One night with showbiz King
By day, Paul Wheatley can be found selling televisions and fridge freezers at an electrical store in the Black Country.
But by night, the singer and impersonator from Halesowen dons a sparkly suit and takes to the stage as Elvis. He has now been named male vocalist of the year in the Midlands for his tribute to the music legend and other stars like Gene Pitney.
When he is not singing his heart out under the spotlights he is a salesman at Geoff Hill in Amblecote, Stourbridge, where he has worked for 14 years.
The 35-year-old, who performs under the stage name of Paul James, started on the local club circuit nine years ago.
He said: "I just love music. I was singing karaoke and I was spotted by another club singer who said I should try singing in clubs. I found that I sounded like Elvis and Gene Pitney.
" I do three shows, one is Elvis, the second is Gene Pitney and then I do Paul James, which is a mixture of classics. I have always liked Elvis. I think it is his stage persona and his mannerisms that I like the most." Since being discovered his reputation has grown throughout the country.
The homegrown talent, of Apperley Way, Halesowen, has been awarded the title of Star Male Vocalist of the Year by the Mid-Counties Entertainment Council.
Paul will perform at their Shooting Stars Awards in Pensnett on Thursday. Other winners are Star Female Vocalist of the Year Lisa Marie, from Birmingham, Star Newcomer Sam Jones, Star Duo New Gold, from Leicester, and Comedy Vocalist Just Deb, from Swansea.
