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An Interview with Singer/Actor Brandon Elvis Howard

From the set of “The Phoenician Scheme.”

Brandon Elvis Howard is best known for his 30 year career as an Elvis impersonator hailing from the town of Fairmount, Indiana. With a flair for the dramatic and a drive to entertain the masses he is also now pursuing a career as an actor with an upcoming role on an episode of the series “Nine Perfect Strangers” due to air May, 2025.

For more information please see:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thatelvisguy

Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/thatelvisguy/

IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9040853/

 What was it like growing up in Fairmount, Indiana? Do you think the slow and relaxed pace of life there encourages one to dream and to pursue those dreams?  

I was very fortunate to have grown up in Grant County, Indiana. My first few school years, my family lived in Gas City and we moved to Fairmount when I was around eight years old. Both towns are very quiet, quaint little towns in which I was able to ride my bicycle or walk everywhere that I needed to go. I think I started to ride my bike into town when I was about nine because I finally got comfortable enough to do so. It was such a beautiful place to grow up. There was a nice little park, a record shop, a toy store, a general store, an adorable little gas station, and a family owned grocery store. I definitely learned early on that living in a tourist destination wasn’t necessarily always a good thing. There was always a divide between James Dean (and Jim Davis, respectively) fans and locals regarding how much James Dean and Garfield should be in the town. The local folks wanted to keep it as it was while the fans wanted to label everything, plaster Jimmy’s face everywhere, add bright lights to buildings to attract tourism, and basically turn our tiny town into a monument rather than the humble town that Jimmy (and Jim Davis) loved. Fairmount is now definitely much more of a tourist town than it was when I was a kid, but whether or not that’s a good thing is kind of up to the person who is experiencing it. To answer your question about fulfilling dreams, Grant County is small, so dreams are all that kids have. Fairmount is a small country town in which local sports are the most important subject on everyone’s lips (other than politics), so unfortunately, that means that if you play sports, that is your assigned destiny. Kids who excel in the arts, are typically not pushed to pursue those passions. I will gladly encourage any child who is passionate about music, art, or acting to follow those dreams (but to please think bigger than just Grant County). Adeline Nall encouraged Jimmy to pursue acting and told a young, asthmatic Jim Davis to keep drawing that fat, orange, cantankerous cat… and the rest is history. 

For those that aren’t familiar with your work can you tell us a little about what led you to become an Elvis impersonator?

 Sure! In short, it all started at a talent show when I was a freshman in high school. I wanted to be like my brother because he was always so confident singing in front of a crowd. I had just watched a wonderful film entitled “Blue Hawaii” and there was a scene in which Elvis opens a music box and this really beautiful song plays as he sings along. It was the song “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” Alone in my room, I sang along to a cassette tape and discovered that it was in my range. I bicycled up to the music store in Fairmount and discovered as fate would have it, they had the background music on a karaoke cassette tape, so I bought it and used it for the talent show. Are those wondering, I did not win…I got second place…Next to a clogger. 

What do you find to be the most challenging aspect of that? Do you ever get tired of Elvis? 

There have been a few times that I almost quit, but my grandfather, my father, Fairmount Historian Ann Warr (the founder of the Fairmount Historical Society) and Adeline Nall were all there to encourage me to continue to perform. I have never gotten tired of performing as Elvis, but since I started performing so young, I did have points in my life where I just wanted to be Brandon. Other than minor identity crises, the most difficult aspect of performing as Elvis has always been the die-hard fans who prefer to tear me down for not having the correct hairstyle, or the wrong shoes, or historically inaccurate onstage wardrobe choices (the “Elvis never wore that” crowd). That is why I always bring attention to the fact that I am an Elvis TRIBUTE artist, not an Elvis impersonator. When you come to my show, you get Brandon Elvis Howard paying tribute to Elvis, not an Elvis Presley wannabe. 

How has your approach to that particular role changed to most since you first started out? Do you see it as an evolving role? 

It has definitely been an evolving role due to the fact that public perception of Elvis has changed throughout the years. Obviously, when a new film about Elvis comes out, then public interest in Elvis grows, and suddenly I have a brand new audience. Another issue has been new tech technologies. When I first started out, my background music was on a set tape, then compact disc, then USB. That definitely affects which kind of equipment I need for each show. 

