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Video: Cross Gates' own King of the sound-a-likes
He really does have stars in his eyes – at least half a dozen of them. Not content with specialising in one tribute act, Cross Gates delivery driver Paul Williams has perfected the sound created by a string of top stars. Click for story & video.
His repertoire includes Elvis, Nat King Cole, Marc Bolan, John Lennon, Buddy Holly and Mark Knopfler.
* Click here for latest news in Cross Gates, Colton, Temple Newsam and Whitkirk.
The seeds were sown for Paul's performing career when he first heard The Beatles in the 1908s.
That devotion saw Paul unwittingly take on a John Lennon-esque accent, as he had got used to mimicking the Liverpoool legend's voice and his songs.
Paul never sang at school, but, when aged 13, was given his first PA and amps by his uncle, also a singer.
After that, he was advised to sing karaoke, and his first audition soon followed.
From there, the 39-year-old has built up his singing business and has bookings most weekends.
Unlike many impersonators though, he thought long and hard before stepping into Elvis's shoes.
The dad-of-three explained: "I grew up listening to Elvis, but because I had that much respect for him I never sang his songs.
Then Vicky Silkstone, who runs Route Office Supplies where I work, was having a 40th birthday party.
"My neighbour is a friend of Vicky's and asked if I could do some Elvis at the party, and it took off from there.
"When I am doing him I really feel like Elvis. I give it everything I can. Some people just like putting the suit on, but for me it is about the songs.
"I sometimes have my eyes shut on stage but that is because I am lost in the music."
Asked to pick a favourite, Paul said there is only one answer.
"It's Lennon. I grew up listening to The Beatles," he said. "They've always been a favourite of mine and I love to sing those songs."
Despite his love for Lennon, Elvis is still top of the pops with punters, and Paul is lining up a St Valentine's Day treat for them.
He added: "I will be doing work deliveries in my Elvis suit. It's a bit of fun and hopefully will make people smile."
* Paul can be contacted on 07909 761848.
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Weather for Leeds
Wednesday 23 May 2012
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