17 Best Singers Like Elvis Presley

Roy Orbison

Singer-songwriter legend Roy Orbison was heavily influenced by Elvis Presley. This doesn’t always come across in his singing, mind you, because Orbison had a voice all his own. That said, the world is better off for him finding his unique style instead of trying to become a second-rate Elvis impersonator.

Besides his illustrious solo career, Orbison will also be remembered for his participation in the Traveling Wilburys, a supergroup consisting of Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty, and of course, Orbison.

His well-known hits include “Oh, Pretty Woman,” “You Got It,” and “Handle with Care.”

Little Richard

Singer, songwriter, and pianist Little Richard influenced anyone who’s anyone – Elvis, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, the Everly Brothers, and more. Elvis even covered one of Little Richard’s most recognizable hits, “Tutti Frutti.”

Little Richard often boasted that he set the foundations for rock and roll. His influence and success seem to bear out his claims. Without him, there would be no Elvis.

You’ll know Richard for hits like “Good Golly Miss Molly,” “Long Tall Sally,” and “Lucille.”

Carl Perkins

Singer, songwriter, and guitarist Carl Perkins’ influence is far-reaching. His songs were covered by the likes of Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, Johnny Cash, and even Eric Clapton. Beatle Paul McCartney would even go on to say there would be no Beatles without Perkins.

Perkins’ path would cross with Elvis’ on multiple occasions, and they were aware of each other’s music, even attending each other’s concerts. The two would also collaborate in the Million Dollar Quartet.

Check out “Put Your Cat Clothes On,” “Matchbox,” “Glad All Over,” “Her Love Rubbed Off,” “Forever Yours,” and other hits.

The Everly Brothers

American rock duo The Everly Brothers were hitting the charts at the same time Elvis was. This is a rather superficial connection, but it’s clear they were aware of each other, and if not influenced by each other, then they were certainly competitive.

Befitting of brothers, The Everly Brothers’ harmonizing voices captivated audiences everywhere they went.

Some essential Everly Brother history includes “More Than I Can Handle,” “On the Wings of a Nightingale,” and “I’m Tired of Singing My Song in Las Vegas,” among others.

Chuck Berry

“Father of Rock and Roll” Chuck Berry effectively invented rock and roll guitar. With classics like “Johnny B. Goode,” “Maybellene,” and “Roll Over Beethoven,” he would single-handedly write the rulebook for showmanship too.

Notably, Chuck Berry’s collaborators would include the likes of Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, Bo Diddley, Steve Millar Band, Tina Turner, and others.

Elvis covered Berry’s “Memphis, Tennessee,” “Too Much Monkey Business,” “Johnny B. Goode,” and “Promised Land,” which lends credence to the influence.

Berry was also famously covered by the likes of Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Carl Perkins, AC/DC, and many others.

Ray Charles

Ray Charles’ influence on music is near incalculable, well beyond R&B and soul. And some even consider his contribution more important than Elvis’. If not for Charles, we might not have Elvis, or for that matter, Aretha Franklin, Van Morrison, Stevie Wonder, or Billy Joel.

While his early years were full of trial and tribulation, his later years were marked with few interruptions in his success streak, with Grammy Awards, the National Medal of Arts, induction into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame, induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and much more.

See “Georgia On My Mind,” “I Got A Woman,” “What Would I Do Without You,” or any of his other hits.

Dean Martin

Singer, actor, and comedian Dean “The King of Cool” Martin is considered one of Elvis’ unspoken heroes. It has been theorized that Elvis’ performance of “Love Me Tender” was inspired by Martin’s style.

Martin had a prolific career in film and television, and he did well for himself as a singer too, with some of his most memorable tunes being “Memories Are Made of This,” “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head?,” “That’s Amore,” “Sway,” “Volare,” and more.

Jimmie Rodgers

Singer and actor Jimmie Rodgers found his way to fame in the 1950s and 60s with an array of crossover singles in pop, country, and rhythm and blues.

Rodgers was an influence on Elvis, even if only a minor one. As proof, Elvis recorded a rendition of his Top 40 hit, “It’s Over.”

Top Singers Like Elvis Presley, Final Thoughts

Who is your favorite Elvis soundalike? While there is no one that can overshadow The King, there certainly are more than a few singers who sound like him, and plenty who either influenced or even collaborated with him.

Did we miss someone? We’d sure love to hear about it. Either way, we hope you enjoyed this guide.