When Elvis Presley debuted on the Municipal Auditorium's stage in 1954 in Shreveport , Louisiana the world was forever changed. Snappy moves and the ability to own rock 'n' roll music would secure him a spot as one of the greatest artists of all time.
That was nearly 60 years ago, and Presley's untimely death in 1977 would leave a void in America's heart. His Memphis memorial remains a snapshot of his past.
But for one man Presley's spirit lives on, and in complete hound dog fashion Donny Edwards is prepared to recreate those Louisiana Hayride moments one more time on stage.
"When you think about the history of the Municipal, having the Hayride show there, and all the great legends that have walked on that stage," Edwards said. "That was a great launching pad for him to come down here and really kind of skyrocket him selling his roots as a performer in his early years."
Some of those legends include: Johnny Horton, Slim Whitman, Johnny Cash, Jim Reeves, Hank Williams and George Jones, among many others.
For most of Edwards' adult life he has performed as "The King of Rock 'n' Roll." Since being a child he said family and friends always made a point to let him know that he had a promising "look" reminiscent of Presley. Even out and about folks do double takes, but Edwards said he's gotten pretty good about separating his real life from stage.
"I've gotten used to it. I don't try to invite it. I'm me. There was only one Elvis Presley and that's how I view the show," said Edwards, who performs regularly in Las Vegas. "I try to take my God-given talent to emulate him when I'm performing to give a tribute to him, to give a history lesson.
It's great to be able to come here and celebrate that history."
Edwards admitted that being able to sing at the Municipal has been a lifelong dream. He said he makes a point to deliver the most realistic and believable performance of Presley, but he hasn't taken it to the level of some that have gone as far to cosmetically change their look.
"Elvis is such a big icon. There are so many people who want to emulate him. It's great that he inspires so many people but at some point you have to pull the reigns back and be accountable for yourself."
As a treat, Edwards will be accompanied on drums by original Presley guitarist DJ Fontana, a Shreveport native. Fontana was at the Municipal for Presley's first performance.
"When he walked in he had all these strange clothes on. I said, 'man, what's this guy going to do?'" Fontana, 83, recalled. "I had heard his records, and his records were OK."
Fontana played with Presley for 14 years and said one thing he admired about him was his level headedness.
"He was a nice guy, a really nice man. He never got excited or mad at nobody. If something teed him off he'd sweat it out for a day or two and then he was OK," Fontana said. "He didn't holler and scream like some of the artists I know."
Both Presley and Fontana will be inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame during the performance.
"It's long overdo," said Dianne Harmon, who will accept on behalf of both artists. "(Elvis) has fans everywhere."
Harmon is a member of the board of the directors for the Municipal Auditorium and president of the Elvis Angel's Fan Club. Presenting the award is Louisiana Music Hall of Fame founder and director Mike Shepherd.
Connect with Derick Jones on Facebook or Twitter at derickjonesLA.
If you go ...
What : A Last Evening With The King .
When: Thursday . Municipal Auditorium , 705 Elvis Presley Blvd. Shreveport , Louisiana
Featuring : Elvis Presley tribute artist , Donny Edwards , along with DJ Fontana , The Blackwood Quartet and Fever , Presented by Double J. Events .
Admission : $20 -$30.
Infornation :(800) 745-3000 or www.ticketmaster .com
Edwards admitted that being able to sing at the Municipal has been a lifelong dream. He said he makes a point to deliver the most realistic and believable performance of Presley, but he hasn't taken it to the level of some that have gone as far to cosmetically change their look.
"Elvis is such a big icon. There are so many people who want to emulate him. It's great that he inspires so many people but at some point you have to pull the reigns back and be accountable for yourself."
As a treat, Edwards will be accompanied on drums by original Presley guitarist DJ Fontana, a Shreveport native. Fontana was at the Municipal for Presley's first performance.
"When he walked in he had all these strange clothes on. I said, 'man, what's this guy going to do?'" Fontana, 83, recalled. "I had heard his records, and his records were OK."
Fontana played with Presley for 14 years and said one thing he admired about him was his level headedness.
"He was a nice guy, a really nice man. He never got excited or mad at nobody. If something teed him off he'd sweat it out for a day or two and then he was OK," Fontana said. "He didn't holler and scream like some of the artists I know."
Both Presley and Fontana will be inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame during the performance.
"It's long overdo," said Dianne Harmon, who will accept on behalf of both artists. "(Elvis) has fans everywhere."
Harmon is a member of the board of the directors for the Municipal Auditorium and president of the Elvis Angel's Fan Club. Presenting the award is Louisiana Music Hall of Fame founder and director Mike Shepherd.
Connect with Derick Jones on Facebook or Twitter at derickjonesLA.
If you go ...
What : A Last Evening With The King .
When: Thursday . Municipal Auditorium , 705 Elvis Presley Blvd. Shreveport , Louisiana
Featuring : Elvis Presley tribute artist , Donny Edwards , along with DJ Fontana , The Blackwood Quartet and Fever , Presented by Double J. Events .
Admission : $20 -$30.
Infornation :(800) 745-3000 or www.ticketmaster .com
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