THE closest you will come to the King himself, Shawn Klush is not only the world’s most successful Elvis tribute artist – he’s been officially endorsed by Graceland, the Presley estate.

He returns to the UK in just over a month with what promises to be an energetic performance at St George’s Hall in Bradford.

The production also features The Sweet Inspirations, who toured with Elvis as his backing vocalists from 1969 to 1977 and appeared in movies and television specials with the King.

Shawn is best known in UK for winning the BBC search for The World’s Greatest Elvis back in 2007. But perhaps more importantly he was then crowned the winner of Elvis Presley Enterprises’ first ultimate tribute artist competition held in Memphis, Tennessee.

On the back of his success, Shawn embarked on a world tour, performing to thousands of fans in theatres and arenas across the USA, South America, Europe and Australia.

There is the physical resemblance, and the trademark Elvis quiff. And then of course there are the clothes.

“It will definitely be a high energy thing,” he said of the forthcoming Bradford performance. “And there will be all the hits in there. The suits and the boots are all of the original design too.

“I try to make it as authentic as possible, as I do feel an obligation to keep the legacy alive after what Elvis did for rock and roll.”

“Elvis had a charisma like nobody else,” he added.

Now Shawn is back on tour in the UK with a production featuring his live band, orchestra and original Elvis band members, The Sweet Inspirations.

From his first season in Las Vegas in 1969 until his death in 1977, The Sweet Inspirations appeared in every show Elvis played.

Original member Estelle Brown, 71, said: “Working with Elvis was indescribable. It was absolutely fantastic and he was the perfect gentleman.

“He was just a humble guy, a really wonderful person.

“Shawn is the closest that anyone will ever get to him. I’m not saying he’s exactly Elvis, but he’s as close as anyone will ever get. We have a wonderful time working together.”

“Shawn’s a good singer, a good person and has a great attitude. He puts on a great show.”

Born in the small coal-mining town of Pittston, Pennsylania, Shawn’s love for music led him to begin imitating his musical idol, Elvis Presley.

He performed in Canada and won an Elvis tribute competition there, before catching the attention of the award-winning Las Vegas show, Legends in Concert, where he starred as Elvis in 2004.

He has since gone on to win a number of competitions, including the BBC contest and the official endorsement from the Presley estate.

He has also performed with some of Elvis’ closest friends, musicians and singers.

The Shawn Klush Elvis World Tour appears at St George’s Hall, Bradford, on Saturday, October 3, at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available from the box office on 01274 432000.