Pete Paquette is walkin’ in Memphis

With his gold suit, black tie and ‘ducktail’ haircut, Pete Paquette headed to Memphis last week. And while a man wearing a golden suit jacket might stand out in some places, Paquette was right at home in the world’s capital of Elvis Presley. Paquette is a tribute artist and is considered one of Canada’s best. Last April he won a contest in Toronto for his very accurate imitation of Presley’s voice and stage presence. This year, the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist contest gathered 20 of the best-known impersonators from around the world. Paquette competed against Elvises from across the United-States and even Australia. He earned a place in the top 10. Paquette, who is 23, tries to represent a younger version of the King, before the excesses of Las Vegas had him wearing sequined karate suits. “I look young so I try and play the young Elvis from the 1950s. Songs like Jail House Rock and Are you Lonesome Tonight,” he said. Paquette said he’s been performing as Elvis since the age of eight, and has been a professional since the age of 18. Paquette said he will keep trying in future competitions. He is also preparing to attend Ottawa University and plans to work as a music teacher. “I love imitating Elvis, but it’s fun pastime. It’s not something I intend to do as a career. You don’t want to do it all the time,” he said. For now, Paquette said the trip to Memphis was a great experience, and said playing as Elvis has been very rewarding. It has given him the chance to travel and make money, as well as live a bit of the rock-and-roll dream — standing in the King’s blue swede shoes.