ETA does this for love. M.P.C.

Art, in many forms, has been a part of the Callahan family for generations.  Michael’s father, Chester Robert “Bob” Callahan, who was a journalist, photographer, and sports editor for a paper in Burlington, VT, “hung with Kennedy, Nixon, and Reagan, and “did stories and photos”. Michael recalls that his dad was “tight with JFK” who gave him “royal Siamese cats, which he brought home…and they tore the house up! We got to meet celebrities all the time—like Frank Gifford at his peak.” Michael’s grandfather, Chet Callahan, was a professional photographer who owned studios in Burlington and Essex Junction, VT; and Michael’s uncle, Al Callahan, was a navy underwater photographer. 

In the photos below, left to right, photographer Chet Callahan, Michael’s grandfather, is seen in a promo photo. The photo of former President Nixon exiting a plane, and the photo of former President Ronald Reagan and former First Lady, Nancy Reagan, relaxing in their home, were taken by journalist and photographer, Bob Callahan, Michael’s father. The beautiful photo of Michael as a baby sitting next to his mother, Elizabeth Callahan, is from Michael’s own collection. The middle photo of a pencil drawing shows Elizabeth Callahan’s talent as an artist. Photos credited to M.P.C.

Michael’s son, Nolan, who recently received the Meritorious Achievement in Acting Award from the Theatre Association of New York State, is following in his father’s acting footsteps.  Michael’s wife, Connie, helps with Michael’s ETA costuming, hair and makeup; and son, Aaron, a sound engineer, works with stage setup in Michael’s shows.

In the photos below, Michael Paul Callahan is pictured with cast members of “First Things First”; and in the second photo, Nolan Callahan, third from the left, is pictured with some of the cast members of “Jill Trent: Science Sleuth”. (Second photo is credited to auburnpub.com)

Michael Paul Callahan continues to pursue his acting career while enjoying life as an ETA. I invite you all to enjoy this delightful student film, written and directed by Nathaniel Ahart. Michael stars in one of the two leading roles. (Winter 2020—SUNY Oswego, NY Film Dept.) 

“Never forget those that helped you get where you are.” Michael Paul Callahan.

The Interview

Q.  Where were you born and raised?  Where do you now reside?

A.  I was born in Burlington, VT.  I currently live in Oswego, NY, and have lived there since 1998. 

Feature newspaper story for the Burlington Free Press of young Mike getting his first barbershop cut. “When you have a photojournalist father, everything you do ends up on the front page.”

Q.  Tell us five interesting things about your childhood.

A. Sports were all important.  Anything I could pick up and throw, since two years old, flew.  We tied towels around our necks to be superheroes, so no surprise that I love Elvis capes.  My father and grandfather were famous photographers.  At my first drive-in at five years old, I went to see “Bye Bye Birdie” with a four year old girl--a very pretty redhead, just like Ann-Margaret.  I used to pedal my bike as fast as I could while singing, “Wheels on my Heels”.  This is very relevant:  In 6th grade my teacher loved my trumpet playing.  Herb Albert was the big thing then, right before The Beatles hit USA.  Weekly, my teacher would ask me to play my trumpet for the class, so I would buy contemporary sheet music with my paper route money.  She then assembled a complete rock band in our class and we played the whole year for school functions.  “Happy Together” by The Turtles was our signature song.  I was lead singer and trumpet player, so I have always been in a rock band since 6th grade. 

Q.  Describe your life as a teenager.  

A. Sports and girls!  In Vermont, I was the #1 baseball pitcher, quarterback, and undefeated wrestler.  Emulating stars of the times like James Bond and Elvis, I had girlfriends in every high school—at the same time!  But I was found out, so I then had to find girlfriends from out-of-town. I was unique, in that, while an all-star athlete, I was also a trumpet player in a band, which was unheard of back then.  To this day I feel bad that the high school chorus teacher begged me in front of my friends to join the chorus and I laughed in her face. Now I sing and act professionally after picking on chorus singers and theater students in school.  I have been supporting myself since 16 years old, and others since 18 years old. 

Q. What was home life like for you?

Michael’s grandfather and father, Chet Callahan and C. Robert Callahan, in a photo taken in Burlington, VT, where both won 1st Place for swimming and speed boat racing on Lake Champlain.

A. Home life was challenging.  My father liked to hit me and my mom daily, until one day when I had enough, I picked him up and threw him through his windshield.

My father had seen an old Viking movie once starring Tony Curtis, and while I turned the other cheek for years when I didn’t have to, I believe he wanted to recreate the Nordic tradition of a son becoming a man when he overtakes his father in a wrestling match. So when I finally stood up to him, it was partially to meet his unspoken wishes.

Q.  What did you do with your time after your high school years ended?

A. The day after I graduated, my girlfriend and her dad came to pick me up in Vermont and took me to live with them in Virginia.  I was supposed to go to college as a baseball star, but went with them instead.  While still 18, after working at a moving company as a truck driver, I was hired as a store manager for a Rite-Aid store in downtown Baltimore, Maryland.  They thought I was older. At ages 18 and 16, my first wife and I looked more like Elvis and Priscilla than almost anyone else.

Michael and Sharon Callahan.

Q.  What career path did you decide to take after high school?  

A. Without a college degree, and supporting a 16 year old wife who was still in high school, retail was my best option; so I managed stores.  It should be mentioned that it was seven years after marriage that we had a child.  Her parents said, “Break up or get married.”  So we got married by choice, not necessity. 

Q. Did you take any lessons related to the performing arts?  Please explain.

A. I took trumpet lessons since 5th grade and all through school years.  At 18, I started Tae Kwon Do and became a tournament champion. 

Q.  What music was most often heard in your home?

A. Elvis, and Elvis.  My mom loved Elvis and encouraged me also.  I was the best dressed kid in school as she bought our school clothes annually in August and dressed me like Elvis.  Even as a kid, I controlled the music in our house.  When an Elvis movie came on TV, I made everyone keep extremely quiet so I could hold the handheld mic for two hours while the reel to reel tape recorder taped the songs. 

Q.  Were you a performer prior to becoming an ETA?  Please explain.

A. Yes, ironically after all those years growing up in local rock bands as the lead singer, as an adult I sang to my current wife at our wedding reception full of our church members. I launched into a very successful International Christian Contemporary Music (CCM) career. I spent years singing in 500-7000 seat venues, performing and opening for the biggest Grammy and Dove Award winners in the world.  For example, at one huge annual outdoor festival, right after my set, the next group was The Imperials, famous Gospel group and Elvis’s backup singers in concert for years. 

ETA Michael Paul Callahan and his wife, Connie, at the 2019 Flaming Star Festival. Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur.

Q.  What made you decide to embark on a career as an ETA?

A. Great story here.  I rarely run to be first in line.  My style is to do something when no one else will, when I know it is right.  Four years ago I asked a local ETA to march in the area’s July 4th parade as “Elvis” because the theme was Christmas in July.  He declined. (It is a two mile walk in July with 90 degree temperatures).  But he expressed, “You look like Elvis, same height, weight, love his music, are a professional singer that sounds like Elvis, so why don’t I lend you my fringe suit, belt and boots and you do it”.  So I did.  What amazed and got me hooked was the incredible response to an “Elvis” in the parade by everyone from 4 to 94 years old.  People were dragging me out of the parade to pose with their wheelchair bound Elvis fan mothers, kids, etc.  It made a person so happy and that is my motivation; plus my favorite thing to do my whole life is sing Elvis songs. 

Q.  Describe what you were feeling before, during, and after your first performance as an ETA.

A. Inadequate by all measures.  Three years ago I had never even heard of an ETA.  I had no idea the scale of this endeavor or that professional costume companies existed.  It was alright my whole life to be told that I sound like Elvis when I sing normally, but to then perform for people expecting me to emulate Elvis?  That’s like expecting a painter to paint like Da Vinci…a  fan’s deepest wish, but an “Impossible Dream”.  I sound even more like Elvis if I can sing along to his song. 