How does work as a tribute artist different most from your work as an actor? Do you prefer one over the other?

When I perform as Elvis, I know that it is going to be about me and how I want to portray myself to the audience. If there is something going on with me mentally or if I’m going through something, it comes out in the music (I cannot tell you the last time that I sang “My Way” without crying). I’m really good at expressing myself on stage. On set, however, I am a character. I am able to channel my anger in certain characters, my sadness in certain characters, my silliness in certain characters, and that is what I love the most about acting. It is excellent therapy. If I had to quit one of them, though, I would have to say acting because I was always taught to “dance with the one that brought you”… and that would be Elvis. 

Has acting been something you have always wanted to do? What do you enjoy most about the work of being an actor?

I have always really enjoyed acting. I think the one time that my love for acting and my love of Elvis came together was when I was a freshman in high school. I portrayed Conrad Birdie in our school’s production of the musical “Bye Bye Birdie.” For those unfamiliar with the musical, it is about a very Elvis-esque character leaving fame and begins to join the military and how his fans handle it. The really extraordinarily special thing about that play was that I got to wear my grandfather’s World War II United States Marines uniform. That was TRULY an honor. 

As someone who has moved abroad, what are some of the most daunting challenges you face in being away from home?

Right now? Coming home. I do not feel like the United States is the same place that it was when I left. The biggest challenge I have faced other than that is missing my family, home sickness, and driving down those wonderful, lonely country roads at night. 

From the set of “The Phoenician Scheme.”

Do you welcome the chance to learn from every other actor that you get to work with? 

I have enjoyed every little nugget of information that I’ve been given from my fellow actors and directors. It was truly an honor to be directed by Wes Anderson (I love that he has a very “what if” style of directing and is always open to suggestions from the actors). The most memorable lesson that I’ve received which comes to mind was actually on the set of Wes Anderson’s upcoming film “The Phoenician Scheme.” My character smokes a cigarette while eating lunch and I apparently looked pretty awkward since I don’t smoke. Benicio Del Toro walked over to me in between takes and showed me how he believed that my character would smoke while eating. I was definitely more honored than offended. 

Are you excited about the upcoming appearance on ”Nine Perfect Strangers?” What did you enjoy most about that experience? What did you learn from it?

I’m extremely excited about the new season! I really enjoyed season one, so I’m extremely proud to now be a tiny part of the 9PS Universe.  I really enjoyed every moment on set and working so closely with the super talented Maisie Richardson-Sellers and King Princess. During filming, I think that I learned a lot about how a director can completely change a scene by adjusting something as small as an actor’s wardrobe. I can’t give away too much, but basically my character was originally in sweatpants and a robe, but it was changed to an outfit which will make it clear as to what season it is and to what the weather conditions are in the scene. My favorite moment was actually after our filming day was done. I had the great pleasure of walking through the studio lot with Maisie who is such a wonderful, beautiful human being. I will definitely treasure our after work conversation forever.  

Do you have any interesting stories from the sets of your works so far? 

So many! I think my biggest what the fuck moment came as we were about to take the car to the set of “The Phoenician Scheme.” A black car pulled up which I was supposed to get into, and just as I was about to open the door, it opened and out popped Bill Murray. He was much taller than I had ever expected while wearing his stupid Cubs hat. I, as a Guardians fan, told him that I’m a big fan of his, but that I hated his hat. He almost immediately said, “ I’m guessing that you are a Cleveland fan? Yeah. Thanks for the World Series”, smiled and walked away. Later in the day, we were on set, and he said “Hey your team is still the INDIANS!” (for those who don’t know, they changed their name from the Cleveland Indians to the Cleveland Guardians due to pushes for cultural appropriation, but it’s still strange to root for a team for thirty years then to have them change the name of the team). It was pretty cool to be able to bond with him over sports. However, as far as my favorite interactions with fellow actors, nothing will ever top Keanu Reeves sending me a Wyld Stallyns guitar (because “EVERY great Elvis needs a guitar!). The original idea for Bill and Ted Face The Music was to have the girls encounter Elvis instead of Jimi Hendrix. In the end, they went with Jimi, but even though I was hurt, I understood as the film needed a guitar PLAYER while Elvis was more of a strummer.  

