Introduction
ETA Michael Cullipher. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crew, LA Crewe Photography.
According to an undated article on the QIA (Quartzsite Improvement Association, Arizona) website :
Michael Cullipher knew from the time he first discovered Elvis Presley at four years that he wanted to be an Elvis Tribute Artist. Michael’s dream became a reality at 19 years old when he entered the 2009 Elvis Extravaganza contest, and won! Michael was hooked, and thus began his career. Also in 2009, he embarked on a five year run with Branson's Elvis Festival Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist contest where he placed in the top 5 every year. .
ETA Michael Cullipher. Photo Credit: Eva Brand.
In 2010, Michael started a tradition of touring the great state of Arizona performing in as many shows as 30 in one month! Michael has an amazing fan base that brings him back year after year. Michael has been fortunate in his career, as he has had the chance to meet and perform with, and for, many of Elvis's friends and family. A recent highlight was recording 'Suspicious Minds' with Ben Cauley Jr., a member of the Memphis Horns, who played trumpet on the original recording with Elvis. This honor makes Michael and Elvis the only two people to record this song with Ben.
Michael believes that God is his creator and savior, and feels blessed to have had some of the most humbling and rewarding experiences of his career singing and performing Elvis's Gospel music. Michael's goal as an Elvis Tribute Artist has always been to present the BEST memory of Elvis Presley possible. (Edited by C. MacArthur for SB Mag.)
Editor’s Note: I met ETA Michael Cullipher for the first time at the 2018 Collingwood Elvis Festival, and again in 2018 at the Flaming Star Festival in Toronto. Looking splendid on stage with each appearance, Michael gave impressive performances during competition at both festivals. Off stage he was polite and pleasant, exhibiting considerable gentlemanly Southern charm during our conversations. I wish to thank Michael for taking time from his busy schedule to answer my interview questions. It is with much pleasure that introduce ETA Michael Cullipher to SIDEBURNS Magazine readers. C. M.
The Interview
ETA Michael Cullipher from Sallisaw, Oklahoma wows the audience at the Collingwood Elvis Festival, July, 2018. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Photography.
Q. In what city and state were you born? What city do you now call home?
A. I was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Currently, I live in Sallisaw, Oklahoma.
Q. Tell us five interesting things about your childhood.
A. I've liked Elvis since I was four. My family is very musically talented, so I have always been lucky to be involved in music. I was raised in church. I used to ride a lot of ATVs. I started playing drums when I was ten.
Q. Describe your life as a teenager.
A. During my teenage years I was very involved in band and sports. During my free time, I liked to play in a rock band and make movies with my friends. My favourite subject during high school was English.
Q. What did you do with your time after your high school years ended?
A. I started working on my Elvis career.
Q. Did you take any lessons related to the performing arts? Please explain.
A. During my senior year of high school I took a Drama class, which I have been able to use throughout my Elvis career.
Q. What music was most often heard in your home?
Michael Cullipher. Photo provided by M. Cullipher.
A. Gospel.
Q. Were you a performer prior to becoming an ETA?
A. Yes, I have always been involved in different musical things throughout my life.
Q. What made you decide to embark on a career as an ETA?
A. When I was around four years old, I saw an ETA perform for the first time. Ever since then I knew that's what I wanted to dedicate my life doing.
Q. Describe what you were feeling before, during, and after your first performance as an ETA.
A. Initially, I spent a lot of time practicing and making sure I had the right outfits. At first I was nervous, but seeing how excited people were when I preformed made me want to continue to sing and dance. After my performance I was excited and had a lot of adrenaline!
ETA Michael Cullipher. Photo provided by Michael Cullipher.
Q. Describe the atmosphere before a competition (or performance) backstage.
A. A lot of nerves from all of the guys.
Q. Describe the process of turning yourself into a stage ready ETA.
A. Makeup first, then hair, then finding that perfect outfit to wear. In total it takes about two hours to get ready.
Q. Where and when was your first competition? Describe how you felt before, during, and after the competition. Did you achieve the outcome you desired?