Q.  Describe the backstage atmosphere before a competition.

A. Focus is always key, so most keep to themselves.  Warming up, some chat quietly to settle nerves. 

Q.  Describe the process of turning yourself into a stage ready ETA (routines and rituals).  

A. This I can nail with my cast in stone mantra: “Rehearse, Gym, Tan, and Starve”.  Costumes are too expensive to not fit into. 

ETAs Michael Paul Callahan, William Elvis Young, and Mark Shelton at the 2019 Flaming Star Festival. Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur.

Q.  Describe how you felt before, during, and after your first competition.  Did you achieve the outcome you desired?

A. My approach is different and realistic. The competition is the least important reason I am there.  I can only do a select few a year, so my priorities are tangible predictable results: professional photographs and videos, parades, meeting fans and making friends, singing to an exclusively Elvis loving crowd, and meeting vendors and others we work with all year long. 

Q.  What is the biggest mistake that young ETAs make in their tribute?

A.  I am not sure.  Possibly downplaying that it is a tribute to Elvis, not themselves.  

Q.  What valuable life lessons did you learn from your parents, or mentor, that you still use today?

A. From my parents:, “Duck!” :) My mentor is Elvis’s life…I never had a person.  Grandmother was a great influence and my one true relative that showed love.  Bible is only real lessons. 

Q.  Describe the highlights of your ETA career.

A.  Highlights for me are:  performing for huge crowds, and very special occasions for special reasons; watching people dance, love his music; and definitely the documentary Syracuse University filmed and published on me as “Elvis” February 2019.  I can’t do small events, but “The Golden Rule” is, all are important.  Last February we were requested to make a terminal patient’s final request come true while in a huge hospital in Rochester, NY.  In her long life, she had never seen Elvis, so her wish was to have “Elvis” sing to her.  In my last song for her and the hospital, I pulled out a custom “Elvis” scarf to wear.  She lit up like a beacon, asked if she could just touch it, while I was singing.  I said I plan to do better than that, and placed it around her neck.  She cried.  We were told she survived the next day’s brain surgery, but passed two weeks later, never taking the Elvis scarf off.  That’s the power and love of Elvis’s legacy, not me. 

Q.  What is the best part of being an ETA?

A.  Honestly every time you open up your shirt and the “S” symbol is seen you feel like Clark Kent is Superman.  It’s not a dream or fantasy anymore, for a brief time you get to experience a smidgen of what it must have been like to be Elvis.

Q.  What movies have you been in, and who were the starring actor?

Michael Paul Callahan poses with fellow actor Jeff Goldblum.

Lead Actors:

Paper Spiders- Lili Taylor, Peyton List

Odd Man Rush- Jack Mulhern, Dylan Mayfair, Elektra Jansson Kilby

Clean- Adrian Brody

Looks That Kill- Julia Telles, Brandon Flynn, Ki Hong Lee

Sid is Dead- Mary Stuart Masterson

The Mountain- Jeff Goldblum, Tye Sheridan, Hannah Gross, Udo Kier

Venus Man Trap- Michael Callahan-lead

COUNTER- Michael Callahan-lead

The Businessman- Michael Callahan-lead 

Q.  What are your best memories of appearing with the named actors?

Actor, Michael Paul Callahan, right, poses with the AD director for “The Mountain”.

A.  The in between takes, relaxing, and taking selfies. 

Q.  Who were/are the important women in your life?  Why are these women important to you?

A. My grandmother was the only person I felt love from…loved spending time with her. 

Q.  How are you different on stage compared to off stage?

A. While confident in both, it actually feels more normal to be someone else, whether it's as an actor in character, an ETA, or in a Broadway musical or play. 

Q.  What ETA title would you like to have that has so far escaped you?

A.  While it would be nice to win a competition, others place more value in this than I.  I don't need a title; I have won championships in many areas my whole life. 

Q.  Would you want to judge an ETA competition?  What do you think are the challenges of being an ETA competition judge?

A.  This is a scary area.  I would never want to judge a contest, and frankly I have seen judges picked for the wrong reasons often.  I do not feel all people have the character required to ignore personal influences, opinions, and judge solely unbiased. I have seen people awarded prizes because they traveled the farthest (?).

Q.  What men have had a positive influence on your life?  How?

A.  Elvis, and a true pastor in Binghamton, NY that married us. 

Q.  What makes you sad?  How do you cope with sadness?

A.  Injustice, children suffering, ignorance, addictions, and the loss of manners, courtesy, respect for our elders by current generations.

Q.  In what international cities have you performed?  How are audiences different in different countries?

A.  Some in Germany, Canada, Denmark, Ireland.  When they know you are from a different culture they are more tolerant and less judgmental. 

Q.  Is there a country where you really want to perform as an ETA?  Why?

A. Really mostly interested in Germany and Ireland due to my roots and relatives. 

A photo by ETA Michael Paul Callahan of his grandson, Seamus, posing for Lord and Taylor.

Q.  What are your strengths as a performer?

A.  Humor, karate, appearance, relating to the audience, while always nervous.   Nervousness is only due to loss of memory, lyric concern, which Elvis himself experienced. All the normal stage fright issues never apply, except the terror of forgetting lyrics. 

Q.  Describe your typical non-performance day.

A. Buried in business, mine as “Elvis”, my “Legends” group, an actor, and my family’s daily needs…with two sons in college full time, and helping to raise a seven year old; and we are all signed actors, so I have to act as their business manager. 

Q.  What makes you laugh?

A.  Some of my friends on my fan page are a riot and make me laugh daily, and it is so appreciated.  Also a good movie, making others laugh, and Jeff Dunham with his puppets, all make me laugh. 

Q.  If it were possible, what would you like to ask Elvis?  What would you say to him?

A.  How the heck did you stay so tanned beginning in 1970 before tanning booths?  How did you learn at an early age to play piano while your family was struggling financially Pianos are very expensive, and bulky.  Do you also find it ironic that the world imitates your appearance and hair as you were imitating Tony Curtis?  So we are imitating you, imitating Tony Curtis.  Interesting, right?  I would just like to thank him for sharing his talent and gift with the world.  I honestly feel he made karate mainstream way before Bruce Lee, who by fact was also an Elvis fan; and by bringing Gospel into rock concerts he opened the door to making Christianity mainstream.  Billy Graham and Elvis are only surpassed by Jesus at spreading the Gospel worldwide. 

Q.  What do you treasure?  

A.  Humor, family, humility, good manners, friendship, nice people.                       

Q.  What has surprised you most about being an ETA?

A.  The expense.  Everything costs a lot of money.  If you do it right, and as an “OCD Elvis”, I can only do everything 100%.  And the scope of ETAs. The internet says there is approximately 80,000 ETAs worldwide.  Not 80,000 Prince, the Beatles, Springsteen, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Cher--just Elvis. 

Q.  Describe a special moment with a fan or audience member.

A.  It has happened a few times, including a few weeks ago.  We do not hand out “Elvis” scarfs like candy because we do not cut them from fabric store.  Our scarves are ordered top quality and we hand them out selectively.  A few weeks ago I handed a scarf out to the hostess at the end of my show, and she immediately asked if she could present it to a special audience member in a wheelchair.  I was impressed and crushed.  With limited lighting, etc., we don’t see much.  I did not see the lady in a wheelchair.  I made sure her selfless act was not unrewarded; I brought the hostess one after everyone else left and posed for photos with the lady in the wheelchair.  

Also, another special moment, as previously mentioned, was the terminal patient who treasured the “Elvis” scarf so much around her neck she wouldn’t let anyone in the hospital touch it for the two weeks before she passed. 

