Putting on an Elvis costume and gelling his hair, sophomore, Drake Milligan slips into his blue suede shoes while he prepares for another show.
Milligan performs as an Elvis tribute artist. He sings, acts and dances just like Elvis.
“I saw an Elvis impersonator one time by accident and really started liking it,” Milligan said.
Drake became an Elvis Impersonator at the age of nine, doing his first show on an Elvis cruise. Now, Drake performs on most weekends in front of audiences ranging from five people to hundreds of people. When Drake performs, he does anything Elvis would have done, from talking like him to moving around the dance floor.
“I would like to do perform like Elvis for a while, it’s great to sing his songs,” Milligan said. “Elvis was a great guy.”
Performing takes Drake all over the United States and other countries. Drake travels to Vegas, New York, Canada and, of course, Memphis Tennessee to perform. Most recently Drake sang on Good Morning Texas and got the part for a Lifetime short film starring Elvis as a teenager.
“I really like Elvis and it’s fun [performing],” Milligan said.
Drake watches films about Elvis to prepare for some performances. When Drake isn’t performing he is doing regular teenage things. In his spare time Drake likes to hang out with his friends, hunt and fish.
“In the future I would like to be doing this or acting,” Milligan said.
Update:
Junior Drake Milligan’s goals soon became a reality when he was offered an acting job in the movie “Nobody” following his audition in Memphis. The movie focuses on Elvis in his teenage years before he became known as Elvis Presley, the king of rock ‘n’ roll.
“I was very thrilled when I got the role,” Milligan said. “I didn’t think I would get the part when I auditioned.”
Milligan, since the age of eight, grew up idolizing Elvis. He auditioned alongside 25 other Elvis fanatics in August of 2013. He brought his guitar to the set and sang several songs, including…. He also read a few lines from the script. The movie was set to film April of 2014.
“All of the actors were very down to earth and nice,” Milligan said. “Being recognized is probably the best feeling from it all.”
After having to travel by plane all the way to Tennessee, deal with hectic directors, and being crunched for time 12 hours a day, Milligan’s face was finally put on the big screen and his dreams became a reality. The film premiered at the Farr Best Theater in downtown Mansfield on August 9.
“The set was very hectic and rushed for time,“ Milligan said. “We worked twelve hour days four days a week. Although I was tired, it was worth it seeing myself on the big screen.”
Lee Wood • Apr 8, 2020 at 4:57 am
sun records season 1 is not on dvd
Thank you Lee Wood
Emily • Oct 30, 2017 at 11:27 pm
Drake Milligan is such a boy scout he is a wonderful ETA stud muffin
Georgetta Goodman • Jul 25, 2017 at 10:39 pm
After watching SUN RECORDS TV series and hearing and watching Drake Milligan perform as Elvis, it was like WOW! this young man has a heart for Elvis Presley. I could tell the sincerity by his actions watching him on you tube. I have been an Elvis fan since the git-go in the 50’s. I was not quite 10 when Elvis came on the scene but I was hooked! I could go on for days about Elvis and my own heartfelt sincerity for this man. It is to bad that Elvis never was able to go out of the U.S. to share his talent to others that loved him as well.
Anyway, Drake, I wish you the best in wherever life takes you. I have watched many Elvis impersonator’s over the years since Elvis’ death, but young man, you have to be one of the best to come on the scene…EVER! Always stay sincere in what you want to accomplish, I think Elvis would be very honored to know that you put your all into your tributes to him.
LONG LIVE THE KING!
Grandma • Feb 23, 2017 at 8:06 am
Exactly my thoughts. Fun for this grandma seeing young ones do what they love, work hard and you can reach any goal in life to love what you do! Congratulations young man.
Keep singin’!
Hannah G. • Jan 9, 2015 at 8:18 am
I think it is the coolest thing that his dream came true! He has definitely showed great determination to get to where he is now. Good luck in the future.
Mrs. Long • Feb 1, 2014 at 9:15 am
Great article about a talented young man.