Introduction
Happy Anniversary, SIDEBURNS Magazine!
Editor’s Note: It has been such a pleasure posting some of the biggest names in the Elvis tribute world over the years since I first started SIDEBURNS Magazine on September 10th, 2017. This past year has been a struggle, and I wondered (for health reasons) if I should continue writing articles and interviews that take untold hours to compose, edit and publish. I continue to receive requests from artists like Curtis Cowan, who sent an impressive bio that highlights his successes in years gone by, and Katrina Renner, who is just starting her promising ETA career, and I think maybe my tour of duty bringing fans information about all ETAs is not quite over. SIDEBURNS was started as a magazine for ETA fans, and every person who performs their special tribute to Elvis Presley has fans who follow them and enjoy reading about them. So as I begin Year 7 as editor of SIDEBURNS Magazine, I wish to thank you all for liking, sharing, and following what I post. YOU are the reason I started SB Mag! With much love and appreciation, Carolyn XO
A Departure from the Usual
The following post represents some advancement I have made in my tech skills. With the help of AI (Artificial Intelligence), I was able to add questions to the bio I received from Curtis Cowan. It was an interesting, challenging, and sometimes hilarious process. With AI, I had to take special care that it represented my voice; so bottom line, I still spent hours editing…LOL. Having the computer generate questions works well in some circumstances (such as with a prewritten biography); but my preference is still with ETAs answering my original questions. Please enjoy…
Focus ON: Cutis Cowan
Carolyn MacArthur (CM): Curtis, your journey as an Elvis tribute artist is truly remarkable. Let's start from the beginning. What initially drew you to portray Elvis in the 50s, and how did you get involved in the "Elvis Elvis Elvis" show?
Curtis Cowan (CC): I portrayed Elvis in the 50's in the "Elvis Elvis Elvis" show with Warren Brown and Rick Preston and then later, Calvin Tietz. We were backed by a 5 piece band that included Robin Liabo on guitar, Greg Alcock on keys, Thom on bass, Geoff Gilliard on drums, and Mary Ann on backing vocals. Our soundman was Graydon Parr. We toured Canada for 18 months. After the “Elvis Elvis Elvis” show, I portrayed Elvis in the ‘50s and 68 Comeback in a "Double Trouble" backing track show with Brian Simpson. We played 86 shows in Vancouver at various pubs and legions.
CM: It sounds like you've had quite a versatile career. Moving forward, you were a part of the "Ultimate Elvis” show band. Can you please tell us more about your role in this band and what made it special?
CC: Certainly, Carolyn. Being the rhythm guitar player in the "Ultimate Elvis” show band was a fantastic experience. Brian Simpson spearheaded this project, and it allowed us to bring the magic of Elvis to the PNE for six incredible years. The chemistry within the band and the dedication to Elvis's music made it truly special. I was the rhythm guitar player with the "Ultimate Elvis” show band. We also appeared on "Red Robinson's Canadian Bandstand Show".
CM: Your journey doesn't stop there. You also owned your own tribute act agency called "Legendary Rockers’. Can you share some of the most memorable acts or moments from that venture?
CC: "Legendary Rockers" was a labor of love, Carolyn. I had the privilege of working with over 200 acts worldwide. It's hard to pick just one memorable moment, but helping talented artists pay tribute to their musical heroes and seeing the joy they brought to audiences was always special.
CM: You've had a diverse career, even recording an album of original songs in Nashville, produced by Chip Young. Could you tell us about the song "Snowing Me Under" ?
CC: "Snowing Me Under" is a significant song for me. Chip Young, who produced the Elvis album "Guitar Man", got me the opportunity to record it (this was before I started writing myself). It was originally written for Elvis, but sadly, he passed away before he could record it. Recording this song in Nashville was a surreal experience, and it holds a special place in my heart.
CM: What would you like to share with SB Mag readers from about your time at the Arlington Cabaret and other western Canada clubs/theatres?
CC: I had my own show called "Memories" at the Arlington Cabaret backed by the Frank McCormack (RIP) band. We performed every week for almost 2 years, starting in 1986. I also did shows with the "Bowery Boys" band and the "Noteables" band.
I performed in 3 dinner theatre productions as Elvis in Regina, SK and Winnipeg, MB at Celebrations and Applause dinner theatres. One was called "All Shook up" and the others were "Really Elvis" and "The Nurses Who Wore White".
CM: It's clear you've had a wide range of experiences. You even portrayed Elvis in the TV adaptation of “Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure”. What was that like?
CC: Portraying Elvis in the TV adaptation of “Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure” (Episode 8) was a fun and unique experience. It was a different take on Elvis, mixing comedy and rock 'n' roll, and I enjoyed being a part of it. I was also in a karaoke video alongside Marilyn Monroe and James Dean lookalikes for a karaoke video called "Candle in the Wind". I was also the Elvis entertainment for the wrap party for the movie "Needful Things" by Stephen King that was directed by Fraser Heston, and featured Max Von Sydow and Ed Harris. I also made appearances on other television programs: The Vancouver Show, The Variety Club Telethon, Lifestyles for Success, Inside Stories, Toronto Mississippi, and Our Town.
I then had my own band "Flyer" and recorded 2 albums and 2 singles of my own material, produced by Frank Ludwig (keyboard player with Trooper) garnishing some radio airplay in the USA and Europe.
CM: You've truly left your mark on the entertainment industry! Finally, tell us about your current music endeavors, like your duo "Time Warp" with Mike Irvine.
I play lead and rhythm guitar and keyboards and I love to sing in my current duo "Time Warp" with my friend Mike Irvine. I've been in many facets of the music industry over the years and have loved it all, from dinner theatre to telegrams to, playing many many local venues, to touring Canada.
CM: Curtis, your journey from Elvis tribute artist to your current musical endeavors is a testament to your dedication and passion for music. Thank you for sharing your incredible experiences with us.
CC: Thank you, Carolyn. It's been a pleasure reminiscing about my musical journey with you and SIDEBURNS Magazine readers. Rock 'n' roll lives on, and I'm grateful to have been a part of it in various ways throughout the years.
Top Row: Gord - vocals/keyboard. Pam - vocals/tambourine. Phil - vocals/bass guitar.
Bottom Row: Mike - vocals/guitar. Vern - drums. Curtis Cowan - vocals/guitar.