'Get Rhythm' with Jed Duvall

Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Paul McCartney. What do these three artists have in common?

They are all artists played by Maryland native and tribute artist Jed Duvall. Duvall will pay tribute to Johnny Cash and kick off the Mount Vernon Nights concert series at Grist Mill Park tomorrow evening.

Duvall became a tribute artist after watching an Elvis impersonator perform at his high school when he was 15 years old.

“I was just impressed by his effect on the crowd and the way he performed and I really enjoyed watching it,” said Duvall. “I decided I wanted to do it myself.”

The self-taught guitar player graduated  from the Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City with a degree in dramatic arts. He began his career as a tribute artist and portrayed Elvis in a contest in 1980. He came in 10th out of 12 acts, but he didn't let that stop him. He performed as an Elvis impersonator while stationed at Fort Belvoir in the early 1980s and his tribute band toured military bases in the D.C. area. Duvall later added Johnny Cash and Paul McCartney to his repertoire. 

What makes Duvall stand out from other tribute artists is the amount of research he puts into each musician’s life. Duvall reads biographies and watches documentaries to learn more about the musicians.

“I like being able to get it right,” Duvall said. “Like when people come up and say, ‘I saw Elvis in concert, and you came close.’ I don’t think any tribute artist is going to fool anyone into being a reincarnation.”

Although Duvall makes a living from being a tribute artist, he dedicates time to charity events like the Night of 100 Elvises benefit for Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. One of his fondest memories of his career was performing for a cancer patient.

“I performed for a woman with Stage 4 terminal cancer,” recalls Duvall. “Her husband gave her the present of going to Graceland for their anniversary. She was really appreciative. Afterwards, I got on my knee and said “I had the pleasure of spending time with you, and I’d like you to spend some time with me,“ and I gave her the tickets to Graceland. It was one of those moments I was glad to be part of.”

Duvall continued, “At this moment I’m making a living as a tribute artist, and I have to negotiate hard in a businesslike way. When I can, I give back to the community and give back to people. I think it’s important, that trade-off. Business is business, but you have to be human too.”

When asked who his favorite persona was, Duvall replied, “I have to be honest, it really depends on the day of the week. I get into one where I’m really studying for it and really getting into it. All of a sudden, I turn a corner into the other one.”

Duvall will perform at Grist Mill Park tomorrow at 7:30 p.m.