Over the past twenty years Mark Leen has become the most successful Irish Elvis impersonator, or ETA (Elvis Tribute Artist).
Mark has an extraordinary collection of Elvis memorabilia including costumes made by the King’s own costume maker, even the gates of his Tralee home are exact replicas of the original gates of the Graceland mansion in Memphis, Tennessee.
Mark’s early life included a period of separation from his father, who was jailed in Portlaoise for republican activities. Around this time, Mark found a real passion, for singing and looking like Elvis Presley. Mark had a wayward life as a youngster, but from the age of 21 he changed his life around and began working hard to become the best Elvis he could be.
He has travelled and performed in London and Las Vegas, sold out the INEC in Killarney and the Cork Opera House, and performed at the festival dome during the Rose of Tralee. He has also featured on the BBC series ‘World’s Greatest Elvis’.
Mark’s story is ultimately an uplifting tribute to the passion people have for the music of the King.
Produced by Tim Desmond.
Production Supervision by Liam O’Brien
First broadcast Saturday 15th October 2011.