Sitting in a hidden corner of a hotel lobby in Las Vegas, GaryElvis Britt didn’t seem that noticeable at first. The Elvis tribute artist was in town for the Heart of the King Las Vegas Elvis Festival and Competition. And even though he wasn’t in his dazzling costume, his dyed black hair gave him away.
In true celebrity style, a fan approached him. Deborah Hamilton was excited to see one of her favorite Elvises. Known as the “flower lady,” she followed the competition circuit around the United States, donating flowers to the performers.
“The thing that blows me away is that you never realize how good the people (who) miss Elvis treat the tribute artists,” Britt said.
One look at the Plant City resident could convince anyone Elvis is still alive. Britt has competed in 301 Elvis tribute contests. He’s won 20 and places in the top 10 of the majority of competitions.
He will be shaking, rattling and rolling right into another competition July 20, at the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds. Britt will compete at the 11th Annual Elvis Tampa Bay Festival, which carries an “Aloha from Hawaii” theme. This is the second year the festival has been hosted in Plant City.
Elvis Tampa Bay Taking Care of Business Fan Club President Vickie May is expecting about 500 people to attend. About 18 to 20 tribute artists compete each year.
Britt has headlined the festival as a performer for three years and has participated in nearly all of the competitions since its inception.
“He usually comes in as one of the six finalists,” May said. “He knows all the lyrics, all the moves and has great vocals.”
But the Alabama native wasn’t always so Elvis-crazed.
His mother, Joyce Loraine Britt Weaver, had been all shook up over Elvis for decades. She shared her love with Britt and always wanted him to be a tribute artist. Although Britt was an Elvis fan, he never wanted to dress and act like him.
“You couldn’t give me a million dollars to dress up and perform as him,” Britt said. “I was always respectful of Elvis and didn’t want to be part of that group. It was for clowns.”
He performed Elvis songs at family events and other shows. But he focused most of his attention elsewhere.
Britt played football for the University of Alabama under Bear Bryant. After trying out for the Miami Dolphins, he worked for 12 years in the restaurant industry. He then bought his own sign shop in 1988, in Tampa.
Britt finally put on a sequined jumpsuit in 1995, after his mother died. Two years later, he visited Graceland to see a professional show by world champion Mike Albert.
“I was just blown away,” Britt said.
Britt was pulled on-stage to participate in the show. During the break, Albert offered him the chance to perform a 45-minute set. Britt then recognized there was a difference between professional tribute artists and impersonators.
“That’s when I realized I was meant to do this,” he said.
Britt slid into his blue suede shoes and began to rock around the United States. He even legally changed his name to GaryElvis.
In 1998, Britt received an invitation to perform at the Venetian in Las Vegas.
“I went out there, and they treated me like gold,” Britt said.
Today, Britt has 50 different Elvis looks in his closet. He has about 20 jumpsuits from the 1970s era and a combination of different 1950s and 1960s jackets and accessories.
But, it’s not only Britt’s extensive wardrobe that has earned him acclaim on the Elvis circuit.
“He’s very good,” festival organizer Martha Taylor said. “He does beautiful gospel music. He’s very great.”
Britt learned how to sing and play guitar from his stepfather, Bill Weaver. Weaver toured with Dick Clark for about five years with his band, Travis and Bill, before he was drafted into the military in the 1960s.
In addition to performing, Britt also became an ordained minister two years ago. He’s married seven couples in full Elvis attire.
“If you’re going to be respectful toward Elvis, then you need to know the music, you need to know the songs,” Britt said. “You don’t want to embarrass yourself, your family. Or Elvis.”
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
11TH ANNUAL ELVIS TAMPA BAY FESTIVAL
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m July 20. Prelims will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; finals will take place from 6 to 8 p.m.
WHERE: Florida Strawberry Festival Expo Hall, 2301 W. Oak Ave.
DETAILS: The day includes Elvis merchandise vendors, food vendors, an Aloha-themed showcase and silent auction to benefit the Children’s Home of Tampa Bay.
INFORMATION: For tickets, a schedule or information, call (813) 977-6011, email elvistampatcb@yahoo.com or visit ElvisTampatcb.com.