Q.  What Elvis costume is your favorite?  Why?

A. GREAT question.  As a unique personality, I am in accordance with the norm.  I love the Aloha jumpsuit, the song “Hurt”, “Suspicious Minds”, but I purposely don’t own my favorite suit, the Aloha jumpsuit, or sing “Hurt” at festivals because so many others do both, a lot.  The Aloha is my favorite, but I purposely chose not to own it.  My favorites that I own and wear are the 1970 International Hotel karate style jumpsuits…Chain, Fringe, and Tapestry, and any jumpsuit with a cape!

Q.  Who makes your costumes?

A.  ProElvis, B&K, AJM.  It’s an OCD thing.  I must have the best. 

Q.  How do you care for your costumes so they are always stage ready?

A. Everything I have I take care of. (I still have the wooden tennis racket my grandmother bought me at 14 with green stamps, still in mint condition.)  They are all stored in 1-2 hermetically sealed garment bags, and then the day of the show my wife irons and streams them to be wrinkle free. 

Q.  Who taught you how to apply your Elvis makeup?

A.  Wish I was more self-sustaining like others, but this Elvis travels with support:  a sound engineer, son’s setup equipment, and Connie, who does all make-up and hair and assists with costuming. 

Q.  What special care does your hair or wig require to keep it looking good?

A.  Just routine maintenance. 

Q.  What annoys you?

A.  Smartphones, and people addicted to Smartphones!!  Rude, selfish behavior. 

Q.  What do you fear?

A.   Weight gain!!!  

Q.  How do you handle disappointment?

A.  Not very well.  OCD does not accept even deviation from perfection well. 

Q.  Describe a future that is specifically designed for you.

A. I have thankfully accomplished a lot. Everything now is just icing on the cake. I will continue acting, modeling, doing limited special shows, assisting the community and family.  And it would be nice to take one cruise and see and perform for family overseas.

Q.  What is your five year plan?

A.  Act, sing, help my family, community, and build several big annual shows I’m working on now. 

Q.  How will you know when it is time to retire from being an ETA?

A.  In the Syracuse University documentary on me, in February 2019, I offered this myself:  On a large and International scale, 1-2 years, maybe longer regionally.  The day I see photos in which I don’t like what I’m seeing, and it’s not physically correctable, I’m done. 

Q.  What will you do in retirement?

A.  Become a Tom Jones or Englebert Humperdinck Tribute Artist!!!  LOL.   No, I will act, do musicals, plays, theater, and continue to be a business manager for my family.  My 19 year old son in college is an acting genius. 

Q.  What question would you ask a fellow ETA?

A.  Where the heck can I buy the black t shirt for under the ‘68 Comeback leather outfit??  LOL.

Michael, Connie, Nolan, and Aaron Callahan, 2019. Photo from Michael Paul Callahan’s Facebook collection.

Q.  Who are the people you would like to thank for being there throughout your ETA career?

A.  Immediate family. 

Q.  What would people be surprised to learn about you?

A.  People would be surprise to learn that, while I seem confident on the outside, I need constant encouragement. 

Q.  What song do you wish Elvis had recorded so you could sing it on stage during your tribute to Elvis?

A. “Only Make Believe”  and “True Love Ways”.

Q.  What would you like to say to the backup singers and band members with whom you perform?

A. I have expressed many times onstage the true heroes are the ones not onstage nor in the spotlight.  The behind the scenes support staff, and the band and singers make the experience happen. 

Q.  What opportunities do you think came your way strictly from being an ETA?

A. The “Legends” group I Inc.™  and entertaining the community and making Elvis fans happy. 

Actress Cynthia Pepper, Elvis’s co-star in ‘Kissin’ Cousins”, with ETA Michael Paul Callahan, Flaming Star Festival, 2019. Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur.

Q.  How as being an ETA changed you?

A.  I’m much poorer!!!  LOL!   It is actually a dream come true and a bucket list item to the tenth degree!  While singing Elvis my whole life in the shower, around the house, and in the car, I never thought I’d be able to enjoy my favorite pastime in public.  Also when people ask about it, it's a constant chance to break through non-ETA or unknowing ETA people that exist in this world, and that is fun.  It is not something to chuckle at or look down your nose at. 

Q.  How did your fan club get its start?

A.  Local high school students formed and started it.  I didn’t know this option even existed, and it was done as an actor and what they call me, a meme--whatever that is.  And after that I became an ETA. The fan page was actually solely started by them about me as an actor.

Photo Credit: Louis Young Photography.

Q.  What plans do you have with ETA Justin Shandor regarding an upcoming event?

A.  We both feel Elvis festivals could offer a unique perspective, reach a larger, broader audience, change several existing practices, so it's not the same handful of people always winning, by creating more categories, making it more public friendly, and be done in NY. We are formulating an annual Elvis/Legends festival, and also an Annual NY’s Eve celebration in NY, both at a theater twice the size of many Elvis festival theaters. 

Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur.

Q.  What question do you wish I had asked, but didn’t?

A.  Unless you are so talented and available to be a full time paid ETA, this is costing you money, so why do you pursue an endeavor you are losing money on, i.e.,  just one good new Elvis costume is $1,800-$5,000 dollars.  You have to pay a lot to attend every festival, then there's the cost of your own personal shows, sound equipment, etc. 

 Q.  How would you answer your own question?

A.  When it’s not a career, it’s a hobby.  Hobbies cost money--fishing, camping, motorcycles, race cars, golf, etc.; however, this is a unique hobby that makes the participants and audience very happy, and sustains Elvis’s legacy.  What’s that worth??

Articles

Videos

Notes on Fan Club from Jack D Lee: It started more organically than anything I’ve ever seen in my life. Just a small collection of high school students who were passionate about film in a place without a real film scene. When we discovered Micheal, we were amazed by his compassion and dedication to the art of acting. We decided to start up a little group, just a place to talk about Oswego’s biggest celeb among ourselves. Eventually it evolved into something bigger than our original group of friends, and then Micheal started an Elvis impersonation business, and since then it’s been all about that side of him.

The MPC Fan Club is even more active since he became an Elvis tribute artist! It went from only about 10 close friends to hundreds, even thousands of people. The younger crowd think it’s pretty cool having someone performing all the classic Elvis tunes in our fair little town and community. Micheal himself is an admin in the group so he frequently updates, contributes , kind of interacts, new goings, some unique comments kinda stuff. It’s very cool you know? He contributes a lot to the group, more than anyone, I’d say.

Slide Show

Editor’s Thank You Notes:  *I wish to thank Debbie Acebo for answering my question about how an ETA is selected for the the title of ETA of the Year on her Facebook page ALL ETA'S ALL THE TIME AND ANYTHING ELVIS: As for ETA of the Year, the admins vote. They (ETAs) had to have made ETA of the Week which we usually do randomly. Then after they become ETA of the Week, if they continue to support the group and post when they have time, we put their name in a virtual hat and vote.

Thank you to Jack D Lee for his comments on the MPC Fan Club.

Carolyn MacArthur with ETA Michael Paul Callahan at the 2019 Flaming Star Festival. Photo Credit: C. MacArthur.

Thank you to photographers, Lori-Anne Crewe, Louis Young, and Cindy Bell.

And thank you to Michael Paul Callahan, actor, singer, and ETA, for sharing his insightful answers and providing many of the wonderful photos used in this interview. We at SIDEBURNS Magazine wish Michael continued happiness and success in the world of entertainment.  Best regards, Carolyn MacArthur.

Edited by Carolyn MacArthur, owner and editor of SIDEBURNS Magazine.

