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E-6 is Elvis impersonator

Jess Thomas to perform Jan. 14 in Tacoma

Retired Army Staff Sgt. Jess Thomas will perform an Elvis Tribute concert at the Military Couples’ Night Out slated for Saturday, Jan. 14, at the Washington State History Museum. Courtesy photo

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Born and raised in the tiny town of Elgin, Oregon, retired Army Staff Sgt. Jess Thomas, whose mother was a big Elvis fan, grew up listening to the King of Rock and Roll. But when he was still quite young, Thomas discovered that he could sing like the King. He also discovered that "singing like Elvis ... got the attention of all the girls," he said, and a lifelong hobby was born.

In fact, one young girl was so taken by his singing that she later became his wife. Thomas was married to Linda for 30 years. Together, they raised four children, including two biological daughters and two of Thomas' nephews, before he lost her to cancer. Apparently, though, Thomas' music still has the ability to grab the attention of the ladies. He met his second wife, Jean, with whom he is raising his grandnephew, at one of his Elvis concerts in Olympia.

"She's my best groupie," Thomas said.

Thomas frequently entertained his fellow soldiers with his singing, including his Elvis covers, during the 21 years he served in the Army Nurse Corps, much of it at Madigan Army Hospital. After he retired in 2000, he continued to sing and, nine years ago, added square dance calling to his growing list of skills.

Three years ago, Thomas and a friend began performing tribute concerts to Elvis and Neil Diamond, and last year, Thomas launched out on his own to do solo Elvis Tribute shows. Since that time, he's performed at a number of venues throughout the South Sound, including last year's New Year's Eve bash at the VFW in Sumner and a fundraising concert at the Olympia Little Theater.

Along with a Military Couples' Night Out event scheduled for Jan.14 at the Washington State History Museum, Thomas is also set to perform for the South Sound Singles February get-together, which features a Tribute to Elvis show and square dancing -both courtesy of Thomas.

So far, Thomas has recorded three Elvis Tribute CDs for the LouMac record label's Tribute Series. However, the anesthesia support nurse supervisor at Madigan Hospital isn't satisfied with channeling just one superstar - he also plays guitar and "a little piano," and is working on adding other musical artists to his tribute repertoire, including the great George Strait.

For the upcoming Military Couples' Night Out, Thomas has a great program planned. The concert will feature some of Elvis' hit songs from the 50s and 60s (e.g., "Jailhouse Rock"), the Movie Years (e.g., "Can't Help Falling in Love"), and the Vegas Days (e.g., "Johnny Be Good").  

"I will be performing two 45-minute shows at the Couples' Night Out," Thomas said.  "Some lucky participants will get (souvenir) scarves during one of the songs."

Presented by Swarner Publications (northwestmilitary.com), the Military Couples' Night Out is free for all active-duty and retired servicemembers and their dates. So circle Saturday, Jan. 14, on the calendar, dust off your blue suede shoes, and get ready to dance the night away at the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma.

Free Military Couples' Night Out, 6 p.m.-10 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 14, Washington State History Museum, 1911 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, free, 254.584.1212, RSVP at northwestmilitary.com

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