Elvis is alive in Ogden

Elvis is alive, and doing quite well I might add, in Ogden.  In fact, this small community  can boast two Elvis’s. Tunes recorded by the man known as “The King of Rock and Roll” remain popular today and  “Elvis Tribute Artists” claim to have their own groupies who follow them from show to show.   

 

Russ Brittain - Just Pretend

For Ogden’s Russ Brittain, paying tribute to Elvis Presley has always been a dream. “I listened to a lot of KIOA 50s and 60s music. Music has just always been in our house. I was even going to do it in high school, but it kept getting put on the back burner.”

His dream is finally coming true and Saturday, March 24 he’ll be returning to McGraw Senior Center for a “Tribute to Elvis & More” show. The show will also feature “The Sound of Johnny Cash,” starring Carl Poe (who also does an Elvis tribute); “The Sounds of Frank Sinatra” starring Jimmy VanScoy; “The Sound of Motown” starring Maurice Jules; and “The Sound of Elvis” starring Michael Hartney. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Brittain will be attending the  Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest April 14 at Dick Clark American Bandstand Theatre in Branson, Mo., his first time there. If he should finish in the top three, he’ll receive an invitation to perform in Graceland, Elvis Presley’s Memphis, Tennessee home.

His still has the pair of glasses he bought in 1985 when he first visited Graceland. He was 15 years old at the time, and rode down with his dad in the semi.

“Dad parked the truck nearby, gave me $100 and said ‘go have fun at Graceland,’ Brittain recalled. His dad stayed behind for a nap. As a curious young teenager, Brittain meandered the mansion (even restricted areas not for tour) and came across Elvis’s main cook. She introduced him to Elvis’s grandma, nicknamed “Dodger” who was still residing in the house. Instead of reprimanding the youngster, they chatted a while, then grasping his newly purchased Elvis glasses, gave him their blessing. 

Brittain’s mother had her own story to share about Elvis. She was working as a housekeeper at the Ames Ramada Inn in 1972. Elvis was performing at Hilton Coliseum.

“Elvis and his entourage were staying there,” says Brittain and she was told to make the room spotless. She received a kiss, a hug and a thank you from “the King of Rock and Roll” for her effort.

Brittain remembers his first amateur performance. He was in grade school. His mom had purchased him a black leather jacket and black boots and he sang “Jail House Rock” in the United Community School Talent Show.

Read more in the March 21 issue of The Ogden Reporter.

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