Teen Elvis impersonator revives nostalgia for Chicago-area senior citizens
BOLINGBROOK, Ill. - In today's Good News Guarantee, a young Elvis is getting local senior citizens up and out of their seats.
The backstory:
Landon James, 19, wasn't even born when Elvis was the King of Rock and Roll, yet he's capturing his charm and taking people back in time.
"My butt can't stand still," said Peggy Devereux.
She and dozens of other residents at StoryPoint Bolingbrook took in a special performance last week.
James was up front shaking his hips, strumming a guitar and belting out Elvis' greatest hits. He's impersonated the music icon for the past three years, performing more than 100 times.
Resident Len Scholl said the performance took him back in time.
"I remember him when he appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show. They only filmed him from his waist up because his legs were too suggestive... When I was younger and he was so popular, I didn't particularly care for him because all the girls loved him," Scholl said.
James said he was introduced to Elvis at the age of 9. Ever since, he's been binging 8MM clips on YouTube, trying to capture the essence of the legend's movement and voice.
"Elvis just changed so many people's lives and I just feel like what I'm doing makes them feel good and keeps them positive," James said.
What's next:
On May 24, Tinley Park is hosting E-Stock, an Elvis tribute festival. James will be the headliner.
You can find his upcoming shows by going to his website.
The Source: FOX 32's Natalie Bomke reported on this story through interviews with Landon James and residents at StoryPoint Bolingbrook.