Focus ON: ETA James Gibb, Take 2

Introduction

ETA James Gibb was one of my first posts on Focus ON way back on November 3rd, 2017. After we talked briefly at the first ETA competition I covered, the Flaming Star Festival in Mississauga, James sent me some great photos, an outline of his career, and posters of his upcoming shows. SIDEBURNS Magazine was barely one month old at the time of the festival—having just launched on September 10th, 2017, and almost everyone at the competition was new to me. A few ETAs said they had heard of SIDEBURNS as I introduced myself and handed them my business card and that was reassuring; but it was those first few posts, including Focus ON: ETA James Gibb, that helped SIDEBURNS sprout roots.

ETA James Gibb performaing at the 2017 Flaming Star Festival. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, for SIDEBURNS Magazine.

I have had the pleasure of seeing James perform many times over the two and half years since our first meeting at Flaming Star. I have enjoyed posting recaps of his Flamboro Downs, Mohawk Raceway, Harmony Square, and Collingwood Village shows on my website. James also has been a featured ETA in PHOTO FEATURE on our Facebook page.

In the ETA world, James has taken on many roles over the years: competitor, performer, headliner, emcee, and judge. And this week, James can add SIDEBURNS Magazine interviewee to the list. The answers that James Gibb, the ETA with “the famous sneer and flashy clothes” and “the wild dance moves”, are very entertaining…just like James himself. I invite you all to enjoy Focus On: ETA James Gibb, Take 2.

The Interview

Q.  Where were you born and raised?  Where do you now reside?

A.  I was born in Windsor, Ontario.  I have lived in Harrow, Ontario, my whole life.

Q.  Tell us five interesting things about your childhood.

James at the age of 11. Photo provided by James Gibb.

A.  I discovered Elvis at the age of 13.  I started sign-painting also at the age of 13.  In high school, I was the only one in with a ducktail and sideburns at the time.  I won a ‘best dancer’ award in my last year of high school for dancing like Elvis at the prom.  I was very shy all throughout my school life.

Q.  Describe your life as a teenager. 

A. As mentioned, I was extremely shy, with not a lot of friends.  LOL…didn't have a date to the prom.

Q.  What did you do with your time after your high school years ended?

A.  I went to St. Clair College in Windsor where I studied Commercial Art.

James in his teen years. Photo provided by James Gibb.

Q.  What career path did you decide to take after high school? 

A. Well, I wasn't really interested in moving away to get a job in commercial art, so I became a draftsman at a local forklift manufacturing plant. Then I went on the work at different Windsor area sign shops.

Q.  Did you take any lessons related to the performing arts?  Please explain.

A.  I never took performance lessons, but after I bombed at the first contest I had entered, my wife, Lisa, signed me up for singing lessons.  I took singing lessons for two years straight…every Tuesday afternoon.

Q.  What music was most often heard in your home?

A.  My parents listened strictly to the country music of the day, which is probably why I enjoy that kind of music now.  My parents were 'casual' Elvis fans.  I was the one who became fanatical about him.

Q.  Were you a performer prior to becoming an ETA? 

A.  No, I was not a performer prior to becoming an ETA.  I had entered and won some karaoke contests, but that was the extent of it.

Q.  What made you decide to embark on a career as an ETA?

A.  Lisa signed me up for the first ever Windsor Elvis Festival, but didn't tell me that she did.  When it got to the point where it was about a month away, she told me.  Then I started practicing to be able to be ready for the contest.  The contest came, and I was NOT ready!  LOL

Q.  Do you recall your first ETA performance?  When and where did it take place?

A.  It was at the Windsor Elvis Festival.  I recall it very well.  I was literally scared to death throughout the whole experience. I was doing all the moves and signing, but I was not breathing—a huge mistake! LOL

Q.  Describe the atmosphere before a competition backstage.

A.  Well everyone is a little different:  some guys are very casual, some very scared, some talk a lot, some won't talk at all.  I'm somewhere there in the middle—not really scared, but extremely nervous.  I pace a lot.

Q.  Describe how you felt before, during, and after your first competition.  Did you achieve the outcome you desired?

A.  LOL...No, I did not achieve the outcome I desired.  I never made it past the first round! But despite the result, I discovered that I enjoyed it very much.  I figured I would enjoy it even more if I got better at it; so I set out to do that—get better at it.

Q.  What is the biggest mistake that young ETAs make in their tribute?

A. That's a very simple question to answer.  A lot of guys (young and old) spend too much of their efforts studying other ETAs when what they should be doing is studying Elvis footage.  He wasn't manic and moving around constantly.  All moves were done for an effect.  He wasn't just moving to move. What he did was very calculated.  He was very smart about it.

Q.  What valuable life lessons did you learn from your parents, or mentor, that you still use today?

A. My parent taught me to be kind to everyone.  I think that has served me well.

Q.  Do you have tattoos?  Explain their importance to you. 

A.  I have a tattoo on my arm.  It's a TCB (with lightning bolt) symbol.  It is important to me because it represents Elvis.  Lots of people have asked me over the years, “What does that mean?”  I'm always happy to explain it to them.

Q.  Describe the highlights of your ETA career.

A. Oh geez! Other than contest wins, I would say singing with the Imperials and the Stamps quartets, and singing to, and dancing with, Cynthia Pepper.  I got to meet Bill Haley's son.  I've met lots of people who were close to Elvis.  But I'd have to say the real highlight is the close friendships I've made.  I never ever would have met these people if it weren't for Elvis.  I'm very grateful for that.  He has done so much for me.

Q.  Who are the important women in your life?  Why are these women important to you?

Lisa Gibb at the controls at James’ Flamboro Downs show. Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur

A.  The most important women in my life are my wife Lisa, my mom, my daughter, Allison, and my granddaughter, Aubree. I just cannot imagine my life without them in it.

Q.  How are you different on stage compared to off stage?

A. Well, other than the fact that I don't gyrate and sing in my private life…LOL..I am actually pretty much the same on or off stage.  I think that no matter how hard a person is trying to 'imitate' someone during a performance, you will see glimpses of their true personality showing though.  I think the audience sees it and I think their opinion about you is based on what they see of it.

Q.  Is there an ETA title that you will continue to pursue

A.  I think we're all sort of striving for the Ultimate thing, so I will continue to go after that when I can.  But I have to say I get the best feeling from just making people happy during a show.  Lately I've been doing a little bit of Facebook Live performing, something I had never done before.  I really enjoy that and the people seem to really enjoy it as well.  The only difference is that you have to read the comments later to see if it was going over well or not; whereas, in a show in front of an audience, you can tell immediately if that is happening and you and feed off it.

Q.  What are the challenges of being an ETA competition judge?

Moments before the judging begins at the Flaming Star Festival. Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur.

A.  I would have to say the real challenge of judging an ETA contest is getting the person you are judging to understand that you are only trying to help them improve on what they are doing.  All the judges that I know just really want to help everyone with their performance.  

Q.  What men have had a positive influence on your life?  How?

A. Certainly my dad and grandfather taught me to have a good work ethic. Elvis also (if you study him) teaches a person a great deal about how to treat others.  I would say my dad, and what I know of Elvis, have  had the greatest male influence on me.

Q.  What makes you sad?  How do you cope with sadness?

A.  How evil people can be to one another.  I guess I cope with it by performing.  Performing is escapism for the performer as well as the audience.

Q.  Is there a country where you really want to perform as an ETA?

A.  Oh certainly.  I would love to go to Europe and Australia.  I would love to be able to take Lisa to Greece because she would really love to go there.

James performing at Harmony Square,Brantford, in 2019. Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur.

Q.  What are your strengths as a performer?

A.  Oh I don't know.  I guess I'd have to say it is the fact that I strive to give the audience something that they will enjoy. If an audience member goes home and tells another person to go see you because they liked what they saw, that is great. Also, if a person leaves your show and goes out and downloads some Elvis songs that they didn't know or had forgotten about, then I've done my job.

