Feature Story

By Alyson Sheppard

Lagniappe staff

Patients being transported at Mobile Infirmary Medical Center may get a shock when they see a particular staff member enter their rooms.

“The patients always say, ‘my God, do you know who you look like?’” 39-year-old patient transporter Michael Matthews said. With his shaggy black hair and thick black sideburns, Matthews said he has always been told he looked like Elvis Presley, something he likes.

“Everyone at work knows me as Elvis,” he said. “I could think of worse things to be known as.”

A part-time Elvis impersonator, Matthews says he sings Elvis songs to the patients, which they enjoy. He also shares anecdotes about what he believes were generous and inspirational things Elvis did in his life.

“If I can put some smiles into the patients’ heart or life, I’ve done my job,” he said.

Born in 1968, the year Elvis began his comeback, Matthews said he was always fascinated with Elvis. In the late 1980s, he began impersonating an older version of Elvis, who died in 1977. He says he got his big performing break in 1991 when he performed at a Christmas party at Providence Hospital, where he was working at the time.

Today, Matthews talks about his impersonating and hands out business cards at work. Usually, the patients he sings to hire him to dress up and perform for birthday parties, anniversaries and other special occasions.

“Elvis has truly inspired me,” he said. “A lot of people don’t like Elvis, but I believe that he was a good-hearted person. He’s number one in my book of anything.”

He said his coworkers and boss at Mobile Infirmary are very interested in what he does and often come to watch him perform. He sings, dances and plays the guitar in one of his two polyester, sequined costumes.

“All of this shaking at once,” he says, patting his stomach, “it’s hilarious!”

He said his family, including his two children and one grandchild, encourages him, telling him to perform “whole-heartedly in a way Jesus Christ would appreciate it.” His said even his mom, who does not understand why he does it, still supports him and has even given him an Elvis scarf worth $5,000.

“She always says, ‘my son’s crazy, but it’s better he’s doing this than drugs,’” he said.

Matthews has a large collection of Elvis memorabilia, photos, CDs and DVDs, which he listens to and watches every day. He usually gets off of work at 2:30 p.m. and is home by 3 p.m., watching Elvis movies.

“My wife says, ‘oh my God, stop playing Elvis!’” he said.

Last week, on the 30th anniversary of Elvis’ death, Matthews spent the evening watching 12 Elvis movies in a row and eating peanut butter and banana sandwiches, Elvis’s favorite food.

“The spirit of Elvis lives on,” he said. “I think he would appreciate how people carry on his legacy,” he said. Matthews has not ever met another Elvis impersonator, but would like to.

Matthews and his wife are making their first trip to Graceland, Presley’s home in Memphis, Tenn., in January for Matthew’s birthday. They plan on staying in the Heartbreak Hotel.

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