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Dennis
Wise is the ultimate Elvis Presley fan. His admiration for
Elvis has spanned over forty years. It's only fitting that
he would choose a career that pays tribute to the King of
Rock and Roll. Dennis Wise is the ultimate fan and the ultimate
Elvis performer, with more than 10,000 shows honoring the
king.
His mother introduced Joplin,
Missouri native Dennis Wise to the music of Elvis Presley.
From as early as five years old, Dennis can remember listening
to the recordings of Elvis on the family phonograph. Dennis's
favorite song was "Heartbreak Hotel," and to his
father's chagrin, he would play the song much too loudly
and much too often. This tribute to Elvis was just the beginning.
Dennis
began his professional tribute to Elvis in 1978, a year after
the king's untimely death at the age of 42. His brother had
arranged an audition for Wise as an Elvis Presley impersonator.
Halfway through the first song, he got the job.
Dennis made his first appearance in Melbourne, Florida. On
the first night of the engagement, a woman from the audience
jumped up and grabbed the part of Wise's body that gave young
Presley the nickname, "Elvis the Pelvis."
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"This
business will break you or make you quickly. I figured if I could
get over that, I could make it," quips
Wise. Such determination has paid off. Dennis's television credits
include appearances on "Good Morning America," "Today," "Oprah
Winfrey," "The Mike Douglas Show," "48 Hours," "PM
Magazine," "The Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon," and "American
Bandstand."
Dennis Wise has the honor of performing over 10,000
shows. This international record is an honor shared only by Las
Vegas entertainers Siegfried & Roy, and Wayne Newton. Other
honors bestowed upon Wise include being named by Dick Clark as
one of the three best Elvis impersonators; a cover of TV Guide
magazine; and presentation of keys from the cities of Augusta,
Georgia and New Orleans, Louisiana.
Dennis's favorite
choices from a long list of experiences include appearing on Brenda
Lee's television special in Santiago, Chile; owning "Stage
45," an Elvis-themed
night club on Elvis Presley Boulevard in Memphis, Tennessee, across
the street from Graceland; and receiving a letter of commendation
from former president George Bush. Most recently, Dennis Wise performed
the half-time entertainment at Lambeau Field, home of the Green
Bay Packers.
Each show is an electric, high-energy performance
backed by a full ensemble. Dennis expertly recreates Elvis's movements,
phrasings, and mannerisms. The requisite jumpsuits and jewelry
are there too. During his performance, Wise imparts trivia about
Elvis's music, as well as covering all phases of Presley's recording
career, including rock 'n' roll, gospel, pop, and country. With
more than 600 Presley tunes in his repertoire, Dennis can answer
most any request.
"We're not here to try to take his place.
We just want to bring back some memories. We're dealing with a
man who can never be replaced. He appealed to everybody. He was
so popular because he was kind and down to earth and that separates
a lot of entertainers," states Dennis.
"Forever Elvis" is
a powerful tribute to Elvis Presley, an entertainer whose memory
of a great voice and music will remain in our hearts and minds
for always.
Dennis Wise continues to entertain audiences all
over the world. From wedding receptions to full concerts, Dennis
can provide the ultimate Elvis experience.
"I
look forward to sharing the Elvis experience with you"
-Dennis Wise |
