Phillyist Interviews...Elvis Tribute Artist Sammy J.

You bill yourself as an "Elvis Tribute Artist" as opposed to an Elvis Impersonator. Is there a difference?
The difference I believe is that an impersonator tries to look and be Elvis at all times. I only look like Elvis on stage to pay tribute, in real life you would never guess I do Elvis .

As Sam Formica, you're the manager of Loie Brasserie and Bar; and as Sammy J, you're Elvis.  Have you ever considered performing simply as Sam Formica - or letting Sammy J run the restaurant for the night?
If I were to perform as Samuel Formica I would be singing to a room full of crickets and Sammy J's costumes are too expensive to run a restaurant in.

I know what "TCB" stands for - but what's the meaning of the "J" in Sammy J?
Joseph is my middle name.

Because of the alleged misspelling of his name on his grave, many fans think (or at least hope) that the King himself is not dead, but rather in secret retirement.  Has anyone ever mistaken you for the real deal?
Elvis would be in his seventies by now, I sure hope not.

Do you personally put any stock in the Elvis is alive rumors?
No

If it turned out he was alive, and he came to you for a tour of Philadelphia - what 3 places would you take him?
First I would take him to the Franklin Institute to show him the painting I did that is on loan to the museum which features him in 1956, then try and sell it to him. Next I would invite my family and closet friends to dine with Elvis and me in the private room at Loie. Last I would take him to Cafe Toscano Gelateria and buy him a peanut butter and banana gelato.

When you were working to hone your Elvis performance, which did you find more difficult to perfect: the voice, the sneer, or the hip action?  Do you think your performance would distress Ed Sullivan?
I still continue to hone all aspects of my performance but getting the mannerisms down of Elvis on stage is my focal point these days.
Ed would love me.

What are your favorite Elvis songs to listen to?  How about to perform?
Personally I like listening to the seventies Elvis, and I love performing Suspicious Minds.

Is there much competition in the Elvis Tribute Artist profession?
Every one and their mother is an Elvis Impersonator it seems. Yes, there is tons of competition but not so much in my field, I have performed for only big charity events this year took no money except to cover expenses. I was invited to compete in the Elvis invitational this year in Montreal Canada in Sept. They only pick 10 from around the country each year to compete, it is a huge honor to be asked.

What's the best part of being Sammy J?
Sammy J gets treated like a celebrity. Doors open up for Sammy J that would never even budge for Samuel Formica.

Sammy J will be appearing at Lucy's Hatshop (247 Market Street) on Wednesday August 16th at 7PM. Tickets are $10 at the door, and proceeds from the show will benefit the Police Athletic League.