The Secret World of Elvis Tribute Artists

Written by Eva Erhardt

Illustrated by Kory Griggs

When you think of Elvis Presley, what comes to mind? Usually, when people are asked this question, they bring up his iconic pompadour hairdo or dozens of classic songs and movies. But also found alongside the King’s image is the infamous “Elvis impersonator”—usually wandering the Vegas strip, dressed head to toe in caricaturistic costume. However, this isn’t the modern image of an Elvis impersonator, who these days would much rather be called “ETAs” or “Elvis Tribute Artists.”

Contrary to popular belief, the art form has been around for as long as Elvis hit the radio waves. In 1954, when Presley released his rendition of “That’s Alright Mama,” Carl “Cheesie” Nelson from Texarkana, Arkansas, became a local celebrity after bringing his impression to WLAC radio. The two even met that same year, performing alongside each other in an act of appreciation for both entertainers’ craft.

Although several Elvis tribute artists have existed across the US for many years, it wasn’t until after Presley’s death in 1977 that impersonating The King became popular in the mainstream. Soon enough, American culture’s figure for Elvis outweighed the musician who once lived. When you thought of Elvis, you were now thinking of the icon, rather than a person.

However, there still remains a large group of dedicated tribute artists who vow to keep the true spirit of Elvis alive. It all starts with the refusal to call their craft an “impression.” “There’s a big difference between a tribute act and an impersonator. They’re similar but never the same,” explains Luis Enrique, an Elvis tribute artist from Puerto Rico. “An impersonator is someone who imitates the behavior of another. On the other hand, a ‘Tribute’ act is a musician who specifically plays the music of a well-known music act, often one which has disbanded or died. Tribute artists pride themselves on actually sounding just like the icon.”

Enrique, a professional tribute artist since 2000, has loved Elvis since he was young, like many others in the world of Presley. His grandparents introduced him to classic mid-century films, then songs. “I became an Elvis fan, collecting all the memorabilia that I could find,” says Enrique. “At 13, I did my first talent show as Elvis in junior high, and I won. The rest is history.”

Louis Brown, a UK-based tribute artist, also fell into the art form through a passionate family member. However, his dad’s love for the artist was a little more than just watching movies. “My dad was an Elvis Tribute Artist maybe 20 years ago, so I have been brought up with him,” says Brown. “I thought to myself, ‘Why not give it a go?’”

Despite his upbringing, it wasn’t until the worldwide pandemic that Brown decided to revisit what his father introduced him to. [In 2021], I decided to just sing some Elvis songs, and I took a liking to learning them and studying his performances. I then decided to take a leap and book an Elvis show at a local pub, and it went down a storm.”

Now, Brown has performed as Elvis around the world, with tour dates ranging from Belgium, Scotland, The Netherlands and more. He’s also considered one of the best Elvises in his continent, having multiple awards under his belt, including “People’s Choice” at the European Elvis Championships. “To win these competitions is the greatest achievement of my career,” said Brown when asked about his success in the European championships. “It was an honor sharing the stage with so many of the world’s greatest Elvis Tribute Artists (ETAs) and learning so much from everyone.”

His work as an ETA has become a big enough endeavor to be his full-time career, with bookings being more than sufficient to pay for his living expenses, along with all the bells and whistles needed to do an authentic Elvis tribute. Although Brown bases his performances around Elvis in the mid-fifties, he still has a plentiful collection of Presley gear, ranging from photo-accurate suits, intricate guitars, and naturally, the black pomador.

However, his biggest accessory of all may be Amy Larcombe, who serves as the Priscilla to his Elvis. No, really. Larcombe is also a tribute performer, just of a different variety, choosing to honor Elvis’ first wife, Priscilla Presley, through intricate outfit recreations.

She also got into Elvis through her family, as many modern fans do. Her grandparents were antique and record dealers with a strong love for music, always around performance art through the late sixties and seventies. “My grandad became Stage Light & Sound manager of a popular nightclub here in the UK and met lots of famous faces—all of this led to my mum growing up around lots of different genres of music, her favorite, of course, being Elvis,” says Larcombe. “Her love of The King rubbed off on me, and I have now been a huge Elvis fan since a young age—this is what took me to Elvis shows/festivals/events in the UK.”

It was at one of these many Elvis festivals that Larcombe first became interested in Priscilla tributes. As a fan of sixties fashion already, she attended the event in full mid-century garb with big hair, vintage makeup, and a period outfit. “[While at the event], someone shouted ‘Hey Cilla!’ over to me. I was already a huge fan of Priscilla Presley, so this was flattering!” says Larcombe. “I hadn’t really considered paying tribute or dressing ‘as her’ before, but with a few people’s encouragement and comments over various weekend events, I decided to make an Instagram account and document my replica clothes-making, hair/makeup, etc.”

From there, @AmyasPriscilla was born, with Larcombe posting frequent updates about her newfound love of tribute art. Although she was already unique, being one of the few Priscilla tributes in the UK, it was her authentic, homemade costumes that set her apart. Her mother is a former seamstress with a real skill for crafting vintage pieces. All of the fabric they use is authentic, too, with actual vintage patterns, authentic fabrics, and cut silhouettes as close to what the original would have looked like. “I also match my replica outfits with real vintage accessories, including handbags and earrings, which adds that extra level of authenticity you just don’t see elsewhere,” says Larcombe. “I am pretty much a match in physical proportions to the real Priscilla. I wear a size 3 shoe, I am 5’2” in height, and often get told ‘you are like a little doll!’ when I make appearances.”

She’s made everything from Priscilla’s iconic wedding dress to more everyday pieces that were considered casual during the era. However, her most beloved piece was modeled after a relaxed outfit Priscilla wore to her 22nd birthday party. “The real Priscilla Presley herself commented on one of my posts stating how much she loved one of my replica outfits of hers from 1967, a green party two-piece, which was just incredible!” says Larcombe. “I had to double-check my phone because I thought someone was pranking me!”

Over the last year, Larcombe, Brown, and Enrique, along with several other ETAs, have watched the sudden cultural resurgence of Elvis after the release of Baz Luhrman’s biopic starring Austin Butler. “(The film) has shown the younger generation, more than others, that Elvis was an icon,” says Brown. “He was a guy that could win over thousands of people with his little finger, and to see all the new generation of Elvis fans coming to my shows and wanting photos is an amazing feeling.” Now, they’ve seen their bookings increase, performing at weddings, private events, and even sweet sixteen parties.

Although the film didn’t take home any Oscars at the last Academy Awards, Elvis’ legacy is still felt all around the world, from Larcombe and Brown’s home in the UK to Enrique in Puerto Rico to Presley’s home country in the United States.

Despite his death almost 50 years ago, his impact is still seen in every aspect of pop culture. “Few understand what a legacy is really about. It is something that transcends generations—it is something that remains forever in the collective memory,” says Enrique. “Many artists are born talented. Others just got lucky, but not everyone can be a legend, and Elvis Presley is a legend.”

“Elvis, in my opinion, will never be matched,” adds Brown. “There has never been a performer since the King that has brought so much joy, energy, and love into the world.”