THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, May 21, 1995 TAG: 9505180368
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 37 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY PAUL SOUTH, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 69 lines
CONTRARY TO supermarket tabloids, Elvis Presley has likely exited more than just the building.
But at this year's annual Dare Day Celebration, the spirit of the often imitated but never duplicated King of Rock 'n' Roll will be alive and well, thanks to Ronnie McDowell and the Jordanaires.
The annual event, which celebrates the arrival of the first English-speaking people to the New World in the 16th century, is set for June 3.
McDowell, who provided chillingly authentic vocals for a number of films and documentaries on the late Presley, will team with the Jordanaires, who provided background vocals for many of Presley's post-Sun Records recordings, to entertain the thousands expected at this year's Dare Day festival.
McDowell has also carved out a successful country career, with a string of Top 10 hits including ``Older Women,'' ``Watchin' Girls Go By,'' ``When a Man Loves a Woman'' and ``What's It Gonna Take.''
A native of Portland, Tenn., McDowell was selected by Priscilla Presley to do vocals on the ABC Series ``Elvis: The Early Years.''
McDowell also did vocals for television movies ``Elvis and the Beauty Queen'' and he also loaned his voice for ``Elvis and Me,'' Priscilla Presley's memoir of her life with a rock 'n' roll legend.
McDowell will perform at 4 p.m. on Dare Day.
The Jordanaires burst onto the national stage in 1957, winning the ``Arthur Godfrey Talent Scout Show.''
Best known for their work with Presley, the Jordanaires sang on some of Presley's biggest hits, including ``Teddy Bear,'' ``Return to Sender'' and ``Are You Lonesome Tonight?''
They also appeared in 28 films with Presley and teamed with him on a number of gospel recordings.
For all his success as a rock 'n' roll performer, Presley won his only Grammy for a gospel recording.
The Jordanaires have performed with a number of other music superstars, including Jim Reeves, Patsy Cline, Marty Robbins, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Julie Andrews.
A variety of other entertainment will perform at the Dare Day event.
The Khedive Temple Hillbilly Band, made up of Shriners from throughout this area, will perform.
The Thomas A. Baum Center Line Dancers will also perform at Dare Day.
A street dance featuring Carolina Country will take place at 6 p.m. in front of the Dare County Courthouse.
About 150 craftspeople have requested space for the event, which has become one of North Carolina's most popular celebrations. A variety of foods also will be available.
Festivalgoers can also tour the Elizabeth II, a replica of the 16th century ship that brought colonists to the North Carolina coast.
The ship, traditionally docked near the Outer Banks History Center, will move to the Manteo side of Dough's Creek for the celebration.
The open house is from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Admission to the Dare Day celebration is free. ILLUSTRATION: Ronnie McDowell isn't your usual Elvis Presley impersonator. He
doesn't really need to try looking like the King when he has a voice
that sounds chillingly authentic like Presley's.
by CNB