Eight-year-old Elvis tribute artist will release first single

Monday, January 18, 2016
Finley Watkins

BERNIE - Elvis Tribute Artists are found all over the world and one of the youngest lives in the Bootheel.

Finley Watkins is an 8-year-old from Bernie, and he is set to release his first single -- "First Train to Memphis."

"We were traveling through Memphis on our way to Florida for vacation," said his mother Tcheanina Watkins, "When Finley saw a billboard advertising Elvis."

"I looked him up on YouTube," said Finely.

That was the beginning of his fascination with Elvis and other artists from that era, such as Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash. His favorite is Elvis.

This discussion took place at Elvis Week in Memphis last August as Finely was competing the second year in a row in Images of the King.

At that time, Watkins had two wins under his miniature Elvis belt already. He placed first in a Branson Youth Elvis Festival Contest and also won first place in the Bernie Talent Show. He ended up placing second in that competition.

Since that interview, Watkins has been busy. Not long after Images of the King, Finley received an invitation to perform in Las Vegas with 25 year old Fort Smith Ark. native Tyler James, who is also an Elvis Tribute Artist. The show, called The Freemont Street Experience with Tyler James, was a great experience for Watkins and with his mother as his chaperone, he stayed and performed two nights.

Just last week, Watkins was in Memphis to celebrate Elvis Presley's birthday and also to perform with award winning performer Jeff Bates, who uses his music as a ministry and in 2011 won the ICM Faith, Family, and Country Award for Main Stream Country. During that week, Watkins also was captured in photograph that was featured in The Commercial Appeal and also online at Yahoo News India.

Watkins works with Dennis Gurley, owner of AlleyTrax in Hayti. Gurley gives Watkins guitar lessons, produces his music, and also acts as his manager. Watkins recorded the song at AlleyTrax, and Gurley wrote it.

Monday, Feb. 1, at 7 p.m., Watkins is having a release party at SEMO Little Theater. The single will be available for purchase for $3 per copy. All those attending will pay a cover charge of $5 per person.

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