NICK PERKINS PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE KING

Though the late Elvis Presley has been gone for more than 46 years, a thriving industry known colloquially as “Elvis World” continues to grow. One of the major players is none other than Tickfaw native Nick Perkins, 24.

During a recent meet-up with Perkins and his business manager, the charming and engaging Deborah Walls, Perkins clarified that he was not an Elvis impersonator but an Elvis Tribute Artist (ETA) who is dedicated to bringing authenticity to his role. During his shows, Perkins embodies each era of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s life. To do this, he wears a few of his 28 replica jumpsuits which range in cost between $1,600 to $5,200 per outfit. His wigs and sideburns run about $2,000 and $2,500, respectively, with the 70s era being the most expensive.

How He Got His Start

Nick grew up in a home steeped in music. Both his father and his grandfather were musicians. He listened to old barroom honkytonk music, classic country, and the old rock ‘n’ roll standards.

At age 8, he accompanied his mother to an Elvis Tribute Show — and he was hooked. He began playing guitar at 9. By 13, he opened for an Elvis Tribute Artist playing a few country songs during the many costume changes in the show.

The man had an Elvis jumpsuit that was too small. He offered to sell it to Perkins for $40, which was quite a deal. Perkins wound up winning the money for the outfit from grandmother in a card game!

He later sold the jumpsuit to another Tribute Artist but, years later, after the passing of his grandmother, Nick managed to trace the current owner who graciously gifted it back to him at no charge.

Perkins acknowledged that ETA performers don’t have longevity on their side. Because Elvis died at 42, most tribute artists hang up their jumpsuits by age 50.

He Has a Second Gig in Elvis World

Elvis Tribute Artist contests, he and his business partner, Jay Dupuis of Baton Rouge, produce festivals here in Louisiana, along the Gulf Coast, and are expanding into other parts of the southeast region. Dupuis was the 2014 winner of the Elvis World’s equivalent of the Super Bowl — Graceland’s Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist contest.

Nick produces the Hammond E.P. Mania Weekend Event at the Holiday Inn in Hammond from May 30–June 1 and together they produce Kenner’s annual Louisiana Bayou King Festival held November 14–17. They don’t hold back, hiring a 16-piece band that includes strings, horns, and backup singers for contestants and shows. For Elvis fans who want to stay in the know about their upcoming festivals, go to their website at kingfestivals.com.

Where He Can Be Found Around Town

If you don’t want to wait for a festival to check out Perkins’ act, follow his schedule at nickperkinselvis.com. He’s a regular at Brady’s, playing every other Wednesday, and also puts on a bi-monthly show at Mariner’s. You don’t have to be a huge Elvis Presley fan to enjoy a good dose of rock ‘n’ roll!