The fraternity of tribute artists keeping Elvis alive

Jim Cardwell (left) and Nathan Pittorf, two Elvis Tribute Artists, take part in the Images of the King contest in Memphis. [Photo/Agencies]

Matthew Boyce feels like a superhero when he zips himself into a spangly Elvis Presley jumpsuit and sprints on stage to blast through a hip-thrusting, pulsating track by the King.

"I just think if you're going to play a character, it might as well be your inspiration," he says, perfecting his hair, make-up and sideburns in an hour-plus transformation from 21st century teen about to go to college to 35-year-old superstar at the prime of his life in the 1960s.

Boyce is one of thousands of Elvis Tribute Artists or ETAs who bring to life on stage the icon that was Presley's 1954-77 career, either as full-time professionals or enthusiastic amateurs.

At 18, he is younger than the rock 'n' roll legend was when he cut his first record, but Boyce says he was "bit by the bug early", under the influence of his grandmother and aunt who were huge Elvis fans.

He started performing at 7, did his first paid performance aged 8 and has been singing with a band since he was 13 or 14.

Now to mark the 40th anniversary of Presley's death, he's taking part in an ETA contest in Memphis where prizes range from $50 to $5,000 across three divisions: youth, non-professional and professional.

On stage at the New Daisy Theatre on Beale Street in downtown Memphis, he wows an enthusiastic crowd of older women with his pelvic contortions and dashing performance in a tiger-embellished jumpsuit.

The ETA world is a tight-knit support group, or "family", as Boyce likes to put it. But so great is their admiration for Presley, they never use the word "impersonator", believing no one can ever fully recreate the unique magic that was his looks, voice and presence.

Some of the best tribute artists have become famous in their own right in the Presley fan world.

Many of Boyce's competitors are considerably older－men in their 50s, even 70s paying tribute to a legend who died at just 42 in August 1977.

Boyce can zip around stage the way those battling middle-age spread or cranky joints cannot. Going to college in the fall to study music industry and education, he dreams of a full-time career.

Unlike Boyce, Ron Tutor, an ETA who owns a hair salon in the Chicago area, started late.

He's 52 and has been doing Presley part-time for four years, for the fun of it and to meet the fans.

"They know that we're not Elvis, but they treat us like that. It's just amazing－the hugs and giving us kisses and asking for autographs," Tutor says with a smile as he prepares to go on stage.

For the competition he's braving stultifying Tennessee heat in signature neck-to-toe Presley tight black leather.

"It's an illusion on the stage and I always joke with my wife 'you know what, I look better from 20 feet away so don't zoom in on me'."

But fans love it.

"They're making sure that the legacy continues," says die-hard Presley admirer Angela Todd from Michigan, in Memphis for the anniversary. "They're honoring his legacy."

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE