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"Hello and Welcome" to the home of "The Hillbilly Cat Show" - Early Elvis & More.
I am working on my 7th year as an "Elvis Tribute Artist". I remember listing to Elvis on my dad's 8 track player and watching
him try to sing-a-long. Like most ETA's I started out singing karaoke with the audience pushing me further. Then the sideburns
started sprouting out and when I slipped into a jumpsuit for the first time there was no turning back. As all Eta's will agree
when you put on that jumpsuit for the first time, it envelopes your body and there is an "Electric Elvis Spirit" that takes
over and moves through your body giving you the power to carry on.
After that I started working hard to capture every movement and the voice of the late
great Elvis Presley. While working as a drive through attendant at "The Windmill Package Store" in Kennett, Mo., dressed
as Elvis, I got my first venue. In August of 2000 "Rhew's End Zone" asked me to do a show at their sports bar & grill.
At first I was very reluctant and shy but when I packed the house there was no turning back, I was addicted. I want to send
out a "Special, Thank You , Thank You Very Much" to my Rhew family in Kennett, Mo. for giving me my start and their
place will always feel like home.
There is also something that every Elvis fan should know. There is a difference between
being an Elvis Impersonator and an "Elvis Tribute Artist". An Impersonator is someone who puts on a cheap suit, a wig and
just plays with it for fun. An "Elvis Tribute Artist" keeps the "Spirit Alive". He puts his heart, his soul, takes pride in
his costumes, (A well made costume can cost into the $1000's of dollars), he is there for his fans and most of all when he
is preforming you can see the "Spirit" alive in his face. He has a following of fans who make him, not contest & awards.
Always when coming upon a ETA remember to give him the respect he deserves. It takes a lot of guts to do what we do to keep
the "Spirit" alive.
I have since then played in several states including my two home states of "Missouri
& Arkansas", Illinois, Tennessee, Texas & Georgia. I have won several contest & received many awards for my performances.
One of the awards that stands out the most was in 2004 when I received a key to the city of Leachville, Ark. I donated my
time for a fund raiser for a child who had been hit by a truck while walking home for school. For my time I was presented
a key to the city by it's Mayor Mr. Ralph D. Wells. There's something else that makes this town so special to my heart.
Elvis actually played in Leachville on January 20, 1955 at the high school gymnasium. Since then I return there at least twice
a year to do my "Tribute" show at the beautiful "Melody Theater". In 2005 I received the "Reflections of the King" award at
"All Shook Up In Branson" Contest. It states "Voted on by his peers. This award is given to the "Elvis Tribute Artist"
that best exemplifies the good qualities of Elvis both on and off stage. With personality, good looks, graciousness and a
winning smile. He reflects the King of Rock n' Roll in a positive light". My wife and fans tell me this could not be more
true. If it weren't for her and my fans I would not be where I am at today.
I have changed a lot in the past 6 years. Until I met my wife I was only doing
the jumpsuit era. She is one of the biggest Elvis fans I had ever met, and now she has me doing all the era's. In my big shows
I try to recreate the "Whole Life of Elvis". I start out with his early years at Sun Records, The Louisiana Hayride,
the Milton Berle Show, The Steve Allen Show, and The Ed Sullivan Show.
Then I do songs from the "Movie Years". I try to recreate scenes from G.I. Blues, Blue
Hawaii, Jailhouse Rock, King Creole, Loving You, Etc. I take you back to the '68 Comeback Special" right on through
to "The Vegas Years".
By the end of my show I like to feel like I have taken you on a fantastic journey back
in time.
Like most Elvis Tribute Artist I have many ups and downs. I have shaved my hair
and my sideburns off but, I still had to return to this profession. You get so much criticism in your face & behind your
back. You have to consider the source and carry on. You go through a lot of managers - some good some bad and then you wake
up some morning and say "Hey, I'm managing myself". This is not an easy life we ETA's live. It takes a lot of sweat and hard
work, you have "To Walk A Mile In Our Shoes" to know this. We strive daily to make the "King of Rock n' Roll" live on in hearts
of the old and young alike. Elvis lives on everyday through every ETA you see in our small world through their hearts. There
is one thought I would like to leave you with. "I am Michael Anthony Smith - not Elvis. I just keep the memory alive. Elvis
will always be the "King of Rock n' Roll", and there is only one true "KING" and that is our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ".
For booking info, promo packs or just to
chat you can drop a line at "The Hillbilly Cat Show", PO Box 128 - 701 N. Delaware St., Bloomfield, Mo. 63825. Phone: 573-895-2208
or email: mikesmiththeking@msn.com or queeniewahine2@msn.com
2005 - The 50's - Crusin USA Car Show - Nixa, Mo. - "When someone has a problem with me portraying the
"King of Rock", That's their personal problem, not mine."
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