Covid-Elvis reviving…the Presley era

I was intrigued when I came across a video, on social media, where a guy, dressed up like the late and great Elvis Presley, was shown hip swinging away, singing some of Presley’s hit songs, at a street party.

The audience, made up of both the older generation, and the young ones, from the neighbourhood, were enjoying the scene, and quite a few were, on the road, dancing away.

Covid-Elvis was the name of the Presley look-alike and he certainly brought back memories of his hip-swinging idol.

I got in touch with Covid-Elvis and he was delighted that I was going to feature him in The Island.

Well, who is Covid-Elvis?

Covid-Elvis, in fact, is Cameron Michael Caton, who hails from Canada.

Says Cameron: “Covid-Elvis was not pre-planned. There was no design, it simply evolved organically from one kind gesture.

“I was asked if I could surprise a lady, singing to her a couple of songs, at her home, from their driveway, to celebrate her 80th birthday. Of course, I said yes, better yet I messaged her back and said “how about I show up, dressed up all Elvis like?

“Unfortunately, because of the Covid-19 pandemic, her milestone birthday celebration had to be cancelled.”

However, the little clip, he made, found its way to the evening news, of a TV station, and Covid-Elvis became an instant hit…an in demand Elvis look-alike street/ driveway entertainer.

The name Covid-Elvis cropped up, during a radio interview, when the presenter said: “I’m Scott Thompson and on the phone with me is Covid-Elvis”…and that was it!

Cameron has been a vocal entertainer for over 14 years but when entertainment became scarce, due to the pandemic, he switched to doing surprise Elvis driveway, social distancing birthdays, street serenades, anniversaries, etc.

With the pandemic still causing hardships for many, Cameron has also embarked on a Covid-Elvis Food Drive & Basic Human Essentials Tour.

Since April, 2020, over 67,000 pounds of non-perishable food donations have been generated from Covid-Elvis appearances, and donated to 30 different Food Banks and Organisations.

Cameron Michael Caton, aka Covid-Elvis, says he has no plans on slowing down and will continue to carry on with these endeavours.

“Although the pandemic dust has settled, sadly these needs will always be there.

“From the start, I’ve always stated this about myself in what has ultimately been the single greatest experience, and most rewarding adventure of my life.”

“I am simply the spark that got the fire started and people the fuel to keep it burning”.

Covid-Elvis is also seen on stage, quite often, and, last week, performed at a buffer-dinner-show, in Ontario.

You can check out his act on YouTube (Elvis Cameron Michael Caton), TukTok (elviscameroncaton), Instagram (Covid-Elvis) and on Facebook (Covid-Elvis).