ABSTRACT
This research investigates the pathways to becoming a celebrity tribute artist as expressed by four Elvis tribute artists (ETAs), in Ontario, Canada. Although previous Elvis scholarship has focussed on the acquisition of ETA’s celebrity identification, there has been little to no focus on music learning and identity. Our research addresses this lack, situating the work within the sociological overlapping fields of music learning, Elvis scholarship, and celebrity/fan studies. Themes that emerge include personal fulfillment, early involvement, social connections, learning, mentoring, networking, sense of good fortune, Elvis as platform for larger life goals, and affinity with Elvis’s humanitarian outreach.
