I was featured in the Charlotte Observer on Monday, December 17, 2007. Check it out below:
Posted on Sun, Dec. 16, 2007
CAROLINA PEOPLE | THEIR FACES, THEIR STORIES
An Elvis jumpsuit for every occasion
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JEFF SINER -- jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Having designed and replicated Elvis' jumpsuits, Renelvis also wears glasses and costume jewelry representative of The King.
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Touted as the "Philippino Spawn of Elvis," Rene Escarcha has entertained fans on average once a week for 15 years as Renelvis.
Escarcha, 61, was introduced to the music of Elvis Presley by his sister, Socorro Smith, when he was in eighth grade. Wanting to learn more about the singer, he read an early biography that led to his writing a letter to Elvis at Graceland. To his surprise, he received a response from Elvis talking about the movie he was leaving to film, "Fun in Acapulco."
The movie was released in 1963. Even though he doesn't have the letter anymore, Escarcha says, "I loved that movie."
Performing isn't the only tribute Escarcha makes to the king. He has made over 100 jumpsuits that are replicas of those worn by Elvis, as well as his own designs.
STORY BEHIND THE STORY: "I met Renelvis in 2004 when he was performing his song `Panthers Rock-n-Roll to the Super Bowl' outside the team's practice facility. He wore a Carolina Panthers jumpsuit that he had made. When I heard he would be at Moosehead Grill, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to see him perform again."
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