Historical February 1991 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
The winner of Blueberry Hill’s seventh annual “Elvis Impersonator Contest” was Jared Wesley Gallamore of 63XX Waterman.
The contest was held on January 8, 1991, in memory of the birthday of Elvis Presley. Jared, an 8th grader, was the youngest entry ever in the history of the contest.
He performed “live” with his acoustic guitar singing “Heartbreak Hotel” When asked how he began, Jared said, “When I was in 5th grade, kids teased me that my hair looked like his, and started calling me ‘Elvis.’ I started singing like him in 6th grade, when I got my first guitar. Usually I sing for my family, and sometimes my church.
This was my first time with a big audience.” Jared presented a young, unblemished image of Elvis as he helped the audience to remember ”The King” as he appeared in his early performing years.
The fact that Jared looks like a young Elvis helped the audience to be transported back in time to the days when Elvis first started performing. Jared’s voice is so much like Elvis’ voice at the age of twenty that some marveled at his performance. Jared says, “I’m going to continue singing for fun, and I’ll sing in a contest when I can.” One thing is apparent: The Elvis tradition lives on.
Original photograph caption
Jared Gallamore. Photographer not credited.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, February 1991.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1991_02.pdf, printed page(s) 6; PDF page(s) 6.