A. The first contest I attended was in Branson, Missouri. I remember feeling nervous and in shock that I was about to compete with some of the biggest named ETAs!
Q. What is the biggest mistake that young ETAs make in their tribute?
A. Not being authentic to Elvis and watching other ETAs.
Q. What valuable life lessons did you learn from your parents, or mentor, that you still use today?
A. My parents raised me to have good morals and to be humble. My Dad always told me that if someone else could do something, then so could I. I have always lived by that.
Q. How many years have you been an ETA? Describe the highlights of your ETA career thus far.
Michael’s parents, Ed Cullipher and Diane Cullipher. Photo provided by M. Cullipher.
A. I have been a professional ETA for ten years. Meeting Elvis's cousin, Louise Smith, and having her becoming a grandmother to me is one of the most honorable things I could have had happen. Other highlights would include, recording with Ben Cauley, meeting Priscilla Presley, and being lucky to work across the street from Graceland every day.
Q. What is the best part of being an ETA?
A. The best part about being an ETA is paying tribute to Elvis and keeping his memories alive.
Q. Who are the important women in your life? Why are these women important to you?
A. There are too many to name.
Q. As a father of six, what are the joys and challenges of fatherhood?
A. The kind of love I feel for my children is a different kind of love than I have ever felt. Knowing I created such wonderful things brings so much joy to me. Having six children can be a challenge in itself at times, but I do my best to raise them the best I can.
Michael and Kassandra’s son, Gibson Wayne Cullipher
Q. Have your children seen you perform as Elvis either in practice of on stage?
A. Yes.
Q. What did they think of your performance?
A. All my kids love Elvis music, so I think they love it when I sing and perform.
Q. Your little boy is still very young, but do you hope one day he will follow in your footsteps and become an ETA?
A. Yes of course I want him to become an ETA, but I also want him to do things that make him happy growing up.
Q. What would you say if one of your five little girls expressed interest in performing as an Elvis Tribute Artist?
A. I always encourage my children to chase after their dreams.
Q. How are you different on stage compared to off stage?
Laiklynn and Aviery with their dad, ETA Michael Cullipher. Photo provided by M. Cullipher.
A. I don't think I'm too different on and off stage. On stage, I try to be professional, focused and most of all have fun the way Elvis did. Off stage, I am still the same person but more outgoing.
Q. What title would you like to have that has so far escaped you?
A. The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist.
Q. Would you want to judge an ETA competition? What do you think are the challenges of being an ETA competition judge?
A. No, because I have too many friends that are ETAs.
Q. What men have had a positive influence on your life? How?
A. I’m lucky enough to have a lot of positive influences, so there are too many to list.
Q. In what international cities have you performed? How are audiences different in other countries?
A. I have performed in the Dominican Republic and Canada. Everybody loves Elvis, so the audiences are not that different. I think audiences internationally respect Elvis more, because he never had the chance to tour there.
(Photos used in the slide show by Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography.)
Q. Please describe your experiences at the Collingwood Elvis Festival in 2018.
A. This is by far one of the best Elvis festivals I have been to. It’s also the BUSIEST fest I have been too, lol. Everybody is so gracious, and humble. There was no bad sportsmanship with any of the ETAs, which was nice. It was an honor to place in the top 3 for my first time there.
Laiklynn with ETA Michael Cullipher. Photo provided by M. Cullipher.
Q. Is there a country where you really want to perform as an ETA?
A. The United Kingdom.
Q. What are your strengths as a performer?
A. My stage presence, from what I am told, lol. I would say I’m pretty outgoing, so that helps!
Q. Describe your typical non-performance day.
A. Definitely catching up on sleep, if I can! Depending where I am: If I am at home, I try to spend as much time as I can with my family. If I am elsewhere, I like to just stay indoors and relax.
Q. What makes you laugh?
A. I like to make people laugh, which makes me laugh.
Aviery Cullipher.
