Country music star Drake Milligan has revealed how Elvis Presley shaped his career, from starting as a young impersonator to playing the King in CMT's Sun Records. The 28-year-old, who has been called the Elvis of Country music, also shared that he possesses an extremely rare tape of an Elvis concert he believes has never been heard before.
From Impersonator to Sun Records
Milligan told the Mirror that he has been an Elvis fan since he was about seven years old. He became captivated after seeing an Elvis impersonator at a burger joint in his hometown. "I was out with my family eating at a burger joint, and there was an Elvis impersonator in there, and he had the jumpsuit and everything, and I was just kind of captivated," he said.
He soon became "Little Elvis," traveling with his mother to Elvis festivals, which became his "summer job" throughout school. This led to his role as Elvis on Sun Records and a move to Nashville, where he initially tried to distance himself from the King's influence.
Embracing the Influence
In Nashville, Milligan considered becoming a George Strait impersonator, but producer Tony Brown advised him to embrace his Elvis roots. "You've got to use the Elvis stuff, man. It's part of you at this point," Brown told him. Milligan now sees his work as a tribute, not an impersonation, drawing from Elvis's music, singing, and live shows.
Unheard Concert Tape
Milligan revealed he was recently gifted a board tape of an Elvis concert from December 28, 1976, in Dallas, Texas. The tape came from a friend who used to work for the Colonel at Concerts West. "There's no record; this might be the only tape of this concert," he said. He hasn't listened to it yet for fear of damaging it and plans to have it digitized.
UK Tour and Christmas Album
Milligan is preparing for his UK tour, which he says will feature some of the biggest shows he's ever played. He praised UK country fans as "your own taste-makers" who are proud to support new artists. He also recently released a Christmas album, A Drake Milligan Christmas, following the viral success of his 2021 song "Cowgirl for Christmas." "I've always wanted to add to that and put out more Christmas music. And this year felt right," he said.
