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Peter Guerin is fortunate to be in the handful of elitist artists who actually took part in the groundbreaking, original tribute concept........
Long before karaoke, homemade music recording, computer enhanced pictures and magazine covers, powerhouse record companies signed legitimate talent, a guest appearance on a popular television talk show was surreal and being a contracted entertainer as opposed to 'fourwalling' in the major Las Vegas showrooms was a brass ring for every entertainer. A storybook scenario for anyone let alone a 17 year old kid with a high school band.
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1968, discontented with a string of movies that were molded around him, Elvis Presley was considering options for a December TV special, defined in history as his comeback performance. Peter Guerin, a senior in high school preparing for college, teaching guitar, composing songs, and his band gainfully employed every weekend. In a few years their paths would cross.
An appearance on a local TV show"The Swinging Majority," resulted to an introduction to Bob Shad. The music producer gained fame in the music industry working with Savoy and Mercury, producing giants: Janis Joplin, Maynard Ferguson, Dizzy Gillespie, Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughn. Immediately signing Peter and his group to release the album titled: "The Growing Concern" on his New York based label Mainstream.
Touring to promote the album release, proved the group's repertoire was limited. During one show Peter improvised with a few Elvis songs. It was a time when Elvismania was everywhere and there seemed to be little or no need for any reproductions, or so they thought.....
Within a year Peter was singing on nationally syndicated television shows: Merv Griffin, Mike Douglas, Phil Donahue; watched by millions. Radio and newspaper interviews followed, including a Sunday Magazine centerspread.
An interpretive singer, proficient in his own voice, a sexual presence and a real musician to boot, soared his notoriety and craft to a different level. Setting attendance records, his heart-pounding "Tribute to Elvis" was the most sought after Elvis impressionist and probably the first of his kind to perform at the Sahara, Imperial Palace and Las Vegas Hilton.
An audition and endorsement from the entertainer of the century:
Las Vegas, spring 1975: Elvis was at the Hilton. Peter was performing at Vegas' then hot spot, The Entertainer for the nightly parade of stars who came to dine and drink after their shows on the strip. Joe Esposito, a friend from Chicago, invited him to Elvis' show and then to his suite. "I was mingling and all of a sudden I heard someone behind me: 'Okay, sing.' It was Elvis. A few bars of All Shook Up, Elvis chuckled and told me he found the concept of someone paying tribute to him, in song, very flattering. During our conversation, he invited me to Graceland. Later that week while performing, I turned to see Elvis backstage." In an interview with the Las Vegas Sun, Elvis was asked what his thoughts were about this new breed of impersonators, specifically Peter Guerin who was performing in town. Elvis' comment: "He's the only one who does me and does me justice."
With the untimely death of Elvis, every town soon touted having the best Elvis impersonator, Peter had already established himself as the most recognized name in tribute history.
Sharing the stage with Ann Margaret, Bill Cosby, Mickey Gilley, Tony Spavone, The Drifters, Wayne Cochran, Sandy Hackett, Vic Damone, Marty Robbins, Del Shannon, Danny and the Juniors, Siegfried & Roy, Paul Anka, Herman's Hermits, The Platters, Bobby Valli, Styx, the McCoys, Johnny Lee, Sam & Dave; an impressive collection of 'who's who' in entertainment.
If you tour Graceland, you will find a plaque dedicated to Peter for 20 years of continuing Elvis' legacy. One of the first to receive recognition from the EPIIA.
A native of Chicago, the Chicago Tribune tagged him
"Chicago's Midnight Idol" as his critically acclaimed and
award winning revue remained in Chicago's Top 10 Must See Shows for years.
"One of the best talents out there"... Mike Douglas
"Great show"... Mickey Gilley
"The top Elvis tribute, anywhere"...The Standard, Ontario
"Chicago's own incomparable entertainer"...Phil Donahue"
"He's like Elvis, but naturally"...Irv Kupcinet, Chicago Sun-Times
"One of the best in the business".... Chicago Tribune
"Wow! Close your eyes and it's him!"... Merv Griffin
"Guerin is one of the nation's top Elvis impersonators".... Don McNeil, The Breakfast Club
"This guy is a living legend who has played for SRO crowds for more than 25 years" Dan McPhail, WCXI
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