One of the Southeast’s most popular Elvis tribute artists, Brad Bradley was eager to return Feb. 15 to the Clanton Performing Arts Center. Bradley made his Clanton premiere at the facility back in August 2013 and was impressed with the venue and the enthusiastic audience.
Bradley, a 23-year veteran with the Montgomery Police Department, recently retired and has a bit more time to focus on other interests, including his shows.
He has devoted much of his adult life to perfecting his Elvis sound, pulling together a group of musicians and backup singers and crafting his own flashy jumpsuits that replicate the ones Elvis wore.
Here’s more about Bradley and why he’s so passionate about keeping Elvis’ legacy alive:
PEACH LIVING MAGAZINE: You first performed in Clanton less than a year ago. What prompted you to do another show in the same location a mere six months later?
BRAD BRADLEY: Within a few days of the August 2013 show, the Clanton Performing Arts Center’s director said people already had been calling and coming by her office to talk about the show and ask when the next one would be. I had also gotten messages on Facebook from people who attended the show expressing the interest in another show. Others said they hated they missed it and wanted to get tickets for the next one.
PL: Why do you enjoy performing as Elvis?
BB: I have been an Elvis fan since I was about 9 years old. To me, there is no other entertainer who comes anywhere close to Elvis. It is fun putting on a heavily studded or embroidered jumpsuit that looks as close as possible to some of Elvis’ own jumpsuits and wearing the wig, sideburns and jewelry. In addition, I love his music and I enjoy putting my own spin on Elvis’ signature sound and doing my best to bring his sound back for audiences.
PL: Why Elvis?
BB: Crowds love it and seem to enjoy the entire experience. Portraying Elvis allows for a lot of audience participation. Everyone loves to get a scarf during the show and I make sure to have plenty on hand at each and every show.
PL: How did you get started?
BB: The first time I ever performed in public was my senior year of high school, during a school function. Three of my classmates and a teacher formed a band to back me up for two songs during a talent show. That particular evening, a lot of people were shocked. No one, not even my parents, who were there that night expected me to perform. My mother’s jaw hit the floor when she heard me, her very shy son, start singing. After moving on to college, I did a few small free Elvis appearances. At some point, I was asked to sing at a cookout and the guests passed around a hat and collected $60 for me. I thought I was something when they gave me that. Not too long after that, I got married and put away all things Elvis. After a few years, I divorced, but it was a time to rediscover Elvis and my passion for performing.
PL: What sets you and your shows apart?
BB: What really makes our shows now is the Memphis Showband. This group is made up of nothing but professionals who have excelled. Everyone in the group meshes and we get along and work together wonderfully. In addition to the instruments, we have The Starletts, two beautiful women with exceptional voices. Everyone in our group loves doing the Elvis shows and has a ball performing, and it’s obvious to all who attend.
PL: What should a first time attendee expect when attending a show?
BB: We want everybody to come in, relax and expect a fun evening. We cover a tremendous amount of Elvis music and try to mimic what one would have seen and experienced in an Elvis concert during the 1970s. And what Elvis concert would be complete without flashy studded/rhinestoned jumpsuits with gold chains draped around a 4-inch-wide belt, along with Elvis’ world-famous hair, sideburns, jewelry and scarves? And then there’s the music—everybody is bound to hear at least one of their favorite Elvis songs.
PL: Would your show make a good outing for groups such as Sunday school classes, clubs, etc.?
BB: This event would be an outstanding night out if you come solo or with your sweetheart or a group of friends. We often have groups from churches, civic clubs and social circles who enjoy spending time together.
PL: What else should people know about you and your show?
BB: I make all of my jumpsuits—and I love every minute of it. A lot of people think Elvis had one jumpsuit, the white one, but he actually had well over 100 different suits, and each suit had a totally different design. Each suit I make for myself is based on one of Elvis’ own jumpsuits. Some of the suits have as many as 6,000 to 7,000 studs and rhinestones. It easily takes me a month from start to finish. Over the years, I have made about 18 different suits. I love every minute of it. I just hope audiences enjoy it as half as much as I do.