1 First, tell our readers a little about your background. Where are you originally from? How long have you been living/working in Las Vegas? Tim Welch: Originally from Zanesville, Ohio, where I lived on a farm. Following high school, I
1 First, tell our readers a little about your background. Where are you originally from? How long have you been living/working in Las Vegas?
Tim Welch: Originally from Zanesville, Ohio, where I lived on a farm. Following high school, I entered the Marine Corp. and then went into law enforcement as a correctional officer. On my way back to Ohio, I stopped in Las Vegas and ran into Tom Jones with a friend. I have been in Las Vegas since 1993.
2 Let’s get right to the question that is likely on everyone’s mind. How does someone end up working as an Elvis impersonator?
TW: On my way back to Ohio, I stopped in Las Vegas. I saw Tom Jones with a friend and requested that the piano player play a song. The piano player did not know the words to the song, so Jones said, “You get up there lad and sing it.” The song was “You Don’t Know Me,” from the movie “Clam Bake.” I got up and started singing and Jones said, “Did you know you sound like Elvis?” He then asked me to sing “Are You Lonesome Tonight,” which I did. Jones said “skip to the talking part of the song,” which I did. He then he asked me, “Do you know ‘Blue Suede Shoes?’” I sang it and that’s when Tom Jones said, “I think you can make a living at this.” That was in 1999.
3What was your job before?
TW: I was a bartender for 8 years.
4 Did you ever get to see Elvis in person? If so, tell us about it.
TW: Yes, it was June 25, 1974, at the St. Johns Arena in Columbus, Ohio. I paid $10. Elvis’ performance truly made an impact on me that night.
5 What do you enjoy most about your job? Do you ever get sick of taking photos?
TW: Everybody’s happy, and I’m greeted with enthusiasm by the attendees. No, I never get sick of taking pictures and am happy to oblige the request.
6What do you think the real Elvis would have to say about all the people like you out there carrying on his legacy?
TW: From my association with Elvis’ friends, I think he would be more than humbled by the adoration and loyalty of his fans.
7 As a fan and impersonator, what do you think about Elvis’ love for Hawai‘i? Do you have similar feelings for the islands?
TW: He came here because it was a great getaway and he did not get disturbed. In fact, one time Tom Jones and Elvis vacationed together and were left alone by the locals and able to relax without getting hassled. Yes, I enjoy Kaua‘i. It’s paradise and the people are easy-going.
8 Friday marked your second performance on Kaua‘i in just four months. How do you prepare for a show in Hawai‘i? Do you do anything different?
TW: I actually prepare my shows to the age demographic, not to the location the performance is in. For this show I wanted to pick material that shows Elvis’ humor and banter and did not replicate the Aloha Concert.
9 When not performing as Elvis, what do you like to do?
TW: Exercise, read and watch movies.
10 One last toughie. Which is better, “Jailhouse Rock” or “Hound Dog?” Why? Please, feel free to enlighten our readers on the best Elvis song of all time.
TW: “Jailhouse Rock!” Elvis covered “Hound Dog” for someone else. It was “Jailhouse Rock” that was essentially his first music video (long before MTV). The best Elvis song is really up the individual and each person has their own connection to whatever song is their favorite. My personal favorite is “All Shook Up.”
