Images of the King Founder Edward “Doc” Franklin Receives a Posthumous “Heart of the King Producers Award” at the Las Vegas Elvis Fest

Memphis, TN, August 01, 2013 --(PR.com)-- Elvis Presley fans who gathered for the Las Vegas Elvis Fest, July 11–14, witnessed, Edward “Doc” Franklin being honored posthumously with the “Heart of the King Producers Award,” reminding all of the fans of his contribution to preserving the legacy of the King of Rock and Roll. Franklin is the founder of the Images of the King Elvis Tribute Artist Contest and Showcase, which was first held in 1987. The 2013 Images of the King Showcase, August 11–16, at the New Daisy Theater in Memphis, is one of many attractions for fans during this year’s Elvis Week, the annual Elvis celebration at Graceland.

“This Las Vegas Elvis Fest was memorable experience for all of the King’s fans, but it’s also very special to me and my organization,” said Jason Sherry, President of Sherry Management, LLC, and producer of the ElvisFestival.com series of events. “Doc Franklin’s Images of the King event was the model for today’s Elvis Festivals and worldwide Elvis tribute contests. Although Doc passed away in 2006, we honor him for his dedication to the legacy of Elvis.”

The Heart of the King Awards recognize those who have made the greatest contribution to preserving the King’s legendary performances. Recipients include Elvis Tribute Artists that show genuine respect for the man and his music during their performances and in their everyday lives. Included in the 2013 list of recipients was Ben Portsmouth an Images of the King Champion and Graceland’s currently reigning Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist. Additionally, Doug Church, one of Images first champions received a Heart of the King Lifetime Achievement Award.

Many of the same fans that attended the Last Vegas Elvis Fest will travel to Memphis this august to attend Doc Franklin’s Original Images of the King Elvis Tribute Artist Contest and Showcase which will be held from the eleventh through the sixteenth. The event will give Elvis fans the opportunity to celebrate Elvis life and legacy and enjoy some of the world’s top Elvis Tribute Artists.

2013’s Images features an Elvis Tribute Artist Contest and tours of Memphis, after-hours parties and other events, but the features of the week will be two showcases. The Showcase of Champions on Monday, August 12, features Doug Church performing with other Images champions including Irv Cass, Michael Hoover, last year’s Champion, Gordon Elvis. The next night, Tuesday, August 13, a second Showcase of Champions hits the stage with Gino Monopoli starting the party and exciting fans for the performance of Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Ben Portsmouth.

This year’s Images of the King will take place at the New Daisy Theater, and at other locations on Beale Street. To learn more about Images of the King or the Las Vegas Elvis Fest visit www.ElvisFestival.com or call the Elvis Hotline at 1-888-406-5885.