All Shook Up Over Graceland

Newcastle Herald

Monday August 6, 2007

with Amy Edwards and Anita Beaumont

ELVIS impersonator Norm Bakker is taking his blue suede shoes from Medowie to Memphis.

Bakker has been chosen to perform at Graceland during Elvis Week as part of the 30th anniversary of the King's death. As the Australian Elvis, Bakker will join other impersonators from around the world for a concert before thousands of fans on Saturday, August 18.

"This is the ultimate dream come true, not only to be there at Graceland but to actually be chosen as part of the entertainment booked at this massive event," Bakker told The Word.

"There's over 50,000 Elvis impersonators across the world and 30,000 of them are in America alone."

Bakker will celebrate an anniversary of his own during his trip to Memphis.

"I will be performing my show on the same day as my 17th wedding anniversary, what a coincidence, but unfortunately my wife, Michelle, will not be able to go on this trip," Bakker said.

Bakker has been an Elvis impersonator for 20 years and like any fan he doesn't rule out that Elvis might still be alive.

"I'm sure if we saw him we would just think there goes another Elvis impersonator," Bakker said.

© 2007 Newcastle Herald

Back to News Index | Back to Home