Q.  Describe your typical non-performance day.

A. I get up and go to work making signs for my sign company.

Q.  What makes you laugh?

A.  I love to laugh.  My favourite shows are “Seinfeld” and “The Office”.  That should tell you pretty much where my sense of humour lies.

Q.  If it were possible, what would you like to ask Elvis?  What would you say to him?

A.  I'd like to drop in on him in 1976.  I would like to get him to take a look at what he's doing to himself and convince him that he should be taking caring of himself as much as he was trying to take care of other people.

Q.  What do you treasure?

A. My wife, my family, my grandchildren, and my extended family of friends.

James making fans happy at Flamboro Downs, 2018. Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur.

Q.  Do you have a career outside your ETA?  What would you like us to know about your other career?

A. As I mentioned, I have my own sign company.  I enjoy it very much, and thankfully we're staying pretty busy.

Q.  What is the best part of being an ETA?

A.  The ability to make people happy.

Q.  What has surprised you most about being an ETA?

A.  The actual power that we have over people…the power to make them forget their problems even if it's just for an hour or two.  It is a real thing, and it is my favourite thing about it.

Q.  Describe a special moment with a fan or audience member.

A.  Last year I was called by the family of a woman who was in hospice.  Her last wish was to have me come to the hospice and perform as Elvis for her.  She wanted upbeat fun Elvis songs.  She was dancing and singing along and then she asked me to get in bed with her for photos…which I did.  LOL  She was a very fun-loving woman!  Her family was so happy because she was having so much fun, and they wrote me later and told me she talked about it for days later.  She passed away a couple weeks later.

Q.  What Elvis costume is your favourite?  Why?

A.  My favourite performance outfit is anything from the 50s, the black leather, and the American eagle jumpsuit.  Why?  Because if we could look half as good as Elvis did in these outfits, we would be doing alright!

Q.  Who taught you how to apply your Elvis makeup?

A.  Nobody.  I do not do my own makeup...that would be a disaster!  I leave that to the professional, my wife Lisa.

Q.  What special care does your hair or wig require to keep it looking good?

A.  Washing it always helps. ;)

Q.  What is the best part of being an ETA?

A. People who do not do what they say they are going to do.

Q.  How do you handle disappointment?

A. Honestly?  I sulk for a while.  Probably longer than the average person, and then I dust myself off and move on.

Some of the friends and family destined for James’ commune? Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur.

Q.  What do you fear?

A. I guess unknown things that I cannot put my mind around.

Q.  Describe a future that is specifically designed for you.

A. It would be a future where my body stays fit enough that I can keep doing this for a long time and that I make so much money at it. One where all my friends and family can live in the same commune together that I have built, while other people talk about how weird we are!  That seems pretty cool!

Q.  How will you know when it is time to retire from being an ETA?

A.  I expect my wife to inform me when I am becoming an embarrassment!

Q.  What will you do in retirement?

A.  I'm not sure.  I don't think that's a word that will come easy to me.

Q.  Who are the people you would like to thank for being there throughout your ETA career?

A. There are so many friends and family who I quite honestly cannot believe how loyally they come to things I do.  Far too many to mention by name, but I know who they are, and I can never thank them enough.  There is one person who has been in my corner regarding this from the very beginning, Lisa.  She is my greatest promoter, champion and defender, and I love her for that, among other things!

Q.  What would people be surprised to learn about you?

A. I think a lot of people are surprised that I'm a grandfather, which is a very cool job!

Q.  What song do you wish Elvis had recorded so you could sing it on stage during your tribute to Elvis?

A. It is a Sam Cooke song, “Bring It On Home to Me”.

Q.  What question would you ask a fellow ETA?

ETA James Gibb poses with SB Mag Editor, Carolyn MacArthur, after his Flamboro Downs show. Photo Credit: SIDEBURNS Magazine.

A. Do you have a good track for “Lonesome Cowboy”? ;)

Q.  What question do you wish I had asked, but didn’t?

A.  I think you asked great questions!  Some I've never been asked before.

Q.  How would you answer your own question?

A.   I would agree with my statement above.  Thanks so much for all you do promoting us all, Carolyn.  It is very much appreciated!  James.

Gospel Photos and Videos

Thank you, James, for your warm and wonderful interview answers. Thank you for entertaining us over the years with your amazing talent. Carolyn.

When James sings gospel, his voice touches his audience in a deeply reverent way. On a sunny Sunday morning in 2018, James lifted the spirits of those gathered at the Collingwood Village gazebo with his singing of Elvis’s best loved gospel songs. I took the photos you see above, but I was not able to find a video of that special day. However, I did find the following 2013 video with James singing gospel numbers with fellow ETAs on a cruise, and performing his solos (“Peace in the Valley” at 16:13, “I Believe” at 31:24, and “I’m Gonna Walk Dem Golden Stairs” at 39.16).

In the second video, James performs his victory number after winning the Pro Category Early Years at the 2011 Collingwood Elvis Festival. That was nine years ago, and James has not changed a bit!

A very special thank you to photographer Lori-Anne Crewe for her fabulous photos of James Gibb taken at the 2017 Flaming Star Festival and the 2019 Niagara Falls Elvis Festival used in this post.

ETA James Gibb and his wife, Lisa, at the 2019 Niagara Falls Elvis Festival. Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur for SIDEBURNS Magazine.

Focus ON: ETA Aaron Presley

Intro

ETA Aaron Presley.

As with most ETAs I post, Aaron Smith, aka “Aaron Presley”, caught the ETA bug very early on.  A regular performer at a popular venue in his hometown, Aaron continues to hone his skills as a tribute artist to give his audiences his best Elvis tribute performance.  We wish Aaron much success with his ETA career and thank him for sharing his story and photos with SIDEBURNS Magazine. 

Bio

I was born in Appleton, WI, on January 5, 1995 to a wonderful family. I started singing Elvis professionally when I was about twenty-one or twenty-two, but my earliest memory of doing my Elvis thing would be when I was 5 years old.  I used to entertain in my parents’ living room by singing into a pencil pretending it was a microphone.   I liked the 70s stuff mostly--which I still dig.  My mom, Sara, was always encouraging, but I'm sure she and my dad didn't expect me to be playing Elvis around the house 24/7 especially at such a young age.

ETA Aaron Presley with Elvis’s friend, George Klein.

I preform locally in my hometown of Appleton, WI, at a place called the Deja Vu Martini Lounge where one of my band members helps to host a live band karaoke.  My favorite songs to preform are “Suspicious Minds” and “CC Rider”.  I love the closeness of a live band; and a live audience really makes a huge difference to me.  It's all about making people smile because the best music is Elvis music.  I like working with my band because it gives the audience a more authentic feel.  The bond I have with the audience is special to me. The age range in the audience, from 21 to 72 plus, is just insane!

One of my favorite memories is meeting Elvis's friend, George Klein, in Memphis in 2017.  I was so honored to meet this wonderful man.   I got to sing a little bit in Memphis, which, as an Elvis tribute artist, was a fantastic experience.  Shawn Klush was a big inspiration to me when I was younger, and seeing him perform made me want to pursue an Elvis tribute career.  Besides Elvis Presley, Shawn Klush, and later on, Dean Z and Jay Dupuis, outside the ETA world, I gained inspiration from Harry Styles.  In many ways, they all helped me to mold my style in my show where I present myself as an Elvis tribute. 

ETA Aaron Presley with his best friend and bodyguard, Sebastian.

