Hervey Bay Elvis impersonator is living like a king
IT was never Trevor Turner's intention to become an Elvis impersonator.
His fascination with the King and his music began about eight years ago when his wife, Wasti, bought him an Il Divo CD.
The Italian operatic pop vocal group was played on repeat while Trevor sang along, struggling to hit the high notes.
Eventually, Wasti made a suggestion that Trevor might want to try singing something else - something like Elvis.
Trevor took her advice and soon his Memphis love became an obsession.
Trevor, who is from Hervey Bay, has a lot of admiration for the singer's voice and his sex appeal.
"He had it all I think."
But Trevor couldn't sing much, having never really tried.
With five hours of instruction, some advice from Fraser Coast musician Don Gibson and some helpful hints from his wife, Trevor says he has improved a lot since he first started singing along to Elvis's greatest hits.
Since that time, Trevor has acquired three Elvis suits, grown his side burns to match the iconic singer's and bought more than 30 Elvis karaoke CDs that he uses in his performances.
He said he often used to get asked if his sideburns were real - and he says they are as authentic as his idol's.
"I was always a fan of his as a kid," Trevor said.
But he remains something of a closet Elvis impersonator, performing for charity and can sometimes be found at Baycrest Retirement Village, providing entertainment.
One day he might take his show on the road but for now he simply enjoys making a few quiet appearances each year.
In September next year he will compete in an Elvis look-alike contest in Sydney. He thinks this will give him a good idea of where he stands in the impersonation stakes.
"I'm looking forward to it.
"I've never been in a competition like that before."
Trevor is a commercial fisherman. Before fishing became his job, Trevor described himself as a "mad keen fisherman" and that was his form of relaxation.
Now he fishes for a living, singing has become his hobby.
His three suits are typical of the King.
They are white with flares.
One has tassels, one has rhinestones.
His most recent suit was made in Indonesia while he was over there on holiday.
It is reminiscent of the white suit Elvis wore during his concert in Hawaii.
It is vanilla in colour and decorated with stars and the screaming eagle.
Trevor says nothing beats the feeling of donning one of the suits and impersonating Elvis.
"I feel good," he said.
"My wife does my hair up.
I dye it black because I am as grey as a badger."
Some of Trevor's favourite Elvis songs include The Wonder of You, Don't Be Cruel, Viva Las Vegas, Return to Sender, If I Can Dream and American Trilogy.
He is always trying to expand his repertoire and learn new songs by the King.
One area that Trevor would like to improve in is emulating the way Elvis used to swivel his hips and he says Wasti is always encouraging him to do just that.
"There's room for improvement," Trevor said.
"It's hard to teach an old dog new tricks."
