The Spirit Of Elvis - Biography

Louis singing career spans more than 30 years. He has been singing since he was just 12 years old as he was a member of a touring "Old Time Music Hall" band. After 12 years in the British Army he moved to the West Coast of Ireland where he performed in social clubs and pubs in the area for 5 years. Between 1995 and 1998 Louis was the Entertainment Manager for the "Golden Oldies Club" the largest live music cabaret club in the Turkish holiday resort of Kusadasi where he performed his full Elvis tribute show The Elvis Story. This show covered all eras of Elvis music career from the 50's, Movie years, 68' comeback through to the Vegas years. Louis was one of the first Elvis tributes able to perform a show of this style accurately and complete with all the essential costume changes. Later in 1998 Louis moved to Rhodes and then on to Spain. He appeared in various clubs and hotels as a guest singer working with many other entertainers before returning to a village near Southport, England where he now lives.

Having been based for almost 7 years in the North West of England Louis Rockafella has established himself as the leading UK and European Elvis Lookalike and Tribute artiste. Over the years Louis has changed and improved his show format and vocal style, and now purely specialises in the look and sound of Elvis in the mid 70's. Highlights of millenium year 2000,travelling across ten of the southern states of USA, while in Memphis visiting Graceland also stopping to record a CD in the legendary "Sun Studios", Memphis, Tennessee.

Louis started 2001 by performing on the Maiden World cruise of the P&O liner "Aurora". Later that year Louis was the winner of the RCA / HMV Best Look & Soundalike of Elvis Award receiving an engraved platinum Elvis Aloha album award. In October that year Louis travelled to the USA to perform infront of over 2000 Elvis fans at the 9th Annual Elvis Festival held in Indiana. Here, Louis was joined on stage by Myrna Smith (Elvis' original backing singer from the Sweet Inspirations). Louis also had the honour of meeting TCB Band member Jerry Scheff, and PAtti Parry, the only female member of The Memphis Mafia.

During August 2002, The Elvis 25th Anniversary was a busy time for Louis. Working as a lookalike/actor he played the part of Elvis himself for the BBC1 documentary "There's Only One Elvis".Louis also made various appearances and radio interviews across the country as the official Elvis lookalike and tribute for Elvis' record label BMG. Helping promote the international No.1 selling album, Elvis 30No.1's. Louis also helped promote the 3 x DVD set, Elvis: The Great Performances as authorised by EPE & Graceland. In October 2002 BMG / RCA Records London presented Louis with a replica Elvis Gibson guitar, This award was for services in helping keep the memory of Elvis alive.

On New Years Day 2003, Louis was seen serenading Anne Robinson while competing on BBC's "The Weakest Link Elvis Special"! In June 2003 a new exhibition opened in Liverpool, UK called "The Fingerprints Of Elvis". Louis appeared as a lookalike at the opening of the event that also included an interview that was shown on BBC1 evening news. David Stanley (Elvis Step brother) also attended the opening. Louis returned to the Exhibition in August for the 26th Anniversary where he appeared once again for the national press who took photos of Louis sitting in Elvis' very own Golf Buggy, a new item for the exhibition that had just arrived from USA. Louis returned to USA, October 2003 to perform as a special guest at the 11th Annual Elvis Festival, in Indiana.  Here Louis entertained many people that knew Elvis personally including Joe Esposito, Elvis road manager and best friend and also John Wilkinson - Elvis own guitarist.

Also during 2003, Louis performed at many large venues and theatres across the North of England as part of the very successful Legends Show "An American Trilogy". Finishing December 2003, with his own show The Spirit of Elvis at the Liverpool Olympia Theatre, a  venue where Elvis' very own TCB Band performed at during 2004.

In January 2004 Louis joined forces with one of the countries leading Limousine Companies MD Travel of Southport. Together they have set up a new and exclusive service "Elvis Limos". Louis as Elvis can be hired to meet and greet / serenade guests while travelling in style in a luxury white stretch limousine, available for weddings, Vegas theme events or any special occasion. "Elvis Limos" where seen in January 2004 at Liverpool's Albert Dock. Louis and Mike Storey, Liverpool City Council Leader made the appearance to celebrate Memphis twinning with Liverpool for 2004 and also the 50th Anniversary of Rock'n'Roll.

