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This month, Joanna’s live interview is with Chris Davidson, owner of the Elvis-A-Rama Museum in Las Vegas – the world’s largest privately owned Elvis Museum outside of Graceland.
In this interview, Chris describes how he became an Elvis fan, how Elvis-A-Rama evolved, and his upcoming search for “the world’s best Elvis impersonator.”
Before he began collecting Elvis memorabilia, Chris was an avid collector of baseball cards and didn’t even know that a person could own personal items of Elvis. He acquired his first Elvis autograph at a baseball card show in l993. Then, in l994, he went to a Jimmy Velvet auction at the Las Vegas Hilton where he bought rare Elvis items such as personal cheques, and a letter, dated summer l955, from one-time Elvis manager, Bob Neal, regarding Colonel Parker.
Chris has been involved in several ventures over the years. Originally, he planned to become a lawyer and spent two years studying pre-law. Eventually he decided to go into the auto body/detailing business. After that, he became involved in publishing and with Hot Boat magazine. He collected Elvis memorabilia as a fan, but eventually reached the point where he bought more pieces than he sold and decided to put most of them on display.
When asked about his favourite “pieces,” Chris names the l960 Silver Cloud Rolls Royce and the Mercedes limousine which is shown on Elvis On Tour. Other collectibles Chris has acquired include the Peacock and Turquoise Phoenix jumpsuits, the first contract between Elvis and Col. Parker, army uniforms, and jewelry such as a TCB necklance and opal ring.
Elvis-A-Rama has been in operation for 6 years and over that time big screens have been added, along with a “Panorama Room” with large screen TV’s giving the feeling of stepping into a “live concert.” The peak season is May to August and Chris says he sees many visitors each year.
One exciting piece of news Chris has is that he will be launching a televised search for the world’s best Elvis impersonator...the winner will record the song “If I’d Only Bought Her Roses” (which Elvis co-wrote and was to have recorded) to which Chris has acquired rights (read more about this on the Elvis-A-Rama website listed below). Chris tells us that the first pilot for the televised search will be shot on August 8 and 9 and will kick off the official proceedings. By the beginning of next year, he expects the search will cover areas such as Memphis, New York, and London, England. As he says, it will make for “one great season on TV.” Further details will be announced when finalized.
Chris also talks a bit more about the Elvis-A-Rama Museum saying that Elvis movie co-stars Cynthia Pepper (Kissin’ Cousins) and Darlene Tompkins (Blue Hawaii) are among his employees – they take to the stage, tell Elvis stories, and provide a live perspective as to what Evis was like.
Over the past 6 years, Chris has hired about 20 ETA’s to perform at Elvis-A-Rama, some of whom include Tim Welch, Sonny Boline, Justin Shandor, Johnny Edwards and Donny Edwards. Discussing his criteria for hiring ETA’s, Chris states that “vocally they must have it” and ideally they can put together a presentable package combining vocals, look, and mannerisms. Chris feels that, although “look” makes the initial impact, if they don’t have the “voice,” they can ruin the show vocally and make it painful for the audience and the performer. Chris also states that his ETA’s must be in good shape, and that he does not promote the “later Elvis” preferring instead to concentrate on Elvis ‘56-‘73.
When asked how ETA’s can contact him regarding the “search for the world’s best,” Chris says that there will be further announcements regarding the contest once legality and other issues have been formalized. ETA’s who might be interested in working at Elvis-A-Rama, are invited to send Chris demo tapes or to drop in if they are in Las Vegas, although Chris does say that he doesn’t have a high turnover.
Elvis-A-Rama is a “must see” for Elvis fans visiting Las Vegas. New items are added constantly and the museum has a great collection focusing on Elvis through the years – from the 50's to the 70's. The museum is open 7 days a week from 10 am to 6 pm, and closed only on major holidays.
In closing, Chris states that Elvis’ music makes you feel happy..it’s lasting and enduring and he hopes he can contribute to fans and new fans learning and seeing a little of who Elvis was and what he was.
Chris’ complete answers and comments can be heard in the live interview. Many thanks, Chris!
