August 24, 2018 (Hickory, NC) ─ Elvis recently took to the stage at Hickory Village Memory Care to the delight of residents! The DePaul Senior Living Community in Hickory was transformed into Vegas with blue suede cake, Pepsi and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in honor of a very special guest! Ed Smith, a local Elvis tribute artist, brought the timeless crooner’s greatest hits to seniors at Hickory Village.

Pictured above, Ed Smith was welcomed by resident Wilma Kendall and staff members Natalie Riddle and Meagan Love. Smith has been performing as Elvis for about 25 years.

“I started listening to his records when I was little,” he said. “I would memorize the songs and eventually got the voice. It just started to evolve.”

With five jumpsuits and a lifelong love of Elvis, Smith said he’s done car shows, birthday parties and private parties in addition to performing at senior living communities like Hickory Village.

Pictured above, Hickory Village residents Ruby Caldwell and Martha Frye and her family enjoy Ed Smith’s Elvis tribute act at the DePaul Senior Living Community.

Smith said he’s very respectful of Elvis’ legacy, and he appreciates his fans.

“I just enjoy seeing the people happy, especially the kids and older folks,” he said. “I love seeing the expressions on their faces, singing along, smiling, dancing and having a good time.”

For more information about Hickory Village, please contact Administrator Dan Jones at (828) 322-2230, at djones@depaul.org or visit us on Facebook.