As an ETA, I prefer to wear the two-piece outfits versus the jumpsuits from ‘69 to ‘72.  My favorite suit would have to be the Madison Square Gardens press conference suit.  Hearing ETAs being called a “legend”, a “star”, or “the next best thing” is kind of weird to me because I'm still myself when I'm not doing my tribute. On stage I am “Aaron Presley”; but off stage, I am still me, Aaron Smith.  My friend, Harold, who is in my band came up my stage name.  I wish to thank Harold and my best friend, Sebastian, who is also my bodyguard, for being so supportive.  It helps in the music business to have friends to travel with and keep a young ETA grounded and humble.  There is only one Elvis and nobody will ever replace him. TCB - Aaron Smith

Photo Album

Notes:  Edits by Carolyn MacArthur, Editor, SIDEBURNS Magazine.  All photos used in this post were provided by Aaron Smith. 

Regarding ETA Aaron Presley’s influences, please click on https://www.sideburnsmagazine.com/blog/2019/10/16/spotlight-on-ultimate-eta-dean-z for Ultimate ETA Dean Z’s amazing interview. Keep following SIDEBURNS Magazine for Ultimate ETA Jay Dupuis’ interview that will be posted in the weeks to come; and with fingers crossed, an interview with Ultimate ETA Shawn Klush that was initiated at the Colligwood Elvis Festival in 2019 will follow. If you want to learn more about singer/song writer Harry Styles, check out https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Styles

Focus ON: ETA TJ Greene

Intro

I receive many requests to post ETAs that I have not have had the pleasure of seeing perform in person. When I receive a request, I first check to see if they have a video on Youtube. When I watched Thomas Greene’s video from the 2018 Lake George Festival, what impressed me the most was his honest assessment of his tribute and his willingness to listen to helpful critiques:

“I realize that my performance isn't the best out there. There are countless ETAs out there and all quite talented. If y'all have constructive criticism that can further help me improve, by all means share it. I know I've got a ways to go and I welcome the helpful advice.”

Thank you, ETA TJ Greene for sending along your bio and photos to be posted on SIDEBURNS Magazine. Best of luck with your ETA career, TJ.

Bio

My name is TJ Greene. I'm a 36 year old Elvis Tribute Artist residing in Glens Falls, NY. I've been an active tribute performer for nearly 8 years, though I've been part of the Elvis Tribute community for roughly 15 years and an Elvis Presley fan for much much longer. My main background was in musical theater which I feel helped in my approach to Elvis performing. I spent 7 years behind the scenes doing sound work for local ETA Joe Ramsey. In that time I was blessed to meet many other incredible artists I'm honored now to call my friends and family.  But it was thanks to my close friend, Cliff Wright, that I had the nudge to go from behind the scenes to on the stage. I did my very first local show with no real Elvis costumes, but I gave it my passion and my all. Months later I made my contest circuit debut at Reflections of the King in Westfield, NY. During my 8 years I have performed at various charity functions. I've appeared several times on the public access show Schenectady Today. I've created my own charity fundraiser to donate money to cancer and diabetes research. And in 2017 I won 5th place in the Non Pro Early Era division of the Lake George Elvis Festival.  While many folks have since informed me that they feel I'm a professional after 8 years, I personally don't like to refer to myself that way. I always try to learn and experience new things as a tribute artist. Each show I perform, each new venue, each song I learn, I try to keep my vow to bring something new to the table.  I've had the honor of performing along side the most talented individuals I could ever meet and of meeting the most loyal Elvis fans. I cannot imagine my life without these incredible folks being part of it. Now I look ahead to the next new experience. And I have the legend that is Elvis Presley to thank for that. 

Video

“Looking back at this video is amazing and surreal at the same time. It was a blessing to have made the finals last year (2017). And among such incredible performers and people. Thank you so much for this memory!” ETA TJ Greene

Note: All photos used in this post were provided by ETA TJ Greene.

Focus On: ETA Mike Murchison

Introduction

I am pleased to introduce ETA Mike Murchison to SIDEBURNS Magazine followers. Mike, who was born in Sydney, Nova Scotia, and now lives in Coaldale, Alberta, shares his heartfelt story of how a dormant passion that started many years ago in his youth was rediscovered by chance in 2019. Mike’s enthusiasm, and his recognition that winning friends is as important as winning titles and trophies, is admirable. I invite you all to enjoy Mike’s beautifully written bio that tells a story that will resonate with many other ETAs. Thank you for sharing your story and photos, Mike. Wishing you the best of luck at the Penticton Elvis Festival. Best regards, C.M.

Focus On: ETA Mike Murchison

It all started back in January 1973 when at the age of 12 years I experienced a moment in television history that changed my life.  I was witnessing for the first time the broadcast of “ELVIS Aloha from Hawaii “.  Up until that moment, I had never heard of Elvis Presley.  I may have heard his music on the radio, but I don’t think I paid attention to it.

But to witness that concert and see such a talented man belting out song after song was incredible--the voice, the look, the suit and the sound of his band.  It was a new world opening up to me.

From that moment on I spent what little money I had as a teenager in those days on records.  I spent many afternoons in my room perfecting the moves, gestures and mannerisms.  Remember, this was back before YouTube and the internet. My only source of reference was the occasional after school Elvis movie, or on rare occasions, the re-broadcast of “Elvis On Tour”, which wasn’t often.

I stepped out of my comfort zone in Junior High School and started doing my ETA routine to the cafeteria lunch crowds.  It went over well and did wonders to boost my confidence.

When I finished high school, I went out into the big world and began working.  My ETA act was put on hold for a very long time.  Work, marriage, and family took precedence over my infatuation with the KING.

But life can take a strange turn now and then.  I was on the computer one night back in April of 2019 when I came across the webpage for the Penticton Elvis Festival. Hmm!  Why not?  So I registered without giving it a second thought.

Unfortunately the competition was full.  No room.

But somehow the stars lined up and I was informed that there was a cancellation. No!  Really?  Okay,  let’s do this!

I knew little about backing tracks--where to find them, where to get the suits, or the rules and regulation, or who’s who in the ETA world.  I just hopped on board and hung on for dear life.

Day in and day out, I sang my tail off rehearsing, loosening stiff muscles and working vocal chords.  I lost 15 lbs for that competition.  No, I didn’t make the finals; but I made something much better--friends.

What I experienced at the Penticton Elvis Festival was nothing short of a re-defining of a man—a man who worked very hard for many years and had forgotten about a passion that had been tucked away and nearly forgotten about.

People like Dave and Brenda Reisig-Martin, Sylvio Fontaine, John Van Vlack and Dino Marcus, DJ Dodge are all experienced and talented people in the ETA community who made me feel like one of the crew and gave advice  and  a lot of encouragement.

I found friends in loyal fans who support and spend their hard earned money to attend these festivals and heap kindness and support on the ETAs. I never experienced anything like it in my life, and because of it I have made some great friendships. But moreover, I have found a renewed purpose for an almost long lost passion to celebrate and share the music, spirit, and memories of the greatest singer to bless the planet.

The future looks bright.  I’m participating in this year’s 2020 Penticton Elvis Festival, the 2020 Tweed Elvis Festival, and am waiting with fingers crossed to register for the 2020 Flaming Star Festival.  I’m working on booking gigs but it’s difficult to do and juggle since I don’t have a booking agent and am currently driving long haul, trucking across Canada.  Hopefully if the right doors open and the Good Lord willing I can leave the trucking behind and concentrate on my ETA show full-time.

It’s a long climb but it is doable.  I’ve been told my voice is strong and my attitude is good. But the most important thing is this:  I watch and learn from my colleagues in the ETA world.  People like John Coates from Dublin Ireland, Matt Birse from Adelaide Australia, DJ Dodge, John Van Vlack, Eli Williams and Dino Marcus. These guys have been out there and do a fantastic job in their ETA tribute shows and always do it with respect and dignity keeping the spirit and good will of Mr. Presley’s legacy.

