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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 |