The rumors are true. Elvis is alive and well in Dade City. He performed Jan. 25 at Country Aire Manor.
Gene Styles put on a “Tribute to Elvis” show for 85 residents. He opened with “Trouble/Heartbreak Hotel.” During the show, he had three costume changes, each reflecting the various stages of Elvis Presley’s entertainment career. The final costume was a black jumpsuit that he wore while performing in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Tall with bouffant-styled dark hair, Styles is a humble person. He has been performing for 16 years, entering Elvis contests throughout the country. He placed second in Branson, Missouri and in Akchin Casino, Arizona. He also took second place in Vegas with a song, “If I Could Dream.”
Styles’ career began when his wife, Sheryl, bought him a karaoke machine for his birthday. He started performing as a side job at recreational vehicle (RV) resorts, singing to 300 to 400 fans. Now, he performs in Central Florida due to the proximity of many RV parks. “I like doing this because it brings a smile to people’s faces,” states Styles, “Although Elvis fans are slowly slipping away, due to age.”
The smiles appeared Friday night when the Elvis impersonator performed “Teddy Bear,” and began passing out stuffed teddy bears to the ladies. One of the lucky recipients, Judy Betz, said that, “This is better than winning a prize at the fair.”
Several other ladies got on the dance floor to perform the Twist with Elvis while he sang, “Blue Suede Shoes.” More residents joined the dance floor for the Electric Slide line dance to the tune, “Now and Then There’s a Fool Such as I.”
By the time Styles closed his act, the majority of couples were on the dance floor slow-dancing to, “Can’t Help Falling In Love With You.”
For more information on Gene Styles’ availability, go to his website at GeneStyles.com. He plans to return to the area next year.
By Marjorie K. Nanian, Country Aire Manor
