One thing that is undeniable is that Elvis Presley decisively changed the entertainment landscape here in Las Vegas when he returned to the stage in 1969, also changing the way that this town does business. He and his iconic image have ever since been strongly associated with Las Vegas. Many come to this glittering desert oasis with a mind to, even all these years later, perhaps touch a bit of that past in some way.

When Elvis tribute artist Shane Paterson goes out to perform, or when he finds himself in a place or with a person directly connected to the real Elvis Presley, the presence of the ‘King’ in this city can sometimes still feel quite tangible to him. Trying to make things a little more tangible for others is definitely a labor of love for Shane. Nobody is ever going to fill Elvis‘ white boots or soon make anyone forget him but, as he says “it’s really an honor to have the opportunity to air those great songs once again; it’s a lot of fun, and it seems like everybody on the planet has an Elvis fan lurking inside of them, but it’s also a distinct privilege.”

Shane has kept busy doing promotional work, trade shows, private events and conducting weddings. He is licensed in Clark County and Nevada to officiate weddings. He’s been fortunate to have been part of some rather interesting moments, including making a promotional video with The Killers, being on stage with Imagine Dragons, a “Sports Illustrated” photo shoot with the Golden Knights’ Mark Andre Fleury, a TV shoot with the Bellamy Brothers, being cast by director Terrence Malick for a film with Christian Bale, and performing several times on Elvis’ stage at the Las Vegas Hilton.

Shane is by nature interested in detail and it’s imperative to him that his performance and portrayal are as accurate as can be reasonably managed. “I’m a fan, first and foremost, and Elvis’ memory and his incredible talents deserve the very best I can do.”

Shane most relishes the chance to act as something of an ambassador for the memory of the greatest performer of them all and loves singing the songs. “That’s pretty much the best feeling that there is.” As Elvis often said with that famous crooked smile, it’s a tough way to make a living, baby.

Elvis Presley was and, remarkably, very much remains a ubiquitous and enduring presence not just in his home country but on the world stage, the most globally influential entertainer of our time whose life and career changed not just music and the music business but broader culture. He transcended musical history and impacted history history; Leonard Bernstein once opined that Elvis made the ‘60s happen.