Special to the WJH
The area got another “glimpse” of the legendary Elvis Presley a few weeks ago at the C.C. McCray City Auditorium.
Jordan Poole, a native of Nashville, Ga., and his CCC Band took the stage where the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll” performed 70 years ago to present the “Elvis Returns” Tribute Concert.
More than 300 attended the show hosted by the Okefenokee Heritage Center as a fundraiser to commemorate Presley’s February 22, 1956 appearance. The OHC, 1440 N. Augusta Avenue, has an exhibit on Presley and his visit.
Local favorites The County Line Ramblers opened for Jordan with Presley songs mixed in their set.
After a short intermission, Poole — hair and sideburns ready to set hearts throbbing — blew onto the stage wearing Presley’s white dinner jacket, black trousers, and black and white loafers distinctive of his early years to raucous applause.
“I’m performing on the very same stage that Elvis performed on 70 years ago,” Poole said. “I’m so honored.”
And the artist didn’t disappoint. His mannerisms, posing, and shimmy shakes were classic Elvis.
Poole later changed into a cropped ecru jacket and slim black slacks, reminiscent of Elvis’s movie years. He strung together a medley of movie soundtrack hits, starting with the classic “Spinout” from the 1966 romantic comedy of the same name.
His final costume change was into the iconic white jumpsuit with satin neck scarf. Women of all ages spontaneously rushed to the stage to receive a scarf and a kiss on the cheek from Poole.
“Don’t get me wrong,” Poole said, “I don't think I’m Elvis; I just love the guy.”
Poole demonstrated why he was the winner of the Tupelo (Miss.) Elvis Tribute Artist Contest with his spot-on rendition of “Love Me Tender.” Tupelo was Presley’s hometown.
“If you closed your eyes, you could believe the real Elvis was singing,” said OHC Executive Director Carla Garrett Cornett.
The evening was such a success Cornett said several people have approached her wanting to know what the next tribute concert will be.
“Don’t worry,” Cornett said, “I’ve already been thinking about it.”
In addition to the show, concessions were available supplied Elliano’s Coffee, Pepsi and Lay's companies of Waycross. There also were life-sized cutouts of Elvis for those who wanted photographs.
For more information about OHC, visit www.okefenokeeheritagecenter. org or email okeheritage@ gmail.com.
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