Check out what some musicians have to say about The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, how he influenced their music and acting careers, and what it was like living in the same town as Elvis. After you get a little inspiration and are ready to get your Elvis fix, head on over to the Elvis Week 2012 (August 10-18) website to check out what’s going on this year with the 35th Anniversary Celebration.
I went to Graceland when I was a kid on a cross-country family trip and left thinking, ‘how the hell do I be THAT cool?’ I started combing my hair different, bought an Elvis songbook, started learning guitar, and practiced some strange dancing in front of the mirror. By the time I got offered to play Elvis in “Walk the Line” I had been him for Halloween so many times I thought, oh man I’m ready for this!! Plus after “Walk the Line” I started doing more acting which I hadn’t even considered until then, so I’ve got Elvis to thank for not only my music career but my acting career as well!
– Tyler Hilton
Tyler played Elvis Presley in the Johnny Cash Oscar-winning biopic “Walk the Line” and has songs on the Grammy-nominated soundtrack
“Elvis was a visionary. When I perform on stages in Memphis, I’m reminded of that. His desire, and ability, to break the mold with his style, controversial dance moves and overall lifestyle has not only impacted me as an artist, but all of Rock ‘n’ Roll. As an artist who often breaks the mold, I’m inspired and grateful for the King himself, allowing me to be more free with my craft.”
– Brian Fuente, NBC’s “The Voice”
“Elvis influenced the Bar-Kays in a very positive way. He was a great entertainer and he was from Memphis. Elvis was also a very hard worker. When I saw him perform or saw him around town I was inspired. This was a guy you could see around town and he was a star. It let me know that what I was doing in music, what I was working for could be done.”
– James Alexander, Bar-Kays
When I was young my father and I listened to only a few singers; mostly Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. When it was just me it was the king; Elvis. Once in drama class when I was in 9th grade we were asked to do a song by our favorite singer. Of course I did Elvis and at the end of the song when I thrusted my hips one of the girls in the class said to the teacher “did you see what he did?” The teacher, who happened to be a female, said “he’s just moving like Elvis and man can Elvis move!
– George A. Santino
Retired partner from Microsoft
First music release “Come Fly With Me” is on top of the Amazon New Release sales charts
