by Alexandra Edwards

Many of our readers will probably remember exactly what they were doing the day they heard the news that Elvis Presley was dead. Known as the "King of Rock n' Roll," his sudden death, caused by a drug overdose,  sent shock waves around the globe.  Although almost thirty years since this tragic event, his name, his music and even his image, is still very much alive today. Every year, thousands of people, young and old visit Graceland, Elvis's home in Memphis, Tennessee. Statistics show that with the $40 million estate, Elvis Presley is the highest paid deceased artist ever.

Since the first tribute to the late Elvis Presley was made in 1977, many talented Elvis impersonators' have followed suit, paying tribute in the form of local concerts and venues or even private parties.  Some emulate Elvis in his very handsome early years, others in his latter years when he had gained weight and grown side burns. Some impersonators need to make more effort than others, maybe having to dye their hair jet black or buy wigs. When it comes to sounding like Elvis, some have it, some don't. All in all there is said to be well over 30,000 Elvis impersonators, not just in the U.S. but worldwide. In fact, each year festivals and

competitions are held across the U.S. Canada and Europe, to judge the very best Elvis impersonators.

Elvis impersonator Matt Cordell of Soddy Daisy, here in beautiful southeast Tennessee, was first place winner of one such competition, the 2004  "Tribute To The King  National Competition" in Kansas City, Missouri. He also ranked number nine in the 2003 "Elvis Extravaganza Competition" in Las Vegas. Since then, his busy schedule of concerts in Pigeon Forge have kept him from entering any more competitions.

Matt's talents were first observed  when singing in  the "Station House" at the Chattanooga Choo Choo and later at Dollywood. Many in his audience would comment that he looked and sounded just like Elvis. It was not long before he was spotted by entertainment agent Jim Winters, who as a huge Elvis fan himself, easily recognized this young man's talent.

Cordell, at the age of  33,  with his young good looks, did not need much effort to visually mold himself into an

wriggling his hips as he sang in his tight pants and blue suede shoes. He was nicknamed "Elvis the Pelvis."

Although I have not yet had the pleasure of seeing Matt Cordell in concert, after listening to one of his CD albums, and seeing the posters it would be fair to say that he made a great impression.

Whether you are an Elvis fan or not, his music was so versatile that it can be enjoyed by everyone.They are songs  that are familiar and we can sing along to. This Christmas season Matt Cordell will be performing  Elvis gospel classics and Christmas songs at the Alhambra Shrine Concert "Christmas Time in Tennessee," on December 2nd and on December 12th at The Miracle Children's Network Christmas Show."

For those Elvis fans planning a trip to Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg this Christmas, it may add a nice touch to attend one of the  Matt Cordell Concerts. For a calendar of upcoming events go to:

www.mattcordell.com

You can then decide for yourself whether Elvis has actually left the building.
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