February 2004, Louis Rockafella's "The Spirit Of Elvis Show" complete with Louis own 6 piece Elvis tribute band "The Dixie Mafia" performed at the renowned Crewe Limelight Club on Valentines Night. The show was such a huge success that they where booked to return for numerous dates later that year and also through 2005. Also another venue where Elvis very own TCB Band performed at during 2004.

During March 2004 Louis was filming as an Elvis Lookalike/Actor for a new Elvis themed AOL TV advertisement which has been seen on screens since October 2004. He has also been asked to film a follow up advert for AOL later this year 2005.

In June 2004, Louis appeared in Denmark for the first time at the Aarup Festival. A performance that was so well received, CB & Ole B Management (who also represent Elvis' backing group The Jordanaires) have lined up a ten date theatre tour of Denmark for Louis Rockafella and his band for early 2005.

On July 5th 2004, Louis was seen at the HMV store in Oxford Street, London to launch the latest release of Elvis Presley "That's All Right (Mama)". A special limited edition 10" vinyl record of this single was released to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Rock'n'Roll. Richard Orr, of BMG, presented Louis with a very special Award, a 24k gold framed edition of the 10" single for his help with the launch, a great honour and achievement for Louis.

With a very busy schedule during 2004 that also included many private bookings for weddings and events appearing in various Major Hotels, Castles, Stately Homes and even Blenheim Palace. At one such wedding Louis was surprised and honoured to meet Roger Semon, Record Producer for Elvis Presley CD's for BMG /  Follow That Dream Label who said "I have seen hundreds of Elvis impersonators over the years, and Louis is the best I have ever seen...absolutely fantastic!" Roger Semon

Louis also entertained at many public events and dinner shows, product launches and corporate events for large companies such as The Royal Bank of Canada at Whitehall in London.

To commemorate Elvis Presley's 70th Birthday year in 2005, Louis Rockafella toured the UK with Elvis Presley's original female vocal backing group from 1969-1977, The Sweet Inspirations. This is the first time The Sweet Inspirations have toured the UK with an Elvis tribute artiste, and a great honour and achievement for Louis. It was such a success that plans are in motion for further shows during 2008.

From the success of the tour in 2005, Louis has been working on many projects and new business ventures. He has worked at many prestigious events including The Brit Awards, 2006, and shows across Europe.

Louis who still lives in the Southport area of the North West, is still as popular as ever for bookings of all types of events, highlights so far oinclude performing for Sir Elton John at his party of the year in Windsor, "The White Tie and Tiara Ball". He has perfomed at events in Croatia, and for Elvis Presley's anniversary in August he performed with his band The Dixie Mafia, at the Elvis Festival in Isle of Man.

At present the diary is already looking busy, with many projects and shows lined up for the future. Still in demand for advertising campaigns, private events and shows of all types.

Prooving that Louis Rockafella is the most popular, and most versatile 70's styled Elvis tribute performer and lookalike available in the UK. In high demand not only in the UK, but further afield too. More importantly this also proves that Elvis Presley's popularity amongst people of all age groups all over the world is bigger than ever before.

Louis Rockafella is a true professional, with a fantastic personality and is always available before and after his shows, to meet and greet Elvis and Louis Rockafella fans alike, for photos, autographs and a chat. Whether it's a Wedding, special occasion, dinner show, corporate event or theatre show you will find no better "Elvis" for providing first class entertainment, electrifying atmosphere, interaction with the audience, creating excellent follow-up reviews from fans and venues, countless recommendations and re-bookings.

Louis Rockafella...

The Only "Elvis" you will Ever Need For

Takin' Care Of Business!

"Louis' approach was very professional and put me and the team at ease at a particularly stressful time during the organisation of the event. I had total confidence that he was going to provide us with a fantastic evening of entertainment and that is exactly what we got. Louis was confident, a big hit with the ladies and I would have no hesitation in booking his service again or indeed recommending him to anyone who needs an Elvis impersonator. He was first class!"

Lucy Douglas, British Gas - 2003

More references here