Elvis impersonators talk about his lasting legacy

MANILA, Philippines — Four decades since his death, Elvis Presley still reigns as the King — for impersonators.

Few artists inspire people all over the world to dress up and perform passionately on stage like Presley. Impersonators — many prefer the term “tribute artists” — from different generations and various countries paid tribute to their idol recently at a gathering in the Philippines. The Elvis Presley Friendship Club, Philippines International, is one of over 400 official fan clubs around the world honouring Presley on the 40th anniversary of his death on Aug. 16, 1977.

What was it about Elvis that inspires tribute artists around the globe to perform in his name after all this time? Those at the gathering in Manila speak about their motivations: Elvis, that’s the only motivation. And for the fans. Up to now I’m having this in my thought and in my mind that maybe without Elvis in me, I could not have survived certain points of my life ... Maybe as long as I can shake, as long as I can do this, and as long as people will love Elvis, it will be there.” by Elvis. Everybody was influenced. He was the real example of an outof-the-box showman. And he wiggled, he had a different style of singing from the time of Frank Sinatra ... He opened the door to carefree rock ’n’ roll and the attitude.” arrangements are different from the original Elvis songs so that people, no matter what age you are, can still enjoy my music.”

“Well, I don’t really tailor anything. Just sing it the way you feel it. If you feel it, the audience feels it. It’s real simple. You’ve got to feel it. Because I don’t look like Elvis, I don’t really sound like Elvis, but when I sing, you feel it, you feel Elvis coming out.”