Elvis Presley - A Tribute by the fantastic Ben Portsmouth

Ben, a multi talented musician, singer and songwriter had Elvis's DNA in his blood from an early age. His father was an avid Elvis fan and Ben grew up on a diet of Elvis songs. Having honed his musical talent Ben started his journey as an Elvis Tribute Artist in 2005 when he formed the "Taking care of Elvis" band. Audiences and promoters quickly realized that this was someone with a special talent. He looked like Elvis, sang like Elvis and had an on stage charisma that had audiences believing at times they were watching the King himself.

In 2006 he was voted the best Elvis at the prestigious international Elvis festival at Porthcawl Wales, the largest of its kind in Europe. He was the youngest competitor and was the total opposite to the stereotypical Elvis impersonator – he was sexy, didn't need a wig and was wearing the most authentic outfits flown in from America.

Success in the UK was followed by success in Europe and Ben qualified to represent Europe in the final of the "Images of the King" contest in Memphis 2010 to find the World Champion Elvis Tribute Artist. It was a daunting task to be competing against the best Elvis Tribute artists in what is effectively Elvis's backyard. However Ben was up to the task, inspired no doubt by his first visit to Graceland. Ben was voted World Champion ETA by both the judges and the public vote.

When Ben returned to the USA some months later and won again at another major Elvis festival near New York the global Elvis industry sat up and took notice. No Elvis Tribute Artist had made a first time appearance at two consecutive major festivals in America and walked away the winner of both.
August 18, 2012 -Ten of the top Elvis tribute artists in the world competed at a sell-out Cannon Center in downtown Memphis where the 2012 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist was announced.

**Ben Portsmouth Wins 2012 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition**