Edward “Doc” Franklin made the modern Elvis Tribute Artist community both a possibility and a reality through the establishment of the Images of the King contest in 1987. He was the first person to see a need to bring quality artists into the spotlight through a world wide competition. Although talent contests have been going on for years, Images of the King is the first to showcase “Elvis Tribute Artists”, a phrase coined by myself, Bobbie Hoover, in 1986 to describe artists whose performances are designed to honor the King.
Nearly 35 years after Elvis’ death, so many organizations have come to recognize the brilliance of Doc’s idea, choosing to do the same thing that Images of the King has been successfully doing for 26 years. It is the true cornerstone of Elvis Tribute Artist competition.
A Note from the Organizer, Bobbie Hoover:
My husband, Michael, and I originally met Doc and Jackie Franklin in 1987. From that point forward we loved them as though they were family. Doc became my mentor. He was a wonderful man and taught me so much about the world-wide Elvis business.
None of us would be here today doing what we love if not for Doc Franklin. The wonderful contest everyone gets to participate in every year, the wonderful community and fellowship in which we all partake annually…none of this would have been possible without the tireless work of Doc Franklin throughout the years.
Doc you are gone but you are certainly not forgotten. We will make sure your legacy lives on for many years to come as we continue your work with Images of the King.
The Images of the King is here to stay. We will continue with new ideas and themes every year. We will also continue to produce new champions and showcase past winners and new talent. We thank you all for your support in the past and look forward to bringing you years of memories and great entertainment.
Join us for our 26th year this August, the 15th through the 19th, 2012 with exciting shows going on every day!
Sincerely,
Bobbie Hoover