Elvis impersonators endangered species?
The new owner of the Graceland Chapel in Las Vegas is concerned about a possible ban on Elvis impersonators. Brendan Paul not only owns the Chapel, but he is a veteran Elvis impersonator.
It seems that Robert F.X. Sillerman owns the rights to control Elvis' name and likeness. He is planning a major Elvis presence in Las Vegas and told the New York Times he has not decided the fate of the Elvis Impersonators.
The founder and creator of "Legends in Concert" believes it would be impossible to put a stop to the impersonators. John Stuart said, "You've got 20,000 Elvis impersonators out there. He could never stop all of them. Besides there is First Amendment protection." Years ago, Stuart paid Elvis Presley Enterprises $100,000 for the right to use "Elvis" in his lineup.
Another local impersonator, Steve Connolly, stated that he did 700 shows his first year in Las Vegas. Top impersonators are said to make over $300,000 a year. No way are they going away without a fight.
So if your dream wedding is to be married by "Elvis," then you might want to book your flights and exchange your vows before Sillerman takes the dream away.








