Elvis Presley has been dead for 30 years. Yet his legacy lives on in the form of the thriving phenomenon of Elvis impersonators. An Elvis impersonator or lookalike is an artist who copies or imitates the iconic American musician in looks and mannerisms. Elvis impersonation constitutes imitating his visual image by wearing an Elvis wig with the trademark sideburns and quaffed hair, putting on a rhinestone-studded jumpsuit and assorted jewelry. The artist also impersonates Elvis by singing and talking just like him.
Elvis impersonators earn their livelihood by making an appearance at parties, carnivals and casinos, dressed as the King himself. They even take the stage as Elvis, in the numerous Elvis Tribute Shows that take place around the world. It