The Legend Lives On

Experience the Magic of Elvis James

Step into a world where the spirit of Elvis Presley is brought to life through the captivating performances of Elvis James. Feel the electrifying energy and timeless charisma that have made him America’s leading Elvis tribute artist.

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Unforgettable Performances

Join us for a night of nostalgia and excitement as Elvis James takes the stage, delivering renditions of classic hits that will leave you spellbound.

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Authentic Tribute

With his uncanny resemblance and powerful voice, Elvis James captures the essence of The King, offering an experience that is both authentic and exhilarating.

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A Night to Remember

From the iconic jumpsuits to the soulful melodies, every detail is meticulously crafted to transport you back to the golden era of rock & roll.

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Elvis James: A Tribute Like No Other

Elvis James has been mesmerizing audiences with his tribute performances since the 1970s. Known for his dynamic stage presence and vocal prowess, he has become a staple in the Elvis tribute community. Discovered at the Knoxville Fair, he quickly rose to fame, captivating fans with his renditions of Elvis’s greatest hits. Over the years, Elvis James has performed at numerous venues, earning accolades and a devoted fan base. His shows are a celebration of Elvis Presley’s legacy, bringing joy and nostalgia to audiences everywhere.

Elvis James’s career is a testament to his dedication and passion for preserving the legacy of Elvis Presley. From his early days as a Gong Show Road Show champion to headlining at major fairs and theaters, his journey is filled with memorable performances and achievements. Backed by talented bands like The Sensations and The ‘El’ Mania Band, Elvis James continues to honor The King’s music, ensuring that his spirit lives on through every note and every performance.

Elvis James Rocks the 57th Annual Du Quoin State Fair – A Look Back at 1979

The summer of 1979 brought more than just warm weather to southern Illinois — it brought a musical explosion to Du Quoin, and at the heart of it was Elvis James. As a featured act in the Free Entertainment Tent, Elvis James electrified the 57th Annual Du Quoin State Fair, held from August 24 to September 3, 1979.

Wearing the King’s iconic white jumpsuit and backed by the talented Flashback band, Elvis James delivered daily tribute performances that transported audiences back to the golden era of rock ‘n’ roll. His powerful voice and charismatic stage presence made him a centerpiece of the fair, and earned him a front-page feature in the Du Quoin Evening Call on August 25, 1979, under the headline:
🗞️ “57th Fair Opens On Time – ‘Elvis’ Free at the Fair”

🎤 A Star Among Stars – The Grandstand Lineup
Elvis James’ run at the Free Entertainment Tent paralleled an all-star Grandstand Lineup that spanned musical legends, rising stars, and comedic giants. Here’s the full schedule of headliners who helped make the 1979 fair one of the most memorable ever:

August 24 (Friday): England Dan & John Ford Coley, Exile

August 25 (Saturday): Tammy Wynette, The Oak Ridge Boys

August 26 (Sunday): Eddie Rabbitt, The Kendalls, The Oak Ridge Boys

August 27 (Monday): Dolly Parton

August 28 (Tuesday): Leif Garrett

August 29 (Wednesday): Dottie West, Kenny Rogers

August 30 (Thursday): Mark Wilson, Norm Crosby

August 31 (Friday): Johnny Cash

September 1 (Saturday): Gabe Kaplan, Lynn Anderson

September 2 (Sunday): Willie Nelson

September 3 (Monday): Bob Hope

Each night was packed with legends who defined an era, but during the day and between big stage acts, it was Elvis James who kept the crowds grooving.

🎶 Sharing the Spotlight – Supporting Acts Who Rocked the Fair
Elvis James wasn’t alone in creating magic. He was part of a dynamic community of musicians performing on secondary stages and in the beer tent. These are the acts he shared the fairgrounds with, day after day:

England Dan and John Ford Coley
(Grandstand stars, Aug 24 – opened the fair with smooth pop harmonies)

Little River Band
(Featured on opening night – one of Australia’s biggest rock exports at the time)

Tim Nichols and The Silver
(Performed daily, August 25 through September 3 – a crowd favorite)

Lov’n Stuff
(Played through September 2 – high-energy and fun-loving performances)

Don Scherrer Banjo Band
(Performed Aug 25, 31, and Sept 1–3 – bringing Americana flair to the grounds)

Cara Spicer and Her Last Chance Band
(A soulful, local group with country roots and rock spirit)

This ensemble of entertainers built the daily rhythm of the fair, entertaining visitors across multiple stages and performance areas, and making the Du Quoin Fair a full sensory experience.

💥 Elvis James – More Than a Tribute
Elvis James wasn’t just another tribute act. His performances brought generations together and transformed the Free Entertainment Tent into a hotspot of excitement. His uncanny ability to channel Elvis Presley — from the voice to the swagger — earned him glowing write-ups, daily fan returns, and lasting memories for thousands of fairgoers.

A 1984 Daily Fair Exchange article praised Elvis James and his band Flashback, stating:

“This act will bring back your memories of Elvis and his music during every performance.”

It wasn’t just nostalgia — it was pure entertainment.

🏆 A Place in Fair History
Looking back at 1979, it’s clear that Elvis James helped make the 57th Annual Du Quoin State Fair a historic celebration. Whether headlining the Free Tent or mingling with fellow performers, he gave the audience more than just songs — he gave them an unforgettable experience.

🎙️ From the Grandstand to the beer tent, from Bob Hope to Johnny Cash, 1979 was magic — and Elvis James was right there, helping it shine.