|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
|
|
Richard Vickers
has been leading worship and music in churches for over 20 years. For
the last 10 years, however, he has also had an unusual hobby. Rich is an
Elvis tribute Artist. At the age of 42, Vickers says that it all started
many years ago growing up in Salem, MO, on Highway 68. "I learned to play drums and sing in the 7th and 8th grades by listening to the 'live' Elvis concert performances over and over. I guess Elvis got stuck in my head. For the last several years, I did this for fun at banquets, class reunions, car shows, holiday dinners, and such." But, a couple of years ago, Vickers' daughter, Brittany, entered him into the Missouri State Fair competition. "I had never liked the idea of competing because I just consider this a hobby. Once I got to the competition, however, I really enjoyed the atmosphere, the camaraderie, and, of course, singing for all the Elvis fans." |
| His actual Tribute started at Vickers'
former church in Oklahoma City. They were having a Thanksgiving banquet
and had planned to hire an ETA. A couple of people from his church band
and choir suggested that Rich should do it. Rich remembers renting the
whole costume, side-burns and all. The rentals cost more than he got for
his performance. Rich has performed as an ETA at many different
functions and has even worked with Elvis' step-brother, Rick Stanley. Some of the recent events where Rich has performed include the annual inter County Electric Business meeting with over 3,000 in attendance; the State of Missouri Republican Representative Fundraiser, US Food Service Annual Sales meeting, Viva Las Vegas at the Ozark Actors Theater in Rolla, MO, ( 3 sold-out performances) and many others. Rich has produced his own 2 hour variety show with the TLC Show Band and Singers called, "Elvis Lives," featuring the sounds of Patsy Cline, Linda Rondstadt, Johnny Cash and others along with an hour of Elvis' greatest hits from the concert years. |
|
The Elvis Entertainers Network is proud to welcome Rich to its family of talented ETA's. |
|
Back to:
|
|
|
Elvis® and
Elvis Presley are registered trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc.
|
