First of all, I plead innocent to all charges!

I’ve been an Elvis fan as long as I can remember. That first memory being: (mid 60’s) – playing a stack of my Mom’s 45’s on a ‘close and play’ in the back yard of my baby sitter’s house. There were hundreds, and I would play each one. The one’s I liked, I would sit to the side and play again. It was pretty amazing to me that most of the one’s I liked, had the name Elvis Presley on it. Of course, I wanted to know who this cool cat was. So I guess you could say that I was struck by the TCB lightening bolt in kindergarten, and have never been the same since.

In the eighth grade (’76) – I won a celebrity look alike contest at church, as Elvis. The reaction of others (especially the females) is forever etched in my mind. The reason it caught everyone off guard, and caused such a stir, is because I was just a shy, humble, country boy. No, really I was!

Two of the most memorable events in my life were the two times I saw Elvis perform in Mobile, AL. (’76 & ’77) I’ve seen somewhere in the neighborhood of 300 concerts, and have never witnessed anything as “electric” as those two shows. From the Stamps and Sweet Inspirations solo acts, to the comedian --- everything seemed larger than life. My Mom still says that I was in shock that first show, because I wouldn’t leave my seat for anything. I was scared to death that I wouldn’t be able to find it again if I went somewhere, and I would miss something. Thank goodness, she bought me a concert shirt, and a drink.

Fast forward to 1994: I began going to my yearly pilgrimage during Elvis Week. It was loads of fun except for some of the performers across from Graceland. Some were just downright embarrassing, and in my opinion, were nothing like Elvis. So in my own little way, I decided to do something about it --- and that is why I am here!

I realize that there was only 1 Elvis, and no one can replace him --- so if I’m going to portray him, I want to look and sound the best that I possibly can. Therefore, I spent a couple of years researching the best suits, music, etc…. and of course practicing.

Then, in 1996, the time had come to try my talent in front of my peers. The people of Phenix City, AL knew me as a very serious, and professional Realtor --- so when I busted out in black leather for our Board’s Christmas party --- the place was in SHOCK!! – No one has looked at me the same since. It was a huge hit, made the paper, and people started calling wanting me to perform at different events.

My first competition put me in the finals of “Images of Elvis” in Memphis during 1999 Elvis Week. The pomp and circumstance of this event blew me away. The autographs, photos, VH1, CNN, Almost Elvis documentary, newspaper interviews, etc… were almost overwhelming for my first performance in Memphis. Some say I finished in the Top 5. Now, “Images of The King” – I made the finals again in 2003.
Taking home money from a casino was a first for me (ha ha) when I placed third at the Isle of Capri in Tunica. These competitions can be fun, and the camaraderie is great. However, quite honestly, politics is usually a part of it – and can be very frustrating.

But there is …no politics in people’s hearts. Singing to someone, holding their hand, feeling them tremble, and wiping the tears away with my scarf are some of the most powerful and emotionally charged moments of my life. It gives me chills thinking about it. For that one moment, that person is feeling as if Elvis is really singing to them. That is what it is all about: to make people happy; to make them forget their troubles; to escape for a little while.

Performing for people that are dying, cancer patients, visiting kids in the hospital, etc… are very difficult to do. It is hard for me to hold back the tears sometimes, but it is in these moments that I feel energized beyond my control, as if I’m being led by a greater force.

As a kid, I fantasized about performing on stage. I even had sideburns in high school, when they were definitely out of style. I’ve thought seriously about doing my own thing, because I used to write a lot, and would like to perform those songs --- but, there is just something so fulfilling about portraying my idol that I wish I had started it 15 years ago.

“Thankyaverymuch” for coming to my site. I hope I’ve shed some light on how much this means to me, and what I’m all about. If I can help in any way, please contact me – thanks,

Rodney Hamrick