Q. What makes you sad? How do you cope with sadness?
A. This is a question I’d rather not answer.
Q. If it were possible, what would you like to ask Elvis? What would you say to him?
A. I wouldn’t ask him anything about music. I think I’d ask something more personal like his religious outlook--coming straight from him instead of reading about it. I would treat him like a normal person, and have a normal conversation.
Michael and Kassandra’s son, Gibson Wayne Cullipher .
Q. What do you treasure?
A. Several things: Getting to meet and perform for some of Elvis’s closest friends and family, becoming super close to Ms. Louise Smith (Elvis’s first cousin), meeting Priscilla, recording “Suspicious Minds” with Ben Cauley, and watching my children grow up, and teaching them things.
Q. If you weren’t an ETA, what career would you chose? Why?
A. I would more than likely be involved in music; but as my steady job, I’d be a police officer.
Q. What are sacrifices have you made for your ETA career?
A. Being away from home.
Q. What has surprised you most about being an ETA?
A. Sometimes the obstacles that come along with being in show business.
ETA Michael Cullipher from Sallisaw, Oklahoma wows the audience at the Collingwood Elvis Festival, July, 2018. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Photography.
Q. Describe a special moment with a fan or audience member.
A. There are several, but one that comes to mind is when I first started competing. There was a guy in a wheelchair waiting to meet some ETAs, and I noticed a few guys walk past him; so I went over and started talking to him. His parents really appreciated that I took time for him.
Q. What Elvis costume is your favourite? Why?
A. There are so many to pick from, but the fringe is the first jumpsuit I ever bought. I love the way it looks on stage.
Q. How do you care for your costumes so they are always stage ready?
A. I wash them after every show, and make sure they air dry. After that, I make sure there are no wrinkles.
Q. Who taught you how to apply your Elvis makeup?
A. I am self-taught.
Q. What special care does your hair or wig require to keep it looking good?
A. I wash it with shampoo and conditioner…just like everyone else, lol.
Anistyn Presley, daughter of Michael and Kassandra Cullipher. Photo provided by Michael Cullipher.
Q. What annoys you?
A. Sometimes people don’t respect personal boundaries.
Q. Describe a future that is specifically designed for you.
A. Hopefully, being a more successful ETA.
Q. How do you handle disappointment?
A. I always think positive, so I don’t really look at it as disappointment.
Q. Who are the people you would like to thank for being there throughout your ETA career?
A. Once again, there are so many to list, because I am a lucky guy. Thanks to all of them!
Hope Cullipher with her dad, ETA Michael Cullipher.
Q. What question would you ask a fellow ETA?
A. I would ask them how they prep themselves before going on stage.
Q. What would people be surprised to learn about you?
A. I own over 5,000 DVDs!
Q. What would you like to say to the backup singers and band members with whom you perform?
A. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication! Elvis music is not the easiest to learn or play by any means, so thank you!
Faith with her dad, ETA Michael Cullipher.
Q. What song do you wish Elvis had recorded so you could sing it on stage during your tribute to Elvis?
A. I can’t really think of any. Elvis did what he wanted, and that’s what we have. I love that about him.
Q. Is there a question you wished I had asked, but didn’t?
A. I think you pretty much covered it all, lol.
Thank you, Michael, for such a great interview, and for the wonderful family photos that you provided. We at SIDEBURNS Magazine wish you continued success in your ETA career. Best regards, Carolyn MacArthur.
Michael with the Blue Brothers. Photo provided by M. Cullipher.
Videos
Fan Photos and Comments
Photo Feature by fan Janis Rhea Lacy: Michael Cullipher is the Superman of ETAs. He is one of the most talented entertainer I’ve ever had the privilege to meet and follow. He gives up a lot to entertain his fans every week. There is a following that is unreal--a family, I would say. Michael is so down to earth, and it is such a blessing to call him my friend. The best thing I love about his shows, besides the music, is he always states, and lives by, that he puts his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ first and foremost in his life. October 4th, 2019.
Thank you, Jan, for your comments and photos of Michael Cullipher in today's photo feature.
Editor’s Note: Photo Feature was added to interview and posted on Facebook, October 4th, 2019.