ETA Spotlight on Donny Edwards
This ETA Spotlight is on Donny Edwards, born in Iowa, raised in Texas and now works and lives in Vegas. His career has skyrocketed in just a few short years, taking him across North America, Asia and Europe and winning several major competitions along the way. Donny will be one of the headliners in the 2007 Collingwood Elvis Festival - the largest Elvis Festival in the world and he is very flattered to know Canadians are anxious to see him perform. Donny has shared some highlights with us in an interview with LLM’s Carol Hunter and now, he gives us an update on some of the highlights of his career, expressing thanks to those who have helped him along the way.
I was born in Iowa and raised just south of Houston, Texas in the city of Lake Jackson. The youngest of three children, I was considered to be a determined and eager child. My admiration and appreciation for Elvis Presley and his music began at a very early age. MY family recalls how I seemed to be drawn to anything Elvis, always playing his records, watching his movies and imitating Elvis’ moves. My mama recalls how I used to try to dance to Elvis records before I could even walk. In fact, I was so passionate about Elvis , I even pushed my grandmother’s hand away from the radio dial at the age of 5 as she attempted to change the station while “Hound Dog” was playing. Little did I know then that all of my devotion would lead me to a beloved career paying tribute to one of the greatest musical artists in history.
As I got older, many teachers and friends would tell me or my folks they I had an uncanny resemblance to Elvis. Everywhere I went people would react to this and comment. In the year 2002, while on vacation in Las Vegas, a city known for it’s Elvis history, I decided to look into another career possibility, that of an Elvis Tribute Artist.
Shortly after returning to Texas, I would enter a contest and walk onto a stage for the first time. I walked away with first place, getting 95% of the vote. I went to Lady Luck Music’s Performers Showcase with ETA Johnny Thompson and the people were really nice and appreciated the way I did my show, which encouraged me to continue. 2003 I went to Branson and was crowned Grand Champion of “All Shook up in Branson”. 2005 I won the 50’s Division in LadyLucksMusic.com’s People Choice Awards in Nashville TN. Recently, I was awarded the top Elvis tribute artist in the world by two different organizations, held in Mississippi and Wisconsin, respectively. Winning a grand prize of $25,000 in each competition.
Spring of 2003 I would be cast as the 50’s Elvis in Greg Thompson’s “Elvis, Elvis, Elvis” show. On the suggestion of friend Johnny Thompson, I went and auditioned at The Elvis-A-Rama in Las Vegas. Owner Chris Davidson hired me right there on the spot and I enjoyed the next 3 and half years working nearly everyday there. While working at the Elvis A Rama I also got to performed all over the world. Touring in Japan, Mexico, England, Argentina, Costa Rica as well as practically every major city in the United States. In 2005 I started working for Legends in Concert, a dream of mine. In the past 2 years I’ve been currently performing on a frequent basis with Elvis’ own band members such as DJ Fontana, The Sweet Inspirations and The Jordanaires. In 2006 I was proud to perform for over 14,000 fans in Tupelo, MS (Elvis’ birthplace) to recreate the 50 th anniversary of Elvis’ own return performance of 1956 and EPE’s 1st annual tribute show held in Memphis, TN.
But timing is everything, and who you choose to associate with can truly make or break you. For me I came to have a great relationship with many ETA’s I look up to. Guys like Shawn Klush, Johnny Thompson, Ryan Pelton, Trent Carlini and my mentor and best friend in this business Garry Wesley. These gentlemen have given me great advice and goals to achieve and the right path to stay focused on. But having a good manager helps too. ‘Bout 2 years ago I signed to Royal Talent and things have been great. Kristy Royal and I have become a great team, she’s so easy to work with and she always gets me the best jobs. Some of the accomplishments include appearing on ABC’s Monday Night Football, MTV’s Viva La Bam, CBS’ “The Young & The Restless” and a string of Elvis character commercials for the Kingsmill ads in the UK.
In retrospect I still can’t believe the blessings I’ve been given in this career. My love and admiration drive me to be a better ETA. I work hard all the time to get more vocal, work more on movements, and always keep in mind what Elvis would have done and always, always show the up most respect and love for the man who inspired me to do what I love to do. Elvis Aaron Presley.
Thank You ,
Donny Edwards
