IT'S 42 years today since the death of Elvis Presley but his memory has never dimmed for one Bathurst fan.
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Gerard Barnes, known affectionately by friends and family as "Elvis", says he has been following "The King of Rock and Roll" since 1955.
"I've seen the magic gates at Graceland with my daughter in 1995, I have all of his records, everything he put out," Mr Barnes said.
Mr Barnes has even recorded covers of some of his personal favourites from Elvis' catalogue.
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He released his own versions of Wooden Heart and Judy in 1991 and performed Elvis tribute shows at weddings and other functions until complications with his own health forced him into retirement.
Mr Barnes' home is covered wall-to-wall with Elvis memorabilia, including a copy of Elvis' first ever single, That's Alright (Mama), released in 1954.
Mr Barnes says Elvis' influence on multiple genres was unmatched.
Gerard Barnes performed The Wonder of You for the Western Advocate in 2017 ...
"He changed the world in music and it doesn't matter what he did, he could sing anything," he said.
"He started off in gospel when he was 17 years old in the church ... then came country and western. He could sing opera if he wanted."
Mr Barnes says the legacy of Elvis' music will carry on for generations to come.
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