Editor’s Note
Agnes Hay
I wish to thank Agnes Hay for sending ETA Patrick Johnson’s bio to be posted on SIDEBURNS Magazine. In her writing, Agnes, an avid fan, has given us glimpses into the beginning of Patrick’s career as an Elvis Tribute Artist, and has outlined his many accomplishments—both as a performer and a competitor. Agnes has provided wonderful photos, including some lovely ones taken in Ireland. I feel fortunate to have seen Patrick compete last year at the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival where he placed in the top 10, and I look forward to seeing him again this year.
Included in this post is a slideshow of stunning photos of Patrick performing at the NFEF in 2018 taken for SIDEBURNS Magazine by professional photographer Lori-Anne Crewe, of LA Crewe Photography. I have also added a video of Patrick in performance, followed by information about his exciting upcoming shows. C.M.
Johnson’s Bar, Kilrush, Co. Clare, Ireland.
Intro
“How does a boy growing up in Ireland get interested in Elvis?” Patrick Johnson was asked in an interview by a local television station. “Well, we have television in Ireland too you know,” was his witty reply.
Patrick, one of nine siblings, grew up in Kilrush, a town in Co. Clare, Ireland. His family owns a pub in Kilrush by the name of “Johnson’s Bar.” Since Elvis himself had ancestors with roots in Ireland, perhaps that is where Patrick gets his humble and approachable nature.
Patrick’s Story
As a young boy, Patrick watched, and was fascinated by, Elvis Presley’s movies. Elvis soon became his hero. Elvis was a cool guy with a good voice, nice hair, great cars, and he always got the girls.
Beautiful Irish scenery.
Patrick began mimicking Elvis’s singing and decided to try karaoke. A couple of people told him he sounded like Elvis. On one occasion, he went up on stage with the band and sang a couple Elvis songs. As a result, someone asked him if he would perform at their grandmother’s birthday party. Patrick took them up on their offer and they paid him. He thought to himself, “I’m onto something here!”
Before moving to the United States, Patrick spent a year working in Australia. Once in the U.S., he made the decision to become an Elvis Tribute Artist. After lots of practice and investing in a few jumpsuits and other Elvis accessories, Patrick solicited his singing ability and began appearing wherever he could to perform.
He has recreated the music and excitement of Elvis in concert venues, casinos, and participating in benefits and private events locally, and in several states and in Canada.
Agnes Hay and ETA Patrick Johnson. Photo Credit: Agnes Hay.
Patrick is co-producer of Memories of Elvis, a tribute to Elvis in a Vegas style performance. He has collaborated with other ETAs, such as Matthew Boyce, Bill Cherry, Gordon Hendricks, Sylvain Leduc, and Dean Zeligman (Dean Z), to bring his show to venues throughout the U.S.
Aside from singing, his ability to interact with the audience through his humor, and engaging them to sing along at times, is one of his best attributes. Although he is entertaining the crowd, he is also having fun himself. He appears to be very comfortable on stage, and it shows in his performances.
Patrick represented New York, performing in the first Elvis festival in Ireland.
He has competed in the 1st Niagara Falls Elvis Festival in 2017, and again in 2018, placing in the top 10.
Perhaps one of Patrick’s latest and greatest endeavors was that he was able to bring together four musicians with two backup singers known as “The Raised on Rock” band. The band adds an enhanced level of energy to Patrick’s performances. They have performed with him both locally, and in several cities throughout the US (i.e., NY City, Chicago, IL, Three Rivers, MI, Toledo, OH, Pickstown, SD, Pitman, NJ, Morgantown; WV, Glasgow, KY, Oakmont, PA).
Patrick’s latest adventure was traveling to Ireland in November 2018. There he performed in concert with a band from Northern Ireland to benefit the West Clare Cancer Care Center to which $4,000 was raised.
Upcoming
Patrick will be competing in the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival, Niagara Falls, Canada, on the weekend of April 26 – 28, 2019.
On August 23rd, 2019, Patrick will be performing at the Ocean City Performing Arts Centre along with Dean Z, Sylvain Leduc, and Mathew Boyce.
On January 3rd, 4th, and 5th, 2020, Di Light, Dean Z, and Patrick Johnson will be joined by Mathew Boyce, for a show at the Broadway Theatre in Pitman, New Jersey.
On January 18th, 2020, at the Historic Plaza Theatre in Glasgow, Kentucky, Patrick will share the stage with Sylvain Leduc and Mathew Boyce.
For booking information please visit Patrick’s website at memoriesofelvis.us.