The fraternity of tribute artists keeping Elvis alive

MEMPHIS, Tennessee - Matthew Boyce feels like a superhero when he zips himself into a spangly Elvis Presley jumpsuit and sprints on stage to blast through a hip-thrusting, pulsating track by the King.

"I just think if you're going to play a character, it might as well be your inspiration," he says, perfecting his hair, make-up and sideburns in an hour-plus transformation from 21st century teen about to go to college to 35-year-old superstar at the prime of his life in the 1960s.

Boyce is one of thousands of Elvis Tribute Artists or ETAs who bring to life on stage the icon that was Presley's 1954-77 career, either as full-time professionals or enthusiastic amateurs.