×

Michigan teenager plans career as Elvis

Bryson Vines, 13, of Howell performs a set in Elvis fashion in Peanut Row Alley as part of Fantasy of Lights festivities. Friday, Nov. 26, 2021, in Howell, Mich. Bryson has been performing as an Elvis tribute artist for several years. (Gillis Benedict/Livingston County Daily Press & Argus via AP)

By JENNIFER TIMAR

Livingston Daily Press & Argus

AP Member Exchange

HOWELL — Bryson Vines knows more about Elvis Presley than fans much older than him.

At 13 years old, Bryson already has been performing as an Elvis tribute artist for several years, the Livingston Daily Press & Argus reports.

When he is not attending eighth grade at Charyl Stockwell Academy, he spends his time learning about Elvis’ life, practicing his songs and perfecting his dance moves and signature lip curl.

He performs as Elvis about 20 times a year at festivals, competitions and local events.

“I definitely want to make a career out of it,” Bryson said.

While he is still too young to grow his own muttonchop sideburns, he wears his hair to look like Elvis. He has a collection of replica jewelry and has replicas of two Gibson guitars Elvis played that he uses for props.

His parents, who live in Howell, have bought him several professionally made Elvis jumpsuits covered in rhinestones. They guess there have been 15 different jumpsuits. He has outgrown most of them.

“The first time I was ever exposed to Elvis I was 4 and my mom played the movie Viva Las Vegas,” Bryson said.

When he was 7, his mom, Karen Vines, got a record player and a stack of Elvis albums from her father’s house.

Bryson said he was drawn to Elvis’ costumes, charisma and vocal skills. He set out to learn everything he could about the musician.

“I’m really into learning about his whole career and how he was outside the stage and also revolving around how he died, that’s interesting as well,” he said. “I like to focus in on how he was as a person and not just as a performer.”

His first Elvis outfit was a kid’s Halloween costume. His grandma and mom also made him some suits when he was little.

He started wearing them every day.

“When he was little he was really into the arts,” his dad, Robert Vines, said. “He loved the Wizard of Oz and dressed up as Scarecrow. We went to live plays. He loved the performing arts.”

Robert said studying Elvis’ life and music has been a “non-stop hobby” for Bryson.

The family invested in his burgeoning Elvis career, purchasing sound equipment, costumes and other gear.

“He kind of is an old soul, and we’re older parents, too,” Robert Vines said. “Because of this, we get to travel along. He started doing local stuff and then we found a lot of festivals.”

When Bryson was 8, his parents took him to an Elvis tribute show in Owosso. The Elvis tribute artist pulled him up on stage. He went dressed like Elvis. He knew every song.

“He got the bug after he was on stage and told me I want you to find more Elvis shows,” Karen Vines said.

They went to Mason-based Elvis tribute artist Matt King’s shows and he took Bryson under his wing as an Elvis mentee.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today