Update
May 19, 2020: As I predicted in 2017, ETA Gib Maynard’s star has risen since I first posted his bio in 2017. Performing in many shows competitions in the USA, Gib made one trip to Canada to perform in Montreal, but cancelled his appearance at the Flaming Star Festival in 2019. We hope one day in the not too distant future, Gib will return to Canada so we can meet him in person. In the meantime, we wish him continued success.
I invited you to enjoy Gib’s bio, posted in 2017, and the newly added videos and slide show. Cheers! C.M.
Introduction
Gib Maynard, a young ETA from East Texas, first came to my attention while doing research for an article. I was so impressed with his Elvis look, voice, and moves that I contacted him to find out more about his journey as an ETA. I watch all of Gib’s live podcasts, and I see a great future for this talented, and very personable, ETA. Gib has kindly sent along his bio to share with you. From everyone at SIDEBURNS Magazine, we wish you a very happy 27th birthday, Gib!
Your star is on the rise! We hope you will make the trip to Ontario, a mecca for ETAs from around the world.
Bio
Born and bred in East Texas, Gib was raised in a musical family, where his passion for music and entertaining began. His love for Elvis started back when he was just six years old. Gib’s grandmother, Fay Roach, who he refers to as Granny, made him his very own Elvis jumpsuit. Gib would lip sync and entertain family members at his house. Gib's love for Elvis never faded even as he grew older. Much like Elvis, Gib’s first musical training was in church where he played various instruments, as well as leading worship services. Gib is an amazing piano player, and grew up in the same southern charismatic style church that gave Elvis his passion for music. Gib attended Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Texas, as a theater major and was featured in several stage performances there. It wasn't until 2016 that Gib decided it was time to finally pursue his passion in officially becoming an Elvis Tribute Artist. It’s his deep admiration for the King of Rock and Roll that makes him continually strive to produce a respectful and authentic tribute to Elvis Presley. Up to this point, since he has been an ETA for less than a year, Gib has not won any contest titles, but he has been accepted as one of the top 20 picked to compete in the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Contest Preliminary round that will be held in Nashville, TN in March of 2018. Gib has also just been selected to star as Elvis in Little Anthony's Spectacular Show of Legends.
Gib's show is sure to entertain audiences of all ages. Even though he is young in age, at only 27, he captivates the audience with the same charisma as the King. Many have said that Gib's resemblance to Elvis is uncanny. And, as a seasoned entertainer, Gib has a beautiful voice and works the stage with moves that take you back in time to any era of Elvis’ life, be it his humble beginnings in the 1950s or all the way to his rise to stardom in the 1970s.
Slide Show
Videos
Article: Remembering Elvis in East Texas, Country Line Magazine, June 28, 2017
Photos used in the 2017 post were provided by Gib Maynard. New photos in the slide show are from Gib’s Facebook page and are credited to Gib Maynard, Kay Shannon, Theresa Mills, and Alice Barker Goodson.