Pete "Big Elvis" Vallee, Headliner, Barbary Coast Hotel & Casino

It all started at age 13, up in Tacoma, Wash., when a local pastor first heard him sing and told him he sounded like a young Elvis Presley. Today, Pete "Big Elvis" Vallee has found his calling and rocks the house and more at the Barbary Coast Hotel & Casino on the world famous Las Vegas Strip.



"I moved to Las Vegas when I was 15," recalls Vallee. "The first place I ever played here was the Sahara. I also played the Road House." As the leading Elvis tribute artist in Las Vegas, Vallee also dazzles the crowds with his powerful versions from a variety of performers such as Louis Armstrong’s "It’s a Wonderful Life."

Might Pete "Big Elvis" Vallee be the son of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll? His mother, Dolores, was a singer in Nashville in the 1960s. "My mother got to know Elvis," Vallee said. "They had an affair that lasted some time and I am the product of that affair." Perhaps this explains Vallee’s powerful voice and his stunning resemblance to Elvis.

"My two favorite Elvis songs are ‘Suspicious Minds,’ which is so soulful, and ‘Unchained Melody.’ Elvis put his whole heart into it when he sat down at that piano. It was just awesome.

"I have been to Graceland several times. When I got to Memphis, I felt I was at home. I went down to Beale Street with a buddy at 2 o’clock in the morning. One guy said, hey sonny, Big Elvis, can you sing? I said, yeah, a little bit. We were on stage until 4 in the morning. We sang the blues, we played rock ‘n’ roll, these guys were dynamite. They wouldn’t let us leave the place. It was just incredible!"

Lucille Star, Vallee’s trusted manager, keeps everything running smoothly. Between the gigs at the Barbary Coast, the television appearances, a new album in the works, a possible sitcom opportunity and a possible movie role with Nick Cage, makes everything really exciting. "The fans are great and they have been so supportive," Vallee says. "We’ve gone from grass roots to international."

Vallee covers a wide range of music and is a top recording artist for Gold Star Records. Some of his recent CDs include: "Big Elvis, Walking In Memphis;" "Never Gonna Be The Same;" "Big Elvis Country" and "Big Elvis Sings Gospel." On the horizon is a new CD with some of Vallee’s original songs, as well as some songs never released by Elvis.

"Big Elvis" lives in Vegas with his two talented children in what’s been called Graceland West. "My little girl is 12 and my boy is 10. My little girl has such a beautiful voice and my little boy likes motorbikes. You should see the house, it’s a museum. I had a pool put in and I like to swim, and of course, I’m a big collector of Elvis memorabilia. I do have one of Elvis’ original rings at home. Also, before my mother passed away, I bought a 1963 baby blue Cadillac. It’s a real beauty with big whitewalls."

Over the years, Vallee has established a very loyal fan base in the West, along with an international fan base, which includes legendary entertainer Sir Elton John, who performs right across the street at Caesars Palace.

"Big Elvis" fans swear they’ve never seen a show quite like this on the Strip. You never know what is going to happen. Vallee makes all feel part of the show. As an added bonus, the show is free, Tuesday - Friday, 3-6 p.m. To get your quick fix of great fun, terrific singing and superb entertainment, join Pete "Big Elvis" Vallee as he takes you on an incredible journey from "Walking in Memphis" to "Viva Las Vegas."

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