Biography

I was brought up in a Christian home and music has always been a part of my life. My mother is the pianist at our church where my father is also the pastor and he has been for almost 25 years. It was at this church, Trinity Baptist in Jackson, Tennessee, where I began singing. I was in the children’s choir, the youth choir, and finally I reached my calling. At the age of sixteen, I became Director of Music at this same church where I have been a member since I was twelve. (I am now a member of Walnut Grove Baptist.) At this point in my life, I was just an admirer, listener, and committed fan of Elvis. I liked singing the songs and trying to recreate the voice I heard. I liked him so much I even fixed my hair like his. Try doing this while being in high school. Of course, being the person I was, I let no one bother me. I just had this attitude that I did not care what people said about me. This was the way I wanted to be and this was the image that seemed to fit me. Flashy clothes, slicked back hair, curl falling down my forehead…oh, yeah, that definitely sounds like me. I listened to music that other kids my age did not normally listen to. I was influenced by a different range of artists such as Conway Twitty, Marty Robbins, Roy Orbison, and, of course, Elvis Presley.
With Elvis having the greatest pull on me, I started studying his life. I wanted to learn more about this amazing, world changing man. I researched every detail on his life pertaining to each song, each era, and each movie. I have accumulated massive amounts of Elvis memorabilia, books, and records from family and friends. I have this Elvis Encyclopedia which I read from front to back and I have pretty much remembered everything in it. It was so easy to learn because I really wanted to know the facts.

This Is The Story

In 2003, I married my wife, Haley. She is also a huge Elvis fan and she knew that I liked performing his music. I would sing at the house every day and we would listen to it as we traveled down the road. After a year of marriage, my wife placed in me the confidence to pursue my dream. It is because of her that I am able to do this today. “Could I really be a successful Elvis Impersonator,” I thought. “Sure you can,” she said, “I will love to help you.” I could not even dance and I had absolutely no rhythm. Being raised up by a preacher, dancing was not a big thing. I had no one to teach me…until now. My wife taught me and helped me to recreate the moves I had always seen Elvis do. We put together a list of songs, I performed them for her, and she graded me. Yes, that is what I said. She graded me for accuracy. Now, remember what I stated earlier...she is a huge Elvis fan. She knew the words to every song better than I did. We agreed that until I performed the list of songs perfect, without missing a word or a move, I was not ready. This went on for about a month. We came up with an appropriate name for our business which tells exactly what I am doing when I perform. Here is where “Bringing It Back” Productions was formed. We also needed to title the show. It had to be something that would fit the story I was telling in my show. We then came up with the perfect pitch...“ELVIS: Pieces Of My Life.” Most people may not know this but, both of these titles (“Bringing It Back” and “Pieces Of My Life”) were taken from two Elvis songs from the 1970s. We worked toward achieving the complete image from 50s, 60s, and 70s- voice, moves, and authentic outfit changes to depict each era. Then finally, one day, I was done. On May 6, 2004, I did my first show at an elementary school in Hornsby, Tennessee. It was a free show, of course, and with backing tracks but, it was my show. I was so nervous. I felt stiff and everything seemed to be in slow motion but, I got through it. They loved me and I felt like a star. The rest is history!

From that day on, my wife became my Manager. She got me shows at fairs, festivals, stadiums, restaurants, charities, churches, gospel events, marathons, nursing homes, hotels, community centers, contests, car shows, birthdays, auction galleries, private events, and more. As one can predict, I had become a well known entertainer in our area and region. It seemed like every where I went, people recognized me from somewhere. After sixteen months, my show was going well enough where we could quit our jobs. This was definitely a very big step for us. It was scary but, it was what we wanted to do. Some of my family and friends thought it was not such a good idea but, what did they know. Some said I would not make it. They were just worried about me, and that was okay. Nevertheless, I still pursued my career as an Elvis Impersonator and with my wife right by my side. We did everything together. We started this on our own and have done a great job with it.

Now, I am thirty and have been an Elvis Impersonator for five years. As I sit today, I know over 500 Elvis songs from memory and have a five-octave vocal range. I recreate it all…the 50s, 60s, and 70s including Movies, Gospel Performances, Christmas Shows, ‘68 Comeback, Concerts, and more. Each era is performed with accurate moves, structured routines, authentic wardrobe changes, props, specific mic selections, free souvenirs, plus a “Meet & Greet” session after every show for pictures, autographs, and conversation. I like to talk to my fans, hearing them share what they liked about the show, answering any questions they may have, and sharing my love for what I do. There are over 40 variations of shows and appearances offered and I have over 30 outfit combinations to keep your eyes entertained. My show has progressed tremendously, as it should, and I stay pretty busy. I have the privilege of performing both as a one-man show or with a band…three bands, actually, that have agreed to back me up whenever I need them. I also have a couple of agents who book me at a vast array of events quite often. My wife still does her part just as before. People contact her on a regular basis, she books me up, and I do the show. Pretty simple. I have had numerous interviews, radio spots, and television exposures both locally and nationally. I have performed in seven different states and over 250 cities. I have appeared at hotels, casinos, cruises, theaters, and more. Some key sites include the Memphis Queen Riverboat, Rock-N-Roll Hall Of Fame, Diamond Jaxx Stadium, Isle Of Capri Casino, Beale Street, Peabody Hotel, and Graceland. I have even acted in a play where I portrayed the role of Elvis Presley. I also took first place in 2005 at a Sing-A-Like contest in Kentucky and have placed 2nd in a couple others. I have met several new friends through the contest ring. They are like another family to me. In 2006, we published a website, www.brianleehowell.com. It contains everything…my biography, audio and video clips, pictures, booking info, merchandise, and more. My wife designed the whole thing, while I edited the audio clips and uploaded it. Together, we have made it look exactly how we want…professional and customized! She takes all my pictures, designs the CDs, and puts together all my promotional material. We have accomplished so much and as a result, we appreciate the work we have put into it together. I thank God every day for blessing me with a natural Elvis-voice, giving me the ability to perform, and bringing Haley and I together. I definitely could have not gotten this far without her or my Lord.

It is amazing that a three year old boy, who was not even born when Elvis was alive, can be influenced so much by just one man. It happened to me and it is still happening. God put him here for a reason, to touch everyone with his music. I think he did. Look what Elvis did for me. This is my career, this is what I like. I will continue to remember Elvis through the songs I sing and the shows I perform. I will continue to do what I love for as long as I can. Look for me… wherever I am, I'll be “Bringing It Back!”

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