"I really never wanted to be Elvis"

Hi there,
I am an Elvii. Yes, Elvii. That's what we have become to be known as, Elvis' Elvii. I am not ashamed to be an Elvii. I am an Elvis Presley Fan. I have been since I was 6 years old. I saw Elvis in concert on the Aloha Special and knew he was something special. I didn't know then I was going to be an impersonator. I then began getting Elvis records. Then it became a thing for every Birthday and Christmas someone would get me something Elvis related. But it was Aunt Kelly who started it. She is an Elvis Fan, well the rest of the family call hers the Elvis Nut. We were sitting in her kitchen and she had Elvis on her stereo. It was Jailhouse Rock. I acted like I was moving like him. She then showed me how to do it the right way. She said you kinda look Like Elvis. I paid no mind. We danced a little like Elvis.

We then left to go to my other Aunts, Aunt Sue. She needed a ride to somewhere. Aunt Sue was much older than Aunt Kelly. While Aunt Kelly and Aunt Sue both sitting in the front seat I overheard Aunt Kelly tell Aunt Sue I was going to be a good Elvis some day. Aunt Sue told her if she did that to me she would not speak to her ever again. "We have one Elvis Nut and that's one too many" Aunt Sue finished while getting out of the car. She kissed me goodbye and said to me "Don't you listen to a thing she tells you" She's Nuts, remember". I thought then to myself does everyone think Aunt Kelly is nuts? I didn't think she was. I liked Elvis too, am I nuts? I questioned myself.

Then not long after I began staying the night with Aunt Kelly because my mom changed shifts. We stayed up late and danced and sang Elvis while eating pizza. It was the best time of my life. I then began to imitate his moves and songs and my favorite conversation ending line was, thank you, thank you very much.

I was asked to sing at Aunt Kelly's friends birthday party. Aunt Kelly helped me get the music and made a list of songs for me to sing. We practised every night until the party. I had never been so scared and excited at the same time. I messed up on several songs ( forgot the words to Teddy Bear) but it didn't matter. They sang it with me. I was shaking and it wasn't from being Elvis it was from being scared.
But being scared at that party was only the beginning.

I was even more terrified when I was called by our local newspaper to do an interview. It was Elvis' Birthday and they wanted to do a story on why I wanted to be Elvis. Which it shocked them when the first question was asked "Why do you want to be Elvis" and I replied.

"I really never wanted to be Elvis"

I continued. I saw Elvis perform on TV and thought he was cool. I liked his outfit, his voice and the whole star thing.
The fans made me be like him. I got for all occasions Elvis stuff after I mentioned I liked Elvis and then even more when I began practising the moves and singing on a more serious level.

They want it, the fans, I guess it is to fill the void of not having Elvis. So, I keep trying the best I know how. I am not the best Elvis Impersonator and never probably will be crowned the best. But, it is MY tribute to him and if I make one person happy while doing so, then it makes what I do worth while. I do not need to be the best. I honor Elvis and enjoy the fans and the people who support me. I especially Love my Aunt Kelly and I know if I stopped doing Elvis, she would kill me, I truly believe.
So, I'll keep singing the songs.

Thanks everyone. That's where it all started for me.
Joey "Elvis Lil' Brother" Worthman