Do you have a dream role or project you’d most like to work on? Is there anyone you’d most love to work with in the future?

I think my dream role would probably be an acting role in a Tim Burton film. I’ve always loved his style, and I would certainly love to witness his style of directing first-hand. The folks whom I would most enjoy acting with would be Margot Robbie (because I have a massive crush on her), Nicolas Cage (because I’d love to talk some Elvis with him), and it is a toss-up for first place between Jim Carrey and Keanu. I can’t imagine the hijinks which would ensue if you were to get me and Jim together, and I would like to actually work with Keanu in person since the only time that I got to work with him was during Covid via Zoom. 

What do you hope the people who see your work in both areas take away from your performances?

I would hope that they appreciate the performances, because I really do put my heart and soul into everything that I do. I hope that they walk away, knowing that I left it all on the stage or on the screen. 

Is there anything you’d like to say in closing? 

Sure, I would like to say that if you ever feel unloved, I know that you are loved by someone who may not say it or show it. If you feel unattractive, I can guarantee that someone has a crush on you, but you may never know it. If you feel worthless, I know that there is someone out there who thinks the world of you. If you ever feel like you’re completely alone, you’re not…I’m right here and I care.

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An Interview with Singer/Actor Asa Elliott

Since his first appearance on television on the show “Stars In Their Eyes” where he appeared impersonating Bobby Vee performing “The Night Has A Thousand Eyes” Asa Elliott has appeared in countless cabaret venues in the UK as well as the Spanish resort town of Benidorm, where he went on to be featured as a recurring character on the cult classic sitcom of the same name as well as appearing in the live show in 2019. As an independent artist he continues to pursue his passion for music. 

When did you first discover your love of music? What made you decide to pursue a career in the field?

One memory that sticks in my mind was the day that Freddie Mercury passed away. I was nine years old and asked my dad who this guy was all over the news. He gave me Queen‘s greatest hits on 12 inch vinyl and I played it on repeat after that. I knew every word within a few weeks. I think this was the first time I’d really paid any attention to music and after that you couldn’t keep me off the karaoke whenever we were on holiday.

I remember singing “Bohemian Rhapsody” on karaoke in a French campsite while we were away the following year and the reaction of the crowd stunned me. It must have been a real novelty hearing a young lad sing this tune in my adolescent high-pitched voice. I couldn’t walk anywhere without somebody stopping me around that campsite and congratulating me. That’s when I got the buzz and it’s the feeling I’ve been chasing ever since.

Were you nervous when you appeared on “Stars In Their Eyes?” Why did you decide to impersonate Bobby Vee? What did you learn from that experience?

I was very nervous. At the time, “Stars In Their Eyes’ was one of the most watched TV shows in the country and I knew so much was resting on that performance. I think the nerves spurred me on though and to this day, I’m still happy with that performance and I only have fun memories of it.

I actually applied as Ricky Nelson, but on the application you could put three songs on your cassette. When I got called in for the audition, they told me it was the other two songs on my cassette they were interested in. “Poetry In Motion” by Johnny Tillotson and “The Night Has 1000 Eyes” by Bobby Vee. I sang both songs and it was the production company who chose who they wanted me to be on the show. I’m so glad of this because I now realize how great Bobby Vee was and I even got to meet him twice after I appeared on the show. He was really inspiring to me when we had a chat backstage at Manchester’s Opera house. What a guy.

Do you think your work in cabaret prepared you for your later role in front of the camera on the series “Benidorm?” 

100%. I’ve never done any professional acting before apart from at school and the writer of the show once told me how he’d seen me performing my cabaret act on stage and he knew from this that I could act. Cabaret is all about entertaining the crowd and taking them on a journey and I suppose this is all transferable qualities to on screen acting. Also in the show. I was playing a version of myself so it wasn’t difficult to prepare for what a cabaret in Benidorm would actually be like.

What was it like to perform in the town of Benidorm when you did? How do you think it has it changed most since those days?

When I first started performing in Benidorm, it was a very different town to what it is now. There wasn’t so much of the low cost airlines around and the daily flights so there were a lot more families and through the winter, the older generation there would love to come and sit down in a cabaret bar and watch a full night of entertainment. As the years went on and the holidays got cheaper for people, more stag and hen dos started to arrive and people who were there for a mad weekend.

