Meet James Burrell, Elvis Tribute.

Being Elvis.

England. 2022.
Photographs & text by David Cross.

Group identity has been crucial for survival since mankind first walked the earth. The British learnt about it in a sense when wearing their bright red tunics during the war with America and the “punk” of the 1980’s also new how to use signifiers, obligatory for group identity. The average surfer when seen near the ocean looks pretty much like any other, in a characteristic sense, much like the heavily tattooed. In most cases the individual is identifying with a group, it helps define themselves to others, and without being too cynical, similar or the same as all the others. Few people make a special effort to identity with something less popular, cool or acceptable than current trends, scenes and even fetishes allow and fewer still go out of their way to identify as someone else entirely, devious criminals aside. James Burrell, is one of those few that has taken a love of a thing, in this case the music and persona of Elvis Pres-ley and regularly changes his look, character and to a great extent his identity, further, he makes a living by impersonating some-one else. Impersonating is actually the wrong term for James, he is a “tribute act”. Appropriating the role of the most well known rock star ever isn’t a new thing, history records many such performers, even during the life of the original article.
The performer known as Orion, James Hodges Ellis (born James Hughes Bell, February 26, 1945 – December 12, 1998) became popular in America shortly after the “king’s” death. His true identity was kept secret by the terms in his contract, he wore a mask at all times, seemingly at home too, and had a voice very much like Elvis.
The Nashville News, 1979 commented, “There are many that believe that Elvis is still alive - if he is alive he wears a mask and goes by the name Orion”, adding no doubt further to the then semi-mystery. The man had a spectacular voice and wanted very much to be presented as himself, but was endlessly refused by his management team. So realistic was his voice, much like James Burrell, that some fans actually believed he was Elvis, while others just enjoyed the reverie.It’s an interesting tale and worth watching the film about it called, “Orion: The man who would be King, by Jeanie Finlay, 2015.

The reach of Presley was obviously global and Britain in particular has no shortage of dedicated fans, impersonators and tributes. One of the standouts is James and having talked to him on the telephone I was still in the dark as to who I might meet, looking back I can see that it was a little surreal to spend time with someone who quite literally became Elvis before my eyes.
You might be aware of the theatrical event, an homage to Elvis that takes place in Porthcawl, a seaside town in South Wales. A yearly event that attracts thousands of people, many of whom are dressed like Elvis Presley, to greater and lesser degrees. It’s a freak show mostly, with exception of the professionals has very little to do with the dedication and perfectionism practiced by the serious tributes. Regarding James, the boots, jumpsuit and jewellery are all original, in that they are bought from the same manufacturers as supplied the King. His wig too is genuine hair and once in place has a transformative effect that really shook me. Could I be duped by an impersonator? Probably yes!
Without any doubt James Burrell became Elvis before my eyes and the effect was reinforced further when he started to sing in the dressing room. While twanging chords on his guitar he lit up the sparse void with a phenomenal sound, I’m no Elvis fan but to my ear it could have been the great man himself, had a band been present we might easily have been stood in a studio in Nashville.
If you have never experienced a confident singer or musician let it all go at full volume at a distance of less than three feet, I suggest you try and seek that out, it’s quite a shock and something you will never forget. I still struggle to describe it. The sound was deafening, the hairs on my neck were raised and I felt intimidated, by a man in an Elvis Presley jumpsuit. That’s a career first, and my previous encounters with gangster rappers, crack dealers and similar types was put in to a new perspective.
Rock ‘n Roll has a power all of its own.

Travelling with a friend or his mother as assistant the backing track is pre-recorded and even this is a little bit special, indeed James has spent time in Nashville, at “the” recording studio and has laid down tracks on a series of backing albums. These are used by tributes all around the world and a few of the musicians are from the original scene and played with Presley. When this was mentioned and I responded with an obvious look of amazement, James actually played it down, he’s a very humble man in spite of his larger than life persona when the transformation to Elvis is complete.
The life of a busy travelling tribute act is not too dissimilar to that of actual rock-star, but without the high pay, fan adoration and luxury transport, dressing rooms, and locations. Okay, so not similar. Based near Exeter in Devon, anywhere feels like a long way, and James has to put in the miles to get to his gigs. He uses a smart camper van and occasionally sleeps out when the fee won’t cover a hotel or the return journey is too far for so late in the evening. James also gives up his time to perform at charity events and so, the costs have to be considered. I asked why he does this, “I love the music and the performance, and it’s good fun”, was the immediate reply. 

Just before he walked out of the dressing room to start his performance, I asked him if he felt different, “I do”, he said and I for one certainly believed him. Stood in the shadows of the side stage, I could see that the crowd was non-existent, but James was undeterred, he was in his right place and the moment was about to be his. In a few seconds he would stride onto the stage proper, stand in the spot light and be Elvis for a small amount of time and regardless of the reception, which was highly appreciative, he would be brilliant and enjoy every second. As did I. Within the short space of two hours “Elvis” was back in the costume bag and James Burrell had returned, sort of, to real life. The transformation from one to the other and back was complete but I was struck that from now on I would always be aware of this “other” personality that lives just below the surface. It was an experience that has left me considering my own character and that of everyone around me, people really are intriguing and full of surprises!

Photo above and below:
The transformation slowly begins...

Photo below:
Jewellery from the original manufacturer. 

Photos above:
James on stage and thanks and praise from the events organiser.

Photos below:
It's clearly exhausting work, but James loves it and has little notion to stop.

Thanks for reading.