Our Interview
with Lou

1.) A. You have made 9 wonderful albums, and your fans would definitely love another one soon. Do you have plans for a new one?

As a matter of fact we just released a new live album. It's called "Lou Vuto/Aloha from Memories." It's a recording of the live show we did on New Year's Eve. We did a "re-creation" of Elvis' Aloha from Hawaii.

B. And what's the process of "cutting an album"?

Well, first a topic must be chosen. For example, Elvis' Movie songs or Elvis' Gospel songs etc. Then the songs must be chosen to fit the topic. Then they must be rehearsed and sound levels and mixing worked out, then finally recorded. While this is all going on or shortly after a cover must be designed and then the CD's and tapes get sent out for duplication. That's it in a nutshell I guess. It requires lots of work by different people.

2.) After seeing a few of your shows, it's obvious that you never really have a "normal" night, because something out of the ordinary usually happens. You probably remember a few specific incidents, so would you describe a couple of these?

Well, a few of my most embarrassing incidents were the two shows that I split the seat of my suits. It happened one evening and then again about a week later. I graciously excused myself to change to another suit. Of course as my manner is I had to let the audience know what happened. I thought it would be good for a laugh, and it was. After those two nights we had all seats on my suits checked and reinforced!

3.) You live in, arguably, one of the most gorgeous areas in the United States. But how do you personally feel about living and working in the Smoky Mountain area?

I won't argue. I love this area and don't have any desire to move or live anywhere else at this point. It's a great area for anyone really but especially for a family. My family and I enjoy the Smokey Mountains very much.

4.) Charlie Hodge was one of the most important people in Elvis' life, so how do you like working with him every night? How does he help you musically? And please describe him as a person.

I really enjoy working with Charlie. He is a wonderful man, a wonderful talent in his own right and as you mentioned was very close to Elvis. He is always willing to share anything that he feels might be helpful, not only with me but with everyone on stage. He really gets a thrill out of being helpful in that regard. He has helped me in many ways. Coaching me vocally, teaching me how to pace a show, how to lay out a show and so many other things. With Charlie I get to hear about a lot of things Elvis did but so much more than that I get to see the heart behind "why" Elvis did what he did. That has meant so much to me. Charlie has contributed more to the music industry and our culture than most people realize. Not only because of his work with Elvis but his contribution to Gospel music would astound many if they knew half of what he has done. He is a great man and I love him very much.

5.) When did you first realize that you wanted to perform an Elvis show? Explain.

I had been an Elvis fan since I was 10 years old. I first performed a Salute to Elvis in 1978, I was 16 years old. Some friends of mine (musicians) and I entered a talent show in High School and I sang Blue Suede Shoes. We won first place. A few months later we organized a show, very similar to the format we do at Memories Theatre now, and we sold tickets. That was my first real show. I enjoyed it so much that I looked for any chance to perform. I knew I enjoyed it but I never had any plans on doing it for a living. Over the years I sang mostly for friends and family until about 9 years ago I began to perform professionally. I had a lot of practice till that point I guess.

6.) You have many fans who love you, so how does that make you feel?

I am very thankful and feel very humbled that they put up with me. They are so wonderful to love and support me. There are so many other things they can do with their time and money and I'm honored they choose to come to see me. That's part of why I feel the way I do when they come. I feel I owe them the best show I can reach down and pull out of my gut.

7.) When you appear onstage, there is an energy that the audience automatically detects and responds to. So what are you thinking and how do you feel as you begin singing each night?

When I walk on stage I am thinking about what I can do to best entertain the people in the audience so that they have a great time and maybe even forget the outside world for a little over two hours. Another concern I have is that what I do is authentic as well as complimentary to Elvis.

8.) To most people, it would be extremely intimidating to perform in front of hundreds of people a night. Do you ever suffer from stage fright?

In a documentary called "Elvis On Tour," Elvis says that he's never gotten over what they call "stage fright." He said that he went through it every show because there were people out there that hadn't seen him before and I think he felt he had to prove himself to them as well as entertain the people who had seen him before. I don't think I can say it any better than that. I feel like I have to prove myself every show so I'm a bit nervous for about the first three songs. After that I usually get over it.

9.) To someone who has never performed onstage, it would be difficult to imagine how it feels to entertain a live audience. So how does it really feel to be an entertainer?

Well, it can be great or not so great. It's not so great if your audience ever feels like you're not doing a very good job. On the other hand, when you've worked hard before hand and prepared so that you can present a quality show. When you are doing your best and doing a good job. When you're having a great time and the audience is right there with you and they let you know they're enjoying themselves it's very rewarding.

10.) A. We know that you like much of Elvis' music, probably including many different styles of songs. What is your favorite type of Elvis song?

I honestly don't have a favorite type of music that Elvis sang. I like any song that Elvis put his all into singing and that pretty well covers everything he sang.

B. Also, we are sure that you have certain Elvis songs that you enjoy performing more than others. Which of these songs do you like the most?

Trying to Get to you, It's Midnight, Suspicious Minds would be the top three.

C. And since you probably like a lot of other music, what types of other songs do you like from other performers?

I also enjoy listening to Dean Martin, Tom Jones, Neil Diamond and certain contemporary Christian performers.

11.) You appear to have a great time performing on stage, which actually adds to the audience's overall entertainment. What part of your performance do you personally like the most?

What I enjoy most about any performance is when the audience is into the show and there's a good "give and take" thing going on. My heart is to give 110% no matter how enthusiastic or how big the crowd but I can't deny that when a crowd is excited about what I am doing it makes for a whole lot better show.

12.) Most people do not go after their dreams, as far as careers choices go. You probably had a difficult time deciding to follow your goal. So how did you finally decide to become an entertainer?

First of all I asked God (I prayed). I also spent time talking with my wife and my children about it.

13.) Even though we know that Elvis and his songs are the major influences on your performance, what are your other main influences for your show and for yourself in general?

First, I endeavor to allow God to work within me as to what I can do to best entertain the people in my audience. I am there as a service to them, not my own ego. Secondly, a wonderful Minister who taught me alot about entertaining people, he was a great influence for my show and thirdly I think Dean Martin was a big influence. The way he worked with an audience was masterful.

14.) Since you have such a steady following and your show is so loved, do you think that you will still performing an Elvis tribute in 10 or 15 years? If not, where do you see yourself?

I plan to continue as long as possible. I enjoy it very very much as well as all the people that come through Pigeon Forge throughout the year.