Stray Cats And The Elvis Impersonator Who Once Opened For Them And Cried During Built For Speed

April 3, 2025

The night was electric, filled with a buzz of excitement as fans packed the venue for a long-anticipated show by the legendary rock band, Stray Cats. The air was thick with anticipation, and the smell of popcorn and spilled soda lingered as people chatted animatedly about the band’s iconic hits like “Rock This Town” and “Stray Cat Strut.” Among the crowd, somewhere backstage, a young Elvis impersonator named Jake nervously adjusted his sequined collar, his heart pounding in rhythm with the music that echoed from the stage. It was 1982, a moment he had dreamed of for years: the chance to open for a band he idolized.

As he paced back and forth, Jake thought about all the times he had practiced in front of his mirror, perfecting his Elvis sneer and hip-shaking dance moves. He had always loved the King’s music, especially the raw energy that filled each song. But tonight felt different. With each passing moment, the weight of the crowd’s expectations pressed down on him. Finally, the moment arrived. The stage lights flickered, and as he stepped into the spotlight, a flood of adrenaline surged through him. The crowd erupted into cheers, and for a moment, all his fears melted away.

He launched into his performance, singing classic Elvis hits with all his heart. The crowd clapped and sang along, their enthusiasm lifting him higher. But as he approached the closing number, a powerful Stray Cats song titled “Built for Speed,” a wave of emotion swept over him. The song was about resilience, about keeping your head up in the face of hardship, and Jake found himself transported back to his childhood—the struggles he had faced, the relentless bullying at school for being different, and his family’s financial struggles. As he sang those passionate lines, tears filled his eyes. He couldn’t help it; the music stirred something deep within him, releasing all the bottled-up feelings he had tried to suppress.

When Jake finished, the applause thundered through the air, but he stood there, overwhelmed with emotion. The crowd didn’t care that he’d cried; they cheered louder than ever, giving him the strength to embrace his vulnerabilities. That night marked a turning point in Jake’s life. His heartfelt performance caught the attention of a local music producer who recognized his talent. With a newfound sense of purpose, Jake began performing more frequently, often incorporating his own original songs that told stories of hope and perseverance.

Years later, as he looked back on that night, Jake realized how much it had influenced his life and career. He had learned that showing emotion, being real, was what connected him to his audience. He had gained the courage to express himself through music, and in turn, inspire others. People began to see him not just as an Elvis impersonator but as a unique artist in his own right. The tears he shed that night had transformed his fear into passion, igniting in him a relentless drive to pursue music with all his heart.

Jake continued to perform, always carrying that night with him. He often remembered the Stray Cats—those rockabilly legends who once shared the stage with him—and knew that their music had not only influenced his style but had also given him the strength to chase his dreams. He learned that every tear and every note played had the power to connect souls, create memories, and, most importantly, transform lives. And so, he kept performing, always striving to inspire others just as he had been inspired, one soulful song at a time.