I have been an Elvis® fan for as long as I can remember. I loved his music, his TV specials, even his
dorky movies! I don’t worship him nor do I emulate his lifestyle. My introduction into gospel music came
straight from Elvis® . I remember listening to his gospel albums and just being overwhelmed with the
passion that he sang songs to God with.
It has now been over 12 years since I first put on an Elvis® jumpsuit and actually imitated him. What a
strange dichotomy in my life. A worship leader and an Elvis® impersonator, to this day, I still chuckle
at myself.
I have been asked how can I emulate someone who was the beginning of what we would call Rock n’
Roll; a sex symbol, womanizer, a prescription drug and alcohol abuser, etc. I don’t know that I have a
“right” answer, nor do ever want to try to justify what I do. But in the following, hopefully I can explain
my heart on walking this very fine tightrope.
As an entertainer and an actor, (of which I am both) I try to bring my Christian beliefs and morals to
what I do. Just like a carpenter, plumber, or an electrician, brings their Christianity to their craft. Just
like someone who does wood working or works on old cars for a hobby would not “separate” their
Christianity from what they do for a living or their hobbies. Being an actor/Elvis®
impersonator/entertainer as a hobby is a challenge at times for sure, I certainly do admit that. I have
played roles that were EVIL such as the part of PHAROAH in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor
Dreamcoat.” I have played the “role” of a murderer, a criminal, and even have played the “role” of
Satan in various plays and skits. As I portray those things, I am not trying to glorify the bad-but quite
simply acting out a part or a role-usually in trying to bring out a point or for a purpose, but sometimes,
quite simply just for entertainment.
Being an Elvis® impersonator, I am acting the part. I am trying to bring out some of the good that
Elvis® did in my life. My love for music, love songs, Gospel music and even singing itself came from
Elvis® . There are certain Elvis® songs that I refuse to do, simply because they glorify certain things I
can’t or don’t wish to glorify. There are certain acting roles that I won’t take, because they glorify evil
too much or don’t fit within the context of anything that brings out a positive message in the end.
In my Elvis® concerts I share about the downfalls in Elvis’ life, about the inner demons he struggled
with. I share about his love for and the Grammy awards for gospel music. And as one of my dear
accountability friends said of my show, “you present Elvis® as he COULD have been-had he not
succumbed to the different temptations.” What a compliment. I pray that would be seen by everyone
who sees my show.
I can’t and don’t justify my acting roles. I can’t and don’t justify impersonating Elvis® . Hopefully, I
bring some memories of a time when music was simple and much more innocent than today- like
Hound Dog, Blue Suede Shoes, and Heartbreak Hotel. Hopefully, I sing some gospel songs that touch
people’s life and make them remember that Elvis® had a deep love and passion for God and gospel
music. (Many of the people who come to the Elvis® shows will NEVER come to hear me sing at a
church!) Hopefully, I present Elvis® as he could have been. That is my hope and prayer.
Being a Christian involved in the arts, (drama, movies, music, entertainment, etc) is never easy to be
sure. And I am always asking myself and asking others to help me evaluate what I do. I must confess
at times I have not been the best example. At other times I have been proud that I was able to shine a
small glimmer of hope into a very dark world. Most of all, I hope that when someone sees me they
see, “a talented actor, singer, imitator, musician, and-oh-by-the-way, he happens to be a follower of
Jesus Christ too!”
A word from Rich Vickers about Elvis®
Impersonators/Elvis® Tribute Artists.
Winter 2007
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Elvis® and Elvis Presley are registered trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc.