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According to the Discovery Channel, there are now 35,000 Elvis impersonators worldwide, which means “at this rate, by 2020, it’s estimated that one in every three of the world’s population could well be wearing sideburns and rhinestone cape.” They come in various sizes: from “Skinny Elvis” to “Overweight Elvis.” Although there have been a smattering of Elvis wannabes of every race, never has there been one who has risen above a joke in the Elvis world until now. On Robert Washington’s 19th birthday, the King died and gave rise to one of the most interesting Elvis impersonators around. Washington is a rarity among Elvis impersonators in that he is African-American. But with his uncanny singing ability that mimics Elvis and his stage presence, Washington has made a believer out of everyone who has witnessed him live. He has competed in the annual “Images of Elvis” World Championship, which is held on the anniversary of Elvis’ death in Memphis, Tennessee. This year, Washington, after being in the top three for three years in a row, finally succeeded in being crowned the first black man to win the contest. For him, the idea that being black and Elvis are mutually exclusive is nonsense. In a letter to a website, Washington states, “I think being African American also helped because... most people thought Elvis was black when “That’s Alright Mama” came out in 1954 on the radio.”
On Saturday, January 8, Washington will celebrate Elvis’ birthday at the Capitol Theatre in Olympia. The event will also have a screening of the documentary, “Almost Elvis,” about the lives and acts of numerous Elvis wannabes nationwide. Tickets for the event are $10 with special VIP tickets for $25. For more info, call 360.570.5000 or visit almostelvis.com.
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