Topsites cache : http://www.newhouse.com

Alex Swindle, a 13-year-old Elvis impersonator from Gardendale, Ala., performs recently at the Avondale Public Library. He's been doing his act for three years and has traveled to 13 states and Canada to perform. (Photo by Linda Stelter)

c.2007 Newhouse News Service

When Alex Swindle dons his white jumpsuit, slicks back his hair and starts to dance, it's hard to believe he's only 13.

Except for his size, Alex does a dead-on impression of Elvis Presley, down to the hip shimmies, the songs — he knows more than 100 — and the trademark, "thank you very much.'' In fact, he's a championship Elvis impersonator and figures he does 100 performances a year, from nursing homes and libraries to Elvis festivals nationwide.

The Gardendale, Ala., teen spends hours practicing the guitar, watching Elvis and perfecting his routines. He dyes his blond hair black. He even has at least one groupie: a 90-year-old woman who saw him at her Pinson nursing home and now travels around the metro area to see him sing.