RIP Will Atkinson, the Walmart Elvis
Will Atkinson died recently of pancreatitis, at the age of 51. He had gained fame in Oxford, Mississippi as an Elvis impersonator, and was known there as "Elvis," or the "Big E." And also as the "Walmart Elvis" because he worked at Walmart and would sing in the aisles as he worked. From the Clarion-Ledger:
By day, he worked at the local Walmart, where he would sing gospel and Elvis classics throughout the store so well that many mistook his voice for the sound system, said Walmart sales associate Suzette Boone...
Atkinson obsessed over getting every Elvis detail correct. He dyed his hair, had four Elvis jumpsuits, and fashioned his voice to sound just like the real thing...
At the local Walmart, employees broke corporate protocol and set up a memorial wreath at the entrance, and had pictures displayed on a table inside, along with a condolence book, which many customers have stopped to sign. The store even played some of Atkinson’s recordings on the sound system. "The aisles are going to be quiet now," said Walmart assistant manager Lavina Woodfin, "No more song."
Atkinson obsessed over getting every Elvis detail correct. He dyed his hair, had four Elvis jumpsuits, and fashioned his voice to sound just like the real thing...
At the local Walmart, employees broke corporate protocol and set up a memorial wreath at the entrance, and had pictures displayed on a table inside, along with a condolence book, which many customers have stopped to sign. The store even played some of Atkinson’s recordings on the sound system. "The aisles are going to be quiet now," said Walmart assistant manager Lavina Woodfin, "No more song."
There are more tributes to him here and here.
Comments
But, can we truly trust that he's really dead? I mean, maybe he's just keeping up the impersonation and gone into hiding like the real Elvis is doing.
Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 09/08/15 at 09:02 AM
Tabloids scream.
Elvis seen at a shopping mall.
That's the kind of talk
That makes my stomach crawl.
Picture a zombie Elvis
In a tacky white jump suit.
Just imagine a rotting Elvis
Shopping for fresh fruit.
Elvis seen at a shopping mall.
That's the kind of talk
That makes my stomach crawl.
Picture a zombie Elvis
In a tacky white jump suit.
Just imagine a rotting Elvis
Shopping for fresh fruit.
Posted by KDP on 09/08/15 at 11:46 AM
Shhh! Don't tell corporate or they'll all be in trouble. You do not break from Walmart corporate protocol without consequences. Sorry for their loss.
Posted by Patty in Ohio, USA on 09/08/15 at 02:41 PM
In Area 51 for sure with the real Elvis... Wal-Mart Elvis was probably scoring with the ladies all the time, who could resist a outfit like his, the car and his singing. Patty would you be swept off your feet by the likes of him?
Posted by Gator Guy on 09/08/15 at 07:25 PM
I go for big furry guys honey. I call hubby my teddy bear.
Posted by Patty in Ohio, USA on 09/08/15 at 09:04 PM
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Category: Music | Obituaries