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Line 23: − + − + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + − Elvis impersonators are in great demand due to the iconic status of Presley, and many of these tribute acts exist. The first recorded Elvis impersonator was Jim Smith in 1956, shortly after Presley began to rise in popularity. Smith looked like and imitated Presley, but was just pretending since he could neither sing nor play the guitar. The first influential Elvis impersonator was Phil Ochs in 1970. Andy Kaufman was a significant Elvis impersonator in the mid 1970s and Presley himself said Kaufman was his favorite. While Presley was alive, impersonators largely competed in talent shows. It was after Presley's death the art grew into the industry it is today. Elvis impersonators range from professional performers to people who do it as a hobby to people who do it as part of a comedy act. There is also an Elvis Tribute Artist contest sponsored by Elvis Presley Enterprises.
→Elvis Impersonators: impersonators better in phenomenon article
==International fan base==
==International fan base==
Presley has many fans across the world, and fan clubs active in countries such as [[Australia]] and [[Turkey]]. Former Japanese Prime Minister [[Junichiro Koizumi]] (who shares a January 8 birthday with Presley) is a fan and visited Graceland with then-President [[George W. Bush]] and he sang "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You".
Presley has many fans across the world, and fan clubs active in countries such as [[Australia]] and [[Turkey]]. Former Japanese Prime Minister [[Junichiro Koizumi]] (who shares a January 8 birthday with Presley) is a fan and visited Graceland with then-President [[George W. Bush]] and he sang "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You".
==Elvis Impersonators==
[[File:ElvisPresleyAlohafromHawaii.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Presley at the Aloha from Hawaii concert]]
Presley's legacy is such that many entertainers have made careers emulating him in voice, looks, or both. They are called Elvis Tribute Artists, or informally as Elvis impersonators. Professional Elvis impersonators highlight in Las Vegas and other areas across the United States and around the world.
==''Aloha from Hawaii''==
''Aloha from Hawaii''was a concert performed by American musician [[Elvis Presley]] that was originally broadcasted live via satellite on January 14, 1973. The amount of people who viewed the concert is debatable. Several sources, including [[Elvis Presley Enterprises]], say that over a billion people watched the concert worldwide, and it is the most watched broadcast starring an individual entertainer. Some other sources claim that this figure was created by [[Colonel Tom Parker]], and that only several hundred million viewed the concert. The concert was shot at the Honolulu International Center (HIC) in Honolulu, Hawaii. The concert did not air in the United States until April 4, 1973 (the same day as the Super Bowl). This was the most expensive entertainment show at that time, costing over $2.5 million.
The concert featured an array of Presley's early and recent hits, including "Hound Dog", "Steamroller Blues", "See See Rider", "Early Morning Rain", "Burning Love", "Blue Suede Shoes", "A Big Hunk o' Love", "Can't Help Falling in Love", "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry", "It's Over", "Welcome to my World", "I'll Remember You" and "What Now My Love", and "Suspicious Minds", as well as covers of songs including [[Chuck Berry]]'s "Johnny B. Goode" and [[The Beatles]]' "Something".
Presley was accompanied by:
*James Burton (lead guitar)
*Charlie Hodge (acoustic guitar/vocals)
*Glen Hardin (piano/keyboards)
*Ronnie Tutt (drums)
*John Wilkinson (rhythm guitar)
*Jerry Scheff (bass)
*J.D. Sumner & the Stamps Quartet (vocals)
*Kathy Westmoreland (vocals)
*The Sweet Inspirations (vocals)
*Joe Guercio & his Orchestra
===History===
Presley's manager, Colonel Tom Parker, decided that he was going to air a live concert via satellite since it was impossible for Presley to tour in every major city. It was inspired by a visit to China on July 8, 1972 made by then-President [[Richard Nixon]]. Parker initially wanted the concert to take place in late 1972, but was changed to 1973 since MGM was releasing its ''Elvis on Tour'' concert documentary. On September 4, 1972, Parker held a conference announcing the Presley concert would air on January 14 the next year. The show aided the Kui Lee Cancer Fund.
Presley arrived in Hawaii on January 9, 1973, having lost twenty-five pounds for the show, to begin rehearsing.
===Concert===
The concert was performed on January 14, 1973. Presley was wearing an eagle jumpsuit designed by Bill Belew. The show was directed by Marty Pasetta. He performed hits such as "See See Rider", "Steamroller Blues", "Hound Dog", I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry", and "Can't Help Falling in Love". After the concert ended, Presley performed five songs including "Hawaiian Wedding Song" and "Early Morning Rain" that would be included in the American broadcast.
==Sirius XM Elvis Radio==
==Sirius XM Elvis Radio==
With the launch of satellite radio, a channel dedicated entirely to the works of Elvis Presley was created. The 24 hour station plays his studio recordings, live performances, lost and rare studio sessions and interviews with many of Presley's former friends, acquaintances and band mates. The station is located in Memphis across the Graceland estate. The Elvis Quiz Show is periodically hosted on the network, where fans can answer questions about Presley and his work to earn prizes.
With the launch of satellite radio, a channel dedicated entirely to the works of Elvis Presley was created. The 24 hour station plays his studio recordings, live performances, lost and rare studio sessions and interviews with many of Presley's former friends, acquaintances and band mates. The station is located in Memphis across the Graceland estate. The Elvis Quiz Show is periodically hosted on the network, where fans can answer questions about Presley and his work to earn prizes.