I did notice how the crowds I performed to maybe weren’t as well-behaved or really listening as much. Shows around the town have changed a little now and are more towards parties.

What was it like when Derren Litten first approached you to be part of the series?

To hear Derren say the words,” I’d love you to be in my TV show.”, it was surreal to hear. I still at this point didn’t think anything would come of it and I hung onto those words for a long time. It was almost a year after we spoke that part was actually written for me in the Christmas special. I wouldn’t say I’d forgotten about it, but I didn’t know if it was actually going to happen. When a contract came through though and my flights were booked, that’s when I knew my career would be different forever. I’ve been given such a big chance and I had to make sure I did the best I could with it.

Do you have any favorite moments or memories from your time there that you might be at liberty to share with our readers? 

I just remember how surreal it was on my first day filming. I was taken to the Benidorm Palace and invited to the Green room to wait for my call to set. There I was, sat with all of the biggest names from the “Benidorm” tv show. The people I had watched in the first three series and instantly recognized. I was so starstruck and nervous but had to act casual and make it seem like I’d always done this. Within a few hours they had gone from celebrities to just regular people and then friends. It was that day that broke the barrier down for me understanding how celebrities are actually just real people doing a job.

Why do you think that series has become such an iconic sitcom over the years?

So many reasons. Benidorm the place was already insanely popular and people would first watch it out of intrigue to see some of the locations that they may have visited themselves. Then they grew to love the characters and I think everybody can see a little bit of themselves in at least one of them. Of course the writing is classic british humour and it has stood the test of time. Now it is being categorized as one of those series like “Gavin and Stacey” and “Only Fools and Horses” that I think will be around forever. I love hearing how the younger, new generation find it and still love it as if it had just been released today.

How do you feel about being known as “That singer off Benidorm?”

I love it! When I was writing my first Instagram bio, I just put that sentence and it has kind of stuck. “Benidorm” is so recognizable and if I’m the person that  people think of when just the word singer is mentioned, it makes me very happy.

If the series does happen to be picked back up at any time are you hoping to be part of it? 

I’d love to be part of the “Benidorm” show in any capacity. Having been in the TV show, it’s touring stage show “Benidorm Live” and also the Benidorm convention Benicon, it’s such a massive part of my life and to carry that on would be a dream.

Do you prefer working live on stage or in front of the camera more? How do the two differ most?

Live on stage for sure. Filming TV is glamorous but there’s no reaction from a live audience and you don’t get that immediate feedback that makes your adrenaline flow like the power of a live audience and a full theatre. There’s a lot more pressure on you in a live performance also and I think this brings out the best of you. There’s no going back and doing it again or editing it so you have to really be on your game. I love this pressure.

What are some of the most challenging issues you have faced during your career in the industry?

The entertainment industry is a really difficult one to be in. It can be famine or feast in terms of work. Sometimes you’re turning work down left, right, and centre and other times, you can’t get a job for love nor money. That’s the most difficult part of it. There’s nothing owed to you and you’re always having to work your best to get your next job. The pandemic was especially difficult though. I just started working on cruise ships and returned from the Caribbean, also moved into a new house and become a father for the first time. Then the whole entertainment industry came to a grinding halt and after a little while, I wondered if it would ever restart. I know a lot of people in the entertainment industry who dropped out at this point and I still feel super grateful for every job I get in the industry after going through this.

What projects are you looking forward to bringing your fans next? Do you have a dream project you’d most like to bring into existence?

There’s a few irons in the fire and a few things I can’t speak about at the moment. There’s still a long time left in my career and lots of things I’d like to achieve. Doing more theatre and TV work and just being able to get on stage in front of thousands of people and enjoy that buzz.

Is there anything you’d like to say in closing?  

When I started out in the entertainment industry, I just wanted to be on stage singing songs and making people happy. My career has taken many different twists and turns and I just like to remind people that at the end of the day, before I’m thought of as an actor, personality, that bloke off TikTok, I’m mostly a singer. I hope people listen to my songs and come to my shows and enjoy a shared experience.