Johnny Harra
Johnny Lee Harra (born Harry Lee Lovett; July 11, 1946 – March 30, 2011) was an American Elvis impersonator. He began impersonating Elvis at the age of 11 and was cast as the 42-year-old Elvis in the 1981 docudrama This Is Elvis.[1][2][3] Harra, one of four actors to portray Elvis in the movie, was featured in two scenes from the re-enactment of August 16, 1977, filmed at Graceland. After many years in seclusion he returned to the stage before the 25th anniversary of Elvis' death.[3] In year 1995 took second place as the best imitator of the world during the twentieth century. The title was usurped by a Colombian impersonator. Johnny Harra signed a 6 million dollar contract with the Silver Bird Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas in 1978. Making him the highest paid entertainer in Las Vegas during that time.
Johnny Harra | |
---|---|
Birth name | Harry Lee Lovett |
Also known as | Johnny Harra |
Born | Kansas City, Missouri | July 11, 1946
Origin | Kansas City, Missouri |
Died | March 30, 2011 64) Dallas, Texas | (aged
Genres | Rock Country Gospel |
Occupation(s) | Singer Actor |
Years active | 1964 – 2011 |
Labels | Autumn International Records |
Harra was featured in newspapers and magazines, and on national TV shows like Merv Griffin, Johnny Carson and Dick Clark. Johnny traveled internationally performing his "Profiles of Presley" show. He died on March 30, 2011, aged 64.
[4]
References
- Janet Maslin (May 8, 1981). "This is Elvis: the Official Story". The New York Times.
- Nancy Moore (August 16, 2007). "Pretender to the Throne". Dallas Morning News.
- Bud Kennedy (August 15, 2002). "Elvis impersonator going from chunky to hunky for comeback". Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
- http://www.dallasnews.com/obituary-headlines/20110406-johnny-harra-king-of-elvis-impersonators-dies-in-dallas.ece