Jackson's Death Further Fuels Elvis' Popularity

The Coachella Valley will celebrate the 32nd anniversary of the death of Elvis Presley this month pretty much as it celebrated the 31st anniversary... and the 30th.

But this year's anniversary is a little different because it comes six weeks after Michael Jackson's death and 13 days before what would have been the King of Pop's 51st birthday.

Promoters of three upcoming Elvis tributes in the Coachella Valley say Jackson's death can only help their salutes to Elvis.

“Since we are all collectors of memorabilia, the sales are heightened by all the publicity,” said Leonard Lewis, a trustee of the company that owns the Ladera Circle house in Palm Springs, where Elvis and Priscilla Presley spent their honeymoon.

“It remains to be seen what effect time will have on the Jackson legacy and what becomes of Neverland. We do not believe he will eclipse Elvis because these are simply two different fan bases.”

“There is definitely an Elvis renaissance revival happening among a new generation of Elvis fans,” said Reno Fontana, owner-operator of the house Elvis once owned on Chino Canyon Road in Palm Springs. “If there is any effect whatsoever of Michael's passing to the Elvis tribute business, I expect it would be quite positive.”

Elvis tribute artist Paul Casey, who is performing a multi-media concert Aug. 22 at Spotlight 29 Casino, said the media comparisons are generating more attention for all of the icons of Jackson's status.

“There are certain iconic entertainers we'll always remember - (Frank) Sinatra, The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson,” he said. “Jackson has brought more attention to the stars of their eras. I don't think you'll find any more like these guys.”

Fontana said the news media's comparisons of Elvis and Michael are drawing new fans to Elvis and Casey said the comparisons are valid.

“I truly believe that Michael was greatly influenced by Elvis,” said Casey, who saw Jackson perform twice. “There's no doubt in my mind as far as showmanship and a lot of other things. There's an old saying, if you want to be successful, pattern yourself after successful people, but make it your own. With my show, I take the best of Elvis and I've taken Elvis fans and turned them into Paul Casey fans - not that I want to be famous.

I just want them to appreciate there's a lot put in there and given to you.”

Lewis said the increase of international visitors to his elvishoneymoon.com Web site indicates, “The widespread respect for all things Elvis continues to grow. We feel that the interest continues to expand,and there is a new generation of fans that watch the B movies and see him very, very favorably.”

Mydesert.com / Thanks Joy!