Clearance Giddens facts for kids

Clearance Giddens is an African American performer. He is famous for being an Elvis impersonator. People often call him the "Black Elvis." He has appeared on popular TV shows. These include The Arsenio Hall Show and the Geraldo Show. He was also in the movie Honeymoon in Vegas. In the early 1990s, he sang on stage with Jimmy Buffett. They sang the song "Jailhouse Rock" together. He is even listed in a book called I Am Elvis: A Guide to Elvis Impersonators.

About Clearance Giddens

Clearance Giddens grew up in Painter, Virginia. This is a small town in Accomack County. For many years, he worked as a house painter. His family was very religious. His mother was a strong Christian. She gave him his first guitar. After leaving school, he worked in local fields. This helped him support his family.

When Giddens started his Elvis act, his family had some concerns. His mother especially felt it was too "worldly."

His Music Career

Clearance Giddens has appeared on many TV shows. These include The Arsenio Hall Show, Hard Copy, Inside Edition, and Entertainment Tonight. He was also on the Geraldo Show and Howard Stern.

How He Started

Clearance Giddens was inspired by many artists. These included Elvis Presley, James Brown, and Roy C. He also loved country and gospel music. As a child, he saw Elvis Presley on black and white TV. He was amazed by how Presley moved and sang. He had never seen anyone move like that before.

His mother was very strict about religion. Giddens remembered hiding in his closet. He would listen to some of Presley's more exciting songs.

Before becoming an Elvis impersonator, Giddens sang gospel music. He was part of a group called the Gospel Specials. They sang with famous artists like Al Green and Solomon Burke. He also played guitar and sang lead vocals for Gospel Expressions. This group released an album called Good Times Bad Times. After the gospel group broke up, his girlfriend encouraged him. She loved hearing him sing "Love Me Tender".

His career as an Elvis impersonator began in 1988. A friend suggested he try an Elvis act. This happened at a diner in Onancock. From that moment, he became very popular.

Becoming Famous in the 1990s

Giddens started taking his act seriously in the early 1990s. He performed with a band from Philadelphia called The Flamin' Caucasians. He began getting shows in Virginia Beach. Then, an article about him in Spin Magazine made him famous across the country. In 1992, he appeared in the movie Honeymoon in Vegas. He played the part of Black Elvis. Giddens was very surprised by how quickly he became well-known.

Like another African American Elvis impersonator, Robert Washington, Giddens did very well. He performed on the Elvis Impersonator circuit along the East Coast. He made a living from his performances.

In June 1995, Giddens performed at the Viva Elvis weekend. He started his show with the song "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin On".

Soon after becoming famous, Giddens learned he was going to be a father again. He chose to focus on being a dad instead of touring.

Audience Reactions

In the early 1990s, Giddens appeared on the Geraldo Show. There were different reactions from the audience. One black audience member criticized Giddens. He felt Giddens was not representing African Americans. He said it was disrespectful to imitate a white entertainer. However, a white woman in the audience supported Giddens. She said she liked him as Black Elvis. She also mentioned that Elvis himself was influenced by many black artists. Another white Elvis impersonator, Russ Howe, shook Giddens's hand. He said Giddens's performance was "beautiful." The audience applauded this.

Later Years (2000s and Beyond)

On March 29, 2008, Giddens was scheduled to perform. This was at an event called Quizzo Bowl IV in Philadelphia.

In December 2014, Giddens performed at a Christmas Party. He and his backing group, Snowflake, played at Little Italy in Nassawadox, Virginia.

As of 2018, Giddens was still performing. He made appearances at the Do Drop Inn restaurant and lounge in Franktown, Virginia.

Recent Activities

In late 2018, Giddens was featured in a commercial. He was one of several Elvis impersonators in Apple's Group Facetime Service ad.

Music Releases

Movies and TV Shows

Stage Performances