Glen Barker loves to sing, but he had no idea he could make a living from his talent until he sang an Elvis song during Karaoke night a few years ago. After his impromptu performance, he was met with a slew of friends and audience members raving that he sounded just like Elvis. That night was when he realized he might actually have the pipes to perform songs from the King of Rock and Roll in front of an audience.
For the past five years, Barker has performed as “The Utah Elvis” for assisted living centers and other fun gigs. He explained that in many cases, he’s done it for free because he loves performing and bringing joy to others. In November 2024, Barker decided to turn his part-time passion into his full-time career. He said, “I figure Elvis died at 42 and I’m 46. In a few years I’m going to be 50, so how long can I actually do this? It’s kind of a now or never kind of thing.”
Barker saved up money to buy his first Elvis costumes with help from his supportive friends and family members. He then started booking shows with senior centers, assisted living centers, veteran’s homes, and other venues. He’s performed at a variety of locations, including Strap Tank in Springville, the Provo Towne Center, and The Shops at Riverwoods. He currently has 41 shows scheduled for February and is available for more bookings. He enjoys performing for large corporate events as well as small parties, luaus, and sing-a-longs.
Though he’s best known as “The Utah Elvis,” Barker’s impersonation talents go even beyond that. He can also sing Frank Sinatra, James Taylor, Lionel Richie, and others. He even offers a country music set as part of his onstage “entourage.”
Barker enjoys every opportunity to perform in front of others. He especially loves singing for senior centers and seeing how excited the ladies in the senior centers get to see and hear him perform as Elvis.
“I’ll get out and twirl some of the ladies, and I’ll show them off,” he said. “And then sometimes, when I’m singing ‘Love Me Tender,’ or something, I’ll kneel down and hold one of their hands for a little bit.”
Barker goes out of his way to help the attendees at his shows feel like they’re a part of the show, too. He loves to make his way around the audience and give them fist bumps or shake their hands. Barker also takes time at the end of his shows to take pictures with people.
“As I do that, some of the ladies will get all excited and scream and give me a big hug,” he said.
Like many people, Barker has struggled off and on with depression. He currently works with a therapist to learn how to cope in healthy ways. During a treatment session, Barker’s therapist suggested he find something in life that he really enjoys. He recalled telling his therapist that he enjoyed “singing Elvis,” but he didn’t know if he could make a living at it.
With his therapist’s encouragement, Barker decided to give it a try, and he’s happy he did. With emotion in his voice, he said, “I love to do it. It just makes a lot of people happy. It makes me happy.”
In the future, Barker’s next big dream is to perform with the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square and the Utah Symphony.
“Elvis was into gospel and he did a lot of good Christmas stuff,” he explained.
To continue living his dream and bringing happiness to others in the process, Barker is currently looking for sponsors. Many of the senior centers where he performs have extremely limited entertainment budgets. Barker has performed at a low cost or even for free at many of these centers because he loves seeing the light and joy his performances bring to the residents’ faces. However, he can’t keep performing for free and also make a livable income.
Barker explained that the money from sponsors will help cover travel, costumes, and other expenses so he can continue to perform for people and places that wouldn’t be able to afford it otherwise – especially seniors.
“That’s where my heart is and it almost breaks my heart to think of groups that can’t afford me when I talk to them,” he said.
During each performance, Barker plans to give a shoutout to his sponsors. He said he’ll also recognize them on his website and on banners at upcoming shows. He related how important it is to make sure every sponsor gets the recognition they deserve.
Barker invites anyone who’s interested in becoming a sponsor or booking a show with “The Utah Elvis” to email him at theutahelvis@gmail.com. Visit TheUtahElvis.com or find him on YouTube. He also welcomes phone calls or texts at 801-856-5215.
