09/10/2026
Tickets still available!!!!!
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Following that dream
By Don Bellach, Contributing Writer
Everett “Howie” Atherton is quick to point out that there’s only one Elvis, something that’s always on his mind when he prepares for his show “One Night with Elvis.”
He will be performing at the Thirsty Bison in Big Lake on Fri., Sept. 18, and for nearly three decades, the only person Atherton’s ever tried to be is himself.
Who are you?
Atherton, a Native American of Ojibwe origin, was born in Deer River in 1960. He was later adopted and grew up in Northeast Minneapolis, attending Saint Charles Catholic School and Edison High School. His fascination with Elvis began when he was 10 years old, after he saw “Change of Habit” at the Hollywood Theater. It was Presley’s last film.
After the movie, Atherton raced to the neighborhood record store to buy an Elvis record. Overwhelmed with choices, he spotted the album cover to “Speedway,” the soundtrack to Presley’s 1968 film, and knew he had to have it. The soundtrack was a commercial failure, selling fewer than 100,000 copies and peaking at number 82 on the Billboard Top 200. But that didn’t matter to Atherton, who fell in love with it after listening to it over and over again, eventually singing each song.
“I was hooked. I could sing every song and sound just like Elvis,” said Atherton, who still today owns a copy of the album.
A shy kid growing up, sounding like Elvis was a way for Atherton to come out of his shell. The music gave him a place where he could simply be himself.
“It made me feel good. Being an Indian, growing up, there was a lot of prejudice in NE Minneapolis,” he said.
In 1978, Atherton joined the Army. He was stationed in Fort Campbell, KY, but also spent time in South Korea and Egypt. His enlistment was three years, and after returning to Minnesota, he spent another three years in the reserves. During that time, marriage, raising his sons, working, and caring for his family were his first priority, but Elvis and the music were never far behind.
Following that Dream
Atherton got his biggest break in 1997 at the VFW in C**n Rapids. He was sitting at the bar, drinking a beer, when he overheard the post commander say they needed to find a new Elvis performer. The old Elvis would no longer be performing there. Atherton jumped at the opportunity, telling him that he could fill in. The commander asked him to sing three songs, and after hearing him sing, he immediately walked him back to his office to hire him to perform. Atherton was added to the fall and winter schedule.
Over the years, his performances have taken him far beyond Minnesota. He has entertained audiences at private events, conventions, resorts, and retirement communities throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He has also officiated multiple weddings and celebrations. Atherton continues to be an ordained minister in Minnesota, and frequently does events throughout the summer before returning to Arizona for the winter.
“It’s my passion,” he explained. “I love bringing back memories and making people feel good. I’m very good. My voice sounds just like Elvis, and I mean what I’m singing.”
A Family Business
Over the years, his performances have become a family affair. His sons have helped with the production, even advising him on his set list and telling him when to speed things up or slow them down. His sister and his niece, who has since passed away, have helped too. Even his two granddaughters help by passing out leis to audience members.
For the past 15 years, Kathy, his third wife and true love of his life, has been by his side. They met on Match.com. He liked the way she looked, she wanted to meet an Elvis impersonator in connection with her business.
“On our first date, I thought it was an interview and not a date,” confesses Atherton.
But in the end, it all worked out.
“She is 100% different than all the women I’ve ever dated in my life.”
Six months after that first date, Atherton, from the stage for a show in Elkton, SD, asked Kathy to marry him. She said yes.
Only One Howie
On his career, Atherton reflects, “It’s been rewarding. A lot of ups and downs, but I was never in it for the money. I was in it for the passion.
Elvis’ catalog contains over 700 songs. Atherton admits to knowing around 300 of them, a fact that makes him laugh.
“I couldn’t tell you what I ate for breakfast three days ago, but I can remember those songs,” he said.
Atherton’s shows typically feature 25 songs, “depending on how much I’m talking,” said Atherton.When he’s talking, he’s telling stories about the people he’s met along the way. His wife Kathy noted, “While audiences may come expecting Elvis, what they ultimately get is something uniquely Howie.”
There are still tickets available for Friday’s performance at the Thirsty Bison on Sept. 18. and must be purchased in advance by Sept. 14. Tickets can be purchased from the Big Lake Chamber of Commerce by visiting their website or calling 763-263-7800. Tickets include a drink at Happy Hour beginning at 5:30 pm, followed by your choice of dinner at 6:30, and Atherton at 8pm.