I’m a blessed man to have these opportunities to share what I have with the fans and fellow ETAs.  I intend to continue improving my ETA tribute, book more shows, and give the best I can in honouring a man who gave so much to the world. 

It’s a good day when you open your eyes and know you have another chance.  It’s a great day when you know you got an Elvis tune pumping in your heart.

TCB my friends,

Mike Murchison

Faithtruck2@hotmail.com

(All photos used in this post are credited to, and provided by, Mike Murchison. Edits by Carolyn MacArthur.)

Mike’s Photo Album

Focus On: ETA Sam Ellis Wagaman

It is my pleasure to introduce SIDEBURNS Magazine followers and ETA fans to Sam Ellis Wagaman. Edits by Carolyn MacArthur. Photos provided by Same Ellis Wagaman.

Video

Photo Album

ETA Sam Ellis Wagaman was born in Chambersburg, PA, in 1972.  Sam got hooked on Elvis at the age of 8 when his grandmother gave him his first Elvis record, which was “Elvis Golden Records”.  Sam has been a big fan ever since.  Growing up, and through school, Sam did a lot of work as a disc jockey. Kids called him “Elvis” in school.  “Everyone was jamming to Vanilla Ice and MC Hammer, and I was jamming to the King…LOL”     

Sam loves all kinds of music, but got his inspiration from a close friend, David King, who is an award-winning tribute artist, and Eddie Miles, whom Sam met, along with Charlie Hodge, in Pigeon Forge, TN, in 1993 at Memories Theater. 

(Photos, left to right: ETA David King, Eddie Miles, and Eddie Miles on stage with Elvis Presley)

“In 1993 I took the leap and gave it a go.  I took the Ellis name for two reasons:  It was my grandfather’s middle name; and because of Jimmy Ellis, who, as we know, sounded much like Elvis; so, as Sam “Ellis” Wagaman, or Sam Ellis, I've been honing my skills ever since.”  

ETA Sam Ellis Wagaman and his daughter, Zoe. Photo Credit: Sam Ellis Wagaman.

Sam feels blessed to be have given a voice and talent that allows him to pay tribute to Elvis.   Working a full time job, paying tribute to Elvis on the side, and most importantly having a loving family,rounds out ETA Sam Ellis Wagaman’s interesting life.  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Editor’s Note: Thank you, Sam. Wishing you much success with your ETA career.  We look forward to seeing you compete one day at one of our Elvis festivals.

Focus On: ETA John Coates

Introduction

Ireland’s ETA, John Coates.

It is with much pleasure that I introduce ETA John Coates to SIDEBURNS Magazine readers.  I first heard John sing during a podcast he shared from his home in Ireland.  Personable and pleasant in his messages, I knew that we would all enjoy knowing more about the Irish ETA with the beautiful voice and handsome Elvis look.   While Ireland does not have any Elvis competitions, John assured me that Ireland loves Elvis.  He will be coming to Canada in 2020 to compete in the Elvis Festival in Penticton, BC.  When I mentioned that there are many other competitions in Canada that lead to the Ultimate in Memphis, John commented, “Imagine the first Irishman (Ultimate)!”

John sent an informative and touching bio that I am happy to share with all of you.  It is our hope at SB Mag that John will come to Ontario in the near future.  Thank you, John, for sharing your story.  We wish you the best of luck in the Penticton competition.  It may be your first step on the road to of becoming the first Irish Ultimate ETA!  Best regards, Carolyn.

Bio

John Coates at age 7.

I first saw Elvis in the movie ‘Easy Come Easy Go’ at the tender age of 5 years of age.  I couldn't believe my eyes and ears when this guy came on the screen—I thought he was from another planet!  A couple of years later I was given an acoustic guitar for Christmas and tried to learn a few Elvis tunes.  I made the journey from my home every week to Dublin city centre in Ireland and bought every Elvis record I could.  “Loving You” was the first album I ever bought.  I performed in bands when I was 16 years old and sang various covers, but always watched and listened to Elvis.  From then on, my study of the ‘King’ continued.  

ETA John Coates in Memphis.

In my early 20s, I entered, and won, one of the leading Irish radio stations, 98fm, “Search for Elvis Competition”.   In 1998, I realised my dream when I first stood outside the gates of Graceland, and then did a recording in the world famous Sun Studios where Elvis made his early recordings.  The visit and recording at Sun Studios were all part of the prize package I had received.  I took my mom on the trip to Memphis with me and she loved it.  When I got back home I appeared on national Irish television, RTE and TV3, with my Elvis Tribute.  I also performed as Elvis on stage, and then on Ireland's leading radio show, "The Gerry Ryan Radio Show” on 2FM.  A year after winning the competition, Mom passed away, and I stopped performing as Elvis for 20 years. 

I have been doing many other things; but Elvis was never far from my mind.  This year, I decided to return to performing again, purely because of my love for what I used to do, and to showcase my tribute to the late, great, Elvis Presley.  I sang in Memphis in August 2019 with the Blackwood quartet, and I also sang at the Graceland pavilion as a guest ETA.  I am excited to be competing in the great Elvis festival in Penticton in 2020.  I have met a lot of great people, and the support I have had on my journey, especially from Elvis fans, has been amazing.  Elvis never truly leaves you.

Photos

Video

(Photos have been provided by John Coates, and unless otherwise noted, are credited to John).

Focus On: ETA Nathan Pittorf

Article on ETA Nathan Pittorf

“This year I met up with this wonderful lady during Elvis Week, that helped get my Elvis Tribute started. During past Elvis Weeks, she ran Elvis arts & crafts (still have some of my stuff) & the most important for me, kids open mic hour⚡2014! She has since retired after many many years! Thank you!” Nathan Pittorf

In 2014, when Nathan Pittorf was 8 years old, he had his first taste of singing an Elvis Presley song in public while visiting Graceland with his family during Elvis Week in Memphis, TN.  Nathan and his sister, Tracy, were at a kids’ activities tent and one of the events offered was Elvis karaoke.  Tracy wanted her brother to sing; and although he was nervous, he agreed.  Nathan didn’t know how he was going to be as a performer; but after he sang his first song, he knew it was something he wanted to keep doing.  Nathan continued his ETA journey  performing at family gatherings, local events, and competitions.

He performed his first professional performance on New Year’s Eve in 2016 with Elvis tribute artist Andy Svrcek.  Andy, who has since passed away, invited Nathan to perform with him at his show in the Philadelphia area.

The now thirteen year old Elvis tribute artist has dedicated the last five years of his life to his craft.  Nathan takes guitar and vocal lessons weekly, and practices daily.  He has performed in gigs around Western New York and beyond.  Recently, Nathan, who is from South Buffalo, performed at the West Seneca Lions Club in an Elvis and Friends tribute show that closed out the summer concert series.  Since he first started performing, Nathan’s show has grown and he now includes more artists, such as Buddy Holly.  He adds historical background information about the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, fun facts, and sometimes, trivia questions during his shows.

Nathan’s dad, Michael Pittorf, said of his son’s show, “It’s a fun event.  It’s not only a show; it’s more than that.”  Nathan grew up around Elvis’s music.  His parents, who are Elvis fans, have been going to Elvis week in Tennessee since 1997.  Nathan reported that he “loves Elvis and his music because of the upbeat pace and rhythm”.  He added that “music today incorporates music in a studio rather than real bands”. “You just press a button and it’s background music.  You sing along to it,” Nathan stated.  “Back then, it was that you go into a studio, you have a band that the studio gives you and you get in there, do your business and then see if they like it or not.”  In the future, Nathan hope to get bigger and better with his performances because, in his words, “There’s always room to get better.”  Nathan’s goal is to compete in the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in Graceland.  “You never now; but I just hope it all goes how I plan when I get older.” 

