"America is opening up to Caribbean Music more than it has ever donewatching this feels like the Elvis Movement. It's like Elvis is the Godfather"
Wyclef Jean, The Fugees
Elvis White, named after his mother's favorite entertainer, the legendary Elvis Presley, is the lead singer and namesake of one of the most exhilarating and groundbreaking bands ever to come out of the British Virgin Islands, ELVIS WHITE.
The first to recognize the talent of Elvis White was The Mighty Arrow, the King of Soca, who was one of the first Caribbean artists to have an international hit, "HOT, HOT, HOT".
Elvis, like The Mighty Arrow, grew up in KinSale, a small village in Montserrat. A lover of great balladeers and reggae bands, Elvis would sneak out of his village at night and soak up the local Montserrat music scene. An invitation by Arrow to join him on the road as an opening singer was Elvis' first professional venture off the island and his first big break. "I admired the way Arrow used to turn the crowd on", remembers Elvis. "He had a great personality, he commanded the stage, interacted with the crowd, got the party rocking, waving, and winding.he was a truly great performer."
Elvis' second big break would come from his friend, 17.20 Entertainment President/CEO, Terry K. Johnson. While working at the airport in Virgin Gorda, in the British Virgin Islands, Elvis befriended Mr. Johnson and the two formed a 15- year friendship. "You meet very few people in this world that touch you and leave a lasting impression like Elvis does," states Terry Johnson. "The moment I heard the band, I thought that they were the best live band I had ever seen. Elvis himself is the real thing; he has a pure soul and the most distinctive voice I have ever heard. The band's name, ELVIS WHITE, and the music is a reflection of his persona; it uplifts, it inspiresit just makes you want to move. I have great faith in Elvis, and in ELVIS WHITE, as well as great faith that God's hand is at work... The birth of 17.20 Entertainment is about putting that faith to work."
ELVIS WHITE has been treating their fans to great music for over seven years. They have performed for a variety of audiences worldwide, including performances at Sir Richard Branson's private resort - Necker Island in the BVI; The Hamptons social scene; twice in Europe -- the first time to perform for Sir Richard's five- day Virgin Mega Party in front of over 60,000 people. The second time, as the opening act for Hip Hop icons - The Fugees in France, England, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland for audiences of over 10,000 a night on The Fugees European Tour. ELVIS WHITE has also opened for Keith Sweat on the 2005 Summer Sweat Tour and for Maze, featuring Frankie Beverly on the R&B Island Jam. In October 2005, ELVIS WHITE danced away with the "Best Live Band" award at the popular Miami Carnival and left the audience begging for more at the celebrity- studded Hollywood Diversity Awards, held in Los Angeles last November.
"ELVIS WHITE has the ability to appeal to a wide variety of people and will have many coming back for more. I am confident the band will be a huge success the world is about to experience one of the true musical gems of the Caribbean."
Sir Richard Branson
"ELVIS WHITE has an exciting energy and rhythm not felt in a long time in this town. As the opening act, going up against platinum-selling artists on the same bill, ELVIS WHITE not only held their own, but amazingly stole the show! In a town where it takes a lot to surprise anyone, ELVIS WHITE's hot energy and pulsating beat truly delivered and left the crowd begging for more!"
Gordon Kenney - Executive Producer, Hollywood Diversity Awards
Made up of six exceptionally talented individuals, ELVIS WHITE is one of the most exciting bands ever to emerge from the Caribbean. The band includes keyboardist and musical director Greg Hogan; lead guitarist Larry Riviere; bass guitarist Dean Alexander; and the band's front men, singers Arturo "Toro the Bull" George; the "First Lady" of ELVIS WHITE -- Shekie Wheatley; and lead singer, the band's namesake, Elvis White.
Their debut LP, entitled PROMISE, features production by rap superstar AKON; Salaam Remi (The Fugees, Kevin Lyttle, Rupee, Nas); Cory Rooney (Jennifer Lopez, Destiny's Child, Marc Anthony, Michael Jackson); Article One Productions; Donald Parks (Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Toni Braxton, Bobby Brown); and John Howcott (Keith Sweat, The Braxtons, Chante Moore, Silk, and Vanessa Williams).
The first single from PROMISE, the title track, "I Promise You" was produced, and features a guest appearance, by rap superstar, AKON. Caribbean newcomers, Article One lend their production skills to the positive anthems, "Rise up" and "Winner" with added production by Salaam Remi. "Sexy Waist", an early Caribbean favorite, features a remix by Caribbean DJ, Tony Tempo, and has already blazed its way to ..5 on the Caribbean charts. ELVIS WHITE's "first lady", Shekera, takes the lead on the reggae inspired "Don't Break My Heart" and shows off her reggae/ rap skills in both "Rise Up' and 'Winner.' PROMISE slows down to drop some inspiration and praise to Almighty "JA" with a Caribbean rendition of the beloved spiritual "Amazing Grace". Classic- hit music fans will be pleased with the Caribbean rendition of "Sexual Healing" produced by Remi.
Elvis and the members of ELVIS WHITE are excited about PROMISE and through faith, what it promises to deliver.
