Post by Admin on Aug 26, 2009 13:48:23 GMT -5
8/20/2009
By CARRIE PITZER
News Staff Writer
In three short years, Joseph Hall has gone from performing a couple of Elvis numbers at a Halloween party to purchasing his own theater in Branson.
But before the "America's Got Talent" star ventures to the Ozarks, he'll be in Europe in September and playing more national gigs. And that means he has just four more shows in Northeast Nebraska, including Friday's at Divots, before moving to Branson full time.
"We still have a lot of traveling before we settle down in Branson," Hall told the Daily News. "I'm really looking forward to going to Norfolk because we had such a great response the last time I was there."
There's no wonder Hall can't forget his last performance in Norfolk. He was walking toward the stage with more than 700 people in the crowd when a performer's worst nightmare happened - he slipped on something.
"Both feet in the air, crashed, and the whole crowd gasped," Hall said with a laugh. "But we had a great recovery. You have to get back up and finish the show."
Hall will return to Norfolk just after spending time in Memphis for Elvis Week, which is practically a holiday for die-hard Elvis fans. Graceland recognizes more than 500 active fan clubs across the country, proving the King's legacy is still living on.
That's something Hall said he sees at every performance. He doesn't claim to be the best - although he's become one of the most sought after tribute artists - and says he's just trying to pay tribute to and celebrate Elvis.
"People get a charge out of it - even those who aren't Elvis fans - because there's something unique about the way Elvis performed," Hall said. "There's no performer today who performs the way he did. When tribute artists recreate that, people who aren't Elvis fans are blown away, and it's fun to be a part of that."
Hall said a lot of guys coming out of the woodwork his age and younger to become tribute artists. Since they weren't even born before Elvis' death in 1977, they have nothing but video and photos to imitate from, leaving them room for translation.
Hall's version of Elvis has been so well received he was unsure of what the next step was for his career. That's when the theater in Branson became available. Being the only theater in the downtown district, Hall said he had to take advantage of the opportunity and make the purchase.
The theater is currently being remodeled with new seats, sound system, lights and carpet in order to make it look like a new theater. Buses are already being set up to take fans to Branson to see Hall's show.
Hall said he can't believe how fast his career has soared since appearing on "America's Got Talent." Although such success is rare, Hall said he still encourages others to take a chance on reality television. He admits to being scared that he'd never be taken seriously again if he was booed off, making it "the best risk of my life."
"I tell people who want to do reality TV to go for it because you're only getting old and time is slipping away. You'll never forgive yourself if you don't do it," Hall said. "It was a huge risk because I was afraid if didn't go my way, I'd be just a local hero the rest of my life. It went my way and I did well, made top 10 and now I have a set career. Anybody who wants to go on a reality show, do it."
But being a tribute artist isn't about the fame, Hall said. It's about paying tribute to arguably the greatest rock 'n' roll legend in the world. It's about the real Elvis fans, Hall said.
"It's touching to know for two hours you took somebody back in time. They feel young and feel great and leave the show happy, energized and charged. It's a wonderful thing," he said.
www.norfolkdailynews.com/main.asp?SectionID=5&SubSectionID=66&ArticleID=18240&TM=39805.27
By CARRIE PITZER
News Staff Writer
In three short years, Joseph Hall has gone from performing a couple of Elvis numbers at a Halloween party to purchasing his own theater in Branson.
But before the "America's Got Talent" star ventures to the Ozarks, he'll be in Europe in September and playing more national gigs. And that means he has just four more shows in Northeast Nebraska, including Friday's at Divots, before moving to Branson full time.
"We still have a lot of traveling before we settle down in Branson," Hall told the Daily News. "I'm really looking forward to going to Norfolk because we had such a great response the last time I was there."
There's no wonder Hall can't forget his last performance in Norfolk. He was walking toward the stage with more than 700 people in the crowd when a performer's worst nightmare happened - he slipped on something.
"Both feet in the air, crashed, and the whole crowd gasped," Hall said with a laugh. "But we had a great recovery. You have to get back up and finish the show."
Hall will return to Norfolk just after spending time in Memphis for Elvis Week, which is practically a holiday for die-hard Elvis fans. Graceland recognizes more than 500 active fan clubs across the country, proving the King's legacy is still living on.
That's something Hall said he sees at every performance. He doesn't claim to be the best - although he's become one of the most sought after tribute artists - and says he's just trying to pay tribute to and celebrate Elvis.
"People get a charge out of it - even those who aren't Elvis fans - because there's something unique about the way Elvis performed," Hall said. "There's no performer today who performs the way he did. When tribute artists recreate that, people who aren't Elvis fans are blown away, and it's fun to be a part of that."
Hall said a lot of guys coming out of the woodwork his age and younger to become tribute artists. Since they weren't even born before Elvis' death in 1977, they have nothing but video and photos to imitate from, leaving them room for translation.
Hall's version of Elvis has been so well received he was unsure of what the next step was for his career. That's when the theater in Branson became available. Being the only theater in the downtown district, Hall said he had to take advantage of the opportunity and make the purchase.
The theater is currently being remodeled with new seats, sound system, lights and carpet in order to make it look like a new theater. Buses are already being set up to take fans to Branson to see Hall's show.
Hall said he can't believe how fast his career has soared since appearing on "America's Got Talent." Although such success is rare, Hall said he still encourages others to take a chance on reality television. He admits to being scared that he'd never be taken seriously again if he was booed off, making it "the best risk of my life."
"I tell people who want to do reality TV to go for it because you're only getting old and time is slipping away. You'll never forgive yourself if you don't do it," Hall said. "It was a huge risk because I was afraid if didn't go my way, I'd be just a local hero the rest of my life. It went my way and I did well, made top 10 and now I have a set career. Anybody who wants to go on a reality show, do it."
But being a tribute artist isn't about the fame, Hall said. It's about paying tribute to arguably the greatest rock 'n' roll legend in the world. It's about the real Elvis fans, Hall said.
"It's touching to know for two hours you took somebody back in time. They feel young and feel great and leave the show happy, energized and charged. It's a wonderful thing," he said.
www.norfolkdailynews.com/main.asp?SectionID=5&SubSectionID=66&ArticleID=18240&TM=39805.27