Editor’s Note: Nathan and his dad, Michael, visited the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival in April; but this October will be Nathan’s first competition in Canada. We are all looking forward to meeting Nathan and Michael Pittorf and welcoming them back to Canada. Good luck at the 2019 Flaming Star Festival, Nathan! We wish you much success as you take another step towards your “ultimate” goal. Carolyn MacArthur, Editor, SIDEBURNS Magazine.

Video

In memory of ETA Andy Svrcek, October 21, 1970 - December 5, 2018, I have included the following video. Such a great performer, so sadly missed. Rest in Peace, Andy. You are loved and remembered by your ETA family.

Credits:  The information contained in this article is credited to WNY Sun Staff Reporter, Lian Bunny and her article, Elvis Act Started for Pittorf When He was 8.  Rewrites and edits by Carolyn MacArthur, Editor, SIDEBURNS Magazine.  Photos are credited to Michael Pittorf.

Focus On: ETA William Young

Bio

Hey, I'm William Young. I have been an Elvis fan since the age of 5. I have been performing as Elvis since 2012. I didn't start competing until 2014. I love the 70s Elvis!! I have even been told I pay the most Authentic Tribute to Elvis in 1977. I have studied this concert for so long that I know every facial expression every hand movement and even his mannerism. Who knows, maybe I will even start working on 50s Elvis as well.   Who knows?

I recently started paying a tribute to Cher and Conway Twitty, as well!  For my Cher tribute, I don’t dress up as a woman to look like her; I pay my own tribute to her as a man singing her songs as myself!  My mom has even created a whole Cher outfit for me that I use whenever I pay tribute to her!

For 2021, I am planning on doing a one-man show tour.  I will be paying tribute to Elvis Presley and Cher.  I am also going to be doing a comedy part of show dressed up as Mad TVs own Miss Swan!!

My Awards:

2019 - 1st place, Non-pro, Tweed Elvis Festival

2018 - 2nd place, Non-pro, Tweed Elvis Festival

2017 - 1st place, Non-pro, Flaming Star Elvis Festival

2017 - 3rd place, Non-pro, Tweed Elvis Festival

2016 - King Trilogy Festival:  2nd place, 50s Elvis; 1st place, Movies Elvis; 3rd place,  Concert Years Elvis; 2nd place, Fan Favorite

2016 - 3rd place Non-pro, Tweed Elvis Festival

2016 - 3rd place, Non-pro, Collingwood Elvis Festival

2015 - 3rd place, Non-pro, Tweed Elvis Festival

2014 - 1st place, Senior Youth Division, Tweed Elvis Festival

I also hosted the 2017 Tweed Elvis Festival Gospel Hour.  I was honoured to host the 2018 and 2019 Tweed Elvis Festival Gospel Hours as well. The year was the first year I ever competed at Flaming Star. But let me tell you, it was an experience I'll never forget!  Flaming star was the first Elvis Festival where I was crowned the Grand Champion as a Non-professional!  It truly is a great honour to be their Non-Professional Champion!  I would have not been able to do it if it was not for Elvis, and the talent and ability I was blessed with to perform as Elvis.

William Young, Non-pro Champion at the 2017 Flaming Star Festival.

William Young, Flaming Star Festival, 2017

William Young, Flaming Star Festival, 2017

William Young's winning performance, 2017 Flaming Star Festival

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© Photos by Lori-Anne Crewe of LA Crewe Photography.

Focus On: ETA Harvey McFadden

Harvey McFadden is from Houston, Texas, and has been a life long Elvis fan. While in the Navy, he met Jimmy “Orion” Ellis, a country singer who had a superb Elvis style in his singing. Around this time, Harvey saw his first two Elvis impersonators. These experiences, along with his love of Elvis, inspired him to portray Elvis at a few parties and the response was wonderful.

Soon after Harvey retired from the Navy, he went to Tennessee and met Elvis Tribute Artist Lou Vuto, along with Elvis’ long time friend, Charlie Hodge. This was followed by a tour of Sun Studios and his second trip to Graceland. Harvey then ordered his first jumpsuit. He performed several events in 2000, leading to his first paid performance in 2001. Soon, Harvey began making over 50 appearances per year. He added his Country Classics show in 2005; went full time in 2006, leading to 109 performances that year. In 2007, Harvey made 187 appearances. He had 263 appearances in 2008 and in 2009, 310 performances. In 2010, Harvey moved from the Huntsville area to near Abilene, Texas.  In 2010, he made 214 appearances and surpassed his 1000th Elvis tribute, as well as his 1,200th career performance. In 2012, Harvey made his first international appearance, performing for the Elvis Fan Club of Singapore, part of 231 performances that year.  In 2013, Harvey had his second international performance, in Hanoi, Vietnam.  He made 256 appearances in 2013; 283 in 2014; 325 in 2015, 304 in 2016;  (And currently at 208 for 2017…at 86 for 2018!)  In recent months, Harvey has met several milestones, including his 2,200th Elvis performance; his 2,100th retirement center performance, and his 3000th career performance.

Harvey has had his Elvis songs played on Canada’s ETA internet radio numerous times as well as in the U.S. He has also appeared on Houston KHOU TV Ch. 11’s morning show, KPRC Ch. 2 news, Abilene KTXS Ch.12 news, KTAB/KRBC Ch. 32 news, and has been featured in many different newspaper and magazine articles. He has also recorded two gospel CDs (as himself) and has received airplay on KJIC Radio in Houston as well as other Texas stations. Harvey presently has 8 jumpsuits, the 68 leather outfit, the gold lame jacket, movie outfits, and more. He performs all eras of Elvis’ music and gives out scarves during romantic songs. For his country classic concerts, Harvey has several “country performer” outfits as he pays tribute to country legends such as Marty Robbins, Hank Williams, George Jones, Jim Reeves, Conway Twitty, Johnny Cash,  Faron Young, and many more. Whether you want his Elvis tribute, his Country Classics show, or a combination of both, Harvey provides exciting entertainment for any venue or occasion. For the longer concerts, his wife, Sharon, provides a country/oldies set that includes the songs of Patsy Cline, Brenda Lee, Connie Francis, and more. Sharon has also a CD available called, “Timeless,” a collection of 10 of her favorite/most requested songs.

Harvey and Sharon reside in Hawley, Texas, which is 10 miles north of Abilene. He primarily performs within 150 miles radius of Abilene but has also traveled to Branson, Birmingham, Baton Rouge, Meridian, and many other cities. His primary mission: to touch as many lives as possible with the music and magic of Elvis – to make people smile, and especially, to remember Elvis.

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2010 Highlights:  First international performance, in Singapore (for Singapore Elvis Fan Club)

2011 Highlights:  Appeared on KTXS TV channel 12, Abilene

2012 Highlights:  Abilene Reporter News (Jan. 18/Sept. 2/Oct 16 - front page!); KTAB/KRBC Channel 21 (Aug.); 1,300th Elvis tribute (Nov. 27); 1,700th career performance (Dec. 17)

2013 Highlight:  Performed in Hanoi, Vietnam (June 5)

2014 Highlights:  First sports event: Amarillo Sox Baseball Game (June 28); Disability Resources Christmas Concert, Paramount Theater, Abilene

2015 Highlights:  2,500 career performance (Oct. 17); Retirement Center performance (Dec. 3); 1,900th Elvis tribute

2016 Highlights:  West Texas Fair and Rodeo, Abilene (Sept 12); 2,800th career performance (Oct. 11); 2,100th Elvis tribute performance (Nov. 10); 2000th Retirement Center performance (Dec. 15)

2017 Highlights:  2,900th career performance (Feb. 15); 2,200th Elvis tribute performance (May 17); 3000th career performance (Aug

Visit Harvey McFadden at his web site and Facebook page.