Graceland seeks best fake Elvis

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.

The Elvis Presley impersonators who have hung around the fringes of Graceland for years are finally being invited up to the big house.

On the 30th anniversary of Presley's death in August, the managers of Graceland, the singer's former Memphis home, will stage their first official impersonator competition -- the "Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest."

It's a big change for managers of Presley's estate, who have always kept the tacky, kitschy and outrageous Elvis impersonators at arm's length.

But the new managers of the multimillion-dollar Presley business think such a contest, properly run, could help keep the shine on his image and attract a new generation of fans.

To find the king of imitation kings, there will be a series of qualifying contests staged across the country, all licensed by Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc., whose new bosses took over Graceland and the business of the Presley estate last year.

"We're looking for the best artist that represents the legacy of Elvis Presley," said Paul Janokowski, Elvis Presley Enterprises' marketing chief. "This is a serious contest."

Elvis imitators came into being even before his death on Aug. 16, 1977, and now untold thousands of amateur and professional Elvis wannabes perform at private parties, nightclubs, concerts and fan club festivals around the globe.

Impersonator contests are held throughout the country and abroad, with some of the most popular in Memphis held around the anniversary of Presley's death.

But Graceland generally has stayed clear of such doings, until now.

Professional impersonators, some of whom make nice livings imitating the king of rock 'n' roll, called themselves "tribute artists," and that's the title Graceland managers like, too.

"This is not an impersonator contest. This is a tribute artist contest," Mr. Janokowski said, "and we will provide guidelines to the licensed festivals that hold qualifying rounds."

The Memphis finals will be held over several days during Graceland's annual Elvis "Tribute Week," scheduled for Aug. 11 to 19.