Chris MacDonald Performs "Memories of Elvis" During Elvis Week

Published January 24th 2008

By Skip Sheffield
Staff Writer

Elvis is alive and well and living in Coral Springs.

To be more specific, the spirit of Elvis Presley lives on in the person of Chris MacDonald, who was only in elementary school in 1977 when "The King" died at age 42.

MacDonald recently performed his "Memories of Elvis" at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts at Maltz Jupiter Theatre. Jan. 8, 1935 was the date of Elvis Presley’s birth. “When I started out, I did the Elvis in the early 1950s into the black leather era,” explains MacDonald. "Now I've expanded the show to include the white fringe Las Vegas Elvis. This is not an impersonation of a character but a full production done as a tribute to one of America’s greatest entertainers.”

MacDonald has been singing Elvis tunes since he first performed as "the young Elvis" around 15 years ago. MacDonald credits his mother with his initial interest in Elvis.

”Mom and I used to watch Elvis movies on TV,” he reveals. “I loved those movies and I thought Elvis was cool, always playing the hero against the bad guys. I was still in elementary school when he passed away, but I was very sad.”

MacDonald was an actor and a model before he honed in on Elvis, but once he did it was a natural progression

”My natural tone is pretty close to that of Elvis,” he says. “I never say I am Elvis Presley. I talk of the history of the music and Elvis' life. I find that all ages are still fascinated with him.”

MacDonald received the approval of Elvis Presley Enterprises, which controls his estate and runs his Graceland mansion in Memphis.

“I'm the only performer they authorized to perform at Elvis Week and Elvis Birthday Week at Graceland for seven years,” he says. “I have performed with Elvis' backup singers, the Jordanaires and their drummer, D.J. Fontana.”

MacDonald performs “Memories of Elvis” with a 15-piece band, four female singers and dancers, and three costume changes. MacDonald recently recorded with the Jordanaires and D.J. Fontana.

"This is the same show I've done all over the country," MacDonald declares. "I've done it in Las Vegas, Atlantic City and of course Graceland. Many Elvis shows go over the top. Mine is not a mockery."

Fans can keep up with his schedule and recordings at his web site at http://www.chrismacdonaldselvis.com.