Over 50 but Still Rockin' as Elvis

Washington, who is African American, favors Elvis from 1970, singing ballads such as "The Wonder of You" and wearing fringe, not rhinestone-studded jumpsuits. But even he admits that artists must be versatile. "You can't be stuck in one era of Elvis," Washington says.

However, age may be a factor when it comes to Elvis competitions. Washington says some contest judges prefer younger performers — those who look like Elvis circa 1957. One of the biggest competitions, the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist, staged for five years by Elvis Presley Enterprises, has never had a contestant "close to 50 years old. We don't have restrictions, but that is the way it has worked out," says spokesman David Beckwith.

One possible reason: Fans and shows favor the 23-year-old performers. "The younger guys do charm the ladies more," Carroll says.

A full-time gig

Church has performed as an Elvis tribute artist since 1983, when an Air Force buddy dared him to enter a talent competition. "I won the contest," he says, and he's been dancing and singing ever since. This month, he'll head to Finland and perform in a casino for two months.

To combat burnout after almost 30 years of Elvis songs, Church has recorded cover tunes from other artists in Elvis' style and mixed in lesser-known songs from the 720 that the King recorded. He works just about every weekend at parties, theaters and nightclubs.

Eddie Powers, 49, has worked in Las Vegas — a haven for Elvis impersonators — for 15 years, singing at birthday parties, corporate events, conventions and wedding chapels.

"It's very, very competitive," he says, estimating that there are 50 or so Elvis performers in Vegas. Among them are seven or eight — including Powers — who earn a full-time living from it. Fees for Elvis performers range from $100 to $5,000 or more per show.

When he first started, Powers drummed up work by mailing promotional packages, one by one, to potential clients, and lined up a band to back him. Now he uses a website to entice clients and a CD of recorded music during his performances.

"I love Elvis and I love to entertain," Powers says. "The audience doesn't know you've been doing it for 25 years."

Vickie Elmer is a writer in Ypsilanti, Mich.