User:Paul Butler
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For 36 years fans have gathered in various venues; to see, listen to, and relieve memories with Paul Butler -- as he does "A Tribute to Elvis".
In 1965, at the age of 4, Paul learned his first songs. He had went shopping with his mother and saw Elvis's Golden Records. The cover was so enticing, he threw a tantrum till his mother gave in, on one condition, he learn every song -- and he did.
Never one to be shy, Paul sang every chance he got, especially in school and with the family group in clubs around the area.
In 1977, he was invited to perform in an Elvis Showcase with Joe Peace. This union lasted for about a year, Paul then signed a contract with The Sheridan Inn, Chicago, Illinois. For 36 weeks he performed at 9 separate hotels on a rotating schedule.
Upon returning to Indiana, in 1979, he joined Calendar, a 50's group featuring Betty Lou and the Crestwoods along with Elvis as main attractions. Paul and Calendar enjoyed 7 years of entertaining all over the mid west.
in 1985, he continued his music with the foundation of Partners In Crime. He also wandered into the business world with the largest home ice cream delivery service in the area, known as Frosty Delight; while continuing a full time job as a school bus driver.
In 1992, Paul began showing up in new places. He began making commercials (Studs, A Current Affair, Across Indiana, United Artist Cable, Delco Electronics, MCL Cafeterias, Elder Berman Department Stores, Budweiser, and for various political campaigns). These led to multiple segments on national and international television.
During 1992 Paul received one of the greatest gifts he could dream for: he was given seats at the personal table of Wayne Newton (Mr. Vegas) for 2 separate shows and invited backstage to spend time with the legend. Mr. Newton introduced Paul to his audience and dedicated the last song of the night "McArthur Park" to his new friend.
During this time he produced 2 albums: "Shake A Hand" -- a collection of spiritual music, and "Memories of Elvis" -- a collection of his favorites. In the later part of the year, to aid in flood victim relief project he produced and directed a television special "Elvis Alive".
Over the next few years Paul continued entertaining and working with various charities such as: The Heart Foundation, Arthritis Foundation, Bikers Behind Bars, The United Way, Feed The Children, Riley Burn Clinic, Indiana Humane Society, The Lions Club, The Leukemia Foundation, Vietnam Veterans and Urban Housing Authority.
In 1997, Paul competed for the first time in the Images of Elvis competition, held in Memphis, Tennessee, during what is known as Elvis Week. More good things continued to happen --- he appeared in People Magazine doing a fund raiser for special children, was featured in multiple international periodicals, and was doing shows with Indiana music legends Henry Lee Summer, Carl Storie, and Roadmaster.
In 1998, he once again finished in the top 4 at Images of Elvis competition. Television coverage continued -- 48 hours with Dan Rather, Up To The Minute, Over The Edge, CBS Sunday Morning, and dozens of newscasts. The high point of 1998 -- a new album "If I Can Dream".
In 1999, Paul was announced as the winner of the "Spirit of Elvis" award. from the International Elvis competition, Images of Elvis, in Memphis Tennessee. He was featured in "Quest For The Crown" , "The Fans Of Elvis" (a VH1 documentary). He performed for the city of Memphis, in their downtown music fest for the third year. In June, Paul released 2 new albums "Heart and Soul" -- a selection of songs that truly touch the heart and "The Christmas Album" -- a selection of seasonal music.
With a new millineum on the horizon Paul continued to surge on. A new album was released in 2000 -- "Live From Memphis - 1999". He toured in Las Vegas and met with John Stuart of Legends fame.. He was featured in a new best seller "Elvis and You" and cameo in yet another film "Almost Elvis" and never one to rest he appeared in "Elvis - The Men Who Would Be King" a documentary for The Learning Channel and Discovery.
In the fall of 2000 he was presented with his 1st Oscar from Dan Hall CEO of video media studios, in recognition for his superb performances and charitable lifestyle.
In 2001 Memphis was on fire with shows on the rooftop of the Peabody Hotel, and 2 shows for the Memphis Redbirds at the Autozone Park. Paul was featured in a new book "Interesting People of Indiana" . He continued developing funding for the up coming movie based on his life story. And in October formed a new road band named "The Graceland Boys".
In 2002 and he's still going strong, with another album in production, a new documentary on Paul's life in the filming stage called Follow That Dream (showing how one moment in life will decide your destiny) and his schedule for singing engagements grows more everyday.
In 2003 along with singing Paul had a new interest. Racing cars with his sons!!! Yes front wheel drive class racing at ANDERSON SPEEDWAY. The team, which grew to a total of 15 cars and drivers for "Hillbilly Racing", broke the track record for largest team ever in a division also won the first ever front wheel drive championship. With Paul finishing in 7th place overall.
Wow 2004 has been great. Paul has been performing for the Indianapolis Colts, and the Pacers. He was honored in Indianapolis Monthly as "The Best Live Stage Performance" stating "Paul Butler is more Elvis embodiment than impersonator. A dead-ringer for the older, Vegas Elvis, Butler has celebrated The King for 33 years. Performing with The Graceland Boys, he croons evocative renditions of just about every number in the Elvis catalogue." He was also highlighted in Dick Wolfsies book "Indiana Curiosities a collection of quirky characters".
The city of Memphis, offered to fly Paul and the Graceland Boys to Boston to play for the National City Center Convention.
Paul preformed the national anthem at the Little 500 at Anderson Speedway.
And for a great personal thrill he appeared in cameos at WWE Smackdown, where he enjoyed meeting a bevy of the wrestling entertainers.
The highlight of the 2004 Summer Tour was the release of a new album. " Paul Butler and The Graceland Boys Live On Tour". Paul states he feels this is the best sound and clarity he's produced so far.
Since Paul doesn't stand still for very long, in 2005, in his spare time ( what little there is) he has ventured into the world of computers with the opening of Anderson Affordable Computers. His hobby has turned into a business, where while relaxing he repairs and builds custom computers.
2006, another year of traveling, and in Paul's words, enjoying the happy faces of all the fans. Although the shows seem to be more corporate parties than other types. As we love these corporate shows, there is always the longing for the live stage shows and interaction with all the fans. In the coming 2007, Paul has taken steps to insure that more live shows are included in the summer tour.
As always music and the fans are a high priority with Paul as he continues to play, along with "The Graceland Boys", stage shows, club and private bookings, corporate parties, and proudly for the Indianapolis Pacers and Colts..
When we ask Paul is this enough, with all you've done and the future plans he reply's - - - "I feel my success comes from my love of GOD, mankind in the world and a belief that children are the answer for the future, they need to be nurtured with love and smiles. How could I ever say it's time to stop? If for one brief second I can give a child or an adult a smile or a beautiful memory then I know in my heart I'm accomplishing something and that makes it all wonderful. For all we leave behind are memories; So I keep on keeping on.
This Man is wonderful and the love he shows for the music, the man and the fans is overwhelming. You know when you've seen this man you've been present for a true "Tribute to the King - ELVIS
