The Art of Elvis Impersonation: When Elven-Tony Meets the King

Have you ever encountered a Elvis Presley impersonator so convincing that you could barely tell the difference? I have to admit; such moments are rare. People often marvel at how some impersonators can make you believe; their resemblance in appearance and voice is practically indistinguishable from the original. However, no impersonator, no matter how skilled, can completely replicate the charm and the originality of Elvis Presley.

While the performances are undoubtedly impressive, with some, a single note or a misplaced vibrato reveals the truth. My brother, who worked as a sound technician for Little Tony, a well-known Italian Elvis impersonator known as the 'Italian Elvis,'

A Speech from the Late King

“LITTLE TONY: THE ITALIAN ELVIS DIES AT 72”

Little Tony: morto l'Elvis italiano aveva 72 anni

“LITTLE TONY HAS DIED LISTENING TO ELVIS”

That’s a great way to die! Such a statement is poetic and fitting for someone who devoted so much of their life to emulating the King. My brother’s experience working for Little Tony on a tour in Sardinia in the late 1960s and early 1970s provided a fascinating insight into the world of Elvis impersonation. He owned a significant collection of classic American cars from the 1950s and early 1960s, and even the sound and atmosphere of his performances were meticulously crafted to match Elvis's character.

Behind the Scenes

One memorable instance during the tour, just before the third to last song, Little Tony turned to my brother, Alex, and exclaimed: “Pump up the volume, I want to make them dance!” This displays the genuine passion and excitement that Elvis himself possessed. Little Tony had a devoted fanbase of 'Old Girls' who cherished his performances, much like the fans of the original King. His dedication to capturing the essence of Elvis was evident in every performance.

Challenges of Impersonation

While impersonators like Little Tony put in immense effort to perfect their acts, there are always subtle differences that can be detected. Even with the most talented impersonators, you can sometimes hear that one note or notice a microphone move that gives away the performance. Such imperfections, while small, remind us of the superhuman nature of Elvis Presley's original performances.

Final Thoughts

The art of Elvis impersonation is a testament to the enduring legacy of Elvis Presley. Despite the incredible effort put in by impersonators like Little Tony, they still cannot replicate entirely the unique combination of talent, stage presence, and electrifying performances that made Elvis Presley the King of Rock and Roll. Whether you prefer the original or admire the dedication of the impersonators, there's no denying the influence and personality that Elvis left behind.